RTHK: California blaze is generating 'its own climate'

Thousands of US firefighters are battling a blaze in California that has grown so big it is generating its own weather system, with authorities warning conditions could worsen on Monday.

The flames have grown so large that they have created clouds that can cause lightning and high winds, which in turn can serve to fuel the fire.

Around 5,400 firefighters were struggling to contain the inferno.

"It could be a challenging day tomorrow. If these clouds get tall enough they do have the potential to produce lightning," warned Julia Ruthford, the meteorologist assigned to the blaze.

The Dixie Fire has been raging in the forests of northern California since mid-July, part of a climate crisis that has brought sweltering heat and an alarming drought.

Wildfires are common in the state but this summer has been particularly incendiary.

Fires have already ravaged three times more vegetation this year than they had at this time in 2020, the worst fire year in California's history.

Rescue workers have been dispatched from as far away as Florida to help contain the Dixie Fire and its pyrocumulus clouds.

Despite its size, the fire has so far ravaged extremely remote areas, destroying the few dozen homes and small buildings in its path.

Moving along steep slopes, the firefighters sometimes ride a train from which they can spray water on otherwise inaccessible areas.

But in these weather conditions, "the embers can really easily travel a mile ahead of the fire," Rick Carhart, a spokesman for the firefighters, told AFP.

This means places such as the village of Quincy, where evacuees are being housed, are also under threat, he added.

"It's been hard watching it relentlessly moving through our forested lands," Peggy Moak, resident of a nearby village, told AFP.

The infernos in California and neighboring Oregon have come unusually early in the fire season, driven by the multi-year drought, gusty winds, and a scorching start to the summer that experts have linked to climate change.

A preliminary investigation said the Dixie Fire broke out after a tree fell on one of the thousands of power lines that dot the state's landscape.

The power line was owned by Pacific Gas & Company (PG&E), a private operator previously found guilty of causing a fire that nearly wiped out the nearby town of Paradise and killed 86 people. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-07-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: SANDF member nabbed for Oudshoorn heist

A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member is on Monday expected to appear before the Oudshoorn Magistrates Court after he was arrested at the weekend in connection with a cash-in-transit heist at a petrol station in the town last week.

The arrest was made by the Hawks National Priority Violent Crimes team (NPVC), together with the Attaqua K9 Unit from Oudtshoorn.

In a statement, the Hawks said the 36-year-old SANDF captain, attached to the Infantry School in Oudtshoorn, was arrested on Friday and would be the fourth suspect to be charged after three suspects were arrested shortly after the incident.

This comes after security guards from Fidelity Cash Solutions were robbed while collecting cash from a petrol station. One of the security guards was accosted by two armed suspects while on his way back to his armoured vehicle. He was disarmed of his service pistol and robbed of a bag containing cash, said Hawks spokesperson, Zinzi Hani.

She said minutes after the robbery, the Hawks' team stopped a Nissan Sentra and arrested three occupants.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of the stolen security guard firearm and sealed money bag containing the stolen cash, along with a second firearm, which had its serial number filed off.

The Hawks team also found a full SANDF uniform in the Nissan Sentra. None of the three occupants were soldiers. A loyal service medal was pinned to the jacket with the name and rank of the SANDF member.

Further probing found that the vehicle that was used in the robbery, a white Toyota Tazz fitted with false number plates, had been driven by the SANDF member. The white Toyota Tazz drove away from the crime scene and stopped next to a silver/blue Nissan Sentra and the stolen goods were transferred from the Toyota Tazz to the Nissan Sentra.

On Wednesday, the Hawks team followed up on information received from Oudtshoorn detectives on the whereabouts of the Toyota Tazz used in the robbery.

The Tazz was found parked inside a garage of a residence in Oudtshoorn, not far from the Infantry School. The set of false number plates used in the robbery was found inside the vehicle.

Consequently, the SANDF member was arrested. The suspect is due to appear on 26 July 2021 in the Oudtshoorn Magistrates Court on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, Hani said.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: President Ramaphosa speaks out against violence and destruction of properties

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the violence and destruction that engulfed parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng two weeks ago caused much damage to property and livelihoods, but also had a huge impact on the cohesion of communities.

This was most evident in the tragic events that took place in and around Phoenix in eThekwini.

During some of the worst unrest in our democracy, and in a climate already thick with suspicion and paranoia, people that had lived side-by-side in relative peace turned on each other, said the President in his weekly newsletter on Monday.

He said much still needs to be unearthed about the events that took place over the course of the last two weeks. The proliferation of fake news, doctored images and incorrect information has made it difficult to separate fact from fiction.

But we do know from official reports and personal accounts that people were racially profiled at illegal roadblocks, some people were pulled out of cars and beaten, and some were humiliated and degraded. Several people were killed, President Ramaphosa said.

The President also spoke out against vigilantism, saying that it will not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, calm has been restored to the affected areas and law enforcement agencies are investigating all acts of criminality.

A team of detectives has been assigned to deal with the murders and are working closely with local communities. There have been arrests and those responsible will face the full might of the law.

He had stern words for those who tried to exploit peoples vulnerability and cause mayhem as well as those who want to present criminal acts in racial terms to serve their own purposes.

They will not succeed. South Africa has a proud history of principled non-racialism and working class solidarity. African and Indian communities were united in the struggle against apartheid and, together with other communities, remain committed to a united and democratic society.

The legacy of apartheid planning and persistent inequality has frustrated governments efforts to build integrated communities. Our cities, towns and rural areas are still all divided by both race and class. This discourages cooperation and understanding, and hampers the work we have undertaken to build a non-racial society, he said.

The correcting of spatial distortions must be part of governments work of building an inclusive economy and improving the living conditions of all South Africans.

It is why we are working to build flourishing township and rural economies, and focusing on the growth of small businesses. It is why we are investing in infrastructure in these areas and working to improve the provision of services.

We need to have honest conversations not only about our attitudes to one another, but also about the material conditions that divide us. For as long as the division of wealth and opportunity in South Africa is largely still determined by race and gender, we will not be able to build a truly united nation, the President said.  SAnews.gov.za

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Hong Kong: SJ to visit BJ

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng will visit Beijing from July 27 to 30.

In Beijing, she will meet officials from various ministries and authorities and sign co-operation arrangements to enhance training and exchanges between the Mainland and Hong Kong on legal, dispute resolution and deal-making services.

Ms Cheng will travel to Beijing from Shenzhen tomorrow and return to Hong Kong via Shenzhen on July 31.

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South Africa: Schools prepared to welcome back learners

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says educators and schools have been prepared ahead of the reopening of schools on Monday.

During a media briefing on Saturday, the Minister said school management teams and support staff went back to work last Thursday to prepare for the return of learners and teachers.

Based on the information obtained from provinces, schools are ready to continue to work within the established COVID-19 health protocols, and also to start resuming full school attendance in primary schools from 2 August 2021.

The sector continues to be committed and at all times, we are ready to maintain a balance between saving lives and livelihoods, while fighting the Coronavirus pandemic, the Minister said.

She said the Director-General is continuing to convene one-on-one meetings with the Heads of the Provincial Education Departments to ensure that there is continuous sharing of experiences and working together.

In 2020, the President announced a R100 billion stimulus package which, among other things, was meant to support job creation.

As part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme to address the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the economy and social infrastructure, the Department of Basic Education (DBE), in collaboration with Provincial Education Departments, implemented the Basic Education Employment Initiative, as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative.

The DBE and the Provincial Education Departments were allocated R7 billion, with about R2.4 billion allocated to the saving of posts for teachers employed by school governing bodies (SGBs) and independent schools. From this allocation, 33 549 posts were saved, the Minister said.

Through this programme, the sector employed 200 000 education assistants and 100 000 general school assistants. In total, about 320 000 young people benefitted from the employment opportunities.

School vandalism

Motshekga expressed concern at the vandalism of schools and education centres during the recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

In KwaZulu-Natal 137 schools, three education centres, and eight circuit offices were affected by vandalism.

This is unprecedented, and we are concerned as a sector that much-needed school infrastructure was damaged. This is a serious setback, as the sector is already under pressure to provide appropriate facilities for the schooling system, the Minister said.

She said the province has made arrangements to ensure that all these schools do open on Monday and that teaching and learning continue.

In Gauteng, 43 schools have been vandalised since beginning of the year. Eleven of the cases were reported after schools went on recess on 2 July 2021.

Twenty-nine of the 43 schools have already been repaired and work is underway to finish the others as soon as possible.

This senseless attack on the education infrastructure leads to the vandalism of ablution blocks and plumbing equipment; destruction of water supplies, including theft of school water tanks; ripping off of electric wires, especially copper cables; ripping school fences; setting alight libraries, textbooks and stationery.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and the National School Nutrition Programme supplies and equipment were targeted the most. What is saddening is that most schools were left with serious structural damages, which would place the safety of learners and teachers at risk, the Minister said.

She said the education sector is embarking on an integrated campaign to involve school governing bodies, law enforcement agencies, teacher unions, parents, and civil society to ensure the protection of schools.

Amongst the many strategies agreed upon during our Council of Education Ministers (CEM) meeting, was on mobilising learners, educators, SGBs, teacher unions, community and traditional leaders, including faith-based communities, to safeguard schools.

As a priority, we agreed on executive roadshows, paying special attention to identified hotspot areas, and to normalise learning environments, once schools reopen, the Minister said.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Call for public to comment on 2023 school calendar

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has encouraged the public to comment on the proposed school calendar for the 2023 academic year.

The school calendar for the 2023 academic year has been gazetted for public comment and has been published on all the Department of Basic Education (DBE) platforms.

A staggered calendar is proposed  one for coastal provinces, and another for inland provinces Your inputs are important. We urge you to go through the proposed 2023 school calendar, and submit your comments in writing. The details are available on the draft calendar itself, the Minister said on Saturday during a media briefing.

Motshekga said the COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious disruptions in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Basic Education sector has vaccinated 517 000 people for COVID-19, an 89% vaccination success rate.

Reports on the reasons for outstanding numbers include distance to vaccination sites, vaccination hesitancy, preference of one type of vaccine to another, recent positive COVID-19 results, as well as medical and religious reasons, all account for some of the people who are still not vaccinated.

Encouraging is the fact that we continue to receive requests for assistance from some of our personnel, who were initially hesitant but are now coming forward to ask for help to get the vaccines. We still hope that educators, who are not yet vaccinated, will join the general population vaccination programmes that are underway, the Minister said.

May/June National Senior Certificate exams

The writing of exams for the matric May/June examination period commenced on Wednesday, 26 May 2021, and concluded on Wednesday, 7 July 2021.

The 2021 May/June examination is the second examination opportunity that is offered to candidates who wrote the November 2020 examinations; and is an examination for adult candidates sitting for matric examinations.

A total 249 851 candidates enrolled to write this examination. This included both the National Senior Certificate and Senior Certificate candidates; 106 711 of these candidates were National Senior Certificate candidates; and 143 140 of these candidates, were Senior Certificate candidates, the Minister said.

The DBE and the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) monitored the writing of the May/June 2021 Grade 12 examination.

The writing of the examination was successfully concluded without any major disruptions. With the early closure of schools on 30 June 2021, due to the move to adjusted Alert Level 4, school principals were requested to administer the examination until its conclusion.

The marking of the May/June 2021 Grade 12 examination, commenced on 8 July 2021, and concluded on Monday, 19 July 2021. A total of 772 404 scripts had to be marked and a total of nine 9 323 markers were utilised for the marking across the 54 marking centres.

Despite the protest actions and the looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, the marking was successfully completed and the capturing of marks is currently in progress, the Minister said.

The DBE will complete the processing of all candidate data for the Umalusi standardisation meeting of 6 August 2021. The results will be released to candidates on 24 August 2021.

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates, who were not successful in this May/June examination, can register to write the November 2021 NSC examination.  SAnews.gov.za

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Hong Kong: Leveraging technology in virus fight

Chief Executive Carrie Lam

Hong Kong has not recorded a single local case for 48 days in a row since June 7. The epidemic situation is clearly under control. Meanwhile, the vaccination rate has been rising steadily over the past month. So far, a total of 5.27 million doses of vaccines have been administered to members of the public, and 44.6% of the eligible population have received the first dose of vaccines. If the vaccination rate can be maintained at a high level, it can hopefully reach 70% by the end of September, building an initial immune barrier for Hong Kong. This achievement does not come by easily. I would like to thank various anti-epidemic teams for their hard work and members of the public for their full co-operation.

How the epidemic has developed and anti-epidemic efforts

Over the past month, the epidemic situation has rebounded in different parts of the world, especially in Southeast Asia, and many of the cases involved mutant virus strains. Because of this, Hong Kong has to keep up its guard against the importation of cases. With stringent border control measures in place, coupled with the relaxation of social distancing measures in late June, business and social activities have already resumed to a large extent and some large-scale exhibitions could also take place as scheduled. However, although the vaccination rate has been rising steadily, there is still some way to go before reaching the desired vaccination rate. Having balanced various factors, the Government has decided to largely maintain the anti-epidemic measures and will review them again next month.

Meanwhile, for the sake of prudence, we have taken a cautious approach for places where patients of imported cases have visited before leaving or after returning to Hong Kong, including cordoning off buildings to carry out testing and conducting compulsory testing operations to ensure that the virus has not entered the community. Fortunately, the imported cases have not caused any local infection so far.

On vaccination, we are pleased to see that more organisations have participated in the outreach vaccination programme. Participants in the programme included global professional services enterprises, property developers, financial institutions, the construction industry, public utilities, property management companies, schools, theme parks, district organisations, etc. In addition, we have arranged vaccination for schools at community vaccination centres (CVCs) through group booking, and provided taxi and public light bus drivers with free, one-off health check services to allay their worries about receiving vaccination. We have also increased the subsidy for private clinics providing vaccination to the elderly and allowed the elderly to receive vaccination at CVCs without prior appointments. Since COVID-19 has a higher incidence in elderly people and the conditions of elderly patients are often more serious, the whole community must make concerted efforts to encourage the elderly to get vaccinated.

Leveraging technology to fight the epidemic

The success of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's anti-epidemic work does not come by chance. Apart from the concerted efforts of the community to fight the epidemic, it is also down to the wide application of innovation and technology which the Government has been actively promoting and supporting in recent years. The following are some examples of how we have used technology to help fight the epidemic:

Virus testing

Virus testing is a very important part of our anti-epidemic work. We have facilitated the introduction of testing technology on a large scale by local private laboratories to increase the testing volume since the outbreak of the epidemic early last year. The maximum testing volume has increased from a few thousand samples per day in the early stage of the epidemic to about 100,000 samples per day at present. In fact, Hong Kong has conducted more than 21 million tests in total, which ranks among the top in the world in terms of the number of tests conducted per million people, and with regard to our number of confirmed cases, our testing volume is higher than any other places in the world1.

Since last year, the Environmental Protection Department and the Drainage Services Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government have been working with the cross-disciplinary team of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in conducting sewage surveillance. We have also applied the testing technology developed by the HKU team to trace the transmission of COVID-19 in the community and in individual buildings. Hong Kong is a global leader in the research and development and application of sewage surveillance, and the technology is becoming increasingly mature. Since late last year, nearly 5,000 sewage samples have been taken for testing in Hong Kong. Compulsory testing operations have been conducted at 236 buildings with sewage tested positive for COVID-19. Fifty-two confirmed cases have been identified, many of which were detected before any confirmed case was found in the building. At present, there are 112 regular sewage inspection points in Hong Kong, and nearly 200 sewage samples are taken for testing every week, covering a population of 5.3 million. Recently, the HKU team has developed a new testing method that can quickly detect mutant virus strains in sewage, enabling earlier warnings about the epidemic situation in the community.

Supporting quarantine

To support the mandatory home quarantine measure, we developed the StayHomeSafe mobile app in the early stage of the epidemic. Making use of the technology developed by local universities and technology start-ups, paired with the Bluetooth electronic wristband developed by the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, the mobile app effectively monitors whether the quarantined person stays at the designated residence, greatly reducing the manpower needed for monitoring, while at the same time protecting the personal privacy of the quarantined person. So far, the StayHomeSafe mobile app and the electronic wristbands have been used by more than 540,000 people under compulsory quarantine. It is the first time in the world that such technology has been applied on such a large scale. It is also a successful outcome of collaboration among the Government, industry, academia and research sector in Hong Kong. Over 40 overseas economies have inquired about the technologies and experiences in respect of the StayHomeSafe app and the electronic wristbands. Relevant equipment and technologies have also been exhibited on invitation in the Museum fur Kommunikation, a renowned communications museum in Germany.

To meet the demand for quarantine facilities during the peak of the epidemic, we adopted the modular integrated construction (MiC) technology to significantly reduce the construction time of quarantine facilities. Since the beginning of the epidemic, we have built more than 4,000 quarantine units using the MiC technology. The North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, which was built with the support of the central government, was also constructed with the use of MiC technology. The centre completed construction in just four months and is equipped with negative pressure wards that can accommodate some 820 beds, providing our medical system with sufficient capability to fight the epidemic.

Supporting contact tracing

The LeaveHomeSafe mobile app was launched in November 2020 to provide members of the public with a convenient digital tool for recording their whereabouts while their personal privacy would not be compromised. To facilitate people to present their vaccination records when entering certain designated premises, the LeaveHomeSafe 2.0 app was launched in June this year with a newly added Electronic Vaccination and Testing Record function to provide members of the public one more tool to store their vaccination records and QR codes to facilitate their easy retrieval if needed. Since the launch of the LeaveHomeSafe app, the number of downloads has exceeded 4.9 million, with the participation of some 90,000 public and private premises across the city in the scheme.

Supporting information dissemination

To enable members of the public to keep abreast of the latest situation of the epidemic, the Lands Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government took the lead to work with the other departments and the information and technology sector to launch the Interactive Map Dashboard on the Latest Situation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong in February 2020, providing such information as confirmed cases, buildings which patients have resided/visited, collection points of specimen for virus testing and statistics on testing. The interactive map has recorded over 55 million views to date.

Enhancing personal and environmental hygiene

During the early period of the epidemic, disposable masks were in very short supply in the market. With an earlier research and development achievement developed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles & Apparel (HKRITA) with a subsidy from the Innovation & Technology Fund (ITF), we commissioned the HKRITA to co-ordinate the production of CuMask which can be reused for 60 times. The Government has distributed more than 10 million CuMasks to members of the public for free to date.

The University of Science & Technology, with the research and development achievements of a number of scientific research projects subsidised by the ITF, developed a Multilevel Antimicrobial Polymer coating which can be sprayed on material surfaces to kill bacteria and viruses with an effective period of up to 90 days. This achievement has been transformed into an innovative product, which has been widely used in schools, residential care homes for the elderly and childcare centres and more.

With a government subsidy, the Productivity Council (HKPC) has developed the kNOw Touch - Contactless Elevator Control Panel, which can be easily installed in existing elevators, enabling users to press the buttons in the elevators without touching the panel to minimise the risk of virus transmission. In addition to a number of public buildings and government offices as well as the Central Government Offices in Tamar and the Legislative Council Complex, the system has been installed in some 50 places by the council in collaboration with elevator contractors. In addition, the Housing Authority and the Housing Society also plan to install it in about 200 elevators in their housing estates.

Research and development of vaccines

The Government's Health & Medical Research Fund has approved a total of $170 million in funding last year to support local universities to conduct 49 research studies on COVID-19, including supporting two local universities to undertake four vaccine development projects. Among them, a nasal spray COVID-19 vaccine developed by the HKU in collaboration with researchers in the Mainland is in first phase safety clinical trials. It is the first nasal spray vaccine approved for phase I clinical trials. The Food & Health Bureau and the fund will allocate a further $300 million, while the University Grants Committee and the Research Grant Council have allocated $350 million in research funding last year to support anti-epidemic scientific research projects.

Conclusion

The current-term Government attaches great importance to innovation and technology development. It is encouraging that innovation and technology application has played an important role in the fight against the virus. We are pleased to share with other regions around the world our experience in fighting the virus with the aid of technology. While attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Informal Leaders' Retreat via video conferencing recently, I called on the leaders to step up collaboration, including supporting the use of innovation and technology in combating COVID-19.

Members of the public can also contribute to the global fight against the epidemic by getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Only by building an immune barrier through vaccination can we resume cross-boundary travel gradually.

1https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus-testing

Chief Executive Carrie Lam issued this article titled Leveraging Technology to Fight the Epidemic on July 26.

This story has been published on: 2021-07-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: J&J doses from Gqeberha ready for distribution in SA

Aspen has confirmed the release of the much-needed COVID-19 vaccines to Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to be used in South Africa.

The first supplies to South Africa of the J&J COVID-19 vaccines, from the new API source located in Europe, will be released to J&J from its flagship Gqeberha-based manufacturing site later today, the global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company.

In a statement released on Monday, Aspen said the single-dose shots will further be distributed throughout the country, in line with the various arrangements between J&J, the National Department of Health, and other stakeholders.

In addition, vaccines from these batches will be made available through the African Union's COVID-19 African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team.

This represents a significant landmark for South Africa and the African continent, as these are the first COVID-19 vaccines to be produced on the African continent by an African producer for South African and African patients.

These supplies will also be made available to the European Union and other offshore markets.

During his address on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country is scheduled to receive around 31 million additional doses from Pfizer and J&J in the next two to three months.

Aspen is proud of the role we are playing in producing vaccines for distribution in South Africa, across Africa and the world. Our ability to produce these vaccines on behalf of Johnson & Johnson builds on our strategic vision of delivering high quality, affordable medicines that improve health outcomes for patients in our own country, continent and around the world, said Aspen Group Chief Executive, Stephen Saad.

He said the supply for Africa and South Africa is particularly rewarding, given the current global inequality in accessing vaccines.

This represents a big step forward in ensuring that Africa can address its healthcare priorities. The manufacture of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine builds on the global contributions we have already made in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with both our anaesthetics portfolio and dexamethasone supply."

Aspen has invested more than R3 billion at this sterile manufacturing site, based in the Eastern Cape. This is the single largest investment in the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa.

The new sterile facility contains high technology, state-of-the-art pharmaceutical equipment, and systems that will be used to manufacture advanced sterile medicines, including vaccines.

The company said the investments have been a cornerstone of local manufacturing of the antiretroviral and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, which demonstrates Aspens ongoing and enduring commitment to South Africa and the continent.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: National migration, urbanisation conference kicks off

The first national Migration and Urbanisation Conference, which seeks to bring together stakeholders interested in the study of migration, kicks off today.

Hosted by the Department of Social Development and Statistics South Africa, the five-day virtual conference will establish a knowledge base of issues related to various aspects of migration and urbanisation to enable evidence to drive forward the drafting of policy and planning.

The effects of COVID-19 on international and national migration is an issue that will cut across all the conference themes.

In her opening address, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu called on the conference participants to harness the prospect of people, public, private, civic, academic, and multilateral partnerships towards creatively unlocking the challenges of reliable and up to date population data that programme planners and implementers may access and use across all spheres of government.

Resolving this challenge should strengthen our resolve for evidence-based policy and programme development, in defining future paths upon which our democratic dates will be improved.

We consciously need to be thoroughly conversant with the current and future variables and developments that are relevant to patterns of interprovincial, regional, Continental and global migration by our citizens, Zulu said.

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Acting Deputy-Director General, Nozipho Shabalala, said migration is a critical topic in every part of the globe at the moment.

Shabalala said the movement of people within the country and movement of people across national borders, are on the agenda of national governments, regional bodies and global multilateral organisations.

South Africa is dealing with both internal and international migration, and the movement of people from global areas to urban areas, which is at the core to urbanisation.

Discussions and engagements on policy, positions, planning and programmes in this critical social political and economic areas is urgent and important, as we seek knowledge in lasting solutions at the national, regional and global level, Shabalala said.

She added that the full impact of COVID-19 on economies of different countries and its impact on migration and urbanisation is yet to be analysed and quantified.

As Stats SA, we are here to share and we are here to learn, with an objective of improving our systems [and] our methods, and the overall quality for our products on internal and international migration, the acting Deputy-Director General said.

The 2020 Mid-Year Population Estimates published by Statistics South Africa estimated that there are 3.9 million migrants in South Africa.

In December 2020, Social Development Department, together with the European Union and United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) launched the Children on the Move programme to assist with the provision of basic services to documented and undocumented children living in South Africa.  SAnews.gov.za

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Extreme heat, dry summers main cause of tree death in Colorado's subalpine forests

Even in the absence of bark beetle outbreaks and wildfire, trees in Colorado subalpine forests are dying at increasing rates from warmer and drier summer conditions, found recent University of Colorado Boulder research.

The study, published in the May print issue of the Journal of Ecology, also found that this trend is increasing. In fact, tree mortality in subalpine Colorado forests not affected by fire or bark beetle outbreaks in the last decade has more than tripled since the 1980s.

"We have bark beetle outbreaks and wildfires that cause very obvious mortality of trees in Colorado. But we're showing that even in the areas that people go hiking in and where the forest looks healthy, mortality is increasing due to heat and dry conditions alone," said Robert Andrus, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at Washington State University. "It's an early warning sign of climate change."

These deaths are not only affecting larger trees, thus reducing forests' carbon storage, but hotter and drier conditions are making it difficult for new trees to take root across the southern Rockies in Colorado, southern Wyoming and northern parts of New Mexico.

It's well known that rising temperatures and increasing drought are causing tree deaths in forests around the globe. But here in Colorado, researchers found that heat and drought alone are responsible for over 70% of tree deaths in the 13 areas of subalpine forest they measured over the past 37 years. That's compared with about 23% of tree deaths due to bark beetles and about 5% due to wind damage.

"It was really surprising to see how strong the relationship is between climate and tree mortality, to see that there was a very obvious effect of recent warmer and drier conditions on our subalpine forests," said Andrus, who conducted this research while completing his graduate degree in physical geography at CU Boulder. "The rate of increasing mortality is alarming."

With temperatures in Colorado having risen by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1980s and increasing more quickly at higher elevations, estimates of another possible 2.5 or more degrees of warming in the next few decades due to climate change indicate that the rate of tree deaths will only increase.

Seeing the forest for the trees

Subalpine forests cover over 10,000 square miles in Colorado and are best known by those who ski or recreate in the mountains. Subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce dominate the area above the Peak to Peak Highway in the Front Range, and if you go over any mountain pass in Colorado, you're going into the subalpine zone, according to Andrus.

Previous research at CU Boulder has shown how wildfire, beetle kill and the two combined can affect the mortality and health of Rocky Mountain subalpine forests. This new research isolated the effects of those two common stressors from those of heat and moisture to find out how much of an effect climate change is having on these tree populations.

"As trees die in increasing numbers due to fire, bark beetles and drought, the warmer and drier climate is making it much less likely that new tree seedlings can establish and replace the dead adult trees," said Tom Veblen, co-author of the study and professor emeritus of geography.

Launched by Veblen when he arrived on campus in 1982, this is the longest running study of tree mortality in Colorado with remeasurements made frequently enough to identify the factors causing tree death. Every three years since, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and undergraduate field assistants have diligently returned to the more than 5,000 marked trees on Niwot Ridge just west of Boulder. In these 13 subalpine forest plots, they recorded that more trees died during summers with higher maximum temperatures and greater moisture deficits.

They found that tree mortality increased from .26% per year during 1982 to 1993, to .82% per year during 2008 to 2019--more than tripling within 40 years.

"It is really challenging because it's not very visually obvious to the casual observer," said Andrus. "But the thing to keep in mind is that while warmer, drier conditions are also causing more fire and bark beetle outbreaks, these slow and gradual changes are also important."

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Additional authors on this publication include Rachel Chai of the Veblen Lab at CU Boulder; Brian Harvey, previously a postdoctoral researcher in geography at CU Boulder and now an assistant professor at the University of Washington; and Kyle Rodman, previously a graduate student in the Veblen Lab at CU Boulder and now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Wisconsin Madison.

This story has been published on: 2021-07-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: Suppliers warned against price gouging

The Gauteng Department of Economic Development has warned suppliers not to inflate the prices of essential items listed under the Consumer and Customer Protection and National Disaster Management Regulations and Directions.

These are items issued in terms of Regulation 350 of Government Notice 43116 (Regulation 350).

The warning comes after reports of possible food shortages had emerged in Gauteng following recent public unrest.

Regulation 350, read with sections 40 and 48, was gazetted by government to prevent suppliers from profiteering during the period of the national disaster.

This was done to protect consumers against unfair, unreasonable and unjust pricing.

It is unreasonable and unfair for suppliers of goods to take advantage of this state of national disaster by unfairly increasing the prices of goods without any economic justification to do so, the department said in a statement.

The Chief Director: Consumer Affairs and Business Compliance, Adv. Fati Manamela, says both Sections 40 and 48 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), make it prohibited conduct for a supplier to increase their prices unconscionably.

Section 48 states that a supplier must not offer to supply, supply or enter into an agreement to supply goods and services at a price that is unfair or unconscionable.

Unfair, unreasonable or unjust pricing (price gouging) is when a supplier increases the prices of goods or services that do not correspond to or not equivalent to the increase of providing that service or good, Manamela said.

The goods and services in question are those which relate to basic food and consumer items, emergency products and services, medical and hygiene supplies, as well as emergency clean-up products and services.

A supplier or person contravening these Regulations could be fined up to R1 million, a fine of up to 10% of a firms annual turnover, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months.

Consumers are encouraged to monitor the market and report any suspicious unfair price increases of these goods and services.

The Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs will continue with its efforts of implementing the provisions of the CPA by reducing and ameliorating any disadvantages experienced in accessing any supply of goods or services by consumers, Manamela said.

Consumers in Gauteng are encouraged to report instances of what they view as unreasonable price hikes to the Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs on the email address: consumer@gauteng.gov.za for processing and referral to the Competition Commission and the National Consumer Commission.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-07-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Hong Kong: CE visits Education University

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today visited Education University to learn more about the promotion of knowledge transfer in the institution to leverage academic research and professional skills for social and education development.

The university transformed academic and professional knowledge into new services and products through technology and creative ideas to propel the diversification of education development.

Mrs Lam was briefed by representatives of various departments on projects including the grid notation that makes it easier for students to read musical scores to arouse their interest in learning music, and an animated series on Chinese history characters to help students build national identity and good character.

Other projects comprise a distance training application for behavioural therapy powered by artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to help parents conduct training for children with special educational needs at home.

Mrs Lam also received a briefing on the university's science and environmental education and related research and development projects.

She was pleased to note that the university has been actively motivating teaching staff and students to leverage innovation and technology and creativity to transform knowledge and academic research achievements for application in education and society.

Mrs Lam added that it is encouraging that some of the universitys research projects are prize winners in open or international competitions, while others have been adopted in education and other aspects, benefitting students and the public.

After noting that the university is the cradle for educators, she said she hoped it will continue to make advancements and nurture teachers who are capable, virtuous and committed and have an affection for the nation, helping society cultivate the future generations.

In light of Hong Kong's integration into the development of the nation through participation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mrs Lam encouraged the university to leverage its professional advantages to nurture talents for the bay area.

This story has been published on: 2021-07-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
RTHK: US to end combat operations in Iraq: Biden

President Joe Biden opened talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi on Monday saying relations were in a "new phase" that would include the end of US combat operations in the country.

With Kadhemi at his side in the White House, Biden said that the US is "committed to our security cooperation" and will "to continue to train, to assist, to help, to deal with ISIS (Islamic State) as it arises."

"But we're not going to be, at the end of the year, in a combat mission," he said.

Biden also stressed US support for elections in October in Iraq, saying Washington is working closely with Baghdad, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Nations to ensure the elections are fair.

Kadhemi said the US and Iraq have a "strategic partnership."

"America, they help Iraq. Together we fight, fight and defeat ISIS," he said.

"Today, our relation is stronger than ever  our partnership in the economy, the environment, health, education, culture and more."

Biden is currently also overseeing the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war, with the Taliban on the offensive amid fears they could even topple the Kabul government.

His comments confirmed his readinesses to further limit US involvement in Iraq, but without removing the remaining 2,500 troops in the country, 18 years after the United States invaded to remove strongman Saddam Hussein.

The move could lend political support to Kadhemi, in power for little over a year and under pressure from Iran-allied political factions to push US troops from his country.

The two leaders' meeting came after weeks of preparations which included discussions on support for fighting Covid-19, aiding the Iraqi private sector and cooperation on climate change. (AFP)

Last updated: 2021-07-27 HKT 04:25

This story has been published on: 2021-07-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Most major foreign automakers achieved double-digit growth in their first-half sales in China, and Volkswagen Group (VW Group) and General Motors (GM) still had obvious lead over other players.

Among all the major automakers, VW Group and GM each sold more than 1.5 million new vehicles in the biggest auto market, and Toyota Motor was a distant third. Jaguar Land Rover reported the highest year-on-year growth rate while Mazda was the only one whose sales saw a decline from a year ago.

Besides, the year-on-year change of three automakers, including Mazda, was lower than that of the overall passenger vehicle market, which, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), was 27%.

VW Group is one of the three. Compared with the same period of last year, when the market was negatively affected by COVID-19, the groups first-half sales in China increased by 16.2%, nearly 11 percentage points less than the overall rate.

VW brand remained the main sales contributor, which, along with its JETTA sub-brand, delivered over 1,331,900 vehicles (+14.0%) during the first half of 2021, remaining the number one choice for Chinese car buyers. Skoda, another mainstream brand from the group, sold 44,000 vehicles in the period. In the premium segment, both Audi and Porsche set new sales records, achieving their highest ever H1 sales.

GM also said luxury and premium vehicles were main sales drivers in the second quarter. First-half deliveries of its premium brand, Cadillac, grew nearly 42% year on year to nearly 121,000 units. Wuling, the maker of the Hongguang MINIEV, sold a total of 693,000 vehicles in the period.

Apart from the above luxury vehicle brands, other brands on the list Gasgoo compiled achieved substantial growth rate. BMW Group (BMW and MINI brands) won the segments champion with an increase of 41.9% versus the same period of last year, higher than that of Mercedes-Benz Cars (27.6%).

Among those luxury brands, Lincolns year-on-year growth was up to 111.4% with 42,295 vehicles sold in the first half. And that is the best-ever first-half sales results since the brands entry in the country.

Because all those major luxury brands had outstanding sales performance in the first six months, the whole luxury vehicle segment outpaced the entire passenger vehicle market in terms of sales. Data from the CAAM showed that sales of luxury vehicles brands jumped 41.5% from a year ago to 1.658 million vehicles in the period, 14.5 percentage points more than that of the passenger vehicle market.

There were also some challenges facing the whole industry, such as the shortage of automotive chips and surging material prices. Foreign automakers were no exception. VW China said that chip shortage made it unable to match production and higher customer demand. Ford China also said that due to the shortage challenge, its sales in the second quarter of this year fell 3.6% year on year.

Despite those foreign automakers first-half sales growth, their market shares in China all declined versus the same period of last year, except that of French brands, which was only 0.4%. Share of Germany brands dropped to 22.7%, Japanese brands to 22%, American brands to 9.1% while that of Chinese passenger vehicle brands increased 5.7 percentage points to 42%.
Political virus also needs origin-tracing: Chinese FM

Xinhua) 07:57, July 26, 2021

CHENGDU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The novel coronavirus needs origin-tracing, and so does the political virus, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Sunday.

Wang made the remarks while meeting the press with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto when responding to how China views a small number of countries using the origin-tracing of the novel coronavirus as a pretext to attack and smear China.

Wang noted that COVID-19 origin-tracing is a serious scientific matter, which should be studied by scientists so as to better guard against future risks.

Wang said that all the foreign ministers he met agree that the origin-tracing should not be manipulated by politics. It should not be used to blame any one country, let alone splitting the international community, he added.

"Only when we unite can we truly defeat the virus," he said.

"From openly referring to the coronavirus as 'the Wuhan virus' to blatantly pulling out of the WHO, the United States has from the very beginning tried to politicize the epidemic, stigmatize the virus, and use origin-tracing as a tool. It has ignored the hard work of scientists and used intelligence means to carry out the so-called origin-tracing, hyping the 'lab leak theory' which presumes guilt," Wang said.

"The purpose of the United States is clear. It is to shift responsibility for their botched epidemic response and achieve the political purpose of discrediting and suppressing other countries," Wang said. He added it is necessary to record this ugly page in the annals of humanity's fight against the epidemic.

Emphasizing that China has always participated in international origin-tracing cooperation with an open attitude, Wang said China has twice invited WHO experts to carry out joint research on origin-tracing and made great efforts to this end.

Wang added that the experts went to every place they asked to see and met everyone they wanted to meet. They made the scientific conclusion that a laboratory leak is extremely unlikely and made important recommendations such as "searching for early cases in various places and countries around the world" and "studying the possibility of cold-chain transmission of the virus."

"The next phase of tracing should build on this and study early cases in many countries around the world, Wang said. He noted that Chinese medical experts and scientific research experts held a press conference to clarify a series of rumors with facts and data and make clear China's solemn position in a scientific manner a few days ago.

Pointing out that political viruses also need origin-tracing, Wang said the WHO Secretariat notified its member states about a work plan on a second-phase origins study. It has surprised scientists since it is inconsistent with the requirements of the resolution of the 73rd World Health Assembly. It also ignores the conclusions and recommendations of the first-stage joint research report.

It seemed that when the United States returned to the WHO, it was not focused on joining the international fight against the epidemic, but continued to spread political viruses through the platform, Wang added.

He said as an independent and sovereign country, China will not and cannot accept any work plan that is not a real plan to find the virus but a plan to discredit China.

Up until now, nearly 60 countries sent letters to the WHO, agreeing with the results of the first phase of origin-tracing research and opposing the attempt to politicize the study of the origins, Wang noted.

Wang reiterated that origin-tracing needs cooperation rather than discrediting, truth rather than lies, and respecting science rather than political manipulation. Wang added China would continue to support and participate in global origin-tracing cooperation in the spirit of openness, transparency, science and cooperation.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China renews orange alert for rainstorms

Xinhua) 08:10, July 26, 2021

A citizen rides in the rain in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang)

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's national observatory on Sunday continued to issue an orange alert for rainstorms in many parts of the country and called for precautionary measures.

From 8 p.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Monday, heavy rains and rainstorms are expected in parts of Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Hainan, Yunnan, Taiwan, Qinghai and Gansu.

Parts of Shanghai and Zhejiang will see rainstorms with up to 350 mm of rainfall. Certain areas might encounter over 80 mm of hourly precipitation accompanied by thunderstorms, gales and hail.

The national observatory advised local authorities to remain alert for possible flooding, landslides and mudslides, and recommended halting outdoor operations in hazardous areas.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Yuan becomes No.3 global currency: report

Global Times) 08:18, July 26, 2021

Photo taken on March 13, 2018 shows the headquarters of the People's Bank of China in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

The internationalization of Chinese yuan accelerated in 2020 despite the ravaging global pandemic and the US government's containment of China's growth. Experts predict there exists great room for the currency's further internationalization, calling for convenient flows of the yuan and expansion of cross border investment avenues.

The yuan internationalization index reached 5.02 at the end of 2020, a sharp increase of 54.2 percent from the previous year, making it No.3 among international currencies. The rate exceeded the internationalization levels of the yen and pound, according to the 2021 RMB Internationalization Report released by the International Monetary Institute (IMI) under Renmin University of China on Saturday.

The growth was mainly driven by the steady recovery of the Chinese economy, opening-up of the financial sector, stable monetary policy and stepped-up international currency cooperation, said the report.

Since the Chinese authorities allowed yuan access to more foreign financial institutions, overseas investors are rushing to make inroads into China, seeking potentially higher returns, experts say.

After scrapping quota restrictions on investment via the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor and the yuan-denominated Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor programs, Chinese financial regulators further lowered entry requirements and broadened the investment scope of these programs to facilitate foreign investment.

In 2020, yuan-denominated financial assets held by overseas institutions and individuals surged 40.11 percent year-on-year to reach 8.98 trillion yuan ($1.39 trillion), according to the report.

Meanwhile, the yuan's role as a reserve currency has also strengthened, with central banks of more than 70 countries having it in their reserve assets.

As of the end of 2020, the currency accounted for 2.25 percent of global foreign exchange assets, an increase of 14.8 percent year-on-year, said the report.

Wang Fang, deputy dean of the School of Finance of Renmin University of China and deputy director of the IMI, said the establishment of the "dual circulation" new development model will provide a historic opportunity for taking the internationalization of the yuan to a new level.

She said that the role of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as offshore yuan transaction centers should be given full play in reinforcing domestic and international circulation in a bid to promote the global use of the yuan.

As examples, she mentioned establishing a BRI bulk commodity trading platform with innovations, and the integration of futures and spot goods to boost bulk commodity trade and the use of the yuan. Also, BRI digital trade should be promoted to strive for a say in global digital trade rules, according to Wang.

Xi Junyang, professor at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, told the Global Times that there is still great room for the international use of the yuan, especially in financial trading and as a global reserve asset.

He called for further expanding the channels for foreign investors to enter the Chinese market and for domestic investors to issue yuan-denominated financial products overseas.

"We may consider encouraging foreign investment in Chinese capital market via the Shanghai-London Stock Connect program as well as potential connects with the Tokyo and Singapore stock exchanges."

While facilitating the yuan's internationalization, experts said that big data technology should be adopted to step up supervision and early warning systems over the yuan's cross-border flows to prevent systemic risks.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Quanzhou added to UNESCO World Heritage List

Xinhua) 08:18, July 26, 2021

Aerial photo taken on July 8, 2021 shows Anping Bridge in Anhai Town of Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

FUZHOU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- East China's port city of Quanzhou, once hailed as "the very great and noble city" by the Italian explorer Marco Polo, won UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56.

UNESCO accepted "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" as a cultural property on its World Heritage List amid the ongoing 44th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Fuzhou, capital of east China's Fujian Province.

Located on narrow plains along the coastline of Fujian, Quanzhou was one of the world's largest ports along the historic Maritime Silk Road, particularly in ancient China's Song Dynasty (960-1279) and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

The serial property includes 22 sites of administrative buildings and structures, religious buildings, and statues. The property witnessed multi-cultural communities, cultural memorial sites and monuments, the production of ceramics and iron, and a transportation network formed of bridges, docks and pagodas that guided voyagers.

"It reflects greatly the spatial structure that combined production, transportation and marketing. It demonstrates the key institutional, social and cultural factors that contributed to the spectacular rise and prosperity of Quanzhou as a maritime hub of the East and Southeast Asia trade network during the 10th to 14th centuries AD," said a report by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the committee's official advisory body.

It is the second time the city has applied for the prestigious title. In 2018, China's nomination "Historic Monuments and Sites of Ancient Quanzhou (Zayton)" was referred back for a second chance when the committee met in Bahrain in 2018.

China made significant technical adjustments and resubmitted the application as "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China," with the former 16 sites included in the serial nomination expanded to 22 sites, according to Zhang Lei. Zhang is head of the world cultural heritage department under China's National Cultural Heritage Administration and made the remarks at a press conference held earlier this month.

The session, originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19, has been extended until July 31 to go over the agendas of both 2020 and 2021.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Medical workers race against time in epidemic battle in Nanjing

Xinhua) 08:33, July 26, 2021

Wang Yu (1st R) takes a swab sample from a resident for COVID-19 test at a testing site of Longxi Community in Jiangning District of Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, July 24, 2021. A second round of COVID-19 nucleic acid test was launched Saturday night in Jiangning District of Nanjing. Wang Yu, a nurse from Dongshan Community Hospital in Jiangning District, was racing against time in epidemic battle on Saturday night. Wang, along with other medical workers and community workers, has been busy conducting nucleic acid tests for the residents until late night. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Typhoon In-Fa lands in east China, second landfall expected

Xinhua) 08:34, July 26, 2021

Photo taken on July 25, 2021 shows tourists walk on East Nanjing Road in Shanghai, east China as Typhoon In-Fa lashes the city. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

HANGZHOU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Typhoon In-Fa made landfall in east China's Zhejiang Province at noon on Sunday, packing winds of up to 38 meters per second at its center, according to the provincial flood control headquarters.

The typhoon -- the sixth of this year -- hit land in Putuo District, Zhoushan City, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the headquarters said.

Weather authorities have forecast the typhoon will make a second landfall in coastal areas between Zhejiang's Jiaxing City and Jiangsu Province's Qidong City on Sunday night.

It is expected to linger in east China after its second landfall and bring continued strong rainstorms to the Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, and Shanghai.

The typhoon started to wreak havoc in Zhejiang on Saturday, bringing heavy downpours, strong gales and floods. More than 6 km of roads in Zhoushan have been inundated by seawater.

The Zhejiang provincial flood control headquarters upgraded its emergency response for Typhoon In-Fa to the highest level, Level I, at Saturday noon. As of Sunday noon, about 17,000 fishing vessels had returned to ports for shelter, and over 1.5 million people across the province had been evacuated to safe places.

Zhejiang has opened more than 12,000 temporary shelter facilities to the public.

In the neighboring megacity of Shanghai, Typhoon In-Fa had felled over 1,000 trees and caused waterlogging in several places as of Sunday noon.

More than 2,000 rescue teams in the city are on stand-by.

The Shanghai metro at Sunday noon announced the suspension of services on several lines. As of 1:30 p.m. Sunday, a total of five metro lines, Line 3, Line 5, Line 16, Line 17, the Pujiang Line, and Shanghai's Maglev Line, suspended operations.

All inbound and outbound flights at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport were canceled on Sunday.

All inbound high-speed trains for Shanghai's railway stations will be canceled starting from 7 p.m. Sunday, according to railway authorities.

As of 2 p.m. Sunday, nearly 130 tourists spots in Shanghai, including the Shanghai Disney Resort, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, had closed over safety concerns.

About 360,000 people in Shanghai have been evacuated, and more than 1,700 vessels have returned to ports, the municipal flood control headquarters said.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese medical team provides support to needy children in South Sudan

Xinhua) 08:47, July 26, 2021

JUBA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Members of the eighth batch of the Chinese medical team on Sunday donated essential support including medicines and food to needy children in South Sudan.

Hellen Murshal Boro, executive director of Confident Children out of Conflict (CCC) lauded the Chinese medical team for their support toward needy children being sheltered at CCC orphanage.

"They are children coming from different backgrounds. Some of them have no parents, while others are whose mothers have died of HIV/AIDs and they are also infected and nobody is taking care of them," she said.

Boro noted that each child comes with different conditions, adding that the most important thing is that the team provides protection and also clean drinking water, food, and access to health care services.

She thanked the Chinese medical team for extending free weekly medical services to these needy children.

"They come on Saturday and check all the children," said Boro.

Since 2013, the China medical team has offered free medical services in South Sudan and also helped with the capacity building of health workers and medical students in the world's youngest nation.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
US urged to show goodwill in China talks

08:56, July 26, 2021 By Zhang Yunbi ( China Daily

The national flags of China and the United States (Photo/Xinhua)

Visiting delegation told to abandon 'sense of superiority' to advance ties

Chinese officials and scholars have urged Washington to abandon its sense of superiority, saying that Beijing will not back down if visiting US diplomats insist on dealing with China from "a position of strength" at an upcoming meeting.

China will respond with goodwill at the negotiating table if Washington decides to stop exerting pressure and shows a willingness to advance cooperation and manage the differences between the two sides, experts added.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrived in Tianjin on Sunday for a two-day visit, a key diplomatic step following the high-level China-US strategic dialogue in Anchorage, Alaska, in March.

The two largest economies in the world have seen their ties further strained in recent months amid Washington's attacks over issues such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and COVID-19 origin tracing.

Xie Feng, vice-foreign minister in charge of China-US relations, will hold talks with Sherman, according to a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also meet Sherman.

The visit has been overshadowed by State Department officials' recent comments that the US will deal with China from "a position of strength" during Sherman's visit.

"If the US has not learned to treat other countries on an equal footing, China has the obligation to work with the international community to help the US make up for this lesson," Wang Yi told reporters on Saturday.

The US always wants to use its strength to pressure other countries and thinks it is superior, Wang said when asked about Washington's tough words ahead of the visit.

"There has never been and never should be any country that can be superior to others in the world", and China will not accept such a claim by any country, he said.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said, "A number of signs show that Washington is still under the illusion of talking to China from a position of strength with a haughty tone of hegemony."

Sherman visited Japan, South Korea and Mongolia before arriving in China, according to US State Department officials.

Ruan noted that Washington attempted to seek closer alignment with the countries with the aim of increasing pressure on China, but this attempt "will definitely end up in vain because China never buys into it".

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Friday that during Sherman's visit, Beijing "will continue to elaborate on China's principled position on developing China-US relations and firmly safeguard sovereignty, security and development interests".

Zhao criticized Washington's labeling of China as a competitor, adding that talking to China from "a position of strength" reflects Washington's "arrogance and bullying".

Prior to Sherman's visit, State Department spokespersons and unnamed officials briefed reporters about Washington's views for the upcoming talks, saying the US welcomes "stiff and sustained competition" with Beijing.

Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the Department for American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said since the US had proposed the meeting to China, its recent "publicity stunts" were a sign of the "US' lack of self-confidence".

Washington stepping up pressure on issues such as Hong Kong and Xinjiang paves the way for grabbing "bargaining chips" for Sherman's trip, Su said, adding that such an approach will not work.

Beijing has no illusions about the visit. "Productive talks will take place if Washington shows sincerity for the dialogue," Su said.

Diao Daming, an associate professor of US studies at Renmin University of China's School of International Studies, said the talks are the second gathering of senior diplomats from both sides since the strategic dialogue in March. "From past experience, it is particularly important to keep dialogue afloat between China and the US," Diao said.

The recent "twists and turns "surrounding Sherman's visit are "part of Washington's plan to show the world a false scene in which China responds negatively to the US' request for talks," Diao said.

Wang Fan, vice-president of China Foreign Affairs University, said he hopes the bilateral relationship can "stop its decline and avert further losses at an early date for the benefit of the two countries' people and the international community".

Wang said dialogue is better than confrontation, and having talks is "better than nothing".

"It is hoped that the US will change its outrageous practices as soon as possible so that there will be even more talks that are beneficial to the two nations," Wang said.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese, Finnish FMs hold talks on boosting ties

Xinhua) 09:37, July 26, 2021

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Kun)

CHENGDU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Sunday held talks with visiting Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Both sides should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and win-win cooperation, Wang said.

China hoped Finland would view China's development objectively and rationally and develop relations with China in a way that best suits Finland, said Wang. Wang stressed that China is willing to increase exchanges and cooperation with Finland in scientific and technological innovation, the circular economy, and clean technology.

China hoped Finland would provide a fair and open business environment for Chinese enterprises, he added.

China is willing to work with Finland to uphold true multilateralism, strengthen data security cooperation, carry out third-party cooperation with Africa, and facilitate collaboration between China and Northern Europe, to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, said Wang.

The two sides should jointly resist the practice of politicizing the COVID-19 origin-tracing issue, promote international anti-epidemic cooperation, and make joint efforts to defeat the epidemic.

Wang pointed out that there is no fundamental conflict between China and Europe. China is willing to strengthen mutual trust through candid dialogue with Europe, resolve differences through equal consultations, and promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-EU relations.

He then talked about a future-oriented new cooperative partnership between China and Finland.

Facing the future, the two sides should join hands to explore a new type of partnership in which countries with different cultures and social systems can seek common ground while reserving differences and achieve win-win cooperation. The two sides should activate the potential of their practical cooperation. They should promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations and jointly promote global governance.

Haavisto, in turn, said that Finland attaches great significance to the fruitful relationship with China. Finland is willing to work with China to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen dialogue and communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote bilateral ties.

Finland understands China's concerns over the COVID-19 origin-tracing issue and advocates that origin-tracing should be conducted scientifically, he said.

Europe and China have broad common interests and huge space for cooperation. Finland hopes that Europe and China will focus on cooperation, bridge differences through constructive dialogue, and work together to address global challenges, said Haavisto.

Finland supports the EU-China investment agreement and hopes it will be approved as soon as possible, he added.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Military helicopters airdrop supplies in flood-hit Henan

Xinhua) 09:39, July 26, 2021

ZHENGZHOU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Three Z-20 helicopters have been dispatched by the Chinese military to the flood-stricken areas of Henan Province to carry out disaster relief tasks.

The helicopters were sent to hard-hit and inaccessible areas such as the Hongzhou and Yuhe townships of Xinxiang City, marking the first time that Z-20 helicopters have participated in flood control and disaster relief missions.

Since Friday, 33 officers and soldiers aboard the helicopters have delivered more than 75 tonnes of various materials, such as drinking water, medicine and food, to about 20,000 people in 17 villages.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Man-portable HJ-12 anti-tank missile makes PLA debut in Tibet

Global Times) 10:00, July 26, 2021

A soldier attached to a brigade affiliated with the PLA Tibet Military Command marches in training exercises, carrying a HJ-12 man-portable anti-tank missile, deep in Southwest China's plateau region in July 2021. Photo: Screenshot from the WeChat account of the PLA Tibet Military Command

China's domestically developed HJ-12 man-portable anti-tank missile, previously known as a made-for-export weapon, is confirmed to be in service with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), after it made its debut in a recent exercise organized by the PLA Tibet Military Command.

The top-attack, fire-and-forget missile, often compared with the US' Javelin, can destroy any main battle tank in the world, and will significantly boost the PLA infantry forces' anti-tank capabilities, experts said on Sunday.

A brigade affiliated with the PLA Tibet Military Command recently conducted a series of exercises deep in the plateau region, according to a statement the command released on Thursday.

A photo attached to the statement shows that a soldier was carrying a portable anti-tank missile that can be carried by a single person during the exercise, and a report by Shanghai-based news website eastday.com on Friday identified it as the HJ-12, as the weapon made its first public appearance in PLA service.

By providing individual soldiers with the capability to independently destroy a tank more effectively than older weapons, the commissioning of the HJ-12 will significantly boost the PLA's anti-tank capabilities, observers said.

Developed by the state-owned China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), the HJ-12, or the Red Arrow 12, was put on exhibit for the first time at Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.

Comparable with the US' Javelin missile, the HJ-12 is equipped with advanced focal plane array infrared guidance system with lock-on before launch and fire-and-forget systems, eastday.com reported.

When performing a top-attack, the HJ-12 can destroy any type of main battle tank in the world, as the missile can penetrate homogeneous steel armor as thick as 1,100 millimeters protected by explosive reaction armor, eastday.com quoted a report by China Central Television as saying.

The HJ-12 also offers strong anti-jamming capabilities with more types of guidance systems, Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times.

In addition to tanks, the HJ-12 can launch precision strikes on hostile bunkers, fortifications and buildings, Wei said.

The export version of the HJ-12, the HJ-12E, saw its first delivery to an undisclosed foreign buyer in early 2020, NORINCO revealed in March that year, labeling the weapon as a high-end product.

It was the first time a third-generation anti-tank weapon system developed by the Chinese company has been exported, NORINCO said in a statement, without disclosing the name of the buyer, the quantity purchased or the value of the deal.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
US political manipulation over origin tracing poisoning the world

10:08, July 26, 2021 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

People visit the Lincoln Memorial at the National Mall in Washington D.C., the United States, on July 24, 2021. The current COVID-19 surge in the United States will steadily accelerate through this summer and fall, an article published by the U.S. non-profit media organization National Public Radio (NPR) has said. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

The US has recently enhanced its efforts to manipulate the origin tracing of COVID-19 via political means. It seemingly cares about the origin tracing work, but actually has done nothing conducive to it or global solidarity.

Some US government officials, when using origin tracing to stigmatize China, even shamelessly employed the words such as responsibility and saving lives. Compared with China, which has achieved major strategic results in the fight against the virus within such a short period of time, the US, enjoying the worlds most developed and maturest medical technologies, not only failed to control the pandemic at home and caused nearly 35 million infections and 610,000 deaths, but also made the virus flow outbound. When did such a US show its responsibility and genuinely care about lives?

The US failed to put the pandemic under control at home, and didnt take effective border control measures, which further exacerbated the global spread of the virus. The US, arrogantly neglecting science, has seriously threatened the lives and health of the people of other countries.

According to the National Travel and Tourism Office of the US, over 23.19 million US citizens went abroad via air and land ports between April 2020 and March 2021. The period from November 2020 to January 2021 is the peak of the epidemic in the United States, with an average of 186,000 newly diagnosed cases per day. During the same period, the average number of U.S. citizens going abroad was 87,000, reaching a peak..

A May 2020 report by Tel Aviv University in Israel indicated that nearly 70 percent of the strains of the confirmed cases in the country came from the US, and a South Korean media organization also reported on Feb. 25 this year that 35 percent of the 7,000 imported COVID-19 cases in South Korea were from the US.

According to New Zealand media, 182 COVID-19 cases were imported from the US between February 2020 and January 2021. Australian Government Department of Health said in May last year that among the 6,000 confirmed cases in the country, 14 percent came from the U.S.

Turning a deaf ear to the opposition from the international society and putting aside international justice, the US repatriated massive illegal immigrants, which made the pandemic situation in Latin American countries even worse.

CNN, citing US Department of Homeland Security, said a total of 160,000 illegal immigrants were repatriated by the US between March and September 2020. Another American media outlet also reported that many illegal immigrants from Central America lived in poor conditions at American shelters, and they were not quarantined or tested for the virus before being sent back home. As a result, infections were found among those repatriated to Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico and Haiti. Guatemalas minister of health said in April last year that 50 percent to 75 percent of the repatriated from the US contracted the coronavirus, accounting for 19 percent of the total infections in the country. According to the minister, 71 were tested positive on a flight carrying 76 repatriated Guatemalans from the US on April 13.

On April 8, 2020, a joint statement was released by more than 60 organizations to condemn the US repatriating illegal immigrants amid global travel restrictions and strict control measures. The New York Times said in a comment that the US was consciously spreading the pandemic beyond its borders by continuing to deport thousands of immigrants, many infected with the coronavirus, to poor countries ill equipped to cope with the disease.

US personnel overseas attached little importance on the health of local communities and disrespected local quarantine regulations, which made the virus spread faster. In early July 2020, governor of Japans Okinawa Prefecture confirmed on a press conference that tens of American military personnel at a US military base in the prefecture were infected with COVID-19, but the US side refused to take quarantine measures and allowed batches of soldiers to leave the base. On May 31, 2021, a large number of US military personnel on vacation in South Korea went out of a military base and gathered at the Haeundae beach, Busan. They refused to wear masks, which triggered strong dissatisfaction among local residents.

Facts have proved that the US is the largest stumbling block for the global anti-pandemic progress. Its irresponsible policies are just poisoning the world, especially the developing countries.

At present, Washington is on one hand politicizing the scientific issue of origin tracing, and on the other hand pretending to be responsible, trying to deceive the international society for ulterior political motives with its hypocrisy.

Actions speak louder than words, and the real sense of responsibility is only embodied by concrete actions. According to the latest statistics released by the US itself, nearly 120,000 new infections were reported on July 23, the highest in the recent five months.

Before it really works on pandemic control at home, abandons egoism in the fight against the virus and responds to the questions of the international society with transparency, the US is disqualified at all to mention words like responsibility and saving lives.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by Peoples Daily to express its views on Chinas foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Confident Li pockets China's 2nd weightlifting gold at Tokyo 2020

Xinhua) 10:21, July 26, 2021

Li Fabin poses with his gold medal after the men's 61kg weightlifting event at Tokyo 2020 on July 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)

TOKYO, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Li Fabin continued Chinese weightlifters' good form at Tokyo 2020 by snatching the delegation's second gold medal in the sport with his men's 61kg victory here on Sunday.

Li also set new Olympic records of 172kg in the clean and jerk, and 313kg in total.

Prior to Li, Hou Zhihui had triumphed in the women's 49kg category on Saturday.

Indonesia's Eko Yuli Irawan bagged silver with 302kg, and the bronze medal went to Igor Son of Kazakhstan at 294kg.

Both declaring 137kg to start their quest for gold, Li and Irawan put on a fierce duel as expected. Li is the current world record holder in both the snatch (145kg) and total (318kg), while Irawan keeps the clean and jerk world record (174kg).

Li Fabin lifted 11kg more than his nearest competitor on his way to gold in the men's 61kg weightlifting event. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)

Li, the current world champion, managed to lift 137kg in his second attempt, before improving it to 141kg in his third.

Li admitted that he felt great pressure on his first attempt, but the event went more easily than he expected from there.

"Normally when you overrate your opponents a little bit, it becomes easier for you," he said.

Irawan succeeded in a 137kg first attempt, but faltered on 141kg in his next two lifts, giving Li a 4kg lead before the clean and jerk.

After successfully lifting 166kg and 172kg, Li aimed at the new world record by calling 178kg in his third attempt, but failed to clear it.

"I did not feel stress in particular," Irawan said of his contest with Li. "During the pandemic it was hard, but it has gone quite well. We wanted to [minimise] our frustration, so we aimed for silver first, and now we can aim for gold, although it will be quite hard."

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Ancient Chinese ceramics in Philippine museum witnesses Quanzhou's glory along Maritime Silk Road

Xinhua) 10:30, July 26, 2021

Visitors view ancient Chinese ceramics at the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology in Manila, the Philippines, July 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

MANILA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Bobby Orillaneda, a senior researcher of the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology, fell in love with ancient Chinese ceramics in 1999 when he joined a shipwreck excavation in Palawan, an archipelagic province in the Southeast Asian country.

As a ceramic researcher and head of the museum's maritime and underwater heritage division, Orillaneda said China's ceramics collections of the museum date back to nearly 1,000 years ago or the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties.

The ancient Chinese ceramics, most of which were found in the Philippines either inland sites or in shipwreck sites, are "very good evidence of the thriving maritime trade between China and the rest of the world, including the Philippines," he told Xinhua in an interview.

"Most of the collections here are from the port of Quanzhou since the 13th century, when there was increased maritime traffic among China, the Philippines, and the rest of the Southeast Asian region. Ceramics from different areas of China would be carried to Quanzhou first and then shipped towards different destinations such as here in the Philippines," Orillaneda said.

Over the past years, Orillaneda has visited many cities in China to arrange cultural artifacts exhibitions. Among those cities, Quanzhou, located in China's Fujian province as the crucial starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, impressed him the most.

Dating back to China's Song Dynasty (960-1297) and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Quanzhou witnessed a prospering maritime trade and economy, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and the rest of the world.

On Sunday, Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site, bringing the total number of China's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56.

Starting from Quanzhou, silk, porcelain, and tea were ferried out of China, while spices, exotic plants, and other rare treasures were shipped back.

Shipwrecks excavated in Quanzhou Bay and the South China Sea also testify to the prosperity and vibrancy of the port, such as the wreck of a sailing ship with a wooden hull unearthed in Houzhu Harbor in Quanzhou Bay.

This three-masted ocean-going commercial vessel seems to have been originally built in Quanzhou in the 13th century, and at the time of the wreck, it was returning from Southeast Asia loaded with spices, medicines, and other merchandise.

Deeply engrossed in the study of ancient Chinese ceramics, Orillaneda said that out of all the collections in the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology, his favorite one is a blue and white porcelain bowl made during the Yuan Dynasty.

"It is recovered from a late 15th-century shipwreck here in Palawan, but this one is quite different because it is made during the Yuan Dynasty, which is about 100 years earlier than the shipwreck," Orillaneda said.

"During the Yuan Dynasty, the blue and whites are of very high quality. The cobalt was taken from Central Asia and imported to China and used during the first batch of the blue and whites. Therefore, the exquisite craftsmanship and the colors are very vibrant. The design inside the bowl shows mythical animals like phoenix and kylin, which are important symbols in Chinese mythology."

Orillaneda's mentor, Rita Tan, the former president of the Oriental Ceramic Society of the Philippines, also dedicated her life to studying ancient Chinese ceramics.

Born in 1939, Tan has been the curator of a series of exhibitions on overseas ancient Chinese ceramics, particularly those fabricated in Fujian province before being shipped out from Quanzhou and finally discovered in the Philippines.

She attributed the discovery of Song-Yuan ceramics in the Philippines to Chinese government policy incentives of those dynasties and the Philippines' strategic location along the Maritime Silk Road due to its proximity to China's coastal areas. Tan believes that these cultural relics are "the most concrete evidence of history."

"Song Dynasty is the 'golden era' of Chinese ceramics, which witnessed the blooming of kilns in Southeast China. Moreover, the opening-up policy and emphasis on foreign trade of those dynasties boosted the export of Chinese ceramics," Tan said.

"Geographically close, the Philippines is a must-pass between China and the rest of the Southeast Asian region, and even Western Asia," Tan added.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese vaccines boost global anti-pandemic fight

10:30, July 26, 2021 By Zheng Yi ( People's Daily Online

Workers unload a container of China's Sinopharm inactivated coronavirus vaccines at the Belgrade Airport, Serbia, Jan. 16, 2021. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)

When Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was addressing the media on Serbias COVID-19 situation on July 8, 2021, he explained the reason why he asked China for help when his country was facing a crisis brought by the epidemic at the beginning of 2020 ---- If it werent for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans advice toturn to China for help, he would have kept being afraid of the end of the summer because of the situation.

By June 23 this year, Serbia had received 4 million doses of Chinese vaccines. Other kinds of help offered in addition to vaccines, according to the Serbian government, also included 58 planes that brought China-donated equipment, advice from the best Chinese experts and doctors, who helped Serbia combat COVID-19 and technical equipment for Serbian hospitals, doctors, and nurses, based on the latest statistics by June 1, 2021.

Serbia is not the only country that has received COVID-19 vaccine support from China. The Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea (PNG) said China had donated and sold a total of 1.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to PNG by July 11, 2021 according to official figures. On the same day, Sri Lanka also received 2 million Chinese Sinopharm vaccines, bringing the total number of Chinese vaccines in Sri Lanka to 7.1 million.

As of July 9, 2021, China has provided more than 100 countries and international organizations with 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and concentrates across all five continents, making it the country that has provided the most vaccines globally. According to Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 100 countries have approved the use of Chinese vaccines, whose safety and effectiveness have been widely recognized.

"I chose Sinopharm because of its strength and minimal side effects. It was also the only one of the two vaccines available at the start of the vaccination campaign," Meke Inotila Fanuel from Namibia was quoted as saying on Xinhua, after he was inoculated with the China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said earlier this year at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 that China will honor its commitment of making vaccines a global public good. In fact, the first-ever batch of COVID-19 vaccines that many developing countries have received are China-made. Despite limited production capacity and enormous demand at home, China has kept its word by providing other countries with anti-epidemic support, including self-produced vaccines, PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment), surgical masks, gloves and so on. To underdeveloped or developing countries that do not yet have enough capacity to control the pandemic nationwide on their own, Chinas vaccines are nothing less than a silver lining that has arrived just in time.

"China has offered vaccines to different countries, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said in an interview with Xinhua, The countries that accepted the offer have shown all the others that it is not an issue of geopolitics, but humanity."

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Du Mingming)
Inspection points temporarily set up at highways around Nanjing for epidemic prevention

Xinhua) 10:32, July 26, 2021

An announcement of epidemic prevention and control is seen at Xishanqiao Toll Station on an expressway in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, July 25, 2021. Starting from 7 a.m. Sunday local time, a total of 68 inspection points were temporarily set up at highways on the city border around Nanjing. The municipal government has urged residents not to leave the city unless necessary. By Saturday, the number of locally transmitted confirmed cases in the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Nanjing had risen to 37, with another 20 asymptomatic cases, according to the Nanjing municipal health commission. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Over 3 mln people get at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot in Hong Kong

Xinhua) 10:47, July 26, 2021

A staff member checks tags on vials of COVID-19 vaccine at a packing line of Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd. in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

HONG KONG, July 25 (Xinhua) -- More than 3 million people in Hong Kong have taken at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccines, accounting for 44.2 percent of the eligible population.

Hong Kong's vaccine rollout started on Feb. 26 and some 2.21 million people have been fully vaccinated, official data showed.

Secretary for Food and Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government Sophia Chan said it is encouraging that residents are actively getting the vaccines and urged more people, in particular the aged, to participate in the vaccination program.

Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) on Sunday reported three new imported cases of COVID-19, taking the total tally in Hong Kong to 11,978.

According to the CHP, a total of 25 cases have been reported in the past 14 days, including 24 imported cases and one import-related case.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Fauci praises "qualified, highly respected Chinese scientists"

Xinhua) 11:20, July 26, 2021

Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during a hearing of Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee titled "The Path Forward: A Federal Perspective on the COVID-19 Response" in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 20, 2021. (J. Scott Applewhite/Pool via Xinhua)

Talking about the research Chinese scientists have conducted in an interview on Fox News, Fauci said "it was research that was highly recommended by peer review, our United States peer reviews. It got a very high score in the peer review system."

WASHINGTON, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Top U.S. infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci recently defended coronavirus research done by "qualified, highly respected Chinese scientists," saying "those scientists were very well-respected in the scientific community internationally."

Talking about the research Chinese scientists have conducted in an interview on Fox News, Fauci said "it was research that was highly recommended by peer review, our United States peer reviews. It got a very high score in the peer review system."

"The purpose of the research was very, very clear. It was to try to determine what was out there in the bat population that might be ultimately risky for us," said the infectious disease expert, noting that "it was research that was done by qualified people."

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Fauci, top Wuhan scientist cite same study to dismiss lab leak theory: media

Xinhua) 11:23, July 26, 2021

Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during a hearing of Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee titled "The Path Forward: A Federal Perspective on the COVID-19 Response" in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 20, 2021. (J. Scott Applewhite/Pool via Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, July 25 (Xinhua) -- White House Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci has repeatedly cited a scientific paper that largely dismissed the possibility that the coronavirus escaped from a lab, U.S. media reported.

The weekly magazine Washington Examiner reported on Friday that in an interview with CNN last weekend, the top U.S. infectious disease expert "repeatedly cited a scientific paper from July that argued in favor of zoonosis and largely dismissed the lab leak hypothesis."

The paper titled "The Origins of SARS-CoV-2: A Critical Review" was also cited by a top scientist from China's Wuhan Institute of Virology when arguing in favor of a natural origin for COVID-19 and against the lab leak hypothesis, the report said.

In the paper, a group of 20 internationally renowned virologists and evolutionary biologists from all over the world have noted that theories about a lab leak are almost all based on coincidence, not hard evidence.

"I mean ... although we keep an open mind that it's possible that it could be, as they say, a lab leak, that the most likely explanation is a natural evolution from an animal reservoir to a human," Fauci said in the interview.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China urges U.S. to address its own human rights issues first: Chinese Vice FM

Xinhua) 13:09, July 26, 2021

TIANJIN, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The United States is in no position to lecture China on democracy and human rights, said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, urging the United States to address its own human rights issues first.

Xie made the remarks on Monday during talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who is on a visit to north China's port city of Tianjin from July 25 to 26.

Xie pointed out that historically, the United States engaged in genocide against Native Americans. Presently, the United States has lost 620,000 lives because of its halting response to COVID-19. Internationally, the frequent U.S. military action and the wars caused by the United States lying about the facts have brought undue catastrophe to the world. "How can the United States portray itself as the world's spokesperson for democracy and human rights?"

Xie said that the U.S. side is in no position to lecture China on democracy and human rights. Without the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, an effective political system and a development path suited to China's circumstances, or if people on the street in China were all denied democracy, freedoms and human rights, how could it be possible for the Chinese people to ever generate such immense creativity and productivity? Without those, how could a super-sized country like China with over a billion people ever achieve the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and sustained social stability? And how could it be possible for the Chinese nation to make the great transformation from standing up to growing rich, and to becoming strong within just 100 years?

Western surveys have shown that over 90 percent of Chinese are satisfied with the government, which is quite remarkable for any country in the world, Xie added.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China urges U.S. to change misguided mindset

Xinhua) 13:10, July 26, 2021

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng (3rd R) holds talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman (3rd L) in north China's Tianjin on July 26, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

TIANJIN, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The China-U.S. relationship is in a stalemate, fundamentally because some Americans portray China as an "imagined enemy," said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, urging the United States to change its highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy.

Xie made the remarks on Monday during talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who is on a visit to north China's port city of Tianjin from July 25 to 26.

For quite some time, when talking about conflict with China and challenges facing the United States, the "Pearl Harbor moment" and the "Sputnik moment" have been brought up by some Americans, Xie said.

Some international scholars, including some U.S. academics, perceive this as comparing China to Japan in the Second World War and the Soviet Union in the Cold War. It seems as if by making China an "imagined enemy," a national sense of purpose would be reignited in the United States. The hope may be that by demonizing China, the United States could somehow shift domestic public discontent over political, economic and social issues and blame China for its own structural problems, he said.

It seems that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down. It is as if when China's development is contained, all U.S. domestic and external challenges would go away, and America would become great again and Pax Americana would continue to go on, Xie said.

BILATERAL TIES

In terms of the United States' "competitive, collaborative and adversarial" rhetoric, Xie said this is a thinly veiled attempt to contain and suppress China.

The Chinese people feel that the real emphasis is on the adversarial aspect, the collaborative aspect is just expediency, and the competitive aspect is a narrative trap, he said.

The U.S. policy seems to be demanding cooperation when it wants something from China; decoupling, cutting off supplies, blockading or sanctioning China when it believes it has an advantage; and resorting to conflict and confrontation at all costs, he added.

"It seems that the United States only thinks about addressing its own concerns, getting the results it wants and advancing its own interests. Do bad things and get good results. How is that even possible?" Xie said.

What the world needs most is solidarity and cooperation, for humanity are passengers in the same boat, according to Xie.

"The Chinese people cherish peace," said Xie, adding that what China hopes to build is a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, equality, justice and win-win cooperation, and a community with a shared future for mankind.

"China wants to work with the United States to seek common ground while shelving the differences," he said.

The U.S. side needs to change course and work with China on the basis of mutual respect and embrace fair competition and peaceful coexistence with China.

"After all, a healthy and stable China-U.S. relationship serves the interests of both sides. And the world expects nothing less from the two sides," he added.

The U.S. side's so-called "rules-based international order" is designed to benefit itself at others' expense, hold other countries back and introduce "the law of the jungle," Xie said.

This is an effort by the United States and a few other Western countries to frame their own rules as international rules and impose them on other countries.

The United States has abandoned the universally-recognized international law and order and damaged the international system it has helped to build, he said. "It is trying to replace it with a so-called 'rules-based international order.'"

"The purpose is to resort to the tactic of changing the rules to make life easy for itself and hard for others, and to introduce 'the law of the jungle' where might is right and the big bully the small," Xie added.

COERCIVE DIPLOMACY

The United States is the "inventor and patent and intellectual property owner" of coercive diplomacy, Xie said.

The Chinese believe that one must not do to others what one does not like to be done to himself. The desire to seek hegemony or territorial expansion is simply not in the Chinese DNA, according to Xie.

"China has never coerced any country," he said, adding that China responds to foreign interference with legitimate and lawful countermeasures, and the aim is to defend the legitimate rights and interests of the country and uphold international equity and justice.

China has never gone to others' doorsteps to provoke trouble. Neither has China ever stretched its arm into the households of others, still less has China ever occupied any inch of other countries' territory, he said.

"It is the United States who has engaged in broad unilateral sanctions, long-arm jurisdiction and interference in other countries' internal affairs," he said.

The U.S. notion of "engaging other countries from a position of strength" is just another version of the big bullying the small and "might is right." This is pure coercive diplomacy, he added.

COOPERATION BASED ON MUTUAL TRUST

Cooperation between China and the United States should be based on mutual trust and mutual benefit with a sense of sincerity, Xie stressed.

"The United States cannot expect China to cooperate unconditionally on hotspot issues while suppressing China at the same time," he said.

Xie expounded China's position on COVID-19 origin-tracing, cyber security, as well as issues relating to Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.

Sherman said the United States does not seek to contain China's development, and reiterated adhering to the one-China policy and the stance of not supporting "Taiwan independence".

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the United States and China bear major responsibilities for safeguarding peace and security of the world, Sherman said.

Both sides agreed that the talk between Xie and Sherman, which lasted over four hours, was candid and in-depth, and pledged to continue such frank communication.

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(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
U.S. slandering China over COVID-19 origin tracing "not new," says Bangladeshi analyst

Xinhua) 13:21, July 26, 2021

DHAKA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. attacking China over COVID-19 origin tracing is a manifestation of its habit of blaming others for harmful actions it itself is guilty of, a leading Bangladeshi foreign affairs analyst has said recently.

"This is not new and the U.S. is in the habit of blaming other countries for various reasons, while it itself is guilty of similar offences," Munshi Faiz Ahmad, former chairman of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, told Xinhua in an interview.

China's recent call on the international community to urge the United States to assist the transparent investigation of the origin of the coronavirus demonstrates China's "goodwill and positive intentions," he said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said last month the United States is in no position to blackmail or coerce China, nor does it have the right to represent the international community to attack and slander China over the coronavirus origin tracing.

Zhao also called on the international community to jointly urge the United States to provide support in the investigation and provide transparent data and channels.

"I think his remarks are quite apt," said Ahmad, also a former Bangladeshi ambassador to China.

The United States grabbed as many vaccines as possible without regard for its inoculation capacity, its actual needs or the needs of other countries, Ahmad added.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Emergency rescue, disaster relief underway in Henan

Xinhua) 14:34, July 26, 2021

Residents rest at a temporary flood-relief relocation site at Xinxiang No. 2 Middle School in Xinxiang City, central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2021. China has shored up efforts in emergency rescue and disaster relief in the central province of Henan, where record rainstorms wreaked havoc. A total of 538 stranded residents from three villages near Xinxiang have been relocated to Xinxiang No. 2 Middle School. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
34 contestants enter semi-finals of 2021 "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" international competition

People's Daily Online) 14:59, July 26, 2021

After rounds of fierce competition, 34 contestants have moved onto the semi-finals of the 2021 "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" international contest, hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and organized by People's Daily Online.

Since it kicked off in May, the contest, themed on the Chinese character "Ren", which represents benevolence and the unity of all things under heaven, a fundamental value long cherished in Chinese culture, has seen the participation of nearly 3,000 contestants from 50 countries around the globe.

34 winners who stood out in answering questions and providing videos in the preliminary rounds were selected by the contest organizing committee to enter the semi-finals. They are from Russia, the U.S., Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, India, Syria, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Argentina, Nigeria and others.

In the semi-finals, the contestants will produce three-minute videos to share their stories with China and Chinese characters. Ten winners will move into the final round after completion of online voting and scoring by the judges.

We hereby invite you to vote for your favourite contestants. Lets experience the profoundness of Chinese culture and the glamour of Chinese characters.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
BRI responds to Latin America's economic needs: scholar

Xinhua) 15:09, July 26, 2021

WASHINGTON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) responds to Latin America's current economic needs, said a professor at Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University.

Jorge Heine, also former Chilean ambassador to China, said in a research paper published last week that the BRI meets Latin America's needs "at a time when the region is undergoing its worst crisis in more than a century, and seems on the verge of a second 'lost decade' in forty years."

"This is a very different view from the neoliberal paradigm that has dominated the discussion on economic development in Latin America," said Heine.

He said, on the other hand, the approach embodied by the BRI "puts at its center the leveraging of infrastructure and connectivity, both physical and digital, as a way of triggering economic growth," which is in line with the development priorities of Latin America.

"Washington's policy on Latin American infrastructure is thus both short-sighted and counterproductive," Heine said, adding that "current U.S. policy on the subject, aimed at excluding the participation of Chinese companies from building Latin American infrastructure, has it exactly backwards."

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
The Nato: probably THE strap of recent years: simple, inexpensive, fun, and historic, it ticks all the boxes. It first appeared in the 1970s. Seeking a simple, inexpensive, sturdy strap, the British Ministry of Defence opened a call for tender for a G10 model  commonly known as the Nato  largely based on the 1945 A.F. 0210.



To date the rebirth of the Nato, we need to dip into the world of Rolex vintage fans. In the late 2000s, the collectors world was smitten with Rolexmania; everybody wanted a vintage Submariner, but some of them no longer had their original strap. Collectors recalled seeing Goldfinger on TV, with Sean Connery wearing his Submariner on what they thought was a colourful Nato strap. Suddenly, everybody wanted one. Craftsmen brough the Nato strap back to life, in thousands of different combinations of colours and materials. It was only later that it all turned out to be a mistake: the Bond movie came out in 1964; the Nato strap did not appear until 1973. Rather than Nato strap, 007 was wearing a humble nylon one.

Superocean Heritage 57 Limited Edition  Glashutte

People turned out to prefer the myth to the reality, though: the Nato strap appeared on peoples wrists everywhere. In 2014, Omega gave the Nato the ultimate accolade, fitting its Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary watch with an olive-coloured NATO strap  a first for a major brand.

Bracelets NATO Outerknown en fil ECONYL de Breitling  Glashutte

The woven strap: the strap Bond was wearing was indeed a simple, woven one. And in 2012, Tudor launched the now legendary Black Bay, a diving watch that drew inspiration from the brands illustrious aquatic history. The timepiece came with two straps, one of which was a new woven model featuring steel loops. It was an immediate success; woven by French craftsmen, the model became firmly established in Tudors collections.

Tudors traditional fabric strap manufacture  Tudor

The MN (short for Marine Nationale): how did French combat divers wear their Tudors? On parachute straps, fed through the pins on their Submariners. In 2017, Erika  of Erikas Originals fame  took up the theme and made an MN for her husband, who was also a collector. One of her straps even featured in a photo taken in the International Space Station (ISS) in 2018. More recently, Bell & Ross has been offering some of its vintage models on MNs.

Seamaster Diver 300m Edition 007  Omega

The Komfit: 2019 was the 50th anniversary year of the first moon landing; for many, the commemoration was exemplified by Omega and its Speedy. But let us not forget the Komfit strap by Forstner and JB Champion. Despite astronauts complaints that the quality was mediocre, and its rather weird appearance, it was chosen by NASA for its chronographs. Why choose a strap notorious for being fragile? For safetys sake: if the watch were to get stuck during a manoeuvre, the Komfit was easy to break.

Royal Oak Extra- Thin  Tudor

Bonklip: a few months ago, Joseph Bonnie, a small French firm, relaunched a metal bracelet. Despite its very Seventies-sounding name, the Bonklip actually dates back to 1920. Many see it as one of the first steel watch bracelets, used by prestigious brands such as Rolex.

bracelet clasp adjustment system  Rolex

The integrated bracelet: first invented by Rolex, watches with integrated bracelets (ones that cant be swapped out) gained classic status with the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, and have become stars in recent years. These watches, produced by great designers such as Gerald Genta, first came out in the 1970s. After quite some years in the wilderness, by 2020 they had achieved Holy Grail status. Every collector dreamed of slipping one on their wrist. Their role in this story is unique: they forge a link between the watch and what had previously been an interchangeable accessory. With them, the bracelet IS the watch, and vice versa.

SUB 200T Graph Professional  Doxa

More could be said: about mesh, reinterpreted by Omega for its new 2020 Seamaster Bond; Breitlings very Eighties Roller bracelet, relaunched a few months ago; the Tropic; the Isofrane, fitted on the first Omega Ploprofs; and Doxas Beads of Rice bracelet. All of these have come back into fashion in recent years. And for the first time, they are available everywhere simultaneously. Supplying an exhaustive list would be, well, exhausting. Our brief journey through the wonderful world of straps /bracelets is drawing to a close. But we still have time for one last anecdote  and some unexpected recognition.



In the late 1970s, Swiss watchmaking was in crisis. Hope  and survival  took the form of a little plastic watch with an integrated strap made from the same material: a Simple Watch, now known as the Swatch. And in 2014, Apple launched a watch that turned the entire watchmaking industry upside down: the Apple Watch. By 2020, it had become the worlds best-selling timepiece. Naturally, Apple achieved this feat by dint of technology. But not just technology  its success is also due in part to the interchangeable wristbands, made from steel, fabric, or leather. Getting noticed in Cupertino is quite a feat. Many have dreamed of doing so. Straps and bracelets have actually managed it.

*On the occasion of GMT Magazine and WorldTempus' 20th anniversary, we have embarked on the ambitious project of summarising the last 20 years in watchmaking in The Millennium Watch Book, a big, beautifully laid out coffee table book. This article is an extract. The Millennium Watch Book is available on www.the-watch-book.com, in French and English, with a 10% discount if you use the following code: WT2021.

Order now
Typhoon In-Fa, the sixth this year, made landfall in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, at around 12:30 pm on Sunday, with maximum wind speed reaching 136.8 kilometers per hour. Moving northwest with gusting winds and heavy downpours, it was expected to make a second landfall between Jiaxing in northern Zhejiang and Shanghai between Sunday evening and early Monday morning, according to the China Meteorological Administration. Zhejiang had upgraded its emergency response to Level I, the highest level, starting at noon on Saturday, the provincial emergency management department said. The Zhejiang emergency management department called for immediate flood prevention measures, saying that school classes, production work, markets and road traffic were to be suspended when necessary. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport canceled all flights in and out of Hangzhou on Sunday, with more expected to be canceled on Monday. Local traffic authorities also closed off or imposed traffic flow restrictions on all expressways in Zhejiang. Over 1.1 million residents in the province had been relocated to safer places by Saturday night, according to Zhejiang Daily. "I've never seen such heavy rains in my life," 70-year-old villager Qiu Achun said on Sunday afternoon as she was being relocated to higher land by local firefighters in Keqiao district of Shaoxing, Zhejiang. Shaoxing, in the northern part of the province, was forecast to receive the heaviest rain in Zhejiang, with torrential rains forecast for the next several days. The typhoon had previously been forecast to make landfall in Taizhou, to the south of Zhoushan. In explaining why Typhoon In-Fa had swirled farther north than expected, Zhang Yan, deputy director of the Zhejiang Meteorological Station, said the storm was unbalanced and, due to the mutual rotational effect of it and Typhoon Nepartak, which was forming on its tail, the two typhoons were "comparatively weak". "All these factors have contributed to the northward adjustments to the actual route of In-Fa," she said. In neighboring Shanghai, the municipal railway authority announced on Sunday that all trains bound for Shanghai from Beijing South Railway Station were suspended starting at 1:30 pm. All high-speed trains bound for Shanghai from all directions had been suspended beginning at 7 pm on Sunday. All passenger flights at Shanghai's two airports were canceled on Sunday, a rare move in typhoon control, according to the Shanghai Airport Authority. In addition, the municipality's subway operator announced that all sections of line running above ground and on elevated tracks had been suspended since Sunday afternoon to ensure safety. Also since Sunday afternoon, service of all buses crossing bridges over the Huangpu River had been suspended. Large passenger buses and large trucks had been banned from taking the Shanghai Yangtze River Bridge connecting Chongming Island with downtown Shanghai. Shanghai continued its second-highest level of typhoon warning and third-highest level of rainstorm warning on Sunday night. The city's meteorological authority said that the core convection zone, the area surrounding the eye of the storm, was expected to reach Shanghai on Sunday night, with rainstorms and high winds possibly continuing until Tuesday.


Chinese authorities on Sunday issued a red alert for possible mountain torrents in parts of the country.

From 8 pm Sunday to 8 pm Monday, eastern and northwestern parts of Zhejiang province will be highly prone to mountain torrent disasters, according to the red alert jointly issued by the Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration.

Southeastern parts of Anhui province are also likely to receive mountain torrents during the period, said the authorities in an orange alert.

The agencies advised local authorities to strengthen real-time monitoring and flood warnings amid measures to brace for evacuation.

Mountain torrents are caused by heavy rain, which is frequent in summer.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.




Li Hongta reads newspaper at home, on June 12, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua] Li Hongta followed in the footsteps of his well-known relatives As head of the Civil Affairs Department of Anhui Province, Li Hongta rode his bicycle to work most of the time, although he had the option of using a government-issued vehicle due to his ranking. His name may sound strange to some Chinese people. His grandfather, however, is a widely known figure not only in China, but also around the world. He is grandson of Li Dazhao, one of the founders of the Communist Party of China. Born in 1889, Li Dazhao was also one of the leaders of the 1919 May Fourth Movement, a patriotic campaign against imperialism and feudalism. In March 1920, Li Dazhao and Chen Duxiu, another CPC co-founder, launched Marxism theory research institutes in Beijing and Shanghai. The institutes gradually established contact with thinkers in other regions and began planning the Party's founding. Li Dazhao was executed after being captured by a warlord in 1927. As the Party celebrates its 100th anniversary, Li Hongta was one of the laureates of the July 1 Medal, the highest honor of the Party conferred to outstanding CPC members. But he won the medal not because of his grandfather. He got it for his exemplary role as an outstanding Party member. Li Hongta was born in 1949, long after his grandfather was killed. However, he inherited the ideals of the Party co-founder to be frugal and stay committed to the wellbeing of the Chinese people. Li Baohua, Li Hongta's father, was also a prominent figure. Li Baohua, whose given name is a homophone of "protect China" in Mandarin, headed Anhui's CPC provincial committee before he was promoted to governor of the People's Bank of China in 1978. Despite his father's success, Li Hongta didn't lead a privileged life. Just 19 days after Li Hongta was born, he was sent to a nursery. He only went back to his parents after he was 6 years old. When he was 16, he joined the People's Liberation Army, and later became a worker at a chemical plant in Hefei, Anhui's capital, in 1969. A reporter with Guangzhou Daily, a newspaper in the capital of Guangdong province, once asked Li Hongta if his background had ever helped him in his official career. "No, my family would never even think about helping me get promoted," he answered, as seen in an online transcript of the newspaper's interview with him in 2015. 1 2
Many politicians in the European Union, of which Hungary is a member, fiercely opposed the legislation. The Executive Commission of the 27-nation bloc launched two separate legal proceedings against Hungary's government last week over what it called infringements on LGBT rights.

Hungary's government says its policies seek to protect children. But critics of the legislation compare it to Russia's gay propaganda law of 2013, and say it conflates homosexuality with pedophilia as part of a campaign ploy to mobilize conservative voters ahead of elections next spring.

The march came after a controversial law passed by Hungary's parliament in June prohibited the display of content to minors that depicts homosexuality or gender change. The measures were attached to a bill allowing tougher penalties for pedophiles.

Budapest Pride spokesperson Jojo Majercsik said this year's march is not just a celebration and remembrance of the historical struggles of the LGBT movement but a protest against Orban's current policies targeting gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer people. "A lot of LGBTQ people are afraid and don't feel like they have a place or a future in this country anymore," Majercsik told The Associated Press.

March organizers expected record crowds at the event and called on participants to express their opposition to recent steps by populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government that critics say stigmatize sexual minorities in the Central European country.

Rising anger over the policies of Hungary's right-wing government prompted thousands to fill the streets of the country's capital Saturday to march in support of LGBT rights in the annual Budapest Pride parade.

Saturday's march wound through the center of Budapest and crossed the Danube River on one of the iconic structures connecting the city's two halves -- Liberty Bridge.

Mira Nagy, 16, a Pride attendee and member of Hungary's LGBT community, said this year's Pride march has special meaning. "This year is much more significant, because now there are real stakes," she said. "Our situation is pretty bad My plan is that if things get even worse, I will leave Hungary."

The law also requires that only government-approved civic organizations can provide sexual education in schools and limits the availability of media content and literature to minors that discusses sexual orientation.

Pride marcher Anasztazia Orosz said that would inhibit young people from accessing important information and validation of their own sexual orientation. "It was really difficult for me to come out, and the only thing that made it easier was that I found a book of stories on LGBT topics," Orosz said. "That's how I learned that what I'm feeling is something real, that I'm not different."

 Referendum on Law

On Wednesday, Orban announced the government would hold a national referendum to demonstrate public support for the law. The poll will ask Hungarians whether children should be introduced to topics of sexual orientation in schools, and whether gender reassignment should be promoted or depicted to children.

Majercsik, the Pride spokesperson, said the questions are "openly transphobic and homophobic," and part of a "propaganda campaign" by the government to incite resentment against the LGBT community. "I've heard from a lot of LGBT people that are planning to leave the country, and won't even wait for next year's elections," Majercsik said. "There will be many others for whom the results of the elections will determine whether they stay or leave."

Several members of opposition parties attended the march, including liberal Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, a challenger to Orban in the election next year that is expected to be the closest since Orban's party took power in 2010.

Several small counterdemonstrations were held across central Budapest.

Terry Reintke, an EU lawmaker, kicked off the march with a speech, saying that the eyes of Europe were on Budapest. "We are many, many more than the thousands here today," Reintke said.


The government is tightening lockdown rules across the country from Tuesday as daily infections outside the Seoul metropolitan area surge to over 500.

"Infections outside the capital now account for more than 35 percent of nationwide cases, a clear sign that the pandemic is spreading across the country," President Moon Jae-in said in a meeting at Cheong Wa Dae on Sunday.

Moon at first said new lockdown rules would be implemented from Monday, but the start date was moved to Tuesday at the request of local governments who said they need time to prepare.


Korea has yet to clinch a gold medal in taekwondo, in which the country normally dominates, at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which opened on July 23.

Lee Dae-hoon, one of the most decorated taekwondo athletes of his era, lost to Ulugbek Rashitov of Uzbekistan in the round of 16 in the men's 68-kg event on Sunday. When Rashitov reached the final, Lee went into repechage and got another chance at a medal. But he lost to China's Zhao Chuai 17-15 in the bronze medal match.

The 29-year-old veteran announced his retirement after the loss.
Inmates at North Korea's Sungho-ri concentration camp near Pyongyang are suffering forced labor, violence, torture and hunger, according to a U.S. human rights watchdog.

The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea last week published a report on the issue.

A survivor of the prison camp identified as "i39" testified that the regime gave each inmate a daily ration of only 100 g of corn meal despite the required minimum amount of 200 g and most were dying of malnutrition.

Often rat droppings were found in the gruel. The survivor said that during his three years of imprisonment, "three people died every day in the women's section." The dead bodies were taken to a crematorium, where "like origami, [guards] try to make corpses fit by breaking the bones."

According to the report, male inmates were forced to work in a nearby limestone quarry, coal mine or cement factory. Female inmates were forced to farm or put the eyelashes on dolls for export to China for 13 hours a day. If they failed to fill the daily quota of 12,000 dolls, they were tortured by being forced to kneel on floors that were hot from the heat of the coalmine and suffered burns in less than five minutes.

Meanwhile, the Korea Institute for National Unification, a government-funded think tank in Seoul, published white paper on North Korean human rights based on interviews with 50 North Korean defectors who arrived here recently. It quotes one defector as testifying that anyone caught watching a South Korean film is punished more harshly than those who are caught using crystal meth.

"The number of homeless North Korean children roaming the streets dwindled after a shelter was built in 2015, but their numbers began to jump again in Nampo and Chongjin in 2019 due to international sanctions," it reports.
The over-50s will be given either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, but the country's map is a mess of complicated priorities, and health authorities said they can only inform recipients which type they will be given on a weekly basis.

People aged 55 to 59 get their jabs from Monday and those between 50 and 54 starting on Aug. 16. But there are not enough vaccines to inoculate them all.

The current bottleneck is Moderna's vaccine. The government on Sunday said 84 percent of the 7.34 million people in their 50s who have become eligible for their shots had signed up by the deadline last week.

A worsening supply shortage of coronavirus vaccines has forced the government to delay the second dose for many and has thrown the schedule into further disarray.

Some people who were booked for Moderna vaccines will now be given Pfizer vaccines due to the Moderna shortage. But the recommended interval for Moderna shots is four weeks and for Pfizer three. On Friday, the government abruptly equalized the interval to four weeks for both when it became clear that Moderna vaccines could not deliver on time.

In and of itself, extending the interval does not make the Pfizer vaccine less effective. But it means that some people's second jabs, which had already been automatically booked, will have to be rescheduled.

Moderna vaccines that were to arrive in the third week of July have been delayed until the end of the month at least.

Kim Ki-nam at the Health Ministry said, "If we push forward the second injection of Pfizer vaccines to three weeks, we face the problem of having to reschedule the entire bookings." But he promised that some Pfizer recipients -- schoolchildren and teachers -- will be given their second shot three weeks later as planned.

In the U.K., Pfizer and Moderna injections are given up to eight weeks apart and in Canada up to 16 weeks apart. Chung Jae-hoon of Gachon University's Gil Medical Center said, "It will probably be no problem for people to develop immunity and won't cause any side effects."

But Lee Keun-hwa at Hanyang University said, "Drug companies obtained approval for their vaccines after assessing the optimum interval, so it is difficult to understand arbitrarily changing it just to avoid rescheduling chaos."

The problem is that Korea is already glacially slow in vaccinating its people, and now those in their 40s have to wait even longer as people in their 50s take up the capacity of inoculation centers.

Kim at the ministry said, "Reservations for people aged 18 to 49 will start around mid-August and we intend to issue guidelines this week." In other words, the government has so far no idea how it is to handle the rest of the schedule given the constant supply shortages.

Officials are refusing to say what deliveries are expected when, citing alleged confidentiality clauses in their agreements with drug companies.
German politicians were deeply divided Sunday over a warning by Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff that restrictions for unvaccinated people may be necessary if COVID-19 infection numbers reach new heights in the coming months.

Chief of staff Helge Braun told the newspaper Bild am Sonntag that he doesn't expect another coronavirus-related lockdown in Germany. But Braun said that unvaccinated people may be barred from entering venues like restaurants, movie theaters or sports stadiums "because the residual risk is too high."

Braun said getting vaccinated is important to protect against severe disease and because "vaccinated people will definitely have more freedoms than unvaccinated people." He said such policies would be legal because "the state has the responsibility to protect the health of its citizens."

His comments fueled a debate in German politics about potential vaccination requirements. The issue has proven divisive, even within Merkels own Christian Democrats party. Its candidate to replace Merkel as Germany's leader, Armin Laschet, said he opposes any formal or informal vaccine requirements for the time being.

"I don't believe in compulsory vaccinations and I don't believe we should put indirect pressure on people to get vaccinated," he told the German broadcaster ZDF on Sunday. "In a free country there are rights to freedom, not just for specific groups."

If Germany's vaccination rates remain too low this fall, other options could be considered, Laschet said, adding "but not now."


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We can remember the days when the story of a woman successfully defending herself against a masked, armed attacker was considered good news. Times have apparently changed. At least they have for a certain breed of rabidly anti-gun politician and their civilian disarmament advocate allies.

A recent incident that illustrates how virulent hoplophobia can twist your sense of justice comes from Prince William County, Virginia where a woman stepped out her front door early Thursday morning and was confronted by a masked man with a gun. The un-named victim, however, was armed and she defended herself.

As the PWC Police Department described what happened in a public statement 

The victim, who was also armed at the time, shot the individual as they approached the front door of her residence. Officers arrived at the home and located a man near the doorway of the residence suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers also located a loaded handgun in the man's possession.

Officers performed CPR on the man until rescue personnel arrived. The man was transported to an area hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries. The victim was not injured.

This is what we like to call a Defensive Gun Use of the Day. Yet another example of an armed citizen using a firearm to defend herself or her family. The CDC cites a report that reckons defensive gun uses happen anywhere for 60,000 to 2.5 million times a year, depending on who's doing the counting. .....
Below are the arrests for July 23-25. All listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Chauncey Ali, 52, was arrested on July 23 at 6:59 a.m. at 1126 N. Morrison St. for forgery (level 6 felony), resisting law enforcement (class a misdemeanor), dealing cocaine (level 2 felony), possession of cocaine (level 4 felony), possession of a schedule I, II, III, IV, V drug (class A misdemeanor) and warrant/ Lake County.

Larry Batt, 20, was arrested at 3:06 a.m. at North Main Street and Walnut Street for driving while suspended (class A misdemeanor) and operating while intoxicated (level 6 felony).

Da'Shawn Brown, 21, was arrested on July 23 at 11:45 p.m. at North Apperson Way and East Elm Street for possession of a handgun without a license (class A misdemeanor) and possession of a machine gun without a license (level 5 felony).

Marshon Burch, 18, was arrested on July 23 at 11:31 p.m. at North Apperson Way and East Elm Street for possession of a handgun without a license (class A misdemeanor) and possession of a machine gun without a license (level 5 felony).

Kinley Butler, 21, was arrested on July 23 at 12:33 a.m. at Jefferson Street and Witherspoon Drive for warrant/ Tipton County.

Jamaine Cannon, Jr., 42, was arrested on July 24 at 1:30 a.m at 2966 Heritage Dr. for public intoxication (class B misdemeanor).

Darlene Carman, 55, was arrested on July 23 at 11:28 p.m. at 3020 Crooked Stick Dr. for domestic battery (class A misdemeanor).

Lindsay Carpenter, 36, was arrested on July 25 at 12:51 a.m. at 1916 E. Broadway Street and North Apperson Way for possession of meth (level 6 felony) and possession of paraphernalia (class C misdemeanor).

Ashley Chandler, 29, was arrested on July 23 at 1:15 a.m. at 2008 S. Goyer Road Apt. 15 for domestic battery (class A misdemeanor).

Joseph Childs, 47, was arrested on July 25 at 4:18 a.m. at 615 N. Washington St. for public intoxication (class B misdemeanor).

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Anthony Clark, 46, was arrested on July 24 at 11:50 p.m. at North Purdum Street and Madison Street for warrant/ petition to revoke.

Jose Grifaldo, 44, was arrested on July 23 at 2:07 a.m. at 1702 E. Vaile Ave. for public intoxication (class B misdemeanor).

Donald Helton Jr., 62, was arrested on July 23 at 3:11 a.m. at King Street and Buckeye Street for possession of marijuana (class A misdemeanor), possession of methamphetamine (level 6 felony) and possession of paraphernalia (class A misdemeanor).

Caleb Huffer, 26, was arrested on July 23 at 2:45 p.m. at 2501 N. Apperson Way for warrant/ identify deception.

Tyson King, 35, was arrested on July 23 at 12:00 p.m. at 319 1/2 W Markland for warrant/ petition to revoke.

Keegan Nussbaum, 22, was arrested on July 23 at 8:00 p.m. at Council Ring Boulevard and Council Court for leaving the scene of a crash (class B misdemeanor) and operating while intoxicated (class C misdemeanor).

Brooke Sims, 28, was arrested on July 25 at 1:45 a.m. at 5404 Arrowhead Blvd. for possession of a handgun without a license (class A misdemeanor), leaving the scene of a crash (class B misdemeanor) and operating while intoxicated (level 6 felony).

Michael Valdez 31, was arrested on July 25 at 1:25 p.m. at 5404 Arrowhead Blvd. for invasion of privacy (level 6 felony).

Dalton Vincent, 23, was arrested on July 23 at 4:47 a.m. at 604 Elk Dr. for residential entry (level 6 felony) and invasion of privacy (class A misdemeanor).

Kyle Wetzel, 27, was arrested on July 24 at 4:25 p.m. at 804 W. Park Ave. for possession of marijuana (class B misdemeanor) and driving while suspended (class A misdemeanor).

Jason Whitaker, 45, was arrested on July 23 at 1:03 a.m. at Markland Street and Diamond Street for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more (class A misdemeanor), operating a vehicle while intoxicated-endangerment (class A misdemeanor) and operating a vehicle while intoxicated-prior conviction (level 6 felony).

Darrell Williams, 42, was arrested on July 23 at 12:01 p.m. at 319 1/2 W. Markland for warrant/ FTA.
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Five metropolitan areas across Indiana, including Michigan City-LaPorte, will retain that designation for at least another decade  along with the enhanced federal aid that comes with it  instead of being downgraded to micropolitan communities.

The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently backed off a proposal to set 100,000 as the minimum population needed to be considered a metropolitan area, instead of 50,000 residents.

OMB officials favored the change because the nation's population has doubled since the metropolitan threshold was set in the 1950s, so it made sense to similarly double the minimum population required to qualify as a metropolitan area.

WATCH NOW: Half of eligible Indiana population is fully vaccinated

However, OMB said bipartisan opposition to the proposal, including by U.S. Sens. Todd Young and Mike Braun, both Republicans from Indiana, spurred the agency to decide instead to keep the current 50,000 resident threshold for at least another 10 years.

Young said he's glad OMB reconsidered its plan to double the minimum population requirement for a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) designation.

"The proposed change would have excluded Terre Haute, Columbus, Kokomo, Michigan City-LaPorte, and Muncie from this important designation, making it more difficult for these communities to receive federal resources for housing, transportation, health care and more," Young said.

Braun added, "This would have negatively impacted not only the municipalities themselves, but caused a ripple effect for constituents in the broader region that rely on these cities as economic drivers in their areas of the state."

LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody, a Republican, said he's grateful the Hoosier senators successfully managed to preserve his city's metropolitan designation.

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"If the Office of Management and Budget had implemented the recommendation of the Metropolitan Statistical Review Committee, the Michigan City-LaPorte area would have been negatively impacted by the inability to apply for federal funding," Dermody said.

"As well, the Michigan City-LaPorte area would no longer appear in site selector or company-directed searches using MSAs as a filter or a source of data."

Watch Now: Riding Shotgun with NWI Paramedics

Republican Tyler Moore, the mayor of Kokomo, likewise touted increased prospects for economic growth as a result of his north central Indiana city retaining MSA status.

"Keeping the metropolitan designation at 50,000 will allow Kokomo to continue to compete with other larger metropolitan areas for economic development," Moore said.

"We want to personally thank Senator Braun and Senator Young for their support in opposing that proposed change which will allow the Kokomo area to continue its progress in growth."

Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper counties comprise the Gary Metropolitan Division of the Chicago MSA.

Sens. Braun and Young letter on Indiana MSA designations

Get to know these new Indiana laws enacted in 2021
Press Release

July 26, 2021 Double Whammy for Pandemic-Hit Filipinos: Lacson Details P63B 'Unspent' in Bayanihan 2 More at: https://pinglacson.net/2021/07/26/double-whammy-for-pandemic-hit-filipinos-lacson-details-p63b-unspent-in-bayanihan-2/ No thanks to a P63 billion-plus underspending by the government under Bayanihan 2 - with some P46.397 billion undisbursed and P17.273 billion unobligated - Filipinos whose lives and livelihoods were affected by the pandemic have been hit with a double whammy as much-needed aid did not reach them, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said on Monday. Lacson said he arrived at the details when he researched the matter, after being wrongfully accused by President Rodrigo Duterte over the weekend of saying the government underspent. "We should keep in mind that underspending is determined not by fund releases but by obligations and disbursements. And based on my research, is there underspending? Yes!" Lacson said in an interview on Radyo 5. Obligation is a commitment by a government agency arising from an act of a duly authorized official which binds the government to the immediate or eventual payment of a sum of money. The agency is authorized to incur obligations only in the performance of activities which are in pursuit of its functions and programs authorized in appropriations acts/laws within the limit of the allotment released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Disbursement refers to the settlement/liquidation/payment of an obligation incurred in the current or prior years, involving cash or non-cash transactions and covered by disbursement authorities. "Thus, funds are deemed obligated when the contracts for the projects have been signed. Funds are deemed disbursed when the funds are actually paid to the suppliers," Lacson said. Lacson pointed out the release of the budget by the DBM to the agencies concerned is not a determinant of underspending, because the funds remain with the agencies and not yet to the intended beneficiaries. Instead, he said underspending should be based on obligations and disbursements. "Releasing the funds is a step toward spending but it is not spending itself. Just because the DBM released the funds does not mean the funds are spent. If the implementing agencies that got the funds from the DBM are incompetent, the funds won't reach the beneficiaries," he said. "The bad thing is that Bayanihan 2 already expired last June 30. Those who were denied the funds will no longer get aid unless a new law can be passed," he added. Citing latest data from the DBM, Lacson said that of the P205.117-billion allotment under Bayanihan 2, agencies incurred an obligation of P187.844 billion, or an obligation rate of 91.58 percent. But only P141.447 billion was disbursed, for a disbursement rate of 75.30% and 24.7% has not been disbursed. "This can be considered huge underspending with P46.397 billion undisbursed and P17.273 billion unobligated," Lacson said. Also, Lacson pointed out such underspending of the Bayanihan 2 funds had denied much-needed assistance to many Filipinos whose lives and livelihood were affected by the pandemic. Bayanihan 2 ended last June 30. These include those undergoing the "online learning program" of the Department of Education, as well as public utility vehicle drivers. "If the money was not fully disbursed, the affected Filipinos suffer because they are denied the aid meant for them," Lacson said. "It is a disservice to many, to say the least," he added.
Press Release

July 26, 2021 Pangilinan on SONA: Hunger, food prices went up over the last 5 years AS President Rodrigo Duterte winds down his last year as chief executive and delivers his last State of the Nation Address Monday, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan in an interview responds to media queries about grading the ruling administration's performance. Pangilinan, former secretary of food security, pointed out that food prices have gone up over the last five years, and increased hunger rates as a consequence. He said that in 2015, regular milled rice was P34 a kilo, pork about P190 a kilo, and chicken P120 a kilo while as of June this year 2021, per kilo of regular milled rice averages P38, pork P330, and chicken P160. Pangilinan ascribed the increases in food prices to the government's pro-importation policy. He said this stance did not benefit food producers like farmers and hog-raisers nor consumers. Increases in food prices also caused hunger to double among Filipino families, he said. Citing government data, Pangilinan said that in 2016, hunger rate was around 10.6% affecting about 2.4 million Filipino families. Over the last five years, it slowly inched up and then ballooned in 2020 to 20.9% affecting about 5.2 million Filipino families. "Napaka-basic ang pagkain. Pag wala o kulang ang pagkain, hindi makakatrabaho o makakapag-aral nang maayos dahil kulang sa lakas at sustansya ang katawan," he said. Asked to grade the Duterte administration, Pangilinan compared the Philippines to a ship at sea during a storm. He said the captain and the crew are giving conflicting statements on how to navigate the ship out of the Covid storm. He said the ruling administration has one more year to go to improve its performance, stressing the need to catch up given that the country is faring badly in the handling of the pandemic and its effects. "Kailangan nilang maghabol kasi maraming mga kakulangan lalo na 'nung pumasok na ang Covid at ang daming nawalan ng trabaho, ang daming gutom, hindi nagagastos nang maayos 'yung pondo ng gobyerno at kumpleto, mayroon pa ring matinding pangungurakot -- 'yung Philhealth among others so kailangan niyang maghabol," Pangilinan said. In terms of what he wants to hear from the State of the Nation Address that is set to be delivered in the afternoon during the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Pangilinan said he wants to know how the government plans to overcome the pandemic and its effects given that international monitoring agencies are not so optimistic about the Philippines. Moody's Investors Service pegged the Philippines' economy as the "clear laggard" of Asia because of missteps in handling the Covid-19 and is predicted to return to its pre-pandemic level by late 2022. "I wouldn't give him a grade of fail or pass dahil hindi pa naman siya tapos. Pero maaaring pumasa siya kung aayusin talaga niya, at magkaroon na ng maliwanag na patakaran. And that's what I want to hear later, 'yung paano natin malalagpasan itong Covid, paano natin mapanunumbalik ang ekonomiya, paano matitiyak 'yung vaccine rollout ay talagang sapat na? At itong delta variant, tayo ba ay handa?" Pangilinan asked. Pangilinan highlighted that it's up to Filipino voters to decide if they want another six years of more or less the same kind of governance given that they have the chance to decide on this in the May 2022 elections.
Two direct commercial flights between Tel Aviv and Marrakech, operated by the Israeli carriers El Al and Israir, landed on Sunday in the Marrakech-Menara international Airport.

These two inaugural commercial flights mark the arrival of the first Israeli tourists in the Kingdom.

The flights follow discussions held for several months by the Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) and Israeli tourism professionals.

The Sales and Commercial Vice-Presidents of El Al company were aboard the first Israeli plane to land in Marrakech. They were welcomed by Adel El Fakir, Managing Director of ONMT.

Talks between the two sides highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ONMT and the carrier El Al, setting the framework for the promotion of the Morocco destination in joint marketing.

The flight operated by El Al carried tourism professionals, as well as a dozen of journalists and Israeli influencers, invited by the ONMT. They will stay in Morocco until Thursday July 29.

According to the ONMT, a series of meetings will bring together Moroccan and Israeli professionals in Marrakech and Essaouira, to discuss means of promoting the Morocco destination.

Vice President of Commercial & Industry Affairs of El Al, Dina Ben-Tal (Ganancia), said this first commercial flight between Tel Aviv and Marrakech marks a historic day and creates a bridge between two countries linked by good relations of cooperation.

Recalling that nearly a million Israelis are from Moroccan origin, Ben-Tal stressed that this direct commercial flight will bring more business opportunities and attract more Israeli tourists to the Kingdom.

For his part, Israirs Rami Levy said we have waited with great enthusiasm and emotion for the launch of commercial flights between our two countries.

The same optimism was voiced by Jacky Kadoch, president of the Jewish Community of Marrakech-Safi, who also expressed the joy of the Jewish community for the establishment of a direct air route between Tel Aviv and Marrakech.

El Al will operate three flights per week between Tel Aviv and Marrakech, using Boeing 737-900ER which can accommodate 16 passengers in Business class and 159 in Economy, said the ONMT.

It added, that as of August 10, El Al will also operate three weekly rotations to Casablanca Mohammed V airport.

A third airline, Arkia, will launch flights to Morocco from next September.

With a Moroccan diaspora estimated at 800,000 people, the Israeli market represents a great potential for the Morocco destination, said the ONMT, which specified that currently between 50,000 to 80,000 Israelis visit the Kingdom annually.
Israels Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has appointed Amir Hayek as Israels permanent ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. He becomes Israels first formal ambassador to the Gulf country, replacing Eitan Naeh, the current acting ambassador.

Hayek is chairman of the Israel Hotels Association and has served as president of the Israel Industrial Association and director general of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor.

Yair Lapid explained his decision by stating that Amir Hayek, who has extensive experience and knowledge in the fields of economics and tourism, is the right man to establish the bridge between Israel and the Emirates. After the opening of the Embassy, it is time to appoint the first ambassador to the UAE.

Last June, Israel opened its first embassy in a Gulf country in the United Arab Emirates. Following the inauguration of the mission, Lapid travelled to Abu Dhabi, becoming the first member of the Israeli government to visit the Arab country since the signing of the Abraham Accords. During the inaugural event, Lapid expressed his desire to maintain peace with its neighbors.

The appointment marks the normalization of diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE as a result of the Abraham Accords, a historic pact that normalized relations between the UAE and Israel.

In recent months, Israel and the UAE have entered into a number of agreements in various sectors, with particular relevance in the trade sector. In this regard, the UAE announced the creation of a $10 billion investment fund to finance strategic sectors in Israel.
The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has put plans in motion to modernize Uhuru Park to be used by the city resident during this years Christmas season.

NMS Director-General Mohammed Badi while revealing the plan to renovate the park said the team is currently attending a workshop in Naivasha to deliberate on the project.

We are already starting various projects in green spaces like we see Uhuru Park is soon transforming into a modern recreation center. At the moment we are doing a workshop in Naivasha on that and soon the project will begin, Badi said during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between NMS and UN-Habitat for the Nairobi River regeneration initiative at Michuki Park.

According to Badi, NMS will transform Uhuru Park into a modern recreation center with waterfronts like those in Dubai in six months time.

The purpose of this project is to support NMS in the restoration of the Nairobi river system for a better urban and environmental performance, and prioritization of riverfront development, and green and public space as levers for urban regeneration and economic transformation, Badi said.

The NMS boss noted that the project will provide opportunities for regenerating inner-city neighborhoods such as the wider Eastlands area, supporting local economies, providing alternative connectivity through a network of green among others.

It is for this reason we commend the interactive activities that UN-Habitat has undertaken to engage the youth in taking care of the environment across the city through competitions that have not only nurtured talents but created streams of income he added

For us as UN-habit we are proud to be associated with this project. It is the first of its kind to be implemented under our flagship one of strategy plan 2020-2023 on inclusive vibrant neighborhood and Community, said UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
Dr Hussein Abkallo is a biotechnologist at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). He holds a Ph.D. and MSc in Medical Sciences (Infections Research) from the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan, and a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from Maseno University.

Dr Abkallo is one of the very few African scientists using the powerful Nobel-prize-winning gene-editing technology called CRISPR/Cas9 in accelerating vaccine development on the continent.

The 37-year-old shares his career path with the Sunday Nation.

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Tell us about your childhood and family life.

I was raised in Gafarsa and Merti in Isiolo County. During my early years, other than schooling, herding goats on weekends and during school holidays was the other almost inevitable childhood activity. Besides, we had a small family farm by the riverbank where we grew maize, beans, and vegetables mainly for sustenance.

In those days, we had no access to TV; hence watching cartoons was an impossibility. I didnt even know of the existence of TV sets. It, therefore, didnt feel like I missed anything. Instead, storytelling and solving riddles were some of our favorite evening pastimes.

When we moved to Merti I had to adapt to new ways of life in the new school and environment. The centre where I was schooling had a strict timetable with prescribed activities on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. I still managed to travel back to Gafarsa during the holidays to help my mum with herding goats and other errands.

Educational background.

I started my early schooling at Gafarsa Primary School in the early 1990s. Gafarsa is a remote village about 200 kilometres from Isiolo town. I used to trek five kilometres to school with a hand-made bag strapped on my back, a water container in one hand and firewood in the other. The water and firewood were for the school kitchen, where a meal of maize and beans was the order of the day.

In pre-primary school, we scribbled alphabets on the dusty classroom floor and used sticks for arithmetic in classrooms made of mud and iron sheets. My father worked as a casual labourer in an irrigation scheme in Merti town, 40 kilometres away across the Ewaso Nyiro River. While in Merti, he learnt of a Catholic-run educational centre called Macci Centre Merti. Macci (pronounced as Machi) is a Borana word which loosely translates to comfort. My father transferred me to Macci Primary School in standard three due to its academic excellence and discipline. It was initially a steep learning curve catching up with my new schoolmates.

At the end of my first term in the new school, the term report was not as impressive as it used to be in my former school, where I used to be among the top three pupils in my class. I remember my dad remarking something to the effect, Looks like youre struggling in your new school. You must have been a giant among dwarfs in your former school.

However, I managed to catch up, and by standard five, I was among the top five in my class. The teaching at Macci was excellent; the school had exceptional curricular and extra-curricular facilities and was one of the best in the wider Isiolo district.

I sat for my KCPE in 1997 and emerged the best student with 510 marks out of 700. I then joined Macci Boys Secondary School and sat for KCSE in 2001, where I attained a mean grade of A Minus. I was one of the best students in the Isiolo District. Macci bequeathed me the sense of academic excellence and discipline.

By the time I finished secondary school, the Catholic missionaries running the centre had pulled out due to an unfortunate retrogressive community politics. That effectively meant that academic sponsorships to colleges and universities had to be significantly downscaled.

However, I proceeded to Maseno University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences, where I majored in Medical Biotechnology. Besides the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds, I obtained sponsorships, including from the Safaricom Foundation.

The quiet and lush green campus was a perfect setting for academic focus. After four years of studies in wide-ranging units in biomedical sciences  biochemistry, immunology, epidemiology, virology, biotechnology, to mention but a few  I graduated summa cum laude (first-class honours) in 2007.

After graduating, I spent about two hours daily in cyber cafes surfing the internet for scholarship opportunities to pursue advanced studies in Europe, America, Japan, or Australia. Less than two years later, I proceeded to Japan to pursue MSc and Ph.D. through the Monbukagakusho scholarship.

Monbukagakusho Scholarship is a very competitive and reputable academic scholarship offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). The Japanese embassy initially screens the applicants.

The screening processes include documentary examination, written test, and oral interview. The embassy then recommends the selected candidates to MEXT through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After finishing a two-year MSc working on Influenza virus in the laboratory of Professor Nobuyuki Kobayashi, I immediately enrolled for my Ph.D. studies at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, under the tutelage of Professor Richard Culleton, to underpin the genetic basis of virulence in the malaria parasite. My switch from influenza to malaria studies was informed by the burden of the disease in Africa.

After publishing high-impact research papers in some renowned scientific journals, I qualified for early graduation and earned my Ph.D. in October 2015, a few weeks to my 32nd birthday. I then moved to the University of Edinburgh in the UK for a postdoctoral fellowship on the prestigious Royal Society Newton International Fellowship to pursue further work on malaria. This fellowship is for leading non-UK scientists at an early stage of their research career and wish to research the UK.

The fellowship is geared towards ensuring that the UK engages with the worlds most promising early-career academics. At the same time, I turned down two postdoctoral offers at the Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute (Switzerland) and State University of New York at Buffalo (USA), and an internship at the Novartis (Singapore).

Share with us your career journey.

My first job was at Barclays Banks call centre, dealing with recoveries of credit card payment defaults. At the time, banks and other corporates, like the telcos, were absorbing graduates regardless of their educational backgrounds. Some of my classmates who were immersed in those institutions are still working there. In addition to being my first employer, the experience I got at Barclays, for instance, telephone etiquette and negotiation skills, have been very helpful in life.

However, to pursue a research career in line with my academic training and passion, I resigned two months later after landing a clinical research study at the Kenyatta National Hospital. After a brief stint at KNH, I left for KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi to take up a similar role. After almost a year in Kilifi, I took my first flight to pursue graduate studies in Nagasaki, Japan. The graduate studies took me six years, followed by a two-year fellowship in Edinburgh, UK.

Im currently a research scientist at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), where I am involved in livestock vaccine development endeavours. I use cutting-edge biotechnology approaches  gene-editing and synthetic biology, specifically  to accelerate vaccine development.

The nature of my work involves: being up to date with the current literature and advances in my field, interrogating recent findings, asking whats-next question(s), coming up with strategies for solving those questions, designing vaccine development projects, empirically testing candidate vaccines, analyzing the generated data and publishing my research findings.

As a pastoralist, research and development for the poverty reduction plan are not only urgent but personal to me. I find it exciting to use my skills to solve perennial issues bedeviling smallholder farmers hence addressing poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

What do you remember most about your career journey?

My academic and career journey is a firm reminder that focus and determination pays. I have always had the end in mind, pursued my passion for science, and employed my skills to advance scientific knowledge and endeavor to address humanitys challenges. With passion and zeal, anyone can do it, notwithstanding your background.

How has been your career progression over the years?

Although I have been a student for most of my life, I have made incremental career progress over the years. Currently, I am one of the very few African scientists using the powerful Nobel-prize-winning gene-editing technology called CRISPR/Cas9 in accelerating vaccine development on the continent. I am now the technical lead of this technology in developing livestock vaccines at the International Livestock Research Institute.

What has been a key driver of your career growth?

I try as much as possible to keep abreast with relevant and latest technologies in my field. Just like computer science, biotechnology is a fast-evolving field. Being updated in your area enables you to deploy the right tools in solving emerging issues.

Over the years, I have reinforced my belief that you can chart your future without having a Godfather or a powerful relative.

As Norman Vincent Peale taught, throw your heart over the bar, and your body will follow I endeavor to put my full attention and focus on what I do to catapult myself to success.

Who would you single out as having been useful in your career growth?

My parents. My dads friends denigrated him for enrolling me in a Catholic school. But he wanted the best possible education for me, notwithstanding societal expectations. My mother taught me the value of hard work by tilling the farm and taking care of our livestock to ensure we had enough to keep us going.

My science teachers in high school for their excellent and inspiring delivery of the subjects they taught me. I have always been interested in science right from primary school, and my high school teachers did not disappoint.

My Ph.D. mentor, Professor Richard Culleton, encouraging me to believe in myself when I was in self-doubt (a phenomenon called impostor syndrome, which is very common in graduate schools). He gave me the opportunities to explore new research ideas travel the world for conferences and training. He was always available to guide me.

In the third year of my Ph.D. studies, revolutionary gene-editing technology was born. I presented to him my interest in trying out the system. Without hesitation, he asked me to order the necessary reagents on his grant and have a go at the system. Thanks to this encouragement and support, I subsequently won a grant to use the same system in malaria parasites at the University of Edinburgh. I have been using this technology ever since, and I owe my current line of specialization to the encouragement and guidance he offered me while I was his student.

Key decisions you might have taken along your career?

I have made several critical decisions along the way in my scientific career. In the early years of my career, I resigned from several positions to pursue graduate studies to advance my knowledge and gain more skills. This resolve has helped me train in some of the best foreign universities and prepared me for my current scientific roles.

Before returning to Kenya, I had the opportunity to remain in the UK or proceed to world-leading biomedical research institutions elsewhere in Europe and North America but I decided to use my expertise in my attempt to solve local issues and advance science on the continent.

What would you tell your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to follow in the footsteps of my older self.

What would you advise the youth in Kenya and Africa today?

Minimize unnecessary social media consumption. Instead, read books. Read widely. I encourage Kenyan and African youths to pursue their passions as they are integral to success. Our youths should embrace Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to spur economic growth and development. If you have potential in any of these fields, you should not shy away from pursuing STEM despite the temptation of pursuing the so-called marketable courses.

Plans?

I am enjoying my current role, and I am envisaging growing in it. Im keen on taking up a pro bono science advocacy role to promote STEM in Kenya and Africa. I also dream of establishing a genetic engineering and biotechnology center in Kenya to develop vaccines and drugs.

I would also want to call upon the African governments to invest in science and technology. The Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare the frailties of our health systems and, to some extent, the degree of investments in STEM.
Eric One Wash, who was crowned 2017 Mashujaa Awards hairstylist of the year, speaks about his hustle.

When did this journey begin?

From Beauty Point College where I was a student. After school, I worked at three natural hair companies before opening Africa Royalty Salon in September 2016.

Many Kenyan Men dont spend money on hair. How much do you charge?

We charge a minimum of Sh1,000 but clients are guaranteed value for their money.

Does the hair business pay?

Yes. It pays my bills. I am here from 8 am-9 pm. Male hairdressers were frowned upon back then but I am glad that today, perception has changed.

Which celebs have you styled?

Mmhh Several. Internationally I have worked on Tanzanian rapper Joh Makini, Matonya, Ben Pol, and Queen Ifrica. Locally, Chris Darling, Bahati, Arrow boy, Otile brown, Vivian, Anto Neo soul, Mr Seed, DK Kwenye beat, Rawbeena, and many more. My first celeb client was Kent of former Gospel group M.O.G.

Given a chance, what would you do to Atwolis and Uhurus hair?

Haha! Atwolis hair is loud like him! It fits his character. I would shape it into an even afro. The presidents hair is not that bad. I would give it a light tint and dye it to give him a super look. His short hair gives him that executive look.

What do you think of Jeff Koinanges curly hair?

Hehe..Jeffs hair speaks confidence. It stands out.

Why do you think young people are greying at an early age?

They are many causes of grey hair. Sometimes, it is genetic.

Do celebs do they do their hair on credit?

Just like any other business, debts happen but its not a big deal since I consider working on celebs as a God-given opportunity.

Connecting beard is a new wave

Yes, it has become so popular. Ladies love it just as much as men.

Do you have Mentees?

I do scout for talent and mentor them. It feels good to know you inspired someone. At the moment, another celeb hairstylist is my product and hes my favorite barber around.

Which celebs would you like to style in the future?

Lil Wayne, Wizkid, Nyashinky and Madam Boss herself Akothee.
Simon Gicharu, the chairman of the National Association of Private Universities in Kenya (NAPUK) and founder of Mt Kenya University answers questions from the public via the Sunday Nation.

The perception out there is that private universities are expensive and a preserve for the rich, mainly because of the fees they charge. To what extent is this true? How do you intend to demystify this perception? Evans Njaramba, Riverside, Nairobi

It is good you refer to it as perception, it remains merely that. We have hosted many poor students and theyll tell you there is no much difference in terms of cost.

Recent changes to the way KCSE is administered and marked has seen fewer students getting grade C+ and above to qualify for direct entry to universities unlike before. It means private universities have to compete with public ones for government-sponsored students. How has this affected student populations in private universities? Is it a fair competition between private and public universities given the advantages the latter enjoys like government sponsorship and subsidisation of fees? Leonard Mainye.

It is true that fewer students are making it to campus today compared to a few years ago but the key to attracting learners is by offering quality and market driven courses, something we have heavily invested in.

Leading universities are currently talking reforms as a way of coping with hard economic times exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, what are private institutions of higher learning doing to stay afloat? Mike Masinde, Bungoma

All sectors of the economy are in turmoil. Whereas universities are independent of each other, and the associations mandate is not to dictate to members how to run their institutions, Im of the view that outsourcing non-core functions like security, cleaning and transport could help address the high operating costs. The solution lies in innovation and heavy reliance on ICT, diversification and operational efficiency.

For some time now, tertiary institutions offering diploma courses have questioned the rationale of universities venturing into diploma or certificate courses instead of focusing on degree programmes. On their part, universities have tried to defend their position on this including court litigation. Should universities be allowed to offer diploma and certificate courses? What will then happen to the tertiary colleges? Komen Moris, Eldoret

We are operating in an environment where access to post-secondary education is limited. Maybe until such a time that we finally have enough institutions offering diploma courses we can bar universities admitting such students.

Why should the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services, a government body, place students in private universities? Nelima Wekesa, Kitale

Students have a legal right to choose which universities they would like to attend. KUCCPS simply asks both private and public universities to declare their capacities and post their degree programmes for students to choose. It then places students according to their choices. Even the National Hospital Insurance Fund pays claims for patients in both private and public universities.

Private universities have been accused of concentrating more on programmes that lead to white collar jobs such as business and arts. Is that so and if so why? Lilian Kemunto, Kisii

That was in the past. If you look at the variety of courses on offer in private universities, you will see that most of them have invested heavily in medicine, engineering, architecture and agriculture.

Do private universities contribute to research? Peter Odunga, Kisumu

Universities exist to teach, research and offer community service.

Many public universities are known for being centres of excellence in certain fields. Are private universities behind on this front? Irene Kimani, Maragua

Not at all. Many private universities have established their own niches in the scholarly world. For example, Daystar is known for excellence in journalism and mass communication, Strathmore is renowned for business etc. Private universities offer a rich variety of courses but they have their own specialties for which they are known and respected.

Why do we need private universities in Kenya? Esther Njeri, Ruiru

We need to expand the level of opportunities in higher education for Kenyans. As more and more Kenyans get opportunities to study, against the background of Free Primary Education, a subsidised secondary education and the push to have 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary, in future we are going to have more and more Kenyans qualifying for higher education and this is where private universities come in.

Being a private investor in higher education yourself, would you advise students to join private universities rather than public ones? Luke Marete, Maua

I would not want to persuade any learner to join whichever category. The choice should be dictated by the degree programmes on offer, the learning environment, faculty, reputation and so on. Both categories are strong in their own rights. We have seen top-notch engineers, architects or lawyers from both private and public categories.

Why do your members choose to invest in universities when secondary school academies seem to have higher and quicker returns? Bridget Masolia, Kaimosi

Youre quite correct in that academies have higher returns because they charge between Sh200,000 and Sh300,000 in a year while universities charge around Sh70, 000. I cant speak for my members on why they chose to go for universities but I know most of them are passionate educationists who started off with other private primary, secondary schools or colleges and then naturally expanded to higher education. Many investors will tell you that they are driven by passion to expand access to higher education.

Sir, why are some of your members not yet signing up to KUCCPS to admit government-sponsored students? Juliette Odoyo, Migori

Members retain the right to sign up with KUCCPS or not. For us at MKU, we are happy to partner with the government to enable more students do courses of their dream.

Private universities, as the name suggests, are private business entities for the owners. How do you balance between quality education and profits for the owners? Anastacia Kiseki, Katani

Private universities are no-profit making entities run by board of trustees.

Looking at the many challenges facing public universities including low funding and inadequate accommodation, it is evident that private universities are worse off to the point some have started abolishing faculties together with closing some satellite campuses. What is the future of private university education in Kenya? Dan Murugu, Nakuru

It is true that the prevailing economic circumstances has meant that universities go slow on satellite campuses, but this is a stopgap measure. The future can only be brighter. The world over, some of the most prestigious universities are private. All we need is to be innovative and ensure the student gets quality.

Mount Kenya University has adopted an expansionist model of opening campuses in all major towns in Kenya and elsewhere in the region. As the founder, what can you say are special attributes that help MKU to thrive when other private universities are down? Dan Murugu, Nakuru

Expansion is informed by the demand. When demand was high, we opened up campuses in major towns. When the demand dwindled, we converted some of our campuses into TVETs and ODEL centres. We also segregated a few into specialised centres of excellence.

There is a general perception that private universities are driven by the bottom line rather than quality. Is this the case? James Mutinda, Voi
According to a press release published by Tass on July 26, 2021, the Project 09852 special-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Belgorod has returned from its first deployment to the sea in shipbuilders sea trials, a source in the shipbuilding industry told.

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Project 09852 nuclear-powered submarine Belgorod (Picture source: Twitter account of Capt Navy)

It was earlier reported that the Belgorod special-purpose sub would switch over to state tests after the shipbuilders sea trials were over. In late 2021, the sub is set to be handed over to Russias Navy.

A source close to the Russian Defense Ministry earlier said that the nuclear-powered submarine Belgorod would operate in the Pacific Ocean after the completion of state trials and its delivery to the Russian Navy.

The Project 09852 nuclear-powered submarine Belgorod, the first carrier of Poseidon nuclear-armed underwater drones, was floated out on April 23, 2019.

The Belgorod nuclear submarine was initially built as Antey-class of project 949A. It was laid by Sevmash on July 24, 1992, and re-laid on December 20, 2012, by project 09852 and floated on April 23, 2019. The technical characteristics are kept secret. In November 2018, the Defense Ministry said the crew of the submarine had been formed.

The nuclear-powered Belgorod is neither an attack submarine nor a ballistic missile sub. A special mission submarine, Belgorod will be a mothership to other undersea vessels. The sub can carry a payload on its back, behind the sail, or a Losharik class mini-submarine that attaches and detaches to the bottom of the hull.

The hull was lengthened to approximately 184 meters (604 feet) and the ships displacement ballooned to 30,000 tons submerged--more than fifty per cent greater than the U.S. Navys Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. The result of an unfinished hull the Belgorod is a one-off, and there will not be another one like it.

 Copyright 2021 TASS Navy Recognition. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
According to pictures published by the Philippine Coast Guard Twitter account on July 26, 2021, Japanese company Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has launched a new 94-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) for the Coast Guard of the Philippines.

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New MRRV multi-role response vessel for Philippine Coast Guard. (Picture source Philippine Coast Guard Twitter account)

The multi-role response vessel (MRRV) is the first vessel of two that Mitsubishi will supply to the Philippine Coast Guard under a contract awarded in February 2020. The contract between the Philippines and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. for the design, construction, and delivery of the two 94-meter MRRVs amounting to JPY 14,550,000,000 (JPY 14.6 billion) was signed on 27 December 2019 and became effective on 08 May 2020.



The ship is designed based on a modified variant of the Kunigami-class patrol vessel in service with the Japan Coast Guard. The MRRV has a length of 94 meters, can reach a top speed of 24 knots (44.5 km/h), and has a range of over 4,000 nautical miles as well as the ability to operate under sea state six.

The MRRV will be used by the Philippine Coast Guard to conduct maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

The MMRV is not armed and will be only equipped with three water cannons with one at the bow of the ship and one on each side above the bridge. The ship will have a flight deck and one hangar to accommodate one helicopter.

The first MRRV is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippines in March 2022 while the second will follow three months later. These will be the largest vessels ever to be acquired by the Philippine Coast Guard.
According to information published by the Russian press agency TASS on July 26, 2021, Zelenodolsk Shipyard in Tatarstan floated two serial special-designation boats of project 21980 Grachonok class.

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Russian navy project 21980 Grachono-class counter-sabotage boats. (Picture source Twitter account CaptN)

The shipyard has already built ten boats, which ensure the security of various events, head of the Navy shipbuilding department Ilyas Shigalov said.



The Grachonok class, Russian designation Project 21980 Grachonok, is a class of anti-saboteur and large guard boats being built for the Russian Navy. Their main mission is to fight subversion and terrorist groups in naval bases.



Project 21980 is 31-meter long and has a displacement of 138 tons. The boat is powered by two MTU or MWM Deutz TBD620V12, Wartsila diesel engines. She can reach a top speed of 23 knots (43 km/h) with a maximum cruising range of 200 miles. The ship has a crew of eight men and has an endurance of 5 days.



Project 21980 is armed with Igla portable antiaircraft missile weapon, 14.5mm MPTU machinegun and grenade launchers DP-65 and DP-64. It is equipped with acoustic sonar Anapa, MP-231 navigation radar, MTK-201M3 optical-electronic device for the acquisition of close air and surface areas, and Kalmar submarine detection system.

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Russias Prosecutor General orders tougher supervision over cases filed with ECHR

 The Investigative Committee of Russia

16:17 26/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 26 (RAPSI)  Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov has ordered to strengthen supervision over the legality of actions and procedural decisions in criminal cases, in which citizens filed complaints with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The order envisages that there is to be organized the analysis of the materials of inspections and criminal cases with the aim of checking the legality of actions and procedural decisions, as well as the completeness and sufficiency of measures prosecutors and preliminary investigation bodies took to restore violated rights of citizens, if those initiated the procedure of examination thereof with ECHR by filing respective complaints. In case violations are detected, prosecutors are to take measures to remedy the breaches. At least once every six months prosecutors are to analyze the nature, causes and contexts of the violations that were the basis for applying to ECHR, and to ensure timely prevention and suppression thereof, the Prosecutor General's order reads.

It follows from the text of the document that prosecutor's offices are obliged to quarterly analyze how investigative authorities comply with relevant laws when receiving, registering and taking actions as to reports of crimes, as well as the reasons and conditions that contribute to violations of laws.

Krasnov urged prosecutors to focus on timely prevention and suppression of violations, as well as causes and contexts, which were the basis for applying to ECHR.

If there is an initiated procedure for considering a complaint by ECHR (at all stages of this procedure, starting from filing a complaint with this judicial body and up to the execution of the ECHR judgment), prosecutors are immediately to put under their control the materials of inspections and criminal cases, according to the document, and take measures within their competence if needed.
Tax evasion charges brought against infamous businessman Bykov

 RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov

17:44 26/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 26 (RAPSI)  Investigators for the Krasnoyarsk Region and Khakassia have charged businessman Anatoly Bykov with tax evasion on a large scale, the Investigative Committees press service reports.

According to the investigation, from September 2014 to June 2017, two foreign firms and Bykov concluded free agreements and an assignment contract. According to the documents, the said companies assigned the right to claim a debt from three organizations affiliated with Bykov in Krasnoyarsk to the businessman.

The debtors paid their debt in part amounting to more than 467 million rubles, however, Bykov failed to pay taxes for this worth over 60 million rubles.

By now, the Sverdlovsky District Court in Krasnoyarsk has drawn a jury panel in yet another case against Bykov, who is charged with masterminding double homicide in 1994, and is in detention.

According to the Russian Investigative Committee, in the first half of 1994, Alexander Naumov, a 23-year old member of a criminal group headed by Bykov, had a conflict with the gang leader because of unjust, according to him, dividing of the joint criminal income. Later, Bykovs car was exploded. The businessman suspected Naumov and his friend Kirill Voytenko of the blast organization and decided to kill them. He ordered his acquaintance Vladimir Tatarenkov to organize the murder; the latter in turn involved his gang members in the crime. On July 24, 1994, Naumov and Voytenko were shot dead.

Moreover, Bykov stands charged with murder-for-hire charges.Investigators allege that in the autumn of 2004 Bykov met with his acquaintance and gave him instructions to kill businessman Andrey Nekolov. The would-be killer asked $50,000 for murder, according to the statement.

An attempt was made on Nekolov in 2004, but the businessman survived. The killer took a break, investigators say, but implemented his plan in 2005. The defendant, citing the failed first attempt, has reduced the award to $10,000.

Nevertheless, the businessman denies his involvement in the crime.
Seguin, Texas (78155)

Today

Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 26, 2021

2021/07/26

CCTV: State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 3rd round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Could you give us a bit more on that?

Zhao Lijian: On July 24, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 3rd round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Chengdu. The two sides had in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of common concern.

State Councilor Wang Yi pointed out that since China and Pakistan set up diplomatic ties 70 years ago, the two countries have worked together to overcome many difficulties and obstacles, defeated various risks and challenges, forged an ironclad friendship, and established an all-weather strategic partnership of cooperation. A high degree of mutual trust, mutual assistance, seeking peace and promoting development together are the most distinctive features of China-Pakistan relations, and the greatest strength in moving forward together. China is willing to work with Pakistan to take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to accelerate the construction of a closer community with a shared future in the new era, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contributions to regional stability and prosperity.

Foreign Minister Qureshi extended felicitations to the Chinese side on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He said the Pakistani side wished the Chinese government and people greater success in achieving the goal of socialist modernization in 2035 and building a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful in 2049, under the inspiring and visionary leadership of the CPC, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. He said that China is Pakistan's long-standing strategic partner. Strengthening the ironclad Pakistan-China friendship is the common understanding of the whole country and the basis of Pakistan's foreign policies. In the face of the major global changes, it is indispensable to enhance the coordination and cooperation between Pakistan and China. Pakistan is ready to join hands with China to respond to possible challenges and lift bilateral relations to a new level.

The two sides sternly condemned the terrorist attack targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan, mourn the lost lives, and express sincere sympathies to the injured. Both sides spoke highly of the outcomes of anti-epidemic cooperation, agreed to continue the high-quality construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, jointly oppose hegemonism and unilateralism, promote the common values of humanity. The two sides agreed on continuing their unyielding support on issues concerning each other's core national interests; underscored that a peaceful, stable, cooperative and prosperous South Asia was in the common interest of all countries; decided to launch joint actions on Afghan issue, and reaffirmed their commitment to facilitate and support "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" peace and reconciliation process.

China Daily: In recent days, media outlets and experts from several countries have voiced their criticisms against the US politicization of origins tracing and said there should be a probe into the US and the Fort Detrick lab. What's your comment on that?

Zhao Lijian: For some time, the voice of reason has been growing in the international community, criticizing the US politicization of origins tracing and calling for a probe into the Fort Detrick lab.

Sergei Latyshev, a Russian journalist and historian, wrote in his article that the US is trying to "pin" COVID-19 on China and that coronavirus is used for international blackmail. Abbey Makoe, former political editor at the South African Broadcasting Corporation, stressed in his opinion piece that it is morally incorrect for the US politicize science-based collaborative work under the auspices of the WHO. Hamdhan Shakeel, senior editor of Maldives News Network, pointed out that some western states, instead of tracing the origins of the virus in a scientific manner but out of racism, are attempting to shift the blame to China by distorting facts and spreading disinformation surrounding the COVID-19 virus. The Korean Times and Japan Today published op-eds that criticized the US politicization of origins tracing. They noted that the coronavirus may have spread in the US back in December 2019, and that the US, instead of China, should be the primary target of a new global probe into the origins of COVID-19.

Stephen Kinzer, a former foreign correspondent for the New York times and Senior Fellow in International and Public Affairs of Watson Institute, Brown University noted, the Fort Detrick has dark history as it had cooperation with Japanese war criminals and is still a biological warfare research center in the US. He said a deep investigation into Fort Detrick would be interesting. Mauro Gia Samote, a well-known Philippine columnist, highlighted in his piece unsolved mysteries which include the leakage of coronavirus from the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases laboratory inside Fort Detrick and cluster cases of pneumonia outbreaks in Maryland in 2019. He found the lack of any investigations by the US government very suspicious. World News of the Philippines stressed in its editorial that WHO experts should respond to Chinese netizens' appeal by pushing the US to open the Fort Detrick lab for origins studies. Sovereign PH published an article that said the US has been aggressively selling the conspiracy theory about China and it should open Fort Detrick for global COVID-19 origins tracing.

These examples fully show that origins tracing is a scientific matter and should not be politicized. Some in the US are obsessed with using origins tracing for political manipulation in order to deflect attention and shift blames. Their malicious motive has long been exposed to the world. The US has the largest number of confirmed cases; the timeline of early cases in the US has been constantly dialed forward; and the mysteries around Fort Detrick and EVALI remain unsolved. If labs are to be investigated, then the WHO experts should go to Fort Detrick. The US should act in a transparent and responsible way as soon as possible and invite WHO experts to the US for an inquiry into the Fort Detrick lab so that truth can be revealed to the world.

Global Times: According to the latest statistics, over 13 million Chinese netizens have signed the joint open letter calling on the WHO to investigate the biological laboratory at Fort Detrick. So far, we have not seen a positive response from the US. What is particularly regrettable is that the server of the endorsement has come under attacks from US-based IP addresses. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: First, a huge thumbs-up for the Global Times open letter. On this issue, the US owes the Chinese netizens two explanations.

First, the US should offer a responsible explanation on all the suspicion surrounding the biological laboratory at Fort Detrick. Why is it still playing dumb when over 13 million Chinese netizens have called for justice? Why did it keep obfuscating and stonewalling on this issue? Where is the transparency it claims?

Second, the US should offer a responsible explanation on the cyber attacks on the endorsement server originating from US soil. Just last week, it rallied a few allies to hurl unfounded accusations smearing China on cybersecurity. The attacks on the endorsement server once again revealed the hypocrisy and double standard of the US on cybersecurity and its true face as the top "hacking empire" in the world. If the US truly defends cybersecurity and supports freedom of speech, then it should reflect upon itself and join other countries in safeguarding cyber security instead of condoning hacking activities at home while slinging mud at others.

Beijing Youth Daily: On July 25, the World Heritage Committee inscribed "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" on UNESCO's World Heritage List during its 44th session, bringing the number of world heritage sites in China to 56. Do you have any comment on this?

Zhao Lijian: We extend warm congratulations to Quanzhou on its inscription on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The World Heritage Committee unanimously decided to inscribe "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" on the World Heritage List. This shows the committee's recognition of the outstanding universal value of Quanzhou as a prominent city of economic and cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, an important node on the maritime Silk Road, and a fine specimen of global maritime trading hub during the Song and Yuan dynasties (10th-14th centuries AD). The inscription also reflects international acknowledgment of the contemporary relevance and historical value of Quanzhou's role in driving exchange and mutual learning between different civilizations, promoting sustainable development and fostering a community with a shared future for mankind.

Once known as Zayton, Quanzhou's history dates back to over 1,300 years ago. During the Song and Yuan periods, the city flourished amid the booming global maritime trade, becoming a hub for the trade network spanning across East Asia and Southeast Asia. "With the rising tide, merchant ships from all countries come ashore to trade". This line by a Song dynasty poet captured the vibrancy of the bustling emporium at the time. Quanzhou witnessed the brilliant historical chapter of exchange and mutual learning between ancient China and other countries. It carries the heritage of the Chinese nation's pursuit of self-improvement and win-win cooperation with a pioneering spirit. It stands as an epitome of the splendor achieved by opening up to the world throughout China's history.

The preservation of a series of cultural heritage from the 10th to 14th century in Quanzhou would not have been possible without China's persevering protection efforts. Since its accession to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1985, China has been conscientiously implementing the Convention with a strong sense of responsibility to history and the public. With constantly improving capability, we have been doing a better job of heritage protection, contributing Chinese wisdom, solutions and strength to world heritage protection. Going forward, we stand ready to work together with other countries and UNESCO to strengthen exchange and cooperation, promote dialogue, exchange and mutual learning between civilizations, support the cause of world heritage protection, act as good custodians to the cultural jewels and natural treasures of all humanity, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

CGTN: State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently held talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Do you have more to share on that?

Zhao Lijian: On July 25, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in Chengdu. They had an in-depth exchange of ideas on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that Finland is among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with new China. Mutual respect, friendship and cooperation has always been the defining theme of China-Finland ties. We appreciate Finland's recently-released Governmental Action Plan on China 2021, which stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with China. We also stand ready to dovetail development strategies with Finland and step up exchange and cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, circular economy and clean technology. Finland is welcome to join the Belt and Road Initiative and realize greater win-win cooperation to contribute more to regional and global peace and development.

Foreign Minister Haavisto said that Finland attaches high importance to the fruitful relations with China and would like to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen dialogue and communication, deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation, and strive for greater progress in bilateral relations. He expressed the hope that the two sides may discuss launching a fast track and move forward cooperation in such areas as connectivity, climate change, green economy, data security and Arctic affairs.

The two sides agreed to work hand in hand to earnestly implement the two heads of state's strategic consensus on developing a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership. First, explore pathways to a new-type partnership that will enable countries with different history, culture and social system to seek common ground, shelve differences and conduct win-win cooperation. Second, fully unleash the potential for practical cooperation, seek greater synergy between the BRI and Finland's development strategy, promote cooperation in emerging sectors like scientific and technological innovation, circular economy and clean technology, and open up wider to each other. Third, work for the sound and steady development of China-EU relations, promote the green and digital partnership, and advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation between the two sides. Fourth, adhere to true multilateralism, jointly uphold the UN-centered international system, address global threats such as COVID-19, climate change and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and work toward a community with a shared future for mankind.

Reuters: I wanted to ask a question about a report by the Financial Times that said Britain is exploring ways to remove China's state-owned nuclear energy company China General Nuclear Power Group from all future projects in the UK. Does the foreign ministry have any information on this? Or does it have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: I noted the report. I would like to say that China and the UK are important partners in trade and investment. To conduct practical cooperation following the principle of mutual benefit and win-win results serves the interests of both. The British side should provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

CRI: According to reports, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has become Samoa's new Prime Minister, as her predecessor Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, former Samoan Prime Minister and leader of the Human Rights Protection Party, gave his farewell speech. What is your comment?

Zhao Lijian: The Chinese side extends its congratulations to Ms. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa on being elected Prime Minister of the new government of Samoa. As comprehensive strategic partners, China and Samoa are committed to mutual respect and common development. China-Samoa relations feature long-standing friendship and enjoy the endorsement and support of the two peoples. Cooperation between our two countries is for mutual benefits and win-win results, hence improving the wellbeing of both peoples. China attaches high importance to growing relations with Samoa, and stands ready to work with the new government of Samoa to enhance people-to-people interactions, deepen cooperation across the board, and continue to promote steady growth of bilateral friendly relations.

SCMP: First, US Deputy Secretary of State Sherman is visiting the Chinese city of Tianjin. How does China assess the progress of the talks with the US? The US side said prior to the visit that it hoped Sherman's visit would help set up "guardrails" to see to it that the bilateral relationship won't become worse. Could I have China's view on that? Second, according to media reports, US forces recently intensified airstrikes in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar to counter offensives by the Taliban. Does China have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: On your first question, China has already released readouts on US Deputy Secretary of State Sherman's visit, which is still underway.

During the talks, the Chinese side faced the existing problems in bilateral relations squarely, expounded on China's attitude and position on developing relations with the US in a candid manner, expressed its unequivocal opposition to the US side's practice of interfering in China's internal affairs and harming China's interests, and made it clear that the US side must change course and correct its mistakes. The two sides also had in-depth exchange of views on a wide range of issues of their respective and mutual interest. The US side sought China's cooperation and support on climate change, Iran and the Korean nuclear issue among others. In fact, China has been playing a responsible and constructive role on all these issues. It needs to be emphasized that cooperation should be based on mutual trust, mutual benefit and a sound atmosphere for bilateral relations. The US should adopt a correct view of cooperation. It simply won't work when the US seeks cooperation with China while harming China's interests.

Apart from expounding on its principle position on China-US relations, and requiring the US side to change its extremely wrong perception and dangerous policy toward China, China once again expressed strong dissatisfaction with the US side over its wrong words and deeds on issues relating to COVID-19 origin-tracing, Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, urging the US side to immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop damaging the interests of China, stop crossing the red lines and playing with fire, and stop seeking bloc confrontation under the guise of values. We urge the US to never underestimate the strong resolution, determination and capability of the 1.4 billion Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

On the whole, the talks have been profound, candid and helpful for the two sides to gain a better understanding of each other's position and seek healthy development of China-US relations going forward.

On your second question, the situation in Afghanistan has come to a critical crossroads with severe challenges. War or peace, chaos or order, much is at stake. China always believes that political negotiation is the only correct way to resolve the Afghan issue.

It needs to be stressed that the recent sudden announcement by the US of full withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan is the root cause of the acute deterioration of the security situation there. It puts Afghanistan's peace and stability as well the security interests of regional countries under grave threat. As the culprit that started the Afghan issue, the US must assume its due responsibility and take concrete actions to ensure a steady transition and prevent terrorist forces from swooping in and strengthening their hold, so as to safeguard the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Bloomberg: In the talks in Tianjin,China has put forward two lists to the US. One is a list of wrongdoings that must stop and the second is a list of key individual cases that China has concerns with. Do you have any details or any more information? What wrongdoings are on the first list? What sort of individual cases are on the second?

Zhao Lijian: In the list of wrongdoings, China urges the US side to unconditionally revoke visa restrictions on members of the Communist Party of China and their family members, revoke sanctions on Chinese leaders, officials and government agencies, cancel visa restrictions on Chinese students, stop suppressing Chinese companies, stop harassing Chinese students overseas, stop attacking the Confucius Institute, remove the registration of Chinese media as foreign agents or foreign missions, and drop the extradition of Meng Wanzhou and so on.

In the list of key individual cases that China has concerns with, China expresses its grave concerns over the individual cases including the rejection of visa application of some Chinese students, unfair treatment of Chinese citizens, the harassment and storming of the Chinese embassy and consulates, and the growing anti-Asia, anti-China sentiment in the US. China asked the US side to address the cases as soon as possible, and earnestly respect and protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions.
About six gigatons -- roughly 12 times the mass of all living humans -- of carbon appears to be emitted over land every year, according to data from the Chinese Global Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Scientific Experimental Satellite (TanSat).

Using data on how carbon mixes with dry air collected from May 2017 to April 2018, researchers developed the first global carbon flux dataset and map. They published their results in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences.

The map was developed by applying TanSat's satellite observations to models of how greenhouse gasses are exchanged among Earth's atmosphere, land, water and living organisms. During this process, more than a hundred of gigatons of carbon are exchanged, but the increase in carbon emissions has resulted in net carbon added to the atmosphere -- now at about six gigatons a year -- which is a serious issue that contributes to climate change, according to Dongxu Yang, first author and a researcher in the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAP CAS).

"In this paper, we introduce the first implementation of TanSat carbon dioxide data on carbon flux estimations," Yang said. "We also demonstrate that China's first carbon-monitoring satellite can investigate the distribution of carbon flux across the globe."

While satellite measurements are not as accurate as ground-based measurements, said co-author Jing Wang, a researcher in IAP CAS, satellite measurements provide continuous global observation coverage that provides additional information not available from limited or varied surface monitoring stations. For example, a monitoring station in a city may report very different observations compared to a station in a remote village, especially if they are in drastically different climates.

"The sparseness and spatial inhomogeneity of the existing ground-based network limits our ability to infer consistent global- and regional-scale carbon sources and sinks," said co-author Liang Feng, researcher with the National Centre for Earth Observation at the University of Edinburgh. "To improve observation coverage, tailor-made satellites, for example TanSat, have been developed to provide accurate atmospheric greenhouse gas measurements."

The data from these satellites, which includes TanSat, Japan's GOSAT and the United States' OCO-2, and future missions, will be used to independently verify national emission inventories across the globe. According to the Yang, this process will be overseen by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and begin in 2023, in support of the Paris Agreement. TanSat's measurements generally match with data from the other satellites.

"This verification method will be helpful to better understand carbon emissions in real time, and to help ensure transparency across the inventories," said co-author Yi Liu, researcher in IAP CAS.

The process will be bolstered by the next generation of satellites, known as TanSat-2, which is currently in the design phase. The goal, Yang said, will be to obtain measurements that help elucidate the carbon budget from the global scale down to individual cities.

###

TanSat, funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and the China Meteorological Administration, was launched in December 2016.

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ABB, a leading global technology company, will participate in the Dubai Expo 2020 as an official partner of the Swedish Pavilion and highlight how technology can play a key role in building a low-carbon society and preserving resources.

ABB will also showcase its leading technology in a digital and interactive way partnering with more than 100 companies and institutions.

With a history of more than 130 years and Sweden as one of the birthplaces of the company, ABB will join the countrys efforts to highlight the most innovative solutions that will help build a smart society under the pavilions theme of Co-creation for Innovation.

The exhibition is the first Expo to take place in the Middle East. A meeting point for businesses and governments, Expo 2020 will run from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

As part of its presence in Dubai, ABB will highlight how plastic waste is turned into furniture using a specially adapted robot from ABB and how the sustainability and production efficiency of mining operations can be increased by using smart, digital solutions. Other projects include ABB solutions that help turn Vasteras  Swedens fifth largest urban area  into one of the smartest cities in the country, establish one of the worlds tallest wooden buildings as a showcase pro-ject for state-of-the-art energy technology and research into new materials for a smarter and more sustainable future.

ABB CEO Bjorn Rosengren will also be part of a high-level seminar under the theme of Switzerland and Sweden  Partners in Technology and Sustainability to manifest 100 years of official relations between the two countries. To-gether with representatives from Switzerland and Sweden the event will explore how industry can contribute to a re-cently signed Memorandum of Understating between the two innovation agencies Innosuisse and Vinnova in the areas of knowledge and learning, science and sustainable innovation.

Rosengren said: ABB is proud to be part of this exhibition that addresses the key challenges our world is faced with today. We are convinced that our electrification and automation solutions play an important role in showcasing the power of innovation and technology for a more sustainable world. It is the perfect platform for ABB to position our-selves as a leading technology company with a strong focus on people, technology and sustainability.

Anna Hallberg, Swedens Minister of Foreign Trade, added: Expo 2020 in Dubai is a unique opportunity to highlight innovative, smart and sustainable technologies that can solve some of the worlds most pressing challenges. I am very proud that Sweden and Swedish companies are at the forefront of this development. ABB is a brilliant example of this, and I highly value their participation as an official partner to the Swedish pavilion.

ABB has a long tradition of supporting its local customers in the UAE and has provided state-of-the-art technology to a range of projects in the country. Among them are electrification solutions for the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest build-ing, and the worlds first fully functional office built using 3D printed concrete elements. Automation and electrification technology from ABB is also in use in Dubais International Airport, the citys metro system and the Mall of the Emirates. - TradeArabia News Service
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has awarded the main construction contract for its new permanent plant at Al Khail Gate with a total value of more than AED133 million ($36.2 million).

Construction has already begun and is managed under the direct supervision of Empower's in-house projects team, said the statement from the company.

The new advanced plant will have a total capacity of 32,000 refrigeration tones (RT) that will cover the Al Khail Gate development, which is, yet one of Dubais vital residential projects comprises 33 buildings with 5665 units.

Empower emphasized that it would go on directing well-informed investments towards expanding its operations in Dubai.

This echoes the companys commitment towards the modernization and development plans devised for its facilities and technical staff in order to meet the increasing demand for its services from individuals, institutions and companies, it stated.

With 84 plants and a district cooling transmission and distribution network running for more than 350.4 km, Empower holds more than 76% of the total district cooling market of Dubai, said the statement.

Last year, AED1.39 billion was invested by the company in building new district cooling plants, expanding the pipeline network, concluding contracts to establish thermal energy exchange rooms, and carrying out consultation and engineering works.

"The new advanced permanent plant will replace the existing two semi-permanent plants," said its CEO Ahmad Bin Shafar.

"Given the huge urban expansion and the great demand for housing, the company was promoted to gear up. Since the last year, Empower has managed to complete the preparation of the new plant site and adopted global design and construction standards. Upon completion, the total capacity of the new plant will reach 32,000 RT," he explained.

Bin Shafar also highlighted that it is a new generation plant and will be connected to the companys Command Control Centre (CCC) and operated via advanced technologies.

"This will ensure the uninterrupted and high-quality cooling services for the customers and to guarantee that practical and advanced solutions are employed to support sustainability by striking the required balance between economic development and environmental preservation," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Dubais Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with French mobility specialist MND, a leading company in the ropeways industry, as part of its efforts to achieve Dubais vision to have 25 percent of all trips to be self-driving by 2030.

The parties commit to work together to study and implement a cabline system to contribute to this vision. The cabline system developed by the ropeways specialist MND, with support of the French Agency for Ecological Transition (Ademe), is perfectly aligned with RTA's objectives and aims at offering a completely new experience for aerial transportation.

The MoU was signed by Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim Younes, CEO of RTA's Rail Agency, and Xavier Gallot-Lavallee, Chairman and CEO of MND.

Cabline is designed to integrate and connect to a citys existing inter-modal transport network.

This fully automatic, driverless transport system, with self-propelled cabins moving over ropes at speeds up to 45 km per hour, uses a minimalist infrastructure easy to integrate with the least possible footprint.

Its innovative technology is much more modern, more aesthetic, quieter and more energy-sufficient than traditional ropeway transportation.

Cabline allows easier maintenance to guarantee high availability rate of the urban transport system and optimal service for the passengers. This disruptive technology embarks patented innovations and rely on the strong and proven references of MND and its partners in the field of conventional ropeways.

"The signing of this MoU is part of RTAs ongoing efforts to increase public transportation trips to 26 percent by 2030," Younes said.

"Realising this objective requires developing advanced innovative transport systems and improving the sustainable transport network in Dubai to encourage people and visitors to use public transport. MND is a leading group for ropeways infrastructure and working on a new driverless high-speed system. This cabline system by MND is flexible, energy saving, and has minor impact on the urban environment," he added.

On the deal, Gallot-Lavallee said: "MND is very proud to work with RTA to achieve their vision of sustainable mobility and fully integrating urban network combining innovative technologies and modes."

"We believe the cabline technology under development in our ropeways design centre based in the French Alps can contribute to new urban transportation experience. Our engineering team has been working hard in the last years to finalise design and make cabline a unique and disruptive technology to ease urban mobility," he added. -TradeArabia News Service
To bring the top stakeholders across the retrofitting, energy efficiency and sustainability sectors together the Retrofit Tech Abu Dhabi Summit is taking place physically from September 7 to 8, 2021 at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.

Organised by Advanced Conferences & Meetings, a premium business-to-business events company, the summit will discuss key themes such as Lighting Retrofits, HVACR Retrofits, IoT & Smart Technologies, Cross-sector Case Studies, Demand Side Management, Net-Zero Energy Buildings, Renewable Integration, Outdoor Lighting and Energy Efficient Design & Architecture.

Also on focus will be Abu Dhabis Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030, which targets a reduction in electricity consumption by more than 22% and water consumption by more than 32%.

Besides, the projects that will be highlighted are the United Arab Emirates University is retrofitting its entire campus, 250 schools in Abu Dhabi are going to be retrofitted in the coming year, SEHA healthcare facilities to be retrofitted, DTCM is aiming to retrofit all historic places, museums and libraries in Abu Dhabi. Aldar Properties is undertaking retrofit projects on a large number of its properties and the ongoing street lighting retrofit programme by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City.

-- TradeArabia News Service
UAE-based group, VPS Healthcare, has given a new lease of life to a government primary health centre that was destroyed in the floods that ravaged the southern Indian state of Kerala in 2018.

The ruined facility has now undergone a makeover, acquiring a modern face and possessing infrastructure matching a contemporary hospital, a VPS Healthcare spokesperson said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the facility in Malappuram, a northern district of Kerala, on Saturday, July 24 2021.

Reconstructed by Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare, as part of its CSR initiative, the centre, now upgraded to a family health centre, is poised to be the largest such facility in India.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Vayalil said: "We are proud to dedicate the family health centre to the people of Vazhakkad. When we had embarked on this mission to reconstruct a destroyed health centre, we wanted to showcase a model for the future.

"At Vazhakkad, we have built a health and wellness centre so that the people of this area will benefit from this. It has been a collective effort, and this would not have been a success without the backing of the local population," Vayalil added.

Underscoring the significance of primary and family health centres in Kerala, the chief minister said, it is the vision of his government to strengthen the public health centres.

In our second tenure, we have prioritised the strengthening of public health institutions as part of the 100-days action plan. Projects such as Vazhakkad is a big boost for our efforts, said Vijayan.

Rather than catering to the medical needs of the rural population, it aims to serve a larger purpose of enhancing the health and wellness of the community with an open gymnasium, play area for children, and other amenities to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The centre has an advanced laboratory and modern imaging department. It has ten observation beds with oxygen concentrators and a stabilisation unit to attend to patients suffering from low oxygen saturation.

Lulu Group Chairman MA Yusuff Ali, the chief guest of the function, said it is heartening to see that the Vazhakkad primary health centre has now been upgraded to a modern health infrastructure with the capacity to address the growing needs of the public.

Vayalil added that VPS Healthcare will employ five staff - with salary and other benefits - for the next two years at the Vazhakkad centre to maintain the quality of services.

Ravaged by the devastating floods of 2018, Kerala suffered a loss of more tha Rs. 30,000 crores ($4.5 billion) and Vayalil had then pledged to aid Kerala's relief work through financial assistance.

In the initial phase, VPS Healthcare had sent a relief flight with medical supplies, water purifiers, hygiene products, water, clothes, and non-perishable food and in the second phase, it expressed its intent to reconstruct vital infrastructure destroyed in the disastrous floods.-TradeArabia News Service
KBR, a leading provider of technology and engineering solutions, has announced that it has been awarded a contract by Neo Lithium Corp. in Argentina for its Tres Quebradas Lithium Project.

Under the terms of the contract, KBR will implement its evaporation and crystallisation technology solutions to ensure the project achieves maximum lithium yields for Neo Lithium's battery-grade lithium carbonate production.

KBR President, Technology Doug Kelly said: "We are proud to be selected by Neo Lithium for this project focused on producing high-quality battery-grade lithium carbonate.

"This contract reinforces our commitment to help our clients achieve their growth objectives in the most sustainable manner," Kelly added.

KBR's process knowledge for recovery and purification of inorganic materials is based on over 40 years of experience in designing evaporation and crystallisation technologies that comply with today's environmental regulations.-TradeArabia News Service
Huawei, a global tech giant, has announced the 2021 Huawei HMS App Innovation Contest (Apps UP), a premier global contest for mobile application developers.

The competition aims to attract established and emerging talent in the application development space, and showcase their efforts in creating seamless, smart, and innovative digital experiences that contribute to a digital, intelligent world. Developers can submit their participations until 5th September 2021.

For participants, the 2021 Huawei HMS App Innovation Contest (Apps UP) will allow them to join a rich community of 4.5 million registered developers from around the world, as well as 50 industry experts who will form the panel of judges for the competition.

Winners of the contest will also have their apps featured on HUAWEI AppGallery, bringing them instant access to a pool of more than 700 million Huawei mobile device users, said a statement.

Participants will learn more about HMS Core, a powerful ecosystem that enables developers to create smooth user experiences, and supports with implementing safe and seamless features such as secure sign-in, in-app payments and downloads, ad placement, alerts, real-time positioning, and cloud backup. In addition, developers will establish credibility by receiving certificates upon completing a series of workshops, training modules, and online courses on the contest website. So far, the competition received over 115 entries from MEA with innovative solutions from categories such as lifestyle, gaming, productivity tools, and social. Developers can learn more about the contest by attending live interactive sessions hosted on Huawei Mobile Services YouTube page.

With the recent introduction of HMS Core 6.0 that addresses pain points and provides developers with Huawei's advanced technologies in media, graphics, telecommunications, and other fields, creators can now enjoy features such as volumetric fog, an enhanced AI-powered networking kit, AV Pipeline Kit, and a 3D Modelling Kit that offers AI-based capabilities.

The categories and the prizes

Apps UP 2021 features a total reward purse of $200,000 in cash for each of the five participating regions, with individual prize amounts ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. In addition to the cash prizes, developers will uncover valuable benefits such as development tools and workshops, support and mentorship from Huawei experts, and the opportunity for winning apps to be featured on HUAWEI AppGallery.

Contestants can enter individually or as part of a team of up to three members across eight categories. These include Best App, Best Game, Best Social Impact App, Excellent Student Award, Tech Women's Award, Best HMS Core Innovation Award, Honorable Mention, and All-Scenario Coverage Award.

How to participate?

Developers wishing to participate will have to register or sign in to the Huawei Developers website with a valid Huawei ID to submit their work in ZIP or RAR format not exceeding 200 MB by September 5, 2021. Winners will be announced in October 2021, following a combination of public voting and a review by judges who are industry leaders from each region. - TradeArabia News Service
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has announced that it has invested in UK-based legaltech startup, Clara.

Clara's innovative platform digitises and automates many of the legal tasks founders need to perform, including setting up companies in different jurisdictions, said a statement.

The investment reflects the DIFC's commitment to driving the automation and digitisation of legal services. The investment was made by the DIFC FinTech Fund, a $100 million fund announced in 2017 to help establish, grow and upscale startup and growth stage companies seeking access to MEASA markets, it said.

Additionally, recognising the growth opportunities associated with operating in the DIFC, given the Centre is home to the largest and most comprehensive FinTech and innovation ecosystem in the region, under Clara's new licence, it will now be able to provide its streamlined corporate services platform to DIFC companies. This is the third jurisdiction to grant Clara a license to set up companies.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: "DIFC continues to be a catalyst for innovation in the region by investing in businesses that can help transform the finance industry. We are therefore delighted to announce the DIFC's FinTech Fund investment in Clara, a rapidly growing legaltech startup that will make doing business easier for emerging companies and other businesses that form part of the region's largest financial services ecosystem."

"Startups are looking for a new approach to help them overcome the pain and complexity of dealing with legal matters," said Patrick Rogers, CEO and Co-Founder of Clara. "We are thrilled to be setting up in the DIFC which will allow us to completely streamline the customer experience of incorporating DIFC entities  adding further value to the Clara platform, which digitises and automates startup legals."

Clara is led by a team of seasoned lawyers and technologists who have worked at some of the top companies within their sectors. The company's platform automates many of the tasks currently performed by lawyers for startups including forming companies, drafting agreements, building cap tables, structuring data rooms and predictively educating founders on legal concepts. The company has raised $3.5 million in seed financing from institutional investors, including 500 Startups and Techstars, it added. - TradeArabia News Service
Mauritius has opened its borders to international travellers, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated, from July 15 under a two-phase reopening plan.

Phase 1 of reopening of the borders for the Indian Ocean Island, which runs until September 30, 2021, allows vaccinated guests to stay in one of 14 chosen resort bubbles.

Holidaymakers will be able to enjoy facilities within their chosen hotel including the swimming pool and beach. If guests stay for 14 days and have negative PCR tests during their stay in the resort, they will then be able to leave the hotel and travel around the island freely for the rest of their stay, exploring the islands many attractions. However, for shorter stays, they may leave the resort earlier and travel back home.

The approved Covid-19 safe resorts are available on: www.mauritiusnow.com

The decision to reopen Mauritius borders, announced in June, came following the successful acceleration of the countrys vaccination programme. International tourism represents a large amount of the island nations GDP and the Mauritian government took the decision in January to include tourism workers and hotel staff as frontline workers to ensure visitors will be welcomed into a safe and secure environment in Mauritius, said a statement.

Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius and Minister of Tourism, said: Mauritius is delighted to be welcoming international visitors into our safe and secure environment on the island. We are in a unique position to be able to allow international visitors, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated, to our resort bubbles and quarantine hotels before allowing guests to experience the islands attractions.

The safety and security of Mauritian citizens, residents, and those visiting the island is paramount and we are grateful to those who have cooperated throughout the pandemic to make this possible. The acceleration of our vaccination programme has enabled us to partially reopen our borders and we look forward to fully opening our borders in October, Obeegadoo said.

Travellers to Mauritius must undergo a PCR test between the fifth and seventh day before departure and a negative result is required to enter the island. Vaccinated travellers must also have a PCR test on arrival at the airport in Mauritius and on day 7 and 14 of their resort holiday, as applicable.

Air Mauritius and other global airlines will add additional flight capacity from July 15 which will increase in the lead up to the full reopening of October 1.

Phase 2 of the reopening of the borders, which takes place on October 1, will allow vaccinated travellers to enter Mauritius without restrictions upon presentation of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.

International visitors can book their resort holidays either via tour operators or directly with the hotels. Other hotels have been confirmed as full quarantine hotels which will only be open to unvaccinated travellers, when returning to Mauritius, the statement said.  TradeArabia News Service
Help India!



Since the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in Assam in 2016, several poor families in Dholpur char have been evicted thrice the first time in November 2016, the second time in January 2021 and the third time in June 2021. Following their eviction, the displaced women folk from these families live amidst poor living conditions and are fearful of their future prospects.

Mahibul Hoque | TwoCircles.net

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SIPAJHAR, ASSAM  It was a shock for 47-year-old Moijan of Dholpur village in Darrang district of Assam when her family received a notice from the district administration on June 6 informing them that their home would be demolished for encroaching into the land of a Hindu temple. The next day, her house, along with 49 other families, was ravaged onto the ground by the district policethe third time in four years.

The eviction was carried out despite the Gauhati High Court issuing an order to stay any eviction drives owing to public health crisis due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Dholpur is a remote char (riverine islands in Assam are called char) flanked by the Brahmaputra and its many streams and Nonoi and its stream. From Sipajhar town, this is around 60 km northeast from state capital Guwahati, one has to travel around 12 kms to reach Gorukhti Higher Secondary school. From this point, after travelling another 3-4 kms towards the southwest on the dirt road along the embankment built to prevent the flooding waters of Brahmaputra from entering the villages next to the Gorukhuti-Ghorabandha PWD road, one will land on the banks of Nonoi rivers stream. From the ghat, a country-made boat fitted with an engine will ferry you to the other bank of the river. From this nearest ghat, the Dholpur bazaar is situated just around 1 km away. The Dholpur eviction site is located adjacent to this market.

The road, landscape, boat journey, and the small gorge that create a small slope on the path give a mesmerising experience during non-flooding times. The relieving and relaxing feeling ends soon when one reaches the tin-made shanties, sees remains of broken houses and listens to the agonising (mixed with anger) stories of peoples loss.

Moijan, who appears to be much older than her age, sees the eviction as a punishment that has taken away her sons from her and the land which she used to cultivate along with her husband. She wept as she told TwoCircles.net, Maybe it is not in my fate that my sons would be able to bury me if I die. My husband is old and we have no land to cultivate. Both my sons had to go away to earn.

The womans husband, Majibor Rahman who is 58-years-old used to cultivate around 12 bighas of land to sustain the family of nine members. Left with no work now, their two sons, 27-year-old Moinuddin Ali and 17-year-old Joinuddin Ali have gone to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu where they work in a cushion making sponge factory.

The very thought that I may never see them if I die now is devastating. What can we do when the government keeps us evicting? Moijan, who injured herself in a bid to protect whatever she could, said.

Apart from that, the women and the girls now have to face other problems as well. We dont even have toilets left to use. It is shameful to go out as men can see us going towards the fields with a water mug.

There are no toilets for the 300-odd evicted families.

Moijan complains that there is no proper space for women to bathe. The women either go to the river or use a makeshift plastic sheet cover to take a bath.

For families with more than five members, there is lack of space for sleeping. At Moijans house, three beds are stuffed inside a one-room house where she, her husband, daughter and daughter-in-law sleeps.

For these evicted women, privacy has no meaning.

The women are also fearful of the flooding water. In char areas, residents elevate a small plot with land and built their houses on the elevated platforms along with storage structures for wire wood and cattle feeders. As eviction has forced the families to set their houses on the flat surface, floodwaters can now easily wash away the food stock and pile of firewoods.

Referring to firewood, Moijan said floodwaters could wash away whatever they have. We make these elevated bamboo structures to store firewood. How will we cook and feed these babies if the floods wash away the firewood stock we keep here? she asks.

The district administration demolished 49 houses which according to the authorities had allegedly occupied the 180 Bigha land of a lord Shiva temple atop the hillock. This is contested by Moijan and other locals.

The temples boundary was far away towards the eastern side from the point where the new boundary has been set. A stream of the Brahmaputra keeps eroding towards the west side, hence the government has included the farmers cropland inside temple boundary to make the 180-bighas of temple land, alleged Saddam Hussain, a local from the char and a young human rights activist.

The district administration has built an Agri bundh (a supposedly agricultural barrier) just after the eviction. Locals said that this was built to demarcate the land of the temple that previously the affected families cultivated. Ironically, the barrier was built using a JCB and it was constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) which prohibits the usage of JCB to carry out landfilling or digging work. The government, however, has made provisions for the usage of tractors with special permission at works done under MGNERGA.

The information board put at the bundh says that the Sanowa Gram Panchayat Rs 9,80,620.00 for labour and 4603.85 labour days (which means 4603.85 days of work done at the site by labourers) for the construction work. This also reflects irregularities at the administration level.

Moreover, an independent fact-finding committee found that the families have been living in the village for more than 40 years. The report said that the families moved here after the 1983 Assam agitation which left hundreds dead. According to the report, three Hindu families also settled here, among which two moved to another place and only one Kanak Dass family remained there and looked after the temple. During this eviction drive, Kanak Dass widow Parbati Das was also displaced.

The fact-finding team said villagers had told them that the temple was built in the year 1984 and Kanak Das was appointed as the caretaker of the temple.

The temple evolved over time and eventually a committee to take care of the temple was formed. After the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power in Assam in 2016, conflict developed between the temple authorities and the villagers. The temple authorities claimed that around 180 Bighas of agricultural land in Dhalpur belonged to the temple and hence the Muslim families residing in the 180 bighas should vacate their land, the report alleged pointing towards the BJPs ascent to power in 2016 in the state.

Since BJP formed the government in Assam, these families have been evicted thrice the first time in November 2016, the second time in January 2021 and the third time in June 2021.
Warbird Digest is partnering with Sleeping Dog Productions this year again to broadcast Warbirds In Review sessions  live on our Facebook page  at the Experimental Aircraft Associations EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, running from July 26th until July 31st.

Warbirds in Review brings history to life through the presence of legendary wartime aircraft and the heroic veterans who flew them. Hosted by EAA Warbirds of America, these informal sessions delve into an aircrafts restoration, operation, and other aspects of owning a valued piece of history. They also shine a spotlight on veterans who share stories with a live audience about what it was like to fly the aircraft in combat or support their operation as a ground crew member.

This is the fourth year for the agreement between Warbird Digest and Sleeping Dog Productions to broadcast the events which occur daily in EAAs Warbird Alley at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Monday through Saturday.

Warbird enthusiasts should be very happy with this partnership, said Moreno Aguiari, Director of Marketing at Warbird Digest. Both platforms have worked hard to provide quality content. Between the massive audience of Warbird Digest and the quality of filming provided by the Sleeping Dog Productions crew, we will be able to further promote the warbird movement worldwide.

Warbirds in Review has become the feature that Oshkosh attendees dont want to miss. Now in our 16th year, EAA Warbirds of America is pleased to partner with Sleeping Dog Productions to film all of the presentations in High Definition, said Connie Bowlin, Founder and Chairman of Warbirds In Review.

To watch Warbirds in Review presentations live, please click HERE.

July 26  Monday:

10:00 a.m. CST > Chance Vought F4-U-4 Corsair, CF-86 Sabre, and North American P-51D Mustang.

With Mark Murphy and Zach McNeil

Sponsored by Jumbolair Aviation Community and owned and operated by the American Honor Foundation. There will be a special pre-recorded interview with U.S. Naval Aviator Charles Obie OBrien.

Live on our Facebook page

1:00 p.m. CST > Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat

With Taras LyssenkoLewis, Rod Lewis, Mark Clark, Dick Hansen, Steve Craig

Sponsored by Lewis Air Legends

Live on our Facebook page

July 27 -Tuesday:

10:00 am CST > De Havilland Chipmunk, 75th Anniversary Special DHC-1-B2-S3 and DHC-1 T.10 Chipmunks and DHC-1 B2-S5 Super Chipmunk

With Nathan Hammond, Michael Kennedy, and Richard Wilsher

Live on our Facebook page

1:00 PM CST > North American P-51B and P-51D Mustangs Old Crow

With Col. C.E. Bud Anderson, Jack Roush, Jim Hagedorn

Live on our Facebook page

July 28  Wednesday:

10:00 am CST > Cessna O-1 Birddog, 70th (+1) Anniversary

With Jim Rohlf, Mike Weinfurter, Raven, Darrel Whitcomb

Live on our Facebook page

1:00 pm CST> Douglas AD-1 Skyraider

With Lt. Col. Dick Rutan

Sponsored by Warbird Heritage Foundation

Live on our Facebook page

July 29  Thursday:

10:00 a.m.CST > Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane

With Bruce Eames and Warren Pietsch

Sponsored by Bruce Eames  Dakota Territory Air Museum

Live on our Facebook page

1:00 pm CST > Cessna UC-78 Bamboo Bomber and Boeing PT-17 Stearman

With Lisa Taylor and John Marsh

National Wasp WWII Museum and Mike Porter

Live on our Facebook page

July 30  Friday:

10:00 am CST > Grumman F6F Hellcat

With Ens. Don McPherson, Evan Fagen, and Steve Hinton, Jr

Sponsored by Fagen Fighters WWII Museum

Live on our Facebook page

1:00 pm > Salute to Veterans Parade, sponsored by American Airlines

July 31  Saturday:

10:00 am CST > North American P-51D Mustang Miss Kitty

With Bruce Eames and Warren Pietsch

Sponsored by Bruce Eames  Dakota Territory Air Museum

There will be a very special pre-recorded interview with the real Miss Kitty, Lavinia Rosenbaum.

Live on our Facebook page
Goals include reduction of the vast majority of emissions in the transport sector, in the energy sector and in urban waste. Premier Bennett: decision that goes in the direction of a "clean, efficient and competitive economy". Environmentalists and critics call for even more ambitious targets, especially for renewables.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) - By 2050 Israel intends to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 85% compared to the levels produced in 2015. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made teh announcement stating the decision will help the country to "gradually move to a low-carbon economy.

The objectives include the reduction of the vast majority of emissions in the transport sector, in the energy sector and in urban waste. However, environmentalists and critical voices are not satisfied and call for even more ambitious targets for renewables and additional economic incentives to encourage change among the population.

The Israeli government's decision comes amidst a critical environmen tal backdrop. Since the beginning of the industrial era, in fact, the planet has already warmed by about 1.2  C and temperatures will continue to rise in the near future, unless nations around the world commit to a policy of drastic reduction of emissions.

Prime Minister Bennett stressed that Israel's decision goes in the direction of a "clean, efficient and competitive economy," which will put the country at the forefront of the global battle against climate change. The parameters set by the Jewish state are in line with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted by nearly 200 countries around the world.

Last week, Greenpeace Israel recalled the decision of an inter-ministerial committee linked to the Energy Ministry (Udi Adiri), which commissioned a program to encourage new oil and gas exploration in the waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone. And it defined as "scandalous" the reference to the climate crisis as a "limited window of opportunity" for the sale of gas. The same NGO turns to the government, recalling that "the climate emergency leaves no room for a hesitant policy" and forces a choice: be part of the problem or participate in the solution.

The plan signed in the French capital pursues the objective of limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial period, aiming at a maximum increase in temperature of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Israel is among the signatory nations of the Paris Climate Agreement, whose intermediate target is to reduce emissions by at least 27% by 2030. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had withdrawn the U.S. from the agreement; successor and current White House tenant Joe Biden has rejoined the agreement, stressing the importance of "green" policies for the sustainable future of the planet.
by Mathias Hariyadi

President Joko Widodo extends restrictions until August 2. Yesterday more than 38,000 new cases and over 1,000 deaths. Small traders are protesting.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Although there have been contained protests against the government in recent days, the Indonesia has decided to extend anti-Covid restrictions by another week, which will remain in force until August 2.

President Joko Widodo announced the decision yesterday, adding that mortality and intensive care unit occupancy rates have declined since authorities imposed restrictive measures on July 3, initially only on the islands of Java and Bali and then to all other provinces in the country.

"I thank all the Indonesian people for their understanding and support regarding the implementation of restrictions on social activities over the past 23 days," Widodo said.

However, the decision has crippled small businesses; demonstrations were held on July 24 against the restrictions adopted by the government.

Since the start of the pandemic, Indonesia has recorded 3.2 million cases, more than 38,000 yesterday alone. After a peak of 51,952 new cases recorded on July 17, the number of newly infected has begun to decline.

The island of Java recorded 70 percent of positives. Over the past 10 days, 1,000 per day have died; the president attributed the dramatic surge to the Delta variant. "We must remain cautious despite the recent improvement and remain on alert against the highly transmissible Delta variant," Widodo commented.

Under current restrictions, traditional markets are allowed to open while adhering to strict health protocols, while others can operate until 3 p.m. and with a 50 percent capacity limit. The other services can stay open until 8 or 9 pm depending on the type of activity. In the case of bars and clubs, visiting time must not exceed 20 minutes.
by Steve Suwannarat

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin tried to use special powers to deal with the pandemic until September. The sovereigns decision follows a political crisis in the ruling coalition government caused by UMNOs threat to withdraw and fears among civil society groups that the government might crack down on dissent.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews)  Malaysias parliament reopened today as the pandemic emergency rages on, while the ruling coalition government is embroiled in its own political crisis. The new session, with a different calendar for the parliaments two houses, will last until 6 August.

Malaysian King Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin pushed for the reopening, in contrast to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

The latter wanted parliament to remain closed until the number of coronavirus cases had dropped below 2,000 a day and the authorities had fully vaccinated 40 per cent of the population. At the current rate of infection and vaccination, that would have been September or October.

The five-day parliamentary session, under clear emergency conditions, will have to look at the countrys prospects and how the government is dealing with the pandemic crisis.

At present, Malaysia has one the highest rate of infection in Asia, with about 14,000 cases per day after peaking at 15,000 last week-end, for a total in excess of one million cases as of yesterday.

About 8,000 people have died so far, double that of Thailand, despite Malaysia having half the population.

Critics have especially slammed the emergency protocols imposed on the population, which will end on 1 August.

With full powers and parliament suspended, the prime minister ruled by decrees without the approval of lawmakers. This situation has raised doubts about the legality of the situation.

Six successive restrictive orders limiting travel and citizens rights have failed to produce positive results, given that the number of cases have more than tripled since the first emergency order was issued on 12 January.

Meanwhile, the ruling coalition government is in turmoil after the United Malay National Organization (UMNO) threatened to withdraw its support.

The party, which has dominated the countrys political life since 1957, finds itself losing votes.

With the opposition putting pressure, several observers would like to see the formation of a new coalition, one based on shared plans and goals, without repressive tendencies towards civil society groups and political opponents.

Failing this, the government might find itself in the sovereign's crosshairs in September, unable to deal with the 2022 budget debate.

The two contingencies would undermine the government and generate even more uncertainty in Malaysia.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Sukhoi Su-30SME multirole fighter jets and military training aircraft delivered . After China, Russia is the main supplier of weapons to Naypyidaw. Like the Chinese, the Russians support Min Aung Hlaing's coup junta. Burma's military leadership relies on the Kremlin to balance Beijing's influence.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - In recent days Russia has delivered a consignment of Sukhoi Su-30SME multi-role fighter jets and military training aircraft to Myanmar, contracted by the regime a few months ago. Head of the Federal Service for Military Cooperation, Dmitry Sugaev confirmed the sale to Interfax over the weekend.

Sugaev says "the supply of these technologies will significantly strengthen the capabilities of Myanmar's military aviation." During the Maks-2021 Air Show, in the presence of Vladimir Putin, he explained that "Naypyidaw remains one of Russia's key partners in Southeast Asia."

Myanmar has been using Russian Mig-29 and Jak-130 aircrafts for a long time; the two countries have a close cooperation in the military field, as confirmed by the head of the Russian war trade agency Rosoboronexport, Aleksandr Mikheev.

Sipri reports that between 2011 and 2020 Moscow sold weapons to Naypyidaw for 649 million euros. With sales of 1.2 billion, China is the leading supplier of armaments to Myanmar.

Russia is actively supporting the Myanmar Armed Forces, which seized power on February 1 in a military coup led by General Min Aung Hlaing. The Russians (like the Chinese) have refused to condemn the action, arguing that the Tatmadaw (the Burmese army) is the only force capable of guaranteeing unity and peace in the multi-ethnic country. The USA, the European Union and Great Britain have imposed sanctions against those responsible for the coup.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandr Fomin visited Naypyidaw in March. He conducted negotiations with local military leaders and also attended the parade in honor of the 76th anniversary of the establishment of the Burmese Armed Forces. Defense Minister Sergei Sojgu, one of President Putin's closest men, had visited Myanmar in January, signing several agreements even then for the delivery of Pantsir-C1 short-range anti-aircraft missile systems, Orlan-10E reconnaissance drones and radio-location stations.

A Myanmar military delegation traveled to Russia last month to learn about Pantsir production techniques, accompanied by Aung Hlaing himself and Air Force Chief Maung Maung Kiaw.

Military cooperation with Russia serves Myanmar to balance (at least in part) the preponderant influence of China on the political life of the country, of which it is the largest trading partner and the main investor. Myanmar is an integral part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi Jinping's mega-infrastructure project to make Beijing the pivot of world trade.

On his trip to Russia, Aung Hlaing had complained about "foreign state" interference in supporting rebel ethnic minorities on Myanmar's northern border," which faces China's Yunnan province. Balancing Chinese and Russian influence is a political game Myanmar has been trying to play since the 1990s.
by Nirmala Carvalho

The Dalit Christian Liberation Movement wants a Dalit to be picked as bishop for one of the local vacant dioceses before Mgr Rayappan is consecrated. Most Catholics in Tamil Nadu are untouchables. Only one diocese in the state is led by an untouchable.

Pondicherry (AsiaNews)  Mgr Arulselvam Rayappan is set to become the new bishop of Salem (Tamil Nadu); however, for local Dalit Catholics, the appointment remains an open wound since the new prelate was not chosen from their own ranks, that of the untouchables.

The Dalit Christian Liberation Movement (DCLM) held a new protest in Salem reiterating their demand to have a Dalit lead the diocese, something that has not happened for 15 years in any Tamil Nadu diocese, despite the fact that most Catholics belong to disadvantaged castes.

Pope Francis appointed Mgr Rayappan as bishop on 31 May.

Protesters in Salem also met with the local district collector, to whom they handed a memorandum accusing the Catholic Church of discrimination against Dalits and calling for the intervention of civil authorities.

In their note, protesters pointed out that, out of 18 Catholic dioceses in Tamil Nadu, only one is led by a Dalit, this despite the fact that 75 per cent of the faithful belong to this community. This situation has been going on for decades.

For more than a year we have been demanding that the issue of vacancies, including that of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry-Cuddalore, be solved. In many cases, episcopal sees have been vacant for two years.

We ask that the episcopal consecration of Mgr Rayappan be stopped and that a Dalit bishop be appointed for one of the dioceses still waiting to have a leader. We appeal to Pope Francis to intervene.
by Shafique Khokhar

The new rules came into force today after Eid al-Adha celebrations, which according to experts will lead to a new increase in cases. The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for children who have undergone transplants. The country now has reported more than a million cases.

Sindh (AsiaNews)  The health situation continues to worsen in Pakistan, as the number of new cases is expected to rise following the recent celebrations for Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival of sacrifice.

In Sindh, Pakistans most affected province, new restrictive measures came into force today. Provincial authorities recently took the decision after the positivity rate exceeded 10 per cent.

Under the new rules, shopping malls, large shops and big businesses will be able to operate only from 6 am to 6 pm, while stand-alone grocery stores, pharmacies, and small businesses will be exempt from this rule and can continue their activities.

Schools will remain closed until 31 July, but exams will be held as scheduled. Public and private offices will function at 50 per cent of staff. Employees in all companies will have to be vaccinated.

Before the religious holiday, the government had called on Pakistanis to scale back family gatherings, avoid large groups in mosques, and reduce interpersonal contacts during Eid.

Dr Faisal Sultan, special health assistant to the prime minister, had asked that the celebrations take place in a closed, limited environment.

On the first day of the celebration, last Thursday, no cases were reported, but the next day, the number jumped to 4,660.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than a million confirmed cases have been reported in the country, with 22,939 deaths.

Meanwhile, the Corona Experts Advisory Group has approved the administration of the Pfizer vaccine to children who have undergone liver, kidney or bone marrow transplants.

Dr Daniel Bashir, a Catholic physician from Karachi, explained that Pakistan has become the 30th country in the world with more than a million cases.

This is an alarming situation, he said. I hope people will understand how serious things are.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with top Chinese diplomats. The talks were described as "frank and open". The Chinese want an end to US interference in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Taiwan and the South China Sea, and to attacks regarding the origin of the Covid virus.

Tianjin (AsiaNews) - For the first time in the history of their diplomatic relations, China has presented the US with a list of "red lines" that Washington needs to respect, and another with corrective measures to be taken, in order to improve bilateral relations.

According to the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry, Vice Minister Xie Feng delivered them today to his US counterpart Wendy Sherman, who has been on a visit to the Asian country since yesterday.

The US envoy also met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi with the US State Department describing the meeting between the two as "frank and open". In other words: the two sides had a very heated confrontation.

This morning Xie declared that the relationship between Beijing and Washington is at a "dead end" and risks "serious consequences". The Chinese representative has accused the U.S. of demonizing China and conducting a "coercive" diplomacy, unlike his country which he claims has no expansionist aims.

Several analysts point out that nations such as Australia, India and Vietnam, not to mention Taiwan, could challenge this statement, accusing the Chinese of pursuing "coercive" commercial and territorial policies.

Beijing has set its own stakes expressing dissatisfaction with US pressure on dossiers such as Covid-19 and its origins, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Taiwan and the South China Sea. The Asian giant's authorities also accuse the US of treating Chinese citizens living in the US unfairly, mistreating its diplomats and fomenting anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiments.

The list of corrections requested by Beijing includes the cancellation of sanctions on Chinese personalities and entities; the removal of visa restrictions on members of the Chinese Communist Party, their families and students; the elimination of restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese companies; the withdrawal of decisions according to which Chinese media in the US are considered "foreign agents"; the freezing of the extradition request from Canada for Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's financial director.

In a separate statement, however, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the U.S. to work to prevent terrorist groups from taking over in Afghanistan. After 20 years of military presence to eliminate al-Qaeda, Washington is completing the withdrawal of its troops from Afghan soil. The move scares China, which is worried that the neighbouring country will become a base from which Islamist militias can launch attacks in Xinjiang.

There was a harsh exchange of words between the two delegations during the first high-level US-China following Bidens inauguration, in March in Alaska. Envoys from Beijing and Washington exchanged mutual accusations of violating protocol. U.S. representatives said China was a threat to global stability. The Chinese responded that the U.S. incites other nations to attack their country.

Sherman is the highest-ranking U.S. official to have met with Chinese leaders since the Anchorage meeting. In recent days, the State Department's number two has made visits to Mongolia, Japan and South Korea. The Biden administration's goal is to strengthen cooperation with allies and regional partners, which has weakened during the Trump presidency, to counter China's advance. The former president had inaugurated a more confrontational policy with Beijing, confirmed in essence by the current tenant of the White House.
Some officials who are standing up these systems say schools have collected immunization records for years, but are doing so now on a larger scale to include employees. And verifying each of the records will take more manpower than some schools are equipped to handle.
Lipton said its unclear what would happen if a lot of people were infected with both COVID-19 and the flu at once. She said many people, particularly young people, dont appreciate that they can each pose threats even to healthy people and are not getting vaccinated for either and are no longer taking many precautions.
I have devoted my career to investigating excessive-force cases because I believe that they are among the most crucial tests of our values and commitments to each other, Mulhauser said in a statement. I am honored to join the effort to put Marylands new police reforms into practice, and I look forward to helping build a statewide system that will examine fatal incidents with rigor and impartiality.
His history as a prosecutor, both at the state level and federal, gives him deep knowledge about what is needed for the role, and his work to reform the criminal justice system in the legislature shows he is aware of what we need in a federal partner, Lewis said.
In April, USM Chancellor Jay Perman, whos also a medical doctor, told the Board of Regents that everyone in the system needed to be vaccinated against the coronavirus in order to reopen the states 11 campuses safely. Mandating a [COVID-19] vaccine is a reasonable and necessary means of preventing spread of the disease, Perman said. Ill go one better: Mandating a vaccine is the most effective strategy we have, especially as we try to reach herd immunity. Its not just one tool in this fight; its our best tool [for] our safe return to campus.


Indian naval frigate 'INS Tabar' at St. Petersburg on a five-day goodwill visit. Photo: PIB

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh on Sunday attended the Russian Navy's 325th anniversary parade in St. Petersburg, an official statement said.



Moreover, the Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Tabar was part of the column of ships during the parade that were reviewed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, it mentioned.



Indian Ambassador to Russia D B Venkatesh Varma also attended the parade on Sunday.



"The 325th Anniversary of the Russian Navy. Adm Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff and Ambassador, Indian Embassy in Russia, at the Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg," the Indian Navy said on Twitter.



"Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Tabar is part of the mobile column being reviewed by the Russian President Vladimir Putin," it added.



Tabar arrived at St. Petersburg on Thursday on a five-day goodwill visit, which also includes bilateral professional interactions with the Russian Navy.


BEIJING (PTI): Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined the importance of long-term stability and prosperity in Tibet during a meeting with top military officials in Lhasa, the state media reported on Saturday, a day after he made a previously unannounced visit to the strategically important region, including to Nyingchi, a town close to the border with Arunachal Pradesh.



Xi, also General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), met top officials of the Tibet Military Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), guarding China's border with India in Arunachal Pradesh, and also called for "fully strengthening the work of training soldiers and war preparation," the Global Times reported.



Xi, 68, made his first visit to Tibet as President from Wednesday to Friday. But his important visit was kept under wraps by China's official media till the end of the tour on Friday due to the sensitivities of the trip.



As part of his trip, he first went to Nyingchi, a strategically located town close to the border with Arunachal Pradesh.



On Thursday, Xi went to Nyingchi Railway Station, learning about the overall design of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway and how the Lhasa-Nyingchi section has been operated since June 25.



It was the first time in recent years, a top Chinese leader visited the Tibetan border town. From there he went to the provincial capital Lhasa by the recently launched high-speed train.



He wound up his visit to the politically sensitive Himalayan region on Friday by meeting representatives of troops stationed in Tibet.



"Xi met with representatives of troops stationed in Tibet, calling for efforts to strengthen military training and preparedness in all aspects and make contributions to the lasting stability, prosperity and development of Tibet," the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.



However, the CPC-run tabloid Global Times said that Xi in his meeting with the PLA representatives stressed that the local troops should fully strengthen the work of training soldiers and war preparation and contribute positive strength to promote the long-term stability and prosperity of Tibet.



Xi's first visit to Tibet took place amidst the current India-China military tensions in eastern Ladakh.



According to Xinhua, Xi visited the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in connection with the 70th anniversary of Tibet's "peaceful liberation the first time in the history of the Party and the country."



He extended congratulations on the 70th anniversary of "Tibet's peaceful liberation, visited officials and ordinary people of various ethnic groups and conveyed the CPC Central Committee's care to them," the report said.



He said that at present, Tibet is at a new historical starting point of its development, and the CPC's leadership must be upheld and the path of "socialism with Chinese characteristics" must be followed.



Xi said over the past 70 years Tibet has made historic strides in the social system and realised full economic and social development, with people's living standards significantly improved.



"It has been proven that without the CPC, there would have been neither new China nor new Tibet," Xi said. "The CPC Central Committee's guidelines and policies concerning Tibet work are completely correct."



China is accused of suppressing cultural and religious freedom in the remote and mainly Buddhist Himalayan region. China has rejected the accusations.



In his meetings in Tibet, Xi stressed fully implementing the CPC's "fundamental guidelines governing religious work, respecting the religious beliefs of the people, adhering to the principle of independence and self-governance in religious affairs.



He also stressed governing religious affairs in accordance with the law and guiding Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to a socialist society, the Xinhua report said.



Since becoming President in 2013, Xi has pursued a firm policy of stepping up security control of Tibet. Beijing has been cracking down on Buddhist monks and followers of the Dalai Lama, who, despite his exile, remains widely admired spiritual leader and worshipped by Tibetans.



Xi also pushed the Tibetan government and the military to strengthen border security by improving the infrastructure of the border villages including building new dwellings for residents.



Xi's policies on Tibet include the 'sinicization' of Tibetan Buddhism, bringing it in tune with the policies of the ruling Communist Party.


Today

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Duluth, MN (55816)

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Apostle Island Books manager Kristen Sandstrom stands in the stores childrens section. Apostle Island Books, Bayfield, Wis., sells new books of all genres with an emphasis on local and Native voices.
There has been a spike in crossings and attempted crossings from Libya in recent months. Amnesty International has said that in the first six months of this year, more than 7,000 people intercepted at sea were forcibly returned to detention camps in Libya.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Monday congratulated weightlifter Mirabai Chanu for winning a silver medal at Tokyo Olympics.

Hailing Chanu for her remarkable performance at Olympics, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said: "I am extremely happy to inform you that Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in Tokyo Olympics. I congratulate her on behalf of the House and myself. I hope that other athletes will also perform well in their respective games and bring laurels to the nation."

Chanu on Monday left for India after winning a silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics. The silver medallist is expected to arrive home later today.

Chanu had opened India's medals tally on Saturday as she bagged a silver in the Women's 49kg category at Tokyo International Forum.

"Heading back to home, Thank you #Tokyo2020 for memorable moments of my life," tweeted Chanu. Chanu lifted a total of 202 kg (87kg in snatch and 115kg in clean and jerk) during her four successful attempts across the competition.

China's Zhihui Hou bagged gold with a total of 210kg and created a new Olympic Record while Indonesia's Windy Cantika Aisah grabbed bronze with a total of 194kg.

With this monumental silver medal, Chanu has become the second Indian weightlifter to win an Olympic medal after Karnam Malleswari bagged bronze in the 69kg category at the 2000 Sydney Games when the weightlifting arena was opened to women for the first time.

Boxer Mary Kom on Sunday had congratulated Chanu for winning a silver medal at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. "Congratulations @mirabai_chanu. Emotional and happy to embrace each other. A proud Manipuri and a fighter for India in one frame," tweeted Mary Kom.

(ANI)
Raja Farooq Haider, the so-called Prime Minister of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, reprimanded the Kashmiri people for what he called their 'slave mentality' after preliminary results of Legislative Assembly polls showed Imran Khan's party notching an easy win in the violence-marred elections.

Having been defeated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the polls on Sunday, infuriated Haider said the Kashmiri people are marred with the mentality of slavers for the past 250 years, Ary News reported.

The PoK assembly has a total of 53 members but only 45 are directly elected. According to the unofficial results cited by Geo News, PTI won by a simple majority of 24 seats.

Unofficial results showed eight seats in Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) favour and six in Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N). Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir People's Party (JKPP) and the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference (AJKMC) secured one seat each.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz has outrightly refused to accept the results

Taking to Twitter, PML-N Vice-President said that her party fought hard but it is not easy to deal with fraud.

"I have not accepted the results and will not. I have not even acknowledged the results of this fake government. Congratulations to the workers and voters. What will be the course of action on this shameless fraud, the party will decide soon, God willing," Maryam tweeted.

PPP's vice-president Senator Sherry Rehman had blamed the Centre for "systematic rigging" and said it was attempting to "steal" the elections.

The PPP leader alleged PTI workers had fired on a PPP worker's car during polling time, while police had uprooted a camp belonging to her party.PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb in a statement said that PTI "goons" had attacked her party's workers in Gujranwala's Alipur Chatha area to "rig" the election.

Aurangzeb said despite PTI workers beating up her party workers, the police "arrested those associated with PML-N".

"PTI has been allowed to engage in hooliganism with complete liberty," she said.

Last year, India had criticised Pakistan's decision to hold elections in the Legislative Assembly election in occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. New Delhi has maintained that any action to alter the status of the militarily occupied region has no legal basis.

The main opposition parties had termed the occupied Gilgit-Baltistan election rigged.

(ANI)

Also Read: Days after Dasu bus blast, Pakistan ISI chief in Beijing to hold talks with Chinese officials
Taliban terrorists shot and killed 43 civilians and security forces members in a district in Afghanistan's Ghazni, local media reported citing residents.

Similar occurrences have been reported in other areas as well, ToloNews reported.

Among those killed were two young men whose father said they were killed while leaving the area with their families and that they were not government employees or security force members.

"Taliban terrorists after entering Malistan district committed war crimes and killed civilians who were not involved in the fighting. They attacked people's homes and after looting their property, they burned residential houses," said Mina Naderi, a civil society activist from Ghazni who read a joint statement from Malistan residents at a press conference in Kabul on Sunday.

"In the centre of Malistan district, they (Taliban) also destroyed and looted shops," she added.

This comes amid an ongoing offensive by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Recently it was reported that a group of gunmen killed "over 100 civilians" in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province.

The Afghan Interior Ministry confirmed the report, blaming the Taliban for the "murder of civilians."

"The brutal terrorists on the order of their Punjabi bosses (Pakistan) ambushed the homes of the innocent Afghans in certain areas of Spin Boldak, looted the homes and martyred 100 innocent people," said Mirwais Stanekzai, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior.

In recent weeks, the Taliban have carried out deadly attacks against Afghan forces and civilians.

Since May, the terror group has taken control of crucial border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan.

The Taliban now claim to control about half of the country's roughly 400 districts. However, verifying such claims is difficult.

(ANI)

Also Read: China dismantling peace in Afghanistan by collaborating with Pak, Taliban, says columnist
The Tribal Council elections are coming up and Char-Koosta News has new election logos. We can't decide which is the best. That's where you come in. Check out the logo options below and then vote. Which logo do you prefer? Answer below!

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Bonsall, who is conservative, is frustrated by how the vaccine has become a political issue for many people rather than a public health one. He said he got the vaccine as soon as he could get his hands on it because of the touring his band does. But his wife, along with other family members, refuse to get vaccinated until it receives full approval (the vaccines now have emergency-use approval) from the Food and Drug Administration.
Unfortunately, many health care and long-term care personnel remain unvaccinated, the health care organizations said in their statement. As we move toward full FDA approval of the currently available vaccines, all health care workers should get vaccinated for their own health, and to protect their colleagues, families, residents of long-term care facilities and patients. This is especially necessary to protect those who are vulnerable, including unvaccinated children and the immunocompromised.
Its easy to look past the places that seem to be everywhere, but sometimes those places are everywhere for the right reasons. And so it is for Lou Malnatis, a Chicago pizza staple that does indeed seem to be everywhere in and around Chicago  including Lolla. In a city of great pizza, Lous is equally iconic in its dependability as in its ubiquity. The ingredients on its thin crust are almost always perfectly proportional on a lightly dense base that offers a welcome crunch. The deep dish is the predictable, delicious morass of cheese, tomato sauce and whatever else  again, with a dense and crunchy crust that seals the deal.  Josh Noel
Take the tortellini djuvec ($20). Flamm actually uses the popular Balkan dish of djuvec twice. He cooks red pepper, eggplant and zucchini down to use as a filling for the pasta, and also blends some of it into a sauce that looks like a regular red marinara, yet features layer upon layer of comforting complexity, which seems to envelop the filled pasta with a generous hug. (Though it, too, could use less oil drizzled on top.)
"I have 10 to twelve hours of material," he said at one point by way of explanation. "Other guys have honed, precise material." But that's part of Macdonald's appeal: even if you've heard some of these bits before (and plenty of the material from his early show has been seen previously), his storytelling style allows him the leeway to switch it up enough from set to set that you're not just hearing recited lines.
Fumes seeped up through her floor. Helicopters buzzed over her head. She presumed they were Chevrons. Every night, two local men were posted to stand guard on her decks, watching over the suspected site of the spill, in the distance. They were there because community members feared that Chevron would secretly repair the pipe, or worse, commission militants to blow it up so they could claim vandals or oil thieves had caused the spill. Environmental advocates say that oil companies are often accused of this in the region.
We are committed to building on our legacy of preparing our students for life through an education that is wholistic and marked by a strong Catholic identity. This has been the success of our school system over many generations, Cupich said.
We are literally going to hold the citys feet to the fire about increasing the compensation for canceling peoples days off, Catanzara said. You shouldnt get paid the same amount of money if you volunteer to work your (day off) as opposed to getting it canceled. That just doesnt make any sense to anybody, except for the city. So, thats going to be a big demand, not even an ask. And I dont see them saying yes, so I can see that going to arbitration.
A police spokesperson said officers were called to the 1200 block of West Ainslie Street about 11:30 a.m. for an aggravated assault case. The off-duty officer had been sitting in the passenger seat of a parked black Audi when a man he didnt know came up to the passenger-side window and pointed a gun at him, but the officer was able to fire his weapon and the would-be carjacker ran off.
He also said detectives have some leads on a case in River North about 3 a.m. Sunday that left three men in their early 20s injured, one of them shot, two of them stabbed. One man, 24, was shot in the leg, a 23-year-old man was stabbed in his back and another 23-year-old man was stabbed in his stomach area, officials said.
Asked what her threshold is for reinstating a mask mandate, Lightfoot said, Well, look, if we get back into an area where we feel like were in a red zone, which we are working very hard to make sure that our daily case rate is below 200, if we start to see consistently going over that, were not only going to look at a mask mandate, but were going to look back at other tools that weve been compelled to use.
All of this turns on the assumption that government has the power to tell private property owners to go out and maintain public property ... to me (thats) constitutionally suspect, Smith said. Its kind of a stretch and kind of contrary to the entire American form of government to say that any government has the power to conscript private property owners into maintaining a portion of the public space.
Lightfoot also said its important for attendees to demonstrate a negative test within a reasonable period of time, and indicated it could be more than 24 hours. Lightfoot said unvaccinated entrants would need a negative test within 48 hours but acknowledged she might be wrong about that.
Investigators were able to determine that a phone linked to Amy Schubert was one of only six devices with a Joliet area code being used inside the Capitol at the time, according to the complaint. Photos on Schuberts publicly available Facebook profile were then matched to the images of the woman in the video, according to the charges.
That was nearly nine months ago  enough time for smarter state finance ideas to gestate. We had hoped that, with their fantasy of higher income tax rates dashed, the ruling Democrats would focus on the cost side of their ledger. Put another way, we hoped that for lack of easy tax increases, theyd address the pension crisis that lawmakers of both parties spent decades creating, and that consumes nearly a quarter of state revenues. The Springfield swells ought to be terrified by the potential for Illinois state and local pension funds to go insolvent, unable to pay full benefits to public sector retirees.
I have a lot of ambitions for transforming the landscape of government and its responsiveness to the needs of individuals, Lightfoot said. While Im not looking that far ahead, its hard for me to think that the work will be done in now three years time. So do I expect to present myself again up to the voters of the city? I do.
CCTV: State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 3rd round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Could you give us a bit more on that?

Zhao Lijian: On July 24, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 3rd round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Chengdu. The two sides had in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of common concern.

State Councilor Wang Yi pointed out that since China and Pakistan set up diplomatic ties 70 years ago, the two countries have worked together to overcome many difficulties and obstacles, defeated various risks and challenges, forged an ironclad friendship, and established an all-weather strategic partnership of cooperation. A high degree of mutual trust, mutual assistance, seeking peace and promoting development together are the most distinctive features of China-Pakistan relations, and the greatest strength in moving forward together. China is willing to work with Pakistan to take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to accelerate the construction of a closer community with a shared future in the new era, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contributions to regional stability and prosperity.

Foreign Minister Qureshi extended felicitations to the Chinese side on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He said the Pakistani side wished the Chinese government and people greater success in achieving the goal of socialist modernization in 2035 and building a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful in 2049, under the inspiring and visionary leadership of the CPC, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. He said that China is Pakistan's long-standing strategic partner. Strengthening the ironclad Pakistan-China friendship is the common understanding of the whole country and the basis of Pakistan's foreign policies. In the face of the major global changes, it is indispensable to enhance the coordination and cooperation between Pakistan and China. Pakistan is ready to join hands with China to respond to possible challenges and lift bilateral relations to a new level.

The two sides sternly condemned the terrorist attack targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan, mourn the lost lives, and express sincere sympathies to the injured. Both sides spoke highly of the outcomes of anti-epidemic cooperation, agreed to continue the high-quality construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, jointly oppose hegemonism and unilateralism, promote the common values of humanity. The two sides agreed on continuing their unyielding support on issues concerning each other's core national interests; underscored that a peaceful, stable, cooperative and prosperous South Asia was in the common interest of all countries; decided to launch joint actions on Afghan issue, and reaffirmed their commitment to facilitate and support "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" peace and reconciliation process.

China Daily: In recent days, media outlets and experts from several countries have voiced their criticisms against the US politicization of origins tracing and said there should be a probe into the US and the Fort Detrick lab. What's your comment on that?

Zhao Lijian: For some time, the voice of reason has been growing in the international community, criticizing the US politicization of origins tracing and calling for a probe into the Fort Detrick lab.

Sergei Latyshev, a Russian journalist and historian, wrote in his article that the US is trying to "pin" COVID-19 on China and that coronavirus is used for international blackmail. Abbey Makoe, former political editor at the South African Broadcasting Corporation, stressed in his opinion piece that it is morally incorrect for the US politicize science-based collaborative work under the auspices of the WHO. Hamdhan Shakeel, senior editor of Maldives News Network, pointed out that some western states, instead of tracing the origins of the virus in a scientific manner but out of racism, are attempting to shift the blame to China by distorting facts and spreading disinformation surrounding the COVID-19 virus. The Korean Times and Japan Today published op-eds that criticized the US politicization of origins tracing. They noted that the coronavirus may have spread in the US back in December 2019, and that the US, instead of China, should be the primary target of a new global probe into the origins of COVID-19.

Stephen Kinzer, a former foreign correspondent for the New York times and Senior Fellow in International and Public Affairs of Watson Institute, Brown University noted, the Fort Detrick has dark history as it had cooperation with Japanese war criminals and is still a biological warfare research center in the US. He said a deep investigation into Fort Detrick would be interesting. Mauro Gia Samote, a well-known Philippine columnist, highlighted in his piece unsolved mysteries which include the leakage of coronavirus from the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases laboratory inside Fort Detrick and cluster cases of pneumonia outbreaks in Maryland in 2019. He found the lack of any investigations by the US government very suspicious. World News of the Philippines stressed in its editorial that WHO experts should respond to Chinese netizens' appeal by pushing the US to open the Fort Detrick lab for origins studies. Sovereign PH published an article that said the US has been aggressively selling the conspiracy theory about China and it should open Fort Detrick for global COVID-19 origins tracing.

These examples fully show that origins tracing is a scientific matter and should not be politicized. Some in the US are obsessed with using origins tracing for political manipulation in order to deflect attention and shift blames. Their malicious motive has long been exposed to the world. The US has the largest number of confirmed cases; the timeline of early cases in the US has been constantly dialed forward; and the mysteries around Fort Detrick and EVALI remain unsolved. If labs are to be investigated, then the WHO experts should go to Fort Detrick. The US should act in a transparent and responsible way as soon as possible and invite WHO experts to the US for an inquiry into the Fort Detrick lab so that truth can be revealed to the world.

Global Times: According to the latest statistics, over 13 million Chinese netizens have signed the joint open letter calling on the WHO to investigate the biological laboratory at Fort Detrick. So far, we have not seen a positive response from the US. What is particularly regrettable is that the server of the endorsement has come under attacks from US-based IP addresses. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: First, a huge thumbs-up for the Global Times open letter. On this issue, the US owes the Chinese netizens two explanations.

First, the US should offer a responsible explanation on all the suspicion surrounding the biological laboratory at Fort Detrick. Why is it still playing dumb when over 13 million Chinese netizens have called for justice? Why did it keep obfuscating and stonewalling on this issue? Where is the transparency it claims?

Second, the US should offer a responsible explanation on the cyber attacks on the endorsement server originating from US soil. Just last week, it rallied a few allies to hurl unfounded accusations smearing China on cybersecurity. The attacks on the endorsement server once again revealed the hypocrisy and double standard of the US on cybersecurity and its true face as the top "hacking empire" in the world. If the US truly defends cybersecurity and supports freedom of speech, then it should reflect upon itself and join other countries in safeguarding cyber security instead of condoning hacking activities at home while slinging mud at others.

Beijing Youth Daily: On July 25, the World Heritage Committee inscribed "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" on UNESCO's World Heritage List during its 44th session, bringing the number of world heritage sites in China to 56. Do you have any comment on this?

Zhao Lijian: We extend warm congratulations to Quanzhou on its inscription on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The World Heritage Committee unanimously decided to inscribe "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" on the World Heritage List. This shows the committee's recognition of the outstanding universal value of Quanzhou as a prominent city of economic and cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, an important node on the maritime Silk Road, and a fine specimen of global maritime trading hub during the Song and Yuan dynasties (10th-14th centuries AD). The inscription also reflects international acknowledgment of the contemporary relevance and historical value of Quanzhou's role in driving exchange and mutual learning between different civilizations, promoting sustainable development and fostering a community with a shared future for mankind.

Once known as Zayton, Quanzhou's history dates back to over 1,300 years ago. During the Song and Yuan periods, the city flourished amid the booming global maritime trade, becoming a hub for the trade network spanning across East Asia and Southeast Asia. "With the rising tide, merchant ships from all countries come ashore to trade". This line by a Song dynasty poet captured the vibrancy of the bustling emporium at the time. Quanzhou witnessed the brilliant historical chapter of exchange and mutual learning between ancient China and other countries. It carries the heritage of the Chinese nation's pursuit of self-improvement and win-win cooperation with a pioneering spirit. It stands as an epitome of the splendor achieved by opening up to the world throughout China's history.

The preservation of a series of cultural heritage from the 10th to 14th century in Quanzhou would not have been possible without China's persevering protection efforts. Since its accession to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1985, China has been conscientiously implementing the Convention with a strong sense of responsibility to history and the public. With constantly improving capability, we have been doing a better job of heritage protection, contributing Chinese wisdom, solutions and strength to world heritage protection. Going forward, we stand ready to work together with other countries and UNESCO to strengthen exchange and cooperation, promote dialogue, exchange and mutual learning between civilizations, support the cause of world heritage protection, act as good custodians to the cultural jewels and natural treasures of all humanity, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

CGTN: State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently held talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Do you have more to share on that?

Zhao Lijian: On July 25, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in Chengdu. They had an in-depth exchange of ideas on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that Finland is among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with new China. Mutual respect, friendship and cooperation has always been the defining theme of China-Finland ties. We appreciate Finland's recently-released Governmental Action Plan on China 2021, which stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with China. We also stand ready to dovetail development strategies with Finland and step up exchange and cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, circular economy and clean technology. Finland is welcome to join the Belt and Road Initiative and realize greater win-win cooperation to contribute more to regional and global peace and development.

Foreign Minister Haavisto said that Finland attaches high importance to the fruitful relations with China and would like to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen dialogue and communication, deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation, and strive for greater progress in bilateral relations. He expressed the hope that the two sides may discuss launching a fast track and move forward cooperation in such areas as connectivity, climate change, green economy, data security and Arctic affairs.

The two sides agreed to work hand in hand to earnestly implement the two heads of state's strategic consensus on developing a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership. First, explore pathways to a new-type partnership that will enable countries with different history, culture and social system to seek common ground, shelve differences and conduct win-win cooperation. Second, fully unleash the potential for practical cooperation, seek greater synergy between the BRI and Finland's development strategy, promote cooperation in emerging sectors like scientific and technological innovation, circular economy and clean technology, and open up wider to each other. Third, work for the sound and steady development of China-EU relations, promote the green and digital partnership, and advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation between the two sides. Fourth, adhere to true multilateralism, jointly uphold the UN-centered international system, address global threats such as COVID-19, climate change and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and work toward a community with a shared future for mankind.

Reuters: I wanted to ask a question about a report by the Financial Times that said Britain is exploring ways to remove China's state-owned nuclear energy company China General Nuclear Power Group from all future projects in the UK. Does the foreign ministry have any information on this? Or does it have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: I noted the report. I would like to say that China and the UK are important partners in trade and investment. To conduct practical cooperation following the principle of mutual benefit and win-win results serves the interests of both. The British side should provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

CRI: According to reports, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has become Samoa's new Prime Minister, as her predecessor Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, former Samoan Prime Minister and leader of the Human Rights Protection Party, gave his farewell speech. What is your comment?

Zhao Lijian: The Chinese side extends its congratulations to Ms. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa on being elected Prime Minister of the new government of Samoa. As comprehensive strategic partners, China and Samoa are committed to mutual respect and common development. China-Samoa relations feature long-standing friendship and enjoy the endorsement and support of the two peoples. Cooperation between our two countries is for mutual benefits and win-win results, hence improving the wellbeing of both peoples. China attaches high importance to growing relations with Samoa, and stands ready to work with the new government of Samoa to enhance people-to-people interactions, deepen cooperation across the board, and continue to promote steady growth of bilateral friendly relations.

SCMP: First, US Deputy Secretary of State Sherman is visiting the Chinese city of Tianjin. How does China assess the progress of the talks with the US? The US side said prior to the visit that it hoped Sherman's visit would help set up "guardrails" to see to it that the bilateral relationship won't become worse. Could I have China's view on that? Second, according to media reports, US forces recently intensified airstrikes in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar to counter offensives by the Taliban. Does China have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: On your first question, China has already released readouts on US Deputy Secretary of State Sherman's visit, which is still underway.

During the talks, the Chinese side faced the existing problems in bilateral relations squarely, expounded on China's attitude and position on developing relations with the US in a candid manner, expressed its unequivocal opposition to the US side's practice of interfering in China's internal affairs and harming China's interests, and made it clear that the US side must change course and correct its mistakes. The two sides also had in-depth exchange of views on a wide range of issues of their respective and mutual interest. The US side sought China's cooperation and support on climate change, Iran and the Korean nuclear issue among others. In fact, China has been playing a responsible and constructive role on all these issues. It needs to be emphasized that cooperation should be based on mutual trust, mutual benefit and a sound atmosphere for bilateral relations. The US should adopt a correct view of cooperation. It simply won't work when the US seeks cooperation with China while harming China's interests.

Apart from expounding on its principle position on China-US relations, and requiring the US side to change its extremely wrong perception and dangerous policy toward China, China once again expressed strong dissatisfaction with the US side over its wrong words and deeds on issues relating to COVID-19 origin-tracing, Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, urging the US side to immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop damaging the interests of China, stop crossing the red lines and playing with fire, and stop seeking bloc confrontation under the guise of values. We urge the US to never underestimate the strong resolution, determination and capability of the 1.4 billion Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

On the whole, the talks have been profound, candid and helpful for the two sides to gain a better understanding of each other's position and seek healthy development of China-US relations going forward.

On your second question, the situation in Afghanistan has come to a critical crossroads with severe challenges. War or peace, chaos or order, much is at stake. China always believes that political negotiation is the only correct way to resolve the Afghan issue.

It needs to be stressed that the recent sudden announcement by the US of full withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan is the root cause of the acute deterioration of the security situation there. It puts Afghanistan's peace and stability as well the security interests of regional countries under grave threat. As the culprit that started the Afghan issue, the US must assume its due responsibility and take concrete actions to ensure a steady transition and prevent terrorist forces from swooping in and strengthening their hold, so as to safeguard the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Bloomberg: In the talks in Tianjin,China has put forward two lists to the US. One is a list of wrongdoings that must stop and the second is a list of key individual cases that China has concerns with. Do you have any details or any more information? What wrongdoings are on the first list? What sort of individual cases are on the second?

Zhao Lijian: In the list of wrongdoings, China urges the US side to unconditionally revoke visa restrictions on members of the Communist Party of China and their family members, revoke sanctions on Chinese leaders, officials and government agencies, cancel visa restrictions on Chinese students, stop suppressing Chinese companies, stop harassing Chinese students overseas, stop attacking the Confucius Institute, remove the registration of Chinese media as foreign agents or foreign missions, and drop the extradition of Meng Wanzhou and so on.

In the list of key individual cases that China has concerns with, China expresses its grave concerns over the individual cases including the rejection of visa application of some Chinese students, unfair treatment of Chinese citizens, the harassment and storming of the Chinese embassy and consulates, and the growing anti-Asia, anti-China sentiment in the US. China asked the US side to address the cases as soon as possible, and earnestly respect and protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions.
Aerial photo taken on July 8, 2021 shows Anping Bridge in Anhai Town of Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

East China's port city of Quanzhou, once hailed as "the very great and noble city" by the Italian explorer Marco Polo, won UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56.

UNESCO accepted "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" as a cultural property on its World Heritage List amid the ongoing 44th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Fuzhou, capital of east China's Fujian Province.

Located on narrow plains along the coastline of Fujian, Quanzhou was one of the world's largest ports along the historic Maritime Silk Road, particularly in ancient China's Song Dynasty (960-1279) and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

The serial property includes 22 sites of administrative buildings and structures, religious buildings, and statues. The property witnessed multi-cultural communities, cultural memorial sites and monuments, the production of ceramics and iron, and a transportation network formed of bridges, docks and pagodas that guided voyagers.

"It reflects greatly the spatial structure that combined production, transportation and marketing. It demonstrates the key institutional, social and cultural factors that contributed to the spectacular rise and prosperity of Quanzhou as a maritime hub of the East and Southeast Asia trade network during the 10th to 14th centuries AD," said a report by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the committee's official advisory body.

It is the second time the city has applied for the prestigious title. In 2018, China's nomination "Historic Monuments and Sites of Ancient Quanzhou (Zayton)" was referred back for a second chance when the committee met in Bahrain in 2018.

China made significant technical adjustments and resubmitted the application as "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China," with the former 16 sites included in the serial nomination expanded to 22 sites, according to Zhang Lei. Zhang is head of the world cultural heritage department under China's National Cultural Heritage Administration and made the remarks at a press conference held earlier this month.

The session, originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19, has been extended until July 31 to go over the agendas of both 2020 and 2021.
Bobby Orillaneda, a senior researcher of the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology, fell in love with ancient Chinese ceramics in 1999 when he joined a shipwreck excavation in Palawan, an archipelagic province in the Southeast Asian country.



As a ceramic researcher and head of the museum's maritime and underwater heritage division, Orillaneda said China's ceramics collections of the museum date back to nearly 1,000 years ago or the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties.

The ancient Chinese ceramics, most of which were found in the Philippines either inland sites or in shipwreck sites, are "very good evidence of the thriving maritime trade between China and the rest of the world, including the Philippines," he told Xinhua in an interview.

"Most of the collections here are from the port of Quanzhou since the 13th century, when there was increased maritime traffic among China, the Philippines, and the rest of the Southeast Asian region. Ceramics from different areas of China would be carried to Quanzhou first and then shipped towards different destinations such as here in the Philippines," Orillaneda said.

Over the past years, Orillaneda has visited many cities in China to arrange cultural artifacts exhibitions. Among those cities, Quanzhou, located in China's Fujian province as the crucial starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, impressed him the most.

Dating back to China's Song Dynasty (960-1297) and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Quanzhou witnessed a prospering maritime trade and economy, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and the rest of the world.

On Sunday, Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site, bringing the total number of China's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56.

Starting from Quanzhou, silk, porcelain, and tea were ferried out of China, while spices, exotic plants, and other rare treasures were shipped back.

Shipwrecks excavated in Quanzhou Bay and the South China Sea also testify to the prosperity and vibrancy of the port, such as the wreck of a sailing ship with a wooden hull unearthed in Houzhu Harbor in Quanzhou Bay.

This three-masted ocean-going commercial vessel seems to have been originally built in Quanzhou in the 13th century, and at the time of the wreck, it was returning from Southeast Asia loaded with spices, medicines, and other merchandise.

Deeply engrossed in the study of ancient Chinese ceramics, Orillaneda said that out of all the collections in the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology, his favorite one is a blue and white porcelain bowl made during the Yuan Dynasty.

"It is recovered from a late 15th-century shipwreck here in Palawan, but this one is quite different because it is made during the Yuan Dynasty, which is about 100 years earlier than the shipwreck," Orillaneda said.

"During the Yuan Dynasty, the blue and whites are of very high quality. The cobalt was taken from Central Asia and imported to China and used during the first batch of the blue and whites. Therefore, the exquisite craftsmanship and the colors are very vibrant. The design inside the bowl shows mythical animals like phoenix and kylin, which are important symbols in Chinese mythology."

Orillaneda's mentor, Rita Tan, the former president of the Oriental Ceramic Society of the Philippines, also dedicated her life to studying ancient Chinese ceramics.

Born in 1939, Tan has been the curator of a series of exhibitions on overseas ancient Chinese ceramics, particularly those fabricated in Fujian province before being shipped out from Quanzhou and finally discovered in the Philippines.

She attributed the discovery of Song-Yuan ceramics in the Philippines to Chinese government policy incentives of those dynasties and the Philippines' strategic location along the Maritime Silk Road due to its proximity to China's coastal areas. Tan believes that these cultural relics are "the most concrete evidence of history."

"Song Dynasty is the 'golden era' of Chinese ceramics, which witnessed the blooming of kilns in Southeast China. Moreover, the opening-up policy and emphasis on foreign trade of those dynasties boosted the export of Chinese ceramics," Tan said.

"Geographically close, the Philippines is a must-pass between China and the rest of the Southeast Asian region, and even Western Asia," Tan added.
Trade between Nepal and China grew by over 28 percent in the 2020-21 fiscal year that ended in mid-July despite the raging COVID-19 pandemic, showed the latest figures released by the Nepali Department of Customs.

The two-way trade increased to 234.93 billion Nepali rupees (1.96 billion U.S. dollars) in the last fiscal year, as against 183.93 billion Nepali rupees (1.54 billion U.S. dollars) over the previous fiscal year.

Nepal's imports from China surged to 233.92 billion Nepali rupees (1.95 billion U.S. dollars) in 2020-21, up from 181.92 billion Nepali rupees (1.52 billion U.S. dollars) in the previous year, according to the Nepali department.

Meanwhile, the Nepali exports to China fell to 1 billion Nepali rupees (8.37 million U.S. dollars) from 1.19 billion Nepali rupees (9.97 million U.S. dollars) in the previous year.

The South Asian country has imposed a lockdown twice to contain the virus, though the restrictive measures have been eased in the past weeks.

"Nepal-China trade grew in line with an overall growth in trade in the last fiscal year," Shishir Ghimire, information officer at the Department of Customs, told Xinhua. "Even during the lockdown, we continued to open customs offices for international trade."

In the 2020-21 fiscal year, Nepal's international trade increased by around 29 percent to some 14 billion U.S. dollars.
Carmakers and dealers from across the country are donating millions of yuan and offering rescue services to local residents and car owners suffering from the deluge caused by continuous heavy rainfall in Central China's Henan province.



Local authorities said the torrential rains had affected more than 3 million people by Thursday. A total of 51 people died in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, by Friday noon, with direct economic looses estimated to reach 65.5 billion yuan ($10.11 billion).

Donations from companies including Nio, Geely and Mercedes-Benz totaled more than 800 million yuan by Friday, with the list of companies still growing.

Chinese electric car startups were the first among carmakers to announce donations. Nio, Xpeng and Li Auto made their announcements on Wednesday afternoon, with a combined donation of 40 million yuan.

"The heavy rainfall and its damage caused in Zhengzhou and other parts of Henan concern every one of us. We would like to send our sympathies to them," said Nio CEO William Li.

Other companies soon followed. In the late afternoon of Wednesday, BYD, Geely and Great Wall Motors made public their donations of money and disaster relief goods, including drones.

The three leading private carmakers' combined donation totaled 70 million yuan. BYD is opening all its dealerships in Zhengzhou, capital city of Henan province, to local residents and car owners for urgent needs.

On Wednesday, Mercedes-Benz announced a donation of 10 million yuan to Henan. The German premium car brand said it has also coordinated vehicles in neighboring provinces and cities to offer rescue services for its dealers and car owners in Henan.

State-owned Chery Automobile announced on Thursday morning that it will donate 35 million yuan to rain-affected cities in Henan province.

On the same day, Sino-German joint venture FAW-Volkswagen decided to donate 25 million yuan.

Of the money, 10 million will be used for disaster relief and reconstruction efforts while 15 million will be spent on the urgent rescue and repair of Jetta, Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, said the carmaker.

The joint venture, like many others, started to offer rescue services before its donation was made.

Local Chinese companies including SAIC Maxus, WM and Nio are helping appease the victims in Henan province by helping them contact insurance companies to cover damages caused to their vehicles.

Joint ventures including Dongfeng Nissan and Dongfeng Peugeot are offering rescue services to local residents and car owners.

But Dongfeng Peugeot's hotline staff said it was not aware of the move and had no rescue vehicles or food when it was contacted by locals on late Wednesday.

The Sino-French joint venture soon apologized on its Sina Weibo account for not being fully prepared. It said a contingent team and four dealerships in Zhengzhou are in place, saving 106 vehicles stranded in water by the early morning of Thursday.
You are here: China

A citizen rides in the rain in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 20, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's national observatory on Sunday continued to issue an orange alert for rainstorms in many parts of the country and called for precautionary measures.

From 8 p.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Monday, heavy rains and rainstorms are expected in parts of Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Hainan, Yunnan, Taiwan, Qinghai and Gansu.

Parts of Shanghai and Zhejiang will see rainstorms with up to 350 mm of rainfall. Certain areas might encounter over 80 mm of hourly precipitation accompanied by thunderstorms, gales and hail.

The national observatory advised local authorities to remain alert for possible flooding, landslides and mudslides, and recommended halting outdoor operations in hazardous areas.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
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The novel coronavirus needs origin-tracing, and so does the political virus, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Chengdu Sunday.

Wang made the remarks while meeting the press with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto when responding to how China views a small number of countries using the origin-tracing of the novel coronavirus as a pretext to attack and smear China.

Wang noted that COVID-19 origin-tracing is a serious scientific matter, which should be studied by scientists so as to better guard against future risks.

Wang said that all the foreign ministers he met agree that the origin-tracing should not be manipulated by politics. It should not be used to blame any one country, let alone splitting the international community, he added.

"Only when we unite can we truly defeat the virus," he said.

"From openly referring to the coronavirus as 'the Wuhan virus' to blatantly pulling out of the WHO, the United States has from the very beginning tried to politicize the epidemic, stigmatize the virus, and use origin-tracing as a tool. It has ignored the hard work of scientists and used intelligence means to carry out the so-called origin-tracing, hyping the 'lab leak theory' which presumes guilt," Wang said.

"The purpose of the United States is clear. It is to shift responsibility for their botched epidemic response and achieve the political purpose of discrediting and suppressing other countries," Wang said. He added it is necessary to record this ugly page in the annals of humanity's fight against the epidemic.

Emphasizing that China has always participated in international origin-tracing cooperation with an open attitude, Wang said China has twice invited WHO experts to carry out joint research on origin-tracing and made great efforts to this end.

Wang added that the experts went to every place they asked to see and met everyone they wanted to meet. They made the scientific conclusion that a laboratory leak is extremely unlikely and made important recommendations such as "searching for early cases in various places and countries around the world" and "studying the possibility of cold-chain transmission of the virus."

"The next phase of tracing should build on this and study early cases in many countries around the world, Wang said. He noted that Chinese medical experts and scientific research experts held a press conference to clarify a series of rumors with facts and data and make clear China's solemn position in a scientific manner a few days ago.

Pointing out that political viruses also need origin-tracing, Wang said the WHO Secretariat notified its member states about a work plan on a second-phase origins study. It has surprised scientists since it is inconsistent with the requirements of the resolution of the 73rd World Health Assembly. It also ignores the conclusions and recommendations of the first-stage joint research report.

It seemed that when the United States returned to the WHO, it was not focused on joining the international fight against the epidemic, but continued to spread political viruses through the platform, Wang added.

He said as an independent and sovereign country, China will not and cannot accept any work plan that is not a real plan to find the virus but a plan to discredit China.

Up until now, nearly 60 countries sent letters to the WHO, agreeing with the results of the first phase of origin-tracing research and opposing the attempt to politicize the study of the origins, Wang noted.

Wang reiterated that origin-tracing needs cooperation rather than discrediting, truth rather than lies, and respecting science rather than political manipulation. Wang added China would continue to support and participate in global origin-tracing cooperation in the spirit of openness, transparency, science and cooperation.
You are here: World

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Russia held a military parade on the Neva River in St. Petersburg, the country's second largest city, to celebrate its Navy Day on Sunday.

About 4,000 sailors, more than 50 ships, boats and submarines, as well as 48 naval aviation airplanes and helicopters participated.

The Borei A-class strategic nuclear submarine, Prince Vladimir, made its first public appearance.

The Russian Navy has everything it needs to defend the country and its national interests, Russian President Vladimir Putin said when addressing the ceremony.

Putin reviewed the troops and congratulated sailors and veterans on the holiday, marked annually on the last Sunday of July.
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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Sunday held talks with visiting Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Both sides should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and win-win cooperation, Wang said.

China hoped Finland would view China's development objectively and rationally and develop relations with China in a way that best suits Finland, said Wang. Wang stressed that China is willing to increase exchanges and cooperation with Finland in scientific and technological innovation, the circular economy, and clean technology.

China hoped Finland would provide a fair and open business environment for Chinese enterprises, he added.

China is willing to work with Finland to uphold true multilateralism, strengthen data security cooperation, carry out third-party cooperation with Africa, and facilitate collaboration between China and Northern Europe, to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, said Wang.

The two sides should jointly resist the practice of politicizing the COVID-19 origin-tracing issue, promote international anti-epidemic cooperation, and make joint efforts to defeat the epidemic.

Wang pointed out that there is no fundamental conflict between China and Europe. China is willing to strengthen mutual trust through candid dialogue with Europe, resolve differences through equal consultations, and promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-EU relations.

He then talked about a future-oriented new cooperative partnership between China and Finland.

Facing the future, the two sides should join hands to explore a new type of partnership in which countries with different cultures and social systems can seek common ground while reserving differences and achieve win-win cooperation. The two sides should activate the potential of their practical cooperation. They should promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations and jointly promote global governance.

Haavisto, in turn, said that Finland attaches great significance to the fruitful relationship with China. Finland is willing to work with China to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen dialogue and communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote bilateral ties.

Finland understands China's concerns over the COVID-19 origin-tracing issue and advocates that origin-tracing should be conducted scientifically, he said.

Europe and China have broad common interests and huge space for cooperation. Finland hopes that Europe and China will focus on cooperation, bridge differences through constructive dialogue, and work together to address global challenges, said Haavisto.

Finland supports the EU-China investment agreement and hopes it will be approved as soon as possible, he added.
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Israel has appointed its first ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the signing of a normalization deal last year, the Israeli foreign ministry said on Sunday.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement that he has chosen Amir Haik, an economist and former director of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Employment, to take the job.

"Haik has rich experience and knowledge in the fields of economics and tourism," Lapid said, adding that Haik is "the right man to establish the bridge between Israel and the UAE."

The appointment came after Israel opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in June and the UAE opened its embassy in Tel Aviv in July.

Israel and the UAE signed the U.S.-brokered normalization deal in September 2020.
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Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng (3rd R) holds talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman (3rd L) in north China's Tianjin on July 26, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

The China-U.S. relationship is in a stalemate, fundamentally because some Americans portray China as an "imagined enemy," said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, urging the United States to change its highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy.

Xie made the remarks on Monday during talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who is on a visit to north China's port city of Tianjin from July 25 to 26.

For quite some time, when talking about conflict with China and challenges facing the United States, the "Pearl Harbor moment" and the "Sputnik moment" have been brought up by some Americans, Xie said.

Some international scholars, including some U.S. academics, perceive this as comparing China to Japan in the Second World War and the Soviet Union in the Cold War. It seems as if by making China an "imagined enemy," a national sense of purpose would be reignited in the United States. The hope may be that by demonizing China, the United States could somehow shift domestic public discontent over political, economic and social issues and blame China for its own structural problems, he said.

It seems that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down. It is as if when China's development is contained, all U.S. domestic and external challenges would go away, and America would become great again and Pax Americana would continue to go on, Xie said.

Bilateral ties

In terms of the United States' "competitive, collaborative and adversarial" rhetoric, Xie said this is a thinly veiled attempt to contain and suppress China.

The Chinese people feel that the real emphasis is on the adversarial aspect, the collaborative aspect is just expediency, and the competitive aspect is a narrative trap, he said.

The U.S. policy seems to be demanding cooperation when it wants something from China; decoupling, cutting off supplies, blockading or sanctioning China when it believes it has an advantage; and resorting to conflict and confrontation at all costs, he added.

"It seems that the United States only thinks about addressing its own concerns, getting the results it wants and advancing its own interests. Do bad things and get good results. How is that even possible?" Xie said.

What the world needs most is solidarity and cooperation, for humanity are passengers in the same boat, according to Xie.

"The Chinese people cherish peace," said Xie, adding that what China hopes to build is a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, equality, justice and win-win cooperation, and a community with a shared future for mankind.

"China wants to work with the United States to seek common ground while shelving the differences," he said.

The U.S. side needs to change course and work with China on the basis of mutual respect and embrace fair competition and peaceful coexistence with China.

"After all, a healthy and stable China-U.S. relationship serves the interests of both sides. And the world expects nothing less from the two sides," he added.

The U.S. side's so-called "rules-based international order" is designed to benefit itself at others' expense, hold other countries back and introduce "the law of the jungle," Xie said.

This is an effort by the United States and a few other Western countries to frame their own rules as international rules and impose them on other countries.

The United States has abandoned the universally-recognized international law and order and damaged the international system it has helped to build, he said. "It is trying to replace it with a so-called 'rules-based international order.'"

"The purpose is to resort to the tactic of changing the rules to make life easy for itself and hard for others, and to introduce 'the law of the jungle' where might is right and the big bully the small," Xie added.

Coercive diplomacy

The United States is the "inventor and patent and intellectual property owner" of coercive diplomacy, Xie said.

The Chinese believe that one must not do to others what one does not like to be done to himself. The desire to seek hegemony or territorial expansion is simply not in the Chinese DNA, according to Xie.

"China has never coerced any country," he said, adding that China responds to foreign interference with legitimate and lawful countermeasures, and the aim is to defend the legitimate rights and interests of the country and uphold international equity and justice.

China has never gone to others' doorsteps to provoke trouble. Neither has China ever stretched its arm into the households of others, still less has China ever occupied any inch of other countries' territory, he said.

"It is the United States who has engaged in broad unilateral sanctions, long-arm jurisdiction and interference in other countries' internal affairs," he said.

The U.S. notion of "engaging other countries from a position of strength" is just another version of the big bullying the small and "might is right." This is pure coercive diplomacy, he added.

Cooperation based on mutual trust

Cooperation between China and the United States should be based on mutual trust and mutual benefit with a sense of sincerity, Xie stressed.

"The United States cannot expect China to cooperate unconditionally on hotspot issues while suppressing China at the same time," he said.

Xie expounded China's position on COVID-19 origin-tracing, cyber security, as well as issues relating to Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.

Sherman said the United States does not seek to contain China's development, and reiterated adhering to the one-China policy and the stance of not supporting "Taiwan independence".

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the United States and China bear major responsibilities for safeguarding peace and security of the world, Sherman said.

Both sides agreed that the talk between Xie and Sherman, which lasted over four hours, was candid and in-depth, and pledged to continue such frank communication.
 Flash

A webinar titled "The Past 100 Years: China, the West, and the World" was held on July 21, garnering nearly 300,000 views from around the world.

Co-hosted by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China (RDCY) and the organization No Cold War and organized by RDCY's Global Governance Research Center, the webinar brought together nine well-known scholars and experts from China, the United Kingdom, United States, India, Canada, Russia and South Africa. The participants shed light on China's development over the past century under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the changes in China's relations with other countries, in particular the West.

British scholar Martin Jacques applauded China's rapid development over the years and argued against the propositions that China's economic rise will never challenge America's ascendency.

"China's economy was more or less already on a par with America's," said Jacques, who is also a non-resident senior fellow at RDCY. "China's political system, far from showing signs of westernizing, remains highly distinctive and was able to deliver extraordinary results."

"Dialogue is fundamental to the new phase. Hearts and minds are crucial," he added, noting that China needs to find new and better ways to be heard and understood by the western world.

Jacques' words were echoed by Liu Xin, a senior host and journalist at China's state broadcaster CGTN.

"China has to do a better job of listening, reaching out and conducting dialogue with the west," Liu said. "One more thing to be done is to tell China's own story."

Vijay Prashad, executive director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research and non-resident senior fellow at RDCY; Margaret Kimberley, editor and senior columnist at Black Agenda Report; Radhika Desai, professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba and other speakers also delivered speeches via video link.

On the occasion of the seminar, Wang Wen, executive dean of RDCY, released a research report titled "Chinese and Foreign Scholars on the 100 Years of the CPC," which revealed international scholars' understanding of the CPC's history during the past century from a global perspective.

Co-authored by five experts from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and Switzerland, the report believes that the CPC centenary is not only a major event in China, but also exerts global significance.
ACSI Announces New Board Chair



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Association of Christian Schools International

July 26, 2021



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 26, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce Dr. Jay Ferguson as the new board chair. Ferguson will assume the position July 26, 2021, and will serve a two-year term.



In his role, Ferguson will ensure the organization is effective in implementing its new strategic plan, using the Three Strategic Pillars of Advancing, Access and Advocacy to guide all decisions.



Ferguson is head of school at Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas, where he has served for nearly 20 yearssix of those years spent serving on the ACSI Board. He shared that his favorite aspects of serving on the board include the opportunity to be a change agent for the organization and the opportunity to build relationships with other Christian school leaders. "As a current head of school, I know the importance of an organization coming alongside and helping Christian schools and their leaders develop and flourish," Ferguson said. "ACSI is critically important to the growth of Christian education around the world."



Former ACSI Board Chair Robert "Bo" Gutzwiller has served for two years. He believes Ferguson possesses the ideal skillset and experience for the position.



"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time as ACSI Board Chair and have no doubt that Dr. Ferguson will bring a high level of discernment and expertise to the role," he said. "I'm thrilled to see ACSI continue in a very strategic direction."



Ferguson recognizes the magnitude of the Christian education movement internationally.



"As one of the largest global Christian school organizations, ACSI has the potential to impact millions of children and thousands of schools for God's Kingdom," he said. "I look forward to working with the leadership team to ensure a viable and healthy ACSI one that thrives in achieving its mission."



ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor expressed his gratitude to Gutzwiller for his years of dedicated service.



"God is doing an amazing work," he shared. "I have been honored to serve alongside Bo Gutzwiller for two years and am grateful for his commitment to Christian education. I believe he is passing this baton of leadership to the very capable hands of Dr. Jay Ferguson."



Ferguson has served at Grace Community School in a variety of capacities including development director and head of school. He holds a doctorate of Philosophy in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University, and practiced as a lawyer before his time at Grace.



Passionate about Christian education, Ferguson looks forward to assuming his new responsibilities.



"What I love most about ACSI is not just what it's doing domestically but what it's doing internationally," he expressed. "It's an honor and a privilege to serve this outstanding organization, and I'm excited about the direction it's heading."



To learn more about ACSI, please visit the website at ACSI.org or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800)367-0798 or at careteam@acsi.org.



To learn more about Dr. Jay Ferguson, visit Grace Community School's website.



About ACSI:

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.



Follow ACSI on our social channels: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Instagram



SOURCE Association of Christian Schools International



CONTACT: Caitlyn Berman, 719-867-0243, Caitlyn_Berman@acsi.org



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I have been a Christian now for approximately 16 years; one question never gets old and is always being asked.

Recently, a student asked the question; In light of the varying religions and beliefs that exist; how can it be reasonable and fair to state that Jesus is the only way?

The unnerving issue I found to be obvious: by virtue of this absolute statement, the converse would have to be equally true, all other ways are false and do not lead to life and truth.

I wrestled with this idea for many years, especially because I knew and know people from other beliefs/religionsmany of whom are nice and friendly. The message, however, coming from my mouth is, true life is only found in the Son.

I struggled with the exclusive call of the gospelmaybe you can identify with me? It is my honest hope to share with you my thoughts on the matter and hope it helps as you both wrestle with and share the gospel message.

More than a blank slate

In seeking to answer this question, one has to look to the context. No one comes to the table asking questions with a purely blank slate. We come with pre-conceived understanding; seeking clarity or seeking to challenge what is put before us.

The question is asked in a pluralistic context where competing worldviews existclaiming mans allegiance as it werewhere stating Christianity as a preference in such a context is deemed reasonable. Our present context judges claims based on a subjective view of things (what seems good to me) rather than the truthfulness of the view, since no overarching view exists.

It is in this context Christians stand on a platform and speak, thus the opposition. This is not new to Christianity. In his book How Christianity Changed the World Alvin Schmidt sheds light on a similar context:

The spiritual and moral convictions of the early Christians soon produced consequences throughout the empire. The Romans were a syncretistic people who saw value in all religious beliefs; they wanted to be inclusive, as multiculturalists would say today. They were proud of the pantheon in Rome that displayed and honoured all gods. They would gladly have welcomed the addition of Jesus Christ to the Pantheon if the Christians would only have agreed to give at least some obeisance to the Roman gods.

In a context where all claims are equally valid, equally true and on equal footing, it would of course seem unreasonable to be exclusive; to tell someone Jesus is the only way will seem unreasonable and intolerant.

As much as this is the context and pervading view, we must examine it closely. I understand the definition of truth to be that which reflects reality as it is. The idea that all beliefs are equally valid is flawedsimply because it does not reflect reality as it is. All views are not valid, because not all views are true.

Are Christians being unreasonable?

CS Lewis, in his essay Evil and God, addresses the matter:

In what sense can the one party be said to be right and the other wrong? If evil has the same kind of reality as good, the same autonomy and completeness, our allegiance to good becomes the arbitrarily chosen loyalty of a partisan. A sound theory of value demands something different...

Lewis elaborates on the consequences of the system:

The consequences of neglecting this are serious. It means believing that bad men like badness as such, in the same way in which good men like goodness. At first denial of any common nature between us and our enemies seems gratifying. We call them fiends and feel that we need to forgive them. But, in reality, along with the power to forgive, we have lost the power to condemn. If a taste for cruelty and a taste for kindness were equally ultimate and basic, by what common standard could the one reprove the other?

In other words, on what basis could the pluralistic worldview criticise, let alone set a standard on the context for other views to function, since it already sets an atmosphere for each to do as it should?

The question of unreasonableness flies in the face of the heart of the worldview; it shows itself up as both wishful thinking, but also a self-defeating philosophynot one to build on at all. This philosophy serves as a platform to challenge those who would call it unreasonable to argue that Jesus is the only way.

As Christians we dont make the statement, Jesus is the only way out of preference, but simply because we see the claims of Christ as truthful. Lewis once gave this response to a question along similar lines:

I havent always been a Christian. I didnt go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of port would do that. If you want religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly dont recommend Christianity.

Why is Jesus the only way?

I submit to you reader, it is fallacious to state that Christians are being unreasonable. It would be more plausible to criticise the statement as not being true, but it is supremely inconsistent to state that it is unreasonable to make the statement absolutely.

The ultimate question left to answer is, Why is Jesus the only way? In other words, why is it true that all other religions will never be the way because Jesus alone provides a way?



I believe this to be a more reasonable recourse, butalasthe answer is for another time.
Rios Challenge of Hope 2021

From June 28 till July 16, one of my closest mates, Ryan Fowler, will have ridden and run a total of 1061kms.

As Ryan often said throughout this journey, Its all for the kids.



The charity Ryan began, Rios Legacy, embarked on its biggest challenge to date. Fundraising for Perths Children Hospital Foundation, Rios Challenge of Hope saw Ryan run and ride across WA to raise funds for the construction of WAs first childrens hospice. At the time of writing, $78,320.47 had been raised.

Over 21 days, Rios Challenge of Hope honoured the 2,000 WA kids and their families who will stand to benefit from this much needed, home away from home hospice facility.

As a mate, it was hard to watch him go through this emotional journey. It is tough viewing, but necessary viewing to watch his video posts on Facebook and Instagram.

His body has got that little bit older and has started to break down (sorry brother!); in 2020, they were unable to even start this challenge due to a snap border closure due to COVID (after they had landed in WA!); remembering his Mums life (her birthday occurred during the challenge) and the life of his dear son Rio, I see the heavy toll on my mate.

But Ryan reminds us every day through this challenge, that in these uncertain times, these children with life limiting illnesses live with uncertainty everyday. They must tough it out every day. When he is hurting, emotional and struggling in the challenge, it is the memory of his son and these kids that keep him going.

And Rio's Legacy hopes to show the nation that no matter how long or short the journey is for these kids; their stories will not be forgotten.

The Fowlers story- the life of Rio

Their son Rio was admitted to hospital after his 3rd presentation to the emergency department on the 9th November 2017 due to reoccurring gastro. Unfortunately, Rio did not recover and despite 40 nights in hospital, never returned home. Rios episode of gastro and the severe symptoms associated accelerated an underlying condition that Paediatric Doctors informed them they had never seen before. Doctors believed that what Rio was diagnosed with was so rare, he potentially was the first/only child in the world to have it. Pathology and genetics teams worked vigilantly to find answers for them and sent samples overseas to no avail.

Rio was eventually diagnosed with an Arterial Vasculopathy disease/condition. Rios arteries failed to supply enough blood to all his major organs and the blood vessels around his body. Despite major aggressive medical intervention, they were eventually told that his condition would progress and his body would progressively shut down.

During his time in hospital, Rio survived 5 major surgeries, including 2 amputations (high thigh and hindquarter), kidney (renal) failure, heart impairment and failure and consistently high blood pressure readings (250 systolic over 180 diastolic); to then only be told that he had a terminal condition due to his arterial malformations.

Though his condition was diagnosed as terminal, Rio continued to inspire us all with his smile, fight and will to never give up. He made the most of every moment, engaging in play, dancing and asking for chocolate when he was well enough.

From Christmas 2017 onwards, Rios condition continued to deteriorate and after being transferred to The Bear Cottage, Manly NSW, which is an end of life/respite hospice for children, Rios courageous and brave fight came to end on the 15th January 2018. He was a beautiful little boy who will be forever loved and dearly missed.

Turning grief into a message of hope

Ryan and Karen used this tragedy and their grief to make a difference.

As a consequence, Rios Legacy was launched as a charity in Australia by The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) on 1st March 2018.

Rios Legacy is the only charity in Australia, whose focus is to help, promote awareness and look to see more hospices built across Australia, due to the lack of childrens hospices for children with a terminal illness (only three hospices of this nature in Australia). Their vision is to see at least one per state for all families to access if required/needed.

Ryan and Karen Fowler were awarded a 2018 Pride of Australia Medal for the charitys work in this area.

In May 2018, Rios Legacy made a $10,000 donation to Bear Cottage to purchase a medical bed (first of its kind) for children in need of assist whilst staying at Bear Cottage. Part of the $10,000 donation also went towards the building of a memorial site for all the 500 children who have come through the doors of Bear Cottage.

In October 2018, Rio's Legacy completed a 1027km run from Melbourne to Sydney to raise funds and awareness for the plight of terminally ill children. The run called Rios Run, which took 26 days and averaged about 40.6km a day generated much support and following from local groups and people as it passed through many small villages and towns on its way to Sydney. Over $54K was generated through the run alone.

In October 2019, Rios Legacy completed a 2,388km charity ride from Adelaide to Sydney, via Melbourne and Hobart. Rios Ride took 17 days (consecutively) and generated much support and following from State Governments and local groups, as it passed through 4 states (SA, VIC, TAS and NSW). Over $60K was generated through the ride, with important contacts and links made with State Governments in building more hospices to care for children with a terminal illness nationally.

Fearfully and wonderfully made

In the book of Psalms chapter 139 verses 13  16, this speaks of how God creates individuals uniquely to fulfil their own destiny:

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mothers womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

But the journey continues for Rios Legacy in achieving its goal of creating awareness and building new hospices for terminally ill children across Australia.

With this as our constant reminder, Rios Legacy strives to hold true this Scripture and help those most in need, because all humans are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Together we can make a difference

(Information taken from: http://rioslegacy.org.au/)


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Russia discards Pirs docking port to clear way for new ISS module



July 26, 2021  For nearly 20 years, Russia's Pirs docking compartment served as one of the primary ports for vehicles arriving and departing from the International Space Station. On Monday (July 26), though, it was the module's turn to go to make way for a long-awaited, incoming upgrade.



The Pirs docking compartment undocked from the space station at 6:55 a.m. EDT (1055 GMT) and was slowly pulled away by the last Progress cargo spacecraft to dock to it. The departure, from the nadir, or Earth-facing side of the Zvezda service module on the station's Russian segment, marked the first major component of the orbiting complex to be decommissioned and discarded.



The 16-foot-long by 8-foot-diameter (5-by-2.5-m) Pirs, linked to the Progress MS-16 (77P) spacecraft, backed away from the station under the control of the cargo craft's engines. The uncrewed freighter was scheduled to perform a deorbit burn at 10:01 a.m. EDT (1401 GMT), sending it and Pirs back to Earth to be destroyed on their re-entry over the Pacific Ocean about four hours after they left the station.



The disposal came five days after Roscosmos, Russia's state space corporation, launched Pirs' replacement: the multipurpose laboratory module (MLM) named "Nauka" (the Russian word for "science"). Delayed by more than 13 years due to a series of technical issues and budget constraints, Nauka will serve as a research facility, docking port and spacewalk airlock.



The new module, which is based on the design of the station's Zarya functional cargo block (FGB), is scheduled to dock to the Pirs-vacated port on the Zvezda service module on July 29 at 9:25 a.m. EDT (1325 GMT). Russian flight controllers had originally planned for Pirs to undock on Thursday (July 22), but delayed it four days to allow more time to ensure the Nauka MLM was operating in Earth orbit as needed to safely connect to the space station.



The Pirs docking compartment was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sept. 14, 2001, with a modified Progress as the upper stage of its Soyuz-U rocket. Three days later, it linked up with Zvezda, becoming the sixth pressurized module to be added to the space station.



Over the past 20 years, more than 70 vehicles docked and undocked from Pirs (which means "pier" in Russian). In total, 39 Progress cargo vehicles and 32 Soyuz crewed spacecraft used Pirs to arrive or depart from the space station.



The first use of Pirs as a docking port was by Soyuz TM-32 on Oct. 19, 2001. ISS Expedition 3 crewmates Vladimir Dezhurov and Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, together with astronaut Frank Culbertson of NASA relocated the Soyuz from the nadir port on the Zarya FGB to Pirs.



Pirs was also used an airlock, supporting 53 spacewalks by pairs of cosmonauts and astronauts wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. The first extravehicular activity (EVA) out of Pirs, conducted by Dezhurov and Tyurin on Oct. 8, 2001, marked the 100th Russian spacewalk in history.



The final use of Pirs as an airlock occurred on May 29, 2019, supporting an EVA by Expedition 59 crewmates Oleg Kononenko and Alexey Ovchinin. Subsequent Russian spacewalks were performed using the Poisk ("Search") mini-research module to prepare for Pirs' departure by removing exterior mounted experiments, repositioning antennas and re-routing cables.



In total, the Pirs docking compartment had been docked to the International Space Station for 19 years, 313 days, 9 hours, 50 minutes and 45 seconds. From the point of its launch to its expected destructive reentry was 19 years, 315 days, 15 hours, 10 minutes and 56 seconds.



In addition to the soon-to-arrive Nauka, the Russian segment of the station has three other available docking ports: mini-research modules Rassvet ("First Light") and Poisk, as well as the aft port on the Zvezda service module. U.S. commercial crew and cargo spacecraft connect to international docking adapters or are linked to common berthing mechanisms on U.S. operating segment connecting nodes.



Russia's Pirs docking compartment, attached to the Progress MS- 16 cargo spacecraft, departs from the International Space Station on Monday, July 26, 2021. (Roscosmos/Oleg Novitskiy)







The Pirs docking compartment, backdropped by the Zvezda service module, is seen at the International Space Station in 2001. (NASA)





The view looking inside Russia's Pirs docking compartment from on board the International Space Station on the eve of a 2014 spacewalk. (NASA)





Russia's Progress MS-16 cargo craft (at top) is pictured docked to the Pirs docking compartment on the International Space Station, prior to both craft departing the orbiting complex to make way for the Nauka multi-purpose laboratory module in July 2021. (NASA)





Russia's Pirs docking compartment, attached to Progress MS-16, leaves the International Space Station, July 26, 2021. (Roscosmos/Oleg Novitskiy)



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The staff of the Litchfield Jazz Festival is presenting the fourth installment of their free virtual concert series for April.
Thody has maintained the nonfatal shooting team he formed in March with a sergeant and six detectives, and the crime reduction team he formed in April with two sergeants and 16 officers. He said he would not consider pulling detectives from their assignments in order to restore walking beats, which he first scaled back in April.
Hartford Hospital staff told them about 4:20 p.m. that a gunshot victim had arrived for treatment after being seriously wounded by gunfire. The 19-year-old man was initially listed in critical condition, but has since been upgraded and is considered stable, Lt. Aaron Boisvert said Monday.
As the new variant has taken hold in recent weeks, Connecticut has seen an increase in both its positivity rate and its number of new cases. Hospitalizations have increased as well, though they remain far lower than at other times during the pandemic.
My father came up with the name. Why does guilty have to be something negative you do? You can be guilty of doing something positive, Chappell said. I am guilty of serving good food. I am guilty of serving good drinks. I am guilty of creating good vibes and a happy environment.
Despite weeks of closed-door discussions, senators from the bipartisan group blew past a Monday deadline set for agreement on the nearly $1 trillion package. Instead they hit serious roadblocks over was how much would be spent on public transit and water infrastructure and whether the new spending on roads, bridges, broadband and other projects would be required to meet federal wage requirements for workers. Theyre also at odds over drawing on COVID-19 funds to help pay for it.
We currently have a congresswoman who seems to spend more time wanting to represent Nancy Pelosi, A.O.C. and the Squad than she does the 5th District, Morris said. Nancy Johnson had no problem standing up to her party when she thought that was the right thing to do. I havent seen Jahana Hayes stand up to her party at all. ... When she ran, she said she would not vote for Nancy Pelosi for speaker and then folded like a piece of paper when it came time to vote.
In a month, were doing another class of state police, Lamont said at an outdoor event in New Haven. Weve added an additional class of state police this year and next year. Were going to have more state police trained, ready to go at the end of this year than we had before  at the end of next year than we had before. Its the most diverse group of state police weve ever had in the history of the state, and Im really proud of what were doing with the state police.
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I think it really gets at the idea of the American story of migration and people coming to Virginia to settle, but you also get into a lot of indigenous history with that too, Pecoraro said. The plantation was settled in 1621 and just the following year there was an attack on the European settlements by the Powhatan Indians.
Local and state officials have talked for months about using federal relief funds for school construction  a pressing need long before the pandemic. Virginias public schools are badly aging  more than half are over 50 years old, according to a VDOE report given to a General Assembly commission investigating school construction funding, and about 41% of schools are at or over capacity.
The wall had been standing since 1951, when a new school building along with the sign were built on Jamestown Road for Walsingham Academy after its five years in a house on College Terrace.
We try to avoid using the terms patriot and loyalist because theyre subjective terms  a patriot is someone who loves their country and ostensibly, a loyalist is someone who loves their country, Arehart said. So, in a couple of ways, we try to subtly encourage the audience to think more about what is it that this person is saying  what are their thoughts, what are their opinions  instead of labeling them.
When Stringfield heard she would be living in the first 3D printed home in the county, she said it brought back memories of her grandmothers home  built primarily of concrete. Then when she learned it would be built in the Forest Heights neighborhood, she said all of the pieces had come together.
Actors Arya and Sayyeshaa Saighal who got married in March 2019, welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on Friday. Its the most overwhelming feeling, and its slowly sinking in, the new father said, adding that both mother and child are doing fine.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government plans to open Kuthiran tunnel in Valanchery Mannuthi national highway in August, informed Kerala Minister for Tourism and Public Works Department (PWD) P A Muhammad Riyas in the state assembly on Monday.

"Government plans to open one tunnel of the Kuthiran in Valanchery Mannuthi national highway by 1st of August or in the month of August," Riyas said in the assembly.

"The issue of Kuthiran tunnel project has become a social problem now. It comes under the national highway authority of India. Kerala government had taken all efforts to complete the project in time. After the LDF government came into power, it was trying to open at least a single tunnel for the people," he further added.

"Ministers of concerned districts have worked together as a team to complete the work. The Chief Minister also called a meeting and decided to open one tunnel in August. If gets approval on the safety measures from national highway authority, it can be opened for the people in the month of August", said the minister while replying to the questions in the assembly.

Minister also said that a mobile app called "PWD 4U" is also in a trial run from June 7. People can register their complaints through the app. Once the complaint is registered, a message will be sent to concerned sub-division offices, and concerned assistant executive engineers will attend to the complaint.

After rectifying the complaint, the concerned chief executive engineer will inform the complainant about it through PWD 4 u app, said the minister.
Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Telangana as the Unesco declared the ancient Ramappa temple in Mulugu district as a world heritage site on Sunday.

Modi tweeted, Excellent! Congratulations to everyone, especially the people of Telangana. The iconic Ramappa temple showcases the outstanding craftsmanship of the great Kakatiya dynasty. I would urge you all to visit this majestic temple complex and get a first-hand experience of its grandness.

Union home minister Amit Shah too expressed his happiness over the temple being declared world heritage site by the Unesco. This iconic temple is a fine example of great Indian engineering skill and craftsmanship. This is a proud moment for the country, he said.

Union minister of culture, tourism and development G Kishan Reddy thanked the Prime Minister for his guidance and support as the Unesco conferred the world heritage status to Rudreswara Temple, (also known as the Ramappa Temple) at Palampet, Mulugu district, near Warangal.

The minister also took the opportunity to thank the Prime Minister on behalf of the nation, particularly the people of Telangana. It gives me immense pleasure to share that Unesco has conferred the world heritage inscription to Ramappa temple. On behalf of the nation, particularly the people of Telangana, I express my thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance and support, tweeted Kishan Reddy.

The Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate the entire team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and also thanked the ministry of external affairs.

Kishan Reddy also observed that owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) of Unesco could not be conducted in 2020 and the nominations for 2020 and 2021 were discussed in a series of online meetings that were currently underway. The discussion on Ramappa Temple took place on Sunday, July 25.

Telangana IT and MA&UD minister KT Rama Rao also expressed happiness over the announcement of the historical site of Ramappa Temple in the world heritage list by the Unesco. He tweeted, Happy to hear the good news that the 800-year-old Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) temple in Telangana has been inscribed as a Unesco world heritage site. This is the first world heritage site in Telangana. Next aim is to get world heritage city status for our capital city Hyderabad.

BJP state president and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other leaders of BJP also expressed happiness over the announcement of Ramappa temple as a world heritage site by the Unesco. They thanked Narendra Modi and Kishan Reddy for their efforts to get the world heritage status to Ramappa temple.
The counsel for the authorities sought time to seek instructions and file their replies after which the court listed the matter for further hearing on September 13. (PTI file photo)

New Delhi: A PIL in the Delhi High Court on Monday sought direction to authorities to construct separate washrooms for the third gender on the ground that absence of separate public toilets for transgenders make them prone to sexual assault and harassment.

A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh issued notices and sought responses of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Delhi government, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Municipal Corporations of East, South and North Delhi on the petition which submitted that absence of gender-neutral toilets goes against the directions of the Supreme Court.

The counsel for the authorities sought time to seek instructions and file their replies after which the court listed the matter for further hearing on September 13.

The petition filed by final year law student Jasmine Kaur Chhabra said the central government has released funds but no separate toilets have been made for the transgender or third gender community in Delhi.

It further said Mysore, Bhopal and Ludhiana have already built separate public washrooms for them but the national capital is still seen nowhere taking such an initiative.

There are no separate toilet facilities for transgenders, they have to use male toilets where they are prone to sexual assault and harassment. Discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation or gender identity, therefore, impairs equality before law and equal protection of law and violates Article 14 of the Constitution, said the petition, filed through advocate Rupinder Pal Singh.

The plea said they do not even have any remedy available for the same as there are no provisions in the IPC that protects transgenders from sexual assault by any male, female or another transgender.

People, including men, women and transgenders, feel uncomfortable and hesitate when the third gender uses the washrooms which are made for others, the plea said, adding that this also violates the right to privacy' of the third gender.

It said every human being, of any gender, has some basic human rights including facilities for using separate toilets and it is not fundamentally or morally correct to ask any specific gender to use a public toilet which is made for another gender.

The PIL said the transgender community consists of 7-8 per cent of the total population of the country which makes it necessary for the authorities to provide same facilities and equal treatment to them in this regard.
KCR held an interactive session with Dalit participants and took their feedback on how to implement Dalita Bandhu scheme effectively on a pilot basis in Huzurabad Assembly constituency and how to extend the scheme to the entire state later. (Photo:Twitter@TelanganaCMO)

HYDERABAD: After announcing the new scheme Dalit Bandhu on the lines of Rythu Bandhu recently, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Monday promised yet another new scheme Dalit Bima on the lines of Rythu Bima, to provide Rs 5 lakh free insurance coverage to Dalit families.

The Chief Minister also promised to provide reservations to Dalits in allotment of businesses like liquor shops, rice mills, medical shops and fertiliser shops among others, to ensure their economic development.

Rao held a day-long orientation programme on Dalit Bandhu scheme at Pragathi Bhavan. About 430 Dalit leaders, two men and two women from each gram panchayat and each ward in municipality in Huzurabad constituency, were invited for the meeting.

Rao held an interactive session with Dalit participants and took their feedback on how to implement Dalita Bandhu scheme effectively on a pilot basis in Huzurabad Assembly constituency and how to extend the scheme to the entire state later.

The Chief Minister directed officials to identify other areas like agricultural machinery such as power tillers, harvesters, rice planters, auto-rickshaws, tractor, poultry, tent house, dairy industry, oil mill, flour mill, cement and brick industry, building material shops, steel, cement, photography and videography, cell phone repair shops, mobile tiffin centres, hotels, cloth emporiums, furniture shops, and a wide range of self-employment, industrial and business sectors, that had potential for economic development of Dalits.

"The government will provide financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to each of the eligible beneficiaries through the Dalit Bandhu scheme and help them take up a business or profession of their choice," Rao said.

He stated that Dalit Bandhu was not just another government scheme, but a movement for empowerment of the Dalits aimed at bringing a qualitative change in the society. He noted that the future of the Dalit Bandhu depended upon its success in Huzurabad constituency and hence, it was important that all the Dalit representatives from the constituency should work with commitment and coordination to ensure its success.

If the Dalit Bandhu programme was successful, it would pave the way for the economic development of not only Dalits, but also Telangana State, he said.

He stressed the need to improve mutual trust and cooperation within the Dalit community. The Chief Minister suggested that Dalits should end personal feuds and withdraw cases that they filed against each other in police stations across the state. He wanted them to develop mutual brotherhood that would pave the way to collective success of Dalit community.
Congress leader P. Chidambaram had watched the live broadcast of Ms Banerjees virtual speech, which was organised by the TMC at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, on the occasion of its annual Shahid Diwas event.  DC file photo

Kolkata: In what appears to be a new political equation on the horizon, the Congress on Sunday reached out to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, supporting her claim that her MP nephew Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly snooped upon by the BJP government at the Centre with the Israeli spyware Pegasus.

The Congress sent the message of solidarity to the Trinamul Congress supremo a day before she flies to New Delhi on a four-day visit and is expected to meet key Opposition leaders to discuss the formation of a united front against the BJP.

Ms Banerjee will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 28, apparently to push for the speedy passage of her governments Vidhan Parishad plan in both Houses of Parliament and dispatch of more Covid-19 vaccines from the Centre to her government, among other issues.

This will be the Trinamul chiefs first meeting with Mr Modi after the brief one on May 28 on the Cyclone Yaas devastation, which triggered a huge controversy about protocol violation by her and the then state chief secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay.

Posting a photo of Ms Banerjees nephew on its Twitter handle in the afternoon, the Congress stated: PM Modi took the adage, keep your enemies closer a little too far. #PegasusSnoopgate.

Attacking the BJP, it added: Aap chronology samajhiye. Target of Pegasus spyware. Who? Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of Mamata Banerjee. When? 2021. Why? West Bengal elections. Modis insecurities are endless.

Reading the message between the lines, Trinamul Rajya Sabha MP Derek OBrien retweeted it promptly with the hashtag KhelaHobe.

The Congress signal to Ms Banerjee came close on the heels of her call on July 21 for a united Opposition front against the BJP and her plans to invite UPA chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi and all other major Opposition leaders to a grand rally in Kolkata once the Covid-19 pandemic is over.

Significantly, Congress leader P. Chidambaram had watched the live broadcast of Ms Banerjees virtual speech, which was organised by the TMC at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, on the occasion of its annual Shahid Diwas event. In West Bengal, the Congress has already softened its stand towards the TMC.

Recently Berhampore MP and state Congress chief Adhir Chowdhury had declared that his party would not field any candidate against Ms Banerjee at the Bhowanipore seat during the forthcoming Assembly byelection.
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The long defeat -- Where the Canadian Right went wrong (Part Two) By Mark Wegierski

The Ascent of Progressivism Trudeau barely won the 1972 election against a strong challenge from Progressive Conservative leader Robert Stanfield. Trudeaus campaign was assisted by a sympathetic media willing to ridicule Stanfield, and the rise of sharp American-style political campaign management reaching a crescendo in the Liberal Party. The New Democratic Party (NDP), the much-different successor to the CCF, supported the Liberal minority government between 1972-1974. Trudeau won a majority government in 1974, again based on rock-solid support from Quebec. In 1979, Joe Clark (who had been P.C. leader since 1976) won a minority government (a plurality of seats in the House of Commons). However, he ineptly mishandled his nine months in office, and the Liberals won another majority in 1980 (after the P.C. government had fallen to a non-confidence vote in the House of Commons). Trudeau interpreted his victory as a prologue to the ultimate culmination of what critics have later called the Trudeau revolution. In 1982, Trudeau brought in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which both its supporters and critics have sometimes termed a coup detat. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms effectively enshrined nearly all of Trudeaus essentially liberal ideals as the highest law of the land. It is hard to think of any country that has been impacted as decisively by one person, as has Canada by Pierre Trudeau. The Failure of Conservatism In the challenge to Joe Clarks leadership in 1983 and the run-up to the 1984 election, Brian Mulroney, by virtue of a few strong pronouncements, let the mantle of being a right-winger fall on him. However, as it turned out, he was viscerally mostly a liberal. The Progressive Conservative majorities of 1984 and 1988 ended up being a defeat in victory or a false dawn for the Canadian Right. Insofar as he enacted the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, he was carrying out a longstanding Liberal policy objective, which traditionalist Conservatives in Canada had long opposed. He also precipitously raised the immigration numbers in Canada to a quarter-million persons a year (whereas they had fallen to 54,000 in Trudeaus last year in office). Mulroneys betrayal of small-c conservatives undoubtedly played a part in the birth of the Reform Party in November 1987. In the 1993 federal election, the Reform Party won 52 seats, while the Bloc Quebecois (which had arisen as a consequence of the failure of the Meech Lake Accord and Charlottetown Agreements) won 54 seats. The PCs were reduced to two seats, while the Liberals under Jean Chretien won a majority in the federal Parliament. The Reform Party and Liberal Austerity The Reform Party faced a climate of unrelenting media and institutional hostility -- especially in the 1996 controversy over the extension of anti-discrimination protections to gays and lesbians. Part of the Liberal Partys strategy in the 1990s (in the wake of the collapse of Soviet Communism), to draw the sting of Reform Party criticism, was to adopt so-called fiscal or economic conservatism. The extent of the Liberal austerity measures against the mass of ordinary Canadians included: not rescinding the Goods and Services Tax, as they had explicitly promised to do; introducing Unemployment Insurance reforms, which drastically reduced benefits; the establishment of Canada Pension Plan reforms, which substantially raised the amount of contributions that have to be paid into the program; and also the Old Age Pension and Old Age tax-exemption claw-backs  which kick in at a relatively modest income threshold. It could also be argued that the Liberal Party, especially in the 1990s, has colluded with big banks, big insurance companies, and other major corporations, to the disadvantage of the broader Canadian public. The Dawn of the Canadian Alliance Preston Manning launched the United Alternative initiative in 1998. This culminated in the creation of the Canadian Alliance  whose full, official name was the Canadian Reform-Conservative Alliance. The initiative failed to achieve its ultimate goal  a merger with the federal Progressive Conservative party  largely because of the intransigence of one man  federal P.C. leader Joe Clark. In 2000, Stockwell Day was selected leader of the Canadian Alliance. Although he began well, he was increasingly sandbagged by the accusation that he represented Christian fundamentalist extremism, as well as being seen as just another Albertan from an Alberta centred party. The November 2000 election saw a continued refinement of the hardball political manipulations of another era (Davey-Coutts) carried out by the Liberal Party. In 2001, Stockwell Day was essentially destroyed by a generally unreceptive at best, mockingly hostile at worst, media; a negative strategy of ad hominem attacks by the Liberal Party; and, the perennial conservative party curse of caucus dissent/rebellion. The ensuing Canadian Alliance leadership selection process of 2002 was won by Stephen Harper. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home
Gen. Mark Milley should resign or be fired

By Mark Alexander



In terms of bad decisions, I would rank the Milley appointment only a few notches under Trump's disastrous decision to empower Anthony Fauci with full authority over our nation's domestic response to the ChiCom Virus pandemic. Fauci was a key factor in Trump's 2020 loss, combined with the Demos' bulk-mail ballot fraud.

Ahead of the 2016 presidential election, Trump enjoyed significant military support. But after his "personality disputes" with Gen. Mattis and particularly with his former White House chief of staff, Gen. John Kelly, who served the president with steadfast loyalty, Trump's military support waned. That decline was even more pronounced among younger military personnel, who are most susceptible to Leftmedia anti-Trump propaganda.

The appointment of Milley, a Massachusetts blueblood educated at Princeton and Columbia, further eroded that support. Recall that Milley and most of the senior flag officers today, were elevated through the ranks under Barack Obama and Joe Biden  which is precisely why Biden retained Milley.

For context on Milley's influence, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serves as the primary military adviser to the president, the secretary of defense, and the National Security Council. The 1986 GoldwaterNichols Act centralized this military advisory role to the CJCS, while the service chiefs are responsibility for training and equipping the Unified Combatant Commands.

Neither the CJCS nor the chiefs have any warfighting chain-of-command authority. That responsibility lies with the Unified Combatant Commands, which have the guns and the mission to use them as directed by the president through the secretary of defense. The chain of command to the Combatant Commands runs "from the president to the secretary of defense," and "from the secretary of defense to the commander of the combatant command."

Though the CJCS has no authority over the Combatant Commands, he has enormous influence in his senior advisory role to the president and SecDef, and, by extension, over military readiness and morale. Given that influence, when CJCS Milley makes public statements regarding the president or military policy, as he did before Trump left office and more recently in support of leftist political agendas, he is way out of line.

Milley tipped his political hand last month when he advocated for the indoctrination of our military personnel with Critical Race Theory curricula and programs  repackaged Marxism.

Milley is in lockstep with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who is dutifully infusing Biden's political agenda down the ranks.

Austin has spuriously claimed, "We do not teach critical race theory, we don't embrace critical race theory, and I think that's a spurious conversation."

Really? The service academies most assuredly are indoctrinating the next generation of military leaders with CRT at West Point, the Air Force Academy, and the Naval Academy.

Austin then deflected from CRT, declaring, "We are focused on extremist behaviors and not ideology, not people's thoughts, not people's political orientation." That is a non sequitur. How do you focus on "extremist behaviors" without focusing on people's ideology, thoughts, and political orientation?

Austin and Milley are the military enforcers of Biden's race-hustling agenda, based on his "right-wing extremist" delusion and his "white supremacist" bogeyman. This fusion of politics with military protocols is destructive to military readiness. Moreover, it's constitutionally perilous.

For Milley's part, defending the teaching of CRT at West Point despite the SecDef's denial, he declared: "I want to understand white rage, and I'm white. So what is it that caused thousands of people to assault this building and try to overturn the Constitution of the United States of America? What caused that?"

That was a reference to the 6 January "insurrection" by hundreds of "mostly peaceful" protesters. Of course, most of them thought their unlawful, and in some cases disgracefully violent, actions were in defense of our Constitution, not an attempt to overturn it.

Milley's comments were a snap salute to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Capitol theater political agenda, and he will no doubt be a prop in her hyper-partisan House Committee "investigating" the "insurrection."

Regarding the "Capitol assault," Milley should have tempered his words, given that the only fatality that day was an unarmed white female unjustifiably shot dead by a black Capitol Police officer  the circumstances of which have been concealed from any public scrutiny.

Milley stated further: "I personally find it offensive that we are accusing the United States military general officers, our commissioned [and] noncommissioned officers, of being 'woke' or something else because we're studying some theories that are out there. I've read Karl Marx. I've read Lenin. That doesn't make me a communist."

Actually, the primary "accusations" are against Austin and Milley for leading the CRT chorus, and as political analyst Betsy McCaughey notes, this isn't about "studying some theories": "Critical race theory isn't taught as one of many ideas to be debated. It shuts down debate. ... The idea isn't to foster debate. It's used only to indoctrinate and compel acquiescence."

Milley is not a Marxist. He spent much of his early career serving our nation with distinction and honorably abiding by his oath "to support and defend" our Constitution. But he has been drinking too much Potomac Powerade for too long. He has now most assuredly embraced the socialist Democrat Party agenda.

Fact is, CRT and other woke indoctrination will destroy military cohesion from within, but Milley is so drunk on leftist Beltway groupthink, and has so long been insulated from rank-and-file military personnel, that he's lost his moral authority to lead. Military service is deadly serious business.

The dust hadn't even settled around Milley's CRT advocacy before evidence emerged that fully demonstrated the extent to which he is unfit for office.

In a forthcoming book, I Alone Can Fix It, by Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, both of whom suffer from chronic Trump Derangement Syndrome, they detail just how acutely infected Mark Milley is with TDS. The duo document how Milley believed Trump was "the classic authoritarian leader with nothing to lose" who was planning a "Reichstag moment," a reference to the attack on Germany's Parliament by Hitler's followers, which he then used to claim absolute power. Milley declared to his aides that Trump's playbook was "The gospel of the Fuhrer."

According to Leonnig and Rucker, Milley declared ahead of the January Trump rally that it "could be the modern American equivalent of 'brownshirts in the streets.'" He added: "They may try to stage a coup but they're not going to fing succeed. You can't do this without the military. You can't do this without the CIA and the FBI. We're the guys with guns." These comments reveal Milley to be a hysterical partisan hack who was apparently indifferent to the fact that the Democrat Party conspired, twice, to unseat Trump in deep-state coups.

For his part, Trump fired back: "If he said what was reported, perhaps should be impeached, or court-martialed and tried. ... There was no talk of a coup, there was no coup, it all never happened, and it's just a waste of words by fake writers and a General who didn't have a clue."

As it stands, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was content to characterize his commander-in-chief as Hitlerian and almost half the nation he ostensibly served as "brownshirts"  and he has yet to repudiate that account. Though he fancies himself an educated man, he would have benefited from a quick historical assessment of that comparison, as outlined by National Review's Kyle Smith: "Trump vs. Hitler: Let's Run the Numbers."

Recall that last summer, when Milley appeared in a photo with Trump in Lafayette Square ahead of the Secret Service ordering protesters out of that area, Milley apologized for having created a "perception of the military involved in domestic politics." He has since surged far across that line.

On 20 January, after Biden was sworn in, the Obamas, who were seated just in front of Milley, asked how he was feeling. He responded: "No one has a bigger smile today than I do."

In 1951, President Harry Truman fired a far more distinguished military officer, five-star General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, for creating a constitutional crisis by ignoring the military chain of command.

According to Truman, "I fired him because he wouldn't respect the authority of the president." In his inimitable manner, Truman added: "I didn't fire him because he was a dumb son of a bch, although he was, but that's not against the law for generals. If it was, half- to three-quarters of them would be in jail."

Milley has most assuredly demonstrated his penchant for being a "dumb son of a bch." Thus, as a matter of honor and integrity Milley should resign or be fired  but the notion of "honor and integrity" are not guiding beacons of the Biden administration. Milley has demonstrated that he is an infinitely more dangerous threat to American Liberty and constitutional Rule of Law than any of protesters on the Capitol grounds on 6 January.

Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post.
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.
MUNSTER  Union truck drivers, route drivers, merchandisers, and other delivery personnel working at the Pepsi bottling plant in Munster are going on strike Monday after rejecting the company's final contract offer.

At the same time, union workers with production jobs inside the PepsiCo facility on Calumet Avenue are planning to report to work after agreeing to a new contract with the Purchase, New York-based beverage giant.

The separate bargaining units, both represented by Gary-based Teamsters Local 142, each voted on contract proposals Sunday morning, according to multiple Teamsters officials and members.

The union production workers at the Pepsi plant accepted the company's four-year contract offer, while the unionized Pepsi drivers opted to strike instead.

Harvey Jackson, Teamsters Local 142 vice president, said he's working to arrange the picket line so production Teamsters members at the Pepsi plant aren't having to cross in front of union drivers striking for a contract with different terms.

"Where we're going to be picketing at they probably won't have to go through. Unfortunately, with Pepsi's contracts, it's in there that they've got to go to work," Jackson said. "If one rejects, the other one still has to go to work."

Union officials and members confirmed worker-paid health insurance rates were the primary sticking point in negotiations between the Teamsters and Pepsi, and the failure to reach an agreement on the health insurance issue is what led to the strike.

According to Pepsi transport driver Tom Albano, a Teamsters member, the union wants worker-paid health insurance premiums capped at the current rate of $14 per week.

He said the company is looking to raise the workers' share by about $20 a week in each year of the contract to $81 per week by 2025.

"We shouldn't be paying for it in the first place. This is a multibillion-dollar company," Albano said. "And the raises the company is offering is not going to cover, or barely cover, what your increase is going to be in your health insurance."

Albano, who is 62, said he probably could stomach the health insurance increase since this likely is his last contract before retirement. But he's willing to strike alongside the younger drivers who almost assuredly will get hit with continuing weekly premium increases in future years if they don't stand up to the company now.

Watch Now: Riding Shotgun with NWI Paramedics

"No one likes a strike. I don't like a strike. The company doesn't like a strike," Albano said. "But once you give up something, you ain't never gonna get it back from the company."

"So I'll be picketing. I don't care if it's raining, thundering, lightning, whatever. A strike is a strike and you have to show up."

Albano said the union also has issues with the company's forced overtime for production workers and minimal pay increases for drivers over the past decade, but chose to focus on health insurance because it's the most significant issue for most members.

"We didn't want to sit there and ask for five or six or seven different things because you know you're not going to get all that," Albano said. "Realistically, what's going to put the biggest dent in your paycheck weekly? It's going to be the health insurance contribution."

A request for comment about the Munster contract negotiations and Teamsters strike from PepsiCo's North America Beverages Media Relations Team was not returned Sunday.

Union workers at a plant manufacturing snack food products for Frito-Lay, a PepsiCo subsidiary, went on strike last week over similar issues in Topeka, Kansas.

ICYMI: Here are the most-read stories from the past week
A pedestrian passes by the headquarters of Upbit operator Dunamu in Seoul in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap



Crypto exchange denies illegal forex trading allegation



By Park Jae-hyuk



Upbit, the nation's leading cryptocurrency exchange operated by Dunamu, has become the primary target of criticism from a four-term ruling party lawmaker lately, facing another unfavorable factor in addition to the government's efforts to tighten regulations on the virtual assets industry.



Last week, Rep. Noh Woong-rae of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), who is also considered one of the top insiders of the party, issued a press release raising suspicions the Upbit operator may have been involved in illegal foreign exchange transactions using its shell corporations in Singapore and Indonesia.



He claimed that the police will investigate Upbit in the near future.



This came after JTBC, a local broadcaster, reported earlier this month that the police were paying attention to the exchange's possible Foreign Exchange Transaction Act violations through the method of trading foreign currencies internationally without a licensed broker. The cable channel also raised questions about the materiality of Upbit exchanges in Singapore and Indonesia, showing the absence of employees there.





Ruling Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Noh Woong-rae / Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon

"If a major cryptocurrency exchange faces an allegation of being involved in illegal acts, this can be seen as a very serious case," Noh said. "The government should reveal the truth through international cooperative investigations and should take measures to prevent the recurrence of such transactions."



Dunamu, which had attributed the absence of workers at Upbit offices in Singapore and Indonesia to a work-from-home policy, also issued a press release right after Noh's claim.



"Our overseas partners are Upbit Singapore, Upbit Indonesia and Upbit Thailand, and all of them are licensed exchange operators, not shell corporations," it said. "We do not have any stake in the foreign partners."



The Upbit operator flatly denied all allegations of illegal foreign exchange transactions, emphasizing that the exchange is only assigned to intermediate trades between a random seller and a random buyer, without enabling transactions between specific people.



The company added it has heard nothing about any police investigation so far. The lawmaker's office did not issue an additional statement regarding this issue, saying the company should be guaranteed its right of reply.



However, Noh's aide did not conceal his discomfort over the exchange's response.



"We just said what we have checked," the lawmaker's aide said Monday. "When the police reveal whether or not they have launched an investigation, you will be able to realize which side has told the truth."



This is not the first time this year for the lawmaker to level criticism at Upbit.



In June, the exchange was criticized for delisting about 30 types of cryptocurrencies in apparent attempts to avoid a scoring deduction in an assessment of cryptocurrency exchanges before the implementation of tightened regulations.



Noh said at that time that Upbit had enraged investors, because it did not give the reason for its decision. In addition, he mentioned a controversy over a claim from the issuer of a delisted coin that the exchange had illegally received "listing fees" from issuers.



"Cryptocurrency exchanges had previously listed unqualified coins indiscriminately, so their abrupt delisting without proper explanation to investors can be seen as very irresponsible," the lawmaker said.





Financial Services Commission Chairman Eun Sung-soo answers questions about regulations on virtual assets at the National Assembly in Seoul, July 13. Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun
Lee Won-bok, chief of the Korea Vegan Union, stages a one-man protest in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, Monday, to call on people to go vegan, as part of efforts to prevent animal abuse. The banners read: "COVID-19 and other diseases stem from eating animal meat." Yonhap
Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Andres Allamand speaks during a meeting with his Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong at the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, July 21. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs



By Kwon Mee-yoo



Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Andres Allamand visited Korea to discuss upgrading the Korea-Chile free trade agreement as well as other cooperative measures ahead of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in April 2022.



Minister Allamand and International Economic Relations Vice Minister Rodrigo Yanez met Korea's Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee and National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug on July 21.



Allamand and Chung discussed the finalization of negotiations to upgrade the 17-year-old bilateral FTA to meet the changed international economic environment. Chile also reaffirmed its support for Korea's accession to the Pacific Alliance as an associate member and the Korean Peninsula's peace process.



"It is true that Chile and Korea are geographically far apart, although the Pacific Ocean brings us together. Your country and my country share very important values, the promotion of peace, respect for democracy, the value of freedom, economic growth, poverty reduction, trade integration and a world order based on law and solid multilateral institutions," Allamand said during the meeting with Chung, emphasizing that both countries are not only friends but also strategic allies.



"Today, Chile and Korea can talk about the agenda of the future and address such important issues as technological innovation, climate change, cybersecurity, everything related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and, of course, matters on which we have been working together for a long time, such as the Antarctic issue."



Allamand also shared views on how the two countries have dealt with COVID-19 and how they can work together for post-pandemic economic recovery.



Meanwhile, Vice Minister Yanez had meetings with Korea's private sector to promote the Chilean Green Hydrogen National Strategy. The goal is to boost Korean investments in Chile in this new energy, highlighted by the mutual commitment of Chile and Korea to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 within the framework of Korea's Green New Deal.


Smartphone users will soon be able to shake their phones to detect registered sex offenders if they are wearing an electronic anklet and within a 20-meter radius, the Ministry of Justice said Monday.







The new service, which was developed in concert with the Gyeonggi provincial government, will launch Wednesday for a trial run in 15 cities and counties in the province surrounding Seoul, the ministry said.







The program has been designed so that anyone who installs the relevant app on their smartphone can find out if a sex offender is nearby by shaking their device three or more times. The sex offender has to be wearing an electronic anklet for the system to work.







Shaking the phone will send the user's location to the justice ministry's electronic monitoring system. The ministry's location tracking control center will then check if a registered sex offender is within a 20-meter radius, and if confirmed, call the person to discourage any bad behavior.







If necessary, probation officers will also be sent to the location after checking footage on security cameras.







Justice Minister Park Beom-kye visited the control center in Seoul's Dongdaemun Ward on Monday and was briefed on preparations for the trial service.







He also tested the new system by trying on an electronic anklet and entering a virtual no-go zone to set off the alarm.







Park said the new program is "meaningful," given the high recidivism rate among sex offenders.







The ministry said it plans to expand the service to other parts of Gyeonggi Province and Seoul before the end of the year. (Yonhap)


Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl listens to reporters' questions after attending the funeral service of the Venerable Wolju, former president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, Monday. Yonhap



Yoon likely to join conservative main opposition party in August to regain support base



By Nam Hyun-woo



Nearly one month has passed since former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl declared his bid to run in the presidential election next year, but his support rate has experienced a sharp decline, as his coarse rhetoric and inexperienced political moves appear to be letting down conservative voters' expectations.



According to a poll released by the Korea Society Opinion Institute, Monday, Yoon's support rate stood at 26.9 percent to lead the pack. Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung from the ruling liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) was close behind, with 26 percent. The poll surveyed 1,006 adults in Korea from Friday to Saturday.



Compared to previous surveys conducted by the institute, Yoon's support rate has declined by 3.4 percentage points from a week earlier and by 11.1 percentage points from five weeks earlier  a week before Yoon announced his presidential bid on June 29 and began making moves as a politician. Meanwhile, over the five weeks since his announcement, Lee's support rate increased by 1 percentage point.



The numbers showed that Yoon, an independent presidential contender who is expected to run in the election as a conservative candidate, is bleeding support after making political missteps, which pundits say created controversy and stemmed from Yoon's inexperienced-sounding rhetoric.



Recently, Yoon became mired in a controversy due to his interview with Maeil Business Newspaper on July 19, after saying that "Young entrepreneurs are raising their voices that Korea's statutory 52-hour workweek scheme should allow exemptions so that employees can choose how they work," and "Workers should be allowed to work 120 hours a week and take a good rest."



Working 120 hours is equivalent to working around the clock for five days. The current work system was adopted to reduce overwork and guarantee some degree of work-life balance, and flexibility  such as working 62 hours this week and then work 42 hours the following week  is allowed only in very limited situations.



The comment drew an immediate backlash from the liberal bloc. Rep. Kim Young-bae of the DPK said that "the Nazi Auschwitz concentration camp was known to force 98 hours of work on inmates" and that he "cannot help but be shocked by Yoon's distorted understanding of labor."



Rep. Sim Sang-jung of the progressive minor opposition Justice Party also blasted Yoon, saying, "Internet users are commenting that Yoon himself should demonstrate a 120-hour workweek himself," adding that "Working 24 hours a day, five days a week, will kill people."



Yoon later claimed, "People who are on the opposite political side are distorting my comment."



Before his 120-hour workweek comment, Yoon suffered criticisms for a comment he made criticizing the government's plan to provide COVID-19 relief money to the people. In an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper on July 15, he said, "Taxes are the costs for economic activity and increased costs weaken economic activities," and "If the country is going to collect taxes and then give them away, it would be better not to collect them in the first place."



This comment also drew fierce criticism. "A person who seeks to become the chief executive of the country has no understanding of the country's basic duties," Gyeonggi Governor Lee said. "Yoon's idea is similar to asking, 'Do you really need to eat? You will just go to the bathroom anyway.'"



On June 6, Yoon created a stir regarding Japan's decision to dump radioactive contaminated water from the disabled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea. With the Korean government striving to dissuade Tokyo from going through with its decision, Yoon said, "It was not a big issue in the past," raising questions whether he is actually taking the Japanese government's side.





Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, left, and People Power Party Chairman Lee Jun-seok make a toast during their meeting at a fried chicken restaurant in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap
A seat is reserved for the victim of alleged sexual harassment by the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon during a news conference in Seoul, March 17. Joint Press Corps



By Bahk Eun-ji



A so-called "Pence rule controversy" here has erupted again after lawyer Jung Chul-seung, who represents the bereaved family of the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, advised male CEOs "not to have a female secretary."



The former mayor killed himself in July 2020 after an allegation was raised that he had sexually harassed a female civil servant at City Hall who was assigned to work as his personal secretary.



In his Facebook posting, Friday, Chung wrote that when he visited the office of his friend, who is vice president of a conglomerate, a female secretary brought them a drink. "I asked my friend if there is any absolutely necessary reason for him to have a female secretary and he said no, so I advised him not to have a female secretary," he wrote.



"I used to advise all the CEOs and executives at the companies for which I do consultations, to avoid drinking sessions, meals or even tea time with female employees. Since the Mayor Park case, I strongly advise them not to have a female secretary at all."



"Even while giving such advice, I'm ashamed that I find myself asking, 'What am I doing this for?' It's deplorable that the world has become like this."





Late former Seoul mayor Park Won-soon / Yonhap
Presidential aspirants should stop feud on regionalism



Leading presidential hopefuls of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have come under criticism for stoking regional antagonism in their contest to win the party's presidential nomination. Their haggling is raising eyebrows among the public despite the need for them to discuss crucial aspects of state administration and the people's livelihoods.



Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung triggered the controversy when he said in a media interview last week: "In the 5,000 years of history on the Korean Peninsula, the Baekje Kingdom, now the Honam region, never unified the entire peninsula." (Honam refers to the southwestern Jeolla provinces). Then he stressed that a candidate who is able to expand his or her support base to other regions will win the election.



His remarks could be seen as appealing to regional animosity between Honam and the Yeongnam region  the southwestern Gyeongsang provinces. Lee, who hails from Andong, North Geyongsang Province, seemed to indicate that he is the only candidate who can get broader support nationwide.



In response, former DPK Chairman Lee Nak-yon, also a leading presidential aspirant who is from South Jeolla Province, fired back at the Gyeonggi governor, describing his remarks as a "grave slip of tongue" that undermined Honam-born candidates. Former Prime Minister Chung Sey-kyun, another DPK presidential contender, who is from North Jeolla Province, said the governor showed a "shallow and even immoral" perception of history, adding that he has made the worst statement ever in the DPK's history.



Faced with growing criticism, Governor Lee backed down, saying that he had meant to stress the need to terminate regional antagonism. He said the former DPK chairman read too much into his remarks to take advantage of them. Despite the governor's explanation, the controversy over what he said is expected to continue.



Among others, it is not proper to compare, geographically, Baekje with the present Jeolla provinces, as the ancient kingdom during its peak covered vaster areas including Seoul and Hwanghae, Gyeonggi, Chungcheong and the Jeolla provinces.



Former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, both from the predecessor of the DPK, fought against deeply-entrenched regional animosity in their life-long struggles for democracy. It is deplorable for the party's aspirants to attack each other using regionalism. Regional sentiment hinders efforts to fairly assess presidential contenders. Under no circumstances should the presidential hopefuls attempt to take advantage of regionalism.



Governor Lee has also taken flack for his remarks that Lee Nak-yon might have voted to impeach President Roh in 2004. Lee Nak-yon defended himself, saying he voted against the impeachment. He also indicated President Moon Jae-in was backing him, in an apparent bid to woo the President's followers. It remains to be seen which side is correct. Yet, it is undesirable for them to engage in such a disparaging dispute.



Wary of possible repercussion such infighting will bring about within and without the party, Rep. Lee Sang-min, who is in charge of the DPK election management, summoned representatives from each campaign camp Monday, demanding them to stop such "retrogressive and self-destructive" behavior. Instead of the wasteful wrangling, the presidential hopefuls should actively debate on how to defeat COVID-19, revive the economy, check soaring housing and rental prices, and create more jobs, especially for the younger generation.






By John Burton





Having worked with several Korean companies over the years, I have come to the conclusion that their management practices are harming the country's development. The combination of a strict hierarchy based on seniority, autocratic bosses, long working hours (including mandatory after-work drinking sessions) and a top-down management style can be blamed partly for social ills such as the low female participation in the workforce, falling birthrate and high cost of living in Seoul.



I was reminded of this when I read a story recently in The Economist about how traditional Korean work culture is even infecting the performance of digital startups despite their promises of flat hierarchies, flexible work and young, innovative workplaces.



Korea's authoritarian management culture may have been justified during the country's rapid industrialization push in the 1960s and 1970s because it proved reasonably effective in marshalling large manpower resources to achieve ambitious economic goals. But it looks out of date in a new industrial age that puts a premium on innovation, entrepreneurship and meritocracy meant to attract a talented workforce.



However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting adoption of work-from-home (WFH) practices by some Korean firms provides a golden opportunity to break bad management practices and correct some of the country's social problems at the same time.



As many as two-thirds of Korean companies in industries where remote work is possible, such as finance, culture and education, have allowed WFH during the pandemic, according to one survey. Stress-inducing demands on employees' time such as company dinners went out the window. The result has been increased demands by employees for more flexibility in their working conditions in the future.



It is up to corporate management and government policymakers to heed that call. Remote work appears almost perfectly designed for a tech-savvy society like Korea and many have embraced the idea that they did not have to spend long hours commuting to work every day. The only downside is that the "always on" ethos has blurred the line between personal and professional time, but that was also a big problem under the traditional management structure.



Some Korean companies, such as technology services firm Line Plus and real estate app operator Zigbang, have already announced they will allow employees to either work from home permanently or adopt a hybrid workweek with some days in the office.



Line Plus said it took the move because it found that remote working boosted work efficiency while improving the quality of life for employees. This follows in the footsteps of such American tech giants as Facebook, Twitter and Apple that have adopted hybrid work practices.



But the benefits of WFH go beyond improved worker efficiency and saving costs on office space. It can help address some of Korea's deepest social issues.



Take Korea's falling birthrate, among the steepest in the world. This problem has been blamed on long office hours and commute times. The lack of childcare services in most companies and alternative public facilities has meant that women have had to drop out of the workforce if they want children. The result is that Korea also has the lowest female workforce participation among advanced industrial countries. WFH would help solve this problem. It would allow young mothers to continue working while taking care of their babies at home.



In addition, WFH would help relieve the chronic problem of high property costs in Seoul by allowing many employees to work remotely from locations where real estate prices are cheaper. The government has struggled for decades to stem the growth of the Seoul metropolitan area and encourage decentralization by relocating industries and government services to other cities. The promotion of WFH could prove a key element in achieving this goal.



Finally, WFH would help hone Korea's digital industries, encouraging the growth of everything from remote working apps to cloud computing. It can also help boost a company's environmental, social and governance credentials with financial investors.



It remains to be seen whether Korea's hidebound managerial class is willing to accept the changes. Many will continue to believe a full office promotes productivity, innovation and camaraderie despite evidence to the contrary, while providing them with a power trip at the same time. They will likely argue that remote workers are less engaged and consequently less productive.



But companies that accept hybrid working conditions could find that they will be able to hire the best and brightest among those who prefer greater flexibility. It will be interesting to watch what the chaebol will do and whether they will try to reimpose restrictive office rules.



The government could set an example by allowing civil servants to work from home a few days a week or even setting up remote-working hubs throughout the country.



Korea may be about to enter an interesting new era in its work culture.





John Burton (johnburtonft@yahoo.com), a former Korea correspondent for the Financial Times, is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and consultant.


Lee Jae-yong, the jailed de facto leader of Samsung Group / Korea Times file



More than 66 percent of South Koreans support the idea of granting parole to Lee Jae-yong, the jailed de facto leader of Samsung Group, a poll showed Monday.



In a poll of 500 people aged 18 and older nationwide conducted by Realmeter on Friday, 66.6 percent of the respondents said they think Lee should be released from prison as part of efforts to revitalize the national economy.



Only 28.2 percent said he should not be allowed parole, as it could be seen as a special favor.



An overwhelming 93.6 percent of the respondents who identified themselves as supporters of the main opposition People Power Party were in favor of granting parole to Lee. Only 3.7 percent said they disagree.



A supermajority of nearly 80 percent of independent voters were also in favor of the move, but slightly more than half of the supporters of the liberal ruling Democratic Party, at 51.8 percent, were opposed to it.



The poll also showed that the support rate for Lee's parole outweighed the opposition rate throughout all age brackets, with approval particularly higher among people aged 50 and above.



The poll came amid speculation that Lee may be granted presidential amnesty or parole on the upcoming Aug. 15 Liberation Day, an anniversary on which South Korea's presidents have often used their right to grant special pardons as part of efforts for promoting national unity.



The vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co. was imprisoned in January in connection with a high-profile corruption scandal centered on the ousted former President Park Geun-hye. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in a retrial by the Seoul High Court for bribing Park and her longtime friend, Choi Soon-sil, to win government support for the smooth father-to-son transfer of managerial power of the conglomerate.



Given the prison time he has already served in the course of the judicial process, Lee will be a free man in July 2022 unless he is granted a pardon or commutation.



Calls for Lee's pardon have been growing among local business communities and others. But some observers said the Samsung heir is more likely to get parole, not a pardon, which requires presidential approval, thus risking political burden for the Moon Jae-in administration.



Rumors have swirled that Lee has been included in the justice ministry' list of inmates to be reviewed for possible parole, though the ministry said it could not confirm it. By the end of this month, Lee will complete 60 percent of his total jail term, making him eligible for parole reviews under relevant ministry regulations.



The poll had a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level. (Yonhap)


gettyimagesbank





111 attempted theft case reported from 2016







By Yi Whan-woo







Korea's tech industries are increasingly becoming the target of technology and intellectual property theft that has been growing in sophistication and harmfulness.







The targeted industries include semiconductors, large batteries and cars, which are all pillars of Korea's economy and therefore the leak of related trade secrets is considered a threat to the national interest.







With industrial espionage, competitors' poaching of skilled employees, cyberattacks and other forms of theft being rampant, the world has been introducing stricter rules to ban theft of competitors' technologies across borders.







Tech industries at the same time are growing ever more competitive, as countries push for self-sufficiency amid the pandemic and also de-globalization in the context of the U.S.-China trade war.







Against this backdrop, overseas competitors approach Korean conglomerates' key scientists and engineers and attempt to lure them to higher-paid jobs at firms that seemingly have no link to their professions.







Many of these firms are paper companies set up by the competitors to exploit loopholes in international regulations on intellectual property, experts and intelligence officials said, Monday.







Those regulations are aimed at preventing illegal and unethical activity by banning hiring of researchers among rival companies immediately after they leave their jobs.







"This was the case of a battery maker in Europe," the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said, citing an attempt to hire a chief engineer who worked at a conglomerate here as a consultant.







Industrial espionage and cyberattacks are still favored forms of theft, with the targets changing from conglomerates to their subcontractors, many of them small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are often ill-equipped in terms of security and management.











To estimate the damage to the country, the NIS for the first time compiled the number of cyber theft cases from 2016 to the first half of 2021.







The cases added up to 111 and the estimated financial damage amounted to 21.44 trillion won ($18.6 billion).







Of the 111 cases, 41 were associated with semiconductors and electronics, 17 with mobile and TV screens and 14 with shipbuilding.







The automotive and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors both reported eight attempts each.







By company, 66 cases were related to SMEs, 33 to conglomerates, eight to universities and private research institutes and one to a public institute.







The serious nature of cyber theft was demonstrated through the fact that 35 of the 111 cases concerned national security.







"This makes it more critical to help companies, especially the small ones, to enhance their security systems and management of human resources against attempted thefts that are becoming more sophisticated than ever," an industry source said.







In March and April, the NIS together with the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, which spearheads the prosecution's efforts on technology protection, held a meeting to discuss possible countermeasures.







A second source called for tougher punishment of violators, noting they are subject to up to three years in prison but generally receive shorter sentences in court rulings.







"This is apparently a slap on the wrist and will not help in weeding out the crimes," the source said.







It added the maximum jail term for those who breach laws on intellectual property should be higher than three years.


Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin participates in an online presidential meeting held at company headquarters in Seoul on Jan. 13. Yonhap



Lotte seeks to maintain competitive edge with ESG



By Kim Jae-heun



Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin moved up a presidential board meeting two week earlier to Thursday to come up with countermeasures for competing against Coupang, Naver and Shinsegae  the new "big three" in the local e-commerce market.



The half-yearly meeting was originally scheduled for the third week of this month, but it is understood that Shin felt there was no time to wait after its long-time rival Shinsegae acquired eBay Korea last month thus making it the second-largest e-commerce firm.



It is unknown what Shin has requested of Lotte Shopping CEO Kang Hee-tae, who joined the meeting along with four other CEOs representing Lotte Holdings, Lotte Foods, Lotte Chemical and Hotel Lotte.



The most urgent item on its agenda at the meeting was keeping the momentum of its e-commerce business alive, as its online shopping unit's market share lags 10 percent behind the top three's average.



"Businesses in chemical, retail and food are the areas to be discussed at the Value Creation Meeting (CEOs' meeting). For retail, strategies on e-commerce will be talked about mainly," a Lotte Group official said. Earlier, Shin urged the representatives to "forget about the successes the company achieved in the past and make changes for themselves first."



On the same day, GS Retail made a new start as one retail company integrating all of its subsidiaries and launched a new "quick commerce" service that will deliver orders in less than two hours. SK Telecom's e-commerce firm 11st is preparing to launch a collaboration service with Amazon, the world's largest online retailer.



Feeling a sense of crisis, Lotte Shopping specified its plans to actively utilize big data to predict the trend and offer products to customers according to their online search history.



This could be seen as Lotte aiming to make a breakthrough on its own. Lotte Shopping CEO Kang said the company will take the chance when it can acquire or establish strategic alliances with other online retailers, but that no concrete decisions have been made yet.



Meanwhile, Lotte Holdings declared that the group will beef up its environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) management starting from the second half of this year.



The group revealed its new slogan "New Today, Better Tomorrow" and said the company will run large-scale campaigns internally and externally to contribute to the global society.



Lotte aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and evaluate CEOs in each business unit based on their ESG management. The retailer will also establish an ESG committee under each listed affiliate to show its strong willingness to improve its group's reputation as eco-friendly and ethical.




Description

Req #15259 Tuesday, June 29, 2021 Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services.



Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.



To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com. LOCALiQ is the marketing solution from the USA TODAY NETWORK

providing businesses the smarter way to reach local customers. As local

marketing becomes more complex, LOCALiQ empowers local businesses with unique

insights from 125 million consumers in our network of sites, apps and

experiences and learnings from millions of local leads delivered each year.

We couple that with end to end service from our experts using local

marketing best practices proven across the country. LOCALiQ simplifies local marketing and provides

our clients the confidence of growing. Our core values: Community, Progress through Passion, Action with Purpose and Belief in People. If you share these values,come join our family! The AccountExecutive role requires a highly personable, intelligent individual with the ability to lead digitally focused sales efforts while maintaining an energetic, strategic and entrepreneurial spirit.



As a USA TODAY NETWORK Account Executive,youll partner with clients to provide a broad set of solutionsto include: Build Their Presence: Website, SEO, Local Listings, Reputation & Social Media

Drive Awareness & Leads: Search Engine Marketing, Social, Display, Video, and Mobile Advertising

Grow Audience and Connect: Brand Content Solutions, Social Media Marketing

Manage Leads and Customers: Lead Alert, Engagement and Tracking Tools

Know What Works: Reporting, Mobile Tools, Insight Solutions

Emerging technology such as Virtual and Augmented Reality We are dedicated to helping our clients grow based on their unique needs. When they win, we win! As a Marketing Solutions Account Executive, you will: Be equipped with the regions best marketing services and solutions, empowering you to deliver unparalleled results to your customers

Develop partnerships with large local businesses and assist them in reaching their goals through

integrated marketing plans and comprehensive media solutions

Identify customer needs to develop and execute account plans and custom client solutions that differentiate USA TODAY NETWORK from competitors

Help businesses maximize their online presence with a custom approach to digital marketing

Leverage multiple USA TODAY NETWORK resources and partners to develop optimal client solutions across our suite of products, with an emphasis on digital What you need to do to be successful in this role: Pursue and close new business and revenue streams

Retain, manage, and grow clients in the ever-changing digital landscape

Work within a team to manage the client relationship and retain and build account revenue

You will identify and understand market potential, develop and execute sales strategies across multiple platforms, including digital, mobile, targeted niche publications and the core newspaper

Articulate and present our suite of products to business decision makers

Communicate with customers proactively via phone, email and in person

Conduct face-to-face customer meetings, presentations, proposals and demonstrations

Manage a specified sales pipeline and develop a strategy for long-term sustained success

Conduct client check-ins, upsell/cross-sell accounts, and address client market share concerns

Utilize CRM (Salesforce) effectively and efficiently recording all sales activity What you bring to the table: Aptitude or acumen for Digital Marketing

Bachelors degree preferred, or equivalent practical experience

Passionate solution-seeker Competitive nature and a winning team spirit

Problem solver who thrives on challenges and can simplify the complex

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Willingness to continuously learn, try new things and adapt to change

Proficient in MS Office Suite including Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook

This role requires a valid driver license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by law We offer an energized, passionate team within a fun & flexible workplace. We offer competitive compensation with uncapped incentives and world class benefits, including comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision coverage, 401(K), Paid Time Off and more. This is an opportunity to work alongside digital leaders and visionaries.



#LI-SM1

Gan.sales

Gannett Co., Inc.is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation, or veteran status. Job Family Outside Sales

Job Function Marketing Solutions

Pay Type Salary Other details

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Requirements

None






Description

Req #15424 Friday, April 30, 2021 Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services.



Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.



To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com. Branded Content Strategist New York, NY COMPANY DESCRIPTION Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an innovative, digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to strengthening communities across our network. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of nearly 140 million people monthly with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services. Gannett brands include the USA TODAY and more than 260 daily local newspaper brands, digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, WordStream, and ThriveHive and U.K. media company Newsquest. JOB DESCRIPTION USA TODAY Network Branded Content Strategist Welcome to GET Creative the USA TODAY NETWORK's branded content studio. Do you have a passion for telling great stories and bringing a brand's message to life in unique, organic ways? Are you a journalist who is ready to make the leap into branded content? We're looking for an experienced storyteller to join our team as a Branded Content Strategist. GET Creative's Branded Content Strategists are deeply involved and integrated into the full spectrum of the team's services and products, across the entire USA TODAY Network. The ideal candidate will be able to handle multiple clients/campaigns with ease, with clients and partners spread across the country. High-level organizational skills and collaboration are a must! We're looking for someone with a strong creative mind, a journalistic background, and an ability to create content at scale, as well as oversee and manage a team of writers, including editing their submissions. As a member of the GET Creative team, the Branded Content Strategist is a storyteller to the core, driving to seek solutions for our partners and execute innovative concepts. GET Creative's Branded Content Strategists work closely with design, video and sales teams, building ideas that offer creative solutions for client challenges and executing them when they sell through. GET Creative's Branded Content Strategist will be expected to execute the following tasks and assignments as a contributing member of the team. Please provide examples of your writing and content creation work with your application. Responsibilities Collaborate and concept branded content ideas for briefs in the presale phase that meet and exceed client objectives in innovative ways to win new and renewed business. Leverage data and insights to strategically inform new ideas and approaches for branded content campaigns in both the pre- and post-sale phase. Work closely with sales, design and video partners to build ideas and execute branded content programs from pre-sale to post-sale execution. Write, concept and edit engaging articles and content appropriate for the USA TODAY Network audience and client. Work on multiple campaigns simultaneously, and under deadline, while being flexible to client needs. Collaborate actively and constructively in a team environment, with team members spread across the country. Work productively across departments to execute projects and drive success. Oversee other content creators, including negotiating rates, copyediting submissions and keeping them on deadline. Cultivate sources and experts across verticals for use in multiple campaigns. Qualifications 5+ years of content writing/editing experience (must have experience with long-form copywriting, i.e. articles). Experience writing/creating content across digital mediums, including but not limited to: articles, infographics and quizzes. Ability to write/create content across topic verticals and organically weave brand messaging throughout compelling copy. Ability to pivot quickly without losing speed, focus or quality. Gannett Co., Inc.is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation, or veteran status. Job Family Business Intelligence

Job Function General Administration

Pay Type Salary Other details

recblid b1qx3x744o3npuv0pimzctf09zv94l







Requirements

None






Description

Req #14667 Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services.



Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.



To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com. Gannett Publishing Services, located at The Savannah Now in Savannah, GA is recruiting for a part-time, Circulation Field Assistant for our Newspaper Distribution Centers working up to 25 hours per week. This individual provides general support for a Distribution center performing a variety of tasks and responsibilities within home delivery including delivery of newspapers. Position requires flexibility to work varied days and hours including weekends and holidays as needed. Distribution and handling of daily and non-daily products to carriers, haulers, retailers and consumers.

Unload and load trucks containing various print publications.

Open the Distribution Center and prepare for the independent contractor arrival by printing, preparing and distributing specified reports and paperwork.

Utilize industry specific software to handle required reporting for center.

General housekeeping of distribution center

Complete required documentation and reports for center as needed.

Assist with delivering newspapers,

Respond to and resolve subscriber service issues Requirements: Valid drivers license, satisfactory motor vehicle record, dependable automobile, and liability insurance required. Strong organizational and communication skills required for a fast-paced environment. Good computer skills including Microsoft office. Good time management skills. Good verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to push and pull carts loaded with newspapers weighing up to 500 pounds with assistance and repetitively lift newspaper bundles weighing up to 25 pounds.

Education:

GED/High School Diploma

Related Experience: Previous newspaper or distribution/warehouse experience preferred Gannett Co., Inc.is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation, or veteran status. Job Family GateHouse Media

Pay Type Hourly Other details

recblid xesm3yn3px7g9qhvgt0ndnlwk71jwe







Requirements

None






Premier Research International, LLC seeks a IT Data Analytics/Data Developer 1 in Durham, NC to assist in the creation of data structures to support non-complex mashups and visualizations. E-Mail resume to: USJobs@premier-research.com and reference Job ID ITDASP.

recblid tq3ug16xpayvpsy1sbpf7iixjmm67t








Design Engineer 2 sought by ASML in Boise, ID, to support key customers by utilizing state-of-the-art EBI eqpmt to improve process yield on daily basis. Master's deg in Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related deg; & knowl of semiconductor process & eqpmt reqd. Send resume to ASML, Attn: 27948-N, 2650 W. Geronimo Place, Chandler, AZ 85224

recblid ovg8xa7b344eficq9nk96yxalf8hv1








Academic Counselor - TRIO/EOC About Tulsa Community College

Tulsa Community College is committed to creating equitable and inclusive work environments to support the success of the full range of our employees. We believe that employees who feel valued and respected will create policies, programs, practices and services to effectively meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our increasingly diverse student populations. We encourage candidates to apply who have demonstrated capacity to create inclusive work environments, to work effectively on increasingly diverse teams, and to serve the increasingly diverse college community. We are committed to hiring and retaining a racially diverse, culturally competent staff at all levels of the organization who not only reflect the demographics of our students, but also continue to deepen their skills and competencies to serve the full range of our community. Job Summary:

Counsel students regarding their personal, educational and career goals. Responsible for the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of specific services.

Campus: Southeast

Classification: Staff

Position Type: Full-time

Curricular:

If Faculty, Contract Length:

Job Code Number: 3692F-6-21

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Human Relations, Guidance Social Work or a related field.



One year experience in the assessment, academic advisement, and career development of college students required.



Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with others, including traditional and non-traditional students.



Ability to work in a highly diversified college counseling setting.



Ability to identify special students needs and to develop appropriate services.



Ability to facilitate various workshops college-wide and in the community.



Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Starting Salary Range: $19.98/hour - $22.85/hour

Work Schedule:

8 to 5, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekends.

Posting Date: 06/30/2021

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This is a grant funded program under the U.S. Department of Education.

Advertised Department: TRIO - EOC

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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. Essentional 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. 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.


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Before the new system came online, the backlog had been less than 300,000 people waiting to receive a determination on whether or not they are eligible. After the upgrade in June, the backlog surged to about 315,000 people, according to the Associated Press. State officials have contended that some applications in the backlog are fraudulent claims.
He had hoped to leave the place, and this life, having created community in whats usually a transient setup. Hed cook carts full of donated name yams, a staple of the Cuban cooking he remembers from his youth, while others in the camp pooled their food stamps to buy chicken and charcoal. He tried to help create a Tent City Council, whose aim was to disseminate donations fairly and address grievances. Instead, everyone dispersed when the city evicted the camp last fall. Fernandez went to his home town.
Topper said county officials had been unaware that the Department of State had a list of vendors who are certified to test voting machines, and that the department should have made that information known to counties. The software firm that conducted the assessment was not among those vendors.
Yet alarms are being raised that somehow our future prosperity hinges on an ever-larger number of people. Most Americans clearly understand that is not true for their own families. And it is neither true for our own region, nor for our nation.
As a current print subscriber, you receive 24/7 access to our website and online e-edition at no additional charge. All you have to do is activate your access. To activate digital access, you will need your account number. You can find your account number on any recent subscription notice or bill.
: alexbbbbb1 (alexbbbbb), : Chinese

 : Suffering endless lawsuits, Guo Wengui faces his Black July The little tricks of New Gettr and Gclub

: BBS  (Sun Jul 25 20:41:58 2021, )



Here comes the big news. The Cheater Guo claims that he will take nine times

to testify and appear in the court more than a dozen times In the scorching

July. It will take him eight or nine hours each time. There are more than

20 days left in July. Considering about two dozen times of trail, The

Cheater Guo will either appear in the court or on his way to the court. Such

a poor man! In addition, he also said he must make money for you even under

such difficult circumstances. Look, though the cheater Guo is busy dealing

with the messhe never forgets to grab comrades' hard-earned money. We can

see that he can spare no effort in the performance of his evil duty and

devote all his life to his reactionary career. What a 'saint'! To uncover

the truth through the fog, comrades, keep your eyes open and do not be

deceived by the Cheater Guo.

As you know, there is no end to lawsuits against Cheater Guo, including the

PAX case. PAX company and New York district court became furious with

Cheater Guo, who secretly shipped the yacht 'Lady May' to the port of Parma

in Spain and listed it for rent. New York district court must enforce laws

impartially and retrieve Lady May. Otherwise, PAX will accuse the court and

Guo Wengui, the company said. The New York district court was also upset

that Guo had flouted judicial authority and not taken the court's decision

seriously. Accordingly, Guo Wengui was ordered to make an explanation to the

court on July 12, and to ship Lady May open back, meanwhile, he will be

fined $500,000 for each day starting from May 15. This is the prime part of

Guo Wengui's court appearance. What's more, just last month, Guo Wengui was

subpoenaed in a class-action lawsuit led by @tiger64. Guo Wengui, Saraca,

GTV, Vog, and Sara were all among the defendants. The court is still

preparing Qu Guojiao's rape case. In short, due to the lawsuits, the

scorching July is destined to be the black July of Guo. So as Zhu Wanli said

, we should understand the words of Guo from the opposite side. It will be

more than 20 times to appear in court and testify. Guo Wengui will have been

sitting in the dock from the beginning, like a lamb waiting for its slaught

.

--

 :WWW  mitbbs.com [FROM: 209.]


Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Realtors Report on Foreign Purchases of US Homes

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that there was a fourth consecutive year-over-year decline in the rate of investment in U.S. real estate by international buyers. In the 12 month period that ended on March 31 those buyers purchased 107,000 residential properties for a total of $54.4 billion. This was down 31 percent and 27 percent respectively from the prior 12 month period in which foreign investors spent $72 billion to buy 154,000 units, and the lowest set of numbers since 2011.

NAR's 2021 Profile of International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate is based on a survey of its members about transactions with international clients who purchased and sold U.S. residential property from April 2020 through March 2021.

NAR divided buyers into two categories; Type A, non-U.S. citizens with permanent residences outside the U.S., and Type B, non-U.S. citizens who are recent immigrants (less than two years at the time of the transaction) or non-immigrant visa holders who reside in the U.S. for more than six months for professional, educational, or other reasons. Type B buyers purchased $32.4 billion worth of U.S. existing homes, 60 percent of the tot volume of foreign purchases and a 21 percent decrease from the prior year. Type A buyers purchased $22 billion in existing homes, accounting for the remaining 40 percent and down by one-third from the previous period. In total, international buyers accounted for 2.8 percent of the $5.8 trillion in existing-home sales during that period.

"The big decline in foreign purchases of homes in the U.S. in the past year is no surprise, given the pandemic-induced lockdowns and international travel restrictions," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "Yet, even with the absence of foreign buyers, the U.S. housing market strengthened solidly."

While it doesn't explain the four-year slowdown in investment which peaked in 2017 at $153 billion, the global impact of the pandemic obviously effected the most recent numbers. NAR said, while the U.S. economy contracted by 3.5 percent during the period, Canada was down 5.4 percent, the Euro area fell 6.6 percent, India by 8.0 percent and Latin America and the Caribbean by 7.0 percent. China did post economic growth, but at 2.3 percent it was about a third its pre-pandemic rate.

China and Canada were the largest investors in U.S. residential sales dollar volume at $4.5 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively. These two countries have been in first and second place since 2013. India was the third largest at $3.1 billion, followed by Mexico ($2.9 billion). The UK moved into fifth position, displacing Colombia, and becoming the only country in the top five to see an increase. Its dollar volume of investment grew by $1.3 billion to $2.7 billion.

"As travel restrictions loosen and foreign students return to U.S. colleges in the upcoming year, there is likely to be some growth in foreign buying of U.S. real estate," Yun added. "High home prices and the ongoing lack of inventory could, however, pose a challenge for buyers."

The median existing-home sales price among international buyers was $351,800, 15 percent higher than the median price for all existing homes sold in the U.S. That difference primarily reflects the locations and type of properties desired by foreign buyers. At $476,500, Chinese buyers had the highest median purchase price, and more than a third - 34 percent - purchased property in California.

Florida was the top destination for foreign buyers for the 13th straight year, accounting for 21 percent of all international purchases. California ranked second at 16 percent, followed by Texas (9 percent) and Arizona (5 percent). New Jersey and New York tied at 4 percent each.

Thirty-nine percent of international transactions were all-cash, 61 percent of non-resident (Type A) purchasers paying cash compared to 24 percent of those residing in the U.S. The percentage of cash purchases varied by nationality, from 80 percent of transactions made by UK citizens to only 8 percent of those by citizens of India.

Nearly half of international buyers purchased a home in the suburbs and 28 percent bought in an urban area, a figure that's held steady over the last six years. Seven percent bought in a resort area, a 10 point decline since 2012.
The worsening heat condition across the west of U.S. had brought several environmental problems in the region, one of the many is the increasingly stressed-out trout fishes in Yellowstone National Park.

Due to the hot water and low stream flows induced by the megadrought in certain regions, the Yellowstone National Park, a home to a number of native trout and other fish in the U.S., had implemented fishing closures starting from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day - as an effort to protect the trout population.

Just this summer, a lot of the native fishes had been under serious stress due to the hot water temperature and unprecedented low stream flows. By implementing restrictions on fishing time, it would somehow lessen the stress among the wild trout.

Yellowstone National Park's had released new regulations

As it looks like the building heat dome in the West is not making much improvement in the near future, Yellowstone officials are stepping up their game in protecting the fishes from the rising temperatures in some of Yellowstone creeks and rivers, surpassing 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) already. Officials say that water levels are "approaching historic lows."

The park just recently released regulations for all native fishes to be returned to the streams unharmed. Although this "can still put the already stressed-out fish under even more duress," says officials, "it's best to avoid removing them from the water during the hottest part of the day."

The threats brought by the climate to the fish population do not just limit from the wild trout's difficulty to search food and travel, but also include whirling diseases and influence of nonnative fish distribution, displacing the native fishes. This news disrupts the food chain as well.

Also read: Invasive Specie: Growing Population of Lionfish in the Mediterranean Poses Threat to Ecosystem

Fishing Affairs in Other States

More on the fisheries facing against struggling fish populations in the west are other states like Montana and California. The low river levels and dying rainbow and brown trout fishes in Montana forced them to issue new fishing restrictions, while California officials planned to relocate 17 million chinook salmon from hatcheries in the Central Valley to the open sea because of the hot and dry conditions, making them 'untenable to swim downstream'.

Officials also warned that "nearly every young chinook along the Sacramento River could perish anyway," despite the effort.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, people are prohibited to fish along a 120-mile (193-kilometer) stretch of the Colorado River due to the same reasons, low river levels and warmer water. Lawmakers in Utah, on the other hand, believes otherwise and convinced people to double the catch limit "since many are expected to die due to low water levels anyway."

The Yellowstone Lake will remain open for fishing from sunrise to sunset as usual, but officials had advised to fish during the day's cooler hours and put the caught fish back immediately (and gently, of course) into the water to not exhaust them too much.

Also read: Thawed Ice Within Russian Permafrost Unravels Ancient Lives Buried Deep Beneath the Snow!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) discovered multiple instances of Candida Auris that were resistant to all medicines in two health institutions in Texas and a long-term care facility in Washington, D.C. for the first time.

According to researchers, a deadly, difficult-to-treat fungal infection spreading through nursing homes and hospitals across the United States is becoming even more dangerous. For the first time, the fungus, Candida Auris, was utterly impervious to all existing medication in several cases.

A Potent Yeast Infection

The discovery, announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday, is a concerning step in the evolution of C. Auris, a hardy yeast infection first found in Japan in 2009 and spreading rapidly throughout the globe.

During the coronavirus pandemic, federal health officials believe the disease has expanded even farther, with overburdened hospitals and nursing homes unable to keep up with the surveillance and control procedures needed to manage local outbreaks.

According to the C.D.C.'s recent study, five out of over 120 cases of C. Auris were resistant to therapy.

Related Article: Flesh-Eating Bacteria That Can Kill Within 24 Hours Returns in Some Areas of the US



Unreleased Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not name the facilities where the novel infections occurred. Still, health officials said there was no apparent link between the outbreaks in Texas at a hospital and a long-term care facility that shared patients and in Washington, D.C. at a single long-term care center. Between January and April, epidemics occurred.

According to the C.D.C., about a third of infected patients died within 30 days, although officials said it was unclear if their deaths were caused by the fungus because they were already critically ill.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has discovered more than 2,000 Americans colonized with C. Auris - meaning the fungus was found on their skin - during the last eight years, with most cases centered in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and California. Approximately 5% to 10% of individuals infected with the virus develop more severe bloodstream infections.

Particularly Hard to Combat

The fungus is difficult to eradicate from healthcare institutions once it has established itself, sticking to cleaning carts, IV poles, and other medical equipment. While the yeast infection is usually innocuous to individuals in good health, it can be fatal to critically ill hospital patients, long-term care facility residents, and others with weaker immune systems.

Dr. Cornelius J. Clancy, an infectious diseases specialist at the V.A. Pittsburgh Health Care System, said, "If you wanted to conjure up a nightmare scenario for a drug-resistant virus, this would be it." "Immunocompromised patients, transplant recipients, and critically sick patients in the I.C.U. would all be at risk from an untreatable fungal infection."

While C. Auris has a reputation for being difficult to treat, researchers discovered five individuals in Texas and Washington, D.C. They had infections that did not respond to any of the three primary antifungal classes. In addition, Panresistance had previously been reported in three C. Auris patients in New York.

Still, health officials said the newly registered panresistant infections occurred in patients who had never received antifungal drugs, according to Dr. Meghan Lyman, a medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specializing in fungal diseases.

"What's alarming is that the individuals at risk aren't just a tiny group of folks who have infections and are already taking these medications," she added.

Hastened Spread

The coronavirus pandemic, according to infectious disease experts, has likely hastened the spread of the fungus. In addition, they claim that shortages of personal protective equipment, which hampered healthcare personnel in the early months of the epidemic, enhanced possibilities for the fungus to spread, particularly among the thousands of Covid-19 patients who were forced to use invasive mechanical ventilation.

The turmoil of recent months didn't help matters. "At the best of times, infection control efforts at most health care institutions are stretched tight, but with so many Covid patients, resources that could have gone to infection control were redirected elsewhere," Dr. Clancy said.

According to numerous health experts, the discovery of a panresistant C. Auris is a sobering reminder of the risks presented by antimicrobial resistance, from superbugs like MRSA to antibiotic-resistant salmonella. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such diseases sicken 2.8 million Americans each year and kill 35,000.

Limiting the Spread of Infections

Health systems throughout the country are trying to limit the spread of such infections, according to Dr. Michael S. Phillips, a head epidemiologist at N.Y.U./Langone Health. He said the situation was particularly acute in major cities like New York. Very sick patients are shuttled between nursing homes with weak infection control and top-notch medical institutions that frequently draw patients from across the area.

"We need to improve our monitoring and infection control, particularly in locations where patients are placed in groups," he added. "We should be concerned about Candida Auris, but we must not lose sight of the broader picture since there are many other drug-resistant organisms to be concerned about."

Also Read: RSV: Another Viral Respiratory Outbreak is on the Rise in Parts of Southern US

For more health and medicine related news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
The pollution of a chemical meant to keep prawns for export has turned a lagoon in Argentina's southern Patagonia area brilliant pink, a spectacular but terrifying phenomenon that experts and campaigners blame contamination by a chemical intended to preserve prawns for export.

"The color is due to sodium sulfide, an antibacterial preservative that also contaminates the Chubut River's water table and the water supply of cities in the vicinity. The legislation requires that such liquids be treated before being discarded," Colombian engineer, environmentalist, and virologist Federico Restrepo, a local resident told AFP.

Activists claim that sodium sulfite, an antibacterial chemical used in fish farms, is responsible for polluting the Chubut river, which supplies the Corfo lagoon and other water sources in the region.

Around the river and lagoon, residents have long complained about foul odors and other environmental concerns.

Possible Poisoning

Environmental campaigner Pablo Lada blamed the government for the disaster, telling AFP, "Those who should be in control are the ones who approve the poisoning of people."

According to Lada, who lives in Trelew, about 1,400 kilometers south of Buenos Aires and close to the lagoon, the lagoon became pink last week and stayed that hue on Sunday.

Related Article: Tons of Dead Fishes: Tampa Bay Will Be "Dead Zone" if Red Tide Doesn't End Soon





Sodium Sulfite

According to Restrepo, an environmental engineer and virologist, the coloring was caused by sodium sulfite in fish waste, which is required by law to be treated before being deposited.

The lagoon, which is not utilized for recreational purposes, gets drainage from the Trelew industrial park and has previously become pink in color.

Residents in the neighborhood, on the other hand, are fed up. Rawson, a town near Trelew, has recently blocked highways used by trucks transporting processed fish waste to treatment plants on the city's outskirts.

"We receive dozens of trucks every day, and the people are wary of it," Lada added.

Protests

Because Rawson was closed due to the protest, the provincial government allowed companies to dump their trash in the Corfo lagoon.

"The crimson hue does not create damage and will go away in a few days," Juan Micheloud, the Chubut province's environmental control head, told AFP last week.

"It is not feasible to trivialize something so important," Sebastian de la Vallina, planning secretary for the municipal of Trelew, argued.

Employment Opportunity

Thousands of employment are created in Chubut province, home to 600,000 people, by processing seafood for export, primarily prawns and hake.

In the Atlantic seas within Argentina's authority, dozens of international fishing enterprises operate.

"It's true that processing fish produces work. However, these are multibillion-dollar profit corporations that refuse to pay freight to transport the trash to an existing treatment facility in Puerto Madryn, 35 miles away, or to build a plant closer to them, "Lada remarked.

Also Read: Seafood's Secret Ingredient: Microplastic

For more pollution related news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
GOVERNMENT is in the process of crafting a diaspora policy to, among other things, document all Zimbabweans living in foreign countries including those staying there illegally.

To document all citizens, Government will work with various diaspora groups representing Zimbabweans in those countries.

Responding to questions in the National Assemblys Question and Answer session last Wednesday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister Dr David Musabayana said the policy will enable the country to account for all its nationals.

Members wanted to know how the country can account for its citizens in case there are violent riots as happened in South Africa where lives were lost and property worth billions of rand was destroyed.

Yes, we have a lot of Zimbabweans in South Africa. What we have done as a ministry is that we are working on a diaspora policy. That diaspora policy also involves the registration and putting together and integration of all the organisations and representations of Zimbabweans living abroad. In that endeavour, we will be able to come up with the exact record or records of Zimbabweans living abroad, said Dr Musabayana.

What we have also done with this diaspora initiative is, we are interacting with diasporans so that they know about the consular services that we provide and all our missions in the host countries. In that process, if there is any challenge that they have in the host country or the country that they are staying in, they will be able to contact us and we will be able to assist them. That is how far we have gone.

He said following the violent protests in South Africa, no Zimbabwean has been reported to have died.

As I have alluded to, the issue of Zimbabweans who are outside the country is important. We are in constant touch with our Ambassador in South Africa. From the start of the riots, we have been engaging each other. In those conversations, we are enquiring if there are our nationals caught in the riots. As of now, we do not have any casualties. If we come across any victims, we will help them with documentation so that they will be assisted in returning home, he said.

Zimbabwe Community in South Africa chairman Mr Ngqabutho Mabhena said the policy under consideration would be very appropriate considering the challenges faced by Zimbabweans in the neighbouring country.

We would welcome the drafting of a diaspora policy by the Zimbabwean Government because it might assist in responding to the various needs of Zimbabweans in South Africa particularly the question of documentation. We have so many migrants in South Africa who are not documented. It will also assist in ensuring investment opportunities for the diasporans back in Zimbabwe, said Mr Mabhena.

He said as it stands, almost 200 000 Zimbabweans under the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits are living in uncertainty as their permits are due to expire at the end of the year.

Outside the holders of these special permits, we have other Zimbabweans who are not documented. So, there is always a question to say what is the role of the Zimbabwean Government in assisting the Zimbabweans in South Africa to be documented in liaison with the South African government, he said.

Mr Mabhena said there are Zimbabweans who do not even have Zimbabwean documents living in South African who need to be assisted with national documents. Chronicle
The body of a four-year-old boy who drowned together with his father when a boat capsized in Lake Kariba has been found floating this morning.

This brings to two the number of bodies found in the tragic accident which occurred on Friday morning.

Obey Mwindes body was found floating at around 9.30am by a search party that include divers from the polices Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority rangers.

The body is still to be taken to Kariba District Hospital mortuary.The search team is still searching the area amid indications that the vast waters make it difficult to triangulate the exact location where the accident occurred.

Ziya Kusenas body was the first to be found on the day of the tragedy while floating on the surface with her belongings including two bags. Herald
Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary, Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe has been fingered in a scam after he received soya beans inputs worth over $150 000 and failed to plant the seed, TellZim News can report.

Wutawunashe received inputs valued at $156 532 and was expected to deliver the estimated 15 metric tonnes to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) but failed to do so, without any clear explanation.

Wutawunashe was listed together with hundreds of other defaulters in the Sunday Mail edition of July 18, 2021. GMB is threatening legal action against those who allegedly defrauded the company and is also contemplating blacklisting the said defaulters.

Contacted for comment, Ambassador Wutaunashe denied defaulting but acknowledged that he failed to plant due to incessant rains that were experienced last cropping season, which he said were not friendly to soya beans.

Of course, we were given the seed intending to plant at our farm in Masvingo. When one is given seed under Command Agriculture, you will have to pay for the seed and it is like buying the seed. As you are aware, last season there was excessive rainfall and we were not able to plant the seed. When we failed to plant the seed we notified GMB boss Mutenha, said Wutawunashe.

Wutawunashe claimed that he still has the inputs and said that he was puzzled when he saw his name on the list, since he had notified Mutenha that he was going to use the inputs in the next cropping season.

When I got to know that my name was on the list, I called Mutenha clarifying the issue. You can contact Mutenha because he might have made an error by publishing my name on that list since I communicated with him regarding my failure to plant the soya beans. If you communicate with him, he will clarify the issue. It now seems as though we planted the seed, harvested and diverted the produce to another market of which we did not plant at all and the seed is still there at our farm as we were not able to plant so we will wait for the next planting season, added Wutawunashe.

Contacted for comment, GMB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rockie Mutenha said he was busy and referred all questions to their Public Relations manager Nixon Kanyemba.

You can contact Kanyemba who is our public relations manager, Im in Gokwe right now and I am busy, said Mutenha.

Kanyemba demanded that the questions be sent to his email but when the questions were sent, he denied to comment saying the reporter may fail to come up with a story since there were many stakeholders in the Soya Beans project.

I can answer your questions but you will fail to come up with any story after all. The production of soya beans is between three major players; government (command agriculture), the financier and GMB as the marketing authority. Some of your questions need to be directed to the other two parties, said Kanyemba.

Last year, Doctor Rutendo Wutawunashe who is ex-wife to Ambassador Wutawunashes elder brother and Family of God founder Andrew Wutawunashe, was also listed on the people who had not paid back the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) farm mechanization programme loans.

Dr Wutawunashe reportedly received US$18 200 from RBZ but allegedly failed to pay back a single cent. TellZim News


Officials discovered a stash of unprocessed tobacco worth R10 million at a warehouse in the town's Thorn Park, suspected to have come through the Beit Bridge border post from Zimbabwe.

East London police made the bust in collaboration with customs officers. A 31-year-old male suspect was arrested for possession of unprocessed tobacco and bribery.

Eastern Cape police said the arrest came after customs officials at the border post stopped a truck with a cargo of unlicensed tobacco destined for East London.

Customs officials informed their colleagues in East London about a Warehouse in Kleipheuvel Road as the cargo's destination.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana said SAPS' Rural Safety members and custom officials stormed the warehouse and discovered stacks of numerous boxes of unprocessed tobacco.

He said the suspect was arrested for possession of the product and illegal activities that allegedly took place inside the alleged rented business premises.

Kinana said during the operation, police discovered about 1 279 boxes weighing a total of 200 kilograms of both raw and cut rag tobacco.

He added that the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the customs officials with an undisclosed amount of money to evade arrest.

The customs officials reported the matter to the police who had since confiscated the alleged cash and added another charge of bribery, said Kinana.





Dladla said: It is this kind of collaboration and information sharing that will ensure our success in breaking the backbone of the criminal network. I trust that our detectives will dig more into these despicable activities in order to expose even those who may have been part of the plan and business.

The suspect is due to appear in the East London Magistrate's Court once he's charged for possession of unprocessed tobacco and bribery.

The possibility of additional charges could not be ruled out and the investigation continued, said Kinana. News24
A senior police officer, Inspector Elias Mawomba (47), has been arrested for conniving with one of his subordinates to divert two vehicles from offloading smuggled goods inside the Beitbridge Border Post last week.

Insp Mawomba and his subordinate Dickson Siakwimbi are deployed to Beitbridge to conduct security and anti-smuggling duties at Zimbabwes border with South Africa under operation No to Cross-border Crimes.

It is reported that the two men were assigned by their commanders to escort two vehicles carrying an assortment of smuggled goods.

The vehicles had been intercepted along the Limpopo River soon after smuggling the goods from South Africa.

Insp Mawomba of the ZRP Support Unit Mike Troops Buchwa has since been dragged before Beitbridge resident magistrate Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba charged with criminal abuse of office as a public officer.

He was remanded in custody to August 4, while Siakwimbi is yet to be arrested.

Prosecuting, Mr Ronald Mugwagwa said on July 19 at around 11am, the national security team intercepted two vehicles that were loaded with boxes of washing powder, skin lotions and other body creams.

He said Insp Mawomba and Siakwimbi were assigned to escort the two vehicles to offload the goods at the Beitbridge Border Post for valuation and further customs management.

But the court heard that along the way, the two police officers connived with the drivers of the vehicles to offload part of the contraband in the bushy area near the Zinwa water treatment pump.

They ran out of luck when some alert citizens spotted them and informed border security officials. A security team that reacted found them still offloading the boxes of washing powder and body lotions. The goods were then recovered and Mawomba was immediately arrested, while Siakwimbi disappeared. The value of the goods is yet to be ascertained. Herald
He goes, You know, its about love,  Blunt said. It was so perfect, because you couldve talked about all the action and the spectacle and the myths and the legends and all that, but thats when I knew, in Jaume, we had an innate romantic and a world-builder, and thats what you need for this type of movie.
As alleged in the Indictment, the defendants committed a series of armed robberies and attempted robberies of jewelers and other owners of luxury watches in and around New York City, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss aid. Thanks to the outstanding work of the NYPD and special agents of our office, time ran out on the defendants, who now face federal charges for their alleged crimes.
Jean Louis, 52, pulled over on the westbound side of the expressway near the overpass at Main St. in Flushing and was changing his tire when he was struck by a Tesla driver about 12:10 a.m., cops said.
Although he lived to be 35 years old, the life we would have lived as a family was forever altered. We cherish our time with and memories of Benjamin, and we continue to support him through our belief that there should be justice for Benjamin.
The shooting broke out around 1 a.m. Monday in Fort Worth after a partygoer, who had left the house upset, returned with another person and began verbally fighting with another group in the backyard, according to the Fort Worth Police Department.
Ive never seen anything quite like it before, retired Tulane University history professor Patrick Maney told the Advocate. Two heavily armed police came and told the lady to get off. She refused, and they then told her to get up. She was screaming and resisting as they hauled her up and put some kind of restraints on her hands behind her back.
My heart goes out to the families of both the deputies. Nothing can prepare us for tragedies such as these, Wasco Mayor Alex Garcia said in a statement.
The pair who was aboard the cigarette boat abandoned their vessel and fled the scene before authorities arrived, a DNR official told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, noting that the driver appeared to be under the influence.
Those who are vaccinated reduce the risk of hospitalization by 94%, he added. So if youre vaccinated, you are much, much less likely to get the COVID virus to begin with. And if you get it, it is not as severe and youre not hospitalized. Those are the facts.
Your failure to effectively stop the spread of this dangerous information on your platforms and vigorously enforce your own policies targeting misinformation is a threat to the public health of New York City residents and a serious impediment to our efforts to vaccinate all New York City residents, Chokshi wrote to Zuckerberg and Dorsey. In short, the spread of misinformation is costing New Yorkers their lives.
My support for retaining the 60-vote threshold is not based on the importance of any particular policy, she said in a Washington Post opinion piece published in June. It is based on what is best for our democracy. The filibuster compels moderation and helps protect the country from wild swings between opposing policy poles.
However, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was not as optimistic as of Monday evening. I dont think it will come tonight. Weve been working nonstop all weekend. There are a lot of issues that have been closed out, but then there have been new issues put on the table. I think its imperative that the President indicates strongly that he wants a bipartisan package, and thats what I hope will happen.
We were renters in the Bay Area and we will continue to be here, she said. We have considered buying, but we think that the prices are too high for us right now, perhaps artificially high. I am not sure if it is just something that it is happening as people want bigger homes as they are spending more time there.
Companies are increasingly unwilling to write new policies with asphalt shingle roofs over 10 or 12 years old, according to a comparison compiled in January by one of the insurers, which asked not to be named as the source of the data. The list, which the insurer said was based on a review of information submitted to state insurance regulators, identified four companies unwilling to insure shingle roofs more than 10 years old, two companies that set the cut-off age at 12 and three others that drew the line at 15 years.
Ford said his childrens hospital has no COVID patients a month ago and now has four. So far, none of the children are on ventilators, he said. With young children at risk but ineligible for vaccines, the message is vaccination is going to get us out of this and keep us where we want want to be.
People have to understand we are not even at the top of that trajectory yet, he said, predicting that hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients will soar significantly over the next two weeks. Younger people are getting infected and affected by this and suffering the consequences.
I was hopeful that we would significantly increase the rate of vaccination within our community and ultimately we would see the numbers declining, the mayor said. But obviously in a public health crisis, if these numbers continue to grow and we continue to adversely impact the critical care units within our hospitals, we will have to do something.
What we learned in the early days when we started doing Q&As with filmmakers was a lot of the people who were tuning in had not seen the film yet. And so, we decided to flip the script and to do our recorded interviews assuming that people had not seen the film, Streich said. They sort of supplement trailers so that people can hear from the filmmakers and decide to watch a film on the virtual platform, as opposed to watching a film and then asking a question.
This is not the first time Miranda has tried to give a voice to those unseen. For Hamilton he defended what was described as colorblind casting, a term often criticized as the whitewashing controversy.
There is no statute of limitations for murder in the U.S., and Jarvis said filing new charges after death is more common than many think. And while filing new charges so long after an event, such as the 37 years in the Dowling case, does seem rare, there have been other cases where more time has elapsed.
The last thing Gauthier remembers was pulling out of an intersection when he was t-boned by another vehicle. He wouldnt wake up for months and when he did, Gauthier was in another hospital, one of five at which he would undergo care for his traumatic injuries.
Since the county was anticipated to not be reasonable and not cooperative, then it was envisioned that there would need to be some other means explored to get the [land use] changed so that he could develop it and justify buying the property, Ken Clayton said in his November 2019 deposition. Claytons late father, Malcolm Clayton, purchased the High Oaks Ranch property with his cousin the late Charlie Clayton in the 1980s.
Here we are 18 months into the pandemic, and we still havent gotten it right. The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board sent out a powerful message in the July 24 edition (Please, Florida, get vaccinated this weekend). In addition to their message, its important to use common sense and rely on your own protocol to protect yourself (get vaccinated, still wear a mask in indoor crowded places and be cognizant that people around you may be infected with the delta variant and you could spread it to other vulnerable people). By protecting yourself first, it will then help protect others.
I think its a clear statutory duty, Behren said. The statute says that they shall make themselves available. Its not optional. Its not discretionary. Its not, We can decide whether or not we want to take these benefits for political purposes, to create a good sound bite on certain news outlets. You are required to do it, that is your job.
Fulton schools alum Madison Lang, seen above, has won a $15,000 "Astronaut" Scholarship as part of her studies at the University of Rochester.
PARLAMENTUL REPUBLICII MOLDOVA

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The Moldovan Parliaments website design was supported by the Democracy Support Programme in Moldova"  an initiative financed by the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
( , , , ) told investors that production is up around 50% currently, as it filed first-quarter results.

Production presently measures around 1,800 barrels per day gross, with volumes boosted after the start of gas injection activities at the Barron Flats pro

Results for the three months ended March 31 have been filed onto the SEDAR platform it noted.

With the completion of the Q1 financials, the company can now work towards finalizing its prospectus, which is required in final form before readmission to trading on the LSE.
(LON:CODE) is raising 3.5m when it floats on AIM. The company provides training programmes for software coding and has established itself as the coding bootcamp of the North.

The long term aim of founder and chief executive Chris Hill is that the share price will realise 8 a share northwards over time.

More importantly its immediate purpose is to address a digital skills shortage that is impacting the competitiveness of the UK economy.

Hill wants every school child to be able to code, and the money raised at IPO will allow Northcoders to expand across the regions from its current hub in Manchester.

Admission and the start of dealings on AIM are expected to take place on Tuesday July 27.
It comes as the company submitted quarterly results for the three months ended March 31.

( , , , ) told investors that production is up around 50% currently, as it filed first-quarter results.

Production presently measures around 1,800 barrels per day gross, with volumes boosted after the start of gas injection activities at the Barron Flats pro

Results for the three months ended March 31 have been filed onto the SEDAR platform it noted.

With the completion of the Q1 financials, the company can now work towards finalizing its prospectus, which is required in final form before readmission to trading on the LSE.

Once a definitive timeline for readmission is available, the company will give a comprehensive update to the market on its operations."

COPL noted that in the first quarter production averaged 1,220 barrels of oil per day gross, or 706 barrels net.

The companys shares were suspended from trading on the London Stock Exchange back in March.
BB Healthcare Trust's ( ) Brett Darke joins Proactive London's Katie Pilbeam to discuss the impact of US President Joe Biden's administration on the healthcare sector so far.

More than six months in, Darke explains how his expectations of a Biden reign compare to the reality of what has already been achieved and takes viewers through the key areas currently being actively debated.

In regards to the potential US drug-pricing reform, Darke explains how he thinks this could impact the BBH portfolio.
"We are excited at the prospect of drilling our first exploration well and can now look forward to a busy period of almost continuous drilling and frequent value catalysts during the next 18 months," said chief executive Helge Hammer.

( , ) is counting down to the spud of the Egyptian Vulture exploration well, offshore Norway, which is slated by operator Equinor for late August.

The well is targeting some 103mln barrels of prospective resources with upside potential seen up to 208mln. It has an estimated geological chance of success of 25%.

Drilling is expected to take up to 4 weeks and the programme is estimated with a net cost of US$5mln to Longboat.

Longboat added that if the well is successful theres potential to provide low-CO2 blending gas to the nearby Equinor operated infrastructure, which allows for rapid monetisation of a discovery.

Egyptian Vulture is the first of seven anticipated exploration wells scheduled by Longboat over the next eighteen months on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Longboat highlighted that next in the campaign will be in September, with the 20% owned Rodhette prospect. This is similarly a potential tie-back with the exploration well envisaged as a early monetisation play via connection to the Goliat field some 30 kilometres away.

"We are excited at the prospect of drilling our first exploration well and can now look forward to a busy period of almost continuous drilling and frequent value catalysts during the next 18 months with a combined upside value potential in excess of US$1bn, said chief executive Helge Hammer.

"Exploration activity in Norway is picking up and during the first six months of 2021, a total of 17 exploration wells have been completed, resulting in eight discoveries.

On Egyptian Vulture we are partnering with one of the most successful explorers on the NCS and a successful well could add more than 15mln boe of net contingent resources with significant monetisation opportunities.

Longboat was launched in London in late 2019.

The ambitious firm, steered by the management team the built and sold Faroe Petroleum, plans to advance Longboat into a full-cycle, North Sea E&P company.

Today, Longboat added that it has seen significantly increased industry interest in the company following its initial successful farm-in deals and equity funding, and, it now intends to capitalise on this momentum to pursue value accretive acquisitions.

We believe the momentum built by the initial acquisitions will enable us to take advantage of the increasing number of opportunities we are seeing in the market," Hammer added.
Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are understood to be potential bidders

is up for auction as its owners, the billionaire Weston family, are looking to offload it by the end of the year to 4bn.

Advisers at ( ) are about to send relevant documents to prospective buyers, The Times reported, as two or three bidders have already expressed interest.

It is understood these might be sovereign wealth funds, such as Adia, of Abu Dhabi, the Public Investment Fund, of Saudi Arabia, and the Qatar Investment Authority. The latter already owns rival Harrods, which was bought in 2010 for 1.5bn.

Middle Eastern customers are key for Selfridges and a takeover from owners in this region may lead to further expansion in the area. Hong Kongs Lane Crawford is also considered a potential bidder.

The department stores chain, which owns 25 sites worldwide valued at around 2bn, was founded in 1908 and went private in 2003 when the Westons bought it for 598mln.

The deal was executed by W Galen Weston, who died in April, and who reportedly would have been opposed to the sale.

He was chairman of Selfridges Group until two years ago, when his daughter Alannah Weston took the post.

The retailer made 1.97bn in sales in the year to February 2020 with operating profits of 88mln. It reported a record-breaking Christmas last year, with sales up 8%.
The Chinese tech giant, which is the trust's largest holding, was hit with a crackdown by antitrust regulators over the weekend

( ) PLC shares were under pressure on Monday after technology giant Tencent Holdings Ltd, the firms largest investment, found itself at the sharp end of a crackdown by Chinese regulators.

On Saturday, Chinas market regulator, the State Administration Of Market Regulation (SAMR) that it was barring Tencent from acquiring exclusive music copyright agreements with labels and also slapped the firm with a fine of half a million Chinese yuan (56,000) in relation to its acquisition of China Music Corporation in 2016, which the regulator said had given Tencent rights to over 80% of all music tracks and thus creating an unfair advantage over its rivals.

The SAMR also ruled that the company can no longer engage in exclusive music rights deals and must dissolve any existing agreements within 30 days.

The move means Tencent will be forced to give up exclusive music deals with a number of the worlds biggest labels such as Universal Music Group, ( ) ( ) Music and Warner Music, which collectively own a plethora of song catalogues from artists including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Ed Sheeran and Madonna.

Tencents troubles form part of a wider crackdown on the tech sector by Chinas regulators, who over the last year have launched investigations or issued fines to several high-profile companies including ride-hailing app DiDi Global Inc, messaging apps Weibo and QQ and video-sharing app Kuaishou.

Regulators also turned their guns on Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba, which earlier this year was hit with a US$2.8bn fine after regulators said it was abusing its market position.

Tencents woes and the wider Chinese crackdown on tech are also causing a ripple effect across several China and emerging markets-focused investment firms, including Scottish Mortgage, which was down 0.9% at 1,333p in late morning deals in the wake of the weekends news.

As of March 31, 2021, Tencent was the trusts largest holding accounting for 6.1% of its total assets, with other large Chinese tech firms such as Alibaba and TikTok owner Bytedance accounting for 4.3% and 1.8% respectively, leaving the company with large exposure to the ongoing turbulence in the sector.
Miners have now linked their payouts to earnings so if metal prices dip so will payouts

A jump in payouts from the mining giants underpinned a big bounce back in dividends from London-listed companies in the latest three months, according to research from Link Group.

Further recovery is expected with the miners set to announce more hefty rises in the forthcoming results season with earnings buoyed by surging iron and copper prices.

( ) is being tipped by ( ) to pay out an interim dividend of 603c (407c ordinary, 196c special) while Berenberg reckons BHP might up its annual payment by 150% to 305c for a yield of almost 10%.

Yields at those levels suggest investors think they are unsustainable especially as the miners have now linked their payouts to earnings so if metal prices dip, so will earnings and dividends.

Even so, it is giving the dividends distributed from UK companies a healthy boost and during the three months to end June overall payments rose to 25.7bn or by 51% compared to a year earlier, with a 44% rise excluding special dividends.

Mining and banking made up over two-thirds of the increase and with the banks just released from a Covid-19 ban, Link Group has upgraded its 2021 headline forecast by 2.5bn to a total of 79.5bn or, up 24.4% year-on-year for the UK market.

Underlying dividends excluding specials are expected to rise by 13.4% year on year.

Link says a mix of dividend restorations, catch-up one-offs and timing changes, alongside regular annual increases for companies that have traded well through the crisis all worked in the second quarters favour.

Almost 90% of the increase this time came from companies that had cancelled dividends in Q2 2020.

Ian Stokes, managing director, corporate markets UK and Europe, Link Group said: As normal life returns to Britains streets, so it is returning to business too.

All the indicators of economic growth look very encouraging, and companies have come out of the crisis in most cases with their balance sheets looking strong.

Resurgent profits and healthy bank balances mean more dividends for shareholders. These wider trends also help explain why the regulator has lifted the embargo on dividends from capital-rich banks.

Before the pandemic, dividends reached 100.3bn, even before one-off special payouts were added, so the recovery has a way to run.
Beijing regulators have swung their guns from target to target over the past year

Tencent and Chinas online education providers are the latest to feel the strong from Beijings rumbling crackdown on the countrys big tech companies, though the financial effects are being felt much more widely than just the local stock market.

In London, New York and Europe there were falls for many of the funds that are fully focused on China or the emerging markets funds that have a heavy weighting to the country.

Most notable among them was FTSE 100-listed investment trust ( ), where four of its top 10 largest positions being Chinese companies, and where ( ) was until recently its largest holding.

Many of Londons other most popular investment trusts are focused on the Peoples Republic and were among the big fallers, including ( ), Baillie Gifford China Growth Trust PLC and JPMorgan China Growth & Income PLC.

The biggest emerging markets exchange-traded funds were also all in the red, including the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (where Alibaba and Tencent are its second- and third-largest holdings) and the Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (where top 10 holdings include Alibaba, Meituan, China Construction Bank, JD.com, Tencent and Ping An all from China).

Beijing regulators have swung their guns from target to target over the past year, starting with a probe into online shopping platform ( ) that resulted in it being a US$2.8bn for abusing its market position.

Other probes and fines have been meted out to a range of high-profile companies, including ride-hailing app DiDi Global, messaging apps Weibo and QQ and video-sharing app Kuaishou.

Alibaba founder Jack Mas planned US$37bn initial public offering for his Ant Group finance business was brought tumbling down to earth by Beijing regulators, with reports varying over whether the reason was Mas challenge to the countrys state-controlled financial system, the general unease about Chinese companies listing in the US, or the groups complex ownership structure linked to political families who could represent a potential challenge to President Xi and his inner circle.

This weeks moves, which include barring digital media colossus Tencent from acquiring exclusive music copyright agreements, and restricting the online education industry's profits and levels of foreign investment, undoubtedly have a political angle in a country where the government's influence is never far away.

But despite many of the biggest companies coming under fire, fund managers seem confident of the ongoing attractions of the country.

Scottish Mortgages Tom Slater just weeks ago said that the pace of innovation at scale in China now exceeds anything we can find in the rest of the world and he and his team were looking for the next generation of companies as they think there are still some really big opportunities in that market.
MNFs Direct Business sells cloud phone, internet and mobile services directly to SMEs and residential customers in Australia, as well as dedicated audio and video conferencing business.

MNF has re-affirmed its earnings guidance for the 2021 financial year.

( ) has entered a binding agreement with ( ) for the part-sale of its Direct Business for $31 million.

All conditions of the conditional term sheet signed with Vonex on June 27, 2021, have been satisfied, including detailed due diligence with completion of the binding agreement set for early August.

The divestment of MNFs Direct Businesses is in line with its strategy to simplify the business and drive growth in its CPaas and UCaas voice services.

Earning guidance

Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into the growing wholesale business and expansion offshore.

The company also re-affirmed its earnings guidance for the 2021 financial year, which is expected to be within the top half of the range provided of $40.0 million to $43.0 million EBITDA.

Transaction details

The $31 million sales deal comprises $20 million of cash payable on completion and $11 million of deferred cash payable in monthly instalments over 12 months.

Vonex has secured a $16 million debt facility from Longreach Credit Investors which will be fully drawn down to partially fund the upfront consideration for the acquisition.

Besides this, Vonex is also raising up to $12 million via a two-tranche placement, through the issue of 109 million shares at 11 cents per share, and will offer a Share Purchase Plan (SPP) to existing eligible shareholders to raise up to an additional $2 million.

Strategic rationale

MNFs Direct Business sells cloud phone, internet and mobile services directly to SMEs and residential customers in Australia, as well as dedicated audio and video conferencing business.

This proposed transaction will materially expand Vonex's footprint of small-to-medium and residential customers across Australia and will see the company migrate about 5,250 new business customers to its platform.

Financial scale and market relevance

Vonex managing director Matt Fahey said: Our acquisition of part of MNF Groups Direct Business will transform Vonex by delivering financial scale and market relevance.

Through this deal, we are welcoming a highly experienced new team of 30 staff, more than 5,000 new SME customers and more than 180 new channel partners to our platform, and we expect to almost double Vonexs annualised recurring revenue on a full-year basis.
One hole intersected 12.5 metres of mineralisation including 70 centimetres of massive sulphide, 1.1 metres of stringer sulphides and 2.8 metres of heavily disseminated/blebby sulphides.

Part of the 70-centimetre intersection of massive sulphide returned from hole DKDD0024.

( ) is progressing well with drilling at the Rosie Nickel Project with 13 drill holes now complete and encouraging mineralisation intersected in all holes.

The most recent drill hole, DKDD0024, intersected 12.5 metres of mineralisation including 70 centimetres of massive sulphide, 1.1 metres of stringer sulphides and 2.8 metres of heavily disseminated/blebby sulphides.

The drilling program

The drilling program at Rosie Project is designed to increase confidence in mineralisation in the upper north area.

It is also designed to test at depth below the south-eastern area, previously known as Nariz, and to collect PGE-rich oxide material from directly above the sulphide deposit for assay and PGE recovery/metallurgical test-work.

Mineralisation in all holes

The company has identified three areas from the Rosie nickel sulphide scoping study as having potential upside by either impacting early cash flow or extending the life of mine.

Duketon has completed drilling of 13 holes at the project and intersected mineralisation in all holes.

It also continues to drill deep holes below the south-eastern area, which is scheduled to start within the next week.

The company is expecting the first batch of assays to be available in the next four weeks.
There is now increasing evidence that copper mineralisation is potentially structural as it extends beyond the trachyte/dacite dyke.

Visual inspection shows new drill-holes have potentially intersected copper mineralisation up to 26 metres thick.

( , , ) has returned up to 9% copper in assays from Big One Deposit at Mt Oxide Project within the Mt Isa copper-belt in northwest Queensland while visible mineralisation up to 26 metres thick in ongoing drilling demonstrates that copper is potentially structural as it extends beyond the trachyte/dacite dyke.

The best assay results from holes BO_315-317RC are:

9 metres at 1.42% copper from 88 metres, including 4 metres at 3.06% copper from 92 metres and 1-metre at 9.19% copper from 92 metres;

5 metres at 1.06% copper from 141 metres; and

3 metres at 1.22% copper from 65 metres.

Assays for samples from priority holes BO_318RC1 and BO_326RC, which exhibited visual copper intercepts up to 34 metres and 26 metres respectively, will be returned shortly as the laboratory is fast-tracking the analysis.

Larger than expectations

Castillo managing director Simon Paull said: It is encouraging there is a strong correlation between visual mineralisation and the assays, as the board optimistically looks forward to receiving further results.

Otherwise, the progress of the drilling campaign is taking shape, especially verification the underlying copper system at the Big One Deposit is likely to be larger than our geology teams initial expectations.

Cross-section of drill holes at the Big One Deposit.

Drilling down, the assay results verify there is a relatively strong correlation to the visual estimates of sulphides and alteration minerals.

A closer examination of the initial assay results by CCZs geology team highlights the following interpretations:

Factoring the new data points into the preliminary geological model for the Big One Deposit suggests the underlying system is larger than initially envisaged;

There is now increasing evidence that copper mineralisation is potentially structural as it extends beyond the trachyte/dacite dyke; and

Using geophysics has enabled significantly better targeting and, in turn, optimised the results of the drilling campaign so far.

Next steps

There are several ongoing steps, including:
The definitive feasibility study confirms the Finniss Lithium Project as a simple, low-risk and low-capital intensity project with high cash-generating potential, and puts Core on track to become Australias next lithium producer, says MD.

Core Lithium has released a suite of key studies outlining the projected economics and production metrics at its flagship lithium asset.

Core Lithium Ltd is a big step closer to becoming Australias next lithium producer after completing a positive definitive feasibility study (DFS) and two scoping studies for its flagship Finniss Lithium Project in the Northern Territory.

The ASX-listed resources company has today unveiled its stage one DFS, an extension scoping study and a lithium fines scoping study, all of which outline the economic and producing potential of Australias most advanced new lithium mining project.

Looking ahead, Core managing director Stephen Biggins said: With the updated DFS now completed, we aim to finalise funding over the coming months to allow Core to make a final investment decision in 2021 and fast-track construction.

Overall, the studies outline a near-term pathway to an initial 10-year mine life at Finniss, which lies just 88 kilometres from Australias closest port to China in a tier-one, low-risk mining jurisdiction.

Finniss is now considered one of the worlds most capital-efficient lithium mining projects.

Definitive feasibility study

Finniss DFS positions the project to turn out 7.4 million tonnes of resource at 1.3% lithium oxide over an eight-year mine life, with a 173,000-tonne-per-annum production rate, grading 5.8% lithium oxide.

The lithium plays start-up capital costs are estimated at A$89 million while operating costs are calculated to land around US$364 per tonne. First production is slated for next year.

The DFS outlines a 30% increase in ore reserves to 7.4 million tonnes at 1.3% Li2O prepared using the JORC Code 2012, underpinning an 8-year Life of Mine (LOM), with additional mineral resource inventory to potentially further increase LOM.

Owing to this reserve, Finniss boasts a A$221 million pre-tax net present value and a 53% pre-tax internal rate of return.

Key metrics from Cores Stage 1 DFS.

Speaking on the DFS, Biggins said: The study highlights the projects attractive combination of high-grade ore reserves, simple DMS processing producing a high-quality concentrate, and proximity to nearby existing infrastructure including the Port of Darwin.

We are also maintaining our exploration momentum, with the aim to more than double the mine life and resources of the project.

On behalf of the Core board, I would like to thank our management team and valued partners who have been involved in preparing the DFS. We look forward to an exciting future as we move toward commencing construction of Stage 1 of the Finniss Project.

MD Biggins spoke to Andrew Scott in May about Finniss' development.

Scoping studies

Cores extension scoping study considers a two-year life of mine extension when Finniss inferred resources at the Grants, BP33, Carlton and Hang Gong prospects are taken into account.

This increases the projects ore inventory by more than two million ounces and boosts the estimated concentrate production by roughly 350,000 tonnes.

Despite this large jump, Finniss operating costs only increase by US$8 per tonne, while start-up capital remains unchanged.

How the extension scoping study compares to the DFS findings.

More broadly, mining in these regions has the potential to support a Stage 2 expansion at Finniss, adding to the projects exploration upside.

As a result, Core has established a substantial drilling budget for 2021 and 2022 as it targets a final investment decision before years end.

In addition, Core worked with Primero Group to establish a standalone lithium fines scoping study, which shows there is potential to reduce Finniss tailings stream and waste impact.

This indicates the ASX-lister could potentially produce and sell around 110,000 tonnes of lithium fines every year, grading at around 1.0% lithium oxide, with no incremental mining activities required.

Core has already received non-binding interest expressions from potential offtake partners for the lithium fines by-product, with indicative pricing between US$75 and US$85 per tonne.

Key findings from the lithium fines scoping study.

Whats next?

With Major Project Status and the key studies under its belt, Core is ramping up to secure offtake and financing deals and reach a final investment decision before years end.

Beyond that, the ASX-lister hopes to start Stage 1 construction and ramp-up to commercial production next year as it progresses resource drilling within its Stage 2 expansion phase.

The next few years of development at Finniss.
The company has been exploring for gold at its sites near Tennant Creek and the recent gold results are very encouraging.

Under the multi-million dollar Resourcing the Territory initiative, the Government is supporting mineral and petroleum exploration across the Barkly region.

( ) managing director Rob Bills recently met the Northern Territory's Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison to discuss the $26 million Resourcing the Territory initiative, supporting mineral exploration and development across the Barkly region.

Under the multi-million dollar initiative, the NT Government is supporting mineral and petroleum exploration and development across the region and Emmerson is forging strong partnerships to also benefit the region.

The initiative, which provides high-quality geoscience data to attract companies into the area and offers grants to support innovative exploration activities, is seeing some promising results in the Barkly region.

Emmerson has used its partnerships to attract co-funding and support that have laid the framework for recent discoveries at Mauretania, Goanna and Edna Beryl and is well-positioned with 1,700 square kilometres of highly prospective tenements in the Tennant Creek Mineral Field.

Numerous other companies are exploring for gold and copper in the Tennant Creek and Barkly region as well, including Newcrest Mining, Rio Tinto, Castile Resources, Encounter Resources, Inca Minerals, Greenvale Mining, King River Resources and many more.

Resources key part in economy

At the Boosting Jobs: Promising Prospects in the Barkly event, Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison said: We know our resources sector is playing a huge role in our economic come back, which is why we announced record funding of $9.5 million for more mineral exploration - to drive more mining and create more jobs across the Territory, with the funding to be ongoing.

We are serious about getting on with the job of growing our economy to $40 billion by 2030, with 20 mining projects currently working towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) in the Territory with a combined value of $6.2 billion and potential to create 5,700 construction jobs and 3,400 ongoing jobs.

Our message is clear, if you are looking for the next resource or mining investment, come to the Territory.

New and exciting hotspot

Speaking to the significance of the region, Emmerson MD Rob Bills said: Tennant Creek is one of Australias highest grade gold districts and with the recent influx of exploration companies on the back of new geological data from the Northern Territory Geological Survey, a new and exciting exploration hotspot!

Our Mauretania discovery is a great example, where recent drilling has intersected gold beneath the known high-grade gold mineralisation that will likely become the first new open pit deposit in the area.

Emmerson has partnered with Tennant Consolidated Mining Group where they are establishing a central mill, the key to monetising and unlocking these stranded gold and copper deposits within the Tennant Creek district.

In addition, Emmerson has partnered with the Traditional Owners in striking a landmark Joint Venture over the Jasper Hills area, whereby the Traditional Owners have a direct equity, plus employment and training opportunities.

We regard this agreement as an important milestone that builds on a strong partnership with the T/Os and hopefully is the first of many such agreements that will share the benefits of an exciting future of exploration, mining and processing in Tennant Creek district.
Moving into FY22, CardieX continues to evolve its blood pressure monitor and wearable health tech offering ahead of their transition to market.

CardieX has capped off FY21 with more than $3 million in the bank.

CardieX Ltd has capped off the 2021 financial year with more than $3 million in the bank following a quarter characterised by a major corporate restructure, strategic collaborations and robust sales growth.

The healthtech stock detailed its June quarterly activities in a market announcement on Monday, with commentary on the highlights provided by managing director and CEO Craig Cooper.

Looking ahead, CardieX is preparing to present its work at a series of medicine and technology conferences in late 2021 and early 2022.

The company is also gearing up to launch a blood pressure monitor and wearable health device in the new financial year, once it secures Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance.

Financials

CardieX capped off the June quarter with robust sales, leading the annual year-to-date sales figures to rise 32% on a constant currency basis against the comparative FY20 result.

The jump in sales marks a historical five-year high in revenue growth for the healthtech companys ATCOR division  a result CardieX expects to continue into FY22 and beyond.

MD and CEO Craig Cooper spoke to the financial results in a market statement.

Based on the strong growth we are seeing in all market segments and with the addition of new devices, our internal sales target for FY22 remains for a significant increase over our results for FY21, which we anticipate will result in a return to profitability for our ATCOR division by 2022 calendar year-end.

The company ended FY21 with $3.67 million in the bank  a reserve that should be bolstered in November when a series of listed and unlisted options expire.

CardieX could add a further $8.16 million to its bank balance if the options are fully exercised.

June quarter highlights

Activities-wise, CardieX spent the last three months of FY21 completing a major corporate restructure and advancing a series of core partnerships and collaborations.

CardieXs ATCOR subsidiary secured a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for blood pressure measurement during the June quarter.

The new patent is linked to CardieXs intellectual property surrounding its SphygmoCor technology and adds to 13 existing patents relating to the measurement of cardiovascular health parameters using traditional brachial cuff devices and sensor-based wearable technologies.

The SphygmoCor device was selected for a clinical trial at Yale University late in the June quarter.

Another key achievement was reached when CardieX split its ATCOR subsidiary into two distinct businesses, forming the CONNEQT spinoff.

While ATCOR will continue to focus on vital signs monitors and software-as-a-solution products for hospital, research and pharma and specialist clinician markets, the CONNEQT consumer brand will focus on home health, wearables and consumer health apps.

Through the CONNEQT arm, CardieX is on track to launch multiple new devices and digital products to the market over the next twelve months.

One such product is the CONNEQT "Pulse"  a dual blood pressure monitor anticipated to be the first consumer vital signs monitor to include central blood pressure and CardieXs SphygmoCor technology, with FDA clearance expected in FY22s second quarter.

Another product is the CONNEQT Band wearable, which CardieX hopes will be the worlds first AI-powered, FDA cleared, clinical-grade smart health band featuring its patent-pending dual-PPG sensing technology. FDA clearance for this device is anticipated in FY22s final quarter.

CardieX believes its focus on medically reliable parameters will differentiate it significantly from other health-tech and wearable products that are more focused on general lifestyle parameters.

To further develop its wearable health device, CONNEQT has partnered with LifeQ, which provides biometrics and health information from wearable health technologies.

In addition, CardieXs ATCOR spinoff continues to progress its partnership with Mobvoi. Both companies are working to develop a new smartwatch that incorporates a suite of ATCORs biometric algorithms and artificial intelligence-powered health analytics.

Moving into the new financial year, CardieX is preparing to speak at a suite of medicine and technology conferences, including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)  the worlds biggest annual tech event.

The ASX-lister hopes to showcase three new products at CES 2022.
The companys strategic investments are closely aligned to its corporate strategy of targeting project opportunities at an early stage and adding value through geophysics, drilling and feasibility and advancing towards development.

Platinas diversified exploration investments portfolio is now valued at A$19.5 million.

( )'s diversified exploration investments portfolio is now valued at A$19.5 million and offers exploration upside through upcoming drill programs.

As well as making progress with its own early-stage metal projects through exploration, feasibility, permitting and into development, Platina also has a range of strategic investments in other resources companies.

These include Canadian companies Major Precious Metals Corp and Blue Moon Metals Inc as well as Australian company ( ).

Strategies align

Platina managing director Corey Nolan said Platinas investment strategy was in close alignment with its corporate strategy of targeting project opportunities at an early stage and adding value through geophysics, drilling and feasibility and advancing towards development.

He said: Platinas Australian assets together with our exploration investment portfolio, which covers gold, platinum and palladium, offers our shareholders exposure to a broad range of metals across a number of jurisdictions at different stages in the exploration lifecycle.

While our investments have shown healthy returns this year theres a strong pipeline of news flow ahead from current and planned drilling programs.

Platinas strategy to slowly divest its investments over time to fund its gold exploration activities in Western Australia will enable the company to maintain a very tight share capital structure without diluting shareholders.

Major Precious Metals

Out of the total A$19.5 million value of Platinas strategic investments in other resources companies, Major Precious Metals accounts for more than 95%.

The current value of Platinas 49 million shares in the Canadian stock exchange-listed company is around A18.9 million.

Major has recently completed a C$10 million capital raising to fund a planned 12,500-metre drilling program at the Skaergaard palladium, gold and platinum deposit in Greenland.

This drilling is expected to begin in August and follows an upgrade to the NI 43-101 resource outlined in May this year and a record of over US$3,000 per ounce for palladium in February.

Skaergaard, which was sold by Platina to Major, is one of the worlds largest palladium deposits outside of South Africa and Russia.

Blue Moon Mining

Platina has 6 million shares in Canadian-listed Blue Moon Mining and this is currently valued at around A$320,000.

Blue Moon recently completed a C$1.2 million capital raising and signed a contract for drilling its prospective volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit in the United States.

The company is looking to expand its existing NI 43-101 resource, which is rich in zinc, gold and silver, and expects drilling to start in August.

Nelson Resources

Platina also has 6 million shares in ASX-listed Nelson Resources and this investment is valued at A$30,000.

Nelson is currently completing a A$2 million capital raising to continue funding its drilling programs on prospective greenstone belts southeast of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

NES controls more than 1,700 square kilometres of ground prospective for gold and nickel.
Highfield is nearing construction at its Muga Project in Spain, where it believes the Muga Potash Mine could become one of the highest-margin potash mines in the world.

Highfield Resources Ltd is preparing to move into the construction phase at its flagship Muga Project in Spain after closing out the 2021 financial year.

The potash company spent the June quarter completing the final steps to secure mining concessions covering the Fronterizo, Muga and Goyo areas, which make up the Muga Project.

Looking ahead, Highfield intends to negotiate a construction agreement with its preferred construction partner, Acciona, and progress financial discussions to secure debt and equity funding alongside Endeavour Financial.

It will also expedite other pre-construction activities, such as finalise an equipment procurement and manage the local town hall construction licences in Navarra and Aragon.

At the end of the June quarter, Highfield had around A$12.6 million in the bank to support its operations as it prepares to enter construction.

Advancing on all fronts

Highfield Resources CEO Ignacio Salazar said: The grant of the mining concession has been a major achievement and elevates the Muga project and the company into a completely different phase.

We are already preparing for construction, advancing on all fronts.

I had the opportunity to thank our staff for their efforts and the administrations in an event we ran at the mine site on July 16, 2021, with the endorsement of the President of Navarra.

Muga is a unique project and has the potential to deliver great benefits to all our stakeholders. And we are moving forward to build it.

Muga Project

Highfields flagship potash project spans roughly 60 square kilometres across Spains Navarra and Aragon regions.

Over the June quarter, the ASX-lister took the final steps necessary to prepare the asset for mining concession approval and, on July 5, Highfield received the greenlight and began preparations to enter construction at the potash project.

With the mining concessions now granted, Highfield will finalise the purchase of some long-lead-time equipment. The company has already shared the information with its construction partner, Acciona, to progress with the negotiation of the construction agreement and the project implementation.

More broadly, Highfield has already signed non-binding memorandums of understanding representing more than its full Phase-1 production capacity for potash and salt at the Muga Potash Mine.

Positively, supply constraints in the potash market seen during the quarter have encouraged discussions with traders, potential offtake partners and logistics partners interested in a strategic participation in the project.

Now, with the mining concessions under its belt, Highfield believes work towards debt financing for the Spanish potash asset will accelerate.

The company is able to finalise its preparation for the debt financing work in conjunction with Endeavour Financial, while preparation for the financiers independent technical, social, environmental and market due diligence is underway.

Highfield ended the June quarter with $12.6 million in the bank, while some of its key quarterly expenses related to engineering above and below ground, a second payment for a crystallizer and a down payment to kick-off the works to upgrade the electric substation that will feed the Muga Potash Mine during commissioning.

The potash developer has enough capital to sustain operations for more than three quarters, if its cash burn remains consistent.
The company will also be kept very busy in the months ahead as it progresses exploration across its projects, in line with its three-pronged exploration rationale.

( ) is set for strong results-driven newsflow in the coming months across its project portfolio in Western Australia.

The company will also be kept very busy in the months ahead as it progresses exploration across its projects, in line with its three-pronged exploration rationale.

The company closed the June quarter with $3.063 million cash and remains well funded for its 2021 exploration activities.

Also in the June quarter, the company completed the acquisition of the historically high-grade producing Birrigrin Mining Centre and Carbine Bore tenements adjoining the Gidgee South Gold Project.

Westar holds 100% ownership over seven projects in Western Australia - the Sandstone Projects, Gidgee South and Gidgee North, the Mt Magnet Projects, Winjangoo and Coolaloo and the Pilbara Project, Opaline Well.

The Southern Cross Projects, Mt Finnerty and Parker Dome held by Westar under a farm-in/joint venture agreement with Ramelius Resources Ltd having the right to earn a 75% interest.

Very strong results-driven news flow

Westar managing director Karl Jupp said: Q2 CY2021 has been exceptionally busy at our focal Gidgee South Project with the completion of our maiden RC drill program and contiguous, synergistic acquisitions of the historic Birrigrin Mining Centre and Carbine Bore tenure.

In addition, Westar commenced another maiden RC drill program at Winjangoo, a DGPR program at Gidgee South, field reconnaissance at Opaline Well and geophysical and litho-structural targeting exercises at Gigee North.

With our earn-in partner, Ramelius Resources expected to soon commence drilling at Mt Finnerty and Parker Dome, were expecting a very strong results-driven news flow in the coming months across the total portfolio of Westars Projects.

Three-pronged exploration rationale

Its three-pronged exploration rationale is summarised as:

Maximise discovery potential of key assets through diligent application of capital and resources, utilising best practice systematic exploration and technology;

Diversify risk on appropriate assets through partnering with fast-moving companies with reputations for building mines; and

Continuously evaluate a pipeline of prospective opportunities under the mantra succeed swift or fail fast.

Sandstone Projects

At the Gidgee South, the company is awaiting assays from the reverse circulation (RC) drill program.

Once received, they will be uploaded into the database prior to review and interpretation by Westar geologists.

The results of the deep ground penetrating RADAR (DGPR) program will be reviewed and integrated into Westar datasets.

Results dependent, Westar will immediately proceed to plan subsequent exploration programs.

At Gidgee North, Westar completed a review of the open file Panoramic 2015 SkyTEM data (airborne EM) and historical geochemical datasets to assess the region for base-metals (Cu-Zn) prospectivity, which will be reported in due course.

Data from the PGN Geoscience (PGN) litho-structural interpretation of the Northern Gum-Creek Greenstone belt has been integrated into Westar datasets and will also be reported in due course.

Application for an additional 20 blocks of tenure adjoining North of Gidgee North (E51/2044) has been submitted to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) with approval pending at the end of the second quarter of 2021.

A field mapping, soil sampling and rock-chip sampling program is planned to commence in the third quarter at Gidgee South, which will focus on preliminary gold as well as copper-zinc target regions identified from historical exploration programs and datasets.

The results from this program, analysed in context with the PGN litho-structural interpretation and SGC review of the SkyTEM data will be used to define and rank drilling targets for the second half of 2021.

Mt Magnet Projects

The RC drilling program at Winjangoo has commenced, with completion expected late July/early August.

Winjangoo will also be assessed for the potential application of either Mobile Metal Ion MMI and/or ultra-fines soil geochemical sampling over the southern part of the lease, where an interpreted greenstone and structural corridor lie under more extensive alluvial cover.

Pilbara Project

Westar engaged PGN to complete a litho-structural interpretation and deformational history of the Opaline Well Project and region based on Westars remote sensing geophysical data and DMIRS open file historical data.

Results of the study are being integrated into Westar datasets and used to assist in target definition and ranking.

Also, it had completed a reconnaissance and rock-chip sampling program that is currently under review and will be reported in due course.

Going forward, a field mapping and rock-chip sampling program is planned to be completed, which will focus on the region and surrounds of the initial reconnaissance completed in June.

Southern Cross Projects

Ramelius Resources are progressing preparations at the Mt Finnerty project ahead of drilling planned for 2021.

Preparations include permitting to access private haul roads, selection of civil earthwork contractors for clearing of tracks, pads and sumps.

At the Mt Finnerty project, Ramelius Resources has communicated all POWs are approved to support planned aircore and RC drilling to confirm and extend on historical intersections.

At the Parker Dome project, planned works include a regolith review, re-logging of historical drill spoil and assessing site access for proposed drilling and site heritage clearance.

Minimise turnaround time

Westar also noted the current backlog of assays at all suitable laboratories in Western Australia and has ensured all appropriate measures under its control are in place to minimise turnaround time from drilling to reporting.

Covid restrictions in Western Australia have not caused any material delays to exploration execution or its business plans.
Trident is rapidly building up a portfolio of royalties in the resources space

( , ) has appointed Peter Bacchus as non-executive director, as James Kelly steps down to pursue other business interests.

Bacchus is currently chief executive of Bacchus Capital, an independent investment banking boutique with particular expertise in the natural resources sector.

He has over 25 years of experience as a leading global mergers and acquisitions adviser, with deep experience within natural resources.

He has advised some of the largest companies in the sector and previously acted as the global head of mining and metals at ( ), and European head of investment banking at Jefferies.

Bacchus currently sits on the boards of Gold Fields Ltd, ( ) and ( ).

"I am delighted to have been asked to join Trident Royalties as a non-executive director at such a pivotal time for the company, he said.

In a short space of time Trident has rapidly developed itself as a credible provider of metals royalties and streams, with 12 royalties already in place and others under consideration. Trident is exceptionally well positioned to develop further, and I look forward to being a part of the company as it continues with its goal of building a large-scale royalty and streaming company.
Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Anson Resources progresses re-entry program application for Paradox Well in Utah

Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) is making progress with its application for a re-entry program at the Sunburst #1 and Mineral Canyon Fed 1-3 wells within the company's flagship Paradox Brine Project in Utah, USA.

The company recently hosted a site visit by representatives of the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

This visit is a key step in the process of consideration of the Plan of Operations to drill with a goal of increasing and upgrading the JORC resource at the Paradox Project.



Proposed re-entry programs

Anson has applied to re-enter these wells to test the grades of lithium, bromine, boron and iodine contained in the Paradox Formation.

A revised plan was submitted to the BLM in April 2021 to extend the sampling program to enable testing of the deeper Leadville Formation, which ranges in thickness from 60 to 250 metres, for lithium, bromine and other minerals.

Discussions between the BLM and Anson representatives during the site visit were focused on the resources present, the resource determinations and surface management of the proposed re-entry programs.

If successful, the program will result in the conversion of a large area of the inferred resource to an indicated resource surrounding the two wells.

- Ephrems Joseph
The electric vehicle revolution has accelerated demand for green nickel and the delivery of the PFS is an important milestone towards achieving Blackstones vision to integrate lithium-ion battery supply chains and enable a green solution from mine to consumer, says MD.

( , , ) has welcomed the outcomes of a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the proposed downstream Ta Khoa Refinery (TKR) in Northern Vietnam that confirms a technically and economically robust hydrometallurgical refining process.

The PFS considers a refinery that can process up to 400,000 tonnes of nickel concentrate per annum over a 10-year life of operation and will require just under US$500 million in upfront project capital to construct.

Ultimately, Blackstone says the PFS demonstrates that a very low capital intensity is required for the TKR to produce Class I nickel at a scale that would make Blackstone a globally significant producer.

More broadly, the ASX-lister believes the PFS indicates the technical and economic strength of its hydrometallurgical refining process, which will upgrade nickel sulphide concentrate to produce battery-grade nickel: cobalt: manganese (NCM) 811 precursor for the lithium-ion battery industry.

Compelling financial outcomes

Blackstone managing director Scott Williamson said the companys strategy to build a downstream refinery in Vietnam came amid a very supportive environmental, social and governance, macroeconomic and fiscal backdrop.

The base case PFS financial outcomes are compelling based on an NCM811 precursor price forecast that is conservative compared to current observable market rates.

The internal rate of return on capital invested is exceptional for the base case, owing to very low capital intensity, a significant premium available when upgrading nickel sulphide concentrates into battery-grade NCM811 precursor and the competitive operating advantages in Vietnam, which include access to low-cost renewable hydropower."

Williamson said: Blackstone is very pleased by the level of collaboration with the Vietnamese Government to progress the companys downstream refinery.

As part of the PFS, Blackstone completed a location study to identify preferred refinery locations, with each of the shortlisted potential refinery locations offering significant corporate tax incentives. The corporate tax incentives offered are a strong signal for the Vietnamese Government support for foreign direct investment and Blackstones downstream refinery strategy.

The base case refinery represents managements view of the scale of operations that could over time, through exploration success, be supported by the companys existing nickel sulphide mineralised landholdings.

Economics have been presented assuming a 10-year life-of operations, aligned with known and desired life-of-mine for third party concentrate feed (3PF) sources that Blackstone aims to secure offtake. Management considers the more likely scenario is that the refinery life will extend beyond 10 years.

Investors have also recognised the positive outcomes with shares as much as 11% higher this morning to A$0.505 and have risen from A$0.345 at the close on July 14.

Key PFS findings

Blackstones downstream refinery PFS considered both a base and spot case when making economic and physical valuations.

The TKRs base case scenario bears a US$2.01 billion post-tax net present value (NPV) and a 67% internal rate of return (IRR), while the spot case represents US$3.51 post-tax NPV and a 98% IRR.

Looking at the base case economics, the TKR is projected to require US$491 million in upfront project capital, which should be paid back within 1.5 years from first production.

Life of operations revenue is estimated to hit US$14 billion, while operating cash flow is calculated at US$4.5 billion.

Breaking that down, the TKA is expected to generate US$451 million in average operating cash flow every year, with the average annual post-tax cash flow calculated at US$365 million.

The refinerys life of operations all-in cost is estimated at US$11,997 per tonne of NCM811.

This is particularly significant, as the studys weighted average forecast price for NCM811 sales is calculated at US$16,397 per tonne, while the current Shanghai Metals Market spot price is US$19,559 per tonne.\

Turning to the refinerys physicals, Blackstone is considering a design that can process up to 400,000 tonnes of nickel concentrate per annum.

The refinerys 10-year life of operations aligns with the existing Ban Phuc disseminated orebody and the availability of known 3PF concentrate.

Blackstone believes the TKA can achieve 43,500 tonnes of refined nickel output and produce 85,600 tonnes of NCM811 precursor every year.

The ASX-lister is targeting first production in 2024, with a ramp-up to steady-state operations expected in 2026.

Overall, the refinery is projected to churn 3.9 million tonnes of concentrate feed, with an average 11.5% nickel-in-concentrate grade, a 0.3% cobalt-in-concentrate grade and a 1.1% copper-in-concentrate grade.

The TKA is predicted to generate around 4,100 tonnes of copper by-product every year.

Refinery financing

Now that it has completed its PFS, Blackstone intends to develop and fund the construction of the TKR via a collaborative partnership-based model.

The company intends to retain a significant interest in the TKR and expects that its portion of funding will be met through a combination of debt, equity, and offtake financing.

Blackstone has commenced funding discussions with multiple potential partners, including NCM consumers and concentrate suppliers to jointly participate in the funding of the proposed refinery.

In addition, the ASX-lister has been approached by a number of financial advisors interested in supporting Blackstones funding strategy. The company is immediately progressing approval to commence the next phase of definitive feasibility studies (DFS) and pilot plant testing (in Vietnam) and is currently targeting a final investment decision in 2022.

Next steps

Along with progressing DFS work for the downstream refinery, Blackstone will turn its attention to developing a PFS for an upstream business unit.

The PFS also paves the way to begin phased construction of a pilot plant in Vietnam, which will produce NCM811 precursor and ensure the product meets consumer specifications.

In the meantime, Blackstone will continue its aggressive drilling campaign over its flagship Ta Khoa Nickel Project in a bid to increase the assets mineral resources.

Beyond this, the ASX-lister is on the hunt for offtakers who may be interested in the 3PF concentrate and will work towards its final investment decision.
Through its Goodbody brand of CBD products, the company said it will aim to secure sales through well-known online platforms as well as build a membership model for predictable revenues

( , , , ) has announced a new business strategy following what it said was a strong start to its current year.

In an announcement after Fridays close, the company said it will align the legal entities within the group with its existing divisions of cannabidiol (CBD) products, Cannabinoid testing and Clinic Testing Services in order to achieve clearer reporting in 2022.

In its Goodbody brand of CBD products, Sativa said it will aim to secure sales through well-known online platforms as well as build a membership model for predictable revenues, extend its product range to include drinks and vape, secure distribution agreements with partners throughout Europe, progress M&A to increase the product range and revenue and expand the production of an increased range in Poland.

Meanwhile, the companys cannabinoid testing division will look to expand the scope of its ISO17025 accreditation as well as work with its Polish laboratory team to expand cannabinoid testing in Europe and position the business to partner with institutions as a key supplier.

The firm is also aiming, through its clinic services arm, to significantly increase the footprint of clinics across the UK, expand COVID-19 testing and introduce a range of wellness testing through the clinic network as well as corporate testing and solutions for faster testing.

In terms of its first-half performance, Sativa reported that its first quarter had seen its best quarterly turnover to date at 1.37mln, adding that its second quarter had produced even strong results.

The company also said its business is operating on a positive cash flow and that its Goodbody Botanicals trading company has generated profits in the year-to-date in 2021.

"It has been six months since I felt compelled to take back leadership of Sativa and I am pleased to say the changes made have produced strong results both financially and operationally. The next phase will be exciting for us all", Sativas executive chairman Geremy Thomas said in a statement.

"I am delighted to join such an exciting company and evolve the roadmap to ensure a successful group, where the share value truly reflects the sum of the parts: an international, accredited laboratory testing facility in Phytovista, a European CBD (gold-standard) manufacturing and retail division with a broad product range combined with digital marketing expertise, and a Covid / Wellness division increasing its footprint and testing facilities delivering our mission - Wellness as a lifestyle choice. We plan to hold our AGM in September where I look forward to updating our loyal investors with progress. In the meantime, thank you for your patience", added chief executive Marc Howells.
The companys main Propagation Services Canada subsidiary has also rebranded as Boundary Bay Cannabis to coincide with the firms first cannabis crop harvest

AgraFlora also said it has sold its Binbrook property for around $1.87 million and plans to complete a share consolidation

AgraFlora Organics International Inc has announced that, effective on July 28, 2021, it will change its name to Agra Ventures Limited to reflect the evolved vision and strategic direction of the company under its current leadership.

The company said the Canadian Securities Exchange will publish a bulletin announcing the date of the name change, and the firm will begin trading under its new name on or about July 28, 2021. The shares will continue to trade under the AGRA ticker symbol on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

In addition, the companys main subsidiary Propagation Services Canada has rebranded to Boundary Bay Cannabis to conjure up the picturesque setting in which its cannabis is grown in the Delta region, in British Columbia.

READ: AgraFlora says first wholesale crop at Delta greenhouse on track for sale at the end of summer

The name change is accompanied by a new logo and blue-based colour scheme to emphasize the companys outgoing, strong and daring approach, while the rebrand also comes with a new logo for Boundary Bay Cannabis, said the company.

The process of updating Agra Ventures contact information, website, social media profiles, as well as replacing the Propagation Services Canada brand with Boundary Bay Cannabis, is underway and is expected "to be completed shortly," said the company.

Cannabis harvest update

The rebrand coincides with the recently completed harvest of the first cannabis crop grown over 130,000-square-feet at the company's Delta greenhouse, which is now drying and will soon be tested for potency and prepped for sale. The completed harvest is predominantly comprised of the Mimosa 37 strain of cannabis, with secondary quantities of the Kosher Kush and Gelato strains, said the company.

Subject to the results of the upcoming potency tests, the company expects the crop to be valued and sold on a business-to-business basis to a third-party Canadian licensed producer in August. The next crop of cannabis plants is currently being prepared for growth at the Delta facility, added the company.

I am proud to announce the new name of Agra Ventures Ltd. for our company, which marks a clear path forward from the time of achieving the important milestone of harvesting our first crop of cannabis at the Delta facility, said AgraFlora CEO Elise Coppens.

Similarly, the executive management team, with the support of the board of directors, also thought it was the right time to rebrand Propagation Services Canada as Boundary Bay Cannabis, as our three initial strains of cannabis are prepared to be sold for the first time, she added.

Sale of Binbrook Property

AgraFlora also said that on July 14, 2021, it sold the Binbrook property held by its wholly-owned subsidiary Sanna Health Corp for around $1.87 million.

As a result, the companys level of indebtedness has been reduced by the same amount and certain litigation previously involving Sanna Health Corp. with the mortgagees of the Binbrook property has been settled and the action has been dismissed, noted the company.

AgraFlora added that it plans to complete a share consolidation in the near term. Following the name change and rebrand, as well as evolution of the companys competitive strategy, the goal of the share consolidation is to simplify the equity component of the companys capital structure and accompany the recent improvements made to the liability component, said the company. The share exchange ratio related to the upcoming share consolidation is yet to be determined.

Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive
The Fast-Track program helps Canadians speed up their credit rebuilding process by exiting a consumer proposal, and starting their journey back to mainstream financial inclusion

The firm said the resumption of Fast-Track 'creates a large pool of multi-stream revenue opportunities with negligible marketing spend"

Marble Financial Inc said that it has entered into an arms length definitive credit facility agreement with CHP Agent Services Inc., a subsidiary of an independent, non-affiliated Canada-based alternative specialty lender Cypress Hills Partners Inc.

The Vancouver, British Columbia-based financial technology company said the credit agreement provides for a $10 million credit facility through its wholly owned special purpose vehicle (SPV) subsidiary and TPFM as servicing agent for originations, administration, and monitoring of the SPV loan portfolio.

The funding is a selected percentage of the SPVs eligible customer loans, with the initial advance rate set at 95% and a minimum threshold of 80%.

Interest is charged at Canadian Prime plus 13%, with a provisional discount if the advance rate is less than 95%, said the company. The maturity date for all funds advanced is three years after the first funding advance, with an option to extend for two more years based on mutual agreement.

The credit facility will be used to re-engage Marbles legacy financial wellness Fast-Track program, said the company. The Fast-Track program helps qualified Canadians speed up their credit rebuilding process by exiting a consumer proposal and journeying back to mainstream financial inclusion.

Marble said TPFM will continue to originate and decide on the Fast-Track program through its proprietary MyMarble Platform and will manage the SPV loan portfolio and earn the net interest income, including insurance, administration fees and software-as-a-service (SaaS) revenue.

This opportunity will enable Marble to re-engage and greatly expand its Fast-Track program and support the companys data science and machine learning initiatives towards Marbles second-generation scoring algorithms, said the company. Data analysis will provide meaningful insights on future products and solutions for the millions of underbanked Canadians that are excluded from traditional financial services, noted the company.

Since the break of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Marble said it has received over 2,000 prequalified MyMarble Members looking to enroll in Fast-Track once it becomes available this month.

With a historic average loan size of $8,000 combined with potential SaaS-based subscription revenue, the resumption of Fast-Track creates a large pool of multi-stream revenue opportunity with negligible marketing spend, said the company.

With Canadas slow recovery from the pandemic and the ending of government-led income subsidiary and deferral programs, a July 2021 Debt Survey by MNP shows that 45% of Canadians are doubtful they can cover living expenses this year, and 30% report being insolvent.

The firm said Marbles Fast-Track program, combined with MyMarble, is a proven successful solution for this large population of goal-oriented Canadians who have recently become insolvent, or filed for a consumer proposal caused by a perpetual state of low-income.

With experts forecasting that more Canadians are expected to file for consumer proposals, insolvent consumers will potentially increase demand for Fast-Track in the years to come. According to the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP), consumer insolvencies have increased by 22.8% in March 2021, compared to February 2021. This marks the largest single month-over-month increase in more than 10 years.

At Marble, our mission is to nourish confidence in Canadians to redefine their financial outlook. This credit agreement enables Marble to continue looking forward to empowering more financially challenged Canadians back to the mainstream economy, Marble CEO Karim Nanji said in a statement.

The re-commencement of the Fast-Track program is both significant and timely given the current economic circumstances facing Canadians. We are encouraged that CHP believes in our business strategies and has the confidence in our management team to execute on it.

Kelly Klatik, managing partner of Cypress Hills Partners said the re-engagement of the credit wellness Fast-Track program by Marble is very well timed.

Cypress Hills looks forward to a long partnership with the Marble as they disrupt the financial wellness space in Canada, added Klatik.

Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive
Arizona Silver Exploration Vice President of Geology Greg Hahn joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news about their latest assay results on the Perry Claim of their Philadelphia Project in Arizona.

Hahn sharing with Proactive drilling on that Perry vein saw all 15 holes intersecting thick zones of gold-silver mineralization along the plane of the vein. Hahn says that the thick, shallow zone of low-grade mineralization is very significant as it represents a bulk tonnage opportunity.
There were a lot of people there that had regrets that they wish that they had known more before they votedThere's three of them that voted [for Biden] that feel terrible about it. I said you know what? I said you didn't know about this but you thought you were voting for something. I said you didn't get to vote. I said China did our voteWhen we get through this and the Supreme Court pulls down this election -- like I've been telling everybody -- when they do this, it's going to be a great uniting and that gives me hope[B]y the night of the 12th or the morning of the 13th, if everyone has seen it, including the administration that's in there now that didn't win, maybe, you know, Biden and Harris would say, hey, we're here to protect the country and resign!"

My Pillow guy and former crack addict Mike Lindell on what will happen after he broadcasts his cyber-symposium on the 2020 election  the return of Trump on August 13.
Prosecuted ex-journalist Safronov questioned in his defense lawyers case

 Ivan Pavlov's personal account on Facebook

15:09 26/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 26 (RAPSI)  Investigators have questioned former journalist Ivan Safronov, who stands charged with treason, as a witness in a criminal case against his attorney Ivan Pavlov, the lawyers representative has told RAPSI.

Pavlov described Safronovs interrogation as non-observance of adversarial system and principle of equality of arms by the investigative authorities.

The attorneys case is related to an article published by Vedomosti about Ivan Safronov accused of treason. Investigators believe the lawyer gave the newspaper a copy of the decision to bring the journalist to criminal prosecution and told information agencies and Kommersant newspaper about an 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.

Pavlov is known for his work for human rights association "Team 29", which provides legal assistance to Safronov and Navalnys Foundation that was declared a foreign agent and an extremist organization.
Cabinets Law-Making Commission backs bill to seize debtors foreign travel passports



13:30 26/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 26 (RAPSI) - The Government Law-Making Commission has backed a legislative proposal to seize foreign travel passports from citizens having debts or other restrictions for travelling abroad, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Lawyers of Russia Vladimir Gruzdev has told RAPSI.

Debtors will be able to return their documents in migration services after fulfilment of their obligations, he stated.

Inquiry officers will be authorized to seize foreign travel passports, according to the initiative.

The bill also envisages grounds for invalidation of passports for traveling abroad. Information on the documents invalidation will be shown in the Interior Ministrys passport accounting system.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat made a remarkable observation at the "Shershaah" trailer launch here on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed every year on July 26.

Param Vir Chakra recipient and Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra, whose life story "Shershaah" narrates on the Bollywood screen, was 22 when he joined the forces, and this year marks 22 years of the Kargil war, noted General Rawat on Sunday night.

"We are happy that a film has been made on Captain Vikram Batra's life at this point of time. We hope many more such films will be made on the bravehearts of India," added General Rawat, who was chief guest at the event.

The night at Dras saw real and reel heroes in attendance as the lead cast, producers and director of the film shared the stage with General Rawat, Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command General Y.K. Joshi and Captain Batra's brother Vishal Batra.

The star cast, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, talked of being fortunate to get a chance to work in a film that narrated such an honourable life story. Director Vishnuvardhan was present, too, along with producers Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Shabbir Boxwala, and Vijay Subramaniam of Amazon Prime, the OTT channel that will stream the film on August 12. Each of them thanked the Army and the Batra family for making this film possible.

As the Ladakh Scouts Military Band played with gusto, and school children and a local orchestra group set the tone with patriotic rhythms and tunes, the mood was set to celebrate the most important event in India's contemporary military history.

The 527 brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the Kargil War were saluted, and families of the brave bereaved felicitated.

The trailer launch was the highlight of the evening, preceded by a short "Kargil Tribute" featurette, remembering the valour of Captain Batra, and also acknowledging General Joshi and the Indian Army.

The late evening function saw Karan Johar host a chunk of the proceedings, with the "Shershaah" launch occupying most of the proceedings. One by one, he invited on stage and introduced his film's cast and crew, as well as the military top brass present.

Sidharth, who essays Captain Vikram Batra, spoke of how the experience of working on the project was more than shooting a film.

"This is a story of a true hero, like all of you," said Sidharth, addressing the army personnel gathered among the select audience. "I consider myself lucky to be able to bring alive the story of a real-life hero like all of you on screen. This is my first picture based on a true story and the experience has been more than a film to me," added the actor, speaking in Hindi.

His co-star Kiara Advani had a confession to make. "I stand before the Indian Army for the first time and I am nervous," she said, thanking the Batra family and also Dimple Cheema , Captain Batra's fiancee.

It was a charged evening, high on the patriotic emotion, accentuated perhaps by the pristine open-air valley venue, ensconced in the midst of looming peaks. This was the serenity the Indian Army had fought to protected in 1999, and it was the fervour "Shershaah" the film will attempt to bring alive.

For the film, Vishal Batra's line surely summed it up: "It was a dream that took birth in 2015," he said, recalling how the Indian Army had readily helped, and adding that Johar's Dharma Production had done "a fantastic job".

"My hope is this film inspires the youth to join the forces," Vishal Batra said.
President Ram Nath Kovind's visit on Monday to Drass town to pay homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1999 Kargil conflict, was cancelled due to bad weather, official sources said.

The President, who was scheduled to lay a wreath at the Dras War Memorial on Monday, will instead pay homage at the Baramulla War Memorial.

This is not the first time that bad weather had prevented President to visit Dras.

In 2019 also due to bad weather, the President could not visit Dras to participate in the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

He instead, paid tributes by laying a wreath at a war memorial at the Army's 15 Corps headquarters in Badamibagh, Srinagar.

President Kovind arrived in Srinagar on Sunday on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

following his arrival, he visited the Badami Bagh cantonment housing Army's strategic 15 Corps, also called Chinar Corps and later travelled to the Governor's House.

On Tuesday, the President will address the 19th Annual Convocation of the University of Kashmir in Srinagar.

He will return to Delhi on Wednesday morning.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is marked on July 26 every year to commemorate the anniversary of the Indian Army's victory against Pakistan in 1999.

The armed conflict continued for more than 60 days at Kargil in Ladakh.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat radio programme urged people to salute the brave hearts who made the nation proud in 1999.
Coming out in support of protesting farmers, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday drove a tractor to Parliament and once again reiterated his demand of withdrawing the three farm laws.

Rahul Gandhi along with several party members drove a tractor to Parliament with a big boarding demanding repealing of three farm laws.

Speaking to media, Rahul Gandhi said, "I have brought farmers' message to Parliament. They (Government) are suppressing voices of farmers and not letting a discussion take place in Parliament."

He said that they'll have to repeal these black laws. "Entire country knows for whose benefit this (three farm laws) is being done. This is not in favour of farmers and the government will have to withdraw these three black farm laws," he added.

The Delhi Police then detained Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and IYC national President Srinivas B.V. along with scores of party workers.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress and several opposition parties have been demanding withdrawal of three farm laws.

Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh have been protesting against the three farm laws since November 26 last year. Farmers have been demanding withdrawal of these farm laws and ensuring MSP to their produce.
Reacting sharply to the exit of Karnataka former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, the Congress on Monday said 'ignominy, torment and insult' was being heaped upon him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Dictating Yediyurappa to tender his resignation makes him PM's latest victim and member of the 'forced retirement club'. We now know that Delhi's autocracy decides CMs and not the will of BJP's MLAs," tweeted Randeep Singh Surjewala, the Congress National General Secretary and Karnataka state unit in-charge.

"The stark reality is that Modiji habitually insults & compulsorily throws Senior BJP Leaders in the dustbin of history. Modiji's record is replete with painful and forcible retirements of Advaniji, M.M.Joshiji, Keshubhai Patelji, Shanta Kumarji, Yashwant Sinhaji and many others.

"List of Modiji's victims in BJP doesn't end here. There are many more - Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Ms. Uma Bharti, Sarv C.P. Thakur, A.K. Patel, Haren Pandya, Harin Pathak, Kalyan Singh. Latest victims are Dr. Harshvardhan, Ravi Shankar Prasad & Sushil Modi," he said on Twitter.

Surjewala added, "Malady is with BJP's corrupt Govt & appalling maladministration in Karnataka for it is an illegitimate Govt born out of 'defection and corruption'. Will merely changing the face change the diabolical character of the BJP Govt synonymous with mal governance & decay."

Siddaramaiah, the Opposition leader in Karnataka, said "There is no benefit for the common man if one corrupt CM is removed to make another corrupt as CM. Instead the whole BJP party, which is responsible for the miseries of people, should be ousted."

Satish Jarkiholi, former minister, said 'Manuvaadis' have been successful in dethroning Yediyurappa. He should not have allowed it to happen. "The same happened with Basaveshwara, the founder of the Lingayat movement in the 12th century. History is being repeated in the state," he added.
BJP chief J.P. Nadda and union home minister Amit Shah on Monday discussed names to find a successor of Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who resigned from the office.

BJP national general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh was also present in the meeting held in Parliament House.

Sources said that names selected by the party leadership will be informed to the BJP's Parliamentary Board for approval. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan is likely to be made central observer for the Karnataka BJP's Legislative party.

"Nadda and Shah, who returned to the national capital from Goa and North East last night, met today to discuss the situation in Karnataka to find a new chief minister of the Southern State with Singh. Parliamentary Board will be informed about the likely chief minister of Karnataka for its approval," a party insider said.

It is learnt that in the meeting it was decided to send an observer to Bengaluru who will oversee the BJP Legislature Party meeting to elect the next chief minister with the names of probables.

A party insider said that the meeting between Nadda, Shah and Singh lasted for an hour and detailed discussion was held to find out the new chief minister of Karnataka.

Sources said that some names have been shortlisted by the central leadership considering caste equation in the state. "Caste plays an important factor in Karnataka politics and selection of new chief minister will be done considering social equations to the state. Party is also considering whether the new chief minister will be from the strong Lingayat community or from some other community," sources said.

Sources, however, claimed that replacing a Lingayat strongman Yediyurappa with a non Lingayat will be a major challenge for the BJP.

Earlier, putting an end to speculations doing rounds about his removal, Yediyurappa has submitted his resignation to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in the state capital. After his resignation, Yediyurappa tweeted, "It has been an honour to have served the state for the past two years. I have decided to resign as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am humbled and sincerely thank the people of the state for giving me the opportunity to serve them."

During his two days visit to the national capital recently, Yediyurappa repeatedly denied possible change of guard in the state.

During his visit to Delhi, Yediyuruppa met Prime Minister Modi, Nadda, Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. His visit to New Delhi came in the backdrop of growing voices against him in the state unit. "During the visit to Delhi, Yediyurappa was asked to resign over lots of opposition within the party against him," a party functionary said.
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/27/2021 -- The latest published document on Global Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) market provides insights about evolution of the competitive environment, the lifecycle stage and opportunities. The survey with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) investors & stakeholders in this sector, from APAC, EMEA and the Americas, reveals information such as large-scale projects with regulatory environments by country, Subsidies, tax incentives and direct investment. Along with this activity comes a stream of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) M&A activity and growth, as producers strive to stay ahead of the curve. Some of the established and new companies profiled in the study are SLG, Gigajoule Group, Matola Gas Company, CNG Holdings, Delta Natural Gas Energy, Powergas Global Investments Nigeria Ltd & Monetizing Gas Africa Inc. etc.



Know Who is gaining advantage of the opportunities? Who is holding back, worried about the inherent risk?

Get Quick Access to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Sample Pages



According to the survey, the Global Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) market report highlights M&A activity in the energy sector is extremely strong and, in some jurisdictions, it has become almost feverish. To better understand investment cycle and revenue flow; the scope of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) study is defined considering high growth segments and jurisdictions i.e., by Type [, Associated Gas, Non-Associated Gas & Unconventional Sources (CNG)], application [Light Duty Vehicles, Medium Duty/Heavy Duty Buses & Medium Duty/Heavy Duty Trucks] and by Regions [Region Names].



The Vendor Landscape of Global Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) market report includes company profiles that provides detailed information such as Business Overview, Offerings and Specifications, Key Financial Metrics (Total, Gross & Net), SWOT Analysis, Market Share, Production & Capacity (MW), Key Development Activities etc for producers SLG, Gigajoule Group, Matola Gas Company, CNG Holdings, Delta Natural Gas Energy, Powergas Global Investments Nigeria Ltd & Monetizing Gas Africa Inc. and many more.



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Margins are tight, forcing key players of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to seek out new ideas to improve efficiency and ROI with new revenue streams. The potential of this enterprise section has been rigorously investigated in conjunction with main market challenges. Current Scenario, Business Strategies & Key Market Development of Global Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Market have given lot more emphasis targeting new development, Joint Ventures, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, etc.



Key Highlights of the Study



1) M&A activity in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG); especially Energy Sector is healthy and strongly growing. Deal volumes have increased every year since 2010 and continue to do so.

2) Valuations are expected to increase, , Associated Gas, Non-Associated Gas & Unconventional Sources (CNG) are expected to see good pace in next few years.

3) How the bureaucratic and legislative obstacles are overcome by investment pioneers.

4) Countries that are in the top spots for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Position of Jurisdictions by 2026.

5) Top segments and sources that are attracting attention of stakeholders from the Sector.

6) In which region the biggest rise in development activity is seen in next 2-years.

.... and many others



Make an Enquiry before Purchase @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/2986510-global-compressed-natural-gas-119



Report Scope and Extracts of Global Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Market Study



Chapter 1: Executive summary and Key findings

Chapter 2: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Market Now & Beyond: Future Outlook

Chapter 3: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)  M&A overview

Chapter 4: Hotspots for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Chapter 5: Sub-sectors - R&D and innovation

Chapter 6: Policy and Government Initiatives

Chapter 7: Major Players - A mix of Incumbents and New

- Global Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Market Share Analysis by Players (2019-2021E)

- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Concentration Rate

- Company Profiles

.......



Chapter 8. Market Revenue (USD), Production (2016-2026), by Type [, Associated Gas, Non-Associated Gas & Unconventional Sources (CNG)]

Chapter 9. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Market, by Application [Light Duty Vehicles, Medium Duty/Heavy Duty Buses & Medium Duty/Heavy Duty Trucks]

Chapter 10. Market Revenue (USD), Capacity, Production (MW) by Regions (2016-2026)

- Value ($) by Region

- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Production

- % Market Share by Region

.......



.... Continued



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Thanks for reading Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Industry research publication; get customized report or need to have regional report like Africa, GCC, USA, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, LATAM or APAC etc then connect with us @ sales@htfmarketreport.com
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/27/2021 -- Advance Market Analytics published a new research publication on "Financial Payment Cards Market Insights, to 2026" with 232 pages and enriched with self-explained Tables and charts in presentable format. In the Study you will find new evolving Trends, Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities generated by targeting market stakeholders. The growth of the Financial Payment Cards market is mainly driven by the increasing R&D spending across the world.



Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This Research @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/92144-global-financial-payment-cards-market



Scope of the Report of Financial Payment Cards

FInancial payment cards are the cards for cashless payments at retailers, internet stores or for cash withdrawals at ATMs. It is offered by usually a bank, but also from various financial institutions, department stores, loan companies, telecommunications, utility and airline companies. They are of numerous types, the most common being credit cards and debit cards. These cards are smart cards that contain a unique card number and some security information such as an expiration date or CVVC (CVV) or with a magnetic strip on the back enabling various machines to read and access information.



Some of the key players profiled in the study are:

VISA (United States),MasterCard (United States),American Express (United States),Diners Club (United States),Discover Financial (United States),JCB Card (Japan),CPI Card Group (United States),Gemalto (Netherlands),ABCorp (United States),IDEMIA (France)



The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below:

Type (Bank Cards, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Purchasing Cards, Other), Application (Personal use, Business use), Technology (Embossing, Magnetic stripe, Smart card, Proximity card, Re-Programmable Magnetic Stripe Card)



The Financial Payment Cards Market report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, geography segment, end use/application segment and competitor segment and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international major industry players in detail.



Market Trends:

Growing Demand for Premium Payment Cards such as Metal Cards



Market Drivers:

Increased Demand from Consyners

Higher Credit Limits of the Payment Cards



Challenges:

Privacy and Security Concerns



Opportunities:

Rising Trend of Digitalization

Increasing Demand from End-user Industry



Region Included are: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Oceania, South America, Middle East & Africa

Country Level Break-Up: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Turkey, Russia, France, Poland, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand etc.



Have Any Questions Regarding Financial Payment Cards Market Report, Ask Our Experts@ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/92144-global-financial-payment-cards-market



Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Financial Payment Cards Market:

Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope the Financial Payment Cards market

Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary  the basic information of the Financial Payment Cards Market.

Chapter 3: Displaying the Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges of the Financial Payment Cards

Chapter 4: Presenting the Financial Payment Cards Market Factor Analysis Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis.

Chapter 5: Displaying the by Type, End User and Region

Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the Financial Payment Cards market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile

Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions.

Chapter 8 & 9: Displaying the Appendix, Methodology and Data Source



Research Methodology:

- The top-down and bottom-up approaches are used to estimate and validate the size of the global Financial Payment Cards market.

- In order to reach an exhaustive list of functional and relevant players who offer Financial Payment Cards various industry classification standards are closely followed such as NAICS, ICB, SIC to penetrate deep in important geographies.

- Thereafter, a thorough validation test is conducted to reach most relevant players specifically having product line i.e. Financial Payment Cards.

- In order to make priority list sorting is done based on revenue generation as per latest reporting with the help of paid databases such as Factiva, Bloomberg etc.

- Finally, the questionnaire is set and specifically designed to address all the necessities for primary data collection after getting prior appointment. This helps us to gather the data for the players' revenue, profit, products, growth etc.

- Almost 80% of data is collected through primary medium and further validation is done through various secondary sources that includes Regulators, World Bank, Association, Company Website, Annual reports, press releases etc.



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GET FULL COPY OF United States Financial Payment Cards market study @ --------- USD 2000

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Note  In order to provide more accurate market forecast, all our reports will be updated before delivery by considering the impact of COVID-19.

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Contact Us:

Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)

AMA Research & Media LLP

Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJ

New Jersey USA  08837

Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218

sales@advancemarketanalytics.com
Kanpur, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/25/2021 -- GENIQUE offers an extensive range of premium customized leather products. With them, one adds a message, quote, and many more to their desired item. The company is committed to making gifting easy. They have a well-trained and experienced customer support team that is always ready to respond to clients' queries, concerns, and ideas. The company's products are made from vegan and genuine leather. Thus, clients can rest assured of buying quality products.



Speaking about the company's shipping services, the company spokesperson said, "We offer international shipping services for clients living in the UK, USA, UAE, Australia, Belgium, and Singapore. The estimated delivery time for our international shipping is approximately 10-15 days. Our company provides free shipping services within India for orders above Rs. 500. To know more, clients can visit our website."



Leather wallets are highly durable products that do not just smell good but also feel good. They vary in terms of design and many more. Those wanting to purchase a personalized leather wallet for him can consider contacting GENIQUE. The company offers a wide variety of high-quality leather wallets in India. Some of their items are available as single products, while others can be purchased as combos with personalized keychains. The company takes immense pride in taking the quality of a customized wallet with a name in India to an entirely new level. With them, clients can rest assured of getting refined products that they can be proud of.



Speaking about the benefits of using a personalized passport cover, the company spokesperson said, "Passports are typically one of the most vital travel documents. When not covered, the item normally becomes an easy target for thieves. Thus, clients should make sure that their important travel documents are well protected. Here are some benefits of using a passport cover. The item protects one's important documents from wear and tear or any kind of damage by spilled liquids or rain. They help one stay organized and make their passport unique and easy to identify."



Workstations usually play a significant role in one's daily routine as they spend maximum hours of their day on that. Thus, one needs to protect them from damage and make them as comfortable as they can be. They can consider buying a laptop mat for a desk since it can save one's desk from scratches and stains. The item also protects one's laptop, mouse, and keyboard from blemishes when they come in contact with the desk. Those wanting to order a desk mat for the office can contact GENIQUE. The company offers environmental-friendly desk mats that add an elegant look to clients' workstations.



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Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured a striking photo of the triple merging system Arp 195.

Arp 195 lies approximately 763 million light-years away in the constellation of Lynx.

This system is featured in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, a list which showcases some of the weirder and more wonderful galaxies in the Universe, Hubble astronomers said.

Otherwise known as UGC 04653, LEDA 24981 and 2MASX J08535462+3508439, Arp 195 contains at least three galaxy components.

Observing time with Hubble is extremely valuable, so astronomers dont want to waste a second, the researchers said.

The schedule for Hubble observations is calculated using a computer algorithm which allows the spacecraft to occasionally gather bonus snapshots of data between longer observations.

This image of the clashing triplet of galaxies in Arp 195 is one such snapshot, they added.

Extra observations such as these do more than provide spectacular images.

They also help to identify promising targets to follow up with telescopes such as the upcoming NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.

The new image of Arp 195 includes observations from Hubbles Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS).

It is based on data obtained through four optical filters.

The color results from assigning different hues to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter.
A trip to a ghost forest of Southeast Alaska By NED ROZELL July 26, 2021

Monday AM

(SitNews) - Recently I flew from Fairbanks to Yakutat, a wild corner of Alaska located at the elbow where Southeast connects with the rest of the state. From there, I climbed into a smaller plane with scientist Ben Gaglioti. The pilot landed on a beach. From there, Gaglioti and I hiked to a ghost forest exposed at the terminus of La Perouse Glacier. This is the first time Ive helped on a field expedition in some time. I am excited to see this wild country. For background on some of the things I will be reporting on, here is a portion of a column I wrote about Gagliotis work last February: As a few scientists hiked a path between the ice towers of a Southeast Alaska glacier and crashing ocean waves in 2016, they topped a ridge and saw massive tree trunks poking from gravel ahead. The dead, sheared-off rainforest stems pointed toward the ocean like skeletal fingers. A ghost forest lies at the toe of La Perouse Glacier in Southeast Alaska. In the past, the glacier ran over the rainforest trees. Two people are also in the photo.

Photo by Ben Gaglioti

In this ghost forest, not visible to fisherman or others passing by on ships, the researchers had stumbled on something they just had to study. Ben Gaglioti ponders the ecology of ancient landscapes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Water and Environmental Research Center. He is leading a study on the ghost forest near the tongue of La Perouse Glacier, which flows from the St. Elias Mountains almost all the way to the Gulf of Alaska. On that trip when he and his fellow researchers first saw the gray trunks of huge trees clipped off 20 feet above the ground, Gaglioti guessed their fate: La Perouse Glacier had run them over, after first shoring up the stems with gravel from its own outwash. The glacier had since shrunk backward, revealing the stumps. Gaglioti and his colleagues  including UAFs Dan Mann and Greg Wiles of the College of Wooster in Ohio  used tree corers to learn when the trees died, which told them about when the glacier advanced. They matched the growth rings with living rainforest trees that were nearby, but out of the glaciers path. They found that La Perouse Glacier bulldozed the trees some time between 1850 to 1866, around when the Civil War was happening and Abraham Lincoln was president. By coring other living trees in the area, including western hemlock, Sitka spruce, Alaska yellow cedar and mountain hemlock, the scientists found that the ghost forest had established itself in the path of La Perouse Glacier by about the year 1206. That was many centuries before the glacier rumbled forward to consume them. Why did the glacier overrun the trees? About the time La Perouse Glacier was advancing, most of the world was experiencing cooler temperatures. Researchers call the period  from about 1250 to about 1900  the Little Ice Age. Global temperatures then averaged several degrees cooler than previous centuries. Image by UAF Geophysical Institute Scientists arent certain what caused the Little Ice Age, but these are possible reasons: lower radiation reaching Earth from the sun, aerosols from multiple volcanic eruptions that deflected the suns rays, changes in ocean circulation, variations in Earths orbit and tilt, and lower human population (and less agriculture, leading to the growth of more carbon-absorbing trees) due to the Black Death and other diseases. While the ghosting of the forest during the Little Ice Age is interesting on its own, Gaglioti and his co-workers hope to use the site to find out more about how living things respond to changes. For example, trees in the living rainforest near the front of the glacier show different sensitivities to the times when glacier ice was quite near, acting like a freezer door left open. They have found that mountain hemlocks did not react much to the much cooler temperatures brought about by the advancing glacier. Alaska yellow cedar and western hemlock were more sensitive to the cold breath of the glacier and the extended warmth left behind when it retreated. In June and early July 2021, Gaglioti will download data from temperature sensors he placed in 2016 around the glacier and forest to get a better idea of hot and cool spots. He also wants to search for living trees that might be 2,000 years old. If he finds such a Methuselah, Gaglioti wants to match its ring pattern with giants of the ghost forest, and other bleached trunks just now emerging from the ice of the glacier. From those, he might learn about ancient advances and retreats of La Perouse Glacier as it responded to the whims of past climates. This article is provided as a public service by the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute. This year is the institutes 75th anniversary. Ned Rozell [ned.rozell@alaska.edu] is a science writer for the Geophysical Institute. Representations of fact and opinions in comments posted are solely those of the individual posters and do not represent the opinions of Sitnews.



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This is what happens to child migrants found alone at the border, from the moment they cross into the US until age 18 By RANDI MANDELBAUM July 26, 2021

Monday AM



(SitNews) - A record number of child migrants have arrived alone at the United States southern border this year.

As of June 30, 2021, with three months remaining in the U.S. governments fiscal year, 95,079 children left their countries and crossed the U.S.-Mexico border without a parent or legal guardian, many escaping dangerous and/or exploitative situations back home. This exceeds the previous high of 76,020 unaccompanied minors seen in the full 12 months of fiscal year 2019.

Unaccompanied immigrant minors wait for Border Patrol processing after they crossed the Rio Grande into Roma, Texas, April 29, 2021.

John Moore/Getty Images

Behind these numbers are individual children, many of whom have suffered from repeated trauma. Legally, the U.S. is obligated to care for these children from the moment they arrive until they turn 18, according to carefully defined procedures.

But as someone who has worked with young migrants for years, I know the government often struggles to do so, especially when the immigration system is overwhelmed by high numbers of children.

Government officials designate a child as unaccompanied if they are alone when they arrive at the border without lawful status. Alone is defined as without a parent or legal guardian, so even children who arrive with a grandparent or aunt are considered unaccompanied and separated from these caregivers.

When an unaccompanied child first arrives, they are typically met by Customs and Border Patrol, a law enforcement unit of the Department of Homeland Security. Border agents hand the child a piece of paper called a Notice to Appear in immigration court  meaning the U.S. government has initiated deportation proceedings against the child. This happens even if the child has a viable asylum claim or other potential pathway to legal status in the U.S.

By law, within 72 hours, all unaccompanied migrant children must be transferred to the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. The exception is unaccompanied children from neighboring Mexico and Canada, most of whom are quickly sent back to their country after an asylum and anti-trafficking screening by Border Patrol.

As unaccompanied minor arrivals have soared this year, the Office of Refugee Resettlement has been unable to receive all children within 72 hours. Some have remained for up to 10 days in border patrol holding cells that were never intended for the care of children, leading to reports of children being kept in cages, sleeping on the floor and not having ample food, soap or even a toothbrush.

Once children are transferred to the refugee agency, they initially are placed in a shelter or detention center, often with hundreds or thousands of other children. These places are supposed to be licensed for the care of children.

However, resettlement officials may resort to placing children in convention centers, stadiums or military bases when there is a sudden surge of unaccompanied minors. This began happening in February 2021 and continues to this day, causing doctors, social workers and child advocates to raise concerns that the childrens needs are not being appropriately met.

Another concern among those who work with unaccompanied children is that about 75% to 90% of these young migrants will face immigration court without an attorney, according to research that tracks such proceedings. More than 80% of those without legal representation are deported, government data shows, compared to 12% of unaccompanied minors represented by an attorney.

Most migrant children  around 80%  will leave the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement within a few months to live with a relative in the U.S., according to government officials.

When unaccompanied children do not have relatives in the U.S., they generally remain in the custody of the refugee agency until they are 18, when they are either released or sent to adult immigration detention.

A lucky few may be placed in a foster home overseen and paid for by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. But the federal foster system  which is different than state or locally run foster systems  does not have enough homes for all the migrant children who need them.

Government officials and advocates alike have called for state-run foster care programs with extra capacity to take in unaccompanied minors. In some places, the number of local children needing foster homes is at an all-time low.

But many states are reluctant to accept migrant children into their foster system, even if the federal government would subsidize their care.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster in April 2021 directed state-licensed foster care facilities to reject migrants, stating that sending unaccompanied migrant children from the border to states like South Carolina only makes the problem worse.

Preparing for migrant children

A few child migrants who are initially placed with relatives may end up in the foster system, too.

Once a child goes to live with a relative, the Office of Refugee Resettlement provides little, if any, oversight or assistance. Nor do they offer much support in such matters as enrolling the child in school, getting medical care or hiring an immigration attorney. That burden falls on families and the states, cities or towns where the children land.

New Jersey lawmakers recently agreed to spend US$3 million for the representation and case management of unaccompanied migrant children. Only one other state, California, and a few municipalities, such as New York City and Baltimore, have taken similar action.

Most of the time these family arrangements work out. But sometimes they do not.

Recently, a 14-year-old Honduran boy who arrived in the U.S. in 2019 was abandoned by his uncle and ended up living on his own in Morris County, New Jersey, for nearly six months before local authorities learned of his plight and stepped in to help. Such scenarios demonstrate why the recent surge in unaccompanied minors puts the U.S. in a difficult situation, administratively and financially.

Yet the children are coming, whether the federal government and states are ready.

Randi Mandelbaum, Distinguished Clinical Professor of Law, Rutgers University This article is republished from The Conversation

under a Creative Commons license.

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Alaska DOL receives reports of fraudulent text, email messages July 26, 2021

Monday AM

(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Dr. Tamika L. Ledbetter announced recent reports of fraudulent text and email messages being sent to individuals regarding unemployment insurance. The fraudulent messages advise the recipients their benefits cannot be paid due to incorrect information on file and instruct individuals to click on provided links to resolve the issue. The Alaska Unemployment Insurance program is not sending these messages. If you receive a message asking you to click a link, you are urge not to do so. The department has noted that senders include, but may not be limited to, the following: notif1cation@adm.s1creative.com (claiming to be part of the myAlaska team)

Texts from (240) 357-6842 to follow this link: http://tfatt.com/myalaska.gov If you have questions regarding your UI claim, contact our call centers directly at one of the numbers below: Anchorage: (907) 269-4700

Fairbanks: (907) 451-2871

Juneau: (907) 465-5552

All other areas: (888) 252-2557 Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews Source of News: Alaska Department of Labor

www.dol.alaska.gov Representations of fact and opinions in comments posted are solely those of the individual posters and do not represent the opinions of Sitnews.



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The monks engage in much needed social service as well. They are in the forefront in providing basic necessities for the needy, as well as looking after the monks and other services in the impoverished temples all over the land.

by S. M. Sumanadasa

Being a Buddhist by birth, with only a basic understanding of Buddhist teachings, one might question my competence to say what follows. However, as a keen observer of what goes on around me, I feel confident and justified in what I say. Although I am nowhere near perfect, I feel there is an obligation on my part to highlight the glaring problems in the Buddha Sasana at present.

The Buddha Sasana is nourished and sustained by four-fold groups; Bhikkhu, Bhikkhuni, Upasaka, Upasika. The first two groups are supposed to have renounced all worldly pleasures, embarking on a path, leading eventually to Nirvana. The other groups, while following the Buddhist way of life for their own salvation, have the added responsibility of looking after the interests of the former, who by the very nature of their undertaking cannot sustain themselves, for their basic worldly needs for survival and emancipation. The bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, while fulfilling their aims by abiding by the vows pledged, have a supreme obligation to preserve and perpetuate the pristine teachings of the Enlightened One, and to guide the laymen on the correct path. These interdependent components are essential for the survival of the Buddha Sasana.

Vast majority leading exemplary lives

It should be emphasised at the very outset that the vast majority of the Buddhist monks follow the edicts of the Buddha Sasana and lead exemplary lives. They play a vital role in preserving the Dhamma in its original form. The Dhamma sermons, delivered in public and via electronic media by erudite monks, go a long way in guiding the lay disciples on the correct path. The service they render by conducting Sunday schools for the children, in almost every temple in the country, is admirable. Training the laymen in meditation, an essential practice for disciplining the mind, is spearheaded by the monks. Almost all, without exception, study the Pali language, purely for the purpose of learning in-depth the Buddhist scriptures like the abhidhamma. Many have subsequently written extensively in Sinhala, which can be easily understood by the laymen, although owing to the complexity of the subject, there are variable interpretations. In addition, their literary exploits over the years have been remarkable.

The monks engage in much needed social service as well. They are in the forefront in providing basic necessities for the needy, as well as looking after the monks and other services in the impoverished temples all over the land.

A few, however, tend to deviate from the accepted and expected norms. It is necessary to guide the few errant monks on the right path, as it is they who attract the headlines in news media, bringing the Buddha Sasana to disrepute. Such collective action will ensure a secure future of the Sasana, avoiding ridicule by all and sundry. As is usual in every sphere, news headlines highlight the evil, not the virtuous.

Selfless service

If the monks are to strictly follow the path to Nirvana, they probably are better off in isolation, in a monastery, attending only to their own religious needs, with minimum interaction with the laymen. However, the monks in the community, like those in the village temple, have to attend to the various spiritual needs of the laymen. They are supposed to depend on the latter for their basic needs, the sivupasaya. If not for the selfless service rendered by the monks in the community, one wonders where the Buddha Sasana would be today. Essential Buddhist rituals like pansakula and Pirith ceremonies would have been a thing of the past. But, at the same time, monks may be found at fault, for misleading the laymen in conducting extravagant rituals with hundreds of thousands of flowers or oil lamps, and wrapping dagobas with cheevaras or Buddhist flags. It should be the duty of the monks to impress upon laymen that such expensive and time consuming ahmisa poojas have little merit in achieving the goals of a Buddhist way of life.

Despite the close interaction with lay people, monks are expected to maintain their discipline strictly, so that they are beyond reproach. It is unfortunate that in many instances the monks are found often to surpass the laymen in extolling the comforts of worldly pleasures. They insist on mentioning many titles and honours bestowed on them, every time their names are mentioned. There are many Mahanayakes and Nayakas as there are as many sects and subsects of the three Nikayas. No doubt these divisions are against the principles expounded in the Dhamma. The titles are followed by a list of several temples each monk is in charge of or owns. The robes some wear are much more expensive than the clothes worn by laymen. The vehicles they own, or travel in, are often of the highest standard of luxury. I am aware of a monk who received a nayake title recently purchasing a more expensive vehicle, declaring openly that such is essential to maintain the dignity of his new position! Many monks are rumoured to personally possess much wealth in the form of real estate. This is bound to be true, as quite a few of them end up in courts of law to settle property disputes. The current debate going on in the open between two groups of monks for the post of viharadhipathi of the Seruwila Raja Maha Vihara is most despicable.

Competition

Many monks have become virtual managers of building projects. There is hardly any temple where some building project is not ongoing, often for superfluous decorative effect. In some instances, they appear to be in a competition to look better than a temple in the neighbourhood. Many wealthy laymen make lavish contributions out of respect on requests incessantly made by the monks for donations. This is even more questionable as there are a large number of temples all over the country, lacking basic infrastructure or daily needs of the resident monks. I have come across several laymen who regretted ever undertaking Katina pinkamas, as the eventual cost turned out to be much more than they ever envisaged or could afford. This was to a great extent due to the unreasonable demands made by the temple monks during the period of three months.

Ever since the watershed in politics in 1956, where the Buddhist monks played a pivotal role in the Pancha Maha Balavegaya, petty politicians have been instrumental in bringing Bhikkhus into active politics. The utterances and other acts of these monks in politics are totally against all vinaya edicts prescribed for them. The chaotic and most disgraceful scenes that ensued when they entered Parliament, a decade ago, are still fresh in our memory. They are also guilty of promoting hatred and divisions between various diverse groups of people, causing much racial and religious disharmony, in total contradiction to peaceful coexistence, enshrined in the Dhamma. The prolonged ethnic conflict has been an impetus for Buddhist monks to engage in virtually open warfare in the pretext of saving the Sasana. Politicians continue to exploit the monks for divisive activity. One cannot justify the monks appearing on political platforms and behaving like any other laymen. The sight of young monks leading the demonstrations and processions of trade unions and political rallies, and getting assaulted and arrested by the police, is most depressing. It is sad to see a few weeks ago two monks openly battling it out shamelessly for the right to a seat in Parliament. The monks should avoid all these confrontations, making them the laughing stock of the people and causing much dismay to the Buddhists in general. In contrast, we are yet to see priests of other religions ever behaving in such a derogatory manner.

How a Buddhist monk has been the leader of a government service nurses union for many years is beyond belief. The ease with which he organises nurses work stoppages, harming patients under their care, can never be reconciled with the teachings of the Enlightened One, who espoused by example the merits of caring for the sick. This monk, enjoying much political patronage, is tarnishing the image ofthe Buddha Sasana.

Protests

A few years ago, several well-known monks indulged in fasts unto death, an act very much against the Buddhist edicts, to protest disputed governmental action. More recently, some were making public speeches on the merits of organic fertilisers and the harm done by various chemicals. They seem to be acting as mouthpieces of the various politicians, with no real understanding of the complexity of the issues involved. The violent behaviour of the young monks at various protests and marches, and invariably getting assaulted or apprehended by the law enforcement authorities, makes one wonder what the future holds for the Buddha Sasana. Same is true of a few monks recently seen with disgraceful behaviour in the open under the influence of alcohol.

The wisdom of elevating the two leading Pirivenas in the country, Vidyodaya and Vidyalankara, to university status has been questioned ever since. Both have now been reverted to status quo and the two universities given separate names. I believe the two respected centres of Buddhist learning lost their glamour and lustre as a result of that ill-conceived project. Allowing monks to indulge in the study of mundane subjects, of no relevance to the Buddhist teachings, is another point of contention. Their demands for employment and some getting employed as clerks in offices or teaching a variety of subjects at schools, deserve much rethinking. It is unfortunate that university education, supposed to enlighten ones thinking, seems to have a deleterious effect on the behaviour of Buddhist monks. The pros and cons of very young prepubertal children getting ordained should receive urgent attention. A significant proportion of all these categories are said to leave the robes sooner or later. These ideas may sound old fashioned and regressive, but these are issues which are intricately bound to the future wellbeing of the Buddha Sasana.

The claim is made that Buddhist monks have played a part in statecraft from the times of ancient kingdoms. This I consider is a total misrepresentation of facts. Such involvement with rulers was mostly in an advisory capacity behind the scenes, and not by waging verbal battles in the open, spreading hatred. Their provocative revolting, at times taking a violent turn, against the invading armies and colonial masters were patriotic acts, to preserve the Buddha Sasana and its disciples and followers from annihilation by the invaders, a dire necessity of the times. (The contemporary happenings in Thailand and Myanmar show how Buddhist monks are revolting to ensure that the formidable armed forces do not harm the religion.)

Although at present many politicians are seen regularly paying homage to prelates in Kandy, Anuradhapura and elsewhere, as if to show remorse and seek forgiveness for all their misdeeds, it does not appear that the monks give any constructive advice to the rulers.

The President has given a forum for the Buddhist monks to express themselves in his monthly meetings of the Buddhist Advisory Council. Although we have not seen any detailed reports of this engagement, from brief news items we see on TV, there does not seem to be any constructive criticism or suggestions given. Such silence, followed by the valedictory statement made by a senior prelate at the end of the meetings, probably makes the President to erroneously believe that everything he said has been favourably approved by the participants.

Buddhist monks undertake a whole series of vows at their initiation that impose strict discipline on their worldly life. Yet there are many who openly violate even the basic five precepts. The apparent incapacity of the Mahanayakes and hundreds of other Nayake theros to discipline errant monks is inexplicable. It is said that there is no provision for an errant monk to be disrobed, in the way it is done in other religions. As a result, the robe is being abused as a cover for all nefarious and even anti-social activities. The whole concept of the title Adhikarana Sanganayake appears to be meaningless. Just calling them cheevaradariya instead of hamuduruwo once they are exposed and apprehended, will not erase the damage done or restore the tarnished image. Any organisation unable to instill discipline among their members or followers, even by punitive action or expulsion if necessary, cannot flourish or survive for long.

Misplaced impression

There is a general misplaced impression among some that laymen should mind their own business without interfering with the affairs of the monks, as we all are fallible human beings, pruthagjanas. Disciplining the body and mind is paramount. If there is no mechanism to bring the wrongdoers, disobeying the vinaya edicts to the right path, there will be the eventual degeneration of the Buddha Sasana, and the society in general. The Buddhists are perpetually worried about the possibility of various outside, non-Buddhist forces, destroying the Buddha Sasana. However, the Buddha himself has preached that the Buddha Sasana will decline and perish due to the activities of his own disciples, meaning from within, rather than by outside influences. The happenings of today make that possibility very likely.

Many important events, in relation to the life of the Buddha happened on Esala Poya day. It also marks the beginning of the Vas season, when the monks are supposed to restrict travel, and spend time strengthening within themselves the vinaya edicts. Hence this could well be the most opportune period for all concerned to address the issue of bringing back the errant monks to the mainstream.

The leaders among the monks and laymen have a historical responsibility to take urgent corrective action. It is high time even a Dhamma Sangayana was held to ensure that all the glaring shortcomings described above are addressed and rectified before it is too late. No doubt taking decisive and perhaps drastic action in this regard could be a step into a socio-political minefield. The Buddha Sasana Ministry could work with the leading monks to formulate a legal framework for maintaining the discipline. This is much more urgent than the current somewhat controversial steps being taken to preserve the Buddhist scriptures, Tripitaka, as a National Heritage. The Buddhist monks, as well as the right-thinking laymen, should not remain deaf and blind to what happens all around us that will eventually lead to the decline of the Buddha Sasana.

I started by asking the question Whither the Buddha Sasana?. Let me conclude by stating that we all have a great responsibility to see that it does not wither away!
The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) is one of the unions that have caused a stench across the country in the last few years. Media reports suggest that the doctor who served as the leader in this union is an expert in everything except medicine.

EDITORIAL

The case in point is clear. Trade unions in Sri Lanka are nothing but a national curse. There is no relief for people in this country from the trade unions. They've prejudiced and harassed the country. The policymakers and manipulators of these trade unions are responsible for the plight of Sri Lanka today. None of these unions has any sense of responsibility vested upon them to make public life easier.

Some trade unions indeed worked to protect the rights of workers. But, that was a thing in the past. But now, no exception, all the trade unions active in Sri Lanka have become a paradise for paddlers and marauders. Many union leaders in this country are now behaving like monkeys holding a knife around the necks of the people. They have taken the people as well as key institutions and sectors of the country hostage. They intimidate the country and the people for their unrighteous gains. This is nothing but a very act of terrorism.

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) is one of the unions that have caused a stench across the country in the last few years. Media reports suggest that the doctor who served as the leader in this union is an expert in everything except medicine. It's even a question of when this guy, who is earning public funds as wages, last examined a patient at a government hospital. He forced people to adopt pagan practices in response to the coronavirus. This putrefied double agent is one of the key culprits behind deceiving the people. On the one hand, he speaks of the values and needs for the development of the country. On the other hand, the lives of the people are being taken hostage for political gains. A man like this was installed as a National List MP in the previous government that came to power by misleading the people in the name of good governance. This proves that a change of government will not eliminate these worms. They are ruining every corner of the country. If our leaders do not decide to solve this problem adequately and immediately, the generations of this country will have no future.

It is a consolation to the people who are passing through such an unfortunate period to hear that an injunction order has been imposed on Dr Anuruddha Padeniya, who was the head of the GMOA for years. The decision taken by the Court is vital. It is an important precedent for other trade unions in the country.

This Dr Padeniya, as described by many independent media outlets and social critics, is a leader of a gang that carried out many heinous acts to destroy the public health sector in the country. No government has devised and implemented the necessary mechanism to independently monitor the activities of these associations (unions) and take a decision against their misbehaviours. Therefore, it was easy for them to take the rights of the people hostage.

In this context, it is time to introduce regulatory through the independent regulatory body to ensure accountability and evaluation of the services offered not only by the GMOA but every trade union in the country. The bottom line, these trade unions and their members are bears by the taxpayers of this country, the public. Who will have the courage to take wise and tough decisions for the sake of the country and its people? If there is any, the laymen and laywomen will have a bright future!
The United Nations will host a Global Food Systems Summit in New York in September on the future of agriculture. Many peasant and indigenous movements from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas that collectively represent most of the worlds small-scale food producers have called for a total boycott of this summit. La Via Campesina and the World Forum of Fisher People, among many others, have refused to join the preliminary consultations set up by the organisers and stand firm in their decision to boycott the summit. They are supported by scientists, researchers, faculty members, and educators who work in agriculture and food systems, who also issued a call to boycott the event. The summit is firmly in the hands of experts known to be staunch defenders of industrial agriculture, and are driving the agenda.

The current and the two former Special Rapporteurs on the Right to Food have criticised the current format of the summit for not building on past food summit experiences and pointed out that the CFS [the UN's Committee on World Food Security] already has the structure that the Summit organizers have been hastily reconstructing.

Food sovereignty is the right of people to determine their food and agricultural systems. It addresses the peoples most urgent and pressing need: to have healthy, nutritious and climatically appropriate food grown in their locality or neighbourhood. Agroecological and localised peasant production of food respects and co-exists with our natural surroundings and promotes humanist principles of solidarity and collectivism. It keeps away from harmful pesticides and chemical fertilisers and fosters a diversity of nutritious crops, unlike the industry practice of monocropping.

Small-scale farmers play a crucial role in creating sustainable food systems. Small farms make a huge contribution to global food security, producing at least 30% of global food. In sub-Saharan Africa, the role of small-scale farms is even more significant, accounting for 80% of the food produced. Africa has the ability to feed the world. Progress in African agriculture has been impressive  production is up 160%over the past 30 years, far above the global average of 100%.

Globally, around 500 million small-scale farms support the livelihoods of more than two billion people. Yet only 1.7% of climate finance goes to small farms. This is a tiny fraction of what is needed.

A handful of transnational companies dominate the current global food and commodity trade. For instance, just two firms  Dow Dupont and Monsanto-Bayer Crop Science  hold a 53 percent market share in the seed industry. Merely three firms own 70 percent of the global agrochemical industry that manufactures and sells chemicals and pesticides used on crops. This corporate concentration is also evident in the livestock breeding sector, animal pharmaceutical industry, farming machinery, commodity trade and so forth.

Therefore, from the sowing of seeds and growing of crops to the processing, distribution, and consumption of food, transnational agribusinesses control and decide everything. Most of these corporations are now entering into partnerships with Big Tech firms to digitalise the global food system to cement their dominance.

But here is what is striking about these giant corporations. Despite their control over nearly 75 percent of the worlds food production-related natural resources, they can barely feed a third of the global population. Furthermore, they are responsible for most of the $400bn worth of food lost annually and for the emission of large amounts of greenhouse gases.

The small-scale farmers, fisherfolk, farmworkers, peasants, pastoralists and Indigenous people  with barely a quarter of the worlds food-production-related natural resources to their name and often neglected in public policies  continue to provide about 70 percent of the worlds food. Their web of local small-scale food producers stepped up in every corner of the world when the industrial food supply chain crumbled under the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yet, when it comes to defining the future of our food system, guess who gets invited by the UN to conceive and construct the plan, principles and content of the global summit. It is big agribusinesses.

Instead, we need to care about the people who plant the seeds around us, the world's smallholder farmers. They are the custodians of our planet. Small farms actually have higher crop yields than larger farms, when the landscape conditions are similar. They also have much more biodiversity  not only of crops, but also more insect and animal life along the edges of the fields. Without a safe and secure food system, without crop biodiversity and pollinators, we could all face food scarcity
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Ham radio station at American Legion's yard sale

Al Sirois, N1MHC & NNA1AS will offer to send free National Traffic System messages to any USA, Canadian and some other countries on Saturday, Aug. 7 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at the American Legion Post 36, 25 Industrial Park Road, Boothbay.

This will be a special event station and is a great opportunity to connect with community leaders, local businesses and visitors to the Boothbay Harbor area.

The keys to a successful public service is emergency management and EOC partnership. Many ham radio operators are connected to their local emergency management department centers and mobile command centers, like we have here in Lincoln County. This is done by understanding and embracing our true role --- to serve and support and often complicated mission of public safety during an emergency.

Sirois's responsibility covers the area from the Carlton Bridge, Woolwich, north to the Waldo County line. He is Incident Command System, ICS-400-A qualified, a past Military Affiliate Radio Station (Navy call sign nnn0wna) and now Homeland Security (DHS), SHARES, NNA1AS Certified. There are several shared responsibility stations in Maine and they are all connected thru the local emergency management director's offices in the state. Casey Stevens is the director of EMA, Wiscasset.

So mark your calendars to send birthday, vacation greetings or timely advanced appointment schedules through the National Traffic System (NTS) a American Radio Relay League (ARRL) system. Your message will be delivered free of charge within 1-2 days, for sure.
Why: 12 violations (five high priority), including 15 live cockroaches crawling in the prep area and near an unused, unplugged reach-in cooler and 15 live flies landing in the prep area and on compartment sinks. Inspectors also ordered the restaurant to stop selling food and ice its manager admits comes from another restaurant, no invoice available. Las Flores also stopped selling shelled eggs due to temperature abuse, and because the manager said the eggs are not used in restaurant but has been in establishment for couple weeks. During a follow-up visit July 22, inspectors ordered the restaurant to toss more of its mystery food and ice, but let the eatery reopen that day.
The two deputies involved in the shooting are on paid administrative leave and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting, as is standard procedure. They were not injured in the shooting, according to the sheriffs office.
LaBarbera, 42, of Davie, said shes crushed to see her governor actively fighting against her financial well-being. A bartender who lost her job when the restaurant she worked at went out of business before the pandemic, LaBarbera said her ability to make ends meet was just about eliminated over much of the past year. Now four months behind on her rent, she is worried that she will soon face eviction.
Im 27 and I never thought I would live to see something like this, said Perez, a Hialeah resident who came to the United States from Cuba seven years ago. We need to make sure theres pressure for people who didnt have to go through what I went through to know whats going on in Cuba.
Ferre said DeSantis has ensured the safety of our elderly residents first with vaccination programs that prioritized their needs. Vaccination sites and private sector facilities have ensured that all who want to be vaccinated can receive the vaccine. If you are fully vaccinated without underlying health issues, you have almost zero chance of dying from Covid, something that forced masking and government forced lockdowns cant do. "
The 2 a.m. forecast from the National Hurricane Center had indicated that the system had slight potential for development if it were to head back west over the warm Gulf Stream waters. But by 8 a.m., the forecast was changed to say that any further development was not expected.
In 2016 and again in 2018, when a state of emergency was declared for Southwest Florida, I learned about blue-green algae blooms and red tides. I had never seen thousands of tons of dead sea life on shorelines, even though I lived 60 years on Long Island. I had never seen a local economy suffer so profoundly from an environmental disaster, nor heard of fecal bacteria contamination, nor ever imagined that there would be a need for a governors task force on something so basic and critical as water.
While the cruise line isnt requiring vaccinations, all passengers must pass a rapid COVID-19 antigen test before being allowed into the terminal. Non-vaccinated passengers must also present a negative COVID-19 test within the previous three days. The tests are conducted at a nearby parking lot, allowing passengers to remain in their car while they wait for the results.
A man was rushed to a Malaga hospital for emergency surgery after he was allegedly stabbed with the neck of a broken bottle during a party at Marbella villa at the weekend.

The alarm was raised in the early hours of Sunday morning (25 July) when several people alerted 112 Andalucia that the 35-year-old man, initially believed to be British, had been stabbed.

After stabilising the victim at the scene, an ambulance crew transferred the victim to a Malaga hospital for an emergency operation.

The National Police Force has opened an investigation to clarify what happened. So far, there have been no arrests.
Hotel investors continue to be attracted to the Costa del Sol. Despite the impact of the pandemic, the coast is the best-performing holiday destination on the Spanish mainland during the first half of the year.

This is reflected in the latest Hotel Investment report prepared by Colliers, which said the value of deals closed in Malaga province in six-months amounted to 72 million euros.

The study highlights that hotel investment in Spain has focused on the 'prime' destinations: Madrid, Barcelona, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and the Costa del Sol, which amounted to 887 million euros in the first six months of the year to June.

The report points out the cash pressure on the chains has made them the most active sellers in the market so far this year and highlights the recent dynamism of the market, which in just six months has exceeded the total investment volume of 2020, which was estimated at 955 million.

"The market seems to have overcome the sharp decline produced as a result of the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism sector," says Laura Hernando, at Colliers, who said that a total of just over one-billion-euros changed hands, that involved total of 43 hotels (with 6,715 rooms), as well as another nine assets, including land for hotel development and real estate for reconversion.

The cities of Madrid and Barcelona topped the ranking. However, in the holiday sector it is both the islands and the Costa del Sol that continue to lead the field.

Hernando highlighted the strength of the Costa del Sol as one of the great attractions for investors despite the health crisis. Although investment activity has been significantly reduced in the area as a result of the pandemic, with an investment volume of 72 million until June, operations such as the purchase - by the joint venture between Bain Capital and Stoneweg - of the H10 hotel Andalucia Plaza, demonstrate the confidence of investors for the fast recovery of one of the main tourist destinations in our country.

Hernando added, although it is not always linked to the transactional market, it is interesting to highlight the recent commitment of renowned international operators to the area including the entry of luxury brands such as Four Seasons, W, SO by Sofitel, Conrad and the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, among others, which is expected to boost the market.

Between 2015 and 2020, the Costa del Sol has received a total of 1.2 billion euros in hotel investment. During this period, the bulk of the activity, specifically, 798 million, that is, 66 per cent of the total, has been directed towards the major holiday towns, while Malaga city accounted for the rest, said Hernando.

The Colliers report warns that during the first half of this year the urban segment has slightly outperformed the holiday segment, breaking the historical trend in terms of hotel investment. However, it is possible that by the end of the year, the holiday sector will regain its traditional lead, Hernando said.
Almost 40 per cent of the coronavirus patients admitted to Andalusian hospitals are receiving care in Malaga - the province in the region that is most affected by the fifth wave of the pandemic.

Of the 974 coronavirus patients in Andalusian hospitals on Saturday, some 383 of them had been admitted to Malaga hospitals, representing 39.32 per cent of the total. Some considerable distance behind was Seville, whose hospitals had 142 patients with the SARS-CoV-2 virus on Saturday (14.57 per cent of the Andalusian total).

Public health and epidemiology experts did not expect coronavirus cases to skyrocket in midsummer. In fact, the forecasts were that the situation would be much more controlled thanks to the progress of the vaccination campaign and the fact that during the summer season more life is lived outdoors. However, the emergence of the Delta variant, which is up to 60 per cent more transmissible, and the increase in mobility and social relations among young people - who are not vaccinated - have brought about a notable growth in infections.

The consequence is that the number of hospital admissions have multiplied in recent weeks. The pressure on hospitals in Malaga is much greater than at the beginning of the summer. The province has gone from 90 Covid-19 patients on wards on 1 July to 383 on Saturday. In just over three weeks, 293 people with coronavirus were admitted.

Regarding intensive care units (ICUs), Malaga province also has the highest volume of coronavirus patients in Andalucia, with 33.72 percent of the total. In second position is Seville, with 20.71 per cent. The latest update by the Junta de Andalucias Ministry of Health showed that of the 169 Covid patients in intensive care units, 57 corresponded to Malaga hospitals. At the beginning of July, there were only 13 people in the Malaga ICUs with an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2.

The rise in activity of the fifth wave has hit the health service in the peak holiday season and with staff exhausted after tackling the pandemic for a year and a half. The lack of human resources complicates the month of July a bit more compared to May and June. "We did not expect such a large growth in infections," said Jose Luis Velasco, the head of the pulmonology service, medical deputy director and coordinator of the Covid area of the Virgen de la Victoria Hospital, told SUR.

A characteristic of this fifth wave is that infections are occuring mainly in the 15 to 29 age group. As they are young people, most of them are affected by the disease in a mild way, but sometimes complications arise and patients need to be admitted to hospital and in some cases they even end up in ICUs. "Some of the young people who get infected become very sick," recognised the provincial delegate for Health, Carlos Bautista.
More than half of the population in Andalucia has received at least one of the two doses of one of the approved coronavirus vaccines. But the data has been stalled for 48 hours, since Friday, due to "technical problems updating the database".

The Junta de Andalucia has not updated the number of people vaccinated, as all Spanish regions do, since 23 July and, in theory, the Ministry of Health should communicate the number of doses administered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday today, Monday 26 July.

According to the Friday's data a total of some 9.6 million doses had been given in the region and there were 4.6 million people with the complete regimen, that is, with the two doses required by the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines or with the Janssen single-dose formula.

In Malaga province 1,845,027 doses have been given and the number of people fully vaccinated is 882,235. It is the second highest figure in Andalucia, as it is also the second most populated province, but a percentage analysis reveals that Malaga is still the province least covered by the campaign. Some 60.7 percent of Malaga residents have received at least one dose, far from the 67.6 percent of Cordoba or 66.6 per cent of Jaen. Malaga is, in fact, the only province in Andalucia that on Friday had not exceeded 61 per cent. This lower coverage of the vaccination campaign compared to other provinces coincides with the outbreak of the fifth wave.

Malaga also loses out in the fully vaccinated statistics. It is the only Andalusian province that has not exceeded 53 per cent of its population jabbed with the two necessary doses or the Janssen single dose. Again, Cordoba once again takes up to seven points ahead and is already close to 60 per cent.
Local Police officers in Malaga have broken up a huge botellon drinking party that was taking place in car park of the city's Palacio de Ferias exhibition and conference centre.

On its Twitter account, the city council said around 200 people had congregated for the event, before police moved in to break up the event at 4.30 am on Sunday morning.

During the operation, police reported seven people for consuming alcohol on public roads and one for reckless driving.

The city council has deployed extra Local Police officers for surveillance and control operations at the weekends, focused on areas where large groups of people may gather, which has recently been extended to Thursdays.
Four Andalusian towns with more than 5,000 inhabitants exceed the cumulative incidence rate of 1,000 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days, this Monday (26 July), one of the Juntas criteria for calling for a nighttime curfew, which must be ratified by the courts.

Estepona on the Costa del Sol in Malaga province; El Cuervo, in Seville; Montoro, in Cordoba; and Paterna de Rivera, in Cadiz are the large towns that could face the limit on movement between 2am and 7am. The incidence rates are studied by the Territorial Committees of High Impact on Public Health every Wednesday, once all the coronavirus parameters have been evaluated.

Meanwhile, in the case of municipalities with less than 5,000 inhabitants, a specific appraisal will be made by the Junta and any requests to introduce a curfew must be subsequently by ratified by Andalucias Superior Court, the TSJA.

In the last two weeks, the regional government has decided not to propose restricting the freedom of movement and the closure of non-essential activity of any municipality in Andalucia, despite the fact that there were towns with more than 5,000 inhabitants that exceeded the rate of 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days.

According to the latest data updated by the Juntas Ministry of Health, some 30 municipalities currently exceed the rate of 1,000 cases in 14 days, of which a total of four have more than 5,000 inhabitants. They are: Estepona (1,022.4 ), El Cuervo (1,005), Montoro (1,108) and Paterna de Rivera (1,008).

Another 26 municipalities with rates higher than 1,000

Of the remaining towns with a coronavirus incidendence rate higher than 1,000, but with less than 5,000 inhabitants, in which the Territorial Committees of High Impact on Public Health will have to decide whether or not to apply border lockdowns, five are in Cordoba, another five in Malaga, five others in Almeria, four in Granada, another four are in Jaen and three in Huelva.

In Malaga province, these municipalities are Alfarnatejo (1,098), Sayalonga (1,084), Villanueva de la Concepcion (1,672), Benaojan (1,651) and Farajan (4,980).

In Granada, they are Berchules (1,264), Dolar (1,114), Jatar (1,444), Jayena (1,616).

In Cordoba province they are Santaella (1,430), Pedro Abad (3,019), Conquista (1,092.9), Granjuela (1,594) and Pedroche (4,588).

In Jaen, the small municipalities with a rate higher than 1,000 are Lopera (1,862), Belmez de la Moraleda (1,211), Aldeaquemada (4,201) and Santa Elena (1,123).

In Almeria, they are Abla (1,282), Alicun (2,985), Huecija (1,440), Uleila del Campo (1,094) and Seron (1,131).

In Huelva the towns are Cortelazor (1,337), Santa Ana de la Real (1,052) and Beas (1,059).
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 CELESTYAL CRUISES         -    ...
MBABANE  The Parliament employee who was convicted for being responsible for a fire that broke out near the Parliament building says he fears for his life after being purportedly followed by members of the security forces.

Micah Dlamini, who is an usher in Senate and a part-time driver for Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, was arrested for being responsible for a fire that broke out not far from the Parliament building. He appeared at the Mbabane Magistrates Court on July 2.

Police were said to have suspected that the fire was part of the countrywide arson attacks on various infrastructure. The arson attacks were carried out at the height of the political unrest that resulted in the looting, vandalism and burning of some business premises. The fire is said to have been ignited between the Parliament building and the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park on the night and the employee was found in the vicinity, hence he was arrested as it was suspected that he was behind the inferno.

Target

The police are said to have been of the belief that the main target was the Parliament building. According to Eswatini News, when Dlamini appeared before Mbabane Senior Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati, he was charged under the Grassfire Act of 1955 for having started a wildfire. It was reported that impeccable sources said when the matter was heard, his defence was that it was not his intention to start the fire but he was smoking a cigarette and the matchstick he had used to light it was the one that started the blaze after he carelessly disposed of it.

Magistrate Vilakati is said to have enquired from Dlamini whether his igniting of the fire was also in conjunction with the ongoing political unrest and the suspect explained that it was not, but was just carelessness caused by smoking. Meanwhile, according to Dlamini, he has, on two occasions, been followed by members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) and Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). He also alleged that he was assaulted by the police after the fire incident. Dlamini said on July 10, he was stopped by about four members of the UEDF who were on board a non-registered vehicle at around 5pm. I was heading home when they all alighted from the vehicle and approached my direction. After seeing that they all alighted, including the driver of the car, I drove off as I feared what they could possibly do to me, he claimed. Dlamini said the troops never followed him thereafter. He also recalled the second instance, where he was stopped by three members of the REPS at KaGeorge, Buhleni. He said when they stopped him, he also did the same thing.

I want this to be recorded and shared so that in case anything happens to me and I die, it is a record of how I died, he said. When reached for comment, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said the police arrested Dlamini and his case was finalised. Vilakati said this did not mean the police service would not investigate and arrest him if he committed other crimes. The police will continue following him.We should note that the police service is where people run to for protection, the police mouthpiece said.
LOMAHASHA  A gunshot mistakenly fired by a police officer caused a dramatic scene as over 2 000 youths went berserk and pelted stones at close to 20 armed security officers.

The incident took place before 3pm when the youth had gone to the Lomahasha, Police Station Commander, Philip Tsabedze, to demand responses on their demands yesterday. The youth marched to the police station after the burial of Sifiso Mpostoli Masilela at the Lomahasha area. Masilela was gunned down the past weekend allegedly by police officer Nkosinathi Twenty Dlamini, who was stationed at the Lomahasha Police Station. The police officer has since been arrested and suspended from his work by National Commissioner of Police William Dlamini.

The youth had converged outside the police station waiting for their leader Siboniso Mkhabela to bring feedback on their responses. Just a few minutes after informing the youth that the Lomahasha Station Commander, Tsabedze, has not given satisfactory responses, a gunshot went off and the youth ran helter-skelter in different directions. After noticing that the police officers were not moving towards them, they started to hurl stones at the contingent of 20 officers, resulting in a chaotic moment that lasted over 30 minutes. The youth started a fire with pallets retrieved from the markets situated 100 metres from the Lomahasha Border Gate.

Discipline

The youth leader, Mkhabela, tried to calm the youth and appealed for discipline. He was also supported in this intervention by President of the Peoples United Democractic Movement (PUDEMO) Mlungisi Makhanya. Makhanya urged the youth to behave to ensure that the march was a success. On another note, shops and the border gate were closed from midday around 2pm in fear of the youth. Traffic was brought to a standstill for almost an hour. Lomahasha Member of Parliament (MP) Ndumiso Masimula apologised to the Masilela family for not being part of the funeral proceedings after attending to other pressing matters at KaShewula Umphakatsi. Meanwhile, Mkhabela informed the youth that they would meet as leaders and plan what was the next step to be taken after the responses to their demands by the national commissioner of police were not satisfactory.
MBABANE  As the uncertainty over the reopening of schools continues, teachers are seemingly divided.

This is because while some are in support of the reopening, there are others who are not for the idea. The teachers who are not in favour of the reopening of schools have actually accused the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) of taking decisions without consulting them. This comes after the association called for the immediate reopening of schools and tertiary institutions.

Compliance

This was through a statement issued last week where the organisation said the reopening should be done in full compliance with the COVID-19 protocols and safety standards. The statement was issued by Secretary General (SG) Sikelela Dlamini, who highlighted that the SNAT collective was mindful of the threat that the COVID-19 pandemic had presented to humanity in recent times. As the SNAT, we therefore make a clarion call on government as follows; that all schools and tertiary institutions must be reopened immediately with full compliance to the COVID-19 protocols and safety standards, the SG said in the statement. During separate interviews with this publication, the teachers who are not for the idea said they were of the view that with the increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19, it did not make sense to reopen schools.

We are not impressed by the leaders who now choose to make statements without consulting. This issue of demanding schools to reopen in the midst of a high COVID-19 infection rate and political instability is just an insult, one of the teachers said. She alleged that when they tried to enquire from the SNAT executive, they were informed that this was merely an attempt to force government to vaccinate teachers. The question then is why didnt they just request the vaccination? the teacher asked. Another teacher decried that their stand and voices were not heard on the matter. We were not consulted. Please note that the secretary general, who is demanding schools to reopen is not teaching so he wakes up in the morning, gets bored and makes decisions, she claimed.

However, this publication sought views from other teachers and they said they supported the idea to reopen as they felt the pupils were missing out. We want the schools to reopen. In fact government should at least open Form III and V. The truth is that we are not the same, some are enjoying the holidays at the expense of the children, said one of the teachers. Another teacher said when the schools were closed, a lot was left hanging and that there was a lot that needed to be done. Also, the issue of online learning is not working for community schools. I must also state that the last time schools opened, there were no reports of pupils dying from COVID-19. As teachers we tried by all means to be cautious and have fewer numbers of pupils in the class, she said.
MANZINI  The Kings Office has refuted claims that former acting Prime Minister, Themba Masuku and 80 per cent of Cabinet ministers sought to tender their resignations.

A circulating report on social media, dated July 23, 2021, purported to be from the Palace, insinuated that royal sources had indicated that Masuku and the Cabinet ministers had met the King a week before Sibaya. The nation was summoned to Sibaya, also known as the Peoples Parliament, on July 16, 2021. Worth noting is that the country has 18 ministers, the deputy prime minister and the PM.

Appointed

For over six months, Masuku has been the acting premier and during Sibaya, Cleopas Sipho Dlamini was appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III as the PM of the country. In the said article which has been declared untrue by the Kings Office, it is alleged that the Cabinet ministers and Masuku met the Monarch to tender their resignation. It was claimed that they cited defeat and lack of support from the King which rendered them enemies of the citizens. The claims made in the article are to the effect that the King was very angry. The article supposed that the monarch had relayed to Masuku and the Cabinet ministers that should the information about their resignation leak, they would have sold him out to emaSwati.

Winning

The article which is titled Themba Masuku and the Cabinet admitted that the people are winning the battle further alleged that the ministers had tried to explain to the King that he was fighting a losing battle and that the people were already on the winning line if he did not give in or listen. Our Cabinet minister confirmed to that, the government is in more trouble because the King does not want to listen, yet he is aware that he is losing the battle, claimed the article. The said article further purported that all government structures were now concentrating on the uprisings, so service delivery was compromised. It further quoted an anonymous prince, allegedly residing at Lobamba, who supposedly said it was clear that the people had already won.

Lion

However, Kings Office Director of Communications, Percy Simelane, said: The Kings Office has nothing to do with this statement. It did not originate from us. We use a letterhead with the Coat of Arms bearing a lion, elephant, and shield, spears topped by a feather head- dress (inyoni) when issuing press statements, speeches or any other official business documents. Simelane said the Kings Office had never used a crown where the countrys Coat of Arms should be. He said the Kings Office believed that yet another anarchist was trying to instil despair and fear among the citizens of Eswatini. He assured the nation that the State would continue to do everything to provide protection as it goes about rebuilding after the recent spate of vandalism of property, theft and robbery by anarchists who mounted illegal toll-gates demanding cash from the very people their leaders said they were liberating.
MANZINI - Some social media users yesterday reacted with fury to the news of the arrest of legislators who have been vocal regarding political reforms in the country.

This was after news spread that Hosea Member of Parliament (MP) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and his colleague Ngwempisi MP Mthandeni Dube had been arrested by the police. Many social media users, especially on Facebook, expressed their fury and wondered if government was ready for level two of chaos in the country. Worth noting is that following the banning of the delivery of petitions with immediate effect by government late last month, the country experienced a political unrest which claimed the lives of many people and resulted in the vandalism, looting and torching of some properties. During the mayhem, government claimed that the damages suffered were worth E3 billion with 5 000 job losses.

Burning

Some of the Facebook users insinuated that government should be prepared as looting and the burning of tyres would ensue from today. Others questioned if the country was ready for chaos level 2, while some said all legislators must rise and join the struggle, especially those who received the petitions. The users also noted that in Eswatini it was supposedly a crime to express what bothered the citizens. Meanwhile, as he boarded a white police van during his arrest yesterday evening, the the Hosea Constituency MP uttered these words; Fear not, as this is what we expected when we started seeking freedom for the people. Mabuza said people should not be shocked by what was happening as such incidents were bound to happen when change was about to be attained. He said this was part of what he expected when he took the oath upon being elected into public office. The legislator said by taking the oath into public office, he opted to speak for the citizenry at all times.

Shocked

Mabuza said: EmaSwati should not be shocked by this as when I started to engage on change, I spoke about the pursuit of freedom knowing that such would be the end result. This is part of the journey for the citizenry to be free and be able to engage in all issues without fear. Those who can pray should do so as this is a pursuit we shall not deviate from. A contingent of about 13 police officers, who were not in uniform, was found within the yard of the politician at one of his residences in Ngwane Park, Manzini. Mabuza boarded the police van that chauffeured him to the Mbabane Old Police Station at about 5:38pm. This was despite that police officers were said to have arrived at his residence at about 3:20pm. When this publications reporter arrived at his residence, Mabuza was found seated in his car  a black Porsche Cayenne GTS  which was idling. The legislator said upon arrival at his compound, at around 3:15pm, a white Toyota Land Cruiser and a white Toyota single cab blocked the gate of his compound. Subsequent to that, he said a police officer approached him and served him with two warrants of arrests. Thereafter, Mabuza said after consulting, he was advised not to descend from his vehicle until he had completed consulting.
Fitch Ratings has revised six Saudi banks' outlooks to stable from negative and affirmed the foreign currency and local currency long-term issuer default ratings (IDRs) at 'BBB+'.

The banks are Arab National Bank (ANB), Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), Alinma bank (Alinma), Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB), Bank Aljazira (BAJ) and Gulf International Bank - Saudi Arabia (GIB SA).

The rating actions follow a similar action on Saudi Arabia's sovereign rating on July 15. The IDRs of the six banks are driven by their Support Rating Floors (SRFs).

ANB's, BSF's, Alinma's, SAIB's, BAJ's and GIB SA's IDRs are driven by sovereign support, as reflected in the banks' SRFs of 'BBB+', which are in line with Fitch's Domestic-Systemically Important Bank (D-SIB) SRF of 'BBB+'.

"This is applied to all Saudi banks, reflecting our view of a high probability of support for all the country's lenders from the Saudi authorities, if needed," sated th top ratings agency in its review.

Fitch's assessment considers the authorities' strong ability to support the banking system, given large, albeit reduced from their historical levels, external reserves. It also reflects a long record of support for Saudi banks, irrespective of their size, franchise, funding structure and level of government ownership.

"We see high contagion risk among domestic banks given that the market is fairly small and interconnected. We believe this is an added incentive for the state to support any Saudi bank, if needed, to maintain market confidence and stability," it stated.

The Stable Outlook on these banks' long-term IDRs reflects that on the Saudi sovereign rating, it added.
Leading UK steel fabricator Cleveland Bridge, which is owned by Saudi-based Al Rushaid Group, has fallen into administration, reported the Construction Index.

The collapse of the top British engineering group came after Covid caused delays to several of its global infrastructure projects.

Joint Administrators Martyn Pullin, David Willis, and Iain Townsend of specialist business advisory firm FRP have been appointed to help save the steel fabricator, which has 221 staff at its Darlington headquarters and satellite office in Newport, opened in 2018. The business also has nearly 100 contracted workers on its books.

Cleveland Bridge has been a flagbearer for cutting-edge British engineering for more than a century.

Over 200 jobs are at risk at Cleveland Bridge, which helped build the Shard skyscraper in London, the Wembley Stadium arch and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, reported Daily Mail.

In addition to its Darlington base, the company has manufacturing facilities in Dubai and Saudi Arabia and can produce around 150,000 tonnes of steel annually. It engages 48 contractors in Darlington and 50 more at other sites.

The business was acquired by Saudi firm Al Rushaid Petroleum Investment Company in 2000.

Cleveland Bridges finances were hammered when a major bridge-building project in Sri Lanka was put on hold because of Covid, it stated, citing sources.

The British group held several rounds of talks with its Al Rushaid Group for an extra 6 million ($8.24 million). However, the Saudi owner made it clear that it won't put any more money into propping up the business and walked away.

With a full order book covering the next 18 months, in addition to its skilled workforce, expertise and prominent standing in the industry, there is optimism that a buyer for the firm can be found.

However, administrators from FRP Advisory have warned that the business will be wound up unless it receives significant investment.
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has arrived in Bahrain to open a new WHO office in Manama, marking the kingdoms close cooperation with the global health body throughout the pandemic, a media report said.



Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, Bahrains Minister of Health welcomed Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at Bahrain International Airport, reported Bahrain News Agency (BNA).



The visit of the WHO Director General (DG) is momentous given the current global pandemic. It reflects the DGs commitment to Bahrain and his admiration for our efforts in combating Covid-19, Al Saleh said.



Dr Ghebreyesus has achieved notable successes both in fighting Covid-19 and more broadly in pursuing better global health. I am looking forward to exchanging knowledge and experience with the DG on how best to continue battling the global pandemic. 



Upon arrival, Dr Ghebreyesus commented: I am delighted and honoured to be in the Kingdom of Bahrain to open the WHOs 152nd country office. I would like to thank His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as the government and people of Bahrain, for their hospitality.



Dr Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, accompanied by Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, will visit Bahrains vaccination and testing centres where he will be briefed on measures taken by the Kingdom to protect the health of citizens and residents.



The Director-General will also have the opportunity to meet some of the frontline health workers who have collectively managed to vaccinate nearly 70% of the population.



Bahrain has always been one of the pioneering countries in the Covid-19 global collaborative response. Bahrain implemented a comprehensive package of public health measures to control transmission in the country from the very start, before the first case was detected in-country. Bahrain's approach has been holistic, evaluating the social and economic impact of all health measures, Dr Ghebreyesus said.



Efforts have also been made to ensure full continuity of treatment for other health conditions. Bahrain has managed to vaccinate more than one million people with 2 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, ensuring that almost 70% of the population is now provided with an additional layer of protection against the virus. The vaccines were provided free of charge, regardless of citizenship status. Bahrain's approach has been fully in line with the WHOs mandate for universal health coverage and the regional vision of 'Health for All by All'.
DP World, Dubai-based global trade enabler and Rosatom, the state-owned nuclear energy corporation of Russia, have partnered to develop the Northern Transit Corridor as a viable and sustainable route between Asia and Europe.



The agreement was signed in St Petersburg by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Aleksey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom. Under the terms of the agreement DP World and Rosatom will establish a joint venture which will invest in, build and operate transport and logistics capacity along the Northern Transit Corridor.



The Northern route cuts up to 19 days from the journey time between South East Asia and North West Europe. One third of the world's trade flows between the two continents and saving shipping time will significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Critically the width and draft of vessels are not an issue along the Northern Transit Corridor. The alternative new route is not congested, shorter, more efficient and faster.



A record 33 million tons was carried along the Northern Transit Corridor in 2020, with President Vladimir Putin targeting 80 million tons by 2024. To open the route to sustainable commerce, a comprehensive development program will be performed, including the development of ports and transport links along Russia's north coast to sustain economic activity.



The pandemic highlighted significant challenges in the supply chain, with many cargo owners struggling to find containers to move their goods. Diversification and disruption of traditional routes and methods are required to sustain growth and build back confidence.



Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: "As the leading provider of worldwide, smart, end-to-end supply chain logistics, DP World supports Russia's efforts to diversify trade flows between Asia and Europe. The Northern Transit Corridor holds out the prospect of shorter transit times between East and West. DP World has already committed to invest $2 billion with the Russian Direct Investment fund, and we will continue to work with our partners in Russia to find solutions that allow the Northern Transit Corridor to develop sustainably.



It is DP World's responsibility to provide credible, sustainable and reliable trade enabling solutions for our customers. With the launch last year of the World Logistics Passport and online trading platforms such as DUBUY.COM, as well as the recent acquisitions of Syncreon and Imperial Logistics, we are demonstrating that we continue to invest for our customers, he added.



Capacity shortages and disruptions during the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the global economy. The Northern Transit Corridor, along with land routes we are investing in across Asia, will open more options to move cargo, with Dubai as the hub for global trade in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai".



Alexey Likhachev, General Director of Rosatom, said: "Building of sustainable transport infrastructure in the Arctic opens up new opportunities in developing the Eurasian transit which can be achieved in an optimal timeframe and help reduce the environmental footprint through shorter route distances and the advanced low-carbon energy solutions applied. Today is an important step in the development of a strategic international partnership between Rosatom and DP World.  TradeArabia News Service
Salalah Free Zone (SFZ), an Asyad Group business hub, has announced the completion of construction works of the second package of logistic warehouses covering a total area of 25,000 sq m, a media report said.



The facility will lend strong support to the logistics sector in the sultanate, enhance the global supply lines with innovative solutions and open up investment opportunities for national and foreign industries, reported Oman News Agency (ONA).



The second package of the SFZ logistics project has a full set of services to promote the strategy espoused by Asyad to power its investment projects economic roles and maximize their returns so that they could serve as an incubator and developer of small and medium industries.



Ali Mohammed Tabook, CEO of SFZ, said that a steady rise in demand by local and international investors called for the construction of new warehouses whose leasing rate, in the first phase, stood at 100% on a total area of 33,000 sq m dedicated for investment, commercial and industrial activities.



The depots and new facilities are distinguished for high capacity, low operational cost and world-class design that cater to future demands from all types of clients, Tabook observed. He added that the logistic warehouses provide flexible leasing solutions for different space segments linked to a series of customs corridors that accelerate the transfer of goods, thus saving time and effort for investors.



The project focuses on facilitating the efficiency of operations, thereby supporting the supply chains for various economic, construction and industrial sectors while at the same time offering ideal cooling solutions for foodstuff and medical drugs, said Tabook.



He pointed out that the strategic location of SFZ parallel to the Port of Salalah and its vicinity to international maritime routes prepare the SFZ to play a vital role in the regional and global supply chains.



Over the past few years, Asyad's business team launched a number of promotional campaigns and international expos, with an overall objective of reaching the largest possible number of world markets.

In its campaigns, the team familiarizes investors with the competitive advantages and incentives offered by Asyad free zones.
Alwane Bahrain Society has signed a cooperation agreement with WorkSmart for events management, to support and facilitate the participation of several Bahraini food industry and trade companies in Gulfood, the largest food industry exhibition in the Middle East.

The exhibition will be held from February 17 to 21, 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Center in Dubai.

The agreement aims to encourage these companies to promote their products at Gulfood through a special pavilion within the Bahraini national pavilion at the exhibition beside major Bahraini and international food industry companies.

Ahmed Al Hujairy, CEO of Worksmart stated that this ambitious agreement represents an extension of the joint cooperation between the two sides in facilitating the participation of Bahraini startups in previous editions of Gulfood and to continue supporting Bahraini entrepreneurs to achieve more success in developing their business.

WorkSmart will provide all the necessary facilities for the participation of Bahraini food companies in Gulfood 2022, which is considered the most competitive global supply platform that brings together industry leaders around the world, and provides exceptional new business opportunities. Al Hujairy said.

For his part, Ammar Awachi, Chairman of Alwane Bahrain Society, said that the food industry in Bahrain has become one of the most advanced economic sectors in strengthening the national economy, adding that Bahrain's participation in Gulfood would provide more growth opportunities for national companies.

Within the framework of Alwane Bahrain Society to empower Bahraini women economically, we will focus our attention on companies and food establishments led by women, and encourage them to participate in this exhibition in a way that boosts the presence of Bahraini women as pioneers and businesswomen in the food industry sectors, in addition to restaurants and cafes sector, Awachi said.

It is expected that eight Bahraini startups companies will participate in the Bahraini national pavilion in the next edition of Gulfood, along with ten major companies in the food industry.

Its noteworthy that hundreds of international companies engaged in industrial and commercial activities in the field of manufacturing and trading food and hospitality from various countries of the world meet at this international event to exchange the latest ideas and market trends in this sector and learn about the latest technologies and innovations.TradeArabia News Service
While the overall number of financial malware attacks in Bahrain decreased in the first half (H1) of 2021, compared to H1 2020, 36.8% of the 523 attacks targeted corporate users, said global IT security solutions provider Kaspersky.



As local businesses have continued to adjust to remote work scenarios and the rest of the circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, we have continued to witness cybercriminals using this to their advantage, exploiting the situation however they can. When considering such statistics, we believe it is evident that cybercriminals are more commonly targeting unsuspecting corporate users in Bahrain as a way to compromise corporate systems, said Oleg Kupreev, security researcher at Kaspersky at Kaspersky.



Simply put, organisations in the Bahrain have become susceptible to financial malware as more employees work outside the relative safety of the corporate network. The normalisation of a distributed workforce makes ensuring the protection of the personal endpoint devices of people, who need to access back-end systems to continue performing their job functions, that much more critical. In addition to securing these devices, cybersecurity training of employees remains a key component to defend against the growing scourge of financial malware that uses phishing techniques to target individual users.



Kupreev added: It is especially financial phishing that has become one of the most popular tools used by cybercriminals to make money. It does not require much investment or technical expertise from a hacker and can be propagated quickly. In most cases, successful scammers win access either to the victims money or data that can be sold or otherwise monetised.



For any business this points to how important it is to address one of the weakest links in the cybersecurity chain  that of the individual user. It also signifies the importance of remaining vigilant from a cybersecurity perspective, especially during difficult operating conditions.



Some of the best practices that must be employed include having employees only install applications from reliable sources, such as official app stores. Even so, they must always examine the permissions the application requests. If these permissions do not match the intended function of the programme, then it must be questioned and brought to the attention of the IT administrator.



Companies and consumers alike must also install trusted security solutions such as Kaspersky Security Cloud on all devices connecting to the Internet, to help safeguard against a range of financial cyber threats. And throughout this, it remains important to ensure all software have the latest security patches and updates installed.



Beyond the fundamental cybersecurity solutions and training, companies must also consider using the likes of anti-advanced persistent threat (APT) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) technologies to further shore up the defensive posture of their network environment.



With the landscape unlikely to change for the foreseeable future, it is best to combine sophisticated cybersecurity solutions with continuously evolving training to keep employees appraised of the latest threats especially when it comes to financial malware, concluded Kupreev.  TradeArabia News Service
Toyota Motor Corporation and Community Jameel recently completed the handover of eight brand-new vehicles to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Lebanon, underlining a shared commitment to supporting humanitarian causes in the region.

The vehicles were provided as part of a multifaceted collaboration announced in March that leverages the three partners diverse but complementary resources and expertise in response to global challenges, said a statement.

The gift of the eight Toyota vehicles, which will be used to support the IRCs team of humanitarian aid workers in Lebanon, strengthens their mission to support refugees and vulnerable communities in the country. The IRC has been working in Lebanon since 2012, providing emergency aid, education, and protection to refugees, in addition to emergency economic assistance to those affected by the 2020 explosion in Beirut.

The donation reflects Toyotas dedication to creating a positive impact and contributing to the UNs Sustainable Development Goals through its activities by always putting people first at the heart of its mission, it said.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda stated last year that, regardless of their actual contents, when Toyota vehicles are used in humanitarian efforts across the globe they are carrying kokoro (heart). His comments came as he recalled the powerful emotions he encountered as he travelled to the disaster-stricken area of Tohoku following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.

Toyoda said: I have never felt as strongly as I did then that a car is also a vehicle for conveying emotions. I want to keep that experience with me for the rest of my life. This experience inspired the launch of Toyotas Kokoro Hakobu Project, an initiative originally intended to support the areas affected by the earthquake that has since been extended to encompass Toyotas activities aimed at helping people recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yumi Otsuka, Operating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: At Toyota, we remain fully committed to Producing Happiness for All and Creating Mobility for All, ensuring that no one is left behind. We are humbled to be in a position to work hand-in-hand with our partners at Community Jameel to support the IRCs humanitarian efforts in the region in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as address the long-term impacts of the disaster that took place in Beirut last August, which displaced thousands of people. We will continue to seek out innovative ways of contributing to the UNs SDGs by diversifying our solutions to accommodate the needs of communities around the world and be the best in town.

George Richards, Director of Community Jameel, commented: "We are proud to be a part of this unique collaboration, which sees three very different organizations join hands to leverage our resources and collective expertise in support of the local community. Through the deployment of Toyotas vehicles, responders can get to where they need to be, faster. Together, we are enhancing mobility to meet the evolving needs of the people of Lebanon, many of whom continue to face a public health emergency. We look forward to working closely with Toyota and the IRC to help build a better future.

Matias Meier, Country Director for the IRC in Lebanon, said: "One year on from the Beirut explosion that displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes, the needs of vulnerable communities remain dire. Weakened health facilities are still struggling from the impact of Covid-19 and the economy is still under collapse, with one million people living under the poverty line. Lebanon urgently needs support from the international community more than ever, and this partnership with Community Jameel and Toyota comes at a crucial moment. The contribution of these vehicles will have a direct and tangible impact on our teams operations and their mission to reach the people of Lebanon with life-saving services."

The exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Lebanon, Boustany United Machineries Company (BUMC), will serve as the on-the-ground service provider for the eight vehicles as they are put to use across Lebanon in support of the IRCs humanitarian programmes. TradeArabia News Service
Hyundai Motor Group Honorary Chairman, Mong-Koo Chung, has been officially inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame at the 2020/2021 Induction and Awards Ceremony.

The industrys top honour was presented to the class of 2020 at a celebration held at the ICON Convention Center in Detroit on July 22.

The induction ceremony was attended by Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung, who participated in Chungs place. Chairman Chung received the induction trophy and made a speech on behalf of his father.

Honorary Chairman Chung grew Hyundai Motor group into the worlds fifth largest automaker from its humble beginning. If my father were here, he would say he owes this honor to our employees, dealers and fantastic customers, said Euisun Chung.

My father continued the legacy of my grandfather Ju-yung Chung, who founded Hyundai. He expanded the Groups presence globally and continued to pursue excellence in quality. He made the Group something that employees and customers can all be proud of.

Chairman Chung also did not forget to mention his vision for the future.

As Hyundai embraces the challenges and the opportunities of the 21st century, we will continue to strive for excellence, challenge convention and lead the evolution of smart mobility. We will realise progress for humanity, said the Chairman.

According to the Automotive Hall of Fame, Hyundai Motor Groups success owes much to Honorary Chairman Chung, and his legacy is on par with other legends of the industry who have launched and guided automotive firms to global growth and renown. Through his leadership, Hyundai Motor Group became the worlds fifth-largest automotive group.

The Automotive Hall of Fame also took note of Chungs many accomplishments, including:

Acquiring Kia Motors Corporation into Hyundai Motor Group;

Spearheading the Groups growth with new plants in key regions, including United States, Europe, China, India, Brazil and Russia; and

Creating a highly efficient, vertically integrated business structure that produces everything from steel to vehicles.

The Automotive Hall of Fame was established in 1939 to honor notable business leaders who have contributed significantly to the advancement of the automotive industry and mobility. Chung becomes the first Korean to receive this honor, which was first announced in February 2020. The Automotive Hall of Fame previously honored Chung with its Distinguished Service Citation Award in 2001.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this years Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony celebrated the inductees for the years 2020 and 2021. Inductees announced in 2020 include Thomas Gallagher, former CEO of Genuine Parts Company; Jay Leno, automotive heritage leadership through his Jay Lenos Garage series on CNBC; and Helene Rother, one of the first women in automotive interior design for General Motors, Nash Motors. The class of 2020 also included Mobility Innovator Awardee Harold Goddijn, CEO and co-founder of TomTom technologies.

Inductees announced in 2021 include CR Patterson and Frederick Patterson, leaders of the USs first and only African American owned auto manufacturer; and Charlie Wiggins, a barrier-breaking motorsports racer and engineer.

During the Induction ceremony, a tribute video was played to show the Honorary Chairmans accomplishments and contributions to the automotive industry. In the meantime, NEXO and IONIQ 5 were on display to demonstrate Chungs contribution to spearheading the industrys efforts to advance hydrogen fuel cell technology and electrification.

The day before the induction ceremony, an engraving of Chairman Chungs signature was placed on permanent display at the Automotive Hall of Fame along with the signatures of the other inductees.

Mong-Koo Chung, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, championed the development of the Korean economy and the automotive industry while also growing Hyundai Motor Group into one of the top five automotive groups globally  achieved in an historically short period of time for the sector.

Chung led the acquisition of Kia Corporation and turned it into a profitable company within the first year of acquisition. With his passion for quality and a determination to foster its own R&D capabilities, he created Koreas first and only automotive group while simultaneously growing the auto parts and materials industries.

Honorary Chairman Chung often emphasised that the best quality is a virtue that cannot be compromised. Through his continued focus on quality, Hyundai and Kia vehicles now receive favorable reviews from global quality assessment agencies around the globe. The 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty implemented in the US market in 1998, one of Chungs initiatives, laid the foundation for Hyundai to grow into a global powerhouse.

Despite concerns over large-scale investment, Chung spearheaded global expansion of the Groups production capabilities and R&D network. Under his leadership, Groups production facilities expanded its presence across the world including the US, Europe, China, Russia, Brazil and Mexico, creating a system for rapid growth and endurance. A global network of production and R&D gave Hyundai Motor Group a competitive edge that allowed it to survive through numerous global economic crises.

He also helped to develop Koreas materials industry by building an integrated steel mill that maximised synergy across the Group, and created the world's first resource-circulating business structure, presenting a new ideal for sustainable management.

Honorary Chairman Chung recognised the potential in hydrogen energy and encouraged the development of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles ahead of other manufacturers, allowing the company to introduce the worlds first mass-production hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in 2013.

His innovative leadership and business philosophy has been recognised and celebrated through various awards over the years, including Korea Management Associations CEO of the Year Award (1996), Business Weeks Auto CEO of the Year (2004), Automotive News Top Automotive CEO in Asia (2005), Van Fleet Award (2009), and inclusion in Harvard Business Reviews CEO 100.-- TradeArabia News Service
UW Student from Worland Invited to View Launch of Capsule Headed to International Space Station

Aaron Vigil

University of Wyoming student Aaron Vigil, of Worland, is among 50 NASA interns scheduled to watch the live launch of the Boeing Starliner Friday, July 30, as part of an unmanned flight to the International Space Station. Liftoff is at 2:53 p.m. EDT -- from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The Boeing CST-100 Starliner is a reusable crew capsule that will transport NASA flight crews to the orbiting space station and other low-Earth orbit destinations. Boeing manufactures it for its participation in NASAs Commercial Crew Program.

This summer, Vigil, an incoming UW junior in mechanical engineering, is completing a virtual NASA internship -- that began June 7 and will conclude Aug. 14 -- with Goddard Space Flight Center, located in Greenbelt, Md., outside of Washington, D.C. The Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium at UW sponsors Vigils internship.

This is the second unmanned test of the Starliner capsule that will focus on if the system can safely carry astronauts to and from the space station, according to NASA.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that I am greatly looking forward to, says Vigil, a 2019 Worland High School graduate, and the son of Delilah and Albert Vigil.

The launch event ends NASAs intern celebration week and is a chance for the agency to show others the opportunities NASA has to offer. In addition to the launch, Vigil will meet with NASA Head Administrator Bill Nelson, a former U.S. senator from Florida.

It truly is an honor to be able to attend, and I look forward to proudly representing my hometown and state at the launch, Vigil says.

Vigil is finishing his internship virtually this summer in Worland. His internship focuses on the 3D modeling and rendering of early spacecraft, and helps to preserve many of the first spacecraft to leave Earths orbit. He says the software he has been using for his NASA project is more artistic but is similar to software he uses for his UW engineering projects.

My specific task was to model the Soviet-era Mars 2 and 3 landers using software known as Blender. The models and images I create will then be used to archive the spacecraft for future reference and educational usage, he says. This summer, I have seen an incredible growth in my software-created modeling abilities, which will translate well to my work in the engineering field.

Vigils internship will culminate with the presentation of his work at various NASA intern events. The events will showcase the work completed over the summer and will be presented to the Goddard Space Flight Center mentors and faculty members. Presentations will be virtual and open to the public.

Vigil adds that being able to attend the launch event shows that, at UW, anything is possible for all students.

At my roots, I am a small-town Wyoming kid who had a dream to explore the stars. The University of Wyoming offered me the chance to affordably pursue a degree in a field that would allow me the opportunity to live out my dream. It is something not many schools can offer, he says.

He adds that many UW mentors have helped him achieve his goals and are willing to help all students, regardless of their professional aspirations.

It was through these connections that I was able to find out about the opportunity to intern at NASA. Without the University of Wyoming, I would not be where I am today, Vigil says. It think it is important for all students, especially those across the state of Wyoming, to understand that anything is possible at UW. The opportunities are there, and people are willing to help.

Vigil hopes to further his education, setting his sights on earning an aerospace engineering doctoral degree.

My hope would be to one day work in the field of aerospace and aid in the human exploration of the solar system and beyond, he adds. It has always been a dream of mine to be a part of the next generation to explore the stars, and I believe I am now closer to that goal than ever.
UW in the News

State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent coverage:

The New Yorker featured the life of Lora Webb Nichols, who photographed life in Encampment from 1899 until her death in 1962. Nichols collection of 24,000 negatives -- documenting life in her small Wyoming town in Carbon County -- is housed in UWs American Heritage Center.

KUNR, a public radio station in Reno, Nev., published a Mountain West News Bureau story in which UW Professor Charles Mason discussed the U.S. Energy and Employment Jobs Report that came out last week. The report shows an overall decline in energy jobs around the nation.

UWs Arabic and Middle East Studies Program recently received a nearly $500,000 U.S. Department of Defense grant for UW and regional ROTC students to study Arabic in Jordan. The Casper Star-Tribune (CS-T) noted that Project Global Officer will pay students tuition and fees for a prerequisite course in the spring semester at UW and then cover the costs of a 10-week summer program in Jordan. Wyoming News Now and Laramie Live published UWs release.

Carbon Brief published an article on a new study that found it is very likely that the way clouds change -- as the world warms -- would drive further temperature rise. UW Assistant Professor Daniel McCoy said, in the article, that the studys findings are crucial and have important implications on how the planet will look in coming decades.

Members of UW Extensions Communications and Technology team recently received several national awards during the recent virtual Association for Communication Excellence conference. Sheridan Media published UWs release on the list of awards.

The CS-T reported that the Wyoming Legislatures Joint Education Committee will draft a bill to increase Hathaway Scholarship awards by 5 percent. The merit-based scholarship is for Wyoming high school graduates to attend UW or any of the states community colleges.

Jeff French, a UW atmospheric science assistant professor, was quoted in a Daily Star article about the United Arab Emirates government using drones that will give clouds electric shocks to encourage rainfall. Testing is taking place in the skies above Dubai. Temperatures have reached over 120 F this summer in the UAE.

Canadian Science Publishing interviewed Bethann Garramon Merkle, a UW assistant professor of practice, to discuss her work in communicating science and how researchers can be more creative with how they communicate their work. Garramon Merkle is the director of the Wyoming Science Communication Initiative at UW.

Chip Kobulnicky, a UW professor of physics and astronomy, spoke with Wyoming Public Media about the recent Teton STEM Academy for high school students that was held on the UW campus.

The CS-T noted that UW is among sponsors of next months WYO BIO Innovation Summit in Casper. The biosciences innovation summit will help catalyze connections between medical inventors or innovators and investors.

UW rising sophomores are invited to participate in the Cowboy Comeback, an event designed to recreate the excitement and anticipation of the first-time college experience. Last years freshmen missed a traditional college experience because of the pandemic. Sheridan Media published UWs release on the program.

The Grand Teton Music Festival, featuring a wide array of musicians performing at the world-class event, returned earlier this month after the pandemic canceled last summers festival. Among the invited guests for the festival, which runs July 2-Aug. 21, was UW music Professor Michael Griffith, who was selected to give preconcert lectures at the festival. UWs director of orchestral activities discussed the music that the audience heard during selected concerts, which included the world premiere of Melody Eotvos The Deciding Machine; the Dvorak Cello Concerto; and the Mussorgsky/Ravel piece Pictures at an Exhibition.

Two Sweetwater County students are among presenters for the 29th annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium today (Monday) on the UW campus. The Rocket Miner published UWs announcement.


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From July 12 to 16, 2021, the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) held a meeting of its Nomenclature and Tariff Committee in Douala, Cameroon, as part of its ongoing work to prepare for the implementation of the 2022 version of the Harmonized System (HS). This meeting, which was a follow-up to the initial work undertaken over the past 18 months, was organized in close cooperation with the WCO, within the framework of the EU-WCO Programme for Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme) funded by the European Union.

The meeting brought together tariff experts from Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad and the Central African Republic, as well as the Secretariats of the CEMAC and the Economic Community of the States of the Central Africa (ECCAS) and a representative of the WCO.

It was opened by Mr Michel NIAMA, Commissioner in charge of the Common Market Department, representing the CEMAC Commission who underlined the importance of the migration from the CEMAC Tariff to the HS 2022 in order to respect continental and regional commitments.

During the meeting, the experts reviewed the draft CEMAC Tariff to ensure that it incorporates all the amendments contained in the respective WCO Recommendations. The Committee concluded the meeting by provisionally adopting a draft CET based on the HS 2022 and giving discharge to the Cameroon team to carry out final proofreading before transmitting the CET to the publishing house for printing.

The CEMAC Commission will continue its cooperation with the WCO under the HS-Africa Programme to ensure the timely and coordinated implementation of the HS 2022 amendments.

For more details, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.
Fort Polk, LA (71446)

Today

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Hotel Metropolitan Among Federal Grant Recipients

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Two historic sites in western Kentucky will soon receive federal grant money for improvements.Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet announced the Kentucky historic preservation projects will receive $150,000 in federal funding to help preserve African American history in the commonwealth. Among them are Paducah's Hotel Metropolitan and Cherokee State Park in Hardin.The Hotel Metropolitan will use the grant money to restore its Purple Room, which was used as an after-hours gathering space for musicians traveling on the "Chitlin' Circuit." Built and opened by Maggie Steed in 1909, the hotel served Black travelers at a time when lodging was segregated, and it was later listed in the Green Book. The hotel hosted notables such as musicians Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.Cherokee State Park was the first segregated state park and recreational site for Black Americans in the South. Established in 1951, it operated until 1964, and was abandoned until 2002. Today the park is used for weddings and other recreational activities. Its funding will be used for interpretative signage and programming to tell its story."These grants further support the preservation of these irreplaceable historic resources that help identify and tell the stories of African Americans in Kentucky," Beshear said. "Kentucky is so heavily represented in this year's grant pool, and that speaks to the hard work of volunteers, non-profits, community advocates and state agencies that are dedicated to ensuring these important places are represented in our history."The announcement was made by Action Fund Executive Director Brent Leggs, a Paducah native, who got his start in historic preservation working for the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office."The recipients of this funding exemplify centuries of African American resilience, activism, and achievement. Some of their stories are known, and some are yet untold. Together they help document the true, complex history of our nation," Leggs said. "By preserving these places and telling their stories, preservationists can help craft a more accurate American identity and inspire a commitment to justice."
Rand Paul Talks COVID-19 Delta Variant

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - U.S. Senator Rand Paul was a guest on the Greg Dunker Show Monday to discuss the Delta variant of COVID-19.Although the Delta variant appears to be more contagious, Paul said it doesn't seem to be as deadly. However, he still encourages at-risk groups to get vaccinated."If you're over 65, I think the vaccine is worth taking and has less side effects than the disease. The disease is much more dangerous than the vaccine over 65. The same probably goes if you're 40 and overweight." Paul continued, "The good news is that it looks like the hospitalization and death rate are much less for this variant."Paul said if you add together the number of people who have already had the virus with those vaccinated, he believes we're getting to a point in most areas where the virus has slowed down considerably.When asked if he thought the virus would have lasted as long as it has, Paul said he figured we would probably go through a couple of waves of it and then develop immunity. Although some people championed "slowing the curve" to prevent the virus from hitting all at once, Paul thinks in stretching the pandemic out, we may have given the virus the time it needs to evolve into multiple variants."It's hard to predict exactly what would have been the best approach. If you look at Sweden, people criticize Sweden, but they don't wear masks and don't even have a high vaccine rate, yet they had zero deaths last week. So they're getting to a point where they really have developed immunity," he said.Paul believes we should have handled the virus by focusing on protecting the vulnerable populations first, such as those 65 and older and anyone over 40 and overweight."Those who are over 65 are most vulnerable. They're 80 percent of the deaths. Those that are over 40 and overweight comprise of another significant portion." Paul said, "You get up to most of the deaths if you do two of those groups and protect those two groups."You can listen to the entire interview below.
Woman's Remains Found in Southern IL Woods

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MARION, IL - Marion, Illinois police found the remains of a deceased female in the woods on Friday.The body was found north of Peabody Road in Marion. The woman was believed to have been living in the wooded area.Members of the investigations unit and the Williamson County Coroners Office responded to the scene. Due to the condition of the remains, the woman has not yet been identified.Anyone with information is asked to contact the Marion Police Department at 618-993-2124 EXT. 1206.
Car-Motorcycle Collision Injures Wingo Man

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MURRAY - A crash Monday morning near Murray injured a motorcyclist.The Calloway County Sheriff's Department responded to KY 94 and Crossland Road and a motorcycle off the road and a car in the road.Deputies said Lucy Paschall failed to yield as she started to turn onto US 641. Her car collided with a motorcycle ridden by Joseph Dublin of Wingo.Dublin was taken to Murray-Calloway County Hospital for treatment of injuries.
Emergency Road Aid Awarded to Caldwell County

By West Kentucky Star Staff

CALDWELL COUNTY - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced today that the Caldwell County Fiscal Court will receive $35,280 in County Road Aid emergency funds for repair of flood damage on parts of nine county routes.The repairs will make travel safer for drivers, pedestrians, school buses and other vehicles that rely on the damaged roadways."The Transportation Cabinet is pleased to approve this request for funding to provide assistance to Caldwell County to repair and maintain safe connections in the community," said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray.The repairs will be at various places on these roads: Bobby Gill Road, Calvert Road, Coleman Crider Road, Crider Dulaney Road, Eureka Road, Henry Phelps Road, Sugar Creek Road, Union Grove School Road and West White Sulphur Road.The Caldwell County Fiscal Court is responsible for administering the work.
KY Ag Commissioner Attends Hickman Event

By West Kentucky Star Staff

HICKMAN - Kentuckys Commissioner of Agriculture took part in the WAVE Ag Day celebration held in downtown Hickman on Thursday.KYTN reports that Commissioner Ryan Quarles was one of the days invited speakers.The event was held to recognize the economic impact of agriculture in the four river counties of Fulton, Hickman, Carlisle, and Ballard.Commissioner Quarles spoke about the need for a true infrastructure bill, high speed internet service for rural Kentuckians, and the need for support of Kentucky farms and the products that they produce.He also said that much of his time is taken opposing activists that stand against the farming industry.
Man Arrested in Mayfield on Warrants, Drug Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GRAVES COUNTY - A man wanted on numerous warrants was arrested Friday afternoon in Mayfield.Graves County deputies were notified by the Ballard County Sheriff's Office on Friday that a man wanted on numerous warrants may be in Mayfield.A short time later, deputies reportedly saw 32-year-old Joshua McClain pulling into a Mayfield gas station.Deputies say a search uncovered cocaine and drug paraphernalia in his pockets.McClain was arrested and served with six warrants out of Ballard and Carlisle Counties, charging him with probation violations, theft by unlawful taking over $500, and persistent felony offender. He was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.He was taken to the Graves County Jail.
Rep. Richard Heath's Legislative Update

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MAYFIELD -By Representative Richard HeathThere is no escaping the opioid epidemic. It knows no boundaries and I am hard pressed to find anyone who does not know someone struggling with an addiction to an opioid. We were making gains, until the COVID-19 pandemic and state governments shutdown left users isolated, lonely, and craving a crutch to get them through the stressful time. As a result, we saw drug overdose deaths increase by more than 50 percent last year. These were mothers, fathers, children, parents, and friends.It is easy to question how someone could become addicted in this day and age. We know drug abuse is bad. After all, billions of dollars have been spent educating and advocating for children and adults to just say no. Yet, addicts are created every day. Unfortunately, one of the greatest contributing factors is that some companies have used predatory practices to market and sell these highly addictive drugs  specifically opioids  despite knowing the dangers and laws prohibiting them. As a result, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers by state and local governments in courts across the nation. Last week, we learned that three major distributors and one manufacturer have reached an agreement that may resolve many of these lawsuits. While states have 30 days to review the terms of the proposed settlement and sign on, it has the potential to provide critical resources to address the scourge of addiction.According to the terms of this agreement, the four entities could pay a total of $26 billion to governments. The three distributors would pay up to $21 billion over 18 years. The manufacturer would have nine years to pay up to $5 billion. The formula used to determine each states portion of the settlement includes several factors, like the number of deaths, the number of residents with a substance use disorder related to opioid use, and the number of opioids prescribed. The bottom line for our state, Kentucky could receive $460 million.While there is still some uncertainty surrounding this settlement, we do know how any settlement money would be allocated. This session we worked with Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and county and city representatives to craft and pass HB 427. The bill ensures that the settlement monies from any litigation against opioid manufacturers or distributors is used to benefit those most harmed by their practices. It calls for half the proceeds to go to the state and half to localities, and requires the money be used to combat the opioid epidemic.I want to add that the settlement agreement goes farther than penalizing these companies. It requires significant changes in how they do business. They will begin reporting data about where and how often drugs are being shipped to a centralized clearinghouse  this should help identify and eliminate problems. The settlement also prohibits shipping of suspicious opioid orders and requires they be reported to authorities. In addition, the opioid manufacturer must stop selling opioids and share clinical trial data with an open data access project. The manufacturer is also prohibited from funding grants that promote opioids and lobbying on activities that relate to opioids.As you can see, this is a significant victory in the war for our peoples mental and physical health. It is not over, but we have made a big gain. I want to recognize Attorney General Daniel Cameron for the work he and his office have done to secure this settlement. They have been aggressive and committed the resources necessary to represent our state.Now, lets be clear  this money will not bring back those who have died. It provides little comfort to the child who lost his mother, or the parent who lost their child. However, it provides us with an opportunity to prevent future pain and anguish.As always, I can be reached here at home anytime, or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. Feel free to contact me via email at Richard.Heath@lrc.ky.gov. If you would like more information visit the LRC website www.legislature.ky.gov.
Teen Drowns at Kentucky Lake Old Beach Area

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GILBERTSVILLE - A Paducah teenager drowned on Kentucky Lake Sunday morning in Marshall County.The drowning occurred near the Kentucky Lake Convention Center and the Old Beach area of Kentucky Dam Marina.Reports said a 17-year-old male failed to resurface while in the water, and a sonar search later located the victim.The victims name was not released.The incident will be investigated by the Marshall County Coroners Office and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.An autopsy is scheduled to take place Monday at the Western Kentucky Regional Medical Examiners Office in Madisonville.
5 More Counties Transfer Driver License Services

By West Kentucky Star Staff

WESTERN KENTUCKY - A new era of driver licensing services has begun in 5 more western Kentucky counties this week.Now in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman and Livingston counties, the traditional trip to the local Office of the Circuit Court Clerk is being replaced with a visit to a secure, specialized Driver Licensing Regional Office operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each of those counties ceased in-person driver licensing services, and licensing services will instead be performed at KYTC's regional offices moving forward. With the July transition, one-third of Kentucky's 120 counties will have made the transfer of services.Residents of counties making the transition may renew or apply for a REAL ID or new standard card version of driver licenses, permits, CDLs and ID cards at any KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office.Regional offices in western Kentucky  the only places to get a REAL ID  are operating in Paducah, Madisonville, Owensboro, Bowling Green, and Elizabethtown.Other western Kentucky counties that have already transferred services to regional offices include Caldwell, Hopkins and McCracken.In late August, Crittenden and Lyon counties will be next to make the transition.The phased county-by-county transition will be complete statewide by June of 2022.Customers are encouraged to make an appointment online at https://drive.ky.gov/driver-licensing/Pages/Regional-Offices-Map/aspx.During the transition, KYTC has launched online renewal of driver's and motorcycle licenses. The service is not available to anyone whose name or address has changed, or who requires testing by the Kentucky State Police.Kentucky State Police administers all permit, driver and commercial driver license testing for the commonwealth. Testing services are offered Monday through Friday by appointment only.Applicants who require testing by KSP for a permit, driver license or commercial driver license may make an appointment online by visiting KSP's website, selecting written or road testing and then locating the schedule associated with their county of residence.
Two Face Drug Charges from Friday Arrests

By West Kentucky Star Staff

CALLOWAY COUNTY - Two people were arrested on drug charges Friday in Calloway County after separate investigations.A Calloway County Sheriff's Deputy pulled over a vehicle about 2:30 am in the New Concord area for a traffic offense, and spoke to 48-year-old Randall V. Carter of Paris, Tennessee. After a container of suspected methamphetamine was allegedly found, Carter was arrested for trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine).Another deputy responded about 6:30 am to a complaint about a strange vehicle on Sunset Drive in Almo. The deputy detained 45-year-old Stephanie Wecker of Hardin, and she was reportedly in possession of various drugs and paraphernalia. Wecker was also wanted on a Marshall County warrant for burglary. She was arrested on the warrant, and on charges of possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, along with not having a prescription in the proper container.Carter and Wecker were both taken to Calloway County Jail.
Senators Race to Seal Infrastructure Deal

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Senators are racing to seal a bipartisan infrastructure deal as soon as Monday, as pressure is mounting on all sides to show progress on President Joe Biden's top priority.Heading into a make-or-break week, key senators and staff spent the weekend trying to reach a final agreement. One major roadblock is how much money should go to public transit. But spending on highways, water projects, broadband and others areas remains unresolved, as is whether to take unspent COVID-19 relief funds to help pay for the infrastructure. Late Sunday, the Democrats and the White House sent a global offer to Republicans to close out the remaining issues, according to a Democratic aide close to the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them.The lead Republican negotiator, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, said the two sides were about 90% of the way there on an agreement.A top Democrat, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, said he was hopeful a final bill would be ready Monday afternoon  though others were not so sure.The week ahead is crucial. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has said he wants to pass the nearly $1 trillion bipartisan package as well as the blueprint for a larger $3.5 trillion budget plan before the Senate leaves for its August recess. He held a procedural vote last week to begin debate on the bipartisan framework, but all 50 Senate Republicans voted against it, saying they needed to see the full details of the plan.The White House wants a bipartisan agreement for this first phase, but as talks drag on anxious Democrats, who have slim control of the House and Senate, could leave Republicans behind and try to go it alone. If it fails, it could be wrapped into the broader package of Bidens priorities that Democrats are hoping to pass later.The bipartisan package includes about $600 billion in new spending on public works projects. Democrats want to see more of the money go toward boosting public transportation, which includes subways, light-rail lines and buses, in line with Bidens original infrastructure proposal and the push to address climate change.The bipartisan group originally appeared to be moving toward agreement on more money for transit. But Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, the top Republican on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which oversees public transit, raised questions. He cited, in part, previous COVID-19 federal relief money that had already been allocated to public transit.Nobodys talking about cutting transit, Toomey said Sunday. The question is, how many tens of billions of dollars on top of the huge increase that they have already gotten is sufficient? And thats where there is a little disagreement.Typically, spending from the federal Highway Trust Fund has followed the traditional formula of 80% for highways and 20% for transit. Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Tom Carper of Delaware say they will oppose the deal if transit funding falls below that.The White House has declined to say whether Biden would push for the additional funding for transit.Transit funding is obviously extremely important to the president  the Amtrak President, as we may call him, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday. But we believe that members can get this work done and can work through these issues quite quickly.The final package would need the support of 60 senators in the evenly split 50-50 Senate to advance past a filibuster  meaning at least 10 Republicans along with every Democratic member. Last weeks test vote failed along party lines.The aide said there are other remaining issues still unresolved around how to pay for it. For instance, details on broadband funding, as well as whether to tap into the leftover COVID relief funds previously passed by Congress, continue to be discussed, the aide said.Democrats are seeking a compromise to pay for the package after they rejected a hike in the gas tax drivers pay at the pump and Republicans dashed a plan to boost the IRS to go after tax scofflaws.Three rounds totaling nearly $70 billion in federal COVID-19 emergency assistance, including $30.5 billion that Biden signed into law in March, pulled transit agencies from the brink of financial collapse as riders steered clear of crowded spaces on subway cars and buses. That federal aid is expected to cover operating deficits from declining passenger revenue and costly COVID-19 cleaning and safety protocols through at least 2022.But Democrats and public transit advocates see expanded public transit systems as key to easing traffic congestion, combating climate change and curbing car pollution.Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, recently sent a letter with 30 Democrats on the panel warning that the Senate proposal was inadequate and that any deal should incorporate the House-passed $715 billion infrastructure bill, which includes more money for rail and transit.The historical share for public transit from the Highway Trust Fund is 20%, Paul Skoutelas, president of the American Public Transportation Association, said Sunday. It is the absolute minimum acceptable level to help sustain our nations public transportation systems. It is imperative that we make robust, forward looking investments to modernize and expand public transit that will assist in our economic recovery from the COVID pandemic and get Americans back to work.Portman appeared on ABCs This Week, Toomey was on CNNs State of the Union and Warner spoke on Fox News Sunday.
Beshear Recommends Masks for New School Year

By West Kentucky Star Staff

FRANKFORT - Governor Beshear shared new masking recommendations for K-12 schools on Monday.The governor recommended that all districts require unvaccinated students and adults wear masks while indoors. He also wants districts to require all students under 12 to wear masks.The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Jason Glass and Kentucky Board of Education Chair Lu Young.They agreed that the delta variant spreads quickly and aggressively among unvaccinated people of all ages, and without mitigation efforts, the virus will spread through unvaccinated classrooms, resulting in large, frequent quarantines of students and staff.Beshear also said that districts who want to optimize safety should require all students and adults to wear a mask while indoors.Commissioner Glass said those working in our schools know that to do to keep in-person learning going and to do so safely.Dr. Stack also said the state has been given $134 million by the federal government to create a testing program for K-12 schools, public and private, throughout the entire commonwealth.Testing will be limited to staff and students of Kentucky K-12 public, private and charter schools and includes school district employees and staff (contracted or otherwise), such as bus drivers, maintenance, office staff or as determined by the school administrator.The K-12 School COVID-19 Testing Program will operate the entire 2021-22 academic year.Participation in the school-based COVID-19 screening testing program is voluntary and at no-cost.- Number of people who have received at least one vaccine dose in Kentucky: 2,278,834.- Number of unique individuals who have received a vaccine dose in the past day: 17,513- New Cases: 783Positivity Rate: 7.89%Current Hospitalizations: 486Current Intensive Care Admittances: 159Currently on Ventilators: 71
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-25 23:57:20|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on July 25, 2021 shows tourists walk on East Nanjing Road in Shanghai, east China as Typhoon In-Fa lashes the city. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

HANGZHOU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Typhoon In-Fa made landfall in east China's Zhejiang Province at noon on Sunday, packing winds of up to 38 meters per second at its center, according to the provincial flood control headquarters.

The typhoon -- the sixth of this year -- hit land in Putuo District, Zhoushan City, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the headquarters said.

Weather authorities have forecast the typhoon will make a second landfall in coastal areas between Zhejiang's Jiaxing City and Jiangsu Province's Qidong City on Sunday night.

It is expected to linger in east China after its second landfall and bring continued strong rainstorms to the Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, and Shanghai.

The typhoon started to wreak havoc in Zhejiang on Saturday, bringing heavy downpours, strong gales and floods. More than 6 km of roads in Zhoushan have been inundated by seawater.

The Zhejiang provincial flood control headquarters upgraded its emergency response for Typhoon In-Fa to the highest level, Level I, at Saturday noon. As of Sunday noon, about 17,000 fishing vessels had returned to ports for shelter, and over 1.5 million people across the province had been evacuated to safe places.

Zhejiang has opened more than 12,000 temporary shelter facilities to the public.

In the neighboring megacity of Shanghai, Typhoon In-Fa had felled over 1,000 trees and caused waterlogging in several places as of Sunday noon.

More than 2,000 rescue teams in the city are on stand-by.

The Shanghai metro at Sunday noon announced the suspension of services on several lines. As of 1:30 p.m. Sunday, a total of five metro lines, Line 3, Line 5, Line 16, Line 17, the Pujiang Line, and Shanghai's Maglev Line, suspended operations.

All inbound and outbound flights at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport were canceled on Sunday.

All inbound high-speed trains for Shanghai's railway stations will be canceled starting from 7 p.m. Sunday, according to railway authorities.

As of 2 p.m. Sunday, nearly 130 tourists spots in Shanghai, including the Shanghai Disney Resort, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, had closed over safety concerns.

About 360,000 people in Shanghai have been evacuated, and more than 1,700 vessels have returned to ports, the municipal flood control headquarters said. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 00:18:58|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese leader Xi Jinping has stressed fully implementing the guidelines of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for governing Tibet in a new era and writing a new chapter of lasting stability and high-quality development for the plateau region. #GLOBALink

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 05:59:32|Editor: huaxia

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JERUSALEM, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military confirmed on Sunday it struck a military base of the Islamic Resistence Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip, hours after arson balloons were launched into southern Israel.

An Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement that Israeli war jets attacked a Hamas base which contained "infrastructure and means used for terror activity."

The base was located near civilian sites, including a school, the spokesperson said.

"The strikes were made in response to the arson balloons fired toward Israeli territory," the statement read.

Israel's Fire Department said in a statement that the balloons, which were attached with incendiary materials, sparked three fires in southern Israel, causing no injuries.

The Israeli military warned it will "continue to respond firmly against terror attempts from the Gaza Strip."

Also on Sunday, Israel reduced the allowed Gaza offshore fishing zone from 12 nautical miles to six.

The latest violence came amid the Egyptian-brokered efforts to establish a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which clashed for 11 days from May 10-21, during which 256 Palestinians in Gaza and 13 people in Israel were killed.

The Gaza Strip has been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007, when the Hamas took over control of the coastal enclave. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 08:16:32|Editor: huaxia

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SAN FRANCISCO -- Early Sunday shootings in U.S. Seattle left three people dead and five others injured, according to the city police.

In three hours on Sunday morning, three people were killed and five were wounded in a series of unrelated shootings in the city, Seattle police tweeted. (US-Seattle-Shooting)

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LISBON -- Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said on Sunday that the country's economic recovery after the pandemic crisis will be done "with an eye to the future."

"For this reason, the two great engines of this recovery are to face two major challenges that lie ahead -- the climate transition and the digital transition," he said in a speech in the city of Coimbra, central Portugal. (Portugal-Coronavirus-Recovery)

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JERUSALEM -- Israel's military confirmed on Sunday it struck a military base of the Islamic Resistence Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip, hours after arson balloons were launched into southern Israel.

An Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement that Israeli war jets attacked a Hamas base which contained "infrastructure and means used for terror activity." (Israel-Gaza-Airstrikes)

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UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for leadership of the Group of 20 (G20) on global climate action.

"The world urgently needs a clear and unambiguous commitment to the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement from all G20 nations. There is no pathway to this goal without the leadership of the G20," he said in a statement on the G20 ministerial meeting on environment, climate and energy. (UN-Climate-G20) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 08:59:02|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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JAKARTA -- Indonesia will extend the COVID-19 restrictions for the next eight days to control the transmission of COVID-19, President Joko Widodo said on Sunday.

"By considering the aspects of health, economy and social dynamics, we decided to continue implementing the level 4 PPKM (public activity restrictions) from July 26 to Aug 2," Widodo said in a virtual press conference.

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HARARE -- Zimbabwe on Sunday received the sixth batch of COVID-19 vaccines from China as the southern African country ramps up its inoculation drive to tame the spread of COVID-19.

The latest delivery of Sinovac vaccines comes at a time when the country is scaling up its vaccination program in the wake of the third wave of infections that has pushed the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to over 3,000.

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TEHRAN -- Iran reported on Sunday 27,146 new COVID-19 cases, taking the country's total infections to 3,691,432.

The pandemic has so far claimed 88,800 lives in Iran, up by 268 in the past 24 hours, the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education said in a briefing published on the ministry's official website.

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HAVANA -- Cuba on Sunday reported a new daily record of COVID-19 infections and deaths, with 8,853 cases and 80 fatalities registered in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Public Health said.

The country has reported 332,968 total confirmed cases and 2,351 deaths so far. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 09:03:04|Editor: huaxia

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COTONOU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 57,886 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 nationwide in Benin, a health official said on Sunday.

About 30,669 people received Chinese Sinovac vaccines, while 27,087 others received AstraZeneca vaccines, Thierry Lawale, director of the national agency for basic health care, said at a press conference here in the economic capital Cotonou.

On March 29, Benin launched a nationwide immunization campaign against COVID-19 with AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX facility and Sinovac vaccines through its cooperation with China. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 10:53:31|Editor: huaxia

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TIANJIN, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The China-U.S. relationship is in a stalemate, fundamentally because some Americans portray China as an "imagined enemy," said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, urging the United States to change its highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy.

Xie made the remarks on Monday during talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who is on a visit to north China's port city of Tianjin from July 25 to 26.

For quite some time, when talking about conflict with China and challenges facing the United States, the "Pearl Harbor moment" and the "Sputnik moment" have been brought up by some Americans, Xie said.

Some international scholars, including some U.S. academics, perceive this as comparing China to Japan in the Second World War and the Soviet Union in the Cold War. It seems as if by making China an "imagined enemy," a national sense of purpose would be reignited in the United States. The hope may be that by demonizing China, the United States could somehow shift domestic public discontent over political, economic and social issues and blame China for its own structural problems, he said.

It seems that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down. It is as if when China's development is contained, all U.S. domestic and external challenges would go away, and America would become great again and Pax Americana would continue to go on, Xie said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 11:20:34|Editor: huaxia

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TIANJIN, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The United States is in no position to lecture China on democracy and human rights, said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, urging the United States to address its own human rights issues first.

Xie made the remarks on Monday during talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who is on a visit to north China's port city of Tianjin from July 25 to 26.

Xie pointed out that historically, the United States engaged in genocide against Native Americans. Presently, the United States has lost 620,000 lives because of its halting response to COVID-19. Internationally, the frequent U.S. military action and the wars caused by the United States lying about the facts have brought undue catastrophe to the world. "How can the United States portray itself as the world's spokesperson for democracy and human rights?"

Xie said that the U.S. side is in no position to lecture China on democracy and human rights. Without the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, an effective political system and a development path suited to China's circumstances, or if people on the street in China were all denied democracy, freedoms and human rights, how could it be possible for the Chinese people to ever generate such immense creativity and productivity? Without those, how could a super-sized country like China with over a billion people ever achieve the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and sustained social stability? And how could it be possible for the Chinese nation to make the great transformation from standing up to growing rich, and to becoming strong within just 100 years?

Western surveys have shown that over 90 percent of Chinese are satisfied with the government, which is quite remarkable for any country in the world, Xie added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 13:07:28|Editor: huaxia

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KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's lower house of parliament convened on Monday for a special session to hear the government's explanation on issues related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the current state of emergency declared in the country.

The five-day sitting is the first since the parliament was suspended following the declaration of a state of emergency on Jan. 12 to stop the COVID-19 outbreak.

The sitting will proceed without several members of parliament (MPs), two of whom have been infected with COVID-19, while several more are under quarantine. All MPs had been vaccinated prior to the sitting.

According to the parliamentary schedule, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will make a statement on the national recovery plan meant to guide the country out of the COVID-19 situation, which has seen a surge of fresh infections in recent weeks, with the total passing the 1 million mark on Sunday.

Besides Muhyiddin, Health Minister Adham Baba will give a statement on efforts to combat the pandemic and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also the coordinating minister for Malaysia's national COVID-19 immunization program, will elaborate on the national vaccination program.

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz will explain the various government economic aid packages while a statement on the implementation of the emergency order will be made by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, expected to be on the last day of the sitting.

After the presentation by the ministers, MPs will be given space to seek clarifications and give opinions. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 13:11:50|Editor: huaxia

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DHAKA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. attacking China over COVID-19 origin tracing is a manifestation of its habit of blaming others for harmful actions it itself is guilty of, a leading Bangladeshi foreign affairs analyst has said recently.

"This is not new and the U.S. is in the habit of blaming other countries for various reasons, while it itself is guilty of similar offences," Munshi Faiz Ahmad, former chairman of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, told Xinhua in an interview.

China's recent call on the international community to urge the United States to assist the transparent investigation of the origin of the coronavirus demonstrates China's "goodwill and positive intentions," he said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said last month the United States is in no position to blackmail or coerce China, nor does it have the right to represent the international community to attack and slander China over the coronavirus origin tracing.

Zhao also called on the international community to jointly urge the United States to provide support in the investigation and provide transparent data and channels.

"I think his remarks are quite apt," said Ahmad, also a former Bangladeshi ambassador to China.

The United States grabbed as many vaccines as possible without regard for its inoculation capacity, its actual needs or the needs of other countries, Ahmad added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 13:28:19|Editor: huaxia

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WELLINGTON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government has agreed to the managed return of a New Zealand citizen and her two young children from Turkey, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.

The three have been in immigration detention in Turkey since crossing the border from Syria earlier this year. The Turkish government identified the New Zealand citizen Suhayra Aden as a terrorist belonging to the Islamic State, and has requested that New Zealand repatriate the family.

"The safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders is paramount for the government," Ardern said in a statement, adding New Zealand has not taken this step lightly.

"We have taken into account our international responsibilities as well as the details of this particular case, including the fact that children are involved," she said, adding the woman was a dual New Zealand-Australian citizen until Australia revoked her citizenship.

"Unfortunately, Australia would not reverse the cancellation of citizenship," Ardern said.

"A number of other countries have managed the return of mothers and children from the region and this is the position we now find ourselves in," she said, adding in this case the welfare and best interests of the children has been a primary concern.

It has previously been made clear that any New Zealander who might be suspected of association with a terrorist group should expect to be investigated under New Zealand law, but that would be a matter for the Police, Ardern said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 14:03:50|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI -- India's COVID-19 tally rose to 31,411,262 on Monday as 39,361 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours across the country, showed the federal health ministry's latest data.

Besides, as many as 416 deaths due to the pandemic since Sunday morning took the total death toll to 420,967.(India-COVID-Tally)

- - - -

SYDNEY -- As Australia's Sydney entered its fifth week of lockdown without obvious drop in daily cases, the states of Victoria and South Australia are preparing to exit from lockdown by the mid-week.

In the 24 hours to 8:00 p.m. local time Sunday night, the state of New South Wales (NSW) with Sydney as capital, recorded 145 new locally acquired cases, with just 58 of the cases confirmed to be in isolation throughout their infectious period.(Australia-Lockdown)

- - - -

CANBERRA -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared he is "open" to providing further support for businesses amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns.

Morrison has recently repeated his support for lockdowns for more than half of the Australian population in the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, saying there was no other "alternative" to bring the Delta strain of COVID-19 under control.(Australia-PM-Businesses)

- - - -

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's lower house of parliament convened on Monday for a special session to hear the government's explanation on issues related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the current state of emergency declared in the country.

The five-day sitting is the first since the parliament was suspended following the declaration of a state of emergency on Jan. 12 to stop the COVID-19 outbreak.(Malaysia-Parliament-Special session)

- - - -

JAKARTA -- Indonesia will extend the COVID-19 restrictions for the next eight days to control the transmission of COVID-19, President Joko Widodo said on Sunday.

"By considering the aspects of health, economy and social dynamics, we decided to continue implementing the level 4 PPKM (public activity restrictions) from July 26 to Aug. 2," Widodo said in a virtual press conference.(Indonesia-Restrictions-Extension) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 14:54:18|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) responds to Latin America's current economic needs, said a professor at Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University.

Jorge Heine, also former Chilean ambassador to China, said in a research paper published last week that the BRI meets Latin America's needs "at a time when the region is undergoing its worst crisis in more than a century, and seems on the verge of a second 'lost decade' in forty years."

"This is a very different view from the neoliberal paradigm that has dominated the discussion on economic development in Latin America," said Heine.

He said, on the other hand, the approach embodied by the BRI "puts at its center the leveraging of infrastructure and connectivity, both physical and digital, as a way of triggering economic growth," which is in line with the development priorities of Latin America.

"Washington's policy on Latin American infrastructure is thus both short-sighted and counterproductive," Heine said, adding that "current U.S. policy on the subject, aimed at excluding the participation of Chinese companies from building Latin American infrastructure, has it exactly backwards." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 18:22:52|Editor: huaxia

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ACCRA -- The government of Ghana has committed a seed funding of 25 million U.S. dollars for the local production of COVID-19 vaccines, President Nana Akufo-Addo has said.

In his address to the nation late Sunday on measures taken against the spread of the virus, the president said local production of the vaccine became necessary following a global shortage in recent times. (Ghana-COVID-19-Vaccine)

- - - -

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's gross fixed capital formation, which measures investment, declined 14.5 percent year on year to 281.1 billion ringgit (about 66.53 billion U.S. dollars) in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest contraction recorded since the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis, official data showed Monday.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia said in a statement that the contraction was mainly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the investment of fixed assets for all economic activities. (Malaysia-Gross Fixed Capital)

- - - -

SINGAPORE -- The Singapore Economic Development Board announced on Monday that the country's manufacturing output grew 27.5 percent year on year in June, compared to the revised 27 percent increase in the previous month.

In the first half of 2021, Singapore's manufacturing output grew 14.5 percent year on year. (Singapore-Manufacturing Output)

- - - -

WELLINGTON -- New Zealand exports reached a new high in June 2021 as China continues to receive the largest share of New Zealand exports, the statistics department Stats NZ said on Monday.

In June 2021, China received 32 percent of New Zealand's total exports. China received 44 percent of New Zealand's dairy, 90 percent of logs, and 41 percent of meat, Stats NZ said. (New Zealand-China-Export) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 18:43:32|Editor: huaxia

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TIANJIN, July 26 (Xinhua) -- China has put forward two lists to the United States during the talks in Tianjin, one of which is the List of U.S. Wrongdoings that Must Stop and the other is the List of Key Individual Cases that China Has Concerns with, Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng said here Monday.

Xie made the remarks at a press briefing after talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who is on a visit to north China's port city of Tianjin from July 25 to 26.

In the List of U.S. Wrongdoings that Must Stop, China urged the United States to unconditionally revoke the visa restrictions over Communist Party of China (CPC) members and their families, revoke sanctions on Chinese leaders, officials and government agencies, and remove visa restrictions on Chinese students.

China also urged the United States to stop suppressing Chinese enterprises, stop harassing Chinese students, stop suppressing the Confucius Institutes, revoke the registration of Chinese media outlets as "foreign agents" or "foreign missions", and revoke the extradition request for Meng Wanzhou.

In another list, China expressed serious concerns to the United States on some key individual cases, including some Chinese students' visa applications being rejected, Chinese citizens receiving unfair treatment in the United States, Chinese diplomatic and consular missions being harassed and rammed into by perpetrators in the United States, growing anti-Asian and anti-China sentiment, and Chinese citizens suffering violent attacks.

China urged the United States to address those cases as soon as possible and earnestly respect and protect the legitimate interests of Chinese citizens and institutions in the United States. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 18:54:47|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has met with his visiting Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani over cooperation on diverse issues, Tasnim News Agency reported Monday.

During the meeting in the capital Tehran on Sunday, the two ministers discussed the relations between Iran and Qatar and "the most pressing" regional and international issues, Tasnim said, without providing the details of the meeting.

Al Thani's visit to Tehran came just days after his visit to Washington.

On Sunday, the Qatari foreign minister also met Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported.

"Iran has a special interest in its relations with Qatar, and the priority of foreign policy of the next government will be (promoting) relations with its neighbors," Raisi as quoted by IRNA as saying.

He emphasized regional cooperation to establish security and stability and dismissed any foreign interference in the regional affairs.

Congratulating Raisi on his election as the next Iranian president, Al Thani said Qatar seeks to cooperate and strengthen bilateral relations with Iran to ensure regional security. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 19:36:38|Editor: huaxia

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Tokyo 2020 Main Operations Centre Chief Nakamura Hidemasa (C) attends a press conference on COVID-19 countermeasures at the Main Press Center of Tokyo 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, July 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

-- Tokyo's cases exceed 1,000 for 7th consecutive day;

-- Malaysia's parliament convenes on COVID-19 situation, emergency;

-- COVID-19 restrictions extended in Indonesia, Nepal.

HONG KONG, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia-Pacific countries on Monday:

TOKYO -- Hosting the Olympics under the fourth COVID-19 state of emergency, Tokyo reported 1,429 new daily COVID-19 infections, exceeding the 1,000-mark for the seventh day in a row, local media reported.

Due to the recent resurgence of COVID-19 infections, the cumulative tally of cases in Tokyo has exceeded 200,000. Moreover, people are highly concerned about the spread of the Delta variant of the virus in Japan, especially with the Olympics underway.

Japan started accepting applications for so-called vaccine passports for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel internationally, local media reported.

People visit the Kelaniya Temple to celebrate the Poya day in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, July 23, 2021. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka has recorded 4,099 deaths from COVID-19 after 45 deaths were reported a day earlier, statistics from the Health Ministry showed.

According to the ministry, 296,516 positive cases had been recorded in the country since the first local patient was detected in March last year while the current active patient count was 24,860.

People are seen onboard a truck to avoid the flood brought by heavy monsoon rains in Rizal Province, the Philippines, July 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

MANILA -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 6,664 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 1,555,396.

The death toll climbed to 27,247 after 23 more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH added.

Photo taken on July 8, 2021 shows a COVID-19 inoculation site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia reported 303 new domestic COVID-19 cases, a remarkable drop from its peak of 991 cases on June 30, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said in a statement.

However, the Southeast Asian nation had seen a significant surge in imported cases, the ministry said, adding that the kingdom found 475 imported cases, sharply up from 139 at June's end.

A medical worker prepares a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Peshawar, Pakistan, July 23, 2021. (Photo by Saeed Ahmad/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan recorded 3,752 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said.

The NCOC, a department leading Pakistan's campaign against the pandemic, said that the country's number of overall cases rose to 1,008,446.

Locals flock to a traditional market for groceries in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, July 24, 2021. (VNA via Xinhua)

HANOI -- Vietnam reported 2,708 new COVID-19 cases between 7 p.m. local time Sunday and 6 a.m. local time Monday, taking the total tally in the country to 101,173, according to the country's Ministry of Health.

The number included 97,421 registered since April 27, when the latest COVID-19 outbreak started in the country.

Local residents line up to receive COVID-19 vaccines on Carey Island of Selangor State, Malaysia, July 25, 2021. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's lower house of parliament convened for a special session to hear the government's explanation on issues related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the current state of emergency declared in the country.

A pregnant woman receives a COVID-19 vaccine at a hospital in Bhopal, capital of India's Madhya Pradesh state, July 23, 2021. (Str/Xinhua)

NEW DELHI -- India's COVID-19 tally rose to 31,411,262 as 39,361 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours across the country, showed the federal health ministry's latest data.

Besides, as many as 416 deaths due to the pandemic since Sunday morning took the total death toll to 420,967.

People walk on a street in Sydney, Australia, July 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

CANBERRA/SYDNEY -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared he is "open" to providing further support for businesses amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns.

As Australia's Sydney entered its fifth week of lockdown without an obvious drop in daily cases, the states of Victoria and South Australia are preparing to exit from lockdown by the mid-week.

Aerial photo taken on April 19, 2021 shows a flight carrying the first batch of passengers from Australia after the opening of quarantine-free travel arriving in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/Xinhua)

WELLINGTON -- New Zealand reported three historical cases of COVID-19 in recent returnees in managed isolation facilities, with no new cases in the community.

Pedestrians wearing facial masks walk along a street in Seoul, capital of South Korea, July 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

SEOUL -- South Korea reported 1,318 more cases of COVID-19 as of midnight Sunday compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 190,166.

The daily caseload was down from 1,487 in the prior day, but it hovered above 1,000 for 20 straight days. The daily average tally for the past week was 1,566.

Members of a clown community hand out free face masks to riders during a "wearing face mask" awareness campaign in Depok, West Java, Indonesia, July 23, 2021. (Photo by Afriadi Hikmal/Xinhua)

JAKARTA -- Indonesia will extend the COVID-19 restrictions for the next eight days to control the transmission of COVID-19, President Joko Widodo said on Sunday.

People queue up to get the second doses of COVID-19 vaccines in Kathmandu, Nepal on July 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Sulav Shrestha)

KATHMANDU -- The ongoing lockdown in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley was extended for 10 more days on Sunday till Aug. 4, though most of the restrictive measures have been relaxed in past weeks. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 20:01:12|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The daily COVID-19 cases in Tokyo has exceeded 1,000 for the seventh consecutive day on Monday with 1,429 new cases with the Olympics underway.

Due to the recent resurgence of COVID-19 infections, the cumulative tally of cases in Tokyo has exceeded 200,000, and people are highly concerned about the spread of the Delta variant of the virus in Japan.

Malaysia's lower house of parliament convened for a special session to hear the government's explanation on issues related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the current state of emergency declared in the country.

Japan started accepting applications for so-called vaccine passports for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel internationally, local media reported.

Sri Lanka has recorded 4,099 deaths from COVID-19 after 45 deaths were reported a day earlier, statistics from the Health Ministry showed.

According to the ministry, 296,516 positive cases had been recorded in the country since the first local patient was detected in March last year while the current active patient count was 24,860.

The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 6,664 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 1,555,396. The death toll climbed to 27,247 after 23 more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH added.

Cambodia reported 303 new domestic COVID-19 cases, a remarkable drop from its peak of 991 cases on June 30, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said in a statement.

However, the Southeast Asian nation had seen a significant surge in imported cases, the ministry said, adding that the kingdom found 475 imported cases, sharply up from 139 at June's end.

Pakistan recorded 3,752 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said, as the overall cases rose to 1,008,446.

Vietnam reported 2,708 new COVID-19 cases between 7 p.m. local time Sunday and 6 a.m. local time Monday, taking the total tally in the country to 101,173, according to the country's Ministry of Health. The number included 97,421 registered since April 27, when the latest COVID-19 outbreak started in the country.

India's COVID-19 tally rose to 31,411,262 as 39,361 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours across the country, showed the federal health ministry's latest data. Besides, as many as 416 deaths due to the pandemic since Sunday morning took the total death toll to 420,967.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared he is "open" to providing further support for businesses amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns.

As Australia's Sydney entered its fifth week of lockdown without an obvious drop in daily cases, the states of Victoria and South Australia are preparing to exit from lockdown by the mid-week.

New Zealand reported three historical cases of COVID-19 in recent returnees in managed isolation facilities, with no new cases in the community.

South Korea reported 1,318 more cases of COVID-19 as of midnight Sunday compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 190,166. The daily caseload was down from 1,487 in the prior day, but it hovered above 1,000 for 20 straight days. The daily average tally for the past week was 1,566.

Indonesia will extend the COVID-19 restrictions for the next eight days to control the transmission of COVID-19, President Joko Widodo said on Sunday.

The ongoing lockdown in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley was extended for 10 more days on Sunday till Aug. 4, though most of the restrictive measures have been relaxed in past weeks. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 20:16:51|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- China's national observatory on Monday renewed its orange alert for rainstorms in many parts of the country and called for precautionary measures.

From 8 p.m. Monday to 8 p.m. Tuesday, downpours and rainstorms are expected in parts of Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Anhui, with up to 220 mm of rainfall in places.

Meanwhile, certain areas of Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Hebei, Beijing, Yunnan, Sichuan Basin and Tibet may encounter over 80 mm of hourly precipitation accompanied by thunderstorms and gales.

The national observatory advised local authorities to remain alert for possible flooding, landslides and mudslides, and recommended halting outdoor activities in hazardous areas.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather-warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 20:18:15|Editor: huaxia

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BAGHDAD, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi security forces on Monday launched an operation to hunt down militants of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group in the province of Salahudin north of Baghdad, the Iraqi military said.

The Iraqi army, police, and paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces began the operation in the morning to clear the mountain ranges of Himreen and Makhoul as well as the rugged areas, where the oil fields of Ajil and Allas are located, a statement by the media office of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) said.

The operation aimed at hunting down IS militants and enhance security and stability in those areas, JOC added.

Meanwhile, Mohammed al-Bazi from the provincial police said the operation was based on intelligence reports indicating that IS militants are trying to attack the security forces from the vast areas in the north and east of the provincial capital Tikrit, some 170 km north of Baghdad.

The security situation in Iraq has been improving since Iraqi security forces fully defeated the IS militants across the country late in 2017.

However, IS remnants have since melted in urban areas or deserts and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 20:22:29|Editor: huaxia

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HANGZHOU/SHANGHAI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- China's eastern coast has been put on the highest alert as Typhoon In-Fa made a second landfall Monday morning, bringing downpours to surrounding regions.

Typhoon In-Fa -- the sixth of this year -- landed in the coastal waters near Pinghu, a county-level city under the administration of Jiaxing City, east China's Zhejiang Province, at around 9:50 a.m. Monday, packing winds of up to 28 meters per second at its center, according to the provincial flood control headquarters.

"I've seen typhoons before, but it is my first time to see such a huge amount of rainfall. The river behind me was just a creek where tourists often come for leisure and fishing. Now, even my log cabin is about to be inundated," said Chen Zefeng, owner of an agritainment in Zhejiang's Shaoxing City.

All high-speed trains passing through the cities of Shanghai, Hangzhou and Ningbo have halted service. As of 9:30 a.m. Monday, nine major flood monitoring stations in Jiaxing exceeded the warning water level, of which eight exceeded the guaranteed water level.

At around 10 a.m., roads near the gymnasium in Pinghu City saw waterlogging with a depth of about 10 cm. No major disaster-related incidents have been reported in Jiaxing as of 11 a.m.

Wang Ping, deputy director of the emergency response center of the port area in Jiaxing, said they have prepared about 170,000 cubic meters of soil to combat the typhoon. About half of the 44 chemical enterprises in the port area suspended production, while the rest reduced production capacity.

Typhoon In-Fa has affected over 114,000 people in Jiaxing and damaged more than 267 hectares of crops and 1.33 hectares of aquafarms, causing direct economic losses of over 4.67 million yuan (about 721,000 U.S. dollars). Over 155,000 people have been evacuated to safety.

Typhoon In-Fa triggered power outrages across Zhejiang, affecting 2.68 million households. However, 95 percent of the power supply has been restored as of 9 a.m., thanks to the efforts of more than 22,000 repair workers.

Qian Yeqiu, head of the Emergency Management Agency of Jiaxing, said that it is quite rare for the typhoon to land head on in Jiaxing, which is a big challenge for the city's flood control.

Old seawalls along the Hangzhou Bay and earth embankments in the rural areas were the main focus in flood-control efforts as they may not be able to survive prolonged immersion, explained Qian.

"It is the harvest season for fruits like peach and grapes in Jiaxing, so the gales and heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon In-Fa will definitely cause tremendous losses for the farmers," added Qian.

In the neighboring megacity of Shanghai, Typhoon In-Fa had uprooted over 19,560 trees and inundated a large area of cropland over the past two days in Jinshan District, which is closest to In-Fa's second landing point.

The district activated the highest-level emergency response for flood on Monday. Large supermarkets, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, museums, scenic spots and libraries have all been told to remain shut. Rail service in Jinshan was also halted on Sunday and Monday. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 20:44:24|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 source tracing should be conducted in multiple countries globally other than a single nation. The United States should be one of the priority countries in the next stage of investigations by scientists.

More and more reports have pointed to separate outbreaks in multiple places globally in the latter half of 2019.

Recent studies have shown that the United States and other countries showed signs of the virus and infections before the outbreak in China. At least five states in the United States alone had earlier COVID-19 infections before the first officially reported confirmed case in the United States.

The United States is the country that saw the most infections and deaths in the pandemic and whose fight against the outbreak has a flurry of unanswered questions. But the origin-tracing work in the United States was inadequate.

In June and July 2019, U.S. media started to report issues involving Fort Detrick. By the end of July, two retirement communities near the base witnessed outbreaks of pneumonia of unknown cause. In September, vaping-related lung illness cases doubled in Maryland where Fort Detrick is located.

Despite facing mounting doubts, the United States has continued to refuse to release critical information regarding the base's closure under the pretext of "national security."

Instead, the United States has tried to stigmatize China's concerted and effective anti-virus measures, despite the fact that China did its best to organize and coordinate with relevant parties to meet the needs of the World Health Organization (WHO) expert team who visited Wuhan in central China to carry out the virus-source tracing and relevant global research jointly with Chinese experts.

The expert group concluded that the so-called "lab leak" theory is "extremely unlikely" and recommended conducting further research around earlier cases globally.

The purpose of the United States is barefaced. It is to shirk responsibility for their spotted epidemic response and achieve the political purpose of discrediting and suppressing other countries. It is necessary to record this ugly page in the annals of humanity's fight against the pandemic.

The origin-tracing should not be manipulated by politics. It should not be used to blame any one country, let alone splitting the international community.

Other than being obsessed with finger-pointing and buck-passing, the U.S. side should open its door to investigations by international scientists to answer the many questions of the global community and contribute to origin-tracing of the COVID-19 virus.

Tracing the COVID-19 virus is a complex scientific matter that calls for a global collaboration of scientists with a global perspective. Politicizing the matter will impede this effort and kill more lives.

China would continue to support and participate in global origin-tracing cooperation in the spirit of openness, transparency, science and cooperation. Other countries, particularly the United States, need to follow suit. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 20:53:01|Editor: huaxia

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In this episode of China Chat, host Miao Xiaojuan invites two American experts to explore one of the country's most talked-about places, Tibet. Together they share firsthand experiences on the trip, delve deeper into Western views of the region, and aim to separate fact from fiction. Here's what they have to say...

A Xinhua Global Service Production 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 20:54:25|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory message to Nguyen Xuan Phuc on his re-election as Vietnam's president.

In his message, Xi said that China and Vietnam are socialist neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and enjoy profound traditional friendship and extensive common interests.

In the face of transformations rarely seen in a century and the once-in-a-century COVID-19 pandemic, the two sides have sticked to their shared ideals and convictions, acted on the original aspiration of solidarity and friendship, and taken concrete actions to enrich and update their comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Xi noted that since the beginning of this year, the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has been successfully held and the Communist Party of China has celebrated its centenary, saying that the two parties and the two countries' cause of national development have entered a crucial stage of inheriting the past and ushering in the future.

He also said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Vietnam relations, adding that he is ready to work with Vietnamese leaders and comrades to strengthen strategic guidance for the relationship between both parties and both nations in the new era, and make continuous progress towards the goal of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that bears strategic significance. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 20:56:31|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The server hosting an online petition by Chinese netizens calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to investigate Fort Detrick lab came under cyber attacks from IP addresses in the United States. Such acts will not clear up suspicions and fail to cover up truth about Fort Detrick.

For some time, there have been mounting rational voices from the international community, criticizing the U.S. politicizing the virus origin-tracing and urging an investigation of the Fort Detrick bio lab.

Some Chinese netizens wrote an open letter to the WHO and later a petition was initiated to garner signatures from netizens. According to a report by Global Times, when the signatures to the petition were approaching 10 million, the petition came under cyber attacks from IP addresses in the United States.

It remains a mystery whether the closure of the biochemical research base at Fort Detrick, which stores the most deadly and infectious viruses including Ebola and SARS, has any connection with the pandemic and when the first infection occurred in the United States.

In June and July 2019, U.S. media started to report issues involving Fort Detrick. By the end of July, two retirement communities near the base witnessed outbreaks of pneumonia of unknown cause. In September, vaping-related lung illness cases doubled in Maryland where Fort Detrick is located.

In July 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a "cease and desist order" to halt most research at Fort Detrick. In the same month, there were reports on the unexplained outbreak of respiratory disease in northern Virginia, and the outbreak of the EVALI -- a pulmonary illness with symptoms highly similar to COVID-19 -- which swept through several U.S. states.

Despite facing mounting doubts, the United States has continued to refuse to release critical information regarding the base's closure under the pretext of "national security."

So China and other members of the international community have every reason to doubt Fort Detrick and call on the WHO to investigate Fort Detrick lab for origin-tracing of the novel coronavirus. Signing the petition, an action fighting for truth and justice, is a sacred right of Chinese netizens.

In fact, the United States is the largest source of cyber attacks targeting China. Data shows that in 2020, Chinese institutions captured 42 million malicious program samples. Of those originating overseas, 53 percent are from the United States. If there is a ranking of hacking states, nobody other than Uncle Sam can claim the top spot.

In this case, cyber attacks will lead to nowhere and only expose Uncle Sam's failure to clear up doubts about Fort Detrick. The United States should adopt a transparent and responsible attitude and invite WHO experts to investigate Fort Detrick lab for coronavirus origin tracing as soon as possible. It must do so to show the truth to the world. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 21:05:05|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- All attempts by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority to seek "Taiwan independence" are futile and doomed to fail, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Monday.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks when responding to a query concerning the DPP authority's recent remarks hyping up the "representative office" in Lithuania as a "diplomatic breakthrough."

The DPP has been attempting to seek "Taiwan independence" through cheating and infiltrating, Zhu said.

Reiterating China's resolute opposition against countries having diplomatic relations with China to develop any form of official exchanges with the Taiwan region, Zhu urged relevant countries to abide by the one-China principle and properly handle Taiwan-related issues. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 21:11:24|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for all-out efforts to ramp up flood control and disaster relief, putting the safety of people's lives and property in priority.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while chairing a video conference at the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters in Beijing. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 21:11:34|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory message to Nguyen Xuan Phuc on his re-election as Vietnam's president.

In his message, Xi said that China and Vietnam are socialist neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and enjoy profound traditional friendship and extensive common interests.

In the face of transformations rarely seen in a century and the once-in-a-century COVID-19 pandemic, the two sides have sticked to their shared ideals and convictions, acted on the original aspiration of solidarity and friendship, and taken concrete actions to enrich and update their comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Xi noted that since the beginning of this year, the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has been successfully held and the Communist Party of China has celebrated its centenary, saying that the two parties and the two countries' cause of national development have entered a crucial stage of inheriting the past and ushering in the future.

He also said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Vietnam relations, adding that he is ready to work with Vietnamese leaders and comrades to strengthen strategic guidance for the relationship between both parties and both nations in the new era, and make continuous progress towards the goal of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that bears strategic significance.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent a message to Pham Minh Chinh, congratulating him on re-election as Vietnamese prime minister.

Li said he is willing to work together with his Vietnamese counterpart to enhance political trust between the two sides, consolidate the basis for friendly cooperation, accelerate the docking of development strategies, build up a pattern of mutual benefits and win-win results, and promote continuous development of China-Vietnam relations for the new era. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 21:30:32|Editor: huaxia

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SINGAPORE, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Monday that diplomacy has also been transformed by the ongoing digital revolution.

He said while delivering opening remarks at the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) Public Diplomacy in Asia 2021 Conference that digitalization is breaking down the barriers and pushing people towards ever-greater flows of information and opinions.

The minister said COVID-19 has underlined the importance of public diplomacy to combat misinformation, which can sow fear and suspicion, and hamper the recovery and prevent people from doing the right thing.

"We need networks to convey timely and accurate information to people, to build public support for national efforts, as well as a sense of a global community, because pandemics are not limited by borders," Balakrishnan added.

The minister also said that people need a clear and consistent message, underpinned by principles and values, amidst a very uncertain world, and need to build coalitions and networks of support for the future.

"All of us need the humility and the willingness to engage directly at a people-to-people level, at a personal heart-to-heart level," he said. "By doing this together, then we can put out what is accurate, factual, scientific, and promote harmony and human welfare instead of sowing the seeds of division and doubt."

The Public Diplomacy in Asia 2021, held from Monday to Friday as a virtual conference, is organized by the SIF in partnership with the University of Southern California's Center on Public Diplomacy. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 21:51:44|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken with a mobile phone on July 26, 2021 shows a firefighter battling against the wildfire in Sardinia, Italy. Regional emergency services in Sardinia issued a new adverse weather warning for Monday, and the regional government has declared a state of emergency after large swaths of the major island were ravaged by wildfires in the last few days. (Italian Firefighters/Handout via Xinhua)

ROME, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Regional emergency services in Italy's Sardinia issued a new adverse weather warning for Monday, and the regional government has declared a state of emergency after large swaths of the major island were ravaged by wildfires in the last few days.

The hot weather alert especially concerned central and western Sardinia and some areas around northern Coghinas, and would last until 6 p.m. local time on Monday, according to the local civil protection department.

The alert entails a high risk of new bushfires.

In an emergency meeting Sunday night -- after the national civil protection launched five operations with Canadair water-dropping planes on the island -- the regional government declared the state of emergency.

The wildfire started on Friday with a car that caught fire after a crash, and has forced the evacuation of at least 1,500 people from their homes. It has devastated some 20,000 hectares of land so far.

Sardinia's governor Christian Solinas said several farms and homes were destroyed, along with thousands of hectares of vegetation. No casualties were reported yet.

Fanned by hot southwest winds, the largest bushfire in the Oristano area kept spreading along a front of almost 50 km as of Monday morning, according to the Nuova Sardegna newspaper.

Local firefighters have received support from Greece and France, which sent two Canadair planes through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 21:51:44|Editor: huaxia

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Brunei reported 12 new imported COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the national tally to 333.

According to Brunei's Ministry of Health, 10 of the new cases are among the 15 close contacts for the three imported cases reported on July 20, who are all the crew of a ship that left Singapore on July 4 and arrived in Brunei on July 9. Six of the 10 patients have symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose.

The other two new cases arrived in Brunei from Britain on July 12 and July 25. Both of them have no symptoms.

There are currently 60 active patients being treated and monitored at the National Isolation Center. One patient has been admitted to the Intensive Case Unit for monitoring while the rest are in stable condition.

With the detection of the new cases, a total of 192 imported cases have been confirmed since the last local infection case on May 6, 2020. Brunei has recorded 446 days without local COVID-19 infection cases.

Brunei also reported one more recovery on Monday. There have been a total of 270 recovered patients and three deaths reported from COVID-19 so far in the country. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 21:52:47|Editor: huaxia

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ZHENGZHOU, July 26 (Xinhua) -- China-Europe freight trains that depart from the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou have resumed operations after the city was hit hard by floods triggered by torrential rain.

On Sunday, a freight train loaded with electronic components, auto parts and other goods departed Zhengzhou for Belgium's Liege via the border port of Erenhot in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The China-Europe freight-train service has handled more than 7,300 trips in the first half of this year, up 43 percent from the same period last year, data by the China State Railway Group Co. Ltd. showed.

The freight trains have carried over 700,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit containers of goods in the six-month period, surging 52 percent year on year.

Launched in 2011, the freight trains have reached 168 cities in 23 European countries and recorded more than 40,000 trips, according to the group. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 22:37:03|Editor: huaxia

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URUMQI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- A freight train loaded with automobiles, clothing and other goods on Monday morning departed from Alataw Pass, a major rail port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, destined for Malaszewicze in Poland.

It was the 20,000th China-Europe freight train to be handled via Alataw Pass since such freight train services started in 2011.

The average annual increase of China-Europe freight trains that pass the inland port is now 35.8 percent, with the total freight volume exceeding 10 million tonnes.

Chinese customs authorities have facilitated procedures to allow the trains to pass 24 hours a day.

Alataw Pass has so far launched 28 China-Europe freight train routes, linking over 20 countries in Central Asia and Europe, with more than 200 types of cargo on board. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 22:54:34|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chairs a video conference at the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters in Beijing, capital of China, July 26, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for all-out efforts to ramp up flood control and disaster relief, putting the safety of people's lives and property first.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while chairing a video conference at the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters in Beijing.

He listened to reports from officials from disaster-affected regions, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the China Meteorological Administration, the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Ministry of Transport at the conference.

Recent downpours caused heavy casualties and property losses to parts of the country, said Li. He called for comprehensive preventive safety measures to minimize losses when bracing heavy forecasted rains in north China and typhoons in coastal areas.

Rescuing the stranded should be the primary task of flood control and disaster relief work in disaster-stricken regions, including Henan Province, said Li.

He required efforts to timely dispatch professional teams and equipment and to release rescue information openly and transparently.

More work is needed to strengthen weak links of disaster control to improve the country's emergency response-ability and people's awareness of self-protection, the premier said.

In case of emergencies such as severe urban waterlogging, it is necessary to organize the public to take shelter in time, and schools and workplaces should be shut down decisively, said Li.

Li urged efforts in disaster-hit areas to ensure the livelihood of the affected, strengthen health and epidemic prevention, speed up dredging and drainage, and restore power and water supply, transportation, and communication urgently.

The premier said that the government would allocate billions of yuan from the central financial reserve in advance to support severely affected areas to carry out major production recovery and post-disaster reconstruction. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 22:57:01|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, July 26 (Xinhua) -- New Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Qian Minjian vowed to promote pragmatic cooperation between China and Lebanon in various fields by turning visions into tangible results, so as to bring more benefits to the two countries and their peoples.

"We look forward to working with friends from all walks of life in Lebanon to continue deepening our pragmatic cooperation," Qian told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Lebanon.

Qian, who had been in Beirut as a diplomat 20 years ago, said since the establishment of diplomatic relationships in 1971, the China-Lebanon relations have developed steadily, with exchanges and cooperation becoming increasingly wider and closer in various fields.

"China and Lebanon are traditional friends, and China has long been providing Lebanon with humanitarian and development assistance within its capacity," he noted.

Given the multiple crises and severe economic difficulties that Lebanon has suffered in recent years, the Chinese government has increased support for Lebanon, providing grants, materials and food aid through bilateral and multilateral channels.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Lebanon have always maintained close cooperation in the fight against the virus, exchanging information and sharing experience in prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of the infectious disease.

In 2020, China provided Lebanon with PCR testing reagents, large infrared thermometers, KN95 face masks and other anti-virus supplies to help the country combat the pandemic, according to the Chinese ambassador.

This year, the Chinese government donated two batches of the COVID-19 vaccine to Lebanon. Recently, the Chinese Red Cross donated additional doses of the vaccine to the Lebanese Red Cross, Qian said.

"China is very pleased to see the good progress made by Lebanon in the prevention and control of the contagious disease, and is informed of Lebanon's recent threat of the Delta variant," said the ambassador, noting China is ready to maintain close contact with Lebanon and provide needed support.

Following Beirut port's blasts, the Chinese government provided the Lebanese government with 1 million U.S. dollars in cash for emergency humanitarian assistance, Qian said, adding the Chinese government is willing to encourage reputable Chinese companies to bid for the reconstruction projects of the port when the Lebanese government launches official tenders for the purpose.

Some Lebanese entrepreneurs have expressed their expectation to work with the Chinese partners in the port's reconstruction, he told Xinhua.

Qian said some Chinese companies that are interested in investing in large-scale projects in Lebanon's power, telecommunications, transportation, water conservancy and other infrastructure fields are exploring and surveying the Lebanese market.

With regard to economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, Qian said the overall economic and trade cooperation between China and Lebanon has remained stable in recent years.

Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China had been Lebanon's largest trading partner for six consecutive years. The two governments and relevant industry associations have been actively promoting the export of Lebanese speciality products to China.

Moreover, the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon has been assisting Lebanese business communities in actively participating in trade exchange platforms such as the China International Import Expo, the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), and China-Arab States Expo to expand the popularity of Lebanese speciality products in China.

"After years of hard work, the Lebanese olive oil, wine, handmade soap, chocolate and other speciality products have gradually become known to Chinese consumers," Qian said.

Lebanon is a natural partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation with China, Qian noted.

In 2017, the two governments formally signed a memorandum of understanding on jointly building the BRI. Successive Lebanese governments have voiced willingness to deepen pragmatic cooperation with China within the framework of the BRI.

The ambassador stressed that the Chinese side has always been pursuing the BRI cooperation with Lebanon on the basis of the principle of achieving shared benefits through extensive consultation and joint construction without any political strings attached.

The Chinese government-funded Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music is a large-scale iconic project in promoting the BRI cooperation and enhancing friendly ties between the two countries, Qian said.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Lebanon, a variety of celebrations and events will be held by the Chinese embassy, he added.

In the first half of this year, the embassy successfully held the online New Year concert and children's painting competition. A series of activities are scheduled to be followed, including the publication of a special issue commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and Chinese songs and speech contests among the Lebanese students. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 23:09:50|Editor: huaxia

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-- Record rainstorms have wreaked havoc in central China's Henan Province, and floodwater trapped a car where Vee Hou's mother and two children were stuck in Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, on July 20th.



-- A group of strangers swam to the car, smashed open the window and pulled them out, leading to an outpouring of sentiment online.

-- Vee Hou calls the good Samaritans heroes, and said the rescue will be a lifelong treasure.

by Xinhua writers Zhong Qun and Shi Linjing

ZHENGZHOU, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Just before the car trapping Vee Hou's mother and two children could sink below the floodwaters, they were saved by a group of strangers who swam to the car, smashed open the window and pulled them out.

The rescuers then placed the children inside a large blue bucket and floated them to safety one by one, and lifted the senior to safety.

Snapshot taken from a video shows residents working together to save the trio stuck in the car swamped by floodwaters in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua)

Record rainstorms have wreaked havoc in central China's Henan Province, inflicting heavy losses. The death toll has risen to 69 as of noon on Monday, the information office of the Henan provincial government said during a press conference.

Henan has so far deployed more than 116,000 rescue workers to aid disaster relief, in addition to national-level rescue personnel and those from other provinces and state-owned enterprises, according to the provincial department of emergency management.

A recent viral video shows many residents in the provincial capital Zhengzhou working together to save the trio stuck in the car swamped by floodwaters on July 20.

"They are truly unsung heroes and I am so grateful to all of them," Hou said.

RESIDENTS TO THE RESCUE

As the rain poured down and the flooding reached knee height, Vee Hou became increasingly anxious. Her mother had just picked her two children up from kindergarten in Zhengzhou. Their car stalled at a crossroads and they were unable to get out. The only things still moving were the windshield wipers. The flood was pushing in.

"I waved outside, but the closest shop was more than 20 meters away and no one could see me," Hou's mother said. She called her daughter to alert her to the danger they were in.

Hou tried to call the police, but all lines were busy. She then searched for information about the surrounding shops and called their owners. One of them responded and called hotel staff Li Kunpeng to help.

After receiving the call, Li grabbed a kitchen knife and rushed to the rescue, regardless of the fact that he didn't know how to swim.

When Li reached the car, the water had risen to his neck, leaving only the top of the car visible.

"I managed to climb on top, and I saw this lady and the two kids inside," Li recalled. "I tried to break the window with the knife but I wasn't able to."

Rescuers help people to evacuate near the Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, July 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

As more people swam over, Li shouted, "Hammer!"

Another nearby stranger attempted to break in the window with Li's knife, but they were again unsuccessful. Two security guards then swam to the car holding a hammer. Hotel owner Yin Longfei pulled over a large blue bucket, which he later said he uses to wash bedsheets. Noodle shop owner Li Xiang also arrived to aid the rescue, bringing with him a large hammer.

Li Kunpeng took a hammer and using all his strength, he was able to break the roof of the car. Meanwhile, Li Xiang had managed to make a small hole in a side window and broke it open with his bare hands.

Within minutes, the rescuers had pulled the children out. Security guard Lou Yanzhe attempted to warm them up with the coat from his own back. The children were stowed in the blue bucket separately and dragged to safety.

All three occupants of the car were eventually saved.

The footage of the rescue has led to an outpouring of sentiment online, with many saying they were deeply moved.

"If there were a Noah's Ark in the world, I think this would be it," said a netizen with the screen name Yangjunjiang.

In this aerial photo, firefighters pump rainwater out of a road in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 21, 2021. (Photo by Ma Xiaoran/Xinhua)

ORDINARY PEOPLE -- AND HEROES

Vee Hou said the rescue will forever be remembered in her heart.

"I remember when I called one of the rescuers, he simply told me not to worry, and that they would take care of it," Hou said. "I didn't know how much the words meant until I learned more about the rescue process."

The rescuers included people from many walks of life, including hotel staff, soldiers, a noodle shop owner, security guards and a dancing teacher.

During the battle to save the grandmother and her grandchildren, one rescuer sustained cuts to his hands and a broken finger. Another lost his phone and wallet in the process. But not one of them uttered a word of complaint.

"Anyone would have done the same thing," one rescuer said.

Vee Hou's mother was able to keep her calm throughout the ordeal.

"She did not sound anxious on the phone," Hou said. "She later told me that she did not want to make me or the kids worry."

While waiting for help, Hou's mother held the two children high in the car and told them they were playing a game called "Flood Adventure."

"She was so brave," Hou said.

Combo photo shows hotel staff Li Kunpeng, security guard Lou Yanzhe, hotel owner Yin Longfei and noodle shop owner Li Xiang (from left to right) who worked together to save the trio stuck in the car swamped by floodwaters on July 20, 2021 in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua)

Vee Hou later took her children to visit Li Xiang, the man who had broken his finger while aiding the rescue.

"He asked my sons if they were scared during the flood, and they said they were not," Hou said. "He praised them for their courage, and told them to be brave people when they grow up."

"These people are ordinary citizens, but they are also heroes," she said. "This rescue will forever be in our hearts. It will be a lifelong treasure."

(Video editor: Yang Zhixiang; video reporters: Zhang Caixia, Liu Chunhui and Shi Linjing.) 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 23:15:37|Editor: huaxia

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GENEVA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The United States is once again playing its old trick of smearing China, after China rejected the proposal of the World Health Organization (WHO) on its second phase of the study to trace the origins of COVID-19.

Rather than helping trace the origins of the virus, the United States is actually misleading the origin-tracing work deliberately. Showing no respect to science and facts, the United States blatantly seeks presumption of guilt and political manipulation.

Such malicious speculation reveals its arrogance towards science and also its sinister intention to suppress China under the pretext of origin-tracing.

At a time when the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is still grim, Washington's rhetoric and actions of inciting conflict and separation not only undermine international cooperation in the global COVID-19 fight but are also highly irresponsible regarding the scientific study of COVID-19.

China's rejection is reasonable. China has always maintained an open and transparent attitude on the origin-tracing issue and has invited WHO experts to China twice. The WHO-China joint mission report clearly concluded that lab leak is extremely unlikely, and there is a broad consensus in the international scientific community to this end.

Regrettably, this work plan still lists the hypothesis that "a Chinese violation of laboratory protocols had caused the virus to leak during research" as a research priority, and deliberately ignores important research directions including the early cases worldwide and cold-chain transmission of the virus.

In face of such a work plan that was heavily disrupted by politicization, lost scientific principles and lacked a spirit of cooperation, China has every reason to reject.

For quite some time, there have been more and more reports of COVID-19 cases registered in different places across the globe in the second half of the year 2019. In the United States alone, COVID-19 infections in at least five states were identified earlier than the first reported confirmed case in the country.

These evidence have well demonstrated that the origin-tracing of COVID-19 is a complex and scientific issue and should be carried out by international scientists based on a global perspective.

However, some people in the United States ignore science and facts, hype up the so-called lab leak theory, put politics above science and place personal interest above people's lives and health. This is also an important reason why Washington has been weak in its response to the epidemic.

Behind Washington's claimed support to the so-called "investigation" lies its ulterior motive to stigmatize China.

In fact, the investigation of the origin, spread and evolution of the rampant coronavirus is a convoluted research subject for the global scientific community, and a time-consuming process that requires numerous biological information and epidemiological evidence.

Previous studies have revealed that the United States, Spain, France, Italy, Brazil and some other countries showed signs of the virus and infections earlier than the first case in Wuhan.

However, disregarding these facts, the United States has put all its attention on China, with a blatant aim to divert responsibility for its own failure in fighting the pandemic by smearing others.

Encouragingly, such politicization of virus origin-tracing is unpopular around the world. Up till now, nearly 60 countries sent letters to the WHO, agreeing with the results of the first phase of origin-tracing research and opposing the attempt to politicize the study of the origins.

Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said Finland advocates that origin-tracing should be conducted scientifically.

The purpose of the origin-tracing is to be better prepared for future circumstances, instead of targeting or blaming specific countries, Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva said, adding Portugal advocates conducting the origin-tracing in a scientific and professional spirit and does not support any act of politicizing the origin-tracing or the WHO's work.

Upholding the spirit of openness, transparency, science and cooperation, China is willing to continue supporting and participating in global origin-tracing cooperation, but no political interference can be tolerated in the process.

Having returned to the WHO, the United States should commit itself to the global cooperation against the pandemic, rather than using the platform to continue spreading various political viruses.

Stigmatizing others and politicizing the origin-tracing will only meet with resolute opposition from the international community, and such acts are doomed to fail. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 01:18:57|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng (3rd R) holds talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman (3rd L) in north China's Tianjin on July 26, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

TIANJIN, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The China-U.S. relationship is in a stalemate, fundamentally because some Americans portray China as an "imagined enemy," said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, urging the United States to change its highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy.

Xie made the remarks on Monday during talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who is on a visit to north China's port city of Tianjin from July 25 to 26.

For quite some time, when talking about conflict with China and challenges facing the United States, the "Pearl Harbor moment" and the "Sputnik moment" have been brought up by some Americans, Xie said.

Some international scholars, including some U.S. academics, perceive this as comparing China to Japan in the Second World War and the Soviet Union in the Cold War. It seems as if by making China an "imagined enemy," a national sense of purpose would be reignited in the United States. The hope may be that by demonizing China, the United States could somehow shift domestic public discontent over political, economic and social issues and blame China for its own structural problems, he said.

It seems that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down. It is as if when China's development is contained, all U.S. domestic and external challenges would go away, and America would become great again and Pax Americana would continue to go on, Xie said.

BILATERAL TIES

In terms of the United States' "competitive, collaborative and adversarial" rhetoric, Xie said this is a thinly veiled attempt to contain and suppress China.

The Chinese people feel that the real emphasis is on the adversarial aspect, the collaborative aspect is just expediency, and the competitive aspect is a narrative trap, he said.

The U.S. policy seems to be demanding cooperation when it wants something from China; decoupling, cutting off supplies, blockading or sanctioning China when it believes it has an advantage; and resorting to conflict and confrontation at all costs, he added.

"It seems that the United States only thinks about addressing its own concerns, getting the results it wants and advancing its own interests. Do bad things and get good results. How is that even possible?" Xie said.

What the world needs most is solidarity and cooperation, for humanity are passengers in the same boat, according to Xie.

"The Chinese people cherish peace," said Xie, adding that what China hopes to build is a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, equality, justice and win-win cooperation, and a community with a shared future for mankind.

"China wants to work with the United States to seek common ground while shelving the differences," he said.

The U.S. side needs to change course and work with China on the basis of mutual respect and embrace fair competition and peaceful coexistence with China.

"After all, a healthy and stable China-U.S. relationship serves the interests of both sides. And the world expects nothing less from the two sides," he added.

The U.S. side's so-called "rules-based international order" is designed to benefit itself at others' expense, hold other countries back and introduce "the law of the jungle," Xie said.

This is an effort by the United States and a few other Western countries to frame their own rules as international rules and impose them on other countries.

The United States has abandoned the universally-recognized international law and order and damaged the international system it has helped to build, he said. "It is trying to replace it with a so-called 'rules-based international order.'"

"The purpose is to resort to the tactic of changing the rules to make life easy for itself and hard for others, and to introduce 'the law of the jungle' where might is right and the big bully the small," Xie added.

COERCIVE DIPLOMACY

The United States is the "inventor and patent and intellectual property owner" of coercive diplomacy, Xie said.

The Chinese believe that one must not do to others what one does not like to be done to himself. The desire to seek hegemony or territorial expansion is simply not in the Chinese DNA, according to Xie.

"China has never coerced any country," he said, adding that China responds to foreign interference with legitimate and lawful countermeasures, and the aim is to defend the legitimate rights and interests of the country and uphold international equity and justice.

China has never gone to others' doorsteps to provoke trouble. Neither has China ever stretched its arm into the households of others, still less has China ever occupied any inch of other countries' territory, he said.

"It is the United States who has engaged in broad unilateral sanctions, long-arm jurisdiction and interference in other countries' internal affairs," he said.

The U.S. notion of "engaging other countries from a position of strength" is just another version of the big bullying the small and "might is right." This is pure coercive diplomacy, he added.

COOPERATION BASED ON MUTUAL TRUST

Cooperation between China and the United States should be based on mutual trust and mutual benefit with a sense of sincerity, Xie stressed.

"The United States cannot expect China to cooperate unconditionally on hotspot issues while suppressing China at the same time," he said.

Xie expounded China's position on COVID-19 origin-tracing, cyber security, as well as issues relating to Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.

Sherman said the United States does not seek to contain China's development, and reiterated adhering to the one-China policy and the stance of not supporting "Taiwan independence".

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the United States and China bear major responsibilities for safeguarding peace and security of the world, Sherman said.

Both sides agreed that the talk between Xie and Sherman, which lasted over four hours, was candid and in-depth, and pledged to continue such frank communication. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 01:29:17|Editor: huaxia

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ADEN, Yemen, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Houthi rebel group released on Monday two mid-level members of the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch after a local meditation in the country's central province of al-Bayda, a military official told Xinhua.

"Two mid-level al-Qaida members who had been detained in Sanaa's National Security Prison for several years were released by the Houthi authorities," the local military source said on condition of anonymity.

He said that two fighters of the Houthi group were set free in exchange for the release of the al-Qaida prisoners from the Houthi-controlled jail in Sanaa.

The source based in al-Bayda gave no further details about the prisoner swap that occurred in the turbulent province after a local tribal mediation.

Large areas of al-Bayda province witnessed intense armed confrontations between the Yemeni government forces backed by the Saudi-led Arab coalition and the Houthis during the past weeks, leaving many people either killed or injured from both sides.

The Houthi group controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and most of the country's northern provinces, while al-Qaida group operates in several Yemeni provinces exploiting the current security vacuum. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 02:02:30|Editor: huaxia

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RABAT, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Morocco announced on Monday 2,205 new COVID-19 cases, taking the caseload in the North African country to 581,477.

The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 546,426 after 2,823 more were added.

The death toll rose to 9,611 with 22 new fatalities reported during the last 24 hours, while 734 people were in intensive care units.

Meanwhile, a total of 12,061,160 people have received their first vaccine shots against COVID-19 in the country, with 9,864,912 having received two doses.

The North African country launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on Jan. 28 after the arrival of the first shipment of China's Sinopharm vaccine.

The vaccination drive has been expanded as of Monday to include people aged 25 and older.

In order to speed up the pace of the vaccination campaign, citizens can now go to the nearest vaccination center, without taking into account the conditions related to residency, the ministry of health said in a statement. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 02:22:44|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in north China's Tianjin on July 26, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

TIANJIN, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, urging the United States to drop arrogance and prejudice and steer back to a rational and pragmatic China policy.

In face of severe difficulties and challenges in China-U.S. relations, Wang said it requires serious consideration for the U.S. side to make correct choices as to whether the bilateral ties will head to confrontation or improvement.

Calling Sherman's visit a part of mutual contact and dialogue, Wang said the two sides should enhance mutual understanding, erase misunderstanding, avoid misjudgment and better manage differences via constant dialogues.

As the new U.S. administration has in general continued its predecessor's extreme and erroneous China policy, constantly challenged China's bottom line, and stepped up containment and suppression on China, Wang said China is firmly opposed to such U.S. practices.

Noting the U.S. attempt to impede and disrupt China's modernization drive, Wang said "such an attempt is doomed to fail for now, and is even more so in the future."

China's development, driven powerfully from within, is a trend of historical evolution, Wang said, adding that socialism with Chinese characteristics totally fits China's national realities.

"The great rejuvenation of Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process, which cannot be held back by any force or country."

He said China sticks to the path of peaceful development and follows an open strategy of win-win cooperation. China will never tread the beaten track of big powers in seeking hegemony, and is willing to realize common development and prosperity with all countries including the United States, Wang added.

Wang also said that China's development is aimed at seeking happiness for all Chinese people, rather than challenging or replacing the United States. "We take no interest in betting winnings or losses of the U.S. side. China's development is not based on the premise of U.S. decline."

To prevent China-U.S. relations from further deteriorating or even getting out of control, Wang underlined three basic demands as bottom lines that China firmly upholds.

He said the first is that the United States must not challenge, slander or even attempt to subvert the path and system of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Chosen by history and the Chinese people, China's path and system are matters of Chinese people's welfare and Chinese nation's future, as well as core interests that China must firmly uphold, Wang said.

The second, Wang said, is that the United States must not attempt to obstruct or interrupt China's development process.

Chinese people have their rights to live better lives and China has its right to achieve modernization, said Wang, adding that modernization is not an exclusive right of the United States.

China urges the United States to remove all unilateral sanctions, high tariffs, long-arm jurisdiction and technology blockade it has imposed on China as soon as possible, Wang said.

Wang said the third is that the United States must not infringe upon China's state sovereignty, or even damage China's territorial integrity.

He said issues regarding Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong have never been about "human rights" or "democracy," but about fighting against "Xinjiang independence," "Tibet independence" and "Hong Kong independence."

No country will allow its national sovereignty and security to be compromised, Wang added.

As for the Taiwan question, Wang said it's even more important. He said the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China and Taiwan is part of China has never changed and will never change.

If "Taiwan independence" forces dare to provoke, China has the right to take any necessary measure to stop it, Wang said, urging the U.S. side to honor its commitment on Taiwan question and act prudently.

China is the largest developing country and the United States is the largest developed country, and neither side can replace or defeat the other, Wang said. "We have a clear view on where China-U.S. relations are headed, that is, to find a way for two major countries with different systems, cultures and stages of development to coexist peacefully on this planet through dialogue."

It would be even better if it could be mutually beneficial, Wang said, adding that this is a good thing for both China and the United States, and a great boon for the world. "Otherwise, it would be a catastrophe."

"It is hoped that the U.S. side will have an objective and correct understanding of China, abandon arrogance and prejudice, stop acting as a preacher, and return to a rational and pragmatic China policy," Wang said.

Noting the U.S.-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, Sherman said the United States is willing to continue to have open and candid contacts and dialogues with China.

The United States also hopes that the two countries can coexist peacefully. It has no intention of restricting China's development, nor does it want to contain China, but would like to see China's development, Sherman said.

The two sides can engage in healthy competition, cooperate on climate change, drug control and international and regional hotspot issues, strengthen crisis management capacity, and avoid conflicts, Sherman said.

Sherman said as two major countries, the United States and China can communicate and discuss in a responsible way even if they have differences, in the hope that both sides will take joint actions to improve bilateral relations.

Sherman reiterated that the United States adheres to the one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence."

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. Enditem


Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 04:03:20|Editor: huaxia

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A rescued migrant holds a piece of paper bearing a registration number in Senglea, Malta, July 26, 2021. The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) on Monday rescued a group of 46 migrants who were in distress in its search and rescue region, a spokesman for the police has confirmed. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)

VALLETTA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) on Monday rescued a group of 46 migrants who were in distress in its search and rescue region, a spokesman for the police has confirmed.

He told Xinhua that the group had been rescued by the AFM maritime squadron in an operation that began on Sunday, when the distress call was received. The migrants arrived on safe land on Monday.

According to NGO Alarm Phone, which receives distress calls from people making the Mediterranean crossing, some of the migrants were nursing "severe" gunshot wounds. However, the police spokesman could not immediately confirm this.

The group included at least one minor.

This is the second boatload of migrants brought to Malta following the rescue on July 14 of a group of 81 migrants, including women and children. On that occasion, the rescuers also found that three migrants on the wooden boat had already passed away by the time of the rescue. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 04:38:39|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman al-Safadi discussed on Monday regional issues and cooperation.

During a meeting in Cairo, Sisi and Safadi talked about the latest developments in Lebanon, Syria and Libya, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.

They also discussed the peace process in the Middle East and coordination efforts between Egypt and Jordan in this regard, according to the statement.

The two sides stressed the need to intensify efforts at the international level with the aim of resuming negotiations to settle the Palestinian crisis in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

Meanwhile, the meeting reviewed the overall bilateral ties, with emphasis on the importance of strengthening economic relations and increasing trade exchange.

They praised the tripartite cooperation between Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, emphasizing the need to build on the outcomes of the summit in Baghdad in June.

Sisi and Safadi also vowed to take concrete measures to boost joint coordination and cooperation between the three countries, especially in energy projects, electrical connection, and industrial complexes. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 04:53:53|Editor: huaxia

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QUITO, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador reported two new infections of the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of such cases to 42, Public Health Minister Ximena Garzon said on Monday.

"To the 40 patients we had last week with the Delta variant, we add two, one who traveled to the United States and the other who is here (in Ecuador) and is under epidemiological monitoring," she told local media.

Garzon said that the National Institute of Public Health Research of Ecuador has taken note of the cases and epidemiological monitoring is put in place.

The official pointed out that an average of 2,000 to 3,000 COVID-19 tests are carried out daily in the country, with an accumulated 481,603 cases as of Saturday, according to the latest official data.

The South American country confirmed on July 12 the presence of the Delta variant in its territory with the first 10 positive cases, which set off alarms due to its high level of contagion. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 05:58:52|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN -- Iran on Monday reported 31,814 new COVID-19 cases, raising the country's total infections to 3,723,246.

The pandemic has so far claimed 89,122 lives in Iran, up by 322 in the past 24 hours, the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education said. (Iran-COVID19)

----

BEIRUT -- Najib Mikati was named as Lebanon's new prime minister on Monday with 72 votes in parliament, MTV TV channel reported.

Mikati gave a speech following his appointment, calling upon all political parties to cooperate with him on finding the right solutions to the country's crises. (Lebanon-PM)

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KUWAIT CITY -- Kuwait decided to ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions and resume commercial activities, the Kuwaiti government announced Monday.

Tareq Al-Mezrem, the government spokesman, said at a press conference that Kuwait will resume commercial activities except for conferences, weddings, and social events, starting from Tuesday, amid a drop in COVID-19 cases. (Kuwait-Coronavirus)

----

BAGHDAD -- Iraq reported on Monday 12,180 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily count since the outbreak of the pandemic, raising the nationwide caseload to 1,564,828.

A statement by the health ministry also confirmed 60 more deaths, bringing the death toll from the virus to 18,347, while the total recoveries in Iraq climbed by 9,966 to 1,420,995. (Iraq-COVID19) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 06:25:26|Editor: huaxia

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Combo photo of U.S. President Joe Biden (L) and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. (Xinhua)

There are now around 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq. U.S. media said the move may not lead to a significant reduction of U.S. military presence in Iraq, given most of the American troops in the country have already been taking training and advising roles for the Iraqi forces.

WASHINGTON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- President Joe Biden said on Monday that U.S. forces in Iraq will end the combat mission by the end of the year while continuing to train and assist Iraqi forces.

"Our role in Iraq will be ... continue to train, to assist, to help and to deal with ISIS (Islamic State) as it rises, but we're not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission," Biden said at the beginning of a meeting in the Oval Office with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

"Our counter-terrorism cooperation will continue even as we shift to this new phase," he said.

Al-Kadhimi told the Associated Press ahead of the visit that there is no need for any foreign combat forces staying in Iraq. "What we want from the U.S. presence in Iraq is to support our forces in training and developing their efficiency and capabilities, and in security cooperation," he said.

There are now around 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq. White House Press Secretary on Monday declined to provide the number of troops staying in Iraq at the end of the year.

U.S. media said the move may not lead to a significant reduction of U.S. military presence in Iraq, given most of the American troops in the country have already been taking training and advising roles for the Iraqi forces.

The two countries agreed to shift U.S. troops' mission back in April, but no timeline for the transition had been set at the time.

Analysts noted that the Iraqi leader faced mounting pressures at home from hardline Shia factions who demand all U.S. troops to leave the country. This shift in the mission of U.S. troops could be seen as a political gain for al-Kadhimi ahead of parliamentary elections in October.

Iraqi protesters take part in a demonstration against the presence of U.S. troops in the country, in Baghdad, capital of Iraq, Jan. 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

The U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq in 2011, eight years after the U.S.-led invasion. U.S. troops returned to the country in 2014 to support the Iraqi forces in the fight against the Islamic State militants.

Immediately after the deaths of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a U.S. airstrike at Baghdad airport in Jan. 2020, the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution requiring the government to end the presence of foreign forces in Iraq.

Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops across the country and the U.S. embassy in the Green Zone in central Baghdad have been frequently targeted by rocket and drone attacks from Iran-backed Shia militias.

The U.S. military launched retaliatory airstrikes against Shia militants in Syria and Iraq this February and June, only leading to a cycle of more attacks and reprisals.

Earlier this month, up to 14 rockets hit Al-Assad Air Base housing U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq's western province of Anbar, causing two minor injuries. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 02:32:58|Editor: huaxia

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MOGADISHU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Army (SNA) said Sunday its forces have arrested a senior al-Shabab leader during a security operation in the southern region.

The SNA official who led the operation said Ali Mohamed Adan who was in charge of the group's terror operations in Lower Shabelle was captured in Janaale town on Sunday.

"Somali National Army captured Ali Mohamed Adan, a senior Al-Shabab operative, who was in charge of the group's terror operations in Lower Shabelle region," SNA said through its military radio.

The military officials said Adan whose photo was circulated was suspected to be behind a series of terror attacks including planting of landmines along the key roads in the region.

The army has vowed to intensify military operations to ensure they flush out all al-Shabab remnants in the areas which are still under al-Shabab control. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 16:05:13|Editor: huaxia

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KAMPALA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Uganda will start vaccinating children under 15 years old against COVID-19 once the country receives supplies of the Pfizer vaccine, a senior government official said on Monday.

Monica Musenero, a senior presidential advisor on pandemics, told Xinhua by telephone that the country would first target children at risk of contracting the virus.

"Uganda is hoping to get doses of Pfizer vaccine and when we get them, we can vaccinate children. They are a few doses, so we shall only vaccinate those children who are at risk of severe disease," said Musenero, who is also the minister for science and technology.

She said children with diabetes, high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, or any other disease which puts them at high risk would be priority.

"Pfizer was approved for use in children who are 12 years and above," she said.

"Those children who fall in that category cannot be vaccinated using AstraZeneca because it is not approved for use in anybody below 18 years but with Pfizer, we can vaccinate those children," the official added.

Uganda is this month expected to receive 647,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the World Health Organization COVAX facility. It is also expected to receive more doses of AstraZeneca and a donation of Sinovac vaccine from China.

Uganda has so far vaccinated over 1.1 million people against the virus.

Scientists in the East African country said if more than 21 million people, or nearly half of the country's population, are immunized, COVID-19 would be put at bay.

By Sunday, the country had registered a total of 92,490 infections and 2,557 deaths due to COVID-19 since March last year. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 17:35:35|Editor: huaxia

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MAPUTO, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan troops have been in Mozambique since July 9, helping fight terrorists in its northern province of Cabo Delgado, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has confirmed.

It was the first time for the Mozambican leader to comment on the substantial involvement of foreign troops in the country, following an agreement reached by Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries last month to militarily help Mozambique combat terrorism.

"A Rwandan contingent, comprising a military and police component, has been in our country since 9th of July, and we have formally notified the Southern African Development Community about the matter," Nyusi said in his televised speech to the nation on Sunday night.

The president said Mozambique requests support from Rwanda for its experience and immediate availability, and that the support is priceless since the country cannot let more lives be lost.

"We shouldn't fear support because no country fights terrorism alone. Mozambicans will be at the forefront as they know the terrain better," Nyusi said. "We are a sovereign country and will continue to be."

He said that although the country received proposals for military support from several countries, the first approach would be to rely on the regional organization, the SADC. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 22:36:11|Editor: huaxia

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YAOUNDE, July 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 Boko Haram fighters were killed when the insurgents raided a Cameroon army outpost in the country's Far North region, an official who asked to remain anonymous said on Monday .

Villagers found several bodies of the insurgents on Monday in Blangafe, an island in the region after Cameroon military repelled Boko Haram attack on its outpost in Sagme, a remote locality in the region, according to the same source.

Eight soldiers were also killed and 13 others wounded during the attack on Saturday, Cameroon army spokesman, Colonel Didier Badjeck said in a statement made public on Monday.

There has been a steady increase in attacks on the military in the region since the death of Abubakar Shekau, the former leader of Boko Haram, according to the region's governor Midjiyawa Bakari.

"The troops remain on high alert across the Far North region and beyond the borders in order to prevent possible new assaults by the terrorist Boko Haram whose manifestations are recurrent," Badjeck said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 23:31:33|Editor: huaxia

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Zhou Tao (2nd R), founder of Ahadi Wireless Limited, holds a meeting at Konnect Hub in Githurai 44, a middle-to-low-income community on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, July 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yan)

by Xinhua writers Ding Lei, Li Hualing



Nairobi, July 26 (Xinhua) -- On a sunny Saturday afternoon, laughter of adolescents resounded through a black-and-white three-floor building dubbed Konnect Hub in Githurai 44, a middle-to-low-income community on the outskirts of Kenya's capital city Nairobi.

"We don't have summer here," said Levin Chama, an 11-year-old boy, sounding genuinely bewildered. A bunch of children grinned with delight on hearing those words from their classmate.

Chama was answering the question through video conferencing asked by Laura Klein, a German college student thousands of miles away, about what Kenyans like to do in summer, after she shared how a German family usually spends their summer time.

It was an eye-opening class during which volunteer teachers from all over the world gave the East African nation's children a virtual tour of their home countries, offering them remote access to experiencing the culture of a country they may have never heard about.

Such a distance learning program happens every week at Konnect Hub since this April. The Konnect School, an initiative by Chinese-invested Kenyan Internet service provider Ahadi Wireless Limited, is the first digital learning environment in Githurai region.

Under the Konnect School program, children aged between five and 15 years, take various online classes including literature, mathematics, culture and arts.

"I like this kind of distance learning. It is very different from going to classes at school. I have learned a lot about other countries," Chama told Xinhua on Saturday.

Ann Kariuki, a 15-year-old highschool girl who signed up to the program after being referred from Chama's mother, said the Konnect sessions were amazing by showing her around the world. "It (Konnect School) really teaches us that if you really want to have a good life, you should really try hard."

Abhigail Xu, a Philippine teacher currently volunteering for Konnect School in Nairobi and teaching English as a second language, said having remote educational system like Konnect School in Kenya makes a big difference. "It's just a simple thing for me, but in the long run it'll be a very big thing for Kenyan kids' future," said Xu.

Zhou Tao, founder of Ahadi Wireless Limited, told Xinhua that his aim is to build the largest last-mile community-based broadband network in Africa by delivering affordable Internet services to help every child enjoy distance education.

When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Kenya in March 2020, schools had been closed to curb the spread of the disease. The country adopted measures to move classes online to help children and youth continue their education at home.

Zhou said low and middle income families account for some 80 percent of Nairobi's population. Children from those underprivileged families were more likely to be excluded from online learning because they could not afford sufficient Internet.

Internet access in Africa has grown rapidly in recent years, but access rates are still well behind the rest of the world as affordability of the service remains a major barrier to the uptake.

According to a report by the International Telecommunications Union, only 28 percent of urban households in Africa had access to the Internet at home in 2019, well below the global average of 72 percent. The report also said that at the end of 2019, less than 30 percent of population in Africa was using the Internet, compared with the proportion of 51 percent worldwide.

To help address the digital technology divide on the continent, Zhou launched Konnect project in early 2020 with a target market of middle-to-low-income residents struggling to afford the costs of Internet services despite their desire to be part of the ever-expanding digital world.

Users of Konnect pay 20 Kenyan shillings (0.18 U.S. dollars) per hour and between 9.21 USD and 18.43 USD monthly to access the Internet service with a high speed of up to 8 megabits per second per device.

By far, Konnect, in partnership with China Telecom (Kenya) Limited, has registered more than 65,000 users in densely-populated communities in Nairobi. "We hope to promote the affordable Internet services to as many low- and middle-income families in Africa as possible, so that Africa can better connect with the rest of the world," said Zhou during an interview with Xinhua.

The internet entrepreneur said Konnect is not just providing affordable Internet but building a basic service with Internet as a tool to promote opportunities on top of the infrastructure. Zhou hopes to expand the Konnect project into other African countries such as Uganda, Ghana and Zambia in the near future. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 00:43:07|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese telecoms firm Huawei will be on the frontline of powering the green energy revolution in Africa through provision of digital enablers, an executive said Monday.

Huang Su, director of Huawei Southern Africa Digital Power Business, said that harnessing emerging technologies is the key to boosting access to cleaner energy sources and spurring green growth in the continent.

"Digital and intelligent technologies can be of great help to ensure we provide sufficient electricity to every African household and business," Huang said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Statistics from International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate that 580 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa lacked access to electricity in 2019.

Huang said that tapping massive renewable energy sources that are expected to contribute 22 percent of Africa's total energy consumption by 2022 will hasten realization of the continent's green agenda.

According to Huang, new technologies could boost the continent's efforts to revamp energy infrastructure, bridge access gaps and reduce carbon emission.

While noting that the cost of photovoltaic (PV) power generation has reduced significantly over the last decade, Huang said it offered an opportunity for Africa to harness clean energy and meet a growing demand.

Huang said that renewable energy is currently cheaper than fossil-fuel-based options that are a drawback to green growth in Africa, noting that Huawei is keen to introduce digital power solutions in the continent.

"The essence of digital power is integrating cloud, AI, and other digital technologies with power generation, storage and consumption. We are ready and willing to provide our full support for building a green Africa and bridging the energy gap," said Huang.

The Huawei smart PV solution has been deployed in more than 60 countries and regions, generating more than 300 billion kilowatts hour (kWh) of green electricity globally.

"Over time, Huawei will deploy more and more scalable power stations. These power stations can be managed and maintained online, further reducing their carbon footprint," said Huang. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-25 20:01:02|Editor: huaxia

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Visitors view ancient Chinese ceramics at the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology in Manila, the Philippines, July 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

by Xinhua Writers Yan Jie, Liu Kai

MANILA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Bobby Orillaneda, a senior researcher of the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology, fell in love with ancient Chinese ceramics in 1999 when he joined a shipwreck excavation in Palawan, an archipelagic province in the Southeast Asian country.

As a ceramic researcher and head of the museum's maritime and underwater heritage division, Orillaneda said China's ceramics collections of the museum date back to nearly 1,000 years ago or the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties.

The ancient Chinese ceramics, most of which were found in the Philippines either inland sites or in shipwreck sites, are "very good evidence of the thriving maritime trade between China and the rest of the world, including the Philippines," he told Xinhua in an interview.

"Most of the collections here are from the port of Quanzhou since the 13th century, when there was increased maritime traffic among China, the Philippines, and the rest of the Southeast Asian region. Ceramics from different areas of China would be carried to Quanzhou first and then shipped towards different destinations such as here in the Philippines," Orillaneda said.

Over the past years, Orillaneda has visited many cities in China to arrange cultural artifacts exhibitions. Among those cities, Quanzhou, located in China's Fujian province as the crucial starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, impressed him the most.

Dating back to China's Song Dynasty (960-1297) and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Quanzhou witnessed a prospering maritime trade and economy, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and the rest of the world.

On Sunday, Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site, bringing the total number of China's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56.

Starting from Quanzhou, silk, porcelain, and tea were ferried out of China, while spices, exotic plants, and other rare treasures were shipped back.

Shipwrecks excavated in Quanzhou Bay and the South China Sea also testify to the prosperity and vibrancy of the port, such as the wreck of a sailing ship with a wooden hull unearthed in Houzhu Harbor in Quanzhou Bay.

This three-masted ocean-going commercial vessel seems to have been originally built in Quanzhou in the 13th century, and at the time of the wreck, it was returning from Southeast Asia loaded with spices, medicines, and other merchandise.

Deeply engrossed in the study of ancient Chinese ceramics, Orillaneda said that out of all the collections in the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology, his favorite one is a blue and white porcelain bowl made during the Yuan Dynasty.

"It is recovered from a late 15th-century shipwreck here in Palawan, but this one is quite different because it is made during the Yuan Dynasty, which is about 100 years earlier than the shipwreck," Orillaneda said.

"During the Yuan Dynasty, the blue and whites are of very high quality. The cobalt was taken from Central Asia and imported to China and used during the first batch of the blue and whites. Therefore, the exquisite craftsmanship and the colors are very vibrant. The design inside the bowl shows mythical animals like phoenix and kylin, which are important symbols in Chinese mythology."

Orillaneda's mentor, Rita Tan, the former president of the Oriental Ceramic Society of the Philippines, also dedicated her life to studying ancient Chinese ceramics.

Born in 1939, Tan has been the curator of a series of exhibitions on overseas ancient Chinese ceramics, particularly those fabricated in Fujian province before being shipped out from Quanzhou and finally discovered in the Philippines.

She attributed the discovery of Song-Yuan ceramics in the Philippines to Chinese government policy incentives of those dynasties and the Philippines' strategic location along the Maritime Silk Road due to its proximity to China's coastal areas. Tan believes that these cultural relics are "the most concrete evidence of history."

"Song Dynasty is the 'golden era' of Chinese ceramics, which witnessed the blooming of kilns in Southeast China. Moreover, the opening-up policy and emphasis on foreign trade of those dynasties boosted the export of Chinese ceramics," Tan said.

"Geographically close, the Philippines is a must-pass between China and the rest of the Southeast Asian region, and even Western Asia," Tan added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 13:24:17|Editor: huaxia

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WELLINGTON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Around 45,000 New Zealanders are living with hepatitis C. However, due to symptoms often not appearing for many years, half of them may be unaware they have it, a health official said ahead of the World Hepatitis Day which falls this Wednesday.

Pop-up hepatitis C testing clinics will be set up across New Zealand on World Hepatitis Day to make it quick and easy for at risk Kiwis to get tested for the virus, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said in a statement on Monday.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that attacks the liver and can lead to cancer, Bloomfield said.

"The virus is a major public health threat in New Zealand. Around 1,000 people contract hepatitis C every year and 200 people die from it. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplantation in New Zealand and the second leading cause of liver cancer (behind hepatitis B)," he said.

There is now a highly effective treatment that can cure up to 98 percent of those with chronic hepatitis C, but to achieve elimination everyone who has the virus must be diagnosed so they can receive this treatment, Bloomfield said.

At risk people include those who have ever injected drugs, received a tattoo or body piercing using un-sterile equipment, received medical treatment in a high-risk country, or been born to a mother with hepatitis C, he said.

The World Hepatitis Day will also see the launch of the National Hepatitis C Action Plan for New Zealand which focuses on awareness raising, prevention, testing and treatment of hepatitis C, according to the Ministry of Health. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 14:29:46|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed after rain-triggered floods hit the western Mongolian province of Govi-Altai over the weekend, the country's National Emergency Management Agency reported on Monday.

The disasters occurred in Khaliun and Chandmani soums (administrative subdivisions) of the province, and the decedents were aged 7-62, said the agency.

Heavy rains are expected to lash major parts of the country in the coming days, the agency said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 14:32:56|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Monday reported 303 new domestic COVID-19 cases, a remarkable drop from its peak of 991 cases on June 30, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said in a statement.

However, the Southeast Asian nation had seen a significant surge in imported cases, the ministry said, adding that the kingdom found 475 imported cases on Monday, sharply up from 139 at June's end.

Authorities attributed the fall in domestic infections to higher COVID-19 vaccination rates and the increase in imported cases to importations by migrant workers returning from neighbouring Thailand.

To date, Cambodia had registered a total of 73,701 COVID-19 cases including 9,152 imported cases, the ministry said, adding that 22 more fatalities had been recorded Monday, bringing the overall death toll to 1,305.

The kingdom also saw 686 other patients recovered, raising the total number of recoveries to 65,950, the ministry said.

World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Cambodia Li Ailan said people could control the spread of COVID-19 and its variants through wearing a mask, washing hands, maintaining physical distancing, conducting contact tracing, undergoing quarantine and getting vaccines.

"We are racing against Delta variant. We must act faster with a greater sense of urgency and with no regrets," she wrote on Twitter.

She said it was essential that non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) be implemented effectively and all vulnerable people be fully vaccinated.

Cambodia began an anti-COVID-19 inoculation drive on Feb 10, with China being the key vaccine supplier.

So far, the kingdom had vaccinated 6.74 million people, or 67.4 percent, of the 10 million targeted adult population, MoH's secretary of state and spokeswoman Or Vandine said, adding that it aimed to inoculate the 10 million targeted adult population by October or November at the latest. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 14:37:19|Editor: huaxia

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KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Moody's Analytics on Monday revised down Malaysia's real gross domestic product (GDP) forecast this year to 4.7 percent from 5.6 percent, due to heightened movement restrictions amid the spread of Delta variant.

"Given the continued rise of daily new cases of COVID-19, there is considerable downside risk that the current movement control order could extend into August. We will be following this closely and there could be further downward revisions for 2021," the rating agency's economist Steven Cochrane told Xinhua in an email.

He has also lowered Malaysia's GDP forecast next year to 3.4 percent from an earlier projection of 4 percent.

In his economic report issued on Monday, he said, Southeast Asia has lagged the pace of recovery in the Asia-Pacific region with GDP, as of the first quarter, still below pre-pandemic peaks.

"The spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 is disrupting the economic recovery of Southeast Asia in the third quarter given the strength of the current wave of the coronavirus and policy responses to it," he said.

Malaysia, for instance, has very strict movement control orders around its capital city Kuala Lumpur and the national capital region.

While the daily total new coronavirus caseload is higher in Indonesia, he noted, on a per capita basis Malaysia is far ahead of any other Asia Pacific country at this time. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 15:36:39|Editor: huaxia

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TOKYO, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Japan on Monday started accepting applications for so-called vaccine passports for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel internationally, local media reported.

According to the Japanese government, Italy, Austria, Turkey, Bulgaria and Poland have agreed to ease COVID-19 quarantine rules for the holders of the Japanese certificates, and South Korea will accept them as one of the documents required to exempt holders from quarantine requirements.

The Japanese government is currently negotiating with other countries to expand the use of its vaccine passports.

The vaccination certificates will be official records issued free of charge by municipalities, showing information about an administered vaccine, the vaccination date, and personal information such as name and passport number.

A successful application requires submitting documents including the application form, passport, and vaccination tickets either in person or via mail.

The application form and the certificate currently only have the paper form. However, the Japanese government is on the way to introduce digital application and issuance.

The largest business lobby of Japan, the Japan Business Federation, known as Keidanren, has suggested using the certificates for raising event attendance caps and for restaurant discounts in Japan.

However, there is concern that such use will increase the burden on local governments that process applications and lead to discrimination against people who have not been vaccinated.

Nevertheless, some restaurants and hotels in Japan already offer discounts for people who show their vaccination records. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-26 15:57:40|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia is planning to inoculate its citizens with a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine, Health Minister Sereejav Enkhbold said Monday.

Enkhbold made the remarks during a meeting of the national disaster risk reduction council.

"We are preparing to introduce the third doses of COVID-19 vaccine starting late August as part of further measures to combat the pandemic," he said.

The Asian country began a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign in late February, aiming to cover at least 60 percent of its 3.3-million population.

Close to 66 percent of the country's population has received a first dose of vaccine and over 59 percent received two jabs. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 03:27:16|Editor: huaxia

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LISBON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Portugal signed on Monday agreements with the European Commission on financing and loans from the post-pandemic European economic recovery funds.

Portugal's Minister of Planning Nelson de Souza said at the contract signing ceremony here that his country expects the Commission to transfer the first pre-financing totaling 2.1 billion euros (2.48 billion U.S. dollars) "in the coming days."

"We always aspire to be at the forefront of this very important process of recovery after the onset of the pandemic crisis," stressed the minister.

Also present at the signing ceremony, the Portuguese Minister of State for Finance, Joao Leao, stated that this agreement is "a very important milestone for the future of the country," and that now the government will "commit itself to the execution of the plan."

According to him, Portugal "has pledged to act" and is doing so "tirelessly, with its eyes set on the country's recovery and future to create a project that goes far beyond an immediate response to the crisis."

On July 13, the Commission approved Portugal's 16.6-billion-euro Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) for the 2021-2026 period. Of this sum, 13.9 billion euros are non-repayable grants and 2.7 billion euros are loans on facilitated terms. (1 euro = 1.18 U.S. dollar) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-27 06:07:36|Editor: huaxia

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SKOPJE, July 26 (Xinhua) -- A court in North Macedonia on Monday sentenced former parliamentary speaker Trajko Veljanoski and three former senior officials to imprisonment for organizing the violent attack against the country's parliament on April 27, 2017.

The Criminal Court in Skopje gave the verdict to sentence Veljanoski to six years and six months in jail and former transport and labor ministers -- Mile Janakieski and Spiro Ristovski -- to six years and three months in jail each.

The Criminal Court also decided to sentence Vladimir Atanasovski, former head of the secret police, to six years in jail.

The former officials, all members of the former ruling VMRO-DPMNE party, were found guilty of "terrorist endangerment of constitutional order" and were accused of being the organizers of the April 2017 parliament storming, where about 100 people were injured.

Some 100 masked demonstrators, supporters of the VMRO-DPMNE party, stormed inside the parliament building in an attempt to stop the new majority from electing a new parliament speaker and the Social Democratic Union leader Zoran Zaev from forming a new government.

Dozens of lawmakers and journalists were injured during the violent attack, including Zaev, who is now prime minister.

On Monday, the court did not give any verdict for former prime minister and VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski, who fled North Macedonia in 2018 and was granted political asylum in Hungary. Enditem
Presidente @FSagasti en @Latina_pe: Quisiera que se recuerde que el Gobierno de Transicion y Emergencia demostro que es posible gobernar con transparencia, honestidad, eficiencia y convocando a todos, en cada nivel de gobierno. Los peruanos sabemos y podemos trabajar juntos. pic.twitter.com/tHm4fKgin7
In an interview with Santa Rosa radio station, the Cabinet chief claimed that the outgoing government has left a document with details on the entire vaccination process , including the acquisition of doses, the laboratories with which Peru is negotiating the participating actors in such stage, and how a Vaccinathon is organized.
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. The Office of the Governor of Armenias Ararat province denied the media reports claiming that the Azerbaijani forces have opened fire at the direction of Armash and Surenavan communities.

The media report according to which the Azerbaijani forces have fired shots at the direction of Armash and Surenavan communities of Ararat province have nothing to do with the reality.

On July 26, starting from 11:30, the Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire in the direction of the Ararat section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, in particular in Yeraskh, by opening fire from various caliber firearms at the Armenian positions. The Armenian side took countermeasures. At this moment the situation is calm.

We call on the media representatives to refrain from spreading reports relating to the border situation which have nothing to do with the reality and spread panic, the statement says.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
STEPANAKERT, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. The Office of the Ombudsman of Artsakh has received an alarm about the capture of a resident of Machkalashen community of Martuni region.

The fact-finding works have revealed that the person is a resident of Machkalashen, born in 1989,who was engaged in cattle-breeding. While searching for his own animals, he found himself in the territory which is under the control of the Azerbaijani armed forces.

The community authorities have informed the Russian peacekeepers about this. Currently, negotiations are underway with their mediation for returning the person.

The Ombudsmans Office continues examinations about the alarm and will provide additional information about the results, Ombudsman of Artsakh Gegham Stepanyan said on Facebook.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, 26 JULY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 26 July, USD exchange rate is down by 0.90 drams to 482.52 drams. EUR exchange rate is up by 0.39 drams to 569.28 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate is down by 0.05 drams to 6.52 drams. GBP exchange rate is up by 1.52 drams to 665.64 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price is down by 49.74 drams to 27917.87 drams. Silver price is up by 0.74 drams to 390.39 drams. Platinum price is down by 77.73 drams to 16676.88 drams.
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. The Civil Contract Party plans to set up a National Assembly Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances of the 44-day Artsakh war of 2020, ARMENPRESS reports member of Civil Contract Party, Vice Speaker of the National Assembly of the 7th convocation and elected MP for the National Assembly of the 8th convocation Alen Simonyan told the reporters.

It has been decided that a commission of inquiry will be set up to investigate the circumstances of the 44-day war. For that, we think that the participation of the extra-parliamentary opposition will also be needed; the activity of that commission should not be limited by the forces represented in the National Assembly today, Simonyan said.

He also stressed that they have discussed the upcoming works, as well as issues related to the cooperation between the parliament and the Cabinet. The issues related to the National Assembly standing committees were also touched upon.

To the question if the situation on the borders of Artsakh and Armenia were discussed, Alen Simonyan gave a negative answer.

Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had arrived at the office of the Civil Contract Party at 16:00, where he had a meeting with the elected MPs. Before the meeting MP Hrachya Hakobyan had told the reporters that he did not know thw agenda of the meeting.

The first sitting of the National Assembly of the 8th convocation will be held on August 2.
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu had a telephone conversation with Armenian First Deputy Defense Minister, Major-General Arshak Karapetyan. ARMENPRESS reports, citing "RIA Novosti", the journalists were informed about this in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

"Regional security issues were discussed during the conversation, as well as other issues of mutual interest," the ministry said, providing no more details.
Noting that the nation will mark Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, Modi asked people to pay tribute to those who made our nation proud in 1999

The PM also urged people to keep encouraging and supporting Indias athletes now participating in the Tokyo Olympics.  PTI

New Delhi: Citing the Bharat Chhodo Andolan led by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom movement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked all citizens to lead a Bharat Jodo Andolan in the same way, with the mantra of Nation First, Always First.

In his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address, the PM noted India will celebrate its 75th year of Independence soon and highlighted the fact that Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated across India to mark the year.

Just like Bapu (Gandhi) led the Bharat Chhodo Andolan (Quit India Movement), every Indian must lead the Bharat Jodo Andolan (Unite India Movement), he said. It is our responsibility that we do our work in such a way that it helps in uniting our country, that is full of diversity, the PM said, adding that the culture ministry had begun an initiative to have the maximum number of Indians sing the national anthem together as part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. A website rashtragan.in has been created for people to participate in the campaign.

Noting that the nation will mark Kargil Vijay Diwas on Monday, July 26, the PM asked people to pay tribute to those who had made our nation proud in 1999. Tomorrow, July 26, our nation will mark Kargil Vijay Diwas. Let us pay tribute to those who made our nation proud in 1999. This year, Kargil Diwas will be celebrated amid the Amrit Mahotsav. I urge people to read about the Kargil war and remember our warriors, said the PM.

The PM also urged people to keep encouraging and supporting Indias athletes now participating in the Tokyo Olympics. He urged people to support the Indian Olympics team on the social media by joining the 'Victory Punch Campaign', which had already begun.

Talking about his Mann Ki Baat programme, he said it celebrates both positivity and collectivity. I am unable to take up all the inputs I receive for Mann Ki Baat, but I do forward many of them to the government departments concerned, he said.

In the broadcast, he also cited a study done by MyGov to highlight that of those sending messages and suggestions for Mann Ki Baat, close to 75 per cent are below the age of 35.

Noting that the National Handloom Day, celebrated on August 7, has a historic background when in 1905 the swadeshi movement was started on this day, Mr Modi urged people to buy local handloom products and promote Vocal for Local by sharing this on the social media with #MyHandloomMyPride.

Talking about technology and its usage, Mr Modi praised Odia YouTuber Isaak Munda, a 35-year-old daily wage labourer who is now earning lakhs of rupees from his videos on local cuisines and village lifestyles. He also talked of innovations in agriculture by people like apple cultivation in Ukhrul, Manipur, by an aeronautical engineer.

The PM also talked of an event in Georgia recently where external affairs minister S. Jaishankar handed over the relics of saint queen Ketevan to the Georgian government and also thanked Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong for opening the renovated Silat Road Gurdwara in Singapore.

Mr Modi urged people to save water, making it a part of their lifestyle, saying that everyone needed to preserve water for future generations.
The Israeli army says it has attacked a base of the Islamist Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip overnight.

"In response to arson balloons launched toward Israel, we struck a Hamas military base containing infrastructure and means used for terror activity," the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) tweeted on Monday.

"The base was near civilian sites in Gaza, including a school. We will continue to respond to any terror attempts from Gaza."

Militant Palestinians often send balloons loaded with explosives and incendiary devices over the border to Israel in order to cause damage there.

This regularly results in fires in fields in the south of the country.

In May, Israel's armed forces engaged in an 11-day battle with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

According to official figures, 13 people were killed in Israel and 255 people died in Gaza.

Egypt eventually brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas, which came into effect on May 21.

The Islamist Hamas is classified as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US and the EU.

According to aid organisations, a large part of the 2 million people in the Gaza Strip - whose land and sea borders and air space are controlled by Israel and Egypt - live in very poor conditions.
Summer with Seymour! Whether you are looking for some fun family activities or your next beach read, Seymour Library has you covered with programs, hands-on resources and staff picks.

The librarys Discover Summer program is in full swing, with new programs announced each week on the librarys Facebook page (facebook.com/SeymourLibrary) and email newsletter. Not subscribed to Seymour Librarys email newsletter, offering the latest library news, program announcements and staff book recommendation? Email us at seymourlibrary@seymourlib.org to sign up.

Back by popular demand is Seymour Librarys StoryWalk at Hoopes Park, 100 S. Herman Ave., Auburn. Take a walk around the park and read a story as you go! There will be a new book each week throughout August. Follow the library on Facebook to be the first to know when a new story is up. Send us your StoryWalk selfies at seymourlibrary@seymourlib.org and we will share them on the librarys Facebook page and Instagram. Use the hashtags #SeymourLibrary #DiscoverSummer2021.

A special thank you to the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County for making the StoryWalk, possible and Hoopes Park for letting us return for another year of stories!
Fuel services will be available at all service areas, even those that are closed for construction. There will be no restrooms available at the closed rest stops.

"Highway signs will be used to alert motorists ahead of service areas. For example, 'last bathrooms for XX miles,'" said Jon Dougherty, a Thruway Authority spokesperson. "To ensure continuity of services to Thruway customers during construction, no two consecutive service areas in the same direction of travel will be closed for renovations at the same time. All of our service areas are generally 20-30 miles apart, so it's not terribly long before the next available services on the Thruway."

Empire State Thruway Partners, a company operated by Ireland-based Applegreen Limited, was awarded a 33-year contract to rebuild 23 of the 27 service areas and make upgrades to four others. A public-private partnership will fund the project. No state tax or toll revenue will be used.

The reconstruction of the rest stops will occur over the next three years. In 2022, six service areas  Oneida, Pattersonville, Scottsville and Seneca on I-90 and Sloatsburg and Ulster on I-87  will close. Work at 11 rest stops will begin in 2023.
While attending Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, he became a Rhodes Scholar and was deeply influenced by the work of French philosopher Albert Camus and his ideas of rationality and moral purity for social change. Moses then took part in a Quaker-sponsored trip to Europe and solidified his beliefs that change came from the bottom up before earning a master's in philosophy at Harvard University.

Moses didn't spend much time in the Deep South until he went on a recruiting trip in 1960 to "see the movement for myself." He sought out the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta but found little activity in the office and soon turned his attention to SNCC.

"I was taught about the denial of the right to vote behind the Iron Curtain in Europe," Moses later said. "I never knew that there was (the) denial of the right to vote behind a Cotton Curtain here in the United States."

The young civil rights advocate tried to register Blacks to vote in Mississippi's rural Amite County where he was beaten and arrested. When he tried to file charges against a white assailant, an all-white jury acquitted the man and a judge provided protection to Moses to the county line so he could leave.
Tata Motors Ltd. has reported a loss of 44.5 billion in the last three months, end date of June 30. This is in comparison to the 84.4 billion shortfall that was registered last year, said the company according to a report by Bloomberg. Based on average estimation, analysts had predicted a loss of 21 billion. This huge loss is being attributed to the ongoing semiconductor shortage that has hit the automobile industry hard. Tata Motors shares also closed at 0.8% lower on Monday before the earnings were released.

The cost of raw materials for Tata Motors has seen a hike up to 373.1 billion in the latest quarter compared to 99.4 billion in the same period last year. However, its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) brand has recorded a revenue of 4.97 billion pounds. The latter has conveyed that gradual improvement in the demand of its commercial vehicle segment is being observed.

(Also read | One day, one city, eight new showrooms: Tata Motors enters Ahmedabad fast lane)

On the other hand, JLR's parent company, Tata Motors has informed in a statement that JLR is now expecting the semiconductor situation to worsen in the second quarter compared to the first hence resulting in a 50 percent decrease in the wholesale volume. In the second quarter, JLR expects a negative EBIT margin with a free cash outflow of less than 1 billion. JLR expects the situation will start to improve in the second half of the financial year," quoted Bloomberg. The chip crisis had forced the luxury automaker to temporarily suspend production at its Castle Bromwich and Halewood plants.

(Also read | Tata Motors to raise up to 500 cr via NCDs)

Jaguar Land Rover is working with suppliers and chip manufacturers to increase the availability and the control of chip supply for its vehicles. Chief financial officer Adrian Mardell informed that the company is also prioritising the production of higher-margin vehicles. It also plans to change features on vehicles, however, the chip shortage will not pose an issue in case of any important launches, shared Mardell.

(Inputs from Bloomberg)
Great Replacement and Assault on Western Civilization are key phrases trumpeted by those who support white supremacy. Senator Wendy Rogers has posted such rhetoric on social media. She is a staunch supporter of former president Donald Trump and as such buys into his lies such as the stolen election, etc.

An elected official should represent all in his/her constituency and be open to compromise, co-operation and conciliation with those of different opinions. Instead, we see a continuation of polarization that tears our country apart instead of uniting it.

The United States has the most diverse population in the world as a country of immigrants from all parts of the planet. This cultural diversity which includes the indigenous population has made positive contributions to our society. Collectively we are all Americans and deserve to be treated equally as such. Senator Wendy Rogers as well as all elected officials should keep that in mind.

MARGARET VAN CLEVE

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COVID infections are again on the rise, especially in areas where vaccination numbers are low. OK ... some folks are afraid of vaccination and a handful of others cannot have a vaccination for health reasons. But I ask myself, why would someone choose to suffer COVID versus getting a shot to prevent it? Getting vaccinated seems to me to be a win-win. Protect oneself and protect others (the common good) and especially the millions of children who still do not have the opportunity to be protected by vaccination!

My granddaughter begins kindergarten this August. We know that wearing masks is one of the ways to protect oneself from contracting COVID. Why then has our Arizona government drafted a mandate that prevents schools from requiring masks? It makes no sense to me.

Does our government care about the welfare of our children? Mask wearing is a main defense against transmission of COVID, so why not allow schools to require mask wearing? Young children are not likely to social distance or be mindful of frequent hand-washing, so another defense is needed: mask wearing. And at the university level, if a university, in its attempt to protect students, wishes to require vaccination, why is our government tying their hands?
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New Book Delves Into N. Oregon Coast, History, Images, Inspirations

Published 07/25/21 at 5:15 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Rockaway Beach, Oregon)  From the north Oregon coast comes a splendid new book about the Oregon coast. Rockaway Beach designer and historian Mike Arseneault recently released this full-color inspirational book featuring short stories, vintage and new photography and design, and musings and memories of Rockaway Beach and other memorable places of historical and cultural significance from the area.

Storytelling is 116 pages that take the reader through three chapters and on a journey that starts in Rockaway Beach and then travels from Tillamook to Astoria, covering subjects about the area that been lost and others that have been preserved.

Arseneault said this book should appeal to everyone who lives or visits the area and anyone who loves the beauty, history, and stories of the Oregon coast.

All of this will be celebrated on July 31 with an official book launch event at the Garibaldi Historic Coast Guard Boathouse on Tillamook Bay located at 1209 Bay Lane in Garibaldi, Oregon. The presentation begins at 1 p.m.

Arseneault will talk about the origin of the book, its themes, his creative process, personal highlights, and answer any questions, which includes a Q&A. Arseneault said he hopes that "Storytelling" will continue to bring communities together to preserve the vital cultural heritage of the area, learn from the past, and come together to create an even brighter future.

Topics in the book include: Rockaway Beach; past and present, Twin Rocks, Emily G. Reed Shipwreck, Original Rockaway Train Depot, Outlook Inn/Lake Lytle Hotel and Depot, The Rockaway Natatorium, Karla's Smokehouse, Big Red Cedar, WWII Blimps (Hanger B Tillamook), Garibaldi Historic U.S. Coast Guard Boathouse (Pier's End), Lost Town of Bayocean, Whitney Mill Chimney (Garibaldi Smokestack), 1908 Barview Life-Saving Station, Old Wheeler Hotel, the Last Natatorium (Now the Seaside Aquarium), Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (Terribly Tilly), Peter Iredale Shipwreck (Warrenton), Liberty Theater (Astoria), and Astoria (or Astor) Column, and more.

This visual design storybook is personal, very original, and will take each reader on an inspirational journey of special places that have and will continue to matter to people who love this area, said Arseneault. "It's a very personal and unique book and quite different from other local history books. It has been created to provoke, spark action, and serve as a treasured keepsake for all those who love the northern Oregon coast.

A limited number of books have been printed as a collector's piece and each book comes with a custom designed envelope for keepsaking. To honor Rockaway Beach and Tillamook north county, the book was launched locally first. Retailing for $20.00 each, copies are currently available at several businesses on the north Oregon coast.

Send any inquiries to Mike at mikes.arseneault@gmail.com and follow the Storytelling Facebook group for more launch details and additional stories: www.facebook.com/groups/storytellingbyrecreatenow

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Kirchhoff said she thinks dancing is part of any culture, but that people can shy away from dance as a fine art because they dont understand what it means.

People are looking for what its about, but my feeling is that dance is an innate part of living and being alive and being interactive with other people, Kirchhoff said.

At the end of Kirchhoffs residency, Homestead will host a program where the public can learn about improvisational movement. A date for that program will be announced on the Homestead National Historical Park Facebook page.

The idea is that Im not teaching people how to dance, but everybody has a sense of movement, so being present in your body allows you to be present in the moment in the world, and hopefully experience the park in a different kind of wayAs a dance artist, thats part of what I try to do, is make it accessible to everybody to feel like its something that not only can you watch and get kind of an entry point into, but also something that everybody can do, Kirchhoff said.

Homestead has participated in the Artist in Residence program with the National Park Service for 12 years now, hosting artists to help connect visitors with the park and its meanings using various art forms.
Tomorrow's highlight as the Qatar Goodwood Festival gets under way is undoubtedly the Group 1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup at 15:35, which features Stradivarius going for a momentous fifth win in a row in a race he's made his own.

Has Stradivarius had his day in the sun?

From a betting perspective, much of the interest centres around whether or not you think John & Thady Gosden's 7-y-o is as good as he once was, the evidence mounting to suggest he probably isn't.

At his peak, Stradivarius managed to record a Timeform rating of 127 (achieved in last year's Ascot Gold Cup), while since then he's run to figures of 117, 123, 114, 36, 116, and 118 most recently in this year's renewal of Ascot's showpiece.

If we chuck out that 36 when he clearly wasn't right having run in the Arc just a fortnight previously, we get a median rating of 117 for Stradivarius' five most recent efforts.



There were also mitigating circumstances for his run in the Ascot Gold Cup this year - though his passage wasn't quite as bad as some would have you believe - unlikely to have beaten Subjectivist no matter what kind of trip he got.

Now ratings are not the be all and end all, and I'm certainly not using them as a stick to beat him with, though when dealing with a short-priced favourite, the key is to find out whether the price is merited or not.

Based on the evidence in front of us, I'd suggest 2.2 is probably not a price worth taking on a horse who doesn't seem quite as good as he was (albeit still a smart performer).

If we take the view that Stradivarius is likely to run somewhere between 117 and 123 on the Timeform scale, then this looks an open renewal, with plenty of his rivals capable of running to that sort of level on their best days.

So, which way to jump when looking for a bet in the race?

The obvious starting point is Trueshan, who missed the Ascot Gold Cup due to drying ground and easier conditions will be more in his favour here. He ran a blinder when fourth under a big weight in the Northumberland Plate last time.

Mark Johnston's Sir Ron Priestly is stepping up to 2m for the first time, though the suspicion is he would prefer faster ground, albeit forecast drying conditions up to the race would certainly work in his favour.

Aidan O'Brien is three-handed in a race he's won twice previously, with the mighty Yeats in 2006 and 2008.

Last year's Derby winner Serpentine remains with that one effort very much a standout on the balance of his form, though he has to be respected back in trip having failed to stay in the Ascot Gold Cup last time.

He'd be just about the pick of the Ballydoyle trio if able to replicate his Epsom run, though the jury is very much out on that score.

Spanish Mission is the one who fascinates me most in here.

He's a horse who's always shown plenty of talent, though hasn't always delivered. However, there are signs now that he's finally putting it all together at the age of 5.

There's also an argument to suggest he had a slightly worse trip than Stradivarius in the Ascot Gold Cup last time, yet still managed to finish ahead of that one. His prior win at York when convincingly taking care of Sir Ron Priestly is a strong piece of form in the context of this race, and William Buick clearly gets on very well with Andrew Balding's son of Noble Mission.

I'd be happy taking a chance on Spanish Mission, whose form could be just about to go to the next level for a trainer who's having a fantastic 2021.

No Blues for Appleby

The other bet on the Goodwood card is Space Blues, who is bidding for a repeat in the Group 2 Unibet Lennox Stakes at 15:00.

A real 7f specialist, Space Blues looks to have been laid out specifically for this race having not been seen since finishing down the field in the Al Quoz at Meydan in March.

A winner of the STC 1351 Sprint over 6.7f in Saudi Arabia on his reappearance in February, it's worth forgiving that Al Quoz effort as 6f on a flat track is an absolute bare minimum for Space Blues nowadays.

A compact type ideally suited to the tight Goodwood track, Charlie Appleby's son of Dubawi looks sure to put up a big effort for a yard that's carrying all before it this year.

The main danger to the selection could well come from his own stable in the shape of Creative Force, who's done nothing but improve this year and was far from disgraced when fifth in the July Cup at Newmarket last time.

However, my feeling is that this track just plays more into the hands of his stable companion, for all that Creative Force looks sure to give a good account.

Mazagran is a great price

Over at Galway, the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Premier Handicap at 18:15 is as competitive as you'd expect for an 18-runner affair at a mid-summer festival.

However, there are plenty in here that have already tipped their hands to the handicapper, while there could be one who has yet to fully show what he's capable of on turf.

Step forward Mazagran.

This could well be one of the shrewdest purchases of the year for Joseph O'Brien's yard, being bought out of Satish Seemar's UAE stable for just over 12.5k.

What makes Mazagran of particular interest is that he's still unexposed on turf, having done the majority of his racing in the UAE on dirt (won twice at Jebel Ali).

His recent debut for this yard could hardly have been more impressive, as he strode away with a minor contest at Limerick, winning with plenty in hand. An opening Irish mark of 94 looks more than workable and he'll take plenty of stopping if getting the breaks.
MCALLEN, Texas (AP)  South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noems whirlwind tour of the U.S. border with Mexico on Monday was filled with climbing into military vehicles, visiting with troops and positioning herself as tough on an issue that's sure to loom large in 2024 presidential debates.

The Republican governor flew to McAllen, Texas, to check in on the roughly 50 National Guard members who volunteered for a 30-day deployment. She heard how troops have encountered many children crossing and are eager to be stationed where even more people cross the border each night.

The reality of it is astonishing, Noem told The Associated Press after meeting with the troops. What our soldiers are seeing is a porous border.

The ambitious governor s first visit to the border gives her a chance to pick up where former President Donald Trump left off in making hard-line immigration measures a driving force of the Republican Party. Noem eagerly joined the political fight with President Joe Biden after a surge in border crossings, sending the South Dakota Guard members to aid Texas push to arrest people crossing the border illegally and charge them with state crimes.
The Harris Mountain fire more than doubled in size in 24 hours and grew to 11,890 acres Monday, as the Cascade County Sheriffs Office ordered mandatory evacuations and the American Red Cross set up a shelter as multiple blazes continued to rip through the state.

On Sunday night, Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter issued a mandatory evacuation order for all those living on Adel Road, south of mile marker 7. Evacuation orders were issued near Sheep Creek Road as well, officials posted online Monday. Residents are asked to avoid the area as much as possible to allow fire response efforts to travel unheeded into the area.

"There is a mandatory evacuation order for all residents on Adel Road and Whitmore," Cascade County Disaster and Emergency Services posted from the sheriff's office. "You are in imminent danger of the fire. Grab your essential items and house pets and leave immediately. First responders will not come rescue you."

The fire, 10 miles southeast of Cascade, was reportedly sparked by lightning on Friday afternoon. As of Monday afternoon it was 0% contained.

Officials said it burned more than 3,000 acres within the first burn period.
I had no idea that the reason for all the changes the Legislature made in Montana's voting laws this year was fear of the walking dead. But in a recent speech to his Republican colleagues, Gov. Gianforte said the changes were "so dead people don't vote anymore." I didn't know that dead people had been voting, and neither did an official from the Montana Association of Clerks and Recorders. She said, "There's never been any evidence that I'm aware of, that we've been letting deceased voters vote."

Actually, I don't think it's zombies Republicans are afraid of. It's voters. But that's curious, too. In the last Montana election, the GOP won every office on the ballot and a substantial majority in the Legislature. Since they couldn't complain about any fraud or chicanery in the election they won, they had to invent some other reason for making voting more of a chore and inconvenience with added bureaucratic restrictions. So they invented zombie voters. But when Gianforte signed the bill Republicans had urgently passed, he bragged that Montana "has a long history of secure, transparent elections, setting a standard for the nation."
North Dakota health officials on Monday confirmed 27 new cases of COVID-19 from just 424 tests processed Sunday.

The positivity rate of 6.43% calculated by the Health Department is one of the higher figures in a while, and the 14-day rolling average test positivity rate climbed to 2.27%. That's within the target range of less than 5%, but the 14-day average has been climbing steadily this month. It's nearly double what it was two weeks ago.

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are trending upward across the country, and health experts blame the new fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus. It's also a worry among North Dakota health officials.

Active COVID-19 cases on Monday were at 264 statewide and at 75 in Burleigh-Morton counties, according to the state's virus dashboard. Both figures are the highest in about a month and a half.

The newly confirmed virus cases brought North Dakota's pandemic total to 111,265, with 109,463 recoveries, 1,538 deaths and 4,384 hospitalizations. No new deaths were reported Monday. Eighteen COVID-19 patients remained in a hospital, unchanged from the previous day.
Through this funding allocation, we focused on investing in physical reminders of the strength and resilience of northwest North Dakota through the creative efforts of the regions residents, foundation Board Chairman Ward Koeser said in a statement.

The foundation last year doled out nearly $90,000 in grants to entities in the four counties through its pandemic Relief Fund.

More information is available at www.NWNDCommunityFoundation.org.

Aid for the arts

The North Dakota Council on the Arts will award about $700,000 in federal coronavirus aid to eligible artists and arts organizations in the state.

The council is getting the money through the National Endowment for the Arts, which is receiving aid through the American Rescue Plan to support organizations and jobs in the arts sector that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Dakota's road construction season is going well, due in part to the lack of wet weather.

"The current drought we're experiencing here in North Dakota is tough on the farmers and ranchers," state Department of Transportation Construction Engineer Phil Murdoff said. "I understand the struggles and worries they're going through. But when it comes to construction, the dry weather is actually allowing many of our projects to progress quicker than usual."

Murdoff told Prairie Public that DOT is spending between $350 million and $400 million on projects around the state.

"We're right on schedule, and even ahead of schedule on some projects," he said.

Murdoff believes the majority of drivers are obeying the slower speed limits through construction zones. He said its something motorists need to remind themselves of as they travel the state.

"There are often changing conditions in our work zones," Murdoff said. "There may be stopped traffic, different driving surfaces, narrow lanes, things like that."

Murdoff said it's for those reasons drivers need to pay special attention in work zones.
Hunters who don't have a license for North Dakota's fall deer gun season still have a chance to get one.

More than 6,000 antlerless licenses are still available, in 18 hunting units, according to the state Game and Fish Department. They'll be issued on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. Central time Wednesday.

Residents and nonresidents who have not already received a lottery or landowner license are eligible to apply online at gf.nd.gov. More information on units and available licenses is at https://gf.nd.gov/news/4837.

Hunters who want to buy additional licenses will be able to do so beginning at 8 a.m. CDT on Aug. 18. At that time, any remaining antlerless licenses will be issued as a concurrent season license, which can be used during the archery season with a bow; the deer gun season with a bow, rifle or muzzleloader; or during the muzzleloader season with a muzzleloader. Youth who are under age 14 at the end of the calendar year will be issued a concurrent season license for archery only.
This is a national security threat behind us, Noem said at a news conference near a border wall. What we see happening behind us is an open border. The drugs that come into South Dakota come over this border.

But the governor has also stepped into a border policy debate that has no easy answers. She described how National Guard members are eager to help with border security, but have also been thrust into an environment where it's difficult to determine why people are crossing.

Large numbers of migrants have been showing up at the U.S. border with Mexico, with many turning themselves over to U.S. Border Patrol agents in seeking legal asylum status. U.S. officials reported this month that they had encountered 55,805 members of families with children in June, up 25% from the previous month. That figure still remains far below the high of 88,587 in May 2019.

For any Republican eyeing a 2024 presidential bid, a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border may become as necessary as visiting early primary states. Among the governors who have joined Gov. Greg Abbotts initiative, Noem and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are the only ones to stage a news conference with the border as a backdrop.
BLY, Ore. (AP)  Out-of-state crews headed to Montana Saturday to battle a blaze that injured five firefighters as the U.S. West struggled with a series of fires that have ravaged rural lands and destroyed homes.

Progress was being made on the nation's largest blaze, the Bootleg Fire in Oregon, but less than half of it was contained, fire officials said. The growth of the sprawling fire had slowed, but increased fire activity was expected Saturday, and thousands of homes remained threatened on its eastern side, authorities said.

This fire is resistant to stopping at dozer lines," Jim Hanson, fire behavior analyst, said Saturday in a news release from the Oregon Department of Forestry. With the critically dry weather and fuels we are experiencing, firefighters are having to constantly reevaluate their control lines and look for contingency options."

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday declared a state of emergency for four northern counties because of wildfires that he said were causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property. The proclamation opens the way for more state support.
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The divine economy is an enterprise economy and an entrepreneurial one. We would do well to honor, rather than disparage, those who create wealth and take entrepreneurial risk. They reflect Gods character and Gods purpose. []

Why does business matter to God? Well, if business does not matter to God then we render a large part of human existence meaningless. The church, however, seems to be incapable in so many ways of understanding business resulting in words such as profit or incentive being seen as dirty. The assumption is that the market economy falls short, whereas in fact it is Gods divine provision. Deirdre McCloskey illustrates the point in The Bourgeois Virtues:

In an ideal world capitalist work would be necessary.contrary to a widespread belief among the clergy that good work and capitalist work are inconsistent with each other.

The consequence of misunderstanding this truth is a disconnect, a tension between the intrinsic value of the divine economy and its practical processes. Alain de Botton describes this tension, reflected in the title of his book, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work:

We are now as imaginatively disconnected from the manufacture and distribution of our goods as we are practically in reach of them, a process of alienation which has stripped us of myriad opportunities for wonder, gratitude and guilt.

Our quest for a theology of enterprise and entrepreneurship is to find a way of expressing the godly value of beauty, innovation, and creativity.

Biblical examples of enterprise and entrepreneurship

There are numerous biblical examples of enterprise and entrepreneurship. Genesis 4 is worth a careful read. In vv1-2 we see the principle of specialization: Abel concentrating on livestock, Cain on arable, simply set out as a normal, no-fuss process of market provision. Then in vv2022, the family tree of Lamech is illustrated by reference to those who raised livestock, played stringed instruments, and forged iron and bronze tools. Note immediately the emphasis on creativity and innovation, a key characteristic of entrepreneurship. The basic point is that this is a normal part of the biblical narrative.

Two other examples illustrate this point.

First, Exodus 35:30-35. The context for this verse is the people of Israel wandering in the desert prior to entering the promised land. Here, detailed instructions are given for the construction of the tabernacle, which will be the focus of worship during this period. Moses points to one individual, Bazalel, and says:

Then Moses said to people of Israel: See, the lord has called by name Bezalel . . . he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge and with all craftmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab . . . He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple, and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver  by any sort of workman or skilled designer.

There are several ideas here central to a biblical theology of entrepreneurship. First, we note that the gifts mentioned are endowed by the Spirit of God. Ideas are foundational to entrepreneurship  and central to our appreciation of entrepreneurial ideas is the recognition that they are divine, endowed by God. Secondly, the endowment is specific, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge and with all craftsmanship. This implies human development, not simply a static range of skills. This, too, is central to entrepreneurship: acquiring new skills. Thirdly, some of the specific materials referred to (gold, silver, and wood) look back to the provision of raw materials in Genesis 2. Fourthly, and crucially, Moses adds, in verse 34, that the Lord had also given him the ability to teach others  the idea of human capital and development, placing education at the center of the business enterprise. We see here the coming together of crucial theological and economic concepts all designed to enable the human person to flourish. The divine economy is an enterprise economy and an entrepreneurial one. We would do well to honor, rather than disparage, those who create wealth and take entrepreneurial risk. They reflect Gods character and Gods purpose.

The second biblical example to consider is Joseph, who oversees the preparations for famine in Egypt in Genesis 41:46-57. How many sermons have you heard on Joseph the market economist and entrepreneur? In v46, Joseph planned, a surplus was built up in the plentiful years (vv47-48), and we know from v34 that a tax rate of 20% was used to achieve this (note: flat-rate, no progressive redistribution), and effectively also running a budget surplus. When the famine came, we are told, in vv 56-57, that Joseph opened the storehouses and, sold to the Egyptians and that all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain. This was not a free giveaway  he sold the grain. At what price? Presumably at a level that ensured the grain would last. Secondly, though, he also traded. This enabled Joseph to build financial reserves to support the nation moving forward. Some great lessons. Note the patience of the entrepreneur. Free giveaways may not be the best policy. The market economy, the system essentially provided by God, ensures the allocation of resources. No overspending, the building up of reserves and savings. Providing for the nation in its time of need. Trading freely with others is not a contradiction but for the benefit of both. Economics matters and careful economic planning was an essential part of Josephs leadership. He truly was a great entrepreneur and economist.

A theology of enterprise and entrepreneurship

We now have the building blocks in place for a theology of enterprise and entrepreneurship. There are three elements:

The idea reflects Gods character and purpose. The dynamic, innovative God is an enterprising God  as shown in the very creation process. A theology of enterprise and entrepreneurship gives weight to innovation and creativity, wealth creation, provision of goods and services, reward and incentive. The model permits investigation of human capital and development in key areas such as skills, and permits creative engagement with for example, new technology.

A theology of enterprise requires some form of market economy, as that is the setting in which these ideas can best flourish. Entrepreneurship is to be encouraged as the earthly expression of heavenly creativity and innovation. Pope Paul VIs 1967 encyclical Populorum Progressio, summarised the link of wealth creation and entrepreneurship well:

By dint of intelligent thought and hard work, man gradually uncovers the hidden laws of nature and learns to make better use of natural resources . . . he is stimulated to undertake new investigations and fresh discoveries, to take prudent risks and launch new ventures, to act responsibly and to give of himself unselfishly.

What lessons might we learn for today?

First, we would want to encourage innovation through incentives. Second, we would wish to ensure the development of skills and education. Third, we will be sceptical about excessive regulation.

A theology of enterprise and entrepreneurship equips us to engage with the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution. The fear of artificial intelligence, robots, and so on is that jobs will be destroyed and unemployment increase. A theology of work as enterprise turns this idea on its head. The process of economic development as set out in the Bible directly embraces technological advancement as new skills and abilities are used to make economic progress. Workers and other economic participants in the economy may need to change their skill set, to innovate, and to be creative as they adjust to new economic realities; this is precisely what a theology of work as enterprise would mean.

We also need to be wary of regulation that stifles innovation. Darrel Cosden writes in A Theology of Work:

Nor should we primarily or exclusively seek to moralise the markets through legislation that often times inadvertently stifles human risk and thus creativity and exploration.

There are proper debates to be had about law, regulation, the restraint of inappropriate behaviour in markets, the protection of workers, and so on. The starting point, however, should not be law and regulation but innovation and creativity, as it is this that represents Gods essential purpose for human work.

Read more here:

A biblical theology of work, Part 1: Why work?

A biblical theology of work, Part 2: Wealth creation

A biblical theology of work, Part 3: Call and vocation
Recently, Ross Douthat gave a talk at St. Michaels College at the University of Toronto on the question, Can You Be a Harvard Catholic?

The Harvard grad and New York Times columnist said he has always found religion to be a personal and professional asset to his career, not a hindrance. He mused that this may be particularly the case because of his distinctive path as a journalist. Weirdness is good, he said. It connects you to the mass of human history and contemporary humanity. Especially in college, why would you want to have the patterns of thought and the same assumptions that everyone else has?

Douthat proposed that the Harvard Catholic has more to draw on, more exposure, and more to contemplate than secular Westerners. Having a better ground than whats on TV isnt easy but its sort of a gift, he said.

When it comes to the challenges of keeping the faith on campus, Douthat considers these to be more personal than intellectual. Is frantic, strenuous ambition the Christian goal? he asked. The Ivy League lifestyle doesnt challenge the faith intellectually so much but it challenges it in the sense that it says immediate, material succeeding and winning is what counts.

Harvard taught me that competition and success matter most. It didnt teach me that God doesnt exist or that miracles dont happen, Douthat began. This was the deeper challenge, the challenge to a souls values and priorities. He discussed a persons 20s and 30s as the period of life during which it is convenient to postpone the eternal questions of the soul. While marriage and children bring a person to necessary consideration of mortality and making a gift of self, meritocratic culture can imply postponing those things.

He shared that coming face to face with ones mortality can bring home the truth that most college students dont grasp  you wont live forever, or maybe you will but it wont be in this context but with God. Most secular life is built on the denial or suppression of those realities and questions. But when those things disappear, then what?

During Q&A I mentioned that my friends and I tend to be constantly asked by others, Whats next? Most of us would prefer to be asked about the present. Answering the Whats next? question often results in postponing the questions of the soul due to meritocratic conventions. How can students who are trying not to settle for less than the spiritual grandeur of a life of faith give witness to their concern with the questions of the soul?

Douthats immediate reply: Well, you could say, Im gonna found a religious community!' he said with a laugh.

He then discussed three counter-cultural ways for young Catholics to offer this witness and give life to cultural renewal. These include: community, family, and celibacy. His encouragement was to focus on these as counter-cultural goals and, at the same time, avoid romanticizing them.

Another Harvard grad, Aurora Griffin, has just released a book called How I Stayed Catholic at Harvard: 40 Tips for Faithful College Students. Griffin agrees with Douthat that her Catholic faith has been an asset, not a detriment to the university experience: I have found that faith doesnt take away from the rest of life: it gives it meaning.

Also a Rhodes Scholar, Griffin recounts in the book an icebreaker activity during which the American scholars were asked to sit in a circle and say something vulnerable about themselves. She chose to say, I am a Roman Catholic who believes all the teachings of the Church. My faith helps me to love people with whom I disagree more than I otherwise would.

To whatever obstacles  be they intellectual or moral  a person faces in living the faith on campus, Griffin recommends a banquet of Christian practices from which students can choose. To the classical spiritual practices, she offers contemporary anecdotes and some fresh, faith-filled interpretation. From spiritual reading and writing, to seeking out good literature, to living the liturgical year and Sundays well, this book offers inviting and encouraging tips.

These are some of the countless ways to, as St. Josemaria put it,  materialise [our] spiritual life. He stressed: God is calling you to serve Him in and from the ordinary, material and secular activities of human life. He waits for us every day, in the laboratory, in the operating theatre, in the army barracks, in the university chair, in the factory, in the workshop, in the fields, in the home and in all the immense panorama of work. Understand this well: there is something holy, something divine, hidden in the most ordinary situations, and it is up to each one of you to discover it. [] There is no other way. Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him.

Ambitious souls are called to use their gifts: [If] service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:7-8)
+2 Buffalo takes stand on suburban-style drive-thrus Late last month, city zoning officials either denied or tabled critical variance requests for three fast-food drive-thru projects.

In its place, DLC would put up the new building, with some outdoor patio dining. The city Preservation Board already approved DLC's application to take down the current structure in late April, and the Planning Board previously approved a subdivision application that increased the size of the target parcel from 1.24 acres to 1.83 acres, out of the 22.57-acre-total property.

But the Zoning Board of Appeals balked at the variance request, criticizing the design as a suburban-style drive-through that didn't meet the city's goals for walkable streets and neighborhoods, and that didn't belong in an urban environment.

So DLC and its team went back to the drawing board.

"Over the past several months, the Applicant and its team have evaluated and refined multiple site plans and elevations, to make (the) Project consistent with the zoning parameters ... and the Zoning Boards request to provide an urban style restaurant development," Gorman wrote.
"We could have separated the space into a bunch of different spaces, but it would ruin what Paul and Sandra did," she explained.

The 29-year-old twin sisters  both are artists, while Teresa is also a writer  live together in a house in North Buffalo, and also work part time for friends who opened a cafe in Kenmore. But they also own and manage multiple properties around the city, which they inherited along with their uncle when their grandfather died at age 93.

His company, Bilvi Food Services, owned the properties and previously the restaurants in them  including the one on Main Street, which closed in 1985, three years before he sold it. At that time, the upper floors were just storage.

Alessandra said she and her sister had always wanted "to go into business together," and had started "looking around casually for some commercial property in Buffalo." When the Main Street building came up, they decided to go and look, even though it "seemed a little out of our reach," she added.

"That section of downtown Buffalo feels so fresh, and theres so much going on. Its just a really exciting place to be a part of the growth of Buffalos downtown," she said. "Were really going to try to make it something special for the Buffalo community. It feels only right, because thats what Paul and Sandra did."

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Scan Falafel Bars menu, and youll see lots of familiar dishes from the Levant, or eastern Mediterranean, including Greek and Arab favorites found in many local restaurants.

Take a chance and look closer, and you may find that Falafel Bar goes deeper. Two dishes that many diners take for granted demonstrate how different Israeli restaurateur Oded Rauvenpoors work really is.

The first is hummus. In my lifetime, chickpeas ground with tahini, sesame paste, lemon and garlic has gone from exotic to ubiquitous in the United States. Every supermarket has dozens of flavors, and it even shows up on the odd pub menu.

What if you found out hummus could be better? Lighter, even silky, such that it has flow rather than spackle-ish qualities, distinctly nutty from tahini? Freshly ground hummus is like that. As it ages overnight, the starch particles swell and you get fudgy hummus.

Come try the original, swirled around the plates rim, accented with olive oil, ground chile and chickpeas in standard mode ($8). Others come accented with mushrooms and onions cooked with turmeric ($11), or a saute of lamb, tomato and chile ($13). All are accompanied by warm pita bread.

Chicken shawarma, seasoned grilled chicken, is nearly as common, from Lebanese, Iraqi and Greek places, especially.

Unfortunately, most of the varieties Ive tried were made with chicken breast. It dries out quickly, filling wraps with bites of cotton ball that no sauce can bring back to life.

Rauvenpoor, who has been working the Greek-Israeli-Lebanese Levantine triangle since 2003 at the Mr. Greek on Transit Road, has more sense than that. He uses chicken thighs, which hold marinated flavor and moisture better when theyre grilled and sliced for sandwiches ($12) or the chicken shawarma platter ($17).

The latter is one of my favorite plates in Buffalo, for the interplay between loads of moist, well-seasoned meat tinged with breath of the grill, vivacious crunchy, juicy salad, and the comfort of fries or mujadarra (rice pilaf with lentils and caramelized onions).

Close behind is the chicken schnitzel ($17). It is sesame-speckled, anchoring a plate with choice of rice or potatoes, and chopped Israeli salad. (Diced fresh cucumber, tomato and onion, in lemon and olive oil, and parsley. No lettuce.)

You could also heft that schnitzel as a submarine sandwich ($12), topped with more of that salad and mustard-mayonnaise. This schnitzel has Austrian roots, in Vienna, before its cooks emigrated to Israel.

Lamb folk might consider the herb-laced lamb burger ($14) topped with lettuce, tomato and tahini.

Green wings (6 for $13), in pungent fresh Yemenite hot sauce The chiles are stemmed, then ground up  seeds and all  with garlic, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice and a dash of cumin. If you ask for green sauce, you can get some on the side with falafel or other dishes.

Vegans can feast here, and not on meat substitutes. Vegetable feasts with their roots in ancient cuisines include falafel, first and foremost. Here theyre green inside from the herbs ground with the chickpeas.

Consider brik ($10), vegan Moroccan-inspired pastry filled with potatoes, served with tomato avocado salsa.

Eggplant fanciers should not pass up burning eggplant ($10), wherein a medium-sized aubergine is roasted over a stove burner, split open and dressed with toasted pine nuts, shaved garlic, fresh lemon juice, and uncut tahini, ground sesame seeds.

Labneh ($9.50), seasoned, whipped drained yogurt, is fine with pita, but when Im feeling like splashing out, I add fried eggplant and roasted red peppers. Moroccan carrots ($8) are coins of the sweet root fired with chile flake and fennel seeds.

What more shall I say? Time also faileth to tell the stories of Turkish eggplant salad and rice-stuffed grape leaves, of tzatziki and babaganoush, of fried cauliflower and tabouli. For $28, you can get a sampler platter so you can tell the stories yourself.

Rauvenpoor hung in there during the pandemic, going to takeout only, and bringing his Falafel Bar food truck to local events. Lately, hes returned to dine-in service, and even added brunch. Yes, mimosas and sangria are part of the deal.

Shakshuka ($12) is a simmering tomato-chile-garlic sauce in which eggs are poached for breakfast, served with challah bread. Meat-eaters might treat themselves to a version with housemade lamb sausage simmered along with the eggs ($14).

Souvlaki breakfast ($14) with feta omelet and home fries brings back the old days of the Mr. Greek and Falafel Bars inaugural run at the storied shoebox of 1009 Elmwood Ave., which will always be the old Panos to eaters of my generation.

Parfait halvah ($5) is lovely dessert, if you enjoy sesame, crunchy bites and ice cream.

At Falafel Bar, Oded Rauvenpoor is serving dish after dish that punches hunger right in the mouth, but never hits $20. If you love Arab Mediterranean food, go try Odeds.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Falafel Bar

Location: 3545 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, thefalafelbar.com, 436-7000

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, closed Monday.

Prices: appetizers $8-$28, sandwiches $11-$14, plates $11-$19

Atmosphere: peaceable enjoyment

Parking: lot

Wheelchair accessible: yes

Gluten-free: many choices

Outdoor seating: no

Send restaurant tips to agalarneau@buffnews.com and follow @BuffaloFood on Instagram and Twitter.

The Buffalo News: Food & Drink Get what you need to know about Western New York's dining and bar scene, including restaurant openings and closings, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Meister has lived on Scattertree Lane in Orchard Park for four years. She said she and her husband heard about the trail before they bought the house and thought it was a great idea.

"I want to see nature and the beautiful surroundings we have in Western New York," she said. "It's a great place for families to walk safely."

She wants to be able to use the trail to walk from her home off South Freeman Road to the Village of Orchard Park, but that section is not open yet.

Meister said there is a fence on her property because of the family dog, but she is not concerned about lack of privacy or vandalism.

"Who is coming to Orchard Park to cause a ruckus on our trail?" she said. "If someone is having dinner, I don't think anyone's looking to stop and stare in your window."

Could be part of larger trail

GObike Buffalo is taking the lead in establishing an 80-mile Southern Tier Trail, with the support of the Wilson Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Alta Planning and Design was hired for planning, outreach and development of the trail, which would link to the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail to Rochester.
WASHINGTON  President Biden on Monday officially nominated Trini Ross, who has 23 years of experience as a prosecutor, to be U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York.

Ross would be the first African American woman to serve as the top prosecutor in the region. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, a New York Democrat, recommended Ross' nomination in March, and she was one of eight lawyers Biden nominated to U.S. attorney positions nationwide Monday.

"These individuals  many of whom are historic firsts  were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials in this field, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice," the White House said in a statement.

Schumer was especially pleased with Ross' nomination.

Trini Ross is the consummate Western New Yorker. As a product of local public schools  from Hutch Tech, to Fredonia, to UB Law  Trini Ross rose to become one of the most respected attorneys in Buffalo," Schumer said. "I was proud to recommend her for this position, knowing that she will continue her commitment to the highest standards of legal professionalism as the newest United States attorney."
The Buffalo Common Council will explore a city manager form of governance to replace the office of mayor.

Under such a plan, a city manager would be selected by the nine-member Council in conjunction with the community to "carry out the will of the Council members," University Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt told The Buffalo News.

Wyatt, who has often clashed with Brown, said the impetus for opening up a discussion of a city manager model for Buffalo is not an indictment of Brown. It is an indictment of the current system of governance, which has led to "disinvestment" in poorer neighborhoods in a city that has gotten smaller and poorer, he said.

From 1980 to 2020, the approximate population in Buffalo decreased from 357,870 to 255,000, while the poverty rate grew from 26.1% to 30.1%, Wyatt noted.

It is about this mayor, but theres been numerous mayors before him and  Im going back as far as 1980 so you cant put it all on this mayor, but seeing that hes been mayor for 16 years, it does speak to that, said Wyatt, who introduced a resolution recently directing Council staff to produce a report detailing the pros and cons of establishing such a form of government in Buffalo.

Lottery for $500 monthly checks part of proposal for Buffalo's stimulus spending The "income assistance program" is one of 28 ways Mayor Byron Brown has recommended spending more than $328 million in federal stimulus aid to the city over two years.
Many of the properties written up are in and out of court for years, he said.

"We bring them to Housing Court, and then the judge dispenses justice and it's out of our hands at that point," Comerford said. "I'm not blaming the judge. I'm in the code enforcement business and the business of protecting the public. I'm not in the real estate business, but we're trying to save buildings and we're not trying to knock them down. We want to save them.

+3 Bakery owner 'devastated' by demolition, says city must police absentee landlords As Susan Adamucci drove her 12-year-old son to school last Wednesday, she heard on the radio that a building was in peril in downtown Buffalo. A short time later she learned the property being torn down included Two Wheels Bakery & Cafe, which she opened in April 2018 as the citys lone fully gluten-free bakery. Adamucci estimated the overall

"I'm really convinced the drone will be a great tool for the city to save big, older buildings," he said.

Preservation Buffalo Niagara, along with Common Council members David Rivera and Mitch Nowakowski and State Sen. Sean Ryan, released a report earlier this month calling for the city to take several steps to better preserve buildings. They include a moratorium on demolitions, called for in the city's Comprehensive Plan in 2006, and the adoption of a citywide preservation plan that would make better use of legal and financial pressures to protect the city's historic housing stock.

The drones will be useful, Fisher said, but will fall far short without a more comprehensive plan.

"This feels like a Band-Aid on a gaping wound," she said.

Mark Sommer covers preservation, development, the waterfront, culture and more. He's also a former arts editor at The News.
 Improved the health of recipients, who showed less depression and anxiety.

 Alleviated financial scarcity and created opportunities for self-determination, choice, goal-setting and risk-taking.

Parents like parts of $289M Buffalo school spending plan but worry about missing details Although the district spending plan is 169 pages, much of the document was devoted to background, academic concepts and guiding principles, not price tags, cost analyses or payroll needs for specific new academic and enrichment programs or construction-related expenses.

The researchers looked at spending data collected each month from the prepaid debit cards to determine how recipients spent the $500.

Recipients spent the money mostly on basic needs, including about 37% on food; approximately 22% on home goods clothes and shoes, including purchases at discount and dollar stores and larger stores like Walmart and Target where food also can be purchased; about 10% on auto care or transportation; and 11% on utilities.

A project of the scale Buffalo proposes should take at least a year to gather enough data, said Saadia McConville, spokesperson for SEED and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income.

Robert Silverman, an urban and regional planning professor at UB, said most income programs adopted around the country are pilot programs that run for a year or two to provide evidence that the concept works.

The time limit matters, he said.

"If people know the money goes away after a certain period of time, that will influence how they plan to spend it," he said.
Amherst's "zombie" gas station is still more dead than alive these days.

The town, after taking over the property in Eggertsville through the eminent domain process, last year replaced the concrete barriers that surrounded the site with a few wooden benches and added a garbage tote.

Supervisor Brian Kulpa has unfinished business in Amherst Making his 2021 re-election bid official, Kulpa, an architect and urban planner, was serving as Williamsville mayor when he won election as Amherst supervisor in 2017.

But not much else has happened at the site, which remains at the center of a long-running dispute between the town and the New York City billionaire who previously controlled the property.

Blaming delays on Covid-19 and the need for final state approvals, Supervisor Brian J. Kulpa said construction should start this fall on the town's plan to transform the gravel-covered lot into a gateway park for southwest Amherst.

"I want it to be a finished park, but there's a lot out of my control," Kulpa said Saturday.

+2 NYC billionaire proposes gift to end Amherst flap  with a catch New York City billionaire John A. Catsimatidis has accused Amherst officials of "stealing" the former gas station property he owned in the town.

Former owner John A. Catsimatidis has blasted the town for taking the property from him, and he's vowed to help defeat Kulpa and other Amherst lawmakers running for re-election this fall.

"What have they done with the property?" Catsimatidis said in an interview. "People tell me it looks worse than when we had it."
OLAF FUB SEZ: According to playwright George Bernard Shaw, born on this date in 1856, We learn from experience that men never learn anything from experience.

. . .

ROLLING AGAIN  The Orchard Park Historical Society celebrates the Village of Orchard Parks centennial today and Tuesday with its first event since the pandemic shutdown.

Visitors from noon to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday will have a chance to sit in the societys restored antique horse-drawn buggy for photos outside the Jolls House Museum at 4287 S. Buffalo St. The buggy is similar to the one Orchard Park physician Dr. Willard B. Jolls used to make house calls more than a century ago.

The museum also will offer The Buggy Brigade, an exhibit of vintage doll carriages from its collection. There is no charge for photos. For more info, visit the societys Facebook page.

. . .
"My district was hit pretty bad by Covid-19 and for the governor to continue his push is very prudent and I appreciate it," Wyatt said.

The 14215 ZIP is one of several areas in the city that had been targeted in earlier vaccine efforts. When a mass vaccination site was opened in the winter in the Delavan-Grider Community Center, residents of that area were among those eligible for an appointment.

Cuomo singled out several community groups to aid the effort. Organizations sharing $15 million in funding are Hispanic Federation, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, New York Immigration Coalition, Asian American Federation and two community health centers in New York City.

The effort comes as the number of Covid infections continues to rise, according to state data.

On Sunday, there were 1,982 new Covid-19 cases across the state. A month ago, on June 26, there were 346 new cases recorded.

At its peak over the winter, there were 19,942 new cases statewide on Jan. 14, according to state data.
The New Jersey native is a former victim witness liaison officer for the Department of the Army, former military defense counsel and a former Judge Advocate General. With that rich and relevant background, Tokash was asked to join President Bidens Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military. Based on the panels recommendations, Gillibrand made revisions to the legislation, leading to its adoption into the defense authorization bill.

The need is urgent, Tokash told News Washington Bureau Chief Jerry Zremski. Members of the military, junior enlisted members, do not trust that commanders are making the right decisions when it comes to sexual harassment and sexual assaults.

That culture is no longer a secret, she said. Its having an effect on decisions of whether even to join the military. It breaks my heart to know that there are parents who dont want their children to join the military because of the sexual assault problem, she said. That should not be a conversation that anybody in America should be having.

This bills time has come. It serves justice, deters misconduct and protects the military. It needs to pass.

  

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
As I read about the protests in Cuba, I can almost say I saw it coming. When a brief thaw enabled a few organizations to arrange cultural exchanges in 2012, I was quick to join.

My first impression on arriving at Havanas warehouse-like airport was the lack of freedom of communication. Fluent in Spanish, I hoped to buy the latest publications. With a city of 3.1 million, surely the airport would have an impressive array. But the only reading material was about the Castros. Nor were there other selections at Old Havanas bookstands.

Only government-sanctioned television was available, cellphones were expensive and licensed, and the only newspaper was a propaganda sheet. Until 2008 it was illegal to own computers, and it was not until 2019 that mobile internet became accessible, but its prohibitively expensive.

At the square where Fidel gave lengthy speeches to large crowds, murals of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara cover several stories on nearby buildings. Ubiquitous billboards praise the revolution and condemn America. The ultimate propaganda trip: the Museum of the Revolution.

Cubas vaunted medical program is fraying. Doctors are sent to other countries to help, while neglecting their countrymen. Poorly paid, many have taken to driving taxis to supplement their incomes.
23 Best Bar Soaps for Men

Think You Know Bar Soaps? Think Again

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Product photos from retailer site.

Bar soaps still get a bad rap, but the truth is, not all mens bar soaps are created equal. While there is an endless supply of body soap products that will get you squeaky clean, some are better at multitasking and caring for your skin than others. Sharp scents and splashy suds are important, but the best bar soaps balance your skins moisture while getting rid of dirt, oil, grime and sweat. Here are a few things to consider when picking the right bar for you.

Bar Soap vs. Body Wash

Body wash is great  no argument there  but there are a lot of great qualities that get overlooked when talking cleansers of choice. Technically, soap is a long chain fatty acid alkali salt with a high pH between 9 and 10, and modern body soap and bar soaps are made with ingredients that are less harsh and better for skin than those bricks your grandparents used.

RELATED: 15 Best Natural Deodorant of 2021

Even so, some bar soaps can be slightly more drying than body washes, which means men with normal to dry skin, or people looking for milder product formulas, might think body wash is best. For those with oily skin types or people just looking for a very deep wash, a bar of soap is an easy way to get clean.

The main difference between the two is obviously the delivery. A bar of soap requires nothing more than a little water and the will to get clean. Body wash, however, requires a little help from a cloth, puff or scrubby glove. At the end of the day, it boils down to how you want to get clean.

Bar Soap Ingredients to Look For

Moisturizing oils. Oils play the role of fat in soap and aid in both cleansing and moisturizing. Popular oils include palm kernel and coconut oils thanks to their high concentration of lauric acid  a saturated fatty acid. Additionally canola, hazelnut, sunflower, marula and olive oils all have high fatty acid content making them good bar soap oils.

Shea butter. Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree which is native to West Africa. It has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for centuries due to its high concentration of fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins A and E.

Vegetable glycerin. This is a humectant found in any decent body soap that draws moisture into the skin and can help counteract the drying effect of the soap. Made by heating triglyceride-rich vegetable fats under pressure or together with a strong alkali such as lye, vegetable glycerin is a popular skincare treatment because of its moisturizing power and ability to protect the skin barrier.

Bar Soap Ingredients to Try to Avoid

Fragrance. The term fragrance is largely used to protect a company's "secret formula." That means fragrance can have a lot of stuff companies dont want you to know about. If they dont want us to know about them, we have to wonder why.

Parabens. Parabens are widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in personal care products yet they contain estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Phthalates. A group of chemicals used in many personal care products to increase the flexibility and softness  of plastics. They are proven endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in young girls and reproductive birth defects in males and females.

Propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent. It's classified as a skin irritant and penetrator and it has been associated with causing dermatitis as well as hives in humans.

Sulfates (SLS and SLES). Sulfates are in the vast majority of personal care products due to their ability to provide a rich lather. SLS's are known to be drying as well as being skin, eye and lung irritants.

Synthetic colors. Synthetic colors  noted by FD&C or D&C  are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. (Sounds so clean.) Synthetic colors can be a skin irritant and are suspected to be a human carcinogen.

Triclosan. Tricolson is widely used antimicrobial chemical that's a known endocrine disruptor. Studies suggest that triclosan contributes to making bacteria antibiotic-resistant and doesnt provide better protection from bacteria than plain soap and water.

With all that said, keep reading for our picks for the best bar soaps for men.

Best Bar Soaps for Men

Best Overall Men's Bar Soap

Cremo Palo Santo Reserve Collection Body Bar Soap

Cremo men's soap won the 2021 AskMen Grooming Award for Best Shower Gel thanks to it's natural ingredients, rich lather, and absolutely amazing palo santo scent. So, it shouldn't come as any surprise that the exfoliating bar soap iteration of the stellar shower gel wins best overall bar. Lava rock and oat kernel to gently get rid of dead skin cells while shea butter, aloe, and glycerin keep skin soft and supple.

$5.99 at Target.com

Best Natural Soap

Bearsville Soap Woodland Musk

This bar is so simple yet so satisfying. Natural ingredients including coconut, olive and organic and sustainable palm oils, lye, shea butter, fresh goat milk and a little fragrance are what make up this masculine, rugged bar of soap. Its so good, it was our 2019 AskMen Grooming Award winner for Best Soap Bar.

$7.50 at BearsvilleSoaps.com

Best Antibacterial Bar Soap

Dial Complete 2-in-1 Moisturizing and Antibacterial Soap Bar

If antibacterial soap is what youre after, Dial is the gold (bar) standard. With benzalkonium chloride to kill pesky germs and glycerin, shea oil and palm kernel acid to keep skin soft and moisturized, this minty coconut concoction pulls double duty in both cleansing and conditioning.

$9.99 for 8 at Amazon.com

Best Charcoal Bar Soap

Herbivore Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar

Designed for oily, combination and blemish-prone faces, this bamboo charcoal cleansing bar soap works great all over your body as well. Tea Tree oil provides a clarifying clean without stripping skin of the oils it needs. Truly vegan and cruelty-free, Hebrivore is perfect for just about everyone in the family.

$12 at Amazon.com

Best Luxury Bar Soap

Krigler America One 31 Soap Bar

A scent worn by multiple Presidents  one such presidential patron confirmed to be John F. Kennedy  this all-American fragrance favorite can be found in a rich milled soap allowing you to not only finish off your morning ritual with the scent, but begin with it too.

$55 at Krigler.com

Best Bar Soap for Face and Acne

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bar

Shea Moisture's hero ingredient is nourishing, African black soap that gently cleanses dry skin and combined with the unique cleanser formula also works to absorb dirt and oil. The African black soap base is mixed with glycerin, aloe, oat kernel meal, rosemary extract, charcoal, and of course rich shea butter, to create a truly luxurious and hard working soap safe for face, body, oily skin and skin with acne.

$14.72 for 4 at Amazon.com

Best Shampoo Bar

Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar

Dont think one bar can do it all? Think again  well, pretty much. This shampoo bar from cruelty-free, eco-friendly bar brand Ethique actually works to both cleanse hair (even color-treated hair) without all the added water. The most surprising aspect of this little guy  one concentrate saves almost 24 ounces of water and one plastic bottle from manufacture and disposal into landfill.

$9.95 at Amazon.com

Best Organic Bar Soap

Leef Organics Nooks + Crannies Bar Soap

CBD is making its way into almost everything now and natural bar soap is no exception  But not all these bar soaps should be considered equal. This sold option is packed with 20 mg of clean, organic whole flower CBD extract plus activated charcoal and organic chamomile flowers to calmly cleanse skin from head-to-toe without any harsh chemicals. Plus this is going to make your shower smell ridiculously good.

$22 at LeefOrganics.com

Best Exfoliating Bar Soap

Ursa Major Morning Mojo Bar

Plant-based cleansers? Check. Mineral-based exfoliators? Check. Natural oils. You bet. Paraben and phthalates? Nope. Animal testing? Not a chance. Ursa Major puts its money where its Morning Mojo is by providing a quality body bar soap, at an affordable price with a sustainable impact. Lathering up isnt the only thing that feels good when using this bar of soap.

$14 at UrsaMajorVT.com

Best Unscented Bar Soap

Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Castile Bar Soap

All of Dr. Bronners bar soaps are made with organic hemp oil for a hydrating, skin smoothing lather. Use it from head-to-toe for a fresh and clean shower session thats safe enough for the whole family. If you love Dr. Bronners, but need a little fragrance, you can find this better-than-conventional bar soap with organic ingredients in scents including almond, tea tree, lavender, and of course, peppermint.

$5.99 at Amazon.com

Best Smelling Bar Soap

Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Soap

If unscented isn't your jam, and peppermint is a little too much, this luxurious bar of soap is enriched with diptyque's delicious 34 Boulevard Saint Germain fragrance to elevate the cleansing experience and is paired with rich ingredients including sweet almond oil and vegetable glycerin to make a bar of soap so good, it's worth the hefty price tag.

$38 at NeimanMarcus.com

Best Bar Soap for Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar

This is a favorite from the brand most recommended by dermatologists. This soap- and detergent-free formula gets rid of dirt and sweat for a full body deodorizing but is safe and gentle enough for even the most dry and sensitive skin.

$11.99 for 3 at Amazon.com

Best Bar Soap for Oily Skin

Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar

Bar soaps containing harsh detergents and dyes can cause acne to flare up. Skip the redness and irritation and use a gentler formulation instead. This glycerin-rich facial bar yields a creamy lather and cleanses away excess oil and pore clogging bacteria without over drying your skin. Your face will look healthy and clear in no time and for little money.

$13.49 for 3 at Amazon.com

More Best Bar Soaps for Men

Zum Bar Amber Goat's Milk Soap

Zum Bar Soaps are made from fragrant essential oil blends infused into a rich combination of olive oils, coconut oils, and castor oils, plus nourishing goats milk, good enough for everything from oily skin to sensitive skin. In fact, the hero ingredient, goats milk, is a naturally homogenized, silky-soft moisturizer. Its full of the good fats that help your skins pH levels lock in extra hydration. If you're looking to take this scent out of the shower, you're in luck. The brand now offers it, and all the other best selling scents as a hand soap. https://zdcs.link/WXVE7

$6.25 at IndigoWild.com

Duke Cannon Big Ass Beer Soap

You want more soap? Go get more soap. Grab a bar of big ass beer soap thats three times the average size (but who says size matters). Youll get clean and smell good with Duke Cannon soap made just for men's skin. This company manufacturers their big soaps in the same plant that supplied the military soap for over twenty years. Its also modeled after the brick style of soap airdropped to GIs during the Korean War. Thatll do, soap. That'll do.

$13.79 at Amazon.com

Dove Beauty Bar

You can never go wrong with Dove. This is a very mild formulation with an added quarter moisturizing cream to fight dry skin with no oily film to leave your skin feeling greasy. Super nourishing and gentle enough to use on your face, it leaves you with healthy skin, not tight and dry. Add to that, it's completely fragrance-free, so it's even great for those with sensitive skin.

$13.98 for 16 at Amazon.com

Dr. Squatch Soap Co. Pine Tar Soap

You may live in an urban jungle but you can still escape to nature with a handmade soap from Dr. Squatch. There are eight soaps, each with a distinct masculine scent, with this Pine Tar soap being a big crowd pleaser. All are made with the cold press process mixing lye with water, natural oils and butters that harden or saponify. Exfoliators  such as oatmeal  and essential oils are added, making each bar unique.

$9.95 at Amazon.com

Caswell-Massey Woodgrain Soap on a Rope

Its not often that a bar of soap looks so good you almost dont want to use it. Thats Caswell-Massey. However, we strongly suggest using this all-natural sandalwood essential oil scented soap with a rope as often as you can. The rich, creamy lather of this triple milled all-vegetable soap moisturizes and nourishes the skin as it cleanses  and it smells so damn good.

$20 at CaswellMassey.com

Native Wild Mint and Spruce Soap

Shea butter, vegetable glycerin, palm and palm kernel acids, and coconut oil sells you on this wildly popular bar of soap and the big, bold fragrances keeps you coming back for more. We like it so much, we recommend picking up the liquid soap and natural deodorant with the same minty, fresh scent.

$8 for 2 at NativeCos.com

Marlowe Men's Body Scrub Exfoliating Bar Soap

Marlowe knows how to make a good product to satisfy the needs of the modern man. Often, exfoliating soap for men leaves skin very dry and tight. Not this bar. Leaving a mans body clean and refreshed, the rich, hydrating formula uses glycerin, shea butter, and olive oil to moisturize while it exfoliates dead skin with pumice, willow bark, and dead sea mud deep sea algae extract.

$7.99 at Amazon.com

Ivory Original Bath Bar

We all float. Maybe not  but Ivory does. Crisp, clean and almost perfectly pure at 99.44% purity, Ivory is still a favorite of moms and men after 130 years. If youre looking for a dependable bar of soap that gets the job done without extra bells and whistles, Ivory is going to be the one.

$4.49 for 3 at Amazon.com

Irish Spring Deodorant Bar Soap

This isnt going to be for the guy who craves a moisture-rich, shea-butter packed clean. However, even though this is a deodorant soap that leaves your skin squeaky clean (which, for the record, should not always be the desired result) the fresh, crisp, bright Irish Spring scent is one that will leave us with fond memories for years to come, so sometimes going full-on squeak is totally worth it.

$1.99 for 3 at Amazon.com

LAFCO Feu de Bois Bar Soap

If Irish Spring isnt your fragrance of choice, but you still crave something strong  here you go. As polarizing as a scent Feu de Bois  or wood fire  can be, LAFCO makes such a good hand-milled, olive oil-based soap that even if the smoke smell of this bar isnt what youre looking for, there are scents across the spectrum, from salty marine to rosemary eucalyptus and even champagne.

$11 at Lafco.com

With all these great soaps, the one thing they all have in common is that each one is more Earth-friendly than its plastic housed liquid counterpart. If you have been thinking about getting back into the bar, nows your chance. With new, rich, awesome soaps bubbling up everyday, there is sure to be one out there just right for you.

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Representative Image

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 26 (ANI): Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over a Bangladeshi woman and a 10-month infant to its counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) after the woman was caught while illegally trying to cross the international border from Bangladesh to India without any valid documents.

Shamima Bibi, 20, a resident of Arnabati village in Sylhet district of Bangladesh, was apprehended by the BSF troops of Border Outpost Chakgopal in West Bengal on Sunday along with one 10-month-old infant Samiya.

After completion of legal formalities, the apprehended Bangladeshi national along with the infant was handed over to BGB on humanitarian grounds as a part of confidence-building measures between both the border guarding forces, the BSF said on Monday.

India and Bangladesh are two friendly neighbouring countries having a good relationship and this type of humanitarian act of BSF will definitely enhance friendship and goodwill between both the countries, the BSF said. (ANI)
Bob Moses. AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File

Robert "Bob" Moses, a civil rights activist who pushed for quality public school education for all children, has died, NAACP President Derrick Johnson announced on Sunday. He was 86.

"Bob Moses was a giant, a strategist at the core of the civil rights movement," Johnson said. "Through his life's work, he bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice, making our world a better place. He fought for our right to vote, our most sacred right. He knew that justice, freedom, and democracy were not a state, but an ongoing struggle. So may his light continue to guide us as we face another wave of Jim Crow laws. His example is more important now than ever."

Moses was born in New York City in 1935. After earning his master's degree from Harvard University in 1957, he became active in the civil rights movement, joining the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He launched several campaigns to register Black voters and help them past voter literacy tests, and was threatened, beaten, and jailed for his efforts. His Mississippi office was also burned and in 1963, he was shot at by assailants in a car.

He started focusing more on campaigning against the Vietnam War, and when Moses was denied conscientious-objector status, he moved to Canada. Moses then went to Tanzania to teach math, and after returning to the United States in 1976 when amnesty was granted to people who evaded the draft, he launched the Algebra Project, which promotes math literacy to students of color and encourages them to attend college. Moses is survived by his wife, Dr. Janet Jemmott Moses; four children; and seven grandchildren.

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HALIFAX  It was an outbreak that captivated the world.

In early 2020 the gleaming Diamond Princess cruise ship became the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic outside of China.

As the ship was quarantined at a port near Tokyo, hundreds of passengers and crew became infected with COVID-19.

It was not an isolated incident, and Canadian officials soon banned cruise ships amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A year and a half later, cruise lines are plotting their comeback, with some companies already setting sail  but a lot has changed.

Heres a step-by-step guide on the cruise ship industry's return and what Canadians need to know.

The cruise ship industry in Canada:

Canadas $4-billion cruise ship industry is a key part of the countrys domestic tourism sector. It employs roughly 30,000 people, both directly and indirectly, and brings about two million travellers to Canada a year. In 2019, more than 140 cruise ships stopped at a Canadian port. The Conference Board of Canada said in a 2018 report that about 958,930 Canadians were expected to take a cruise that year, a number that grew an average of 4.2 per cent a year between 2010 and 2017.

When do cruise ships start sailing again?

Transport Canada is set to lift the ban on cruise ships in Canadian waters on Nov. 1. However, cruise ships have already restarted operations in other parts of the world. Norwegian Cruise Line said its Norwegian Jade set sail from Athens, Greece, on Sunday after being docked for 500 days. Nonetheless, the government of Canada continues to recommend avoiding all travel on cruise ships until further notice, due to COVID-19.

When will Canadian ports begin to see cruise ships?

Although the ban will lift in November, Canadian ports arent expecting to see cruise ships until 2022. Thats because the cruise season for Canadian ports, including Victoria, B.C., Saint John, N.B. and Sydney, N.S., typically ends in October. Still, lifting the ban in November allows port cities to book ahead for next year. Port of Halifax spokesman Lane Farguson said the port has already secured 159 tentative bookings for cruise ships visits for 2022. Meanwhile, Port of Sydney CEO Marlene Usher said while the port does not have any bookings for 2021, it now has about 100 cruise ships booked for 2022.

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Do cruise ship passengers need to be full vaccinated?

It depends. Most cruise lines are currently requiring all passengers to be vaccinated, with some exceptions. Norwegian Cruise Lines says all guests and crew are required to be 100 per cent fully vaccinated. All guests are also required to take a COVID-19 antigen test prior to boarding. It says these rules allow passengers to cruise mask-free, depending on local government regulations. Other cruise lines do not require COVID-19 tests for those who are fully vaccinated, but require tests for unvaccinated passengers, such as children.

Are mix-and-match vaccines allowed?

Vaccine policies from cruise lines including Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises either dont accept any mixing of vaccines at all or dont accept the mixing of a viral vector vaccine with an mRNA vaccine, such as AstraZeneca with Moderna or Pfizer.

Norwegian Cruise Lines, for example, says a mixed vaccination protocol will not be accepted for ships embarking or disembarking at U.S. ports. But ships departing from a non-U.S. port will accept mixed vaccines, including combinations of AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna. Other cruise lines say mixed vaccines that are the same type, for example both mRNA, are accepted, but a mix of one mRNA and one viral vector vaccine are not.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 26, 2021.

Brett Bundale, The Canadian Press
Many are familiar with the "four Cs" of a diamond: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. With the addition of Helzberg lab grown diamonds, ring shoppers can now benefit from a new "C"  choice  and get more sparkle for your spend.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 26, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Helzberg Diamonds today announces the launch of a new C: choice. Many people are familiar with the "four Cs" of a diamond: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. With the addition of Helzberg lab grown diamonds, ring shoppers can now benefit from a new "C"  choice. Known diamond enthusiast and Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro, Travis Kelce, will help one diamond in the rough navigate the choices he needs to prepare for the ultimate play and propose in style.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005196/en/

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro, Travis Kelce, partners with Helzberg Diamonds to help one diamond in the rough navigate the choices he needs to propose in style. (Photo: Business Wire)

Now more than ever, ring shoppers have options when it comes to choosing a real diamond thats right for them and their budget. Lab grown diamonds are real and unique diamonds that provide consumers with more choices and more sparkle for their spend. The Helzberg diamond experts are ready to help guide diamond ring shoppers through all five Cs to find the right ring for their recipient.

"Having more options is so important when shopping for the perfect ring. The ring is a symbol of the love the couple shares and is something truly meaningful that shell cherish for a lifetime," said Wendy Gibbone, Helzberg diamond expert. "Lab grown diamonds offer more choices. Theyre one of a kind, just like natural diamonds are. Its nearly impossible to tell them apart, and the only difference is their origin. Both are graded for quality according to the four Cs, but lab grown diamonds cost less than their natural counterparts of similar carat weight and quality, allowing you to get a larger diamond at an incredible price."

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Kelce will lend his support to a "diamond in the rough" prospective groom, helping him prepare for the big question, learn about all of his diamond choices and ultimately choose the right ring with the help of a Helzberg diamond expert.

"Style is a big part of who I am and how I express myself," said Kelce. "I am excited to learn alongside a fan about the new choices for real diamonds and help him out with his perfect proposal plan."

THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE ORIGIN

Ring shoppers now have more choice in finding a real diamond thats right for them. Lab grown and natural diamonds possess the same physical, chemical and optical properties. Its difficult for even an expert eye using highly specialized equipment to tell the difference between the two. The key difference is how they are sourced.

Natural diamonds took billions of years to create and are ethically mined from the earth. Lab grown diamonds are created from responsibly sourced diamond seeds using advanced technology in just a few months. The price-to-carat ratio of a lab grown diamond costs a fraction of the price of a similarly sized natural diamond, making them an excellent option for the informed shopper.

Follow Helzberg Diamonds online on social in August to find out what happened when Travis Kelce helped one lucky man prepare for the big proposal. To learn more about lab grown and natural diamonds, please visit www.Helzberg.com.

About Helzberg Diamonds

Helzberg Diamonds, a retail and online jewelry store focused on customer service, was founded over a century ago and has more than 150 stores nationwide featuring a wide selection of fine jewelry, including diamond engagement rings and wedding rings, precious gems and watches. Helzberg Diamonds takes pride in a legacy built on trust, knowledge and high quality diamonds at an incredible price. Helzberg Diamonds is based in North Kansas City, Missouri, and is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK/A and BRK/B). For the locations nearest you, visit Helzberg.com or call 1-800-HELZBERG (800-435-9237).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005196/en/

Contacts

FleishmanHillard

Kimberly Sanden

Kimberly.Sanden@fleishman.com

(815) 303-1594
A flood expert has urged for the UK to be more prepared after parts of London were submerged in dangerous floodwater for the second time in two weeks.

Londoners were seen wading through potentially contaminated floodwater in the streets and overflowing sewage from toilets as thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall on Sunday.

Flood specialist and engineer Simon Crowther said the floods pose a "real risk to life" which will have a hugely significant impact on health and the economy.

"Flooding is the biggest threat to the UK as a result of climate change. Homeowners need to check their flood risk and take action to reduce it," he said.

"It is devastating and traumatic to see anywhere flooded. We really need to take flood management seriously because it will be a case of not just mopping up but facing a real threat to life.

"The approach so far has been very reactive but I think what these events have shown is that we really need to be more proactive.

"Water is squirting up through toilets and flooding peoples flats which is the worst type because you are getting other peoples sewage coming straight into your house.

Health risks from flooding and dirty water includes Weils disease and hepatitis, the expert explains.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The engineer urged for flood management to be taken more seriously in the UK and highlighted a need for awareness campaigns.

"The fact that we have had two severe flood incidents in two weeks just highlights that it is a risk that is really overlooked," he said.

"People think this is something that will only happen once in one hundred years but that just isn't the case anymore.

What I find disheartening is when you see the toilets overflowing, a valve to stop that happening is about 60 but nobody has those installed.

What we are seeing most is surface water flooding which poses real dangers with people walking through, unable to see below the surface, he added.

(AFP via Getty Images)

"A manhole could become dislodged and you could be sucked into an underground sewer. You also do not know whether there is debris or contamination within the floodwater.

Story continues

"My advice would be avoid all floodwater as best you can, but in the UK it seems there is still a case of 'get out the kayak or the rubber ring' because people are not aware of the risks."

Mr Crowther highlighted links between climate change and recent severe flooding worldwide.

"Fortunately we have not seen the depths that they had in Germany or China which can knock buildings down and sweep you off your feet.

"But that could happen tomorrow, it could happen next week, or it could be in ten years.

"It will happen again and we need to be more prepared."

(AFP via Getty Images)

Climate change behind swing in extreme weather

"When we see how many people lost their lives in Germany and in China, we are seeing a massive deterioration in the climate," Mr Crowther said.

"In Turkey in the same week, they recorded their hottest day ever and then on the Thursday they had mass flooding.

"We are certainly seeing a massive change that we just arent prepared for.

"Londons drainage network was designed very cleverly by the Victorians so that instead of surcharge, the water was designed to overflow into the Thames.

"But that creates further issues because every time it rains we are dumping water into the rivers. It is something that certainly needs further investment moving forward."

Read More

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MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. (Image Courtesy: Twitter/ @mppchaudhary)

New Delhi [India], July 26 (ANI): The government has no official estimate of black money stashed in the Swiss Bank for the last 10 years, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Monday.

He also informed that more than 107 prosecution complaints have been filed under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 in the last five years.

The Minister of Finance was responding to a question by Congress MP Vincent Pala.

"As a result of systematic actions, as on May 31, assessment orders under section 10(3)/10(4) of the Black Money Act, 2015 have been passed in 166 cases, wherein demand of Rs 8216 crores has been raised, the undisclosed income of Rs 8,465 crores (approx.) has been brought to tax and penalty of Rs 1294 crores has been levied in HSBC cases, the undisclosed income of Rs 11,010 crores (approx.) has been detected in ICIJ (International Consortium of Investigative Journalists) cases," the reply said.

"In the Panama Papers Leaks cases, undisclosed credits of Rs. 20,078 crores (approx.) have been detected, whereas in the Paradise Papers Leaks cases, undisclosed credits of Rs. 246 crores (approx.) have been detected," it added. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at National War Memorial. (Photo/ANI)

New Delhi [India], July 26 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt paid tribute to fallen soldiers at National War Memorial on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Monday.

Remembering the war heroes, Singh tweeted: "On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I salute the indomitable valour and sacrifice of the Indian Army."

Later, Army Chief General MM Naravane, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar and CISC Vice Admiral Atul Jain also paid homage at National War Memorial.

"On the solemn occasion of the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember and pay tributes to our fallen heroes who ensured the territorial integrity of our Nation. The Nation will always remain indebted for the valour and sacrifice of our #bravehearts. #OperationVijay #IndianArmy," tweeted Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army).

Meanwhile, remembering the sacrifices and valour of heroes of the Kargil war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said their bravery motivates the country every day.

"We remember their sacrifices. We remember their valour. Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

The country is celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' today.

The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. (ANI)
I feel helpless at times.

One look at the world and you can feel the pain and see the hurt.

Ecological degradation of the Great Barrier Reef.

Poverty-stricken Yemen without basic resources like water and healthcare.

Young kids in the education system on the verge of suicide.

Women being abused and mistreated by men and a judicial system that doesnt cope.

Indian families praying their loved ones will breathe again after contracting Covid.

A single man, with a dog, with no place to sleep but the backseat of his old car.

Individuals seeking to play sport for their country, needing to defend the colour of their skin.

The issues are vast, complex and numerous. The available solutions are bound up in years of inequity and greed and bureaucracy. There are no easy answers. Well easy inasmuch as, Stop being so racist is the answer. Though we know humanity is not convinced by mere bumper stickers and posters that seek to communicate the change we want to see. If it was as easy as telling someone, Dont bash your partner, then we wouldnt be dealing with these social evils.

The helplessness I feel, to do anything about any of it, turns me into an ADHD cat, who just saw three mice run in totally different directions. Theres an issue over there. Theres another issue further to my right and to my left and behind and in front of me. Problems and challenges everywhere. Local. National. Global.

The helplessness turns into confusion. The confusion becomes inaction. The inaction becomes apathy. The apathy becomes helplessness.

Im no psychologist, but I just created my own diagram, which I will call the cycle of helplessness.

Little do I know, theres a whole field of discovery in psychological circles around learned helplessness. This is defined as a belief that we cant change the course of negative eventsthat failure is inevitable and insurmountable.

Breaking the chain

You and I run the risk of doing nothing. We scroll through social media and see five different charities to donate to, three ventures worth speaking up about and seven opportunities to let our voice be heard. Though, in the complexity and sheer volume of causes worth dying for, we can end up checking out and washing our hands of the global situation.

This article is a call to action. Not just for you, but for me. We cannot simply listen to the problems. We cannot simply nod our heads in agreement of the gravity of lawlessness and sinfulness that permeates our culture.

We must do something.

The world needs Jesus. I cant think of any other ultimate solution to the worlds problems, but Jesus Christ.

A young kid has lost hope: Jesus is a hope-giver.

A middle-aged man is aggressive and abusive: Jesus can save and set free.

A CEO of a large conglomerate is siphoning money from the poor: Jesus transformed the life of a rich guy named Zaccheus and he became a generous giver.

An Indonesian family is battling health concerns in the midst of a pandemic: Jesus offers a peace that transcends human understanding, and a salvation that is beyond humanitys ability to comprehend.

We must do something. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ. When we wake up every morning, and realise our role is to help reconcile the world back to its Creator, through Jesus Christ.

What a privilege to awaken the world to the reality of Gods love towards them. What a blessing to partner with Jesus to transform the world.

Whats next?



What does that mean for you and I?

First, we need to embrace the idea, that we can do something meaningful to make a difference in the world. (Depending on you own story, this might not be an easy step. You can do something meaningful even if you feel you havent got everything together in your own life!)

Secondly, from a faith perspective, we understand we are called to roll the sleeves up and partner with God, to make history.

Thirdly, it means, we need to get in the fight and do something.

Fourthly, we pray hard and we work hard and we trust God with the outcome.

So what can you do?

You might not feel compelled to join a transnational actor in alleviating extreme poverty across the world. You may not be the next diplomat who flies across the world and discusses how to rid sub-Saharan Africa of mosquito-borne diseases, but theres something we can all do.

You could sponsor a child. Take a homeless person out for lunch. Cook a lonely elderly widow your latest Masterchef deconstructed hamburger. Write to your local MP and advocate for an issue. Join the parents and friends group at the local school. Befriend the one being sidelined and forgotten about. Encourage your whole work team to spend a day painting the local Salvation Army hall. Plant a tree. Mobilise friends to take a stand for Jesus.

You and I dont need to be helpless. We start by being more helpful.

Take a moment now and let me know, what do you already do, or what could you start doing to make a difference in the world? Im keen to hear your thoughts.
(CNN)  Just seven months after singing its praises, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is attempting to rewrite the Brexit deal he signed with the European Union.

It's a risky move that will undermine Britain's credibility as a trustworthy trading partner at the very moment that the UK government is seeking to forge economic alliances far beyond Europe to justify its "global Britain" sales pitch for Brexit, according to experts.

EU officials have already rejected the UK call for a renegotiation, which trade experts say amounts to a brazen attempt to press the European Union to agree to demands that it already rejected during several rounds of talks.

Other countries watching the drama unfold will proceed with caution when it comes to dealing with the United Kingdom, according to L. Alan Winters of the UK Trade Policy Observatory at the University of Sussex in England.

"It certainly does raise questions about the trustworthiness of this government," he told CNN Business. "I don't think it will lead to the complete cessation of negotiations between the UK and other countries, but I think it will make it a little bit more difficult," he added.

To be clear, the UK government's capricious behavior is a bad look, but it won't necessarily prove fatal to future trade alliances. It could, however, weaken its negotiating position.

"The UK is a substantial economy," and is an "attractive trade partner in many ways," said Simon Usherwood, a professor of politics and international studies at The Open University in England.

Potential partners, such as New Zealand and other Pacific nations, may just insist on more robust ways to settle disputes in case the United Kingdom tried to backtrack on a deal, he told CNN Business.

"If you wanted a trade deal with the UK, now is probably the best time to get one on your own terms," Usherwood added, pointing to the highly accommodating deal the UK government granted Australia. "The UK is in a tight situation. It needs to show that leaving the EU was a worthwhile venture."

Chaos in Northern Ireland

For now at least, the UK government's approach will further strain relations with the European Union, still the country's biggest trading partner by a long way.

At the heart of the issue is the Northern Ireland Protocol, which was included in the Brexit deal to avoid the return of a physical border between Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, and Ireland, which is a member of the European Union.

Border checks and guard posts disappeared following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to the island of Ireland after 30 years of violent conflict between Catholic nationalists, who want a unified country, and Protestants who are loyal to the United Kingdom.

The European Union worried that a physical barrier could once again become a source of tension, and it would not agree to police the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland to protect the integrity of the EU market. Johnson, who helped lead the campaign for Brexit, instead agreed that Northern Ireland would remain subject to EU market rules, and to check goods flowing from the United Kingdom to Northern Ireland.

But those new checks on goods moving between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland have created chaos, upending supply chains, adding costs to businesses and reducing the availability of certain products in Northern Ireland supermarkets. According to the UK government, at least 200 businesses in Britain have stopped servicing the nation due to post-Brexit red tape.

On Thursday, the British Generic Manufacturers Association, a trade body for manufacturers of generic medicines, said onerous new trading rules have forced its companies to put on notice over 2,000 medicines for withdrawal from Northern Ireland.

The UK government now wants "significant change" to the Protocol, which it acknowledges in a paper published this week is the cause of "most of the current friction" with the European Union. It is effectively trying to renegotiate a deal it agreed to seven months ago, putting forward proposals that it knows the European Union cannot accept.

The paper "reads like a client's submission to their divorce lawyer  full of blame-shifting, faux sadness and passive aggression," Winters and Michael Gasiorek of the UK Trade Policy Observatory wrote in a blog on Thursday.

"It reflects weakness and can only serve to diminish the Government's international standing," they added.

The United Kingdom has a lot at stake. Brexit has added costs to British exporters, knocking trade with their most important market and hurting economic growth in the long run. It needs new trade deals to offset some of the damage caused by Brexit.

But if it fails to honor treaties it has already signed, the UK government might find it more difficult to secure agreements on favorable terms with other countries, including the United States.

The threat to 'global Britain'

"We will not agree to a renegotiation of the Protocol," European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said in a statement on Wednesday. "Respecting international legal obligations is of paramount importance," he added.

This sentiment is shared by Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand  a country with which Britain is currently engaged in trade talks and which has the power to prevent it from joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The CPTPP is an 11-country free trade pact that includes Mexico, Australia, Canada and Singapore. While it won't compensate for the economic losses arising from Brexit, it has nonetheless been described by UK Trade Secretary Liz Truss as a "glittering post-Brexit prize."

In a speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs earlier this month, Ardern said that New Zealand had agreed to negotiations that will pave the way for the United Kingdom to join the partnership.

"CPTPP is our highest quality agreement," she added. "Those aspiring to join will have to be able to meet its high standards."

Some trade experts interpreted the comment as being directed at Britain. "If it wasn't intended for the UK it was a completely wasted breath," Winters told CNN Business.

Even more pointed warnings have come from other quarters. For any UK government, a trade deal with the United States would be by far the biggest economic victory of a post-Brexit Britain.

That has always looked a long shot, given that neither former President Donald Trump nor current President Joe Biden have had much appetite to sign up to major international treaties, amid a broader shift away from trade liberalization.

But the UK government's recent actions aren't helping its cause. In a statement this week, US Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle rebuked the UK government's approach to Northern Ireland and highlighted "strong bipartisan" support for the Good Friday Agreement.

"The British government negotiated the Northern Ireland Protocol, agreed to it, and its Parliament voted for it. Yet almost immediately after it went into effect, the British government has tried to evade its responsibilities under the protocol," he said.

"Their latest statement and proposed changes just continues this trend and serves only to further destabilize Northern Ireland," he added.

While Biden has been clear that his focus lies mainly on domestic issues, he has also repeatedly warned Britain against making the Good Friday Agreement a "casualty of Brexit."

"Biden has a specific interest in Northern Ireland and its stability, and does view the UK as the antagonist in that discussion," said Sam Lowe, a senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform.

"Ongoing disputes with the EU over Northern Ireland and threats to renege on commitments creates a problem with the US, but I'm not convinced it creates huge problems with any other countries," he added.

David Henig, UK director at the European Centre for International Political Economy, said that other countries may view the spat over Northern Ireland as a unique case.

"Other countries will certainly be aware that the UK is going back on [its agreements with the European Union], but each negotiation is separate," Henig said. "It will not be viewed as a particularly good thing but I'm not sure that they won't segregate it away from their own discussions. Northern Ireland clearly is a special case."

With grace periods on checks on some goods flowing between Britain and Northern Ireland set to expire at the end of September, including animal products such as chilled meats, more political wrangling between the United Kingdom and European Union lies ahead.

"I can quite easily see this carrying on for quite a while without a change," said Henig.

"The state of uncertainty might become the status quo," added Lowe.

Northern Ireland will bear the brunt of this sorry state of affairs. But Johnson's dream of a "global Britain" will also suffer consequences.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Why would anyone trust Brexit Britain again?"
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  Philippine stocks bled on Monday as the presence of the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant in the country scared off investors, coupled with uncertainties on President Rodrigo Duterte's final address, analysts said.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged by 148.13 points or 2.27% on Monday to finish at 6,372.61.

The wider all shares also ended in the red, falling by 1.82% to close at 3,965.15.

All sectors also declined with the holding firms suffering the most.

The increasing number of Delta variant cases in the country dampened the market's performance amid worries over potential harder restrictions, Philstocks Financial Inc. senior research analyst Japhet Tantiangco said in a mobile message.

"This raises the risk of a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, and a reimposition of strict quarantine measures, which may delay our economic recovery," Tantiangco said.

READ: Concepcion: Putting Metro Manila under ECQ to 'destroy' economy

Christopher San Pedro, an equity analyst at Unicapital Securities, shared the same sentiment, stressing this was an attempt of investors to reduce exposure to risk given the Delta threat.

"Risk off behavior remains dominant as the threat of the COVID-19 delta variant continues to spook investors and traders given the lack of short-term fundamental catalysts to trigger bargain hunting," San Pedro said in a mobile message.

The Department of Health late last week confirmed the local transmission of the Delta variant first identified in India. It is believed to be 60% more contagious than the Alpha variant and can cause severe symptoms.

Delta cases in the country now stand at 119, the DOH said Sunday.

Following DOH's confirmation of local transmission, the pandemic response task force decided to put Metro Manila and four provinces under general community quarantine with "heightened restrictions," forcing more businesses to limit their operations.

For the rest of July, the government also imposed the strictest lockdown on Iloilo province and cities Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.

Analysts said investors stayed on the sidelines as they wait for President Rodrigo Duterte's final address, expecting that concrete plans on combatting the coronavirus pandemic would not be skipped.

"Investors sold out of the market as investors await the final SONA to be addressed by the President Duterte later... Most expect the president to discuss how he will shepherd the country out of the pandemic," Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp., said in a Viber message.

"At this point, investors are looking to the President's speech later for cues on how to navigate the volatile market," Anna Corenne Agravio, an equity analyst at Regina Capital Development Corporation, said in a separate market comment.

The DOH on Monday reported that the Philippines logged 6,664 new infections, pushing the total COVID-19 case count to 1,555,396.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  President Rodrigo Duterte stayed true to character during his final State of the Nation Address by making a joke about possibly contracting COVID-19, a disease that has killed close to 30,000 Filipinos.

Two hours into his speech, he started talking about the unexpected health crisis that hit his presidency. He started stammering then touching his neck as if to check if he has a fever, one of the symptoms of COVID-19.

"Hindi na ako maka-pronounce nang mabuti, baka meron na ako. May ambulansya ba diyan? Mukhang iba na, I cannot pronounce the words. I hope this is not a symptomatic (sic)," he said.

[Translation: I cannot pronounce properly. Maybe I have it. Is there an ambulance here? This is different, I cannot pronounce the words. I hope this is not a symptom.]

Towards the end of his nearly three-hour speech, he said he is out of breath  another symptom of COVID-19  and said his heart is starting to beat differently.

"Naghihingal ako, baka dito ako mamatay pagka-presidente. Iba na ang pitik ng ano ko, kasing-kasing ko, puso," the president said.

[Translation: I am gasping for air. I might die here. My heart is beating in a different way.]

The 76-year-old chief executive's health has always been a public concern. In April, his spokesman said Duterte remains "fit and healthy" for his age amid speculations of poor health after he canceled his regular public address twice that week.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  Only two immediate family members of President Rodrigo Duterte will personally witness his sixth and final State of the Nation Address on Monday, according to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

House Deputy Speaker Paolo 'Pulong' Duterte and his family, and the President's common-law wife, Cielito Honeylet Avancena, will be the only members of the first family to be physically present at the Batasang Pambansa, Roque told CNN Philippines.

Duterte has three children with his former wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, namely Paolo, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, who is recovering from a bout of COVID-19. The President also has one child with Honeylet.

The state-run Philippine News Agency reported that Mayor Duterte will not attend the SONA and will instead watch her father's address via television. She did not give any reason behind her decision to miss the event, the PNA said.

Approximately 350 guests are expected at the Batasang Pambansa for the address, which will be in hybrid format due to the ongoing pandemic.

All guests entering the plenary hall must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. They are also required to undergo RT-PCR testing a day before the SONA and antigen testing at the House prior to the event.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 27)  President Rodrigo Duterte ordered agencies to go on full speed to complete the governments key infrastructure programs within the remainder of his tenure.

To sustain our momentum in infrastructure development, I have directed DPWH, DOTr, NEDA, the Department of Finance and DBM to be on full speed to ensure our flagship projects will be completed within my term, said Duterte during his last State of the Nation Address on Monday.

The chief executive emphasized in particular projects that could help disperse economic activity outside the densely populated Metro Manila.

Duterte revealed that he told his economic managers, along with the Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Transportation, to put Davao last in terms of infrastructure development. He said this was because he wanted them to prioritize the entire country first.

RELATED: DOTr on infra program: Nothing wrong in overpromising, govt. 'performed substantially'

Duterte promised during his second SONA in 2017 that his administration would usher in the countrys golden age of infrastructure, hoping priority infrastructure programs, activities, and projects will further stimulate the economy.

The President also said in this years address that the governments tax reform program enabled them to finance critical infrastructure projects.
(CNN)  If your partner told you that you talk in your sleep, they might be onto something. Over two thirds of people will sleep talk during their lifetime, according to a study published in Sleep Medicine.

Talking in your sleep is a parasomnia disorder called somniloquy, and experts aren't exactly sure why it happens, said Dr. Kannan Ramar, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

"Some episodes of sleep talking can last 30 seconds and transpire only once in a blue moon while others report sleep talking for longer durations and more frequently within a sleep period," said Rebecca Robbins, sleep scientist at Brigham & Women's Hospital and Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Genetics or increased alcohol consumption might play a role, she said. Another major factor is excessive stress, Ramar added. "As anxiety can be a contributor to sleep talking, some may express their feelings, worries or reflect upon their day."

The talking could range from a few nonsense words to complete sentences and is normally harmless, Robbins said.

Researchers analyzed the sleep talking patterns of more than 230 individuals and found the most common word was "no." The study, which was published in the journal Sleep, also found nearly 10% of people used profanities while sleeping.

Pausing for an imaginary person

The study also found people were pausing during their sleep talk conversation to let an imaginary person talk back to them before responding. This shows that the sleeping brain can function at a high level, Robbins said.

While it's uncommon, there are some instances when you might confess to something while you're asleep, Robbins said.

Most people tend to form more coherent sentences in the first two cycles of sleep, Ramar said. In the second two cycles, people tend to make less sense.

When people wake up, they rarely remember they've talked in their sleep, Ramar noted. They often rely on their partner to tell them if they've chatted while asleep.

How to prevent sleep talking

Sleep talking is usually harmless and is not tied to any mental or physical issues Robbins said. She suggested people talk about their sleep talking with their partner.

If you find your partner keeps waking up to your talking, modifying your lifestyle to include less alcohol and more hours of sleep could help, Robbins said. It's also important to find ways to reduce stress, she added.

Ramar said people should not drink caffeine in the afternoon, and they should try and go to sleep and wake up around similar times to regulate their energy.

If those don't work, Robbins recommended people see a sleep specialist so they could conduct an overnight sleep recording to better analyze and solve the situation.

This story was first published on CNN.com 'How to stop talking in your sleep'
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  A day before his last State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte was given another "failing mark," this time by healthcare workers whose calls for fair compensation and release of unpaid pandemic-related benefits persist.

Some medical workers from both private and public hospitals on Sunday said they have hardly felt the billions of pesos allocated for frontliners under the Bayanihan 1 and 2. For one, despite the significant budget, they said they have yet to receive their special risk allowance, or SRA.

"Pinapaikot-ikot lang kami," said Jao Clumia, president of the St. Luke's Medical Center Employees Association - Quezon City. "'Yung benepisyo umano ng mga health workers ay naipamigay na nila. Hindi po 'yun totoo."

[Translation: We are being given the run-around. They said the benefits of health workers have already been given to us. That's not true.]

Last month, the Department of Budget and Management said the payment of the SRA should be released not later than June 30, the same day the Bayanihan 2 expired.

"Nakakapanghinanakit lang, kasi ginawa ng mga health workers ang kanilang gampanin pero sa kakarampot na benepisyo ay hindi maibigay," said Jesus Obien, who heads the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center Employees Association.

[Translation: It's disheartening because health workers have done their jobs, but even the measly benefits weren't even accorded to us.]

Aside from the low pay and overdue incentives, Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) National President Robert Mendoza said frontliners have long been overworked. While the Department of Health's standard ratio is one nurse for every 12 patients, Mendoza said the reality is that a single nurse would have to tend to around 35  sometimes even up to 100  patients at a time.

The pandemic, he said, further highlighted government neglect, driving them to occupational burnout.

"Binigyan natin ng grado ang Pangulong Duterte sa pagsupo dito sa COVID-19," he added. "Bagsak po siya sa amin sa Alliance of Health Workers, at 'di kami matatakot maningil bukas para sa kanyang kapabayaan sa mamamayan at mga manggagawang pangkalusugan."

[Translation: We already graded President Duterte on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's a failing mark from us in the Alliance of Health Workers, and we won't be afraid to hold him into account tomorrow for his neglect of the public and healthcare workers.]

According to the DOH, over 21,000 medical workers have been infected with COVID-19 as of July 23.

As the budget hearings also near, the AHW called on the government to allot at least 10% of the country's gross domestic product for COVID-19 response and public health services. It also renewed calls for the abolition of the state-run PhilHealth, which has been embroiled in massive corruption allegations, and instead realign the agency's budget to public hospitals nationwide.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  While the country cannot afford more lockdowns, it may go back to the early days if the threat of the Delta variant persists, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday.

"We cannot afford more lockdowns, lest our economy bleeds to the point of irreversible damage," Duterte said in his final State of the Nation Address.

"Delta, if ever it will spread, we have it here now, I hope it will not go any further, but if something wrong happens, I'll have to be strict...There will be (lockdowns) just like what happened in the early days," he added.

Early last year, Duterte placed Luzon under enhanced community quarantine for two months to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Duterte admitted he does not know how to handle the Delta variant, adding that he is awaiting the recommendation of local health experts on what measures to take.

"I really do not know what to do. I have to listen to the task force. This is a group of people...[who] would give you advice collectively," he said.

The Philippines so far has recorded 119 Delta variant cases.

The Department of Health earlier confirmed there is already a local transmission of the highly contagious Delta variant. Healthcare workers warned the Philippines may not be able to handle its severe impact, similar to what Indonesia is experiencing. The government, however, said it has been increasing the capacity of local hospitals as it prepares for a "worst-case scenario.

Center for disease control

Duterte also appealed to Congress to pass a law creating the countrys own center for disease control and a virology institute.

We have to pursue the creation of public entities dedicated to managing emerging and re-emerging diseases, he said.

Several bills establishing the countrys CDC have been filed in Congress.

Senator Richard Gordon, one of the proponents of the measure, said the creation of a CDC and a virology institute should have been done decades ago.

That is a step in the right direction, but should have been done 20 years ago, he told CNN Philippines.

It is time to have a machinery na talagang titignan [that will look] 20 years from now, where are we headed and we fine tune as we go along.

For now, the President urged Filipinos to get vaccinated, as well as complete the recommended doses as scheduled.

He also asked for understanding from those who are next in line to receive the COVID-19 shots as he assured them that more vaccines will arrive in the country.

The government is expecting the arrival of a total of 36 million vaccine doses this month, he said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  The Senate and the House of Representatives opened the third regular session of the 18th Congress on Monday morning, hours ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's sixth and final State of the Nation Address.

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero banged the gavel at 10 a.m., indicating the official resumption of the session in their respective chambers.

Sotto presided over the hybrid session in the Senate, with only a few senators physically present. Others attended online via Zoom teleconferencing app.

In his speech, Sotto stressed that the upper chamber will focus on legislative measures that will fund necessary COVID-19 pandemic response and provide financial support to families, industries, and different sectors.

He said the upper chamber is committed to passing measures that will address the needs of overseas Filipino workers and promote disaster preparedness. Sotto added in a media briefing that they intend to approve other economic bills such as the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Public Service Act, and the Foreign Investments Act.

RELATED: Sotto: Economic Cha-cha has chance in Senate, but foreign investments bills still priority

"The Senate is ready and willing to be a partner of the other branches of government in correcting any wrong or discontinue a measure that is counter-productive," Sotto said in his speech.

At the Batasang Pambansa complex, only a limited number of congressmen can also be seen in the plenary hall.

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco took over the session to give his own address to his colleagues, noting that they will finish tackling the proposed 2022 national budget aside from Duterte's remaining priority bills.

"This pandemic continues to be the greatest challenge to governments all over the world, and despite all the sacrifices and risks to your own personal health and safety, we have kept, and will keep, the legislative mill running," Velasco said in his speech.

Attendees to Duterte's SONA at the Batasang Pambansa need to present a negative RT-PCR swab test result taken the day before, a COVID-19 vaccination card, and undergo an antigen test before they can enter the plenary hall.

Minimum health protocols such as wearing of face masks and face shields are also required.

Duterte will give his final SONA at 4 p.m.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26) - Another 6,664 new COVID-19 cases were listed in the country on Monday, pushing the total to 1,555,396, the Department of Healths latest bulletin showed

Of the nationwide tally, 55,140 are active cases or currently ill patients. At least 93.6% have mild symptoms, 1.1% are asymptomatic, 1.4% are in critical condition, 2.3% have severe symptoms, and 1.61% are experiencing moderate symptoms.

Meanwhile, 23 more patients died of COVID-19, with the fatality toll reaching 27,247. The recovery count jumped to 1,473,009, with 5,766 new survivors reported.

The DOH said that 23 duplicates were removed from the nationwide count, of which, nine were recoveries.

It added that 17 cases that were previously reported as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation.

One laboratory was not in operation last July 24, while eight laboratories failed to submit their data to the COVID-19 Document Repository System. The DOH said the non-reporting laboratories contribute, on average, 2.3% of samples tested and 2.0% of positive cases.

The daily positivity rate, or percentage of people who tested positive, stood at 13.4% based on 45,369 tests done on July 24. The World Health Organization recommends positivity rates of below 5%, as bigger numbers may indicate high transmission.

Among overseas Filipinos, the Department of Foreign Affairs logged 79 new COVID-19 cases. There are now 21,133 confirmed cases abroad.

Meanwhile, the death toll abroad reached 1,266 after 11 more Filipinos died of COVID-19. The recovery count also jumped to 12,460 with 46 new survivors.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 27)  Over 300,000 more Pfizer vaccines arrived in the country on Monday, further boosting government supplies.

According to the National Task Force against COVID-19, the 375,570 doses procured by the government arrived earlier this evening.

"Of these vaccine doses, 51,480 shots were delivered to Cebu City early tonight at around 6:35 p.m., while 51,480 doses will be shipped to Davao City on Tuesday, July 27," it said.

Last week, the country received 562,770 doses of the vaccine, which were part of the 40 million shots the country bought from the American pharmaceutical firm after the signing of a supply agreement last month.

On July 24, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. said over 5.5 million Filipinos have been vaccinated against COVID-19, as the government administers nearly 500,000 vaccine shots per day.
Editor's note: Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is the host of SiriusXM radio's daily program "The Dean Obeidallah Show" and a columnist for The Daily Beast. Follow him @DeanObeidallah. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion articles on CNN.

(CNN)  In what can only be seen as a "when pigs fly" moment, I'm in 100% agreement with a Trump-loving, Biden-hating right-winger in New Jersey over a contested political issue of the day.

No, I don't agree with Andrea Dick's baseless view that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump. But I absolutely agree that she has the right to post signs on her front lawn that express how much she hates President Biden, even a sign (or in this case, three signs) that read: "F**K Biden." (To be clear, there are no asterisks in her signs, the F-word is on full display.)

Dick, who lives in Roselle Park, a New Jersey borough less than 20 miles from New York City and home to about 13,000 people, posted 10 signs in all on her front lawn after Memorial Day, turning it into a hate Biden/pro-Trump shrine of sorts. She told the New York Times, "Something must have gotten me worked up." (You think?!)

Not all the signs contained curse words, but the ones that did sparked complaints by neighbors and parents given the signs are close to a school. It wasn't long until Dick received a summons from the Roselle Park municipal government for violation of a local ordinance that bans "any obscene material, communication or performance or other article or item which is obscene within the Borough." Dick's refusal to remove the signs led to a trial in municipal court.

On July 15, the Roselle Park municipal judge found Dick guilty of violating the ordinance, but gave her a week to remove the signs that contained profanity before a fine of $250 a day would be imposed. The judge cited the proximity to the school as a factor for his decision, adding, "the case is not a case about politics. It is a case, pure and simple, about language" that violated the local ordinance.

But Dick is digging in her heels, telling the New York Times on Monday, "It's my First Amendment right and I'm going to stick with that."

I'm sure some may feel inclined to support the town against the Trump-loving Dick. Her opposition to moving the signs -- even if school children see it on way to school -- sounds like simply more of the selfishness that has come to define Trumpism. But in this case Dick is correct -- and I don't just mean from a legal point of view.

In our nation, freedom of expression about political issues and leaders must be protected. This is especially true when it comes to criticizing the president. It's part of the lifeblood of our republic.

That's why when then-candidate Trump called for "Saturday Night Live" to be canceled in October 2016 because he objected to how they were mocking him during the campaign, I was very vocal in raising alarm bells of how Trump's response was truly un-American. The same was true in March 2019 when he called for "retribution" against the iconic comedy show for jokes made at his expense. The government banning criticism of its leader -- including comedic in nature -- is cut right from the dictator's playbook.

The US Supreme Court has thankfully long afforded wide protection to free speech when it comes to political issues as well as criticism of political figures. As the Court wrote in the 1964 landmark First Amendment case of New York Times v. Sullivan, "debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open, and that it may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials."

And in 1971, in Cohen v. California, a case dealing with a man being criminally prosecuted for wearing a jacket that read, "F**k the Draft" (again with the F-word written out), the Supreme Court struck down the conviction as a violation of the First Amendment. In that opinion, the court warned that in areas of political debate, the "government might soon seize upon the censorship of particular words as a convenient guise for banning the expression of unpopular views." The court also noted that people offended by the curse word "could effectively avoid further bombardment of their sensibilities by averting their eyes."

That's why It's no surprise that the New Jersey chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union recently signed on to appeal Dick's case and fight for her freedom of speech rights.

Is displaying a profane sign an effective way to convince people to oppose Biden? Probably not. But as the Supreme Court wrote in the Cohen case: (O)ne man's vulgarity is another's lyric" and "because government officials cannot make principled distinctions in this area that the Constitution leaves matters of taste and style so largely to the individual."

That's the way it must be. If you don't like a president -- or any elected official for that matter -- the government should not be in the business of policing the words in which we convey our criticism. Anything less means our democracy -- which is currently under attack by the GOP's concerted effort to enact laws to suppress the vote -- will be even less robust going forward. And that is bad for all Americans, regardless of political loyalties.

This story was first published on CNN.com 'In America, you must be able to curse the president'
(CNN)  California's largest wildfire has destroyed multiple buildings and is threatening thousands more as the battle against the blaze stretched into its 12th day. Low moisture in vegetation and limited access in the remote area have hampered firefighters, officials said.

The Dixie Fire had grown to 190,625 acres and was 21% contained as of Sunday morning, according to Cal Fire, with more than 5,000 firefighters and personnel fighting the fire.

The fire, which began July 14, has destroyed 16 structures -- residential, commercial and otherwise -- Cal Fire officials said in an update Sunday. More than 10,700 structures in Butte and Plumas Counties are threatened.

The Dixie Fire remained active overnight, officials said. It "continues to burn in a remote area with limited access, and extended travel times with steep terrain are hampering control efforts."

The fire crossed Highway 70 and Highway 89 on Saturday, forcing firefighters to protect the communities of Paxton and Indian Falls. Officials said a damage assessment team will survey the extent of structure damage once conditions are safer.

"Extreme fire behavior is expected again today," the update said.

The Dixie Fire has forced numerous evacuation orders, including along the west shore of Lake Almanor in Plumas County.

Cindy Pierson, a resident of Quincy who's been forced to evacuate, told CNN affiliate KCRA she was "very anxious" about the wildfire.

"It's scary," said Pierson. She told the station she'd lived in Quincy for just three months. "I've never been through anything like this."

"I want to come home as soon as possible, and I want there to be a home," she said.

Another resident, Henry Riel, said the fires meant residents had to be ever-vigilant, prepared to leave at a moment's notice.

"You pray that the wind goes the right way," he said. "But when it turns you've just got to be prepared to move and get ready to go."

Wildfires burning in Northern California prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday to declare a state of emergency in four counties, allowing officials access to increased resources.

The declaration included Alpine, Lassen, Plumas and Butte counties, the latter of which was the site of the state's deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history in 2018.

The blaze is just one of 86 large wildfires -- many of them in the West -- burning more than 1.4 million acres across the country, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

The Tamarack Fire is burning along the state's border with Nevada and has scorched more than 66,000 acres, per InciWeb, a clearinghouse for wildfire information in the US. It's 27% contained.

On Sunday, officials announced the sheriff's offices of Alpine and El Dorado Counties would begin escorting evacuated residents back into the area to retrieve pets and important papers, depending on the fire's activity.

This story wasw first published on CNN.com 'California's largest wildfire is threatening thousands of structures'
(CNN)  Audacious Mossad spy operations around the world. The plucky "startup nation" home to reams of billion-dollar ideas. These are two drivers of Israel's image abroad that its political and business leaders have long been happy to push.

That slick image appears to have taken a hit with new reports that once again Israeli-founded technology, like the Pegasus software from the firm NSO, has been used by governments around the world to allegedly hack the cellphones of human rights activists, journalists and others.

NSO and its defenders say its software is meant only to catch terrorists and other criminals, saying it regularly saves lives and operates under strict export controls.

The company says it doesn't control what its clients do with the software, but follows Israeli laws on exporting military-grade technology, is selective in vetting its customers and cuts off access if it discovers misuse.

But the recent revelations by an international consortium of media and human rights groups about Pegasus, have thrown the spotlight back on both the company and Israel. Now, as many consider the morality and legality of such programs, there are calls from both inside Israel as well as in the international community about how better to regulate the cyber-espionage market.

A perfect marriage of spycraft and technology

Israel's dominance in the cybersecurity field did not occur in a vacuum. The country's intelligence and covert operations divisions, especially its Mossad security force, have long had a storied reputation for engaging in cunning, daring and ruthless espionage, burnished by Hollywood depictions.

As Israel's prominence as a hub of technological innovation and startup grew, the two areas converged to give the tiny country an outsized influence in the cybersecurity industry.

The country's well-resourced education system, plus the compulsory military service, brings scores of young Israelis into high-level training in cybersecurity and cyberwarfare before many of them even go to university, according to Tal Pavel, Head of Cybersecurity studies at The Academic College of Tel-Aviv Yaffo. Much of the country's most cutting-edge technology has its roots in military development, Pavel noted.

One of the most elite units of the Israel Defense Forces is the secretive Unit 8200, the cyber spy agency that has produced some of the country's biggest tech super stars.

"One of the unique things in Israel, is the 'cynergy,' the bringing together of cyber and synergy between industries," Pavel told CNN, before alluding to a characteristic he says is perhaps rooted in the Israeli psyche.

"There is also something here ... maybe there is also the struggle to survive. If everything is happy and you're not constantly trying to survive (against people trying to destroy you), you don't have to innovate, to cope."

NSO fallout

NSO was founded in 2009, but it wasn't until 2016 that the power of NSO's technology came under scrutiny.

It was in that year that reports emerged that Emirati human rights activist Ahmed Mansoor received suspicious text messages with links, that researchers at Citizen Lab in the University of Toronto revealed contained malware from NSO that would have hacked his iPhone. (In 2018 Mansoor was sentenced to 10 years in prison for "damaging the reputation" of the UAE on social media.)

Pegasus software was also allegedly connected to the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi via fellow dissident Omar Abdulaziz, whose phone was allegedly hacked through Pegasus software. Abdulaziz sued NSO in 2019, accusing the company of violating international law by selling the software to oppressive regimes. Early last year an Israeli judged rejected NSO's request to dismiss the lawsuit, which NSO had argued was lacking "good faith," according to The Guardian. NSO has repeatedly denied its software was used to monitor Khashoggi or his family.

The recent investigation by the international media and human rights consortium found evidence of Pegasus software on 37 phones belonging to people who, based on the company's own description of the software's purpose, shouldn't have been targets of NSO software, like journalists and human rights activists.

CNN has not independently verified the findings of that investigation, named Pegasus Project, which was organized by Forbidden Stories. In a statement to CNN, NSO strongly denied the investigation's findings saying it found fault with many of its assertions.

As a result, countries like France have announced probes into the use of the technology, while Amazon announced they had "shut down the relevant infrastructure and accounts" linked to NSO that used Amazon services.

Tip of the iceberg

NSO is simply one part of a vast industry of cyber espionage, according to Israel Bachar, a strategy and communications consultant who has worked with many of Israel's top political leaders, including former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and current Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

"Let's be honest, intelligence is being gathered by states against each other constantly. Everyone spies on everyone. And when it comes to an Israeli company there's a lot of hypocrisy," Bachar said, pointing to previous revelations about the US National Security Agency spying on world leaders and its own citizens. "NSO is another tool but there are many other tools."

Beyond its actual capabilities, companies like NSO also help Israel diplomatically, Bachar said, as Israel has for years quietly, and now publicly, cultivated relationships with former adversaries.

"One of the tools that Israel uses diplomatically is its ability in intelligence. It's not a secret that Israel is sharing sensitive intelligence even with Arab countries because we have an interest in protecting them," Bachar said.

But Professor Yuval Shany, chair of the public international law department at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, says the tactic is starting to backfire on Israel's image.

"The logic is Israel may be willing to turn a blind eye to transactions that are conducted with friendly regimes in the sense that they are friendly to Israel but not necessarily friendly to human rights," Shany said. "I think this recent scandal, which is quite embarrassing both for NSO but also for Israel, would lead at least in the short run to some tightening of export controls standards."

How to control the uncontrollable

Unlike conventional weapons, software is often intangible and can easily be sold and transferred across the globe, making attempts to control technology like the Pegasus system difficult.

NSO and similar military-grade technology is regulated by an export control structure within Israel's Ministry of Defense, Shany said. This system looks both at the technology and the target; which entity -- either state or non-state -- is purchasing this technology including its human rights record, he added. But, Shany said, looking at the allegations around NSO's Pegasus software, "the results are not impressive, it's quite concerning."

In response to the most recent allegations around NSO technology, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said they are "studying" the claims, while an interministerial team has been appointed to look into the current process and whether Israeli-made technology was being misused abroad, according to Reuters.

A quick fix, Shany said, would be for Israel to formally sign onto the Wassenaar Arrangement between 42 countries, which tries to bring transparency to the export of military and dual-use technology and attempts to prevent such technology from being acquired by dangerous elements. Shany said Israel currently adheres to the agreement but is not a formal member.

But the most important reforms to help controlling such technology will come from within, said Karine Nahon, a professor at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya and President of the Israel Internet Association.

"If Israel doesn't export it someone else would, if you don't give those engineers and startup licenses and provide a kind of supervision nothing stops them from moving to another country and selling it from there," she said.

Nahon is calling for the ethical consideration and the possibility such technology will be exploited to become a more significant part an export decision. And, she suggested, the companies should place more limitations on the software's use and have more oversight into how their clients are using the software -- something NSO says it has little control over.

"NSO does not operate the system and has no visibility to the data," the company said in a statement last week, saying it will continue to investigate "all credible claims of misuse and take appropriate action based on the results" of such investigations.

"It makes it more complicated in terms of the responsibility of these companies and Israel but on the other hand it might minimize the number of countries this software is being exported to," Nahon said.

Even though it may seem like NSO and Israel's image is being dragged through the mud for its connection to such alarming surveillance, Bachar said overall it could have a positive effect for those who want to continue burnishing Israel as a leader in advanced technology and intelligence operations.

"I think sometimes people come to curse and the outcome is there is a blessing because what happened at the end of the day, people remember that the best technology is Israeli technology, NSO," Bachar said. "That's what people three months from now will remember."
(CNN) -- In Los Angeles County, which was crushed during the winter surge of the coronavirus, Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are now again exploding.

On Saturday, the county reported 2,600 new cases. A day earlier, county health officials recorded more than 3,000 new Covid-19 infections, for the first time since February. Friday's figure was nearly triple what Los Angeles County was recording two weeks ago.

More than 60% of the county's eligible population has been fully vaccinated. Without those vaccinations, "we would probably be seeing almost double the number of cases," Barbara Ferrer, the county's public health director, said recently.

Hospitalizations are also way up -- with more than 680 hospitalized with Covid-19 on Saturday, Ferrer told CNN. That's more than double as many as two weeks ago.

Some of the challenges officials continue to face when it comes to vaccinating people include misinformation, Ferrer told CNN at Ted Watkins Memorial Park, where Covid-19 vaccinations were underway.

"The most two dominant themes today are, 'We don't trust the government's numbers, we think they're not telling us the truth about the vaccine and how safe it is,'" she said.

"We have to work hard with all of our community partners so it's not just government that's saying how safe the vaccines are, but it's the person at your pharmacy who's telling you it's safe, it's your doctor, it's your neighbor," she said.

Benjamin Jackson was among the people who got vaccinated on Saturday. He said a local nurse provided him information about the vaccine and encouraged him to get a shot.

"We didn't want to take the shot, we were scared," he said. "They gave us a lot of information and I told her I was going to come down and get vaccinated."

Officials across the country have doubled down on efforts to get more Americans vaccinated as the vicious Delta variant continues to fuel a surge in cases and hospitalizations.

To help curb new infections, safety precautions such as mask mandates are once again under consideration in parts of the US. Los Angeles County reinstated its mask mandate last week, and officials said they'll keep it in place until Covid-19 numbers improve.

Cases across the US are rising sharply

The Delta variant, believed to be more transmittable and dangerous, accounted for an estimated 83% of coronavirus cases in the US for the two weeks ending July 17, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- a substantial rise from negligible numbers in early May.

Cases are rising sharply. The US averaged more than 49,300 new Covid-19 cases a day over the week ending Friday -- a nearly 60% jump from the week prior, and more than four times the lowest average of 2021 (11,299 on June 22), according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Every state reported more cases in the week ending Friday than they did the week before, Johns Hopkins figures show.

Health experts have repeatedly pointed to preemptive vaccination as the best way to get ahead of surges due to their proven efficacy, but CDC data Friday showed that the rate of vaccinations continues to slow. The daily average of people becoming fully vaccinated is the lowest it's been since the end of January, when the US was just beginning to ramp up its vaccination drive.

Thirty states have yet to fully vaccinate at least half of their residents, with Alabama and Mississippi at less than 35% fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday called out "the unvaccinated folks" for the rise in Covid-19 cases. "Folks are supposed to have common sense. But it's time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks, not the regular folks. It's the unvaccinated folks that are letting us down," she told reporters in Birmingham.

With vaccination numbers lagging, officials say more countermeasures against Covid-19 are likely needed.

Guidance on mask wearing from the CDC -- which in May said fully vaccinated Americans can shed their masks -- has not changed, but CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Thursday localities may want to make their own call.

"Communities and individuals need to make the decisions that are right for them based on what's going on in their local areas," she said. "So if you're an area that has a high case rate and low rates of vaccination where Delta cases are rising, you should certainly be wearing a mask if you are unvaccinated."

Mask mandates are met with opposition

Amid the rising numbers of infections, some state and local leaders are now recommending that masks to be worn indoors even by those who are vaccinated.

Health officials in Seattle and King County in Washington noted Friday that the Delta variant's prevalence in the US was 1.4% on May 13 when the CDC lifted mask requirements for vaccinated people. Right now, Delta makes up 56% of King County's known infections and the figure is expected to rise.

"I know this is frustrating and maybe disappointing to many, it certainly is to me," Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, health officer for the Seattle and King County public health department said Friday.

"And I acknowledged that the change in communication," he said, "has been a real problem nationally, but we in public health have an obligation to be realistic about the changing situation and provide the best guidance possible."

Officials in St. Louis, Missouri, have gone one step further by instituting an indoor mask mandate at public settings beginning on Monday, joining Los Angeles County as one of the first areas in the country to reinstate such measures.

Missouri has one of the highest rates of average new daily cases per capita, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

"The new rule will require everyone age five and over, including those who are vaccinated, to wear a mask. Wearing masks outdoors, especially in group settings, will be strongly encouraged," according to a statement from the mayor's office. Exceptions are included for those seated and eating at bars and restaurants.

"We've lost more than 500 St. Louisans to Covid-19, and if our region doesn't work together to protect one another, we could see spikes that overwhelm our hospital and public health systems," said Dr. Fredrick Echols, acting director of health for the City of St. Louis.

However, Missouri State Attorney General Eric Schmitt said on Friday that he will be going to court to stop the requirement.

"The citizens of St. Louis and St. Louis County are not subjects  they are free people. As their Attorney General I'll be filing suit Monday to stop this insanity," Schmitt said in a statement on Twitter.

Officials elsewhere are also pushing back against proposed indoor mandates. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey encouraged people in his state to get the vaccine, thanking "the miracle of modern science" but reiterated that he will not allow vaccine or mask mandates.

In Texas, Austin Mayor Steve Adler says if he could "order all children and teachers to mask without ending up in court" he "would do it in a heartbeat," as Austin Public Health reported the daily average number of Covid-19 hospitalizations has more than tripled since July 4.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, however, issued an executive order in May prohibiting state governmental entities such as counties from requiring mask-wearing.

Safety restrictions are instituted for new school year

With the new school year around the corner -- and vaccine access only available to those over the age of 12 -- some districts are preparing for a return to classes with mask mandates.

Washington DC Public Schools, Boston Public Schools, and Wisconsin's Madison Metropolitan School District are among those that recently announced the requiring of masks worn by students and staff inside school buildings.

Yet other locales, such as Texas and Iowa, have prevented officials from exercising local control by requiring masks.

Last week, California had announced strict statewide measures for masks in classrooms, yet changed its stance hours later and allowed for local decision-making. For now, the state will require masks but leave decisions on how to handle the enforcement of the mask requirement up to the districts.

"California's school guidance will be clarified regarding masking enforcement, recognizing local schools' experience in keeping students and educators safe while ensuring schools fully reopen for in-person instruction," read the update, which was released via a California Department of Public Health tweet.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described California's requirement for masks in schools. The state will require masks but will leave decisions on how to handle the enforcement of the mask requirement up to the districts.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Covid-19 hospitalizations in Los Angeles County more than doubled in 2 weeks".
YORK  Erica Jenkins, 31, an inmate at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York who is serving a life sentence for murder (with additional decades for robbery, assault by a confined person and being a habitual criminal) has had her name legally changed to Elluminati Egoddess Enikko Prestige.

In her handwritten petition, it appeared she wanted her third name to be Erikka, but she clarified Monday before Judge James Stecker in York County Court that the name is actually Enikko.

Jenkins is serving a life sentence for the 2013 slaying of Curtis Bradford of Omaha. She is the sister of death-row inmate Nikko Jenkins, who participated in Bradfords killing and was responsible for three other murders. She also has a decades-long sentence for robbery associated with the killing.

Jenkins is also serving a 20-30-year sentence for the beating of fellow York inmate Christine Bordeaux. Jenkins was found guilty by a York County jury of assaulting Bordeaux (her cousin, who testified against the Jenkins siblings in the Bradford case). In that situation, Bordeaux suffered a concussion, broken arm and nose.

When asked why she wanted to change her name to this particular name, Jenkins said it was to exercise her First Amendment rights and her religion.
Im all for teaching the truth, Innis said. But they wont teach the truth. They want to teach a version of the truth.

Innis, an electrical contractor who lives south of Crete, ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for U.S. Senate in 2020. He said he has held 15 sessions attended by thousands of people across the state, and he has more scheduled.

Innis said the public schools are failing kids and need to change. A majority of kids are coming out thinking socialism is better than capitalism  they have no idea what capitalism, communism, Marxism are  they have no clue because its not being taught accurately, he said.

He described critical race theory this way:

The U.S. is bad, how it was founded, and it needs to be recreated. If youre white, youre bad, and if you dont buy into it, youre a racist  its really is that simple, he said.

Some in academia say the opposition to critical race theory demonstrates a lack of understanding of what it is, where it is taught and how it is used.
Source: Instagram, Binance

It appears that the crypto industry is increasingly turning to self-regulation as the rope of regulators threatens to tighten firmly around it - and the trend hasn't missed a major decentralized exchange either.

Major crypto derivatives exchange FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried announced that the exchange decided to limit the amount of margin-trading debt traders can wager from 100 times leverage to 20 times.

"An effective margin system is integral to an efficient economic system," he said, following that up with: "There are limits to everything, though."

Bankman-Fried went on to say that margin systems must have liquidations as a backup, but with a goal to "do so rarely." At FTX, he says, "way less than a percent of volume comes from margin calls," which is in contrast to some platforms that "are sometimes > 5%, and some which removed data because it looked bad."

Liquidations in the past 24 hours:

Source: bybt.com, 09:49 UTC

Leveraged trading refers to borrowing funds so that you can take a larger position than you would be able to with your existing funds so that you can potentially generate a higher profit. However, while margin trading enables traders to amplify their returns, it can also lead to increased losses and liquidations, which is why experienced traders tend to advise newcomers to stay away from leveraged trading.

The average leverage used on FTX is some 2x. "And while we think that many of the arguments are high leverage miss the mark, we also don't think it's an important part of the crypto ecosystem, and in some cases it's not a healthy part of it."

Therefore, claims the CEO, removing high leverage (more than 20 times) is a step in the direction the industry has been headed for a while.

"Again, this will hit a tiny fraction of activity on the platform, and while many users have expressed that they like having the option, very few use it. And it's time, we think, to move on from it," he added.

The risky trades offered on FTX, Binance, BitMEX and other exchanges are often blamed for accelerating a market downturn in May.

Clara Medalie, the research lead at Kaiko, a cryptocurrency market data provider in Paris, told The New York Times that "these liquidations are obviously a huge factor in the price crash," and that "it is a vicious cycle."

The price crash automatically prompted the exchanges to liquidate trading positions of the most highly leveraged investors - before their collateral became insufficient to cover their positions.

The high-leverage offerings on FTX are more of a reputational liability as Bankman-Fried looks to expand FTX's global reach, said Timothy Massad, the former chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

And another exchange is apparently reacting to the recent regulatory developments. Major crypto exchange Binance said that its futures already started limiting new users to maximum 20 times leverage.

Per the CEO Changpeng Zhao, the move was made on July 19, but the team "didn't want to make this a thingy."

"In the interest of Consumer Protection, we will apply this to existing users progressively over the next few weeks," said Zhao.

Having previously offered a maximum of 125 times, an investment of USD 1,000 could be turned into a bet of as much as USD 125,000 on Binance.

All this, and likely more, is coming as the regulatory pressure from around the world, and particularly the US as of late, is increasing on the fast-developing crypto industry. Binance alone, for example, has been facing regulatory issues in a number of countries.

"Its clear that heavy regulations should be expected. Binance is in the mindset of shifting from a tech startup to a financial service. We are increasing compliance efforts, including ex-regulators," Zhao said during the virtual summit REDeFiNE TOMORROW 2021.

Today, Binance Margin said it will delist AUD, EUR, and GBP cross and isolated margin pairs in August.

A DEX (self)hits too

These two centralized exchanges are not the only ones that seem to be doing some pre-emptive regulation.

The software development studio behind major decentralized exchange Uniswap (UNI), Uniswap Labs, has restricted access to a number of tokens on an open-source interface that it supports, app.uniswap.org - "consistent with actions taken by other DeFi interfaces," they said.

The list includes derivatives and tokenized stocks. The listed coins "have always represented a very small portion of overall volume" on Uniswap, the team argued.

"To continue to innovate and provide this tool for the Uniswap community, we monitor the evolving regulatory landscape," they said.

Notably, Uniswap is restricting access through its own interface only, adding that "this action has no impact on the Uniswap Interface code, which remains open-source, or the many other portals or locally-run instances used to access the Uniswap Protocol."

Last Tuesday, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler suggested that stock tokens would have to be registered, be they on centralized or decentralized platforms. "If these products are security-based swaps, the other rules Ive mentioned earlier, such as the trade reporting rules, will apply to them," he added, noting that the SEC has already brought some cases involving retail offerings of security-based swaps and "unfortunately, there may be more."

Last week, Binance also announced that stock tokens are already unavailable for purchase on Binance.com, and this platform will no longer support any such tokens as the platform shifts its "commercial focus to other product offerings."

Playing the regulatory game

Meanwhile, some crypto exchanges such as Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini have already been focusing on compliance more, trying to avoid grey regulatory areas and turning it into their competitive advantage.

"Were playing the long game," Gemini's Cameron Winklevoss recently told Bloomberg. "Were trying to be the fastest tortoise in the race. The long game pays off over time."

Geminis parent, Gemini Trust Co., also helped create the Virtual Commodity Association the goal of which is to prevent fraud and manipulation, and which is "reminiscent of the self-regulatory groups set up by Wall Street."

Meanwhile, Coinbase published audited financials and "beefed up" its compliance operations as it listed shares this year, while Kraken got a regulated bank charter in Wyoming as it prepares to go public as well.

"The Catch-22 is that the crypto system was set up to avoid big banks," John Griffin, a professor of finance at the University of Texas at Austins McCombs School of Business was quoted as saying. Griffin added that "rather than having this autonomous universe free of government regulation, we have crypto exchanges playing the role that traditional exchanges and governments play in traditional markets."

___

Learn more:

- Bitcoin Shows Resilience Amid Global Political Pushback

- EU Regulation May Harm Small Crypto Players, Stablecoin Users, And Elon Musk

- SEC to Provide Clarity on Token Distribution, Crypto-Based ETPs - Hester Peirce

- S Korean Regulator to Force Crypto Overseas Exchanges to Abide by its Rules

- BlockFi Fights Regulatory Fire in 3 US States; Reportedly Wants to Go Public

- European Commission Clarifies What It Means By 'Anonymous Crypto Wallets'

- SEC Coinschedule Settlement Opens up Old Crypto Securities Wounds

- Japanese Regulator Report Suggests DeFi Regulations Could Be Coming

- UK Watchdog Set to (Re)Target 'Misleading' Crypto Investment Marketing

- This Is Why Robinhood Doesn't Allow You to Withdraw Bitcoin, DOGE & Co.
The dividing line went right through the middle of the boyhood home of Dieter Rollfinke.

A native of Austria, he used his own life to illustrate the importance of a new initiative underway in South Middleton School District.

Its for the benefit of all of our students to get this exposure, Rollfinke said. I dont understand why some of us are afraid if our sons, daughters and grandchildren are exposed to diversity and inclusion.

He was among the dozens of local residents who gathered Wednesday in the Boiling Springs High School auditorium for the second of three meetings designed to shape the formation of a future steering committee to guide the initiative going forward. The third meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. in the same auditorium.

Choice of districts

In my opinion, we should actually welcome such instruction, Rollfinke added. When our children leave the high school and enter the larger society, they will increasingly confront a more diverse society. They would have to function in that society.
Although the site was approved for the honor in February 2020, the plaque unveiling, like many other area events, was postponed from last year due to the pandemic, McNamee said.

Saturdays speakers included Eric Kelso and Milazzo of Cumberland County Historical Society; Upper Allen Township Commissioner Ken Martin; Mechanicsburg Mayor Jack Ritter; U.S. Rep. Scott Perry; and Joni Shenck, representing state Rep. Sheryl Delozier.

It is embarrassing to me to live so close to here and not know this was here, Perry told Saturdays crowd. To me, history is about people, its about us. ... We dont know exactly how many (are buried here), but it is important that we preserve them. None of us ever want to be forgotten.

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Also invited to speak were state Sen. Mike Regan, whose 31st Senatorial District represents parts of Cumberland and York counties, as well as Civil War re-enactor Keith Zook (a great-nephew several times over of Civil War veteran Samuel Kirk Zook), and Paul Kreiner, commander of the Vietnam Veterans of Mechanicsburg.

Thanks everyone for coming. It means a lot to us, Kreiner, visibly emotional, told Saturdays crowd.
When I wrote to the individuals, I would start the letter with, How would you like to help me tell a story? said Hughes. They were more than happy to help me, and I owe them a great deal of gratitude.

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Hughes said he found out a lot about the area in which he grew up. He discovered some of the railroads did not get fully built due to lack of finances, but he wanted to include or at least mention them in his book. He also got a better look at the people who worked so hard to build the railroads.

Hughes learned about the last of the Irish and Chinese immigrants who, if it were not for them, the Transcontinental Railroad would not have been built, and (learned about) the little recognition they received for their sacrifices. A lot of them lost their lives building the railroad.

Out of the four major Missouri railroads, Hughes said, the most interesting to him was the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway because of his family associations with it and the fact that it ran through Knob Lick and Fredericktown, where he now lives.

He found other railroads fascinating, including the St. Francois County Electric Railway. According to Hughes, the town of Farmington built it themselves because they had lost the opportunity for the steam railroads to come through their town.
DEAR PLAYING FAVORITES: Generally, the concept of "playing favorites" refers to parents who do not treat their children equally. As a sibling, I think you get a pass in that department. Gravitating to a sibling who treats you in a loving, natural way is normal. If the others are mean or rude, it is also likely that you would not have cultivated a strong bond with them. That sounds more like survival skills kicking in than favoritism.

If your gut tells you that you could do more to cultivate a closer bond with your other siblings, give it a try. You don't need to have the goal of matching your relationship with your other sibling. Instead, just reach out more and see if you can spark up a loving exchange with them as adults.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am so worried about how my family and I are going to make it in 2021. I have a temporary job now because my company went out of business during COVID-19. I have three children, and my wife works a low-wage job, too. We are seriously struggling. We have been too embarrassed to go to a food pantry or ask for help of any kind. That's not how we were raised. But now I'm at my wit's end. What can we do? -- In Need
Former Club Vanuatu, one of VNPF's non-performing properties. The current VNPF management and board are finding options to revive it
Albemarle County election officials have pushed back against claims made in a lawsuit by Rob Schilling that his constitutional rights were violated when he had to wait six minutes to vote during the June Democratic primary election.

Schilling, a local radio host, filed the lawsuit last month in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia after he claimed he was briefly prevented from voting during the June 8 primary election in Albemarle County due to a face mask dispute. The lawsuit names as defendants county Registrar Jake Washburne, Election Officer Leo Mallek and two unnamed poll workers.

According to Schillings lawsuit, he did not wear a mask when he went to vote at the Woodbrook precinct on June 8. Per the lawsuit, Washburne previously had told Schilling that masks were not required in polling locations. The loosened mask requirements were the result of changes in state mask mandates in the wake of widespread COVID-19 vaccinations.

When he went to vote, Schilling was asked to wear a mask by Mallek and, after he refused, he claims in the lawsuit that two poll workers placed hands on his arms and/or shoulders and tried to convince him to leave. After a poll worker not named in the lawsuit placed a call to Washburne, Schilling was able to cast his ballot.
In the Places29 Master Plan, which is part of the countys Comprehensive Plan, the property is shown on the future land use map as predominantly Urban Density Residential, which recommends between six and 34 units per acre, while other parts of the property are designated as Neighborhood Service Center or public and private open space. The overall recommended allowed housing on the site is a minimum of 104 units and a maximum of 614 units.

The Master Plan was adopted in 2011, and the Places29 Rio Community Advisory Committee, which provides input over the area, has asked for the Master Plan to be updated.

With 328 apartments proposed, Rio Point would have a gross density of 12 units per acre and a net density of 16.2 units per acre.

If the property is developed by right, or without approval from the Board of Supervisors, county staff previously have said that up to 109 dwelling units would be allowed before bonuses, and a developer could build up to 163 units if the land were to be developed as a cluster development.

If approved, Rio Point LLC still would provide $750,000 toward road improvements, a transit stop and space and amenities for a trailhead park.
I think the military is a bureaucratic behemoth, so anything that happens, theyre not going to turn on a dime, said Carolyn Gallaher, a professor of international service at American University in Washington who studies right-wing paramilitaries. There are definitely people trying to do something. Its going to depend on how powerful they are and how well theyre going to be able to get the levers of the military bureaucracy to do what they want to do.

A deeper investigation of Jan. 6s events would seem a natural fit for Luria, whose district has 40% of its economy tied directly or indirectly to the Navy or the Defense Department. But the assignment could carry serious political risks for Luria's chief congressional identity besides champion of all things Navy and national security  that of a centrist who has worked to bolster her bipartisan credentials and policy pursuits across the ideological spectrum.

I think of myself as really moderate. I spent 20 years in the Navy. Didnt think much about political party. I voted for the guy in 16 who I ran against in 18, said Luria, referring to Republican Scott Taylor, a former Navy SEAL whose seat she won two cycles ago, then held in a 2020 rematch.
They just want a lot more money to do the right thing, Deeds, who represents much of the Charlottesville area, said Monday. Thats the bottom line.

The association said its members have proposed new programs for partial hospitalization and crisis stabilization to divert people in psychiatric emergencies away from state facilities without crowding private hospitals with patients theyre not equipped to handle. Its members also recommended state investments in community-based programs to expand outpatient care and services for people coming out of psychiatric hospitals.

Even though VHHA members have repeatedly proposed solutions that have not been adopted by the state, we again offer our support and services to address these challenges with the hope that the previous pattern of rejection we have encountered does not continue as we move forward, Connaughton said.

Land challenges analysis. Behavioral Health Commissioner Alison Land challenged the associations analysis, which she said underestimated state admissions for temporary detention orders by more than 1,300 in the last fiscal year while counting private hospital admissions that had nothing to do with psychiatric treatment.
Prosecutors said Barrack boasted to contacts in the Emirates that he could help them gain influence with the then-new administration, even as he was seeking a post as ambassador to the UAE or as special envoy to the Middle East.

Federal authorities say Barrack broke the law by failing to disclose his UAE ties to the U.S. government.

On Friday, a Los Angeles magistrate judge approved a $250 million bail deal negotiated between Barrack's lawyers and federal prosecutors. The arrangement required Barrack to give up passports and submit to electronic monitoring. It also imposed a curfew.

Barrack is charged with conspiracy, obstruction of justice and making false statements during a June 2019 interview with federal agents.

Barrack, who has an electronic ankle bracelet to comply with monitoring requirements, plans to live in Aspen, Colorado, while he awaits trial, his lawyers said. He also pledged to only fly on commercial flights. He is subject to a curfew and various other restrictions, including limits on financial transactions and bans on communications with officials from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Elsewhere in California, the Tamarack fire south of Lake Tahoe continued to burn through timber and chaparral and threatened communities on both sides of the California-Nevada state line. The fire, sparked by lightning July 4 in Alpine County, has destroyed at least 10 buildings.

Heavy smoke from that blaze and the Dixie fire lowered visibility and may at times ground aircraft providing support for fire crews. The air quality south of Lake Tahoe and across the state line into Nevada deteriorated to very unhealthy levels.

In north-central Washington, firefighters battled two blazes in Okanogan County that threatened hundreds of homes and again caused hazardous air quality conditions Saturday. And in northern Idaho, east of Spokane, Washington, a small fire near the Silverwood Theme Park prompted evacuations Friday evening at the park and in the surrounding area. The theme park was back open on Saturday with the fire half contained.

Although hot weather with afternoon winds posed a continued threat of spreading blazes, weekend forecasts also called for a chance of scattered thunderstorms in California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and other states. However, forecasters said some could be dry thunderstorms that produce little rain but a lot of lightning, which can spark new blazes.

More than 85 large wildfires were burning around the country, most of them in Western states, and they had burned over 1.4 million acres (2,135 square miles, or more than 553,000 hectares).

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China is developing high-end microchip production at an unprecedented rate and mass production of domestic 14nm chips will be realized next year, according to Dr. Yungang Bao, of the Chinese Institute of Computing Technology (ICT).

Driven in part by the global shortage of microchips and massive increases in demand for high-end chips from fast-growing new technologies such as 5G and IoT, China is working flat-out to build up its domestic microchip manufacturing industry.

Dr. Yungang Bao, Assistant Director of the Institute of Computing Technology (ICT), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, recently outlined some of the opportunities and challenges of domestic high-end chip development. He also confirmed that mass production of domestic 14nm chips is imminent and that industrial upgrade and replacement of core chips are the Chinese microchip industrys next objectives. According to the predictions of many industry insiders, all aspects of the domestic 14nm chipset will be quickly improved, and it is very likely to achieve mass production next year.

Development of 14nm and 28nm Technology in China

According to Dr. Bao, 14nm chips will help the industry to upgrade core microchips. Many of the key technical challenges in 14nm chip production have already been overcome in China, including:

development of essential equipment such as etching machinery;

thin film deposition suitable for mass application in large-scale production;

packaging and integration technology required for mass production;

polishing agents;

sputtering targets.

Hundreds of key materials have passed the assessment for use on large-scale production lines and entered mass sales. According to Dr. Bao, these achievements now span the entire industrial manufacturing chain, providing a full array of process technologies for Chinese domestic high-end chip manufacture.

Chinese Manufactured 28nm Chips Now Deploying at Scale

The advantages of 28nm microchips in the new infrastructure are clear. For almost the same cost, 28nm processors offer a 50% increase in speed and half the energy consumption, when compared with 40nm. Considering these key differences, 28nm is fast becoming the mainstream mid-range process node and will remain so for many years.

28nm technology is the preferred technology solution in the fields that are vigorously developed by countries where Chinese manufacturers are major players. These include 5G, electric vehicles, big data centres, artificial intelligence, and industrial IoT. Both in terms of cost and chip power consumption, function and performance, they are the most cost-effective process node.

Importance of 14nm Mass Production to China

14nm is currently the most widely used high-end micro-processing technology worldwide. Key applications for 14nm chips include AI, automotive, and high-end processors. According to Dr. Bao, 14nm chips can also meet the majority of future needs in the fields of 5G communications networks, and high-performance computing. 14nm processors are also increasingly used in high-end consumer electronics, high-speed computing, low-end power amplifiers, baseband, AI, and electric vehicles.

Dr. Bao believes the mass production of 14nm chips in China will strengthen the countrys manufacturing base and lay the foundations for China to achieve a self-sufficiency rate of 70% in domestic chips supply by 2025.

China Must Adhere to Global Standards

As China seeks self-sufficiency in high-end microchip manufacturing, Dr. Bao believes it is vital that China does not diverge from global standards or develop chips that are incompatible with needs outside China. China must recognise that the global microchip industry follows clear technical standards which are intended to foster global collaboration.

China must continue to participate in global networks for innovation and collaboration for microchip development and must commit sufficient capital and technical resources to this activity, according to Dr. Bao. The current independent research and development within China must ensure it is fully aligned with global standards, market, and manufacturing patterns and must not result in the development of separate, incompatible systems.

The rapid development of China's integrated circuit market has promoted the progress and technological innovation throughout the entire industry. With the specialisation and subdivision of product application fields, the domestic technological level in the field of integrated circuit manufacturing has achieved a string of breakthroughs.

For example, significant progress has been made in the research and development and industrialisation of advanced and characteristic processes. This reduces the gap between chip manufacturing in mainland China and elsewhere.

Global Collaboration

Dr. Bao believes that, at present, the USA is the worlds leader in computer technology with a well-structured and comprehensive microchip industry, while other countries including the UK, South Korea, Germany, and France all have strengths in specific sectors.

The 22 European Union (EU) Member States recently joined forces to create a European initiative on processors and semiconductor technologies. These countries have committed to working together to bolster Europes electronics and embedded systems value chain and strengthen leading-edge manufacturing capacity with the aim of reinforcing Europes capabilities in semiconductor technologies and offering the best performance for applications in a wide range of sectors. The EU will allocate up to 145bn funding over the next 2-3 years to strengthen advanced chip design and production capacity in Europe.

China is aiming to build its position in computer technology. There is already huge demand for semiconductors from manufacturers and Chinese companies look to have diversified supply channels. European manufacturers have great opportunities in the Chinese market and Dr. Bao urges Chinese and European companies to increase cooperation in the field of semiconductors.

Improving Global Capabilities Will Accelerate Development

Beyond the development of 14nm and 28nm chips, China is also actively developing advanced process chips such as 7nm. This will alleviate Chinas dependence on external high-end chip foundries in the future. However, success will not be achieved overnight and countries will need to work together to achieve success.
Russian company Big Data Platform (BDP), a joint venture by national long-distance telephone provider Rostelecom and the country's bank VTB, has completed tests of the new Big Data security platform.

Multi-Partial Computations (MPC) technology enables companies to access shared use of Big Data and raise their business efficiency in this way.

"The characteristic of MPC technology is the absence of the exchange of source data between companies, which allows service users to implement the Data Fusion approach. This consists of combining data and merging or transferring algorithms from one area of machine learning (ML) to another, as well as the integration of machine learning processes," said a press release from Big Data Platform.

The Multi-Partial Computations technology was tested with the participation of Ubic, a traffic filtering developer and analysis service provider. Collaborative confidential computing allows users to create machine learning models that are built on the combined data of various companies.

Each party shares information and transmits only the amount of protected data on which models can be built. At the same time, it is impossible to decipher the information for obtaining primary data. This technology allows users to develop services based on various sources and helps enrich the competencies and expertise of various areas, from retail to the insurance business.

Maxim Konovalikhin, Senior Vice President, Head of the Data Analysis and Modeling Department at VTB, said: "The security of customer data is the priority of the Big Data Platform; the new technology allows us to bring our work with Big Data and data security to a new level. Thanks to MPC, we can work with combined arrays of information to improve products, services, and business processes. Combining unique arrays of depersonalized data, technologies, and competencies, as well as applying the Data Fusion approach, will allow the Big Data Platform to achieve leadership in the Big Data market.
The mobile money bandwagon continues to gather pace in Africa. Local press reports indicate that leading Angolan operator Unitel is about to launch a service called Unitel Money.

This is described as a form of digital money that will allow people to make deposits, withdrawals, transfers and payments from their mobile phone without having a bank account.

The National Bank of Angola (BNA) granted Unitel a license to provide this mobile payments service in 2020.

According to sources from Unitel quoted in the regional press, the service is being developed entirely by the company. It will be supported by Unitel Money stores and agents  who are seen as the backbone of the service  in a network of hundreds of mirrored branches throughout the country.

It seems that users of this financial platform will be able to receive sums of money on mobile phones pretty much anywhere in the country.

Somewhat surprisingly, it appears that Unitel may be the first operator in Angola to offer this sort of financial service. It will be interesting to see how end users respond in a country which boasts a sizeable population of over 31 million.

The appeal of such a service to end users with little access to bank accounts was underlined by Ethio Telecoms recently launched Telebirr service, which has enjoyed rapid take-up.
Tampa residents celebrated with an impromptu parade from Ybor to West Tampa when Castro, hailed as a modern day Marti, declared victory on January 1, 1959.

When Castro later embraced the USSR and communism, some former members of Tampas 26th of July Movement formed the Anti-Communist Group to Help in the Liberation of Cuba.

They later became a Tampa branch of the Miami-based Insurrectional Movement of Revolutionary.

That group then assimilated into the Miami-based Cuba Power organization that threatened actions against any country doing business with Cuba.

In 1968, Cuba Power took credit for an explosion on a Japanese freighter ported in Tampa. An explosives expert from MacDill Air Force Base determined it was set off by a chemical long-delay detonator. No one was injured.

Tampa continued to support the Cuban people, but in the peaceful and indirect ways on display today.

For decades, hardliners have held rallies protesting the Cuban government while those who believe engagement is the best way to bring positive change to Cuba have advocated for the end of the embargo.

Both sides often assemble at an Ybor park with connections to two Cuban revolutionaries . The park at 1303 Eighth Ave. is named for Marti. And the Marti statue that remains the parks centerpiece was funded by Castros 26th of July Movement.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
KEY WEST, Fla. (AP)  There's a new Ernest Hemingway look-alike in Key West.

Zach Taylor and his white beard won this year's contest to celebrate the author during the island's annual Hemingway Days festival.

The 63-year-old business owner from Ambrose, Georgia, beat out 136 other entrants at Sloppy Joes Bar, the Key West saloon where Hemingway frequently drank.

Competing in the contest is a family affair for Taylor. His late father-in-law, Carlie Coley, was the winner in 2000. His wife and mother-in-law shared his victory celebration Saturday night.

Hemingway has been a fixture of ours since we started coming down to the contest, said Taylor. And you know, I think Papa would be proud of whats been accomplished in his name in a town he loved so well."

Saturday nights competitors paraded across Sloppy Joes stage, trying to impress the judging panel of former winners, while the audience cheered and applauded. In 2020, the contest was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Homicides are an unusual occurrence in Centreville, according to Centreville Police Chief Rodney Smith. In fact, as of 2021, Huckleberrys death is the only reported homicide in the small town since her death in 2014, Smith said.

Centreville has a population of fewer than 3,000 residents, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, with a police department where you can count the number of officers with your hands and still have a few digits to spare. But not all of the officers are full-time officers.

Smith was a patrol officer in 2014 and actually responded to the scene of Huckleberrys homicide. Although he would not provide certain details on the case because it remains an ongoing investigation, Smith said that the manpower available to the Centreville Police Department and the unwillingness of people to come forward with information has posed challenges in solving the case. He said because of the lack of personnel, the investigation was turned over to the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation. Anytime Centreville police receive tips or information regarding the case, they hand it over to the state investigators.

Smith believes Huckleberrys case is solvable, but a large part of being able to do that is if people come forward with what they know.

ANOTHER YEAR WITHOUT ANSWERS
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to go up statewide and locally.

Frustration has been mounting recently with the spread of variants that are more contagious, such as the Delta variant. Health leaders have issued warnings about the risk to those who are unvaccinated, the possibility for breakthrough infections for vaccinated individuals and the need for boosters.

There were 916 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Alabama on Monday, a jump from Friday when 733 hospitalizations were reported on the Alabama Department of Public Healths (ADPH) COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.

Alabama has had 14,221 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

The Wiregrass areas two largest hospitals were also reporting increases in hospitalizations. Flowers Hospital reported 24 patients as of Monday while Southeast Health reported 39 patients with COVID-19. Thats up from a week ago when the Dothan hospitals reported 16 and 25 patients, respectively.

The Wiregrass has seen 1,584 new cases in the last 14 days with most new cases reported from four counties: Houston County with 534 new cases, Dale County with 286 new cases, Coffee County with 274, and Covington County with 198. The remaining Wiregrass counties each had less than 100 new cases.
MONTGOMERYDothans SpectraCare Health Systems agreed to pay $1 million to resolve a federal lawsuit alleging the organization overcharged Medicaid, announced Acting United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.

A notice of dismissal was filed Friday to resolve a qui tam lawsuit claiming the nonprofit violated the False Claims Act, although no liability was determined in the settlement agreement.

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The governments multiyear investigation, which spawned from a whistleblower complaint, sought to discover whether SpectraCare knowingly violated the False Claims Act by improperly billing Alabama Medicaid for Basic Living Skills services, and by failing to return overpayments to the Alabama Medicaid Agency, which constitutes a reverse false claim actionable under a statute in the False Claims Act.

SpectraCare Health Systems, Inc. is a 501(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Dothan, which provides integrated healthcare services, including developmental disability services, intermediate care medical services, behavioral health services, and preventative programs to a range of patients. The company is contracted by the Alabama Department of Mental Health to provide services, which are paid for by the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
We were worried the honor system would not work, the unvaccinated would be behaving as if theyre vaccinated, and people would think the pandemic is over," she said. "That's precisely what has happened, and it's incredibly frustrating."

The U.S. should not have been caught off guard after watching the delta variant ravage India in May and then land in the United Kingdom, Israel and other highly vaccinated nations with force last month, added Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious disease specialist at Yales School of Public Health.

We have learned multiple times to not take anything for granted with COVID, he said.

Jha said Americans should brace for another rough few months of COVID, which has already claimed nearly 611,000 lives in the U.S.

I really thought this would be a fabulous summer, but I underestimated the misinformation campaign that was coming, he said Monday. What were the chances that after more than half a million Americans dead, that one-third of the country would still not want to end the pandemic?"
Five taskforce groups to operate after 6 pm in HCMC

Police set up a checkpoint on Phan Van Tri Street, HCMC's Go Vap District, on May 31, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran.

Emergency and anti-epidemic forces, reporters, sanitation workers, essential transportation vehicles and gateway gas station operators can function after 6 p.m. in HCMC.

These five taskforce groups are exempted from the citywide night-time restrictions being imposed from Monday night for a week.

The exemption decision was signed Monday by HCMC People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong.

All city residents have been required to remain indoors after 6 p.m from July 26 to August 1. Shops and business establishments must be shut down from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day.

For the purchase of essential food and foodstuffs, localities shall distribute vouchers to households on even and odd days, divide the shopping time frame to minimize the density and person-to-person contact.

The city has assigned related district agencies to organize checkpoints and stations to patrol and supervise round the clock at inter-ward roads, strictly handle violations, and hold in administrative detention those opposing law enforcement officers.

The current situation is very dangerous, prolonging the pandemic. If the epidemic is not controlled, it will be worse, forcing the city to apply stronger and higher measures, officials warned.

HCMC, currently the Covid-19 epicenter in Vietnam, has recorded 66,422 cases under the fourth wave that hit the country late April.
Nguyen Xuan Phuc takes oath as President of Vietnam in Hanoi, July 26, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy.

The newly elected National Assembly (NA) Monday ratified its predecessors election of Nguyen Xuan Phuc as the country's president for the 2021-2026 term.

Phuc, 67, won 96.79 percent of the votes cast in the house of 483 in what was formally described as a "reelection."

The president is the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

In April Phuc had received more than 97 percent of the votes to become the 11th president of Vietnam after his predecessor and Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong stepped down.

The new NA was formed following general elections on May 23.

A native of the central Quang Nam Province, Phuc has a bachelors degree in economics.

Between 1997 and 2006 he was chairman of the province, deputy inspector-general of the Government Inspectorate and chairman of the Government Office.

He became deputy prime minister in 2011 and prime minister in 2016.

He is a member of the Party Central Committee and Politburo.

The NA will elect or ratify 50 leadership positions including of the house itself, the government, the Supreme People's Court, the top prosecutors office, and the State Audit Office.

It will also review the countrys social-economic situation and public spending and make decisions on two national programs on rural development and poverty alleviation.
The United States has imposed additional sanctions on members of the Burmese military regime and family members of previous designated military officials in response to the February military coup and crackdown against Burmas pro-democracy movement.

The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, has designated 22 individuals connected to the Burmese military regime, including three additional State Administration Council members and four military-appointed cabinet members, as well as 15 adult children or spouses of Burmese military officials who were previously designated for sanctions.

In addition, the Commerce Department has added Wanbao Mining, Ltd., two of its subsidiaries, and King Royal Technologies Co., Ltd. to its Entity List. These entities provide revenue and/or other support to the Burmese military. Moreover, Wanbao Mining and its subsidiaries have long been implicated in labor rights violations and human rights abuses, including at the Letpadaung copper mine.

These measures, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement, further demonstrate that we will continue to take additional action against, and impose costs on, the military and its leaders until they reverse course and provide for a return to democracy.

The United States is committed to promoting accountability for the actions of the Burmese military, the State Administration Council, and all those who have provided support for those responsible for the military coup. The United States will continue to urge the Burmese military to adhere to and implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus, release all those unjustly detained, and immediately restore Burmas path to democracy.

The militarys suppression of democracy and campaign of brutal violence against the people of Burma are unacceptable, said Andrea Gacki, Director of OFAC. The latest sanctions demonstrate that the United States will continue to impose increasing costs on Burmas military and promote accountability for those responsible for the military coup and ongoing violence, including by targeting sources of revenue for the military and its leaders.
For over a decade, a civil war has raged in Syria. Since March 2011, the government of Bashar al-Assad has ruthlessly attacked its own people. As result, today the Syrian conflict is the largest and most complex humanitarian crisis of our time. Over 12 million people are displaced within Syria or have fled to neighboring countries and around two-thirds of those who have remained in Syria, about 13.4 million people, need humanitarian aid.

The United States and Italy recently co-hosted a meeting, on the margins of the Ministerial of the Coalition to Defeat ISIS, to discuss the urgent humanitarian crisis in Syria. At issue is the need to deliver more aid faster, particularly through broadening cross-border assistance, which is essential to reaching millions of Syrians who are in dire need of food, medicine, COVID vaccines, other lifesaving aid, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken. At the same time, Secretary Blinken announced that the United States plans to send more aid to the people of Syria.

The United States is providing an additional $436 million in assistance  humanitarian assistance  to Syrians and the communities that host them, and that brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance in response to the crisis in Syria to nearly $13.5 billion. Well also use the meeting thats upcoming to refocus on a path to a political solution in Syria, the only way to provide the Syrian people with a foundation upon which to reconcile, make peace, and begin to rebuild.



This announcement comes at a critical time for the Syrian people and humanitarian aid organizations.

We are grateful to our humanitarian partners across the region who continue to respond to this complex crisis under extraordinarily difficult conditions. I encourage other states to join us in providing essential humanitarian assistance to Syrians and their host communities.
Lithium is a key component in electric vehicle batteries.

Opponents say the U.S. Bureau of Land Management violated several environmental laws in a December rush to approve the mine in the final days of the Trump administration.

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The mine is planned on 28 square miles of federal land above an extinct volcano formed millions of years ago about 25 miles south of the Nevada-Oregon line.

Global demand for lithium is forecast to triple by 2025, Lithium Nevada said in recent court filings. The proposed mine is the only one in the nation on the drawing board that can help meet that demand, the company said.

Western Watersheds Project, Great Basin Resource Watch and others said in their lawsuit filed earlier this year that some of the region's most essential and irreplaceable sage grouse habitat could be lost if the mine is built. They say the bureau also has dismissed potential harm to golden eagles and destruction of pronghorn antelope habitat.

Justice Department lawyers representing the Bureau of Land Management told Du during a hearing last week the company can't begin construction of the mine until it completes a historic properties treatment plan in conjunction with the agency and obtains several outstanding permits from the state of Nevada.
WELLS  In Wells, a beautiful mural on the side of the building that housed the museum for the Trail of the 49ers Interpretative Center before the 2008 earthquake will start the renewal to reopen the museum.

Beverly Caputo was the artist. She has done many murals for Cabelas Stores, Jackpot Crossing Casino, Douglas County Historical Society Museum and others. Her mural in Wells depicts the emigrants on the California Trail passing Humboldt Wells, which was the beginning of the Humboldt River and their road across Nevada to California.

Caputo also did a smaller mural on the wall that faces Sixth Street at the old Sage Inn Motel across from Wells City Hall.

The damaged building at the Interpretative Center has already had its roof repaired. The next project is to update the electrical system. The building is owned by the Society for the Preservation of Western Heritage, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public on the areas history.

Currently the museums collection  including a covered wagon  is housed in the Overland Building at 436 Sixth St., a half block away. The Overland also serves as the Visitor Center for Wells and travelers can receive information of the area as well as purchase gifts, many of them handmade.

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The American Problem is writ large in the small print of the latest Gallup poll:

Twice as many Republicans as Democrats trust the police. Twice as many Democrats as Republicans trust the public schools. Twice as many Republicans as Democrats trust organized religion. Twice as many Democrats as Republicans trust organized labor.

These figures, from the annual confidence measurements taken for decades by Gallup, underline perhaps the gravest crisis in contemporary American life, captured by a bracing headline in the respected Tablet website last week: Americans Hate Each Other.

And what is more, Americans no longer respect important, established American institutions. Two trends in the survey are mutually reinforcing  and mutually disturbing. The first: the trust gap on police, public schools, religion and labor. The second: the more general erosion of trust in the sustaining institutions of civic society. Average trust in 14 essential elements of our civilization, already low before the pandemic, dropped another 3 percentage points in the COVID year of 2020. And the least respected institution of them all? Easy question. Congress, by far. Fewer than one in eight of us respects the lawmakers who were elected to represent us.
The Supreme Courts 2020-21 term concluded in July with a newly expanded 6-3 conservative majority prevailing in several major decisions. The court showed surprising agreement as well on everything from ObamaCare to religious freedom to the 2020 elections.

Fears of liberal activist groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, that the court would yield far-right results were unfounded. Justices showed themselves less ideologically divided than the rest of the country on major issues coming before them.

Of the 65 cases the court reviewed this term, it decided only nine by 6-3 votes along conventional ideological lines, according to SCOTUSBlog, which tracks the court. The term was marked by modest conservative victories, unpredictable alignment of justices, and a surprising number of unanimous judgments.

The conservative wing of the court divided, with Chief Justice John Roberts, often followed by the two newest justices, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. At times, they put the brakes on their conservative colleagues Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch.

Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats had boycotted Justice Barretts confirmation hearing last October , leaving poster-size images of Affordable Care Act recipients in their place, and predicting her vote would doom ObamaCare.
On the heels of passing one of the most restrictive voting laws in the country, the Texas state Senate has made headlines again. This time with a bill targeting critical race theory in public schools.

What is critical race theory?

Critical race theory (CRT), a niche part of academic work, has become a central point of contention in the national discussion over racial and civic education in the United States.

In 2006, a professor at UC Riverside described how those studying CRT shifts the research lens away from a deficit view of Communities of Color as places full of cultural poverty disadvantages. Rather those who wish to apply this lens focus and learn "from the array of cultural knowledge, skills, abilities, and contacts possessed by socially marginalized groups that often go unrecognized and unacknowledged.

However, this definition differs from that of many Republican leaders who have bashed CRT and called for it to be banned from the educational curriculum. Several prominent outlets have reported that rather than taking the time to understand the roots and literature of CRT, Republicans have "repurposed" it to create "a catchall term for discussions of race.

Many public school educators will acknowledge that much of what they are required to teach would not fall under anti-racism education. In the wake of events, like the killing of George Floyd, some teachers are pushing for anti-racist themes to be included in state educational standards, and are met with backlash.

In June during an interview with NBC Dr. Jonathan Chism, a history progressor at the University of HoustonDowntown argued that Any anti-racist effort is being labeled as critical race theory.He continued saying that these new laws popping up are based on an ignorant understanding of the material saying Many that are condemning critical race theory havent read it or studied it intensely. This is largely predicated on fear: the fear of losing power and influence and privilege, he said. For Dr. Chism, The larger issue that this is all stemming from is a desire to deny the truth about America, about racism.

What have Texas Republicans proposed?



In Texas, Senate Bill 3 has gained national attention for its changes to the education code that would unduly would restrict important, but challenging, conversations that otherwise should occur in classrooms," according to State Senator Zaffirini.

SB 3 amends Chapter 28 of the Texas Educational Code, which focuses on essential knowledge and curriculum.Chapter 28 does not currently require any specific topics or events to be taught by social studies teachers.

The bill would direct the State Board of Education to adopt essential knowledge and skills that develop each students civic knowledge for children grades kindergarten through grade 12. Since the initial proposal was released, Republicans eliminated topics seen as important by educators to ensure students have a solid understanding of history and civic life in the United States.

What topics were left out of the bill?

Various topics proposed by Democrats in the Senate were left out of the final bill, including the history of Native Americans and the writings of the founding mothers and other founding persons.

As for basic freedoms endowed to US citizens by the constitution, the bill includes language to ensure students have an appreciation of a commitment to free speech and civil discourse. However, the writings and work of Frederick Douglas and laws such as the Indian Removal Act, which led to the Trail of Tears, and the Fugitive Slave Act were taken out; as were the teaching of material related to the civic accomplishments of marginalized people, including Martin Luther King Junior, Cesar Chavez, and Delores Huerta.

Language encouraging teachers to educate their students on the history of social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Chicano Movement, and the fight for women's suffrage, were also scrapped.

The law also bans teachers from teaching that "the advent of slavery in the territory that is now the United States constituted the true founding" of the country. This may seem unimportant, but it is an effort to whitewash the dehumanizing and racist views of the founding fathers. Slavery was a major point of controversy during the founding of the United States, and while it is a stain on the nation's history, the support it had among the founders should not be erased.

Most shocking to many activists and educators was the elimination of the section on the history of white supremacy, including but not only limited to the institution of slavery, the eugenics movement, and the Ku Klux Klan.

Concerns that were brushed off by Fox News, who called reports on the bill misleading, while acknowledging that the revised Senate bill removed this provision from the legislation.

Are these topics included in the Texas Educational Standards?

To better understand how SB 3 would impact state educational standards, the Texas Tribune reached out to Keven Ellis, the chair of the State Board of Education. In an e-mail, Ellis stated that many of the topics that the law targets are are already included in the state education standards, which are referred to as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

In Texas, study US and state history in fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth, eleventh, and twelfth grades. With some glaring omissions, many of the bill's topics appear in the standards.

For example, students are expected to learn about the accomplishments of major figures in American history such as Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, [and] Cesar Chavez, which had been taken out of SB 3.

In fifth grade, teachers are expected to explain the central role of the expansion of slavery in causing sectionalism, disagreement over states' rights, and the Civil War, but that is as far as the standards go on the topic of slavery.

At the high school level, ethnic studies courses studying the history of African and Mexican Americans have been approved in recent years. In the course focused on the history and experience of Black people in the United States, teachers are required to teach topics including contributions of African history that are foundational to humanity and predate American slavery. However, the connections between white supremacy and slavery and the KKK are not required within the state standards.

Will the bill become law?

Currently, many believe SB 3 does not have the votes needed in the Texas House to become law. Additionally, many Democrats members have fled the state to avoid the passage of a restrictive voting law.
A goal by Mikel Oyarzabal just as we were getting seriously worried has left Spain in a good position in the group, with four points from two games. It should be six, given the quality of opposition theyve faced, but as long we draw with Argentina in our final group match, well go through. A defeat would most likely send us out, though - a consequence of the unfortunate draw with Egypt, which was made worse by the results that followed. Luis de la Fuente made no fewer than five changes for Spains second game, albeit two of those were enforced in the wake of the injuries to Dani Ceballos and Oscar Mingueza. The team showed greater energy against Australia, but was guilty of much the same goal-shyness.

Of the players that came into the side, it was Marc Cucurella who had the greatest impact, offering a bright, zesty performance, his curly locks bouncing in the wind as he got to the byline again and again. Martin Zubimendi was neat and tidy. Carlos Soler, who joined Zubimendi and Pedri in midfield, was energetic and threatened with a few runs into shooting positions. The right-back Oscar Gil was decent enough, although he frequently struggled to contain the winger Daniel Arzani, the Australians only quality player. The one newcomer who came up short was Javi Puado on the left wing. On the right, Dani Olmo also underwhelmed. He doesnt work on that flank: he lacks the ability to beat players and cant cut inside and shoot on his stronger right foot. Spains attack was their weak link.

Oyarzabal's display deserved a goal

Spain improved when De la Fuente freshened things up going forward, throwing on Marco Asensio and Bryan Gil on the wings and deploying Olmo in a deeper role that allowed him to send balls into the box and work himself shooting opportunities. Up top, Rafa Mir came on to partner Oyarzabal. Australia made life easier for Spain by changing to five at the back, with three central defenders who were unable to prevent the match-winning header from Oyarzabal. He was aided by the presence of Mir alongside him, the striker helping to keep the centre-backs occupied, and his good play and hard work - he had hit the bar before then - meant he richly deserved his goal. Its Spains first at the Olympics since Gabris in Sydney 21 years ago. It was about time, and its a vital strike.
When Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was addressing the media on Serbias COVID-19 situation on July 8, 2021, he explained the reason why he asked China for help when his country was facing a crisis brought by the epidemic at the beginning of 2020 ---- If it werent for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans advice toturn to China for help, he would have kept being afraid of the end of the summer because of the situation.

By June 23 this year, Serbia had received 4 million doses of Chinese vaccines. Other kinds of help offered in addition to vaccines, according to the Serbian government, also included 58 planes that brought China-donated equipment, advice from the best Chinese experts and doctors, who helped Serbia combat COVID-19 and technical equipment for Serbian hospitals, doctors, and nurses, based on the latest statistics by June 1, 2021.

Serbia is not the only country that has received COVID-19 vaccine support from China. The Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea (PNG) said China had donated and sold a total of 1.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to PNG by July 11, 2021 according to official figures. On the same day, Sri Lanka also received 2 million Chinese Sinopharm vaccines, bringing the total number of Chinese vaccines in Sri Lanka to 7.1 million.

As of July 9, 2021, China has provided more than 100 countries and international organizations with 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and concentrates across all five continents, making it the country that has provided the most vaccines globally. According to Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 100 countries have approved the use of Chinese vaccines, whose safety and effectiveness have been widely recognized.

"I chose Sinopharm because of its strength and minimal side effects. It was also the only one of the two vaccines available at the start of the vaccination campaign," Meke Inotila Fanuel from Namibia was quoted as saying on Xinhua, after he was inoculated with the China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said earlier this year at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 that China will honor its commitment of making vaccines a global public good. In fact, the first-ever batch of COVID-19 vaccines that many developing countries have received are China-made. Despite limited production capacity and enormous demand at home, China has kept its word by providing other countries with anti-epidemic support, including self-produced vaccines, PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment), surgical masks, gloves and so on. To underdeveloped or developing countries that do not yet have enough capacity to control the pandemic nationwide on their own, Chinas vaccines are nothing less than a silver lining that has arrived just in time.

"China has offered vaccines to different countries, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said in an interview with Xinhua, The countries that accepted the offer have shown all the others that it is not an issue of geopolitics, but humanity."
Stephen Perry, Chairman of Britain's 48 Group Club and recipient of China Reform Friendship Medal (File photo)

By Zhang Zhou

BEIJING, July 2 (Guangming Online) -- The success of the Communist Party of China (CPC) relies closely on the Chinese people, a recipient of China Reform Friendship Medal has said.

The success of the CPC is due to hearing the people, Stephen Perry, Chairman of Britain's 48 Group Club told Guangming Online in a recent interview.

Perry said that it is a great moment of history when China has achieved its first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, adding that the world will be reflecting on the incredible transformations of the last 100 years and the last 43 years (since the reform and opening-up in 1978) in China.

Looking back at the development history of the CPC, Perry noted that the Party has gone through many tough periods since its founding in 1921, but it has managed to overcome the difficulties.

Referring to the key to Chinas achievements over the past 100 years, Perry mentioned people many times.

He said the Chinese people give their backing to the CPC to lead the enormous transition from being the sick man of Asia to being the dynamo of Asia.

Perry also expressed confidence in China achieving the second centenary goal of building a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious by 2049.

For those who gainsay that, they need only to look at the achievements of the last 43 years, and the determination of a Party which has grown from 13 delegates in 1921 to over 95 million today, he said.

Editor: Liu Jiaming
The CPC, which once fit into a small boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing city 100 years ago, has grown to become the world's largest "ship" today. A ship capable of sailing admirably through all of the world's waters and altering the course of history...

The Communist Party of China is the architect of the Chinese miracle, which is now recognized by everyone in the world. Without the CPC, there would be no new China that has become a worldwide power today. There would be no significant economic-social progress if the CPC did not exist. As the CPC, which leads the Chinese people, celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is authoring the greatest success story of our time.

Tunc Akkoc, Analyst / Journalist, TURKEY

THE APPROPRIATE STRATEGIES WERE UTILIZED

The ship, of course, has a compass that precisely identifies the ship's direction and leads to its destination. This compass is scientific socialism. For the past 100 years, the CPC has been able to develop extraordinarily realistic, innovative and revolutionary strategies because to this solid worldview. Socialism with Chinese characteristics was developed on the foundation of this ideology, which the CPC used as a guide in administering the country. It was based on the historical, cultural and social conditions of China. Other countries' practices were never imitated. Science has always been followed as a guide.

The period of reform and opening up began in 1978, once again as a visionary foresight of the scientific socialist worldview. This historic and courageous decision changed the fate of China. Confident and analyzing the world correctly, the CPC set the country on an irreversible path of progress with the strategy of reform and opening up. The CPC's leadership moved beyond the country's borders and proposed a worldwide strategy with a broad perspective so that the people of the globe may live in peace and prosperity. The Belt and Road Initiative was launched, heralding a new and more equitable global order in the 21st century. An important step has been taken towards realizing that great dream of humanity.

As a result of all this, the national rejuvenation strategy is being implemented today.

THE SECRET OF THE POWER: SERVING THE PEOPLE

The CPC's breathtaking power is praised by both friends and foes. What is the source of the CPC's legendary power? In his historic speech on July 1 in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, truly answered this issue: Upholding the Party's fundamental purpose of wholeheartedly serving the people, we will stand firmly with the people, implement the Party's mass line, respect the people's creativity, and practice a people-centered philosophy of development.

This lesson can be found throughout the CPC's 100-year history! The CPC grew stronger as it served the people, and as it grew stronger, it served the people even more. People-centered and human-centered policies have resulted in significant successes. China lifted 770 million people out of poverty. CPC has realized the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The public's trust in the CPC has grown each time. This is how the Chinese people's strong unity and love for the CPC should be understood. Under the leadership of the CPC, 93.1% of Chinese people said they were satisfied with the governments performance in 2016, according to independent research by Harvard across a decade.

REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NEW SOCIAL SYSTEM

The world is going through a historical process of changing. The unipolar world order had come to its end for a while ago. The international status quo after the World War II, which was centered around the western world, is now shattered. It is not only the economic structures that change. The common values of the societies are also reshaping all over the world. The norms that used to hold the communities together and connect the people to their life and to their country, are now being debated.

At the center of all these reasonings is the Peoples Republic of China. It is no longer a secret that the worlds economic center of gravity has shifted towards Asia. The development of the People's Republic of China has long been on the focus of the international community.The world is trying to understand the social order and the administrative structure beneath China's economic success. The practices of social cohesion and common prosperity in China, hold some very important lessons for so many countries. In fact, the CPC represents this new social system that will determine the future of the world.

By Tunc Akkoc

Editor: Jiaming Liu
Sunrise in Beijing, capital of China. (File photo)

The Communist Party of China CPCs centenary celebration has been described in many English language commentaries as nationalistic, failing to grasp the actual sentiment in China. The concept of rally around the flag and covering up internal conflict by focusing on a foreign enemy is not at all what I witness in China.

Yes, the speech mentioned time and again how great, magnificent, strong, and powerful China has now become. But this is both a common patriotic sentiment and in the case of China a quite incredible fact. China under the leadership of the CPC hasnt grown up in the loving embrace and tender support of a benevolent international community, instead the CPC has time and again beat all odds and carried away most improbable victories. In order to understand China better and adjust ones expectations regarding China in the future, it is vital to comprehend, why these successes were possible. Too often the lack of explanation is replaced with an absurd idea of a monolithic top-down dictatorship where 90 million people brainlessly follow a single omniscient leader, as impossible this would be in reality. This notion then bears the racist consequence that common Chinese are not able to see when they are oppressed and need Western people to tell them whats good for them. If it was that simple, then how could there still be poverty in the world? If Chinese common people were so subservient, then why would the US some 120 years ago massacre them and make laws to explicitly prevent Chinese from immigrating?

So if we agree that leading a vast country with enormous differences in culture, language, religion, and customs first to independence and then to moderate prosperity, then it is important to start asking how the CPC has done it. I want to specifically look at 4 distinct periods, with a focus on the present.

The first phase was before the PRC was established, when the CPC fought a war to liberate China from oppression and a civil war to gain control over the country. More than once the CPC seemed almost destroyed, and as late as 1947 was forced out of all major cities by the Kuomingtang KMT army supported by the US. The military forces were estimated at least 3 times as large and the US can be forgiven for thinking, surely Chiang Kaishek would prevail. Just two years later Mao Zedong led the CPC on Tiananmen declaring the founding of the PRC. KMTs forces were reduced to a few islands of Taiwan and Fujian province. How was that possible? One main reason is that Chiang worked with local warlords, even bandits, who could help him oppress local unrest and CPC activity. The CPC on the other hand worked with the poor, the farmers, the oppressed and wherever they came they liberated the working people by granting them ownership over capital and land. Of course this people first method was far more popular, to the point where large parts of the common soldiers of the KMT army deserted and joined the Peoples Liberation Army of the CPC, knowing their families would be better off under CPC liberation than KMT oppression.

Phase II, after 1947 the construction of the PRC began, not without setbacks, but overall a massive success. While the West mostly remembers the failure of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, theres much too little knowledge about key economic indicators: during Maos leadership the PRC saw an average economic growth of 6% per year, which is already notable. Much more important, however, is that again the livelihood was put before the economic growth: life expectancy grew from 33 to 65 within just 30 years until Maos death in 1976. Thats almost double, its also more than one additional year to live, every year! And that is despite famine, despite wars against the US in Korea and Vietnam, and despite losing all support from the Soviet Union during that period. This wasnt just lucky coincidence, but again the willingness to really go down to the ditches and sending experts, teachers, and doctors into the villages. Never in Chinas recorded history had the ruling class showed this level of care for the lives of common people. To this day, old people in China get shiny eyes when talking about Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.

Phase III can be called Reform and Opening and is marked by Deng Xiaopings sweeping economic reforms. The rationale for the reforms again was a focus on peoples wellbeing: socialism doesnt mean poverty, and in order to succeed, socialism must provide a good life to the people. If markets can help modernize socialism, they are as legitimate as state planning in a capitalist system. So, Deng did not introduce capitalism to China, but merely foreign capital and an increased role of markets as distribution mechanism. The analysis at the time (called Main Contradiction of the Chinese Society) was that the main problem was the backward production capacity versus the material needs of the people. In other words, once literacy, food security and basic health care were achieved, it was time to increase the income levels of people.

The phase IV has just started in 2017 when the Main Contradiction was reassessed again, saying the production capacity is by no means weak anymore, China being world leader in a growing number of industries, but the development is uneven. The new focus is on a more balanced development, namely between different regions of China, between wealthy and poor Chinese, and between man and nature. Lets look at some achievements and methods, because once again the CPC is going in the ditches to achieve the much-needed improvements.

When Xi Jinping during the centenary celebration speech declared to applause that the Chinese people and the CPC cannot be divided apart, he speaks with the confidence provided by numerous international surveys, indicating that already high support for CPC leadership has further increased during the Covid crisis, to stellar 90+ % support for the central leadership.

And the support is not surprising for people who have close interactions with Chinese society, especially people who understand Chinese and live in a Chinese neighborhood and frequently visit Chinese villages, as opposed to expats living in pure expat neighborhoods or self-proclaimed China experts watching the country only from abroad. Because the Party being close to the people, living with the people, breathing with the people may be interpreted in two ways, supportive or oppressive, but when one actually has contacts to local grassroot party officials, then it becomes fully clear the supportive interpretation is the correct one.

There is the neighborhood party official, in my case a middle-aged lady, very friendly and eager to help, who sometimes contacts me to collect statistical data such as whether Ive been vaccinated or planned to get vaccinated against Covid. She had provided me with information on the safety of vaccinations, explained to me how to schedule the date and where to get it, but didnt pressure anyone to do anything. She doesnt hold any formal power, but rather works as an intermediary in case of conflict, and as a personal information channel when the government needs to convey messages to the people.

When Covid started in early 2020, these local CPC officials checked with everyone in the neighborhood, made sure people were informed about current quarantine rules, and also called for help if somebody had mental or psychological problems coping with the situation. They also ensure everyone with a fever gets tested and the whole neighborhood would go on strict lockdown if a case was detected. Its not their authority, they merely ensure the regulation at the time is carried out. This helps people without legal knowledge or interest in news be fully informed, prevents panic and misinformation, and is an important reason why Covid in China has been contained so well.

This is the local outreach in a modern, rich city. Many Chinese growing up in such cities dont even know how poor and harsh living conditions still are in remote villages. Its not absolute poverty anymore, but its nowhere near the first-world living standard enjoyed in China by hundreds of millions in the new middle class. However, if children from this middle class choose to join the state administration after university, they have to get the full picture. Therefore most young party officials have to go to the countryside to work on poverty reduction as a first step in their career in government. They may find ways to educate local farmers on doing e-commerce, or find aspects to develop local tourism, or develop a local brand from existing products. To reach this goal, they bring expertise from their educational background as well as their inner-party connections and trainings to remote locations, which brings real benefit to people. The arrangement is a win in all directions: young cadres see what it means to work for the people, and why working for the workers and farmers is indeed very relevant, the villagers get a material benefit, the CPC gets increased credibility, and China as a whole sees further positive development.

A common statement in the West is Socialism with Chinese Characteristics is in fact just capitalism. If it was that easy, why dont capitalistic developing countries see the development of China, then? China isnt capitalist, because capital and its owners are not above politics. There is no capitalist class ruling over the political class. Contrary, politics guides capital even in private enterprises via CPC connection offices and not to the detriment of companies development. These offices bring benefit in two ways: they report back to the government on the economy from the perspective of private enterprises ensuring legislation and regulation doesnt misinterpret the state of the economy, and they have some influence to ensure companies work in the interest of the country and the people, not just of the company owners; on the other hand they also provide valuable insights of national strategies to the economy, which areas to invest more, and which regions to expand to. They facilitate the flow of information. This may sometimes cause tension, but the overall result can be seen in the stellar performance of the Chinese economy.

Ive seen more examples, from interviewing truck drivers to meeting farmers in various villages. The recurring theme is that life keeps improving, that people feel freer than ever before, and people are fed up with foreigners criticizing China for how it is managed internally. There is no interest in telling other countries how to handle themselves, no interest in controlling the world. China as the worlds largest economy is not a goal but a consequence. The goal is to provide higher incomes and a better life to the people.

(Contributed by Harald Simeon Buchmann, Intellisia Senior Research Fellow, for Guangming Online)

Editor: GSY
Following the resignation of Gen. Austin S. Miller, the commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, the US Central Command formally took over control for US forces in Afghanistan on July 12, and the latter will cooperate with the Afghan security forces in air strikes by the end of August. Earlier on the morning of July 2, US and NATO forces withdrew in a rush from the Bagram Airfield, 50 kilometers away from Kabul, leaving behind 3.5 million items of equipment including vehicles, light weapons and ammunitions. Electricity was cut off by US forces before the withdrawal without notifying the Afghan forces. It wasn't until two hours later that the Afghan forces took over the military base, which had been under US control for 20 years.

And two weeks before the US withdrawal, Donald Rumsfeld, the neoconservative representative who initiated the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq passed away. The hasty US withdrawal after 20 years of occupation was highly symbolic  20 years of US intervention in the Middle East characterized by unilateral actions, power politics and export of American-style democracy has failed completely.

Afghans: it's important to us that the US is out of here

Since modern times, Afghanistan has proven to be the "Graveyard of Empires". The British Empire and the Soviet Union were once trapped and defeated there, resulting in their ultimate decline. Is Afghanistan a graveyard for US hegemony? No one knows yet. But what we know for sure is that it's a blackhole that sucks American money and lives. More than 2,000 American soldiers have lost their lives there over the past 20 years, and direct military spending has exceeded $900 billion.

What started as a counter-terrorist war ended up in 20 years of intervention aiming at "reforming" that Middle East country with American-style democracy, and finally a hasty withdrawal, leaving behind nothing but an ugly mess. "We didn't go to Afghanistan to nation-build  we have achieved all our goals in Afghanistan", President Biden defended the withdrawal of US forces, despite the fact that even top strategists in the US are not buying what he said, they criticize the pullout as being too quick and too complete. Some are even saying that 20 years of US military actions in Afghanistan have all failed.

After 20 years of wars, neither freedom nor prosperity has been delivered to Afghanistan or Iraq. Wars, turmoil, extremism, drugs and violence have flooded the two countries. US intervention made it impossible for them to explore a development path on their own, rather it has interrupted and diverged the development paths of these countries. Even more tragic is that over the past two decades, millions of innocent civilians have been killed and the homes of tens of millions of people have been destroyed in the Middle East, resulting in the largest refugee wave since World War II.

"In the two short decades since the shock and awe of that attack (9/11), most of the previous century's American efforts to bolster peace and prosperity have been undone. Gone are the constraints on the strong bullying the weak provided by international law, multilateral institutions, and plurilateral and bilateral commitments to mutual aid and cooperation. The norms that long moderated international and domestic behavior have been largely erased", Chas Freeman wrote in a commentary in February 2020. In his eyes, most of these "American efforts" have been erased by the US itself.

No matter how powerful they think they are, after putting in enormous manpower and resources fighting 20 years of wars in the Middle East, the arrogant US forces had no choice but to pull out in haste. It tells the simple truth that those engaging in confrontation from a position of strength, recklessly interfering in others internal affairs and disrupting regional order will eventually have their heads bashed bloody against stark realities.

Though self-proclaimed as "universal", American democracy has proven to be unfit for the Middle East. Even worse, it has left behind a dead knot unlikely to be tackled for decades to come. There are multiple approaches for a country to achieve democracy and find its own development path. No single solution fits all the problems. After all, it's up to the people of a country to decide what system they want and how to achieve modernization. Imposing American democracy with fighter jets and bombs will do no good except leaving an indelible scar in the Middle East and among the peoples living there.

Now, US strategists are in heat discussions  who will fill the power vacuum in Afghanistan? Will Turkey, a NATO member, occupy the Kabul airport? And what actions will be taken by the neighbors of Afghanistan? The stark truth is, none of that is important. What's important to the Afghan people is that the US is no longer there.

Neighbors' concerns: extremist organizations and drug trade

Afghanistan is at a crossroads  geographically, it sits at the center of Asia and connects all four directions of the continent, and this is why it has been a target for major empires since modern times. The fate of the country seems almost pre-destined in the old international order; but realistically, Afghanistan can finally take a breath after the pullout of foreign troops. The possibility of solving its domestic problems in a "Afghan-owned and Afghan-led" way now looms large again, and Afghanistan is again standing at a historic crossroads.

The international community worries that Taliban may take control of the Afghan government, but the future of the country will be eventually determined by the Afghan people. Taliban will of course make itself heard as it represents the interest of Pashtuns. The situation today is, Taliban controls the majority of the Afghan territory, and it has shown the intention of resolving the Afghan issue through political dialogue. So it's time we save our discussion on whether military fights will continue or whether different parties will sit down and talk, because ultimately the answer lies in the hands of Afghans.

In the last civil war of Afghanistan, Taliban was not able to control the entire Afghan territory despite it was in power. Today it's unimaginable that unity among different ethnic groups and tribes could be maintained merely through force. The balance of power between today's Afghan government and Taliban is hugely different from the time when the Soviet Union pulled out. Bear in mind that Taliban owned a huge quantity of heavy weapons and a strong air force at the time thanks to US support. The Taliban militants today have none of these, although they've controlled vast land and traffic channels near cities, it will be difficult for them to really conquer cities. If Taliban chooses to resort to force, then the war will be a lengthy one and god knows how that will eventually play out.

Now the biggest change after 20 years is of course the pullout of American troops. Afghanistan's neighbors in general hope to see a stabilized country without extremist organizations and drugs. Unlike the United States that is thousands of miles away, Afghanistan's neighbors such as Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan and Uzbekistan all expect a peaceful Afghanistan, none of these countries like to see terrorists hidden in their neighbor's home.

Both the Afghan government and Taliban have actually responded to appeals from neighboring countries. The Afghan government is sparing no effort in fighting drugs and terrorists; and Taliban, though considered a radical group by the international community in the past, has spoken with a milder tone.

On July 7, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said that Taliban welcomes China to invest in reconstruction work of Afghanistan as soon as possible, and it would guarantee the safety of Chinese workers in the country. Shaheen also said that China is the most important investor in Afghanistan, and that after the complete withdrawal of US forces, Taliban may negotiate with China on investment issues.

On July 9, a delegation of the Afghan Taliban's political office visited Moscow and made clear the following messages:

First: Taliban won't violate the borders of Central Asian countries;

Second: Taliban will guarantee the security of foreign diplomatic and consular missions in Afghanistan;

Third: Taliban will actively engage in political dialogue with various political fronts in Afghanistan;

Fourth: After the civil war ends in Afghanistan, Taliban will resolutely crack down on Islamic State forces in the region and completely eradicate the proliferation of drugs.

No one can deny that there's a rare window of opportunity today to solve the domestic problems in Afghanistan by political means. The question now is, will the different political factions in Afghanistan seize this opportunity? Let's hope they will!

Contributed by Datou from the Official Wechat account of Poquanle.

Translated by Jiaming Liu.

Editor: Liu Jiaming
Lately some US officials and media have been hyping up the claim that three researchers with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) fell ill in November 2019, which, they allege, adds to the credibility of the "lab-leak" theory.

People may ask:

Does the US know their names?

Does the US know the diseases they contracted?

Where is the report saying they tested positive for the novel coronavirus?

Can the US show the evidence?

The US couldn't show the evidence because it is lying. It is only seeking to stigmatize and demonize China in the name of conducting origins study. Here are some more questions for the US:

According to the US NIH website, research has shown that evidence of infection in five US states appeared back in December 2019. How does the US respond to this?

In Florida, 171 people with no travel history to China had coronavirus symptoms earlier than the state's first reported case. How does the US account for this?

The mayor of Belleville, New Jersey, got infected in November 2019, over two months earlier than the first confirmed case in the US. How does the US explain this?

The EVALI outbreaks that swept through several US states in July 2019 caused pulmonary symptoms highly similar to those of COVID-19. Can the US offer some clarifications?

The US instantaneously clams up whenever there is a call for an WHO investigation into Fort Detrick and the 200-plus US biological laboratories overseas. What dark secrets are hidden out of sight at Fort Detrick?

Editor: Liu Jiaming
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to villagers while visiting Galai village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

LHASA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping has stressed fully implementing the guidelines of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for governing Tibet in a new era and writing a new chapter of lasting stability and high-quality development for the plateau region.

Xi, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited the Tibet Autonomous Region from Wednesday to Friday for the 70th anniversary of Tibet's peaceful liberation, the first time in the history of the Party and the country.

Xi extended congratulations to the 70th anniversary of Tibet's peaceful liberation, visited officials and ordinary people of various ethnic groups and conveyed the CPC Central Committee's care to them.

Xi said over the past 70 years Tibet has made historic strides in the social system and realized full economic and social development, with people's living standards significantly improved.

"It has been proven that without the CPC, there would have been neither new China nor new Tibet," Xi said. "The CPC Central Committee's guidelines and policies concerning Tibet work are completely correct."

Xi stressed efforts to strengthen developing border areas, emphasized the four major issues of stability, development, ecology and border-area consolidation, and called for new achievements in protecting the ecology of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and advancing its sustainable development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, arrives at the Nyingchi Mainling Airport and is warmly welcomed by local people and officials of various ethnic groups in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

On Wednesday, Xi arrived at the Nyingchi Mainling Airport and went to the Nyang River Bridge, where he learned about the ecological preservation of the Yarlung Zangbo River and its tributary Nyang, as well as the construction of nature reserves. Xi underscored the importance of protecting and restoring the ecology of major river basins.

During a visit to the city planning hall of Nyingchi, Xi called for scientifically delineating the boundaries of urban development and drawing the red lines for protecting ecosystems.

In the village of Galai, Xi went to the home of Dawa Gyaltsen and chatted with the family in the living room.

Xi said the village epitomizes the economic and social achievements Tibet has made over 70 years since its peaceful liberation. He also hailed the village as a model of ethnic unity.

Xi later visited a city park in Nyingchi where he greeted dancing locals and tourists.

On Thursday, Xi went to Nyingchi Railway Station, learning about the overall design of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway and how the Lhasa-Nyingchi section has been operated since June 25. Aboard a train to regional capital Lhasa, Xi inspected the construction along the railway. He hailed the railway as a major move to boost Tibet's development and improve people's living standards.

On Thursday afternoon, Xi went to the Drepung Monastery located in the western suburbs of Lhasa. Xi acknowledged the contributions the monastery has made in upholding the leadership of the CPC, supporting the socialist system and safeguarding national unity.

Xi stressed fully implementing the Party's fundamental guidelines governing religious work, respecting the religious beliefs of the people, adhering to the principle of independence and self-governance in religious affairs.

He also stressed governing religious affairs in accordance with the law and guiding Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to a socialist society.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects the Drepung Monastery located in the western suburbs of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

At Lhasa's Barkhor Street, Xi visited shops and learned about the development of tourism and cultural industries, as well as the preservation of Tibetan culture. On the street, people of various ethnic groups greeted Xi, who waved back.

At the Potala Palace square, Xi inquired about the protection and management of the palace, and he was also greeted by people of various ethnic groups at the square.

Xi said people of all ethnic groups had jointly contributed to the development of Tibet and written the history of Tibet. Through its course, the history provided ample examples of exchanges between Tibetan and other ethnic groups.

He said that at present, Tibet is at a new historical starting point of its development, and the Party's leadership must be upheld and the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics must be followed.

Xi joined officials and people of various ethnic groups to watch ethnic art performances on Thursday night.

On Friday morning, after hearing the reports of the Party committee and government of Tibet Autonomous Region on their work, Xi acknowledged the achievements the region has made in various fields and stressed efforts to strengthen social governance and ensure national security, social stability, and people's well-being.

The publicity and education work of building public awareness of ethnic unity and progress should be combined with the education work concerning core socialist values, patriotism, anti-secessionism, history, and Marxist concepts, Xi said.

He called for strengthening exchanges and interactions among ethnic groups, as well as building a stronger sense of identification with the country, the Chinese nation, the Chinese culture, the CPC, and socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Xi said development in all sectors should serve ethnic unity and progress, and should help improve people's livelihood and build consensus.

Stressing deepening reform and opening up, Xi said the building of major infrastructure including railways and roads should be accelerated.

He also noted the development of distinctive industries, the building of national bases for clean energy, and coordination between development and security.

Xi said the achievements made in poverty alleviation should be consolidated and expanded, in coordination with the extensive drive for rural vitalization.

He also stressed solid work in terms of the people's well-being, including employment, education, social security, medical services, elderly care, childcare, and housing.

Xi noted that the ecological environment in Tibet should be well protected, stressing that snow and ice, comparable to green mountains and clear water, are also valuable assets that represent true wealth.

The earth's third pole should be well safeguarded, Xi said.

Xi also urged efforts to guide Party members and officials to combine the learning of Party history with their work.

On Friday, Xi met with representatives of troops stationed in Tibet, calling for efforts to strengthen military training and preparedness in all aspects and make contributions to the lasting stability, prosperity and development of Tibet.

During the inspection in Tibet, Xi learned that an extremely heavy rainstorm had hit the central province of Henan. He instructed swift and all-out rescue efforts to save lives and property. He ordered the military and armed police to assist in the disaster relief, and all relevant ministries and departments to coordinate their work.

Xi also asked Tibet to beef up efforts to prevent and cope with natural disasters. 

[ Editor: JYZ ]
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi hold the third China-Pakistan strategic dialogue of foreign ministers in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Kun)

CHENGDU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with Pakistan to promote the building of a closer community of shared future in the new era, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Saturday.

Wang made the remarks when holding the third strategic dialogue between China and Pakistan with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of setting up diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan, Wang said the two countries have worked together to overcome many difficulties and obstacles, and established an all-weather strategic partnership of cooperation.

"China is willing to work with Pakistan to take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to accelerate the construction of a closer community of shared future in the new era, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contributions to regional stability and prosperity," Wang added.

Qureshi expressed condolences to China regarding the severe floods in Henan Province. He said Pakistan thanked China for its valuable support for Pakistan's fight against the pandemic, and condemned all smears against China.

On the Dasu attack that happened in Pakistan, Wang said both China and Pakistan are victims of this terrorist attack, and the two sides should work closely to bring the perpetrators to justice at an early date.

Qureshi said Pakistan will spare no effort to safeguard the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan, re-organize the special forces to strengthen related security work, and resolutely prevent similar incidents from happening again.

At a joint press briefing after the dialogue, Wang said the two countries agreed to continue the high-quality construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, jointly oppose hegemonism and unilateralism, and maintain the international system with the United Nations as the core and the international order based on the international law.

On the current situation in Afghanistan, Wang told reporters that as neighboring countries of Afghanistan, both China and Pakistan are most directly affected by the situation in Afghanistan. After in-depth communication, the two sides decided to carry out joint campaigns in the following five areas, Wang said.

He said the two countries agree to strive for peace with all the strength to avoid the spread of war as a top priority, actively promote peace through talks and advance intra-Afghan talks, work together to combat terrorism and push all major forces in Afghanistan away from terrorism, agree to promote coordination and cooperation among neighboring countries of Afghanistan, and urge the United States to earnestly fulfill its responsibilities for the peace and reconstruction of Afghanistan. Enditem

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, visits the Reclamation Museum of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 22, 2021. Wang made a research tour to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps from Wednesday to Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

URUMQI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A senior Party official has called on the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps to strengthen itself through reform and innovation.

Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks during a research tour to the region from Wednesday to Saturday.

Noting the progress made by the corps in recent years, Wang said its historical contribution is indelible and its strategic role irreplaceable.

The corps should continue to make maintaining stability and guarding the border its primary mission, said Wang, asking the corps to explore multi-level and multi-form military-civilian interaction mechanism and strengthen exchanges and mutual assistance with people of various ethnic groups.

Wang also called for greater efforts to optimize strategic layout and strengthen policy support in developing the southern Xinjiang region. Enditem

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Editor: Zhang Zhou
LHASA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- An art exhibition opened on Sunday at Jebum-Gang Lhakhang Palace, an ancient building in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

The 200-year-old building, now called the Jebum-Gang Art Center, undertook repair and renovation launched by the local government in 2018.

Built in the mid-19th century, the Jebum-Gang Lhakhang Palace has been a landmark in Lhasa. It features a unique and rare mandala structure and hosts several murals from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Experts say the building is of great importance for the study of Tibet's architecture, art, and history.

Fang Kun, head of the Jebum-Gang Art Center, said the center would cooperate with other art institutions to hold cultural and educational events for the public and commit to showcasing traditional culture.

Editor: Zhang Zhou
WASHINGTON, July 25 (Xinhua) -- White House Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci has repeatedly cited a scientific paper that largely dismissed the possibility that the coronavirus escaped from a lab, U.S. media reported.

The weekly magazine Washington Examiner reported on Friday that in an interview with CNN last weekend, the top U.S. infectious disease expert "repeatedly cited a scientific paper from July that argued in favor of zoonosis and largely dismissed the lab leak hypothesis."

The paper titled "The Origins of SARS-CoV-2: A Critical Review" was also cited by a top scientist from China's Wuhan Institute of Virology when arguing in favor of a natural origin for COVID-19 and against the lab leak hypothesis, the report said.

In the paper, a group of 20 internationally renowned virologists and evolutionary biologists from all over the world have noted that theories about a lab leak are almost all based on coincidence, not hard evidence.

"I mean ... although we keep an open mind that it's possible that it could be, as they say, a lab leak, that the most likely explanation is a natural evolution from an animal reservoir to a human," Fauci said in the interview.

Editor: Zhang Zhou
G7 Ambassadors welcome Ukraine's statements of commitments to transition away coal, move towards net-zero

The G7 countries welcome Ukraine's statements of commitments to abandon coal and move towards zero CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

"G7 Ambassadors were pleased to discuss Ukraine's plans to combat climate change with Minister of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Roman Abramovsky and Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna. Ambassadors encouraged Ukraine to submit an ambitious 2nd Nationally Defined Contribution for COP26 by the end of July," G7 Ambassadors said on the Twitter page.

In particular, the ambassadors welcomed Ukraine's statements of commitments to transition away from coal and move towards net-zero. A cross-government approach is essential to deliver reforms, create the conditions for investment, and incentivise clean energy in order to meet Ukraine's goals.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide municipal company Kyivteploenergo with a loan of EUR 140 million for the development of the thermal infrastructure of the capital, the bank's board of directors approved the project last week.

"The loan will be split into two equal tranches to finance critical rehabilitation and modernization of the district heating infrastructure in the city of Kyiv. The project aims to provide sustainable and efficient operation of the existing combined heat and power plants and boiler houses in the city of Kyiv, improve the reliability of heat transportation, address other critical challenges in rehabilitating and modernizing the city's district heating system, enhance the quality of heat and hot water services to residential and non-residential customers and improve the company's operational and financial performance and capacity," the bank said on its website.

"The project is a part of the Green Cities Framework 2 designed to serve as a sector-wide catalyst for addressing environmental challenges in municipalities," the report says.

Kyivteploenergo is wholly owned by Kyiv, it is the operator of the city's centralized heating system, consisting of two large gas CHPPs, 15 large, 168 small and medium-sized boiler houses, 2,800 km of heating networks, more than 9,400 heating points and the Energia waste incineration plant.

Kyiv City Council approved the attraction of this loan for up to 13 years in April this year, authorizing mayor of the city Vitali Klitschko to sign a guarantee agreement with the EBRD.

The EBRD is the largest international financial investor in Ukraine.
Russian-occupation forces in the area of the Joint Force Operation (JFO) in Donbas have violated ceasefire five times on July 25, one serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was wounded, the JFO headquarters said on Sunday.

"On July 25, five violations have been recorded, of which four shelling and one UAV overflight [...]. As a result of the shelling, one serviceman received shrapnel wounds," the JFO headquarters said in a Facebook post on Sunday.

Not far from Novozvanivka, Russian-occupation forces fired using BMP-1 weapons, automatic heavy grenade launchers and heavy machine guns, and near the Crimean-occupation forces fired at Ukrainian positions from automatic heavy grenade launchers.

In addition, near the New York settlement, Russian-occupation forces opened fire with 82-caliber mortars, and in the direction of the village of Prychepylivka they fired at Ukrainian positions from automatic heavy-duty grenade launchers and small arms.

"In addition, in Luhansk region recorded the passage of an enemy unmanned aerial vehicle of the Orlan-10 type with the crossing of the contact line," the JFO headquarters said.

As a result of the shelling, one soldier received shrapnel wounds.

"After providing first aid, the soldier was transported to a hospital. The condition of the wounded is moderate," the headquarters said.

They also said the Ukrainian side of the JCCC informed the OSCE SMM through the established coordination mechanism about the actions of the Russian armed formations and its occupation forces.
The National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting says that in the early days of the new requirements of the law on ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as a national language, the television industry turned out to be inconsistent in protecting the language.

"We saw and were convinced that a formal attitude towards such a sensitive instrument as language leads to the opposite result. Instead of investing moderate money in the creation of the usual high-quality television product, the television channels treated this formally and deliberately simplistically, in order to then appeal to the drop in ratings and loss of income. Unfortunately, in the early days of the new requirements, we were faced with the fact that the television industry turned out to be inconsistent in the issue of protecting the language," the national council said in a statement.

The department said some players immediately ignored the requirements of the law, taking advantage of this to win in competitive competition, while others, having survived rating losses for several days, also resorted to breaking the law.

"Only superficially, for now, analyzing the reasons for these losses, one can name a number of reasons. One of them is the categorically low quality of sound, which sharply alienated even the part of the audience who wanted to watch in Ukrainian! Broadcasters did not prepare for the transition to broadcasting in the national language two the years that the legislator allocated for this, they did it at the last moment carelessly, primitively and formally. It is a pity that the quality of dubbing, which has been and remains a special pride of film distribution for many years, is not available to some television channels even with unheard of financial support from owner," the national council said.

The department said the most outrageous is the fact that deliberate violation of the law occurs with the understanding of the lack of tools to punish such violations.

"It is necessary to improve the legislation, and finally take on the development of economic levers: from fines and, most importantly, to the system of national grants for the creation of high-quality Ukrainian-language content, public preferences for those who produce this product, to the program of events in which all powerful players of media and cinema will be included, to develop a whole strategy of quality and values in creating a Ukrainian-language market," the council said in the statement.

The National Council calls on broadcasters to strictly adhere to the current legislation, as well as to make all practical efforts so that the Ukrainian language takes its rightful place on the air and on online platforms.

"We call on legislators to study the situation in society and make amendments to the legislation necessary to improve relations between public institutions and the media industry, in order to ensure the functioning of the national language as a tool for uniting Ukrainian society, a means of strengthening the state unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine, its independent statehood and national security," the council said.
Russia-occupation forces in Donbas on Monday, July 26, violated the ceasefire and fired at the positions of the Ukrainian army from heavy artillery weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements, as a result of which seven servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were wounded, the press center of the Joint Force Operation (JFO) said.

"As a result of the shelling, four servicemen received shrapnel wounds, and three more received combat injuries. After providing first aid, the wounded were transported to a hospital. The health of one serviceman is severe, one is of moderate severity, and five is satisfactory," the JFO said in the statement on Facebook.

It specifies that Ukrainian defenders in the area of responsibility of the Skhid (East) task force came under fire from enemy artillery. They returned fire towards Russian-occupation forces.

"The actions of the Russian armed formations were reported to the OSCE representatives through the Ukrainian side of the Common Center for Control and Coordination of Ceasefire and Stabilization of the Line of Delimitation of the Parties," the JFO headquarters said.
Former Ukrainian deputy Semen Semenchenko, suspected of involvement in the creation of an illegal paramilitary group, has been again detained by a court decision, according to his Facebook page update posted on Monday.

"Semen Semenchenko has been again thrown behind bars. Judge of Solomiansky court Vyshniak, under pressure from the leadership of the SBU, made an illegal decision," the message says.

Earlier, the ex-MP had already spent four months in a solitary confinement cell of the SBU, after which on July 14 the court changed his measure of restraint to round-the-clock house arrest. Semenchenko had to arrive at the request of the investigator, not to leave the house without permission, refrain from communicating with witnesses, hand over passports to travel abroad, wear an electronic means of control.

"None of the conditions was violated. But this turned out to be not enough for the court. The absurd continues. The defenders of Ukraine are being imprisoned for the sake of the FSB and on behalf of the KGB of Belarus. The fight continues!" the message reads.

As reported, on March 24, the SBU of Ukraine suppressed the activities of an illegal armed group, the so-called "private military company," whose activities were aimed at preparing for the commission of grave crimes, including against the foundations of national security. According to the SBU investigation in Kyiv and Kyiv region, the organizers of the group's activities were former MP of Ukraine Semenchenko and agent of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) Yevhen Shevchenko.
Representatives of the Governments of Ukraine and Israel held a regular meeting on the issue of mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates. The Embassy of Ukraine in Israel reported this at Facebook.

On July 26, 2021, with the assistance of the Embassy of Ukraine, an online meeting was held between representatives of the ministries and departments of Ukraine and Israel (technical teams) involved in the implementation of COVID Certificates for traveling between the two states. The two parties exchanged information on the status of processing, and in particular, bringing the technical content of the certificates in line with the rules acting in both countries and the norms of the World Health Organization, - the statement reads.

During the meetings with the Israeli side, Ambassador of Ukraine Yevgen Korniychuk stressed on the importance of signing an intergovernmental agreement on mutual recognition of vaccination passports for COVID-19 as soon as possible. Among other things, this will help to organize a safe visit to Ukraine by Israeli pilgrims during the Jewish New Year Rosh Ha-Shana.

The draft agreement was submitted by the Israeli side for approval in May and is in fact fully processed, - he said.

The Embassy of Ukraine maintains close contacts with representatives of religious communities in order to discuss and agree on issues related to this years pilgrimage to the tomb of Tzaddik Nachman in Uman.
On Thursday, July 29, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "New look at future of Ukrainian cities: Kharkiv example," where the results of a number of sociological studies that were carried out in Kharkiv and in Ukraine as a whole, about the image of Kharkiv and the dynamics of public sentiment in the city will be presented. Participants include Director of the Institute of Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov; political expert and analyst Oleksandr Kochetkov; expert-analyst of New Image Marketing Group, Doctor of Sociological Sciences Oleksandr Shulha (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Due to quarantine restrictions, the number of seats in the press center is limited. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot.
KYIV. July 26 (Interfax-Ukraine)  The State Energy Inspectorate has confirmed violations of the current legislation when the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant (NFP) shutdown the TIU Canada solar power plant in Nikopol, lawyer of GOLAW law firm Kateryna Tsvetkova has said.

"All that we have said is not only the legal position of lawyers in the case. This [violation of the law] is also confirmed by the competent authorities," she said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Friday.

According to her, the State Energy Inspectorate, after an appropriate appeal, analyzed the situation and found a number of violations of the legislation by NFP. In particular, the shutdown was not in accordance with the monthly and annual schedules for the decommissioning of equipment and power lines.

In addition, for the alleged repair work on power transmission lines, which explained the need to shut down the station, the obligatory approval of NPC Ukrenergo was not received. Also, the plant did not receive an agreement to disconnect the solar power plant from the lines of DTEK Dnipro Grids.

"Thus, the shutdown was not in accordance with the requirements of the law, with a gross violation of the current norms and without the presence of factual grounds, since the claimed repair was not carried out," Tsvetkova said.

In turn, Director of TIU Canada in Ukraine Valentyna Beliakova said that after receiving a letter from NFP in 2020 about the shutdown, the company met with the top management of NFP. They said that they were tasked to shut down the solar power plant by the plant's shareholder.

The representative of the American-Ukrainian Business Council (USUBC) Maryna Antonova drew attention to the fact that the Ukrainian authorities constantly declare the need to attract foreign investment to the country, but the above actions undermine the credibility of the country.

At the same time, TIU Canada was ready to increase investment and create new jobs in Ukraine, which is an important and loyal partner of Canada.

"We would like to urge the Ukrainian authorities, the judiciary to fairly consider this case... The task of the Ukrainian authorities, who are responsible for the business climate, is to ensure that relations between Ukraine and Canada continue for many more years without such cases that scare off foreign investors, and not only from Canada, but also from other countries of the world," she said.
KYIV. July 26 (Interfax-Ukraine)  The defense considers groundless the suspicion of Ivan Martyniuk, who on July 7 wounded a policeman and two civilians in Holosiyivsky district of Kyiv, and also asks the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) to recognize him as a victim.

"At the moment, Ivan Martyniuk is being held in custody, since the most severe measure of restraint was chosen against him, detention for a period of 60 days. Regarding the suspicion itself, as well as its justification. The defense believes that the suspicion is not substantiated," she said. Martyniuk's attorney Tetiana Okhrymchuk at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Monday.

According to her, there is no evidence in the materials of the criminal proceedings held in Holosiyivsky department of the National Police regarding the legality of the actions of the police officers who arrived at the call on July 7.

"Any procedural action, namely such as a search or inspection of housing, according to the norms of the Criminal Procedure Code, obliges the police officer to have the decision of the investigating judge for a search or inspection. This is clearly spelled out in the Criminal Procedure Code, Article 223. But at the request of Ivan Martyniuk to show this decision, to present it, the police officers did not provide such a document," the attorney said.

"There are no decisions to search or inspect this premises. That is, it is obvious that the police officers did not have any legal rights to be present, enter or carry out any procedural investigative actions in this property," she said.

According to her, there are signs of a crime in the actions of the police officers, which are qualified under Part 2 of Article 162 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal entry into a home by an official). In this regard, Okhrymchuk has already filed a statement with the SBI.

At the same time, the attorney drew attention to the failure to provide video recordings from the chest cameras with video recording of the relevant police officers.

"The defense side comes to the conclusion that these police officers were simply not under their official powers, and therefore the actions that qualify under Article 348 in relation to Ivan Martyniuk are obviously untrue and do not fall under this qualification," Ohrymchuk said.

In addition, the defense side filed a statement with the SBI to recognize Martyniuk as a victim in this criminal proceeding, since, in particular, the right to the inviolability of the home was violated.
KYIV. July 26 (Interfax-Ukraine)  Depriving architects of proprietary copyrights to construction projects, provided for by bill No. 5655, threatens the safety of buildings and structures, Anna Kyrii, the deputy chairperson of the Architectural Chamber of the National Union of Architects of Ukraine, said in Kyiv.

"Bill No. 5655 deprives an architect of authorship and property rights even before he starts to design anything. This deprives the construction of security guarantees," she said at a press conference on the topic "How bill No. 5655 can destroy Ukraine's architecture, architects as profession" at Interfax-Ukraine.

At the same time, according to the document, only the architect who performs the work at the expense of budget funds is deprived of authorship of the construction site. All rights to intellectual property and project documentation are received by the customer.

Kyrii said the representatives of the architectural community of Ukraine did not participate in writing the text of the bill, their comments were not reflected in the adoption of the document, which currently contains at least 100 points that discriminate against architects in favor of other participants in the construction industry.

According to the expert, this bill could create grounds for corruption in the use of budget funds.

"The customer may wish to save money on the replacement of materials, transitions of building structures. When the general contractor closes the acts of work performed on the originally approved estimate, and not on the actual one, taking into account such savings, we believe that by doing so the bill will legitimize corruption schemes," she said.

President of the National Union of Architects of Ukraine Oleksandr Chyzhevsky, said, in turn, that the creation of an urban planning chamber under the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development as a separate body with broad powers in terms of control and certification of architects "is unsafe, since it can level self-regulation in the architectural environment and lead to an imbalance of the entire urban planning system."

"The state thereby takes away the powers of the Architectural Chamber for self-regulation, which it itself endowed it with in 2016," Oleh Pikuschenko, the chairman of the Architectural Chamber in Chernivtsi, said.

As reported, on July 1, the Verkhovna Rada registered bills No. 5655 and No. 5656 in terms of reforming urban planning. The documents provide for the digitalization of documentation and the separation of powers between central, local authorities and legal entities.
Students wearing face masks are seen inside a classroom during a government-organised media tour at a high school as more students returned to campus following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Shanghai, (Photo : REUTERS/Aly Song)

Anxious Chinese parents were rushing to hire private tutors to help their children navigate a fiercely competitive education system after the government moved last week to rein in companies in the massive tutoring services industry.



China's for-profit education sector has been under scrutiny as part of Beijing's push to ease pressure on school children and reduce a cost burden on parents that has contributed to a drop in birth rates.



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New rules, to be implemented immediately, ban companies from making a profit from teaching core school subjects and offering classes on weekends or holidays.



But though many parents welcomed an effort to reduce the long hours their children spend studying, others said the ban would only add to parents' financial burdens and increase inequality.



After-school tutoring (AST) classes are seen as crucial to academic success in China's notoriously difficult college entrance exam.



More than 75% of K-12 students - roughly aged from six to 18 - in China attended after-school tutoring classes in 2016, according to the most recent figures from the Chinese Society of Education, and anecdotal evidence suggests that percentage has risen.



"Parents around me are actively looking for more one-on-one private tutors. It doesn't feel like a sudden stop of the tutoring frenzy, life goes on as before," said Ms Fan, a mother living in Beijing's Haidian district, renowned for its top universities and competitive academic environment. She declined to give her full name, as did the other parents interviewed.



Private tutors can charge between 600 yuan and 2,000 yuan($93-$310) per hour in the capital, depending on the teacher's experience, said Judith Bai, a mother in Haidian, who already spends more than 20,000 yuan on math and Chinese tutoring for her seven-year-old son each year.



"The new regulations will likely put more pressure on parents. With fewer AST services available, many Haidian parents around me are busy booking private tutors and organizing small tutoring groups on their own. The whole process is becoming more challenging and time-consuming for parents."



Rather than encouraging people to have more children, halting tutoring would only dissuade them, said Min, mother to a three-year-old living in Beijing.



"People want to have babies because there's hope that the kids can live a better life than the parents. But with the economic slowdown and no more tutoring in China, we don't know that for sure anymore. We're not considering having more babies," she said.



Parents in smaller cities where schools tend to have less funding said the policy would negatively impact their children who rely on after-school classes to make up for low quality teaching in classes of up to 60 kids.



China's Ministry of Education will work on improving the quality of the country's schools "to reduce the impulse of parents to send their children to off-campus training", reported official news agency Xinhua on Sunday.



But even with an improvement in teaching, many said it would be impossible to overcome the competitive nature of China's system.



Ms Huang, a mother from Hangzhou in eastern China, said she has quickly signed her son up to a math class run by a tutoring company before the firm closes to new registrations.



"As long as there is the test-based system in China, it is impossible for parents not to 'chicken their babies'," she said, using a popular term in parenting circles that describes pumping children with extracurricular classes and energy-boosting "chicken blood".



($1 = 6.4821 Chinese yuan renminbi)


Tunisias President Kais Saied has ordered an overnight curfew between 7pm and 6am and restricted inter-city travel one day after he dismissed the prime minister and froze the parliament.

The nationwide curfew, from 26 July to 27 August, involves an inter-city travel ban and a ban on gatherings of more than three people in public spaces, Tunisian news agency TAP said on Twitter.
Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) signed on Sunday an initial contract with Mercedes-Benz to establish a logistics park at the canals Ain Sokhna industrial zone, a statement by the SCZone said.

Yehia Zaki, Chairman of SCZone, and Raool Rohan, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz Egypt, signed the agreement in the presence of Chairman of the Board of Directors Peter Ernst Ross, Vice President of SCZone General Mohamed Shaaban, and CEO Walid Gamal El-Din.

This is an important step for us to have a logistics park by Mercedes which facilitates and supports the auto industry in the Economic Zone, Zaki said.

The logistics centre of Mercedes will feature a storage yard for cars, a centre for auto spare parts and a maintenance workshop, the SCZone chairman said.

Such projects and contracts with the international companies would enhance the investment in the zone, Zaki noted.

Egypt has been pushing forward with efforts to attract investors to the SCZone in recent years, highlighting the available opportunities for foreign corporations.

The country ranked first in Africa and second in the Arab world in attracting foreign investments in 2020, according to a previous statement by the Egyptian presidency.

Under presidential directives, the strategy of the SCZone has focused on doubling investment opportunities and localizing technology in line with Egypt's plan to develop ports and navigational services nationwide.

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Al-Azhars Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb announced his support on Sunday to the states and peoples affected by floods and the high temperature that killed hundreds of people in the past few days in several parts of the world whether in Europe or Asia."The recent flooding and record rise in temperatures around the world, which have caused hundreds of deaths and displaced many more, should reinforce the need for serious action towards combating climate change and safeguarding humanity from this undeniable threat, he said in a post on his official social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter in Arabic and English.

Al-Tayyeb is the considered the highest Islamic scholar to tackle the issue of climate change publicly recently.

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President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directed to finalise the project of Old Cairo's Fustat parks as soon as possible, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Sunday.

Madboulys remarks came during his inspection of the project of developing the yards of Amr ibn Al-Aas Mosque, a Cabinet statement read.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Enani, Local Development Minister Mahmoud Shaarawy, Housing Minister Asem El-Gazzar, Cairo governor Khaled Abdel-Aal and other officials accompanied the premier.

The project, which comes as part of an initiative to develop the districts of Islamic Cairo, plans to turn 590 feddans in the heart of the capital to a central public park that overlooks many historic and archaeological sites and monuments, the statement read.

This view on the historic landmarks makes the park a regional and international tourist destination, the statement read, noting that a number of amusement activities and traditional industries will be available in the parks.

The project is planned to mirror Egypts long history and restore Cairo's status as an international and regional tourist destination and hub, Madbouly said.

El-Gazzar briefed Madbouly on the project of developing the yards of Amr ibn Al-Aas Mosque, planned to be the main entrance for the Fustat parks and other tourist religious sites, such as the Religions Complex.

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Egypts Health Minister Hala Zayed said on Sunday that 281 people have donated their blood plasma at plasma collection centers since 14 July.

Donors are being received in six plasma donation centers in five governorates, spokesman for the health ministry Khaled Megahed said, adding that 20 other centres are to open later this year.

Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi launched the national plasma donation project as part of a presidential initiative earlier this month for the production and self-sufficiency of plasma derivatives.

The project is set to help achieve self-sufficiency of plasma derivatives, thus providing medicines for many chronic diseases, liver and kidney illnesses, and burns.

Supervisor of the national plasma donation project Nevine El-Nahas urged those above 18 to actively take part in the project and periodically donate their plasma every two weeks in line with instructions of the World Health Organization.

All donation centres are fully mechanised and equipped with the latest equipment and technologies in the field of plasma in accordance with international standards, the minister noted.

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The Ministry State for Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates' Affairs has launched presidential initiative " Survival Boats" to curb the risks of illegal migration as part of a media awareness campaign across the governorates.

Minister of State for Emigration and Egyptians' Expatriates Nabila Makram said in statements Monday that that the campaign started from Fayoum governorate.

Makram had said in previous statements the 'Survival Boats' initiative, launched by President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi, has contributed to the success of combating illegal emigration along Egyptian shores.

Egypt's efforts in this respect have been greatly praised, she added.

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Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi the latest developments in the region in a meeting on Monday afternoon, including the situation in Lebanon, Syria, Libya.

They also exchanged views on the peace process in the Middle East in light of the coordination between Egypt and Jordan in this regard, Presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement.

The two countries  Egypt and Jordan  along with Germany and France formed in February 2020 a quartet group dubbed the Munich Committee with the aim of reviving the long-frozen peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israel.

The Jordanian official, who arrived in Cairo earlier today, hailed the Egyptian efforts to consolidate a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions, as well as the Egyptian initiative to reconstruct Gaza.

In May, Egypt brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, ending 11 days of Israeli aggression that killed more than 250, injured thousands of Palestinians, and destroyed tens of infrastructures in Gaza.

On 18 May, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi announced the allocation of $500 million as part of an Egyptian initiative for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip  with the involvement of Egyptian companies  where tens of buildings had been destroyed leaving hundreds of Palestinians homeless in the enclave.

The Egyptian president and the Jordanian minister assured the significance of intensifying efforts at the international level to resume peace negotiations and settle the Palestinian crisis based on international legitimacy resolutions.

Concerning the trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq, Sisi and Safadi praised the level of cooperation between the three countries, stressing the importance of building on the outcomes of the latest meeting, which was held in Baghdad in June.

They also called for adopting "tangible" measures to increase means of coordination and cooperation between the three, especially in the fields of energy, power linkage, and industrial complexes.

The three countries held four summits over the past three years aiming to promote cooperation mechanisms and reinforce political consultation on regional issues.

The past summits saw an exchange of views between the leaders of the three countries on crucial regional issues and common security challenges, as well as means to restore stability in the region.

Concerning the trilateral relations, Safadi praised the Egyptian national mega development projects that are in progress in Egypt, expressing his country's keenness on benefiting from Egypt's experience in all fields via the exchange of expertise and joint investment.

During Monday's meeting, President El-Sisi expressed his aspiration to promote Egyptian Jordanian ties, particularly at both trade and economic levels, in a way that contributes to achieving both countries' interests, the statement added.

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South Sudanese Vice President James Wani Igga arrived on Monday in Cairo at the head of a delegation participating in the first round of the Joint Higher Committee meetings between Egypt and South Sudan.

The Sudanese delegation includes the ministers of foreign affairs, international cooperation, livestock, trade and industry, irrigation, higher education, and science and technology.

The anticipated meetings of the joint higher committee are expected to witness the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding, a cabinet statement said.

Igga was received by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at the cabinet headquarters, where the pair held a press conference following a round of consultations in the presence of ministers from both countries.

The joint committee meetings reflect the urge of both countries' presidents to upgrade trade and investment ties, Madbouly said at the conference.

Egypt, Madbouly added, "fully" supports the South Sudanese efforts to achieve peace across the country and build on the peace agreement signed by the transitional government and rebel groups last year.

The landmark agreement was signed in October 2020 in the South Sudanese capital Juba, ending decades-long regional conflicts that left millions displaced and hundreds of thousands dead. Ministers and leaders of governments from neighbouring countries attended the signing ceremony, including Madbouly.

The consultations also touched upon a number of regional issues of mutual concern, according to Madbouly.

Igga called on Egyptian investors to cooperate with his country in the agricultural field given that 95 percent of South Sudans land is arable.

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Five members of a pro-democracy Hong Kong union that published children's books about sheep trying to hold back wolves from their village have been arrested for sedition, police announced Thursday.

The arrests are the latest illustration of how China is rapidly remoulding the international business hub in its own authoritarian image following huge and often violent protests two years ago.

A sweeping national security law was imposed on Hong Kong last year to stamp out dissent and authorities have launched a campaign to purge those deemed unpatriotic or disloyal to China.

Senior Superintendent Steve Li, from the city's new national security police unit, displayed the three offending titles at an afternoon press conference.

Published by the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists, the books try to explain Hong Kong's democracy movement to children.

Democracy supporters are portrayed as sheep living in a village surrounded by wolves.

The first book, titled "Guardians of Sheep Village" explains the 2019 pro-democracy protests that swept through Hong Kong.

"Janitors of Sheep Village", the second book, sees cleaners in the village go on strike to force out wolves who leave litter everywhere.

The book's introduction explains it is a reference to Hong Kong medical workers striking last year in a bid to force the government to close the border with mainland China at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The final book in the trilogy -- "The 12 Braves of Sheep Village" -- is about a group of sheep who flee their village by boat because of the wolves.

It is a direct reference to 12 Hong Kongers who made a failed bid to escape by speedboat last year to Taiwan but were detained by the Chinese coastguard and jailed.

'Poison our children'

Flicking through the pages of the books, Li said the content was deemed seditious because it was aimed at "stirring up hatred" towards the government and judiciary and "inciting violence".

"These stories beautify violent acts, paint fugitives as heroes and justify the strike by the medical staff. It is trying to poison our children," he said.

He said police decided to act because the union was planning upcoming public reading events and called on both parents and any shops that might stock the book to throw them away.

Two men and three women from the union had been arrested while HK$160,000 ($20,600) in funds had been frozen under the new national security law.

Sedition is a colonial-era law that until last year had not been used since Hong Kong's 1997 handover to China.

It carries up to two years in jail for a first offence.

Police and prosecutors are now regularly using it alongside the national security law to clamp down on political speech and views. Those arrested for such crimes are denied bail.

Over the last year, most of the city's best known democracy figures have been jailed, prosecuted or have fled overseas.

Under a "One country, two systems" deal, Beijing promised Hong Kong could keep key freedoms and autonomy after its 1997 handover.

As a result it flourished as the only free speech bastion within China, becoming a regional media and publishing hub.

But China has ramped up its control over Hong Kong and brought in mainland style censorship controls after 2019's huge protests.

The security law has resulted in certain books being removed from schools and libraries, an overhaul of school textbooks to be more "patriotic", new censorship rules for all films and the closure last month of the outspoken Apple Daily newspaper.

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Rescue workers scrambled Saturday to find survivors and victims of the devastation wreaked by the worst floods to hit western Europe in living memory, which have already left more than 150 people dead and dozens more missing.

Western Germany has suffered the most brutal impact of the deluge that also pummelled Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, leaving streets and homes submerged in muddy water and isolating entire communities.

With the death toll in Germany at 133 into the fourth day of the disaster, authorities said far more bodies were likely to be found in sodden cellars and collapsed homes. Some 19,000 rescuers have been mobilised.

"We have to assume we will find further victims," said Carolin Weitzel, mayor of Erftstadt, where a landslide was triggered by the floods.

In Germany's worst-hit states of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Rhineland-Palatinate, residents who fled the deluge were gradually returning to their homes and scenes of desolation.

"We are mourning with all those who lost friends, acquaintances or family members," President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on a visit to Erftstadt in NRW. "Their fates break our hearts."

More than 90 of the victims lived in the Ahrweiler district of Rhineland-Palatinate, including 12 residents of a home for the disabled who drowned in the rising waters.

Ahrweiler native Gregor Degen said he had been working in his bakery when the floods came.

"I got a very brief warning but it was basically already much too late and there was no chance to protect yourself," he said, showing a mark high on the wall where the deluge reached.

"We were nearly paralysed with fear."

In neighbouring Belgium, the death toll jumped to 24 with many people still missing.

Prime Minister Alexander de Croo was heading for the scene of what he has called "unprecedented" flood damage in the Meuse River basin. He has declared Tuesday a day of official mourning.

Luxembourg and the Netherlands were also hammered by heavy rains, inundating many areas and forcing thousands to be evacuated in the city of Maastricht.

'Immense' task

A burst dam in Germany's Heinsberg district 65 kilometres (40 miles) southwest of Duesseldorf overnight prompted the emergency evacuation of more than 700 residents.

In some affected areas, firefighters, local officials and soldiers, some driving tanks, have begun the colossal work of clearing the piles of debris clogging the streets.

"The task is immense," said Tim Kurzbach, mayor of Solingen, a city in the south of the Ruhr area.

The real scale of the disaster is only now becoming clear, with damaged buildings being assessed, some of which will have to be demolished, and efforts under way to restore gas, electricity and telephone services.

The disruption to communication networks has complicated efforts to assess the number still missing, and most roads in the submerged Ahr Valley are out of service.

Roger Lewentz, interior minister for Rhineland-Palatinate, told local media up to 60 people were believed to be missing. More than 600 were injured.

The government has said it is working to set up a special aid fund, with the cost of damage expected to reach several billion euros (dollars).

Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed to provide "short and long-term support from the government" to stricken municipalities and promised to visit the region in the coming days.

Focus on climate change

The devastating floods have put climate change back at the centre of Germany's election campaign ahead of a September 26 poll marking the end of Merkel's 16 years in power.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the storms that lashed Europe were "without doubt" the result of climate change while Steinmeier, the German president, urged a more "determined" battle against global warming in light of the disaster.

Armin Laschet from Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, the frontrunner to succeed the veteran chancellor, spoke of "a disaster of historic proportions".

News magazine Der Spiegel said the floods would put a spotlight on the candidates' response to climate change.

"There will be affirmations in the coming days that it's not an issue for the campaign but of course it is," it said.

"People want to know how politicians will lead them through something like this."

German reinsurance giant Munich Re said nations would have to expect rising "frequency and intensity" of natural disasters due to climate change, calling for preventive action "which, in the final analysis, will be less costly".

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Police intervened Monday to prevent clashes outside the parliament building between lawmakers from Islamist party Ennahdha, which dominates the Assembly of the Representatives of the People of Tunisia, and demonstrators supporting President Kais Saeid.

Both sides shouted and some stones were thrown, according to an Associated Press reporter and videos circulating online.

The clashes outside parliament come a day after President Saied ousted the prime minister and suspended the legislature.

On Sunday, Saied sacked Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and ordered parliament closed for 30 days, a move the biggest political party Ennahdha decried as a "coup", following a day of angry nationwide street protests against the government's handling of the Covid pandemic.

To date, 7% of the population has been fully vaccinated, while more than 90% of the country's ICU beds are occupied, according to health ministry figures.

Videos have circulated on social media showing dead bodies left in the middle of wards as morgues struggle to deal with growing deaths.

Late Sunday night, protesters celebrated President Kais Saied's decision, shouting with joy, honking horns and waving Tunisian flags.

But his critics accused him of a "power grab" that threatens Tunisia's young democracy.

Chief among them was the head of the Islamist Ennahda Party and parliament speaker Rashed Ghannouchi, who called it ``a coup against the constitution and the (Arab Spring) revolution.''

Ennahdha has been a particular target, accused of focusing on its internal concerns instead of managing the virus.

Security forces also moved in Monday on the Tunis offices of Al Jazeera, according to a statement by the Qatar-based network on its Facebook page. The reason for the move was not immediately clear.

Al-Jazeera, citing its journalists, said 10 ``heavily armed police officers'' entered their bureau without a warrant and asked everyone to leave. ``The reporters' phones and other equipment were confiscated, and they were not allowed back into the building to retrieve their personal belongs,'' the organization said.

Qatar and its Al-Jazeera satellite news network has been viewed by some Mideast nations as promoting Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.

In a written statement, EU Commission spokesperson Nabila Massrali said Monday, We call on all Tunisian actors to respect the Constitution, its institutions and the rule of law. We also call on them to remain calm and to avoid any resort to violence in order to preserve the stability of the country.

Earlier on Sunday, thousands of people defied virus restrictions and scorching heat to demonstrate Sunday in the capital, Tunis, and other cities.

The largely young crowds shouted ``Get out!'' and slogans calling for the dissolution of parliament and early elections. Clashes erupted in many places.

Tunisia's economy has been struggling for years, and the country recently reimposed lockdowns and other virus restrictions because it's facing one of Africa's worst virus outbreaks.

After the announcement of the president's decision, army units were deployed around the capital, and an Associated Press reporter saw military vehicles heading toward the parliament in nearby Bardo.

Soldiers from early Monday blockaded the assembly in Tunis and barred entry to the parliament speaker.

During the night, Ghannouchi tried to enter with an associate but was blocked, according to Mosaique FM news radio. He insisted the parliament would continue to work despite the president's move and staged a sit-in outside the legislature to protest being barred from entry.

The president cited concerns about violence as a reason for his decision, and warned against any breach of public order, threatening troublemakers with severe penalties. ``We have taken these decisions ... until social peace returns to Tunisia and until we save the state,'' he said in a televised address.

He invoked an article of Tunisia's constitution allowing him to take ``exceptional measures in the event of imminent danger threatening the institutions of the nation and the independence of the country and hindering the regular functioning of the public powers.''

The measure allows him to assume executive power and freeze parliament for an unspecified period of time until normal institutional workings can be restored.

Labour federation calls for clear roadmap

Tunisias General Union of Labour (UGTT) called on Monday for the development of a clear participatory roadmap and abiding by the constitution after President Kais Saied ousted premier Hichem Mechichi and suspended the legislature on Sunday.

The UGTT  one out of four Tunisian institutions that received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 for brokering a post-revolution transitional deal between political forces  said it wants the roadmap to outline goals, means, and a calendar, reassuring the people and dispelling fears.

In a statement published on its website, the powerful labour organisation saluted the military and urged all parties to keep it far from political quarrels.

This is based on the UGTTs belief in the military institution's nobility, patriotism, and unconditional adherence to the protection of the country and people and preservation of the civil state.

The statement emphasised the need for reviewing the measures related to the judiciary to ensure its independence

World reactions

Foreign governments voiced concern and caution. Here are some reactions from countries around the world to Sunday's shock announcement.

Germany

A spokeswoman for the foreign ministry, Maria Adebahr, told reporters that Germany hoped Tunisia would return "as soon as possible to constitutional order".

"Democracy has taken roots in Tunisia since 2011", Adebahr said, referring to the year of the popular revolution that toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Germany was "very worried" she said, adding however: "We don't want to speak of a coup d'etat".

"It is important to return to constitutional order as quickly as possible," Adebahr said.

"We will certainly try to discuss (the situation) with the Tunisian ambassador in Berlin, and our ambassador in Tunis is ready to engage in discussions."

Russia

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, in brief comments, said Russia was monitoring developments in Tunisia.

"We hope that nothing will threaten the stability and security of the people of that country," he told reporters at a daily phone briefing.

Turkey

The foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned" by the latest development in Tunisia and called for the restoration of "democratic legitimacy".

"The preservation of Tunisia's democratic achievements, which is a success story in terms of the democratic process conducted in line with the expectations of people in the region, is of great importance for the region as well as for Tunisia," the ministry said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, tweeted: "We reject the suspension of the democratic process and the disregard of the people's democratic will in friendly and brotherly Tunisia.

"We condemn initiatives that lack constitutional legitimacy and public support. We believe Tunisia democracy will emerge stronger from this process."

European Union

In a written statement, EU Commission spokesperson Nabila Massrali said Monday, We call on all Tunisian actors to respect the Constitution, its institutions and the rule of law. We also call on them to remain calm and to avoid any resort to violence in order to preserve the stability of the country.

Qatar

Qatar called on Tunisias political forces to prioritise the interests of the people, follow the voice of wisdom, and avoid escalation and its implications on Tunisias experience that earned regional and international respect.

In a statement published by its foreign ministry, Doha said it is closely following the developments in the North African state.

Qatar hopes that the Tunisian parties would choose dialogue to overcome the crisis, consolidate the foundations of its institutions, and establish the rule of law, the statement added.

*This story was compiled by Ahram Online.

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Lebanon's wealthy businessman and former premier Najib Mikati is poised to be designated prime minister on Monday after winning the support of most major parties to form a new government facing a crippling financial crisis, political sources said.

Earlier, a club of former Lebanese Sunni prime ministers said on Sunday that they endorsed the choice of Mikati, who held the post twice, in yet another attempt to bring Lebanon's political deadlock to an end.

Among Mikati's endorsers was veteran politician Saad al-Hariri, who abandoned his effort to form a new government last week after nearly 10 months of failing to agree its makeup with President Michel Aoun.

Hariri's move marked the culmination of months of conflict over Cabinet posts between him and Aoun, the Maronite Christian head of state who is allied with the Iran-backed armed Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah

A senior political source told Reuters most of the country's main parliamentary blocs agreed on designating Mikati. Unlike many Lebanese leaders, he does not hail from one of the many political dynasties but is one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs.

Hezbollah and its ally, the Shi'ite Amal movement led by parliament speaker Nabih Berri, were expected to name Mikati, the source added.

Aoun was expected to designate Mikati later in the day once he ends consultations with parliamentary blocs on Monday.

The president is required to nominate the candidate with the biggest level of support among members of parliament.

Once designated the difficult process of forming a new government that secures the agreement of Lebanon's fractious political class will get underway.

Lebanon has been run by a caretaker administration for nearly a year, while its currency has collapsed, jobs have vanished and banks have frozen accounts. The economic freefall is Lebanon's worst crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. read more

In Lebanon's political system, the post has to be held by a Sunni Muslim, while the presidency is held by a Maronite Christian.

Western governments have been piling pressure on Lebanese politicians to form a government that can set about reforming the corrupt state, threatening sanctions and saying financial support will not flow before reforms begin.

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Tunisian President Kais Saied's decision to suspend parliament and dimiss his prime minister sparked protests at home where the biggest political party, the Islamist Ennahda, decried its as a "coup".

Foreign governments voiced concern and caution. Here are some reactions from countries around the world to Sunday's shock announcement.

US

The United States on Monday voiced alarm over the Tunisian president's sacking of the government and called on the birthplace of the Arab Spring to adhere to "democratic principles."

"We're concerned about the developments in Tunisia," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters.

"We are in touch at a senior level," she said, and "urge calm and support Tunisian efforts to move forward in line with democratic principles."

France

France on Monday urged a return "as soon as possible" to the "normal functioning" of government in Tunisia after President Kais Saied ousted the prime minister and suspended parliament.

The foreign ministry also called "on all of the country's political forces to avoid any form of violence and to preserve the country's democratic gains.

Germany

A spokeswoman for the foreign ministry, Maria Adebahr, told reporters that Germany hoped Tunisia would return "as soon as possible to constitutional order".

"Democracy has taken roots in Tunisia since 2011", Adebahr said, referring to the year of the popular revolution that toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Germany was "very worried" she said, adding however: "We don't want to speak of a coup d'etat".

"It is important to return to constitutional order as quickly as possible," Adebahr said.

"We will certainly try to discuss (the situation) with the Tunisian ambassador in Berlin, and our ambassador in Tunis is ready to engage in discussions."

Russia

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, in brief comments, said Russia was monitoring developments in Tunisia.

"We hope that nothing will threaten the stability and security of the people of that country," he told reporters at a daily phone briefing.

Turkey

The foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned" by the latest development in Tunisia and called for the restoration of "democratic legitimacy".

"The preservation of Tunisia's democratic achievements, which is a success story in terms of the democratic process conducted in line with the expectations of people in the region, is of great importance for the region as well as for Tunisia," the ministry said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, tweeted: "We reject the suspension of the democratic process and the disregard of the people's democratic will in friendly and brotherly Tunisia.

"We condemn initiatives that lack constitutional legitimacy and public support. We believe Tunisia democracy will emerge stronger from this process."

European Union

In a written statement, EU Commission spokesperson Nabila Massrali said Monday, We call on all Tunisian actors to respect the Constitution, its institutions and the rule of law. We also call on them to remain calm and to avoid any resort to violence in order to preserve the stability of the country.

Qatar

Qatar called on Tunisias political forces to prioritise the interests of the people, follow the voice of wisdom, and avoid escalation and its implications on Tunisias experience that earned regional and international respect.

In a statement published by its foreign ministry, Doha said it is closely following the developments in the North African state.

Qatar hopes that the Tunisian parties would choose dialogue to overcome the crisis, consolidate the foundations of its institutions, and establish the rule of law, the statement added.

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Qatar called on Tunisias political forces to prioritise the interests of the people, follow the voice of wisdom, and avoid escalation and its implications on Tunisias experience that earned regional and international respect.

In a statement published by its foreign ministry, Doha said it is closely following the developments in the North African state.

Qatar hopes that the Tunisian parties would choose dialogue to overcome the crisis, consolidate the foundations of its institutions, and establish the rule of law, the statement added.

On Sunday, President Kais Saied sacked Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and ordered parliament closed for 30 days, a move the biggest political party Ennahdha decried as a "coup", following a day of angry nationwide street protests against the government's handling of the Covid pandemic.

Police intervened Monday to prevent clashes outside the parliament building between lawmakers from Islamist party Ennahdha, which dominates the Assembly of the Representatives of the People of Tunisia, and demonstrators supporting President Saeid. Both sides shouted and some stones were thrown, according to an Associated Press reporter and videos circulating online

Security forces also moved in Monday on the Tunis offices of Al Jazeera, according to a statement by the Qatar-based network on its Facebook page. The reason for the move was not immediately clear.

Al-Jazeera, citing its journalists, said 10 ``heavily armed police officers'' entered their bureau without a warrant and asked everyone to leave. ``The reporters' phones and other equipment were confiscated, and they were not allowed back into the building to retrieve their personal belongs,'' the organization said.

Qatar and its Al-Jazeera satellite news network has been viewed by some Mideast nations as promoting Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, which is banned in several Arab countries.

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Lebanese businessman and former prime minister Najib Mikati secured enough votes in parliamentary consultations on Monday to be designated the head of governmentagain after the support of major parties.

His designation as premier came after veteran Sunni Muslim politician Saad al-Hariri abandoned attempts at forming a cabinet earlier this month, after nine months of deadlock with President Michel Aoun, the Maronite Christian head of state.

The issues that obstructed Hariri's attempts at cabinet formation, including Aoun's demand for effective veto power in government, will probably continue to complicate the task.

The political squabbling has left Lebanon without effective government as the country has sunk deeper into economic and financial crisis.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab, whose cabinet resigned in August following the Beirut port explosion, has continued in a caretaker capacity until the new government is formed.

Here are some facts about Mikati, a wealthy telecoms tycoon:

* Mikati, a Sunni Muslim, was chosen as caretaker prime minister in April 2005, when an outcry over Rafik al-Hariri's killing forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon. Mikati served three months until the election won by an alliance of Sunni, Druze and Christian parties led by Hariri's son, Saad.

* Mikati, 65, was nominated prime minister again in June 2011, resigning in May 2013 and staying on in a caretaker capacity until February 2014.

* The soft-spoken, Harvard-educated Mikati began building his Investcom business in the midst of Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war. He sold his telecoms interests to South Africa's MTN Group for $5.5 billion in 2006.

*In 2007 he founded the M1 Group, which has various investment interests. This month, Norwegian telecoms operator Telenor sold its Myanmar operations to M1 Group for $105 million.

* Mikati served as minister of public works and transport in three cabinets between 1998 and 2004.

* Unlike many Lebanese leaders, Mikati does not hail from one of its many political dynasties, rendering him a more likely compromise candidate for premier.

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Lebanese businessman Najib Mikati secured enough votes in parliamentary consultations on Monday to be designated the next prime minister, and now faces the difficult challenge of forming a viable government to tackle a financial crisis.

Mikati has been prime minister twice before and, unlike many Lebanese leaders, does not represent a political bloc or hail from a dynasty. He received 72 votes out of a total of 118 members of parliament.

Like previous nominee Saad al-Hariri, he must navigate the sectarian, power-sharing structure and secure agreement on a cabinet equipped to address the financial meltdown in Lebanon, one of the world's most heavily indebted states.

"I don't have a magic wand and I can't work miracles," Mikati said after his nomination, but added that he had been studying the situation and had "the necessary international guarantees".

Mikati is the third person to be nominated since Hassan Diab's government resigned after an explosion at Beirut's port area on Aug. 4 last year that killed more than 200 people and flattened large areas of the city.

Diab's government has stayed on in a caretaker capacity since then, but Lebanon's currency has collapsed, jobs have vanished and banks have frozen accounts in the country's worst crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

Mikati said he was confident he could form a government, and its first priority would be to implement a reform plan by former colonial power France.

The French roadmap envisioned a government of specialists capable of implementing reforms and engaging the International Monetary Fund.

LEBANON 'HAS A CHANCE TODAY'

Hezbollah, the heavily armed Shi'ite Islamist movement that the United States deems a terrorist group, nominated Mikati in Monday's consultations. Most of the main parliamentary blocs endorsed the choice.

Muhammad Raad, the leader of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, told reporters there were signs hinting at the possibility of forming a government and "that's why we named Mikati, to give an extra boost to facilitate forming a government."

Hezbollah is an ally of President Michel Aoun.

Among Mikati's endorsers was Hariri who, after nearly 10 months, abandoned efforts to form a government last week after failing to agree its composition with Aoun.

Hariri told reporters after meeting Aoun that he hoped Mikati, a telecoms tycoon, would be chosen and succeed in forming a cabinet, adding: "The country has a chance today."

The news of Mikati's likely designation boosted the Lebanese pound earlier on Monday on the unofficial parallel market, where dollars changed hands at around 16,500 pounds, compared to over 22,000 at the height of the deadlock over the government.

In Lebanon's political system, the post of prime minister has to be held by a Sunni Muslim, while the presidency is held by a Maronite Christian.

Western governments have been piling pressure on Lebanon to form a government that can set about reforming the corruption-marred state. They have threatened to impose sanctions and said financial support will not flow before reforms begin.

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The foreign ministry also called "on all of the country's political forces to avoid any form of violence and to preserve the country's democratic gains."

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France on Monday urged the formation of a "competent and capable" government in Lebanon to carry out reforms after a year of political deadlock.

The foreign ministry said it was "urgent" to form such a government and implement reforms "essential to the recovery of the country", calling on "all Lebanese leaders to act in this direction as quickly as possible".

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Ousted Tunisian prime minister Hichem Michechi said on Monday night that he accepts being relieved from office, and vowed to hand over power to the presidents pick for the post.

On Sunday, Tunisian President Kais Saied sacked Mechichi, as the relationship between the two was fraught with disputes over the past year, and froze the parliament dominated by the Islamic block Ennahda, lifting immunity from all of its members.

Mechichi said in a statement on Monday night that he will hand over power to the presidents pick for the premiership, as a continuation of the peaceful transition of power tradition since the 2011 revolution and as a sign of respect for the states rules and laws.

Mechichi said that his move came out of his keenness to spare the country more strife at a time when it needs cooperation from all factions to get out of this crisis.

I cannot be an element that impedes the country or exacerbates the crisis it is in, he added.

The ousted prime minister said that he understands the feelings of frustration and desperation that the people feel due to the huge delay in having their needs met, which has led to distrust in the political elite and consecutive governments.

President Kais Saied ordered an overnight curfew between 7pm and 6am and restricted inter-city travel one day after he dismissed the prime minister and froze the parliament.

The nationwide curfew, from 26 July to 27 August, involves an inter-city travel ban and a ban on gatherings of more than three people in public spaces

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Yemen's warring sides have deployed reinforcements to the outskirts of a strategic central district, a government military source said Monday, after Houthi rebels made significant gains in the nearby province of Al-Bayda.

The possible fall to the rebels of the district of Bayhan, near the border with the government's last northern stronghold of Marib, could pose a major threat to the government.

The Iran-backed Houthis escalated their efforts to seize Marib in February, and the fighting has killed hundreds on both sides.

Control of the oil-rich region would strengthen the Houthis' bargaining position in peace talks.

The battle has also raised fears of a humanitarian catastrophe, as many Yemenis had fled to the area to escape fighting in other parts of the country.

A government military source told AFP that fighters from both sides were dispatched to the outskirts of Bayhan after the Houthis seized control of two districts in nearby Al-Bayda province.

Al-Bayda's deputy governor Ahmed al-Humayqani told AFP on Sunday that the insurgents had taken control of the Nateh and Naman districts, displacing many civilians.

The districts "fell without a major military confrontation", he said, adding that about 80 percent of residents had fled their homes.

"We, in Al-Bayda, are facing a humanitarian catastrophe, and we call on organisations to intervene urgently to help alleviate people's suffering," said Humayqani.

Another government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Houthis seized Nateh on Saturday after the withdrawal of government troops who are backed by a Saudi-led military coalition.

Yemen's conflict flared in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led intervention to prop up the internationally recognised government the following year.

While the UN and Washington are pushing for an end to the war, the Houthis have demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport closed since 2016, before any ceasefire or negotiations.

The fighting has killed tens of thousands and left some 80 percent of Yemenis dependent on aid, in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The war has also displaced millions of people and left many on the brink of famine.

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The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Bennie Thompson, didn't realize the severity of the Jan. 6 insurrection until his wife called him.

He was inside the Capitol, sitting in the upper gallery of the House, hoping for what he called a ``birds-eye view of the process'' and to be able to tell his grandchildren that he was there when Congress certified Democrat Joe Biden's presidential victory.

People are breaking into the building, London Thompson told him, and it was on television. ``I'm watching people climbing over the wall right now,'' she said.

``It doesn't register,'' the Mississippi Democrat recalled in an interview with The Associated Press. ``I said, `You can't break in. There's police and barricades and a lot of things out there.'''

But it was not long before the House chamber was under siege. Police rushed Thompson and several dozen other members of Congress to another side of the gallery and told them to duck under their seats as supporters of then-President Donald Trump tried to break down the doors to the chamber below.

``It was a horrible day,'' said Thompson, ``still almost surreal that it even occurred.``

Like Thompson, many who serve and work in the Capitol are trying to make sense of the chaos that unfolded on Jan. 6. And he now has a guiding role in the process, appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as the chairman of a select committee that will investigate the attack. The panel will hold its first hearing Tuesday with police officers who battled the rioters.

As the longtime chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Thompson is accustomed to dealing with grave matters of national security. But his stewardship of the Jan. 6 panel will be a test unlike any other, as he tries to untangle the events of a violent insurrection that many House Republicans increasingly play down and deny.

``We have to get it right,'' Thompson said. If the committee can find ways to prevent anything like it from happening again, ``then I would have made what I think is the most valuable contribution to this great democracy.``

Thompson, 73, is a liberal fixture in Congress and longtime champion of civil rights, the only Democrat in the Mississippi delegation, hailing from a majority-black district in the state's western half. He has avoided the limelight during his more than 15 years on the Homeland Security Committee, notching achievements with careful bipartisan outreach.

Several Democrats and Republicans said Thompson was the right choice to lead an investigation that is certain to be partisan and fraught.

``I've dealt with Bennie for 15 years, and we disagreed on a lot, but I don't think there was ever a harsh word between us,'' says former Republican Rep. Pete King of New York, who was the chairman and top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee for years opposite Thompson. ``Bennie is low key, he manages his side well. He was a good guy to work with. He was strong and knew what he wanted, but there was very little drama.''

New York Rep. John Katko, who is now the top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee, gave a similar assessment. Thompson is ``a good man, a patriotic American'' and a ``productive partner,'' Katko said in statement.

Pelosi chose Thompson as chairman after he crafted legislation with Katko that would have created an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack. That bill won almost three dozen Republican votes in the House only to flame out in the Senate, where the opposition of Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell was decisive.

Far fewer House Republicans supported creating the House select committee, dismissing the effort as partisan. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy said the GOP won't participate after Pelosi rejected two of his appointments, Republican Reps. Jim Banks of Indiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio.

Only two Republicans voted to create the panel _ Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger. Pelosi first appointed Cheney to the committee and then added Kinzinger as well on Sunday after McCarthy withdrew his picks.

``I'm looking forward. in the long run, to try to have as many of the 13 members that I can,'' Thompson said last week.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who was appointed to the Jan. 6 committee, said Thompson's history of working with Republicans and his popularity among members will make it harder to malign the panel's work. Reaching the bipartisan deal with Katko was not an easy task, he said.

``I think he has a very even keel that will help him get through this,'' Schiff said.

Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, another Democrat appointed to the select committee, says both parties have ``partisan brawlers'' _ and Thompson is not one of them.

``He's a workhorse, so he likes getting stuff done,'' Raskin said. ``And I think that's the right spirit for this.''

Still, Thompson has taken sharply partisan stances. He joined with about 30 Democrats in a 2005 vote to invalidate President George W. Bush's victory _ not unlike the dozens of Republicans who voted to invalidate Biden's in January. In that challenge, the dissenting Democrats claimed irregularities if not fraud in Ohio's vote.

The effort did not end in violence and John Kerry, the defeated Democratic presidential candidate, did not lead or join the effort to deny Bush his victory.

A frequent critic of Trump, Thompson joined other Democrats in filing a lawsuit against the former president after the insurrection, charging that he incited the attack and conspired to prevent Congress from certifying Biden's victory.

Last week, Thompson withdrew his participation in that lawsuit, which he joined soon after the Senate acquitted Trump, at his second impeachment trial, of inciting the insurrection. Thompson's withdrawal petition said he ``wishes to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest between his role on the Select Committee and his role as a Plaintiff in this litigation.''

The lawsuit, which is still active, names as defendants Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer, and the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. The Justice Department has filed charges against members of those groups in connection to the attack, and the panel is expected to investigate them as part of its probe.

Domestic extremism and its links to white supremacy are a familiar subject for Thompson not only from his time on the Homeland Security Committee but also from his early involvement in the civil rights movement in Mississippi. He was active with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in college and organized voter registration drives before he was elected mayor of his small hometown of Bolton.

The FBI's assessments about the growing dangers of domestic extremism, he said, show that ``the significance of this committee's work is as important as it can ever get.''

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A top Chinese diplomat took a confrontational tone on Monday in rare high-level talks with the United States, accusing it of creating an "imaginary enemy" to divert attention from domestic problems and suppress China.

Amid worsening relations between the world's two largest economies, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the second-ranked US diplomat, arrived on Sunday for the face-to-face meetings in the northern city of Tianjin.

"The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an 'imaginary enemy'," state television quoted Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng as saying in a report on Monday morning's session, even as talks were underway.

The United States had mobilised its goverment and society to suppress China, he added.

"As if once China's development is suppressed, US domestic and external problems will be resolved, and America will be great again, and America's hegemony can be continued."

Sherman is set to meet State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi later on Monday.

Her China visit was added late to an Asian itinerary that included stops in Japan, South Korea and Mongolia amid wrangling over protocol between Beijing and Washington.

On Saturday, Wang had warned that China would not accept the United States taking a "superior" position in the relationship, a day after China unveiled sanctions on former US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and others. read more

Sherman's expected position during the talks, as outlined by senior US officials, would be that the United States welcomed competition with Beijing but would insist on a level playing field and "guardrails" to avoid conflicts. read more

The US government and lawmakers have been critical of China's policy in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, with the US Senate having passed a bill this month to ban imports from the far western region, citing forced labour concerns.

Last Wednesday, State Department spokesman Ned Price said that Sherman would be travelling to China "from a position of strength".

On Monday, Xie told Chinese media that he presented a list of requests for the United States to "correct" its past actions on China, such as sanctions on officials.

Monday's talks came amid frayed relations between Beijing and Washington that have worsened in the months since an initial diplomatic meeting in March in Anchorage, the first under US President Joe Biden's administration.

At the Alaska meeting, Chinese officials, including Wang, railed against the state of US democracy, while US officials accused the Chinese side of grandstanding.

Monday's meeting was held amid stringent Chinese COVID-19 measures, which have meant that foreign officials have met Chinese counterparts outside Beijing, the capital.

Foreign media were kept at a distance from the site of the talks, but Chinese media were permitted on the premises.

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Britain and France on Monday signed a new security deal aimed at protecting the public in the event of a terror attack in the Channel against a large vessel such as a passenger ferry, the British government said.

The UK-France Maritime Security Treaty was signed in Paris as the defence and foreign ministers from both sides met for talks on shared security interests.

The British government said in a statement that the treaty is the foundation for "seamless joint and coordinated action to be taken by UK and French forces in response to an incident, such as a terrorist attack on board a ferry or other large vessel in the Channel."

The treaty includes provisions which will enable Britain and France to share information concerning potential threats, mount swifter responses to serious incidents, and coordinate more efficient joint responses.

"As close allies it is vital the UK and France work together to protect our citizens and values," said British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

The treaty "will reinforce our ability to jointly respond swiftly and effectively to terrorist threats in the Channel," he said.

There was no immediate communication on the new treaty from the French government.

The British government emphasised that the treaty was aimed at fighting terror threats and incidents in the Channel and was not intended to tackle illegal migration.

"The intelligence and security tools this new cooperation provides will give law enforcement and our emergency responders the additional support they need to protect us all," said British Interior Minister Priti Patel.

But there has been growing concern over the number of migrants making the dangerous crossing across the Channel in small boats and craft, with a record 430 arriving in England in a single day earlier this month.

The British government said "ongoing work to tackle small boat crossings in the Channel" was one issue discussed in talks between Raab and French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.

In a joint statement, Britain and France said the four ministers discussed international issues including new security challenges in the cyber domain, the Indo-Pacific region and the fight against terror in Africa as well as Syria and Iraq.

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The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) announced on Monday the disbursing of its Export-ITs 2019 cash rebate on ICT exports of the local companies that are operating in the information and communication technology sector.

The total amount of export rebate for the programmes 11th round has reached EGP 70 million and has been paid to a total number of 131 companies out of 137 companies that have applied for the programme during 2021.

CEO of ITIDA Amr Mahfouz said that the Export IT Programme is part and parcel of ITIDAs strategy that primarily aims to boost Egyptian IT exports, increasing competitiveness, and enabling them to expand and access global markets.

Mahfouz stressed that ITIDA attaches great importance to the Export IT Programme in light of challenges imposed by the global pandemic and the unprecedented government support and commitment to boost exports as one of the main sources of foreign currency for the Egyptian economy.

Furthermore, and based on Egyptian ICT companies requests, ITIDA has reopened the submission of documents for Export IT 2020 rebate disbursement for a period of two weeks, through the end of July, aiming to expand the base of beneficiary exporting companies, according to Mahfouz.

Earlier this year, ITIDA launched an exceptional round of its annual Export IT Programme aiming to cope with the challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic by offering local IT companies cash incentives on proceeds of value-added exports for two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020.

According to ITIDA, 33 companies have applied for the programme the first time around, while 22 start-up companies have joined the programme in 2021 so far.

The 11th round of the programme saw the participation of new companies from governorates outside the Greater Cairo area such as Alexandria, Daqahliya, and Ismailiya, according to ITIDA.

The Export IT Programme accepts local ICT companies with more than 50 percent of Egyptian ownership, headquartered in Egypt, and are exporting ICT services, IT-enabled services, including call centre services, consultation, and training services related to the IT industry.

ITIDA has excluded Egyptian IT start-up companies that were founded in 2016 or later from the headquarter in Egypt condition.

According to the terms and conditions of the programme, approved companies receive direct cash incentives that are up to 10 percent with a maximum limit of 20 percent of value-added exports based on the company size (micro, small, medium, or large), with a maximum amount of EGP 2.5 million for each company or EGP 3 million for companies operating in or have branches in one of the new tech parks.

The programme offers additional incentives to companies exporting e-Commerce, e-Gaming, e-Health, and e-Design services. Further incentives are also extended to companies operating in new tech parks, the new entrants to the programme, and the companies operating in governorates other than Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria.

In line with ITIDAs new strategy to promote and encourage exports of disruptive and emerging technologies such as AI, data science, and Robotic Process Automation, ITIDA has exceptionally accepted medium companies with annual revenues exceeding EGP 50 million, exporting emerging technologies services, or those who have succeeded in penetrating new markets.

These companies have enjoyed the benefit by getting the full export support on the total value added of their export earnings and not only on the increase of its value-added.

Throughout the eleven previous rounds of Export-IT, ITIDA has extended support to more than 230 Egyptian companies, with a total value amounting to EGP 480 million.

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Opening Ceremony of Suez Canal 1869

The idea of connecting the Red and Mediterranean seas had haunted Egyptians for centuries. Remnants of an ancient west-east canal through the ancient cities of Bubastis, (Tel Basta), Pi Ramsis (Tel Al-Dabaa) and Pithom (Per Atum) were discovered during the French expedition of 1799.

Ismailia transit dock 1869-1885 photo by Arnoux; Ismailia view of roadstead on 19 june 1885 photo by Arnoux

According to an article published in Al-Ahram in 1894, celebrating the 25-year jubilee of the inauguration of Suez Canal:

Its been 25 years since the Red and Mediterranean seas got married, and this is their silver wedding jubilee. Lavishness aside, the story of the Suez Canal starts in 1830 when Ferdinand De Lesseps was assigned French deputy council in Egypt. He was 26. However 38 years later he led the inauguration of the Suez Canal when he was 64 years old."

Kantara km 44 Camel Ferry and ship in transit , photo by Arnox 1869-1885; Suez Canal terminal and camps photos by Arnoux 1869-1885

The article claims that when De Lesseps first set foot in Egypt he was confined to an obligatory quarantine and had to stay on his ship in Alexandria for 40 days.

Bridge of the Mecca Caravans by unknown photographer 1869- 1885; port Ibrahim Suez photo by Arnoux 1869-1885

During such this time he got hold of a study aiming to join both seas and since then it became his obsession. Often referred to as an impossibility due to the difference in sea levels, Deliseps did not take no for an answer. And 38 years later he was there to celebrate his dream come true.

Port Tawfik Quary and basin photo by Zangaki 1869-1885; Russian Vessela at dock 1869-1885 photo by Arnoux

Indeed it was a dream for Delisepss that Suez Canal Authority got the royalties of canal for 99 years. the canal gave an alternative route for ships to sail between Europe and Asia without having to go around Africa, reducing the distance by some 7,000 km.

Shallufa excavation on dry land to widen the canal , photo by Arnoux 1869-1885; Shallufa view of Canal undergoing work photo by Arnoux 1869-1885

Suez Gulf 1905, source Alexandria library

In June 1956, Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser nationalised the canal and channeled the revenues to build the High Dam after he was denied funds from the World Bank. Nationalisation was a grand victory for Egyptians and a great disappointment to the western world. And the response was violent and quick. The Tripartite Aggression on Egypt by Israel, Britain and France was meant to regain control over the canal and topple Nasser.

Nasser's famous speech where he nationalized the Suez Canal

Egypt agreed to the stationing of a United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Sinai to ensure the implementation of the 1949 Armistice Agreements.

On 5 June 1967, Israel declared war on Egypt. The 1967 Naksa (Set Back) also known as the Six Day War, allowed Israel to invade the Gaza Strip and Sinai, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.

The Suez Canal was closed and under the authority of the Egyptian Armed Forces until president Anwar Sadat reopened it eight years later after Egypt regained Sinai in 1973. The re-opening of the Suez Canal was on 5 June, the same date it was closed on.

In August 2014, construction was launched to construct an extension for half of the route of the canal, costing $4bn, to increase its capacity. Egyptians were able to raise the targeted amount in six working days.

Compiled by Amira El-Noshokaty

-All Data Courtesy of Al-Ahram Organisation and Information Technology Centre (Microfilm)

-All 1950ies-1970ies) Photos courtesy of Al-Ahram digital archive

-All (1869-1900ies ) photos courtesy of Bibliotheca Alexandrina

*This article has first been published in Ahram Online on 5 November, 2011

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Based on the latest published PhD titled Monitoring Heritage and Urban Change along the Red Sea, Suez, and Quseir, a case study by Manar El-Gamal, Ahram Online sails into the tangible and intangible heritage of Quseir and Suez, respectively.

Suez, one of Egypts ancient port cities by the Red Sea, is known to be the closest point between the Red and Mediterranean seas. This portal city was first noticed by the ancient Egyptians as far as the fifth century B.C when they dug the Canal of Osiris.

It was considered as one of the most ancient water canals and was dug by King Sonosert the Third. The canal was used to transport goods, commodities, and merchants. If trading was local during the ancient Egyptian era, it was international during the Platonic era. During and after Alexander the Greats era, Egypt played an important role, especially through the Red Sea ports, in trading with India, China, and the Far East. The Platonic leaders in Egypt carried out land reclamation, canal creation, and established cities. Their trading activities included the Mediterranean basin and the Red Sea, and they therefore established desert routes between the Nile and the Red Sea, explained El-Gamal, an architect awarded a PhD from Politecnico Di Milano Architecture and Urban Design University.

During the Greek era  246 BC, the Greeks established a city north of present-day Suez under the name of Qulzum. The city structure was based on a grid model, with the streets oriented from north to south and from east to west.

Afterwards, the city became a strategic location for wheat storage for the Roman Empire and they established a Castel, or upper city  whose location and remains were later known as Qulzum hill.

Throughout the ages, the canal was backfilled until it was re-used once again by Amr Ibn Al-Aass, during the caliphate of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab. However, during the Abbasid caliphate, they closed it once again, fearing the easy access to Fustat  the capital at the time by the revolutionaries. The closing of the canal and the lack of a freshwater source led to people abandoning the city.

It wasnt until the reign of Mohamed Ali that Suez was back in the limelight. After his fights against the Wahabis on the western side of Arabia, Ali shifted the trade route from Quseir to Suez.

The change in the overland route happened due to two reasons. Firstly, the decision by the Ottomans in Egypt to consider Suez as the capital of the Red Sea region, representing the eastern front of Egypt. They turned Suez into a military base with a defensive navy combating piracy and foreign invasions coming through the sea. Secondly, the opening of the Suez Canal, which is the main reason behind the major change in the overland route and the drastic changes that occurred in the southern cities of the Red Sea region. The route shifted from the south to the northeast and then to the capital. This caused the development of southern cities like Quseir, Ayydhab, etc., read the PhD.

As for Suez, the city was also a traditional Arab or Muslim city. The character of Suez architecture is known by Baghdadli. The model construction is based on sandwich panel walls, which have upright wooden veins. Stones called hagar al-mankabi are bought from the seashore and used for the construction of houses, which are usually four storeys high.

A point of transformation for Suez was when the Arab quarter was demolished in favour of digging the Suez Canal.

Khedive Ismail was influenced by Haussmanns planning in Paris and he wanted to imitate the same experience in Suez and Cairo. As a result, the grid structure started to become dominant from this transformation point, and the design of buildings, quarters, and streets was inspired by Haussmanns Paris. Then came the nationalisation of the Suez Canal and along with it the war in 1956, then the subsequent wars of 1967 and 1973, where most of Suezs urban structure was destroyed. The residents of Suez started the reconstruction process after 1973 with their own hands, explained El-Gamal.

During the war of 1967 with Israel and until the sixth of October war in 1973, people of Suez were mainly displaced. Those who stayed, joined the popular resistance and defended the city with all their might. Suez was struck with missiles, the houses that were built with reinforced concrete were destroyed.

After the 1973 war, wood merchants from Cairo came to Suez and offered the owners of the ruined houses huge sums of money, as they were considered a treasure. The type of wood used for the houses was pitch pine, which is not affected by marine environments to the extent that boats were made out of it, explained the PhD.

The commercial significance of this city came even before the opening of the canal, as it was one of the ports responsible for transferring Muslim pilgrims to the holy land. It had seasonal religious activities in its city centre, and some of the pilgrims who used to pass by the city were buried there after their death, becoming Sufi saints. One of them is the famous saint Sidi El-Gharib

Today, Suez is a far cry of what it used to be. After most of the city was destroyed during the wars with Israel, the city went through a period of vast urbanisation after the mid 1970s, with residents building their houses themselves given how the government neglected its role in reconstructing the city after the wars.

Although this urbanisation process was carried out randomly until the 1990s, there are still traces of Suezs old heritage, port-scape, and buildings, such as the Suez Canal company building.

It is also still known as the city of Sidi Al-Gharib. Al-Gharib was a Sufi sheikh who lived and died in Suez. During the war, people used to talk about him as the holy figure who was protecting the city, read the PhD.

Among the most interesting architectural gems of Suez are the Palace of Mohamed Ali  which is currently the premises of the government  and the 300-year-old house of Al-Masgaria.

This is the place where the French expedition stayed while writing their famous book description of Egypt. This house is older than the Suez Canal, concluded El-Gamal.

Our loyal port,

flags and decoration,

Abu Zeid El-Helali, lord of the city,

Playing on the semsemiya and a tug of war,

100 percent brave men,

In resistance, perseverance, and resilience

Oh, brave Suez, our striving icon,

You showed the way, you set the example,

And you were mightier than mountains

Poet Fouad Haddad

* This article was first published on 19 December, 2020

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The 14th edition of Anima Syros, the international animation festival, will be held from 22 to 26 September in the island of Syros, the capital of the Cyclades islands complex in the Aegean Sea.

The festival is presided over by Vassilis Karamitsanis, who also heads the Greek Animation Association. Basically a lawyer but also a passionate art lover, he is president of Anima Syros International Animation Festival and ASIFA Hellas, the Hellinic Animation Association, which is the umbrella organisation for Greek animation creators.

Karamitsanis studied law in Thessaloniki in the Aristotle University, and continued his postgraduate studies in the field of law in both Germany and France.

As he shares his time between law and art, he remains equally dedicated to both fields. "I am satisfied with sharing both fields, and happy about the Anima Syros festival and the animation adventure," Karamitsanis revealed to Ahram Online.

The annual Anima Syros festival is the largest international animation event in Greece, where the best animation films are displayed with the participation of prominent professionals and creators from all over the world.

The festival will include animation film screenings, educational workshops, and a professional marketplace (Agora), and there will be educational workshops on animation not dealing only with kids but also including other lessons for adults and people with special needs.

The third part of the festival is the Agora marketplace, which is a professional event for producers, creators, distributors, funding organisations from all around Europe and the Mediterranean.

This year, the festival will have a special focus called Med-Anima, bringing together professionals in the field of animation from the Mediterranean area.

We are welcoming people from Egypt, and we already sent requests of participation through the cultural centre in Athens, Karamitsanis said. The festival will also include plenty of events and activities, in the traditional (new classic) historical theatre building Apollo, which is the municipal theatre of Syros.

Karamitsanis emphasised that the Anima Syros festival started in 2008 and became the most important festival in the region.

We were experienced in organising cinema events in Athens, and we wanted to have the festival in a small and quiet place like Syros, Karamitsanis said.

Karamitsanis said that he was in Cairo in 2019 as a representative of the Greek Ministry of Digital Policy and as a president of ASIFA Hellas, the Greek animation association, to enhance cooperation in cultural affairs, and also because of the fact that Greece has a developed animation community. "We wanted to show the Greek animation and do workshops bringing together both Greek and Egyptian cultures.

We held screenings at the Hellenic culture foundation in Alexandria and in the Bibliotheca Alexandria," he added.

Egypt has been always a revelation. The Egyptian people are very friendly. Egypt is very safe, Karamitsanis said, emphasising that one of the main objectives of the festival is to open the doors to talented animators from Egypt and all over the world.

The second edition of the festival was a tribute to the Egyptian animation. This year, the initiative will be revived because we are going to contact all the embassies of the Mediterranean countries to participate in the festival."

According to Karamitsanis, the coronavirus pandemic severely damaged the entire culture centre in Greece and Europe.

"Anima Syros is one of the courageous and resilient festivals. It encourages young talents from developed countries and smaller capacity countries in terms of animation. We are trying to develop the local industry through our festival.

We had to invest in technology, most of our activities and communication were held online because of the pandemic," Karamitsanis explained.

Throughout the year, we do a lot of projects but the core of our activities is the annual festival. We also do a number of workshops, such as those in Egypt in the Greek culture centre or other countries, such as Cyprus and the United States."

Operating through a nonprofit organisation that deals with a vast array of visual art, Karamitsanis and his team also do animation productions, such as short films, lots of screening around Greece, and many other cultural projects. Their main sponsors include the ministry of culture and sports, the ministry of digital governance, and the Greek film centre.

According to Karamitsanis, everything that the festival offers to the audience, members, and the participants in the workshops is for free, including access to the platform and watching movies, which is part of the concept of the festival that it is open to all.

With my experience on a voluntary basis with art, I believe that the best way to understand each other, not only between cultures or between nations but also between each other in the same society, is through art," he commented.

"Art and culture can play an important role in bringing people together; culture is a soft power of very important force that may change the world. What you see in contemporary Greek culture is a mirror of what the Greek society is today," he added, saying that his dream is for the festival to "have more regional importance and attract the attention and presence from art scenes of our region which is the eastern Mediterranean and south eastern Europe, and of course Egypt is included and all our neighbouring countries.

I believe we share the same set of values, a common identity which is profoundly historical, yet very contemporary.

Karamitsanis stressed that "we have to understand that artists are not free of the responsibility of maintaining good social standards for the entire audience, through their messages.

"When you are an artist, you have to understand that you have an obligation towards society and the audience," he noted.

Oum Kalthoum is Karamitsanis favourite artist, and he describes her as the voice of the Mediterranean, yet he loves art in general and remains especially active in the field of animation.

Karamitsanis loves both Egyptian and Greek art, and contemporary and ancient art. My family supports me and is very proud of me. The festival became widespread; I have many friends collaborating in the festival's organisation.

Referring to the changes that took place in the art scene, he believes that the big change throughout the years is the bigger role played by digital technology. "The internet has changed the world 20 years ago and now it is changing it again. Making applications through the internet, the social media, digital media, and also the fact that we can all be photographers with very high quality equipment like smart phones is an artistic revolution which helps every young student or whoever loves art to become an artist. It is all about digital arts now; the digital reformation is the largest revolution in the history of contemporary art," he concluded.

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Ennahda, Tunisias largest parliamentary bloc, has accused President Kais Saied of demonstrating authoritarian tendencies, following statements that his powers over the military extended to the countrys internal security forces.



The moderate Islamist party, which supported Saied in the 2019 presidential elections, said his comments threatened democracy, social peace and the achievements of Tunisias 2011 Revolution.



On 18 April, Saied proclaimed that the president is the supreme commander of the military and civilian armed forces. Let this matter be clear to all Tunisians, in a speech attended by the countrys prime minister and parliamentary speaker.



I do not intend to monopolise these forces, but the constitution must be respected, Saied said. The statements exacerbated the months-long power struggle between Saied and the parliament and prime minister, exposing both the fragility of Tunisias political scene and the failure of the countrys 2014 Constitution to guarantee the separation of powers without conflict.



A jurist and professor of constitutional law and an independent political outsider, Saied, 64, won Tunisias presidential elections two years ago in a landslide. But legislative elections in the same year produced a fragmented parliament, reflecting Tunisias deep political polarisation even as it is still hailed as the only country having experienced an Arab Spring Revolution that is a success story to date.



The current political crisis stems from irreconcilable interpretations of the constitution by the president, the prime minister and parliament of their respective prerogatives. Tunisias 2014 Constitution lays down an executive power-sharing system of governance between the president and prime minister. The president is the commander of the armed forces, while the internal security apparatus and Interior Ministry are under the premiers control.



But in Saieds interpretation of the constitution, his powers also cover the internal security forces. The 2014 Constitution, drafted and approved following a series of compromises among the countrys deeply polarised political elite, stipulated the formation of a Constitutional Court within a year to adjudicate constitutional disputes such as the current crisis.



Even under the previous administration, Tunisias politicians failed to agree on the names of the 12 judges that would sit on the court. Recent efforts by Ennahda leader and current Parliamentary Speaker Rachid Ghannouchi to launch the court were shot down by Saied earlier this month, who said the deadline had expired and described the step as politically motivated.



After more than five years, after a deep sleep, theyve remembered about the Constitutional Court... I will not accept a court formed to settle accounts, he said.



The court has the power to remove the president through a parliamentary majority initiative if he is convicted of violating the constitution, a prospect Saied wishes to avoid.



They have missed the deadlines... Anyone wanting me to violate the constitution is looking for a mirage, Saied said in a speech on 6 April.



Saied, who has never had party affiliations, has made no secret of his distrust and even contempt for Tunisias political parties, which he accuses of corruption.



Earlier this year, he refused to ratify a cabinet reshuffle by his premier of choice, Hichem Mechichi. As a result Mechichi assumed the role of acting interior minister after dismissing Saied-allied minister Taoufik Charefddin but being prevented from replacing him.



Observers say Saieds interpretation of his extended powers is directed at Mechichi as well as at the Ennahda Movement and has used strongly worded language. The constitution, the president added, was tailored to the size of the parliamentary majority  a reference to Ennahda  but they got the size wrong.



In response, the party accused the president of violating the constitution, the political system and the prime ministers prerogatives, calling on Tunisians to reject his comments.



Mechichi responded to Saieds speech by saying that there is no need for odd and individual readings, which, moreover, are taken out of context.



Tunisias present political conflict has its roots in the post-2011 political system. The politically polarised status quo, the legacy of the countrys post-independence authoritarian regimes, culminated in the compromise Constitution of 2014.



It produced an overlapping system that is neither parliamentary nor presidential, said political analyst and former Libyan foreign minister Abdelrahman Shalqam.



This led to confusion after 2014 between then Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi and his prime minister Youssef Chahed. But the politically savvy Essebsi avoided a public conflict by putting national interests before his constitutional prerogatives and ratified Chaheds cabinet, Shalqam added.



While some blame Tunisias political impasse on Saieds intransigence  he rejected national dialogue efforts by the popular Tunisian General Labour Union  Shalqam argues that unlike his political adversaries the president still enjoys wide popularity, especially among young people, even as he monopolises the interpretation of the constitution in the absence of a Constitutional Court.



Saied, said Haykel Ben Mahfoudh, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Carthage, had refused to sit down with the countrys political parties and people whom he considers to be corrupt, seeking hegemony, and against the principles of the 2011 Revolution.



He even refrains from mentioning them in person, Ben Mahfoudh said, with the result that the organs of the state no longer speak to each other, except by letter, which often adds fuel to the fire.



If Tunisias power struggle is not resolved through dialogue, the deadlock will likely lead to a violent escalation and the breakdown of a rather fragile social peace, Ben Mahfoudh added.



After ten years of a tumbling democratic transition, the time has come to realise and accept that the current system of government has failed to function and to deliver [a new one]. A total reshuffle of the system is needed in order to bring about a cohesive and working government.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 28 April, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in collaboration with the Egyptian Embassy in Amsterdam and the concerned authorities in the Netherlands , succeeded in repatriating an ancient Egyptian statue of an Old Kingdom priest Nikaw-Ptah that was stolen and illegally smuggled out of the country of Egypt.

The statue has arrived safely to Egypt and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has handed it over to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Shaaban Abdel-Gawad, general supervisor of the Repatriation Antiquities Department, explains that the statue was put on sale at the annual European exhibition of fine arts, Tefaf, in Maastricht, Netherlands.

He added that the statue was illegally excavated and was not from the collection of any museum or archaeological site of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

He pointed out that the statue is legless and features the priest standing and wearing a short skirt. His name is engraved on his right hand.

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Kenyan Islamist cleric Aboud Rogo Mohammed, on US and UN sanction lists for allegedly supporting Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab militants, was shot dead Monday, a police source said.

"He has been shot dead, he was in a vehicle with his family including wife and children when they were attacked," the source told AFP, adding Mohammed was killed in the Kenyan port city of Mombasa.

"We have been told of a shooting incident.... We will give you details once we get a report from there," said regional deputy police chief Joseph Kitur.

Mohammed was placed on a US sanctions list in July for "engaging in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security or stability of Somalia", specifically for recruiting and fundraising for the hardline Shebab.

The United Nations Security Council placed a travel ban and asset freeze on the cleric in July, saying he had provided "financial, material, logistical or technical support to Al-Shebab".

He was the "main ideological leader" of Kenya's Al Hijra group, also known as the Muslim Youth Center (MYC), the UN said in July. The group is viewed as a close ally of the Shebab in Kenya.

Mohammed "used the extremist group as a pathway for radicalisation and recruitment of principally Swahili-speaking Africans for carrying out violent militant activity in Somalia," the UN said.

The MYC said in messages posted on Twitter that they were trying to confirm his death.

"We will take our time in responding and we won't over-react" the group said in one message, before adding, "if true, kuffar (unbelievers) will pay."

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'We can understand each other through art:' Vassilis Karamitsanis, president of Greek Anima Syros animation festival



Eman Youssef, Monday 26 Jul 2021



The festival will include animation film screenings, educational workshops, and a professional marketplace



The 14th edition of Anima Syros, the international animation festival, will be held from 22 to 26 September in the island of Syros, the capital of the Cyclades islands complex in the Aegean Sea.







The festival is presided over by Vassilis Karamitsanis, who also heads the Greek Animation Association. Basically a lawyer but also a passionate art lover, he is president of Anima Syros International Animation Festival and ASIFA Hellas, the Hellinic Animation Association, which is the umbrella organisation for Greek animation creators.







Karamitsanis studied law in Thessaloniki in the Aristotle University, and continued his postgraduate studies in the field of law in both Germany and France.







As he shares his time between law and art, he remains equally dedicated to both fields. "I am satisfied with sharing both fields, and happy about the Anima Syros festival and the animation adventure," Karamitsanis revealed to Ahram Online.







The annual Anima Syros festival is the largest international animation event in Greece, where the best animation films are displayed with the participation of prominent professionals and creators from all over the world.







The festival will include animation film screenings, educational workshops, and a professional marketplace (Agora), and there will be educational workshops on animation not dealing only with kids but also including other lessons for adults and people with special needs.







The third part of the festival is the Agora marketplace, which is a professional event for producers, creators, distributors, funding organisations from all around Europe and the Mediterranean.







This year, the festival will have a special focus called Med-Anima, bringing together professionals in the field of animation from the Mediterranean area.







We are welcoming people from Egypt, and we already sent requests of participation through the cultural centre in Athens, Karamitsanis said. The festival will also include plenty of events and activities, in the traditional (new classic) historical theatre building Apollo, which is the municipal theatre of Syros.







Karamitsanis emphasised that the Anima Syros festival started in 2008 and became the most important festival in the region.







We were experienced in organising cinema events in Athens, and we wanted to have the festival in a small and quiet place like Syros, Karamitsanis said.







Karamitsanis said that he was in Cairo in 2019 as a representative of the Greek Ministry of Digital Policy and as a president of ASIFA Hellas, the Greek animation association, to enhance cooperation in cultural affairs, and also because of the fact that Greece has a developed animation community. "We wanted to show the Greek animation and do workshops bringing together both Greek and Egyptian cultures.







We held screenings at the Hellenic culture foundation in Alexandria and in the Bibliotheca Alexandria," he added.







Egypt has been always a revelation. The Egyptian people are very friendly. Egypt is very safe, Karamitsanis said, emphasising that one of the main objectives of the festival is to open the doors to talented animators from Egypt and all over the world.







The second edition of the festival was a tribute to the Egyptian animation. This year, the initiative will be revived because we are going to contact all the embassies of the Mediterranean countries to participate in the festival."







According to Karamitsanis, the coronavirus pandemic severely damaged the entire culture centre in Greece and Europe.



"Anima Syros is one of the courageous and resilient festivals. It encourages young talents from developed countries and smaller capacity countries in terms of animation. We are trying to develop the local industry through our festival.







We had to invest in technology, most of our activities and communication were held online because of the pandemic," Karamitsanis explained.







Throughout the year, we do a lot of projects but the core of our activities is the annual festival. We also do a number of workshops, such as those in Egypt in the Greek culture centre or other countries, such as Cyprus and the United States."







Operating through a nonprofit organisation that deals with a vast array of visual art, Karamitsanis and his team also do animation productions, such as short films, lots of screening around Greece, and many other cultural projects. Their main sponsors include the ministry of culture and sports, the ministry of digital governance, and the Greek film centre.







According to Karamitsanis, everything that the festival offers to the audience, members, and the participants in the workshops is for free, including access to the platform and watching movies, which is part of the concept of the festival that it is open to all.







With my experience on a voluntary basis with art, I believe that the best way to understand each other, not only between cultures or between nations but also between each other in the same society, is through art," he commented.







"Art and culture can play an important role in bringing people together; culture is a soft power of very important force that may change the world. What you see in contemporary Greek culture is a mirror of what the Greek society is today," he added, saying that his dream is for the festival to "have more regional importance and attract the attention and presence from art scenes of our region which is the eastern Mediterranean and south eastern Europe, and of course Egypt is included and all our neighbouring countries.







I believe we share the same set of values, a common identity which is profoundly historical, yet very contemporary.







Karamitsanis stressed that "we have to understand that artists are not free of the responsibility of maintaining good social standards for the entire audience, through their messages.







"When you are an artist, you have to understand that you have an obligation towards society and the audience," he noted.







Oum Kalthoum is Karamitsanis favourite artist, and he describes her as the voice of the Mediterranean, yet he loves art in general and remains especially active in the field of animation.







Karamitsanis loves both Egyptian and Greek art, and contemporary and ancient art. My family supports me and is very proud of me. The festival became widespread; I have many friends collaborating in the festival's organisation.







Referring to the changes that took place in the art scene, he believes that the big change throughout the years is the bigger role played by digital technology. "The internet has changed the world 20 years ago and now it is changing it again. Making applications through the internet, the social media, digital media, and also the fact that we can all be photographers with very high quality equipment like smart phones is an artistic revolution which helps every young student or whoever loves art to become an artist. It is all about digital arts now; the digital reformation is the largest revolution in the history of contemporary art," he concluded.



https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/417736.aspx
KYODO NEWS - Jul 26, 2021 - 17:49 | Sports, News, All

Japanese surfers Kanoa Igarashi, Hiroto Ohhara and Amuro Tsuzuki moved into the last eight of the Tokyo Games surfing competition Monday in the third-round heats of the new Olympic sport.

After a 90-minute delay due to the low tide and shifting weather at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach, Igarashi capitalized on his chances in heavy but messy conditions to beat Rio Waida of Indonesia by two points to move into the quarterfinals.

It was Igarashi who got the score when it counted, the dual-citizen of Japan and the U.S. booking an 8.0-point ride on his third scoring wave and finding a 6.0-point second wave in his victory over the Indonesian-Japanese who carried his nation's flag in the opening ceremony.

Also in the men's third round, Ohhara left it to the last minutes to better his two-wave total, replacing a 3.60 with a 5.67, which was good enough for him to scrape past Peru's Miguel Tudela and move on.

The other Japanese to surf on Monday morning was Mahina Maeda. She was eliminated by American Caroline Marks in the women's third round.

Igarashi and Ohhara made a great start to their Olympic campaigns on the first day of surfing competition in games history on Sunday, earning a straight pass into the third round.

Tsuzuki showed that quality counts more than quantity, riding only five scoring waves, 10 less than Brazilian Tatiana Weston-Webb, for a two-wave total of 10.33 to claim her crucial round 3 victory.

In another women's round 3 heat, Australian seven-time world champion Steph Gilmore was defeated by South African Bianca Buitendag, sinking the medal hope's Tokyo Olympics.

After the third round, an elimination stage with eight heats of two surfers each, the surfers go head-to-head.

In a 30-minute heat, surfers are in the water at the same time in a pre-determined competition zone. Each surfer can catch as many waves as possible and receive a score 0-10, but only the top two scores count.

In the quarterfinals, only the top surfers of all four heats will move through to the semifinals. In the semifinals, the top surfers qualify for the final, and the losers vie for bronze.

The quarterfinals are expected to be held at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, conditions permitting.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 26, 2021 - 14:53 | All, Japan

Bereaved families and local officials remembered Monday the victims of a stabbing rampage at a care home for the mentally disabled near Tokyo five years ago that became one of Japan's worst mass murders.

Kanagawa Gov. Yuji Kuroiwa and Kazuma Otsuki, who heads a group formed by the families of victims, offered flowers at a cenotaph on the grounds of Tsukui Yamayuri En, where a former employee killed 19 residents and injured 24 others, on July 26, 2016. Two employees were also hurt.

The home has been rebuilt and is due to accept back residents there next Sunday.

"We must build a society where everyone can live together by gaining energy from (the determination) that such a tragic accident should not be repeated," Kuroiwa told reporters at the site in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The former employee, care worker Satoshi Uematsu, 31, is on death row with his death sentence having been finalized in March last year after he withdrew his appeal. He said during his trial that disabled people who are unable to communicate "create unhappiness in society."

The cenotaph bears the names of seven of the people killed in the rampage after the prefectural government gained approval from their families. Out of fear of facing discrimination, many families are reluctant to reveal the victims' names.

The seven include Miho, a 19-year-old girl whose family wished to reveal only her first name, and 49-year-old Toshikazu Yamamoto.

"I am dying to meet Miho," said the victim's mother in a statement released through her lawyer.

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The parents of one of the survivors, Kazuya Ono, 48, who suffered serious injuries in the attack, also visited the site to pay their respects.

"These five years have passed rather quickly. Although there were some tough and tormenting incidents, I want to continue" conveying what happened so that the incident is not forgotten, said the survivor's father Takashi Ono, 77. His son now lives alone at an apartment with the help of 15 care workers.

A 48-year-old former worker at the care home recalled that some of the victims had not been able to speak and used to express their feelings with gestures. "The deceased people taught me many things. I want to convey (to the public) that everyone's life has meaning."

Kazuko Iwamura, a 60-year-old member of a local group of people with disabilities, said, "We are humans. We can't forgive (Uematsu) and let this incident be forgotten."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato expressed "heartfelt condolences" to the victims at a press conference Monday, saying, "It is important to realize a society where all people can coexist without discrimination or prejudice."

The Kanagawa prefectural government has decided to build a new care home at the site of the facility and another in the city of Yokohama, and begin admission of the residents there next Sunday and Dec. 1, respectively.

The survivors of the attack, who have been staying at temporary facilities, will enter the newly built homes or group homes.
New Delhi:

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi over anti-Narendra Modi tirade and questioned the Congress Presidents wisdom, saying that wisdom has to be learned and cannot be inherited.

In a Facebook post, Jaitley wrote the Congress party has become ideologyless because its only obsession is a person called Narendra Modi

Earlier, Gandhi had attacked the Modi-led BJP government for waiving loans of Rs 2.5 lakh crore by big corporates and has been criticising the Mudra Yojana.

Hitting back, Jaitley pointed out that the UPA government during 2008-2014 indiscriminately lent money through banks to 15 big loan defaulters. He said Gandhi preferred the "Gobbelian traditions to say the exact opposite".

"For a President of a national party not to understand this basic procedure of bank functioning should be a matter of concern to the entire party as also the country. In dynastic parties political positions are heritable. Unfortunately, wisdom is not heritable. It has to be acquired through learning," he said in a post titled: 'Is Congress Becoming Ideologyless? Is Anti-Modism its only ideology?'

The Congress president had cited the examples of famous American entrepreneurs to attack Modis policies and termed the founder of Coca-Cola as a shikanji seller and that of McDonalds a dhaba wala.

"Though factually what he stated was incorrect, the larger point is that he saw virtues in these professions which can act as a launch pad for many start-ups.

"The great-grandson of the man who authored 'The Discovery of India' could with his customary inaccuracies one day give to this country his monumental work on 'The Rediscovery of Coca-Cola'," Jaitley said.

He further said that there is no ideological pattern in Gandhi's statements. "Ignorance with anti-Modism is a common thread," he said.

Dynastic political parties are family and personality dominated and ideology takes a back seat, he said.

"The leader's ill-informed instincts become the ideology. This can only happen to a party which becomes ideologyless; pushes itself to the fringe; is willing to act as a tailender to regional parties. All this because its only obsession is a person called Narendra Modi," Jaitley said.

The minister also questioned the Congress party's 'sudden love for the Other Backward Classes' saying Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had opposed the Mandal Commission and the Congress Party recently opposed the grant of constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes.

On Congress leader P Chidambaram's comment that frying pakodas is not job creation, Jaitley said "being cleverer than rest of his colleagues, he perhaps was trying to neutralise the success story of the Mudra Yojana where 12.90 crore loans have been given for self-employment to various weaker sections".

Jaitley said the total of these loans had touched Rs 6 lakh crores and created work for millions of people.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Delhi:

US President Donald Trumps media conference after his much-anticipated summit with North Korean dictator Kim jong-un in Singapore was an exercise in hyperboles. He hailed it as a very important event in world history and declared that Kim had given his unwavering commitment to denuclearisation.

But the world has learnt to take Trumps claims with a pinch of salt. He is known to praise profusely and criticise scathingly, depending on what suits him when.

The proof of the pudding would lie in its eating and that Kim left soon after the meeting with Trump for his country leaves only the documents they signed to testify to Trumps claim of undiluted success.

Indeed, he claimed denuclearisation of North Koreas very substantial nuclear arsenal could be achieved very quickly but gave few details or a specific timeframe.

When asked whether Kim would allow international inspections of his nuclear facilities, Trump said yes but there was apparently no reference to this aspect in the joint statement. He qualified his statement by saying that denuclearisation takes a long time scientifically.

The US president said he looked forward to lifting sanctions once nukes are no longer a factor. But in the absence of a time commitment, the claim of denuclearisation itself could well be hollow.

Also Read | Donald Trump-Kim Jong-un Summit in Singapore: As it happened

He agreed to stop US-South Korea war games adding that they were provocative, inappropriate and very expensive. There again there was no time frame committed.

Both South Korea and the US forces there were surprised by Trumps abrupt agreement to stop joint military exercises.

The maverick president defended Kim by saying that North Korea had already demonstrated its commitment to denuclearisation by destroying a missile engine site. He also repeatedly praised North Koreas participation in the Winter Olympics in South Korea. But with no parallel hyperboles from Kim, one is left wondering what to believe and what to surmise.

In an effusive mood, Trump praised Kim for ushering in a glorious new era of prosperity for his people. In a complete turnaround of his earlier denunciation of Kim, he said he trusted Kim and got on with him. The worlds most powerful head of State said he believed that Kim was a very talented negotiator.

It was all one big show of patting himself on the back in true Trump style.

The US President said he would invite Kim to the White House at an appropriate time. The president also agreed to travel to Pyongyang at a suitable time.

Also Read | From war threats to handshake of peace: Chronology of historic Trump-Kim Summit

Trump was asked by a journalist whether North Koreas human rights record was discussed at length during the talks to which he answered in the affirmative. He said the 100,000 people in North Korean gulags would be among the big winners from the summit.

But that is difficult to believe with the world having known how ruthless Kim has been as his countrys dictator, executing people at will without adequate grounds.

The Guardian summed it up succinctly when it said: Any president of the last 30 odd years could have met the dictator of North Korea, they didnt because they did not want to legitimise them without concrete commitments to something beneficial. Trump has legitimised Kim, getting nothing in return, apart from a promise to work toward denuclearisation.

One of Trumps failings as President has been his failure in managing the media. Consequently, such an assessment should not surprise anyone.

Iran, which saw its nuclear deal with the US being rescinded, said it has warned Kim that Trump could nullify the deal with North Korea. "We are facing a man who revokes his signature while abroad," a government spokesman was quoted as saying.

Also Read | Meet Dennis Rodman, the man who brought Donald Trump, Kim Jong-un together

It is now time to see how the future unfoldswhether North Korea actually denuclearises and how much of the mutual promises are honoured.
KABUL: In a statement issued on Sunday, the Defence Ministry said Airstrikes in the Afghan provinces of Helmand and Badakhshan provinces killed more than 35 Taliban militants amid the escalating violence in the war-torn country, according to defence officials. It also said that fighter jets targeted Taliban hideouts and positions in parts of Helmand's Nad Ali and Sangin districts, reports by Xinhua. A weapon cache of the militant group was also destroyed during the attacks, the statement added.

The Taliban reportedly controls at least six districts in Helmand province. Meanwhile, in Badakhshan province, the fighter planes struck a Taliban gathering in Argo district, according to an army statement. The Afghan forces earlier claimed killing 81 militants in Kaldar and Chamtal districts of Balkh province on Saturday.

n the sorties, a large number of arms and ammunition including an anti-aircraft gun were also destroyed, the statement said, adding that no security personnel or civilian was harmed during the air raids. Fighting has intensified in Afghanistan since early May when the US-led coalition forces began withdrawal from the war-torn country.

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Jackie Mason, the US comedian and actor, has died at the age of 93. The stand-up was ordained as a rabbi before turning to show-business in the 1950s. He was well known for his social commentary, talk show appearances and one-man shows on Broadway. Mason won numerous awards in his career, including a Tony Award and an Emmy for voicing Krusty the Clown's father on The Simpsons.

Comedians around the world have paid tribute to the star on social media. "Truly one of the funniest shows I have ever seen... ever," actor Henry Winkler tweeted. "Thank you Jackie and now you get to make heaven laugh." UK comedian Omid Djalili wrote: "Currently imagining a long queue at the Pearly Gates as St Peter makes Jackie Mason do his whole act for him. RIP Jackie." Born Yacob Maza in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on 9 June 1928, Mason and his family moved to New York when he was five.

Known for his heavy New York Jewish accent, Mason's humour was based on pun, innuendo, and sometimes politically incorrect humour. "Eighty percent of married men cheat in America. The rest cheat in Europe," he once joked. The comedian was a registered Republican, and later in life spoke out in defence of US President Donald Trump. He was also staunchly pro-Israel. Mason was hospitalised two weeks ago and died at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital on Saturday.

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Kochi: A Kerala vet has made a big invention for the general public, suffering from rising petrol and diesel prices. At the same time, his invention will also serve as a great help for the environment. For the first time in the world, a scientist has made India proud all over the world by producing bio-diesel from chicken waste. After a seven-and-a-half year long struggle, the Indian Patent Office has finally granted the patent for this bio-diesel to John Abraham, associate professor of veterinary college under the University of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences on July 7, 2021. When Newstracklive spoke to Professor John about it, he very simply briefed about his invention.

Question: Where did you get the idea of making bio-diesel from chicken waste?

Professor John, in 2009, went to a PhD at Veterinary University in Tamil Nadu, where Namkal also had a large poultry form. Professor John points out that about 3 to 4 lakh chickens were kept in that poultry farm and a large number of chickens were culled every day, which was left with a lot of waste. He said that there was a rendering plant nearby where seed ingredients were made from hen waste, including chicken oil, but the chicken oil was not used much. Professor John and his colleague Ramesh Shravankumar thought that bio-diesel is made from a variety of oils in other countries, but till date no one has made bio-diesel from chicken oil. After which Professor John studied and researched from 2009 to 2012, after which he achieved this success.

This was followed by a patent filed by Professor John and his guide Ramesh Shravan Kumar in 2014. After completing his PhD, Professor John returned to Kerala Veterinary College and started teaching, but at the same time his focus remained on bio-diesel. After the research, Professor John installed a boiler at Pokode Veterinary College near Kalpetta in Wayanad in 2014 at a cost of Rs 18 lakh. From where 50 litres of bio-diesel was produced every day. He sent the bio-diesel manufactured at his boiler plant to the Cochin Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Cooperation for testing. The result from where it came was like a dream come true for Professor John. The Cochin Refinery informed that the bio-diesel manufactured by them is of very high quality. But even after that the professor continued his experiment, he started using this bio-diesel by putting it in a bolero. First, he introduced 50 per cent diesel and 50 per cent bio-diesel in bolero, then he reduced the quantity of diesel and started running with 80 per cent bio-diesel in 20 per cent diesel. This yielded even more shocking results, increasing the mileage and efficiency of the Bolero with the use of bio-diesel, as well as less than half the smoke from the engine. The result made the professor very happy, as he had saved the environment as well as manufactured bio-diesel available at cheaper prices and its testing was successful, but still did not get a patent.

He had to wait a long time for the patent, which got professor very emotional. He said that even after applying in 2014, he did not get a patent till 2020 and the Corona epidemic in 2020 snatched away his partner and guide from him. Ramesh Shravan Kumar bid farewell to the world as he walked towards the patent. The professor says that his invention is a tribute to Ramesh Shravankumar because he worked hard for it, but he could not recieve the patent rights over this invention.

Question: What will this bio-diesel be useful in?

Professor John explains that bio-diesel will work in all the diesel engines in the world. He said that this bio-diesel will enable all diesel-powered trains like generators, trucks, etc., to run boilers in factories, even some Air Force planes. The professor says that he is now working in this direction and as soon as this bio-diesel is commercial, that is, when it comes to the market, bio-diesel can be used everywhere diesel is used. At the same time, it is obtained from bio-diesel sources which can be renewed. The existing diesel is destroyed after use, but this will not happen with this bio-diesel. At the same time, it will be very beneficial for the environment.

Question: Did you use the wastes of an animal other than chicken waste to make bio-diesel?

Professor John says red meat and goat meat are extremely less likely to make bio-diesel. Because he remains in solid estate even after rendering, while he has to be as liquid as oil to become bio-diesel. According to the professor, even after rendering red meat and goat meat, it will remain solid on the room temperature, it has to be heated continuously to keep the liquid. However, he explained his further plan and said that his team is currently engaged in producing bio-diesel from pork fat besides poultry. He also pointed out that 100 kg of chicken waste from butcher households can produce one litre of biodiesel.



Question: How cheap will this bio-diesel be compared to ordinary diesel?

The professor points out that they have cost 35.65 per litre to make bio-diesel, when it becomes completely commercial, it can go up to around Rs 70 to Rs 75 per litre after adding GST and profits. In this way, the common customer will get diesel cheaper by Rs.30 per litre. At the same time, the professor said that the Cetane number of bio-diesel made by him is 72, which will increase the efficiency of the engine, while the siten number of common diesel is 54, which puts more load on the engine. Further, the professor said that bio-diesel made from hen waste also contains 11 per cent oxygen, which will not only increase the age of the engine but also reduce pollution due to low smoke.



100 per litre in many parts of the country, this invention made by Prof. John is going to give a lot of relief to the general public as well as to the Government of India. While this can make traffic cheaper, this bio-diesel is no less than a sanjivani for the environment and train engines. Congratulations to the professor and his entire team for this unprecedented invention.

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Malaysian Parliament convened on Monday for a special session to hear the government's explanation on issues pertaining the ongoing Covid-19 situation and the current state of emergency declared in the country. The 5-day sitting is the first since Parliament was cancelled following the declaration of a state of emergency on January 12 to stop the Covid-19 outbreak, as per reports

The sitting will proceed without several MPs, two of whom have been infected with Covid-19, while several more are under quarantine. As per the the parliamentary schedule, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will make a statement on the national recovery plan meant to guide the country out of the Covid-19 situation, which has seen a surge of fresh infections in recent weeks, with the total passing the 1 million mark on Sunday. Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz will explain the various government economic aid packages while a statement on the implementation of the emergency order will be made by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, expected to be on the last day of the sitting.

Health Minister Adham Baba will give a statement on efforts to combat the pandemic and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also the coordinating minister for Malaysia's national Covid-19 immunization program, will elaborate on the national vaccination program. After the presentation by the ministers, MPs will be given space to seek clarifications and give opinions.

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Islamabad: On the way to the all-important visit of Secretary of State Antony Blinken to India and other destinations of South Asia and the Middle East, the United States has issued a statement, encouraging arch-rivals India and Pakistan to work for a more stable relationship.

Blinken is going to be landing in New Delhi on July 28 and is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Affairs Dean Thompson, Blinken would be discussing different options for what he called a "negotiated settlement" in Afghanistan. According to reports and details, , India's role in Afghanistan and relations with Pakistan is going to be on Blinken's agenda during his visit to India.

"We strongly believe that India and Pakistan's issues are ones for them to work out between themselves. Washington would continue to encourage better ties between South Asia's two nuclear-armed neighbours," said Thompson. "We are pleased to see that ceasefire that went into place earlier this year has remained intact, and we certainly always encourage them to continue their efforts to find ways to build a more stable relationship going forward," he added.

The US played a key role in engaging both Pakistan and India to come down to an agreement and abide by the 2003 ceasefire after backdoor meeting between top military leadership of both countries in the Middle East. Conversely, the US seems to have keen interest in engaging India in seeing its increased role in Afghanistan, especially after the withdrawal of all foreign forces.

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The Supreme Court of Nepal, on December 21, 2020, called for tenders for the construction of its new building. With everyones eyes on the tender, the criteria to be eligible were quite tough. The tender had asked contractors who had worked on a double-basement building as it set a budget of Rs 4.20 billion for the buildings construction.

These tenders are normally applied by foreign companies after they get certification from the Nepali embassy where the foreign contractor is from. However, in this case, this was made ineligible, as the tender call disallowed a Nepali-foreign JV company to apply.

Normally, after a tender of over Rs 1 billion is called, contractors are given a time of 45 days to apply. But for this tender, they were given only 30 days. Smelling something wrong, the Federation of Contractors Associations of Nepal (FCAN) asked it is changed as it wrote to the Supreme Court. However, the news of Kalika-Binapur-Samanantar JV getting the contract started to appear on various news portals.

Four companies had applied for the tender, but, as it said in the news, the contract was given to Kalika-Binapur-Samanantar JV. The rest had been disqualified as they did not fit the criteria. Kalika-Binapur-Samanantar JV became the sole candidate to get the contract as after the financial assessment, it was found out that it had quoted 0.99 per cent less than the estimated cost.

As this happened, people started to question if Kalika-Binapur-Samanantar knew how much they needed to bid to get the contract.

This is not the first case of its kind and it will not be the last as there are many cases that prove that the contractors get insider information while bidding for government projects. In fact, many government officials issue the call for tenders targeting a particular bidder. But, as the law forces them to call tenders, they only do that for formality while already assigning them to their closed ones misusing their power and incurring a huge loss to the state.

Controlled competition

File: Construction workers are underway for Bheri-Babai Diversion Project

Former secretary Madhu Prasad Regmi says in the bad, things were worse as big contractors would use goons to block small contractors from even applying for tenders. But, now, as bidding has gone digital, the big contractors have been taking the help of government officials during the bidding process.

Previously, big projects used to be split and given to contractors who had already worked on similar projects. But, over the past few years, these contracts, even the small ones, have been given to the same big contractor.

Now, medium and small contractors, who have not done much work have started to get tenders after seeking help from officials from government offices as this is seen at both central and provincial levels of the government.

The trend of the government officials using documents sent by contractors previously to lay down the criteria for the bid has started since the Covid-19 pandemic. This has resulted in only a few contractors being eligible enough to bid for the projects, says Ravi Singh, the FCAN president.

Last year, the Department of Railways had called for tenders for the Kakarbhitta-Inaruwa section of the proposed railway line. The project would give work to 150 contractors and Singh himself was also conspiring with the government to manipulate the bidding process. But now, the same Singh is shocked at the manner in which even small contracts are being given to people close to concerned government officials today.

To ensure they dont get a lot of bids, rural municipalities are also asking for prior experience in stonework when all the project needs experience in building a house. There are only a few companies who have experience in stonework, says Singh. Projects under the central government have always been done in this way, but now its everywhere.

The trend of disqualifying contractors with the same experience as the ones who get it are on the rise lately. There have been numerous examples of one company being left to grab the contract after the concerned government office conducts the technical assessments.

Help from the top

File: Construction works are underway for the Kathmandu-Nijgadh fast track.

With rising examples of contracts being given to contractors based on a nexus, there has been a number of complaints filed at various government organisations. But, rarely has anyone been punished nor has any of these projects been stalled. Interestingly, sitting prime ministers have been seen defending projects given to contractors without competition.

The Public Accounts Committee in the House of Representatives on April 1 had directed the army to cancel the bidding process in the second package of the tunnel and bridge construction under the fast track project after reports of irregularities. However, the army issued a notice calling the letter of intent from the contractor for the tunnels and bridges. Earlier, the army had qualified only one company, Poly Changda Engineering Co Ltd of China, among 21 bidders for the construction work. The company has won a contract of Rs 20.85 billion.

Nepal Army was questioned after it awarded the contract to the company even though it had awarded the first phase of the contract to another Chinese company, China State Construction Engineering Company. The parliamentary committee had asked the army to follow the public procurement act and be transparent.

But, the armys spokesperson, Santosh Ballav Paudyel in reply says the committee had ordered the government to do so and not Nepal Army. As the army did not get any such orders from the government, it carried on with the process and handed the Chinese company the project, he argues. Interestingly, then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who was also serving as the defence minister, was irritated by the decision that was made by the committee.

They should not stop projects just because they are a parliamentary committee. If they find problems they should go to the concerned offices and ask why the problem arose. If they cancel projects like these, all projects will be suspended, Oli had said speaking at a programme.

A mere formality

Sikta Irrigation Project Source: Kalika Construction

Over the last few years, there has been a lot of inappropriate nexus between contractors and the government when it comes to projects related to drinking water and sewage. The number of contractors who have the experience of doing these projects is few and far between in Nepal. Kalika and Sharma constructions, which worked on the Melamchi project with foreign companies, are the two who are being given contracts related to drinking waters and sewage throughout the country.

As rules state that projects worth Rs 1 billion or more need a foreign contractor, the projects are being separated into two or three and being handed over to the same companies over and over again.

Sharma-Diwa JV got the Rs 445.9 million contracts to lay drinking water and sewage pipelines in Kanchanrup, Saptari. In Panchthar, Kalika-Ashish-Kankai JV got the Rs 670.8 million contract to lay the drinking water pipeline in parts of the district. There were no companies that were eligible to apply to be a part of these projects.

The Department of Tourism and the Department of Irrigation have also been conspiring with contractors while handing out projects as they have been making sure that only the companies that they know get the project.

The companies that have been getting these contracts are Kalika, Rasuwa, Kumar Shrestha, Lumbini, Lama, Samanantar and a few mining companies.

Following what is happening at the centre, local governments are also following suit as they have been handing out contracts to people they know. An example was the construction of a 15-bed hospital in Bardgoriya rural municipality where the criteria were so high that only a few companies were eligible. For the construction of the hospital, the local government had asked for contractors who had experience in interlock cable concrete blocks.

Government losing billions

The exact loss to the government due to this trend is unclear, but if projects that have been under scrutiny are to be taken, the government wastes tens of billions of taxpayers money by handing out projects through a setting.

In the past, the contractors would quote around 20 to 30 per cent less of the estimated process, but these days, most bids are given to companies who bid 2 per cent less than the estimated cost, resulting in billions of rupees in losses for the government.

Contractors say a recent project in Lumbini, because it was awarded based on personal contacts, will incur the government a loss of Rs 1 million at least. The project was given a Rs 3 billion budget, but it could be completed around 20 per cent cheaper due to its location, says a contractor. But with no competition during bidding, the government will not be saving any money on the project.

The case is similar for the Supreme Court building whose estimated cost was Rs 5.22 billion. A bid of Rs 5.18 billion was accepted, but various sources say that it could have been built under Rs 4 billion.

Transparency and good governance taking a backseat

File: A Public Accounts Committee meeting

Experts in the field of public procurement say that transparency and good governance are being ridiculed due to this. They say the taxpayers are being cheated as the government has failed to regulate and manage these bids.

Former secretary Regmi says with monitoring bodies keeping mum, contractors feel they are untouchable as most have powerful connections within the ruling parties.

This will cause multi-dimensional problems in the future, says Regmi. Handing out projects based on relation and settings will have a bad impact on the projects as people who give them the projects will rarely question these contractors.

He even says some of these contractors have a say in most policy decisions, which, if it continues, will be detrimental for Nepal.

Legal expert Suresh Pradhan says this trend needs to stop as none of the rules mentioned in the Public Procurement Act is being followed. As these bids are only for formalitys sake, the entire premise of the act is affected.

This is dangerous because this is only beneficial for one or two persons. Its a shame that things like these are openly happening in Nepal, says Pradhan.
Ms A was 18 when she got married to her teenage sweetheart in 2011. She even did not take her grade 11 examinations as they collided with her wedding date.

I had met him on Facebook. After around six months of courtship, we got married. We had a grand wedding with the participation of both families, extended family members, relatives, friends, neighbours and all.

Ms A had a fantastic life after the wedding. But after the birth of her daughter the next year, things started to fall apart, especially after her husband went abroad. Then, she began to live separately from her husband and his family, with her mother.

Soon after I started living separately, people began talking about me. I was slut-shamed by my own family and relatives, Ms A recounts the experience, No one in the locality would allow their daughter of and below my age to talk to me thinking I would spoil them. Even if some of my friends visited me, they were scolded by their parents.

All of these behaviours forced her to live being socially isolated after her divorce, says Ms A. But, this is just the tip of the iceberg as sociologists and experts share women are more victimised and stigmatised in Nepali society post-divorce, forcing them to face many social and individual hurdles.

Patriarchy in play

Sociologist Dipesh Ghimire explains divorce is not only an event but also a concept. In a society where there is economic freedom or where both men and women have equal access to economic systems, the understanding of divorce is very different.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

According to him, people in those societies usually consider it as a common phenomenon as they believe that until you have mutual understanding, you live in a union, however, if there is no more mutual understanding, you part your ways.

However, this is not the society we live in. In Nepal, there are stigmas attached to divorce, says Ghimire. There is a huge disparity in the way divorced women and men are looked upon in this society. Accordingly, there is a difference in the way of making adjustments post-divorce be it regarding their safety and other things.

In Nepali society, immediately after the divorce, questions about and preparations for a second marriage start among their relatives for men. He is free to get remarried and neither his divorce affects his partner choices, another sociologist Sunita Raut, adds, But, a divorced woman does not have such choices as our society sees women as an object.

Both Ghimire and Raut believe whatever may be the reason for divorce, women are often looked down upon and not treated well even by their families, relatives, neighbours and colleagues.

Social conditioning is critical

The upbringing and socialisation of girls in Nepali society also add up to the stigmatisation, share sociologists. Raut asserts that a girl child in Nepal has been conditioned in such a manner since childhood that she rarely could think of choosing divorce or a second marriage.

The society we live in, all the religious and cultural orientations have taught us that marriage is a holy union that is eternal and the companionship is bound for seven lives, shares Raut, Though with time, a part of society (for example, law) has changed regarding divorce, there still has not been any improvement in the social, economical, cultural, political and religious structures, which all are impacted by patriarchal mindsets. Therefore, women are stigmatised more after divorced.

Similarly, Sanjog Thakuri, a women rights activist, says, Since childhood, a girl child is groomed not to have multiple partners and marriage happens only once in a lifetime.

Also, in Nepali society, it is rooted that women should be protected by men as they cannot protect themselves. Intimate partner violence is also normalised in society and women are often suggested to mediate when they want to separate. All of these conditions contribute to the stigmatisation of divorce, believes Thakuri.

Adding to this, Raut says, especially, women from middle-class and upper-middle-class families are more concerned about losing their husbands, and their familys honour rather than their own well-being, contributing further to their own stigmatisation.

Various forms of violence

Psychologist Karuna Kunwar says, based on her counselling experience, that deciding to divorce is tough for both men and women, but is much tougher for women especially when children are involved.

Most women prefer to live separately than to divorce. They live in a ray of hope that one day, he will change and might return to me. And, some even think that giving divorce is making things easier for him (for another marriage in case he is into extramarital affair), so they resist giving divorce, shares Kunwar.

Likewise, some women make the decision to divorce when there is a high level of violence and threat to their life and they think sooner is better, she says. While deciding divorce itself is tough, it is natural that women have to suffer a lot of problems after that, she suggests.

Representational image

Divorced women might have to go through character assassination, accusations and different forms of violence. Moreover, women are often held responsible for the failed marriage as a patriarchal society conditions them to obey everything told by their husbands and tolerate everything.

Predicting such consequences and social stigma associated with divorced women, many women choose to live with the men tolerating any kind of domestic violence, adultery and even polygamy, according to Ghimire. Additionally, neither they could openly share their sufferings to anyone nor could defend themselves, says Raut.

Simultaneously, a divorced woman who has nowhere to go starts to self-blame herself as the parents think that their responsibility towards their daughter is over once she is married off. They can neither make networks nor include themselves in any public sphere or family and social functions, according to Raut.

In addition, Such stigmatisation affects the individual mentally and thus negatively impacts their grooming and performance in the society, informs Raut, They start to devalue themselves; they think that they are out of the social system.
(Adds details from statement, context)

SAO PAULO, July 26 (Reuters) - The world's largest meatpacker JBS SA has imported 30 ship loads of corn into Brazil from Argentina after a drought and an ill-timed frost caused crop failure in its home market, according to a statement sent to Reuters.

JBS, which did not provide an exact figure for total imported corn, noted purchases from suppliers outside Brazil already represent 25% of the corn it is using as feed, with volumes surpassing 1 million tonnes.

JBS said an excellent crop in Argentina had provided an opportunity for imports at more competitive prices. On average, the price of imported corn is between 15 to 20 reais per bag lower than in the domestic market, JBS said.

The company believes Brazil will export 15 million tonnes less of corn this season, and should import at least 4 million tonnes.

According to the government, Brazil will export 29.5 million tonnes of corn this season.

Officially, the government forecasts corn imports at 2.3 million tonnes. However, in relation to exports, global grain merchants have a more conservative figure, as they see shipments of only between 20 million tonnes and 22 million tonnes, a trader told Reuters.

Weather-related problems with Brazil's second corn crop have sparked a spate of companies exiting their contracts on washout clauses, threatening exports from Brazil.

Brazil's second corn crop represents between 70% and 75% of all output in a given year and is the country's biggest corn crop. With second corn, Brazil competes with the United States as an exporter in global markets during the second half of the year.

JBS said it will continue to monitor the market to source corn from competitive suppliers in a bid to protect margins. (Reporting by Roberto Samora and Nayara Figueiredo Writing by Ana Mano Editing by David Holmes)
Map 1

Tuscarora Property

Tuscarora Property

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Pacific Mining Corp (CSE: USGD / OTCQB: USGDF / FWB: 1QC) (American Pacific or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has recently sampled up to 59.45 grams per tonne (g/t) gold at its Tuscarora Gold Project.



The Tuscarora Gold Project is a high-grade, gold project located in a prime precious metal district in Nevada, USA, only 35km northeast of the Carlin trend, 20km southwest of the +9.5 million ounce gold producing Jerritt Canyon deposit, and 50km east-northeast of the Midas Deposit which yielded approximately 2.5 million ounces of gold and 30 million ounces of silver. Mining of high-grade gold and silver ores and placers began in the Tuscarora District in the late 1800's. The Dexter gold mine, which has veins that project into the Tuscarora property land package, located south of town and north of the project, produced approximately 40,000 ounces of gold and 100,000 ounces of silver in the mid 1980s. More information can be found at: https://americanpacific.ca/projects/tuscarora/

Samples TU-ES21-050 and TU-ES21-051 both showed strong gold numbers with TU-ES21-051 returning a value of 1.73 ounce per ton gold (59.45 grams/tonne) and the TU-ES21-050 returning a value of 0.11oz/ton gold (3.77 grams/tonne).

The 59.45 g/t gold value from a quartz/adularia vein is the highest grade sample I have collected from the property to date, states American Pacific President Eric Saderholm. These samples further illustrate the strength and grade of this series of vein systems. It is worth noting that the South Navajo Vein is but one of at least 10 veins that project onto our Tuscarora Gold Project.

Table-1: Summary of significant historical drilling intersections

APM (2018)

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) * Au (g/t) ** Ag (g/t) ** Zone TN-38 150.88 155.45 4.57 127.08 6.53 South Navajo Including 152.40 153.92 1.52 368.31 3.60 South Navajo TN-54 210.31 211.84 1.53 51.06 102.90 South Navajo TNC-02 50.29 51.82 1.53 27.61 11.20 South Navajo TN-52 150.88 152.40 1.52 13.55 5.40 South Navajo TN-19 170.69 172.21 1.52 13.00 1.00 South Navajo 16TSRC-006 153.92 155.45 1.53 11.48 11.90 South Navajo TN-24 108.20 109.73 1.53 9.33 1.00 South Navajo 16TSRC-002 158.50 161.54 3.04 9.13 9.07 South Navajo Including 158.50 160.02 1.52 13.86 50.00 South Navajo TN-38 211.84 213.36 1.52 8.75 0.10 South Navajo FTC-02 174.35 174.65 0.30 8.57 16.11 South Navajo 16TSRC-010 85.34 88.39 3.05 7.78 6.07 South Navajo TN-24 137.16 138.68 1.52 7.20 3.60 South Navajo TN-19 134.11 135.64 1.53 7.00 0.40 South Navajo 16TSRC-001 167.64 169.16 1.52 6.91 6.89 South Navajo TN-36 179.83 182.88 3.05 6.15 1.88 South Navajo TNC-03 173.74 175.26 1.52 5.32 1.90 South Navajo TN-40 179.83 181.36 1.53 5.30 2.70 South Navajo 16TSRC-004 62.48 64.01 1.53 5.00 5.07 South Navajo TN-22 51.82 53.34 1.52 4.62 0.80 South Navajo 16TSRC-002 190.50 192.02 1.52 4.54 4.93 South Navajo TN-41 204.22 205.74 1.52 4.06 0.80 South Navajo TN-57 79.25 80.77 1.52 52.37 366.90 East Pediment TN-63 117.35 118.87 1.52 4.14 0.60 East Pediment

Notes:

* Length (m) represents sampling length downhole. True width of the intersection is unknown but assumed to be less than the reported length.

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** Reported grades assume 100-per-cent metallurgical recovery.

*** Intervals were selected and composited based on 4 g/t Au cut-off value.

A full list of drill intercepts can be reviewed at our 43-101 filed in April 2020 Technical Report Tuscarora Property Elco County Nevada USA (americanpacific.ca)

Map 1: Tuscarora Property: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1fa4094-e632-4f49-b97c-3ecf0f6436a1

American Pacific is working on 3D modeling and data review at Tuscarora in advance of additional drilling and will provide an update on timing in Q4 2021.

Qualified Person

Technical aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved by Phil Mulholland, P.Geo and Eric Saderholm, P.Geo., the designated Qualified Persons (QP) under NI 43-101.

About American Pacific Mining Corp.

American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious metals explorer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company's flagship asset is the high-grade, past-producing Madison Copper-Gold project in Montana, under option to joint venture with Kennecott Exploration Company, a division of the Rio Tinto Group, which the Company acquired in 2020. For this transaction, American Pacific has been selected as a finalist in the S&P Global Platts Global Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories, including 'Deal of the Year,' the category in which American Pacific Mining is competing. The awards program is hosted by S&P Global Platts, the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. Also in the American Pacific's asset portfolio are the Gooseberry Gold-Silver project and the Tuscarora Gold project: two high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts of Nevada, USA. The Companys mission is to grow by the drill bit and by acquisition.

On Behalf of the Board of American Pacific Mining Corp.

Warwick Smith

CEO & Director

Corporate Office: Suite 910  510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 Canada

Contact Kristina Pillon, President, High Tide Consulting Corp., 604.908.1695 / Kristina@americanpacific.ca

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.




While the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020s oil price collapse hit Argentinas hydrocarbon sector hard, leading to some analysts to claim that it may never fully recover, there is evidence of a healthy rebound is underway. This is especially positive news for the national government in Buenos Aires which for nearly a decade has pinned its hopes on fueling an economic revival by exploiting the massive hydrocarbon wealth of the Vaca Muerta shale play. The massive shale play, located in the oil-rich Neuquen province, is thought to hold recoverable hydrocarbon resources consisting of 16 billion barrels of oil and 308 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Those numbers make the Vaca Muerta the worlds second-largest shale gas deposit. The shale formation is often compared to the prolific U.S. Eagle Ford shale, although unlike the U.S: shale play the Vaca Muertas dry gas window has proven to be commercially viable. For those reasons it is easy to understand why Buenos Aires views the hydrocarbon-rich geological formation as a silver bullet for Argentinas economic woes, especially after May 2020 when Buenos Aires defaulted on its sovereign debt for the second time in 20 years.

The Vaca Muerta shale play along with Argentinas overall oil industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since hydrocarbon production (Spanish) bottomed during May 2020 it has been steadily climbing with oil output reaching a 12-month high of 504,119 barrels per day, a 13% increase over the same period a year ago. Natural gas production, however, declined by 2.6% to be 762,672 barrels of oil equivalent daily. As a result, Argentinas overall hydrocarbon production of 1.27 million barrels of oil equivalent per day was only 3% higher year over year.

Source: Argentina Ministry of Economy and U.S. EIA.

It is Argentinas national oil company Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales SA known as YPF, which has become the driving force behind developing the Vaca Muerta. For that reason, there were fears that a liquidity crisis caused by a large portion of YPFs debt falling due in March 2021 would derail the state-controlled oil companys planned investment to develop the shale play. YPF was eventually able to resolve that worrying development through a debt swap, which has had no lasting material impact on its planned development of the Vaca Muerta.

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Activity in the shale formation is ramping up at a solid clip. Even the April 2021 protests, where healthcare workers blockaded roads to the Vaca Muerta, have had little material impact. YPF earmarked an investment of $1.5 billion to develop its assets in Neuquen province where the Vaca Muerta shale play is located. Argentinas national oil company intends to use that investment to boost provincial oil production by 56% and natural gas output by 70% during 2021. French energy supermajor Total Energies announced in April 2021 that it had approved the development of the Aguada Pichana Este license, located in the Vaca Muerta, and increased its stake in the operation from just over 27% to 41%. Anglo-Dutch supermajor Shell continues to make significant investments in the shale formation. The integrated energy supermajor is pressing ahead (Spanish) with an $80 million investment to build a 120,000 barrel per day 105-kilometer-long pipeline in the Vaca Muerta.

Data from Baker Hughes showing that drilling activity is steadily increasing. By the end of June 2021, there were 45 active rigs, according to Baker Hughes, which was the same as a month prior but is notably significantly higher than the six active rigs at the end of the same period in 2020.

Source: Baker Hughes and U.S. EIA.

An Argus Media article shows that during June 2021 985 fracking stages were completed in the Vaca Muerta, which while being 9% lower than May when a record 1,079 stages were completed, was still an impressive five times greater than a year earlier. It was YPF which is leading investment in the shale formation completing 532 fracking stages or 54% of those conducted during June. Those solid numbers for both the rig count and fracking operations indicate that the tempo of operations in the Vaca Muerta is growing at a solid clip boding well for further oil and natural gas production to keep expanding.

Related: Climate Friendly Banks: The Key To A Sustainable Energy Transformation?

International energy companies are committed to making substantial investments in the Vaca Muerta despite Argentinas high breakeven price per barrel. Analysts and industry insiders estimate that on average oilfields across Latin Americas fifth-largest oil producer have a breakeven price of $45 per barrel. New projects in the Vaca Muerta are projected to have a breakeven price of over $50 per barrel which during periods of sharply weaker oil prices has deterred investment. Those breakeven prices are significantly higher than other regional producers including Brazil, Guyana, Colombia, and Ecuador. YPF is, however, focused on reducing drilling costs with Pablo Iuliano, YPF's vice president of unconventional upstream telling S&P Global Platts at the end of 2020 that the company is driving efficiencies to push the breakeven price below $30 per barrel. There are signs that such a significant decrease can be achieved, particularly as further infrastructure is developed in the Vaca Muerta. Impressively, YPF reported for the last twelve months combined lifting and development costs of $14.60 per barrel which is 8% lower than for the full year 2020, boding well for lower breakeven prices. If breakeven prices fall below $30 per barrel YPFs shale hydrocarbon production will be highly profitable and resilient to weaker oil prices. Such a breakeven price would be among the lowest in South America, enhancing the attractiveness of the Vaca Muerta as a destination for investment by foreign energy companies. The appeal of investing in Argentinas energy patch is enhanced by the primary crude oil grade produced, Escalante, being particularly sweet with a sulfur content of 0.19% and an API gravity of 24.1 degrees. This is important because the demand for low sulfur content medium and light crude oil grades is steadily expanding because of every stricter sulfur emission regulation for fuels. There are even reports of Escalante cargoes being exported to the Middle East during 2020, while Chinas thirst for sweet medium and light crude oil grades continues to grow.

A key deterrent for many foreign energy companies when it comes to investing in Argentina is a long history of the government meddling with the petroleum industry. This has included punitive regulatory and tax environments, artificial pricing and even the nationalization of privately owned assets. For those reasons, the leftist government of President Alberto Fernandez must convince foreign oil companies that it can establish a stable, transparent regulatory framework with market-based pricing where profits can be easily repatriated without punitive taxes being applied. The latest developments indicate that Buenos Aires may be finally on the path to realizing the vast hydrocarbon potential held by the Vaca Muerta, which will give Argentinas beaten-down economy a solid boost.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
RUTLAND, Vt., July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWST), a regional vertically integrated solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, announced that it acquired Willimantic Waste Paper Co., Inc. (Willimantic) on July 26, 2021.



Willimantic provides residential, commercial and roll-off collection services in eastern Connecticut and serves over 30,000 customers. In addition, Willimantic operates a rail-served construction & demolition processing and waste transfer facility, a waste transfer station, a single stream recycling facility, and several other recycling operations. The Company expects to generate approximately $62 million of annualized revenues from the Willimantic acquisition.

We are excited about the acquisition of Willimantic and the expansion of our operating footprint into adjacent markets in eastern Connecticut, said John W. Casella, Chairman and CEO of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Willimantic is a leading operator in its markets, well regarded by their customers, with strong operational performance and an excellent team.

We believe that Willimantic will provide an excellent platform for future growth, with the opportunity to further scale our resource solutions business, Casella said.

We are extremely pleased to welcome the hardworking Willimantic employees to our team and we are eager to partner with Tim DeVivo and Tom DeVivo on integrating their business into Casella, Casella said. And, we look forward to continuing to provide excellent service to our new customers and the communities that Willimantic serves.

Willimantic marks our fifth acquisition in 2021, as we continue to execute well against our long-term growth strategy, Casella said. In total we have acquired approximately $67 million of annualized revenues year-to-date. Our acquisition and development pipeline remains robust, and we believe that there is substantial opportunity to drive additional cash flow growth with opportunistic acquisitions.

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About Casella Waste Systems, Inc.

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, provides solid waste management services consisting of collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling services in the northeastern United States. For further information, investors should contact Ned Coletta, chief financial officer at (802) 772-2239, and media should contact Joseph Fusco, vice president at (802) 772-2247, or visit the companys website at http://www.casella.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such by the context of the statements, including words such as believe, expect, anticipate, plan, may, would, intend, estimate, "will," guidance and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which the Company operates and managements beliefs and assumptions. The Company cannot guarantee that it actually will achieve the plans, intentions, expectations or guidance disclosed in the forward-looking statements made. Such forward-looking statements, and all phases of the Companys operations, involve a number of risks and uncertainties, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in its forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include or relate to, among other things: the Company may not fully recognize the expected financial benefits from the acquisition due to an inability to recognize operational cost savings, general and administration cost savings, market factors, landfill internalization benefits, or due to competitive or economic factors outside our control which may impact revenue and costs, or for other reasons. There are a number of other important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Companys actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These additional risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those detailed in Item 1A, Risk Factors in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and in other filings that the Company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investors:

Ned Coletta

Chief Financial Officer

(802) 772-2239

Media:

Joseph Fusco

Vice President

(802) 772-2247

http://www.casella.com




In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this Denmark Data Center Market Report. Denmark data center market to grow at a CAGR of 9. 60% during 20212026.

New York, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Denmark Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2021-2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05982541/?utm_source=GNW



According to the Investment Monitors Data Center Rankings for 2020, Denmark was the best place to build a data center facility across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a strong market enabler for several digitization initiatives across Denmark. Digitalization, excellent connectivity, and an abundance of renewable energy make Denmark a promising market for data center investment. The penetration of AI and ML to monitor data centers is likely to increase in the market and improve the efficiency of the facility operations across the country.



The report considers the present scenario of the Denmark data center market and its market dynamics for the forecast period 2021?2026. It covers a detailed overview of several growth enablers, restraints, and trends in the market. The study includes the demand and supply aspects of the market.



KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

 Denmarks data center market has an advantage as the region offers 85% free cooling annually. This can reduce electricity consumption by cooling units by up to 50% in the country.

 The Danish government launched the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in 2019, which will enable companies to use AI to gain a competitive advantage and help promote Denmark as the leader in AI technology.

 Datacenter operators are also obtaining renewable energy sources to power their facilities, and this trend is expected to continue across Denmark during the forecast period.

 Increasing construction of hyperscale data center facilities will boost revenue for contractors and sub-contractors in Denmark.

 Telecommunication providers such as TDC, Telia & Telenor Group, and Hi3G Denmark have been investing significantly in IoT technology.



DENMARK DATA CENTER MARKET INSIGHTS

 The Denmark public cloud market is expected to generate revenue of around USD 2 billion in 2021 and over USD 5.5 billion by 2026. SaaS will lead revenue growth in the market.

 In 2020, Copenhagen, Horning, Fredericia, and Odense witnessed Denmarks major data center investments. Other regions such as Taastrup, Glostrup, and Esbjerg are expected to witness growth during the forecast period.

 Mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures are strategies being used by datacenter investors to increase their foothold across Denmark.

 Hyperscale operators such as Facebook and Google are investing in submarine cable projects to improve connectivity and reduce latency in the Danish data center market.

 Denmark is one of the leading countries working towards smart city initiatives. For instance, Copenhagen focuses on reducing carbon emissions and aims to become carbon neutral by 2025.

 The implementation of 5G networks will increase the usage of new class ethernet switches among data centers in Denmark.



DENMARK DATA CENTER MARKET VENDOR LANDSCAPE



 IT Infrastructure Providers

o Arista Networks

o Atos

o Broadcom

o Cisco Systems

o Dell Technologies

o Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

o Huawei Technologies

o IBM

o Lenovo

o NetApp



 Construction Constructors & Sub-Contractors

o Aarsleff

o Arup

o Caverion

o Coromatic

o COWI

o Exyte

o Gottlieb Paludan Architects

o Logi-Tek

o Mace Group

o Mercury

o MT Hojgaard

o NOVENCO Building & Industry

o Ramboll Group

o Soren Jensen



 Support Infrastructure Providers

o ABB

o Caterpillar

o Climaveneta

o Cummins

o Eaton

o Grundfos

o KOHLER

o Legrand

o NG Metal

o Riello UPS

o Rittal

o Rolls-Royce Power Systems

o Schneider Electric

o Socomec

o STULZ

o Systemair

o UniCool

o Vertiv Group



 Data Center Investor

o Apple

o DigiPlex

o Digital Realty

o Facebook

o GlobalConnect

o Google

o Microsoft

o Penta

o Cibicom



REPORT COVERAGE:

This report analyzes the Denmark Data Center market share and elaborative analysis of the existing and upcoming facilities, datacenter investments in terms of IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, tier standard, and geography. It discusses market sizing and estimation for different segments with respect to the investment in the facilities. The segmentation includes:



EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS

 Existing Facilities in the region (White Floor Area and Power Capacity)

o Copenhagen

o Other Cities

 List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (White Floor Area and Power Capacity



DENMARK DATA CENTER INVESTMENT COVERAGE



 Infrastructure Type

o IT Infrastructure

o Electrical Infrastructure

o Mechanical Infrastructure

o General Construction



 IT Infrastructure

o Server

o Storage

o Network Infrastructure



 Electrical Infrastructure

o UPS Systems

o Generators

o Transfer Switches and Switchgears

o PDUs

o Other Electrical Infrastructure



 Mechanical Infrastructure

o Cooling Systems

o Rack Cabinets

o Other Mechanical Infrastructure



 Cooling Systems

o CRAC & CRAH Units

o Chillers

o Cooling Towers, Condensers, and Dry Coolers

o Economizers & Evaporative Coolers

o Other Cooling Units



 General Construction

o Building Development

o Installation & Commissioning Services

o Building & Engineering Design

o Physical Security

o Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)



 Tier Segments

o Tier I & Tier II

o Tier III

o Tier IV



 Geography

o Copenhagen

o Other Cities



WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH?

o Market size available in the area, power capacity, investment, and colocation revenue.

o An assessment of the Denmark data center investment in the market by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators

o Data center investments in terms of white floor area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across cities in the country

o A detailed study of the existing Denmark data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about the Denmark data center market size during the forecast period

 Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party facilities in Denmark

Facilities Covered (Existing): 26

Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 1

Coverage: 11 Cities

Existing vs. Upcoming (Data Center Area)

Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

 Data center colocation market in Denmark

Market Revenue & Forecast (2020-2026)

Retail Colocation Pricing

 Wholesale Colocation Pricing

 Classification of the Denmark data center market investments into multiple segments and sub-segments (IT, power, cooling, and general construction services) with market sizing and forecast.

 A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, and growth restraints, and prospects for the data center market

 Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the market

 A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspect of the market



KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. How many existing data centers are there in Denmark?

2. How big is the Denmark data center market?

3. What is the Denmark data center market by area?

4. What are the expected upcoming facilities in Denmark during the period 20212026?

5. Who are the key investors in Denmark data center market?

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05982541/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




Enhances Dover's Portfolio with Complementary Industrial 3D Visualization Solutions

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dover (NYSE: DOV) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of CDS Visual, Inc. ("CDS Visual"), which will become an operating company within Dover's Engineered Products segment.

Founded in 2005 and based in San Jose, California, CDS Visual is a leading provider of software as a service ("SaaS") 3D visualization solutions tailored for industrial applications and counts blue-chip industrial manufacturers and distributors among its customers. CDS Visual's software is built upon proprietary differentiated technology that enables "live" 3D configuration, 360-degree photorealistic product imagery, augmented reality functionality, and production-ready CAD images. CDS Visual's solutions streamline commercial workflows among manufacturers, distributors and customers, and create a superior and efficient digital customer experience, ultimately driving improved customer engagement and retention, higher sales and lower commercial and engineering costs. CDS Visual's solutions are primarily used in eCommerce and Configure-Price-Quote applications, which are relatively underpenetrated in industrial manufacturing as compared to consumer markets, and are expected to grow as industrial producers, distributors and customers adopt modern digital solutions to improve their engineering and commercial processes.

"As we continue to expand our digital capabilities, I am extremely pleased to welcome the talented team at CDS Visual," said Girish Juneja, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer of Dover. "CDS Visual's innovative solutions, including a SaaS visualization platform, complement Dover's expanding portfolio of digital sales and marketing capabilities. Several of Dover's operating companies have adopted CDS Visual's solutions to enhance their customer-facing digital capabilities, and we were impressed with the impact on customer satisfaction, ease-of-doing business and sales and engineering effectiveness. We plan to deploy CDS Visual's solutions across the Dover portfolio and our distribution network and also have ambitious plans to drive growth in the thriving industrial 3D visualization market."

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Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Dover:

Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of over $7 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Fueling Solutions, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Refrigeration & Food Equipment. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 24,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com.

Forward Looking Statements:

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are statements that are, or could be deemed, "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, the impacts of COVID-19, or other future pandemics, on the global economy and on our customers, suppliers, employees, business and cash flows, other general economic conditions and conditions in the particular markets in which we operate, changes in customer demand and capital spending, competitive factors and pricing pressures, our ability to develop and launch new products in a cost-effective manner, and our ability to realize synergies from newly acquired businesses. For details on the risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that may be contained herein, we refer you to the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These documents are available from the SEC, and on our website, www.dovercorporation.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact:





Media Contact: Andrey Galiuk





Adrian Sakowicz Vice President  Corporate Development





Vice President - Communications and Investor Relations





(630) 743-5039 (630) 743-5131





asakowicz@dovercorp.com agaliuk@dovercorp.com









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SOURCE Dover
HONG KONG, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FountainCap Research & Investment (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. ("FountainCap") has won its fourth Asset Management Company of the Year  China Offshore Equity Highly Commended award from The Asset magazine's Triple A Sustainable Investing Awards. While every year has its share of challenges, 2020 was truly extraordinary: the pandemic, economic recessions, Brexit, election, and a slew of other calamities. Despite all the challenges, FountainCap successfully navigated through 2020 generating one of the best performances since the company's inception and saw its AUM grow to US$1.5 billion by end of 2020.

FountainCap Wins Asset Management Company of the Year Award for the Fourth Year

The Asset awards are meticulously reviewed by a panel of professional investors and analysts based on a series of qualitative and quantitative factors such as investment returns, assets under management, investment strategies, and market insights. This year, the panel placed a particular emphasis on the following areas when evaluating institutions: the ability to adapt and react to a volatile market; technological integration for the business; investment acumen in helping investors navigate through the pandemic; investor communication; and the ability to grow the business under a new normal.

In addition to winning The Asset award, FountainCap was also appointed as one of two China equity managers in 2020 to jointly manage the China equity portfolio for the Border to Coast Pensions Partnership, one of the largest public sector pension pools in the UK with over 49 billion in AUM. The milestone reflects FountainCap's years of hard work and commitment to building a premium China-focused asset management company.

Founded in 2014, FountainCap is an equity long-only investment manager with an All China investment strategy that identifies and invests in listed companies which will substantially benefit from China's transformation and on-going growth. Since inception, FountainCap has delivered consistent results for global investors through its in-depth fundamental research and long-term investment philosophy. Its investor base includes globally recognized sovereign wealth funds, pensions, endowments, corporates, and family offices.

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About FountainCap Research & Investment (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd.

Led by veteran China investor, Frank Ding, the investment team are sector/industry specialists with a combined China investment experience of over 60 years and across seven global market cycles. All investment professionals in FountainCap are equipped with both global investment knowledge and expertise and have a deep understanding of China's economy and market. The company's objective is to consistently generate superior long term investment results and provide the best services to its clients.

http://www.fountaincapri.com

SOURCE FountainCap Research & Investment (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd.
SYDNEY, Australia, July 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FXCM Group, LLC (FXCM Group or FXCM), the leading international provider of online foreign exchange (FX) trading, CFD trading, cryptocurrencies and related services, is launching a new Save Money, Sleep Better campaign in Australia, offering zero rollover fees* for customers holding trades open overnight in selected Indices, Gold and Silver.



Trades left open overnight accrue interest and have a fee associated with them. The fee is commonly referred to as rollover, financing cost or swap fees.

FXCMs Australian customers will benefit from ZERO rollover fees when trading the selected Indices Gold and Silver, allowing them to leave trades open overnight without being charged. With the exception of XAU/USD (Gold), none of the instruments in the No Rollover Fee Trading have positive rollover. XAU/USD can have either a negative or positive rollover rate depending on the direction of your trade and market conditions, as part of No Rollover Fee Trading both sides of XAU/USD have been set to 0.

FXCMs new Save Money, Sleep Better campaign follows the companys recently launched Client First initiative, focusing on expanding its product offering and boosting client service as part of a brand refresh. Over the past year, the firm has enhanced its existing products and added 79 new products including Share CFDs, cryptos and stock baskets. The companys new Save Money, Sleep Better campaign further demonstrates its commitment to its Client First initiative.

Brendan Callan, CEO of FXCM, said: Our new Save Money, Sleep Better campaign will benefit our Australian customers immensely and is a continuation of our commitment to deliver the best trading service at a lower cost. Rollover fees can accrue over time, especially when retail traders want to take a long-term position or have several open positions at the same time. We believe eradicating this cost, coupled with FXCMs outstanding technology and customer service, makes us the broker of choice for retail traders in Australia.

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FXCM has won a number of awards in the past year, including the Best Zero Commission* Broker in the ADVFN International Financial Awards 2021, Best FX Platform at the 2021 Online Personal Wealth Awards and Best Forex Trading Platform (Global), Most Trusted Forex Broker (Africa) and Best Value Broker (Europe) at the 2020 Global Forex Awards.

*Terms and Conditions Apply. More details please refer to www.fxcm.com/au/no-rollover-campaign/.

Best Zero Commission Broker: Award granted to the FXCM Group by ADVFN in March 2021. FXCM can be compensated in several ways, which includes but are not limited to adding a mark-up to the spreads it receives from its liquidity providers, adding a mark-up to rollover, etc. Commission-based pricing is applicable to Active Trader account types.

FXCM Awards: https://www.fxcm.com/au/about-fxcm/our-awards/

About FXCM:



FXCM is a leading provider of online foreign exchange (FX) trading, CFD trading, and related services. Founded in 1999, the company's mission is to provide global traders with access to the world's largest and most liquid market by offering innovative trading tools, hiring excellent trading educators, meeting strict financial standards and striving for the best online trading experience in the market. Clients have the advantage of mobile trading, one-click order execution and trading from real-time charts. In addition, FXCM offers educational courses on FX trading and provides trading tools, proprietary data and premium resources. FXCM Pro provides retail brokers, small hedge funds and emerging market banks access to wholesale execution and liquidity, while providing high and medium frequency funds access to prime brokerage services via FXCM Prime. FXCM is a Leucadia Company.

FXCM Australia Pty. Limited: AFSL 309763. Losses can exceed your deposited funds. The products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved. If you decide to trade products offered by FXCM AU, you must read and understand the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, and Terms of Business on www.fxcm.com/au. FXCM AU ACN: 121934432.

Forex Capital Markets Limited: FCA registration number 217689 (www.fxcm.com/uk)

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

FXCM EU LTD: CySEC license number 392/20 (www.fxcm.com/eu)

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.

You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

FXCM South Africa (PTY) Ltd: FSP No 46534 (www.fxcm.com/za). Our service includes products that are traded on margin and carry a risk of losses in excess of your deposited funds. The products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved.

FXCM Markets Limited: Losses can exceed deposited funds. (www.fxcm.com/markets).

Media contact:

Chatsworth Communications

+44 (0) 20 7440 9780

fxcm@chatsworthcommunications.com




combs through intelligence trends of automotive lighting, technology routes, laws and regulations for automotive lighting industry, competitive pattern of automotive lighting market, automotive lighting companies deployments in intelligence, and their intelligent lighting configurations for mid- and high-class vehicle models.

New York, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global and China Automotive Lighting Industry Report, 2021" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p0254544/?utm_source=GNW





Global automotive lighting market is highly concentrated, and Koito is the champion.



Automotive lighting is a highly concentrated market where bellwethers play a dominant role, that is, there are one superpower and several powers. In the global automotive lighting market, European, American and Japanese manufacturers are the main players. In 2020, Japan-based Koito was positioned first with market share of 25.3%, Italys Magneti Marelli (13.9%) and France-based Valeo (12.8%) followed, three together sweeping 52% of the global market.



Global automotive lighting leaders vie more fiercely for new technologies:



 In September 2019, Koito rolled out BladeScanADB headlamp system which has been mounted on 2019 Lexus RX and 2021 Lexus LS.



 At CES 2019, Magneti Marelli introduced its third-generation Smart Corner lighting technology which can integrate with all types of sensors including LiDAR, radar, camera and ultrasonic radar. The company also displayed advanced LED lighting functions such as digital light processing (DLP) and adaptive driving beam (ADB).



 In March 2020, Hella unveiled SSL 100 light module. The system offers up to 102 pixels, each of which can be activated independently, and controls light distribution via ECU to automatically turn on and turn off LED in a designated area. SSL 100 light module has been introduced into Chinese market and mass-produced at HELLA lamp plant in Jiaxing.



 In November 2020, the Human Centric Lighting (HCL) innovator Biological Innovations and Optimization Systems, LLC (BIOS), and Lumileds, joined forces to create a new SkyBlue LED. BIOS SkyBlue Circadian rhythm technology used in the new product is a solution to technical challenges of HCL.



Not to be outdone, Chinese automotive lighting bellwethers have developed dynamically interactive lighting technology in the automotive CASE trend. For example, at Auto Shanghai 2021, HASCO Vision Technology displayed an intelligent interactive lighting system that consists of PML intelligent headlamps and ISD tail lights. The system can input user-defined texts, pictures and videos into the lighting domain controller which will then convert the content into elements and materials that the lamps can recognize to display the specific content and interact with the outside world. The system is mounted on Human Horizons HiPhi X. In 2020, Changzhou Xingyu Automotive Lighting Systems also managed to develop rhythmic taillights capable of welcoming, the second-generation ambient lights with public voice interaction function, gesture controlled indoor lamps, and pixel-type headlamp modules.



Demand for intelligent headlights increases, and six technology routes come to the forefront.



Intelligent headlights provide higher visibility for drivers in bad weathers to ensure driving safety. The data shows that the use of intelligent lamps helps to reduce 57%-74% traffic accidents at night. With the increasing demand, more and more intelligent headlights are installed in mid- and high-class cars. According to GMI Research and its public data, it is estimated that the global intelligent headlight market will be worth nearly USD6.84 billion in 2026 compared with USD4.83 billion in 2020.



There are six intelligent headlight technology routes: LED Matrix, ?AFS, LCD, DLP, Blade Scan and MEMS.



 As LED packaging technology matures and its cost falls, matrix ADB will still be the main implementation form of intelligent headlights which tend to sink from high-class car models to the lower-class.



OSRAM has introduced EVIYOS 1.0, the worlds first AFS delivering 1,024 pixels on 4mm x 4mm SoC. OSRAM EVIYOS 2.0 offering 25,600 pixels is under development and will be rolled out in 2023.



DLP technology based on digital mirror device (DMD) is monopolized by TI. According to our statistics, there are a total of six DMD-enabled models including New Mercedes-Benz S Class, Great Wall VV6/VV7, and IM Zhiji. The more frequent interactions of vehicles with the outside world come with the development of intelligent connected vehicles. Automotive DLP technology allows light projections on ground to form various light patterns and icons so as to build a bridge to communicate with the outside world, and its high resolution helps to enable ADAS functions, for example, traffic sign lighting for recognizing traffic signs. Hence DLP technology will find broad application in intelligent connected vehicles.



Automakers play as lighting factory to accelerate the layout of intelligent lighting.



To meet market demand, automakers also step up their efforts to deploy intelligent lighting. Audi has made long and frequent deployments in automotive lighting. In June 2020, Audi released New Q5, a new model carrying Audis latest intelligent OLED lighting technology, which makes Audi the first automaker digitalizing taillights into a display. Audi is working to develop flexible digital OLED.



Among Chinese automakers, BYD has developed automotive lighting independently since 2003. FinDreams Vision Co., Ltd. BYD established in 2019 is devoted to developing vision technology, motor vehicle lighting and signal system. Having been the first automaker to integrate automotive lighting vertically, BYD is working toward development of new technologies in automotive lighting and environment interconnection.



In addition, Mazda has also developed its adaptive LED headlight (ALH) technology.



As the technology advances, automotive lighting is no longer a simple lighting tool but will integrate with driving assistance functions, for example, combined with cameras to enable safer driving through high and low beam switch according to the objects ahead. In future, more intelligent, more interactive and safer automotive lighting will be demanded in a new age.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p0254544/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




Global communication intelligence market is expected to experience a significant growth during 2020-2027. Vehicle mounted and man-portable sub-segments are estimated to be the most profitable segments. Asia-pacific is expected to lead the market.

NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Research Dive has published a report titled "Communication Intelligence (COMINT) Market by Platform (Airborne, Vehicle Mounted, Naval, and Others), Mobility (Fixed and Man-portable), and Regional Analysis (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027"

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The Global Communication Intelligence Market is predicted to generate a revenue of $9,148.1 million at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period (2020-2027).

Communication Intelligence (COMINT) Market: Regional Analysis

The Asia-Pacific Communication Intelligence (COMINT) Market recorded a revenue of $1,434.3 million in 2019 and is further predicted to generate a revenue of $2,398.2 million during the analysis period. This is mainly because the demand of communication intelligence (COMINT) platforms is continuously increasing. Also, the regional countries such as India and China are using advanced security technologies in order to maintain peace and safety in their own countries.

Request to Download Sample Report of Communication Intelligence (COMINT) Market

Highlights of the Market

The report has divided the market based on platform and mobility.

Platform Segment: The vehicle mounted sub-segment is expected to garner the highest revenue of $1,488.1 million at a CAGR of 6.8%, rising from $895.1 million in 2019 during the forecast period. The emergence of new and innovative COMINT solutions with complete advanced system in place of independent sensor-based platforms is one of the major factors enhancing the growth of the market.

Mobility Segment: The man-portable sub-segment is predicted to surpass $4,842.3 million by the end of 2027, increasing from $2,992.2 million in 2019. The main reason behind this growth is that the man-portable COMINT is one of the most essential tools that supports militaries to make real-time decisions which offers a strategic benefit on the battleground. These systems can also collect enemy's data including voice or text messages from their communication systems which has increased its demand.

Get 10% OFF on Customization of Communication Intelligence (COMINT) Market Report.

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Dynamics of the Market

Security and defense sectors of any country rely on communications surveillance and intelligence technology to safeguard their infrastructure and people from cross-border operations or any kind of warfare. Communication intelligence technologies can provide confidential information regarding illegal activities and help the defense sector in a significant way. The rising demand of advanced security solutions across the aerospace and defense industry is anticipated to boost the market during the forecast period. The implementation of communication intelligence systems requires a high amount of investment, which is expected to hamper the growth of the market during the forecast period. COMINT technology plays a crucial role in the government and the defense sector. COMINT solutions are being developed for multiple areas such as, radio frequency (RF), jamming, eavesdropping, spectrum mapping, cyber-surveillance, and maritime domain awareness. These factors are expected to create many opportunities in the market during upcoming years.

Top Players of the Communication Intelligence Market

The most prominent players of the global communication intelligence market include

Raytheon Company Lockheed Martin Corporation Northrop Grumman Corporation Thales Group General Dynamics Corporation L3Harris Technologies, Inc. Elbit Systems Ltd. BAE Systems TCI International, Inc. Saab AB, HENSOLDT

These companies are focusing on R&D, merger and acquisition, and many other strategies to sustain the growth of the market. The report also reviews many other important aspects including financial performance of the key players, SWOT analysis, product portfolio, and latest strategic development.

In April 2020, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, an American multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate, successfully completed the merger with United Technologies Corporation, a US based multinational conglomerate. - Inquire and Get Quick Access to Top Companies Development Strategies Summary Report [80 pages]

Covid-19 Impact on Communication Intelligence (COMINT) Market

The coronavirus outbreak has impacted the world economy in a negative way. Most of the industries experienced massive downfall because of the restrictions imposed across supply chain and countries. The pandemic is going to affect the communication intelligence market in a slightly negative way. The aircraft manufacturing industries has reduced the production process because of the lessening demand of aircraft during the lockdown period. However, defense projects and military equipment manufacturing industries were still working because of the precautions taken by the governments during the pandemic period.

Get Access to comprehensive analysis of the Impact of COVID-19 on Communication Intelligence (COMINT) Market

More about Communication Intelligence:

Understanding Communication Intelligence: Its Importance and Characteristics

Global Communication Intelligence (COMINT) Market to Climb Heights with Augmented Adoption of Security Solutions in Industries

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SOURCE Research Dive
The global medical imaging and informatics market is estimated to hit $37.10 billion in 2021 from $33.90 billion in 2020, registering growth at 9.4%, finds Frost & Sullivan

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The healthcare sector's emphasis on meeting its Quadruple Aim goalcost reduction, clinical outcomes, enhance the patient and caregiver experience, and improve the work-life of healthcare providersencourages the medical imaging and informatics industry to use advanced technologies to tap into growth prospects. Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis, Global Medical Imaging & Informatics Outlook, 2021, finds that the market opportunity is estimated to hit $37.10 billion in 2021 from $33.90 billion in 2020, registering growth at 9.4% under an aspirational scenario.

Global Medical Imaging & Informatics Market Thrives with AI and Cloud as Healthcare Sector Focuses on Quadruple Aim

For further information on this analysis, please visit: http://frost.ly/62v

"As the medical imaging and informatics industry evolves rapidly, there are opportunities for vendors to grow by inorganic routes and widen their portfolio of artificial intelligence (AI) offerings. With some AI programs being reimbursed, strong business cases with proven return on investment (ROI) will emerge from the industry," said Imran Khan, Senior Analyst, Healthcare & Life Sciences at Frost & Sullivan. "The deployment of AI in the sector has seen commendable success in developed countries such as North America and Western Europe, mainly due to national policies and reimbursement guidance."

Khan added: "Following the pandemic, the focus on efficiency and productivity will reach new heights in the near to medium terms. Imaging IT consolidation is essential to achieving these efficiencies. Additionally, reforms in national health policies, the changing reimbursement landscape, and budget constraints will help drive the gradual move to non-CAPEX business models for several healthcare providers. Rapid changes in technology and greater provider focus on precision diagnostics and treatment will necessitate a continuous refresh of imaging equipment."

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With advancements in AI and the cloud, the medical imaging and informatics industry experiences rapid transformation, creating growth opportunities for its market participants, including:

Emphasis on cloud-based imaging informatics : Vendors can sign business associate agreements with cloud service providers to assume responsibility in the event of data breaches.

Enterprise-level, long-term partnerships : By leveraging technology, the proposition can be unique by committing on equipment uptime and mean time between failures.

AI imaging to optimize workflow and improve clinical outcomes : Addressing pain points along the imaging workflow, such as missed appointments and inappropriate examinations, can create a comprehensive AI portfolio for vendors.

Inorganic growth emerging as a preferred route: With growth stagnating in the traditional segments of imaging and informatics, vendors operating in these segments are constantly looking to accelerate their revenue growth by entering adjacent areas.

Global Medical Imaging & Informatics Outlook, 2021 is the latest addition to Frost & Sullivan's Healthcare research and analyses available through the Frost & Sullivan Leadership Council, which helps organizations identify a continuous flow of growth opportunities to succeed in an unpredictable future.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Global Medical Imaging & Informatics Outlook, 2021

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Contact:

Mariana Fernandez

Corporate Communications

E: Mariana.Fernandez@frost.com

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
GATINEAU, QC, July 26, 2021 /CNW/ - The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for further action by the Government of Canada and its partners to improve the protection of temporary foreign workers. Year after year, these workers come to Canada to support our agriculture and agri-food industry and contribute greatly to Canada's food security. Their hard work and expertise has been instrumental over the years and especially during the pandemic, and they deserve to be safe.

Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, and the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marco Mendicino, announced proposed new regulations to help prevent the mistreatment or abuse of temporary foreign workers during their stay in Canada. They outlined 14 regulatory amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Temporary Foreign Workers), with three key objectives:

Improving protections for temporary foreign workers by mandating employers to provide temporary foreign workers with information about their rights in Canada; prohibiting reprisal by employers against workers who come forward with complaints; and, putting into regulation key requirements for all employers to provide reasonable access to health-care services, and for employers to provide health insurance when needed. The proposed changes would also prohibit the charging of recruitment fees to workers, and hold employers accountable for the actions of recruiters in this regard.



Improving the Government's ability to prevent bad actors from participating in the program by providing authorities that will strengthen the assessment of applications from new employers and deferring the processing of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if non-compliance is suspected.



Strengthening the Government's ability to effectively conduct inspections. This includes reducing the prescribed timelines and involving third parties (e.g., banks and payroll companies) to provide documents to support inspections.

In addition to today's announcement, the Government of Canada has launched new features on Job Bank that enable temporary foreign workers to search for jobs from eligible employers. These features will help workers, and the migrant worker organizations that support them, connect with employers through a trusted source.

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The pandemic has further highlighted the need to better identify misuse of the program that puts workers in vulnerable situations and to better support workers seeking help. As part of the Government's strengthened efforts to better support employers and workers for the 2021 season, new data capabilities leveraging payroll data are being deployed to better identify cases of fraud and misrepresentation, and improvements were made to the temporary foreign worker tip line, with the addition of live agents able to offer services in multiple languages. Since launching the enhanced tip line in March, more than 400 callers have been assisted in submitting their report of abuse, referred to other appropriate departments, or had general questions about their rights in Canada answered.

These changes complement other federal government actions introduced this year to better support temporary foreign workers. Budget 2021 announced $49.5 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to support community-based organizations in the provision of migrant worker-centric programs and services, such as on-arrival orientation services and assistance in emergency and at-risk situations, through the new Migrant Worker Support Program. Budget 2021 also announced $54.9 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to increase inspections of employers and ensure temporary foreign workers have appropriate working conditions and wages. Additionally, the Government launched a $35-million Emergency On-Farm Support Fund that supports employers who provide accommodations to upgrade and improve living quarters to ensure workers are safe and healthy.

Quotes

"The health and safety of temporary foreign workers continues to be a key priority for the Government of Canada. While we have made progress, there continues to be gaps. We know that temporary foreign workers need better information about their rights, and better health and safety protections. Workers also need to be protected from reprisal if they come forward with a complaint, and bad actors need to be prevented from participating in the program. Through these enhanced regulatory amendments, the Government is working towards providing stronger worker protection and ensuring greater employer compliance."

 Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

"The Government of Canada takes the safety and dignity of foreign workers very seriously. Everyone deserves a work environment where they are safe and their rights are respected. These amendments will help us further improve worker protection and strengthen our ability to ensure employers follow the rules governing both the International Mobility Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program."

 Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marco E. L. Mendicino

Quick Facts

The proposed regulations were pre-published on July 10, 2021 in the Canada Gazette Part 1. Canadians, employers and stakeholders were invited to provide comments within 30 days.

Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 foreign agricultural workers come to work in Canada each year, which accounts for around 60% of all workers who may enter Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Over 41,000 workers have arrived to date in 2021.

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is the stream most commonly used by agricultural producers. In 2019, approximately 30,500 work permits were issued under the SAWP, of which 9,100 (0r 30%) arrived from participating Caribbean countries. The remaining 70% were from Mexico.

In 2020, most foreign workers who work on farms were located in Ontario (43%), Quebec (30%) and British Columbia (18%).

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a temporary foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. Migrant workers in Canada on employer-specific work permits who are experiencing abuse, or who are at risk of abuse, in the context of their employment in Canada may be eligible to receive an open work permit that is exempt from the LMIA process. More information can be found here.

On March 16, 2021, Service Canada introduced live agent support to its pre-existing tip line to assist temporary foreign workers in reporting abuse to the Department, offering services in English, French, Spanish and more than 200 other languages. Prior to the introduction of the live agents, the service existed as only voicemail where the caller will leave a message in either English or French. Callers who call the tip line during hours of operation but who do not speak either English or French will speak with a live Service Canada agent and a qualified interpreter, who will be on the call to provide real-time, accurate interpretation in the caller's language of choice.

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WASHINGTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boutique cloud engineering and agile DevOps firm, Hunter Strategy, announced earlier this week their entrance to Google Cloud's partner network. This strategic partnership certifies Hunter's technical expertise in agile cloud development. As a Google Cloud Partner, Hunter joins a premier alliance of Cloud engineers to expand services offerings around cloud advisory, migration, software security, automation, orchestration, and robust managed services capabilities.

Hunter Strategy logo (PRNewsfoto/Hunter Strategy)

"We are honored to partner with Google Cloud and serve at the intersection of defensive DevOps and agile engineering in support of our Mission Partner's toughest challenges" affirmed Principal DevOps Architect, Tyler Walker. "Joining the Partner Advantage Program will accelerate Hunter's capacity to design end-to-end cloud services and address our customers most intricate cloud requirements."

Operating as a platform as a service, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provides a secure computing environment for customers and service providers to interact and leverage advanced security tools for data privacy and streamline operations. In addition, it also enables customer data and applications to run in the cloud environment.

Google Cloud's Partner Advantage Program is designed to provide Google Cloud customers with qualified partners that have demonstrated technical proficiency and proven success in specialized solution and service areas. The Partnership affirms Hunter's technically grounded expertise in Cloud engineering to secure customer infrastructure and workflows to Google Cloud.

About Hunter Strategy

Headquartered in Washington DC's Cathedral Heights neighborhood, Hunter Strategy is a Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone certified small business that offers strategic DevSecOps, cyber risk management, and Agile software engineering solutions to federal agencies, Fortune 1000 companies, and emerging technology firms. For more information, please visit www.hunterstrategy.net.

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SOURCE Hunter Strategy
The year-long partnership sees illycaffe support the Gallery's Contemporary Art Programme and summer pop-up catering

LONDON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, illycaffe, a leading company in high quality coffee, announces its new partnership with The National Gallery in London, UK. The year-long partnership launches with illy supporting the Gallery's pop-up catering offer this summer, which includes an alfresco cafe at the front of the Gallery and an illy Espresso Bar inside. illycaffe will also become a supporter of the Gallery's Contemporary Art Programme with the forthcoming Kehinde Wiley exhibition.

ILLYCAFFE PARTNERS WITH THE NATIONAL GALLERY

The al alfresco cafe will exclusively serve illy coffee throughout the summer until 30th September 2021. The opening of the cafe coincides with the launch of an outdoor exhibition in Trafalgar Square showcasing over 20 life-sized replicas of some of the most famous and treasured paintings in the National Gallery's collection. Running from 3rd of August to 2nd of September 2021, the open-air exhibition will be part of London's Inside Out Festival  a celebration of art and culture produced to encourage visitors back into London's West End.

Visitors to The National Gallery will also be able to enjoy illy coffee at the illy Espresso Bar inside the Gallery until 30th September 2021. Here, alongside illy classics such as the eponymous Italian espresso, coffee lovers can also expect specials such as illy's Cold Brew, a 100% Arabica coffee cold brewed for 12 hours, which is naturally sweet, thirst quenching and offers a uniquely refreshing taste.

As part of the partnership illycaffe will also be supporting the upcoming Kehinde Wiley exhibition, which runs from 10 December 202118 April 2022.

Massimiliano Pogliani, CEO of illycaffe, comments: "Through this new partnership, illy extends its commitment to promote beauty in all forms, especially through contemporary art. For over twenty-five years the company has sustained art and culture, supporting artists, institutions, and international exhibitions. The beauty for which illycaffe strives is associated with the Ancient Greek term kalokagathia, which fuses kalos (beautiful) and agathos (good) to create a new meaning in which the goodness of the aroma and the taste of the illy's blend is combined with the beauty of the visual and tactile experience of our product. Contemporary art successfully embodies these qualities and sponsoring The National Gallery's Contemporary Art Programme is a source of pride for us."

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Everything that is "made in illy" is about beauty and art, the founding principles of the brand, starting from its logo, designed by artist James Rosenquist, to illy Art Collection cups, decorated by over 100 international artists including Marina Abramovic, Louis Bourgeois, Mark Quinn and, most recently, Ai Weiwei.

See here for more information on illycaffe and The National Gallery

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Rise in demand for VoIP services across organizations and developments in network infrastructure have boosted the growth of the global network optimization services market.

PORTLAND, Ore., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Network Optimization Services Market By Service (Implementation, Consulting, and Support & Maintenance), Application (Local Network Optimization, WAN Optimization, RAN Optimization, and Data Center Optimization), Organization Size (Small & Medium Enterprise and Large Enterprise), and Industry Vertical (Banking, Financial Services, & Insurance, Telecom, Government and Defense, Transportation and Logistics, Travel and Tourism, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods and Retail, Media and Entertainment, Energy and Utility, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Education, and Information Technology (IT)): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212028". As per the report, the global network optimization services industry was pegged at $3.04 billion in 2020, and is estimated to reach $9.78 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 16.1% from 2021 to 2028.

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Drivers, restraints, and opportunities

Rise in demand for VoIP services across organizations and developments in network infrastructure have boosted the growth of the global network optimization services market. However, advancements in WAN and RAN optimization technology hamper the market growth. On the contrary, increase in the number of production facilities is expected to open lucrative opportunities for the market players in the future.

Download Report PDF: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/12080

Covid-19 Scenario:

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, increase in need for network optimization services from government agencies and policymakers were observed to implement AI systems, big data analytics, and data analysis software to monitor the spread in real-time, make predictions, and classify Covid-19 treatment drugs.

Several businesses opted for a "work from home" culture and employed suitable measures to ensure optimal performance and security of their network infrastructure owing to increase in network threats such as data breaches and hacking.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Network Optimization Services Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/12080?reqfor=covid

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The implementation segment held the lion's share

By service, the implementation segment dominated the market in 2020, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global network optimization services market, due to rise in demand for remote working and work from home solutions because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the consulting segment is projected to manifest the largest CAGR of 18.1% from 2021 to 2028, due to trend of digital transformation for higher customer reach & scope and uninterrupted communication for smooth business growth.

The WAN optimization segment dominated the market

By application, the WAN optimization segment held the lion's share in 2020, contributing to around half of the global network optimization services market, as SD-WAN has changed the way networks support corporate applications by proactively regulating and effectively using all available WAN transport resources. However, the RAN optimization segment is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 18.2% from 2021 to 2028, owing to rise in awareness about industry-specific services and development in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/12080

North America contributed largest share

Based on region, the global network optimization services market across North America held the largest share in 2020, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the market, owing to adoption of architecture of network solutions. However, the market across Asia-Pacific is anticipated to showcase the fastest CAGR of 17.9% during the forecast period, due to rise in demand for on-premise applications and rapidly proliferating in cloud computing.

Major market players

Solarwinds

Cisco Systems

Huawei

Nokia Corporation

ZTE

Infovista

Citrix

Circadence

Fatpipe Networks

Netscout Systems.

Official Press Release: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/network-optimization-services-market.html

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 26, 2021 / Bernstein Liebhard, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a Lead Plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Piedmont Lithium Inc. ('Piedmont' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ:PLL) from March 16, 2018 through July 19, 2021 (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York alleges violations of the Exchange Act of 1934.

If you purchased Piedmont securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Piedmont Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Noah Wiesner toll free at (877) 779-1414 or nwiesner@bernlieb.com

The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Piedmont has not, and would not, follow its stated steps or timeline to secure all proper and necessary permits; (ii) Piedmont failed to inform relevant people and governmental authorities of its actual plans; (iii) Piedmont failed to file proper applications with relevant governmental authorities (including state and local authorities); (iv) Piedmont and its lithium business does not have "strong governmental support"; and (v) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.

On July 20, 2021, before market hours, Reuters published an article entitled "In push to supply Tesla, Piedmont Lithium irks North Carolina neighbors." Among other things, the article reported that "[t]he company [] has not applied for a state mining permit or a necessary zoning variance in Gaston County, just west of Charlotte, despite telling investors since 2018 that it was on the verge of doing so." The article went on to report that "[f]ive of the seven members of the county's board of commissioners, who control zoning changes, say they may block or delay the project[.]"

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On this news, Piedmont shares fell $12.56 per share over the trading day, or nearly 20%, to close at $50.52 per share on July 20, 2021, damaging investors.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 21, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.

If you purchased Piedmont securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit https://www.bernlieb.com/cases/piedmontlithium-pll-shareholder-class-action-lawsuit-fraud-stock-420/apply/ or contact Noah Wiesner toll free at (877) 779-1414 or nwiesner@bernlieb.com

Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2021 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. The lawyer responsible for this advertisement in the State of Connecticut is Michael S. Bigin. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

Contact Information:

Noah Wiesner

Bernstein Liebhard LLP

https://www.bernlieb.com

(877) 779-1414

Nwiesner@bernlieb.com

SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP





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FORT DAUPHIN, Madagascar, July 26, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rio Tinto has signed a power purchasing agreement for a new renewable energy plant to power the operations of its QMM ilmenite mine in Fort Dauphin, Southern Madagascar.

This project, which uses solar and wind energy, will significantly contribute towards Rio Tintos operations in Madagascar achieving its carbon neutral objective by 2023. The project is part of a broader initiative to reduce the ilmenite mines environmental footprint which includes programmes that focus on emissions reduction, waste and water management, carbon sequestration, ecological restoration and reforestation.

The renewable energy plant, to be built, owned and operated by independent power producer, CrossBoundary Energy (CBE), over a 20-year period, will consist of an 8 MW solar facility and a 12 MW wind energy facility to power mining and processing operations. There will also be a lithium-ion battery energy storage system of up to 8.25 MW as reserve capacity to ensure a stable and reliable network.

It will supply all of QMMs electricity demand during peak generation times, and up to 60 percent of the operations annual electricity consumption. QMM will replace the majority of the power it currently supplies to the town of Fort Dauphin and the community of around 80,000 people with renewables.

The renewable energy plant will comprise more than 18,000 solar panels and up to nine wind turbines located in the Port Ehoala Park area. Construction is expected to begin this year with the solar plant scheduled to start operations at the beginning 2022. The wind power plant is planned to commence construction early 2022 and become operational by the end of 2022.

QMM President Ny Fanja Rakotomalala said: "This project is a strong example of our commitment with the Government of Madagascar to the sustainable development of the region. On a sunny and windy day, all the electricity needed by QMM and the Fort Dauphin community will be generated by the Malagasy sun and wind. It is a major step forward on our journey towards a truly sustainable mine, that protects and promotes the uniqueness of Madagascars environment and benefits the community with reliable and clean electricity."

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Secretary General, Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Madagascar, Andriatongarivo Tojonirina Andrisoa, said: "The Government of Madagascar is committed to the energy transition and to setting up Madagascar to be energy independent, as stated in the Presidents Initiative pour lEmergence de Madagascar (IEM). QMMs renewable energy project, technically ambitious with two installations dedicated to solar and wind, is fully aligned with that vision. It makes Madagascar a global reference point for the use of renewable energy to supply clean, reliable power in the mining sector and other industries, and to the community."

Rio Tinto Minerals Chief Executive Sinead Kaufman said: "With this flagship project, QMM is leading the way at Rio Tinto and in Madagascar in utilizing renewable energy to power mining operations and reduce carbon emissions."

CrossBoundary Energy Co-founder and Managing Partner Matt Tilleard commented: "Emissions from electricity use in mining is estimated to account for around 1% of all greenhouse gases globally. Rio Tinto is leading the way in demonstrating how mines can seize a huge opportunity to reduce these emissions. We are focused on delivering cleaner power to businesses and were therefore able to offer Rio Tinto a flexible, fast, all-equity funding approach, combined with our reliable track record as one of Africas largest distributed renewable utilities."

About QIT Madagascar Minerals

QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM), is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (80%) and the government of Madagascar (20%). It is located near Fort Dauphin in the Anosy region of south-eastern Madagascar, and primarily produces ilmenite which is a major source of titanium dioxide, predominantly used as a white pigment in products such as paints and paper.

QMM also produces zirsill used in the manufacturing ceramic tiles and digital screens, and monazite, a rare earth element, used in renewable energy technologies like high-powered permanent magnets used in wind turbines and electric vehicles.

QMM includes the deep-water Port dEhoala, where the raw material is shipped to the Rio Tinto Fer et Titane plant in Canada and processed into titanium dioxide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005386/en/

Contacts

Please direct all enquiries to communicationqmm@riotinto.com

Media Relations, UK

Illtud Harri

M +44 7920 503 600

David Outhwaite

M +44 7787 597 493

Media Relations, Americas

Matthew Klar

T +1 514 608 4429

Investor Relations, UK

Menno Sanderse

M: +44 7825 195 178

David Ovington

M +44 7920 010 978

Clare Peever

M +44 7788 967 877

Media Relations, Australia

Jonathan Rose

M +61 447 028 913

Matt Chambers

M +61 433 525 739

Jesse Riseborough

M +61 436 653 412

Investor Relations, Australia

Natalie Worley

M +61 409 210 462

Amar Jambaa

M +61 472 865 948

Rio Tinto plc

6 St Jamess Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England

No. 719885

Rio Tinto Limited

Level 7, 360 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404

riotinto.com

Category: QMM
By Conor Humphries

DUBLIN (Reuters) -Ryanair on Monday raised its forecast for full-year traffic on strong summer bookings, with Group Chief Executive Michael O'Leary saying the post-pandemic recovery offers the best growth opportunities of his three-decade career.

Shares in the Irish budget airline, Europe's largest, rose more than 4% to 16.44 euros despite a loss of 273 million euros ($322 million) in its normally profitable first quarter and fares that were a third lower than in the same period of 2019 before the pandemic.

In May the airline forecast that it would fly between 80 million and 100 million passengers in the 12 months to the end of March 2022, against a pre-pandemic peak of 149 million.

But Ryanair adjusted that on Monday to bewteen 90 million and 100 million and O'Leary told analysts that, without disruption, it will be at "the upper end of that range".

A surge in summer bookings has lifted passenger numbers from one third of 2019 levels in June to almost two thirds in July at about 9 million.

O'Leary said he expects to fly about 10 million passengers in each of the last five months of the year, boosted by pent-up demand from individuals and businesses, bringing it to roughly 90% of 2019 levels in November.

"If you haven't met your suppliers for the last 18 months you need to get back and see them. If you haven't made the sales calls, you're not gonna do that on Zoom," O'Leary said.

Ryanair flew 27.5 million passengers in the year to March 2021. O'Leary said he expects to exceed 2019 traffic levels of 149 million next year.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

The collapse of some rivals and capacity cuts planned by others are likely to reduce European short-haul capacity by about 20% over the next two years, O'Leary said.

That will allow Ryanair, which is due to take delivery of 200 Boeing MAX jets over the next four years, to expand rapidly while increasing fares, he said. The first 10 of those planes, which were delivered in recent weeks, are performing "spectacularly", he said.

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"I don't think, certainly in my 30 years in this industry, post 9/11, post Cold War, there has never been a growth opportunity in front of Ryanair such as we have at the moment," O'Leary said.

The number of its flights serving primary rather than small regional airports is likely to increase to 80% from 70% currently, he said.

Ryanair is in talks with Boeing about a new order of the larger MAX 10 but wants lower prices before signing the deal, O'Leary said.

Ryanair said it remains impossible to provide a formal profit forecast for the current financial year but said it cautiously expects to post a small loss or break even.

Ryanair's average fare was 24 euros in the April-June quarter, down from 36 euros in the same period of 2019.

The average number of empty seats is likely to fall from 27% in the April-June quarter to a more normal level of less than 10% early next year, said finance chief Neil Sorahan.

($1 = 0.8490 euros)

(Editing by Jacqueline Wong and David Goodman)
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 26, 2021 / The Schall Law Firm , a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Stable Road Acquisition Corp. ('Stable Road' or 'the Company') (NASDAQ:SRAC) for violations of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investors who purchased the Company's securities between October 7, 2020 and July 13, 2021, inclusive (the ''Class Period''), are encouraged to contact the firm before September 13, 2021.

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. Stable Road's merger target, Momentus, held a test of its key technology in 2019 that failed to meet its criteria for success. The government of the United States considered Momentus CEO Mikhail Kokorich to be a national security threat, jeopardizing the Company's potential commercial success. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Stable Road, investors suffered damages.

According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market.

Join the case to recover your losses.

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

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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.,

www.schallfirm.com

Office: 310-301-3335

info@schallfirm.com

SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm





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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 26, 2021 / The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that class actions have commenced on behalf of certain shareholders in the following companies. If you suffered a loss you have until the lead plaintiff deadline to request that the court appoint you as lead plaintiff. There will be no obligation or cost to you.

Stable Road Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:SRAC)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at:https://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/stable-road-acquisition-corp-loss-submission-form?prid=17984&wire=1

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: September 13, 2021

Class Period: October 7, 2020 - July 13, 2021

Allegations against SRAC include that: (a) Stable Road's acquistion target, Momentus's 2019 test of its key technology, a water plasma thruster, had failed to meet Momentus's own public and internal pre-launch criteria for success, and was conducted on a prototype that was not designed to generate commercially significant amounts of thrust; (b) the U.S. government had conveyed that it considered Momentus's Chief Executive Officer a national security threat, jeopardizing his continued leadership of Momentus and Momentus's launch schedule and business prospects; (c) consequently, the revenue projections and business and operational plans provided to investors regarding Momentus and the commercial viability and timeline of its products were materially false and misleading and lacked a reasonable basis in fact; and (d) Stable Road had failed to conduct appropriate due diligence of Momentus and its business operations and defendants had materially misrepresented the due diligence activities being conducted by Stable Road executives and its sponsor in connection with the merger.

DraftKings Inc. f/k/a Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:DKNG)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at:https://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/draftkings-inc-f-k-a-diamond-eagle-acquisition-corp-loss-submission-form?prid=17984&wire=1

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: August 31, 2021

Class Period: December 23, 2019 - June 15, 2021

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Allegations against DKNG include that: (i) SBTech Global Limited ("SBTech"), a company acquired by DraftKings, had a history of unlawful operations; (ii) accordingly, DraftKings' merger with SBTech exposed the Company to dealings in black-market gaming; (iii) the foregoing increased the Company's regulatory and criminal risks with respect to these transactions; (iv) as a result of all the foregoing, the Company's revenues were, in part, derived from unlawful conduct and thus unsustainable; (v) accordingly, the benefits of the Business Combination were overstated; and (vi) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

CarLotz, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOTZ)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at:https://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/carlotz-inc-loss-submission-form?prid=17984&wire=1

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: September 7, 2021

Class Period: December 30, 2020 - May 25, 2021

Allegations against LOTZ include that: (1) due to a surge in inventory during the second half of fiscal 2020, CarLotz was experiencing a "logjam" resulting in slower processing and higher days to sell; (2) as a result, the Company's gross profit per unit would be negatively impacted; (3) to minimize returns to the corporate vehicle sourcing partner responsible for more than 60% of CarLotz's inventory, the Company was offering aggressive pricing; (4) as a result, CarLotz's gross profit per unit forecast was likely inflated; (5) this Company's corporate vehicle sourcing partner would likely pause consignments to the Company due to market conditions, including increasing wholesale prices; and (6) 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.

To learn more contact Vincent Wong, Esq. either via email vw@wongesq.com or by telephone at 212.425.1140.

Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney who has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Vincent Wong, Esq.

39 East Broadway

Suite 304

New York, NY 10002

Tel. 212.425.1140

Fax. 866.699.3880

E-Mail: vw@wongesq.com

SOURCE: The Law Offices of Vincent Wong





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SINGAPORE, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WEIFENG TECHNOLOGY, a Singapore-based technology company, believes that the true power of NFT is in e-commerce and international trade because it empowers to all supply-chain participants.

JERITEX operates on BSC protocol and leverages NFT technology

Traditional assets such as money are "fungible". For instance, if you lend someone one hundred dollars, you don't need the borrower to return that exact one-hundred dollar bill. On the other hand, if you lend a unique piece of collector's oil painting to someone, then you expect the same exact oil painting to be returned, and in such a case, that oil painting is described as "non-fungible".

NFT, which stands for "Non-Fungible Token", is a breakthrough class of non-fungible digital assets. NFT allows holders to prove the authenticity and ownership of the digitalized assets. NFT unlocks boundless opportunities for innovation, although most NFT marketplaces currently focus on digital art, games, and music, fashion, and sports collectibles.

WEIFENG TECHNOLOGY plans to launch JERITEX in August 2021, which will be integrated with partner e-commerce platforms through NFT gateways. A number of e-commerce platforms specializing in fashion, comestic, smartphone, sports goods and other luxury goods have expressed interest to partner with WEIFENG TECHNOLOGY so they may offer wider choice of payment gateways to their users beyond the current options such as: VISA, Mastercard, PayPal, AliPay, VNPay, etc.

WEIFENG's NFT technology enables e-commerce users to seamlessly exchange for goods and merchandize in USDR, which is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar and can trade on E-comercial site . The list of partner e-commerce platforms of WEIFENG TECHNOLOGY will be unveiled in Quarter 3 this year.

JERITEX, which debuts in August, is one of the solutions in the WEIFENG TECHNOLOGY ecosystem. JERITEX operates on the Binance Smart Chain ("BSC") protocol, in addition, it is developing NFT ("non-fungible token") payment gateways and payment applications through stable coins, with the aim to revolutionalize e-commerce. JERITEX aspires to become one of the top 5 trading exchanges within the next two years.

SOURCE WEIFENG TECHNOLOGY
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 26, 2021) - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSXV: SSV) (OTCQX: SSVFF) ("Southern Silver" and the "Company") reports it has received approvals, pending posting of bonds, from the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division, the New Mexico State Land Office, and the Bureau of Land Management for a six-hole diamond drilling program to test several copper porphyry and skarn targets at its wholly owned Oro property, located in southwestern New Mexico, USA. Posting of the required bonds is underway and should be completed shortly. The property consists of patented land, State leases and BLM mineral claims totalling 22.3 sq. km., upon which several historic mines are located. The property covers a large, zoned Laramide-age mineralizing system containing a number of highly prospective, district-scale, copper-molybdenum and distal sediment-hosted, oxide-gold targets.

Targeting was based upon 3D modelling of data generated by geologic mapping, historic drill holes, geochemical zoning studies, alteration clay studies, and geophysical surveys. A 6-hole (4,000-metre) diamond drill program is planned to test several of the copper-molybdenum porphyry and copper-gold skarn targets within a broad quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration zone, interpreted as a lithocap overlying an unexposed porphyry centre. Drilling is expected to commence in Q3 2021.





Interpretive Cross Section with Targets

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5344/91087_51cbf53b24e0c93d_002full.jpg.

About Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is a precious and base metal exploration and development company with a focus on the discovery of world-class mineral deposits in north-central Mexico and in the Southern USA. Our specific emphasis is the Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc project located in the heart of Mexico's Faja de Plata, which hosts multiple world-class mineral deposits such as Penasquito, San Martin, Naica and Pitarrilla. We have assembled a team of highly experienced technical, operational and transactional professionals to support our exploration efforts in developing the Cerro Las Minitas project into a premier, high-grade, silver-lead-zinc mine. The property portfolio also includes the 100% owned Oro porphyry copper-gold project located in southern New Mexico, USA. The Oro claim package covers a large zoned Laramide-age mineralizing system containing a number of highly prospective, drill -ready porphyry/skarn and distal gold targets. The Company engages in the acquisition, exploration and development either directly or through joint-venture relationships in mineral properties in major jurisdictions.

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Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is the VP Exploration of Southern Silver Exploration Corporation, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the supervision of the Company's exploration programs and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Lawrence Page"

Lawrence Page, Q.C.

President & Director, Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

For further information, please visit Southern Silver's website at southernsilverexploration.com or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/91087.
United States Fiberglass Market, By Type (Glass Wool, Direct & Assembled Roving, Chopped Strand, Yarn and Others), By Glass Fiber Type (E Glass, S Glass, C Glass, A Glass, R Glass, AR Glass, Others), By Resin (Thermoset Resins and Thermoplastic Resins), By Application (Composites and Glass Wool Insulation), By End User Industry (Construction & Infrastructure, Automotive, Wind Energy, Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Others), By Top 10 States, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2016-2026F

New York, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "United States Fiberglass Market, By Type, By Glass Fiber Type, By Resin, By Application, By End User Industry, By Top 10 States, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2016-2026F" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06105541/?utm_source=GNW



United States Fiberglass Market stood at USD2313.90 million in 2020 and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.85% until 2026. Growth in the United States Fiberglass Market is driven by their widespread usage in a variety of applications, from infrastructure sector to aerospace and defense industries. Fiberglass is a reinforced plastic material which is composed of a woven material that is embedded with glass fibers which are randomly laid across each other and held together with a binding substance. Fiberglass is combined with resins to form an extremely strong and durable composite. Fiberglass can be flattened into a sheet called a strand mat or woven into a fabric. The use of fiberglass in various sectors including construction, housing, automotive, aviation, marine, electronics, among others is anticipated to act as a catalyst for the growth of the United States Fiberglass Market.



Based on type, the market can be segmented into Glass Wool, Direct & Assembled Roving, Chopped Strand, Yarn and Others.Glass Wool type fiberglass dominated the market in 2020 as glass wool is used as an indoor and an acoustic thermal material.



Most commonly, they are applied under pitched roofs, wooden floors, or on inner walls.



Based on Glass Fiber type, the market can be divided into E Glass, S Glass, C Glass, A Glass, R Glass, AR Glass, Others.The E Glass segment dominated the market in 2020 as the E-Glass fabrics are considered as the industry standard and provide an exceptional cost-performance balance.



Factors such as cost-efficiency, corrosion-resistance, and lightweight, as well as wide-ranging applications of E-glass, makes it preferable for wind energy, marine, and other electrical & electronics industries.



On the basis of application, composites dominate the United States Fiberglass Market and held the largest share in the United States Fiberglass Market in 2020. Some of the major players in the United States Fiberglass Market include Owens Corning, Johns Manville Corporation, Saint Gobain North America, CertainTeed Corporation, AGY Holding Corp., PPG Industries, Inc., Jushi USA Corporation, Knauf Insulation, American Fiberglass Corporation, Quietflex Manufacturing Co., L.P. etc. Major companies are developing advanced technologies and launching new products to stay competitive in the market. Other competitive strategies include mergers & acquisitions and new products developments.



Years considered for this report:



Historical Years: 2016-2019

Base Year: 2020

Estimated Year: 2021

Forecast Period: 2022-2026



Objective of the Study:



 To analyze the historical growth in the market size of United States Fiberglass Market from 2016 to 2020.

 To estimate and forecast the market size of the United States Fiberglass Market from 2021 to 2026 and growth rate until 2026.

 To classify and forecast United States Fiberglass Market based on type, glass fiber type, application, resin, end user industry, by top 10 states and by company.

 To identify the dominant region or segment in the United States Fiberglass Market.

 To identify drivers and challenges for United States Fiberglass Market.

 To identify and analyze the profile of leading players operating in the United States Fiberglass Market.

 To identify key sustainable strategies adopted by market players in the United States Fiberglass Market.

The analyst performed both primary as well as exhaustive secondary research for this study.Initially, the analyst sourced a list of manufacturers across the country.



Subsequently, the analyst conducted primary research surveys with the identified companies.While interviewing, the respondents were also enquired about their competitors.



Through this technique, the analyst was able to include the manufacturers which could not be identified due to the limitations of secondary research. The analyst examined the manufacturers, distribution channels and presence of all major players across the country.

The analyst calculated the market size of United States Fiberglass Market using a bottom-up approach, wherein data for various end-user segments was recorded and forecast for the future years. The analyst sourced these values from the industry experts and company representatives and externally validated through analyzing historical data of these product types and applications for getting an appropriate, overall market size.



Various secondary sources such as company websites, news articles, press releases, company annual reports, investor presentations and financial reports were also studied by the analyst.



Key Target Audience:



 Fiberglass manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders

 Maintenance and repair companies

 Organizations, forums and alliances related to fiberglass

 Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers

 Market research and consulting firms

The study is useful in providing answers to several critical questions that are important for the industry stakeholders such as manufacturers, end users, etc., besides allowing them in strategizing investments and capitalizing on market opportunities.



Report Scope:



In this report, the United States Fiberglass Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:



 United States Fiberglass Market, By Type:

o Glass Wool

o Direct & Assembled Roving

o Chopped Strand

o Yarn

o Others

 United States Fiberglass Market, By Glass Fiber Type:

o E-Glass

o S-Glass

o C-Glass

o A-Glass

o R-Glass

o AR-Glass

o Others

 United States Fiberglass Market, By Resin:

o Thermoset Resins

o Thermoplastic Resins

 United States Fiberglass Market, By Application:

o Composites

o Glass Wool Insulation

 United States Fiberglass Market, By End User Industry:

o Construction & Infrastructure

o Automotive

o Wind Energy

o Electronics

o Aerospace & Defence

o Others

 United States Fiberglass Market, By State:

o Texas

o California

o Illinois

o New York

o Florida

o Washington

o Michigan

o Nevada

o Ohio

o North Carolina

o Others



Competitive Landscape

:



Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the United States Fiberglass Market.



Available Customizations:



With the given market data, we offers customizations according to a companys specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:



Company Information



 Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06105541/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




TEWKSBURY, Mass., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WellPet, LLC, the largest North America based independent branded premium natural pet food company, announced today that Erica Hageman has been appointed to the role of General Counsel. As the first person to hold this position at the company, Hageman will play a key role in helping the company navigate strategic growth while also overseeing all legal matters including compliance, intellectual property, contracts, employment law, and litigation.

Erica Hageman joins WellPet, LLC, as General Counsel, the first person to hold this position at the company.

Hageman joins WellPet after serving most recently as General Counsel at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc. in Arlington, Virginia. During her twelve years with Interstate she held multiple leadership roles, completed eight acquisitions across the globe, and was a member of the team that led the sale of the company. Prior to Interstate she served as a litigation associate with the Washington D.C. office of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott.

"Erica joins us at a pivotal time for the company as we scale with a focus on better serving pets and pet parents in innovative ways. Erica will play a crucial role as our internal counsel, guiding us on all legal, compliance, and contractual matters on our path forward," said Reed Howlett, CEO of WellPet. "Erica's impressive business and legal background will be vital to our company's next chapter and sustainable, thoughtful growth."

In her new role, Hageman will work closely with Howlett and other members of the senior leadership team to meet the company's goals of continuing expansion to new categories and introducing a new generation of pet parents to the power of natural nutrition that delivers proven outcomes for a lifetime of wellbeing.

"I'm excited for this new opportunity to advance WellPet's goals to grow as a leader in the premium pet food category. Coming from a background in hospitality, I'm familiar with work that centers on the wellbeing of others, and I'm looking forward to applying that to the booming pet industry," said Hageman. "As a pet parent myself, I understand how deeply people care for their pets, and I look forward to working with the WellPet leadership team to ensure we continue supporting pet health and wellbeing."

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Hageman and her family and their Cavachon will be based in the Boston area. To learn more about WellPet and its family of brands, visit www.wellpet.com .

About WellPet, LLC:

WellPet, the largest North America based independent branded premium natural pet food company is home to premium pet food brands Wellness, WHIMZEES, Old Mother Hubbard, Eagle Pack, Holistic Select, and Sojos. For more than 100 years, WellPet has delivered on the promise of doing whatever it takes to make the healthiest natural products for the pets that depend on us. Today, our team of animal lovers, nutritionists, and veterinarians at WellPet are committed to carrying forth our strong heritage, continuing to find new ways to bring innovation, nutritional excellence and product quality to our family of natural brands, always putting pet health first. For more information, visit www.wellpet.com.

Cision

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SOURCE WellPet, LLC
Airline strengthens codeshare with KLM, adds AMS connections to 18 European cities

CALGARY, AB, July 26, 2021 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced the evolution of its long-standing codeshare relationship with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines through the placement of its "WS" codeshare on KLM-operated flights. Through the expanded codeshare agreement, guests will now have convenient access via Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) to 18 cities across Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Guests will now have convenient access via AMS to 18 cities across Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

The enhanced partnership builds on the airline's new non-stop 787 Dreamliner service between Amsterdam and Calgary and provides greater access between Canada and European points for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic.

"Through this expanded codeshare relationship with KLM our guests will benefit from new opportunities to travel between Europe and Canada," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "Our Dreamliner service to Amsterdam combined with convenient connections on a world-class partner like KLM is an exciting step as we work to support the safe restart of international travel."

WestJet's inaugural service between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) is set to depart on August 5, 2021. The airline's new service will operate two-times weekly beginning August 5, 2021 and will increase to three-times weekly as of September 9. All AMS flights will be on WestJet's 787 Dreamliner, featuring WestJet's Business Cabin including lie-flat pods, dining on demand and WestJet's award-winning caring service.

"This is an exciting development for inbound travel and tourism to Alberta from key European markets via Amsterdam," said David Goldstein, CEO, Travel Alberta. "Rebuilding these targeted international air links is critical to the province's economic recovery. We look forward to working with WestJet to re-establish Alberta's competitiveness as a business and leisure destination emerging from the pandemic."

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Details of WestJet's service between Calgary and Amsterdam:

Route Frequency Start Date Calgary 

Amsterdam 2x weekly Aug. 5  Sept. 5, 2021

3x weekly Sept. 9  October 31,

2021 Amsterdam 

Calgary 2x weekly Aug. 6  Sept. 6, 2021

3x weekly Sept. 10  November 1,

2021

Details of WestJet's codeshare with KLM via AMS:

Airport

Code City Country VIE Vienna Austria BRU Brussels Belgium TLS Toulouse* France* LYS Lyon* MPL Montpellier/Mauguio* FRA Frankfurt Germany MUC Munich BER Berlin HAJ Hanover MXP Milan Italy VCE Venice LIS Lisbon Portugal MAD Madrid Spain GLA Glasgow UK EDI Edinburgh MAN Manchester LCY London LHR London

*Pending regulatory approval

About WestJet

In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline's Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet

Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet

Follow WestJet on Instagram instagram.com/westjet/

Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet

Read the WestJet blog at blog.westjet.com

Recent recognition includes:

2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)

2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)

2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)

2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)

SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2021/26/c5469.html
Students in Wells class read and analyze childrens literature and discuss ways it can be used in the classroom. They usually partner with a local teacher to write their own original piece of literature for use in that teachers classroom, but that wasnt an option this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, Wells colleague, Leslie Martin, director of UMWs Center for Community Engagement, suggested the class write a story for the citys StoryWalk and connected her with Brown.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Brown asked for a story about river safety. While researching the Virginia standards of learning for grades K6the target audience for the StoryWalkthe UMW students noticed an emphasis on local wildlife and plants and how humans can have a positive impact on their environment, so they decided to include those issues in the story as well.

The students learned that a recurring linesuch as Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair or Ill huff and Ill puff and Ill blow your house inis a common feature in childrens literature and is a helpful tool for beginning readers, so they included one What can I do? How can I help?

In the story, Alex learns about staying safe on the river and how humans can keep the river and its wildlife healthy by cleaning up trash.
An Oklahoma man who led area police on a high-speed chase in 2019 that entered at least five different localities was ordered Monday to serve two years in prison for his actions in Stafford County.

Steven Craig Martin, 54, of Spiro, Okla., was sentenced in Stafford Circuit Court to 15 years, with all but two years suspended. He was convicted of felony eluding and two counts of assault on a law-enforcement officer.

Martin was also ordered to make $9,285 in restitution for police cruisers he rammed in Stafford during the pursuit.

According to the evidence presented by prosecutor Sandra Park, Virginia State Police trooper L. Batten Jr. responded to Interstate 95 in northern Caroline County at 2:52 a.m. on Dec. 28, 2019, in response to a driver in a red pickup doing 110 mph while dangerously eluding police.

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Park said the driver ignored flashing lights, continued to flee at high speeds and went into all northbound lanes as well as the shoulder.

Park said Martin was endangering the troopers and other motorists with his actions. By the time the pursuit reached the Courthouse exit in Stafford, troopers had used tire deflation devices and containment maneuvers in an unsuccessful attempt to end the chase.
This is an issue predominantly among the unvaccinated, which is the reason why were out there, practically pleading with the unvaccinated people to go out and get vaccinated, Fauci said.

Fauci said government experts are reviewing early data as they consider whether to recommend that vaccinated individuals to get booster shots. He suggested that some of the most vulnerable, such as organ transplant and cancer patients, are likely to be recommended for booster shots.

He also praised Republicans, including Govs. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas and Ron DeSantis of Florida, and the second-ranking House leader, Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, for encouraging their constituents to get vaccinated. Their states have among the lowest vaccination rates in the country.

What I would really like to see is more and more of the leaders in those areas that are not vaccinating to get out and speak out and encourage people to get vaccinated, Fauci said.

-

This story has been corrected to say that 49% of the total U.S. population, not just those eligible, are fully vaccinated.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
DECATUR, Illinois  DeeAndre J. Woodland, the Decatur man who shot a would-be robber to death after being shot and wounded himself, was sent to prison for four years.

Woodland, 40, took a plea deal and entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon when he appeared in Macon County Circuit Court July 16. Further charges alleging the aggravated discharge of a firearm and being a felon who possessed and used a firearm were then dismissed by Presiding Judge Thomas Griffith.

The plea deal was negotiated by defense lawyer Douglas B. Johnson, the second lawyer to work the case. Woodland had been represented by D. Peter Wise, but he withdrew in April after Woodland rejected an earlier plea deal he had negotiated.

The case dates back to Sept. 7, 2019, when Woodland fatally shot 20-year-old Dontrez Williams in the 1200 block of North Edward Street. Reports from detectives with the Decatur Police Department had identified Williams, who had alcohol and a high level of methamphetamine in his blood, as being the aggressor.
Cases started soaring soon after, and Florida earlier this week made up up one-fifth of the country's new coronavirus infections. As a result, Florida's weekly releases  typically done on Friday afternoons  have consequences for the country's understanding of the current summer surge, with no statewide COVID stats coming out of the virus hotspot for six days a week.

In Florida's last two weekly reports, the number of new cases shot up from 23,000 to 45,000 and then 73,000 on Friday, an average of more than 10,000 day. Hospitals are starting to run out of space in parts of the state.

With cases rising, Democrats and other critics have urged state officials and Gov. Ron DeSantis to resume daily outbreak updates.

There was absolutely no reason to eliminate the daily updates beyond an effort to pretend like there are no updates, said state Rep. Anna Eskamani, a Democrat from the Orlando area.

The trend of reducing data reporting has alarmed infectious disease specialists who believe that more information is better during a pandemic. People have come to rely on state virus dashboards to help make decisions about whether to attend large gatherings or wear masks in public, and understanding the level of risk in the community affects how people respond to virus restrictions and calls to get vaccinated.
KABUL -- Hundreds of dilapidated pickup trucks packed with men, women, and children leave daily from Zaranj, Afghanistans smuggling capital.



From Zaranj -- the capital of the remote southwestern province of Nimroz -- the vehicles turn south, slogging through the scorching desert and crossing the porous border with Pakistan.



In the border town of Dak, in Pakistans southwestern Balochistan Province, the smugglers transfer the Afghans to new vehicles. More than 20 people pile into the back of each pickup truck, embarking on an hours-long journey through the vast Balochistan desert and across the inhospitable Mashkel Mountains into Iran.



Many of the Afghan refugees and migrants who make it this far will remain illegally in Iran, taking on menial jobs to earn enough money to send back to their families in Afghanistan. Others will pay smugglers to take them as far as Turkey, from where some will hope to reach Western Europe.

The journey is dangerous. Afghans who have illegally crossed borders in the region have been arrested, beaten, shot at, and even killed by border guards, smugglers, and criminal gangs. Others have drowned or died of illness and exhaustion.

But for many Afghans fleeing intensifying Taliban violence and rising poverty, their dreams of safety and jobs are worth the risk.



The number of Afghans fleeing abroad has surged since the United States announced in April it would withdrawal all its forces from Afghanistan. Ahead of the scheduled August 31 pullout, the Taliban has launched a blistering offensive and captured large swaths of territory from government forces.



The Talibans lightning advance has displaced tens of thousands of people and pushed Afghanistan toward the brink of a humanitarian crisis.

Up to 450 pickups, carrying some 10,000 people, are leaving Zaranj each day, says David Mansfield, an independent researcher who authored an upcoming report for the Overseas Development Institute, a Britain-based think tank that maps the revenue sources of different actors in the Afghan conflict, including the lucrative people-smuggling trade.



We have seen an almost doubling of departures since the announcement of the U.S. withdrawal, with significant increases following the Taliban's advance and the loosening of security in Iran after its presidential election in June, adds Mansfield, whose research included the use of satellite imagery and interviews with drivers and passengers.

Its a hard journey through Pakistan and Iran, says Mansfield. It says a lot about how desperate people are.

Fleeing Westward

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there has been a sharp increase -- between 30 to 40 percent -- in the number of Afghans fleeing the country in the past month.



Nick Bishop, emergency response officer for IOM Afghanistan, says the surge is due to the recent drawdown of international troops and the subsequent rapidly deteriorating security situation across the country.



Before the start of the foreign pullout on May 1, an estimated 750,000 to 1 million Afghan men -- mostly aged between 18 and 26 -- migrated each year via people smugglers or other informal means, predominantly to Iran, Turkey, the Gulf region, and Europe, says Bishop.



However, the recent spate of widespread conflict has also now driven a noticeably large number of families to flee abroad through irregular channels as well, he adds.



The IOMs Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) estimates that approximately 20,000 to 30,000 Afghan nationals and 600 to 700 families are now migrating abroad every week.



At these rates, 2021 could see up to 1.5 million Afghans fleeing westward in search of protection, safety, and jobs, Bishop says.



DTM data, collected through surveys with over 33,000 Afghan migrants just before they left for Iran, shows that around 81 percent intended to remain in Iran, followed by 12 percent who planned to travel on to Turkey, some 4 percent to Europe, and just 2 percent to Pakistan.



The main drivers of migration are conflict and lack of jobs, according to the DTM data.



Most of the Afghans who are fleeing abroad are from 14 of Afghanistans 34 provinces. They include the capital, Kabul; the northern provinces of Balkh, Baghlan, Sar-e Pul, Takhar, and Kunduz; the northwestern provinces of Faryab and Badghis; the western provinces of Herat and Ghor; the central provinces of Ghazni and Wardak; and the eastern provinces of Laghman and Nangarhar.



Most of the 14 provinces have been severely affected by the Talibans major military offensive in recent months.

No Prospect For Peace

We live in misery, says Hafizullah Naseri, a resident of Kunduz Province who is preparing to flee abroad. There is no prospect for peace. The war just goes on and on. So we have to go to a safe country.

The 45-year-old says his family of six has sold many of its possessions to pay smugglers to take them to Iran.



The Taliban has captured six of the Kunduz Provinces nine districts and encircled the city of Kunduz, the provincial capital and the countrys fifth largest city. Afghan security forces have been battling Taliban fighters in the citys neighborhoods for weeks.

Hundreds of residents have been killed or wounded and the increased number of those who have left either fled the violence or were forced out by the Taliban, which has used abandoned homes as positions from which to fire at government forces.



"The situation is horrible, says Amir Khan Ludin, another resident of Kunduz. This is not a place to live. There is war and no jobs. There are hundreds of families like mine who are leaving to go abroad.



Mohammad Hanif Yar runs a pharmacy in the southern city of Kandahar, the nations second-largest city and home to more than 600,000 people.



Nobodys life is safe, says Yar. Nobodys family or property is safe. Security is deteriorating day by day.



Afghan forces and Taliban militants have been engaged in fierce clashes in and around Kandahar for weeks. The insurgents have captured several districts surrounding the city in the past month and carried out a series of attacks on police outposts before breaching the city of Kandahar on July 9.



Yar says he intends to make the hazardous journey to Europe.



No country will grant me a visa so I will go illegally, says the 26-year-old. We understand the risks and difficulties. But we can no longer live with the turmoil and insecurity of war. What kind of life are we living? We also have the right to live in peace.



Looming Humanitarian Crisis



The UN has warned of a looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan as the escalating conflict brings increased human suffering and civilian displacement.

An estimated 270,000 Afghans have been internally displaced since January 2021, bringing the total number of displaced Afghans to 3.5 million, according to the UN, which said nearly half of Afghanistans 38 million people need humanitarian assistance.



With the war intensifying, Afghanistans neighbors are bracing for an influx of new Afghan refugees and migrants.



Pakistan hosts nearly 2 million Afghans, refugees from four decades of war in their homeland.



Pakistani National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf said on July 13 that the country was not in a position to accept any more refugees, adding that the UN should build refugee camps on the Afghan side of the border.



Pakistan has fenced around 90 percent of its disputed, 2,670-kilometer border with Afghanistan, making illegal cross-border travel difficult.



Iran, the most popular destination for Afghan refugees and migrants, hosts around 1 million Afghans, according to the UN. Many Afghans there have no legal status and are deprived of basic rights.



More than 604,000 Afghans living in Iran have been deported or returned home voluntarily in 2021, according to the IOM.



In a move aimed at preventing a new wave of Afghan refugees, Iranian lawmakers in November proposed new legislation that would impose severe prison terms on undocumented migrants and allow security officers to shoot at vehicles suspected of carrying them.



Turkish media reports say that up to 1,000 Afghans have been crossing into Turkey, via Iran, daily for the past few weeks.



Ankara is building a wall along its border with Iran to stem the increasing flow of Afghan refugees and migrants.

Turkish security forces detained nearly 1,500 irregular migrants in the last week, most of them Afghans, near the southeastern border with Iran, officials said on July 19.

The European Union is weighing up a new package of financial aid to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran to help limit the flow of Afghan refugees to the bloc. A European official said the aim was help refugees closer to home and avoid a new flow of asylum seekers to the EU.



Tajikistan has said it is ready to shelter up to 100,000 refugees from Afghanistan. Just over 1,000 Afghan civilians reside in the poor Central Asian nation. Hundreds of Afghan servicemen who had fled to Tajikistan have been flown to Kabul.



The Afghan government on June 11 requested that European countries halt the deportation of Afghan asylum seekers for the next three months due to increased Taliban violence. Finland, Sweden, and Norway have said they will temporarily halt those deportations.



Our Families Are In Danger



Despite the obstacles to reaching a foreign country, Afghans continue to make plans to leave their homeland.



In Kabul, thousands of people line up outside the passport office daily, sometimes for days, to receive travel documents.



Afghans who can afford it are applying by the thousands for visas to leave Afghanistan. Scores of prominent journalists, activists, and former government employees have left in recent months.



Those who are rejected for a visa or do not have the means to travel sell their possessions or borrow money to pay smugglers to take them abroad.



One of them is Yama Ayubi, a 26-year-old who has decided to leave his home in Kabul and emigrate.



Our families are in danger, he says. If we stay, we will fall prey to the terrorist groups that are destroying our country.



Massud Azizi, an employee of a construction and logistics company in Kabul, harbors dreams of reaching Europe.



I wont be granted a visa to Europe, he says. So, I will go illegally. Weve all heard about the risks and dangers. But what else can we do? All of us are in danger. We dont have a choice.



Written by Frud Bezhan in Prague with reporting by RFE/RLs Radio Azadi correspondents in Afghanistan. Their names are being withheld for their protection.
Pakistan's army says 46 Afghan soldiers crossed the border and were granted refuge in the country after losing their positions to advancing Taliban militants.

Hundreds of Afghan soldiers and civil officials have fled to neighboring Tajikistan, Iran, and Pakistan in recent weeks amid Taliban offensives in border areas.

The Afghan military commander requested refuge at the border crossing in Chitral in the north, the Pakistani Army said in a statement. Chitral shares a border with the three Afghan provinces of Kunar, Badakhshan, and Nuristan.

"These Afghan soldiers arrived at Arundu sector, Chitral late last night. After contact with Afghan authorities and necessary military procedures, 46 soldiers including five officers have been given refuge [and] safe passage into Pakistan," the statement said.

"Afghan soldiers have been provided food, shelter, and necessary medical care as per established military norms," it said.

Pakistan said the soldiers who sought refuge will be returned to Afghanistan after due process as was another batch of 35 soldiers earlier in July.



The move comes at a time of rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Kabul recalling its envoy from Islamabad after the brief kidnapping of the his daughter in the Pakistani capital earlier this month.

Afghanistan has also accused Islamabad of secretly aiding the Taliban, allowing wounded militants to cross into Pakistan for medical treatment.

The Taliban has stepped up its offensive across Afghanistan since the United States announced in April that it would withdraw its troops by the end of August, ending a 20-year foreign military presence.

Militants have captured the Spin Boldak district, where one of the country's main border and trade crossings with Pakistan is located.

The Taliban and Afghan government officials met for talks in Qatari capital Doha on July 17, but little came out of the meeting besides promises of more talks.

With reporting by Reuters, dpa, and dawn.com
The United Nations says almost 2,400 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded in May and June, the highest number for those two months since records started in 2009, and more women and children were among the victims in the first half of the year than in any previous six-month interval.

In a report published on July 26, the UN's Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it had documented 5,183 civilian casualties between January and June, of which 1,659 were deaths -- a 47 percent increase over the same period last year.

Fighting between Taliban militants and Afghan government forces intensified in May and June after U.S. President Joe Biden announced American troops would withdraw by August 31, bringing an end to 20 years of foreign military presence in the country.

Negotiations between the militants and the government have been taking place in Qatar in recent weeks but little substantive progress has been made since peace talks began in September.

The report said women and children made up 46 percent of all civilian casualties in the first half of the year.

In total, 468 children were killed and 1,214 wounded, while 219 women lost their lives and 508 were wounded.

"Particularly shocking and of deep concern is that women, boys and girls made up close to half of all civilian casualties in the first half of 2021,"UNAMA said in a statement.

The report blamed anti-government forces for 64 percent of all civilian casualties, with 39 percent inflicted by the Taliban, nearly 9 percent by the Islamic State group, and 16 percent undetermined.

But it also warned that government troops and their affiliates were responsible for some 25 percent of all civilian casualties.

UNAMA said it expected casualties to mount to their highest one-year levels since the mission began reporting in 2009.

"Unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed," said Deborah Lyons, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan.

"I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed of the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians," Lyons said."

With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
There's no place like home.

But finding an affordable place to live these days remains one of the biggest challenges faced by Colorado Springs buyers.

Prices for local resale homes, which climbed to $450,000 in June, have set record highs each of the last five months. New home prices have skyrocketed, as well; spiking lumber, building material and labor costs have made it tough to deliver homes under $400,000, builders say.

That's why some builders are offering an alternative home design they say gives buyers a more affordable option.

One builder calls them urban-style homes  two- and three-story residences that are taller and narrower than traditional suburban homes, with a look and feel akin to townhomes or even East Coast rowhomes.

They're built side by side on smaller lots and in a more densely packed fashion, with maybe 6 to 10 feet between them, depending on the builder.

Despite their cozy layout, the urban-style residences don't have common walls  like townhomes and apartments  and buyers still have the privacy that comes with owning a single-family detached home, some Colorado Springs builders say.

Even as they're touted by builders as more affordable, the homes still aren't cheap. Most also have little or no front or back yard and their square footage can be smaller than what's found in typical suburban areas.

Still, some of the homes can be had for several thousand dollars less than some of their suburban counterparts, while some buyers will have less maintenance than if they owned a wide-lot, suburban-style property, builders say.

"The main concept is just affordability," said Joe Loidolt, who heads homebuilding for longtime Colorado Springs builder Classic Cos. "One of the most obvious ways to get affordability is to have higher density product. I doubt everybody wants to live in a townhome with attached walls. Our initial concept wasn't anything more unique than just saying, 'let's take a typical townhome, a rowhome scenario, and pull them apart by 6 feet.'"

Classic launched its Midtown Collection three years ago and has sold the homes in four Springs neighborhoods. Classic constructs about 10 Midtown homes per acre, compared with roughly three to four homes per acre  depending on their building and lot size  in some of its other communities, Loidolt said.

In effect, Classic needs less land upon which to build its Midtown homes, which means it can sell the houses for lower prices, he said.

The smallest Midtown Collection home under construction and available in the north side Wolf Ranch development totals 1,304 square feet on two levels and sells for $398,300, according to the Classic Cos. website. The largest Midtown home at Wolf Ranch, a three-story floor plan with 2,130 square feet, is priced at $456,100.

By comparison, the company markets its more suburban-like Classic collection elsewhere in Wolf Ranch, where a 2,499-square-foot ranch and a 2,636-square-foot, two-story home sell for $520,500 and $484,800, respectively, Classic's website shows. Classic's largest Wolf Ranch home, a 4,834-square-foot ranch , sells for $638,800.

Challenger Homes, another longtime Colorado Springs builder, markets its Ascent Collection at its Chapel Heights development, northeast of Academy and Fountain boulevards on the city's southeast side and on the campus of the former Nazarene Bible College.

The Ascent homes aren't quite as upscale as Classic's Midtown Collection, said Tom Hennessy, Challenger's president and CEO.

But Challenger's marketing strategy is similar; the company is constructing eight to 12 houses per acre, compared with five per acre in a typical neighborhood, he said. That allows Challenger to offer its Ascent homes at lower prices.

Ascent homes at Chapel Heights range from the $320,000s for a 1,108-square-foot, two-story home to the $360,000s for a 1,949-square-foot, three-level house.

"The land cost is much lower, which is a major part of the cost of a house," Hennessy said. "It still allows us to deliver the same square footage for a little bit lower price."

The Challenger and Classic urban-style homes typically have two to three bedrooms (additional bedrooms and bathrooms are optional, depending on the floor plan), garages tucked underneath the house and ground-floor flexible space.

Classic's homes have a second-level balcony and small front yards that are xeriscaped, with minimal landscaping. Challenger's homes might have a small yard, though another area of urban-style homes developed by the company northwest of Powers Boulevard and Platte Avenue had more traditional yards.

Denver-based Oakwood Homes also has a collection of urban-style homes it's building in the Banning Lewis Ranch development, southeast of Woodmen and Marksheffel roads.

Houston-based David Weekley Homes, meanwhile, plans to introduce its version of a higher density, two- and three-story home at its new Trails at Cottonwood Creek development, a gated community planned southwest of Woodmen Road and Austin Bluffs Parkway. Sales are expected to start in the fall and model homes are under construction.

David Weekley's project is meant to fit the irregular topography of the 15-acre site, which slopes downward and to the south toward Cottonwood Creek, said Dustin Nelson, the company's Colorado Springs division president.

Vertical homes on smaller lots will allow the company to maximize use of the land and develop more homes, which still will range in size from 2,000 to 2,800 square feet, Nelson said.

If it had sought to develop the Cottonwood Creek site with larger lots and traditional, suburban-style homes, the company would have produced fewer homes and been forced to charge seven-figure price tags to cover its costs, he said.

Prices haven't yet been determined, though Nelson said he expects the Trailside at Cottonwood Creek homes will sell for less than other David Weekley styles, though possibly more than those of Classic and Challenger.

Builders say the urban-style designs appeal to a cross section of buyers  singles, young married couples and families  who are attracted by the prices, even as some of the homes easily top $300,000.

"That's cheap today," said Loidolt of Classic Cos. "There's not much under $300,000 in the market new. There's not much under $400,000 in the market new. That's how much the market has moved. We started them (Midtown Collection) at under $300,000."

The homes also have their tradeoffs, builders say.

If you want a large backyard for parties and barbecues, you won't find it at these homes. Yet many people like the idea of not mowing a lawn or pulling weeds on the weekends.

"Some of them have kids," Hennessy said of urban-style homebuyers, "but probably the majority of them don't. So, it's, 'I'm going to go work, I don't want to spend my weekends doing yard work. I want to go out with my friends. I want to hike the mountains.' They want to be active and be social and not spend time maintaining the yards of their house."

Nelson, of David Weekley Homes, said the company's Trailside at Cottonwood Creek will have its own outdoor amenity with access to the Cottonwood Creek Trail on the property's south side.

"You can just hop on the trail and be in Cottonwood Park or Venezia Park in minutes," Nelson said.

Also expect to do a lot of walking up stairs to reach living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, and not every buyer will want to make the up-and-down trips.

"There are certainly those buyers," Hennessy said. "And then there's the opposite, the people who really like the three-story living."

The homes aren't just for young buyers; builders say they've also caught the eye of empty nesters, who might be downsizing and looking for a less expensive house and don't want to worry about their yards.

Elena Sanders, who recently bought a two-level Midtown Collection home at Classic's Wolf Ranch development, is moving to Colorado Springs from New York's Long Island to be close to her daughter and family, who also live in Wolf Ranch.

An assistant for several types of medical specialties, such as urology, plastic surgery and vascular surgery, Sanders will leave behind a larger two-story, four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a finished basement when she moves to Colorado from New York.

But she's looking forward to the reduced maintenance that comes with her Midtown home, along with its amenities  a spacious floor plan, high ceilings and lots of natural light, she said. Townhomes have little maintenance, too, but Sanders said she didn't like the idea of sharing a wall with a neighbor.

"It's great looking,' she said of the Midtown home. "It's a very, very cool, modern home. I loved the appearance, I loved the look, I loved the functionality."

And, she said, "it's a free-standing unit. Very private. Even though your neighbor is right next to you, but still, you are on your own."

Classic's Midtown Collection represents about 20% of the company's home styles, and Loidolt said he expects that figure to grow. In fact, Classic has another urban-style, high-density home product that it plans to soon add to its portfolio, he said.

Challenger's Ascent homes make up about 15% of the homes it sells and closes on, Hennessy said, though he doesn't expect that figure to increase much more.

"We have people that love it, that go, 'wow, I really like it, it's really cool,'" Hennessy said. "And then we have people that say, 'you'd never catch me living there.' It's not your standard single-family home that 80% of us would probably live in. It's built for the specific person looking for the low maintenance, the affordability."
The weapons were found on the window sill of Casteel's 12th floor hotel room with a view of Ohio Street Beach and Navy Pier, a major tourist attraction.

Why didnt you leave your firearms at home? a responding officer asks Casteel in police footage.

Casteel replies that he forgot to remove all the firearms from his gun range bag because he packed in a rush after his son was injured and hospitalized the night before he left with his girlfriend and children for Chicago.

He said he removed the guns and ammunition from the bag and left them in the hotel room so that he could use the bag at the beach.

I didnt expect anything to happen. I just left them there for the day. Went to the beach. Came back. Went shopping, Casteel tells officers, also adding that he planned to propose to his girlfriend.

Its my fault. I didnt mean to startle anyone. I understand 100% why Im here. But like I said, its an honest to God accident, Casteel said.

Casteel was released on $10,000 bond after a judge reminded him that gun laws in Chicago are different than in Iowa. Once he was released from the police station, he proposed.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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On that day, September 16, 1862, Saddleryman Private Solomon Stratton, on the west bank of Antietam Creek saved the life of his friend and Commander, Lieutenant Carlos Henry Verbeck.

Verbeck's mount, a grey-white horse that had been with him since his muster in 1861, was shot out from under him in the heat of that day long battle.

Verbeck repeats the story of Sol Stratton's heroism for the rest of his life.

As his mortally wounded horse went down, Verbeck found himself trapped under the thrashing carnage, unable to free himself as the Rebels massed on the other side of Antietam Creek.

As Company D began to scatter, Sol Stratton crested the west bank ridge with a fully saddled and tacked fresh mount, freed Verbeck from his enmeshment, and boosted him into the saddle.

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Lt Verbeck drew his saber and rallied his men to hold their ground. For the rest of his enlistment, Sol Stratton was Carlos Verbeck's guardian angel.

If it can be said that there are times of relative calm in any war, the 8th Illinois found it for a while after Antietam. Providing support for other units and creating picket defense lines allowed for extra time to wonder about life after the Rebellion.
It takes two or more positive cases before an outbreak is declared.

Cases associated with outbreaks increased by 13 on Monday morning, and outbreak deaths also grew by one. Its not clear if that death was the same city fatality reported.

No new COVID-19 cases were reported Saturday or Sunday, but its not known if there really were no new infections or if the departments lack of weekend updates is a factor. Even with zero caseloads both days, Danville and Pittsylvania County combined are averaging about nine new cases per day, their highest level since April.

The increase in infections is happening around the state and nation with a more potent delta variant circulating and low vaccination rates. Areas in Southside Virginia have less than half of the adult population fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Another indicator of a worsening pandemic is a rising positivity rate  22.98% in Pittsylvania County and 12.91% in Danville  which is a measure of positive results against overall tests administered. Virginias rate is now up to 4.3%, a steady incline since a record low of 1.3% in mid-June.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to have Danville and Pittsylvania County in the highest category for virus spread.
Two facts remain: Even with Trost-Thorntons appointment, the commission still has more men than women  and a whole swath of the state is completely unrepresented. So much for either gender diversity or geographical diversity. Those are two of the four categories we were promised and the commission has failed on both counts. A future legislature, if it were so inclined, could fix both of these things by re-writing the law to require diversity, not just give consideration to it. We often think of calls for diversity as a liberal thing, a sign of wokeness. Here, though, actual diversity would benefit a lot of conservative voters in Southwest Virginia.

No matter who draws the lines, the states population trends will dictate that Southwest Virginia will lose seats in this redistricting. Having someone from Southwest Virginia at the table wont change that. Still, it would be nice  more than nice  if someone from Southwest Virginia had some say in how those new lines get drawn. We are a nation founded on the principle of no taxation without representation, but were about to get redistricting without representation. On behalf of Southwest Virginia, we cry foul. (This is also a problem that could still be fixed: Someone else on the commission could resign to make way for a Southwest Virginia representative. Just a hint.)
HIGH POINT  Its been two months since Rodney and Deneka Booths 25-year-old son, Robert, was gunned down outside a south High Point condominium complex, but the parents find themselves asking the same question they asked two months ago:

Who killed our son? Moreover, they fear they may be asking the same question two years from now.

Its very frustrating, Deneka Booth said. People wont talk to the police, because they dont want their names out there  theyre afraid they could get hurt. (The police are) waiting for someone to rat, but it could be years before someone feels safe enough to come forward and say something. I dont want to give up hope, but the longer it goes, the more I wonder if theyll ever make an arrest.

Robert Booth was shot to death the evening of May 25, in the parking lot of Eastgate Village Condominiums on Ardale Drive, where he shared a rented unit with his fiancee and her mother. Police said they were seeking a maroon-colored SUV, possibly a Nissan Rogue, believed to have been driven by the suspect. So far their investigation has yielded no arrests.
RALEIGH  The roll out of coronavirus vaccines last winter helped empty COVID-19 wards and intensive care units at hospitals across North Carolina as the number of patients dropped from nearly 4,000 in January to a few hundred in June.

Now, the more contagious delta variant preys on people who have not gotten vaccinated reminding the state, and country, that the pandemic is still with us.

Late last week, 817 people across the state were hospitalized with COVID-19  a number that has doubled since early July and is the most since mid-May.

About 94% of new COVID-19 cases are among people who have not been vaccinated, according to state health officials. And a growing number are among people who have contracted the delta variant of the virus, which spreads more easily than other versions.

Delta has swamped all of the other types of COVID at this point, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, North Carolinas Secretary of Health.

Of the coronavirus samples recently tested at Duke Health hospitals, 82% were the delta variant, according to Dr. Adia Ross, chief medical officer at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham.

And of the coronavirus samples recently collected and analyzed by UNC hospitals, 90% were the delta variant.
LUMBERTON  A car dealership has apologized for a derogatory term posted to its social media to identify a Black woman who bought a car from the business.

Lumberton Honda posted a picture Thursday on its Facebook page of Trinity Bethune standing in front of a car outside of the dealership and a comment congratulating her on buying her first car, news outlets reported. But instead of using her real name, they called her Bon Quisha. While the dealership has not explained the mistake, it appeared to play on stereotypes of Black names.

Its something people use toward Black people as a racial slur and an offensive term, Bethune told WTVD. If Im addressed, I should be addressed as Trinity Bethune.

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Tyrone Jacob, who identified himself as Bethunes brother, posted a screen grab of the dealerships post and called it intentional, disgusting, unfair.

The independently-owned dealer posted the comment in question, Marcus Frommer, spokesman for Honda North America, said in an email. Honda strongly condemns the use of discriminatory remarks and we expect our dealers to uphold our principles. We are investigating.
Bob Allen is the executive director of the Selma District Chamber of Commerce.
" " The most distinct symptom by far of monkeypox is the pimplelike rash it causes that covers the entire body. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

On July 15, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first known case of monkeypox in Texas. The patient, a resident of Dallas, had recently traveled to and from Nigeria. In the days since, the CDC announced that it is working with state and federal agencies in 27 states to monitor more than 200 individuals who may have been exposed.

This announcement struck with more resonance than usual. The COVID-19 pandemic still looms large over much of the world  for many, the idea of another global disease outbreak might feel both terrifying and all too possible.

But before you start stocking up on toilet paper again, let's take a moment to break down what monkeypox is, how it spreads and how much risk it poses.

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What Is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral infection that first presents with a basic suite of flu-like symptoms: fever, chills and body aches (sound familiar?). It may also cause fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. But its most distinct symptom by far is a pimple-like rash that can cover the entire body  including the palms and soles of feet of the person infected. The illness usually lasts for two to three weeks, and monkeypox has an incubation period of five to 12 days.

The monkeypox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus family, which includes both the smallpox and cowpox viruses. While all these viruses are serious, monkeypox is significantly less virulent than smallpox, despite causing similar symptoms.

"Monkeypox has so far about 11 percent mortality in individuals who do not have prior smallpox vaccination," says Dr. Andrea McCollum, an epidemiologist at the CDC, "but smallpox could have, you know, upward of 80 or 90 percent mortality."

Smallpox has the distinction of being the first disease to be eradicated by a modern vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched an intense vaccination program in 1967. The last known infection was in Somalia in 1977, and by 1980, the virus was declared functionally eliminated.

Monkeypox, however, has not been eradicated. In fact, cases have been on the rise over the last few decades. But where does monkeypox come from, and how does it spread?

" " The lesions that monkeypox creates, as seen here on the palms of a case patient from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, look very similar to the rash that appears when you're infected with smallpox. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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How Does Monkeypox Spread?

Contrary to its name, monkeypox is not usually spread by monkeys; it was given the moniker after it was first isolated from a monkey colony in 1958. The virus is typically spread by small rodents such as dormice, rats, and tree and rope squirrels. Scientists still haven't pinned down which species is the natural reservoir for the disease, though some kind of rodent seems likely.

In 1970, the first case of monkeypox in humans was recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To this day, the DRC and other Central and West African countries, including Nigeria, see the vast majority of monkeypox outbreaks. Cases usually crop up in heavily forested, rural areas. "These are populations that are routinely hunting wild animals or have close contact with wild animals in the forest," McCollum says.

Once a human contracts monkeypox, they can pass it to other humans via respiratory droplets or contact with skin lesions. It is much less contagious than COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses when spread through the air, but it can linger on surfaces. Typically, close family members or caregivers of people with monkeypox are at the highest risk of becoming infected. Animal-to-human transmission also can occur when someone is bitten or scratched by an infected animal or if they eat infected bush meat.

So how likely is monkeypox to become a pandemic? In short, it's highly unlikely. But we should continue to be cautious.

"In the United States, we have actually dealt with monkeypox," McCollum says. In 2003, monkeypox was accidentally imported into the U.S. along with several small West African mammals as part of the "pocket pet" industry. The mammals, which included Gambian giant pouched rats, were housed alongside a pack of prairie dogs also destined for the pet trade.

Prairie dogs (and their fleas) are notorious for transmitting zoonotic diseases, including bubonic plague  the little rodents picked up the monkeypox virus easily. The infected prairie dogs were then sold to a Wisconsin family from a company called Phil's Pocket Pets in Villa Park, Illinois.

In the end, more than 45 people across six states contracted the virus. The spread prompted the CDC to bust out a few reserve smallpox vaccines that the U.S. government had stockpiled in case of a bioterrorism attack. The smallpox and monkeypox viruses' similar physiology means that a dose of the smallpox vaccine can confer some immunity.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities from the 2003 outbreak. However, the incident did lead to a ban on the sale of Gambian giant pouched rats and other West African rodents.

" " Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus (seen here under microscope), according to the CDC. It was first discovered in 1958, when two outbreaks of a poxlike disease happened in colonies of monkeys that were kept for research. BSIP/Getty Images

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Is There a Monkeypox Vaccine?

Today, the U.S. wouldn't necessarily need to dip into its smallpox vaccine stores to fight a monkeypox outbreak. In 2019, the Federal Drug Administration approved Jynneos, its first-ever monkeypox vaccine. Like the smallpox vaccine, it uses a weakened  or attenuated  version of the vaccinia virus (a related pox virus) to stimulate an immune response. The one-shot vaccine is available for anyone 18 and older and also provides protection against smallpox. Jynneos is available as part of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) supply of life-saving pharmaceuticals, which are for use in a public health emergency, or for anyone determined to be at high risk of either smallpox or monkeypox infection.

As for the current monkeypox case in Texas, McCollum says that swift action on the part of both the patient and medical experts likely limited the spread. The patient wore a facial mask on their flight back to the United States as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That alone reduced the risk of transmission to fellow passengers, and the infected patient went into isolation and reported their symptoms as soon as they became apparent.

But the CDC is working with the airlines and state and local health officials to monitor the risks to other passengers and anyone else who may have been in contact with the patient during two flights, including one from Lagos, Nigeria, to Atlanta July 8, and a second from Atlanta to Dallas July 9.

That said, the United States is not alone in recent monkeypox cases. Since 2017, six cases of monkeypox have been reported in the U.K., one in Singapore and one in Israel, all connected to individuals traveling back from West Africa. And in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the disease is endemic, more than 1,000 individuals are infected annually.

We live in a highly interconnected world, where a local epidemic in one corner can easily to spill over to another. "It's a good example of how diseases don't have borders," says McCollum.

Now That's Interesting When they aren't carrying monkeypox, Gambian giant pouched rats can save lives. The Belgian nonprofit group APOPO trains these rodents to sniff out everything from landmines to tuberculosis.
On what turned out to be his final mission, near the end of his tour, there was advanced intel that three regiments of NVA were coming into Vietnam through Cambodia.

Our mission was to pull out a fire support base just across the Cambodian border, he wrote.

As they were going out the front door, the enemy was coming in the back door, and the area underwent hot gunfire. But the only way out was a dried-up riverbed.

The quarter-ton jeep I was driving couldn't take the jarring of the large rocks we bounced over and during the pounding I ruptured a disc in my back, he said. When we got back to my company I couldn't move, and was hospitalized shortly afterwards.

Nason was sent back stateside and spent the next couple months at Denver's Fitzsimmons Hospital and then Fort Harrison. He completed his six-year obligation with Troop N Airborne, 163rd ACR National Guard Armory in Helena.

He spent the next nine years in chronic pain, and didn't really start to heal until journaling, meditating and alternative therapies.

But he always worked, beginning with two years for a private contractor in Helena.
"In wilderness, nature is supposed to call the shots, we dont modify it to provide more of something we want," he said. "We accept it on its own terms and let natural processes dictate the presence or absents of species. The alternative is another human-dominated landscape, where we force nature to yield to our demands, rather than showing a little restraint to allow nature to be."

The groups contend the priorities of the Forest Service under the Wilderness Act to maintain the areas natural processes and the priority of FWP to establish new populations of native fish may not mesh.

The North Fork of the Blackfoot includes a waterfall that acts as a natural barrier to fish migrating upstream. Stocking dating back to the 1920s has established a rainbow trout population above the waterfall while mostly westslope cutthroat occupy the river below.

The groups note that the stretch above the waterfall is believed to have been historically free of fish, but project alternatives did not include a fish-free consideration. They also challenge another aspect of the plan to prevent upstream rainbows from going over the falls and causing further hybridization with cutthroat, pointing out that nothing stops rainbows from coming upstream from the Blackfoot River.
The Better Together event came together with some assistance from the MHRN. McAdam said the strain of speakers at the Red Pill Festival, like Shea, who has ties to the Bundy family that's engaged in two armed standoffs against the federal government, can have a dangerous affect on communities.

"Those are not the people we want held up as examples of how we interact at the community level," McAdam said. "They're not providing a good direction for people to attend to go home and work in their communities, and I think that's a really big concern for us."

Daniel Story, a 40-year-old diesel mechanic from Alberton, brought his wife and child to the Red Pill Festival. He said he was drawn to the event after some liberal friends on Facebook starting posting negative comments about it. He hoped to find a message at the event that could end the divisiveness he's felt from national politics down to community politics.

"The event itself was something I was kind of interested in," he said. "I haven't really come across any events like this before, so I just thought I'd come out.  We shouldn't be divided as individuals, because we're all from one country."
Dear U.S. Sen. Steve Daines:

Your recent decision to encourage President Biden to rescind Tracy Stone-Manning's nomination to the Bureau of Land Management and continue to play partisan politics with some of your Republican colleagues is detestable.

Digging up 30-year-old dirt that, in my opinion, is not even that dirty, it's the same old Republican obstructionist political antics that we have all become used to. It is ironic that the Montana legislature approved of her when she ran the state Department of Environmental Quality, yet you and a minority of your colleagues profess to know better?

Michael Merkley, an agent who investigated the tree spiking incident 30 years ago who is now retired and now has the freedom to make such public comments, talks disparagingly about what is normal in any plea agreement, in any court of law; that is, a deal is agreed to between the defense and the prosecution, and in this case a court of law ruled to agree to drop charges against Tracy Stone-Manning in order to obtain her testimony. There's nothing nefarious about this and Merkley's attempted characterization is all just an attempt to fling more dirt about.

As a Montana resident and outdoorsman, Stone-Manning has my faith and trust. Unfortunately, at this time, you do not.
Todays Highlight in History:

On July 26, 1775, the Continental Congress established a Post Office and appointed Benjamin Franklin its Postmaster-General.

On July 26:

In 1788, New York became the 11th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

In 1847, the western African country of Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, declared its independence.

In 1908, U.S. Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte ordered creation of a force of special agents that was a forerunner of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In 1945, the Potsdam Declaration warned Imperial Japan to unconditionally surrender, or face prompt and utter destruction. Winston Churchill resigned as Britains prime minister after his Conservatives were soundly defeated by the Labour Party; Clement Attlee succeeded him.

In 1953, Fidel Castro began his revolt against Fulgencio Batista with an unsuccessful attack on an army barracks in eastern Cuba. (Castro ousted Batista in 1959.)

In 1956, the Italian liner Andrea Doria sank off New England, some 11 hours after colliding with the Swedish liner Stockholm; at least 51 people died, from both vessels.

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In 2002, the Republican-led House voted, 295-132, to create an enormous Homeland Security Department in the biggest government reorganization in decades.

In 2006, in a dramatic turnaround from her first murder trial, Andrea Yates was found not guilty by reason of insanity by a Houston jury in the bathtub drownings of her five children; she was committed to a state mental hospital.

In 2011, the White House threatened to veto emergency House legislation that aimed to avert a threatened national default. Democratic Rep. David Wu of Oregon announced he would resign amid the political fallout from an 18-year-old womans allegations of an unwanted sexual encounter with him, charges that Wu denied.

In 2013, Ariel Castro, the man whod imprisoned three women in his Cleveland home, subjecting them to a decade of rapes and beatings, pleaded guilty to 937 counts in a deal to avoid the death penalty. (Castro later committed suicide in prison.)

In 2016, Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. A former employee stabbed 19 disabled people to death and injured two dozen others at a residential care facility in Japan. (Satoshi Uematsu, who said he was trying to help the world by killing people he thought were burdens, was sentenced to death.)

In 2017, President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that he would not accept or allow transgender people to serve in the U.S. military. (After a legal battle, the Defense Department approved a new policy requiring most individuals to serve in their birth gender.)

In 2020, a processional with the casket of the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, where Lewis and other civil rights marchers were beaten 55 years earlier. Authorities declared a riot in Portland, Oregon, after protesters breached a fence surrounding the citys federal courthouse; thousands had gathered for another night of protests over the killing of George Floyd and the presence of federal agents. Florida surpassed New York as the state with the second-most confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S., behind only California. A day after roaring ashore as a hurricane, Hanna lashed the Texas Gulf Coast with high winds and drenching rains. Oscar winner Olivia de Havilland, best known as the kindly Melanie in Gone With the Wind, died at her home in Paris at the age of 104.

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CHICAGO  Five men were injured in a shooting in South Austin around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, according to Chicago police.

The men, ages 23 to 50, were gathered in a yard in the 4800 block of West Race Avenue when a man with a gun entered the yard and began shooting at them, police said in a media notification.

The men who were shot were 36, 48, 23, 30, and 50; all five men suffered gunshot wounds to their lower extremities, police said. They were taken to Stroger Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital, where their conditions were stabilized.

But police did not provide additional details such as how many times each man was shot, where specifically they were wounded or which victim was taken to which hospital. It also wasnt clear whether there had been more people standing in the yard who were not shot.

Authorities said the shooter was a man, but no additional description of the gunman was provided.

No arrests had been made as of Sunday afternoon and detectives continued to investigate, police said.

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CHICAGO  A teenager who had been gravely wounded in one of three mass shootings in six hours last week has died, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.

Davion Wright, 16, of the 3400 block of West Grenshaw Street in the Homan Square neighborhood, was pronounced dead at 5:50 p.m. Friday at Mount Sinai Medical Center, where he had been since he was one of five people shot in North Lawndale around 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Police previously have said Wright had been shot in the head, but the medical examiners office was expected to perform an autopsy Sunday to determine his cause and manner of death.

Police were called to the area of South Christiana Avenue and West Douglas Boulevard, where they located the wounded males, who ranged in age from 15 to 24 years old. The 15-year-old also had been shot in the head, and he was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He previously had been identified as Damarion L. Benson, of the 300 block of South Campbell Avenue.

A 22-year-old man was shot in the left foot and two 24-year-olds also were shot, one in the left shin and the other in the right hip, police said initially. All of those men had their conditions stabilized at area hospitals.

Details of the shooting were widely circulated because it happened just three blocks away and about 10 minutes before another shooting in which five people were wounded. That attack, in the 1400 block of South Ridgeway Avenue, left four teenagers wounded, ages 14, 15, 17 and 18, as well as a 22-year-old man. All of those victims were expected to survive, including the 15-year-old boy, who was an innocent bystander shot while seated in his fathers vehicle, police have said.

About six hours later, there was a third mass shooting in the Old Town Triangle neighborhood on the North Side. Eight people, most of whom had been on a party bus that stopped at a gas station, were shot  making a total of 18 people wounded in the three attacks, including Wright and Benson.

Then on Sunday, the same day the medical examiners office provided information about Wrights death, there was another mass shooting  often defined as one in which there are four or more victims of gunfire. Five people were wounded as they stood in a yard on the West Side around 12:30 a.m., according to Chicago police.

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Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Channahon, an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and his GOP allies in Congress, said Sunday he has agreed to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosis request to join the select committee examining the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Kinzinger said he humbly accepted Pelosis request, adding that the investigation requires a serious, clear-eyed, nonpartisan approach. He vowed to work diligently to ensure we get to the truth and hold those responsible for the attack fully accountable.

For months, lies and conspiracy theories have been spread, threatening our self-governance. For months, I have said that the American people deserve transparency and truth on how and why thousands showed up to attack our democracy, and ultimately, what led to the insurrection, Kinzinger said in a statement.

Let me be clear, Im a Republican dedicated to conservative values, but I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution  and while this is not the position I expected to be in or sought out, when duty calls, I will always answer, he said.

Pelosi revealed earlier Sunday on ABCs This Week that she would be asking Kinzinger to join the panel, saying he and other Republicans have expressed an interest to serve. The select committee is scheduled to begin its work Tuesday.

Kinzingers appointment comes after House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy pulled all five of his Republican members from what was supposed to be a 13-member panel after Pelosi vetoed two of them. She contended Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Jim Banks of Indiana could not render independent judgment because of their past statements and support for Trump.

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Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville was one of three other members McCarthy tapped to serve on the select committee. Davis, pondering a bid for governor, later labeled Pelosis committee a sham after McCarthy yanked his GOP members.

Kinzinger joins Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, who was originally picked by Pelosi, on the select committee. Cheney and Kinzinger were the only two House Republicans to support the Pelosi panel after Senate Republicans rejected a House-passed effort to create a bipartisan independent commission to look into the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6 and Trumps role in inspiring the attack.

Cheney and Kinzinger were also among 10 House Republicans who supported Trumps impeachment. Cheney was stripped of her role in House Republican leadership as a result.

Pelosi called Cheney a very courageous member of Congress as she criticized Republican attempts to portray the panel as leading a partisan investigation.

I do believe that the work of this committee, in order to retain the confidence of the American people, must act in a way that has no partisanship, is all about patriotism, Pelosi said.

Republicans will say what they will say. Our select committee will seek the truth. Its our patriotic duty to do so, she said. Maybe the Republicans cant handle the truth.

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EAST ST. LOUIS  The city of East St. Louis violated labor standards for not tracking or paying police overtime hours, according to a U.S. Department of Labor investigation.

According to a recent news release, the city's police department had employees sign a document agreeing to forgo pay for working overtime because it didn't have the funds to pay them. The labor department said the city violated the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The federal agency announced it recovered nearly $160,000 in overtime back wages for 19 officers, sergeants, detectives and patrol officers.

"Police officers who pledge to uphold the law should not themselves fall victim to illegal pay practices," Jim Yochim, a director for the department's Wage and Hour Division in St. Louis said in a statement. "Employers cannot coerce or require employees to forgo pay they're entitled to, regardless of the employer's financial circumstances."

Messages left Sunday for Mayor Robert Eastern III and Police Chief Kendall Perry weren't immediately returned. Perry previously declined to comment to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

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LINCOLN  Its not just an optical illusion: For the past several weeks, Central Illinois skies have appeared hazy even on cloudless days and the rising and setting of the sun has been unusually vibrant.

Experts say the changes are residual effects of smoke from wildfires in the Central and Western U.S. and Canada. As of Monday, the National Interagency Fire Center reported 85 active wildfires, including one in Minnesota, spanning more than 1.5 million acres.

Whats different about the wildfires this year  and the effect on Illinois  is how long theyve been burning, Lincoln NWS Air Quality program manager Kirk Huettl said.

I think it is unusual because of the amount of wildfires that have been burning for such a long period of time, he said. They may put out fires in one part of the Rockies, but another will flare up in another area, which makes it hard to keep up with trying to extinguish them all in a pretty large area thats being affected.

A spokeswoman for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency confirmed the effects people have seen  be it the suns colors or increased allergies  are directly related to those fires.

But mostly, the smoke thats drifted to Illinois over the past several weeks has remained aloft, Huettl said, which means its remained above the 10,000-foot level.

Last week, however, the state EPA did note that some of whats called surface smoke, which hovers near the ground, did work its way south out of Minnesota/Wisconsin/Michigan, with the highest concentrations of smoke landing in East Central Illinois, IEPA spokeswoman Kim Biggs said.

Were the conditions to significantly worsen, that might prompt the agency to issue an Air Quality Alert, but Biggs said nowhere in Central Illinois had descended to that level of pollution, meaning no alerts have been issued this month.

As of today, some areas of the state are returning to  good air quality, while others are still  moderate on the Air Quality Index, she said. More recently, there has been some indication of surface smoke working down to the surface again throughout Illinois.

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In the Bloomington-Normal area on Monday, AirNow.gov reported a good air quality index; in the Decatur and Mattoon areas, the air quality was reported as moderate, meaning those who are particularly sensitive to poor air conditions or fine, particulate matter might literally feel a difference in the air.

Sarah Bush Lincoln pulmonologist Dr. Jeremy Tobin said he typically tells patients with lung or breathing issues to avoid the outdoors entirely if the air quality is poor.

If theyre outside, there are some things you can do to minimize the impact, he said. Wearing masks in a high-particulate area  medical masks that are now widely available or cloth masks  would be helpful to decrease the particulate.

Its not just health concerns that the smoke is affecting, either: Huettl said July temperatures have been lower than expected. He said Bloomington, in particular, had hit 90 degrees for the first time this month on Saturday, a departure from the early days of June, in which the heat climbed to 95 degrees around the second week.

That would be that smoke layer thats aloft that the sun is kind of being filtered through, he said. Thats why we havent been generally been as hot this month.

Once the wildfire conditions improve, so, too, should air conditions around the U.S. Huettl said neighboring Kentucky and Indiana have felt the effects of residual smoke more than Illinois, since both states have issued Air Quality Alerts.

Earlier Monday, the IEPA did issue one for the Chicago area, but IEPA's Biggs said that was due entirely to wildfires.

It doesnt appear that conditions are going to improve enough to drop that, Biggs said.

An air pollution action day was declared, which happens when widespread ozone or particulate levels are expected to be at or above the unhealthy for sensitive groups category of the air quality index, according to the National Weather Service.

The air quality index for Monday lists ozone at orange, or unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. When that happens for two or more consecutive days, an air pollution action day is issued, Biggs said.

Ozone is caused by a reaction between pollutants in the air and the sunlight, and is more common in the summer due to higher temperatures, according to Biggs.

That is the pollutant of concern right now, even though we were seeing some impacts from the wildfires over the last week, and there still is some particulate in the area. The primary pollutant in the air is ozone, she said.

The Chicago Tribune contributed to this report.

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HICKORY  Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmonts board of directors has named Jennifer L. Wilcox as their new CEO. Wilcox has nearly 30 years of leadership experience, which she will use to inspire, catalyze and mobilize collaborative work for Girl Scouts in western and central North Carolina.

The search committee, chaired by Carolyn Brickey, worked extremely hard, and we are confident in our selection. Im excited to have someone with Jennifer's qualifications leading Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont out of the pandemic and into the future of our council," said Simeon Cross, board chair of the council.

Wilcox comes to Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont having served most recently as the senior director of national events at Girl Scouts of the USA. During her tenure at the national office, she led the G.I.R.L. 2020 team until its cancellation in April of last year due to COVID-19. She then played a leadership role in the creation, curation and execution of the first-ever virtual 55th National Council Session, which took place in October 2020. Her leadership also resulted in the successful execution of the first-ever virtual council staff summit and leadership summit in spring of 2021.
The buzzword of sustainability gets mentioned often by mainstream media and the many consumer groups aiming to tackle various societal problems. As Cornell University agricultural economist Chris Wolf put it, Sustainability is a term that gets pulled out by a lot of different people to mean a lot of different things.

Many of those people are food processors and consumers, leading farmers to evaluate how they are producing food with the future in mind. So, what exactly should we be evaluating in regard to sustainability? On the July 21 Hoards Dairyman DairyLivestream, Virginia Techs Robin White reiterated that the dairy industry has already made great gains in many of the major areas that fall under the term.

By the definition of the United Nations, White outlined that sustainability as it pertains to agriculture means a food system that contributes to food security and nutrition for all people in such a way that the economic, social, cultural, and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for all people, now and in future generations, is safeguarded.



Environment balanced with nutrition

If an average person had to pick one way to describe sustainability, they might likely choose the environmental angle. It is certainly an important one and an area that encompasses everything from water quality and soil health to biodiversity, White listed.

In the current conversations about agricultural sustainability, carbon seems to be the hot topic. Here, dairy certainly has a positive story to share. The carbon footprint of milk is extremely favorable in comparison to some other products, and particularly when you express that carbon footprint on a nutrient basis, White said. In some of our work, we identified that if you eliminated dairy animals from the agricultural system, the net change in the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions would be something like 0.5% to 1%.

For that small tradeoff in emissions, though, nutrition  another key factor in the foundation of sustainability  would suffer. White identified that in the U.S. food system, Dairy products alone produce enough energy to feed 70 million people, enough protein to feed almost 170 million people, and enough calcium to feed the entire U.S. population.



The economic argument

As with any long-term farm investment, there must be a way for sustainability practices to encourage the farms financial sustainability, as well. That was the top consideration when DairyLivestream viewers answered, What does sustainability mean to you?

White pointed out that dairys advances environmentally and nutritionally have been made because of continual investment in efficiency. We have really well-documented studies highlighting the links between efficiency and environmental impact, so continuing to work to enhance efficiency is going to improve water footprints, land footprints, and greenhouse gas emissions, she said.

Socially sustainable

To close, White focused on the social and cultural portions of the U.N.s definition, noting that this is where our room for opportunity is. As always, sharing the good work and data that dairy production has accomplished is paramount in giving consumers the information they are looking for. The average food consumer doesnt know these numbers, and they dont know how far the dairy industry has come toward the goal of enhancing sustainable food production, she emphasized.

To watch the recording of the July 21 DairyLivestream, go to the link above. The program recording is now also available as an audio-only podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and downloadable off of the Hoards Dairyman website.



An ongoing series of events

The next broadcast of DairyLivestream will be on Wednesday, August 4 at 11 a.m. CDT. Each episode is designed for panelists to answer over 30 minutes of audience questions. If you havent joined a DairyLivestream broadcast yet, register here for free. Registering once registers you for all future events.





To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2021

July 22, 2021
Ride-sharing giant Uber interfered with the privacy of 1.2m Australians when it paid cybercriminals $135,000 ($US100,000) to delete stolen data and keep quiet about a massive 2016 data breach, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has ruled after a five-year investigation complicated by what the OAIC euphemistically called significant jurisdictional matters.

Those matters related to the claim of US-based parent company Uber Technologies and Dutch holding company Uber B.V.  to which revenues from Australia and other countries are funnelled  that its overseas location freed it from legal obligations to protect the data of Australian customers.

That data, which had been collected about 1.2m Australian drivers and passengers in the leadup to the October 2016 breach by cybercriminals, had been moved offshore before being compromised along with data on more than 55 million other Uber customers and drivers.

In a stunning lapse of judgement  and a poor reading of data breach disclosure laws that one technology academic called amateur hour  Uber paid the cybercriminals what it called a bug bounty in exchange for assertions they had deleted the data.

Uber did not disclose the data breach until November 2017, when revelations of the companys malfeasance emerged  causing a maelstrom of litigation that included class-action lawsuits by the US government and all 50 states, investigations by regulators around the world, and the resignation of several key executives.

Newly appointed president Jeff Jones quit Uber after just seven months, citing a long list of controversies around the destructive culture at the company, which settled the litigation in late 2018 by paying a $200m ($US148m) penalty.

OAICs ruling, which comes nearly three years later, adds a series of Australian Privacy Act 1988 breaches to Ubers rap sheet  although the OAIC has not imposed any financial penalties on the company for its callous disregard for Australias privacy laws.

The UK Information Commissioners Office, by contrast, fined Uber over $715,000 (385,000) for the impact of the avoidable data security flaws on 2.7m UK citizens.

Australian Information Commissioner Angeline Falk, by contrast, was focused on ensuring such a breach doesnt happen again.

We need to ensure that in future Uber protects the personal information of Australians in line with the Privacy Act, she said in announcing the finding that Uber had interfered with Australians privacy.

A data-sovereignty loophole?

In flagging several violations of the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), the OAIC ruled that Uber had failed to take reasonable steps to protect the compromised Australians personal information from unauthorised access  violating APP 11.1  or to take reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify personal information they held, violating APP 11.2.

Noting jurisdictional issues that had prolonged the investigation considerably, Falk said, the matter also raises complex issues around the application of the Privacy Act to overseas-based companies that outsource the handling of Australians personal information to other companies within their corporate group.

The newly-released formal determination orders Uber to develop and maintain a formal data retention and destruction policy, information security program, and incident response plan that will ensure the companies comply with the APPs.

Yet the APPs already include mechanisms to deal with the overseas flow of data about Australians  with APP 8 outlining an accountability approach and extraterritoriality provisions that, the OAIC noted in a recent submission to the Privacy Act Review Issues Paper.

These provisions allow data to be transferred across jurisdictional borders where the APP entity reasonably believes that the overseas recipient is subject to a law or binding scheme with similar privacy protections.

Many US states and the Dutch government require companies to disclose data breaches, and experts have pointed out that Uber was subject to reporting obligations  but simply ignored them for the year until the breach was disclosed, in a decision that then-Illinois attorney General Lisa Madigan called just inexcusable.

Despite the complexities involved in the Uber case, the OAIC argued in its earlier submission that the accountability approach remains an appropriate way of enabling personal information to flow overseas, whilst ensuring there are meaningful redress mechanisms available to Australians.

This is an important mechanism to ensure that individuals personal information is still protected in situations where the Privacy Act may not have extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Uber speaks

In a statement to Information Age, an Uber spokesperson said: We welcome this resolution to the 2016 data incident. We learn from our mistakes and reiterate our commitment to continue to earn the trust of users.

We have made a number of technical improvements to the security of our systems, including obtaining ISO 27001 certification of our core rides business information systems and updating internal security policies, as well as making significant changes in leadership, since this incident in 2016.

We are confident that these changes in security and governance will address the determination made by the OAIC, and will work with a third-party assessor to implement any further changes required."

Uber added it has "already completed an independent assessment of its Information Security Program pursuant to the US Attorneys General judgment, which found that Ubers safeguards are appropriate to its size and complexity, the nature and scope of its activities, and the sensitivity of personal information of riders and drivers that it maintains, and that Uber maintained an Information Security Program reasonably designed to protect the security, integrity, and confidentiality of the personal information of its riders and drivers."
VR headsets could make a jury look at crime scenes in more detail. Photo: University of South Australia

Letting jurors walk through crime scenes using virtual reality (VR) improves their spatial memory and makes it easier for them to agree on a verdict, according to new University of South Australia (UniSA) research that could pave the way for the technology to be introduced in courtrooms.

Lawyers traditionally use crime scene site visits or photographs to support their arguments to juries, who must decide whether the information meets the requirements of a particular criminal charge.

However, individual interpretations and poor memories of relevant details can fuel discord in the jury room  with jurors often struggling to reach a consensus.

Aiming to see whether VR could help jurors better understand the situation and elements of a case, a project team linked to the University of South Australias Data to Decisions Cooperative Research Centre (DtD CRC)  which has previously published research confirming the mnemonic value of 3D crime scene reconstructions  built a simulated crime scene in a nearby carpark and scanned it in 3D.

Because virtual reality immerses you in the scene, and gives you so much more information, our motivating research question was whether we could build up a stronger mental model and get more consistent outcomes out of the jury members, researcher Dr Andrew Cunningham, a UniSA lecturer in Agile methodology and information visualisation design, told Information Age.

Project participants who were shown photographs of the crime scene came to very different conclusions, with 47 per cent favouring a verdict of careless driving and 53 per cent arguing for dangerous driving.

Given their significantly different consequences  careless driving generally attracts a fine while dangerous driving involves mandatory licence suspension and potential imprisonment  the difference in verdicts is more than academic.

When given VR goggles to wear, participants were able to walk around the 3D-scanned scene, jump to different vantage points and inspect elements such as the victim, car, the view from the drivers seat, and the surrounds.

We captured a fair bit of detail using the 3D scanning technology, Cunningham said, and by putting the headset on to see that capture in full 3D, theyre trying to bring in all these little bits of information and build up a story in their minds of what actually happened.

If we can immerse them in it, then we can potentially help them build up a stronger mental model.

The results suggested that participants were indeed building a more complete and consistent mental image: asked about the verdict they would choose after using the VR headset, 87 per cent of the test subjects concluded the scene illustrated a Death by Dangerous Driving verdict.



VR headsets may assist jurors. Photo: University of South Australia

Virtual crime scenes, real courtrooms

For several years, police forces around the world have increasingly been using specialised 3D capture equipment from the likes of Trimble and Faro to scan crime scenes in great detail for later analysis.

NSW Police, for one, used the technology years ago to scan and map the inside of the Lindt Cafe and have been increasingly using 3D scanning to generate detailed captures of crime scenes.

The Australian Federal Police is also using the technology  which provides enough detail to compare footprints at crime scenes with footprints of persons of interest, and can help jurors closely examine evidence rendered in VR at millimetre resolution.

The digital nature of the crime-scene captures means that security and data integrity are crucial to avoid tampering; courts would also need to consider whether VR models could be adjusted to, for example, exclude evidence that is successfully challenged at trial.

Whatever procedures are adopted, such scans are likely to become even easier to generate, given that the LiDAR technology they rely on is being integrated into handheld devices such as Apples iPhone 12 and iPad Pro  as well as being built into drones that can map entire areas from the sky.

With so many scenes being captured in 3D, projecting them in virtual reality was a relatively straightforward task: the UniSA team used HTC Vive Pro VR goggles, wirelessly connected so that participants could walk around freely in the space and werent tethered to a computer, Cunningham said.

The 3D point cloud scans were fed into the Unity 3D game engine and projected to the goggles, he added: It wasnt super complicated.

The project is part of ongoing DtD CRC work to explore the use of new technologies in the judicial system, Cunningham said, with strong support from judges to whom the team members have demonstrated its use.

Judges are really interested in new technologies and what the future looks like, he explained, and their basic takeaway was that this technology is coming  and its absolutely going to be introduced to the courtroom at some point in the future.
FILE PHOTO: Equatorial Guinea's Second Vice-President Obiang Mangue addresses attendees during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. Headquarters in New York

DAKAR (Reuters) -Equatorial Guinea will close its diplomatic mission in London, the country's foreign minister said on Monday, after Britain last week sanctioned the son of its president for misappropriating millions of dollars.

"The first decision that the Malabo executive has taken is the total closure of our diplomatic headquarters in London," Foreign Minister Simeon Oyono Esono said on state television.

"Equatorial Guinea will not accept interference in the internal affairs of the country, which violates the principle of international law," Esono said.

Britain sanctioned Teodoro Obiang Mangue, who is also the vice president of the tiny Gulf of Guinea nation, for misappropriating millions of dollars which London said were spent on luxury mansions, private jets and a $275,000 glove worn by Michael Jackson.

Equatorial Guinea's foreign ministry said on Friday that the sanctions against Mangue were imposed illegally and he had never made any investments in Britain or been charged to court there.

"The unfounded sanctions imposed by the British Government are justified by the manipulations, lies and malevolent initiatives promoted by certain non-governmental organisations against the good image of Equatorial Guinea," the statement said.

Britain said last week it was imposing an asset freeze and travel ban on Mangue to ensure he will no longer be able to channel money through UK banks or enter the country.

Mangue's father, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has ruled Equatorial Guinea since seizing power in a coup in 1979, 11 years after independence from Spain.

Exploitation of the country's oil reserves over the past few decades has greatly increased the size of its economy. More than 76% of the population, however, continue to live in poverty, according to World Bank figures.

(Reporting by Bate FelixWriting by Cooper InveenEditing by Giles Elgood)
Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Concerned Veterans for America, said U.S. troops will remain at risk.

Regardless of whether their deployment is called a combat mission, U.S. troops will remain under regular attack as long as they remain in Iraq, Caldwell said in a statement. An American military presence in Iraq is not necessary for our safety and only risks the loss of more American life.

Biden said the U.S. military will continue to assist Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State group, or ISIS. A joint U.S.-Iraq statement said the security relationship will be focused on training, advising and intelligence-sharing.

"Our shared fight against ISIS is critical for the stability of the region and our counterterrorism operation will continue, even as we shift to this new phase were going to be talking about, Biden said.

The shift from a U.S. combat role to one focused on training and advising the Iraqi security forces was announced in April, when a joint U.S.-Iraqi statement said this transition allowed for the removal from Iraq of any remaining U.S. combat forces on a timetable to be determined later. It did not specify what combat functions the U.S. was engaged in then, nor did Biden get into such specifics on Monday.
In order to do that, the reservation systems and the process that we could do had to be done this way," Ezell said in an interview. "It wasnt able to be done the other way and still be timely is how we made that. And the offer is open to Tennesseans too, and all 50 states and even international travelers.

Ezell said the program is about hotel incentives in cities that are still feeling the loss of conventions, business travel and international visits.

Those four larger cities are 100% of the tax revenue shortfall in hotels, Ezell said. In March, the state of Tennessee was down about $7 million in sales tax and those four cities, Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville were more than $7 million down.

The Tri-Cities area was not the only place concerned about the list of places included in the program.

Ken Maples, a commissioner for Pigeon Forge, emailed Ezell this month, asking about promoting the Smoky Mountains and Sevier County, which have seen significant visitor traffic during the pandemic.

I assume this is the continual thanks we get for carrying the state through Covid and always a solid financial supporter of the state coffers, Maples wrote.
However, since June 2018, no graduates of the Virginia nursing school have been approved to practice in Maryland because Nwaokwu or Bangura have failed to provide paperwork required of out-of-state applicants by Maryland regulators, the affidavit says.

Some of those who graduated from the Florida nursing school with backdated transcripts are listed as people who passed the New York State Board Examination, the FBI says.

The FBI agent said a New York State Office of Professions employee told him that their internal license procedure is fraught with disorganization, but the agent said it's unclear why Nwaokwu has advised all of his co-conspirators to apply for a license in New York.

Receipts showed that students paid between $6,000 and $18,000 for the fake transcripts and certificates from the Virginia school, the affidavit says. An FBI undercover agent purchased a diploma from the Florida school for approximately $16,000.

The FBI agent who wrote the July 8 affidavit said he hadn't communicated with any employers of any graduates of the Florida nursing school due to the covert nature of the investigation but has verified that at least four graduates have worked for health care entities that bill Medicare and Medicaid and private insurance.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.




A hosted PBX (News - Alert) refers to the cloud-based phone system hosted over the internet and not at the physical location of a business. If your business has implemented these hosted PBX services, they help you with limited maintenance and cost savings.

The technology now allows telephone operations to be conducted over the internet. This resulted in the IP PBX. However, hosted PBX is where you manage your telecommunications off-site. Your business, therefore, doesn't have to invest in training, software, hardware, and day-to-day maintenance.

Your business can change like most businesses; they have started to switch to the hosted PBX service provider. And the good thing, these hosted PBX providers have efficient and affordable business phone system solutions.

Perhaps you want to consider the hosted PBX phone system in your business. This ultimate guide provides you with detailed information to get started.

How Hosted PBX Work

There are different components to virtual PBX - a VOIP phone, the internet, and the hosted PBX provider. The moment you set it up, all your phones connect to the PBX through the internet. Additionally, the benefit is that your connection will always be open, and you can make or receive calls anytime.

Therefore, when your business subscribes to cloud phone services, the Hosted PBX service will effectively take your phones from your company with inbound and outbound calls having to pass through them.

In other words, the service provider will maintain your complete phone system. In case one data center goes down, then all calls are routed to other data centers. This ensures your phone system runs smoothly.

Moreover, the hosted PBX provider should have a team that ensures your business gets efficient and secure services.

Everything will be configured and maintained by the service provider. Your employees only log in through an online portal and ensure they can receive the calls through the internet. Perhaps there is somewhere to adjust the settings; your team can easily make the changes through the online portal.

Hosted PBX Vs. Traditional PBX

The significant difference between these two PBX is how VoIP technology sends voice traffic through the internet. This utilizes the broadband connection for incoming and outgoing calls.

On the other hand, traditional analog PBX connects to Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) through copper wire. This will allow dependable and basic voice calls.

An analog PBX provides your business with simple functionality. Some of these functions include hold, dial, mute, and transfer incoming calls. However, a hosted PBX has been designed to provide advanced features needed in a business. Some of these features include blocklists, allowlist, auto attendants, conference calls, voicemail, and call queuing.

Why Some Businesses Uses Traditional PBX?

Most of the large companies like to use traditional PBX. This is because it tends to suit them than the small and medium-sized businesses. If your company is large and well established, it has an IT team on-site. That means your company is capable of performing extra duties that must be done for maintenance and upkeep.

In addition, a large company can have a budget to fund the setup and running costs. This is not something possible for many small businesses. Therefore, they have to rely on service providers. So, in a large corporation, where business projects will remain unchanged for years, and employees remain based on-site, it makes it better to adopt the traditional PBX. That is because it will be a viable solution.

Unfortunately, most businesses choose to have analog phone systems because they are afraid to change. The challenge could be inevitable, and your business must embrace this technology because traditional PBX will be relegated.

Pros of Hosted PBX

Hosted PBX has plenty of benefits, making it essential to set up for your business. However, the most significant advantage is the savings you get from the initial configuration, recurring, and maintenance costs.

Other benefits of choosing Hosted PBX include:

On-demand Access to local phone numbers and toll-free numbers

Easy to scale up and down, which relies on demand

Improved capacity to deal with an inbound call spike

Existed features are upgraded while new features are added without additional costs

No extra costs to incur for setup, maintain or upgrade the traditional PBX

Advanced infrastructure having dedicated servers that ensure business continuity without downtime

Increased reliability and security

That well said, there are other crucial benefits of hosted PBX you need to know. These benefits include:

1.Remote Working with Hosted PBX

The outbreak of Covid-19 has proven, therefore forcing enterprises to change to remote working. Most companies that were prepared allowed the employees to work at home seamlessly due to the help of Hosted PBX. That ensures business activities are carried as usual.

When you adopt a hosted PBX, it allows the employees to access the phone system anywhere as long as there is a reliable internet connection. The incredible thing is that calls are forwarded to their laptops or phones without additional costs, software, or equipment.

2.Reliability and Performance

Hosted PBX offers your business increased reliability and security. This is because it will not depend on a landline, thus reduced potential issues.

In addition, business continuity will be guaranteed because the service provider has various servers located in the country.

3.Flexibility

The other advantage is that hosted PBX provides you with unparalleled flexibility. Therefore, your business can easily change the call settings instantly. Cloud PBX enables you to make changes on various settings such as email and voicemail, call transfer and call forwarding effortlessly, or switch them on and off.

This means that you dont have to wait for the telecom provider or cost your business to implement the needed call settings. Thats why hosting PBX is highly recommended because you can control what you need.

4.Easy To Set Up And Low-level Maintenance

Setting up hosted PBX will take a few days to complete. The good thing, there will be no disruption in your business. If you look at traditional PBX, it requires an on-site infrastructure, and after setting up, it will need maintenance and updates. These will have to be provided by an in-house team.

As discussed earlier, hosted PBX helps your business negates the cost of installing infrastructure and hiring a team full-time to manage your on-site PBX.A hosted PBX refers to the cloud-based phone system hosted over the internet and not at the physical location of a business. If your business has implemented these hosted PBX services, they help you with limited maintenance and cost savings.

The technology now allows telephone operations to be conducted over the internet. This resulted in the IP PBX. However, hosted PBX is where you manage your telecommunications off-site. Your business, therefore, doesn't have to invest in training, software, hardware, and day-to-day maintenance.

Your business can change like most businesses; they have started to switch to the hosted PBX service provider. And the good thing, these hosted PBX providers have efficient and affordable business phone system solutions.

Perhaps you want to consider the hosted PBX phone system in your business. This ultimate guide provides you with detailed information to get started.

How Hosted PBX Work

There are different components to virtual PBX - a VOIP phone, the internet, and the hosted PBX provider. The moment you set it up, all your phones connect to the PBX through the internet. Additionally, the benefit is that your connection will always be open, and you can make or receive calls anytime.

Therefore, when your business subscribes to cloud phone services, the Hosted PBX service will effectively take your phones from your company with inbound and outbound calls having to pass through them.

In other words, the service provider will maintain your complete phone system. In case one data center goes down, then all calls are routed to other data centers. This ensures your phone system runs smoothly.

Moreover, the hosted PBX provider should have a team that ensures your business gets efficient and secure services.

Everything will be configured and maintained by the service provider. Your employees only log in through an online portal and ensure they can receive the calls through the internet. Perhaps there is somewhere to adjust the settings; your team can easily make the changes through the online portal.

Hosted PBX Vs. Traditional PBX

The significant difference between these two PBX is how VoIP technology sends voice traffic through the internet. This utilizes the broadband connection for incoming and outgoing calls.

On the other hand, traditional analog PBX connects to Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) through copper wire. This will allow dependable and basic voice calls.

An analog PBX provides your business with simple functionality. Some of these functions include hold, dial, mute, and transfer incoming calls. However, a hosted PBX has been designed to provide advanced features needed in a business. Some of these features include blocklists, allowlist, auto attendants, conference calls, voicemail, and call queuing.

Why Some Businesses Uses Traditional PBX?

Most of the large companies like to use traditional PBX. This is because it tends to suit them than the small and medium-sized businesses. If your company is large and well established, it has an IT team on-site. That means your company is capable of performing extra duties that must be done for maintenance and upkeep.

In addition, a large company can have a budget to fund the setup and running costs. This is not something possible for many small businesses. Therefore, they have to rely on service providers. So, in a large corporation, where business projects will remain unchanged for years, and employees remain based on-site, it makes it better to adopt the traditional PBX. That is because it will be a viable solution.

Unfortunately, most businesses choose to have analog phone systems because they are afraid to change. The challenge could be inevitable, and your business must embrace this technology because traditional PBX will be relegated.

Pros of Hosted PBX

Hosted PBX has plenty of benefits, making it essential to set up for your business. However, the most significant advantage is the savings you get from the initial configuration, recurring, and maintenance costs.

Other benefits of choosing Hosted PBX include:

On-demand Access to local phone numbers and toll-free numbers

Easy to scale up and down, which relies on demand

Improved capacity to deal with an inbound call spike

Existed features are upgraded while new features are added without additional costs

No extra costs to incur for setup, maintain or upgrade the traditional PBX

Advanced infrastructure having dedicated servers that ensure business continuity without downtime

Increased reliability and security

That well said, there are other crucial benefits of hosted PBX you need to know. These benefits include:

1. Remote Working with Hosted PBX

The outbreak of Covid-19 has proven, therefore forcing enterprises to change to remote working. Most companies that were prepared allowed the employees to work at home seamlessly due to the help of Hosted PBX. That ensures business activities are carried as usual.

When you adopt a hosted PBX, it allows the employees to access the phone system anywhere as long as there is a reliable internet connection. The incredible thing is that calls are forwarded to their laptops or phones without additional costs, software, or equipment.

2. Reliability and Performance

Hosted PBX offers your business increased reliability and security. This is because it will not depend on a landline, thus reduced potential issues.

In addition, business continuity will be guaranteed because the service provider has various servers located in the country.

3. Flexibility

The other advantage is that hosted PBX provides you with unparalleled flexibility. Therefore, your business can easily change the call settings instantly. Cloud PBX enables you to make changes on various settings such as email and voicemail, call transfer and call forwarding effortlessly, or switch them on and off.

This means that you dont have to wait for the telecom provider or cost your business to implement the needed call settings. Thats why hosting PBX is highly recommended because you can control what you need.

4. Easy To Set Up And Low-level Maintenance

Setting up hosted PBX will take a few days to complete. The good thing, there will be no disruption in your business. If you look at traditional PBX, it requires an on-site infrastructure, and after setting up, it will need maintenance and updates. These will have to be provided by an in-house team.

As discussed earlier, hosted PBX helps your business negates the cost of installing infrastructure and hiring a team full-time to manage your on-site PBX.
The company that operates the world's biggest single hydrocarbon network has admitted that it suffered a data leak, which it blamed on third-party contractors.

Saudi Aramco, based in Dhahran in Saudi Arabia's eastern province, has the world's biggest daily oil production and pulled in revenue of US$229.9 billion (A$312.27 billion) in 2020.

In response to a query from iTWire, a company spokesperson said it recently became aware of the indirect release of a limited amount of company data.

"We confirm that the release of data was not due to a breach of our systems, has no impact on our operations, and the company continues to maintain a robust cyber security posture, the spokesperson added.

The denial comes in the wake of a post on the Web seeking buyers from what was claimed to be a large amount of information from Saudi Aramco, including full information about 14,254 employees.

Screenshots of some of the documents on offer were posted on the Web, including what are claimed to be details of the oil pipeline between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

In another post, this time on the dark web, the seller sought US$50 million in the monero cryptocurrency in exchange for selling and also wiping the data. A sale alone was priced at about US$3.4 million in monero based on the current value of the cryptocurrency.

In 2017, Saudi Aramco suffered a malware intrusion with a safety system coming under attack. This was claimed to be the first case of malicious code being used to target a system designed to prevent disaster at an industrial facility.

This attack was detailed by American security company FireEye which did not reveal the company's name.

At that time, Saudi Aramco was preparing for an IPO, part of a move by the country's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, to raise funds for an ambitious modernisation plan.

According to Wikipedia, Saudi Aramco suffered a virus attack in August 2012 which it said no computers involved in oil production were affected.
MATTOON  North American Lighting plans to open a factory and begin production this fall in a currently empty warehouse building along County Road 1000N on the north side of Mattoon.

Angela Griffin, president of the Coles Together economic development organization, made the announcement early Monday afternoon during an interview on the WEIU Issues and Attitudes program.

"We are happy to announce that North American Lighting (NAL) is joining the corporate landscape in the Coles County area. They will be moving into a building in Mattoon very soon," Griffin said. "They plan to be in production this fall. It's a really quick timetable they are working under."

By late Monday afternoon, a North American Lighting sign was in place in front of a former Justrite warehouse at the southwest corner of 1000N and Justrite Drive. This property is in the Mattoon Enterprise Park across from the Mars Petcare factory.

Last week, the Mattoon City Council approved an easement on city property at this corner so that Ameren Illinois can upgrade electrical service for planned light industrial use in the former warehouse. Representatives with North American Lighting could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon.

Griffin said North American Lighting produces a wide variety of head lamps for automobiles. NAL has a corporate headquarters factory in Paris, plus locations in Flora and Salem. There are about 6,000 employees.

"They are a long-term, strong company. They know what they are doing," Griffin said.

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Lake Land College in Mattoon has partnered with NAL in recent years to provide fast-track training programs for employees at the Paris factory.

Griffin said NAL intends to start production at its new facility in Mattoon with 30-40 employees and then grow that workforce to 75-100 over the next year.

"They are just growing. They are growing and they need to expand," Griffin said. She added that, "They have plans, if it works, to double the size of the building they are going into and to continue to grow here."

City Administrator Kyle Gill said the city has been having success working with Coles Together and partner organizations to recruit new users for available industrial and warehouse facilities in Mattoon, such as the former LSC Communications property along north U.S. Route 45.

"It's good to see a company like that coming," Gill said of NAL, adding that they plan to bring new manufacturing jobs to Mattoon and to possibly expand. He said this development shows that the Mattoon area and its workforce are draws for prospective manufacturing facilities.

Griffin said later that Coles Together is eager to do everything necessary to help NALs operation become as successful in Mattoon as it is in Paris, Flora and Salem, and to assist with meeting the company's timeline for production as it begins the hiring process.

"NALs history of investment and job creation in Illinois is remarkable," Griffin said. "The commitment the company has made to its customers, employees, and communities where it operates is one of the reasons the company has achieved such extraordinary success and we look forward to continuing that trend in Coles County."

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Many times, an older adults financial decisions can affect family and members of their support system as well. It can be helpful to have family members participate in these counseling sessions for additional support. Financial Pathways of the Piedmont says that, Families often benefit from having an impartial third party assess the aging adults finances and clarify the situation for everyone affected.

To arrange an appointment call 336-896-1328; toll free 888-474-8015; or email senior.financial.care@financialpaths.org.

Q: What is ERAP?  SR

Answer: ERAP stands for Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Many households suffered financial setbacks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Centers for Disease Control issued a temporary pause in residential evictions in September of 2020. The idea was to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in congregate living communities, such as homeless shelters, by preventing as many people as possible from being displaced from their homes. The federal government also used funding from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to create the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), to offer help for households that cannot afford to pay rent or utilities due to challenges onset by the pandemic.
Members of the General Assembly have reached a compromise that would give restaurants and bars an additional month, until Oct. 1., to pay certain ABC permit renewal fees.

The Senate approved Thursday by a 41-0 vote the latest version of House Bill 73. The House could vote during Mondays 7 p.m. floor session.

Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, was one of three House representatives on the six-member concurrence committee, which included members of the House and Senate.

The latest version of HB73 sets an Oct. 1 deadline for renewal or registration for ABC permits active for the period of May 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022.

Where the need for a bill compromise comes in is that the version of HB73 that cleared the House by a 116-1 vote March 4 would have waived the fees altogether.

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The Senates version of HB73, which was passed 47-0 on April 13, required the fees to be paid by Sept. 1. The House rejected the Senate changes on April 15.

The current version retains language that allows the ABC Commission to approve  without requiring payment  the renewal or registering of certain ABC permits active as of April 30, 2021.
Ten percent were 20 to 29 years old.

Another 10% were 80 and older.

Patients 30 to 39 years old made up 6% of hospitalized patients, and those 17 and under 5%.

Dr. Christopher Ohl, an infectious diseases expert at Wake Forest Baptist Health, said Thursday that our cases are going up here, too, and in the counties around us, they are going up a little faster.

Our local hospitals are having increased hospitalizations. Numbers are still low overall, but they are all in unvaccinated people. That attests that these are good vaccines, Ohl said.

Dr. David Priest, an infectious diseases expert with Novant Health Inc., said last week the Triad is well on its way for the delta variant being the variant we see in COVID cases.

Priest said it is concerning that the delta variant is not necessarily producing the same classic symptoms as the earlier version of COVID-19, in particular the temporary loss of taste and smell.
At the VA, vaccines will now be mandatory for certain medical personnel  including physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants and others who work in departmental facilities or provide direct care to veterans, said VA Secretary Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough.

Employees will have eight weeks to be fully vaccinated.

"Its the best way to keep veterans safe, especially as the delta variant spreads across the country, McDonough said in a statement. Whenever a veteran or VA employee sets foot in a VA facility, they deserve to know that we have done everything in our power to protect them from COVID-19.

With this mandate, we can once again make  and keep  that fundamental promise, he added.

It was unclear what would happen to VA employees who refuse to be vaccinated. The agency said vaccination will be required absent a medical or religious exemption. The longstanding policy in the health care industry is for staff to stay up-to-date with vaccinations, such as annual flu shots. Exceptions for medical reasons include known allergies.
WASHINGTON  August is the month to watch, said Estonias 44-year-old prime minister during a recent visit to Washington. The guns of August 1914 announced the beginning of what was called the Great War until an even worse one began nine days after the Nazi-Soviet nonaggression pact of Aug. 23, 1939. However, Kaja Kallas radiates serenity during lunch near Lafayette Square across from the White House.

She does not think Russias late-summer military exercises near Estonia, scheduled by the man she calls the bully next door, presage aggression. She does, however, think it prudent to consider that Vladimir Putins revanchist ambitions might not be confined to Ukraine.

Indeed. Six months after absorbing German-speaking Austria, and four days before the Sept. 30, 1938, Munich conference, Hitler vowed that Czechoslovakias Sudenten region, home of many ethnic Germans, would be his last territorial demand. Six months after he acquired the Sudetenland at Munich, he swallowed the rest of Czechoslovakia, then turned his attention to protecting ethnic Germans in Poland. He said he could not renounce the 10 million Germans living in regions contiguous to Germany. And the war came.
Weaponizing communion?

I didnt know these two words, weaponizing communion, could be combined in a phrase. It feels so different than other oxymoronic classics like jumbo shrimp or old news. How can the Eucharist be understood in an adversarial way?

The Gospel of Mark clearly shows Jesus using his Last Supper to instruct us to remember him. The breaking of bread and the drinking of wine was done in remembrance of me (Christs words). So who is taking issue with this sacrament?

It turns out a number of U.S. Catholic bishops have voted to draft a document on the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church that could be a rebuke for many communicants (Biden rebuke possible, June 19). They are getting tangled up in a conditionality that you cant support abortion rights and continue to receive communion (sorry, President Biden).

Its curious that the bishops arent targeting other policies that contradict church teachings, like the death penalty or inhospitality to immigrants. And dont get me started on why were deferring to a clergy, tarnished with the stain of pedophilia, that gets to take communion anyway.
The statement noted that many hospitals and long-term facilities already require staff to get other vaccines, such as an annual flu shot.

A number of government entities as well as some private businesses have instituted vaccine mandates. On Monday, the Veterans Administration announced it will require employees who provide direct patient care to get vaccinated, becoming the first federal agency to mandate the COVID-19 shot.

Also on Monday, both New York City and the state of California announced they would require their employees to get vaccinated or face weekly COVID-19 testing.

Creighton University in Omaha earlier this year announced a vaccine mandate for students for the upcoming academic year.

Ward said there is a lot more data now showing the COVID-19 vaccines are effective and that serious side effects are extremely rare, which makes organizations feel more comfortable about requiring it.

He noted that there is "no comparison" between the small chance the COVID-19 vaccine will cause what are almost always minor side effects "and the complications of the disease."

Ward said it is "heartbreaking" to see seriously ill COVID-19 patients in the hospital who are there because they failed to get vaccinated.
Lincoln police are looking for a woman who they say slashed a 42-year-old on Saturday, leaving him hospitalized with a significant hand injury.

Officer Erin Spilker said the slashing happened at around 11 p.m. Saturday near 19th and G streets, where the man said he had been arguing with a woman he knew when she swung a knife at him and cut his hand.

Police did not release the woman's name.

The woman fled the area before Lincoln Police responded, Spilker said. The man was transported to an area hospital.

LPD is asking anyone with information about the woman's whereabouts to contact them.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com. On Twitter @andrewwegley

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An Omaha man has been indicted for bank fraud in connection with a loan application to the Paycheck Protection Program for COVID-19 relief.

M.A. Yah's case is believed to be the first of its kind in Nebraska.

According to the indictment, Yah was the director of The Heartland News, a nonprofit newspaper focused on work with the homeless that dissolved in 2019.

The business was reinstated in March 2020, after paying its biennial fee to the Secretary of State.

In court records, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Lynch said in April 2020, Yah requested a PPP loan of $100,800 to support the newspaper's payroll and submitted a fraudulent application overstating the number of employees and payroll for the previous year.

On May 6, 2020, $100,800 in PPP funds were deposited in the newspaper's account at an Omaha bank.

In a news release, Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp said Yah, who is set for court next month on the allegation, could get up to 30 years of imprisonment, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release.
BELLEVUE  Four people were injured when a second-floor outdoor deck collapsed during a barbecue, trapping the people and leaving serious burns on one woman when a hot charcoal grill fell on her.

First responders said the incident happened around 9 p.m. Sunday at a home in Bellevue. Several people were on the deck when it collapsed, officials said, causing them to fall 10 to 12 feet to the ground.

Four people, including the woman with first- and second-degree burns, were taken to local hospitals. Officials said some people at the scene declined treatment.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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BERLIN (AP)  Pharmaceutical company BioNTech said Monday that it wants to use the mRNA technology behind its coronavirus vaccine to target malaria.

The Germany-based company, which developed the first widely approved coronavirus shot together with U.S. partner Pfizer, aims to begin clinical trials for a safe and highly effective malaria vaccine by the end of next year.

We are already working on HIV and and tuberculosis, and malaria is the third big indication (disease) with a high unmet medical need, BioNTech's chief executive, Ugur Sahin, told The Associated Press. It has an incredible high number of people being infected every year, a high number of patients dying, a particularly severe disease and high mortality in small children.

According to the World Health Organization, there were about 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019. The global body estimates that 409,000 people died from malaria that year, with children under the age of 5 accounting for 67% of deaths.

Africa has by far the highest burden of the mosquito-borne disease worldwide, WHO says.
If Republicans have time to come into session just to try and override my vetoes, then they sure as heck have time to come into session and to do whats best for our kids, Evers said. So if theyre going to come to Madison, then they have work to do.

The funds Evers wants directed to education spending stem from his use of partial vetoes when he signed the GOP-authored 2021-23 biennial budget earlier this month. One of those vetoes removed from the budget Republican plans to transfer $550 million from the general fund to the states rainy day fund, which Evers said he wanted to go toward immediate spending priorities. If the Legislature doesnt pass a bill to direct use of those funds, they would remain in the general fund heading into the next budget, or provide a buffer if a recession were to hit.

Evers said on Monday those funds can be used to make meaningful investments in our kids and our schools that they should have made in the budget.

While lawmakers are required to gavel in to a special session called by the governor, they do not have to hold debate. Republicans have largely ignored Evers requests and none of the Democratic governors special sessions have directly resulted in legislation.
We may not know art, but we know what we dont like.

That would be influence-peddling based on a familial connection. And that goes particularly true when the family name is Biden and the patriarch is the President of the United States.

President Joe Bidens son, Hunter, has dabbled in art over the years, but never had any formal training. In the past year he has become more committed to his new profession and inked an agreement with a New York art gallerist, Georges Berges, to sell some of his works on paper and canvas that will be priced at between $70,000 and $500,000 each when they go on sale next fall.

The budding young Bidens first gallery showing has raised the hackles of both those in the art world and those concerned with government ethics. Some in the art world see the high prices for a first showing as unusual, if not outrageous.

Some experts in government ethics see it as an echo of Hunter Bidens notoriety over his consulting work for a Ukrainian gas company and other business arrangements that appeared to capitalize on the Biden name while Joe Biden was vice-president.
1. Yes. A sudden surge could be devastating. A mask mandate may be required.

2. Yes. Each county faces different COVID challenges. Let local officials act accordingly.

3. No. Nobody should be forced to wear a mask. It should always be optional.

4. No. A mask mandate isnt any more effective than a strong recoommendation.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether a change is in policy is necessary at this point.

Vote

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We just went to the Buffalo County Fair today, she said Thursday.

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Every day, Vaughn likes seeing the smiles of the people she works with.

One of the people in her care calls her Darcy. She doesnt know why. He just comes in every morning with a smile on his face and says, Hi Darcy.

I have many different names. Im not always Theresa, she said, laughing.

Normally, Vaughn has three people in her group. Oftentimes, two or three groups go together.

They live with supported living providers, or host homes.

Mosaic provided this information from Vaughns nomination:

A man with developmental disabilities that Theresa supports wanted to learn to drive, so she helped him learn the skills needed to pass the test. Hes now well on his way to earning his drivers license, which will help him to be better positioned to take advantage of employment opportunities in the community. This commitment makes it no wonder that her colleagues say that Theresa embodies the quote, If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
The Trump administration appointee who held the job during the riot, Michael Sherwin, has since left the Justice Department. The position has been held on an acting basis by Channing Phillips, who served in the same role during the Obama administration.

Rachael Rollins, the district attorney in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, would be the first Black woman to serve as U.S. attorney in that state. Erek Barron, a current state lawmaker who has served as a prosecutor and as a policy adviser to Biden on the Senate Judiciary Committee, would be the first Black U.S. attorney in the District of Maryland, the White House said.

Other nominees include Zachary Myers, who specializes in national security and cyber matters as a federal prosecutor in Maryland and who the White House says would be the first Black U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Indiana; and Clifford Johnson, who would be the first Black lawyer to lead the Northern District of Indiana after spending nearly 35 years in that office.
"Our inpatient facilities remain at capacity, Stephanie Manson, chief operating officer at Our Lady of the Lake, said in a statement. We made this decision to make additional beds and staff available. Previously scheduled procedures are proceeding as scheduled. We continue to schedule outpatient and new urgent surgical procedures.

Health officials warn that delaying procedures such as cancer treatments, knee surgeries and other inpatient operations considered nonemergency could worsen health conditions over time.

But Louisiana is seeing one of the nation's worst coronavirus surges per capita. More than 6,200 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed with the state since Friday, and more than 15,000 new cases over the past week.

Republican U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, who represents southwest and south central Louisiana, announced Sunday night that he, his wife and his son have contracted COVID-19. The congressman, who has criticized mask mandates and other coronavirus rules, said he and his wife also were infected last year. Higgins has refused to say whether he's been vaccinated against the virus.
I wish that he would put more of his attention toward serving the people of the state of Missouri, she said at a news conference, and holding our health and safety paramount instead of filing frivolous lawsuits that waste taxpayer dollars.

Schmitt is just one of several Republicans to push back against the mandate. Gov. Mike Parson said in a tweet Monday that requiring everyone to wear masks reduce the incentive of getting the vaccine and undermine its integrity. And St. Louis County Councilman Tim Fitch, meanwhile, said St. Louis County Executive Sam Page was wrong to act without the support of the county commission.

Page, a Democrat, was critical of what he described as creating distractions for political gain.

As some passionate supporters of the previous president hold on tight to bombast and misinformation, we are laser focused on protecting the health and welfare of people in our communities, he said.

He acknowledged at a news conference that the the mandate may feel like a punishment" for those who are vaccinated.

But he added: While the vaccination can protect against serious illness, it cant protect you from being infected with COVID-19 and passing it onto someone else, someone who may be more vulnerable.
And Walz paid a heavy political price for defying them. Laura Bishop resigned as commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency earlier this month when it became apparent that the GOP-controlled state Senate was about to vote to reject her confirmation over her agency's leading role in the process.

It puts California bureaucrats in charge of our industry here in Minnesota, Scott Lambert, president of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association, said in an interview. The state has no ability to modify or amend these rules.

Lambert added that the changes will swamp Minnesota dealers with more electric vehicles than customers want to buy, and force up car prices for everyone.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, of East Gull Lake, who has said he expects the rules to be a campaign issue in 2022. called them another example of Walz one-man rule, in line with his reliance on emergency powers to manage the pandemic.

Im not surprised Governor Walz continues to issue mandates after the last 18 months," Gazelka said in a statement. His emergency powers may be over but his ego trip is not, and it looks like One Minnesota is just Walzs Minnesota, he added, echoing the governor's 2018 campaign theme.
As the Legislature approaches its politically charged redistricting assignment, current population estimates suggest that the Omaha-Lincoln-Sarpy County metropolitan complex may be entitled to up to two additional legislative seats.

And early figures point the way to congressional redistricting that will once again increase the geographic size of Nebraska's vast 3rd Congressional District, which currently spreads across three-fourths of the state, encompasses two time zones and is larger than three states.

The Legislature is preparing to meet in special session in mid-September to tackle its once-every-decade task after it receives and is able to process final data from the U.S. Census Bureau, whose 2020 census was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The challenge of drawing new legislative and congressional districts typically strips away the nonpartisan fabric of Nebraska's unique one-house Legislature as political parties actively participate in the process, with the state's majority Republican Party clearly holding the upper hand.

Thirty-two of the 49 members of the Legislature are Republicans.

Enough to pass any redistricting plan, but one count shy of the 33 needed to avoid an opposition filibuster.
The windstorm that struck the Omaha metro area July 10 was one of the citys most damaging on record, said Brian Smith, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

It was notable for its durability, its power and its breadth, but the results could have been so much worse. No one was killed or seriously injured. That was likely due to it occurring overnight.

Damaging winds blew for 15 to 20 minutes, with some reaching record strength, and the core damage path was 25 miles wide.

To appreciate the reason for the extensive damage, consider this:

 Wind speeds were the measured equivalent of an EF1 tornado, and likely were stronger.

 The widest tornado on record measured 2.6 miles  occurring in Oklahoma in 2013  and this storm's path was nearly 10 times wider.

The storm, which built strength as it traveled across Nebraska, reached peak intensity on the east side of Douglas County, Smith said. In other words, where some of Omahas most densely treed and populated neighborhoods are.
He defended his governments policies, saying economic aid has been distributed to poor households and to businesses severely hit by the lockdown. Vaccinations have also been accelerated, with the majority of the population expected to be inoculated by the year's end, he said.

This government is not perfect but this government does not allow the people to suffer and always works to save lives, Muhyiddin said.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad urged Muhyiddin to step down and said his unelected government, which took power in March 2020, has failed. Echoing other lawmakers, he said the parliamentary session was a sham because debates and voting weren't allowed.

If this government has really failed, then it is time for the prime minister to step down and we need the forum to vote on this, another lawmaker, Gobind Singh, said earlier.

Analysts say the end of the emergency was not unexpected as the king wasn't likely to agree to an extension. The annulments will also help Muhyiddin avoid parliamentary votes on those ordinances that could be seen as a test of support for his leadership, said Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
Minneapolis-based Caribou Coffee says its new Caribou Cabin drive-thru and walk-up coffee shop will open Friday at 4107 Mormon Coulee Road, on part of the former South Lanes Bowling & Pizza site on the South Side of La Crosse.

Meanwhile, a Northland Brew drive-thru and walk-up coffee shop opened last week in Sparta.

Caribou Coffee officials say their new La Crosse location will be the 13th Caribou Cabin and will be only the second one in Wisconsin. The first of the small-format locations opened in 2019.

Caribou Cabin has no inside seating, but will have outdoor patio seating.

Customers are encouraged to order ahead via the Caribou Perks App for contactless payment.

The new La Crosse location will celebrate its grand opening with a $1 discount on large and extra-large beverages Friday, and for every visit next Saturday and Sunday, Caribou will donate $1 to the Aptiv Foundation.

The foundation exists to support Aptiv Inc., which helps individuals with disabilities live more independently and learn life skills.
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) was joined by several colleagues in writing a letter to President Biden expressing deep concern with the White Houses announcement that it will be flagging American citizens speech on social media platforms for misinformation.

The senators urged the Administration to halt any actions it has or is currently undertaking to censor Americans speech. The letter asks for information on how the Administration is carrying out the flagging of Americans speech no later than August 9.

With this history, big tech, the corporate media, and the Administration have no credibility in determining what is and isnt misinformation, the senators wrote. Americans are rightfully alarmed and suspicious of the motivations behind the Administrations apparent coordination with tech companies to potentially censor disfavored speech, as vaguely described by Ms. Psaki at the recent White House press briefing.

Joining Johnson in signing the letter were Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

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Firefighters also reported progress against the nations largest wildfire, the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon, containing 46% of the blaze that had consumed nearly 640 square miles (1,657 square kilometers).

More than 2,200 firefighters battled the blaze, focusing Sunday on constructing containment lines at the north and eastern edges in dense timber. Crews could get a break from rain and higher humidity predicted for this week, said Marcus Kauffman, spokesman for the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The lightning-caused fire has burned 67 homes, mainly cabins, and at least 2,000 houses were under evacuation orders.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown told CNNs State of the Union that its imperative federal and state authorities invest in mitigation such as tree thinning and preventive burns to limit the number of similar massive blazes. But she conceded that the harsh reality is that were going to see more of these wildfires.

Theyre hotter, theyre more fierce, and obviously much more challenging to tackle. And they are a sign of the changing climate impacts, Brown said Sunday.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Two Israeli airlines launched their first commercial flights between Israel and Morocco on Sunday, less than a year after the countries officially normalized relations.

Israir's flight departed Tel Aviv for Marrakech with around 100 Israeli tourists, the company said, hours before Israeli national carrier El Al dispatched its first direct flight to the same destination.

Israeli Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov said the new direct flights would help advance fruitful tourism, trade and economic cooperation and diplomatic agreements between the two countries.

Israel and Morocco agreed to normalize relations in late 2020 as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Morocco was among four Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan, to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

As part of the deal, the United States agreed to recognize Moroccos claim to the long-disputed Western Sahara region, however the Biden administration said it will review this decision. Moroccos 1975 annexation of Western Sahara is not recognized by the United Nations.

Many Israeli Jews have lineage that traces back to Morocco, which is still home to a small Jewish community of several thousand.
As Pennsylvanias COVID-19 cases rise due to highly contagious variants, Gov. Tom Wolf has no intention of bringing back mitigation measures put in place when the virus first tore through the state in spring 2020 or offering hard-hit businesses in the hospitality sector any additional aid.

Our strategy here in Pennsylvania has been the vaccine. And that has worked. The numbers nationally, it has worked, said Wolf on Monday while in downtown Lancaster to tout his COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program.

If you want to protect yourself or your family against COVID, get the vaccine. We did the masks, we did the mitigation, back when we didnt have the vaccine, he said inside Silantra Asian Street Kitchen.

Wolf pointed out that more than 97% of people hospitalized with new COVID-19 cases nationwide have been unvaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The surge is most severe in states with low vaccination rates such as Florida, Missouri and Texas.

But Pennsylvania is a national leader in getting its residents vaccinated, the governor said. The Keystone State has the eighth most residents to receive at least one shot, at 65%, again drawing on CDC figures released last week. The national average is 56%.

Within the most vulnerable age category, residents age 65 and up, Pennsylvania has the highest percentage of those residents to receive at least one shot, at 99%, a distinction shared with Hawaii and Vermont. The national average is 89%. These too are CDC statistics.

Wolf credited the states comparatively good vaccination rate for keeping the rebound in new COVID-19 cases under control, compared to the national figures, fueled by hotspots such as Texas, Florida and Missouri.

Still, the local and state numbers have turned higher in recent weeks, albeit still low compared to months ago.

Over the past two weeks, the average daily number of new COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania has tripled, from 186 to 558, according to state Department of Health records. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide has also increased sharply. After three months of decline, the number of patients bottomed out at 243 on July 13 and in the 13 days after that it jumped 66%, to 404 on Monday.

In Lancaster County, the average daily number of new cases dropped to a pandemic low of three to four per day in mid-July, then rose steadily to 27 as of Monday. As few as two or three COVID-19 patients were in county hospitals at mid-month, then the number began increasing. It stood at 11 on Monday, the highest in five weeks.

Though new cases are rising, Wolf had no interest in pushing the state to require hospital employees to get vaccinated.

Im against the state mandating that hospitals do that. I think if businesses of any kind want to do that, it should be up to them. And certainly if I were a hospital administrator, Id be thinking seriously about that.

Wolf said he had no plans to bring back any restrictions on bars and restaurants, having lifted the final measures on Memorial Day. Nor did he plan to launch any more financial aid programs for the hard-hit hospitality industry like the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program, known as CHIRP. "Not at this point...," he said. "They're back and they're open."

A few moments later, Wolf underscored his focus on preventing new cases. I think what we need to do is redouble our efforts on vaccines, and make sure that we never have to go through the things that we had to go through that forced us to come up with the money like CHIRP.

CHIRP gave $145 million in grants to bars, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality businesses statewide. In Lancaster County, 316 hospitality businesses got $6.1 million.

Among the local recipients was Silantra, 101 E. King St. Silantra will use its $15,000 grant to boost its minimum wage to $15 an hour (plus tips) from $10.50 (plus tips), effective Aug. 1.

Co-founder Sam Guo said the higher minimum pay will help his business compete for employees and help those employees cope with the rising cost of living.

The price of just staying alive is increasing, he said. Increasing our hourly wage is just the most human-decency thing to do, to help people who have put so much energy into keeping our business alive. Its our way of giving our appreciation to them.

The 32-year-old entrepreneur, who opened his business in 2015 with his wife Cindy in the former Red Rose Restaurant space, said the restaurant has six employees, plus him. He wants to add four.

If Guo can get staffing up to that pre-pandemic level, the restaurant can return to its pre-pandemic hours as well as resume giving 1% of sales to the Power Packs initiative in Lancaster city and Lebanon city schools. Power Packs helps feed low-income families with school-age children over weekends of the school year.

Guo indicated that the state and federal assistance programs played key roles in keeping Silantras doors open during the pandemic when the business was in the red.

Silantra also got a $22,000 forgivable loan from the Paycheck Protection Program and $45,000 in grants from the Small Business Recovery & Sustainability Fund, run through the county and administered by the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County and the Lancaster Chambers joint Recovery Lancaster plan.

--LNP staff member Tim Buckwalter contributed to this report.
The new film The Water of Life began, as many great ideas do, over a drink between friends.

The difference between this idea and others is that the drink itself is indelibly tied to the subject matter of the movie  whiskey. Or more specifically, whisky, the spelling of which refers specifically to the Scottish variety.

Filmmaker Greg Swartz, a reporter for the former Lancaster New Era in the 90s, began his lifelong infatuation with whisky while he was a student at Millersville University. Unlike your average college drinker, that infatuation eventually led to something tangible to show for it.

His film on the subject, The Water of Life, makes its Lancaster debut at Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a whisky tasting at Tellus360. Representatives from Waterford Whisky will be on hand to guide viewers through the tasting.

Swartz says that one of his main goals with The Water of Life is to create a film that looks as good as whisky tastes. Since smell-o-vision wasnt an option, Swartz crafted the film to make the whisky look as good as possible.

The film also will screen at Zoetropolis at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, though these latter two screenings will not have a tasting component.

I know how I like to drink whisky, Swartz says over the phone. Im in a very blessed position to have been given access to the absolute elite of the whisky world and I know how they drink it, and how and why they recommend drinking it that way. I drink my whisky neat, and Ill usually add at least a couple drops of water.

Traveling and tasting

The Water of Life finds Swartz traveling to several countries, namely Scotland, as well as Germany, Ireland and several others, to present some of the craftsmen who helped the sagging whisky industry of the 1980s become the alcohol juggernaut it is today.

After an anniversary trip to Scotland with his wife, Megan, Swartz brought a bottle to share with his friend and Aurora Films co-founder Brad Kenyon. That same night, the duo decided to make a film about a wide-ranging array of Scottish whiskies.

Plans eventually changed, as they tend to in the making of a documentary, when Swartz discovered Bruichladdich whisky.

Bruichladdich had the thing I was looking for, in that its a very, very good whisky, and it has a really good story, Swartz says.

Bruichladdich Distillery was founded in 1881 and survived until 1996, before being resurrected by new owners in 2001. The Water of Life tells the story of the cast of characters responsible for that revitalization, from Mark Reynier, one of the investors who brought the distillery back to life, to Jim McEwan, the iconic distiller with more than five decades of experience in the whisky trade.

Swartz says that, much like the participants in a toast, the interview subjects could not have been more welcoming.

It was pretty shocking to be honest with you, Swartz says. We were so pleasantly surprised at the welcome we were given everywhere, without any doors being closed. The only nos we got generally were when people were out of the country.

Immersive sumptuousness

Between 2018 and 2020, Swartz and his crew completed The Water of Life in time for festival season, only for those festivals to become virtual as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In lieu of being able to tour the film around physically, Swartz dove deep into the internet, hosting an ongoing interview series called Big Man, Wee Dram and offering virtual premieres to various whiskey clubs and distilleries, usually with a tasting kit to sip while you watch.

We were ready to shoot in June (of 2018), but I insisted that we wait until November, Swartz says. I didnt want Scotland to look summery. Whisky evokes deep rich, fall colors of browns and golds and oranges, not green and summery. Its not tequila, it has a different aesthetic to it. Scotland has a real sense of place, and the best whiskies reflect the places that theyre made in a lot of ways, especially the smell and taste. So we decided to try to showcase that, in making a movie that isnt a lot of talking heads, but is driven by a lot of drone footage and a lot of beautiful B-roll, so you get that immersive sumptuousness.

Swartz is currently working with distributors to achieve an official streaming release in November of this year. For those whisky fans who cant make it to any of the three Zoetropolis screenings, Swartz partnered with The Whiskey Bourbon Scotch Enthusiasts (or WBSE) to make the film available on a pay-per-stream basis, which can be found at wateroflifefilm.com/partners/wbse/.

And just how much whisky was consumed during the making of this film? Swartz lets out a laugh before saying, A lot.

As a sort of tradition, every distillery we visited gave us a bottle when we left, and then we would buy multiple other bottles, Swartz says. The good thing is that nobody ever had to drive. Wed shoot until dark, go back and eat dinner, then go have a bunch of drams and watch footage by the fireplace. It was not exactly a brutal shoot.
LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL

Lancaster City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, in council chambers, City Hall annex, 120 N. Duke St., Marion St. entrance. Among the agenda items:

Reports requested by Council: office of Neighborhood Engagement update

Fire station construction project update

Legislative agenda: (A) Ordinances for final passage: Administration Bill No. 14-2021, amending Chapter 55 of the City Code, Officers and Employees, to revise compensation for the Office of Mayor; Administration Bill No. 16-2021, amending Chapter 295 of the City Code, Water, Article VI- Billing and administration to revise water shut-off notification procedures; Administration Bill No. 17-2021, rescinding COVID-19 construction regulation contained in Ord. No. 01-2020.

LANCASTER COUNTY HOUSING

Lancaster County Housing Authority Board of Directors will meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, followed by the Lancaster County Land Bank, 28 Penn Square, Suite 200. The public may attend via Zoom, email Marian Joyce, mjoyce@lchra.com. Among the agenda items:

 Minutes of the June meeting.

 Report of the executive director.

 Financial report for June.

 Next meeting: 4:30 p.m. Aug. 24.

LANCASTER COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY

The Lancaster County Land and Bank Authority will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 27. The public may attend via Zoom, email Marian Joyce, mjoyce@lchra.com. Among the agenda items:

 Report of executive director.

 Financial report for June.

 Committee reports.

 Next meeting: 4 p.m. Aug. 24 via Zoom or at the offices of Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, 28 Penn Square, 2nd Floor, Suite 200.

LANCASTER COUNTY PLANNING

The Lancaster County Planning Commission will meet at 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 26, at 150 N. Queen St., Rooms 102/104. Virtual info: https:// call.lifesizecloud.com/1696302/; or call 312-5842401, code 1696302#. Among the agenda items:

 New planning matters: (A) Overview map; (B) community planning reviews  (1) No. 4824, New Holland Borough - proposed rezoning of (1) MM property from M- Manufacturing to C-2 Commercial; (2) NH Custom property from R-2- Residential to M- Manufacturing; and (3) Musselman, Longacre and Newswanger properties from R-2 Residential to C-2 Commercial; (2) No. 53-29, Quarryville Borough-Proposed sale of approximately .488 acres owned by Solanco School District located adjacent to the District Warehouse, north side of East Fourth Street.
A Lititz man was arrested after police say he was found knocking on residents' doors early Sunday morning asking for a ride to Philadelphia.

When officers arrived and arrested him, 20-year-old Daniel Joseph Steinberg III bent an officers finger "well beyond a normal level of dexterity" as the officer tried to adjust Steinberg's handcuffs.

Officers were called after midnight to Eden Road in Manheim Township for a reported prowler, according to Manheim Township Police.

Police said that Steinberg was "banging on several resident's doors" in the 300 block of Eden Road around 12:27 a.m., demanding a ride to Philadelphia.

He also threatened to shoot and rob those who refused to give him a ride, police said.

Officers said they could smell alcohol as they approached Steinberg in the backyard of an Eden Road residence. Witnesses told police he was yelling nonstop while he was knocking on doors.

While in handcuffs after being arrested for public drunkenness, that's when Steinberg grabbed an officer's ring finger and bent it, police said.

Steinberg was charged with a felony count of aggravated assault on a police officer, a misdemeanor charge of loitering and prowling at night and a summary offence for public drunkenness, according to court records.

He is in Lancaster County Prison on $5,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on August 3 in front of district judge David Miller.
A woman was swept away from her vehicle after heavy rain filled roads with water Sunday night in Fulton Township, according to the Robert Fulton Fire Company.

Firefighters arrived to find the woman huddled next to a tree in waist-deep water after strong currents had swept her vehicle into a nearby cornfield in the 100 block of Soapstone Hill Road, north of the Maryland border, around 11:30 p.m., said Fire Chief Phil Smith.

The woman was driving toward a nearby bridge over the Little Conewingo Creek when she suddenly began hydroplaning in high, fast-moving water, Smith said. The woman attempted to escape the vehicle as it was being washed down the creek, only to be carried about 50 yards to the tree.

A second woman stopped and attempted to help the woman, only to be carried away by the current and stranded herself, Smith said.

Henry Stoltzfoos, local a farmer, saw the car being swept about 35 feet off the road, he told an LNP|LancasterOnline photographer. The woman was then seeing clinging to the tree to avoid being carried away by the water.

Stoltzfoos then flagged down a passing motorist who called 911, he said.

Firefighters were unable to lower a boat into the water, but instead waded through the current in dry suits in groups of three with throw bags and life jackets to bring the women back to safety.

Neither of the women were injured, Smith said.

The incident was the second water rescue the Robert Fulton Fire Company performed Sunday night, as the area was drenched in about five to seven inches of rain.

A different motorist, this time a man, became waterlogged and stalled on a bridge over the same creek near Nottingham and Eagle roads in Little Britain Township about half an hour earlier around 11 p.m., Smith said. In that case, firefighters were able to escort the man to safety without incident.

Smith said Sundays water rescues, while uncommon, are not new to the fire company.

We do these when we get some of these hard rains and flash floods, he said. Its not something that happens every year, but periodically we do have to go out and do these rescues.
When Lancaster County sold its government-run nursing home in 2005, top leaders responded to the intense public blowback by promising to hold the new private owners accountable for the care of the area's poor, sick and elderly.

That promise quickly faded.

In the time since, evidence has mounted that inadequate staffing at the 446-bed home may compromise the safety and well-being of residents  the very thing former county officials once assured the public wouldnt happen.

Under a contract included in the sale of the property, owners of the home were to provide quarterly reports, meet with county commissioners and maintain a baseline level of care in perpetuity.

But an LNP | LancasterOnline inspection of public records indicates county officials ultimately deserted those contractual obligations by failing to enforce them.

That failure meant that when Montgomery County-based Complete Healthcare Resources sold the facility in April to a new owner with a troubling track record, county officials were locked out of any role, and unaware the 2005 contract gave them one.

I am not aware of the county having any role in (the nursing home) since the sale many years ago before I was on the board, Republican County Commissioner Chairman Josh Parsons said in response to an inquiry from LNP | LancasterOnline.

If county officials had maintained the oversight powers laid out in the sales agreement to Complete Healthcare, a contract law expert told LNP | LancasterOnline the county may have been able to preserve some influence over the facilitys operations.

When you try to attach a right to control property after you sell it, you have to be vigilant about protecting those rights, or you lose them, said Marie Reilly, a professor at Penn State Law who teaches contract law.

Now the facility, renamed in April Lancaster Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, is left to a company with no such obligations to the county. New Jersey-based Imperial Healthcare Groups own sale agreement with Complete Healthcare is confidential, a spokesperson for Imperial said. LNP | LancasterOnline was unable to obtain a copy and the countys attorney said she doesnt have one either.

That suggests Lancaster County is officially cut out of its former property for good.

Oversight unravels

Interviews with leaders who fought the sale of Conestoga View in 2005, current county officials and a review of newspaper archives show that after Complete Healthcare Resources managers produced several public reports to show it was maintaining previous staffing levels and accepting poorer residents, attention to the issue disappeared.

Former Lancaster Mayor Art Morris, who helped lead a public fight against the sale in 2005, said he went back and reviewed the sale agreement last year, when Conestoga View became a local symbol for the nursing home industrys failures during the initial outbreak of COVID-19, at one point carrying a higher death toll than any other facility in the state.

Morris said he knew oversight provisions were added to the contract 16 years ago, but it took going back to the agreement to realize that county commissioners were supposed to require quarterly meetings and reports.

I don't think people on every single issue, even if it's significant to them, are going to be checking regularly on every single thing that they may have been involved in, Morris said, explaining why the issue fell off the radars of activists like himself. There was a lot of passion, a lot effort and a lot of disappointment for a lot of people after commissioners went through with the sale, he said.

Dr. Robert Shultz, who said he saw patients living in Conestoga View for some 25 years until his retirement last year, volunteered to be a plaintiff alongside the Lancaster City & County Medical Society, in a 2005 lawsuit against the board of commissioners and Complete Healthcare challenging the sale.

Shultz, who retired last year at the age of 80, said he wasnt aware the sale agreement required the facilitys owner to maintain a baseline of care in perpetuity, no matter who owned the place.

I don't understand why nobody held their feet to the fire for years. I was not even aware they were supposed to give reports to the county commissioners, Shultz said. Why didn't the county commissioners ask for the reports on what was happening?

Only two of the three commissioners in office in 2005 are alive today. Republican Pete Shaub did not respond to a request for comment. Democrat Molly Henderson declined to answer any questions about the sale. Republican Dick Shellenberger died in 2019.

After 2007, its unclear if the countys oversight role at Conestoga View ever entered public discussion again. Following extensive coverage of the actions of the board of commissioners, a review of archives indicates Lancasters newspapers did not cover whether Complete Healthcares reporting to county officials continued past that year.

The medical society did not return requests for comment.

County Solicitor Christina Hausner gave LNP | LancasterOnline what she said were all the quarterly performance reports from Complete Healthcare on file.

There were just three  one each from 2005, 2006 and 2007. It's unclear if the promised meetings ever took place, either.

A 2006 story in the New Era reported on a quarterly report from Complete Healthcare Resources no longer available in the countys records. Complete Healthcares manager produced the report more than two months late, according to the story.

Hausner said it was unclear if anyone at the county was even supposed to be keeping track of the reports.

I've been here over five years, and I haven't heard a blessed thing about Conestoga View, Hausner said.

All three current county commissioners said no one at the county ever mentioned the agreement to them, including Democratic Commissioner Craig Lehman, who was first elected in 2007.

The solicitor said she thinks the county has no document retention policy that would require the county to maintain the reports.

Opportunities lost

Hausner told LNP | LancasterOnline that the 2005 agreement is unenforceable, and all three current county commissioners deferred to the solicitor.

The new owner, Imperial, has no legal obligation to follow a contract it wasnt part of, Hausner said.

Reilly, at Penn State Law, more or less agreed with that view.

But that doesnt address another part of the original sale agreement with Complete Healthcare: the countys restrictions on Conestoga View say they also apply to future owners.

Theoretically, Reilly said, the county would have been in a stronger position to play a role in future sales of Conestoga View if it had continued to enforce the contracts provisions.

In other words, use it or lose it.

Thats why if you really want to be certain that your right to control property persists after you sell it, you put the restriction in the deed to the land, she said.

That didnt happen, according to a review of property records.

But the county's failure to follow through is not the only reason to believe it would be hard, if not impossible, to enforce the stipulations in the sales agreement. The agreement itself has flaws.

At a May 2006 Lancaster County commissioners meeting, then-county Chief Administrative Officer Don Elliott defended the countys measures to hold Complete Healthcare accountable as a new owner. Should the company ever fail to meet the quality-of-care standards agreed to in the sale, the county could sue, he assured skeptics at the time.

But for what?

Its another hole in the 2005 sale agreement, according to law professor Reilly. After reviewing the contract, Reilly said its unclear what kind of damages the county would be claiming it lost.

When someone sues over a breach of contract, Reilly said, its to try to win compensation for what they were supposedly promised. Those are called damages, and they come in the form of money, she said.

Things like maintaining Medicaid beds, and treating indigent people  I think it would really be pretty hard for the county to prove what its damages are, Reilly said. What's the monetary value of that?

That complication points to how unusual the 2005 deal county commissioners agreed to in the first place, Reilly said. It's unclear if the covenants the county won from Complete Healthcare were ever designed to be enforced in the first place, or if they were simply meant to quell a backlash from the public.

Thats because real estate agreements, Reilly said, are really designed for one party to transfer over a property to another, not to manage what happens to it afterward.

If you walk away from the closing of your house, you dont expect to be able to come over on Saturday nights and sit on the patio, right? Reilly said.

A judge may conclude that if the county really wanted an effective way to control quality of care at Conestoga View, for instance, they couldve simply not sold it in the first place, according to Reilly.

The three county commissioners in office at the time resigned or lost their seats by 2007. The sudden announcement and approval of the sale of Conestoga View in 2005  and its ultimate price tag of just $8.5 million  produced enough suspicion to draw an investigation by the district attorney.

The three commissioners pleaded guilty to violating public meetings laws in the states Sunshine Act.

Shaub resigned in 2006 after his guilty plea. Shellenberger, who died in 2019, did not seek re-election in 2007. Henderson lost re-election to Lehman, who remains in office.

Henderson is a candidate for the School District of Lancasters board in this year's municipal elections.

Immediate jeopardy

County officials back in 2005 said the provisions in the sale agreement would allow them to intervene if questions arose about quality of care at the facility, such as those that have emerged recently.

A recent state inspection of Lancaster Nursing and Rehabilitation, which is the name Conestoga View took on after the April change of ownership to Imperial, cited the facility for failing to maintain legally required minimum levels of staffing in 13 days out of 14 days.

It was the first such inspection since Imperial took over. Its not the first time a facility associated with Chaim Charlie Steg ran afoul of state staffing requirements for nursing homes.

In August 2017, state health inspectors found widespread neglect of patients at the St. Francis Center of Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Darby, according to a three-year investigation by the attorney generals office and local police. Department of Health officials gave the facility the most severe violation for nursing home, called immediate jeopardy.

During that time, three residents ultimately died of preventable injuries that resulted from dangerously low staffing levels, something Steg refused to address out of cost concerns, according to the criminal complaint.

One victim, an 86-year-old woman, ultimately died of septic shock after developing bed sores that exposed tendon and bones, according to the complaint.

It led to the sanctions against Steg, who managed the home, and a $1 million settlement between the St. Francis and the attorney general. The facility will also have to maintain an increased minimum staffing level and undergo quarterly audits from state inspectors.

Steg was also effectively barred from operating or owning a majority share of any Pennsylvania nursing homes for five years, according to the attorney generals office.

A spokesperson from the state Department of Health told LNP | LancasterOnline that Steg still is one of five owners of Lancaster Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

According to the latest nursing home ownership data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Steg is also an owner of 12 other facilities, including Newport Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center in Christiana. Newport Meadows was previously named Harrison House.

All of them are in Pennsylvania, and all of them Steg and others bought since 2018, according to the data.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvanias acting health secretary, Alison Beam, announced the Wolf administration will pursue regulatory approval to raise the required staffing levels from 2.7 staff hours per resident per day to 4.1 hours statewide. National experts have long said 4.1 hours per resident is the minimum threshold to deliver adequate care to residents. Most nursing home facilities in Lancaster County show staffing ratios between three and five staff hours per resident, according to the DOH website.

No way back

When asked if the county should have kept up with the covenants their predecessors secured and tried to enforce Complete Healthcares quarterly reports all along, Lehman said common sense tells him when the sale occurred in 2005 to a private entity, the county's chapter at Conestoga View ended.

If the county had been officially engaged by Complete Healthcare prior to closing with Imperial Healthcare, there may have been an opportunity for the county to insist that the Complete Healthcare covenants be transferred to Imperial Healthcare due to the buyers clause in the original sales agreement between the county and Complete Healthcare, Lehman said in an email.

However, I believe that the recent sales transaction between Complete Healthcare and Imperial Healthcare would have stalled if county participation had been legally necessary to close the deal.

Republican Commissioner Ray DAgostino said in an email he did not have enough information to answer the question. Parsons did not provide a response.

Shultz told LNP | LancasterOnline that he was deeply disappointed by the medical societys settlement with the county and Complete Healthcare. The doctors group ultimately had little to show for the money it invested in the lawsuit, he said.

But as a doctor in private practice, Shultz visited the nursing home often when it was owned by the county and Complete Healthcare.

I personally think the care met the minimal standards the state agrees should be given to people in nursing homes, but I dont think it was any kind of care I would want my mother, father, brother, or sister to receive, Shultz said, despite the hard work of staff in the building.
Unemployment fraud is continuing to escalate in Lancaster County, according to Northern Lancaster County Regional police.

Instances of unemployment benefits fraud is not only occurring, but is escalating in East Petersburg and Clay, Penn and Warwick townships, police said in a news release Sunday. The widespread fraudulent activity involves people being enrolled into the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation system

The scam typically involves notices to the victim by their employer of an unemployment claim being filed, according to the news release.

In many cases, victims receive unrequested unemployment paperwork from the state or receive unemployment benefits payments they did not apply for, typically on a debit card. Victims may also receive a 1099G tax form indicating they were paid unemployment.

More than 126 reports of such fraudulent activity have been reported to NLCRPD since June 1, police said.

Other police departments in Lancaster County have made similar reports of increasing unemployment fraud cases since June.

Victims of unemployment fraud are urged to report it to the Office of Unemployment Compensation or local police. The crime can be reported to Northern Lancaster County Regional police by calling 717-664-1180 or 800-957-2677 or by visiting www.NLCRPD.org. Victims can also call the Pennsylvania Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469.

The Office of Unemployment Compensation also urges victims to file a police report in the municipality in which they resided at the time the unemployment benefits were paid. A copy of the police report must be provided to the Office of Unemployment Compensation, according to the agencys webpage.
PHOENIX (AP)  Civil rights leaders, including the Revs. Jesse Jackson and William Barber, were among 39 people arrested Monday after refusing to leave the Phoenix office of Democratic U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who has faced unrelenting pressure from liberal activists over her opposition to ending the filibuster to pass voting rights legislation.

Jackson, one of the nation's most prominent civil rights leaders, said the U.S. is in a civilization crisis with battle lines drawn," and he urged activists to fight nonviolently for their rights.

The powers in you, the people, Jackson said.

Passing voting rights legislation is a top priority for congressional Democrats and progressive activists, who say its essential to push back against state-level efforts by Republicans to impose new restrictions on voting. It's been stymied by the filibuster, which prevents Democrats from passing most legislation without Republican support.

Sinema is among moderate Democratic senators who have ruled out changes to the filibuster, which she says encourages bipartisan cooperation and more lasting legislative compromises.

Several hundred activists marched about a mile from a park to Sinemas office in Phoenixs Biltmore neighborhood, chanting end the filibuster now. Eliminating the filibuster would open the door for Democratic senators to enact voting rights bills and raise the federal minimum wage to $15, they said.

I taught kids for 25 years that this is what you have to do to change things, and now its time to step up, Barry Smith, a 59-year-old retired schoolteacher from Phoenix, said through tears as he sat outside Sinemas office preparing to be arrested. Were supposed to be a democracy, so having a minority running the Senate is just so infuriating.

Barber, co-chairman of the Poor Peoples Campaign, said Sinemas opposition to changing the filibuster is imperiling not only voting rights legislation but minimum wage, immigration and climate measures.

Those who were arrested were cited for trespassing and released, Phoenix police Sgt. Mercedes Fortune said.

Sinema supports the voting rights legislation, but critics say her support is hollow if she stands in the way of procedural changes that would actually allow it to be enacted. She's teamed up with Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah for legislation to raise the minimum wage, but any proposal they develop is unlikely to be as high as the $15 sought by many in the labor movement.

The filibuster compels moderation and helps protect the country from wild swings between opposing policy poles, she wrote in the Washington Post last month in the most extensive explanation of her views she has given so far.
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HARRISBURG  Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Gerow was involved in a crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Chester County this week that killed a motorcyclist and shut down the highway for nearly seven hours, according to law enforcement and other officials.

Kevin Harley, a spokesperson for Gerow, confirmed that Gerow was the driver and said he is now cooperating fully with the investigation and will continue to do so.

He looks forward to the State Police completing their investigations and is confident that the investigation will confirm that he was not the cause of the accident, Harley wrote in an email. He has been advised that he should not discuss the matter further until the investigation has been completed.

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the crash, which occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday on the portion of the Turnpike that runs through Tredyffrin Township, authorities said.

A State Police report on the incident made public Thursday does not name Gerow. It says only that the crash involved a Honda motorcycle and a Mercedes Benz 300, both traveling westbound on the turnpike. It did not identify the man who was killed.

But on Friday, Chester County Coroner Christina VandePol identified the victim as Logan Carl Abbott, 30, of Bradford County.

In a statement Friday, State Police spokesperson Brent Miller said the investigation is active and ongoing, and his agency is trying to determine whether other vehicles may have been involved.

The crash scene was large and the turnpike (westbound) was closed for approximately seven hours, said Miller. PSP still needs the publics help. Anyone who witnessed, has video, or other information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Troop T-King of Prussia station at 610-279-1605.

Nicholas Forgette, a highway construction worker who was working on the turnpike Wednesday evening, said he was on the opposite side of the highway when he saw Gerows car pass by with a motorcycle wedged into the grill of the car.

In an interview Friday, Forgette said the first thing he noticed were sparks coming off a car that was traveling at a high rate of speed in the westbound lanes of the turnpike. He and members of his construction crew who were with him were dumbstruck, he said.

Everyone was in disbelief, he said. That is not something you see every day. It was a big motorcycle, too. There were a bunch of sparks. And it was very loud.

Forgette, who works for a traffic control company in Pottstown, said Gerow was pulled over by State Police several miles down from where he first saw him. He said Gerow was sitting on a guardrail, stone-faced and kind of disconnected.

When he saw Gerows car, he said the motorcycle was sitting upright, with the side stuck into the front of the car.

He said he left before the roadway reopened, but his crew members told him that Gerow was directed into the front seat of a cruiser and driven away from the scene.

Gerow, a longtime Republican strategist based in Harrisburg, announced his run for governor last month, saying hes a coalition builder who can unite the GOP and expand its appeal as a Latino immigrant who found opportunity in the United States.

He said he would campaign as a conservative happy warrior, with a focus on helping the states economy rebound after being shut down during the pandemic, and making Pennsylvania more attractive to businesses.

Gerow was born in Brazil and adopted by American missionaries who later returned to the United States.

He began his political career working for Ronald Reagans 1976 presidential campaign. He ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate and Congress multiple times in the 1980s and 1990s, then founded the Harrisburg-based public affairs firm Quantum Communications in 2001.

He also serves as vice chairman of the American Conservative Union, which hosts the annual gathering known as CPAC, and was a cochair of businesswoman Carly Fiorinas 2016 presidential campaign.

Two weeks ago, Gerow addressed CPACs members in a meeting in Dallas, addressing such topics as cancel culture, election integrity, critical race theory, abortion, and public funding for private schools.

Gerow, who received cheers from the crowd when he mentioned his candidacy for governor, struck a bipartisan note while pointing out that Republicans and Democrats support criminal justice reform.

Because its the right thing to do, he said.

Inquirer staff writers Chris Brennan and Andrew Seidman contributed to this article.

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Parkesburg Borough received the first installment in coronavirus relief funding from the American Rescue Plan, officials announced during the July 19 council meeting.

Assistant Treasurer Amanda Gattuso said the borough deposited the initial $208,972 in relief funding July 14. The borough will receive the second payment in 12 months.

Disbursements of American Rescue Plan money to municipalities was determined by population data from the U.S. House Oversight Committee.

Mayor John Hagan II told council that Treasurer Peter Barsz suggested, during a recent budget meeting, that a separate account be created for better tracking of how the expenditures are being used.

Im fine with it being in a separate account, Council President Sharon Wolf said.

Council did not specify what the money was going to be used for. Instead, officials established a set procedure for using those funds. Council member David Mellema made a motion that the account not be touched without a council vote  a measure approved unanimously.

The mayor noted the money can be used for COVID-19 recovery-related expenditures. He also suggested establishing a grant program for borough businesses that struggled during the pandemic. Funds cannot be used to justify a tax decrease.

The money is to be spent, Hagan said.

Later, Borough Manager Joe Reali opened discussion on revisiting the curfew ordinance. He said potential changes in the ordinance will address the need to distinguish and prove when sunrise and sunset occur.

It sounds funny, but it really isnt, Reali said.

Police Sgt. Ryan Murtaugh explained the curfew for minors in the borough is 10:15 p.m. to 5 a.m. He said the police departments use of body cameras will allow officials to determine the lighting and the exact time when enforcing the ordinance.

Council made no decisions on amending the ordinance.

That enforcement has been very strong this month, Murtaugh said.
The Scribblers recently climbed Turkey Hill to enjoy the spectacular panorama of the Susquehanna River. We have been up there dozens of times. This hike commemorated the trails 30th anniversary.

Mrs. Scribblers 8-year-long effort to create a trail to the top of Turkey Hill came to fruition in 1991. Today hundreds of hikers climb the Lancaster County Conservancy-managed trail each week.

The Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority built an observation deck at the Turkey Hill overlook in 2011. The Scribbler took time on this hike to read every word of two informational signs. He spotted a discrepancy.

The main sign says the view still echoes the land and water geography surveyed and painted by Benjamin Henry Latrobe in 1801. The other sign, which discusses the two energy-producing windmills atop the hill, says the view of the river is remarkably similar' to what Latrobe saw 220 years ago.

So is the current view an echo or remarkably similar?

Latrobe's records clearly indicate that the scene, particularly the river itself, is but an echo. The overall view may seem similar, but certainly not remarkably similar. The details have been remarkably altered since 1801.

Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna Canal Co. paid Latrobe, later a nationally known architect, to survey the lower Susquehanna and eliminate obstacles to navigation. Latrobe made a detailed map, took notes, and sketched and painted scenery.

Under Latrobes direction, a crew of workers blasted away at rock impediments, including a pile at the base of Turkey Hill. This was more than a century before the further demolition of the hills base that allowed the Low Grade Railroad to sweep around the obstacle.

In a letter to his wife, Latrobe described the river from Columbia to Havre de Grace, Maryland, as savage and beautiful. The Susquehanna remains beautiful. Savage? Not at all.

In 1801, the Susquehanna was wild, rocky and a hard ride for rafts carrying merchandise downstream in the high flows of spring. In low water, the river was impassable.

Latrobe described and sketched multiple sets of falls, including water running over a crystalline ridge that spanned the river from Turkey Hill to the York County side. His crew destroyed the portion close to Turkey Hill.

In the end, none of Latrobes work on the river mattered. The most obvious change since 1801 is the ponding of the river behind hydroelectric dams. Ninety years ago, Safe Harbor Dam created Lake Clarke, which covers rocks from the dam upstream, well beyond Turkey Hill. The wild river was and remains tamed.

The second change is almost as clear: ponded water and shifting sediments have radically changed islands in the stream. Latrobe sketched islands throughout the Susquehanna north of Turkey Hill. Today, all islands are off Washington Boro.

The river hills remain much the same, with the exception of Turkey Hill itself, which is rising with Lancaster County's solid waste. The view from up there, however, has been substantially altered by development on the York County side.

Stephen Lintner, a physical geographer, in the early 1980s studied the section of the river Latrobe surveyed. He concluded that the details of the contemporary landscape in the study area, the engineering structures, the islands and the floodplains are man-made.

The view from Turkey Hill is not remarkably similar to what Latrobe documented. Human use and abuse have made the Susquehanna and its floodplain an echo of what they once were.

Jack Brubaker, retired from the LNP staff, writes The Scribbler column every Sunday. He welcomes comments and contributions at scribblerlnp@gmail.com.
Russia disconnected from the worldwide internet during tests in June and July, a Russian news service, RBC, reported on Thursday. The information for the report came from documents from a Russian internet security working group.

Russia passed a law in late 2019 that aims to protect the Russian part of the internet from outside threats. The "sovereign internet" law was in answer to what Russia called the "aggressive nature" of the United States' national cyber security policies. The law increased Moscow's control over connections within Russia to the worldwide network and caused concern among free speech activists. They feared the move would strengthen government power over the country's cyberspace, which is called "Runet" because the country's internet addresses end in "ru."

Four major companies tested

Held from June 15 to July 15, the tests involved all four of Russia's major telecoms companies. RBC reported that someone in the working group said early results showed they were successful and added, "The purpose of the tests is to determine the ability of the Runet to work in case of external distortions, blocks and other threats."

RBC also said the capability of physically disconnecting the Russian part of the internet was tested. It was not immediately clear how long the disconnection lasted or whether there were any noticeable breaks in internet traffic. The law says that tests should be carried out every year, but RBC said operations were called off in 2020 due to problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Ready for anything'

The central government of Russia was aware of the tests, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. He said they were timely and that Russia had to be ready for anything.

The legislation also seeks to pass Russian web traffic and data through state-controlled points. It also called for a national Domain Name System to allow the internet to continue working even if Russia is cut off. A domain name system, or DNS, is like a phone book organizing the internet locations of each website.

In June 2019, President Vladimir Putin said the government had to be certain that the Runet could work in a safe and steady way. The goal is to guard against problems caused if networks outside of Russia's control in other countries were turned off or infected with computer viruses.

State communications agency Roskomnadzor said the tests aim to improve the security of Russia's internet systems and keep them whole. It said Roskomnadzor had used the equipment installed for the test to slow down the speed of social network Twitter since March. That action came after Twitter refused to remove content Moscow says is illegal.

Im Jill Robbins.

Alexander Marrow and Dmitry Antonov reported on this story for Reuters. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor.

__________________________________________________

Words in This Story

sovereign  adj. having independent authority and the right to govern itself

cyber  adj. dealing with computer software and networks

determine  v. to learn or find out (something) by getting information

distort  v. to change (something) so that it is no longer true or accurate

What do you think of Russia disconnecting itself from the internet? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
Captain Tejinder Singh has not set foot on dry land in more than seven months. He is not sure when he will go home.

Singh is among tens of thousands of ship workers stuck at sea as the coronavirus spreads on land. He said sailors like him are not valued. He added, "We are forgotten...

Singh and most of his 20-person crew have traveled from India to the United States then on to China. He spoke to the Reuters news service from the Pacific Ocean as his ship now heads to Australia.

They are among about 100,000 ship workers stuck at sea, says the International Chamber of Shipping, or ICS. Many sailors have been on their boats much longer than their usual 3 to 9 month work periods. Another 100,000 workers are stuck on land and unable to work and earn a living.

The Delta variant of the coronavirus is spreading very quickly in parts of Asia home to many of the worlds 1.7 million ship workers. That has led many countries to restrict land access to visiting workers. Some workers have even been barred from medical treatment. The ICS estimates that just 2.5 percent of ship workers have been vaccinated.

The United Nations calls the situation a crisis at sea. The organization says governments should consider commercial sailors essential workers.

Ships deliver around 90 percent of the world's trade. The crisis threatens worldwide supply for everything from oil and metal to food and electronics.

Guy Platten is the head of the ICS. He said more than one-third of the worlds ship workers are from India and the Philippines. Those countries are recovering from terrible waves of COVID-19.

In normal times, around 50,000 sailors get on and 50,000 get off ships per month on average. The numbers are now much less than that. Industry experts say that is largely because of virus restrictions put in place by countries with major ports in Asia. Nations like South Korea, Taiwan and China require testing for workers who come from or have visited certain countries. Some nations ban crew changes.

Rajesh Unni is head of Synergy Marine Group which represents 14,000 ship workers. He said the only countries that permit regular crew changes are Japan and Singapore.

"The issue is that we have one set of people who desperately want to go home because they have finished their tenure, and another set of people onshore that are desperate to get back onboard to earn a living."

Threats to supply of goods

The crisis has led to almost half of ship workers considering leaving the industry, says the International Transport Workers' Federation, or ITF.

A labor shortage would threaten the industry which has already faced delays at many of the worlds ports. It has also increased the cost of shipping products. And, in turn, the prices people pay for goods.

Stephen Cotton leads the ITF. He said many vessels have lost up to 25 percent of their workforce during the pandemic. And the remaining sailors are now being pushed to their physical and mental limits.

Shots for sailors

Most sailors come from developing nations that have low vaccination supplies. That has left many ship workers unable to get shots.

A total of 55 member countries of the U.N. shipping agency, the International Maritime Organization or IMO, have named ship workers essential.

David Hammond is the head of the organization Human Rights at Sea. He said being considered essential permits the workers to travel more easily and return to their homes. It also gives them better access to vaccines.

The ICFs Platten said governments with large vaccine supplies have a "moral responsibility" towards ship workers.

"They must follow the lead of the U.S. and the Netherlands and vaccinate non-native crews delivering goods to their ports, he added.

Im Dan Novak.

Jonathan Saul and Roslan Khasawneh reported this story for Reuters. Dan Novak adapted for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

variant  n. something that is different in some way from others of the same kind

access  n. a way of being able to use or get something

essential adj. extremely important and necessary

desperate  adj. very sad and upset because of having little or no hope : feeling or showing despair

tenure  n. the amount of time that a person holds a job, office, or title
A new study finds that just seven percent of the genome, or all genes, of modern humans is special to that group. It suggests todays humans are extremely similar genetically to their ancestors from tens of thousands of years ago.

The research appeared in the publication Science Advances.

Thats a pretty small percentage, says Nathan Schaefer, a biologist, or life scientist, at the University of California, and a leader of the research.

This kind of finding is why scientists are turning away from thinking that we humans are so vastly different from Neanderthals, he said.

The Neanderthal human group died out around 40,000 years ago.

The research used DNA taken from the remains of Neanderthals and other early human groups called Denisovans. The scientists compared the DNA to that from 279 living people from around the world.

Scientists already knew that modern people share some DNA with Neanderthals, but different people share different parts of that genome. One goal of the new research was to identify the genes that only modern humans have.

John Hawks is a paleoanthropologist, a scientist that researches human origin and development, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He was not involved in the study. He said establishing the genes shared by the groups is mathematically difficult. He praised the researchers for their work. They developed a valuable tool that takes account of missing data in the ancient genomes, Hawks said.

The research also showed that an even smaller percentage of the modern human genome, 1.5 percent, is singularly shared among humans of today. Those few genes could answer what truly makes modern human beings different.

Richard Green is a biologist at the University of California, Santa Cruz and one of the writers of the paper. He said the genome areas shared only among todays humans are highly enriched for genes dealing with brain development and function.

In 2010, Green helped produce the first outline of a Neanderthal genome. Four years later, geneticist Joshua Akey co-wrote a paper showing that modern humans carry some Neanderthal DNA. Since then, scientists have continued to develop ways to take and study genetic material from fossils.

Akey is now at Princeton and was not involved in the new research. But he also praised the study. Better tools, he said, permit scientists to ask increasingly more detailed questions about human history and evolution.

Alan Templeton is a geneticist at Washington University, St. Louis. He questioned one of the findings reported by the investigators. The scientists assume, he said, that human genome changes are randomly spread.

Instead, Akey argues the findings show that were actually a very young species, said Akey. Not that long ago, we shared the planet with other human lineages.

Im Gregory Stachel.

Christina Larson reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor.

___________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

pretty  adv. to a great degree or extent

vast  adj. very great in size, amount, or extent

function  n. the special purpose or activity for which a thing exists or is used

evolution  n. a theory that the differences between modern plants and animals are because of changes that happened by a natural process over a very long time

assume  v. to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true

lineage  n. the people who were in someone's family in past times
A Salem climber fell several hundred feet while descending Mount Jefferson and the Linn County Sheriffs Office is leading the multi-agency search effort for him, according to a news release issued Sunday afternoon.

The climber is Steven Vanpelt, 33, and LCSO received information about the incident at about 11:45 a.m. Friday.

Deputies who responded learned that Vanpelt was in extreme mountainous terrain, and a witness described losing sight of him when he fell.

The Marion County Sheriffs Office received the initial information about the fall and starting sending resources to the area and planning for a rescue.

Areas of Mount Jefferson often receive a multi-county response due to the resources needed and county borders in the area.

Deputies have called for help from multiple specialty teams throughout Oregon. Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Eugene Mountain Rescue, Deschutes Mountain Rescue and Portland Mountain Rescue have all responded.

The area is extremely dangerous and requires technical mountaineers to traverse the mountainside. Vanpelt has not been located due to the terrain consisting of snow, cliffs, large boulders, crevices and rock scree.
I fully support her.

I'm disappointed but I understand why she did it.

It's good to promote mental health issues but she still should have competed.

She totally let the country down.

Vote

View Results
First United Methodist Church in Lompoc held a 'Blessing of the Animals' event this Sunday. See photos from the event taken by Len Wood, below.

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FILE - In this Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, file photo, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny looks at photographers standing in the Babuskinsky District Court in Moscow, Russia. Russian authorities have restricted access to the website of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the politicians team said Monday July 26, 2021, that dozens of sites run by his close allies were also blocked, in the run-up to Russia's parliamentary election in September.
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Arthur Downey. Maplewood, New Jersey. // Yesterday, Staten, admitted he beat Downey, 27, with an iron just hours after they met then covered Downeys head with a plastic bag. The cause of death was bludgeoning and asphyxiation.

Prindle takes his titles directly from news clippings or reports on what happened. The photographer, who earned his MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, began working on the series in 2008.

"(He) went around to all these sites throughout the United States and captured scenes where someone from the LGBTQ community was murdered because of a hate crime, said Mel Becker Solomon, curator of the collection at MMoCA and co-curator of the exhibit.

In this instance, Prindle photographed the home of Arthur Downey III, who was killed by John Staten, whom he met in a chatroom. Though the image is innocuous on its own, Prindles photograph harbors the liminal space of life and death.

Brungardt and Solomon noted that in the eight months it took to prepare Between, thinking about representation within the museums collection was an important aspect to its development. The museum even halted the purchases of new pieces for a period of time to get a sense of what was needed in the collection going forward.

We do see that theres a lack of representation, and so bringing in an exhibition where we supplement with other voices helps us reflect on what we need to bring to the collection, Brungardt said.
What surprised you while researching and writing this book?

So many things. Generally, farmers in Wisconsin are young. They are in their 30s or 40s and they've chosen this as a career. I found that really exciting, because that passion, that enthusiasm, definitely shows in these farms. There are a lot of stories of people that have no farming experience, but they come here. Our state actually makes it possible. Farming is accessible. I love to hear the stories of people who arrived here from other states to open up their farm.

Theres an incredible, supportive network of people who are also farmers and they share information. They dont view each other as competitors. And theres support from their local communities who (shop locally). People move here from other places because theyve found that Wisconsin is a great place to farm.

I love the transparency that the farmers have in their operation. A lot of them are publishing blogs and websites and they're on social media. They want you to see what happens at their farm and they want to share, and it's so fascinating. The fact that they are working so closely with what the community wants, I think it is a huge difference.
The supplemental assistance is set to expire on Sept. 6, but at least 25 states started phasing it out in June.

Republican lawmakers introduced the legislation amid a continuing workforce shortage, based on the assumption that the enhanced aid is deterring people from returning to work. Evers said he rejected the bill because he objects to the Legislature encroaching on the administration's authority and because it would hurt people whose livelihoods have been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

Economists say the federal dollars could be playing a role in hiring difficulties, but also point to child care access, health concerns and career changes as other factors.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business lobby, has said its members believe the supplemental aid has had a significant effect on their ability to hire workers  which results in some businesses having to turn down contracts or reduce their hours of operation.
Wills' idea was to get the major open government advocates in the state to coordinate requests and exchange information, joining together in statewide lawsuits if the situation required.

Everyone from the Associated Press to the old United Press International, from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association to the Broadcasters Association, came together to establish the WFOIC and begin a new era in holding public officials' feet to the fire on openness in government.

With a handful of others, Wills spent countless hours of his own time and legal resources from his paper to create the all-volunteer council and set it on a permanent footing to fight secrecy in government. The WFOIC became the leading advocate in convincing the Legislature, not without some difficulty, to enact a new state law assuring the public's right to openness.

The law includes the words, "The denial of public access generally is contrary to the public interest, and only in an exceptional case may access be denied."

As Wills predicted back in 1978, the battle for open government would never cease. In fact, efforts to keep public information secret, whether it be among legislators or school board members, appear to be on an upsurge.
When cancer patients stop smoking, they heal faster, experience fewer side effects from treatment and lower their chances of tumors returning. Now, top cancer hospitals are helping patients quit as evidence mounts that its never too late.

The newest research, reported Monday, shows lung cancer patients who stopped smoking gained nearly two years of life compared to those who continued to smoke.

It is a huge effect, said Dr. Mahdi Sheikh, who led the study for the World Health Organizations cancer research agency in Lyon, France. In lung cancer, he said, quitting smoking is as necessary as the treatments.

In the U.S., many cancer centers offer proven quit strategies: phone counseling, nicotine patches and pills that ease the urge to smoke. More cancer doctors are talking to their patients about quitting.

For some patients, the shock of a cancer diagnosis can be highly motivating.

Its the biggest reason Ive ever had in my life to quit, said Preston Browning, an electrician in Ridgetop, Tennessee, who quit cigarettes last month while recovering from cancer surgery.
More than two dozen states have ended the payment early, citing concerns about worker shortages.

Labor experts say the labor shortage is not just about the $300 payment. Some unemployed people have been reluctant to return to work because they fear catching the coronavirus. Others have found new occupations. And many women, especially working mothers, have left the workforce to care for their children.

For the veto override to be successful, it must pass both the Senate and Assembly with a two-thirds majority.

The Senate was not scheduled to be in session this week to take up overrides and it wasnt clear if they would take up the same bills or not. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Republicans, who hold a 61-38 majority in the Assembly, would need 66 votes in favor of an override if everyone is present. That means at least five Democrats would have to switch sides, something that Democratic Minority Leader Gordon Hintz said would not happen.

We'll uphold the veto, he said Friday.
There are almost no documented cases of election fraud in Wisconsin.

Two people have been charged with election fraud, out of more than 3 million votes cast in the state, and prosecutors are still reviewing a handful of other cases that were among 27 forwarded to them by election officials. Similarly, very few potential voter fraud cases have been identified in Arizona where the partisan review envisioned by Brandtjen was done.

Brandtjen repeated concerns raised by Trump and his allies about absentee voting by people who indicated they were indefinitely confined, which under state law meant they did not have to show a photo ID to obtain their ballot, and about election officials filling in missing address information on some of the envelopes that contained absentee ballots. That practice was done for prior elections under guidance from the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission.

She also raised concerns about how ballot-counting machines work, a longtime GOP talking point. Random audits required under state law, that Republicans pushed for, have not shown any significant issues with the operation of ballot-counting machines in Wisconsin.

In 'thousands of complaints' about Wisconsin election, few that could be substantiated Nothing in the emails suggests there were problems with the election that contributed in any meaningful way to Trump's 20,682-vote loss to Joe Biden.
A 31-year-old Sun Prairie man was charged with attempted homicide Monday after prosecutors said he fired a handgun at another mans face but missed.

Prosecutors say Nicholas R. Thompson fired a shot at the man on Thursday in what is described in court documents as a dispute over a missing bag of cocaine.

According to a criminal complaint, the man suffered a bite injury to his hand sustained during a scuffle over the gun.

According to the complaint:

Officers responded to several reports of a possible shooting at The Element apartment complex on Park Circle shortly before 7:30 a.m. Thursday and spoke with a man who told them Thompson tried to shoot me in the head.

The man said Thompson accused him of taking his cocaine and the two searched the parking lot before Thompson pulled a handgun. The man then wrapped Thompson in a bear hug as they struggled for control of the gun.

The guns trigger guard broke off and the magazine was ejected during the scuffle before Thompson broke free. The man said Thompson was about five feet away when he raised the gun, lunged toward him and fired, narrowly missing his left ear.
Eric Knepp, parks superintendent, said the use and design of new parkland could fall under a joint use agreement with the Madison School District.

Lake View staff members said in addition to the school forest being important to what they are teaching at the school, it also is green space for children who are living in a place without much of it.

(For) our students and our families, their home environments are very much apartment homes, said principal Nkauj Nou Vang-Vue. There is very little access to engage and explore in the outdoors.

Vang-Vue said the school forest, which has five different nature stations, is less intimidating because of its size.

It is truly like a beginner step to being outside in the woods, she said.

More uses

Last year as the school grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the school forest was used for recess because it allowed for social distancing.

Lake View looks for other ways to get students out in the school forest for subjects like math and reading. Pushing a wheelbarrow is part of physical education and so is raking. Kindergartners get exercise picking up sticks.
Price said Sherman raised concerns about human rights, including in Hong Kong and Tibet, and what he called the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang." He said Sherman also raised issues of media access and freedom of the press, Beijings conduct in cyberspace and actions toward Taiwan and in the East and South China Seas.

Sherman discussed cases of American and Canadian citizens detained in China or under exit bans, and reiterated concerns about Chinas unwillingness to cooperate with the World Health Organization and allow a second-phase investigation inside China into COVID-19s origins, Price said.

At a daily briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China delivered of long list of demands, including withdrawing visa restrictions on Chinese Communist Party members and their families, sanctions on Chinese leaders, officials and government departments and lifting visa restrictions on Chinese students.

He said Washington should end measures against Chinese enterprises, students, educational outlets and media and withdraw the extradition request for Meng Wanzhou, the Huawei executive who was detained in Canada.
So could southern Idaho Amtrakpresumably from Utah to Pocatello west through Boise to Oregonactually happen, or is it a pipe dream?

It doesnt seem to be a part of current plans for Amtrak expansion (which is on the boards for, as one example, the line along the Pacific coast).

But it does have serious advocates.

Senator Mike Crapo and in Oregon Senator Ron Wyden long have favored return of the line, and theyre now in key positions to press for making it happen, as the top leaders of the Senate Finance Committee. (It doesnt set the budgets but has a key influence on the purse strings.)

Obviously, some sympathy from Amtrak Joe Biden in the White House would be highly helpful too. Federal funding could be coming along at the right time.

And locally, a number of activists have been pressing for train restoration. All of the members of the Boise City Council have worked together on a resolution asking for the train back. The train depot near downtown has been maintained (by the city) ever since train service stopped, and easily could be put back to use.

Its not time yet to head down to the station and wait for the train. But theres at least some chance the wait may not be forever.

Randy Stapilus is a former Idaho newspaper reporter and editor and blogs at ridenbaugh.com. He can be reached at stapilus@ridenbaugh.com. His new book What Do You Mean by That? has just been released and can be found at ridenbaugh.com/whatdoyoumeanbythat and on Amazon.com.

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Dacha Fitzgerald, 29, of Bassett says the bullet is still in his head after he was shot while at work in Danville, but hes thankful to be alive and recovering at home.

Fitzgerald was working at the American Freight Furniture Mattress Appliance store he manages on Riverside Drive in Danville shortly before 2:30 p.m. on July 14 when he was allegedly shot in the head by another employee.

Police arrested Jaivon Alonzo Scott, 32, behind the AutoZone nearby after he was chased down by three police officers.

A motive for the shooting has not been disclosed.

Fitzgerald was shot once in the back of the head and was transported by ambulance to Sovah Health-Danville, where he was airlifted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Fitzgerald was treated and released and went back to Roanoke for a follow-up visit on Thursday, when the trauma surgeon removed the staples and made sure the wound was healing properly.

They are not going to remove the bullet as it will probably work itself out and, if not, will not move or cause future issues, Fitzgerald wrote in an update on his Facebook page. I do have a severe concussion that will have to be monitored until the symptoms go away ... still in some pain and my ears are still ringing.
Barbara Guthrie Lay, 82, a former Miss Martinsville and Miss Virginia, is recovering from what turned out to be as near to death as one can get from COVID-19.
We want to be as competitive as possible and offer an enticing package to all of our employees to attract the best talent to come work for us, he said.

Early in the year, Quonce said it was much harder to attract new employees, but as vaccines have become widely available and the fear of being infected is dissipating, interest has slowly risen.

Operations have not been significantly impacted by the reduced staff, but Quonce said the hotel would like to expand hours at its Regency Room restaurant and needs more people to do so.

Were so excited to see the hotel industry coming back to life, but at the same time it goes into that whole hiring situation where weve got to get the team back in, he said.

An employee market

Though the majority of Mac and Bobs employees who were laid off when the restaurant closed during the pandemic have since returned, co-owner Bob Rotanz said it has been difficult to fill vacancies, which include not only servers but also a couple of cooks, as one recently left for a new job and another for training as a welder.

Its definitely the most challenging time in my 40 years as far as getting people to apply for jobs, Rotanz said.
The McDowell County Health Department reported Monday that 35 additional McDowell County residents had tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) over the weekend.

This brings the total number of positives to 5,309 in McDowell County. There have been 47,483 tests conducted, 42,150 negative results and 24 tests are pending results. As of Mondays report, there were 76 individuals in quarantine, 5,155 out of quarantine and 78 deaths. McDowell Countys 14-day positivity rate is 17.2%, according to the news release.

To protect patients and staff, Mission Health will elevate visitor restrictions due to the rise in COVID-19 positives both across the state and in our hospitals effective Tuesday, July 27. This includes Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion.

Mission Health will now allow only one visitor per patient per day in its hospitals and will continue to allow one visitor to stay overnight. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, there is no visitation for the COVID unit.
UNITED NATIONS  The U.N.s deputy humanitarian chief is warning that the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting conflict-ridden and impoverished countries much worse this year than in 2020, with many facing higher caseloads and rising deaths.

Ramesh Rajasingham said in a closed briefing Monday to the U.N. Security Council that these surges are being fueled by a lack of access to vaccines, the easing of public health measures, increased social mixing, and the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus.

In his briefing obtained by The Associated Press, Rajasingham says that so far in 2021 almost three-quarters of countries needing humanitarian aid have recorded more pandemic cases or deaths than in all of 2020. He adds that in over one-third of those countries at least three times more cases or deaths have been recorded this year compared to last.



MONTGOMERY, Alabama  The number of COVID-19 patients in Alabama hospitals has climbed to more than 900  a number the state has not seen since February.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A test being developed in Queensland could help to reduce the high mortality rate from ovarian cancer by dramatically improving the accuracy of early detection.

University of Queensland researchers said the test had successfully detected more than 90 percent of early ovarian cancer compared to 50 percent for existing methods.

Project leader Associate Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo said results validated in 500 patients were extremely encouraging.

"The capacity of our method to identify positive cases suggests it could be an ideal first-line test for population screening," Dr. Salomon Gallo said.

"Our research aims to achieve rapid identification of ovarian cancer in the first and second stages of formation, which is where the current gaps in community detection are evident."

In Australia, about 1500 cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in 2019, and more than 1000 women died of the disease known as 'the silent killer."

The project has received $2.7 million from the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to validate the method in a larger cohort of patients and for clinical implementation.

The test developed at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research targets tiny 'bubbles' produced by cellsexosomes.

Credit: University of Queensland

"Exosomes essentially act as 'letters," traveling long distances via the bloodstream to deliver messages to other organs," Dr. Salomon Gallo said.

"They have the extraordinary ability to capture a snapshot of what's going on inside the organs.

"By measuring these biomarkers we hope to be able to identify if women have early stage ovarian cancer through a simple blood test."

Dr. Salomon Gallo and fellow chief investigators from UQ, Professor Gregory Rice and Professor Sunil Lakhani, will now increase the scale of their testing.

They will work with Professor Usha Menon of University College London to evaluate the test with data from the world's largest ovarian cancer screening trial.

"We will have access to samples taken between one and five years before the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and will determine how early our test can indentify these women," Dr. Salomon Gallo said.

Explore further New study discovers possible early detection method for elusive ovarian cancer
(HealthDay)Air pollution causes you to gasp and wheeze. Smog puts strain on your hearts and inflames your lungs.

Could dirty air also be costing you your brain health?

A trio of new studies finds that air quality appears linked to a risk of thinking declines and dementia, and bad air might even promote toxic brain proteins that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

"This is extremely exciting, because it indicates the potential that improving air quality levels could have on mortality levels, other areas of health, and also perhaps risk of dementia," said Claire Sexton, director of scientific programs and outreach for the Alzheimer's Association.

In the first study, researchers found that reduction of fine particulate pollution and smog over a decade was tied to reductions in dementia risk among women.

The study followed more than 2,200 women between the ages of 74 and 92 without dementia who'd enrolled in a long-term study of brain health. Researchers tracked their thinking, reasoning and memory skills as they aged, and compared the results to the air quality of their various communities.

The women's risk of dementia decreased by up to 26% for every 10% improvement in air quality in their neighborhoods, the researchers concluded. Women in areas with cleaner air had dementia risk similar to that seen in women two to three years younger.

Cleaner air also seems to slow overall decline in cognitive function and memory, similar to women one to two years younger, results showed.

These benefits occurred regardless of age, education or neighborhood, said lead researcher Xinhui Wang, an assistant professor of research neurology at the University of Southern California.

"Air pollution is a modifiable risk factor," Wang said. "The impact will be great because everybody is exposed to some level of air pollution. If we reduce air pollution, everybody will benefit."

A second study from researchers led by Noemie Letellier, a postdoctoral scholar at University of California, San Diego, found that reductions in fine particle pollution between 1990 and 2000 caused dementia and Alzheimer's risk to fall among a group of more than 7,000 people in France.

Dementia risk fell by 15% and Alzheimer's risk by 17% for every microgram reduction in air pollution per cubic meter of air, researchers found. Again, the changes benefited everyone, regardless of their income or where they lived in a community.

The third study, led by Christina Park, a doctoral student in the University of Washington's Department of Epidemiology, provided a potential explanation for why air pollution might affect brain health.

Researchers found that people with longer exposure to particle pollution and smog had higher levels of beta amyloid, a sticky protein that can clump in the brain. Amyloid plaques are one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

Air pollution also might increase dementia risk by causing inflammation in the body and by damaging heart and lung health, Wang and Sexton said.

So battling air pollution might not be just a way to stop climate change and protect heart health, but a way to actually reduce dementia among aging folks, experts concluded.

"There's been improvements in air quality over a number of years and decades, but there's still so much further to go," Sexton said. "Globally, more than 90% of people breathe air that fails to meet World Health Organization standards."

All three studies will be presented Monday at the Alzheimer's Association annual meeting, held both in Denver and online. Findings presented at medical meetings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information: The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has more about the The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has more about the health effects of air pollution

Copyright  2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Carlos Arrendondo arrives for his appointment to get vaccinated, as banners advertise the availability of the Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at a county-run vaccination site at the Eugene A. Obregon Park in Los Angeles Thursday, July 22, 2021. The number of Americans getting a COVID-19 vaccine has been rising in recent days as virus cases once again surge and officials raise dire warnings about the consequences of remaining unvaccinated. Credit: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File

Infections are climbing across the U.S., and mask mandates and other COVID-19 prevention measures are making a comeback in some places as health officials issue increasingly dire warnings about the highly contagious delta variant.

But in a possible sign that the warnings are getting through to more Americans, vaccination rates are creeping up again, offering hope that the nation could yet break free of the coronavirus if people who have been reluctant to receive the shot are finally inoculated.

Vaccinations ticked up over the weekend, with about 657,000 vaccines administered Saturday and nearly 780,000 on Sunday, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 7-day rolling average on Sunday was about 583,000 vaccinations a day, up from about 525,000 a week prior.

The country will need much higher levels of immunity to crush the resurgent virusprobably 85% to 90%, said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University's School of Public Health. The current level stands at about 67%, counting prior infections.

"So we need a lot more vaccinations. Or a lot more infections" and thus more suffering, he said.

Nearly 57% of the country has received at least one vaccine dose, and about 49% of Americans are fully inoculated. The virus has killed almost 611,000 people in the U.S. since the pandemic started.

A health care worker fills a syringe with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The number of Americans getting a COVID-19 vaccine has been rising in recent days as virus cases once again surge and officials raise dire warnings about the consequences of remaining unvaccinated. Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File

Meanwhile, some municipal officials are re-imposing some virus rules meant to slow the spread of the disease.

St. Louis on Monday became the second major city to mandate that face masks be worn indoors, regardless of vaccination status, joining Los Angeles in re-imposing the orders.

In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday that all municipal workersincluding teachers and police officerswill be required to get vaccinated by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing, making the city one of the largest employers in the U.S. to take such action.

The nation's top infectious diseases expert said federal officials are considering a nationwide recommendation to resume wearing face masks as the once-rosy outlook for a summer return to normalcy seemed to be at risk.

"We're going in the wrong direction," Dr. Anthony Fauci, who serves as President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "It is really a pandemic among the unvaccinated, which is the reason why we're out there, practically pleading with the unvaccinated people to go out and get vaccinated."

A health care worker inoculates Evelyn Pereira, right, of Brooklyn, with the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as her daughter Soile Reyes, 12, looks on, Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The number of Americans getting a COVID-19 vaccine has been rising in recent days as virus cases once again surge and officials raise dire warnings about the consequences of remaining. Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File

Jha shared in Fauci's frustration.

"For much of winter, spring, I was VERY optimistic we'd have a great summer with few infections, deaths," he wrote on Twitter. "But (the) situation has clearly turned worse."

He said the nation "hit a wall" in its vaccination effort, with just under 50% of the population fully immunized, and the virus' delta variant proving be more contagious than expected.

"Super contagious variant, lots of unvaccinated folks and more breakthrough infections sets up a tough few months ahead," Jha said. "We need to break the cycle."

The seven-day rolling average for daily new cases in the country shot up over the past two weeks, from more than 19,000 on July 11 to nearly 52,000 on July 25, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Also, some prominent conservative and Republican voices that have spent months casting doubt on the vaccination effort have recently started sounding a different tune.

A sign advises shoppers to wear masks outside of a store Monday, July 19, 2021, in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles. Infections are climbing across the U.S. and mask mandates and other COVID-19 prevention measures are making a comeback in some places as health officials issue increasingly dire warnings about the highly contagious delta variant. But in a possible sign that the warnings are getting through to more Americans, vaccination rates are creeping up again, offering hope that the nation could yet break free of the coronavirus if people who have been reluctant to receive the shot are finally inoculated. Credit: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File

In this Wednesday, March 24, 2021, file photo, Pre-K students arrive for the school day at Phyl's Academy, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. New York City will require all of its municipal workersincluding teachers and police officersto get coronavirus vaccines by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday, July 26, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, Pool, File

In this Oct. 29, 2020, file photo, English language arts teacher Frank Esposito submits to a COVID-19 nasal swab test at West Brooklyn Community High School in New York. New York City will require all of its municipal workersincluding teachers and police officersto get coronavirus vaccines by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday, July 26, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, was among the members of the GOP Doctors Caucus who held a press conference at the Capitol late last week imploring their constituents to lay lingering doubts aside.

A week ago, on July 19, Fox News host Sean Hannity declared: "It absolutely makes sense for many Americans to get vaccinated. I believe in science. I believe in the science of vaccinations."

And in Tennessee, the brother of a popular local conservative radio host who had been a vaccine skeptic urged listeners to get vaccinated as his brother was in critical care in the hospital battling COVID-19.

"For those listening, I know if he were able to tell you this, he would tell you, 'Go get vaccinated. Quit worrying about the politics. Quit worrying about all the conspiracy theories,'" Mark Valentine said of his brother, Phil Valentine, Thursday on WWTN-FM in Nashville.

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Ohio State chief wellness officer Bernadette Melnyk led a survey that found depression, anxiety and burnout levels are on the rise among students as they prepare to return to campus. Credit: The Ohio State University's Office of the Chief Wellness Officer

A new "return to campus" survey led by The Ohio State University's Office of the Chief Wellness Officer finds rising rates of anxiety, depression, burnout and the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms among students navigating through a year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to other data on college students throughout the U.S.

Ohio State conducted surveys in August 2020 and April 2021 of randomly-selected students to assess changes in mental health, coping strategies, healthy lifestyle behaviors and needs over time. Among the 1,072 Ohio State students who responded:

Students who screened positive for anxiety:

August 2020: 39%

April 2021: 42.6%

Students who screened positive for depression:

August 2020: 24.1%

April 2021: 28.3%

Students who screened positive for burnout:

August 2020: 40%

April 2021: 71%

Coping methods self-identified by students:

Eating more unhealthy food rose from 25% to 29%

Use of alcohol rose from 15.5% to 18%

Use of tobacco/vaping role from 6% to 8%

"Increased physical activity" dropped from 35% to 28%

Students seeing a mental health counselor increased from 13% to 22%

"Mental health promotion and access to services and evidence-based programs are going to be more important than ever," said Bernadette Melnyk, vice president for health promotion, chief wellness officer and dean of the College of Nursing at Ohio State. "Two-thirds of students who are no longer in college are not in college due to a mental health issue. We would not send divers into a deep ocean without an oxygen tank. How can we send our students throughout life without giving them the resiliency, cognitive-behavioral skills and coping mechanisms that we know are protective against mental health disorders and chronic disease?"

A new survey led by The Ohio State University's Office of the Chief Wellness Officer found anxiety, depression and burnout are all on the rise among college students. Those issues have also led to increases in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as vaping, drinking and eating unhealthy foods. The survey findings are similar to other data on college students throughout the U.S. Credit: The Ohio State University's Office of the Chief Wellness Officer

In that spirit, Melnyk and colleagues at The Ohio State University and the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center are using the findings to expand resources and integrate them into curricula and campus life. Melnyk and Melissa Shivers, who serves as senior vice president of the Office of Student Life at Ohio State, are co-chairing a new mental health commission created by university president Kristina Johnson. The commission will promote and protect the mental health and well-being of students as they return to campus, including enhancing and sustaining a caring and wellness culture that will benefit the entire university community.

The work includes the creation of a new "Five to Thrive" mental health checklist for all college students to use as they prepare to return to their campuses:

1. Establish health habits that work for you: Schedule stress reduction, physical activity and healthy eating like you schedule classes and homework time.

2. Build resiliency and coping skills: Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, gratitude and flipping negative thoughts with positive ones.

3. Find local mental health support: Explore your school's resources and locate/connect with counseling services, a primary care provider and pharmacy.

4. Grow and maintain support systems: Get involved in campus life, meet new people and connect with positive people in your life.

5. Don't wait to get help: Seek professional help immediately if your symptoms or emotions are affecting concentration or functioning.

Mary Trabue speaks with a counselor at The Ohio State University. After struggling with the stress and anxiety of the pandemic and virtual learning, Mary has learned healthy coping mechanisms that help when she's feeling overwhelmed. Credit: The Ohio State University's Office of the Chief Wellness Officer

"Students who were dealing the best in terms of their emotional outcomes were connecting with family and friends, building their resiliency and engaged in physical activity," Melnyk said. "So as students are welcomed back to campus this fall, these five steps are so critically important to both fortify a foundation of mental resiliency and make self-care and mental well-being a priority. It's actually a strength to recognize when you need mental health help; it's not a weakness."

Provided by Ohio State University's Office of the Chief Wellness Officer
An example of a ComprehENotes test question with embedded NoteAid definitions as implemented on the web application. In this example, the definition of ferritin (gray box) is useful in understanding that the bold text describes a blood iron test. Credit: DOI: 10.2196/26354

A federal rule that requires health care providers to offer patients free, convenient and secure electronic access to their personal medical records went into effect earlier this year. However, providing patients with access to clinician notes, test results, progress documentation and other records doesn't automatically equip them to understand those records or make appropriate health decisions based on what they read. "Medicalese" can trip up even the most highly educated layperson, and studies have shown that low health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes.

University of Notre Dame researcher John Lalor, an assistant professor of information technology, analytics and operations at the Mendoza College of Business, is part of a team working on a web-based natural language processing system that could increase the health literacy of patients who access their records through a patient portal. NoteAid, a project based at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, conveniently translates medical jargon for health care consumers.

Lalor worked with the team to develop ComprehENotes, a tool to specifically evaluate electronic health record (EHR) note comprehension. They also used crowdsourced workers to compare how an active intervention like NoteAid, which automatically defines medical terms, improved a patient's EHR literacy compared with simply having a passive system, such as MedlinePlus, available on the web. That study found that NoteAid significantly improved health literacy scores compared with those who had no resource and those who had MedlinePlus access.

"In both of those studies, we used crowdsourced workers from Amazon Mechanical Turk and found that the demographics of the participants didn't overlap well with demographic groups typically associated with low health literacyfor example, older, less educated people," Lalor said. "In this study, we wanted to see if the definition tool, NoteAid, was effective for actual patients at a hospital."

For their latest study, published in the May issue of the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the team recruited 174 people waiting for their appointments at a community hospital in Massachusetts.

Trial participants were shown either a NoteAid version of the ComprehENotes test, with medical jargon definitions that were viewable by hovering the mouse over the text, or a version without any definitions.

"We hypothesized that the NoteAid tool would, in fact, improve performance on our comprehension instrument, which it did," Lalor said. Also, they found that the average score for hospital participants was significantly lower than the average score for the crowdsourced participants, which was consistent with the lower education levels in the community hospital sample and the overall impact of education level on test results.

These findings, Lalor explained, are significant for a few reasons. "First, by showing that NoteAid is effective for local patients we can generalize about its usefulness beyond crowdsourced workers to actual patients," he said. "Same for our test of EHR note comprehension. Both of these are relevant now with the recent laws mandating patient access to their EHRs, including notes."

Now that they have evidence that a natural language processing tool can significantly improve patient health literacy, Lalor says the team is working to evaluate and refine the dictionary the tool uses, from both a physician's standpoint regarding accuracy and a patient's standpoint in terms of reading level. Also, he noted, "The last piece is kind of a higher level question of what should even be included in the dictionary as a jargon term versus what is just a rare term, or something you might not understand, but is not critical to your note."

Defining every word in a medical record could potentially overwhelm the patient. "If you know that they just need particular terms, they might be more likely to read them and internalize them and have a better understanding of the note," he said.

At the undergraduate level, Lalor teaches an unstructured data analytics course. He also teaches in Mendoza's Master of Science in Business Analytics program. His research interests are in machine learning and natural language processing, specifically regarding model evaluation, quantifying uncertainty, model interpretability and applications in biomedical informatics.

"Evaluating the Effectiveness of NoteAid in a Community Hospital Setting: Randomized Trial of Electronic Health Record Note Comprehension Interventions with Patients" was co-authored by Wen Hu, Matthew Tran, Kathleen Mazor and Hong Yu of the University of Massachusetts, and Hao Wu of Vanderbilt University.

Explore further Universal health literacy precautions recommended

More information: John P Lalor et al, Evaluating the Effectiveness of NoteAid in a Community Hospital Setting: Randomized Trial of Electronic Health Record Note Comprehension Interventions With Patients, Journal of Medical Internet Research (2021). Journal information: Journal of Medical Internet Research John P Lalor et al, Evaluating the Effectiveness of NoteAid in a Community Hospital Setting: Randomized Trial of Electronic Health Record Note Comprehension Interventions With Patients,(2021). DOI: 10.2196/26354
(HealthDay)Even if they're fully vaccinated against COVID-19, certain people may need to take extra precautions to prevent "breakthrough" infections with the highly transmissible Delta variant, experts say.

The Delta variant is causing most of the new COVID cases in the United States, and older people and those with immune-compromising conditions may be at greater risk than others, say researchers.

For the general public, they stressed, "breakthrough infections" among fully vaccinated people can happenbut they are rarely severe.

"The end game is most people who get breakthrough infections either have very mild symptoms or no symptoms. They rarely end up in the hospital, and they don't die," said Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of the Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

"The big question is how infectious are they? That's what we are trying to find out," he said in a Northwestern news release.

Murphy and other U.S. scientists are assessing the infectiousness of vaccinated students who developed COVID-19. They expect to have results in one to two months.

The two-dose vaccine is still about 90% effective against the Delta variant, he noted. Of course, that means 1 person in 10 who gets vaccinated and is exposed to the coronavirus could have a breakthrough infection.

"Anybody is at risk for it, not just the immune-compromised. It's athletes. It's totally healthy people. Certainly, the immune-compromised are at a higher risk because they can't mount a strong enough immunologic response to the vaccine. Older people may also have a weaker response to the vaccine," Murphy said.

The researchers say they aren't sure why the rate of new and breakthrough Delta infections is picking up.

"We are seeing breakthrough infections and while we know that no vaccine is 100% effective, it feels frightening, said Mercedes Carnethon, vice chair of preventive medicine at Feinberg.

"One concern is the Delta variant is evading the vaccines. Another concern is any virus that causes a high viral load would break through vaccine protection," Carnethon said in the release. "There is evidence that the Delta variant does cause higher viral loads earlier in the course of infection."

She added, "The virus will continue to mutate itself into new variants so long as it circulates in the population, and the biggest space it has to circulate is among the unvaccinated."

But since the vaccines aren't 100% foolproof, some who've gotten the jab wonder if they should change their behavior to avoid COVID. One common question: Should you mask up after vaccination?

That depends, said Carnethon, who follows local mask-wearing guidelines and has not yet returned to mask wearing indoors in public spaces.

However, if you're in an area with low vaccination rates and high transmission, she recommended masking up.

Moreover, "At this time, I would not choose to travel to a hot spot. But if I had to go, I would wear my mask and try to avoid large groups of people," Carnethon said.

"I would not take unvaccinated family members to a current hot spot or family members who are vaccinated but who remain vulnerable due to age or other conditions," she continued.

Carnethon added that anyone who is vulnerable because of age or preexisting conditions should take precautions "because if they are infected or reinfected it may not be a mild illness."

More information: The The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tips for people vaccinated against COVID-19.

Copyright  2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Employees who experience depression are tasked with the decision to disclose their mental health to others at work.

For these employees, one West Virginia University researcher found that they utilize eight strategies on how to disclose (or conceal) this often-stigmatized social identity.

Kayla Follmer, assistant professor of management in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, recognized that mental illness can be a concealable identity, much like religious affiliation, sexual orientation or having conditions such as HIV or diabetes: you can't always see it from the outside.

This led her to wonder how people manage this identity at work.

"Are people with depression disclosing their disorder at work?" Follmer asked. "Are they telling other people and how are they going about it?"

After a series of interviews with 30 employees ranging from a candy display builder to a pharmacy technician to an active-duty member of the Navy, Follmer discovered that individuals employed eight strategies when it comes to managing depression identity in the workplace.

Concealing : Employees simply hid their depression from others at work. This entailed actively hiding both information and behaviors.

: Employees simply hid their depression from others at work. This entailed actively hiding both information and behaviors. Fabricating : This is a non-disclosure method where a person shares false information to hide their depression. For example, one participant lied to their supervisor about psychiatric appointments. Instead, they told the boss they had to see a doctor for migraine issues.

: This is a non-disclosure method where a person shares false information to hide their depression. For example, one participant lied to their supervisor about psychiatric appointments. Instead, they told the boss they had to see a doctor for migraine issues. Masking : Another non-disclosure method, masking includes putting on a facade or fake persona, like smiling when you don't feel like it.

: Another non-disclosure method, masking includes putting on a facade or fake persona, like smiling when you don't feel like it. Signaling : Considered a semi-disclosure method, signaling means alluding to one's depression, in either passive or active ways. With this strategy, individuals did not openly disclose but did provide hints about their stigmatized identity. Respondents felt their natural dispositions were enough for colleagues to catch on that they might be depressed. Others said they openly vocalized life's challenges, such as divorce or loss, to their colleagues.

: Considered a semi-disclosure method, signaling means alluding to one's depression, in either passive or active ways. With this strategy, individuals did not openly disclose but did provide hints about their stigmatized identity. Respondents felt their natural dispositions were enough for colleagues to catch on that they might be depressed. Others said they openly vocalized life's challenges, such as divorce or loss, to their colleagues. Limited Disclosure : With this limited disclosure strategy, participants told others at work about some aspects of their depression but did not disclose full information. For instance, one might disclose struggles with mental illness but not mention taking prescription medication or hospitalizations.

: With this limited disclosure strategy, participants told others at work about some aspects of their depression but did not disclose full information. For instance, one might disclose struggles with mental illness but not mention taking prescription medication or hospitalizations. Selective Disclosure : This strategy occurs when individuals tell only certain individuals at worknot everyoneabout their depression.

: This strategy occurs when individuals tell only certain individuals at worknot everyoneabout their depression. Transparency : This full-disclosure method happens when a person is generally open about their depression and tell everyone about it.

: This full-disclosure method happens when a person is generally open about their depression and tell everyone about it. Advocacy: Those who are advocates take it a step further. Not only did they fully disclose their mental health but they advocated for awareness for others.

Follmer's findings are published in Group & Organization Management.

"What's novel about this study is that we were able to show support for a continuum of disclosure," Follmer said. "We have this continuum, which had been theorized, but now it's supported empirically. In other words, people do not simply disclose or conceal, but rather there are gradations of these decisions."

Follmer said those who fall on the non-disclosure end of the continuum are fearful of the stigmatization of mental illness and facing unjust consequences such as being fired or mistreated at work.

For people who semi-disclose information, Follmer believes those employees are dipping their toe in the water to test how others may react to their disclosure.

On the far end of the continuum is full disclosure, in which participants are open about their depression diagnosis.

"It's not necessarily telling every single person you meet, rather it's a general openness that if it comes up, you'll talk about it," Follmer explained. "You're willing to share your experiences and you don't feel afraid or ashamed."

In this study, participants were least likely to use full disclosure strategies, suggesting that many employees are still afraid to fully embrace their mental illness at work.

Follmer also observed the outcomes of her participants' decisions. Individuals may have switched strategies over time based on the reactions of their peers and supervisors.

"If they changed jobs, maybe before they were very open but not now because of a bad experience," she said. "Perhaps they weren't open before but now they have a supportive climate. So we see this change across jobs and also within jobs. For instance, there were some individuals who disclosed to their boss and their boss was not receptive or supportive at all. Now they don't talk about it anymore."

Overall, these results show that employees choose to manage their depression in unique ways, and there isn't one best approach. According to Follmer, organizations can benefit by providing an inclusive climate in which employees may choose to manage their identity however they see best.

For Follmer, her research matters in the business world.

"In organizational research, we don't focus on people with disabilities," she said. "We have stereotypes of the ideal worker. They're always going to be very productive and very healthy and we're going to work them to the bone. But there's a gap here. On one hand, there's the notion of epidemic levels of mental illness and suicide. None of that is reflected in organizational research. I feel it's an injustice that millions of people each year are experiencing mental illness and we aren't doing a good job bringing their experiences to light."

"We're managing human beings and sometimes we would do better to just simply check in and say, 'How are you doing? What can I do to support you? If you need anything I'm here,' rather than saying your performance is not good. We should take a more humanistic approach first to manage the individual rather than always just focusing on their work output."

Explore further Common workplace interactions can trigger suicidal thoughts for employees with mood disorders

More information: Kayla B. Follmer et al, Navigating Depression at Work: Identity Management Strategies Along the Disclosure Continuum, Group & Organization Management (2021). Kayla B. Follmer et al, Navigating Depression at Work: Identity Management Strategies Along the Disclosure Continuum,(2021). DOI: 10.1177/10596011211002010
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Emergency department visit rates because of an opioid overdose increased by 28.5% across the U.S. in 2020, compared to 2018 and 2019, recent Mayo Clinic research finds. Emergency visits overall decreased by 14% last year, while visits because of an opioid overdose increased by 10.5%. The result: Opioid overdoses were responsible for 0.32 out of 100 visits, or 1 in every 313 visits, which is up from 0.25, or 1 in every 400 visits, the previous two years.

This trend is supported by preliminary data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recorded more than 93,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2020. That's a 29.4% increase from the year prior and the most opioid overdose deaths every recorded in the U.S.

The research was published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine and was presented in June at the AcademyHealth annual research meeting. The research also was presented at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine's conference, where it was selected for a plenary session.

"COVID-19, and the disruptions in every part of our social and work lives, made this situation even harder by increasing the risk of opioid misuse and relapse because people were separated from their social support and normal routines," says Molly Jeffery, Ph.D., a researcher in the Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery and senior author. "While institutions across the U.S. are keenly aware that opioid misuse is a major health concern, this shows that there is more work to be done, and it provides an opportunity for institutions and policymakers to expand evidence-based treatments and resources."

Over 70% of drug overdose deaths in 2019 involved an opioid, according to the CDC, though trends were leveling off before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, that trend has reversed significantly, data are showing.

The research team studied visits to 25 emergency departments in six statesAlabama, Colorado, Connecticut, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Rhode Islandfrom January 2018 through December 2020. Opioid-related overdose visits increased to 3,486 in 2020 from 3,285 and 3,020 in 2019 and 2018, respectively. Previous research by this team found an immediate and significant decrease in emergency department visits during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that continued throughout 2020.

Despite the increase in opioid-related visits, the researchers say evidence suggests the percentage of people who experience an overdose but choose not to visit the emergency department is likely increasing, suggesting overdose rates may be even higher.

"In the absence of comprehensive, real-time national surveillance data, our results offer evidence that the increases in nonfatal opioid overdose rates are not isolated to specific communities," the researchers wrote.

Dr. Jeffery says treatments for opioid misuse, such as buprenorphine and methadone, need to be more accessible, as does naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug. She says, however, it's a good sign that telemedicine access for psychiatric care increased during the pandemic and has remained high.

"We think this may be an important way to increase the accessibility of care for many people with opioid misuse disorder or addiction," Dr. Jeffery says.

The lead author is William Soares, M.D., University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate. Co-authors are from the Yale School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

The research was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, of the National Institutes of Health.

The research also was supported by the Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery. The center seeks to discover new ways to improve health; translate those discoveries into evidence-based, actionable treatments, processes and procedures; and apply this new knowledge to improve care for patients everywhere.

Explore further Marijuana legalization linked to temporary decrease in opioid-related emergency visits

More information: William E. Soares et al, Emergency Department Visits for Nonfatal Opioid Overdose During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across Six US Health Care Systems, Annals of Emergency Medicine (2021). Journal information: Annals of Emergency Medicine William E. Soares et al, Emergency Department Visits for Nonfatal Opioid Overdose During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across Six US Health Care Systems,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.03.013
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Vaccines to prevent common and serious infectious diseases have had a greater impact on improving human health than any other medical advance of the 20th century.

Alarmingly, in the United States today, vaccination rates are higher in the general population than among health care workers. In fact, according to a WebMD and Medscape Medical News analysis of data collected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2,500 hospitals across the country, as of the end of May, only 1 in 4 hospital workers nationwide who have direct contact with patients had received even a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 59 percent of staff and 80 percent of residents in nursing homes are vaccinated.

In a commentary published in The American Journal of Medicine, Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Dr.PH, a world renowned preventive medicine and public health academician from Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine, and his collaborator, address the clinical and public health challenges as well as ethical implications for health care workers to achieve high levels of vaccinations to protect themselves, their coworkers and the general public from COVID-19. The urgency derives from the fact that cases are already increasing in all 50 U.S. states and the majority are due to the Delta variant, which is far more transmissible and likely to be a harbinger of newer variants resistant to the vaccines.

The authors say that currently in the U.S., COVID-19 is largely an epidemic of the unvaccinated. Thus, health care workers who reject the vaccine greatly increase their risk of becoming infected. They may then expose their patients, families and fellow citizens to COVID-19. Some hospitals and clinics are now requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a mandatory condition of employment. Ironically, virtually all health care workers would seek effective and safe therapies for any communicable or chronic disease. Most routinely accept major surgery and sometimes toxic chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for cancer.

"On a daily basis, we try to prevent and treat illness based on a sufficient totality of evidence that allows rational clinical decision making for individual patients and policy making for the health of the general public," said Hennekens, senior author, first Sir Richard Doll Professor and senior academic advisor, FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine. "At present, in the U.S., health care workers and the general public should be acutely aware that these vaccines provide the best opportunity to combat COVID-19. Rejection of the COVID-19 vaccine by health care workers poses an 'ethical quagmire,' because levels of protection far exceed those of the influenza or pneumococcal vaccines, which have been widely accepted by the vast majority of adults, including health care providers."

The authors also emphasize that perhaps the greatest reassurance to health care workers should be that less than 5 percent of those receiving the COVID-19 vaccine become infected, of which, perhaps 94 percent will not transmit the virus to others. In addition, the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are far less than from the vaccine for influenza. Specifically, serious side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines occur in the range of one per million doses.

In the commentary, the authors also highlight the significant differences between COVID-19 and influenza. Mortality rate from COVID-19 is about 30 times higher; and a positive COVID-19 patient is likely to transmit to about six people compared with one or two for influenza. The efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines are 95 percent, significantly higher than for conventional influenza vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines offer almost complete protection against hospitalization, admission to intensive care units and death.

The authors also emphasize that in 2021, collegial, collaborative and coordinated efforts of academia, industry, federal, state and local governments. as well as regulatory authorities in the U.S. led to the almost miraculous development of effective and safe vaccines that have been widely distributed in record times. Most vaccines take up to a decade or longer to develop and prove their efficacy and safety whereas multiple effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and widely distributed throughout the U.S. in less than one year.

"The war on COVID-19 is being fought most successfully, valiantly, and selflessly by health care workers in hospitals who are doing the most good for the most patients, while placing themselves and their loved ones at increased risks from exposure from their patients," said Hennekens. "As competent and compassionate health care professionals, we must redouble our efforts to promote evidence-based clinical and public health practices that should include vaccination of all U.S. health care workers."

Dennis G. Maki, M.D., professor of medicine, director of the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit and an internationally renowned infectious disease clinician and epidemiologist from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, is first author. Maki and Hennekens served together for two years as lieutenant commanders in the U.S. Public Health Service as epidemic intelligence service officers with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They served under Alexander D. Langmuir, M.D., who created the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) and Epidemiology Program at the CDC, and Donald A. Henderson, M.D., chief of the Virus Disease Surveillance Program at the CDC in the 1960s, both of whom made significant contributions to the eradication of polio and smallpox. The authors note that today, many responsible and knowledgeable authorities in the U.S. have opined that widespread vaccinations were instrumental in the eradication of smallpox and polio.

For having saved more than 1.1 million lives through his discoveries, in 2012, Science Heroes ranked Hennekens No. 81 in the history of the world, ahead of Jonas Salk (No. 83) who developed the polio vaccine.

Explore further Case is strong for mandating COVID-19 vaccination for health care workers

More information: Dennis G. Maki et al, Healthcare workers need covid-19 vaccination: clinical, public health and ethical considerations, The American Journal of Medicine (2021). Journal information: American Journal of Medicine Dennis G. Maki et al, Healthcare workers need covid-19 vaccination: clinical, public health and ethical considerations,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.06.030
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Greece will open COVID-19 vaccinations to youngsters aged 12-15 in August, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias told local television on Monday.

Vaccination for this group has been approved and will be optional, he said.

The programme is expected to start from Friday.

Maria Theodoridou, president of the country's vaccination committee, stressed that there had been a significant rise in infections among children and adolescents recently.

"The constant contamination of children is going to lead to the appearance of new variants" of the coronavirus she warned.

Some 30,000 appointments have already been made by teenagers aged 15 to 17, Kikilias said, as he called again for all Greeks to receive the jab.

"They should all go and get vaccinated, even now in the summer," he said.

The decision to extend vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds comes as Greece grapples with a surge in coronavirus case numbers, in particular the highly infectious Delta variant.

Earlier this month, Greece's parliament passed a bill introducing mandatory vaccinations of all health workers, including those working in retirement homes.

It requires all people working in retirement homes to be vaccinated by August 16 or be put on unpaid leave. The same applies for health workers in both public and private sector from September 1.

In the spring, Greece made a push to get people living on its islands vaccinated ahead of the summer tourist season, which is vital for the local economy.

Although many island residents have been fully vaccinated, a large portion of tourism sector employees there remain hesitant, according to Greek authorities.

The popular tourist island of Mykonos, which was considered a vaccination model, was placed on red alert earlier in July, as cases jumped there.

Restrictions including a 24-hour ban on music and a 1:00-6:00 am curfew were reimposed, until being lifted on Monday.

More than 10 million vaccine doses have been administered in Greece and around 5.5 million people, out of a total population of about 10.7 million, have been fully jabbed.

 2021 AFP
HIV infecting a human cell. Credit: NIH

With a global focus on strategies to curb expansion of a fast-moving coronavirus pandemic, the question again has arisen: What more is being done about HIV, a scourge that has lasted more than 40 yearsis a cure finally in sight?

Although many antiretroviral medications have been approved over the years, new strategies are under development that theoretically could deliver a knockout blow to HIV. Medical investigators are exploring the possibility of gene therapy as a potential HIV cure. Other teams are examining CAR T-cell therapy, a form of immunotherapy that has demonstrated effectiveness against certain forms of cancer. Technically known as chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell therapy, the method involves extracting T cells from a patient's blood, followed by modifying them in a laboratory to recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells.

But there are other efforts still, and a new proof-of-concept trial might pave the way for further studies of an experimental immune-boosting compound, which has been tested in combination with coventional antiretroviral therapy, commonly known as ART. The experimental compoundvesatolimodactivates components of the innate and acquired immune systems to put additional pressure on HIV. Vesatolimod essentially marshals a diverse army of immune system fighters in its assault on the human immunodeficiency virus.

Currently, ART can impressively reduce viral loads to undetectable levels in the blood, a feat that some medical investigators call a functional cure. Antiretroviral therapy works by controlling the replication of HIV, and when replication is controlled, the viral load in the blood dramatically diminishes. But HIV can hide in the body, persisting in a stubborn latent state that's impervious to ART. The virus can also rebound prolifically when patients stop taking ART.

Writing in Science Translational Medicine, medical investigators from Gilead Sciences, a pharmaceutical company in Foster City, Calif., and collaborators from leading research centers throughout the United States, describe their small Phase 1b clinical study of vesatolimod. The experimental compound works by ramping up key members of the innate immune system: Interferon, proteins that "interfere" with viruses to block their replication; and natural killer cells, immune constituents whose name aptly describes their function. The compound also has a hand in T cell activation.

"Compared with placebo, vesatolimod was associated with an increase in interferon signaling and natural killer cell and T cell activation, and a decay in the frequency of cells harboring intact HIV genomes," wrote Dr. Devi SenGupta of Gilead Sciences, lead author of the research. "Vesatolimod also induced a modest increase in the time to virus rebound after antiretroviral therapy was interrupted."

Vesatolimod is described as a toll-like receptor 7 agonist, or more simply, a TLR7 agonist. Any agonist initiates a response from a protein receptor. In this case, vesatolimod initiates activity from toll-like receptor 7. Structural biologists have identified more than a dozen distinct toll-like receptors, which are most commonly found stippling the surfaces of macrophages and dendritic cells. When a virus or other pathogenic invader infiltrates cells, toll-like receptors activate innate immune system responses. With an agonist, such as vesatolimod, scientists are targeting a specific toll-like receptor to do a specific job: Assault HIV.

Toll-like receptor agonists are considered a promising class of compounds because in addition to boosting interferon signaling and natural killer cell activity, these compounds as a group are potent dendritic cell activators. Dendritic cells are critical links between the innate and acquired immune systems. T cells, key members of the acquired immune system, have a ramped presence under the influence of the experimental compound.

It's important to underscore: HIV infection is indelibly characterized by the deadly depletion of CD4+ T cells, which are targeted by the virus. While the experimental therapy is in no way capable of capable of boosting CD4+ T cells, it is being investigated for its potential to help eliminate the viral reservoir of HIV by amplifying the immune response.

More than 70 million people have been infected with HIV since the human immunodeficiency pandemic began in the early 1980s, and an estimated 35 million people have died of the infection over the past 40 years, according to UNAIDS, a joint United Nations effort involving 11 UN organizations aimed at combating HIV/AIDS.

UNAIDS estimates that more than 37 million people worldwide are living with HIV, and that ART has helped significantly reduce morbidity and mortality caused by the virus, transforming the infection into a chronic disease for people in many parts of the world.

Vesatolimod, meanwhile, isn't the first toll-like receptor agonist to be used in a clinical study, others have been developed and are being explored in cancer treatment as potent adjuvantsboostersin cancer vaccine therapy.

Vesatolimod is safe and is associated with a modest but significant delay in viral rebound in HIV controllers. Credit: SenGupta et al.

In the HIV research, SenGupta and colleagues focused on a unique group of patients known as "controllers." These patients can stop taking their prescribed antiretroviral therapy but, remarkably, even when not on the life-saving medication, they are able to keep HIV replication somewhat under control.

Beyond the investigators' focus on these unusual patients, the research team also wanted to determine how well vesatolimod augments treatment with ART. Hitting the virus with ART and vesatolimod is one way to deliver a one-two punch against HIV. Whether it's a way to deliver a knock-out punch can be answered only through many, many more rounds of research, experts say.

Scientists initially developed vesatolimod to treat chronic hepatitis infections, but it was research beyond those initial studies that produced a eureka moment involving the experimental compound. In animal studies vesatolimod substantially shrank the reservoir of an HIV-like virussimian immunodeficiency virusthat infects monkeys. After that discovery, scientists began analyses to determine the compound's efficacy as a treatment for HIV.

SenGupta and colleagues recruited 25 HIV "controllers" on ART, gave 17 of them vesatolimodTLR7on a biweekly basis, and then halted ART. The remaining 8 received a placebo. Controllers treated with vesatolimod fared better than controllers treated who were given a placebobut only modestly. Those treated with vesatolimod showed an increase in active immune cells and a significant drop in HIV DNA. Their HIV rebounded a full week after the HIV rebound of the placebo group.

Stunningly, one participant didn't experience an HIV rebound for 15 weeks after taking the oral experimental compound. The team is now calling for larger clinical trials to further evaluate vesatolimod.

SenGupta describes the current research as a proof-of-concept study and suggests that adding vesatolimod to antiretroviral therapy regimens could enhance therapeutic measures to control HIV infection. The experimental compound seems to increase signaling activity and interaction between key components of the innate immune system, according to the research.

"Inferred pathway analysis suggested increased dendritic cell and natural killer cell cross-talk and an increase in cytotoxicity potential after vesatolimod dosing," SenGupta wrote. "Larger clinical studies will be necessary to assess the efficacy of vesatolimod-based combination therapies aimed at long-term control of HIV infection."

For millions of HIV patients worldwide, antiretroviral therapy means taking medication dailyfor life. More than 40 drugs have been approved over the years, and some, such the integrase inhibitors, Biktarvy and Duvato, are single-tablet medications. ART not only keeps HIV infections from developing into full-blown AIDS, but viral levels can be driven so low, they are undetectable by laboratory tests. Once viral levels are undetectable, HIV can no longer be sexually transmitted.

Yet, as impressive as that may seem, undetectable does not constitute a cure and some HIV patientscontrollers in particularwax and wane between periods of taking and not taking prescribed ART.

Also, antiretroviral therapy is not without its drawbacks. The medications can cause side effects that range from mild to formidable. For example, skin rashes and weight gain are possible side effects with some HIV medications. High cholesterol levels and heart and kidney problems are among the more serious side effects associated with others.

Still, antiretrovial therapy is considered one of modern medicine's greatest triumphs because it grants HIV patients near-normal life expectancy. Researchers have therefore prioritized finding a cure for HIV that can either eliminate the virus or prevent it from rebounding after patients interrupt their daily regimen of ART. Thus, the pursuit of a compound such as vesatolimodTLR7and its ability to prompt an immune response against HIV. Future studies, the team hopes, may produce stronger results.

For now, the proof-of-concept research suggests scientists are moving in the right direction: "The TLR7 agonist vesatolimod induced a modest delay in viral rebound in HIV controllers after cessation of antiretroviral therapy," SenGupta wrote.

Explore further New pre-clinical SHIV remission study shows progress in delaying viral load rebound

More information: Devi SenGupta et al, The TLR7 agonist vesatolimod induced a modest delay in viral rebound in HIV controllers after cessation of antiretroviral therapy, Science Translational Medicine (2021). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine Devi SenGupta et al, The TLR7 agonist vesatolimod induced a modest delay in viral rebound in HIV controllers after cessation of antiretroviral therapy,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg3071

 2021 Science X Network
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius has seen a dramatic surge in COVID-19 infections over the past week, but almost all are symptom-free, officials said Monday.

Mauritius recorded 1,067 new cases last weekabout a third of the 3,528 declared since the new coronavirus was first detected there in March 2020, according to official figures.

"Cases are increasingly asymptomatic, which has led to a relaxation of controls. As many as 99 percent of cases are asymptomatic," said Zouberr Joomaye, spokesman for the National Communication Committee (NCC), the body in charge of monitoring the pandemic.

"Everything is under control, the many quarantine centres are by no means overcrowded and there are no deaths or people seriously affected."

Joomaye said most infections had occurred in schools, businesses or dormitories for foreign workers.

And the authorities have ruled out a link between the increased caseload and the limited opening of borders to international travel this month.

After long months of isolation from the outside world, Mauritius began welcoming international tourists again on July 15.

But only vaccinated holidaymakers with a negative PCR test are allowed in, and they have to be confined to "bubbles" in their hotels or resorts for a 14-day quarantine before being allowed further afield.

Mauritius, a nation of 1.3 million people, began its anti-COVID vaccination drive at the end of January with the goal of immunising 60 percent of the population by the end of the year.

Joomaye said 40 percent of Mauritians had received two doses, and 50 percent one shot.

While the pandemic has largely spared Mauritius, its tourism-dependent economy has been hit hard. It plans to open fully to foreign travel from October 1.

Explore further Mauritius records 2 new COVID-19 cases after monthlong lull

 2021 AFP
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Just one age group remains when it comes to qualifying for a COVID-19 vaccine: young children.

But with clinical trials underway for authorizing a vaccine for children under 12, some parents remain hesitant about whether to get their kids vaccinated, a new national poll suggests.

Parents of children ages 3-11 are almost evenly split on whether to vaccinate kids once available, with 49% saying it's likely their child will get vaccinated and 51% saying it's unlikely, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health.

Many parents agree that the recommendation of their child's health care provider will be influential when it comes to making their decision. But many of them (70% of those with kids ages 3-11 and half of those with kids 12-18) say they haven't discussed the COVID vaccine with their child's doctor.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted parents to think about their child's health and safety in new ways, from mask wearing to attending in-person events. As COVID vaccine authorizations expand to younger age groups, parents are also considering whether and when their child should get vaccinated," said Mott Poll co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H.

"As children prepare to return to school, our poll provides insight into parents' current stance on vaccinating kids and what factors into their decision making."

The nationally representative report is based on responses from 2,019 parents of at least one child age 3-18 years who were surveyed in June.

Among parents of children 12-18 years, 39% say their child already got a COVID vaccine and 21% say their child will likely get it, while 40% say it's unlikely.

Fewer parents with lower household income also say their child is likely to get a COVID vaccine compared to those with higher incomes (38% compared to 60%.)

Discussing COVID vaccines with children's health providers

Aside from the recommendation of their child's health provider, other factors parents of children who have not yet received a COVID vaccine list as very important to their decision include side effects of the vaccine (70%), testing in the child's age group (63%), how well the vaccine works in children (62%), and parents' own research (56%), according to the poll.

But many parents are missing opportunities to discuss these questions and concerns with a doctor, Clark noted.

"Typically, parents look to their child's regular healthcare provider for information and guidance on vaccines for their child. But our report suggests that half of parents of children 12-18 years, for whom the COVID vaccine is already recommended and available, have not discussed it with their child's provider," Clark said.

"These discussions also aren't taking place among families of younger children, who are expected to be eligible for the COVID vaccine in the coming months."

While there are numerous ways for parents to get information about the vaccine in kids, some sources may be more technical and difficult to understand, while others may exaggerate some aspects of the information to support a particular belief or perspective about COVID vaccination, Clark said.

"Discussing the COVID vaccine with pediatricians and other child health providers will help parents sort through all the data and make an informed choice that is right for their child and their family," she said.

For example, providers can help parents differentiate between side effects that are expected and reflect a normal immune response (e.g., fever, sore arm) from potentially more serious events that may signal an unintended problem. Parents may also ask the provider to explain the emergency use authorization currently in place for COVID vaccine and how that compares to full FDA approval, as well as how to interpret data on vaccine effectiveness.

More parents of older than younger children (41% vs 19%) say their child's regular healthcare provider recommends COVID vaccination. Far fewer parents say they discussed COVID vaccination, but the provider didn't give a recommendation or recommended against vaccination.

When it came to the location of a child's vaccination, only 19% of parents whose child got a COVID vaccine say it was a doctor's office, more commonly using retail pharmacies (36%) or public COVID vaccination sites (29%). But among parents whose child is not vaccinated, most preferred to get the vaccine at a doctor's office (42%), compared to 5% who would choose a pharmacy or public site and 19% who had no preference.

"Many parents are used to their children getting vaccines at the doctor's office," Clark said. "Our poll suggests that availability of COVID vaccine in pediatric clinics may help parents feel more comfortable with getting their child vaccinated."

With children and teens under 18 making up nearly a fifth of the nation's population, vaccination among younger age groups may play an important role in achieving herd immunity and controlling the pandemic over time, Clark noted.

Last year, more than 2 million of the nearly 30 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. involved children, according to the Centers for Disease Control. While the majority of children and teens have mild COVID-19 symptoms, some face persistent symptoms months after recovery (long haul COVID) or develop a rare but serious COVID-linked condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C.

Clark recommends parents of younger children who have appointments for check-ups or minor illnesses include questions about the COVID vaccine during upcoming visits.

"It's important that parents and providers don't wait for full COVID vaccine approval to begin discussions about vaccination," she said.

"Our poll suggests parents are already forming opinions, and it's essential that their decision-making process include accurate information, as well as a professional recommendation from the child's healthcare provider."

Explore further There are many good reasons for kids to get the COVID vaccine

More information: About the poll: About the poll: mottpoll.org/
(HealthDay)People of color are consistently less likely to see medical specialists than white patients are, a new U.S. study finds, highlighting yet another disparity in the nation's health care system.

Researchers found that compared with their white counterparts, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans had significantly fewer visits to doctors of various specialtiesranging from dermatology to orthopedics to general surgery.

They were not falling behind, however, in visits to primary care doctors, suggesting that specialist care is the issue.

While the study cannot pinpoint the reasons, there's a likely a culprit, according to Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, one of the researchers.

"We think disparities in the ability to pay are the main driver here," said Woolhandler, a professor at City University of New York at Hunter College.

It can be difficult, she said, to find a specialist who accepts uninsured patients or those on Medicaid (the federal insurance program for low-income Americans). And to a disproportionate degree, those patients are people of color.

Other times, Woolhandler said, people have insurance, but their plan requires out-of-pocket costssuch as deductibles and copaysthat they cannot afford.

"You could define the system as structurally racist," Woolhandler said.

She pointed to one finding that supports the importance of insurance coverage in access to specialty care: Black patients were about three times more likely to be seeing a nephrologist (kidney specialist) than white patients were.

That, Woolhandler said, may partly reflect the fact that Medicarethe federal program for older Americanspays for the treatment of advanced kidney disease, regardless of patients' age.

That suggests universal health care coverage could go a long way toward erasing racial disparities in specialist care, Woolhandler said.

The studypublished July 19 in JAMA Internal Medicineused data from an ongoing federal survey looking at Americans' health care use.

Researchers focused on more than 132,000 U.S. adults who responded to the survey between 2015 and 2018.

Compared with their white counterparts, Black respondents had lower visit rates to most of the 29 medical specialties covered in the survey. Some of the biggest gaps were in dermatology, otolaryngology (ear/nose/throat), orthopedics, urology and general surgerywhere Black Americans were anywhere from 38% to 73% less likely to have had a visit. That was with factors such as self-reported health, income and insurance taken into account.

Similarly, Hispanic patients and Asian patients had lower visit rates than white patients for the majority of specialties. Several of those gaps persisted once the researchers weighed people's health ratings, income and other factors.

Frederick Isasi is executive director of Families USA, a nonpartisan consumer health care advocacy group. He agreed that health insurance is probably an important reason for the findings, but only part of the story.

"We know there are implicit biases in health care," said Isasi, who was not involved in the study. "When people of color walk through the door [of a health care facility], they have a different experience than white people do."

In this study, respondents of all races were similarly likely to see primary care doctors, who are the providers giving patients referrals to a specialist when needed. What's not clear is whether referrals might have differed based on patients' race.

In addition, Isasi said, people of color are more likely to distrust the health care system, based on personal and historical experiences. That, coupled with the dearth of Black providers and Hispanic providers in particular, may make some patients hesitant to see a specialist.

Woolhandler agreed that those factors are likely at work.

There are also practical obstacles, she and Isasi said, such as taking time off work, or needing to travel to a specialist because there are none in the local area.

"And the lower your income, the harder that is," Isasi pointed out.

The bottom line, he said, is that insurance is a necessary part of the solution, "but not sufficient on its own."

Even the finding on nephrology care can be seen, in part, as a reflection of how the system fails people of color, Isasi said. Black Americans need that care, because they progress to advanced kidney disease at a disproportionately high rate.

"The best health care system," Woolhandler said, "is one that coordinates good primary care with specialist care when needed. In the U.S., we're not providing that on an equal basis."

Explore further Many hit hard by pandemic now swamped by medical debt

Copyright  2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
A dozen women in South Africa are following counterparts in Western countries in suing pharma companies for chronic harm they say was inflicted by implants designed to treat incontinence and other ailments.

The polypropylene device, called a trans-vaginal mesh (TVM), is designed to work as an internal support to treat urinary incontinence and displacement of pelvic organscalled prolapsewhich most commonly occur after childbirth.

But thousands of women say they have suffered long-term damage and pain after having the mesh implanted, resulting in several lawsuits against various companies.

The South African group is bringing a class action suit against Danish medical device manufacturer Coloplast and Ethicon, a subsidiary of US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson.

Their representatives on Monday said they intend to launch the casethe first action against TVM in Africaby August.

"We have been approached by multiple women who have been implanted with what we believe are defective trans-vaginal mesh implants manufactured by these two companies," Zain Lundell, an expert in class-action litigation working on the case, told AFP.

The firms are also accused of skimping on performance testing and failing to communicate risks.

If successful, the suit could lay the foundation for compensation claims for hundreds more women in South Africa.

"The injuries are very serious and debilitating," said Lundell.

"We believe many women will have claims in the millions or tens of millions of rands (hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars)."

J&J has already lost class actions in Australia and the United States for injuries caused by its device.

In January 2020, a US judge ordered the firm to pay $344 million (291 million euros) for false and deceptive marketing of pelvic mesh products used by tens of thousands of women in California.

Something 'not right'

One of the plaintiffs, Suzette Roodt, is hoping compensation will help fund a costly operation to remove her own mesh implant.

The device is so imbedded in surrounding tissue that removal requires laser technology that is unavailable in public hospitals, she said.

The 57-year-old had been optimistic in 2015, when a new job allowed her to afford an insert that would help end her long struggle with bladder leakage.

But as soon as she was discharged from hospital in 2015, Roodt "knew something was not right", she said.

The implant hardened, causing complete obstruction of her bladder as well as frequent bleeding and kidney infections.

"We were never told about the risks or given other options," Roodt, who is now permanently attached to a catheter, said via telephone. "There has been permanent damage to me."

Unlike South Africa, the United States in 2016 classified mesh used for pelvic organ prolapse as a "high-risk device" and banned its sale in 2019.

Complications occur in up to a quarter of women, according to a study by BioMed Research International.

'Need to lie down'

But Chantell Bothma said no such information was communicated to her.

The 41-year-old was offered the implant in 2016 to treat prolapse after giving birth to her first child.

The mesh eroded and melded with her tissue, eventually forcing Bothma to have it removed four years later. She still experiences bladder pain.

"I used to be very active," she recalled. "Now when I play with my little boy I need to lie down."

Bothma was recently hospitalised for an unrelated condition during which she met another woman about to receive a similar implant.

The encounter spurred her to take legal action.

Ethicon told AFP that pelvic mesh has "helped improve the quality of life for millions of women".

"We empathise with those who have experienced complications," the company said via email. "Ethicon has acted ethically and responsibly."

Coloplast did not respond to requests for comment.

The case could conclude within three years, Lundell said.

Explore further Australian court upholds landmark suit against Johnson & Johnson

 2021 AFP
The R0 (reproduction number) of SARS-CoV-2 variants and other diseases. The higher the R0 number, the more contagious the disease is. Credit: Imperial College London, Lancet, Australian Government

The Delta variant is likely to become the most dominant strain globally. What does that mean for current and future variants? Natural selection has shaped the evolution of all living things on our planet, including viruses. While mutations emerge in viruses, some mutations have little impact while others outcompete other variants and persist, such as the SARS-CoV-2 variant, Deltaclassified a variant of concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Last week, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the regional director of the WHO, South-East Asia said, "The Delta variant has spread to over a hundred countries and is likely to soon become the most dominant COVID-19 strain globally. Among the variants of concern, Delta spreads most rapidly."

Researchers have indicated the Delta variant is the most transmissible variant yetas much as 60 percent more contagious than the Alpha variant. However, there is limited research in terms of whether or not the Delta variant causes more severe illness than other variants.

The characterisation of variants by the WHO came about in late 2020 as a result of variants that posed an increased risk to public health. These definitions assist in prioritizing global monitoring, research, and ultimately informing the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is a variant of concern?

Currently, the Delta variant joins three other variants in this categoryAlpha, which was first detected in the UK in September 2020; Beta, the earliest documented sample recorded in South Africa in May 2020; and Gamma, which had samples first documented in Brazil in November 2020.

To be designated a VOC, a variant must meet the definition of a variant of interest (VOI).

This includes a variant:

with genetic changes that are predicted or known to affect virus characteristics such as transmissibility, disease severity, immune escape, diagnostic or therapeutic escape; AND

identified to cause significant community transmission or multiple COVID-19 clusters, in multiple countries with increasing relative prevalence alongside increasing number of cases over time, or other apparent epidemiological impacts to suggest an emerging risk to global public health.

Currently designated variants include Eta, Iota, Kappa and Lambda.

To be 'promoted' to a VOC, the variant needs to have shown to be associated with one or more of the following changes at a degree of global public health significance:

Increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology; OR

Increase in virulence or change in clinical disease presentation; OR

Decrease in effectiveness of public health and social measures or available diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics.

Will Delta outcompete the other variants of concern?

While the Delta variant continues to spread globally, where does this leave other variants of concern such as Alpha, Beta and Gamma? Will Delta eventually outcompete the others?

Dr. Francesca Di Giallonardo, a virologist at The Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney suggests this could potentially be the case.

"Most probably yes, as this is a common process in natural selection and immune escape. However, the timeline and characteristics of variant replacement may vary between different geographic regions, particularly in those isolated by border closures.

"Prediction of infectivity of new variants is not trivial. In general, viruses increase their transmissibility. That means that the most 'successful in transmission' variant outcompetes other variants. However, it's almost impossible to predict which variant will win the race and when we have reached the point of most transmissible," said Dr. Di Giallonardo.

According to Dr. Di Giallonardo, increased viral fitness is characterized by natural selection events. This means if variant B has replaced variant A, it must be fitter by definition, as B has outcompeted A. Most likely, variant B is antigenically distinct, which means it has escaped immune pressure.

"Such variants will keep emerging as immune selection is increased due to more people being vaccinated or infected," said Dr. Di Giallonardo.

Are fitter variants likely to cause severe disease?

If a variant outcompetes other variants, does that suggest it can cause more severe disease in humans or is that not the case? Dr. Di Giallonardo said this assumption was not necessarily correct.

"New variants are fitter such that their replication and transmission capacity is better compared to the previous variants. There are numerous emerging variants that are region-specific and are seemingly not causing more severe disease.

"However, constant monitoring of such variants is crucial for identifying those that do indeed cause more severe disease. Thus, the WHO and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) classify new emerging variants with a potential for increased severity as variants of concern and variants of interest."

What is our best line of defense?

"Vaccinate, vaccinate, and vaccinate," said Dr. Di Giallonardo. "We have a plethora of global data on the efficacy of the different vaccines. We know how effective they are in preventing severe disease and reducing transmission."

Virologist, Dr. Chantelle Ahlenstiel at the Kirby Institute said in terms of the mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna, the sequences in the current vaccinesthat tell the body how to make a specific type of virus spike proteincan be easily changed to match the newly emerging virus variant spike protein and could therefore provide protection against those too. Additionally, mRNA vaccines have the potential to be manufactured rapidly and inexpensively.

Surveillance is also critical for understanding which variants are circulating, as early identification will allow for rapid evaluation of vaccine efficacy.

"Surveillance means collecting data on the number of infections present for different virus variants, their geographic spread and the associated disease severity. Such data is essential to better understand how variants spread across the states, country, and globally. We have more data for COVID-19 than for any other viral disease, thanks to systems which were already in place such as nexstrain.org, GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data)," said Dr. Di Giallonardo.

"Surveillance requires a tremendous amount of work and the global efforts have been great."

Explore further What should I know about the delta variant?
Detection of ctDNA in CSF, plasma, and urine from glioma patients using patient-specific sequencing panels and INVAR analysis. A Schematic of ctDNA detection in matched CSF, plasma, and urine samples from glioma patients using INVAR (INtegration of VAriants Reads). Depth of sequencing indicated is the mean across the samples analyzed. S1 to S4 indicate tumor subparts. B Number of tumor tissue DNA mutations passing INVAR filters for the eight patients included. C Estimated ctDNA fractions for the plasma (10/12 detected), CSF (7/8 detected), and urine samples (10/16 detected) collected from 7 patients with primary glioblastoma and one patient (GB12) with anaplastic oligodendroglioma. The ctDNA fraction is expressed as IMAF (Integrated Mutant Allele Fraction). Detected cases are indicated by full circle and non-detected cases as an open circle. ND: non-detected. D Estimated tumor DNA DNA fraction (IMAF) in CSF, plasma, and urine depending on the number of mutant reads detected for each samples included and number of informative reads supporting the observation. Detected cases are indicated by full circle and non-detected cases as an open circle. ND: non-detected. E Estimated tumor DNA fractions (IMAF) in CSF, plasma, and urine for the matched samples collected at baseline pre-surgery. Detected cases are indicated by full circle and non-detected cases as an open circle. ND: non-detected. F IMAF for the CSF, plasma, and urine of the patients with samples collected at 6-month follow-up (n = 3). Matched MRI scans are added for annotation. Credit: DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012881

Researchers from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute have developed two tests that can detect the presence of glioma, a type of brain tumor, in patient urine or blood plasma.

The team say that a test for detecting glioma using urine is the first of its kind in the world.

Although the research, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, is in its early stages and only a small number of patients were analyzed, the team say their results are promising.

The researchers suggest that in the future, these tests could be used by GPs to monitor patients at high risk of brain tumors, which may be more convenient than having an MRI every three months, which is the standard method.

When people have a brain tumor removed, the likelihood of it returning can be high, so they are monitored with an MRI scan every three months, which is followed by biopsy.

Blood tests for detecting different cancer types are a major focus of research for teams across the world, and there are some in use in the clinic. These tests are mainly based on finding mutated DNA, shed by tumor cells when they die, known as cell-free DNA (cfDNA).

However, detecting brain tumor cfDNA in the blood has historically been difficult because of the blood-brain-barrier, which separates blood from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, preventing the passage of cells and other particles, such as cfDNA.

Researchers have previously looked at detecting cfDNA in CSF, but the spinal taps needed to obtain it can be dangerous for people with brain tumors so are not appropriate for patient monitoring.

Scientists have known that cfDNA with similar mutations to the original tumor can be found in blood and other bodily fluids such as urine in very low levels, but the challenge has been developing a test sensitive enough to detect these specific mutations.

The researchers, led by Dr. Florent Mouliere who is based at the Rosenfeld Lab of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and at the Amsterdam UMC, and Dr. Richard Mair, who is based at Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and the University of Cambridge developed two approaches in parallel to overcome the challenge of detecting brain tumor cfDNA.

The first approach works for patients who have previously had glioma removed and biopsied. The team designed a tumor-guided sequencing test that was able to look for the mutations found in the tumor tissue within the cfDNA in the patient's urine, CSF, and blood plasma.

A total of eight patients who had suspected brain tumors based on MRIs were included in this part of the study. Samples were taken at their initial brain tumor biopsies, alongside CSF, blood and urine samples.

By knowing where in the DNA strand to look, the researchers found that it was possible to find mutations even in the tiny amounts of cfDNA found in the blood plasma and urine.

The test was able to detect cfDNA in 7 out of 8 CSF samples, 10 out of the 12 plasma blood samples and 10 out of the 16 urine samples.

For the second approach the researchers looked for other patterns in the cfDNA that could also indicate the presence of a tumor, without having to identify the mutations.

They analyzed 35 samples from glioma patients, 27 people with non-malignant brain disorders, and 26 healthy people. They used whole genome sequencing, where all the cfDNA of the tumor is analyzed, not just the mutations.

They found in the blood plasma and urine samples that fragments of cfDNA, which came from patients with brain tumors were different sizes than those from patients with no tumors in CSF. They then fed this data into a machine learning algorithm which was able to successfully differentiate between the urine samples of people with and without glioma.

The researchers say that while the machine learning test is cheaper and easier, and a tissue biopsy from the tumor is not needed, it is not as sensitive and is less specific than the first tumor-guided sequencing approach.

MRIs are not invasive or expensive, but they do require a trip to the hospital, and the three-month gap between checks can be a regular source of anxiety for patients.

The researchers suggest that their tests could be used between MRI scans, and could ultimately be able to detect a returning brain tumor earlier.

The next stage of this research will see the team comparing both tests against MRI scans in a trial with patients with brain tumors who are in remission to see if it can detect if their tumors are coming back at the same time or earlier than the MRI. If the tests prove that they can detect brain tumors earlier than an MRI, then the researchers will look at how they can adapt the tests so they could be offered in the clinic, which could be within the next ten years.

"We believe the tests we've developed could in the future be able to detect a returning glioma earlier and improve patient outcomes," said Mair. "Talking to my patients, I know the three-month scan becomes a focal point for worry. If we could offer a regular blood or urine test, not only will you be picking up recurrence earlier, you can also be doing something positive for the patient's mental health."

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK said, "While this is early research, it's opened up the possibility that within the next decade we could be able to detect the presence of a brain tumor with a simple urine or blood test. Liquid biopsies are a huge area of research interest right now because of the opportunities they create for improved patient care and early diagnosis. It's great to see Cancer Research UK researchers making strides in this important field."

Sue Humphreys, from Wallsall, a brain tumor patient, said: "If these tests are found to be as accurate as the standard MRI for monitoring brain tumors, it could be life changing.

If patients can be given a regular and simple test by their GP, it may help not only detect a returning brain tumor in its earliest stages, it can also provide the quick reassurance that nothing is going on which is the main problem we all suffer from, the dreaded Scanxiety.

The problem with three-monthly scans is that these procedures can get disrupted by other things going on, such as what we have seen with the COVID pandemic. As a patient, this causes worry as there is a risk that things may be missed, or delayed, and early intervention is the key to any successful treatment."

Explore further Breakthrough blood test developed for brain tumors

More information: Florent Mouliere et al, Fragmentation patterns and personalized sequencing of cellfree DNA in urine and plasma of glioma patients, EMBO Molecular Medicine (2021). Journal information: EMBO Molecular Medicine Florent Mouliere et al, Fragmentation patterns and personalized sequencing of cellfree DNA in urine and plasma of glioma patients,(2021). DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012881
In this May 6, 2021 file photo a man with a face mask leaves the headquarters of the German biotechnology company "BioNTech" in Mainz, Germany. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst, file

Pharmaceutical company BioNTech said Monday that it wants to use the mRNA technology behind its coronavirus vaccine to target malaria.

The Germany-based company, which developed the first widely approved coronavirus shot together with U.S. partner Pfizer, aims to begin clinical trials for a "safe and highly effective malaria vaccine" by the end of next year.

"We are already working on HIV and and tuberculosis, and malaria is the third big indication (disease) with a high unmet medical need," BioNTech's chief executive, Ugur Sahin, told The Associated Press. "It has an incredible high number of people being infected every year, a high number of patients dying, a particularly severe disease and high mortality in small children."

According to the World Health Organization, there were about 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019. The global body estimates that 409,000 people died from malaria that year, with children under the age of 5 accounting for 67% of deaths.

Africa has by far the highest burden of the mosquito-borne disease worldwide, WHO says.

Sahin acknowledged that the effort is at a very early stage and there's no guarantee of success. But he said the company believes it's "the perfect time to address this challenge" because of the insights it has gained from developing an mRNA vaccine against the coronavirus and a growing understanding of how malaria works.

Experts say developing a vaccine to prime the immune system against malaria will be tricky, however.

"The genome of Plasmodium, the parasite that causes malaria, is more complex than viruses," said Prakash Srinivasan, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

A malaria vaccine made by drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline already being trialed in three African countries has shown that inducing strong, long-lasting antibody levels is challenging, he said.

Existing and future variants of the parasite could also pose a challenge to developing an effective vaccine, said Srinivasan, whose lab is also working to develop a shot against malaria.

But Barton Haynes, director of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, said the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic showed mRNA technology could be used to quickly adapt vaccines to work against new variants.

"The mRNA platform is going to be applicable to many different pathogens," he said.

Sahin said early-stage development and testing of vaccines normally costs about $30-80 million.

The project, which is a collaboration with the World Health Organization, the European Commission and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, "has no budget limits at the moment," he added.

BioNTech said it is also seeking to establish an mRNA vaccine production facility in Africa, which is among the regions that have struggled to get sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses.

The company said it is working with partners to "evaluate how to establish sustainable mRNA manufacturing capabilities on the African continent to supply African countries with vaccines." Once built, such a facility would be able to make various mRNA-based vaccines.

BioNTech and Pfizer have said they will deliver 1 billion doses of their COVID-19 vaccine to middle- and low-income countries this year, and another billion doses in 2022.

Last week, the two companies announced that a South African firm, the Biovac Institute, will become the first on the continent to start producing their coronavirus vaccine.

BioNTech has previously said it is working on a vaccine candidate for tuberculosis, with clinical trials aimed for 2022, and therapies for several forms of cancer.

Explore further COVID jab maker BioNTech to build SE Asia manufacturing site

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The higher standard is designed to keep police from using force against the wrong person  something that happens too often, especially in communities of color, Johnson said.

But it also means police might sometimes have to let the bad guy go, at least temporarily.

If officers show up at a burglary scene, for example, and they see someone partially matching the description of the suspect  but don't have confirmation it's the same person  they can ask that person to stop voluntarily. If the person leaves, officers can't use force to detain them while figuring out if they have the right suspect, they say. An arrest would have to come later, once probable cause is established.

The Criminal Justice Training Commission, which operates the state's police academy, already emphasizes de-escalation tactics and began training on the duty to intervene last year even before the law was adopted. But it has had to modify its teaching to cover the probable cause requirement for using force.

During a recent training scenario, instructor Ken Westphal encouraged recruits taking statements from a convenience store owner who had been threatened by a customer to ask, How did that make you feel?
The presentation called "a journey with dementia minds" was made up of eight volunteers. They spoke about their experiences with diagnosis and life afterwards.

The group grew into the nonprofit that now includes three groups of speakers, all diagnosed with dementia, that span over 11 states.

At first, when Erickson stepped up to be president of the new organization, Abell was worried the extra stress would make the disease progress more quickly. But the advocacy work has only increased her energy.

In nearly every job Erickson has had, shes started at the bottom and worked her way to the top, Abell said.

She always advocated for herself, but she also advocated for her team members, Abell said. Shes always been an amazing lady.

Her passion for the nonprofit only grows as she's seen that through sharing stories about the challenges and the triumphs of living with dementia, NCDM has succeeded in influencing its audiences.
State Rep. Terry Moore, a Republican from Billings, asked Meier about privacy concerns if a student were to test positive.

Meier said schools are familiar with privacy requirements and also work closely with local health departments.

With that said, as you can probably imagine, oftentimes by process of elimination, people guess what's happening and I think that's certainly something that schools have probably struggled with, Meier added.

Sharyl Allen, the deputy superintendent of the Office of Public Instruction, also raised concerns about privacy and that a student or staff member who was tested and later out of school could be easily identified, especially in smaller schools.

It doesn't become difficult to figure these things out, Allen said. On the other side of it as we continuously look for how we do everything we can to keep our kids safe, this is one of the elements of the society in which we live today. And it's important to constantly weigh that balance between protecting students at that social-emotional level, and also protecting them at that physical level.

After the meeting, OPI spokesperson Chris Averill said it was critical to the office that parents were in the driver's seat.
Throughout the session, Montana sportsmen overwhelmingly commented to the Senate Fish and Game Committee on bills that were not in our best interest that were then moved out of committee on 7-4 party-line votes, with Republican legislators voting against Montana sportsmen's interests. Republican avoidance of Montana resident sportsmen input was clearly demonstrated when sportsmen-opposed elk management legislation that increased nonresident elk licenses was amended into HB 637 and voted out of committee in the final hours of the session without soliciting any public comment.

If the authors truly worked to benefit Montana resident outdoor opportunity last legislative session, whats the need to write guest editorials explaining public benefit? Shouldn't the results of your work and the responses from the public speak for themselves?

The Butte Skyline Sportsmen's Association wants to emphasize these are our perspectives of the 2021 legislative session. We encourage Montana resident outdoor enthusiasts, especially resident hunters, not to blindly accept our perspectives or the perspectives of politicians, regardless of party affiliation. We encourage you to review the bill introductions and voting records from the 2021 legislative session and develop your own perspectives on how ongoing legislation is impacting your outdoor heritage.

Information on introduced bills, bill amendments and bill votes can be found at leg.mt.gov. If you need assistance navigating the Montana Legislature website, please contact the Butte Skyline Sportsmen's Association at skylinesportsmen@gmail.com or our Facebook page at Skyline Sportsmans Association, Butte.

Martin F. Petritz of Butte writes on behalf of the Butte Skyline Sportsmen's Association.

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And of course theyre right that when state regulators rely on the outmoded dilution is the solution to pollution model, it doesnt work very well when water flows are reduced to trickles and the dilution upon which the discharge permits were based simply isnt there.

Indeed, if anyone doubts the severity of the problem, just check the U.S. Geological Survey streamflow website, where about the only thing to be said is, read em and weep. For instance, theres so little water in the Upper Big Hole, several stream gauges are no longer reporting any water flows or water temperatures. Then consider this is the last refuge of the fluvial Arctic grayling in the Lower 48 states. The last.

While the intention of these groups, individuals and businesses is undoubtedly sincere, by the time any task force gets appointed, meets and is brought up to speed by endless reports from state and federal agencies, any opportunity to save the grayling will be long gone, just like thousands of Montanas coldwater fish.
So how is this keystone species, the beaver, supported in their vital role for wildlife, water conservation, climate change and fire mitigation, when they can be legally trapped in unlimited and unreported numbers 5 1/2 to nine months out of the year and with most of Montana the latter? Why is no one addressing this? From less than half of Montana trappers voluntary reporting, at least 20,000 beaver fell victim in three recent years.

Adding insult to injury, legislators and Gov. Greg Gianforte, as Montana Trappers Association members and supporters, quickly passed 2021 anti-wildlife bills on partisan votes. This was despite overwhelming opposition, facts provided and numerous biologists' objections. Noteworthy was FWP's failure to provide expert informational witnesses, relevant data or attendance at all. Trappers rarely testified, but when they did, respect was given. Missoula Rep. Tom France's bills to help reduce snaring dogs and conduct a study on dog trappings were immediately tabled. Trappers put the responsibility on the dog owners and voiced upset that a trapped dog wastes their precious trap set. During the hearing, FWP Director Henry Worsech committed to address this critical issue through the citizen advisory councils. It has not been heard of since.
The dog days of summer will be especially hot this week, with temperatures expected to be almost 10 degrees higher than normal.

Temperatures are expected to stay around 90 degrees Tuesday, about normal for this time of year, but start to spike Wednesday with a high of 95 degrees anticipated, said Doug Outlaw, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Things wont be looking much better Thursday when temperatures climb up to 97 degrees, Outlaw said, then back down to 94 degrees Friday.

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The upper level ridge that has been giving the western states such high temperatures is going to be nudging into our area for those three days, Outlaw said.

The humidity is expected to range from the upper-30s to mid-40s from Wednesday through Friday, Outlaw said. Unlike the Monday storms that rolled through some of Burke County to cool things off a smidge, the chance of rain is practically non-existent Wednesday and Thursday.

A weak cold front will push temps back down to 90 degrees Saturday, Outlaw said, with some isolated to scattered thunderstorms possible Friday night as the system moves into the area.
The Burke County Board of Education has called a special meeting for Thursday to address a single item of business, but an important one.

Return to school plans as they relate to COVID-19 measures will be the focus of the meeting, which will be held at 6 p.m. in the Olive Hill Room at Morgantons Olive Hill Resource Center.

Public notice of the meeting came just a couple days after North Carolina state officials released new guidance for the return to school this fall that includes, among other measures, the recommendation that all students and teachers in kindergarten through eighth grade be required to wear face coverings indoors and that high school students and teachers who arent fully vaccinated should do the same.

BCPS students and staff wore masks for the entirety of the 2020-21 school year.

Chairman Buddy Armour said he expects Thursdays talks to center on mask-wearing.

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The big issue that a lot of parents are asking about is are we going to start school wearing masks? Armour said. So, thatll be one of the things well be discussing. I dont know what else (Superintendent) Mike (Swan) has plans to talk about and any points hes going to bring because I havent seen those yet.
There is another path, similar to the one Joe Biden took to defeat Donald Trump in 2020  and the path Biden is pursuing as President. Call it the For the People path.

Because of the pandemic and its economic damage, Biden has abandoned the governing doctrine of the last three Democratic Presidents: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and, yes, even Barack Obama.

All three were scarred by the Democratic Partys tax and spend reputation from the 1960s. They strove mightily to show they were fiscally responsible and concerned about deficit spending. They made a show of reaching out to Republicans in (usually futile) hopes of finding common ground and governing in a bipartisan spirit.

Biden, the blue-collar kid from Scranton, has followed a more blue-collar strategy. More than any other Democratic President  more even than FDR, who worried about budget deficits  Biden has embraced aggressive government action to rebuild the economy, lift people out of poverty and give every American a better shot at a better life.
A 68-year-old Butte woman was seriously injured in a dramatic crash on I-90 in the city Sunday morning.

Witnesses said the woman came speeding from the eastbound City Center interstate entrance Sunday around 9:10 a.m. They said she entered I-90, swerved across lanes, plowed through a chainlink fence and bounced off a flatbed trailer being hauled by an 18-wheeler heading east.

And thats when her Kia Forte was T-boned by an eastbound Dodge Ram pickup driven by Jim Olmscheid of Victor. The womans Kia came to rest in the median. The crumpled cars engine was thrown about 10 feet from the vehicle.

Montana Highway Patrol Officer Anthony Jenson worked the crash. He said the woman suffered severe injuries and was transported by Life Flight from St. James Healthcare to another hospital for treatment.

Olmscheid had been traveling back to Indiana, where he has been working installing solar panels. He said he has babied his 2010 Dodge Ram, which rested nearby in the median with its front end caved in.

But Im more worried about the gal, he said, who was driving the Kia.

He said all hed seen was dust billowing from the median and then the Kia was suddenly smack dab in front of his pickup.
Thomas Taylor enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969 to avoid ground combat in Vietnam.

Hed received a draft notice at the familys Wolf Creek address. The teenager learned that Uncle Sam had deemed him fully acceptable for induction into the Armed Forces.

Taylor was less than ecstatic about that assessment.

He traveled to Great Falls with his father to talk to a Navy recruiter and then to Butte to enlist.

I passed the physical, which was a bummer, Taylor said, grinning.

In November 1969, he headed to San Diego for boot camp.

I wasnt looking forward to it, he said.

Born in Great Falls, Taylor discovered that San Diego in November was damp, cold and miserable.

Ive never been so cold in my life, he said.

At 5 feet, 5 inches tall, he was among the smallest of his fellow sailors-to-be.

But boot camp surprised him.

I liked boot camp, Taylor said. I had been a pretty wild child. I was a troublemaker. The military really straightened me out in a hurry.

Today, Taylor is 71 years old and lives in Butte. During a recent interview he talked about how he changed from a halfhearted sailor to someone who savored his time in the Navy.

Was it one of the best times of his life?

Absolutely, Taylor said.

Would he even say it was the best time of his life?

I think I would, yes. I think I would.

Taylors tenure in the Navy included service linked both to the Vietnam War and Cold War. He even played a role when his ship and shipmates proudly retrieved three astronauts from the historic and perilous Apollo 13 mission.

After boot camp, Taylor reported to the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship designed to be a helicopter carrier.

He became a radioman.

The USS Iwo Jimas missions included providing the launch deck for helicopters filled with U.S. Marines bound for combat missions in South Vietnam. Taylor said he deeply respected the Marines and the pilots who routinely flew into harms way.

I respect anybody in uniform. Ive got a couple of buddies in the Coast Guard and I respect what they do. It doesnt matter what branch youre in. If youve served this country, youve got my respect, he said.

Taylors father, Gene Willis Taylor, served in the Navy during World War II. He was aboard the USS Portland, a heavy cruiser, as an electrician. His ship left Pearl Harbor three days before the Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941, returning the next day to witness the horror and devastation, according to Gene Taylors obituary from 2010.

The USS Portland participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. The ship sustained heavy damage after being torpedoed during the Guadalcanal campaign by either a Japanese submarine or destroyer.

Decades later, Thomas Taylors ship was a target of enemy fire on one occasion. The USS Iwo Jima was in the port of Da Nang to retrieve supplies when mortars and rockets started raining in. The ship quickly sailed to safety.

Helicopters hosted by the Iwo Jima included the CH-46, the Bell Cobra and Bell Hueys. One of the CH-46 helicopters returning from a mission experienced engine failure and ditched in the sea near the Iwo Jima. All aboard the copter were rescued, Taylor said.

As Taylors Naval service continued he experienced what the recruitment posters promised. He saw the world.

He cruised with his ship to ports in the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and a host of sites during the course of three Pacific cruises and two Mediterranean cruises.

Ive essentially been around the world three times, he said.

During Taylors time about the USS Iwo Jima, the ship was assigned to prepare for the April 17, 1970, splashdown in the South Pacific of the command module of the Apollo 13 astronauts.

Astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise had been tasked with landing on the moon but an explosion in an oxygen tank crippled the spacecraft. The moon landing was aborted. Mission Control in Houston focused then on getting the astronauts home alive.

Apollo 13s perilous and suspenseful predicament arrested the attention of Americans and people worldwide and millions watched the astronauts splashdown on TV. The USS Iwo Jima stood by as the primary recovery vessel.

Taylor worked as a radioman during the recovery and did not witness the splashdown. That was OK, he said.

The communication efforts were just phenomenal, he said. It was pretty exciting.

And he was able to see the astronauts while the men were still aboard. Soon after, Lovell, Swigert and Haise received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Richard Nixon.

In the end, Taylor served four years and four months aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

He worked in communications for three years in Hawaii.

Later, he was stationed in Adak, Alaska, with orders to monitor radio transmissions by the Soviet Union from the U.S. base in the Aleutian Islands.

On his days off Taylor hunted caribou and ptarmigan and fished for salmon.

He said he would have stayed in the Navy but his wife at the time put her foot down.

Taylor left the Navy in April 1979 and moved to Butte. He worked a variety of jobs through the years, including installing computer systems in hydropower plants, working as a machinist for AFFCO in Anaconda and as an electrician for Montana Resources.

One job took him to West Virginia regularly and he frequently flew back to Butte via Salt Lake City and Bozeman. The airline workers came to know and like Taylor and for one flight they offered him a free upgrade to first class.

He settled in happily and ordered a drink. Taylor glanced across the aisle and realized he was sharing the first-class cabin with one of the most controversial antiwar figures of the Vietnam War  Jane Fonda.

Taylor said he grabbed his boarding pass and leaned across the aisle to ask Fonda for her autograph. He said she reluctantly agreed to provide it, asking how Taylor wanted it to read.

Just write To Tom, Love Hanoi Jane.

Taylor said Fonda was still fuming when the plane landed in Bozeman.

Today, he builds custom motorcycles in his shop in Butte.

Taylor talked fondly about his time in the Navy, even when recalling the storms that poured green seawater over the towering flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima.

The most difficult part was being away from friends and family for such a long time, he said. Theres something about being at sea for 11 months that can be hard on families.

He said his Naval service helped him mature.

I learned to take responsibility for my actions. It just made me grow up in a lot of ways. And it gave me the feeling of doing something important  protecting our country.

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We know from the 2021 legislative session that Montana Republicans, the elected variety at least, are far right politically. But are they also complicit in Republican attempts to undermine American democracy while promoting lies, conspiracy theories, and other nonsense?

Montana Republicans gave Donald Trump a sixteen-point margin in the 2020 presidential election. They elected Governor Gianforte, Senator Daines, and Congressman Rosendale, all supporters of Trump despite his being a lying, corrupt, bigoted, anti-democratic demagogue impeached for abuse of office. None have spoken out forcefully against the Big Lie that Trump and many Republicans are using to undermine confidence in U.S. elections. This should worry Montanans.

Two premier international democracy tracking institutions  the V-Dem Institute of Sweden and the U.S.-based Freedom House  rate the current Republican Party as anti-democratic. Senior Republican Michael Gerson stated that the party under Trump might as well be called the American Fascist Party. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) says it is the American Seditionist Party, in part for its refusal to support a bipartisan investigation of the January 6th Capitol insurrection. Both Daines and Rosendale voted against the investigation of the worst attack on American democracy in over 150 years.
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Drought

American Canyon calls for 20% water use cut

City of American Canyon A residential water meter in American Canyon, where leaders are asking water customers to cut use by 20%.

American Canyon is requiring residents and businesses to up their water conservation efforts from 10% to 20%, though it's not yet ready to impose penalties.

There is really a call to action tonight. Were really hoping our customers can buy into the program and help us achieve our goal, City Manager Jason Holley told the City Council on Tuesday.

While all five Napa County cities are taking water conservation measures, each is in a different situation when it comes to water sources. The south county city of American Canyon has no local reservoir and relies on State Water Project supplies that have seen a drastic cutback.

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American Canyon residents should reduce turf irrigation. Businesses should eliminate turf irrigation that uses drinking water, a city report said. Some watering is done with recycled water.

Watering yards or washing vehicles and equipment between noon and 6 p.m. is prohibited. So is filling a new swimming pool, spa or pond, washing sidewalks and driveways and irrigating in such a way that water runs down the gutter.

American Canyon will delay imposing punitive measures such as fines and surcharges to enforce the required 20% cut. The city believes it can work cooperatively with citizens to reduce demand, a city report said.

Plus, the city faces utility billing challenges it must overcome to appropriately impose surcharges, the report said.

American Canyon on June 1 called for a 10% water reduction compared to last year. Residents reduced water use by 5%, while commercial customers increased use by 10%, city Maintenance and Utilities Director Felix Hernandez told the City Council.

A 20% reduction in demand is needed to counteract the underwhelming response, Hernandez said.

One reason commercial water use is up from 2020 is some businesses closed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

American Canyon is in a tight squeeze with its water supplies. It estimates demand is about 2,800-acre feet annually and it can just about meet this, with no room for error or any carryover for 2022.

California says each person needs 55 gallons a day for health and safety uses such as drinking, cooking, and bathing. For American Canyon, that totals about 1,300-acre feet annually, Hernandez said.

American Canyon gives this health-and-safety water use the priority.

The remaining 1,500-acre feet typically used each year in the city is for commercial/economic uses or decorative uses. American Canyon is targeting a drastic drop in decorative uses, especially turf irrigation.

Fernandez expressed hope the city can avoid taking harsher conservation measures. Those might include a mandatory 30% reduction in water use or even a 50% reduction.

Reducing water use also reduces the amount of money the city receives from water bills to provide water, which includes fixed expenses. Also, the city is having to buy additional supplies.

Hernandez said the city water fund in the short term can absorb the losses. At some point, the city might have to adjust rates if reduced revenues continue. The city is preparing to do a utility rate study.

American Canyon urges residents to sign up for the My Water Portal so they can monitor water use daily to detect leaks and receive notices of unusually high use. The city reported Tuesday that 261 water customers had done so.

Go to https://bit.ly/3rFSnkZ for more information on how to participate in the My Water Portal program.

Most city water comes from the State Water Project. Snowfall in the Sierra Nevadas runs into Lake Oroville reservoir and is released to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

From there, pumps at Barker Slough in Solano County put the water into the underground North Bay Aqueduct pipeline. The North Bay Aqueduct runs through Jameson Canyon into Napa County.

Catch up on Napa County's top news stories Close
Ramiro Nunez, who has lived at the park with his family for a decade, said he may be being charged large annual rent increases and for trimming diseased trees  something mobile home advocates say is the park managements responsibility  because of his ethnicity, but he cant prove it.

We dont know if it happens to everyone, or not, he said. And there are other things. Two years ago we were told we could only have a small dog, but the manager has a big dog  the same kind of dog we wanted but were told we couldnt have.

With drivers honking in solidarity with the sign-waving protesters along American Canyon Road, most of the dozen or so picketers said their knowledge of many of the allegations are anecdotal.

Many of the non-white residents are afraid to speak up, or to come to protests like this  especially Latinos  because theyre afraid, said Vallejo Mobilehome Coalition board member Chuck Harris, a resident of a nearby park. Ive seen it over and over again.

Harris pointed out that the state of California has seen fit to enact laws to protect mobile home residents for a reason, but that many such residents are unfamiliar with their rights and are preyed upon by unscrupulous management who take advantage of peoples ignorance.
Story Highlights 47% say U.S. military involvement was a mistake; 46% say it was not

Historically, Americans have been generally supportive of the effort

56% of Democrats and 29% of Republicans now say it was a mistake

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the U.S. military continues its drawdown of troops in Afghanistan, Americans are evenly divided in their views on whether it was a mistake for the U.S. to send troops into the country nearly 20 years ago. This is in contrast with most of the readings over the past two decades, which have found Americans generally more positive than negative toward the effort there. This is only the second time that less than half of Americans (46%) say U.S. involvement was not a mistake.

Line graph. Americans' views of whether or not they think the U.S. made a mistake sending troops to fight in Afghanistan since 2001. The latest readings find 47% think it was a mistake and 46% say it was not. This is only the second time that less than half of Americans say U.S. involvement was not a mistake.

President Joe Biden's July 8 announcement confirming that the United States' military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on Aug. 31 came just after the start of Gallup's July 6-21 poll. Biden, who has long been critical of the Afghanistan War, first announced in April that he would remove U.S. troops before the 20th anniversary of 9/11, which precipitated the military action. All told, the war has claimed the lives of more than 2,400 U.S. service members, resulted in injury to more than 20,000 U.S. troops and cost the U.S. more than $2 trillion.

Views of the nation's longest war have evolved since shortly after it began in October 2001, when the U.S. public largely supported it. In early 2002, a record-high 93% of Americans said it was not a mistake to have sent troops to Afghanistan. Between 2004 and 2013, majorities continued to hold this belief, albeit in declining numbers. In 2014, U.S. adults were for the first time as likely to say it was a mistake as to say it was not; however, public opinion once again tilted against it being a mistake in 2015 and 2019. This year's reading is on par with the 2014 finding.

Gallup surveys tracking Americans' perceptions of previous wars, including Iraq, Vietnam and Korea, have found majorities at some point describing those efforts as a mistake, something that has not occurred with respect to Afghanistan.

Partisans' Views of Afghanistan War Remain Divergent

President George W. Bush first ordered U.S. troops to strike Afghanistan several weeks after 9/11 to destroy al Qaeda's base of operations and prevent future terrorist attacks against the U.S. The action initially enjoyed broad bipartisan support; yet, by 2004, 41% of Democrats considered the war in Afghanistan to be a mistake while 9% of Republicans and 31% of independents agreed.

This pattern has generally persisted throughout the course of the war, with Democrats more likely than Republicans and independents to be critical of the war. With few exceptions, at least half of Democrats viewed the war as a mistake during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

The last time less than half of Democrats said the war was a mistake was in May 2011 after Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan. Currently, 56% of Democrats, 29% of Republicans and 54% of independents think the U.S. made a mistake in sending troops to Afghanistan.

Line graph. Partisans' views of whether or not they think the U.S. made a mistake sending troops to fight in Afghanistan since 2001. The latest readings find 56% of Democrats, 29% of Republicans and 54% of independents think it was a mistake.

Bottom Line

As the U.S. military continues its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the public is now divided over whether embarking on the war was a mistake, which is among the least positive assessments in the past two decades. Still, it is more positive than some other prolonged military engagements.

Biden and those who support the drawdown assert that the U.S. has accomplished its goals in Afghanistan -- finding the terrorists who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks, killing Osama bin Laden and trying to limit the country's base of operations for terrorists. They assert that nation-building was not part of the strategy and that it has dragged on for too long and cost the U.S. too many lives and too much money. At the same time, critics of the drawdown cite concerns about the Taliban taking control of the country, more terrorist attacks against the U.S. and harm to Afghan citizens. What ultimately happens after U.S. troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan will likely affect not only Americans' perceptions of whether the war was a mistake but history's judgment as well.

To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on Twitter.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.

View complete question responses and trends (PDF download).
MIAMIWith a motorcycle police escort leading the way, the convoy of massive equipment vehicles and ladder trucks pulled up to the front of Miami Fire-Rescue headquarters just after 12:30 p.m. Friday, dozens of first responders from the South Florida Urban Search and Rescue Team/Task Force 2 immediately disembarking.

One of them was Brandon Parker, an assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and a father of two.

It had been nearly a month since he and the other team members were deployed to the town of Surfside to search for the missing victims of the 12-story Champlain Towers South condominium collapse. So, their arrival to hundreds of waiting family members, friends, and city officials on Friday was a homecoming of sorts.

But even after the welcome embraces and handshakes, the nearly 100 people who perished in the catastrophe were still fresh in Parkers thoughts.

It was always our objective to bring people out alive, and thats what kept us on the debris pile even when we were told to come off, said Parker, medical team manager for Task Force 2. At times, the family members of the victims were allowed on the scene. We were able to see and hear their anguish, and that drove us to search even harder.

South Florida Urban Search and Rescue/Task Force 2 team members, from left, Brandon Parker, a surgical critical care physician at the Miller School of Medicine, and Ahmed Abousaleh, medical coordinator for Task Force 2, at Friday's homecoming event. Photo: Robert C. Jones Jr./University of Miami

Like most people, Parker was asleep when the collapse occurred, learning of the tragic event only after awakening to watch the morning newscasts. Then, after a series of text messages from colleagues, he realized he would soon be ordered to the sighthis first deployment as a Task Force 2 team member.

It changed me forever, he said Friday, adding that working with the dedicated women and men on the team was inspiring even in the face of tragedy.

Parkers primary responsibilities were to care for team members as they rotated off the debris field and to render medical aid to any survivors. But whenever he wasnt acting in that capacity, he lent his muscle to the effort, helping to move heavy pieces of concrete and erect operational and sleeping tents.

Before Parker arrived in Surfside to begin his deployment, he had only seen images of the condo collapse on television and on social media platforms. But being at the site gave him a completely new perspective of the disaster. It was surreal, he said. To be up close and see the devastation that was contained in that pile took the words away from all of us.

He described it as an unearthly scene, one with a peculiar paucity of conversationjust the clangor of heavy machinery as Task Force 2 responders searched for any victims who may have been alive but trapped beneath the rubble.

There were times during his deployment that were emotionally demanding, such as when the 7-year-old daughter of a Miami firefighter was discovered among the victims. It was moments like that when team members turned to each other for support, Parker said.

He kept a diary during his deployment, recording his daily experiences. And having another Miller School colleague on-site, pediatric critical care physician G. Patricia Cantwell, was tremendously helpful, Parker said.

Cantwell is a longtime veteran of Task Force 2, having been deployed to ground zero in Lower Manhattan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and in Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake. She, Parker, and many other first responders have received training at the Miller Schools Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education, which Ahmed Abousaleh, medical coordinator for Task Force 2, described as indispensable.

During Fridays welcome home ceremony, City of Miami Fire Chief Joseph Zahralban acknowledged the emotional strain Task Force 2 team members experienced and pledged his departments support of those first responders. We are here for you. If youre having any difficulty, reach out to us, Zahralban said.

But it was staying busy during the deployment that probably helped Parker cope most of all, he said. There were rotations when I came off and other doctors were active. And in some ways, I think it was emotionally harder to deal with the stressors when we were not on scene, he explained. Being there and being active and feeling like you were contributing to the overall mission kept us going.
Assassination attempt suspect dies in custody in Mali

Security personnel escort an alleged attacker (C) from The Grand Faycal Mosque in Bamako on July 20. Photo: AFP

A man accused of trying to kill Mali's military strongman Assimi Goita, the figure behind two coups in less than a year, has died in custody, the government said on Sunday.



The suspect, whose identity has not been revealed, had been taken into custody following the assassination attempt after prayers for Eid al-Adha at Bamako's Grand Mosque on Tuesday.



Once in custody, "his health deteriorated" and he was then hospitalised, but "unfortunately, he has died", the government said in a statement.



According to an AFP reporter at the scene on Tuesday, Goita was whisked away after a man armed with a knife lunged at him.



The leader later appeared on state TV to say he was doing "very well" and downplayed the significance of the assault.



"That's part of being a leader, there are always malcontents," he said. "There are people who at any time may want to try things to cause instability."



Mali prosecutors had opened an inquiry into the incident.



On Sunday, the government said that an autopsy had been ordered to determine the cause of the suspect's death. (AFP)
US to end combat operations in Iraq: Biden

US to end combat operations in Iraq: Biden
About 200 nurses at Community First Medical Center in Portage Park went on strike Monday, citing safe staffing as a top concern.

The nurses are part of the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United union. They became part of the union in December 2019 and have to been negotiating to secure their first contract. The strike is scheduled to last one day, until Tuesday morning.

Main sticking points include nurse staffing and health and safety precautions for nurses, among other things, said nurse Patricia Ryan, who is on the bargaining committee.

Its not right for our patients to put on a call light and no one answers it because a nurse has seven or eight other patients, Ryan said. The union alleges that the hospital has had a turnover rate among nurses of 51% since February 2020 because of problematic working conditions.

Community First Interim CEO Jeremiah Leonard, however, said in a statement Monday that nurse staffing is not causing safety issues. He said that patient care is provided by a mix of nurses, patient care techs, respiratory therapists, physician assistants and others.

Community First has policies and protocols to evaluate daily volumes and acuity by department by each shift or more frequently as needed, Leonard said. This ensures adequate staffing for patient safety.

He also noted that the union has already accepted across-the-board pay raises of 5% to 11% and a minimum base rate for nurses of $30 an hour.

He said the hospital is using temporary, agency nurses and internal resources to care for patients during the strike.

The action at Community First follows a strike of about 900 nurses at Cook County Healths Stroger and Provident hospitals last month.

Nurses at a number of Chicago area hospitals have gone on strike in recent years, often over staffing levels that they say are unsafe.
Two New Jersey residents who were previously ordered to remove anti-Joe Biden signage from their property will be represented by a local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, according to court filings from Saturday.

Homeowner Patricia Dilascio was ordered on July 15 by Roselle Park Municipal Court Judge Gary Bundy to remove three of 10 flags displayed on her property within a week or face $250-per-day fines despite some flags being owned by her daughter Andrea Dick. The signage featured profanities and insults such as "F*** Biden," "Joe Biden Sucks," "Socialism Sucks, Biden Blows," and "Don't Blame Me I Voted For Trump," among others.

The women are now taking on the local residential ordinance they allegedly violated through representation by ACLU attorney Alexander Shalom, NJ.com reported Monday.

NEW JERSEY WOMAN REFUSING TO OBEY ORDER TO REMOVE VULGAR ANTI-BIDEN FLAGS DESPITE FINES

"All New Jerseyans have the right to express themselves freely under the First Amendment, ACLU of New Jersey Legal Director Jeanne LoCicero told the outlet. Roselle Parks ordinance against posting obscene signs should never have been applied to political signs."

Last month, a code enforcement officer slapped the home with a notice alleging violation of an ordinance that prohibits "any obscene material, communication or performance or other article or item which is obscene within the Borough." Shalom is planning to appeal to the Superior Court in Union County.

Bundy wrote in his ruling on July 15 that the case was not about politics but rather the obscene language on some of the signage displayed.

This ordinance does not restrict political speech. Neither this town [nor] its laws may abridge or eliminate Ms. Dilascios freedom of speech," Bundy wrote, noting that freedom of speech is "not simply an absolute right."

Jarrid Kantor, an attorney for the borough who argued the case in municipal court, said he thinks Bundy "upheld the ordinance as written," according to NJ.com.

Story continues

Dick told the outlet on July 23 that she has not removed the signs and plans to take the case to the Supreme Court if it is needed, one day before the ACLU filed court documents seeking to block enforcement of the judge's order until after the Superior Court appeal is adjudicated.

I feel like my First Amendment right is being stripped from me, she said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The Washington Examiner contacted the ACLU of New Jersey but did not immediately receive a response.

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Original Author: Kaelan Deese

Original Location: ACLU defending New Jersey woman fined for 'F*** Biden' signs
Employees at Activision Blizzard are calling on the company to issue a new statement in response to the lawsuit its facing from the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) . If youve been following the saga since it broke earlier in the month, you may recall the company brushed off allegations that it had fostered a frat boy workplace culture, claiming the lawsuit included distorted, and in many cases false descriptions of Blizzards past.

Now, in a letter obtained by Polygon , a group of more than 800 Activision Blizzard employees say the statement the company issued was abhorrent and insulting, and theyre demanding leadership undertake immediate corrective action. Categorizing the claims that have been made as distorted, and in many cases false creates a company atmosphere that disbelieves victims, the letter states. Our company executives have claimed that actions will be taken to protect us, but in the face of legal action  and the troubling official responses that followed  we no longer trust that our leaders will place employee safety above their own interests.

The group specifically calls out the message Frances Townsend, executive vice president of corporate affairs at the publisher, sent to employees after the news broke. In the leaked email, Townsend claims the lawsuit DFEH filed presents a distorted and untrue picture of our company, including factually incorrect, old and out of context stories  some from more than a decade ago. According to Bloombergs Jason Schreier , the response had some workers fuming. The group that signed the letter is calling on Townsend to step down as executive sponsor of the ABK Employee Womens Network.

The timing of the letter comes after Activision Blizzard reportedly held an all-hands meeting with 500 employees. The Zoom call was supposed to include the entire studio, but a scheduling error meant not everyone could join the meeting. Activision executive Joshua Taub allegedly told those in attendance he and CEO Bobby Kotick have never seen this, adding that does not mean this behavior does not happen. Taub then reportedly said, we dont publicize all of these claims, we work with the employee and the person who is accused and try to work on a resolution. The company has a second meeting planned for tomorrow, according to Uppercut.

Weve reached out to Activision Blizzard for comment.
A portion of Chicagos Lincoln Avenue could take on a new look with colorful murals, more greenery and bicycle lanes as the city seeks feedback from residents for a streetscape improvement project.

The 40th Ward, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Transportation and Chicago Department of Planning and Development, will host a virtual community meeting to discuss the project with community members at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The project aims to focus on increasing pedestrian safety, plantings and business attractions along Lincoln Avenue, according to Geoffrey Cubbage, spokesperson for Ald. Andre Vasquezs 40th Ward office.

It basically focuses on making the corridor a safer place to walk and a more pleasant place to visit businesses, Cubbage said.

The improvements will be along Lincoln Avenue from Western Avenue to Catalpa Avenue and on Catalpa Avenue from Lincoln to Western.

Officials will introduce the project to the community, review the existing condition of the infrastructure, discuss potential improvements and seek feedback from attendees at Tuesdays meeting, Cubbage said.

Officials are considering options such as widening sidewalks, planting trees and shortening crosswalks. They are also seeking feedback on whether residents would like traffic lanes, designated bicycle lanes and the option for businesses to have streetside dining, according to Cubbage.

Theyll run through some slides that show those different options and ask folks to give feedback on where their priorities are. Is it most important for them to slow traffic down? Is it most important to them to have safer crossings? Is it most important for them to have bike infrastructure? Things like that, Cubbage said.

The project builds off the 2019 Lincoln Square Master Plan, which aimed to improve the Lincoln Square area through murals, bike racks and a market street, among other things. It is funded by tax increment financing  specifically, the Lincoln Avenue TIF and the Western Avenue (North) TIF, according to Cubbage.

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The alderman is hoping to encourage more arts-themed design and create an arts district walking vibe, Cubbage said.

The public meeting is the first of three, possibly more, about the project and is open to all Chicago residents, not just residents of the 40th Ward, Cubbage said.

We dont want people to feel like its limited to the 40th Ward. There are lots of neighbors who live near here, who come and work, recreate, shop and dine on Lincoln Avenue. It is open to all. We certainly want everyone to come and make their voices heard, Cubbage said.

Residents will also be able to provide their feedback through an online survey that will be posted on the project website after the community meeting through Aug. 11.

Those interested can register for the virtual meeting here.

nagupta@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @itznavyag
The Guardian

US viewers have been able to see everything at any given moment while understanding fundamentally nothing about whats going on The womens 100m final was a brilliant spectacle but you might have had to wait to watch it. Photograph: Dylan Martinez/Reuters If theres one message the Olympics unfailingly conveys, its that elite competition is all about making the right choices. At a certain point every athlete needs to make the decision not to do certain things: the fencer lunging for the head ra
China on Monday urged the United States to be "rational" and stop "demonising" it as the highest-level US envoy to visit the Asian giant under President Joe Biden explored whether the two powers can find common ground.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman was firm on human rights and other concerns, US officials said, in the first wide-ranging meeting between the world's two largest economies since an acrimonious encounter between their top diplomats in March.

The United States had said that Sherman was looking for "guardrails" in a relationship that has deteriorated over a range of issues from cybersecurity and tech supremacy to human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi, meeting Sherman in the eastern port city of Tianjin, said the two nations should better manage their differences but warned that alleged US attempts to impede China's modernisation are "doomed to fail".

"It is hoped that the US side will have an objective and correct understanding of China, abandon arrogance and prejudice, stop acting as a preacher and return to a rational and pragmatic China policy," Wang said, as quoted by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

He warned the United States not to "infringe" on Chinese sovereignty by raising human rights and urged Washington to lift a rising number of sanctions and restrictions on technology transfers.

- Quieter setting -

Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng earlier told Sherman that the United States must stop seeing China as an "imaginary enemy".

"The hope may be that by demonising China, the US could somehow... blame China for its own structural problems," Xie said, according to China's foreign ministry.

Such language was reminiscent of senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi's fiery criticism as he met Secretary of State Antony Blinken in March in Alaska.

Unlike the talks in Anchorage, Sherman met Chinese officials away from the cameras, with US policymakers hoping to work quietly for more stability in the relationship even if they did not expect immediate progress.

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Sherman tweeted that she "spoke about the United States' commitment to healthy competition, protecting human rights and democratic values" with Wang.

A US official described the talks as "professional" but direct, with Sherman at times "brutally honest" on issues including China's alleged cyberhacking.

The State Department said she raised concerns about human rights in Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang, where the United States accuses Beijing of carrying out genocide against the mostly Muslim Uyghur people.

- 'Very clear' on concerns -

"We think it's important for us to say directly to the Chinese officials in private what we say in public," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters in Washington on Monday after the talks.

"It's in our interest to be very clear to Beijing about where we stand and explain our concerns in detail," Psaki said.

She said the United States also believed there were areas on which to work together, including on the global threat of climate change.

John Kerry, the former secretary of state turned climate envoy, has been the only other senior Biden official to visit China.

Psaki said the United States believed there were other areas "where we might align" including nuclear diplomacy with Iran and North Korea, and crises in war-battered Afghanistan and military-ruled Myanmar.

But on other regional issues, Sherman raised alarm about China's rising military moves in the Taiwan Strait as well as its claims in the dispute-rife South China Sea.

China in turn said it demanded that the United States stop pressure for a new probe into the origins of Covid-19, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

Biden has largely kept the hawkish stance on China of Donald Trump, describing the Asian power as the pre-eminent challenge to the United States, but has lowered the tone and instead emphasised working with allies and working at home to compete better.

The visit is widely viewed as a preparatory step for an eventual meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which could come at the Group of 20 summit in Rome in October.

Biden similarly met in June with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the two sides saying they wanted to reduce the room for miscalculation.

lxc/apj-sct/sst
Washington  President Biden said Monday that the U.S will not have a combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year.

Mr. Biden said the role of U.S. forces in Iraq will transition to one of advising and assisting the Iraqis in their fight against ISIS.

"We're also committed to our security cooperation  our shared fight against ISIS is critical for the stability of the region and our counterterrorism mission will continue even as we shift to this new phase we're going to talk about," Mr. Biden said.

There are currently about 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq. It is not clear how many will remain after the transition at the end of the year.

The comments came at the start of the president's meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at the White House on Monday for the final round of talks between the two countries.

Iraqi officials traveled to the U.S. for this iteration of the U.S.-Iraq strategic dialogue, which has included talks at the Pentagon and the State Department, and culminates with the meeting at the White House.

Before heading to the U.S., al-Kadhimi told the Associated Press in an interview that "there is no need for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil."

The troops in Iraq have largely already transitioned to "advise and assist" roles. The Pentagon last week did not disclose how many of the 2,500 are combat troops.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters Saturday the U.S. is in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government to "help train, advise and equip them to do things such as countering ISIS" and the U.S. doesn't want to see ISIS redevelop.

Mr. Biden's meeting with al-Kadhimi is their first in person, though the two leaders have spoken by phone. The White House visit follows meetings between senior U.S. and Iraqi officials held over the weekend at the State Department and Pentagon, during which a broad range of issues, from commerce, education and trade to the military and security in Iraq, were discussed.

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A senior Biden administration official told reporters Friday that across this latest round of talks, U.S. and Iraqi officials have discussed "shifting to a new phase in the campaign," in which the U.S. completes the combat mission against ISIS and moves to an "advisory and training mission" by the end of 2021.

The official said that a communique, to be released following Mr. Biden's meeting with al-Kadhimi, is expected to make clear that "as we formally end the combat mission and make clear that there are no American forces with a combat role in the country, Iraq has requested, and we very much agree, that they need continued training, support with logistics, intelligence, advisory capacity building  all of which will continue.

"It is a significant evolution in the mission," the official said.

The U.S. dropped down from 5,200 to about 2,500 troops in January 2021. The official would not reveal how many U.S. forces will remain in Iraq or what their capabilities are, but predicted that by the end of the year, the U.S. will be in a position to move into an "advisory and capacity-building role."

The U.S. has been involved in Iraq for much of the period between 2003 and now. The U.S. officially withdrew in 2011 but reengaged in 2014 to counter the rise of ISIS.

According to Pentagon statistics, more than 4,500 troops have died in support of operations in Iraq and more than 32,000 have been wounded.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year, an announcement that reflects the reality on the ground more than a major shift in U.S. policy.

Even before Biden took office, the main U.S. focus has been assisting Iraqi forces, not fighting on their behalf. And Biden did not say if he planned to reduce the number of troops in Iraq, now about 2,500.

The announcement comes on the heels of Bidens decision to withdraw fully from Afghanistan nearly 20 years after the U.S. launched that war in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Together, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have heavily taxed the U.S. military and kept it from devoting more attention to a rising China, which the Biden administration calls the biggest long-term security challenge.

For years, U.S. troops have played support roles in Iraq and in neighboring Syria, which was the origin of the Islamic State group that swept across the border in 2014 and captured large swaths of Iraqi territory, prompting the U.S. to send troops back to Iraq that year.

Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office session with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Biden said his administration remained committed to a partnership with Iraq  a relationship that has been increasingly complicated by Iranian-backed Iraqi militia groups. The militias want all U.S. troops out of Iraq immediately and have periodically attacked bases that house American troops.

Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Concerned Veterans for America, said U.S. troops will remain at risk.

Regardless of whether their deployment is called a combat mission, U.S. troops will remain under regular attack as long as they remain in Iraq, Caldwell said in a statement. An American military presence in Iraq is not necessary for our safety and only risks the loss of more American life.

Biden said the U.S. military will continue to assist Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State group, or ISIS. A joint U.S.-Iraq statement said the security relationship will be focused on training, advising and intelligence-sharing.

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"Our shared fight against ISIS is critical for the stability of the region and our counterterrorism operation will continue, even as we shift to this new phase were going to be talking about, Biden said.

The shift from a U.S. combat role to one focused on training and advising the Iraqi security forces was announced in April, when a joint U.S.-Iraqi statement said this transition allowed for the removal from Iraq of any remaining U.S. combat forces on a timetable to be determined later. It did not specify what combat functions the U.S. was engaged in then, nor did Biden get into such specifics on Monday.

Were not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission, he said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki declined to say how many troops would remain in Iraq by year's end.

"The numbers will be driven by what is needed for the mission over time, so it is more about moving to a more advising and training capacity from what we have had over the last several years, she said.

The U.S. troop presence has stood at about 2,500 since late last year when then-President Donald Trump ordered a reduction from 3,000.

The Iraqi government in 2017 declared victory over the Islamic State group, which is now a shell of its former self. Still, it has shown it can carry out high-casualty attacks. Last week, the group claimed responsibility for a roadside bombing that killed at least 30 people and wounded dozens in a busy suburban Baghdad market.

In his remarks alongside Biden, al-Kadhimi thanked the United States for its support.

Back home, al-Kadhimi faces no shortage of problems. Iranian-backed militias operating inside Iraq have stepped up attacks against U.S. forces in recent months, and a series of devastating hospital fires that left dozens of people dead and soaring coronavirus infections have added fresh layers of frustration for the nation.

For al-Kadhimi, the ability to offer the Iraqi public a date for the end of the U.S. combat presence could be a feather in his cap before elections scheduled for October.

Biden administration officials say al-Kadhimi also deserves credit for improving Iraqs standing in the Mideast. Last month, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Baghdad for joint meetings  the first time an Egyptian president has made an official visit since the 1990s, when ties were severed after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait.

The Iraqi prime minister made clear before his trip to Washington that he believes its time for the U.S. to wind that mission down.

There is no need for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil, al-Kadhimi told The Associated Press last weekend.

The U.S. mission of training and advising Iraqi forces has its most recent origins in President Barack Obamas decision in 2014 to send troops back to Iraq. The move was made in response to the Islamic State groups takeover of large portions of western and northern Iraq and a collapse of Iraqi security forces that appeared to threaten Baghdad. Obama had fully withdrawn U.S. forces from Iraq in 2011, eight years after the U.S. invasion.

Pentagon officials for years have tried to balance what they see as a necessary military presence to support the Iraqi governments fight against IS with domestic political sensitivities in Iraq to a foreign troop presence.

The vulnerability of U.S. troops was demonstrated most dramatically in January 2020 when Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on al-Asad air base in western Iraq. No Americans were killed, but dozens suffered traumatic brain injury from the blasts. That attack came shortly after a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian military commander Qassim Soleimani and senior Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad International Airport.

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Associated Press writer Samya Kullab contributed to this report.
Julia Christine Devlin

Shenandoah National Park Service Julia Christine Devlin

Authorities believe they have found the body of a missing University of Virginia (UVA) economics lecturer, who disappeared after her car was wrecked in Shenandoah National Park.

Park officials announced in a press release on Saturday that they had found a female body at 10 a.m. in an "extremely steep and rough terrain in the southernmost part of the park."

Based on a preliminary identification of the remains, authorities said they believe the body belongs to 55-year-old Julia Christine Devlin, who was last seen close to two weeks ago on July 14.

The body is now being transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Augusta County for "positive ID and determination of [the] cause of death," according to park officials.

A spokesperson for the park tells PEOPLE that the remains were found about 600 meters from Devlin's car, and that after the vehicle was wrecked, she crossed Skyline Drive and headed to the other side of a cliff face.

The search for Devlin, conducted by Shenandoah National Park with support from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Albemarle Sheriff's Department, the FBI, and the NPS Investigative Services Branch, has since been suspended, the press release said.

Julia Christine Devlin

Shenandoah National Park Service

RELATED: University of Virginia Lecturer Is Missing After Car Wreck at Shenandoah National Park

As PEOPLE previously reported, Devlin was last spotted on security footage when her white Lexus sedan entered Shenandoah National Park in Charlottesville on July 14.

Park officials said her her vehicle was found wrecked and abandoned in the southern part of the park three days later, prompting an investigation.

Following her disappearance, a close friend of Devlin's called the situation "heartbreaking" and said Devlin would never vanish or go this long without contacting her mother or her sister, according to ABC affiliate WHSV.

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RELATED VIDEO: Body Found at Grand Canyon May Be Missing LA Woman

Brian Coy, a spokesperson for UVA, also issued a statement to NBC affiliate WVIR, saying the university was hoping for her safe return and urging anyone with information to contact authorities.

Since the discovery, Coy has not publicly commented on the matter. He did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

At this time, it is unclear what caused Devlin's disappearance, or if foul play was a factor. An investigation into her death is ongoing.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Medical Examiner in Augusta County did not return PEOPLE's request for comment.
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  Bosnian Serb political representatives have pledged to block decision-making in the countrys institutions in protest over a recent move by the top international envoy in Bosnia to outlaw genocide denial.

We will not live in a country where someone can impose a law by simply publishing it on his website, Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of Bosnias joint presidency, said Monday.

Dodik spoke after a meeting of leaders of all Bosnian Serb political parties to discuss the imposition on Friday by U.N. High Representative to Bosnia Valentin Inzko of changes to the countrys criminal code. The imposed changes introduce prison sentences of up to five years for genocide denial and the glorification of war criminals.

Dodik repeatedly said over the weekend that Inzkos decision should serve as a final push for secession of Bosnian Serb lands from the rest of the country.

In a decision published after their meeting on Monday, Bosnian Serb political representatives said they considered Inzkos decision unacceptable and void, announcing they will confront it by boycotting the work of the countrys multi-ethnic presidency, parliament and government.

Under the terms of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement that ended Bosnias 1992-95 interethnic war, the country was carved into highly autonomous Serb-run Republika Srpska and a federation shared by Bosniaks and Croats. The two are linked by joint institutions and all the decisions on the state level have to be reached by consensus of the three ethnic groups.

As the top international envoy overseeing implementation of the peace agreement, the High Representative was given the authority to impose laws or dismiss officials who undermine the post-war ethnic balance and reconciliation efforts.

In the immediate post-war years, the international community kept Bosnia on a reform course, pressuring its leaders to accept painful compromises in return for financial and other support.

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But over a decade ago, as the international focus shifted to other global crises, Bosnia was mostly left to its own devices. This has encouraged Bosnian Serb leaders, Dodik in particular, to increasingly call into question the countrys continued existence and stoke ethnic tensions by downplaying or denying the crimes committed by their ethnic kin during the war.

They have been denying with particular gusto the scope of the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica, Europes only acknowledged genocide since World War II.

The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court for Former Yugoslavia declared the Bosnian Serb killings of more than 8,000 Bosniaks that took place in Srebrenica in July 1995 as genocide. But Bosnian Serb officials and neighboring Serbia have refused to accept the designation.

Bosnian Serbs also have honored their wartime leader, Radovan Karadzic, and military commander Ratko Mladic as heroes, although both have been convicted of genocide and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Hague-based tribunal. Murals featuring Mladic and Karadzic can be seen in many towns in the Serb-run part of Bosnia.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Botswana sent military troops to Mozambique on Monday, becoming the first country of the 16-nation Southern African Development Community to dispatch soldiers to help battle an Islamic extremist insurgency in northern Cabo Delgado province.

Botswanas president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, said the troops would work with Mozambiques armed forces and soldiers sent by other members of the regional bloc, known as SADC, to put down the insurgency in which more than 3,000 people have died since 2017..

Botswanas troops will join 1,000 soldiers who arrived in Mozambique earlier this month from Rwanda, which is not an SADC member. The Rwandan troops reported to already be in action; local news site Carta de Mocambique said they had killed 30 insurgents last week.

The SADC mission in Mozambique will be led by South African Maj. Gen. Xolani Mankayi, who is in Mozambique as part of an advance deployment.

More troops are expected from other SADC member countries, including Tanzania and Angola, local newssheet Mediafax reported Monday, citing Mozambiques defense ministry.

The regional body last month approved a $12 million budget for the deployment of the Standby Force Mission for Mozambique. Earlier this year, military experts from the group recommended that the SADC send about 3,000 soldiers with arms, helicopters, airplanes, and naval ships.

The World Food Program has warned of a growing hunger crisis, saying nearly 1 million people need food aid as a result of the conflict.

The insurgency in northern Mozambique started in Cabo Delgado province in 2017 and has grown rapidly in the past year. The rebels have held the port of Mocimboa da Praia for nearly a year and have repeatedly attacked the strategic center of Palma, forcing the French energy firm Total to suspend its $20 billion liquified natural gas project there.

The United States sent 12 special forces officers to help train Mozambiques military. The European Union has approved sending a military training mission to build on a program provided by Portugal, according to a recent report by Cabo Ligado, which reports on the conflict with the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project.

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A private military contractor, Dyck Advisory Group, provided helicopter air support to Mozambiques police, but its contract expired at the start of April and was not renewed.

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Bowker reported from Belgrade, Serbia.
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Crist attacked Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sunday, accusing him of playing Republican presidential politics on the Texas border  while COVID-19 infections are rising and people are dying in Florida.

During a campaign appearance in Broward County, Crist pointed to the recent increase in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths. You know whats happening. We have gone to the top. And it is a dubious distinction, he said. And why is that? Because we dont have leadership.

Crist then dialed up the rhetoric before several hundred people at the Deerfield Beach Democratic Club.

Whats he [DeSantis] doing about it? Hes going to Texas. He goes to the border. Texas. Youre the governor of Florida, you know, Crist said. He doesnt understand. And you know hes spending our tax dollars out there giving our law enforcement to Texas while people are dying in Florida. Unbelievable.

Crist was referring to DeSantis decision to send Florida law enforcement personnel to help patrol the Texas border, a move that infuriated Democrats, who consider it a political stunt. On July 17, DeSantis followed up by leading a Florida delegation to Texas for a border security briefing.

Meanwhile, Florida leads the nation in COVID-19 infections as the delta variant affects the unvaccinated. On Friday, the state reported a weekly total of 73,199 infections. Three weeks ago, the weekly total of new cases was 15,978. The test positivity rate increased to 15.1%, up from 5.2% three weeks ago.

DeSantis, up for re-election in 2022 and expected to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, has sought to brand himself as the potential candidate most closely aligned with former President Donald Trump  in both style and substance  with priorities that appeal to the Republican base in Florida and the rest of the country.

He has touted Florida as an oasis of freedom from coronavirus restrictions and his campaign website is selling merchandise proclaiming Dont Fauci My Florida and How the hell am I going to be able to drink a beer with a mask on?

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Democrats have consistently faulted his approach. Social media critics refer to him as DeathSantis.

I love Florida. I love her with all my heart, Crist said. Floridas special. This current governor is running for president. Hes treating Florida like shes a stepping stone. Florida is special. She is not a stepping stone.

On Sunday, Crist renewed criticisms from the early days of vaccine availability, accusing DeSantis of prioritizing protecting the wealthy and campaign contributors. DeSantis has vigorously denied any politics in decision-making, saying his central goal was getting vaccines to the states older, most vulnerable residents as quickly as possible.

Youve got to be white, Republican and rich to get a vaccine from Ron, Crist asserted. Unbelievable. And thats the kind of leadership we have. Is that ethical? Is that fair? Is that Just? It is not. You deserve better.

Crist said DeSantis should be constantly promoting vaccines and other ways to prevent the spread of the virus. People need to be informed about getting vaccinated over and over and over again. And wearing masks inside when were inside and were close.

The Deerfield Beach Democratic Club attracted several hundred people for what former Broward Democratic Chairman Mitch Ceasar said was the largest indoor party event since the start of the pandemic.

Centers for Disease Control guidelines say people who are vaccinated dont have to wear masks, and many who attended the event at the Century Village condominium community werent masked.

Crist wore a mask while he worked the crowd, shaking hands, hugging and taking selfies with attendees. He took off the mask for a 10-minute speech, with a large separation between him and the audience.

Later, when club leaders presented him with a birthday cake  Crist turned 65 on Saturday  he pulled down his mask to blow out two candles.

Republican response

Governor DeSantis is successfully defending the interests of Florida residents and his only goal is to lead Republicans to a resounding victory in the Sunshine State 2022, Helen Aguirre Ferre, executive director of the Republican Party of Florida, said Sunday via text message. Thanks to Governor DeSantis, Florida is booming as a free and open state and the number of residents from other states who are calling Florida home agree with his policies.

Ferre said DeSantis has ensured the safety of our elderly residents first with vaccination programs that prioritized their needs. Vaccination sites and private sector facilities have ensured that all who want to be vaccinated can receive the vaccine. If you are fully vaccinated without underlying health issues, you have almost zero chance of dying from Covid, something that forced masking and government forced lockdowns cant do. "

She said Crist doesnt recognize open borders as a danger to Florida which is no surprise because he ignores the rule of law which is dangerous. And, Ferre said, with 70% of those crossing the border intending to come to Florida, DeSantis actions are protecting the states residents from organized crime, human trafficking, illegal arms and dangerous drugs like fentanyl.

To say focusing on public safety is wasting taxpayer dollars should disqualify Charlie from living off the public dime, Ferre said.

Trademark Crist

Crist also said DeSantis is trying to trick people into thinking he supports public education through the distribution of $1,000 bonuses for schoolteachers, something he ridiculed as a $1,000 tip.

Governor, if you really love teachers and you really respect what they do, then give them a raise, he said. They deserve a raise. Its called r-e-s-p-e-c-t.

Many of Crists remarks Sunday were vintage Crist: Its great to be in beautiful Broward, I want to remember my dear friend [the late] Alcee Hastings. ... I miss him dearly. I miss him every day. You remember Barack Obama. I love him.

Elected officials and candidates from throughout Broward attended the event. Max Flugrath, communications director for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, said Fried had a commitment elsewhere and couldnt attend the Deerfield Beach event.

Crist served as the Republican governor from 2007 to 2011 before becoming a Democrat, losing a 2014 attempt to win back the governors office, and winning election to a St. Petersburg-based congressional seat three times.

He had lots of fans in Deerfield Beach. He was our favorite Republican governor, said Daphne Edwards of Lauderdale Lakes. We love Charlie, said Rosemary Cowan of Tamarac.

And Bernie Parness, a long time Democratic leader and Deerfield Beach city commissioner, praised Crist.

Right now, I think hes the best candidate. I havent heard anyone more intelligent or [who] has a better grasp of the issues facing Florida, Parness said. Unless someone changes his mind, Im for Charlie 150%.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California will require state employees and all health care workers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or get tested weekly as officials aim to slow rising coronavirus infections, mostly among the unvaccinated.

The new rule will take effect next month, officials announced Monday. There are at least 238,000 state employees, according to the California controller's office. Health officials couldn't immediately provide an estimate on size of the health care workforce in the nation's most populated state.

About 62% of all eligible Californians are fully vaccinated, and the state has struggled to make significant progress in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the more contagious delta variant now makes up an estimated 80% of infections in California. Hospitalizations are on the rise, though still far below where they were during the winter peak.

New York City also announced Monday that it will require all of its municipal workers  including teachers and police officers  to get coronavirus vaccines by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing.

In California, the rising cases come against the political backdrop of an upcoming recall election against Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. He allowed the state to reopen on June 15 and has been hesitant to impose new requirements on mask-wearing or social distancing, even as major counties  including Los Angeles County  require or urge residents to again wear masks indoors.

Voters will start receiving ballots in the mail in about three weeks, with election day scheduled for Sept. 14.
Nurse Cherry Costales, center, prepares a COVID-19 vaccination at St. John's Well Child & Family Center in January. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

With COVID-19 surging in California, state officials are taking another big step aimed at slowing the spread.

Those who work for the state of California, or in public or private healthcare settings, soon will be required to show proof theyve been vaccinated against COVID-19. If they aren't vaccinated, or decline to show such documentation, they'll have to be tested for infection regularly.

The new guidance comes as various cities, educational institutions and private businesses are taking similar steps in hopes of curbing the latest resurgence in coronavirus transmission.

Here is a breakdown of the latest rules:

What are the new requirements?

When the new policy goes into effect, state workers will have to show their vaccine status. Those who are unvaccinated, or decline to show proof, will be tested for coronavirus infection at least once a week, according to the California Department of Human Resources.

Public and private healthcare workers will be subject to similar requirements. Those who are unvaccinated will also be subject to testing at least once a week and will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as masks.

"This requirement also applies to high-risk congregate settings like adult and senior residential facilities, homeless shelters and jails," according to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom's office.

For state workers, the new policy will go into effect starting Aug. 2, with testing "phased in over the next few weeks," officials said Monday. The requirements for healthcare and congregate settings will become effective Aug. 9, though healthcare facilities will have until Aug. 23 to come into compliance.

Is this a mandate?

No. But the new policy effectively removes the honor system in which some workers were able to self-attest to their vaccination status.

Why is California doing this?

Officials are struggling with a new spike in cases.

Over the last week, California has reported an average of 5,800 new coronavirus cases per day, according to data compiled by The Times.

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Thats six times the rate seen a month ago  though still well below the massive infection counts seen during the fall and winter surge, when the state was recording more than 40,000 daily cases on average.

Hospitalizations, too, have climbed significantly in recent weeks. On Saturday, 2,781 coronavirus-positive patients were hospitalized statewide, with 617 of them in intensive care, state data show.

Both those figures have more than doubled over the last month.

As the states largest employer, we are leading by example and requiring all state and health care workers to show proof of vaccination or be tested regularly, and we are encouraging local governments and businesses to do the same. Vaccines are safe. They protect our family, those who truly cant get vaccinated, our children and our economy. Vaccines are the way we end this pandemic," Newsom said in a statement Monday.

What are others doing?

Some businesses are requiring vaccinations as workers return to offices. Hollywood has been working on ways to get people vaccinated on sets.

A few government agencies are trying to combat the surge by requiring workers and others to be vaccinated.

Pasadena last week said it will require all city employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 once the shots receive full federal approval. The new vaccination requirement comes days after approximately a dozen workers tested positive for COVID-19 and several others were forced to quarantine, city spokesperson Lisa Derderian said.

The city has more than 2,000 employees, and about 60% of them have self-reported being vaccinated, Derderian said.

The vaccination requirement will not go into effect until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves at least one of the three vaccines that have been given emergency authorization.

Pasadena is the first Southern California city to issue such a rule; it follows in the steps of San Francisco, which decided last month to issue a similar order for its 35,000 municipal workers.

The University of California system also announced last week it would require vaccines for all students, faculty and others for the fall term.

New York City is also going to require city workers to be vaccinated or submit to regular testing.

And on Monday, the Department of Veterans Affairs became the first major federal agency to require that healthcare workers get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Times staff writer Faith E. Pinho and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
China's vice foreign minister lashed out at the U.S. during the visit of the State Department's No. 2 diplomat on Monday, accusing the Biden administration of "demonizing" Beijing as an "imagined enemy," according to remarks released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Why it matters: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman became the highest-ranking Biden administration official to visit China when she met her counterpart Xie Feng in Tianjin.

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Driving the news: Like the first high-level U.S.-China meeting in Alaska in March, the talks quickly turned confrontational  a sign that tensions between the world's two largest economies are unlikely to abate, despite the diplomatic outreach.

The Biden administration has sought to rally a global coalition of allies to confront China over its human rights and economic abuses, while also seeking to cooperate with Beijing on issues like climate change.

Chinese diplomats presented Sherman with a host of demands, including the revocation of sanctions, visa restrictions and the U.S. extradition request for Huawai CFO Meng Wanzhou, according to state media.

Xie also reiterated China's insistence that the U.S. cease its criticism of the crackdowns in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, which Beijing has characterized as "interference" in domestic affairs.

What they're saying: "The Chinese people look at things with eyes wide open, Xie said. "They see the competitive, collaborative and adversarial rhetoric as a thinly veiled attempt to contain and suppress China."

China feels "that the real emphasis is on the adversarial aspect; the collaborative aspect is just an expediency, Xie told Sherman, according to the Foreign Ministry's summary.

"The hope may be that by demonizing China, the U.S. could somehow shift domestic public discontent over political, economic and social issues and blame China for its own structural problems," Xie said. "It seems that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down."

The other side: In addition to raising the issue of China's human rights abuses, Sherman voiced concerns about the massive cyberattacks carried out by Chinese state-backed actors, as well as the Chinese military's aggression in the South China Sea, according to a State Department readout.

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What to watch: Also this week, Secretary of State Blinken travels to India, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin becomes the first member of Biden's Cabinet to visit Southeast Asia.

Austin, in a keynote speech in Singapore tomorrow and in meetings in Vietnam and the Philippines, "will call out aggressive Chinese behavior in the South China Sea," Reuters reports.

The visits come ahead of a potential in-person meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, possibly at the G20 summit in October.

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Iqbal Khan, CEO International Wealth Management of Swiss bank Credit Suisse. Photo: Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters

Credit Suisse Group (CS) said on Sunday that it had reached a settlement over a spying scandal involving former executive Iqbal Khan that had shaken the bank, and led to its CEO Tidjane Thiam stepping down in February last year.

The bank said that all parties had agreed to settle  including Khan, his wife and the private detective firm Investigo. "This matter is now closed," the bank said.

A probe by the Swiss financial regulator Finma into surveillance activities by the bank is still ongoing.

Back in 2019, Credit Suisse hired a private investigator to trail Khan, who had been tipped as the next CEO before leaving to work at rival UBS Group.

There was a physical altercation between Khan and the people following him, leading to investigations by Zurich's prosecutor and the company's board.

The settlement brings to close a string of scandals in recent months for one of Europe's largest lenders, which is now also facing an exodus of senior bankers.

The bank has faced a double blow from the collapse of Archegos Capital Management and Greensill Capital. Credit Suisse had warned that Archegos would cost it $4.7bn (3.4bn) in losses, while it also ran funds for Greensill totalling $10bn which had to be frozen.

Read more: FTSE falls as UK's third wave begins to ease

Credit Suisse shares are down about 20% this year, despite a nascent recovery in banking stocks due to optimism for a strong economic recovery post-COVID.

It comes ahead of the bank's Q2 earnings, due this week on Thursday. New chairman Antonio Horta-Osorio has pledged a review of the bank's businesses in coming months.

Watch: Archegos fund blow up sends shockwaves through Wall Street
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared, "If you boycott Israel, New York State will boycott you," and signed an executive order calling for divestment from companies that boycott the Jewish state  but that was in 2016 and he is now being called upon to follow through.

Cuomo, who delivered a public address and authored a Washington Post op-ed to announce the 2016 order, has been silent ever since Ben & Jerry's announced that it was going to cease selling its products in the West Bank due to the presence of Jewish settlements in the territory.

TEXAS CONSIDERS BANNING BEN & JERRY'S OVER ISRAEL BOYCOTT

"I call on him to enforce his order that bans the State of New York from doing business with companies that engage in the anti-Semitic BDS movement," Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., told the New York Post in reference to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement that targets Israel.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., pointed to the increase of anti-Semitic incidents in New York, telling the newspaper that "its critically important for the state to reinforce its position and show support for members of our Jewish community."

Republicans are not the only ones calling on Cuomo to take action. Former Democratic New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind posted a video statement to Twitter on Sunday in which he implored Cuomo to follow through on his 2016 order.

"Where is the governor now to act while this boycott is going on? Why is the governor not speaking out?" Hikind asked.

"Governor Cuomo, you got a lot of attention for doing the right thing in 2016," Hikind added. "Now is your opportunity to act against the anti-Semitic BDS movement directed against the Jewish people. We are waiting to hear from you."

GOP LAWMAKERS PUSH BACK AGAINST BEN & JERRY'S AFTER WEST BANK BOYCOTT ANNOUNCEMENT

The BDS initiative is aimed at trying to harm Israel's economy and public image by getting companies and organizations to cease doing business there. Ben & Jerry's stated that while it will not sell its ice cream in the West Bank, also known as Judea and Samaria, it will still do business in Israel itself.

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The Palestinian BDS National Committee said they "warmly welcome" Ben & Jerry's decision, which they said came "[f]ollowing years of #BDS campaigns." They went on to urge the company to pull out of Israel altogether.

Cuomo's 2016 order specifically mentioned the BDS movement, stating that "the State of New York unequivocally rejects the BDS campaign and stands firmly with Israel," and that "the State of New York will not permit its own investment activity to further the BDS campaign in any way, shape or form, whether directly or indirectly."

To that end, the executive order called on the commissioner of the Office of General Services to form a list of entities that boycott Israel, and for the state to divest assets and cease further investments into those entities. The order also says the list shall be updated every 180 days, allowing for new entities to be added. Those on the list can be removed if they show that they are not part of the boycott effort.

Fox News reached out to Cuomo's office asking if the governor has any comment on the matter and if the state intends to add Ben & Jerry's or its parent company Unilever to the list, but they did not immediately respond. Cuomo's senior adviser Rich Azzopardi told the Post that "this is under legal review."

Unilever said in a statement that they "remain fully committed to our presence in Israel," and pointed to their 2000 acquisition agreement with Ben & Jerry's that "recognised the right of the brand and its independent Board to take decisions about its social mission."
Democratic mayoral nominee Eric Adams indicated on Sunday that he would weigh stricter measures to contain COVID in New York City if the numbers keep going in the wrong direction.

Most COVID-related regulations in the city ended at the start of the summer, but the number of cases has tripled in the Big Apple in recent weeks amid a rise nationwide.

If we see that the numbers continue to uptick, then lets adjust, Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, said in an interview on WABC-TV. Lets be smart. Lets be ready to switch what were doing to keep the city safe.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has urged businesses to require employee vaccinations.

Hes also requiring public hospital employees to get vaccinated or submit to weekly tests, though hes shied away from a wider jab mandate for New Yorkers to attend public events, as is the case in France.

Adams said in the interview that he plans to attend one of five upcoming concerts scheduled to mark the citys recovery from the pandemic  with a caveat.

Lets not be so rigid that we feel, just because we planned a concert that ... the show must go on, he said.

If we feel that its going to do anything to jeopardize the safety of the city and have us go backward, to do another shutdown like whats happening in other parts of the country  I say no to that, he said.

Adams won the Democratic primary for mayor in June by less than a percentage point and is expected to cruise to victory in the November general election in overwhelmingly Democratic New York City.

He promised to tap big bucks from the private sector and tap ideas from his former rivals.

When you look at the billions of dollars that go into nonprofits, they come from affluent New Yorkers. Its important that we build this community-corporate partnership, Adams said.

Theres some things government can do well, and there are things that outside entities do far better, he added.

Adams said he has had meetings with several of his campaign opponents and spoken with all of the top candidates since he was declared the Democratic winner on July 6.

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The former NYPD captain said he is setting up an extensive transition team that will look closely at some of his rivals ideas, praising left-wing candidate Dianne Morales for her call to use more mental health professionals and fewer cops in some situations.

Talking public safety, he reiterated his promise to crack down on crime, an issue he put at the center of his campaign.

Under his watch, the NYPD would go after those gangs  we know who they are  and really talk them out of violence but at the same time, have an appropriate police response with precision policing, Adams said.

______
The recent deadly heat wave in the Pacific Northwest, during which all-time temperature records were shattered by several degrees, is a prologue to what is coming across much of the U.S., Europe and Asia, a new study finds.

Why it matters: The study shows that the rate of climate change is an under-appreciated driver of extreme heat, and that today's quickening pace of warming virtually guarantees more extreme temperature records in coming decades.

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The study, published Monday in Nature Climate Change, also finds that looking to past extreme temperatures when making infrastructure decisions offers a poor guide to the future given how quickly human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are transforming the likelihood of unprecedented heat extremes.

Details: The study shows that the rate of warming, rather than the absolute amount of warming compared to preindustrial levels, is an important determining factor in how likely it is that heat waves will greatly exceed temperatures previously observed in a particular location.

What they did: Using computer models and records of past weather events, Erich Fischer and his colleagues at ETH Zurich examined how the chances for record-shattering heat waves has been shifting and will continue to change as global warming continues.

They focused on the occurrence of week-long, record-shattering heat waves, such as the one that recently occurred in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, and examined how these probabilities would change depending on the rate and amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

By the numbers: During the Pacific Northwest's deadly heat wave, Seattle hit an all-time high of 108F, while Portland shattered its old record to reach 116F. The previous record in Portland was just 107F, whereas Seattle had only seen the mercury rise to 103F prior to this event.

Typically, all-time temperature records are exceeded by fractions of a degree.

The study found that under a high emissions scenario, record-shattering heat extremes (at least three standard deviations from average) are two to seven times more likely during the 2021-2050 period, and three to 21 times more likely during the 2051-2080 period.

The greatest frequency of these heat extremes would occur during periods of faster warming immediately following years of relatively flat temperature growth.

The planet is currently warming at a rate of about 0.18C, or 0.32F per decade, according to NOAA. This is considerably faster than the warming rate during the previous 40 years, which puts us at greater risk of unprecedented heat.

What they're saying: "The main message is that we need to prepare for more record heat events in the coming decades that shatter previous record temperatures by large margins," Fischer told Axios via email.

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"Because the probability of record-shattering events is directly related to the speed of warming, this is yet another piece of the puzzle that demonstrates that in order to reduce the risk of such record-shattering heat, greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced very rapidly," Fischer said.

Outside experts who were not part of the new study told Axios the research helps explain what's being seen in the real world.

"All I can say is: wow, what a remarkably prescient paper," said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA, noting that it was completed and submitted for publication prior to the heat waves this summer.

"The notion that events we assumed were vanishingly rare or impossible, due to our relatively limited historical record, are probably not nearly so rare in the real world," Swain added, noting that in the case of the Pacific Northwest heat event, unusual but not unheard of weather patterns were able to produce astonishing temperature records.

"We don't need to invoke some kind of exotic new mechanism for so-called 'black swan' heatwaves," he said. "All it takes is to get unlucky with a confluence of the same ingredients that produced lesser historical heatwaves."

Friederike Otto, who helps lead the global effort to analyze climate change's role in producing extreme weather events, said the paper shows that even very rare events like the Pacific Northwest heat wave are "increasing rapidly in likelihood with still increasing warming rates."

On the other hand, Michael Mann of Penn State University told Axios that model shortcomings regarding the physics of extreme events and atmospheric circulation means that the new study's projections are quite uncertain.

What's next: Even if world leaders decide to slash greenhouse gas emissions in the near-term to avoid potentially devastating amounts of global warming, unprecedented heat extremes will still grow more common and damaging during the next several decades due to the lag time that the planet's climate has.

Go deeper: In summer of apocalyptic weather, concerns emerge over climate science blind spot

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President Joe Biden announced the end of the combat mission in Iraq. Olympic organizers are keeping a close watch on the weather as a tropical storm approaches. And a fast-moving wildfire in California merged with another blaze.

It's Laura, and I've got a whole slew of news for Monday.

But first, ossu!  That's Japanese slang for "Whats up, dude?" One of the most challenging languages is on full display at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Check out these slang phrases  and learn what makes Japanese so unique.

The Short List is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. Subscribe to the newsletter here or text messages here.

Biden announces end of combat operations in Iraq

There are about 2,500 troops still in Iraq, but President Joe Biden said Monday the United States will end its combat mission there by the end of the year. "Were not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat zone," Biden said at the start of an Oval Office meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Biden said U.S. troops would continue to train and assist Iraqi forces as they battle the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who described the efforts as "a change of mission" during a briefing, declined to say how many troops would remain in Iraq. America's military presence in Iraq became a flashpoint between the two allies after the Trump administration targeted Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a fatal drone strike in 2020.

Iraqis inspect the site of an explosion in a market in the Shiite-majority Sadr City neighborhood, east of the capital Baghdad, on July 20. Iraqis mourned at least 36 people killed when a bomb ripped through the market in what Islamic State jihadists claimed was a suicide attack.

Surfing switcharoo

Surf's up! Mother Nature's latest challenge to the first Olympic surfing competition means the finals are being condensed. Volatile weather and surf conditions are expected from a tropical storm by the name of Nepartak that's heading Japan's way and could affect several events. Waves have been few and far between for the Olympians competing in Tsurigasaki, but the impending storm is likely to provide better surf conditions Tuesday. The storm could stir up 7-foot-high waves, but high wind speeds could lead to overly choppy waters. The surf is expected to die down by Wednesday in Japan, so the surfing competition is taking advantage of the small but promising window to give athletes a competitive final. Both the men's and women's finals will be run back to back Tuesday morning, rather than running one final Tuesday and one Wednesday.

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A wave breaks at Tsurigasaki beach where surfers will compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Ichinomiya, Japan.

What everyone's talking about

Vaccine or weekly coronavirus test?

In some places, workers face a choice. New York City will require teachers, police officers and the rest of its 340,000 city employees to get coronavirus vaccines by mid-September or face weekly testing, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday. California also unveiled a vaccine verification program Monday for all state and health care employees, which requires evidence of vaccination from employees by Aug. 2 or mandatory testing. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced an even stricter order, saying vaccines would be mandatory for its health care workers because of concerns about the delta variant.

Travel still restricted: The United States has no plans to lift travel restrictions at this point, given the rise of the delta variant, continuing to deny entry for people from the European Schengen area, United Kingdom and other countries.

 Here's the latest, including which countries are under travel restrictions.

Travelers check in at the American Airlines self-ticket counter at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on July 2.

'They swept it under the rug'

Little has changed in how the cheerleading industry handles sexual misconduct since a USA TODAY investigation last year revealed an array of problems. A case study is Cheer Extreme, a powerhouse gym that has won more than a thousand titles and has franchises in multiple states. In North Carolina, the company let a man facing felony charges for sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy teach lessons and practice at its gym, even after it was warned about the criminal case.

Gabriela Medford, 19, says she was at the house of a cheerleader friend during high school when she was sexually assaulted by Curtis Rucker, a Cheer Extreme coach. Gabriela went to the police, and Rucker was charged in 2018 with felony second-degree forcible sexual offense and misdemeanor sexual battery. He pleaded to a lesser charge of felony crime against nature. Gabrielas mother said that after the assault, she called the owner of Cheer Extreme and told them what Curtis had done, but they dismissed her concerns because he had not yet been arrested.

Real quick

Wild, wild Western wildfires

More homes burned and 10,000 others remained threatened Monday as a fast-growing Northern California wildfire merged with another blaze and swept through the Plumas County community of Indian Falls. A damage assessment of the town was not available early Monday. Firefighters carrying hand tools were forced to hike through rugged terrain where engines cant go, said Rick Carhart, spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The fire, which started burning less than two weeks ago, has consumed 300 square miles of forest, brush and homes. More than 5,000 firefighters are battling the combined blaze, and strike teams with engines were in nearby communities totaling just a few dozen residents, to save what homes they could as the fire intensified. The fire was among 86 large fires burning across 12 states, devouring more than 2,300 square miles of mostly forest and brush.

Photo gallery: Wildfires sweep across California, Western states.

Southwest monsoon rain brings drought relief  but also dangerous flooding.

A mother's tragic story: Finding a way to heal after fatal Oregon wildfire.

The Dixie Fire burns behind a bridge in Plumas County, Calif., on July 25.

A break from the news

 Too hot to sleep? 10 bedding products to keep you cool all night long.

 Wear your Team USA pride with these 10 Olympic fashion picks.

 Haven't gotten your child tax credit payment? Here's what to do.

This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for The Short List newsletter here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden, Iraqi PM announce end of combat mission, Tokyo Olympics, California wildfire, COVID-19. It's Monday's news.
It looks like restaurants in Fayetteville will soon be allowed to use single-use expanded polystyrene containers again.

What's happening: The City Council will look at amending its ban on polystyrene containers to allow the material to be used at food establishments, according to its Tuesday agenda. The official vote won't be until next week.

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The city has little choice because the state legislature recently passed a law limiting cities' ability to restrict containers at places the cities do not own or operate.

Why it matters: Polystyrene is bad for the environment.

It's not easy to recycle, takes approximately 500 years to decompose, and can be toxic to people or animals when it gets into the air and waterways.

Yes, but: Alternative containers are generally more expensive for restaurants, and that cost typically gets passed along to customers.

Context: Fayetteville has a history of butting heads with the state government.

The state legislature passed the Intrastate Commerce Improvement Act in response to the city's 2015 civil rights ordinance that prohibited businesses or landlords from LGBTQ discrimination. The ordinance was then struck down by the Arkansas Supreme Court.

The city instituted a mask mandate early in the pandemic, raising questions about its authority to do so. (Soon after, a statewide mask mandate took effect, making the city-specific rules irrelevant.)

What's next: The city could offer businesses incentives to voluntarily avoid polystyrene.

Attend the meeting: 4:30pm Tuesday at City Hall or register here in advance to watch online.

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Its been a day of former Ohio State defensive lineman inking deals in the NFL. First, a report from Adam Schefter surfaced announcing that Sam Hubbard had agreed to a contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Quickly followed by that, was an announcement by the Tennessee Titans that they have come to terms with former Buckeye John Simon. Contract terms were not immediately available, but itll be the fifth team Simon has played for over his eight-year career. Simon was drafted by the Ravens in the 2013 NFL draft, and also spent time with the Texans, Colts, and most recently, the Patriots.

During his NFL career so far, Simon has played in 97 games, with 52 starts. Hes recorded 277 tackles, and 21 sacks, 25 tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles.

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Now, Simon will get a shot to continue his career playing under another former Buckeye defensive end, Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel.

List

Three Buckeyes with top 15 odds for NFL's Comeback Player of The Year View 3 items

3 former Buckeyes in top 15 odds for NFL Comeback Player of the Year

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
Former Sen. Barbara Boxer was shoved from behind and robbed of her cellphone in Oakland, California, on Monday, a message from her Twitter account said.

Boxer, 80, was assaulted in the Jack London Square neighborhood.

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"The assailant pushed her in the back, stole her cell phone and jumped in a waiting car. She is thankful that she was not seriously injured," the message read.

Oakland police said a strong-arm robbery that occurred on Third Street around 1:15 p.m. is under investigation but did not identify the victim in a statement.

Jack London Square  on Oakland's south waterfront, next to Alameda  is an entertainment district about 6 miles from the Oakland Athletics' ballpark.

Boxer, a Democrat, was a U.S. representative for 10 years and then a senator for 24 years, representing California.

Boxer was first elected as a U.S. representative in 1982. She was elected to the Senate in 1992.

She did not seek re-election in 2016.
Photo credit: Ford

General Motors filed a lawsuit Friday in a California federal court accusing Ford of trademark infringement and unfair competition.

GM says that the BlueCruise name that Ford chose for its hands-free driving technology is too similar to Super Cruise, GMs driver-assistance system, and Cruise, GMs autonomous vehicles division.

Ford says that cruise is a common automotive term and that its like GM trying to own the term hybrid, providing a list of other companies with products that feature the word.

In April, Ford announced that its hands-free driving system would be dubbed BlueCruise and would become available starting with 2021 model year F-150 trucks and Mustang Mach E crossovers. But General Motors has taken exception to Fords name choice. GM, along with its autonomous-taxi subsidiary Cruise, filed a lawsuit in a federal court in California on Friday in an attempt to prevent Ford from using the BlueCruise moniker, according to a report from Reuters.

General Motors says the name infringes upon GMs trademark for its own hands-free driving system, Super Cruise, as well as its trademark for Cruise, an autonomous vehicle subdivision. In the lawsuit, GM also accuses Ford of unfair competition, requesting that the court prevent Ford from using the BlueCruise name and for Ford to cover unspecified damages. GM said in a statement that the company had hoped to resolve the trademark infringement matter with Ford amicably but after failing to iron out the issue, GM had no choice but to vigorously defend our brands and protect the equity our products and technology have earned over several years in the market.

In a statement, Ford defended its name choice, calling the lawsuit "meritless and frivolous and contending that drivers for decades have understood what cruise control is, every automaker offers it, and 'cruise' is common shorthand for the capability. Ford also provided a list of other technologies that use the word cruise, such as Hyundais Smart Cruise Control, contending that GM has had zero issue with other 'cruise' names. Ford compared this situation to GM trying to assert trademark ownership on a term such as hybrid or turbo.

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The lawsuit itself, as cited in Reuters, alleges malicious intent on Fords behalf, with GM arguing that "Ford knew what it was doing" and that "Ford's decision to rebrand by using a core mark used by GM and Cruise will inevitably cause confusion. GM originally announced the Super Cruise name back in 2012, with the technology first appearing in GM vehicles in 2017. The Cruise subsidiary has existed since 2013, with GM acquiring the self-driving brand in 2016.

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As the rate of new COVID-19 cases continues to increase in Connecticut and across the country, Gov. Ned Lamont said Monday he is considering new restrictions for travelers entering the state.

Ive got to talk to my neighboring governors, Lamont said. Right now theres nothing anticipated, but were looking at whats going on in those states in the south that are much more infected than we are.

For now, Lamont said, he simply advises caution for travelers going to or coming from places with high rates of COVID-19 cases.

Its probably not a really good week to go to Missouri or Arkansas, is my sense, the governor said. Id probably skip Florida as well.

Earlier in the pandemic, Connecticut required travelers from high-risk states to quarantine upon arrival in the state. That requirement was lifted in May, as Connecticuts COVID-19 numbers decreased.

Despite a recent increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Lamont said he has no other control measures planned, arguing that nobody wants mandates. That means there is no imminent plan to restore masking requirements for vaccinated people, as officials in some places, including Los Angeles, St. Louis and Cape Cod, have done.

In May, Lamont ended nearly all pandemic-related restrictions, leaving only a requirement that unvaccinated people wear masks in public and that vaccinated people wear them in select settings such as at health care facilities and on public transportation.

But as the Delta variant has taken hold in Connecticut, the state has seen an increase in cases, hospitalizations and positivity rate. As of Monday, the states seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate was its highest since May 2, and it hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have jumped to 108, a number not seen since late May.

Though officials say the vast majority of people hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated, experts warn that vaccinated people face some risk of infection as well. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said Monday that the state had recorded about 900 COVID-19 cases and 21 coronavirus-linked deaths among vaccinated people, out of more than 2 million vaccinated residents.

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In place of restrictions, Lamont has urged that all residents seek a COVID-19 vaccine. Appearing Monday at a vaccine clinic on the New Haven Green, the governor stressed the importance of vaccination, including for young people.

Its not just about you, its about all the people youre in contact with, he said. Its about doing everything we can to keep you healthy so that your class is healthy, so that your team is health, so that we get through this faster.

Lamont gave no indication he would mandate vaccination for state employees, as California and New York City have announced they intend to.

As of Monday, 69% of all Connecticut residents and 79% of those 12 and older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, while 63% of all residents and 72% of those 12 and older are fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As Lamont spoke Monday morning, New Haven resident Shahkim Khalil got his first vaccine shot at the clinic run by the New Haven health department on the city green.

One, I work in the food industry; two, Ive got a 9-year-old; and three, theres a worse strain thats out right now, Khalil said when asked why hed chosen to be vaccinated. Its best to be prepared. Im not trying to leave my son alone.

Alex Putterman can be reached at aputterman@courant.com.
A portrait of Anita Bryant, a prominent anti-gay crusader who led the "Save Our Children" campaign, alongside an image of two protesters at the Gay Freedom Day parade. One holds a sign that reads, "Anita: Gay blood is upon you. Who's next?" Getty Images/Bettmann /Contributor/Roger Ressmeyer/Contributor

Singer Anita Bryant spearheaded the anti-gay rights movement in Miami in the 1970s.

On an episode of the "One Year" podcast, Sarah Green, Bryant's granddaughter, said she told her grandmother she was gay on her 21st birthday.

Green says Bryant still believes homosexuality isn't real, and she's unsure whether she'll invite her grandmother to her same-sex wedding.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Sarah Green said she came out to her grandmother, anti-gay rights crusader Anita Bryant, on her 21st birthday.

After Bryant, a famed singer and devout Christian, sang Green "Happy Birthday," she told her a husband would be in her future.

"And I just snapped and was like, 'I hope that he doesn't come along because I'm gay, and I don't want a man to come along,'" Green said on an episode of Slate's podcast "One Year."

That's when Green said her grandmother told her homosexuality doesn't exist.

Bryant, who was also a beauty queen and orange juice spokesperson, became a vocal anti-gay speaker in Miami in 1977. In her speeches, Bryant would say being gay was a choice and a sin to rally audiences against queer-friendly legislation, the Washington Post reported.

Now 81, Bryant lives in a world where gay marriage is legal, and her granddaughter is planning her own nuptials with another woman.

Green said her grandmother told her being gay is a devil-created delusion

When Green came out to Bryant, Bryant told her to focus on her love of God, and that doing so would remind her she was straight, Green said during the podcast.

"It's very hard to argue with someone who thinks that an integral part of your identity is just an evil delusion," Green said. "She wants a relationship with a person who doesn't exist because I'm not the person she wants me to be."

Green said she pities her grandmother for her anti-gay beliefs

It's been years since Green came out to Bryant. She's now planning her wedding, but is unsure if she should invite her grandmother.

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"I think I probably will eventually just call her and ask if she even wants an invitation, because I genuinely do not know how she would respond. I don't know if she would be offended if I didn't invite her," Green said on the episode.

Her father and Bryant's son, Robert Green, said Bryant's "face froze" when she learned of the engagement.

"All at once, her eyes widened, her smile opened, and out came the oddest sound: 'Oh.' Instead of taking Sarah as she is, my mom has chosen to pray that Sarah will eventually conform to my mom's idea of what God wants Sarah to be," Robert said on the episode.

Green said she doesn't hate her grandmother for her anti-gay views.

"I just kind of feel bad for her. And I think as much as she hopes that I will figure things out and come back to God, I kind of hope that she'll figure things out," said Green.

Read the original article on Insider
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Authorities in Haiti arrested a top official who served as general security coordinator when President Jovenel Moise was assassinated, his attorney told The Associated Press on Monday.

Jean Laguel Civil joins more than two dozen suspects arrested by Haiti National Police as the investigation continues into the July 7 attack at Moise's private home.

Civil's attorney, Reynold Georges, called his client's arrest politically motivated. It wasn't immediately clear if Civil had been charged with anything.

The arrest comes as more than 1,000 demonstrators gathered around one of Haiti's most notorious gang leaders to commemorate Moise. The crowd was mostly dressed in white as they cheered on Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer who now leads G9, a federation of nine gangs that officials have blamed for a spike in violence and kidnappings in recent months.

Everyone needs to wait on my order before we respond to the killing of Jovenel Moise, said Cherizier, who goes by the name of Barbecue" and whom police say is behind several recent massacres that targeted civilians living in communities run by other gangs.

He was wearing a white suit and black tie as he spoke to the crowd at the seaside slum of La Saline in the capital of Port-au-Prince. A nearby truck played music as Cherizier knelt down before a large portrait of Moise and began to light candles.

No justice, no peace! he said.

Earlier, the crowd sang as they made a circle around a bonfire and threw salt into it as part of a ceremony to honor Moise. Many had their faces covered so as not to be identified.

Moise was shot several times during a July 7 attack in which his wife was seriously injured. At least 26 people have been arrested, including 18 former Colombian soldiers. Police are still looking for various suspects, including a former rebel leader and an ex-Haitian senator. On Monday, they identified another suspect: Haiti Superior Court Judge Windelle Coq Thelot.
By Sarah Young

LONDON (Reuters) -London's Heathrow Airport and Britain's main airlines urged the UK to open up travel to vaccinated passengers or face more job losses, as hopes rose that travellers from the United States could be given the green light this week.

Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye said Britain could exempt fully vaccinated U.S. citizens from quarantine in the coming days, in what would be a huge boost to the country's aviation industry which continues to be plagued by uncertainty.

Strict rules which the government has previously altered with little notice has meant that Britain's travel sector remains in the doldrums while Europe's has partially recovered.

Airlines UK, the industry body representing British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and others, warned more aviation jobs would go if the government did not make changes at its next travel review expected later this week.

It wants quarantine to be scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers from the United States and the European Union, with more countries added to Britain's green list for low risk travel.

Holland-Kaye noted the EU had opened up unilaterally with the United States, adding: "There's no reason why the UK shouldn't do the same. I think that could happen this week."

Heathrow, which before the pandemic was Europe's busiest airport, said Britain's travel restrictions were suppressing trade volumes and traveller demand, pushing its cumulative pandemic losses to $4 billion.

Passenger levels at Heathrow were about 20-25% of their pre-pandemic levels, while European airports are already back to about 50%, said Holland-Kaye.

"Without the passenger planes going to global markets like the U.S., UK exports aren't getting out of the country, and the UK will fall behind and that will cost jobs, unless we open up," he told Reuters on Monday.

For the whole of 2021, Heathrow forecast 21.5 million passengers would travel through its terminals, a big jump from 4 million in the first six months of the year as travel returns, but a long way off the 81 million who used its facilities in 2019.

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Holland-Kaye said he was encouraged by a recent pickup as school holidays started. Separately Ryanair said it was seeing strong summer bookings.

Heathrow said worries over potential new UK restrictions or other countries barring UK travellers, had pushed it to seek a waiver of its Heathrow Finance ICR covenant for 2021 to cover it in case passenger numbers significantly miss its 21 million forecast.

For the six months to June 30, Heathrow posted an adjusted pretax loss of 787 million pounds, compared with a 471 million loss for the same period last year.

($1 = 0.7274 pounds)

(Reporting by Sarah YoungEditing by Guy Faulconbridge, David Holmes and David Evans)
Some people might get distracted and for others the information may not be relevant. Photo: Getty

Most employees have been summoned from their desks to sit in long, dreary meetings  the kind that drag on and seem to accomplish nothing. Unfortunately, pointless meetings are common in UK workplaces, with three-quarters of workers saying they are normal.

Meetings are commonplace in offices, but they arent always the best way of getting work done. Of a 2020 survey of 1,000 UK workers, almost one in five reported that 50% to 100% of all meetings produce zero results.

A separate 2018 survey of British, French and German employees found that people waste almost 13 days a year in unproductive meetings, which are a drain on productivity and impact profits. In fact, the average employee spends an astonishing 187 hours in meetings every year  but more than half are pointless.

Although the pandemic has seen many people spend more time in meetings, not all companies are taking the same approach. The online media company TheSoul Publishing has adopted a no meetings policy across their entire global company. Instead, the 2,100-member global workforce rely on asynchronous communication, meaning they work to their own schedules.

Read more: How to stamp out 'digital presenteeism' among remote workers

Arthur Mamedov, chief operating officer at TheSoul Publishing, says his company decided to ban traditional meetings because they werent an effective form of communication. With most employees working remotely, meetings simply werent working.

Our team works across many different time zones, in some cases having a 10-hour difference between our locations, he says. In-person or Zoom meetings arent just challenging to arrange  in general theyre not effective for us. More than that  its no secret that many meetings can be a waste of time. Meetings are much like large conferences. Speaking live to a group of people is never entirely efficient.

Some people might get distracted and for others the information may not be relevant, Mamedov adds. Its also difficult for people to sit and listen for long periods of time, especially with the distractions of working from home.

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Some people might not be ready to digest it well on the spot  they have to write it down and process it at a later stage, he says. And last but not least, the flexible working that many of us have become accustomed to doesnt always fit in around conventional working hours.

For us remote working only makes sense when it allows our team members to embrace the benefits. Tying them into meeting schedules doesnt reflect this ethos and it doesnt get the best results for us.

Of course, there is the odd exception. While theyre largely reduced, meetings do sometimes happen, but only for special cases. There are strict protocols to follow to arrange for one, he adds. We tend to encourage at least 24 hours notice and limit all meetings to two people only, for 30 minutes maximum.

And its not just about meetings. TheSoul Publishing has also banned internal emails. For me, this is about removing methods of communication that reduce transparency, says Mamedov. We all know how frustrating it can be when one member (or members) of the team holds key information and its not possible to reach them. By sharing all relevant information on a mutual platform, everyone can access it as needed.

Read more: Why novelty perks won't attract people back to offices

To make a "no meeting" policy work, there are a few critical factors to get right. Mamedov advises good foresight and planning so all workers are up to date. In asynchronous work, however, workers complete tasks to their own timetable, which may be very different to that of their colleagues.

Asynchronous comms is about collaboration that doesnt happen in real time yet produces a more efficient output. This doesnt mean it needs to be slow, however, he says. By aligning as a team at the start of a project and having clear deliverables, everyone knows exactly what they need to provide and when. How they go about it is up to them within the boundaries of our framework, but the end result is the same.

Building a strong corporate culture is a must to ensure employees feel empowered rather than isolated, says Mamedov.

Its just that in this case, corporate culture is focused on value creation  doing things rather than talking about them, he explains. Having clearly communicated systems  the right tech and processes  which all members understand, allows a smooth workflow. Once this model of interaction is established, trust and professional connections tend to follow quickly after.

Watch: How to resign without burning bridges
A sign outside Basilico's restaurant in Huntington Beach says patrons must be unvaccinated to enter. (Madeleine Hordinski / Los Angeles Times)

When restaurants across California halted indoor dining as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March 2020, Basilico's Pasta e Vino in Huntington Beach continued to welcome patrons.

When officials issued an order for establishments to mandate face coverings to stem the spread of the virus, the Orange County eatery declared itself a mask-free zone and required that diners remove them before entering.

This week, the Italian restaurant issued another decree: Proof of being unvaccinated is required for entry.

Two signs bearing the message were taped to the windows of the restaurant, which is nestled between a gym and a sustainable beauty salon in a small strip mall at Hamilton Avenue and Brookhurst Street.

"We have zero tolerance for treasonous, anti-American stupidity," the signs read.

Although an employee confirmed the eatery is not actually checking patrons' vaccine status, the signs appear to be a poke in the eye to those who support vaccinations and other measures to stem the growing spread of the virus.

It also is a powerful illustration of the backlash against vaccines in some quarters, despite overwhelming evidence they are safe and a strong protection. Officials have been fighting to get more people vaccinated as COVID-19 infections rise but are facing skepticism, misinformation and political opposition from the right.

Some Republicans and far-right figures have openly fought against vaccines, sometimes turning to unproved science and conspiracy theories.

President Biden last week targeted social media platforms like Facebook for allowing the spread of misinformation about the vaccines. Theyre killing people, he said of the skeptics.

Basilico's owner, Tony Roman, said in an interview that he was fighting government policies he insists are harmful.

"With warning signs of another impending lockdown, and many business owners again emboldening those who I refer to as 'the lockdown tiny tyrants'  this time by imposing proof-of-vaccination policies  we chose to fire another missile of defiance to further make our point in defense of American liberty and freedom," he said.

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The restaurant's latest act of resistance comes amid a troubling rise of coronavirus cases that emerged after the state's June 15 reopening and coincided with increased circulation of the Delta variant, which has stoked concern among public health experts.

Over the last week, the state has reported an average of nearly 5,000 new coronavirus cases a day, more than quadruple the number from a month ago, according to data compiled by The Times.

In late June, the state was recording about 6,000 new cases a week, according to a Times analysis. At the height of the pandemic, more than 300,000 new coronavirus cases were being reported statewide over a seven-day period.

Orange County appears to be trending in the same direction. On July 15, the county recorded 328 new infections. It's a daily number that hadn't been seen since February  though it's still far less than the peak of the pandemic, county data show.

The increase in infections has prompted some Southern California businesses to require that patrons provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.

Bar Henry, an Echo Park cocktail bar known for its live music, became one of more than a dozen establishments in Los Angeles County in the last week to require such proof.

"Let's do what we can together to avoid taking steps backwards," the bar wrote in a post on Instagram.

Pasadena recently announced plans to require all city employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 once the shots receive federal approval.

Huntington Beach restaurant Basilico's Pasta e Vino put up an anti-mask billboard last year with a nod to the film "The Godfather" along La Cienega Boulevard, blocks away from the Beverly Center shopping mall, in Los Angeles. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Basilico's rejection of public health measures symbolizes how strongly anti-vaccination culture has taken hold in traditionally conservative enclaves such as Orange County, where distrust of government and outlandish social media claims have sparked outrage throughout the pandemic.

About 55% of Orange County residents are fully vaccinated, and about 62% are at least partially vaccinated, according to county data.

Vaccinated people are protected from severe disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Experts have said the worst effects of the recent uptick in cases have fallen almost exclusively on the unvaccinated.

Still, some who oppose the vaccine and mask mandates see it through a lens of government overreach and anti-liberty, said Pete Simi, a sociology professor at Chapman University.

"It seems more prominent in Orange County, and it affects the county more broadly at all levels," Simi said. "For example, officials in Orange County are less aggressive with initiating public health measures that might be viewed as restrictive."

Groups espousing an array of views  including anti-mask and anti-vaccine sentiments  have mobilized at county Board of Supervisors meetings for more than year to oppose measures aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. They have protested with banners evoking Nazi imagery and megaphones in front of the homes of politicians and public health officials who have openly disagreed with them. A county health officer quit last year after protesters showed up at her house because of her support of a mask mandate.

In May, hundreds of protesters descended on a Board of Supervisors meeting to oppose a pilot "passport" program in which COVID-19 vaccination records could be stored online so they could be easily accessed on smartphones.

Despite assurances from officials, the program became a rallying cry for the anti-vaccination movement. Some opponents insisted the passports could be used to "track" people, reveal private health information and enable the county and businesses to favor residents who choose to get vaccinated.

Leigh Dundas, a lawyer known for fighting against childhood immunization laws, likened the program to "Nazi Germany" at a Board of Supervisors meeting.

"It is show me your papers please before you pass. It is an electronic dog collar. And since when did Orange County become the Peoples Republic of China?" she said to the board.

The outrage was so severe that four of the five county supervisors voted to halt the development of the program. Supervisor Katrina Foley, who supported moving forward, said the county was appeasing a "very small faction" of the community at the expense of others.

"Wanted" posters showing Orange County leaders and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S.' top infectious diseases expert, appear at Basilico's in Huntington Beach. (Madeleine Hordinski / Los Angeles Times)

In June, Basilico's began advertising $25 T-shirts with the phrase "Leave the vax, take the cannoli," a play on a line from "The Godfather" film, next to an illustration of a hand controlling a Marionette.

A similar sentiment from the restaurant  "Leave the mask, take the cannoli"  appeared on a billboard along La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles last year.

"Imagine if Americans would have refused mask mandates, or better even banned the masks like we have throughout the lockdowns," the eatery posted on Instagram. "The tiny tyrants then would have never dared to think they could try and force vaccine mandates."

Basilico's small patio and indoor dining space was empty around noon Wednesday. A reporter was directed to remove her mask if she wanted to enter the establishment. Signs denoting the establishment's no-mask policy were affixed to its windows.

When a photographer asked to take pictures inside, an employee declined, instead setting out "wanted for treason" posters featuring the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control launched an investigation into the restaurant in July 2020 after receiving a complaint about the business, said John Carr, a spokesman for the department.

The agency declined to elaborate about the nature of the complaint, but it moved forward with an administrative procedure against Basilico's, which could result in a penalty ranging from fines to the revocation of the restaurant's liquor license. Officials declined to comment further, citing pending litigation.

The state Division of Occupational Health and Safety, known as Cal/OSHA, levied more than $152,000 in fines against the restaurant based on a series of violations, including failing to establish a COVID-19 prevention program, not providing safety training and not providing masks for employees, according to state records.

Roman has not appealed the citations. In a video posted to the restaurant's Instagram in July, the owner made clear that he does not intend to pay the fines to the "American traitors at OSHA."

As Basilico's continues to enforce its no-mask policy, the uptick in recent COVID cases has put renewed focus on face coverings.

One-third of California counties have begun to urge even fully vaccinated people to wear face coverings indoors. Los Angeles County and the cities of Long Beach and Pasadena, which have independent health departments, have gone a step further and mandated the practice.

The Orange County Health Care Agency said earlier this month that no mask mandate for unvaccinated people is in the works. In accordance with state guidance, the county requires unvaccinated individuals to wear face coverings in public settings.

However, some officials are becoming increasingly concerned about the enforcement of that rule.

"If you come in without a mask, it's assumed you are vaccinated," Foley said. "But the same people come up to the podium and say they're against vaccines. As we see the number of cases increase among the unvaccinated and even the vaccinated, its putting our employees and the other people who are coming to the meetings at risk."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A body double for Harrison Ford and Boyd Holbrook are seen on a horse and motorbike during a parade scene on St Vincent Street in Glasgow city centre (PA)

One of the fortunes  and glories  of the Indiana Jones cycle of movie adventures are their old school swagger and yesteryear sense of production.

The CGI monkeys, jungle vistas and aliens of The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull suggested there is no substitute for live visual effects and practical set pieces, but as production ramps up on Indiana Jones 5, one of the great re-discoveries of the fifth crack of the whip has been the physical shooting, fan fever, and old school speculation in the internet age.

Just as pandemics and production delays suggested we had already seen Dr. Joness last cinematic crusade, soundstages and crews were suddenly allocated at Londons Pinewood Studios and director James Mangold, producer Frank Marshall, exec producer Steven Spielberg and star Harrison Ford could no longer keep the lid on the Ark of rumours: Indy is back shooting in the UK.

Read more: Looking back at 40 years of Raiders of the Lost Ark

But what can we learn from the many set photos to have hit the web so far?

When Indiana Jones 5 takes place

Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Paramount)

Photos from Glasgow show scenes taking place during the New York ticket tape parade for the Apollo 11 astronauts that was held in August, 1969.

In pitching an Indy movie set in 1969, director Mangold and Lucasfilm are not only honouring the real time that has passed since 2008's Crystal Skulls 1957 space-nik caper, they are taking at least one small step for movie-kind by bringing the Apollo 11 mission and the space race into the action  while possibly keeping a B-movie eye on the pop-culture beats of the time. 1969 is a cracking crossroads of history for Indy purposes.

Cast, extras and crew members commence a second week of filming in Glasgow city centre for the new Indiana Jones movie on July 20, 2021 (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Student protests, Nixon angst and campus sit-ins are shaping the political conversation, the Vietnam War is raging (only The Post has really seen Spielberg go there with that narrative), music festivals are the new holy grail quest, and the spy movie phenomenon is at its peak.

The cast of characters in Indiana Jones 5

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Mads Mikkelsen in 'The Hunt' (credit: Nordisk Film)

Since the astute casting of Mads Mikkelsen (Another Round, Rogue One) hit headlines, the speculation about where to put an X on the story map has been rife. One easy assumption is that Mikkelsen is a former WW2 Nazi scientist now in the space race grip of the Americans. Which is pretty much how some of the big lunar advancements were made during that time.

Read more: Why Steven Spielberg isn't directing Indiana Jones 5

But maybe Mikkelsen is not wholly just helping with the Saturn V rocket and has more goose-stepping menace in mind. Mikkelsen was spotted in the street during the Newcastle wing of the shoot  which has seen a not-very-1969 recreation of a WW2 Nazi stronghold creating some hearsay around the idea of time travel and nervous Feds.

The set is put on fire as part of filming for the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford overnight. (PA)

Could Mikkelsen be trying to get back to help the Nazis win the war? A stunt motorcyclist with a young Ford mask suggests we might be seeing a bit more of that young Indy spy background always alluded to in earlier films and The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.

Fresh from a recent starring role in the next Mission: Impossible title, the North Yorkshire Moors railway has been doubling as a French railroad  presumably for action linked to the Nazi-occupied Bamburgh Castle and the explosions and adventure mounted there.

Toby Jones as Arnim Zola in Captain America: The First Avenger (Marvel Studios)

Joining a fedora-wearing Harrison Ford was the actor Toby Jones sporting rather bookish attire. Might Jones be this films Marcus Brody and an Indy ally of academia? One trope of the Indiana Jones saga is the casting of great British talent.

From Denholm Elliot, John Rhys-Davies and Paul Freeman via Sean Connery, Julian Glover, Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone and John Hurt, the films have not only turned to British crews and studios.

Actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge (third left) on Cochrane Street in Glasgow city centre during filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford. Picture date: Wednesday July 14, 2021.

They have weaved the best local talent into the caper. That Elstree tradition now continues with Indy V and the casting of Toby Jones and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag).

Waller-Bridge has already sort of co-starred with Ford many times before. In 2018s Solo  A Star Wars Story, she plays spiky droid L3-37 who became part of the Millennium Falcons systems. So, she already has history with Ford. Sort of.

Read more: Harrison Ford's reaction to the Han Solo movie

Her beatnik, flared, 1969 costuming certainly ruled social media when she was seen on the streets of Glasgow.

Apollo 11 and its place in Indiana Jones 5

Cast is seen during a parade scene on St Vincent Street in Glasgow city centre during filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford. Picture date: Sunday July 18, 2021.

One of the big film shoot fevers of 2021 has easily been Indiana Jones and his fifth epics presence in Glasgow. Recreating the historic ticker tape parade that welcomed the Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin to New York on the day of 13 August 1969, Glasgow saw the Indy V production dress and fit an immense stretch of avenues, people, and streets.

For a 2021 movie  and a Disney / Lucasfilm one at that  the production is not only very physical, it has also been very public.

Harrison Ford filming in Grosmont, North Yorkshire (North Yorkshire County Council/PA)

With Harrison Ford recuperating with a shoulder injury sustained on a Pinewood Studios train set, Indys double has been seeing careering about on horseback alongside  and through  both the moon landing celebrations and Boyd Holbrooks square jawed government looking gent in a motorcycle pursuit.

Actor Boyd Holbrook on Cochrane Street in Glasgow city centre during filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford. Picture date: Wednesday July 14, 2021.

With its grid road system of long roads banking into distant hills resembling American  and particularly Manhattan  streets, blocks and boulevards rather than less linear European streets, Glasgow makes a perfect location sense for Indiana Jones 5.

Read more: Harrison Ford pays tribute to Sean Connery

And if anyone can pull of the summer glow and retro-flecked of 1969 it is director James Mangold and his cinematographer Phedon Papamichael whose Le Mans '66 (2019) is not only a nostalgic look at motor racing, but also one of the most dynamically filmed and coyly designed dramas in years.

Cast, extras and crew members continue the filming in Glasgow City centre for the new Indiana Jones five movie on July 16, 2021 (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Curiously, Scotland and haunted castles formed part of the initial drafts and planning for what became 1989s The Last Crusade.

A very British production

A replica SS motorbike is driven into the grounds of Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, which is being used as a filming location for what is believed to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie (Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)

UK cities are no stranger to Steven Spielberg productions and film crews. Empire of the Sun (1987) used the colonial era architecture of Sunningdale and Knutsford, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade used Stowe and Tilbury Docks, and the industrial environs of Birmingham made a futuristic, urban substitute for Ready Player Ones Columbus, Ohio.

Further Indy V location work is happening in more rural stretches of Scotland, as well as ancient Sicily and back to Pinewood.

Director James Mangold offers direction to the cast ahead of a scene on set in Glasgow city centre during filming for Indiana Jones 5 (PA)

However, one of the tricks of this film and its very plain sight production is that we do not yet actually know the plot. What is the McGuffin  the Ark, the Sankara Stones, Holy Grail or Crystal Skull of this film? Could it be as simple as 1969s greatest and oldest artefact that man finally got hold of was simply the Moon itself?

The production is rightly keeping its cards close to its whip belt. Antonio Banderas has now joined the cast. And having recently chatted to Karen Allen about the 40th anniversary of Raiders of the Lost Ark  and didnt ask the Indy V question  one wonders whether that wedding ring Indy has been spotted wearing suggests Marion Ravenwood is in the story wings of this film too.

American actor Harrison Ford and actress Karen Allen on the set of "Raiders of the Lost Ark". (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

And Steven Spielberg may not be directing this chapter. He has started shooting his part autobiographical The Fabelmans. But maybe 1969 Indiana could wander past a bearded pair of Californian film students in plaid shirts discussing their hopes for an action series of films starring an archaeologist?!

Read more: Indiana Jones 5 will take series 'someplace new'

Speculation and glory, kid. Speculation and glory.

Indiana Jones 5 is coming to cinemas on 28 July, 2022.

Watch Indiana Jones 5 filming on location in Glasgow
REBRANDING AMERICAS ROLE IN IRAQ: Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al Kadhimi is in Washington for talks at the White House this afternoon with President Joe Biden on shifting the U.S. mission in Iraq to a purely advisory role.

The meeting, set for 2 p.m. in the Oval Office, comes as the U.S. and Iraq are completing a fourth and final round of strategic talks aimed at eventually withdrawing most, if not all, of the remaining 2,500 U.S. troops from Iraq.

What we want from the U.S. presence in Iraq is to support our forces in training and developing their efficiency and capabilities and in security cooperation, al Kadhimi told the Associated Press before leaving Baghdad. There is no need for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil.

The move to declare the departure of combat troops is largely symbolic, given that U.S. troops no longer accompany Iraqi forces as they pursue remnants of ISIS, but al Kadhimi has been under pressure from Iraqs Shiite political parties to end the U.S. mission in Iraq since the Jan. 3, 2020, drone strike that killed Irans top general Qassim Soleimani and an Iraqi militia commander, Abu Mahdi al Muhandis.

But al Kadhimi told the Associated Press that Iraq still needs U.S. training, intelligence, and technical support. Iraq has a set of American weapons that need maintenance and training. We will ask the American side to continue to support our forces and develop our capabilities, he said.

A DISTINCTION WITHOUT A DIFFERENCE: Technically speaking, the U.S. does not have non-combat troops. All U.S. armed forces are trained for combat, but as former President Donald Trump reduced the number of troops in Iraq, the mission also contracted.

We task our combat troops, our troops that are capable of conducting combat operations, with training, advising, and assisting. So we're capable of doing a number of things, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters traveling with him to Singapore. So I think trying to make that distinction is very difficult.

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Speaking during a stopover in Alaska, Austin said he doesn't foresee an immediate end to the U.S. presence in Iraq. We are there at the invitation of the Iraqis. And we're there ... to help train, advise, and equip them to do things such as countering ISIS, he said. You've heard Prime Minister Kadhimi say that he is very grateful for the support that we've given them in the past. And he certainly looks to benefit from that support going forward.

COMMUNIQUE WILL TOUT END OF COMBAT MISSION: The White House will issue a communique at the end of the day, which a senior administration official told reporters would effectively announce the end of the current mission.

We're talking about shifting to a new phase in the campaign in which we very much complete the combat mission against ISIS and shift to an advisory and training mission by the end of the year, the official said on a background call for reporters.

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HAPPENING TOMORROW: Defense Secretary Austin is in Singapore, the first stop on a weeklong Asia trip that will also take him to Vietnam and the Philippines. Singapore is 12 hours ahead of Washington, and tomorrow night (6 a.m. Tuesday, Washington time), he delivers a major address on The Imperative of Partnership," as part of the International Institute for Strategic Studies Fullerton lecture series.

I'll also continue to make the case for a more fair, open, and inclusive regional order and for our shared values to ensure that all countries get a fair shake. We don't believe that any one country should be able to dictate the rules, or worse yet, throw them over the transom, and in this regard, I'll emphasize our commitment to the freedom of the seas. I'll also make clear where we stand on some unhelpful and unfounded claims by China in the South China Sea, Austin said in a preview of his remarks last week.

His primary message: The United States remains a reliable partner, a friend who shows up when it counts.

SLOW THE MOMENTUM: Asked about recent Taliban gains in Afghanistan, Austin said the U.S.-backed Afghan government needs to begin to take back the initiative and blunt the Talibans offensive, which has seen it take control of roughly half the countrys 400 districts.

What the Afghan leadership is doing right now, they are consolidating their forces around the key population centers, Austin told reporters in Alaska. In terms of whether or not it will stop the Taliban, I think the first thing to do is to make sure that they can slow the momentum and then be able to put themselves in a position where they can retake  some of the ground that they've lost.

In a news conference in Kabul, U.S. Central Commander Gen. Frank McKenzie, who now has direct command over U.S. operations in Afghanistan, said a key is turning the tide of battle will be whether the Afghans can effectively use their fledgling Air Force to hit Taliban fighters.

I believe that the singular advantage the government of Afghanistan has right now in the fight they're in is their Air Force. So we will do everything in our power to keep that Air Force effective flying and in support of their forces, McKenzie said. We spent a lot of time training them. Now is their moment, now is the time for that very stern test that I noted earlier they're going to face. I think they have the resources and the capability to actually conduct that fight and win it.

While U.S. airstrikes in support of Afghan forces are expected to end when the U.S. withdrawal is completed at the end of next month, McKenzie would not rule out the possibility.

Im just not going to be able to comment about the future of U.S. airstrikes after Aug. 31, he told reporters.

OUT OF PARTS, AMMO: Meanwhile, one-third of the Afghan Air Force's 160 aircraft are inoperable, and it has run out of U.S.-made precision-guided rockets.

The fleet is hobbled by a spare parts shortage and the departure of Pentagon maintenance contractors, according to Haji Ajmal Rahmani, an Afghan parliament member.

They're completely out of stock for the laser munitions, Rahmani told the State Department Correspondents' Association in a virtual briefing from Kabul. It's not low  it's actually out of stock.

AFGHAN AIR FORCE RUNS OUT OF SMART BOMBS FOLLOWING BIDEN'S 'HASTY WITHDRAWAL,' LAWMAKER SAYS

ALSO TOMORROW, JAN. 6 COMMITTEE BEGINS WORK: Despite a Republican boycott, Speaker Nancy Pelosis House Select Committee on the January attack on the U.S. Capitol will begin with testimony from four police officers, two from the Capitol Police and two from the local D.C. police.

Yesterday, Pelosi appointed a second Republican to the committee, Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. He joins Wyomings Liz Cheney. Both Kinzinger and Cheney voted for the impeachment of former President Donald Trump and blamed him for inciting the violence of Jan. 6.

Republicans argue the committee is unnecessary because the facts of Jan 6 have already been established, and the Justice Department is prosecuting the individuals responsible. They accuse the Democrats of simply trying to score political points.

Republicans will say what they will say. Our select committee will seek the truth. It's our patriotic duty to do so, said Pelosi on ABC yesterday. Maybe the Republicans can't handle the truth, but we have a responsibility to seek it, to find it and in a way that retains the confidence of the American people.

ADAM KINZINGER ACCEPTS PELOSI'S INVITATION TO JOIN JAN. 6 COMMISSION

MANDATORY VACCINES JUST A MATTER OF TIME: The big thing holding many Americans back from getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the fact the FDA has yet to give final, full approval for the vaccine, according to Dr. Jerome Adams, the former surgeon general in the Trump administration.

We still have no clear timetable on when we can expect FDA licensure of these vaccines for adults. And a lot of people say that that is still causing their hesitancy, Adams told CBS. I can tell you the quickest way to get people vaccinated is through mandates  you're hearing this from the military and from other businesses.

So if you want to get a bunch of people vaccinated really quickly, get the vaccines licensed and then you'll see the military make it mandatory. You'll see businesses make it mandatory, Adams said on Face the Nation.

Right now, it remains voluntary, said Defense Secretary Austin in his session with reporters. Our focus is going to continue to be on making sure that our troops have the right information, factual information, that they can talk to their doctors, they have the ability to talk to their families about this vaccine.

Austin says so far, at least 70% of the military has had at least one dose of vaccine. I think the right thing to do is to make sure that we continue to encourage our troops to take it.

FORMER SURGEON GENERAL ADAMS PREDICTS MANDATORY VACCINES IN MILITARY AFTER FULL FDA APPROVAL

The Rundown

Washington Examiner: Former Surgeon General Adams predicts mandatory vaccines in military after full FDA approval

Washington Examiner: Adam Kinzinger accepts Pelosi's invitation to join Jan. 6 commission

Washington Examiner: CIA director says more than 95% of officers fully vaccinated

Washington Examiner: Air Force to halt use of body cameras

Washington Examiner: Afghan Air Force runs out of smart bombs following Biden's 'hasty withdrawal,' lawmaker says

Washington Examiner: US investigates Qatar over claims that it finances Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps

Washington Examiner: Biden's response to China hack seen as tepid due to US economic ties with Beijing

Washington Examiner: Top Biden official meets and praises Iranian-American journalist targeted by alleged kidnapping plot

Reuters: With Eye On China, Pentagon Chief Heads To Southeast Asia

Washington Post: China Says U.S. Relations Are In A Stalemate, As Senior Washington Official Visits

New York Times: In Stinging Rebuke, China Tells U.S. Diplomat That Its Rise Cant Be Stopped

CNN: Beijing Accuses U.S. Of Treating China As Imaginary Enemy In Meeting Between Top Diplomats

Reuters: U.S. hits one of two targets in missile defense test - agency

Bloomberg: Putin Touts Russias Hypersonic Nuclear Weapons At Naval Parade

Air Force Magazine: SpOC Commander Sees Spacefaring Guardians in Future

Reuters: U.S. seeks 'reliable, predictable' way forward with N. Korea

Business Insider: The Navy Sent Another Carrier On A Rare Trip To The High North. Here's How Sailors Kept It Going In Harsh Conditions Around Alaska

USNI News: U.K. Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth Now On The Edge Of The South China Sea

19fortyfive.com: Why Can't the Air Force Build More F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters?

19fortyfive.com: The U.S. Military's Worst Fear: A Russia-China Military Alliance

19fortyfive.com: Russia's Tu-160: The Missile-Carrying Bomber NATO Doesn't Want to Fight

Calendar

MONDAY | JULY 26

10 a.m.  Middle East Institute virtual book discussion, beginning at 10 a.m., on Past as Prologue: Revisiting Bernard-Henri Levi's 2002 Report on Afghanistan, with author Bernard-Henri Levy; former CIA Director retired Gen. David Petraeus; and Marvin Weinbaum, director of Afghanistan and Pakistan studies at MEI. https://www.mei.edu/events/past-prologue

12 p.m.  Hudson Institute virtual discussion: The U.S. and Indo-Pacific, with Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif.; Eric Brown, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute; and Nury Turkel, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. https://www.hudson.org/events

TUESDAY | JULY 27

6 a.m. Fullerton Hotel, Singapore  International Institute for Strategic Studies virtual lecture: The Imperative of Partnership," as part of the 40th IISS Fullerton Lecture, with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. http://www.iiss.org/en/iiss-us/iiss-us-s-events and https://www.defense.gov/Watch/Live-Events/

8:30 a.m.  American Enterprise Institute web event; Scoping the threat: Do African Salafi-jihadi groups threaten the West? with Idriss Lallali, deputy director, African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism; Nathaniel Powell, associate researcher, Centre for War and Diplomacy, Lancaster University; Yan St-Pierre, CEO, Modern Security Consulting Group; Katherine Zimmerman, fellow, AEI; and moderator, Jason Warner, assistant professor, Department of Social Sciences, U.S.Military Academy at West Point. https://www.aei.org/events/scoping-the-threat

11:30 a.m.  Woodrow Wilson Center Polar Institute and Kissinger Institute on China and the United States virtual discussion: Progress on the Department of the Air Force Arctic Strategy, with Deputy Air Force Undersecretary of International Affairs Kelli Seybolt; Lt. Gen. S. Clinton Hinote, deputy chief of staff for strategy, integration and requirements at Air Force Headquarters; and Lt. Gen. William Liquori, deputy chief of space operations, strategy, plans, programs, requirements, and analysis at U.S. Space Force. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/arctic-security-dialogues

11:45 a.m.  McCrary Institute and Space Policy Institute event: Securing Space, with Gen. James Dickinson, Commander U.S. Space Command. https://www.youtube.com/watch

1 p.m.  Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual discussion:  Food Security in the Military: What We Know and Why It Matters," Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for Military Community and Family Policy Patricia Montes Barron; Shelley Kimball, senior director of research and program evaluation at the Military Family Advisory Network; and Matthew Rabbitt, economist at the Agriculture Department's Economic Research Service. https://www.csis.org/events/food-security-military

2 p.m.  German Marshall Fund of the United States virtual discussion: Taiwan Peace and Stability Act, with Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif.; Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio; and Bonnie Glaser, director of the GMFUS Asia Program. https://www.gmfus.org/events/discussing-taiwan

2 p.m.  Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress virtual discussion: Building Over the Horizon Space Capabilities, with Jeffrey Manber, CEO, Nanoracks; Payam Banazadeh, founder & CEO, Capella Space; and Brig. Gen. Steve Bucky Butow, director of the space portfolio, Defense Innovation Unit. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register

WEDNESDAY | JULY 28

9 a.m.  House Armed Services Committee bipartisan staff members hold conference call briefings on background for Capitol Hill credentialed media only to discuss subcommittee markups for the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act. 9 a.m., Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee; 11 a.m., Readiness Subcommittee; 1 p.m., Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms

10 a.m.  Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies virtual Spacepower Forum, with Gen. David DT Thompson, vice chief of space operations. Video posted afterward at https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/event/space-power-forum

11 a.m.  Institute for Defense and Government Advancement virtual Homeland Security Conference, with remarks on "Coordinating Responses to Emerging Homeland Security Threats, by William Bratton, chairman of the Homeland Security Advisory Council. https://www.idga.org/events-homelandsecurityweek

12 p.m.  Center for the National Interest virtual forum, How Stable is North Korea? with Bruce Bennett, adjunct international/defense researcher, RAND Corporation; Jessica Lee, senior research fellow in the East Asia Program, Quincy Institute; Frank Aum senior expert on Northeast Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace; Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register

12 p.m.  Hudson Institute virtual discussion: Iran's Record of Smuggling, Kidnapping and Extortion, with David Albright, founder and president of the Institute for Science and International Security; Olli Heinonen, fellow at the Stimson Center; Kenneth MacDonald, former special agent at the U.S. Customs Service; and Joshua Block, adjunct fellow at Hudson. https://www.hudson.org/events/1995-virtual-event

1:30 p.m.  United States Institute of Peace virtual discussion: Nuclear Security Policy in an Era of Strategic Competition, with Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb.; Rep. Bill Foster, D-Ill.; and USIP President and CEO Lise Grande. https://www.usip.org/events/nuclear-security

3 p.m.  Center for Strategic and International Studies Smart Women, Smart Power event: U.S. National Security Policy in the Indo-Pacific: A Conversation with Sen. Tammy Duckworth. https://www.csis.org/events/us-national-security-policy

THURSDAY | JULY 29

9 a.m.  George Washington University Project for Media and National Security Defense Writers Group conversation with Mr. John Sopko, special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR). https://nationalsecuritymedia.gwu.edu/

10 a.m. 1789 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.  American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research in-person event: Americas ever-shrinking fighting force, with Mackenzie Eaglen, senior fellow, AEI; Arnold Punaro, former staff director of the Senate Armed Services Committee and CEO, Punaro Group; and former Sen. Jim Talent, senior fellow, Bipartisan Policy Center. https://www.aei.org/events/americas-ever-shrinking-fighting-force

3:30 p.m.  Washington Post Live virtual discussion: Securing Cyberspace, former Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Chris Krebs, partner at the Krebs Stamos Group. https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live

FRIDAY | JULY 30

8:30 a.m.  Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual 11th annual South China Sea Conference, with Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va.; Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; and Nguyen Nam Duong, deputy director-general of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam's East Sea Institute. https://www.csis.org/events

TUESDAY | AUGUST 3

8 a.m.  The virtual Aspen Security Forum, Day 1, with Michele Flournoy, former undersecretary of defense for policy; Zalmay Khalilzad, special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation; retired Gen. David Petraeus, former director, Central Intelligence Agency; Roya Rahmani, Afghan Ambassador to the U.S.; Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo.; and more. See full agenda and register at https://www.aspensecurityforum.org/2021-virtual-asf

WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 4

8 a.m.  The virtual Aspen Security Forum, Day 2, with Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies; Victoria Nuland, undersecretary of state for political affairs; Adm. John Aquilino, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Stephen Biegun, former deputy secretary of state; Matt Pottinger, former deputy national security adviser; Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska; and more. See full agenda and register at https://www.aspensecurityforum.org/2021-virtual-asf



QUOTE OF THE DAY

"We spent a lot of time training them. Now is their moment, now is the time for that very stern test that I noted earlier they're going to face. I think they have the resources and the capability to actually conduct that fight and win it.

Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, speaking in Kabul Sunday, about the need of the Afghan air force to step up its attacks on the Taliban.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: National Security, Daily on Defense

Original Author: Jamie McIntyre

Original Location: Iraqi prime minister meets with Biden, seeking to rebrand remaining US combat troops in Iraq as advisers
MOSCOW/TOKYO (Reuters) -Russia rejected what it called a hostile Japanese diplomatic protest following a visit by the Russian prime minister to a disputed island chain on Monday, saying he could go wherever on Russian territory he wanted.

A top Japanese government spokesman said earlier on Monday that Tokyo was lodging an official diplomatic protest over the visit by Mikhail Mishustin to one of four Russian-held islands to which Japan lays claim.

Russian news agencies said Japan had summoned the Russian ambassador over the matter.

Japan calls the islands the Northern Territories. Russia calls them the Kuril Islands.

The territorial dispute over the islands dates to when the then-Soviet Union seized them at the end of World War Two, and has prevented the two countries signing a formal peace treaty.

Mishustin was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying during the visit that Moscow planned to set up a special economic zone with no customs duties and a reduced set of taxes on the island chain.

Russia's foreign ministry summoned the Japanese ambassador in Moscow to protest over Tokyo's behaviour.

"Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov conveyed a strong protest to the Japanese side in connection with hostile steps taken by official Tokyo in recent days," the ministry said in a statement.

The Japanese embassy said in a statement that ambassador Toyohisa Kozuki, in his own expression of protest, described Mishustin's trip as "going against our country's consistent position on the Northern Territories".

The Japanese side "strongly demanded that the Russian side take constructive actions to advance peace treaty negotiations", the statement said.

The Kremlin said it valued and wanted to improve relations with Tokyo but saw nothing wrong with Mishustin's trip.

"As for the prime minister's trip to Iturup island, he visits those Russian provinces that he sees fit," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters.

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Peskov said Moscow would continue to work with Tokyo towards agreeing a peace treaty.

Mishustin said he would discuss with Putin what he called an "unprecedented" set of economic measures aimed at developing the islands. "This would be interesting...for Japan as well, which could create jobs and work with you if it is interested," he was quoted by Russia's RIA news agency as telling local businessmen.

(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov, Dmitry Antonov and Andrew Osborn in Moscow and by Takashi Umekawa in Tokyo; Editing by Joe Bavier, Mark Heinrich and Timothy Heritage)
First lady Jill Biden visited a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Waipahu, Hawaii, on Sunday to encourage unvaccinated Hawaiians to get their shots as the delta variant surges through much of the U.S.

Biden in remarks at the clinic at Waipahu High School said the virus has become more contagious than ever and urged the unvaccinated to help us move past this virus once and for all.

Im here to ask everyone listening right now, to choose to get vaccinated, Biden said.

Nearly 60% of the state's population is fully vaccinated. State officials are scrambling to get more Hawaiians vaccinated as the infection rate climbs. Hawaii's seven-day daily average for new cases climbed 192% from July 10 to Friday, according to the state health department.

Later Sunday, Biden joined military families for a barbeque at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu.

She was visiting Hawaii on her way back to Washington from leading a U.S. delegation to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Katie Ledecky (right) smiles after finishing second behind Australia's Ariarne Titmus in the 400-meter final. Clive Rose/Getty Images

Katie Ledecky suffered the first individual loss of her illustrious Olympics career on Monday.

Ariarne Titmus bested the superstar swimmer despite an incredible race from the American.

After earning silver, Ledecky gushed over Titmus and called their rivalry "great for the sport."

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Katie Ledecky suffered the first individual loss of her illustrious Olympics career on Monday.

During her Tokyo Olympics medal-event debut in the 400-meter freestyle race, the 24-year-old Team USA superstar swam a lightning-fast 3:57.36 - the fourth-fastest time ever recorded in the event. But it still wasn't enough to edge out Australian wunderkind Ariarne Titmus, who came within 0.3 seconds of breaking the world record that Ledecky set at the 2016 Olympics.

Katie Ledecky (right) and Australia's Ariarne Titmus react after their 400-meter freestyle finish. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Mere moments removed from the first individual loss of her illustrious Olympics career, Ledecky could offer nothing but praise for her rival.

"She said she couldn't have done it without me, and I could say the same about her," Ledecky told NBC's Michele Tafoya shortly after the race. "She's really pushed me. I think it's great for the sport."

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For her part, Titmus said she "wouldn't be here without" Ledecky because "she set this incredible standard."

"We've both pushed this event forward," Ledecky added.

She's right. Ledecky and Titmus helped motivate the other's training, and their brilliance in the event prompted peak performances from many of the race's other contenders.

Ariarne Titmus (left) touches the wall ahead of Katie Ledecky. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

And on an individual level, Ledecky's silver-medal swim in Tokyo was undoubtedly a strong showing for the five-time Olympic gold medalist. She finished 0.67 seconds behind Titmus - and nearly three full seconds ahead of the next-fastest swimmer - to notch the second-best 400m swim of her career.

"I fought tooth and nail and just gave it my all, so I can't be disappointed by that," Ledecky said. "It was a good time by me, [but] just an awesome swim by her."

Story continues

Check out the replay of Ledecky's and Titmus' 400m finish below:

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Read the original article on Insider
Linus Murangiri was crushed to death by a vehicle as he rushed to help put out a fire at a Kenyan wildlife sanctuary which was hosting a training exercise by the British army.

Despite all the publicity over the fire in March, his death has not previously been acknowledged.

Although there is no suggestion the British army was directly involved in the death of Mr Murangiri, his widow has now told the BBC she wants a speedy investigation into how her husband died and the cause of the fire, and for the findings to be made public.

The fire, which has been blamed on the military exercise, destroyed about 12,000 acres of land at the privately owned Lolldaiga conservancy in central Kenya, home to animals such as elephants, buffalos, lions, hyenas, jackals and the endangered Grevy's zebra.

One British soldier allegedly wrote in a Snapchat post: "Two months in Kenya later and we've only got eight days left. Been good, caused a fire, killed an elephant and feel terrible about it but hey-ho, when in Rome."

The official cause of the fire has not been made public but the incident is at the centre of an environmental lawsuit brought by a lobby group and almost 1,000 local residents.

Residents say the scale of the wildfire at the conservancy was unprecedented - they say it lasted for at least four days as thick plumes of smoke filled the sky, making it impossible to move.

They say it smelt like a barbeque, although the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has denied claims that five elephants and a calf were killed.

Some elderly people say they suffered burning eyes, while local preacher Duncan Kariuki, 43, said his one-year-old child had to be hospitalised for smoke inhalation.

A spokesperson for the British High Commission said the army had conducted an internal investigation into the fire but because "this is part of an ongoing court case, it would be inappropriate to comment any further".

The location on the equator is ideal for harsh environment training

The Lolldaiga conservancy - about 49,000 acres of hilly bushland with a backdrop of the ice-capped Mount Kenya - is part of the Laikipia plateau, where hundreds of thousands of acres was seized by the British during the colonial era, leading to land disputes which continue to this day.

Story continues

It is just 70km (45 miles) from the Lewa conservancy, where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in November 2010.

A few kilometres to the south are the newly refurbished Nyati Barracks, a 70m ($97m) facility also known as British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk), that hosts thousands of British troops every year for massive exercises in Lolldaiga, which offers ideal conditions for harsh environment training.

It has been used by the British army for over a decade, according to local residents. There are also joint exercises with Kenyan soldiers.

But local support is dwindling - at least among residents living nearby who spoke to the BBC. They said they had become accustomed to hearing loud explosions, gunfire and low-flying aircraft near their homes, throughout the day and night.

British soldiers hold military exercises at the Lolldaiga conservancy every year

The 994 signatories of the lawsuit have several complaints:

Their right to a clean and healthy environment has been violated

Military standards on the safe conduct of training - including ignoring sustainable use of the environment and the health of the immediate community - were broken

Wildlife escaping artillery fire at the conservancy have invaded their homes and destroyed their crops

They want the British army and the conservancy to bear responsibility for ecological damage to a water catchment area.

The community is hoping to use an environmental impact assessment report that they commissioned to back up their claims.

"Living near this training camp has been difficult, especially because of the wildlife that has been destroying our farms and attacking our school-going children. The number of wild animals roaming in the village increased significantly after the fire," said Mr Kariuki, who is one of the petitioners.

Macharia Mwangi of the African Centre for Corrective and Preventive Action (ACCPA), which is also part of the lawsuit, said he was not opposed to the presence of the British army in Kenya, and nor did he want the training to stop completely.

"What we oppose is continued devastation of the environment and ecosystem of close to 5,000 people."

Lawyers for the British army in June asked the environment court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the Kenyan courts lack jurisdiction over the matter. The court will rule on the request later this month.

Karen Gatwiri has not yet signed the petition, but she has been struggling since she lost her husband during the fire.

Life has been hard for Karen Gatwiri and her sons since her husband died

The BBC found her with her two boys, aged four and two, in a small town about an hour's drive from the conservancy. They live in a rented three-room wooden shack whose interior is lined with pieces of tarpaulin to keep out the cold. She has converted one of the rooms into a kiosk for selling household items, but business is slow.

There were no goodbyes with her husband, she said, and there has been no communication about his death from the conservancy or any authority.

Her husband's workmates told her that he died after he fell from a vehicle and was run over. Records at the local morgue indicate that he died instantly from head injuries suffered on impact. The conservancy has now admitted the death for the first time, but says it wasn't obliged to publicly announce it as it happened on private property.

Karen Gatwiri is selling household items from her wooden shack

"I feel bad that his death was unacknowledged because I have all the documents [death certificate and burial permits] to show that he died. They have not respected me as the mother of his children by not telling everyone how he died," Ms Gatwiri said with a trembling voice.

"I want the truth to be known - investigations should be done and justice sought for me and my children. Because the truth is that he died at the conservancy [during the fire]."

The UK High Commission in Nairobi told the BBC that "we were saddened to learn of the death of an employee of Lolldaiga conservancy" and that the conservancy had "been in close contact with the family", making all necessary arrangements.

"Linus was a valued member of the conservancy and our thoughts remain with his family, to whom there have been several private ex-gratia payments," the conservancy's general manager Harry Hanegraaf said in a statement.

Ms Gatwiri however insisted she had not received any money from the conservancy.

"We are no longer eating as we used to, I'm not able to educate my eldest child, and I can't pay the rent - I have to beg from my relatives. If Linus was still alive I wouldn't be struggling like this."
Jeenah Moon for The Washington Post via Getty Images

As the New York criminal investigation into the Trump Organization deepens, a parallel battle is quietly playing out in the citys family court, where lawyers are trying to muzzle one of the governments key witnessesand cast doubt over her mental health.

Jennifer Weisselberg, the ex-wife of Trump employee Barry Weisselbergand former daughter-in-law of one of Trumps closest business confidants, Allen Weisselberghas told investigators that executives at the Trump Organization were rewarded with untaxed perks.

Her documents and grand jury testimony were crucial to last months indictment of her former father-in-law, the corporations chief financial officer. And she has repeatedly explained to journalists how the tuition for her childrens private school was an untaxed corporate gift paid in lieu of salary.

But all the while, shes said these things at great personal risk; since March 19, Jennifer Weisselberg has been under a judges gag order to shut her up.

Defendant, Jennifer Weisselberg, shall refrain from having any discussions or interviews whatsoever with the press about the parties children the custody proceeding or her motivation for giving interviews insofar as it concerns the children, reads the order, signed by New York County Supreme Court Justice Lori S. Sattler.

But if she cant talk to journalists about her childrenor even her motivation for speaking to journaliststhen she cant explain to the public how the Trump Organization allegedly broke the law. And shes the only person who witnessed these alleged crimes and is willing to speak publicly.

The gag order does not limit her from speaking to investigators. But three sources familiar with the divorce proceedings describe the gag order as part of a broader campaign of witness intimidation. Attorneys separately representing her ex-husband and children have repeatedly demanded court-mandated mental evaluations and drug tests for Jennifer Weisselberg. And these sources say these orders smear her character ahead of a potential criminal trial where she would be expected to testify against the company.

Story continues

The Trump Organization and its CFO, Allen Weisselberg, were charged with criminal tax fraud, falsifying business records, and scheming to defraud the government. According to the June 30 indictment, the company paid its CFO off-the-books by, among other things, covering the cost of his grandkids tuition at the Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School. Jennifer Weisselberg claims to know the intimate details of that financial arrangement, but shes legally barred from discussing it on the news.

Grand Jury Indicts Trump Organization and CFO Allen Weisselberg

The gag order was issued in her divorce case against Barry Weisselberg, the manager of the Trump Organizations Wolman ice rink in Central Park. The case has been ongoing since 2017 but got nasty when it morphed into a custody battle that continues today.

Jennifer Weisselberg has been fighting the gag order in court without success. As her previous attorney, Aimee Richter, put it at a hearing in May: What we have here is a concerted effort to keep my client quiet.

So its come full circle; lost her children, lost all her money, she is going to lose where shes lived for the last year and now, shes losing her right to speak, Richter said in court.

What appears to have set off this chain of events were emails from NBC News correspondent Tom Winter and CNN producer Sonia Moghe. In those emails, the reporters asked Barry Weisselbergs lawyer about the ex-couples expensive corporate apartmentone of the company perks under investigationand mentioned the ongoing custody case.

Those emails immediately made their way to Karen Rosenthal, a court-appointed attorney tasked with independently representing the childrens interests. Rosenthal wrote to the judges law clerk, asking the court to step in.

I seek the court's intervention to prevent Ms. Weisselberg from discussing the custody proceedings or the children as it relates thereto, she wrote in an email reviewed by The Daily Beast.

The very next day, the judge issued the gag order. The document indicates it was made with the consent of the parties, but subsequent court hearings show that Jennifer Weisselberg opposes the measure.

In past interviews with journalists, the mother of two has answered questions about the joint investigation by the New York attorney general and Manhattan district attorney. In the course of doing so, she also mentions how Trump personally signed checks that would pay for her childrens tuition, a point that was detailed in the indictment against the company.

But Rosenthal, the attorney independently representing the couples children, objects to press interviews that mention how the children attend Columbia Prepand allegations that Trump paid for it. In court proceedings, Rosenthal has described Jennifer Weisselbergs decision to speak publicly as a decision to prioritize her 15 minutes of fame over the privacy of her children, a move that is embarrassing them on a daily basis.

Explosive Interview Directly Implicates Trump in Tax Scheme

That is supposed to be their safe place, to go to school and learn. No. Now, its about who paid the bill, Rosenthal said at a hearing on May 26, in which she requested that the judge punish the mother by holding her in contempt of court.

Rosenthal and the ex-husbands lawyer, Peter Stambleck, both requested that the judge seal off the courtroom from the public, barring journalists from reporting on what happens inside. The judge decided against that. But the issue came up again at a hearing the next month on June 7, when the judge herself said, Obviously, the press is allowed to be here and they are here. But she also noted, I find the whole thing somewhat disturbing.

Jennifer Weisselberg and her current attorney, Duncan Levin, declined to comment on this story. Barry Weisselberg and his attorney, Stambleck, did not respond to questions.

Reached by email on Saturday, Rosenthal, the attorney representing the children, stressed that no one in the pending post judgment of divorce litigation is in any way trying to silence Ms. Weisselberg.

I will do anything and everything necessary and legal to protect my young clients from emotional harm, she wrote.

But a legal advocate for Jennifer Weisselberg sees things differently.

Zoe Applbaum, who has been monitoring the case since February as a volunteer for the nonprofit STEPS to End Family Violence, said the gag order is part of an effort to harass and intimidate the mother of two.

Its a silencing tactic, Applbaum said. Theyre bullying her and theyre being completely one-sided. Theyre putting her in the hot seat so Barry doesnt have to be.

Applbaum also noted that Stambleck and Rosenthal, who separately represent the father and children, have constant requests for drug tests and mental evaluations that seek to smear the motherand potentially put into question whatever testimony she could bring during a criminal trial of the Trump Organization and Allen Weisselberg.

Its an invalidation of her voice. If you order a bunch of evaluations, itll look like a person is mentally ill, Applbaum said.

Three people familiar with the case who spoke to The Daily Beast on condition of anonymity expressed suspicions that Barry Weisselberg and the Trump Organization could be utilizing these lesser-known court proceedings to derail the governments investigation by harming a witness with damning testimony.

Trump CFO Accused of Massive Scheme to Hide $1.7M From Tax Authorities

Rob Georges, an attorney who represented Jennifer Weisselberg in her initial talks with the Manhattan DA, criticized the legal skirmish playing out in family court.

It seemed like she was being treated unfairly. Theyre trying to discredit her, he said.

So far, however, this case has actually been helpful to investigators. As The Daily Beast reported, Barry Weisselbergs previous testimony in the divorce confirmed that the Trump Organization covered the cost of several luxury apartments.

The judge, already frustrated at the public scrutiny of her courtroom, has tried to distance the case before her from what could turn out to be the most highly publicized criminal case currently making its way through the justice system.

This is a custody case. This is a case about two children. This isnt a case about Donald Trump or the Trump Organization, the judge said in May.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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DETROIT  Metro Detroit is once again left reeling from damage done by heavy rains.

The southeast Michigan area, still recovering from flooding over a week ago, accumulated another 1-2 inches of rain during a wave of storms Saturday afternoon and evening, said National Weather Service White Lake Township meteorologist Megan Varcie, leading to flooding on southbound M-10 and other areas.

The National Weather says tornadoes struck near Detroit and Flint on Saturday evening.

The two EF-1 tornadoes touched down in Genesee County's Clayton Township around 6:30 p.m. and in Oakland County around 7:45 p.m., the weather service said Sunday.

Damage from both storms was consistent with winds of 100 mph touched down in Oakland County around 7:45 p.m., the weather service said Sunday. Both twisters traveled about 1.8 miles, damaging trees. One person suffered minor injuries.

About 121,328 DTE customers were without power as of 2:45 p.m. Sunday, according to the DTE outage center.

Though most flooding was cleared overnight, all lanes of southbound M-10 were still blocked Sunday morning, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. M-10 fully reopened by the afternoon.

Other tornadoes awaiting confirmation

The weather service received reports of tornadoes Saturday night in Port Austin, Armada and Oakland County. The tornado in White Lake has been confirmed by the weather service, but the other two locations are still awaiting confirmation. Varcie said Sunday that the weather service was sending a storm survey team to each location to verify, look at the damage and determine the intensity.

The difference between your ordinary thunderstorms and tornadic thunderstorms is going to be the amount of wind shear in the atmosphere, Varcie said. So it's basically, if you can get a rotating thunderstorm, which we call a supercell. If you can get any rotation within thunderstorms, that makes conditions more favorable for tornadoes to form.

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Oakland County, which encompasses the Detroit metro area, received reports of tornadoes, flooding, blocked roads and structural damage to homes and businesses, according to a news release.

We are continuing to monitor the situation to support the safety of all residents in Oakland County, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said in the release. We urge all residents to report downed wires and stay away from standing water.

One Twitter user shared a photo of a BP station in Madison Heights with its canopy tipped over.

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DTE had more than 500 crews in the field and will be working around the clock to restore power to impacted customers as quickly and safely as possible, the utility reported on its website.

Most Consumers Energy customers in Michigan who lost power Saturday night had regained it Sunday morning, said spokesperson Brian Wheeler. But about 7,098 customers were still without power as of Sunday afternoon. Wheeler said most of the outages are scattered, occurring in Genesee County, as well as Saginaw, Bay City and Midland.

The biggest issue in cases like this are wind gusts, Wheeler said. Usually when you get winds that top 50 miles per hour, that's where you begin to see not just trees that are near power lines, but you could have entire trees or branches falling a great distance.

Heat wave to cover huge swath of US, bringing high temperatures to millions

Outside of Detroit, Armada Township declared a state of emergency and is facing significant damage to homes and businesses after being hit by a suspected tornado Saturday night, said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel in a Sunday afternoon news conference.

There are no reported injuries or deaths, he said.

First responders accessing damage

Hackel said that National Weather Service was on the ground, investigating as he spoke, but that he and city officials are considering it to be a tornado based on the patterns of debris and wind.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said those who arent from the area shouldnt come just to take a look and that its hard for first responders to do what they need to do with visitors trying to get a look at the damage.

Each speaker at the conference emphasized how important each and every unit was in helping mitigate the impact of the tornado and stressed the value of community.

If responding to emergency situations or disasters were an Olympic sport, this team here behind me would have won gold, Hackel said.

The biggest challenge facing the village is the lack of electricity  its a small town and its hard to keep the food good, according to John Paterek, Armada Township supervisor.

DTE spokesperson Stephanie Beres said its hard to know exactly how long it will take crews to restore power, but added that it will likely be Monday at the soonest.

Weve got more than 100 employees out in the field right now working to assess the damage, working to restore power where we're able to, and continuing to clean up the mess that was created by the weather pattern last night, Beres said. We will continue to work around the clock to get power restored as quickly as they can. Were hoping to get the fire station and some of our critical care facilities, i.e. the nursing home just down the street, back up and running as soon as possible.

Detroiters should get a little break from the rain for the next few days, Varcie said, with the forecast predicting highs in the upper 80s and sunny skies through Tuesday.

Contributing: Associated Press.

Follow Emma Stein on Twitter: @_emmastein.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan tornadoes: More than 120K without power after twisters strike
Jul. 26Frontline workers on Monday morning urged local people who aren't vaccinated yet against COVID-19 to get immunized to protect themselves and hospital capacity, as the Delta variant becomes more prevalent in Ohio.

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and ICU admissions have all been climbing over the last few weeks and some COVID-19 units that had been taken down have been opened back up.

In Ohio, there were around 494 people recorded hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Monday, doubled from about two weeks ago.

"We've already opened up a second hallway for us," Lindsey Call, ICU nurse with Miami Valley Hospital, said. "We're on the verge of opening a third. So that just tells you the increase in numbers just in this past week or two.

Call and other speakers shared as part of a press conference Monday morning by Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association to discuss the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in the Dayton region.

Jennifer Lutz, emergency department nurse and educator at Mercy Health Urbana Hospital, last winter had COVID-19, was treated in critical care, and was off work a total of 10 weeks.

"I have a passion about people getting vaccinated. I know that if there would have been a vaccine available prior to December of last year, I would have received it," Lutz said. "It makes critical differences in people's lives. People don't want to be as sick as I was."

The Delta variant has been exponentially taking off because it spreads more easily to more people.

"That means more unvaccinated people will get infected even with casual contact, because it is more contagious," said Dr. Median Ali, ICU director at Sycamore Medical Center in Miamisburg.

A little under 49% of Ohioans have at least one vaccine dose, including more than 80% of those 65 and older. The vaccination rate ranges widely from community to community.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, which includes the Dayton VA Medical Center, announced Monday it will require frontline health care workers to be vaccinated within about eight weeks.

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Also, Ohioans covered with Medicaid had previously been eligible for a $50 gift card for getting vaccinated, but on Monday the insurers who managed these plans upped that to $100 for any Medicaid member who receives the first shot between now and Sept. 15. About 1 in 4 people in the Miami Valley are covered by Medicaid.

With the time it takes to either slow down or fuel new cases, decisions made now will set the stage for how much community spread there is when kids return to the classroom.

Rev. Vanessa Ward, president of the Omega Community Development Corp., which partners to work with Dayton Public Schools students, said it is important for more people to get vaccinated and make a safe space for educators, who are worn out.

"I think we stand the risk of really losing another year of education with Black and brown children, who are already so far behind," Ward said.

Ward said she can't imagine the trauma children will face if they are not able to go back to normalcy.

Many of the health care workers who are treating patients with COVID-19 now are the same people who had to deal with the winter surge, when at times 1 in 3 hospital patients had COVID-19, even with large increases in total bed counts.

Call said that workers couldn't mentally or physically prepare for what they went through in the winter, and in the worst of it, each day they would have to do CPR on four to five patients each 12 hour shift. Call said that she and her coworkers have just gotten to a point where they've been able to talk about everything they went through this past year.

"Last year we didn't have anything to help us during this time, But we do now. We have a vaccine that's available, that our community can get, and it has an extremely high success rate. It's effective against the variant," Call said.
Video footage of the incident shows a man, dressed as Spider-Man, kicking a female Asda employee in the throat. @ca99832245/Twitter

A UK union called for tighter laws to protect retail workers after a brawl in a London store.

A man dressed as Spiderman kicked a store worker in the throat before punching her to the ground.

Acts of aggression against store workers have risen since the start of the pandemic.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

A UK union is calling for tighter laws to protect retail staff after a man dressed in a Spiderman suit kicked a store worker in the throat before punching her to the ground.

The mass brawl at a supermarket in South London injured six people. Videos of the attack later appeared online.

London's Metropolitan Police told Insider that it arrested five people in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson for the formerly Walmart-owned supermarket chain Asda, where the incident occurred, told Insider that it was working closely with the police.

"We do not tolerate any form of violence or abuse towards colleagues or customers," they said.

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Worker unions say this is not an isolated incident.

"Attacks on retail workers are on the increase. Parliament needs to act now to toughen the law," Mark Wilkinson, senior organizer at the union GMB, which represents over 600,000 workers, said in a statement Friday.

UK retailers have been calling on the government to beef up laws to protect workers. In July, a group of 100 retail businesses signed a letter urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to take action.

Read more: 7 promising retail tech companies set to boom as labor shortages forces companies to embrace automation and innovation like never before

Acts of customer aggression have risen in the UK and the US since the start of the pandemic - staff members are in the uncomfortable position of having to police mask-wearing in stores or enforce social-distancing rules. Some are quitting retail jobs in search of better pay and working conditions, helping to fuel a labor crunch.

Passenger violence against airplane workers has also soared. A Harvard psychologist told Insider's Avery Hartman that this was tied to consumers feeling anxious and fearful during the pandemic.

Consumers are "riding really high cortisol," Luana Marques, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told Insider's Hartman. They have reached "boiling point," she said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Sangmi Cha

SEOUL (Reuters) - A mixed vaccination of first AstraZeneca and then a Pfizer COVID-19 shot boosted neutralizing antibody levels by six times compared with two AstraZeneca doses, a study from South Korea showed.

The study involved 499 medical workers - 100 receiving mixed doses, 200 taking two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech shot and the remainder getting two AstraZeneca shots.

All showed neutralizing antibodies, which prevent the virus from entering cells and replicating, and the result of the mixed schedule of vaccines showed similar amounts of neutralizing antibodies found from the group that received two Pfizer shots.

A British study last month showed similar results - an AstraZeneca shot followed by Pfizer produced the best T-cell responses, and a higher antibody response than Pfizer followed by AstraZeneca.

The data provides further support for the decision of several countries to offer alternatives to AstraZeneca as a second shot after the vaccine was linked to rare blood clots.

The South Korean study also analysed neutralizing activity against major variants of concern, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said.

None of the groups demonstrated reduced neutralising activity against the Alpha variant, first identified in Britain, but the neutralization titre decreased by 2.5 to 6 fold against Beta, Gamma and Delta, first detected in South Africa, Brazil and India respectively.

(Reporting by Sangmi Cha; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Nick Macfie)
Young couples and families pose for glamour shots as the sun lowers over Alexei Cazac's sprawling field of lavender outside the capital of Moldova.

"Once, in the first year the lavender was blooming, we came and the entire field was just filled with people," the 40-year-old farmer tells AFP on a recent visit.

"It's like the set of a photo shoot. We didn't plan it this way," he says.

Cazac, who planted his first bushels in 2015, is among a growing cohort of farmers in Moldova fuelling a resurgence in the aromatic herb, whose cultivation collapsed along with the Soviet Union.

The comeback in the small country bordering Romania has garnered attention not just from locals hungry for likes on social media, but also from global cosmetic firms headquartered in western Europe.

"After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the industry was forgotten," says Alexandru Badarau, president of the Lavender Growers Association.

"It collapsed precisely because our connection was severed with Moscow, where most of the essential oils produced in Moldova were exported," he tells AFP.

"We're working hard to revive it."

Around five or six newcomers to the industry are planting rows of the herb every year, he says, a trend which saw Moldova's lavender oil production double in 2021 to 20 tonnes compared to twenty years ago.

But that is still a far cry from 1989, when the country produced 180 tonnes.

Badarau's association says members export 99 percent of their oil to the European Union, specifically Germany, and to two other well-known producers: France and Bulgaria.

The oil is widely used in cosmetics and its aromas are hailed for their relaxing and soothing qualities that some believe counteract anxiety and insomnia.

Producers in Moldova say Bulgaria, which was also under the Iron Curtain, has benefitted greatly from the European Union after it became a member in 2007.

But where Bulgaria excels in quantity, Moldova trumps it in quality, they say.

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- Room for growth -

The local variety yields less oil, concedes Nicu Ulinici, who inherited his father's farm and harvested his first bushels in 2014.

"But it's higher quality," he says. Its aroma is "more pleasant, softer."

For Badarau, lavender has won over growers in Moldova owing to its success in dry climates. This, he believes, will help farmers mitigate "risks associated with climate change."

Indeed, multinational cosmetics firm Weleda, which began sourcing Moldovan lavender in 2005, has described the country as "perfect" for the herb.

French fragrance company Mane is another major brand in Moldova whose subsidiary works in cultivation and production of essential oils.

Still, recent experience shows the future isn't guaranteed to be rosy.

The United States Agency for International Development said in 2017 that Moldova was still exposed to climate risks, with likely "adverse effects" for growers.

It said the industry had fluctuating economic success in one of the poorest countries to emerge from the Soviet collapse, with Moldova's market share still trailing far behind essential oil majors like Turkey and China.

Pointing to climate threats, the United Nations Development Programme said Moldovan farmers last year harvested up to 50 percent fewer bushels than in 2019, resulting from tepid spring temperatures and a summer drought.

The report also noted that demand for essential oils dipped during the coronavirus pandemic.

But producers in Moldova aren't fazed.

Badarau says his association has registered the brand Essential Oils of Moldova to promote products abroad, and that it was aiming for certification from an international agricultural quality assurance group.

This "is of great concern to the end consumer," he says.

In the meantime, there's money to be made from visitors drawn to the picturesque fields.

Cazac, who has over 60 acres of lavender, says he charges visitors the equivalent of about $3 to meander through his purple bushels.

On the horizon, he sees plenty of room for expansion.

"Moldova is producing much less than it could," he says.

"But first we need to prove we're producing a quality product at international standards."

osh-ant/jbr/yad
In June, a prominent North Carolina physician asked his nurse practitioner to meet with him in his pickup. There, Dr. Jon Thompson couched an indecent proposal in the simplest of numbers  as if he were prescribing medication.

Unless the nurse practitioner agreed to have one hour of sex with him two times a month for one full year, according to the womans new federal lawsuit, Thompson would make sure her husband and other loved ones received tapes of her highly personal conversations with an unidentified third party.

Thompson, a well-known surgeon at Wilkes Medical Center in North Wilkesboro, intimated that he had stalked the woman and used sophisticated video- and audio-recording devices to capture her private communications, the lawsuit claims.

On June 11, it says, after threatening her marriage, her reputation and her job, the doctor was eager to initiate what he described as physical alone time.

Because the two did not have any surgeries for the rest of the day, Thompson said they immediately should drive to his apartment for some fun that afternoon, the lawsuit claims. The nurse practitioner told Thompson she had to think about it first.

A week later, on June 18, Thompson had another conversation  this time with his superiors at Wake Forest Baptist Health, which manages Wilkes Medical Center.

Instead of complying with his threats, according to the lawsuit, Thompsons intended victim had reported his ultimatum two days before. Thompson, the lawsuit says, was fired after he acknowledged that the nurse practitioners allegations were true.

While her name appears on her lawsuit, the Observer does not normally identify victims of alleged sexual harassment or assault. The complaint accuses Thompson of violating the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, invasion of privacy, civil sexual assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Thompsons conduct was predatory and intended to sexually exploit and abuse her, and to place her in fear for her personal well-being and safety as for that of her immediate family, according to the lawsuit.

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The doctor could not be reached by the email address or phone numbers attached to his name in public records. The nurse practitioners lawsuit does not yet include the name of Thompsons attorney.

In response to an Observer email seeking information about the incident, a spokesman for the hospital chain issued a statement Friday that appears to support the nurses version of events.

Wake Forest Baptist Health is proud to have (the plaintiff) as one of our dedicated nurse practitioners, it read in part. Dr. Thompsons employment with Wake Forest Baptist Health ended on June 18, 2021.

Asked by email if the medical chain had made a criminal referral in the matter, the spokesman did not respond.

Sexual misconduct complaints against doctors, particularly against patients, have become common. A recent national investigation by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution uncovered allegations in every state.

Larry Nassar, a former doctor for USA Gymnastics, was sentenced in 2018 to up to 175 years in prison for sexually assaulting at least 300 young female athletes and dancers.

Colleagues and subordinates are often targeted, too. Earlier this month, six female doctors at Yale University settled their lawsuit against a male co-worker whom they accused of unwanted kissing, groping and retaliation.

A series of 2018 lawsuits accused prominent Charlotte eye surgeon Jonathan Christenbury, now deceased, of hiring Charlotte Hornets dancers and other attractive women for his office staff, then stalking, groping and sexually harassing them.

Meanwhile, a federal lawsuit filed by a nurse in March alleges that Dr. Justin Farmer sexually harassed and groped both nurses and at least one female doctor at a Cabarrus County medical facility, leading to a near-brawl in the doctors lounge with the husband of one of his alleged victims.

Farmers attorney, Kevin Parsons of Charlotte, did not respond to an Observer email seeking comment. In a March court filing, Parson argued that the case against his client should be dismissed because the nurses allegations fall short of the required standard of proof. They include sexual harassment, sexual discrimination and hostile work environment, assault and battery, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, among others.

More complaints against docs

Across North Carolina, complaints against physicians involving sexual misconduct and so-called boundary violations have been ticking up, according to the N.C. Medical Board, which investigates the allegations.

The board received 35 complaints in 2018, 38 in 2019 and 42 in 2020, a board spokeswoman said.

In the Wilkes County case, Thompsons illicit proposal came out of nowhere, the lawsuit says. In the four years they had worked together, the pair had become not only professional colleagues but personal  and platonic  friends, socializing with each others families. He even performed several surgeries on her.

That changed in mid-May, the lawsuit says.

At work, Thompson told the nurse he was having marital problems and said he knew she was experiencing the same. He said he found her to be attractive and wanted to pursue a relationship outside of work. When Thompson asked her if the request made her uncomfortable, she said it did. Thompson apologized.

A month later, he invited her to his truck.

According to the lawsuit, the nurse asked for three more days to think about the terms of his quid pro quo. When that day came, Thompson played a clip from one of the nurses confidential conversations. Again, she asked for more time.

He gave her a few more days  long enough for her to meet with two of her bosses at Wake Forest Baptist and file a workplace sexual harassment complaint against Thompson.
Journalists tour the "Immersive Van Gogh" installation as it was being set up in the former Amoeba Music building in Hollywood earlier this month. (Deborah Vankin / Los Angeles Times)

Little-known fact: There are no silk sunflowers available from bulk suppliers in North America right now, say the folks behind "Immersive Van Gogh."

Why?

Tens of thousands of them adorn spaces inside "Immersive Van Gogh" exhibitions running in five cities across the U.S. and Canada. When it opens here on Saturday, the L.A. iteration will feature a sunflower-themed bar with a backdrop of yellow silk sunflowers, a favorite flower of Van Goghs to paint.

What does one order at a sunflower bar?

The Sunflower, of course, a signature beverage still in development.

I learned all of this on a recent hard-hat tour of the exhibition as it was being installed in the former Amoeba Music building on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Adult general admission for the show, co-produced by Lighthouse Immersive and Impact Museums, starts at $39. It runs through January but may be extended.

The Van Gogh lounge and sunflower bar is just one aspect of the so-called immersive, 360-degree experience. Homages to Van Gogh created by other artists will be installed throughout the lounge, adjacent to the show of video projections and music. One is a 10-foot-by-10-foot re-creation of a Van Gogh self-portrait from 1889 that hangs in Paris' Musee d'Orsay. An AI installation, Letters to Vincent, is programmed with digital scans of more than 1,000 letters that Van Gogh wrote to his brother, Theo. Visitors can ask Van Gogh questions on an app, and an AI persona of the artist will respond with a customized letter. Oh, and the gift shop  think fine china and Van Gogh socks.

Then theres the 40-minute video installation itself, which plays on a loop, essentially 400 animated Van Gogh images configured into a moving mashup by Italian film producer and exhibition creator Massimiliano Siccardi, set to mostly original music by Italian composer Luca Longobardi. It features 64 projectors, 60,600 frames of video and 90 million pixels. The imagery fills 16,000 square feet of exhibition space, reflecting on the walls and floor and multiplying in mirrored sculptures throughout three galleries. Shadows and light bounce off of every surface, including visitors' bodies and faces.

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A sea of sunflowers in the "Immersive Van Gogh" show. (Deborah Vankin / Los Angeles Times)

During the tour, as the mix of ethereal piano and electronic music swelled, the room became dappled with floating yellow sunflowers and felt increasingly melancholic.

Maybe it was the bittersweetness of emerging from the worst of the pandemic, with the art world opening up and new exhibitions finally debuting; maybe it was being inside the former Amoeba Music building, a beacon of independent music that was now housing a traveling exhibition; or maybe it was the ginormous wall projections of Van Goghs deep-set, tortured-looking eyes, now staring down on a jumble of journalists snapping selfies. But the melancholy grew with the projections and music.

"Immersive Van Gogh" has been a hit since it launched in Toronto in 2020. Since July of that year it has sold more than 2 million tickets. Madonna was so taken with her visit, she posted a video on Instagram. On the day of the hard-hat tour, filmmaker George Lucas had visited "Immersive Van Gogh" in Chicago, we were told by co-producer Corey Ross.

Creative director David Korins (set designer for Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen) attributes much of the exhibitions success to timing combined with what the Post-Impressionist artist represents.

Many of the conditions and things that he wrestled with in his life are things that nowadays would be considered gifts. He was just misunderstood, Korins said during the tour. I really think that one of the reasons weve had so much success recently is that no matter where you spent your pandemic, I think we can all relate to a person whose voice has been misunderstood and whos dealt with some loneliness.

The "Immersive Van Gogh" hard-hat tour took place as the exhibition was being installed. (Deborah Vankin / Los Angeles Times)

Several on the tour, such as Chanin Victor, editor and publisher of the children's events and activities website Macaroni Kid Santa Monica, commented on the educational value of the exhibition. I dont think people realize how kid-friendly it is, she said.

Her 10-year-old daughter, Senna Victor, said she liked the show more than she thought she would. She learned about the artist, she said, and especially loved the animation, which altered her perception at times.

It felt like the floor was an elevator, she said. It was like going back in time, like going inside a painting.

Then she surveyed the room and, in a tone far wiser than her years, quipped: For adults, its an excuse to get off their phones.

Outside, construction crews hoisted enormous metal lettering onto the facade of the building  a A was going up as we walked by.

Up the street, at Caffe Etc., owner Viviana Pollack showed mock-ups of the Van Gogh sugar cookies shed ordered, featuring the artists face.

Itll be a great introduction to the neighborhood, she said of the exhibition. We were kind of forgotten during COVID.

Then Pollack added: Itll be an introduction to Van Gogh. Its so important to keep history alive.

Even via sugar cookies and sunflower bar drinks.

I sat down at a table across from a friend whod accompanied me to the walk-through  she was still wearing the hand-painted Starry Night hard hat shed been given during the tour and tipped it upward to accommodate her smoothie straw.

Itll be fun, she said of the exhibition. Its gonna make someone a lot of money.

Then she touched one of the bright yellow sunflowers with which Caffe Etc. had adorned its tables, readying for the exhibition, and shrugged, now looking melancholic herself.

He couldnt sell a single piece of art while he was alive, she said of Van Gogh. He wouldnt have been able to afford a sugar cookie!

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Philip O'Connor

TOKYO (Reuters) -Brazil's Italo Ferriera put on a fearless display of aerial surfing to beat New Zealand's Billy Stairmand and book his spot in Tuesday's Olympic quarter-finals after a turbulent day of head-to-head surfing in tough conditions.

The unpredictable, messy waves made many of the competitors look like they were trying to surf in a washing machine for most of the day, as they bobbed around on their boards looking for winning waves that never came.

True to his nature, world no.1 Ferriera attacked the ocean in his heat, landing his aerial tricks in choppy waters to catch the eye of the judges and throw down a marker to the rest of the field.

"Sometimes we didn't find a good wall to do two or three big turns, and that's why I'm going to the air, it's a manoeuvre that's more impressive ... it's a good shot to use in a heat, and that's why I'm in the quarter-finals," he told reporters.

Australia's Owen Wright also excelled as he beat Jeremy Flores of France in Monday's final heat.

On a day when wave selection was difficult and consistent ones proved hard to come by, other big names were not so lucky, with seven-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore of Australia crashing out in the first heat of the day.

"That's just the nature of surfing, sometimes the waves are there, sometimes the waves are not," Gilmore said of her shock loss to South African outsider Bianca Buitendag.

Gilmore was left ruing her decision to let a promising wave pass to her opponent, with Buitendag jumping on it and notching a score of 7.10 that decided the heat.

"I looked at that wave and I was like, 'It doesn't look that good', so I let her have it and she turned it into a seven, so that was the most frustrating thing to me - like, man, I should have just taken that wave," Gilmore, 33, said.

Another big name whose gold medal hopes were beached was American John John Florence. He was defeated by his compatriot Kolohe Andino, who hit a high score on his opening wave to take a commanding lead that he never relinquished.

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"It was definitely hard to find good waves. There's waves coming from every direction right now, and so it's hard to find one with an open face to it," said Florence, who made a speedy recovery from an ACL tear to make it to Tokyo.

Local favourite Kanoa Igarashi, whose father learned to surf on the Tsurigasaki beach, found the conditions more to his liking as he beat Rio Waida of Indonesia to book his spot in the quarter-finals.

"This is classic Japanese typhoon swell, and although it may look really tough, it's actually really fun. Knowing there's a lot of opportunities for us, it's relieving for a surfer ... the waves will definitely come," the 23-year-old told reporters.

(Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Michael Perry and Hugh Lawson)
ISLAMABAD (AP)  A renowned Scottish climber died in an avalanche while attempting to scale K2 in northern Pakistan, the worlds second-highest mountain peak, a Pakistani mountaineering official and a British charity said Monday.

Rescuers meanwhile located the bodies of three climbers who died on the same mountain earlier this year, officials said.

Rick Allen, 68, died in an avalanche three days ago while trying to reach the summit along a route that had not been attempted previously on the mountain's southeast face, said Karrar Haidri, the secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan.

Allen's two climbing partners survived the avalanche and were subsequently rescued, Haidri said.

Their expedition was aimed at raising funds for the U.K.-based charity Partners Relief & Development, where Allen was a board member. The charity, which works for the welfare of children, confirmed Allen's death on its Facebook page.

An experienced climber, Allen was involved in an avalanche and was rescued in 2018 when he was scaling Broad Peak, which like K2 lies in the Karakoram Range, along the Pakistan-China border.

Rick died doing what he loved the most and lived his life with the courage of his convictions," said the charity's statement.

Stephan Keck, an Austrian who was one of Allen's climbing partners, survived the avalanche. He told The Associated Press on Monday that he escaped death miraculously.

He said after the avalanche hit the climbers he opened his eyes and saw that Allen was dead. He said Allen's body was lying near him because they were connected with a rope.

Keck said he stood up and moved to a safer place as more avalanches were imminent. He said military helicopters came to rescue him and a fellow climber. Keck said he might have died in the harsh weather if he hadn't been rescued.

Pakistan is home to several top mountain peaks and climbers flock from all over the world to attempt to scale the summits.

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Also on Monday, Haidri said rescuers located the bodies of three climbers  Pakistani mountaineer Ali Sadpara, Jon Snorri of Iceland and Juan Pablo Mohr of Chile. They died attempting to summit the 8,611-meter (28,250-foot) high K2 in February. Their bodies could not be found earlier despite several attempts by Pakistani search and rescue teams aided by the military.

Haidri said the Pakistan army's help was being sought to retrieve the bodies as it was difficult for the rescuers to bring the bodies down from the high altitude. He said the bodies of Snorri and Mohr will be sent to their respective countries.

Last week, South Korean climber Kim Hong Bin fell into a crevasse and went missing in bad weather after scaling the 8,047-meter (26,400-foot) high Broad Peak. A rescue operation to try and find him has been put on hold because of the weather.
(Reuters) - Tobacco group Philip Morris International will stop selling Marlboro cigarettes in Britain within a decade, its chief executive told https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9822189/Tobacco-giant-Philip-Morris-stop-selling-cigarettes-Britain-ten-years.html the Daily Mail, in line with the country's wider ambition to stamp out smoking by 2030.

"I think in the UK, ten years from now maximum, you can completely solve the problem of smoking," Chief Executive Officer Jacek Olczak said in the report, adding that it would require the help of governments and regulators.

Doing its part, Olczak said the Marlboro brand "will disappear" from British store shelves along with its other brands, ending a more than 100-year association with the country.

Olczak, who has embarked on a more aggressive strategy to diversify the world's largest tobacco company away from cigarettes, has previously https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/07/24/marlboro-maker-calls-cigarette-ban-britain called on Britain to treat cigarettes like petrol cars and ban them in 10 years time.

The $153 billion-dollar company sells Marlboro cigarettes outside the United States, after it split off from parent company Altria in 2008. Altria sells Marlboro in the U.S.

Earlier this month, Philip Morris launched a 1.05 billion pound bid for British asthma drug-maker Vectura as part of its "evolution into a broader healthcare and wellness company," that will also see it get more than 50% of its revenue from smoke-free products and at least $1 billion from products beyond nicotine by 2025.

The deal has received backlash https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jul/25/tobacco-firm-philip-morris-calls-for-ban-on-cigarettes-within-decade from anti-tobacco groups and has spurred a reaction from the World Health Organization, which called such healthcare partnerships by Big Tobacco as undermining its progress on controlling its "deadly products."

(Reporting by Siddharth Cavale in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernard Orr)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte hailed his signature drug war policy Monday, but lamented there was a "long way" to go in the controversial crackdown that has killed thousands of people.

In his last State of the Nation address before stepping down next year, Duterte frequently went off script and struggled to follow the autocue as he railed for nearly three hours against communists, child abusers and corrupt officials.

As expected, Duterte used the annual speech to boast about the government's performance in the past five years -- including its handling of the coronavirus pandemic that has infected more than 1.5 million people and shattered the economy.

But the 76-year-old strongman also devoted large chunks of the rambling address to his "unyielding" anti-narcotics campaign that has officially killed more than 6,000 people.

Rights groups put the figure in the tens of thousands and International Criminal Court prosecutors are seeking to investigate the campaign.

Duterte defended the crackdown, saying it had "led to the surrender of millions of drug dependents and neutralisation, capture and prosecution of thousands of drug personalities".

And he warned it was not over.

"While we have made great strides in ending rebellion and insurgency in various parts of the country, we still have a long way in our fight against the proliferation of drugs," Duterte told the audience of lawmakers, diplomats and judges.

And, as he has done on many occasions during his term, Duterte threatened to "kill" people and said "the ICC can record it."

"Those who destroy my country, I will kill you. And those who destroy the young people of our country, I will kill you," he said.

It was the sixth and last State of the Nation address for the populist leader, who is barred from seeking re-election next year. He has flagged a possible tilt for the vice-presidency.

Hours before the speech, around 3,000 protesters marched along a major avenue demanding an "end" to Duterte's presidency.

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Thousands of police, including anti-riot officers, were deployed to control the rally and prevent the demonstrators reaching Congress.

The drug war, the pandemic and the possibility of the president's daughter succeeding him next year were key concerns.

"We know how the Duterte administration ran the country in the last five years where there's hunger, there were deaths, killings, injustice, tyranny," said political satirist Mae Paner.

"It just has to stop now."

Maristela Abenojar, a nurse wearing a white PPE suit, said health workers had been treated as "sacrificial lambs" in the pandemic.

"Many of us are not only getting sick, we are also dying," the 59-year-old told AFP.

During the speech, Duterte urged people to get inoculated against Covid-19, warning another lockdown could be needed if the highly contagious Delta variant gets out of control.

"The health and safety protocols we put in place have proven effective in slowing down the spread of the virus but the best solution is still vaccination," Duterte said.

More than six million people have been fully vaccinated since the glacial vaccine roll-out began in March -- about five percent of the country's population.

On Friday, the government sent millions of children back into lockdown and tightened other restrictions as hospitals prepare for a spike in cases.

But Duterte admitted "we cannot afford more lockdowns lest our economy bleed to the point of irreversible damage".

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Seal Beach Police Officer Erin Enos holds the rainbow patch she pushed for the department to adopt during LGBTQ Pride Month in June. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

For decades, law enforcement has neither accepted nor embraced the LGBTQ community  especially not in traditionally conservative regions.

Maybe that's why Officer Erin Enos was shocked when the Seal Beach Police Department granted her request to create a rainbow-themed patch to be worn on police uniforms during LGBTQ Pride Month.

Enos, a lesbian, knows the rejection and judgment that comes with being in the marginalized LGBTQ community. She grew up in rural California when coming out was not only unacceptable but dangerous.

She hesitated when a colleague suggested she pitch her idea for a police pride patch, one that would join a collection of special law enforcement insignia honoring other causes, such as awareness for breast cancer or autism.

Im not naive to the fact that there might be some people that didnt appreciate it in Orange County, our city or in nearby cities, Enos said. Im not blind to that, so that made me a little nervous.

The rainbow-wrapped pride patch  the first of its kind for a police department in Orange County  was a bold step in what was long a famously red county.

In Orange County  where former President Reagan said good Republicans go to die and where John Wayne crudely alluded to gay people as "perverted"  homophobia has long been on display.

Disneyland prohibited same-sex dancing until 1985. The city of Costa Mesa decades ago denied a "gay church" permit to John Rule, who helped start the LGBTQ Center OC, now in its 50th year. Bumper stickers with violent, homophobic language were sold in Huntington Beach surf shops until the late 1980s. And in 2008, Orange County voted 57.5% in favor of Proposition 8, a ballot measure that sought to ban same-sex marriage. More than half the state approved the measure, which was later overturned in court.

"Back in the early 80s, it was not an easy place to be an openly gay person," said Michael Losquadro, a gay man who serves as a reserve lieutenant in the Orange County Sheriffs Department. "But the demographics are changing. Attitudes are changing."

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Indeed they are. The Seal Beach Police Department's pride patch debuted days before Irvine police finalized their own insignia, which officers wore throughout June. And inspired by its neighboring agencies, the Laguna Beach Police Department is looking to develop its own rainbow patch, Sgt. Jim Cota said.

Seal Beach Police Officer Erin Enos suggested the department create and wear a rainbow patch for LGBTQ Pride Month. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

In addition, a growing number of Orange County cities have raised rainbow flags at City Hall. Some areas, including Seal Beach and Ladera Ranch, held inaugural pride festivities this year.

And cultural diversity trainings that include information on LGBTQ issues and the nuances of gender and sexual identity are becoming common in police departments.

But some question whether the pride patches symbolize Orange County's shift toward a more inclusive and progressive era or are performative activism.

Siobhan Brooks, an associate professor of African American studies at Cal State Fullerton who wrote the book Everyday Violence against Black and Latinx LGBT Communities, said the rainbow revolution is just another example of how social movements have become commodified.

"Maybe there can be some good things out of it, but I think ultimately the most vulnerable people in these communities  like queer people of color, and LGBT communities  are the ones that don't necessarily benefit from institutions like policing," Brooks said.

For centuries, laws and police agencies have oppressed the gay community, raiding gay bars and prohibiting cross-dressing. In 1969, thousands marched against such discrimination and the police brutality that accompanied it in New York in the Stonewall uprising, which marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ rights movement.

Today, lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer youth and adults are six times more likely than the general population to be stopped by the police, according to data published in May by the UCLA Williams Institute. And survey results indicate that nearly 1 in 4 LGBQ people say they are unlikely to call the police. The study did not include transgender people.

That ingrained historical distrust between the police and members of the LGBTQ community muddies the meaning of the pride patch for some.

Its a great idea, and Im not saying wearing patches is bad. But me, as a transgender woman, seeing someone wearing an LGBTQ patch as a police officer will not make me feel safe, said Khloe Rios-Wyatt, president and chief executive of Alianza Translatinx, a Santa Ana-based organization led by transgender people. "It's your action. It's what you do to help people, and we're not getting that from police officers."

Law enforcement agencies should hire more LGBTQ officers, Rios-Wyatt said. Only then will departments understand what it's like to live in Orange County as a member of the LGBTQ community, she said.

But even gay police officers aren't always welcome among the broader LGBTQ community.

Pride organizers and LGBTQ activists across the country have grappled for years with whether to allow police, either in or out of uniform, to participate in marches. Some argue their presence defeats the original intent of the march and is offensive to LGBTQ people of color, who face ongoing harassment and discrimination. But others argue that including officers helps foster a solidarity and alliance among the broader LGBTQ community.

In 2019, the LGBTQ Center OC came under fire because Losquadro and colleagues from the Sheriff's Department marched in uniform alongside the organization in the county's pride parade. It wasn't the first time uniformed police marched with the group, but its undertones struck a different tone on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

The center, the longest-serving LGBTQ institution in Orange County, promised a series of roundtable discussions.

"Our decision to allow uniformed police officers to march with us may not have served our entire community," the group said in a statement at the time. "For those who felt further marginalized by our decision, we sincerely apologize."

Pride celebrations went virtual last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, and OC Pride organizers held a farmers market this year in lieu of a march.

Losquadro, who once looked up the word "gay" in a phone book and found the hotline for the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County  the forerunner to the LGBTQ Center  felt especially shunned during the 2019 event.

"That was a very difficult time for me, trying to listen to those who were opposed to us being in the parade but at the same time trying to inform, educate," he said. "I was portrayed as being this rigid, you know, right-wing, law enforcement, white-privilege guy when I've lived for 37 years serving the LGBT community and helping to secure equality and acceptance for our community. It was like they didn't know that or didn't care to hear any of that.

"They just wanted me out because I was a guy in a uniform with a gun," Losquadro said.

As more communities push to champion diversity and inclusivity, Irvine Police Sgt. Karie Davies said it makes sense to have that kind of outreach start with law enforcement agencies.

Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Carrie Braun said the agency partners with multiple organizations, including the LGBTQ Center. Sheriff's officials regularly meet with LGBTQ community members about how to improve interactions.

In Irvine, the Police Department realized it should make its own pride patch after changing its profile picture on social media into a rainbow flag in June, Davies said. After a few mock-ups and approval by two LGBTQ officers and Chief Mike Hamel, the patch went into production.

Traditionally, its a little more conservative down here, but it was time, Davies said. We shouldve had these five to 10 years ago.

The Irvine Police Department ordered 300 patches, and Seal Beach police got 200. In Irvine, 55 of the emblems were given to personnel, and the rest were sold to the public. Seal Beach police didn't say how many patches went to employees, but Enos said many officers returned their patches so they could be sold to the public afterward. Money raised from Seal Beach's sale was being donated to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention in the LGBTQ community.

For Enos, the pride patches are a step in the right direction. Law enforcement has made a huge shift since the Stonewall riots, she said.

Last month, she joined Seal Beach's inaugural pride parade in uniform with her wife. She led the parade in a police car decorated with a rainbow flag draped along the rear window. In another shift, Enos and her wife were joined by other officers as well as Seal Beach community members.

Its kind of surreal, she said. Im working in a culture that is so accepting that theyll slap it on their shoulders and wear them with pride, even if theyre not in the LGBTQ community. Theyre an ally to us.

She hopes others will see that progress too.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Buckle up, Midwest.

A week of multiple severe weather events, plus ongoing excessive heat, will plague the region this week. The weather combo will arrive along with the potential for intense winds through Wednesday night in major metropolitan areas.

Severe thunderstorms are anticipated to deliver the first blows of the week through Monday night. Flooding downpours, hail, damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes in areas from the eastern part of the Dakotas to northern Michigan are anticipated.

Cities most likely to be impacted include Duluth, Minnesota, and Marquette, Michigan, but forecasters expect these storms will largely dodge the major cities of Minneapolis and Chicago until midweek.

"A ridge has been in place across the Rockies this past weekend, bringing excessive heat from the Northwest through the northern High Plains," said AccuWeather Storm Warning Meteorologist Joseph Bauer.

A ridge is an area of high pressure in the atmosphere, which can allow heat to build across a given region. In this case this high pressure area extends through multiple layers of the atmosphere.

The flow of air around the northern part of this high pressure area will help create steering breezes that guide rounds of thunderstorms along a northwest to southeast path over the Upper Midwest into Wednesday night.

"The ridge will move east into the central Plains by midweek, bringing that excess heat more into the Upper Midwest," said Bauer.

This heat dome has already allowed several cities to tie records over the weekend, such as Billings, Montana, which hit 98 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, and Riverton, Wyoming, which hit 96 F on Sunday.

Temperatures in several cities from Bismarck, North Dakota, to Rapid City, South Dakota, could reach into the triple digits during the late afternoon hours through Tuesday.

"A cold front will push into the area of excess heat on Wednesday afternoon across portions of Minnesota where the atmosphere will be ripe for storm development," Bauer said.

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The high heat and humidity will help fuel more storms that are triggered by the front as the air cools slightly across the region during Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Storms are expected to develop, and with the cold front moving southeastward through the overnight into the western Great Lakes, storms may congeal into a line and strengthen as they move through Wisconsin, northeast Iowa, northern Illinois, southwest Michigan and northern Indiana," said Bauer.

This time, the storms will set their sights on even more major cities. The hefty line of storms can bring hail and brutally high winds to cities such as Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota, Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin, Chicago and Detroit from Tuesday to Wednesday night.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

"As this line gets going, winds aloft are mainly out of the same direction, which increases the likelihood for powerful straight-line winds," said Bauer.

A straight-line wind is a term used to define any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with rotation and is used mainly to differentiate from tornadic winds, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory. If high winds move in a wide swath, they can do considerable damage, often similar to a tornado.

There is even the potential during this event for the severe winds to run along a continuous 240-mile-long path, called a derecho.

"Gusts of 80 mph are forecast with locally higher gusts possible if the line can materialize," Bauer said.

The AccuWeather StormMax wind gust potential with the storms on Wednesday is rated at 100 mph.

Such intense winds can cause travel delays and wind damage. With these storms impacting such a highly-populated area after dark, AccuWeather forecasters urge residents to ensure they have a way to receive severe weather warnings before going to sleep on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"We still have a few days before this event and things can change, but at the moment, the setup is looking favorable for overnight severe storms," said Bauer.

Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier, Spectrum, FuboTV, Philo, and Verizon Fios.
The Telegraph

It is a measure of the brutal nature of politics that scarcely a month has passed since Matt Hancocks resignation, yet he already has the air of a figure from history. The former Health Secretary risked everything to pursue an affair with his aide Gina Coladangelo, and four weeks after it was so humiliatingly exposed, the future of his relationship with her, as well as the future of his career, appears to be up in the air. Mr Hancock has not given up hope of rescuing his ministerial career, and
A retired state police colonel has been named Wethersfields interim police chief, while the towns longtime former chief has filed suit to nullify his recent firing by the town council.

Thomas Davoren, 65, served with the state police for 27 years, working as a major crimes detective and troop commander before rising to the organizations top uniformed rank. Davoren also served as police chief in Groton City for 5 years and as interim police chief in East Hampton, Wethersfield police said.

Davoren replaces Lt. Donald Crabtree, who served briefly as interim chief after the town council fired former chief James Cetran in June. Crabtree retired last week after serving on the force for about 26 years.

Town Manager Gary Evans sought Cetrans dismissal after the chief rescinded an agreement to retire at the end of August. Evans charged that Cetrans move was a breach of contract as the town began a national search for a successor. Evans also contended that Cetran violated the police departments general orders.

Chief for 18 years and a member of the department for 47 years, Cetran had agreed to retire in January after returning from a two-month paid suspension for alleged insubordination. Town officials have said that Cetran agreed to retire to avoid being fired, but Cetran said he rescinded his retirement in May because the town broke an agreement not to interfere with his management of the department.

Cetran contends in his court appeal that the town council fumbled the vote to fire him, in part by failing to second the motion. The appeal also contends that the council lacked authority to adjudicate the issue.

The Council simply did not know what it was doing and attempted to hide its lack of knowledge by placing broad limitations on any evidence that would complicate matters, the appeal says.

The councils actions violated Cetrans right to due process and he asks the court to void the decision to fire him, it says.

In recent years, Cetran and the department have come under criticism for incidents that include the 2019 shooting death of an 18-year-old man during a traffic stop and the alleged racial profiling of Black and Hispanic drivers during traffic stops.

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Davoren has broad experience as an investigator and supervisor. In 1991, he helped solve the ambush-style murder of Trooper Russell Bagshaw, who was shot through the chest outside a gun store in Columbia while doing early morning patrol checks.

Davoren, a Hartford native, has served on the canine unit, the tactical team and as head of the bureau of criminal investigations. In March 2005, he was promoted to major and commanded the four busy state police barracks in the eastern district.

Jesse Leavenworth can be reached at jleavenworth@courant.com
President Biden. Illustrated | Getty Images, iStock

The recent flooding in Germany and Belgium was estimated to be the worst in at least 500 years. At time of writing, some 205 people had been killed, a further 176 were missing and unlikely to be found alive, and billions of euros in property damage had been inflicted.

In the ensuing news coverage, a note of astonishment could be heard. It "is inconceivable that this is happening in Germany," a Red Cross driver told Reuters. "Did you ever imagine something like this happening here in Germany?" a CBS reporter asked a local resident. "I don't think anyone  could have imagined something like this," he replied. "There's so many people dead," another resident told a reporter. "You don't expect people to die in a flood in Germany. You expect it maybe in poor countries, but you don't expect it here."

The shock on display is reflective of a widespread and deeply-ingrained belief that climate change will not really affect rich countries. Residents of developed nations have long been accustomed to the most damaging natural disasters largely striking impoverished nations  while wealthy places may be hit by hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, they have been largely protected by their superior building codes and well-funded emergency services.

But this is not the case anymore. Poor countries will be hurt worse by climate disasters, but even the wealthiest, most technologically-advanced countries are already getting hammered, and it's going to get much worse in the future.

The flood damage in Germany surprised local scientists, who have spent years and tons of money preparing for extreme flooding  and even sent out an advance warning across the affected areas. Germans "were stupidly congratulating ourselves that we were forecasting something so early," hydrologist Hannah Cloke told Science. The problem, apparently, was that researchers previously focused primarily on larger rivers which had caused prior floods, while this freak event struck tributaries that were thought to be less of a risk. (The Netherlands, luckily, had focused its flood control efforts more broadly, and therefore suffered many fewer deaths.)

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The disaster was classic climate change  caused by a bizarre, slow-moving storm that dumped a stupendous amount of rain in a short time in a confined area. The changing, warming climate means there is no more "normal." Previous weather patterns are less and less useful every year, and disaster can and will strike where you least expect. Even when you've spent years building up protective mechanisms, they can easily be overwhelmed by unprecedented freak events made more likely by warming. And given that global emissions have not decreased at all, this is only the beginning.

Now, of course wealth is not useless in protecting people from climate change. No doubt if a similar flood had struck Haiti or Chad the death toll would be exponentially higher. The point is that both the governments of rich nations and their populations are in deep denial about the dire threat climate change poses to themselves.

The United States is the worst offender by far, of course. The nominally pro-climate policy Democrats currently run the federal government, and they are currently discussing an infrastructure package whose climate portions are something like 10 percent the size of what President Biden proposed in the 2020 campaign, and even that was not even close to enough. The current bipartisan infrastructure negotiations have stalled partially over Republican demands that the decades-old 80-20 funding split between highways and public transit  basically a climate suicide pact  be slanted even more away from transit.

All this is happening in a year in which Portland, Oregon boiled in temperatures never experienced by Atlanta or Dallas, extreme drought grips nearly half the country, another very severe wildfire season is choking the skies from Seattle to New York, and the future drowning of Miami became the deadly present drowning of Miami. We haven't even hit August yet.

But it isn't just America. If we define a rich country doing its part to fight climate change as cutting per-person carbon dioxide emissions to, say, 9 metric tons yearly (adjusted for trade effects), then here are only a handful of rich countries that have put in the work: Denmark, the U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Sweden. Canada (which recently suffered the worst heat wave ever recorded anywhere) and Australia (where constant see-sawing between extreme drought and extreme rain recently created a horrifying plague of mice) are almost as poorly-behaved as the U.S. Germany has made only modest progress for a decade despite a big wind and solar buildout, in part because it foolishly decided to decommission its nuclear power plants before replacement renewables were ready.

People of privilege commonly cannot believe they are vulnerable to the same problems that strike down the poor, until it happens. We saw this during the pandemic, when a great many wealthy people were driven batty by the fact that they could not buy their way out of the situation. Those unfortunate Germans will not be the last people to learn that development and money do not immunize people from climate disasters.

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Scottish climber Rick Allen has died while attempting to summit Pakistan's K2, his expedition team said, the latest death on the world's second-highest peak.

Allen was killed after being hit by an avalanche while attempting a new route on the mountain over the weekend. His body was recovered on Sunday evening.

"After consulting with his family and friends, the legend will be buried this morning under the foot of Mighty K2, Karakorum Expeditions wrote on Facebook Monday.

A charity that Allen was raising money for during the climb also confirmed his death.

"Rick died doing what he loved the most and lived his life with the courage of his convictions," tweeted Partners Relief & Development, adding that two other climbers on the expedition survived the avalanche.

Allen's death comes a week after South Korea's Kim Hong-bin was killed after falling into a crevasse while descending from the nearby Broad Peak.

With Pakistan's borders open and few other places to go due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country's summer climbing season is attracting a large number of alpinists.

The summer season follows history being made in northern Pakistan as a team of Nepali climbers became the first to summit K2 in the winter.

But at least five other climbers died on K2's slopes while a sixth went missing during an ascent on a nearby peak.

Known as "the savage mountain", K2 has harsh conditions -- winds can blow at more than 200 kilometres per hour (124 miles per hour) and temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Celsius (minus 76 Fahrenheit).

Unlike the world's highest peak Mount Everest, which has been scaled by thousands of climbers young and old, K2 is much less travelled.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Senators and the White House were locked in intense negotiations Monday to salvage a bipartisan infrastructure deal, with pressure mounting on all sides to wrap up talks and show progress on President Joe Bidens top priority.

Despite weeks of closed-door discussions, senators from the bipartisan group blew past a Monday deadline set for agreement on the nearly $1 trillion package. Instead they hit serious roadblocks over was how much would be spent on public transit and water infrastructure and whether the new spending on roads, bridges, broadband and other projects would be required to meet federal wage requirements for workers. They're also at odds over drawing on COVID-19 funds to help pay for it.

Republican negotiator Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, who took the lead in key talks with a top White House aide, insisted the bipartisan group was making progress.

This is heading in the right direction," Portman told reporters at the Capitol. "Its a big, complicated bill.

Biden struck a similarly upbeat tone, telling reporters at the White House he remained optimistic about reaching a compromise.

This is a crucial week after more than a monthlong slog of negotiations since Biden and the bipartisan group first celebrated the contours of the nearly $1 trillion bipartisan agreement in June, and senators were warned they could be kept in session this weekend to finish the work.

The White House wants a bipartisan agreement for this first phase, before Democrats go it alone to tackle broader priorities in a bigger $3.5 trillion budget plan that's on deck. A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC found 8 in 10 Americans favor some increased infrastructure spending, and the current package could be a political win for all sides as lawmakers try to show voters that Washington can work. Securing the bipartisan bill is also important for some centrist Democrats before engaging in the broader undertaking.

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But as talks drag on, anxious Democrats, who have slim control of the House and Senate, face a timeline to act on what would be some of the most substantial legislation in years. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wants progress on both packages before the August recess, and he told senators to brace for a Saturday or Sunday session.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden himself worked the phones all weekend, and the administration was encouraged by the progress. But Psaki acknowledged time is not endless.

Adding to the mix, Donald Trump issued a statement Monday disparaging Senate Republicans for even dealing with the Democrats on infrastructure, though it's unclear what influence he has. The former president had failed at an infrastructure deal when he was in office.

Its time for everyone to get to yes, Schumer said as he opened the Senate.

Schumer said Trump is rooting for our entire political system to fail while Democrats are rooting for a deal.

The bipartisan package includes about $600 billion in new spending on public works projects, with broad support from Republicans and Democrats for many of the proposed ideas.

Yet there was little to show Monday after a grinding weekend of talks, putting the deal at risk of stalling out.

The Democrats and the White House had sent what they called a global offer to Republicans on remaining issues late Sunday, according to a Democratic aide close to the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them.

But Republicans rebuffed the ideas, saying the new proposal attempted to reopen issues that had already been resolved, according to a GOP aide also granted anonymity to discuss the private talks.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said its time for Biden to become more involved. I think its imperative that the president indicates strongly that he wants a bipartisan package, she said.

A top Biden aide, Steve Ricchetti, was tapped for the direct talks as Portman fielded information to the other senators in the group, several senators said.

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said, There were too many cooks in the kitchen.

While much of the disagreement has been over the size of spending on each category, labor issues have also emerged as a flashpoint.

Democrats are insisting on a prevailing-wage requirement, not just for existing public works programs but also for building new roads, bridges, broadband and other infrastructure, according to another Republican granted anonymity to discuss the private talks.

At the same time, transit funding has been a stubborn source of disagreement for the past several days.

Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, the top Republican on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which oversees public transit, raised questions about the size of the transit funding increase. He cited, in part, previous COVID-19 federal relief money that had already been allocated to public transit.

Democrats and public transit advocates don't want spending to go any lower than what's typically been a federal formula of about 80% for highways and 20% for transit. They see expanded public transit systems as key to easing traffic congestion and combating climate change.

Psaki has previously said transit funding "is obviously extremely important to the president  the Amtrak President, as we may call him.

The senators also appeared to still be debating money for public water works and removal of lead pipes after Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, raised questions about the amount.

Also unresolved is how to pay for the bipartisan package after Democrats rejected a plan to bring in funds by hiking the gas tax drivers pay at the pump and Republicans dashed a plan to boost the IRS to go after tax scofflaws.

Funding could come from repurposing COVID relief aid, reversing a Trump-era pharmaceutical rebate and other streams. It's possible the final deal could run into political trouble if it doesn't pass muster as fully paid for when the Congressional Budget Office assesses the details.

The final package would need the support of 60 senators in the evenly split 50-50 Senate to advance past a filibuster  meaning at least 10 Republicans along with every Democratic member. A test vote last week failed along party lines as Republicans sought more time to negotiate.

Meanwhile, Democrats are readying the broader $3.5 trillion package, which would go beyond public works to include child care centers, family tax breaks and other priorities. It is being considered under budget rules that allow passage with 51 senators in the split Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to break a tie. That package would be paid for by increasing the corporate tax rate and the tax rate on Americans earning more than $400,000 a year.

___

Associated Press writers Hope Yen and Josh Boak contributed to this report.
Two men were found injured after a shooting Sunday at Wilbur Young Park in Blue Springs, and a suspect vehicle found at another location had blood inside, a police spokeswoman said.

Police responded about 10:30 p.m. Sunday at the park in the 1200 block of Southeast Adams Dairy Parkway on reports that shots had been fired, said Jennifer Brady, public information officer for the Blue Springs Police Department.

Arriving officers found a 22-year-old and a 19-year-old injured at the park. They were taken to a hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening, Brady said.

A weapon was found on one of the victims at the hospital, but police did not disclose what type of weapon it was, she said.

Witnesses reported that a vehicle with two males inside was seen heading westbound on U.S. 40 highway. Police found a vehicle parked at the QuikTrip at Missouri 7 and U.S. 40 highways, less than two miles away. They believe the vehicle was involved in the shooting and blood was found inside.

While investigating the shooting, police found numerous spent shell casings at the park, Brady said.

Further details, including a description of the suspects as well as what lead up to the shooting, was unavailable.

Gun violence is the subject of a statewide journalism project The Star is undertaking in Missouri this year in partnership with the national service program Report for America and sponsored in part by Missouri Foundation for Health. As part of this project, The Star will seek the communitys help.

To contribute, visit Report for America online at reportforamerica.org.
Sila announced Monday it raised $13 million in Series A funding for its banking and payment platform that gives software teams tools to build the next generation of financial products and services.

Revolution Ventures led the round and was joined by existing investors Madrona Venture Group, Oregon Venture Fund and Mucker Capital, as well as Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus. The funding brings the total investment to date for Portland, Oregon-based Sila to $20 million.

The company was founded in 2018 by Shamir Karkal, Angela Angelovska, Isaac Hines and Alex Lipton to simplify digital payments and storage in a regulatory compliant way and build on blockchain technology. CEO Karkal has a long history in the fintech space, co-founding Simple, an app unifying various accounts into one accessible bank card, in 2009. It was acquired by BBVA in 2014 for $117 million and shuttered earlier this year.

Karkal told TechCrunch that the idea for Sila was born out of frustration while starting another bank. He saw a need for financial application development, but was hindered by a banking system still stuck in the 20th century. He thought consumers expected a different level of service, which is why many flock to fintechs.

However, whenever a business tried to connect existing banking systems, fintechs and cryptocurrency innovators, as it built and scale, would always run into technology and compliance issues, Karkal said.

The problem with working with banks, is that you have to figure out how to integrate with their mainframe, he added. In the process, you end up having to also be compliance experts just to be able to do it.

Whereas it took Karkal three years to get bank processes set up for other companies, it took Sila 18 months. Its banking APIs enable developers to create their own digital wallets, replacing the need to integrate with legacy financial institutions. Sila also has partnerships with fintech platforms, including Plaid, Alloy, Lithic and Arcus to move money, and is backed by Evolve Bank and Trust.

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Sila can now get customers up-and-running in six to eight weeks. And unlike competitors that focus almost exclusively on e-commerce, most of Silas customers are doing regulated payments within the fintech, insurtech, commercial real estate and cryptocurrency spaces that tend to be more complex from a compliance basis, Karkal said.

Since the company launched its platform, business was building steadily, and took off in the second half of 2020. The company raised a $7.7 million seed round earlier in the year. In the last 12 months, Sila grew its revenue 10 times and customers end users grew over 500% in the last seven months.

Sila will use the new funding to increase headcount, target additional partners and expand product features, including its Ethereum MainNet stablecoin issuance and interoperability between FedWire and the Nacha Automated Clearing House network.

There is a massive wave of fintechs emerging in the U.S., and we have barely scratched the surface, Karkal said. Places like India, Africa and Latin America could accelerate at the same time because they are mainly starting from zero. We are here to arm the rebels and help those innovators build applications to give all end users a much better financial experience.

As part of the investment, Clara Sieg, partner at Revolution Ventures, is joining the companys board. She told TechCrunch she met the companys co-founders through the Portland ecosystem.

Revolution tends to look at fintech startups from a consumer angle. Recognizing that the problem with building infrastructure meant dealing with banks, the firm set out how to find a company building the pipes to solve it, she said.

In the landscape of fintech, she considers Dwolla to be a competitor to Sila. Last week, the company raised $21 million to continue developing its API that allows companies to build and facilitate fast payments, specifically with a focus on ACH. However, it comes down to actually signing up customers, and that competitive landscape is pretty thin, Sieg added.

Sila is building an easy way for people to program money and taking a regulatory eye to things, Sieg said. When Shamir was building Simple, he could see how challenging it was for incumbents to provide the tools developers need to embed financial services, and this is why we have confidence in his ability to win.
By Emily Chow

XINXIANG, China (Reuters) - Chinese farmer Cheng wades through knee-deep water, pulling dead pigs behind him one-by-one by a rope tied around their ankles as he lines up the bloated carcasses for disposal.

More than 100 of Cheng's pigs drowned in floods that paralysed China's central Henan province last week, and the outlook for those left alive is bleak.

"I'm waiting for the water levels to go down to see what to do with the remaining pigs," said the 47-year-old farmer from Wangfan village, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) north of provincial capital Zhengzhou.

"They've been in the water for a few days now and can't eat at all. I don't think even one pig will be left."

Cheng's farm is one of thousands in Henan, famous for agriculture, and pork production in particular. The province was struck by heavy rains last week that sparked the worst flash flooding in centuries, catching many by surprise.

"In an instant, we now have no way of surviving. We have no other skills. We have no more money to raise pigs again," Cheng, who has raised pigs all his life, told Reuters at his farm on Sunday.

"This is as if the sky has fallen."

Across the village, where most of the 3,000 other residents also raise pigs or chickens or grow grain, people were clearing debris left by the receding floodwaters.

Some carted out wheelbarrows and crates of lifeless chickens. Dead pigs lay bloated in the water, tied to trees to stop them floating away. Parts of the village smelled strongly of mud and rotting carcasses.

At least 200,000 chickens and up to 6,000 pigs were lost in the flood, half of the village's herd, farmers told Reuters. Across Henan, rains have deluged 1,678 larger scale farms, killing more than a million animals.

Though Chinese pig production has become increasingly intensive in recent years, millions of small farmers still play a major role in producing the country's favourite meat.

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Even after a devastating epidemic of the deadly pig disease African swine fever swept the country during 2018 and 2019, many farmers returned to pig raising and expanded their herds to capitalise on high prices.

Cheng said he's facing losses of about 30,000 yuan ($4,627.13), and worries he won't receive any government compensation.

Livelihoods aside, the flooding also has many worried about fresh disease outbreaks.

Last summer, heavy rain and flooding across southern China was blamed for dozens of outbreaks of African swine fever, a disease that usually kills pigs though is not harmful to people.

"The disease issue is a much more severe issue than the direct losses," said Pan Chenjun, senior analyst at Rabobank.

The swine fever virus lives for about 10 days in pig faeces and water, and can survive for up to 100 days in manure pits.

"Whatever's in the manure pits will be washed out and spread around," said Wayne Johnson, a veterinarian and consultant at Beijing-based Enable Ag-Tech Consulting.

Last week, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued guidelines to local governments on how to prevent animal disease after flooding, including measures on disposal of carcasses and disinfection of farms.

For now though, Wangfan farmers are not even sure they'll return to farming.

"After doing this for so many years, in a flash, everything is gone," said 53-year-old Zhang Guangsi, who lost about half his herd. "I don't feel like raising pigs anymore."

(This story has been refiled to correct headline to include quote mark, deletes extraneous word in paragraph 2.)

(Reporting by Emily Chow in Xinxiang; Additional reporting by Dominique Patton in Beijing; editing by Jane Wardell)
More than a month after a horrifying condo building collapse in Surfside, Fla., authorities have identified the last victim's remains.

Estelle Hedaya, 54, was identified Monday. Her younger brother, Ikey Hedaya, confirmed the news to The Associated Press.

A total of 98 people were killed June 24 when the 12-story Champlain Towers South condominium crashed to the ground. Ninety-seven bodies were pulled from the debris and one died at a hospital. County officials accounted for 242 people who had lived in the complex.

Firefighters Friday declared the end of their search for bodies at the site, continuing the investigation of the debris now stored at a Miami warehouse.

Remembering those who diedin the Champlain Towers condo collapse in Surfside, Florida

Hedaya was called a fun-loving person by a friend of nearly three decades, Sharona Abadi.

She was a person who loved life, Abadi told the Palm Beach Post. You can put her into a room, and shell be the type that just makes friends. She was the life of the party.

Hedaya moved from New York to Surfside about five years ago after landing a job at a jewelry company. A mutual friend last spoke to her around 11 p.m. June 23, Abadi said.

On the day of the collapse, Abadi volunteered at the Skylake Synagogue and The Shul, doing everything she could to help comfort families awaiting word of their loved ones.

When she returned to her Aventura home that night and turned on the 11 p.m. news, she saw a familiar sight: Her friend's balcony, from where Hedaya would often share photos.

Estelle please tell me you're not in Champlain South. We are worried for you," Abadi texted.

Hedaya's funeral is scheduled for Tuesday.

On Friday, Miami-Dade Fire Chief Alan Cominsky recognized the grueling work of the firefighters who have worked in 12-hour shifts in the past four weeks. Search crews battled through heat, lightning storms and a recurring fire to remove more than 14,000 tons of broken concrete and rebar, often working boulder by boulder and rock by rock

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Its obviously devastating. Its obviously a difficult situation across the board, Cominsky said. I couldnt be prouder of the men and women that represent Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

'Their rights will be protected': Florida condo collapse victims will receive $150M to start, judge says

Except for the initial hours after the collapse, no more people had been found alive. Rescue efforts turned into recovery efforts July 7.

During a news conference Monday, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the Surfside collapse was the largest non-hurricane-related response in the history of Florida.

The tragedy at Surfside will be something that lives with all of us forever, she said. Its also my hope that through this tragedy, the bonds weve built will grow stronger."

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY; Hannah Morse, Palm Beach Post; Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Surfside condo building collapse: Estelle Hedaya, final victim found
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  South Africa's government has lifted a ban on liquor sales and relaxed other pandemic restrictions, reporting that a recent spike in coronavirus cases has passed its peak, the president said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation Sunday night that the average daily number of new confirmed cases over the last week was around 12,000, which was a 20% drop from the previous week.

The latest figures suggest that we have largely passed the peak of the third wave of infections, although there are areas in the country where we still need to be concerned because the rates of infection have not yet shown signs of decline, Ramaphosa said.

The government is allowing retail alcohol sales to resume from Monday through Thursday, while bars and restaurants also will be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages. Schools have fully reopened, and social and religious gatherings are again allowed for a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. A nighttime curfew has been reduced to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Ramaphosa also announced the reinstatement of a monthly relief grant of 350 rand ($23.50) for unemployed South Africans until next March. An estimated 2 million jobs have been lost since last year due to the pandemic, according to the countrys official statistics.

While new confirmed cases are declining in South Africa, many other countries in Africa are seeing increased COVID-19 cases, driven by the delta variant.

To accelerate its mass vaccination campaign, South Africa will start giving shots on weekends and will make them available to younger residents ages 18 and above starting September 1. Currently, vaccines are limited to people 35 and up.

In the coming weeks, we will substantially increase the rate of vaccination, said Ramaphosa.

South Africa, which has a population of 60 million, has administered over 6.3 million vaccine doses. The rate of inoculations needs to increase for the country to reach its target of having 67% of the population fully vaccinated by February.

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According to Ramaphosa, 31 million doses of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be delivered in the next two to three months, while negotiations with other manufacturers are continuing.

In describing South Africa's efforts to curb the pandemic, Ramapahosa lamented the violent riots this month sparked by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma, saying the unrest was like fighting a battle on two fronts.

More than 300 people died and more than 2,500 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism resulting from the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.

The deployment of 25,000 army troops helped quell the rioting. Ramaphosa said his government would seek restitution for businesses that suffered more than 20 billion rand ($1.35 billion) in damage and also would assist poor South Africans.

The state-owned insurance company, SASRIA, will expedite claims by insured businesses for riot-related damage, and the government plans to announce support measures for smaller, uninsured businesses, Ramaphosa said.

I want to make it clear that law and order will be maintained," the president said. "There will be further arrests, particularly of those who conceptualized, planned, and executed these actions that have led to so much destruction and loss of life.
Jul. 25Detectives from the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force and the Salem Police Department have arrested the prime in the fatal shooting Friday of Clark County sheriff's Detective Jeremy Brown.

The arrest was announced late Sunday afternoon by the Vancouver Police Department, which is investigating the shooting.

Details about the arrest of Guillermo Raya Leon, 26, of Salem, Ore., were not released, but documents related to a warrant for his arrest describe him as a methamphetamine user who was paranoid that law enforcement was following him and confronted Brown as he sat in an unmarked SUV at an east Vancouver apartment complex.

Court documents filed Saturday evening in Clark County Superior Court reveal new details about what led up to the shooting at The Pointe Apartments, in the 3500 block of Northeast 109th Avenue just east of Interstate 205 in Vancouver.

Prosecutors have filed charges of first-degree aggravated murder while armed with a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm against him. An arrest warrant was issued Saturday.

More information

Law enforcement officers investigate the scene of a reported shooting at The Pointe Apartments on Friday evening, July 23, 2021. Fallen Clark County deputy identified; shooting suspect remains at large

Clark County sheriff's Detective Jeremy Brown, 46, was identified as the deputy who was fatally shot Friday evening at an east Vancouver apartment complex. The...

Law enforcement officers investigate the scene of a reported shooting at The Pointe Apartments on Friday evening. Detective's death prompts outpouring of grief, sympathy

Condolences came pouring in for the Clark County Sheriff's Office and family of Detective Jeremy Brown, who was shot and killed Friday evening in east...

Clark County Prosecutor Tony Golik said Sunday he intends to prosecute the case with the aid of a team of prosecutors. He declined to comment on whether others will be charged in connection with the shooting.

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Raya Leon told his companions that Brown, 46, fired at him first and that he shot back twice and ducked so he wasn't hit. Multiple witnesses said they heard one shot, a pause and then several more gunshots  about five total, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Brown and other law enforcement officers were conducting surveillance on an apartment unit. The subjects of the investigation were identified as Raya Leon, known as "Fish," his brother, Abran Raya Leon, known as "Junior," and Misty Raya, who is "Junior's" girlfriend, according to the affidavit.

The exact reason why the three were under surveillance was not disclosed in the affidavit.

However, a warrant for Raya's arrest was issued Wednesday in Clark County. Court records show she faces charges related to a burglary at a Vancouver storage building and firearms theft  multiple weapons including AK-47 and ammunition.

Court records show Guillermo Raya Leon has three open cases in Marion County, Ore., for delivery of methamphetamine and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Abran Raya Leon has an open case in Clackamas County, Ore., for possession of a stolen vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle, attempting to elude and reckless driving.

The three were seen arriving at the apartment complex in a silver Toyota SUV driven by Lani Kraabell, the affidavit states.

Brown was seated in an unmarked maroon-colored Jeep SUV in the complex parking lot. Investigators involved in the surveillance operation said they heard several possible gunshots in the area and saw the Toyota SUV, with the trio inside, speeding away. They followed the SUV and radioed to Brown but did not get a response, the court document says.

Apartment residents called 911 after finding Brown had been shot in the chest while sitting in his vehicle. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, according to the affidavit.

Detectives who responded to the hospital said it appeared Brown had been shot once in the chest. Investigators have not disclosed whether Brown had discharged his firearm.

The shooting, which occurred shortly before 7 p.m., Friday prompted a large law enforcement response, vehicle pursuit and manhunt.

Officers pursuing the Toyota SUV found it crashed near I-205 and Padden Parkway, and the three occupants ran.

The county's 911 dispatch center and local law enforcement issued bulletins Friday night asking residents to stay away from the area of I-205 and Northeast 87th Street because of the search. Area residents were encouraged to stay inside their homes, keep doors locked and report any suspicious activity to 911.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded for the manhunt and later located Raya and Abran Raya Leon in the backyard of an unoccupied residence, the affidavit states. They were arrested on unrelated felony warrants, investigators said.

Officers radioed that the two were taken into custody in the 8700 block of Northeast 76th Avenue at about 9:15 p.m. Friday. Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency reported at 2:50 a.m. Saturday that the ongoing law enforcement activity in the area had cleared.

Police also detained a woman in the apartment complex Friday night.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m., the woman came out of the unit being surveilled. She walked, with her hands up, across the parking lot to officers armed with a shield and tactical gear. She was handcuffed and taken to a Vancouver Police Department car.

Kraabell told investigators her friend Raya called her and said she needed a ride. Kraabell picked up Raya and the two brothers near a Target store in Portland. She said the three loaded up multiple bags into her SUV, and she drove them to the apartment complex in Vancouver, according to court records.

"Lani said that Fish was paranoid and mentioned multiple times that the police were following them," the affidavit reads.

Raya reportedly told Kraabell the three had fled from police in a vehicle earlier that day and were being sought for a burglary, the affidavit states.

Investigators said both Raya and Abran Raya Leon acknowledged they were being investigated for criminal violations by multiple law enforcement agencies, who sought their arrest, the court document says.

"Both Misty and Abran stated that Guillermo repeatedly and emphatically expressed a heightened concern that 'they were being followed'" by law enforcement, the affidavit reads.

Guillermo Raya Leon reportedly told the others he saw unmarked vehicles at their various locations. While at Kraabell's apartment, he pointed out a maroon-colored SUV with someone in the driver's seat, parked at the back of the apartment, according to the affidavit.

"They said Guillermo was 'trippin' that it was law enforcement watching them," the affidavit says.

He insisted someone try to see who was in the vehicle, and he left the apartment to investigate. Raya said Guillermo Raya Leon eventually approached the driver's side window of the SUV and spoke with the driver. Shortly after, she heard several gunshots, according to the court document.

She then saw the two brothers start to drive away in the silver SUV, she said, and they stopped to let her in before fleeing, the affidavit says.

Abran Raya Leon told investigators he was in the bathroom and did not see his brother approach the SUV or hear the gunshots. But when his brother returned, he said they needed to leave, court records say.

Both Raya and Abran Raya Leon said they saw Guillermo Raya Leon with a large silver revolver that he's known to carry in a waist pack. They said he was still armed when they fled, according to the affidavit.

Officers recovered a silver revolver in the yard while arresting the couple Friday night. Investigators say the revolver had one spent shell casing, and the firearm came back as stolen, the affidavit states.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, took a jab at Texas Democrats after a group took to Twitter to assemble care packages for lawmakers who've decamped in Washington, D.C., in an effort to block GOP-backed voting bills by denying quorum.

The Dallas Democrats said it will be "collecting Dr. Pepper, salsa, hard candy, hairspray, travel toiletries, hand sanitizers, sewing kits, first aid, and/or $ to pay shipping." The group also posted where it'll be meeting.

TEXAS DEMOCRATS TO REMAIN IN WASHINGTON THROUGHOUT SPECIAL SESSION

Cruz took to Twitter and posted, "No Miller Lite?"

He was referring to the picture that emerged that showed House Democrats traveling to Washington while surrounding a case of Miller Lite beer. Rep. Cody Harris, a state Republican, poked fun at the Democrats and posted a photo of all their empty seats during a session with an apparently Photoshopped image of a Miller Lite in their place.

Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, told Fox News that these lawmakers will be arrested upon their arrival back in the state, which may not be until the current 30-day special session ends in August. Though that would successfully stymie the GOPs current effort, Abbott has vowed to keep trying until the 2022 elections if necessary.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Texas firefighters rescued eight teens from the top of a New Mexico roller coaster after getting stuck for two hours on Saturday night.

The West Valley Fire Department in Texas responded to a call for help at the Western Playland Amusement Park in Sunland Park at around 8:40 p.m. The park sits near the border of Texas, but stands in New Mexico.

Two cars on the El Bandido ride got stuck, stranding the teens some 60 feet from the ground.

Rescuers used a ladder truck to help the teenagers climb down  a process that took around two hours to complete.

TEXAS FIREFIGHTER CELEBRATING WEDDING ANNIVERSARY FOUND DEAD IN CANCUN

"Waiting that long was pretty wild for us, but we were all grateful that we got down safely," Angel Cuevas, one of the rescued teens, told KFOX.

West Valley Fire Chief Bill Adler said that none of the teens suffered any injuries either as a result of the incident or in the process of climbing down, according to a Facebook post by the department.

HUSKY ABANDONED ON TEXAS ROADSIDE IN VIRAL VIDEO IS RESCUED, ADOPTED; SUSPECT FACING ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES

Park owner Patrick Thompson had the ride running again Sunday morning, but the two cars that had gotten stuck were not part of the ride.

An inspection of the ride failed to uncover any problems prior to the incident, and the cause remains unclear.

Thompson told ABC 7 KVIA that a closer inspection would occur Monday in an effort to try and prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.

The 30-acre park opened in 2005, but the coaster itself began operation in 1974, the Kansas City Star reported.
Katie Ledecky did not win a gold medal.

No, the sky is not falling  Ledecky still captured silver in the women's 400 freestyle  and she has the 200, 800 and 1,500 freestyle events remaining in these Tokyo Olympics, as well as the U.S. womens 4x200-meter relay. And, frankly, her runner-up finish in the 400 free to Australia's Ariarne Titmus by .67 of a second wasn't even terribly surprising based on recent history.

She was still responsible for one of the two medals Team USA captured in the pool during Monday's early action, the other being a gold secured by the men's 4x100-meter relay team led by Caeleb Dressel.

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Here are some of the other notable things you missed Monday in Tokyo while you were sleeping:

Team USA goes double-gold in skeet shooting

The United States picked up gold medals two and three on the day thanks to brilliant performances by skeet shooters Amber English and Vincent Hancock.

English won the women's skeet shooting competition with an Olympic record 56 hits.

Hancock made some history of his own, winning his record third gold medal in the men's skeet shooting competition with 59 hits to secure the U.S. sweep.

Vincent Hancock celebrates after winning gold in the men's skeet shooting competition.

Luka Doncic dazzles

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic made his Olympic debut Monday, and he did not disappoint. In fact, he nearly set an Olympic record.

Doncic dropped 48 points, tied for the second-most in a single game in Olympics history, as Slovenia defeated Argentina 118-100. But it wasn't just scoring: Doncic did it all.

He pulled down 11 rebounds, second-highest on Slovenia, and tied the game high with five assists. He even had a game-high three blocks.

13-year-old wins skateboarding gold

A pair of 13-year-olds  Japans Momiji Nishiya and Brazils Rayssa Leal  claimed gold and silver, respectively, while 16-year-old Japanese skateboarder Funa Nakayama won bronze in the first women's Olympic street skating competition.

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The results of Monday's competition felt like a historic moment for women's skateboarding, Alexis Sablone  the only American to make the womens street final  observed.

The first time I saw Momiji or Rayssa or several of the younger girls, for so long, the female scene, especially the competition scene  wasnt moving as quickly as it has in the last two years, Sablone, 34, said. The level has been remarkable to see. The second I saw them two years ago when they were 11 or 12 or whatever, I knew what was happening.

I was like, Were finally here. Female skateboarders have reached the critical mass. Theres enough now that there will be prodigies and theyre here, and theyre going to show the other girls and the world whats possible.

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Simone Biles feels the pressure

The U.S. women's gymnastics team had a tough qualifying session (by their standards) on Sunday. On Monday, Simone Biles  in many ways the face of these Olympics  acknowledged she feels the weight of expectations.

I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times," Biles wrote on Instagram. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesnt affect me but damn sometimes its hard hahaha! The Olympics is no joke!

It's understandable: The pressure on her is real, and Biles and the gymnastics team actually look vulnerable, Nancy Armour writes.

Naomi Osaka keeps rolling

One day after cruising through the first round, Naomi Osaka returned to the court Monday and dominated yet another opponent.

I think my movement was better and I was more clear with what I wanted to do, Osaka said of the difference between her second match, a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Switzerlands Viktorija Golubic, and her first.

With No. 1 Ash Barty out of the tournament after being upset, Osaka looks every bit the part of the gold medal favorite in her home country, Dan Wolken writes.

Surfer does extremely surfer things

American surfer Kolohe Andino pulled off the highest-scoring maneuver during the Olympic Games so far Monday. He celebrated with a throat-slashing gesture and had this to say afterward about his 30-minute run: "just really rad and one for the history books."

Far out, dude.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tokyo update: Simone Biles feels pressure; 13-year-old wins gold
Associated Press

It was one of the most gruesome mass killings in North Dakota history; four workers at a business who gathered early one morning for coffee club were slain in a matter of minutes. The ghastly 2019 scene that gripped Mandan, a community of 22,000 just outside the state capital of Bismarck, is set to be rehashed this week at the trial of Chad Isaak, a Navy veteran and chiropractor whose trailer home is managed by the business police say he targeted. Investigators say the evidence against Isaak is overwhelming, including clothing, handgun parts, a knife and used shell casings, surveillance footage, bank records, and Facebook and phone data.
(Bloomberg) -- Senate infrastructure talks suffered a setback Monday after Republicans rejected an offer meant to address all outstanding issues from the White House and Democrats, calling into question goals of passing a $579 billion measure before Congresss August recess.

The Democrats Sunday night offer was aimed at resolving provisions include funding for highways and bridges, water, broadband, transit, the creation of an infrastructure bank and how much unspent Covid money can be used to pay for infrastructure, among other controversial items.

But a Republican familiar with the negotiations said the offer sought to reopen issues that bipartisan negotiators had already resolved.

A pending five-week break scheduled to begin Aug. 9 is motivating the 22-member bipartisan group to end disputes over relatively minor components of their plan after Republicans spurned Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers deadline for action last week.

If its not ready for Monday vote, were going to lose a couple of weeks on our August recess if we dont, so its got to be ready, Montana Democrat Jon Tester said last week.

Getting the deal turned into legislation that can pass Congress is a major political goal for President Joe Biden, who ran for office pledging to govern as a centrist who could work with the Republicans. That promise is widely seen as helping him win him suburban swing voters, who also will have a significant role in deciding control of Congress in the 2022 midterms.

Finishing a bipartisan infrastructure plan also is pivotal to getting all Democrats on board with a budget outline setting up a $3.5 trillion tax and spending package that will carry most of Bidens agenda through Congress without Republican votes. Schumer, New York Democrat, said last week he would keep the Senate working past Aug. 9 if necessary to pass both.

By the time Congress returns in late September, lawmakers will be occupied with passing a stopgap bill to keep the government funded and running past the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year.

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They also will need to raise or suspend the U.S. debt ceiling which officially comes back into effect Aug. 1. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen raised the possibility of a September or October payment default in a letter to congressional leaders on Friday

Schumer has the ability to quickly stage a re-vote on his failed motion to begin infrastructure debate as soon as Monday, but people familiar with the talks say thats likely to push later in the week given lingering disputes about how to pay for it, transit funding and other issues.

We should pay for this increase in infrastructure spending by repurposing money we already approved, but hasnt yet gone out the door, Pennsylvania Republican Senator Pat Toomey, who isnt part of the negotiating group, said Sunday on CNN. But thats a point of great contention with the Democrats.

Another Republican aide familiar with the negotiations said billions of dollars still separate Democrats and Republicans on transit. The main dispute is over how to divide money from the highway trust fund between roads and transit. Democrats want 20% to go to transit and GOP lawmakers want a smaller portion.

Democrats on Sunday offered to accept the GOP proposal on highways in exchange for the GOP accepting more transit money, according to a Democrat familiar with the talks. The person said that Utah Senator Mitt Romney rejected an offer involving $15 billion in lead pipe contamination that had already been agreed upon. Romneys office said that this was false and it was Democrats who had moved the goalposts, to increase the total water funding.

In addition, there are still differences over the allocation of broadband internet funds, the re-purposing of unspent Covid-19 relief money and a Republican attempt to waive Davis-Bacon Act requirements that federally funded projects pay wages commensurate with local prevailing levels, according to the Democrat familiar with the talks.

Republicans say Democrats in the negotiating group already agreed to exclude Davis-Bacon requirements from the deal and other Democrats are reneging.

Both aides asked for anonymity to talk about the private negotiations.

Counting Votes

Even if the bipartisan group announces a deal on Monday, hurdles remain to getting the 60 votes needed in the Senate as well as a majority in the House. Some lawmakers not party to the negotiations who sit on the committees normally charged with writing infrastructure bills are pressing to ensure the deal does not bypass their priorities.

That includes Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who is battling to increase the transit funds in the deal, and Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Tom Carper of Delaware, who wants the funds for waterworks to be raised. Meanwhile, House Transportation Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio of Oregon wants to add a host of climate-related policies in his House-passed surface transportation act.

Ohio Senator Rob Portman, the main GOP negotiator, said on ABCs This Week program that the group is about 90% of the way there and should be able to finish this week.

Biden aides have been involved in the discussions, but publicly the White House is staying out of the disputes.

Were encouraged by their progress, theyre having conversations and we think they can get through any disagreement, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday.

Biden Calculus

There is no sign negotiators would abandon the talks even if a deal isnt sealed early this week, given the political importance to Biden. The president last week held a meeting with business and labor leaders to rally support for the infrastructure plan.

Its very clear to me that he is personally engaging, he is personally making sure that the 36 years he spent in the United States Senate and the relationships he developed there, he is tapping into that network, said Heather Zichal, chief executive officer of the American Clean Power Association, who attended the meeting. Zichal was a top climate adviser in the Obama administration.

Centrist Republicans also want to be able to take credit for infrastructure improvements and the deal outlined by negotiators would allow them to do so without having to vote for tax increases or new deficit spending. They also know that if the deal falls apart, Democrats will cast blame by pointing to statements by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky that his focus is to stop the Biden agenda.

What is going to blow up the whole deal if it blows up is McConnell wants Biden to fail, Brown said last week, echoing many others in his party.

But Democrats will have to stay unified to assure completion of both pieces of their agenda. Progressives in the party insist that the infrastructure deal and the bigger budget package move in tandem.

I wont put it on the floor until we have the rest of the initiative, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of the infrastructure package on the ABC program.

Some Republicans are already lining up in opposition to the infrastructure plan, saying Pelosis linkage of it to the bigger budget measure with its tax hikes and spending makes it unpalatable for them.

That will make it impossible for Republicans to support it, Texas Representative Kevin Brady, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, said Friday on Bloomberg Radios Sound On program.

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The government says it is "closely monitoring" the proposed takeover of a UK defence firm by a US private equity-owned company.

Ultra Electronics, a major supplier to the Royal Navy, has edged towards accepting a 2.6bn bid from Cobham.

Ultra said the offer was at a level that its board would be "minded to recommend" to shareholders.

However, the company said the deal would be subject to the "satisfactory resolution" of other terms.

The bid comes after Cobham, a defence and aerospace business, was controversially bought by private-equity firm Advent in 2019.

In a stock market statement, Ultra said the 35.16-a-share offer would be subject to "consideration and satisfactory resolution of other terms and arrangements, including the establishment of safeguards for the interests of Ultra's stakeholder groups".

"In relation to this, Cobham has indicated to the board that it is minded to offer the UK government appropriate undertakings in respect of national security," the firm added.

Government powers

A spokesman for Cobham said the company had "offered assurances" to Ultra over national security.

"We look forward to continuing our discussions with the board of Ultra, with the view to creating a global defence electronics champion," a statement said.

The government said it was aware of the proposed purchase and while it was a "commercial matter", officials were "closely monitoring the transaction".

Sky News reported Kwasi Kwarteng, the business secretary, had ordered officials to launch a national security investigation under the Enterprise Act.

The act gives the government the power to intervene in mergers on public interest grounds covering national security.

Dorset-based Cobham, which employs 10,000 people, is known for pioneering technology enabling the mid-air refuelling of planes.

The firm also makes electronic warfare systems and communications for military vehicles. Its expertise is said to have played a significant role in the Falklands War, allowing the Royal Air Force to attack the remote Port Stanley airfield.

Concerns over national security were raised when private-equity firm Advent International bought Cobham for 4bn in 2019. However, the UK government approved the deal.
The United States said Monday it would maintain restrictions on international travel into the country, sidestepping European pressure, pointing to a surge of cases of the Covid-19 Delta variant at home and abroad.

"We will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters.

"The more transmissible Delta variant is spreading both here and around the world."

In its latest advisories, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended avoiding travel to Spain and Portugal, two popular destinations for American tourists, due to growing cases of Covid-19.

The United States issued the same guidance for Cyprus, a week after also recommending against travel to Britain, the top international destination for US travelers after Mexico and Canada in 2019.

Covid cases have also been rising again in the United States, overwhelmingly due to the Delta variant among people who have not been vaccinated despite the wide availability of doses.

Psaki said the White House projected that Covid cases would keep rising "in the weeks ahead."

Asked how travel restrictions would help, Psaki said, "Yes, it is the dominant variant in the United States. That doesn't mean that having more people who have the Delta variant is the right step."

The United States has restricted travel from the European Union, Britain, China and Iran for more than a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, later adding other countries including Brazil and India.

The European Union in June opened up to travelers from the United States, typically requiring proof of vaccination or negative tests, under pressure from tourism-dependent nations such as Greece, Spain and Italy that feared another bare season.

EU leaders have asked the United States to show reciprocity, and President Joe Biden on July 15 said he would have an answer on the issue "within the next several days" after appeals by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Story continues

The United States makes widespread exceptions including for students, scholars, journalists and businesspeople, but European leaders have complained that the regulations inconvenience ordinary people and hinder transatlantic trade.

Top US government scientist Anthony Fauci warned Sunday that the United States is "going in the wrong direction" and repeated appeals for hesitant people to get vaccinated.

"It certainly is in retreat among the vaccinated," Fauci told CNN.

"It's like you have two kinds of America. You have the very vulnerable unvaccinated part and you have the really relatively protected vaccinated part."

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USA Softball is hoping its warmup game against Japan is a sign of things to come in the gold-medal rematch. Team USA notched another walk-off win Sunday, beating Japan 2-1 and staying unbeaten at the Tokyo Olympics.

The U.S. needed heroics late to remain perfect. With the team down 1-0 in the sixth inning, Valerie Arioto tied things up with an RBI single. The United States held Japan scoreless in the top of the seven inning, setting the stage for Kelsey Stewart to lead off in the bottom of the frame.

Stewart didn't wait long to deliver. She jumped all over the second pitch she saw, driving a fastball out to right for a walk-off home run.

It was the first home run hit by Team USA at the event.

The win moves Team USA to a perfect 5-0 at the Tokyo Olympics.

Team USA will take on Japan for a gold medal

It won't be long before the two teams meet again. Team USA and Japan will play again Tuesday with a gold medal on the line.

Both teams had already punched their tickets to the gold-medal game after posting the top two records at the Olympics. Both teams were undefeated heading into Sunday's game. The U.S. remained undefeated after the win. Japan dropped to 4-1 with the loss. With both teams already in the gold-medal game, Sunday's matchup would determine which team would bat last during the gold-medal game. Team USA secured that honor with Sunday's win.

USA Softball continues dominant run at Tokyo Olympics

Team USA has looked stellar in its five games at the Tokyo Olympics. The team has allowed just 2 runs during the entire tournament. After holding Italy, Canada and Mexico scoreless, Team USA gave up its first run of the Olympics against Australia on Saturday. That game also resulted in a walk-off win for the United States.

While Team USA took home the win Sunday, Japan has been nearly as dominant. Japan has allowed just 5 runs over its five games. The team has also scored 18 runs, most of any team at the Olympics. Team USA has scored 9 runs in its five wins.

Story continues

Tuesday's gold-medal game sets up a rematch from 2008. Both teams met in the gold-medal game at the Beijing Olympics. Japan came away victorious at those games, beating Team USA 3-1 in the final in 2008.

Best of Tokyo 2020 Day 3 slideshow embed

More from Yahoo Sports:
More than 10 million residents of Ho Chi Minh City will be placed under a strict overnight curfew beginning Monday, an unprecedented move to curb infections as Vietnam battles a rapid Covid-19 surge.

After successfully containing limited coronavirus outbreaks last year, the communist country is now recording increasing infections and deaths fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant.

Hardest-hit are the northern industrial centres and Ho Chi Minh City in the south, which has registered more than 62,000 infections since April -- making up the bulk of Vietnam's 101,000 cases.

Authorities have restricted movement in the once-bustling economic hub for more than two months, and imposed a lockdown in early July. Residents are allowed to leave home only for medical emergencies and food.

But beginning Monday, an additional, strict stay-at-home order will be in effect from 6 pm to 6 am local time -- though authorities refused to use the word "curfew". No end date was announced for the measure.

"Local law enforcement will need to step up patrols... and issue appropriate penalties for offenders, even detention in cases of resistance," said city mayor Nguyen Thanh Phong, according to state media.

Almost all public transport links with the city have already been suspended, while travellers originating from the city are required to stay in mandatory quarantine centres for at least two weeks.

Currently, more than a third of Vietnam's 100 million people are under a lockdown, including residents of its capital Hanoi in the north.

On Monday, the military drove through major boulevards across the city, spraying disinfectant as they went past historic buildings and Hoan Kiem Lake, a major tourist attraction.

An army officer told AFP that military personnel will continue the disinfection campaign over the next three days.

Vietnam was one of the few economies that expanded last year due to its success in containing the virus during the first wave of the pandemic.

Story continues

But it has been slow to procure and administer vaccines, with just 4.7 million doses given so far.

It is also developing its own inoculations and authorities say they hope to reach herd immunity by early 2022.

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People cross the road next to the Marble Arch Mound, a new temporary attraction, next to Marble Arch in central London. (Getty)

A 25-metre-tall hill in London's Hyde Park that cost 2m to build has opened to the public for up to 8 a ticket.

The Marble Arch Mound, commissioned by Westminster City Council and located on the corner of Hyde Park at the western end of Oxford Street, opened to visitors on Monday morning.

The temporary hill has been designed to create jobs, attract visitors back to the area and combat traffic pollution through green landscaping.

Visitors can ascend to a viewing platform at the summit, with tickets costing between 4.50 to 8. The attraction closes in January 2022.

Read: Tearful Tom Daley 'couldn't even sing national anthem' after gold medal at fourth attempt

Workers put finishing touches to the Marble Arch Mound in central London. (Getty)

The lord mayor of Westminster, Cllr Jonathan Glanz, said: I think its really exciting to see this coming out of the ground and giving a new aspect  literally  of views in this part of London.

Cllr Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster City Council, added: We really hope the scheme will serve two purposes. First, to draw and encourage people back into the centre and Westminster. We know that footfall is still down by about 50% so we really need to show that its open for business.

Second, I hope that when people climb up here and see these fabulous views, theyll be able to see Oxford Street through fresh eyes."

Meanwhile, Kay Buxton, chief executive of Marble Arch London Business Improvement District, said it would be a "much-needed shot in the arm for the recovery of Londons hospitality sector".

With international tourism still on hold, the sector is relying on domestic tourism to boost income, she added.

Workers climb the steps of the Marble Arch Mound in central London. (Getty)

However, the project has also drawn a wave of criticism, with social media users complaining about ticket prices and branding it a patchy hill and a big pile of mud.

Liberal Democrat peer Sarah Ludlow wrote: I did wonder what that horrible eyesore was, obscuring John Nashs Marble Arch, when I saw it from a bus recently.

Wonder what council tax-payers in @CityWestminster think?

Story continues

Watch: Marble Arch Mound to offer previously unseen view of London

Meanwhile, Stewart Martin, an urban economics expert, said: I thought this was a wind-up until I found the website  but the vision and the reality appear to be quite different!

One Twitter user, who had run past the mound on Sunday, said: Its literally just scaffolding covered in patchy sod and plastic sheeting.

She added: "You can pay 8(!!) to climb the stairs to marvel at the busy intersection from a height."

Another wrote: Was just wondering the point and the cost of that big pile of mud at marble arch?" while a a third said: Sorry that mound at Marble Arch is horrific. Absolute monstrosity.

The Marble Arch Mound under construction in central London. (PA)

One person tweeted: I become more and more bewildered by the Marble Arch Mound as the days go on, while another wrote: This really is a very poor idea and looks even worse than it sounds in real life and that is saying something.

The hill, designed by Dutch architect company MVRDV, offers a single climbing route to the top, which consists of about 130 stairs.

A lift is available to take visitors to the top and back down.

M&S Food has set up trucks to provide food and drinks from inside and outside the mound.

Yahoo News UK has contacted Westminster City Council for comment.

Watch: How the government's COVID curtain-raiser triggered a week of chaos in the arts industry
By Chris Prentice

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - When former New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal starts work at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday, he will be the agency's first incoming enforcement director without recent ties to corporate America since 2005.

For two decades, the Wall Street watchdog has largely drawn its top enforcement cops from the white-collar defense attorneys bar, which critics say creates conflicts of interest that deter officials from properly punishing misconduct.

Grewal, 48, landed the role running the 1,300-person SEC unit after predecessor Alex Oh quit days into the job due to issues related to her private practice work. Progressives, including non-profit the Revolving Door Project, pushed for her ouster, in a political fracas that will put pressure on Grewal to deliver results.

"Grewal's background is very encouraging," said Eleanor Eagan with the Revolving Door Project. "We will be watching."

The first Sikh-American attorney general, Grewal became New Jersey's chief law enforcement officer in 2018. Other than two stints in private practice, he has spent the majority of his career as a federal prosecutor in Brooklyn and New Jersey, and as chief prosecutor for Bergen County.

While best-known for his work targeting police brutality and Trump administration policies, Grewal has prosecuted or overseen a slew of financial crime cases.

"Gurbir has risen so far so fast people forget he's a real white-collar lawyer," said Zach Intrater, a former federal prosecutor who pursued white collar crimes alongside Grewal including a $200-million Ponzi scheme.

As chief of New Jersey's economic crimes unit from 2014 to 2016, Grewal pored over bank transaction reports to dig up cases, said Intrater.

"He has real chops in this area," he added.

'20-HOUR-A-DAY GUY'

Grewal declined to be interviewed, but ten former colleagues and lawyers familiar with his work told Reuters he is known to be exceptionally well-prepared in court, undaunted by challenging cases, and dogged.

Story continues

"Gurbir enjoys a reputation as being a 20-hour-a-day guy," said John Carney, who ran the same economic crimes unit from 2002-2005.

Tough enforcement is a priority for Democrats who say the Trump administration was soft on Wall Street. Under Trump, the SEC focused much more on smaller-scale fraud instead of big corporations, according to Georgetown law professor Urska Velikonja.

In contrast, the sources said, Grewal will be willing to pursue big companies and challenge them in court rather than settling for a fine, a common practice which Democrats say doesn't deter corporate wrongdoing.

"As a career prosecutor accustomed to the courtroom, he wont be afraid to aggressively push matters to trial," said Carney.

As New Jersey Attorney General, Grewal sued major companies including ExxonMobil Corp, DuPont and Unilever as part of an environmental justice initiative.

According to Paul Fishman, a former federal prosecutor who hired Grewal in 2010, he is also willing to pursue complex technology-based cases which are on the rise as prosecutors lean more on data analysis and target fintech firms and cyber crimes.

Grewal has overseen hundreds of cryptocurrency investigations and in 2015 prosecuted hackers who sold inside information stolen from corporate press releases.

Still, taking on big businesses is notoriously risky. Last month, the Supreme Court sided against Grewal when he tried to stop energy companies using state land.

Some question whether Grewal has enough securities law expertise to take on big, complex cases.

"It is a highly technical area of law and it's going to be a learning curve," said Erik Gerding, a University of Colorado law professor.

Former colleagues said Grewal is measured and unlikely to bite off more than he can chew.

"Gurbir is someone who will look to hold decision-makers in companies accountable, but also understands the investing public wins when justice is served," said Craig Carpenito, former U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, who has worked with Grewal.

"Sometimes that means walking away from a case when you don't have it."

'THICK SKIN'

Grewal joins an SEC already ramping up enforcement.

Acting chair Allison Lee earlier this year gave senior enforcement staff power to open probes which had been stripped from them by the previous leadership.

She also reversed a 2019 policy that critics said made it too easy for companies to continue doing business as usual once they entered settlement negotiations.

SEC chair Gary Gensler has also pledged to aggressively pursue individuals and companies for misconduct.

"This isn't going to be an SEC with a lot of fear," said Intrater.

The son of Indian immigrants, Grewal said he moved into government as result of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

"I began to think folks didn't understand that you could look different and still love and serve this country, so that was my trigger," Grewal said at a 2020 Montclair State University commencement.

As state attorney general, his agenda generally leaned left. His initiative to publish incidents of police violence and overhaul use-of-force policies won praise from the American Civil Liberties Union, but drew criticism from some law enforcement advocates.

He sued the Trump administration over environmental rollbacks and fought its immigration policies. And as Bergen County prosecutor and later as attorney general, Grewal fought towns' restrictions on religious observance by Jewish communities.

He has spoken candidly about his own experiences of racism, telling PBS in 2018: "I've developed thick skin throughout my career."

(Reporting by Chris Prentice; Editing by Michelle Price and Nick Zieminski)
"We can see the world without cigarettes," PMI CEO told The Mail on Sunday. Gene J. Puskar/AP Images

Tobacco giant Philip Morris International wants to stop selling cigarettes in the UK within 10 years.

The brand, which makes and sells Marlboro outside the US, is reacting to consumer habits.

Philip Morris International is betting on smoke-free alternatives, such as e-cigarettes, for growth.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

The CEO of Philip Morris International, the tobacco giant that makes and sells Marlboro cigarettes for customers outside the US, said in an interview over the weekend that the company plans to stop selling cigarettes in the UK within the next 10 years. "The sooner it happens, the better it is for everyone," Jacek Olczak told The Mail on Sunday.

While this might, at first, seem like a self-sabotaging business move, it's not. The company is responding to a consumer shift away from smoking tobacco products - and preparing for bans on cigarettes by switching to alternatives. The UK government plans to make the country go smoke-free by 2030.

A spokesperson for PMI told Insider that its "smoke-free products" accounted for nearly 30% of its sales in the second quarter of the year. By 2025, it plans to bring this up to 50% of sales.

These products include various types of e-cigarettes, which do not burn tobacco. They either don't use tobacco at all or heat tobacco to create nicotine vapor.

While these products aren't risk-free, they are considered by UK health professionals to be a better alternative to smoking tobacco for people who currently smoke, as they contain much lower quantities of potentially harmful chemicals.

"Quitting is the best option, but for those who don't, science and technology has allowed companies like ours to create better alternatives to continued smoking," Dr. Moira Gilchrist, head of global scientific communications at Philip Morris, said in a statement to Insider.

"Encouraging people who don't quit to switch to these better alternatives, together with strong regulation will help solve the problem of cigarette smoking once and for all."

Story continues

Read more: Amazon, investment banks, and even big tobacco are spending millions of dollars to try to get favorable marijuana laws

This isn't the first time Philip Morris International has said that it wants to stop selling cigarettes for good.

Back in 2018, it ran ads in national newspapers in the UK saying that its "ambition is to stop selling cigarettes in the UK."

At the time, critics described it as a PR stunt. "The best way Philip Morris could help people to stop smoking is to stop making cigarettes," British non-profit Cancer Research told Reuters in 2018.

Philip Morris USA, a division of tobacco corporation Altria Group, sells Marlboro in the US. It is a separate company to Philip Morris International - the two split in 2008.

Read the original article on Business Insider
When a driver fell asleep behind the wheel Sunday morning, his car went around a guardrail and plunged 200 feet into a riverbank, Oregon State Police said.

The Mazda CX-9 came to a stop on the banks of the Grande Ronde River and caught on fire, Oregon State Police said Monday.

Someone who saw the accident on I-84 rushed to rescue two children who were inside. He doused the flames with water from the river and pulled the kids out of the car, police said. Everyone in the car was injured and needed medical care. The driver and another adult passenger who was in the front seat had serious injuries and were taken to medical care by life flight, police said.

Officials also took the two children to a nearby hospital after a trooper carried an injured girl across the river.

Oregon State Police did not disclose the condition of the passengers.

Driving while drowsy is similar to driving while drunk, according to the National Safety Council. People who are tired are three times more likely to be in a crash.

Crashes involving a drowsy driver cause more than 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries each year, the National Sleep Foundation reported.

Drivers should watch for these signs of sleepiness to help stay safe while driving, according to the National Sleep Foundation:

Trouble focusing

Yawning

Rubbing your eyes

Daydreaming

Drifting into another lane

Missing exists or signs

Feeling restless or irritable

Slow reaction time

Van bursts into flames after hitting deer on Idaho highway, photos show

Pole flies through SUV windshield and misses driver by inches in Arizona, photos show

K-9 dies after fiery crash with suspected drunk driver in Michigan, police say
In order to be a good administrator  I think you have to understand how the deck plate actually works  the sailors who run the ship, she said.

She retired from the Navy as a captain, having found the community to be an encouraging one of resilience and inner strength where you just jump in.

Those traits drove some of her research  her PhD dissertation focused on the relationship between inner strength, health and quality of life among midlife women, and she did professional research and publications on health among military families.

Putnams research has made her a familiar name at dozens of professional conferences, where shes been invited as a guest speaker and presenter on various topics of expertise.

The Distinguished Nurse Practitioner award is the latest among a long list of laurels for her service and research, some of them from the council in prior years.

Working with patients in Central Virginia  some of whom traveled distances that amazed Putnam  she said it was imperative to commit to meeting all their needs.

Paula Conway, practice administrator at Lynchburg Gynecology, said Putnam was dedicated, highly professional and a breath of fresh air at the clinic whom she was sad to see go.
Back in the 1970s and 80s, Lynchburg was discharging more than a billion gallons of combined sewage out of the century-old wastewater pipes, annually.

By 2021, with mapping work that began in the 1970s and a plan created in 1989, the city has closed 115 of 132 overflow outfalls. Many of those remaining are in the downtown area, which contains some of the citys oldest infrastructure.

Newman said Lynchburg ratepayers have born the brunt of this effort to repair the system and have some of the highest water rates in the state as a result. He hopes by using state funding, taxpayers will begin to see some relief.

If we can do this together with Richmond, Washington and the locality, we can do a great deal of good for not only the ratepayers, but also the environment, Newman said.

Tim Mitchell, director of the Lynchburg Department of Water Resources, said the money would help free up capacity for the department to address a slew of other impending sewer and water infrastructure projects, and could save 5% to 6% on sewer rates or maybe more, for city residents.
Lets say youre Joe Biden.

For entirely valid and legitimate reasons, you staked much of your presidency on getting the country vaccinated. You had a very good start, but then things started to stall right as a new, more contagious delta variant of the coronavirus was spreading.

This is a problem. I dont just mean its a political problem. (Ill get to that.) Its a public policy problem. Like national defense and law enforcement, fighting a pandemic is probably one of the few things political thinkers, conservative or progressive, in the past would have agreed was the task of government.

At least until recently. Now, to listen to many of Bidens conservative critics, getting people vaccinated is just another liberal scheme, like the Green New Deal or pushing critical race theory. Thats really the only explanation for why the audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference cheered when told that the Biden administration failed to hit its vaccination targets. Its a bit like cheering when a war goes poorly because it will make the Democratic commander in chief look bad.

Then theres the political problem. And Biden, like the typical politician that he is, wants someone to blame. But who?
The summer isnt even halfway through and its already proved to be a season of deadly extremes.

In a little over a month, four major heat waves have broiled the Western United States, including record-shattering triple-digit temperatures in Oregon and Washington that caused hundreds of heat-related deaths.

Wildfires are again tearing through the West, burning hundreds of thousands of acres in California, Oregon and British Columbia in Canada. The fires are so massive that smoke traveled all the way to the East Coast, prompting health warnings in Virginia and Connecticut and turning the skies above New York City hazy and red.

And from Germany to China, extreme flooding has caused death and destruction. At least 180 people in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands were killed last week when two months worth of rain fell in two days, causing floods and mudslides. In the central Chinese province of Henan, at least 33 people died after riders were trapped on a subway amid catastrophic flooding after torrential rains.
Nishiya Momiji has become the youngest Japanese Olympic gold medalist at the age of 13 after winning the women's street skateboarding at the Tokyo Games.

At 13 years and 10 months, Nishiya broke the previous record held by Iwasaki Kyoko, who won the women's 200-meter breaststroke race at the 1992 Barcelona Games at the age of 14.

Nishiya said she thought she wouldn't win until halfway through the competition, but the people around her cheered her up. She also said that's why she was able to put in good performances later on.

On becoming the youngest Japanese Olympic champion, the teenager said she's happy to set a record.

In the same category, 16-year-old Japanese skateboarder Nakayama Funa won the bronze.
Google Cross-platform App Development platform Flutter overtaking React Native

New Delhi, Mon, 26 Jul 2021 NI Wire

Flutter is cross-platform app development framework from Google and it used to develop apps with single code base. In March 2021, Google release Flutter 2.0 with major features and support for app development for Android, iOS, desktop and Linux. Google Flutter is gaining popularity among the developer community very fast. The Flutter adoption percentage is very high among cross-platform app developers around the world.

Flutter is well-known anyone for cross-platform mobile app development, if you have not heard about this framework then its a good time to learn it. The popularity of Flutter is going high after the release of Flutter 2.0 in March this year. Flutter is developed by Google, which is now being used by the developer community for creating cross-platform apps for many industries. Big companies are now looking towards Flutter for developing their next applications.

According to the recent statistics, Google Flutter is being used by over 39% by the app developer globally. This figure is expected to increase in big numbers in coming months. Big brands like Google Ads, BMW, and Alibaba is delivering many feature apps.

Flutter is a powerful framework for developing and managing project lifecycle, for example, if you have to add new functionality in your app then it can be added to once code base and deployed on many platforms. This saves log of time of the developer as compared to the native app coding in each platform separately.

Businesses are now moving towards Flutter framework for development of apps due to the features and various benefits of using the framework. Lets look at the top features and benefits of Flutter framework.

Companies and developers prefer Flutter over React Native and other frameworks for cross-platform app development.

Flutter is cross-platform app development framework

Flutter is designed to develop cross-platform apps with the same codebase, which is most important benefits. It comes with the widgets and other components to make it a very robust framework. Code is compiled for ARM code and it runs faster on the host operating system this makes Flutter framework very powerful for developing cross-platform apps. While developing the app, developers can use 80% of their code and this is good.

High Performance Apps with Flutter

Flutter allows developer to create powerful, high and robust applications in less time as compared to other application development frameworks. The Hot Reload feature can be used by developers to perform real-time app maintenance.

Flutter Widgets

Flutter comes with a large number of widgets like AlertDialog, Align, AnimatedAlign, Autocomplete and many others which make programming much easier. These widgets help developers in building apps faster and in a much elegant manner. There are many animation widgets for different purposes, which helps in developing quality apps for clients.

Native performance on all platforms

Flutter apps are compiled for ARM code and for the host CPU. The Flutter generates high-performance apps that work well with the host OS.

Community support

Flutter is an open-source platform that is supported by the global programmer community. There are so many examples and sample projects, that will help developers in learning it fast.

Ads: If you are looking for developers in India for developing Flutter applications then check the cost details at: Flutter App Development Cost in India.
The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $98 million in grants to more than 1,980 eligible Rural Health Clinic Vaccination Confidence Program applicants.

That includes $3,367,972 allocated to rural health clinics in Iowa to support vaccination efforts as many communities face increased challenges caused by the Delta variant, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funds will go to 68 rural health clinics to use to combat COVID-19 misinformation by developing and implementing additional vaccine confidence and outreach efforts.

The funding was made available by the American Rescue Plan and is being administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration through the Rural Health Clinic Vaccine Confidence Program.

Rural health clinics play a crucial role in supporting our national vaccination effort to defeat COVID-19, said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in the press release. This funding will give trusted messengers in rural communities the tools they need to counsel patients on how COVID-19 vaccines can help protect them and their loved ones.

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Condon said Big Idea North Plattes youth contest, open to ages 10 to 18, will add a third-place prize with the help of the Schmidt Foundation gift.

The top three youth winners will receive scholarships of $1,000, $500 and $250 respectively to help with development of their ideas and their own education.

Adult and youth prize winners will receive marketing assistance packages from The Telegraph and Eagle Communications, Condon said.

Big Idea North Plattes inaugural contest was announced in February 2020, with finalists named in March. COVID-19 forced the live final to be postponed from March to Oct. 21.

Casey Schiel, a North Platte firefighter, won the initial adult contest for his invention of a door night light for childrens bedrooms. Treyton Nichols won the youth division in promoting his Under the Bark Chainsaw Art business.

Would-be adult and youth entrepreneurs have until 11:59 p.m. Sept. 10 to complete their entry form and submit a video of no more than two minutes in which they explain their ideas.

A judging panel of local experts with experience across major industries will judge entries and name finalists.
I love Lincoln County, Bruns said in a press release announcing his candidacy. This is, always has been, and always will be home, and I cant think of a better place for us to raise our family. There is something to be said about the strong sense of community, the wholesome values that people live by in west-central Nebraska, and what this place has to offer for future generations. Its a community Im honored to serve and a way of life worth protecting. As our state senator, Ill represent our shared values and work hard for the people of Lincoln County every day.
It now blares at 5 p.m.  a compromise that many in the tribe have said they're uncomfortable with and will challenge.

Frisby attributes the dispute to conflicting versions of history and emphasizes intent over interpretation. He doesn't doubt the siren was used to signal the enforcement of the ordinance but said it was purchased to honor first responders.

Nothing hes found in the town archive or other records connects the siren to the sundown ordinance, and he doesn't believe defense of the siren is incompatible with acknowledging the county ordinance's awful legacy.

A lot of Minden residents have taken this hard because their fathers and grandfathers were the ones that worked to save up the money to purchase that siren for the purpose of responding to emergencies, he said. Its just unfortunate that because of the proximity in time, its been lumped in with this ordinance.

Assemblyman Howard Watts, the Las Vegas Democrat who sponsored the legislation to shut off the siren, said the lingering pain its sound evokes demanded action. He respects the agreement the tribal chairman and town manager reached, but beforehand didn't think the town's effort to clarify what the siren means in their eyes was sufficient.
Like many members of the Force, Nelson moved to Helena, where the unit had trained during the war. He got a job there in a lead-smelting plant.

Nelson had been hospitalized for about two months before his death from trichinosis on July 28, 1948, according to his obituary. LaVerne Nelson, his only brother among four siblings, was visiting him in Montana at the time and arranged for the return of his body to Oakland for burial.

The obituary doesnt say how he contracted the disease. Linda Murray isnt sure of the origins of the family story linking it to a pig snatched on a commando raid  though it seemed plausible given his units wartime mission. Jody Jones recalls that her uncle was ill after the war, and Murray says he spent time at a veterans hospital in Denver.

Trichinosis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Rupp said the larvae of the trichina worm are encased in cysts, the shells of which dissolve when exposed to stomach acid. Those that survive may penetrate the wall of the small intestine. New larvae can enter the bloodstream, penetrate muscles and, in serious cases, lead to fatal inflammations of the heart, brain or lungs.

You know he suffered intensely, Jones said.
Ohio Senate candidate and culture warrior J.D. Vance. Photo: Jeffrey Dean/AP/Shutterstock

The wave of Republican-sponsored state voter suppression legislation around the country provides an excellent example of an idea that has long been popular on the right: that we have too many voters who cast their ballots the wrong way. It is often assumed that Republicans really believe the voter fraud myths that persist, without evidence of their validity, among their elected officials and favored media outlets. But theres another rationale for malicious administration of the franchise that has nothing to do with suppositions that deceased people, non-citizens, or those otherwise ineligible to vote are nonetheless casting ballots: the very old conservative belief that some fully eligible citizens do not deserve the right to vote.

A Pew survey published just last week showed that self-identified Republicans rejected by a two-to-one margin the proposition that voting is a fundamental right for every U.S. citizen and should not be restricted, favoring instead a view of voting as a privilege that comes with responsibilities and can be limited. What those responsibilities involved wasnt specified in the survey, but traditionally there has been a strong undercurrent of sentiment among conservatives that voting rolls should not include takers or free-loaders who might otherwise vote themselves more benefits at the expense of hard-working taxpayers. This was a very common Tea Party grievance that was ultimately echoed by 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in his notorious 47 percent comment about incorrigibly redistributionist Democratic voters. It did not go away simply because its public disclosure turned out to be politically inconvenient.

But there is in theory at least more than one way to skin the freeloading voter cat: If suppressing the votes of the wrong people doesnt go far enough, enhancing the votes of the right people could be another option. That was the underlying logic, so to speak, of Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vances suggestion at a conservative conference over the weekend, as reported in the Federalist:

The Democrats are talking about giving the vote to 16-year-olds, Vance noted. Lets do this instead. Lets give votes to all children in this country, but lets give control over those votes to the parents of the children. He continued, asking, Doesnt this mean that nonparents dont have as much of a voice as parents? Doesnt this mean that parents get a bigger say in how democracy functions? He answered with a simple yes after saying the Atlantic and the Washington Post and all the usual suspects would criticize him.

Vance went on to attack leading Democrats who dont have biological children (Kamala Harris, who has two step-chidren; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Cory Booker, and in a homophobic drive-by attack, Pete Buttigieg) as failing to have a personal and direct stake in [the countrys future] via their own offspring. There was no reference to the usual GOP target, Nancy Pelosi, since she has five children, or to Joe Biden, who fathered four children (two of whom tragically died).

This was kind of a trollish masterpiece by a candidate who is in an intense competition for the MAGA vote in the increasingly Trumpy Ohio Republican Party. Vance began by attributing a fringe position (voting rights for 16-year-olds) to the Democrats in general, and then in an inspired bit of whataboutism, advanced the idea of giving adults more votes to reflect child-bearing responsibilities and the presumed moral superiority of those who discharge them. It enabled him to appeal to the natalist, pro-high-birthrate tendency that is just underneath the surface in very conservative Christian circles, where abortion and sometimes even contraception are inconceivable and women are expected to stay at home raising tomorrows patriots, while taking a big stick to the progressive feminists and sodomites who allegedly run the country and have no interests beyond their immediate libertine gratification. But it also scratched an anti-democratic itch among those who rightly fear that they are the northbound end of a southbound brontosaurus when it comes to the shape of the electorate of the immediate future.

The bottom line is that Vance understands the sort of cultural panic Republican primary voters feel these days, and prescribes political activism as the only solution, as The Hill reported from another section of his speech;

Big finance, Big tech, Wall Street, the biggest corporations, the universities, the media and the government  There is not a single institution in this country that conservatives currently control, but there is one of them, just one, that we might have a chance of actually controlling in the future and thats the constitutional republic that our founders gave us, Vance said.

Poor outgunned conservatives! They have a moral right to run the country and just need some help from whatever source is available: the filibuster and other structural aspects of the U.S. Senate; the Electoral College; partisan gerrymandering; Trump appointees to the federal courts; and whatever changes in voting and election procedures prove necessary to give good people a fighting chance against bad people. Its an all-purpose ends-justify-the-means argument, and its logical end is no less absurd than Vances proposal to give big conservative Christian families extra votes.
The Green Knight review: "This challenging project from David Lowery may ultimately turn out to be more a cult item than a specialty success" https://t.co/ve5Idv9Qzz pic.twitter.com/8U9E4uwJlO  Screen International (@Screendaily) July 26, 2021

THE GREEN KNIGHT: A beautiful, haunting, enigmatic work that stands as a masterpiece of blood, sex and the magic of Dev Patels back. David Lowery sticks his neck out here, fully aware some audiences may prefer it cut clean off. Plus theres a talking fox! https://t.co/j2xhYNfbDo  Barry Hertz (@HertzBarry) July 26, 2021

THE GREEN KNIGHT: holy shit.



i absolutely lost my damn head for David Lowery's medieval epic, a thoroughly modern film that goes so hard it feels like it must've been made 40 years ago. gallop, don't trot.



my review: https://t.co/4bKKZkZvMa pic.twitter.com/j7YPSyhouP  david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) July 26, 2021

The Green Knight: David Lowery Enthralls With An Epic Feat of Bold Imagination About Human Weakness [Review] https://t.co/wCAcX6IS9B pic.twitter.com/eutKFOuHM8  The Playlist (@YrOnlyHope) July 26, 2021

Dev Patel in David Lowerys The Green Knight: Film Review https://t.co/QD0eStzNts  The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 26, 2021

The Green Knight Review: Dev Patel is a Fellowship of One in David Lowerys Somberly Majestic Medieval Death Trip https://t.co/uSJVE3oBv7  Variety (@Variety) July 26, 2021

The general consensus is.....it'sIt ain't for the plebes. Looks real pretty and the score is gonna fuck you up.: "The production benefits enormously from his choice of leading man.". Swoon.Reputable organizations beneath the : Ole boy is just waxing poetic about it. I can't even pick something, but if I'm forced too, how about "a stunning 15 minute finale.", that's exciting, right?: "Costumes that dazzle, particularly in the kingdom where crowns and capes abound, seem modern in aesthetic and thus carry an elegance that isnt distant but more within reach. " They do look super pretty."Lowery is a gifted visual storyteller and this textured canvas of greys, greens, browns and other earth tones is perhaps his most sumptuous work to date.": A bit of a sleepy, somber ritual - but in a real good way.Probably my favorite quote besides the very ending of this out of any review - "The wizards of A24, the hipster distribution company, have cut a bedazzling trailer out of The Green Knight, to the point that a friend asked me if."It has been 532 days since the first trailer, but finally, at long last, "The Green Knight" is out in theaters this Friday....in the US. Distribution WW is kind of up in the air.src
It is not in Iraq's best interest to adopt renewable energy at the expense of fossil fuels, energy and oil expert Hamza al-Jawaheri told local Shafaq News Agency in an interview on Monday.

Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer behind Saudi Arabia, has been suffering from power outages and disruptions due to a lack of investment in its transmission grids. Iraq also relies on electricity and natural gas imports from neighboring Iran for its power supply and has received waivers from the United States to continue importing electricity from Iran despite the American sanctions against Tehran.

"Iraq is an oil-producing country. It supplies 12% of the world's needs. It is not in its best interest to adopt renewable energy resources," al-Jawaheri told Shafaq News Agency.

"Iraq's economy is rentier that relies on oil to fund its treasury. Promoting alternative energy is not the optimal choice to address the power issue in Iraq," the energy analyst was quoted by the news agency as saying.

According to al-Jawaheri, solar energy installations are useless in urban areas, as well as "four times more expensive than fossil oil." Related: Oil Opens Lower As Delta Variant Fears Clash With Tight Supply

Ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi of Iraq to the White House on Monday, a senior U.S. administration official said that "we have a huge climate agenda with the Iraqis which I want to highlight. USAID funded technical assistance for renewable energy and climate adaptation with a figure  monetary figure I just can't announce yet."

Last month, Masdar, a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signed a strategic agreement with Iraq to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the country with a minimum total capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW).

"The Government intends to increase and enhance the national production of clean energy," Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail, Minister of Oil for the Republic of Iraq, said in a statement in June.

"Iraq is targeting 20 to 25 percent of energy coming from renewable sources, rather than fossil fuels, equivalent to 10 to 12 GW. This agreement with Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy, is an important step in the development of the clean energy investment sector and the exploitation of solar energy in Iraq," the minister added.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Big Oil is betting big on oil exploration offshore Brazil, where the prolific pre-salt basin promises a lot of additional supply over the coming years.

From Shell to Exxon, many major corporations continue to win acreage and explore for oil off Brazil, which is expected to be one of the key non-OPEC contributors to global oil supply this decade.

We are going through the best moment in years, Matheus Rangel, a Rio-based oil worker told Bloombergs Peter Millard.

Exploration activity, and more importantly expenditure, is picking up, both in mature regions such as Brazils offshore and frontier areas like the Guyana-Suriname basin, Schreiner Parker, Senior Vice President and Head of Latin America at Rystad Energy, wrote in Rystads regional newsletter last month.

Last year, some 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) of reserves were discovered in the region, with Mexico and Brazil alone accounting for more than 90 percent of these volumes, Parker said.

Brazil is also expected to lead globally in terms of floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) sanctioning with 20 FPSOs expected to be sanctioned between 2021 and 2025, Parker noted.

Brazils expected oil output surge this decade will make it the worlds fifth-largest crude exporter in 2030, Brazilian Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque said in an interview with The Rio Times earlier this month.

In 2030, when we reach a production of 5.3 million barrels of oil per day, Brazil will become the fifth largest exporter in the world, Albuquerque said, adding that Brazils crude and liquids production is set to jump from 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd) now.

Currently, Brazil is out of the top ten of the worlds largest crude oil exporters, a ranking where Saudi Arabia is firmly in the lead.

Brazils prolific pre-salt offshore oilfields have been ramping up production in recent years and are the main driver of rising oil production. Moreover, Brazil is one of the countries not part of the OPEC+ alliance that are expected to continue to contribute to non-OPEC supply this year and in the coming years, according to estimates from OPEC itself.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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A UAE oil transport deal is now on hold due to environmental concerns from Israels environmental protection ministry following pressure from activists.

The agreement between the UAE and Israel expects to see Middle Eastern oil transported to Eilat, a red seaport, by tanker, which would then be carried by a pipeline across Israel to reach the Mediterranean port of Ashkelon for it to be shipped to Europe.

If approved, this would allow for the transportation of tens of millions of tonnes of petroleum projects, through a new transport link between the Middle East and Europe. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the two states last October but is still awaiting approval, as the ministry continues to delay the process to carry out further discussions around the agreement.

However, the countrys environmental protection ministry has accused the companies involved, Israels Europe-Asia Pipeline Company (EAPC) and Israeli-Emirati MED-RED Land Bridge Ltd, of not meeting the conditions laid out by the ministry for the agreement to be approved.

The halting of the project comes after pressure from green activists who warn of an increase in the risk of an oil spill should the project go ahead.

In response to the case, the ministry informed EAPC by letter that it would be delaying the evaluation of your preparations to increase activity in the Eilat port until the government has a discussion and reaches a decision.

In addition to pressure from green activists, the new Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg from the left-wing Meretz party has been clear on her opposition to the EAPC-Emirati agreement, a not uncommon stance due to the ongoing political difficulties between Israel and other Middle Eastern states.

Unlike the previous minister and several organizations involved, Zandberg does not believe the transport project will contribute anything to the Israeli economy and, rather, could pose a threat to the coral reefs of the Gulf of Eilat.

Despite this opposition, there is great hope surrounding last years improved diplomatic ties between the two states, which promised greater trade and economic links, as well as open rather than secret cooperation in commerce and technology. Jordan and Egypt already have similar agreements with Israel, making it the third Arab nation to make this kind of agreement with the country.

In response to the delay, EAPC stated that severe damage leading to full loss of the entire content of a tanker or external damage to a tanker and significant loss of content would only occur once every 366,300 years.

A leak in the pipe carrying fuel was evaluated as extremely low, with the potential to occur every 1,111 years. And an insignificant spill may take place every 24 years, however, if this were to occur the leak would be pooled and no environmental damage or marine pollution would be caused at all.

But significant public distrust for EAPC does not help the situation as the company was blamed for causing Israels worst-ever oil spill in 2014 and was later ordered to pay damages of $75 million. It was coined as the worst ecological disaster in the countrys history.

Approximately 5 million litres of crude oil were spilled in December 2014 after a pipeline belonging to state-owned EAPC ruptured. EAPC will, therefore, have to make sure that its risk assessment of the new transport project is accurate, and win back public and ministry favor to ensure the agreement is approved.

While the Emirati-Israeli oil transport agreement could open up significant new petroleum transport links across the Middle East and to Europe, EAPC will have to work on its poor reputation and improve its safety practices if it hopes for the UAE oil transport project to go ahead.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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Oil prices were trading slightly down early on Monday after having fallen 1 percent in Asia trade, as the bullish factor of tight market countered the bearish factor of the Delta variant spreading in many countries.

As of 10:06 a.m. EDT on Monday, WTI Crude prices were trading slightly down, 0.46 percent at $71.68, and Brent Crude was down 0.20 percent at $73.90.

Prices had fallen earlier on Monday by 1 percent as cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 continued to rise in many countries, including in the United States.

Crude futures were softening early Monday in Asia as profit-taking returned on the back of a modest climb at Fridays settle and the first week-on-week gain in prices after three consecutive weekly losses, Vanda Insights said in a daily note early on Monday.

With daily new Covid cases in the US continuing to rise, oil demand uncertainty was the main driver of market sentiment, Vanda Insights noted.

A strong U.S. dollar ahead of Feds policy meeting was also weighing on the oil market early on Monday as a rising greenback makes holding crude more expensive for holders of currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

With the OPEC+ drama behind us, volatility in the market has eased, which leaves the market with a couple of key known uncertainties for now, ING strategists Warren Patterson and Wenyu Yao said early on Monday.

The key uncertainties, ING says, are the Delta variant spread and potential restrictions over it, plus the unknown with Iranian oil supply as the next round in the nuclear talks are due to start in early August after incoming Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will be sworn in.

At the start of this week, the market is weighing the currently tight supply against fears of slowing demand growth if the Delta variant impacts mobility and travel.

Last weeks huge slide and then equally sharp recovery took prices back to key retracement levels  near 74/bbl in Brent and 72-72.50 in WTI as the key focus remains the outlook for the ongoing global demand recovery amidst concerns on the impact of the Covid delta variant, Saxo Bank said on Monday.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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A series of deals between China and Iraq in the run-up to this weeks visit of Iraq President Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Washington, including the latest involving Chinas build-out of Iraqs critical Fao refinery complex, might finally push the U.S. into formulating a genuinely workable strategy for continued engagement in Iraq.

The Fao facility to the south of Basra and its surrounding and connected infrastructure is the key to much of Iraqs current and future crude oil supplies. Together with the build-out of Chinas presence elsewhere in Iraq and across its dominant partner state Iran, Beijing has secured an immovable presence in the two biggest hydrocarbons powers in the Middle East alongside Saudi Arabia (which China is working on in tandem with Russia) in the largest and most decisive land-grab since the Second World War. According to the announcement last week from Iraq Oil Minister, Ihsan Abdul Jabbar, Chinas State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) has agreed to fund the Fao refinery project that will process at least 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil in Iraqs oil field-packed southern region that runs into the Fao Peninsula. Once Iraq had received the guarantee from Chinas SASAC that it would guarantee all of the required findings for the strategically critical Fao refinery project, the specific contracts were awarded to the China National Chemical Engineering Co (CNCEC) and these include the construction of the refinery, training, technology transfer, operation, and maintenance. In addition to the heavy Chinese personnel contingent that will be involved in the ongoing construction, training, operation and maintenance areas of the refinery, there will also be even more specialist security personnel from China to ensure the safety of the entire site, a senior oil and gas industry figure who works closely with Iraqs Oil Ministry exclusively told OilPrice.com last week.

In line with Iraqs new target of increasing crude oil production to 7 million bpd by 2027 at the latest, Baghdad announced at the beginning of this year plans to boost crude oil export capacity from its southern area in and around Fao by 72 per cent within the next three years. In broad terms, the Iraq Oil Ministrys intention is to increase the storage capacity at Fao to 24 storage tanks, each of 58 thousand cubic metres (around 365,000 barrels), for a total capacity of around 8.76 million barrels. This would add to the six storage tanks already in place. The plan is to all intents and purposes a reiteration  and expansion - of the original crude oil export infrastructure build-out plan that was about to be launched before Islamic State (IS) began to run riot across Iraq from 2006. At that time, the Oil Ministry had realistic plans in place to construct at least a further 12 full-time operational storage tanks and blending facilities in and around Fao by the end of 2016, with the longer-term target being the 24 storage tanks and 8 million bpd+ crude oil output target and then higher.

Although Iraqs crude oil export routes to the North, and into mainland Europe via the Turkish port of Ceyhan, appears theoretically the better export option, the practical political considerations involved render the theory obsolete. The original Kirkuk to Ceyhan Pipeline, also called the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline (ITP), consisted of two pipes, which theoretically had a nameplate capacity of 1.6 million bpd combined (1.1 million bpd for the 46 inch diameter pipe, and 0.5 million bpd for the 40 inch one). Even before IS entered the picture though this pipeline was subject to repeated and ongoing attacks by various militant groups in the region. This led to the government of Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdistan region  the KRG  to oversee the completion of a single side track, from the Taq Taq field through Khurmala. This also runs into the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline in the border town of Fishkhabur, with a nameplate capacity of 0.7 million bpd, which was then increased to 1 million bpd. Further complicated by perennial disagreements with the KRG over the budget-for-oil deal originally struck in 2014, Baghdad instead planned to renovate and re-open the Federal Government-owned oil pipeline section that runs from Kirkuk to Ceyhan, bypassing any Kurd control, before its finances dried up.

Related: Oil Opens Lower As Delta Variant Fears Clash With Tight Supply

Such a build-out of export facilities in Fao aligns with the fact that virtually all export efforts in the Federal Government of Iraq (FGI) run from Baghdad are focussed on the Basra facility in the south. To get to Basra, oil is moved via internal pipelines but these have previously been found to be unsound and in need of upgrading. From there, oil makes its way into the Fao main export depot, where it is stored and blended. Here again, though, there has not been adequate investment in the past and anything over the current levels of oil coming in has not been sustainable, meaning that oil supplies have been backed before up in the oil fields themselves, which has led to production bottlenecks. Previously, this also held up the roll-out of the Iraqs new oil grade  Basrah Medium  that was to have added to the revenue streams generated by the existing Basrah Heavy and Basrah Light.

Once past Fao, the situation is slightly more efficient as Fao pumps the oil to the single-point moorings (SPMs)  there are now five, with four in constant use whilst the other undergoes regular maintenance  and there has been some expansion in the capacity of the existing offshore terminals at Khor al-Amaya (KAAOT) and Al-Basrah (ABOT). In the same context of dramatically increasing its oil export capabilities, Iraq late in 2020 signed an agreement with Dutch marine construction firm, Royal Boskalis Westminster, to build an artificial island south of the ABOT terminal in the Persian Gulf, with the new artificial island project to be located 4 nautical miles south of the ABOT. An export terminal would be attached to the island, and include four jetties, which would have loading facilities for up to four very large crude carriers at a time, each capable of holding up to 320,000 deadweight tonnage.

Chinas involvement in a cornerstone project of the Fao build-out plan will perfectly augment its rolling out of financing for any and all projects in Iraq that either entrench it more firmly into the bedrock of Iraqs (and Irans) oil and gas sector or increases its on-the-ground presence in other areas of Iraqs vital infrastructure. Earlier this year, most appositely to the recent Fao development, it was announced that Baghdad has approved nearly IQD1 trillion (US$700 million) for infrastructure projects in the city of Al-Zubair in the southern Iraq oil hub of Basra. According to the citys Governor, Abbas Al-Saadi, Phase 2 of the projects would be awarded to a Chinese company. The Iraqi source to whom OilPrice.com spoke last week stated that this participation by China was part of the broad-based oil-for-reconstruction and investment agreement signed by Baghdad and Beijing in September 2019. This agreement allows Chinese firms to invest in infrastructure projects in Iraq in exchange for oil.

The previous week to the Al-Zubair announcement was a similar statement that Iraq had just awarded another Chinese company a contract to build a civilian airport to replace the military base in the capital of the southern oil-rich Dhi Qar governorate. The Dhi Qar region includes two of Iraqs potentially biggest oil fields  Gharraf and Nassiriya  and China is due to complete the airport by 2024. This project will include the construction of multiple cargo buildings and roads linking the airport to the citys town centre and separately to other key oil areas in southern Iraq. This, in turn, followed yet another deal announced the week before in which Iraq officials stated that Chinese companies were being approached to build out Al-Sadr City, located near Baghdad, at a cost of between US$7-8 billion, also within the framework of the 2019 oil-for-reconstruction and investment agreement.



By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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Chinese firms are set to build an airport and 90,000 houses in Iraq as part of a 2019 agreement for crude supply in exchange for projects, an Iraqi official was quoted as saying.

Companies from China are expected to build an airport in Nasiriyah and 90,000 houses in Sadr City, in exchange for 100,000 barrels of Iraqi crude, Zawya quoted Sabah Abdul Lateef, an adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister, as saying.

These projects will be carried out in line with the Iraq-China agreement after all legal issues that have faced the agreement have been resolved, said Abdul Lateef, as quoted by Zawya.

Earlier this month, Iraqs Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar Ismail said that Iraq had decided to award the contract for the construction of a new oil refinery to Chinas state-owned engineering company CNCEC.

The 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) complex will be an integrated refining and petrochemicals complex on the southern Al Faw peninsula, Argus reported in the middle of July.

The new refinery will work exclusively for exports and will be fully financed by the Chinese government, according to the Iraqi oil minister, quoted by Argus.

Another refinery project, a 100,000-bpd refinery in Iraqs southern oil-rich Dhi Qar Governorate, also went to a consortium with predominantly Chinese participation, Iraqi publications reported in early July.

The refinery has a production capacity of 100,000 bpd and is intended to meet the countrys growing needs of refined products, the Iraqi oil minister Ismail was quoted as saying by Zawya.

China is also on the lookout for upstream deals in Iraq, especially after recent reports had it that international oil majors were considering selling upstream assets in the country.

Earlier this year, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) signed a 25-year deal with Iraqs Ministry of Oil that gives it a 49 percent stake in the Mansuriya non-associated natural gas site.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The force of the Yemeni Houthis are advancing towards the country's oil-rich Shabwah province, Iran's Fars News reported this weekend, adding that the advance was an attempt "to choke off supplies of weapons and new fighters to the Saudi-led coalition and its mercenaries."

Fighting in Yemen has been ongoing for six years now after the Iran-affiliated Houthis overturned the elected president, which prompted Saudi Arabiahis allyto wage war on the rebel group. In response, the Houthis have made Saudi Arabia's oil facilities their preferred target of attacks.

Most of the country, which is suffering one of the worst humanitarian crises in history, is currently under the control of the Houthis, and the Saudi-backed forces are losing further ground. Currently, some of the heaviest fighting is ongoing in another oil-rich province, Marib, in northern Yemen. If the Houthis seize Marib, they will be in control of northern Yemen. Some from the elected Yemeni government blame these developments on the U.S. withdrawal from the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis.

Meanwhile, environmental disaster is waiting to happen off the coast of the war-torn country. One tanker converted into a storage and offloading vessel is of particular concern as it contains about a million barrels of crude oil. The vessel has been sitting off the Yemeni coast since the war began in 2015, and maintenance has been so delayed that it is no longer possible, with the danger of an explosion or a leak rising continuously, according to experts.

Another abandoned oil tanker spilled fuel in the Gulf of Aden last week, per an AFP report, as it sunk. The Dia had been idled in 2014, still loaded with diesel at the time. While it is not clear how much diesel exactly the vessel had in it when it sank, the leakage has spread some 20 km along the coast, according to the AFP report.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Pembina Pipeline Corporation has terminated its previous agreement to buy Inter Pipeline in the latest twist in the biggest multi-billion fight over pipeline resources control in Canada since 2019.

On Monday, Pembina Pipeline said it had terminated its previous arrangement to buy Inter Pipeline in an all-stock transaction that had valued Inter Pipeline's common shares at around US$6.6 billion (C$8.3 billion), based on the closing price of Pembina's common shares on May 31, 2021. The initial deal, announced in June, was expected to create one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in Canada, with a pro forma enterprise value of US$42 billion (C$53 billion).

However, Inter Pipeline, which had received an unsolicited bid from an affiliate of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in the meantime, said today it had advised Pembina that Inter Pipeline's Board of Directors would not be reconfirming its recommendation that shareholders of the company vote in favor of the Pembina Arrangement. As a result, Pembina has terminated the arrangement agreement effective July 25, 2021. Inter Pipeline has agreed to pay Pembina the termination fee of US$278 million (C$350 million).

"The industrial logic of a combined Pembina and Inter Pipeline remains unparalleled and the value creation between certain of our assets is impossible to replicate by any other entity. While we are disappointed with this outcome, we will continue to seek opportunities for growth through focused acquisitions," said Pembina's President and Chief Executive Officer, Mick Dilger.

Inter Pipeline, for its part, will now pursue talks with Brookfield Infrastructure Partners.

"Inter Pipeline's Board of Directors is open to engaging with Brookfield in an effort to reach a mutually agreeable transaction in the best interests of shareholders. Inter Pipeline will be in a position to make a formal recommendation on the Revised Brookfield Offer in due course," the company said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Local

OPPD plans review after all-out effort to restore power from historic July storm

One OPPD customer needed electricity to power her wound vacuum, another to keep his insulin refrigerated. Some families needed power to pump water from their wells, not just for drinking but for functioning toilets, too.

And then there were groceries. One family lost $300 worth. Another one, $500 worth.

If I didnt have four kids and...food wasting away, I wouldnt be complaining, a frustrated mother posted to OPPD on social media.

On Twitter and Facebook, in voicemails and emails, southeast Nebraskans expressed frustration as they went for days without power in the wake of one of the most damaging windstorms on record in the Omaha metro area.

The Omaha Public Power District already has started an in-house review of the July 10 storm that knocked out power to 188,000 homes and businesses, the most in the utilitys history. Some customers were without power for seven days.

OPPD CEO Javier Fernandez said he will present preliminary ideas at the boards August meeting, and the full report should be completed this winter.

The review will examine OPPDs physical operations and its technological systems: how it responded to the storm, how it can reduce outages and how the flow of information can be improved. More specifically, the review will look at: mutual aid contracts that bring in outside help, lodging for those outside crews, tree trimming policies, options for underground wires, and upgrading technology such as customer meters that alert OPPD to individual outages in real time.

First rolling blackouts hit Nebraska as power use surges in cold snap; conserve to avoid more Omaha and Lincoln utilities both enacted what they refer to as planned outages Monday afternoon, and more might be coming soon if people don't take steps to conserve power.

This type of lessons-learned review is routine after a major disruption in service. OPPD conducted a similar review after the rolling brownouts caused by Februarys polar vortex, which disrupted power systems in Texas and the central U.S., including Nebraska. That review is being finalized and will be released in August or September.

Lessons already gleaned from the February outages were folded into OPPDs response to this outage, said Amanda Bogner, chair of the publicly elected OPPD board. Notably, she said, was the need to keep the public better informed. As a result, OPPD scheduled near daily livestreamed press conferences during the outage.

Fernandez, who had been CEO for just nine days before the July storm hit, took to the podium the day of the storm and nearly every day in the following days.

The bottom line, OPPD officials said, is that the July 10 storm overpowered the system. Absent the astronomical spending and disruptive excavations needed to bury power lines, no amount of preparation could have warded off widespread outages, they say.

This was a historic storm with 96-mph hurricane force winds, Fernandez said. What was unique was its intensity and its spread. It was all across our territory.

Said Bogner: Thats not something we in Nebraska would prepare for. We have straight-line winds and tornadoes, but those are very different from hurricane force.  Things are going to happen. We cant plan and manage for every possible scenario. Thats not possible for any utility.

When crews fanned out into neighborhoods to begin repairs, they found damage on a scale they had rarely, if ever, seen, said Dave Benak, president and business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 763, the union that includes line workers.

Entire trees had fallen, pulling down transformers and becoming entangled in wires. And limbs continued to fall after the storm moved through, creating new outages. Over the course of the week, an additional 5,200 outages occurred.

OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT Crews had to clear away trees and other debris before they could restore power after the July 10 windstorm.

Ive been with the company 24 years, and I hadnt seen anything like this since 1997, he said, referring to an October snowstorm that devastated the metro areas tree canopy and left 150,000 without power. Wed go into a neighborhood (with both storms) where the whole neighborhood was out, and it wasnt one or two things. Wed fix those and then there would be six or seven more things down the line. And then more.

Utility officials said the urgency of repairs wasnt lost on anyone responding to the July storm.

We truly appreciate the role that power plays in the lives of all of you, and we know that any outage, let alone one of this magnitude, is very difficult, Fernandez said at one of the briefings. Let me tell you, we are very sorry.

Crews worked 16 to 18 hours a day for seven days straight to bring OPPD customers back on line, Benak said. If a crew thought an extra hour or two would get someone back on line, theyd stay and finish the job, he said.

Not only was this OPPDs biggest outage in history, it was also its most aggressive and best-coordinated restoration, Fernandez said.

More than 2,000 people were at work doing various jobs during the restoration, according to OPPD. Of those, 967 worked in the field, the most ever, Fernandez said. Fourteen other utilities and private companies sent workers to help OPPD, and together these outside companies provided about 70% of the workers in the field.

I can tell you, unequivocally, the work we are doing today is better coordinated and a much faster and safer response than weve had in the past, he said at one of the storm briefings. (Only one injury, a dog bite, was reported.)

OPPD, Fernandez said, had built on lessons learned from major storms in 1997, 2008 and 2017, along with lesser ones.

Recognizing that OPPDs post-storm analysis is still underway, here is a look at some of the issues that came up during the outage:

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The storm

The windstorm was one of the most damaging to have occurred in the metro area, said Brian Smith, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

It was notable for its duration, breadth and strength. Winds strong enough to cause damage blew for 15 to 20 minutes. The peak wind speed, 96 mph, matched the official record for a straight-line wind gust in Omaha. The core damage path was about 25 miles wide, he said.

A similarly powerful but smaller storm struck the metro area in 2008 and caused about $50 million in damage, said Matt Elliott, warning coordination meteorologist for the national Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

Until this months storm, that 2008 windstorm had been the most damaging in OPPDs history, causing 156,000 outages, some lasting seven days, according to the utility.

Smith said the core damage path from the 2008 storm was narrower, about 6 to 8 miles wide.

The costs of this months storm will come into sharper focus when local officials complete their application for federal disaster aid.

OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT Crews had multiple types of damaged equipment to repair and replace after the July 10 windstorm.

Equity

Among the improvements OPPD has made over the years has been an online, real-time map that shows how many outages are occurring and where. For people who followed that map, it was clear that eastern Omaha, home to the citys most established and heavily treed neighborhoods, was hardest hit. This included wealthier areas like Fairacres and lesser income areas like North and South Omaha.

As most customers got their power back, but the outages dragged on, the neighborhoods where outages remained most concentrated were primarily in North Omaha, where many of the citys Black and brown residents live.

East of 90th Street was in dire straits, said Michelle Jackson-Triplett, president of the Miller Park Minne Lusa Neighborhood Association in North Omaha. There were no working gas pumps, ATMs, and several nights without streetlights and traffic lights. I appreciate the linesman and the poor customer service folks who worked forever. What I do not appreciate is the leadership that prioritized every other area over the eastern areas.

OPPDs CEO Fernandez said he realizes there is a perception that some areas received preferential treatment.

Let me be clear, we do not do that, that is not our practice, he said. It doesnt matter whether you are a high-level politician or an OPPD employee, we prioritize our work based on how many people we can bring back on line as fast as we can, as safely as we can.

Im not discounting that piece  yes North Omaha had a ton of damage and it took us a long time to get them back on, but it was not the only area, he said.

Jackson-Triplett, the daughter of a lineman, doesnt buy that, especially because OPPD said it turned down some offers of help early on.

They didnt listen to the rescue squads run continuously all of Sunday for the people who could not breathe or maintain life without power, she said.

City, county seek disaster aid; OPPD notches a victory in restoring power A small number of customers likely will be without power next week because they sustained major structural damage that prevents the utility from reconnecting power.

Others in North Omaha praised OPPDs response.

Im very confident they did the best they could, said Precious McKesson, president of the North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance. This was a powerful storm. Many areas of North Omaha did get power back on quickly; some areas didnt.

Fernandez and Troy Via, vice president of energy delivery, said OPPD did turn down offers of help from outside companies, but that was because there werent existing restoration contracts with them or they were located too far away.

We wanted to be sure that whoever we brought in we were comfortable with their safety standards, Fernandez said. We called out as many crews as we could manage safely.

Two crews working just blocks apart could electrocute each other if their work wasnt coordinated, he said.

Said Via: We attacked this storm like none other in the past, from an outside resource standpoint. We brought in more people than we ever had before.

Crews came in from states like Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Some had been on the East Coast helping with storm recovery there and were diverted to Omaha.

Fernandez said the storm did highlight existing inequities that were exacerbated by the outage and the importance of a community-level response.

This storm gave us a view of how disruptive being without power is, he said.

OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT Crews had slow, difficult work to do clearing debris and untangling electrical equipment before they could start repairs after the July 10 storm.

Tree trimming

Trees are a major cause of power outages and this outage was noteworthy for the mangle of downed trees that had to be cleared away before crews could restore power. Of those working in neighborhoods with overhead lines, a little more than a third were tree trimmers.

The tree-related outages provoked resentment among some neighbors when one persons tree caused anothers power outage. Others expressed frustration with OPPD, saying the utility should more aggressively trim trees.

Bogner said keeping trees trimmed is a shared responsibility, requiring both homeowners and OPPD to do their part. Several years ago, she said, OPPD significantly increased its tree trimming budget. This years budget for tree trimming is about $12 million, up 57% from 2017.

Fernandez said the increased spending has led to shorter outages overall, and its benefits were seen with this storm.

Had we not increased tree trimming a few years ago, we would have had significantly more damage, and it would have taken us a lot longer to restore power because we would have had more whole trees down than what we have today, he said.

OPPDs goal is to trim trees on a five- to seven-year rotation, focusing on limbs that otherwise might grow close enough to touch wires, said John Buckley, director of work management for OPPD.

While the utility will remove small trees that are under wires and threaten to grow into them, it generally doesnt remove large trees, he said. It will, however, remove large trees that pose an immediate threat to OPPDs infrastructure, Buckley said.

Winds with this storm were powerful enough to fell large trees, something OPPD wasnt in a position to prevent, he said.

OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT Crews had to clear away trees and other debris before they could restore power after the July 10 windstorm.

Public communication

By far the most popular way, overall, for OPPDs customers to report an outage has become its website, OPPD.com, said Juli Comstock, vice president of customer service.

About 52% of outage reports this month came in via OPPDs website, another 27% through the utilitys automated phone reporting system, 15% via a live agent and then 6% through the utilitys app, OPPDconnect.

Customer service is an area where OPPD has invested heavily since the 1997 snowstorm, especially with an upgraded phone system. But phones continued to be a problem for some customers in this outage.

Nancy Smith, who lives near the Florence area, tried several times in the days immediately after the outage to reach OPPD. She couldnt get through the phone lines, she said, and filed several online forms.

When she called, she reached a recording that said the utility was experiencing a high volume of calls and to call back.

Then click, and the phone line was dead.

Wow, really? she said. That was poor.

As it turns out, OPPD has two separate phone systems.

One handles generic customer service issues such as billing (877-536-4131). The other is specially designed to handle outages (800-554-6773).

Smith, like a number of others, was likely calling OPPDs customer service line instead of the designated outage number.

The customer service phone system isnt designed to handle the volume of calls that occur with a major outage and, when it gets overwhelmed, it provides the message that Smith heard, Comstock said.

A simple fix, Smith said, would be to reprogram the message to include the outage phone number.

The post-1997 outage phone system is designed to handle a large volume of calls, Comstock said. It can handle 700 calls at a time and an estimated 21,000 calls an hour, she said. While it connects customers to an automated reporting system, it also offers customers the option to wait for an agent.

OPPD realizes that two separate lines can be confusing, and the utility is exploring having just one phone number, she said.

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD An Omaha Public Power District vehicle drives past a car damaged by a fallen tree near 63rd and Maple Streets on July 10. The storm knocked out power to 188,000 homes and businesses, OPPDs biggest outage in history. But the effort to restore power was also OPPDs most aggressive and best-coordinated restoration, CEO Javier Fernandez said.

Underground wires

Some residents have asked why OPPD doesnt just bury the power lines. After all, if power lines were placed underground, they wouldnt be susceptible to falling trees.

Burying more lines is something the utility will look at, Fernandez said. But underground lines arent a silver bullet, he said. When an outage occurs, it can take longer to find and fix, and the repair is more disruptive because the line has to be dug up.

The utility is converting some overhead lines to underground, but its on a case-by-case basis, said Guy Lucey, manager of distribution engineering. The conversion generally is more practical in rural areas where there are fewer buildings and obstacles, he said.

In established urban areas like eastern Omaha, it would be very costly and intrusive to bury lines, he said. Doing so affects trees, landscaping, fences, sheds, driveways, sidewalks and roads. The electrical access to existing homes or businesses also must be modified to accommodate the new way power lines enter the building.

A complicating factor is whether other utilities  cable TV and internet providers  will agree to also bury their lines in these established areas. Thats an added expense for those companies. If the other companies dont agree to move their lines underground, then both the above-ground and underground wires have to be maintained.

In suburban areas like west Omaha, buried lines are more common because they were installed when subdivisions were built instead of after the fact, according to the utility.

Next steps

Fernandez said the utility already knows of some changes it will make. It does plan to expand its pool of mutual aid partners, drawing from some of the companies whose offers it turned down.

The utility will look, as it has in the past, for areas where outages are occurring more frequently or lasting longer than elsewhere.

There will be a next time, we will have another storm and we will continue to do better, he said.

+81 +81 Photos: Storms leave swath of damage across Omaha A storm system with winds in excess of 70 mph left damage across Omaha early Saturday.
The Blackstone District has revealed plans for a streetscape makeover expected to boost pedestrian safety and commerce by widening sidewalks and narrowing driving lanes along the trendy midtown Omaha strip.

A burst of sparkle  in the form of light strands across a stretch of Farnam Street  also is part of the $4.4 million package.

The plan comes on the heels of a Blackstone apartment dweller getting struck and seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver in June as she crossed Farnam between 39th and 40th Streets.

Blackstone leaders say proposed changes have been in the making a few years, though, dating back to a merchants search for signature lighting for the area. They describe the streetscape proposal as the next major infrastructure upgrade since car flow through the district turned from one way to two way in 2014.

That earlier reversal of a half-century pattern opened access to the area and was pivotal, the Blackstone leaders said, in ushering more than $250 million of investment and $20 million in annual revenue to the revived Blackstone retail and residential corridor.

Right now its functional, its just not usable for the volume of people wanting to come and enjoy the district, said Jim Farho, president of Blackstones business improvement district. Our goal is to make sure residents and the community-at-large can enjoy the district and know theyre in a safe place.

Farho foresees economic development accelerating once the additional changes are in place.

Funds have yet to be raised, but leaders from three Blackstone groups supporting the plan are optimistic the district can be sporting its new look in 2023.

The focus of the redesign is Farnam Street, the spine of the business district thats also been buoyed by growth of its bookends: the University of Nebraska Medical Center to the west; Mutual of Omahas Midtown Crossing and downtown to the east.

Highlights:

Lighting: Strands of lights would be strung across Farnam Street from 39th to 40th, creating that postcard moment, Farho said.

He said signature lighting not only should promote attention and business for the district and city overall, it should slow down traffic. Farho expects drivers will see the sparkle and get the message: Oh, this is a place, its not just a street.

Sidewalks: Pedestrian walkways would be widened to 6 feet from 42nd Street to 36th Street. Current width ranges from 3 feet to 5 feet, depending on the spot. (An additional foot will remain along the sidewalk for infrastructure and utility poles.)

The extra space should enhance pedestrian safety, said Matt Oberst, manager of the business improvement district. He noted, for example, how lines of people often snake outside storefronts like Coneflower Creamery, posing a hazard if someone drifts off a crowded sidewalk and into the street.

Drive lanes: Each driving lane would shrink from 12 feet wide to 11 feet wide; parking lanes also would narrow a foot, to 8 feet. Cars tend to slow down along narrower roads, Oberst said.

Currently, the commercial corridor has three driving lanes: two westbound and one eastbound. The center lane would be converted to a turning lane, leaving eastbound and westbound traffic with one lane each.

Parking would not change as a result of the streetscape proposal, Blackstone leaders said, but a nine-story mixed-use structure planned for the corridor between 38th and 37th Streets is poised to add a few hundred parking spots to the area.

Farho said the district also is working with the city to add metered parking for handicapped visitors on the corridors west end.

Blackstone leaders are set to discuss the streetscape plan and fundraising efforts with area residents Tuesday night.

They said the plan has received the green light from Mayor Jean Stotherts administration. However, they said, its unknown whether or how much of the $4.4 million might come from city coffers.

Planning essentially started, Oberst said, when a Blackstone merchant raised the idea of a destination lighting project akin to places like the Kansas City Power & Light District, Denvers Larimer Square or Michigans Port Huron.

It wasnt as simple as anchoring lights to businesses, he said, as some older structures were ill-equipped. The current plan calls for poles to be installed as anchors for the lights. A specific style has yet to be determined.

Jay Lund of GreenSlate Development, which has been behind the bulk of Blackstone development projects, says safety enhancements cant come soon enough.

He cited the Blackstone apartment-dweller who was hospitalized after the vehicle hit her in June. Also recently, Lund said, a man was clipped by a car during the evening as he moved from behind his Uber ride.

These are just examples of the exposure this area has with narrow sidewalks and fast traffic, Oberst said. Were trying to address that public safety exposure.

And the district is only growing beyond what Lund said is more than 30 locally owned businesses that opened in the past decade.

Drivers today navigate through several construction sites.

A hole in the ground at 3863 Farnam, the former site of century-old apartments, signals a future two-story commercial building to be occupied by restaurants with outdoor patios on both Farnam and Harney.

The nine-story, $43.5 million building with apartments, retail and parking is scheduled to open in 2023.

The Cottonwood Hotel and its restaurants are up and running after a three-year, $75 million rehab project. Across the street is the relatively new Switch Beer and Food Hall.

To the east, at 36th and Farnam Streets, the Lund Co. is renovating the former Kiewit headquarters into an office building for multiple users.

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When crews fanned out into neighborhoods to begin repairs, they found damage on a scale they had rarely, if ever, seen, said Dave Benak, president and business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 763, the union that includes line workers.

Entire trees had fallen, pulling down transformers and becoming entangled in wires. And limbs continued to fall after the storm moved through, creating new outages. Over the course of the week, an additional 5,200 outages occurred.

Ive been with the company 24 years, and I hadnt seen anything like this since 1997, he said, referring to an October snowstorm that devastated the metro areas tree canopy and left 150,000 without power. Wed go into a neighborhood (with both storms) where the whole neighborhood was out, and it wasnt one or two things. Wed fix those and then there would be six or seven more things down the line. And then more.

Utility officials said the urgency of repairs wasnt lost on anyone responding to the July storm.

We truly appreciate the role that power plays in the lives of all of you, and we know that any outage, let alone one of this magnitude, is very difficult, Fernandez said at one of the briefings. Let me tell you, we are very sorry.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Moderna said Monday it plans to expand the size of its COVID-19 vaccine study in younger children to better detect rare side effects, such as a type of heart inflammation recently flagged by U.S. health authorities.

The company said it is in talks with the Food and Drug Administration to enroll more study participants under age 12. It had intended to test the vaccine in about 7,000 children, with some as young as 6 months. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company said via email it hasn't decided on how many kids might be added.

The announcement comes as U.S. COVID-19 cases are rising and schools prepare to welcome students back to classrooms. At the same time, regulators continue to review cases of a rare type of heart inflammation called myocarditis that has been reported in a small number of teenagers who got the Moderna or Pfizer shots.

Pfizer said on Monday that if it makes changes to its vaccine testing in children, it will provide an update then. The New York-based company is testing its vaccine in up to 4,500 children in the United States and Europe.
A man inside a makeshift bubble floating along the Atlantic Ocean washed ashore in Florida Saturday.

It was the latest attempt by runner Reza Baluchi to run across the sea inside a cylindrical contraption he calls a hydropod. This time, he was headed from Florida to New York to raise money for first responders, sick children and people who are homeless, he said.

The Flagler County, Fla., Sheriffs Office reported that Baluchi, 49, left St. Augustine Friday in his hydropod with the goal of reaching New York.

He had to turn back after discovering some of his safety and navigation equipment had been stolen. His belongings were eventually recovered, but theyre essential for his maritime journeys, he said.

It wasnt Baluchis first time trying to set sail in Atlantic waters in a flotation device. In 2014, the Coast Guard rescued him while he tried to reach Bermuda from Florida in a homemade hydro pod. He has also run from Los Angeles to New York twice and once circled the U.S. perimeter in an 11,720-mile trek.
Authorities were hopeful that improving weather will help them continue to make progress against the nations largest wildfire, the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon. It was 53% contained after scorching 640 square miles (1,657 square kilometers) of remote land. On Monday, an additional crew of Oregon National Guardsmen were sent to help out the more than 2,200 people battling the blaze.

The lightning-caused fire has burned at least 70 homes, mainly cabins, and some 2,000 residences were under evacuation orders.

In Montana, four firefighters were released from a hospital and a fifth was being treated at a burn center Monday after a wildfire overran them last week, authorities said. The five were building a defensive line at the Devils Creek Fire in Garfield County when winds shifted suddenly and blew flames back at them.

The firefighter still being treated  a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee  is making good progress and is in good spirits, spokesperson Kari Cobb said.

Crews were trying to keep the 10-square-mile (26-square-kilometer) fire from reaching Fort Peck Reservoir along the Missouri River in central Montana. It's one of three major fires in the state.
An Omaha man has been indicted on a bank fraud charge in connection with a loan application to the Paycheck Protection Program for COVID-19 relief.

M.A. Yahs case is believed to be the first of its kind in Nebraska.

According to the indictment, Yah was the director of The Heartland News, a nonprofit newspaper focused on work with the homeless that dissolved in 2019.

The business was reinstated in March 2020, after paying its biennial fee to the secretary of state.

In court records, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Lynch said that in April 2020, Yah requested a PPP loan of $100,800 to support the newspapers payroll and submitted a fraudulent application overstating the number of employees and payroll for the previous year.

On May 6, 2020, $100,800 in PPP money was deposited in the newspapers account at an Omaha bank.

In a press release, Acting U.S. Attorney Jan Sharp said Yah, who is set for court next month, could get up to 30 years of imprisonment, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release.
Central Community College in Grand Island, Nebraska, received a $100,000 grant through the Metallica Scholars Initiative.

Yes, you read that correctly. Metallica.

Through its All Within My Hands Foundation, the legendary heavy metal band seeks to invest in the people and places that have supported the band, lifting up career and technical education.

As a touring entity, we are in direct involvement with multiple essential career choices along our path, vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield said in a press release.

From electrical, professional driving, culinary, mechanical maintenance, public safety, logistical organizers  and that just scratches the surface, he added.

Central Community College is a member of the third cohort of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, and will use its grant to bolster its criminal justice program, which trains law enforcement, correctional and probation officers, said Michael David, a criminal justice instructor at the college.

The money will be prioritized for underrepresented female and minority students, the college said.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russian authorities have restricted access to the website of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny and to dozens of sites run by his close allies, Navalny's team said Monday.

The action came amid mounting government pressure on opposition supporters, independent journalists and human rights activists in Russia ahead of the country's parliamentary election. The September vote is widely seen as an important part of President Vladimir Putins efforts to cement his rule before a 2024 presidential election.

The 68-year-old Russian leader, who has been in power for more than two decades, pushed through constitutional changes last year that would potentially allow him to hold onto power until 2036.

Navalny's website, as well as the website of his top strategist, Leonid Volkov, and longtime ally Lyubov Sobol were unavailable on Monday. The websites of Navalny's Foundation for Fighting Corruption and a network of about 40 regional offices, which the Russian government outlawed as extremist groups last month, also could not be accessed; neither could the website of the Navalny-backed Alliance of Doctors union and an online page calling for Navalny's freedom.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  South Africa's government has lifted a ban on liquor sales and relaxed other pandemic restrictions, reporting that a recent spike in coronavirus cases has passed its peak, the president said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation Sunday night that the average daily number of new confirmed cases over the last week was around 12,000, which was a 20% drop from the previous week.

The latest figures suggest that we have largely passed the peak of the third wave of infections, although there are areas in the country where we still need to be concerned because the rates of infection have not yet shown signs of decline, Ramaphosa said.

The government is allowing retail alcohol sales to resume from Monday through Thursday, while bars and restaurants also will be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages. Schools have fully reopened, and social and religious gatherings are again allowed for a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. A nighttime curfew has been reduced to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The Adventure of the Fake Rocks

by Christopher Newton

There were two tribes of children out where I lived on 47th Avenue in San Francisco, where the ocean loomed gray and green beyond the vacant lots: the big kids and the little kids. I was a little kid. Big kids got to go on adventures in the wild sand dunes above the Pacific ocean, and even beyond into mysterious Sutro Park, a Victorian estate that once had belonged to the richest man in the world. But then he died and gave it to the city to be maintained in his honor forever and ever.

They got to chase each other around the promontory where Sutro's mansion had stood before it burned down long ago. They could look over the ramparts and see sea lions snoozing on Seal Rocks and big 1948 cars racketing up and down in front of the Cliff House whenever the wanted to. If they looked south, they could see Playland, the great amusement park with its roller coaster and Shoot-the-Chutes and merry-go-round and miniature sailboats where little kids like me tinkled a bell while going round and round in a circle.

Little kids weren't allowed to have adventures like that. We had to ride our tricycles in front of our houses and sometimes wave to each other from far away. Sometimes, my mother pushed me to the duckpond in my Taylor Tot. Once I saw some black high-button shoes hobble by, the kind witches wear except not so pointy. We were passing that beauty parlor at the corner of 47th and Cabrillo, and the old lady witch stopped to talk to my mother. I examined dog pee spots on the black tile below the beauty shop window. That's the kind of stuff little kids got to do.

But I was still pretty brave. For instance, I wasn't a bit afraid of those ducks at the duckpond. I just laughed when they rushed me to get the stale bread. I fed every one until the paper bag was empty. Then I threw the bag at them too, and Momma made me pick it up. Then she pushed me home again under the foggy sky.

Once, when I was six, my brother Noel issued me a special pass to travel with the big kids for a day. I'm not sure why. Probably my mother told him he had to.

Noel and Jay Jay were going on a scouting party to explore the fake rocks on the cliffs above the Cliff House. I wouldn't have to worry about marauding war parties from other neighborhoods, which was the main reason why we little kids never went into Sutro Park by ourselves. Those kids were even meaner than my brother and might beat you up. Noel just practiced Indian burns on me and showed me great wrestling holds with me as the model.

We took the trail to Sutro Park that winds through the ice-plant covered sand dunes. When we got to where the trees begin, we stopped to climb on that cypress with the low-hanging branch you could ride like a horse. Then Jay Jay tried to push Noel off and Noel got mad and they started rolling around in the cypress tree needles while I climbed up on the branch to bounce until they were done fighting. Then we crossed the meadow where Mom and her friends held Easter egg hunts. The grass was always bright green there like Easter was. I wondered if there might still be some jellybeans hidden in the sourgrass. Then we scrambled up the ivy-covered hill and over a chain-link fence into the old estate where Victorian moms in bustles once pushed their perambulators on bright Sunday afternoons like this one.

In those days, Sutro Park still held remnants of its Victorian splendor. This was before the dark time when gangs of vicious young men roamed the park at night, breaking arms from marble Greek maidens and smashing their heads in the darkness for love of cruelty.

We stopped to admire the brave goddess Diana on her way to hunt the lions that guarded the entrance to the park. You could see she didn't wear a shirt when she went on adventures. I liked that, because I always took my shirt off too, if it wasn't too cold, so I would look more like Tarzan.

We crossed the grove of monkey puzzle trees, then passed the wishing well house, splattered with interesting graffiti. We could have spent hours in there advancing our education, but we were on a mission. We had to reach the Fake Rocks.

We passed bee-hives so electric I put my tee shirt back on just in case. We skirted the steps to the Lookout where you could see, on a bright day like this, all the way to the Farallon Islands. Then we hopped another chain-link fence and edged out onto the cliff that descended to the street far below. The fence, by the way, was there to keep stupid kids from rolling to their death in the traffic below.

Someone in the time of the Ancient Ones had carved stone steps into the cliff. They wound down down fetchingly, we didn't know how far. We thought they might go all the way to the Cliff House, but they might just end in the middle somewhere.

Traffic noise drifted up to us. We could see teenagers in saddle shoes on Sunday dates walking up and down the sidewalk eating Pronto Pups from the stand next to Sutro Baths, and tourists going in and out of the Cliff House. In its gift shop, baby turtles, suffocating from the painted tropical nights and palm trees on their shells, crawled over each other in measured desperation while we, far away in the bright sky, edged down stone steps, and I was bold and unafraid, with my shirt tied around my waist like Tarzan.

We saw them halfway down across the cliff facegiant outcroppings from some handmade cataclysm of yore, brown and pointed like that witch's teeththe fake rocks! No one knew why they were there, we only knew they weren't real rocks. There weren't any real rocks around herein the ancient times, this hill hadn't even been a cliff, but sand dunes, with poppies and clumps of coyote bush sticking out. Now there were fake rocks and fake gravel and broken arms of fake Greek maidens strewn like rubble, like the K-rations we found washed up on the beach from ships of war. Maybe Mr. Sutro built them just for the fun of it.

We scrambled across the side of the crumbling cliff. I wasn't worried with Noel and Jay Jay ahead of me. They were big kids and knew what to do, even if they were stupid. I watched the cars crawling along below with a patronizing smile. No bigger than ducks. I tied my shirt around my neck so it dropped down my back. Superman!

As we came closer, we could see there was a hole in one of the rocks where you could climb inside. We crawled through the small opening like the cowboy explorers who discovered Carlsbad Caverns, not knowing what they would find besides darkness and bats.

A dim light suffused the scene. We could see it was built by the Ancient Ones out of chicken wire nailed over a wooden frame and spread with something like paper mache. Sea gulls and pigeons had found the opening a century or two ago and the whole interior was coated with their feathers and white bird poop. We could stand up inside it. Noel and Jay Jay started looking around to see what they could find. A pigeon eyed me suspiciously as it sidestepped along the upper frame.

It smelled in here.

Pretty soon Noel said, "Jay Jay, look at this." He'd found a beer bottle behind the board of the lower frame. He held it up like it was something special. It didn't look special to me but Noel and Jay Jay were interested and took it outside to see better. I climbed out to see too. It was the label. None of us had ever seen a label like that before, although we knew a lot about empty beer bottles and cans from playing in vacant lots. This one showed a billy goat looking at you with a serious expression, like he wanted to make sure you didn't drink too much. Beer could make you drunk and then you got hiccups and acted crazy and shouted "Happy New Year!" even if it was the Fourth of July.

The label read Regal Amber Bock Beer. The Perfect Beer. Gosh! One of the Ancient Ones must have snuck in here to drink it. Someone from the time of long ago, before I was born maybe. Why did he go in there in the pigeon poo to drink his beer when he could have sat on the cliffside and watched sea lions diving off Seal Rocks?

I hunkered down and gazed at the blue-green ocean sprinkled with whitecaps out to the horizon. Noel and Jay Jay were squabbling over what to do with their stupid billy goat beer bottle. Who cared? I was far away from the duckpond and my tricycle in the driveway. I was adventuring with no shirt on in a corner of San Francisco that nobody knew about except me and Noel and Jay Jay. What else was out here in the world? I wanted to see it all. From beyond the horizon a voice whispered to me. She sounded like wind and sea lions. "I'm beautiful, come and see!" she said.

We dawdled back toward the crumbling stone steps. Noel and Jay Jay were looking for stuff people might have dropped off the clifftop. Like a wallet, maybe. Finally, we climbed the stairs and scrambled over the chain-link fence into the ordinary world. But I was changed. I knew what I had to do. I was going to follow that voice. My life would henceforth be devoted forever to adventure.

But that Fall I caught strep throat and came down with rheumatic fever and had to stay in bed for two years.

Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places!
Patronage of chicken and eggs at the Tema Community One market has flopped drastically, with traders expressing fear of the imminent collapse of the business.



They, therefore, called for immediate intervention by government to save the sector.



Scores of dealers in poultry products though debunked the suggestion that the problem was due to the outbreak of bird flu in some parts of the country, attributed it to scarcity of chicken and eggs even before the outbreak, and faintly admitted that bird flu might have insignificant impact.



The traders told the Ghana News Agency during the midweek, GNA-Tema market survey conducted in major trading centres in the Tema Metropolis on the impact of the bird flu on chicken products.



The traders rather lamented over the increment of poultry products, attributing the problem to high cost in shipment fees and the unavailability of poultry feed.



Madam Janet Aba, a dealer in live poultry, said there was no feed, so people who deal in chicken were not ready to sell and that had made those who already have stock increase the price.



The only feed available at the Timber market is broiler starter; wheat barn which comes after every other month has totally disappeared from the market, she said.



She said, In recent times, some customers would want to buy a live chicken at GHc20.00 but looking at the high cost of chicken these days, they do not buy but prefer the frozen chicken because it is cheaper.



Madam Precious Akweley told the GNA-Tema market survey team that one could buy a layer chicken at GHC35.00 or GHC40.00 with the broilers pegged at GHC60.00, whereas a kilo of frozen chicken was sold between GHC12.00 and GHC14.00.



She said a recent visit to some of the farm gates indicated that poultry farmers want to lay off workers due to the poor patronage, which have affected business as a result of the unavailability of poultry feed, we cannot pay our workers.



Sister Akua Attah, a cold store operator, said just last week the price of a crate of frozen chicken was sold at GHC137.00 but had increased to GHC142.00 this week.



She attributed the increase in prices of eggs to shortage of feed, stating that a crate of egg ranged between GHC20.00 and GHC24.00 depending on the sizes though previously it was sold between GHC16.00 and GHC20.00.







Source: GNA









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Hollard Life Assurance, a subsidiary of Hollard Ghana has sponsored top performing recruits of the Regional Police Training School in Kumasi during the passing out parade of 320 recruits.



The sponsorship includes a one-year group life insurance cover of up to GHC10,000, a cash award, and a customized plaquefor the top five performers. The all-inclusive group life insurance covers medical expenses, critical illness, permanent disability, partial disability, and death benefits for the recruits.



Speaking at the ceremony, the Branch Manager of Hollard Life Assurance Kumasi, Kwaku Gyapong Fosuhene said, this act was a response to a call they received from the command soliciting support.



The Ghana Police service remains an important entity in this country. Extending a helping hand by way of sponsorship espouses our purpose of enabling more people to create and secure a better future. Our specially tailored group life insurance cover will provide that peace of mind the police need to execute their daily duties, knowing that Hollard Life Assurance has got them covered should the unexpected happen.



As a vibrant brand that does well by doing good, we are proud to be associated with this ceremony. Ghana police deserve support from private and government institutions he added.



ASP Godwin Ahianyo, Ashanti Regional Police PRO expressed his gratitude to Hollard Life Assurance for the honour done them.



This support is the first of its kind and we are astonished by this kind gesture. We are very thankful to Hollard Life for setting the standards and making our parade memorable, he said.



About Hollard Ghana



The countrys favourite insurance group is Hollard Ghana, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life Assurance. The group combines its deep local knowledge of the market having previously operated in Ghana for 25 years as Metropolitan Insurance with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand in 18 countries across the world. With feet firmly planted on Ghanaian soil but headquartered in South Africa, Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customized to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard offers various life and general insurance products including funeral, personal accident, motor, business, travel, home, and more; and can be reached via the following means: 0501603967 (Hollard Insurance) and 0501533698 (Hollard Life).



Beyond various nationwide office branches and Hollard 2U franchise shops, Ghanaians can find Hollard at Shell Fuel Station Welcome Shops, Melcom stores and online at www.hollard.com.gh and www.jumia.com.gh for all their insurance needs.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education says the government has allocated land for the construction of girls STEM Senior High School (SHS) in Kpone Katamanso, Accra affiliated with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS).

The 12.6 acres of land will also be used for the construction of a world-class campus for AIMS to nurture Ghana and Africa's talented female students from SHS to tertiary in STEM-related fields of study.



The project, the Minister said, was part of the 11-model state-of-the art Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) SHS being built across the country to be equipped with 12 laboratories and a STEM pathway established in some existing SHS with four laboratories.



The Minister announced this on Saturday at the 9th graduation ceremony of AIMS Ghana, of which 37 students from 11 African countries graduated with a Master of Mathematical Sciences degree in Accra.



He said the government's agenda to promote STEM education was part of a grand plan to increase the Science Humanities ratio from the current 40:60 to 60:40 in favour of the Sciences.



Government priority in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is part of Ghana's reform project to reposition the educational system to equip learners with the 21st-century skills to be fit for purpose.





It is also to prepare the critical mass of empowered Ghanaians for socio-economic transformation and become active participants in the 4th Industrial Revolution.



Dr. Adutwum said Ghana's Gross Tertiary Enrolment Ratio (GTER) stands at 18.84 per cent, which fell short of the target of 25 per cent envisaged by the Education Strategic Plan.



He said the government had established the Open University Ghana to complement the efforts of the existing universities to increase the GTER from 18.84 per cent to 40 per cent by 2030.



A study conducted by Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in 2012, shows that 60 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product of France, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom is contributed by students who acquired tertiary education of over 55 per cent.







The Minister urged the grandaunts to put to good use the knowledge acquired and be innovative and identify challenges as an opportunity for solutions.



"AIMS Ghana has prepared you not just on the academic front but to play your part in the development of your respective countries. Your countries need your input and you must at every stage of your life play your part in turning Africa's challenges around for the better", he said.



Dr. Prince Koree Osei, Centre President, AIMS Ghana, said the Institute since its inception in 2012 had graduated 324 students from 25 African countries of which 33 per cent were females.



The Institute, he said had built a research capacity in areas of opportunity for Africans in Pure and Applied Mathematics, stressing that the programmes were in line with the core objectives of UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence and AIMS Global Network.



He said AIMS Ghana and the University of Energy and Natural Resources in June 2021 signed a Memorandum of Understanding towards the implementation of the Climate Change and Atmospheric Physics Programme.



He commended government and development partners for the support to the Institute and pledged to continue to strengthen its training and research programmes in Mathematical Sciences.



Ms. Kati Csaba, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana expressed commitment to support AIMS to deliver quality education and evidence-based solutions to issues confronting Africa.



Ms. Lydie Hakizimana, the Chief Executive Officer, AIMS Next Einstein Initiative urged the grandaunts to devote time to analyse the business environment, and develop a comprehensive business plan for their projects.



Mr. Andrew Kwasi Boahen, the Overall Best Student on behalf of the students thanked AIMS Ghana and all who supported in the pursuit of their academic laurels and pledged to be critical thinkers and problem-solver.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The government of Ghana is set to invest some US$25 million as seed money towards the establishment of a National Vaccine Institute in a bid to produce COVID-19 vaccine locally.



President Akufo-Addo announced this in his 26th address to the nation on measures being implemented to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, on Sunday, July 25.



According to him, Government has committed to inject seed funding of some twenty-five million United States dollars (US$25 million) this year, into this enterprise



The institute when established will have six mandates:



1. establishing local vaccine manufacturing plants;



2. deepening Research & Development (R&D) for vaccines in Ghana;



3. upgrading and strengthening the FDA;



4. forging bilateral and multilateral partnerships for vaccine manufacturing in various areas, such as funding, clinical trials, technology transfer, licensing, and assignment of intellectual property rights;



5. building the human resource base for vaccine discovery, development, and manufacture; and



6. establishing a permanent national secretariat to coordinate vaccine development and manufacture.



Read the full speech below



Fellow Ghanaians, good evening.



I have not come into your homes for some time, because I had hoped that the next time I did so, I would come to announce that we were ready to lift the restrictions and protocols, and get our lives and economy back to normal. Alas, that is not the case, so it has become necessary for me to come to your homes this evening, after a ten (10) week absence, to provide you with an update on our nations COVID-19 situation.



As per data available from the Ghana Health Service, it appears that, unfortunately, our nation, like many others, is experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 infections.



These increased infections have largely been driven by the Delta Variant of the virus, which, according to the World Health Organisation, has increased transmissibility rates, and, in our case in Ghana, has led, in recent weeks, to a rise in hospitalisation and ICU bed uptakes, and, tragically, deaths.



Indeed, in Update No.25, the last update I rendered on 16th May, our total active case count stood at one thousand, three hundred and fourteen (1,314), with our daily infection rate standing at one hundred (100). One million, one hundred and twenty-one thousand, one hundred and sixty-eight (1,121,168) COVID tests had been conducted, out of which ninety-two thousand, four hundred and sixty (92,460) persons had been infected, ninety-one thousand, one hundred and forty-six (91,146) persons had recovered, with a total of seven hundred and eighty-three (783) deaths.





Since that update, the situation improved significantly, whereby, in June, our active cases stood at some one thousand, two hundred (1,200); our daily infection rate fell to fifty (50) cases; and we recorded ten (10) deaths in the whole of the month.



However, in recent weeks, we have seen a marked increase in the number of cases. As at Friday, 23rd July 2021, three (3) weeks later, the Ghana Health Service is now reporting that our total number of active cases stands at four thousand, five hundred and twenty-one (4,521). A total of one million, four hundred and six thousand, and eleven (1,406,011) tests have been conducted, out of which one hundred and two thousand, one hundred and three (102,103) persons have been infected with the virus, and ninety-six thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine (96,759) persons have recovered. Our daily infection rate for the past week is three hundred and fifty (350) cases, and, sadly, forty (40) more people have died from COVID over the last ten (10) weeks, bringing the cumulative number of deaths to eight hundred and twenty-three (823) since the onset of the pandemic. Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi Metropolitan areas remain the hotspots of infections. This entire development is very alarming.



Fellow Ghanaians, it is obvious from the data that we have let our guard down, with many going about their daily duties in clear breach of and disregard for the protocols. At a time when the economy is on the rebound, and business activities picking up, we must do everything possible to contain this outbreak. We cannot afford to return to the days of partial lockdowns, which brought considerable hardships and difficulties for all of us.



You returned me to office in the elections of 7th December with a clear and decisive mandate to protect lives and livelihoods, and steer our nation out of the grips of the pandemic, and onto a path of sustained economic growth and progress. Fortunately for us, we have tried and tested response protocols which we have implemented since March 2020. They have stood us in good stead, and we have no choice but to return to the strict implementation of some of them.



It is extremely troubling to note that the high compliance rate with mask-wearing has fallen alarmingly. The wearing of masks in public places, fellow Ghanaians, continues to be mandatory. There are no exceptions to this rule, and strict conformity with this protocol will be enforced. Anyone found to be flouting this directive will have him or herself to blame. We cannot afford anyones recklessness to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country.





The COVID-19 Taskforce, which I chair, has recommended that a second look be taken at the protocols that have been put in place for social and public gatherings, in particular weddings and funerals, across the country. I have, in previous updates, emphasised the need for the strict observance of safety protocols at all such gatherings. To ensure that such gatherings do not become the sources of infections, the following must be adhered to by all at these gatherings:



the wearing of masks continues to be mandatory, and persons must respect the enhanced hygiene protocols; all such events must be held in open air spaces;



2. the duration of such events is limited to two (2) hours;



3. there must be observance of the one (1) metre social distancing rule; and



4. handshakes must be avoided.



Furthermore, given that people sitting together to eat, drink, laugh, dance and talk in large gatherings, without masks, are the riskiest activities for spreading the virus, all post-event receptions, particularly related to weddings and funerals, are banned. I want to reiterate that protocols surrounding activities in churches and mosques remain the same, as are protocols in schools.



With workplaces currently witnessing a resurgence in COVID-19 infections, it is important that owners and management of businesses and workplaces implement strictly the guidelines on staff management and workplace protocols, such as the use of a shift system and technology, mask-wearing, social distancing and hygiene protocols, as was required in the earlier days of the pandemic.



Mask wearing in commercial vehicles and in market places continue to be mandatory.



The Ghana Health Service has moved to fortify its contact tracing, testing and treating campaigns, especially across the hotspots of Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi Metropolitan areas. COVID-19 treatment centres continue to be resourced with medical supplies, personal protection equipment, and health workers.



We will continue to ensure that all arriving passengers at the Kotoka International Airport are in possession of a negative PCR test result upon their arrival in Ghana, a test which should have been conducted not more than seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled departure from the country of origin. In addition, all passengers will continue to be subjected to a mandatory COVID test on arrival.



Fellow Ghanaians, indications are that, in the course of this quarter of the year, the availability of vaccines for our country will ramp up. Government is, therefore, standing by its commitment to vaccinate twenty million Ghanaians, i.e., the entire adult population, by the end of this year, in spite of the huge global demand for vaccines by countries, and the surge in infections the world over. So far, one million, two hundred and seventy-one thousand, three hundred and ninety-three (1,271,393) vaccine doses have been administered, with eight hundred and sixty-five thousand, four hundred and twenty-two (865,422) persons having received a single jab, and four hundred and five thousand, nine hundred and seventy-one (405,971) persons have received their full dose of two (2) jabs.



We are expecting, through the COVAX facility and the African Union, one million, two hundred and twenty-nine thousand, six hundred and seventy (1,229,670) doses of the Pfizer vaccines from the Government of the United States of America, and two hundred and forty-nine thousand (249,000) AstraZeneca vaccines from the Government of the United Kingdom. Government is also in the process of procuring seventeen million (17 million) single dose per person Johnson & Johnson vaccines, through the African Medicine Supply Platform, in this quarter.



We have, as such, upgraded our national, regional and district cold chain facilities in order to widen our access to vaccines like Pfizer and Modena, that require minus seventy degrees Celsius (-70) cold chains. These include sixteen (16) ultra-low cold freezers, fifty-eight (58) units of ultra-low freezers, fifty (50) normal vaccine refrigerators, three hundred (300) boxes to be filled with ice packs, three hundred (300) ice packed freezers, ten (10) cold chain vans, and one hundred and twenty (120) temperature monitoring devices. These are in addition to the existing Zipline cold chain distribution service, for which we are grateful. I thank, as well, UPS, the American multi-national shipping, receiving and supply chain management company, and Kosmos Energy, the American oil and gas company, for their generous donations towards this development.



Fellow Ghanaians, it is important to stress, once again, that all the vaccines to be used in the country have been certified as safe-for-use by our national regulatory agency, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). There should, therefore, be no hesitancy amongst the population who are yet to be vaccinated. As the oft-cited saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry.



The global shortage of vaccines means that we must develop our capacity to produce our own vaccines domestically and reduce our dependence on foreign supplies. We must be self-sufficient in this regard in the future, and prepare ourselves better to deal with any such occurrences in the future. To this end, the Committee I established, under the leadership of the world-renowned Ghanaian scientist, Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, to investigate Ghanas potential as a vaccine manufacturing hub, to meet national and regional needs, has presented its preliminary report which, amongst others, recommends the establishment of a National Vaccine Institute to spearhead this development. Government has committed to inject seed funding of some twenty-five million United States dollars (US$25 million) this year into this whole enterprise.



The Institute will be charged with delivering six clear mandates:



establishing local vaccine manufacturing plants;

2. deepening Research & Development (R&D) for vaccines in Ghana;



3. upgrading and strengthening the FDA;





4. forging bilateral and multilateral partnerships for vaccine manufacturing in various areas, such as funding, clinical trials, technology transfer, licensing, and assignment of intellectual property rights;



5. building the human resource base for vaccine discovery, development, and manufacture; and



6. establishing a permanent national secretariat to coordinate vaccine development and manufacture.



In the short term, the Frimpong-Boateng Committee is facilitating the capacity of domestic pharmaceutical companies to fill and finish COVID-19 vaccines.



Fellow Ghanaians, we must remember that the virus continues to jeopardise our lives and livelihoods. Without doubt, God has been gracious to us. I appreciate that the wearing of masks is difficult for all of us, but I entreat you to wear the mask. This is what will save us.



I ask this evening that we remain steadfast in our adherence to the protocols, so we can overcome this third-wave of infections. If we do so, we will soon be able to return to our normal way of life.



Zero active cases must remain the overarching goal, and I have no doubt that, together, and with the help of God, this too shall pass, for the Battle is still the Lords.



May God bless us all and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong.



I thank you for your attention and good night.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Twitter account of Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, was reported by some persons who considered his comment on the criminalization of same-sex relationships as hateful but a screenshot of an email from the American microblogging and social networking service to the legislator shows that an action will not be taken against him.



Sam George took over social trends on Saturday, July 24, after hitting back at personalities who opposed his view on why parliament was bent on passing the LGBTQ+ bill which will seek to criminalize same-sex relationships.



Having sighted a number of comments against his position, the lawmaker who had earlier remarked that: We are opened to intellectual criticisms or criticisms and suggestions grounded in law. Emotional outbursts, emotional comments have no place in legislation. If anybody has intellectual suggestions or addition, we are willing to debate the issue, was unimpressed by the level of arguments against the bill.



In a tweet, he said: I have been overwhelmed by the massive support even here on a very liberal platform like Twitter for our Bill on the LGBTQI+ menace. Homosexuality is NOT a human right. It is a sexual preference. Preferences are not absolute or unregulated. We SHALL pass this Bill through.



His comment was reported to Twitter with the anticipation that sanctions will be taken against him.



It however turned out that his comment does not violate Twitter community guidelines.



We have investigated the reported content and have found that it is not subject to removal under the Twitter Rules or German Law. Accordingly, we have not taken any action as a result of this specific report, a screenshot of an email from Twitter to Sam George shared by the legislator via social media read.



His caption read: "So they want us to accept their perversion but cannot accept our opinion of their perversion. Thankfully the folks at Twitter apply some common sense and logic."



Meanwhile, checks by GhanaWeb reveal that the tweet that was reported is no longer available.



About the bill



Sam George and seven other MPs have been making a case for The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, Bill 2021 to be passed.



They are Emmanuel Bedzrah (Ho West MP), Della Adjoa Sowah (MP for Kpando), John Ntim Fordjour (MP for Assin South), Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (MP for Tamale North), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP for La Dadekotopon), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP for Krachi West) and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP for South Dayi).



The proposed anti-LGBT bill states that a person who, by use of media, technological platform, technological account or any other means, produces, procures, markets, broadcasts, disseminates, publishes or distributes a material for purposes of promoting an activity prohibited under the Bill, or a person who uses an electronic device, the Internet service, a film, or any other device capable of electronic storage or transmission to produce, procure, market, broadcast, disseminate, publishes or distribute a material for purposes of promoting an activity prohibited under the Bill, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction, to a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than ten years.















Source: ghanaweb.com









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The Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has called for a deliberate nurturing of a crop of leaders to take the country forward.



Dr. Prempeh, who is also the MP for Manhyia South and is popularly known as NAPO, made this call at the 13th Congregation of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra on Saturday, following the conferment on him by the university of a an honourary Doctorate of Humane Letters (DHL) for his leadership as the Minister of Education in the first term of President Akufo-Addos administration.



Recounting his experience as Education Minister, Dr. Prempeh referred to the sensitivity of education issues because of their impact on the nation and recalled that no two days were ever the same. At one moment, it is teachers or students on the verge of a strike.



"The next, it could be challenged with the computerized school placement system, a collapsed school building leading to casualties or an outbreak of an infectious disease in a school. Added to this is the relationship with the various teacher and student unions as well as vigorous policy debates on a range of issues. In all the aforementioned, with a good, dedicated, committed, resourceful team, we managed teachers, students, non-teaching staff, unions, parents and all others successfully he stated.



Reflecting on the issue of leadership, the Minister stated that his time in public office has taught him important lessons, that leadership requires a person who has integrity, character, fairness and compassion. It also requires one who is calm, resilient, a resolute team player who is decisive and results-oriented but above all, one willing to push a transformational agenda and to do right by God and country. He reiterated the importance of ensuring that our countrys next crop of leaders is properly nurtured.



As a society, our collective security lies in the people we choose to lead us, to make decisions on our behalf, to protect us and to ensure our well-being. It is crucial therefore that we nurture the right leaders to ensure that they of the right calibre for the task. What this means is that we must deliberately treat leadership grooming with all the urgency that it deserves, right from school, to instil it in our young people Dr Prempeh declared.



The Special Guest of Honour at the event was the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The event, which saw various students from the Graduate Studies School and the LLB programmes graduate, was attended by a cross-section of Ghanaians, including traditional rulers, Members of Parliament and other state officials.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Ghanas High Commission to the UK and Republic of Ireland, Papa Owusu- Ankomah has advised young Ghanaians in the United Kingdom to get involved in the affairs of Ghana and be Influencers as the country moves into the next phase of its development.



You are the best of worlds. You have the best in Ghana, and you are the best in the UK, so, I am urging you to be influencers in Ghana the High Commissioner says to a thunderous applause of the young, enthusiastic crowd.



HE Owusu-Ankomah gave this advise at the Ghana Party in the Park arguably the biggest Ghanaian festival outside of Ghana.



The annual festival featured Live Music, food, cultural activities and an exhibition of Ghanaian goods and services.



The High Commissioner used the occasion to appeal to Ghanaians to take the Covid 19 vaccination exercise seriously to protect themselves from the virus.



He reminded Ghanaians in the UK of the importance of the Ghanaians in the UK registration programme being organised by the Ghana High Commission UK to register and have their data on the missions database.



As a prelude to the main event, the High Commission held a breakfast meeting with the organisers, artistes, and representatives of the sponsors of the event- Consolidated Bank of Ghana (CBG).

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari is traveling to London to attend an education summit and will use the trip to go for a health check-up, the presidency has announced.



Mr Buhari will participate in the Global Education Summit co-hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, a statement said.



He will also spend days undertaking "an earlier scheduled medical check-up".



Mr Buhari will return to Nigeria by the second week of August, said Femi Adesina, the president's media aide.



The 78-year-old leader has made several trips to the UK for medical reasons since taking office in 2015.



During one such trip in 2017, he spent several months in London. The nature of his illness has never been disclosed by officials.



His last visit was at the end of March when he spent about two weeks.



His frequent medical trips have been widely criticized, especially given the poor state of Nigeria's public healthcare system.

Source: BBC









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A CCTV footage of an unidentified lady deliberately turning on a gas cooker at an Abuja Supermarket has surfaced after an explosion occurred.



The lady was seen in the video pretending to pick something, before turning on the gas cooker and leaving without anything.



The gas explosion at the Supermarket located at Lokogoma district in Abuja occurred on Saturday July 17, and it was learnt that firefighters battled the fire until the next day.

Goods worth millions of Naira were also destroyed as a result of the incident.

Watch the video below...















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Ronny Jackson, the former White House physician-turned-congressman, says hes "terrified for the country" in the wake of U.S. President, Joe Bidens televised town hall this week. According to Jackson, he doubts whether the commander in chief has the cognitive ability to make it through a full four-year term.



During Joe Bidens performance on the CNN Town Hall on Wednesday, July 21, he made false assertions about the efficacy of COVID vaccines, talked about helping children "find out whether theres a man on the moon or those aliens are here or not" and confused some in the audience with references to conspiracy theories.



"I mean, Qanon, the idea that the Democrats or that Biden is hiding people and sucking the blood of children and  no, Im serious," he said.



"Hes completely LOST it!" Jackson, R-Texas, tweeted along with a video clip in which Biden answers a reporters question about defunding the police by claiming that Republicans accuse him of "sucking the blood out of kids."



"Needs a cognitive exam NOW!" Jackson posted.



Earlier this month, Biden was forced to rely on notes to answer a reporters question at a Michigan pie shop.



Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, Jackson said; "This is a national security issue at this point''





"I think hes either going to resign  theyre going to convince him to resign from office at some point in the near future for medical issues  or theyre going to have to use the 25th Amendment to get rid of this man," Jackson said.





Last month Jackson, who served as the personal physician of both President Obama and President Trump, joined a dozen Republican House members in a letter calling on Biden to take a cognitive function test as Trump did while he was in office and publicly release the results.



"The American people  deserve full transparency on the mental capabilities of their highest elected leader," the Republicans wrote.



"Ive been saying that its only going to get worse," Jackson said Thursday on Fox News. "And guess what? Were watching that happen right before our eyes right now." he added













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 wedding of Emir of Bichis daughter, Zahra Ado-Bayero to President Buharis son, Yusuf, is billed to take place on August 20, 2021.



According to Daily Trust, a total of 145 people have been named on a committee inaugurated to coordinate the wedding.



The committee set up by the Emir of Kano, Nasiru Ado Bayero, will also organise a schedule of the Emirs coronation and the presentation of staff of office by Kano governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.



A statement signed by the spokesperson for the emirate, Lurwan Malikawa, says the coronation follows a day after the wedding at the Emirs palace.



The statement also revealed that the committee will be headed by the District Head of Bagwai, who is also the Madakin Bichi Alhaji Nura Ahmad and Falakin Bichi Alhaji Abba Waziri will serve as the committees secretary.

During the inauguration ceremony of the committee, the Emir of Bichi, represented by the Madakin Bichi, urged members of the committee to use their wealth of experience to ensure the success of the coronation as well as that of the royal wedding.

















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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Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam. (SCREENSHOT: Ministry of Communications and Information/YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The boyfriend/girlfriend category for entry into Singapore that was introduced during the pandemic had to be removed due to cases of abuse by applicants, Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said on Monday (26 July).

Speaking in Parliament, Shanmugam was giving the background about the category in response to parliamentary questions on the enforcement actions against illegal KTV operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The category came into the spotlight when the first woman who was linked to the growing KTV COVID-19 cluster entered Singapore via the category under the Familial Ties Lane in February. Her application was sponsored by a Singaporean who was her boyfriend. The cluster is now the second largest ever since the start of the pandemic, with 243 cases as of Monday.

Singapore banned short-term visitors at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. In October last year, the authorities introduced flexibility to allow boyfriends and girlfriends sponsored by Singaporeans into Singapore. Shanmugam told the House that there were 120,000 marriages between Singaporeans and non-residents from 2000 to 2019, or about a quarter of marriages during the period.

The category was specifically introduced in the context of the ban on short-term visitors to allow Singaporeans who are in relationships with their foreign partners to be reunited as they had been separated for a long time, Shanmugam explained.

In March this year, the boyfriend/girlfriend category was removed. A month earlier, the local authorities suspended the Unilateral Opening between Singapore and Vietnam, which meant that short-term travellers from Vietnam could not enter the city-state.

We created this category  boyfriend-girlfriend  during the pandemic last year October because we wanted to be compassionateWe did want to try and be compassionate and helpful because of the number of appeals, Shanmugam said.

A number of the applications under the category had raised concerns, said Shanmugam. He cited several examples including a Vietnamese applicant and multiple sponsors claiming to be the woman's boyfriend, Singaporean sponsors who applied for multiple girlfriends, and sponsors who applied but were already married.

Story continues

But if the system is abused, then we have to stop it...But unfortunately what that has meant is that many legitimate applications are now being refused, Shanmugam said

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority had taken action over the incidents of abuse by rescinding the approvals, barring the travelers from entry into Singapore, and suspending the sponsors and travelers from future applications, he added.

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Credit: Oregon State University

Oregon State University research has identified a 100-million-year-old weevil unlike any other known fossilized or living weevil.

George Poinar Jr., an international expert in using plant and animal life forms preserved in amber to learn about the biology and ecology of the distant past, calls the male specimen a "mammoth weevil" because of its "monstrous trunk"also known as the weevil's rostrum or beak.

Poinar said Rhamphophorus legalovii, as the long-bodied weevil fossil is known scientifically, probably wielded its trunk as a weapon while in combat with other males over females.

Encased in Burmese amber, the specimen represents a new tribe, genus and species. Rhamphophorus derives from a pair of Greek words meaning "curving beak" and "to bear," and legalovii honors Russian weevil specialist Andrei A. Legalov.

"Entomologists will be discussing the systematic placement of this fossil for years since it is so bizarre," said Poinar, who has a courtesy appointment in the OSU College of Science.

Findings were published in Cretaceous Research.

There are nearly 100,000 known species of weevilssmall, plant-eating beetles known for their elongated snouts. Well-known North American species are the boll weevil that attacks cotton, the alfalfa weevil and the strawberry root weevil.

Credit: Oregon State University

Weevils with straight antennae are categorized as primitive weevils, and those whose antennae feature an elbow-like bend are known as true weevils; Rhamphophorus is a primitive weevil with an 11-segment antenna and Poinar placed it in the Nemonychidae family, whose members are known as "pine flower weevils."

"The story of the family's ancient history is told by species in Mesozoic amber deposits, although no extinct or extant species with such elongated rostrums are known," he said. "The larvae and adults of many nemonychids eat pollen from developing male cones of pines and other conifers."

The newly identified weevil genus and species belongs to the sub-family Cimberidinae, consisting of particularly long-nosed weevils whose physical characteristics are developed like highly specialized tools. Of the 70 known species of Cimberidinae, many are sexually dimorphicmales and females look quite different from one another. Thus the female of Rhamphophorus probably had a much shorter rostrum.

The new weevil, which likely lived on the ground rather than in trees, is 5.5 millimeters long, almost half of which is head and rostrum. The amber in which it is preserved came from the Noije Bum 2001 Summit Site mine first excavated in Myanmar's Hukawng Valley in 2001.

"Rhamphophorus had extended middle foot segments that might have increased its ability to grasp plant surfaces or better reach its foes during fights for females," Poinar said. "It would be interesting to know if females also had this feature."

Credit: Oregon State University

Injuries suffered by Rhamphophorus suggest it may have been doing battle with another male over a female just before it fell into the resin and was preserved.

"Rhamphophorus shows many features unknown on living or extinct fossil weevils," Poinar said. "It shows how an adult beetle can become so specialized that even its family position can be questioned. Certainly lifestyle in conjunction with microhabitat influenced the evolutionary development of this weevil, which gives us an exciting glimpse of morphological diversity in mid-Cretaceous weevils."

Explore further Big giraffe weevils bring bad news for their rivals

More information: George Poinar et al, A new tribe, genus and species of weevil, Rhamphophorus legalovii gen. et sp. nov., (Coleoptera, Nemonychidae, Rhamphophorini tribe nov.) in Burmese amber, Cretaceous Research (2021). Journal information: Cretaceous Research George Poinar et al, A new tribe, genus and species of weevil, Rhamphophorus legalovii gen. et sp. nov., (Coleoptera, Nemonychidae, Rhamphophorini tribe nov.) in Burmese amber,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2021.104948
Scientists have said greenhouse gas emissions must decline 50 percent by 2030, and be phased out entirely by 2050 to stay within range of 1.5C.

Nearly 200 nations started online negotiations Monday to validate a UN science report that will anchor autumn summits charged with preventing climate catastrophe on a planetary scale.

"The report that you are going to finalise is going to be very important worldwide," World Meteorological Organization head Petteri Taalas told some 700 delegates by Zoom.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment "is critical for the success of the Glasgow climate conference in November," he said.

Record-smashing heatwaves, floods and drought across three continents in recent weeksall amplified by global warminghave added pressure for decisive action.

"For years we have warned that all of this was possible, that all of this was coming," the UN's climate chief, Patricia Espinosa, said in a prepared statement.

A key G20 summit with climate on the agenda is slated for late October.

Separately on Monday, the first face-to-face climate talks among governments in over 18 months showed real engagement and possible areas of compromise, officials said.

However, the two-day ministerial meeting in London also laid bare differences, especially over the future of coal, that must be bridged before the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

Britain's COP26 president, Alok Sharma, said the climate and environment ministers from more than 50 countries saw first-hand the changes afoot with torrential rain and flash floods hitting London as they met.

Highlights of a landmark Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) draft report on the effects of a warming planet on nature.

Evaporating doubts

The world is a different place since the IPCC's last comprehensive overview in 2014 of global heating, past and future.

Lingering doubts that warming was gathering pace or almost entirely human in origin, along with the falsely reassuring notion that climate impacts are tomorrow's problem, have since evaporated in the haze of deadly heatwaves and fires.

Another milestone since the last IPCC tome: the Paris Agreement has been adopted, with a collective promise to cap the planet's rising surface temperature at "well below" two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above late-19th century levels.

Carbon pollution from burning fossil fuels, methane leaks and agriculture has driven up the thermometer 1.1 degrees Celsius so far.

The 2015 treaty also features an aspirational limit on warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, with many parties no doubt assuming this goal could be safely ignored.

But an IPCC special report in 2018 showed how much more devastating an extra 2 degrees Celsius would be, for humanity and the planet.

Attribution science allow scientists to rapidly quantify the extent to which climate change has boosted an extreme weather event's intensity or likelihood.

Low-balling the danger

"1.5 Celsius became the de facto target"and proof of the IPCC's influence in shaping global policy, IPCC lead author and Maynooth University professor Peter Thorne told AFP.

Scientists have calculated that greenhouse gas emissions must decline 50 percent by 2030, and be phased out entirely by 2050 to stay within range of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

"The reality is that we are not on track to achieve the Paris Agreement goals of limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees by the end of the century," said Espinosa.

On current trends, she noted, the world will warm more than twice that much.

A third sea change over the last seven years is in the science itself.

"Today we have better climate projection models, and longer observations with a much clearer signal of climate change," climatologist Robert Vautard, also an IPCC lead author and director of France's Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute, told AFP.

Within days of the deadly "heat dome" that scorched Canada and the western US last month, the World Weather Attribution consortium calculated that the heatwave would have been virtually impossible without manmade warming.

IPPC chairman Hoesung Lee (R) and co-chairs attend a press conference on a special IPCC report on climate change and land on August 8, 2019 in Geneva.

'Transformational change'

From Monday, representatives from 195 nations, with lead scientists at their elbow, will vet a 20 to 30-page "summary for policymakers" line by line, word by word.

The virtual meeting for this first instalmentcovering physical scienceof the three-part report will take two weeks rather than the usual one, with the document's release slated for August 9.

Part two of the report, to be published in February 2022, covers impacts.

A leaked draft obtained by AFP warns that climate change will fundamentally reshape life on Earth in the coming decades even if planet-warming carbon pollution is tamed, and calls for "transformational change" lest future generations face far worse.

Part three, to be unveiled the following month, examines solutions for reducing emissions.

Based almost entirely on published research, the report under review this week will likely forecasteven under optimistic scenariosa temporary "overshoot" of the 1.5 degrees Celsius target.

There will also be a new focus on so-called "low-probability, high-risk" events, such as the irreversible melting of ice sheets that could lift sea levels by metres, and the decay of permafrost laded with greenhouse gases.

Explore further Key UN climate science talks open amid floods, fires

 2021 AFP
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Firm acquisition is a complicated process in which acquiring companies often try to smooth the transition by retaining at least one board-level director from the target company. New research from the University of Notre Dame calls into question the wisdom of this move.

Often, poor post-acquisition outcomes are attributed to the idea that the employees from the target firm never quite feel at home with the new employer, or that the acquirer doesn't fully understand the target and has a hard time realizing synergies. It therefore stands to reason that retaining a director from the target firm would encourage stronger post-acquisition performance. Primarily, it signals to the employees that their previous leadership is valued and that a director from the target firm might have some unique insight to help smooth the transition.

However, the opposite is true, according to "Retaining problems or solutions? The post-acquisition performance implications of director retention," forthcoming in Strategic Management Journal from John Busenbark, assistant professor of management at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business.

The teamincluding Robert Campbell from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Scott Graffin from the University of Georgia and Steven Boivie from Texas A&M Universityexamined how well firms fare in the period after they acquire a target firm, by empirically studying a factor that might impact post-acquisition value creation for the acquirer's shareholders. Specifically, they looked at director retention, which occurs when the acquiring firm integrates at least one director from the target company onto its own board.

"Across several time frames of post-acquisition performance, statistical techniques and different samples of acquisitions, we consistently find that director retention tends to undermine post-acquisition performance compared to firms that did not retain a director," said Busenbark, who specializes in corporate governance and research methods.

The team empirically analyzed more than 550 acquisitions that occurred between 2004 and 2014 and in which the acquiring firm assumed a fully controlled interest in the target firm. They then investigated the composition of the boards of directors both prior to and after the acquisitions to determine whether any directors from the target were retained by the acquiring firm's board.

They analyzed the relationships between retaining a director and long-term investor value appropriationa variable that captures value to shareholdersfor one, two, three and five years following the acquisition.

"In supplementary analyses, we also offer a preliminary look at factors which might enhance or suppress this relationship, which we hope opens the door for future research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of why this negative relationship exists," Busenbark said.

The research offers at least two crucial contributions to leadership at the acquiring organizations. First, they encourage top executives to consider why they might want to retain a director from the target. In extensive supplementary analyses, they found that acquiring managers are typically hesitant to retain a director, but that they might do so either because it's part of the acquisition bargaining process or because it might ease the machinations inherent in the process. In both cases, the research suggests managers might want to approach director retention with trepidation.

Second, the study initiates a broader exploration into why director retention might undermine post-acquisition performance.

"Although this component is exploratory in our study," Busenbark said, "we tentatively find that director retention might say more about the relatively stronger power of the target firm than the desires of the acquirer. Acquiring managers might not think twice about onboarding a new director, though, so we are hopeful our research encourages them to view requests from the target like this through a more critical lens."

Explore further Study: Retaining talent is paramount for successful firm acquisitions

More information: Robert J. Campbell et al, Retaining problems or solutions? The postacquisition performance implications of director retention, Strategic Management Journal (2021). Robert J. Campbell et al, Retaining problems or solutions? The postacquisition performance implications of director retention,(2021). DOI: 10.1002/smj.3321
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) promises to revolutionize the way we produce and use certain parts. Reducing material waste and labor time, metal AM simplifies the steps for creating complex geometry parts when compared to conventional manufacturing methods.

However, hundreds of very small defects (~10-50 micrometers) can arise during the process, presenting a challenge when it comes to guaranteeing confidence in the structural performance of the product. The engineering impact of these defects is not well understood; and, in a field where certifications and standards reign supreme, it is difficult to field these parts because of the lack of processing data and standard protocols.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), in Laurel, Maryland, set out to better understand the influence of different defects on the mechanical performance of AM materials. In "Uncovering the coupled impact of defect morphology and microstructure on the tensile behavior of Ti-6Al-4V fabricated via laser powder bed fusion," published recently in the Journal of Materials Processing Technology, they provide data to help understand the effects of defects and enable decision-making.

One method of building metal AM parts is selective laser melting, a process that melts and fuses metallic powders using laser energy. "Laser powder bed fusion is a dominant additive manufacturing technology that has yet to reach its potential," said corresponding author Steven Storck, a mechanical engineer in APL's Research and Exploratory Development Department (REDD). "The problem is that tiny bubbles or pores sometimes form during the printing process, and these pores create uncertainty in strength or performance in areas of the finished products."

There are two natural types of processing defects: lack of fusion and keyhole. The former occur when there is not enough energy to completely melt the metal powder bed; keyhole defects happen when excessive energy density forms a fluid dynamic instability in the molten powder bed. As the energy density deviates above or below the optimal levels, the quantity and size of the defects increase.

Storck, along with REDD coauthors Timothy Montalbano, Salahudin Nimer, Christopher Peitsch, Joe Sopcisak and Doug Trigg, and Brandi Briggs and Jay Waterman from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, deliberately introduced both types of defects into samples to determine how they influence the parts' mechanical properties.

Results showed that while high amounts of each type of defect is unfavorable, it is more favorable to be in the keyhole domainat a similar concentration of defectsthan in the lack of fusion domain. The team also discovered that microstructural refinement around a keyhole defect can counteract the weakening effect of the defect. Even up to 4-5% porosity in the keyhole domain results in the same yield strength as a part with negligible porosity, a target metric many mechanical engineers use to design parts.

"We modified the laser processing conditions to simulate natural faults in the process and generated three similar amounts of defects in the keyhole and lack of fusion domains," Storck explained. "Then, we scanned and quantified material from each processing condition using X-ray computed tomography to map the defect size and distribution, and compared samples containing these resultant defects in monotonic tension testing to determine the preferred defect domain for a given amount of defects."

This research was part of APL's ongoing efforts with the Naval Air Systems Command to understand the effects of defects in additive manufacturing. "Our current research is now using this finding combined with machine learning to re-write the way we process materials with laser melting," Storck said.

"This work is a critical step in laying the foundation to enable qualification of AM parts in the future," added Morgan Trexler, who manages REDD's Science of Extreme and Multifunctional Materials program. "A general understanding of the influence of the effects of processing conditions on the resulting microstructure and properties of a material and component will provide the scientific basis to enable protocols for safe implementation of additively manufactured parts."

Explore further A route for avoiding defects during additive manufacturing

More information: Timothy Montalbano et al, Uncovering the coupled impact of defect morphology and microstructure on the tensile behavior of Ti-6Al-4V fabricated via laser powder bed fusion, Journal of Materials Processing Technology (2021). Timothy Montalbano et al, Uncovering the coupled impact of defect morphology and microstructure on the tensile behavior of Ti-6Al-4V fabricated via laser powder bed fusion,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2021.117113
Dead trees in subalpine Colorado forest on Niwot Ridge, west of Boulder. Credit: Robert Andrus

Even in the absence of bark beetle outbreaks and wildfire, trees in Colorado subalpine forests are dying at increasing rates from warmer and drier summer conditions, found recent University of Colorado Boulder research.

The study, published in the May print issue of the Journal of Ecology, also found that this trend is increasing. In fact, tree mortality in subalpine Colorado forests not affected by fire or bark beetle outbreaks in the last decade has more than tripled since the 1980s.

"We have bark beetle outbreaks and wildfires that cause very obvious mortality of trees in Colorado. But we're showing that even in the areas that people go hiking in and where the forest looks healthy, mortality is increasing due to heat and dry conditions alone," said Robert Andrus, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at Washington State University. "It's an early warning sign of climate change."

These deaths are not only affecting larger trees, thus reducing forests' carbon storage, but hotter and drier conditions are making it difficult for new trees to take root across the southern Rockies in Colorado, southern Wyoming and northern parts of New Mexico.

It's well known that rising temperatures and increasing drought are causing tree deaths in forests around the globe. But here in Colorado, researchers found that heat and drought alone are responsible for over 70% of tree deaths in the 13 areas of subalpine forest they measured over the past 37 years. That's compared with about 23% of tree deaths due to bark beetles and about 5% due to wind damage.

"It was really surprising to see how strong the relationship is between climate and tree mortality, to see that there was a very obvious effect of recent warmer and drier conditions on our subalpine forests," said Andrus, who conducted this research while completing his graduate degree in physical geography at CU Boulder. "The rate of increasing mortality is alarming."

With temperatures in Colorado having risen by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1980s and increasing more quickly at higher elevations, estimates of another possible 2.5 or more degrees of warming in the next few decades due to climate change indicate that the rate of tree deaths will only increase.

A tagged subalpine fir tree, one of more than 5,000 marked trees monitored as part of this 37-year-long study in the Colorado subalpine forest on Niwot Ridge, west of Boulder. Credit: Robert Andrus

Seeing the forest for the trees

Subalpine forests cover over 10,000 square miles in Colorado and are best known by those who ski or recreate in the mountains. Subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce dominate the area above the Peak to Peak Highway in the Front Range, and if you go over any mountain pass in Colorado, you're going into the subalpine zone, according to Andrus.

Previous research at CU Boulder has shown how wildfire, beetle kill and the two combined can affect the mortality and health of Rocky Mountain subalpine forests. This new research isolated the effects of those two common stressors from those of heat and moisture to find out how much of an effect climate change is having on these tree populations.

"As trees die in increasing numbers due to fire, bark beetles and drought, the warmer and drier climate is making it much less likely that new tree seedlings can establish and replace the dead adult trees," said Tom Veblen, co-author of the study and professor emeritus of geography.

Launched by Veblen when he arrived on campus in 1982, this is the longest running study of tree mortality in Colorado with remeasurements made frequently enough to identify the factors causing tree death. Every three years since, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and undergraduate field assistants have diligently returned to the more than 5,000 marked trees on Niwot Ridge just west of Boulder. In these 13 subalpine forest plots, they recorded that more trees died during summers with higher maximum temperatures and greater moisture deficits.

They found that tree mortality increased from .26% per year during 1982 to 1993, to .82% per year during 2008 to 2019more than tripling within 40 years.

"It is really challenging because it's not very visually obvious to the casual observer," said Andrus. "But the thing to keep in mind is that while warmer, drier conditions are also causing more fire and bark beetle outbreaks, these slow and gradual changes are also important."

Explore further Combined bark beetle outbreaks and wildfire spell uncertain future for forests

More information: Robert A. Andrus et al, Increasing rates of subalpine tree mortality linked to warmer and drier summers, Journal of Ecology (2021). Journal information: Journal of Ecology Robert A. Andrus et al, Increasing rates of subalpine tree mortality linked to warmer and drier summers,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2745.13634
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

When Erin Babnik awoke on the morning of Nov. 8, 2018, in Paradise, California, she thought the reddish glow outside was a hazy sunrise.

But the faint light soon gave way to darkness as smoke from the burgeoning Camp fire rolled in.

"The whole sky turned completely black, and there were embers flying around," Babnik recalled. "I remember it smelling horrible."

She hastily evacuated to nearby Chico with little more than an overnight bag. Her rented home, along with nearly every other structure in Paradise, would soon be reduced to ash.

Although several years have passed and thousands of additional wildfires have ignited across California, researchers are still unpacking the precise dangers of smoke from blazes like the Camp fire. Already this year, plumes from Western fires are making their way across much of the U.S. and Canada.

One recent study found that smoke from the Camp fire was particularly noxious because it contained particulates from burned homes as well as vegetationsomething officials fear will become more common as home-building pushes farther into the state's wildlands.

Another study linked wildfire smoke to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.

The findings indicate that as fire season ramps up, the dangers of respiratory illness and other serious side effects from smoke loom nearly as large as the flames.

The 2018 Camp fire was the deadliest wildfire on record in California. At least 85 people died, and nearly 19,000 buildings were destroyed, mostly in Paradise.

The fire also generated a massive plume of heavy smoke that spewed dangerously high levels of pollution into the air for about two weeks, according to a study released this month by the California Air Resources Board.

Researchers examined data from air filters and toxic monitors to determine that smoke from the fire was in many ways more harmful than that of three other large fires that burned mostly vegetation that yearthe Carr fire, the Mendocino Complex fire and the Ferguson fire.

Elevated levels of chemicals such as lead, zinc and iron generated by smoke from the Camp fire were detected in nearby Chico and as far away as San Jose and Modesto, the study found.

The lead was of particular concern because it has well-documented health impacts on blood pressure and reproductive systems and has been strongly linked to cancer and neurological disorders, especially in children, said Michael Benjamin, chief of the Air Quality Planning and Science Division at the California Air Resources Board.

"There are very good reasons why we try to keep lead out of the air," Benjamin said, noting that federal and state governments already have taken actions to protect people against the chemical, such as banning lead paint and leaded gasoline.

Many of the buildings razed in the Camp fire were likely constructed before the 1978 lead paint ban, Benjamin said. And many of the vehicles that burned likely contained chemicals such as zinc.

"When we have an incident like this, where you have 19,000 structures that burned in Paradise  all of those metals are vaporized and released into the atmosphere," he said.

Lead levels in Chico, the closest available monitoring site to the Camp fire, were 50 times higher than normal for one 24-hour period during the fire, Benjamin said.

The study results didn't surprise David Little, who was editor of the Chico Enterprise-Record when the fire broke out and now serves as executive vice president of communications at the North Valley Community Foundation, which provides relief and recovery efforts for Camp fire victims.

"We have fires here every year, but this was something spectacular and different," Little said of the Camp fire's smoke. "It was like this curtain coming down. It went from blue sky to black, like someone turned out the lights."

And the smoke wasn't like what billows from a regular forest fire or brush fire, he said. It was more akin to a tire fire, where "black stuff comes out of the air and lands on you."

"That's what our whole county was enveloped in for many, many days," he said.

The air board's Benjamin said researchers have not yet tracked specific health impacts on residents who lived through the Camp fire, but he noted that millions of people in Northern California were exposed to brief but elevated lead levels during its wrath.

Researchers are, however, beginning to examine the "negative synergy" between wildfire smoke and COVID-19, he said, noting that the coronavirus can "compromise people's respiratory systems and make people more susceptible to the impacts of particulate and smoke."

At least one group of scientists at the Desert Research Institute in Nevada already has found a correlation.

A study published this month in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology found that wildfire smoke may greatly increase susceptibility to COVID-19.

Researchers focused on about 36,000 patients at a hospital in Reno between Aug. 16 and Oct. 10, 2020the period most affected by smoke from Western fires like the August Complex, the Creek fire and the Glass fireand found that an increase in particulate matter from wildfire smoke was associated with a nearly 18% increase in the number of coronavirus cases.

The findings are "important to be aware of as we are already confronting heavy wildfire smoke from the Beckwourth Complex fire and with COVID-19 cases again rising in Nevada and other parts of the Western U.S.," said Daniel Kiser, an assistant research scientist at DRI and one of the study's co-authors.

The study controlled for variables such as the general prevalence of the virus and the number of tests administered. Scientists said the findings likely can be extrapolated to other areas affected by fires.

There are no definitive answers about how wildfire smoke and COVID-19 are linked, said Gai Elhanan, a health data scientist at DRI and another of the study's co-authors. One possibility is that exposure to smoke is altering peoples' immune response, while another is that the smoke creates an overexpression of ACE2 respiratory cells. A third is that the coronavirus' particles may attach themselves to smoke particles, making people more susceptible to ingestion of the pathogen.

The effects of wildfire smoke also depends on what's burning, Elhanan said.

"This is part of the complexity of what we inhale," he said.

Neither study is the first to examine the harmful impacts of wildfire smoke: Last year, researchers found it contains fungi, bacteria and other airborne pathogens. But the latest findings add to a growing list of evidence about its dangers.

And as wildfires become larger, more frequent and move closer to communities, experts said it is increasingly important for people to be aware of what the blazes are belching.

"You're not only now burning wood," said Peter DeCarlo, an associate professor of environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University. "You're burning heavy metals, and you're burning plastics and other things that wouldn't burn just in a forest fire.  Those add additional chemicals, many of which we know are toxic and noxious, to what's already bad from wildfire smoke."

And thanks to extremely parched vegetation, fires also are burning hotter and with greater intensity, which can enable smoke to travel farther, he said.

"How intense the fire is burning determines how high in the atmosphere [the smoke] gets," DeCarlo said. "The higher it gets in the atmosphere, the easier it is to transport long distances."

Satellite imagery from 2018 showed the massive smoke plume from the Camp fire swirling over California, while smoke from fires in 2020 traveled as far as Europe.

Residents in the path of wildfires aren't the only ones facing respiratory issues from smoke, as firefighters spend hours and sometimes days in their fumes.

Many firefighters who worked the Camp fire, Carr fire and 2017 fires in Santa Rosa finished those assignments with some type of respiratory infection or ailment, said Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters labor union.

"There's no question that our members get a major exposure to toxins. Whether they're metals or benzines or polyfluor carbonates, we get them," he said. "It's known, it's there. It's killing us."

The problem is becoming more common as firefighters increasingly tackle blazes where the built environment meets the natural one, Rice said. Respirator technology that works well for urban structure fires doesn't translate easily into wildland areas, where crews often are working in remote, high-altitude terrain and carrying supplies on their backs.

A firefighter in those conditions can burn through a 30-minute supply of clean air in 10 minutes, he said.

"We know the products of combustion that are known carcinogens are in that smoke," Rice said, noting that fumes from burning cars, homes and even pesticide-sprayed agriculture can harm fire crews. "And when you are working under stress, you breathe harder."

As fire season in California is starting earlier and running longer, researchers from both studies said smoke is becoming increasingly inevitable, so protection against its exposure should be a top priority.

One important step is making sure people have a supply of N95 masksparticularly those in disadvantaged or underserved communities. Cloth masks worn for COVID-19 protection don't work as well against wildfire smoke particles, which are about 30 times smaller than a strand of human hair, researchers said. N95 masks are more effective against both the virus and smoke, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Smoke relief centers can also help mitigate exposure.

Though it's difficult to determine whether one person's sicknessbe it COVID-19, asthma or another respiratory issue is definitively linked to one particular fire, Benjamin said, wildfire smoke of any kind is most certainly a danger.

When it comes to particulate matter, "the nose is a good early warning system," he said. "And if people smell smoke, they should assume they are being exposed."

Explore further Wildfire smoke exposure linked to increased risk of contracting COVID-19

2021 Los Angeles Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Torrential rains on India's western coast unleashed floods and landslides that killed 159 people.

Rescuers waded through waist-deep mud in western India Monday to reach injured residents and start a massive clean-up after heavy monsoon rains triggered landslides and floods that killed 159 people.

India's western coast was hit by severe rainstorms over several days, with a quarter of a million people evacuated from their homes in three states and power cut across vast areas.

Experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of the annual delugewhich is critical to replenishing rivers and groundwater but also causes widespread death and destruction.

"The focus has now shifted to evacuating the injured and restoring electricity as water levels recede," a National Disaster Relief Force spokesperson told AFP.

"The rainfall has stopped in most places and water levels have receded. We are helping with clean-up, relief and restoration."

In the worst-hit state Maharashtra, where the toll rose to 149 on Sunday, officials said search operations were halted in the hillside village of Taliye, southeast of Mumbai.

Some 53 bodies have been recovered in the village so far, with 17 people still missing, after a large landslide washed away people and homes on Thursday.

In the neighbouring district of Satara, 29 people were killed in multiple landslides.

Graphic showing 3-day accumulated rainfall in India, as of July 26.

Rescuers are trying to reach people affected by the disaster, and have started a massive clean-up operation.

And in Chiplun, 24 hours of uninterrupted rain caused water levels to rise by nearly 20 feet (six metres) on Thursday.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday described what happened in that district as "unimaginable".

"The water level reached the ceiling of my shop, there was so much water inside," a shopkeeper there told Indian news broadcaster NDTV.

"We've seen floods before in 1965 and 2005, but this was worse than before," another resident added.

Neighbouring state Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the floods were the worst since 1982.

Further south in Karnataka state, nine people died in flooding and four others were missing, officials said.

Authorities were trying to restore power supply to the affected districts.

Explore further India monsoon death toll climbs to 159, dozens still missing

 2021 AFP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

In September 2017, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution postdoctoral scholar Maggie Johnson was conducting an experiment with a colleague in Bocas del Toro off the Caribbean coast of Panama. After sitting on a quiet, warm open ocean, they snorkeled down to find a peculiar layer of murky, foul-smelling water about 10 feet below the surface, with brittle stars and sea urchins, which are usually in hiding, perching on the tops of coral.

This unique observation prompted a collaborative study explained in a new paper published today in Nature Communications analyzing what this foggy water layer is caused by, and the impact it has on life at the bottom of the seafloor.

"What we're seeing are hypoxic ocean waters, meaning there is little to no oxygen in that area. All of the macro-organisms are trying to get away from this deoxygenated water, and those that cannot escape essentially suffocate. I have never seen anything like that on a coral reef," said Johnson.

The study looks closely at the changes occurring in both coral reef and microbial communities near Bocas del Toro during sudden hypoxic events. When water drops below 2.8mg of oxygen per liter, it becomes hypoxic. More than 10% of coral reefs around the world are at high risk for hypoxia (Altieri et al. 2017, Tropical dead zones and mass mortalities on coral reefs).

"There is a combination of stagnant water from low wind activity, warm water temperatures, and nutrient pollution from nearby plantations, which contributes to a stratification of the water column. From this, we see these hypoxic conditions form that start to expand and infringe on nearby shallow habitats," explained Johnson.

Investigators suggest that loss of oxygen in the global ocean is accelerating due to climate change and excess nutrients, but how sudden deoxygenation events affect tropical marine ecosystems is poorly understood. Past research shows that rising temperatures can lead to physical alterations in coral, such as bleaching, which occurs when corals are stressed and expel algae that live within their tissues. If conditions don't improve, the bleached corals then die. However, the real-time changes caused by decreasing oxygen levels in the tropics have seldom been observed.

At a local scale, hypoxic events may pose a more severe threat to coral reefs than the warming events that cause mass bleaching. These sudden events impact all oxygen-requiring marine life and can kill reef ecosystems quickly.

Investigators reported coral bleaching and mass mortality due to this occurrence, causing a 50% loss of live coral, which did not show signs of recovery until a year after the event, and a drastic shift in the seafloor community. The shallowest measurement with hypoxic waters was about 9 feet deep and about 30 feet from the Bocas del Toro shore.

What about the 50% of coral that survived? Johnson and her fellow investigators found that the coral community they observed in Bocas del Toro is dynamic, and some corals have the potential to withstand these conditions. This discovery sets the stage for future research to identify which coral genotypes or species have adapted to rapidly changing environments and the characteristics that help them thrive.

Investigators also observed that the microorganisms living in the reefs restored to a normal state within a month, as opposed to the macro-organisms, like the brittle stars, who perished in these conditions. By collecting sea water samples and analyzing microbial DNA, they were able to conclude that these microbes did not necessarily adjust to their environment, but rather were "waiting" for their time to shine in these low-oxygen conditions.

"The take home message here is that you have a community of microbes; it has a particular composition and plugs along, then suddenly, all of the oxygen is removed, and you get a replacement of community members. They flourish for a while, and eventually hypoxia goes away, oxygen comes back, and that community rapidly shifts back to what it was before due to the change in resources. This is very much in contrast to what you see with macro-organisms," said Jarrod Scott, paper co-author and postdoctoral fellow at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in the Republic of Panama.

Scott and Johnson agree that human activity can contribute to the nutrient pollution and warming waters which then lead to hypoxic ocean conditions. Activities such as coastal land development and farming can be better managed and improved, which will reduce the likelihood of deoxygenation events occurring.

The study provides insight to the fate of microbe communities on a coral reef during an acute deoxygenation event. Reef microbes respond rapidly to changes in physicochemical conditions, providing reliable indications of both physical and biological processes in nature.

The shift the team detected from the hypoxic microbial community to a normal condition community after the event subsided suggests that the recovery route of reef microbes is independent and decoupled from the benthic macro-organisms. This may facilitate the restart of key microbial processes that influence the recovery of other aspects of the reef community.

More information: Maggie D. Johnson et al, Rapid ecosystem-scale consequences of acute deoxygenation on a Caribbean coral reef, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Maggie D. Johnson et al, Rapid ecosystem-scale consequences of acute deoxygenation on a Caribbean coral reef,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24777-3
Equipment in chemistry toolkit. Credit: Coopers Plains Labs June 2021

Indigenous communities can now assess the quality and sweetness of their wild-harvested native bush fruits in the field, rather than sending samples off to food science laboratories.

A prototype digital and portable bush fruits chemistry toolkit has been developed by University of Queensland researchers for communities to use on site, to measure key market attributes of popular bush fruits like Kakadu, Green and Burdekin plums.

ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods Director at UQ, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, said the kit would help support the knowledge already present in communities by providing scientific measurements to support their own observations.

"For instance, people in the community know which trees have the sweetest fruitbut now with help of the toolkit, they can measure the sugar levels of fruit on the tree to get an external measure of its sweetness.

"Indigenous enterprises and interested buyers need to know product supply logistical measurements like the weight and size of the fruit (its pulp to seed ratio); how much sugar and salt content and acidity levels are in the fruit; and moisture levels."

Professor Sultanbawa said this type of information was required to help understand the stability of the product, its suitability to be processed into a dehydrated powder, and to determine the type of packaging required.

Native bushfoods and seeds. Credit: M. Puls

"The toolkit has been designed to address these questions and will be tailored according to the needs of each Indigenous enterprise, depending on their current activities along the value chain.

"By ensuring consistently high-quality products, these enterprises are likely to get repeat, increased and new business, resulting in greater economic and social benefits delivered back into communities.

"Plus, the tool kit can be used to provide information on seasonality, growing conditions and plant physiology for Indigenous enterprises to own and share with future generations."

The toolkit, developed by UQ's Dr. Anh Phan, was also supported by funding from the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia as part of the Australian Government's CRC program, and can be used with any native bush fruit.

Djungan Paul Neal, Community Enterprise Developer at the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, whose community will house one of two chemistry test kits, said the kit empowered communities.

Dr Anh Phan uses callipers to measure fruit to seed ratio with equipment from the kit. Credit: UQ

"We are interested in developing a commercially viable native foods industry, in partnership with industry and research organizations, that utilizes traditional knowledge and science, and is led by Aboriginal people with governing intellectual property principles in place," Mr Neal said.

All the intellectual property generated in these projects will be owned by Indigenous partners.

Professor Sultanbawa said the research team was investigating different sensing technologies communities could use on site to measure other key properties of their fruit, such as vitamin levels, traceability, and provenance.

Explore further Plum pickings: ancient fruit ripe for modern plates
A big brown bat and a little brown bat hibernating in an abandoned mine in Ontario. Credit: Karen Vanderwolf, Author provided

From habitat loss to disease, bat species across Canada are facing multiple threats. As cities expand, the large old trees that bats call home are being cleared and bats are losing their roosts.

White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease, has devastated bat populations from Newfoundland to Manitoba. In some parts of eastern Canada, bat populations have declined by over 90 percent. In fact, three of the 19 bat species in Canada are now listed as endangered because of white-nose syndrome.

In winter, hibernating bats affected by white-nose syndrome burn off their fat reserves too quickly and die from starvation and dehydration. The surviving bats need a warm and secure place to roost during the day in summer. A bat box is a simple and effective way to provide such roosts. But bat boxes have varied designs, and little is known about which designs will most benefit bat species across Canada.

In response, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Canadian Wildlife Federation, with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada, launched the Canadian Bat Box Project this year to help bat populations recover with the assistance of community scientists across Canada. I am the lead researcher on this project as part of my postdoctoral research.

Bat box with little brown bats inside. Credit: Jordi Segers, Author provided

Designing bat boxes

Little brown bats are North America's most common bats, living from coast to coast and from Alaska to Mexico. They are known to use bat boxes throughout Canada. Meanwhile big brown bats, which are about double the size of little brown bats and are found across southern Canada, use boxes in some parts of Canada. Yuma bats use boxes in British Columbia, the only province this species is found in.

Scientists have documented only these three species using bat boxes out of the 19 species found in Canada compared to the United States, where 13 of those species use them. This difference may simply be due to lack of study in Canada, or potentially because of our colder climate.

We launched the Canadian Bat Box Project in 2021 to study bat box use so that scientists can develop regional and species-specific recommendations for bat box design and placement to increase box success rates.

More than 900 people across Canada have signed up to participate in the project this summer, the first field season in the three-year project. We provide willing participants with a temperature logger to install in their bat box, as well as supplies to collect guano (bat poop) to identify the bat species. Bat box owners that have bats swab the interior of their boxes for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome.

Bat boxes provide alternative roosts for the declining bat population. Credit: Stephen Cluff

This fungus grows into the bat's wings and replaces muscles, blood vessels and other parts of the skin. It disrupts their hibernation and depletes their energy, causing fatalities.

While this fungus is widespread on walls and the floor in caves and has also been found on bats in the summer, a study of bat boxes in New York found that some boxes contained the fungus year-round.

The swabs we receive from the participants of the Canadian Bat Box Project will tell us if bat boxes can contribute to disease spread. Monitoring results may tell us whether the bats are using these roosts for themselves or to produce pups.

Alternative roosts

Installing a bat box gives bats an alternative to roosting in your house, and since all bats in Canada eat only insects, you may even notice a decrease in the insect population around your house!

Big brown bat exits a bat box in British Columbia. Credit: John Saremba

Bat boxes need to mimic tree hollows by having hot temperatures of 2738C. But some bat boxes get too hot during the summer, which can increase mortality. Temperatures above 40C in bat boxes are too hot. Some bat boxes in Canada and even in the Yukon have recorded temperatures over 50C!

Installing multiple bat boxes, for example one in the sun and one in the shade, gives bats a choice. These different roosts will have different temperatures depending on the weather. Bats often change roosts from one night to the next and participants have observed bats using different bat boxes on different days.

Once these boxes are set up, bat box owners can participate in the study and share information about their human-made roosts.

You can tell whether bats are using your box by searching for guano underneath your box. At dusk in the summer, you may see bats swooping around and catching insects in midair. Dusk is a good time to count bats as they emerge from your box.

You can also shine a light up into the box during the day to see if there are bats inside from May to October in Canada. The boxes will be too cold for bats during the winter. If a box gets too hot, you may observe bats crowding at the entrance of your box or even outside the box. This is a sign of heat stress. Be sure to avoid any physical contact with bats for both your safety and the bats' safety.

Almost 1,000 Canadians signed up to participate in the Canadian Bat Box Project. So far, 20 per cent of their bat boxes have been successful bat roosts. Credit: Karen Vanderwolf, Author provided

Project progress what lies ahead.

Bats are integral to our ecosystems. They eat a variety of insects, including agricultural and forestry pests. These pest-control services are valued at US$3.7-53 billion dollars per year in the United States alone. In the tropics, bats also pollinate a variety of fruits including bananas, breadfruits, durians and mangoes.

Seven months into the project, participants of our Canadian Bat Box Project note they are not seeing as many bats as they used to before white-nose syndrome arrived. Overall, about 20 percent of participants reported success with bats roosting or even producing pups in their bat boxes.

We believe that better bat boxes will help the population recover from the effects of white-nose syndrome by increasing reproductive success.

The results of three summers of fieldwork for this project will provide much-needed information about both successful and unsuccessful boxes. Preliminary data analysis will begin this fall and results will be released to the public soon after.

Public education is also an important part of this project. Bats are sometimes viewed negatively but the more you learn, the more amazing bats seem. Bats now face additional persecution due to worries about COVID-19, but bats in North America do not have the virus that causes COVID-19.

With your help and improved recommendations, we hope to increase the success of bat boxes across Canada.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Depiction of model legume Lotus japonicus and crucifer Arabidopsis Thaliana. Credit: Kathrin Wippel

An international team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research and the University of Aarhus in Denmark have discovered that bacteria from the plant microbiota are adapted to their host species. In a newly published study, they show how root-associated bacteria have a competitive advantage when colonizing their native host, which allows them to invade an already established microbiota.

Plants, including crops such as rice and wheat, obtain their essential mineral nutrients and water through their roots, making them an important interface between plants and the soil environment. The roots of land plants associate with a wide range of microbesincluding bacteriathat are recruited from the surrounding soil and assemble into structured communities known as the root microbiota. These microbial communities are sustained by the plant host, which provides them with nutrients, primarily in the form of organic carbon compounds secreted by the root. In turn, these commensal bacteria mediate multiple processes that are beneficial to their plant host, such as providing defense against pathogens, improving nutrient mobilization from the soil and positively impacting growth.

Given their importance for plant health, the study of the root microbiota has evolved into a promising research field that aims to understand how these interactions occur, and could eventually help increase the yield and resilience of crop plants. Although it is well known that plants secrete diverse small molecules into the soil via their roots that serve as chemoattractants for root colonization by a subset of soil-dwelling bacteria, the degree of active selection performed by the host and the extent to which root-associated microbial communities are adapted to specific plant species remain largely unknown. In a new study published in Nature Microbiology, a team of researchers from the Department of Plant-Microbe Interactions at the MPIPZ in Cologne, Germany, and Arhus University in Denmark, aimed to gain a deeper understanding of these complex multi-species interactions.

As a first step in this quest, they established a comprehensive collection of root-derived bacteria from the model legume Lotus japonicus, a small proportion of which are symbiotic bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen for plant growth. Together with an already established culture collection from roots of the model crucifer Arabidopsis thaliana, synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) were designed to explore the microbiota assembly of different plant species. Although the bacterial communities of the two plants were similar, the researchers observed a clear preference by these bacteria to colonize their native host. This preference was mediated by a higher competitiveness displayed by multiple bacterial species when colonizing their host of origin compared to those originally isolated from the other host.

Strikingly, host preference was only observed in a community context, where different microbes compete among each other, but not when individual bacterial species were allowed to colonize the plant roots in the absence of competition. Analysis of gene expression of both plant species when interacting with different synthetic communities further showed that this process was at least in part driven by the host. Intriguingly, root colonization by native and non-native SynComs exhibited contrasting gene expression profiles for a number of well-known regulators of plant immunity. Based on this observation, the authors then hypothesized that native strains have a competitive advantage when colonizing the roots of their corresponding host plant via the formation of species-specific host niches. To test this hypothesis, the scientists performed a series of complex experiments, where SynComs from different host species were allowed to invade already established root-associated bacterial communities in host and non-host plants. Their results showed that native SynComs had a competitive advantage when invading an already established microbiota in their host plant, indicating that adaptation of commensal bacteria to their native plant species leads to increased invasiveness and persistence.

Kathrin Wippel, first author of the study, says: "We were amazed to learn that root colonization by native and non-native SynComs resulted in differential transcriptional reprogramming of plant roots, possibly contributing to the formation of specific root niches for native commensal bacteria. These findings indicate that diverse soil-dwelling bacteria associate with and prefer a specific host plant, similar to pathogens or beneficial symbionts of plants."

These findings could have a meaningful impact on agriculture, as they highlight the importance of competitiveness between different bacteria and the impact of host preference for successful root colonization. Probiotic inoculants tailored to specific crop plants with an enhanced capacity to invade and persist in standing microbial communities could help overcome the variation in efficacy of currently used biologicals in agriculture.

More information: Host preference and invasiveness of commensal bacteria in the Lotus and Arabidopsis root microbiota, Nature Microbiology (2021). www.nature.com/articles/s41564-021-00941-9 Journal information: Nature Microbiology Host preference and invasiveness of commensal bacteria in the Lotus and Arabidopsis root microbiota,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-00941-9
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A Monash University study into the experiences of school leaders in 2020 found those who engaged in community, communication and compassion-based responses, successfully led their school community through crises and times of uncertainty.

"What you realize really quickly in times like this is that you're actually a community leader. What I mean by that is outside of sort of a political voice that our members of parliament have, it seems that the next voice that many community members go to, particularly families, is to school leaders," says Danni, a government secondary school Principal.

Schools across the globe have experienced widespread closures, changes in physical arrangements to ensure physical distancing and reductions in the range of activities that students can participate in. In Sydney and Victoria, the closure of school sites is continuing to see students and teachers move to a remote learning model.

The study conducted by the Faculty of Education at Monash University collected research data from eight school leaders across Victoria during 2020, when schools were working through significant changes as a result of the first community lockdowns and introduction of remote learning.

Lead researcher and author of the paper, Dr. Fiona Longmuir, said the data identified four key areas in which all participants and their schools had been impacted.

"The participants reported that their attention was predominantly directed to the wellbeing of their communities. They noted an increase in the community leadership aspect of their role and the requirement of effective, timely and honest communication. They also demonstrated prospective sensemaking capabilities in their ability to generate a positive and productive outcome from their disruptive experiences," said Dr. Longmuir.

School leaders identified that the lockdowns heightened their connection and relationships with their wider school community, with members of the community turning to school leaders as calm and authoritative voices during times of confusion.

Finding ways to communicate within the remote learning and socially distanced environment was also a key focus of attention for these school leaders and demonstrated the importance of effective communication.

"Overall, the strongest message from all participants was just how all-encompassing and important wellbeing became during the pandemic. Leaders reported that the caring and compassionate aspects of their role were the most necessary as they supported their communities," added Dr. Longmuir.

School leaders also identified the challenges of extreme workload and emotional drain that they experienced themselves and noticed in their colleagues throughout the lockdowns.

"There were a lot of conversations where teachers really just spoke about how tiring it is, and ultimately you really just need to listen to that ... and acknowledging, and saying "Make sure that when you do get that opportunity you do take a break, or do something that you really love once a day," or whatever it might be," said Kaleb, Head of School at an independent school.

By understanding how key educational leaders and stakeholders made sense of and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, the research findings identified an unprecedented opportunity to explain change experiences and the prospects for schooling to evolve and develop in new and innovative ways.

The research showcased what school leaders experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how their disruption can shape future leadership scenarios in times of need.

Explore further Professor examines school principal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

More information: Fiona Longmuir, Leading in lockdown: Community, communication and compassion in response to the COVID-19 crisis, Educational Management Administration & Leadership (2021). Fiona Longmuir, Leading in lockdown: Community, communication and compassion in response to the COVID-19 crisis,(2021). DOI: 10.1177/17411432211027634
Northeastern University marine science and public policy professor Brian Helmuth and lab technician Sahana Simonetti, a recent marine biology graduate, conduct research on the shores of the Nahant campus. Helmuths battery powered robotic mussels provide greater insight into the thermal stresses being placed on various organisms by climate change. Credit: Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Stepping into the gap between the rocks, it's easy to understand what Brian Helmuth is talking about.

The summer sun beats down, and the rocky shore surrounding Northeastern's Marine Science Center is toasty. But in this crevice, the marine biologist is partially shaded from the midday rays, and his feet are submerged in the shallow sea water that remains here when the tide goes out. It's noticeably cooler and more comfortable.

And so are the creatures that Helmuth studies. Mussels fill the corners of the shallow pool, a crab darts over seaweed, snails cling to the submerged rocks, and barnacles mark a distinct high-water line on the walls of the small coastal canyon. It's a safe haven for the sea creatures, shaded a bit from the heat of the summer sun and kept cool by the water that collects here.

But when Helmuth steps out of this sanctuary, just a few steps from its entrance, he exclaims, "Everything is dead."

As severe heat waves are becoming more frequent and more intense in many parts of the world, coastal researchers are increasingly finding the cooked carcasses of creatures that make a living in the part of the shore where the tides cyclically expose and quench the landscape, called the intertidal zone. In fact, during the recent record-setting heat waves in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and western Canada, millions of shellfish got so hot that they cooked right on the rocks where they'd previously thrived.

That's what Helmuth thinks happened to the barnacles whose eulogy he proclaimed without ceremony outside the cooler, more lively crevice ecosystem in Massachusetts. They probably cooked during a heat wave in 2020, he says, because a few smaller, likely younger barnacles are still alive among the empty shells of the larger ones.

Helmuth, a professor of marine and environmental sciences at Northeastern, is searching for the places-however small-where the coastal creatures don't cook in their shells when an unprecedented heat wave sweeps through the region. Those areas of refuge (called refugia by scientists) might be a place where these species can survive through a hotter future.

"We don't care, per se, that that barnacle lives and that barnacle dies," Helmuth says, pointing to two individual crustaceans dotting the dark rock. "But what we care about is, 'Does this site collectively have enough of those refugia that it can still support populations after a heat wave?'"

Brian Helmuth, a professor of marine science and public policy at Northeastern, locates a tag indicating his study site on the shores of the Nahant campus. Helmuth snaps a close-up photo of his study sites at regular intervals to track what creatures live (and die) there as heat waves intensify. Credit: Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

The idea is that if enough animals make their homes in nooks and crannies that are buffered from intense heat waves, they can reproduce and replenish the populations that don't survive. If scientists can identify those places, then conservationists can tailor their efforts to protect those placesor even make more such safe havens when building seawalls or other coastal infrastructure.

To figure out what makes for a shellfish refuge, Helmuth takes what he calls a 'mussel's-eye-view' of the world. He and his team have built what they call 'robomussels' that have the same shape, size, and color of actual mussels but instead of meat in the middle, these shellfish contain sensors that record the temperatures every 10 minutes. The researchers embed these "robomussels" inside real mussel beds to track the temperatures that the shellfish experience within their shells more accurately than simply taking the temperature of their environment with a handheld thermometer.

Periodically, the researchers go out to check on their fake mussels, pressing a contact-sensor to them to upload the temperature data, charge their batteries, and note whether the real mussels and other creatures living around them are still thriving.

Refugia aren't always where you might expect, Helmuth says. For example, the mass die-off of shellfish on the West Coast occurred in cooler regions to the north rather than the warmer southern areas. And that's not because those southerly creatures have evolved to be more resilient to heat waves.

Rather, Helmuth says, it's the timing of the high and low tides that protects those shellfish. In the height of summer in Southern California, the low tides occur in the morning and eveningmeaning the shellfish are protected under high tide waters during the afternoon, which is the hottest part of the day. But in the Pacific Northwest summer, the low tides occur in the middle of the day, making the creatures vulnerable to the hot noon sun.

In the Gulf of Maine, where Helmuth has study sites from Nahant to northern Maine, the tide timing is less of a factor in the die-offs Helmuth and his colleagues have seen. Rather, he says, it comes down to whether or not the relief of a cool splash can reach a mussel bed that is exposed at low tide on a hot day.

"If you're an animal sitting on the shore in the sun during low tide and heating from the sun, the only thing that can save you is if a wave rolls in and splashes you," Helmuth says. "So the riskiest areas are those where there's a low tide in the middle of the day and no waves splashing on the shore."

Helmuth's rock loggerstemperature-recording devices embedded on shoreline rocksreflect that. The sensors stuck in rocks that have waves lapping over them revealed maximum temperatures ranging from 77 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit when Helmuth and lab manager Sahana Simonetti downloaded their data on a recent July day. But one rock logger up high on a rock that rarely sees any water recorded a whopping 128 degrees Fahrenheit as its maximum temperature.

Sahana Simonetti, Helmuth lab manager and a recent marine biology graduate of Northeastern, carries a Trimble GPS gingerly over the rocks on the shore of the Nahant campus. The device helps Simonetti locate the teams robomussels and other temperature loggers dispersed along the shoreline. Credit: Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

"I never deliberately set out to be a climate change scientist," Helmuth says. "But everything I was studying kept dying.

"I'd work on a coral reef and you come back after a heat wave and everything would be dead. And you study mussel beds, and come back, and everything is dead."'

So now, he hunts for the places where everything isn't dead.

Helmuth has deployed temperature loggers up and down the coast of the Gulf of Maine and in other parts of the world, too. He's also working with networks of other coastal researchers around the world to create a map of coastal biodiversity and better understand where refugia might occur across the globe.

In the crevice in Nahant, Helmuth points a thermal camera at the rock exposed during a low tide on a summer day. The sunshine has warmed this spot to about 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

He moves the camera slightly so that it points at a spot just a few inches wide that is shaded by a slight overhang of rock. The temperature reading drops to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Outside of the crevice, not far from where Helmuth spots the patch of dead barnacles, the thermal camera reads temperatures over a 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The air temperature at the time was in the high 70s.

Explore further Robotic mussels provide data on intertidal bed refugia
People walk past a bronze statue of inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla, on July 26, 2021 in Zagreb.

Croatia's plan to put famous inventor Nikola Tesla on its euro coins has sparked criticism in Serbia, whose central bank said Monday it would take the issue to the EU.

Tesla, an ethnic Serb born in present-day Croatia in 1856 when the country was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, is a source of pride in both countries, whose ties have been frosty since Yugoslavia's bloody collapse in the 1990s.

Zagreb and Belgrade both claim the pioneer of modern electrical engineering as their own.

Croatia has yet to introduce the euro in the country, and plans to do so in 2023.

In a statement to AFP, the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) said putting Tesla on the coins would be "inappropriate."

It would mean "usurping the cultural and scientific heritage of the Serbian people" since Tesla identified himself as a Serb, it said.

"Appropriate actions with EU institutions" will be undertaken if it eventually happens, it added without elaborating.

The plan has sparked debate on social networks between those who accuse Zagreb of "stealing Tesla" and those arguing he "belongs to the whole world."

Zagreb has rejected the criticism, stressing that Tesla was born in Croatia.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said Friday that Serbia cannot influence the decision.

"I don't see why it should be a problem to anyone," he said.

His deputy Boris Milosevic, an ethnic Serb, said the move made him "proud and happy".

Tesla, whose ashes are housed in Serbia, saw himself as a citizen of the world.

He spent most of his professional career in the US and eventually became a naturalised American.

Tesla patented more than 700 inventions in his lifetime, including wireless communication, remote control and fluorescent lighting.

Though he made the cover of Time magazine in 1931, Tesla died alone in a New York hotel 12 years later at the age of 86.

His name however shot to international fame after Elon Musk named his electric car company after him.

 2021 AFP
The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), or moon bear. Credit: Joshua Powell, Author provided

The return of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 popularized the idea of reintroducing long-lost species to modern habitats. While scientists are still trying to fully understand the ecological consequences, the wolf's reintroduction likely benefited other species, illustrating how conservation can not just slow biodiversity loss, but even reverse it.

That project, however, took place in a vast protected wilderness. Many of the places where biologists now hope to reintroduce large wild animalswhether it's lynx in Britain or cheetahs in Indiaare a little closer to where people live, with all of the potential problems that entails in terms of human-wildlife conflict.

In South Korea, a country of similar size and similar human population density to England, conservationists are in the process of restoring the native bear population, Asiatic black bears, or moon bears, to be precise. While slightly smaller than their North American cousins, these are still large wild animals, capable of causing fear and alarm and posing a risk to human life and property.

I wanted to find out how South Korea is managing this ambitious project, so I traveled to Jirisan National Park, a mountainous region in the far south of the Korean Peninsula.

By the 1990s, along with occasional sightings in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Jirisan had become the last foothold of the Asiatic black bear in South Korea. An attempted eradication program by the colonial Japanese regime of the early 20th century and overhunting following independence in 1945 meant bears had fared badly for some time. At the close of the century, there were thought to be just five wild bears left in the country, and the species was on the brink of extinction in South Korea.

A captive Asiatic black bear on a disused bear bile farm in Gangwon-do, South Korea. Credit: Joshua Powell, Author provided

These were not the only bears in the country though. A large population lingered on farms producing bear bile and body parts, which are used in traditional medicine, and bear meat. Since the 1990s, South Korea has cracked down on the bear part trade, but the remaining population of around 380 captive bears still substantially outnumbers those in the wild (around 70 in 2021).

These farm bears might have seemed the ideal animals to rebuild a wild population. But the bears probably belonged to a range of different subspecies and were potential disease risks. Years of being fed by humans also meant that the bears could seek out contactand cause conflictwith humans. Instead, bears were imported from China, Russia and North Korea. In 2004, the first six cubs were released into Jirisan.

Why did South Korea's bear program succeed?

No grand claims were made about reshaping the relationship between humans and the natural world, and no changes were promised to centuries-old methods of managing landscapes, ideas which often feature in debates about rewilding. Instead, conservationists in South Korea established a modest initial goal: returning a population of 50 bears to a single protected area.

Veterinarians prepare to transport a female bear following examination. Credit: Joshua Powell, Author provided

Soft releases, in which bears are kept in pens to acclimate to their surroundings before being set free, and extensive monitoring of bears post-release, helped increase the likelihood of each released bear surviving. Bears that strayed too far were returned to the national park.

Captive breeding, underpinned by impressive veterinary expertise, has also helped the population grow. One milestone involved the world's first successful use of artificial insemination in this genus of bear, a boon for maintaining genetic diversity in a small population. Bears injured by snares or traffic collisions have also been successfully returned to the wild.

The initial target of 50 bears was exceeded and the population now stands at over 70. A recent study found that some bears were now dispersing across South Korea, suggesting that Jirisan National Park may be close to reaching the limit of bears it can sustain.

This presents new challenges. Conservationists have, so far, been remarkably successful at reducing conflict between bears and people, and building support for restoring bears to Jirisan National Park with education programs, presentations for residents and hikers, a center where visitors can learn about the reintroduction program and even the use of moon bear mascots for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics.

Bukhansan National Park, near Seoul. Once home to leopards and tigers, could these mountains see bears again? Credit: Joshua Powell, Author provided

But the appearance of bears outside of the national park still attracts prime-time media coverage, which can hamper efforts to cultivate tolerance and maintain a reasonable dialog with the public about the realities of living alongside bears. People feeding bears remains an issue, as does illegal snaring for game species, which can severely injure bears. As South Korea reaches the next stage of its reintroduction program, is the country prepared to accept bears outside of a protected area?

It will be fascinating to follow these bears over the coming years as conservationists address these questions. And Asiatic black bears are just the start. South Korea has since established programs to restore the red fox, which is surprisingly rare in the country, and the long-tailed goral, a goat-like mammal whose populations have been depleted by poaching and habitat loss.

These programs will face challenges, but South Korea has shown considerable expertise in the field of mammal reintroductions. Expertise that other countries could well learn from.

Explore further Black bears may play important role in protecting gray fox

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As California endures an increasingly brutal second year of drought, state water regulators are considering an emergency order that would bar thousands of Central Valley farmers from using stream and river water to irrigate their crops.

On Friday, the State Water Resources Control Board released a draft "emergency curtailment" order for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta watershed. The measure, which was first reported by The Sacramento Bee, would bar some water rights holders from diverting surface water for agricultural and other purposes.

The proposed regulation underscores just how dire matters have become as drought squeezes the American West.

"It says that this drought is really severe," said Erik Ekdahl, deputy director for the State Water Boards' Division of Water Rights. The water board will consider the order's approval on Aug. 3. If approved, it would go into effect about two weeks later at the earliest, Ekdahl added.

"This is probably the first time the board has contemplated curtailment orders for the entire Bay Delta watershed," Ekdahl said. Some notices of water unavailability were sent out to water rights holders in the Delta watershed during the 2014-2015 time period, but this type of sweeping, formal order was not utilized, he said.

If approved, the order would be implemented first with junior water rights holders, then more senior water rights holders, and then the most senior. According to Ekdahl, the board believes that more than 10,000 water rights holders would be affected, with their water largely being used for agricultural irrigation purposes. Some municipal, industrial and commercial entities could also be affected.

The proposed regulation would carve out an exemption for health and human safety purposes, meaning that water for drinking, bathing and domestic purposes wouldn't be subject to the curtailment. In June, the board issued a notice of water unavailabilitywhich urges, but does not order, people to stop diverting waterto many rights holders in mid-June.

The proposed emergency regulation comes at a time when the primary Northern California reservoirs that feed into California's lakes and streams are at about 30% of capacity, Ekdahl said. Unusually warm temperatures and dry soils have contributed to reductions in runoff from the Sierra snowpack. The water board has characterized the reductions as "unprecedented."

According to a water board presentation, projections for this year's conditions degraded significantly between April and May, when watershed runoff decreased by nearly 800,000 acre-feetan amount that is nearly equivalent to the entire capacity of Folsom Reservoir.

"We're in an extreme drought that's come on extremely fast," said Felicia Marcus, water policy expert and former state water board chair. According to Marcus, the proposed emergency regulation shows that the water board is working as it should to allocate water during the shortage.

"In theory, it's a math thing. You're looking at how much water is in the water course and if there's not enough to meet all the water rights, then you issue curtailment notices and orders," Marcus explained. "That's the way the water rights system is supposed to work."

Explore further Drought-ridden California faces decision on new water cuts

2021 Los Angeles Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
LAKE GEORGE  Another new event is coming to the region  the Lake George BBQ and Blues Festival.

Craftproducers is holding the three-day event at Charles R. Wood Festival Commons from Aug. 13 to 15. It will feature ribs, brisket and chicken, along with side dishes of collards, coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans and more.

It will also include a selection of beverages from the Boston Beer Company, including Sam Adams, Dogfish Head, Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Truly Hard Seltzer and Twisted Tea, according to a news release from the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Music will be played, kicking off on Friday with Soul Sky, a bluesy, jam/rock band featuring Jeremy Walz, Tom Dolan, Jeff Prescott, Joe Mele and Mark Emanatian.

Saturday features the George Boone Blues Band and Matt Mirabile. It concludes with Sly Fox and the Hustlers, joined by the other band members for an all-star finale.

Sunday features The Switch, which is a Lake George-based blues and funk band. It performs songs by Led Zeppelin, BB King, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and the Allman Brothers, as well as originals.
Sea Isle City Family Fun Night: Children and families can attend a free character show, DJ dance party and fun activities from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 30 at Excursion Park. For information, call 609-263-8687.

Somers PointAcme Give Back bag program benefits AMVETS: The Acme Give Back Where It Counts Reusable Bag Program has named AMVETS of New Jersey in Somers Point as the beneficiary for the month of August. For every $3 reusable bag purchased in the store, Acme will donate $1 to the nonprofit veterans organization. The promotion does not apply to the plastic bags used at check-out.

TuckertonManna farmers market: Tuckerton United Methodist Church at 134 N. Green St. hosts a farmers market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Tuesday through the summer. For information, call 609-296-9610 or email tuckertonumc@gmail.com.
In 34 of those states, the rate of new cases increased by more than 50%.

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Last week, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said 97% of COVID-19 hospitalizations have been among unvaccinated people.

Judy Persichilli, the states health commissioner, said more young people need to get vaccinated in order for the number of increased hospitalizations in New Jersey to go down.

In the age group of 18 to 29, 62% have at least one dose, we need that to be higher, Persichilli said. And among those ages 12 to 17, only 44% have at least one dose again we also need that to be higher.

As of Monday, the states hospitals had 419 COVID-19 positive cases, which increased 26% from two weeks ago, Persichilli said.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Monday the recommendation for vaccinated people to wear masks is under active consideration by the governments leading public health officials.

When asked if New Jersey would follow guidance from the CDC to reinstate a mask mandate for vaccinated people, Murphy said it would be considered but not guaranteed.
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I want to talk you into staying, but thats not whats best for you and your family, clearly. So we wish you well, Barr said.

I love you, said Councilman Keith Hartzell. I just want to say that publicly. We dont say that enough as men.

He said that he, too, has had to make difficult choices to balance his career and his life.

Mike, I have the ultimate respect for you. Ive been where youre at. And all I can tell you is if you follow Gods will youre going to be OK, Hartzell said.

In his weekly statement to residents on Friday, Mayor Jay Gillian praised DeVlieger for more than nine years of public service.

All our elected officials devote a lot of time, energy and passion to their positions with little in return other than the satisfaction of serving their communities. I hope youll all join me in paying tribute to Mike for all his hard work on behalf of Ocean City, Gillian wrote.

According to Doug Bergen, a spokesman for the city, DeVlieger still has to submit a letter of resignation for his withdrawal to become official.
We have mixed feelings about this summers end of the Lower Township Rescue Squad, which required its replacement by one of the regions major health services providers.

Volunteer service to the community is one of the great strengths of American life, but this sort of change has become inevitable. Township EMS volunteers cited many of the familiar reasons for the squads decline  the hours of training needed and the time commitment of volunteering, which can conflict with employment and family time. Becoming a certified EMT involves 260 hours of classroom instruction, and the courses can cost $1,800, according to the Bergen Record.

The pandemic presented new and added troubles. Squads get paid by insurers when they take clients to hospitals, but faced with COVID-19, many didnt want to risk possible exposure at hospitals. Training for new volunteers became difficult to impossible due to pandemic shutdowns. And since EMS work by definition puts volunteers in contact with those needing medical care, they are at increased risk for coronavirus infection.
Governments shouldnt restrict peoples rights

Two recent letters criticized my letter concerning Gov. Murphy and the Ocean City High School prom.

Governor Murphy originally restricted the number of students that could attend the prom, requiring a lottery be used to determine the eligible students. To me, this is socialism, pure and simple, when a government can restrict the lawful activities of the governed. Socialism is the link between capitalism and Marxism, leading to a police state. This links the control of production, wages and overall population control.

Even if my letter did not portray the exact definition of socialism, the letter highlighted the lesson concerning government control. Of course, governments enact legal restrictions, but infringing on the population has its extremes; consider Florida and South Dakota permitting their citizens to manage their own lives very successfully.

Decrees that control peoples rights are evil and affect the entire state and are all-encompassing. Selfishness is also evil, but is limited to much fewer people and is not a decree, but rather an individual trait.

America is the most charitable nation the world has ever known, where compassion far outweighs selfishness.
The once unstoppable growth of hard seltzer has gone flat.

That warning is coming from Boston Beer, the creator of Truly Hard Seltzer, which said that popularity of the low-calorie drink has faded.

Boston Beer founder Jim Koch said that the "hard seltzer category and overall beer industry were softer than we had anticipated." He added that the seemingly endless arrival of new seltzer brands is causing "consumer confusion" and fewer people are trying the once-hot beverage.

Shares plummeted 25% in afternoon trading Friday after the company's second-quarter earnings came in below analysts' expectations late Thursday. Boston Beer has regularly beat analysts' earnings expectations in recent years because of Truly's sales strength, so the weak earnings came as a bit of a shock.

CEO Dave Burwick said in a statement that the company "overestimated the growth of the hard seltzer category in the second quarter and the demand for Truly, which negatively impacted our volume and earnings for the quarter and our estimates for the remainder of the year."
There has been a recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Rock Island County had 63 new cases of COVID-19 last week. The week-over-week increase is 125% and the average age of newly infected people in Rock Island County is 30.

Almost every person who has gotten sick with COVID-19 recently has been eligible to be vaccinated for months," said Nita Ludwig, administrator of the Rock Island County Health Department. "The Delta variant is much more contagious that previous versions of the virus. However, the vaccines are proving highly effective in protecting everyone 12 and older who has been vaccinated.

The health department continues to hold vaccination clinics twice a week: Tuesdays for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson and Fridays for Pfizer. The hours for both days are 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.

In the county health department's weekly release, the county listed 63 new cases, bringing its total since the start of the pandemic to 15,118. There were no new deaths, and the death toll held at 333, but four patients are currently hospitalized with the virus.
Kinzingers appointment comes after House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy pulled all five of his Republican members from what was supposed to be a 13-member panel after Pelosi vetoed two of them. She contended Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Jim Banks of Indiana could not render independent judgment because of their past statements and support for Trump.

Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville was one of three other members McCarthy tapped to serve on the select committee. Davis, pondering a bid for governor, later labeled Pelosis committee a sham after McCarthy yanked his GOP members.

Kinzinger joins Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, who was originally picked by Pelosi, on the select committee. Cheney and Kinzinger were the only two House Republicans to support the Pelosi panel after Senate Republicans rejected a House-passed effort to create a bipartisan independent commission to look into the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6 and Trumps role in inspiring the attack.

Cheney and Kinzinger were also among 10 House Republicans who supported Trumps impeachment. Cheney was stripped of her role in House Republican leadership as a result.

Pelosi called Cheney a very courageous member of Congress as she criticized Republican attempts to portray the panel as leading a partisan investigation.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she isnt having any second thoughts about allowing Lollapalooza to go forward, even as COVID-19 cases spike and the safety standard for admittance to unvaccinated guests has been lowered from what was originally announced.

In the weeks before the city welcomes hundreds of thousands of spectators to Grant Park for the four-day festival starting Thursday, the festival quietly loosened the safety standard for unvaccinated guests. In May, Lightfoot first announced the festival would require attendees who arent fully vaccinated to get a negative COVID-19 test result within 24 hours of attending Lollapalooza each day.

Its unclear when the testing window change occurred but it appears it was between June 18 and July 8, according to a review of the festivals public communications.

Now the city and Lollapalooza are allowing the festival to go forward with negative tests up to 72 hours before the guest enters, according to the festivals website.

For her part, Lightfoot said she doesnt have concerns about Lollapalooza happening.

Its outdoors. Weve been having large-scale events all over the city since June without major problems or issues, Lightfoot said. The Lolla team has been phenomenal.
We are endangered from several sources: (1) North Korea, a small, well-armed country with a suppressed but united population developing nuclear weapons and bolstered by China. (2) Iran, larger, more populated and also developing nuclear weapons; supports wars against our allies. (3) Russia, with half our population, who, like us, include different races and ethnicities that have problems uniting. (But not dozens of hate groups.) They also have as many nuclear weapons as we have. (4) The Chinese, who have come up suddenly to challenge our primacy with a well-educated and ambitious population more than three times ours, and much more united. The 90% who are Chinese have minimal freedom. The 10% not Chinese are badly treated and smothered by an oppressive government. They have nuclear weapons, but less than the U.S. and the Russians. (5) The planet we live on; now falling apart at the seams. Every effort must be made to preserve it, which means more scientific research and sacrifices and support from the rest of us. It also means we must unite behind the Democrats, the only large party that is living in the real world. Those Republicans who live in the real world must join the Democrats or form a party of their own, calling it, perhaps, the Grand New Party, or bring back the Whigs.
Police have said that one-tenth of a gram is the normal amount for one hit of methamphetamine and that such a hit is usually sold on the street for $20 to $25. The backpack contained 995 hits of meth.

Also seized from the backpack were empty sandwich baggies, a digital scale and a glass pipe used to smoke narcotics.

Champion is being held in the Clinton County Jail on a cash-only bond of $50,000.

A preliminary hearing in that case is scheduled for Friday in Clinton County District Court.

Champion already is awaiting trial on a Class B felony charge of possession with the intent to deliver more than 5 grams of methamphetamine.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Clinton Police Officer Brett Johnson, on June 9, Champion was seen driving a black Dodge Charger. Officers knew Champions license to be suspended.

An air sniff of the vehicle by the Clinton K-9, Roman, was performed, and the dog alerted to the scent of narcotics.

During a search of the vehicle, officers seized a small black zip bag on the floor behind the drivers seat. In the bag were 69.5 grams of methamphetamine and 3.7 grams of marijuana.
A rural Scott County man is charged with shooting and wounding the father of a woman with whom he was having a domestic dispute Saturday night, Scott County Sheriffs investigators said.

The incident led to a three-hour manhunt.

Taurus Kyle Puckett, 47, of New Liberty, is charged with one count of attempted murder. The charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years.

Puckett also is charged with willful injury causing serious injury, a Class C felony that carries a 10-year prison sentence; going armed with intent, a Class D felony that carries a five-year prison sentence; and, domestic abuse assault while displaying a weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of two years.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Scott County Sheriffs Deputy Ethan Roling, at 8:59 p.m. Puckett went to the victims residence, 1878 300th St., to talk to the mans daughter about an ongoing domestic dispute.

The man stepped between Puckett and the house where his daughter was. Puckett then allegedly aimed and fired a weapon at the man.

Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane said early Sunday that the victim was standing when medics arrived to take him to the hospital for treatment.
Both Rumler and Rayapati said they are encouraged by recent funding of a higher-education study of the Quad-Cities. A state grant of up to $500,000 will be used to assess "how programs are working or not working" in the region, Rumler said.

The last time an in-depth accounting of higher education was conducted locally was 2003. Many things have changed since then.

For instance, Rayapati noted that the Illinois Economic Policy Institute concluded that the state's budget impasses in 2015-2017 inflicted serious damage on state schools.

The two-year stalemate cost public colleges and universities more than 72,000 students, due in part to the elimination of programs and the need to greatly increase tuition, according to a study by the Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois.

The timing of the COVID-19 pandemic three years later delivered another substantial blow.

While no one knows how the return from the pandemic will impact colleges and universities around the country, Huang said he does not foresee a riverfront-campus enrollment reaching 3,000-to-5,000 students, which was a goal identified by previous leaders.

"That number was set years back," Huang said "I wish I knew what the rationale was."
An 18-year-old woman was sitting in a parked car in Humboldt Park around 3:15 a.m. when she was approached by two men on bicycles. One of the men then produced a handgun and shot the woman in the leg before fleeing the scene, police said. The woman was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition.

Shortly after 3 a.m., a 19-year-old man was shot while driving in the 1400 block of South Keeler Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood, police said. He suffered two gunshot wounds to his lower back and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.

Shortly before 3 a.m., a man, 25, was shot in the leg in the 100 block of West Kinzie Street in the River North neighborhood. Another man, 23, was stabbed once in the lower back by a person other than the gunman. Both men were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where their conditions were stabilized. Witnesses said a second man who fled the scene was also stabbed, according to police.

A man was injured in a drive-by shooting in the 5800 block of South Peoria Street in the Englewood neighborhood around 2:50 a.m. The man was standing outside when he was shot by someone in a tan sedan, police said. He suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach and ankle and was taken to St. Bernard Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.
That means all the people that work in that immediate area  and you think of how many restaurants are there and coffee shops and, really, businesses, and you have people at all income levels at these businesses  this is a really great place for them to live and walk out their front door and get to work, he said.

Another branch of the incentive program calls for properties that set aside 15% to 35% of units at affordable rates and that invest in upgrades to see their assessed value, after the upgrades, reduced by one-quarter. Properties that set aside more affordable units and include more upgrades would have their property value reduced by 35%.

The program lasts at least 10 years, with the option to extend up to 30.

The incentive could help small developers keep up with maintenance on buildings that naturally rent at lower rates, said Steve Thomas, who handles development and acquisitions for 5T management, and has dozens of buildings on the South Side. That, in turn, helps improve neighborhoods, he said.

Each year, our taxes are going up, the waters going up, and were capped (by the market) at what we can really charge, he said. So each year it makes it more difficult for us to invest in that building.
Pelosi, at a news conference last week, called the committees work deadly serious and insisted it is bipartisan. She also pointed out that it was Republican lawmakers who had opposed and blocked the independent outside commission.

Its my responsibility as speaker of the House, to make sure we get to the truth on this, and we will not let their antics stand in the way of that, she added.

Were there to get the truth, not to get Trump, she said, referring to some Republican claims that the former president is the committees real target. She explained that she had rejected two Republicans chosen by McCarthy, Jim Banks of Indiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio, because they have made statements and taken action I think that would impact the integrity of the committee, the work of the committee.

Banks said on Sunday that Pelosis rejection was aimed at limiting the scope of the investigation.

Its more clear than ever that Nancy Pelosi is not interested in an investigation, Banks said on Fox News Sunday. Shes only interested in a narrative.

He repeated that its important to ask why the Capitol was not protected properly. Why was there a a systemic breakdown of security at the Capitol on January 6?

Trump, who continues to perpetuate the falsehood that the November election was stolen, has vowed revenge against the Republicans who voted for his impeachment and encouraged primary challenges against them.

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Iowa House File 802, passed by Republican lawmakers, took effect on July 1. As a recently retired teacher, Im concerned about the effects of this bill.

Public school educators will now be prohibited from teaching "divisive concepts," such as "that the United States of America and the state of Iowa are fundamentally or systemically racist or sexist."

Since the Jim Crow laws that existed in the U.S. for almost a century, from the end of Reconstruction to the civil rights legislation of the mid-1960s, are one example of systemic racism, this new law would ban teaching that part of American history. The same would be true of the Japanese internment camps, the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Trail of Tears, and nearly the entire history of the U.S. governments interactions with Native peoples.

If I were still teaching sophomore English, Id be unable to teach "To Kill a Mockingbird" since it addresses, among other things, the systemic racism that resulted in the conviction of Tom Robinson for an act he did not commit.
Photo ops with the troops. Political points on an issue sure to loom large in 2024 presidential debates. Another chance to tout a tough-on-illegal immigration stance that comes rarely for a governor whose state is closer to Canada than Mexico.

There's plenty of reasons for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's Monday visit to National Guard troops she deployed to the U.S. border with Mexico. She says she is making the flight to the border city of McAllen, Texas, to check in on the roughly 50 National Guard members who volunteered for a 30-day deployment and let them know "we appreciate their service.

The visit also gives the ambitious governor a chance to pick up where former President Donald Trump left off in making hard-line immigration measures a driving force of the Republican Party. Noem eagerly joined the political fight with President Joe Biden over a surge in border crossings. She deployed the Guard members to aid Texas push to arrest people crossing the border illegally and charge them with state crimes.

For any Republican eyeing a 2024 presidential bid, a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border may become as necessary as visiting early primary states. Among the governors who have joined Gov. Greg Abbotts initiative, Noem and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are the only ones to stage news conferences at the border.
I came in as a general laborer, but then they saw me drawing, then they had me start doing posters. They took me off the floor and put me in an office position where I was doing all of the designing, Thornhill said.

***

After retiring from Philip Morris in his late 40s, Thornhill decided to travel the world. He picked up the name Sir James through his travels to the Bahamas, Nigeria and Ghana. When he was traveling on a boat, people started calling him Sir James and he decided to make it his artist name. He later found out that there were several prominent British artists with the last name Thornhill, including a Sir James Thornhill who was a celebrated artist during the 18th century.

After his travels, Thornhill moved to Shockoe Bottom, and eventually back to Jackson Ward, bringing his life and work full circle. For the past several years, he has been working to preserve the history of Jackson Ward and clean up some of the tagging  or people spray painting their name on the walls  throughout the area. He hopes the firefighters he is painting on the walls will help serve as a reminder of the incredible work they did.
We are eager to learn more about how much funding would be allocated to RPS in the Governors proposal and will absolutely match any funds necessary to maximize such allocations and continue to implement our strategies, Matthew Stanley, a spokesperson for Richmond Public Schools, said in a statement.

Stanley said Richmond had begun making significant upgrades to its schools using federal money  about $9 million of $54 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding for upgrades ahead of fall reopening.

The division has work in progress when it comes to HVAC improvement and maintenance, according to a reopening dashboard on the districts website, which was last updated on July 19 and includes a section on facility upgrades. The dashboard, created at the request of the Richmond School Board, outlines the divisions progress toward safe reopening milestones like fixing bathrooms, hiring custodians and training nurses. It indicates 36% of the citys schools have HVAC improvements in progress or in need of completion ahead of school reopening.

The district has not completed installing a majority  72%  of the HEPA filtration units meant to purify air of COVID-19 particles in classrooms but has completed all but 4% of its plumbing work in bathrooms.
They just want a lot more money to do the right thing, Deeds said Monday. Thats the bottom line.

The association said its members have proposed new programs for partial hospitalization and crisis stabilization to divert people in psychiatric emergencies away from state facilities without crowding private hospitals with patients theyre not equipped to handle. Its members also recommended state investments in community-based programs to expand outpatient care and services for people coming out of psychiatric hospitals.

Even though VHHA members have repeatedly proposed solutions that have not been adopted by the state, we again offer our support and services to address these challenges with the hope that the previous pattern of rejection we have encountered does not continue as we move forward, Connaughton said.

Analysis in dispute

Behavioral Health Commissioner Alison Land challenged the associations analysis, which she said underestimated state admissions for temporary detention orders by more than 1,300 in the last fiscal year while counting private hospital admissions that had nothing to do with psychiatric treatment.
NEW DELHI (AP)  As coronavirus cases ravaged India this spring, Anil Sharma visited his 24-year-old son Saurav at a private hospital in northwest New Delhi every day for more than two months. In May, as India's new COVID-19 cases broke global records to reach 400,000 a day, Saurav was put on a ventilator.

The sight of the tube running into Sauravs throat is seared in Sharmas mind. I had to stay strong when I was with him, but immediately after, I would break down as soon as I left the room, he said.

Saurav is home now, still weak and recovering. But the family's joy is tempered by a mountain of debt that piled up while he was sick.

Life has been tentatively returning to normal in India as coronavirus cases have fallen. But millions are embroiled in a nightmare of huge piles of medical bills. Most Indians dont have health insurance and costs for COVID-19 treatment have them drowning in debt.

Sharma exhausted his savings on paying for an ambulance, tests, medicines and an ICU bed. Then he took out bank loans.

As the costs mounted, he borrowed from friends and relatives. Then, he turned to strangers, pleading online for help on Ketto, an Indian crowdfunding website. Overall, Sharma says he has paid over $50,000 in medical bills.
The pandemic has only compounded those problems, and the government recently reimposed lockdowns and other virus restrictions in the face of one of Africas worst outbreaks.

Angry at the economic malaise and the poor handling of the pandemic, thousands of protesters defied virus restrictions and scorching heat in the capital, Tunis, and other cities Sunday to demand the dissolution of parliament. The largely young crowds shouted Get out! and slogans calling for early elections, and also pushed for economic reforms. Clashes erupted in many places.

The president said he had to fire the prime minister and suspend parliament because of concerns over public violence. He said he acted according to the law  but parliament speaker Rached Ghannouchi, who heads the Islamist party that dominates the legislature, said the president didnt consult with him or the prime minister as required. The three have been in conflict.

We have taken these decisions ... until social peace returns to Tunisia and until we save the state, Saied said in a solemn televised address.
Public controversy over this issue has the potential to threaten predator hunting and undermine public support for hunting in general, said the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in 2019.

The agency was talking about wildlife killing contests and the dilemma they pose for Americas hunters. Staff members were concerned that the contests were hastening a problem that hunters have been struggling with for years  dwindling numbers and a society that has become increasingly dubious of certain hunting activities.

The Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board agreed, and soon voted to ban wildlife killing contests.

In Virginia, these contests primarily target foxes, coyotes and bobcats. Its a bad look for hunters: Photos on social media show contest participants grinning next to piles of dozens, or even hundreds, of blood-stained animals  some with gaping wounds  who were gunned down in just a day or two.

Whichever team kills the most, the smallest or the largest animals wins the prize. High-powered rifles, including AR-15s, often render the animals pelts useless for sale, and the bodies often are tossed out after the event is over.
That is because the U.S. military maintains an important base at the eastern end of the 800-mile-long island, Guantanamo Bay. It has, of course, been infamous since the Sept. 11 attacks as the detention center for hundreds of captured enemy fighters in the global war on terrorism.

But for far longer it has been a vital strategic location for military logistics, communications nodes, disaster-relief supplies, and as a possible location for thousands of migrants if either Cuba or Haiti were to have another boatlift.

Naturally, I spent significant amounts of time poring over the intelligence concerning the regime in Havana. It was harsh, corrupt and unyielding in its dominance over the Cuban people.

The Castro brothers, Fidel and Raul, also were interested in exporting communism, and  with the financial support of Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavezs petrodollars  sought to undermine other democracies in the region.

Each time I traveled to Guantanamo Bay, I studied the problems of the nation, speaking with defectors and coordinating with the State Department (which had a significant diplomatic presence in Havana even though there was no U.S. embassy).
In rezoning, housing

crisis must be weighed

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Regarding a recent article about rezoning on Broad Street, Richmond City Council must pass the already-agreed-to West Broad Street rezoning proposal on July 26. Richmond has been amid a housing crisis, which drives displacement of residents to the surrounding counties or into homelessness. U.S. Census Bureau data estimates that Richmond gained 30,000 residents from 2010 to 2019, while actually losing housing units.

Richmond is growing, and the people who are coming to the city arent going to just stop coming if we dont build more housing. They will drive the price up and force out more people. Thats bad for renters (who make up a majority of the city population) and for the city, but good for homeowner property values.
I think good music gets passed down to other generations, too, he added. People still listen to stuff that their parents listened to, or their big brother listened to, or somebody else. Good music is good music.

Harrison was in the band from from its first album till its 1991 breakup. For hired hand Belew, the Remain in Light sessions and subsequent tour were lines on an important resume that includes David Bowie, Frank Zappa, King Crimson and 24 (soon to be 25) of his own albums.

Harrison, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, like the guitarist, was well aware of the Brian Eno-produced 1980 albums place in history.

Its the progenitor of a whole  ethos, Harrison said. Its spawned lots of people that have used some of the ideas to make their music, which is part of the reason I think its had a long life and people want to hear it.
CHRISTIANSBURG  McKenzie Kyle Hellman answered yep, nope and yep again Monday as a judge questioned if he really wanted to plead guilty to the murder and abuse of a 2-year-old, if anyone had made him promises in exchange for his pleas, and if he understood that he faced up to 45 years in prison.

That could be in addition to the more than two life terms that a jury recommended earlier this year for sex crimes and child pornography charges related to the same toddler.

At the hearing in Montgomery County Circuit Court, the 27-year-old Christiansburg man entered guilty pleas to charges of second-degree murder and child abuse. He told Judge Colin Gibb that he was pleading without an agreement with prosecutors and with no recommendation about sentencing. Defense attorney Fred Kellerman of Christiansburg said that there had been no plea offers from the prosecution.

Gibb said that he was finding Hellman guilty and that he would be sentenced on Aug. 10, which already was the date set for a judge to impose a sentence for the sexual abuse and child pornography charges on which Hellman was convicted in March.
Although the city detailed the evidence in support of the warrant  which included a tip to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that was passed on to city police  it also argued that it was a moot point.

After first refusing to let police inside the home, an occupant later had a change of mind and consented to the search. The granting of permission should undermine any legal challenge of the search, Spencer wrote.

A suspect was not found in the home that day. However, police later arrested a 17-year-old who was named in the search warrant. He has since been convicted of a murder unrelated to Darreonta Reynolds case.

As for Cathy Reynolds First Amendment argument, the city contends that there is no free-speech right granted to an attorney personally when representing a client in courtroom proceedings.

The citys response also argues that there is no evidence to support the claim that the acquittal of Darreonta Reynolds  who claimed he acted in self-defense when he shot a man during a scuffle at a Cove Road convenience store  sparked outrage among the police force.
Theyre so hungry they ate their fear and went out, and protested against people who have machine guns, Rosendo said of recent demonstrations. Its not very smart to do that. It takes a lot before you do that. You have to see babies die. You have to see your mother die. You have to see your kids hungry with no food.

Speaking freely in such a way would be enough to get Rosendo silenced by the dictatorship of Cuba, he said. But he expects protests to continue on, despite a fearmongering government.

They beat anybody that doesnt agree with them, Rosendo said. Its just a feral system The reason the protests have been so rare is because everybody is so afraid.

Cuban-Americans standing by, watching protests unfold in their home country, feel a sadness at being unable to help, he said. But there are actions to take in the United States, too.

The only thing we are able to do so far is show the world what people are going through, Rosendo said. Its pretty much a genocide.
The New River Valley is experiencing an expected bump in COVID-19 infections.

NRV Health District Director Noelle Bissell said Monday that she assumes the more transmissible Delta variant of the novel coronavirus is circulating in the New River Valley, as it is across Virginia and the country.

On Monday, the Virginia Department of Health COVID dashboard for the NRV was undergoing some corrections, she said. But, more than 80 percent of infections nationally are attributed to Delta.

Everyone who hasnt yet been vaccinated is urgently encouraged to do so, according to Bissell  even those who have been infected with COVID and recovered.

So-called natural immunity may not protect as well against variants, and experts say its unclear how long natural immunity might last. Vaccine-stimulated immunity is thought to last at least six months and possibly longer.

Because misinformation about the COVID vaccines is rampant especially on social media, coronavirus has largely become a pandemic of those who remain unvaccinated, Bissell said.

Getting more people vaccinated is the light at the end of the very long, dark tunnel, she said.
The city did not announce that the statues would be removed until the afternoon prior. Two days before the statues were removed, city workers also had begun to cut shrubbery and trees to allow for the removals, and parking around the Market Street and Court Square parks was marked off.

This was one day after the council voted to appropriate $1 million for removal of the statues, however, the date and circumstances of the removals were not discussed in the meeting.

Hours before the removals were announced, a contractor began installing temporary fencing around the statues.

While this led to speculation from community members, especially on social media, that the statues would be removed in the coming days, city officials did not answer questions about the tree trimming, blocked-off parking or temporary fencing. On the day of the removal, city spokesperson Brian Wheeler said he could not comment on the nature of the emergency that resulted in the city getting an emergency procurement authorization.

The City Council still has not voted on what will happen to the statues, which are currently in city storage.
Some of my key priorities as Alabamas governor are infrastructure, education, health care and job creation. A key item to expanding opportunities in those areas, especially in rural Alabama, is high-speed internet. Access to broadband service today is quickly becoming much like access to electricity was in Appalachia during the early- to mid-20th century. It is growing more important for education, economic development, health care and many other areas.

As we partner and collaborate in the public and private sectors to expand broadband to previously unserved areas, the ARC has been a valuable partner. Recently, ARC funds of $200,000 to Central Alabama Electric Cooperative helped expand broadband access to almost 70 homes in Coosa County, a rural county in east-central Alabama. While the overall number of households might not be huge, access to broadband will bring a world of possibilities to the doors of these residents including improved health care, access to distance learning and business opportunities while laying the foundation for further expansion to other households and businesses.

There is perhaps nothing more life-changing than gaining the training needed not just for a job but to start a productive career. The ARC also helps its member states offer training to prepare residents for productive careers in growing industries.
This seems a very plain violation of the mandate of geographic diversity. We hate to encourage a more litigious society but this is what courts are for: It would be curious to see what some judge might have to say about this. Does the commission begin its work by being in violation of the law? Or does that give consideration phrase excuse all manner of deviations? Does that promise of diversity really mean anything? Probably not.

Two facts remain: Even with Trost-Thorntons appointment, the commission still has more men than women  and a whole swath of the state is completely unrepresented. So much for either gender diversity or geographical diversity.

Those are two of the four categories we were promised and the commission has failed on both counts.

A future legislature, if it were so inclined, could fix both of these things by rewriting the law to require diversity, not just give consideration to it.

We often think of calls for diversity as a liberal thing, a sign of wokeness. Here, though, actual diversity would benefit a lot of conservative voters in Southwest Virginia.
The greatest damage is now being felt in the economy, with almost all business communities reeling under the drastic effect of the ongoing pandemic. A survey of nearly 12,000 domestic and foreign invested enterprises in 63 provinces and cities by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) at the end of 2020, showed that nine out of ten enterprises believe their business activities are negatively impacted, in particular businesses and households in the services and tourism industries. As per official figures announced by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, upto 70,000 businesses have already left the market in the first six months of this year alone.

Strain on system

The rapidly increasing number of infections every single day is affecting the medical teams and the whole government apparatus at all levels, which is now extremely strained in its effort to fight off the pandemic. The government apparatus at all levels is now operating above its normal capacity, and the stress and strain is clearly becoming more and more evident as they struggle to save the general population from being infected.

Many businesses that are still running are also suffering as they have had to suspend their operations because some of their workers have been infected with the Covid-19 variant. Businesses are worried that prolonged closure could possibly lead to loss of their customer base. When Vietnamese enterprises cannot maintain production to meet supply orders, customers and business partners in the world will not wait for Vietnam to recover, but will simply move on to the next manufacturer. If Vietnamese suppliers stop production now, the suppliers in China or other countries will readily replace them immediately. This is a fear that is plaguing all manufacturing companies in Vietnam, who will see years of hard work and effort gone in just a few months.

There is a current new plan for production to continue with a three-way method to keep production running smoothly. This plan ensures continuous production if workers continue to live on site during the pandemic, which requires they manufacture, and eat and sleep on site. This new creative method of planning in many localities in Vietnam will allow workers to adapt to the virulent spread of the pandemic. However, not all businesses will be able to apply this solution if the number of workers are too large and the facilities of enterprises is too small.

For many businesses, the pandemic is also not allowing them to control the skyrocketing costs. All expenses for the prevention of the pandemic comes from their business expenses. In addition to the cost of purchasing equipment for pandemic prevention, and offering support and subsidies to workers, there is also the cost of periodic testing. For businesses with thousands of workers, this amount is very large. In the context of skyrocketing input costs, logistics transportation costs are also running sky-high. In this present pandemic situation, business owners are all struggling to survive, and facing a day to day challenge in trying to keep their business running.

Many businesses are now hoping and praying for practical solutions for covering all these extra costs. This support is coming from the state budget for businesses to cover the cost of periodic Covid-19 testing for workers, as well as costs related to pandemic prevention and control. This support is much more helpful than other big-sounding policies, and also very practical and encouraging. The enterprises that are using the most number of workers, are receiving the maximum support from the State, so that they can retain their workers in these difficult times.

Circulation curtailed

Perhaps the most daunting situation for businesses in the context of the pandemic is limited and curtailed circulation. Businesses always need to stay connected and no production or business establishment can survive or flourish in isolation. For production, many types of raw materials are needed, with some being supplied by domestic enterprises, and some being imported from various countries. After manufacturing, products must be transported for sale, and shipped to ports for export.

However, pandemic conditions are becoming increasingly stressful, and many localities have been separated with blockades and lockdowns. In order to travel from one province to another or go to a port in another city, one has to show negative testing results for Covid-19, which is a very laborious and expensive process. There is also no standard procedure either, as validity is some places is for twenty-four hours, some places it is for forty-eight hours, while other places even seventy-two hours.

Some provinces and cities are even asking for a twenty-one-day quarantine period before entering a pandemic affected province, and a driver carrying a shipment to port if quarantined for twenty-one days, will create a heavy back log and delay in shipment delivery. Another menace facing transporters is the recurring traffic jam at the city gateways which is many kilometres long and holds back traffic almost for a whole day, even if the distance can be covered in just a few hours.

Many businesses sincerely wish and hope for a unified and consistent transportation process that is well coordinated among all localities. Transport is the life line for logistics and the moving of goods from one place to another. It is understandable that this new pandemic situation is unfamiliar ground for the State to handle, and causing much serious concerns for all authorities who are struggling to ward off its effects. However, now the pandemic is in its second year, and urgent and decisive measures need to be put in place. The current situation is still rather confusing, and it is time that transport drivers, and all people who need to constantly be in circulation must be considered on a priority for vaccination, so that the whole production machinery starts to operate once again.

Dau Anh Tuan, Head of Legal Department, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, VCCI
Unfortunately, politics is standing in the way of even the easiest actions.

The refugee problem on our southern border has now become the cited obstacle to any immigration reform.

Graham is reported to have said last month that he does not see any chance of any immigration reform right now given the countrys border problem. It is unclear if this would apply to his own Dream Act of 2021. It should not.

Solutions are within our grasp. If Republicans, including Graham, dont step up, Democrats should do it. There will be progress this year. The only question is whether it will include the Republicans. Bottom line  not doing anything before years end is not acceptable.

Businesses small and large are looking for problem solving in Congress on the issue of our labor shortage. We need individual members of Congress to be leaders, not followers of political consultants who are only concerned with creating wedge issues to win the next election.

The census tells us the real underlying reason for our labor shortage  demographic stagnation  and the best way forward: immigration reform.

Sen. Graham, South Carolina and all businesses are looking for you to lead.

Frank Knapp is the presi dent and CEO of the South Carolina Smal l Business Chamber of Commerce, a member of the American Business Immigration Coalition.
Groups providing humanitarian and social services urge President Biden to advocate for the vaccine intellectual property waiver, share U.S. vaccine stockpile.

CMMB health worker in South Sudan administering a COVID-19 vaccine.

CMMB health worker in South Sudan administering a COVID-19 vaccine.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) joined 81 humanitarian and faith-based organizations addressing health, social, and economic challenges around the world, calling on the Biden Administration to share the U.S. vaccine stockpile globally and to advocate for an intellectual property waiver for COVID-19 vaccines. In the letter, CMMB and the likeminded organizations urged the Biden Administration to:

1) Express strong support for the temporary WTO intellectual property waiver for COVID-19 vaccines at the upcoming WTO TRIPS council meeting July 27-28

2) Invest in a global manufacturing effort to produce enough vaccines for everyone by Spring 2022

3) Continue to distribute the vaccines that the U.S. has pledged to donate

4) Support technology sharing initiatives

5) Encourage other developed nations to take similar actions.

We can end this pandemic, said Mary Beth Powers, president and CEO of CMMB. CMMB-trained healthcare workers have seen firsthand the widespread economic disruption and premature death that COVID-19 has wrought, so we know that putting a stop to this virus will require a global approach. CMMB and our fellow humanitarian organizations are calling on the Biden Administration to commit to greater vaccine production and distribution to achieve equity and prevent more deadly outbreaks. The U.S. stockpile will be over 1 billion doses, and those doses could be doing tremendous good around the world  and helping us to beat this deadly virus.

In calling on the Biden Administration to distribute surplus vaccines, Ms. Powers also appealed to logistical considerations in beating the pandemic. State governments and hospital systems in the U.S. are sitting on millions of surplus COVID-19 vaccine doses as expiration dates approach. These doses will do far more good in the arms of healthcare workers in Africa  where only 2% of the population have received a vaccine even as a third wave surges  than allowing them to simply sit idle and be destroyed.

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Haiti, which just last week received its first shipment of 500,000 doses donated by the U.S. for its population of 11 million, could also make good use of surplus U.S. vaccines. We are committed to engaging with faith leaders to combat COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, and to encourage rural communities to get vaccinated once doses become available. We are working with Haitis Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP), Pan American Health Association (PAHO), and UNICEF on the promotion and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, said Dr. Dianne Jean-Francois, CMMB Country Director in Haiti. We are preparing church-run healthcare clinics to become rural vaccination hubs, as well as assisting in logistics.

CMMBs commitment to combatting COVID-19 is global. In South Sudan, the Ministry of Health selected CMMB to begin vaccinating residents in Western Equatoria. In June alone, CMMB South Sudan vaccinated 2,257 people with their first dose of AstraZeneca. With a commitment to vaccine equity and serving hard-to-reach communities, CMMB is working with local leaders to encourage uptake of the vaccine and to demonstrate to community members the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

The current pandemic has reminded us that there are no differences or boundaries between those suffering. The time has come to eliminate inequality and to cure injustice that is undermining the health of the entire human family, said Pope Francis, which he echoed in a letter last year. We are all in the same boat, where one persons problems are the problems of all.

For questions about the information contained within this press release or about CMMB and its programs, please contact the Director of Communications, Luke Dougherty, at LDougherty@cmmb.org

About CMMB

CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board) provides long-term medical and development aid to communities affected by poverty and unequal access to healthcare. Focusing on womens and children health, we deliver sustainable health services in Peru, Haiti, Kenya, South Sudan, and Zambia. For over a century, we have worked to strengthen and support communities through healthcare programs and initiatives, the placement of volunteer, and the distribution of medicines and medical supplies. CMMB has delivered over 3,000 shipments with a total value of more than $4 billion worth of medical aid in 88 countries over the last ten years.

Learn more at: https://cmmb.org/

Attachments

CONTACT: Luke Dougherty Catholic Medical Mission Board 212-609-2582 LDougherty@cmmb.org




BURLINGTON, ON, July 26, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Cogeco Connexion, a subsidiary of Cogeco Communication Inc. (TSX: CCA) is proud to announce that residents and businesses in Hastings County will be able to access high-speed Internet through an $8.8 million joint investment with the Government of Ontario. This includes the City of Belleville, the Township of Stirling-Rawdon, the Municipality of Centre Hastings, and the Municipality of Tweed.

Cogeco Connexion Inc. Logo (CNW Group/Cogeco Connexion)

Today, the Government of Ontario announced they are investing up to $14.7 million in 13 projects to expand high-speed Internet to more areas in Ontario through the Improving Connectivity in Ontario (ICON) program. "Our government continues to bring high-speed internet access across the province, including to several remote and First Nation communities," said Hon. Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. "This investment will connect over 17,000 homes and businesses with access to reliable, high-speed internet. We're doing everything we can to help ensure no one is left behind in today's digital world."

"Cogeco is proud to join forces with Minister Kinga Surma and the Government of Ontario to connect 3,595 homes and businesses in the communities of Hastings County. Our robust and reliable network infrastructure will enable high-speed broadband internet services with download speeds of up to 1Gbps, which is comparable to what we offer in major urban centres. This $8.8 million joint investment is another concrete step toward reducing the digital divide between urban and rural areas in Ontario and driving economic growth, which is crucial for the communities we serve," says Frederic Perron, President of Cogeco Connexion.

Cogeco reinforces its leadership position in regional areas with this significant investment in addition to the billions of dollars already invested in serving its residential and business clients. It demonstrates Cogeco's strong support to Ontario's regional and rural economic development and efforts to increase competitiveness for companies and workers. Homes and businesses in Hastings County will benefit from Cogeco's full range of services, including the most flexible television and high-speed Internet services with download speeds of up to 1GB and unlimited data transfer capacity on most packages.

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Additional projects will soon be announced as part of Cogeco's ongoing four-year commitment to investing over $1 billion in expanding its advanced Canadian broadband network to connect communities throughout Ontario.

ABOUT COGECO CONNEXION

Cogeco Connexion regroups the Canadian cable operations of Cogeco Communications Inc. Cogeco Connexion is the second largest cable operator in Ontario and Quebec based on the number of Internet service customers served. It provides its residential and small business customers with Internet, video and telephony services through its two-way broadband cable networks. Cogeco Communications Inc. is a communications corporation and is the 8th largest hybrid fibre coaxial cable operator in North America operating in Canada under the Cogeco Connexion brand name in Quebec and Ontario, and in the United States through its subsidiary Atlantic Broadband in 11 states along the East Coast, from Maine to Florida. Cogeco Communications Inc.'s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA).

SOURCE Cogeco Connexion

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2021/26/c3359.html
People look at the Singapore city skyline on 7 June. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore government will require private landlords to match its two weeks of rental relief cash payouts for occupiers of privately owned commercial properties during the country's current Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) period.

"In the last Heightened Alert, we did not require private landlords to extend rental relief. Instead we encouraged landlords to do their part to match the government relief.

"However, many tenants, especially those in the affected F&B and retail sectors, have told us that not all landlords were forthcoming in providing such rental support," said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in Parliament on Monday (26 July) as he highlighted the latest round of government support measures.

Wong added that the government also recognised that not all landlords are in the same financial situation and that a process would be put in place to consider the circumstances of those facing "genuine hardship".

The government will also extend support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and eligible non-profit organisations by granting four weeks of rental waiver to qualifying tenants of government-owned commercial properties.

Other measures

Wong said the government will also be extending the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS), which provides wage support for employers, for affected sectors by four weeks until 18 August.

He added that higher wage support would further mitigate the impact of protracted safe management measures and uncertainties.

For sectors that are required to close or suspend their activities, 60 per cent JSS support will be provided  up from the 50 per cent that was previously given. "This will benefit the F&B, sports, performing arts and arts education sectors," said Wong.

Sectors significantly affected by the latest restrictions will be granted 40 per cent JSS support, up from 30 per cent previously. These benefits will cover footfall-dependent sectors such as retail, museums, art galleries, historical sites, cinema operators, some personal care services, and family entertainment centres.

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The tourism sector will also receive 40 per cent support, which will benefit attractions, hotels, cruise and regional ferry operators, MICE organisers and travel agents.

Depending on how Singapore's COVID-19 situation evolves, the JSS support will be tapered down to 10 per cent for two weeks from 19 to 31 August as businesses reopen.

In recognition that hawkers and market stallholders have been "disproportionately affected" this time round, a new Market and Hawker Centre Relief Fund will be introduced. It will provide a one-off cash sum of $500 to each stallholder operating in government hawker centres and markets.

To help hawkers adapt to the latest disruptions, Enterprise Singapore will also reintroduce the Food Delivery Booster Package to help hawkers defray the costs of using online food delivery platforms.

This support comes on top of the existing additional month of rental waivers and subsidies for dishwashing and table-cleaning fees, which were announced on 16 July, said Wong.

Taxi and private hire car drivers will also be provided greater assistance under the COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund from 22 July to 30 September.

Workers facing a loss of income can turn to the COVID-19 Recovery GrantTemporary scheme, which will have its period of coverage extended from end-July to end-August. "Eligible workers who continue to be impacted can re-apply to receive a second payout," said Wong.

How it will be funded

In total, the latest round of support measures is expected to cost $1.1 billion and will be funded through budget reallocation, said Wong.

"First, we have worked with agencies to identify $0.9 billion of one-off underutilisation in operating and development expenditures. These are due to delays brought about by COVID-19.

"They include postponement and cancellation of activities in schools due to COVID-19 and construction project delays," he said. Another $0.2 billion will come from a buffer that was presented during the Supplementary Estimate in July.

Wong also noted that the government support to workers and businesses over the two periods of Heightened Alert since May is estimated to total more than $2 billion.

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ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana hopes to receive over 18 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines before October as it struggles to contain a third wave of infections, President Nana Akufo-Addo said in a speech on Sunday.

Cases of COVID-19 are rising fast in parts of West Africa, in part due to the arrival of the Delta coronavirus variant which is considered more transmissible than other variants.

The increase has provided a conundrum for African countries, most of which have escaped the levels of infection and serious illness seen in other regions. Many are reluctant to enter lockdown because of the impact on the economy but at the same time have been unable to procure vaccines at the pace of richer countries.

"Our nation is experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 infections," Akufo-Addo said. "These increased infections have largely been driven by the Delta variant."

Over 101,000 people in Ghana have caught coronavirus and over 800 have died since the pandemic began.

To combat a rise in infections, Ghana's government is in the process of buying 17 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines through the African Medical Supplies Platform in the third quarter of this year, the president said. This would be supplemented by 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from the United States, nearly 230,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the African Union and 249,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the United Kingdom in the same period.

Ghana is doing relatively well compared to many of its West African counterparts, with nearly 1.3 million vaccine doses administered. But it has fallen behind its goal of acquiring 17.6 million doses by the end of June due in part to a halt in deliveries from India under the vaccine-sharing COVAX scheme.

Akufo-Addo called for tighter enforcement of existing restrictions, including wearing masks in public.

"We cannot afford to return to the days of partial lockdowns, which brought considerable hardships and difficulties," he said.

(Reporting By Christian Akorlie,; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
A Hong Kong teenager has been sentenced to serve time in a training centre for hurling a petrol bomb at a police station in hopes of killing officers there during the social unrest of 2019, and for joining 11 others in a thwarted attempt to flee to Taiwan last summer.

Hoang Lam-phuc, 17, was the first of 12 Hong Kong fugitives arrested in mainland Chinese waters last year to admit charges in relation to the unsuccessful flight attempt and the 2019 anti-government protests, sparked by a now-withdrawn extradition bill.

Detention terms in training centres can range from six months to three years, depending on the teenage offenders performance in custody, where he or she will be taught a trade.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

The District Court heard the Vietnam-born defendant had wanted to leave Hong Kong at a time when he was feeling lost and wanted to reset life, so he began searching online for means to go to Taiwan.

Hoang and his fellow fugitives were scooped up by a Chinese coastguard vessel in mainland waters the same day they left Hong Kong. Photo: Weibo

Prosecutors said the escape plan had been a detailed and organised one, with the accomplices sharing responsibility for setting up safe houses, buying necessary supplies and funding their trip. Hoang himself did not contribute, however, and his HK$150,000 (US$19,303) fee was paid by others.

The group departed by speedboat from Po Toi O, in Sai Kung, under the guise of a fishing trip on the morning of August 23, 2020.

However, the fugitives were scooped up by the Chinese coastguard that same morning after their Taiwan-bound vessel unlawfully entered mainland waters, and were subsequently detained in Shenzhen.

Hoang escaped prosecution on the mainland due to his age, but was handed back to Hong Kong authorities on December 30 to face trial on charges of attempted arson with intent.

Police vehicles carrying Hoang and 11 other Hong Kong fugitives exit a Shenzhen court in December after a hearing on their cases. Photo: AFP

Most of the 12 aboard the speedboat had been out on bail on the condition they remain in Hong Kong. One, Andy Li Yu-hin, was being investigated under the Beijing-imposed national security law, and another, Quinn Moon, was wanted for her alleged involvement in an explosives case.

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Hoang was arrested in the early hours of October 14, 2019, for hurling a petrol bomb at Mong Kok Police Station, and for keeping three more of the incendiary devices at his home.

In a WhatsApp exchange, the 17-year-old had said he was determined to avenge martyrs by killing popo  a slang term for police.

His accomplice in this case, construction worker Lam Siu-hung, 21, was jailed for 40 months last October for his role in the attack.

Under caution in the present case, Hoang admitted that he had begun looking for ways to escape to Taiwan to evade criminal liability in the firebombing case since March last year.

On Instagram, he found other accomplices, who introduced him to Quinn.

The following month, he left the home he was supposed to remain at as part of his bail conditions and hid out in different safe houses.

He was also told that the fee for his escape would be sponsored by others, because he was only a student, but that he should remember to bring his court documents, such as his bail form, to show their contact at the Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan as proof he was a protester and in need of protection.

Prosecutors said there were still accomplices at large, some of whom had already left Hong Kong.

Earlier this month, Hoang pleaded guilty to the attempted arson charge and possessing articles with intent to damage or destroy property.

On Monday, he pleaded guilty to an additional charge of perverting the course of public justice.

In mitigation, defence counsel Chris Ng said Hoang said his client regretted his involvement in violent protests, urging the court to choose a sentence that would help Hoang to get back on track.

Reading from his mitigation letter, Ng said Hoang had wanted to return to his studies after his arrest, but schools had been suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving him with nothing to do but spend time online.

It was then that he became influenced by others into thinking he could leave Hong Kong and start over, and foolishly went along without considering his responsibilities, Ng said.

Judge Frankie Yiu Fun-che said Hoangs case was serious, as he had displayed contempt for the law and disregarded the consequences.

Had the defendant successfully fled to Taiwan, it would have been difficult to repatriate him, and that would obviously harm justice and the public interest, the judge said.

Yiu said the charges should have warranted a jail term of six years, or four years after a one-third discount to credit the guilty plea.

But Yiu also noted that Hoang was a cooperative 16-year-old with a clear record at the time of the offence, and had already been remanded for a year  including four months on the mainland.

The judge concluded that detention in a training centre was the most suitable sentencing option.

This article Hong Kong protests: teen who was among 12 fugitives detained in Shenzhen sentenced to time in training centre for flight attempt, petrol bomb first appeared on South China Morning Post

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ST. LOUIS  The St. Louis area has become one of the first in the United States to reinstate mask requirements amid a rise in cases that health officials are blaming on low vaccination rates and the highly contagious delta variant.

Despite pushback from some elected officials, face coverings became mandatory Monday in indoor public places and on public transportation in St. Louis city and St. Louis County for everyone ages 5 or older  even for those who are vaccinated. Wearing masks outdoors is strongly encouraged, especially in group settings.

For those who are vaccinated this may feel like punishment, punishment for doing the right thing, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, a Democrat, said at a news conference Monday. Ive heard that and I feel that frustration. While the vaccination can protect against serious illness, it cant protect you from being infected with COVID-19 and passing it onto someone else, someone who may be more vulnerable.

The decision comes as both of Missouris urban areas see a big uptick in coronavirus hospitalizations that began in rural areas of the state, especially in southwestern Missouri.

Missouri ranks fourth nationally in the most new cases per capita in the past 14 days, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to measure outbreak caseloads and deaths across the United States.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 Some French health workers resent, resist mandatory vaccines

 Pandemic leaves Indians mired in massive medical debts

 What happens when your Olympics COVID test gets taken 39 minutes early?

 Malaysian doctors walk off job in government hospitals

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 Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

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HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences on Monday said its reached a new peak of COVID-19 patients at its hospital as a surge in coronavirus cases continued in the state.

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UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson tweeted that the hospital had 66 COVID-19 patients, surpassing the record it reached in January when it had 63. The Department of Health said the number of people hospitalized statewide with COVID-19 rose by 44 on Sunday to 919. The states COVID-19 cases rose by 1,022 and its deaths increased by six.

The rolling average number of daily new cases in the state has increased by 161% over the past two weeks, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University researchers. Only 36% of the states population is fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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CHICAGO  It is critical that all people in the health care workforce get vaccinated against COVID-19 for the safety of our patients and our colleagues, said Dr. Susan Bailey, immediate past president of the American Medical Association.

With more than 300 million doses administered in the United States and nearly 4 billion doses administered worldwide, we know the vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. Increased vaccinations among health care personnel will not only reduce the spread of COVID-19 but also reduce the harmful toll this virus is taking within the health care workforce and those we are striving to serve.

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Second shots are safe for most people who develop signs of allergy to their first COVID-19 vaccinations, a study published Monday suggests.

As many as 2% of people develop these reactions to the first dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, with symptoms including flushing or redness in the face, dizziness or hives. Potentially life-threatening reactions including breathing difficulty, swelling of the tongue and face and rapid heart rate are much less common.

The study included 189 people who contacted allergy specialists at five U.S. centers after developing any of these symptoms after their first dose. Most received a second shot within several weeks. Allergy-like symptoms occurred soon after in 32, or 30%, but they were milder than after the first shot and the researchers said all tolerated the second dose well.

The results were published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

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NEW ORLEANS -- Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, a critic of mask mandates and public health restrictions during the pandemic, said he, his wife and son have contracted the coronavirus.

He made the announcement on Facebook Sunday night and said he and his wife had been infected last year, but this time around is much more difficult. He has not said whether he has been vaccinated.

This episode is far more challenging. It has required all my devoted energy, he said. We are all under excellent care, and our prognosis is positive.

Higgins is the second member of Congress to announce in the last week that theyd contracted the virus. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Republican who represents parts of southwest Florida, said July 19 that he had tested positive. Buchanan said he had been fully vaccinated and was experiencing mild symptoms.

Elsewhere in the Louisiana delegation, Congressman-elect Luke Letlow died December 29 at the age of 41 from COVID-19 complications. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise waited until July 18 to get vaccinated, saying he thought he had immunity because he tested positive awhile back for coronavirus antibodies

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WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden says that people grappling with the long term effects of COVID-19 will have access to disability protections.

The president announced the initiative Monday at the White House as he marked the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Biden says the initiative is the first of its kind. Lingering challenges from the coronavirus such as breathing problems, brain fog, chronic pain and fatigue could rise the level of a disability. So Biden says hes bringing federal agencies together to ensure that people who had the virus will know their rights and available resources as they navigate work, school and the medical system.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. The largest city on Georgias coast has reimposed a requirement that people wear masks in public, citing a steep and alarming rise in cases of the COVID-19.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson made the announcement Monday in a news conference, saying people now must wear masks any time they are indoors with people who are not members of their immediately families.

Johnson said his order doesnt apply to schools and colleges, but called on them to do the same, saying rates of COVID-19 have roughly tripled in Chatham County in the last two weeks.

The county saw a big spike in new cases at the end of last week according to state Department of Public Health data, pushing transmission rates to levels last seen in March. Reported new cases are roughly nine times where they were when they bottomed out in late June.

Statewide case rates in Georgia are almost five times as high as they were in late June.

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WASHINGTON  Some 60 leading medical and health industry groups are calling for health care employers to require their workers to get COVID-19 vaccines as the more aggressive delta variant spreads across the nation, and some communities report troubling increases in hospitalizations among unvaccinated people.

The groups include the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Nursing, the American Public Health Association and, for the first time, a nursing home industry group. LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit nursing homes and elder care facilities, had previously advocated educating nursing home employees about the benefits of getting their shots.

Unfortunately, many health care and long-term care personnel remain unvaccinated, the groups said in a statement. We stand with the growing number of experts and institutions that support the requirement for universal vaccination of health workers.

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PROVINCETOWN, Mass.  Provincetown officials approved an indoor mask mandate during an emergency joint meeting on Sunday in an effort to fight an outbreak in the vacation haven at the tip of Cape Cod.

Officials say the new cases stem from a busy Fourth of July weekend. The cluster has grown to more than 550 cases, including some caused by the more infectious delta variant. Of the new cases, about 70% were fully vaccinated and most had no or only mild symptoms. Only three have required hospitalization.

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NEW YORK  New York City will require all of its municipal workers  including teachers and police officers  to get coronavirus vaccines by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the new rule Monday. It is expected to affect about 340,000 city employees, making the city one of the largest employers in the U.S. to take such action.

The Sept. 13 deadline coincides with the start of public school, when the Democratic mayor has said he expects all pupils to be in classrooms full time.

The move comes as the city battles a rise in COVID-19 cases fueled by the highly contagious delta variant. Since the end of June, the daily average of new cases has increased by more than 300%.

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PARIS  Enforcing Frances new virus pass could prove a logistical challenge for restaurants and other venues, but managers and diners hope it helps avoid another dreaded lockdown.

At the helm of La Brigade, a pocket-sized steak house in Paris hip Oberkampf district, Noemi Arevalo cant imagine having to struggle through another weeks-long closure.

We prefer having to work with rules and be stricter with our customers than having to close and not being able to work, she told the Associated Press from behind her counter.

Frances parliament approved a law early Monday requiring special virus passes for all restaurants and domestic travel, and mandating vaccinations for health workers. To get the pass, people must be fully vaccinated, have a negative virus test or prove they recently recovered from COVID-19.

The governments measures have prompted protests and political tensions. President Emmanuel Macron and his government say theyre needed to protect vulnerable populations and hospitals as infections rebound.

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands  The Dutch government is ruling out multiple-day festivals this summer and tightening rules for people returning from vacations in hopes of preventing another spike in coronavirus infections.

Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the new measures Monday. Rutte said that even though confirmed cases are declining after hitting more than 10,000 per day this month, the situation remains tense because we still see numbers rising in hospitals.

Rutte says that banning multiple-day festivals until at least Sept. 1 was done in part because of logistical difficulties in testing all attendees every 25 hours. He says the move also gives clarity to festival organizers.

The government also is tightening rules for returning vacationers. All people over 12 years old will have to provide proof of a negative virus test, that they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19.

Health Minister Hugo de Jonge says that mobile teams will carry out checks at the borders and travelers will be fined if they return without a negative test or proof of full vaccination or recovery.

Just under 60% of Dutch adults are fully vaccinated and 83.5% have had an initial vaccine dose.

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ISLAMABAD  Pakistan on Monday received 3 million more doses of the Moderna vaccine from the United States under the U.N.-backed COVAX initiative, according to the U.N. childrens agency.

UNICEF used Twitter to announce the latest vaccine delivery to Pakistan, saying it brought the number of COVID-19 doses supplied to the country under the COVAX facility to 8 million.

Earlier this month, Pakistan received 2.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine from the U.S. as part of the global vaccine initiative.

The coronavirus positivity rate in Pakistan jumped from 2% to about 7% percent in the past month, according to government data.

Pakistan has reported 100,8446 confirmed cases and 230,48 virus-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.
California and New York City announced Monday that they would require all government employees to get the coronavirus vaccine or face weekly COVID-19 testing, and the Department of Veterans Affairs became the first major federal agency to require health care workers to receive the shot.

Meanwhile, in a possible sign that increasingly dire health warnings are getting through to more Americans, vaccination rates began to creep up again, offering hope that the nation could yet break free of the coronavirus if people who have been reluctant to receive the shot are finally inoculated.

The announcements are the opening of the floodgates as more government entities and companies impose vaccine mandates after nationwide vaccination efforts hit a wall, said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown Universitys School of Public Health.

Some people find mask mandates annoying, but the reality is theyre temporary. We cant do them forever, he said. Vaccine mandates have to be one of the major paths moving forward because they get us closer to the finish line. Mask mandates just buy you a little more time.

In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all municipal workers  including teachers and police officers  will be required to get vaccinated by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing, making the city one of the largest employers in the U.S. to take such action.

California said it will similarly require proof of vaccination or weekly testing for all state workers and millions of public- and private-sector health care employees starting next month.

The VAs move came on a day when nearly 60 leading medical and health care organizations issued a call through the American Medical Association for health care facilities to require their workers to get vaccinated.

It was unclear what would happen to employees who refuse to be vaccinated. Some of the unions representing New York municipal workers said the city could not impose the requirement without negotiations.

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The longstanding policy in the health care industry is for staff to stay up-to-date with vaccinations, such as annual flu shots, but a general rule also allows exceptions for medical reasons, such as allergies.

Elsewhere, St. Louis became the second major city to mandate that face masks be worn indoors, regardless of vaccination status, joining Los Angeles in re-imposing the orders.

For those who are vaccinated, this may feel like punishment, punishment for doing the right thing, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, a Democrat, said Monday. Ive heard that, and I feel that frustration.

President Joe Biden should lead by example and impose further mandates on the federal workforce and in public venues where the government has jurisdiction, including in planes, trains and federal buildings, said Dr. Leana Wen, a former Baltimore health commissioner.

We need vaccine mandates and vaccine verification, she said. Were well past the time for the Biden administration to get on board with this. What were doing is not working. Doing more of the same is not the answer here.

The administration has so far recommended that unvaccinated people keep wearing masks indoors, but top officials over the weekend said they are considering recommending that the vaccinated also wear them indoors.

Were going in the wrong direction, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union.

Wen, who is also an emergency physician and a professor at George Washington University, said public health experts have worried for months about this very scenario.

We were worried the honor system would not work, the unvaccinated would be behaving as if theyre vaccinated, and people would think the pandemic is over," she said. "That's precisely what has happened, and it's incredibly frustrating."

The U.S. should not have been caught off guard after watching the delta variant ravage India in May and then land in the United Kingdom, Israel and other highly vaccinated nations with force last month, added Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious disease specialist at Yales School of Public Health.

We have learned multiple times to not take anything for granted with COVID, he said.

Jha said Americans should brace for another rough few months of COVID, which has already claimed nearly 611,000 lives in the U.S.

I really thought this would be a fabulous summer, but I underestimated the misinformation campaign that was coming, he said Monday. What were the chances that after more than half a million Americans dead, that one-third of the country would still not want to end the pandemic?"

Vaccinations ticked up over the weekend, with about 657,000 vaccines reported administered Saturday and nearly 780,000 on Sunday, according to CDC data. The 7-day rolling average on Sunday was about 583,000 vaccinations a day, up from about 525,000 a week prior.

Public health experts on Monday said the uptick in vaccinations is encouraging but warned that its far too early to say if millions of unvaccinated people are finally overcoming their reticence.

I wish I could say yes, but I honestly dont know, said Ko. There is a lot of ground to cover.

The U.S. is around 67% immune from COVID-19 when prior infections are factored, but it will need to get closer to 85% to crush the resurgent virus, Jha said.

So we need a lot more vaccinations. Or a lot more infections, he said.

The seven-day rolling average for daily new cases in the country shot up over the past two weeks, from more than 19,000 on July 11 to nearly 52,000 on July 25, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Health experts said they are hopeful that the prominent conservative and Republican voices that have spent months casting doubt on the vaccination effort are finally willing to help move the needle.

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and other Republicans on the GOP Doctors Caucus held a press conference at the Capitol late last week imploring their constituents to lay lingering doubts aside.

Fox News host Sean Hannity declared on his popular show: It absolutely makes sense for many Americans to get vaccinated. I believe in science. I believe in the science of vaccinations.

Facebook also needs to do a better job cleaning up misinformation on its social media platform, Jha said.

And the Food and Drug Administration needs to fully approve the COVID-19 vaccines, which currently have emergency approval. That final step will give more companies greater confidence to impose vaccine mandates, he suggested.

"FDA approval matters a lot, Jha said. Its absurd at this point. The safety and efficacy of these drugs has been well-documented.

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Associated Press writers Lindsey Tanner in Three Oaks, Michigan; Alexandra Jaffe and Aamer Madhani in Washington; and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed to this report.
Singapore paddler Feng Tianwei in action against Spain's Maria Xiao in the women's singles competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (PHOTO: SNOC / Kong Chong Yew)

Reporting from Tokyo

TOKYO  Singapore paddler Feng Tianwei kickstarted her fourth Olympic appearance with a 4-1 (8-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-2, 11-4) victory over Spain's Maria Xiao in her women's singles competition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Monday (26 July).

With the win, the 34-year-old advanced into the round-of-16, where she faces either Germany's Han Ying or Australia's Lay Jian Fang.

Her fellow women's paddler Yu Mengyu will hope to join her in the round of 16 on Tuesday morning, as she attempts to negotiate a tough tie against world No. 8 Cheng I-ching of Taiwan.

Feng is Singapore's most bemedalled Olympian with three medals - one silver and two bronzes - over her past three appearances.

Minister offers encouragement for eliminated Singapore Olympians

Meanwhile, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong offered encouragement for Team Singapore athletes who were eliminated from their competitions.

Fencer Amita Berthier, equestrienne Caroline Chew and paddler Clarence Chew could not advance further in their respective events, thereby ending their participation at the Tokyo Games on Sunday.

Tong said in a Facebook post on Monday, "Winning is not everything, and we also learn so much in defeat. I believe our athletes who were defeated will pick themselves up and come back even better."

"I know that they will not let this setback define their Olympic journey. If anything, this is only the start. They will return. Stronger, better, faster."

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The minister was set to arrive in Tokyo on Monday to support the Singapore athletes in person.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore

Other Olympic stories:

Tokyo Olympics: Naomi Osaka breaks media silence, even smiles

Tokyo Olympics: Debutant jitters? Not these unflappable Singaporean upstarts

Tokyo Olympics: Skip the pageantry, it's the athletes which deserve support
China has for the first time given the US a list of red lines and remedial action it must take to repair relations, including lifting sanctions and dropping its extradition request for Huawei financial chief Meng Wanzhou.

Chinese foreign vice-minister Xie Feng told US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman on Monday morning that US-China relations had reached a stalemate and faced serious consequences, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

The foundational reason is that some people in the US are treating China as an imagined enemy, it quoted Xie as saying.

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After the meeting, Xie said China gave two lists to the US  one with one remedial action for Washington to take towards China, and the other a series of Beijings key concerns.

Items on the remedial list include lifting the visa restrictions on Communist Party members, their families, and Chinese students; lifting the sanctions imposed on Chinese leaders, government officials and agencies; removing restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese companies; cancelling rulings determining Chinese media as foreign agents; and dropping its request to extradite Meng from Canada.

Items on the list of concerns include addressing unfair treatment of Chinese citizens in the United States, harassment of the Chinese embassy and its consulates, the rise of anti-Asian and anti-Chinese sentiment, and violence against Chinese citizens.

Xie said the Chinese side also expressed its strong dissatisfaction towards the wrong remarks and actions of the US in relation to investigations into the origins of Covid-19, Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

We urge the United States not to underestimate the strong determination, firm will and strong ability of the 1.4 billion Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, state news agency Xinhua quoted him as saying.

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Before the meeting on Monday, both sides were wrangling for the upper hand, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying China would give the US a tutorial on how to treat other nations equally. A senior US official said Sherman would engage China from a position of strength and solidarity.

Sherman is expected to meet Wang in Tianjin, an hour from the capital Beijing, on Monday afternoon.

Xie also slammed the US government for engaging in all-encompassing containment of China to restrict the countrys development and to continue US hegemony.

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He said some had sought to demonise China to distract from domestic problems in the US, likening the conflict between the two countries to the Pearl Harbour moment or the Sputnik moment  turning points for the US against Japan in World War II and the Soviet Union in the Cold War.

The US side talks about China at every turn, and it seems as if it is unable to speak or do anything if it does not involve China, he was quoted as saying. We urge the US side to change its incorrect thinking and very dangerous policy towards China.

Xie added that China was willing to engage the US as equals and to seek common ground while reserving differences and he urged the US to choose the path of mutual respect, fair competition, and peaceful coexistence.

The meeting follows Shermans trip last week to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia, where she sought to highlight Washingtons commitment to its partners in the region to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, and uphold and strengthen the rules-based international order.

The Tianjin stop was originally left off her itinerary while China and the US were negotiating the details. Sherman was originally seeking a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinpings inner circle.

Expectations are not high for any breakthrough developments, but observers say that dialogue itself is critical, as tensions have continued to intensify since the acrimonious meeting in March between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinas most senior foreign policy official Yang Jiechi.

The meeting also comes on the heels of the US and its allies  including the European Union, Australia, Britain, New Zealand and Japan  warning China about its malicious cyber activities, as well as US sanctions on Hong Kong officials and reciprocal Chinese sanctions.

US officials have said they hope Shermans meetings in Tianjin will yield frank and open discussion, including progress towards guardrails and parameters to prevent sustained competition between the powers from turning into conflict.

There will be a focus on imposing costs for certain Chinese behaviours  including on issues involving Xinjiang and forced labour claims there  as well as areas for cooperation, such as on climate change, they said.

More from South China Morning Post:

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He noted that there is "no comparison" between the small chance the COVID-19 vaccine will cause what are almost always minor side effects "and the complications of the disease."

Ward said it is "heartbreaking" to see seriously ill COVID-19 patients in the hospital who are there because they failed to get vaccinated.

He said CHI Health has not seen a huge increase in hospitalizations across its 14 Nebraska hospitals, with 32 patients currently. While that's more than double where it was a few weeks ago, it's still well below where the system was at its peak, when it had more than 200 patients.

Other hospitals are seeing big increases, however. Bryan on Monday said it had 27 COVID-19 patients at its two Lincoln hospitals, up from 20 two weeks ago. In early June, the hospital system had fewer than five.

Nebraska Medicine said its 25-person COVID-19 unit is now full again and patients are having to be moved to other areas of the hospital. In its weekly COVID-19 update provided last Wednesday, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said there were 97 active hospitalizations statewide for COVID-19, the highest number in more than two months.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.
LE MARS, Iowa -- A Mount Pleasant, Iowa, man has been placed on probation for his role in a 2018 theft and assault in Le Mars.

Chase Kounkel, 36, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Plymouth County District Court to misdemeanor charges of third-degree theft and aggravated assault, which as part of a plea agreement were reduced from felony charges of first-degree burglary and assault while participating in a felony.

He also entered guilty pleas to possession of a controlled substance and eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement vehicle in a separate case.

District Judge Roger Sailer suspended an eight-year prison sentence and placed Kounkel on probation for two years. He also must pay $1,250 in fines from the assault case. Charges of second-degree robbery and third-degree kidnapping were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Kounkel went to the victim's home on Sept. 29, 2018, and punched him before he and Ashley Scarlett took several items from the house. They then forced the victim to drive Kounkel to another residence. While there, Kounkel again assaulted the victim and Scarlett broke three windows out of the victim's vehicle before the two fled.
Hindman has said he can not consider Bauer's motion to withdraw his plea because Bauer is currently represented by an attorney, and Iowa law prohibits the court from considering a pro se motion from a defendant who is represented by counsel. The law does permit him to hear the pro se motion for a new attorney.

During his plea hearing, Bauer admitted to aiding and abetting in the shooting at 2636 Walker St., where Kritis was among 20-25 people gathered for a New Year's Eve party. Three others were injured when Bauer and at least one other person fired shots into the house.
LINCOLN, Neb. -- A Sioux City man who was found hiding in a ceiling in a Dakota City credit union has been charged in federal court with attempting to steal thousands of dollars in cash.

Filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Lincoln, the indictment charges Mike Akeen Obed, 21, with one count of robbery of a federal credit union.

According to court documents, Obed was found in the ceiling of the Siouxland Federal Credit Union satellite branch at the Tyson Foods plant after authorities responded three times to burglar alarms at the credit union in the early morning hours of June 11.

Dakota County Sheriff's deputies found the credit union's doors locked and secured during the first two calls.

When responding to the third alarm activation, deputies were told by plant security officers that they had heard a noise in the ceiling. Deputies noticed an interior door that had previously been closed was open and began seeking other possible entry points into the credit union. They found a locked bathroom outside the credit union, forced open the door and discovered a piece of the ceiling had been removed. A pair of sandals and a medical mask were on the floor.
SIOUX CITY -- A Sioux City murder trial came to an abrupt conclusion Friday when Roderick Banks pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Banks, 36, of Sioux City, entered his plea after all evidence had been presented and prior to the beginning of attorneys' closing arguments. Jury selection had begun on Tuesday in Woodbury County District Court.

Banks had been charged with first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the Nov. 1 shooting death of Solomon Blackbird.

Banks entered an oral plea in which he pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter and being a felon in possession of a firearm. District Judge Roger Sailer sentenced Banks to 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter with a habitual offender enhancement and five years on the gun charge. Banks must serve at least three years before he's eligible for parole. He also must pay $150,000 in restitution to Blackbird's estate.

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Had he been found guilty of first-degree murder, Banks would have faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

Banks shot Blackbird once in the chest near Park Place Apartments in the 2600 block of Douglas Street as Blackbird was walking with his girlfriend and her baby.
HARTINGTON, Neb. -- A South Sioux City man was sentenced Monday to at least 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

Guillermo Coronado Ortiz, 60, pleaded no contest in May in Cedar County District Court to one count of first-degree sexual assault of a child.

District Judge Bryan Meismer sentenced him to 20-40 years in prison.

As part of a plea agreement, a second count of sexual assault of a child, plus charges of child abuse, public indecency and procuring alcohol for a minor were dismissed. A Dakota County case in which Coronado Ortiz was charged with sexually abusing the same girl in South Sioux City also was dismissed.

Had he been found guilty at trial, Coronado Ortiz faced the possibility of three life sentences in both cases.
Many riders also took their morning break in Remsen to gather with their families, meet and chat with locals, and, of course, eat delicious breakfast burritos.

And many cyclists can't stay away from RAGBRAI, so they keep coming back year-after-year. Just ask Deb Liles from Ankeny, Iowa, who's done RAGBRAI 27 times and came with a charter of 120 people this year. Her reason for coming back every year is simple.

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"FOMO, fear of missing out," she said. "See what's out there and talk to the locals."

Perhaps another reason Liles keeps doing RAGBRAI is because of many memories she's made there over the years.

"One year they had parachutes draped over the entire downtown for shade, which was wonderful," she said. "(I) zip lined into a lake one year and picked up a kitten and took it home another year."

Another big stop for RAGBRAI riders was Cherokee, Iowa, a town of a little under 5,000 people and the seat of Cherokee County. In Cherokee, cyclists took a break to get out of the sun and enjoy the town, the other riders, and the numerous food, drink and merch vendors.

RAGBRAI is a great way for riders to discover the local areas. Bill Hunt from Fort Collins, Colorado, said that discovering the local Iowa towns is his favorite part of the ride.
However, Winmill ruled that the project does not appear to qualify for an exclusion and halted logging until it rules on the merits of the case.

Specifically, Winmill said that the Forest Service had to meet requirements outlined in the Healthy Forest Restoration Act to designate an area a wildland urban interface and not just cite a county's designation.

Winmill cited a previous ruling in a related case involving the logging project where a different judge noted a county could simply designate the entire county a wildland urban interface to avoid environmental laws with the categorical exclusion.

The area is home to a dwindling population of endangered Selkirk grizzly bears, said Mike Garrity, executive director of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies. Roads and logging are the greatest threat to this population on these public lands. Yet the Forest Service refuses to follow its own rules and conserve this imperiled grizzly population."

The U.S. Department of Justice, which represents federal agencies in court cases, didn't immediately respond to an inquiry sent through its online portal on Monday.

Logging on the project had been scheduled to start in early August, but is now suspended until a further order from the court.
Justice Department lawyers representing the Bureau of Land Management told Du during a hearing last week the company can't begin construction of the mine until it completes a historic properties treatment plan in conjunction with the agency and obtains several outstanding permits from the state of Nevada.

Du said in her ruling that the plans for excavations and collection of data at 21 historic properties calls for two to 25 holes to be dug by hand at each site  along with seven mechanical trenches at some sites up to a few meters deep and 40 meters (130 feet) long.

She said the harm described by opponents is more speculative than specific and not specifically tied to any of the actual sites that may be excavated in conjunction with the historic properties treatment plan.

They assume the digging will involve destruction of sagebrush, but that is not necessarily true, Du wrote, especially because they don't know the specific location of the planned trenches because the sites have been kept confidential.

She also noted that Lithium Nevada has committed to provide 60 days advance notice before it commences any significant ground disturbance at the mine site.
The White House wants a bipartisan agreement for this first phase, before Democrats go it alone to tackle broader priorities in a bigger $3.5 trillion budget plan that's on deck. A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC found 8 in 10 Americans favor some increased infrastructure spending, and the current package could be a political win for all sides as lawmakers try to show voters that Washington can work. Securing the bipartisan bill is also important for some centrist Democrats before engaging in the broader undertaking.

But as talks drag on, anxious Democrats, who have slim control of the House and Senate, face a timeline to act on what would be some of the most substantial legislation in years. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wants progress on both packages before the August recess, and he told senators to brace for a Saturday or Sunday session.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden himself worked the phones all weekend, and the administration was encouraged by the progress. But Psaki acknowledged time is not endless.
Thompson, 73, is a liberal fixture in Congress and longtime champion of civil rights, the only Democrat in the Mississippi delegation, hailing from a majority-black district in the states western half. He has avoided the limelight during his more than 15 years on the Homeland Security Committee, notching achievements with careful bipartisan outreach.

Several Democrats and Republicans said Thompson was the right choice to lead an investigation that is certain to be partisan and fraught.

Ive dealt with Bennie for 15 years, and we disagreed on a lot, but I dont think there was ever a harsh word between us, says former Republican Rep. Pete King of New York, who was the chairman and top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee for years opposite Thompson. Bennie is low key, he manages his side well. He was a good guy to work with. He was strong and knew what he wanted, but there was very little drama.

New York Rep. John Katko, who is now the top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee, gave a similar assessment. Thompson is a good man, a patriotic American and a productive partner, Katko said in statement.
Five years ago: A former employee stabbed 19 disabled people to death and injured two dozen others at a residential care facility in Japan. (Satoshi Uematsu, who said he was trying to help the world by killing people he thought were burdens, was sentenced to death.)

One year ago: A processional with the casket of the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, where Lewis and other civil rights marchers were beaten 55 years earlier. Authorities declared a riot in Portland, Oregon, after protesters breached a fence surrounding the citys federal courthouse; thousands had gathered for another night of protests over the killing of George Floyd and the presence of federal agents. Florida surpassed New York as the state with the second-most confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S., behind only California. A day after roaring ashore as a hurricane, Hanna lashed the Texas Gulf Coast with high winds and drenching rains. Oscar winner Olivia de Havilland, best known as the kindly Melanie in Gone With the Wind, died at her home in Paris at the age of 104.

Todays Birthdays: Actor Robert Colbert is 90. Actor-singer Darlene Love is 80. Singer Brenton Wood is 80. Rock star Mick Jagger is 78. Movie director Peter Hyams is 78. Actor Helen Mirren is 76. Rock musician Roger Taylor (Queen) is 72. Actor Susan George is 71. Olympic gold medal figure skater Dorothy Hamill is 65. Actor Nana Visitor is 64. Actor Kevin Spacey is 62. Rock singer Gary Cherone is 60. Actor Sandra Bullock is 57. Actor-comedian Danny Woodburn is 57. Rock singer Jim Lindberg (Pennywise) is 56. Actor Jeremy Piven is 56. Rapper-reggae singer Wayne Wonder is 55. Actor Jason Statham (STAY-thum) is 54. Actor Cress Williams is 51. TV host Chris Harrison is 50. Actor Kate Beckinsale is 48. Actor Gary Owen is 48. Rock musician Dan Konopka (OK Go) is 47. Gospel/Contemporary Christian singer Rebecca St. James is 44. Actor Eve Myles is 43. Actor Juliet Rylance is 42. Actor Monica Raymund is 35. Actor Caitlin Gerard is 33. Actor Francia Raisa is 33. Actor Bianca Santos is 31. Actor-singer Taylor Momsen is 28. Actor Elizabeth Gillies is 28.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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DES MOINES  More than 100 people gathered outside the Iowa state Capitol Saturday to rally against mandates requiring people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, such as the ones some Iowa hospitals have issued.

One of the speakers at the rally, Republican state Rep. Jeff Shipley, called vaccine mandates a crime against humanity. People in the crowd held signs that said stop vax bullying and mandates belong in socialist countries.

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The event was organized by a group called Informed Choice Iowa that opposes mandatory coronavirus vaccinations and vaccine passports. Brei Johnson with that group told the Des Moines Register that she believes vaccinations should be discussed between a health professional and patient, not made a condition of employment.

You can take off a mask but you cant undo a vaccine. Thats a slippery slope to what comes next, Johnson said.
Few people are as knee-deep in our work-related anxieties and sticky office politics as Alison Green, who has been fielding workplace questions for a decade now on her website Ask a Manager. In Direct Report, she spotlights themes from her inbox that help explain the modern workplace and how we could be navigating it better.

Offices are increasingly bringing their employees back on site, and some people just dont want to go.

Weve heard rumblings for a while now that workers are quitting, or threatening to quit, if they cant continue to work from home. Thats because for many people remote work has been greatthe lack of commute, flexible schedule, and more casual dress have provided a massive quality-of-life boon for many of us, to say nothing of the productivity increases some workers have discovered without regular interruptions from chatty colleagues.

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But are people really willing to quit their jobs if they cant keep working in PJs? Ive been curious about how real the trend is, so I asked readers at my work advice column, Ask a Manager  and ended up pretty surprised by the response.

I heard from an enormous number of people who say that theyll definitely quit if their job requires them to return to the office. This person speaks for a lot of others:

My small office had essentially no remote work prior to the pandemic, but we went to everyone 100% remote during COVID and proved that we could still be just as effective. In discussions about the future of the office during the pandemic, a combination of remote and in-office was held out as likely. Now theyre making noise about a return to the office next month, and its unclear if the WFH portion is still in play. If they require 100% back in the office, I will be looking for a new jobI was spending 24 days of each year in a commute, and Im not interested in returning to that.

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Not only are many people considering switching jobs if they have to go back to the office, but many have already done it. Heres a sampling of what I heard:

Asked my boss if we would consider full time remote (with maybe coming in for team meetings once a week). I was told that was impossible. Found a full time remote gig at a $5k pay cut and was gone in about a month after that conversation. I am much happier working from home and doubt I will ever return to a full time office job.

Im in the negotiation stage with a competitor offering my exact job with the exact same benefits/pay/etc.  but I can work from home. Im genuinely sad to leave my job as I love the company and the people, but we have an old school CEO who doesnt seem to want to budge on the issue. And Im not the only one! Every person (save one) in an adjacent department has left over this issue. Its madness and its REALLY going to affect the business. For background, I have a job where I sit in a cubicle and rarely interact with anyone. So why do I have to go to the office to do that? Id have even been happy with a hybrid. But nope! So  off I go.

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I did quit over this. I am fortunate to have enough savings to coast for a few years if I need to without impacting my quality of life, and even longer if I tighten my belt. I do not intend to ever again work in an office or somewhere that requires a commute. I have the luxury of some amount of time and resources to pick and choose opportunities available to me, and I will fully leverage that.

At the beginning of 2021 I learned that my company would have a strong preference for local employees to come back to the office. I started job hunting that week and just started a great position thats fully remote. I respect an employers right to have employees where they want, but that comes with the employees right to work how they want.

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My job is well paying, I love my co-workers, I enjoy the type of work I do. But I also really enjoyed WFH, and they have just brought us back in the office this week and wont give any word on adding a work remote policy until September. So I got curious, started job searching, and in a week found a similar job, better pay, completely remote. I gave notice last week, tomorrow is my last day. Everyone at work has been shocked that I am leaving.

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Of course, thats not everyone. Plenty of people disliked working at home and are glad to get back to on site. In fact, some of them say theyd leave their jobs if they couldnt come back to the office:

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I would be looking for another job if I were told I could not come into work. A day here or there isnt too bad. But  I have a studio apartment and its not big enough for me to not see my work setup everywhere I go so work just haunts me at home. Id have to buy a home or rent an absurdly larger than I want space to make it work. Folks on my team who have done well all are lucky enough to have large homes with rooms that they can close the door on. People who struggle are in shared spaces either with other people or other parts of their lives. The big boss here rented a smaller space and Ive been livid about it and trying to make a very strong case that we shouldnt just do hot-desking and barely enough space for folks with tiny cubes and fewer offices. Its not enough space right now for the folks who want to be in the office, which is just a way to pretend to be a good culture while demanding the exclusive use of a footprint in peoples homes.

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But managers are reporting unusual amounts of turnover and difficulty finding candidates at companies that wont allow people to work from home:

Im looking to fill some positions and its been exceedingly difficult to attract any candidates, much less quality candidates, with our no-flexibility policies. We have lost out on multiple quality people to competitors with more attractive workplace policies around flexibility. The companies that refuse to adapt are going to feel the effects of this in the coming months and its not going to be a good thing, unfortunately. I myself am looking aggressively to move to a 100% remote position and Im far from the only one in my company to leave over the outdated butts in seats mentality.

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So whats going on? Obviously a big part of it is the appeal of working from home, but the past year has also sparked a great deal of reflection about whats most important to people and how they want to spend their time. This person speaks for many others:

Im definitely reconsidering what I want from a job, and hoping to shift my long-term financial goals to be able to retire sooner (thats literal decades away, but maybe I can retire closer to 60 than 70). To be blunt, I didnt come this far surviving a pandemic only to work myself to death. My peers and I (white-collar professionals in our 30s, mostly) are all having these conversations, and all of us either want to work less or do work that matters to us more.

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And after going through the past yearin which many people were asked to bring their work into their homes overnight and managed to keep things running smoothly even while juggling child care, remote learning, and huge amounts of stressa lot of people just look at their relationship to their employer very differently:

Ive been seriously considering quitting in response to my employers new work from home policy. Well be in three days and home two days, which is a huge improvement over where we were before (10 days a year). However, how they presented the plan really rubbed me the wrong way: a flat rule, no manager flexibility, this is just how it is. I dont approach my job that way and especially havent while working from homeIve been flexible, working more hours, etc. I dont want to sound like a snowflake, but I want some of the same flexibility I give to my job. More than ever, I think of my job as a mutual partnership and if an employer doesnt treat it that way, Ill consider looking elsewhere.

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Were in a moment of reckoning, and employees are claiming power in different ways than they have before. The companies that are best poised to adapt to that new reality are the ones that treat people well, and have been treating people well even when the labor market didnt make it as much of an imperative. This persons point is well-taken:
For decades, the Republican Party has had a virtual lock on Americas Southern states. And GOP leaders at the state and federal level have done everything they can to keep that advantage, from gerrymandering to restricting voting rights. But Democratic victories in the Georgia Senate races sparked hope that more of these states can be competitive. And thats inspired a new generation of Southern Democrats to step into the ring. Among them is Chris Jones. Hes a physicist and a religious leader, and now hes a candidate for the Arkansas governorship, jumping into the race with a viral video. On Fridays episode of A Word, I spoke with Jones about his unlikely path to politics and his hopes for the race. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Jason Johnson: Chris, you have a Ph.D. from MIT. Youre a scientist. Youre a church leader. Youre a teacher. You seem to have a very spiritually and intellectually and financially fulfilling life. Why on earth do you want to get into politics now? Like, what drove you? Did you wake up one morning and see one too many potholes? Did one of your kids come home from school and say, Theyre attacking me with critical race theory?

Chris Jones: So Im going to take you back, Jason, and Ill take you back to the spark. The spark happened when I was 8 years old. My dad brought me up from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Little Rock, Arkansas. We went to the mall and I had an interaction. Met a guy, shook their hand. He seemed phenomenal, talked with a lot of folks. And I asked my dad, Well, who is that? Because he seems like a very impressive guy. And my dad said, Thats Bill Clinton. And I was like, Oh, OK. So who is he? And my dad said, Hes a governor. And I said, What does the governor do? And we went home, looked at Encyclopedia Britannica, and we didnt have the whole set, but we looked it up and I found out what the governor did. And I said, You know what? Thats how I want to serve.

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So that was the spark. The spark fanned over the years and when I moved back home to Arkansas  I was always coming back home to raise my family here, and I have three girls, and to serve. And what happened about three years ago was I was looking at the trajectory of Arkansas and said, You know what? Given the challenges we face and the future that I want to help create for my daughters, it was time for me to jump in the ring. Im blessed. Im blessed with experiences, with connections, and resources. And I wanted to bring all of that to the place that has been my home for all these years.

What do you see as the top issues facing Arkansas? And what solutions do you have that havent already been tried? Because a lot of times when people run, theyll say, Oh, well, we got to do something about education. We got to do something about the water on the coast. We got to do this, that. But in many instances, politicians have tried plans before. They havent been successful. So what are the problems that you see? And what are you offering that Arkansas citizens havent seen before?

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The problems are pretty well laid out. And the challenges, theyre in education. We arent reading at grade levelabout two-thirds of our kids arent. Theyre in health care. Theyre in infrastructure. We dont have rural broadband in 25 percent of our population. The bridges are breaking down. So those are your bread-and-butter, common challenges that we all see. I would argue that solutions actually have not been tried. And there are a number of solutions out there that have not been tried.

What makes us different? What makes me different? I cannot hear out of my right ear. Ive never been able to hear out of my right ear. So thats caused me to have to lean in to listen and build that muscle. So I think what makes us different is that were going to listen. Yes, I have a background in policy. Im a masters in policy. I have a masters in nuclear engineering, bachelors in physics and math, a Ph.D. in urban planning, Black community development, run businesses. But at the beginning of every engagement that I have, and I learned this both through science as a researcher, but also through faith in the church, is that its important to start with listening. The solutions are actually on the ground in communities across the state, and they have not been listened to. Thats where were starting.

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I have to follow this up because that was a perfect politician and that girl was me kind of moment to say that you met Bill Clinton when you were 8 years old. Now that youve launched this campaign for Arkansas governor, I mean, there havent been that many Democratic governors, have you reached out to associates from Clinton? From Hillary Clinton? From Bill Clinton? Do you plan on bringing them in at any point, or is that no longer a name that rings out in the streets in Arkansas?

So, Jason, let me first start by saying Arkansas has actually elected Democrat and Republican governors in oscillation. So our last governor was Democrat, the one before that Republican, one before that Democrat. So weve gone back and forth. So we have elected a Democratic governor recently. And in fact, also our entire delegation to the U.S. was Democrat before 2010. So what I would say, as I think about this and your question, is that we are really like the Avengers coming together, and we need everyone. So absolutely Ive reached out to Bill Clintons folks. Ive reached out to Mike Beebes folks, whos the former governor. Ive reached out to  you name it, in state and out of state. And people are beginning to come on board and beginning to help. And when the time is right, look, well take everyone.

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One of the lessons, right or wrong, that a lot of Democratic voters took from President Joe Bidens victory is that the only way to win enough white Republicans is to run an old white guy, basically. Now, youre in a very white, very Republican state. Just objectively, what makes you think you can win?

A couple of things. I would say Arkansas is a nonvoting state. Were 50th in voter registration and 50th in voter turnout. And when you look at the counties, we have 75 counties, 3 million people. There are 28 counties that we characterize as the Black Belt counties. They have 25 percent of Black population or higher. Now, Ill tell you in Arkansas, were about 16 percent Black population, about 5 percent Hispanic. So you take those 28 counties, they accounted for almost 300,000 people that could have voted but didnt in 2020300,000 people. So were talking about going into communities across the state, not just Black communities, but white communities as well, and firing up folks, and getting them engaged in a process, and making sure they turn out the vote, and protecting that vote once it happens.

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On this program, and on national television, and pretty much anywhere where anybodys paying attention, everybody is talking about voting rights. And in particular, the stalled efforts for national Democrats to pass legislation to protect voting rights. How does voter suppression specifically affect voters in Arkansas? What kinds of structural institutional challenges do Arkansas voters face that may come into play next year?

So we faced some of the similar structural institutional challenges that other states like Georgia faced. And that includes the distance that folks have to travel to get to their polling locations. That includes the requirements of ID matching and signature matching for absentee voting. That includes a reduced number of days and hours that you have before you can vote. So there are a number of issues that are at play, just like every state across the country. And particularly Southern states have had legislators that have tried to restrict the vote. So when we talk about voter registration, because Arkansas is 50th in voter registration and 50th in voter turnout, were a nonvoting state. Were not a red state. So when we talk about that, were talking about voter registration, voter engagement, voter turnout, and vote protection. So we are lining up to do all four of those because its not enough to just get people registered and turn them out. You have to make sure that their vote actually counts.

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Fantasy scenario: I wave a magic wand and youre having a sit down with President Biden and Vice President Harris. And look, we can throw in Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer. And maybe Kyrsten Sinema walks in the wrong door, shes in the meeting, Joe Manchin. What is the message that you would deliver if you could have that group assembled in front of you about voting rights?

Its really a two-part message. One is to reemphasize, because they know it, but to reemphasize that every person everywhere deserves to have their vote protected. Because often we think about the cities, we think about the larger states, we think about the swing states, and places like Arkansas get left out. Rural areas get left out. And so every person everywhere deserves to have their vote protected.

The other piece is that we dont have to accept the old techniques in order to protect the vote now. So what do I mean by that? Some of the things that we saw in the last election, particularly in Georgia, is that people were using social media in ways that were pretty innovative to say, Heres whats going on. Heres whats happening. So I would encourage them to invest in infrastructure that would allow folks to use both old schoolpicking up the phone and calling, going through churchesand new school technologySMS, and so on and so forthto make sure that were aware of whats going on in real time, because you can find out whats happening in real time. And that theres the infrastructure for response, particularly in places like Arkansas that havent had the resources that are there before.

Listen to the entire episode below, or subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.
There is no shortage of ways to die, and everyone has to do it, but as climate change becomes the new normal, the list has grown in some disturbing ways. Powerful superstorms are leveling our communities with growing frequency. Wildfires are raging through forest areas, turning entire towns to cinders. Floods are eroding and swallowing our buildings.

And now we can add to the list: Deadly heat is cooking us alive.

Late Junes deadly heat wave across the western half of North America killed hundreds in the Pacific Northwest and brought Canada its highest temperatures ever recorded. And that was hardly a flukeIndia and Pakistan were struck by record-breaking heat at the same time, and another heat wave will bring temperatures over 100 degrees to much of the U.S. this week.

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So, what gives? It gets hot every summer. Why are these new heat waves different, and so deadly?

If we continue to burn oil in our SUVs, coal and gas in our power plants, limestone in our cement kilns, and tropical forests in our bellies (in the form of hamburgers from Brazil and palm oil from Indonesia), temperatures around the globe will exceed the limits of human habitability multiple times per yearevery year.

Imagine Portland, Oregon, routinely experiencing Death Valley temperatures in the summer.

But, as they say in Death Valley, its a dry heat. Who wouldnt enjoy a few balmy, spring days in Palm Springs, California, after a long, cold, wet winter?

Palm Springs, just a few hours south of Death Valley, is in a desert. Given enough water and access to shade to avoid sunstroke, humans can survive for several hours in dry heat, up to temperatures in the 120s. (This is not doctor-recommended.)

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But skip across the continent to Palm Beach, Florida, and its a very different story. With its position in the tropics, in one of the most humid regions of the Western Hemisphere, a single day of 120-degree temperatures in Palm Beach would be a mass casualty event. Dead bodies would pile up in the morgues, victims of hyperthermia, or heatstrokecooked, alive, in their own bodies.

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What gives? Why is 120 degrees in Palm Beach not the same as 120 degrees in Palm Springs?

It turns out theres some truth to the old cliche its not the heat, its the humidity. In scientific terms, its called a wet-bulb temperature, and understanding it is crucial to survivingand mitigatingthe climate crisis.

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In reasonable heat, the human body is very good at maintaining a constant internal temperature of 97 to 99 degrees. When it gets hot outside, our bodies produce sweat; when the sweat evaporates, its transformation from liquid water on your skin to water vapor in the air requires energy. That energy comes from your bodys heat, so as the sweat evaporates, your body cools down.

A dry heat feels comfortable because the evaporation happens so fast that you dont even notice the sweat on your skin. (This is also why dehydration is a huge risk in desert climateswhile you feel the dry air is helping you tolerate the heat, youre also losing water from your body the whole time. Hydrate or die is not just a clever slogan; its good science.)

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Now suppose youre in the same amount of heat, but in Palm Beach, where the air is incredibly humid. The air is already holding all the water vapor it can hold. So your sweat stays on your skin, and the heat that the sweat is supposed to remove from your body  stays in your body, and accumulates.

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Your body has lost its ability to shed heat, and so your core temperature starts creeping up to approach the temperature of the air around you. Let the process go on long enough, and body temperature rises from comfortable 98 to deadly 108.

That is why the temperature isnt enough to know if the human body can survive. You need to know the wet-bulb temperature. The term comes from the bulb of a typical mercury thermometer. If you wrap a thermometer bulb with a piece of wet cloth and put it in a hot room, evaporation off the cloth will lower the temperature reading of the thermometer to a point that is cooler than the room; the bulb is functionally sweating. But if you increase the humidity of the room enough, the temperature of the water vapor in the air will reach equilibrium with the water on the wet cloth, at which point evaporation no longer results in heat loss. So the bulb is sweating, but the mercury will continue to rise.

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Wet-bulb temperature is similar to heat index in that it captures the combined hit of heat and humidity. But its not exactly the same. Heat index attempts to capture what a given combination of heat and humidity feels like, and its imprecise: A feels like 113 degrees could be 90 degrees with a dew point of 72 degrees, or it could be 113 degrees and zero humidity. Youd have to know all of those figures to be able to unpack itand, importantly, to gauge risk. Wet-bulb temperature, on the other hand, communicates risk precisely. And that risk is growing.

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According to the best climate models, large swaths of the United States will experience several weeks of hot wet-bulb temperatures by the middle of this centurythats in 30 years. By 2050, parts of the Midwest and Louisiana could see conditions that make it difficult for the human body to cool itself for nearly one out of every 20 days in the year, ProPublica reported in September. During these periods of deadly heat, shade and hydration wont save you. Any human without access to reliable air conditioning risks death.

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Provisions against deadly wet-bulb temperatures need to be a part of fightingand preparing forclimate change.

What we know for sure: Growing our cities up, rather than sprawling our suburbs out, is one of the keys to the puzzle. Not only do denser areas have dramatically lower carbon emissions than suburban and rural developments, but its less expensive and more efficient to deliver energy and cooling services to people who are close together, as opposed to spread apart.

While NIMBYs rail against shadows from tall buildings, our cities are actually in desperate need of more shadows from trees and tall buildings to reduce urban heat island effects and provide respite from the midday sunalong with, of course, more housing.

The No. 1 intervention, though, is still to reduce climate pollution, and that means cars and SUVs. Reducing car use and replacing land used by cars with land used by housing, trees, and transit will make cities cooler in the short and long terms. Regardless of what we achieve with clean technology, we have to end our 75-year, failed experiment with energy-intensive sprawl and car culture.

Our ability to survive the heat waves of the futureand presentdepends on it.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Exploring space requires scientists to get a little creative. One of my professors at Arizona State University once proposed a mission to smash a copper ball into Mars to examine the ejecta and subsurface of the planet. (ASU is a partner with Slate and New America in Future Tense.) Sometimes, the simplest and cheapest solutions are best in a field where high-tech offerings can pose a significant chance of failure.

Cheap solutions like, say, launching a telescope via a stadium-sized high-tech helium balloon instead of a rocket. Thats the idea behind the Super-Pressure Balloon-borne Imaging Telescopeor SuperBIT, which is expected to make its operational debut in April 2022. On June 21, at the Royal Astronomical Societys annual National Astronomy Meeting, the team (consisting of scientists from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and universities in Canada, the U.S., and England) shared results from testing. This balloon will soon provide telescope imagery to rival (and possibly surpass) that of the Hubble Space Telescopealong with reducing the backlog of imagery requests. As useful as Hubble is, it simply cant meet the demand of every scientist who wants to task it for a scientific query. It is just one telescope, after all.

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So, this telescope isnt exactly going to space; it will work at an altitude of roughly 25 miles above the surface, according to a Royal Astronomical Society press release. Thats above 99.5 percent of Earths atmosphereso, as you may have recently learned from Bezos and Bransons childish spat, its technically not in space. But unlike Bezos and Branson, its actually going to produce useful science. This balloon setup will get the telescope above the atmospheric interference that is critical to ensure good imagery. The atmosphere protects Earth from the harmful effects of various electromagnetic radiation, but it can also blur the images telescopes capture.

Now you may be wondering: How long will this helium balloon stay aloft? Weve all seen birthday balloons slowly drop to the floor after a few days of clinging to our ceiling. Well, thats where NASAs ingenuity comes in. The super-pressure balloon maintains enough internal pressure to stay aloft day or night and should stay airborne for weeks, possibly even months if it needs to. This is quite an improvement when compared with NASAs past attempt at this design: In late 2014 it planned to keep an Antarctic telescope aloft for 100 days. But the balloon quickly sprung a leak and was forced to land just two days into the mission.

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So, given the technical issues NASA has faced in the past, why use a balloon? Three key reasons. First, the cost. The construction and operation budget for the SuperBITs first telescope was roughly $5 million, which is insanely cheap by space standards. For context, the Royal Astronomical Society estimated that this is .1 percent of the cost of a similar satellite mission. Second, the ability to bring the balloon back to the surface for repairs and upgrades makes this telescope system uniquely flexible. Given this, the SuperBIT setup isnt married to one set of hardware forever once launched. As Mohamed Shaaban, a Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto and a central member of the project, explained for Space.com, SuperBIT can be continually reconfigured and upgraded. When Hubble becomes obsolete, well, Hubble is no longer useful. And as we recently learned, its quite a bother to repair its 1980s technology when it breaks. If a telescope aboard SuperBIT becomes obsolete or runs into technical issues, you just bring the balloon back to the surface and put a new telescope on it. Finally, the use of balloon removes the necessity of burning rocket fuel to launch a telescope. (Rocket fuel is predictably terrible for the environment.)

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And the team behind this project isnt just stopping with SuperBIT. After successfully launching the SuperBIT mission, they plan to focus their sights on the ultimate goal of the project: the GigaBIT. As its name suggests, its the SuperBIT, just biggerwith an optical system that is three times larger. This allows for even better imagery. The University of Torontos informational page on the project expects a test flight of GigaBIT to launch in September 2022.

If SuperBIT finds success, it could usher in a new, cost-effective method of launching observational telescopes to meet the needs of astronomers and space scientists around the globe.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Recently, Amnesty International and Forbidden Stories, a French journalism nonprofit, obtained a list of 50,000 phone numbers that were potentially targeted by Pegasus, the now infamous spyware created by NSO Group, an Israeli technology firm. Amnesty and Forbidden Stories shared that list with a group of 17 news organizations, and reporters then started tracking down who the numbers belonged to. They identified about 1,000 people by phone number, and more than 60 agreed to hand over their phones for forensic examination. Of those phones, 37 showed some evidence of an attempted or successful hack. They belonged to journalists, human rights activists, two women who were very close to Jamal Khashoggi, the murdered Washington Post columnist. The original list of 50,000and we dont know if these people were hackedincluded numbers belonging to French President Emmanuel Macron as well as Rahul Gandhi, a very prominent opponent to Indias prime minister.

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On Fridays episode of What Next: TBD, I spoke with John Scott-Railtona researcher at the University of Torontos Citizen Lab who has tracked NSO since 2016about the dangers of the NSO Group, the vulnerabilities in our technology, and what, if anything, can be done to protect it.

Lizzie OLeary: How would you describe what it is that NSO does?



John Scott-Railton: At its core, the mercenary spyware industry comes to governments with a pitch. And they say, look, there are people you want to target, but increasingly theyre using encryption. You still want to know what theyre saying. So we have a solution for you. Use our product and hack their telephones. And then you can see anything that they can say, you can do anything that they can do on their phones. And moreover, you can do it silently. Without your victims knowing about it.

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And that, it turns out, is dictator catnip. The industry covers itself in the fig leaf of saying that they sell to track terror and criminals. But what they know, and what we all now know, is that their growth model involves selling to authoritarian regimes, whosurprising no oneturn right around and abuse this technology to target their perceived enemies, critics, their family members, whoever else is bothering Mr. Strongman on a Tuesday afternoon.

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NSO is pretty tight-lipped about its clients. What do we know about who they are?

NSOs customer base is, at this point, kind of the familiar set: Gulf countries, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia. But also, some pretty random small places. For example, there are a lot of NSO targets in Togo who happen to be government critics. Morocco seems to be a profligate user as well. It appears that theyve tried to sell to various places in West Africa. Whats interesting about this customer base is that its mostly authoritarian regimes.

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If your phones infected with Pegasus, what can someone surveilling you see?

As soon as your phone is infected, the Pegasus operator can see whatever you see. They can see your encrypted chats. They can see the messages you send. They can see the pictures you take of your friends and yourself. They can read your notes to yourself, look at your web browsing. They can even activate the camera and microphone and listen in, from your pocket, to the room that youre in. Its incredibly invasive stuff.

Considering the recent news that found 50,000 phones were potentially targeted by Pegasus software, do you feel validated that youve been warning about this stuff for years? Or was the scope of that even beyond what your research has hinted at?

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This is the horrible thing that weve been trying to warn people about. Here it is. This is exactly what you could expect.

Its common for government customers of spyware companies to use this not as a criminal investigative tool, but as a leg up into the intelligence game. It should be no surprise. Everybody wants to be able to do some sort of signals intelligence. Its just that many states cant. I like to call this guerilla signals intelligence. Its no surprise that heads of state and other prominent powerful people are targeted. It would be a bigger surprise if they werent.

There are the obvious reasons an autocratic government might want to hack a phone. To track critics, see what theyre saying, spy on them. But is there something more intangible that just the fear of tracking can instill?

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Most authoritarians and strongmen rulers use fear and censorship as the glue to hold their Mad Max constructions of states together. And I really believe that spyware and the threat of it, the threat of being able to just completely dig into somebodys personal life and rout around through it for something to harm them, is a new tool for authoritarians. And they all want it. They love the idea of being able to threaten peopleacross borderswith this possibility.

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One thing thats pretty striking to me in this reporting is just how vulnerable peoples phones were, including iPhones. Apple has made such a big deal about security and privacy protections. I mean, that is sort of how they market themselves. I wonder what that says to you about how secure those devices actually are.

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There is a never-ending arms race between people trying to find their ways in, and platforms and operating system developers and companies like Apple trying to shut them out. What makes players like NSO so tricky is that they spend huge amounts of time, and effort, money, and resources, just looking for the next hole in an iPhone or an Android device. Unless the companies are really actively tracking these groups, these groups will always have a way around whatever even the most current security protection is.

We have to nuance our conversation about security away from the idea that theres a device that you can buy that will just be perfectly secure and that will insulate you from this kind of hack, and toward something that looks more like, OK, so when a company learns about a bad thing being done to their users, what do they do about it? Whats interesting is that in recent years, WhatsApp, Facebook, Microsoft, Google have become increasingly muscular and public in the way that theyre not only calling out some of the mercenary groups that are doing this, but in the case of WhatsApp and Facebook, actually going after them in U.S. courts. Theyre suing them. And that, to me, is a really good signal that the spyware industry has stepped over a lot of lines at this point, and big tech sees them as a threat to their business and as a threat to the privacy of their users and their reputations.

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How then, even if youre a user, do you fightor even know aboutan attack where you dont have to click on something? Here, were talking about stuff where phones are attacked without the users knowledge.

Nothing. Theres nothing you could do. You can be perfect and still get hacked. Whats interesting about Pegasus and NSO and the whole industry is that theyre really moving toward a model where they can compromise a phone without any behavior required on the part of the victim. And it just means that users are there, naked and twisting in the digital wind. And right now, its a situation where it touches everybody. Which means unlike the situation which is often true with cybersecurity, where only people who cant pay for certain kinds of support are vulnerable, here, 10 prime ministers, three presidents, and a king cant be wrong. Everyone seems to be vulnerable right now.

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Well, if theres something that I cant do thats going to fix this thing, is there something that Apple or Google could do at the level of their security?

Yes. There is. One of the problems that tech always has is when a threat actor is in a country where theyre not susceptible to the usual consequences, like Russia or Iran, you have to figure out some other way to limit the damage that this group does to your users and to your security. In this case, NSO, for too long, appears to have a pretty free hand and is basically skidding along without much consequence.

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I think the other half of this is that companies need to put their research where their mouth is. If theyre going to promise their users security, they have to be able to say, yep, were investing a lot of money, we have people who spend their days thinking about nothing but what the commercial spyware industry is doing and trying to anticipate their next move, and protecting our users from it. That also means that those companies have to be regularly working with government and saying, look, we have a problem, we need to use your channels, or help us find some accountability or use diplomatic channels to get this thing to stop. Because right now it is totally out of control.

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Why should the average person care about Pegasus and the mercenary spyware industry in general?



It is hard to explain, in ways that are simple, certain kinds of harm. And its hard to show them. Its like climate change, right? People want to see it. And one of the things thats powerful about this Forbidden Stories/Amnesty work is that they see harm. They see people who are victims. They see people who are targets. Now, it may be the case that they see people who they dont know, right? Most people are not going to personally know any of these targets. But the thing is, you dont know if thats going to be true tomorrow. The holy grail of NSO and the mercenary spyware industry is to get into the U.S. marketplace. And I dont just mean selling to the FBI. I mean selling to local cops.

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Does their technology work on U.S. phones?

They have said that their technology does not allow foreign customers to target U.S. phone numbers. They have also spent years pitching their tech to U.S. police departments. Presumably theres just a switch they could flick, right? If theyre going to sell this to a U.S. police department, theyre obviously going to sell them the capacity to target a U.S. number. Theres no magic in the DNA of Pegasus that prevents that.

Ten years ago, people were just beginning to report on the industry. And it was hard to get people to care. Because the victims didnt look like them, and they didnt live in their countries. With each cycle of this, the victims look more and more like them, and are increasingly likely to be in their country. This shockwave of surveillance is going to end up, literally, at our collective doorsteps. And we need to figure out how to slow this industry down before it does.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Germany places the whole of Spain on red list for travel



Only the UK provided more foreign visitors to Spain than Germany in 2019!

The international tourism sector in Spain was dealt yet another blow last Friday when the German government added the whole country  including the Balearic Islands, where many Germans prefer to spend their summer holidays - to its red list of high-risk travel destinations due to the latest developments in the Covid pandemic, acting on data compiled by the Robert Koch Institute.

The decision means that all those returning to Germany after visiting Spain are required to complete a 10-day quarantine period, with the new adjustment to regulations coming into force at midnight on Tuesday 27 July. On the other hand, this requirement does not extend to those who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus or who can prove that they have recently recovered from Covid-19.

In addition, the quarantine can be shortened to five days if after that time the individual concerned returns a negative PCR test.

It is estimated that at present approximately 200,000 German residents are on package holidays in Spain, 60 per cent of them in the Balearics and another 30 per cent in the Canaries, and the importance of the German market to Spanish tourism is considerable. In 2019 11.18 million Germans visited Spain, a figure exceeded only by the number of tourists from the UK, and that they were estimated to have spent 11.7 billion euros while in this country.

That equates to an average of 32 million euros per day or 1.34 million euros per hour, underlining the importance of the market in supporting the Spanish tourism sector!
MPs pass a law with mild advantages for the vaccinated, but vaccination will be required to see the Pope live.

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Welcome to your weekly overview of news from Slovakia. This is the special summer edition of Last Week in Slovakia. We will be back to regular operation in August, with the full commentary and news overview.

Heres what you need to know this week: MPs pass a law with mild advantages for the vaccinated, but vaccination will be required to see the Pope live. Bratislava Pride took place online, supported by dozens of embassies. The Slovak Olympic team is small but hopeful.

Find the printed version of the July issue of The Slovak Spectator in PDF format below.

Negative tests are good enough. Coalition found a compromise

To the dismay of the loud crowd protesting against vaccination in front of the parliament on Friday and Saturday, the ruling coalition eventually reached a compromise on the law that should prepare the country for the Delta wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The law, originally intended to put the vaccinated at an advantage if the virus starts spreading in the country and restrictions are required, ended in a compromise solution after the Sme Rodina coalition party objected to what they called the division of people into the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.

26. Jul 2021 at 12:14 | Michaela Terenzani
On Monday, Aug. 2, the 31st annual Industry Day will welcome spectators back in full force as additional areas open at Grand River Raceway.

With the movement into Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen Ontario and a few weeks of operating under the revised restrictions, Grand River will welcome additional spectators as it opens the Backstretch Picnic area to guests on Industry Day.

Historically the largest day of the race season at Grand River Raceway, Industry Day hosts two feature races  The Battle of the Belles and The Battle of Waterloo. With an Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) undercard and over $600,000 in purse money, it really is a day for those racing and spectators alike.

A special memorial race will be held in memory of Paul Walker, former President of the Grand River Agricultural Society.

So, what can spectators expect at Grand River Raceway on Industry Day?

The race card will include 11 races, with a post time of 12:30 p.m. (EDT), Guests will be welcomed from 11:30 a.m. onwards.

All guests looking to watch racing can enter from three different locations: The Casino entrance, the new "GrandWay" or via the east side of the main building. Those looking to park and picnic on the Backstretch will be able to do so via the east side of the main building. The only services available in the Backstretch will be washrooms.

There will be a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces available. Masks must be worn inside of the building and we are not taking any reservations for seating at this time. We ask that guests practice social distancing in all areas.

There will be a variety of food options. The GrandWay Lounge and Bar will be serving pub food take-out style, which can be enjoyed anywhere onsite. An additional hotdog stand will be located on the GrandWay Patio. There will be a series of Food Trucks onsite, and Elements Casino will have a licensed bar open on the Tarmac (cash only).

Mutuel tellers will be onsite to take bets on the Tarmac, the Patio, in the GrandWay Lounge, and on the second floor of the Casino building. There will be self serve stations available in all of these locations and also in the Tarmac Tent. A reminder if you are coming to the track for the first time, all betting takes place in cash and there are ATMs onsite.

Programs can be purchased from any of the Mutuel teller locations, the bar, each of the entrances, or downloaded free of charge at this link.

Washroom access will be on the second floor of the main building, and in The GrandWay, portable facilities will be located on the Tarmac and the Backstretch Picnic area.

The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame will be onsite selling Marjorie Simmins latest release, SomeBeachSomeWhere, the harness racing legend from a one-horse stable.

Canadian Ontario Standardbred Association will be broadcasting live from location, and Grand Rivers Robert Reid Jr. will also be commentating live onsite.

Joanne Colville will be leading the post parade with a celebrity standardbred coming out of retirement to join us for the day.

The team at Grand River Raceway are certainly planning onsite experiences but a number of the regular activities such as "The Neighbourhood" won't resume at this time.

Elements Casino will be open to a limited number of patrons, please refer to their website for their protocols.

"We are incredibly excited to celebrate Industry Day this year with guests back onsite! We certainly appreciate everyones patience and understanding as we navigate this new way of operating." says Katie Giddy, Director of Hospitality, Sales and Marketing.

For those not able to join us in person you can still follow along, with live racing broadcast every race night at this link.

For regular updates and the most current information please visit www.GrandRiverraceway.com

(Grand River Raceway)
The morning session will kick off with Elliot Dennis, UNL Livestock Extension Marketing Specialist, with an update of current livestock markets.

Sustainability is a key aspect of agriculture, and Jason Sawyer with the Kind Ranch Institute of Ranch Management will discuss sustainability at the ranch level. Next, Leah Beyer from Elance will dissect medias influence on sustainability. Wrapping up the morning session, Brianna Buseman, UNL Youth Meats Extension assistant professor, will moderate a Q&A panel with local producers on their perspectives on direct marketing to consumers.

In the afternoon attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Brian Vander Ley, Great Plains Veterinary Center and Bruce Hoffman with Elanco on calf immunity and vaccination strategies.

The final leg of the open house features four breakout sessions, where attendees have the option to attend three of the four sessions. Sessions include flies and lies, a beef research update, range research update and a pregnancy checking demonstration.

This years open house is made possible by corporate sponsor Elanco.
A: We can glean many things. For instance, I work with tree rings. And I work on the tree rings of invasive species such as Eastern redcedar and expanding species such as ponderosa pine. Also, I work with remnant species such as paper birch that we have along the Niobrara River. By understanding how the trees grow, by examining their annual tree ring growth patterns and their isotopic composition  such as oxygen or carbon  we can understand their response to past environment, their efficiency mechanisms, and forecast how they will respond to climate change and what this means to the community they are in. We just published a collaborative study with the University of Campania in Italy and the Swiss Federal Institute, where we were able to separate the impact of climate change that is due to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide from that of our intra- and inter-annual variability in weather. We found that the trees are positively responding to the increase in carbon dioxide irrespective of weather variability. That will give us the ability to understand those trees better, and from that study, we were able to predict that this species is going to continue expanding in the Sandhills. That will have impacts on productivity, diversity and the income of the ranchers, for instance.
The Australian Shepherd Club of America will bring its national finals to Grand Island in 2024 and 2025.

The announcement was made by the Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority. This will be an eight-day event that will take place in October of both years.

The shows are scheduled for Oct. 11-19, 2024, and Oct. 9-18, 2025, at Fonner Park.

This is a major event that hosts more than 1,000 dogs and will use the entire Fonner Park campus, according to GILCA. Dogs from the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia will compete in areas including agility, conformation, junior showmanship, obedience, rally, scent search, stock dog, tracking and versatility.

This event stands out because of its sheer size, said Brad Mellema, Grand Island Tourism director.

The shows are expected to bring more than 2,000 people to town each year.

Dog shows such as this prove the value of investing in animal events at Fonner Park, Mellema said. I think were going to see more large-scale dog shows such as this in the future, and were honored to welcome the Aussies to Grand Island.
If the writing team doesn't make substantial changes, a large constituency across the state could be "looking for some heads on a platter," he said.

Hilyard said the Nebraska Department of Education is "dealing with some serious trust issues right now, and if they come back with something that's not dramatically changed, I think that could only escalate."

Nebraska Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt, in a July 11 letter to school administrators and leaders, acknowledged that concerns over the health standards have helped fuel a "crisis of confidence in the department and across the education system in Nebraska."

Blomstedt wrote that there would be changes in a second draft. The Board of Education has discussed producing a second draft that would "remove many of the explicit examples and reframe sensitive topics," he wrote.

The second draft will "make clear that managing sensitive health related topics be thoughtfully conducted with parental input at a local level ... " he wrote.

Blomstedt also wrote that the process his department used to write the first draft, which the department has used in the past to draft other standards, "did not serve us well in this instance."
The YMCA of Northwest North Carolinas Bright Beginnings program is returning as the school year is fast approaching.

A new school year means getting new backpacks, school supplies and clothes for students to help them start the year off on the right track. But for too many families, financial circumstances might not allow them to get all the necessities for the start of the school year.

At the Y, we believe that every child should have the tools and resources they need to be successful  no matter who they are, where they live or whatever their situation may be, Stan Law, president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, said. Were proud to have programs and a community of support to make sure we can help those students who need it most.

Bright Beginnings takes children in need back-to-school shopping with community volunteers. A gift card for a volunteer to shop for clothes with a child one on one is provided.

The Y works with local schools and school districts to identify families and children who would benefit from Bright Beginnings.

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The Statesville Family YMCA is seeking volunteers to help children shopping Aug. 7.
A Speedwell man was charged with two felonies and traffic violations on Tuesday after a deputy noticed the truck he was driving didnt have a state inspection, police said.

James Monroe Rudisill Sr., 57, was also wanted in Nebraska on a failing to appear accusation, according to the Wythe County Sheriffs Office.

In a press release, police said Rudisill was arrested after a deputy saw him driving a Chevrolet S10 pickup without an inspection on Old Bank Road.

The deputy traveled to the end of Old Bank Road and turned onto Grayson Turnpike to intercept the truck.

When he arrived at the intersection of Grayson Turnpike and Saint Peters Road he observed the vehicle parked halfway in the U.S. Post Office parking lot and the entrance of a driveway with James Monroe Rudisill Sr. exiting the vehicle and walking toward an opened garage door, the release said.

Police said Rudisill first claimed he wasnt driving but changed his story and said he was going to sell the truck to a man at the residence.

Rudisill didnt have a drivers license but provided his Social Security number, which showed he was wanted in Nebraska, police said. A check revealed the trucks license plate had been reported stolen from a Mercury.
Both Misty and Abran stated that Guillermo repeatedly and emphatically expressed a heightened concern that they were being followed by law enforcement, the affidavit reads.

Guillermo Raya Leon reportedly told the others he saw unmarked vehicles at their various locations. While at Kraabells apartment, he pointed out a maroon-colored SUV with someone in the drivers seat, parked at the back of the apartment, according to the affidavit.

They said Guillermo was trippin that it was law enforcement watching them, the affidavit says.

He insisted someone try to see who was in the vehicle, and he left the apartment to investigate. Raya said Guillermo Raya Leon eventually approached the drivers side window of the SUV and spoke with the driver. Shortly after, she heard several gunshots, according to the court document.

She then saw the two brothers start to drive away in the silver SUV, she said, and they stopped to let her in before fleeing, the affidavit says.

Abran Raya Leon told investigators he was in the bathroom and did not see his brother approach the SUV or hear the gunshots. But when his brother returned, he said they needed to leave, court records say.
As the top international envoy overseeing implementation of the peace agreement, the High Representative was given the authority to impose laws or dismiss officials who undermine the post-war ethnic balance and reconciliation efforts.

In the immediate post-war years, the international community kept Bosnia on a reform course, pressuring its leaders to accept painful compromises in return for financial and other support.

But over a decade ago, as the international focus shifted to other global crises, Bosnia was mostly left to its own devices. This has encouraged Bosnian Serb leaders, Dodik in particular, to increasingly call into question the countrys continued existence and stoke ethnic tensions by downplaying or denying the crimes committed by their ethnic kin during the war.

They have been denying with particular gusto the scope of the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica, Europes only acknowledged genocide since World War II.

The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court for Former Yugoslavia declared the Bosnian Serb killings of more than 8,000 Bosniaks that took place in Srebrenica in July 1995 as genocide. But Bosnian Serb officials and neighboring Serbia have refused to accept the designation.

Bosnian Serbs also have honored their wartime leader, Radovan Karadzic, and military commander Ratko Mladic as heroes, although both have been convicted of genocide and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Hague-based tribunal. Murals featuring Mladic and Karadzic can be seen in many towns in the Serb-run part of Bosnia.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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In what has come as a shock and totally out of the blue, people in Scandinavin country of Norway watched in awe as a spectacular show was created when a part of a meteor hit the country even as the rest flew past and into space. It virtually turned the night sky into day for the time it lasted. It created a massive light and sound show making people scramble to make sense of it. Scientists revealed that the location of the part that has crashed into Earth may be near the capital Oslo. "This was crazy," the Norwegian Meteor network's Morten Bilet, who saw and heard the meteor, told Reuters and added that for those nearest, it was a "spooky" event.

Meteor sparks bright light across the sky: The proof of the meteor was soon strewn all over social media as shocked people recorded the event and shared the same with their loved ones. A video showed at least one bright flash lighting up a marina at Holmestrand, south of Oslo. However, there was no information about how the meteor had suddenly appeared. The network is still analysing the video footage and other data.

Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here.

No injuries or damage: Fortunately, since the meteor hit a largely remote area, there were no reports of anyone getting injured or damage being caused to homes or property. However, the authorities are still checking.

In what has come as a shock and totally out of the blue, people in Scandinavin country of Norway watched in awe as a spectacular show was created when a part of a meteor hit the country even as the rest flew past and into space. It virtually turned the night sky into day for the time it lasted. It created a massive light and sound show making people scramble to make sense of it. Scientists revealed that the location of the part that has crashed into Earth may be near the capital Oslo. "This was crazy," the Norwegian Meteor network's Morten Bilet, who saw and heard the meteor, told Reuters and added that for those nearest, it was a "spooky" event.

Meteor sparks bright light across the sky: The proof of the meteor was soon strewn all over social media as shocked people recorded the event and shared the same with their loved ones. A video showed at least one bright flash lighting up a marina at Holmestrand, south of Oslo. However, there was no information about how the meteor had suddenly appeared. The network is still analysing the video footage and other data.

Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here.

No injuries or damage: Fortunately, since the meteor hit a largely remote area, there were no reports of anyone getting injured or damage being caused to homes or property. However, the authorities are still checking.|#+|

Norway meteor speed: The Norway meteor travelled at a humongous speed of 15-20 km per second and lit up the night sky. The event lasted as long as five to six seconds, Bilet revealed.

Meteor origin: "What we had last night was a large rock travelling likely from between Mars and Jupiter, which is our asteroid belt. And when that whizzes in, it creates a rumble, light and great excitement among us (experts) and maybe some fear among others," Bilet said.

Russian meteor: This meteor quickly reminded everyone of another one that had struck not so long ago in neighbouring Russia. In 2013 a meteorite had exploded over Chelyabinsk region in Russia, flattering everything around it. Fortunately, it had hit an area that was sparsely populated.
If there's one device category that hasn't gotten much traction yet, it would have to be smart home products. Not many see value in that since you can do a lot of things manually. But maybe Xiaomi could change some minds with a global launch tonight.

That's right, Xiaomi will be launching a new smart home series on 26 July 2021 (8 PM MYT). It should be noted that the announcement was posted on the Xiaomi Global account, which indicates that the company is targeting the global market. If that's the case, Xiaomi Malaysia could decide to sell these new products here as well.

Are you ready to start a new journey with all of our exciting new products?



One day to go! Tune in tomorrow evening at 20:00 (GMT+8)! #SmartLivingForEveryone pic.twitter.com/yb92CJEPCC  Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) July 25, 2021

Previously, Xiaomi sells smart home products like vacuum robots, kitchen appliances, light bulbs, routers, and more. While we don't know what would be launched this time, most of the products should fall within Xiaomi's existing product portfolio. Of course, we might see some innovative new products too.

Xiaomi does retail some of its smart home products in Malaysia, so we can assume that these new models will launch here eventually. With that said, what are your thoughts on smart home devices? Are they worth buying for you? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.
With travel restrictions easing, Ryanair earlier this month announced plans to hire more than 2,000 pilots.

Irish no-frills airline Ryanair on Monday announced a widening of losses in its first quarter, hit by COVID travel restrictions in Europe.

Losses after tax hit 272.6 million euros ($321 million) in the group's first quarter, or three months to June 30.

That compared with a net loss of 185.1 million euros one year earlier for the Dublin-based carrier that flies mainly throughout Europe.

"COVID-19 continued to wreak havoc on our business during the first quarter with most Easter flights cancelled and a slower-than-expected easing of EU government travel restrictions into May and June," Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said in the company's earnings statement.

Costs more than doubled in its first quarter, offsetting a near trebling of revenues.

Traveller numbers however soared to 8.1 million from just half-a-million one year earlier.

And Ryanair was experiencing a "strong rebound of pent up travel demand into August and September", noted O'Leary, adding that the airline expects the rebound to continue.

"We are encouraged by the high rate of vaccinations across Europe," he said.

"If, as is presently predicted, most of Europe's adult population is fully vaccinated by September, then we believe that we can look forward to a strong recovery in air travel for the second half of the fiscal year."

Fierce European rival EasyJet last week ramped up its summer capacity and revealed narrowing losses on improving demand.

Heathrow losses

Elsewhere Monday, London's Heathrow airport announced that its losses from the pandemic had reached 2.9 billion ($4.0 billion, 3.4 billion euros).

"The UK is emerging from the worst effects of the health pandemic, but is falling behind its EU rivals in international trade by being slow to remove restrictions," said Heathrow chief executive, John Holland-Kaye.

With travel restrictions easing however, Ryanair earlier this month announced plans to hire more than 2,000 pilots.

At the start of the pandemic, it had slashed 3,000 pilot and cabin crew jobs, or 15 percent of staff, mirroring moves by airlines globally to save cash in the face of collapsing demand.

Ryanair had in May posted an annual net loss of 1.0 billion euros as the pandemic grounded planes.

Ryanair's latest results "painted a rosy picture of the future for European air travel as vaccination passports open the door to a summer travel season", noted Laura Hoy, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

"However, despite an influx of travellers, Ryanair's losses widened over the past three months.. Ticket prices, on the other hand, were depressed."

Shares in Ryanair rose 3.3 percent to 16.26 euros in morning deals following the results.

Explore further EasyJet charts path out of pandemic fallout

 2021 AFP
Credit: IMEC

From Augmented Reality games to automatic car locks: Gauging the location of devices is becoming increasingly important in modern life. Except that the precision we demand is far beyond the reach of GPS or Bluetooth. With Ultra-Wideband (UWB) micro-location technology from imec, the location of objects in a space can be pinpointed in minute detail. "Over the coming years, the use of this technology is set to increase dramatically," said Christian Bachmann, imec at Holst Center's Program Manager Ultra-Wideband and Bluetooth Secure Proximity.

Imec is a research and innovation center in nanoelectronics and digital technology. It is part of the FiRa consortium, which is committed to the development and application of user experiences with UWB technologies. Among other things, imec developed a UWB radio chip that can be mass-produced at low cost.

With the help of imec's Ultra-Wideband technology, the location of objects can be determined down to a detailed level. This UWB technology is an extremely accurate and energy-efficient solution for positioning. Bachmann sees the excitement surrounding the technology, that seemed to be 'out of fashion' for a while, coming back again. "The algorithms that the technology uses are getting better and better, and the costs of implementing it into products are getting lower and lower."

From GPS/Bluetooth to UWB

At present, wireless devices are often still controlled by GPS or Bluetooth, but that's not always ideal, as Jason Hillyard, Vice President at Packetcraft, explains. "Imec and Packetcraft are currently working together to integrate Packetcraft's UWB protocol software on imec's next-generation UWB chip technology. I myself drive a Tesla and it has an automatic and wireless lock based on Bluetooth and GPS. If I'm three or four meters away, the lock already opens automatically and my daughter, who might be standing next to the car, can open the car door using the handle. Of course, that's not always ideal. UWB is much more accurate in such a situation and consequently safer."

But UWB contains more unique features. At specific locations, such as indoors, GPS will not work, but Ultra-Wideband does. "For example, think about a restricted, secure, keyless entry," adds Bachmann. "That's where technology can make a big difference. Even controlling speakers and other smart devices in your living room is possible, down to a precise level." In Augmented Reality Gaming and in robotics, where humans and robots have to work together, the technology is also making inroads. Consider the application of UWB in future robotics, applications such as safe human-robot collaboration (co-bots) or automatic navigation for smart indoor farming.

UWB technology is already being used on a large scale for a few selected applications. Apple first introduced the technology in the iPhone 11 series. Via UWB, the iPhone can accurately search for objects using the AirTag as soon as the UWB module in the iPhone is enabled.

Social distancing

The technology has also been used over the past year and a half for purposes that Bachmann and Hillyard had never foreseen. "During the corona crisis, wireless technology made a significant contribution where social distancing is concerned," says Bachmann. For example, the deployment of social distancing devices working with UWB was already tested in the Johan Cruijff Arena stadium.

The COVID buzzer from the Dutch telecom company KPN is a device that vibrates and flashes when someone comes within 1.5 meters of it. "Applications like this would never have crossed my mind before 2020," Hillyard says "Here again, you see that the accuracy of the technology is incredibly important. With GPS or Bluetooth, we would never have been able to tell whether people were keeping one or two meters away from each other."

"We're going to be caught up in a whirlwind of accelerated development"

According to Hillyard, UWB will gather a lot of momentum in the coming years. "From a technological point of view, it will start to resemble what we witnessed with Bluetooth: Excitement in the technology will be followed by an explosion of new products. We're going to be caught up in a whirlwind of accelerated development," Bachmann is also optimistic about large-scale use of UWB in the future. Although he does have one reservation: There is still plenty of room for optimization of the technology, e.g., in terms of energy efficiency. "In comparison, Bluetooth uses a few milliwatts, where UWB uses a few dozen to hundred milliwatts. There are definitely still some gains to be made there."

Over the coming period, imec will continue its efforts at Holst Center to develop new innovations that are key to further improving the technology. Bachmann explains: "For example, we are working on new low-power radio receivers and on new algorithms, including techniques to further enhance accuracy. This may pave the way for future applications, such as micro-drones or co-bots that use UWB."

For the time being, UWB technology remains relatively unknown to the general public. According to Hillyard, that's not necessarily a bad thing. "Lots of people just want a gadget or specific application that's cool and works well," says Hillyard. "As long as they are experiencing the positive benefits of UWB, it doesn't matter. It's incredibly rewarding to see the technology you've worked on for so long being used in products that improve people's lives. I'm looking forward to UWB developing even further and to the market widely adopting the technology." Bachmann adds, "And so, we are definitely open to more collaborations with industrial partners."
Schell & Hogan LLP, a leading accounting firm in Brunswick, has its beginnings 65 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, when it began as a branch of Smoak, Davis and Nixon LLP. In 1967, J. Powell Schell and Terry D. Hogan, already partners in the firm, acquired it to operate it independent
Richwood, TX (77531)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 88F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low near 75F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
We were all sick, just thinking, just please, he said. Everybody was saying their prayers hard.

On Thursday morning, John Arant, 35, was found in the water. Alan Arant, 36, was found shortly after. Alan Arant leaves behind a 5-year-old daughter.

This has just been so tragic. I dont even have the words for it, said Amos Denton, who became friends with Alan Arant when they were in their teens and was later business partners with him for years.

The two friends both became fathers in the same year. He loved his little girl, Denton said. He was just one of the best. I miss him terribly.

Alan Arant, an outgoing, fun-loving figure, became well-known in the Smith Mountain Lake community, not only for his business, Arant Enterprises, but for his love of people. He embodied the philosophy of work hard and play hard  keeping his shoulder to the wheel for long hours to build his business but devoting his free time to taking friends out boating or fishing.

We had the absolute best time, all of the time, said Bradley Kennett, a longtime friend.

It was Alan who inspired Kennett to go into business for himself. He always talked about what someone could achieve with hard work and determination.
Two families were honored Sunday at the Hall County Fair for owning their farms for at least 100 years.

Robert and Jane Allan were on hand to accept the Pioneer Award. Their farm north of Wood River has been in the family since 1919. The original owner, Almond W. Benton, was Roberts great-grandfather. The farm, which originally covered 160 acres, now totals 80.

A Pioneer Award also went to Gerald and Pat Poehler and Lucille Woodring of Poehler Family Farm, which was established in 1893.

That farm originally owned by Casper Poehler is 10 miles north of Shelton. Of the 216 acres, 190 are still farmed. The rest is grazed or put in hay.

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The owners were not present to receive the award.

Every year since the 1950s, longtime Nebraska farm families have been honored by the Aksarben Foundation.

Aksarben partners with Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers on the awards each year, honoring families for 100 or 150 years of consecutive family farm ownership in the state.

Aksarben recognizes Heritage Farm Families, who have had 150 years of ownership, and Pioneer Farm Families, whove owned their farms 100 years.
John Alfs of Shickley judged four of the species  everything but horses.

I thought they did an amazing job, Alfs said of the participants. I think that as a whole, all those kids had a great awareness of where I was at in the show ring at all times.

They had a good understanding of what to do with each species.

Some kids just did a little bit better in knowing how to carry themselves with a little bit more class, a little bit more fire in their eyes, Alfs said.

When Alfs judges showmanship, seeing how much each participant cares is a big thing for me, he said.

He looks for the fire in their eyes and the drive to win, he said.

Round robin also has a verbal component. Alfs asked each competitor what lesson theyve learned form showing livestock and how it will affect them into the future.

Alfs noted how the youths paid attention to the crowd, and if they were scared. Was the question too daunting for them? he wondered.
As of Monday, just 32 COVID patients occupied beds in CHI Healths 14 hospitals in Nebraska and southwest Iowa, but these patients are younger, he said.

Were not seeing 60- and 70-year-olds like before, thanks to the vaccine. Now were seeing 20-, 30- and 40-year-olds, healthy people who are seriously ill and requiring ventilators.

He added, For anyone to become critically ill and require a ventilator in this day and age is tragic.

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Ward described vaccine naysayers as victims of misinformation with the wrong people giving them bad advice.

He doubts if hospitalizations will soar to 2020 numbers this fall, but Id be less worried if I knew people would start lining up to get the vaccine, he said.

Right now, CHI hospitals have plenty of available beds, but staff shortage is a constant concern, and that could worsen if people do not get vaccinated, he said.

Ward said people who opted not to get vaccinated earlier in the year included those who did not want to be told what to do and those who did not trust information circulating about vaccines, but that has changed.
Since 2015, Hear Grand Island has been filling the Railside District with the sounds of bands from throughout Nebraska and raising money for community charitable causes with its summer concert series.

In 2019, the organizers of Hear Grand Island brought the summer music concert series to the Hall County Fair in the form of Q4A Cause. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the fair, which returned this year as did Q4A Cause.

This year, Q4A Cause blasted the fair for three days. Along with good music, there were also barbecue food wagons and plenty of beverages to fuel the crowd.

Local restaurant entrepreneur Brent Lindner organizes Hear Grand Island and was instrumental in bringing the concerts to the Hall County Fair.

The free event in the Aurora Cooperative Pavilion at Fonner Park, featured Hanging Cowboys, Judd Hoos, BD and The Boys, Honeyton, Freakabout, Callista Clark and DJ Frando. While the music was at no cost, a percentage of the beverage sales were set aside to help a worthy cause in Grand Island.

The idea for Q4A Cause started out with Lindner wanting to have a food event as part of the Hear Grand Island concert series.

I always loved barbecue and we were going to do it in Downtown Grand Island, he said.
YORK  Erica Jenkins, 31, an inmate at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York who is serving a life sentence for murder (with additional decades for robbery, assault by a confined person and being a habitual criminal) has had her name legally changed to Elluminati Egoddess Enikko Prestige.

Initially, in her hand-written petition, it appeared she wanted her third name to be Erikka  but she clarified Monday morning during proceedings before Judge James Stecker in York County Court that the name is actually Enikko.

Jenkins is serving a life sentence for the 2013 slaying of Curtis Bradford of Omaha. She is the sister of death-row inmate Nikko Jenkins, who participated in Bradfords killing and was responsible for three other murders. She also has a decades-long sentence for robbery associated with the killing.

Jenkins is also serving a 20-30-year sentence for the beating of fellow NCCW inmate, Christine Bordeaux. Jenkins was found guilty by a York County jury of assaulting Bordeaux (her cousin, who testified against the Jenkins siblings in the Bradford case). In that situation, Bordeaux suffered a concussion, broken arm and nose.
Two days after performing in Kearney, the comedian plans to record a comedy special.

Its going to be a really fun night, he said of the Kearney show. They will get to see the act before it gets immortalized on film or on vinyl, I dont really know how they do it.

Hoff finds most of his comedy in everyday family life.

Im just elbow deep in children here, he said. I have three kids ages 7, 5 and 3. So Im just in the thick of it. Anybody who has had kids or grew up in a family with brothers and sisters, they know exactly what Im talking about. Those are the people Im talking to, those are the ones who come up to me after my show and say, I know exactly what youre saying, and they put their hand on my shoulder and breathe deeply with me. And we hold each other for awhile.

All humor aside, Hoff relishes his children.
The answer is: Yes.

Sure. Why not? If you need a computer, use a Mac or a PC.

Which one? Well, shop until you drop, or flip a coin, or anything in between, however you want to do it. Suit yourself.

Joke

This is kind of a redux of a brief post I wrote a long time ago: Should you shoot with Canon or Nikon? The answer then was yes. Although the choice isn't so binary any more like it was then. It was a joke, the message of which was like that kid in the movie My Life as a Dog who, whenever his parents were fighting, went under his bed, squeezed his eyes tight shut, stuck his fingers in his ears, and went "lah-lah-lah-lah-lah-lah!" so he couldn't hear the fighting.

I just didn't want to listen to any more Canon vs. Nikon nattering.

Ever noticed how there are so often two of everything? Pepsi vs. Coke, Amazon vs. Wal-Mart, Honda vs. Toyota, etc. Human beings are really good at two things: a.) making allies and joining forces to form a team to fight the other team, and b.) when there's just one team, splitting into two teams so the two teams can fight. We do both things constantly. It's like it's hardwired into our DNA. And sometimes it makes no sense: Britain [CORRECTION: excuse me, Englandthanks, Peter Wright!] and France got on the same side in 1904 (with the Entente Cordiale) after being on opposite sides for like a millennium*.

I think some people think I'm being inconsistent when I show a high tolerance for personal choices on one hand and then share my own personal shopping agoni...er, problems on the other. Granted, the latter can be annoying to read about because I'm such a head case! But it doesn't mean I'm not tolerant of everyone else's approach. I am. And it doesn't mean I think everyone should adopt the level of angst and perseveration I exhibit myself. Far from it.

You should suit yourself. I'll be a nut, thanks. :-)

These ruminations were inspired by reading articles about the new consumer M1 iMac, which of course is causing a flareup of the hoary Mac-vs.-PC rivalry in the comments sections of the articles. Mac-vs.-PC is like one of those skin conditions that can be controlled but never cured. A new product is like an irritant that causes a flareup. But I'm 64; I have no more time left for Mac-vs.-PC threads anywhere but here. It's another hardwired human tendency: we conserve only those resources that are scarce.

Embarrassment

By the way, re my own camera perseverations and angstiness, I'll just put this out there: I haven't actually bought a new camera for myself that became my main go-to axe since 2014. Really. That's when I bought the Fuji X-T1 that became my axe for years. True, I did buy and sell a couple of Panasonics in the last couple of years, but I knew pretty quickly that they didn't "take" and moved on. I bought a bunch of film cameras, as you know, but not to use. I haven't shot film since 2002. And the X-H1 was a gift, not something I went out and bought.

It's even more extreme than that, because I didn't exactly choose to buy the X-T1 in '14.

It's kind of an embarrassing story. What happened was that I requested a sample of the then-new X-T1 from B&H Photo, who are very nice about sending samples, and then I neglected to return it on time. So my contact at B&H emailed and said, we'll give you another 30 days, but then you really have to return it. And then I neglected to return it on time a second time. Just negligence. Kind of disgraceful, but I get absentminded: it's a character defect. I got the rude-shock-slash-wakeup-call when a bill for the camera arrived in the mail. When I called my contact to apologizewell, grovelhe said (essentially), dude, you're really getting me in trouble here!

So, mainly out of embarrassment at my own negligence, I just paid for the camera.

I'm just being honest here. This is actually what happened. (B&H are still nice to me anyway.)

After that, I got to grips with the camera, and ended up liking it more after I really got to know it. So I used it as my main camera until maybe two years ago, when I started to get itchy for something more up to date. And then the X-H1 came along, thanks to Jay.

That meant it was ~5 years with the X-T1, which isn't bad. It's sort of at the long end of my historical turnover rate with cameras. I mean, I like new cameras, like I like new cars. I buy a new car every now and then, and I change cameras every now and then. I'm sure most of you can relate. It's ordinary behavior. (And by the way, I really admire you if you can stick with a camera or a car for 10 years or more. It's super-sensible, and it takes discipline and restraint. My current car is also a 2014, like the X-T1. It's got 90k miles and I'm shooting for 200.)

So don't bust my chops too much about the more annoying aspects of my camera-shopping. If it aggravates you, you can skip it. It just falls into the category of what we do here. I'm looking for a new axe is all. My criteria is that it has to be a "friend," which isn't something I can find on a feature list.

I'll have a print sale so I can pay for it, as Ken Tanaka suggested. We haven't had a print sale in a really long time. Actually I have two in mind.

More about that later. This post is long enough.

Mike

*When the Soviet Union broke up, Mikhail Gorbachev predicted that the U.S. would miss it more than we could foresee. He knew that once the United States became just one big powerful team, we'd have to break up into two teams so we could fight. And sure enough.

Product o' the Week:



Ringlight for Zoom, Facetime, vlogging, streaming, video recording, remote working or remote learning. Holds a phone, or you can set it behind and above a desktop computer with a built-in camera. The following image is also a link:

Original contents copyright 2021 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.

(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)

Featured Comments from:

Terry Letton: "Sounds like you need a film scanner a lot more than you need another camera. But this comes from a guy who is still satisfied with his Canon 5D II and just chickened out and got rid of his truck after 11 years and 285,000 miles."

Dave Stewart: "When others ask me about matters they're ruminating over with a choice of options, I confess to cheekily and regularly using the same answer. There's usually a puzzled pause, before the laughter ensues. Yes, decide and move on with life. Of course that doesn't mean I'm good at doing so myself, it's more that I recognise others in a similar state of mind. Cameras, I've too many cameras. Likewise lenses, but I have been good lately and reduced the piles of both, which has been cathartic. My problem is the temptation of a bargain that I don't need, and would likely barely use. Most recent example being a Nikon D610, with a shutter count of 29 this weekend. Hope someone else gains that bargain soon."

Dave Millier: "I have PC, Mac, Chromebox and Linux boxes. And none of them is a clear winner. Don't limit yourself to A or B."

Chris Nicholls: "'Can't we do both?' My MacBook sit on my desk next to my PC. And the MacBook runs Win 10 alongside MacOS through the BootCamp facility, for the few Windows applications that I can't duplicate in MacOS. Best of both worlds."

Peter Wright: " Minor historical correction: England and France were on opposite sides for like a millennium, but before the United Kingdom was united, Scotland was in alliance with France for much of the early part of that millennium (The 'Auld Alliance' it was called in Scotland, and something else in French in France). This was for the purpose of fighting England of course, but after Elizabeth I had no heirs, Scotland and England became the United Kingdom under the Scottish King James (VI of Scotland and I of England). This made a lot of people quite angry, and put the Scottish and English on the same team against France. Part of the result was that there was indeed some dispute in Scotland for one or two centuries after, about which side they should really be on. As to which computer to use; well a Mac of course. Everyone knows that!"

Ilkka: "Choice is good but too much choice confuses people. Years back when Apple had lost its way, Steve Jobs came back and simplified the lineup. Two types, laptop and tabletop, and two levels of power, amateur and pro, if you will. So total of four choices. Easy to choose. Now they are lost again. Do they really need seven different computers, and seven different phones as they currently have for sale in their website? Each with different options for colour and memory."

Mike replies: Curious, isn't it? Surely every company has access to the research that proves the optimum number of choices is three. Maybe it's FOMO, fear of missing out, that drives this. They all think they are missing out on sales if they don't offer finer-grained choices. I go on car websites sometimes and there can be seven basic model choices. And the only distinction between them that's clear is price...and occasionally not even that. It's just confusing. Customers don't even know where to start.
Schools are soon to start back in session just as Covid-19 cases are rising in the Red River Valley. The rise is due to the delta variant, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is as contagious as chickenpox and four to nine times more infectious than previous Covid-19 strains. The majority of cases are being seen in unvaccinated people, a group that includes school-age children. The back to school guidance from local and national medical groups includes having mask requirements in place, however, Gov. Greg Abbott has prohibited schools from taking such action. Should schools be allowed to require masks?

You voted:
CHICAGO  A teenager who had been gravely wounded in one of three mass shootings in six hours last week has died, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.

Davion Wright, 16, of the 3400 block of West Grenshaw Street in the Homan Square neighborhood, was pronounced dead at 5:50 p.m. Friday at Mount Sinai Medical Center, where he had been since he was one of five people shot in North Lawndale around 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Police previously have said Wright had been shot in the head, but the medical examiners office was expected to perform an autopsy Sunday to determine his cause and manner of death.

Police were called to the area of South Christiana Avenue and West Douglas Boulevard, where they located the wounded males, who ranged in age from 15 to 24 years old. The 15-year-old also had been shot in the head, and he was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He previously had been identified as Damarion L. Benson, of the 300 block of South Campbell Avenue.
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois residents will soon have greater access to mental health services under measures Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law Friday.

Starting Jan. 1, most insurance companies doing business in Illinois will be required to provide their beneficiaries with timely and proximate access to treatment for mental, emotional, nervous or substance abuse disorders.

That means beneficiaries will not have to wait more than 10 business days to see a provider after requesting an initial appointment or 20 business days after requesting a repeat or follow-up appointment.

In addition, insurers will be required to maintain an adequate network of mental health care providers so that beneficiaries in Cook County and the surrounding collar counties will not have to travel more than 30 miles or 30 minutes from their home to see a provider. That limit expands to 60 miles or 60 minutes in other areas of Illinois.

Insurers will also have to make exceptions to out-of-network copay requirements if no in-network providers are available within those time and distance limits.
Local

breaking featured

Flooding problems persist in Bowman, residents say; county: efforts underway to address issue

SPECIAL TO THE T&D Water flows over Bowman resident Michelle Reddens Poplar Street driveway during last year's Tropical Storm Sally. SPECIAL TO THE T&D Bowman resident Michelle Redden's Poplar Street property frequently floods during rainstorms. Redden has lived on Poplar Street for about three years and says flooding has occurred about a handful of times.

BOWMAN  When it rains, it pours. In the town of Bowman, it also floods.

At Michelle Redden's Poplar Street residence, Every time it rains heavily, my driveway is damaged more and more.

Redden is worried that while she may be dealing with a damaged driveway, things could get much worse.

What if she requires emergency services? What happens if they cant reach her due to the damaged road or floodwaters?

Redden is not alone.

SCSU 1890 farmer partner donates hemp hand sanitizer to Bulldog Pantry Last year, the devastating effects of COVID-19 deprived many people of their necessities, one of those essentials being hand sanitizer.

Two homes on Oliver Street were surrounded by water following Tropical Storm Sally in September 2020. The storm dropped about seven inches of rain in and around the town.

Other streets that typically flood during heavy rains are Reesville Road, Dibble Street, Tupelo Street, Canal Street, Ann Street and Rail Street.

Bowman Councilman Ike Carter says flooding has been a problem in Bowman for decades, but has gotten worse over recent years.

Land development in surrounding areas  for example the construction of solar farms  has meant additional water draining into the town's creeks and streams, Carter claims.

They cut the land as flat as a pancake and did not put any containment ponds in, he said.

That and the lack of ditch maintenance has combined to create the chronic flooding, he said.

Bowman flooding

There are three main drainage arteries that come through Bowman.

One is the canal by the Bowman Nature Park, one runs through the middle of town and the third is located on the Charleston side of town. Even Branch is the main stream through town.

According to a flood insurance study of the town made seven years ago by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Bowman is located on a flat coastal plain that has many shallow, elliptically shaped depressions of various sizes that do not drain naturally.

The study noted that gently sloped land from Even Branch allows flooding to occur relatively easily. Longtime residents of the town have noted yards and basements have flooded, but no one could recall the ground floor level of any building flooding.

Beyond her personal property, Redden says flooding leads to fire hydrant damage, vegetation overgrowth and an increase in vermin, mosquitoes and snakes.

She is also concerned on how the flooding may impact the town's sewer system and its water supply.

Redden says her research shows Orangeburg County owns the drainage easements for at least 39 different properties.

She says she has reached out to Orangeburg County several times, but has not had much success.

I feel we can resolve this issue if we work together, Redden said.

In a May 31 email, Redden asked the county to:

 Mow and clean the drainage easements.

 Treat for mosquitoes.

 Assess the drainage easements.

Blame game

Redden, like Carter, blames much of the increased water on the construction of the Palmetto Plains solar farm. The solar farm leases land from Bowman farmers Landy and Hugh Weathers. Hugh Weathers is the S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture.

Redden has questioned the design of the project and why there are no retention ponds.

She also questioned if the solar farm received a final inspection approval from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Redden said she has asked for the information from DHEC and has never received the information requested.

DHEC Director of Media Relations Ron Aiken said a permit was issued by DHEC for the Palmetto Plains solar farm in April 2018.

DHEC's review for the issuance of that permit assessed that the proposed design complied with applicable state regulations for storm water management and sediment/erosion control, Aiken said. Once a permit was issued, the owners of the construction activity are required to hire a qualified inspector to perform weekly inspections of the sediment and erosion control best management practices for the site. These reports are maintained on the site but are not submitted to DHEC and would not be accessible to provide under FOI.

Aiken said DHEC also performs routine inspections.

A part of those inspections would be to verify that the permitee performed their weekly inspections, Aiken said. However, inspections are not performed on all permitted sites.

Our records indicate that no inspections were performed by DHEC at this site while it was under construction, Aiken continued. A notice of termination for their construction permit was issued 12/2019 based on certification signed by their engineer.

The notice of termination certified that the site meets criteria for final stabilization and that the approved plan has been implemented, Aiken said.

Landy Weathers said flooding was a problem in Bowman, long before anybody heard the word solar.

We have issues for flooding a long time before solar ever showed up on the scene, Weathers said. I don't think it has anything to do with solar.

Weathers said the real issue is the ditches in town.

They are full of trash and are not cleaned out, he said. The drainage ditches need to be cleaned out. They are not maintained like they should be.

Weathers said the owners of the equipment on the solar farm are responsible for ensuring regulations are followed.

We just lease the property, he said.

Cypress Creek Renewables, the owner of the solar farm, released a statement saying, The Palmetto Plains Solar project was constructed with strict adherence to the state National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting requirements, the site plan was approved by the relevant South Carolina state agencies and included erosion and sediment control measures during construction and site work.

The project design included stormwater calculations performed by a professional engineer licensed in the state of South Carolina showing the pre-construction stormwater flow and the post-construction stormwater flow ensuring that the site would not export stormwater at a rate greater than what was always there. Project personnel performed formal weekly inspections throughout the construction process until no longer required by the state permitting authority.

The statement continued that, Currently, Palmetto Plains is staffed seven days a week by an experienced operations and maintenance contractor that specializes in solar power plants. The site is routinely inspected every day for any issues of concern. The site is currently is good condition with no known erosion or sediment flowing off site and there is no civil work currently in process.

Residents stories

Eulinda Willis, who lives on Canal Street, says water can rise up to about two feet on the road and breaches the steps of her house when it rains.

About a year ago, the floodwaters were so high her family was stuck in their homes surrounded by water, she said.

While the water has never gotten into the house, her mother had to be rescued by boat from her home during a tropical system years ago.

This area is bad. It is really bad. I don't know how long we can continue like that because the water gets real high, Willis said.

Her mother, Eunice Montague, has lived on Canal Street since 1973.

It has been flooding here since I have been here, Montague said. It floods all the time.

Willis said water has entered vehicles and caused significant damage.

My mom sold her car because the water got so bad in her car, she said. The insurance paid her for it because it was flooded.

Seven Flowers Floral Shop owner Pearlie Turkvant-Heyward said flood waters have risen up the third step of her house and prevented access to her Oliver Street business.

When it rains, it rains, Turkvant-Heyward said. It is like a swamp. You cannot see the road.

Turkvant-Heyward said she has contacted the town of Bowman, former Sen. John Matthews, the county and the state.

The S.C. Department of Transportation did partly clean out a ditch about four years ago, but the area continues to flood, she said.

Addressing the issue

Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said the county is aware of the problem.

The county has reached out to engineers and its Public Works staff has examined drainage canals with the intent to begin a concerted effort on cleaning out the ditches using specially designed equipment to handle such projects.

But Young said the issue is larger than ditches.

It is about the drainage overall, Young said.

A meeting was held in October 2020 between Orangeburg County, the Army Corps of Engineers, town officials and some residents in an effort to better grasp what can be done in a cost-effective way to help improve the flooding issues in the town.

What came out of the meeting was a preliminary assessment by the Corps.

The study revealed Even Branch has streamflow constrictions which impact its ability to drain properly.

The study said whether the restrictions are due to debris or sediment accumulation would require more study but concluded that culverts need to be evaluated to help reduce back water effects.

Beaver dams may also be a cause of stream blockages, according to the study.

Results of culvert changes may only address the flooding for a limited extent upstream and other measures could be considered to further reduce water levels, the study stated.

The study noted that removing large trees from the stream bank would require bank stabilization and that structures in the floodplain could be removed or elevated.

It is a work in progress, Young said, noting the county plans to engage with the Corps as well as SCDOT to further investigate the issues.

Young said the county is in the process of seeking grant funding to handle any infrastructure improvements. He said a study alone to discover the problem will cost about $60,000.

The issue is not just a county concern, Young said. The ditches are tied into state-owned ditches and the watershed, which are not the responsibility of the county.

Young said climate change has compounded the problem of flooding.

We are getting more constant downpours like this that overwhelms the system, Young said. Flood waters typically stay for a short period of time and then dissipate.

The system works. It is just the capacity that needs to be built into the system to handle those downpours, he said.

We are doing our part," Young continued, noting that a longer-term fix will not happen overnight.

It takes a lot of money. Infrastructure, unfortunately, takes time. That is not what people want to hear, but it takes time to pull grants together and cost estimates, he said.

Jeff Livasy, the Corps chief of programs and civil works project management, said the Charleston District conducts annual inspections of the areas Cow Castle Creek and its tributaries.

About 38 years ago, the Corps did a snagging and clearing project involving the creek and tributary. The project received some federal funding.

The snagging and clearing project opened up water flow and also aimed to conduct some channel shaping to better handle water volumes.

In the short term, the SCDOT has visited the town and cleaned out several ditches. The cleaning produced a significant amount of trash as well as organic growth, Carter said.

The people of Bowman carry some of the burden of responsibility by throwing trash into the ditches, Carter said.

Carter said the goal is to implement smaller, less costly changes in an effort to determine if the changes will help alleviate some of the flooding concerns.

He noted at one time  about 50 years ago  there was greater official oversight of the watershed through a maintenance program. Over time, this has been lost.

This will be a multi-year project to improve the watershed, he said.

Carter said something needs to happen to help spur growth in the small town.

You can't be having the town flood, Carter said. If we add more houses, the street flooding won't get better but it will get worse if we don't have sufficient drainage capacity.
Like many Black families, the Moses family moved north from the South during the Great Migration. Once in Harlem, his family sold milk from a Black-owned cooperative to help supplement the household income, according to Robert Parris Moses: A Life in Civil Rights and Leadership at the Grassroots, by Laura Visser-Maessen.

Moses didnt spend much time in the Deep South until he went on a recruiting trip in 1960 to see the movement for myself. He sought out the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.s Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta but found little activity in the office and soon turned his attention to SNCC.

I was taught about the denial of the right to vote behind the Iron Curtain in Europe, Moses later said. I never knew that there was (the) denial of the right to vote behind a Cotton Curtain here in the United States.

The young civil rights advocate tried to register Black people to vote in Mississippis rural Amite County where he was beaten and arrested. When he tried to file charges against a white assailant, an all-white jury acquitted the man and a judge provided protection to Moses to the county line so he could leave.
But Gov. Abbott is so set on getting his new voting law that he ordered legislators to come back into session this month to push it through. To prevent the states Republicans from forcing new voting restrictions into law, more than 50 Democratic legislators left the state.

Abbott and Republican Senate leaders have threatened lawmakers with arrest to try to force them to attend the session. And he has said he will keep calling special sessions until he gets his way. Thats why the Texas legislators came to Washington, D.C. They brought an urgent message to members of Congress: the only way to protect voters from voter suppression at the state level is to pass national voting rights legislation.

The House of Representatives has previously passed the For the People Act, which would reverse many new voting restrictions and includes a number of priorities specifically outlined by John Lewis during his lifetime, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which would help prevent future voter suppression efforts from taking effect. Both are essential to protect democracy and voting rights. But right now Senate Republicans are using the filibuster to block the For the People Act, and they could do the same to the VRA.
Job Title: Acquisition & Assistance Specialist (Re-advertized)

Organisation: United States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda

Duty Station: USAID / Uganda, Uganda

Salary Range: $50,748  $65,976

About US:

The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador.

Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are:

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Peace Corps

Job Summary: USAID/Uganda is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Acquisition & Assistance Specialist. The contractor performs technical and procurement management work that supports the USAID/Uganda Office of Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) team. The Mission has an OYB in excess of $400m and includes several high-visibility, politically-sensitive Presidential Initiatives: the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI). Global Climate Change (GCC) Feed the Future (FtF) and Power Africa. The work covers three Development Objectives generating technically complex cross-cutting programs requiring intricate and sensitive procurement operations. Individual A&A instruments range from $10,000 purchase orders to $84M contract and grant agreements covering a portfolio of approximately $1.1 billion. Technical work involves supporting the preparation, control, and review of procurement documents and reports related to planning strategies and appropriate solicitation documents, maintaining procurement plans and files, and being responsible for the distribution and follow-up of official copies of A&A documents to permit the implementation and payment actions; or performing other similar work in support of implementation and operation of mission programs from conceptualization to close-out. The position involves leadership and technical skills: (a) assistance with negotiation and preparation of awards; (b) aiding in the resolution of complex procurement issues; (c) assisting with management of low to high value program procurements (d) participating in discussions during the development stages of new activities and procurement planning. The work requires multiple skills involving a practical knowledge of procurement procedures, operations, regulations, and mission programs in order to adequately protect U.S. Government interests. The mission is integrated into the U.S. Embassy and work must be coordinated with a whole-of-government approach, which requires coordination and sometimes workload integration with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Department of Defense (DoD) Africa Command (AFRICOM), and the Department of State (DoS). The contractor must be generally familiar with the acquisition and assistance authorities, responsibilities, and advantages of the other US Government Agencies and Departments operating in Uganda and other USAID missions in the Region and must be able to work in coordination with these organizations. This position has the potential for expansion of duties into the administration of contracts and grants. Attainment of the expanded position is contingent upon the contractor successfully completing required training, meeting agreed-upon objectives and milestones, and performing at the Fully Successful (or equivalent) level.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The contractor is responsible for project acquisition and assistance support for USAID/Uganda. USAID country programs are diverse and multi-sectoral. The contractor is required to provide acquisition or assistance to a designated Development Objective (DO) Team(s), and to support a variety of programs/projects. These programs/projects are implemented through complex Government contracting and grant mechanisms, including but not limited to purchase orders, competitively negotiated technical assistance agreements, contracts, cooperative agreements, Participating Agency Service Agreements (PASA), and sole source contracts. (15%)

The contractor is expected to work with technical specialists/activity managers in DO Teams throughout the Mission, assisting in the preparation and maintenance of annual procurement plans, the development of clear and concise statements of work, and full supporting documentation. The contractor will support OAA and technical specialists/activity managers pertaining to their procurement-related responsibilities and procedures. Specific developmental duties include maintaining and updating the Active Award List, Contract and Agreement file maintenance, CPARS system maintenance, writing and ensuring COR/AOR designation letters are correct and up to date, and leading the close-out process of expired awards. Other support duties may include updating the Agency A&A Plan, FAITAS and assistance with other A&A systems or processes. (15%)

Pre-Award Duties  The contractor participates in meetings on procurement planning, collates data, prepares and updates tracking tools in order to monitor pending procurements, works with DO Teams to assist in the preparation of justifications, waivers, and other necessary approvals as needed. Assists higher-level Specialists/Officers to prepare Requests for Proposal and Requests for Application. Assists higher-level Specialists/Officers in pre-award activities for competitive solicitations, and with pre-award assessment surveys of potential contractors or recipients, in order to ensure eligibility prior to an award being made. (30%)

Post-Award Duties  The contractor assists higher-level Specialists/Officers in monitoring performance as required by the terms and conditions of the award, through reviews of performance and reviews of financial reports. As assigned, conducts site visits and attends meetings. Assists in programmatic duties as required avoiding contractual/legal improprieties, seeking guidance from higher-level Specialists/Officers as required. Assists in researching and resolving issues that may arise during contract performance, including changes, work stoppages, disputes, implementation problems, defaults, cost overruns, unacceptable performance, and payment problems. (30%)

The contractor will perform miscellaneous administrative tasks, including but not limited to: travel requests, digital scanning and timekeeping. (10%)









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

The applicants for the United States US Embassy Acquisition & Assistance Specialist job opportunity should a Bachelors Degree in business administration, economics, finance, management, law or related field, is required.

One to three years of experience in an office-based, progressively responsible work situation is required.

Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes, or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge, is required.

A familiarity, or knowledge, of US Federal and USAID Acquisition and Assistance Regulations is particularly as it relates to acquisition and assistance through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, small purchase procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types is highly desired.

Good organizational, analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, with strong English writing and proofreading skills and attention to detail also required.

Math skills and ability to perform basic math functions such as cost analysis, addition and percentage calculations.

Ability to multi-task and the potential to acquire the ability to plan and administer acquisition activities and provide acquisition assistance and support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner is required.

Potential to gain the ability to apply contracting regulations, procedures, and policies to individual acquisition and assistance programs is required.

Ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure is essential, as well as the ability to maintain strict CONFIDENTIALITY AND HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS throughout all phases of acquisition and assistance actions.

Ability to deal effectively with high-level representatives of the US and Regional business community, with senior managers in the USAID Mission and with senior level host government representatives is required.

Strong computer skills, especially in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, and the potential to utilize public, high-visibility, externally monitored electronic resources via the web, especially those pertaining to procurement-related topics and those used to generate awards.

The web-based systems that require proficiency include: the GLAAS system and the CPARS system, and may include Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps) (now BetaSAM), Grants.gov, Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), Federal Assistance Award Data System (FAADS), Central Contractor Registration (CCR), and System for Award Management (SAM). Government systems may be learned on the job, however, the Solicitation 72061721R00005 (0001) contractor must be competent with the use of word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard business system software.

Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluency) in both written and spoken English.

How to Apply:

All eligible offerors are required to complete and submit:

A hand signed offer form AID 309-2, Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals, available at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms;

Cover letter clearly indicating the position for which you are applying;

Curriculum vitae/resume specifically which MUST include: Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year) and hours worked per week for each position; Dates (month/year) and locations for all international field experience must also be detailed; Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), location, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job- related honors, awards or accomplishments.

Supplemental [separate] document specifically addressing each QRF as outlined in the solicitation.

Valid work permit.

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted by email to gnakaddu@usaid.govcopy tocnatividad@usaid.gov.

No other form of submission will be permitted (e.g. courier, fax or hand delivery). The US Government will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submissions and these applications may not be accepted. USAID will only confirm receipt and print out the electronic submission. USAID will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to the e-mails. The Offeror assumes all risk related to an electronic submission. Late offers or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Deadline: 20th August 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
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Several states have initiated measures to restrict the instruction of critical race theory in public schools, fearing the Biden administration may make such teaching a condition for federal funding of public schools. No such mandate exists to date.

The idea of a potential mandate gained momentum after the 2020 election of President Joe Biden and his revocation, by executive order, of President Trumps 1776 Commission. The commission rebuked a perceived narrative within the 1619 Project that the foundation of the United States was based in racial oppression that still manifests in inequalities today.

Rather than just be against something the feds might or might not ask us to do, I think its much better to have a positive approach and to teach equality based on what weve put in [Wyomings] Constitution and what was put in the Declaration of Independence, Scott told WyoFile. If we do it this way, if they require us to teach something that is opposed to this [Scotts pending bill draft], then it would be an ability to turn the funds down.

Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie)\, voted against the measure and said it is a clear deviation from the Wyoming Constitution and long-established division of powers that prioritizes local control over how to meet curriculum standards set by the State Board of Education.
BLY, Ore.  Out-of-state crews headed to Montana Saturday to battle a blaze that injured five firefighters as the West struggled with a series of fires that have ravaged rural lands and destroyed homes.

Progress was being made on the nations largest blaze, the Bootleg Fire in Oregon, but additional mandatory evacuations were ordered Friday evening and less than half of it had been contained, fire officials said. The growth of the sprawling fire had slowed, but increased fire activity was expected Saturday, and thousands of homes remained threatened on its eastern side, authorities said.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday proclaimed a state of emergency for four northern counties because of wildfires that he said were causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property. The proclamation opens the way for more state support.

On Saturday, fire crews from California and Utah were coming to Montana, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced. Five firefighters were injured Thursday when swirling winds blew flames back on them as they worked on the Devils Creek fire burning in rough, steep terrain near the rural town of Jordan.
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As I sit and observe scientists, doctors, members of Parliament from both sides, and even the Honourable Prime Minister, emotionally pleading with members of the population to listen to science and become vaccinated, it became apparent to me that vaccine hesitancy is due to either lack of or the mass circulation of erroneous information.
A former nunnery turned halfway house will soon provide a housing bridge for people who are homeless.

The city of Tucson recently bought Desert Cove Country Club, 1835 W. Anklam Road, for $1.2 million with federal pandemic relief funds.

We felt that this property would be a good site for helping people move from homelessness to independence in a short time, said Terry Galligan, deputy director for the citys Housing and Community Development department. They would stay at the property for up to 90 days, or until we find permanent housing for them.

He said the city is partnering with Community Bridges Inc. to help oversee the program, Bridge Housing, which is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Some of the existing rooms need to be remodeled, Galligan said.

The 13,032-square-foot gated facility on Tucsons west side was originally a home for the nuns who worked at St. Marys Hospital. In 2018, it was bought and turned into a halfway house for people who were transitioning out of jail.

Lanette Verneuil, senior property manager of Desert Cove, said there is an on-site chapel as well as a private room on the 4.5-acre site.
Whos keeping the

youngest safe?

Transmission of COVID-19 within schools has been low, but Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo says their most powerful strategies have been masking, social distancing and the flexibility and autonomy that the board had to respond to local conditions.

We're not operating with that anymore, he said at the board meeting. We're going into classrooms where our distancing ability is going to be significantly compromised, especially in those younger grades, younger than 12, which is what I'm personally concerned about. More than anything else, you're going to have half the students with masks and some of them won't have any masks.

Melissa Rynders, an Amphitheater mom who has one child in elementary school and one in middle school, mostly worries more about her younger son since her older one is vaccinated. She will be sending him to school wearing a mask and hopes other parents will do the same.

With our youngest we've been talking a lot about even if other people don't do it, we're doing it because we want to keep everyone safe, she says.
The monsoon season has slowly helped Southern Arizona recover from ongoing drought issues, improving Tucson's drought conditions by one category.

According to the National Weather Service, Tucson has gone from a D4-exceptional drought to a D3-extreme drought.

With a surge in storms this past weekend, the NWS said it expected drought conditions to improve over the next several weeks with help from the monsoon activity.

We are not out of this yet, but it is definitely helping, the NWS said.

So far this monsoon season, the Tucson International Airport has seen a total of 5.88 inches of rain, the NWS said. This month's storms have made this the wettest monsoon through July 25.

The monoon season officially runs from June 15 to Sept. 30.

The July rainfall  5.71 inches  makes this the fourth-wettest July and the sixth-wettest month on record. An average July during Tucson's monsoon season receives 1.79 inches of rain, the NWS said.

Throughout the past week, the Catalina Foothills area has had 2 to 3 inches of rainfall, the NWS said. Within the past 30 days, the Foothills area has seen 6 to 7 inches of rain.
NEW YORK (AP)  Gov. Andrew Cuomo projected confidence Monday that he'll ultimately be exonerated of allegations of sexual harassment, but he also questioned the neutrality of the lawyers hired to investigate his behavior.

Speaking at his first news conference in nearly two weeks, Cuomo said he had concerns as to the independence of the reviewers," hired by state Attorney General Letitia James.

Attacking the integrity of the investigation is an approach Cuomo has increasingly turned to in recent weeks  to the irritation of some members of his own party who had widely praised the lawyers leading the probe as apolitical and fair.

James appointed Joon Kim, the former acting U.S. attorney for Manhattan, and the employment discrimination attorney Anne Clark to conduct the probe. The lawyers have spent months now speaking to women who say Cuomo subjected them to inappropriate kisses and touching or inappropriate sexual remarks. One woman, an aide to Cuomo, has said he groped her breasts.

Do a little history. Go to Google, Cuomo told reporters at a press conference at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Google the independent investigators.
One update shared with city officials soon after the attack described how every server was infected, as were about 60% of the 85 computers inspected by that point. A city government email told council members that agendas for a meeting would be in paper format, since your tablets wont be able to connect. An official told a judge it was unclear if computer systems would be operational in time for trials two days away.

Because the city had paid for offsite remote backup, Borger had the capability to reformat servers, reinstall the operating system and bring data back over. A newly purchased server that had yet to be installed came in handy. The police department, however, retained its data locally and the attack hampered officers' access to previous incident reports, Spradling said.

As they worked to resolve the problem, officials shared draft press releases that offered reassurances that critical emergency operations would continue and that the attacks werent a reflection of any misstep by the city.

One councilmember, a military veteran named Milton Ooley, cautioned against publicity for the hackers' form of terrorism.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Botswana sent military troops to Mozambique on Monday, becoming the first country of the 16-nation Southern African Development Community to dispatch soldiers to help battle an Islamic extremist insurgency in northern Cabo Delgado province.

Botswanas president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, said the troops would work with Mozambiques armed forces and soldiers sent by other members of the regional bloc, known as SADC, to put down the insurgency in which more than 3,000 people have died since 2017..

Botswanas troops will join 1,000 soldiers who arrived in Mozambique earlier this month from Rwanda, which is not an SADC member. The Rwandan troops reported to already be in action; local news site Carta de Mocambique said they had killed 30 insurgents last week.

The SADC mission in Mozambique will be led by South African Maj. Gen. Xolani Mankayi, who is in Mozambique as part of an advance deployment.

More troops are expected from other SADC member countries, including Tanzania and Angola, local newssheet Mediafax reported Monday, citing Mozambiques defense ministry.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russia's prime minister on Monday visited Pacific islands claimed by Japan, a move that brought a protest from Tokyo, and said the government is considering setting up a special economic zone there.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is touring Russia's Far East and Siberia this week, and the Kuril Islands were his first stop on Monday.

Mishustin visited a hospital and a fish plant on Iturup, one of the four southernmost Kuril islands. He told plant workers that the Russian government is considering creating a special economic zone on the islands, in which business and investors would be free of most taxes and customs duties.

The measure Russian officials is currently pondering could be a good solution for investors, including the ones in the West, for Japan also, which, if interested, can create jobs here, Mishustin said. He added that this special regime will allow the intensification of economic activity" on the islands.

Mishustin said he would discuss the project with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Friday, Putin asked the prime minister to pay special attention to the Kuril Islands during his trip to the Far East, noting that Moscow had been working with Japanese partners...to create the necessary conditions for those involved in economic activity.
OPINION: Locals endorse who they want voted onto the City Council, worries about the proposed I-11 and Sinema and the filibuster are the topics of the day. Join the discussion by submitting a letter at tucson.com/opinion.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  The owner of a dilapidated Oklahoma Panhandle wind farm has presented plans to clean up the most dangerous of the wind turbine towers.

The plans are to address dangerously broken-down towers and turbines of the 60-tower KODE Novus I and II wind farm near Guymon, Oklahoma, The Oklahoman reported.

Owner Olympia Renewable Platform LLC has hired a contractor to remove broken blades from seven towers and topple a couple of others topped with burned-out generator nacelles. The company assured the repair work could begin next month and take 20 to 30 days to complete, depending on wind conditions.

Dozens of wind turbines in the complex have been locked down and aren't part of the cleanup plan.

Oklahoma Corporation Commission officials have determined that the dilapidated wind towers are dangerous to the public, which had easy access to the scene until Olympia erected temporary fencing around it.

The complex was developed and owned by a subsidiary of a South Korean company until it went bankrupt.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Cubans risked their lives fleeing to Miami through the Florida Straits with a Cuban population in the United States today of more than 1 million. The U.S. instituted a trade embargo without stopping Cubas trade with other nations.

Americans who kind of like the communist regime have submitted to propaganda through written articles or visits to Cuba with strict rules amounting to blindfolds. They speak of constantly improving living conditions; the Cuban refugees, who know the truth, speak of political imprisonment, hunger and oppression around every curve. President Barack Obama eased the embargo to the joy of a benefited military and rich powermongers, while President Donald Trump undid the deal that improved nothing for the poor.

The U.S.-Cuba history has been a fairly long one, with Teddy Roosevelt leading a charge with his Rough Riders up Cubas San Juan Hill in 1898 in the Spanish-American War. We won the war and freed the Cubans from Spain. We are for freedom now, surely one reason many of the protesters are wearing American flags. Even though Cubas president has already sent out gun-wielding police to make things worse and blames us for the bad conditions of the moment, we exported more than $175 million worth of goods, including medicine and food, to Cuba in 2020.
Four newcomers were elected to the Council of the Cherokee Nation during a run-off election Saturday, according to unofficial totals from the Cherokee Nation Election Commission. Theyll join four Council incumbents who were re-elected and a fifth newcomer who was elected during the June Cherokee Nation General Election.

The four elected during the July 24 runoff include Candessa Tehee of District 2, Joshua Sam of District 7, Melvina Shotpouch of District 10, and Johnny Jack Kidwell for an at-large Tribal Council seat.

Tehee finished with 367 votes or 50.48 percent of votes cast in District 2.

I am honored and grateful for the support Ive received over the course of this election, Tehee said. My family and I want to thank everyone who made this possible. I look forward to serving all Cherokee citizens as the District 2 Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor, as we build a strong and united future together.

Sam received 638 votes or 51.79 percent of votes cast in District 7.

I want to thank all of my Cherokee friends and neighbors for their support in this campaign, Sam said. Now that the election is over, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Tribal Council to make District 7 a better place to live for all Cherokees.
Regina Edwards enjoyed living at Vista Shadow Mountain Apartments  until she didnt.

Edwards, 59, was one of more than 100 tenants at the south Tulsa complex who had until Friday to get out because conditions had gotten so bad the city wouldnt let them stay.

Like I said, I like it at the Vista, I like it out here, Edwards said. Its just a lot of things need to be changed. First of all, they need to fix it up and get this mold out of here. A lot of people have had bed bugs, a lot of people have had mice, stuff like that.

Stuff like that also included tenants living without walls and floors, and water being shut off for days at a time. At one point earlier this month, the entire complex was set to be shuttered if the owners did not pay a $108,000 past-due water bill.

They finally paid the bill, and the water stayed on. But then in came city inspectors, who cited the complex for numerous violations of the citys building maintenance and fire codes and ordered residents out by Friday.

After five years, it was time for Edwards to pack up and leave.

Im just kind of excited to move, to just go, because I have had enough, she said.
Special meeting: Catoosa Public Schools board of education has a special meeting set for 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Among the listed agenda items is the potential hiring of an interim superintendent to succeed Alicia ODonnell. The outgoing superintendent submitted a letter of resignation to the board July 8 and her last day with the Rogers County district is slated for Sept. 2.

School supply distribution dates: School supply distribution dates are set for four suburban school districts Johnson-OMalley Programs.

JOM is federally funded program that provides culturally appropriate supplemental educational opportunities and resources for Indigenous students based on community feedback.

Part of the Osage Nations JOM Program, Skiatook will host a drive-through distribution event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Newman Middle School. Parents of new students are asked to submit copies of their childs tribal citizenship card, enrollment verification and JOM student form to Osage Nation JOM Coordinator Avis Ballard prior to Saturdays event.
If the person providing the proper documentation for the 75% provides the information that they are the 75% owner and shows residency in Oklahoma for the last two years, Watkins said as an example, it becomes extremely difficult to try to determine if that documentation is not correct when everything appears to be in full compliance with Oklahoma law.

Investigations of an administrative or even criminal nature may begin with a review of licensing documentation. For example, OMMAs publicly available list of dispensaries reveals the same email address, which is tied to a law firm, appears on 95 different business entries. Meanwhile, the same persons name appears in the OBNDDs database on records for 11 medical marijuana businesses.

Things that need to be fixed

For Pauls Valley-based growers Reid Colley and Joe Hendrix, its clear Oklahomas medical program would require government agencies to adapt. They said they were pleased to learn OMMA and OBNDD are formalizing an agreement, pointing out Oklahomas medical industry is also still adjusting three years later.

But the problem is when you dump this workload on politicians where their goal might not be about thinking of developing a medical program, Colley said. So you get a lot of things that need to be fixed.
Saint Francis Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma announced Monday that they have reached a new agreement, heading off a possible split that would have affected thousands of the health insurers members.

We are pleased to reach a new agreement that allows our members to continue receiving in-network care at Saint Francis, Dr. Joseph R. Cunningham, president of BCBSOK, said in a joint statement issued by the two sides.

We look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship.

Had no agreement been reached by July 29, Saint Francis, the states largest health care provider, would no longer have been part of the BCBSOK network.

The two had attempted to agree on a new contract by April 30, the original deadline, but failed, with both sides blaming the other.

The new agreement is for three years, officials said.

The future of health care is changing as are the relationships between hospitals and health plans, said Dr. Cliff Robertson, Saint Francis president and CEO.
Durbin said in excess of 450 licensed businesses could be affected by these investigations, based on a review of public OMMA business logs. He notes that the same email address associated with a law firm  with no apparent connection to Windler  is listed as OMMAs point of contact for several hundred medical marijuana business operations.

He called that pattern a red flag and encouraged businesses to look into whether their legal counsel or industry consultant is listed as the point of contact for other OMMA licensees. Durbin, who represents OMMA-licensed businesses, said the standard is for the client to retain control of OMMA communications by providing the agency a direct email rather than the legal representations contact.

The OMMA remains part of the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Asked about Durbins post on Friday, OSDH spokeswoman Rachel Klein said, We are aware of, and continue to monitor, the situation and will take appropriate steps when necessary.
The scientific survey of 547 Oklahomans statewide was conducted on behalf of Advancing Oklahoma, a consortium of five nonprofits with the financial support of Paycom.

Among other things, the survey found that 81% of Black respondents said they have been the target of racism compared to 26% of whites, and that 81% of Blacks said they had witnessed racism directed at someone else, compared to 54% of whites.

Standing that last data point on its head means 46% of white Oklahomans said they have never witnessed racism.

In the workplace, African Americans were far less likely to say they felt supported or that their opinions mattered.

As a result, only 56% of Blacks, 61% of Hispanics and 62% said they were happy at work, compared to 80% of whites.

The data from the survey is being used in an online education series for the five participating nonprofits: Leadership Oklahoma, The Oklahoma Academy, the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice, the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

Janetta Cravens, vice president of programs for the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, said she is encouraged by the discussions the data has prompted.
Oklahoma is about to go on a multibillion-dollar spending spree, but theres a catch  actually, several.

Oklahoma, like other states, has already doled out hundreds of millions of federal dollars on COVID-19 response efforts through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act approved by Congress last year.

State leaders, however, have another reservoir of money to spend thanks to a new relief package  the American Rescue Plan Act  that President Joe Biden signed into law in March.

The new law will send about $1.9 billion in direct funds to the state along with several hundred million more going out to cities, counties and smaller communities.

This is an opportunity for the state of Oklahoma with an amount of money we have never seen before, said Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston.

But as lawmakers begin to look to the public for guidance, there are tight restrictions on where the money can be spent, when it can be spent and who authorizes the spending.
DEVE, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovo observed a day of mourning with flags at half-staff and parliament postponed its session Monday in memory of 10 Kosovars who died when their bus crashed in Croatia.

The bus carrying 65 passengers and two drivers swerved off a highway while traveling from Frankfurt, Germany to Kosovo early Sunday. Authorities said the driver who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash had briefly fallen asleep and lost control of the vehicle.

Kosovos Foreign Ministry said one person remained hospitalized with injuries in serious condition, 15 were in stable condition and 26 had been released.

Many of them, especially the children, had the experience of horror written on their faces, Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla-Schwarz wrote on Facebook after returning from Croatia.

The other driver was one of the people killed, according to his brother. Ilir Sylmetaj said his brother, Naser, had been driving for two decades and for the last year worked with the travel agency that organized the bus trip. He left behind a wife and three sons.
Across the United States, COVID hot spots are emerging and, as evidence suggests, the spread of COVID-19 is happening far quicker in unvaccinated communities. The U.S. is now averaging more than 26,000 new COVID cases per day, with hospitalizations and deaths increasing by the day.

Across states like Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas, daily cases have more than doubled compared to two weeks ago.

On a now-daily basis, the Oklahoma State Health Department is reporting an increase in new COVID cases. Just last week, Oklahomas 7-day average of daily COVID cases spiked over 700 for the first time in months.

And just as weve seen the number of cases tick up, so have hospitalizations. Oklahomas hospitalization rate for COVID is up 253% since June 29th.

Should hospitalizations continue, there will be a significant strain on both rural and urban hospitals  something our health care professionals lived through once during the height of the pandemic and shouldnt have to live through again.

Some may ask, Why do I need to get vaccinated? I feel healthy and my risk is low. Whether youre young or old, healthy or infirm, rural or urban, being fully vaccinated helps stops the spread of COVID-19 and protects you and those in your community from the complications of COVID.
Vietnams Da Nang City authorities have decided to suspend the operation of Tho Quang Fishing Port for one week for epidemic control, following the detection of 19 coronavirus cases.

The decision was made by Le Trung Chinh, chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, at a meeting on Sunday to review COVID-19 prevention and control missions.

Accordingly, the fishing port will cease operations for seven days starting from 3:00 pm on Monday, during which agencies concerned will disinfect the entire port and carry out other epidemic prevention measures.

Chinh requested the port management to promptly notify the public of the temporary closure of the port to prevent the arrival of vessels.

It will resume operations after seven days provided authorities are capable of controlling the infection cluster at the port, the citys leader said.

The 19 coronavirus cases were detected after local health authorities tested around 13,000 samples within 24 hours from 1:00 pm on Saturday.

Currently, Da Nang has reported two high-risk infection clusters, including the fishing port and Da Son Slaughterhouse, where four COVID-19 cases were recorded several days ago.

On Monday, all people related to the infections at the port and the slaughterhouse, and all fish traders at markets be tested for the coronavirus, chairman Chinh required.

At the same time, all direct contacts of the COVID-19 patients must be put under home quarantine, the leader added.

Da Nang now has a reserve of 300 tons of seafood, which is possibly enough to meet local demand for a week, the chairman confirmed.

As the largest fish port in central Vietnam, Tho Quang is not only a dock for fishing vessels throughout the region, but also a large fish market for traders from Binh Dinh to Ha Tinh Provinces.

Da Nang authorities have applied urgent epidemic prevention measures since July 22 to stall COVID-19 spread.

Within 24 hours from Saturday afternoon, the city documented 32 infections, including five cases with unknown sources, local authorities reported.

On Monday morning, the Ministry of Health confirmed 2,708 new coronavirus cases, including 1,714 in Ho Chi Minh City and 27 in Da Nang.

The latest cases have brought the countrys tally to 101,173, including 19,342 recoveries, as recorded since early 2020.

Since April 27, when the pandemics fourth wave began in Vietnam, the nation has registered 97,421 domestic cases.

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Many retail outlets in Ho Chi Minh City have decided to close five hours earlier than normal every day starting Monday, as a response to fresh outdoor travel restrictions imposed by local authorities.

Such adjustment has been made after the municipal administration banned residents from going outdoors from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am the next day, from Monday until further notice, as part of the measures to reduce surging COVID-19 infections.

Many retailers of food and other essential goods have said they will open 30 minutes or one hour earlier and shutter by 5:00 pm, instead of 10:00 pm previously.

Specifically, many supermarkets will operate between 6:30 am and 5:00 pm.

As the travel curbs begin at 6:00 pm, a number of retail stores said they will even shut down earlier, by 4:00 pm, to enable their staff to get home before the effective outdoor travel restriction time.

A representative of AEON Vietnam said that it has informed customers that it will close earlier than normal so both employees and customers can go home before 6:00 pm.

Meanwhile, MM Mega Market Vietnam said that it will cease business by 5:00 pm and open at 6:30 am, 30 minutes later than before.

VinMart and VinMart+ have also announced the new operation time, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, applicable to their 500 outlets in Ho Chi Minh City.

Similarly, the same working hours will be adopted at MEATDeli stores in the city.

Along with such early closures, supermarkets have planned to increase mobile sales and boost online trading to meet the demand of customers, given the outdoor travel restrictions and other epidemic prevention measures.

City authorities have been enforcing control rules under the prime ministers Directive 16, including the closure of non-essential businesses and services, a stay-home order, a ban on gatherings larger than two people, and the suspension of public transport.

Accordingly, residents are completely prohibited from going out, except for seeking medical treatment and buying food at designated points.

Since early 2020, when the pandemic erupted in Vietnam, the city has documented over 62,900 COVID-19 cases, including more than 14,700 recoveries and 561 deaths, the municipal Center for Disease Control reported on Monday morning.

Nationwide, the total number of patients has so far reached 101,173 cases, including 19,342 recoveries, according to the Health Ministrys data.

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Crews and officials battling a large fire that has incinerated more than 190,000 acres (77,000 hectares) in northern California braced for the possibility on Sunday that smoke columns could spawn lightning storms capable of igniting more blazes.

The swarming Dixie fire in Butte County, north of Sacramento, gained ground on Saturday and was only 21% contained as of Sunday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The Dixie fire joined with another one nearby on Saturday night, and firefighters have struggled to contain the blazes that have triggered evacuations in several communities.

"There is a high probability for the smoke columns to develop what we call a pyrophoric (cloud)," fire behavior analyst Dennis Burn said in a video message posted on the Facebook page of Lassen National Forest.

Large fires like the Dixie fire and Oregon's Bootleg fire, a massive blaze that has blackened more than 408,000 acres and was 46% contained as of Sunday, can at times generate their own weather, like lightning storms.

With the Dixie fire encroaching, the Plumas County Sheriff's Office issued mandatory evacuation orders for the eastern shore of Lake Almanor where "personnel are conducting door to door notifications."

An evacuation shelter was established in the city of Susanville, and five other areas were placed under evacuation warnings.

In Oregon, crews battling the Bootleg fire faced the "warmest and driest" day for the next several days, fire officials said in an update on Sunday.

More than 2,200 personnel were combating the Bootleg fire, officials from an interagency task force said.

"Evacuations are dynamic," the officials said, publishing an interactive map with warnings such as "Go (Leave immediately)" and "Be Set (Prepare to leave at a moment's notice)."

The Bootleg fire is one of more than 86 large active wildfires in 12 states that have charred more than 1.4 million acres in recent weeks, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho.

The conflagrations in the U.S. West, marking a heavier-than-normal start of the wildfire season, have coincided with record-shattering heat that has baked much of the region in recent weeks and caused hundreds of deaths.
Members of Vietnams 15th National Assembly on Monday afternoon re-elected Pham Minh Chinh as the countrys prime minister for the 2021-26 tenure.

The election was conducted during the NAs first session, which is scheduled to take place in Hanoi from July 20 to 28.

Chinh garnered a 96.99 percent approval rate after all of 484 attending delegates voted for him.

A resolution on the election was then adopted.

During a televised ceremony, PM Chinh swore allegiance to the nation, people, and constitution, asserting that he will exert efforts to complete the missions assigned by the Party, the State, and people.

Born in 1958 in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa, Chinh was elected as prime minister for the 2016-21 tenure on April 5, replacing Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who took office as state president.

From February 2016 to April 2021, Chinh was the head of the Communist Party of Vietnams Organization Commission, which is charged with nominating and approving the appointment of officials across the country.

He was named Deputy Minister of Public Security in August 2010 after being promoted to the lieutenant general rank one month earlier.

Chinh served as secretary of the Party Committee in northern Quang Ninh Province for the 2010-15 term.

The politician earned a PhD in law in 2000 after starting his work at the Ministry of Public Security in 1996.

He was a first secretary at the Vietnamese Embassy in Romania in 1989.

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Nguyen Xuan Phuc has been re-elected as Vietnams state president during the ongoing session of the 15th National Assembly in Hanoi.

NA deputies cast their ballots to select the countrys state president for the 2021-26 tenure on Monday morning.

A resolution on the election was adopted with all 483 deputies present, or 96.79 percent of the total lawmakers, voting yes, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The newly-elected state president then took the oath of office under the national flag and in front of the NA and voters nationwide.

I swear allegiance to the nation, people, and constitution, and will make an effort to complete the missions assigned by the Party, the State, and people, Phuc said during the televised ceremony.

He also submitted lists of candidates for the election of the prime minister, vice-state president, chief justice of the Supreme Peoples Court, and chief procurator of the Supreme People's Procuracy.

Delegates are scheduled to vote for the prime minister on Monday afternoon.

Born in 1954 in central Quang Nam Province, Phuc assumed office as prime minister on April 7, 2016.

The National Assembly passed a resolution to relieve Phuc as prime minister at the end of his five-year term on April 2.

He was elected as state president for the 2016-21 tenure on April 5 to replace Nguyen Phu Trong, who took over from Tran Dai Quang as state president on October 23, 2018, after the latter passed away on September 21, 2018.

Phuc previously served as deputy prime minister from August 2011 to April 2016.

He was deputy secretary of the Quang Nam Party Committee and chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee from 2001 to 2006 before ascending the ranks at the central government level.

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People in Ho Chi Minh City will be banned from going outdoors from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am the next day from Monday until further notice as part of the citys restrictions to reduce surging COVID-19 infections, according to chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong.

Chairman Phong declared the travel restrictions at a meeting on Sunday evening.

All activities in the city will be suspended, save for emergencies and pandemic missions, the official underlined.

The municipal administration will issue an official document to detail the implementation of the new restrictions on Monday, Phan Van Mai, standing deputy secretary of the municipal Party Committee, said in another meeting earlier on Sunday.

On July 23, along with its extension of social distancing measures, introduced in late May, from Saturday until August 1, the administration also decided to tighten restrictions.

Such restrictions will be applied together with other epidemic control rules under the prime ministers Directive 16, including the closure of non-essential businesses and services, a stay-home order, a ban on gatherings larger than two people, and the suspension of public transport.

Accordingly, residents are completely prohibited from going out, except for seeking medical treatment and buying food at designated points.

In high-risk areas, all households are required not to go out for food purchase as the local government will supply necessities to each of them.

Ho Chi Minh City has spent 55 days implementing social distancing at various levels since May 31 but the Delta variant proves too stubborn, Mai said.

Infections have shown no signs of slowing down in Vietnam, with 7,525 locally-infected patients logged nationwide on Sunday after a record was set at 9,225 domestic infections on Saturday, according to the Ministry of Healths data.

Ho Chi Minh City accounted for 4,555 of the latest cases, followed by Binh Duong Province with 1,249 and Tay Ninh Province with 313.

Since the fourth COVID-19 wave began in Vietnam on April 27, Vietnam has registered 94,717 domestic cases in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities. Ho Chi Minh City is on top with 60,425 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 8,010, Bac Giang Province with 5,735, Long An Province with 3,856, Dong Nai Province with 2,216, Dong Thap Province with 1,959, and Bac Ninh Province with 1,719.

By comparison, Vietnam confirmed 106 community cases in the first wave from January 23 to April 16, 2020, 554 in the second from July 25 to December 1, 2020, and 910 in the third from January 28 to March 25, 2021.

The health ministry reported 1,755 recoveries on Sunday, bringing the total to 19,342 recovered patients. The death toll remains at 370.

The nation has overall recorded 96,287 domestic and 2,178 imported cases since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it on January 23, 2020.

More than 4.5 million vaccine shots have been administered to medical workers, teachers, factory workers, and other frontline staff since Vietnam rolled out inoculation on March 8.

About 372,000 people have been fully vaccinated.

The Vietnamese government expects to obtain 175 million shots of various vaccines, including 51 million Pfizer-BioNTech jabs, by early 2022.

It set a target of immunizing two-thirds of a population of nearly 98 million people against COVID-19 by the first quarter of next year.

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Police in northern Vietnam are investigating a case where a group of three girls hit and insulted another girl while another boy and girl filmed the entire incident at a rented room last week.

The victim, V.T.H.T., a 15-year-old girl from north-central Thanh Hoa Province, reported her case to police on Saturday and was taken to Hung Ha General Hospital in Hung Ha District, Thai Binh Province for examination and treatment.

Police officers then summoned Nguyen Thi Thu H., 17, Nguyen Thi Mai H., 14, and Tran Thi Minh Th., 16, all residing in Hung Ha District, and Pham Van L., 16, hailing from northern Ha Nam Province.

At the police station, Thu H. and Mai H. said that they started renting one of 34-year-old local Dinh Thi Thanhs rooms on July 16.

Upon Thu H.s invitation, Th. visited the rented room with T.s company on July 19.

After Th. and T. got into a dispute on the evening of July 22, Th., Thu H., and Mai H. used hands, legs, shoes, and a belt to hit T.

They forced T. to suck on a towel, took off all of her clothes, and poured laundry detergent onto her body.

The three girls asked L. and Tran Ngoc N., 16, living in the same district, to record the torture with their smartphones.

After that, the group of five went out and locked T. inside the room.

Fearing that she would be beaten again, T. climbed through the window ventilator of the room to escape.

When the group of five returned to the room at around 10:00 pm on the same day and could not find T., Thu H. and Th. used their smartphones to upload the torture video on Facebook and shared with a number of friends.

Local police have expeditiously investigated the incident to handle it according to regulations.

Meanwhile, the victim will be transferred to a centralized quarantine facility in Hung Ha District as per the provinces COVID-19 prevention regulations for arrivals from other localities, according to Bui Van Huan, deputy director of the Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs of Thai Binh Province.

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The Ministry of Health confirmed over 7,800 local COVID-19 cases in Vietnam on Monday, with almost 6,000 logged in the economic hub Ho Chi Minh City.

Thirty-two provinces and cities registered 7,859 locally-infected patients while 23 separate infections were imported from abroad, the health ministry said.

Eight hundred and eighty-seven cases were found in the community whereas the remainder were detected in isolated areas or centralized quarantine facilities.

Ho Chi Minh City documented 5,997 of the new domestic infections, Binh Duong Province 733, Dong Nai Province 259, and Tien Giang Province 201, Dong Thap Province 135, and Hanoi 81.

The latest locally-acquired infection jump is the second-sharpest so far, after a record was set at 9,225 patients on Saturday.

Since the fourth COVID-19 wave began in Vietnam on April 27, the nation has registered 102,576 domestic cases in 62 out of 63 provinces and cities.

Ho Chi Minh City is in the front with 66,422 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 8,743, Bac Giang Province with 5,735, Long An Province with 3,856, Dong Nai Province with 2,475, and Dong Thap Province with 2.094.

By comparison, Vietnam confirmed 106 community cases in the first wave from January 23 to April 16, 2020, 554 in the second from July 25 to December 1, 2020, and 910 in the third from January 28 to March 25, 2021.

The health ministry reported 2,006 recoveries on Monday, taking the total to 21,344 recovered patients. The death toll has increased to 524, with 154 added the same day.

The nation has overall recorded 104,146 domestic and 2,201 imported cases since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it on January 23, 2020.

Health workers gave 77,967 vaccine doses today.

More than 4.6 million jabs have been administered to medical workers, teachers, factory workers, and other frontline staff since Vietnam rolled out inoculation on March 8.

About 390,000 people have been fully vaccinated.

The Vietnamese government expects to obtain 175 million shots of various vaccines, including 51 million Pfizer-BioNTech jabs, by early 2022.

It set a target of immunizing two-thirds of a population of nearly 98 million people against COVID-19 by the first quarter of next year.

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The Hanoi Lung Hospital in Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi found eight inpatients, one doctor, and one nurse infected with the novel coronavirus through COVID-19 testing on Sunday.

The Hanoi Center for Disease Control (HCDC) confirmed the hospitals test results on the evening of the same day.

The hospital is still looking forward to the HCDCs confirmation of four additional suspected infections, including one inpatient, one medical staff member, and a patients family member.

Local authorities and the hospital have asked its visitors to proactively practice isolation, monitor their health conditions, and contact medical units if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.

Contact tracing has also been urgently carried out at the hospital.

The source of infection has not been identified yet, according to Dr. Pham Huu Thuong, director of the hospital.

The hospital leaders have planned to seek permission from the steering committee for COVID-19 prevention of Hai Ba Trung District to lock down its entire campus.

The institution has also stopped receiving new patients from 6:00 pm on Sunday.

Sundays COVID-19 testing at the Hanoi Lung Hospital, with 400 samples collected, was prompted by the infection of L.T.T.L., a 24-year-old woman from Tay Ho District, who had been in treatment at the infirmary from July 6 to 22.

After being discharged from the hospital in a normal condition on July 22, L. visited Phuong Dong General Hospital in Bac Tu Liem District over a fever on Saturday.

She took a rapid COVID-19 test at Phuong Dong General Hospital, with the result returning positive for the virus.

As another test using the real-time RT-PCR method conducted by the Vietnam National Childrens Hospital affirmed the positive result on Sunday morning, the HCDC informed the Hanoi Lung Hospital of the case.

Vietnam had documented 101,173 COVID-19 cases by Monday morning, with 10,342 recoveries and 524 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country has recorded 97,421 local infections in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities, including 903 cases in Hanoi, since the fourth outbreak began on April 27.

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Move over SBS, now ABC has a British history series Joanna Lumleys Britain.

No doubt filmed during travel restrictions, this is a three part series on home soil.

After a lifetime of travels that have taken her across the globe, Joanna Lumley is making her most personal journey yet. Over three episodes, she travels from the Yorkshire Dales to St Michaels Mount, from the Highlands of Scotland to the cobbles of Coronation Street, retracing old steps, meeting inspiring people, and exploring the wonders of the country she calls home.

Episode 1:

Starting at Tilbury Docks in Essex she heads north, making a nostalgic return to Coronation Street, before ending the journey in Whitby.

Sunday, 8 August, 7.40pm on ABC.
A TV adaptation of Two Hands from Gregor Jordan, plus new dramas on Lawyer X and a haunting in Surry Hills are amongst new TV drama projects funded by Screen Australia.

Screen Australias Head of Development Nerida Moore said, Screen Australia is really proud to be supporting this impressive mix of projects. This includes fresh genre-bending comedies Home and Our Haunt, and beautiful romantic drama 10 Moments that will bring together 10 chapters from a great team of exciting creative voices. Its also wonderful to support more childrens content with Big Serious Studios Goo Zoo set to invite children into the world of microbiology as part of the companys aims to deliver more STEM content for kids.

In the 2020/21 financial year Screen Australia received 397 Story Development applications across the Premium and Generate Funds, providing funds to a total of 83 projects.

TV projects as follows:

Detective Cooper

Goalpost Television and Quizzical

Genre Crime, Mystery

Writers James McNamara, Amy Jephta

Story Editor Malla Nunn

Producers Kylie du Fresne, Nimrod Geva, Rosemary Blight

Synopsis Adapted from Malla Nunns novels  a detective with a dangerous secret, a Zulu constable linked to the resistance, and a German surgeon tortured by loss unite to defy an all powerful police force and solve murders in Apartheid South Africa.

Laugh Of Lakshmi

Felix Media Pty Ltd

Genre Drama, Musical

Director S. Shakthidharan

Writer S. Shakthidharan

Producer John Maynard

Executive Producer Bridget Ikin

Synopsis Separated during Sri Lankas civil war, a mother and son are re-united in modern day Sri Lanka.

Lawyer X

Fremantle Australia Pty Ltd

Genre Drama

Writer Sarah Walker

Producer Carly Heaton

Executive Producer Chris Oliver-Taylor

Synopsis A Shakespearean epic of power and betrayal, Lawyer X is about a woman who wanted everyone to remember her nameand they will.

Our Haunt

Daniel Ashley Reisinger

Genre Comedy, Drama, Horror, Mystery

Directors Daniel Reisinger, Ben Howling

Writers Daniel Reisinger, Yolanda Ramke, Ben Howling, Romina Accurso

Producer Daniel Reisinger

Synopsis When a hapless couple buy an old Surry Hills terrace to do-it-up, they find this haunted house wants to do them in. Unable to afford to leave, theyre forced to become bumbling investigators of the previous occupants murders (all while choosing the perfect wallpaper).

Song Of The Sun God

Dragonet Films Pty Ltd (and Synchronicity Films UK)

Genre Thriller, Family saga

Writer Olivia Hetreed

Producers/Exec Producers Karen Radzyner, Claire Mundell

Executive Producers Olivia Hetreed, Shankari Chandran

Story Consultant Shankari Chandran

Story Producer Ruth Underwood

Synopsis A gripping contemporary emotional thriller based on the breathtaking novel set across Australia, Britain and Sri Lanka, that plunges us into the loves, lies and misdemeanours of the close-knit Rajan family, whose story is entangled in Sri Lankas dangerous political history. Its set against the fallout today of decades of conflict between the Tamil and Sinhalese communities, derived in no small part from the islands colonial history. For ex-pat Leela, Sri Lankas controversial 2019 elections, an ocean away from her home, will create unimaginable impact on her quest to find her missing aunt.

The Hive

Magpie Pictures Pty Ltd

Genre Drama, Mystery

Writer Angela Betzien

Script Producer Blake Ayshford

Producer Lois Randall

Co-Producer Rebecca Ingram

Story Consultant Rhoda Roberts

Synopsis Adapted from the novel The World Without Us by Mireille Juchau  when human remains are discovered in a burned-out van on land that once belonged to a utopian community, a mother and daughter must confront the secrets that have silenced them.

Two Hands (Working Title)

Macgowan Films Pty Ltd and Fremantle Australia

Genre Comedy, Drama, Crime

Director Gregor Jordan

Writers Gregor Jordan, Melissa Bubnic, Gretel Vella, Sarah Bassiuoni, Greg Haddrick, Meyne Wyatt

Producers Marian Macgowan, Justin Davies

Executive Producers Tim White, Chris Oliver-Taylor

Synopsis Television adaptation of the hit Australian film Two Hands.
Tyler, TX (75702)

Today

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
The study found that more than half of U.S. citizen migrant children living in Mexico were underinsured, and the situation is even more stark for those living in urban settings and along the border. Sharon Borja, assistant professor, UH Graduate College of Social Work

While attending a conference at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in Mexico City several years ago, Sharon Borja was struck by the story of a young man who, as a child, joined his parents repatriating to their native country of Mexico. Like millions of Mexican immigrants, the family had called the United States home for years, and having been born in the U.S., he was an American citizen. Walking one day in his newfound urban Mexican neighborhood, a couple carrying a wooden stick approached him on the street and encouraged him to do the same, Borja recalled the man sharing.

The stick was for protection against all the stray dogs, said Borja, an assistant professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. He grew up in America and was in a new country for the first time and didnt understand the various challenges. His story sparked my interest in investigating other hurdles U.S. citizen migrant children face when accompanying their parents back to Mexico, including lack of adequate health insurance.

More than a million Mexican nationals and their families that returned to Mexico from the United States in 2015 fueled in part by the Great Recession limiting job opportunities and increased deportation. Among them were 550,000 U.S.-born minors.

An analysis of more than 36,000 of those minors, published in the peer reviewed journal Health Affairs, found that nearly 54% were underinsured. The situation was even more stark in urban settings, where 80% of U.S. citizen migrant children had limited, inadequate insurance. Among the children who lived in Mexican states near the U.S. border, 65% suffered the same fate.

For the study, underinsured was defined as those who reported having no insurance or received coverage through public health services or private insurance, which offer narrower coverage, limited access to high-quality care, and modest protection from catastrophic health expenses compared to employment-based programs through Mexicos Social Security Institute.

We believe health care is a human right. Its a travesty that these U.S. citizen children are vulnerable to financial risk and delays in care and treatment. Many dont even think about this subgroup of at-risk kids, yet they are U.S. citizens who moved to another country, likely not by their choice, said Borja, lead author of the research paper. These circumstances elevate their risk for lifelong disparities in health and productivity compared with their counterparts who stayed in the U.S.

The study also revealed that parents level of education and living with an employed mother were associated with a higher likelihood of having the superior employment-based coverage. In addition, the likelihood of having such coverage is reduced by 59% for U.S. citizen migrant children in border states compared with those in other areas.

Although Mexico established a form of universal health care in 2020 called Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar (INSABI), or the Institute of Health for Well-being in English, it faces insufficient funding and does not cover all health conditions, according to the researchers. Regardless, access is guaranteed only for those with proof of citizenship or legal residency. Fewer than half of U.S. citizen migrant children in Mexico in 2015 reported having Mexican citizenship, further putting them at risk for delayed medical care, particularly when there is no alternative to prove eligibility.

The findings underscore the need for transborder health policies that address the growing place-based inequity in health coverage, according to the study authors. They recommend the following solutions:

Reintegration policies, including assistance to revalidate education and training obtained abroad, to help ease the transition of returning migrants and their families to Mexico.

Expedited dual-citizenship application process to facilitate receipt of health and social protection programs; a U.S.-Mexico bilateral agreement to recognize birth certificates from either country as proof of dual citizenship could further simplify the registration of U.S. citizen migrant children in programs such as INSABI, as these documents already bear their parents nationalities.

Exempting U.S. citizen migrant children who reside in the 80 Mexican municipalities within approximately 60 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border from automatic suspensions of Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefits to ensure uninterrupted care via telemedicine and in-person consultation with U.S. health care providers.

Creation of a workgroup within the Comision de Salud Fronteriza Mexico-Estados Unidos (U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission) to help monitor the health status and needs of U.S. citizen migrant children.

Other authors of the research paper include Jodi Berger Cardoso, University of Houston; Pedro Isnardo De La Cruz, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; Krista Perreira, University of North Carolina; Natalia Giraldo-Santiago, University of Houston Ph.D. candidate; Martha Virginia Jasso Oyervides, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila.

The researchers acknowledge that the evolving geopolitical landscape of U.S.-Mexico migration and the recent implementation of INSABI could present a different picture now, six years after their data was collected. But with increased deportations during the Trump Administration, the numbers of U.S. citizen migrant children lacking adequate health insurance is likely even higher today.

We recognize that the implementation of cross-border health initiatives could be costly. But the long-term societal savings of investing in early childhood and ensuring timely access to high quality preventive care far outweigh the cost, wrote the researchers. Sustained political will and consistent commitment to invest in U.S. citizen migrant children, who are often an ignored segment of the population, are needed so that they do not become out of sight and out of mind.
Alabama doctor describes how sick COVID patients 'beg' for the vaccine but she can only hold their hand and tell them it is too late

Medical staff member Gabriel Cervera Rodriguez raises his fist to celebrate after receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the United Memorial Medical Center on December 21, 2020 in Houston, Texas. Go Nakamura/Getty Images

Amid rising cases of COVID-19, doctors are begging people to get their vaccines.

One doctor said, "it's a choice between the jab or death."

But anti-vaxx trolls are attacking these people online, making them nervous to speak out.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Whilst COVID-19 deaths soar in the USA amongst unvaccinated people, doctors have been pleading with people to get their vaccines.

Dr Brytney Cobia, a doctor based in Alabama, made a heartfelt Facebook post this week - sharing the potentially life-saving importance of getting the COVID-19 jab when offered.

"I'm admitting young healthy people to the hospital with very serious COVID infections. One of the last things they do before they're intubated is beg me for the vaccine. I hold their hand and tell them that I'm sorry, but it's too late.

"A few days later when I call time of death, I hug their family members and I tell them the best way to honor their loved one is to go get vaccinated and encourage everyone they know to do the same. They cry. And they tell me they didn't know. They thought it was a hoax."

Read more: The anti-vax movement is killing people, and the right-wing media is egging it on

On Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama, who for much of the coronavirus pandemic resisted public-health measures, criticized her state's unvaccinated population.

"I don't know, you tell me," she said when asked what it would take to get more people vaccinated. "Folks supposed to have common sense. But it's time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks, not the regular folks. It's the unvaccinated folks that are letting us down."

Alabama has the fourth-lowest vaccination rate nationwide, according to a New York Times tracker.

Dr Cobia's post attracted a lot of attention, with many praising her candid approach to sharing the lessons she's learnt working as a doctor in the pandemic. However, others trolled her with insults and death theats - meaning she is now uncomfortable with giving any interviews to the media - reported an NBC reporter who tried to get in touch with Dr Cobia.

Story continues

Hateful messaging were even posted on the reviews section of Dr Cobia's Web MD page.

A screenshot of recent sham reviews of Dr Brytney Cobia, who is being trolled for begging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 Insider

Dr Catherine O'Neal - a doctor in Louisiana - echoed Dr Cobia's message in a news conference on 16 July: "I want to be clear after seeing what I've seen the past two weeks. We only have two choices: we are either going to get vaccinated and end the pandemic. Or we are going to accept death."

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A number of people on Twitter replied to the video of Dr O'Neal's pleas, slamming it as "propaganda," and that the Delta variant was "released" in order to re-up fear of COVID-19.

Currently, 40% of COVID-19 cases in the USA are in just three states - Texas, Florida and Missouri - with low rates of vaccinations, with1 in 5 cases in Florida alone.

Now, as the cases of COVID rise at an alarming rate - with 63,818 new cases recorded in the USA on July 22 - previously vaccine-hesitant Republican senators are urging people to get their jabs.

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Lt. Col. Kitefre Oboho, a 2002 alumnus of the University of North Georgia (UNG), has assumed command of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. The Ranger Regiment is one of the elite special operations forces of the U.S. military.

"Obviously, I didn't get here by myself. My wife gets a lot of credit, and my friends and family," Oboho said. "It's an incredible opportunity and an incredible team accomplishment. And the next step is to lead these Rangers with the dignity and character that they deserve."

Oboho said his experiences in the Corps of Cadets' "leadership laboratory," which included his introduction to Army Rangers, inspired him and still defines him today.

"The advantages of being at UNG, like the high pedigree of instructors and mentors that I had, is the foundation of who I am today," he said. "If I hadn't been at UNG, if I hadn't interacted with those people, and lived in that culture, I think I'd be hard-pressed to be where I am today."
Another Western army is leaving a fragile, landlocked region. But whereas the United States has pulled its troops out of one country, Afghanistan, France is walking away from five, argues Faisal Al Yafai in his article Euractiv. To surprisingly little fanfare, France has announced it is ending Operation Barkhane, its almost decade-long military intervention in the Sahel.

France has had troops in the Sahel, a belt of countries stretching along the edge of the Sahara, for over eight years. What started as an attempt to stop Mali being overrun by jihadis has morphed into a military operation spread across five countries, with more than 5,000 French troops. Ostensibly, the French are there to stop militant groups fighting a long-running, low-level insurgency across the region, one that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced two million people. But in reality, French troops have functioned as the personal army of Sahel governments.

The intervention is unpopular, both in the region, where French involvement is resented as a colonial hangover, and at home, where French casualties have extracted a political cost. Emmanuel Macron himself seemed to understand that reality when he said in June that France could not substitute itself forever for the states of the region.

In some ways, making the decision to leave was the easy part. France now faces the same dilemma the US did in Afghanistan: how to remove troops from the country without the swift collapse of the governments they had spent years guarding.

France originally tried to win the war by force, seeking to replicate the 2007 US surge strategy in Iraq. Last year, it sent an additional 600 troops to the region, hoping to clear a path that would allow local forces to take control. There were some bright spots  Al Qaedas chief in North Africa was killed  but the price was bloody. Last year was the single worst for civilian casualties since Frances entry in 2013; nearly 7,000 civilians were killed.

Now, France is looking for a way out, and is eyeing Americas Afghan strategy of getting allies to do most of the work in protecting the government from outside attacks. A new Takuba task force will replace Operation Barkhane; it will be made up of 600 troops, half of whom will come from European Union countries.

It is a risky strategy, both for the Sahel and for Paris. Macron hopes to remove the Sahel intervention as a source of criticism ahead of next years French elections. But how a contingent of hundreds is meant to achieve what thousands of troops could not, has not been explained.

There is, moreover, the public mood to consider. The largest non-French contingents in Takuba are Swedish, Estonian and Czech soldiers; all from countries that have little link to the Sahel and whose publics will be very sensitive to casualties. The Swedish parliament has only approved the deployment until the end of this year.

Without French troops, the Sahel might resemble another Western war: this time, Libya, an invasion that ended with foreign influence flooding in.

That already appears to be the case, with the familiar figure of Russia waiting in the wings to step in and protect Sahel governments from militants. The past year has seen two major events in the region  and in both cases, there are reports of Russian involvement.

The first, in August last year, was the military overthrow of Malis president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, mid-way through his second five-year term in office. The second was the sudden death of Chads president, Idriss Deby, who had been in power for three decades. Chad is the headquarters of Operation Barkhane and Macron was the only Western head of state to attend his funeral  which was held even as the rebel soldiers who had carried out the attack that killed Deby were threatening to march on the capital.

Taken together, the net result is that two long-time French allies are no longer in power, and two formerly stable governments are now in flux. Macron, who is sensitive to the criticism that France is more comfortable with strongmen leaders in Africa than with genuine democracy, is having to perform an unhappy balancing act, welcoming Debys son to Paris in early July while insisting the military junta he leads must transition to civilian rule.

Reports of Russian involvement in both events are sketchy and could well be overstated. Britains The Times newspaper reported the Chadian rebels that killed president Deby were trained in Libya by Russian mercenaries attached to the shadowy Wagner Group. Germanys public broadcaster, DW, suggested two of the architects of the Mali coup spent a year at a military college in Russia.

What is certain is that, quietly, Russia has expanded its relations in the region over the past four years, inking military cooperation deals with three Sahel countries. Russias Wagner Group also operate in Libya and the Central African Republic, countries bordering Chad north and south.

Russia has already demonstrated the ability of its mercenaries to fight rebels and protect the government in the CAR. From the perspective of the CAR government, it has done so without lectures on democracy and without colonial baggage. (The civilian perspective is rather different: just last week, the Kremlin was forced to deny its military instructors in the country had killed civilians and looted homes.)

When French troops finally leave, the Sahel governments, still fragile, and in Mali and Chad even more fragile than before, will still need foreign troops to protect their tenuous hold on power. How long before they look south to the CAR and seek the help of Moscow? As in Afghanistan, the exit of Western troops will just open the door for the Russians.
Diplomats the world over blinked in disbelief on Tuesday, July 13 when the news broke that the previous evening Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had phoned Israels newly elected president, Isaac Herzog, to offer his congratulations. The surprise was all the greater when it emerged that the call between the two presidents had lasted 40 minutes. Eurasiareview reports that for the past thirteen years relations between Turkey and Israel had been  to say the least  rancorous.

As self-proclaimed champion of the Sunni Muslim world in general, and the Palestinian cause in particular, Erdogan had lost no opportunity to castigate, censure and berate Israel. His ire was especially roused by Israels incursion into Gaza in 2008 in its effort to stop Hamas firing rockets indiscriminately into the country. It culminated in his venomous attack on Israels then-president, Shimon Peres, at the Davos conference in January 2009. The Mavi Marmara affair in 2010  categorized by Erdogan as an armed Israeli attack on a humanitarian convoy, but about which much remains to be explained  soured relations between Turkey and Israel for six years. Diplomatic ties were restored only in 2016. Two years later, in 2018, when the US recognized Jerusalem as Israels capital and moved its embassy there from Tel Aviv, Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel, and Israel followed suit.

The landmark Abraham Accords were perceived by Turkey as an overwhelmingly negative development. Erdogan condemned the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for abandoning the Palestinian cause, and threatened to suspend diplomatic ties although he never quite got round to doing so.

Thirteen years of sour Turco-Israeli relations  and yet trade between the two nations grew exponentially over the period, quite regardless of the political dissensions. In 2008 bilateral trade between Turkey and Israel stood at $3.4bn. Year-on-year expansion followed, and by 2020 it had doubled to a record $6.8 bn.

Moreover the thirteen lean years arose on the foundation of 50 years of friendship, cooperation and flourishing trade. In March 1949 Turkey was the first Muslim country to recognize the State of Israel. Cooperation grew between the two nations. Over the years trade and tourism boomed. Before the end of the century the Israel Air Force was practicing maneuvers in Turkish airspace and Israeli technicians were modernizing Turkish combat jets. Projects involving collaboration in high-tech and in water sharing were developed. In May 2005 Turkeys prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Israel. In November 2007, four months after being elected President of Israel, Shimon Peres visited Turkey for three days and addressed its Grand National Assembly  perhaps the high point in Turco-Israeli relations. They then unraveled pretty swiftly.

By the fall of 2020 Turkeys international standing was in the doldrums. The US presidential election was in full swing. Trump may have turned a blind eye to Erdogans anti-Kurd land grab in northern Syria, but Biden had expressed his sympathy for the Kurds. Even Trump had drawn the line at Turkey, a member of NATO, acquiring the USs state-of-the-art multi-purpose F-35 fighter aircraft, while already purchasing the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft system designed specifically to destroy aircraft like the F-35. Trump ejected him from the F-35 program and imposed sanctions. Biden, long opposed to Erdogans power-grabbing activities in Syria, would certainly not reverse that.

Neither Trump nor Biden favored Erdogans military interventions in Libya or in the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, both pretty obviously designed to extend Turkish influence in the region. Erdogan had also attracted the displeasure of the EU by continuing to explore for gas in what is internationally recognized as Cypriot waters. After months of acrimonious exchanges, in December 2020 the EU actually imposed targeted sanctions on Turkey.

Turkeys relations with Egypt had been frozen solid ever since 2013, when Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Morsi was ousted by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Erdogan, a life-long adherent of the Brotherhood, expelled Egypts ambassador, and Sisi reciprocated.

Erdogan and his advisers must have realized that a reassessment of tactics was called for, if he was to achieve his strategic objective of extending and stabilizing Turkeys power base across the Middle East. Out of what must have been a root and branch analysis came a plan to address the problem  Turkey would embark on a charm offensive, involving an apparent rebooting of relationships with one-time enemies, opponents or unfriendly states, including Israel.

On December 9, 2020, after a gap of two years, Turkey appointed a new ambassador to Israel, albeit one with a track record of anti-Israel sentiment. Then in a press conference on Christmas Day, December 25, Erdogan declared that Turkeys intelligence relations with Israel had not stopped; they continue, and that our heart desires that we can move our relations with them to a better point.

Israel treated the developments warily. The media reported that at a meeting held on December 30, Israels then-foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi decided to send quiet feelers to Ankara to assess how much weight to attach to them. It is difficult also to determine whether there is any truth in media rumors that the Turkish intelligence service had been holding secret talks with Israeli officials about normalizing relations.

Then came the Erdogan-Herzog phone conversation. It occurred, commented the Atlantic Council, against a backdrop of a notable decrease In Turkey of the anti-Israel rhetoric usually spouted by the states elites, feeding conspiracy theories and antisemitism. Additionally, the Atlantic Council has noted the recent appearance of many news articles supporting the need for reconciliation. These are important signs, it comments, that create a positive atmosphere, similar to the one that existed around the time of the 2016 normalization deal [following the Mavi Marmara affair].

Official accounts of the presidential conversation report the leaders agreeing on the importance of ties between Israel and Turkey, and the great potential for cooperation in many fields, in particular energy, tourism and technology. They agreed also to maintain contact and ongoing dialogue despite differences of opinion, with the goal of making positive steps toward a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which will also contribute to the improvement of Israeli-Turkish relations.

Is this the renewal of a beautiful Turco-Israeli friendship, or an astute move by Erdogan to further his political ambitions? It could be both. To reap the potential benefits and sidestep the potential hazards, Israel will need to proceed with caution.
The Agile Spirit 2021 multinational exercise has kicked off in Georgia today.

2,500 troops from 15 NATO allied and partner countries are scheduled to take part in Agile Spirit 2021, a Georgian Defence Forces and US Army Europe and Africa cooperatively-led, joint multinational brigade-level exercise, incorporating a simulated command post exercise, field training, and joint multinational, battalion-level combined arms live-fire exercises.

Other participating countries are Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and Azerbaijan.



This year is the first in which a combined multinational airborne operation with participation from Georgia, the United Kingdom, and Poland will take place.



Also, for the first time, special operation forces from Georgia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Romania, and Poland will perform combined operations at the Sorta training area.

Agile Spirit is a Georgian Defence Forces and US Army Europe and Africa cooperatively-led, joint multinational brigade-level exercise, incorporating a simulated command post exercise, field training, and joint multinational, battalion-level combined arms live-fire exercises.
The ruling party of Turkey urged Armenia not to follow the lead of the circles encouraging the country to provocate in the region. Spokesman for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Omer Celik on his Twitter page stated that the aggressive policy of Yerevan will not bring any benefit to this country.

"Armenia should not engage in self-deception and succumb to the rhetoric of circles encouraging it to provocations similar to the one that took place in the direction of the Kalbajar district of Azerbaijan," he wrote.

The deputy chairman of the AKP strongly condemned the actions of the Armenian Armed Forces, which led to the death of an Azerbaijani soldier on the border of the two countries the day before.

"Yerevan's aggressive policy is a threat to peace in the region. The responsibility for the consequences is also borne by the forces that induce Yerevan to take such actions. These forces will definitely not support Armenia when a proper answer is given. Armenia's situation will only get worse," he said.

Celik also recalled the initiative of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to form a mechanism for dialogue and cooperation between the countries of the region. "If Armenia refuses to aggressively acts, it will be able to become a part of this mechanism. Yerevan should not lose this historic chance and comprehensively assess the calls of the leaders of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Otherwise, this country will face new problems. Armenia cannot jeopardize regional peace. This will not be allowed."
The Boeing-737 plane operated by Belavia, which was en route from Minsk to Antalya, successfully landed at Moscow Domodedovo Airport after sending an emergency signal, an aviation source said.

"The Belavia flight B29215 en route from Minsk to Antalya has landed successfully at Domodedovo," TASS cited the source as saying.

According to the source, the plane landed at Domodedovo with only one functioning engine.

On Monday, the Boeing-737 passenger plane operated by the Belarusian air carrier Belavia en route from Minsk to Antalya sent an emergency signal while flying over the Belgorod Region. The plane was bypassing Ukraine, and after sending the SOS signal, it descended and changed course first to Voronezh and then to Moscow. There are 197 passengers and seven crew on board.
The next MAKS international aerospace show will be held in Zhukovsky outside Moscow in July-August 2023, a spokesman for the events administration said on Sunday.

"The sixteenth international aerospace show will be held in Moscows Zhukovsky in July-August 2023," the spokesman said, adding that the MAKS air show had been put "on the list of international fairs of defense-related products to be held in Russia in 2023."

According to the spokesman, preparations for the next air show have already begun. "Organizers of international aerospace shows, the Russian ministry of industry and trade, and the Rostec state corporation, as well as the Aviasalon company, the organizer of air shows, held talks with potential participants and partners during the air show," TASS cited him as saying.

Apart from that, Aviasalon will continue its activities in the online format, "using all the possibilities of the air shows official website, Telegram channel and accounts in social networks," the spokesman added.

The MAKS 2021 international aerospace show was held in Zhukovsky outside Moscow from July 20 through 25. According to its organizers, the show was visited by 135,020 people. As many as 831 companies from 56 world nations took part in its business program, including in the online format. A total of 202 aircraft took part in the demonstration program. A 265 billion rubles ($3.59 billion) worth of contracts were signed during the show.
Tunisia faced its biggest crisis in a decade of democracy on Monday after President Kais Saied ousted the government and froze parliament in a move which appeared to be backed by the army.

It follows months of deadlock and disputes between Saied, a political independent, Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and a fragmented parliament as Tunisia has descended deeper into an economic crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi, the head of the Ennahda party which has played a role in successive coalitions, decried it as an assault on democracy and called on Tunisians to take to the streets in opposition.

The move came after a day of protests against the government and Ennahda, the biggest party in parliament, following a spike in COVID-19 cases and growing anger over chronic political dysfunction and economic malaise.

It poses the greatest risk to Tunisia's stability since the 2011 revolution that triggered the "Arab spring" and ousted an autocracy in favour of democratic rule, but which failed to deliver sound governance or prosperity.

Supporters of both Saied and Ennahda gathered outside parliament early on Monday, some of them exchanging insults and throwing bottles, Reuters reported.

Crowds numbering in the tens of thousands backing the president stayed on the streets of Tunis and other cities, with some people setting off fireworks, for hours after his announcement as helicopters circled overhead.
The U.S. government provided Tajikistan with 1.5 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine doses represent humanitarian assistance from the United States for the people of Tajikistan and arrived on Monday, July 26. This donation builds upon the $9 million in assistance the United States has provided to Tajikistan to combat COVID-19 since March 2020.

The vaccines are delivered to Tajikistan through the COVAX facility, which in March 2021, provided 192,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Tajikistan through funds also provided partially by the U.S. government.

The United States has already given $3.5 billion in assistance to COVAX in order to supply the world with vaccines, making the United States the largest contributor worldwide to defeating this virus.
Civilian casualties in Afghanistan in the first half of 2021 reached record levels with over 1,659 people killed and 3,254 others wounded, according to a UN agency.

The rise is mainly due to a spike in violence in May that corresponded with the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

In a new report issued on Thursday, the United Nations warned that without a significant de-escalation in violence Afghanistan is on course for 2021 to witness the highest ever number of documented civilian casualties in a single year since the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) records began.

The UNAMA's Afghanistan Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict Midyear Update 2021 documents 5,183 civilian casualties (1,659 killed and 3,254 injured), a 47% increase compared with the same period in 2020, the report noted.

Women and children made up close to half of all civilian casualties in the first half of 2021 at 46%, according to the report. Thirty-two percent were children, with 468 killed and 1,214 wounded. Fourteen percent of civilian casualties were women, with 219 killed and 508 wounded, the report said.

"Of serious concern is the acute rise in the number of civilians killed and injured in the period from 1 May, with almost as many civilian casualties in the May-June period as recorded in the entire preceding four months," the report read.

Much of the battlefield action during the most deadly months of May and June took place outside cities, in areas with comparatively low population levels.

The UN is gravely concerned that if intensive military action is undertaken in urban areas with high population densities, the consequences for Afghan civilians could be catastrophic.

"I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed of the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians. The report provides a clear warning that unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed," said Deborah Lyons, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan.

The UN envoy, who is also the head of UNAMA called on the Taliban and Afghan leaders to, "Intensify your efforts at the negotiating table, stop the Afghan against Afghan fighting. Protect the Afghan people and give them hope for a better future."
Earning a doctorate at the age of 27, and now a postdoc at Washington Bothell University, Huynh Thi Thanh Tra is one of only a few former students at the HCMC University of Education who has gone far in physics teaching methodology.

Huynh Thi Thanh Tra

In Vietnam, adults tell their children that only education can help change the lives of people, and that you should become a doctor, an engineer or a businessman. But there is little advice about becoming a scientist.

"Like many other Asian children, I knew that I needed to study, not just for me, but also for my parents and my family. I needed to become their pride and all that I knew was studying, with no break or thinking whether I liked my school and what I wanted to become.

"But now, that child can understand the unconditional support from my family, though my parents and the family are not really clearly aware of what I am doing. I have learned a lot about who I am, what I can do, and what I want to be. I am eager to learn, share and listen to the life experiences of people around me, she said.

Tra's statement was part of a speech she gave when the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) chose her as the person of the month last May.

AAPT, established in 1930, with its head office located in College Park, Maryland, US, has more than 10,000 members.

PhD student

Tra excelled at all subjects at primary and secondary schools. She began studying physics when she was in the sixth grade. One day, after she got bad marks from a physics school work, she decided that she needed to study more.

When she was in the 8th and 9th grades, she became better at physics and liked the subject. Later, she passed the exam for the physics majoring class at Le Quy Don High School in Khanh Hoa province.

I liked the way teachers explained and I understood the important role of the teachers. We could see the fun and attractiveness of physics thanks to the teachers way of communication, she said.

That was why Tra decided to study physics education at the HCMC University of Education.

When she was in the third and fourth years at the school, Tra, like other students, had opportunities for internships at high schools in the city.

It is enjoyable to stand before students in the class and explain physics matters to them. However, I believe that one needs to have a lot of skills and knowledge to become a good teacher. Helping students get success doesnt only mean helping them understand theories and make calculations, but also helping them obtain significant experiences at high school, and helping them foster their worldview and improve themselves, she said.

She wanted to study physics education methodology for her doctoral study, because it is where she could find the answers to her quest.

Tra got more information about opportunities to study for a doctoral degree in physics education methodology from teacher Nguyen Dong Hai, who has a doctorate from the Physics Faculty at the University of Kansas.

Hais advice really encouraged me. I began thinking about studying this major at the postgraduate education level, but I still had some worries about living and working in an unfamiliar country, she recalled.

When she was in her fourth year at university, Tra joined a student exchange program with Mie University in Japan. The two-week trip to Japan gave her a lot of support.

After the trip, I felt that I was ready for new experiences of studying and working outside Vietnam. And I started preparing for my study abroad after returning from the program, she said, adding that it seemed a bit late to begin preparing for overseas study in the last year at university.

Earning a doctorate from the University of Kansas at the age of 27, and now a postdoc at Washington Bothell University, Huynh Thi Thanh Tra is one of only a few former students at the HCMC University of Education who has gone far in physics teaching methodology.

According to Hai, in 2015, Tra and other students applied for a doctorate at University of Kansas. However, in February 2016, he was informed that all the three students introduced by Hai were not admitted.

However, in April 2016, Hai unexpectedly received an email from Tra who informed him that she had been admitted for a PhD, when the school enrolled students for the second campaign after it could not find enough candidates in the first campaign.

Inspiring person

Tra made the most of the precious opportunity. In November 2020, she successfully defended her PhD dissertation in physics teaching methodology at the University of Kansas.

Tra said she likes exploring different research orientations, which is one of her strong points.

Many people think researchers work alone. But actually, most of the scientific works are from the brains of many research members of groups. Being able to connect and work in groups with different researchers is one of my strengths.

Tra has built a network in the physics education study community via seminars and conferences, such as AAPT.

As a Vietnamese living and working in the US, I want to study, learn, and connect with my community. Working as a researcher on educational methods, I find my new task and role is to contribute to the fight for equality for the next generation of students, she said.

Phuong Chi

Vietnam takes a big step forward in international publications in social sciences About 10 years ago, a mathematician said that Vietnam did not yet have social science study works. The comment seemed to be a bit harsh, but it did make sense, especially when it comes to international publications.
The Ministry of Health on July 26 decided to withdraw dispatch 5944 only two days after its issuance because of inappropriate content.

Twelve out of 26 products named in the appendix of the controversial dispatch 5944. Photo: Hanoimoi newspaper.

Upon its issuance, dispatch 5944 on strengthening and preventing Covid-19 with traditional drugs and products from medicinal herbs caused a stir as it was accompanied by an appendix of 26 products that are said to have the effect of supporting the treatment of Covid-19.

The list had names of products such as Thai Duong nose and throat spray, hand sanitizer gel, Sao Thai Duong's Kovir capsule, Nhat Nhat blood circulation support medicine, Ngan Kieu syrup, Ve Khi Khang, etc., with instructions of use. Sao Thai Duong company has 5 products in this list.

The Kovir capsule product is noted to be capable of preventing and treating diseases caused by viruses, has immunity enhancement, and immunomodulation in viral diseases.

However, the Department of Science, Technology and Training of the Ministry of Health said that this product is in fact a product to support the treatment of Covid-19 and is still under tests of phase 2. On the market, the price for this product has increased about 10 times to VND1 million/box.

When asked why the Ministry of Health announced details of the products in the appendix of dispatch 5944 and if this a form of "designation of contractors", Nguyen The Thinh, Director of the Department of Traditional Medicine Management, Ministry of Health, said that these drugs are sponsored by enterprises, and were not for bidding.

Thinh also confirmed that Nhat Nhat blood circulation support medicine is not effective in treating Covid-19.

The dispatch was issued by the Ministry of Health in the context of the complicated development of the Covid-19 epidemic in Vietnam. After it was published, there was a scarcity and the increase of prices of some drugs.

Earlier, the Ministry of Health allowed the trial of xuyen tam lien in treatment of Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms. The Traditional Medicine Administration was assigned to coordinate with the Department of Science, Technology and Training to implement a clinical trial program on a certain number of Covid-19 patients, and then report to the Experts Council for further evaluation. If it is effective, xuyen tam lien will be used in Covid-19 treatment on a large scale.

Thuy Hanh
Within five days, nearly 12,000 people from Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces affected by the Covid-19 pandemic rode motorbikes back to the Central Highlands provinces of Dak Lak and Dak Nong to avoid the disease.

Chairman of Dak R'lap District of Dak Nong Province Phan Nhat Thanh told VietNamNet that in recent days the number of people from the southern provinces passing through the epidemic checkpoint stationed at Cai Chanh slope, Dak Ru commune had increased suddenly.

According to Thanh, on July 21-25, nearly 12,000 people, mainly traveling by motorbike, passed the checkpoint to go to Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces.

On July 25 alone, about 5,000 people from the epidemic areas in Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Province passed the checkpoint. Severe congestion occurred there as the number of people waiting for body temperature check and other procedures was very high.

Before returning home, we had a negative test for SARS-CoV-2," said a person who was waiting to fulfill procedures at Cai Chanh slope checkpoint on July 25.

However, this large gathering of people raised concerns about the risk of infection in the community. The traffic police of Dak Nong Province Police assigned a group of officers to guide the people who return to their hometown in Dak Lak province, on a route of about 150km long.

For those who returned to Dak Nong's districts and cities, the authorities separated them for testing and quarantine while waiting for testing results.

Tran Thi Minh Ly, from the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Dak Lak province, said the department was working on a plan to welcome citizens returning from southern provinces to avoid the epidemic.

Nguyen Cong Tu, Director of Dak Nong Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said that his agency had discussed with counterparts of the epidemic-hit provinces and cities on this issue and they had replied that workers should not return home from epidemic-hit areas to avoid disease spread.

Some said that neighboring provinces of epidemic-hit localities should quickly have plans to welcome their citizens back to restrict the risk of infection in the community.

On July 21-25, nearly 12,000 people, mainly traveling by motorbike, passed the Cai Chanh slope checkpoint to go to Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces.



A police car escorts people to Dak Nong Province.







D.Nguyen
So far, Vietnam has had a total of 524 deaths related to Covid-19, accounting for 0.52% of the total number of infections (101,173 positive cases).

Illustrative image.

The Ministry of Health on July 26 announced an additional 154 Covid-19-related deaths recorded in recent days.

Ten provinces and cities recorded Covid-19 related deaths, including Ho Chi Minh City (129), Dong Thap (9), Long An (7), Can Tho (2), Khanh Hoa (2), Ninh Thuan (1), Bac Ninh (1), Tra Vinh (1), Kien Giang (1) and Dong Nai (1).

Some medical experts said that the Covid-19-related death rate in Vietnam could increase compared to the previous period due to a number of reasons.

Firstly, in the previous waves of epidemics, the outbreaks were mostly in industrial zones in some northern provinces like Hai Duong, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang... The majority of the infected people were young, healthy workers. Some outbreaks in the community were controlled early, when the number of patients was not too high.

In that situation, the health system was not overloaded. Doctors and nurses could still spend a lot of resources on severe cases. Some patients with severe multi-organ failure complications were still saved.

However, in this 4th wave of pandemic, the number of positive cases is very high. Infected people include the elderly, children, people with chronic diseases, acute diseases... The elderly are the group with a very high risk of fatality. When the number of patients is too high, the number of patients in severe conditions also increases, and thus medical resources are not ensured as in the previous period.

By the morning of July 26, there were 130 patients in severe conditions, including 17 critically ill patients who needed ECMO intervention.

Nguyen Lien
Several personnel changes have been announced to reflect the growing and expanded role of Virginia Techs Office of Government Relations.

Chris Yianilos, who has served Virginia Tech as its lead government relations officer since 2013, has been promoted to vice president for government and community relations.

In addition, Elizabeth Hooper, who has served as the universitys director of state relations since 2013, will become associate vice president of government and community relations. She will remain engaged in state liaison work and expand into community and federal relations.

Rebekah Gunn, who has served as assistant director of government relations since 2019, will become director of government relations and Roanoke community relations. Her new duties reflect the growing presence Virginia Tech has in the greater Roanoke Valley.

A search will soon be launched for a director of local government and community relations in the New River Valley to maintain the strong partnerships the university has with the community surrounding the Blacksburg campus.

In 2019, the Office of Government Relations was tasked by President Tim Sands to lead the universitys community relations efforts in Northern Virginia, and with this announcement, the team will engage more deeply in similar work in Roanoke and the New River Valley.

The government and community relations team has been an instrumental strategic partner in several major endeavors at the university, said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. From the Innovation Campus, to the growth of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, to the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, and many others, this team has been invaluable to the university. Their work is a critical component in continuing to move the university forward, and I am pleased that these new roles will provide additional ways for the team to serve the university.

Yianilos, who joined Virginia Tech in 2009, leads a team which represents the university before federal, state, and local government officials. In addition, the Office of Government and Community Relations closely monitors legislation and agency actions, facilitates interactions with university administrators and faculty in support of university initiatives, and cultivates relationships with elected and appointed officials to keep them informed on issues and initiatives important to the university and higher education.

Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Yianilos worked for more than a decade with U.S. Senator John Warner as his deputy chief of staff, legislative director, and legislative counsel. He also worked for the Hon. David A. Faber, U.S. District Judge in the southern district of West Virginia.

In 2010, Yianilos established the Virginia Tech Capitol Hill-focused internship program, Hokies on the Hill. This model experiential learning program offers students an opportunity to work in Washington, D.C, gain a full semesters worth of academic credit while interning on Capitol Hill, and participate in small classroom seminars focused on real-world, timely policy topics. Yianilos will continue to lead the program, which has launched the policy careers of several Virginia Tech graduates.

Yianilos received his bachelors degree from Virginia Tech and a law degree from Washington & Lee Universitys School of Law.

Hooper joined Virginia Tech in 2010 and was named director of state relations in 2013. She received her undergraduate degree from Radford University and a graduate degree from Virginia Tech.

Gunn joined government relations in 2019 after serving as vice president of public policy for the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce. She had previously worked in North Carolina government and earned her undergraduate degree in political science from North Carolina State University.
Medicare enrollment class Thursday

A free Medicare information class is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Heart of Texas Council of Governments, 1514 S. New Road.

The class will answer questions for anyone approaching the Medicare eligibility age of 65 and assist in the enrollment process.

Call 292-1843 for more information.

Back-to-school picnic

Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival presents its second annual community barbecue and back-to-school picnic from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at Dewey Community Center, 925 N. Ninth St.

Guests will enjoy a fresh summer meal and backpacks stuffed with supplies for the school year.

Baylor Singing Seniors gospel festival

Baylor Singing Seniors will present A Gospel Fest: Singing the Good News at 6 p.m. Sunday.

The concert will be at First Baptist Church of McGregor, 700 W. Sixth St.

Greater Zion hosts grocery giveaway
In McCrackens ward in particular, basement flooding is another big issues. She was glad to see the city put a retention pond near her home, which she hopes solves some of the issues. She credited Klein for being one who stood up for that.

She likes the citys strategic plan, but believes its not being followed.

I dont see where any of those goals were met, she said. We hired a consultant to talk about our next strategic plan, but I havent heard any talk about including any of the goals from the first strategic plan where the goals were never met. ... Those are the kind of things that I think are wasteful.

McCracken, who is involved in Waterloo Rotary and volunteers at nonprofit organizations, hopes to find ways to add family-friendly amenities to the city, and wants to see Crossroads Mall built back up with local businesses similar to what College Square in Cedar Falls has done.

I dont think that I have all the answers, she said. I dont think that I have any of the answers, really. I think that I have a mindset where I can be creative and take everybodys thoughts into consideration when making decisions.
Last years fair took place but was closed to the public because of COVID. This year, activities are open to the public, she said. Were trying to get back to a normal year. Entries are down a little, and thats disappointing, but people are trying to get back into the swing of things.

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There are 223 exhibitors in livestock and non-livestock programs during the fair. A king and queen will be crowned at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Pepsi Pavilion. The queen competes at the Iowa State Fair.

Livestock exhibits will feature beef cattle, goats, horses, llamas, poultry, sheep, swine and rabbits. A dog obedience class, pet show and horse shows are planned, along with a bike rodeo, family games and pedal tractor pull, art workshops, horticulture displays and more.

Kids raise and care for their animals and learn to lead them on halters so they are comfortable coming into the arena, Muniz explained.

Other exhibits will feature the arts, including painting and photography, sewing and clothing construction, fashion and much more.
Vaccine verification also will be required in jails, homeless shelters and other places where people congregate, Newsom said. It's not clear who will pay for the tests.

Richard Louis Brown, president of the largest state employee union, said it's still seeking details about the plan. Newsom offered no information about how the requirement might affect the large number of state employees who work from home, said Brown, whose Service Employees International Union Local 1000 has about 96,000 members.

Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, professor of medicine and public health at the University of Southern California, said the announcement will nudge both employers who have been unsure about a vaccine requirement and workers who haven't gotten the shots.

If the vaccine is required, theres going to be a lot more people who are going to get vaccinated," he said. They're not necessarily against vaccination  they havent felt the motivation, and theyre not concerned about getting infected.

But if their boss requires it, many have said, Yes, I will get vaccinated, Im not going to risk my job,' Klausner said.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The top health official in Los Angeles County on Thursday implored residents to get vaccinated as the LA area sees a coronavirus surge similar to last summers, while authorities in three San Francisco Bay Area counties urged employers to enforce mask-wearing for any workers who havent received shots.
United States (501.9 million euros), United Kingdom (338.2 m), Japan (270.8 m), Germany (167.4 m), and Italy (146.8 m).

Country

Luxembourg

Belgium

Switzerland

Hong Kong

Sweden

Denmark

United Kingdom

Australia

Norway

Singapore

Netherlands

Austria

Finland

New Zealand

Italy

Japan

Germany

Ireland

United Arab Emirates

United States

Canada

Spain

Portugal

South Korea

Taiwan

South Africa

Russia

Mexico

Nigeria

China  / person

14.70

12.20

10.87

6.13

5.32

5.10

4.96

4.89

3.64

3.32

2.94

2.84

2.60

2.52

2.43

2.15

1.99

1.93

1.85

1.51

1.38

1.28

0.88

0.57

0.55

0.26

0.24

0.12

0.06

0.03

Since Champagne exports have been in the news recently, I thought that we might look at which countries preferentially drink the stuff. We are sometimes told about the top Champagne export markets, in terms of total value. For example, the AAWE recently listed these countries as the top markets for 2020:But this does not really tell us much, because the USA has 5 times as many people as the UK, and 2.5 times as many as Japan, so we expect greater imports of most things. So, this does not tell us much about the relative propensity for drinking Champagne, among these countries' denizens. What we need to do is look at how much the people are spending, individually. We do this by working out the price being paid per person, not per country.My data for the population size of these countries comes from Worldometer . I simply divided the AAWE numbers by the Worldometer numbers. This leads to the country rankings shown in the graph. Each point represents one of the top 30 Champagne-importing countries, ranked horizontally by total value (million euros) and vertically as value per capita (euros per person).The correlation between these two rankings is not high (0.25), indicating that the price per person is very high in some places, even if the total volume imported is small.For example, note that the #1 importer (the USA) drops to 20th place per person, while Luxembourg jumps from 29th for total volume to 1st per person. Indeed, Luxembourgers spend 10 times as much on Champagne as those cheap Americans; and the Belgians and Swiss do not do too badly for themselves, either. The full list of per capita expenditure is included at the bottom of this post.Note that other large importing countries also move down the rankings after accounting for population size, such as China. On the other hand, some smaller countries move up the list, notably Sweden, Denmark and Norway  those Scandinavians certainly do themselves well for sparkling wine.Some countries hardly change ranking, of course, including Australia, the Netherlands, and Taiwan. Interestingly, the people of Hong Kong spend nearly twice as much per person on Champagne as do the Singaporeans. There might be a message there, although I am not sure what.We could, of course, compare this per-capita Champagne list to the AAWE list of overall per-capita expenditure on wine. The latter list places most of the same countries at the top of the ranking, including Switzerland, Belgium, the Scandinavian countries, and the United Kingdom. However, Luxembourg is nowhere to be seen, and instead we have Slovenia. So, the Luxembourgers must specialize in Champagne, while the Slovenians apparently prefer some other sparkling wine, instead. Perhaps the Luxembourgers celebrate more often than do the rest of us? Perhaps there is something wrong with the local Cremant de Luxembourg?Anyway, recent reports note that: Booming Champagne could reach pre-Covid levels by year-end , along with: Sparkling, pricier wines lead in retail sales . Unlike the rest of the wine industry, things seem to be looking reasonably good for the sparkling-wine makers in eastern France, even if those Champenois are annoyed with the Russians , just at the moment, and the organic farmers are having trouble with downy mildew Per capita expenditure on Champagne in 2020:


Direct Retail Online Market Access via Marketech

Sydney, July 26, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Australia's leading alternative stock exchange, the National Stock Exchange of Australia Ltd (NSXA), today welcomes trading platform Marketech (www.marketech.com.au ) as the first online retail broking platform in Australia to offer direct market access to retail investors.The partnership represents a significant step in improving liquidity for emerging Australian companies listed on the tier 1 licensed exchange, allowing active traders to have real time visibility of the NSXA market via the Marketech platform.Beyond being a unique technology solution, Marketech CEO Travis Clark says this is an important initiative in helping offer a viable alternative for smaller emerging companies to access capital to fast track their growth."The NSXA plays an important role in the early stage investment sector by offering the next generation of emerging Australian venture companies access to much needed capital. However, for investors it has been a challenge to gain visibility and access to investment opportunities in these companies," Mr Clark said.This partnership brings the NSXA investment universe to online retail investors, with an affordable, high tech trading solution, connected to the CHESS settlement process, something that was previously only available through advice brokers.NSXA parent company CEO John Karantzis said "The NSXA has made a number of very significant technology upgrades in the last 12 months, with the connection to the Trade Acceptance Service (TAS) last November allowing fully automated trading and novated settlement on the NSX for the first time. The NSXA will benefit from direct market access, and we are pleased that Marketech is the first to be fully connected to the NSXA.""The addition of the Marketech online trading platform will improve liquidity and is another step towards our goal to become Australia's leading emerging and venture company exchange," Mr Karantzis said.While the rise of millennial and first time investors has generated much attention over the past 18 months, Marketech is focusing on an overlooked segment of the market - active and serious traders, providing market-leading trading tools and fairer fees to active investors."Giving investors greater access is core to Marketech's mission," Mr Clark said. "We are very focused on using technology to bring institutional level functionality to retail investors."Marketech has built a technology platform that uniquely caters for serious traders looking for high end functionality."For too long, these traders have had to either pay higher fees or put up with substandard technology that is not fit for purpose. Our technology and pricing structure is a game changer for this growing group of active traders," Mr Clark said.About Marketech (www.marketech.com.au)Marketech has been building online market and trading platforms in Australia for 20 years, with a focus on empowering traders through access to market leading data and tools. Marketech gives serious and active investors many of the premium features professional institutions rely on, through an easy-to-use interface combined with ultra low cost brokerage.About NSX Limited

NSX Limited (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.


Chair Transition

Melbourne, July 26, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Anatara Lifesciences ( ASX:ANR ), a developer of evidence-based solutions for gastrointestinal diseases in humans and animals, is pleased to announce the transition of Dr David Brookes from Non-Executive Director to Chairman. Sue MacLeman will continue on the Board, transitioning from Chair to Non-Executive Director.The Board determined that, having successfully steered the Company following its decision to focus on the development of products and technologies in the human health sector with a focus on gut health, the time was now right for Dr Brookes to transition to the role of Chair as the Company progresses towards clinical trials.CEO Steven Lydeamore said, "On behalf of the entire team at Anatara, I would like to acknowledge Sue's significant contribution to the Company as Chair over the past three years. Her transition to a Non-Executive Director role ensures we will continue to benefit from Sue's guidance as two separate human trials commence in the near future for our gastrointestinal complementary medicines GaRP and 3FDC."Dr David Brookes has extensive experience in the health and biotechnology industries, first becoming involved in the biotechnology sector in the late 1990's as a consultant. Dr Brookes has since held Board positions in a number of ASX listed biotechnology companies, including as Chairman of genomicssolutions company, RHS Limited, which was acquired by PerkinElmer Inc ( NYSE:PKI ). He is currently the Non-Executive Chairman of Factor Therapeutics ( ASX:FTT ), Non-Executive Director of Tali Digital Ltd(TD1.AX), and Non-Executive Director of Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd ( ASX:ILA ). Dr Brookes maintains an interest in practicing medicine as a Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and in biotech consultancy. He was the non-executive Chairman of the private Better Medical Group until that company's sale to private equity firm Livingbridge in January 2021.Commenting on his appointment as Chair, Dr Brookes said: "I am looking forward to the Chair appointment at such a pivotal time for Anatara, with the Company having made significant progress in developing evidence-based solutions for gastrointestinal disorders with an initial focus on the overall patient benefits to restoring gut homeostasis. The human trials are key next steps towards commercialisation of our products that are differentiated by an evidence- based approach to managing symptoms and disease modification. The unmet need is borne out by the wide range of products available for trial and error in the US$8+ billion gastrointestinal supplements and over-the-counter digestive remedies market.""I am very excited to oversee the active program we have in place particularly in the next 6 to 12 months that will progress the commercialisation of our health products, and to being able look at other opportunities to provide safe and effective solutions for gut health issues in humans and animals."About Anatara Lifesciences Limited

Anatara Lifesciences Limited (ASX:ANR) is developing and commercialising innovative, evidence-based products for gastrointestinal health where there is significant unmet need. Anatara is a life sciences company with expertise in developing products for animal and human health. Anatara is focused on building a pipeline of human gastrointestinal health products. Underlying this product development program is our commitment to delivering real outcomes for patients and strong value for our shareholders. For more information, please visit www.anataralifesciences.com.
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Sydney, July 26, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Join Ellis Martin for a conversation with Adam Smith, the Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Finance for Oroco Resource Corp ( CVE:OCO ) ( OTCMKTS:ORRCF ) (Oroco, founded in 2006, is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a history of and expertise in the development of resource opportunities in Mexico. Oroco is led by a management team with significant experience in exploration, discovery, development and operations in the mineral sector. The company's focus is on the confirmation and expansion of the historical resource of the Santo Tomas porphyry copper project in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Oroco has a controlling interest in over 8,900 hectares of contiguous mineral concession that cover and surround the known core of the Santo Tomas mineralized structure as well as the potential extensions of the historical resource to the north and south. This controlling interest increases as Oroco funds the additional exploration and development of the project.The company is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the Chihuahua State and Sinaloa State offices of the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources ("SEMARNAT") to conduct drill programs from a collective 55 approved drill locations in the Brasiles Zone and the North Zone of its Santo Tomas Project. While initial plans are for one hole per location, if warranted by results, the Company will be able to target different areas of the zone with multiple holes per location.The Chihuahua State office of SEMARNAT approved the Company's 46 drill locations, supporting 28-person camp, and access road network the Brasiles Zone. The program will test the Brasiles Gossan zone (identified in surface exposure and further defined by the 3D IP program) and the Western blind target identified by the 3D IP program.The Sinaloa State SEMARNAT office has approved a non-environmental impact 9 drill location program in the North Zone which is intended to confirm and expand the historical North Zone resource. While this approval does not allow for the construction of new roads, the deployment of light, highly portable drill rigs with helicopter support will offset this restriction. During this initial program, the Company will pursue the unified environmental impact assessment and change of land use permit, as recommended by SEMERNAT, which will allow for the construction of access roads, more drill locations and supporting infrastructure throughout the North Zone.To listen to the interview, please visit:About Oroco Resource Corp

Oroco Resource Corporation (CVE:OCO) (OTCMKTS:ORRCF) holds a net 73.2% interest in the collective 1,172.9 ha Core Concessions of the Santo Tomas Project in NW Mexico. The Company also holds a 77.5% interest in 7,807.9 ha of mineral concessions surrounding and adjacent to the Core Concessions (for a total project area of 22,192 acres). The Project is situated within the Santo Tomas District, which extends from Santo Tomas up to the Jinchuan Group's Bahuerachi project, approximately 14 km to the north-east. Santo Tomas hosts a significant copper porphyry deposit defined by prior exploration spanning the period from 1968 to 1994. During that time, the property was tested by over 100 diamond and reverse circulation drill holes, totalling approximately 30,000 meters. Based on data generated by these drill programs, a historical Prefeasibility Study was completed by Bateman Engineering Inc. in 1994.

The Santo Tomas Project is located within 160km of the Pacific deep-water port at Topolobampo and is serviced via highway and proximal rail (and parallel corridors of trunk grid power lines and natural gas) through the city of Los Mochis to the northern city of Choix. The property is reached by a 32 km access road originally built to service Goldcorp's El Sauzal Mine in Chihuahua State.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Amy Biehl High School seniors Isabella Campbell and Adrian Chavez have been chosen to participate in a paid virtual internship program with New Mexico Bank of America, a news release said.

The New Mexico Bank of America Student Leaders program lasts eight weeks and pays interns $17 an hour and a Chromebook laptop. The students will work with Junior Achievement of New Mexico, a nonprofit economic education organization, doing collaborative, mentor-focused projects, helping to generate grant funding, identify volunteer sources and communicate with donors, volunteers and other stakeholders of the organization. They will also take part in a virtual summit in partnership with the Close-Up Foundation to participate in Stanford Universitys Young Democracy at Home program.

Campbell and Chavez, the only two New Mexico students selected among 300 scholarship recipients nationally, both have above a 3.5 grade point average. Campbell has been actively involved with womens issues through her participation with Crossroads for Women, a comprehensive service for formally incarcerated women, for the past six years through the Girl Scouts. Here she was able to set up a virtual reunification project providing recording equipment to the women that enables them to send messages to their children and families. Chavez comes from a family of immigrants and has been active in his schools chapter of social justice reform organization New Mexico Dream Team since freshman year. He went with the team to Santa Fe to advocate before state representatives for immigration and LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice.

New Mexico Bank of America also provides internship grant funding for City of Albuquerques Ancestral Lands Conservation Corp Department Summer Youth Program, Exploras Career Pathways Initiative and United Ways Tax Help NM program.

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NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association of New Mexicos leadership is set to change this year with the retirement of the chapters president and vice president.

President Lynne Andersen and Vice President John Gallegos, a wife-and-husband team, will step down at the end of the year.

I think we just knew it was time to leave, she said. Were both older and weve done this for 20-plus years and its time for a change.

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Andersen , who has held her position for the past 26 years, said the leadership change could bring excitement and new ideas to the organization.

Theyre very good people, and theyre very well respected, said Lance Sigmon, incoming NAIOP chairman and Allen Sigmon Real Estate Group principal. Im going to personally miss them.

Sigmon said that Andersen and Gallegos have been advocates for the commercial real estate industry and have turned NAIOP into an influential organization that has a seat at the table for government decisions.

During Andersens tenure as president of the organization, which operates as a trade group for members of the commercial real estate industry, NAIOP grew from a chapter of 70 members to nearly 300 members.

(The chapter) evolved as the industry evolved, adding new services that address the needs of our members, she said.

The organization also bolstered its member services through monthly educational luncheons featuring regular speakers like the sitting mayor of Albuquerque and the sitting governor.

Andersen said that members extend across a variety of professions  from realtors, to architects to engineers and more  but every member, regardless of their profession, has a deep commitment to New Mexico.

These are hard-charging, competitive people, she said. But in Albuquerque, there is a sense that when these guys sit around the table with their competitors, theyre concentrating on whats good for the chapter and good for the state.

She said the commitment to the well-being of the state has allowed group members to come together in ways that benefit everyone.

They are just so intent on doing whats going to be good for the economy, for their businesses of course, but also for the community at large, she said.

Andersen and Gallegos will remain in their positions until December.

NAIOP is currently in the process of finding replacements.

Editors Note: An earlier version of this story included an incorrect spelling of Lynne Andersens name. The story has been corrected.
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Dear J.T. & Dale: I just graduated from college and was offered a full-time position with the company where I did an internship my senior year. My boss told me that my salary would be a certain amount. I started and didnt think much about it until I received my first paycheck, and I saw that I am not being paid what he promised. I went to him to inquire about it, and he said that he is sorry but he had misquoted the amount and that that is the starting rate and that he cant do anything about it for at least six months. I am really upset, because I was offered another position at more money, which I turned down. Is it OK for me to go to that other job and see if theyll still hire me and leave this one? How will that impact my career?  Logan

J.T.: The first lesson learned here is to always get an offer letter and to review it carefully. This entire thing could have been avoided if you had done that. Sadly, they dont teach this stuff in college. Now that your boss has made it clear that theres absolutely nothing he can do for six months, it is totally your right to go back to the other employer and see if they would consider hiring you. If they do, you can go to your boss and say youre sorry but youre going to have to take the other opportunity. I do believe it was your boss fault for allowing that to slide; and, honestly, it seems a little sneaky. Which is why perhaps going to the other employer is a better deal.

DALE: Yes, a little sneaky and more than a little lazy-rotten. This is telling you something critical about the state of your new employers management  either you have a boss who doesnt really care about you, or the entire organization is so bureaucratic that it makes caring about employees pointless. So I hope the other company still wants you and you can walk away thinking good riddance. If, however, that other offer is no longer an option, then you have a tough decision. Whatever you do, dont quit your current job  that will only make finding a new one harder. Instead, work at learning all you can while assessing the opportunities within the company. While doing so, keep up your job search, remembering ABL (Always Be Looking). Dont be concerned about a short tenure where youre at  this is a special case, and most everyone will give you a pass.

Dear J.T. & Dale: My company has just put in place a hybrid work strategy where were in the office two days a week and working from home three days a week. I am extremely grateful for that. However, in the past when we worked in an office, they had coffee, snacks and catered lunches. When we got back it was announced that there would be none of this anymore. It feels like theyre taking something away from us. Shouldnt they compensate us for this in some way?  Lucinda

J.T.: I would be careful about bringing this up. Studies show that people are saving as much as $7,000 a year in expenses by being able to work from home. Your employer is probably cutting because they are trying to keep the business profitable. You should know that some companies are thinking about reducing the salaries of employees who work from home because of the cost savings. In short, I would count your blessings and pack your own lunch.

DALE: Do NOT bring this up. I know from decades of talking with bosses that they universally hate it when employees whine or wheedle about perks: You try to do something nice, and you just get complaints. In fact, I could imagine a boss sarcastically replying to your complaint by saying, No problem  you come into the office every day while others work at home, and Ill buy you all the snacks you can eat. Happy?

Jeanine J.T. Tanner ODonnell is a career coach and the founder of the leading career site www.workitdaily.com. Dale Dauten is founder of The Innovators Lab and author of a novel about H.R., The Weary Optimist. Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2021 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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Democrats and Republicans have been negotiating the passage of a multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure bill.

The discussion is to use these monies to repair traditional infrastructure such as bridges, highways and airports in the U.S. However, a chunk of the proposed infrastructure monies in the deal between Democrats and Republicans should be invested in the international ports of entry on the U.S. border with Mexico.

In 2020, U.S.-Mexico trade totaled $538.1 billion, down from $614.5 billion in the pre-pandemic year of 2019 in which Mexico became the U.S.s largest trading partner. Even though it fell back down to the number two most important trading partner of the U.S. in 2020, the amount of goods and services that the two countries trade is enormous. Since the North American Free Trade Agreement was implemented in 1994, U.S. exports to Mexico are up by 517%, making that country extremely important to the U.S. economy. Likewise, the U.S. is important to the economic health of Mexico, which sends 80% of its exports to its northern neighbor.

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Commercial ports are literally the portals of trade, where products such as pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and agricultural goods are exported to Mexico, and where products grown or manufactured in Mexico come into the U.S. Ports of entry can also be pedestrian crossings in which crossers hand-carry goods bought in either country.

Ports are not only where legal trade is conducted, they are also front and center in the protection against the importation of illegal products that could cause harm in the U.S., the most obvious being illegal drugs. However, certain plants, foods, and animals that can spread pests across the border are intercepted at ports of entry.

There are 50 vehicle and pedestrian crossings on the U.S.-Mexico border. Some are modern or have been modernized, but many are aging and inefficient in terms of processing cargo. I always say that to keep economic development humming along, you have to keep infrastructure ahead of development. We cannot let the surge in trade overwhelm aging infrastructure at ports of entry on the Mexican border. Delays cost money, which then causes an increase in the price of products to consumers.

However, new infrastructure also needs to be accompanied by humans. It doesnt do any good to expand a port of entry by adding more lanes if extra Customs and Border Protection personnel are not assigned to the port, and this is not so easy. CBP candidates first need to have an extensive background check conducted on them. This can take up to a year.

Oftentimes, the candidate will go through a portion of the background check and take another job before it is finished. Once a background check is conducted, the candidate will go through an 89-day training period. After training, the new CBP officer will have to shadow an experienced officer for one year until he/she is assigned any major responsibilities. Therefore, it is imperative that infrastructure planning must also include planning for extra personnel at ports of entry in the future.

And CBP officers are not the only type of personnel needed. Mission support people are administrators who support CBP officer activities. In recent years, immigrants have arrived at the southern border, many going to ports of entry to seek asylum. If a port of entry is understaffed or stretched thin, CBP officers may be taken off of the cargo lane to process the immigrants claim, take them for medical examinations and send them to consolidation centers. If CBP officers are taken off of cargo, this creates longer crossing times and logistical inefficiencies. Mission support personnel can help with these duties, thus allowing CBP officers to do the job for which they were trained.

The infrastructure bill is aimed at getting Americans back to work after a year-and-a-half of the terrible pandemic and to improve the aging infrastructure throughout the country. This will be needed for the U.S. to compete against countries such as China in the future. Mexico has proven a solid trading partner on which millions of U.S. jobs, companies, and exports rely. If the U.S. makes the wise move of investing in port infrastructure at its southern border, Mexico also must reciprocate by doing the same thing with its ports of entry. Oftentimes, planning is difficult on the border because the two federal governments, along with state and local governments, must work in concert. Timing is extremely important to get binational projects started and successfully completed.

The administrations of President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador must work together closely to modernize infrastructure on the border. The symbiotic trade relationship that the U.S. and Mexico have developed over the past few decades has been made possible by their ports of entry. Now is the time to invest in this infrastructure to ensure success in the future.

Jerry Pacheco is the executive director of the International Business Accelerator, a nonprofit trade counseling program of the New Mexico Small Business Development Centers Network. He can be reached at 575-589-2200 or at jerry@nmiba.com.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

State Environment Department officials said after spending more than a $100 million and treating more than 1 billion gallons of contaminated groundwater, the end of a massive Air Force project to clean up a historic jet fuel leak on Kirland Air Force Base may be in sight.

Several Environment Department officials attended an open house event at the Bulk Fuels Facility Groundwater Treatment System on KAFB Thursday night, where they said the Air Force can move to the next phase of the project.

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This facility has been hugely successful, weve pulled the plume back to Ridgecrest Drive. Its done a great job of cleaning up the contamination, said Stephanie Stringer, the deputy cabinet secretary of operations at the Environment Department.

Stringer said she couldnt speak to when all the work to clean up the leak might be completed. But she said the next phase of the project does mark a significant milestone, as it allows the Air Force to start coming up with a plan for bringing the project to a close.

Stringer said before the state signs off on a final remedy, a report on several possible solutions will be published and there will be a public comment period.

The Air Forces cleanup effort is being regulated by the state Environment Department under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the law that creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous waste.

The Air Force discovered a decades-old leak in an aviation fuel pipeline on base in 1999, and reported it to the state. Kathryn Lynnes, the Air Forces senior advisor on the cleanup project, said a pipe within the fuel supply line broke, and it leaked fuel at a certain place in the resupply chain.

The leak went undetected for years. Lynnes said the Air Force cant say for certain when the leak started, or exactly how much fuel was released into the ground.

Jet fuel until the mid-1970s contained ethylene dibromide, or EDB, which seeped into groundwater and a plume of EDB spread off-base to the north, threatening public drinking water supplies. Exposure to EDB can cause several negative health effects.

The Environment Departments Hazardous Waste Bureau started regulating the cleanup effort in 2010, according to the agencys website.

Lynnes said that the Air Force has spent about $125 million on the effort and treated 1.16 billion gallons of water, which is pumped out of the ground, treated and then released.

She said getting permission from state regulators to move on to the next phase of the project was a critical step for the Air Force.

Its huge to say that the giant effort is coming to a close, and were going on to figure out how to finish this, she said.
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WHERES MY LICENSE? That question comes from no less than former Albuquerque Mayor Jim Baca. Seems years of government service wont spare you from Motor Vehicle Division frustrations.

Jim emails, Do you have any secrets for getting through NM MVD? No matter what I do I cant find a human there. I paid online to renew my drivers license a couple of weeks ago. They charged my credit card immediately, and I havent heard a word back since. And, no responses to emails and phone calls to robots.

Its in the mail.

Charlie Moore, who handles information for the state Taxation and Revenue Department, parent agency to the MVD, says, We checked on Jims license and found it was printed and mailed (the day before), so he should get it within a few days.

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And if you are encountering the same issue, know that MVD apologize(s) for the wait times at the call center. Were still not fully up to staff there and you can try the Contact Us form, www.mvd.newmexico.gov/contact-us/.

DOES TRAMWAY/INDIAN SCHOOL NEED WEEDING? Lisa Wilcox emails, I was pleased to see the beautification landscaping improvements along the Tramway bike/walking trail at Indian School and Tramway. I ride my bike along here several times per week and find this to be a good resting spot. There are plaques identifying the people responsible for the project and also plaques about the vegetation. In addition to the new vegetation and plaques, rock retaining walls/features and benches to sit on have been added.

But.

It has been completely taken over by weeds during the last few months, Lisa says. So much so that you cant enjoy all of the new vegetation. It is obvious that this $900,000 beautification project is not being maintained. If the city is unable to maintain it, perhaps a neighborhood association would be willing to organize a group to keep it free of weeds. It would be great to see more of this type of improvements along our bike/walking paths, but there needs to be a plan in place to keep the area maintained.

The city is on it.

Jessica Campbell, marketing and communications coordinator for Albuquerque Parks and Recreation, says, We are working with the same local company who installed the landscaping to maintain this area over the next two years as a part of their contract, after which Clean Cities will take over the care and maintenance of the area.

When creating native pollinator habitats, we must wait for the seeds to grow large enough to be identified and differentiated before weeding can be effective. The landscaping crews are scheduled on a bi-weekly basis throughout the growing season to provide general maintenance and check on the growth and health of the plants. It is also important to note that once the plants are fully grown, as a native plant site, it will always look a bit wild  similar to the foothills or other beautiful, natural areas in Albuquerque. The hope is that this native plant community will become relatively self-sustaining. We appreciate the communitys patience as these seedlings continue to grow!

MVD NOW MAILS TITLES: That means no more walking out of the office with your vehicle title hot off the printer.

An MVD news release says its all about security, and Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke says, We understand customers prefer being able to walk out of the office with a new title, but this is an important step we need to take to keep blank title forms out of the wrong hands.

MVD advises vehicle owners to schedule an appointment to obtain a new title and registration as soon as possible after purchasing a vehicle. New titles and registrations are usually processed and mailed to the owner within one or two business days of the transaction.

In addition, as soon as you pay off a vehicle loan, obtain a fresh title.  Doing so updates the departments records to show there is no longer a lien on the vehicle and provides the owner with a title ready for transfer should they decide to sell the vehicle.

And if you need a replacement title, you can request it at mvdonline.com. Open the online services menu and choose eservices. The replacement fee is $5.

REPAVING U.S. 84 IN ABIQUIU: The New Mexico Department of Transportation District 5 office says in a news release that crews will begin repaving U.S. 84 today. The work will be from mile marker 216 to 223.5, and the 7.5-mile project, which includes new paving and striping, is scheduled to run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. six days a week, weather permitting, and last 27 days.

Editorial page editor DVal Westphal tackles commuter issues for the metro area on Mondays. Reach her at 823-3858; dwestphal@abqjournal.com; or 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.
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The stories are heart wrenching  in part because they didnt have to happen.

A doctor in Birmingham, Ala., wrote on her Facebook page about young unvaccinated patients begging for the COVID-19 vaccine even as they fight for their lives. One of the last things they do before theyre intubated is beg me for the vaccine, Dr. Brytney Cobia of the Grandview Medical Center wrote. I hold their hand and tell them that Im sorry, but its too late.

Dr. Michael Bolding of Arkansas Washington Regional Medical Center had a similar message in a video begging that states residents to get vaccinated. What I really wish you could see, is to look into the eyes of a young father or a gentleman who knows they may be short for this world because they didnt get the vaccine, and the regret and remorse on their face   and the fear.

New Mexico has done far better than Alabama or Arkansas in the vaccine category, with 64.2 % of people over 18 fully vaccinated and 45.8% of those between 12 and 17 with at least one dose. But vaccinations have lagged in recent weeks, with just 14,915 administered in the last seven days (as of Thursday.)

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Reasons vary, from accepting misinformation as fact to vaccine hesitancy based on the fact there are side effects in some cases. But one hurdle to vaccine uptake can be laid directly at the feet of the federal Food and Drug Administration, which has not yet moved from emergency use to full approval  a move that would help convince skeptics and give employers, the military and others more options for requiring vaccines  especially if cases begin to skyrocket in what officials are now calling a fourth wave.

Indeed, they have jumped significantly in New Mexico over the past week. The Delta variant is more contagious, and the Lambda variant (which ravaged Peru) has emerged in Texas. It may sound harsh, but people who are not vaccinated are putting themselves  and others  at risk by serving as a petri dish for variants to flourish and further mutate.

Fortunately, the vaccines have proved to be incredibly effective in preventing infection, serious illness requiring hospitalization and death even against the variants. An analysis by the state of more than 30,000 cases between Feb. 1 and July 19 found 96.4% of the cases, 94.9% of the hospitalizations and 98.2% of the deaths were among people not fully vaccinated.

So with results like that here and around the country, why is the FDA dragging its feet in what the New York Times calls the most discordant part of the federal governments response to COVID-19?

Yes, the FDAs history is a cautious approach. But with around 339 million doses given in the U.S. alone and 162 million people fully vaccinated, why is the FDA still sending a message it doesnt yet have enough safety data to give full approval  even as the top leadership at the agency agrees publicly that Americans should be getting vaccinated as soon as possible? According to a New York Times report, acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said that getting more of our population vaccinated is critical to moving forward and past this pandemic.

Unfortunately, her agency is one obstacle to making inroads into the roughly 34% of Americans who have yet to get the vaccine. If we got FDA approval, we could get another 20 million vaccinated, Dr. Eric Topol of Scripps Research told the Times.

President Biden during a Town Hall in Ohio on Wednesday urged Americans to get vaccinated and said he was guessing the FDA would fully approve a vaccine around the beginning of the school year. He went on to say I do not tell any scientists what they should do.

Nice sound bite. But science is one thing and bureaucracy is another. Topol writes that in the history of medicine, few if any biologics have had their safety and efficacy scrutinized to this degree. Correct. Hundreds of millions have had the shot. The data are in.

And at the end of the day, the FDAs dithering is costing lives.

Expressing concern at rising numbers, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday that we respect and appreciate the independence of the FDAs process. But she adds, Anything  absolutely anything  that might help reduce vaccine hesitancy is essential to undertake.

Right now, we need unvaccinated people to get vaccinated. Its that simple. Lives and livelihoods  including our states economy recovery  hang in the balance.

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.
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TEMPE, Ariz.  Amkor Technology Inc. (AMKR) on Monday reported second-quarter net income of $125.8 million.

The Tempe, Arizona-based company said it had profit of 51 cents per share.

The chip packaging and test services provider posted revenue of $1.41 billion in the period.

For the current quarter ending in October, Amkor Technology said it expects revenue in the range of $1.65 billion to $1.75 billion.

Amkor Technology shares have climbed 51% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Monday, shares hit $22.85, a rise of 89% 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 AMKR at https://www.zacks.com/ap/AMKR

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Instagram/For The Love Of It Celebrity

Congratulations are in order for the Tina Cohen-Chang depicter as the 35-year-old actress ties the knot in an intimate outdoor ceremony with David Stanley.

Jul 26, 2021

AceShowbiz - Former "Glee" star Jenna Ushkowitz tied the knot at an outdoor ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday (24Jul21).

The actress shared the happy news to her Instagram Story on Sunday, revealing she exchanged vows with David Stanley.

"We always dreamed of a wedding on the smaller side, but with COVID, we definitely had to scale back more than we anticipated," Ushkowitz told Brides.com. "Having our closest family and loved ones there (safely) was a priority for us."

"By setting the expectation from the get-go that we had to limit guests, we were able to focus our planning and ensure that we could stay flexible in case any element of the day needed to change."

The duo began dating in 2018, after meeting on dating app Hinge and the actress announced their engagement on Instagram in August (20).

According to Brides.com, the wedding gown was created by Netta BenShabu and Kinsley James Couture Bridal, and Stanley wore a tuxedo from Hugo Boss.

"We were elated and so grateful that we didn't have to push our wedding and that we got to have the day of our dreams. It was such a gift that we were able to share it with our friends and family," the bride added.

She played Tina Cohen-Chang on the comedy-drama series and has appeared in Broadway musicals "The King and I" and "Waitress". She won a Tony Award as a producer of the 2018 Broadway revival "Once on This Island".

The wedding day fell on the anniversary of the funeral of her "Glee" co-star Naya Rivera, who died in a drowning accident last summer.
WENN/Instar Music

Kanye West has decided to delay the release date of his new studio album for a month as he's still putting finishing touches to the much-anticipated LP.

Jul 26, 2021

AceShowbiz - Kanye West is reportedly still working on his "Donda" album, two days after the planned release date.

The rapper's new project, named after his late mother, was set to be released Friday (23Jul21), but West is reportedly putting the finishing touches to it at the same venue where he hosted a listening party on Thursday.

"KANYE WEST WILL MOVE THE RELEASE DATE OF DONDA TO AUGUST 6TH. THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE," social media star Justin LaBoy tweeted on Friday. "HE WANTS TO GIVE HIS FANS THE BEST POSSIBLE PRODUCT WITHOUT RUSHING ANYTHING. HE LOVES YALL WITH ALL OF HIS HEART. GOD BLESS #DONDA #RESPECTFULLY (sic)."

According to TMZ, the rapper never left Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia after last week's party, and he and his team have created a studio space and living quarters and even brought in a chef to prepare meals on site.

On Saturday, an Atlanta resident shared a photo on Twitter of the rap star wearing the same puffy red ensemble he wore to Thursday's event, with the caption, "So apparently Kanye West is still walking around Mercedes-Benz Stadium in his #DONDA release party (out)fit."

It is not clear is West will perform his scheduled 25 July performance at the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami, Florida, while he tweaks his new album.

The long-gestating album features a reunion between Kanye West and his "Watch the Throne" collaborator Jay-Z. The duo grew apart following Kanye's marriage to Kim Kardashian.
WENN/Cousart/JFXimages Celebrity

Ryan Dorsey remembers his late former wife, one year after the former 'Glee' actress was laid to rest after her body was found in a lake following tragic drowning.

Jul 26, 2021

AceShowbiz - Naya Rivera's ex-husband shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, one year after he and their young son laid the "Glee" star to rest.

Naya died in a boating accident on 8 July, 2020. She was enjoying a day out with her son, Josey, when she was caught up in deadly currents, leaving him alone on the rented vessel.

"Big Sky" star Ryan Dorsey, who was married to Rivera from 2014 to 2018, took to Instagram on Saturday (24Jul21) to post an emotional message about his ex-wife and to provide an update on five-year-old Josey.

"A year ago we laid you to rest. I still can't believe it. The year has flown by, so fast that it doesn't seem like it's been a year at all," he wrote. "Our boy has grown so much. He's such an explorer, so inquisitive. He's sweet, so funny, and his laugh always lights up the room."

"He's an intuitive soul to say the least. To know him is to love him, everyone that meets him is always smiling. He's doing ok. He's such a resilient strong kid. He misses you but knows he'll see you again, and the invisible string is something that's helped us out during this ever-evolving transition of your time with us on earth that was unfairly & for reasons we'll never understand cut shorttoo soon... (sic)."

Ryan confessed that July is now destined to be a "difficult" month for him for the rest of his life, but he insisted that Naya's legacy will continue to live through Josey.

His post continued, "July will probably always be a strange and difficult month in the years that are hopefully plentiful in the future... still hard to see photos, still haven't been able to read or watch anything... as the years go by strength will be on my side as I will share the memories with what is the brightest star of your legacy left on this earth, our beautiful son, Josey (sic)."

The "Glee" star drowned at Lake Piru, near Santa Clarita, California, last summer, and Ryan dedicated the closing paragraph of his post to other people who have gone through similar heartbreak, adding, "For everyone out there that's gone through similar events of loss... you know there's not really any words that make it better... we know some days are better than others... but know our hearts and energy are with you. We keep going, because that's all we can do while being as strong as we can be."

Last month (Jun21), several of Rivera's "Glee" co-stars marked the first anniversary of her death with tributes. Close friend Heather Morris showed off a new tattoo that featured the words "Tomorrow is not promised" on her left arm. The phrase came from one of Rivera's last tweets.
WENN/FayesVision Celebrity

Speaking about the Hollywood Hills estate, the 'Hobbs and Shaw' actress spills that it was the first house she and her filmmaker husband Taylor Hackford lived together in.

Jul 26, 2021

AceShowbiz - Helen Mirren and her filmmaker husband Taylor Hackford are preparing to bid farewell to their historic Los Angeles mansion, more than three decades after calling the place home.

The Hollywood Hills estate, which was previously owned by "The Squaw Man" actor Dustin Farnum, writer Mark Hellinger and "Perry Mason" producer Gail Patrick, has been put on the market for $18.5 million (13.5 million).

The extensive property, originally built in 2011, boasts nine bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, a swimming pool, a three-bedroom guest cottage and a five-car garage, above which sits an office and a loft-style apartment.

Mirren and Hackford purchased the compound in the 1980s, but now they are looking to sell up.

"It was the first house that we lived together in," the British actress told the Wall Street Journal. "Although it's a big house, it doesn't feel like a big house. You don't feel like you're a little pea in a huge pod rattling around."

Hackford added, "It's very unusual to have a house that's, you know, over 100 years old and it's only had four owners over that time because L.A. houses trade often."

"We always felt very fortunate about the pedigree of this house and the fact that all the people who lived there were all working artists in Hollywood."

If the property fails to attract immediate offers, the couple, which is currently based in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, is offering to lease the home for $45,000 (32,800) a month.

Joyce Rey of Coldwell Banker Realty described the couple's property as a "remarkable compound abuts Runyon Canyon at the top of a private winding drive with gorgeous landscaping, mature trees and Hollywood sophistication."
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After getting stung multiple times, the former star of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' admits that she struggles with 'panic attack' as she is 'allergic' and 'terrified' of bees.

Jul 26, 2021

AceShowbiz - Kyle Richards had offered an update on her health condition after being rushed to hospital for bee stings. In a new social media post, the former star of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" shared a photo of her still "looking like a hot mess."

On Sunday, July 25, the 52-year-old star, who is allergic to bees, took to her Instagram Story to share a selfie a day after the incident happened. Posing with a group of firefighters, she wrote, "Still looking like a hot mess with my pool hair and sting marks." The reality star thanked her local Los Angeles Fire Department, saying, "@lafdfirestation83 just came to check on me the day after [love]," adding a hashtag that read, "#supportyourlocalfiredepartment."

Kyle Richards shared an update on her health condition after being hospitalized for bee stings.

An hour earlier, Kyle revealed that she had been hospitalized after accidentally walking into a hive of bees. "So this happened yesterday," the former Bravo star opened up. "I walked into a hive of bees and was stung multiple times. If you know me at all, you know I am allergic to bees and am terrified of them."

"I can laugh at this video now," Kyle added of the bee attack. She went on to say, "But what you can't see is that they were in my hair and were literally chasing me. My family wasn't home and for whatever reason the people that work for me couldn't hear me screaming for help. My landline wouldn't dial 911 and my epi pen was defective and wouldn't open."

Kyle Richards revealed that she has been rushed to hospital after accidentally walking into beehive.

In a separate pic of herself wearing an oxygen mask while lying in a hospital bed, Kyle penned, "I share this story with you because I sometimes don't bother to take my epi pen with me. I also don't know why I couldn't get mine to work. It's important to look on youtube and watch the videos of how to use it." She continued, "There are different types of epi pens and they each work differently. But also always call 911 even if you are able to use your epi pen as they have to use other medications to help breathing etc."

Kyle Richards thanked the hospital for treating and helping her.

Kyle also thanked the Encino Hospital Medical Center for treating her and helping her through her "panic attack" and "for repeatedly convincing [her] there were no more bees in [her] hair." In a separate Story, the TV personality shared that she planned on having the bees removed from her property "ASAP."
Instagram Celebrity

During an appearance on 'Watch What Happens Live', the 'Snake Eyes' actor also makes it clear he was not a fan of the 'Real Housewives' stars' outlandish hairstyles.

Jul 26, 2021

AceShowbiz - "Crazy Rich Asians" star Henry Golding has a hairy link to the Duchess of Cambridge - he once gave her brother a trim.

Golding worked as a hairdresser before he found fame, and one of his most famous clients was Kate Middleton's brother James.

"I don't know if I should say it, but Kate Middleton used to come to the hairdresser's I used to work at," he revealed during an appearance on "Watch What Happens Live" on Thursday night, July 22.

"Way before... I cut her brother's hair a long time ago. [They're a] really sweet family, very sweet family. That's my brush with the royal family."

During his time with host Andy Cohen, Henry also rated the outlandish hairstyles of the stars of the "Real Housewives" reality shows, and made it clear he wasn't a fan of the ladies' wacky weaves.

Elsewhere in the chat, Henry weighed in on rumors of him being one of the candidates to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond after "No Time to Die". Reacting to the speculations, he stated, "I guess they're looking for another candidate, so of course, any right sort of man would want to put their hand up for it, so sure."

When Andy later joked that Henry would be having dinner at the Buckingham Palace with the queen should he landed the 007 role, the "Last Christmas" actor got coy with his response. "I guess that comes hand-in-hand," he simply said.

Henry has shown off his action skills in "Snake Eyes" which was released in theaters on July 23.
Instagram Music

On July 23, the band's bassist was replaced onstage in New Lenox, Illinois by longtime guitar technician, Elwood Francis, since he was forced to return to Texas due to the injury.

Jul 26, 2021

AceShowbiz - Dusty Hill was forced to pull out of a ZZ Top gig in Illinois on Friday night, July 23 to address hip issues.

The bassist was replaced onstage in New Lenox by the band's longtime guitar technician, Elwood Francis, after he was forced to return to Texas to address a hip issue.

The group announced the news in a statement before the gig by writing, "The members of ZZ Top, Billy, and Frank, would like to share that Dusty, their fearless Bass player, is on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue. They await a speedy recovery and have him back pronto."

"Per Dusty's request 'The show must go on!'. With that directive, ZZ Top has put the services of Mr. Elwood Francis, their trusted guitar tech of the past two decades, into play with his slide guitar, bass guitar, and harmonica playing in full swing."

Frontman Billy Gibbons added in the statement, "And with Elwood to our right, rest assured ZZ Top will deliver their good time, signature show..." He went on to say, "Elwood securing the bottom end continues the delivery [of] those famous three chords we all dig."

The gig came two days after ZZ Top canceled a concert in Evansville, Indiana because of a "health issue within the band."

The "A Celebration With ZZ Top" tour continues with dates in August. Hill is expected to rejoin the band.

Tour aside, Gibbons has previously stated that the band is working on their 16th album is underway. "The last laugh has yet to be heard," he spilled. "While we were working on 'Hardware', I was sending the roughs that might not have been fitting for that but were certainly fitting for the ZZ thing. I get to tiptoe out of 'Hardware' and back into ZZ, which is underway now."
Instagram Music

Revealing that he caught the virus just two weeks before his comeback gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the 'You're Beautiful' hitmaker claims his 'speaking voice is f**ked.'

Jul 26, 2021

AceShowbiz - James Blunt has had his fair share of an unpleasant battle with COVID-19. When revealing the after-effects of his medication, the "You're Beautiful" hitmaker divulged that his penis has gotten "smaller" after using steroids in his treatments.

The 47-year-old got candid about his experience when performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday, July 23. "The only thing in my diary for a year and a half was the Royal Albert Hall," he first told the crowds, according to The Sun. "And two weeks before it I went and got Covid. I did quite well, I gave it to two of my band members. And two of the crew."

"And they were double jabbed and they got over it really well. I was only single jabbed and I thought I was going to be fine but actually it got into my lungs and I don't know if you can hear, but my speaking voice is f**ked," the musician further spilled. "My really small willy is even smaller."

"Now I am on steroids and they have made my really small willy smaller. I mean, even smaller," the English native went on. "I haven't got a big guy anyway and when the doctor said, 'Do you want to go on steroids?' I was like, 'F**k no!' "

James reportedly was coughing throughout his performance, prompting him to stick to drinking water. Regardless, he managed to entertain his fans at the Friday concert.

A few weeks before contracting the virus, however, James believed that the COVID-19 pandemic was a "blessing in disguise." On the reason why, he explained that he got more time to bond with his family.

"I was supposed to be on the tour for a year and I was sent home. And, you know, for me that was probably a very good thing because I haven't spent time at home with my family, ever," he told the Henley Standard newspaper in June. "I've been promising that I would take a year off from music at some stage, but I was lying, probably."

"And so this is very good -- to spend time at home, do things that adults do and family people do," the husband of Sofia Wellesley added. "And so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise for me."
Instagram Celebrity

Many of the makeup mogul's devotees take offense with the TikTok viral sensation's remark that compares herself and Kylie's baby daddy to the Mattel dolls.

Jul 27, 2021

AceShowbiz - Kylie Jenner's fans may believe that no one can compare to her or take the star's place. Flo Milli has learnt this the hard way after facing the wrath of the reality TV star's devotees for dubbing herself and Travis Scott (II), who is Kylie's baby daddy, "Barbie & Ken."

Taking to her Instagram Story, Flo Milli shared her picture with the "Sicko Mode" rapper when they ran into each other in Miami. "Real life Barbie & Ken vibeeesss," the "In The Party" raptress captioned it, adding a pink heart emoji.

While the photo seemed to be harmless and captured Travis and Flo Milli in a seemingly friendly manner, many of Kylie's fans attacked the rising hip-hop star over the image. "Are you stupid b***h ? You dumb," one called out the 21-year-old via DM.

Another wrote to Flo Milli, whose real name is Tamia Monique Carter, "Kylie way better than your lil no built a** fake hair head a** [crying laughing emoji] you know exactly wtf your doing with that caption.. just wait until it's your bd haha karma is real [kissing emoji]."

A third hater also ripped Flo Milli via DM, "He don't want yo stank a**," adding, "You a f**kin thot man you for everybody he know better. Tryna be the next Kylie gtfo."

Noticing this, Flo Milli didn't stay silent. She later took to Twitter to hit back at the Internet trolls, writing, "all I said was I look like barbie and he looks like ken [female shrug emoji]." Reposting the tweet on her own Instagram page, she told the critics, "Y'all crazy fr seek help," and added in another tweet, "leave me alone."

Kylie and Travis started dating in 2017, not long after she called it quits with another rapper, Tyga. In February 2018, the makeup mogul gave birth to her first child with the Houston native, a daughter named Stormi Webster. They broke up in September 2019, but recently sparked reconciliation rumors after quarantining together during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instagram Music

The 'Rockstar' hitmaker, meanwhile, shocks the concertgoers by bringing out Tory Lanez at the music festival just right after Megan Thee Stallion's performance.

Jul 26, 2021

AceShowbiz - DaBaby had an unexpected encounter during his gig at Rolling Loud in Miami. After a fan threw a shoe at him while he's taking the stage, the "Rockstar" hitmaker paused his performance briefly to shout back at the thrower.



The incident took place on Sunday, July 25. In a video surfacing online, the MC could be seen asking the crowd to "put a hand in the air with a cell phone and then turn the f**king light on." Just shortly after he ended his message, the shoe was being hurled at him.

After the shoe almost hit his back, DaBaby screamed, "Who the f**k threw that motherf**king busted a** god-damn Adida?" In the wake of the incident, however, he got trolled by many internet user instead of getting their sympathy.

One person on Twitter mocked, "Whomever threw that shoe at Dababy is legendary." Another individual penned, "Normalize throwing a shoe at DaBaby." A third quipped, "I'm not mad someone threw a shoe at DaBaby at Rolling Loud. I'm mad someone threw a shoe at DaBaby at Rolling Loud and missed."

During his performance, DaBaby shocked the concertgoers by bringing Tory Lanez on the stage just right after Megan Thee Stallion's set. As for Tory, he previously hid inside a huge costume as DaBaby asked his fans to guess who's in it.

"I'll give somebody out here a million dollars if they can guess who in here," the 29-year-old, whose real name is Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, told the crowd. "I got a million dollars right now if you can guess who... Who you think?"

Tory then pulled off the mask and joined DaBaby to perform their collaborative single, "SKAT". Unfortunately, not everyone was pleased with the surprise as one Twitter user wrote, "I truly hope dababy and tory lanez both have some terrible s**t coming their way. praying on a horrendous downfall for them both."

"Dababy bringing Tory Lanez out right after Megan Thee Stallion performed is not petty its evil. Tory shot that girl," another raged. "He literally tried to harm that girl. This ain't no rap beef quit trying to minimize what Tory did to that girl."

DaBaby and Tory's collaboration seemingly has cost his friendship with Megan, whom DaBaby teamed up with for "Cash S**t", "Nasty", "Cry Baby" and DJ Khaled's "I Did It". They even unfollowed each other on Instagram.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP)  Authorities say a California sheriff's deputy and four other people were killed in a weekend shooting in a San Joaquin Valley home.

Kern County sheriff's Lt. Joel Swanson says the dead also include the suspected shooter and three people in the home who were apparently victims of the gunman.

Several deputies were also wounded by shrapnel during the violence Sunday afternoon in Wasco, a small community in the middle of farm fields northwest of Bakersfield.

The slain deputy's name has not been released. The Kern County sheriff is expected to release further details Monday.
How many people question the efficacy of a toilet cleaner in fighting both germs and malodour? To address the need for superior toilet hygiene, Domex - the home cleaning/disinfection brand from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), has launched a new evidence-based brand campaign that takes on Harpic. Brands new communication demonstrates the superior benefits of Domex Fresh Guard Disinfectant Toilet Cleaner in the toilet cleaner category.

Domex has been a part of the HUL portfolio for several decades and its reinvention comes at a time when preventive hygiene and disinfection is a critical consideration factor across the world. Germs in household scenarios can fester in various forms and spaces, toilets being one of the primary areas. The brand new Domex Fresh Guard Disinfectant Toilet Cleaner is inspired by leaves and petals that dont allow water to settle on them. The product consists of surface modification molecules that leaves a protective hydrophobic layer on the toilet commode surface which reduces water, stain and germ build-up, thereby troubleshooting persistent problems such as cleanliness, hygiene and malodour. The improved Domex Fresh Guard Disinfectant Toilet Cleaner doesnt just claim a 99.9% germ-kill formula but proves it through ISO-certified lab attestations. The result is a clean, odor free toilet with lasting freshness up to 100 flushes.

Commenting on the category and the campaign, Prabha Narasimhan, Executive Director & VP  Home Care (South Asia), Hindustan Unilever Ltd said,  For over two decades now, Domex has been a trusted brand committed to providing superior hygiene and clinical disinfection solutions to consumers across the country. The latest communication is in line with our goal to give consumers the evidence to help make informed decisions determined by scientific insight and technology. Our extensive studies, research and data-backed certifications underpin the superior science-first formula of the offering. Battling the second wave of the pandemic, we are all well aware that hygiene, safety and disinfection are three facets which will dominate our collective consciousness and as a brand we have been consistently innovating to address, upgrade and deliver on these core parameters being sought by consumers in their everyday lives.

Domex aims to challenge the generic consumer mentality skewed towards toilet cleaners that do not serve the purposes of long-lasting freshness and effective disinfection on toilet surfaces. Featuring renowned television actors Divyanka Tripathi (Hindi version) and Revathy (Tamil version), the spot opens in a supermarket scenario where a consumer is forced to reconsider her toilet cleaner purchase when her son questions her choice of product. The premise is simple, questioning Harpic as a toilet cleaner brand and if it helps in containing malodour and disinfects the toilet over a longer period of time.
Nobel Hygienes Friends, Indias Number 1 disposable adult diaper brand, today launched Fear of Falling, a one-minute video film across its digital platforms. Through this film and the corresponding #BreakTheFall campaign Friends hopes to educate viewers about the risk elders face in attempting to use the toilet alone at night.

As a category leader, Friends in its two decades of service has focused not just on making the best possible adult diaper for the Indian body but also educating the populace on the often unspoken problem of incontinence. Fear of Falling is one such educational attempt focused on the insight that 1 in 4 elders is injured while attempting to use the toilet at night . The film hopes to impress upon families and caregivers that frequent urination need not be lethal and that addressing the stigma around diaper usage is simpler than dealing with the consequences of an often fatal midnight bathroom fall.

According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2007 global report on falls prevention, the prevalence of falls in India, above the age of 60 years, ranges between 14%53%.

A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Maharashtra in 2016 further found that the majority (44.92%) of falls had occurred early in the morning, followed by 20.90% in the afternoon, 19.34% in the evening, and 14.84% at night. With respect to the location of fall, a whopping 50.75% of falls took place in the bathroom. The study also found that majority of elderly adults view falling to be a normal part of old age, are poorly informed about risk factors and are not aware that even non-injury falls require immediate medical attention.

Friends hopes to recommend, through this DVC, a simple solution to these risks. The company hopes the campaign will urge viewers to start a conversation around incontinence so that elders do not have to battle frequent urination alone for fear of inconveniencing family members and being perceived as weak.

Kartik Johari, Vice-President  Marketing & e-commerce, Nobel Hygiene, said, It is unfortunate but the truth that our elderly adults face every night. Incontinence is a severe issue that is shrouded in taboos in our country. It needs to be taken head on as it is an unavoidable biological fact that most of us will face at some point or the other as our bodies age. Yet we refuse to accept or extend help. People suffering from it choose to remain silent for fear of social ostracization.

Our latest campaign Fear of falling is dedicated to raising awareness about this unique challenge among all men and women who go through it, thus helping them understand that they are not alone. We have ourselves witnessed a real-time playout of this issue through our customer service calls where we see elderly people and caregivers adopting diaper use after a big fall, when their mobility has already been affected! It is our hope that diaper adoption will precede such events, he further added.

Deepak Singh , Director also commented, "When Nobel Hygiene came to us with the brief of creating this film, we found it to be a very timely and relevant initiative, keeping in mind the magnitude of the problem as stated by the facts and numbers. The idea was to bring out the scenario, that leads to elderly people falling or slipping in the bathroom, in an intriguing way. It's reassuring to know that brands today are taking up some very real but unspoken issues and willing to open up conversations around them. And we are very glad to have played a part in it."

By shining a spotlight on the issue, the brand encourages the audience not to shrink away from the subject or bottle up harrowing experiences. Additionally, the campaign will also create solidarity among people suffering from incontinence by letting them know that they are not the only ones in this situation while helping them accept the truth.

The campaign was made in collaboration with The Womb and award-winning designer-adman Deepak Singh (founder of Vitamin D).
Kriti Sanon will soon be seen in the upcoming film, Mimi which she is all set to shoulder by herself delivering a strong performance. The actress had gained 15 kilos for this film, where she will be seen as a surrogate mother.

Talking about shooting for Mimi before the lockdown, Kriti shared with a leading portal, "God has been kind to me because I completed Mimi just 10 days before the lockdown was announced. If I would have been in the middle of shooting then it would have been extremely difficult because I had put on 15 kilograms for the role. After the first lockdown was announced, the shooting only began after around six months. So to maintain the weight and the continuity would have been a task."

She adds talking about her shoots amidst the pandemic, "There was a lot of uncertainty on how were going to get back. But I think we just need to adapt. We have to adapt to the new normal. And I still feel that in the pandemic, I managed to wrap up three films and the credit goes to the entire cast and crew of all the films because this is a tricky situation to be in."

The reigning bollywood diva started and wrapped three films during the pandemic alone from Hum Do Hamaare Do to Bhediya and Bachchan Pandey. She has recently been juggling between Adipurush shoot, last leg of Bachchan Pandey shoot as well as promotions of Mimi.

One of the busiest actresses of the industry with an envious lineup, Kriti will be seen in the Pan-India film, Adipurush opposite Prabhas, Bachchan Pandey, Bhediya, Hum Do Hamaare Do, Ganapath along with an unannounced project besides Mimi.
Madison Media has announced that it has fully acquired Kolkata-based full service digital agency, Crows Nest.

Crows Nest was founded 14 years ago by Samrat Mukherjee, a well-known person in the Kolkata marketing and digital space. The agency has a staff strength of 40 people and counts among its clients Bandhan Bank, Zee Bangla, Vivo West Bengal, M P Birla Group and several other reputed clients. Crows Nest offers 360 degree digital solutions. Under the arrangement, Crows Nest will fully integrate with Madison Digital and operate as Madison Digital Kolkata with Samrat Mukherjee reporting to Vishal Chinchankar, CEO, Madison Digital.

GAMEXX Awards 2021 Last date for submitting entries - Monday, July 26, 2021 - ENTER NOW

Commenting on the development, Samrat Mukherjee said, We are thrilled to be joining with Madison World. With our creative strategy, media and digital content creation strength, paired with Madisons core of media, data and analytics, we truly believe to deliver the most value to our clients. May new ambitions be laid. May new dreams be hatched. May this new association go miles as the Crow flies.

Sam Balsara, Chairman, Madison World, remarked, I am delighted to welcome Samrat Mukherjee and his team into the Madison fold. Many companies find Madison to be a good collaborative partner to grow their business independently with our support. A few more collaborations are on the cards in the area of Digital, PR and Creative.

Vikram Sakhuja, Partner & Group CEO, Madison Media, added here, In keeping with our Digital growth acceleration, we are thrilled to welcome Samrat and his vibrant Crows Nest team into the Madison fold. Not only will Crows Nest help grow our overall Digital practice in Kolkata Office, but it will also add considerable heft to Madisons Social, Content and Creative agenda.

Vishal Chinchankar, CEO, Madison Digital, said, I am very excited to have Samrat become a part of Madison and my team. This deal will make us one of the largest digital players in the Kolkata market and am looking forward to a long a mutually rewarding partnership.

The agency stated that Madison Digital has grown 10x in terms of billing in the last 3 years, to become a 150-employee strong unit with capabilities in Branding, Performance & Creative solutions. Madison Digital has built its proprietary cloud marketing and automation tools and is one of the few agencies with its own DMP & Tech solutions. The Agency today handles digital assignments for Godrej Properties, Asian Paints, Abbott, Marico, McDonalds, Tata Consumer Products, Blue Star, and several others.

Madison Worlds 2nd Agency in the Digital space based in Bangalore, Hiveminds, is a Bengaluru-based full service digital marketing company and consultancy with specialisation in Search, Display and Programmatic buying. The agency also provides social media management, creative content, digital PR, analytics and strategic consulting. The company owns unique technology, tools and data analytics methodologies that enable it to deliver outstanding results to its clients. The company works with clients such as Dominos, Nivea, Big Basket, Escorts Limited,Cure.fit, MobiKwik and many others.

Madison Media is a part of Madison World, Indias largest homegrown communication Agency established in 1988. Madison World through its 11 companies served last year, as many as 500 advertisers.
Times Network, Indias premium broadcast network, has named its firebrand Anchor and Editor Navika Kumar as the Editor-in-Chief of its soon to be launched Hindi News Channel, Times Now Navbharat. In her new role, Navika will lead the editorial mandate and play a pivotal role in the overall management of the channel besides continuing in her role as Group Editor, Times Network and hosting The Newshour @ 9 pm and the popular interview show Frankly Speaking on TIMES NOW. Navika will also closely work with the business and leadership teams of the network to drive the channels growth strategy and work towards building Times Now Navbharat to become the leader in the Hindi News category.

A versatile and transformative news personality with outstanding journalistic credentials, Navika is a name to reckon with in News Broadcasting in India. She is credited for investigating and breaking some of the most high impact stories in the last 2 decades including Office for Profit story that led to the resignation of Sonia Gandhi, the CWG scam that led to the exit of Suresh Kalmadi, the Augusta chopper scam and Aircel Maxis deal among others. With her sharp journalistic acumen and extensive knowledge of current affairs, politics and business, Navika has played a key role in the success of the networks flagship brand, TIMES NOW since its inception.

Commenting on the development M.K.Anand, MD & CEO Times Network said Navika has been one of our key assets since the inception of TIMES NOW in 2005. In fact, the largest number of critical news breaks and stories that eventually went into taking TIMES NOW to the top in the English category in spite of our then late entry into that segment has been her work. In the last 4 years, she has morphed into a compelling and high impact Prime Time presence and made her mark in that highly competitive space becoming one of the most recognised faces on Indian News Prime Time. Her impact led journalism helps TIMES NOW to live up to its promise of Action Begins Here. We are thrilled at the new launch and look forward to serving Hindi audiences with our unique Action orientated journalism and believe Navika Kumar is the best suited to lead Times Now Navbharat to eventual category domination.

Commenting on her new role, Navika Kumar said, I am really excited to take on this new mantle, which marks the Networks debut in Indian language. I look forward to working with our robust team of ace journalists, technicians and crew, to build and nurture a distinctive brand of Hindi news. With a powerful and impactful narrative, I am confident that Times Now Navbhart will bring the much-needed paradigm shift in the Hindi news category and will set the course for superior news coverage.
Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its brand Script now delivers via its e-commerce platform scriptonline.com to 20 cities across India. Customers from across these mini-metros will now be able to order from Scripts urban furniture and accessories line-up in the comfort of their homes. The brand is also set to launch13 new channel stores in Tier-2 cities in the next 3 months with an investment of INR 4cr. With a strong brick-n-mortar foothold currently in the key metro cities of Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata, Script is now looking to connect with a larger universe of non-metro audience in Chandigarh, Cochin, Hyderabad, Chennai, Guwahati, Patna, Jammu, Lucknow, Madurai, Varanasi, Bhubaneshwar, Dehradun and Surat.

As online shopping takes precedence over offline channels, Script a Godrej & Boyce Venture that creates furniture and accessories celebrating a fluid and evolutionary way of living, continues to offer a catalogue of over 200 home furnishing products through its active online and social commerce channels such as WhatsApp virtual stores. With Tier-2 cities contributing to 30% of sales, majorly from an increased demand for soft furnishings and ecosystems, consumers are increasingly willing to experiment with a hybrid home set-up. Script plans to leverage its vast network of warehouse locations, service stations to deliver in 20 destinations within 3-4 days of placing the order and offer extensive after-sales benefits to its customers.

Inspired by the concept of Freedom of Living, Script offers a top-class in-store shopping experience at its retail outlets where consumers can interact with a variety of access points and enjoy a contactless shopping experience. While expanding its online footprint, Script is set to strengthen its retail network across the country through local channel stores in 13 cities. The functioning of these stores in the current situation will be in compliance with precautionary guidelines laid by the government from time to time.

Rajat Mathur, Business Head, Script a Godrej & Boyce venture said, Through the pandemic, we have seen an uptick in demand for home decor and furniture in Tier-2 cities as part of our omni-channel expansion strategy. Were thrilled to expand our reach to markets beyond the metro cities both offline and online to introduce consumers to our incredible concept of contemporary living. With our upcoming retail outlets, customers can expect a stellar in-store experience where they can see the multiplicity of Scripts offerings first-hand. With our WhatsApp stores and seamless online shopping experience, consumers can continue to get Script products delivered to their home and assembled in any of the 20 cities we deliver to. Going forward we are expecting 25-30% of the revenues to come from these key tier two markets. At Script, we believe in presenting products that are both design-forward and aesthetically appealing. Our business localization strategy is in line with the brands commitment to serve every customer who is looking for a fluid living experience through products that understand their needs.

As a brand, Script stands for innovation, convenience and comfort that helps people stay future-ready with its pioneering designs and create a space that aligns with their personality.

Script is available online in the following cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Bhopal, Chennai, Chandigarh, Delhi-NCR, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Mohali, Pune, Patna, Panchkula, Raipur and Ranchi.
Suraj Nagappa has joined Rediffusion SmartMedia as Senior Vice President and will be the agencys Digital Lead in the South of India. Nagappa will be based out of Bangalore but will also oversee the Chennai market.

Suraj was last with Isobar, a Dentsu agency.

With over 20 years of experience in digital media strategy and planning, Nagappa excels at programmatic based solutions and RTB. Of late he has been working on a lot of innovative applications in Search and Mobile marketing. Nagappas previous stints have been with Dentsu International, Ogilvy India, Omnicom Group, Dentsu Media, IPG Media Brands and Mediaturf Worldwide with many years of experience on brands such as Accor Group of Hotels, IBM, Citibank, SAP, Infosys, Honda cars, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota.

GAMEXX Awards 2021 Last date for submitting entries - Monday, July 26, 2021 - ENTER NOW

I am delighted to be joining Rediffusion at this very important juncture when digital as a medium is all set to overtake television in the next 18 to 24 months in India. Rediffusion is readying a completely new team of domain experts in this space and together we hope to move the needle substantially for brands. There are so many opportunities today to more cost-effectively and cost-efficiently target consumers, which can benefit brands through the right use of tools and digital techniques, says Suraj Nagappa.

Welcoming Suraj to Rediffusion, Navonil Chatterjee, Joint President said, Suraj has many years of good digital experience. Being based in the hub of Indias Silicon Valley  Bangalore  he is ideally located to access and service all the new age brands coming out from Bangalore.

Vivek Bahl joined Rediffusion last month as Digital Lead for North & East, based out of Delhi. Bahl was last with Havas Media.

Adds Chatterjee, Suraj and Vivek are both seasoned professionals. We have more digital experts joining the Rediffusion SmartMedia in Mumbai too in the next few days. Together this team will offer the market digital expertise few agencies are capable of today.
Wavemaker India has won the media mandate for Paragon Footwear, one of the most established Indian footwear brands in India. The mandate comprises of traditional media and content including social creative and digital. The account will be handled out of Bengaluru office of Wavemaker.

Wavemaker India won the account post multi-agency pitch.

Speaking on the association, Navin Thomas, Executive VP Sales & Marketing, Paragon said, We are happy to partner with Wavemaker as our media agency. Their strong hold on media landscape clubbed with in-depth understanding of consumers dynamics is impressive. We believe the team at Wavemaker will surely help us in our journey to establish ourselves as the leading footwear brand within the young consumers too. Their volume of work in creating successful brands say it all.

Commenting on the win, Ajay Gupte, CEO  South Asia, Wavemaker said, We are absolutely thrilled to work with a trusted brand like Paragon. Paragon has been a household name for generations in India. Their consumer focused approach, adapting to sustainable and bio-degradable ways to create environment friendly products is a huge testament to their dedication. With our AI powered platforms, we are certain to drive great efficiencies and help Paragon make a mark as a preferred brand in this changing consumer dynamics.

It's an honour to work with Navin and team on a brand like Paragon. The brand is at the cusp of defining its next wave of growth and an opportunity to be part of that is always exciting, said Kishan Kumar Shyamalan, Chief Growth Officer, Wavemaker India.
Alton, IL (62002)

Today

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 82F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
When the Emergency Unemployment Compensation ended, 74,000 Illinois workers immediately lost their benefits. One month later, 64,000 workers, or 86 percent, were without employment, according to wage records submitted to IDES by Illinois employers. February wage records were similar to January and showed 61,300 workers, or 82.7 percent, still without employment.
Another reversal in thinking may be imminent. Some scientists have raised concerns that the safety risks of Covid-19 vaccines have been underestimated. But the politics of vaccination has relegated their concerns to the outskirts of scientific thinkingfor now.

One remarkable aspect of the Covid-19 pandemic has been how often unpopular scientific ideas, from the lab-leak theory to the efficacy of masks, were initially dismissed, even ridiculed, only to resurface later in mainstream thinking. Differences of opinion have sometimes been rooted in disagreement over the underlying science. But the more common motivation has been political.

Last, week, the Wall Street Journal ran an opinion piece by Joseph A. Ladapo and Harvey A. Risch. It was a breath of fresh air in this stale, overtly political summer. I spent some time on Twitter yesterday, and I seriously needed a shower afterward. The anger. The vitriole. The pitchforks and torches raised high to bludgeon and burn the unvaccinated was astounding. Even from people who should know better from bitter experience with their own children (read into that what you will.) Choice? Never! Rational thought! No way! Risk analysis? You are a traitor to America! You are a moron. You are a DANGER. Patriotism as a concept has been rode hard and put away wet. From Bluegressives I see this anger. From Redservatives I see less name calling and outrage, but pure dismissiveness of those who genuinely are concerned for their health. I no longer say Republican or Democrat, because I think both parties have been eviscerated, splintered, co-opted and shattered by extremes. Folks are digging in their heels against one another. Watch the Olympics - I noticed that many of the stories of the athletes mentioned their mental health difficulties. One athlete has had such bad OCD since age 12 that she had to take one hour showers. An ad mentioned "respecting athlete's mental health," which is a fine thing and yes we should. But that's an ad benefit for a product? What about respecting the huge anxiety many of of us who have lived vaccine injury suffer every day? Lordy, no, we do not count. The Covid vaccines carry risk. Covid carries risk. Are we so stupid now that we can not make decisions for ourselves? A whole lot of this nation thinks the answer is "YES!" Freedom means not having to make personal decisions, just do what you're forced or told. I don't get it. So I really was surprised that the authors asked a simple question. Are Covid Vaccines Riskier Than Advertised? There are concerning trends on blood clots and low platelets, not that the authorities will tell you .

Historically, the safety of medicationsincluding vaccinesis often not fully understood until they are deployed in large populations. Examples include rofecoxib (Vioxx), a pain reliever that increased the risk of heart attack and stroke; antidepressants that appeared to increase suicide attempts among young adults; and an influenza vaccine used in the 2009-10 swine flu epidemic that was suspected of causing febrile convulsions and narcolepsy in children. Evidence from the real world is valuable, as clinical trials often enroll patients who arent representative of the general population. We learn more about drug safety from real-world evidence and can adjust clinical recommendations to balance risk and benefits.

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or Vaers, which is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, is a database that allows Americans to document adverse events that happen after receiving a vaccine. The FDA and CDC state that the database isnt designed to determine whether the events were caused by a vaccine. This is true. But the data can nonetheless be evaluated, accounting for its strengths and weaknesses, and that is what the CDC and FDA say they do.

The Vaers data for Covid-19 vaccines show an interesting pattern. Among the 310 million Covid-19 vaccines given, several adverse events are reported at high rates in the days immediately after vaccination, and then fall precipitously afterward. Some of these adverse events might have occurred anyway. The pattern may be partly attributable to the tendency to report more events that happen soon after vaccination.

The database cant say what would have happened in the absence of vaccination. Nonetheless, the large clustering of certain adverse events immediately after vaccination is concerning, and the silence around these potential signals of harm reflects the politics surrounding Covid-19 vaccines. Stigmatizing such concerns is bad for scientific integrity and could harm patients.

Four serious adverse events follow this arc, according to data taken directly from Vaers: low platelets (thrombocytopenia); noninfectious myocarditis, or heart inflammation, especially for those under 30; deep-vein thrombosis; and death. Vaers records 321 cases of myocarditis within five days of receiving a vaccination, falling to almost zero by 10 days. Prior research has shown that only a fraction of adverse events are reported, so the true number of cases is almost certainly higher. This tendency of underreporting is consistent with our clinical experience.

Analyses to confirm or dismiss these findings should be performed using large data sets of health-insurance companies and healthcare organizations. The CDC and FDA are surely aware of these data patterns, yet neither agency has acknowledged the trend.

The implication is that the risks of a Covid-19 vaccine may outweigh the benefits for certain low-risk populations, such as children, young adults and people who have recovered from Covid-19. This is especially true in regions with low levels of community spread, since the likelihood of illness depends on exposure risk.

And while you would never know it from listening to public-health officials, not a single published study has demonstrated that patients with a prior infection benefit from Covid-19 vaccination. That this isnt readily acknowledged by the CDC or Anthony Fauci is an indication of how deeply entangled pandemic politics is in science.

There are, however, signs of life for scientific honesty. In May, the Norwegian Medicines Agency reviewed case files for the first 100 reported deaths of nursing-home residents who received the Pfizer vaccine. The agency concluded that the vaccine likely contributed to the deaths of 10 of these residents through side effects such as fever and diarrhea, and possibly contributed to the deaths of an additional 26. But this type of honesty is rare. And it is rare for any vaccine to be linked to deaths, so this unusual development for mRNA vaccines merits further investigation.

The battle to recover scientific honesty will be an uphill one in the U.S. Anti-Trump politics in the spring of 2020 mushroomed into social-media censorship. News reporting often lacked intellectual curiosity about the appropriateness of public-health guidelinesor why a vocal minority of scientists strongly disagreed with prevailing opinions. Scientists have advocated for or against Covid-19 therapies while having financial relationships with product manufacturers and their foundation benefactors.

Public-health authorities are making a mistake and risking the publics trust by not being forthcoming about the possibility of harm from certain vaccine side effects. There will be lasting consequences from mingling political partisanship and science during the management of a public-health crisis.

Dr. Ladapo is an associate professor of medicine at UCLAs David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Risch is a professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health.
ASHLAND, Wis.  We all know life is unpredictable. Sometimes its downright difficult. What we do during and after the difficult patches is a 
BARABOO, Wis.  Aron and Laura McReynolds and their family five years ago opened New Life Lavender and Cherry Farm near Baraboo. In every one 
The durum crop has continued to see deterioration under the extreme heat and dry conditions in July, and as a result, durum prices have rocketed upward.

Weve had an explosive week in durum prices that many producers had been hoping for or anticipating since the crop went in the ground, said Jim Peterson, marketing director with the North Dakota Wheat Commission. Prices have rallied $1.50 a bushel in a matter of days and almost $2 since the first part of July. Were at $11 cash bid at some locations in North Dakota and Montana, while others are down at around $10.50.

Peterson said whats driving the rally is growing concern about availability of supplies in both nearby and deferred positions. Theres not a lot of buying or selling at those levels, but just a lot of anticipation that producers are going to be pretty tight holders and the Canadian crop has shrunk about 20-25 percent in production potential since late June.

Also, the initial USDA yield forecast for the U.S. durum crop was surprisingly low in the minds of a lot of analysts and seemed to raise some new concerns for the 2021 crop. On a national level, USDA is projecting U.S. durum yields to be 25.8 bushels per acre, down from 41.4 bushels a year ago. Yields in North Dakota and Montana are both estimated at 22 bushels per acre, which compares to last years average of 39 bushels.

With the smaller planted acreage and lower yield estimates, that takes potential U.S. durum production to 37 million bushels (MB) total, which would be the smallest U.S. durum crop in 50 years and 30 percent below industry expectations.
Recently I was fortunate to be behind the scenes as a guest while I listened to Tenzin Botsford tell the story of how he and his wife, Stace
Editors note: This is the start of a series on the ins and outs of ag-related businesses.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ill.  Klein Flying Service is a busy place in July.

The aerial applicator business based near this Lawrence County community is a hive of activity as workers plan jobs, load planes and head out to fields across southeastern Illinois.

Were getting into the really busy time, said owner Robert Klein, who started the business in the 1990s. Spraying fungicide on corn has started and will run probably 30 days. Then soybeans will come in pretty close behind. Well run pretty hard into the middle of August.

On a recent day, Robert, his son, Ryan, and other employees were juggling numerous tasks. Ruben Blasingame was mixing chemicals and loading tanks while Ryan was discussing an upcoming job with a client. Robert was pulling one of the companys four planes out of a hangar and getting it gassed up for a flight by pilot Andrew Mushrush.

The main location of the business is here near the Illinois-Indiana border, but they also fly out of Carmi, about 45 miles south as the crow flies. At each location the Kleins serve farms in a 50-mile radius.

Kleins main business is flying fungicide on corn, soybean and specialty crops. Some herbicide is aerially applied, and occasionally seed is broadcast on standing crops. Vegetable operations represent a big chunk of the acreage sprayed.

We do lots of vegetables, Klein said. There are a lot of green beans, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, cabbage, broccoli and tomatoes here. We do that at night because of the bees.
Pat Herrera, who previously led Skyline the last eight seasons before he stepped down in Jun
Alexander City, AL (35010)

Today

A few showers early with mostly cloudy conditions later in the day. High near 85F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds light and variable.
Lake Charles, Louisiana (70615)

Today

Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 87F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
The title may be obvious to the politically aware, the close observers of the news cycle, those who pay rapt attention to world events. But those qualifiers cut out a substantial portion of voters. It's not an exaggeration to say a significant slice of the electorate is simply unaware of the extent to which the Progressive Woke Left is the party of "do as I say, not as I do."

For their sake, and to give the politically challenged some accurate talking points to arm themselves with when engaging in a calm, measured discussion of the facts with today's Wokists (unlikely as that may be, unfortunately), let's list some of the more notable examples.

The COVID vaccine was bad under President Trump, but it's great under Biden

As President Trump took immediate charge of the COVID threat (like restricting travel to and from China and Europe, activating the Defense Production Act, sending the hospital ships Comfort and Mercy to New York and California, and much more), perhaps the most important thing he did was spearhead "Operation Warp Speed" to get the vaccines developed in record time.

A vaccine normally takes about three to five years to do the research, conduct all the clinical trials, get the official signoffs and approvals every step of the way, etc. It's an arduous process, especially in the lawsuit-crazed American business climate. But President Trump cut through the red tape, provided vital government financial assistance to the pharmaceutical companies, and massaged the approval process to drastically compress the timeline. Hence, the vaccines were ready before the end of 2020, far sooner than is normally the case and much sooner than President Trump's critics had hoped. (We'll leave aside, for now, any thoughts that the vaccines were not authorized until after the November 3 presidential election because of politically motivated reasons.)

During the vaccine development process, several high-profile Democrats (like Kamala Harris and N.Y. governor Andrew Cuomo) opined that if President Trump had any direct role, then they would not take the vaccine or recommend its use to others. This was utter, complete political nonsense, as if Donald Trump himself was working in his basement with a seventh-grade chemistry kit.

Yet once Joe Biden was awarded the election, suddenly, the vaccines became manna from heaven, created by a divine hand, and anyone who doesn't immediately take the vaccine is now considered an oppositional, conservative sloth, bent on prolonging the pandemic for nefarious reasons and looking to infect the more enlightened among us. When Donald Trump was president, the left said the vaccines were unsafe, highly questionable. Now that Joe Biden is "president," suddenly these very same vaccines are regarded by the Woke as the yardsticks by which we measure civilized people. Our entire society is now being re-ordered by the current administration depending on who has taken the vaccine or not, while under President Trump, they were regarded by the entire Progressive faction as highly suspect and wholly inadequate. This is stunning, unintellectual hypocrisy on an unimaginable, daily lifediminishing level.

Progressives want to eliminate the filibuster

The current Senate filibuster practice requiring a three-fifths vote (60 votes) to end cloture has been in place since 1975. Although not an "official" rule of governance, the thought that the most important legislation should require 60 Senate votes out of 100 senators generally ensures that even some minority party participation is required since the majority party has historically rarely had a 60-40 advantage. Typically it's in the mid-50s to mid-40s. In today's 50-50 split, ten Republican votes are needed to avoid the filibuster. Senate majority leaders have resorted to all kinds of procedural tricks to get around the 60-vote requirement, such as when the disingenuous Harry Reid pulled out the obscure "Reconciliation Act" from left field to negate the fact that Republican Scott Brown had become the "41st senator" when he won the seat vacated by Teddy Kennedy's death in 2009.

In 2016, Republican majority leader Mitch McConnell dissolved the 60-vote requirement for Supreme Court confirmation in favor of a simple 51-vote majority. The then-minority Democrats screamed bloody murder, as typified by this Chuck Schumer rant in 2003. The sanctity of the 60-vote requirement was said by Democrats to be critical to the very foundation of our democracy, essential to American ideals and the way our society functioned.

Yet once the Progressives were back in power in 2021 (by virtue of their questionable twin Senate runoff "victories" in red Georgia), all of a sudden, the elimination of the filibuster  supposedly so injurious to the bedrock of American government, according to the Progressives  became essential, the filibuster somehow having become "racist" overnight. Once again, like the vaccine, the degree to which the Progressives shamelessly do a 180 when it suits their political agenda is breathtaking.

There are countless other examples of totally absurd Progressive hypocrisy today, including:

Using wasteful, inefficient private jets to fly in luxury to world Green/environmental conferences

Employing armed personal security details while trying to restrict or eliminate the 2nd Amendment rights of the general population

Unending months of destructive nationwide BLM/Antifa riots, resulting in numerous deaths, astonishingly excused as "free speech," but a lone conservative protest  January 6, with zero protester-caused deaths  somehow denounced as an "insurrection"

High-profile Progressives like Bernie Sanders and Michael Moore getting fabulously wealthy under the rules of capitalism while espousing the forced confiscation of other people's hard-earned resources

Claiming  without a shred of evidence  that the 2016 elections were suspect, while ignoring the mountains of unquestionable proof of 2020 voter fraud, much of it caught on video

Requiring COVID vaccines for re-entry to work or school, but welcoming unrestricted illegal immigration without any health screening, because Progressives believe that those illegal aliens will enlarge their voter rolls in the future

There's an old cliche that says, "If liberals didn't have double standards, they'd have no standards at all." This is truer now than ever before. The difference is that 50 years ago, the notion of a Kennedy-styled "Limousine Liberal" was just an annoying aspect of our political life. But today, Progressive hypocrisy threatens to tear American society and culture apart at the seams, and the window to reverse it may be closing too fast to stop.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
President Trump used to ask Americans, "Are you tired of winning yet?" President Word Salad just asks Americans, "Are you as tired as I am?" Americans are tired...of skyrocketing gas prices, of unprotected borders, of never-ending government mask mandates and business-killing lockdowns, of this one virus being treated as if it were the scariest threat humankind has faced, of being told they're unconsciously racist or consciously "extreme." Americans are just plain tired of what a mess this megalomaniacal bunch of "Build Back Better" morons have made of the greatest country on the planet.

More than anything, Americans are tired of the constant flow of anti-American bilge that spurts out daily from the mouths of the Woke Class and their devout followers. Democrat or Republican in this country, we used to have a common ethos: America, love her or leave her! Now, after a decade of Obama Marxism and the whiny, mean-girl AOC-ification of our culture (Wait, she's only been around for two years? What hath hell unleashed?), we are a nation at war with ourselves: America, oh my gosh, let me tell you a hundred different things about this country that I absolutely, like, hate. I mean, I would totally live anywhere else, except, like, social justice or something, right?

To be in America and not count that a blessing is the height of self-indulgence. Even in an abusive environment where mass media snobs and government know-nothings tell us how awful we all are each and every day, the United States is still without a doubt the best place on Earth. Everyone in the world knows this. Nobody escaping poverty or persecution is sneaking into Xinjiang. Communist China is not a beacon for people yearning to be free. You show up without an invitation or proper vetting, and you get the gulag treatment or find yourself an unwitting organ donor real fast. Either that or you're "invited" to join one of China's slave labor camps where they make things that American companies can sell back to the same Americans they put out of work.

No, it is America and all she represents that draw unfortunates from every hellhole and hellscape made by man, enticing them to gamble their lives on long journeys, so that they might have something more to call their own (before the Democrats promptly tax it). You know, the same country whose athletes kneel in disrespect of its flag and anthem because it is so rigidly patriarchal and structurally racist that women must walk around head-to-toe in red handmaid's attire and LeBron James must sit and wait in anguish for the day that he, too, gets the respect he deserves. The nation whose left-wing scribes write glowing tributes to Cuba's Castroite killers because they went to colleges with posters of Che Guevara hanging on their dormitory walls and still stupidly believe that "equality" is sexy only when it comes from the end of a rifle, the promise of universal poverty, and the sweat of shovel-ready jobs required to dig sixty years of mass graves. The land where aristocracy was banned and free speech was enshrined, whose people put down the rising tide of fascism all over the globe, just so later generations could don black hoodies and masks and denounce rural Americans as irredeemably fascist. America  the only place in the world where success is so obtainable that problems have to be invented. What a country!

Can you imagine how strange it must be for those who literally walk through the desert under great odds of dying from thirst or cartel slaughter just to reach an oasis whose cultural elites find America too repugnant to defend? Welcome to America! You made it! Now pick up this Molotov cocktail and burn it to the ground! (Or at least kneel before our flag to show how much you hate this place you nearly died to reach.) In the old days, when psychiatry and psychology were only partially politicized, shrinks would have called this classic cognitive dissonance and a cause for great mental discomfort. No wonder the political left is always unhappy!

We have become a country so brainwashed by ritualistic self-loathing and perpetual pessimism that being happy about anything is almost taboo. Really. Our whole culture has become so masochistic that happy, high-functioning, optimistic Americans are treated with not only disdain but suspicion. Anybody smiling is presumed to be a beneficiary of undeserved privilege  which must then be promptly "checked" to remain in good standing with America's groupthink police. The end result is a growing American population of walking wounded who hang their heads in shame and mumble indiscriminately about how bad everything is.

 Oh, I hate how successful America's free-market economic system has been for over two hundred years. Why couldn't we just be poor and miserable?

 Since I don't have to search for food or water today, I think I'll come up with a brand new gender pronoun.

 Can you believe that comedian said that politically incorrect thing years before we put it on our list of "politically incorrect things you can't say in America"? He should be canceled for tolerating what we just learned is intolerable.

The political left mock traditional religious devotion as some backward belief system dominated by ritual and superstition and then spend all day long objecting to each other's imagined privilege, invoking newly created rules for discourse, insisting that freshly minted pronouns be learned by rote, and seeking to punish those who might not be sufficiently "woke." It's fanaticism of the highest order  nonsense created out of thin air by cultural priests and idolized by mindless followers who believe that one's morality is tied to one's commitment to prostrate himself before the world and atone for being American. Again, in the old days, psychologists would have seen these maladies as hallmarks of delusion, narcissism, paranoia, depression, and self-hatred. Now they're championed as proof of enlightenment!

The United States is a country desperately in need of a Thorazine drip. What it doesn't need is a government constantly playing therapist. Unfortunately, everywhere you look, American institutions continue self-diagnosing. Listening to General Mark Milley talk about "white rage" as if it had been a hot topic at his monthly book club, you could be excused for mistaking him as just another solipsistic writer for Teen Vogue  and not the commander of the most powerful military in the world. Please let it be known: there will be no rage in General Milley's military; that's not how we win wars. Good grief.

None of this is healthy behavior. Adults don't need Twitter and Facebook putting them in "time out" for using "triggering" words. Competent Americans of sound mind don't need to apologize constantly for every independent thought they might have. Good people don't have to invent a postmodern religion and devoutly follow "woke" dogma to prove that they are moral human beings. When enough Americans finally realize that the political left has dragged them to the edge of madness, then America will finally understand that the inmates have been running the asylum for quite some time.

Image: Johnny Silvercloud via Flickr (cropped), CC BY-SA 2.0.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
For some time now, I've been hostile to those White people who make money from any aspect of Critical Race Theory. The point I've made is that until these White people put their money, their jobs, and their safe homes where their mouths are by turning all of those things over to minorities, they're just exhibiting a revolting combination of virtue-signaling and bullying. An organization called Dallas Justice NOW agrees and sent a fascinating letter to rich White Dallas Democrats, asking them to promise to keep their kids out of the Ivy Leagues and other top schools.

Dallas Justice NOW describes itself as "a member-driven project of activists, researchers, and local leaders dedicated to making our city more just." The organization had the truly brilliant idea to send Democrat residents in Dallas's Highland Park  a very wealthy neighborhood  with a request to these residents to take a pledge to refrain from sending their kids to Ivy League schools or schools rated highly in the U.S. News & World Report. This will keep spaces open at those institutions for Black and "LatinX" students.

Here's the pledge letter:

To Our White Allies: Talk is not enough. Commit yourself towards taking action and making sacrifices to correct centuries of injustice. Open up spaces for Black and LatinX communities by refusing to send your kids to Ivy League and US News & World Report Top 50 schools and encourage friends, neighbors, and family members to do the same. Imagine if those hundreds of thousands of spots at these institutions were occupied only by marginalized communities. Imagine the opportunities. We can achieve true equity within our lifetimes but only if white folks are willing to sacrifice their privileges. The Dallas Justice NOW College Pledge: As a white person with privilege both from my whiteness and my neighborhood I recognize the need to make sacrifices for the purpose of correcting hundreds of years of murder, slavery, discrimination, and lack of educational and economic opportunities perpetrated upon people of color. I understand that access to top schools is a key component in economic and social advancement. Therefore, I commit that my children will not apply to or attend any Ivy League School or US News & World Report Top 50 School so that position at that school is available for people of color to help correct historical wrongs. If I do not have children under 18 then I will commit to encouraging my white privileged friends, neighbors, and family members with children to sign the pledge and holding them accountable until they do so. Have you been asked to take the pledge? Don't be a racist hypocrite. Sign the pledge today! Sincerely, Dallas Justice NOW

Please note Dallas Justice Now will be publicly announcing the names of those who have and have not signed the pledge.

(Ironically enough, at the bottom of that same web page is a subscription form along with the words "We respect your privacy.")

I have to say I'm impressed. Currently, the Democrat party has completely embraced Critical Race Theory, along with the claim that all Whites are racist and that all White accomplishments (and the material benefits flowing from those accomplishments) are the product of systemic racism, White Privilege, and each White person's inherent racism. They're working hard to insert this vile racist belief system into every school and workplace in America.

Or at least, the Democrat party and its members say they've embraced it. However, the one thing that's come through loud and clear is that those who espouse it most loudly refuse to live by its precepts. Joe Biden, for example, is still occupying the White House, despite being there only because of his Toxic White Privilege and systemic racism. That goes for every White Democrat denizen of D.C. or blue cities and suburbs across America.

Kudos to the smart people at Dallas Justice NOW for calling out those White "racist hypocrites" earnestly professing to be allies of minorities, all while making sure that no one touches their "White privileges." I urge them to increase the pressure by demanding that these same people give up their jobs, their savings, and their homes as restitution for their Toxic White Privilege.

NOTE: I've seen claims that Dallas Justice NOW is a fake group. However, on Yahoo! News, a left-wing outfit, the pledge appears as a legitimate news story that came across the "PRNewswire." The group's Facebook page also looks real (and racially hostile).

Image: Dallas Justice Now Facebook page screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The Washington Examiner reported last week that the FBI used a tip line while vetting Brett Kavanaugh. That sounds like another dirty trick that the Democrats were probably behind  but in fact, it's the Democrats that are upset about it and are demanding answers.

It seems they're concerned that the FBI may not have thoroughly investigated all tips received, and they want to know why. The implication seems to be that President Trump may have impeded the investigation of the tips  and if so, they want to know more. It sounds suspiciously as if they're looking for more grounds for yet another impeachment.

Is this what passes for crack police work from our "premier law enforcement agency"? We're not talking about a ten-year-old cold case in which all the leads have dried up. Brett Kavanaugh is a well-established legal scholar and judge. How hard could it be to investigate him? It's just a matter of checking his financials and his criminal record and interviewing family and associates.

Is the use of a tip line standard procedure when vetting presidential appointments now? Was it used in the background check of Merrick Garland when President Asterisk nominated him as attorney general?

This makes one wonder if there's something nefarious going on here. As we've known since his confirmation, the FBI found nothing incriminating in Justice Kavanaugh's past.

The use of a tip line to vet presidential appointments is a clear sign that the FBI is not what it bills itself to be. Either it is no longer competent to do a routine investigation or it has become a political hit machine in service to the Democrat party. It has to be one or the other.

To answer that question, one merely needs to consider recent FBI behavior. In just the past six years we've seen:

Hillary Clinton given a pass for felony transmission of classified information

A FISA court deceived, including falsification of evidence, to surveil a private citizen

A perjury trap set for President Trump's national security adviser

Decline to investigate the obvious perjury of James Comey, John Brennan, and James Clapper in their congressional testimony

Evidence of Hunter and Joe Biden's influence-peddling suppressed

January 6 Capitol trespassers (a misdemeanor) charged with criminal conspiracy (a felony)

In all these instances, those serving Democrat administrations have been given a pass. Those supporting Republican administrations have been subjected to harsh, even illegal treatment. The tip line is further proof of what conservatives have suspected for some time. The law is no longer applied equally by the FBI, and they have no interest in taking corrective action.

To assess how rooted the corruption is, it's helpful to look at the last twenty years of FBI leadership.

20012013: Robert Mueller was involved in the Whitey Bulger scandal. Since leaving the FBI, he led an attempt to unseat an elected president. Within months after initiating his investigation of President Trump, Mueller learned that the evidence was merely a political opposition hit piece, yet he continued the investigation for two and a half years through the midterm election. How's that for integrity?

20132017: James Comey turned the PATRIOT Act against U.S. citizens for political purposes and leaked fraudulent information about the President to the press. He also leaked classified information to an un-cleared friend in academia in a successful attempt to trigger the appointment of a special prosecutor (the ethically challenged Robert Mueller).

2017current: Christopher Wray was at the helm while the FBI was doing a hit job on Brett Kavanaugh, creating the Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot, and suppressing political speech. Director Wray has recently designated right-wing extremists (AKA Trump-supporters) the greatest threat America faces.

Under the leadership of this string of partisans, the FBI moto has become a bad joke.

I am adamantly opposed to defunding law enforcement  with one major exception: the FBI. Investigating garage door pulls and Lego sets seems to be the height of its investigatory skill. Political hit jobs have become its one remaining core competency. This all raises the question: can the FBI be fixed, or has the rot run too deep? Can any president fix this level of corruption with his limited time in office?

It's time to defund the FBI, close it down, and start over from scratch.

Image: FBI.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
I reported here that roughly a hundred Departments of Gender and Women's Studies, Feminist Studies, and so on endorsed anti-Israel hate propaganda while using the names of their universities and professional organizations, and without disclaimers to the effect that they were not speaking on behalf of their universities or professional societies. While I cannot speak for the institutions in question, it is quite possible that these statements were not authorized and might be in violation of their communication policies. Further research shows that "Gender Studies Departments In Solidarity With Palestinian Feminist Collective" goes beyond libeling Israel by linking a page and an organization that apparently denies its right to exist.

Even the U.N. Says Denial of Israel's Right to Exist is Anti-Semitic

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism includes Holocaust denial, denial of Israel's right to exist, and "[d]enying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a state of Israel is a racist endeavor." Even the United Nations told the Simon Wiesenthal Center that "denial of Israel's right to exist is anti-Semitism."

Now take another look at "Gender Studies Departments In Solidarity With Palestinian Feminist Collective" and specifically "feminists everywhere to speak up, organize, and join the struggle for Palestinian liberation." The link goes to "A Love Letter to our People in Palestine" by the Palestinian Feminist Collective. The first thing you will see near the top is a picture of Palestinian feminists superimposed on a map that includes Israel inside its 1948 borders. This is similar to the logo of the terrorist group Hamas, which also features a Judenrein map of the region.



Source (cropped).

If this is not enough, "A Love Letter to our People in Palestine" continues, "From the Galilee to Gaza you reveal the geography of Palestine." Galilee is in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, while Gaza is in Israel's southwest. If you draw a line between Galilee and Gaza, it will go straight through pre-1967 Israel. "From the Galilee to Gaza" is just another way to say "From the (Jordan) River to the Sea," which also denies Israel's right to exist. Maybe the Palestinian Feminist Collective figured out that people were wise to "From the River to the Sea" and decided to rephrase it, but it means the same thing. The Palestinian Feminist Collective's Twitter account features, meanwhile, a Palestinian flag superimposed not only on Judea, Samaria, and Gaza but also pre-1967 Israel. The translation says, "Every year and Palestine is free," which sounds a lot like "Juden Raus!" (Jews Out) to me.

Palestine Action Toolkit Promotes Potential Misuse of Employer Resources

They also support boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) while their Facebook page links this Palestine Action Toolkit by the Palestinian Feminist Collective. This, among other things, encourages readers to use employer resources such as company-owned discussion boards to advance their agenda (page 16), and justifies Palestinian violence against Israel (page 18), "Resistance is justified when people are occupied." Page 19 adds, among other things, "[u]rging your co-workers to join actions, sign petitions, appeal to their congressional representatives."

This could well violate employer policies against using business resources for any political activities whatsoever. The Society for Human Resource Management's web page says, for example, that typical policies may prohibit the circulation of petitions in the workplace, and political activity must take place on the employee's own time. As is typical of "woke" leftist social justice warriors, though, if somebody does lose his job, or a promotion, for acting on this guidance, they will be nowhere to be found. Sacrifices must always be made for the Cause, but only by the rank and file and never the leaders and agents provocateurs. Page 20 makes it clear that they deny Israel's right to exist: "78% of historic Palestine was stolen to create the Israeli state. This catastrophe was greenlighted and supported by the United Nations."

The Palestinian Feminist Collective also complains about homophobic abuse, which deploys Joseph Goebbels's purported advice to accuse the other side of what you are guilty of. The only homophobic abuse that is tolerated in "Palestine" is in Hamas-infested Gaza and other areas under Palestinian control. It is not socially or legally acceptable in Israel. The one thing to their credit, though, is that their Twitter page also includes some condemnations of the Palestinian Authority.

Endorsements Could Violate University Policies

"Is Academic Freedom a Casualty of the Gaza War?" by Cary Nelson cites "Gender Studies Departments in Solidarity With Palestinian Feminist Collective" and adds, "Academic freedom protects the right individual faculty have to take aggressive political stands. But departments and programs speak for the institution." Most organizations have rules as to who can speak for them, and under what circumstances. This is why readers should select a few of the universities listed, such as Oregon State University, Columbia University, and so on and so on to bring "Gender Studies Departments in Solidarity With Palestinian Feminist Collective" to the attention of their ethics and compliance departments, contact information for which is usually available from a Google search.

Civis Americanus is the pen name of a contributor who remembers the lessons of history and wants to ensure that our country never needs to learn those lessons again the hard way. The author is remaining anonymous due to the likely prospect of being subjected to "cancel culture" for exposing the Big Lie behind Black Lives Matter.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
In these difficult and divisive times  with communication fraught with obfuscation, hyperbole, euphemism, and ignorance  I offer the following as a public service.

Selections from...

The Democrat-English Dictionary

*Climate change: what the Earth has been doing on its own since creation, frequently in extreme and dramatic ways.

*Coronavirus: Wuhan Flu.

*Crazed zombie lunatic dangerously clinging to his guns and his God: Trump-supporter.

*Denier: someone who doesn't reflexively and fervently agree with a part of the Democratic agenda.

*Disinformation: the truth.

*Far-right zealot: anyone who believes in the American founding values.

*Justice-involved individual: criminal.

*Living document: the Constitution of the United States of America.

*Misgendering: refusing to use the preferred pronouns of those in the transgender community. Considered "violent attacks" on transgender people.

*Misinformation: the truth.

*Mostly peaceful protesters: Antifa, BLM  and anyone else  engaged in burning down buildings, stealing big-screen televisions, and assaulting innocent bystanders and small businessowners.

*Mostly peaceful protests: protests Democrats are okay with as long as they don't occur anywhere near where they live.

*Non-viable tissue mass: baby.

*Problematic: anything probably not so good for Democrats.

*Problematic concept of personal autonomy that can be rightfully granted  or not  by experts, elites, and the intelligentsia: freedom.

*Racist: everyone and everything on Earth except peoples "of color" who vote for Democrats.

*Radical right-wing extremist: anyone to the right of Karl Marx.

*Resistance: a concept embracing protest when Republicans are in power and condemning it when Democrats are in power.

*Saving democracy: leaving your state's Legislature and flying to Washington, D.C. when evil Republicans try to pass a bill you don't like. The only form of "abstinence" that should be encouraged.

*(The) science is settled: a term meaning Democrats don't want to talk about it anymore. Period.

*Shark interaction: shark attack.

*Risky spending scheme: tax cut.

*Revenue enhancement: tax increase.

*Transgender woman: man.

*Unmerited and demented feeling of love, appreciation, and respect for the United States, usually exhibited by inbred Christian rubes in flyover country: patriotism.

* Voter suppression: any idea or action that could ensure the integrity of elections, eliminate cheating and fraud, and prevent responsible citizens' votes from being canceled out.

*Women's health care: abortion.

Now kindly allow me a definition of my own:

Democrat: a smug, hypocritical, ignorant and/or evil, intolerant, power-hungry ass-hat trying to subvert America from within...all while virtue-signaling (yet wallowing in self-aggrandizement). A willing tool of tyrannical governments past and present, and a communist apologist currently being used like an infant's diaper by world leaders ranging from Ali Khamenei to Vladimir Putin to Xi Jinping. Validators of Nikita Khrushchev's purported remark promising, "We will take America without firing a shot. We do not have to invade the United States. We will bury you from within." Singularly smarmy, disingenuous, and dangerous.

Photo credit: Greeblie CC BY 2.0 license.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Garret Miller of Dallas contends that January 6, 2021 charges brought against him represent "selective prosecution."

Miller has retained the services of attorney F. Clifton Boyden, who, according to a report in the New York Times, has pointed out that Portland rioters got lenient treatment reflecting the change from the Trump to the Biden administration, with the Department of Justice now in Democrat hands.

Among the ludicrous arguments brought by Miller's prosecutors is the allegation that while the Capitol was breached by a "mob," no courthouse was broken into in Portland, nor was any congressional proceeding interrupted. The prosecutors seem to be supporting this argument on behalf of the Portland perpetrators: "they should not be charged because it was only property that was destroyed." One cannot get much more "woke" than that.

The Times account also reports that Garret Miller was spotted in "a fighting stance with one of his legs in front of the other."

There should be no doubt that prosecution of Garret Miller is an assault on the constitutional concept of "equal protection under law." Indeed, this concept should dismiss the egregious prosecution of most protesters at the Capitol  many of whom, on the most minimal of charges, have been held for months in solitary confinement. Has any of the violent anti-Trump crowd been arrested and held? A leftist media establishment silent about the unfair treatment accorded pro-Trump partisans would howl in outrage if a single violent Antifa radical were treated similarly.

Attorney Boyden contends that our system of justice is now corrupted by prosecutors playing politics: the blindfold has been stripped from the eyes of Justice, her scales tilting heavily against people who dare to carry high a Trump banner.

Image: Texas Dept. of Motor Vehicles.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.




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39,361 Coronavirus Cases Reported In India:- A total number of 39,361 new cases of coronavirus are reported in India in the last 24 hours and the total cases of coronavirus reported till date climbed to 3.10 crores. As per the reports coming from the Union Health Ministry, the total number of recoveries reported in the country in the past 24 hours are 35,968 and the total number of recoveries reached 3,05,79,106. 416 people died in the last one day and the total death tally reached 4,20,967. There are 4,11,189 active cases of coronavirus in India and the total number of Indians who took the vaccination dose for coronavirus are said to be 43,51,96,001. The active cases constitute to 1.31 percent of the total number of reported cases in the country. The positivity rate in India is at 3.41 percent and it continues to remain low and the recovery rate is 97.35 percent. As per the Union Health Ministry, there are 3.29 crore vaccine doses left with the states and the union territories.

The second wave of coronavirus is yet to calm down in the country as the daily new tally of cases is close to 40,000. The experts warned of a possible third wave that would hit the nation in August. Maharashtra and Kerala continued to deliver a high number of cases in the recent weeks. The government of Goa extended the night curfew till August 2nd. The night curfew is imposed from 9 PM to 7 AM. Maharashtra reported 6843 new cases of coronavirus along with 123 deaths and 5212 recoveries. The health experts warned the government to prepare for the third wave and it would report 4-5 lakh cases per day. The group of coronavirus told the government after conducting an analysis. As per the reports from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples that are conducted in India on July 25th in India are said to be 11,54,444 and the samples that are tested in India till today are 45,74,44,011.
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Tunisia, 10 years of fragile democracy after Ben Ali But thus far the Jasmine Revolution was the only successful one

(ANSAmed) - ROME, 26 LUG - It was December 17, 2010 when a young Tunisian fruit peddler, Mohamed Bouazizi, set himself on fire in front of the governorate of Sidi Bouzid to protest the unfair seizure of his goods by the authorities.



This shocking gesture triggered what was called the Jasmine Revolution throughout Tunisia.



In a short time the revolt spread as if by a domino effect also in many other countries of North Africa and the Middle East, in particular Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen, igniting the hopes of a true Arab Spring.



Ten years later, only Tunisia has been able to claim that it has managed to continue on the path of democracy, at least until Sunday.



The events of recent hours mark a serious setback in a march that initially led in matter of weeks, on January 14, 2011, to the overthrow of the dictator Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, who had been in power since 1987, after having ousted Habib Bourghiba in a coup.



After the overthrow, Ben Ali took refuge in Saudi Arabia and suffered numerous convictions in absentia, including life imprisonment for the death of some protesters.



He later died in 2019 in a clinic in Jeddah.



The election in October 2011 of a constituent assembly brought to power the parties that had opposed Ben Ali, in particular Ennahda, the moderate Islamic party, which obtained 37% of the votes and 89 seats; and the Congress for the Republic, a reformist secular party, which obtained 8.7% of the votes and 29 seats.



But above all it led to a new Constitution, which went into effect on January 26, 2014 and introduced guarantees of equality and freedom in the country for the first time, including that of speech, and established the division of executive power between the president, the prime minister and the speaker of the Parliament.



However, the new charter also produced serious instability, which led to the formation and sinking of a long series of new governments, at the rate of one per year.



And that led to the clash between Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and Parliament Speaker Riad Gannouchi with President Kais Saied, a constitutional law professor elected in October 2019 as an independent with 72% of the vote, based on an anti-corruption platform.



The clash came about on the wave of widespread discontent due to unemployment, which saw one-third of young people out of work and an economy in crisis now more than ever, including due to the pandemic.



Meanwhile, disenchantment with politics has grown, as evidenced by the steady decline in voter turnout.



During the last seven elections, participation dropped from a high of 68% in 2014 to 42% in 2019.



And it is perhaps also testified by the scenes of jubilation yesterday in the streets of Tunis following Saied's announcement of what appears to be an authoritarian turn.



The only success story of the Arab Spring risks ending here.



(ANSAmed).




MARINELLA DI SELINUNTE - Students and archaeologists from New York University (NYU) and the University of Milan (UniMi) brought to light new evidence of ancient life with four discoveries at Temple R in Selinunte.

The mission led by professors Clemente Marconi, Rosalia Pumo and Andrew Ward brought the discovery of part of a monumental platform on two levels that was likely used to house the main altar of Temple R, the oldest in the city, dated archaeologically to 570 BC.

It is a historical testimony of two different phases of the city: the lower platform dates to the years of construction of Temple R; while the higher platform, more monumental, dates to the 5th century.

This is the same area where, in 2010, researchers with the NYU-UniMi mission found abundant remains of animal sacrifice.

Among the finds were also two spearheads that were found burnt and crossed. "A truly exceptional case in the Greek world to find them like this," said professor Marconi.

"It was typical of female cults to have dedications of weapons, and the finding in front of Temple R, dedicated to a goddess, is certainly not accidental," he said.

During the excavation, a large goat's horn was also unearthed, evidence of a prestigious sacrifice to the divinity.

A fourth artefact found was a fragment of a life-sized statue made of Parian marble.

It is an additional piece of the arm of a kouros, a male statue with a votive function, of which a fragment of the forearm was found four years ago during the NYU-UniMi campaign.

"This is the first time that a statue of this type in marble and life-size has been discovered in Selinunte," said Clemente Marconi.

"It was most likely dedicated in the sixth century and then dismembered in the fourth century and the fragments partly used as lime, with others used for Hellenistic fill".

NYU has been excavating Temple R, the southernmost and oldest in the city, since 2010.

An overseas university's interest in this strip of Sicily is due to the fact that Selinunte is one of the five cities in the Greek world that invested most in the construction of temples between the Archaic and Classical ages.

"To shed full light on Temple R, another three years of excavations are still needed to better study the foundation of the temple," Marconi said.

Sicily's regional councillor for cultural heritage, Alberto Samona, also commented on the findings.

"The results of the research campaign just conducted are of great importance for knowledge of the urban sanctuary built between the end of the seventh and the end of the fourth century BC," he said.

"They provide interesting elements for the purpose of a historical reconstruction of ancient Sicily for a springtime of archaeology in Sicily, which appears more and more like a season, not only beneficial, but above all long-lasting and capable of consolidating solid international relations," he said.
EU green pass required in Galicia and Canary Islands For access to bars, restaurants and other indoor locales

(ANSAmed) - MADRID, 26 LUG - Two regions in Spain, Galicia and the Canary Islands, will require the EU green pass for people to access indoor locales such as bars and restaurants, Spanish daily La Vanguardia reported.



It said in Galicia the green pass will be required starting Saturday in municipalities with the highest number of infections, such as Vigo and Ourense.



In the Canary Islands the measure went into effect Monday on the island of Tenerife, the island that currently has the worst Covid situation, following the regulation's publication in the regional Official Gazette. (ANSAmed).




TUNISI - Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on authorities to "respect press freedom and pluralism" in a tweet Monday, following news that the Tunis office of Al Jazeera had been forcibly closed.

"In the aftermath of PR Kais Saied's announcements opening a political crisis in Tunisia, RSF denounces the closure of Al Jazeera's office in Tunis by security forces and calls on the authorities to respect press freedom and pluralism," it tweeted.
Appeal by Palestinian PM, 'Get vaccinated' Palestinians with at least one dose total 576,000

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, 26 LUG - Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayeh appealed on Monday to Palestinians to get vaccinated, during a cabinet meeting of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), said WAFA news agency.



Shtayeh warned that if his appeal doesn't have an effect, it will be necessary to go back to enacting severe restrictions.



He recalled that it is still always necessary to wear a face mask indoors and practice social distancing.



According to Palestinian Health Minister May al-Kayleh, a total of 576,000 Palestinians have received at least one vaccination dose.



Of these, 475,000 live in the West Bank and 100,000 in Gaza.



Last month, Israel offered the PNA 1.3 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine that were set to expire at the end of July.



Israel planned to get the same quantity from the PNA in the fall, when Palestinians are expecting a large shipment.



But the deal was the subject of harsh criticism in Ramallah and didn't materialise. (ANSAmed).




Tunisia: president removes government, says it's not a coup Prime minister ousted, Parliament suspended for 30 days

(ANSA) - TUNIS, 26 LUG - Tunisian President Kais Saied has announced he removed Tunisian Prime Minister Hicham Mechici and suspended the Tunisian Parliament for 30 days, following a day of clashes, protests and demonstrations in various cities across the country on Sunday.



The announcement came at the end of an emergency meeting held by Saied with security officials.



Saied said he will temporarily lead the government until a new prime minister is nominated and said he has suspended immunity for members of Parliament.



"Institutions are still in place, the supporters of Ennahda and the Tunisian people will defend the revolution," said Tunisian Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Islamic Ennahda party, immediately following the president's announcement.



Noureddine Bhiri and Ali Laarayedh, two other leaders of Ennahda, the majority in parliament, took the same tone.



"Any measure in derogation of the Constitution is unacceptable and will be considered an obstacle to the will of the people," Bhiri told local radio broadcaster Mosaique FM, adding "our institutions will meet and take the necessary decisions".



Laarayedh said the measures announced by the president amount to a coup.



Saied immediately responded and said the decisions are constitutional, under Article 80 of the Tunisian Constitution.



"Those who speak of a coup should read the Constitution or go back to their first year of elementary school," Saied said.



"I have been patient and I have suffered with the Tunisian people," he said, adding that before announcing the measures he personally consulted with Mechichi and Ghannouchi by phone.



For his part, Ghannouchi called on his followers to protest in front of Parliament to "restore democracy" and emphasised that he was not informed of Saied's decision, as required by Article 80 of the Constitution.



Meanwhile, initial reactions are coming in from the various political parties, which held meetings on Sunday night to evaluate the situation.



In addition to the predictable opposing reaction from Ennahda, its ally in the government, Qalb Tounes, called the president's move "a grave violation of the Constitution and the provisions of Article 80".



Tounes also called on the head of government to take up his "legitimate" functions and not create a vaccuum in the government presidency.



Observers are concerned by the fact that Saied also decided to claim the office of Attorney General of the Republic, with the right therefore to be able to initiate criminal prosecution.



That would allow him to arrest even MPs, once their immunity is suspended.



According to the same sources, a ban on foreign travel is being discussed for Ghannouchi and 64 other MPs who have pending cases in the courts. (ANSA).




Hopes that UK holidaymakers could visit the US this summer have been dashed after a White House official said existing restrictions on international travel will be maintained.

It is not possible for most European travellers, including those from the UK, to enter the US due to coronavirus fears.

The Associated Press reported that the policy will not be lifted due to the prevalence of variants of the virus in Europe.

Last week, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans against travel to the UK in light of the countrys surge in cases.

Most European nations have relaxed restrictions on visitors from the US who are fully-vaccinated.

But the UK has kept the US on its amber list, meaning most arriving travellers must self-isolate for 10 days.

Ahead of last months G7 summit in Cornwall, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden launched a taskforce to make recommendations on safely restarting international travel.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that ministers are preparing to ease travel rules for expats returning to the UK from Sunday.

UK nationals living overseas who have had both doses of a coronavirus jab will no longer need to self-isolate when they arrive from an amber list country, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The exemption from quarantine currently only applies to people who were vaccinated under the UK programme, but the newspaper stated that the Government plans to recognise foreign jabs.

The Department for Transport has committed to holding a formal review of the rules for arriving travellers this week.

The Daily Telegraph also reported that ministers are expected to agree to a reciprocal deal on quarantine-free travel with 33 countries, which could lead to a surge in trips between the UK and the EU.

Those countries include much of Europe such as Ireland, Spain, Portugal, France and Greece, plus some long-haul destinations including Barbados, Anguilla and the Cayman Islands.

There is also speculation that France could return to the amber travel list.

It was moved to so-called amber plus earlier this month, which means even UK travellers who are fully-vaccinated must self-isolate on their return from the country.

The Colorado river passes through the Grand Canyon (Martin Keene/PA)

Speaking in the Commons last week, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said: By the end of this month, UK nationals who have been vaccinated overseas will be able to talk to their GP, go through what vaccine they have had, and have it registered with the NHS that they have been vaccinated.

The reason for the conversation with the GP is to make sure that whatever vaccine they have had is approved in the United Kingdom.

Ultimately, there will be a co-ordination between the World Health Organisation, ourselves, the European regulator, the US regulator and other regulators around the world.

Because we are working at speed, at the moment it is UK nationals and citizens who have had UK vaccinations who will be able to travel to amber list countries other than France and come back and not quarantine.

We want to offer the same reciprocity as the 33 countries that recognise our app, and that will also happen very soon.

The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own rules in terms of the requirements for arrivals from overseas, but their rules are often closely linked to the position in England.
A woman has been jailed for two years and 10 months over more than 5 million worth of money-laundering offences after she was stopped at Heathrow Airport with suitcases full of cash.

Tara Hanlon, 30, was held as she tried to board a flight to Dubai in October of last year with more than 1.9 million in sterling notes.

The find, vacuum packed in five suitcases and covered in ground coffee to hide the smell from sniffer dogs, was described at the time as the largest individual cash seizure at the border that year.

She pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to remove criminal property from England and Wales between July 13 and October 4 last year, which has been left to lie on file.

But she admitted three counts of removing criminal property, relating to cash amounts of 1.4 million on July 14, 1.1 million on August 10 and 1 million on August 31 last year.

Tara Hanlon, 30, arrives at Isleworth Crown Court, west London, where she was jailed for two years and 10 months (Yui Mok/PA)

The defendant also pleaded guilty to attempting to remove 1.9 million in criminal cash from the country on the day she was arrested.

Recruitment consultant Hanlon, of Pelham Court, Leeds, appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, where she was jailed for 34 months.

Prosecutor Nathan Rasiah said the charges related to three trips taken to the United Arab Emirates city last summer and one failed attempt in October.

The court heard that on October 3 2020, the defendant was stopped at the airport by a customs official when travelling with a friend to Dubai.

When asked about the purpose of the visit and her luggage, the defendant said she was going on a girls trip and that she had checked in the five suitcases because she wasnt sure what to wear whilst there.

Some of the money found in the possession of Tara Hanlon (NCA/PA)

The defendant denied that she was travelling with cash on her person or in her luggage, but was subsequently taken into custody and arrested for money laundering after officials discovered the cash in the suitcases.

In a prepared statement to investigators, Hanlon said that it was the first trip she had taken, that she was not being paid and believed it to be legal as the money would be declared in Dubai.

She claimed she had been asked to fly out to provide a hair service for a contact, who later turned out to be her recruiter, in return for free flights and accommodation, and that she had been handed the bags by a driver in London.

However, inquiries with the airline and a search of the defendants phone by authorities revealed that she had made three previous visits in July and August as a courier, and had been paid around 3,000 for each trip.

After liaising with authorities in Dubai, the National Crime Agency (NCA) discovered Hanlon had declared she was carrying more than a million pounds in cash upon arrival on each occasion, totalling 3.5 million.

Mr Rasiah told the court that messages found on the defendants phone to the woman who recruited her revealed Hanlon had a deeper role in the operation, as the two had discussed involving other couriers.

The defendant had also celebrated the payment of three big ones following the first trip, writing in a message to the woman: With this wage and the next my debts go bye. Time for TT to live her best life.

A view of the skyline at night of Dubai (Yui Mok/PA)

Stephen Grattage, defending, claimed that Hanlon was vulnerable at the time of the offences following the sudden death of her mother in March and having been furloughed from her job shortly afterwards.

He said that as the money was being declared in Dubai and the recruiter had mentioned an accountant being involved in the payments, Hanlon believed the business could be legitimate.

However, during sentencing, Judge Karen Holt told her: Although you were vulnerable at the time, I dont find that you have been exploited and find that you knew what you were doing.

Ian Truby, NCA senior investigating officer, said following the hearing: Tara Hanlon thought that she was going to be living a jet-set lifestyle, instead she is now serving a prison sentence.

I hope her story is a cautionary one for others who would consider doing the same. Stopping the flow of illicit cash is a priority for the NCA and our partners.

Hanlons arrest sparked an NCA probe targeting a number of other cash couriers suspected of being linked to the same money laundering network.

Around a month after Hanlon was caught, Czech national Zdenek Kamaryt, 38, was held as he tried to board a flight from Heathrow to Dubai with 1.3 million in cash in his bags.

He was jailed for two years in March after pleading guilty to money laundering offences, according to the NCA.

Eight other people, arrested in a series of raids in May of this year at locations in London, Surrey, West Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester, were released under investigation while inquiries continue.
Three endangered Amur tiger cubs have been exploring their outside enclosure for the first time at their home in the Highlands.

Following their first health check and vaccinations, the three cubs will have regular time outdoors from Monday at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotlands (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park at Kingussie.

The cubs were born in May to mother Dominika and father Botzman.

The cubs have so far spent most of their time inside with their mother (Jane Barlow/PA)

Since they were born, they have been spending most of their time in the cubbing den with their mother, and their father will be gradually introduced to them as they grow older.

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said: At ten weeks old, our cubs are getting braver and more playful every day, with their personalities already starting to develop. It is lovely to see just how excited our visitors are to meet them.

Given how young they are, they wont be allowed outside for the whole day and will likely only be out for short bursts, followed by long naps indoors.

Two of the cubs are female and will be named by the wildlife conservation charitys donors, in tribute to the tigers native home of Russia.

RZSS is asking the public to help name the third cub, a male, via its social media platforms.

Mr Gilchrist said: We wanted to give the trio names which would pay tribute to their native home and help raise awareness of the plight this endangered species and sadly many others, face in the wild.

Two of the three Amur tiger cubs, with their mother (Jane Barlow/PA)

Two of our generous donors will be naming our female cubs and we are asking the public to help us name our little boy on our social media platforms, by picking from two names shortlisted by our keepers, Aleksander and Dimitri.

Aleksander was chosen as the cubs were born on carnivore keeper Alexs birthday and Dimitri is a Russian name meaning earth-lover after Greek goddess Demeter.

Anyone wanting to visit the park must book their tickets online in advance as visitor numbers are being restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Daska Mackintosh, head of operations and visitor services at Highland Wildlife Park, said: Every visit to Highland Wildlife Park helps care for amazing animals in Scotland and around the world, so it is wonderful to see more and more people coming back and hoping to see our Amur tiger family.

We are so grateful for the support we have had from the public throughout this incredibly challenging year for our charity. If restrictions continue to ease, we are on track to have one of our best summers yet.

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Our visitor numbers are still limited for everyones safety, so I would like to remind everyone to check online and book ahead to avoid disappointment.

People can vote for the male cubs name by visiting @HighlandWPark on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Dominika was born at Highland Wildlife Park in 2009 and gave birth to her first litter of cubs in 2013.

Botzman fathered three cubs in 2018 at Whipsnade Zoo and arrived at Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie last October.

In the wild, the tigers are now only found in isolated populations around the Amur river valley in the far east of Russia, and on the north-east border of China.
Senior ministers are set to discuss extending the rollout of daily testing sites for coronavirus to ease the concerns of industry and frontline services by allowing further exemptions from isolation for critical workers.

The Covid operations sub-committee of Cabinet will meet on Monday to discuss whether to widen the number of jobs eligible for the testing regime, or whether to boost the numbers for existing sectors in order to tackle the pingdemic.

Their decisions will depend on the demand registered with Whitehall departments and the ministers determination of what roles are currently critical, with refuse collectors expected to receive assistance, while the hospitality industry is not.

The vast number of people isolating after being pinged as Covid contacts by the NHS app has been fuelled by the high numbers of coronavirus infections that has swept the nation as the Delta variant thrived and restrictions were eased.

While the number of new cases of Covid-19 reported each day in the UK has fallen for the fifth day in a row, it is too early for the data to show any impact of ending most of Englands remaining legal restrictions on July 19 because of the delay between people becoming infected and receiving tests.

Ministers have so far resisted pressure from business leaders and some senior Conservative MPs to immediately bring forward the wider relaxation of isolation rules for all fully-vaccinated people from August 16.

Instead they have been focusing on granting a limited number of exemptions to keep key services running and to protect essential supply chains.

Around around 10,000 workers in the food sector are expected to be included in the scheme for fully vaccinated workers to be exempt from isolation if they test negative.

Fans outside Wembley Stadium after the Euro 2020 group match between England and Scotland (Aaron Chown/PA)

But figures in the food industry have warned shortages on the shelves could continue without more exemptions in the supply chain, such as in supermarkets.

New testing sites are expected to be allocated for frontline police and fire services to prevent major shortages of critical staff.

The scale of the issue was shown by figures stating more than 600,000 people in England and Wales were told to quarantine by the NHS Covid-19 app in the week to July 14.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse apologised for delays at the border after travellers complained about total chaos at airports and suggested suggested some airline staff could receive some isolation exemptions.

He also acknowledged the challenge across policing in a Times Radio interview, as Metropolitan Police Federation Ken Marsh said 17% of officers in the capital were off last week, causing a huge strain on colleagues.

Reduced timetables have been introduced on railways across England after a spate of last-minute cancellations due to staff self-isolating.

Pubs and restaurants have been angered by the refusal to grant exemptions to any of their staff, with the UKHospitality industry body warning there could be a summer of venue closures as staff are forced into isolation at a high rate.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Sajid Javid apologised for saying people should not cower from coronavirus in remarks that were branded insensitive by bereaved families and opposition MPs.

The Cabinet minister deleted the offending tweet on Sunday, conceding it was a poor choice of word and I sincerely apologise.

He made the original comment on Twitter on Saturday as he announced he had made a full recovery from a Covid-19 infection and said his symptoms were very mild, thanks to amazing vaccines, of which he has received two doses.

Please, if you havent yet, get your jab, as we learn to live with, rather than cower from, this virus, he added.

Jo Goodman, a co-founder of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group, had said Mr Javids original comment was deeply insensitive on a number of levels.

Not only are they hurtful to bereaved families, implying our loved ones were too cowardly to fight the virus, but they insult all those still doing their best to protect others from the devastation this horrific virus can bring, she added.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Wembley (Mike Egerton/PA)

Both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak had to enter 10 days of quarantine over a contact with Mr Javid.

The Prime Ministers quarantine in his Chequers country residence is expected to finish at the end of Monday, as is the Chancellors.

A total of 29,173 coronavirus cases were reported by the Government on Sunday.

It was the fifth day in a row that the number of daily reported cases has decreased, with average daily cases down 15% week on week.

The last time cases fell for five days in a row was between February 5 and 9.
Bobby Orillaneda, a senior researcher of the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology, fell in love with ancient Chinese ceramics in 1999 when he joined a shipwreck excavation in Palawan, an archipelagic province in the Southeast Asian country.

As a ceramic researcher and head of the museum's maritime and underwater heritage division, Orillaneda said China's ceramics collections of the museum date back to nearly 1,000 years ago or the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties.

The ancient Chinese ceramics, most of which were found in the Philippines either inland sites or in shipwreck sites, are "very good evidence of the thriving maritime trade between China and the rest of the world, including the Philippines," he told Xinhua in an interview.

"Most of the collections here are from the port of Quanzhou since the 13th century, when there was increased maritime traffic among China, the Philippines, and the rest of the Southeast Asian region. Ceramics from different areas of China would be carried to Quanzhou first and then shipped towards different destinations such as here in the Philippines," Orillaneda said.

Over the past years, Orillaneda has visited many cities in China to arrange cultural artifacts exhibitions. Among those cities, Quanzhou, located in China's Fujian province as the crucial starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, impressed him the most.

Dating back to China's Song Dynasty (960-1297) and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Quanzhou witnessed a prospering maritime trade and economy, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and the rest of the world.

On Sunday, Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site, bringing the total number of China's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56.

Starting from Quanzhou, silk, porcelain, and tea were ferried out of China, while spices, exotic plants, and other rare treasures were shipped back.

Shipwrecks excavated in Quanzhou Bay and the South China Sea also testify to the prosperity and vibrancy of the port, such as the wreck of a sailing ship with a wooden hull unearthed in Houzhu Harbor in Quanzhou Bay.

This three-masted ocean-going commercial vessel seems to have been originally built in Quanzhou in the 13th century, and at the time of the wreck, it was returning from Southeast Asia loaded with spices, medicines, and other merchandise.

Deeply engrossed in the study of ancient Chinese ceramics, Orillaneda said that out of all the collections in the Philippine National Museum of Anthropology, his favorite one is a blue and white porcelain bowl made during the Yuan Dynasty.

"It is recovered from a late 15th-century shipwreck here in Palawan, but this one is quite different because it is made during the Yuan Dynasty, which is about 100 years earlier than the shipwreck," Orillaneda said.

"During the Yuan Dynasty, the blue and whites are of very high quality. The cobalt was taken from Central Asia and imported to China and used during the first batch of the blue and whites. Therefore, the exquisite craftsmanship and the colors are very vibrant. The design inside the bowl shows mythical animals like phoenix and kylin, which are important symbols in Chinese mythology."

Orillaneda's mentor, Rita Tan, the former president of the Oriental Ceramic Society of the Philippines, also dedicated her life to studying ancient Chinese ceramics.

Born in 1939, Tan has been the curator of a series of exhibitions on overseas ancient Chinese ceramics, particularly those fabricated in Fujian province before being shipped out from Quanzhou and finally discovered in the Philippines.

She attributed the discovery of Song-Yuan ceramics in the Philippines to Chinese government policy incentives of those dynasties and the Philippines' strategic location along the Maritime Silk Road due to its proximity to China's coastal areas. Tan believes that these cultural relics are "the most concrete evidence of history."

"Song Dynasty is the 'golden era' of Chinese ceramics, which witnessed the blooming of kilns in Southeast China. Moreover, the opening-up policy and emphasis on foreign trade of those dynasties boosted the export of Chinese ceramics," Tan said.

"Geographically close, the Philippines is a must-pass between China and the rest of the Southeast Asian region, and even Western Asia," Tan added.

()
Germany's interior minister has announced a SMS messaging system that will make it possible to send out emergency text alerts to all mobile network users in an emergency area after the country was hit by the worst floods in 60 years.

While such a warning service has been used by other countries for decades, Germany has resisted its use over privacy concerns.

According to experts, Germany's emergency SMS system will be operational in the next 12-18 months.

Clean-up operation begins

Emergency power generators, construction dryers and kids toys - those were some of the items Sebastian Frenkel, along with dozens of volunteers, unloaded from trucks and trailers full of donations for the community of Erftstadt, which was hit by catastrophic floods on July 15.

Frenkel, from Potsdam, near Berlin, always had a love for the western Eifel region of Germany, so when it was struck by the country's worst natural disaster in decades, killing at least 180 people, he sprang into action, initiating a crowdfunding campaigning.

A few days later, that campaigned had raised $35,314. With that money, he bought machinery and other equipment to help with the mammoth clear-up efforts.

"We are still moved after the drive," shared Frenkel, who personally drove the donations the 570 kilometers to Erftstadt. "There are no roads anymore, no bridges. We saw some harsh images in Schuld, in Ahrweiler."

Volunteers have been coming out from everywhere to help in the relief efforts.

Sebastian Frenkel, along with dozens of volunteers have raised money to help with the clean-up efforts. /AFP

Did the government warning system fail?

The discussion over the German government's preparedness and response is still a hot topic just months before the federal elections in September.

One of the country's national papers recently pointed the finger straight at the government, writing that "disaster management failed to warn citizens. Barely functioning sirens, no early evacuations and data protection prevented warning text messages to all affected citizens."

The devastating floods, which also hit neighboring Belgium and The Netherlands, caused the deaths of more than 180 people in Germany alone and is expected to cost the country more than six billion euros ($7.06 billion) to rebuild.

Some parts of western Germany were hit by catastrophic floods on July 15. /AFP

Vineyards fearful of future

Acts of solidarity in Germany's competitive winemaking industry has helped those who own vineyards in the Ahr valley, one of the regions most severely affected, keep spirits high says Elmar Sermann.

His family has been growing wine in the area for almost 300 years.

"It's just incredible," he says. "The help that we have been offered from other winemakers in the region, people saying they have a press spare, or tanks or pumps. I think that with all this goodwill we will make it again."

Yet, others are not so optimistic.

Many of the 460 members of the Mayschoss-Altenahr wine cooperative, also near the Ahr river in western Germany, were affected by the rushing waters that flooded cellars and vineyards.

Alina Sonntag, a management assistant at the cooperative, said the disaster threatened to end what is believed to be the oldest such organization in the world at more than 150 years old.

"It is devastatingly threatening to the existence (of our business)" Sonntag admits. "The barrels that were still in the cellar, where there was actually wine in them, are probably no longer usable. We're now trying to save what can be saved. It affects our very substance, that's for sure."

(CGTN)
ALPHARETTA, Ga.  Alpharetta city officials wrestled with an application for what one resident called the little church that could, that had applied to use an existing building for worship services.

While some members on the City Council said they shared neighbors worries about additional traffic, the application was approved unanimously at the boards July 19 meeting.

Overall, close to two dozen area residents  some from as far away as Canton and Cumming turned out to support the action, telling the City Council the Parish Anglican Church represents the best in the community, that it is a family, and it seeks spiritual growth for a growing city.

The church came before the council to request a conditional use to allow it to operate in the Kalen Center on Vaughan Drive near Ga. 9. Plans call for two worship services one day a week on a one-year lease.

Pastor Jordan Warner said Parish Anglican Church has made arrangements with neighboring businesses for any overflow parking as a contingency, but he did not anticipate the services would draw greater crowds than could be accommodated at the Kalen Center.

Mary Jacobs, representing the 321 Vaughan neighborhood homeowners, said residents in her townhome community are not opposed to the church, but they are fearful its growth would lead to hazardous traffic conditions.

She said when the Kalen Center was proposed in 2016, it was pitched as a Monday-Friday activity building, and Vaughan residents were assured they would have weekends free from traffic congestion. Jacobs also said residents are concerned about having the neighborhood inundated with cars during major service events.

Council members pointed out that Brindle Lane, which services the Vaughan townhomes, is a private drive, and additional traffic near the Kalen Center will add to the wear of the roadway.

Fred Moeller, founder of the Kalen Center, said the church would be a perfect fit for the building.

Right now, he said, the center houses three businesses, and people are in and out of the building every day of the week.

During its six years of operations, Moeller said, there have been no accidents and no car wrecks.

We have been very careful, thoughtful about how we use the space, Moeller said. We need the parish as a client. We need the revenue There is no negative impact.

Alpharetta Planning staff recommended approval of the application, but it did stipulate a traffic management plan that included parking arrangements with nearby businesses.

Councilman Donald Mitchell said he was torn on the issue, but he thinks adding more traffic was not in the original plan for the Kalen Center. He said he thinks the church offers a lot to the community, but the city should not turn its back on its homeowners.

After a motion to table the application until the Aug. 2 meeting failed, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the application.

Councilman Jason Binder said he was struck by the massive public turnout from church supporters.

Growth, he said, is a good problem to have.

Please be good neighbors, Binder said.
Yes, enough has been done

Yes, let's see how the new chairman does

No, we need to hold a recall election

No, Root needs to resign completely

I'm not sure

Vote

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Nyssa man facing 2 felonies for throwing rocks at cars on I-84 on Saturday

Did you witness this? If so, police want to hear from you
OSP: SUV ends up in Grande Ronde River after driver falls asleep

Witness took children out of vehicle while it was on fire; first responders extricate adults
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory letter to Mary Simon on appointment as Governor General of Canada, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The letter reads:

Armenia attaches importance to the further expansion of the Armenian-Canadian relations and highly values Canadas continuous efforts aimed at the development of democratic values and institutes in our country. The best demonstration of this commitment is the upcoming visit of the Canadian special envoy to Armenia. I hope that it will be a key step to deepening the bilateral cooperation which is built on mutual trust.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. Minister of State of the Republic of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan has commented on the statements of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev relating to the status of Artsakh, the number of Armenians living in Artsakh and other issues, stating that the Azerbaijani leader is falsifying the history.

The State Minister noted that Artsakh has been Armenian for millennia and will remain so forever, adding that with such statements the Azerbaijani President aims at once again misleading his society and the international audience.

Aliyevs have come and passed through the chaos of centuries, but Armenian Artsakh has always stood firm, Artak Beglaryan said.

Aliyev is once again right when he says that there is no territory in Azerbaijan named Nagorno Karabakh. Yes, Nagorno Karabakh is out of the territory of Azerbaijan, has never been and will not be in the territory of Azerbaijan. His claims about the status of Artsakh are just demonstrations of self-deception and lies, because regardless of the losses and the challenges, the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) operates fully like it did before the war. We have developed state institutions and attributes and an unbroken will to develop and strengthen them. And the people and authorities of Artsakh will never accept any de facto or de jure status within Azerbaijan, and we will achieve the international recognition of our independence with a consistent fight, he stated.

The State Minister added that Aliyevs another claim that currently 25,000 people live in Artsakh is another lie because nearly 115,000-120,000 people live in Artsakh.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Minister of Healthcare of Armenia Anahit Avanesyan released details from the meeting with Chairman of the Board of Directors of Moderna, Noubar Afeyan.

The caretaker minister said the meeting was quite productive. We discussed with Mr. Afeyan Armenias ongoing negotiations with the US government. Joint efforts are needed in order to eventually get that vaccine, she said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan is meeting with the members of the Civil Contract party who have been elected to the parliament with the results of the recent elections.

The meeting is taking place at the headquarters of the Civil Contract party.

Before the meeting MP Hrachya Hakobyan told reporters that he doesnt know the agenda of the meeting. He didnt rule out that the meeting will touch upon the border situation.

The first session of the new Parliament will take place on August 2.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador of Switzerland to Armenia Stefano Lazzarotto has commented on the prospects of the Armenian-Swiss business ties, stating that there is a big potential and calling on the Armenian companies to use their tools to expand their presence in Switzerland.

Swiss-Armenian relations are quite expanded in different directions. Economic relations are one of the most developed components of our cooperation. Moreover, we are cooperating quite actively with the government of Armenia in the field of governance, focusing especially on reforms in import, agriculture and economic development directions. But, of course, in addition to the economic sector, we cooperate also in a number of other areas. We have very strong ties in the field of culture and also cooperate in education area. In addition, Switzerland is Armenias one of main partners in international cooperation field, the Ambassador said on the sidelines of the Innovation Day conference in Yerevan, adding that Switzerland is currently implementing different programs in Armenias southern and northern regions, assisting in the creation of added value and jobs in the country.

Among the active fields of the Armenian-Swiss cooperation are also the IT, pharmaceutics, mining industry, etc.

As for the commercial relations and investments, the Ambassador stated that both this conference and the GSP system of Switzerland, which is now not fully used by Armenia, are very good tools for the Armenian companies to expand their presence in Switzerland.

The Ambassador assures that the Swiss companies in turn are interested in making investments in Armenia. According to him, the Armenian-Swiss business ties have huge development potential.

If that potential didnt exist, we would not have been here today. I think that the potential is very big. At the moment one of the main challenges is the pandemic, as well as adapting our tools to this new situation. We need to be creative as much as possible. Several projects have already been approved, Stefano Lazzarotto said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
STEPANAKERT, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Artsakh denies the reports on social media claiming that a shootout occurred between the Armenian and Azerbaijani servicemen in the military positions located in Kashatagh, as well as the Armenian servicemen have been attacked by the Azerbaijani forces in the Martuni section.

Relatively stable situation continues to be preserved in both the aforementioned and other sections of the line of contact between the Artsakh and Azerbaijani armed forces, the defense ministry of Artsakh said in a statement.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador of the USA to Armenia Lynne Tracy visited Gegharkunik Province on July 26 accomponied by the representatives of the Defense Ministry of Armenia. Commander of Corps, Major-General Arayik Harutyunyan presented the situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border to the Ambassador, after which a visit to the border section of Verin Shorzha was organized.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MoD Armenia, Ambassador Tracy reaffirmed the concerns of the USA over the incidents along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, stressing that the US rejects the use of force during demarcation works.

The Ambassador also stressed that the United States, as wn OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair country, remains deeply committed to working with all parties for reaching a lasting political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. At the same time, according to Lynne Tracy, the United States urges the parties to return to the talks in the sidelines of the Minsk Group Co-chairs' format as soon as possible.
ASHLAND -- Hospice of North Central Ohio has been approved for a grant in the amount of $6,353.47 for the purchase of new medical training equipment.

The grant received from The Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative People Fund will help HNCO preform annual education for new and seasoned hospice and palliative care nurses.

Our caregivers are better equipped and trained to respond to the special needs of our patients as a result of the generous support we have received from the LMREC People Fund, said HNCO QAPI Manager Kim Knudson.

Ralph Tomassi, HNCO Chief Development Officer, said the agency was grateful for the continued friendship and generous support of its special mission.

The LMREC People Fund grants have long provided the Margin of Excellence for HNCO patients and caregivers, Tomassi said.

As the areas oldest and largest non-profit hospice organization, Hospice of North Central Ohio has served thousands of families with compassionate end-of-life and Palliative care, bereavement programs and services since 1988.

Headquartered at 1021 Dauch Drive in Ashland, Hospice of North Central Ohio serves more than 200 patients daily in Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow, and Richland counties who are living with chronic and terminal illnesses. Additionally, free continuous bereavement services are provided for hundreds of families of hospice patients and to anyone in the community experiencing grief.

HNCO also operates the What Goes Round Thrift Shoppe" located in downtown Mansfield.

Call 800-952-2207 for more information. HNCO is a 501c3 non-profit organization with over 37 years of experience and a community partner of United Way of Ashland and Knox County.
PTI has won 23 seats while Pakistan Peoples Party PPP was second with eight seats

PTI got a simple majority to form the government without support of any other party. (Photo: PTI/File)

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is set to form the next government in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as it emerged as the largest political party in the legislative assembly elections in the region which was marred by allegations of irregularities and violence, local media reported, citing unofficial results.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) has won 23 seats while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was second with eight seats and the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured just six seats, the state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Muslim Conference (MC) and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party (JKPP) were successful in one seat each.

However, Geo TV reported that PTI won 25 seats, followed by PPP with nine and PML-N six. One seat each was won by Muslim Conference and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party.

Thus, PTI got a simple majority to form the government without support of any other party. It is for the first time that it will form a government in PoK.

Traditionally, the ruling party in the country wins the elections in Pok.

The assembly has a total of 53 members but only 45 are directly elected, while five seats are reserved for women and three are meant for the technocrats.

The 45 members directly elected included 33 residents of PoK and 12 refugees' who came over the years from Kashmir and settled in various cities of Pakistan.

India has previously slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and said any action to alter the status of the militarily occupied region has no legal basis.

PTI Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, who is the front-runner candidate for the 'Prime Minister' of the region, won from his seat. Former 'Prime Minister' and PML-N leader Raja Farooq Haider retained his seat. Another ex-'Prime Minister' and chief of Muslim Conference, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, also won.

A total of 587 candidates contested the elections in 33 constituencies of various PoK districts and 121 candidates in 12 constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir refugees settled in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Opposition parties, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have accused Khan's party of "rigging" the elections held on Sunday.

There is proof of systematic rigging in the election, PPP's vice-president Senator Sherry Rehman.

She said PTI workers attacked the PPP worker during polling time, while police had uprooted a camp belonging to her party. "There is a clear difference between the voter lists of several polling stations, she said.

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a statement, claimed that to rig the election the PTI "goons" attacked her party's workers in Gujranwala's Alipur Chatha area.

"PTI has been allowed to engage in hooliganism with complete liberty," she said.

However, the region's Election Commission rejected the allegations and said that the polls were held in a fair and peaceful manner.

The chief election commission, Abdul Rashid Sulehria, told the media that he was satisfied with the election process.

At least two PTI workers were shot and killed in clashes with PPP activists at a polling station in Charhoi area of Kotli district on Sunday. The two men were shot dead by unidentified persons, police said.

Also, at least four soldiers were killed while three soldiers and a civilian driver were injured when their vehicle plunged down a ravine off a curvy mountain road in Laswa area of the region, the military said in a statement on Sunday.

The soldiers were part of army troops deployed to help maintain peace during the elections.

In another incident, five police constables were injured after Jamaat-e-Islami activists attacked them with batons at the Dhal Chakhya polling station of Jhelum valley district.

A PML-N candidate Choudhary Muhammad Ismail Gujjar kicked up a storm as he threatened on Sunday that he would "seek India's help" if the local administration failed to address his concerns after his party's polling agents were removed from a polling station, the Geo News reported.

Following their exit from the polling station, the agents got into a heated argument with the deputy commissioner after which the polling process was halted there.

He, however, later clarified on media that his statement was directed towards the administration.

Region's Secretary Election Commission Muhammad Ghazanfar Khan claimed that the elections were held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

He expressed satisfaction over the law and order and appreciated the performance of the police and the Pakistan Army for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the elections, in which there were 32 lakh people eligible to vote to elect 45 members of the assembly for a five-year term.

The last general election for PoK Legislative Assembly was held in July 2016 and won by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

In this election, the PTI nominated candidates for all the 45 constituencies, while PML-N and PPP each issued tickets to candidates for 44 seats. Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the radical Islamist party which was banned in April by the Pakistan government for its violent activities, contested on 40 seats. The TLP was not de-registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan even after the ban, enabling it to take part in the elections.

Apart from the ticket holders of different political parties, a total of 261 independent candidates were also in the race for the 33 constituencies in PoK, while 56 independents were running for the 12 refugees' seats.
The date could be extended, depending on directions by the UAE authorities

Last month, the Canadian government also announced that it is extending the ban on incoming passenger flights from India for another month due to the Delta variant of COVID-19. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: National carrier Etihad Airways on Monday informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2.

The date could be extended, depending on directions by the UAE authorities, Khaleej Times reported citing Etihad Airways Guest Relations.

"We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet.

Last month, the Canadian government also announced that it is extending the ban on incoming passenger flights from India for another month due to the Delta variant of COVID-19.
The issue was how to balance this policy tweak against Indias long-standing policy of nonalignment for close to half a century

Much analysis has app-eared both in print and on television and the electronic and online media on the rapid territorial gains made by the Taliban in Afghanistan after the sudden American troop withdrawal, well in advance of the August 31 deadline. Opinions have differed widely on whether this is a replay of the tragedy of the 1990s when the Taliban rose rapidly to fill the power vacuum in Afghanistan and capture much of the country and eventually its capital Kabul in 1996? Or that the China-Russia-Pakistan axis will force a peace deal if the Taliban are unable to overthrow the Abdul Ghani government in Kabul by force quickly. The latter conclusion is based on the assumption that none of the regional powers really want a protracted civil war and the attendant instability in the neighbourhood.

India is caught in a peculiar dilemma. Indian foreign policy was adjusted by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to the post-Cold War situation, then perceived as a unipolar order, in 1991. Since then, a consensus has existed amongst the two main national parties in India that the United States, the sole hegemon, needed handling and much closer engagement. The issue was how to balance this policy tweak against Indias long-standing policy of nonalignment for close to half a century, which was a tried and trusted paradigm for managing international relations in a polarised world.

Since 1991, Indian foreign policy had to manage these two desires  to draw closer to the United States and yet maintain the nations strategic independence. In a sense, the policy also rested on our domestic politics remaining secular and inclusive. When the Iran-Iraq war began in 1980, India continued to deal with both, despite even training Iraqi pilots. The reason was the need to maintain peace at home between the Shias and Sunnis. Similarly, the stress on foreign policy was handled despite the widespread disappointment in the Islamic world over the destruction of the Babri Masjid.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had to face the challenge of keeping domestic and foreign policies in sync after the 2002 Gujarat riots. But for Vajpayee the need was supreme to maintain the goodwill of Iran in order to counter the rise of the Pakistan-supported Taliban. After the United States intervened in Afghanistan in 2001, the geo-political environment mutated even further to reflect perceived US dominance of the region. Concomitantly, first Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and then Prime Minister Narendra Modi tailored Indias approach to the Islamic world to Americas priorities.

After the election of President Donald Trump in the US, the fissures got further exacerbated as he not only withdrew from his predecessor Barack Obamas nuclear deal with Iran but backed the young de facto rulers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to create divides particularly amongst Gulf nations and generally in the Islamic world. The Indian government gambled on aligning much more closely with the Trumpian worldview, besides pandering to his ego at a personal and political level. The result has been that India is now working belatedly to restore lost options. External affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made two quick visits to Qatar to both allay concerns about India being in the Saudi and Emirati corner and use the good offices of Qatar to reach out to the Taliban. The sudden need has arisen as new US President Joe Biden made his intent very clear to exit from Afghanistan whether or not the conditions were created for a peace deal between the Taliban and the Afghan government. That condition precedent to US troop withdrawal was implicit in the US-Taliban deal signed by the Trump administration in February 2020.

Strategically speaking, the Indian government faces the consequences of US hegemony giving way to neo-bipolarity, with an axis of China-Russia resurrecting a fresh challenge to the United States. This leaves India, seen as informally aligned with the US approach to the Islamic world, in a quandary.

Unlike in the late 1990s when the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan was countered by the India-Iran-Russia axis, two of those powers have other priorities. A new Quad is emerging with the US, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan wanting to create regional connectivity. Russia has its own ideas about working with Pakistan, amply demonstrated by its foreign minister clubbing a visit to New Delhi with one to Islamabad. Iran may humour India by having its President-elect Ebrahim Raisi receive Mr Jaishankar, but it will have its own outreach to the Taliban. At the same time, however, Iran is keeping its options open by backing Ismail Khan and enabling him to resist the Talibans capture of Herat.

Against this background, the visit to New Delhi of Afghan Army chief Gen. Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai on July 27-30 assumes importance.

The rise of militias to supplement the defensive action of the Afghan Army reminds one of the chaos of the 1990s. The reality is that the Taliban have now apparently seized half of Afghanistans 419 districts, compared to just 81 last month.

Suddenly, US air support became available as the Taliban built up pressure on the fringes of the countrys second largest city, Kandahar. But it came with the caveat that this may not be available after August 31, the declared deadline for the US troop withdrawal. After that the US will have only 650 troops to protect the US embassy and Kabul airport.

Pakistan is both thrilled over the rapid Taliban gains but also somewhat concerned. It is keeping the Taliban appeased by publicly maintaining that it would not allow the US to have a base to conduct air operations in Afghanistan. At the same time, it is trying to extract a promise that the Taliban will purge all elements supporting terror attacks in Pakistan, like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The moral of all this is that many years of assuming that US hegemony was permanent and that closer alignment with the US was a desirable if not necessary choice is today leaving India with diminished options. The majoritarian domestic politics of the BJP allowed more leeway to play favourites in the Islamic world or distance themselves, say, from Iran if it pleased the US. After the US withdrawal, many of those undesirable entities are holding crucial cards that India needs. Nations can have long memories and diplomacy can become the victim of its past actions. South Block has its work cut out in the rapidly degrading environment to Indias west.
Debris flow in Glenwood Canyon, which was one of the causes of the Interstate 70 closure from Thursday evening to Saturday morning, is shown.
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This year, UK will be hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), and it has even bigger plans for the future. Already the largest producer of offshore wind energy in the world, Britain is planning to have every home powered by this type of energy, by 2030.The problem is that renewable energy is still not widely used for heating, energy storage and transport area where its more difficult to switch to sustainable sources, like aviation and heavy-duty vehicles. A new complex project aims to completely reconfigure the countrys energy system, by finding solutions for energy storage.The University of Strathclyde, a prestigious energy research institution, will lead the project called Ocean-Refuel (Ocean Renewable Energy Fuels), which includes research teams from other Universities as well, plus 28 industrial partners. Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the project will explore the most effective ways of converting ocean energy into fuel.The downside of wind power is its intermittency, and this has been holding back large scale usability. By developing energy storage solutions using hydrogen and ammonia, the issue of energy supply could be managed. Hydrogen is an energy carrier, and the best part is that it can be obtained from seawater. The energy would then be used as fuel for transportation, or stored and then fed back into the grid. This way, the wind and the ocean will both contribute to a sustainable energy system.The 10 million ($13.6 million) project is based on a 5-year collaboration, and plans to create the blueprint for the first integrated Ocean Renewable Fuel production facility.
Himself the owner of a 1971 Datsun 240Z, the pixel wizard has grafted humongous fenders onto the vehicle to achieve that perfect low-rider stance. The negative camber, five-spoke forged wheels, and semi-slick rubber bring the point home, along with a deep front spoiler, a low-slung aerodynamic diffuser, and side-skirt extensions finished similarly to the ginormous wing.A duckbill spoiler is also featured out back, along with stacked exhaust tips a la the BMW X8 M Competitio n. The squared-off grille up front and the power bulge in the hood crank up the visual drama to eleven, and the finishing touch comes in the guise of a duo of fender-mounted side mirrors.The Japanese werent the first to utilize this kind of mirror design, but the Japanese brought it through prominence in the 60s and 70s on countless high-volume cars and exotics that include the Toyota 2000GT. Alternately known as Fenda Mira in the Land of the Rising Sun, topside fender-mounted side mirrors were standard until 1983 when new legislation paved the way for door-mounted units. As to why door-mounted side mirrors are better in this day and age, the best answer concerns aerodynamic efficiency.Turning our attention back to the Z for a brief moment, Nissan intends to take the veils off on August 17th . Tipsters suggest 400 horsepower for the most basic specification thanks to the VR30 V6 of the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, which is quite an upgrade over the VQ37 V6 of the gray-haired 370Z because it boasts a pair of turbochargers instead of natural aspiration.As opposed to the BMW Z4-related Toyota GR Supra, the Z will appeal to a slightly wider audience thanks to a six-speed manual transmission. Customers who cant be bothered by the clutch pedal will have to settle for a Mercedes 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox built under license by JATCO.
Remember how back in April an entire batch of C8 Corvette development cars was spotted during a massive prototype outing that occurred in Marietta, Ohio? Back then we noticed that not all cars had the same exhaust system outlet placements, implying that we may be dealing with various instances of the all-new 2023 Z06.Now that Chevrolet itself has teased the upcoming fall introduction of the 2023 C8 Z06, complete with a cool soundcheck of the rad flat-plane crank LT6 V8 engine, its only natural for more information to get unearthed. It seems the good folks over at the Rick Corvette Conti channel on YouTube and the Vette Titans social media group have circled back to the tested prototypes to showcase the findings that were uncovered during one night of commando-style action.You can hear all about the story and how it unfolded (with praise for the guard, who almost made it impossible to snatch the footage) but the good stuff  aka the Corvette stuff  kicks off at 7:40 mark. From there it is revealed the Corvette enthusiast that mounted the sneak attack on the prototypes has seemingly uncovered evidence of advanced material usage. More precisely, it seems that magnesium alloy might be used for the Tremec dual-clutch gearbox casing.Of course, we all need to be taking everything with a grain of salt, as these development prototypes can be just intermediate stages to the final production examples of the Z06. Besides, even the aficionado notes that he doesnt believe these prototypes had the finished design on the body during testing, at least when it comes to the rear-end styling.Naturally, only time will tell... Additionally, the Vette Titans group also speculates that General Motors might prepare even more lightweight surprises, possibly going as far as using a magnesium engine block on the Z06.
But as it turns out, Android Auto could end up causing trouble not only when its running but also after shutting down.Plenty of users are now complaining on Googles forums that Android Auto is making their phones painfully slow after the app shuts down and the device is no longer connected to the car.More specifically, these users explain their phones become pretty much useless bricks every time they close Android Auto, as everything is dramatically slow, including the touch response, the animations, and launching apps. In some cases, it takes up to several minutes to register the touch and launch an application, some say.And its all happening after disconnecting the phone from the car and shutting down Android Auto, it seems. Only Android 11 devices are impacted, yet right now, it looks like not all devices are affected, but only models from Xiaomi and Vivo.The typical workarounds that involve clearing the cache and changing cables are a waste of time, but on the other hand, what works for these users is a phone reboot. In other words, every time the device becomes so slow after shutting down Android Auto, a restart brings this back to normal, though it goes without saying this isnt necessarily a convenient fix.Some have tried even more extreme workarounds, such as a full device reset, but all to no avail.According to one of the affected users, what prevents the glitch from happening again in their car is turning off the automatic screen lock option and the Pocket Mode (if available, depending on the phone model).Google is yet to acknowledge the problem, so theres no confirmation as to whether a fix is coming or not.
Lamborghini's Aventador will be followed in 2023 by a model that will keep its 12-cylinder engine but will have a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Another electrified model will join it in the line-up, and more are to follow, sooner than later. Before 2023 though, in 2021, Lamborghini is set to launch another car with a V12 engine , and it will also have a supercapacitor, just like the Sian.However, the Aventador's successor will not feature supercapacitors, as Lamborghini considers the technology a bridge between today and tomorrow. The technology is not sufficient to achieve the company's emissions-reduction goals. Therefore, hybridization is the only way for Lamborghini's goal of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 50% by 2025. The said hybridization will start in 2023, and will continue through 2024, until the entire line-up gets a battery and a plug port.Lamborghini will have to make tough decisions regarding the parts that will be implemented on the Aventador successor's plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The company is part of the Volkswagen Group, so it has a parts bin to choose from, but it also must not stray too far from its DNA. Customers are already promised a better power-to-weight ratio than the ongoing model, which should be a good sign of things to come.The successor of the Aventador is set to be based on its good points, but Stephan Winkelmann declined to elaborate for Autocar 's interview on the matter. The company's CEO is very fond of the car, as he was on board when development started, back in 2007, and watched the Aventador grow into the marvelous beast it is today.Mr. Winkelmann also noted that the Aventador outsold all the previous V12 Lamborghinis put altogether before it, which is not a small feat, as the company has been making V12s since 1963. We would like to note that, back then, Giotto Bizzarini , Gian Paolo Dallara, and Ferruccio Lamborghini were the ones in charge of development decisions for the Italian brand.
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If you said Brabus, then you are right, because those badges and other mods dont exactly help it fly under the radar.The German tuner has given it enhancements inside and out, such as the add-ons on both ends, Brabus logos, and LED lights on the roof. The wheels are 8.5x20 inches in size on both axles, and were shod in 255/40 tires from Pirelli. The Brabus sills, pedals, and floor and trunk mats round up the visual part of the build.These complement the factory installed gizmos, such as theLine, Drive Assistance Package, Night Package, Mirror Package, Comfort Package, leather upholstery, panoramic roof, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, and a few other things.While the stock GLB 250s 2.0-liter four-pot develops 221(224 PS / 165) and 258 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph (96 kph) in just a hair under 7 seconds, the tuned vehicles engine is a bit punchier.Thanks to the Brabus PowerXtra B25 (B25 is also the name of the project) performance kit , it produces 266 HP (270 PS / 199 kW) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm). From nought to 60 mph, it is 0.4 seconds quicker, and top speed is rated at 149 mph (240 kph).The official asking price on the Brabus website in Germany is 78,421, which equals to $92,308 at the current exchange rates. And if you feel like this is the ride for you, then you can find the ad here Just for gigs, well tell you that the GLS flagshipfrom Benz has an MSRP of $76,600 Stateside, so in practice, you could get one and save some cash, while youre at it.
The main pic of this piece (click photo to enlarge) is wallpaper material as well, and a perfect fit for our Photo of the Day section. It was taken by 1st Lt. Joshua Thompson at the beginning of the month, and published by the U.S. Air Force ( USAF ) last week.The photo shows an unspecified portion of the New South Wales shore, the blue water that gently strokes it and the blue sky that hangs over it, but also a massive transport/tanker airplane, banking right into the scenery as if it belongs there.The massive airplane was captured in this stance as it took part in a joint USAF-RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) exercise, Teak Action 21. It may be the same one weve seen earlier in the month, putting on a show for the airmen of the two countries.To be honest, in whatever posture or scenery the MC-130J Air Commando II is seen, it sure is an impressive sight. Derived from the C-130 , this winged machine came to be in 2011 at the hands of Lockheed Martin.It is powered by four Rolls-Royce turboprop engines that develop 4,591 shaft horsepower of thrust, and can fly for as much as 3,000 miles (4,800 km) on a single outing.The thing was specifically designed to carry heavy loads, being officially designated as multimission combat transport/special operations tanker. With a take-off weight of 64,000 pounds (74,400 kg), the airplane can move a 42,000 pounds payload (19,000 kg) at an altitude of 28,000 feet (8.5 km).
According to the WhipAddict channel on YouTube, this outrageous custom build was still in the garage at G Kustoms just a day before its official reveal that went down late June during the Texas Whip Fest. The description clearly mentions that just one day before the show started the Challenger was missing a few key accessories... such as the seats or the scandalously large alloy wheels.This is how things get started in the video embedded below, and in the low-light environment, its not easy to catch up with the changes in all their glory. No worries, because after a possibly inhumane effort (that must have involved a lost night of sleep), the SRT Challenger was ready and willing to stand out in a crowd at the Texas event.Of course, considering the venue, it was prepared to stir the crowd... in a big way. Both literally and figuratively, as the car has been allegedly prepared in a cool mint hue to make its intended owner very proud... who is apparently somebody from Chicago going by the Ms Money Bagg social media alias. Well, never mind what came up during the search for it... were here for the ride.And its certainly a controversial one. Which actually might be a gross understatement. So, this could very well be scandalous, boss level 100, thanks not just to the odd T-top that makes us immediately think of the classic Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. On the other hand, the 34-inch wheels give it a stance that probably trumps regular trucks, not just the slammed ones that were present at the show.Last but not least, we need to discuss the bespoke interior a little. At first, when the car is presented during the preparatory stage, theres no complete steering wheel just yet. Just huge loudspeakers, along with a massive central screen. But then, just as the videographer takes a peek inside from the 4:16 mark, is that a Cadillac-branded steering wheel were glimpsing?
Unlike Germany and other countries, the UK was spared the horror of having to send children to the front, and in some respects managed to completely steer them clear of the war effort. The country did have to use a lot of young civilian boys and girls though, in production roles, to fill the gap left by all the men shipped overseas.Like elsewhere, a large number of Brits were sent to work in various factories across the island. Most of them were unskilled and unqualified for the tasks they were sent to perform, and a very great deal of them were very young.The same happened in Salisbury, where a secret Supermarine Spitfire factory was located. An unknown number of such workers were involved there in making some 2,000 Spitfires over the course of the war, about 10 percent of the total fighters of this kind that were produced by the UK.In a bid to honor those workers, a large monument of sorts was erected this week in Salisbury. Its a 30-feet (9 meters) high replica of the airplane (so high because its propped on top of a 20-feet/6 meters pole), made of fiberglass over a steel shell.Fittingly, the plane is located in front of former Spitfire factory, now the place of residence for Burlen Fuel Systems.During the Second World War, the Spitfire and its brethren the Hurricane were instrumental in defending the UK from the German air attacks.The single seater was capable of reaching, thanks to Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, speeds of 370 mph (600 kph), had a range of 479 miles (771 km), and came equipped with machine guns and cannons.Some 20,000 of them were made and deployed mostly with the Royal Air Force (RAF).
HP

Thats according to DragTimes' Brooks Weisblat, who says the second most requested feature after racing is to have the crimson Tesla Model S Plaid up on the traditional dyno stands. But its not as easy it sounds, as it seems the operators he contacted refused the job since theyre worried about the Tesla breaking the dyno with its crazy instant amount of torque. Luckily, not everyone thinks the same.So, after a quick visit to the closest Supercharger from the 2:10 mark to get more than 90% of battery charge its time to head up to the good folks over at Palm Beach, Florida-basedLogic. Because the host Jack Cecil is a well-known rotary aficionado (HP Logic is both a high-performance shop and a Japanese vehicle importer), Brooks does another Tesla boombox trick and plays the audio recording of a Bridgeport Mazda.Fans of the RX-7 can also get an actual soundcheck of a real Mazda from the 5:35 mark, but now its time to focus on the dyno session... and its hidden tricks. After all, we noticed Weisblat made sure to explain that Tesla has embedded into the Model S Plaid a secret code to activate a dyno mode that might be key to seeing how much power the beast has.Only thats a revelation for yet another day. Unfortunately, even after three dyno pulls the guys didnt come out satisfied. During the first couple of runs, the Plaid started dancing and almost jumped off the dyno jet, but even after the dyno mode was disabled it was still clear the new Model S was holding back on power... big time . Just check the graphic at the 12:45 mark (or the gallery) to see exactly what they mean.
In this Sept. 24, 2014, file photo, smoke hangs over Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nev., as a plane takes off. A shortage of jet fuel, coupled with supply chain issues and an urgent demand from firefighting aircraft, continues to cause problems at airports around the West.
In the latest bit of fallout from investigations into the impact of Israeli company NSO's Pegasus spyware published last week, the leader of Facebook's WhatsApp stepped forward to support some aspects of the investigation's findings.

Why it matters: The Pegasus Project consortium of newsrooms and human rights organizations found evidence suggesting that the spyware is used by authoritarian governments to surveil their enemies, other governments' officials, activists and journalists.

Details: The Pegasus Project worked from a leaked list of 50,000 phone numbers that, its members concluded, represented likely targets of surveillance by NSO's Pegasus product. NSO says the investigation is wrong and such a list of phone numbers can't exist.

"There should not be a list like this at all anywhere. Our customers have an average of 100 targets a year," NSO told the BBC. "Since the beginning of the company, we didn't have 50,000 targets total."

Yes, but: In an interview in the Guardian, Will Cathcart, the head of Facebook-owned WhatsApp, said the Pegasus Project reports matched what WhatsApp found when it investigated a single 2019 attack and found 1400 users were hit.

"That tells us that over a longer period of time, over a multi-year period of time, the numbers of people being attacked are very high, Cathcart told the Guardian.

The other side: NSO says its smartphone-hacking tools are used only by governments, armed forces, and intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and if its tools were abused, its customers are at fault.

Go deeper:
We are drawing up a package of certain restrictions, rather than obligatory [vaccinations,] which will be presented to the public in the second half of August, Avanesian told reporters. This disease poses a danger to the public and we can see the chaos caused by it countries where it gets out of control.

Every citizen must make their contribution to ultimately creating collective immunity against the coronavirus, she said without shedding light on the planned measures.

Avanesian signaled earlier this month that health authorities could press some population groups such as schoolteachers to get vaccinated. She argued that schools have been a major hotbed of coronavirus infections.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has repeatedly instructed the Ministry of Health and other government agencies to do more to speed up the vaccination process. He said last week that they must make sure that at least 5,000 people are inoculated on a daily basis.

The Ministry of Health said on Monday that only 152,529 vaccine shots have been administered since the launch of the governments immunization campaign in April. The figure stood at just over 131,000 on July 19, meaning that roughly 3,000 people a day have been inoculated in the country of about 3 million in the past week.

Government data shows that the vaccination process has significantly accelerated in the last few weeks. Health experts caution, however, it is still too slow to seriously curb the spread of COVID-19.

While acknowledging that vaccine hesitancy remains a serious problem Avanesian insisted that most Armenians are now ready to get vaccinated.

The vast majority of people think that they need to be vaccinated. But since [new coronavirus] cases are not that many right now, they feel that they can wait a little more, said the minister.

The daily number of infections recorded by Avanesians ministry fell to less than 100 in June, the lowest level in a year, before showing signs of renewed increase this month. The ministry on Monday put the total number of active coronavirus cases at 4,037, up from 2,547 cases reported on June 21.

The increase is not drastic, said Avanesian. Its rather gradual. But we do realize that we are in danger of facing a new wave [of infections,] especially in the first half of the autumn.

The Armenian authorities have registered more than 5,700 coronavirus-related deaths to date.
The Armenian Defense Ministry said that Tracy inspected a border section near Verin Shorzha, a village in Gegharkunik province, after meeting with Major-General Arayik Harutiunian, the commander of an Armenian army corps stationed in the area.

Ambassador Tracy reiterated U.S. concerns over incidents along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and emphasized that the U.S. rejects the use of force in border demarcation, the ministry said in a statement.

The U.S. Embassy in Armenia did not immediately issue any statements on Tracys visit to the mountainous region bordering the Kelbajar district west of Nagorno-Karabakh handed back to Azerbaijan following last falls Armenian-Azerbaijani war.

The envoy went there three days after one Azerbaijani soldier was killed and three Armenian servicemen wounded in fresh skirmishes that broke out along Gegharkunik-Kelbajar portions of the border.

The two sides blamed each other for the escalation. They reported fresh truce violations in the area over the weekend and early on Monday.

A Russian-owned company mining gold near Sotk, another border village in Gegharkunik, said the gunfire forced it to briefly suspend operations and evacuate about 150 workers. A spokeswoman for the GeoProMining company told RFE/RLs Armenian Service that it resumed its work on Monday morning.

Fresh skirmishes were also reported on Monday at another border section separating Armenias southern Ararat province from Azerbaijans Nakhichevan exclave. An Armenian soldier was shot dead there on July 14.

The upsurge in tensions comes more than two months after Azerbaijani troops advanced a few kilometers into Armenian territory in Gegharkunik and another province, Syunik, provoking a continuing standoff with Armenian army units.

Yerevan has repeatedly demanded their unconditional withdrawal. Baku insists that its forces took positions on the Azerbaijani side of the frontier.

The U.S. State Department has called on both sides to pull back their troops from contested portions of their border and start demarcating it. The Armenian government has backed the idea of troop disengagement.

A senior Armenian official said on July 7 that Russia has begun preparations for deploying its troops in Gegharkuniks volatile border areas. Moscow has still not publicly confirmed that.

Russias Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke with his acting Armenian counterpart Arshak Karapetian on Monday. No details of the phone call were made public.
Ruben Vartazarian was charged with obstruction of justice more than one month after he was strongly criticized by pro-government lawmakers. They accused him of effectively siding with opposition groups and telling judges to do the same.

Vartazarian accused Armenias political leadership of ordering the criminal proceedings to replace him with a government ally, Gagik Jahangirian. The latter took over as the SJCs caretaker chairman shortly after the body empowered to nominate, sanction and fire judges agreed to suspend Vartazarian pending investigation.

Under Armenian law, judges and other judicial officials cannot be prosecuted on charges stemming from their professional activities without the SJCs consent. Prosecutors say they did not need such permission to charge Vartazarian with illegally interfering in the work of a district court because the case is not connected with the performance of his duties.

Vartazarian claimed the opposite, challenging the legality of his indictment and suspension in a Yerevan court.

The court sided with him in a ruling handed down early this month. It said that the law-enforcement authorities breached Vartazarians legal immunity from prosecution and that he must therefore be reinstated as SJC chairman.

Most of the SJCs eight other members effectively refused to let him again run the body, however, saying that the ruling is addressed to the investigators, rather than the judicial watchdog. Vartazarian responded by asking Armenias Administrative Court to obligate the SJC to end his suspension.

The court has not yet scheduled the first hearing on Vartazarians appeal. The SJC refused on Monday to comment on it.

Vartazarian enraged Pashinian with his November 15 statement urging Armenian judges to prove that they are honest professionals, rather than judges whimpering under walls.

Armenian courts refused to allow law-enforcement authorities to arrest dozens of opposition leaders and members in the following months. Virtually all of those individuals were prosecuted in connection with street protests sparked by the Pashinian administrations handling of the autumn war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Pashinian lambasted unnamed whimpering judges in 2019 when he accused the Armenian judiciary of maintaining ties with the countrys former leadership. The prime minister claimed in December 2020 that the courts have become part of a pseudo-elite which is trying to topple him after the disastrous war. His political allies held Vartazarian responsible for that.

In recent weeks, Armenian judges have sanctioned the pre-trial arrests of several opposition-linked local government officials facing different criminal charges rejected by them as politically motivated. Opposition groups and other critics of the government say these decisions highlight Jahangirians growing influence on the Armenian judiciary.

The acting SJC head served as Armenias chief military prosecutor from 1997-2006. He was accused by civil activists of covering up crimes and abetting other abuses in the Armenian armed forces throughout his tenure.

Jahangirian again denied those allegations when the Armenian parliaments pro-government majority installed him as a member of the SJC in January.
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Email contributing columnist Steve Flores at floressteve32@yahoo.com. His work appears here every third Monday; the views expressed are his own.
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In some ways, summer school this year is like other years. High school students return to retake a class, get ahead on credits or try somethin
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A year after summer music festivals were silenced by the coronavirus pandemic, a more infectious variant is showing up to this year's gatherings like an unwelcome gate-crasher.

As of Friday, the seven-day average for new daily cases in the United States jumped 57 percent from the previous week, according to data tracked by The Washington Post. With the delta variant pushing new infections and hospitalization rates upward, the horns of triumph for summer music festivals are starting to sound more like a sad trombone.

MORE COVID-19: Fauci says US headed in 'wrong direction' on Coronavirus

After 2020s summer of shutdowns, fans, musicians and promoters are eager to return to the stage - as are many of the cities that host the lucrative events. It's made major music festivals seem at once like an unstoppable force and, to health experts, an avoidable risk.

"I would probably not recommend [going]," Maria Alcaide, an infectious-disease specialist who directs the Infectious Diseases Research Unit with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She cited the "significant" uptick in the number of new cases and hospitalizations, primarily driven by unvaccinated people.

In Alcaide's backyard, Rolling Loud, one of the biggest outdoor hip-hop festivals, opened its gates to a sold-out crowd Friday with tens of thousands of fans flooding into Hard Rock Stadium to hear headliners such as A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott and Post Malone. Florida now leads the United States in new infections and hospitalizations, but has few state and local health restrictions back in place. The festival cited the latter for its apparent lack of covid restrictions at Rolling Loud, though attendees were encouraged to wear masks, according to its website.

The festival's organizers did not immediately respond to requests for comment but told The Miami Herald Thursday that they were leaving it to guests to decide whether to attend vaccinated and masked.

"Fans will have the choice, whether they want to be vaccinated or mask," Rolling Loud co-founder Tariq Cheriff told the Herald. "That's basically what we believe in. You got the choice and that's it."

Infectious-disease experts interviewed by The Post were less cavalier. They said while being outdoors in a well-ventilated area is less risky than an indoor setting, festivalgoers are likely to have a hard time keeping the necessary physical distance where crowds are packed in and everyone is dancing, singing, shouting, sweating and drinking.

Even outdoors, the risk of increased transmission rises at chokepoints such as entrances, bathroom lines and at the space nearest to the stage where crowds tend to pack in the tightest.

Alcaide acknowledged big festivals are important for the cities that host them but said it was crucial to take as many precautions as possible. Festivalgoers can lessen their risk by being at least two weeks out from a second vaccine dose before gathering outdoors with people whose inoculation status is unknown.

"If you're going with a group, make sure that everyone in your group is also fully vaccinated, and try to stay with them," Alcaide advised. She recommended following other well-known guidelines, like physical distancing, but acknowledged it's harder to find a safe distance surrounded by crowds of singing, shouting people. When in doubt, even outdoors, she said, "consider wearing a mask if you don't feel safe."

Lollapalooza, which takes place next week in Chicago's Grant Park, will try to mitigate risk by requiring proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test taken within the past 72 hours as a condition of entry; attendees who aren't vaccinated are asked to wear a mask throughout the festival.

Sajal Tanna, an infectious diseases physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, said while requirement are better than none at all, they're not foolproof.

"Just because you're fully vaccinated doesn't mean you're fully immune," Tanna told The Post. "And the negative tests, you may have just gotten tested too early, and by the time you enter the festival you're actually shedding the virus and are infectious."

RELATED: Why does everyone have the worst summer cold ever?

Representatives for Live Nation and C3, which promote and manage the music festival, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Protocols similar to what Lollapalooza will have were in place for a Dutch music festival held this month that ultimately may have led to nearly 1,000 coronavirus infections. Roughly 20,000 people attended the Verknipt outdoor festival over two days and flashed a QR code to prove inoculation, a negative coronavirus test or a recent infection (which would produce antibodies).

The reality of risk from even the ostensibly cautious gatherings like Verknipt makes the prospect of large-scale music festivals a tough sell, even for the biggest music fans.

Music critic Jim DeRogatis, who co-hosts the public radio podcast "Sound Opinions," said holding Lollapalooza amid rising infection rates in a half-vaccinated country was "dangerous and foolhardy."

"If you've got anyone at home you could be exposing, you should not go. Eat the ticket," DeRogatis told The Post.

DeRogatis, who is based in Chicago, has been a longtime critic of Lollapalooza for its business practices. Since the festival grew from a smaller independent traveling show to a major destination festival 15 years ago, DeRogatis said he is skeptical of quality control.

"They can't even control their own gates; we have no reason to believe that they're going to enforce the vaccine and testing mandates," he said. "Look at the pictures of Lollapalooza. There is zero ability to social distance if you're not paying $3,500 for the VIP ticket and air-conditioned wine bar." (A four-day VIP Platinum pass this year cost $4,200.)

Using the Verknipt festival's roughly five percent infection rate, DeRogatis teased out the potential risk from Lollapalooza: If five percent of one-day attendees wind up with an infection, that's 5,000 people. "That's horrifying," he said.

Tanna, at Northwestern, said destination festivals can drive a surge in new infections because outbreaks don't necessarily stay local.

"Especially with the larger-scale festivals where people come from all over the state, or even the country, you're mixing a lot of people who have different vaccination statuses and are maybe going home to communities that are not as vaccinated," she said.

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After Lollapalooza, there will be at least two other large-scale festivals - Pitchfork and Riot Fest - in Chicago in the coming weeks, with at least a dozen more large festivals scheduled to take place across the country between now and autumn.

Critics such as DeRogatis said that should major festivals turn into superspreader events, smaller music venues will be the ones that ultimately suffer.

"They have just suffered the most dangerous time of their existence being dark for more than a year and a half," DeRogatis said of small and independent music venues. "If infections start again in a serious way and the city has to start shutting down again, I don't see how they survive. It could be a death blow, and it's for four days of this mega corporation."
As the months go by and the pandemic drags on, it only gets harder for Amber Giese to talk with her parents about the coronavirus vaccine. Each time she brings it up, the conversation devolves into an argument. Facts and data don't seem to register. Emotional appeals haven't worked either.

It's even more frustrating when the 33-year-old from Milwaukee considers the worrying turn the public health crisis has taken lately. The highly transmissible delta variant of the novel virus is rapidly driving infections and hospitalizations back up for the first time in months. Yet her parents refuse to get the shots.

MORE CORONAVIRUS: What is a Covid-19 breakthrough case?

"It's exhausting, so I've started to back off lately. But I think about it a lot, especially now that the delta variant is spreading aggressively among the unvaccinated," Giese said. "I think about it daily."

The vaccines are proven safe and are more widely available than ever, but countless Americans still find themselves in the same position as Giese, struggling to convince vaccine-hesitant loved ones of the importance of getting inoculated. Even in the face of what the Biden administration warns could be a "pandemic of the unvaccinated," millions of people are avoiding the jabs or rejecting them outright.

There's evidence that vaccine resistance is hardening. A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll found that 29% of Americans said they are unlikely to get vaccinated. That's up from 24% three months ago.

But experts say there's still plenty of room to reach friends and family who have held out on getting the shots - it just might take closer listening, a refined message and more patience.

"The effort is worthwhile," said Stacy Wood, a professor at North Carolina State University who has studied coronavirus vaccine promotion. "A lot of people are convinced over time from small bits of information that trickle in."

Here's what experts say about navigating these difficult conversations.

- Be a good listener. People cite a range of reasons for being reluctant or unwilling to get the coronavirus vaccines. Some view their refusal as an integral part of their political identity. Others, particularly members of minority populations, may hold a long-standing distrust of government institutions or health-care companies that have historically failed them. Before even opening up a discussion, it's essential to consider why a person holds their beliefs, experts said.

"Realize that all the different reasons for why people aren't currently vaccinated are diverse and various," Wood said. "You can't start persuading someone unless you know what reason is the real hurdle."

Moreover, not all vaccine hesitancy is rooted in personal beliefs or ideology. For many people, practical considerations - seemingly minor complications at home or at their job - may be holding them up. Those things may not be obvious, even to close friends and family.

"Maybe they have to take days off work, maybe have trouble with transportation or child care," said Gretchen Chapman, a professor of social and decision sciences at Carnegie Mellon. "Don't make assumptions about what the barrier is. Listen to them and hear where they are. There could be a reason that surprises you."

- Tailor your message. Behavioral scientists, psychologists and marketing specialists who study vaccine uptake tend to divide the hesitant into a few general groups, all with a degree of overlap. One group is the apathetic, those who view the shots as an inconvenience or unnecessary given their circumstances. Another includes people who are skeptical of the medical science behind the shots or wary of their safety. A third is made up of people who refuse the shots for political or ideological reasons.

It's important to think about who you're approaching, experts said. A friendly nudge to a college student who simply wasn't motivated to get the jab probably won't fly with a longtime vaccine skeptic who takes his health cues from Facebook memes.

RELATED: Biden admin stepping up community grants from Covid bill

For the apathetic group, incentives tend to work well, according to experts. Wood said it may help to barter with these individuals.

"You can say, 'I get it. I respect your decision that it's not that important to you, but it's causing me to lose sleep. What can I do for you that would make it worthwhile?' " she said. " 'Can I mow your lawn? Can I take your kids for the weekend? Let's trade.' This is the kind of thing that family can do that the CDC can't do."

Those who distrust the vaccine because they think it was approved too quickly or wasn't properly vetted may be more difficult to convince. For them, a logical appeal may carry more weight, according to Wood. She proposed framing the decision as a choice: "Should you take a chance on the vaccine or should you take a chance on covid?"

People who oppose vaccines for political or identity reasons can be the hardest to approach. They're often surrounded by like-minded people in their communities and social networks, where their beliefs are continually reinforced. This can make changing course a challenge because it feels like changing an aspect of their identity.

"We humans like to be consistent," Chapman said. "If I've said now for months and I've illustrated to myself that I'm the sort of person who's not going to get vaccinated, now I need a cover story to change my mind."

A good approach, experts said, is to point them to people who share their identity who have argued in favor of vaccinations. "Here's someone you really respect of the same political persuasion, and they say you should do it," Wood said. "It's making the narrative fit the identity."

- Focus on your relationship and avoid debate. Data on the safety and efficacy of vaccines is easy to come by. But pelting vaccine holdouts with facts and figures is all but certain to be a losing strategy, experts said. If anything, it will probably cause them to dig in further.

Health workers sometimes use "motivational interviewing" - which involves asking questions about what might boost people's confidence in the shots - to address vaccine hesitancy. Experts said this approach may be useful in one-on-one conversations too. But it can be a difficult balance, especially in this stage of the country's mass immunization campaign.

"We're in a tough place right now," Chapman said. "People who have held out, they have some reason they don't want to get vaccinated. The easy customers, we've already convinced them. We're now down to tough customers."

Wood echoed her concerns. "The evidence is piling up that the vaccine is good. But the personal evidence that they don't need it is also piling up," she said. "Until that person actually gets ill, they have evidence - personal evidence - that they don't need it."

NOT JUST A FRIEND: Dating app honeytraps another Capitol Riot suspect, this time from Texas

De-escalation is key if a vaccine conversation gets heated. Trying to get the last word in a debate could only inflame things further, experts said. Instead, they said, it's important to remind people that your love or friendship is why you're approaching them in the first place.

"You have to keep saying over and over again how much the person means to you," Wood said.

"You don't have to be successful right off the bat or in some conventional way," she said. "But they themselves will feel better and the relationship will only grow if you let people know you're concerned about their health because you want them around."
Support is growing among Texas Republicans for a push to audit the results of the 2020 election in a state that former president Donald Trump won handily. But the proposal, introduced in the House earlier this month, would only re-examine votes in Texas's largest counties, most of which went for President Joe Biden.

The legislation, House Bill 241, calls for an independent third party appointed by the state's top GOP officials to conduct a forensic audit of results in counties with more than 415,000 people. Of the 13 counties that meet that criteria, ten voted for Biden last year.

RELATED: Texans not expected to lose power through the rest of the summer, regulators say

The bill's sponsor, Republican state Rep. Steve Toth, said earlier this week that his constituents are concerned about fraud in the election. In an interview, Toth added that he also became convinced an audit was needed after a meeting earlier this year with U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Tex., who claimed to have evidence of voter fraud in a 2018 race that he lost.

"No amount of fraud should be acceptable in our election system," Toth said. "I think it's important that we get to the bottom of this and make sure that people start to believe in their voting system."

But Democrats and some election officials say there is no need for an audit, pointing out that Republicans have not demonstrated any evidence of widespread fraud in the state.

"We're chasing ghosts. It has been proven, time and again, that there was no major election fraud. P.S.: Trump won Texas," said Lorena Perez McGill, a Democrat who lost to Toth in the November elections. "So I don't understand what he seeks to accomplish with this."

For now, the bill is stalled as House Democrats continue to wait out a 30-day special session in D.C., denying Republicans a quorum to continue. But the effort is the latest attempt by state lawmakers across the country clamoring for audits following Trump's false claims of mass voting fraud after his loss.

Toth's proposal has gained 26 GOP backers since Texas Democrats fled the state. Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted his support for the bill Wednesday, writing, "There is no reason not to do an audit. There is no reason not to know the truth of every election."

The bill would require a forensic auditor to complete their work by Feb. 1, 2022, and report back to the legislature, "detailing any anomalies or discrepancies in voter data, ballot data or tabulation" in the 13 counties. Among the counties included is Montgomery County, where Toth himself was reelected in November; the bill's sponsor declined to say whether he believed there was fraud in his election.

MORE POLITICS: White House officials debate masking push as Covid infections spike

Some experts have argued that a statewide audit could be useful. Such audits are commonplace in close elections or in cases where discrepancies emerged after the fact.

But while Toth said he would support a statewide effort, he also argued the undertaking would be too expensive and time-consuming. Asked if he would consider including some smaller counties, Toth replied, "What's the point? I mean, all the small counties are red."

Some experts said that Toth's bill, as written, would likely fail on a technical level in a state where counties use a variety of methods, including paper ballots, preprinted ballots and digital machines.

"I think this is a very poorly thought-out piece of legislation, and a waste of time and money that could be spent on deploying trustworthy voting systems," said Philip Stark, a statistics professor at the University of California at Berkeley.

Stark worked pro-bono with others recently on a forensic audit of a November 2020 election in Windham, New Hampshire, where results from a hand count did not match a machine count. Unlike in Toth's bill, Stark said, New Hampshire legislators specified how the audit should be done.

"A forensic audit usually means that something went wrong and you're trying to do a root cause analysis," said Stark, whose team in New Hampshire found that folds in the ballots had caused the discrepancy. "This just looks like, 'Go fishing and figure out what dirt you can find on the election.'"

Some Texas election officials also criticized Toth's bill, noting that the state ran a successful election despite record numbers of voters during a pandemic. Lisa Johnson, the president of the County and District Clerk's Association of Texas, called it "unnecessary."

CAPITOL PUNISHMENT: Pelosi says 'deadly serious' Jan. 6 probe to go without GOP

"It's really frustrating to see them continually make elections more difficult to hold without feeling like you're being attacked by certain people," said Johnson, the Republican clerk in Hemphill County.

"People are looking to be relevant," said Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacquelyn Callanen, whose office is nonpartisan. "But the November elections were safe and secure."

An audit, Callanen said, "would suck up all the air" and computers for her 21-person staff. Thinking aloud about the machinery, sealed boxes and resources that would be involved, she added, "I can't imagine."
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin speaks during a special session of the House of Representatives at the parliament in Kuala Lumpur, July 26, 2021.

The Malaysian government said it would not extend a state of emergency beyond the original expiry date of Aug. 1, as parliament met on Monday for the first time this year since being suspended in January.

Angry opposition lawmakers denounced Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for not allowing debates about the coronavirus pandemic or the national emergency during the five-day session. MPs from the opposition shouted throughout his speech to parliament.

I want to confirm that the government has agreed not to advise the King to extend the Proclamation of Emergency when it ends on August 1, Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan said in parliament.

The government also decided  to revoke the Emergency Ordinances that were made during the Emergency proclamation.

The government revoked all six emergency ordinances on July 21, the minister said.

Takiyuddins announcement took many lawmakers by surprise. It led to an uproar in the lower house. One MP after another stood up to ask questions about the perceived secretive manner in which the ordinances were revoked.

Steven Sim, a lawmaker from the Democratic Action Party, harkened back to a statement by the Prime Ministers Office on June 30 that said Muhyiddin had been admitted to hospital with an upset stomach.

The Prime Minister made an announcement that he had diarrhea but he cannot announce the revocation of these laws? Sim said.

Embarrassing for Muhyiddin

The decision to reconvene parliament before Aug. 1, after it was suspended Jan. 12 along with the emergency declaration, came after repeated calls from Malaysias king. It was important for lawmakers to sit so they could debate the emergency ordinances and the governments plan to combat the pandemic, the king had said.

The PM had said the emergency was imposed to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, but Malaysia has been setting grim records in new cases and virus-related deaths since then.

Almost all opposition parties and other critics had alleged that Muhyiddin, who leads an unelected government and is clinging to the narrowest of majorities in parliament, had imposed the emergency and suspended parliament to avoid a vote of no-confidence against him.

One analyst said that presenting the decision to not extend the emergency as a fait accompli in parliament was a similar move to the one in January  to eliminate the need for having a vote in parliament.

They were forced to revoke the ordinances because otherwise they will be forced to table the same bill in parliament and it will be very embarrassing for Muhyiddin if he loses the vote or wins by a small majority, James Chin, a political analyst from Tasmania, told BenarNews.

No debates

Opposition lawmakers were also up in arms that the government had decided in advance that there would be no debates or votes in parliament during this session.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad asked what the point was of a parliamentary session without debate, especially amid record high new COVID-19 infections and deaths in the country.

Do we need to wait till 1,000 people die in a day that only then we take action? Are we going to discuss ways to deal with the problem? But this is not even the focus during this non- parliamentary session, Mahathir said Monday, indicating this was not a regular parliament sitting.

This is just a briefing. We did not need to be briefed because we already read about the plans and we know it did not work.

Critics have said that complicated lockdown protocols and allowing more than a dozen manufacturing sectors to operate at 60 percent capacity were among the reasons for a surge in infections despite a shutdown since June 1.

During his appearance before parliament on Monday, Muhyiddin defended his government after the country crossed 1 million COVID-19 cases over the weekend, with record high new infections reported on Saturday and Sunday.

True, this government is not perfect, Muhyiddin told the legislature.

But what is also true is that the government of the day does not sit by idly and let people suffer, and instead is always on the move to act and save the peoples lives and livelihood.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his sixth State of the Nation Address as Senate President Vicente Sotto III (left) and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco listen, at the House chamber in Metro Manila, July 26, 2021.

Manilas 2016 victory against Beijing in an arbitration case over the South China Sea was final but the Philippines has not shut the door on diplomacy to settle territorial disputes, President Rodrigo Duterte said in his last State of the Nation speech Monday.

In a nationally televised speech to a joint session of Congress that ran three hours, the 76-year-old president also defended his administrations controversial crackdown on illegal drugs and called for prayers against the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit the Philippines hard.

Duterte told lawmakers that he could not have been more assertive about territorial claims in the contested maritime region because of the risk of war with Beijing.

We will assert what is rightfully ours and fight for what is rightfully due to the Filipino people, Duterte said.

Since taking office five years ago and with one year left before his single term expires, Duterte has been criticized at home for not doing enough to assert the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that affirmed Manilas sovereign rights in the South China Sea as valid.

He said he had made the case of the Philippine victory before the United Nations last year, but that he could not do anything about it when China chose to ignore the international arbitration courts ruling.

What else do you want? What will I do with a document that (does) not bind China because they were never a part of that arbitration? There was really no arbitration at all because only the Philippine side was heard, the president said.

Even as the Philippines continues to scale up maritime awareness and defense capabilities, Duterte said, we will not close our doors on diplomacy.

Because that is how disputes are settled, and never by force, he said.

He reiterated that the Philippines could not afford to go to war with China because of Beijings military superiority.

It would be a massacre if I go and fight a war now. We are not yet a competent and able enemy of the other side, Duterte said.

He said he had championed an independent foreign policy that brought the Philippines out of the shadows of the great powers.

Since Duterte took office in 2016, Manila has agreed to bilateral negotiations with Beijing on the South China Sea dispute, a move that critics said put Manila at a disadvantage in light of the arbitral award that would have given the Philippines some leverage.

Critics of the president including former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, who helped argue Manilas arbitration case, have said Beijing could be coaxed into respecting the award if the Philippines rallied international support for its enforcement.

I do not wish to insult these people who are pushing me [to do] more than what I can handle, but what do they want? To wage war, do something? Do you want war against China? Duterte said.

Protesters in Manila carry a caricature of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as he delivers his State of the Nation Address, July 26, 2021. [Jojo Rinoza/BenarNews]

Drug-war defense

On the issue of the war on drugs  his administrations flagship policy  Duterte claimed it has been a success.

Our unyielding campaign led to the surrender of millions of drug dependents and neutralization, capture and prosecution of thousands of drug personalities, he said in his speech.

Still, Duterte acknowledged, he would not be able to end the scourge of drugs even after more than 8,000 suspected addicts and dealers had died in extrajudicial killings linked to the counter-narcotics campaign, according to statistics from police.

In June, then-International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda sought an investigation into allegations that the campaign has led to crimes against humanity.

Following a thorough preliminary investigation process, the available information indicates that members of the Philippine National Police and others acting in concert with them, have unlawfully killed between several thousand and tens of thousands of civilians during the time, Bensouda said a day before she left her post.

Dutertes spokesman responded at the time by criticizing Bensouda and saying Manila would not cooperate with any ICC inquiry.

Despite that assertion, the nations highest court announced it had ruled that Dutertes order to end membership in the ICC did not excuse the government from cooperating with the probe.

On Monday, Duterte referred to the ICC as he defended his drug war.

I never denied  and the ICC can record it  those who destroy my country, I will kill you, and those who destroy the young people of my country, I will kill you, because I love my country, he said.

A family in Quezon city, Metro Manila, watch Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte deliver his last State of the Nation Address, July 26, 2021. [Reuters]

Pray for salvation

About two hours into his speech  the longest by a Philippine president in recent memory  Duterte addressed the governments efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although his administration had, to some extent, caught up with the demand for COVID-19 testing and treatment, Duterte said he really [does] not know what to do, especially with the highly contagious Delta variant having reached the Philippines.

Maybe we just have to pray for salvation, he said.

Duterte also talked about his administrations infrastructure and agricultural projects, along with the establishment of a more substantially autonomous territory for the Philippines Muslim population in the southern Mindanao region.

In addition, he spoke about his governments anti-communist campaign and called on police and the military to double down on the insurgents and kill them if necessary.

As expected, thousands of protesters took to the streets outside the House chamber where Duterte delivered his address.

Despite rain and COVID-19 restrictions, at least 3,000 protesters attended rallies throughout Monday, according to national police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. About 15,000 police and other law enforcers stood guard around the protesters.

The rallies centered on the theme Goodbye, Duterte, as the presidents term in office ends in June 2022. Many carried signs with the message Wakasan Na  lets end it.

They criticized Dutertes potential plan to run for vice president  the constitution prevents him from seeking a second term as president  in the elections set for May 2022. Duterte has said he would run for vice-president if that meant immunity from lawsuits.

Jojo Rinoza, Luis Liwanag and Basilio Sepe in Manila contributed to this report.
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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.
Air Canada planes sit on the tarmac at Pearson International airport in Toronto in October. On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly asserting that Canada prohibits vaccinated pilots from flying. But, Canadas transportation agency allows pilots to receive any vaccine that has been approved by the countrys health regulator, Health Canada, according to Transport Canada Senior Communications Adviser Sau Sau Liu.
Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance attends a media briefing last week about coronavirus in Downing Street in London. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly asserting that 60 percent of people being admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 in England have had two doses of coronavirus vaccine. But, the opposite is true.
Outdoor dining in Rhode Island extended through the spring

The easing of rules on outdoor dining proved to be a critical lifeline for many Rhode Island restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic
PLEASE CONSUME RESPONSIBLY. This product may cause impairment and may be habit-forming. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. The impairment effects of edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 800-222-1222 or 911. This product may be illegal outside of Massachusetts.
A grant will put gates at snowmobile trailheads replacing boulders that block motorized traffic from the trail during the off season for snow.
Reporter

Heather Bellow, a member of the investigations team, joined The Eagle in 2017. She is based in the South Berkshire County bureau in Great Barrington. Her work has appeared in newspapers across the U.S.
The Massachusetts climate plan that became law in March, climate advocates say, was a step in the right direction.

That bill set a target for the state to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. While setting the target was a positive development, climate leaders say, the state also needs to take the necessary actions to meet it.

The centerpiece of that bill was setting goals and directing the administration to come up with a plan to meet those goals, said Ben Hellerstein, state director for Environment Massachusetts. In my view, goals are good and plans are good. But, goals and plans are not sufficient. We need action, too.

The road map bill directs the governors office to set interim emissions limits for every five-year increment through 2050. It requires the 2030 limit to be at least 50 percent below 1990 levels, the 2040 limit to be at least 75 percent below 1990 levels and the 2050 limit to be at least 85 percent below 1990 levels. Beyond those requirements, control over the five-year plans falls entirely to Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides, in the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker.

While the road map bill set up a bunch of emissions targets for the state to reach, it leaves it pretty open how were going to get there, said Jacob Stern, deputy director of Sierra Club Massachusetts. It basically leaves it nearly entirely up to the governor to figure out what happens in between.

Climate groups had backed a different bill in the previous two-year session. Their bill, which would have set in motion a transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2045, sought to tackle head-on the fossil fuel dependence that supporters say lies at the root of climate change.

After that bill, which was co-sponsored by a majority of House and Senate members, did not make it to the floor for a vote, advocates are once again looking to pass laws this session to move Massachusetts further toward clean and renewable energy.

The 100 Percent Clean Act would set the state on a path for 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 through requirements it would set for both investor-owned and municipal utilities.

It also would place a focus on less-scrutinized emissions from buildings and transportation. To achieve 100 percent clean heating by 2045, it would require new houses and small commercial buildings to use clean heating by 2025 and would apply that requirement to all new buildings after 2030. And to reach 100 percent clean transportation by 2045, transit authorities would have to transition to zero-emission buses, and only zero-emission cars would be sold in the state after 2035.

Although some observers, including the Baker administration, have expressed concerns that specific requirements or restrictions could inhibit economic activity, climate groups see a clean energy transition as an economic opportunity rather than an impediment.

We certainly dont want to put burdens on folks who have been historically environmentally burdened or economically burdened, Stern said. But, we know that if were really going to address the root of the climate crisis, we cant continue business as usual.

Supporters say the new bill includes strengthened language around ensuring that a transition includes protections for workers who might be affected. The bill also would create two new offices in state government: a Just Transition Office and a Clean Energy Equity Office, which would work to ensure that clean energy incentive programs benefit environmental justice communities.

This is a transition that will happen and needs to happen, Hellerstein said. It cant be a question of delay. We certainly should be looking at how were going to make sure that everyone has a way to support themselves and support their families, but that cant be at odds with having a safe environment.

Retrofitting buildings, Stern said, is one component of the transition that could benefit workers. One bill would create a Building Justice with Jobs task force that, in an effort to bolster the workforce while eliminating housing-related emissions by 2050, would retrofit 1 million homes in 10 years, and establish a program to train new workers for housing audits and renovations. The bill also would set up incentives for low-income and environmental justice communities to benefit from retrofitting.

Waiting longer to ramp up the transition, Hellerstein argued, merely would increase future costs, those related to health impacts and replacing fossil fuel infrastructure.

There is some evidence that Massachusetts residents support an accelerated transition. In a September 2020 poll commissioned by the Barr Foundation, 65 percent of respondents said they would support a goal for Massachusetts to receive 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. The same percentage of respondents said they would favor a move away from natural gas for heating and electricity.

Obstacles to legislation

Some groups have, in recent years, taken aim at the Massachusetts legislative process. The secrecy of legislative committees prevents advocates and other constituents from seeing how individual lawmakers are voting, critics say, and the quick turnaround between the release of a bill and a vote inhibits greater citizen engagement with the legislative process.

In a 2019 push for transparency, the Sierra Club joined calls for a set of rules changes. A coalition backed similar changes this year, and that coalition included the climate groups Sunrise Boston and Our Climate.

Much of climate legislation stalls in committees, where votes often are kept out of the public eye. Among 245 climate bills proposed from 2013 to 2018, only 43 made it out of committees for a vote on the floor, according to a January report from Brown University researchers, Whos Delaying Climate Action in Massachusetts? Twelve Findings.

The process leaves little opportunity for the public to hold legislators accountable for voting against climate action, report authors Galen Hall and Trevor Culhane wrote.

The report also raised concerns with lobbying against legislation by utilities, real estate, fossil fuel and power-generation groups. While around 90 percent of public testimony on climate bills is favorable, opponents of climate legislation outspend climate advocates by a ratio of 3.5 to 1, Hall and Culhane found.

Eversource, the largest utility provider in New England, helped form the 15-member Consortium to Combat Electrification, which seeks to create effective, customizable marketing materials to fight the electrification/anti-natural gas movement.

Until Massachusetts takes action to sharply improve transparency and rein in the utilities, recommendations that Hall and Culhane suggest, climate advocates likely will face an uphill battle to pass their preferred legislation.
Debris is strewn Friday in the Blessem district of Erftstadt, Germany, after heavy rains caused mudslides and flooding in the western part of Germany. On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly asserting a manipulated photo showing a BMW caught in floodwaters with an anti-Greta Thunberg sticker on its rear window. But, photojournalist David Young, who captured the original, unaltered photo for the German media outlet Bild in the city of Wuppertal, says, It is my photo, and it has been manipulated.  The sticker is fake.
Spearfish, SD (57783)

Today

A few passing clouds. Low around 65F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low around 65F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
What Was Ezekiel's Wheel?

Ezekiels Wheel was a magnificent vision that God showed him. It is important to note that at the time of this vision Ezekiel was in captivity in Babylon. He was among 10,000 exiles carried off during a period. He resided by the river of Chebar (Ezekiel 1). Ezekiel was a priest and 30 years old at the time of his vision.

Read chapter 1 of Ezekiel for a full disclosure of the vision that God showed him. God was preparing him to prophesy at a critical time in Israels history (The KJV Study Bible, Barbour Publishing 2011). In verse three, we see that the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel. The hand of the Lord was upon him there.

Here is what Ezekiel saw. This occurred sometime around 593 BC. My study Bible pins it to an exact date of July 31 593 BC. As Ezekiel look toward the sky, he saw a whirlwind come out of the north. There was a great cloud and a fire enfolding itself. From the same area of the sky, he also saw the likeness of four living creatures. The creatures also had characteristics of man. Every creature had four faces, and every creature had four wings. The beings feet were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calfs foot. The beings sparkled like the color of burnished brass.

According to Ezekiel 1, the beings had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides. All the beasts had faces. Their wings were joined together. They did not turn when it came by Ezekiel. According to the text, the four beings had the face of a man and the face of a lion on one side. On the other side, they each had the face of an ox and the face of an eagle.

Their wings were stretched upward. Two wings of each beast were joined to another beast and two covered their bodies. The beings traveled straight as they passed him and did not turn as they passed him. The appearance of the creatures was like burning coals of fire and like the appearance of lamps.

The creatures also ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning. Apparently, as the creatures were moving, there was also wheels. From the text, one creature was on the earth with the wheels. The wheels appeared to be green like beryl and the four had one likeness. Their appearance and their work were like a wheel in the middle of a wheel. The rings of the wheels were extremely large that it was frightening. The rings were also full of eyes all around them.

When the living creatures went, the wheels went by them. When the creatures lifted from the earth, the wheels were lifted as well. We learn in Ezekiel 10:14 that these creatures are cherubims which is a specific rank of angels.

What Is the Meaning of the Wheel within a Wheel?

In Ezekiel, it appears that wind and spirit are interchangeable with the wheels. Look to Ezekiel 1:4 in reference to the whirlwind which is associated with the movement of God. Verse 20 states Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Bible scholars say the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. The wheels display the omnipotence and omnipresence of God. The cherubims had different faces. Man is considered the king of the earth and has dominance over the animals and rules the earth. The lion is considered the king of the jungle and represents strength, fierceness, and commands respect. The ox symbolizes strength, honesty, and hard work. The eagle is the king of the air. It has an all-seeing eye. It represents victory, speed, royalty, release from bondage, longevity, and power. The eagle because of its dominance represents inspiration. The eyes around the wheel portray an all-knowing God who sees the good and the bad no matter which way a man turns.

All the above attributes are representative of the character and attributes of God. While man or beast may be dominant in one area of the kingdom. The Lord God is dominant in all kingdoms and rules heaven and the earth. The wheel in the middle of the wheel represents how God has His Spirit working in all facets of the life of man to promote the will of God. The Spirit of God gave direction to the wheels.

We know that man is an instrument to promote the will of God on the earth. The animal kingdom is also subject to the will of God. Noah sent out doves to see if the water had receded from the earth (Genesis 8:8-12). God uses a donkey to speak to Balaam in Numbers 22:30. Balaam is upset because his animal would not keep going. The animal saw and understood the fierceness of an angel before him with a sword. Balaam could not see the angel at the time. God gives the donkey the ability to speak. He had saved Balaams life. If he had kept going, the angel would have killed Balaam and spared the donkeys life. Then, the Lord opened Balaams eyes. He saw the angel standing there with the sword drawn. He bowed down his head and fell flat on his face. The angel instructed Balaam that he was only to speak what God had told him to say.

What Else Happened in Ezekiel's Vision?

When Ezekiel saw this vision, he fell upon his face. God spoke to him in Ezekiel 2 saying Stand upon thy feet, and I will speak to thee. The Spirit of God entered him. God told Ezekiel that He was sending him to the children of Israel. They were a rebellious nation that had rebelled against Him. God said they were bold, shameless, and stubborn. The Lord continued to tell Ezekiel that he must go to the people of Israel and speak what God gives them. He is not to be afraid of how they look at him or how rebellious they might act. It is obvious that they may not want to hear from him, but since he is a prophet, the people know to listen to him. This is in chapters 2 and 3 of Ezekiel. God told Ezekiel to open his mouth and to eat what He gives him.

God sent a hand to Ezekiel. In the hand was a roll of a book. Written on the scroll were lamentations, mourning, and woe. God told him to eat the scroll and then go speak unto the house of Israel. Ezekiel says the scroll tasted like honey symbolizing that the Word of God is sweeter than honey. You can also find that the Word of God is sweeter than honey in Psalms 119:103.

Why Does God Sometimes Communicate to His People Via Visions?

God is a visual God. He loves showing you things before they happen. He loves speaking in visions. He is a creator and the mere fact that He speaks something is enough to set the atmosphere in motion. Refer to the creation of the earth in Genesis 1. Many times, the children of Israel were rebellious, but God would often send the correction through a prophet. It was easier for them to continue to cry out to God because they were in bondage in Egypt. After God set them free, they basically just started to do whatever they wanted to do. God would always send warnings. When God shows us visions, it is an awesome experience. It really builds your faith and helps you to run on and do what God has commanded.

The Bible does declare in Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. So, it is safe to assume that visions are more common these days than in the Bible days. God can flip a script on what He decides to do at any moment. He can show whoever He wants to show a vision. His visions are usually in vivid color. That is why Ezekiels vision was so awesome. It probably frightened him.

Photo credit: GettyImages/mouu007

Dr. Sandra Hamer Smith is a Christian and wife to Sylvester Smith. She has one stepson, Greg. Smith lives and resides in Memphis, Tennessee. The University of Memphis alumnae has been in education for about 20 years after receiving the call to teach. Dr. Smith primarily teaches language arts. Prior to education, she worked in local and national television news for 13 years including positions as an overnight news anchor, reporter, and assignments editor at two local network affiliate stations. Smith was also a freelance correspondent for BET news. Dr. Smith has freelanced for the Tri-State Defender newspaper and Contempora magazine. She is the author of the self-published novel GLORYTHE HAIR. Smith is also a playwright and poet. The Tennessee native is a member of Temple of Deliverance COGIC, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Omicron Delta Kappa, The Golden Key International Honour Society, and Kappa Delta Pi.
TNS

Legislative Initiative Petition 1, Repeal one of two state emergency powers laws; REPEALED 60 to 48 in the House on July 21, 2021

To approve an initiated law that would repeal one of the two Michigan statutes that authorize a governor to assume extraordinary powers during an emergency, including statewide lockdowns like those ordered under the 2020 coronavirus epidemic.
The National COVID-19 Vaccines Taskforce has been undertaking detailed planning to support the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine for children

Australias COVID-19 vaccination rollout has taken another step forward with the Pfizer vaccine being approved for use in children aged 12 to 15 years.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has thoroughly, and independently, assessed the domestic and international evidence before extending its approval for the Pfizer vaccine to be administered to this age group.

Up until now, the Pfizer vaccine had only been approved for use in Australia for people aged 16 years and over.

As with all vaccination decisions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) will now consider this approval and provide expert advice on which groups of adolescents should be prioritised for the roll out of the vaccine and how and when it should be administered.

ATAGI has been meeting with global experts over recent days to inform their deliberations and expert advice.

The National COVID-19 Vaccines Taskforce has been undertaking detailed planning to support the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine for children, following an approval from the TGA and in line with the expert medical advice from ATAGI.
Sun Pharma will have the exclusive right to commercialise Winlevi in the US and Canada, and Cassiopea will be the exclusive supplier of the product

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and Cassiopea, a speciality pharmaceutical company developing and preparing to commercialise prescription drugs with novel mechanisms of action (MOA) to address long-standing essential dermatological conditions announced the signing of License and Supply Agreements for Winlevi (clascoterone cream 1 per cent) in the US and Canada. Winlevi has been approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as a novel drug with a unique mechanism of action for the topical treatment of acne in patients 12 years and older.

Under the terms of the above-referred agreements, Sun Pharma will have the exclusive right to commercialise Winlevi in the US and Canada, and Cassiopea will be the exclusive supplier of the product. Cassiopea will receive an upfront payment of $45 million, potential commercial milestones totalling up to $190 million and customary double-digit royalties. The agreements will close upon the expiration of the HSR waiting period.

Winlevi is expected to be available in the US in the Q4 of 2021.

Abhay Gandhi, CEO, North America, Sun Pharma, said, "Sun Pharma is pleased to enter into a collaboration with Cassiopea. Winlevi is a new class of topical medication in dermatology and will complement our existing oral acne portfolio. The addition of Winlevi further strengthens our position in the acne segment and reinforces our deep commitment to caring and making a difference in the lives of patients."

Diana Harbort, CEO, Cassiopea, commented, We are pleased to partner with Sun Pharma. Sun Pharma has a strong established US dermatology presence and will make Winlevi widely available to dermatology health care providers and their patients. Following this transaction, Cassiopea will be expecting substantial revenue streams for the foreseeable future and will be well funded to continue the development of its innovative dermatology pipeline.

The FDA approved Winlevi (clascoterone cream 1 per cent) in August 2020 for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years and older.
Techade REDEFINING FUTURE OF life sciences industry

Digital transformation is the topmost priority for global corporations and in a highly connected world that will remain largely contactless for an extended period, there are shifts in business models, customer experience, operations, and employee experience. With technology adoption accelerating across sectors, 2021 is likely to put the spotlight on the emergence of growth verticals in the life sciences sector namely healthcare, pharma, medical devices, diagnostics etc. India is now standing at the cusp of a re-imagined decade of technology, commonly being referred to as Techade. While we anticipate a significantly better global economic growth this year as compared to 2020, we are also very much looking forward to the enhancement being brought to the Indian life sciences industry as it continues its transformation journey in this redefined techade.
Medical supplies worth Rs 3.7 million will aid Dialogue and Development Commission, Delhi to distribute to govt hospitals and public health facilities

Six South Korean companies have joined hands to offer their help to the Delhi government with medical equipment and other supplies. The medical supplies that are worth more than Rs 3.7 million include oxygen concentrators, personal protective gowns, high-end masks, pulse oximeters and sanitizing material and will be distributed to government hospitals and public health facilities in Delhi in the event of the third COVID wave.

Koren government's apex trade promotion department Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) handed over medical equipment and other supplies to the Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC) as part of the Delhi government's fight against COVID. It consists of oxygen concentrators with a nasal cannula (LE Corp.), 10,000 Personal Protective Gowns - PPE (Wallan Bio), 200 KG of Sanitizing Material (G-Sol), 60000 high-quality KF94 masks (Siheontech, GAONTech), and 100 Pulse Oximeters (MTEC Global).

The Korean companies G-Sol Corporation, Wallan Biotech, LE Corporation, Siheontech, GAONTech, MTEC Global with the support of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the government of the Republic of Korea in India handed over the supplies to the authorities at the DDC. The CII Secretariat was also present on the occasion.

Jasmine Shah, Vice Chairman - DDC, Govt of NCT of Delhi said, These medical equipment and supplies will be distributed to medical facilities or institutions in Delhi that need helping hands. We sincerely appreciate KOTRA and Korean companies for their support and look forward to more such participation in our fight against the deadly disease.

Jeoung Yeol Yu, President - KOTRA, has been carrying out CSR and ESG Emergency Medical and Health Support Project in India to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating Korean Manufacturers of COVID-19 medical products and PPE kits by bringing their donations to India for the Indian government, institutions and corporate entities.

As a second step, we decided to support Indian nationals through Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi and CII Foundation, and finally we will donate 8,000 KF masks more to Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) for helping Indian nationals, said Moon Young Kim, MD, KOTRA Southwest Asia.

KOTRA is bearing the shipping cost of the medical supplies which are imported to India and donating them to various agencies. Recently, two Korean companies Yeil Healthcare and Hwasung Industry donated oxygen concentrators fitted with Oxymeters (Yeil), and safety suit sets to the United Korean Associations for the Korean community in India.
One of the creative sector's most anticipated awards events, the 24th annual Basa Awards, partnered by Hollard, shines a spotlight on partnerships with the arts that have, through their projects, made a positive impact.

Investec StartUp School and Marimba Jam (Pty) Ltd, for Marimba Jam



Mindspace Consulting CC (t/a Museum Store Africa) and Impact Space, for Masks4Good  a community collective



Rand Merchant Bank, a division of FirstRand Ltd, and Outreach Foundation, for Letters to You and Me  an intergenerational project

Mindspace Consulting CC (t/a Impact Space) and Womandlachallenge, for the Womandlachallenge



Mrs Woolf (Pty) Ltd and Artist Proof Studio, for The Lockdown Collection



The Bantry Bay Suite Hotel and The Rainbow Academy, School of Performing Arts and Business, for The Rainbow Academy: Making Rainbows in the Time of Covid-19-South Africa

Adcock Ingram Critical Care and The National School of the Arts, for LIFELINES - Chandelier Installation



Mindspace Consulting CC (t/a Impact Space) and Womandlachallenge, for the Womandlachallenge



Sirdar and Artist Proof Studio, for The Lockdown Collection

AkzoNobel South Africa/Dulux South Africa and Baz-Art, for the International Public Art Festival



Royal Hotel Riebeek Kasteel and Arts Town Riebeek Valley, for the Royal Arts Town Amphitheatre Summer Theatre Season



The Bantry Bay Suite Hotel and The Rainbow Academy, School of Performing Arts and Business, for The Rainbow Academy: Making Rainbows in the Time of Covid-19-South Africa

Mrs Woolf (Pty) Ltd and Artist Proof Studio, for The Lockdown Collection



MTN SA Foundation and UJ Gallery, for UJs Moving Cube breaks ground with MTNs Blind Alphabet



The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and the National Arts Festival, for the Virtual National Arts Festival

MTN SA Foundation and UJ Gallery, for the UJ Art Gallery and MTN SA Foundation Partnership



Nando's and Spier Arts Trust, for the Nandos Creative Exchange



Rand Merchant Bank, a division of FirstRand Ltd, and Outreach Foundation, for Letters to You and Me - an intergenerational project

The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and African Artists for Development (ADD), for Lumieres d'Afriques



The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and the National Arts Festival, for the Virtual National Arts Festival

Art stimulates creativity. Businesses that understand the power of art to the mind, heart and the bottom-line collaborate with creatives and through their work champion change, social cohesion, growth and well-being. Since its inception, the Basa Awards have recognised and celebrated these impactful business and art collaborations, says Basa chairperson Charmaine Soobramoney. Across seven categories and a Special Award, the 2021 Basa Awards once again highlight the many ways in which business and the creative sector have successfully collaborated despite the challenges presented by the pandemic this past year, she adds.According to Basa CEO, Ashraf Johaardien, the theme for this year, Rise, is both a celebration and a call to action. Inspired by the great Maya Angelou poem Still I Rise, we felt it was important to acknowledge, augment and amplify the resilience of the arts sector and the business partnerships that have helped them endure; a quality that is reflected in the reimagining of content and context found in the projects and very determination of the projects chosen, he explains.The recent turmoil in South Africa has fortunately also brought with it a beautiful demonstration of the resilience that comes from a true sense of community. It is this sense of community, this acknowledgement that we are all in this together, this idea that we can be better together, that gives us the power to rise above any challenge we face as a society. The Basa Awards are a celebration of this ability to transcend and embrace a better future and we look forward to recognising the businesses, artists and art organisations who make this possible, says Heidi Brauer, Hollards chief marketing officer.There are 20 finalists in the seven awards categories, as follows:Therecognises support for arts and culture projects enhancing their communities, whether through education, skills development, contributing to livelihoods or employment, tourism or other growth opportunities in the community. The finalists are:Theis for vital support given to the arts by a micro, small or medium enterprise with up to 200 full-time employees and an annual turnover of no more than R10m. The finalists are:Theis for a sponsor supporting the arts for the first time, regardless of size, budget, whether it is through CSI, marketing, HR, B-BBEE or other. The finalists are:Theacknowledges a sponsor giving quantifiable and impactful non-monetary support to the arts. This may be through in-kind provision of equipment, materials, media or PR support, space, transportation or travel, or any other products or services, as opposed to monetary sponsorship. The finalists are:Thecelebrates the most innovative, cutting edge and progressive partnership that served all partners purposes effectively. These breakthrough projects and partnerships should demonstrate great creativity, originality, reinvention, new methodologies, or technological/digital innovation. The finalists are:Therecognises outstanding initiative and commitment to the arts over a longer term period (at least three years) as an integral part of the sponsors strategy. The value to the arts project, the broader community and the sponsor, must be apparent. The finalists are:Therecognises a partnership that builds brand reputation and audience for both partners across borders, through a project showcasing South Africa to the rest of the continent and/or overseas, or bringing international or intercontinental arts projects to South Africa. The finalists are:The independent adjudication panel for the Basa Awards is chaired by Khanyi Mamba (marketing communications manager: sub-Saharan Africa, Cambridge Assessment International Education). Also on the 2021 panel are Heidi Brauer (chief marketing officer, Hollard Insurance), Kojo Baffoe (entrepreneur, author and editor), Lerato Matsoso (entertainment editor: Sunday Sun and Daily Sun), Makgati Molebatsi (senior art specialist: Aspire Art Auctions) and Theresho Selesho (creative entrepreneur and CEO: Matchbox Live). The primary concern of the panel is to evaluate each nomination on its level of success and creativity in achieving both the business and arts organisations objectives. The Awards are audited by Middel & Partners, and the winners will be announced on 30 August 2021.Business and Arts South Africa NPC (Basa) was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts and from businesses operating in South Africa. Constituted in terms of the Companies Act, Basa is registered as a public benefit organisation. Basa champions business investment within the arts, cultural and heritage sector, driving focused and sustained partnerships by unlocking shared value and fostering social cohesion. For more information, please go to www.basa.co.za
The recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal caused a major disruption to the supply of essential goods, leaving many citizens desperate for the basic necessities for survival.

Joburg's hottest new commercial radio station launches At 6am this morning, Hot 102.7FM, the first new commercial music station to launch in the Johannesburg market this century, made its presence known with the McFadden and Whitehead hit "Ain't No Stopping Us Now"...

Operation Mercy, a once-off relief and support mission, aims to alleviate the suffering of the most affected citizens by feeding one million people for a period of 14 days, whilst supply chains are restored.Embodying the South African spirit of ubuntu, Operation Mercy brings together several church groups, businesses, aid organisations, government departments, media organisations and even the national taxi association. Amongst the benefactors are: the Christian Revival Church (CRC), and St. Marks Church; international relief organisation Joint Aid Management (Jam); Tintswalo Property Group; Future City Fourways and insurance group Telesure Holdings; The South African National Taxi Organisation (Santaco); Joburgs newest commercial radio station Hot 102.7FM, the official media partner to Operation Mercy, and Hots associated charity Hot Cares.Calls for donations of non-perishable foods and essential items have been met with an overwhelming response, says Adv. Jean Berdou from Future City Fourways, who is coordinating Operation Mercy. Aside from all the fantastic donations, we have been blessed with incredible logistical support in the form of transport and security. The CRC Churches, under the direction of Pastor At Boshoff, have been incredible in their mobilisation of congregants, not only for donations but also to assist with the packing of the parcels. Its a massive operation and every detail  even down to the distribution of the goods  has been carefully planned. Were assured that the relief will reach those who most need and deserve it, with taxi organisations assisting to ensure that the relief gets to areas that we may have difficulties accessing.Lloyd Madurai, managing director of Hot 102.7FM, says: Were truly honoured to be able to assist with Operation Mercy. Theres just no way that we could ignore the crisis in KwaZulu Natal that has left hundreds of families desperate for even the most basic of necessities. Were also particularly concerned about the plight of the elderly and the innocent children and were grateful that Hot Cares has received donations that will contribute to Operation Mercys objective of feeding one million people for 14 days.Were excited to be playing a role in helping our fellow countrymen in their time of need. Our news team and presenters will be keeping our listeners updated on the progress of the convoy transporting the aid.
Nahana Communications Group launches Small Business Rescue Fund to help rebuild South Africa

On 20 July 2021, Nahana Communications Group launched its Small Business Rescue Fund to donate R1,400,000 to various small businesses, devastated by the looting and violence that swept across the country in the past weeks.

South Africa and its people continue to show amazing unity and generosity in the face of adversity and business has an important role to play as corporate citizens. The recent events in South Africa have left many small businesses devastated and our purpose as a group is to help build South Africa. So we will help rebuild our country and rally industry support in any way we can, especially in these difficult times, said Brett Morris, CEO of Nahana Communications Group.



R400,000 of this fund is going to assist community radio stations who were devastated by the looting and violence. Essential radio transmission equipment has already been purchased for Intokozo FM in KwaZulu-Natal  which has enabled them to resume broadcasting.



We believe that community radio stations form a critical part of the media mix in our country and offer an essential service to the community. So we felt it was important to help these great stations get back on air as soon as possible, concluded Morris



The group has asked employees to nominate any businesses that they know in their local communities that were severely affected. Making a difference in the lives of Nahana Group employees and the communities in which they reside was deemed to be the best place to start in trying to make a difference.



The Small Business Rescue Fund was made possible partly by using budget previously allocated to enterprise and supplier development, which is a key component of the group's B-BBEE commitments. Nahana will gladly share its learnings in implementing this plan with any other companies that would like to embark on a similar initiative.




The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine is effective against the Delta variant, which is currently dominant in the country, says the president and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Professor Glenda Gray.

PRofessor Glenda Gray, CEO, SAMRC

Rare side effects

Mild side effects

Long-term effects

Data from the Sisonke Study conducted among healthcare workers is showing that the J&J vaccine is effective, and reduces your risk of severe disease, hospitalisation, and death, she says.The SAMRC has noted concerns from the public about the efficacy of the J&J vaccine against the Delta variant. These concerns largely stem from research conducted by New York University researchers, which showed that the single-dose J&J vaccine was far less effective at preventing Coronavirus infections from the Delta and Lambda variants.Gray pointed out that the results from this research are from experiments conducted with blood samples in a laboratory in the United States.Were hearing reports that people want a boost, and that the J&J vaccine doesnt work against the Delta variant.However, we want to tell you - from South Africa, from our experience - that we have evidence locally that the vaccine works against the Delta variant, Gray says, adding that both the J&J and Pfizer vaccines work against the Delta variant.Gray additionally cited a Harvard University study, which showed that the immune responses are long-lasting, even up to eight months, demonstrating that a boost is not needed at this stage.Gray insists that the single-dose vaccine is active against the Beta and the Delta variants of concern, while full vaccination with Pfizer increases protection as well.Weve had a terrible pandemic, terrible excess deaths and weve lost our loved ones, friends and colleagues. We need to ensure we use our vaccine strategy to control the pandemic in South Africa.According to Gray, since the outbreak, the country has recorded over 200,000 excess deaths related to the pandemic.She believes that the only way to control the spread of the virus is through global immunisation.Everybody does need to be vaccinated, not just 20% or 30%, but everybody, she says.Gray says 26.8% of the worlds population has received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, accounting for about 3.17-billion doses.The risk-benefit favours vaccination over not being vaccinated.Gray says there have been rare but serious side effects that have been reported with the use of the vaccines.These include myocarditis (or heart inflammation) that is linked to mRNA vaccine or Pfizer, while the J&J vaccine has been associated with thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, which caused the Sisonke Study to be halted for two weeks.Most recently, Gray says Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) has been associated with these vaccines.I also want to tell you that if you look at the rate per vaccination per side effect, you can see that the benefit of getting the vaccine is better.GBS is defined as the condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves.She says the condition has also been linked to other vaccines, including influenza and childhood shots. GBS might cause muscle weakness, which could lead to difficulties in physical exertion, including things such as climbing stairs.If it does happen, its important to seek medical care because you can manage it. The risk is higher in men and those over 50-years-old, she says.However, she reiterates that both the J&J and Pfizer do save lives.In addition, other well-known complications may include pain or swelling in the arm, fever, fatigue, headache or simply feeling ill, which usually resolves after a few days.If you feel that youre having side effects and that youre feeling unwell after the vaccination, its important to contact your healthcare provider, she saysIn addition, she says serious side effects that could cause long-term health problems are extremely unlikely following any vaccination, including Covid-19.Vaccine monitoring has historically shown that side-effects generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose and its unlikely to happen after six weeks.Millions of people have received Covid-19 vaccines, and no long-term side effects have been detected, she says.Globally, Gray says they will continue to closely monitor the safety of Covid-19 vaccines.If scientists find a connection between a safety issue and a vaccine, the regulators and the vaccine manufacturers will work toward an appropriate solution to address the specific safety concern.
At the beginning of this year I wrote a trends piece. Reviewing it now, that feels like a very long time ago. So much has happened in just a few months. But at the same time, many of those trends are still relevant...
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A law went into effect on July 25th in Washington state that prohibits no-knock warrants and puts limits on state and local law enforcement agencies ability to acquire certain military equipment from federal programs.

Rep. Jesse Johnson (D-Federal Way) filed House Bill 1054 (HB1054) in January. The new law makes numerous policing reforms and includes provisions to prohibit no-knock warrants and limit the type of military equipment police can obtain through federal programs.

The House approved the final version of HB1054 by a 55-42 vote. The Senate passed the bill 28-20. With Gov. Jay Inslees signature, the law went into effect on July 25.

POLICE MILITARIZATION

The new law prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from acquiring or using military equipment. The law defines the following as military equipment.

firearms and ammunition of .50 caliber or greater

machine guns

armed helicopters

armed or armored drones

armed vessels

armed vehicles

armed aircraft

tanks

long-range acoustic hailing devices

rockets

rocket launchers

bayonets

grenades

missiles

directed energy systems

electromagnetic spectrum weapons

A ban on mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) in the original House version was amended out of the bill in the Senate.

The legislation applies both to the well-known 1033 program, along with any other military surplus program operated by the federal government, as well as federal programs that fund the acquisition of surplus military equipment.

Any law enforcement agency in possession of military equipment as of the effective date of the law must return the equipment to the federal agency from which it was acquired, or destroy the equipment by December 31, 2022.

While the enactment of HB1054 will not end the militarization of local cops, it will keep some dangerous weapons out of the hands of police officers.

Federal Surplus and Grant Money

Police can get military-grade weapons through a number of federal programs, including the 1033 program, and via the Department of Homeland Security through the (DHS) Homeland Security Grant Program. The DHS doles out over $1 billion in counterterrorism funds to state and local police each year. According to a 2012 Senate report, this money has been used to purchase tactical vehicles, drones, and even tanks with little obvious benefit to public safety. And, according to ProPublica, In 1994, the Justice Department and the Pentagon-funded a five-year program to adapt military security and surveillance technology for local police departments that they would otherwise not be able to afford.

In August 2017, President Trump issued an executive order that gave a push to local police militarization. Trumps action rescinded an Obama-era policy meant to provide greater transparency and oversight around the Department of Defense 1033 program and other federal resources that provide military weapons to local police. Biden will reportedly reinstitute the Obama policy, but it was nothing more than window-dressing. In practice, the Obama EO did little to stem the flow of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies.

Even with the Obama-era limits back in place, the 1033 program will remain essentially intact. Military gear will continue to pour into local police agencies, just as it did when Obama was in the White House.

Even if you see the Obama/Biden limits as a positive, the multiple federal flip-flops underscore the importance of putting limits on police militarization at the state and local level. Federal policy tends to change depending on the party in power. Whatever limits Biden imposes through executive order can be undone with a stroke of the next presidents pen. The only way to effectively end police militarization for good is permanently withdrawing the state from these federal programs.

The enactment of HB1054 limits Washingtons participation in federal police militarization programs.

Command and Control

Arming peace officers like theyre ready to occupy an enemy city is totally contrary to the society envisioned by the founders. Theyve turned protect and serve into command and control.

In the 1980s, the federal government began arming, funding and training local police forces, turning peace officers into soldiers to fight in its unconstitutional War on Drugs. The militarization went into hyper-drive after 9/11 when a second front opened up  the War on Terror.

By making it more difficult for local police to get this military-grade gear, they become less likely to cooperate with the feds, and it also removes incentives for partnerships. The enactment of HB1054 takes a first step toward limiting police militarization in Washington State.

NO-KNOCK WARRANTS

Another provision in HB1054 effectively bans no-knock warrants. Under the law, police are prohibited from seeking and courts cannot issue a search or arrest warrant granting an express exception to the requirement for the officer to provide notice of his or her office and purpose when executing the warrant. Police can only enter a building if, after notice of his or her office and purpose, he or she be refused admittance.

The enactment of HB1054 effectively nullifies and makes irrelevant several Supreme Court opinions that give police across the U.S. legal cover for conducting no-knock raids.

In the 1995 case Wilson v. Arkansas, the Supreme Court established that police must peacefully knock, announce their presence, and allow time for the occupants to open the door before entering a home to serve a warrant. But the Court allowed for exigent circumstance exceptions if police fear violence, if the suspect is a flight risk, or if officers fear the suspect will destroy evidence.

As journalist Radley Balko notes, police utilized this exception to the fullest extent, simply declaring in search warrant affidavits that all drug dealers are a threat to dispose of evidence, flee or assault the officers at the door.

The SCOTUS eliminated this blanket exception in Richards v. Wisconsin (1997) requiring police to show why a specific individual is a threat to dispose of evidence, commit an act of violence or flee from police. But even with the opinion, the bar for obtaining a no-knock warrant remains low.

In order to justify a no-knock entry, the police must have a reasonable suspicion that knocking and announcing their presence, under the particular circumstances, would be dangerous or futile, or that it would inhibit the effective investigation of the crime by, for example, allowing the destruction of evidence. [Emphasis added]

Reasonable suspicion is an extremely low legal bar to meet. Through this exception, police can justify no-knock entry on any warrant application. In effect, the parameters in the SCOTUS ruling make no-knock the norm instead of the exception.

A third Supreme Court ruling effectively eliminated the consequences for violating the knock and announce requirement even without a no-knock warrant. In Hudson v. Michigan (2006), the High Court held that evidence seized in violation of knock and announce was not subject to the exclusionary rule. In other words, police could still use the evidence in court even though they technically gathered it illegally.

Significantly, were it not for the dubious incorporation doctrine made up by the Supreme Court based on the 14th Amendment that purportedly empowers the federal government to apply the Bill of Rights to the states, these cases would have never gone to federal court and we wouldnt have these blanket rules.

Without specific restrictions from the state, police officers generally operate within the parameters set by the High Court. By passing restrictions on no-knock warrants, states set standards that go beyond the Supreme Court limits and in effect, nullify the SCOTUS opinion,

OTHER REFORMS

HB1054 bans law enforcement officers from using chokeholds. It also prohibits the use of tear gas unless necessary to alleviate a present risk of serious harm posed by (a) Riot inside a correctional, jail, or detention facility; (b) barricaded subject; or (c) hostage situation. Other provisions in the legislation institute rules for police vehicular chases.

Amanda Bowers is a long-time Jill-of-all-trades with the TAC. Shes worked in outreach, local chapters, research, blogging and more.
Jen Psaki, Bidens Press Secretary, said as much in a press briefing last week :Government agencies are flagging posts as misinformation for Facebook. Essentially telling internet companies who to censor. Weve always suspected as much, but now theyve actually admitted it.

We are flagging problematic posts for Facebook that spread disinformation

If true  and thats never a given when Psaki is talking  its a frank admission that the White House is actively breaching the first amendment rights of US citizens (and potentially the human rights of foreign nationals too).

The issue of censorship on the internet is one we have discussed at length at OffG. It has been slowly and steadily increasing for over a decade, with marked acceleration after the Ukraine conflict kicked it to the top of the to-do list in 2015.

Every act of terrorism, every controversy, every electionevery pandemic is new excuse to place fresh restrictions on who is allowed to say what, where.

This culminated in every single social media and internet platform coordinating to completely remove the incumbent President of the United States from the internet.

News that X celebrity, Y journalist or Z website has been deleted or demonetized or de-platformed is an everyday occurrence now. The internet, or at least the mainstream internet, has become a quasi-police state. The digital Gestapo knock on doors in the middle of the night and *poof*the dissident voice is quieted.

The mainstream media is, of course, fine with this. They outright refuse to talk about censorship. Instead choosing to talk about free speech having consequences, or arguing that free speech needs a new definition in the age of social media

The liberal or progressive stance has always been that free speech is only about state suppression, not about private companies or individuals.

The argument has always been that Facebook/Twitter/Google etc. are private companies that have every right to decide what appears on their platforms. Of course, if the state is actively instructing the private companies on what to removethat argument crumbles to dust.

Psakis casual revelation means this sophistry is no longer simply logically flawed, it is now inherently dishonest.

It also confirms that the pantomime of government vs social media is just thata pantomime. Every time a politician rails against Facebook for allowing hate speech, or bemoans the lack of regulations for internet giants, they are lying.

Its a false conflict. A constructed PR exercise designed to hide a basic truth  The government tells Facebook what to remove, and Facebook removes it.

They said it, and they cant unsay itbut theyll probably try to stop us repeating it.
The soybeanisation of the Paraguayan economy has had a devastating impact on the countrys ecology, rural populations and democratic process, but it has been lucrative for foreign corporations and the domestic oligarchy.

By Owen Shalk. Originally published at Alborada.

In 2003, the agrichemical behemoth Syngenta published a controversial advertisement in Argentinian newspapers. It showed a map of South America with a large portion of the Southern Cone  Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil  highlighted in green and labelled the United Republic of Soybeans. The ad was criticised as an expression of neocolonial avarice directed at one of the regions most profitable exports. Echoes of the 20th centurys banana republics, maldeveloped export economies governed by brutal puppets of US corporations, were obvious: either Syngenta did not notice the historical correlation or, more likely, deliberately stoked the legacies of foreign meddling in the region.

The implications of the ad were obvious: for multinational agribusiness, the people of Latin America do not matter, nor do fair labour practices or the sanctity of democratically-elected governments. These companies only see profit, and they are more than willing to reorganise the region at will to enrich themselves. Agribusiness concerns such as Syngenta, Monsanto, and Bayer have insinuated themselves with governments throughout the region, which have then facilitated the dispossession of rural campesinos  expelling them from their homes, deforesting their lands, murdering them if they become too rebellious  so that the land can be purchased by their corporate friends.

In the words of Joel E. Correia, soy is a central node in networks of social, political-economic, scientific and ecological relations literally rooted in, reshaping and reterritorializing many states in South America.. Some scholars refer to this violent neocolonial process as the sojizacion, or soybeanisation, of the Southern Cone.

Soybean production is central to the political and economic functioning of the Paraguayan state. In fact, sojizacion recently played a decisive role in the countrys national politics. As noted above, an integral part of soybeanisation is the eviction of rural farmers so that their land can be purchased by multinational agribusiness corporations. In 2012, an eviction of this kind led to a massacre, a national scandal and a legal coup against the leftwing president Fernando Lugo.

On 15 June 2012, 300 police officers descended on the town of Curuguaty to evict 70 landless farmers from their property. This land had been belonged to the state before military dictator Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled for a 35-year period known as the stronato (1954-1989), transferred ownership to a friend. The confrontation, whose exact details remain muddled, led to the deaths of 11 campesinos and six policemen. Rightwing forces in Congress used the killings as a pretext to impeach President Lugo, who, as a former bishop, a student of liberation theology and the first progressive head of state in the countrys history, was seen as dangerously sympathetic to the plight of the farmers.

The fall of Lugo, who was a thorn in the side of agribusiness, was immediately followed by a scramble to appease these powerful forces. The next president, Federico Franco of the centrist Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), quickly implemented neoliberal reforms that allowed multinationals to produce 19 genetically-modified crops in Paraguay, whereas only one (a Monsanto soybean) had been approved prior to the Curuguaty massacre.

Lugos impeachment was the second successful counterattack against the anti-neoliberal Pink Tide governments that had come to power across Latin America in the 2000s. The first was the military coup of 2009 that deposed Honduran president Manuel Zelaya, but, significantly, Paraguays legal coup model would be reproduced in Brazil to remove President Dilma Rousseff in 2016 and pave the way for Jair Bolsonaros accession to the presidency two years later. From a regional perspective, it would not be hyperbolic to say that the temporary collapse of leftist governance across Latin America was in part presaged by the political economy of Paraguayan soy.

Soybean production has not always been central to political and economic life in Paraguay. Rather, the sojizacion has been gradually tightening its hold over the country since the time of Stroessner. Scholars generally agree that there have been two principal waves of soybeanisation in Paraguay, the first driven by the pre-neoliberal Agrarian Statues of the stronato and the second by the introduction of genetically-modified soy variants into the country. Correia, however, introduces a third stage. He posits that the violent rejection of post-neoliberal politics espoused by former President Fernando Lugo marked the beginning of a third wave of sojizacion defined by state-led violence and new neoliberalizations of nature, i.e. new methods for privatising, exploiting and profiting from the processes of soybean growth and cultivation in Paraguay.

The First Wave: Authoritarian Land Reform

The Paraguayan economy is extremely dependent on agricultural exports. According to the International Trade Administration, it is the worlds largest exporter of organic sugar, the second-largest exporter of stevia and the nine-largest exporter of beef. As of 2021, it is also the fourth-largest exporter of soybeans. Overall, the soy industry accounts for approximately 35 per cent of the countrys export revenues.

Paraguay also has one of the most unequal land distributions of any country in the world. Government figures show that 2.6 per cent of landowners possess 85 per cent of arable land, the foundation of the export-oriented agricultural economy. This exclusive sect of landowners includes the traditional oligarchy, Stroessner cronies and their descendants and multinational agribusiness. In total, only 6.3 per cent of land holdings are used to produce agricultural products for domestic consumption  the rest is exported for the massively disproportionate benefit of the landowners.

Multinationals were not always such an overrepresented group. In order to attract their investment, the land first needed to be developed by campesinos and then put on the global market through the passing of privatisation laws. Stroessners first Agrarian Statute of 1963 played an important role in this process: it granted land titles to individuals within Paraguay who wanted to establish farmsteads in the countrys underdeveloped interior. The amendment of 1967 was also crucial because it gave foreigners the ability to purchase land within 150 miles of the border. This led Argentinian and Brazilian elites to buy up large chunks of the fertile Paraguayan borderlands for use in agricultural production.

Brazilians who emigrated to Paraguay (known as brasiguayos) became an especially powerful class during the stronato, in part due to their innovations in soybean cultivation. They introduced efficient mechanised processes to Paraguayan soy farming that would redefine the industry in the coming decades but their labour practices were also portentous. The brasiguayoswere not keen to employ local Paraguayans. Instead of training these rural farmers, they usually kicked them off the land and brought in Portuguese-speaking Brazilians who were more familiar with the new technologies. The dispossessed Paraguayans had a choice: either seek agricultural opportunities in the interior or head to the urban slums and find new employment for poverty wages.

Stroessners Agrarian Statutes inaugurated the sojizacion in two important ways: they encouraged campesinos to colonise arable land in the underdeveloped interior (many of whom have been evicted in the ensuing decades) and they led to extensive land privatisation by foreign soybean concerns which did not have the interests of rural Paraguayans at heart.

The Second Wave: GMOs and the Green Desert of Soy

On 3 February 1989, Alfredo Stroessner was ousted in a coup led by his former ally and confidant, General Andres Rodriguez. Rodriguez, however, was no reformer: he was a well-entrenched member of the military elite and an oligarch in his own right. He oversaw a transition to democracy, but in effect Paraguay is still a one-party state in which the Colorado Party retains an iron grip on the institutions of power (with the exception of the anomalous period of 2008-2013).

During the democratic period, the soybeanisation of the economy has intensified in accordance with the neoliberal model. Campesino agriculture has suffered unabating attacks from domestic and foreign agribusiness since the early years of the Stroessner dictatorship, but this process reached a new level of severity during the 1990s, or the second wave of the sojizacion.

Colonialism relies on the destruction of vibrant local economies and their replacement by technocratic and effectively dictatorial regimes of profit maximisation which have no connection to the land they are exploiting. In the case of modern agribusiness, this dynamic can be easily found in the monocrop soybean model that has been forced upon the Paraguayan people. For example, the Council on Hemispheric Affairs has found that:

Every year, about 9,000 rural families are evicted due to soy production on large spreads of land, and the numbers of (100,000 and growing) landless families in Paraguay have been forced to migrate to urban slums by violence or chicanery by soy farmers who force these families to sell their land at a minuscule cost. [Furthermore] Evan Abramson, who did a piece on Paraguay for the NACLA, found that 85% of the soy produced in the country is genetically modified and should be considered to be unsuitable for human consumption.

Correia notes that GM soy cultivation was the biggest driver of environmental change [in Paraguay] between the late 1990s and 2010, and that the interior has been devastated to the degree that some refer to the once flourishing inner Atlantic Forest region as a green desert of soy production. Deforestation has destroyed millions of hectares of woodland, particularly in the border region with Brazil, to make room for soybean fields, while the pesticides sprayed onto these crops have led to respiratory diseases among local populations.

Campesinos, writes Correia, are being replaced by plants  GM soybeans to be precise. Plants, not people, are now widely viewed as a pillar of national economic growth. This is where the first wave of soybeanisation led. Investment by foreign companies in the borderland regions has annihilated previously plenteous forest and the development of interior farmland by the campesinos laid the groundwork for the confiscation of this land by a state that is more eager to serve foreign agribusiness than its own rural farmers.

There was, however, a brief glimmer of hope with the election of the bishop of the poor, Fernando Lugo, in 2008. Instead of agrarian reform, however, his truncated presidency inaugurated the third wave of the sojizacion, in which the deregulation of the soy industry has reached new heights and state violence is used to defend this model with a blatancy comparable to the state of siege days of Alfredo Stroessner.

The Third Wave: New Neoliberalisations of Nature

Lugos agrarian populism and his position as a political outsider struck a chord with the imperilled campesino population. However, the inexorable stronato state prevented his every attempt at reform. His struggle to impose a five-per-cent tax on soy exports was suppressed, and when he signed an executive order to limit the use of pesticides, powerful farming corporations organised protests until he backed down.

The swift politicisation of the Curuguaty massacre by the rightwing establishment, coupled with numerous discrepancies in the official investigation and the murder of a key peasant witness shortly before testifying, have led many progressives to believe that the incident may have been manufactured in order to remove the would-be reformist from the presidency. Whether or not this is true, there is no arguing that the judiciary blamed the peasants for the incident and has persecuted them at the expense of an open inquiry into the actions of the police. There is also no denying that the coup was integral to returning the Colorado Party to power under President Horacio Cartes, who continued his predecessor Francos program of accelerated agricultural neoliberalisation.

The violence at Curuguaty and the almost instantaneous coup against Lugo brought Paraguay into the third wave of the sojizacion. This is a period defined by an increase in visible state violence against landless farmers in combination with an even more severe subjugation of traditional agriculture to the harmful efficiencies of GMOs.

Since the passing of Francos Decree 9699/2012, the amount of genetically-modified soy grown in Paraguay has increased to 95 per cent of all soybean production. In the years since the return of the Colorado Party, former president Cartes and current president Mario Abdo Benitez have rejected calls to raise taxes on soy exports, and although Lugo remains a national political figure, the debate seems dead in the water. The economic base of the stronato is holding as firm as ever. In fact, President Benitez is himself a big fan of Stroessners accomplishments. Not only that  his father literally served as Stroessners personal secretary for 25 years.

Recent mobilisations against the Colorado regime indicate that the Paraguayan public has grown largely dissatisfied with the status quo. This may lead to the election of another Lugo-esque figure in the future, or perhaps even Lugo himself, but one thing is clear: unless a nationwide anti-neoliberal movement emerges as happened in Chile, the soybeanisation of the Paraguayan economy which has been so devastating to the countrys ecology and rural populations will never be reformed, let alone dismantled.

2003 Syngenta advertisement declaring a United Republic of Soybeans spanning Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil
What happened on July 20 with the 56-44 vote in the Senate to confirm Kenneth Polite (pronounced Po-leet) to head the most powerful criminal law enforcement office in the United States, the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, is a cautionary tale that should concern every American. Despite Polite owing more than $1.5 million in debts according to his financial disclosure form and public mortgage records; paying over 18 percent interest on an outstanding balance on a credit card; 19.99 percent interest on a personal loan; and now accepting a job where his income will be slashed by about 77 percent  not one Senator on the Senate Judiciary Committee asked a single question about this mans bizarre financial picture during his confirmation hearing on May 26 or in written questions that followed.

Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, Chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. Durbin took to the Senate floor on July 20, the day of the full Senate vote on Polite, to give a glowing endorsement of Polite.

Polite hails from the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bochius, which has plenty of red flags itself. Polite was a partner there earning approximately $877,500 in 2020. His job at the Justice Department will pay less than $200,000 annually. Morgan, Lewis has, for decades, provided legal representation to the Wall Street mega banks. Polites financial disclosure form reveals that JPMorgan Chase was one of his clients over the past year.

JPMorgan Chase has racked up five felony counts brought by the Justice Department in the past seven years, including two felony counts brought just last fall. The bank admitted to all five counts. In September of 2019, the Justice Department charged that traders at the bank were running a racketeering enterprise out of its precious metals trading desk. That case, brought under the RICO statute, which is typically reserved for organized crime, is still ongoing at the Justice Department.

Polite also revealed on his financial disclosure form that Morgan Stanley was his client over the past year. Morgan Stanley, along with other Wall Street banks represented by Morgan Lewis, are under a new Justice Department investigation for loaning out their balance sheets to hedge funds to conduct trading in highly-leveraged and highly-concentrated stock positions, which led to the collapse of the Archegos family office hedge fund in March of this year; a 50 percent plunge in the price of some of the stocks involved in the scheme; and more than $10 billion in losses for the banks involved in providing the margin loans, which were dressed up as derivative trades.

Under Polites Ethics Agreement, he will be required to recuse from particular matters involving specific parties involving his former employer or former clients for a period of two years after he is appointed. Why should the American people accept a Biden nominee that cant hit the ground running against one of the most criminally-inclined industries in America. Why should the U.S. Senate confirm such a man?
Dan Bailey, the "Montana man" who confronted Tucker Carlson in a fly fishing shop in Livingston, formerly worked at an organization that was founded as a front group for the CIA.

Tucker Carlson tells a man who confronts him in a fly fishing shop to settle down, son.

pic.twitter.com/PlsCSU9HWS  Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 24, 2021



Here's how the exchange went down via Heavy.com:

[Dan] Bailey can be heard saying, "I don't care, man. Dude, you are the worst human being known to mankind." Carlson tells him, "I appreciate that," and says, "I'm not gonna debate," as Bailey tells him, "I want you to know that. What you have done to this state, to the United States, to everything else in this world. I don't care that your daughter's here. What you have done to people's families, what you have done to everybody else in this world..."



Carlson then tells Bailey, "Settle down, son," and begins to walk away. Bailey follows Carlson, saying, "Son? Call me son..."

Dude, you're like a terrible person, man. No really dude, you're like really bad, the stuff you've done -- wow -- like, I literally can't even, it's like the worst ever and stuff, literally, the whole world... the state... the families -- like, wow dude -- WOW!



Twitter user Yoopermomma first noticed Bailey's interesting background.







Here's those images:

















So, uh, the NSA gets caught spying on Tucker and then he just happened to bump into this Montana man with CIA connects? https://t.co/Gs5b6CJopG  Pete DAbrosca (@pdabrosca) July 25, 2021



The Asia Foundation was founded as a CIA front group in 1951, Muckrock reported in 2017.

The Asia Foundation is, on the surface, a private non-profit that contributes to the development of Asia, including donating millions of books. In reality, since it was created by Central Intelligence Agency in 1951, TAF has engaged in a decades long campaign to misrepresent its origins, purpose, and funding.



[...] Originally conceived by CIA as a propaganda machine and a front for covert activities including psychological warfare, TAF has controlled its narrative by becoming the primary source of information on its organization. The narrative presented by TAF effectively erases the first years of its history and misleads the public about its sources of funding over the years. TAFs deceptions arent limited to the public, either. Declassified documents reveal that TAF provided information to the State Department that was incorrect and misleading; this information was subsequently given to Congress. These misrepresentations were then cited in the findings of Congress Asia Foundation Act, which provides funding for the Foundation, and have become commonly referenced.



[...] TAF portrays itself as having been created with the approval of the National Security Council and later being funded by, but remaining functionally independent from, the CIA. In reality, it was a weapon crafted by CIA explicitly for political warfare. Armed with CIA propaganda products, guided by CIA priorities, staffed with CIA contract employees and former CIA staffers, TAF spent the first 16 years of its existence under the direct control of the Agency. For more than a year after that, it relied on funds that the Agency had covertly provided. TAF did not lose touch with the Agency in the following decades, nor did it lose its support.



While TAF has done good work, it also misleads the public about its origins with CIA, and about the current source of its funding. CIAs administrative file clearly shows, however, that the foundation was staffed and controlled by the Agency. At least two of its Presidents, Greene and Blum, had worked with the Intelligence Community on projects that laid the groundwork for the CFA/TAF, including the project proposal itself and the NSC Directives it relied on. They, like all of TAFs early Presidents, were CIA contract employees, and it wouldnt be until 1989 that TAF had a President who wasnt hand selected by the Agency. While TAF handled its own day to day operations, the chain of command was clear: the foundation had been owned and operated by CIA for more than a decade and a half, despite the denials offered by the foundation, which the leadership knew to false.

TAF these days gets around $100 million a year directly from the US government.





The guy who harassed Tucker Carlson was named Dan Bailey. The confrontation took place in a store called Dan Baileys.



Theres no relation between the two Dans Bailey.



This is extremely weird. pic.twitter.com/vC8CrvVyZs  Boomieleaks (@Boomieleaks) July 26, 2021



The NSA was caught spying on Tucker just a few weeks ago.





The NSA now admits that it "unmasked" Tucker's identity after an intelligence intercept. Plus: the tyrants at Facebook confirm that they have been censoring this show. pic.twitter.com/AeYbQzNWLI  Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) July 24, 2021



Bailey was born in Casper, Wyoming and "graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman with a bachelor's degree in land resource analysis and management," Heavy.com reported. "He then graduated from the University of Montana in 2013 with a masters degree in resource conservation, he wrote on LinkedIn."



Heavy continued: "Bailey has worked as the Yellowstone Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association in Livingston since 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile. According to its website, the NPCA is based in Washington D.C. and is a nonpartisan and independent membership organization aimed at protecting and preserving national parks and advocating on behalf of the National Parks System."



I'm assuming Bailey is probably just a random libtard. Sadly, Montana has a lot of them these days.



His resemblance to the pregnant man emoji is striking:







Who do you think is a better representative for the fly fishing community?





Just a reminder when Tucker is off-camera, he's exactly the deeply decent and kind person the media doesn't want you to see.



Watch this entire video.pic.twitter.com/egUOYUgGoF  Benny (@bennyjohnson) July 25, 2021



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Military planning is a complicated endeavour, calling upon experts in logistics and infrastructure to predict resource availability and technological advancements. Long-range military planning, deciding what to invest in now to prepare armed forces for the world in thirty years time, is even more difficult.

One of the most interesting tools for thinking about future defence technology isnt big data forecasting and the use of synthetic training environments, but narrative and imagination. And we get this from science fiction.

That might sound fanciful, but many militaries are already engaging with the genre. The US military and the French army use science fiction writers to generate future threat scenarios. The Australian Defence College advocates for the reading of science fiction and, in Germany, Project Cassandra uses novels to predict the worlds next conflict. The Sigma Forum, a science fiction think tank, has been offering forecasting services to US officials for years.

But while science fiction provides military planners with a tantalising glimpse of future weaponry, from exoskeletons to mind-machine interfaces, the genre is always about more than flashy new gadgets. Its about anticipating the unforeseen ways in which these technologies could affect humans and society  and this extra context is often overlooked by the officials deciding which technologies to invest in for future conflicts.

Imagined worlds

Like my colleague David Seed, who has studied how fiction impacts on real-life threat assumptions about nuclear terrorism, Im interested in how science fiction informs our sense of the future. This has given me the opportunity to work with members of the armed forces, using science fiction to query assumptions and generate novel visions of the future.

But the relationship between military planners and science fiction is a troubled one. Despite increasing calls for cognitive diversity and new ways of thinking in government and the armed forces, the genre faces a significant image problem.

People tend to associate science fiction solely with aliens and space travel  its more fantastic elements  which is seemingly removed from the supposedly proper business of planning and strategy. As a result, even open-minded planners who identify science fiction as a source of inspiration, especially for novel technologies, invariably keep it at arms length.

So when I read a recent report on the strategic implications of human augmentation, published by defence planners from the UK and German militaries, I was intrigued. Human augmentation  like enhanced sensory perception and personalised medicine  is a big thing in defence circles, which see the technologisation of the human body as a key arms race this century.

If you think this all sounds like science fiction, youd be right. The subgenre of cyberpunk (think William Gibson and Pat Cadigan, as well as games such as the Deus Ex series) is perhaps the acme of human augmentation fiction: cyborgs with enhanced vision; warriors with bionic arms and razor claws; console cowboys infiltrating the data fortresses of big businesses in cyberspace.

For super-soldiers striding on the battlefield in powered armour, look no further than Robert Heinleins Starship Troopers, Joe Haldemans The Forever War, or John Scalzis Old Mans War. The genetic hybridisation of enhanced soldiers features extensively in texts such as James Camerons serial Dark Angel and, more recently, in Adrian Tchaikovskys Dogs of War.

Fiction to fact

Yet these texts dont really make it into the military planning report. Theres a reference to science fiction inspired suits and technologies that make possible what used to be science fiction, but otherwise the genre is absent. Like many military planners, the reports authors seem to want to define these technologies against science fiction, emphasising that the genre is fiction, while human augmentation technologies are fact.

The genre might be commonly associated with technology, but even then its not about technology per se, but about the contexts, uses and effects of new technologies on humans. Science fiction author Frederick Pohl said it well: A good science fiction story should be able to predict not the automobile but the traffic jam. Science fiction is always about the second- and third-order effects of a technology  effects military planners may not anticipate.

Thats the true value of science fiction for those concerned with the future. Technologies arent neutral, but operate within a discourse set by the stories that are told about them. This affects their development and possible applications (and mis-applications).

When military reports speak of perceiving the human as a platform to optimise with new technologies, alarm bells go off for science fiction scholars. When augmentation has been imagined in fictional worlds, its often associated with profound new inequalities and conflicts.

Facing change creatively

According to military planners, augmentation is no longer just about supersoldiers, but also supercivilians. If augmentations might need to protect an entire population from biotechnological threats, how are we to explore the ethics of this? How are societies to navigate the emergence of bring your own enhancement technologies in the workplace? What black markets might come about to perform such augmentations on the cheap?

Science fiction doesnt have all of the answers to these questions, but it does provide us with a space to examine them  an imaginative experiment where audiences can consider dramatic situations that expose the dangers and benefits of technological interventions.

Military planners are right to foreground these issues now. But they should also consider science fiction as more than just a fictional background to real-life debates. Science fiction can help in what the planning report calls making sense of these potential changes to human capabilities, pointing not only to the automobile, but to the traffic, the fumes and the crashes too.

Will Slocombe, Senior Lecturer in English, University of Liverpool

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Top image: Pavel Chagochkin/Shutterstock
PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Brandywine Realty Trust (BDN) on Monday reported a key measure of profitability in its second quarter. The results matched Wall Street expectations.

The Philadelphia-based real estate investment trust said it had funds from operations of $55.9 million, or 32 cents per share, in the period.

The average estimate of five analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for funds from operations of 32 cents 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 a loss of $167,000, or less than 1 cent on a per-share basis.

The real estate investment trust posted revenue of $120.1 million in the period.

Brandywine Realty Trust expects full-year funds from operations to be $1.34 to $1.40 per share.

The company's shares have increased 18% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Monday, shares hit $14.08, a climb of 32% in the last 12 months.



This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on BDN at https://www.zacks.com/ap/BDN
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DELEAU  The grass looks yellow and dry on the sides of the road on the way to Deleau.

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DELEAU  The grass looks yellow and dry on the sides of the road on the way to Deleau.

Deleau means "some water" in French. Driving down Highway 21, dried earth where water once was sits cracked and veiny.

Some water would be better than none.

As the wind dances across the fields, yellow and dried wheat waves at passersby.

It isnt the fall, and yet the wheats golden colour misleads the unseasoned eye into believing it is.

KIMBERLEY KIELLEY/BRANDON SUN A grass cutting tractor mows through a field of peas and oats for add extra food for Ian Robson's cows over the winter. Drought in the southwestern corner of the province has forced cattle farmers to rethink their winter feeding with hay supplies running dangerously low.

In 2011, fourth-generation farmer Ian Robson recalls the floods that cut off access to his house from the main road.

Robson has farmed all his life. He has seen ups and downs. His farm is still recovering from the floods of 2011 and 2014.

For Robson, relying on years of experience and anticipating the future is always the challenge. This past year, he anticipated low rainfall and planned to plant peas and oats to supplement feed for his 45 head of cattle this winter. That took planning and a bit of crystal ball gazing because farming isnt an exact science.

There is always a wild card.

Robson has dugouts to provide water for the cattle. But this year, they sit precariously low. The cattle have been coming to the well for water, he said.

And his dugouts have a third of water in them, roughly. Robson also grows wheat and canola on his 900-acre farm.

KIMBERLEY KIELLEY/BRANDON SUN Another week and the peas and oats Ian Robson will rely on to feed his cattle this winter due to the drought in southwestern Manitoba would have been on the verge of being too dry to use.

Feeding the cattle winter stores of straw and protein pellets as supplements now to offset the hay shortage the drought has created pushes Robson to order grain as the price continues to climb. Hes looking at planning ahead and planning for that rainy day (hopefully).

"You have to have a backup plan," he said "Plan A, B, C, D, E "

Robson demonstrates how dry the earth is by digging down at least six inches into the arid ground. As he digs with his pocket knife, dust catches the wind and drifts away.

"Theres still some moisture in the roots," he said.

But in another week, it will go from bad to worse if there isnt any rain, he points out.

This years drought is definitely a low point for farmers in southern and central Manitoba. Drought, extreme heat, sparse rainfall and insect infestations have devastated a precarious industry that relies on the delicate balance of nature to yield a productive year, whether it be crops or livestock.

KIMBERLEY KIELLEY/BRANDON SUN Nothing like catching up with the neighbours on the side of the road. Robson (foreground) catches up on the news with fellow farmer Michael Daycock and family.

On Thursday, the provincial and federal governments committed to helping struggling Manitoba farmers with relief programs.

For cattle producers in the province, selling off cattle that has taken years to build into healthy herds has been devastating.

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler collectively announced relief for farmers is on the way.

"Our government is working around the clock with the provinces to help farm families coping with extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change," Bibeau said. "The support through the Hay Disaster Benefit is one way we are helping Manitoba producers, who are under tremendous stress, to get through this crisis and toward a sustainable future."

The first of the initiatives, available through Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporations Hay Disaster Benefit, will provide an additional $44/tonne (for every tonne below coverage) to insured forage producers to help offset the additional cost of replacement feed and transportation due to the severe shortage of forage throughout the province.

The benefit was last triggered in 2019, when more than $5 million was paid on close to 1,200 claims.

KIMBERLEY KIELLEY/BRANDON SUN A dugout on Ian Robson's farm helps keep cattle from going thirsty. Robson says he's fortunate to have one that hasn't dried up yet.

Typically, the determination of payments for this benefit would not be made until January, once the majority of claim and harvested production report data is processed.

"We recognize that this has been an extremely difficult year for many producers with the lack of precipitation and extreme heat," Eichler said. "With pastures drying up and minimal sources of feed for livestock, its important to give producers the resources they need to secure feed to maintain their herds. All livestock producers play a critical role in our food supply and provincial economy. Were proud to support them with early release of this benefit."

MASC is also applying a quality adjustment factor to appraisals on crops that are being put to alternate use under the AgriInsurance program.

A 60 per cent adjustment factor to in-field appraisals will be applied on small grain cereal crops (all varieties of wheat, oats, fall rye, barley and triticale). Reducing the appraisal of claims by 40 per cent reflects the expected reduction in quality resulting from the drought conditions.

The full yield appraisal will be used to calculate future coverage, which provides producers who repurpose their crops for livestock feed an added benefit. This reduction will apply retroactively to producers who have already put their cereal crop to an alternate use this year.

Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriInsurance premiums for most programs are shared 40 per cent by participating producers, 36 per cent by the Government of Canada and 24 per cent by the Manitoba government. Administrative expenses are paid 60 per cent by Canada and 40 per cent by Manitoba.

KIMBERLEY KIELLEY/BRANDON SUN Ian Robson kicks at some earth in a field of peas and oats on his farm as a plume of dust erupts from the ground.

Discussions are also underway to expedite the completion of the AgriRecovery Assessment process and the implementation of a Livestock Tax Deferral to assist impacted livestock producers.

Robson has lived on the farm all his life. He cant think of doing anything else. During this drought, it has been difficult to help neighbours because everyone is suffering. Robsons wife, Lois, points out that many farmers in the area have spouses who work second jobs to help make ends meet.

"We need assistance for people suffering, especially for cattle people," Robson said.

For Robson, part of the water shortage solution was the well he dug for the cows.

"You gotta have a well."

Its going to be tough on Robson and his neighbours this year.

He recalls a saying his father used to say: "Every day without rain is one day closer to rain."

"I read a Buddhist saying the other day. Prepare for failure and be pleasantly surprised," he said.

Robson watches the weather religiously, willing the weather to change to rain.

But in the meantime, Robson and his neighbours are keeping their fingers crossed and hoping for rain.

 kkielley@brandonsun.com
Benga chief executive John Wallington said it believed the regulators conclusions and reasoning contained material errors of law. Mr Wallington said the regulator ignored the support shown by First Nations traditional owners for the relevant mine lands and gave preference to laymen analysis over scientific evidence. The joint review panel could have addressed any valid concerns with the project by making an approval conditional on strict conditions, he said. One of the traditional owner groups, the Piikani Nation, has also launched an appeal of the decision.

Loading Wood Mackenzie metallurgical coal research principal analyst Anthony Knutson told WAtoday an appeal for Benga would be challenging. The analyst said at the end of the day it was hard to see the federal government going against the regulators decision and award a mine licence given it was a centre-left government moving towards no coal across the board. Mr Knutson said despite the recent regulatory troubles for Riversdale, a stake had not been put through the heart of the industry in Alberta with global demand for metallurgical coal only expected to rise over the next 30 years. In the meantime, Riversdales slated construction start date for the Grassy Mountain project of 2023, with first coal in 2024, is now uncertain.

Why are Australian companies trying to access Alberta coal reserves? Australia has one of the worlds largest metallurgical coal reserves and is the biggest exporter of the material which is a crucial ingredient when using a blast furnace to turn iron ore into the steel building global cities. Green energy advocates like Andrew Forrest are trying to find more carbon-friendly ways to make steel but as of yet no one has found a more affordable option than metallurgical coal. Biggest metallurgical coal exporters in 2019. Credit:Minerals Council of Australia Australias coal basins have been well explored but global demand for the material is only predicted to get higher even though markets for thermal coal, a different variety burned for electricity at high-emission power stations, are dropping.

About 10 years ago Australian miners and investors saw potential in Alberta, despite it having a restrictive policy for new metallurgical coal developments, because of its large untapped reserves. Alberta shares a border along the Rockies with the province of British Columbia but the two jurisdictions have very different approaches to coal mining, especially in the mountains. British Columbia has embraced the so-called black gold as its most valued mined commodity and exports about 30 million tonnes of coal annually. About 95 per cent of exports is metallurgical coal which is crucial in the process of turning iron ore into steel. Coal projects in British Columbia. Credit:Government of British Columbia But take a step across the border through Crowsnest Pass and you go from a hive of mining activity to Albertas south west where there has not been a working coal mine for several decades despite having millions of tonnes in untapped reserves.

A 1976 coal policy by the provinces then centre-right government all but locked up the Rockies from the industry. Alberta instead focused on its oil sources as one of the primary pillars of its economy, leaving the mountains for recreation and tourism. Despite the barrier, Alberta  situated in a stable country with good rail and port access and lower coal royalties than Australian states like Queensland  became popular as a speculative play with the growing hunger for the commodity especially out of India. In May last year in the thrusts of the pandemic and sinking oil prices Albertas conservative government rescinded the 1976 policy, opening the pathway for potential projects in the provinces South West near the small historical coal mining towns of Coleman and Blairmore in Crowsnest Pass not previously possible. There are several metallurgical coal projects from exploration to mines proposed in Alberta. Credit:Cabin Ridge Several Australian-linked operations were ready to move forward when the policy lifted including Ms Rineharts Grassy Mountain project, located on a category of land already easier to get approved, which past executives at Riversdale had hoped would become central to development of a series of new mines.

Ms Rinehart has previously been involved in starting up coal projects in Australias eastern states and has become a resources powerhouse in her home country with the success of her privately-owned iron ore endeavour Roy Hill in the Pilbara which has made her one of the richest people in the world. Mr Roberts, the head of his familys hedge fund Warburton Group, and the Sydney-based Regal Funds Management both had stakes in Riversdale before the Hancock takeover. Both investors are still engaged in the region. Mr Roberts has interests through the Warburton Groups Cabin Ridge exploration project, 50 kilometres north of Blairmore, as well as a stake in the ASX-listed Atrum coal which has two prospective resource bodies. Regal Funds Management has a minor stake in Atrum and a 16 per cent share of another listed company called Montem Resources which has several lease sites and is trying to get mining re-started at Tent Mountain which straddles the provincial border.

A new mine licence for the re-start is subject to a federal review, announced last month, which could take two years. Alberta backtrack and federal crack-down threaten future of coal projects Although several First Nations groups and depressed former coal towns in Crowsnest Pass were in favour of the projects, which could potentially bring in hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in federal and provincial tax and royalties, a large number of Albertans are against them. An outcry from ranchers, environmentalists, and other Albertan residents led to a backflip by the provincial government only a few months after the changes were made to the 1976 policy bringing a halt to some of the projects.

Consultation is still ongoing but share prices have since tumbled for Montem and Atrum and the federal governments pledge last month to conduct environment impact assessments for all metallurgical coal proposals coupled with the Grassy Hill decision have been major blows. Alberta province coal mining land categories Category 1  The most sensitive areas of Alberta from a natural and environmental perspective where no development is permitted and includes national parks, present or proposed provincial parks, wilderness areas, designated recreation areas, and wildlife sanctuaries Category 2  Parts of the southern Rocky Mountains and Foothills where limited exploration is welcomed but open-pit mines are off-limits Category 3  Exploration is desirable and mining possible with the right protections, covers the Northern Forested Region and eastern portions of the Eastern Slopes Category 4  The easiest of the categories to get a mining licence for which covers areas of the province not included in the other three categories such as the plains and some previously mined sites like Grassy Mountain and Tent Mountain Coal miners are now on a charm offensive to influence the new provincial policy and try and convince the broader public it has the ability to negate selenium concerns and protect water and wilderness values. The message will be a tough sell with an April survey by the government finding 64 per cent of more than 24,000 Albertan respondents did not think the economic benefits of coal mining were important at all for the province. Ranchers and environmentalist groups have both funded and presented several studies regarding the water catchment area in south west Alberta to the policy review committee with suggestions 9400 hectares of ranges could be disturbed.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society conservation director Katie Morrison said the movement against new mines was unlike any environmental issue she had ever seen in Alberta. Its incredibly inspiring and we hope that both our federal and provincial governments are listening, she said. Despite the Albertan backlash and new regulatory hurdles, Ms Rinehart is not giving up on Riversdale and her massive investment that would herald a new era of coal mining in the province. Mr Knutson said with hundreds of millions of dollars invested Riversdale would explore every avenue available to it.
We all know that lifting weights can build our muscles. But by changing the inner workings of cells, weight training may also shrink fat, according to an enlightening new study of the molecular underpinnings of resistance exercise. The study, which involved mice and people, found that after weight training, muscles create and release little bubbles of genetic material that can flow to fat cells, jump-starting processes there related to fat burning.

The results add to mounting scientific evidence that resistance exercise has unique benefits for fat loss. They also underscore how extensive and interconnected the internal effects of exercise can be.

The results serve as a bracing reminder that muscle mass is vitally important for metabolic health. Credit:iStock

Many of us pigeonhole resistance training as muscle building, and with good reason. Lifting weights  or working against our body weight as we bob through push ups, squats or chair dips  will noticeably boost our muscles size and strength. But a growing number of studies suggest that weight training also reshapes our metabolisms and waistlines.

In recent experiments, weight workouts boosted energy expenditure and fat burning for at least 24 hours afterward in young women, overweight men and athletes. Likewise, in a study I covered earlier this month, people who occasionally lifted weights were far less likely to become obese than those who never lifted.
The Sydney-based co-founders of the global Pentecostal Christian church Hillsong preached in person at a service in Mexico on Monday and have been based in the United States for several months, despite the Australian border being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brian and Bobbie Houston, the husband and wife team who are co-global senior pastors at Hillsong Church, both arrived in the US three months ago and will remain there for some time, a church spokesperson said.

On Monday, they took part in a service at the Hillsong Monterrey congregation in Mexico. This was confirmed in images and messages shared on Instagram.

Hillsong Monterrey posted on Monday - Sunday local time - with multiple images of the service: We had a very special service worshipping together under the same roof and having our senior pastors @brianchouston and @bobbiehouston with us!
I always think of us as the insurance policy that no one knew they needed to have. The pandemic meant it was more important than ever. I always think of us as the insurance policy that no one knew they needed to have. Amid a surge in demand for support from Foodbank with three states in lockdown, Mars has this week announced it will donate 175,000 jars of Dolmio Bolognese and Carbonara Sauce, Kan Tong Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce and MasterFoods tomato sauce. Foodbank teams in New South Wales alone are packing between 2500 and 3500 emergency relief hampers every day due to the increase in demand  pre-lockdown it was 2500 to 3000 a week. Foodbank has never been more important than it is right now, Ms Casey said. Were responsible for ensuring essential food relief can remain available in spite of lockdowns, border closures and panic buying.

Foodbank CEO Brianna Casey says the pandemic has brought the realisation: There but for the grace of God go I. Credit:James Brickwood Before the pandemic, one in five Australians experienced food insecurity  when people have trouble meeting their basic needs  at some point. In normal times, Foodbank provides food for 815,000 Australians each month. But the Foodbank Hunger report 2020 said charities were reporting demand for food relief had risen by 47 per cent on average during the pandemic, with international students and casual workers especially vulnerable. In 2019, 15 per cent of Australians experiencing food insecurity were seeking food relief at least once a week, the report said. In 2020, this has more than doubled to 31 per cent. Its not just food that Foodbank distributes. Ten per cent of all items it distributed to people in need last year were for personal or household care  such as toothpaste and laundry detergent  or for pets.

With the exception of alcohol and tobacco, we will take it at Foodbank because we will be able to find a home for it, Ms Casey says. Loading  Those weird and wonderful centre aisle buys that you see at Aldi do come into our warehouse, so from time to time when wandering through our warehouses across the country, you might see a B double of watermelons arrive, and the next thing that might arrive is caravan covers or microwaves or bicycles. Traditionally Foodbank has distributed its items through a network of 2500 charities, ranging from big names like the Red Cross to local domestic violence shelters.

But these charities are often reliant on volunteers, particularly older Australians, who have needed to isolate during the pandemic. We cant distribute our food if those agencies arent open, so weve had to change our model, Ms Casey says. In some cases, Foodbank now home delivers. In Melbourne, it opened pop-up store for international students in LaTrobe Street. During Victorias fourth and fifth lockdowns, Foodbank also opened its warehouses for drive-through emergency relief hamper collection, no questions asked. What we have seen is an incredible volume of mums with children in the back driving into the warehouse and needing that assistance, Ms Casey says. They would never have done that through the previous model of referring them off to a separate charitable organisation. They needed something and they needed something quick.
The head of Sydney Catholic Schools has called for formal year 12 examinations to be abandoned and HSC results to be based on school assessments instead, saying remote learning is disadvantaging the citys worst-off students.

The call was backed by the head of Catholic Education Parramatta, Greg Whitby, who said authorities must make a decision on formal exams and a mark based on assessment was a practical, sensible alternative. However, assessment experts said formal exams should be kept alive as long as possible and the examining authority says they will go ahead.

The head of Sydney Catholic Schools says traditional HSC exams should be abandoned this year. Credit:Janie Barrett

Sydney Catholic Schools executive director Tony Farley, who runs 33 high schools including some in the COVID-19 hotspot local government areas, said disadvantaged students were hurt most by the lockdown as they relied on school for both teaching and educational resources.

The HSC should not go ahead in its traditional form as it is neither fair nor practical and the most disadvantaged students will suffer the greatest detriment, he told the Herald.
NSW Health administered a record 156,760 vaccines last week but Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said that figure could be over 350,000 if supply of the Pfizer vaccine was not constrained. As state-run clinics prioritise giving younger frontline workers their first Pfizer shot, Dr Chant did not rule out the possibility that second Pfizer shots would be delayed for others. Campsie Centre shopping mall. Credit:Google Maps We have to look at how we use the available doses of Pfizer to best support the outcomes for the community, she said. Walk-in AstraZeneca appointments will be available at five locations across Cumberland Council over the next two weeks in response to rising case numbers in the citys west.

The vaccinations, on offer at community centres in Merrylands, Guildford, Greystanes and Pemulwuy, will be available to members of the local community aged 40 years and older. Vaccination rates surged during periods of community transmission in Melbourne earlier this year, when walk-in appointments were available at mass hubs. All other NSW Health vaccination appointments require an online booking. A vaccination clinic at Macquarie Fields, in south-west Sydney, opened in an old Coles store on Monday morning with the capacity to administer 20,000 doses a week. Local high school teacher Margaret Downey received the first dose at the facility. Another south-west Sydney vaccination clinic, specifically for teachers and aged care staff, opened in a Prairiewood community centre earlier this month and can administer up to 7000 doses a week.

NSW reported 145 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, including 104 from South Western and Western Sydney local health districts. Loading The two additional deaths came after a woman in her late 30s from Sydneys CBD being treated at RPA and a woman in her 70s being treated at Campbelltown died early on Sunday morning. There are 156 cases admitted to hospital, including 44 in intensive care. Eighteen are ventilated. After previously deeming Pfizer the preferred vaccine for under 60s, national vaccine advisory group ATAGI now recommends all adults in Greater Sydney strongly consider receiving AstraZeneca due to ongoing community transmission and limited Pfizer supplies.

Dr Chant stressed AstraZeneca was a very effective vaccine, calling particularly for people aged 60 and over who had not been vaccinated to book a shot as a matter of urgency. Royal Australian College of GPs NSW/ACT chair Dr Charlotte Hespe said the new advice should give GPs confidence to offer any adult the AstraZeneca vaccine, following reports under-40s  not eligible to receive their shot at a NSW Health clinic  had been turned away by some doctors when Pfizer was the recommended brand. She said it was likely practices with Pfizer would continue to prioritise patients aged 40 to 60 for those shots. My interpretation [of the advice] is that we continue to prioritise the patient population that was always prioritised with Pfizer, and then those who are not in a priority group are being encouraged to get AstraZeneca, Dr Hespe said, adding Pfizer supplies were really limited.

Maximum protection against the Delta variant is acquired following two doses of vaccine. Under ATAGIs updated advice people in areas with outbreaks can receive the second dose of AstraZeneca after four to eight weeks. Pfizer shots are administered three weeks apart. AstraZeneca is not a second rate vaccine ... its giving good protection against Delta, Dr Hespe said. We need to stop comparing brands and realise that we need to just get vaccinated. Recent population studies conducted in England and Scotland have shown both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines have high levels of protection against the Delta variant. According to the federal Department of Health, 52,502 people under the age of 40 in NSW have been vaccinated with at least one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and 23,269 have received their second dose. This figure includes people who received the vaccine as part of Phase 1a or 1b of the rollout, prior to ATAGI recommending Pfizer for younger people, as well as a spike in under-40s receiving the vaccine from GP clinics over the past month.

As Greater Sydney enters its second month of lockdown, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she would not rule out settings changing at the end of the week. We might need to go harder in some areas and release some settings in others, she said, denying rumours that homeschooling  currently slated to end Friday  might continue for the entirety of term. Among Mondays cases were a staff member at Liverpool Hospital and a worker at Bankstown Terrace Care Community, formerly known as Bankstown Opal, which endured a COVID-19 outbreak last year. NSW Health announced a number of new venues of concern on Monday night, including supermarkets and groceries at Lakemba as well as Beaumont Hills Chemist Warehouse all afternoon and evening from Monday to Friday last week and Campsie Growers Market all day from July 16 to last Tuesday.
A man testing positive for COVID-19 while vaccinated in Brisbane was good news, experts said, because he was much less likely to spread the coronavirus.

The man, the only case recorded for Queensland on Monday, had been fully vaccinated and had completed 14 days in hotel quarantine after returning from China.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the man, in his 40s, was tested three times while in hotel quarantine, before leaving on July 12 and then starting to feel sick the next day.

Dr Young said his first test returned a small amount of virus, while a follow-up test had more.
When Malcolm Turnbull unveiled the national foreign influence transparency scheme in 2017 he said registering shouldnt be seen as any kind of taint and certainly not as a crime.

Former PM, Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:Illustration: John Shakespeare

Prescient words from our former prime minister, because one of the latest additions to the list, which is designed to shine a light on other countries role in our politics, is one Malcolm Bligh Turnbull.

PM29 gets a guernsey courtesy of two speeches he gave to conferences in Korea and Taiwan in 2019. But his decision to willingly register his appearances on the document without kicking up a fuss is a departure from his predecessors Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott.

Rudd huffed that government guidance telling him to register interviews and speeches to foreign state-linked entities, such as the British Broadcasting Corporation was absurd but complied nonetheless, while Abbott refused to register over a speech he gave to the Sydney edition of the US-based Conservative Political Action Conference in 2019.
A battery network will be established across inner Melbourne from next year in a pilot program designed to deliver more renewable energy to the grid and encourage the take-up of green power.

The City of Melbourne is calling on the private sector and the Victorian government to join its Power Melbourne scheme, which would install renewable energy batteries in existing council infrastructure around the city to store power and release it as needed.

Power would be stored and released into the grid as needed under the pilot program. Credit:Bloomberg

The council will complete a business case to establish the scale of the network and the types of batteries that could be part of the pilot program. It hopes to have a future capacity of 5 megawatts by 2024.

It is part of the municipalitys efforts to accelerate reductions in emissions and waste after the City of Melbourne declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2019.
Cairo: Tunisian President Kais Saied, who recently ousted parliament, responded to critics who called his actions a coup on Monday by telling them to review your constitutional lessons.

Saied has framed his actions as a constitutional and popular response to years of economic and political paralysis, and said Article 80 of the constitution gave him power to dismiss the government, appoint a temporary administration, freeze parliament and lift the immunity of its members.

Under President Kais Saieds orders, troops surrounded Tunisias parliament and blocked its speaker Rached Ghannouchi from entering. Credit:AP

Saied called on Tunisians to remain calm and not to respond to any provocations. He also urged people not to take to the streets, saying the most danger a nation can face is internal explosion.

The president was also keen to reassure the business community saying: we do not have any problems with businessmen, shortly after credit ratings agency Fitch warned Tunisia would need to retain its reserves to avoid another rating downgrade.
DOYLESTOWN >> The pace of COVID vaccinations in Bucks County, which had steadily declined for several weeks, appears to be picking up again.
decacorn Byjus is on an acquisition spree to grow rapidly in India and globally as the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the adoption of Students and professionals are looking to upgrade their skills, while schools and offices remain shut.

Indias most valuable start-up has acquired 6 across India and the US this year and spent over $2 billion over the last 6 months on these acquisitions, according to the sources. The inorganic route is expected to help the Bengaluru-based Byjus quickly dominate the market which has witnessed a boom due to the pandemic. It is helping the firm increase its lead over its competitors such as SoftBank-backed Unacademy, Vedantu, Simplilearn, UpGrad, Amazon Academy, and traditional education institutes.

Byjus on Monday said that it has acquired Singapore-headquartered Great Learning, a leading global player in the professional and segment in a transaction valued at $600 million comprising cash, stock and earnout. Byjus has earmarked a further $400 million of investment into this segment towards accelerating Great Learnings growth.





ALSO READ: Jio Platforms, Byju's in Time's first list of 100 most influential firms

The acquisition marks Bengaluru-based Byjus strong push into the professional upskilling and life-long learning space globally with a total commitment of $1 billion. The firm is expanding its offerings beyond the K12 and test prep segments, and further accelerating the companys growth plans.

Empowering learners with the right futuristic skills forms a fundamental part of our vision. Great Learning is a globally recognised and reputed professional education company and this partnership expands our reach into this new segment, said Byju Raveendran, founder, and CEO, Byjus. We are united in our mission to provide professionals with high-quality and industry-relevant learning programs in this competitive global economy. With our combined strength, we aim to become a global market leader in this segment.

This partnership brings together Byjus technology and content expertise with Great Learnings sought-after professional courses. This comes at a significant time when the Covid-19 pandemic and evolving industry dynamics have encouraged professionals in India and globally to upskill themselves.

Great Learning will continue to operate as an independent unit under the Byjus group under the leadership of its founder and CEO, Mohan Lakhamraju and co-founders, Hari Nair and Arjun Nair. With this substantial investment, Great Learning will accelerate its organic and inorganic growth in India and across global markets and expand its high-quality, transformational offerings to learners everywhere.

At Great Learning, we have been working towards our mission of making high-quality, transformational education accessible to learners everywhere, said Mohan Lakhamraju, founder and CEO of Great Learning. Together with Byjus, we will be able to accelerate our progress towards this goal and meet the growing need for upskilling both in India and around the world.

Further, as moves online, Lakhamraju said the would leverage joint strengths in technology, content, pedagogy and instructors to create unparalleled learning opportunities at affordable prices for everyone.

Founded in 2013, Great learning, a boot-strapped company, has delivered over 60 million hours of learning to 1.5 million learners from over 170 countries. It leverages a carefully curated network of over 2800 industry expert mentors to deliver high-quality learning outcomes and works with more than 500 corporate partners for their upskilling and talent needs. Great Learning said its approach is differentiated by its mentored learning model and its deep and proven commitment to quality.



ALSO READ: Byju's acquires US-based digital reading platform Epic for $500 mn

The firm said it collaborates with the top universities in the world including Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and McCombs School of Business - University of Texas at Austin. The other such institutes include Northwestern University, National University of Singapore (NUS), Deakin University and various IITs. The company also offers over 500 free courses through its Great Learning Academy to help college students and working professionals start their learning journeys. The firms teams are based out of Singapore, the USA and all the metro cities in India.

The pandemic has been a watershed moment for Indias sector. The country's $180-billion education sector has gone online to adapt to the new reality. For Byjus, acquisitions reiterates the companys focus on creating learning products for students by adding more verticals, subjects, and languages to the same platform. The firm has also closed the acquisition of smaller rival Toppr in a $150 million deal, which is also a mix of stock and cash, according to the sources.

This month, Byjus acquired US-based digital reading platform Epic for $500 million, strengthening its position in the education technology (edtech) sector. The acquisition would provide it with a boost in the overseas market. In April, Byjus closed the deal to acquire Aakash Educational Services (AESL) for nearly $1 billion. With over 215 centres and a student count of more than 250,000, Aakash provided test preparatory services to students preparing for medical and engineering entrance exams, school and board exams.

In August last year, Byjus acquired Mumbai-based coding start-up WhiteHat Jr for $300 million. In 2019, Byjus also bought the US-based educational gaming company Osmo for $120 million in a stock-and-cash deal.

Byjus was valued at $16.5 billion in June, surpassing fintech company Paytms $16 billion valuation. According to the CB Insights data, as of July, Byju's was the 12th most valuable start-up in the world. The platform has more than 100 million students worldwide.




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The government should convert Vodafone Ideas (Vi) debt into equity to avoid a duopoly in the sector, Research said in its report on Monday. This, the bank suggested, would be the only viable solution in the backdrop of the Supreme Court dismissing the companys application for recomputation of (AGR) dues.

The vast majority of Vis debt is spectrum and AGR obligations, and the company will need to take on 5G spectrum at some point too. Private investors are extremely unlikely to save the company, given successive governments seeing capital as something to target, research analyst Peter Milliken said in his report. So we think the only viable solution for India to keep Vi is for the government to convert its debt into equity, preferably while merging it with BSNL, and then providing it a clear commercial mandate based on profitability targets and incentives, he suggested.

Vi had a debt of Rs 1.8 trillion as of March 31 consisting of deferred spectrum obligations of Rs 96,270 crore, AGR liability of Rs 60,960 crore and bank debt of Rs 23,080 crore. Its promoters, Aditya Birla group and Vodafone Plc of UK, own 72.05 per cent stake in the company and its current market capitalisation is over Rs 23,000 crore.

Vis existing shareholders would be heavily diluted as the government debt is roughly six times the companys current market capitalisation, but such a solution might be an acceptable outcome to shareholders, he said.





ALSO READ: Eye on revenue growth, Vodafone Idea revises plans for corporate customers

The telecom company has sought an extension of moratorium till April 2023 to pay over Rs 8,000 crore dues related to spectrum purchase. Vi has to pay that amount by next April but has sought an additional year as it is not generating enough cash from business. Separately, Vi has also asked the government to take a decision on the issue of floor price for telecom tariffs. It is also looking to raise Rs 15,000 crore from foreign investors but has made limited progress on the count.

Providing spectrum debt roll-over for another year is not the solution, in our opinion. A floor price could be, but such discussions appear to have gone nowhere, and it is not best practice to regulate price. We believe the government is left with a fairly simple choice: set a floor price or recapitalise Vi itself. From our perspective, the latter choice is the best solution, Research said.

Last Friday, the Supreme Court had dismissed the petitions of and Bharti Airtel seeking correction of alleged errors in calculating the dues linked to AGR. Vi, which has been struggling to remain a going concern, calculated its remaining AGR dues at around Rs 21,500 crore after making a payment of Rs 7,800 crore. However, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had arrived at around Rs 58,000 crore as total AGR liability for Vi.
Private sector lender on Monday reported a 2.5 per cent drop in consolidated net profit in the June quarter (Q1) at Rs 1,806 crore compared to Rs 1,853 crore in the year-ago quarter.

The drop is largely on account of Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance, one of its subsidiaries, posting a net loss of Rs 243 crore on shareholders account due to higher death claims following the second Covid-19 wave in Q1. In Q1FY21, the insurance subsidiary had posted a post-tax profit of Rs 161 crore.

But, on a standalone basis, which represents the operations of the bank, net profit rose 32 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in Q1 of FY22 aided by lower provisions and higher other income. In Q1FY22, the lenders net profit stood at Rs 1,642 crore as against Rs 1,244 crore in the year-ago period, but marginally lower than Rs 1,682 crore in the March 2021 quarter. However, it missed the street estimates narrowly as Bloomberg poll of analysts had pegged the standalone net profit at Rs 1,652 crore.

Net interest income (NII; difference between the interest earned and expended) was up around 6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 3,942 crore in Q1FY22 and other income more than doubled to Rs 1,583 crore from Rs 773.5 crore a year-ago period. Its net interest margin (NIM) for Q1FY22 stood at 4.6 per cent, a five-quarter high.

Provisions and contingencies (other than tax) were down 2.8 per cent YoY in Q1 at Rs 935 crore and sequentially also it saw a significant drop of 20.7 per cent (from Rs 1,179.4 crore). Further, the lender is holding covid related provisions of Rs 1,279 crore as of June 30, 2021, which it did not dip into in the reporting quarter. Total provisions, which includes specific, standard, and covid related provisions, held by the bank at the end of Q1 stood at Rs 7,445 crore.





The lenders asset quality saw marginal deterioration as gross non-performing assets (NPAs) rose 31 basis points (bps) sequentially to 3.56 per cent at the end of the June quarter. Similarly, net also rose by 7 bps to 1.28 per cent. SMA2 outstanding, which accounts for overdue debt between 60-90 days, has increased to Rs 430 crore at the end of June compared to Rs 110 crore as of the March 2021 quarter.

Dipak Gupta, Joint Managing Director, said, If you look at asset quality, it is broadly divided into two segments: due to covid, customers who were finding it difficult to pay; and customers who we could not reach well in time due to the restrictions. The first category to take some time to pay and the second category will come back soon."

This time, it is looking far better than what it was last time around but it is too early at this point in time and we must be circumspect of wave 3, he said.

Slippages for the quarter were around Rs 1,500 crore, which is certainly higher than the bank has seen in the past, and some of it has come from delayed collections. Last year (for full year 2020-21), the total slippages were around Rs 5,500 crore so to that extent our run rate is slightly higher than last years run rate, said Jaimin Bhatt, Group President & Group Chief Financial Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank

The bank said its collections were impacted in April and May due to the second wave of the pandemic, but it has shown improvement since then.

The bank has disclosed that as per the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) covid resolution framework and one-time restructuring scheme for MSMEs, it has implemented restructuring of loans worth Rs 552 crore as of the June quarter compared to Rs 435 crore in the March quarter.

Sequentially, the banks loan book has shrunk by almost 3 per cent to Rs 2.17 trillion. Including credit substitutes, the total customer assets of the lender were down 1.46 per cent to Rs 2.35 trillion. We had revved up our engine during November - December last year but we want to be slightly more cautious and see how everything pans out before we press the accelerator, said Gupta.

On the deposits side, the current account-savings account (CASA) ratio further improved to 60.2 per cent at the end of the June quarter from 56.7 per cent a year ago; it was stable compared to 60.4 per cent in the March 2021 quarter. Our cost of funds has been coming down quite a lot. Over the last year or so, we have reached levels where our cost of funds is very competitive and the 60 per cent CASA ratio is what is helping us, said Bhatt.



Except for the life insurance arm, all other key subsidiaries did well posting a YoY growth of 16-65 per cent in net profit for Q1FY22. Kotak Mahindra Capital saw its PAT surge 600 per cent YoY to Rs 42 crore.

Shares of closed 1 per cent higher at Rs 1,740.40 on the BSE post the announcement of the

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Disclosure: Entities controlled by the Kotak family have a significant shareholding in Business Standard.
chairman on Monday said the government had contacted him within a fortnight of her party's return to power for investments in for industrial development in the state.

Agarwal, speaking at an open virtual discussion with Indian Chamber of Commerce, appreciated the change of mindset of governments at the Centre and in the state with their proactive approach towards investors.

It is remarkable. Within 14-15 days of formation of the government in Bengal, I got two communications for investment in the state, he said but did not elaborate.

Agarwal also appreciated Central ministers for valuing what industry wants and said the government can divest 60-70 per cent stake in PSUs as hive-off would take time.

The value creation in the PSUs can be at least 3-4 times, he added.

Agarwal expressed bullishness about the power sector. He said power could be supplied at Rs available at Rs 2- Rs 3 per unit. "If efficiently produced it will cost about Re 1 a unit, the head of the USD 12 billion revenue group said.

In February this year, Agarwal had said that had partnered with London-based global investment firm Centricus for creating a USD 10 billion fund that will invest in stake sale of public sector by the Indian government.

is a diversified natural resources company with interests in zinc-lead-silver, Iron ore, steel, copper, aluminium, power, oil and gas.

The Bengal government had also sent feelers to Tata group when it came to fresh investment.

State Industry Minister Partha Chatterjee had said the government was working on inviting investments in the state.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rolex Rings has priced its initial public offer (IPO) between Rs 880 to Rs900 per share. The offer will open on Wednesday and conclude on Friday. can bid for a lot of 16 and in multiples of 16

The offer comprises a fresh issue of Rs 56 crore and an offer for sale of worth Rs 675 crore. At the upper end of the price band, Rolex Rings will have a market cap of Rs 2,451 crore.

The promoter holding in the company will decline from 59 per cent to 57.64 per cent following the

For the year ended March 2021, Rolex Rings had reported net profit of Rs 87 crore on revenues of Rs 616 crore.

Rolex Rings is a manufacturer and supplier of hot rolled forged and machined bearing rings, and automotive components for two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, off-highway vehicles, electric vehicles, industrial machinery, wind turbines and railways, amongst other segments.

The company supplies its products to some leading bearing manufacturing companies, tier-I suppliers to global auto companies and some auto original equipment manufacturers (OEM).

The company started its manufacturing operations in 1988, with its first manufacturing plant set up in Rajkot. As of the date of filing its red herring prospectus (RHP), we have three manufacturing units in Rajkot. Rolex Rings product portfolio includes a wide range of bearing rings, gearbox, and automotive components.

For Fiscal 2021, the company supplied bearing rings and automotive components to over 60 customers in 17 countries, including India, the United States of America, Germany, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Thailand.

The company plans to utilise the net proceeds from the fresh issue for funding long-term working capital requirements.

Equirus Capital, IDBI Capital and JM Financial are the book running lead managers to the offer.
Internet commerce enabler has raised $2.2 million in Pre-Series A funding led by Kalaari Capital, with participation from existing investors FirstCheque, Indian Angel Network and other angel investors.

Founded in 2019 by three friends from BITS Pilani-- Shyam Kalita (Ex-Pitney Bowes, Ex-Zinnov), Prayas Mittal (ex-Flipkart, ex-Urban Ladder) and Debanshu Sinha (ex-Goldman Sachs, ex-Citi)--Swifts commerce platform simplifies online shopping for millions of consumers by helping SMEs, D2C and omnichannel brands run their internet commerce ventures without any hassle.

The funds from this round will be used to scale engineering efforts and simplify complex business workflows across checkout, payments and fulfillment. believes in realising efficiencies for its sellers through intuitive design, self-serve automations and data driven intelligent systems.

The internet commerce infrastructure in India has been built to serve large marketplaces making it impossible for smaller brands to compete with them. This is clearly visible in the small proportion of online orders placed via D2C store fronts vis-a-vis marketplaces, said Shyam Kalita, co-founder at

Kalita believes that this disparity comes from problems rooted in code and not business. Our checkout product helps brands interact seamlessly with customers by providing a unified one-tap layer for marketing, cart management and payments. Swifts flagship fulfillment product on the other hand, helps sellers manage, process and deliver better. Put together, our platform can power the growth of Indias internet economy he added.

Swifts internet commerce stack is designed to serve D2C brands, drop shippers, small businesses and Omnichannel brands equally well. The recently launched

Prayas Mittal, co-founder, Swift, said, Competing with marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart, without the infrastructure to enable commerce is akin to running a mule in a horses' race. At Swift we have built a one-stop solution that enables sellers to focus on their core business while our infrastructure manages everything around it--cart conversions, payments, fulfilment and returns reconciliation. There is no doubt that the next decade of eCommerce in India belongs to D2C brands and Swift looks to power that transformation.

Kiran Vasireddy, Partner, Kalaari Capital, added, The D2C ecosystem and vertical e-commerce in India has been growing rapidly in the last few years. We believe building solutions that cater to online brands and SMEs, which will help them to compete with large horizontal e-commerce players, will be a large opportunity going forward. Swift is building a full stack e-commerce enablement platform that brands, SMEs and e-commerce platforms are finding value in and we are impressed by the team's vision and execution

The D2C space in India is expected to become a $100 billion market by 2025, while internet spending is estimated to grow at over 39 per cent CAGR. With the industry at the cusp of monumental growth, Swift is perfectly positioned to help grow India's internet economy.
Electric carmaker on Monday beat Wall Street expectations for second-quarter profit and revenue as record deliveries offset the impact of a prolonged global shortage of chips and raw materials.

Shares of the world's most valuable automaker were up 1.3% in extended trade.

The company said it expected to launch production this year of Model Y SUV in Texas and Germany, but would delay the launch of the Semi until 2022. Still, despite the pandemic and the supply chain crisis that have marred the auto industry, Tesla posted record deliveries during the quarter, thanks to sales of cheaper models including Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers.

The carmaker, led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, said revenue jumped to $11.96 billion from $6.04 billion a year earlier, when its U.S. factory was shut down for more than six weeks due to local lockdown orders aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

Analysts had expected revenue of about $11.3 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

Excluding items, Tesla posted a profit of $1.45 per share, easily topping analyst expectations for a profit of 98 cents per share.

Tesla said operating income increased mainly due to volume growth and cost reduction, which offset "additional supply chain costs, lower regulatory credit revenue" and other items including $23 million in losses on investment in cryptocurrency bitcoin.

Tesla said it is "on track to build our first Model Y vehicles in Berlin and Austin in 2021." But it said it has delayed the launch of the Semi truck program to 2022,"to better focus on these factories, and due to the limited availability of battery cells and global supply chain challenges."

(Reporting by Akanksha Rana in Bengaluru and Hyunjoo Jin in Berkeley, Calif; Editing by Maju Samuel and David Gregorio)

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Only 5.35 per cent of Punjab's population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu blaming the Centre for not supplying sufficient doses of vaccines.

has been receiving less supply of vaccine, said Sidhu in an official statement here on Monday.

Presently, the figure of people having received both doses of vaccine in stands at just 5.35 per cent, Sidhu said while adding that he had urged the Centre many times to expedite the vaccine supply so that the state government can safeguard its population by vaccinating them with both doses.

Vaccine supply needs to be ramped up by the central government so that the entire population can be covered, he added.

Sidhu said has been able to vaccinate 94,79,351 people out of whom 77,16,433 have received the first dose and 17,62,918 have completed their vaccination with both doses.

On the fourth sero survey conducted by the ICMR in four districts of Punjab, the Health Minister said as per the results of the survey, 63.15 per cent of population had COVID antibodies and amongst the healthcare workers 83.25 per cent had antibodies.

Out of these four districts, Ludhiana had the maximum positivity of 71 per cent in the general population.

He said the health department is geared up to deal with a possible third wave of COVID-19.

(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.)
Nine tourists were killed after heavy boulders fell on their tempo traveller in a near Basteri in Kinnaur district of on Sunday, police said.

Multiple landslides triggered by recent rains occurred near Basteri on Sangla-Chitkul road at 1.25 pm, resulting in a bridge collapse and damage to some vehicles, they said.

A video of a bridge collapse in Basteri has gone viral on social media. In the video, boulders could be seen rolling downhill, causing the bridge to collapse.

According to the police, nine people died and two others injured after heavy boulders fell on a tempo traveller. The passengers were going to Sangla from Chitkul.

In a similar incident, a pedestrian was injured in another in Kinnaur district, they added.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the death of people due to the landslides in Kinnaur.

"Deeply saddened by the news of the death of many people in a in Kinnaur, Express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured people a speedy recovery, Kovind tweeted in Hindi.

Modi said all arrangements are being made for the treatment of those injured and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also expressed grief over the deaths and asked the district administration to ensure immediate relief and rescue operations.

The police said all the deceased were tourists from different parts of the country.

The deceased have been identified as Maya Devi Biyani (55), her son Anurag Biyani (31) and daughter Maya Devi Biyani (25) of Rajasthan, Pratiksha Sunil Patil (27) of Maharashtra, Deepika Sharma (34) of Jaipur, Amogh Bapat (27), Satish Katakbar (34) of Chhattisgarh, driver Umrab Singh (42) of West Bengal and Kumar Ulhas Vedpathak (37).

(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.)
Ninety-eight percent of all serving personnel including those deployed at the borders have received both doses of COVID-19 vaccines, while the rest have received one dose, the government said on Monday.

"All serving personnel, including those stationed at the borders and personnel from the Border Roads Organisation, are being vaccinated against COVID-19 since January 16," Minister of State for Ajay Bhatt said.

He was replying to a question in Rajya Sabha.

"Till now 100 percent of these defence personnel have been vaccinated with the first dose and 98 percent have been vaccinated with the second dose," he said.

To a separate question, Bhatt said the government is fully seized of the security needs of the country and reviews the same from time to time.

"Required measures including development of infrastructures like construction of roads, tunnels and strategic railway lines are taken to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India," he said.

Bhatt said the road construction is taken up by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) as per the operational requirement of the armed forces and the need for development along the border areas.

"Amongst these, 73 critical roads have been designated as Indo-China Border Roads of 4,203 kilometres length and are being accorded highest priority with dedicated funding," he said.

"Further, to ensure all-weather connectivity to far-flung areas, construction of tunnels has also been undertaken across passes. Currently, construction of four tunnels is underway," he added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Home Minister on Monday spoke to the chief ministers of and Mizoram over the ongoing border row between the two states and asked them to ensure peaceful resolution of the dispute, sources said.

During his separate telephonic conversations with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga, Shah asked them to maintain peace along the inter-state border where tension prevails, the sources said.

The home minister asked the chief ministers to resolve the border issue mutually.

Both chief ministers have assured the home minister that the needful will be done to ensure peace and resolve the border issue amicably.

Police forces from both states are expected to return from the disputed site, the sources said.

The chief minister wrote on Twitter that six Assam Police personnel were killed in firing by miscreants from Mizoram along the inter-state border in Cachar district.

A tense situation prevailed along the disputed Assam-Mizoram border following clashes while chief ministers of the two states were locked in a war of words on Twitter on Monday.

(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.)
At least six police personnel were killed and 50 others, including an SP, were injured in a sudden escalation of the border dispute between and that also saw the two chief ministers engaging in a public spat as they blamed each other's police for the violence and sought the Centre's intervention.

Union Home Minister spoke to the chief ministers of and Mizoram, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Zoramthanga respectively, and urged them to ensure peace along the disputed border and find an amicable settlement.

Assam's Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi share a 164 km long border with Mizoram's three districts of Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit.

Following a territorial dispute, there were clashes along the inter-state border in August 2020 and February this year.

The Assam chief minister announced on Twitter that six personnel of the Assam Police were killed in firing by "miscreants" from along the inter-state border in the Cachar district.

"I am deeply pained to inform that six brave jawans of @assampolice have sacrificed their lives while defending the constitutional boundary of our state at the Assam- border. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," Sarma tweeted.

However, Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana, in a statement, said Mizoram Police responded "spontaneously by firing back" at Assam Police after its 200 personnel forcibly crossed a duty post manned by the CRPF personnel and indulged in arson, assault on unarmed persons and firing.

A senior Assam Police officer, who is still inside the forest amid continuous firing from across the state border, told PTI that at least 50 personnel, including Cachar Superintendent of Police Nimbalkar Vaibhav Chandrakant, were injured in firing and stone-pelting.

The senior police officer said miscreants from across the state border suddenly started firing when civil officials of both sides were holding a dialogue to sort out the differences.

"I immediately cannot say how many people have been injured, but my guess is at least 50 personnel. Our SP was also injured in the firing and a bullet hit his leg," the officer said over the phone.

The IPS officer spoke to PTI while he was hiding inside a forest and firing could be heard in the background.

Later in the evening, Shah spoke to the chief ministers of Assam and Mizoram and asked them to ensure peaceful resolution of the dispute, sources said.

During his separate telephonic conversations with Assam CM Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga, Shah asked them to maintain peace along the inter-state border where tension prevails, the sources said.

The home minister asked the chief ministers to resolve the border issue mutually.

Both chief ministers have assured the home minister that the needful will be done to ensure peace and resolve the border issue amicably.

Soon after, Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana said in his statement that following the intervention of Shah, the Assam Police have withdrawn from the place and the duty post have been handed back to CRPF personnel.

Earlier, Zoramthanga accused the Assam Police of resorting to lathi-charge and lobbing tear gas shells while Assam Police claimed that a large number of "miscreants" from Mizoram were indulging in stone pelting and had attacked the Assam government officials.

Mizoram Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Northern Range), Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, told PTI that at least eight unoccupied farm huts near Aitlang stream in the trouble-torn area were torched around 11.30 pm on Sunday.

He said these belonged to farmers from Vairengte, the nearest border village from Assam.

Locals on the Assam side alleged that miscreants armed with sticks, rods and even rifles, attacked personnel of the Assam Police at Lailapur and damaged several vehicles, including those belonging to the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

Zoramthanga posted a video in his Twitter handle of a stand-off between Assam police personnel and a group of stick-wielding youths.

"Shri @AmitShah ji kindly look into the matter. This needs to be stopped right now. #MizoramAssamBorderTension," he said, tagging the Prime Minister's office and Union Home Minister's office, Sarma and officials of Assam's Cachar district.

Zoramthanga also alleged in another tweet that "an innocent couple" on their way back to Mizoram via Cachar was "manhandled" by "thugs and goons".

"How are you going to justify these violent acts?" he asked.

The Assam Police countered the Mizoram chief minister's allegations by saying that people from Mizoram attacked its personnel and indulged in stone-pelting on them.

"It's unfortunate that a large number of miscreants from Mizoram are indulging in stone pelting and such forms of attack at Assam Government Officials, stationed at Lailapur to protect Assam's land from encroachment," it tweeted.

The Assam Police also said, "We strongly condemn these acts of vandalism and reiterate our resolve to protect Assam's boundary."



The Assam chief minister tweeted: "Honble @ZoramthangaCM ji , Kolasib ( Mizoram) SP is asking us to withdraw from our post until then their civilians won't listen nor stop violence.

"How can we run government in such circumstances? Hope you will intervene at earliest @AmitShah @PMOIndia," he tweeted along with a video of the situation.

Later, Sarma said he has spoken to his Mizoram counterpart and reiterated that Assam Police will maintain the status quo and peace along the border.

"I have just spoken to Hon'ble Chief Minister @ZoramthangaCM ji. I have reiterated that Assam will maintain status quo and peace between the borders of our state. I have expressed my willingness to visit Aizawl and discuss these issues if need be @AmitShah @PMOIndia," he said.

However, Zoramthanga again tweeted: "Dear Himantaji, after cordial meeting of CMs by Hon'ble Shri @amitshah ji, surprisingly 2 companies of Assam Police with civilians lathi-charged & tear-gassed civilians at Vairengte Auto Rickshaw stand inside Mizoram today. They even overrun CRPF personnel /Mizoram Police," he claimed.

The Mizoram chief minister also urged Sarma to instruct the Assam Police to withdraw from Vairengte for the safety of civilians.

The BJP is currently in power in Assam, while the Mizo Front (MNF), a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), is ruling in Mizoram.

Both the chief ministers had attended a meeting of all chief ministers of Northeastern states, chaired by the union home minister, in Shillong on Saturday.

In his statement, the Mizoram home minister said around 200 personnel of the Assam Police led by an IGP and accompanied by the DC, SP and DFO Cachar came to Vairengte auto-rickshaw stand at around 11.30 AM on Monday and allegedly forcibly crossed the duty post manned by the CRPF personnel stationed there and over-ran a duty post manned by one section of Mizoram Police personnel.

The Assam Police also damaged several vehicles that were travelling along the Highway between Vairengte and Lailapur, he claimed.

Upon learning of "the arson committed" by the Assam Police, residents of Vairengte town proceeded to the site to inquire and these unarmed civilians were assaulted by the Assam Police by lathi charging them and firing tear gas, thereby causing injuries to several civilians, the Mizoram home minister said.

He said the Superintendent of Kolasib and an Executive Magistrate went to meet them and try to resolve the issue. However, "the Assam side was adamant and unwilling to discuss the issue," he alleged.

Lalchamliana said the confrontation continued and a volley of tear gas canisters and grenades were launched at Mizoram Police followed by firing from the Assam side at around 4.50 PM.

The Mizoram Police responded spontaneously by firing back at Assam Police in spite of the fact that the SP was still inside CRPF duty camp negotiating with the Assam Police authorities, he said.

Mizoram was part of Assam until 1972, when it was carved out as a Union Territory.

Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on 20 February 1987 following the Mizoram accord between the erstwhile underground Mizo Front (MNF) and the Centre, which ended 20 years of insurgency in the state.

The border dispute between the two neighbouring states is a long-standing issue. Several dialogues involving the Centre held since 1995 to resolve the dispute yielded little result.

While the Mizoram government claimed that a 509-square-mile stretch of the inner-line reserve forest notified in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 belongs to it, the Assam side agreed with the constitutional map and boundary drawn by the Survey of India in 1993.

After a massive tussle in 2018, the border row resurfaced in August last year and then in February this year.

However, the escalating tensions were successfully defused after a series of parleys with the intervention of the Centre.

On June 5, two abandoned houses along the Mizoram-Assam border were burnt down by unidentified persons, fuelling tension along the volatile inter-state border.

Nearly a month after this incident, a fresh border standoff cropped up last week with both trading charges of encroachment on each other lands.

While Mizoram accused Assam of encroaching upon its land and forcibly seized Aitlang area about five kilometre west of Vairengte village, the neighbouring state accused Mizoram of building structures and planting betel nut and banana saplings allegedly ten kilometers inside Hailakandi district.

Two makeshift camps erected by Mizoram police on the disputed area were damaged by Assam police during a recent confrontation.

Officials of Assam's Hailakhandi district administration have said razing of two camps constructed by Mizos and also a COVID-19 testing centre built by them was part of the efforts to foil Mizoram's bid to capture its land on the border.

(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.)
India on Monday reported a net addition of 2,977 in active cases to take its count to 411,189. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 2.96 per cent (one in 33). The country is seventh among the most affected countries by active cases. On Thursday, it added 39,361 cases to take its total caseload to 31,411,262 from 31371901  an increase of 0.1%. And, with 416 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 420,967, or 1.34 per cent of total confirmed infections.

With 1,899,874 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Sunday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 435,196,001. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 30,579,106  or 97.35 per cent of total caseload  with 35,968 new cured cases being reported on Monday.

Now the seventh-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases, and first by recoveries, India has added 267,033 cases in the past 7 days.

India now accounts for 2.96% of all active cases globally (one in every 33 active cases), and 10.08% of all deaths (one in every 10 deaths).

India has so far administered 435,196,001 vaccine doses. That is 1385.47 per cent of its total caseload, and 31.21 per cent of its population.

Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Uttar Pradesh (49266436), Maharashtra (46014026), Gujarat (35593105), Rajasthan (35138843), and West Bengal (31884434).

Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Kerala (593512), Delhi (572835), Gujarat (557253), Uttarakhand (542663), and J&K (479062).

Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 26 days.

The count of active cases across India on Monday saw a net addition of 2,977, compared to net reduction of 765 on Sunday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Kerala (2153), Mizoram (1971), Maharashtra (1508), Manipur (330), and Meghalaya (299).

With 35,968 new daily recoveries, Indias recovery rate stands at 97.35%, while fatality rate remained unchanged at 1.34%.

The Indian states and UTs with the worst case fatality rates at present are Punjab (2.72%), Uttarakhand (2.15%), and Maharashtra (2.1%). The rate in as many as 14 is higher than the national average.

Indias new daily closed cases stand at 36,384  416 deaths and 35,968 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 1.14%.

Indias 5-day moving average of daily rate of addition to total cases stands at 0.1%.

Indias doubling time for total cases stands at 552.8 days, and for deaths at 701.1 days.

Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (17466), Maharashtra (6843), Mizoram (2307), Andhra Pradesh (2252), and Odisha (1833).

Among states with more than 100,000 cases, the five with worst recovery rates at present are Kerala (95.21%).

India on Sunday conducted 1,154,444 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 457,444,011. The test positivity rate recorded was 3.4%.

Five states with the highest test positivity rate (TPR)  percentage of tested people turning out to be positive for Covid-19 infection (by cumulative data for tests and cases  are Goa (16.54%), Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (14.69%), Maharashtra (13.37%), Sikkim (12.97%), and Kerala (12.5%).

Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added  are, Mizoram (49.95%), Sikkim (16.08%), Manipur (14.5%), Kerala (12.3%), and Meghalaya (10.96%).

Among states and UTs with more than 10 million population, five that have carried out the highest number of tests (per million population) are Delhi (1242699), J&K (835700), Kerala (733339), Karnataka (560245), and Uttarakhand (545685).

The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6245057), Kerala (3271530), Karnataka (2894557), Tamil Nadu (2548497), and Andhra Pradesh (1954765).

Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 6843 new cases to take its tally to 6264922.

Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 17466 cases to take its tally to 3271530.

Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 1001 cases to take its tally to 2894557.

Tamil Nadu has added 1808 cases to take its tally to 2548497.

Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 2252 to 1954765.

Uttar Pradesh has added 3 cases to take its tally to 1708155.

Delhi has added 66 cases to take its tally to 1435910.
The death toll in rain-related incidents in rose to 164 on Monday after the recovery of 11 more bodies, while some places in north India received heavy showers which inundated low-lying areas.

Gujarat also witnessed incessant rainfall that led to water-logging and damage at various places due to which 56 roads in the state were closed for vehicular movement.

The IMD has issued an orange alert predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh.

Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 33.1 degrees Celsius on Monday. The national capital is expected to receive moderate rain during the day on Tuesday, while the maximum and minimum temperature may settle around 30 and 27 degrees Celsius, respectively.

With lashing various parts of Jammu, a few low-lying areas were inundated and water also entered several houses.

ITBP jawans were pressed into service to carry out repair of some nullahs in Kalika nagar area in Jammu city.

Police have advised people to avoid travel on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway due to inclement weather.

The IMD in its latest bulletin has forecast widespread rainfall activity with heavy to heavy falls over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh till July 29.

The Shimla Meteorological Centre has advised the public not to go near rivers and other water bodies in the hill state in the coming days to avoid any untoward incident.

It also warned of flash floods, landslides and uprooting of trees due to heavy rain in the next few days.

Parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have been receiving rains since Sunday.

Gagron town of Jhalawar in Rajasthan has recorded a maximum of 250 mm rainfall. Marwar junction in Pali recorded 205 mm rainfall, while Bundi, Churu, Jaipur, Chittorgarh and Pilani also received 30 mm, 14 mm, 12.7 mm, 2 mm and 0.9 mm rain, respectively.

In UP, light to moderate rainfall was reported from Chitrakoot, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar and Jhansi districts.

Meanwhile, maximum temperatures hovered close to normal limits at most places in Haryana and Punjab.

The IMD has issued an 'orange' alert on the fourth consecutive day predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in 13 districts of Madhya Pradesh.

The alert is valid till Tuesday morning and comes at a time when most parts of the state have been experiencing rain for the past four days.

"Almost all of MP received rainfall in the last 24 hours. Jaora in Ratlam district received the highest rainfall of 260 mm rainfall in west MP in a 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am. Chhatarpur city received the highest rainfall of 42.4 mm in east MP during this period," an official said.

Most parts of Gujarat, including the Saurashtra region, received heavy to moderate rains in the 24-hour period ending at 6 am on Monday.

Lodhika taluka of Rajkot district in Saurashtra received the highest 198 mm rain during the period.

In Maharashtra, as many as 100 people were still missing and so far, 2,29,074 people have been evacuated from the flood and rain- affected areas and moved to safer places.

The administration of Raigad, the worst-hit district located in the coastal Konkan region, on Monday called off the search operation for 31 missing people in Taliye village which was ravaged by a massive landslide after last week, an official said.

Earlier in the day, the Krishna river was flowing at 52.11 feet at the Irwin bridge in Sangli at 11 am, as against the danger mark of 45 feet, officials 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.)
Over 39,000 fresh cases reported

India reported 39,361 fresh infections on Monday, taking the cumulative caseload to 31.4 million, according to central health ministry data. The country saw 416 more deaths due to the pandemic, taking the death toll to 420,967. The active caseload is at 411,189, while the total recoveries have surged to 30.5 million. As many as 435 million vaccine shots have been administered since the nationwide inoculation programme kicked off on January 16. Of these, 1.8 million were given on Sunday. Read more





Insurers may hike premiums to offset rising Covid claims

The health insurance segment is likely to witness a spike in premium in the next couple of months amid a spike in claims and losses due to the pandemic, a report in The Indian Express said. This year, life insurance Covid claims have seen a jump of 4-5 times compared to last year. As a result, insurance companies have experienced losses, with even big ones that were making profits for 10 years in a row. Health claims have also shot up with the Covid second wave hitting insurers hard, said an insurance source. With the third Covid wave expected any time, prices will be rising again for sure," said an official of a PSU general insurer. Read more



28% Indians plan to travel in Aug-Sept: Survey

A new survey has found that as many as 28 per cent of Indians are planning to travel during the August-September period, even as the fear of the third wave of Covid looms large, a report in ThePrint said. According to the survey by LocalCircles, 54 per cent of the respondents also plan to visit family and friends. While daily Covid cases in India have fallen significantly in the last two months, experts have warned that with tourists thronging hill stations and poor adherence to Covid protocols, the third wave is inevitable. Read more





Test predicts who is likely to be infected with severe Covid

Scientists have developed a blood test to anticipate which people infected with Covid are most likely to experience severe symptoms, a report in The Indian Express said. The test could help health care workers prioritise patients for hospitalisation and intensive care. To measure changes in blood biochemistry that occur with severe Covid, the researchers chose a technique called attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which has been tested previously as a Covid diagnostic tool. The study has been published in the American Chemical Societys journal Analytical Chemistry. Read more





'Covid-19 infections can increase any time': Doctors on third wave

Health experts said that despite a large number of people building immunity against Covid from previous infections or vaccinations, people cannot afford to lower their guard, a report in Hindustan Times said. Experts highlighted the need for following Covid protocol strictly to avoid another crisis. A doctor at AIIMS Delhi said the lifting of restrictions is necessary to resume economic activities at a time when cases are low, but he highlighted the need of following Covid-preventive measures. Read more
The "barbaric" murder of Noor Mukaddam, the daughter of a former ambassador has triggered outrage across and raised questions over the safety and security of in the country.

Noor Mukaddam's murder reignited a debate on violence against as thousands of people took to social media to demand justice, recalling other femicide victims whose deaths sparked less furore, including at least two killed in the recent past.

The victim's father, Shaukat Mukaddam, has served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.

TRT World reported that Mukaddam, 27, was found murdered in a house in an upscale neighbourhood in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on July 20. Police, however, arrested a suspect, Zahir Jaffer, a friend of the victim, at the scene later that day.

"Another day. Another woman brutally killed. Another hashtag. Another trauma. Another (likely) unsolved case. Another trigger. Another fear fest. Another rage roar. Another eid. 'Protection of women' bill oppose kernay walon ko mubarik," a netizen wrote on Twitter.

"Flagbearers of change, this is your acid test - do what it takes to ensure that no other Saima, Quratulain or Noor is the victim of our collective apathy, again," tweeted a journalist.

Taking to Twitter, Human Rights Minister, Shireen Mazari said: "The barbaric murder of young woman, Noor, in Islamabad is yet another horrifying reminder that have been and are brutalized and killed with impunity."

"This must end. We are committed to ensuring no one is above the law & culprits having influence & power cannot simply 'get away'," she said.

On Saturday, Islamabad police arrested the parents and household staff of suspect Zahir Zakir Jaffer -- accused of torturing and brutally killing Noor Mukadam -- for "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime", Dawn reported.

(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 will address the nation on July 29 on the completion of one year of the new Education Policy (NEP), Union Education Minister said on Monday.

"The NEP, 2020, is a guiding philosophy for changing the learning landscape, making education holistic and for building strong foundations for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. On 29th July, on the completion of one year of reforms under the NEP, PM Shri



@narendramodiwill address the nation," he tweeted.

According to sources, the prime minister is likely talk about the progress made so far on implementation of the policy and will also share a roadmap for projects in the pipeline and their timelines.

The NEP, which was approved by the Union Cabinet last year at a meeting presided by Prime Minister Modi, replaced the Policy on Education framed in 1986.

It is aimed at paving the way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems to make India a global knowledge superpower.

When Pradhan took over as education minister earlier this month, he had said that his focus will be on achieving the objectives of the new NEP in a time-bound manner.

Choice between three or four years undergraduate courses, multiple entry and exit options in degree courses, adding 3.5 crore seats in higher education institutions, which will now have a single regulator, discontinuation of M.Phil programmes and fixing of fees are among the higher education reforms outlined in the new NEP.

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Congress leader on Monday paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the Kargil War, and said the country will always remember their supreme sacrifice.

In 1999, the Indian armed forces defeated attempts by Pakistan to capture strategic heights in Kargil. It was named 'Operation Vijay' (victory).

On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Gandhi tweeted, "Heartfelt tributes to every soldier who laid down his life for the dignity of our tricolour."



"We will always remember yours and your family's supreme sacrifice for the security of the country. Jai Hind," the former Congress chief said.

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Proceedings of the were disrupted in the post-lunch period also as the House was adjourned for the third time on Monday amid uproar by members on various issues.

As soon as the House resumed after lunch at 2 pm, BJP member Surendra Singh Nagar in the Chair, asked Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani to withdraw The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the in 2012.

Nagar asked BJP leader Jugalsinh Mathurji Lokhandwala to initiate discussion on The Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021.

While Lokhandwala was speaking on the bill, members asked Nagar to allow the Leader of (LoP) to speak.

However, Nagar said the members should first return to their seats.

He also said that he will allow the LoP to speak after the first speaker on the bill completes his submission.

But the opposition members refused to relent and started rasing slogans against the government and demanded that the LoP be allowed to speak.

Amid the din, Nagar adjourned the House till 3 pm.

Earlier the the day, the House witnessed two adjournments in pre-lunch period.

Opposition members entered the well soon after the upper House resumed proceedings at 12 noon, after the first adjournment and started raising slogans against the government.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the papers pertaining to a notification on reduction of customs duties amid the din.

Deputy chairman Harivansh made repeated appeals to the protesting members to return to their seats and allow the Question Hour to be taken up.

He, however, continued with the Question Hour amid the din by opposition members.

The House was adjourned a few minutes later at 2 pm as opposition members continued to raise slogans.

"This is the House of elders and you should behave accordingly. Please return to your seats and allow the question hour to function," the deputy chairman said.

The House was also adjourned till 12 noon amid opposition uproar soon after the laying of papers and after Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu paid tributes to martyrs on the 22nd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The chairman also lauded Mirabai Chanu for winning the silver medal in Tokyo Olympics.

(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 surge in soybean rates in the domestic markets the past few weeks has given rise to allegations of speculators manipulating prices in the commodity markets. It has also rattled the poultry and livestock sector for whom soybean meal is a major constituent of cattle feed.

Though the price jump might be a positive signal for farmers just when they are sowing their crop, trade sources said the unprecedented rise in soybean rates in the domestic markets is not entirely driven by fundamentals and is also a handiwork of speculative activity in the commodity exchanges.

Sowing of soybean, which is one of the major kharif crops, has been lagging since middle of June due to patchy progress of southwest monsoon in major growing areas of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Till July, the crop has been sown in around 10.25 million hectares of land which is 8.7 percent less than the same period last year.

The maximum drop of over one million hectares has been in Madhya Pradesh, which is the largest state growing soybean.

Soybean sowing has been affected in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh due to late arrival of monsoon and erratic rains, resulting in lower sowing as compared to last year and diversion of area to other crops, the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) had said in its crop outlook report.





SOPA had forecast on July 16, that soybean area in Madhya Pradesh might go down by 10 per cent as compared to 2020, as farmers have switched to other crops such as black gram, maize and moong in Sehore, Vidisha, Harda, Hoshangabad, Sagar, Damoh, Guna and Ashok Nagar districts of Madhya Pradesh, mostly due to higher price of seed and non-availability of good quality certified seed.

Although the supply-demand for oil year 2020-21 is slightly tight, it does not support the kind of price rise seen in the last few months. There is no physical stock in NCDEX warehouses which is further fueling the speculation, SOPA Chairman Davish Jain said in a letter to the NCDEX.

He said that to curb speculation, the margin money on lean season contracts should be raised from 25 per cent to 50 per cent while the circuit limits should be lowered 2 per cent a day.

SOPA said in a statement that in the last seven trading sessions, the soybean futures contract on NCDEX has gone up by 21.77 per cent and the upper circuit had to be applied 4 times.

Data showed that soybean rates in the spot markets have gone up by 23 per cent between the middle of June to now.

Meanwhile, the poultry and livestock industry has also complained against the sustained rise in soybean meal prices hurting their margins.

The All India Poultry Breeders Association in a representation to the government wanted immediate permission to import 1.2 million tonnes of soymeal to control the surge in prices which they claimed is impacting the poultry and livestock sector.

The poultry sector said that the average price of soybean meal has risen by 64 per cent between April and July this year which is badly hurting their margins.

Maize prices have gone up from Rs 1,550-1,600 per quintal in Jan-Feb of 2021 to about Rs 2,100 now, while soybean meal rates have jumped from Rs 35-36 a kg to Rs 93 during the same period. Egg prices at the farm-gate level have fallen from Rs 5 per egg to Rs 4.55 during the same period, said Sanjeev Chintawar of Egg Coordination Committee (NECC).
on Monday recorded



638 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the tally to 6,41,791, while the death toll rose to 3,787 with three more deaths.

Warangal Urban accounted for the most number of fresh cases with 66, followed by Karimnagar (65) and Khammam (62).

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) saw 59 cases being reported, a state government bulletin said, providing details as of 5.30 PM on Monday.

It said 715 people recuperated from the infectious disease today.

The cumulative number of recoveries was 6,28,679 and the active cases 9,325, the bulletin said.

It said 1,14,105 samples were tested today, taking the tally to 2,14,30,024.

The samples tested per million population was 5,75,766.

The case fatality and recovery rates were at 0.59 per cent and 97.95 per cent, respectively.

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The Delta variant is the fastest, fittest and most formidable version of the that causes Covid-19 the world has encountered, and it is upending assumptions about the disease even as nations loosen restrictions and open their economies, according to virologists and epidemiologists.

Vaccine protection remains very strong against severe infections and hospitalisations caused by any version of the coronavirus, and those most at risk are still the unvaccinated, according to interviews with 10 leading Covid-19 experts.

The major worry about the Delta variant, first identified in India, is not that it makes people sicker, but that it spreads far more easily from person to person, increasing infections and hospitalizations among the unvaccinated.

Evidence is also mounting that it is capable of infecting fully vaccinated people at a greater rate than previous versions, and concerns have been raised that they may even spread the virus, these experts said.

"The biggest risk to the world at the moment is simply Delta," said microbiologist Sharon Peacock, who runs Britain's efforts to sequence the genomes of variants, calling it the "fittest and fastest variant yet."

Viruses constantly evolve through mutation, with new variants arising. Sometimes these are more dangerous than the original.

Until there is more data on Delta variant transmission, disease experts say that masks, social distancing and other measures set aside in countries with broad vaccination campaigns may again be needed.

Public Health England said on Friday that out of a total of 3,692 people hospitalized in Britain with the Delta variant, 58.3% were unvaccinated and 22.8% were fully vaccinated.

In Singapore, where Delta is the most common variant, government officials reported on Friday that three quarters of its cases occurred among vaccinated individuals, though none were severely ill.

Israeli health officials have said 60 per cent of current hospitalized Covid cases are in vaccinated people. Most of them are age 60 or older and often have underlying health problems.

In the United States, which has experienced more Covid-19 cases and deaths than any other country, the Delta variant represents about 83 per cent of new infections. So far, unvaccinated people represent nearly 97 per cent of severe cases.

"There is always the illusion that there is a magic bullet that will solve all our problems. The coronavirus is teaching us a lesson," said Nadav Davidovitch, director of Ben Gurion University's school of public health in Israel.

'Teaching us a Lesson'

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, one of the most effective against Covid-19 so far, appeared only 41 per cent effective at halting symptomatic infections in Israel over the past month as the Delta variant spread, according to Israeli government data. Israeli experts said this information requires more analysis before conclusions can be drawn.

"Protection for the individual is very strong; protection for infecting others is significantly lower," Davidovitch said.

A study in China found that people infected with the Delta variant carry 1,000 times more virus in their noses compared with the ancestral Wuhan strain first identified in that Chinese city in 2019.

"You may actually excrete more virus and that's why it's more transmissible. That's still being investigated," Peacock said.

Virologist Shane Crotty of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology in San Diego noted that Delta is 50 per cent more infectious than the Alpha variant first detected in the UK.

"It's outcompeting all other viruses because it just spreads so much more efficiently," Crotty added.

Genomics expert Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, California, noted that Delta infections have a shorter incubation period and a far higher amount of viral particles.

"That's why the vaccines are going to be challenged. The people who are vaccinated have got to be especially careful. This is a tough one," Topol said.

In the United States, the Delta variant has arrived as many Americans - vaccinated and not - have stopped wearing masks indoors.

"It's a double whammy," Topol said. "The last thing you want is to loosen restrictions when you're confronting the most formidable version of the virus yet."

The development of highly effective vaccines may have led many people to believe that once vaccinated, Covid-19 posed little threat to them.

"When the vaccines were first developed, nobody was thinking that they were going to prevent infection," said Carlos del Rio, a professor of medicine and infectious disease epidemiology at Emory University in Atlanta. The aim was always to prevent severe disease and death, del Rio added.

The vaccines were so effective, however, that there were signs the vaccines also prevented transmission against prior coronavirus variants.

"We got spoiled," del Rio said.

Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious diseases doctor at the University of California, San Francisco, said, "People are so disappointed right now that they're not 100 per cent protected from mild breakthroughs" - getting infected despite having been vaccinated.

But, Gandhi added, the fact that nearly all Americans hospitalized with COVID-19 right now are unvaccinated "is pretty astounding effectiveness."

(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.)
Last week, China, the world's top greenhouse gas emitter, announced it was opening a national carbon market, a type of emissions trading system. Under the system, industrial units that cannot meet annual government-set greenhouse gas emissions targets will have to purchase surplus targets from units that met theirs.

A pilot emissions trading scheme (ETS) for particulate matter pollution implemented in Surat, Gujarat in September 2019--the world's first such programme--works similarly. Industries participating in the pilot scheme reduced their particulate matter pollution by 24% (with an 8% margin of error), compared to industries that continued to be under the business-as-usual regulation of complying with ambient air quality standards, an initial analysis of the effectiveness of the scheme has projected.

Particulate matter, a major cause of in and around industrial clusters, is a mixture of fine solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These fine particles, when inhaled and after entering the bloodstream, can cause lung and cardiovascular disease. In 2017, caused one in every eight deaths and a total of 1.24 million deaths in India, IndiaSpend reported in December 2018.

Last month, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced that the pilot scheme would be replicated in Ahmedabad. The Punjab government also signed a pact on June 7 to roll out a similar system in Ludhiana. and Ludhiana are home to some of India's largest industrial clusters.

How does the emissions trading or cap-and-trade market work?

Under Surat's ETS, the designated government authority sets a limit or cap on the quantum of pollution that industries may emit. In the case of Surat, where the pilot scheme's third phase began on November 16, 2019, the cap on the total mass of suspended particulate matter emissions is set at 276 tons per industrial unit. The cap is based on an assessment of emissions data from the government's continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS).

Participating industries can comply either by installing technology that cuts pollution, or by purchasing 'emission permits' to emit more than their limit for a specific pollutant. This is the trade part of the system. Industries that have installed emissions-reducing technology and have surplus permits left over, can sell these to the industries that find it costlier to install such technology. This way, industries also earn from installing emissions-reducing technology.

The government authority in-charge, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) in the case of Surat, fixes the number of such tradable emission permits, which are created at the start of each period of compliance or trading. For the November 16 to December 31 trading period in 2019, the GPCB distributed 80% (220.8 tons worth of emissions) of permits free to participant industries at the start of trading. The pro-rata allocations were based on the boiler and heater capacity of an industrial unit. The remaining 20% of emission permits were auctioned by GPCB through the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange Limited e-market.

"At the end of a specified trading period, the total emissions by a factory are compared to the emission permits they hold and to be in compliance, permit holdings must be equal to or greater than actual emissions," Anant Sudarshan, South Asia director of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), and one of the four principal investigators assessing the effectiveness of Surat's project, told IndiaSpend.

"Therefore after trades, permits will end up being redistributed. We see plants for whom it is very expensive to cut pollution buying permits from others for whom it is relatively cheaper. Those for whom it is cheapest to reduce emissions are in a position to sell permits," he explained.

Ahmedabad, which will follow Surat's pilot scheme, has placed orders for purchasing pollution monitoring equipment, said Sudarshan. The Punjab government is currently determining who should bear the cost of monitoring equipment--whether it should be entirely paid by industry (as in Gujarat) or should the cost be shared between industry and government.

Why is this important?

Under the usual system of regulation, which follows a command-and-control model, industries are not allowed to pollute beyond specified limits. To comply with these regulations and avoid penalties, industries have to install pollution-curbing technology, which is often cost-intensive.

A market-based emissions trading mechanism gives industries financial incentives to reduce pollution, at lower costs, and also provides them an opportunity to earn profits through the trading of emission permits, experts explained. Since only a limited number of permits are available, industries have to either comply with the cap by investing in pollution abatement technology, or they have to buy permits.

"The goal of an emissions trading scheme is to attain a specified pollution target at the minimum possible price," said Sudarshan. Sudarshan argued that there is flexibility in a trading mechanism compared to the usual regulatory framework, which fixes targets for every plant and often the technology or methods that must be used to achieve it. This, he said, can be very expensive and also a drag on growth.

How are emissions monitored and what is the cost of non-compliance?

Emissions during the trading period are monitored using CEMS data. If more than 50% of a unit's CEMS data are missing or irregular during the trading period, the unit's prior emissions dating back to three months are used to compute emissions.

An environmental damage compensation of Rs 200/kg is imposed for every kilogram of emissions over and above the permits that a unit holds, at the end of the trading period, per GPCB. Participating units also have to submit an 'Environmental Damage Compensation Deposit', which varies from Rs 2 lakh for small units to Rs 3 lakh for medium-scale units and Rs 10 lakh for large-scale industries.

Has the scheme helped reduce pollution?

Although a full-scale analysis of the pilot initiative in has not yet been published, there are some early indications of a reduction, per Sudarshan, who is assessing the scheme's effectiveness along with colleagues from the universities of Chicago and Yale. Of 317 industrial units in being analysed, 162 participated in the emissions market.

"We found that plants randomly assigned to participate in the market reduce pollution emissions by 24% relative to control plants [under usual air quality control regulation]," said Sudarshan. However, he added a caveat that these are very early results and pointed out that more data are being collected.
The US remains committed to helping India recover from its devastating second wave of and stands ready to support it until the virus is defeated, a top Biden administration official said on Monday.

With 39,361 people testing positive for infection in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 3,14,11,262, while the daily positivity was recorded above three per cent after 35 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 4,20,967 with 416 fresh fatalities.

The active cases have increased to 4,11,189 and comprise 1.31 per cent of the total infections. An increase of 2,977 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours, it said.

We remain committed to helping India recover from its devastating second wave and stand ready to support our partners until we have defeated the virus, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power said during the swearing-in ceremony for incoming USAID Mission Director for India Veena Reddy.

Reddy, who is originally from Andhra Pradesh, made history on Monday by becoming USAID's first-ever Indian-American India Mission Director.

Veena and I also share a bit of history; we both arrived in the United States as immigrants from Ireland and we may or may not still be trying to overcome an Irish brogue, Power said.

Veena's journey from Andhra Pradesh to Ireland, then to the United States embodies the best of what we a nation of immigrants has to offer. A determined sense of possibility. A bold vision that paves the way for sustainable and inclusive development around the world, Power said.

India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu and America's Charge de 'Affairs at the US Embassy in New Delhi Atul Keshap also spoke during the swearing in ceremony.

Power said that Reddy's continued leadership in the Indo-Pacific region was an asset, both for the people of India and the United States.

Veena brings a wealth of experience to one of USAID's most complex portfolios. Our longstanding partnership with the government, private sector, and civil society has led to significant reductions in poverty, dramatic gains in public health, and spurred the country's remarkable economic growth, she said.

But like much of the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated long-term inequality and set back efforts to generate inclusive prosperity. In May, India was witness to a truly terrifying spike in COVID-19 cases, peaking at over 400,000 newly-discovered cases a day, Power said.

She said the US was quick to spring into action, working with the Department of Defense (DoD) colleagues to send several planeloads of health commodities to the Indian Red Crossnearly 1,500 oxygen cylinders, 700 concentrators, one million rapid testing kits, 2.5 million N95 masks.

"We also lent our expertise, working with the government of India to establish oxygen-generating plants at 150 hospitals. And we continue to work with the Government of India on its vaccination campaignthe world's largesthelping supply doses both through COVAX and bilaterally, she said.

A significant component of US' pandemic response efforts and development efforts broadly is increased engagement with India's robust private sector, she said.

Between 2014 and 2019, USAID established 54 private sector partnerships that have leveraged USD 505 million in additional financial resources toward the two countries shared development goals, Power said.

Leveraging our resources. Stretching our money further. USAID India can be a model for our development efforts globally, as private sector engagement serves as a powerful tool to implement creative solutions that address the secondary impacts of COVID-19 on the economic, health care, and education systems.

"And critically, as Ambassador Keshap said, our partnership with India's private sector is making headway in clean energy, environmental reform, and in combating the effects of climate change, she said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As the nation observed the 21st anniversary of Kargil victory, West Bengal Chief Minister on Monday paid tributes to the soldiers who had laid down their lives during the war.

She said that India will remain indebted to them forever.

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I salute the heroes who made the supreme sacrifice to protect our country. India will forever remain indebted to the bravehearts," Banerjee tweeted.

July 26 is celebrated as every year to mark India's triumph over Pakistan in 'Operation Vijay'.

(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 Yamuna cannot become fit for bathing in the absence of a minimum environment flow in the river, the has said in a report submitted in the Union

It also said of the 35 sewage treatment plants in Delhi, 22 do not meet the wastewater standards prescribed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

Of the 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plants in industrial areas across Delhi, only six comply with the DPCC standards for wastewater.

"Minimum environmental flow for the dilution of the polluted water in the Yamuna in Delhi is required to meet the desired water quality levels in the river for bathing purpose i.e. BOD<3 mg/l and DO>5 mg/l," the report read.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, an environmental flow is the water provided within a river, wetland or coastal zone to maintain ecosystems and their benefits where there are competing water uses and where flows are regulated.

A study conducted by Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, has recommended that 23 cubic metre per second (cumec) water be released in the river from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana's Yamuna Nagar district in the lean season for sustaining downstream ecosystems.

"The ministry/ Mission for Clean Ganga has observed that the water sharing agreement of 1994 among the riparian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi is due for revision only in 2025 unless any of the states so demand, implying that no revision of water sharing will be possible to achieve the E-flow in the Yamuna," the city government's report read.

"In the absence of a minimum environment flow of the Yamuna in Delhi, it is very difficult to achieve bathing quality standards," it said.

The 22 km stretch of Yamuna from Wazirabad to Okhla in Delhi, which is less than two per cent of the river length, accounts for about 80 per cent of the pollution load in the river.

There are 18 major drains, including Shahdara, Najafgarh and Barapulah, which outfall in the river.

Untreated wastewater and poor quality of effluent discharged from CETPs and sewage treatment plants is the major reason behind pollution in the river in Delhi, according to experts.

The DPCC also told the ministry that of the 35 sewage treatment plants in Delhi, 22 do not meet the prescribed wastewater standards with respect to total soluble solid, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, dissolved phosphate and ammonical nitrogen.

Ammonical nitrogen and phosphate in the wastewater should be less than 5 mg/l and 2 mg/l, respectively.

According to DPCC norms, TSS should be less than 10 milligram per litre, BOD should be less than 10 mg/l and COD should be below 50 mg/l.

In an inspection conducted in June, 34 of the 35 STPs were found operational. Samples could be collected from 33 STPs.

Of these, 11 were found complying to the standards prescribed by the DPCC.

Inspections could not be conducted in April and May due to the Covid pandemic, the DPCC said.

Delhi generates around 720 million gallons a day of sewage which is treated at these 35 STPs having a cumulative treatment capacity of 597 MGD.

Around 86 per cent of the treatment capacity is being utilised at present, according to government data.

It also said of the 13 CETPs in Delhi, seven do not meet effluent standards.

These CETPS are in industrial areas of Naraina, Lawrence Road, Nangloi, Wazirpur, Mangolpuri, Mayapuri and Jhilmil.

Earlier this month, the DPCC had imposed a fine of over Rs 12 crore on 12 common effluent treatment (CETPs) plants operating across the capital for not meeting prescribed wastewater discharge standards repetitively.

There are 24 industrial areas in the capital of which 17 are connected to 13 CETPS which treat the wastewater from the industrial units before it can be reused or discharged into the Yamuna.

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Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said he would resign todaythe second anniversary of his governmentas he spoke in the state assembly about his tenure

"I will resign after lunch," he said in a tearful speech in which he talked about the "trial by fire" he had faced as chief minister.

"Don't take me otherwise, with your permission... I have decided that after lunch I will go to the Raj Bhavan and submit my resignation as the Chief Minister to the Governor," said 78-year-old Yediyurappa.

"Not out of grief, but with happiness," he said, as he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister and BJP National President J P Nadda.

Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot accepted Yediyurappa's resignation and asked him to continue as caretaker CM till the next CM takes oath. Gehlot dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by Yediyurappa with immediate effect.

Yediyurappa termed his tenure for two years as "trial by fire", recalling that he had to run the administration without cabinet in the initial days, followed by devastating floods and coronavirus among other issues.

The media has been reporting about Yediyurappas exit for months now: there was resentment against him and his son, NDTV reported. Yediyurappa suddenly flew to Delhi by chartered flight earlier this month to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders.

After that meeting, Yediyurappa said he had not been asked to resign but later said he was ready to go if he was asked to.

Yediyurappa has been chief minister for four terms. He is the BJP's first and only chief minister in the south.





Stating that nobody pressurised him to resign, Yediyurappa said he had stepped down so that somebody else could take over as chief minister after the successful completion of two years of the BJP-led state government.

Ahead of the 2023 polls, Yediyurappa assured that he shall work to bring the party back to power in the upcoming polls.

Speaking to reporters after submitting his resignation, Yediyurappa said, "Nobody pressurised me to resign. I did it on my own so that someone else can take over as CM after the completion of two years of government. I'll work to bring BJP back in power in the next election. I've not given the name of anyone who should succeed me."

He also assured that he and his supporters shall give their 100 per cent to whoever is the next Chief Minister.

"We will work under whoever has been selected as the new CM by the (BJP) high command. I will give my 100 per cent and my supporters will also give their 100 per cent. There is no need to make any inference of dissatisfaction," said Yediyurappa.

Stating that he decided to resign two days back, Yediyurappa said, "I am grateful to PM Modi, Home Minister & BJP chief JP Nadda for giving me the opportunity to serve Karnataka for two years. I also thank the people of Karnataka and my constituency."

Meanwhile, sources said that the BJP will appoint central observers to Karnataka soon. The Central and the state party leadership will discuss the next face for the CM post, they added.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Karnataka BJP in-charge Arun Singh are likely to be two central observers for Karnataka, sources told ANI.
The government has filed 107 prosecution complaints  or chargesheets  under the new and detected of approximately Rs 20,078 crore in the Papers Leak case, the government informed Parliament on Monday.

While giving details of the governments actions in different cases under the Black Money Act, 2015, Pankaj Chaudhary, minister of state for finance, said there was no official estimate of the black money stashed in the Swiss Bank for the past 10 years.

Till May 31, the government passed 166 assessment orders under The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, wherein it raised a demand of Rs 8,216 crore.

Besides the Leak, the government also detected undisclosed credits of about Rs 246 crore in Paradise Papers Leaks and Rs 11,010 crore in ICIJ cases  also known as Offshore Leaks, Parliament was told in response to a question by Congress MP Vincent H Pala, who sought details of the black money deposited in Swiss banks in the last 10 years.

In the HSBC case (or Swiss Leaks), of Rs 8,465 crore has been brought to tax and a penalty of Rs 1,294 crore has been levied.

The Income Tax Department has taken appropriate action under relevant laws against tax evaders. Such action under direct tax laws includes searches, surveys, enquiries, assessment of income, levy of tax, interest, penalties, etc., and filing of prosecution complaints in criminal courts, wherever applicable, said Pankaj Chaudhary, minister of state for finance.

The Black Money Act, which came into effect on July 1, 2017, deals with cases of money deposited abroad. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on black money, whose chairman and vice-chairman are retired judges of the Supreme Court. The Centre is working closely with other governments of other countries, sharing information under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA)/Tax Information Exchange Agreements.

Apart from this, an information-sharing agreement has been made with the US under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.
The government has developed an asset monetisation dashboard for monitoring real-time progress of its ambitious Rs 2.5 trillion-plus pipeline, and providing visibility to

The portal has been prepared as the government tries to provide a one-stop shop to keen on taking over of government departments and ministries. The exercise is similar to the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) which seeks to invite private sector participation in the infrastructure sector.

Policy think tank has finalised the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) of potential brownfield infrastructure The monetisation pipeline has been created for a four-year period from financial year 2021-22 to 2024-25.

The NMP will serve as a roadmap for the asset monetization of various brownfield infrastructure across sectors including roads, railways, aviation, power, oil and gas, and warehousing, the parliament was informed.

In March, central ministries were given a target of Rs 2.5 trillion for monetising their assets over three years starting 2021-22 (FY22). The target was set for the Ministry of Railways, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Power, Civil Aviation, among others. The Ministry of Coal has separately identified assets of about Rs 41,000 crore for monetisation taking the aggregate monetisation pipeline to over Rs 2.5 trillion.

To nudge states to monetise their assets, and divest state government-owned companies, the Centre also announced 50-year interest free loans up to Rs 5,000 crore linked to the receipts from the exercise. For the next 4-5 years, the Centre is also likely to set a target of Rs 3 trillion for states under the national asset monetisation pipeline, Business Standard had earlier reported.
As countries around the world attempt to reopen their borders, officials have come up with an ever-changing list of labyrinthine polices to allow travel. A range of entry restrictions have been deployed, from home quarantines for vaccinated adults to spending up to three weeks in government-authorized facilities, with multiple tests along the way. The best strategy isnt yet clear, but one thing is common: Few are taking into consideration families as a unit.

Acknowledging the difficult balance between the realities of employment and family demands could become one of the most important steps to opening up economies. But until parents have more clarity about how to cross borders with their young children, or the hoops they have to jump through to be with them, theres little hope of a full recovery.

Before the pandemic, travel had become an economic necessity for millions of people, who crossed borders every day to go to work and come back to their families. Globally, there are over 250 million international migrants. These arent just C-suite executives gallivanting between financial hubs. Foreign domestic workers, corporate employees and economic nomads move around the world when better shots at employment emerge. Such migration rose manifold in the years before the pandemic. Knowing that loved ones were just a flight away was a critical piece of that equation.





ALSO READ: Coronavirus live: India logs 39,742 new cases; South Africa eases curbs

All this has been thrown off by Covid-19. While rising vaccination rates are helping, many parts of the world remain shut to travel. This has created a huge emotional burden for families that have been separated. Theres an economic toll, too. Those who had to leave jobs to be with their families are facing the monetary consequences.

Substantial sums are at stake: Remittances, or money sent home, totaled over $550 billion in 2019. Spending on business travel is worth at least $1.4 trillion a year--and that doesnt even account for all the informal sectors that require mobility for employment, such as domestic workers, startups or freelancers.

These days, those intrepid--or desperate--enough to travel as a family have to consider some of the rules for young children. Most governments impose the strict guidelines for unvaccinated individuals on this group, which comprises about a fifth of the global population, despite the fact that shots arent available for them yet. The burden is borne by the entire family.

Hong Kong, which normally generates one of the highest tallies of outbound travelers in the world, now has some of the most stringent measures when it comes to children. Here, kids (or those that arent vaccinated) have to present a negative test, conducted within 72 hours of departure and upon arrival undergo a compulsory 21-day quarantine in a government-authorized hotel. While there, they must take four additional tests.

Young children who have stayed anywhere outside China are required to submit stool samples during their quarantine period. Those measures vary depending on the point of departure. Even when the city shortened quarantine measures for people arriving from certain countries, it maintained the three-week isolation for those under 16. Would minors be expected to stay on for an extra week by themselves? Again, families are on the hook.



ALSO READ: How severe will 3rd Covid wave be? Experts say two scenarios are possible

Some nations have done better than others, but the rules are inconsistent. In the U.S., children are treated as unvaccinated. They have to present Covid-19 tests taken no more than three days before they arrive, but can quarantine at home with tests three to five days after travel. In Australia, children under 4 are exempt from testing and those younger than 11 arent required to wear from masks on planes. Countries in Europe seem to be the most progressive: In France, for example, measures applicable to vaccinated adults apply to minors accompanying them.

Quarantines and restrictions on travel have been a necessary evil to control virus transmission. Such considerations are even more critical as the delta variant spreads around the globe. To be clear, this isnt a case for circumventing any of those precautions. But the wide-ranging recommendations and rules show that, a year and a half into the pandemic, policy makers have given little thoughtful guidance to families when we have far more information at hand.

If countries are now brave enough to host massive sporting events and arts festivals, surely there are ways to ensure parents and children can cross borders safely to reunite and to relieve brimming social anxiety. Governments may not have all the answers, but we need more frequent and better communication about how families will be accommodated and deeper consideration of the difficult decisions they are now contending with. Those choices will eventually impact how people seek employment, where they work and eventually, the flow of people across the globe.
The Ministry of is in the process of drafting a bill for establishment of the Commission of India (HECI), the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.

The information was shared by Union Minister in the lower house.

"The Ministry of Education has announced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on 29 July, 2020 after obtaining approval of Cabinet. The NEP envisions setting up of a Commission of India as an umbrella body with four independent verticals to perform distinct functions of regulation, accreditation, funding, and academic standard setting," he said in a written response to a question.

"Accordingly, the Ministry is in the process of drafting a Bill for establishment of the Commission of India," Pradhan added.

The Higher Education Commission of India, envisages replacing autonomous bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

The National Education Policy 2020 recommended setting up of the HECI as a single overarching umbrella body for higher education, excluding medical and legal education.

(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.)
Union Minister on Monday ruled out any proposal to rename the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras as IIT Chennai.

Pradhan made the statement in response to a written question in Lok Sabha.

"Any such proposal for amending the name of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras is not under consideration of the government," he said.

Madras city was renamed as Chennai in 1996 by the Tamil Nadu government.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Over 69 per cent voters exercised their franchise in 17 wards of 15 municipalities spread across eight districts of where were held on Monday, state election commission officials said.

The highest voting took place in Khetri Municipality of Jhunjhunu district where 88.16 per cent voters cast their votes, they said.

State Election Commission Commissioner PS Mehra said 69.84 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the polls.

He said 60 candidates had filed 67 nomination papers in this by-election. After scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations, the fate of the remaining 43 candidates will be decided.

Instructions have been given to conduct repolling in Tigria gram panchayat of Jaipur district on July 29, he said.

Due to technical fault in the EVM at booth number 300 for ward number-12 of Tigria, panchayat samiti of Jaipur district, the polling held on July 25 has been declared void.

(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 UN has warned that without a significant de-escalation in in Afghanistan, the year 2021 is on course to witness the highest number of documented civilian casualties in over a decade in the war-torn country.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan's (UNAMA) Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict Midyear Update 2021 documents 5,183 civilian casualties (1,659 killed and 3,524 injured), a 47 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2020.

In the report, the warns that without a significant de-escalation in is on course for 2021 to witness the highest ever number of documented civilian casualties in a single year since UNAMA records began in 2009.

The report said that of serious concern is the acute rise in the number of civilians killed and injured in the period from May 1, as military forces began their withdrawal and the fighting intensified following the Taliban's offensive. Almost as many civilian casualties in the May-June period were recorded as in the entire preceding four months.

The number of civilian casualties during May and June 2,392 in total (783 killed and 1,609 injured) was the highest for those months since UNAMA began its systematic documentation in 2009. The period January-April 2021 saw 2,791 civilian casualties (876 killed and 1,915 injured), it said, amid withdrawal of US forces and the Taliban offensive.

I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed of the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians. The report provides a clear warning that unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing is not stemmed," Secretary-General's Special Representative for Deborah Lyons said.

The UN envoy, who is also the head of UNAMA, called on the Taliban and Afghan leaders to intensify efforts at the negotiating table, stop the Afghan against Afghan fighting, protect the Afghan people and give them hope for a better future.

According to the report, civilian casualties increased for women, girls, boys, and men. Of particular concern, UNAMA documented record numbers of girls and women killed and injured, as well as record numbers of overall child casualties.

Particularly shocking and of deep concern is that women, boys and girls made up close to half of all civilian casualties in the first half of 2021, UNAMA said.

Comprising 46 per cent of all civilian casualties, 32 per cent were children 1,682 in total (468 killed and 1,214 injured) and 14 per cent were women 727 in total (219 killed and 508 injured). It is sickening to report that more women and more children were killed and injured than ever before recorded by UNAMA for the first half of any calendar year, it said.

Much of the battlefield action during the most deadly months of May and June took place outside cities, in areas with comparatively low population levels. The UN is gravely concerned that if intensive military action is undertaken in urban areas with high population densities, the consequences for Afghan civilians could be catastrophic, it said.

The pursuit of a military solution will only increase the suffering of the Afghan people, the report notes.

The report said anti-government (AGEs) elements were responsible for 64 per cent of the total civilian casualties: 39 per cent by Taliban, nearly nine per cent by Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP), and 16 per cent by undetermined AGEs.

Pro-Government Forces (PGFs) were responsible for 25 per cent of civilian casualties: 23 per cent by Afghan national security forces, and two per cent by pro-Government armed groups or undetermined PGFs.

The report noted that this is the first report since UNAMA began its systematic civilian casualty documentation in 2009 that does not attribute a single civilian casualty to military forces. The conflict has taken on a distinctly Afghan fighting Afghan character.

The leading causes of civilian casualties in the first half of 2021 were the extensive use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by AGEs, ground engagements between parties, targeted killings by AGEs, and air strikes by the Afghan Air Force, it said.

The main cause of civilian casualties the Taliban and ISIL-KP use of non-suicide IEDs amounted to 38 per cent of all civilian casualties, nearly triple that recorded for the same period in 2020.

The use of pressure-plate IEDs, nearly all by the Taliban, resulted in 42 per cent more civilian casualties than during the same period in 2020. Pressure-plate IEDs, which can be triggered even by a child stepping on them, may violate humanitarian law and UNAMA reiterates its call on the Taliban to permanently ban the use of these indiscriminate devices, the UN report said.

Ground engagements caused 33 per cent of civilian casualties, with nearly all of these civilian casualties attributed to the Taliban and Afghan national security forces. Civilian casualties from ground engagements increased by 41 per cent compared with the first six months of 2020, it said.

UNAMA also recorded a resurgence of deliberate sectarian-motivated attacks against the Shi'a Muslim religious minority, most of whom also belong to the Hazara ethnic minority, nearly all claimed by ISIL-KP, the UN mission 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.)
and former striker have reached a settlement to end labour disputes and a civil case that were pending between the parties, the club said on Monday.

said in a statement "it has ended out of court in amicable fashion the various labor and civil litigation cases that were open with the Brazilian player."



The club did not release details, saying only that the settlement involved three labor disputes and a civil case.

The two parties had sued each other over matters related to his contract. Spanish media said the club were demanding more than 16 million euros (USD 19 million) from the player, while wanted to pay him nearly 50 million euros (USD 59 million).

The club said "a transactional agreement between the club and the player has been signed" to end the legal cases.

Neymar, now with Paris Saint-Germain, played for Barcelona between 2013-17.

(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.)
Beijings clampdown on the booming private education industry has shocked even some of the most seasoned watchers, prompting a rethink of how far Xi Jinpings Communist Party is willing to go as it tightens its grip on the worlds second-largest economy.



The crash in tutoring stocks that began late last week spread Monday across the tech sector and beyond, after authorities confirmed reports they would ban a swathe of education industry from making profits. Its the governments most extreme step yet to rein in private businesses that regulators blame for exacerbating inequality, increasing financial risk and -- in the case of some tech titans - challenging Beijings authority.

With losses in Chinese tech and education stocks now exceeding $1 trillion since February, the questions reverberating across trading desks from Shanghai to New York are where regulators might strike next and whether markets are properly discounting regulatory risk. Property-management and food-delivery companies were among the biggest losers on Monday after Beijing signaled tighter rules for both sectors.

While some investors say the selloff has created buying opportunities, ongoing clampdowns on everything from internet platform operators to commodities producers and Chinas gargantuan real estate industry suggest plenty of room for more surprises -- especially for investors as Xis government shows less concern than its predecessors did about spooking foreign capital.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.s sales desk summed it up this way in a note to clients: Even when you think risk is pricedit can get worse.

Mondays rout underscored just how widespread that concern has become. All 10 industry groups in the MSCI Index posted declines as the gauge sank 4.4%, the most in 14 months. The selloff was all the more striking given MSCIs All-Country World Index jumped on Friday to within a hairs breadth of its all-time high. The China gauge has dropped more than 25% from this years peak and is now trading at about 1.4 times book value, the biggest valuation discount on record relative to global peers.

Everybodys in the cross-hairs, said Fraser Howie, an independent analyst and co-author of books on Chinese finance who has been following the countrys corporate sector for decades. This is a very difficult environment to navigate, when over the weekend your business can basically be written down to zero by state edict, how on Earth are you to plan for that?

Regulatory risk is nothing new in China, but rarely have global investors had to cope with such a widespread onslaught of rules that threaten to curb growth and in some cases decimate entire business models. Beijings surprise scuttling of Jack Mas initial public offering of fintech giant Ant Group Co. in November looks increasingly like the high-water mark for an era of relatively loose regulation for the countrys private sector.

Among the investment firms selling on Monday was BNP Paribas Asset Management, which oversees about $559 billion worldwide and was already underweight China heading into the rout. Investors are looking to figure out if there are more sectors that can face this, said Zhikai Chen, the firms head of Asian Equities. We are reducing some exposure.

Chen said its too early to judge whether the Chinese governments attitude toward the private sector has permanently shifted, noting that authorities have in some ways made it easier for companies and investors to access capital markets in recent years.

But that was also true for the education industry - a darling of Wall Street -- until regulators began signaling a potential clampdown earlier this year. The rules were ultimately stricter than even some of the most bearish predictions, banning companies that teach school curriculums from making profits, raising capital or going public. They have effectively obliterated the model underpinning a $100 billion industry.

The clampdown in some ways mirrors Beijings broader campaign against the growing power of Chinese internet companies, including Didi Global Inc. to Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. But it also stems from a deeper backlash against an industry that has been criticized for putting too much pressure on children, burdening parents with expensive fees, and exacerbating inequality.

I dont think this is so much about foreign investors, I think it is more about trying to restore equality for K-12 education, said Joshua Crabb, a senior portfolio manager at Robeco in Hong Kong.

Still, its a reminder for global investors of the importance of tracking the Chinese governments shifting priorities.

The temptation is to view the market in a similar way to major peers like the U.S., but Beijing often moves more quickly and decisively because it lacks checks and balances, said an executive at one of the worlds biggest private equity firms who has backed at least one U.S.-listed Chinese education company. He asked not to be identified given the sensitivity of the subject. Another private equity investor who focuses on Asia called the crackdown a wake-up call for investors who have overlooked Chinese regulatory risks in recent years.

New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc.s Hong Kong shares still had 15 analyst buy ratings and just one underweight as of Monday, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, after plunging more than 40% for a second straight session.

Food-delivery giant Meituan, with 56 buys and no sells, tumbled as much as 15% after the government posted notices that online food platforms must respect the rights of delivery staff and ensure workers earn at least the local minimum income. The stock has lost nearly half its value since mid-February.

Meanwhile, Evergrande Property Services Group Ltd. sank 12% after major Chinese policy-making bodies collectively issued a three-year timeline for bringing order to the property sector, long under scrutiny due to an excessive buildup of leverage among home-buyers and developers. The announcement detailed punishments for a range of transgressions by businesses in real estate development, home sales, housing rentals and property management services.

Some investors have been seeking shelter in strategic sectors viewed as beneficiaries of Xis policies. These include electric vehicle makers and companies involved in transporting and storing cleaner energy that may help Chinas plans to become carbon neutral by 2060. Local analysts have also advocated buying shares of semiconductor makers as the nation seeks technological self-sufficiency.

For Jian Shi Cortesi, a portfolio manager at GAM Investment Management in Zurich, the key is to avoid companies that the government might determine are benefiting a small group at the expense of broader prosperity. Those businesses are likely to face tighter regulation, Cortesi said, pointing to live streaming as one area that may be vulnerable. At the same time, shes looking for chances to buy shares that have been unduly punished in the selloff.

Many high-growth Chinese companies have already dropped by half in the past few months and many investors have started to panic -- all these tell us it is the time to look for good opportunities to enter, Cortesi said. Of course, its important to be selective.

--With assistance from Lulu Yilun Chen, Tracy Alloway, Cathy Chan, Candice Zachariahs, Edwin Chan and April Ma.
By Abhijith Ganapavaram

(Reuters) - Battered by a regulatory crackdown, China's multi-billion dollar private tutoring sector could seek to separate its business segments and bulk up non-academic tutoring as it tries to soften the blow on its operations, analysts said on Monday.

Shares in Hong Kong and U.S.-listed education firms such as New Oriental Education & Technology Group, TAL Education Group and Gaotu Techedu fell sharply for the second straight session on Monday after barred for-profit tutoring in core school subjects.

While the firms said they expected the new rules to have a material impact on their after-school tutoring services, some analysts expect some of the largest education providers to take steps to mitigate the impact on their businesses.

"Tutoring likely have to dispose of K-9 academic tutoring businesses," Renaissance Securities analyst Don Lau said in a note.

Mark Haefele, chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management, noted that implementation of previous has "often not taken the strictest form" and said listed after-school tutoring firms may look to spin off their school curriculum-based businesses and focus on other areas to avoid delisting.

Under the new rules, all institutions offering tutoring on the school curriculum will be registered as non-profit organisations, according to an official document.

China's education industry sub-index plunged as much as 15% from Thursday's close.

Morningstar Equity Research said in a report that it believed "both New Oriental and TAL would need to adjust their K-12 academic businesses and likely spin off the non-profit mandatory education businesses in the longer term - while keeping high schools and other business such as overseas test preparation, adult English, and general English."

It expects both providers to invest in non-academic tutoring such as art, computer coding, sport, music, and other extra curricular programs to keep their to remain listed.

(Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Anshuman Daga and Maju Samuel)

(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.)
Honasa Consumer Pvt Ltd (HCPL), which runs personal care brand Mamaearth, on Monday said it has raised USD 50 million (372.4 crore) in funding led by Sofina Ventures SA.

The round also witnessed participation from existing investor, Sequoia Capital India, a statement said.

HCPL had previously raised USD 23 million in funding, and the latest infusion has pushed the company's valuation to USD 730 million.

Along with primary infusion by Belgian-based investment company Sofina Ventures SA, the latest round also saw the secondary sale by early investors like Fireside Ventures, Stellaris Venture Partners, Sharp Ventures and Titan Capital.

However, the company did not disclose additional details of the secondary sale.

Honasa said the round also gave some early employees an opportunity to monetise their vested ESOP.

"The company plans to deploy the funds to drive brand growth through aggressively expanding their offline distribution and explore inorganic growth opportunities in beauty and personal care," the statement said.

Varun Alagh, co-founder and CEO of HCPL, said the company - with a vision of becoming a house of brands - is currently focusing on creating brands with millennial propositions with an internet-first approach.

"This round will help amplify the process and strengthen the D2C and offline expansion of Mamaearth, along with further accelerating the growth of The Derma Co which is already showing early signs of success, since its launch in 2020," he added.

The company will also be exploring inorganic growth opportunities in the beauty and personal care segment, he noted.

"We have been able to create a portfolio of over 140 products under Mamaearth and more than 40 products under The Derma Co. To achieve this, we have built a diverse team of millennials who constantly endeavour to further our purpose," Ghazal Alagh, co-Founder and CIO of HCPL, said.

The funding will further provide impetus to the innovation funnel and help serve consumers with a wider assortment of products, she added.

Earlier this year, HCPL had said strong demand from across metros and tier I and II cities has helped Mamaearth crossed an annualised revenue run rate of Rs 500 crore and that the brand was looking at doubling that in the near future.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Meituan plummeted 15 per cent intraday, its worst on record, after issued regulations to tighten oversight of the countrys massive sector.

The government posted a notice Monday asking meal delivery operators to respect the rights of delivery staff.

Online food platforms must ensure that delivery workers earn at least the local minimum income, according to a guideline released by seven government agencies including the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Tencent Holdings-backed Meituan, the industrys largest operator alongside Alibaba Group Holding, is already grappling with an investigation into alleged monopolistic behaviour.

The sweeping crackdown on one of the countrys fastest-growing and best-funded sectors sent a chill through tech investors, who sold off Chinese internet stocks in Hong Kong Monday. Meituans stock has now tumbled almost 50 per cent from its peak in February.
Prime Minister Imran Khans party on Monday was poised to form the government in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for the first time after it won 25 of 45 seats in the legislative assembly elections marred by deadly violence and allegations of irregularities by the Opposition, local media reported.



Khans Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) won 25 seats while the People's Party (PPP) came second with 11 seats and the incumbent Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured just six seats, the state-run Radio Pakistan reported, citing unofficial results announced by the Election Commission.



Thus, the PTI got a simple majority to form the government without support of any other party. It is for the first time that it will form a government in



Traditionally, the ruling party in the country wins the elections in The Muslim Conference and Jammu and the Kashmir Peoples Party won one seat each.



India had slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold polls in Gilgit-Baltistan and said any action to alter the status of the militarily occupied region has no legal basis.



Khan thanked the people of the region for placing their trust in his party through their votes which resulted in the PTIs electoral victory. We will focus on bringing the ppl out of poverty through our Ehsaas & Kamyab Pakistan progs; & establish accountability & transparency in govt (sic), he tweeted.
President and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi are expected to announce on Monday that they've come to an agreement to end the US military's combat mission in by the end of the year, according to a senior Biden administration official.

The plan to shift the American military mission, whose stated purpose is to help defeat the Islamic State group, to a strictly advisory and training role by year's end with no US troops in a combat role will be spelled out in a broader communique to be issued by the two leaders following their White House meeting on Monday afternoon, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the yet to be announced plan.

The official said the Iraqi security forces are battle tested" and have proved themselves capable" of protecting their country. Still, the Biden administration recognizes that IS remains a considerable threat, the official said.

Indeed, the IS terror organization is a shell of its former self since it was largely routed on the battlefield in 2017. Still, it has shown it can still carry out high-casualty attacks. Last week, the group claimed responsibility for a roadside bombing that killed at least 30 people and wounded dozens in a busy suburban Baghdad market.

The US and agreed in April that the US transition to a train-and-advise mission meant the US combat role would end, but they didn't settle on a timetable for completing that transition. The announcement comes less than three months before parliamentary elections slated for October 10.

Al-Kadhimi faces no shortage of problems. Iranian-backed militias operating inside Iraq have stepped up attacks against US forces in recent months, and a series of devastating hospital fires that left dozens of people dead and soaring coronavirus infections have added fresh layers of frustration for the nation.

For al-Kadhimi, the ability to offer the Iraqi public a date for the end of the US combat presence could be a feather in his cap ahead of the election.

Biden administration officials say al-Kadhimi also deserves credit for improving Iraq's standing in the Mideast.

Last month, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Baghdad for joint meetings the first time an Egyptian president has made an official visit since the 1990s, when ties were severed after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait.

In March, Pope Francis made an historic visit to Iraq, praying among ruined churches in Mosul, a former IS stronghold, and meeting with the influential Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf.

The US and Iraq have been widely expected to use the face-to-face meeting to announce plans for the end of the combat mission, and al-Kadhimi before his trip to Washington made clear that he believes it's time for the US to wind down the combat mission.

There is no need for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil, al-Kadhimi told The Associated Press.

The US troop presence has stood at about 2,500 since late last year when former President Donald Trump ordered a reduction from 3,000.

The announcement to end the US combat mission in Iraq comes as the US is in the final stages of ending its war in Afghanistan, nearly 20 years after President George W Bush launched the war in response to the September 11, 2001, attacks on the

The US mission of training and advising Iraqi forces has its most recent origins in former President Barack Obama's decision in 2014 to send troops back to Iraq. The move was made in response to the Islamic State group's takeover of large portions of western and northern Iraq and a collapse of Iraqi security forces that appeared to threaten Baghdad. Obama had fully withdrawn US forces from Iraq in 2011, eight years after the US invasion.

The distinction between combat troops and those involved in training and advising can be blurry, given that the US troops are under threat of attack. But it is clear that US ground forces have not been on the offensive in Iraq in years, other than largely unpublicized special operations missions aimed at Islamic State group militants.

Pentagon officials for years have tried to balance what they see as a necessary military presence to support the Iraqi government's fight against IS with domestic political sensitivities in Iraq to a foreign troop presence. A major complication for both sides is the periodic attacks on bases housing US and coalition troops by Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran.

The vulnerability of US troops was demonstrated most dramatically in January 2020 when Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on al-Asad air base in western Iraq. No Americans were killed, but dozens suffered traumatic brain injury from the blasts. That attack came shortly after a US drone strike killed Iranian military commander Qassim Soleimani and senior Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad Airport.

The US military mission since 2014 has been largely focused on training and advising Iraqi forces. In April, in a joint statement following a US-Iraqi meeting in Washington, they declared, the mission of US and coalition forces has now transitioned to one focused on training and advisory tasks, thereby allowing for the redeployment of any remaining combat forces from Iraq at a time to be determined later.

Monday's communique is also expected to detail US efforts to assist the Iraqi government's COVID-19 response, education system and energy sector.
The United States will not lift any existing travel restrictions "at this point" due to concerns over the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant and the rising number of U.S. cases, a White House official told Reuters.

The decision, which comes after a senior level White House meeting late Friday, means the long-running travel restrictions that have barred much of the world's population from the United States since 2020 will not be lifted in the short term.

"Given where we are today with the Delta variant, the United States will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point," the official told Reuters, citing the spread of the Delta variant in the United States and abroad.

"Driven by the Delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated and appear likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead."

The announcement almost certainly dooms any bid by U.S. airlines and the U.S. tourism industry to salvage summer travel by Europeans and covered by the restrictions. Airlines have heavily lobbied the White House for months to lift the restrictions.

The United States currently bars most non-U.S. citizens who within the last 14 days have been in the United Kingdom, the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without border controls, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil.

The extraordinary U.S. travel restrictions were first imposed on China in January 2020 to address the spread of COVID-19 and other countries have been added since then -- most recently India in early May.

Last week, the U.S. Homeland Security Department said U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least Aug. 21 -- even as Canada said it would begin allowing in fully vaccinated American tourists starting Aug. 9.

Asked on July 15 at a joint appearance with German Chancellor Angela Merkel about when the United States would lift European travel restrictions, Biden said he would "be able to answer that question to you within the next several days - what is likely to happen."

Merkel said any decision to lift restrictions "has to be a sustainable decision. It is certainly not sensible to have to take it back after only a few days."

Since that press conference, U.S. cases have jumped.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Rochelle Walensky said Thursday the seven-day average of new cases in the United States was up 53% over the previous week. The Delta variant, which was first found in India, now comprises more than 80% of new cases nationwide and has been detected in more than 90 countries.

The White House official also cited the fact that last week, the CDC urged Americans to avoid travel to the United Kingdom, given a jump in cases.

But the official added: "The administration understands the importance of travel and is united in wanting to reopen travel in a safe and sustainable manner."

The restrictions have brought heavy criticism from people prevented from seeing loved ones.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki on Friday said travel is "something we would all like to see - not just for tourism, but for families to be reunited."

But Psaki added "we rely on public health and medical advice on when we're going to determine changes to be made."

The Biden administration has refused to offer any metrics that would trigger when it will unwind restrictions and has not disclosed if it will remove restrictions on individual countries or focus on enhancing individual traveler scrutiny.

Reuters reported last week the White House was discussing the potential of mandating COVID-19 vaccines for international visitors, but no decisions have been made, the sources said.

The Biden administration has also been talking to U.S. airlines in recent weeks about establishing international contact tracing for passengers before lifting travel restrictions.

The White House in early June launched interagency working groups with the European Union, Britain, Canada and Mexico to look at how eventually to lift travel and border restrictions.

In January, the CDC imposed mandatory COVID-19 testing requirements for nearly all international air travelers.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Noah Browning

LONDON (Reuters) - were steady on Monday as the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant stoked fears over future fuel demand, though crude supply looks set to be tight through the rest of the year.

Brent crude futures for September were up 4 cents at $74.14 a barrel by 1342 GMT while U.S. Texas Intermediate crude slipped by 11 cents to $71.96.

Both benchmarks fell by more than $1 a barrel in earlier trading.

cases continued to rise over the weekend, with some countries reporting record daily increases and extending lockdown measures that could slow oil demand. China, the world's largest crude importer, has also registered a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Furthermore, Beijing's crackdown on the misuse of import quotas combined with the impact of high crude prices could send growth in China's oil imports to its slowest in two decades this year despite an expected rise in refining rates in the second half.

"The Delta variant is still spreading and China has started to clamp down on teapots, so their import growth would not be that much," said Avtar Sandu, a senior commodities manager at Singapore's Phillips Futures, referring to independent refiners.

Strong U.S. demand and expectations of tight supplies have helped both contracts to recover from a 7% slump last Monday to mark their first gains in two to three weeks last week.

Global oil are expected to remain in deficit despite a decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies, collectively known as OPEC+, to raise production through the rest of the year.

"There is seemingly a battle within the complex between the prevailing supply deficit engineered by OPEC+ and the threat of the COVID-19 Delta variant in regions with low vaccination rates," said StoneX analyst Kevin Solomon.

"The slow take-up of vaccinations will continue to limit some upside in oil demand in those regions, and there will be intermittent spells in the recovery in the coming months."

(Additional reporting by Florence TanEditing by Bernadette Baum and David Goodman)

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Nifty futures on Singapore Exchange traded 106 points lower at 15,748, indicating a gap-down start for the benchmark indices on Monday.

Here are the top stocks to track in today's session:

Results Today: Axis Bank, DLF, L&T, SBI Life, Tata Motors, and Vedanta are among the 43 companies slated to report their Q1 results today.

Due to a disrupted April-June quarter (Q1FY22) amid the second wave of Covid-19, analysts expect L&Ts net profit to decline up to 60 per cent sequentially. Besides, Q1FY22 also saw a further rise in commodity prices, leading to further aggravation of pressure on gross margins. READ HERE

Meanwhile, analysts believe could report a net loss of up to Rs 2,010 crore in Q1FY22 due to subdued sales and commodity cost pressures. READ HERE

RIL: Mukesh Ambani-led (RIL) reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 12,273 crore for the three months ended June 30, 2021 (Q1FY22), down 7.2 per cent from Rs 13,233 crore posted in the same period last year (Q1FY21). However, last year's June quarter profit included an exceptional gain of Rs 4,966 crore. This will mean a 48.4 per cent growth in adjusted profit after tax over last year's Rs 8,267 crore.

ICICI Bank: The private sector lender reported a 78 per cent YoY rise in standalone net profit at Rs 4,616 crore for June quarter compared with Rs 2,599 crore in the same quarter last year.

ITC: The company reported a 28.6 per cent YoY growth in standalone profit at Rs 3,013.5 crore for Q1FY22, partly driven by low base in the year-ago quarter.

Ceat: Tyre major Ceat is aiming at increasing production capacity to around 1,400 tonne a day over the next 18 months as it looks to cater to the enhanced demand in both domestic and export markets, a top company official said.

JSPL: JSPL on Sunday announced it has received a revised offer of Rs 7,401 crore from Worldone Private Limited for divestment of its subsidiary company Jindal Power Limiter (JPL). Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) had earlier announced accepting a Rs 3,015-crore offer from Worldone Private Limited to divest 96.42 per cent stake it holds in the subsidiary company JPL.

MCX: Leading commodity bourse MCX has posted a 29.47 per cent YoY drop in its consolidated net profit at Rs 39.80 crore in the first quarter of the current fiscal. The company had clocked a net profit of Rs 56.43 crore in the same quarter previous fiscal.

Cipla: Drug major Cipla is recalling 7,228 bottles of Solifenacin Succinate tablets, a medicine used to treat overactive bladder, in the US market due to manufacturing issues.

IndusInd Bank: It is planning to raise up to Rs 30,000 crore through a mix of equity and debt to fund its business growth.

Shakti Pumps: Shakti Pumps (India) on Saturday reported a 120 per cent YoY growth in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) during the April-June quarter to Rs 7.29 crore compared to Rs 3.31 crore in the same period of 2020-21.

Raymond: Fabric and apparel manufacturer Raymond on Saturday said it has appointed S L Pokharna, President, Group Commercial and Supply Chain, on its board as a non-executive director.

Ambuja Cement: The company reported nearly two-fold jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,161.16 crore in the quarter ended on June 30 backed by strong growth in volumes and efficiency gains.

Yes Bank: The private sector lender reported a sharp increase in its June quarter net profit at Rs 203.76 crore on a consolidated basis, as against Rs 34.05 crore in the year-ago period, as the private sector lender's asset quality issues subsided.

Jubilant Pharmova: Its consolidated net profit stood at Rs 160.49 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 35.39 crore for the year-ago period. Revenue from continuing operations stood at Rs 1,634.65 crore in the quarter under review. It was Rs 1,156.07 crore in the same period a year ago.

United Spirits: Diageo-controlled liquor maker United Spirits reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 50.3 crore for the quarter ended June 2021, helped by double-digit growth in sales. The company had posted a net loss of Rs 246.6 crore in the April-June period a year ago.

SBI Card: SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd (SBI Card) reported a 22 per cent YoY decline in net profit to Rs 305 crore in the first quarter ended June 30 due to higher delinquencies. Total income of SBI Card during the quarter rose to Rs 2,451 crore as against Rs 2,196 crore a year ago.

Indian Bank: State-owned Indian Bank on Friday declared Lanco Infratech and Basundhara Green Power as fraud accounts with a total outstanding balance of over Rs 589 crore.

JSW Steel: The company posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 5,900 crore for June quarter 2021-22, mainly on account of higher income. In the year-ago period, the company reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 582 crore, said in a BSE filing. Further, the company will make strategic investment of Rs 750 crore in JSW Paints in 3-4 tranches between FY22-FY25.

Tata Steel BSL: The company appointed Pratik Chatterjee as the Chief Financial Officer effective July 23.

NTPC: The company commissioned 800-MW Unit-2 of Darlipali Thermal power project.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu on Monday left for India after winning a silver medal in the Tokyo The silver medallist is expected to arrive home later on Monday.

Mirabai Chanu had opened India's medals tally on Saturday as she bagged a silver in the Women's 49kg category at Tokyo International Forum.

"Heading back to home, Thank you #Tokyo2020 for memorable moments of my life," tweeted Chanu.

Chanu lifted a total of 202 kg (87kg in snatch and 115kg in clean and jerk) during her four successful attempts across the competition.

China's Zhihui Hou bagged gold with a total of 210kg and created a new Olympic Record while Indonesia's Windy Cantika Aisah grabbed bronze with a total of 194kg.

With this monumental silver medal, Chanu has become the second Indian weightlifter to win an Olympic medal after Karnam Malleswari bagged bronze in the 69kg category at the 2000 Sydney Games when the weightlifting arena was opened to women for the first time.

Boxer Mary Kom on Sunday had congratulated Chanu for winning a silver medal at the ongoing Tokyo "Congratulations @mirabai_chanu. Emotional and happy to embrace each other. A proud Manipuri and a fighter for India in one frame," tweeted Mary Kom.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a major boost to agricultural produce exports from Uttarakhand, first consignment of vegetables including curry leaf, okra, pear and bitter gourd sourced from the farmers of Haridwar, was exported today to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The exports of vegetables come after a consignment of millets grown in Uttarakhand was exported to Denmark in May, 2021. APEDA, in collaboration with Uttarakhand Agriculture Produce Marketing Board (UKAPMB) & Just Organik, an exporter, sourced & processed ragi (finger millet), and jhingora (barnyard millet) from farmers in Uttarakhand for exports, which meets the organic certification standards of the European Union.

The Uttarakhand government has been supporting organic farming. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been carrying out promotional activities to bring Uttarakhand on the agricultural and processed food products export map of India. APEDA is planning to provide financial assistance for setting up a pack house in Uttarakhand which would fulfil the mandatory requirement or infrastructure for export of fresh fruits and vegetables to the international market. APEDA would continue to focus on the Uttarakhand region both in terms of capacity building, quality upgradation, and infrastructure development by linking buyers to farmers through strengthening the entire supply chain of agricultural produce.

In 2020-21, India exported fruits and vegetables valued at Rs 11,019 crore compared to Rs 10,114 crore worth of exports in 2019-20, which is an increase of close to 9%. APEDA undertakes market promotion activities for export of food products, market intelligence for making informed decisions, international exposure, skill development, capacity building and high-quality packaging.

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Hong Kong stock market finished session steep lower on Monday, 26 July 2021, amid concerns about Beijing's expanding series of regulatory actions against the industries from tech to real estate to education firms and food-delivery.

At closing bell, the benchmark Hang Seng Index dropped 4.13%, or 1,129.66 points, to 26,192.32. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index fell 4.92%, or 483.81 points, to 9,355.24.

The sub-index of the Hang Seng tracking the commerce & industry sector fell 6%, while the finance sector fell 2%, and the properties sector shed 3%, while the utilities sector rose 1.1%.

The market tumult was sparked by a move by Beijing over the weekend to ban academic tuition groups from making profits, raising capital or going public.

Beijing's crackdown on education companies raised fears of more regulatory tightening across the world's second-biggest economy.

China's antitrust regulator fined Tencent over the weekend and ordered it to give up some exclusive music-licensing rights, while state media reported that a severe curtailing of the country's after-school tutoring industry was in the works. And on Monday afternoon, shortly before the Hong Kong market closed, regulators issued joint guidelines for companies such as Meituan on how to treat food-delivery drivers.

Shares of Chinese technology companies including Tencent Holdings, Meituan and Alibaba Group Holding tumbled Monday, as regulatory hawks in Beijing unleash another round of punishments.

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SBI Cards and Payment Services (SBI Card) posted a 22.6% fall in standalone net profit to Rs 304.61 crore on 11.6% rise in total income to Rs 2,450.94 crore in Q1 FY22 over Q1 FY21.

On a sequential basis, the company's net profit grew by 74% compared with Rs 175 crore posted in Q4 FY21. Profit before tax increased 75% quarter on quarter but slipped 22.3% year on year to Rs 410.3 crore in Q1 FY22. Earnings before credit costs increased by 4% to Rs 1,056 crore in Q1 FY22 from Rs 1,014 crore in Q1 FY21. Meanwhile, the company's finance costs decreased by 16.6% to Rs 229 Cr in Q1 FY22 from Rs 275 crore in Q1 FY21.

Return on average assets (ROAA) stood at 4.5% in Q1 FY22 while return on average equity (ROAE) was at 18.7% during Q1 FY22. During the quarter, Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 26.1% as compared to 24.4% in Q1 FY21.

On the operational front, card-in-force grew by 14% to 1.20 crore in Q1 FY22 from 1.06 crore in Q1 FY21. The card company said it spends grew by 74% at Rs 33,260 crore posted in Q1 FY22 from Rs 19,085 crore in Q1 FY21. The company's market share Q1 FY22 (available till May'21) grew to 19.2% as compared to 18.5% in Q1 FY21. Receivables grew by 5% to Rs 24,438 crore as of Q1 FY22 as against Rs 23,330 crore as of Q1 FY21.

On the asset quality front, gross NPA were at 3.91% as of Q1 FY22 as compared to 1.35% in Q1 FY21. Net NPA were at 0.88% as of Q1 FY22 versus 0.43% in Q1 FY21.

SBI Card's total balance sheet size as of 30 June 2021 was at Rs 26,608 crore as against Rs 24,260 crore as of 30 June 2020. Total gross advances (Credit card receivables) as of 30 June 2021 were at Rs 24,438 crore, as against Rs 23,330 crore as of 30 June 2020. Net worth as of 30 June 2021 was at Rs 6,687 crore as against Rs 5,722 crore as of 30 June 2020.

SBI Card is a non-banking financial company that offers extensive credit card portfolio to individual cardholders and corporate clients.

Shares of SBI Cards were up 3.45% at Rs 990 on BSE.

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SBI Life Insurance Company reported 43% fall in net profit to Rs 223.16 crore in Q1 FY22 from Rs 390.89 crore registered in Q1 FY21.

Net premium income increased 9.55% to Rs 8312.55 crore in Q1 FY22 over Q1 FY21. The company's net income from investments stood at Rs 7,409.91 crore in Q1 FY22, falling 13.6% from Rs 8,582.80 posted in Q1 FY21.

Profit before tax slumped nearly 40% to Rs 233.42 crore in Q1 FY22 from Rs 387.68 crore in Q1 FY21. The company made a provision of Rs 10.26 crore during the quarter for taxes. Profitability was impacted after the company said it created additional reserve of Rs 440 crore towards COVID-19 pandemic as of 30 June 2021.

New business premium grew by 9% to Rs 3350 crore in Q1 FY22 over Q1 FY21. Meanwhile, gross written premium rose by 10% to Rs 8380 crore in Q1 FY22 from Rs 7640 crore in Q1 FY21. Value of New Business (VoNB) rose by 45% year on year to Rs 340 crore in Q1 FY22. VoNB margin improved to 21.2% in Q1 FY22 from 18.7% in Q1 FY21.

The 13th month persistency grew to 84.5% in Q1 FY22 from 81.55% in Q1 FY21 while the 61st month persistency fell to 60.88% in Q1 FY22 from 63.14% in Q1 FY21.

The life insurance company's Assets Under Management grew by 32% from Rs 1,75,350 crore as on 30 June 2020 to Rs 231,560 crore as on 30 June 2021 with debt-equity mix of 72:28. Over 90% of the debt investments are in AAA and Sovereign instruments. The company's net worth increased by 14% from Rs 9310 crore as on June 30, 2020 to Rs 10,580 crore as on 30 June 2021. The company reported a strong solvency ratio as on 30 June 2021 of 2.15 as against the regulatory requirement of 1.5.

SBI Life Insurance Company is one of the leading life Insurance companies in India. The company has distribution network of 225,381 trained insurance professionals consisting of agents, CIFs and SPs along with 947 offices across country.

Shares of SBI Life Insurance Company ended 2.52% higher at Rs 1,077 on BSE.

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Sun Pharmaceutical Industries rose 1.06% to Rs 701.35 after the company and Cassiopea SpA announced the signing of license and supply agreements for Winlevi (clascoterone cream 1%) in the United States and Canada.

The USFDA approved Winlevi (clascoterone cream 1%) in August 2020 for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years and older. Acne, being the most prevalent skin condition in the U.S., affects up to 50 million Americans annually. The last FDA approval of an acne drug with a new mechanism of action (MOA) occurred nearly 40 years ago.

Cassiopea SpA is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing and preparing to commercialize prescription drugs with novel mechanisms of action (MOA) to address long-standing essential dermatological conditions.

Under the terms of the above referred agreements, Sun Pharma will have the exclusive right to commercialize Winlevi in the United States and Canada, and Cassiopea will be the exclusive supplier of the product. Cassiopea will receive an upfront payment of US $45 million, potential commercial milestones totalling up to US $190 million and customary double-digit royalties. The agreements will close upon the expiration of the HSR waiting period.

Winlevi is expected to be available in the U.S. in Q4 calendar 2021.

Abhay Gandhi, CEO, North America of Sun Pharma, said: "Sun Pharma is pleased to enter into a collaboration with Cassiopea SpA. Winlevi is a new class of topical medication in dermatology and will complement our existing oral acne portfolio. The addition of Winlevi further strengthens our position in the acne segment and reinforces our deep commitment to caring and making a difference in the lives of patients."

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is the world's fourth largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company and India's top pharmaceutical company.

On a consolidated basis, the company's net profit surged 123.62% to Rs 894.15 crore on 4.13% increase in total revenue from operations to Rs 8,522.98 crore in Q4 March 2021 over Q4 March 2020.

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TVS Motor Company on Sunday announced the launch of BS-VI TVS NTORQ 125 with Race Tuned Fuel Injection (RT-Fi) in Nepal.

The company has developed two versions of BS-VI Fi platforms, namely, RT-Fi (Race Tuned Fuel injection) and ET-Fi (Ecothrust Fuel injection). The RTFi technology is specially designed to ensure an enjoyable racing experience in all driving conditions. TVS NTORQ 125 is the first Bluetooth connected scooter in Nepal and has become synonymous with industry-first technology, unrivalled style and superior performance.

Commenting on the launch, R Dilip, President - International Business, TVS Motor Company said, TVS NTORQ 125 has redefined the expectation of scooter consumers in Nepal by creating an exciting, powerful, connected experience for the Gen Z".

The announcement was made on Sunday, 25 July 2021. Shares of TVS Motor Company rose 0.18% to settle at Rs 582.35 on Friday, 23 July 2021.

TVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer and is the flagship company of the USD 8.5 billion TVS Group.

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If you have been a journalist in Delhi, even a long retired one like me, people think you know whats happening in the government and the ruling party. They keep asking whats happening? Nearly 99.9 per cent of journalists pretend they know. So they invent things quickly. After all there is no news editor to ask them to substantiate.

But every now and then they get the chance to be totally honest and say I have no idea. Or more simply absolutely nothing is happening. I think this is exactly correct now. After the BJPs humiliating ...
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will not forge an electoral alliance with any political party for the 2022 Punjab assembly polls, party's senior leader said here on Monday.

Chadha, who is AAP's Punjab co-incharge, said his party will contest all the 117 assembly seats on its own.

will fight the 2022 elections on its own. There will be no alliance with any party. And the party will contest all 117 assembly seats on its own and will form the government, said Chadha when asked whether the will enter into an alliance with any political party for the upcoming polls.

He said that all the good people who are in other political parties and who think for Punjab's progress are welcome to join the

Punjab assembly polls are due early next year.

On this occasion, AAP's Punjab unit chief and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann said the party had been opposing the Centre's three farm laws and asserted that till the union government repeals these anti-farmer legislations, Parliament will not be allowed to function.

He dubbed the BJP-led government as arrogant and added that Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was going to rob the states of their rights and deprive them of giving power subsidy to farmers along with other sections.

AAP is also vehemently opposing it, he said.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader from Muktsar Gurmit Singh Khudian on Monday joined the AAP in the presence of Chadha and Mann.

Khudian, son of former Lok Sabha member Jagdev Singh Khudian, joined the party along with his supporters here.

Khudian has been an active Congress leader in the Lambi Assembly constituency.

He was the covering candidate of Amarinder Singh from Lambi constituency in the 2017 assembly elections, the AAP 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.)
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday assured a farmers' delegation that he will soon take up with the Centre their demand for the revision of compensation against land acquired by the NHAI under the 'Bharatmala Pariyojana'.

He also directed the financial commissioner revenue (FCR) to immediately issue detailed instructions to the concerned officials not to credit the compensation amount into farmers' bank accounts against their will, according to a government statement issued here.

The issue relates to 25,000 hectares of land in 15 districts of the state. The land is under the process of acquisition under the 'Bharatmala Pariyojna'.

Multiple expressways, including Delhi-Jammu-Katra, Jamnagar-Amritsar, Ludhiana-Ropar, Bathinda-Dabwali, and Jalandhar and Ludhiana bypass, will be built on this land.

Farmers have rejected the "meagre" compensation awarded by the district revenue officers (DROs), who have been designated as the Competent Authority for Land Acquisitions, for their lands acquired by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the 'Bharatmala Pariyojana'.

The government envisages building 34,800 km of highways at a cost of about Rs 5.35 lakh crore under the ambitious 'Bharatmala Pariyojna'.

Singh met a delegation of Road Kissan Sangharsh Committee here led by its state president Sukhdev Singh Dhillon, the statement said.

During the meeting, the CM assured the farmers' delegation that he will soon meet Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways to raise their demand, it said.

He directed his principal secretary to seek an early appointment with Gadkari and asked the director general of police to ensure that farmers' land is not forcibly seized, it added.

Singh stressed the need to resolve the issue on priority to the satisfaction of farmers, who have been protesting for the past several months, the statement said.

He also directed FCR Ravneet Kaur and Principal Secretary PWD (buildings and roads) Vikas Partap to jointly prepare a comprehensive case, in consultation with the representatives of the committee, to highlight the "glaring discrepancies" in deciding the compensation for the farmers under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, it said.

The CM ruled out the possibility of referring such cases for arbitration as it will unnecessarily lead to an inordinate delay in seeking justice for the farmers, it 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.)
Ending months of speculation over his exit, on Monday stepped down as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, coinciding with his government completing two years in office, even as suspense continues on his successor.

The 78 year-old veteran, who submitted his resignation to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the Raj Bhavan here, said he quit "voluntarily" and will continue to remain active in state

Asserting that he will "hundred per cent" continue in and work to bring back to power from tomorrow itself,the Lingayat strongman said "...there is no question of political retirement for any reason. I'm with the karyakartas and the people."



"The party has nurtured me to this level,most probably no other politician in the country has got the privileges that I have got.

To a question on whether he will accept if there is an offer to make him the Governor, he said "Atal Bihari Vajpayee had offered me to become the central Minister when he was the PM. I had said no.

There is no question of becoming Governor. I will work to strengthen the organisation in I have not asked for any position, nor will I accept it."



Following Monday's developments, the focus now shifts to finding a successor for the veteran, who could lead the government for the remainder of its term and the party to the 2023 assembly polls.

There is no clarity yet as to who the next CM would be.

BJP National General Secretary in-charge of Arun Singh maintained that the decision is left to the party's parliamentary board and the legislature party.

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan is likely to be the central observer at the BJP legislative party meeting, where the new chief minister will be decided, party sources said.

Among the names doing the rounds are Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, BJP national General Secretary C T Ravi, the party's national organising secretary B L Santhosh and the Assembly Speaker Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri.

While Joshi, Santosh and Kageri are Brahmins, Ravi, the MLA from Chikkamagaluru, is a Vokkaliga, another dominant community in the state, mostly concentrated in Southern Karnataka, where the party is trying to make inroads.

If the party looks for replacing Yediyurappa with another leader from the dominant Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, the probables include Mining Minister Murugesh Nirani, Industries Minister Jagadish Shettar and MLAs Arvind Bellad and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal.

While Nirani is a businessman-politician, whose repeated Delhi visits recently have raised eyebrows in party circles, Shettar had earlier served as the Chief Minister.

Bellad and Yatnal are among the disgruntled legislators who were seeking Yediyurappa's ouster.

Among the Ministers who were in the Yediyurappa cabinet, the names of Home Minister Basavaraj S Bommai (Lingayat), Revenue Minister R Ashoka and Deputy CM, C N Ashwath Narayan (Vokkaligas), have also been doing the rounds.

Yediyurappa termed these two years as "trial by fire", pointing out that he had to run the administration without a cabinet in the initial days, followed by devastating floods and the challenge of COVID-19 management, among other issues.

"I had decided to resign two months ago,as we complete two years of our government today. I thought it was apt to resign now and have submitted the resignation to the Governor and he has accepted it," he told reporters emerging from Raj Bhavan.

An official notification from the Governor's office said Gehlot has accepted Yediyurappa's resignation and dissolved the Council of Ministers headed by him, with immediate effect.

It also said that Yediyurappa shall continue to function as Chief Minister till alternate arrangements are made.

Thanking party leaders and the people for giving him an opportunity to serve the state, he said he had no "pressure" from the central leadership in Delhi and quit on his own "voluntarily" to make way for others to serve as CM.

"I will not make any proposal on who should be the next Chief Minister, it is left for the high command to decide.

Whomever they choose, I will cooperate and work with...I don't want to take any names," he said to a question.

Considered the architect of the first ever BJP government to the of Vindhyas, there seems to be no "closure" for Yediyurappa, the party's "comeback man" in Karnataka, as he could never complete a full term in office, despite becoming the Chief Minister for four times, surmounting odds.

From a humdrum existence as a government clerk and a hardware store owner to becoming the Chief Minister four times, Yediyurappa has navigated the choppy waters of with the consummate ease of a seasoned oarsman.

Age is being seen as a primary factor for his exit from the top job as the party wants to make way for a fresh leadership, ahead of the assembly polls in 2023.

Among other contributory factors include rumblings within BJP with complaints about his "authoritative" style of functioning, his younger son and state BJP Vice President B Y Vijayendra's alleged interference in the administration, and allegations of corruption.

The Lingayat strong man's resignation has come, despite pontiffs of various communities rallying behind him and urging the BJP leadership to allow him to complete the term.

A section of leaders, mutts and pontiffs, especially from the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community and also the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, while supporting Yediyurappa, have warned of "bad consequences" for the BJP if he is replaced.

Yediyurappa, who has played an instrumental role in building BJP in Karnataka, had served as its state President, Member of Parliament, MLA and Deputy Chief Minister.

Earlier in the day,speaking at an event organised to mark his government's two years in office at Vidhana Soudha, the seat of state legislature and secretariat here,Yediyurappa had announced his decision to step down, as his voice choked and he turned emotional.

"Not out of grief, but with happiness," he said, as he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda for giving him an opportunity to serve as Chief Minister for two years, despite completing 75 years of age.

There is an unwritten rule in the BJP of keeping out those above 75 years from elected offices.

Thanking the people of Shikaripura constituency for electing him to the assembly for seven terms,Yediyurappa,while speaking to media persons later, said no one in BJP was given the opportunity to hold any position after 75 years, but that he was allowed to become CM, despite crossing that age bar.

Asked about the future of those who had defected from Congress-JD(S) and are now Ministers, as they helped BJP come to power, he said "all are together with us. I am confident that the next chief minister will also cooperate with those who helped in forming this government.All will work together."



Meanwhile, opposition Congress has demanded the ouster of the BJP government in Karnataka instead of the party finding a replacement for Chief Minister Yediyurappa.

"There is no benefit for the common man if one corrupt CM is removed to make another corrupt as CM.

Instead the whole BJP party, which is responsible for the miseries of people, should be ousted," former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, leader of the opposition in the assembly, said.

He said "the power politics" in BJP is unfortunate when people are suffering due to natural calamities.

(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.)
Union agriculture minister on Monday attacked for his demand to scrap the three new farm laws and said the Congress leader should not try to create an atmosphere of anarchy in the country by misleading farmers.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi drove a tractor to Parliament along with other party MPs and demanded that the three contentious farm laws be repealed.

About Gandhi's tractor ride, Tomar said the Congress leader neither has any experience of rural India nor has concern for the poor and the farmers.

Referring to the Congress party's election manifesto of bringing similar farm reforms, Tomar asked Gandhi, a former Congress President, to tell whether Congress was lying in the manifesto or lying "now".

"I want to tell that he should not try to mislead farmers and create an atmosphere of anarchy in the country. Because of such habits and shallow understanding, he is not even a unanimous leader in Congress," the minister said.

On the ongoing farmers' protest at Delhi borders since late November of 2020, Tomar said the unions do not have any proposal and that is why they are not coming forward for discussions with the government.

The minister reiterated that the government was always open to talks with the protesting farmers.

Several farmer unions are protesting against the three farm laws passed by Parliament last September saying the legislations were against the interest of the farming community. They are insisting on repealing the laws. On the other hand, the government has ruled out repealing the laws but is ready to address their objections to provisions in the laws.

In January this year, the Supreme Court suspended implementation of the three farm laws.

Tomar also highlighted that the Modi government has done a lot of work for the benefit of farmers in the last seven years.

Congress leaders said that Gandhi's tractor ride to Parliament was aimed at highlighting the cause of farmers and extending their support to them.

"These laws are aimed at helping only two-three industrialists. The entire country knows for whom these laws have been brought. These laws are not for the benefit of farmers and that is why they have to be withdrawn," Gandhi told reporters.

(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.)
Proceedings of the were adjourned till 2 PM on Monday after members trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans and placards on the Pegasus snooping row and farmers' issue.

The House ran for nearly 30 minutes taking up some questions during the Question Hour when Speaker Om Birla adjourned the proceedings till 2 PM amid continuous din.

As soon as the House met, Birla paid tributes to the armed forces personnel for their valour and sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. Members observed silence for those who made the supreme sacrifice.

He also congratulated Mirabai Chanu for winning a silver in Tokya Olympics.

Soon thereafter, members trooped into the Well raising slogans, disrupting the proceedings.

(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.)
proceedings were on Monday adjourned for almost an hour after continued their protests over various issues including snoop gate and farm laws.

MPs belonging to the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC) and other rushed into the well of the House raising slogans against the government.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said members are being prevented from raising issues of public importance.

"We are becoming helpless day by day," he said before adjourning the proceedings till 12 noon.

Soon after the House paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Kargil war and congratulated Mirabai Chanu for winning a silver medal in Tokyo Olympics, slogan-shouting opposition members trooped into the well of the House.

Amid a din, Naidu said he has not allowed notices under rule 267 by opposition leaders including from Mallikarjun Kharge and K C Venugopal (both Congress), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), TMC's Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Elamaram Kareen (CPI) and others as the issues they want to raise are being discussed in the normal course of time.

Rule 267 provides for setting aside of the business of the day to take up discussion on the issue being sought to be raised.

Naidu did not mention the issues the MPs wanted to raise under rule 267.

He said important public interest issues have been allowed to be raised through zero hour and special mention but "the house is not able to perform its duty... members they are denied an opportunity."



"We are becoming helpless day by day," he said.

Since the start of the monsoon session of last week, zero-hour mentions which members could not raise because of disruption pertained to wide-ranging issues including Covid vaccine, need for time-bound completion of Covid vaccination, unemployment due to the pandemic, problems of students availing higher education, hike in petroleum product prices, freedom of the press, killings of Indians in South Africa and sharing of Cauvery waters between states.

"All these important issues could not be discussed because of this situation," he said, referring to the disruption being caused by the opposition MPs.

"We are becoming helpless. People should know what are the important issues admitted, members were present, they want to speak but they were not permitted by few."



Soon after he adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon.

(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.)
BS Yediyurappa stepped down as chief minister of on Monday, along with his entire council of ministers, but till late in the evening there was no word on who his successor would be.

Usually, when a chief minister changes, his council of ministers stays in place. That the party high command asked all ministers to step down as well indicated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wanted no collateral damage from Yediyurappas resignation, and wanted to give his successor a chance to create his own team.

Although the 78-year-old Yediyurappa, who was in tears while resigning, was in no position to dictate terms, his supporters said all he wanted was honour and dignity as he stepped down. In political terms, he was conveying to the party that he did not want the party to appoint as his replacement, colleagues who had derided and diminished him and had played a part in ousting him.

This includes supporters of BL Santhosh, organising general secretary whom Yediyurappa considers the main man behind his ouster.

Santhosh had a network of loyalists, including KS Eshwarappa, from the Kuruba (shepherd) caste who went to great lengths to mobilize his caste, offering it as a social coalition to fight the might of both Lingayats (Yediyurappa) and Vokkaligas (HD Deve Gowda). Sadananda Gowda, a Vokkaliga and Jagadish Shettar, a fellow Lingayat, had many complaints against Yediyurappa, which they voiced both to Santhosh and others.

However, it was Yediyurappa who engineered the defeat of the JD(S)-Congress government formed after the 2018 assembly elections. The had 105 MLAs; the Congress 78; the Janata Dal Secular 37. tried to form a government, failed and Congress and JDS cobbled together a precarious majority. Yediyurappa managed to bring the government down by engineering defections. It was ministerial berths to the defectors that caused a lot of the heartburn in the BJP and gave rise to dissent. Fifteen rebels caused the HD Kumaraswamy government to fall: 13 from the Congress and three from the JDS. It was Yediyurappa who handled them. Since he became chief minister in this term, Yediyurappa had managed to win several elections for the BJP, including from some constituencies where the BJP has never won before, like in the Hassan-Mandya region of However, although he has been CM four times, he has never managed to complete a full term.

It is not as if he was not expecting to be given marching orders. To soften the blow, one of his associates, Shobha Karandlaje, was made a Union minister in the last shuffle undertaken by the PM. But it is clear that will need sensitive handling by the BJP because Yediyurappas capacity for disruption has been proved in the past.

As a Lingayat with a pan-Karnataka appeal, the party will have to factor in the caste feelings that Yediyurappa evokes. Veterans recall how Rajiv Gandhi sacked, via a letter dictated at the Bangalore airport, Lingayat chief minister Veerendra Patil who was fighting for life after a stroke: a move that cost the Congress in the state. Keeping this in mind, it is highly unlikely that the BJP will appoint a non-Lingayat as successor. The outgoing leader himself has refused to make any suggestions about who should succeed him.
Striking an aggressive stance at the face-to-face talks with the US, on Monday for the first time handed down to Washington a list of demands and remedial actions to be taken by the Biden administration to end the "stalemate" in

Talks between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng and US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to improve the relations got off on a rough note at the northeastern Chinese port city of Tianjin, with Xie launching a blistering attack on Washington, accusing it of being the "owner of coercive diplomacy".

Sherman, the No. 2 diplomat of the US, is the highest-ranking American official to visit since President Joe Biden took office six months ago.

She started her meetings with Xie, who is in-charge of the US- relations, and is due to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a resort hotel in Tianjin.

Besides launching a well-publicised scathing attack on the US, accusing it of "bullying" other countries with "might is right" coercive diplomacy by imposing sanctions, Xie also handed down a "List of US Wrongdoings that Must Stop" and a "List of Key Individual Cases that China Has Concerns".

The list included removal of US sanctions imposed on the Chinese officials and their families and revocation of the Washington's judicial request to Canada to extradite Meng Wanzhou, CFO of Huawei and daughter of its founder Ren Zhengfei, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing.

Meng, who was arrested in Vancouver in 2018 on a bank fraud warrant issued by the previous Trump administration, is still facing trial.

In the list of wrongdoings, China urged the US to revoke the visa restrictions on members of the ruling Communist Party of China and their families unconditionally, revoke the sanctions on Chinese leaders, officials and government agencies, cancel visa restrictions on Chinese students and stop harassing them, stop suppressing Chinese companies and oppression Confucius institutes, he said.

In the second list, China has expressed concern over rejection of visas for Chinese students, the unfair treatment of Chinese citizens and harassment of the Chinese consulates and Embassy in the US and racial attacks on Chinese and Asians.

Sherman arrived in China on Sunday evening from Mongolia. The meeting was held in Tianjin as Beijing is not hosting any foreign dignitaries due to COVID-19 protocols.

On her arrival, she tweeted, "heartfelt condolences (from the United States) to those who have lost loved ones" in severe storms and flooding last week in China's Henan province resulting in the deaths of 69 people.

Monday's pattern of the US-China talks followed the highly contentious first meeting in March in Anchorage, Alaska where Wang and top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi exchanged barbs with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

China also came under immense pressure mounted by the US and allies over the allegations of genocide in Xinjiang over mass detention camps holding thousands of Uyghur Muslims.

The Biden administration's special envoy on climate John Kerry visited Shanghai in April this year for meetings with his Chinese counterpart.

The China-US relationship turned adversarial under previous US President Donald Trump who besides imposing trade sanctions also squarely blamed China for the spread of the coronavirus, which had first emerged in Wuhan in December 2019 and the possibility of it leaking from a bio-lab in the city.

Biden sought to firm up Trump's stern China policy by uniting Washington allies like the EU, Canada, Australia and Japan, which has further riled China.

He had a lengthy phone conversation with Xi after he took over and reports say the two countries may work out plans for a bilateral summit soon.

"I know him pretty well," Biden said earlier and described Xi as "very bright" and "very tough" but without "a democratic, small D, bone in his body", highlighting the autocratic style of functioning of the 68-year-old Chinese leader.

Under pressure especially over the COVID-19, China is drumming up support against independent inquiry by the World Health Organisation (WHO) into the origins of the coronavirus.

China has mounted a massive campaign at home and abroad to avert any such move to facilitate investigators to probe the COVID-19 origins in Wuhan.

Zhao said about 55 countries including Russia, Belarus, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have written to the WHO expressing opposition to the politicisation of the COVID-19 origin.

Ahead of the talks, Wang Yi said on Saturday that China will give the US a "tutorial" on how to treat other nations equally.

"The always wants to exert pressure on other countries by virtue of its own strength, thinking that it is superior to others," he said, according to his comments posted on the foreign ministry website.

"However, I would like to tell the US side clearly that there has never been a country in this world that is superior to others, nor should there be, and China will not accept any country claiming to be superior to others, he said.

In his speech at the talks, Xie said the China-US relationship is in a stalemate, fundamentally because some Americans portray China as an "imagined enemy," and Washington must change the highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy.

"It seems that a whole-of-government and the whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down. It is as if when China's development is contained, all US domestic and external challenges would go away, he said.

The US policy seems to be demanding cooperation when it wants something from China. "China wants to work with the US to seek common ground while shelving the differences," he said.

"After all, a healthy and stable China-US relationship serves the interests of both sides. And the world expects nothing less from the two sides," he added, according to a report by state-run Xinhua news agency.

(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.)
At least 46 Afghan soldiers crossed over and took refuge in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province after losing control of a border post to the Taliban militants along the border, according to media reports on Monday.

The Army said the incident occurred late on Sunday night in Arundu sector in the country's Chitral district when an Afghan National Army (ANA) local Commander requested the Army for refuge and safe passage.

According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 46 soldiers, including five officers, belong to the ANA and Border Police as they were unable to hold their military posts along Pak-Afghan Border due to the evolving security situation in

The Army contacted the Afghan authorities for information and necessary formalities.

After contact with Afghan authorities and necessary military procedures, 46 soldiers including 5 officers have been given refuge/safe passage into Pakistan, the Army said, adding that the Afghan soldiers have been provided food, shelter and necessary medical care as per established military norms.

It said that these soldiers will be returned to the Afghan government authorities in a dignified manner after due process, Dawn newspaper reported.

Ever since the US announced to withdraw its troops from by September, the Taliban has stepped-up its offensive against Afghan security forces, forcing hundreds of soldiers and other officials to seek refuge in the neighbouring Pakistan, Iran and Tajikistan.

In a similar incident on July 1, at least 35 Afghan soldiers had requested the Pakistan Army for refuge/safe passage due to inability to hold their military post along Pak- Border.

They were also given a safe passage into Pakistan and handed over to the Afghan government authorities after due procedure, according to the Army.

The Afghan troops have lately come under a lot of pressure from the Taliban. Earlier in July, more than 1,000 Afghan security personnel fled across the border into Tajikistan following the Taliban attacks.

(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.)
Upping the ante in her tense faceoff with the Centre over the Pegasus controversy, Chief Minister on Monday announced a two-member inquiry commission to go into the allegations of snooping on politicians, officials and journalists.

The surprise development came shortly before the TMC supremo boarded a flight for New Delhi where she will hold parleys with opposition leaders to explore ways to cobble together an alliance of anti-BJP parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Former chief justice of Calcutta High Court Jyotirmay Bhattacharya and ex-Supreme Court judge Madan Bhimrao Lokur are the two members of the commission.

"The Cabinet today approved the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry in exercise of power conferred by Section 3 of the Commission of Inquiry Act of 1952 in the matter of widely reported illegal hacking, monitoring, putting under surveillance, tracking and recording of mobile phones of various persons in West Bengal," she said.

"They will look into who all are involved in this hacking issue and how they are doing this illegal activity. And also how they are keeping others mum," she told a press conference before leaving for New Delhi, where she is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Under the Commission of Inquiry Act both the Centre and states can institute a probe.

However, if the central government has ordered such an inquiry, "no state government shall, except with the approval of the central government, appoint another commission to inquire into the same matter for so long as the commission appointed by the central government is functioning," the Act says.

It also says that if a state government has ordered an inquiry, "the central government shall not appoint another commission to inquire into the same matter for so long as the commission appointed by the state government is functioning, unless the central government is of opinion that the scope of the inquiry should be extended to two or more states".

The chief minister's move is likely to be seen as an attempt by her to force the Centre's hand to order a wider probe as the potential targets in the list include people from several states.

"We had hoped that the Centre would form an inquiry commission or a court-monitored probe would be ordered to look into this phone-hacking incident. But the Centre is sitting idle... So we decided to form a Commission of Inquiry to look into the matter. is the first state to take a step in this matter," she said.

Banerjee said the penel will try to find out who all are involved in hacking the phones and how are they doing it. Also, it is important to look into the steps that have been taken to stop this illegal activity, the chief minister.

"Sometimes, you need to wake up some people when they are sleeping. I believe that this small step taken by us (West Bengal government) will awaken others... I will request Justice Bhattacharya and Lokur saheb to immediately start the investigation.

"Names of people from West Bengal have figured on the Pegasus target list. There are journalists from West Bengal whose phones have been tapped. We also need to find out who all in the judiciary got affected by this spyware," she added.

A massive political row has erupted after media reports claimed that the Pegasus spyware was used to infiltrate phones and conduct surveillance on political leaders, government officials and journalists.

According to reports, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, a nephew of the chief minister, and poll strategist Prashant Kishor were among the potential targets of the spyware during the assembly elections in West Bengal.

Banerjee had latched on to the massive controversy last Wednesday when she accused the Modi government of trying to establish a "surveillance state", and pitched for opposition unity to oust the "authoritarian" BJP government in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

While addressing the TMC's Martyrs' Day rally, she had also made a passionate appeal to the Supreme Court to take cognizance of the controversy on its own and order a probe, pleading "only the judiciary can save the country".

"All those opposed to the BJP and its authoritarian regime should defeat it. BJP has taken the country to darkness. We all have to come forward to take it to new light," the Bengal leader had said as a galaxy of opposition leaders sat at the Constitution Club in the capital where screens were put up to relay her speech.

Among them were senior Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Digvijaya Singh, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, DMK's Tiruchi Siva, RJD's Manoj K Jha, Ramgopal Yadav of Samajwadi Party, Sanjay Singh of AAP, TRS's Keshava Rao, Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi and Akali Dal's Balwinder Singh Bhunder.

Banerjee's visit to the capital, her first after assuming the reins of West Bengal for a third straight term, will likely see her try to carry forward the agenda of opposition unity with the Pegasus row lending a helping hand.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Elizabeth Culliford

(Reuters) - A counterterrorism organization formed by some of the biggest U.S. tech companies including and Microsoft is significantly expanding the types of extremist content shared between firms in a key database, aiming to crack down on material from white supremacists and far-right militias, the group told Reuters.

Until now, the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism's (GIFCT) database has focused on videos and images from terrorist groups on a United Nations list and so has largely consisted of content from Islamist extremist organizations such as Islamic State, al Qaeda and the Taliban.

Over the next few months, the group will add attacker manifestos - often shared by sympathizers after white supremacist violence - and other publications and links flagged by U.N. initiative Tech Against Terrorism. It will use lists from intelligence-sharing group Five Eyes, adding URLs and PDFs from more groups, including the Proud Boys, the Three Percenters and neo-Nazis.

The firms, which include Twitter and Alphabet Inc's YouTube, share "hashes," unique numerical representations of original pieces of content that have been removed from their services. Other platforms use these to identify the same content on their own sites in order to review or remove it.

While the project reduces the amount of extremist content on mainstream platforms, groups can still post violent images and rhetoric on many other sites and parts of the internet.

The tech group wants to combat a wider range of threats, said GIFCT's Executive Director Nicholas Rasmussen in an interview with Reuters.

"Anyone looking at the terrorism or extremism landscape has to appreciate that there are other parts... that are demanding attention right now," Rasmussen said, citing the threats of far-right or racially motivated violent extremism.

The tech platforms have long been criticized for failing to police violent extremist content, though they also face concerns over censorship. The issue of domestic extremism, including white supremacy and militia groups, took on renewed urgency https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-administration-unveils-plan-tackle-domestic-terrorism-2021-06-15 following the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Fourteen companies can access the GIFCT database, including Reddit, Snapchat-owner Snap, Facebook-owned Instagram, Verizon Media, Microsoft's LinkedIn and file-sharing service Dropbox.

GIFCT, which is now an independent organization, was created in 2017 under pressure from U.S. and European governments after a series of deadly attacks in Paris and Brussels. Its database mostly contains digital fingerprints of videos and images related to groups on the U.N. Security Council's consolidated sanctions list and a few specific live-streamed attacks, such as the 2019 mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand.

GIFCT has faced criticism and concerns from some human and digital rights groups over centralized or over-broad censorship.

"Over-achievement in this takes you in the direction of violating someone's rights on the internet to engage in free expression," said Rasmussen.

Emma Llanso, director of Free Expression at the Center for Democracy & Technology, said in a statement: "This expansion of the GIFCT hash database only intensifies the need for GIFCT to improve the transparency and accountability of these content-blocking resources."

"As the database expands, the risks of mistaken takedown only increase," she added.

The group wants to continue to broaden its database to include hashes of audio files or certain symbols and grow its membership. It recently added home-rental giant Airbnb and email marketing company Mailchimp as members.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Culliford in New York; Editing by Kenneth Li, Lisa Shumaker and Rosalba O'Brien)

(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.)
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 26 (ANI/BusinessWire India): In a sign of continuing confidence in India's $2 billion ice cream industry, iconic American ice cream brand Cold Stone Creamery has opened its 31st outlet in the country at Chennai's Express Avenue Mall.

With a network of six stores in Chennai alone, Cold Stone Creamery - known for crafting the creamiest ice creams that are 100 percent vegetarian, is betting big on the favorable response that the brand has received across India, with people of all ages queuing up to taste the unique flavors on offer.

The brand has been brought to India by Tablez - the Abu Dhabi based organized retail and F & B group, and on the occasion of the launch, Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director, Tablez, said," Cold Stone Creamery has grown into a local favorite with the people of Chennai, and the opening of the new outlet is part of our vision to introduce the iconic ice cream brand to more dessert lovers who seek authentic world-class ice cream over mass produced items. We are confident that our new outlet will delight customers with the same level of quality and taste that Cold Stone Creamery has come to be known for globally."

The new outlet, which aims to be the go-to destination for the city's dessert enthusiasts, will be introducing the lychee flavor, along with serving ice cream cakes, shakes, smoothies, and sorbets.

Keeping the present health situation in mind, the vaccinated team of the new store have put in place all necessary Covid safety measures to ensure customers have complete peace of mind while enjoying the choicest dessert items on offer.

This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)

DISCLAIMER

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Irish document and information management provider, Kefron today announced the results of its 2021 Smarter Office Survey, revealing how Irish businesses are navigating the challenges of adapting their offices to the realities of the post-COVID environment. The survey was undertaken in May and June 2021 amongst 77 companies across multiple sectors in Ireland including financial, legal, public sector, business services, medical and pharmaceutical.

The survey carried out in May of this year revealed that 79% of businesses were planning for only a partial return to the physical office in the recovery phase of the pandemic, with only 2 in 10 businesses currently seeking to fully return to the office in the coming months. When reflecting on the experience of a year of remote working, 38% of business reported seeing no change in productivity, 36% seeing an increase and 26% seeing a decrease.

In light the continuing demand for flexible working arrangements post-COVID, almost three-quarters of respondents agreed that accelerating the move to a smarter office, which enables employees to work from home or in-person, will be crucial to their organisations future success.

According to the new survey, the main obstacles facing businesses in reframing the role of the office this year include a continued leadership focus on mitigating the short-term challenges posed by the pandemic (35%), outdated work practices (23%), an absence of a digital strategy (12%) and a lack of in-house skills and expertise (8%).

Business leaders expressed a range of priorities for the remainder of 2021. Twenty eight percent of respondents agreed that maintaining a connected workforce will be their top priority, while 26% said that simplifying processes and work practices within the office will be the number one concern. This was followed by driving business efficiencies (13%) and improving productivity (12%).

Commenting on the research, Managing Director of Kefron, Paul Kearns said, "Our survey findings indicate that the Irish business landscape is going through a major transitional moment, especially with regard to how organisations think about the physical office. With the vast majority of businesses preparing for a partial, rather than full, return to the office, its now clear that the office will no longer confined to just four walls. It is becoming a hybrid space where employees can access information from any location securely so they can do their best work."

He added, "Business leaders voiced a number of concerns about the future of a smarter office, especially as it relates to employee collaboration and the threat of cyber-attacks. Going forward, the challenge for organisations of all sizes will be to develop robust systems that increase efficiency, reduce environmental damage, meet the needs of employees and customers alike, and protect their data from various existing and future risks. These concerns should be at the heart of each businesss plan as they embrace the smart office in 2021 and beyond."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
EML Extends Its Contract With PTA At 75 Malls In Italy, France and Spain For Five Years
Chinas Gong Lijiao and Su Bingtian had a memorable day Sunday at the Tokyo Olympics. Gong won gold with a personal best of 20.58 meters in the womens shot put, which helped Chinas track and field team bag its first medal at the Games. Meanwhile, Su broke the Asian record for the mens 100-meter, running the semifinal in 9.83 seconds, making him the first Asian man in 89 years to qualify for the 100-meter final

Aug 02, 2021 05:10 PM
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Ken Westphal, center, an officer with the Lacey Police Dept. and an instructor at the Washington state Criminal Justice Training Commission, works with cadets LeAnne Cone, of the Vancouver Police Dept., and Kevin Burton-Crow, right, of the Thurston Co. Sheriff's Dept., during a training exercise Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Burien, Wash. Washington state is embarking on a massive experiment in police reform and accountability following the racial justice protests that erupted after George Floyd's murder last year, with nearly a dozen new laws that took effect Sunday, July 25, but law enforcement officials remain uncertain about what they require in how officers might respond  or not respond  to certain situations, including active crime scenes and mental health crises. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
If Bogue Inlet were to become a federally protected water body, a recently revised policy would make it difficult to dredge there or relocate the channel, as Emerald Isle did in 2005 to stop erosion at The Point. (Town of Emerald Isle photo)
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Photo: The Canadian Press RCMP officers approach an anti-logging blockade in Caycuse, B.C. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jen Osborne

LAKE COWICHAN, B.C. - The Mounties in British Columbia say protesters breaching an injunction against blockades set up to prevent old-growth logging on southern Vancouver Island cut 18 trees.

In a news release late Saturday, police say RCMP Chief Supt. John Brewer found the trees had been cut with chainsaws and laid across a road to block vehicle access.

It says one person was also found to be smoking a cigarette surrounded by dry and tinder forest.

The Fairy Creek Watershed area protesters known as the Rainforest Flying Squad did not immediately return request for comment.

The RCMP also say 16 people were arrested, including one for allegedly assaulting a police officer, bringing the total number of people to 494.

Last month, the B.C. government approved the request of three Vancouver Island First Nations and deferred logging of about 2,000 hectares of old-growth forest in the Fairy Creek and central Walbran areas for two years, but the protests are continuing.

The Rainforest Flying Squad say very little of the best old-growth forest remains in B.C., and the deferrals fall short of protecting what's left.
Photo: CTV Vancouver

The University of British Columbia Alma Mater Society is urging UBC to tighten up COVID-19 measures before the return to in-person learning this fall.

To date, UBC's guidelines state that students living in on-campus residences will not be required to be vaccinated, and masks will not be mandatory in indoor spaces like lecture halls.

The leaders of the AMS, which represents the more than 56,000 students who are currently enrolled at UBC, have written a letter to UBC executives and the board of directors, calling for change.

According to CTV Vancouver, the letter is asking universitys leaders to go beyond the provinces basic COVID-19 guidance.

There is no doubt that the university is aligned with the public health office, the letter reads. There is also no doubt that it is unacceptable for UBC, an institution that prides itself as a leader across the country, to only be doing the bare minimum in ensuring the safety and security of its students, staff and faculty.

In 2020, UBC mandated masks on campus before B.C. health officials did, but now the university says it will be aligned with provincial guidance moving forward.

"There are no vaccines in Canada that are mandatory, and it's been recommended that post-secondary institutions dont introduce prevention measures that are different from those recommended by the provincial health officer, said Matthew Ramsey, UBCs director of university affairs.

We are very much recommending and encouraging members of our community to get the vaccine, Ramsey added. That includes students, faculty and staff, but we are not making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory.

The University of Victoria and Simon Fraser University have also declined to make vaccinations mandatory.

-With files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: The Canadian Press

Three former executives of CannTrust Holdings Inc. accused of securities charges related to an unlicensed growing scandal had their case remanded by an Ontario court until September.

During a virtual court session Monday, justice of the peaceWarren Ralphagreed to remand the case involving the cannabis company's former chief executive Peter Aceto, former vice-chairman Mark Litwin, and former chairman Eric Paul to Sept. 20.

Aceto, Paul and Litwin, who each face charges of fraud, making false or misleading statements and authorizing, permitting or acquiescing in the commission of an offence, were scheduled to have a first appearance at the Old City Hall court on Monday.

Litwin and Paul are also facing insider trading charges and Litwin and Aceto are charged with making a false prospectus and false preliminary prospectus.

The quasi-criminal charges were announced in June by the Ontario Securities Commission, roughly three years after CannTrust was found to be growing thousands of kilograms of cannabis in unlicensed rooms.

The OSC and Royal Canadian Mounted Police have claimed the accused did not disclose to investors that about 50 per cent of the growing space at CannTrust's Pelham, Ont. facility was not licensed by Health Canada and that they allegedly used corporate disclosures to assert that they were compliant with regulatory approvals.

They also allege that Litwin and Aceto signed off on prospectuses used to raise money in the U.S., which stated that CannTrust was fully licensed and compliant with regulatory requirements, and that Litwin and Paul traded shares of CannTrust while in possession of material, undisclosed information regarding the unlicensed growing.

Aceto was terminated for cause by CannTrust's board in July 2019, Paul resigned in response to a demand from the company's board at the same time and Litwin resigned in March 2021.

Dihim Emami, counsel for the Ontario Securities Commission, told the court Monday that a remand was being sought following discussions between himself and the accused's' lawyers.

"We have received initial disclosure in this matter and received it in a more accessible format just this past Friday," said Gerald Chan, a lawyer representing Paul.

"It's fairly voluminous and so we are going to need some time to digest what's been provided and for this reason, agreed with our friends to put this over to Sept. 20."

Anyone convicted of an Ontario Securities Act violation can be sentenced to up to five years in jail, issued a fine of up to $5 million, or both.

Chan previously told The Canadian Press in an email that the evidence will show (Paul) did nothing wrong," while Aceto's lawyer Frank Addario has said his client is looking forward to a hearing "where the evidence will show that he acted with integrity at all times."

Litwin's lawyer Scott Fenton has said his client will "vigorously dispute" the charges because he "knows that at all times he fully complied with his legal obligations, including those under the Securities Act."
Photo: Asiawire

Chinese social media influencer and TikTok star Xiao Qiumei has died after falling 160 feet from a crane while recording a livestream video, in Quzhou, China.

According to Business Insider, the 23-year-old was videoing herself in a crane cabin when she fell.

Qiumei is well known for sharing videos of her job as a crane operator on social media.

The 23-year-old was seen speaking into the camera when she fell. Eyewitness reports indicate seeing the phone in her hand during the fall and video shows the camera suddenly switched to blurry images of equipment flying past the lens.

Qiumei had two children and her family has confirmed her death, stating that she fell as a result of a misstep.

Five people lost their lives in a tragic crane collapse in Kelowna two weeks ago. Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook, Brad Zawislak and Eric and Patrick Stemmer were all killed after what was described as a catastrophic crane failure.

-with files from Business Insider
Photo: The Canadian Press Leader of the People's Party of Canada Maxime Bernier takes part in a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on April 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

A former Conservative cabinet minister who began a new political party says his defamation suit against a prominent political commentator and strategist should be allowed to proceed.

People's Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier alleges Warren Kinsella repeatedly branded him as a racist in articles, blog posts and on social media in the run-up to the October 2019 federal election.

David Shiller, a lawyer for Kinsella, is arguing in Ontario Superior Court the suit from Bernier is a strategic action intended to silence expression in the public interest.

Strategic lawsuits against public participation  known as SLAPPs  are levied against people or organizations that take a position on an issue, with the aim of limiting their free speech.

Shiller told the court in June that Kinsella's style is caustic and direct, but that does not mean his speech or expression is entitled to any less protection.

Andre Marin, a lawyer for Bernier, said in response Monday that Kinsella is trying to avoid the grip of the legal system.

Kinsella is relying on anti-SLAPP provisions to deny Bernier his right to a trial on the merits of the case, Marin told the court Monday.

"This naked motion is an abuse of the court's process. It's all sizzle but no steak," Marin said.

"Mr. Kinsella, obviously, is terrified, and rightfully so, heading to trial without evidence that Mr. Bernier is racist."

After hearing arguments from each side, Justice Calum MacLeod said he would rule at a later date whether the action can continue.

Ontario's anti-SLAPP provisions place an initial burden on the defendant in a lawsuit to satisfy a judge that the proceeding arises from an expression relating to a matter of public interest.

The onus then shifts to the plaintiff, in this case Bernier, who must show there are grounds to believe the lawsuit has substantial merit and the defendant has no valid defence.

The plaintiff must also demonstrate that the harm suffered, and the public interest in allowing the proceeding to continue, outweigh the public interest in safeguarding the expression.

Bernier was a high-profile member of the Conservative party before founding the upstart People's Party, which failed to win a seat in the 2019 election.

Bernier indirectly attributed his performance and that of his fledgling party to what he characterized as Kinsella's repeated attacks, according to a statement of claim filed last year.

The claim also alleged the remarks in question were made in the context of a broader effort to publicly discredit Bernier.

Kinsella's Daisy Consulting Group had been paid by a lawyer who was a member of the Conservative Party to run an anti-Bernier public relations campaign for a six-week period ending June 29, 2019. Kinsella says Daisy was already engaged in such work in any event, and did not take any direction from the lawyer or submit any work for his review.

While campaigning as People's Party leader, Bernier spoke out against what he called "extreme multiculturalism," saying Canadians don't need legislation to tell them who they are. He promised to drastically reduce immigration as a way of ensuring newcomers can effectively integrate.

Shiller said Monday that Bernier cannot show he suffered harm because of anything Kinsella wrote about him.

In arguments last month, Shiller stressed the importance of public comment on someone running for high political office, saying it "weighs very, very heavily. I'm not going to go as far as to say that it can never be outweighed, but it's a heavy stone on the scale."

He denounced the notion of a political candidate being able to put forward extreme views "in couched language and dog whistles and the like, and no one's allowed to call you out on it."
In last week's Gospel, Jesus sent the apostles out two by two to proclaim the Kingdom. Now they return, eager to report their progress and the graces they encountered.

As Jesus listens, He urges them (perhaps because they are so overjoyed) to come away and rest awhile, for they have labored long. In so doing, Jesus also teaches us about prayer. Let's consider four teachings on prayer that are evident in today's Gospel.

I. The Practice of Praise-Filled Prayer

As the text opens, the apostles are with Jesus, joyfully recounting all they experienced on their missionary journey. In a similar text in Luke (10:17), the apostles return rejoicing, saying that even demons are subject to them (through Jesus' name). Thus, their first instinct is joyful gratitude before the Lord.

Is your prayer filled with praise and thanksgiving? Are you grateful to God for all He has done? Do you tell God what is happening in your life and give Him thanks for all He has enabled you to do?

Too many people think of prayer only in relation to petition, but praise is also an essential component. When Jesus began His instruction on prayer, He said, When you pray, say, "Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name" (Mat 6:9). In other words, "Father, your name is holy. You are a great God, a wonderful God. You can do all things and I praise you! Thank you, Father; your name is holy, and you are holy."

Praise the Lord. Thank Him for what He is doing and tell Him everything that you are experiencing. Scripture says that we were made for the praise of his glory (Eph. 1:16). So, praise the Lord in your prayer. How? Take a psalm of praise. Pray or sing the Gloria from Mass. Sing or recite a hymn. No matter how you do it, praise Him!

II. The Peace of Personal Prayer

Jesus invites the apostles to come away by themselves to a quiet place and rest for a while. Most people don't think of their personal prayer as a privileged invitation from the Lord, nor do they think of it as rest.

Yet, consider that the Lord invites us to come aside and spend personal and private time with Him. Most people would relish personal attention from a famous person. Why not from the Lord? An old song says, "What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer."

Note the description of this time as "rest." Most people think of prayer more as a task than as a time of rest. Yet to pray is to rest, to withdraw from this world for a brief time and enjoy the Lord's presence. Scripture says, For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, "In repentance and rest you will be saved. In quietness and trust is your strength" (Is 30:15).

An old hymn says,

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!

That calls me from a world of care,

And bids me at my Father's throne

Make all my wants and wishes known.

In seasons of distress and grief,

My soul has often found relief,

And oft escaped the tempter's snare,

By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Learn to think of prayer as quiet time, as rest with the Lord, when He soothes, strengthens, refreshes, and blesses us.

III. The Primacy of Prioritized Prayer

The text says that people were coming in great numbers seeking the attention of the Lord and the apostles; they could not even get a moment to eat!

There is no doubt that the people had critical needs. They needed to be taught, healed, fed, and cared for in many ways. Yet despite this Jesus said, in effect, "We have to get away from all this for a while." He directed the apostles to go off in the boat to a deserted place.

Indeed, one of the few places they could "get away" was out on the water. There, the crowds could not follow them, and they could be alone and quiet for a short time.

Jesus made prayer a priority. Scripture says of Him, "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). Scripture also speaks of Him rising early to pray (Mark 1:35), praying late into the night (Matt 14:23), praying all night long (Luke 6:12), and praying in the mountains (Matt 14:23) and other deserted places.

If we are going to engage in the work to which God has called us, we need to be replenished and refreshed daily by spending time with Him.

Understanding prayer as rest helps us to understand why prayer must be a priority in our lives. If we are going to engage in the work to which God has called us, we need to be replenished and refreshed daily by spending time with Him.

If we were to engage in physical work without ever stopping to rest, we would collapse. The spiritual life has a similar law. Resting with God in prayer fills us with His presence, grace, and strength so that we can be equipped, empowered, and enabled unto the tasks that He has given us.

No one can give or share what he does not have, so if we aren't praying and experiencing God's presence, how can we share it? To share grace, we must first receive it. To speak the Word, we must first receive it. To witness to the Lord, we must first know Him.

Jesus often had to hide in order to pray. Sometimes the only quiet place He could find was out on the lake, but He did make time for prayer. He invites the apostles and us to do the same, not only despite the busyness of life, but because of it.

A Brief Story

A priest friend of mine told me that back in the 1970s he once gave spiritual direction to a religious sister. At that time, it was common for people to say, "My work is my prayer." When this priest inquired about the good sister's prayer life she answered, "Oh, I'm too busy to pray, but that's OK because my work is my prayer; that's my spirituality." He replied, "Sister, if you're not praying, you don't have a spirituality." He got her to start praying for one hour a day. Some years later, he ran into her at the airport. By now, she had moved on to become a major superior in her order. "How are you doing, Mother?" he asked. "Oh," she replied, "I am very busy!" He cringed, but then she added, "I'm so busy these days that I have to spend two hours a day praying!"

Now there's a smart woman! When we're being foolish we say, "I'm too busy to pray." When we're smart we say, "I'm so busy that I need to pray more."

Jesus made prayer a priority. Prayer is the rest that strengthens us for the task; it is the refreshment that gives us new vigor and zeal.

IV. The Power of Pious Prayer

The text says that after Jesus spent this time alone with the apostles on the boat, they reached the other shore. Sure enough, the crowd was there waiting for them, but Jesus and the apostles had been refreshed and were now well-rested. Jesus, renewed and refreshed, saw the vast crowd and began to teach them at great length.

In drawing close to God, who is love, we are better equipped to love others.

Prayer has that effect. In drawing close to God, who is love, we are better equipped to love others. Jesus, though He never lacked love for them, models this renewal for us. The text says that upon seeing the crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them. The Greek word translated as "pity" is  (splagchnizomai), which means "to be moved with compassion." The word "pity" often carries with it a condescending tone, but what happens here is that Jesus sees them, loves them, and has compassion for their state. The religious leaders in Jerusalem have largely abandoned them, considering them "the great unwashed," but Jesus loves them and teaches them at great length.

It often takes many years and a lot of prayer to equip our hearts in this way. One of the signs that grace and prayer are having their effect is that our love for others, even for the multitudes, grows deeper, more compassionate, more patient, and more merciful. This takes great prayer and long hours of sitting at the Lord's feet learning from Him.

Here is the power that prayer bestows: we are more fully equipped for our mission, more zealous, and more loving. The rest afforded by prayer rejuvenates our better nature and helps it to grow.

So, here are four teachings on prayer. Jesus found time to pray; He made it a priority. How about you?
Dr. Anthony Fauci said July 25 that the US is "going in the wrong direction" as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise, particularly among unvaccinated Americans.
LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Ltd releases new cement bag

26 July 2021

LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Ltd (Holcim group) has unveiled new look of its premium cement brand 'Holcim Strong Structure' which is now available in all the markets. Rajesh Surana, CEO of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Ltd, unveiled the new bag design through a virtual programme.

Holcim Strong Structure is the most popular cement in the premium-quality segment, recommended to individual house builders for use due to its premium quality.

Rajesh Surana said "LafargeHolcim Bangladesh always emphasizes on innovation and customer satisfaction. As a part of this, we are unveiling the new look of our Holcim Strong Structure bag. The new look of the bag is really attractive and reflects our stronger brand image and product differentiation which shall be further emphasized by the new bag. We are committed to provide best product for our customers to build their dream homes."

Published under
Pakistan cement producers looking at Afghanistan for coal

ICR Newsroom By 26 July 2021

Due to a spike in the price of coal imported from overseas countries, cement companies in Pakistan are considering the import of coal from Afghanistan.



Afghan coal is cheaper compared to the coal imported through sea links from other countries including South Africa, said Taurus Securities analyst Mustajab Ali Kazmi. Although the quality of Afghan coal is a bit inferior than the one imported from other countries, the companies resort to buying cheaper coal to increase margins.



However, some cement producers said that Afghan coal would not be able to cater for Pakistans requirements. All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association Secretary, General Shahzad Ahmed, said Afghan could not meet the needs of Pakistani cement producers and urged the government to develop coal import facilities and improve port capacity.



Current average capacity utilisation by cement players in the north hovers around 85 per cent, said Mr Kazmi. We expect demand to remain upbeat in the north and capacity utilisation to maximise. He highlighted that higher international coal prices could impact industry margins in the near future. Coal prices tend to impact fuel and power costs, which are a major part of cement production. Coal prices have risen from US$70/t at the beginning of FY20-21 to US$137/t currently.

Published under
A South Boston woman convicted of manslaughter gets the maximum sentence; A convicted Pittsylvania County killer will be sentenced later this week; Lawmakers debate how Virginia will spend COVID relief money; A unique piece of Danville's history gets a historic marker.
I sensed something evil this way comes when, in the middle of my Morning Readings on Sunday I went to the Orlando Sentinels website to peer in on the recent surge of COVID-19 virus. There is a new Delta variant that has just hit Florida and I wondered how bad it was. Apparently those who are vaccinated have a good resistance but for those who are not, it is pretty scary.



I had no idea how scary. Mind you, Florida has a population of 19.1 million people with a 60 percent vaccination rate. Tennessee has a population of 7 million with a 44 percent vaccination rate. Get this: Florida is off the charts, with 10 times more cases in less than a month. Four weeks ago, Florida was averaging about 1,500 new cases a day; now it is 13,256. Thats more than the entire nation has been averaging on a slow day in June.



So, I checked Tennessee on the COVID dashboard and last week we had 7,844 new cases  a jump of 145 percent from a week ago. Tennessee deaths are 131 (about a 300 percent increase) and it is obvious, even to someone a thick as myself, it is just a matter of time when Delta variant  already here - ignites a surge similar to Floridas in Tennessee. And, remember, we have 20 percent fewer vaccinated than Florida.



Believe me, this isnt political and this isnt hype. These are real-life figures from two states away, and I am a realist. Florida hospitals are beginning to limit elective surgeries and ban visitors and the one thing any of us can do is get the vaccine as fast as you can. Virtually all of Floridas hospital admissions are those who are not vaccinated.



Here an excerpt of how the Orlando Sentinel described Thursdays weekly report from the states Department of Health:



* * *



282 COVID DEATHS, MORE THAN 73,000 CASES LAST WEEK



The state Department of Health reported 73,166 new coronavirus cases this week among Florida residents to bring the cumulative total to 2,479,975. With 282 more fatalities, 38,670 Florida residents are now dead.



This weeks 282 deaths are up from the 231 last week, but deaths can take several days or weeks to be reported. Cases, though, jumped by more than 27,000 week over week, and positivity jumped as well to more than 15 percent.



The jump in weekly positive cases has not been seen since the end of January when the state was in the midst of a massive surge in positivity (testing) and COVID-related deaths, but also within the first months of vaccine availability. Reported deaths have been climbing the last three weeks, but are not near the January and February tolls that saw more than 1,000 weekly reported deaths several times.



Of note, the new state reports deal only with Florida resident cases  instead of residents and non-residents combined  because the non-resident numbers are no longer available in the new reports.



Across the state, hospitalizations are rising with 5,548 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 for the seven-day period from July 15-21, according to the latest White House report. In comparison, 3,652 were hospitalized the previous week. The week before that, it was 2,369.



Statewide, 11,469,755 residents, or 60 percent of ages 12 and up, have received at least one vaccination shot, including 9,914,406, who have completed their shot regimens. The count is a snapshot through July 22.



Statewide, the latest weekly positivity (testing) rate reported by the Florida Department of Health was 15.1 percent, but thats for new cases only and excludes anyone who previously tested positive. That is up from 11.5 percent reported last week.

To me, these numbers are astounding. Image: from 2,369 hospitalizations to a documented 5,548 in just two weeks and Floridas battle is far from over. The experts say Floridas delta variant is still gaining momentum and the most ominous feature is the most glaring - only those who are not vaccinated are getting sick.

* * *

So, heres the deal  and it is this simple. Take the vaccine or take your chances. Last week in Florida there were 5,548 who were hospitalized and some of those will die. Yes, if you take the first shot tomorrow your odds arent as good as somebody who is fully vaccinated but they are better than somebody who is not.

* * *

WHERE TO GET THE VACCINE THIS WEEK

The Hamilton County Health Department is offering (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccination events at multiple locations this week. There is no charge. No appointment is necessary and anyone 12 years of age and older is eligible. The vaccination event calendar is available at vaccine.hamiltontn.gov . Visit the webpage frequently as new events are added throughout the week. The COVID-19 hotline is available to answer your questions at 423-209-8383.

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

* -- Tennessee Riverpark

4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

9AM-6PM

* -- Hamilton County Health Department Back-to-School Event

921 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

8AM-4PM

* -- Sequoyah Health Center Back-to-School Event

9527 W Ridge Trail Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379

8AM-4PM

* -- Spero Health

7030 Lee Hwy. Suite 201, Chattanooga, TN 37421

3PM-5PM

- - -

TUESDAY JULY 27, 2021

Tennessee Riverpark

4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

9AM-6PM

* -- Hamilton County Health Department Back-to-School Event

921 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

8AM-4PM

* -- Sequoyah Health Center Back-to-School Event

9527 W Ridge Trail Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379

8AM-4PM

- - -

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

* -- Tennessee Riverpark

4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

9AM-6PM

* -- Hamilton County Health Department Back-to-School Event

921 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

8AM-4PM

* -- Sequoyah Health Center Back-to-School Event

9527 W Ridge Trail Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379

8AM-4PM

* -- Ooltewah Health Center Back-to-School Event

5520 High St, Ooltewah, TN 37363

8AM-4PM

* -- Birchwood Clinic

5625 TN-60 Birchwood, TN 37308

8AM-3:30PM

- - -

THURSDAY JULY 29, 2021

* -- Tennessee Riverpark

4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

9AM-6PM

* -- Hamilton County Health Department Back-to-School Event

921 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

8AM-4PM

* -- Sequoyah Health Center Back-to-School Event

9527 W Ridge Trail Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379

8AM-4PM

* -- Ooltewah Health Center Back-to-School Event

5520 High St, Ooltewah, TN 37363

8AM-4PM

- - -

FRIDAY JULY 30, 2021

* -- Tennessee Riverpark

4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

9AM-6PM

* -- Hamilton County Health Department Back-to-School Event

921 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

8AM-4PM

* -- Sequoyah Health Center Back-to-School Event

9527 W Ridge Trail Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379

8AM-4PM

* -- La Paz

1402 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404

1PM-3PM

- - -

SATURDAY JULY 31, 2021

* -- Tennessee Riverpark

4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402

9AM-3PM

* -- Hamilton County Health Department Back-to-School Event

921 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

8AM-12PM

To accelerate the vaccination process, print and complete the vaccine encounter form available under the handouts tab at vaccine.hamiltontn.gov

COVID VACCINES ARE also immediately available at no charge at most Walgreens stores, Walmarts, and CVS Pharmacies on walk-up demand.




Hannah Spear representing Africa Freedom Mission was the special guest on Sunday at the Calvary Bible Church, 4001 Mountain Creek Road.

Ms. Spear recently returned from a missions trip to Luska, Zambia in Africa. She said she had the opportunity to work with a lot of young children and teens introducing them to Jesus Christ. She said the organization was able to get medical help for some of the children.

Dr. Bill Henry, church pastor, presented her with a certificate of appreciate on behalf of the church congregation. Dr. Henry commended Ms. Spear for spending part of her summer to help children learn about the Gospel. Ms. Spears grandmother Dale serves as church organist.
Hamilton County Schools and the city of Chattanooga on Monday announced their Community Forward Schools Partnership, which "utilizes a holistic approach to tailor support, provide opportunities and remove barriers to student learning and family wellness."

The city will pay for some personnel in the schools who aim to connect families to resources in the community.

Officials said, "Community schools use academic and non-academic data to respond to whole-child and whole-family needs. Their mission is to remove barriers to learning by identifying needs, cultivating relationships, and aligning supports to ensure students and families flourish."

We know our students will have significant needs when they return to school, and the city is positioned well to help connect kids and families to services they need, said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. Im proud to live in a community where the city and county work together to help all children thrive and experience a future without limits.

Officials said, "The integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement lead to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. Community schools offer a personalized approach that emphasizes real-world learning and community problem-solving. Schools become centers of the community and extended opportunities for school, home and community connections.

"This approach is not new to HCS as the Northside Neighborhood House has been doing community schools work with the district for nearly six years and has laid a strong foundation for the new Community Forward Schools partnership to build on in the days ahead.

Mayor Tim Kelly is committing community center staff to participate in this initiative. The school locations for these staff will be finalized before the start of the school year."

Education is not optional; not if we want to give our students, our city and our workforce the opportunity to grow and thrive, said Mayor Kelly. Through partnerships like this one, the city and Hamilton County Schools will ensure that our students are prepared to progress so that we may unlock our communitys potential.

The Community Forward Schools Partnership advances the districts strategic plan focal areas of Engaged Community and Accelerating Student Achievement and aligns with the cradle-to-career work of Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger as well as the HCS Childrens Cabinet.

This partnership is another asset in our ongoing effort to produce the highly educated workforce our economic development initiatives need, said Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger. The Community Council will play a key role in not only accessing student needs but also identifying potential obstacles and designing ways to overcome them to create a skilled workforce.
Remote Area Medical (RAM) a nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality dental, vision and medical care to underserved and uninsured individualswill be in Chattanooga Sept. 18 and 19 to provide free care.To fulfill its goal of treating as many people as possible, RAM is still in need of licensed vision professionals to volunteer their time throughout the weekend, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians and ophthalmic techs, as well as general support volunteers.All RAM services are free and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.No ID is required to receive care.Services available at the clinic will include eye exams, glaucoma testing, eyeglass prescriptions and eyeglasses made on-site.The two-day clinic, in collaboration with The Lions Club and Hope for the Inner City, will be held at Hope for the Inner City located at 1800 Roanoke Ave. in Chattanooga.Remote Area Medical is glad to be able to work with the local community to bring free vision services to those in need in the Chattanooga area, said RAM CEO Jeff Eastman. This has been a challenging time, and access to healthcare is more important than ever before. Thank you to all the volunteers and community members who are coming together to make this event possible.The patient parking lot will open no later than 12:01 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 18 and remain open. As patients arrive at the parking lot, they will be provided with additional information regarding clinic opening processes and next steps. Patients should be prepared with their own food, water, medicines and clothing, when arriving early. Bathrooms will be provided.Clinic doors open at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18. This process will repeat on Sunday, Sept. 19.RAM encourages everyone who would like services to arrive as early as possible. In some situations, such as inclement weather, volunteer cancellations or other circumstances outside of RAMs control, the parking lot may open earlier or a smaller number of patients served. Clinic closing time may vary based on each service areas daily capacity. Please check RAMs clinic FAQ page for more information.In response to COVID-19, RAM has incorporated and developed new disinfecting and safety processes. All patients will be required to wear a face covering and must undergo a COVID-19 screening before entering the clinic. Guests and family members of patients, including pets, will not be allowed to enter the building. New air flow, disinfecting processes and capacity limitations have also been put in place to ensure the safety of patients, staff and volunteers.Since RAMs founding in 1985, more than 863,000 individuals have received free services. Email RAMs Volunteer Manager Mary Brown at marybrown@ramusa.org for more information about volunteering at this RAM pop-up clinic event. To learn more about RAM or to donate, visit www.ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly on Monday ordered the closure of a fourth community center, closing the Carver Community Center for deep cleaning and sanitization following confirmation of a COVID case at the facility.

Earlier on Monday, Mayor Kelly ordered the closure of a third community center, temporarily closing the East Chattanooga Community Center because of a confirmed COVID case at the facility.

The announcement followed the closures last week of the Washington Hills Community Center and Frances B. Wyatt Community Center, which were also closed due to confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The city is working with the Hamilton County Health Department on contact tracing, and the East Chattanooga Community Center and Carver Community Center will be reopened as soon as possible following deep cleaning, sanitization and quarantine protocols. Summer camp, which was scheduled to end this week, will not resume at East Chattanooga Community Center or Carver Community Center, though summer camps will continue at other community centers that remain open.

Staff and residents were notified Monday morning and asked to take appropriate protective measures. Employees who have been vaccinated will be assigned to other locations during the closure.

The decision on when to reopen the four closed community centers will be made in consultation with Dr. Mary Lambert, the citys director of community health.

With four community centers now closed due to outbreaks of this virus, I would urge every Chattanooga resident to safeguard your health and prevent potential hospitalization - or worse - by getting vaccinated as soon as possible, said Dr. Lambert. The latest variant of this virus is especially dangerous to people of all ages and particularly transmissible, and I urge every resident to protect themselves by getting vaccinated.

Residents may find the most convenient location to get vaccinated at vaccines.gov. There are a number of opportunities for Chattanooga residents to get vaccinated:

The citys incentive program for employees remains in effect, and all city employees are being offered $100 to get vaccinated, with a smaller incentive available for each vaccinated family member covered by City health insurance.

The city is currently offering free walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations for all residents at its Community Centers [see list below]

Free Covid-19 vaccines will be available on a walk-in basis in the Downtown Library Auditorium every Monday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. until Monday, August 30, 2021.

Additionally, free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination events will be offered at multiple locations this week through Hamilton County. No appointment is necessary, and anyone 12 years of age and older is eligible. Visit vaccine.hamiltontn.gov and click on Vaccine Calendar of Events to see the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine calendar. To accelerate the vaccination process, print and complete the vaccine encounter form available on the website.

The COVID-19 Hotline is available to assist with COVID-19 vaccine inquiries Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 423-209-8383.

Local residents can conveniently access free, walk-in vaccine clinics (while supplies last) at the Citys community centers on the following dates:
Erlanger Medical Group adds two new medical directors to its list of providers  Dr. Mounzer Yassin-Kassab, as medical director of Erlanger Neurology, and Dr. Juan Cuebas, as medical director of the Erlanger Sleep Disorders Center.Mounzer Yassin-Kassab, MD, MA, is board-certified in neurology, clinical neurophysiology, vascular neurology (stroke) and epilepsy. Dr. Yassin-Kassab serves as the medical director of Erlanger Neurology, as well as professor of neurology and chairman of the department of neurology at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society. Dr. Yassin-Kassab completed a neurology residency and two accredited fellowships in clinical neurophysiology and vascular neurology at Southwestern Medical Center, affiliated with the University of Texas in Dallas.He has participated in numerous national and international clinical trials, is well-published and has given national and international presentations on stroke and epilepsy topics.Juan Cuebas, MD, is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with more than 20 years of experience. He is the medical director of the Erlanger Sleep Disorders Center and is committed to making sleep health a priority for patients. Dr. Cuebas attended the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and he stayed in the area following medical school to complete an internship at Veterans Administration Medical Center. Following his time in Puerto Rico, Dr. Cuebas completed a neurology residency at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington D.C. In addition to sleep medicine, Dr. Cuebas also has interests in general neurology, including conditions like multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, headaches and gait disorders. He believes in empowering patients to take control of their own health. To make an appointment with Dr. Cuebas, call 423-778-3316.
Dexter fans were none too pleased with the series finale. Dexter (Michael C. Hall) left Miami and his final destination was questionable. The revival series Dexter: New Blood still keeps Dexter out of Miami, Florida, but has him living somewhere else.

[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for the series finale of Dexter.]

Michael C. Hall | Randy Tepper/Showtime

Dexter: New Blood executive producers Clyde Phillips and Scott Reynolds, director Marcos Siega and Hall himself spoke on a San Diego Comic-Con@Home panel. Heres what they said about Dexters new home. Dexter: New Blood premieres Nov. 7 on Showtime.

Dexter: New Blood moves the serial killer from the Northwest to upstate New York

At the end of the series, Dexter left Miami for Oregon where he became a lumberjack. Reynolds previously explained this was chosen for the regions history of serial killers, but that may not have come through in the show. Now, Phillips said Dexter: New Blood has an all new setting.

Michael C. Hall | Kurt Iswarienko/Showtime

RELATED: Dexter: New Blood Producer and Michael C. Hall Promise Revival Is Not Season 9

The show takes place in the fictional town of Iron Lake, New York, Phillips said. We actually shot the exteriors, the town exteriors, in a town called Shelburne Falls which is in Western Massachusetts. And, probably the prettiest town Ive ever seen. We started shooting at the beginning of February because we needed a lot of snow. We took advantage. That frozen lake is a real frozen lake. Thats a single shot that Marcos did in real time. And we wanted it to be a small town. Population is something like 2700 where everybody knows everybody else. People know things that happened two seconds ago.

Dexter: New Blood almost froze to death

Dexters preferred method of killing is a scalpel. In Iron Lake, he could just wait for hypothermia to do the job for him.

We had to build the schedule around weather, Siega said. It was shoot all of the winter scenes exterior in February, March, end of January, February, March and then work our way interior. The challenging part is were shooting Dexter/Jim walking into a building. We shoot that out in the elements. Then in July were picking it up with the other side of the door when he steps inside. It is a bit of a puzzle and keeping that consistent, keeping performances consistent but so far, its been pretty successful.

Michael C. Hall | Showtime

RELATED: Dexter Set Photo Featuring Jennifer Carpenter as Debra Morgan Emerges

Reynolds added that the lows reached nine degrees. Phillips added how volatile the weather fluctuations could be.

It would be 19 degrees and then the wind would shift and blow across the frozen lake and suddenly its 9 degrees in the middle of the day, Phillips said. And then there was a thaw. Everything melted. The roads turned into WWI trenches and we were up to our knees in mud. We had to rebuild the roads so that we could lay snow down on them.

Michael C. Hall toughed it out

For his part, Hall did not complain. Conditions were rough but Hall embraced them.

I like it, Hall said. There have certainly been some late nights that were undeniably frigid, but its nice not to have to imagine that youre freezing because youre freezing. I think the challenge, like Marcos was describing, to walk in out of what we saw was a snowswept scene in July when its 89 degrees outside and take off your parka, like Hoo. But its fun. I welcome the change of scenery. To externally relocate him goes so far to internally relocate him and the world of the show as well so I love it.

Michael C. Hall | Dan Littlejohn/Showtime

RELATED: Dexter: These Are the Characters the Revival Is Bringing Back From the Dead

Siega further expanded on what the winter conditions in Shelburne Falls added to Iron Lake and the setting of Dexter: New Blood.

There were many ways we could have done the show, Siega said. I think a big part of what drew me to it outside of the obvious, from how do we present the show was lets make this feel as real as possible. Being out in the elements was an important part of that. So finding locations that were not necessarily production friendly but really fit what we wanted to create and put on the screen. Contributed to it being difficult but at the same time, I think its what makes it special in the end.

Source: San Diego Comic-Con@Home
Dexter fans have been anxiously awaiting details on the revival series ever since it was announced in October 2020. Details are still limited, but we know itll pick up on Dexter Morgan in the years after he faked his death and fled Miami. Hes since moved to a remote town called Iron Lake in Upstate New York, where hes totally started over. It even appears that he has a new girlfriend, played by Westworld actor Julia Jones.

Michael C. Hall | Christian Weber/CBS via Getty Images

Dexter Morgan and Hannah McKay are no more

Dexters last known love interest was Hannah McKay, played by Yvonne Strahovski. In the eighth and final season of the show, she left Miami with Harrison and started making her way to Argentina. The plan was to build a new life for their family, but their relationship ended when Dexter decided not to join them.

Nonetheless, a lot of fans figured the two would reconnect, even if just for Harrisons sake. While it is likely that well hear about Hannah in the revival, the chances of seeing her are low.

It doesnt seem that Hannah McKays making a return, Strahovski previously said on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, noting she hadnt been asked back. I have a theory that perhaps, um, perhaps Harrison has already murdered her and is following in the footsteps of his father. I dont know. I dont know anything.

She doubled down on those comments in an interview for the HeyUGuys YouTube channel, saying she truly had no idea about the plan for the revival. Im not part of it, so I am very curious as to how theyre going to navigate the storyline from this point forward, she continued.

RELATED: Dexter Fans React After Yvonne Strahovski Says Shes Not in the Revival

New details about the revival are coming out

In a panel discussion at Comic-Con 2021, it was revealed that Jones will be Dexters new love interest. Per Deadline, shes playing Angela Bishop, a Native American woman who is the head of Iron Lake police.

Shes the first female police chief, shes the first person of color, shes part of the Seneca Nation, and theres tension there between the town and her, showrunner Clyde Phillips said. But it also gives Dexter once again, like we had in Miami, access to certain pieces of information that an ordinary citizen would not be able to get.

As far as how long she and Dexter have been together, Jones confirmed that theres a longstanding romantic connection between them. They are together, I would say, for sure. And they definitely have a journey, she continued.

Angela and Dexter appear to have a loving relationship, based on a new teaser trailer. But that could change if she finds out who he really is, which looks like a possibility.

RELATED: Dexter Creepy Teaser Photo Emerges: Mr. Lindsay? Clean-Up on Aisle Four

The Dexter reboot comes out in just a few more months

If youre planning on watching the revival, you can find it on Showtime on Nov. 7. Until then, check out more of our Dexter coverage below.
Former Pixar chief John Lasseter is known for kickstarting the revolution in computer animation. Revered for overseeing Pixars earliest successes alongside Disney, the computer animation icon said he takes inspiration from an unlikely source: Japanese auteur Hayao Miyazaki. Heres what Lasseter said about Miyazakis influence on his movies.

Lasseter watches Miyazaki films when hes stuck

John Lasseter at Disneys D23 2015. | Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

As documented by The Hollywood Reporter, Lasseter appeared as a keynote speaker at the 2014 Tokyo International Film Festival. He didnt mince words about his admiration for Miyazaki. Whenever we get stuck at Pixar or Disney, I put on a Miyazaki film sequence or two, just to get us inspired again.

To be clear, Lasseter is no longer affiliated with either Disney or Pixar. But his influence became enormous while working with the two giants, and his name is now synonymous with computer animation. Miyazaki, it should be noted, is a staunch traditionalist, having once called AI-driven computer animation an insult to life itself. Lasseter doesnt seem deterred by the outspoken idealists views in that respect. At his appearance, he recounted being profoundly moved by a clip from The Castle of Cagliostro, Miyazakis first feature film

Years later, I always said at Pixar that you are what you direct, he said. Your heart and soul goes into everything you make  I learned that from Miyazaki.

The former Pixar exec said Miyazakis films made him feel he was not alone

Anyone whos experienced a Miyazaki film knows that they are profoundly impactful as works of organic and humanistic art. Lasseter confessed to the audience that upon viewing The Castle of Cagliostro clip, he felt the same way.

I was absolutely blown away, he said. It had a very strong effect on me because I felt that this was the first animated feature film I had seen that had a vision to entertain for all ages. It made me feel that I was not alone in the world.

Taking it a step further, Lasseter explained how Miyazakis work informed his own, and motivated him to his very core.

It filled my soul with a drive that said this is what I want to create. And create he did. His filmography is too long to list here, but he directed the influential early works by Disney and Pixar, including Toy Story (1 and 2), Cars (1 and 2), and A Bugs Life. He also oversaw and produced countless others, including Frozen, Finding Dory, Zootopia, and Incredibles 2.

Lasseter helped translate Miyazakis films to English

Lasseter was instrumental in bringing Miyazakis films to the forefront of the American moviegoing experience. He explained that he had helped translate some of Miyazakis films for English-speaking audiences, starting with 2001s Spirited Away. The film ultimately won Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. Lasseter said Miyazaki quipped to him that if American audiences wanted to understand his richly nuanced and detailed films, they should all learn Japanese.

Lasseter told the audience at the Tokyo International Film Festival that year, that one of the most important lessons hes learned from the Miyazaki anime anthology, is that melding the present with the past is essential. Tradition should be honored, he said, while pursuing the novelty of technology. I think my entire career is founded upon an idea I discovered in Japan: keeping one foot in tradition, heritage, and the fundamentals of classic design and then applying that to cutting-edge technology, said Lasseter.

And in this way, Miyazakis reach extends far beyond his gorgeous traditionally animated films, and well into the future.

RELATED: Studio Ghibli Voices: 12 A-Listers Who Dubbed Favorite Characters
Meghan McCain is living her last days on The View and continuing to press some of the viewers. The Republican co-host is never shy about expressing her opinion and even clashing on-air with her fellow panelists. This week the political analyst seemingly gave an opinion that some reporters didnt like and published articles about her. McCain took to Twitter to address this and reminded them that shes leaving the ABC talk show soon.

Meghan McCain | Lou Rocco/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

What upset Meghan McCain?

One thing that The View fans love about McCain is that she never backs down from a good debate. The television personality is always on top of her game and is able to defend her point with facts. However, not all of her opinions are popular and sometimes create havoc on social media. After McCain seemingly saw the media attention her latest view created, she took to Twitter to express herself.

Some of you a-holes who spend your pathetic existing writing and distorting what I say every SINGLE day on The View really better start thinking of an exit strategy on how youre gonna get clicks and hits when Im gone in 3 weeks, McCain tweeted.

McCains expletive-laden tweet generated a lot of conversation on social media. One celebrity that took notice of the message was The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne. The troubled Bravo star who is in the middle of a lawsuit and divorce messaged McCain admiring her response.

I love my feisty girl, Jayne tweeted

Love you back, McCain replied.

McCain is a fan of Jayne and the latter one time made an appearance on The View to sing for her birthday. They both have appeared multiple times together on Watch What Happens Live to talk about The Real Housewives.

Erika Jayne hugging Meghan McCain in 2018 | Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

RELATED: The View: Wendy Williams Has Insider Knowledge About Meghan McCains Replacement on Talk Show

Meghan McCain is a huge Real Housewives fan

Its no secret that McCain loves The Real Housewives and one of her favorites is the Atlanta-based franchise. Last season, when The Real Housewives of Atlanta stars went to South Carolina for a weekend getaway, things got out of control. Kandi Burruss organized a bachelorette party for Cynthia Bailey and hired strippers that got things sizzling.

Bolo was the star of the night and impressed the ladies so much that they sent the cameras away to get the real bachelorette started. Things kicked off when things got out of control and accusations were made about hooking up with the dancer. McCain took time on The View to give accolades to the peaches for such a captivating episode.

I think everyone knows Im a Real Housewives superfan and if you want some good escapism, The Real Housewives of Atlanta the night before last, had this incredible episode where some of the cast members slept with a male stripper, she said in February of this year. Kandi Burruss threw this incredible bachelorette party. And its some of the most compelling reality television Ive ever seen in my life.

RELATED: Meghan McCain Wants Bethenny Frankel to Return to RHONY Amid Cast Shakeup Rumors

Burruss saw this mention by McCain and send love her way in an Instagram post writing the following: Much love to The View, especially Meghan McCain for showing love to RHOA. I love that so many of you enjoyed the bachelorette party I threw. More parties coming your way soon.

McCain continues to appear on The View weekday mornings at 11 a.m. ET and 10 a.m. CT/PT on ABC.
Nancy Silverton may be a household name to foodies and artisan bread enthusiasts, but the James Beard Award-Winning Chef has garnered a new set of fans from her appearances on various television shows in recent years. Because she spent so much time in the elite culinary world, everyday people didnt get to know Silverton on a more personal level until she began judging on various Food Network shows.

Nancy Silverton | Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

Read more about Silvertons career, how fans react to seeing her on their favorite cooking shows, and more below.

Nancy Silvertons career

Nancy Silverton is an American chef and baker who has authored several notable books and appeared on various television shows. She is perhaps most known for helping to popularize sourdough bread in America. Silverton got her start in the culinary world after dropping out of Sonoma State University, where she had been studying political science.

She trained as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu in London, later coming back to California and working with acclaimed pastry chef Jimmy Brinkley. According to Delish, Silverton returned to Europe a few years later to further her knowledge of pastries in France.

In 1982, she once again returned to Los Angeles and worked at Spagos as an opening pastry chef before opening her own bakery, Campanile, with her then-husband Mark Peel. Campanile became known for its Grilled Cheese Nights in the late 1990s, reports Food&Wine.

More recently, Silverton collaborated with Mario Batali to open an Italian restaurant called Osteria Mozza, which has locations in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and Singapore. She also launched Nancys Fancy, a gelato and sorbetto company, in 2015, and opened a casual Italian restaurant in Culver City called Pizzette in 2019.

Fans loved seeing her on Guys Grocery Games

Guy Fieri is a champion of television shows with longevity, and title alliterations, from the long-standing Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives to Guys Grocery Games. The former has been on the air since 2011 and the latter has been on television since 2013. According to IMDb, Silverton has served as a judge on Guys Grocery Games for two episodes, both of which aired in 2021.

Redditors on the Food Network subreddit have nothing but positive things to say about Silverton on the show. One Redditor posted regarding Silverton, I am a fan of hers and would listen to her read the phone book to me. Was surprised to see her as a judge on GGG.

Another remarked, I love her and her food is delicious. Super excited to see her on GGG. Finally, one user stated that: I loved that she called out other judges for eating a burger with knives and forks, with several enthusiastic replies in the thread.

Her TV appearances so far

Aside from GGG, Silverton has also been on several other television shows, going all the way back to 1997. She first appeared on Baking with Julia that year, followed by an appearance on Anthony Bourdains a Cooks Tour in 2002.

She first served as a judge in 2012 on the series Time Machine Chefs, later being featured on Chopped in 2017 and Iron Chef in 2018 for one episode each.

Her appearances on the Food Network have gained momentum in recent years, appearing more frequently than ever to offer feedback on cooking shows. Her IMDb page states that she was a judge on Tournament of Champions in eight episodes in 2020 and 2021 and three episodes on Hells Kitchen. She also recently made an appearance on MasterChef USA, so it looks like she will remain in the guest judge circuit for quite some time.

RELATED: Guy Fieri Helped the Restaurant Industry More Than Almost Anyone in 2020
The Fox TV series Prison Break has received a lot of love in its respectable 90-episode run, winning awards and receiving critical acclaim enough to earn itself an extra fifth season several years after it originally went off the air. Just like any show, though, the series had its detractors. However, few shows were so disliked by certain groups that they were banned from being watched in prison. As unusual as this situation might be, there is a fairly obvious (though no less silly) explanation. Lets find out why Prison Break was banned in prisons in real life.

Real prisons banned Prison Break

Wentworth Miller in Prison Break premiering on Fox. | Fox Image Collection/Getty Images

For the uninitiated, Prison Break is about people breaking out of prisons. The first season follows Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) as he gets himself arrested in order to break himself and his falsely-convicted brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), out of prison. From there, the plots continue to get more elaborate while retaining the central conceit of Michael breaking himself or others out of jail with his complex schemes, plus a dash of government conspiracy.

That kind of premise spooked the owners of at least 13 prisons in the country, and it resulted in Prison Break getting banned from being broadcast inside prison walls. The rationale was that, seeing the show and how the main characters planned to escape, real life prisoners might be inspired to try breaking out, too. Never mind that many of Michaels plans were far too complex and unrealistic to actually work outside of a TV screen; just the thought of it was scary enough for them to keep the show in its own form of lockdown.

Obviously, this wasnt a very widespread phenomenon. After all, only 13 prisons actually went through with prohibiting the show for inmates. Still, its amusing to think about, especially when other books, movies, and shows that present arguably much more reasonable ideas for breaking out of your cell (The Shawshank Redemption comes to mind.) havent been threatened like this.

There is some real life inspiration behind the series

Michael was willing to do whatever it took to protect his family on the season finale of #PrisonBreak: https://t.co/4KHCBNQMIM pic.twitter.com/APtG2hDl7D  Prison Break (@PrisonBreak) May 31, 2017

While Prison Break is undoubtedly a work of fiction, the show does have a number of connections to the real prison-industrial complex throughout its production. Interesting as they may be, they dont seem like theyd be any more likely to inspire real life prison breaks.

One notable example comes in the form of Warden Pope, the sympathetic prison warden who becomes something close to a friend to Michael despite their obviously incompatible goals. Actor Stacy Keach says he used the time he spent in prison during the 80s to build his character, taking what hed learned behind bars to incorporate into his performance. On the opposite end of things, the actor who played the character Tweener, Lane Garrison, found himself sentenced to prison shortly after the characters death in season 2.

Another far less fun connection is the inmate-controlled prison of Sona seen in season 3, which was based on Brazils Carandiru Prison. In this case, though, real life managed to be even more violent and tragic than fiction.

Theres still no news on Prison Break Season 6

Back where it all started. RETWEET if you'll be watching the season finale of #PrisonBreak TONIGHT! pic.twitter.com/ZhA15tAsXo  Prison Break (@PrisonBreak) May 30, 2017

Despite the fairly complete ending the show received in its fifth and final season, there have been constant rumors of a Prison Break revival (a second one). Fox confirmed in 2018 that another season was supposedly in development, though they would later go back on this a year later. Even so, both the company and cast members involved with the show have hinted as recently as 2021 that the sixth season is still coming. What that might look like, however, is still up in the air, especially with the shows original star not wanting to return to the role for any subsequent material.

RELATED: 4 Great Prison Dramas to Get You Through Your OITNB Withdrawal
Chrishell Stause dished about Netflixs Selling Sunset Season 4, revealing that fans could get an inside peek at Heather Rae Youngs wedding to Tarek El Moussa. She also revealed that cameras will follow how Maya Vander works for The Oppenheim Group from both L.A. and Miami, plus she dished about her ongoing tension with Christine Quinn.

Stause said the Selling Sunset production crew wont film at Young and El Moussas wedding, but the footage could be featured in the upcoming season. Its not like the whole production is going to be there, but theyre going to give some of their video so that you will see parts of it on the show, she told US Weekly. [It] will be great because Im excited for it. So, I cant say, obviously, the details of it but I am excited to go. Its going to be so fun.

The Selling Sunset cast at an awards ceremony in 2019 | Michael Bezjian/WireImage for The Artists Project

Young said wedding planning will definitely be included on the show this season. The wedding planning, yeah, Im actually involving it on the show. Im having my bridal shower on the show, she told ET. But added, Were having a joint bachelor-bachelorette party. I dont think its going to be filmed, because its going to be a little wild, Im sure.

Drama heats up with Christine Quinn on Selling Sunset Season 4

Stause also addressed the tension shes had with Quinn. She keeps a lot of the stuff for off-camera, she said. You have to give it to her, shes smart, you know? So its hard sometimes because some of the stuff  whether we want to talk about it or not  if it didnt happen on camera, then its then hard to address.

She just had a baby so everyones really happy for her, [and] hopefully that will keep the drama to a minimum, you never know, Stause added.

The Future Mrs. Tarek El Moussa @tarekelmoussa  pic.twitter.com/wX3UTcIZZq  Heather Rae Young (@HeatherRaeYoung) July 26, 2020

Either way, Stause said she doesnt see a friendship with Quinn in the immediate future. Im the kind of person that [the drama] gives me such anxiety, and I really want to enjoy coming to work, she said on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. Adding, Theres so much stuff that goes on behind the scenes, you know. Its just one of those things that just so much has happened. Were probably not going to be hanging out as soon as the cameras are down.

Maya Vander will return to Selling Sunset Season 4

Vander was rumored to be leaving The Oppenheim Group when she relocated to Florida. But she said in 2020 she had no plans to leave the real estate team. No, Im not leaving. Im staying with Jason [Oppenheim], Vander told People in 2020. Im actually working with a few potential, very good clients with him in L.A. Just focusing on Miami a lot, but I have a couple of pretty interesting clients that I might have to make the trip to L.A. for.

Stause then confirmed Vander would return for season 4. Well, youll have to watch the show for this one, she said. You know, shes in Miami and coming [to California], and so I feel like shes had her hands really full with everything, but Im excited for you to see where shes at.

RELATED: Selling Sunset Season 4: Chrishell Stause Reveals Fall Premiere Date, Says New Episodes Will Be Better Than Ever (Exclusive)
The hit series The Last Kingdom will come to a close with season 5, which is still hard for fans to come to terms with. The series has finished filming in Hungary, which means were one step closer to seeing the final season.

Fans on Reddit recently weighed in on which character they would riot over if they were killed off. We have all the details to know.

Alexander Dreymon in The Last Kingdom | Joe Alblas/Netflix

Fans weigh in on which character they would riot over if they were killed off

On July 19, 2021, a fan on Reddit wrote a post titled, Which character would you riot over if they were killed off? They continued in the post, I will stop watching if they ice either Finan or Sihtric. Edit: now that I think of it I kinda want Haesten to live. Ive grown to like that weasel.

One fan mentioned that it would of been Beocca but referring to the fact that Father Beocca (Ian Hart), a lovable character, was killed off in season 4.

Haesten needs to survive

Jeppe Beck Laursen as Haesten in The Last Kingdom | Adrienn Szabo/Netflix

Haesten (Jeppe Beck Laursen) also comes up in a comment, and he is a Dane who plays both sides when it suits him. He causes all sorts of trouble over the years, and he even tries to have the main character, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), and his men killed in season 4, which of course doesnt play out how he expected.

Haesten is the last of the OG weasel set, a fan said. Theyre all dead and buried. He needs to survive, plotting and changing allegiances till the end. Still dont understand why any of them still fall for his lies.

If they killed Finan, Id lose it

Mark Rowley and Alexander Dreymon in The Last Kingdom | Joe Alblas/Netflix

RELATED: The Last Kingdom: Fans React to the New Set Mascot

Finan (Mark Rowley) is also named in the Reddit comments. Hes a warrior that is originally from Ireland. He was a slave with Uhtred when they first crossed paths, but they are eventually free. They are the best of friends along with Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius), and Finan has a killer sense of humor.

If they killed Finan, Id lose it lol, a fan said. I love that man. HaestenId be very happy if he was killed. Id be positively delighted!

Another fan names Finan as well. Finan., they said in the comments.

Uhtred is named as well

Uhtred is the main character that is a Saxon noble raised by Danes. He finds himself constantly torn between both worlds, and its a complicated situation for him. His allegiance is always being tested, and he has to consistently prove himself to Wessex. His adventures keep fans entertained over the course of four seasons.

Uhtred, a fan weighed in. The show and the book series are his story.

Other fans named characters that surround Uhtred

Finn Elliot, Mark Rowley, and Arnas Fedaravicius in The Last Kingdom | Adrienn Szabo/Netflix

Other fans named a number of people that surround Uhtred as who they would riot over if they were killed off. Uhtred has a group of loyal followers as well as children, Young Uhtred (Finn Elliot) and Stiorra (Ruby Hartley), that fans have gotten to know and love.

For me its Finan, Baby Monk, Sihtric and Uhtreds kids, a fan said. But I am asking for lots. I am sure one or two will die.

Another fan said, Baby Monk, Sithric, Finan, Uthreds daughter (his son was very frustrating to watch), and Eadith. Eadith is really cool.

Fans have different opinions when it comes to who they would riot over if they were killed off in the hit series The Last Kingdom.
The White Lotus is certainly shaping up to be one of the must-see shows of the Summer. The HBO limited series follows a group of vacationers and employees at The White Lotus Resort and Spa in Hawaii and the series of bizarre events that take place within just a weeks time. Though the show is less straightforward than others stylistically, its dynamic cast has already earned it some attention. Natasha Rothwell, Connie Britton, Steve Zahn, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Alexandra Daddario, Jake Lacy, Sydney Sweeney, and more all lend their talents to the social commentary.

Alexandra Daddario | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Filmed at an actual resort in Hawaii, The White Lotus took form in an unusual way. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Mike White, who wrote and directed the limited series, revealed that HBO executives actually approached him about making a show under very specific parameters. Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, they wanted a drama that could be shot quickly in one singular location in order to minimize safety risks. While this may have been a challenging request for some, White lept at the chance to get back to work.

Mike White created The White Lotus in just a few months

Ill do whatever, White told HBO. I want to work. I just cant sit and watch the world burn! Only two months later White had created The White Lotus and was in Hawaii shooting with his talented cast. In keeping with HBOs restrictions for the show, the cast was not allowed to leave the resort where they were filming and were instead quarantined there until the show wrapped. Funnily enough, this bled into the feeling of the show, one cast member even referring to the experience as a tropical version of The Shining.

According to White, the idea for The White Lotus came from feelings of anxiety that sometimes arose on his own vacations. Im in this beautiful location away from all my problems, White shared. So why am I having this existential dread all day long? Its clear where the concept of The White Lotus came from, but how did the writer manage to score such a great cast? While some actors, like Sweeney, had to audition for their roles, others, like, Alexandra Daddario, were offered their roles outright.

Alexandra Daddario explains how she was cast

White had seen Daddarios previous work and felt shed be great for the role of Rachel. And while some people chalk the casting up to merit, Daddario believes that she lucked into the role. In an interview with Collider, the actor explained how she ended up with a lead role in The White Lotus cast.

Well, when I took The White Lotus I think  I mean it was in the middle of the pandemic, Daddario shared. I didnt expect to work at all and um it kind of just fell in my lap. Working with Mike White was a dream. Hes an amazing director and the project, it really  the material really spoke to me and my sensibilities. And dark comedy and the social commentary and all. I really believed in the project but there wasnt anything tactical about it except Wow, what a great job to get in the middle of the pandemic, and it shoots in Hawaii. Thats great, lets do it. You know?

A new episode of The White Lotus premieres tonight

Continuing on, Daddario gushed about how great it was to work with White. Mike Whites amazing, she shared. Im really really  Im really really  uh this was a luck one. Im really grateful to be a part of it. Its a really cool story. I had a great time with the character. Were sure fans are itching to see whats next for Daddarios character. The third episode of The White Lotus premieres tonight at 9 PM EST on HBO.

RELATED: The White Lotus Director Gushes About Sydney Sweeneys Magnetism
Viewers who quickly became hooked on the new HBO limited series want to know if there are plans for The White Lotus Season 2. Director Mike White, who previously worked on HBOs Enlightened, has some interesting thoughts about a possible second season. However, its not apparent whether the same White Lotus cast featuring Jennifer Coolidge, Steve Zahn, Rachel Daddario and so many others would appear in it.

Mike White and Steve Zahn | Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The White Lotus on HBO is about privilege and class

The main point of The White Lotus on HBO is also the main reason that Mike White is unsure he wants to create a season 2. In a behind-the-scenes interview, the cast and crew gave their insight about privilege and class as its portrayed in the series.

White Lotus is about the problems that people think they have in comparison to real problems in the world, Rachel Daddario explained in the YouTube video.

RELATED: The White Lotus: This Theory About the Opening Credits Might Reveal Who Dies

As the series continues, the Mossbacher family begins to show their true colors. Olivia Mossbacher (Sydney Sweeney) brought her friend, Paula (Brittany OGrady), along with her family to Hawaii. However, Olivias family is white and doesnt realize how offensive their comments are.

Olivas family benefits from privilege and a system that oppresses other people, OGrady explained. Their ignorance about it starts to rub Paula the wrong way.

White added that to create the contemporary show, he needed to touch on issues of gender, and race, and class. The White Lotus does all of those things; however, the filmmaker wonders if he is a hypocrite for creating a season 2?

Why does Mike White worry about making The White Lotus Season 2?

Director Mike Whites major problem with creating The White Lotus Season 2 is that he might be acting like the privileged characters in the series. The director worries that taking the limited series into another season might be greedy. The filmmaker compares it to the time he flew back to Maui to check into the Four Seasons to screen the new HBO Max series. The front desk staff told White his room wouldnt be ready for several hours. He recalled to Vanity Fair that he wanted to scream.

RELATED: Mare of Easttown Fans Moved on to The White Lotus  Is It a Similar Murder Mystery Miniseries?

I am the one that kept you guys afloat for months, the director remembers thinking. However, he realized he might sound like the privileged characters he created for The White Lotus. Oh, my God, I cannot be this guy, he thought to himself. You definitely dont want to be that guy.

His ideas for The White Lotus Season 2 include filming in another luxurious location, like France or Japan. However, the filmmaker doesnt want to take advantage of his good fortune.

Will there be a White Lotus Season 2?

If HBO gives White the greenlight, he does have plans for The White Lotus Season 2. Despite his worries over taking advantage of his privilege, hes ready for another round of the limited series.

My hope is that maybe HBO will want to do another round of White Lotus, the director told The New Yorker. I feel like it might take place at a sister hotel, a different kind of seasonal thing. I think theres another season in me that kind of has a different way into this that I think would be cool if theyd let me do this.
The third season of Netflixs Virgin River was jam-packed and full of cliffhangers. Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson) faced a rocky road in their relationship. Doc (Tim Matheson) was dealing with a major diagnosis and John Preacher Middleton (Colin Lawrence) became a full-time parent.

In addition, the town of Virgin River also dealt with some major losses. However, for those fans who are still grieving, they should know that an unlikely character is poised to make their return in season four.

Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel Monroe on Virgin River | Netflix

Will there be a Virgin River Season 4?

There has been no official announcement from Netflix about a Season 4 renewal. However, many fans think that the announcement is just around the corner. After all, Virgin River has a massive fan base and consistently performs very well on the streaming platform.

However, SpoilerTV says that the show has already been greenlit for a new season. Theyve reported via Express, that the fourth season of Virgin River is already filming in Canada as of July 2021. Spoiler TV has also reported that the fourth season is set to conclude filming in Nov. 2021.

RELATED: Virgin River: Is Charmaine Actually Pregnant in Season 3?

Lilly will return in Virgin River Season 4

In the third season finale for Virgin River, the town said goodbye to a good friend. Lilly (Lynda Boyd), sadly died after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. However, that isnt the last weve seen of the red-headed farmer if the series is greenlit for a new season.

When I did have that chat that day with those producers, they said that the plan was to bring me back in flashbacks  like Mels husband, her dead husband, Boyd told Radio Times. Nobody has said anything yet. As far as I know, Tara will look after Chloe.

Boyd also explained that her characters tragic storyline was very challenging for her and the rest of the cast. All those women are my friends in real life, she said. Ive known Teryl (Rothery), who plays Muriel since I was 14 years old. [She] and I used to take tap dancing lessons together, so standing up before them and telling them what a wonderful life Ive had and how much it meant to me  they were all bawling.

RELATED: Virgin River: Fans Might Not Find out Who Shot Jack for a Long Time

Will Annette OToole return as Hope in Virgin River Season 4?

Though we saw glimpses of Hope in the third season of Virgin River, she was never present on set like the rest of the cast. Now, Virgin River showrunner Sue Tenney is explaining Anette OToole who portrays Hopes absence. We were affected by COVID like every other show, and it was impossible for Annette to come and join us up here in Vancouver, Tenney told Us Weekly. Personally, I love Hope. I love the character, so we got busy in the writers room to see how we can keep her alive in the show, with only having limited access.

Since they could only use OToole virtually, some major storylines involving Hope were scrapped. But Tenney says she does hope that actor will return if a fourth season of the series is greenlit. Im pretty sure Annette [OToole] will come back as Hope, Boyd told Radio Times. Nobody has any idea.
When Mike Glenn began pastoring Brentwood Baptist Church in suburban Nashville 30 years ago, the region was known as a Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) hub, and working for the denomination gave a sense of status in the church.

Not anymore. The church has boomed by thousands, and being a denominational leader no longer carries any cachet, Glenn said. If you had in one room the executive of a denomination and in the next room you had a YouTube influencer, everyone would go to the YouTube influencer.

Brentwoods story parallels Nashvilles. Its Christian culture once centered on the headquarters of the SBC and the United Methodist Church (UMC), but the Music City has become a corporate hub populated more and more by nondenominational evangelicalism.

Thats not to say Christian denominations have left Nashville. The two largest US Protestant denominationsthe SBC and the UMCas well as two of the largest Black denominationsthe National Baptist Convention, USA and the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Churchall maintain administrative offices, publishing houses, and operations there.

But denominations are less prominent than they once were in America, and that national trend is amped up in Nashville.

Between 1980 and 2020, the metro areas population more than doubled, from 520,000 to 1.2 million. The city made a home for major corporations, including Amazon, Bridgestone, and HCA Healthcare. And as the citys demographics shifted, so did its Christian landscape.

Workers flooding in from elsewhere didnt particularly care about denominational identities, Glenn said. To reach them with the gospel, nondenominational ...

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Armed kidnappers in Nigeria have released 28 of the more than 120 students who were abducted at the beginning of July from Bethel Baptist High School in the northern town of Damishi.

Church officials handed those children over to their parents at the school on Sunday. But Israel Akanji, president of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, said more than 80 other children are still being held by the gunmen.

So far 34 children kidnapped from the school on July 5 have either been released or have escaped from the custody of the gunmen. It is unclear when the other children will be released. The gunmen have reportedly demanded 500,000 Naira (about $1,200) for each student.

Akanji said the church did not pay any ransoms because it is opposed to paying criminals, but he added the church was unable to stop the childrens families from taking any actions they deem fit to secure their release.

A spokesman for the Nigerian Police, Mohammed Jalige, said security forces and civilian defense forces were on a routine rescue patrol July 12 around the forests near the village of Tsohon Gaya when they found three exhausted kidnapped victims roaming in the bush. Two other students escaped on July 20 when they were ordered to fetch firewood from a nearby forest. Jalige said they were undergoing medical examinations.

Image: AP Photo

Gunman called bandits have carried out a spate of mass abductions from schools in northern Nigeria this year, mainly seeking ransoms.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who won election on hopes that he would tackle Nigerias security challenges, has not been able to do much in addressing the growing cases of mass abductions from Nigerian schools.

The BWA ranks Nigeria as the worlds second-most vulnerable country for Baptists on its inaugural Baptist Vulnerability Index, which assesses ministry challengesincluding religious freedom, violence, hunger, and livelihoodin the 126 countries and territories with BWA members.

Nigeria leads the world in the number of kidnapped Christians, with 990 tallied by Open Doors.

In the watchdogs 2021 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria broke into the top 10 for the first time, rising to No. 9 from No. 12 the previous year.

Image: AP Photo

When the abduction occurred, Baptist and evangelical leaders in Nigeria explained to CT why the time has come for Christians to increase their self-defense measures.

Christians in Kaduna State have suffered too much from the hands of their attackers, whether Fulani herdsmen, bandits, or terrorists, said Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a Baptist pastor.

 We have seen that though prayer works, prayer alone cannot do it because faith without works is dead being alone.

Additional reporting by CT
More than 40 elders who served with Mark Driscoll during the final years of Mars Hill Church are publicly calling for him to step down from his current pastoral position and seek reconciliation with those he has hurt.

We are troubled that he continues to be unrepentant despite the fact that these sins have been previously investigated, verified, and brought to his attention by his fellow Elders, prior to his abrupt resignation from Mars Hill, they wrote in a statement originally released Monday to CT. Accordingly, we believe that Mark is presently unfit for serving the church in the office of pastor.

Driscoll founded The Trinity Church in Scottsdale in 2016, two years after resigning from Mars Hill at the conclusion of an investigation into his leadership. In recent months, several former Mars Hill elders have heard directly from members leaving The Trinity Church over concerns around Driscoll.

The leaders who signed onto the statement say they felt a responsibility to clarify the charges against him as a way to warn current members of his church and continue to call the well-known preacher to the kind of repentance and restoration process he was never able to complete under Mars Hill.

This letter isnt new information. Its just information that hasnt been widely spread, said Ryan Welsh, who had been pastor of theology and leadership at Mars Hill. Our hope is not just to point a finger. Our hope is to protect people and, by the Spirits work, that Mark would respond.

The 41 signatories represent the majority of the pastors who served at the church between 2011 and 2014, when formal charges were raised against Driscoll. The list includes former executive pastor Sutton Turner and former teaching pastor Dave Bruskus, who made up the executive team alongside Driscoll.

Their statement also includes a never-before-released document from October 2014 that details how the church investigation, conducted by members of the elder board at the direction of Mars Hills board of overseers, found Driscoll to be quick-tempered, arrogant, and domineering.

The church asked him to repent and seek reconciliation as a result of these patterns of sin and set out a restoration plan. Driscoll resigned before the plan could be implemented.

Some of the findings were shared with Mars Hill members the Sunday after Driscoll resigned, but those gatherings were sparsely attended and the full statement had never been made public. After its founding pastor left, Mars Hill dissolved, with some of its locations becoming independent churches.

Upon leaving, Driscoll mentioned past sin that he had already confessed and repented of and said he had not disqualified [himself] from ministry. He later described how he and his wife sensed God calling them to leave Mars Hill and referenced opposition wanting him out.

The recommended restoration plan, though, involved returning him to ministry and leadership at Mars Hill. We hoped to see him restored and are grieved that Mark chose to leave before we were able to walk alongside him through this process, the elders wrote at the time.

Seven years later, after reaching out to him privately and individually, those elders are again pleading with 50-year-old Driscoll to participate in and submit to Christian conciliation and resign from any position of spiritual authority for the foreseeable future. Mondays statement represents the largest-scale effort to call their former pastor to repentence. The signatories recognize the parallels between the allegations made by former Trinity members and the situation at Mars Hill.

We are saddened to learn that Mark Driscoll has continued in a pattern of sinful actions towards staff members and congregants as he pastors The Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, their statement opens. These sinful leadership behaviors appear similar to what he exhibited in his leadership role at Mars Hill Church in Seattle.

Several former members of The Trinity Church, including its recently resigned director of security, Chad Freese, have begun to share their experiences online. Their accounts and criticism predate Christianity Todays recent podcast, The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, which looks back at the factors around the former churchs growth and collapse under Driscoll.

The outgoing members have raised concerns about the relational health of the Arizona church, citing specific examples of severed relationships in the congregation, including within families. Some of these people, according to Freese, had been barred from church grounds. He also described what he sees as favoritism, distrust, and threats from Driscoll, including threats of legal action.

Last month, the church acknowledged some of the claims made by Freese, referencing an incident report made in childrens ministry. The church wrote in a newsletter that the statements were categorically false and considered them part of an effort to take down Trinity and destroy the church.

Freese wrote that he had originally come to Trinity aware of issues at Mars Hill, but was drawn to Driscolls sermons and wanted to see for himself.

Similarly, when the Eneas family joined The Trinity Church last year, they felt like they fit in as fellow transplants from the Pacific Northwest. Every once in a while, Tiffany Eneas said, Driscoll would reference another church in my past, but not mention Mars Hill by name. (The church Driscoll led for 18 years also doesnt come up in his bio on the Trinity site.)



We were even telling our friends, Dont google him, just come and see it for yourself, she told CT.

Eneas and her family left the church over what she saw as controlling and bullying behavior. She was disturbed by how pastors related to church members, including scrutinizing her relationships with former attendees.

[My husband] said if he knew, he would have never even driven into the parking lot, Eneas said. I dont feel like people knew  I had such a great experience growing up in the church. I just walked up and trusted.

Shes grateful for the counsel she received from some former Mars Hill elders who joined an 85-member Facebook group of people who left Driscolls congregation in Scottsdale. She estimates that over 100 people in the church she now attends had also left Trinity.

Even with departures and renewed online discussion around Driscoll, the recent tension has not been felt across The Trinity Church. New attendees continue to join the church and appreciate Driscoll as its pastor and preacher.

The former Mars Hill elders acknowledge that they have no formal authority in this current matter over Driscolls current role, but also raise concerns that the leaders who backed his decision to plant The Trinity Church had not considered the charges he left behind in Seattle.

Earlier this year, The Trinity Church website had listed Texas pastors Robert Morris and Jimmy Evans as well as Christian consultant Randal Taylor as wise counsel. Their names no longer appear on the site, nor are any elders listed.

In the latest tax filings for Mark Driscoll Ministries (also called Real Faith), Taylor is also listed as a trustee, alongside Brandon Thomas, who pastors Keystone Church in Keller, Texas, and Josh McPherson, who leads Grace City Church in Wenatchee, Washington. McPherson is a former Acts 29 board member.

This translocal advisory structure has allowed Mark to avoid the accountability he needs, the former Mars Hill elders wrote. We hope and pray, by the grace of God, that Mark will submit himself to a prolonged season under the Godly leadership and direction of a local church body and Elder team.

Editors note: This article was updated July 28 as the total number of elders signing onto the public statement rose to 41. The statement listing the 41 elders is available here.
We begin today a series with Northern Seminary DMin grads who summarize their chapter from Wise Church.

This post is by Dan Hanlon.

Parents and teachers of little ones know how important and yet challenging it can be to provide brief definitions for every-day words, words with meanings often taken for granted. This, I think, is true of wisdom. How would you define wisdom? Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates would answer, to know thyself is the beginning of wisdom. Good advice. And yet, a contradiction to the claim of the biblical sage: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

My chapter in Wise Church offers a biblical definition of wisdom that aims to be both deep enough and broad enough to provide a foundation for the range of topics covered in the book. Hopefully, it also provides a foundation for further reflection on topics not covered as well.

Defining wisdom begins with the terminology of Proverbs, which, as the only book in the Bible to specifically claim to make its adherents wise, is the necessary starting place for any discussion of biblical wisdom. Proverbs has rich wisdom terminology and the first word is hokmah (1:2-7). Hokmah has two levels of meaning and the second builds on the first. Wisdom is first of all the skill or ability to do something well. The skill of artists, craftsmen and weavers is wisdom (Exodus 35:10, 26, 35). The ability to lead and govern well is wisdom (Deuteronomy 34:9; 1 Kings 3:28; 2 Chronicles 1:10). The skill for war and conquest is wisdom (Isaiah 10:13). The ability to make wealth is wisdom (Ezekiel 28:4-5). The vocal abilities of professional mourners is wisdom (Jeremiah 9:17). The list could go on.

The second level of meaning of hokmah builds on the idea of skill. If wisdom is the skill to do something well, then it is the skill or ability to do life well. It is this second level meaning that is so central to Biblical wisdom. This wisdom is not reducible to terminology, however, and touches on areas of epistemology, ethics, and theology. The rest of my chapter centers on these three dimensions of biblical wisdom, which provide the foundation our other authors build upon.

First, epistemology is that dimension of wisdom dealing with ways of knowing. Wisdom is the fruit of observation, experience, and receptivity to instruction. Grey hair is not a prerequisite for wisdom, but wisdom does come with age. The father/son language in Proverbs is an analogy for the sage/disciple relationship.

It is often thought that wisdom and apocalyptic genre types are opposed to one another, since they seem to breath the air of conflicting worldview assumptions. Yet, biblical wisdom also comes by revelation, especially the revelation of God through his Spirit. Paul, along with his Second Temple Jewish contemporaries, saw this and recognized the importance of Spirit revealed wisdom for the life of Gods people (see Ephesians 1:17).

Second, the ethical dimension of wisdom deals with behavior. Hokmah is a neutral term and can be used negatively. Jeremiah speaks of skill in doing evil (4:22). Not only that, but foolishness and wickedness are also connected in the Bible. Wisdom requires moral instruction in righteousness, justice and equity (Proverbs 1:3).

A growing consensus among the experts is that Old Testament law is custom law, rather than our modern sense of statutory law, or law code. That is, Old Testament law is a lot like wisdom. If so, then the Law (Torah) is a source of wisdom. This is how Second Temple Jews, like Ben Sira thought about it. The Law remains a source of ethical wisdom for the church as well. But ethical wisdom is not limited to the Law, but is also Spirit-led (e.g. Ephesians 5:18) and Christ-shaped (e.g. Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 4:1).

Third and, perhaps most significantly, biblical wisdom is theological. This is because wisdom in the Bible is about relating to God or the divine ordering of the world. At the heart of biblical wisdom, therefore, is the fear of the Lord, a concept that grounds wisdom in a covenantal relationship with God. In relationship with God one gains the wisdom needed to navigate life in the world God has made. Wisdom is life within limits, the companion needed to live along the grain of Gods design (Proverbs 8).

Ultimately, wisdom is theological because of the association of Jesus and wisdom, both in his teachings and in his person. Josephus identified Jesus as a wise man, a sage. The teachings of Jesus are wisdom and the Sermon on the Mount is a great example. But the wisdom of Jesus is also embodied. Jesus is the embodiment of Gods wisdom for the church. Paul often points to Jesus as an example for the church to follow.

These three dimensions of biblical wisdom (epistemology, ethics, and theology) should not be held apart, as if they were competing ideas about wisdom. Rather, they are interconnected working together in the life of the church, as Paul shows in Colossians. The unity of biblical wisdom is rooted in the triune God of the Bible who gives wisdom to the church to face the challenges of being the People of God in the world. Two New Testament examples of practical wisdom in the life of the church round out my chapter.
Devout Catholics can't support gov't funding of abortion, Pelosi's archbishop says

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A California archbishop whose territory includes the church that U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi belongs to has argued that a person can't be a devout Catholic and support the government funding of abortion.

Last week, Democrat Pelosi cited her faith when answering a question to justify the effort to overturn the Hyde Amendment. This longstanding measure prohibits the federal funding of abortions in most circumstances.

In an interview with the Catholic News Agency published over the weekend, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco rejected the attempted connection between Catholic belief and pro-choice public policies.

Let me repeat: no one can claim to be a devout Catholic and condone the killing of innocent human life, let alone have the government pay for it, Cordileone was quoted as saying.

The right to life is a fundamental  the most fundamental  human right, and Catholics do not oppose fundamental human rights.

During her press conference on July 22, Pelosi responded to a question about her support for repealing the Hyde Amendment. She said that as a devout Catholic and mother of five in six years, I feel that God blessed my husband and me with our beautiful family  five children in six years almost to the day. However, she said that it's not up to her to "dictate what other people should do."

"It's an issue of fairness and justice for poor women in our country," Pelosi said.

Cordileone took issue with the claim that overturning the Hyde Amendment would help advance healthcare among lower-income women, calling it the epitome of hypocrisy.

 what about the health of the baby being killed? What about giving poor women real choice so they are supported in choosing life? he continued.

It is people of faith who run pro-life crisis pregnancy clinics; they are the only ones who provide poor women life-giving alternatives to having their babies killed in their wombs.

The archbishop's remarks come as the Democrat-controlled Congress looks to pass a federal spending bill that would exclude the Hyde Amendment for the first time in decades.

Doing so would keep with the wishes of President Joe Biden, the second Catholic to serve as president of the United States. Biden campaigned on repealing the Hyde Amendment and proposed a budget without the measure in late May.

Budgets are a statement of values, stated Planned Parenthood Action on Twitter in May. President Bidens budget proposes to end the harmful Hyde amendment  making clear that federal law should support everyones ability to access health care, including safe, legal abortion, in this country.

In May, Cordileone garnered headlines when he authored a pastoral letter recommending that pro-choice Catholic politicians not receive communion.

Your Catholic ideals inspire you in your work to help those who experience discrimination, violence, and injustice, and you deserve the gratitude of your fellow Catholics and our nation for this service. But we cannot empower the weak by crushing the weakest, wrote Cordileone.

If you find that you are unwilling or unable to abandon your advocacy for abortion, you should not come forward to receive Holy Communion. To publicly affirm the Catholic faith while at the same time publicly rejecting one of its most fundamental teachings is simply dishonest.

There has been much debate surrounding the issue of whether pro-choice politicians should be denied communion. Pro-life Catholics have called on bishops to draft a document advising ordinaries to deny communion to pro-choice Catholic politicians.

After U.S. bishops voted to approve the drafting of a "Document on the Meaning of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops clarified that such a document would not lead to a blanket ban blocking pro-abortion politicians from receiving communion.

Earlier this month, New Mexico State Sen. Joe Cervantes was denied communion over his support for legislation that repeals the state's ban on abortion, which would make abortion legal in the state if the landmark Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion nationwide is ever overturned.
Chinese authorities raid Zoom church service, order pastor to stop preaching

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Police officers and Chinese Communist Party officials raided a church in Guangdong Province, which advocates for justice in China, while its pastor and elder were leading an online worship service on Zoom, forcing the two to stop preaching.

Security agents, police officers and other officials surrounded the Shenzhen Trinity Gospel Harvest Church in Shenzhen city and forced Pastor Mao Zhibin and Elder Chu Yanqing to stop preaching, the U.S.-based group China Aid reported.

The incident took place earlier on July 11, about three months after a church member, Shi Minglei, also known as Hope, fled to the United States. Hope was also attending the online service that was raided.

Pastor Mao and elder Shen Ling also recently signed A Joint Statement by Pastors: A Declaration for the Sake of the Christian Faith, led by Pastor Wang Yi of the heavily persecuted Early Rain Covenant Church.

In April, several members of Early Rain Covenant Church were arrested for participating in an Easter worship service on Zoom and ordered to cease all religious activity.

Persecution watchdog group International Christian Concern reported at the time that the Christians were participating in a Zoom worship service from their homes on Easter Sunday when six leaders were arrested and detained by the Public Security Bureau.

The 5,000-member Sichuan house church has not been able to gather in person since the communist regime shut down the church in 2018 and arrested their pastor and other leaders. Since then, it has opted to gather online.

At that time I was also in the Zoom call, but there was a long period of time where I did not hear a thing, a member of ERCC was quoted as saying. I thought its the network connection issue at first, but I soon heard a quarrel erupt. Our co-worker Wang Jun was questioning some people, [saying], Who are you to do this [to us]?

Open Doors USA, which monitors persecution in over 60 countries, estimates that there are about 97 million Christians in China, a large percentage of whom worship in what China considers to be illegal and unregistered underground house churches.

Authorities in China are also continuing their crackdown on Christianity by removing Bible Apps and Christian WeChat public accounts as new highly restrictive administrative measures on religious staff went into effect this year.

China is ranked on Open Doors USAs World Watch List as one of the worst countries in the world when it comes to the persecution of Christians.

The country has also been labeled by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for continuing to engage in particularly severe violations of religious freedom.

Authorities in China are also continuing their crackdown on Christianity by removing Bible apps and Christian WeChat public accounts as new highly restrictive administrative measures on religious staff went into effect this year.
Justice prevailed: Christian street preacher wins case after being fined, prosecuted for evangelizing

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A court in London has ruled that a Christian street preacher who was fined and prosecuted by the police for evangelizing during lockdown did not break regulations or do anything illegal.

The London Magistrates Court ruled that Joshua Sutcliffe, 31, is not guilty as he was outside and that he had a reasonable excuse as he was traveling to his place of work, as a worship leader, said Christian Legal Centre, which supported the preacher, in a statement released Friday.

Sutcliffe was detained and surrounded by four police officers as he was preaching and handing out leaflets in North Londons Camden area on Good Friday last April. He was told he was in breach of COVID-19 lockdown regulations by being outdoors without a reasonable excuse.

Sutcliffe explained to the officers that he was a pastor and worship leader and was outdoors to provide charitable services. However, he was cautioned and received a fixed penalty notice of $80 (60), according to Premier Christian News.

Whilst he was in a gathering and therefore in breach of regulation 7, however, the parties were together and were allowed to rely on articles 9, 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, the magistrates said in the ruling. Their gathering was limited in duration, and they were entitled to gather for street evangelizing.

They treated me like a second-class citizen, Sutcliffe was quoted in the statement as saying. I am a Christian minister of the Gospel, which not so long ago was a treasured and respected vocation in the U.K.

He added, During times of need, people need the hope of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what I do on a regular basis, I go to the streets and proclaim the hope and truth of the resurrection of Christ. I was doing this on Good Friday, one of the most important days in the Christian calendar to do this.

The preacher said he was very glad the magistrates threw the case out and that reason and justice prevailed.

Christians in the U.K. have been easy targets for the police during the pandemic while other groups gathering in significant numbers have been favored by the police, said Andrea Williams, the chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre.

After being cautioned on Good Friday, Joshua continued to preach, even giving his own shoes to a homeless man and walking home barefoot, Williams added. This is what Christian witness should have looked like during this time of crisis  ministering to peoples physical and spiritual needs. Instead, we have seen Christian preachers and pastors, like Joshua, who have a heart for reaching those in great need in their communities fined, arrested and prosecuted for doing so.

Last month, another Christian street preacher, David McConnell, who was arrested while preaching the Gospel, won his case against a police department that admitted liability in a lawsuit, agreeing to pay $4,500 (3,250) in damages in addition to his legal costs for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and violating his human rights.

West Yorkshire Police arrested McConnell in December 2019 for a hate-related public order offense and for preaching on gay rights and abortion.
CofE vicar faces firing for hugging parishioner at funeral, going maskless to sing last verse of hymn

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A diocese of the Church of England is investigating a vicar and has threatened him with disciplinary action, including firing, for singing the final verse of the Easter hymn Thine be the Glory without wearing a mask and thereby breaking the denominations COVID-19 guidelines.

The fact that someone would report me to the (church) authorities over this is quite upsetting, the Rev. Charlie Boyle, the vicar of All Saints Church in Poole, Dorset, says in a statement released by the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting Boyle.

The Diocese of Salisbury received a complaint against the 52-year-old vicar after he sang the hymn during an Easter Sunday service without wearing a mask, although he is exempt from wearing a mask as he is asthmatic.

The Archdeacon of Dorset launched the investigation after Boyle refused to resign quietly, Spiked noted in an op-ed, adding that the government guidance on places of worship at the time stated that those who are leading services or events in a place of worship were exempt from wearing a face covering.

The Archdeacon visited Boyle and told him that he should leave his post and the vicarage by the end of July.

The allegations against the vicar include singing Thine Be The Glory while walking down the church aisle, hugging someone at a funeral, placing Bibles on pews (which had been in storage for a year) and failing to take overall responsibility for COVID risk assessments of the church, according to Premier Christian News, which also noted that Boyle is evangelical and he brought in more modern music and structures to grow the church.

The way that Ive been treated personally by the diocese of Salisbury has been very heavy-handed  when really, what we could had was just a conversation over the phone, Boyle was quoted as saying.

There was hardly anyone in the church anyway, the CofE minister was quoted as saying, concerning the allegation that he sang a portion of the hymn without wearing a mask. I feel shocked and saddened that they could be so petty.

Referring to the accusation that he hugged a parishioner during a funeral, Boyle said, Do you know what? Id do it again. Its an involuntary reaction of comfort. I feel sad that the whole world has got to this stage where people will complain behind your back about giving a hug to somebody. The motivation to hug someone is out of kindness and love.

A spokesman for the diocese was quoted as saying: The Diocese cannot comment on individual cases. High standards of integrity and service are expected from our clergy. Occasionally clergy fall short of what is expected and complaints are brought against them. These matters need to be dealt with in a formal and confidential way. The Clergy Disciplinary Measure can be used by anyone who has a formal complaint. Such complaints need to be thoroughly investigated with pastoral support always being offered at the same time.
Hartford Seminary gets $5M to study impact of pandemic on churches

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Thanks to a $5.3 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., Hartford Seminary in Connecticut is set to conduct new research into how congregations are adapting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the school announced Monday.

The Hartford Institute for Religion Research, which will lead the project, will examine how churches have changed in response to the pandemic and seminary President Joel N. Lohr said he could not be more proud of the investment in the work of HIRR.

Not only is the grant award substantial, but the research it will support is incredibly important, building upon the outstanding 40-year history of the HIRR, Lohr said in a statement.

Since the novel coronavirus pandemic first led to lockdowns in March 2020, the Church, like many other sectors of society, has had to make many changes, including a significant shift to digital worship, and recent studies show that many of those changes are likely to endure.

One study, Trends in the Black Church, showed that black churchgoers have adapted so well to online church amid the pandemic some 41% of them now favor a hybrid model of in-person and online services, even after COVID-19 is no longer deemed as severe of a threat. Some 7% say they would rather their church services remain digital going forward, a new study has revealed.

No longer able to pass the collection plate around because they were not able to gather physically, many churches also increasingly shifted to online giving platforms.

In March 2020, as the seriousness of COVID-19 began to dawn on the world, denominational executives had warned pastors to protect their mental health as well as prepare for a longterm shift in the way the church worships.

All of us are going to be stretched in ways we havent been stretched before, Doug Clay, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, had warned church leaders.

The Hartford study, titled Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations: Innovation Amidst and Beyond COVID-19, which previously received $300,000 to help with its design in 2020 from the Lilly Endowment, will track how churches evolved and adapted.

Researchers like Scott Thumma, principal investigator of the project and director of HIRR, will now collaborate with a network of scholars and organizations around the nation who are researching the health and vitality of congregations.

This moment is such a critical time for congregations. If churches can leverage the creative adaptations in response to the pandemic, the struggles of the last 18 months might lead to the revitalization of spiritual and worship practices, Thumma said. Our team is thrilled to be given this opportunity to take an active role in tracking that unfolding reality across the United States. We deeply appreciate Lilly Endowments faith in our project and our teams ability to undertake this vital exploration.

Clare R. Feldman, chair of Hartford Seminarys Board of Trustees, said the benefits of the grant are numerous.

Most noteworthy is that it will enable Hartford Seminary to study the impact of Covid-19 on congregational life and to make those findings available to religious leaders as they go forward, she said.

Hartford Seminary is a nondenominational graduate school for religious and theological studies with a focus on interfaith dialogue.
Israeli archaeologists find 3,100-year-old inscription linked to book of Judges

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Israeli archaeologists excavating in the Judean foothills have uncovered an extremely rare 3,100-year-old inscription from the era of the biblical judges and carrying a name from the book of Judges.

The inscription  the name Jerubbaal  on a small jug from 1,100 BCE, which the archaeologists uncovered from a storage pit at the Khirbet el Rai site, could be the first hard evidence of a name from the biblical stories of the judges that is on an artifact contemporary to the period, The Times of Israel said.

The name of the Judge Gideon ben Yoash was Jerubbaal, but we cannot tell whether he owned the vessel on which the inscription is written in ink, the archaeologists said in a press release, UPI reported.

According to the Bible, Gideon organized a small army of 300 soldiers and attacked the Midianites by night near Maayan Harod, lead archaeologists Yossef Garfinkel and Saar Ganor, who are professors at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said.

The story of Gideon is found in Chapters 6, 7 and 8 in the book of Judges.

In view of the geographical distance between the Shephelah and the Jezreel Valley, this inscription may refer to another Jerubbaal and not the Gideon of biblical tradition, although the possibility cannot be ruled out that the jug belonged to the judge Gideon, the two archaeologists added. In any event, the name Jerubbaal was evidently in common usage at the time of the biblical Judges.

In any case, the discovery, which was published in the open-access Jerusalem Journal of Archaeology, is significant because of the debate as to whether biblical tradition reflects reality and whether it is faithful to historical memories from the days of the Judges and the days of David, they continued. The name Jerubbaal only appears in the Bible in the period of the Judges, yet now it has also been discovered in an archaeological context, in a stratum dating from this period.

The inscription was written in Early Alphabetic/Canaanite script, evidence of which has been found throughout Egypt and the Levant, The Times of Israel noted.

We know very little about this period from the archaeological point of view and we (didnt) have any meaningful inscription from this period, Garfinkel told CBN News.

In an earlier interview with CBN News, Garfinkel said he believes pottery dating back to the time of King David, geography and biblical history all point to Khirbet el Rai as the Philistine town of Ziklag where David escaped King Saul.
Man pleads guilty to murdering Amish teen as she walked home from church

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A 35-year-old man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing an 18-year-old Amish teenager from Pennsylvania, Linda Stoltzfoos, who had gone missing while walking home from church and was later found strangled and stabbed in the neck.

Justo Smoker, who claims to be an alcoholic and suffering from depression, pleaded guilty in Lancaster County to third-degree murder, kidnapping and other offenses in the death of Stoltzfoos, who was last seen walking home from her church in the Bird-in-Hand area on Fathers Day last year, PennLive reported.

Smoker was sentenced to 35.5 to 71 years in prison, according to The Epoch Times, which also said he faces an additional sentence of over 17 years for violating parole from a previous series of burglaries and robberies.

This effectively is a life sentence for Smoker, District Attorney Heather Adams told reporters after the hearing.

Smoker, who allegedly grew up in an orphanage in Costa Rica and spent much of his adult life in prison, drank two bottles of liquor the day before and bought beer from Sheetz just before kidnapping and murdering the teen, Public Defender Christopher Tallarico told the court.

The attorney also claimed that Smoker was depressed at the time of the crime as his sister had died in jail and he had been evicted from his home a week earlier.

Judge David Ashworth responded by saying that alcoholism and depression were not defenses for murder.

Smoker apologized to the victims family in court, saying he had robbed the family of time and memories. The judge called Smoker a predator of the worst kind.

The remains of Stoltzfoos, who disappeared on June 21, 2020, were found in April after Smoker led authorities to the location as a condition of his plea agreement.

Stoltzfoos remains were recovered on railroad property in a grave, wrapped in a tarp behind Smokers previous place of employment, located on Route 41 in eastern Lancaster County. She was still wearing the dress, bonnet and shoes she was dressed in on the day she disappeared.

Mervin Fisher, an uncle to Stoltzfoos, told PennLive at the time that finding his nieces remains gave them closure. The not knowing is a long, dark tunnel without an end. And when you find the remains, you have the end in sight, he said. It brings closure, and when theres closure, the healing process can continue.

The simple, family-centered Amish culture in Lancaster County keeps their devout faith community separate from their more secular countrymen. They believe in a literal interpretation and application of Scripture as the Word of God, including biblical commands to separate themselves from the things of the world. They believe worldliness can keep them from being close to God, and introduce influences that could be destructive to their communities and to their way of life.

Sparky Grace, who is known to the victims family, described the woman as a beautiful human being in a tribute after her remains were found.

I never met a teenage, young woman like Linda. Never a complaint and always moving to lend a helping hand, her meek ways were beyond rare. We did not lose a cute Amish girl. We did not lose a young woman. We lost a beautiful human being resilient with the qualities many would hope to aspire in a lifetime. We lost Linda, he wrote on Facebook.
NC church to sell 1.9-acre property; proceeds will address homelessness, social needs

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After more than two years of discussion, Biltmore United Methodist Church in Asheville, North Carolina, has voted to sell its 1.9-acre property so that the congregation can devote more resources to helping those in need within the community.

The proceeds from the sale will fund an endowment to address homelessness, food access, health care, childrens needs and other priorities in partnership with local nonprofits in the city, according to The Transylvania Times.

Asheville, the city with the highest cost of living in the Tarheel State, has a total of 527 homeless people, according to The City of Asheville's 2021 Point-in-Time count conducted on Jan 27, 2021.

Imagining a new model for what a faith community can look like, Biltmore UMC Council Chair Mike Moyer told The Transylvania Times the endowment could "provide seed money for nonprofit partners to launch new initiatives." He added that "church leaders envision an ongoing ministry of presence for whichever projects they take on."

The church is the people  not the building, Moyer was quoted as saying. We are a smaller community now, and we want to be free to be the hands and feet of Christ.

At one point, the Biltmore United Methodist Church, which has been servicing Methodists since World War II, had roughly 250 congregants attending services in 1990. But over the years, membership reportedly declined due to the opening of Interstate 40 next to the campus and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the church reopened in April 2021, according to the church's Facebook page, the closure took its toll on the church.

The Transylvania Times reports that the church was separated from central Asheville over the years and surrounded by medical offices and commercial buildings. The newspaper added that the population shifted in the area toward the towns of Skyland, Arden and Fletcher, which has made it more difficult for the church to attract congregants.

With all these changes, the church faced increasing expenses. The churchs leadership considered changes that needed to be made.

The Wesley Community Development Corporation, a United Methodist-affiliated nonprofit real estate firm, will help the church with the re-purposing and selling process.

Church leaders reportedly drew inspiration from their experience in Seeds of Change, a series of workshops led by Wesley CDC for churches to learn how to better use their properties for more effective ministry.

Theres no shortage of things we could plug into, Moyer stated. And we dont want to just give out money. We want to be invested. If it means turning dirt, painting a wall  well still be Christs disciples.

Despite repurposing the church building, Biltmore United Methodist Church will still exist as a church. However, they will need a new place for their services.

As the sale is being finalized, the church offers live virtual church services on its Facebook page. The church has held some in-person services in various locations.

The Christian Post reached out to Rev. Lucy Robbins for comment. But no response was received by press time.

Various congregants have shared their love for the church over the last several years on the church's Facebook page.

This church is in the word ... peppy and spirit-led, posted church member Rebecca Austin.

The most wonderful, warm group of people you can imagine. ... We were amazed.  They seemed like a real family of hundreds of loving people, said another visitor, Sharon Bollum.

Another congregant, Joey Bailey, wrote on Facebook that he found the church very welcoming whenever he visited during previous Easter seasons.

It was how I would expect from a church in welcoming visitors and engaging in a worship service focused on God, he wrote. Whether you are traveling and in Asheville on a Sunday to attend or living there in Asheville, take the opportunity to fellowship with these believers. I know we will be attending again.
North Korean authorities complicit in torture, murder and slavery; report warns of likely 'genocide'

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An inquiry by the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea has found that officials working with dictator Kim Jong Un have committed murder, torture, modern-day slavery and religious persecution, all of which amount to crimes against humanity.

There is evidence of Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea officials' involvement in murder and killings; torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; sexual and gender-based violence, including rape and sexual violence, sex trafficking, forced abortions and infanticide; modern-day slavery; persecution based on religion or belief; and much more, the report released last week states.

The report of the inquiry by the informal cross-party group looked at evidence of human rights violations since 2014 when the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the DPRK released its landmark report.

The 2021 report warns that "[t]here are reasons to believe that some of the atrocities reach the threshold of genocide, particularly in relation to three groups: Christians; half-Chinese children; and the hostile group.

The inquiry cites a 2020 report by the U.S. State Department, saying that executions have been carried out for possession of Bibles, circulating antiregime propaganda material, and superstitious activities.

The inquiry also cites a 2020 report by Human Rights Watch, a nonprofit that researches various human rights situations worldwide.

Some female detainees reported that they experienced or observed sexual violence, including rape in detention and interrogation facilities," the All-Party Parliamentary Group report states. "Interviewees said that agents from the police, secret police, and the prosecutors office, most in charge of their personal interrogation, touched their faces and their bodies, including their breasts and hips, either through their clothes or by putting their hands inside their clothes. They said they were powerless to resist because their fate was in the hands of these men.

The report urges the U.K. government to assess cases of possible genocidal atrocities" and "ensure comprehensive humanitarian assistance to all those affected by atrocity crimes in the DPRK." The All-Party Parliamentary Group calls for the U.K. government to review the options for accountability for the crimes in the DPRK and make the best of their sanction regimes to target individual perpetrators.

Mervyn Thomas, founding president of the London-based watchdog group Christian Solidarity Worldwide, called on the U.K. government to take heed of the reports recommendations, and continue to call on North Korea to ensure that all human rights are upheld and defended by the government.

For years, North Korea has ranked as the worst country globally when it comes to Christian persecution on Open Doors USA's World Watch List, which reports that tens of thousands of Christians are held in North Korean prison camps.

Conservative estimates suggest that about 80,000 to 120,000 people are held in labor and political prison camps inside North Korea.

Individuals can be sent to these prison camps for something as simple as having read the Bible, having watched a South Korean drama, listened to K-pop," Olivia Enos, a policy analyst in Asian studies at the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, said in July 2019 during the release of a documentary film exposing the challenges of North Korean Christians. "These are average, ordinary things that we as Americans take for granted.

She said the Kim regime "sees religion as potentially threatening to its leadership.

There are no definitive estimates on how many people have died inside North Korean political camps. But Enos said some believe the number ranges from 400,000 to many millions.
Sen. Rand Paul pushes for criminal investigation into Anthony Fauci: He 'lied to Congress'

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Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has called for a criminal investigation into Dr. Anthony Fauci, who the senator accused of lying to Congress about the funding of gain-of-function research that many believe led to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, Paul asked the U.S. Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into Fauci, who, as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has positioned himself as the face of the government's COVID-19 response and denied that the National Institutes of Health had funded gain-of-function research at a lab in Wuhan, China.

Paul announced his intention to request that Attorney General Merrick Garland pursue charges against Fauci during an appearance on Fox News Hannity Tuesday night: I will be sending a letter to the Department of Justice asking for a criminal referral because he has lied to Congress.

The Washington Examiner obtained a copy of the letter that Paul wrote to Garland and shared excerpts from it on Saturday.

I write to urge the United States Department of Justice to open an investigation into testimony made to the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions by Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, on May 11, 2021, it reads in part.

Pauls call for a criminal investigation into Fauci followed a testy exchange between the two during a July 20 Senate hearing on COVID-19 response where Fauci was asked about the NIH's funding of research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origins of the novel coronavirus.

Faucis appearance before the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, came more than a year after he first claimed that the virus occurred in nature, despite increasing evidence that supports the hypothesis that it was a manufactured virus that escaped from the lab in China that was being funded by American taxpayers.

The allegation that Fauci committed a federal crime results from comments he made during a May 11 hearing before the committee where he had a separate contentious exchange with the senator. After Paul characterized gain-of-function research as juicing up naturally occurring animal viruses to infect humans, he explained that Dr. Ralph Baric, a virologist in the U.S., has been collaborating with Dr. Shi Zengli of the Wuhan Virology Institute, sharing his discoveries about how to create superviruses using a grant provided by the NIH.

This gain-of-function research has been funded by the NIH. The collaboration between the U.S. and the Wuhan Virology Institute continues, the senator added. When Paul asked Fauci if he still supported the NIH funding gain-of-function research at the WIV, the epidemiologist repeatedly denied that the NIH ever awarded such funding.

The NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology, asserted Fauci, who's also the highest-paid employee in the federal government and medical advisor to President Joe Biden.

As Paul continued to press Fauci on the matter, Fauci thrice denied that the NIH, which oversees the NIAID, provided the Wuhan lab with funding to conduct gain-of-function research.

More than two months later, during the July 20 hearing, Paul cited testimony from Dr. Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University, who concluded that research conducted in Wuhan matches, indeed epitomizes, the definition of gain-of-function research.

Ebright told National Review that the Wuhan lab used NIH funding to construct novel chimeric SARS-related coronaviruses able to infect human cells and laboratory animals.

According to Ebright, This is high-risk research that creates new potential pandemic pathogens (i.e., potential pandemic pathogens that only exist in a lab, not in nature). The scientist noted that federal funding for this research was paused between 2014 and 2017.

Paul cited Ebrights analysis, which was featured in a National Review article published just two days after Faucis May 11 testimony, in addition to mentioning that lying to Congress constitutes a crime when questioning Fauci on Tuesday.

He then asked Fauci if he wanted to retract his statement claiming that the NIH never funded gain-of-research in Wuhan.

I have never lied before the Congress and I do not retract that statement, Fauci responded. This paper that you are referring to was judged by qualified staff up and down the chain as not being gain-of-function.

Exasperated, Fauci responded by raising his voice in response to the senator, saying, you do not know what you are talking about regarding the definition of gain-of-function research. The two sparred about the semantics of the definition before Paul vowed that There will be responsibility for those who funded the lab, including yourself.

According to Section 1001 of the U.S. Criminal Code, any government official who makes materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements could face up to five years in prison. Paul brought up this statute in his letter to Garland.

As The Christian Post previously reported, the Department of Health and Human Services has opened an investigation into the NIHs grant program for international research as the debate about the origins of the coronavirus continues.

Earlier this year, Paul sponsored an amendment to the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act of 2021 that would prohibit the National Institutes of Health and any other Federal agency from funding gain-of-function research conducted in China. The amendment passed by voice vote.

The Wall Street Journal's editorial board noted in June that the NIH gave nearly $600,000 to the WIV through a nonprofit called EcoHealth Alliance to study bat coronaviruses and how they infect human cells.

After many raised concerns that the virus wasn't natural and suspected that its origins came from the Wuhan lab, Fauci and other scientists touted a letter published in The Lancet that claimed the lab leak hypothesis was nothing more than a "conspiracy."

That letter, however, was "organized by Peter Daszak, president of the EcoHealth Alliance, which had funneled the NIH money to the WIV," the Journal's editorial board said, adding that Fauci and "his allies have obvious conflicts of interest" given their close ties to Daszak.

"Mr. Daszak, Dr. Fauci and all researchers involved in gain-of-function research would suffer significant reputational damage and perhaps lose funding if scientific research they supported caused a pandemic," the editorial board added.

As of Monday afternoon, the coronavirus pandemic is estimated to have killed more than 4 million people worldwide, including more than 600,000 Americans.
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The iconic, famously woke ice cream company, Ben & Jerrys, announced on Monday that it will no longer sell its product in Occupied Palestinian Territory. As the company explained, We believe it is inconsistent with our values for Ben & Jerrys ice cream to be sold in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). However, they added, Although Ben & Jerrys will no longer be sold in the OPT, we will stay in Israel through a different arrangement.

Put another way (and to read between the lines), We will continue to sell our ice cream to the evil oppressors in their own apartheid state, one that was founded on genocide and ethnic cleansing and one that exists to this day on stolen Palestinian land. But we will not sell our ice cream to these evil oppressors who live in illegal settlements in other portions of equally stolen land.

How righteous. How consistent. How just.

Had I not given up eating Ben & Jerrys ice cream 7 years ago (for health reasons, along with lots of other foods I dropped), I would be losing my taste about now.

The responses to Ben & Jerrys announcement have been as predictable as they have been telling.

From the Israeli side, the new prime minister Naftali Bennett said, There are many ice cream brands, but only one Jewish state.

Israelis can do without the ice cream but not without their state.

Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted, Now we Israelis know which ice cream NOT to buy.

Well said, sir.

From the anti-Israel side, the BDS movement tweeted, Following years of #BDS campaigns @benandjerrys has announced it will end sales of its ice cream in Israel's illegal settlements on stolen Palestinian land.

We warmly welcome their decision but call on Ben & Jerry's to end all operations in apartheid Israel.

#BDSsuccess

In other words, This is a good step in the right direction, but if you really want to do the right thing  and be assured we will keep pressuring you until you  you must stop doing any business with evil Israel.

A fuller statement from the BDS movement (which stands for boycott, divestment, and sanctions) said this: After years of pressure from activists, Ben & Jerrys announced it will not renew its licensing agreement with its Israeli licensee, who is involved in selling the ice cream in illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The BDS movement welcomes Ben & Jerrys decision as a decisive step towards ending the companys complicity in Israels occupation and violations of Palestinian rights.

Ben & Jerrys, a leading socially responsible international company, is finally bringing its policy on Israels regime of oppression against Palestinians in line with its progressive positions on Black Lives Matter and other justice struggles. We hope Ben & Jerrys has understood that, in harmony with its social justice commitments, there can be no business as usual with apartheid Israel.

All clear, BDS.

The Jewish people in Israel have created an apartheid state on stolen land. No business as usual with them. Not until they remove the protective barrier designed to keep out murderous terrorists. Not until they retreat to pre-1967 (= suicidal, indefensible borders). And not until they allow all Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland.

In other words, BDS will exist until Israel is no more, since the demands of the movement, if fully implemented, would result in the end of the Jewish state.

Why then is Ben & Jerrys only pulling its ice cream from the illegal settlements rather than from the nation as a whole? Why allow those evil Israelis, those apartheid genocidal monsters, to enjoy these sumptuous treats in the luxury of their homes in West Jerusalem or their restaurants in Tel Aviv?

And if the ice cream will not be sold in the OPT, does that mean that the Palestinians living nearby will not be able to buy it either? Or that those of them whose jobs involve the distribution of the ice cream will be hurt economically by the boycott?

As for these last two questions, Im simply putting them up for discussion, since the official announcement is lacking in details. But one thing is sure: a good case can be made for the fact that the BDS movement actually hurts the Palestinians more than it helps them. (For a strong, anti-BDS statement from Palestinian activist Bassam Eid, see here.)

Of course, there are other reasons not to be impressed with Ben & Jerrys righteous stand, not the least of which is the companys contractual agreement with Unilever.

As explained in the Washington Free Beacon, The most common expression of anti-Semitism on the left is the application of double standards to Jews and the Jewish state.

Look no further than Ben & Jerry's partnership with Unilever, which acquired the ice cream company in 2000. There is no comparison between Israeli policy in the West Bank and the practices of the world's greatest human rights abusers. Unilever happily does business everywhere from occupied Northern Cyprus to occupied Tibet and Xinjiang, home to Uyghur concentration camps. We won't hold our breath for the ice cream boycott of China or Russia. But hey, there are no Jews in Xinjiang.

Exactly.

As a lover of God and a lover of justice, I, too, want to see the fair and equal treatment of the Palestinians along with the safety and thriving of the Jewish state of Israel.

Thats why I so reject the incoherent and hypocritical policy decision of Ben & Jerrys.
Ninth Circuit revives church's lawsuit against law requiring healthcare plans cover abortion

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A federal appeals court has concluded that a church in Washington state has the right to sue over a state law requiring health insurers to cover abortions, partially overturning a lower court decision dismissing the case.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a unanimous decision last Thursday reviving the Cedar Park Assembly of God of Kirkland's lawsuit against Gov. Jay Inslee and Washington Insurance Commissioner Myron Kreidler over a healthcare law known as Senate Bill 6219.

All three judges were appointed by former President George W. Bush.

The panel opinion concluded that Cedar Park plausibly alleged that the law forced the church's health insurer to stop "offering a plan with abortion coverage restrictions." The ruling argued that "Cedar Park could not procure comparable replacement coverage.

The states argument that Cedar Park did not suffer an injury because SB 6219 did not prevent Kaiser Permanente from continuing to offer a plan that restricted abortion coverage fails because Kaiser Permanente reasonably understood the plain language of SB 6219 as precluding such restrictions, and it acted accordingly when it removed the restrictions from Cedar Parks health plan, the panel ruled.

Although the state argues that Cedar Park did not suffer an injury caused by SB 6219 because other health insurers offered plans that would meet Cedar Parks requirements, this argument also fails given that Kaiser Permanente dropped Cedar Parks abortion coverage restrictions due to SB 6219, and there is no evidence in the record clearly demonstrating that Cedar Park could obtain acceptable coverage at the time it filed its complaint.

The panel did not fully overturn the lower court decision, agreeing with the district court by rejecting the churchs equal protection claim for lack of standing." The judges ruled that the complaint does not plausibly allege that Cedar Park suffered a denial of equal treatment due to SB 6219s interaction with Washingtons conscience objection statute.

 such differential treatment does not constitute discrimination because the providers are not similarly situated to religious organizations, continued the judges.

This is because the providers are in the business of providing health services, while religious organizations merely purchase health coverage.

The Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal nonprofit helping to represent the church, celebrated the ruling. The group noted that the litigation will continue at the district court level.

No church should be forced to cover abortions, and certainly not a church like Cedar Park that dedicates its ministry to protecting and celebrating life, said ADF Legal Counsel Elissa Graves in a statement.

We are pleased the 9th Circuit rightly recognized the harm that Washington state has inflicted on Cedar Park Church in subjecting it to this unprecedented mandate.

In March 2018, Inslee signed SB 6219 into law requiring healthcare plans covering maternity care to cover abortions.

Also called the Reproductive Parity Act, the law stated that if a health plan issued or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2019, provides coverage for maternity care or services, the health plan must also provide a covered person with substantially equivalent coverage to permit the abortion of a pregnancy.

"Neither a woman's income level nor her type of insurance should prevent her from having access to a full range of reproductive health care, including contraception and abortion services," the law reads.

"Restrictions on abortion coverage interfere with a woman's personal, private pregnancy decision making, with his or her health and well-being, and with his or her constitutionally protected right to safe and legal medical abortion care."

The church filed its complaint in federal court in March 2019. This May, Judge Benjamin Settle, a George W. Bush appointee, dismissed the church's lawsuit. He ruled that "Cedar Park has chosen to maintain a business relationship with a company that fails to provide a service meeting Cedar Parks preference despite the potential availability of suitable alternatives."
Making sense of the world in madness

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On July 10, 1941 half of the Polish town of Jedwabne murdered the other half who were Jewish.

Of the many Jews that lived in the town, only about a dozen or so survived to tell the story thats chronicled in Jan Gross book Neighbors. Poles and Jews had been living peacefully side by side for many years in Jedwabne until the Nazis arrived. Just after the German occupation, a simple question was raised by the Poles: Is it now permissible to kill the Jews?

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, half of the town turned on the other. Although the killings were coordinated by the town mayor, Gross says that townspeople were free to improvise.

Some Jews were decapitated and their heads kicked around for fun. To escape their killers, Jewish mothers fled to a nearby pond and drowned their own children, but most were caught and burned alive in a large barn.

Writing in a Newsweek article about the atrocity, George Will says it was not the German army who murdered half the town of Jedwabne, but rather, the last faces seen by Jedwabne's Jews were the familiar faces of neighbors. But why did they do it?

Wills answer is a disturbing one: Why in Jedwabne did neighbors murder their neighbors? Because it was permitted. Because they could.

Universal madness

If youre like me, you find yourself picking your jaw up from the ground almost daily after reading about or seeing the most recent current events. How can people and organizations advocate for the murder of unborn children and then traffic their body parts for money? How can individuals burn down and loot businesses, feel justified in doing so, and have the nodding approval of government officials? How can someone like NAACP Vice President Michelle Leete, referring to opponents of critical race theory (CRT), scream Let them die![1]

As George Will would say, Because it was permitted. Because they could.

But, as wild as things seem today, weve seen it before. Like Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9).

During WWII, people were asking similar questions about all the horrors they saw. They, too, were trying to make sense of it all.

In her book Creed or Chaos, Christian and author Dorothy Sayers captures the disillusionment of the people of Europe at that time and their crumbling naturalistic worldview:

The people who are most discouraged and made despondent by the barbarity and stupidity of human behavior at this time are those who think highly of Homo Sapiens as a product of evolution, and who still cling to an optimistic belief in the civilizing influence of progress and enlightenment. To them, the appalling outbursts of bestial ferocity in the Totalitarian States, and the obstinate selfishness and stupid greed of Capitalist Society, are not merely shocking and alarming. For them, these things are the utter negation of everything in which they have believed. It is as though the bottom had dropped out of their universe. The whole thing looks like a denial of all reason, and they feel as if they and the world had gone mad together.

The atheist philosopher Frederick Nietzsche had predicted that just such a universal madness would break out and horrible events occur because, in his words, God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.

Biblically bringing the world into focus

Nietzsche was right in his prediction. And the Bible agrees with him.

In Romans 1, the Apostle Paul discusses what happens when people kill God in their lives: And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper (vs. 28). Three times (vs. 24, 26, 28) Paul says that God gives people who abandon Him over to themselves, with awful consequences.

Unlike the anti-God crowd who believe humanity is evolving into a better morality, the Bible says that things will get worse before it gets better: But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these (2 Tim. 3:1-5).

Reread Pauls list again slowly and ask yourself if this isnt the stuff of most everyday news articles.

Knowing this helps us make sense of the worlds actions. Sayers comments on this when she compares the Christians response to WWII events with non-Christians, and the futility of thinking that the passing of more laws will set society right: Now for the Christian, this is not so. He is as deeply shocked and grieved as anybody else, but he is not astonished. He has never thought very highly of human nature left to itself. He has been accustomed to the idea that there is a deep interior dislocation in the very centre of human personality, and that you can never, as they say, make people good by Act of Parliament, just because laws are man-made and therefore partake of the imperfect and self-contradictory nature of man.

Hope for the future

Although its good to have a right understanding about such things, a person can quickly become despondent over the realization. Are we forever to have repeats of what happened in Jedwabne?

A number of philosophers like Nietzsche, as well as other world religions, believe so. They hold to a cyclical view of life; in an eternal recurrence, which is a theory that states the universe and all existence is perpetually recurring.

By contrast, Scripture teaches a linear view of life; one that is moving forward and heading somewhere. Although difficult times lie ahead, so does a perfect existence when God will, wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true (Rev. 21:4-5).

Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien, who was a Christian, asserted that all human beings know and long for this deep down: Christians understand why human beings cannot get rid of those longings. They are memory trees. Deep inside our soul, they are memory trees of what the world was created to be, but its not, because we turned away from God. Thats what the whole Bible is about.

Given that, perhaps theres never been a better time in history to loudly and proudly share the good news of Christ with people who are desperately trying to make sense of the world and looking for hope.

[1] Note also that her comment was met with a round of applause from the audience gathered at Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church, VA.
Biden Dept. of Education: It was an error to push CRT activist handbook

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The Biden administrations Department of Education has edited its Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting all Students Needs, which previously included a link to a document promoting tenets of critical race theory.

The Department of Educations COVID-19 handbook was originally published in April as a resource for states, districts, schools, and teachers as they reopen schools safely and support students. It also informed the aforementioned groups on how they could spend money allotted for education in the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in March.

The handbook contains a section declaring that: Schools are microcosms of society; therefore, culturally responsive practices, intentional conversations related to race and social and emotional learning, and helping students understand the skills they are building in school, are the foundation for participating in a democracy and should be anchor tenets in building a schoolwide system of educational opportunity.

The original copy of that particular section of the handbook, captured in a July 15 screenshot, included a hyperlink to the Abolitionist Teaching Networks Guide for Racial Justice & Abolitionist Social and Emotional Learning. While Fox News first reported on the guides inclusion in the handbook earlier this week, a New York Post article highlighted its presence in the publication nearly two months ago.

In the guide, the Abolitionist Teaching Network describes its mission as to develop and support educators to fight injustice within their schools and communities. The guide featured a call to abolitionist teachers to build a school culture that engages in healing and advocacy, which requires students, families, and educators who disrupt Whiteness and other forms of oppression.

Critics of the Biden administration alleged that by promoting the Abolitionist Teaching Networks guide, the Department of Education was endorsing critical race theory.

Encyclopedia Brittanica defines critical race theory as an intellectual movement and loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the premise that race is not a natural, biologically grounded feature of physically distinct subgroups of human beings but a socially constructed (culturally invented) category that is used to oppress and exploit people of colour.

Following Fox News' report and the resulting pushback, the Department of Education issued a statement to the news outlet asserting: The Department does not endorse the recommendation of this group, nor do they reflect our policy positions. Additionally, the department maintained that it was an error in a lengthy document to include this citation.

In addition to asking teachers to disrupt Whiteness, the Abolitionist Teaching Networks guide characterizes social-emotional learning as a covert form of policing used to punish, criminalize, and control Black, Brown, and Indigenous children and communities to adhere to White norms.

The document also laments that Most SEL standards are rooted in Eurocentric norms, not to empower, love, or free Black, Brown, or Indigenous children.

After pressing for the removal of all punitive or disciplinary practices that spirit murder Black, Brown, and Indigenous children, the guide concludes with a list of an Abolitionist Teachers Demands, which contains demands to remove any and all police and policing from schools and institute reparations for children of color stolen by the school-to-prison pipeline.

The inclusion of the Abolitionist Teaching Networks Guide for Racial Justice & Abolitionist Social and Emotional Learning is not the first time the Department of Education has had to walk back encouragement of critical race theory.

Earlier this year, the department introduced the National Activities program as part of an effort to promote new and existing evidence-based strategies to encourage innovative American history, civics and government, and geography instruction, learning strategies, and professional development activities, and programs for school personnel.

The National Activities program is an initiative of the American History and Civics Education programs, which provide grants to educational institutions that embrace the aforementioned types of initiatives.

The department stressed that the goal of such programs was to benefit low-income students and underserved populations, identifying the integration of projects that incorporate racially, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse perspectives into teaching and learning as a priority. It specifically mentioned the importance of, in the teaching and learning of our countrys history, both the consequences of slavery, and the significant contributions of Black Americans to our society.

According to the department, This acknowledgment is reflected, for example, in the New York Times landmark 1619 Project and in the resources of the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History. The document from the Federal Register outlining the National Activities Program includes a quote from Ibram X. Kendi, a noted proponent of critical race theory.

In response to the criticism that followed the agencys promotion of projects and individuals that promote critical race theory, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement last week that this program, however, has not, does not, and will not dictate or recommend specific curriculum be introduced or taught in classrooms.

Efforts to ban the teaching of critical race theory in public schools have gained a lot of steam at the state level. According to Education Week, 26 states have introduced bills or taken other steps that would restrict teaching critical race theory or limit how teachers can discuss racism and sexism, while eleven states have enacted those bans, either through legislation or other avenues. The states that have enacted such legislation are Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.

At the federal level, legislation banning the teaching of critical race theory in taxpayer-funded schools faces an uphill battle to passage in light of the Democrats control of the Legislative and Executive branches of government.

However, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., have introduced legislation in their respective chambers called the Stop CRT Act, which would bar federal funds from being sent to K-12 schools that promote Critical Race Theory, as well as colleges and universities that compel students or faculty to affirm tenets of Critical Race Theory.
Judge rejects churches challenge to Virginias LGBT antidiscrimination law

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A judge has ruled against a group of churches, schools and a pro-life pregnancy center challenging a Virginia law that adds sexual orientation and gender identity to state antidiscrimination law.

Judge James E. Plowman Jr. issued a ruling from the bench last week in favor of the Virginia Values Act, which was passed by the Democrat-controlled state government in 2020.

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring released a statement last Friday expressing support for the ruling, which will be entered as an order within the next few weeks.

Our landmark civil rights protections will remain in place, and Virginia will remain a place that is open and welcoming to all, no matter what you look like, where you come from, how you worship, or who you love, stated Herring.

I was proud to support passage of the Virginia Values Act and am so proud of our work to successfully defend the law twice against legal attack.

In late September of last year, Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit on behalf of two churches, three private schools, and a pregnancy care center against the Virginia Values Act.

In the suit, Calvary Road Baptist Church of Fairfax County and its school, Community Fellowship Church of Staunton and its school, Community Christian Academy of Charlottesville, and Care Net of Loudon County claimed that the new law forced them to compromise various hiring and employment practices based on their sincere religious beliefs.

[The Act] 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 suit, in part.

Even merely posting their religious beliefs on their own websites could subject the Ministries to prosecution and exorbitant fines. These penalties could easily exceed a million dollars, ruin the Ministries financially, and make continuing their Christian missions impossible.

In March, U.S. District Court Judge Claude M. Hilton rejected a separate challenge to the Virginia Values Act, another lawsuit filed by the ADF, this time on behalf of Robert Updegrove of Bob Updegrove Photography.

In his decision, Hilton argued that the Updegrove lacked the standing to sue 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 in late March.

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.
Detective finds evidence of sex trafficking on OnlyFans: 'Hiding behind that paywall'

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A detective and a panel of guest speakers at the Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation's online summit detailed Wednesday how the popular content subscription service platform OnlyFans, frequently used for pornographic purposes, fosters abuse and sex trafficking.

Detective Joseph Scaramucci from McLennan County Sheriffs Office in Texas, known as one of the countrys most elite human trafficking investigators, shared with viewers how OnlyFans shows evidence of sex trafficking activity. He spoke about the signs that investigators look for when working to find evidence of sex trafficking.

Scaramucci has been involved in both state and federal investigative work since 2004. He has participated in arresting over 460 sex buyers and has aided in the arrests of 149 individuals for human trafficking and related offenses, which led to the identification of 260 trafficking victims.

Targeting trafficking is going through and looking at the photographic visual indicators, being able to show the travel, and being able to get very strong indicators, whether it be financial transactions coupled with money movement, he detailed. And people in certain cities at certain times, [those] advertisements just happen to be posted at and then coupling that with are they advertising for OnlyFans as well."

... The beauty of OnlyFans is that many of them are hiding behind that paywall.  [They] are shooting video with their victims [on OnlyFans], and they are using that video to elevate themselves because that's what [pimps] do  which is what drives me crazy about them.

In several instances, Scaramucci said he has taken videos from OnlyFans and screen captures faces throughout the videos to build criminal cases against many.

During the pandemic, OnlyFans has seen exponential growth. Last year, it claimed to have more than 30 million registered users and more than 450,000 creators.

OnlyFans, headquartered in London, was launched in 2016 by British tech entrepreneur and investor Timothy Stokely, who has a background in the online adult world.

Since the launch, OnlyFans has become a haven for online pornographic material.

This platform is unquestionably facilitating child sex abuse material and human trafficking of adults and minors alike,  enabling sexual abuse and exploitation, said Linda Nealon, the director of corporate and strategic initiatives for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.

Its critical that law enforcement, policymakers, service providers, parents and caregivers understand how this platform works and the many associated risks.

In October 2018, Ukrainian-American entrepreneur Leonid Radvinsky bought the majority stake in OnlyFans parent company, Fenix International Ltd. Radvinsky also has a history in the adult online world. He started a porn website called MyFreeCams through his holding company, Mfcxy, Inc. Radvinsky has other smaller pornography sites that he promotes.

As you can imagine, given both these gentlemens backgrounds, a large percentage of the content of OnlyFans is pornographic in nature,  at least 90% to our best estimate, said Ron Eritano, representing the Normandy Group on behalf of Awareness is Prevention. ... The interesting thing about OnlyFans is it portrays itself as a much more mainstream website and platform due to connections with a number of celebrities, from Floyd Mayweather Jr., the boxer; to Cardi B, the entertainer. But make no mistake about it, OnlyFans is predominately and heavily an adult online pornographic website.

The OnlyFans layout, Eritano said, is much like that of Instagram and Facebook, with a homepage, options to grow subscribers or followers and a messaging feature.

When using the platform as a subscriber, users must check off a box verifying they are over 18 and submit a credit card payment. However, the only method for creators to monitor age verification is when they request payment for video content they post. They must provide a selfie photo, which shows themselves in the picture and a government identification card.

OnlyFans has partnered with at least three different organizations, which use an AI platform to work to verify whether or not users are the same person in their photo IDs, he said.

The platform allows users to have an option to be a creator, a subscriber or both. When using OnlyFans, Eritano said, there is some free content made available. However, much content requires a fee to access, typically how hardcore pornography is made available.

OnlyFans differs from its predecessors in the online space because of its paywall, which can often create trouble for law enforcement and those trying to monitor what is happening on the platform.

The price structure is constantly shifting because the prices per creator are changing based on demand.

Eritano said it is difficult for law enforcement to monitor the website because the paywall is expensive and not easily searchable due to very few search mechanisms.

Greater responsibility is placed on the payment providers because they can police or influence OnlyFans and its interactions with its creators and the content they are posting.

One of the most common features of OnlyFans is the use of third parties in most videos and content posted. There is no age verification process in place for third parties. Age verification only takes place for the account in which the creator is sitting.

This creates a huge loophole that continues to be utilized by many folks on OnlyFans today, Eritano explained.

The other potentially dangerous factor about OnlyFans is its inner connectivity to other social media platforms through promotions. Those sites include Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok, Snapchat and Instagram.

Not only are they promoting OnlyFans, but they have recruiters actively recruiting folks to come make their millions, citing the few examples of folks who have made a lot of money, and encouraging a lot of folks, particularly young folks who are on a lot of those websites, to come on over to OnlyFans and have a similar experience, Eritano added.

As you can imagine, that becomes pretty dangerous pretty quickly. Not only do they pay the recruiters on OnlyFans, the creators themselves are incentivized to add folks by getting a small payment in conjunction with anyone they add to the platform. OnlyFans continues to drive its membership based on those payment structures.

OnlyFans receives a 20% cut of any content purchased on the site, and 80% of the money made from content purchased on the site stays with the creators.

Early on, some of these big celebrities jumped in, like Bella Thorn. And when they jumped in, she went a little towards the racy side and showed pictures that are maybe not allowed in some of the other sites. And all of a sudden, her subscribers would follow her and pay very substantial amounts of money, added Tim Palmbach, the director of the University of New Haven Center For Forensic Investigations of Trafficking in Persons.

One of the problems with OnlyFans is not only is it just generally exploitative in nature,  there is layers of exploitation.  What it's doing is grooming and finding our young, vulnerable children in the general social media, and convincing them to come on over  and then grooming them to do more and more sexually explicit, exploitive activity under a lie that they will make millions.

Palmbach said some of the ways to stop the potential threat of OnlyFans is through banking, financing, working with law enforcement by reporting things that are witnessed and searching for potential dangers in other social media platforms.
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On the seventh day the priest shall return. If he sees that the plague has spread on the walls of the house, the priest shall order the stones with the plague in them to be pulled out and cast outside the city into an unclean place.  Leviticus 14:38-39

The impurity of sin

When the Psalmist tells us that the whole Earth is the Lords (Psalm 24:1) he truly means the whole Earth. There is nothing not sacred to the Lord: no animal, no plant, not the trees of the forest or even the stones themselves. All is Gods creation and everything belongs to Him. For this reason, God sets up the entire priestly system: to keep his people and their environment clean and pureclean from sin and pure from disease and infection.

But in the Old Testament these two ideas, sin and infection or disease, are not all that different. In Leviticus, anything that can make a man or his dwelling place unclean must be treated by the high priest. It must be cleansed of impurity through sacrifice. This applies even to the very rocks and stones of ones home. Think of the labor involved if you were to find infected rocks in the walls of your house! The mold-infested beams and the stones infected with fungus would have to be pulled out of the house and replaced with clean ones. All the while, the family and every household item from the home would be quarantined for several days. What an ordeal!

However, if it were not done and not done thoroughly, the corrupting effect of the fungus or mold could spread to other parts of the house, to household items, to the family clothing and to the very bodies of the Israelites living there. So it is when sin and death have entered into the world, everything is vulnerable to its impurities.

But, God has made a way! For we no longer have to cleanse our bodies or our homes through the work of the law or the sacrificial system. No! We have the great and final High Priest, who through His once-and-for-all sacrifice has made atonement for us and, should we receive that sacrifice, cleansed us from sin.

Being sanctified in the Spirit

Nevertheless, although we are cleansed in the sight of God, the process of removing impurity from our hearts is not unlike removing stones from the walls of an ancient home. Sin is heavy and it is burdensome. And to be purified from its effects we must constantly return to our High Priest, Jesus, in order that He remove the mold and mildew from our souls. Peter, who knew this process well, tells us that we are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood. We are the house that is made of living stones, and in this house, we offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ as His Spirit sanctifies us.

This house cleaning demands our participation too. It is the Spirit who does the work, but we must invite Him into the house so He can do that work. As the late J.I. Packer put it, we must keep in step with the Spirit. Keeping in step does not mean that in one fell swoop we invite the Spirit into our day and poof moral perfection! Packer puts it this way, it is equally right to stress that the Christians present quest for purity of life means conscious tension and struggle and incomplete achievement all along the line (Keep in Step with the Spirit, 33).

It is true that we no longer have to perform the daily sacrifices associated with the Temple cult, and thank God for that! I imagine very few of us would be inclined to the slaughter of various beasts of the field, or breaking the necks of little birds. It is true that our great and final High Priest has taken care of the last sacrifice, the sacrifice to atone for original sin that dwells in every heart, mind and body. However, we are called to imitate Christ, and to do so we must imitate, to a much lesser degree, the sacrifice He made for us. To keep in step with His Spirit we must sacrifice daily. Christ carried the cross for the whole world. We dont have to do that. But, we are commanded by Him to carry the cross for our own, personal worldfor our inner and outer life. We must give up our own will and allow the will of the Spirit to work in us. We must open the door of our lives to the Spirit of God and let Him clean house. Only then can we fulfill our new role as priests of the Most High God.
A strong monsoonal surge will bring a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms to California this week, increasing the risk of wildfire ignitions at a time when multiple large blazes are already tearing across a parched landscape.

While there's a high chance for thunderstorms in the Sierra Nevada, the probability in the San Francisco Bay Area is slight though the risk is high, the National Weather Service said.

"It takes just one spark to start a wildfire," said Geri Diaz, a forecaster with the weather service.

The highest chance for storm activity in the Bay Area is Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning.

The moisture plume brought a rampage of thunderstorm activity over Las Vegas Sunday night and was bearing down over Southern California Monday morning, the weather service said. Today, it will rotate north in a clockwise motion, moving off the coast and then pushing back inland.

"Its still a slight chance," said Diaz. "It boils down to how much of that moisture makes it up north. It can also be tricky to predict since we have a marine layer today. The marine layer brings in that low fogthe infamous San Francisco fog. Its a very stable air mass. It helps to shield the area from thunderstorms There is the caveat that if you have enough moisture then it can override the marine layer. The thunderstorms would form above the marine layer. This is what we mean when we talk about elevated convection, thunderstorms that are high in the atmosphere."

Lightning in the summer can often hit without any rain, and dry lightning is particularly concerning, as it increases the risk for wildfire starts. This incoming system has a lot of moisture associated with it and sporadic rain is possible.

"It may initially be dry lightning and it looks like we may also have enough moisture for some rain to fall later on," Bingaman said. "Another thing to consider is even if we have wet thunderstorms, lightning can strike several miles away from where the rain is falling. Thats another situation where it could be dry lightning."

There may also be scattered sprinkles throughout the day on Monday ahead of the moisture plume's arrival.

"We have just enough moisture in the air that we could get a few cells to develop ahead of the moisture plume," Diaz said.

Monsoon refers to a seasonal reversal of wind patterns over a region and the summer monsoon is associated with an increase in thunderstorm activity and in North America winds pull moisture from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and transport it into the Southwest U.S.

"The summer monsoon is indeed a normal, if somewhat sporadic feature, of California's summer climate (especially mountains & deserts)," Daniel Swain, wrote on Twitter. "It's much more pronounced in the interior Southwest, e.g. Arizona and New Mexico, where heavy summer downpours occur every year."

Sometimes the moisture pushes northward into California.

In the past year, the awareness around summer monsoon surges and thunderstorms has heightened due to the August 2020 lightning event that sparked thousands of fires and led to a record-setting year of wildfires in California.

Weather service forecaster Roger Gass said the sheer number of wildfires they started and people impacted by them in 2020 and recent years has left people "more worried and anxious" when thunderstorms enter the forecast. It has led people to wonder whether thunderstorms are becoming more common?

Gass said the data on lightning activity is lacking, but he has a general sense of what's typical based on his local knowledge and experience.

"Overall, lightning is less common across the Bay Area given much of our weather is defined by the marine environment which doesn't have enough instability to produce thunderstorms," he said. "We typically need a strong cold front, winter system, and or all the right elements to align for thunderstorms during the summer months. The August 2020 event was uncommon given the amount and widespread coverage of lightning strikes. However, not completely unheard of. All the right ingredients must align for such an event and therefore occurs much less often/infrequently. Additionally, there are no indications that events such as these will become more frequent at this time."

Lightning is more common in the Sierra Nevada due to the lack of the marine layer and mountainous topography where the air mass is forced to lift, intensifying the thunderstorms.

There's a chance for lightning and rain Monday night into Tuesday over the Dixie Fire that's burning across Plumas and Butte counties. The largest blaze in California so far this year is threatening thousands of homes and has exploded in size in recent days, nearing 200,000 acres.

"Its difficult to say how much rain well see out of this storm activity," said Cory Mueller, a forecaster with the weather service's Sacramento office. "I wouldnt count on much but if you get under a heavy thunderstorm you could see some heavy rain, but outside the thunderstorm cores, the rain will be very light. And you could potentially see some lightning outside the thunderstorm cores. This isnt going to be a fire ending rain from what I have looked at."

Mueller said the good news is that the storm doesnt look like a major lightning producer.

This week's lightning event is expected to be far less extreme than the one in 2020.

"The August 2020 event had tropical moisture as well," Brooke Bingaman, a meteorologist with the weather service, said. "We were dealing with monsoonal moisture and the remnants of a tropical cyclone in 2020. Were not seeing that this time."

While the weather service's Bay Area office posted on Twitter that the highest chance for thunderstorms in the Bay Area is in the North Bay, Bingaman said the entire region should be prepared.

"Personally, I feel like in these situations the main thing to note is the ingredients look like they are coming to the Bay Area," she said. "If it were me, I would want everybody on the alert."

She added: "These kinds of forecasts are tricky. The monsoon moisture can come into our area and we dont know whether it will stay more offshore and or come onto land. Plus, we have our marine layer that could disrupt it. Its a low-probability situation, but high impact if it does happen."
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) _ Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (ARE) on Monday reported a key measure of profitability in its second quarter.

The real estate investment trust, based in Pasadena, California, said it had funds from operations of $282.3 million, or $1.93 per share, in the period.
TOKYO (AP)  Taboo in much of Tokyo, tattoos are everywhere at the Olympics.

Theres the lion on British swimmer Adam Peatys shoulder. An inspirational message on the arm of Chinese 3-on-3 basketball player Yan Peng. A likeness of Christ the Redeemer on the calf of Spanish boxer Gabriel Escobar Mascunano.
Johnson Development / Johnson Development

Always dreamed of living on a farm? It might not be so hard here in Houston.

More for you Homes 10 of the best places to buy houseplants (and planters)...

A Houston-area community with a garden, greenhouse and more was just named Best Overall Community More than 600 Acres by the Texas Association of Builders.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP)  Police in Northern California arrested two men over allegedly vandalizing a Black Lives Matter mural painted on a street in Santa Cruz.

The men allegedly took turns performing burnouts with their vehicles along the mural on a downtown Santa Cruz street, defacing it with tire tread marks. The mural had recently been repainted in celebration of Juneteenth, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reported Sunday.

Santa Cruz police officers on Sunday arrested a 20-year-old and 19-year-old, both of Santa Cruz County, on charges of felony vandalism and conspiracy to commit a felony. Both were released on bail.

The 20-year-old did not immediately answer an email from The Associated Press seeking comment Monday.

A man who answered a phone listed for the 19-year-old and identified himself as his grandfather but wouldn't give his name said the defacing of the mural was not about race.

"They are kids, they did something stupid. They made a mistake, he said. The man said his grandson has not yet hired an attorney.

Santa Cruz police are investigating the matter as a hate crime, the newspaper reported. In California, a hate crime enhancement could result in an additional year in state prison.

The Black, the community at large, the people of color in our community felt this was a personal attack, Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills said. Lets face it, of the 5,000-plus street segments in our city, that was the only one? We can see what took place here.

Hate crime laws are complicated and the police want to make sure they have a substantial case before pursuing further charges, Mills said.

Farther north in El Dorado County, Black Lives Matter Adopt-A-Highway signs were vandalized about a month after the group joined the program, the Sacramento Bee reported.

Three of the four Adopt-a-Highway signs placed with the text Black Lives Matter written on them were vandalized, Caltrans spokesperson Raquel Borrayo told the newspaper.

One of the signs had the text Black Lives crossed out while another was completely removed.

Its a means of intimidation, and it was specifically centered around Black lives, Michelle Greene, the organizer and co-founder of Black Lives Matter El Dorado County, told KXTV-TV.

It is unknown who damaged the signs.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden is nominating eight new leaders for U.S. attorney positions across the country, including in the office overseeing the prosecutions of hundreds of defendants charged in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

The nominees announced by the White House on Monday come as the Justice Department is continuing to round out its leadership team under Attorney General Merrick Garland, who traveled to Chicago last week to announce an initiative to crack down on gun trafficking corridors. The Justice Department's 93 U.S. attorneys, who are responsible for federal criminal prosecutions in their respective districts, are likely to be central to efforts to combat violent crime.

If confirmed by the Senate, the nominees would run offices in the District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington state. Most would be historic firsts, including the first Black or female attorneys to lead their districts, the Biden administration said.

The eight were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials in this field, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice," the White House said.

The lawyers represent the first batch of U.S. attorney nominees advanced by the Biden White House, which is still working to fill key Justice Department posts six months into the administration. The White House last week announced that it would nominate a lawyer to run its antitrust division but also withdrew its nominee for the civil division head. No nominee has been announced for the key solicitor general role.

Among the nominees announced Monday is Matthew Graves, a former fraud and public corruption prosecutor in the U.S. attorneys office in the District of Columbia who is being tapped to run that office at a time when it is consumed by hundreds of cases arising from the Capitol riot.

The Trump administration appointee who held the job during the riot, Michael Sherwin, has since left the Justice Department. The position has been held on an acting basis by Channing Phillips, who served in the same role during the Obama administration.

Rachael Rollins, the district attorney in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, would be the first Black woman to serve as U.S. attorney in that state. Erek Barron, a current state lawmaker who has served as a prosecutor and as a policy adviser to Biden on the Senate Judiciary Committee, would be the first Black U.S. attorney in the District of Maryland, the White House said.

Other nominees include Zachary Myers, who specializes in national security and cyber matters as a federal prosecutor in Maryland and who the White House says would be the first Black U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Indiana; and Clifford Johnson, who would be the first Black lawyer to lead the Northern District of Indiana after spending nearly 35 years in that office.

Justice Department environmental lawyer Vanessa Waldref would be the first woman to run the U.S. attorney's office in the Eastern District of Washington, the White House said. And Nicholas Brown, who has been a federal prosecutor and general counsel to the governor, would be the first Black lawyer to run the Western District of Washington, which encompasses Seattle.

The Justice Department disclosed in February that it was seeking the resignation of most U.S. attorneys appointed during President Donald Trump's administration, though it did leave in place David Weiss, the top federal prosecutor in Delaware, where law enforcement officials have been conducting a criminal tax investigation involving Biden's son, Hunter.

U.S. attorneys serve at the presidents pleasure and are routinely nominated with a recommendation from a home-state senator. For instance, Trini Ross, a former federal prosecutor who is being nominated as U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York in Buffalo, was recommended for the job by the state's senior senator, Charles Schumer.

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Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  After Virginia prison officials recently announced the state has ended what it calls restrictive housing, some inmate advocates disputed the claim.

The Department of Corrections issued a news release last week saying it had completed the removal of restrictive housing in Virginia's prisons by offering at least four hours of out-of-cell time for those inmates.
BEIJING (AP)  A senior U.S. diplomat called on China to rise above their differences and work with the United States on difficult global issues such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic as a responsible global power.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, speaking in an interview with The Associated Press after talks Monday with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, also said the U.S. welcomes vigorous economic competition with China but does not want it to veer into conflict.

China has bristled at American criticism on issues from human rights to its territorial ambitions and said repeatedly that the U.S. cannot expect cooperation while also suppressing Chinas development, a charge that Sherman denied.

There are some things that rise above specific differences that are the global responsibility of great powers, Sherman said in a phone interview shortly after she wrapped up successive meetings with Xie and Wang in the Chinese city of Tianjin.

The meetings were the second face-to-face talks between top diplomats of the two countries since President Joe Biden took office in January, coming four months after testy exchanges between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and veteran Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi in Anchorage, Alaska, in March.

Sherman, who was sworn in in April, described the meetings as another step in the process of trying to work through critical issues with China.

We will see whether, in fact, theres follow up and we are able to move another step, she said. Theres no way to know in the early stages of building this relationship whether we will get to all the places that we hoped for."

She said they had frank conversations on issues that divide them, ticking off a long list of U.S. concerns including what she called the crimes against humanity against Muslims in China's Xinjiang region, the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong, China's use of its economic size to pressure others, and its aggressive actions around Taiwan and in the South and East China Seas.

Sherman also pressed for the release of some Americans and Canadians detained in China, saying people are not bargaining chips, and raised concern about pressure on foreign journalists in China. China has tried two Canadians on national security charges in apparent retaliation for Canada's arrest of a Chinese tech executive wanted in the U.S.

Xie accused the U.S. of trying to contain China's development and said it should change course, embrace fair competition and work with China on the basis of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, according to a Foreign Ministry summary of his remarks. China calls criticism of its policies in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan interference in its internal affairs.

Sherman said the U.S. welcomes vigorous competition and believes it is important for China to grow and better the lives of its people, but in a way that is in accord with international rules and does not diminish any other country.

We do expect ... them to understand that human rights are not just an internal matter, they are a global commitment which they have signed up for under the U.N. Universal Declaration on Human Rights, she said.

Sherman, a Democrat who previously worked on North Korea and Iran talks in the Clinton and Obama administrations, said that China and the U.S. could work together on climate, anti-narcotics efforts and regional issues such as North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan and Myanmar.

Each side shared concerns and issues that they hope can be resolved, she said. I hope that we see those resolutions for the sake of many people whose lives and futures depend on it. But we will have to see.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Kentucky's governor on Monday urged school districts to require mask-wearing in schools to minimize the risk of disruptions from an escalating coronavirus surge fueled by the highly contagious delta variant.

With schools reopening in coming weeks, Gov. Andy Beshear called on local school district leaders to take the recommended steps needed to protect students and school workers while trying to avoid the pandemic-caused disruptions that hampered the previous academic year.

If school districts dont embrace mitigation efforts, we are not going to be in school every day," Beshear said at a news conference. "Its because the delta variant is going to stop you from ultimately having your students in like you want to.

The goal is to keep children learning in classrooms, the Democratic governor said while outlining recommendations for districts to consider. Beshear said he's confident that districts will follow the guidelines, but didn't rule out imposing mandates if there isn't the buy-in from local school leaders.

The governor offered a stern warning about the speed of the latest escalation, with statewide coronavirus cases tripling in two weeks due to the more aggressive delta variant.

This is an escalation that is happening primarily in unvaccinated Kentuckians, and the solution remains the same  get vaccinated," Beshear said.

Dr. Steven Stack, Kentuckys public health commissioner, was even more blunt. The new surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units could be entirely preventable because it's a vaccine manageable condition.

In urging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Stack said: I would sure hope we would all want to celebrate more birthdays than funerals, but unfortunately a lot of people are choosing more funerals over birthdays. Its a tragedy because it does not need to happen."

The recommendations for school districts revolve around an overriding priority  what gives us the best chance to have our kids in school the maximum number of days in the midst of a pandemic, the governor said.

School districts are encouraged to require all unvaccinated adults and students to wear a mask when in class or other indoor school settings. The same mask-wearing standard should apply for all students under age 12, since they arent eligible for vaccinations.

To optimize safety and minimize disruptions, districts should take the extra step to require all students and adults  regardless of their vaccination status  to wear a mask when in class and other indoor settings, Beshear said.

Were not asking all that much when you look at keeping kids in school and protecting them," the governor said.

But the governor called it a time when we need the courage of superintendents and local school boards. Mask-wearing has been a volatile topic in Kentucky and nationwide. Kentuckys mask mandate ended in June.

In comments directed to school board members statewide, Beshear acknowledged that implementing the masking recommendations "may mean that youve got to go through some tough school board meetings, but its the right thing to do. Its what you signed up for.

Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass predicted that school employees and students will meet the newest challenge and take the steps to keep classes open amid the delta variant threat.

Those working in and learning in our schools know what to do, to keep in-person learning going and to do so safely," he said. "Weve already definitively proven that. Now, as conditions have shifted again with the rise of the delta variant and reinfections, we need to call once again on your courage and dedication and commitment to keep our schools open for learning this fall.

Kentucky reported 783 new coronavirus cases Monday. Twenty-three of Kentuckys 120 counties are reported to be in the red zone  signaling a severe level of community spread. No Kentucky counties had the designation at the start of July.

The states test positivity rate  which had dipped below 2%  was 7.89% on Monday.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Botswana sent military troops to Mozambique on Monday, becoming the first country of the 16-nation Southern African Development Community to dispatch soldiers to help battle an Islamic extremist insurgency in northern Cabo Delgado province.

Botswanas president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, said the troops would work with Mozambiques armed forces and soldiers sent by other members of the regional bloc, known as SADC, to put down the insurgency in which more than 3,000 people have died since 2017..

Botswanas troops will join 1,000 soldiers who arrived in Mozambique earlier this month from Rwanda, which is not an SADC member. The Rwandan troops reported to already be in action; local news site Carta de Mocambique said they had killed 30 insurgents last week.

The SADC mission in Mozambique will be led by South African Maj. Gen. Xolani Mankayi, who is in Mozambique as part of an advance deployment.

More troops are expected from other SADC member countries, including Tanzania and Angola, local newssheet Mediafax reported Monday, citing Mozambiques defense ministry.

The regional body last month approved a $12 million budget for the deployment of the Standby Force Mission for Mozambique. Earlier this year, military experts from the group recommended that the SADC send about 3,000 soldiers with arms, helicopters, airplanes, and naval ships.

The World Food Program has warned of a growing hunger crisis, saying nearly 1 million people need food aid as a result of the conflict.

The insurgency in northern Mozambique started in Cabo Delgado province in 2017 and has grown rapidly in the past year. The rebels have held the port of Mocimboa da Praia for nearly a year and have repeatedly attacked the strategic center of Palma, forcing the French energy firm Total to suspend its $20 billion liquified natural gas project there.

The United States sent 12 special forces officers to help train Mozambiques military. The European Union has approved sending a military training mission to build on a program provided by Portugal, according to a recent report by Cabo Ligado, which reports on the conflict with the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project.

A private military contractor, Dyck Advisory Group, provided helicopter air support to Mozambiques police, but its contract expired at the start of April and was not renewed.

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Bowker reported from Belgrade, Serbia.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  Some of the most congested roads in New Jersey are at the port complex in Newark and Elizabeth, where trucks roll through nonstop to pick up and drop off shipping containers at the nation's second-busiest port.

With container volume in the New York/New Jersey port system setting a record last year despite the disruptions to the global supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging roads and interchanges in Newark figure to continue taking a beating. A $44 million federal grant announced Monday will be used to modernize, expand and reconfigure the road system, make it safer and cut down on delays.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  The number of North Carolinians in the hospital due to COVID-19 has doubled in the last two weeks, the 14-day rolling average of new daily cases has increased by nearly 200% and the share of tests coming back positive is at its highest level in more than five months.

The latest figures North Carolina health officials released on Monday send a clear message that the pandemic is not going away and that peoples continued refusal to come in for vaccines that are free, widely available, safe and highly effective is only exacerbating the problem.

But at a time when nearly all available metrics are skyrocketing to their worst levels in months amid the spread of the more contagious delta variant, the state appears unlikely to implement new restrictions. It is instead moving forward with plans to eliminate its statewide mask mandate and ease masking guidelines for high school students starting on Friday.

Most all of the people getting sick and dying now are unvaccinated and that is why the governor is pulling out all the stops to get as many people as possible to get their shots, said Mary Scott, a spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Although the governor is not yet planning any additional statewide measures at this time, he strongly encourages schools and businesses to enact important safety precautions that can save lives and he continues to encourage unvaccinated people to wear masks until they get their shots.

The pace of vaccinations has held steady over the past month, with about 40,000 residents coming in for a first dose on any given week. About 94% of cases and deaths reported between May 6 and July 11 have been among people not fully vaccinated, according to state health officials.

On Saturday, more than 2,000 North Carolinians were reported to have tested positive for COVID-19, the worst single-day case count since April 30. Nearly 950 residents are currently hospitalized, the highest number since May 10.

The share of tests coming back positive is also at its worst levels since Feb. 7. Nearly 9% of tests came back positive on Sunday, up substantially from a month ago when the state reported a positivity rate below 2%.

The state health department last week identified 13 counties where COVID-19 is spreading the most. Richmond County, which borders South Carolina and has seen 1 in 254 residents test positive for the virus in the last two weeks, is the only one of North Carolinas 100 counties state health officials declared as having critical transmission levels.

Cherokee, Chowan, Cleveland, Cumberland, Graham, Hoke, Lee, Onslow, Pender, Pitt, Rutherford and Sampson Counties are seeing substantial spread.

One in every 1,147 people in North Carolina tested positive in the past week.

Throughout this pandemic, NCDHHS has continued to provide guidance and make decisions based on our data and trends, the state health department said in a statement. "NCDHHS continues to urge unvaccinated people to follow CDC and NCDHHS guidance and wear a mask indoors. Everyone, regardless of vaccine status, should still wear a mask in certain places such as public transportation and healthcare facilities.

Updated school reopening guidance from Cooper's administration allows districts to carry out their own masking requirements, though the state recommends unvaccinated high school students and all K-8 pupils wear a face covering while indoors. The decision has prompted criticism from the state's largest lobbying group for teachers.

In the face of dramatically rising COVID infections among unvaccinated North Carolinians in the past several weeks due to the delta variant and schools preparing to open for the new school year, this seems a very poorly timed decision, said a statement from Tamika Walker Kelly, president of the North Carolina Association of Educators.

State Rep. Ashton Clemmons, a Guilford County Democrat, has three elementary school kids and is concerned some districts won't follow the state's masking recommendations. Still, she is comforted by studies that have shown it's safe for kids to return in person under less stringent conditions than they had been in during the spring.

We still all have the responsibility, particularly for our children, to stay safe, to get vaccinated if you're not, and if you are not (vaccinated), to wear masks, Clemmons said in an interview.

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Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.

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Follow Anderson on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BryanRAnderson.

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Anderson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP)  Prosecutors in El Salvador said Sunday they have formally charged former President Salvador Sanchez Ceren and nine other former officials with illicit enrichment and money laundering.

The charges are related to crimes allegedly committed when Sanchez Ceren served as vice president in the administration of President Mauricio Funes from 2009 to 2014. Sanchez Ceren left the country in December and has not returned.

The nine other former top officials in the Funes' adminsitration were also charged in an alleged illegal scheme to pay exorbitant bonuses. Four of them are also at large.

The scheme allegedly involved $351 million in government funds that were used to make illegal payments to government employees and their associates. The case has become known as the Public Looting scandal.

Sanchez Ceren, who went on to serve as president from 2014 to 2019. allegedly received $530,000 from the scheme.

Both Funes and Sanchez Ceren were members of the FMLN party, founded by guerrillas who fought the government in the countrys 1980-1992 civil war.

Funes fled to Nicaragua, where he was granted asylum in 2016, allowing him to avoid facing trial back home on corruption charges.

Some of the officials detained are considered top leaders of the FMLN, which along with the conservative ARENA party, governed El Salvador for many years.

On Sunday, FLMN supporters gathered outside the court demanding the release of the five detained ex-officials. The protesters claimed those arrested are political prisoners.

Both the FMLN and ARENA were reduced to a shadow of their former levels of support by the appearance of the populist New Ideas party of the current president, Nayib Bukele.

Most of the countrys post-war presidents have been charged with corruption.

Francisco Flores, who was president in 1999-2004, died in 2016 while awaiting trial under house arrest.

Tony Saca, president from 2004 to 2009, is serving a 10-year prison sentence for corruption and has been ordered to return some $260 million to the state. Courts ruled Saca could not explain the origin of $6.5 million in income he made while president.
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David Sloane, University of Southern California

(THE CONVERSATION) After more than 17 months of pandemic restrictions, Americans find themselves at an awkward cultural divide. As psychologist Adam Grantwrote in a New York Times article, some of us feel a true whoosh of joy at the first hug, maskless kiss and happy reunion. Many of us are shaking off post-pandemic blues by dining out, partying and grasping at every opportunity to reconnect with those family and friends that we missed for so long.

On the other side of the divide are the people who are still sick, recovering from their illness or mourning. For the millions who lost loved ones, as nursing scholars Paul T. Clements, Laurel Garzon and Tammi F. Milliken have written  unexpected pandemic deaths resulted in an overwhelming sense of helplessness, self-blame, and a seemingly perpetual chaotic bereavement process.

Many survivors might feel that helplessness partially because of their inability to mourn and celebrate the lives of those lost surrounded by family and friends, what scholar Kenneth Doka calls disenfranchised grief. The pandemic meant that a dramatically increased number of people went from hearing wives, husbands, children and friends cough to receiving a call that the person had died. They did not get to hold hands at the hospital, have mourning hours with visitors and family, or stand above the grave as the body was lowered into the ground. It was for many a sudden, traumatic stop.

As a scholar of commemoration and mourning practices, I argue that as many Americans start returning to life as it was before the pandemic, both groups  those still grieving and those wanting to celebrate  will have the opportunity to find happiness in this time, if in very different ways.

Joy in being together

Those people who are not in the throes of grief may feel some hesitancy and some survivors guilt. Still, as a study of COVID-19 survivors in China found, most people are likely to be able to quickly move beyond the emotional pain of the illness, illustrating the remarkable capacity of humans to recover. This study found that those survivors who received family and social support moved steadily from negative to positive emotional responses.

This relates to what Grant in his New York Times article says, drawing on the pioneering work of sociologist Emile Durkheim, on collective effervescence. Collective effervescence, as Grant describes, is the sense of energy and harmony people feel when they come together in a group around a shared purpose. Sociologists have found that being together produces peak happiness where people laugh more compared to when they were alone. Moving beyond the isolation of the pandemic offers many of us the opportunity to experience such collective effervescence.

The millions still in grief will also find some happiness in memorial services, family gatherings and other venues for reconnecting and remembering. As scholars Stacey Pitsillides and Jayne Wallace have shown, social media already has videos and home altars mourning pandemic deaths. For some people, the sadness of such events will be accompanied with joy, all at the same time.

As I know, the celebrants may feel guilt when they are joyful. A few weeks after my wife passed away of a stroke in 2007, I found myself laughing with friends. I went home that night and cried. I felt I had betrayed the love her death took from me.

One reason we laugh, then cry, is, as British sociologist Tony Walter noted in his 1994 book The Revival of Death, that unlike the Victorian-era mourners, who had a very clear set of instructions, the bereaved today have to depend on their own sense of what is right and proper. In the 19th century, the role of each family member, friend and relation was clearly defined. Famously, as Walter recalls for us, widows wore black and only black for a set period after the death of their spouse, as an example.

Now, rituals have fallen away, and individuals are on their own to define their ways of mourning. As Walter states, now only individuals can determine how they want to die or grieve. This produces the opportunity for innovation in mourning and commemoration, such as through social media memorials. But the lack of clear societal rules can sow confusion and anxiety when a pandemic rapidly and dramatically challenges traditional rituals.

Future of remembering

Families today have more options to connect than they may have had during the 1918 deadly influenza pandemic. Artists and civic officials have already begun the process of remembering. In Washington, D.C., flags were planted representing the dead and, in Detroit, photograph panels were placed along a park roadside. Such everyday memorials, as I call them in my book, Is the Cemetery Dead?, will help people transition from the depths of the pandemic to the reopened society by offering ways for them to mourn and remember.

Already, some people have constructed everyday memorials in their own homes. And there are those who are rushing to tattoo parlors to get memorial tattoos of relatives and friends lost to COVID-19.

These public and private ceremonies and memorials will keep the pandemic closer to many of us even as they allow many of us a space to contemplate our losses.

The devastation of the 1918 influenza pandemic rapidly disappeared into history 100 years ago, leaving almost no public traces. Today, as we struggle with conflicts over celebrating and mourning, we may find something similar happens. Or, as scholar Erika Doss suggests in her book, we may find alternative ways to remember as we begin living again.

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SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)  Fernando Karadima, a Chilean priest who was at the center of a sexual abuse scandal that has recently shaken the Catholic Church in Chile and who was eventually defrocked by the pope, has died. He was 90.

Karadima died on Sunday of bronchopneumonia and kidney failure in the nursing home where he was living, according to his death certificate.

After being defrocked in 2018, Karadima was sanctioned to a lifetime of penance and prayer for having sexually abused minors in a parish in Chiles capital.

Three of his victims said on a press release that they knew Karadima had died and that he was only another link on this culture of perversion and cover-up in the church, and they hoped this never happens again.

The Chile abuse scandal first erupted in 2009, when victims publicly accused Karadima, then one of the countrys most prominent preachers, of molesting them for years. The Vatican eventually convicted Karadima in a church tribunal.

But some of his victims have criticized the Chilean Catholic Church and the Vatican for mishandling several cases.

During a trip to Chile in 2018, Pope Francis discredited the victims, outraging survivors and their supporters. Francis later apologized to them.

The Archbishop of Santiago said on Monday that it's supporting the victims and that it will work to have "healthy and safe environments within the Church.
As growing concern continued throughout this month regarding the delta variant and the gradual increases in active COVID-19 cases, Laredo Health Authority Dr. Victor Trevino explained where they are coming from and how the continued blame on migrants may not hold the full truth behind the recent increases.

He also took time to shed light on the situation and reiterated that vaccination is key in order to avoid another harmful surge in the city.

On Monday, Laredo health officials received confirmation that a local patient was indeed infected with the COVID-19 delta variant earlier this month, and they are working on tracing the patient and investigating any possible moments they could have infected others.

Nationally, the variant now accounts for 83% of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S., a jump from 50% from earlier this month, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said.

As we know, unvaccinated people are the ones that if they get infected with any type of COVID, especially the more aggressive variants, are more susceptible to suffer severe disease, hospitalization and even death, Trevino said.

As of Friday, there were 276 active cases in Laredo after an increase of 70 in one day. According to Health Director Richard Chamberlain, three cases were individuals from the migrant population compared to 118 cases of people not vaccinated. The other 47 cases were found to be from people who were partially or fully vaccinated.

Trevino, Chamberlain and Tri-County Medical Society President Dr. Reynaldo Godines all stated that the unvaccinated population poses the highest risk of infection for themselves and others.

Trevino explained that the unvaccinated population then begins a cycle of infecting other unvaccinated individuals, which could result in new stronger variants. As the delta variant now accounts for over 83% of active cases in the U.S., Trevino encourages the unvaccinated population to get vaccinated to stop the pandemics momentum in Laredo.

The claims that most migrants being detained are bringing in the virus are still unsubstantiated, Trevino said. Between July 5-15, at least 329 have been in quarantine and isolation in the migrant shelters. Within the number there were confirmed positives, probable positives and negatives exposed to positives.

Chamberlain stated that the influx of migrants directly affects NGO shelters and their day-to-day operations as well as the city health staff that conduct the epidemiological investigation process.

However, the unvaccinated population does pose a higher risk, he said.

When large numbers of the population are not well protected, they continue to put everybody at risk leading to potential surges just as we are observing now, he added. While no vaccine is 100% effective, the benefits have been greatly seen overall. Compared to our spike in January 2021, we have seen a large reduction in cases, individuals hospitalized and deaths.

Only 10 migrants housed at one of the shelters had to seek out further medical treatment at one of the hospitals and were discharged on the same day. Furthermore, there have been only two instances of individuals requiring more extensive treatment, and they were transported to a hospital out of town, Chamberlain stated.

Trevino clarified that for the active cases count in Laredo, only Polymerase Chain Reaction tests are added to the city counts. In contrast, an antigen surveillance testing is a rapid test that shows a possibility of positivity, while the PCR confirms an active viral load, Trevino said.

As previously said by Border Patrol Laredo Sector Chief Matthew Hudak, testing is not done on-site during arrests or at CBP facilities. Instead, they are done at migrant shelters after detained migrants are transported together from neighboring sectors.

This presents the issue of grouping infected and non-infected individuals and raising infection rates.

Godines advises that both CBP facilities and migrant shelters should follow the CDC guidelines as it may help against the COVID surge. Regardless of area, CDC guidelines, masks and vaccinations are the best way to fight back against COVID.

Trevino said that after a conference with CBP local chiefs and Homeland Security Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pritesh Gandhi, it was suggested to have testing done before transportation. It would be a better prevention metric and could avoid the difficulty of finding who is infected, when they were infected and how far they are amid the COVID-19 incubation period.

According to County Judge Tano Tijerina, after a conversation with the soon-to-be active U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chief Raul Ortiz, changes are slated to be implemented within the southern border operations.

Tijerina said that topics of discussion included testing before transporting migrants to the NGOs, county capacity limits and transportation limits. More discussion is expected to be had on Monday, at which point the commissioners court will also vote on whether or not to extend the local disaster situation past its proposed seven days.

This past Tuesday, Tijerina issued a disaster declaration to stop the transporting of migrants from the Rio Grande Valley and Del Rio to Laredo.

With clarification on the impact that migrants place on the COVID numbers and the measures taken by the county to stop the influx from neighboring regions, perhaps additional measures may be taken on the unvaccinated community to quell the rising case numbers seen this week.

One idea that Godines emphasized, and Trevino also believes would help, is that mask wearing has to become a norm again, regardless of vaccination status.

People have to start wearing masks again. I tell all my patients, Youre going to H-E-B? Wear your mask, Godines said. This thing is getting worse. Get vaccinated and keep wearing your mask.

As U.S. citizens living in Nuevo Laredo and working in Laredo commute daily and non-essential visits to Mexico continue, unvaccinated travelers are more likely to be the cause of unnecessary infections here.

As an international community, Laredos situation is unique among the many cities in the country.

While COVID-19 infected migrants have played a role in increasing the count of active cases, Trevino said that virus carriers without symptoms, or vectors, may play a larger role in case numbers. As the largest land port in the U.S., over 15,000 trailers cross the border daily, which contributes to the infection rate.

The situation is worsened by the recent COVID safety ruling for Laredos sister city as Nuevo Laredo has recently entered the highest phase of COVID restrictions to mitigate the impact of the virus. This is compounded by Laredo being a medically underserved community.

Whatever affects the sister city affects us, he said.  Both of our cities are intertwined. If they have a problem across the border, we have a problem.

Despite a higher vaccination rate than the state and U.S. average, where the Laredo fully vaccinated rate sits at 74.21% for individuals 12 and up and 83.31% for 65 years and older, it is still vitally important to return to a more defensive state of mind.

Godines believes that if the vaccine provides approximately 95% protection, a mask would be that extra 5%. However, the pandemic is a complicated matter that yields new information and new procedures daily.

Theres a lot of parts to this, theres a lot of complexity. Its not that simple to say positive and negative. Trevino said. Its incubation periods, its knowledge about what the virus does and who it attacks.

According to Chamberlain, vaccinations continue to be highly encouraged but with the added recommendation that all residents wear a mask. This is especially encouraged for the unvaccinated and anyone gathering in groups with people they do not know.

As cases of breakthrough infections are increasing throughout the country and Webb County, additional mitigation measures are being reviewed and implemented to protect the public. Our concern and focus continues to be the unvaccinated populations, which are spreading variants and presenting with the most severe medical outcomes such as hospitalization and death. As we continue to defend our unique community on many fronts, it is up to the public to be our first line of defense, Trevino said.

As a response, the city reinstated the bimonthly media briefings to give more insight on current COVID data and migrant COVID updates as well. The next briefing will be on Wednesday and will be streamed on the citys Facebook page.

There is an uptick of COVID-19 cases, and the delta variant is the predominant strain. Texas Department of State Health Services Dr. Jennifer Shuford stated. Vaccines are effective, even against the delta variant.

cocampo@lmtonline.com
WAVERLY, Va. (AP)  Wanda Taylor hasnt seen her son, Marquis, since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Virginia and shut down the state  ending visits at the states correctional facilities.

Taylors visits to the Sussex I State Prison near Waverly abruptly turned into video calls  a fine substitute at the time that no longer feels sufficient 15 months later.

He loved those visits  actually being in person you can talk, you can see him. I dont really care for the video, but I do it, said Taylor, who lives in Hopewell.

Hes only 20 minutes away.

While COVID-19 public restrictions in Virginia ended nearly two months ago, the states prisons have remained closed to visitors, even those who are fully vaccinated, to the distress of family members like Taylor eager to reconnect with their loved ones.

The Virginia Department of Corrections this month published its plan for resuming visits, projecting that family appointments will have resumed at all of its facilities by early October.

Its very concerning to me that theyre taking their time starting visitations, Taylor said in an interview.

Visits inside the states correctional facilities were halted last year in an effort to protect inmates and staff who live and work in close quarters, heightening the risk of outbreaks. As of Thursday, more than 9,000 inmates had tested positive for COVID-19, 56 of whom had died as a result.

With the COVID-19 vaccine, cases across the state have reached pandemic lows, including at the states prisons. On Thursday, the state reported just six active COVID-19 cases across its 40 facilities. Roughly 83% of the states prison population is vaccinated.

When the vaccine first arrived in Virginia, Angela Adinolfi says she and other family members of people who are incarcerated anticipated visits would soon follow. The anticipation reached a boiling point in early June, when department officials said the agency was working on a plan to do just that.

We thought, we will see our loved ones this summer, said Adinolfi, whose husband, Quinton, is at the St. Brides Correctional Center in Chesapeake. He was sentenced to prison on robbery and abduction charges.

Adinolfi lives in Chesterfield County and hasnt seen her husband in person since the pandemic started. She said she speaks regularly with her husband through the new video visitation program, which she says has been plagued with issues. And can be costly.

We were doing them three times a week, but we had to start cutting them back to two, said Adinolfi of the video calls, which cost $8 for 20 minutes to $20 for 50 minutes.

It sounds like hes in a fishbowl.

Her hopes of soon speaking face to face quickly deflated on July 8, when the state published a rough timeline for resuming visits.

When they said October, everyone was taken aback, just flabbergasted, said Adinolfi, who is part of an online support group for family and friends with incarcerated loved ones. The reaction among members was emphatic.

October 1 seemed absolutely insane on so many levels, she added. Virginia is so far behind other states on visits.

Data that The Marshall Project published in early July showed Virginia has been slower to ease pandemic restrictions on visits compared with other states.

The outlet reported that 40 states had resumed visitation with additional precautions and limits, while an additional nine states allowed visits from lawyers and court officials exclusively. Only Virginia and Alabama continued to suspend visitation broadly.

Virginia has since resumed visits for official visitors, which includes attorneys, and court, embassy and consulate officials. According to the departments plans, religious visitors and volunteers will be allowed back starting Aug. 1.

As for family members and friends, the state plans to kick off a pilot program to resume those visits on Sept. 1, but the department hasnt released details about which facilities will be included in the pilot.

The department anticipates that in-person family visitation will be resumed at all facilities statewide by Oct. 1. Safety is of the utmost importance, the department said in a statement.

Reached in early July about why the corrections department still had not resumed visits at the states correctional facilities, a spokesperson for the agency said the state was following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Guidance from the CDC disseminated to states on June 9, however, encouraged corrections officials to consider modifying their COVID-19 protocols given the availability of vaccines, and urged them to weigh the logistical and mental health challenges related to intensive mitigation measures against the risks of transmission.

The guidance says that even if facilitywide measures cant be adjusted due to a community outbreak or lack of vaccinations, corrections officials could still allow individual inmates who are fully vaccinated to resume in-person visits.

By the time family visits start in October, the guidance will be 4 months old.

When visits resume, people who are incarcerated and their registered visitors will face new hurdles.

Fran Bolin, the executive director of Assisting Families of Inmates, said it has been advising state officials as they form plans to restart family visitation in Virginia. Bolins group has long offered shuttle services to the states correctional facilities and recently partnered with the state to launch the live video calls.

Bolin said visitors will need to schedule their time in advance through a new system. She added that they may face more limits on their time than they did in the past, complicating logistics for families who travel hours for visits.

Once at the facility, the department will require all visitors over age 12 to test negative with a rapid antigen test. Only inmates who are fully vaccinated are allowed to receive visitors.

Theres some extra hurdles to visitations, Bolin said. What we then hope to do is to make the changes more understandable and bring ease of access for family and friends.

Adinolfi said a common frustration among families in her group is the lack of information coming from the state. She said that in addition to details about the pilot, many families still dont know how long visits will be, whether children under 12 will be allowed to visit, and what the restrictions on physical contact will be.

Are you going to be able to hug your loved one? Adinolfi asked.

Some of the precautions the department are proposing face some pushback.

Kisare Bundy, an inmate at the Haynesville Correctional Unit 17, said he was hesitant about the vaccine and declined it after he was told there would be no punishment for his decision. He said in an interview last month that he had heard about the upcoming vaccination requirement for visits, and felt the decision equated to punishment, in particular since no requirement was expected for visitors.

Sarah Woodward, a close friend of Bundy, said the policy for visits does not align with current practice. She said Bundy and other inmates in minimum-security prisons leave their facilities for work often, interacting with the public in a limited capacity outside. Bundy works in a warehouse.

Bundy was sentenced to prison for violating his probation by possessing marijuana.

Adinolfi said she is advocating that the department come up with a compromise for such cases, like a non-contact visit. At the very least, she said, the department could waive the video call fees for such inmates.

Asked about the states plans, Bolin said state officials were focused on safety. She said the state was focused on avoiding an outbreak like the one that took place at a Petersburg facility last year, when nearly 200 inmates tested positive for COVID-19.

It just hasnt seemed like something theyre willing to gamble with, she said. I know thats frustrating, but it makes sense to us.

Taylor, the mother from Hopewell, said she has missed the presence of her son through holidays and even her own cancer treatment. Taylor said shes fully vaccinated and anticipates being able to see Marquis in person soon.

I dont think hes going to look different, but hell look a whole lot happier, Taylor said when asked about what she expected from her first visit.

Marquis was sentenced to prison last year on felony marijuana and controlled-substance possession charges.

Adinolfi said the wait for that first visit has been dreary. She hopes state officials and the public will sympathize with inmates and their families.

I get that my husband broke the law, Ill never excuse that. But hes still a human, hes still a person, she said, her voice shaking.

Its hard to describe and put into words because all this time, Ive tried to bottle it up. To be strong, she added. But I already told my husband that when I see him, Im going to be a mess  itll be an emotional disaster.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Police on Monday shot and killed a man they said held a woman relative at knifepoint after breaking into an apartment.

The shooting occurred shortly before 6 a.m. in the West Los Angeles area after police received a 911 call from someone who said a woman was screaming in distress from another apartment, police said.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, a critic of mask mandates and public health restrictions during the pandemic, said he, his wife and son have contracted the coronavirus.

He made the announcement on Facebook Sunday night. He said he and his wife had been infected last year, but this time around is much more difficult. He has not said whether he has been vaccinated.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Hundreds of contract doctors walked off their jobs in Malaysian government hospitals on Monday, demanding fairer treatment for more than 20,000 physicians who work without permanent positions and play a key role in the fight against the country's worsening coronavirus pandemic.

Since 2016, new medical school graduates practicing under supervision in hospitals are given temporary contracts rather than being employed permanently due to an influx of medical students. These contract doctors face an uncertain career path, earn less than permanent doctors and receive few benefits.

Clad in black and wearing face masks, the doctors protested silently in hospitals nationwide, according to live coverage on social media. Some carried placards saying We want career security" and Equal pay, equal rights, equal opportunities.

We want to urge all Malaysians to join us to appeal to the government to treat us fairly as permanent doctors. We want equal rights to be able to further our education and to be absorbed as permanent staff," said a doctor who gave his name only as Mohamad. who was among dozens who joined the strike at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

At the Shah Alam Hospital in central Selangor state, another doctor who identified himself as Umar said numerous attempts to negotiate with the health ministry had been unsuccessful. He said he has been a contract doctor since 2016 and sees no clear future without a permanent job.

The strike comes as new confirmed COVID-19 infections surged to a record high of more than 17,000 on Sunday, pushing the country's number of reported cases above 1 million. The total is an eight-fold jump from last year and up 77% since a national lockdown began June 1. Deaths have also surged to near 8,000.

The contract doctors' group said on their website that only 789 out of 23,077 contract physicians have received permanent placements, resulting in a healthcare system that has 60% contract medical workers.

The government says there are about 35,000 contract health care workers across the country, comprising around 23,000 doctors, 5,000 dentists and 7,000 pharmacists.

The government offered last week to extend the physicians' contracts for up to four years with better perks and career opportunities, but the contract doctors' group rejected that proposal, calling it half-cooked" and saying it failed to address their concerns.

The group says the strike is symbolic and wouldn't affect hospital operations. The rallies ended peacefully as police watched. Police later said they would investigate the doctors for holding a banned public gathering amid the pandemic.
DETROIT (AP)  Arbitrators have awarded about $10 million to a Detroit-area man who spent more than 16 years in prison before two murder convictions were overturned.

Mubarez Ahmed insisted he was wrongly convicted of a 2001 double homicide in Detroit. The Wayne County prosecutor's office in 2018 acknowledged that the convictions were fueled by false testimony and other problems.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  A Mexican politician whose steadfast refusal to wear a face mask has interfered with official events during the pandemic confirmed Monday that he is ill with COVID-19.

Gerardo Fernandez Norona has long been known as the colorful stuntman of Mexican politics, staging lone protests and getting in heated arguments with officials.

He had reported on his social media accounts that he hadn't been feeling well for days, but was sure that it's a very strong cold, or the bug.

On Monday, however, he wrote, Just as I feared, I tested positive for covi, which is how many Mexicans pronounce COVID.

Still pinned to the top of his Twitter feed was a taunting post from Friday, when he tested negative. The right wing must be dying of rage because of this result, he wrote.

A member of the Chamber of Deputies, Fernandez Norona has repeatedly refused to wear a mask at official functions where it was required. In 2020, the National Electoral Institute, at which Fernandez Norona represents the tiny Labor Party, was forced to suspend a session when he refused to put on a mask as required by the institute's rules.

If you want to put a gag on me, I will speak without a gag," he said at the time. If you want to censor me, I can't speak with a gag on, he said, referring to a face mask.

Fernandez Norona is sort of a loose ally of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The president also disdains masks and has refused to recommend or require their use, but he will use them himself in places like airplanes when they are required.

But some of the president's political allies, like Manuel Bartlett, the head of the federal electrical power company, are openly disdainful of masks.

At a news conference last week, a mask-less Bartlett ordered a reporter to take off his mask when asking a question. With the muzzle on, I can't hear or understand, he told the reporter.

Mexico has recorded almost 238,500 test-confirmed COVID-19 deaths, but because the country does so little testing, even government estimates put the real toll at around 360,000.

Government officials have come in for criticism since early in the pandemic when they cast doubt on whether face masks protect against the coronavirus. Officials argued that mask requirements would violate individual liberties.
MILWAUKEE (AP)  A Milwaukee man who was convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter's mother and is charged with killing the couple's girl was sentenced Monday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Dariaz Higgins, 37, pleaded guilty in April to first-degree intentional homicide in the March 2019 shooting death of 24-year-old Sierra Robinson and attempted first-degree intentional homicide for shooting and injuring a 4-year-old girl who was with Robinson.
JERUSALEM (AP)  A 17-year-old Palestinian died on Monday, two months after he was wounded in the neck by Israeli gunfire during clashes near the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health authorities said.

The shooting occurred during one of numerous clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces during the 11-day war in May between Israel and Hamas, the fourth conflict since the militant group seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  Albuquerque police have identified two people who were swept through flood channels during a monsoon storm and died.

They are Steven Camp, 32, and Alexander Corrie, 31. Officials with the police department and Albuquerque Fire Rescue weren't sure Monday whether the two knew each other or had permanent residences in Albuquerque.
MALE, Maldives (AP)  A Maldives group that sympathizes with the Islamic State group carried out an assassination attempt in May on former President Mohamed Nasheed, police said.

The suspected ringleader, identified only as Thasleem, was arrested on Saturday in the southern Addu atoll, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Riaz told reporters.

He said Thasleem was also arrested in 2017 for allegedly making a bomb in an apartment and was prosecuted, but his case did not move forward and he was released the following year without explanation.

Nasheed was injured in a May 6 blast outside his home in the capital, Male. The homemade bomb, planted in a parked motorbike and detonated by remote control, also injured four bystanders, including a British national.

Riaz said Saturday that police have arrested 10 people for alleged involvement in the assassination attempt. He said the suspects spread IS ideologies but that investigators have not found any direct links between the groups.

He said the men had declared that Nasheed no longer believed in Islam and that his blood should be spilled because his political actions and speeches did not agree with Islamic values.

Nasheed was considered a moderate leader with close links to the West when he was president of the Sunni Muslim nation between 2008 to 2012. He was an outspoken critic of rising extremism in the Indian Ocean archipelago state known for its high-end island resorts frequented by Western tourists.

Nasheed underwent several lifesaving surgeries after the attack and was then flown to Germany for further treatment. He has recovered from his injuries.

Riaz said the group had made plans last year to kill Nasheed in front of his wife's house, but gave up because the location was not appropriate. They later discussed targeting Nasheed during his workouts but could not find an effective way, he said.

Islam is the state religion of the Maldives, and practicing and preaching other faiths are banned by law.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russia's prime minister on Monday visited Pacific islands claimed by Japan, a move that brought a protest from Tokyo, and said the government is considering setting up a special economic zone there.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is touring Russia's Far East and Siberia this week, and the Kuril Islands were his first stop on Monday.

Mishustin visited a hospital and a fish plant on Iturup, one of the four southernmost Kuril islands. He told plant workers that the Russian government is considering creating a special economic zone on the islands, in which business and investors would be free of most taxes and customs duties.

The measure Russian officials is currently pondering could be a good solution for investors, including the ones in the West, for Japan also, which, if interested, can create jobs here, Mishustin said. He added that this special regime will allow the intensification of economic activity" on the islands.

Mishustin said he would discuss the project with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Friday, Putin asked the prime minister to pay special attention to the Kuril Islands during his trip to the Far East, noting that Moscow had been working with Japanese partners...to create the necessary conditions for those involved in economic activity.

Japan asserts territorial rights to the islands it calls the Northern Territories. The Soviet Union took them in the final days of World War II, and the dispute has kept the countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending their hostilities.

Decades of diplomatic efforts to negotiate a settlement havent produced any visible results.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spent a lot of time and effort in the hope of negotiating a solution during his nearly eight years in office but scored little progress.

Shortly after taking office last September, newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga discussed the territorial dispute in a call with Putin and said he hopes to find a settlement and sign a peace treaty.

In the wake of Mishustin's visit to Iturup on Monday, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori summoned the Russian ambassador to Japan, Mikhail Galuzin, to protest.

The ambassador said the protest was unacceptable in light of the fundamental position of the Russian side on the southern Kuril Islands, which passed to our country legally following the results of the World War II, the Russian embassy in Japan said in a statement on Facebook.

Russia's Foreign Ministry, in turn, protested the actions of Japanese authorities and urged partners not to slide down towards a destructive line in bilateral relations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also defended Mishustin's visit to Iturup, saying that as head of government, Russia's prime minster visits those Russian regions that he considers necessary and on the development of which, including in cooperation with our partners, a lot of work is to be done.

___

Associated Press journalist Haruka Nuga in Tokyo contributed to this report.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP)  A second man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old in Wichita earlier this month.

Wichita Police said 20-year-old Tyler Eugene Kelly was arrested Friday on suspicion of first-degree murder and aggravated assault in connection with the July 17 shooting death of 16-year-old Joseph Florence. A 16-year-old boy had already been arrested on suspicion of felony murder in Florence's death.
CHAMOIS, Mo. (AP)  Two people were found dead in front of their central Missouri home over the weekend, and another man has been arrested and charged in the deaths, authorities there said.

The Osage County Sheriffs Department said deputies were called around noon Saturday to a home north of Linn for a report of two deaths. Arriving officers found a Chamois couple  Leonard Gerloff, 59, and Pauline Gerloff, 56  dead from gunshot wounds.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  South Africa's government has lifted a ban on liquor sales and relaxed other pandemic restrictions, reporting that a recent spike in coronavirus cases has passed its peak, the president said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation Sunday night that the average daily number of new confirmed cases over the last week was around 12,000, which was a 20% drop from the previous week.

The latest figures suggest that we have largely passed the peak of the third wave of infections, although there are areas in the country where we still need to be concerned because the rates of infection have not yet shown signs of decline, Ramaphosa said.

The government is allowing retail alcohol sales to resume from Monday through Thursday, while bars and restaurants also will be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages. Schools have fully reopened, and social and religious gatherings are again allowed for a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. A nighttime curfew has been reduced to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Ramaphosa also announced the reinstatement of a monthly relief grant of 350 rand ($23.50) for unemployed South Africans until next March. An estimated 2 million jobs have been lost since last year due to the pandemic, according to the countrys official statistics.

While new confirmed cases are declining in South Africa, many other countries in Africa are seeing increased COVID-19 cases, driven by the delta variant.

To accelerate its mass vaccination campaign, South Africa will start giving shots on weekends and will make them available to younger residents ages 18 and above starting September 1. Currently, vaccines are limited to people 35 and up.

In the coming weeks, we will substantially increase the rate of vaccination, said Ramaphosa.

South Africa, which has a population of 60 million, has administered over 6.3 million vaccine doses. The rate of inoculations needs to increase for the country to reach its target of having 67% of the population fully vaccinated by February.

According to Ramaphosa, 31 million doses of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be delivered in the next two to three months, while negotiations with other manufacturers are continuing.

In describing South Africa's efforts to curb the pandemic, Ramapahosa lamented the violent riots this month sparked by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma, saying the unrest was like fighting a battle on two fronts.

More than 300 people died and more than 2,500 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism resulting from the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.

The deployment of 25,000 army troops helped quell the rioting. Ramaphosa said his government would seek restitution for businesses that suffered more than 20 billion rand ($1.35 billion) in damage and also would assist poor South Africans.

The state-owned insurance company, SASRIA, will expedite claims by insured businesses for riot-related damage, and the government plans to announce support measures for smaller, uninsured businesses, Ramaphosa said.

I want to make it clear that law and order will be maintained," the president said. "There will be further arrests, particularly of those who conceptualized, planned, and executed these actions that have led to so much destruction and loss of life.
NEW YORK (AP)  The chair of former President Donald Trumps 2017 inaugural committee pleaded not guilty Monday and said he was 100% innocent of charges that he secretly lobbied the U.S. on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.

Tom Barrack, 74, wearing a black mask to protect against the coronavirus, appeared in Brooklyn federal court for the first time, days after he was freed on $250 million bail following his arrest in California. His lawyer entered his plea for him.

As youd expect, the system is working. I think what youll find is that  over time, youll all see that Im 100% innocent," Barrack said as he left the courthouse.

Prosecutors say Barrack used his multidecade friendship with Trump to influence the Republican's policy, starting when Trump was a candidate in 2016 and continuing after he was sworn in as president.

At the time, the UAE was in a tense diplomatic conflict with Qatar. Prosecutors said that, among other things, Barrack provided Emirati government officials with information about how senior U.S. officials viewed the dispute. A group of countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain, launched a blockade against Qatar in mid-2017.

Prosecutors said Barrack boasted to contacts in the Emirates that he could help them gain influence with the then-new administration, even as he was seeking a post as ambassador to the UAE or as special envoy to the Middle East.

Federal authorities say Barrack broke the law by failing to disclose his UAE ties to the U.S. government.

On Friday, a Los Angeles magistrate judge approved a $250 million bail deal negotiated between Barrack's lawyers and federal prosecutors. The arrangement required Barrack to give up passports and submit to electronic monitoring. It also imposed a curfew.

Barrack is charged with conspiracy, obstruction of justice and making false statements during a June 2019 interview with federal agents.

Barrack, who has an electronic ankle bracelet to comply with monitoring requirements, plans to live in Aspen, Colorado, while he awaits trial, his lawyers said. He also pledged to only fly on commercial flights. He is subject to a curfew and various other restrictions, including limits on financial transactions and bans on communications with officials from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Matthew Grimes, 27, an Aspen-based former executive at Barracks company, and Rashid al Malik, 43, an Emirati businessman who prosecutors said acted as a conduit to that nations rulers, were also charged in the seven-count indictment.

Grimes also appeared Monday in Brooklyn federal court, where his lawyer entered a not guilty plea for him.

Al Malik fled the U.S. three days after an April 2018 interview by law enforcement and remains at large, authorities said. He is believed to be living somewhere in the Middle East.

Barrack was an informal adviser to Trumps 2016 campaign before becoming the inaugural committee chair.

The indictment against Barrack made no allegations of wrongdoing by the inaugural committee or by Trump.

A pretrial hearing for Barrack and Grimes was scheduled for Sept. 2, when a trial judge rather than a magistrate judge will preside over what was described as a telephonic conference.
CAIRO (AP)  A boat carrying African migrants capsized off Libya's coast Monday, leaving at least 57 people presumed dead, a U.N. migration official said. It was the latest disaster in the Mediterranean Sea involving migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

The vessel left the western coastal town of Khums on Sunday, Safa Msehli, a spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration, said.

She said there were at least 75 migrants on board, including women and children. Among the 57 presumed drowned were 20 women and two children, Msehli said.

Eighteen of the migrants were rescued and returned to shore by fishermen and Libyas coast guard, Msehli said.

The survivors, who are from Nigeria, Ghana and Gambia, reported the vessel had stopped due to an engine problem, then capsized amid bad weather, Msehli said.

Monday's capsizing was the second sea disaster in less than a week off the Libyan coast involving Europe-bound migrants. At least 20 migrants went overboard from a vessel on Wednesday and were presumed dead, according to the U.N. migration agency.

There has been a spike in crossings and attempted crossings from Libya in recent months. Amnesty International has said that in the first six months of this year, more than 7,000 people intercepted at sea were forcibly returned to detention camps in Libya.

A migration agency report earlier this month said the number of migrants and refugees who died while attempting to reach Europe on dangerous sea crossings more than doubled so far this year, compared to the first six months of 2020.

The report said at least 1,146 people perished between January and June, with the Central Mediterranean route between Libya and Italy being the deadliest, claiming 741 lives.

The deadliest shipwreck so far this year took place April 22 off Libya, when 130 people drowned despite the ship sending multiple distress calls.

Libya has emerged as the dominant transit point for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. The oil-rich country plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Rights groups and officials at U.N. agencies that work with migrants and refugees have for years cited survivor testimony about systematic abuse in detention camps in Libya. These include forced labor, beatings, rapes and torture. The abuse often accompanies efforts to extort money from families before migrants are allowed to leave Libya on traffickers boats.

Earlier this month, Libyan maritime authorities acknowledged that one of their coast guard vessels had fired warning shots at a migrant boat it was chasing in the Mediterranean. They said it was an apparent effort to stop the vessel from crossing to Europe and endangering the lives of the migrants onboard.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  Dr. Manisha Juthani, an infectious disease specialist at Yale School of Medicine, was nominated by Connecticut's governor on Monday to serve as the next commissioner of the Department of Public Health.

Juthani will succeed Dr. Deidre Gifford, the state social services commissioner who has also been leading the health agency since the departure of Renee Coleman-Mitchell in the early months of the coronavirus pandemic.

Juthani was among the doctors who signed a letter in November to Gov. Ned Lamont urging him to prohibit indoor dining, close gyms and ban nonessential social gatherings to slow the spread of the virus.

Juthani will begin the new role on Sept. 20. At a news conference she said she was eager to work on issues including health care equity and disparities in access to treatment. She also commended the health care workers and others who have helped the state through the pandemic.

We have all been dependent on the guidance of people at the Department of Public Health. It is civil servants in the Department of Public Health who have helped guide the way forward. They have been advocating for the most vulnerable, she said.

She joined the faculty of Yale's medical school full-time in 2006 and took on the role of infectious disease fellowship program director in 2012.

Dr. Juthanis background in infectious diseases will be a tremendous benefit to the people of Connecticut as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen our vaccination efforts, Lamont said.

A daughter of immigrants, Juthani said she was humbled by the selection.

As the first Indian-American commissioner in the state of Connecticut, it gives me great pride to showcase the multicultural state that we are and to showcase the path that any immigrant can take coming to this state to achieve the American dream," she said.
Across the country, GOP lawmakers are rallying around the cause of individual freedom to counter community-based disease mitigation methods, moves experts say leave the country ill-equipped to counter the resurgent coronavirus and a future, unknown outbreak.

In some states, anger at perceived overreach by health officials has prompted legislative attempts to limit their authority, including new state laws that prevent the closure of businesses or allow lawmakers to rescind mask mandates. Some state courts have reined in the emergency and regulatory powers governors have wielded against the virus. And in its recent rulings and analysis, the U.S. Supreme Court has signaled its willingness to limit disease mitigation in the name of free speech.

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"The legal framework has evolved in ways that will complicate and perhaps undermine efforts to deal with next public health crisis or even routine health threats," said Wendy Parmet, director of the Northeastern University Center for Health Policy and Law, who also said she has been a "long critic of emergency laws and their potential for abuse."

A key issue, Parmet and others say, is that the legislative backlash is based on partisan assumptions about this pandemic, limiting states' options in the face of a new threat.

"Whatever your feelings are about what health officials did in March of 2020, I can talk to you about a future threat that might be different, that would disproportionately affect a different population, that you would feel differently about," said Lindsay Wiley, director of the Health Law and Policy Program at American University and an expert on emergency reform. "Please don't constrain authority as a reaction in a way that will tie officials to the mast for a future crisis."

At least 15 state legislatures have passed or are considering measures to limit the legal authority of public health agencies, according to the Network for Public Health Law, which partnered with the National Association of County and City Health Officials to document the legislative counterpunches. Lawmakers in at least 46 states have introduced hundreds of bills relating to legislative oversight of gubernatorial or executive actions during coronavirus or other emergencies, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The measures, as described by the Network for Public Health Law, include a North Dakota law that prohibits a mask mandate, even during an outbreak of tuberculosis, and a new Montana law that prohibits the use of quarantine to separate people who have probably been infected or exposed but are not yet sick. Many bills are modeled on legislation originally crafted by conservative think tanks and activist groups, according to state lawmakers who introduced them.

Among them is the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which has touted its model legislation aimed at reining in emergency powers so it is more "narrowly tailored to serve a compelling public health or safety purpose."

In an interview, Jonathon Hauenschild, ALEC's staff policy expert on the model legislation, said that from early in the pandemic he viewed governors' use of emergency powers as problematic.

"I started to see . . . that once a branch realizes power they didn't have before, they don't give it up unless they are forced to," Hauenschild said. "Some governors still aren't giving up their power."

The group's legislative members wrote the Emergency Limitation Act in 2020. It was finalized in early January, in time for states' new legislative sessions.

Hauenschild said he has seen the model act's influence in new laws in Indiana and Kentucky, where certain emergency orders now expire after 30 days unless the General Assembly approves an extension and there are new protections to purchase firearms. The group's model legislation, which public health experts believe would leave states relatively defenseless in an emergency, is not motivated by ideology, Hauenschild argues.

"It's really just trying to inject a little bit of accountability into the system," he said.

ALEC is not the only conservative group behind the flurry of recent bills.

An aide to Republican Massachusetts state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga said his office worked with Pacific Legal Foundation, a Sacramento-based libertarian group, on legislation imposing a 30-day sunset on emergency orders. Daniel Dew, legal policy director for the Pacific Legal Foundation, estimated that the group has had discussions with lawmakers in more than half the states and has been able to trace at least 18 bills to its model legislation or other activities.

Republican Montana state Rep. Matt Regier said he received input from the state chapter of Americans for Prosperity, the political network funded by the Koch fortune, on his bill, which limits the sort of executive actions that can be taken during an emergency, including by enshrining certain religious exemptions, and ensuring the legislature gets to weigh in after 45 days. The measure gained approval in May over Democratic objections, and it was signed into law by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Gianforte's support averted an intraparty squabble marking similar moves in other states against the powers of Republican governors. In March, Ohio's legislature overrode a veto by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine in response to the approval of a bill giving lawmakers the power to rescind executive actions taken by the governor or state health authorities. State Sen. Rob McColley, a Republican co-sponsor of the legislation, said he had no qualms going against a governor of his own party.

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That's because McColley, like other advocates of similar legislation, views the incursions on personal liberty as grievous enough to rival the loss of life from the pandemic. "Coronavirus is serious, but we can't make decisions in a vacuum," he said.

"I start with this premise: If you would have asked any of us in January or February of 2020 if we could ever have foreseen the amount of unprecedented executive authority used over the coming 12 to 15 months, many of us would have scoffed at that idea," McColley added. "No way that would happen in a country like the United States, in a state like Ohio. Yet it did."

The recent passage of Ohio's SB 22 has left local officials grappling to understand its future effect on everything from closing restaurants to quarantining residents. Keary McCarthy, executive director of the Ohio Mayors Alliance, said that in a public health emergency, local officials need immediate clarity.

"If executive and legislative branches get into a dispute about all of these things, it really creates some challenges for local officials," McCarthy said. "What are the rules? How do we implement them? How do we keep our folks safe?"

The measures are also motivated by the perceived randomness of some business restrictions. Particularly irksome to Boldyga, the Massachusetts lawmaker, was a rule against golf carts, which was designed to limit the use of shared equipment and lifted last May. "A golf cart was too difficult to be in by yourself because of covid, I guess," he said. "It was absurd."

Eighteen months ago, few people anticipated an infection that was as deadly, spread as stealthily or acted as disproportionately on certain groups in the way the coronavirus has done. With responsibility for protecting the public's health falling historically to state and local government, many governors turned to general emergency powers, intended for disruptive but short-lived events like wildfires or tornadoes. As the pandemic persisted, they re-upped their powers, with many GOP lawmakers fighting back.

Some battles between Democratic governors and Republican-controlled legislatures have landed in state courts. The supreme courts of Michigan and Wisconsin, respectively, ruled that their governors didn't have the power to renew executive orders relating to the pandemic or to declare multiple public health emergencies. And in Colorado, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, who has been under fire from Republican legislators, took matters into his own hands, announcing last month that he would phase out his emergency powers. In New York, some fellow Democrats earlier this year moved to strip Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo of unilateral emergency powers.

In some places, legislators are taking aim at laws that have been on the books for decades. In Tennessee, lawmakers have focused their ire on the Mature Minor Doctrine, which stems from a 1987 state Supreme Court ruling allowing clinicians to provide care including family planning, substance-abuse treatment and in some instances vaccines to adolescents without parental consent.

The state's immunization manager, Michelle Fiscus, had alluded to the doctrine in a memo circulated to enrolled vaccine providers. The information enraged some conservative lawmakers, who disputed the doctrine's validity.

Less than a month later, Fiscus was fired for what she argued were political reasons and the state scaled back on adolescent vaccine outreach.

"It's an absolute travesty that individuals are putting their own political agenda ahead of the health and well-being of the people they were elected to serve," Fiscus said in an interview with The Washington Post.

Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said Friday that almost all vaccine outreach was being restarted, with the exception of 11 social media posts that depicted a child without a parent. The pause in communications, she said, was to ensure that all forms of outreach - from postcard reminders to consent forms - "were appropriately directed at parents and not kids."

Public health law has long been controversial. In 2001, when the country was comparatively united following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and subsequent anthrax mailings, model legislation that has since been adopted by at least 40 states and some countries was met with opposition, including from the left and center.

It "turns governors into dictators," the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons wrote about the Model State Emergency Health Powers Act, by empowering them "to create a police state by fiat, and for a sufficient length of time to destroy or muzzle [their] political opposition."

The act, which strengthened powers to respond to public health emergencies, largely withstood the tests of Zika and Ebola. It anticipated the need for mask mandates and social distancing, but failed to foresee other characteristics of the current pandemic - including lockdowns in America's biggest cities, said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University who drafted the act.

SUMMER SNEEZES: Why everyone has the worst summer cold ever

"We are always looking back at the current or past crisis, not the future crisis," Gostin said.

While some scholars believe that in any future pandemic the federal government would step in to play a greater role, others are focused on new model legislation for states to adopt.

A group of lawyers at the Uniform Law Commission, a nonprofit with representatives from each state appointed by the state government, have formed a study committee to look into reforming public health legislation.

Diane Boyer-Vine, the ULC's vice president, said the partisan divide makes the challenges of drafting enactable legislation daunting.

"I don't think that is going to be easy, envisioning how we are going to draft this," she said. "We have to represent the Californias and the Alabamas."
Florida, FL (34429)

Today

Thunderstorms. High near 80F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Florida, FL (34429)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. High near 80F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
International students still need quarantine plan at Canada border The Canadian government is reminding international students of border measures ahead of fall semester.

International students still need quarantine plan at Canada border The Canadian government is reminding international students of border measures ahead of fall semester.

International students still need quarantine plan at Canada border The Canadian government is reminding international students of border measures ahead of fall semester. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Although Canada has begun easing border measures, having a quarantine plan is still required at the border  even if you dont actually use it.

Fully vaccinated travellers no longer have to quarantine for two weeks. Starting August 9, if you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need an on arrival test unless you get randomly selected. Canada currently only considers you to be fully vaccinated if it has been 14 days since you got the final dose of a vaccine that has been approved by Health Canada. These currently include: Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, and Janssen. Otherwise, you are still considered unvaccinated.

Discover your options to study in Canada

The ninth of August also marks the end of hotel quarantine, where travellers have to pay to stay in a government-approved hotel.

All that being said, you still have to show up to the border with a suitable quarantine plan in case the border officer determines you do not meet the exemption. The federal government issued a presser specifically for international students coming to Canada this fall, reminding them of what they need to do in order to travel to Canada.

Who can enter Canada to study

There are two things you need to come to Canada as a student:

a valid study permit, or letter of introduction that shows you have been approved for a study permit; and

be enrolled in a designated learning institution that has a COVID-19 readiness plan. You can find the most updated list on the government website.

Students coming from India will have to navigate the ban on direct flights. Canada has suspended direct flights between the two countries until at least August 21. Those travelling from India can take an indirect route, but will need a pre-departure COVID-19 test from a third country before coming to Canada.

Quarantine plan

Your should already have a plan to manage the quarantine period for international students as part of its COVID-19 readiness plan. They should also allow you access to food and medicine during your stay. Contact your school for help in developing your quarantine plan before you depart for Canada.

After that, you have to submit your plan to border officials through the ArriveCAN app. This app has been used throughout the pandemic for officer-traveller communication, and it is where you submit all the documents you will need for travel.

Again, you still need a quarantine plan even if you are considered fully vaccinated. Your proof of vaccination must be in English or French, or else you need a certified translation.

Rules subject to change

Health officials are continuing to monitor the coronavirus situation in Canada and around the world. Any change to border measures falls under Health Canadas responsibility. Other departments, such as the Canadian border, works to implement the health departments recommendations.

While international travel restrictions fall under the federal governments purview, provincial governments are responsible for their own healthcare systems. The federal government offers a list of each provincial governments website, which include measures for travellers. Your learning institution will also have its own COVID rules and regulations.

Discover your options to study in Canada

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Preparing in advance can help you avoid being turned away at the Canadian border.

U.S. tourists: Your options if you are inadmissible to Canada

U.S. tourists: Your options if you are inadmissible to Canada Preparing in advance can help you avoid being turned away at the Canadian border.

U.S. tourists: Your options if you are inadmissible to Canada Preparing in advance can help you avoid being turned away at the Canadian border.

U.S. tourists: Your options if you are inadmissible to Canada Preparing in advance can help you avoid being turned away at the Canadian border. Matt Hendler Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Prior to the coronavirus pandemic some 15 million U.S. tourists visited Canada each year.

U.S. tourism to Canada has been halted since March 2020 however it is set to resume on August 9 when Canada opens its doors to fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

While Canada is an open country, it does have strict rules that it enforces at its borders. You can be deemed inadmissible to Canada on the basis of a criminal conviction.

Fortunately, the Canadian government recognizes that those with a criminal record are capable of being rehabilitated and often times, the benefits to Canadas economy of welcoming such individuals outweigh the minimal risks they are likely to pose. If you are a U.S. tourist with a criminal record you are strongly encouraged to plan in advance to avoid any surprises at the Canadian border.

Here is an overview of the three main ways you can overcome inadmissibility to Canada.

Contact a criminality expert at the Law Firm of Campbell Cohen

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

If it has been under five years since the completion of your sentence you need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to be deemed admissible to Canada. TRPs are temporary waivers that can allow U.S. tourists that are otherwise inadmissible to visit Canada. TRPs can be valid for up to three years.

You need to provide a compelling reason to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to successfully obtain a TRP. You must demonstrate to IRCC that you will not be a threat to Canadian society. Preparing a well-prepared submission is crucial to successfully obtaining a TRP since the decision-making process can be subjective.

Criminal Rehabilitation

If you were convicted more than five years ago but less than 10 years ago, you may be eligible to submit an application for criminal rehabilitation.

Upon approval of the application you will be eligible to travel to Canada and you will no longer need to worry about your previous criminal record. You will be free to enter Canada in the future as long as you do not get another conviction.

You can also be deemed rehabilitated if it has been 10 years or more since you completed your sentence. The simple passage of time can allow you to enter Canada as long as you have a single, non-serious conviction on your record. On the other hand, you must apply for criminal rehabilitation if you have more than one conviction if you want to clear your record to be able to visit Canada.

Legal Opinion Letter

Obtaining a Legal Opinion Letter from a Canadian immigration lawyer is another option available to you if you are facing a charge but do not have a previous conviction. A charge alone does not mean you are inadmissible to Canada. However Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials have discretion to turn individuals with charges away at the Canadian border. A lawyer can write a letter explaining why your pending case should not make you inadmissible.

It is important to stress the importance of preparing ahead. You too can be among the millions of U.S. tourists welcomed by Canada each year as long as you take the necessary steps to confirm your admissibility to Canada.

Contact a criminality expert at the Law Firm of Campbell Cohen

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Discover your Canadian immigration options at CanadaVisa.com.
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In late May, over the Memorial Day weekend, the top story on NBCs Meet the Press was a recent vote by Republican senators to kill the prospect of an independent, fully bipartisan commission to investigate the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6. (Six Republicans backed the commission, but their votes werent enough to overcome their colleagues filibuster.) At the top of the show, Chuck Todd, the host, correctly noted that it was Republicans who blocked the commission. Then, however, he called the vote a stress test for our democracy that our democracy failed, and failed big time. He said that top Republicans had plainly torpedoed the commission for reasons of electoral self-interest, then said that this Congress had voted it down. He interviewed Barbara Comstock, a former Republican Congresswoman who supported the commission, about the reasons for her partys opposition, then asked Jason Crow, a Democratic Congressman, whether his partys leadership in the House would voluntarily retain the commissions proposed bipartisan structure in any replacement investigation it may constitute, in order to ensure its credibility. Todd also asked, On this Memorial Day weekend, if Congress cant even agree on an independent January 6 commission, what can it agree on?

Todds framing reflected the variety of motifs found in other media coverage of the January 6 investigation, and of Washington politics more broadly: there was some moral and factual clarity, but it was muddied, both by impersonal language that obscured lines of accountability, and the twin implications that bipartisanship is desirable, and that Democrats bear responsibility for upholding iteven in the face of explicit Republican obstructionism. As the story has developedwith House Speaker Nancy Pelosi establishing a select committee to investigate January 6 in lieu of a commissionthese motifs have persisted; last week, they crescendoed, as Pelosi blocked two Republican CongressmenJim Banks and Jim Jordanfrom appointment to the panel, leading Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader, to pull all five of his picks.

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Banks had been overtly hostile to the prospect of the committee and Jordan may be a material witness to Donald Trumps complicity in the insurrection; both men voted to reverse Trumps defeat in key states, abetting the Big Lie that incited the insurrection in the first place. Pelosis decision not to seat them thus looked like a move to shore up the credibility of the committees investigation against inevitable bad-faith attacks from within. And yet a number of journalists and commentators reached very different conclusions. Rachael Bade, of Politico, said that Pelosi had given a gift to McCarthy: He wanted this panel to look partisan and political. Now its definitely going to look partisan and political. Politicos DC Playbook team, of which Bade is a member, wrote that, while it had called out Republican cowardice in rejecting the idea of a commission, Pelosis decision will make the investigation even easier to dismiss for people who arent die-hard members of Team Blue, arming the GOP with a legitimate grievance. Chris Cillizza, of CNN, told anyone still harboring hopes that the committee might deepen public understanding of January 6 to give up on those hopes now, because Pelosi had just doomed them. (Confusingly, Cillizza then went on TV and pinned most of the blame on McConnell.) The Hill wrote that Pelosi had helped Banks burnish his brand. And so on.

This genre of coverageand Playbooks analysis, in particularattracted some intense criticism online, with numerous media-watchers characterizing it as the latest iteration of a familiar journalistic problem: bothsidesism. The New Republics Alex Shephard wrote, in an article headlined Both Sides Journalism Will Never Die, that many political journalists treated Pelosis decision as just another sigh-inducing instance of partisanship in Washingtona position Shephard paraphrased with the question: Why cant both parties just stop messing around and get things done? If only Nancy Pelosi would stop playing politics and allow people who tried to overturn a legitimate presidential election to serve on a committee investigating a violent attempt to overturn a legitimate presidential election! Salons Amanda Marcotte agreed: everyone knows that the GOP wants to derail the January 6 investigation, she wrote, and yet, because the slow decline of our democracy is like a horror movie where the scantily clad young woman is ignoring audience pleas not to go down that dark hallway, the mainstream media is framing this as a both sides problem. Speaking on Pod Save America, NBCs Mehdi Hasan said that the insurrection led to hope that journalists might abandon the both-sides approachand yet, six months on, the legitimate grievance is the pro-insurrection party complaining that they dont get to be on the insurrection investigation.

This is, indeed, bothsidesism as weve come to understand the term, insofar as it bent over backward to find Democratic culpability in a problem that Republicans created. But this understanding arguably reflects a slippage from a clear-cut understanding of the term that, to my mind, was once more prevalent in gripes about political coverage, especially early on in the Trump era: namely, the idea of false equivalence, or treating two things that arent the same as if they are. Much of the coverage of Pelosis decision fit this classic framecasting it as part of a partisan brawl, or juxtaposing soundbites from Pelosi and McCarthy without adding much context. The most objectionable coverage, however, committed far graver sins; arguably, the worst of it was so bothsidesy that it approached onesideism, scolding Democrats while letting Republicans off the hook. This is itself a much broader problem than mere false equivalence, reflectingas Brian Beutler, of Crooked Media, and others have put itthe commonplace journalistic assumption that Republican bad faith is just a feature of the landscape, whereas a given Democrat is an actor with agency, and subject to scrutiny. This problem, as Hasan noted, has an analytical cousin: in the eyes of many pundits, a given political development is often framed as being Bad News for Democrats, but not for Republicans.

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In addition to its cravenness, much political analysis of Pelosis decision, taken on its own terms, got lost down a series of empirical and logical dead ends. Numerous outlets claimed, for example, that Pelosi set a precedent, in terms of committee-appointment practices, that Republicans will likely wield against Democrats the next time they have control of the House. But Republicans have shown time and again that they are more than happy to themselves blitz precedent in service of a political objective, be it a Supreme Court justice or Trump back in the White House. The idea they need the cover of Democrats doing it first is absurd.

Much of the conversation around the credibility of the January 6 investigation has been absurd, tooyoking the definition of the term to actors who have explicitly stated their intent to delegitimize the investigation. Similar is true of the claims that Pelosi blew up the bipartisan nature of the committee, which often elided the fact that Liz Cheney, a prominent Republican, will still serve on it. Such an analysis implies that, to satisfy the demands of bipartisanship, Republicans arent Republican enough if they take seriously the thing the committee was created to take seriously. This, clearly, is circular, and self-defeating.

Last week, Greg Sargent, a columnist at the Washington Post, suggested that those covering the investigation should ask themselves a question: What sort of inquiry into January 6 would Republicans declare to be a legitimate one? If the answer is blatantly antithetical to the purposes of any actual inquiry, Sargent reasoned, then it must follow that Republicans, not Democrats, are to blame for the absence of bipartisanship. Id propose a second question that should guide coverageone that doesnt just look back at the events of January 6, but forward to the prospect that Republicans will try to subvert an election again, perhaps with more success. Journalists should ask themselves whether, in such an eventuality, they will be able to look back on their present coverage of Republican democracy subversion and defend it; if not, they should correct course now, substituting clarity for complacency before its too late. This act of imagination doesnt require any certainty of prediction. It merely requires a recognition of plausibility, and the acknowledgement that chattering about the electoral consequences of this move by Pelosi, or that move by McCarthy, is pointless if elections arent played on a level field.

Below, more on the January 6 investigation:



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: The COVID Olympics get underway

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Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
PCS evaluated the states with the greatest recent increases in average daily COVID-19 cases alongside their historical catastrophe activity. Three of the five states with the largest surges in average daily cases are also the top three for both aggregate catastrophe claims and total industrywide insured losses attributable to catastrophe events since 2000. Texas, Florida, and Louisiana are generally exposed to both tropical storms and severe convective events. Missouri is among the top ten states according to PCS for aggregate catastrophe claims since 2000, and its twelfth for total industrywide insured losses. California may not rank as high in terms of total catastrophe claims, but wildfire activity since 2017 has led to a significant increase in the states rank in total industrywide insured losses as measured over the past 20 years.

A major catastrophe impacting Florida, California, Texas, Missouri, or Louisiana could be complicated by measures instituted or social behaviors changed as a result of COVID-19. Social distancing, reluctance by claimants to allow adjusters inside to inspect (or vice versa), and supply chain impediments caused by the pandemic could result in longer claim lifecycles and increased expenses. And in areas more affected by the pandemic, municipal offices could experience reduced workforces, which in turn could cause delays in granting permits for rebuilding and building inspections. Low rates of vaccination in these states (with California the only one over 50 percent) suggest that the risk of increased COVID-19 transmission in states at high risk of catastrophe activity could continue throughout hurricane season. This also means that theres a risk of post-catastrophe remediation having the potential to further spread COVID-19 compared to states with higher rates of vaccination. An adjuster visiting several claimants a day, construction teams interacting with homeowners, and (in the worst case) evacuation centers all have the potential to facilitate broad transmission.

As COVID-19 cases tick higher and the rate of transmission appears to be accelerating, re/insurers should keep an eye on rates of infection in catastrophe-prone states, particularly as hurricane seasons peak approaches. To prepare for catastrophe response activities which are made more difficult by COVID-19, insurers and independent adjusters can:

Review and test capabilities for remote adjusting: This can include revisiting thresholds for fast-tracking claims, evaluating drone and other aerial imagery usage, and implementing (or at least piloting) tools like ClaimXperience, which can reduce the need for on-site inspections of residential and some small commercial claims.

Take a look at personal protective equipment (PPE) access: In addition to ensuring that insurers and independent adjusters have sufficient PPE resources on hand, it may make sense to think through what a major catastrophe event (such as a Gulf of Mexico hurricane) could mean for the availability of additional PPE. If an event could

result in a shortage, even if only temporarily, having more PPE stored could result in reduced cycle time if a major catastrophe occurs.

result in a shortage, even if only temporarily, having more PPE stored could result in reduced cycle time if a major catastrophe occurs. Strategic use of resources: The past five years have presented significant challenges to re/insurers from a field resource standpoint  particularly for claims that require an adjusters physical presence to inspect and assess damages. Triple hurricane events in 2017 (Harvey, Irma, and Maria), two more in 2018 (Hurricanes Michael and Florence), and major wildfire events every year since 2016 (with 16 of them in the third quarter of 2020) have led to a steady increase in the number of residential and commercial losses requiring physical inspection due to total and near-total loss. Theres a finite amount of field adjusters, and companies will need to engage them judiciously to be able to meet the needs of their insureds should the trend of major events occurring in close succession continue.

Talk to each other: Catastrophe response preparation benefits from communication almost as much as it does anything else. Insurers and independent adjusters should share their ideas, concerns about post-event COVID-19 challenges, and steps being taken to prepare for a more complicated claim-handling environment.
MIAMI (AP)  Firefighters on Friday declared the end of their search for bodies at the site of a collapsed Florida condo building, concluding a month of painstaking work removing layers of dangerous debris that were once piled several stories high.

The June 24 collapse at the oceanside Champlain Towers South killed 97 people, with at least one more missing person yet to be identified. The site has been mostly swept flat and the rubble moved to a Miami warehouse. Although forensic scientists are still at work, including examining the debris at the warehouse, there are no more bodies to be found where the building once stood.

Except during the early hours after the collapse, survivors never emerged. Search teams spent weeks battling the hazards of the rubble, including an unstable portion of the building that teetered above, a recurring fire and Floridas stifling summer heat and thunderstorms. They went through more than 14,000 tons (13,000 metric tonnes) of broken concrete and rebar, often working boulder by boulder, rock by rock, before finally declaring the mission complete.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescues urban search-and-rescue team pulled away from the site Friday in a convoy of firetrucks and other vehicles, slowly driving to their headquarters for a news conference to announce that the search was officially over.

At a ceremony, Fire Chief Alan Cominsky saluted the firefighters who worked 12-hour shifts while camping out at the site.

Its obviously devastating. Its obviously a difficult situation across the board, Cominsky said. I couldnt be prouder of the men and women that represent Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Officials have declined to clarify whether they have one additional set of human remains in hand that pathologists are struggling to identify or whether a search for that final set of remains continues.

If found, Estelle Hedaya would bring the death toll to 98.

Hedaya was an outgoing 54-year-old who loved to travel and was fond of striking up conversations with strangers. Her younger brother Ikey has given DNA samples and visited the site twice to see the search efforts for himself.

As we enter month two alone, without any other families, we feel helpless, he told The Associated Press on Friday. He said he gets frequent updates from the medical examiners office.

Leah Sutton, who knew Hedaya since birth and considered herself a second mother to her, is worried that she will be forgotten.

They seem to be packing up and congratulating everyone on a job well done. And yes, they deserve all the accolades, but after they find Estelle.

The dead included members of the areas large Orthodox Jewish community, the sister of Paraguays first lady, her family and their nanny, as well as a local salesman, his wife and their two young daughters.

The collapse fueled a race to inspect other aging residential towers in Florida and beyond, and it raised broader questions about the nations regulations governing condominium associations and building safety.

Shortly after the disaster, it became clear that warnings about Champlain Towers South, which opened in 1981, had gone unheeded. A 2018 engineering report detailed cracked and degraded concrete support beams in the underground parking garage and other problems that would cost nearly $10 million to fix.

The repairs did not happen, and the estimate grew to $15 million this year as the owners of the buildings 136 units and its governing condo board squabbled over the cost, especially after a Surfside town inspector told them the building was safe.

A complete collapse was all but impossible to imagine. As many officials said in the catastrophes first days, buildings of that size do not just collapse in the U.S. outside of a terrorist attack. Even tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes rarely bring them down.

The ultimate fate of the property where the building once stood has yet to be determined. A judge presiding over several lawsuits filed in the collapse aftermath wants the property sold at market rates, which would bring in an estimated $100 million or more. Some condo owners want to rebuild, and others say a memorial should be erected to remember the dead.

All options are on the table, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman said at a hearing this week.

The disaster was one of the nations deadliest engineering failures. A set of overhead walkways collapsed at a Kansas City hotel in 1981, killing 114 people attending a dance. But that wasnt the structure itself. A Washington, D.C., movie theater collapsed in 1922, killing 98. But that came after a blizzard dumped feet of snow on the flat roof.

In the weeks after the collapse, a 28-story courthouse in downtown Miami, built in 1928, and two apartment buildings were closed after inspectors uncovered structural problems. They will remain shut until repairs are made.

The first calls to 911 came at about 1:20 a.m., when Champlain residents reported that the parking garage had collapsed. A woman standing on her balcony called her husband, who was on a business trip, and said the swimming pool had fallen into the garage.

Then, in an instant, a section of the L-shaped building fell straight down. Eight seconds later, another section followed, leaving 35 people alive in the standing portion. In the initial hours, a teen was rescued, and firefighters believed others might be found alive. They took hope from noises emanating from inside the pile that might have been survivors tapping, but in retrospect the sounds came from shifting debris.

Rescue crews worked tirelessly, even when smoke and heat from a fire inside the buildings standing portion hampered their efforts. They persisted when the temperatures pushed into the upper 90s (35 Celsius) under the blazing sun, some toiling until they needed IVs to replenish fluids. They carried on when Tropical Storm Elsa passed nearby and dumped torrential rain. They left the pile only when lightning developed.

The portion of the building that remained standing posed another grave threat as it loomed precariously above the workers. Authorities ordered it demolished on July 4.

In the end, crews found no evidence that anyone who was found dead had survived the initial collapse, Cominsky said.

Associated Press writer Kelli Kennedy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, contributed to this report.

About the photo: Family members and friends attend a funeral service for Edgar Gonzalez, who was killed last month in the Champlain Towers South condominium collapse, on Friday, July 23, 2021, in Palmetto Bay, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  Five firefighters were injured when a thunderstorm and swirling winds in central Montana blew a lightning-caused wildfire back on them, federal officials said Friday.

All five remained in medical facilities and were still being evaluated and treated a day after they were injured, Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Mark Jacobsen said. He declined to release the extent of the firefighters injuries or specify where they were being treated.

They had joined other crews working on the 1,300-acre (525-hectare) Devils Creek fire burning in rough, steep terrain about 36 miles (58 kilometers) northwest of the town of Jordan.

They were building a defensive fire line Thursday when the weather shifted, Jacobsen said.

Numerous wind shifts and rapid rates of spread resulted in erratic fire behavior as thunderstorms and associated cells were passing over the area when the incident occurred, he said.

Other firefighters in the area were able to call for help and the injured firefightersthree U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service crew members from North Dakota and two USDA Forest Service firefighters from New Mexicowere evacuated, Jacobsen said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Friday that crews from Utah and California were coming to Montana on Saturday to help fight fires.

Utah will send two task forces with a total of seven engines and 25 personnel, while California is sending a strike team with five engines and 20 personnel, Gianforte said.

The teams will be in Montana for two weeks, and Montana will pay their costs, the governor said.

A day earlier, Gianforte said he was mobilizing two National Guard helicopter teams to help respond to fires.

The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation requested the military support. One of the agencys firefighting helicopters made a hard landing and burned last month. The crew got out safely.

Most of Montana east of the Continental Divide was under a warning Friday for conditions like high temperatures, gusty wind and low humidity that can lead to fires starting and rapidly spreading, the National Weather Service said.

Abnormally dry conditions amid a historic drought in the U.S. West also were contributing to the fire risk in Montana.

So far this year, fires have burned just over 244 square miles (631 square kilometers) of land, with 17 large fires active in the state as of Friday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Another firefighter injured in Montana this season after he was overtaken by flames July 16 is being treated for burns in Salt Lake City, officials said.

Dan Steffensen, 65, underwent a second operation Thursday to remove burned tissue, according to a Facebook update posted by Red Lodge Fire Rescue. He may be at the hospital for up to six months, the agency said.

Steffensen has been with agency since 2015. He works to reduce hazardous fuels around homes and responds to new fires.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Scientist at Heart

Fellowship support empowers Ph.D. student on lifelong mission

July 14, 2021

For Becca Rapp, choosing Carnegie Mellon University for graduate school was a homecoming.

Her Tartan roots go back to childhood, when she attended the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Talented Elementary and Secondary Students (C-MITES) summer program. Today, she holds a masters degree in physics from the Mellon College of Science and is working toward her Ph.D.

When I visited campus, I was immediately immersed again in the supportive, engaging, and welcoming community I had experienced as a child, she says. I was coming full circle, and I was excited for the possibilities and opportunities CMU had to offer.

Last year, nearly 2,200 members of the Tartan community contributed to scholarships and fellowships, providing critical resources for students like Becca to pursue life-changing experiences at CMU.

As a J. Michael McQuade Presidential Fellow in Physics, Becca is making the most of her CMU education. Thanks to the fellowships stipend, shes had the freedom to pursue meaningful professional development opportunities. Devoting time to research and diversity initiatives has helped her overcome the mental barrier of seeing herself as a scientist.

Fellowship support invested in my future and gave me the opportunity to become a scientist that would've inspired my younger self, Becca says. It's a very cool feeling!

During her time at CMU, Becca has fallen in love with researching what she describes as the absolute weirdest particle shes ever encountered  the neutrino.

In fall 2020, Becca was selected for the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program. She had the chance to complete a six-month stay at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, where she collaborated with a CMU faculty member and DOE scientist on her thesis research.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  President Rodrigo Duterte threw another tirade against embattled broadcast network ABS-CBN in his final State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Duterte first said he did not have any problem with the network until it supposedly printed "garbage" allegedly calling his daughter Davao Mayor City Sara Duterte a drug trafficker. Duterte said he chose to keep silent because he did not want to "appear vindictive."

Duterte then claimed that the media giant owes the government "billions" in taxes, a year since the administration denied to grant it a fresh franchise to operate for 25 years.

"They are cheating government by the billions in taxes. And they still want that frequency because 'yan ang pinag-aawayan (everybody wants to have it)," he said.

"I will give it to a Filipino na gustong gumawa ng tama and pay," Duterte added.

[Translation: I will give it to a Filipino who wants to do good and pay properly.]

The Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Securities and Exchange Commission already said last year that the network has been compliant with regulations. ABS-CBN also repeatedly maintained it has no outstanding tax liability.

ABS-CBN first went dark on May 5, 2020 after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease-and-desist order. It failed to get back on air after the House Committee on Legislative Franchises thumbed down its bid for a fresh 25-year license for its broadcast operations with an overwhelming 70-11 vote.

Duterte also warned in the past that he will not allow the NTC to grant the network another permit to operate after it aired advertisement supposedly critical of him and failed to air his political commercials in 2016.

READ: House panel denies ABS-CBNs bid for fresh franchise

RELATED: TIMELINE: ABS-CBN franchise

The House of Representatives is leaving the fate of the broadcast network to the 19th Congress after rejecting its franchise, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco previously told CNN Philippines.

READ: Velasco leaves fate of ABS-CBN franchise to next Congress
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26) -- President Rodrigo Duterte asked Senator Ronald dela Rosa to investigate the importation of AK-47 rifles into the country, which are now allegedly being used by communist rebels.

In his final State of the Nation Address on Monday, Duterte said a police official was behind the importation.

I'd like to ask Congress, especially Senator Bato [Dela Rosa], kindly dig on because we have identified the person who imported the AK-47 into this country on the pretext of using it in providing security and guards in business establishments, he said.

When you go to the mountains...they were there with so many arms that I think somebody, an idiot here in the Philippines, supplied the firearms, Duterte added.

The Department of Justice directed the National Bureau of Investigation in 2018 to conduct a case buildup on the 1,004 missing police firearms which were allegedly sold to the New Peoples Army in Mindanao.

Dela Rosa, a former police chief, said he will discuss the importation of the AK-47 rifles with the Philippine National Police.

I will research with the PNP. I think appropriate charges were already filed in Sandiganbayan against those police officers involved and the trial is still ongoing, he said.

Duterte also chided the Communist Party of the Philippines which he said earns billions, but passed on a little to their fighting men who die for an ideology that is so rotten and corrupt.

Maraming sundalong namatay dahil sa armas na pinasok nila dito sa Pilipinas (Many soldiers have died because of the firearms they brought here in the country), he said.

If you see them walking around, kindly shoot them dead and I would be happy, Duterte told Dela Rosa. Anyway, youre only charged in the ICC (International Criminal Court) together with me, so what is the problem of adding another one, another idiot Filipino who has caused great damage to our country?
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  President Rodrigo Duterte shot down rumors that China, with whom he has pursued warmer ties, had helped him secure the nations top government post.

In his final State of the Nation Address on Monday, Duterte addressed allegations that he received financial backing from the Asian giant during his 2016 election bid.

I will never, never do that," he said.

"Hindi na bale ako 'di ma-presidente, di ko talaga gagawin 'yan...'Di ako tinulungan ng China [It doesn't matter if I don't become president, I will never do that. China didn't help me]," he continued, adding he has never accepted any form of political bribery.

Fuelling this speculation is Dutertes apparent soft stance on Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

Tensions over the disputed territory heightened anew earlier this year after another massing of suspected Chinese maritime militia vessels in Philippine waters. This triggered a renewed demand from critics for the President to take a tougher line with Beijing on the sea row.

In the earlier part of his address, Duterte said, "We will assert what is rightfully ours and fight for what is rightfully due to the Filipino people."

Later, he noted he already affirmed Manilas arbitral victory at the United Nations General Assembly in September last year. Pushing it beyond that, he believes, would mean asking for a war with China.

READ: Remembering the 2016 Hague ruling: What has happened since then?

Ano pa ang gusto niyo [What else do you want]?" he asked. "Do you want war against China? Well, Ill tell you...It will be a massacre if I go and fight a war now."

We are not yet a competent and able enemy of the other side. So, what I did was I was just being nice to them," he added, later saying he would not risk his and Filipino soldiers' lives over the matter.

RELATED: Duterte: No way we can get back West PH Sea without any bloodshed

This narrative of war, which Duterte has repeated multiple times, had been debunked by maritime experts who stressed that the country need not take arms to assert its rights over the resource-rich waterway.

Later in his speech, Duterte also said he is indebted to Beijing for its COVID-19 vaccine donations to the Philippines. He said it was China which he first called for help regarding the pandemic response.

For us Visayans, 'yung utang na loob, mabigat talaga yan [we take our debt of gratitude seriously], he said. Pag may utang na loob ako sayo [If Im indebted to you], you can be sure that I will be your friend, a true friend, and die for you.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday took pride in passing the Freedom of Information bill despite unsuccessful attempts by media to use it to gain access to his personal Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net Worth reports.

During his final State of the Nation Address, he touted that he signed the bill early in his presidency to promote transparency and accountability in the government, including his office.

"To futher promote transparency and accountability in government, we also issued the order of the Freedom of Information that opens the records of transactions, decisions, issuances of all government agencies," he said during the address.

He has been criticized for keeping his SALN undisclosed for years now despite repeated requests from the media.

Reporters have been tossed back and forth between the Office of the President and the Office of the Ombudsman to request for a copy of Duterte's 2018, 2019, and 2020 SALN. The Philippine Center of Investigative Journalism on Monday reported that it reached out to the Office of the Presidents Malacanang Records Office by phone, but was told that it didnt have a copy of the document.

The Ombudsman recently announced tighter rules on the publics access to the SALNs, which is now limited to the following: (1) the duly authorized representative of the one who filed the document, (2) when request is upon lawful order of the court in relation to a pending case; and (3) when request is made for the purpose of conducting investigation.

Government officials can also opt to release their own SALN upon the request of the public, similar to what Vice President Leni Robredo did when media requested for her wealth report for 2020.

Duterte's former spokesman said it is not the President's "style" to willingly disclose it despite the practices of other politicians.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26) President Rodrigo Duterte took a look back at some of the governments accomplishments under his term  while also admitting theres more to be done  as he delivered his final State of the Nation Address on Monday at the Batasang Pambansa.

In his speech which lasted two hours and 45 minutes  the longest address recorded after the 1986 EDSA Revolution  the chief executive touched on a range of topics, including the war on drugs, insurgency, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some highlights of Dutertes SONA:

War on drugs: A long way to go

One of Dutertes campaign promises was to eradicate the drug problem in the country six months into his term. With less than a year left in his presidency, he admitted there is still a long way to go in the battle against illegal drugs.

"While we have made great strides in ending rebellion and insurgency in various parts of the country, we still have [a] long way in our fight against the proliferation of drugs," Duterte said.

The chief executive confessed he made the vow to swiftly eliminate drugs thinking his approach in Davao City while he was mayor would work. I thought it was like in Davao  you can either coerce, intimidate or bribe them.

You cannot stop corruption, unless

Another vow Duterte made prior to his election was to rid the government of corruption.

But it wouldnt be that easy, Duterte also said during his speech.

Corruption is endemic in government. You cannot stop corruption, unless you overturn government completely," he said. "If I were the next president, if you think there is a need for you to change everybody in the system, then you declare martial law and fire everybody and allow the next generation to come in to work for government.

Duterte likewise recalled going after Bureau of Immigration officials tagged in the controversial pastillas airport bribery scheme.

And for other corrupt officials, the president issued a new warning: I will reach you.

Duterte admin gains: Passage of priority measures, improved travel time

Despite these setbacks, Duterte lauded the passage of priority measures under his term. These include free tuition for state universities and colleges, Universal Healthcare, and the Freedom of Information bill.

RELATED: Duterte touts passage of FOI bill, but his wealth report stays a secret

He also boasted that it was only under his leadership that farmers gained back the multibillion-peso coco levy fund collected by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

"We fulfilled our promise to coconut farmers. We returned the coconut levy fund to its rightful owners  the coconut farmers," Duterte said of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, which he signed in February.

Duterte also claimed that travelling and commuting improved in the last five years amid his administration's increased infrastructure spending.

While highlighting the passage of these policies, the President still appealed to Congress to act on the other important bills, including one that would create a center for disease control and a virology and vaccine institute in the country.

Script detours

Like his other speeches, Duterte made a few detours and off-script remarks during his SONA.

Two hours into his speech, he started talking about the COVID-19 pandemic, which he labeled an unexpected health crisis that hit his presidency. He then started stammering then touching his neck as if to check if he has a fever, one of the symptoms of COVID-19.

"Hindi na ako maka-pronounce nang mabuti, baka meron na ako. May ambulansya ba diyan? Mukhang iba na, I cannot pronounce the words. I hope this is not a symptomatic (sic)," he said.

[Translation: I cannot pronounce properly. Maybe I have it. Is there an ambulance here? This is different, I cannot pronounce the words. I hope this is not a symptom.]

Apart from cracking jokes, Duterte also deviated from his prepared speech to attack ABS-CBN anew.

This time, he claimed the media giant owes the government "billions" in taxes  despite the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Securities and Exchange Commission already saying the network has been compliant with regulations.

Not my swan song

Duterte admitted that the past five years of his presidency have been challenging. But if there's one thing I could be proud of, it's that not once did I waver in doing the unpopular, even if it means upholding the greatest good, he noted.

Despite this being his final SONA, Duterte said it would not be his swan song, as he vowed to push for the enactment of more essential policies and to help the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  President Rodrigo Duterte in his State of the Nation Address called on authorities to hasten rehabilitation efforts in war-stricken Marawi City and immediately facilitate the return of displaced families.

In his speech at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, Duterte acknowledged that the rebuilding of Lanao del Surs capital has yet to be completed, nearly four years after it was declared liberated from Islamic State-linked fighters.

To Task Force Bangon Marawi, we need to race against time, the President said in his final SONA. You have to finish the necessary work to rehabilitate the war-torn city and bring its families back home.

Duterte announced the liberation of Marawi in October 2017 after a siege that lasted for five months.

However, Marawi Advocacy Accompaniment, a network of civil society groups in Mindanao, earlier said rehabilitation has been "very slow. The Presidents promises remain unfulfilled, the group said, including the provision of just compensation for damages to livelihood and properties.

It added that the delays "contribute further not only to the trauma still being endured by the bakwits [evacuees] of the siege but also to the century-old narrative of marginalization, discrimination and exclusion and social deprivation."

For his part, Task Force Bangon Marawi chairman Eduardo del Rosario has said rehabilitation works remain on track and that they are confident these will be finished by year-end or well within Dutertes term.

READ: Rehabilitating Marawi City, a promise yet to be fulfilled?

In last year's SONA, Duterte said nothing about the city, much to the dismay of local officials who accused him of not prioritizing the people of Marawi.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  Thousands of protesters united with a common outcry on Monday, hours ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's final State of the Nation Address: Once is enough.

Various groups grabbed the opportunity to denounce what they said were failures of the Duterte administration. The threat of the pandemic did not stop demonstrators from demanding accountability from the government.

Kadamay, Piston, Sanlakas, and the National Union of Peoples Lawyers said Duterte has no right to demand an extension of his stay in office, not even as vice president. The chief executive, who is set to end his term in June, announced his openness to run for the second highest post in the government to shield him from legal challenges.

Activists carried red streamers calling for an end to the Duterte administration. Like an arrested suspect whose mugshot was being taken by police, one protester wore Duterte's picture on his face, He was in an orange t-shirt printed with the word "Diktador" (dictator) and carried a placard stating Duterte's full name and alleged extrajudicial killings under his war on drugs.

The protesters claimed the administration failed miserably in issues such as employment, hunger, poverty, and pandemic response.

They hit the administration for the non-passage of the anti-contractualization law, for the skyrocketing prices of goods, and for unused Bayanihan funds that were meant to provide relief to Filipinos hit by COVID-19 crisis.

The group of protesters held a brief program in front of the National Housing Authority then marched toward Commonwealth Avenue to join a bigger crowd of rallyists to stage what they describe as the true state of the country.

Police estimated that around 2,750 protesters joined the event, which ended at 1:30 p.m.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  President Rodrigo Duterte's final State of the Nation Address is expected to center on his administration's accomplishments, give possible hints of his political plans, and include an emotional farewell message.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday told CNN Philippines that the bulk of the President's speech will focus on his administration's gains in the past five years and what's coming in his remaining months in office. He said the chief executive is expected to tackle the following topics:

- Achievements of war on drugs with at least 55% of barangays are already declared drug free

- Golden Age of Public Infrastructure in the Philippines through the Build, Build, Build program

- Inauguration of airports, port facilities during his term

- The number of administered COVID-19 vaccines, status in achieving population protection this year

- Ask Congress to file at least six "important" bills, namely the creation of a virology institute, Center for Disease Control, Department of Overseas Filipino workers, Public Service Act, Foreign Investments Act, and GUIDE Bill

- The government will not surrender "even a single inch of our territory" in the West Philippine Sea to any foreign power while pursuing bilateral relations

A Pulse Asia survey released hours before the event showed Filipinos are primarily expecting the President to tackle the issues of livelihood and national economy.

Roque said the President rehearsed the SONA four times  meaning he revised the speech four times. The address is slated to run for an hour, but the President is known to go off-script in his public addresses, even during his past SONA.

"The fourth edit of the speech is substantially different from the speech presented to him. He remains to be the final editor of his speech. It is expected to last an hour," he said.

RELATED: Pulong, Honeylet only members of first family to attend Duterte's final SONA

Roque said Duterte is also expected to turn sentimental considering this is his last SONA before he steps down on June 30, 2022.

"It's expected to be a farewell speech, so it is bound to be emotional at the end. He is expected to thank the people for the confidence they gave him where he gathered the single-largest winning margin in recent history and he's expected to ask for the cooperation of the people as we face 10 more months of this pandemic," he added.

The President may also take the opportunity to discuss his political plans for next year's election, but Roque said it will be "in passing at most."

The chief executive earlier announced his openness to run for the second highest post in the government to shield him from legal challenges.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  President Rodrigo Duterte declared in his last State of the Nation Address that travelling and commuting improved in the last five years amid his administration's increased infrastructure spending.

"We have greatly eased the grueling experience of travelling and commuting," the President said.

He emphasized that when he assumed the presidency, he ensured the government's infrastructure spending to increase to an average of 5% of the country's gross domestic product.

"This is significantly higher than the infrastructure spending of each and past four administrations," he said.

Duterte cited the improved MRT-3 system with no more train breakdowns and increased train capacity and speed.

"The waiting time between trains had been significantly reduced...10 trains running at only 30 kilometers per hour before. Now, MRT runs 23 trains at 60 kilometers per hour," said Duterte. "We have taken away the misery of public commuting."

He also mentioned the opening of the LRT-2 East Extension Project, which he said reduced travel time between Manila and Antipolo from two to three hours to only 40 minutes.

The President thanked the government's partnership with the private sector for the opening of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project, which decongested EDSA and other major roads in Metro Manila.

Other completed infrastructure projects that Duterte highlighted in his last SONA are the BGC-Ortigas Bridge, Sorsogon City Coastal Road, Lanao-Pagadian-Zamboanga City Road, Poro Point Freeport Zone, and the Clark International Airport's new passenger terminal building.

"To help promote equitable development, we also completed several roads leading to trade corridors," the President said.

Duterte ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, and Department of Budget and Management to be on "full speed" in completing other flagship infrastructure projects before his term ends on June 30, 2022.

He also asked for the help of the private sector and local government units to ensure the completion of infrastructure projects.

Latest data from NEDA shows that only 11 out of the 119 Infrastructure Flagship Projects of the Duterte administration's Build, Build, Build Program have been completed to date. These projects are worth 126 billion.

RELATED: SONA 2021: Are we now in the Golden Age of Infrastructure?
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar has ordered an investigation into the shooting of two Masungi Georeserve forest rangers, who were wounded in the attack.

The rangers were shot in the head and neck on July 24 while guarding the reforestation site in Sitio San Roque in Baras, Rizal. Officials said they have received numerous threats, intimidations, and harassments in the past months.

Eleazar lamented that this was not the first time forest rangers have been threatened, with similar incidents reported in Palawan and other places. He said the PNP is coordinating with the the Department of Environment and Resources to provide training to forest rangers nationwide on threat detection and other protective measures.

Mahalaga ang papel na ginagampanan ng rangers para sa pagpapatupad ng environmental laws sa ating protected areas, partikular ang pagbabantay kontra illegal logging at iba pang mga iligal na gawain na nakasisira sa kalikasan, he said in a statement.

He added: Hindi natin hahayaan na maging sitting targets na lang ang mga taong nangangalaga sa ating kalikasan."

[Translation: They play an important role in carrying out environmental laws in our protected areas, specifically in guarding against illegal logging and other destructive activities. We will not allow those who protect our environment to be targets.]

The Masungi Georeserve was created in 1996 to restore the sanctuary's forest spaces. In 2015, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation was formed to sustain these conservation efforts.

RELATED: The fight to #SaveMasungi

It is widely known as a tourist spot for its scenic trails, but it is also an award-winning conservation area that preserves numerous animal and plant species, including new organisms that have been discovered within its domain. However, it is no stranger to encroachment, quarrying and land grabbing by private firms that refuse to respect its protected status.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  COVID-19 research watchdog OCTA noted a significant improvement in the government's pandemic response in an assessment ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's final State of the Nation Address on Monday.

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said there has been a noteworthy improvement in the government's actions compared to last year's efforts to combat the pandemic. He said the country's healthcare capacity has been boosted.

"To be honest, the initial days of the pandemic, the government's response needed improvement," he told CNN Philippines. "As we move towards 2021, the government's response has improved significantly. I would say, of course, we have the longest lockdowns but we have also managed to save lives."

He also said the vaccination is going "satisfactorily well" despite struggles in the early days of the inoculation program due to supply issues.

"We have already vaccinated, I think about 20% of the population in the NCR. This is a significant milestone for me particularly. Because we've seen in many countries, in the USA, when there's 20%, there's a significant effect already," David said.

Over 5.5 million Filipinos are now protected against COVID-19 nationwide. Around 16.4 million shots have already been administered as of July 24.

OCTA said contact tracing and testing are seeing improvements, but more have to be done to ensure patients are tracked down and isolated immediately.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  Three of Luzons major dams opened spillway gates after the southwest monsoon dumped heavy rains over the weekend.

The Ambuklao Dam in Benguet province released water as the reservoir hit close to its spilling level of 752 meters early Monday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Water discharged from the dam flows to its downstream Binga dam.

Luzons biggest dam, the San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, serves as the catch basin for the Ambuklao-Binga dam systems. San Roque Dams water level on Sunday was way below its spilling level of 280 meters, enough to contain spills from the other two dams.

NAPOCORs warning said the Ambuklao Reservoirs water elevation was above 750.10 meters and rising amid heavy rainfall" brought about by the monsoon.

Meanwhile, the Ipo Dam rose to as high as 101.40 meters -- past its 101-meter spilling level -- forcing the dam operator to release water on Sunday noon.

Ipo is not built for flood control and is part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water reservoir that supplies 90% of Metro Manilas water requirements. It is located in Norzagaray, Bulacan, downstream of Angat River.

The monsoon rains, combined with water released from Ipo Dam, submerged homes and farm lands in villages along the riverbanks in the towns of Calumpit, Pulilan, and Hagonoy on Sunday, according to ground surveillance and data collected by CNN Philippines.

Spillovers from the tributaries of Angat River make other surrounding towns Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baluiag, and Plaridel vulnerable to flooding too when Ipo Dam spills water.

IPO Dam Management conducted spilling operation at 12:29 p.m. with approximate discharge of 40.9 cms (centimeters), read an advisory from PAGASA.

The PAGASA is just the messenger, as the decision-making powers on when to open a dams floodgates or spillway gates rest on dam operators like the Metropolitan Sewerage and Waterworks System (MWSS) or the private water concessionaires if the dam is used as a water reservoir or irrigation, and the NAPOCOR or hydropower plant operator if the dam is built for generating energy. Confusion over who should be calling the shots on when to release dam water in recent years had led to finger-pointing in the wake of flood-related tragedies.

The catch basin for Ipo Dam is the La Mesa Dam, water from which spills into Tullahan River that snakes through the cities of Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela. Residents in these areas reported flooding but the PAGASA advisory was clear that the La Mesa Dam did not open its spillway gates.

Several barangays in Rodriguez in Rizal province were also inundated by knee-deep floods over the weekend, forcing thousands to seek shelter in schools and other evacuation sites. But the American colonial-era Wawa Dam was neither to blame. The dam has been decommissioned in the late 60s and has no spillway gates to control rainwater. When Wawa Dam overflows, water levels at the upper Marikina River rise, affecting the towns in Rizal (Rodriguez, Antipolo, Cainta, San Mateo) and Marikina.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  The Senate will look into government agencies hounded by allegations of corruption in the upcoming hearings for the 2022 national budget, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said on Monday.

In a briefing with reporters, Sotto said his colleagues in the upper chamber may grill agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

RELATED: 18th Congress opens third regular session

"May mga departments na may red flag, for example, DOH, DA, DPWH, DSWD," he said. "Siguro yun ang mga bubusisiin ng mga kasama ko."

[Translation: There are departments with red flag, for example, the DOH, DA, DPWH, and DSWD. Perhaps my colleagues will investigate them further.]

In his speech when he opened the third regular session, Sotto said the Senate will "expose corruption in public service" as part of their remaining agenda under the current administration.

"We will continuously seek to expose corruption in public service and direct the searchlight of one of our committees towards the dark corners of our bureaucracy where corruption and injustice thrive unnoticed," Sotto stressed.

RELATED: Senate to conduct probe on Pacquiao's corruption allegations

He added that the Senate is "ready and willing" to collaborate with other agencies in "correcting any wrong or discontinue a measure that is counter-productive."

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez told a government briefing that Congress aims to pass the 2022 budget within 10 weeks before the filing of certificates of candidacies in October.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25)  In the last year of his term, President Rodrigo Duterte said he is not giving up on his promise of ridding government of corrupt officials.

In his last State of the Nation Address on Monday, he said, "I will reach you."

Going off-script, the President recalled summoning to Malacanang a number of officials from the Bureau of Immigration allegedly involved in the so-called pastillas scheme.

He said they were given pastillas that had money rolled inside and dared them to eat it. However, according to the President, he did not insist on the punishment out of deference to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who was also present.

READ: SONA 2021: Duterte's anti-corruption legacy: What he said he'll do vs. what he's actually done

Duterte said his office has "demonstrated careful stewardship of the power by initiating reforms" to provide the best service to benefit the Filipino people.

The Freedom of Information Act was also instituted, he said, so the public could see records of transaction. Along with the FOI, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission was also created to "run after corrupt and erring officials and bring them to justice."

READ: Duterte touts passage of FOI bill, but his wealth report stays a secret

However, the President recognized the challenge of deeply rooted corruption in government.

"Corruption is endemic in government. You cannot stop corruption, unless you overturn government completely," he said.

The President mentioned a drastic measure which he believed could wipe the slate clean.

"If I were the next president, if you think there is a need for you to change everybody in the system, then you declare martial law and fire everybody and allow the next generation to come in to work for government," he said.

During his weekly addresses, Duterte used to read the names of officials accused of corruption. However, he said he has refrained from doing so because it would negatively affect their families.

"Ngayon, wala na [I don't do it anymore]. I have stopped it. But this is not saying we cannot reimpose it again," he said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26)  Senate President Tito Sotto III downplayed a supposed plot to oust him from office following his announcement that he will join the 2022 vice presidential race.

"I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues. Therefore, I dont really pay much attention to it," Sotto said in a media briefing after presiding over the third regular session of the 18th Congress on Monday.

READ: Sotto: I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues

Sotto said the report of a supposed ouster only came from one of the employees in the Senate, but it eventually "fizzled out."

He added that if any of his colleagues want to boot him out of his post, they would have told him already.

Sotto will run in tandem with Senator Ping Lacson in the upcoming elections. They are also finalizing their senatorial line-up, as well as alliances with other political parties.

Sotto, who chairs the National People's Coalition, mentioned a possible forging of alliance with United Nationalist Alliance and Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma but did not give other details.

"I will always be on top of the situation in the Senate until 2022," he stressed, when asked whether he can manage to maintain his performance in leading the chamber for the remaining months of his term.

Sotto first told CNN Philippines that he and Lacson will run in 2022 and will prove themselves through their "capability, honesty, and bravery."

The filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2022 elections is set for October.

READ: Lacson-Sotto tandem confirmed for 2022 polls
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 26) - Those who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine displayed either mild or no symptoms of coronavirus infection, the Department of Health said on Monday.

Of the 119 Delta cases, four were fully vaccinated. One of them was asymptomatic, while three had mild infection.

Meanwhile, five of the cases received only one dose. Two of them were asymptomatic, and three had mild symptoms.

The DOH is still verifying the status of 86 other Delta patients.

As of Monday, however, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said 24 of these patients have not been vaccinated, although most of them have recovered.

So far, two of the three people who have died with Delta variant did not get COVID-19 vaccine, according to her.

"Nagpapakita ang mga datos ngayon na pag bakunado, mas may laban sa variants na ito," Vergeire noted.

[Translation: Data shows that vaccinated people have more protection against these variants.]

"Base po sa datos, ang tatlong namatay sa Delta variant sa 119 cases, dalawa sa kanila ang unvaccinated," she also said. "Yung isa we are verifying, because this is a returning overseas Filipino. Pero ang dalawa na namatay because of the Delta variant, they were not vaccinated."

[Translation: Based on data, two of the three who died out of the 119 Delta variant cases were unvaccinated. We're still verifying the other one, because this is a returning overseas Filipino. However, again, the two who died because of the Delta variant didn't get their anti-COVID shot.]

The health official also reiterated that no one is immune from the virus. She added that breakthrough infections or COVID-19 infection after vaccination is still possible, but this only accounts to a smaller portion of the vaccinated population.

"Although, we are saying 'di pa naman kumpleto ang pag-aaral, nakikita natin vaccines work," Vergeire pointed out. "Pag tiningnan ang number of infections sa ngayon compared to before, bumaba ho talaga ang number of healthcare workers na nagkakasakit. At ang nagkakasakit at na-o-ospital ay unvaccinated."

[Translation: Although studies are not yet complete, we can see that vaccines work. You can observe a decline in the number of healthcare workers who have been infected, and those that fall ill and hospitalized are the ones unvaccinated.]

As of Monday, 21.59% of 9,351 samples checked for variants are Beta, 18.96% are Alpha and 1.27% are Delta.
(CNN) -- With the more dangerous Delta variant of Covid-19 sweeping across the nation, state and health officials continue to warn the public that the pandemic is far from over despite summertime reopenings and optimism.

Every state in the US reported more Covid-19 cases in the week ending Friday than the week prior, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, with the gravity of the situation evident from coast to coast.

In California this week, San Diego County and Los Angeles County both reported their highest number of cases since February, and hospitalizations in LA County have more than doubled in two weeks. In Florida, state health data shows that new case positivity nearly doubled in two weeks' time, from 7.8% the week of July 2 to 15.1% this week.

Louisiana now has the highest growth rate in cases per capita in the US, state officials noted Friday. Louisiana reported its third-highest daily case count since the start of the pandemic Wednesday.

"We know that more than 80% of these are the Delta variant, that is what's causing this surge," Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. "And what's enabling the surge is a very low percentage of people who have been vaccinated."

Thirty states have yet to fully vaccinate at least half of their residents, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And as of Friday, the daily average of people becoming fully vaccinated is the lowest it's been since the end of January.

As shown this year following the winter holiday surge, vaccines remain the best way forward in defeating Covid-19 by giving people a much stronger chance of avoiding infection or hospitalization.

In the rare case that a person who is vaccinated gets the virus, it is likely that the infection will be mild or asymptomatic, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy reiterated on Friday.

"You should feel confident if you are vaccinated, your chances of getting severe illness or dying from Covid are very, very low," Murthy told CNN's Erin Burnett. "If you do get a breakthrough infection -- which itself will be unusual -- it will be more likely to be mild or asymptomatic."

Murthy said he is concerned the Delta variant is spreading quickly among unvaccinated people, who account for the vast majority of coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths.

"The thing that's making this possible is the fact that we are dealing with the most transmissible version of Covid-19 that we've seen to date," he said.

Immunocompromised Americans remain at risk

Those who are immunocompromised and vaccinated against Covid-19 may want to continue wearing masks, according to Murthy, and vaccinated people living in high transmission areas and those with young children may want to mask up as well.

"Those are all circumstances where people may make the decision to actually go the extra mile, be cautious and wear masks, especially in indoor settings," Murthy told CNN.

Immunocompromised people may be at greater risk for Covid-19 themselves, Murthy noted, while others may want to mask up to protect the people around them.

"In the case of parents who have kids at home, they may decide that, 'Even if there's a really small chance I could pass it on to my kids, I want to be cautious because I'm living in an area with a lot of virus circulating,'" he said.

Meanwhile, research is being conducted to determine whether an additional boost with vaccines can be provided for the immunocompromised.

The CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration are "exploring multiple options" for how to make a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine possible for immunocompromised people if needed, according to a statement on Friday.

The prospect of needing another dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna mRNA Covid-19 vaccines after full immunization is under review. The vaccines are currently authorized for emergency use and providing a third dose has not been authorized.

On Thursday, the CDC presented data to its panel of vaccine advisers indicating that immunocompromised people comprise about 2.7% of adults in the US.

When immunocompromised people are infected with coronavirus, the data showed they are more likely to get severely ill. If they are vaccinated, the data showed they are more likely to have breakthrough infections. A study in the US found 44% of hospitalized breakthrough cases were immunocompromised people, while a study in Israel found a rate of 40%.

"Emerging data show there is an enhanced antibody response after an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in some immunocompromised people," the CDC said in a statement to CNN on Friday. "While early data show some potential benefit to administering an additional dose, more evidence is needed to determine safety and effectiveness in immunocompromised people."

Caution urged at festival as cases rise in Florida

Even for the community at-large who are not immunocompromised, the Delta variant is still putting people at considerable risk for infection, as evident in the state of Florida.

The state reported 73,199 new Covid-19 cases this past week, which is up from 45,603 the previous week, according to data from the Florida Department of Health (DOH).

And the number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered dropped in the past 10 weeks, from more than 769,000 doses administered the week of May 14 to around 245,000 this week.

Miami-Dade has the highest number of new cases among all Florida counties this week, according to DOH data, and officials are calling for caution during summer gatherings.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava on Saturday urged concertgoers at the three-day Rolling Loud Festival to help "slow the spread by practicing safe behavior."

The mayor said anyone who isn't vaccinated can do so at the county's pop-up vaccine site set up at the music festival.

The vaccine site was set up in conjunction with the state Department of Health and will offer both Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines until midnight Sunday, according to the county's website.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Covid-19 cases surge nationwide as vaccination rates plummet from spring highs"
The Coastal Point is a local newspaper published each Friday and distributed in the Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Millville, Dagsboro, Frankford, Selbyville, Millsboro, Long Neck and Georgetown, Delaware areas.
Columbia, SC (29201)

Today

Thunderstorms in the morning, then cloudy with rain likely in the afternoon. High 74F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Rain showers early with overcast skies late. Low 67F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
State College's 3/20 Coalition will hold a birthday celebration at 5 p.m next Monday, Aug. 2  what would have been Osaze Osagie's 32nd birthday  at the Allen Street Gates, according to a Twitter post.

Next Monday, August 2, we will gather to celebrate Osaze Osagie on what would have been his 32nd birthday. Meet us at the Allen St Gates at 5PMHis favorite color was blue, so please wear blue if you are able. pic.twitter.com/fCMAQm7ipG  3/20 Coalition #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForOsaze (@3_20Coalition) July 26, 2021

Osagie, a 29-year-old Black man, was killed by a State College police officer on March 20, 2019 when three officers arrived at his apartment to serve a mental health warrant.

Osagie, who had autism and a history of schizophrenia, allegedly ran at the officers with a knife. After an unsuccessful attempt to deploy a Taser on him, he was allegedly shot by Officer M. Jordan Pieniazek.

The three officers involved in the shooting have not been charged.

Sylvester Osagie filed a lawsuit in November 2020 against the borough of State College, and Judge Matthew W. Brann of the U.S. Middle District Court of Pennsylvania set a long-term trial date in 2022.

The case may be ready for trial in approximately 729 days, according to Judge Branns case management plan. This puts the suggested date for trial in November 2022, two years after the lawsuit was filed.

The 3/20 Coalition encouraged those attending the birthday celebration to wear blue, which was Osagie's favorite color, and bring flowers.

The celebration will have music before moving to the Memorial for Black Lives to lay the flowers. At 7 p.m., the 3/20 Coalition will attend the State College Borough Council meeting.

MORE CAMPUS COVERAGE
When it comes to security and privacy issues, Apple generally does a far better job than its rivals  though admittedly for selfish marketing reasons. When comparing Apple's iOS and Google's Android, it's hard to not see that at least Apple makes a good-faith attempt at being security- and privacy-oriented, compared to Google, which would prefer selling ads and anything else it can think of.

Still, Apple has been known to twist and shift the truth, omitting germane background info and context when its convenient. Remember antenna-gate? The battery-gate brouhaha?

Today, though, I find myself in the awkward position of saying that Apple is actually playing it straight. I am referring to the latest iPhone spy brouhaha, which Computerworlds Johnny Evans captured quite nicely last week. In a nutshell, NSO Group, an Israeli firm that bills itself as a surveillance as a service company, created a zero-click attack that allowed spyware to be installed on iPhones. Amnesty International identified at least 180 journalists around the world who were hit by Pegasus.

But theres an important caveat for regular iPhone users: This was an extremely targeted attack that is highly unlikely to affect them.

Apples response amounts to how could we possibly fight something like this?

Specifically, look at the companys statement about the incident from Ivan Krstic, Apple's head of security engineering and architecture:

"Apple unequivocally condemns cyberattacks against journalists, human rights activists, and others seeking to make the world a better place. For over a decade, Apple has led the industry in security innovation and, as a result, security researchers agree iPhone is the safest, most secure consumer mobile device on the market. Attacks like the ones described are highly sophisticated, cost millions of dollars to develop, often have a short shelf life, and are used to target specific individuals. While that means they are not a threat to the overwhelming majority of our users, we continue to work tirelessly to defend all our customers, and we are constantly adding new protections for their devices and data."

In English, that statement roughly translates to, "Whoa! This is a nation-state-level attack against one individual  by name. Were good, of course, and the iPhone does have the best security of any consumer-grade mobile device. But cut us a bloody break. No consumer mobile device could have stopped this multi-million-dollar attack. Also, these attacks are quite rare. We can protect users against the kind of attacks that 99.99% of them will actually experience."

It's a fair point.

Consumer devices are not hardened as they need to be for sensitive military, governmental, or even corporate projects. The BlackBerry of years past was especially secure  for its day  but it wasn't even a little hardened. Remember that President Obama loved his BlackBerry and his security people wouldn't let him use it until it was severely limited.

In the same way that few enterprise security platforms today can block a persistent nation-state attack  at least not for very long  it's not realistic to pretend that an ordinary iPhone could defend against a massive attack aimed at one person's device.

Its a core premise of all cybersecurity. Most attackers are somewhat rational and practical and they have businesses to run and profits to make. They will typically have hundreds of active targets and they can only cost-justify attacking one for so much time until it makes sense to give up and move onto the next target. Any individual or company needs to have security that is appropriately sized for the kind of attacks that are most likely to affect them.

If an attacker has a contract to get into your personal phone and is given a $25 million budget to do so, they can afford to have a team of bad actors hit your device 50 different ways 24/7 for weeks until they get through. No consumer device was designed to survive that level of attack because it is rarely profitable for the attackers.

In this case, it was.

So, while headlines focused on how usually-secure Apple devices and iOS were hit, in this case its clear that Apple hasnt done anything wrong. It acted appropriately, given the circumstances (and is almost certainly looking to figure out what happened and close whatever flaws allowed Pegasus to be installed in the first place).
07/26/2021

Photo (c) Ahmed Zaggoudi - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 34,453,851 (34,406,626)

Total U.S. deaths: 610,912 (610,586)

Total global cases: 194,354,288 (193,646,727)

Total global deaths: 4,163,220 (4,151,233)

Florida is Americas new COVID-19 hotspot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Florida leads all states with the most new cases of COVID-19. Health officials say hospitalizations in some parts of the state are now growing faster than at the height of the pandemic.

Serious cases are also increasing. Florida recorded 319 deaths last week, the most of any state. Deaths per 100,000 population rank it fourth in the nation.

Health experts cite a perfect storm of factors as the Delta variant spreads. The state has a large number of unvaccinated residents, mitigation policies such as mask requirements have been relaxed, and the hot weather is keeping many people indoors.

More jurisdictions bring back mask mandates

With the Delta variant spreading across the U.S., more counties and cities are bringing back mask mandates. St. Louis, Mo., is the latest to do so, joining Los Angeles as the two largest cities to require all people, vaccinated or not, to mask up in public.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Bidens health adviser, says the CDC is considering whether to make a mask mandate a national policy to deal with millions of unvaccinated Americans and the rapid spread of the Delta variant. Meanwhile, Fauci suggested that vaccinated people mask up voluntarily.

If you want to go the extra mile of safety even though youre vaccinated when youre indoors, particularly in crowded places, you might want to consider wearing a mask, Fauci said.

Gen X may be the pandemics biggest employment casualty

A study by Generation, a non-profit employment group, suggests that out of all the generations affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Gen X may have suffered the most damage in the workplace. Its members, between the ages of 45 and 60, have suffered some of the highest job losses and face the most obstacles in getting back to work.

Employers view age 45-plus job candidates as having weaker skills relative to younger candidates, despite age 45-plus employees at the same company having equal or better on-the-job performance to their younger job peers, the authors wrote

But when the researchers drilled deeper, they said they found hiring managers are generally pleased with their Gen X employees. The same hiring managers who expressed concerns about midcareer candidates acknowledged that 87% of their age 45-plus hires perform on the job as well as or better than younger employees.

Around the nation
07/26/2021

Photo (c) yaoinlove - Getty Images The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has sent a letter to vacation rental companies like Airbnb and Vrbo to urge them to require owners to disable residential elevators or provide inspection certifications showing that there are no dangerous gaps.

The CPSCs letter follows the death of a 7-year-old boy at a beach rental home in North Carolina. The boy died after getting stuck between a moving elevators inner accordion door and its outer door.

The agency said residential elevators "can pose a deadly but unforeseen hazard to children and that fixes should be put in place right away to address the risks.

"Children, some as young as two and as old as 12, have been crushed to death in this gap, suffering multiple skull fractures, fractured vertebrae and traumatic asphyxia, Robert Adler, acting chairman of the agency, said in the letter. Other children have suffered horrific and lifelong injuries."

Fixing the problem

The letter said vacation rental companies are in the unique position to have direct contact information for both owners and renters of vacation homes.

The CPSC said the hazardous gaps between an at-home elevator's inner and outer doors can easily be made safer by placing space guards on the exterior doors. Alternatively, electronic monitoring devices could be used to deactivate elevators when a child is detected in the gap.

"These fixes are relatively inexpensive and can save lives," the letter said.

In the meantime, the CPSC said vacation rental platforms should immediately notify rentals about this potential hazard and ask hosts to lock outer access doors or disable elevators altogether. In the future, the agency said the companies should also require elevator inspections at any listed properties.

By working together, we can stop these agonizing deaths and prevent further harm to children and families, Adler said in the letter.

Vrbo issues response

Airbnb and TripAdvisor said they were reviewing the letter from the CPSC, and Vrbo said it plans to follow through with at least some of the recommendations.

"We will share important elevator safety information with property owners who have residential elevators," Vrbo told ABC News in a statement. "This will include a recommendation to disable elevators until they can be properly inspected and common safety issues addressed. Vrbo has also posted elevator safety information to our Trust & Safety page, accessible by all guests. Our terms require property owners to abide by all safety-related laws and to keep equipment safe and in working order with regular maintenance."

ConsumerAffairs readers have shared mixed experiences with vacation rentals from companies like Airbnb and Vrbo. Hosts and travelers have praised the platforms for being easy to navigate, but some reviewers have said they experienced unsafe safety conditions upon arrival.

Abbigail of Ferndale, Michigan claimed that a vacation rental she found through Airbnb was unsafe and difficult to access which was not accurately described by the rental property. Samantha of Fort Lauderdale, Florida said her resort room got broken into, landing her in the hospital.

The bottom line? Consumers should make sure they do their homework on any rental property to make sure it's safe to stay in.
07/26/2021

Photo (c) Viorel Poparcea - Getty Images Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday that some Americans with weakened immune systems may be among the first to need a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. But at this point, he said the matter is still a dynamic situation.

Those who are transplant patients, cancer chemotherapy, auto-immune diseases, that are on immunosuppressant regimens, those are the kind of individuals that if theres going to be a third booster, which might likely happen, would be among first the vulnerable, Fauci said during a CNN interview.

With the highly contagious Delta variant spreading rapidly, health officials are scrutinizing the latest scientific data in order to determine when to recommend booster doses.

Israel, which started vaccinating its population before many other countries, has already begun administering a third dose of Pfizers vaccine to adults with compromised immune systems. U.S. officials said previously that they dont think booster doses are necessary for the general public yet.

Officials examining the data

Fauci, who is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the issue of booster doses is being regularly assessed with the aim of ensuring that vulnerable people dont experience an increase in their risk of contracting the virus over the coming months.

Its a dynamic situation. Its a work in progress, it evolves like in so many other areas of the pandemic, said Fauci. Youve got to look at the data.

He cited studies, such as a small study out of Israel, suggesting that vaccinated people could experience a decline in immunity over time. A potential drop in efficacy is particularly concerning because of the aggressive nature of the Delta variant.

Earlier this month, Pfizer said it intends to seek booster dose authorization from the FDA in light of the data coming out of Israel.

"It's a small data set, but I think the trend is accurate: Six months out, given that Delta is the most contagious variant we have seen, it can cause infections and mild disease," said Mikael Dolsten, Pfizer's chief scientific officer.

On Friday, Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said the U.S. had purchased 200 million additional doses of their vaccine to support the pediatric vaccination effort as well as possible booster shots.
07/26/2021

Photo (c) andresr - Getty Images Masking up on airplanes, buses, trains, and boats wont be changing anytime soon. A White House official told CNN on Monday that pandemic-related travel restrictions are staying in effect, mostly because of the growing number of cases connected to the Delta variant.

"Given where we are today with the Delta variant, the United States will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point," the official said, adding that the White House speculates that the rise in positive coronavirus cases will "likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead."

Both here and abroad

The official indicated that the travel restrictions are also putting a damper on international travel, citing a recent advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that recommends not traveling to the United Kingdom until its current surge in cases starts to decline.

For the moment, the U.S. currently bans most non-U.S. citizens who have visited the U.K. in the last 14 days, as well as those traveling from Brazil, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without border controls (Austria, Belgium, Finland, et al).

"The administration understands the importance of international travel and is united in wanting to reopen international travel in a safe and sustainable manner," the White House official said. "The reopening process is guided by the science and public health."

By all indications, the Biden team is doing its best to open things up for travelers. To the administrations credit, its doing its best to get every important player on the same page. Thus far, the White House COVID-19 response team has brought together agencies like the CDC, Homeland Security, and the Department of State. It has also created interagency groups with the European Union, Britain, Canada, and Mexico to work on a plan of how and when travel and border restrictions could be lifted.

Travelers seem to be ok with staying masked up

Despite the headline-making horror stories about passengers acting up on flights, a new survey from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) suggests that most air travelers support mask-wearing in the near term.

The survey of 4,700 travelers in 11 markets around the world showed that 83% of the passengers strongly support mask-wearing onboard, and 86% support the strict enforcement of mask rules. However, a majority also believe the mask requirement should be ended as soon as possible.

Air travelers recognize and value the safety measures put in place to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel. And they support the continuation of these measures as long as necessary, but they also dont want the measures to become permanent, said Willie Walsh, IATAs Director General.

In the meantime, we all need to respect the rules and the safety of fellow passengers. It is unacceptable that unruly passenger incidents have doubled compared to 2019, and the increase in physically abusive behavior is a particular cause for great concern.
Doris Nell Gipson Lucky, 86, who passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2021 in Houston. Viewing will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Emanuel Funeral Home of Palestine from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Oakwood at 11 a.m. with a
Prof Yunus reiterated the pledge to create a world of three zeros: nil carbon emission, nil wealth concentration and nil unemployment



IOC President Thomas Bach commented that the recipient of numerous international awards for his ideas and endeavours including Nobel peace prize in 2006, Prof Yunus remains a great inspiration for all sharing the vision how sport can contribute to the UNs sustainable development goals.

Born in 1940 to a middle-class businessmans family in Chittagong of south Bangladesh, Prof Yunus studied in Chittagong and Dhaka and then reached Vanderbilt University with a Fulbright scholarship to pursue higher study on economics. He received his PhD in economics in 1969 and after some years teaching there the young Bangladeshi scholar returned to his country in 1972, just one year after Bangladesh was born.

Sport brings all human strengths and emotions into play. That gives it enormous power, said Prof Yunus, adding, the Olympic unites the entire world in peaceful competition, celebrating unity in diversity. If we embrace a new social and environmental awareness, where the economy is not a mere science, but a tool to optimise the potentiality of individuals, he claimed we can create a new world.

The octogenarian insisted, the novel corona virus has brought numerous challenges to various events including the extravaganza like Olympics, but it also fetches a huge opportunity for the human race. Now it is necessary to put an individual back at the centre and work together to rebuild tomorrow, stated the author of Building Social Business, looking not to the past but to the future.

While addressing the limited number of physical audiences with billions of television viewers around the world, the IOC President commented, Today is a moment of hope. Yes, it is very different from what all of us had imagined. But let us cherish this moment.

He added that selected athletes from 205 national Olympic committees and IOC refugee Olympic team arrived in Tokyo spreading the message of solidarity, peace and resilience to give everyone hope for the further journey.

--- *Senior journalist based in Guwahati Prof Yunus also collaborated with the IOC on several projects, including educational elements of the IOC young leaders programme focusing on human development through peace and sport. He not only shares the wealth of knowledge with the Olympic community, but also helps athletes in their post-sport career development to become socially responsible entrepreneurs.IOC President Thomas Bach commented that the recipient of numerous international awards for his ideas and endeavours including Nobel peace prize in 2006, Prof Yunus remains a great inspiration for all sharing the vision how sport can contribute to the UNs sustainable development goals.Born in 1940 to a middle-class businessmans family in Chittagong of south Bangladesh, Prof Yunus studied in Chittagong and Dhaka and then reached Vanderbilt University with a Fulbright scholarship to pursue higher study on economics. He received his PhD in economics in 1969 and after some years teaching there the young Bangladeshi scholar returned to his country in 1972, just one year after Bangladesh was born.Sport brings all human strengths and emotions into play. That gives it enormous power, said Prof Yunus, adding, the Olympic unites the entire world in peaceful competition, celebrating unity in diversity. If we embrace a new social and environmental awareness, where the economy is not a mere science, but a tool to optimise the potentiality of individuals, he claimed we can create a new world.The octogenarian insisted, the novel corona virus has brought numerous challenges to various events including the extravaganza like Olympics, but it also fetches a huge opportunity for the human race. Now it is necessary to put an individual back at the centre and work together to rebuild tomorrow, stated the author of Building Social Business, looking not to the past but to the future.While addressing the limited number of physical audiences with billions of television viewers around the world, the IOC President commented, Today is a moment of hope. Yes, it is very different from what all of us had imagined. But let us cherish this moment.He added that selected athletes from 205 national Olympic committees and IOC refugee Olympic team arrived in Tokyo spreading the message of solidarity, peace and resilience to give everyone hope for the further journey.---

With Nobel peace laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus receiving the Olympic Laurel award at the opening ceremony of 32nd Games of the Olympiad Tokyo 2020, organized under the shadow of Covid-19 pandemic with no audience on the ground, his motherland in South Asia incorporated its name in the history of Olympics.The athletes from Bangladesh may not have won a medal in the Olympics till date, but millions of Bangladeshis found a reason this time to celebrate when Prof Yunus appeared in the digital screen with the adorable trophy to become the second awardee, definitely first Asian, after Kenyan Olympian Kip Keino.Billions of sports enthusiasts across the globe witnessed the moment when the creator of Grameen Bank of Bangladesh was honoured with the award virtually, as Prof Yunus did not visit Japan due to the pandemic, on the evening of on July 23, 2021 at the restricted opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympic Games.I am honoured and overwhelmed to receive this Olympic award, which is so special to me and my country, said the economist turned revolutionary banker turned social entrepreneur who mentors the Yunus Centre, a global hub of social business, highlighting its mission to create sustainable social enterprises not just for profit, but to solve people's problems.Speaking to this correspondent from Dhaka, the soft-spoken Bengali gentleman appreciated the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and wished a success to its mission to transform the world to a peaceful place for the entire human race through the sports.Prof Yunus reiterated the pledge to create a world of three zeros comprising nil carbon emission, nil wealth concentration to end poverty and once for all, and nil unemployment by unleashing the power of entrepreneurship in everyone.Initiated by the IOC to honour outstanding individuals for their achievements in education, culture, development and peace through sports, the Olympic Laurel is intended to honour awardees at the opening ceremony of each summer Olympics, where social changemaker Keino was honoured in 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.Bangladesh, a Muslim majority nation of over 170 million population, has never succeeded in the Olympic battles for medals. The country used to send their representatives to the summer editions of Olympic Games mostly with wildcard entries. In Tokyo, six athletes under the guidance of Bangladesh Olympic Association are participating in various disciplines.The innovative Bangladeshi banker, who made small loans available to the poorest of the poor without any collateral, was selected for the honour for his extensive works in sport for development, including founding the Yunus Sports Hub, a global social business network that creates solutions through sport.
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Fast forward to the third act, and the movies bad guy/bug Edgar is looking for an alternate way to escape Earth after MIB had impounded his spaceship. Back at MIB headquarters, Agent K and Zed are searching through the computer trying to figure out if any ships are left on Earth for Edgar to potentially hijack. Agent J looks up at a mural on the wall and sees the Worlds Fair spaceships and asks if they still work.

J and K make it to the fairgrounds, but Edgar has already made it onto the first ship and began to take off. They manage to shoot the craft down, but now they must stop Edgar from making it onto the second ship. I dont know why they didnt just preemptively destroy the second craft and leave Edgar with no means of escape, but whatever

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Wait, what?!?

Those ships were operational?!? They went to all the trouble of disguising the ships as observation decks at the Worlds Fair, but they didnt do anything to disable them? Edgar managed to enter the ship and have that thing airborne in a matter of seconds. Cmon, MIB! At least remove the distributor cap or something!

Not to mention how wildly irresponsible it is to disguise a fully functional alien spacecraft as an observation deck for tourists. No matter how meticulous a tourist destination is in making everything idiot-proof, theres always a bigger idiot. There are countless news stories out there of someone on vacation causing some sort of mayhem by simply ignoring a warning sign, thinking that the rules dont apply to them, or otherwise Forrest Gump-ing their way into an unforeseen flaw in the security system. On a long enough timeline, some moron will eventually touch just the right sequence of objects in that spaceship and inadvertently fire that baby up. What then, huh?

Sony Mighta made for a better story than the one we got, actually.

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Look at it in the context of a different movie: Dennis Nedry really didnt need to sabotage Jurassic Park. Because if the park did manage to open as planned, the whole place wouldve gone to shit on day one anyway... And the last thing anyone would hear before getting swarmed by a pack of Velociraptors would've been Hey, I wonder what this switch does!
BAGHDAD (AP)  Iraqs prime minister says his country no longer requires American combat troops to fight the Islamic State group, but a formal time frame for their redeployment will depend on the outcome of talks with U.S. officials this week.

Mustafa al-Kadhimi said Iraq will still ask for U.S. training and military intelligence gathering. His comments came in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press ahead of a planned trip to Washington, where he's slated to meet with President Joe Biden on Monday for a fourth round of strategic talks.

There is no need for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil, said al-Kadhimi, falling short of announcing a deadline for a U.S. troop departure. Iraqs security forces and army are capable of defending the country without U.S.-led coalition troops, he said.

But al-Kadhimi said any withdrawal schedule would be based on the needs of Iraqi forces, who have shown themselves capable in the last year of conducting independent anti-IS missions.

The war against IS and the readiness of our forces requires a special timetable, and this depends on the negotiations that we will conduct in Washington, he said.

The U.S. and Iraq agreed in April that the U.S. transition to a train-and-advise mission meant the U.S. combat role would end but they didn't settle on a timetable for completing that transition. In Mondays meeting at the White House, the two leaders are expected to specify a timeline, possibly by the end of this year.

The U.S. troop presence has stood at about 2,500 since late last year when former President Donald Trump ordered a reduction from 3,000.

The U.S. mission of training and advising Iraqi forces has its most recent origins in former President Barack Obamas decision in 2014 to send troops back to Iraq. The move was made in response to the Islamic State group's takeover of large portions of western and northern Iraq and a collapse of Iraqi security forces that appeared to threaten Baghdad. Obama had fully withdrawn U.S. forces from Iraq in 2011, eight years after the U.S. invasion.

What we want from the U.S. presence in Iraq is to support our forces in training and developing their efficiency and capabilities, and in security cooperation, al-Kadhimi said.

The Washington trip comes as the premiers administration has faced one setback after another, seriously undermining public confidence. Ongoing missile attacks by militia groups have underscored the limits of the state to prevent them and a series of devastating hospital fires amid soaring coronavirus cases have left dozens dead.

Meanwhile, early federal elections, in line with a promise al-Kadhimi made when he assumed office, are less than three months away.

Chief on the agenda in Washington, however, is the future of American-led coalition forces in Iraq.

Iraq declared victory over IS in late 2017 after a ruinous and bloody war. The continued presence of American troops has become a polarizing issue among Iraqs political class since the U.S.-directed drone strike that killed powerful Iranian general Qassim Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis on Iraqi soil last year.

To quell the threat of widespread instability following the targeted killings, the U.S. and Iraq have held at least three rounds of strategic talks centering on Iraqs military needs in the ongoing fight against IS and to formalize a timeline for withdrawal.

Four years since their territorial defeat, IS militants are still able to launch attacks in the capital and roam the countrys rugged northern region. Last week, a suicide bomber killed 30 people in a busy Baghdad marketplace. That attack was later claimed by IS.

Al-Kadhimi has faced significant pressure from mainly Shiite political parties to announce a timeline for a U.S. troop withdrawal. Ongoing rocket and, more recently, drone attacks targeting the American military presence have also heaped pressure on the government. They are widely believed to be perpetrated by Iran-aligned Iraqi militia groups.

An announcement that combat troops will withdraw might serve to placate Shiite parties but will have little impact on the ground: The coalitions combat mission ended effectively in November when the Pentagon reduced U.S. troops in the country to 2,500, according to Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Shiite parties have said they do not object to trainers or advisors who may remain as part of the coalition.

U.S. and coalition officials have maintained that U.S. troops are no longer accompanying Iraqi forces on ground missions and that coalition assistance is limited to intelligence gathering and surveillance and the deployment of advanced military technologies. Iraqi military officials have stressed they still need this support going forward.

Iraq has a set of American weapons that need maintenance and training. We will ask the American side to continue to support our forces and develop our capabilities, al-Kadhimi said.

Al-Kadhimi assumed power as a consensus candidate following months of political jockeying between rival parliamentary blocs. The blocs were firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadrs coalition on one side and paramilitary commander and former minister Hadi al-Ameris Fatah group on the other.

The stakes were high: Al-Kadhimi's predecessor had resigned facing pressure from historic mass anti-government protests. At least 600 people were killed as Iraqi forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse crowds.

Al-Kadhimi presented himself as a champion of protester demands and set a lofty agenda: He promised to hold early elections, now scheduled for Oct. 10, and to bring to account the killers of activists, including whoever killed prominent commentator Hisham al-Hashimi outside his home last summer.

The arrest of an Interior Ministry employee in the shooting death of al-Hashimi fell short, many said, because it did not reveal which group ordered the killing.

Critics say al-Kadhimi has not gone far enough. This is partly because the very conditions that facilitated his rise to the premiership have also served as his chief limitation in parliament.

Political opposition watered down ambitious economic reforms that targeted Iraqs bloated public sector when the country faced a disastrous financial crisis after falling oil prices. Without a party backing him in parliament, and with rival parties vying to control ministries and other state institutions, al-Kadhimis government has appeared weak.

Repeated standoffs with Iran-backed militia groups following the arrests of militiamen suspected of launching attacks against the U.S. Embassy and U.S. troops have further tarnished the governments credibility.

Activists whose cries for elections once resonated in the squares of the capital now say they will boycott the October polls, distrustful that the political establishment could ever produce free and fair elections.

A U.N. monitoring mission has been established in hopes of boosting voter turnout. But protesters have taken to the streets recently and expressed outrage over the rise in killings of prominent activists and journalists. Even al-Kadhimi conceded certain forces were actively seeking to undermine the polls.

We are in a sensitive situation. We need to calm the political situation until we reach the elections," he said.

Al-Kadhimi has managed to prove his mettle in one arena: That of regional mediator. Iraqs friendly relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran have brought both regional foes to the negotiation table for at least two rounds of talks in Baghdad.

Iraq has succeeded in gaining the trust of these countries, and accordingly, it is working toward the stability of the region.

___

Associated Press writer Robert Burns in Washington contributed reporting.
With key COVID-19 metrics climbing in July amid concerns over the delta variant, Gov. Ned Lamont said certain Connecticut travel restrictions could return.

Travel restrictions were broadly lifted in March as the vaccine rate rose and cases started to drop off, but in Connecticut and other parts of the country, the number of infections and hospitalizations have started to slowly rise in recent weeks.

Travel is a real possibility, obviously little Connecticut doing by itself would not be very effective, most people come in by car, Lamont said last week. Look, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida, theyve got 10 times the infection rate and beginning to have 10 times the hospitalization rate we do, so youve got to watch it.

In Connecticut, the positivity rate among new COVID-19 tests jumped from a low of 0.30 percent in June to a recent high last week of 2.71 percent. Hospitalizations, a metric that Lamont has repeatedly said is among the most important in his decision making, have also been increasing from a low of 25 on July 9 up to 76 on Friday, state statistics show.

Meanwhile, the state has been working to drive up the total number of residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19 despite a sharp decline in demand.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 72.1 percent of all eligible Connecticut residents  people age 12 and over  were fully vaccinated as of Saturday afternoon. That number has been slow to increase in recent weeks as providers contend with vaccine hesitancy.

Despite an increase in infections and hospitalizations, Lamont has said he has no plans to reinstate other COVID-19 restrictions such as universal masking.

This comes as the delta variant, first found in India, continues to spread throughout Connecticut. The latest report from researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and Jackson Labs shows that 80 percent of all samples sequenced are delta variant.

The variant has drawn significant concern from officials given that researchers believe that it is 60 percent more transmissible than the alpha variant, which previously was the dominant strain in Connecticut.

The variant has led to outbreaks among unvaccinated people across the country.
NEW LONDON  A report of a gunshot victim early Saturday led police to discover a woman shot at a New London home.

Police received the call about a victim at a residence in the area of Mitchell Court and Montauk Avenue around 8:12 a.m., according to a Facebook post. Officers found the woman in the area and she was taken to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, police said.

She was later tranferred to Yale New Haven Hospital for further treatment, the release stated. Police investigating the shooting said it does not appear to be a random act.

The Saturday morning shooting is the second since Friday. Police earlier posted about multiple gunshots around 11:40 p.m. Friday near Colman Street and Cedar Grove Avenue. Police reported no injuries but said they found multiple shell casings in the area that they collected and processed as evidence.

Officials similarly said this, too, did not appear to be a random act.

Anyone with information about either of the shootings is asked to contact the departments detective bureau at 860-447-1481 or submit anonymous information to the polices tip line by texting NLPDTip plus the information to 847411.
The attorney general in Missouri has sued in an effort to halt a mask mandate that took effect Monday in the St. Louis area amid a rise in COVID-19 cases that are burdening a growing number of hospitals around the state.

The mandate, one of the first to be reinstated in the country, requires everyone age 5 or older to wear masks in indoor public places and on public transportation in St. Louis city and St. Louis County even if they are vaccinated. Wearing masks outdoors is strongly encouraged, especially in group settings.

But the lawsuit said the mandates are arbitrary and capricious because they require vaccinated individuals to wear masks, despite the CDC guidance that this is not necessary." It also questions mandating children to wear masks in school, noting they are less likely to become seriously ill.

This continued government overreach is unacceptable and unconstitutional, especially in the face of a widely available vaccine," Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said in a news release.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said Schmitt, who is seeking the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, would not be successful in his legal challenge. She noted that he filed an unsuccessful lawsuit last year against the Chinese government over the coronavirus, alleging that nations officials are to blame for the pandemic.

I wish that he would put more of his attention toward serving the people of the state of Missouri, she said at a news conference, and holding our health and safety paramount instead of filing frivolous lawsuits that waste taxpayer dollars.

Schmitt is just one of several Republicans to push back against the mandate. Gov. Mike Parson said in a tweet Monday that requiring everyone to wear masks reduce the incentive of getting the vaccine and undermine its integrity. And St. Louis County Councilman Tim Fitch, meanwhile, said St. Louis County Executive Sam Page was wrong to act without the support of the county commission.

Page, a Democrat, was critical of what he described as creating distractions for political gain.

As some passionate supporters of the previous president hold on tight to bombast and misinformation, we are laser focused on protecting the health and welfare of people in our communities, he said.

He acknowledged at a news conference that the the mandate may feel like a punishment" for those who are vaccinated.

But he added: While the vaccination can protect against serious illness, it cant protect you from being infected with COVID-19 and passing it onto someone else, someone who may be more vulnerable.

The decision to impose the mandate comes as both of Missouris urban areas see a big uptick in coronavirus hospitalizations that began in rural parts of the state, especially the southwest part of the state, where vaccination rates remain low.

One of the unvaccinated was 31-year-old Daryl Barker of Branson. He came down with the delta variant in early July and has been hospitalized 17 days. With southwestern Missouri hospitals too full, he was transferred to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, where he is slowly recovering after becoming critically ill.

On Monday, Barkers wife, Billie, used a dry erase marker to write I love you backwards on the window of the intensive care unit so he could read it.

Dr. Harbaksh Sangha, chief medical officer at Lake Regional, told The Associated Press that the difference between this outbreak and the winter is that patients are younger and sicker, with an illness that progresses much faster.

The younger population who are not vaccinated, they become very sick and the mortality in that population is high, too, this time around, he said.

Since July 1, the hospital has admitted 70 patients with the virus. Twenty-two have died. The two hospitals in the Springfield area also reported an increase in COVID-19 deaths over the weekend.

Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Springfield, where 12 died, tweeted that most of this could be prevented" unlike last year. That," he wrote, adds an extra layer of anguish.

Just 47.2% of Missouri residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, which is far below the national rate of 56.8%, state and federal data shows.

Elsewhere in the state, Whiteman Air Force Base reinstated its mask mandate Monday, the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum in the Kansas City area said it was closing and Truman Medical Center/University Health announced that it will require all workers to be vaccinated.

Dr. Barbara Pahud, an infectious disease physician and researcher at Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, said the hospital is at capacity. She blamed COVID-19 and a rise in other respiratory illnesses that have emerged as mask mandates lifted.

The world is open again, and that means infectious diseases, not just COVID, are circulating, she said during a University of Kansas Health System briefing.

___

AP video journalist Sarah Blake Morgan in Osage Beach contributed to this report.

___

This story has been corrected to correct the wording from the lawsuit.
BRIDGEPORT  Downtown establishments and community leaders are worried about the loss of hundreds of jobs from one of that neighborhoods  and the citys  landmark employers.

A lot of business comes from across the street, said Ralph Silano, co-owner of Ralph-n-Richs Italian restaurant on Main Street, referring to the Peoples United Financial headquarters. The banks new owner, M&T Bank, has announced it will eliminate 747 positions.

Of that number, 661 are in Connecticuts largest city.

The news has rocked a downtown looking forward to a potential economic boost from Wednesdays official opening of a new amphitheater along the harbor that has been in the works for four years and was initially supposed to open in 2019.

While Ralph-n-Richs at just over three decades old is one of downtowns longest-serving restaurants, El Pueblito, three blocks from the Peoples tower, was started eight years ago.

We have a lot of customers from there, said Angelica Mazo, El Pueblitos manager. Thats sad to hear. ... We survive because of people around here getting lunch (or) sometimes when they get out of work they come to take some food home.

Pre-coronavirus pandemic, 1,350 staffers were assigned to the Peoples tower before health and safety precautions resulted in many working remotely from home. Lauren Coakley Vincent, head of the Downtown Special Services District, which improves and markets the neighborhood, estimated about 200 had been staffing the headquarters during the health crisis.

Now with the job cuts, Vincent said, Maybe we gain back a couple hundred but not the level of return we were certainly hoping for and would look forward to really getting the downtown economy back up and running and super strong.

Im sure something good will happen from this merger, Vincent said. But losing that number of people coming back to the building is definitely a hit.

State Rep. Steven Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, is an attorney who works downtown. He also represents the Black Rock area of the city near the Fairfield border and knows friends, family and constituents impacted by M&Ts decision.

I think particularly a city like Bridgeport that does not have a ton of large commercial tenants, the potential loss of hundreds of people who come into the city on any given day and may stop for a cup of coffee or lunch or a drink after work, not coming is a huge blow to the local economy, Stafstrom said.

Star of Istanbul on Markle Court is just around the corner from Peoples. Owner Helim Yildiz began serving his Turkish fare there in 2012 and estimated the banks workforce makes up half of my customers for either dine-in or take-out.

Yildiz called the cuts very bad.

When M&T announced its acquisition of Peoples in February, many in Bridgeport expressed concern, but there was some hope the new owner would aid local businesses by doing away with the towers cafeteria,which critics have long-alleged was competition for the lunch crowd.

Tiny Cellar owners Jacqueline Martoral and Javier Ceja were looking for a different kind of boost from Peoples. The pair in June opened the fine wine and liquor shop on Fairfield Avenue.

Its a big headquarters. A lot of people in the area come out for their breaks or lunchtime or after work and theyre looking to buy or spend locally, Ceja said.

So wed be missing out on that corporate audience, Martoral said.

Kelvin Ayala is a Bridgeport-based business consultant and used to own Moes Burger Joint on East Main Street.

Ayala said, Ive always felt the economic impact of the employees in that building has been overstated because of the fact they had a cafeteria but acknowledged the job cuts are absolutely a major concern  thats a huge layoff number.

He questioned what Ganims administration was doing about the pending eliminations. The government center and Ganims office are two blocks from Peoples on State Street.

Ganims administration did not return repeated requests for comment.

Ayala said were he mayor he would be pro-actively talking to M&T about the vacant space within Peoples headquarters and leasing it as soon as possible to bring more bodies downtown.

Its tough because its a private company, Ayala said. (But) let them know, Listen, this is a great community, they deserve better. ... Dialogue about how to fill that building, bringing in more tenants, and how they can maybe retain more of that workforce.
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP)  Troops surrounded Tunisias parliament and blocked its speaker from entering Monday after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister and other top members of government, sparking concerns for the North African country's young democracy at home and abroad.

In the face of nationwide protests over Tunisia's economic troubles and the governments handling of the coronavirus crisis, President Kais Saied decided late Sunday to dismiss the officials, including the justice and defense ministers.

He announced a series of other measures Monday, including a nationwide curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for one month and a ban on gatherings of more than three people in public places. He denied allegations that he was fomenting a coup d'etat.

Some demonstrators cheered the firings, shouting with joy and waving Tunisian flags.

But others accused the president of a power grab, and the countrys overseas allies expressed concern that it might be descending again into autocracy. In a move sure to fuel those worries, police raided the offices of broadcaster Al-Jazeera and ordered it shut down.

Tunisia, which ignited the Arab Spring in 2011 when protests led to the overthrow of its longtime autocratic leader, is often regarded as the only success story of those uprisings.

But democracy didn't bring prosperity. Tunisias economy was already flailing before the pandemic hit, with 18% unemployment, and young people demanding jobs and an end to police brutality protested in large numbers earlier this year.

The government recently announced cuts to food and fuel subsidies as it sought its fourth loan from the International Monetary Fund in a decade, further fueling anger in impoverished regions.

The pandemic has only compounded those problems, and the government recently reimposed lockdowns and other virus restrictions in the face of one of Africas worst outbreaks.

Angry at the economic malaise and the poor handling of the pandemic, thousands of protesters defied virus restrictions and scorching heat in the capital, Tunis, and other cities Sunday to demand the dissolution of parliament. The largely young crowds shouted Get out! and slogans calling for an early election and economic reforms. Clashes erupted in many places.

I must shoulder the responsibility and I have done so. I have chosen to stand by the people, the president said in a solemn televised address.

Saied said he had to fire the prime minister and suspend parliament because of concerns over public violence. He said he acted according to the law  but parliamentary speaker Rached Ghannouchi, who heads the Islamist party that dominates the legislature, said the president didnt consult with him or the prime minister as required. The three have been in conflict.

We have taken these decisions ... until social peace returns to Tunisia and until we save the state, Saied said.

While the dissolution of parliament cheered some protesters, others in Tunisia were opposed. Police intervened Monday to prevent clashes outside the parliament building between demonstrators supporting the president and lawmakers from the dominant Ennahdha party and their allies who opposed the move. Both sides shouted and some threw stones, according to an Associated Press reporter.

Ghannouchi, the speaker, tried to enter parliament overnight, but police and military forces guarding the site stopped him. He sat in a car outside the building for nearly 12 hours before leaving Monday afternoon  his next steps were unclear.

He called the presidents move a coup against the constitution and the (Arab Spring) revolution, and insisted the parliament would continue to work.

Saifeddine Makhlouf, founder of and lawmaker in a coalition of hardline Islamists, also denounced the presidents move as a coup, saying, "We will not let it pass.

However, the president, a former constitutional law professor elected in 2019, rejected allegations during a meeting Monday with representatives of several national organizations that he was engaging in a coup.

I ask how some can talk of a coup d'etat, Radio Mosaique quoted Saied as saying. I studied and taught law. I applied the constitution, respecting its dispositions.

The president invoked a constitutional article that allows him to assume executive power for an unspecified period of time in cases of imminent danger threatening the institutions of the nation and the independence of the country and hindering the regular functioning of the public powers.

Tensions between the prime minister and president have been blamed for poor management of the virus, while a bungled vaccination drive led to the dismissal of the health minister this month.

To date, 7% of the population has been fully vaccinated, while more than 90% of the countrys intensive care unit beds are occupied, according to health ministry figures. Videos have circulated on social media showing bodies left in the middle of wards as morgues struggle to deal with growing deaths.

Ennahdha has been a particular target, accused of focusing on its internal concerns instead of managing the virus.

Security forces also moved in Monday on the Tunis offices of Al-Jazeera, the Qatar-based satellite news network said on its Facebook page. The reason for the move was not immediately clear.

Al-Jazeera, citing its journalists, said 10 heavily armed police officers entered their bureau without a warrant and asked everyone to leave. The reporters phones and other equipment were confiscated, and they were not allowed back into the building to retrieve their personal belongs, the network said.

Qatar and its Al-Jazeera have been viewed by some Middle Eastern nations as promoting Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood. Its offices have been shut down in other countries over that, most noticeably in Egypt after the 2013 coup that brought current President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to office.

Qatars Foreign Ministry said it hoped the voice of wisdom would prevail in the turmoil and that the rule of law would be established again.

Inside and outside Tunisia, from the U.N. to the U.S, the European Union and beyond, concern was raised about whether the nascent democracy was taking an authoritarian turn.

Former President Moncef Marzouki called for political dialogue, saying in a Facebook video, We made a huge leap backward tonight, we are back to dictatorship.

Potential violence and respect for Tunisia's institutions were at the forefront of concerns by allies.

"The already volatile region cannot bear to have more unrest than it has presently had, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone with the Tunisian leader, encouraging him to adhere to the principles of democracy and human rights that are the basis of governance in Tunisia, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. Blinken also asked that Saied maintain open dialogue with all political actors and the Tunisian people.

While German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Adebahr stopped short of calling the presidential actions a coup, she said the Tunisian president appeared to be relying on a pretty broad interpretation of the constitution.

France, Tunisia's former colonial ruler, said it counts on respect for a state of law and the return, as soon as possible, to the normal functioning of institutions.

Italy, likewise, appealed for respect of the Tunisian Constitution while Turkey hoped democratic legitimacy is soon restored.

___

Associated Press journalists Mehdi El Arem in Tunis; Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Geir Moulson in Berlin; Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Matthew Lee in Washington; Lorne Cook in Brussels; Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, many U.S. teens were more worried about the disruption to their education than the possibility of getting sick. A May 2020 survey of high school students found that they reported academics and work habits to be among their biggest challenges, ahead of mental and physical health. Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) indicated they were very much concerned with how COVID-19 would impact their school year.

As a researcher who studies adolescent development, I was interested in whether and how teens school stress changed as the pandemic dragged on. So during the fall of 2020, my colleague and I surveyed adolescents about their academic concerns and the changes they noticed in school social dynamics.

Our study, published in School Psychology, revealed that some school challenges increased, while others stayed about the same.

Education concerns

The 452 adolescents, aged 11-17, that we surveyed reported that they still worried about how COVID-19 would impact their schoolwork. And concerns about academic motivation were most common. Teens most frequently worried about not being able to motivate themselves to do, or focus on, schoolwork.

These academic worries were elevated among older students who were further along in secondary school, for whom graduation and college planning are more imminent.

While our study did not collect academic achievement data, links between school stress and poorer academic outcomes highlight the importance of alleviating students academic worries in order to reduce potential pandemic-related learning loss.

Less support from teachers

In the early months of the pandemic, nearly one in four teens said they connected with teachers less than once a week after in-person school activities were canceled. We found this limited communication with teachers persisted into the 2020-2021 school year.

In fact, nearly 70 percent of the teens in our sample reported communicating less frequently with teachers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many also perceived a decline in academic and emotional support from teachers, reported by 61 percent and 48 percent of the sample, respectively.

Of course, it is critical to recognize how teachers lives have also been upended by the pandemic. Having to navigate family obligations, technology challenges, psychological strain and COVID-19 health concerns, for example, may contribute to teacher burnout and mental health declines.

Cyberbullying

Although school is a common setting for bullying, we found that distance learning did not necessarily give students a reprieve from being mistreated by peers. Teens in our sample reported that cyberbullying remained relatively consistent since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

In fact a notable proportion  one in three students  reported that cyberbullying increased and was more of a problem during this time period.

It is possible that these increases reflect increases in social media use during the pandemic, given potential links between social media use and cyberbullying.

It is important to note that our study assessed only experiences of general cyberbullying. We believe attention toward teens online experiences of bias-based bullying is much needed. One study, conducted in the spring of 2020, found that nearly half of Chinese American youth were targets of COVID-19-related racial discrimination online.

Back-to-school tips

To alleviate teens academic worries, schools can cultivate structure and routine for students as they resume some normalcy.

Social connection and communication between students and teachers should be prioritized, including opportunities for students to express their worries early on. Meeting with guidance counselors for support at the outset of the upcoming school year may help students cope with the transition out of the pandemic.

With the switch back to classroom instruction, schools should also ensure that teachers have the resources they need, including clear administrative guidance, to support students and avoid burnout during this reintegration period.

To get teens excited about the upcoming school year, parents might encourage them to reconnect over the summer with classmates they may have lost touch with during the pandemic. Video chatting with friends may help students reestablish social bonds and increase enjoyment of school once the academic year begins. After all, teens often report that they go to school to be with their friends, and such friendships can help them navigate academic demands and other school-related challenges.

Leah M. Lessard is a postdoctoral fellow at the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at the University of Connecticut. This essay first appeared on the website The Conversation.
"The mountain is out" is a common phrase spoken by Seattleites to mark a clear day in Puget Sound when Mount Rainier is visible. But despite the mountain's ever-looming presence over the city, many residents have actually never seen its entire rocky face  until this year.

The summer's historic heat event has left the mountain bare, melting the snow that was insulating the mountain's glaciers. While some melt off is normal in the summer, June's heat event melted 30% of Mount Rainiers snow pack according to the Northwest Avalanche Center. Paradise, which reached highs of 88 degrees, on the mountain's southern side lost 3 to 4 feet of snow during the heat event.

Considering that the previous winter saw a relatively healthy snow pack, even causing some ski resorts in the region to extend their seasons, the rapid snow melt off leaves the mountain's already receding glaciers in a vulnerable place. Mount Rainier is home to at least 25 major glaciers that support five major river systems in the region.

The record-breaking heat wave followed an already dry spring with the state only measuring 6 inches of rain according to Washington Climatologist Nick Bond. Much of Western Washington is still classified as "abnormally dry" according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, while the eastern portion of the state is currently in an "exceptional drought" by the agency's classifications. Gov. Jay Inslee declared a drought emergency earlier this month.

And much of that can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change which added a few extra degrees to the deadly warmth. A study released from the World Weather Attribution found that the Northwest's heat wave "was virtually impossible without human-caused climate change."

"Climate change is not an abstract future concept. It is here and now," Bond said.

And while Mount Rainier's bare and rocky crags might be the face of climate change to those living in the city below, the glaciers melting could ripple down the entire ecosystem as they help nearby streams stay cool and flowing throughout the entire summer.

"Glaciers found in Mount Rainier's wilderness provide storage and the slow release of cool waters during summer," wrote the National Park Service on their website about climate change. "Changes in temperature affect the timing of this release, resulting in warmer summer streams. Warmer water may not be suitable for native bull trout and tailed frogs that are dependent upon cold headwater streams."

The snow melt could also impact another natural phenomenon: Mount Rainier's iconic wildflowers, which often attract thousands of visitors in the spring months.

A study conducted by the University of Washington in 2020 compared snow melt data to wildflower blooms on the mountain, finding that earlier snow melt led to an earlier and shorter peak bloom, ultimately creating a "mismatch" with peak visitor times to the park for those looking to catch the colorful flowers.

"These subalpine ecosystems are in real trouble," said lead author Ian Breckheimer in a news release. "For example, climate change is allowing trees to encroach into the meadows at Mount Rainier and other sites across the West, and the meadows are not moving uphill as fast as the trees."

Despite the historic summer heat event, there might still be good news for the winter ahead. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center issued a La Nina watch for the upcoming winter, meaning a cooler-than-usual winter with more precipitation and chances for snow could be in store for the region.
Cullman, AL (35055)

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Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable..

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Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable.
Military Intelligence: British Army Operation Using AI

The British Army has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the first time ever, during Exercise Spring Storm, as part of a joint military operation in Estonia. Soldiers from the 20th Armoured Infantry Brigade used an AI engine which provides information on the surrounding environment and terrain. Through the development of significant automation and smart analytics, the engine is able to rapidly cut through masses of complex data.

Providing efficient information regarding the environment and terrain, it enables Army commanders to plan its appropriate activity and operational decisions. The AI capability, which can be hosted in the cloud or operate in independent mode, saves significant time and effort, providing soldiers with instant planning support and enhancing command and control processes.

During the annual large-scale NATO exercise, soldiers from France, Denmark, Belgium, Estonia and the UK used the technology whilst carrying out live-fire drills.

Defence has received an extra 24 billion across the next four years, focusing on the ability to adapt to meet future threats. The intention is to invest 6.6billion over the next four years in defence research and development, focusing on emerging technologies in AI-enabled autonomous systems, cyber space and directed energy systems.

The deployment was a first of its kind for the British Army, built on close collaboration with industry partners that developed AI specifically designed for the way the Army is trained to operate. The Armys Director of Information, Major General Jonathan Cole said "The lessons this has provided are considerable, not just in terms of our support to deployed forces, but more broadly in how we inform Defences digital transformation agenda and the best practices we must adopt to integrate and exploit leading-edge technologies."

Military sources claim that the exercise outperformed their expectations and has clear applications for improving our level of analysis and speed to conduct planning. In future, the UK armed forces will increasingly use AI to predict adversaries behaviour, perform reconnaissance and relay real-time intelligence from the battlefield.

GovUK: Forces.net: SWArgus: AI Business:

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Edenton, NC (27932)

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Rain likely. High 78F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low 69F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Rain showers in the morning will evolve into a more steady rain in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Periods of rain. Low around 70F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Julia Melnick, 65, of Flatwoods, Kentucky passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at Kings Daughters Medical Center, Ashland Kentucky. Julia was born November 4, 1955, a daughter to the late Nolan K. and Molly (Spillman) Adams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two spouses:
COUNTY NEWS

Candidate says he is involved in fatal accident
We have become used to the sight of politicians fighting like ferrets in a bag to ensure it is their rivals, and not they, who take the blame for any blunders in the battle against the coronavirus.

But the scientists, too, have their egos and reputations to protect.

Last week, the distinguished medical researcher and head of the Wellcome Trust, Sir Jeremy Farrar, published his own account of the fight against Covid-19 (Spike: The Virus Vs. The People).

In it, he blames The Lancet, perhaps the world's best-known medical journal, for delaying publication of a crucial piece of research  the first to suggest that a novel and potentially lethal virus was spreading from human to human in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

A Dutch professor, Thijs Kuiken, had been sent the paper on January 16, 2020, by The Lancet for review, and once he realised the astounding implications of its findings, he urged The Lancet to publish immediately.

When, for unexplained reasons, it wouldn't, he contacted Farrar, who reveals that he both emailed and texted The Lancet's editor-in-chief, Dr Richard Horton  but got no response.

Last week, medical researcher and head of the Wellcome Trust, Sir Jeremy Farrar (left), published his own account of the fight against Covid-19 in which he blames The Lancet (editor-in-chief Dr Richard Horton, right) for delaying publication of a crucial piece of research

The WHO chief was concerned to establish whether, in fact, the pandemic was started by a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (pictured)

Downplay

Exasperated, Farrar contacted the World Health Organisation about the research, which he called 'the reddest in a constellation of red flags': a day later, China conceded that, despite their earlier denials and obfuscation, there was indeed a novel coronavirus infecting innumerable people in Wuhan.

Farrar's role here is admirable, his criticism of Horton amply justified.

And Horton continued, at least for a while, to downplay the coronavirus. In an editorial on January 24, 2020, for The Lancet (of which he has been editor-in-chief since 1995) Horton denounced 'news media that worsen fears by reporting a 'killer virus' '. He tweeted the same day that, 'there is no reason to foster panic with exaggerated language'.

As it happens, the biggest unnecessary panic in this country to have been generated by the dissemination of medical research was when, in 1998, The Lancet published a spurious paper, based on rigged experiments, by Andrew Wakefield, linking the MMR vaccine with autism in children.

The Lancet published a spurious paper, based on rigged experiments, by Andrew Wakefield (pictured), linking the MMR vaccine with autism in children

Wakefield had skilfully disguised his chicanery, but, still, the journal didn't withdraw the paper until 2010, just before its author was struck off the medical register.

In the case of the stalled coronavirus paper, Horton does seem to have been unwilling to cross the Chinese authorities. Not only has he broadcast on the Chinese state media, eulogising their performance over the virus, in 2015 he was presented with the Friendship Award, the Chinese government's top honour for foreigners.

And in 2017, Horton published a bizarre editorial beginning with a respectful reference to President Xi Jinping's address to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and going on to endorse a paper entitled A Marxist View Of Medical Care.

Two years earlier, Horton had written another Lancet editorial, concluding with the acclamation: 'China's emphasis on friendship, and the free flow of critical ideas that such friendship encourages, might offer lessons to other nations about how scientific co-operation can accelerate social and political change.'

The idea that the secretive and hyper-sensitive Communist regime in Beijing can teach the West about the 'free flow of critical ideas' is beyond parody.

It is in the matter of the origins of Covid-19 that the truth of this has become most evident. Even the head of the WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, usually courteous bordering deferential to Beijing, lost his patience a fortnight ago and declared he was now 'asking, actually, China to be transparent, open and co-operate, especially on the information [of] raw data that we asked for at the start of the pandemic'.

Specifically, the WHO chief was concerned to establish whether, in fact, the pandemic was started by a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, home to the world's largest collection of bat coronavirus samples: 'I was a lab technician myself. I'm an immunologist and I have worked in the lab, and lab accidents happen. It's common We hope there will be better co-operation to get to the bottom of what happened.'

Peter Daszak (pictured at the lab in 2020) had close links with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and over many years directed funding towards its research into coronaviruses

Rife

Surprise, surprise: it was The Lancet which had led an attempt to shut down the debate on the origins of the human infection from the novel coronavirus.

In February 2020, it published a round robin letter signed by 27 'public health scientists', denouncing 'conspiracy theories suggesting that Covid-19 does not have a natural origin'.

The letter concluded: 'We invite others to join us in supporting the scientists, public health officials and medical professionals of Wuhan and across China.'

Those 'conspiracy theories' were especially rife among people associated with the then U.S. president, Donald Trump.

The letter was co-ordinated (and signed by) Peter Daszak, who had been appointed by Horton to lead The Lancet's task force looking into the virus's origins. In fact, Daszak, a Briton, had close links with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and over many years directed funding towards its research into coronaviruses. Yet it was not revealed that Daszak was the man who had corralled the other signatories.

One of those signatories was . . . Sir Jeremy Farrar. He doesn't mention this in his new book. He does, however, recount what he calls a 'bombshell' moment.

'I remember sitting in the kitchen with my wife Christine, and saying: 'This looks like an engineered virus. It could be a lab accident  or worse.' '

That memorable moment in the Farrar kitchen was in the last week of January 2020 and, partly in the light of his concerns, the British Government investigated, as best it could, the case that Covid-19 had been 'engineered'.

It was not until March 17 that it concluded there was no obvious evidence for 'human manipulation'.

Even the head of the WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, usually courteous bordering deferential to Beijing, lost his patience a fortnight ago

Ingenuity

Why, then, did Farrar sign The Lancet letter denouncing the idea before knowing the outcome of that Government investigation into the matter? He was the most illustrious signatory, and it did succeed in shutting down the debate, at least in the sense that organisations such as Facebook would go on to remove from its apps claims of human involvement in the unleashing of Covid-19.

There is a big difference between claims that Covid-19 was 'engineered' and that it leaked from the Wuhan lnstitute of Virology in an accident. The ingenuity of The Lancet letter, signed by Farrar et al, was that it somehow conflated the two as the same 'conspiracy theory'.

As the WHO chief pointed out, you don't have to be a conspiracy theorist to take seriously the idea of an accidental (but world-shattering) lab leak.

The last occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease in this country, in 2007, was as a result of a leak from the laboratories of the Institute of Animal Health in Pirbright, just a few miles from where the outbreak was discovered on two farms.

The then Agriculture Minister, Hilary Benn, declared: 'There can be no excuse for the fact that foot-and-mouth escaped from the Pirbright lab. It must not happen again.'

But you can see why distinguished medical researchers such as Sir Jeremy Farrar (even though, unlike Daszak, he had no direct link with the Wuhan Institute of Virology) were so concerned about the consequences if the public were to believe that Covid-19 had emerged as a result of the work of scientists.

It could have shattered the reputation of the entire advanced medical research profession globally. It would have been the scientists, and not the politicians (about whom Farrar is consistently critical in his book), charged with infamy and incompetence.

That would not have been a good thing, especially as it is British medical researchers, with Farrar's involvement, who have done so much to improve the treatment of Covid-19.

But let's not forget that the medical establishment has its own political prejudices, too: and it certainly seemed to prefer Beijing to the conspiracy theorist then in the White House.
David Lidington (pictured) said rejoining the EU is the 'last thing that the British people and 27 other governments want'

As Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, David Lidington was Theresa Mays deputy during her tortuous, failed negotiations with the EU on Brexit.

He quit after nine years, before Boris Johnson could sack him in his first Cabinet reshuffle, leaving Parliament at the last election.

Now chairman of the Conservative European Forum, which was set up 50 years ago to restore the influence of the pro-EU wing of the party, he has a surprising but welcome message.

The Remain wing of the Conservative Party needs to move on from grieving about 2016 [the referendum], stop looking backwards and wishing for a different result.

'However many times you play the tape, you lost.

As for rejoining, Lidington, a former Minister for Europe and arch Remainer, tells the New Statesman: Its the last thing that the British people and 27 other governments want.

Will Michael Heseltine and other Remainer bores now see similar sense?

Talk of a rise in national insurance to pay for social care has not gone down well with Sir Bernard Ingham, who was Margaret Thatchers formidable press secretary.

Hardly a day goes by without hearing ideas for new taxes to improve our health, if not our pockets.

'Salt, sugar and snack taxes are the latest. Im surprised ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock didnt dream up a cuddle tax. But then, perhaps not.

He led Labour to heavy defeat in 2015, but Ed Miliband has ambitions again.

He has received two payments totalling almost 80,000 from publisher Random House for a book of inspiring ideas and transformative solutions to make Britain and the world a better and fairer place.

Hasnt he learnt the lesson of Edstone  the 8ft stone tablet bearing his election pledges that he unveiled six years ago to national ridicule?

The country does not take kindly to his pearls of wisdom!

BASHING FOR 'AMATEUR' BOJO

The latest attack on Boris Johnson by his former chief adviser Dominic Cummings, this time in a BBC interview, did not surprise veteran political observer Joe Haines, who was Harold Wilsons press secretary in the 1970s.

Haines predicted trouble when Cummingss attempt to choose Sajid Javids political adviser ended in the then Chancellors resignation.

It exposed the Prime Ministers amateurish knowledge of how government works; you cannot pit an individual (Cummings), however bright, against an institution (the Treasury) and hope to win. The individual lost.

Giving Cummings an hour of prime-time TV to spout his derision of the Prime Minister looks like another BBC blunder.

Not a smart move when Downing Street is negotiating the new licence fee level, an insider says. Oprah Winfrey would have challenged Dom more effectively than Laura Kuenssberg.

The slump in Labour membership, now below 500,000 from a 650,000 high under Jeremy Corbyn, is a serious worry for Sir Keir Starmer and his cash-strapped party.

Its not just activists who have quit because they are disillusioned with his leadership.

Thelma Walker, the Labour MP for Colne Valley from 2017-19, has also gone.

I have left the Labour Party after 40 years as it has ceased to be broad, welcoming or democratic, she says in a letter to The Guardian.

Labour has lost its soul and its core purpose of opposing the Tories and achieving social, economic and climate justice.

John Cleese, who has just finished the script for the stage show of Life Of Brian, is unimpressed by the French leader.

I read that President Macron is often compared to Napoleon. This is nonsense. Napoleon was at least three inches taller than Macron and he didnt look like a rodent.
Has the beast been tamed? Could the end of Covid really be in sight? The numbers certainly look promising.

Yesterday, it emerged that new daily infections had fallen in England for six days in a row. The numbers had plummeted 38 per cent week on week, with deaths happily down 24 per cent.

Every English region saw a significant drop in new infections.

The ever-gloomy modellers at the Governments scientific advisory committee, Sage, had warned that new cases could reach 100,000 per day by the start of August, with Professor Lockdown Neil Ferguson even suggesting this could surge to 200,000 per day.

Yet, yesterday, fewer than 25,000 positive tests were reported: less than a quarter of Sages bleak prediction.

Even more reassuringly, unlike the first two waves, the new cases are not translating into a surge in hospitalisations or deaths  just 14 deaths were reported yesterday, down almost a quarter on the week before.

Last week, when the Prime Minister decided to lift the remaining official Covid restrictions, he was accused by critics of indulging in a reckless experiment that could result in the virus spreading like wildfire across Britain, threatening the NHS.

The ever-gloomy modellers at the Governments scientific advisory committee, Sage , had warned that new cases could reach 100,000 per day by the start of August, with Professor Lockdown  Neil Ferguson (pictured) even suggesting this could surge to 200,000 per day

Every English region saw a significant drop in new infections on Monday (Pictured: Covid testing unit in Uxbridge)

But the deadly conflagration has yet to spark.

So far, Freedom Day does not appear to have liberated the virus to kill people unchecked  and nor, crucially, does it look likely that any kind of lockdown will have to be reimposed in September, as some have warned.

In fact, assuming the vaccines continue to work  and allowing for future booster shots and tweaking the jabs to deal with new variants  there should be no reason ever to undergo a Covid lockdown again.

All this is exactly the outcome I forecast in early June, when there was a fierce public debate about the potential dangers of relaxing controls.

As a specialist in risk management, I had created a statistical model which I believed could both track the behaviour of the virus and predict what lay ahead.

This model is much simpler than the methods adopted by some of the key Sage members, most notably Ferguson and his team at Imperial College London.

It is based on just three factors: the size of the population, the average time taken by an infected person to pass on the virus and the number of people infected by every person with Covid.

Based on my findings, I argued that Britain would see large case numbers this summer, but far fewer hospitalisations and deaths than during the first two waves.

In an article in the Spectator magazine, I wrote: The NHS should not come close to being overwhelmed. Cases will be mainly among the young, who are far less likely to get seriously sick  so daily deaths will run at a quarter of what they once did before subsiding.

I added that there was no point in delaying the great unlocking, because Covid-19 had been downgraded to a nasty bug, no more lethal than the flu.

And that is the course that has been followed. If anything, in some areas my model has turned out to be slightly more pessimistic than the welcome reality.

Let me be clear. The decline in new cases is real. Some have asserted that falls in new cases over the past week or so are due to factors including fewer tests being carried out, schools being closed over the summer or people going on holiday.

As well as national case rates coming down, the latest regional data from the Government's coronavirus dashboard appears to show a decline or levelling off in every corner of England. Scientists still don't know what has caused the sharp fall, but suspect it may be several contributing factors

My model has corrected for all of those factors  and it still shows cases falling.

Covid is not yet over, of course. This third wave will continue to see large numbers of people being infected with the virus.

On July 22, about 1.05 million people in England were estimated to have active Covid infections, close to the previous peak in December 2020, when the total reached 1.1 million.

That number may rise significantly higher in the coming weeks, perhaps even approaching two million.

Although that sounds like an alarming number, unlike the past two waves, there is no reason to panic.

Thanks in part to the phenomenal success of Britains vaccine programme, the third and current wave of the virus is far less lethal than the previous two, just as my model predicted.

After all, large numbers of these cases are asymptomatic: many people, particularly young and healthy ones, are not aware they even have Covid.

As for hospitalisations, on July 20, 805 people in England were admitted to hospital with the virus. My model predicts a peak of about 1,000. This is a quarter of the 4,000 daily admissions we saw at the peak of the second wave.

It is the same story with deaths. I forecast an average of 88 deaths per day for the week that has just passed. In the event, I was slightly pessimistic: the recorded average was actually 62.

By mid-August, this rate could rise to some 250 deaths per day, but that would still be barely a fifth of the daily deaths that Britain saw in mid-January at the peak of the second wave  and when about 1,500 people die in Britain every day of all causes.

In the spring, Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty suggested that any new surges will meet a wall of vaccinated people.

He was right. The vaccines have transformed Covid, providing a high degree of protection to the public, particularly to older people who are the most vulnerable to the disease.

SAGE modeller Dr Mike Tildesley said the fall in cases may be partly the result of a dip in testing. Figures show there were 6.8m carried out in the week up to July 22, down by 350,000 on the previous week (4.9 per cent)

Government dashboard data shows Covid case rates were highest among young adults and school-age children. But they were much lower among the over-80s. It is not yet clear which age group is driving the fall in cases

Some scientists have said that Covid cases were dropping in mid-June. There are theories that increased mixing during the tournament fuelled a sustained rise in the country. But infections started to fall ten days after the final

In every age band over 55, the take-up rates have been above 94 per cent, reaching 100 per cent in some cohorts, such as those aged 75 to 79.

Among those most at risk, there has been no vaccine hesitancy at all  and the consequences have been obvious.

In January, all age groups were getting infected equally. Now just one in ten cases occurs among the over-65s.

Younger people are currently less likely to have been vaccinated and are thus more likely to contract the disease. For most of them, fortunately, it will just resemble a bad cold or a bout of flu. This has always been the case.

Combined with the large numbers of people who have had Covid and recovered  or perhaps were not even aware that they had been infected in the first place  the vaccines mean the population of Britain now has remarkably high levels of full immunity . . . perhaps up to some 94 per cent of adults in England.

So, given all this, I do believe it is not too optimistic to hope that the virus has almost run its course in England.

We will never entirely eradicate it  Zero Covid will remain a fantasy. But, at least in this country, the worst of the pandemic is long over, and the end is very much in sight.

Philip Thomas is visiting academic professor at Bristol University.
With lockdown over and more countries heading on the green list, well-heeled holidaymakers have jetted off to high society hotspots to make the most of their new found freedom.

Sir Sean Connery's granddaughter Saskia, and her super-rich banking heir fiance Philip Muhr, have been sharing photos of an themselves on idyllic paradise beaches in Greece while society stunner Lady Lola Bute has been joined by her gorgeous pal Lara Dearden to make the most of the Balearic sun Ibiza.

Clearly the place to be this summer who those in the know, Lady Eliza Manners is also enjoying some Greek sunshine - while the rest of her family have kept it local with a staycation in sunny Cornwall.

Elsewhere, Camille Gottlieb, daughter of Princess Stephanie of Monaco and her former bodyguard Jean Raymond Gottlieb, has shared snaps enjoying helicopter in Monte Carlo, while society's go-to nutritionist Gabriela Peacock is also enjoying a taste of the Mediterranean in the French Riveria...

SASKIA CONNERY, GREECE

Sean Connery's granddaughter Saskia and her fiance Philip Muhr have been sharing snaps of themselves on idyllic paradise beaches as they've relaxed in Greece.

The 25-year-old fashion designer  whose father is Sean's stepson, Stephane  got engaged to Austrian banking heir Phillip Thomas Muhr, 31, in April.

'We are so happy to have found each other and can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together,' Saskia told the Daily Mail after accepting Phillip's proposal with a diamond ring at the Lyford Cay enclave in the Bahamas, which is where Sir Sean died aged 90.

Her handsome partner, Philip is heir to the wealthy Austro-American Muhr banking and bottled water dynasty.

The power couple have been sharing snaps of the enviable luxury getaway, including snaps of delicious seafood at exclusive restaurants with stunning views.

Saskia and Philip also appear to have attended a wedding as part of their trip - with Sean's girl sporting a gorgeous yellow gown from US brand Alexis while Philip went from a trendy suit and white trainers.

Sir Sean Connery's granddaughter Saskia, and her super-rich banking heir boyfriend Philip Muhr, have been sharing photos of an themselves on idyllic paradise beaches in Greece

Saskia, 25, and her partner Philip, 31, both come from dynasties with as Philip is heir to the wealthy Austro-American Muhr banking and bottled water fortune

Saskia said the 'best fiance' award goes to her partner is one snap while showing a stunning vista in another

Saskia and Philip also appear to have attended a wedding as part of their trip - with Sean's girl sporting a gorgeous yellow gown from US brand Alexis while Philip went from a trendy suit and white trainers

LADY LOLA BUTE, IBIZA

Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart, 22, the socialite daughter of the late Marquess of Bute, has been making the most of the Balearic sun Ibiza

Glamorous Lola has been relaxing on the beach with her her gorgeous pal Lara Dearden, a Law Student.

While Ibiza is known for it's nightlife, Lola will likely be staying away from the clubs as she is sober.

Last July she celebrated one year of sobriety with a lunch in Ibiza, where she was on holiday with friends including fellow clean-living society beauty Lady Mary Charteris.

Lady Lola discussed her change in lifestyle on Instagram, where she admitted she feels as though she has 'changed for the better'.

Lola Bute has been joined by her gorgeous pal Lara Dearden to make the most of the Balearic sun in Ibiza

Lola and Lara showed off their eye for fashion as they went out for dinner on the Spanish island

LADY ELIZA MANNERS, GREECE

Clearly a hotspot for the social set, Lady Eliza Manners, 24, is also enjoying her time in the Mediterranean and like her fellow society beauty Saskia she's decided to make a getaway to Greece visiting both Mykonos and Athens.

Lady Eliza is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, who live at Belvoir Castle, in Leicestershire. She's been in Greece with her boyfriend pearl dealer Charlie Barron sharing snaps for Athens and Mykonos.

Eliza kept a low profile at the 15,000 acre estate during lockdown , sharing snaps as she relaxed at home, rode horses through fields and enjoyed dinners and picnics with her family but is now making the most of freedom.

Her boyfriend Charlie wouldn't feel out of place with well-heeled Eliza as he's signed jewellery for European royalty, as well as Hollywood names.

Lady Eliza is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, who live at Belvoir Castle, in Leicestershire. She's been in Greece with her boyfriend pearl dealer Charlie Barron sharing snaps for Athens and Mykonos

Eliza kept a low profile at the 15,000 acre estate during lockdown , sharing snaps as she relaxed at home, rode horses through fields and enjoyed dinners and picnics with her family but is now making the most of freedom

Charlie wouldn't feel out of place with well-heeled Eliza as he's signed jewellery for European royalty, as well as Hollywood names. Pictured in Greece

Posed to perfection! Eliza sported a red dress and matching bikini as she looked gorgeous on white sand beaches of Greeece

VIOLET MANNERS, TINTAGEL, CORNWALL

While her younger sister is in Greece, Violet Manners, 27, has proved there's no place like home as she joined the rest of her family for a staycation in Cornwall, with the family visiting the 13th Century Tintagel Castle - which is owned by Prince Charles has a long association with legends related to King Arthur.

Lady Violet was joined by her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, who live at Belvoir Castle, in Leicestershire as well as her brothers Hugo, 18, and Charles, 22.

Violet and Eliza also have sister Alice, 26, who appears to have stayed at home while her family enjoyed a getaway.

The siblings were once dubbed the 'real-life crawly sisters' for their antics on the London social scene, but since the first national lockdown have been spending vast amounts of her time on her family's estate.

The group visited upmarket seafood restaurant The Rocket Store in in Boscastle Harbour while away, with Violet describing the trip as a 'a lovely holiday with family on the Costa del Cornwall' where she enjoyed 'early morning serenity and swims'.

While her sister is in Greece - Violet Manners (pictured) has joined the rest of her family for a staycation in Cornwall

An adventurous family! Violet shared snaps of the family climbing rocks in Cornwall showing there's no place like home for a getaway

The Duke (from left) and Duchess of Rutland (back right) enjoyed dinner with family friends in Cornwall

GABRIELA PEACOCK: Cote d'Azur), FRANCE

Gabriela Peacock, 41, who lives in Notting Hill with her husband and children has been spending time in the French Riveria with her young family.

The Czech-born model turned nutritionist who is 'BFF's' with Princess Beatrice and counts Jodie Kidd and Dame Joan Collins among her client list, shared a photo of stunning horizons by and idyllic infinity pool while in another she stripped off to a bikini for a swim.

The society nutritionist - who was a guest at Harry and Meghan's wedding - also said she indulged in some 'serious wine shopping' while away.

Society nutritionist Gabriela Peacock - who counts Princess Beatrice and Prince Harry in her clients headed to Ramatuelle in the French Riviera

Making the most of the French sun, Gabriela posed by a pool showing off her well-toned body

Strike a pose! Gabriela made sure to capture every moment of the Mediterranean getaway

Some serious wine shopping! Gabriela, who advocates for a 'champagne lifestyle with healthy tweaks' posed with her haul of booze

CAMILLE GOTTLIEB: MONTE CARLO, MONACO

Grace Kelly's granddaughter Camille Gottlieb, 23, has also been enjoying a staycation in Monte Carlo, travelling in luxury in helicopters and yachts.

Camille, 23, the youngest daughter of Princess Stephanie of Monaco and her former bodyguard Jean Raymond Gottlieb. She is the niece of Prince Albert, and the granddaughter of Hollywood legend Grace Kelly, who married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956.

As Stephanie and Gottlieb never married, Camille is not in the line of succession to the Monegasque throne, unlike Stephanie's two eldest children, Louis, 29, and Pauline, 27, whom she shares with her first husband, bodyguard Daniel Ducruet.

But that hasn't stopped royal, who spent lockdown with her mother and half-sister, fashion designer Pauline Ducruet, making the most of the high life as she delights in sharing snaps of her glamorous goings-on on Instagram.

Recent snaps show her enjoying the high-life in a helicopter, while in another she relaxes on a yacht. She's also been at black tie galas with her mother and siblings.

Camille Gottlieb, daughter of Princess Stephanie of Monaco and her former bodyguard Jean Raymond Gottlieb has shared snaps enjoying helicopter in Monte Carlo

In another pictured the 23-year-old posed a top a boat in the idyllic seafront making the most of the Mediterranean

OLYMPIA OF GREECE: ATHENS

Princess Olympia of Greece has jetted off to Athens with her family and her handsome British aristo beau.

The 24-year-old socialite, who grew up in Chelsea and is Prince Charles 's goddaughter, took in the sights with her four brothers and their parents, Crown Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece.

Joining them is her dashing boyfriend Peregrine Pearson, son and heir of the 4th Viscount Cowdray, whose family has a reputed 224million fortune.

Perry's father owns a significant chunk of the Pearson media empire as well as the 16,500-acre West Sussex estate which is home to Cowdray Park polo club, where Princes William and Harry have played.

Loved up: Princess Olympia with her dashing boyfriend Peregrine Pearson, son and heir of the 4th Viscount Cowdray, whose family has a reputed 224million fortune

Family holiday! Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, 54, who is based in New York, has jetted off to Athens with his designer wife Marie-Chantal and their five children. Pictured, Pavlos and Marie-Chantal with daughter Olympia and sons (left-right) Constantine Alexios, Aristidis-Stavros, Odysseas and Achileas
'Rich and damaged' Prince Harry will need to be 'steered away from sounding bitter and settling scores' by the co-author of his new memoir, a professional ghostwriter has claimed.

The Duke of Sussex, 36, has been secretly working on the book about his life in the royal family for nearly a year with Pulitzer-winning ghostwriter J. R. Moehringer, which he has since sold to Penguin Random House.

Touching upon his years of 30 years of experience as a ghostwriter, Andrew Croft explained Harry is the ideal candidate because he 'loves to talk about his feelings and wants to be honest.'

Writing for The Times, he said: 'He is rich, powerful, famous and damaged, and, the greatest gift of all for a ghostwriter, his partner supports the idea of him telling all.'

Author Andrew Crofts revealed Prince Harry is a 'ghostwriter's dream' because he 'loves to talk about his feelings' after it was announced the royal has been working on his memoir

'Harrys ghost will need to steer him away from sounding bitter and settling scores.'

He also claimed that Prince Harry will be keen to ensure his relationship with his ghostwriter is based on trust as he shares insight into some of the toughest moments in his life.

His mother Princess Diana had her own battles with telling her side of the story when she gave her family and friends permission to speak openly with journalist Andrew Morton, who later went on to release Diana: Her True Story in 1992.

The comments come after Harry announced he is working on his memoir at the age of 36.

Prince Harry has been working with Pulitzer-winning ghostwriter J. R. Moehringer, who previously worked with Andre Agassi and the co-founder of Nike on their own money-spinning memoirs (pictured)

The author ghostwriting Prince Harry's new book is J.R. Moehringer, a Pulitzer-winning journalist and writer who previously worked with Andre Agassi and the co-founder of Nike on their own money-spinning memoirs.

It is unclear how the pair were put in touch but it's possible Harry was introduced to him by George Clooney, who is turning Moehringer's own memoir, The Tender Bar, into a movie next year.

Touching upon his years of 30 years of experience as a ghostwriter, Andrew Croft explained Harry is the ideal candidate because he 'loves to talk about his feelings and wants to be honest'

Harry and Meghan are friends with George and Amal Clooney. The Clooney's gave Meghan a ride on a private jet back from America to London in 2019 after Archie's baby shower.

They attended Harry and Meghan's wedding and 'had dinners' with the pair when they were still living in the UK.

Clooney is directing The Tender Bar, a film adaptation of Moehringer's 2004 memoir. The film stars Ben Affleck and will be released next year.

Harry has been working on the book for the last year and a first draft is due by October and Penguin Random House has purchased the rights.

It was revealed on Saturday that he has clinched a lucrative four-book deal  with the second due out only after the Queen has died.

Harrys lawyers have said the claim that he is waiting for his grandmother to pass away before releasing one of the books is false and defamatory.

In news sure to alarm Buckingham Palace, industry insiders said the 'tell-all' tome unveiled by Harry earlier this week is only the 'tip of the iceberg'.

Sources said the Duke of Sussex oversaw the bidding and told publishing houses to begin at 18million, with the final figure possibly reaching 29million.

Publishers have described it as 'the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him'.

It is described by Harry as a 'wholly truthful first-hand account' of his life. But royal aides are worried that it will prove to be a highly one-sided account of the prince's experiences and reignite tensions with his estranged family.

As a result of the Oprah interview in March, Prince William was forced to speak publicly about the claims that someone in the Royal Family made racist comments to the couple. Pictured: Prince William and Prince Harry attend the unveiling of Princess Diana's statue at Kensington Palace

The Queen and senior royals are still dealing with the fallout from his slew of interviews, most notably with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey.

The prince has made a string of highly damaging allegations about his closest relatives, including claims of institutional racism.

After the interview, Prince William was forced to speak publicly about the claims that someone in the Royal Family made racist comments to the couple.

Speaking in March, he said: 'We are very much not a racist family.'

Others are reportedly fearful that Prince Harry's recollection of events may not fall in line with that of the Royal family.

One royal aide is claimed to have said: 'I fear they may sail into the sunset now, convinced they did the right thing by speaking "their truth". Now I hope everyone shuts the f*** up.
A mum has shared a picture of what laundry looks like for her family-of-eight, with two busy parents working from home.

The woman, from Queensland, left a pile of freshly washed laundry lying around for days because she couldn't bring herself to fold and put them away while juggling six children under her roof.

Spending her Saturday night getting on top of her family's laundry once and for all, she shared a photograph on social media showing five laundry baskets, with clothes scattered everywhere around the room.

A mum has shared a picture of what laundry looks like for her family-of-eight, with two busy parents working from home

'Just sharing my Saturday night fever. When you have six kids and two working adults at home and just the three days not folding clothes - this is what will happen to me,' the mum wrote in a Facebook group.

The mum said she washes just one load a day to stay on top of her family's laundry.

'But this accumulated to three days of non folded clothes,' she added.

She updated everyone with a new picture showing all the neatly folded clothes in the baskets, saying: 'Finally'.

Her post clearly resonated with other parents, with many saying they can 'relate' to her massive laundry haul.

'This is me currently! Five baskets to fold and I will be tackling the washing pile tomorrow that's taller then me. I just had number three six weeks ago and washing has been the hardest part adjusting to getting it all done,' one mum said.

'It feels like some days I've got the house spotless and everything's done then the next day, it's just like a bomb has gone off.'

She updated everyone with a new picture showing all the neatly folded clothes in the baskets, saying: 'Finally'

Another parent wrote: 'Pretty much a standard day washing laundry in my house... my three girls under five just love to change clothes every two hours.'

And one mum added: 'We are the same, six boys, two working adults... It's an endless cycle. Our older kids do a load of their own washing each week, but our bathtub is always soaking clothes of some sort.'

Many said they could 'feel' her pain, while one mum revealed how she tackles laundry in her home.

'We set up an area in our garage with an old dinning table so no unfolded clothes makes it into the house. Have dryers out there, clothes rack, spare hangers and an old sock collection too,' she said.
A budget-friendly dress that costs less than a takeaway pizza has gone viral on social media thanks to its remarkable versatility.

The $20 (AUD) 'Halter Cross Front Mini Dress' from fast fashion website ASOS can be worn 12 ways by twisting the straps into different silhouettes.

Made from a jersey-like material of viscose and elastane, the figure-hugging party dress can be styled as a mini or midi, one-shoulder, cold-shoulder, cap sleeved, plunging or halterneck - whatever you decide on the night.

British influencer Lydia Rose showcased its potential in a recent Instagram video, showing fans how to arrange the fabric so that it looks like a completely different dress each time you wear it.

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How would you wear yours? The $20 (AUD) 'Halter Cross Front Mini Dress' from fast fashion website ASOS (pictured) can be worn 12 ways by twisting the straps into different silhouettes

Poll How would you wear the ASOS multiway dress? Halterneck Cap sleeved As a mini As a midi With a plunging neckline How would you wear the ASOS multiway dress? Halterneck 3 votes

Cap sleeved 3 votes

As a mini 0 votes

As a midi 4 votes

With a plunging neckline 3 votes Now share your opinion





The clip, which has amassed 39,831 'likes' since it was uploaded online on July 13, sparked dozens of delighted responses.

'I'm so impressed,' one viewer wrote.

'Wow!!!' added a second, while a third tagged her friend and said: 'We need this!'

Others praised ASOS for creating an affordable piece that can be recycled into different looks - a rare feat from a fast fashion retailer.

The now-viral video sparked a rush on the dress, which has sold out in every size except size 18.

And it's not the only piece from an e-commerce platform attracting attention on Instagram this month.

British influencer Lydia Rose (pictured) showcased the dress' potential in a recent Instagram video

The blogger showed fans how to arrange the fabric so that it looks like a completely different dress each time you wear it

Last week, Australian bikini model Hannah Polites stunned fans by wearing the same $69.95 midi-dress in photos taken during and after her third pregnancy.

The 30-year-old took to Instagram to share side-by-side snaps, the first captured when she was 38 weeks pregnant and the second four weeks after delivering son, Oakleigh Banks.

The Queensland model, who also works as a midwife, wore the same beige button front midi-dress in both photos to show how it fits her dramatically different shapes to a tee.

'38 weeks in [to] four weeks out. Still the same sleepy little crumpet he was on the inside,' Ms Polites wrote in the caption.

The post quickly sparked incredulous responses.

Australian bikini model Hannah Polites stunned fans with these photos taken during (left) and after her third pregnancy (right) with son, Oakleigh Banks

Fans were amazed by how the dress adapted to Ms Polites' changing physique, with one woman raving about the quality of the buttons which were strong enough to withstand the pressure of her baby bump.

'What dress brand is this! The integrity of those buttons!!!!' she commented.

Ms Polites replied that the frock was designed by Sydney label, Esther and Co.

The 'Audrie' dress is available to order from the maternity section of the brand's website, but only extra small sizes are left in stock.

Another woman said the photos were 'amazing', while others marvelled at Ms Polites trim post-partum figure.

'Girl you have some super genes in your family because very few women bounce back like that so quickly!' one wrote.

A second added: 'Women's bodies are just incredible.'
An organised mum-of-two has shared her secret to a super clean dishwasher, and how she gets her dishes sparkling every time.

Chantel Mila, from Melbourne, said that over time dishwashers build up grime and gunk, so every so often, you need to clean them to ensure they are working to the best of their ability.

'Here is the simplest way to get cleaner dishes,' Chantel posted in one of her recent TikTok videos.

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An organised mum-of-two has shared her secret to a super clean dishwasher, and how she gets her dishes sparkling every time (the dishwasher pictured)

To start your dishwasher deep clean, you first of all need to remove the filter, and empty, soak and wash it in your sink with dishwashing liquid (pictured in action)

To start your dishwasher deep clean, you first of all need to remove the filter, and empty, soak and wash it in your sink with dishwashing liquid.

'Next, get a jug or cup and fill it with white vinegar,' Chantel said.

Then, place it on the top shelf of your dishwasher where you might store glasses and cups.

'Run the dishwasher at the hottest temperature for a normal cycle and then let it air dry,' she said.

This should give your dishwasher a 'deep clean', and ensure your dishes come out cleaner, brighter and whiter.

'Next, get a jug or cup and fill it with white vinegar,' Chantel said, and then put it on the top shelf where you might store cups or glasses (pictured)

How to deep clean your dishwasher Chantel shared her five-step method for cleaning your dishwasher (pictured) STEP ONE: Remove the filter. STEP TWO: Empty the filter, wash and then soak it in your sink with dishwashing liquid. STEP THREE: Get a jug or cup and fill it with white vinegar. STEP FOUR: Place it on the top shelf of your dishwasher and run the dishwasher at the hottest temperature for a normal cycle. STEP FIVE: Allow the dishwasher to completely air dry before using it again. Source: Mama Mila Advertisement

The reason why the vinegar works so well is because it breaks down any remaining food, grime, soap scum and residue that is left over in the dishwasher.

It also helps to sterilise your machine and flush grease, limescale and deposits out of the pipes ahead of its next use.

Others recommend throwing in a handful of baking soda to the dishwasher before running it, as this helps to get rid of stubborn smells.

'Run the dishwasher at the hottest temperature for a normal cycle and then let it air dry,' she said (pictured in action)

Thousands of people who saw Chantel's hack were impressed with it, and said they would certainly be giving their dishwasher a deep clean.

'I'm saving this as I have a house inspection coming up and want it cleaner than it already is,' one commenter posted.

'Thank you for this, wow I never knew,' another added.

Others confessed they thought their dishwasher was 'self-washing' whenever they ran a cycle.

Shocking photos shared in January revealed why you should clean your dishwasher filter at least once a month (pictured)

A mother shared the photos in a Facebook group, warning others about the grime and 'black mould' that appears to have accumulated inside her machine over a short period of time

Shocking photos shared in January revealed why you should clean your dishwasher filter at least once a month.

The pictures shared on Facebook show a cylindrical filter speckled with tiny black dots and a layer of caked white crust.

A mother shared the photos in an Australian Facebook group, warning others about the grime and 'black mould' that appears to have accumulated inside her machine over a short period of time.

After a few minutes, the mum said she submerged the filter in dishwashing tablets dissolved in water to eliminate mould residue before slotting it back into the machine.

Prolonged exposure to spores from black mould can cause myriad health problems including nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

'I usually toss anything mouldy out. But I can't really do this here,' the mum added.
A mother admitted she inadvertently 'cooked herself like a roast chicken' by slathering herself in zero SPF carrot oil while sunbathing, leaving her 'looking like a Drumstick lolly' with third degree burns.

Laura Bevin, 24, hoped to achieve a golden summer glow during a family day trip to the beach in Southport, Merseyside, with her mother Carol, 52, and sister Nicola, 29, last month.

Despite repeatedly slathering her five-year-old daughter Millie Bevin in factor 50 suncream, Laura, from Warrington, Cheshire, shunned the suncream and instead used 7.99 Calypso Original Carrot Oil deep tanning spray during the seven-hour stint.

Laura Bevin, 24, from Warrington, Cheshire, covered herself in carrot oil while enjoying a day at the beach but was left with third degree burns on her legs (pictured)

While Laura (pictured) covered her daughter in factor 50 suncream, she simply used 7.99 tanning oil while sat on the beach in the sun for seven hours

However later that evening she was forced to sleep on top of her duvet cover because her legs were incredibly tight and painful, and days later blisters erupted on her left leg, including one the size of a satsuma.

After a visit to a walk-in centre and a hospital A&E days later Laura was told she was suffering from third-degree burns and said her scorched 'crispy' skin looked like 'burnt chicken skin', which made an unpleasant sound when it cracked.

Horrifying photos show Laura's legs burned red raw with large wounds where the skin has peeled away, exposing painful burned flesh beneath.

She said now feels like she is 'living like a vampire' because her skin has been left so sensitive she has to run inside 'to hide' when the sun comes out.

The mother-of-one is now sharing her ordeal as a warning to others to always use sunscreen because it's 'just not worth' the pain of what she went through.

Calypso said it 'truly hopes' Laura has a speedy recovery and reminded customers of the 'importance of choosing SPF products while out in the sun'.

Laura said: 'Other than my face, from make-up, my skin is very pale - especially my legs.

Instead of suncream, Laura used 7.99 Calypso Original Carrot Oil deep tanning spray (pictured)

'I'm usually dressed in black and covered up, this is the only summer that I put a playsuit on and thought 'oh I'll get a nice tan'.

'I do feel self-conscious being so pale because I think everyone looks a bit better with a tan, especially next to them as they're so brown.

'My mum and sister are really brown and they were using the carrot oil, whereas I'm really white.

'I don't know what I was playing at. I thought "I won't burn, I'll just get a nice colour", but obviously not.

'I kept smothering Millie in factor 50 suncream not realising I was basically cooking myself.

'I didn't blister straight away, I was just red. I looked like a Drumstick Squashie sweet or lolly.'

Laura, who is naturally pale, usually wears trousers but decided on June 13 that she would wear a playsuit because the weather was so nice.

Desperate for some colour, the support worker decided to use the carrot oil, which costs 7.99 online, her sister Nicola uses to top up her tan with no problem.

Laura slapped on the oil a couple of times during the seven-hour outing and didn't realise she was burnt until she returned to the car on the journey home.

It was only as Laura left the beach and started the journey home that she realised how burned she was.

Laura said: 'In the car on the way home the skin from my thighs to my ankles felt like leather and quite tight.

'That night they were red and it felt like my skin was on fire so I slept on top of the covers and had the fan on.

Laura has spoken out about her experience in the hope that people will listen to her story and make sure they were appropriate skin protection in the sun

Days after the beach trip Laura's left leg (pictured) broke out in blisters, including one the size of a satsuma and was diagnosed with third degree burns

'The next morning my friend brought me some natural yoghurt so I lay on the bed reapplying that.

'For two days I lay there and I could only hobble around for toilet trips. Three days later, when I put the aloe vera gel on, all these blisters just came out.'

Concerned by the blisters and the severe sunburn, Laura went to a walk-in centre on Thursday, June 17, where her legs were assessed and her left leg was dressed in tube sock bandaging.

The following day a satsuma-sized 'wobbling' blister bubbled up on her left ankle, so Laura went to Warrington Hospital's A&E department.

There doctors popped the oozing blister and, after inspecting her flaking and scorched skin, said Laura was suffering from third-degree burns and she may need a skin graft.

Staff then scraped off some of her burnt skin, applied a cream and bandaged her leg up and asked her to return for a check-up.

The mother-of-one said her scorched 'crispy' skin looked like 'burnt chicken skin' and even sounded like that when it cracked

Laura opted to use carrot oil after her mother Carol, 52, (pictured) and sister Nicola, 29, had managed to get brown while applying it to their skin as they sunbathed

Days later Laura returned to the hospital and said a flap of skin on her leg looked and sounded like it belonged on top of a roast chicken.

Laura, who was given a 10-day course of antibiotics, said: 'I went to a walk-in centre where they put a tube sock bandage on. The following day I went to hospital because I was in agony.

'I don't know whether the tube sock had caused all the pressure to go into my ankle but a huge blister, the size of a satsuma, appeared at the bottom of my ankle that wobbled as I walked.

'The blister was leaking a lot of fluid as it had become infected. They don't usually pop blisters at the hospital, but they did this time because of the infection inside.

'They took some of my skin off with a scalpel to tackle the infection and put a lotion on my leg to help remove the scabs.

'When I went back the doctor removed a flap of skin that looked like chicken skin you get on a Sunday roast, but burned. It sounded exactly like chicken skin too.

'They were talking about a skin graft at one point because they didn't know how it would turn out but luckily my body healed well.'

It was only as Laura left the beach and started the journey home that she realised how burned she was and her skin began to react, with tiny blisters bubbling up on her leg (pictured)

Six weeks on, Laura said her leg is still tender and she now flees the sun 'like a vampire' despite smothering her skin in factor 50 sun cream.

Laura said: 'With the sunny weather now I am covered up, but it's very sensitive and I've still got marks now.

'The hospital told me it would be sensitive for the rest of my life.

'I smother myself in factor 50 now. I haven't had my legs out since then, I've just been wearing trousers and I can feel the sun through them.

'I'm like a vampire when the sun comes out - I run inside to hide.

'I won't use carrot oil in future. I've seen people sunburned before but you never think it's going to happen to you.

'My manager said to me it looked like I'd poured boiling water on my leg. I honestly didn't think that the sun could do that to somebody.

'Anyone wanting a nice golden tan this summer I'd say it's just not worth it.'

A Calypso Sun spokesman said: 'Calypso Sun provides a wide range of products from deep tanning oils to very high sun protection SPF50+ lotions and sprays.

Six weeks on, Laura said her leg (pictured) is still tender and she now flees the sun 'like a vampire', as well as smothering her skin in factor 50 sun cream

'We truly hope Laura has a speedy recovery from her experience but would also like to remind everyone of the importance of choosing SPF products whilst out in the sun.

'Products that do not contain sun screen will not protect you from the sun.

'All Calypso Sun products are manufactured to UK British Retail Consortium Standards.'

Lisa Bickerstaffe, a spokesperson for British Skin Foundation, said: 'The British Skin Foundation would not recommend using carrot oil on the skin during a day trip to the beach.

'Always protect the skin with high factor SPF30+ with UVA protection of four or five stars when you're out in the sun. Team this with other sun safe behaviours such as sun protective clothing, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses.

'Remember to reapply at least every two hours or after swimming, sweating and towel drying. Seek shade between 11am-3pm when the UV index is highest.'
This adorable golden retriever is a trained lifeguard - and he can tackle any type of 'ruff' seas.

Four-year-old Baloo has been specially trained to observe the beach, helping swimmers to stay safe and carry out rescues in emergencies, just like a human lifeguard.

His owner and trainer, Simone Filesi, 33, from Rome, decided to start teaching Baloo the ways of the water as a puppy due to his passion for the sea.

Baloo is now a fully qualified rescue dog, and enjoys volunteering as part of the Associazione Cani Salvataggio, where dogs and lifeguards patrol beaches across Lazio and Sicily.

He is an integral part of a pack of lifeguard pups who patrol the beach and, despite donning cute life jackets, their power cannot be underestimated - because just one dog can tow up to three people or even a dinghy with one person on it.

Baloo the Golden Retriever, four, has been specially trained to observe beaches in Italy, helping swimmers to stay safe and carry out rescues in emergencies, just like a human lifeguard

Dogs are equipped with life jackets, which act as a harness for people to grab onto, before swimming back to safety

His owner Simone described Golden Retriever Baloo as an 'extremely playful and obedient character'

Simone, who is a teacher and volunteer lifeguard, said: 'I would trust Baloo with my life.

'The presence of the dog unit on the beach is very important especially for children and teenagers.

'For example, if I warn a young person that the sea is rough and Baloo is with me, it totally changes the reception of that warning of how dangerous the sea can be.

'Baloo is an extremely playful and obedient character. He is very sociable and patient with children - especially with my daughter who teases him a lot!

Baloo spent one year in lifeguard training, completing exciting exercises on both land and sea

Proud owner Simone Filesi, 33, from Rome, who is a teacher and volunteer lifeguard, said: 'I would trust Baloo with my life'

Baloo has been training in water since he was a puppy, because his owner is a lifeguard

'I knew there was something special about him when I got him as a puppy, and as we began training him, I knew he would love to engage in an activity and so I chose to train him as a lifeguard dog.

'The bond that has been created between us and the warmth that we receive from people on the beach repays all the sacrifices that we make.

'He follows me and is able to understand emergency situations, sometimes even before me.

'On a day with rough seas, he won't enter alone, but is willing to put his life in danger at the cost of following me and intervening. He trusts me and I trust him.'

Faithful friend: Simone said that loyal Baloo is always willing to put his life at risk to follow his onwer into the sea

Baloo the Golden Retriever with his owner Simone Filesi, 33. The lifeguard started training Baloo as a puppy because of his passion for the sea

Drying off after a ruff day at sea! Being a lifeguard is hard work for Baloo, his owners said, but insists it's a 'very rewarding' job

Simone's lifeguarding work with Baloo is done on a voluntary basis, whenever he has free time

Baloo spent one year in lifeguard training, completing exciting exercises on both land and sea, which on completion the dog is rewarded with a prize of a treat or a toy.

The dogs are equipped with life jackets, which act as a harness for people to grab onto, before swimming back to safety.

Simone said: 'Our dogs on the beach have a totally different attitude to what they do on the ground.

Baloo (left) is an integral part of a pack of lifeguard pups who patrol the beaches in Latzio and Sicily and, despite donning cute life jackets, their power cannot be underestimated - because just one dog can tow up to three people or even a dinghy with one person on it

Furry clever boy! His owner said that Golden Retrievers like Baloo make 'excellent observers' while on the beach

Making a splash: Baloo, pictured in the sea with his owner, helps the lifeguard intervene to resuce swimmers in dangerous situations

Baloo the Golden Retriever with his owner Simone Filesi, 33, who said he's 'very proud' to have such a 'caring' pet. 'Training Baloo is very important to me, in everyday life, and he is always present wherever I go,' he said

Baloo in training in the pool: He has leared how to observe and help swimmers stay safe, both on the beach and at indoor pools

Baloo in action: The Golden Retriever has been trained to rescue swimmers who have got into difficulty and is always willing to dash into the sea

'While on the ground, they are more playful and distracted, but on the beach they are excellent observers.

'When we intervene with our dogs in a dangerous situation, we are the first to reach the person in difficulty, but then the dog helps us to bring the person back to the beach by making them grab onto the handles on their harness.

'It's very hard work but very rewarding for Baloo. He really enjoys it.'

Simone added: 'Lifeguarding with Baloo is a volunteer activity, where I use my free time and take time away from my family to help others.

'Training Baloo is very important to me, in everyday life, and he is always present wherever I go.

'He is a very caring dog and I am proud of him.'
A mother who campaigned for use of medical cannabis to keep her epileptic son alive has said she is 'inundated' by messages from other families in a similar position.

Billy, a lively 17-year-old boy with autism and intractable epilepsy, from Castlederg, County Tyrone, became the first patient in Britain to be prescribed cannabis-based medication on the NHS after enduring up to 400 seizures a day and routinely ending up in hospital.

Medical cannabis was legalised in November 2018, but since then only three prescriptions have been written for it, according to campaign group End Our Pain.

The medication can only be prescribed by the NHS in 'exceptional' cases.

Appearing on This Morning today, Billy's mother Charlotte said she has receives daily messages from families in a similar position to hers who are struggling to access the drug - or even paying to access it privately.

She claimed doctors rarely prescribe the drug, saying: 'There's so much to learn about this medicine, it's so complex.'

Charlotte Caldwell, who campaigned for use of medical cannabis to keep her epileptic son Billy, 17, alive told This Morning she is 'inundated' by messages from other families in a similar position

After years of campaigning, Billy was deemed eligible for the cannabis oil prescription and has now been seizure free for over a year.

But unfortunately, this is not the end of Charlotte's campaigning because she is determined to help others needing the same support.

She said: 'We have set up a foundation whereby we are proposing we carry out real world evidence studies to gather needed data for our wonderful NHS doctors.

'The other objective is to relieve the financial burden of thousands of other Billys throughout the UK who are paying for the drug.'

Medical cannabis was legalised in November 2018, but since then only three prescriptions have been written for it, according to campaign group End Our Pain (stock image)

She explained: 'The issue is NHS doctors don't have the evidence, the clinical data evidence, that's the issue. There is so many different compounds, different strains, different formulations.

'We need to gather the data now to move this forward and give doctors the confidence.'

Meanwhile Doctor Ellie explained: 'Charlotte is absolutely right. We just don't have the data.

'When it was licensed a few years ago, there's very specific cases when you can prescribe, in certain cases of chemotherapy or spasticity, but it's incredibly specialised.

THE LANDMARK CASE OF BILLY CALDWELL Billy Caldwell's mother Charlotte (pictured together) had seven bottles of cannabis oil confiscated at Heathrow Airport customs, prompting a row over cannabis oil Cannabis oil was thrust into the limelight when epileptic boy Billy Caldwell's mother had seven bottles confiscated at Heathrow Airport customs. He sparked a row over the medicinal status of the oil, prompting the Home Office to step in and grant his mother Charlotte an emergency licence for the product that was calming his seizures, which contained THC. Billy's bottles were confiscated on June 11 2018 after Ms Caldwell brought them in from Toronto. On the back of the cases of Billy and fellow epileptic boy Alfie Dingley, Home Secretary Sajid Javid called for a review into medicinal cannabis. In a major shift of policy, he announced that some products containing the drug would be available on prescription in the UK from the autumn. On the back of the change to the law, Ms Caldwell said she wept with joy. 'For me what started off as a journey which was about the needs of my little boy actually turned into something, proved to be something, a lot bigger,' she told Sky News. 'It proved to be the needs of a nation. Medicinal cannabis gave me back my right as a mummy to hope, but the most important thing medicinal cannabis has done is given Billy back his right to life. 'Only relatively recently did our Government and country really start to appreciate just how many wee children and people of all ages were affected by the difficulties associated with accessing medicinal cannabis. 'But it became clear it wasn't just about what was perceived to be a small number of very sick children and that medicinal cannabis could make a life-changing or life-saving difference to more than a million people.' Although thrilled by the law change, Ms Caldwell hopes regulations will be expanded to allow more people to benefit from cannabis-based treatments. 'This is new ground for everybody. We did in a few days what successive UK governments failed to do in more than half a century and made medicinal cannabis legal,' she said. 'Then, as now, politicians didn't realise the complexities involved. 'There's a wide range of conditions, each of which can only be treated by certain forms of medicinal cannabis.' Advertisement

'The medicine is all very different. It's incredibly specialised and can only be prescribed by someone on a specialised register and even in those cases, on a case by case basis. '

Charlotte added: 'I think the main fear for NHS doctors is the THC component of the medicine.'

Despite that, she insisted: 'Medical cannabis has not only given me back my right as a mummy to hope but it's given Billy back his right to life.'

She continued: 'The last five years Billy and I have been campaigning, I've been inundated with requests from families with children like Billy but not only that.

'Chronic pain, MS or a number of different conditions.'

After years of campaigning, Billy was deemed eligible for the cannabis oil prescription and has now been seizure free for over a year

'At the moment we have approximately 120 epilepsy patients - children and adults - prescribed medical cannabis by private prescription.'

It comes as a nine-year-old boy asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to let his brother be prescribed medical cannabis to manage his epilepsy.

Thomas Braun, from Farndon, Cheshire, handed in a letter to 10 Downing Street, which urged the Prime Minister to help his brother Eddie get an NHS prescription for the drug, earlier this month.

The families of those who have been refused a prescription have had to pay for the drug privately, which can cost up to 2,000 a month.

Thomas, right, went to No 10 Downing Street today with his mum Ilmarie Braun, left, to deliver a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, asking him to help his brother Eddie get a prescription for medical cannabis

Epidyolex is the only cannabis-based treatment licensed in the UK to treat epilepsy and can also be prescribed for chemotherapy and multiple sclerosis.

The medicine contains cannabidiol (CBD), which is different to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)  the chemical that makes people high when they smoke weed.

WHY PRESCRIPTIONS ARE RARE EVEN THOUGH IT'S LEGAL Medical cannabis refers to any medicine made from the cannabis plant and has been legal in the UK since 2018. Epidyolex is the only cannabis-based treatments licsened in the UK to treat epilepsy. It contains a chemical found in the plant - cannabidiol (CBD). But Epidyolex can only be prescribed for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, according to the NHS. Both of these conditions are extremely rare forms of epilepsy, occurring in approximately one in 15,000 (Dravet) and one in 50,000 (Lennox-Gastaut) children. This suggests that in the UK the two, combined, account for only around 6,000 people, including adults who may be less likely to get it than children. The medicine will only be considered when other treatments were not suitable or ineffective, further reducing the pool of people who might be eligible. The NHS warns that very few people in England are likely to get a prescription for medical cannabis. The medicine will only be considered when other treatments were not suitable or ineffective. Charity Epilepsy Action warned that despite legalising medical cannabis, the 2018 legal change was 'extremely restrictive'. Children and adults with other complex and treatment-resistant epilepsy syndromes could also benefits from the medicine, it said. Advertisement

The drug regulator the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that CBD only be used for treating seizures associated with LennoxGastaut and Dravet syndromes, both rare forms of epilepsy, under certain conditions.

The patient should be checked every six months and if the frequency of their seizures has not fallen by at least 30 per cent the treatment should be stopped, according to NICE.

The Braun family are calling for the Government to intervene and speak with them about the problems getting access to medicinal cannabis on the NHS.

The subject has been controversial since the drug was approved, with families frustrated that it is available in principle but extremely difficult to get hold of.

In his letter, Eddie's brother Thomas said his brother means 'everything' to him and has severe, complex epilepsy and can suffer up to 100 seizures a day and needs a lot of additional care.

His parents should not have the 'added worry of having to find lots of money to pay for his medicine', which costs up to 780 every month.

When describing the day, Thomas said: 'I felt nervous, it was intimidating. But it was also very exciting, because this is my chance to actually help change my brother's life and family's life.

'If the Government would pay for it, we wouldn't have to worry about fundraisers and things, and that will give us more family time.'

Ilmarie Braun, Thomas and Eddie's mum, said their family and friends have helped raise money through fundraisers so they could afford Eddie's medicine, but other families have had to stop buying it or sell their homes to afford it.

She said: 'Being a parent is wonderful and it can also be challenging. Then being a parent to a child who has complex needs is in its whole own world of difficult because you have to fight for access to everything.

'A school place, adaptations at home to make it accessible, the right wheelchair, to then try to manage Eddie's medication needs, that's just beyond what's reasonable.'

'We want Boris Johnson to act now. He can unlock emergency funding to cover this whilst all of the necessary steps are taken to commission the trials, all of these things that they've been talking about for three years that need to happen.'

Thomas Braun, left, Ilmarie Braun, right, and their family pay 780 every month so Eddie Braun can get treatment on the NHS

Ilmarie Braun, left, and Thomas Braun, right handed a letter over to the police officer outside No 10 today. They are calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to speak with them about the problems of access to medicinal cannabis on the NHS

Eddie Braun has severe, complex epilepsy and can suffer up to 100 seizures a day

Hannah Deacon, whose son Alfie Dingley has an NHS prescription for medical cannabis to treat his epilepsy, wrote a letter to the Boris Johnson last week about the transformative effect of the medication on her son.

A campaign run by the Deacon family and others was the tipping point for Government to legalise medical cannabis.

Ms Deacon, from Warwickshire, who came to Downing Street to support Eddie's family, said: 'Alfie got his NHS prescription on the 19th of June 2018 and it's been like night and day.

'His life has gone from being very severely affected by seizures to having a year seizure-free in May, and his quality of life and our family has improved because of this medicine.'

The Braun family and Ms Deacon are calling for the Government to intervene and speak with them about the problems of access to medicinal cannabis on the NHS.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We recognise the huge challenges faced by children living with rare and hard to treat conditions.

'The government changed the law to allow specialist doctors to prescribe unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use where it is clinically appropriate and in the best interests of patients.

'Licensed cannabis-based medicines are funded by the NHS where there is clear evidence of their safety and clinical effectiveness.'

Others have also urged the government to act on the difficulties faced by those trying to access the medicine.

In September 2019, 10 families  including the Brauns  marched to No10 to demand their epileptic children are given medical cannabis on the NHS after none of them had received a prescription despite the medicine being legalised.

On Monday, medical cannabis campaigners Billy and Charlotte delivered a letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the DHSC urging them to support the first NHS medical cannabis clinical study, and for the National Institute for Health Research to fund it.

The Care Quality Commission, which regulators and inspects health and social care services in England, approved the first medical cannabis clinic in England in October 2019.

It allowed London-based private practice Sapphire Medical Clinic to prescribe cannabis-based medicine.
Lady Kitty Spencer stunned this weekend in five Dolce & Gabbana dresses as she married millionaire Michael Lewis, 62, in a lavish Italian ceremony in what's been billed as the society wedding of the year.

Princess Diana's niece, 30, tied the knot at a 17th century Italian castle on Saturday, with her main gown a stunning lace number made personally by Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce.

While the dress was bespoke, many compared the look to one which made headlines around the world 65 years ago.

With it's high neckline, corseted waist, and billowing skirt Lady Kitty's dress has a clear nod to Grace Kelly, the American Hollywood star who became royalty when she married Prince Rainer of Monaco III in 1956.

But Kitty is far from the first bride to be inspired by Grace, with many royals sporting similar gowns over the seven decades since.

In 2011, Kate Middleton was compared to the Princess when she sported a 250,000 intricate Alexander McQueen look, which included a lace bodice hand-stitched by the world's best seamstresses at the Royal School of Needlework.

Other royals brides that have sported the look include Princess Margaret and the Duchess of Gloucester while dozens of celebrities including Miranda Kerr have also found inspiration in the legendary gown.

Princess Diana 's niece, 30, tied the knot at a 17th century Italian castle on Saturday, with her main gown a stunning lace number made personally by Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce. While the dress was bespoke, many compared the look to one which made headlines around the world 65 years ago.

With it's high neckline, corseted waist, and billowing skirt Lady Kitty's dress has a clear nod to Grace Kelly, the American Hollywood star who became royalty when she married Prince Rainer of Monaco III in 1956

'Grace Kelly's wedding dress has inspired for so many years, because it is a classic and iconic design and style,' celebrity stylist Rochelle White told FEMAIL.

'It has the touch and glam of old Hollywood, but is very flattering on many body shapes and types.

'With it being such a simple design, it can be tailored and customised to add detail and finishes to each person. With its high neck line, fitted bodice and long train - it could make anyone wearing it feel like royalty.

'It has a look and feel that never gets dated and is a style that stands the test of time.

For Kate Middleton, who sported a Sarah Bruton gown for her 2011 nuptials, the intricate lace applique bodice and sleeves of the dress mirror those on the wedding gown of Grace Kelly, and both gowns share a high-waisted, full-skirted silhouette with a long, dramatic train, and were worn with the sheerest of veils and diamond tiaras.

Other modern brides sporting a similar look including the likes of Kim Kardashian, who walked down the aisle in a custom Givenchy gown to wed Kanye West in Florence in 2014 - as well as socialite Nicky Hilton, who sported a 55,000 Valentino to marry James Rothschild in London the year after, and more recently actress Rose Leslie who married her Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harrington in 2018.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are picture in 2011 at their wedding in Westminster Abbey. For Kate Middleton, who sported a Sarah Bruton gown for her 2011 nuptials, the intricate lace applique bodice and sleeves of the dress mirror those on the wedding gown of Grace Kelly, and both gowns share a high-waisted, full-skirted silhouette with a long, dramatic train, and were worn with the sheerest of veils and diamond tiaras

Kim Kardashian's Givenchy bridal gown - which was made by Kanye's friend creative director Riccardo Tisci and cost a reported $500,00 - had the signature Grace Kelly long lace arms, a cinched bodice and floor length flowing skirt.

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa, Kate Upton, Sophie Turner, Karlie Kloss, and Ashlee Simpson have also all opted for long-sleeved lace numbers in their recent nuptials, many with a clear nod to the royal who died in 1982 aged 52.

Actress Miranda Kerr, 38, who married Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel in 2017, also wore a gown inspired by the Monaco royal - telling Vogue at the time: 'Grace Kelly was a real inspiration with her dress and how timeless it is.'

But before Kate Middleton and a decade worth of brides, many others also wore looks inspired by the Princess - including lots of British royalty.

In 1960, Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey.

In 1960, Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey. The dress was designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, the favoured couturier of the royals, and was made from silk with a 30m skirt

The dress was designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, the favoured couturier of the royals, and was made from silk with a 30m skirt. Her daughter-in-law, the Countess of Snowden paid homage to it when she wed David Armstrong-Jones in 1994.

Like Kate and Grace, Margaret also opted for a tiara with her dress - which featured a corseted waist, long sleeves and billowing skirt.

Another royal to have drawn inspiration from Grace Kelly is Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester who married the Queen's first cousin Prince Richard in 1972 at St Andrew's Church in Barnwell, Northamptonshire.

Prince Richard is the son of the late Prince Henry - the brother of King George VI, the Queen's father.

The Danish-born royal's dress clearly draws on Grace Kelly's with the same high neck, lace sleeves and puffed skirt.

Another royal to have drawn inspiration from Grace Kelly is Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester who married the Queen's first cousin Prince Richard in 1972 at St Andrew's Church in Barnwell, Northamptonshire.

Lady Kitty dazzled in a series of gowns made for her by fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, for whom she is a brand ambassador for her much delayed big day. The Italian duo also dressed many on her glittering guestlist.

Kitty's main gown, with an intricate floral lace design, a high neck, long sleeves and puffed shoulders, was an echo of her mother's own wedding dress.

However, she did not wear the distinctive Spencer diamond tiara sported by her mother at the 1989 ceremony, and most famously by her aunt Diana when she married Prince Charles in 1981.

The designers said they had only four fittings to get it right. 'They've been beautiful and emotional moments,' said Dolce. 'One of the inspirations is definitely her love for Italy. Kitty is in love with our beautiful country and its rich history, art and culture.'

Stefano Gabbana said: 'But she is also a girl who is very attached to her origins, to England; to her heritage of the great Victorian era. And like all the English people, she has a great passion for all kinds of flowers.'

Kim Kardashian, who walked down the aisle in a custom Givenchy gown to wed Kanye West in Florence in 2014 (pictured), was inspired by Grace Kelly

Socialite and heiress Nicky Hilton sported a similar number for her wedding to banking heir James Rothschild in 2015

Other brides who appear to be inspired by Kate include EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa, Kate Upton, Sophie Turner (picturd) Karlie Kloss, and Ashley Simpson who all opted for long-sleeved lace numbers in their recent nuptials

He went on: 'For the main dress she wanted to keep a fairly traditional, clean cut, but at the same time she desired to have a timeless allure.' Dolce added: 'It was all very natural and authentic. Lady Kitty Spencer described to us her dream dress, and we have tried to interpret her wishes.'

The night before the wedding, Kitty wore a baby-blue tulle gown and cape embroidered with cross-stitched flowers also made for her by Dolce & Gabbana.

Following the main ceremony, she changed into a double organza hand-painted silk gown embellished with flowers and crystals for the wedding dinner.

She then changed a third time on her big day, swapping into a cocktail dress embroidered with silver and golden beads.
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Sarah Ferguson has revealed that she offered her royal expertise to producers of Netflix series The Crown but that they turned her down, and has compared herself to anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela as she said: 'He forgave his persecutors; surely I can forgive and move forward.'

The Duchess of York, commonly known as Fergie, said she offered her services to the TV producers to help make her portrayal by Jessica Aquilina more accurate after the series came under fire for inaccuracies in its portrayal of the Royal Family - particularly Charles and Diana.

In an interview for the September issue of Town & Country magazine, the mother of princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and ex-wife of Prince Andrew said she was stunned how little her character appeared in The Crown and wrote to executive producer Andy Harries.

She said: 'I said to him, 'Why can't I help?' Fergie added that her offer was declined.

Discussing her royal past, Fergie also said that she has overcome criticism of her past behaviours by taking inspiration from Mandela, the late anti-apartheid political icon who struggled for the rights of black South Africans.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison on Robben Island and later became a beacon of hope for his country, choosing reconciliation over anger of his incarceration, won the Nobel Peace Prize and was elected the first black President of South Africa in 1994, aged 77.

Fergie said: 'One day I got up and thought, Mandela forgave his persecutors; surely I can forgive and move forward.'

Andrew's ex-wife also said she felt her late sister-in-law Princess Diana was always portrayed as a 'saint' while she was the 'sinner,' joking that she was seen as 'bad Fergie'.

The author, whose new Mills & Boon novel Her Heart for A Compass is published on August 3, added that she is proud to still be in the public eye and has 'forgiven' her detractors.

The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, 61, pictured, told Town & Country's September issue that she felt 'free' of 'self-sabotaging Sarah' even though she still struggled with the criticism she's received over the years

Ferguson commonly known as Fergie, pictured with her dog, said she felt the late Princess Diana had always been portrayed as a 'saint,' while she was portrayed as a 'sinner'

The former royal admitted she still struggles with her body image after years of having her looks scrutinised in the press.

'When they say you're the 'Duchess of Pork' or you're 'frumpy Fergie', you start believing it,' she said.

'She's still with me, that person who thinks she's fat, ugly, and disgusting, and she still has to have her hair done to talk to you, but she's now not so vocal.

'The truth is, I am 61-years-old and I'm free of the self-sabotaging Sarah,' she said.

She made a comparison with her late sister-in-law Princess Diana, who had more positive press coverage, saying: 'It was always that Diana was portrayed as the saint and I was portrayed as the sinner. Bad Fergie sold an awful lot of papers.'

This bad press only grew worse after the Duchess separated from Prince Andrew in 1992, which led to what is commonly known as 'Toegate,' where pictures of a topless Fergie having her feet kissed by Texan millionaire John Bryan were published in the press.

The photos, which were released when Eugenie and Beatrice were with their father at Balmoral visiting the Queen, are believed to be the reason why Fergie was shunned by the Royal Family.

Years later, in 2010, Fergie was caught up in a 'cash-for-access scandal' where she allegedly promised a businessman to arrange a meeting with Prince Andrew for the sum of 500,000.

Queen of glamour. Fergie admitted she still felt 'fat,' 'ugly' and 'disgusting' but that her inner critic was not as vocal (pictured in a leopard dress)

Unbeknownst to the Duchess of York at the time, she was being taped by reporters from the now defunct New of the World tabloid. The Duchess later took legal action to clear her name.

She told the magazine her defamation attorney, Paul Tweed, told her: 'I think you probably are the woman in the world who has had more bad front pages than any other.'

The full interview is published in the September issue of Town & Country magazine

'I took it as a huge compliment. I'm really proud that I'm still here,' the Duchess said.

As a result of her royal fall from grace and her frosty relationship with Buckingham Palace, Fergie was not invited to her nephew Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

However, the Duchess revealed she herself felt she wasn't 'worthy' of attending the event, and left the country.

'I didn't think I was probably worthy to go to their wedding. I took myself to Thailand, actually, to be far away from it so that I could try and heal,' she said.

Peace was restored in 2018 when she was invited to Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle in Windsor, and later when the Queen and the late Duke of Edinburgh attended her own daughter Princess Eugnie's wedding in Windsor in October.

She did not comment on the reportedly stormy relationship between her nephews following Prince Harry's decision to step down as a senior royal in 2020.

However, she said Princess Diana, who died in 1997, would have been proud of her two sons and her grandchildren, Prince George, who just turned eight, Princess Charlotte, six, Prince Louis, three, Archie, two and Lilibet, who was born in June.

Now a happy grandmother-of-one, Ferguson, who has penned several children's books since her divorce and enjoyed success with her Youtube series Storytime with Fergie and Friends in 2020 and 2021, hopes her new romantic novel Her Heart For A Compass will be a page turner.

The grandmother and mother-of-two is published a new novel, Her Heart For a Compass, on August 3

This new tale, published by Mills and Boon on August 3, is set in Victorian Britain and follows the adventures of Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott, a character based on Ferguson's own ancestor.

While the story is fictional, Ferguson told Town & Country she put her own voice in each line of the book, which was co-written with Scottish romance author Marguerite Kaye.

'Lady Margaret helped me become exactly the person who is talking to you right now,' she said.

While Fergie stayed clear from raunchy scenes for her first opus, she teased that she might add some 'bodice ripping' scenes in a second book, jesting the sex-filled best-seller Fifty Shades of Grey would pale in comparison.

Speaking in the Town & Country feature, her friend and floral designer Eric Buterbaugh revealed Fergie was a friend people could always count on.

Having suffered bad press for most of her public life, Ferguson, pictured, said she was proud of the fact she was still still a public figure

Duchess of hearts. Ferguson said she hoped her new novel, published by Mills and Boon, which is a romance, will be a page turner

'[I was holding a dinner to celebrate my 60th birthday] It was during the time that Andrew wasn't having the easiest go, but she was not going to miss it,' he said.

'She came up to London, and that just shows how she suits up for friends,' he added. I've always said she's like a Labrador retriever: She likes everybody, and everybody likes her,' he concluded.

Meanwhile, her daughter Princess Eugenie, who gave birth to her son August on February 9, applauded her mother's carefree nature.

'My childhood and adult life have been made better by the spontaneity of my mother. She has managed to always give us the most fun and incredible upbringing,' she said.

'No is not a word in her language, so whenever we have had a conundrum, Mum is able to empower us to see it out the other side,' she added.
Miss England finalists have posed for photos without any make-up in a bid to promote natural beauty as they compete to be crowned Britain's 'Bare Face Top Model'.

A dozen beauty queens have bravely shared their bare face images without any filters, cosmetics or editing as they took part in a new round of the pageant.

It was started two years ago as a way to empower women, boost confidence and to promote a more realistic body image in an age of social media obsession.

Contestants say the progressive initiative is about making other women feel proud of their natural beauty and being comfortable in their own skin.

Miss England finalists have posed for photos without any make-up in a bid to promote natural beauty as they compete to be crowned Britain's 'Bare Face Top Model'. Pictured: Leah Green - Miss Nottinghamshire, left with no make-up

Miss South Kensington Natasha Chittoo, 19, said she wanted to take part to highlight an important issue at a time of 'unhealthy competition' between young girls.

She added: 'Participating in the bare faced round was something I really wanted to do.

'I feel very passionately about speaking up on matters such as expectations from social media, unhealthy competition amongst young girls and learning how to embrace your natural beauty.

'It is crucial to understand the overriding importance of personality and qualities from within that ultimately shine through.'

Miss York Elizabeth Martin, 22, from York, said: 'This round is especially close to my heart.

Natasha Chittoo - Miss South Kensington - said she wanted to take part to highlight an important issue at a time of 'unhealthy competition' between young girls (left with no make-up)

'I believe so strongly that young men and women face unprecedented pressure, in part due to what they see on social media, to meet expectations that are both unrealistic and damaging to mental health and wellbeing.

'The filtering and editing of photographs is a still very present issue in popular media today, and not nearly enough is done to present young people with role models in the public eye who give a genuine reflection of their appearance.

'This round has allowed each of us to demonstrate that we are all beautiful not in spite of our imperfections, but because of them.'

Miss North West Eleanor Farr, 26, of Malpas, Cheshire, added: 'I never wear make-up - the extent of my make-up ability is a bit of mascara.

Poppy Gerrard, Miss Liverpool, pictured left with no make-up. The new round of the pageant was started two years ago as a way to empower women, boost confidence and to promote a more realistic body image in an age of social media obsession

'It is so refreshing to see a round which personifies who I am. I think more girls should embrace who they are without feeling the need to hide their natural beauty.

'We should be proud of who we are and the imperfections which give us our unique character.'

Miss Lancashire Jessica Gagen 25, from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, explained: 'I wanted to take part in this round as growing up I used to be majorly self conscious of my lashes and brows - they're basically invisible without mascara.

'To all of the redheads in school who are getting teased just like I did, I want you to know that you're not alone. You're not 'an alien' and you don't 'look weird'.

'You and your white lashes are completely perfect as you are.'

Miss London Jessica Kang, 26, said: 'I am so proud to have taken part in this very empowering round, promoting natural beauty and confidence in my own skin' (left with no make-up)

Miss Essex Emily Cumming, 23, of Southend, added: 'The reason that I decided to enter this round is because if how important I feel it is to be comfortable In your own skin.

'This time last year if you were to say to me that I'd be in the final for Miss England, I would have laughed at you and thought you were crazy.

'I absolutely hated the way I looked and felt about myself and would avoid looking in reflections or mirrors.

'But the last year has been full of changes for me and I really feel that anything is possible now.'

Miss London Jessica Kang, 26, said: 'I am so proud to have taken part in this very empowering round, promoting natural beauty and confidence in my own skin.

Miss Lancashire Jessica Gagen 25, from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, explained: 'I wanted to take part in this round as growing up I used to be majorly self conscious of my lashes and brows - they're basically invisible without mascara'

'This round is so important as in our world today social media has a big influence on young people by portraying unrealistic beauty standards.

'This round helps us to encourage girls on our own social media platforms to embrace natural beauty, rather than using filters and photoshop to keep up with Instagram standard pictures.

'Both men and women of today are constantly comparing themselves to what they see on social media and are battling identity issues due to these beauty standards.

'It's causing serious mental health issues and the bare face round can hopefully send a message across, that we are all beautiful with or without makeup.'

Miss England organiser Angie Beasley said she introduced the round after becoming shocked at the amount of contestants undergoing lip filler treatments and even Botox.

Miss Essex Emily Cumming, 23, of Southend, added: 'The reason that I decided to enter this round is because if how important I feel it is to be comfortable In your own skin.' Left with no make-up

Rheanna Cartier - Miss Cotswolds. The top three Bare Face Top Models will be announced at the Hotel Rafael London on August 2

She also saw too many 'unrealistic' images on Instagram and contestants thinking they needed to wear make-up to look beautiful.

She added: 'It encourages contestants to show us who they really are without the need to hide behind makeup and filters on social media.'

Former Miss Newcastle Rebecca Gormley became Miss England's first Bare Face Top Model winner in 2019. Rebecca is now a successful model and Instagram influencer and appeared on Love Island last year.

She has been invited to be a judge at the Miss England national final, which will be held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry on August 27.

The top three Bare Face Top Models will be announced at the Hotel Rafael London on August 2.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's 'heartbreak' following the Duke of Edinburgh's death will be documented in the new epilogue of Finding Freedom.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's biography has been updated with a new chapter that publisher HarperCollins said will also recount 'Meghan's emotional healing journey from losing a child to the birth of their daughter'.

The first edition, by authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, was published on August 11 last year and painted a flattering picture of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from when they met in 2016 to their departure from the Firm in early 2020.

It is now being updated with an epilogue, set to be released on August 31, which will detail the couple's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, their move to California and is also expected to discuss their multi-million pound deals with Netflix and Spotify.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's (pictured) biography has been updated with a new chapter that publisher HarperCollins said will also recount 'Meghan's emotional healing journey from losing a child to the birth of their daughter'

HarperCollins said the epilogue in the paperback edition will share: 'Behind the scenes of Harry and Meghan's ground breaking interview with Oprah, details behind the couple's move to California (and) the various philanthropic and business endeavours the Sussexes have been involved with since their move and what's to come with Archewell Productions.'

It will also feature: 'The continuous challenges the couple face regarding privacy and the British press (and) the heartbreak the couple felt over Prince Philip's death.'

The updated book, which goes on sale on August 31 - the date Diana, Princess of Wales was killed in a car crash in 1997 - is said to have been written with the participation of those closest to the Sussexes.

The reasons behind Meghan and Harry's decision to step down as working royals and move to California last year were revealed for the first time, seven months after the book's publication, in the couple's interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Meghan and Harry laid bare their brief life as a working royal couple, alleging a member of the family - not the Queen or Philip - made a racist comment about their son, and how the duchess had suicidal thoughts but her approaches to the monarchy for help were turned down.

The first edition (pictured), by authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, was published on August 11 last year and painted a flattering picture of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from when they met in 2016 to their departure from the Firm in early 2020

Winfrey was left open-mouthed when the duchess said a fellow royal was worried about how dark their son Archie's skin tone might be.

Harry is to write his own tell-all memoir and has promised to give an 'accurate and wholly truthful' account of his life.

Home life during the break-up of the Prince and Princess of Wales's marriage, the period of Diana's death and its aftermath, Harry's relationship with Camilla and past girlfriends are likely to form part of the book which will be eagerly anticipated by readers.

Meanwhile, Finding Freedom's new chapter will be 'extremely telling' about the state of the royal rift between Harry and his family and could blow any chance of a reconciliation, a royal expert previously claimed.

The Duke of Cambridge, followed by the Duke of Sussex, entering St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh on April 17, 2021

Duncan Larcombe, author of Prince Harry: The Inside Story, warned there will be 'no chance' of a reconciliation if the book divulges more negative information about the royals or in-depth details of any personal conversations between Harry and his family after Prince Philip's funeral.

'That really will be the final straw,' he told Closer magazine in May. 'That'll be it - there will be no chance of a reconciliation ever and all trust will be broken.

'How could anyone from the Royal Family trust them again if the intimate details of conversations were leaked. Why would they want anything more to do with them? Those chapters will be extremely telling as to the state of the royal rift as it stands now, and to where it'll head in the future.'

Finding Freedom, which was spotted on sale for 99p in January just five months after its release at 20, raised eyebrows for its gushing praise and intimate knowledge of Harry and Meghan, but the couple claimed they were not interviewed and did not contribute to the book.

It was declared a bestseller, with 31,000 copies sold in the UK in the first five days of its release, according to figures from data provider Nielsen Book.
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COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are continuing to rise rapidly across the U.S. as the Indian 'Delta' variant tightens its grip on the country.

On Sunday, the country recorded 15,711 new cases with a seven-day rolling average of 52,116, which is a 291 percent increase from the 13,305 average recorded three weeks ago.

Every single state and the District of Columbia is reporting either infections rising or holding steady in the last week, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins data.

Additionally, 56 COVID-19 deaths were recorded on Sunday with a seven-day rolling average of 281.

Fatalities, which are a lagging indicator, have not dramatically risen but instead have slightly increased by 17 percent from the average of 239 recorded three weeks prior.

Health officials say this is because people now are protected by vaccines, though in states that have less vaccine uptake hospitals are starting to fill up as the highly contagious Delta variant spreads.

Florida, Missouri and Texas - which currently make up 40 percent of all U.S. cases - are seeing hospitalized patients record-high levels and doctors say they are now bracing for a fourth wave.

The U.S. recorded 15,711 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday with a seven-day rolling average of 52,116, which is a 291% increase from the 13,305 average recorded three weeks ago

Deaths have continued to remain relatively flat with 56 recorded on Sunday and a seven-day rolling average of 281, 17% up from the average of 239 recorded three weeks prior

Every single state and the District of Columbia is reporting either coronavirus infections rising or holding steady in the last week

Florida continues to leads the nation in COVID-19 cases with an average of 18,292 cases per day, data from Johns Hopkins University show.

That is a 439 percent from 3,392 average cases reported two weeks ago.

Hospitalizations are also rising steeply, reaching 6,667 on Saturday, according to a dashboard created by Dr Jason Salemi, an epidemiologist at the University of South Florida.

Two week prior on July 10, there were 2,966 patients, which represents a 124 percent increase.

Salemi told The Wall Street Journal that 53 percent of all patients are under age 60 compared to 30 percent at the start of 2021.

Across the two hospitals at the University of Florida Health, a record-high 146 patients are hospitalized compared to the peak of 125 recorded in January.

At Jackson Health System in Miami, 143 patients are hospitalized with the number doubling in just two weeks.

As of Monday, 56.7 percent of Floridians have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 48.5 are fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

'All of those things together are a recipe for the data that we're seeing,' Salemi told The Journal.

'It's a cause for concern...the speed with which the indicators are going up.'

Missouri continues to be another COVID-19 epicenters with average cases rising by 68 percent from 2,709 per day to 1,607 per day in the last two weeks, according to DailyMail.com's analysis.

The state's vaccination rate is behind the national average with 47.1 percent of residents having received at least one dose and 40.8 percent fully vaccinated.

Average COVID-19 cases in Florida have risen 439% to 18,292 cases per day (left) and hospitalizations have increased 124% from 2,966 patients to 6,667 (right)

Cases in Missouri have risen by 68% from 2,709 per day to 1,607 per day in the last two weeks (left) and hospitalizations have also increased to 1,682 from 1,213 just 14 days prior (right)

TEXAS: In Texas, average cases have risen by 83% from 2,678 per day two weeks ago to 4,909 per day (left) and hospitalizations reached 4,320, which is the highest figure seen since March (right)

Comparatively, 56.8 percent of the U.S. has received at least one dose and 49.1 percent are fully vaccinated.

Additionally, hospitalizations have risen across the state to 1,682 from 1,213 just 14 days prior.

The surge is due to the Delta variant, which has taken hold in the southwestern part of the state, such as Branson and Springfield, where rates of at least one vaccine dose in some counties are as low as 15 percent.

Mercy Hospital in Springfield is reporting 115 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, surpassing the peak of 113 seen in December 2020, according to the Boston Globe.

As of last week, every patient in the ICU is unvaccinated.

Even in metro areas like St Louis, COVID-19 cases are on the rise, hitting an average of 170 per day, increasing 34 percent in just one week, a news release stated.

Starting on Monday, masks are mandatory in the city and county of St Louis in indoor places for everyone age five or older regardless of vaccination status.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who plans to run for the U.S. Senate in 2022, said he plans to file a lawsuit on Monday to block the mandate from being enforced.

In response, St Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones tweeted 'Our top priority is protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the people of St Louis City and County.

'Nobody is surprised that the Attorney General plans to file yet another frivolous lawsuit to serve his own political ambitions.'

In nearby Texas, the average number of cases have increased to 4,909 an 83 percent jump from the 2,678 cases reported two weeks ago, the DailyMail.com analysis found.

Hospitalizations are also skyrocketing with the state's department of health reporting 4,320 COVID-19 patients on Saturday - the highest figure seen since March.

Texas's health commissioner Dr John Hellerstedt, said hospitalizations have increased 150 percent between June 27 and July 20.

Health officials blame the dramatic rise on the spread of the Delta variant and low vaccination numbers with just 43.4 percent of the state fully vaccinated and 50.7 percent with one dose.

'I can't really describe how disheartening it is, especially for our frontline workers, to have to prepare themselves for a new wave of COVID patients on ventilators and oxygen again, unable to see their families,' Dr Joseph Chang, chief medical officer of Parkland Hospital in Dallas, told Texas Monthly.

'On my walk, when I look into their eyes, I can see that the feeling is "How can this be happening all over again?"'

Chang said Parkland is twenty patients away from reopening a second COVID-19 unit after it was closed earlier this year.

Houston Methodist is currently treating 184 COVID-19 patients, a 70 percent increase in just one week.

'The frustrating part for us is that so many people here are not getting the vaccine,' Dr Faisal Masud, the medical director of critical care at Houston Methodist, told Texas Monthly.

'We want people to give a damn about themselves and their loved ones. We want people to grow up and think like adults.'
Jummai Nache (pictured) contracted COVID-19 in the days after she received the second shot of a vaccine. Complications from the virus led to her needing both legs amputated

A Minnesota woman who contracted COVID-19 after getting vaccinated had to have both of her legs amputated, and will soon have her hands amputated as well.

Jummai Nache, a medical assistant from Minneapolis, received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on February 1.

A few days later on February 6, her husband, Philip, took her to urgent care after she felt chest pains.

A day later, she tested positive for COVID-19, and her condition quickly deteriorated, leading to hospitalization and eventual amputation.

Philip is now searching for answers to the true cause of his wife's condition.

'Jummai and I were shocked when we received the result that she was Covid-19 positive because she had not manifested any symptom before taking the shot,' Philip wrote in a letter attached to a GoFundMe for the couple.

'But we later accepted that perhaps, the virus and the vaccine together contributed to the adverse reaction on her body based on the report of the Infectious Disease physician that Jummai was asymptomatic.'

In the letter, Philip goes into detail about the conditions his wife suffered, and the months of work with medical experts he undertook to figure out what exactly happened.

Philip Nache (right) is searching for answers after his wife was hospitalized, and later required amputation, after getting vaccinated in February

He said that his wife suffered from an arterial blood clot, respiratory disease, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), anemia, ischemia and multiple inflammatory syndrome (MIS) - a condition where multiple organs in the body become inflamed.

She was placed on a ventilator on February 14.

Jummai's case was referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate.

After a virtual call that included 70 to 80 health experts from around the country, the CDC determined that COVID-19 and MIS combined were the cause of her complications, according to the GoFundMe page.

Jummai Nache will soon need her hands amputated as well, though her heart has fully recovered

The agency could not determine whether the vaccine played a role in her condition, however.

Philip is not satisfied with the CDC's findings and still has questions.

He wonders why he himself did not contract COVID from his wife despite their close contact.

Philip says he also questions if the vaccine played a role in her condition, and if not, what exactly did the vaccine do within her body.

'My experience on this journey has been so difficult but I can't imagine the excruciating pain mentally, physically and emotionally that my wife is going through,' he wrote.

'I can only equate her experience and challenge with job's experience and trial in the sense that the challenges have come in degrees, one after another.'

Jummai and Philip are Nigerian immigrants who came to America as church planters as part of the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention (MWBC) in the Twin Cities.

The MWBC set up a GoFundMe for the couple, hoping to raise $500,000 to help pay for their medical expenses, expenses for prosthetic limbs and other adjustments the couple will have to make in their new life.

More than $100,000 has been raised for the couple as of Monday morning.

Philip reports that Jummai's heart is fully healed.

'We are grateful to God for His grace upon Jummai, the children and myself as we go through this unprecedented experience and the painful challenges! GOD KNOWS!' Philip wrote.
Dozens of medical groups are calling on employers to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for all health care workers.

In a joint statement published on Monday, 57 organizations - including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians and the National League for Nursing -noted the rise in case in the U.S. due to the Indian 'Delta' variant spreading among unvaccinated populations.

'We call for all health care and long-term care employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

'The health and safety of U.S. workers, families, communities, and the nation depends on it.'

The groups add that mandating vaccines will help protect not only patients but also vulnerable people, including unvaccinated children and the immunocompromised.

It comes as several health systems across the country mandate that their staff members get vaccinated or risk being fired.

In a joint statement on Monday, 57 medical groups called on employers to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for all health care workers. Pictured:

Several experts and institutions have issued statements supporting that all health workers get vaccinated, but the joint statement is the largest to date.

'While we recognize some workers cannot be vaccinated because of identified medical reasons and should be exempted from a mandate, they constitute a small minority of all workers,' the statement read.

'Employers should consider any applicable state laws on a case-by-case basis.'

The statement represents the first time that many of these groups have called for a mandate as the pace of vaccinations falls from 3.5 million per day in April to just 500,000 per day in July.

Meanwhile, the U.S. recorded 15,711 new cases with a seven-day rolling average of 52,116, which is a 291 percent increase from the 13,305 average recorded three weeks ago, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins data.

The federal government's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled in December 2020 that employers could legally set vaccine requirements for their workforce.

The Houston Methodist hospital system in Texas became the first in the U.S. to set a coronavirus vaccine requirement in April.

More than 150 employees resigned or were fired in late June after they refused to get the vaccine.

Since then several large academic centers, such as NewYork-Presbyterian and Yale New Haven, and large chains such as Trinity Health have imposed vaccine mandates.

New York City will also be requiring all health care workers at city-run hospitals to get vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.

However, many medical workers remain reluctant to get vaccinated.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), only 58.4 percent of nursing home workers are fully vaccinated.

This is about the same as the overall percentage of fully vaccinated adults in the U.S. but significantly lower than the 81.3 percent of residents who are vaccinated.

A analysis from WebMD and Medscape Medical News found one in four hospital workers who have direct contact with patients were unvaccinated by the end of May.

Dr Ezekiel Emanuel, a bioethicist of the University of Pennsylvania, told The Washington Post, said that boosting uptake among health care workers might boost numbers in the overall general population.

'Despite everything - cajoling, making access readily available at any pharmacy, making it free, having the president plead - all of this hasn't really moved the needle very much in the nation,' he said.

'One of the things that resonated with people is: "Look, we're the medical community. This is a health problem." We need to lead - and we need to have the courage of our convictions.'
It is safe for people who experienced an allergic reaction to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to receive the second dose, a new study suggests.

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) looked into hospital data from people who reported allergic reactions to the first shot of either Pfizer or Moderna.

They found that only a third of patients had an allergic reaction to the second dose after having one to the first, and the reactions were relatively minor.

The findings add to the growing knowledge about the vaccines, and their potential effects on people over time.

Receiving a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is particularly important as well, as some research shows only one dose of a vaccine may not be effective against the Indian 'Delta' variant.

Researchers found that people who developed an allergic reaction to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are safe to receive the second dose

For the study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the team investigated data from patients who went to an allergy specialist after receiving their first dose for a potentially life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction.

Around 2.5 out of every 10,000 people, or 0.025 percent, will experience this type of reaction from the shot.

'These reactions could include symptoms such as itching or hives or flushing. The patients included were all advised by allergy specialists after their dose one reaction,' said Dr Matthew Krantz, co-lead author and allergy immunology fellow at Vanderbilt University, in a statement.

Of 189 patients who were vaccinated between January 1 and March 31, a total of 159 - or 84 percent - still received the second dose of the vaccine.

Among that group, 32 patients (20 percent) reported allergic symptoms to the second dose.

However, the reactions were relatively minor and resolved with antihistamines.

'One important point from this study is that these immediate onset mRNA vaccine reactions may not be mechanistically caused by classic allergy, called immediate hypersensitivity or Ig-E-mediated hypersensitivity,' said Dr Kimberly Blumentha, co-author and director of the Clinical Epidemiology Program within MGH's Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology.

'For classic allergy, re-exposure to the allergen causes the same or even worse symptoms.'

Of the group who experienced reactions, 130 (69 percent) received the Moderna shots and 31 percent received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The most common first dose reactions recorded were erythema (28 percent of people) - where a person develops rashes on the skin - dizziness (26 percent), tingling (24 percent), throat tightness (22 percent) and hives (21 percent).

Researchers recommend for people who had an allergic reaction to still receive the second dose, but consult with their allergy specialist first.

Experts recommend that everyone complete their vaccine series - two doses for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines and one for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine - whenever possible.

Completing a vaccine series produces more anti-bodies for a person, and provides higher efficacy in preventing complications from the virus.

Some research shows that only receiving one dose of a vaccine will even leave a person vulnerable to the Delta variant, a highly contagious virus variant that is sweeping across the nation.

The variant accounts for around 70 percent of active cases in the United States.

Currently, around 56 percent of Americans have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and just under 50 percent are fully vaccinated.

Every American aged 12 or older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are expanding the sizes of their COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials in children ages five to 11 at the urging of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Multiple sources told The New York Times that the move is to help detect cases of rare heart inflammation that have occurred in vaccinated people under age 30.

When the studies began, Pfizer and Moderna had been asked to include at least 3,000 children between ages five to 11.

However, the companies are now being told to as much as double the number of pediatric participants.

It's unclear if expanding the number of kids will delay the vaccines receiving emergency use authorization from the FDA, which was expected to occur late this year or early next year.

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are being asked by the FDA to expand the number of children aged 5-11 in their COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Pictured: Eloise LaCour, three, gets either a vaccine or placebo as part of Phase 1 clinical trials of use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

The move is to help detect rare cases of heart inflammation seen in people under age 30 who have been vaccinated (above), especially after the second dose

Pfizer has previously said it hoped to apply for emergency use authorizations for its vaccine among ages five to 11 in late September or early October.

A spokeswoman for the company told The Times on Monday that the timeline was still on schedule despite the FDA request.

Meanwhile, Moderna spokesman Ray Jordan confirmed to the newspaper that the company is increasing the size of its trial 'to enroll a larger safety database which increases the likelihood of detecting rarer events.'

Jordan says Moderna plans to file for emergency authorization for its vaccine in children above age five in 'winter 2021/early 2022.'

An FDA spokeswoman, Stephanie Caccomo, declined to provide details in including when the decision to expand the trials was made and why.

'While we cannot comment on individual interactions with sponsors, we do generally work with sponsors to ensure the number of participants in clinical trials are of adequate size to detect safety signals, she told The Times.

Last month, an advisory group for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there is a 'likely link' between rare cases of heart inflammation in adolescents and young adults and the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

In a presentation released on Wednesday, the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Technical (VaST) Work Group discussed nearly 500 reports of the heart inflammation, known as myocarditis, in vaccinated adults under age 30.

Myocarditis can be caused by a variety of infections, including a bout of COVID-19, as well as certain medications.

At the time, around 90.6 million young Americans under age 30 had received one or both doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, meaning just 0.000534 percent of people who have been administered the shots have reported such an effect.

However, the group did not detail any cases that occurred in children under age 12.

The group determined that the benefits of shots outweighed any risks, including that of myocarditis.

Although children can contract COVID-19 and pass it on to adults, they are much less likely to fall severely ill and die.

Currently, children under age 18 make up 14 percent of all cases to date and just 0.1 percent of all Covid-related deaths in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Polls suggest that parents are 50/50 about vaccinating children with a recent CDC report suggesting 56 percent of parents of 12-to-17-year-olds plan to vaccinate their children.

At a town hall in Ohio last weekend, President Joe Biden said that he expected pediatric COVID-19 vaccine to be authorized by the FDA 'soon' but did not elaborate on the timeline.
As a doctor, Ive learnt that everyone is fascinated by their body: what comes out of it, what can go wrong with it and why people have the symptoms they do. But unless you go to medical school, you are never really taught about how your body works, or how it can fail.

The best bit of my job as a hospital doctor (I work in neurology) is giving patients explanations and seeing them understand exactly what is wrong with them  whats going on inside their body thats making them feel unwell. Here are some of my more surprising favourites:

Headaches: It's not the brain that hurts

Your brain cant feel pain. It receives all the information that leads to headaches from pain sensors around your body, but it has none of its own (which is why brain surgeons can operate while you are awake).

This means the pain of a headache doesnt come from your brain. Instead, the muscles in your scalp, neck and face, your sinuses (spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead), eyes, teeth, ear canals, blood vessels throughout your head and the inner bony surface of your skull are all pain-sensitive.

Medically known as sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, the intense pain known as brain freeze is caused by eating or drinking something cold, such as ice cream. The icy food or drink rapidly cools the blood in the vessels in the roof of your mouth

Anything irritating, stretching, pulling on, pushing on, infecting or otherwise damaging these structures can give you a headache.

Thats not the only trigger, though. Since your brain is 75 per cent water, its exquisitely sensitive to dehydration. Inadequate fluid intake can temporarily cause your brain to shrivel slightly.

As your brain contracts from your skull, it tugs on the meninges (the membranes that cover the brain), yanking on the pain-sensitive outer layer which is anchored to your skull. You experience this internal tug of war as a headache.

What's causing mystery 'ringing' noise? You might notice ringing in the ears after a loud concert. This is because loud noises generate fluid tsunamis deep inside your ear that can flatten the hair cells that help with hearing. Healthy hair cells will briefly bend over, shoot off a message to the brain, then stand up again and remain electrically silent. However, if a hair cell has been bulldozered by a very strong sound, then it will be permanently keeled over and thus will be constantly sending your brain an electrical impulse. Your befuddled brain acts on the information that its receiving, assumes the noise is ongoing and generates a constant sound. This is known as tinnitus. The pitch of the persistent noise  whether its a ringing sound, hissing, buzzing or even chirping  depends on the location of the flattened hair cell. If a hair cell isnt too badly damaged, it can pick itself back up and the ringing will stop. But too many exposures to loud noise can result in permanent tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss. Advertisement

How to ease agony of brain freeze

Medically known as sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, the intense pain known as brain freeze is caused by eating or drinking something cold, such as ice cream.

The icy food or drink rapidly cools the blood in the vessels in the roof of your mouth.

This sudden drop in temperature causes the vessels to squeeze tight, then rapidly reopen to restore blood flow.

This triggers pain receptors in your head. Pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth will usually provide enough heat to relieve the pain.

Fever fires up your immunity

Your body temperature is around 37c  the temperature at which all the chemical reactions that keep you alive function optimally.

Body temperature is controlled by a region in the brain called the hypothalamus. Think of it like your bodys thermostat.

Whenever your immune system is fighting an infection, it pumps out chemicals called pyrogens, which travel through your bloodstream and, eventually, flow past your hypothalamus.

When your hypothalamus sees a pyrogen, it turns up the thermostat, resetting your target temperature higher, perhaps at 39c.

Because this means your current temperature of 37c is now considered too cold, you might start to shiver. (Nerve impulses cause rapid contractions of muscles, which raise body temperature.)

Successful infection requires a bug to breed and disperse quicker than your immune system kills it.

A fever offers a level of protection because it speeds up your immune system and renders invading bugs weak in the heat. Even if your fever only stymies the invasion rate by a few per cent, that might be enough to stop infection taking hold.

The immune system is a complex series of chemical reactions. Heat it and it works faster. Warmed white blood cells are deployed faster, travel faster, devour micro-organisms and multiply faster.

When your immune system detects the battle is over, it stops releasing pyrogens. Your hypothalamus set point will drop back to 37c and your body will go into cool down mode (perhaps with plenty of perspiration and flushed skin to speed the heat loss process).

Is it bad to try and reduce a fever?

Paracetamol is a modern chill pill that can help reset your hypothalamus back to 37c when youve got a fever.

Although it would be logical to assume this would negate the beneficial effects of the fever, real-world studies have found this not to be the case.

In 2015, a study of 700 patients in intensive care with fevers of at least 38c showed that paracetamol lowered temperatures without impacting death rates or time spent in intensive care.

Fever probably offers only a small benefit: enough to offer a survival advantage on an evolutionary timescale but not enough to make a difference when youre critically ill.

Paracetamol is a modern chill pill that can help reset your hypothalamus back to 37c when youve got a fever

Hearing loss: Kids' voices go first

To ENABLE you to hear, sound waves hit your eardrum, causing it and the bones behind it to vibrate.

This sends a wave of fluid rippling through the microscopic hairs that line your cochlea (a curled 3cm long tube), causing the hairs to bend. These hairs are tuned to respond to differently pitched sounds, firing off an electrical impulse to the brain as they bend.

Youre born with a quota of hair cells; you dont sprout new ones and dead ones cant be replaced. They have to endure substantial buffeting over your lifetime with years of exposure to music, traffic noise and conversations.

As hair cells age, they become brittle, less responsive to stimulation, and generate poorer-quality signals for your brain to decipher.

The hairs that respond to high-pitched sounds are the first to deteriorate with age (which is why people who are losing their hearing might notice women and childrens voices are the first to seem indistinct, since their voices are naturally higher-pitched than mens).

Next, consonant sounds such as f, s and th will drop off their hearing radar because theyre higher pitched than vowel sounds.

The reason bruises change colour Bruises are puddles of blood released from crushed blood vessels that are trapped under the skin. Broken capillaries spew out their oxygenated blood, pooling at the site of injury. A bruise changes colour as the body breaks the blood down into various proteins and digests them. A bruise normally starts red because oxygenated blood is bright red (haemoglobin, the protein in the blood that transports oxygen around the body, contains iron which reflects red light on interaction with oxygen). Within hours, the bruise will turn bluish-purple as surrounding cells suck up any oxygen still stuck to the leaked haemoglobin. The de-oxygenated blood seen through your skin will now appear bluish. Soon, your bodys scavengers  white blood cells  will appear and start to digest the congealed bruise-blood, producing a rainbow of products in the process (green biliverdin and yellow bilirubin). Any remaining iron lodges in the skin as the russet brown compound called haemosiderin which lingers the longest and gives old bruises their sepia hue. Eventually, white blood cells retreat into the bloodstream and carry away any remaining trace of colour with them. Blood flows slower when its colder, so applying ice to a bruised area slows the rate that blood leaks from your damaged blood vessels, resulting in a smaller bruise. Advertisement

The right way to tackle nosebleeds

Around 90 per cent of nosebleeds start at a small point about 2cm up your nose on either side of your nasal septum (the cartilage that separates your nostrils).

This point, where five arteries meet, is called Littles area (after the surgeon, James Lawrence Little, who discovered it in 1879).

Nosebleeds can be caused by trauma  getting punched or nose picking  but 80 to 90 per cent happen out of the blue.

Nosebleed incidence peaks in winter, when the low humidity air dries out your nostrils and makes the delicate skin prone to splitting. You are at higher risk of a heavier nosebleed if your blood doesnt clot properly or if you have high blood pressure.

Around 90 per cent of nosebleeds start at a small point about 2cm up your nose on either side of your nasal septum (the cartilage that separates your nostrils)

How to stop a nosebleed

1 Lean forwards. This stops blood running down your throat, which you might otherwise choke on or swallow (which can trigger vomiting).

2 Pinch both of your nostrils tightly against your nasal septum.

3 Hold an ice pack over the bridge of your nose. Like all liquids, cold blood flows more slowly.

4 Keep pinching and icing for ten minutes. This ensures that your blood has had enough time to form a solid clot to stem further flow.

5 If, despite these measures, bleeding wont stop after ten minutes, seek medical advice. You might need a doctor to stem the flow of blood or cauterise the vessel.

Why your breath can smell bad

The human mouth is riddled with bacteria. Tongue grooves and the gaps between your teeth provide sheltered cul-de-sacs for bacterial colonies to settle.

Oral bacteria produce the energy they need to survive through a process of fermentation. This produces putrid gaseous products called volatile organic compounds.

Such gases include hydrogen sulfide (which smells like rotten eggs) and dimethyl sulfide (which smells like a rotting carcass).

Controlling that bacteria depends on your ability to constantly make and swallow saliva, which dislodges the bacteria. We produce up to a litre of saliva daily  chewing or eating will increase saliva secretion tenfold.

But during sleep, the rate drops. This means that overnight your oral bacteria enjoy an unfettered fermentation fiesta (which explains morning breath).

The human mouth is riddled with bacteria. Tongue grooves and the gaps between your teeth provide sheltered cul-de-sacs for bacterial colonies to settle

A note on garlic breath

No amount of tooth brushing will cure garlic breath: its the result of internal chemical reactions, not a wayward chunk of garlic lodged between your teeth.

Garlics sulphur compounds are released into your bloodstream after being digested. For the next 24 hours, these stinky compounds seep from your blood into your lungs and escape via your breath.

They also become incorporated into your sweat and emanate from your armpits. Oils in spices such as cumin have the same effect.

Painful story behind acid reflux

Daily, your stomach produces two litres of gastric juice  a clear liquid made up of water plus electrolytes (minerals such as sodium and potassium), enzymes (compounds that assist digestion) and, importantly, hydrochloric acid.

It is this acidity that kills the microbes in your meals, breaks down chunks of unchewed food and helps you absorb nutrients such as calcium and iron.

To safeguard against acidic autodigestion (i.e. to stop your stomach digesting itself), your stomachs walls are smeared with a thick alkaline mucous.

This barrier means you can eat and digest a cows stomach (tripe) but you wont digest your own.

Between meals, your gastric juices pH is slightly less acidic than battery acid. If you dripped gastric juice on your arm, your skin would dissolve.

Food and saliva entering your stomach dilute your stomach juices and bring the pH up to about 4 (the pH of tomato juice).

In response, cells in the stomach wall called G cells release a hormone called gastrin which tells your stomachs acid-producing glands to squirt out more acid.

To safeguard against acidic autodigestion (i.e. to stop your stomach digesting itself), your stomachs walls are smeared with a thick alkaline mucous

When food is ready to leave the stomach, it is still very acidic.

Upon entering the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), the semi-digested acidic food is met with a wave of alkaline juices courtesy of your pancreas.

A garnish of bile (pH 8), provided by your gallbladder, provides a further antacid effect.

This protects the gastrointestinal tract from acid burns. Acid can erode the lining of your oesophagus and form ulcers.

Healed ulcers form stiff scars that can create oesophageal narrowings called strictures. If a stricture is very tight, food can get stuck en route to the stomach and result in choking.

Particularly forceful sprays of refluxing acid can reach the back of the throat.

It can then spill into the voice box and cause chronic laryngitis, or trickle down the trachea and cause a persistent cough.

Your oesophagus can adapt to repeated damage from reflux by transforming those acid-splashed cells at its base into the same acid-resistant cells that line your stomach (this condition is called Barretts oesophagus).

Although this acid-proofing adaptation seems useful, problems arise if the cells mutate out of control to form tumours.

People with Barretts oesophagus have a 30-fold increased risk of oesophageal cancer, which is why people with reflux should take medication to reduce the amount of acid their stomach makes.

A note on acid and teeth

Because the stomach acid in vomit can erode the enamel on your teeth, just before you vomit your salivary glands will pump out extra saliva as a layer of protection. You will also reflexively take in a deep breath, which protects your lungs from becoming vomit-clogged by your attempts to breathe mid-evacuation.

Your body also protects your teeth against acid in foods  the acidity in certain foods tells your brain it is sour. This triggers a surge of saliva to dilute the acid.

Stomach bugs can put you off dairy

Lactase, the enzyme which helps us digest the lactose in dairy products, is produced in the tips of the finger-like villi which line your small intestine.

If these are damaged by a bout of food poisoning, you might find that you become temporarily lactose-intolerant for as long as it takes for your gut lining to recover.

Lactase, the enzyme which helps us digest the lactose in dairy products, is produced in the tips of the finger-like villi which line your small intestine

Your guide to the shades of phlegm

The most common form of cough can usually be blamed on a viral upper airway infection.

Inhaled viruses enter the cells lining your airways, hijack the cells resources to replicate, then burst out. They kill the cell in the process before infecting its neighbour.

Continual coughing is triggered by pressure from swelling in the cells that line the throat and lungs and the chemical soup secreted by the viruses, immune response and dying cells. The colour of your phlegm can provide doctors with hints about whats going on:

Yellow: If your immune system detects infection, it will recruit neutrophils  white blood cells that help fight airway infections. Theyre faintly green due to the pigment myeloperoxidase. This will turn your phlegm light green, usually perceived as yellow when mixed with mucous.

Green: As infection progresses, the neutrophil concentration peaks. Concentrated myeloperoxidase renders your phlegm truly green.

Red: Bleeding airways turn phlegm red. This is usually caused by minor erosion during infection, but it can suggest a more serious cause (such as a cancer that has eaten into a deep blood vessel).

Black/brown: Tar from heavy smoking turns phlegm black or brown.

Creamy white: Persistent airway inflammation without infection (due to asthma, for example) can attract other white blood cells that cloud up otherwise clear phlegm.

Dr Sarah Holper is a neurology registrar at The Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia.

Adapted from Whats Wrong With You? An Insiders Guide To Your Insides by Dr Sarah Holper, to be published by Hardie Grant on August 5 at 15.  Dr Sarah Holper 2021.

To order a copy for 13.35 (offer valid until August 10, 2021; UK p&p free on orders over 20), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193.
The very notion that travellers returning from Britain's closest neighbours in France have to quarantine for ten days verges on the bonkers. A recent bizarre ruling was based on an upsurge in the Beta variant on the French territory of Reunion 6,000 miles away in the Indian ocean.

We shouldn't be surprised. Airline travel to the most popular locations in Europe is becoming a bizarre lottery. Mercurial and unintelligible decision-making by the Transport Department is not just a nightmare for consumers but for airlines too.

The chopping and changing around of restrictions, sky-high prices for approved tests in the UK and the chaos facing passengers at Britain's principle airports are all impediments to calm travel.

Grounded: Atlantic travel, critical to BA and Virgin's prosperity and that of global Britain, remains closed

No-frills carriers such as Ryanair and Easyjet  with inter-European networks  are back in the skies and the revenues are starting to flow again. But the same cannot be said for the UK's long-distance carriers British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. As BA chairman Sean Doyle warned in the Mail, 1.5m jobs and Britain's exports and imports are in danger as global Britain stalls.

Both BA and Virgin took dramatic steps by slashing jobs, cutting costs and raising new capital to stay alive through the pandemic. But cash is draining away because Atlantic travel, critical to their prosperity and that of global Britain, remains closed. It is not just the fate of these great airlines that is at stake but Britain's trade and services with the United States. America is this country's biggest single trading partner. Pre-Covid exports of trade and services in 2019 hit a record 106.7billion.

The chief executive of a large UK public company, expanding fast in the US, told me he had given up trying to fly directly from Heathrow to New York because the requirements are too onerous. Instead, he now takes the Eurostar or a flight to Charles de Gaulle in Paris, and uses Air France or one of the American transatlantic airlines.

President Biden and President Macron of France used the hospitality of Boris Johnson at the G7 summit in June to agree to open what is now a busy air corridor across the Atlantic. The failure of the British government to negotiate any such deal for the UK has left British Airways spitting tacks and Virgin Atlantic's future on a knife edge.

Covid-hit BA and Virgin were denied any direct subsidy or bailout by Whitehall. In contrast, the major European carriers Lufthansa and Air France KLM received billions of euros in government support. Similarly, the US carriers United and Delta had access to rescue money from Donald Trump's administration.

BA has long been the carrier of choice across the Atlantic and in normal times earned 60 per cent of its revenues on this route. BA owner IAG made profits in excess of 2billion a year before the pandemic. It ran up an astonishing loss of 6.4billion in 2020.

Virgin Atlantic's latest report and accounts warned that the company might struggle to continue as a 'going concern' after July 2021.

The fate of these two British carriers and ease of transatlantic air travel hangs in the balance because the UK government has failed to grasp the nettle and forge a deal with the US. Privately BA executives blame poor chemistry between Boris Johnson and Joe Biden for the obstacles.
Avios enthusiasts and current account switchers may have noticed that Barclays are now offering customers the chance to collect Avios points.

Those who have a Premier account or Wealth current account with the bank can start collecting 1,500 Avios every month to spend on future flights with British Airways.

It is the only UK current account offering Avios points as a bonus.

However, customers will need to pay a 12 monthly charge to be part of the scheme, which is called Barclays Avios Rewards.

To join Barclays Avios Rewards, customers must be a Premier Banking customer or have a personal Wealth current account.

New customers could also receive an additional joining bonus of 25,000 Avios if they switch using the Current Account Switcher Service and join Barclays Avios Rewards within three months.

Those who have been with Barclays for four months or more will receive 2,500 Avios as a joining bonus.

It will be possible to collect even more points if you also have eligible Barclays products - for example, an extra 700 Avios each month if you have a mortgage with Barclays.

Barclays claims customers could therefore collect at least 20,500 Avios within the first 12 months  enough for a peak British Airways return economy flight to Nice by the end of your first year.

Carolina Martinoli, director of brand and customer experience at British Airways said: 'Whether it's a flight or hotel, a day out on a hot air balloon, or car hire in the UK or abroad, there are options to spend Avios for every kind of collector.'

There is also an annual upgrade voucher which allows customers to book seats at the price of one seating class (in Avios points), but get seated in the tier above, as we explain below.

But there is one major barrier: to become a Barclays Premier Account holder  which is required to join Barclays Avios Rewards  you'll need to earn 75,000.

The other alternative route to becoming a Barclays Premier Account holder involves putting 100,000 into a savings or investment account with Barclays.

The biggest saving,of 120,000 Avios is a return Business off-peak flight to Australia, where you pay 130,000 Avios instead of 250,000 - the equivalent of 1,200.

We asked Rob Burgess, editor of frequent flyer website Head for Points, if it was a good deal for higher-earning customers.

He said: 'Barclays Avios Rewards is an attractive package which can potentially offer real value, but you need to be clear about how it works.

'Barclays Premier is free, and if you are a high earner then it does make sense to use a premium banking service like this - you aren't paying anything and you receive a higher level of service.

'Barclays is never going to top any 'best buy' tables for its savings rates so you will lose out on some interest by moving your money across, but with rates so low the cost may be worth it if you are not happy with your existing current account provider.'

Those who can meet the barriers to entry and join Barclays Premier banking will need to opt into Barclays Avios Rewards, as it's not automatic.

Head for Points values Avios at 1p each, and potentially more when used effectively, which means customers should comfortably recoup the 12 monthly charge.

'You can't lose money, because you could transfer your 1,500 Avios into 2,400 Nectar points which are worth exactly 12,' said Burgess.

How to 'pay' for premium economy, but sit in business

Customers can get even better value out of the account by using the annual upgrade voucher, which becomes available every 12 months.

It means customers receive an annual British Airways return flight cabin upgrade voucher, which can be used within the next two years on Avios reward flight bookings.

You will get 25,000 Avios if youre a new customer, switch to Barclays Premier Banking using the Current Account Switcher Service and join Barclays Avios Rewards within 3 months

This allows customers to book a return Avios flight for one person, or one-way flights for two people, for the cost of the next cabin down.

Burgess said: 'The best value, by far, is to book flat bed long-haul business class, where you would only require the Avios needed for premium economy.

'Using the voucher to fly in premium economy by paying the Avios required for economy is poorer value.

'The gap between economy and premium economy is nowhere near the difference between business, with its six-foot flat beds in a private suite with a door on the newest aircraft, and premium economy.'

How much can you save?

The greatest savings can be made on the longest and more expensive flights.

'A typical saving using the Barclays Avios Rewards upgrade voucher would be flying from London to New York in business class,' said Burgess.

'On a peak day, this requires 120,000 Avios plus taxes in business class but by using the voucher, you only pay the cost of premium economy  80,000 Avios  so you save 40,000 Avios, which is a big saving.'

'At a notional 1p per Avios, your Barclays Avios Rewards voucher has saved you 400 worth of points.

'At the most extreme, you would save 120,000 Avios on a business class flight to Australia on an off-peak date where the voucher reduces the cost from 250,000 Avios to 130,000 Avios.

This is the equivalent of around 1,200.

'Of course, if you ended up using the voucher to fly business class instead of premium economy to Amsterdam then your saving would be very small!' Burgess added.

A good Avios scheme for solo travellers

The real beneficiaries of this scheme are solo travellers, or families and friends who travel in groups of three, according to Burgess.

This is because couples have better Avios options elsewhere.

'Couples have been able to benefit for 20 years from the 2-4-1 voucher that comes with the British Airways American Express credit card, which lets two people fly for the Avios of just one,' he said.

'This doesn't help if you travel alone, but solo travellers can do very well from [Barclays'] offering.

'Alternatively, two people could travel using a British Airways American Express 2-4-1 voucher whilst the Barclays Avios Rewards voucher could reduce the cost of the third ticket.'

What's the overall verdict?

Barclays is the only UK current account enabling customers to collect Avios or indeed any sort of travel rewards, which means its offering is certainly unique.

Its major drawback is the tough eligibility standards required for becoming a Premier account holder.

The fact that you must earn 75,000 a year or have a spare 100,000 to stash away in a savings or investment account will put it out of reach of most people.

But for those with the necessary income or savings, it may be worth considering.

'It is often said that the British are more likely to get divorced than change their bank, but Barclays is hoping that this will be a big enough incentive,' said Burgess.

'The 25,000 Avios sign-up bonus is also, of course, a big carrot and I would value this at around 250 if used for long haul travel. In a worst case scenario it would convert into 200 of Nectar points.

'It is a decent return on the time it will take to set up your new Barclays Premier account.'
Ministers are under pressure to block the private equity takeover of defence group Ultra Electronics.

Former defence secretary Lord Heseltine has slammed the 2.6billion bid from US bidder Advent International, which is acting through Cobham  another British military supplier which it bought last year in a bitterly contested deal.

Accusing the business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng of 'abandoning industrial strategy', the Tory grandee called for rigorous checks to be conducted before any deal is approved. Heseltine, a successful businessman who served under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, said: 'I have said before that we should have a proper scrutiny process for the purpose of industrial strategy.

Troubled waters: Ultra Electronics provides highly sensitive electrical engineering and software services to the military, including the Royal Navy

'This is another example of the mindset that anything is up for sale in this country. No other country behaves in this way.

'The business secretary has abandoned Britain's industrial strategy  I think there must be a full scrutiny process for any deal involving a key firm, as there is in the US.'

Ultra Electronics provides highly sensitive electrical engineering and software services to the military, including the Royal Navy. Its maritime systems are used to patrol British waters, hunt submarines and protect aircraft carriers.

Advent, through Cobham, has tabled an offer of 3500p per share  and Ultra's board has said it is 'minded to recommend' the bid to its shareholders. Ultra's chairman Tony Rice and chief executive Simon Pryce stand to get about 700,000 and 770,000 respectively for shares they own.

Heseltine noted that from next year, under the new National Security and Investment Act, bidders planning to buy a company which operates in any of 17 key sectors must notify the Government. Ministers will have improved powers to scrutinise, intervene in and even block a deal, in what the Government has hailed as 'the biggest shake up of the UK's national security regime for 20 years'.

But the Act will only come into force next January, by which time Ultra's fate may already be sealed.

The Government has said it is 'closely monitoring the transaction', but that it was a 'commercial matter for the firms involved'.

Heseltine is the latest in a string of high-profile figures to criticise the Ultra deal. Sir Gerald Howarth, another former Tory defence minister, said the takeover went 'to the heart of the UK's defence capabilities' and needed to face tough scrutiny from the Government.

Advent had already ruffled feathers with its takeover of Cobham. Since completing the deal last January, it has rapidly dismantled the group with many of its businesses sold to overseas buyers, raising concerns that critical know-how will be leaving the UK.

A spokesman for Cobham said: 'We have offered assurances that appropriate national security undertakings will be offered to the UK Government.
Heathrow Airport has said travel restrictions are causing it to fall behind its European rivals as it revealed it has lost almost 3billion since the Covid-19 pandemic started.

Britain's biggest airport stated that its cargo volume is 18 per cent down on its pre-pandemic levels compared to 9 per cent growth at Frankfurt and Amsterdam Schiphol airports.

It further added that less than 4million passengers went through the airport in the first six months of the year, which was the same number that came in just the first 18 days of 2019.

Major downturn: Heathrow's revenues from January to June plunged by just over half to 348million, while it recorded a massive 868million pre-tax loss

That was also three-quarters lower than the 15.1million who came through in the first half of 2020, with the majority travelling in January and February before most countries across the world imposed lockdowns in response to the Covid-19 virus.

Heathrow's revenues from January to June plunged by just over half to 348million, while it recorded a massive 868million pre-tax loss, meaning that it has now made a cumulative 2.9billion loss since the pandemic began.

The group warned that strict travel rules and expensive testing requirements are 'holding back the UK's recovery' and could result in fewer passengers journeying through Heathrow this year than last year.

Heathrow is calling on the UK Government to provide financial support 'as long as restrictions remain on travel,' such as extensions to the furlough scheme and business rates holiday beyond September 30.

Britons are gradually booking and taking more foreign holidays following the latest relaxation of lockdown regulations last week. However, many foreign countries have imposed strict quarantine rules for visitors coming from the UK.

Heathrow has also been affected by staff shortages and technical problems with e-gates that left passengers being forced to wait for up to three hours to get through passport control over the weekend.

Delay problems: Heathrow Airport CEO John Holland-Kaye has said that people should complete their checks online if they could rather than at the airport to try and minimise delays

Some of the staff shortage is down to Border Force officers being redeployed to the English Channel to tackle the growing numbers of migrants illegally arriving in Britain on small boats.

But further problems have come from airport employees being forced to self-isolate after being 'pinged' by the NHS Covid app. Border Force staff are exempt from having to self-isolate, but only if they have been double-jabbed and their second dose was at least 14 days ago.

John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow Airport, told TalkRadio's Julia Hartley-Brewer this morning that people should complete their checks online if they could rather than at the airport to try and minimise delays.

THIS IS MONEY PODCAST Home eco-improvements are being pushed by the Government - but do the sums stack up?

'In normal times, it takes a few seconds to check-in - if you need to check-in at all - at the airport. But with all these checks, it can take 10 or 15 minutes per person. And, if everyone is having to do that, that can cause some congestion.'

He added that the Government should put more countries on the 'green list,' replace the PCR test with a 'much quicker and cheaper' lateral flow test, and allow double-jabbed people from the United States and European Union to travel to the UK.

At the moment, people living abroad who wish to go to the UK must quarantine for 10 days after arriving in the UK even if they have received double doses of a coronavirus vaccine - unless it is an NHS-administered vaccine.

But according to today's Daily Telegraph, ministers are considering allowing Britons who have been double-jabbed abroad to register it with their GP, which would enable them to visit relatives and friends in the UK without having to self-isolate.
Ryanair has seen a 'surge' in late bookings as vaccinated travellers jump at the chance to go on holiday without needing to quarantine.

Boss Michael O'Leary predicted a rebound in air travel over the winter and into next summer.

The no-frills airline has upgraded forecasts for the number of passengers it will carry this financial year  to between 90m and 100m. It said in May it could fly as few as 80m.

Taking off: Boss Michael O'Leary predicted a rebound in air travel over the winter and into next summer

The Irish airline's upbeat outlook came as Heathrow revealed its total losses caused by Covid had reached 2.9billion.

The UK's largest airport posted a loss of 868m for the first half of 2021, though it said it was now 'emerging from the worst effects' of the pandemic.

But bosses blasted expensive testing requirements for travel and said the UK was behind Europe.

Ryanair made a loss of 233m for the three months to the end of June and warned it was unlikely to turn a profit this year.

The company said it would make a small loss or only just break even in the year to March. It said Covid had continued to 'wreak havoc' during the most recent quarter.

Since July 19, travellers who have had both jabs in the UK no longer need to quarantine on their return to England from countries on the 'amber' list. Ryanair shares were up by 3.8 per cent, or 60 cents to 16.39 euros (14) last night.
Tesco Bank has announced it will close its current account operation from November in a move that wil leave 213,000 customers searching for a new home for their cash.

Just the latest supermarket to pull out of the current account market, Tesco's banking arm said that of those 213,000 customers, only 12 per cent use their it as a primary account.

That means nearly nine in 10 accounts have limited activity or are being used for other purposes, such as a savings pot. That means around 26,000 customers will be looking for a new primary current account.

Axed: The supermarket giant is exiting the current account market

The options are to switch using the seven-day service or transfer money to a Tesco Bank savings account.

It also says those hit can register for Tesco Clubcard Pay, a new product currently in test with a panel of shoppers and colleagues.

Meanwhile, those who are in an overdraft could be pushed to use one of its credit cards to clear the balance.

The current account was closed to new applicants in December 2019, suggesting the writing was on the wall nearly two years go.

They can be expensive for banks to run, especially if customers aren't actively using it and being cross-sold other products on the back of it.

Tesco Bank says customers will receive letters in the next two weeks outlining the options.

Earlier this year, M&S Bank made a similar move to cull current accounts as it appears supermarket challengers have failed to attract enough customers.

Customers who choose not to switch to a new current account have been warned they will need to move any regular incoming or outgoing payments to a different account, and to make sure their account has a balance of 0, by Tuesday 30 November 2021.

The bank as a whole has more than 5million customers across a range of banking and insurance products.

It says the closure supports its strategy of focusing on products and services that best meet the needs of its shoppers.

Gerry Mallon, chief executive of Tesco Bank, said: 'With so few of our current Account customers using it as their primary account we want to support them to find a suitable alternative dependent on their circumstances.

'We will pay particular attention to supporting any vulnerable customers and those in need of financial assistance.

'Customers who have been using our Current Account as a savings pot may be better suited to one of our tailored savings products.

'And shoppers who are looking for a payment option which allows them to continue collecting Clubcard points in and out of Tesco may want to consider Tesco Clubcard Pay or a Tesco Bank credit card.'

Clubcard Pay, it says, is an account which comes with a debit card and is designed to help shoppers pay, save and collect Clubcard points.

It adds that it will allowing shoppers to upload and ringfence their grocery spend from any UK current account into their Clubcard Pay account through the Tesco Bank mobile banking app.

Customers will collect Clubcard points on most of their shopping, both in and out of Tesco.

It comes with a round-up savings account, which lets customers build a savings pot by rounding up their spending to the nearest 1.

Where next?

Figures from the Current Account Switch Service show more than 7million people have now switched their bank account since 2013.

But if that sounds cause for celebration, it's just 1million more people than the number who switched energy supplier in 2020 alone.

Indeed, the people who regularly switch bank accounts are a rarity, and are usually the ones happy to spend a few hours buried in paperwork in return for a cash switching bonus or other perks.

But despite that paperwork, switching is easy, with CASS pledging to switch your account and any direct debits over in seven days.

Here are our top accounts - you can read about them in more detail here: Looking for a better bank? This is Money's pick of the four best current accounts for interest, perks, packages and overdrafts

1. Best account for in-credit interest: Nationwide

2. Best account for cash: HSBC

3. Best account for interest on a large balance: Lloyds

4. Best 'new kid on the block': Starling Bank
Half of Australians under 30 now believe the extended lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne are worse than Covid itself.

Across all age groups, Australians want the border to be kept closed off to foreigners and are angry at returned travellers coming back from coronavirus hotspots, a CoreData Research survey for Daily Mail Australia found.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has hinted Sydney's lockdown, which began on June 26, could be extended until September as new daily cases of the more contagious Indian Delta variant stubbornly remain in the triple-digit range.

Making matters worse, Australia is coming last among wealthier, OECD nations in the vaccine rollout with just 15 per cent of those aged 16 and over fully vaccinated.

Half of Australians under 30 (pictured are women at Bondi in Sydney) now believe the extended lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne are worse than Covid itself

This is well short of the 70 per cent level Prime Minister Scott Morrison said would be needed to ease lockdowns.

Australians are banned from travelling overseas for a holiday until at least mid-2022 and in Sydney, it's illegal to have someone visit your home or exercise outside with more than one other person.

Why young Aussies hate lockdowns most

Those under 30 disapprove of lockdowns the most with about half, or 49.4 per cent of those surveyed, believing the social and economic consequences are worse than the health effects of Covid itself, the July online survey of 1,231 people found.

CoreData Research founder and chief executive Andrew Inwood, who is also a behavioural economist, said younger people were more likely to work in insecure, service jobs and particularly resented missing out on the social interactions that are an essential part of youth.

'The ability to meet people is absolutely smashed,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Loneliness is up substantially.'

Why Australians want to keep the border closed

On foreigners being banned, a majority of people across all age groups want Australia to keep the border shut to non-citizens and non-residents, continuing a policy put in place in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

Those in their fifties were the most intent on keeping Australia sealed off with 78.5 per cent in this age group backing a continued border closure beyond the mid-2022 date cited by the federal government, compared with 53 per cent of those in their thirties and 57.5 per cent of those under 30.

Across all age groups, Australians want the border to be kept closed off to foreigners and are angry at returned travellers coming back from coronavirus hotspots, a CoreData Research survey for Daily Mail Australia found (pictured are returned international travellers in Melbourne)

Mr Inwood said there was an element of fear as Australians reacted to a situation they saw as beyond their control, with the more contagious Delta strain from India sparking fear.

'It's kind of racism but it's a proxy in their minds for security,' he said.

'We tend to ask for more restrictions, we tend to favour those things because it's a proxy for trying to solve the problem and looking to create someone else who's caused the problem.

'It's looking for a convenient scapegoat.'

What's Aussies blame for the lockdowns

Across all age groups, the slow vaccination rollout was evoking the most anger with 31.6 per cent blaming it for the lockdowns.

Across all age groups, the slow vaccination rollout (pictured is Sydney nurse receiving a Pfizer jab) was evoking the most anger with 31.6 per cent blaming it for the lockdowns

On foreigners being banned, a majority of people across all age groups want Australia to keep the border shut to non-citizens and non-residents, continuing a policy put in place in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic

While many people had a rational view about the benefits of vaccines, a large proportion of people are hesitant about taking an AstraZeneca jab, despite the death rate standing at just one in 2.5million.

'The only effective treatment for this is vaccination. There is no amount of locking down that is going to do things, it's not a solution, it just pushes it further down the pipeline,' Mr Inwood said.

'Not being vaccinated, we know, is risk-taking behaviour. The selfishness bit, which we also covered, came up in this, because the reality is most people think people who aren't getting vaccinated are being selfish because they're passing on the cost and the risk on to somebody else.'

A similar proportion, or 31.3 per cent, blamed Australians being allowed to fly home from virus hotspots, even though National Cabinet on July 2 halved the arrival cap to 3,035.

Another 25.5 per cent blamed the New South Wales government for the moderate lockdown, announced on June 26, that allowed all shops except gyms to trade.

Making matters worse, Australia is coming last among wealthier, OECD nations in the vaccine rollout with just 15 per cent of those aged 16 and over fully vaccinated. BIS Oxford Economics principal economist Sean Langcake said at the current vaccination rate, Australians will be subjected to snap or extended lockdown until Christmas

Only 11.6 per cent blamed a lack of purpose-built quarantine hubs like the one at Howard Springs near Darwin.

How long the lockdowns could last

BIS Oxford Economics principal economist Sean Langcake said at the current vaccination rate, Australians will be subjected to snap or extended lockdown until Christmas.

'Australias vaccine rollout is still ramping up. But at the current pace, it will take until the end of the year for 70 to 80 per cent of the adult population to be fully vaccinated,' he said.

'We do not expect to see a return to the relaxed trading and travel conditions enjoyed at the start of 2020 until this threshold is reached.'

While many people had a rational view about the benefits of vaccines, a large proportion of people are hesitant about taking an AstraZeneca jab, despite the death rate standing at just one in 2.5million.
A body believed to be that of a missing Virginia university professor has been found in the Shenandoah National Park, officials said on Saturday.

Julia Christine Devlin, a 55-year-old economics professor at the University of Virginia, was last seen in Charlottesville on July 14.

On Saturday a body was found and, based on the preliminary identification of the remains, the search was suspended, the park said in a news release.

Security footage showed Devlin's car entering the park late that on July 14, park officials have said.

Julie Devlin was last seen driving into Shenandoah National Park on July 14. Three days later the wreck of her car was found, and two weeks after she was last spotted a body was discovered

Devlin's car was seen driving in to the park on July 14, and found wrecked on July 17

The park runs along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 500 miles of hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, it is only 75 miles from Washington DC.

Her white Lexus sedan was found wrecked and abandoned July 17 on Skyline Drive in the southern part of the park.

A friend of Devlin's told WHSV3 that her disappearance was 'heartbreaking' and unusual.

Devlin had been teaching at the University of Virginia - where she studied for her undergraduate degree - for almost 10 years

She said Devlin would never just vanish, and would not go this long without contacting her mother or her sister.

Devlin has worked at the University of Virginia - where she studied for her undergraduate degree - for almost a decade, according to her LinkedIn.

She was a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute before joining the university, and spent 14 years working at the World Banks.

Fluent in Arabic, French and German, she lectured at Harvard and at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.

Brian Coy, a spokesman for the University of Virginia, said they were hoping for her safe return.

Canine teams and officials with the FBI, Albemarle County Sheriff's Office and Virginia Department of Emergency Management assisted in the search effort, along with many search-and-rescue groups, according to Saturday's news release.

The body was found around 10am in 'extremely steep and rough terrain in the southernmost part of the park,' the news release said.

It was being transported to a medical examiner, who will confirm the identity and determine the cause of death.

Authorities did not say whether foul play was suspected in the death or where exactly the body was found in relation to the wrecked vehicle.
Backpackers who hiked up a mountain sacred to Aboriginals and closed to the public returned to find their ute's windows smashed.

A Scottish man issued a warning to travellers in a Facebook group after he and two friends returned from a trek through Wollumbin National Park, in NSW's Northern Rivers region, on Saturday.

Photos show the entire tray window shattered, cracks in the windshield, and glass fragments strewn across the front passenger and driver seats.

The man said they drove to the site to ascend Wollumbin, also known as Mount Warning, which is closed to the public until later this year due to safety and management issues.

Backpackers have issued a warning to others after their vehicle (pictured) was vandalised when they failed to follow regulations banning visitors from climbing a sacred mountain in Northern NSW

'Just a heads up to anyone thinking of climbing Mt Warning,' the man wrote.

'I know it's closed due to the Covid but we decided to summit for first light nonetheless.

'Upon getting back down from watching a beautiful sunrise, someone thought it was was justifiable to smash my car windows.'

The mountain is of spiritual significance to the Bundjalung people who request visitors not climb to the summit track, with the government and Aboriginal community in discussions over the national park's future.

While the trio were aware the park was shut, the man said they did not realise it was due to cultural reasons.

'After some research online we leant that there is an ongoing dispute between land owners, indigenous people and local councils about whether it should be permanently closed or not,' he continued.

'Again, sadly, we didn't know this at the time and thought it was only closed due to Covid.'

The Scottish man shared photos of the damage, which saw the vehicle's rear and passenger side windows completely shattered and glass scattered across the front seats

The man said it was still 'completely out of order' and 'cowardly' that their vehicle was damaged, and he would have preferred the vandals confront or educate them.

'If you're thinking about climbing Mt Warning or visiting any other closed national parks, just think twice about it!' he advised.

The Mt Warning summit track, located 12km southwest of Murwillumbah, is a 8.8km return walk through difficult terrain.

Wollumbin, which means 'cloud catcher' in some Indigenous dialects, was declared an Aboriginal place in 2015, for its cultural significance as a traditional place of cultural law, initiation and spiritual education for Bundjalung people.

Under Bundjalung law, only certain people allowed to climb the summit, and visitors are asked not to use the track out of respect for their culture.
A task force is pushing to remove police from New York City schools to make them more 'healing-centered' and proposes paying a total of $3million to families for reviewing 'harmful policies'.

The task force wants to make schools more welcoming as kids return to classrooms after the COVID-19 pandemic and calls to defund the police after last year's protests stemming from the death of George Floyd, the New York Daily News reported.

Recommendations included removing all police officers from schools in New York City - even after officials had committed to moving school safety officers from under the banner of the NYPD to the Department of Education.

The task force, formed by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, recommended that every school in the Big Apple ask students and their parents, as well as teachers, to review 'harmful' school policies.

It also recommended an estimated $3million budget to reward those who participate in the review process with $250 stipends.

The task force, formed by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, wants to make schools more welcoming as kids return to classrooms after the pandemic

The recommendations included removing all police officers from schools

The recommendations come even after officials had committed to moving school safety officers from under NYPD control to the Department of Education

A woman with a small group of people against the COVID-19 vaccination talks with a school safety officer outside of a vaccination site outside of the Bronx Writing Academy in June

The task force - which was announced in June - includes students, parents, advocates and elected officials, PIX 11 reported.

'If you as an adult have dealt with trauma over this past year and are struggling to figure out the impact it's going to have on your life, imaging what it's like for children,' Williams said in June.

DOE spokesman Nathaniel Styer told the Daily News that the agency is 'already implementing many of their recommendations.'

'Our children should return to healing-centered schools this fall,' he said.

Earlier this month, Chalkbeat reported that Mayor Bill de Blasio had promised in 2020 to move the control of more than 5,000 school safety officers from the NYPD to the Education Department by June 2022.

It was not immediately clear exactly how many school safety officers are employed by the NYPD.

In addition, there are almost 200 uniformed police officers budgeted for the NYPD's School Safety Division, as noted by Williams, which have further responsibilities.

School safety officers have called the move 'a little weird' in interviews with the outlet Bklyner, noting in May that they don't even carry any weapons.

'We get totally different training from the police officers. We serve the schools. We do not have any power to give detentions or make arrests. People do not understand our job,' said officer Quiann Simpkins.

The outlet noted that 90 percent of the school safety officers are black and Hispanic while are 70 percent women.

Katrina Feldkamp, a lawyer for Bronx Legal Services and a member of the task force, said efforts to make kids feel safe in schools have so far been 'really minimal'

The move also comes after calls to defund the police last year amid protests stemming from the death of George Floyd. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is pictured speaking with NYPD officials to deescalate a standoff between cops and protesters during a march last June

Demonstrators call to defund the police during a protest in Brooklyn after the death of George Floyd last June

School safety officers are represented by the Teamsters Local 237 union, which ripped the move as a 'dangerous scheme.'

Gregory Floyd, the union's president, wrote a blistering letter which said the move 'satisfies calls to 'Defund the Police' stemming from this past summer's tragic shootings of unarmed black civilians.'

'Reform of police practices is important, but targeting School Safety for removal from NYPD is wildly inappropriate,' he said.

NYC school safety agent training and requirements School safety officers currently remain under the banner of the NYPD and work to keep children safe. There are more than 5,000 school safety officers, called agents, spread out through New York City's schools. Before becoming an officer, they are assigned to the police academy for up to 17 weeks and train in topics including law, police science, behavioral science and physical training, according to the NYPD. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and least 21 years old with a high school diploma or GED. They must also pass character and background investigations, and a drug screening, as well as live in the Big Apple. Advertisement

The Department of Education has recently taken a number of such initiatives in a bid to make children feel safer in schools - which the task force concludes do not go far enough.

Katrina Feldkamp, a lawyer for Bronx Legal Services and a member of the task force, told the New York Daily News that efforts so far have been 'really minimal.'

'We think that their efforts so far have been really minimal and one-off and have not gotten at the true nature of a healing-centered school, which is that it's led by students, families and staff,' she said.

Tajh Sutton, a Brooklyn parent who participated in the task force, told the Daily News that the Education Department should 'recognize and reward' parents who 'do a lot of unpaid and extremely emotionally exhausting unpaid labor.'

In April, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the Department of Education would hire more than 600 social workers, psychologists, and family support workers to add to the more than 6,000 mental health workers in city schools.

'We are doing everything we can to make sure our children and their families feel supported. Given the trauma of the past year, we know that starts with building out and fortifying our City's mental health infrastructure,' he said at the time.

'Our message to children, parents, and guardians is clear: we will heal our city together.'

Stephanie Pacheco, 17, graduated last year from the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics.

She told the Daily News: 'We will never be able to have schools centered on healing unless we take out that main source of trauma.'

The formation of the task force also came after Williams released a white paper earlier this year on 'reimagining school safety.'

The paper also made a number of recommendations, including banning the use of scanning infrastructure like metal detectors and X-ray conveyor belts to monitor students. It also requestee schools to let students expunge their disciplinary records once they have graduated from or left a school.

'Police were first introduced into American schools in the 1950s and 1960s during a time when student activism through civil rights action in response to Jim Crow racial segregation was rising,' Williams wrote in the paper.

'The origins of police presence in schools is inextricably linked to the defense of school segregationwhich is especially problematic in New York City's schools, as it remains one of the most segregated school systems in the country.'

He wrote that the harms of police in schools are 'well-documented.'

'Research has shown that police presence in schools does not necessarily reduce in-school violence; instead, adolescent behavior is more likely to be criminalized,' he wrote.

'Studies have shown that police presence may actually make students feel less safe, hurts individual academic performance, and causes lasting psychological harm, especially Black and Latinx students.'
Ministers are exploring ways to block China's state-owned nuclear energy company from all future power projects in the UK including the 20billion Sizewell C nuclear plant on the Suffolk coast.

A Whitehall source confirmed a report by the Financial Times that first revealed that the Government is exploring ways of removing China General Nuclear from future projects including a nuclear plant in Essex.

The move would likely stoke further tensions between the UK and China and would also mark a toughening of Britain's stance towards Beijing amid major concerns about Beijing's clampdown in Hong Kong, the row over Covid-19 and the treatment of the Uighurs in Xinjiang.

China's involvement in nuclear power in the UK dates back to an agreement endorsed by then prime minister David Cameron and Chinese president Xi Jinping in 2015.

The move would exclude China General Nuclear (CGN) from the consortium planning to build the 20billion Sizewell C nuclear plant on the Suffolk coast, as well as one in Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: 'Nuclear power has an important role to play in the UK's low-carbon energy future, as we work towards our world-leading target to eliminate our contribution to climate change by 2050.

'All nuclear projects in the UK are conducted under robust and independent regulation to meet the UK's rigorous legal, regulatory and national security requirements, ensuring our interests are protected.'

One person familiar with the matter told the Financial Times: 'There isn't a chance in hell that CGN builds Bradwell. Given the approach we've seen to Huawei, they [Downing Street] aren't going to be letting a Chinese company build a new nuclear power station.'

The Government was forced to reverse its decision to let Huawei build the 5G mobile phone network last year following mounting concern over the security risk of giving China too big a role in Britain's infrastructure.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said last year that the UK could no longer conduct 'business as usual' with Beijing.
IOC vice president John Coates has hit back at allegations he was 'mansplaining' when he ordered Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.

Coates has insisted he is not 'anti-women' after making the awkward demand of Ms Palaszczuk during a press conference last Wednesday.

The Queensland premier had declared she would not attend the opening ceremony as she faced mounting backlash over her trip to Japan while her state continues to enforce hard border closures to international arrivals.

Mr Coates claimed Ms Palaszczuk approached him before the press conference and asked him to help her find a way to take the edge off the public pressure for her to give the event a miss.

The IOC vice president (pictured, John Coates) has hit back at allegations he was 'mansplaining' when he ordered Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics

John Coates has insisted he is not 'anti-women' after making the awkward demand to Ms Palaszczuk during a press conference last Wednesday

'She said to me: "Give me a hand, John, will you?",' he told The Australian.

'So I did. She's my very good friend. I might have done it too crudely. But I thought if I did it crudely, I would be taking the hit for her.'

Speaking at the press conference on Wednesday, Mr Coates turned to Ms Palaszczuk to order her to attend the ceremony.

'You are going to the opening ceremony,' he said. 'There will be an opening and a closing ceremony in 2032 and all of you, everyone there, has got to understand the traditional parts of that.

'None of you are staying home and sitting in your room.'

Mr Coates is one of the most influential figures in international sport and is commonly described as the second most powerful figurehead in the International Olympic Committee behind president Thomas Bach.

The Sydney-born administrator and businessman has twice served as vice president of the International Olympic Committee and was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2006.

Ms Palaszczuk watched on in awkward silence as the powerbroker told her she had 'never been to an opening ceremony' and didn't 'know the protocols'.

Speaking at the press conference on Wednesday, Mr Coates turned to Ms Palaszczuk to order her to attend the ceremony

JOHN COATES' FULL STATEMENT ON HIS EXCHANGE WITH THE QUEENSLAND PREMIER My comments regarding the premier and the opening ceremony have been completely misinterpreted by people who werent in the room. Absolutely I believe the premier should come to the opening ceremony and she has accepted. I am thrilled about that. Attending the opening ceremony has always been her choice. My view has always been all three levels of government should come to the opening ceremony. The premier and I have a long standing and very successful relationship. We both know the spirit of my remarks and I have no indication that she was offended in any way. Those in doubt should ask her. Advertisement

'You don't know the protocols and I think it's a very important lesson for everyone here  opening ceremonies cost in the order of $75 million to $100 million,' Mr Coates said.

'My very strong recommendation is the premier and the lord mayor and the minister be there and understand it.'

His comment sparked backlash from the public with media personalities levelling criticism at the IOC vice president.

Nine News journalist Leila McKinnon praised Ms Palaszczuk for showing 'restraint' while being 'spoken to on the world stage as if she were a recalcitrant teenager'.

'My blood would have been boiling,' she wrote on Twitter.

Ms Palaszczuk reportedly sent a text to Mr Coates to apologise for the backlash.

Ms Palaszczuk reportedly sent a text to Mr Coates to apologise for the backlash following the press conference on Wednesday

'I'm sorry there was negative media on this,' the text read. 'They always look for a problem when there is none.'

On Thursday, the premier appeared to suggest she would follow Mr Coates' instructions and attend the ceremony.

'I'm not going to be offending anyone. John Coates was laying down the law last night,' she told ABC Brisbane.

'I'm not going to offend the IOC, I'm not going to offend the Japanese government, so I'll let them sort that out.

'If we didn't have John Coates, this [the successful bid] would not have happened,' she said in a separate interview with ABC News.

'John has been the driving force behind us securing the Olympics. His networks are absolutely phenomenal.'

On Thursday, the premier appeared to suggest she would follow Mr Coates' instructions and attend the ceremony (pictured, the Olympic Cauldron is lit during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium)

Mr Coates later claimed his comments to Ms Palaszczuk had been 'completely misinterpreted'.

'My comments regarding the premier and the opening ceremony have been completely misinterpreted by people who weren't in the room,' he said.

'Absolutely I believe the premier should come to the opening ceremony and she has accepted.

'We both know the spirit of my remarks and I have no indication that she was offended in any way.'
An Afghan villager has conceded he did not see Ben Roberts-Smith - or anyone else - shoot dead a prisoner whose execution the war hero is accused of having ordered.

Instead, he says he saw 'the big soldier' kick a farmer he knew as Ali Jan in the midriff before he heard gunshots and later found his dead body.

Mohammed Hanifa was the first of four Afghan witnesses to give evidence for Nine newspapers in the Federal Court defamation action brought against them by Australia's most decorated soldier.

He had spent all his life in the village of Darwan, where Ali Jan was allegedly killed, until recently moving to Afghanistan's capital.

Mr Roberts-Smith, 42, is suing Nine newspapers at the Federal Court trial in Sydney over media reports alleging he was involved in war crimes including murdering prisoners in Afghanistan. He is pictured arriving at court on Monday

The alleged murder of Ali Jan is the centrepiece claim in a series of stories Nine newspapers published in 2018 accusing Mr Roberts-Smith of war crimes. Mr Roberts-Smith is pictured in Aghanistan after the June 2010 battle in which he earned the Victoria Cross

Mr Hanifa said he had six sisters and 12 brothers and lived in Darwan with his father Shahzad Aka, one of whose two wives is Ali Jan's sister.

He was in the village on September 11, 2012 when Australian Special Air Service troopers came looking for a rogue Afghan soldier called Hekmatullah.

Hekmatullah had shot dead three Australian soldiers near their base at Tarin Kowt two weeks earlier.

Mr Hanifa, who gave his testimony via audio/visual link from Kabul, swore an oath in Allah's name to tell the truth and spent much of his time in the witness box picking his nose.

The 38-year-old said he did not know Hekmatullah but had grown up with Ali Jan, although he lived in another village three hours' walk from Darwan.

In the days before Ali Jan allegedly died, 'drivers' had come to the village offering a $500 reward for information about Hekmatullah.

Ali Jan, he said, was a married father-of-three engaged in irrigation, grazing cattle and selling wood.

Mr Hanifa, who could not read or write, was unable to say exactly when Ali Jan died but thought it was about eight years ago.

'I understand the days of the weeks and know the names of the months but I don't know the years,' he told the court.

The villagers giving evidence against Mr Roberts-Smith are all from Darwan (pictured) in the Taliban stronghold of Uruzgan province and three have been described as members of the same extended family

Asked if he remembered what season it was when Ali Jan died he said, 'Of course I remember. It was summer.'

Mr Hanifa denied Ali Jan was connected to the Taliban  'no, nothing like that'  or any sort of fighter. 'No, he was providing for his children and he was protecting his family and his property,' he said.

The alleged murder of Ali Jan is the centrepiece claim in a series of stories Nine newspapers published in 2018 accusing Mr Roberts-Smith of war crimes.

Nine newspapers including The Sydney Morning Herald allege Mr Roberts-Smith pushed Ali Jan off a cliff and ordered his execution.

Mr Roberts-Smith has told the Federal Court he did not mistreat any prisoner, there was no unlawful killing and there was not even a cliff at Darwan.

Mr Hanifa said Ali Jan had come to Darwan to mill wheat and was planning to collect woods from the mountains. He had two donkeys with him.

Australian troops aboard helicopters are pictured searching for Hekmatullah in the Gizab region of Uruzgan province after he murdered three of their comrades in August 2012

The day Ali Jan was allegedly killed Mr Hanifa was at a guest house with his neighbour Man Gul when he saw helicopters carrying soldiers arrive on the outskirts of the village.

'I told him there was a raid,' he said. Ali Jan was beside a creek with two donkeys heading towards the house.

'I took one of the donkey from him thinking that we will look like nomads and the foreign forces will think that we are nomads,' Mr Hanifa told the court.

'Two shots were fired at us so we returned back. We had the donkeys with us and we stopped at the guest house.'

Back at the guest house Man Gul brought the pair tea while his daughters tied up the donkeys. They cut up a melon to eat.

Australian troops, including the Special Air Service, were based at Tarin Kowt during the war in Afghanistan. Four Afghans from Darwan will give evidence from Kabul about the alleged unlawful killing of a man called Ali Jan in their village on September 11, 2012

Soldiers came into the village and one confronted Mr Hanifa. 'He told me to get up or stand up. I told Ali Jan not do to that because in these types of situations the soldier shoots you.'

The soldier grabbed Mr Hanifa by the neck and hit his against a wall, he told the court.

Mr Hanifa said he and Man Gul were detained and he was accused by an interpreter of being a member of the Taliban.

'He took out a pistol and he put it on my throat. He put it there and he said, "You are a Talib. I shot your father".'

'Then he pointed the pistol to my head and he hit me with the pistol and he said, "Show me Hekmatullah, otherwise I will shoot you in your head".'

Mr Roberts-Smith is pictured with his barrister Bruce McClintock SC outside court on Monday. The war hero is 202cm - or 6'6' - tall

Mr Hanifa said he was ordered to look into the eyes of a 'big soldier' while he was being interrogated and when he looked away that soldier punched him 'many, many times'.

Nine will suggest the 'big soldier' is Mr Roberts-Smith, who is 202cm (6'6") tall.

Mr Hanifa said the big soldier also kicked him twice in the abdomen before the interrogators turned their attention to Ali Jan.

'I told Ali Jan, "Don't laugh or don't smile because they do not like when you smile or when you laugh",' he told the court.

Mr Hanifa said when the big soldier said something to Ali Jan, whose hands were tied, he smiled. The big soldier then kicked him 'really hard' and Ali Jan fell on his back.

'He was rolling down, rolling down, until he reached the river,' Mr Hanifa said.

'At that time, the big soldier, he shouted. Also a shot was fired.' Mr Hanifa said he saw two other soldiers drag Ali Jan to a berry tree and heard more shots.

He did not see the big soldier again and did not see Ali Jan being killed.

Mr Hanifa later followed a trail of blood and found what he said was the body of Ali Jan. He had one arm behind his back and his hands were not tied.

Ali Jan had been shot in the face, the left side of the head and the belly, he claimed. He was then shown a photograph taken that day of a dead man with a radio and bag near his body.

'This was Ali Jan,' he said. 'They put those things with his body.'

Under cross-examination Mr Hanifa said he had not seen any shots fired at Ali Jan by anyone, including the big soldier.

Mr Roberts-Smith is pictured receiving his Victoria Cross for gallantry from then Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce in 2011. He also holds the Medal for Gallantry

The Afghans giving evidence against Mr Roberts-Smith have previously given statements to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force. Australian Special Operations Task Group troops are pictured in Uruzgan province in 2012

'I don't know if he fired the shots or someone else,' he told barrister Bruce McClintock SC for Mr Roberts Smith.

'I told you that I saw Ali Jan being dragged to this tree, after that I didn't see him,' he told the court.

'Shots were fired, whether you consider this a lie or a truth is up to you.'

Mr Hanifa is the first of four Afghan witnesses set to give evidence for Nine from their war-torn homeland this week.

Afghan National Army sergeant Hekmatullah (pictured) shot dead three Australian soldiers near Tarik Kowt in August 2012

The others are Man Gul, Shahzad Aka and a woman known as Bora.

They are all from Darwan in the Taliban stronghold of Uruzgan province and the three men have been described as members of the same extended family.

The witnesses are giving their testimony through a Pashto interpreter based in Ontario, Canada. Mr Roberts-Smith's lawyers have their own translator in Sydney.

Mr Roberts-Smith, who Nine newspapers accused of involvement in six murders during his service in Afghanistan, has denied taking part in any unlawful killings.

He says that the day Nine claims Ali Jan was murdered the only Afghans killed were Taliban insurgents.

Early in the mission Mr Roberts-Smith had swum the Helmand River and shot dead a an insurgent armed with an AK-47-style assault rifle.

Nine alleges that near the end of the mission Mr Roberts-Smith and members of his patrol detained, handcuffed and questioned Mohammed Hanifa, Man Gul and Ali Jan.

The newspapers claim Mr Roberts-Smith forced Ali Jan to kneel at the edge of a cliff while still handcuffed and then took a number of steps back before kicking him hard in the midriff.

The former SAS corporal's legal team argues their client is a victim of a lying campaign by journalists and failed soldiers jealous of his stellar military career and Victoria Cross

Mr Roberts-Smith is suing newspapers including the Sydney Morning Herald which ran this front page investigation into allegations of war crimes committed in Afghanistan on the weekend of June 9 and 10, 2018

According to Nine, Ali Jan fell over the cliff and landed in a dry creek bed below. The impact of the fall was so great it knocked Ali Jan's teeth out of his mouth.

Nicholas Owens SC for Nine asked Mr Hanifa if there had been an embankment or slope up from the creek bed. 'No, nothing like that, no slope, anything like that,' he said.

Nine alleges Ali Jan was moved by two soldiers to the other side of the creek bed where he was shot by Mr Roberts-Smith or another SAS member called Person 11, or both.

Mr Roberts-Smith has given evidence that no such incident ever took place and disputed there was even a drop he would consider a cliff at Darwan.

Instead of having executed a prisoner, Mr Roberts-Smith said he was nearby when Person 11 engaged and killed a Taliban 'spotter' in a cornfield.

The trial was suspended on June 29 after a month of hearing because of Sydney's Covid-19 lockdown and the inability of interstate witnesses to give evidence.

Lawyers for Nine and Mr Roberts-Smith have been required to be in court to hear the Afghans' evidence, despite the lockdowns.
Boris Johnson was accused of trading in gimmicks last night after he pledged every victim of crime would be given access to a named officer.

The Prime Minister will unveil his beating crime plan tomorrow after leaving his Chequers country retreat following Covid isolation.

He will vow to ensure that every victim has a named officer to call  someone who is immediately on your side.

But the Police Federation said the pledge was unworkable and would achieve little in the face of the Tories record of cutting their resources.

At least 667 stations with front counters have been shut since 2010 and, between then and 2018, forces in England and Wales lost 21,732 officers  a drop of 15 per cent.

The federation, which represents the rank and file, announced last week that it had no confidence in Home Secretary Priti Patel following a pay freeze.

Boris Johnson is set to announce his new 'crime beating bill' on Tuesday - but it has already been criticised by the Police Federation for being 'unworkable', particularly in the face of cuts

Announcing his plan in the Sunday Express, Mr Johnson said: We need now to redouble our efforts, to continue to put more police out on the street, and to back them all the way.

We want everyone to know that if you are the victim of crime you have a named officer to call  someone who is immediately on your side.

Other measures include league tables for 101 and 999 call answering times, more officers to tackle truancy and further efforts against county lines drug gangs.

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, criticised the named officer plan.

Thats a gimmick because its not practical, he said. If that officer is on a shift pattern or off sick or on holiday, that just puts added pressure on that officer.

It doesnt work in that way  you cant start singularly naming officers because of the sheer nature of their work. If theyre not at work, what happens then?

Mr Marsh also criticised Mr Johnsons claim that he backed police all the way.

Well hes not backing us all the way is he, hes treating us in a derisory way, he said, raising concerns over how officers were treated in the pandemic.

And what do we get at the end of it? As usual, absolutely nothing. His words are hollow and my colleagues are fed up with it now.

Dame Vera Baird, Victims Commissioner for England and Wales, said: The Victims Code requires a continuing relationship with someone in the police if it is to be delivered effectively.

The Police Federation branded Johnson's new plan to allocate every victim a named police officer a 'gimmick' that was 'not practical' (Pictured: Stock photo from an event in London)

So having a named officer to guarantee that could be helpful. But victims often now get the phone number of an officer in their case and it leads to dissatisfaction since they are busy, dont keep appointments, arent always on shift and there is rarely anyone else who can keep a victim up to date.

Any new system of personal officers would have to ensure priority for communicating with victims.

Claire Waxman, Victims Commissioner for London, tweeted: PM wants to ensure every victim has a named police officer.

Not sure how this is a new initiative? Its already an entitlement in the Victims Code of Practice.

Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: The hypocrisy from this Government knows no bounds. It is the Conservatives that decided to cut the number of frontline officers by 21,000, which has hammered neighbourhood policing.

Ministers also insulted police officers with a zero per cent pay offer. No wonder the Police Federation have no confidence in this Home Secretary.

'Ministers are wasting millions on a pointless vanity yacht. Labour has been clear with its offer of more neighbourhood policing and scrapping the vanity yacht to invest in making communities safer.
Brave police horse Tobruk has been spoiled with carrots, apples and black liquorice treats after being punched by a protester during Sydney's anti-lockdown rally.

Tobruk and his rider were managing thousands of demonstrators who marched in the city's CBD in protest against the city's lockdown on Saturday.

In the midst of the chaos, a man approached the mounted policeman and allegedly struck the 13-year-old thoroughbred, which emerged from the incident uninjured.

Tobruk's rider, Senior Constable Patrick Condon, (left) said his beloved horse Tobruk had received carrots, apples, chocolate and liquorice from grateful Sydneysiders

Other anti-lockdown protestors hurled flower pots at mounted officers, covering them with soil, and another policeman was splattered with dark ink.

NSW Police posted a photo of a protester allegedly punching Tobruk on Saturday evening and pleaded with the public to identify the man.

The violent image quickly went viral on social media and received 63,000 likes and almost 44,000 comments within hours.

After thousands of outraged Sydneysiders asked for an update on Tobruk's condition, NSW Police confirmed the brave horse was safe and well.

'Good news! Troop horse Tobruk was not injured and is recovering back at the stables after a hard day's work,' a police Facebook post later read.

A man (pictured in yellow singlet) approached the mounted policeman during the chaos and allegedly struck the 13-year-old thoroughbred, which emerged uninjured

NSW Police posted a photo of a protester (pictured) allegedly punching Tobruk on Saturday evening and pleaded with the public to identify the man

The 13-year-old thoroughbred has been recovering in his stables after being spoilt with gifts like carrots and liquorice (pictured)

In a separate post, the NSW Mounted Police posted a photo of the police horse on Facebook as he wound down in his stable after a long day.

'Our beautiful brave Tobruk safe and uninjured after his awful encounter today,' the post read.

'Thank you again everyone for your words of support.'

Tobruk's rider, Senior Constable Patrick Condon, said on the Today show that he got emotional while reflecting on the moment his beloved horse was struck.

The Commander of the Mounted Unit, Michael Rochester, said he was very disappointed at what he saw on Saturday.

'It's quite a high-intensity environment for the horses, not to mention the police officers, and combined they made an amazing team,' he said.

'It's quite a high intensity environment for the horses, not to mention the police officers, and combined they made an amazing team,' the Commander of the Mounted Unit said

The commander described the ugly scenes as an 'escalation of violence' and said the riders and horses had done their best to manage the angry crowds

He said Tobruk had extensive training before his first time at a protest on Saturday.

The commander described the ugly scenes as an 'escalation of violence' and said the riders and horses did their best to manage the angry crowds.

Mr Condon said Tobruk was spoilt in the days after the protest and was sent copious amounts of carrots, apples, and liquorice by the public.

'The support from the public, particularly yesterday when I patrolled out in Manly, people were walking up and offering their support,' he said.

The NSW Mounted Police posted photos of Tobruk's gifts on Facebook and said the brave thoroughbred was being 'extra spoilt'.

'Sending big virtual hugs to Tobruk and all the brave equine officers. Thank you to each and every one of you,' one woman commented.

Mr Condon said he had felt emotional reflecting on his beloved horse getting allegedly struck, but felt grateful for the outpour of support from the community

Copious amounts of apples, carrots, chocolate, liquorice and flowers were sent to Tobruk and his buddies at the Mounted Police Unit in Sydney

'So lovely for Tobruk to receive these gifts, well deserved, and enough to share with his buddies,' another said.

'This is heartwarming to see the community caring about the horses. Yesterday was frightening,' a third shared.

Two men were arrested late on Saturday night and charged with animal cruelty after allegedly striking police horses at the anti-lockdown rally.

Police attended a unit on Marlborough Street in Surry Hills at 11.20pm, where they arrested a Kristian Pulkownik, 33, who was later charged with animal cruelty and other crimes.

The second man, Remon Korkise, 36, was arrested at a house on Kalang Road in Edensor Park and also charged with animal cruelty.

Both men were refused bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Sunday. Pulkownik did not apply for bail and spent a second night in jail.

Meanwhile, helicopter vision of the violent moment Tobruk was struck on the nose appears to reveal the protestor did step forward to swing at the horse.

The man - wearing a yellow vest with the words 'Free Speech' written on it - is seen pushing Tobruk away as his rider works to control the crowd.

He then appears to ready himself for the horse to turn around and swings in the direction of his nose, before officers in the crowd grab him by the shoulders.

'Stop defending this guy,' the helicopter vision is captioned, which was uploaded to TikTok on Sunday and quickly divided social media users.

While many commentators condemned the act of 'animal cruelty', others said the man was simply acting in self defence.

'Funny how everyone else managed to get out of the way... but he had to push the horse,' one user said.

'Anyone would have done the same. The copper came towards him!', another wrote.

Two men were arrested late on Saturday night and charged with animal cruelty after allegedly striking police horses at the anti-lockdown rally

Commander of the Mounted Police Unit Michael Rochester revealed the anti-lockdown demonstrations on Saturday had been Tobruk's first time at a protest

The demonstrations, which were also seen in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide were a response to more than half the country's 25 million people ordered to stay home over an outbreak which began in Sydney's east.

The protesters in Sydney marched from Victoria Park to Town Hall in the central business district on Saturday.

They broke through a police barrier to continue down George Street but were stopped at King Street by a heavy police presence, including mounted police and riot officers.

Frenzied crowds were heard shouting 'freedom' and anti-vaccine slogans as they swarmed Sydney's city centre, just moments after NSW Health's Jeremy McAnulty declared the area a virus hotspot.

Police issued a total of 510 infringement notices on Saturday, with the majority of these fines distributed at the protests.

The demonstrations, which were also seen in Brisbane, Victoria and South Australia were a response to more than half the country's 25million people ordered to stay at home over an outbreak which began in Sydney's east

Police issued a total of 510 infringement notices on Saturday, with the majority of these fines distributed at the protests

About 57 demonstrators were charged during the event, but detectives are working around the clock to identify those who opted against wearing face masks in direct defiance of public health orders.

There are major concerns that Saturday's protests will prove to have been a super spreading event, and authorities are calling on the estimated 3,500 people who attended in Sydney to get a Covid test for the sake of the community.

'I'm appealing to all 3,500 people to get tested tomorrow, if not for themselves for the sake of their family and friends,' NSW Police Minister David Elliott said.
Police are investigating after an anti-vax former nurse told a rally how she was collecting information on medical staff and referenced the hanging of doctors at the Nuremberg Trials.

Kate Shemirani, 54, was removed from social media and suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council in July last year for spreading misinformation.

She had used her status as a health professional to spread 'distorted propaganda' about the Covid-19 pandemic, claiming that symptoms of the virus were caused by 5G and that vaccines were 'rushed through' because 'they want to kill you'.

Shemirani had previously said nurses were complicit in genocide, said vaccination teams should be renamed 'death squads' and referred to the NHS as the 'new Auschwitz'.

In footage posted on Twitter on Saturday, she speaks to a crowd in Trafalgar Square through a loudhailer, telling them: 'At the Nuremberg trials, the doctors and nurses, they stood trial, and they hung.

Kate Shemirani, 54, was removed from social media and suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council in July last year for spreading misinformation (pictured: Shemirani at the rally on July 24)

Kate Shemirani speaks to thousands of protesters during the demonstration. Demonstrators protest in Trafalgar Square, London

Pictured: Kate Shemirani with Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

THE NUREMBERG DOCTORS' TRIAL The doctors' trial was the first of 12 trials for war crimes of high-ranking German officials and industrialists that US authorities held in Nuremberg after the end of World War II. Twenty of the twenty-three defendants were medical doctors, and were said to have been involved in Nazi human experimentation and mass murder under the guise of euthanasia. The accused were faced with four charges of war crimes, including performing medical experiments, without the subjects' consent, on prisoners of war and civilians of occupied countries, in the course of which experiments the defendants committed murders, brutalities, cruelties, tortures, atrocities, and other inhuman acts. They were also charged with planning and performing the mass murder of prisoners of war and civilians of occupied countries, stigmatised as aged, insane, incurably ill, deformed, and so on, by gas, lethal injections, and other means in nursing homes, hospitals, and asylums during the Euthanasia Program and participating in the mass murder of concentration camp inmates. Accusations also included crimes against humanity and membership in a criminal organization, the SS. The indictment was filed on 25 October 1946, and the trial lasted from 9 December that year until 20 August 1947. Of the 23 defendants, seven were acquitted and seven received death sentences. The remainder received prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. All of the criminals sentenced to death were hanged on 2 June 1948 in Landsberg prison, Bavaria. Josef Mengele, one of the leading Nazi doctors, had evaded capture. Advertisement

'If you are a doctor or a nurse, now is the time to get off that bus.

'Get off it and stand with us, the people, all around the world they are rising.'

Palliative care doctor Rachel Clarke uploaded footage of her remarks, tagging the Met Police and accusing Shemirani of 'threatening NHS doctors with the noose' and 'inciting hatred'.

Shemirani had told the crowd to 'get the names' of NHS workers, adding: 'Email them to me. With a group of lawyers, we are collecting all that.'

A Met Police spokesman said that the remarks were being investigated.

'We are aware of video circulating online showing a speech that occurred during a rally in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, 24 July.

'Officers are carrying out inquiries to establish whether any offences have been committed. No arrests have been made.'

Last month it was revealed that an NMC Fitness to Practice Committee ruled that her misconduct was so serious that she should be struck from the nursing register permanently.

In its ruling, the chair of the panel found that Mrs Shemirani 'attempted to encourage people to act contrary to public health guidance issued by the UK government by spreading this information through social media platforms and at public events'.

The panel heard that Mrs Shemirani first joined the NMC register in June 1986 and had previously worked in the NHS but now describes herself as an 'aesthetic nurse practitioner'.

The NMC received a 'significant number of referrals' about her conduct last year as she became a leading activist, speaker and promoter against vaccines and the existence of Covid-19.

She used her social media brand 'Kate Shemirani - Natural Nurse in a Toxic World' to spread her opinions, often referring to herself as a registered nurse and wearing a nurse's uniform in her videos.

The panel heard her describe face masks as 'dirty rags' and 'muzzles'. She claimed they 'do not stop viruses' and that 'wearing a mask makes people very sick and increases the risk of bacteria and the risk of infections'.

According to her, ingredients in vaccines include 'acetone and aborted foetal cell tissue that turns into cancer'.

She said the HPV 'kills girls on the spot' and described the Covid-19 vaccines as 'downright deadly', adding that 'there is no C-19 other than the one pre loaded into a syringe'.

Her social media accounts with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram have since been blocked, but the panel heard that she continued to post similar content and feature on other people's accounts on other social media sites such as Telegram, BitChute and Brighteon.

Thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square to protest against the vaccination programme and the Government's approach to the pandemic

Kate Shemirani in Parliament Square on July 19 - she wore a nurse's uniform despite being struck off a month earlier

She was interviewed on main stream national media networks as a leading 'anti-vaxxer', including on BBC One Panorama, Sky News, and ITV Wales.

Reaching it's decision, the panel heard how she also used her social media platform to compare health organisations with Nazi death camps.
The New York Police Department has released images of three teenagers accused of launching a vicious attack on a firefighter as he walked his dog.

The 44-year-old father of three was walking his Labradoodle, Dylan, in Juniper Valley Park in the Middle Village neighborhood of Queens.

He was walking along the road at around 9.55pm on Friday when 'at least 100 kids' attacked him, with one of the youngsters calling it 'fight night'.

On Sunday the NYPD published an appeal for help in identifying the attackers.

The three young white men were described as wearing shorts, t-shirts and sneakers.

New York Police Department are searching for the young man in the white shorts and sneakers (pictured), who attacked the firefighter on Friday night

A second suspect was pictured with shoulder-length hair and a black t-shirt (left), and the third wore a gray t-shirt. It was unclear if the three, if caught, would be charged with felonies or misdemeanors

'The victim engaged the group in conversation concerning the noise they were making. A verbal dispute ensued which escalated in a physical encounter with multiple individuals kicking and punching the victim about the body, before he was able to flee the scene,' NYPD officials said in their appeal.

'Although the victim sustained cuts, bruising and pain he refused medical attention.'

The firefighter, who has not been named, told the New York Post the mob set on him.

'They just picked me out and approached me,' he said.

He said one of the teens took of his shirt and declared 'I could fight you' while everyone else took out their cell phones. Some of the footage has gone viral online.

'They all came at me,' he said.

'A kid came up behind me and hit me in the back of the head with a bottle and I let go of the dog.'

The moment a mob of violent teens attacked an off-duty FDNY firefighter walking his dog in New York City was caught on video

The firefighter, 44, was walking his Labradoodle in Juniper Valley Park in the Middle Village neighborhood of Queens around 9:55 p.m. on Friday

The video shows his dog barking at the attackers before someone grabs his leash, while he tries to defend himself from the group of teenagers

The firefighter said that the kids 'were going crazy' and claimed they were 'high as a kite' before he got hit out of nowhere. Officers confirmed that he was hit in the back of a head with a glass bottle

The video footage, which appears to start in the middle of the attack, shows the man put up his fist while his dog barks at the mob, before someone grabs his leash.

The firefighter said that the youngsters 'were going crazy' and claimed they were 'high as a kite' before he got hit.

'I got hit, turned around, that's when the kids started coming at me,' he told the New York Post.

'Then I was on the floor, holding one kid.'

He was eventually saved when an ambulance pulled up.

'They were waiting by the park,' he said.

'If they weren't there I would have been in much worse condition.'

Officers told the New York Post that the man was hit in the head with a glass bottle, and that no arrests have been made.

His dog was saved by a Good Samaritan and not hurt during the attack.

'I'm a little lumped up. What are you going to do? Thank God I'm still here. It could have been worse,' the firefighter said.

He said the park has become a hangout spot for rowdy teens and noted that he found three knives in the park on Saturday.

Curtis Sliwa, the long-shot Republican candidate for mayor of New York City, also shared the video on Twitter and said the firefighter was attacked when he asked the teens to stop setting off fireworks.

'NYPD from the 104th precinct were there but did nothing,' claimed Silwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels.

He told the New York Post that the group will begin patrolling the park starting at 6pm on Saturday.

Curtis Sliwa, the longshot Republican candidate for mayor of New York City, said the firefighter was attacked when he asked the teens to stop setting off firework

According to data from the NYPD, there were 484 incidents of felony assault in New York City for the week of July 12 to July 18. That number is down 3 per cent from the same recording period last year.

However, felony assaults so far this year were up 5.9 per cent by July 18 compared to the same date last year. There have been 11,550 incidents of felony assault this year, with 10,906 last year.

Misdemeanor assaults were up 10.7 per cent from 684 in 2020 to 757 in 2021 for the week of July 12 to July 18, the data shows.

So far this year there have been 18,333 misdemeanor assaults compared to 18,312 last year, a 0.1 per cent increase.

It was not immediately clear whether - if any of the teens are ultimately arrested - they would be charged with either felony or misdemeanor assault for the attack.
A mother-of-six has become the latest addition to a long list of homeless people who have died on the streets of Perth recently.

Alana Garlett, 38, was found unwell opposite the Wesley Church in the West Australian capital's CBD in the early hours of June 18 and was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, where she later died.

Another homeless woman told The West Australian that she noticed Alana had difficulty breathing when she saw her that morning.

'There was something wrong but she couldn't talk and wouldn't tell us,' the woman said. 'It was really cold that morning, freezing.'

Mother-of-six Alana Garlett (pictured) has died after being found unwell on the streets of Perth's CBD. The Noogar woman had first become homeless at 15 and was described by family as a happy woman who had dreams of becoming the next Cathy Freeman

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, temperatures in Perth that night dropped below 11 degrees Celsius.

A memorial has been erected near Wesley Church, where she used to sleep.

A spokesperson from the Coroner's Court confirmed that Alana's death had been reported to them and was under investigation.

The death follows data from the University of Western Australia's Home2Health team showing 56 homeless people died last year in Perth.

The average age of those who died was 47.

Advocates say they want a more detailed investigation into the deaths to determine what impact homelessness had and how the fatalities could have been prevented.

A funeral was held for Alana on Friday, with family describing her as a happy woman whose life had been damaged by violent relationships.

Alana first became homeless at 15 and had lost a young cousin to suicide, which had a profound impact on her.

Her parents Norma and Allen Garlett have also experienced homelessness and had to couch surf for several years.

Her mother said Alana loved to run as a child and had dreams of being the next Cathy Freeman.

'She used to be a runner when she was younger and she wanted to pursue that. But in the end life got the best of her so she ran off track,' she said.

A memorial has been erected near Wesley Church (pictured) in Perth's CBD where Alana used to sleep. Her death is under investigation following data showing 56 homeless people died in Perth last year

Norma said the family was told Alana had been 'drenched' by rain when she was found.

Her sister Michelle Garlett said the family were desperate to know how Alana had died.

'We're trying to get our heads around it at the moment,' Michelle said.

'We'd like to find out what happened to her. Trying to find out is heartbreaking.'

Alana's children are in the care of her family. A GP who has known them for years said Alana's death was devastating and should be a wake-up call for the government.

A nurse who works with homeless people in Perth said most of the people she works with had complex health needs and backgrounds of significant trauma and mental health issues.

'It's impossible for them to manage, health comes last, really. There's so many competing needs, where are they going to sleep? Are they going to get food?' she said.

'When you start getting to your mid to late thirties and into your forties that is when your body is starting to break down. It can't take any more of the poor nutrition, assault, drug use and all of those things that people do to cope and survive.

'When they get to late forties to fifties they're experiencing health issues most people won't experience until their seventies and eighties.'

It is common to see homeless people with respiratory problems as a result of the cold.

Several deaths recorded by the research team at Home2Health in recent years included homeless people who had pneumonia when they died.

Associate Professor Lisa Wood, who leads the team which collects the data, said it was important that homelessness be considered when the Coroner was investigating deaths.

'Similar to when you have a death in custody, there might be clinical cause of death but the circumstance also should be considered,' she said.

Lindsay Hale, Department of Communities executive director of service delivery, said Alana was not on the public housing waitlist at the time of her death and that the Coroner's Office is investigating her death.

'The State Government earlier this month announced it has secured a lease for a new homelessness facility to provide immediate and culturally appropriate responses to rough sleeping in the Perth CBD area. The service will be Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation led and will operate as Boorloo Bidee Mia (Perth pathway to housing). It is scheduled to open its doors early next month,' Mr Hale said.

A cause of death has not yet been established.
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If you happened to stroll by Union Square in New York City on Sunday, you might have been greeted by an unusual sight: people posing nude, their bodies covered in floral designs and stars painted in bright colors.

That's how a group of 26 artists and 45 models celebrated the eighth annual NYC Bodypainting Day, using the human body as their canvas to promote messages like body positivity.

'The idea of the event is really to promote free expression and acceptance of all people, their ideas as artists and also their bodies,' said artist Andy Golub, the event's main organizer.

As part of New York's 8th annual Bodypainting Day, famed and controversial nude artist, Andy Golub and 30 other artists painted 45 nude models, regular people of all shapes and sizes

The theme of the eighth New York City Bodypainting Day theme is resilience

Ten years ago artist Andy Golub, the event's main organizer, was arrested along with two of his models

The charges were ultimately dropped with the NYPD forced to acknowledge that nude bodypainting was art

Models of all shapes and sizes marched from Union Square to Greenwich Village before boarding a double-decker bus to travel through the city, over the Manhattan Bridge getting off in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

The nude models stood in the heat for four hours on Sunday as they had their human canvas' created

The artists painted several people with complementing body art that matched one another

A model has her face painted in Union Square at the 8th annual NYC National Body Painting Day event in New York, New York

Part of their mission is to promote a contrast between art and advertising in the public space, the role of street art versus gallery art and appropriateness of public nudity

Detail of Lakisha 'KiKi' Alston's back after being painted at Human Connection Arts 8th Annual NYC Bodypainting Day

Body painting artist Leann (R) paints a model's face in Union Square at the 8th annual NYC National Body Painting Day

Over 25 artists gathered to paint more than 40 nude models before marching along fifth Avenue to Washington Square Park

People participate in the 8th annual Body Painting Day' in Union Square in New York City.

An artist spray paints skulls on a model's leg during in theBody Painting Day

Bo Attwood paints the legs of Lakisha 'KiKi' Alston at Human Connection Arts 8th Annual NYC Bodypainting Day

Models take selfies and chat while painting one another at Human Connection Arts 8th Annual NYC Bodypainting Day

A body painting artist paints her face in Union Square at the 8th annual NYC National Body Painting Day event in New York

Bring painted in thirsty week causing this man to enjoy a cup of water during the event

An ethereal landscape is painted onto the skin of one male participant

Elizabeth Conner and David Conner hold hands and kiss during the colorful event

Bo Attwood, left, is painted by his partner Scott Ring, right, during the bodypainting event

Scott Ring, left, and Bo Attwood, right, watch models get painted having been splashed in color themselves

Cups of water and paint scatter the ground around the part where the event was taking place

The nude models were all photographed underneath the Washington Square arch on Sunday

Before the models made their way to Brooklyn, they posed on the steps of Union Square

Body painting artist John Rovito (R) paints a model on top of his van in Union Square

One man laughs as the tickley paintbrush decorated his abs

McKensi Pascall is painted by artist Tom Sebazco at the Body Painting Day

Artists painted over 50 nude models from head to toe over a period of four hours

A decade ago, the models and artists probably would have been arrested for what they did.

After Golub and his two models were booked by cops in Times Square ten years ago, both models sued the City, saying nudity is allowed as part of art.

At least one of them received a $15,000 settlement while Golub also had his charges dismissed, on the condition he only paint after dark.

In 2013, New York Civil Liberties Union helped Golub remove such restrictions with the NYPD forced to acknowledge that full nudity was legal in public for the sake of art.

It was also a way to celebrate New York City's emerging from the deadly coronavirus pandemic after more than a year of restrictions that forced the city that never sleeps to grind to almost a complete halt.

Intricate designs were painted in a session that took around four hours in the summer heat

All colors of the rainbow were on display as people stood and waited for their skin to spring to life

Some of the creations appeared to be otherworldly with dramatic patterns and shadings

Bodyshapes of all different sizes were on display as the artists performed their work

Participants struck a pose once the artwork was done to allow budding photographers to take a snap

A fiery creation was painted on this woman's body with an eruption appearing to take place all over her

One woman appeared to have stepped out of a cartoon as she gestured towards the camera on Sunday afternoon in New York

The bodypainting took around four hours while various different styles were created on a canvas of human skin

This woman smiles as the paintbrush appeared to gently tickle her as the paint was pasted on

A yellow man closely follows a red man as the pair walk around Union Square Park in Manhattan

One couple appeared to have his and hers creations painted onto their bodies

Some paintings were so thick that it looked as though the models were in fact wearing clothes

Misty and Carl marched along fifth Avenue to Washington Square Park

The march ended at Washington Square park with this woman posing in the fountain

Andy Golub, Founder of Human Connection Arts, paints models Niki Davis and Shira during the event

Niki Davis and Shira participate with matching bodypaint creations

'I think it's important to show that New York City is getting better and this is actually a time of resilience,' said Rocket Osborne, a New York City-based architect.

Models stood under tents set up in the bustling square as artists painted on them. Others posed on stages set up for the event to showcase the completed art work as passersby stopped to snap a photo or a video.

A small crowd of a couple hundred people gathered to watch the event in the summer heat that, luckily for the organizers, was not as intense as to melt the paint.

'I think it's beautiful, the fact that people can actually get out and be as we are supposed to be,' said Queens resident and sculptor Gregory Valentine.

An artist sticks her tongue out as she paints a unique design onto a willing participant in the bodypainting event

Artists were hard at work for several hours as they lathered on the color

A woman smiles broadly as she is painted in a rainbow of color while sitting on a chair in New York City

Any signs of blushing were easily disguised by the pink paint used in this colorful creation

A woman is painted in purple together with black lines in another artistic flourish during Sunday's event

A woman takes time out to have a cigarette break while daubed in tantalizing brush strokes

This woman's design appears to be of a face kissing the planets of the Solar System in an out of this world human painting

The designs were extremely varied as this partial skeleton painting appears to show

A woman shimmers in gold while other artistic lines are painted across her skin
The UK's biggest tobacco company has sold over 1billion worth of menthol-tasting cigarettes in the year since menthol cigarettes were banned, the Mail can reveal.

It's feared up to 120,000 people will die in the long term after Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which makes Benson & Hedges and Sterling, was accused of 'cynically sidestepping' new regulations aimed at stopping children from smoking.

The firm replaced several of its brands with an almost identically named and marketed range of 'menthol reimagined' cigarettes which launched the very day the menthol ban came into force in May last year.

Figures produced by data analytics firm Nielsen and leaked to the Mail show JTI sold more than 100million packs of the new minty-tasting cigarettes, which accounts for more than 2 billion individual cigarettes and total sales topping 1billion.

It's feared up to 120,000 people will die in the long term after Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which makes Benson & Hedges and Sterling, was accused of 'cynically sidestepping' new regulations aimed at stopping children from smoking [File photo]

The tobacco giant is estimated to have made over 90million in profits from the estimated 600,000 people who have smoked the replacement cigarettes  which are mostly sold in the same green packaging and which customers have said taste 'fully menthol'.

This is despite the fact Public Health England launched an inquiry after a leaked document showed how the tobacco firm advised retailers on how to keep 'making a mint' from the huge UK menthol cigarette market  accounting for a fifth of smokers  after the ban.

PHE said it had warned JTI of concerns that some of its products still have a 'characterising menthol flavour'  which has been unlawful since last year.

The Mail's revelations also come as MPs on the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health this week demanded a tightening in the law to extend the ban to any menthol-tasting cigarette rather than the current 'cigarettes with a characterising flavour' of menthol, which they said had made the intended ban 'easy to circumvent and complex to oversee.'

Their report said: 'The purpose of flavourings is to make cigarettes more appealing and easier to smoke, whether they are 'characterising' or not is irrelevant, as well as setting a standard which is difficult to measure'

Deborah Arnott, head of Action on Smoking and Health, said: 'The investigation reveals just how ineffective the ban on flavours introduced by the Government last year has been.

'Banning only flavours which meet the ill-defined test that they are 'characterising' makes no sense at all.' PHE said it was also planning more testing for cigarette products.

But JTI said it was confident it was 'fully compliant with UK law' and said rival firms had launched similar products in other EU markets which have the same laws.

The Mail revealed last May how a handbook produced in association with JTI called 'making a mint' was given to retailers. It was subtitled 'Everything you need to know to successfully navigate the menthol ban'.
Texas firefighter, Elijah Snow, was found dead in near Cancun, Mexico

A Texas firefighter was found dead at a resort in Cancun while on vacation to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary.

Mexican authorities discovered the body of 35-year-old Elijah Snow, of Arlington, last Monday and opened an investigation.

'The circumstances in which the events occurred are being investigated,' officials wrote in a social media post from the state attorney general's office for Quintana Roo, Fiscalia General Quintana Roo.

Snow's body was 'located in a bathroom window' at a hotel but it was not the resort where Snow had been staying but about half an hours drive, or 10 miles away from the beachfront hotels of Cancun.

So far, Snow's cause of death has not been released but family members think he may have been killed after a possible kidnapping.

Adding to the confusion, Snow's wife, Jamie Snow, was told that her husband had in fact died after falling over a wall while at the Cancun resort where they were staying, but the family do not believe the explanation.

Elijah Snow and his wife Jamie were on vacation for their 10-year wedding anniversary

Local officials say his body was found at a different hotel to where he was staying

After the couple had been to a resort bar for drink, Elijah went back out to a bar. Jamie began a search for him at around 4am and was told he had been found dead by 8:30 that morning

Colleague Xavier Flores posted on Facebook about Arlington, Texas Firefighter Elijah Snow with photos of his body being brought back home:

A friend of the family posted about the Elijah Snow's death on Facebook

A local attorney managed to source photos of the crime scene that suggest Snow was in fact beaten to death, according to KTVT.

The couple had been celebrating their 10-year anniversary but Snow was found dead after just one night away. The name of the resort has so far not been released by authorities.

The pair are said to have enjoyed a few drinks at the hotel bar before deciding to head back to their room whereupon Snow stopped and went back to the bar, while his wife went to their room to sleep.

Jamie Snow woke up around 4am and went looking for her husband when he had not returned only to be told that he had been found dead having 'fallen between the walls of the neighboring resort.'

Elijah Snow's father-in-law, Randy Elledge, said that it appeared Snow had been beaten and possibly suffocated.

'You're supposed to be safe there,' Elledge said. 'You're at your resort, all inclusive, and have no intentions of leaving so you'll be safe. And you're not safe there.'

Snow was a firefighter in Arlington, Texas and had worked for the Fire Department for eight years.

The couple were said to have been staying in the hotel zone of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
A mother was heard screaming 'the back door was open' before a five-year-old boy was found dead at a river, neighbours have claimed as the child was named today as 'funny and polite' Logan Williamson. South Wales Police have arrested a 39-year-old man, a 30-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of murder after Logan's body was found in the River Ogmore close to his home in the village of Sarn near Bridgend. Officers are thought to have removed video footage from a doorbell camera on the exterior of his house (circled), and friends revealed Logan and his family had been self-isolating for two weeks while recovering from Covid-19. The fun-loving boy was reported missing at 5.45am on Saturday and there were fears he had walked out of his home to the nearby river, but police became suspicious after interviewing relatives. After saying specially trained officers were supporting the family, the force said three people were being held at separate police stations. Social services have been called in because of the age of the youngest suspect, who is only three years within the age of criminal responsibility in the UK, which is ten. Officers are not looking for anyone else over the incident. Neighbours said they were woken by screams from outside the family's home on a terraced row of flats. One said: 'I could hear the mum screaming for her son. She was shouting 'the back door was open' and calling for him.' One mother described Logan as 'very smart' and 'happy' and told of his 'smile that would light up the world'. Pictured: Logan with his mother Angharad Williamson and stepfather Jay Cole; and at the river where he was later found dead.
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Missing British backpacker Esther Dingley could have fallen after being caught out by a snow-covered mountain path in the Pyrenees, a local expert has speculated after possible human remains including a skull were found near where she was last seen alive.

The remains - which were discovered by Spanish and French hikers on the approach to the Puerto de la Glera pass, Port de la Glere in French, on Friday - have been sent to a lab in Toulouse for comparison with Ms Dingley's dental records and a DNA sample from her mother.

Ms Dingley, 37, had been planning to cross back into Spain through the pass after spending a day hiking on the French side of the border before she went missing on November 22 last year. Her last known contact was a WhatsApp call with her boyfriend Dan Colegate from the summit of the Pic de Sauvegarde, where she took a selfie of herself.

The two Oxford graduates had been travelling around Europe in a camper van for years after quitting their careers and Durham home. Missing persons charity LBT Global, which has been supporting Mr Colegate and Ms Dingley's family, said that confirmation of whether the possible human remains were a match would take 'days or even weeks'.

According to Guilhem Garrigues, the keeper of the Venasque refuge on the French side of the border where the British hiker had planned to spend the night, Ms Dingley could have fallen in snow.

He explained that the paths she was believed to have taken were clear on the Spanish face of the mountains, but could have remained covered in snow around the Puerto de la Glera pass, where the slopes are normally shaded and which could have taken her by surprise.

The keeper - who handles hosting, maintenance and cooking duties at the refuge - added police had resumed searches for Ms Dingley two weeks ago after the winter snows melted and that officers told him they believed it likely her remains would be discovered by the public by chance.

Mr Garrigues told the Times newspaper: 'The hike is easy in the summer and there are about 20 people who do it every day. But in the winter it changes completely. It's steep and anyone can make a mistake and slip, or be unbalanced by a gust of wind.'

Missing British backpacker Esther Dingley could have fallen after being caught out by a snow-covered mountain path in the Pyrenees, a local expert has speculated

British hiker Esther Dingley (pictured with her boyfriend Daniel Colegate) went missing November 22

Ms Dingley, 37, had been planning to cross back into Spain through the pass after spending a day hiking on the French side of the border before she went missing on November 22 last year

Meanwhile Ms Dingley's family said in a statement they are 'urgently seeking clarification' after bones believed to be human were found on Friday near where the hiker was last seen.

An investigating French source on Saturday said there was no 'immediate proof as to the identity of the remains' and that 'a medico-legal procedure will be followed to establish the identity of Person X in the days ahead.'

Mr Colegate wrote in the 23-page report about Ms Dingley's plans to do a circular hike between Spain and France which involved sleeping at a mountain refuge.

He said in his dossier: 'An individual that Esther met on November 19 came forward to say he had specifically suggested this route through France, between Port de Venasque and Port de la Glere, to Esther when he met her. There is no reason to think that Esther did not stick to this plan.'

In a section titled 'Esther's Planned Onward Route', he suggested she reached the mountain refuge in France and slept there overnight before continuing a hike to return to her initial starting point in Spain.

He said: 'Her onward route would have involved a descent northwards towards the Hospice de France, a flat traverse westwards around the Imperatrice Way, and a climb southwards to the border at Port de la Glere. From the border the route descends back towards Hospital de Benasque.

'This route would have been well within Esther's capabilities for a day hike, in addition to the fact she had a tent, camping equipment and significant experience using it.

'Distance was 16km with 1100 metres of ascent, five to seven hours of hiking time. The weather remained excellent that Monday. The route is very obvious on the ground and also from the terrain when starting from Refuge de Venasque.

A mountain runner raised the alarm around 2pm on Friday after discovering what he believed could be the remains of a body near the spot where missing hiker Esther Dingley went missing late last year.

Specialist officers from Spain and France have carried out several searches of the area around the Puerto de la Glera hiking trail, where Ms Dingley was hiking before she went missing

'It's basically impossible to get lost in good visibility here. The entire route is a well-made and easy to follow path. Although Esther believed and had warned family that there was poor signal in the area, in fact the signal is very good on the French side.

'Within half an hour of leaving the refuge, Esther should have been able to use her phone for most of the rest of the day.'

Officers from the Civil Guard went to the spot but alerted their French counterparts after confirming it was on the other side of the border. One unconfirmed local report said the unnamed runner had come across a human skull.

A Spanish radio station covering the province of Huesca which includes the town of Benasque where Ms Dingley began the hike she vanished on, said: 'Sources close to the investigation have indicated that the skull could correspond to Esther Dingley's because of the colour and length of the hair.'

French and Spanish police have both confirmed bones have been found but have not gone into any more details.

Civil Guard sources said yesterday officers were '90 per cent certain' they were human remains but insisted the job of analysing them for confirmation and more clues was now a French task.

LBT Global said in its first written statement overnight: 'LBT Global is aware of the discovery of what may be human remains close to the last known location of Esther Dingley.

Her partner claimed in a recent BBC interview he 'could no longer agree' with the idea she had suffered an accident

'We are urgently seeking clarification. The family have been informed of the discovery and we are supporting them now.

'Until anything is confirmed there will be no statement or interviews with any family members. Please be aware this may take days or even weeks.'

Specialist forensics officers from the General Directorate of the National Gendarmerie (DGGN) will carry out the task, under the supervision of France's Interior Ministry and an examining magistrate.

Up to 3,000 unidentified bodies are found in France every year, including ones in vast rural areas such as the Pyrenees, said the source.

'Prosecutors order analysis in the case of suspicious death, and that is when the entire procedure starts,' said the source. 'Genetic and dental material is gathered before burial can be allowed. It is a potentially complex procedure.'

DNA analysis is considered the most accurate part of the identification process, but samples are not always available to pathologists if a body is badly decomposed, or reduced to bone, said the source.

Christophe Amunzateguy, the chief public prosecutor of Saint-Gaudens, has been informed about the discovery of the remains, and was liaising with police investigators this weekend.

Missing Esther Dingley's camper van was spotted parked up in Benasque . Witness Lucie was walking her dog Tipo when she spotted the camper van with the light on and someone inside on December 2

French police commander Jean-Marc Bordinaro, who has been involved in the search for Ms Dingley from the start, said: 'We cannot say anything at the moment because the discovery of the bones is too recent and they must be properly analysed. We will not have a result for several days and possibly several weeks.'

Commander Bordinaro confirmed that Ms Dingley was believed to be heading towards Port de Glere when she went missing.

It is thought that she intended to spend a night in a mountain refuge in France, but there was no initial evidence that she had actually entered French territory.

Mr Bordinaro said his colleagues were contacted by Spanish police on Friday afternoon, after the remains were discovered at about 2pm. Mr Bordinaro had previously admitted that it was 'very likely' that Durham-born Ms Dingley had been involved in a mountain accident, and had been unable to raise help.

The search for her was called off in February because of deteriorating weather, but it resumed in the Spring.

In her final message to Mr Colegate on November 22, Ms Dingley wrote: 'Might dip into France. Hoping Refuge Venasque has a winter room. Keep you posted when can. Love you xxx'

Puerto de la Glera is close to the to the 8,796ft Pico Salvaguardia summit where Oxford graduate Esther last made contact with Mr Colegate around 4pm on November 22 last year.

Specialist officers from Spain and France have carried out several searches of the area. A co-ordinated air and land search by police mountain rescue experts from both countries took place on July 1.

Civil Guard sergeant Jorge Lopez Ramos, whose Greim elite mountain search and rescue team led an eight-day search for Ms Dingley on the Spanish side of the border before it was halted last December because of bad weather, confirmed late last year Puerto de la Glera was on the route Esther told her boyfriend she was planning to take before she disappeared.

British hiker Esther Dingley was seen at Eroski supermartket in Benasque, Spain, on Novermber 19, days before her sudden disappearance

Referring to the mountain pass by its Spanish name, he said at the time: 'Esther told her partner she was planning to spend the night in a nearby refuge on the French side of the border called Venasque before doing a long half-circle to re-enter Spain through a mountain pass called Puerto de la Glera and heading back down to Llanos del Hospital.

'It would have been a long day's walk or she could have spent the night somewhere and finished the following day.

'We don't know if she reached Venasque that night. It's shut at the moment and only an emergency part of it is open for people to sleep in and consume any food they have with them.'

French police chief Jean Marc Bordinaro said yesterday: 'We cannot say anything at the moment because the discovery of the bones is too recent and they must be properly analysed. We will not have a result for several days and possibly several weeks.'

A prosecutor based in Saint-Gaudens is expected to make an official statement if there are any changes to the current situation.

Spanish Civil Guard said the discovery was a matter for the French police to comment on as the bones had been found on their side of the border.
Radio personality Amanda Keller has accused her breakfast rival Ben Fordham and conservative commentator Alan Jones of 'whipping up' the anti-lockdown riots that resulted in clashes with police around Australia.

Sydney's city centre was a scene of chaos on Saturday afternoon as 3,500 protesters stormed the streets to denounce the restrictions.

Riot control horses were required to control the crowds and 5,500 reports were made to police, with 63 people so far arrested for defying a public health order.

Keller, the co-host of breakfast on WSFM, suggested Fordham, her 2GB rival, and his predecessor Alan Jones, now on Sky News, were responsible for making people angry enough to riot.

'There are a lot of people who are frustrated with this lockdown, of course they are, but there's a lot of people also responsible for whipping up this up: people on other radio stations,' she said.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Fordham or Jones whipped up anti-lockdown protests, with the rally organised mainly on social media by conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers who even dispute the existence of Covid-19.

Both media personalities have questioned the lockdown policies but not denied the danger posed by the disease itself or told anyone to disobey public health orders.

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Radio personality Amanda Keller has accused her breakfast rival Ben Fordham and conservative commentator Alan Jones of 'whipping up' anti-lockdown riots

Keller's co-host Brendan Jones asked: 'Which other radio stations?'

Keller replied: 'I think Ben Fordham's been saying, "This lockdown's ridiculous."

'The Sky presenters, Alan Jones, etcetera, "Why are we having this lockdown?"

'It's counterproductive. It whips all this up.'

Keller, who also hosts The Living Room on Network Ten, likened Sydney's anti-lockdown protestors with Americans who rioted for Donald Trump in January 2021 at the Capitol building in Washington DC in a bid to stop the Electoral College from certifying Joe Biden as the winner of the November presidential election.

'It's like looking at Trump rallies,' she said.

Brendan Jones then brought up Alan Jones's controversial comments ahead of the December 2005 Cronulla riots in Sydney's south.

'It's not like Alan Jones to whip up a riot of sorts, not like Cronulla 2005,' he said.

Sydney's city centre was a scene of chaos on Saturday afternoon as hundreds of protesters stormed the streets to denounce the restrictions. Riot control horses were required to control the crowds and 5,500 reports were made to police, with 63 people so far arrested (including this man, pictured) for defying a public health order

The Australian Communications and Media Authority in 2007 found Alan Jones had vilified people of Middle Eastern ethnicity and had encouraged violence.

Last week, two days before the Saturday riots, Fordham slammed the lockdowns as an 'easy option' for bureaucrats.

'And bloody hard work for everyone else,' he said on July 22.

'Sydney's a tough town. It's Australia's version of New York: if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere but that doesn't mean we are going to be treated like sheep forever and hypnotised by the mythical health advice.

'We want to know the facts: what justified each decision? What are the goals for getting out of this?

Amanda Keller, the co-host of breakfast on WSFM, suggested Ben Fordham (pictured), her 2GB rival, and his predecessor Alan Jones, now on Sky News, were responsible for making people angry enough to riot

'If Plan A fails, what is Plan B? We need to get to a point of learning to live with the virus because it's not going anywhere.

'That doesn't mean we let it rip through the community. It means slowly increasing freedoms where it's safe to do so.'

In the GfK breakfast radio ratings for early July, Fordham came second behind Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson with a 13.3 per cent share of listeners, with Keller and Brendan Jones on 8 per cent.

On his Sky News program, Jones has been much more critical of New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian's stricter lockdowns.

On his Sky News program, Alan Jones (pictured) has been much more critical of New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian's stricter lockdowns

'The anger out there is white hot. Perhaps we can have a compendium of some of the nonsense that's been trotted out to us because they obviously think that workers, business, families and teenage children are all stupid,' he said.

'Remember Gladys Berejiklian in May - "I fear for Victoria and I worry about what their government may do. We have demonstrated to other states it is possible to manage an outbreak and not shut down a city".

'Not one word of apology from Berejiklian for being hopelessly wrong.'

During the 13-minute segment on July 22, Alan Jones criticised the lockdown and the mask rules but he didn't suggest people should demonstrate on the streets in defiance of a public health order.

Rami Ykmour, the co-founder of the Rashays restaurant chain, said the lockdowns had caused revenue at his 21 Sydney outlets to fall by 70 per cent, with 11 of those in the worst-affected areas of south-west and western Sydney.

Rashays restaurant co-founder Rami Ykmour (pictured with his wife and business partner Shannon) said the lockdowns had caused revenue at his 21 Sydney outlets to fall by 70 per cent, with 11 of those in the worst-affected areas of south-west and western Sydney

The entrepreneur, who works out of Chester Hill with his wife Shannon, said he was against people rioting during a pandemic but understood why many were frustrated with the lockdown.

'I'm definitely against the riots, that's 100 per cent,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Monday.

'I could understand the frustration of people: people are desperate when their back is against a wall, they tend to do things that they probably would not do in normal circumstances.

'That's what I'm afraid is happening out there.'

Mr Ykmour is calling for a revival of JobKeeper wage subsidies instead of an immediate end to lockdowns, as the restrictions stop service sector workers in western Sydney from being able to afford takeaway restaurant meals.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted both Fordham and Alan Jones for comment.
An alleged drunk driver has been charged with manslaughter after a horrific crash killed a mother and daughter on a highway in Queens.

Diana Granobles, 31, was driving with her daughter Isabella, 10, to pick up her husband from work around 8.45pm on Saturday when another car slammed into her.

Granobles was making a left turn when Tyrone Absolam, 42, rocketed into her car with his 2018 Nissan Altima - crunching in the front and back ends of his car and demolishing the entire passenger side of her 2019 Chevrolet Cruze.

Cops found Granobles, who lived in hamlet of Copiague on Long Island, and her daughter unconscious with severe trauma. They were pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital.

Diana Granobles, 31, (right) was driving with her daughter Isabella, 10, (left) to pick up her husband from work around 8.45pm on Saturday when another car slammed into her

Cops found Granobles, who lived in hamlet of Copiague on Long Island, and her daughter unconscious with severe trauma

Granobles was making a left turn when Tyrone Absolam, 42, rocketed into her car, pictured

The impact demolished the entire passenger side her 2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Absolam was allegedly driving drunk while his girlfriend and her two children rode in the car

Debris could be seen scattered across Guy R. Brewer and Rockaway boulevards just outside John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, where Granobles' husband works as an aviation mechanic.

Cops told DailyMail.com that Absolam and his 38-year-old girlfriend were taken to Jamaica Hospital and were still listed in critical condition on Sunday. His girlfriend, who was not named, was riding in his front passenger seat.

His girlfriend's two children, a 12-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl, were riding in the back of Absolam's car were taken by ambulance to Cohen Children's Medical Center and are in serious but stable condition, cops told DailyMail.com.

Absolam was hit with charges including manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault and driving while intoxicated. He lives just over one mile from the site of the accident.

Sources told the New York Daily News that investigators are still waiting to receive lab results to officially determine if his blood-alcohol content was past the legal limit.

When reached by the Daily News, a relative of Absolam's said: 'I can't tell you what that grown a** man was doing. Just leave us alone and go bother him about it.'

Granobles and her husband, Lorozano Granobles, immigrated to the Big Apple from Colombia when she was just 18.

The impact crunched the front and back ends of Absolam's car, pictured

Absolam was allegedly driving his girlfriend and her two children in his 2018 Nissan Altima

The wreckage is pictured being towed from the scene on Sunday

The couple married in 2008 and have two other children together - a six-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy - who are currently in Colombia, the Daily News reported.

'They were like the American dream,' said Brittany Acensio, 24, a relative of Granobles' husband.

'We just want justice,' she added. 'We don't want that to happen to anyone else.'

Lorozano's brother Jonathan Granobles told PIX 11: 'I'm going to be without my niece, my sister-in-law. They're never going to be with us anymore.'

'We want to try to make him pay because he killed them,' Jonathan Granobles said.

In interviews with the New York Post, neighbors described Granobles family as 'peaceful, loving people.'

'Never any drama, a sweet, loving family,' said Amelia Dawson, who lives next door.

'The little girl was always out in the back playing on the trampoline with her family.'

NYPD data shows that there have been at least 144 people killed in car accidents in New York as of June.
Motorists will be exploited as cash cows if councils are allowed to collect speeding fines, campaigners said yesterday.

Town halls are seeking control over 20mph and 30mph zones, arguing a lack of traffic police makes roads dangerous  leaving residents at risk.

The plans have been put forward by London Councils, a body that represents the capitals 32 boroughs.

Setting out the proposals, it said the maximum fine of 130 for council infringements was insufficient and would need to be raised.

Town halls are seeking control over 20mph and 30mph zones, arguing a lack of traffic police makes roads dangerous  leaving residents at risk

Jack Cousens of the AA told The Sunday Telegraph: Residents would rather their council focus on emptying the bins on time. Drivers will draw one conclusion: this proposal is more about the money it would generate, not the balanced enforcement of criminal law.

The Government has resisted the idea warning that public support might be limited.

Under the plans, London Councils said it should be given the power to set up new speed cameras and to run its own speed awareness courses.

Claire Holland, chair of London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, set out the proposals in a letter to transport minister Baroness Vere last year.

She said the move would allow the police to concentrate on higher policing priorities at a time where the number of police traffic officers is declining, and resources are limited.

Under the plans, London Councils said it should be given the power to set up new speed cameras and to run its own speed awareness courses

The letter said that local authorities would benefit from the retained revenue from fines, which speeding penalties currently passed to the Treasury/

But in a response, Baroness Vere said the Government could not accept a situation where the Police would not have the power to enforce some speed limits.

She stated concerns that the public would not back the scheme, with civil penalties not subject to the same level of scrutiny as criminal fines.

London Councils believes that its lobbying effort could take several years and has predicted that other councils will come forward to call for similar measures.

Josie Appleton, of the Manifesto Club campaign group, said: Speeding is a serious matter and it should be punished impartially by officers working in the public interest.

Councils are not set up to play this role, and there are real concerns that speeding would be treated as a cash cow as is the case with parking fines.
Vladimir Putin boasted yesterday that Russia had the power to launch an 'unpreventable strike' against its enemies in a show of strength following the confrontation with Britain in the Black Sea.

The Russian president told a navy day parade in St Petersburg: 'We are capable of detecting any underwater, above-water, airborne enemy and, if required, carry out an unpreventable strike.'

It comes as military officials announced tests of advanced new weapons  some of which come from an arsenal Mr Putin has described as 'invincible'.

Vladimir Putin boasted yesterday that Russia had the power to launch an 'unpreventable strike' against its enemies

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu inspected warships during the Navy Day parade in St.Petersburg on Sunday

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov (left to right) attended the navy day parade in St Petersburg

He added: 'The Russian navy today has everything it needs to guarantee the protection of our country and our national interests.'

Putin said Russia had secured its place among the world's leading naval powers, including by developing 'the latest hypersonic precision weapons still unrivalled in the world'.

The United States, China, France and other major powers have announced plans to develop their own hypersonic weapons and are expected to soon catch up.

With the second-largest arsenal of nuclear weapons in the world and a huge cache of ballistic missiles, Russia already has more than enough military capacity to deter its enemies.

Russia was marking the 325th anniversary of the founding of its navy with ship parades at major ports on Sunday. Pictured: The large missile boat 'Dimitrovgrad' attends the Navy Day parade in Saint Petersburg

The Russian president told a navy day parade in St Petersburg: 'We are capable of detecting any underwater, above-water, airborne enemy and, if required, carry out an unpreventable strike'

Putin attended the main parade of more than 50 vessels in St. Petersburg, which included ships from the navies of Iran, Pakistan and India. Pictured: Diesel-electric submarine at the event

Russia was marking the 325th anniversary of the founding of its navy with ship parades at major ports on Sunday.

Putin attended the main parade of more than 50 vessels in St. Petersburg, which included ships from the navies of Iran, Pakistan and India.

The Iranian frigate Sahand, which sailed down the Neva River in the parade, and the sea-based vessel Makran attracted attention from naval observers due to their unusually long voyages to Russia.

Parades also took place in the Russian naval bases of Severomorsk, Caspiisk, Baltiisk, Sevastopol, Vladivostok and at the Russian naval base in Tartus, Syria.

Putin's words follow last month's incident when Russia said it fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it from Crimean waters.

Putin's words follow last month's incident when Russia said it fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it from Crimean waters

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 but Britain and most of the world recognise the Black Sea peninsula as part of Ukraine.

Britain rejected Moscow's account and said it believed any shots were a pre-announced Russian 'gunnery exercise' and there were no bombs.

Putin said last month Russia could have sunk the British warship HMS Defender, that it accused of illegally entering its territorial waters, without starting World War Three and said the United States played a role in the 'provocation'.
An area of Wales famed for its slate industry is bidding to become Britains next UNESCO world heritage site.

Snowdonias quarries are said to have roofed the 19th century world, including Copenhagen city hall and the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.

The slate landscape is up against bids from Bologna, Nice and the Ribeira Sacra wine district of Spain.

Liverpool was stripped of world heritage status last week due to developments along its waterfront.

Picturesque quarries in Snowdonia, Wales, which could become a Unesco World Heritage site

The quarries (pictured), which 'roofed the world' in the 19th century, have competition Bologna, Nice and the Ribeira Sacra wine district in Spain

Backing the Welsh bid, Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the region as an area of remarkable uniqueness and breath-taking beauty.

A decision from Unesco is due in the coming days.

Unesco is said to have warned that Stonehenge could be the next British site to lose its coveted status if a 1.7bn road tunnel goes ahead as planned.

Slate has been quarried in Wales for more than 1,800 years.

Archaeologist Dr David Gwyn, who is part of the bid team, said: The slate industry is an iconic feature of north Wales, and of the Welsh nation as a whole, and has been of overwhelming importance in shaping our social and economic landscape.
Marks & Spencer is set to become the first big retailer in Britain to launch same-day and even half-day clothing nationwide deliveries that would reportedly be faster than its rivals Asos and Next.

Chief executive Steve Rowe's announcement means shoppers could get school uniforms, cocktail dresses for evening functions and lacy lingerie ordered online and delivered last-minute.

Mr Rowe told the Times the move would show how traditional 'bricks and mortar' retailers could use their stores as an advantage in online shopping as the Internet accelerates the death of the high street.

M&S has said it will close 100 of its 1,000 stores, 254 of which sell clothing and food, as it moves high street shops struggling due to lockdown measures and the growth of the Internet to retail parks.

The CEO told the newspaper: 'People think of the store portfolio as being an albatross around our neck but I don't think it is, I think we are going to have a multichannel proposition so we can be where our customers want and they can choose how quickly they want it.'

Retail expert Richard Hyman added: 'M&S has upped its competitive ante, the question is whether faster delivery is an advantage because their challenge is more around the relevance of its product and whether they can gain market share again after so many years of declines.'

M&S will shut dozens of stores after suffering a 201million loss for the past year as it revealed the scale of the financial hit caused by successive lockdowns with clothing and home sales falling by a third.

The move means shoppers could get school uniforms, cocktail dresses for evening functions and lacy lingerie ordered online and delivered last-minute. Pictured: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley modelling in underwear for M&S

A woman walks past a Marks & Spencer store on Oxford Street in London shortly after the first lockdown ended last July

The retailer has already closed or relocated 59 stores but said it is speeding up changes to its portfolio of shops. The 30 closures are part of a shake-up of around 110 stores and the majority of these sites set for relocation.

The group current has 254 full-line stores, which sell food and clothing, but it plans to reduce this to around 180 over the next 10 years, with some of these being replaced by food-only or purely clothing and home sites.

2020 was devastating for the UK retail industry and high street which saw the demise of Topshop and Debenhams, the permanent closure of 16,000 shops and as many as 200,000 jobs lost in the sector.

Clothing and home operations saw a 129.4million operating loss, although M&S said the performance improved in the second half of 2020 and sales have also returned to growth since all stores reopened on April 12.

M&S chief executive Steve Rowe (left) with Ocado boss Tim Steiner (right) as they launched a tie-up in services in 2019

People queue for food orders outside a Marks & Spencer store in Manchester city centre on December 22, 2020

One of the Ocado delivery vans marked in M&S Percy Pig livery in September last year as Ocado marked the arrival of the full M&S Food range to the online supermarket's website

Huge queues outside an M&S store in Glasgow in 2009 as it celebrated its 125th anniversary with a penny bazaar bonanza

Meanwhile, the company said it was buoyed by its food business, which saw 6.9 per cent growth excluding its hospitality and franchise arms.

It also hailed a strong integration with Ocado after the two companies launched their online grocery joint venture last September. The retailer said its balance sheet is also 'stronger than expected' following the impact of the pandemic.

The detail of the figures demonstrates the impact of lockdown, with city centre food sales dropping by a third and in high street shops by 20 per cent. Meanwhile, out of town stores and supermarkets saw increases.

The group also said it expects to be hit by between 42million and 47million in Brexit costs for the current year, particularly affecting its business in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Last November M&S fell to a loss for the first time in its 94 year history after its stores were forced to close during the pandemic. The company fell to a 87.6million pre-tax loss for the 26 weeks to September 26 - free-falling from a success in the corresponding period of 2019.

Hundreds of people converge on the Marks & Spencer store on Oxford Street in 2007 to take advantage of a huge sale

Marks & Spencer was created in Leeds in 1884 when Polish refugee Michael Marks opened his market stall at Kirkgate

Marks & Spencer was created in Leeds in 1884 when Polish refugee Michael Marks opened his market stall. It had its very own slogan based on the cost of items on sale: 'Don't ask the price, it's a penny'.

Ten years later when he went into partnership with Thomas Spencer, the iconic name was born. During the Second World War, 16 M&S stores were destroyed by enemy bombing.

But despite rationing being brought in and supply lines being interrupted, the firm was still able to turn a profit during the turbulent period.

They reacted to the situation by selling food direct to the customer from their delivery trucks when tensions were high, and opening cafes in more than 80 stores as rationing did not apply to restaurants.

They also developed a line of clothing that was nicely designed, but was simple and utilitarian. M&S also encouraged their workers to go out and train to help the war effort.

Staff trained as fire and air raid wardens or set up soup kitchens, while others volunteered in hospitals or fundraised for the war effort.

Simon Marks, M&S Chairman at the time and son of our founder, later helped form the RAF Cadets as many of the brand's staff served with the RAF during the war.

M&S's Never The Same Again transformation programme saw it slash 7,000 jobs last August amid hopes it would enable the business to emerge from the crisis in a 'stronger, leaner and more focused position'.
A disabled man ran his electric wheelchair into a Christian preacher who was delivering a religious speech at an outdoor shopping centre.

The preacher had been calling on shoppers to accept God as he paced up and down Rundle Mall in Adelaide on Thursday.

His friend stood nearby and filmed the man rambling at the top of his lungs while men and women walked past with shopping bags in hand.

'Once you have beheld, in the word of God, my friends,' the preacher yells.

A disabled man ran his electric wheelchair into a Christian preacher who was delivering a religious rant at an outdoor shopping centre

A man living with a disability then turns his electric wheelchair around to face the preacher.

He accelerates forward before crashing into him from behind and interrupting his rant.

'F*** off, d***head,' the man yells.

The preacher is momentarily lifted off his feet but manages to quickly regain his balance.

He then continues with his speech, ignoring the man in the wheelchair and acting as if nothing has happened.

'It is to manifest, my friends,' the man says. 'How glorious it will be my friends, all the more.'

'In the coming days from what your eyes have beheld in the pages of scripture, begins to all the more to become manifest.'
Australia will get 85 million Pfizer booster shots over the next two years to make sure everyone stays protected from Covid variants.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said securing $85 million worth of jabs was another 'shot in the arm' for Australians in the vaccination program.

About 60 million doses will arrive over next year and another 25 million in 2023, in addition to the 40 million already due to arrive in Australia this year.

Delivery will begin in the first quarter of 2022 and enable booster coverage throughout the year and into 2023.

'We can go into the next year with greater confidence, the supplies will be provided for the course of the year to meet any of those booster requirements,' the prime minister told reporters in Canberra.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the acquisition of Pfizer vaccine does as booster jabs at a press conference at the Lodge in Canberra on Sunday

Mr Morrison said that as yet, there was no definitive health advice on when booster doses should be administered.

'This is prudent future proofing we have put in place here,' he said.

'We'll be guided by the science and evidence emerging about when second doses are necessary.'

Mr Morrison responded again to questions about his responsibility for delays in Australia's vaccination rollout, and said it would be a question 'for critics to write up in history books.'

'What matters is what we do now. We have been able to make up ground significantly.

'When I saw we were able to do one million doses in six days, that tells me we turned this around.'

Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten said the announcement was better late than never.

'We've got another promise,' he said. 'I don't think Australia should waste time for the promise. I'm worried about the people in Sydney right now,' he told ABC's Insiders program.

For now half the population remains in lockdown with restrictions in NSW, Victoria and South Australia - the latter two due to end on Tuesday.

But Sydney remains in crisis with 141 new cases reported on Sunday and two deaths - one woman in her 30s and another in her 70s.

Mr Morrison said a record for a Saturday of more than 100,000 doses were delivered, bringing the total to 11.14 million jabs across the nation.

He said 38 per cent of the population has had at least one dose, over 16 per cent have had two.

A health worker (right) administers a Pfizer vaccination to a person at a mass coronavirus vaccination hub at the Showgrounds in Melbourne

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told Sky News' Sunday Agenda program the virus was not going away and Australia needed to plan for that.

'There is one ticket out of this crisis and that's vaccinations,' he said.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller agreed.

'The way the Delta variant is running through, particularly in Sydney at the moment, is that I can't see us getting down to zero for some time,' he told Sky News.

Given the size of NSW daily numbers, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation now says any adult in the Sydney is strongly recommended to receive the vaccine, regardless of which one they are eligible for - Pfizer or AstraZeneca.

'That's important because we know that we have got AstraZeneca available but we haven't seen a huge take-up,' Mr Frydneberg said.

ATAGI previously recommended those under 60 should only get the Pfizer jab because of the extremely rare risk of blood clotting from having the AstraZeneca vaccine in younger people.

Mr Morrison said the vaccines would provide assistance but were not a lockdown game-changer.

'What is going to end the lockdown is it being effective... and complied with,' he said.

'[Vaccination is] not a substitute for a lockdown. And you need to weigh up the effectiveness of that with the disruption to the broader vaccine program that could set other states and territories back some way in meeting their vaccination targets.

'We need to get the whole country vaccinated. Those going through lockdowns, that's the principal way by which we're able to bring the Delta variant under control in those cities.'

People sit in line waiting to be called into a cubicle to receive a vaccine at the Melbourne Showgrounds Covid-19 Vaccination Centre on July 20

Mr Morrison also said Saturday's anti-lockdown protests were 'self-defeating'. 'It achieves no purpose,' he said

He said Saturday's ugly protest in Sydney was selfish.

'It was also self-defeating. It achieves no purpose. It won't end the lockdown sooner. It will only risk the lockdowns running further,' he said.

Mr Frydenberg was more blunt.

'Stupidity writ large. Just shocking, really shocking images,' he said.

'Those protesters should be condemned for not just breaking the health orders and there for breaking the law, but for putting in danger their fellow Australians.'

Meanwhile, Victoria announced 11 new locally acquired virus cases.

Premier Daniel Andrews said while the lockdown strategy is working, it is still too early to say whether it will end on Tuesday night.

South Australia Premier Steven Marshall reported three new cases but confirmed his lockdown would end on Tuesday as planned.
Scott Morrison and NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian appear to be at odds over whether vaccines or lockdown will end Sydney's Covid outbreak sooner.

Ms Berejiklian stressed the importance of dramatically boosting vaccination, with 200,000 Pfizer shots rushed into the state in double time.

However, the prime minister yesterday there was 'no alternative to lockdown in NSW to get this under control' and vaccines wouldn't be fast enough.

'There is no other magic bullet that is going to do that. There is no vaccine solution that will do that,' he said.

At yesterday's press conference in Canberra Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there was no 'magic bullet' to end Sydney's lockdown restrictions, and that while vaccines could assist, there was no alternative to the effectiveness of the lockdown

'The lockdown comes to an end by the lockdown effectively working. There's not an easy way to bring these cases down and it's the lockdown that does that work.

'The vaccines are going to provide some assistance but they're not what's going to end this lockdown.'

The PM's comments were in response to Ms Berejiklian's repeated calls for Pfizer doses to be moved to mass-vaccination hubs in western Sydney.

She said in Sunday's press conference that vaccinations were key to getting the outbreak under control and ending the lockdown.

On Monday morning, she clarified that though lockdown was essential, the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant in Sydney needed increased vaccination rates to be fully stopped.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian during the NSW daily Covid update, as NSW reported 145 new local cases. Ms Berejiklian had called for vaccination rates to lift to slow the spread of the Delta variant in Greater Sydney as the way out of lockdown

Lockdown restrictions continued in Greater Sydney: the CBD pictured on Monday morning

'The more people who've got at least one dose, the less likely they are to spread it to everybody in their area and their community,' she said on the Today show.

'With previous strains of the virus, you may have infected one or two people in your household. With this strain, everybody gets it.

'That's why we need to do a number of things. Yes of course, lockdown, restrictions, but also getting those vaccination rates up.'

Ms Berejiklian said the worry in Sydney was that unvaccinated people unaware they were contagious were spreading the virus further into Sydney, which one dose of vaccine would help combat.

'We know from the health experts' advice... that even one dose reduces how contagious you are,' she said.

The Prime Minister announced yesterday more emergency doses of Pfizer vaccine would be allocated to NSW, numbering 200,000 this month and 90,000 this week

The NSW Premier is worried unvaccinated people unaware they are contagious with the Delta variant are spreading the virus further in Sydney

Late last week the health department announced an emergency allocation of Pfizer vaccines to NSW would increase from 150,000 to 200,000 doses, to help deal with the Sydney outbreak.

On Monday Ms Berejiklian announced 145 new cases of community transmission in NSW, with 51 people infectious in the community.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant urged those over 60 to get an AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as possible.

Mr Morrison said yesterday NSW would receive an additional 90,000 Pfizer vaccines from this week, ramping up to 110,000 additional doses per week.

The PM also announced $85 million worth of Pfizer vaccines had been secured for the next two years as booster jabs as Australia's vaccination program continued.

The doses would number 60 million arriving in 2022 and another 25 million doses in 2023, in addition to the 40 million already due to arrive in Australia this year.
The TikTok comedian who developed a cult following for predicting NSW's daily Covid count has been charged by police in relation to Sydney's anti-lockdown rally.

Jon-Bernard Kairouz, 24, was among 3,500 people who attended an illegal protest in the Sydney CBD on Saturday and was filmed addressing the crowds on a megaphone.

Three police detectives were waiting outside his home in Belmore, in Sydney's south-west, on Sunday to present him with a court attendance notice.

As the self-appointed 'people's Premier' rounds the corner wearing a NSW Blues Origin jersey, one detective approaches him and explains the criminal charge.

Jon-Bernard Kairouz (pictured), 24, was among 3,500 people who attended an illegal protest in the Sydney CBD on Saturday and was filmed addressing the crowds on a megaphone

As he explains it is for a breach of the public health act, the TikTok comedian interrupts him and motions for officers not shown in the video to move back.

'I'm listening, yeah... can you just take it easy?' he asks one of the other officers as a friend films the encounter.

Kairouz was issued with a court attendance notice for two counts of not complying with notice direction  Covid-19 and encourage the commission of crimes.

The comedian appeared unworried when the notice was handed to him, thanking the police and telling them to 'have a good day'.

He will appear in Bankstown Local Court on September 14.

The comedian has since deleted his latest TikTok video as well as footage of the protest he uploaded to Instagram on Saturday.

A group of investigators are seen waiting outside a Belmore home in Sydney's south-west on Sunday to issue the Sydney comedian with a penalty infringement notice

As the investigator explains the fine is for a breach of the public health act the TikTok comedian interrupts him and motions for people not shown on the video to move back

Angry fans were quick to voice their disappointment at his attendance.

'Hope you enjoyed the protest, because everyone has lost respect for you,' one woman wrote.

'He was pressed they were close to him but then not pressed to be close to thousands of people at the march? Interesting,' another wrote.

'You had a big rise and an even bigger fall, how hilarious,' a third commented.

'This was my favourite Crime Stoppers call by far but I was probably beaten by 2000 calls first. Everyone was keen to call this loser in,' a fourth shared.

'Maybe he can predict how many people will be in court to greet him,' a user joked.

TikTok comedian Jon-Bernard Kairouz was spotted firing up the anti-lockdown protestors in Sydney's CBD on Saturday

NSW Police set up Strike Force Seasoned to track down all attendees at the protest, which is now being feared by health officials to be a coronavirus super-spreader event.

More than 200 alleged attendees have been identified so far, including Kairouz.

Kairouz was filmed at Saturday's protest holding a megaphone and declaring himself 'the people's Premier' as he whipped a crowd of thousands into a frenzy outside Town Hall.

'All we want is freedom,' he shouted to a roar from the crowd, before sharing clips of the speech to his Instagram, which were later deleted.

But the stunt quickly backfired, with some of his 57,100 followers questioning why he joined thousands of protesters and risked extending the city's lockdown.

'This is f**king ridiculous,' one person wrote. 'If your aim is freedom  you've f***ed up by bringing thousands of people together. Watch the spike. Congrats!'

'There are people in ICU how selfish can you be?' added another.

Jon-Bernard Kairouz was charged with two counts of not complying with a Covid-19 notice direction and encouraging the commission of crimes

Jon-Bernard Kairouz will face court in September after being identified as one of the alleged attendees at Sydney's anti-lockdown protest

Kairouz shot to fame during Sydney's lockdown after correctly reporting how many cases NSW would announce the following morning five times in a row.

His streak ended last Monday with his prediction of 109, beyond the actual figure of 98.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it was a 'disappointment someone, somewhere in the system' felt it was necessary to leak the numbers to Mr Kairouz.

'I saw someone saying on social media that it was a sting. No it wasn't,' Mr Hazzard told reporters on Monday.

'It was looking at what the issues were and making sure that the system was such that the information could be kept to the appropriate time.'

NSW, which counts cases over a 24-hour period to 8pm, releases figures and the context of each case daily at 11am.

Kairouz has repeatedly insisted his predictions are the result of 'simple maths', but has not released a single video since his suspected leak in the NSW Health department was outed.

Kairouz accurately predicted the count of NSW Covid figures five days in a row, before his suspected source in NSW Health was exposed

Kairouz was filmed at Saturday's protest holding a megaphone and declaring himself 'the people's Premier' outside Town Hall on Saturday

Gladys Berejiklian was recently questioned at a press conference on whether NSW Health had a leak and if she was concerned.

'I know at the moment a lot of people alleged to have various bits of information and that's welcome, we are in democracy,' she said.

When questioned about his newfound social media stardom, Kairouz said he was just trying to enjoy the process and his new-found notoriety.

'I'm having a ball,' he said.

'I've been creating content on Instagram and TikTok for just about a year now and to grow exponentially on the social platforms has been really fun and it's been a whirlwind.'

Police have received more than 5,500 reports from members of the public as 22 strike force detectives continue to investigate Saturday's protest.

Of the 63 people arrested at the protest, 35 were charged with various offences.

Twenty one men appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Sunday, where 15 were granted bail to appear at Downing Centre and Newtown Local Courts at a later date.

Investigators have since issued two more court attendance notice and public infringement notices to another 16 people on Sunday, including Kairouz.

The latest notices were issued after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and police minister David Elliott urged residents to dob in those who posted footage of themselves at the protest.

'All we want is freedom,' he shouted to a roar from the crowd, before sharing clips of the speech to his Instagram, which were later deleted

Named and shamed: Everyone in court on Sunday over protest Do you know any of these people? Email: brittany.chain@mailonline.com KRISTIAN PULKOWNIK 33yo M REMON KORKISE 36yo M ROBERT TE BROWN 26yo M ANTHONY NELSON PAZ 26yo M NIKOLA DEDOVIC 20yo M MICHAEL PAZ 28yo M SIMON HATTAWAY 27yo M SEAN RENFORD 44yo M KUPUOVENUA SIPU 29yo M RODRIGO ELICES 28yo M MICHAEL MUSALLAM 31yo M JOSHUA PEDEN 29yo M STEPHEN JOHN BASTIAN 63yo M JOSEPH MEKHAEL 37yo M DAVID CHRISTOPHER WILSON 60yo M DARIO MASLIC 18yo M EVAN BRACK 33yo M ARCHIE REES 26yo M ALEXANDER JEROME CLARQUE 39yo M RUDI VAN SCHAIK 47yo M CALLUM BOWLING, 27yo M Advertisement

Ms Berejiklian was disgusted and heartbroken by those who had shown 'utter contempt for their fellow citizens'.

'We know that events like that can cause those super-spreading events,' she said.

'Please know that all of the sacrifices we've made over the last three or four weeks in particular have resulted in us being able to stabilise the growth in cases.

'We don't want a setback, and yesterday could have been a setback.'

Mr Elliott condemned the thousands of 'very selfish boofheads' who marched.

'Yesterday, cannot happen again. We saw the figures, they are not going down at the rate we want to see them go. And they won't go down if we see the activity we saw yesterday,' he said.

'You need to think again.'

It comes as NSW recorded 145 new local cases of Covid-19 on Monday, 51 of which were infectious while in the community.
Police will fine paramedic Sally-Ann John $1,000 after she attended the anti-lockdown protest in Sydney at the weekend

A veteran paramedic will be fined by police and faces calls to be sacked after screaming falsehoods about vaccines at Sydney's illegal anti-lockdown protest at the weekend.

Sally-Ann John, who proudly calls herself 'Ambo Sal', was one of about 3,500 people who marched down on Saturday afternoon.

In a livestream video, the 52-year-old claimed police were 's***ing themselves', wrongly claimed Covid jabs 'aren't even vaccines' and slammed viewers who believe the science behind them as 'sheep.'

During her broadcast Ms John was inundated with comments demanding she go home, to which she responded: 'F*** you and your comments.'

'All you people saying go home - you've got no idea, you've been brainwashed, youse are all brainwashed.

'All you sheep who like to lap it up - 'oooh I'm going to get my vaccine'. Yeaaaah riiiiiiiiight. It's not even a vaccine. Should do your research.'

About 3,500 people protested against lockdowns in the Sydney CBD on Saturday - actions which left NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian 'disgusted'

Ms John's principal place of work is the Covid hotspot of Liverpool, according to her entry on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) register.

Ms John's actions alarmed her colleagues - with NSW Ambulance referring Ms John to NSW Police at the weekend, after several Twitter users called for her dismissal.

'The matter was promptly referred to NSW Police for investigation of a potential breach of the Public Health Orders,' a NSW Ambulance spokesman said.

'NSW Ambulance can confirm that the paramedic is not currently performing patient care duties.'

Ms John's entry on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency says she works in the Covid hotspot of Liverpool

A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed Ms John has been spoken to by officers.

The Kemps Creek woman will be issued a $1,000 penalty infringement notice for breaching the public health orders on Saturday.

Police have assigned 22 detectives to Strike Force Seasoned to identify people who attended the protest marches.

Some 57 attendees were arrested on Saturday and scores more are expected to be put before the courts.

CrimeStoppers has been inundated with 10,000 tips. Ms John has set her social media accounts to private in the wake of the backlash.
A young father-to-be has tragically died in a forklift accident leaving behind his pregnant partner.

Brisbane man Joe Williams, 35, died when the forklift he was driving rolled and trapped his foot off Black Butt Court in Middleton, Central Queensland.

Paramedics were called to treat a man in a critical condition at about 2.40am on Saturday.

Father-to-be Joe Williams (pictured with partner Casey Watters) has tragically died following a forklift accident

He unfortunately died from his injuries.

Friends and family have banded together to raise money to support his partner, Casey Watters, and their unborn baby girl.

'After the sad passing of Joe Williams we would like to do anything we can to support his partner Casey and their soon-to-be-born baby,' one fundraiser stated.

It is understood the couple recently purchased a home together.

Close friend Tye Stephenson described Joe as a 'brother, partner in crime and a joker'.

Joe Williams (pictured) leaves behind his partner who is pregnant with their baby girl. A fundraiser has been started to help the grieving family

'Tragically taken from us all too soon,' he wrote.

'I promise mate that I will always be here looking out for your beautiful partner Casey and beautiful baby girl, even though I know that you are looking down on them.'

The GoFundMe page has currently raised just over $3000 for the heartbroken family.
A porn star who was kicked out of a conservative event principally for high school students has said she is a victim of 'cancel culture' as she slammed the organizers who promote themselves as libertarians as 'hypocrites'.

Brandi Love, 48, attended the Student Action Summit, organized by Turning Point USA, in Tampa, Florida with her husband on July 17, having paid around $500 for a VIP ticket.

But she was suddenly kicked out after backlash from parents and Christian organizers.

'It was extremely hurtful and disappointing for five minutes, and then I was pissed off,' she told The Daily Beast.

'It's an egregious example of cancel culture.'

Love, 48, on Sunday responded to being evicted from the event last weekend. She said she was a victim of 'cancel culture' and said Republicans should be ashamed of their morally superior attitudes

Love said that she was 'very naive to believe I could just go and have fun around like-minded patriots'

The pro-Trump organization was founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012, when he was 18-years-old. He has served as TPUSA's executive director ever since.

'I literally had just sat through four to five speakers, including Charlie Kirk himself, rail against big tech and the left for their assault on free speech. I cheered them on in agreement,' said Love.

'And then they banned me. It's hard to make that up.'

On Sunday, Love told The Sun that it was 'hard to imagine something more hypocritical'.

Brandi Love, 48, attended the 'Student Action Summit' with Turning Point USA in Tampa, Florida Saturday, but was suddenly kicked out after backlash from Christian organizers

Love initially arrived at the Tampa Convention Center as an enthusiastic VIP guest

Love decided to exploit the incident by creating a t-shirt with the words ,'I triggered Charlie Kirk,' offering it for sale on her Only Fans website.

Love is capitalizing on the attention by selling t-shirts poking fun at one of the conference's founders.

She is selling shirts with the slogan 'I triggered Charlie Kirk' on her Only Fans website.

Love initially arrived at the Tampa Convention Center as an enthusiastic attendee, posting numerous photos of herself on Twitter with the caption, 'It's good to be around so many young conservatives. Gives me some hope!'

But Christian conservatives immediately began criticizing her attendance on social media, criticizing the organization's decision to allow an adult film star to attend an event targeted at 15 and 16-year-olds.

Many complained Love's presence clashed with conservative values, while others pointed out that minors were in attendance.

Conservative commentator Candace Owens was among those condemning her presence at the event.

Love said Owens' comments saddened her.

'I used to believe people like Candace Owens were fabulous,' she told The Daily Beast.

'Unfortunately I was wrong.

'This weekend taught me a lot about people and politics. The Democrats have their fanatics to deal with such as antifa, BLM, and the Squad. The Republicans have theirs to deal with as well, such as this ultra-religious faction and white nationalists.

'You cannot govern a country as wonderfully diverse as the United States of America from the extremes of either side. It will always lead to the same dark place: Authoritarianism.'

The adult film star posed for photos in front of exhibits at the conservative conference

Christian conservatives slamming the organization's decision to allow an adult film star to attend an event targeted at 15 and 16-year-olds

Many complained Love's presence clashed with conservative values, while others pointed out that minors were in attendance. Within hours, Love received an email from organizers that she was no longer invited to be part of the event

Brandi Love (left) was taking a jab at Charlie Kirk, (right) who founded the TPUSA in 2012, when he was 18-years-old

Love said she was disappointed in conservative commentator Candace Owens (pictured) - who condemned Love's appearance at the summit

Within hours, Love received an email from organizers that she was no longer invited to be part of the event.

'We regret to inform you that your SAS 2021 invitation has been revoked,' an email from the organization read, according to an image Love posted on Twitter.

'This decision is final. This revocation does not impact application to future events, and we hope that you will consider applying again in the future.'

Love tweeted that she had just seen Kirk, Dan Bongino, Florida Senator Rick Scott, and Kat Timpf 'speak about freedom, censorship, how inclusive the 'movement' is' only to be 'thrown out.'

She followed up adding, 'The Republican Party is broken.'

Its good to be around so many young conservatives. Gives me some hope! pic.twitter.com/jxotnfQ6F9  Brandi Love  (@brandi_love) July 17, 2021

All checked in!



Stats so far:



Anti Adult Haters: 1

Kid Rock Conservatives: 12 pic.twitter.com/Hp7rf4JcPe  Brandi Love  (@brandi_love) July 17, 2021

Love (pictured) initially arrived at the Tampa Convention Center as an enthusiastic VIP guest, posting numerous photos of herself on Twitter with the caption, 'It's good to be around so many young conservatives. Gives me some hope!'

Love told The Scott Sands Show, on iHeart radio, that she had been 'amped up' to visit.

She said she was 'very naive to believe I could just go and have fun around like-minded patriots.'

'I'm a grown ass businesswoman, who chose my profession.

'I love my profession. I am authentic. And there are a lot of us.'

She condemned 'the faction that claim to be morally perfect', adding: 'We should all be scared of them.'

Love said her expulsion was the decision of 'a very small faction'.

In a statement to Newsweek, TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet addressed Love's attendance by saying: 'As a matter of policy, TPUSA does not allow adult entertainers, influencers, or brands to participate in its events designed for minors.'

'This was not a decision intended to be unkind to anyone, but in the interest of the student attendees in attendance, and their thousands of concerned parents, Kolvet added.

This isn't the first time TPUSA has faced criticism.

Last December, TPUSA was condemned by conservatives when the event's sponsor, Bang Energy, had its 'Bang Girls' blast free cash into the crowd of college and high school students.

'Folks, we are trying to get that thing [money cannon] rolling,' Bang Energy CEO Jack Owoc said before cash was dispensed at the conference centered on fighting socialism.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has slapped down calls to bring back JobKeeper as Sydney faces another lockdown extension.

The NSW Coalition government, Labor and unions have called for a re-introduction of the wage subsidy scheme which paid struggling companies $1,500 per worker per fortnight in 2020.

But Mr Frydenberg said the federal government's $600 per week pandemic disaster payment was faster and better targeted to people who need it.

Josh Frydenberg has slapped down calls to bring back JobKeeper as Sydney faces another lockdown extension. Pictured: A Coles worker

'The payments are being made in about 40 minutes,' he said.

'They are also targeted because they are based on the number of hours lost rather than the turnover reduction of the business that you work for.

'Also, the net has been cast wider with all casuals being eligible for these payments,' he said.

The payments of $600 a week for people who lose more than 20 hours and $375 for people who lose 8-20 hours will continue as long as lockdowns last, the government has said.

Mr Fyrdenberg said JobKeeper was a national scheme set up in early 2020 when the unemployment rate was expected to skyrocket to 15 per cent.

It required companies to take out loans from banks, pay their workers and then get re-reimbursed by the government weeks later.

By contrast, the pandemic disaster payment goes straight into the workers' bank accounts.

On top of that payment, there is business financial support worth up to 40 per cent of a company's wage bill that requires companies to maintain headcount.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet wants JobKeeper back because it keeps employees tied to their companies.

'As case numbers escalate or remain stubborn, there will need to be extra financial support from the federal government,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday.

'We believe that Jobkeeper was instrumental in keeping the nexus between workers and businesses. This won't be forever, but we do need it now because when NSW goes well, the country goes well.'

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet wants JobKeeper back because it keeps employees tied to their companies. Pictured: A Sydney barista during lockdown

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was open to considering further support if the situation gets worse.

The government is 'very open to consider how we deal with the situation as it further evolves,' he said.

NSW recorded 145 Covid cases on Monday as Sydney's prospects of finishing lockdown on July 30 diminished even further.

Australia's biggest union, the ACTU, wants immediate cash grants for small businesses and says current assistance measures are 'confusing, inadequate and often administratively burdensome'.

It dismissed the disaster payments dismissed as 'grossly inadequate'

ACTU Secretary Sally McManus said the government should add casuals to JobKeeper, a 'tried and tested system'.

'The current disaster payment is less than the minimum wage and less than what workers received during lockdowns in 2020,' she said.
Drivers forced to cough up staggering $4million in low-range fines in May alone

He claims the removal of warning signs has raised $20.2million since January

NSW Oppositon Leader calls for secret speed cameras to be banned in NSW

Secret speed cameras should be banned after the removal of warning signs on state roads saw fines skyrocket more than 1500 per cent, the NSW Opposition Leader claims.

The decision to remove warning signs for mobile speed cameras has seen drivers cough up a staggering $4million in low-range driving offences in May alone, according to Opposition leader Chris Minns.

Minns said the monthly revenue from breaches of less than 10km/h is the highest on record.

Mobile speed cameras in NSW previously scanned 7,000 hours of footage a month, but that has jumped to 21,000 hours under the new scheme.

NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns (pictured) said the monthly revenue from breaches of less than 10km/h above the speed limit is the highest on record, with drivers coughing up $40million in fines in May alone

Mobile speed cameras in NSW previously scanned 7,000 hours of footage a month, but that has jumped to 21,000 hours

A change to monitor car speed in both directions was also secretly brought in, resulting in the number of drivers being stung soaring by more than 1,500 per cent.

Mr Minns has slammed the removal of warning signs as a 'blatant cash grab' and argued for a return to high visibility policing on roads.

He claims the new policy doesn't make NSW roads any safer and the decision to remove the signs has raised $20.2million in revenue since January 2021.

'The NSW government has worked out a way to slug families with hundreds of dollars for low-range speeding offences by hiding the cameras,' he said in a statement.

The Labor leader argued that motorists start to slow down as soon as they see the warning sign, improving the safety of the driver and those around them.

He said the return of warning signs and an increase in police highway patrols will stop drivers forking out for fines and have a positive effect on road safety.

The number of motorists being stung with speeding fines has soared more than 1,500 per cent after the NSW government took away speed camera warning signs

In May of last year 1547 fines were issued by NSW Police compared to 27,144 in May 2021 - an increase of 1655 per cent

Meanwhile, the number of motorists being stung with speeding fines has soared more than 1,500 per cent after the NSW government took away speed camera warning signs.

Less than 2,000 drivers a month were hit with the $123 fine before the removal of warning signs that previously alerted motorists to mobile speeding cameras.

Prior to their removal, the 'your speed has been checked' warning signs had been placed 250m before and 50m after each mobile speed camera.

Fines handed out to drivers travelling less than 10km over the speed limit has sky-rocketed, with 27,760 given out in March 2021 alone.

In April 2021, 17,171 drivers were slapped with fines for the same offence, a similarly huge increase on April 2020's 1,253 fines and April 2019's 1,479 fines.

In May of last year 1547 fines were issued by NSW Police compared to 27, 144 in May of 2021, an increase of 1655 per cent.

The office of transport minister Andrew Constance said changes were made to reflect the road rules in other states in Australia.

'Now (warning) signs are no longer required, bi-directional enforcement has resumed on some stretches of road,' a spokeswoman said.

The office of transport minister Andrew Constance has said changes had been made to reflect the road rules in other states in Australia

She added it has already resulted in a change in driver behaviour and that speeding-related deaths have dropped from 50 per cent in 2020 to about 40 per cent in 2021.

The minister hinted at the sneaky new tactics to sting speeding motorists in a NSW government release dated January 2 in relation to the 2020 road toll.

'We aim to halt this trend in 2021 by expanding the mobile speed camera program and removing markings from some of the vehicles so people know they can be caught anywhere, anytime,' Mr Constance said.

The decision comes after unmarked mobile phone detection cameras decreased the number of drivers caught using their phones behind the wheel.

NSW Transport figures revealed one in every 82 drivers were spotted using their phones while driving before the cameras were installed, which has since dropped to one in every 454.
Most Americans in major cities are more worried about crime than defunding the police - as a new poll shows about 90 percent of Detroit residents actually want more cops.

The poll from USA TODAY and the Detroit Free Press conducted with Suffolk University found that Detroit residents overwhelmingly agree that they would feel safer with more cops on the street.

Detroit was not alone, as a poll from WNBC, Telemundo 47 and Politico conducted with Marist last month shows that 70 percent of black Democrats want more cops patrolling the Big Apple.

In that poll, 21 percent of likely Democratic voters even want the return of the plainclothes anti-crime police in some neighborhoods.

And in Chicago, another poll last month from the MacArthur Foundation found that 79 percent of residents in the Windy City said they feel safer when they see police in their neighborhoods.

Those polls echo dozens of others conducted after the murder of George Floyd last May sparked loud calls to 'defund the police' - a barrage of public opinion showing most Americans do not actually want fewer cops.

DETROIT: A protester talks to the Detroit police officers in riot gear in May 2020. A new poll shows about 90 percent of Detroit residents actually want more cops

DETROIT: MC Jordan Weber leads Detroit Will Breathe in chants in favor of Black Lives throughout downtown Detroit in 2020

Another recent USA TODAY poll conducted with Ipsos found that nearly 66 percent of Americans said violent crime has worsened in the last year and 70 percent of said they wanted police budgets to increase - not decrease.

In the Detroit poll, about 75 percent of respondents rejected the progressive slogan 'defund the police' and only 33 percent of respondents said Motor City cops use force when it's unnecessary.

Lifelong Detroit resident Charlita Bell, 41, was among those called in the poll and recounted to USA TODAY how her car was hit by stray bullets during a shopping trip.

'It's scary sitting in the house, and when you go outside to the gas station or the store, it's possible someone will be shooting right next to you,' Bell said.

Rita Gibbs, 70, told USA TODAY that she is so distressed from violent news that she hates to watch it.

'It's always some random shootings. I just can't stand it,' she said.

Despite the perceptions of the community, Democrats in Michigan's House of Representatives announced a slew of bills last month to reform policing in the state, WOOD-TV reported.

The package of 16 bills included measures such as banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants, as well as ending the legal doctrine of 'qualified immunity' - which protects officers from lawsuits.

'There is absolutely nothing political about this bill package,' Rep. Tenisha Yancey said while announcing the bills.

The poll, conducted by phone from July 13 to July 17, included responses from 500 adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

Pollsters gave respondents a list of eight topics from which to weigh as the biggest issue facing Detroit. The results are ranked in order: education, public safety, affordable housing, COVID-19, jobs, taxes, race relations, and police reform.

Of the respondents, 23 percent called education the biggest issue facing Detroit - with public safety coming in second at 19 percent. Police reform ranked last, with just 4% of respondents calling it the biggest issue facing the city.

The results should that 24 percent of black residents ranked crime the biggest concern while just three percent of black residents named police reform the biggest concern.

By contrast, seven percent more white respondents - 10 percent - than black respondents ranked police reform their biggest concert in Detroit.

Only 12 percent of white people ranked crime their biggest concern, half the percentage of black residents.

NEW YORK: Protesters hold a rally to demand that the New York City Council vote against a budget they claim doesn't make enough cuts to the police department on June 29

ROCHESTER: Demonstrators hold a sign reading 'Defund the Police' during a protest over the death of Daniel Prude in 2020

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN: Two demonstrators hold a banner that says, 'Disarm DPSS Defund AAPD' with police cars in the background

LOS ANGELES: Black Lives Matter supporters take to the streets outside LAPD headquarters during the first anniversary of George Floyd death in May

WASHINGTON, D.C.: 'Defund the Police' is painted on the street in Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House in June 2020

TAMPA, FLORIDA: Dave Gonzalez stands in protest at the 'Love Walk' holding a Defund Police sign in June 2020

MINNEAPOLIS: Demonstrators calling to defund the Minneapolis Police Department march on Hennepin Avenue on June 6, 2020

A whopping 78.3 percent of Detroit residents are black, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated in 2019. That makes it the highest proportion of black residents of any big city in the United States.

Of just the black respondents to the poll, black men were twice as likely as black women to have been stopped by cops investigating crimes - and more than twice as likely to say they weren't happy with how cops acted, USA TODAY reported.

'You have some good cops and then you have some bad ones,' said Derrick Wilson, 52, who also goes by the name D.J. Raw.

Most Detroit residents, 58 percent, rated local cops as 'mediocre or worse' - but 80 percent also said they would still ask them for help if they needed it, the outlet noted.

Kenneth Wolfe, 74-year-old retired landlord, said society 'is based on law and order.'

'I feel like they're one of us; they're not some invading force,' Wolfe said.

'If you don't have people there to support law and order, then you don't have a society. They're the enforcement of law and order.'

Jerome Washington, 53, blamed recent crime surges on unemployment caused by the coronavirus pandemic and poverty.

'There is no money, and that's where your crime comes in. Everybody is struggling,' he said.

Terrell Garner, 41, a contractor who works in construction added that people are now taking their pent-up frustrations out on other now that things are starting to reopen.

'Now that the world is coming back open, people are getting outside and taking this pent-up frustration on whomever,' Garner said.

Melanie Taylor, 50, said Detroit has become so dangerous that she won't even stop to get gas because of the number of shootings.

She told USA TODAY that women and children are increasingly the victims of violence: 'It seems like there is no code of honor.'

Facing rising fears of summer violence, President Joe Biden recently embarked on a political high-wire act, trying to balance his strong backing for law enforcement with the police reform movement championed by many of his supporters.

Biden met at the White House on July 12 with urban leaders - including Eric Adams, the heavy favorite to be the next mayor of New York City - about increased shootings.

A rise in shootings as New York City began to emerge from the pandemic helped propel a late charge for Adams, a black former police captain who rejects defund-the-police talk.

Adams also says he would bring back a contentious plainclothes anti-crime unit that focused on getting guns off the streets, a unit that was disbanded amid charges that it used excessive force.

He beat more-liberal candidates, but his lifetime of speaking out against police misconduct and his blunt, working-class style make it difficult to pigeonhole him.

Adams spoke frequently on the campaign trail of being beaten by police officers as a teenager and joining the force to reform it from within.

'My request of the president was number one, to make sure that we use the money that has been allocated to deal with underlying causes,' said Adams after his meeting with Biden.

'But he must have a plan that's prevention and intervention.'

Adams, the current Brooklyn Borough president, said minority communities are 'waking up to gunshots.'

Biden recently announced new efforts to stem the tide of violence, but the federal government is limited in what it can do to help localities reduce the spike.

His plan focuses on providing funding to cities that need more police, offering community support and cracking down on gun violence and illegal firearms.

'We know when we utilize trusted community members and encourage more community policing, we can intervene before the violence erupts,' Biden said.

White House aides believe that Biden, with his long legislative record on crime as a former senator, is not easy to paint as soft on the issue.

Biden has been clear that he is opposed to the 'defund the police' movement, which has been effectively used against Democrats to paint them as anti-law enforcement.
A protester at Sydney's massive anti-lockdown rally who was filmed happily yelling there would be a 1,000 cases the next day has responded to backlash.

The clip of south-western Sydney spa owner Le Dandachli at the protest quickly went viral online - with just one TikTok video featuring the clip by user lvnwng being viewed by more than half a million people in less than a day.

Sydney and Melbourne streets were flooded by more than 10,000 protesters on Saturday who were demanding an end to strict lockdown which have been imposed in the two states.

Spa owner Le Dandchli (pictured) took to Instagram on Sunday to explain his comments at Sydney's anti-lockdown protest, saying he was making a joke referring to TikTok sensation Jon-Bernard Kairouz who has been correctly guessing Covid case numbers

Taking to his Instagram account on Sunday, Mr Dandachli said his comments at the protest were not serious.

A day earlier he was filmed standing among the thousands in the protest crowd not wearing a mask and yelling: 'A thousand cases tomorrow, yew'.

Outraged viewers took to social media and began spamming his accounts with negative comments including that of his business - listed on his Instagram as Little Europe day spa in Liverpool.

On Sunday, Mr Dandachli said he felt he had to put up another video to address the 'large amount of fake profiles that have appeared directing hatred' towards him and posting negative reviews of his business.

'Yes I did go to the protest not only for myself but for you all to fight for small businesses and to fight for for freedom,' he said.

'It was a very peaceful protest. Police were great, we were great. That was a simple joke of me saying 1000 cases - there was nothing serious about it.'

He claimed his joke was in reference to Jon-Bernard Kairouz who has become popular on TikTok for correctly guessing case numbers before they appeared.

Kairouz was speaking at the protest on Saturday afternoon and has since been issued a court attendance notice for breaking public health directions.

Dandachli did not apologise for the comment but rather used the video to restate his anti-vaccination position.

The protesters in their thousands make their way through the Sydney CBD on Saturday afternoon (pictured)

'Do you think this lockdown will be extended because of more cases? They just want us to get vaccinated,' he said

'In my opinion I don't want to get vaccinated. If you want to get vaccinated that is completely fine but why force it upon people.'

He also added he doesn't want to shy away from the controversy because it has actually upped his follower count.

'For all of these fake accounts in Japan that are making TikToks, thank you so much. Thank you so much for the publicity,' he said.

'I have 3,500 people requesting to follow me on both accounts so thank you'.

'We were lockdown for six to eight weeks and cases still increased so we went out there to say what we think'.

Thousands of protesters not wearing masks stand in front of a line of police in front of Town Hall in Sydney (pictured)

Reception to his response video was mixed with some agreeing with his position.

Others, however, were critical saying the protest only did more damage.

'As a small business suffering, the actions taken yesterday put my business at risk of not being able to get back to work sooner with loss of income and more unemployed workers,' one commenter said.

'You seem like a nice guy, who sadly contributed to harming and making things worse for freedom, health and small businesses ... The protest was not the brightest idea to achieve your goal'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Dandachli for comment.

Some 57 people have been charged and 90 fines issued after more than 3000 protesters marched through Sydney's CBD on Saturday, demanding an end to the city's lockdown which is entering its fifth week.

A 33-year-old Surry Hills man and a 36-year-old man from Edensor Park faced court on Sunday after they allegedly struck a police horse during the protest.

The Edensor Park park man was also charged with assaulting a police officer.

More arrests are expected after a special strike force of detectives was set up to identify those who breached coronavirus restrictions to attend.

NSW Police said they have received 5000 tip-offs and identified more than 200 people who attended.

They are asking members of the public to upload any videos or photos of the protest to CrimeStoppers to track down more.

The crowds threw ink at one officer (pictured) as he was stationed next to the a barrier in the Sydney CBD

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon denied officers were taken by surprise by the protest, saying they had been preparing for the event for a fortnight.

'What took us by surprise and what disappoints me greatly is the level of violence that people were prepared to use, that was unprecedented,' he said.

Some 73 people were fined and six people were arrested in Victoria for attending the protest.

Seven organisers could be charged with incitement after they were warned by police on Friday not to attend.

'They will be getting a knock on the door from us, they will be receiving fines, and they will be charged with appropriate offences,' Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said.
Federal Labor has scrapped its disastrous negative gearing policy and decided to back tax cuts for well-off Australians.

Leader Anthony Albanese wants the next election, which is due before May, to be all about Scott Morrison's 'failure to manage the pandemic' instead of tax policy.

Former Labor leader Bill Shorten wanted to scrap the negative gearing policy which allowed property investors to deduct rental losses from their income tax.

Former leader Bill Shorten wanted to stop property investors deducting rental losses from their income tax in a bid to ease house prices. Pictured: North Bondi, Sydney

But the plan went down like a lead balloon with landlords and aspiring investors - and contributed to his shock election defeat to Mr Morrison in 2019.

Labor has also declared it will not seek to overthrow the Coalition's stage-three tax cuts which come into play on July 1, 2024.

The cuts abolish the 32.5 per cent income tax rate between $45,000 and $120,000 and scrap the 37 per cent rate which kicks in at $120,001, replacing both with a 30 per cent rate for income between $45,000 and $200,000 a year.

The start of the 45 per cent rate will be pushed out from $180,00 to $200,000.

Labor was previously divided on the cuts because they will mostly benefit higher earners. The average full-time salary in Australia is $89,122.

Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers even allegedly called the cuts 'offensive' during a shadow cabinet meeting in June 2019.

Mr Albanese has also ditched Mr Shorten's plan to halve the 50 per cent capital gains tax deduction for assets held for over 12 months.

The move brings Labor in line with the Coalition on tax policy, therefore avoiding an argument about it at the next election.

Labor has also declared it will not seek to overthrow the Coalition's stage-three tax cuts which come into play on July 1, 2024. Pictured: Sydney workers

Mr Albanese announced his policies on Monday after a meeting with Labor MPs and senators.

He said: 'Our focus is on making sure Australia emerges from this crisis stronger and more resilient  with an economy that works for working families not the other way around.

'When it comes to the economy, the next election will be about the Prime Minister's dangerous and costly failures to manage the pandemic.

'His failures on vaccines and quarantines have caused lockdowns 18 months into this pandemic, and those lockdowns are causing billions of dollars in damage to the economy.'

Mr Albanese, who has represented Grayndler in Sydney's inner west since 1996, said he wanted to provide 'certainty and clarity to Australian working families after a difficult two years for our country and the world.'

Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar said voters should not trust Labor on tax and housing policies.

'In a cynical move that is unashamedly motivated by the pursuit of power, Anthony Albanese is now trying to convince voters that Labor doesn't want to abolish negative gearing or raise taxes on capital gains,' he said.

'Ending negative gearing is an issue that senior Labor figures are deeply committed to.'

Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese (right) shakes hands with Member for Lilley, Anika Wells during a press conference in Brisbane in June

Mr Albanese already ditched Mr Shorten's unpopular franking credits policy in January.

The policy would have stopped non taxpayers - mostly retirees - claiming money back from the government for tax paid on shareholder dividends.

It was branded the 'retiree tax' by the Coalition during the 2019 election campaign.

Mr Morrison is under huge pressure over the nation's stunted Covid-19 vaccination program which has only jabbed 16.13 per cent of over 16s, leaving millions in lockdowns across three states.

'His failures on vaccines and quarantines have caused lockdowns 18 months into this pandemic, and those lockdowns are causing billions of dollars in damage to the economy,' Mr Albanese said.

'Over eight long years in government, the Coalition's record is clear in the lives of everyday Australians: stagnant wages, insecure jobs, increased costs for health care and childcare, longer waits to see a GP, and a trillion dollars in debt.'
A top Chinese diplomat on Monday accused the U.S. of creating an 'imaginary enemy' and 'demonizing' Beijing in a bid to restore American 'hegemony' during tense talks with the Deputy Secretary of State.

Amid worsening relations between the world's two largest economies, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the second-ranking U.S. diplomat, arrived on Sunday for face-to-face meetings in the northern city of Tianjin that the State Department described as 'frank and open'.

There were no specific outcomes agreed and the prospect of a meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping was not discussed, senior U.S. administration officials said following talks that lasted about four hours.

Shortly after Monday's meetings began, Chinese state media reported on confrontational remarks by Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, in echoes of a similarly combative opening by senior Chinese officials during high-level talks in March in Alaska.

China's Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng (right) accused the US of creating an 'imaginary enemy' in Beijing during a meeting with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman (left) on Monday

'The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an "imaginary enemy",' Xie was quoted as saying as talks were underway.

The United States had mobilized its government and society to suppress China, he added.

'As if once China's development is suppressed, U.S. domestic and external problems will be resolved, and America will be great again, and America's hegemony can be continued.'

Sherman laid out U.S. concerns over China's actions on issues ranging from Hong Kong and Xinjiang to Tibet and cyber attacks, senior administration officials said, adding that China should not approach areas of global concern, such as climate and Afghanistan, on a transactional basis.

Sherman, who also met with State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, raised concerns including over what Washington sees as China's unwillingness to cooperate with the World Health Organization on a second phase investigation of the origins of COVID-19, and foreign media access in China.

Sherman, the second-ranking U.S. diplomat, was met with a combative tone by Chinese diplomats for the first high-level meetings since March

'The Deputy Secretary raised concerns in private - as we have in public - about a range of PRC actions that run counter to our values and interests and those of our allies and partners, and that undermine the international rules-based order,' the State Department said in a statement.

'It is important for the United States and China to discuss areas where we disagree so that we understand one another's position, and so that we are clear about where each side is coming from,' a senior administration official said.

'Reaching agreement or specific outcomes was not the purpose of today's conversations,' a senior U.S. official said.

Sherman's China visit was added late to an Asian itinerary that included stops in Japan, South Korea and Mongolia amid wrangling over protocol between Beijing and Washington.

On Saturday, Wang had warned that China would not accept the United States taking a 'superior' position in the relationship, a day after China unveiled sanctions on former U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and others.

Relations between Beijing and Washington deteriorated sharply under former President Donald Trump, and the Biden administration has maintained pressure on China in a stance that enjoys bipartisan support but threatens to deepen mistrust.

'The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an "imaginary enemy",' Xie was quoted as saying as talks were underway. The United States had mobilized its government and society to suppress China, he added

'When both countries see each other as an enemy, the danger is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy,' said Cheng Xiaohe, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing.

Monday's talks came amid frayed relations between Beijing and Washington that have worsened in the months since an initial diplomatic meeting in March in Anchorage, the first under the Biden administration.

At the Alaska meeting, Chinese officials, including Wang, railed against the state of U.S. democracy, while U.S. officials accused the Chinese side of grandstanding.

Monday's meeting was held amid stringent Chinese COVID-19 measures, which have meant that foreign officials have met Chinese counterparts outside Beijing, the capital.

Foreign media were kept at a distance from the site of the talks, but Chinese media were permitted on the premises.
A superstitious Australian who found a diamond ring 14 years ago has finally handed in the trinket after being 'cursed with bad luck ever since'.

The ring was posted to the Smithton Police Station in Stanley on the north-west coast of Tasmania last week.

The precious piece of jewellery with a large round diamond came with a mysterious note from an anonymous author.

A diamond ring that brought its founder 14 years of bad luck has finally been handed in to Tasmania Police

'I found this ring on Alexander Terrace in 2007,' the note read.

'I have had bad luck ever since. I'm sorry.'

Smithton Police urged the owner of the ring to come forward to claim the trinket, which they said had caused some 'strange things' to happen in the station.

'Well be Gol-lum no longer,' the police Facebook post on Sunday joked.

'We'd like to return this precious ring to its one true owner, because quite frankly some strange things have been happening around here since it arrived.'

The bizarre package quickly sparked residents' imaginations with many sharing their theories in the comments.

A mysterious note written by an anonymous author was included with the diamond ring

'Spooky. Wonder where they found it and under what circumstances. I hope the real owner comes forward and fills in the gaps,' one user wrote.

'It looks like my mothers ring, but she is in Hobart. Spooky that I've seen this post, because I haven't seen my mother or that ring in a decade or so,' another wrote.

Other commentators speculated if the original owner threw the ring away in an effort to banish the trinkets' curse.

'Are you sure the owner lost it and didn't throw it away?' a user commented.

'I probably would have got rid of it after one year of bad luck, not waited 14 years,' another guessed.
A flying anchor leg from Kyle Chalmers has lifted the Australian team to the bronze medal in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay at the Tokyo Olympics.

The lineup of of Matt Temple, Zac Incerti, Alexander Graham and Chalmers finished behind the United States and Italy in Monday's final.

The medal lifts Australia's overall Tokyo tally to two golds, one silver and three bronze - all won by swimmers.

A flying anchor leg from Kyle Chalmers has lifted the Australian team to the bronze medal in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay at the Tokyo Olympics

The lineup of of Matt Temple, Zac Incerti, Alexander Graham and Chalmers finished behind the United States and Italy in Monday's final

The men's relayers couldn't repeat the heroics of their countrywomen, who set a world record in winning gold on Sunday - their third consecutive Olympic title.

But reigning Olympic 100m champion Chalmers produced a stunning last leg to drag Australia from fifth at the turn onto the podium.

Australia's men found the pace of the world-record holding Americans too hot to handle, with US star Caleb Dressel swimming a standout opening leg.

Dressel is the main rival to Chalmers in the individual 100m freestyle - those opening heats are contested on Tuesday evening.

The Americans led from start to finish in the relay final, winning in three minutes 08.97 seconds, with Australia 1.25 seconds behind in third.
Australia's bungled vaccine rollout poses a particular danger for people over the age of 60, one of the country's top health officials has claimed.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said on Monday her state could administer 'well over' 350,000 vaccines a day if the doses were available but was dealing with a shortage of the Pfizer option.

She also added there were certain 'priority groups' such as those in the aged care and disability sectors who she was concerned needed to be vaccinated as soon as possible but are the responsibility of the Commonwealth government.

NSW's top health official has said more than 350,000 people could be getting vaccinated for Covid each day in the state if there were no supply issues (pictured: residents at the Olympic Park vaccination hub wait in line)

'Ultimately, if we had more vaccine, we could do more,' Dr Chant told reporters, adding that she urged the public to consider the AstraZeneca option which is in plentiful supply.

Dr Chant also said the lack of Pfizer supply combined with hesitancy over AstraZeneca because of a very rare blood clot side effect, was contributing to older Australians - those most at risk to Covid - not being immunised.

'It is actually quite distressing, when I review the numbers, to see how few over 60-year-olds and over 70-year-olds we have managed to reach,' Dr Chant said.

'For me, anyone who is over 60 or over 70 should be going to their doctor as a matter of urgency - or their pharmacist, which will be opening up across the State in coming days, and get a dose of vaccine and please keep yourself safe.'

When asked if NSW was relying on younger residents getting the AstraZeneca jab in order to lift the state's strict lockdown as there is a shortage or Pfizer, Dr Chant hinted lockdown could be around for a while yet.

'I think we need to say that these lockdowns require patience.'

'Every day I look at the data on the number of hospitalisations ... the number of young people that are impacted ... and it actually is quite distressing.'

Dr Chant also urged young people to consider getting the jab to 'protect the community' (pictured: Chloe Cooper get a vaccine at one of Sydney's vaccine hubs)

'We have had the opportunity to get an AstraZeneca shot for a long time and I am urging the community to play their part, protect themselves, protect their loved ones.'

She added NSW health officials are working on a strategy of how the Pfizer doses can be used to be effect in the community.

AstraZeneca has defended its vaccine for all adults after Australia's expert immunisation panel again changed advice for people in Sydney.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation strongly recommends everyone in Sydney get any jab available, including AstraZeneca.

NSW recorded 145 new local cases on Monday with Sydney's ongoing coronavirus crisis likely to lead to a lockdown extension beyond Friday.

AstraZeneca pointed to global medical advice showing its vaccine was effective against the contagious Delta strain circulating in Australia.

'Regulatory authorities around the world have stated that the benefit of using our vaccine significantly outweigh the risks across all adult age groups,' the company said in a statement.

More than 750 million doses of AstraZeneca have been supplied to more than 170 countries in the past year.

Victorian Governor Linda Dessau (pictured) receives her COVID-19 vaccination at the mass vaccination hub at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne in May

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said there was now alignment between the situation in Sydney and ATAGI's advice.

'The message from our medical experts is abundantly clear: go and get vaccinated,' he told reporters in Melbourne.

Mr Frydenberg said ending lockdowns, reopening Australia and ensuring families were safe depended on people being immunised.

'Getting vaccinated is our ticket out of this crisis.'

Emergency Management Minister Bridget McKenzie said the risk of side effects from AstraZeneca was incredibly low.

'We have had the privilege here in this country, the choice maybe, to choose the Lamborghini versus the Ferrari of COVID vaccines when we really just need to be getting vaccinated,' she told Sky News.

Just over 16 per cent of Australians aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

Dr Chant (pictured) said she was 'distressed' at the low number of vaccines being administered to older Australians

Pfizer remains the preferred vaccine for under-60s, but any adult can go to a doctor and seek an AstraZeneca jab if they provide informed consent.

Eight people, including a woman aged in her 30s, have died during Sydney's outbreak taking the national coronavirus death toll to 918.

Immunologist Peter Doherty said the Delta variant had led to more severe disease in younger people.

'A lot of young people thought for a long time that they kind of had a free pass with this,' he told ABC radio.

People have a much greater risk of becoming severely ill or dying from the virus than the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said ATAGI's latest advice was not a major departure from its earlier recommendations.

'There's not a big change between what they did say previously, which was that people could get the vaccine to AstraZeneca if they consulted with their doctor,' he said.

'Now they say, because the risk assessment has changed, they've made a slight adjustment to that advice.'

The ATAGI advice on AstraZeneca balances the risk of developing rare blood clots against the benefits of protection against coronavirus.
Gladys Berejiklian has rebuffed calls for a night curfew in locked-down Sydney as there is no evidence to suggest it would work.

The NSW premier is facing calls from all side to tighten Sydney's lockdown, including imposing a night-time curfew as Melbourne did last year.

Sydney's outbreak of the highly infectious Delta strain shows no sign of ending with 145 more case recorded on Monday.

Ms Berejiklian was explaining her 'mission is to allow our citizens to live as safely and as freely as possible' at a press conference on Monday when a journalist interrupted.

'Would you rule out a curfew?' he called out from the crowd.

'They haven't demonstrated they work,' she replied.

No curfews are in effect across Sydney under lockdown restrictions, as seen here in Bondi

Melbourne's 112-day lockdown last year banned residents from leaving their homes between 8pm to 5am for any reason other than work and emergencies.

The rule cause uproar, particularly after chief health officer Brett Sutton denied it was based on his medical advice.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews eventually admitted the curfew was imposed solely because it would make policing the lockdown easier for police.

'The rules were ultimately made by me,' Mr Andrews said at the time.

'It's not a matter for Brett [Sutton], that's not health advice, that's about achieving a health outcome.

'His advice is "do whatever you can to limit movement". Police then say "we need rules we can enforce". These are decisions ultimately made by me.

Pictured: Hosier Lane in Melbourne amid nightly curfews, when the city became a ghost town

Daniel Andrews (pictured) faced backlash last year when he imposed a curfew on Victorians without the help of medical experts

'What it means is no one's sneaking out going to their mate's place. No one's going and doing things that they are by law not allowed to do.'

But Chief Commissioner Shane Patton came out in September and said police never asked for a curfew and he was only told a 'couple of hours' before it began.

'I was never consulted,' Mr Patton told 3AW radio. 'We had never asked for a curfew. It's not a decision that I was involved in.'

But despite this history of curfews having no evidence of success or medical backing, NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant was also questioned about a potential Sydney one.

She was asked whether imposing curfews and reducing the distance Sydneysiders can travel outside their homes for exercise from 10km to 5km would make an impact on case numbers.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) would not specify when lockdown in Sydney would end

Pictured: People in Sydney's south-west in July - the new epicentre of Sydney's latest outbreak

Dr Chant did not directly respond to the idea of a curfew, but said residents were already limited in where they could go and that officials would look at prevention measures all over the world before changing any rules.

'We need [to keep] a very tight lockdown to get the numbers down and we also need to do more  the 'more' is to work very closely in a supportive way with a community-led model for those affected communities, and also we need vaccination,' she said.

Ms Berejiklian did not rule out tighter restrictions for Sydneysiders living in hotspots such as Fairfield and Lakemba, but she remained tight-lipped on what those new rules might be.

She said households and workplaces were still key areas of community transmission, but data showed people were obeying the rules.

'There is no doubt some restrictions have better effect than others and that is the advice we will get from our health experts, as well as in consultation with other officials,' she said.

Pictured: A woman in Strathfield on Monday morning. Gladys Berejiklian ruled out the idea of a curfew

Dr Kerry Chant (pictured left) did not directly respond to the idea of a curfew on Monday

Sydney is due to exit lockdown on July 30, but the Berejiklian Government on Sunday requested financial modelling that would assess the devastating effect of extending the restrictions to September 17.

'We might need to go harder in some areas and release some settings in others,' she said.

Of the 145 cases announced on Monday, 55 are linked to household contacts of known cases, and nine were other close contacts.

'In the next few days we will continue to look at the existing settings to give people certainty on what life in New South Wales beyond July 31 looks like,' the premier said.

'It is really important for people not to leave home unless they absolutely have to and, in particular, do not mingle.

September 3 was initially floated as a potential date to end the shutdown, The Australian reported, but that could be pushed back even further in the face of relentlessly rising case numbers and hospitalisations.

Ms Berejiklian suggested restrictions in some areas could be eased, depending on where the highest number of new cases are - throughout the past months, the highest concentration has been in Sydney's south-west.
President Joe Biden on Sunday said he remained adamant about the need to create a pathway for US citizenship for so-called Dreamer immigrants, but it 'remains to be seen' if that will be part of a $3.5trillion budget measure.

Biden, returning to the White House after spending the weekend at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, said that helping the Dreamers remained a priority.

'There must be a pathway to citizenship,' he said.

Dreamers are immigrants brought to the United States as children who are protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Currently there are approximately 650,000 people in the US being protected by DACA.

Joe Biden on Sunday spoke to reporters as he returned to the White House after a weekend spent in Delaware

Biden, whose wife is returning from a trip to Tokyo to cheer on Team USA, was back at the White House on Sunday afternoon

Democrats hope to provide legal status to some immigrants in the $3.5trillion budget reconciliation measure they plan to pass with a simple majority, but details have not been released.

Asked if the reconciliation measure needed to include the pathway to citizenship, Biden said that 'remains to be seen.'

Senate Democratic leaders this month told other members the budget measure would open the door to legislation on climate measures, social spending, and extension of a child tax credit.

However, it remains unclear if the Senate parliamentarian, who decides which provisions may be included in a budget package, will approve inclusion of an immigration measure.

The DACA program, created by Barack Obama while Biden was vice president, faces new legal challenges.

Demonstrators calling for protection of DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and for immigration reform march through the Chinatown neighborhood of New York on July 23

Migrant rights campaigners are seen in Houston, Texas on July 19 doing a 'unity clap' and chanting 'Isang Bagsak,' to symbolize solidarity in Tagalog. The practice goes back to when Mexican and Filipino farmworkers came together under the leadership of Cesar Chavez to demand labor rights

US District Judge Andrew Hanen in Texas on July 16 sided with a group of states suing to end the program, arguing that it was illegally created by Obama in 2012.

Biden last week vowed to preserve the DACA program and urged Congress to provide a path to citizenship.

DACA protects recipients from deportation, grants them work authorization and access to driver's licenses, and in some cases better access to financial aid for education. It does not provide a path to citizenship.

People protected under DACA primarily are young Hispanic adults born in Mexico and countries in Central and South America.

On Thursday Kamala Harris, the vice president, hosted DACA recipients and dreamers following the Texas ruling.

Vice President Kamala Harris held a meeting with DACA recipients and other so-called Dreamers on Thursday after a federal court ruling in Texas deemed the program illegal

'I want to make clear to the dreamers that are here, and to those who are watching from home, this is your home, this is your home, and we see you and you are not alone,' Harris assured the group, as she spoke to the press ahead of the meeting.

The vice president told those in the meeting that the Texas court ruling 'will not immediately impact current DACA recipients, also it will put hundreds of thousands of young immigrants in jeopardy. But our administration is taking action.'

Biden vowed to appeal the ruling, and called the decision 'deeply disappointing'.

Obama's administration created and implemented in 2012 the DACA program, which was almost immediately denounced by Republicans as an unlawful get around to immigration laws.

Donald Trump, and border hawks on his team, promised to get rid of DACA and other programs he felt encouraged illegal immigration.

A group of Republican states sued to finally end the program that protects immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation.

Hanen sided with the states. He said the program violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) because Obama introduced it by executive order and blocked new applications.

Harris' team said her meeting on Thursday was part of the administration's larger plan to address the border crisis and American immigration system in general.

Biden has experienced the biggest southern border crisis in recent history, with record numbers of encounters each month since March, with no sign of it slowing.
A New York bishop has started a 'Pastors on Patrol' initiative with Albany police to hold interventions with teens in a bid to curb rising crime.

Bishop Avery Comithier, the pastor at Elijah Missionary Church, started the initiative last year when he was fed up hearing continued reports about gun violence.

He decided to reach out to the Albany Police Department to start his initiative, in which local religious leaders and concerned citizens walk Albany neighborhoods to enhance relationships between cops and the community.

Together, Comithier and the department recently held an event for the first anniversary of the program - and to announce that the program will be entering a new phase.

Comithier told WRGB that the program will be moving from a 'physical approach' to a 'spiritual' one - with Pastors on Patrol holding interventions with troubled youth and their families.

'We want to come in as pastors to assist, to curb a lot of this,' he told the outlet.

'We have preventative, and then we have to deal with the stuff that's out there. Because either themselves are going to be in a casket or they're putting someone else in a casket, and it's a no-win situation.'

Comithier told the outlet that the Pastors on Patrol, which hits the streets every Wednesday and Thursday, hears many 'cries for help.'

Bishop Avery Comithier, pastor at Elijah Missionary Church, started the initiative last year when he was fed up hearing continued reports about gun violence

He decided to reach out to the Albany Police Department to start his initiative

The Albany Police Department posted photos from the recent event with pictures of residents and police smiling and enjoying the event side-by-side.

'This afternoon, we joined clergy from around Albany at The Elijah Missionary Church on Second Avenue to kick off this year's Pastors on Patrol!' the post from department reads.

The event included fun activities like a slip-and-slide and food - as well as resources for those who needed them.

'Pastors on Patrol was launched last year as means of further enhancing relationships with the community, creating dialogue and building trust,' the post reads.

'The program has also been instrumental following incidents of violence and also provides opportunities to discuss other neighborhood related concerns or issues.'

The Albany Police Department added: 'Throughout the summer, members of the community can expect to see clergy members and police officers walking together through neighborhoods.'

The Albany Police Department posted photos from the recent event with pictures of residents and police smiling and enjoying the event side-by-side.

The event included fun activities like a slip-and-slide and food - as well as resources for those who needed them

Members of the Albany Police Department and religious leaders are pictures handing out informative resources to members of the public

Church leaders and officers with the Albany Police Department pose with members of the community

According to the US Census Bureau, Albany had an estimated 97,478 residents in 2019 - making it a fairly small city compared to the Big Apple. New York City has an estimated 8.4 million residents.

However, the number of gun related crimes in the small city have proved alarming to residents.

A New York State report on gun violence for the first six months of 2020 shows that there were 26 shooting incidents in Albany leading to injury as of June 30. There were a total of 35 people hit by gunfire in those incidents.

A total of eight people have been shot to death in the city as of June 30  putting the city on track to outpace the annual totals of any year since 2011, the earliest year provided in the report.

There were 11 people killed by gun violence in Albany in 2020 and 10 killed in 2018. All other years reported had five or fewer gun violence deaths.

Comithier has officiated the funerals of at least two teens killed by gun violence in Albany who were members of his congregation. Chyna U. Forney, left, was gunned down on May 3 and Destiny Greene, right, was shot dead on May 25

Comithier told WNYT that he officiated at least three funerals for victims who were killed by gun violence in May alone.

Shaker High School sophomore Destiny Greene, 15, was shot and killed on May 25 in Albany when a gunmen opened fire on the car she was sitting in with three others, the Times Union reported.

Destiny was a member of Elijah Missionary Baptist Church, and Comithier officiated her funeral.

'Destiny was so energetic. She was so energetic She wanted to sing. She wanted to do dissertations. She even to play the drums,' Comithier told WNYT.

'She wanted to learn everything, she was just so multi-talented. She just wanted to do so much at a young age and its heartbreaking.'

At least two men have been arrested after Chyna Forney, 18, was shot dead just before 3pm on May 3 when gunmen fired rounds from 'multiple firearms' at a group of three teens, the Times Union reported.

Chyna was a member of Elijah Missionary Baptist Church - and Comithier officiated her funeral, too.

The bishop often posts videos before his patrols to his Facebook page. In one vide, Albany officer Nick Carpenter urged residents to come to him if they have information related to crimes or otherwise want to reach out

Pastor Mike Williams, with Christ Centered Unity Missionary Baptist Church, is pictured on one of the patrols

Comithier also officiated the funeral of Lashon Turner, 39, who was a member of the church and was also shot dead in May.

He told WNYT that parents need to keep a better eye on their kids  and said that if parents are having trouble with their kids to call him and he'll show up to help.

The bishop often posts videos before his patrols to his Facebook page, introducing the religious leaders and police officers joining him for the bi-weekly Pastors on Patrol outing.

'There has been far too many shootings. One is too many but there's been more than that and we need to tackle this situation within our community,' he said in the video.

'So, we're here, we may go up the street a bit and then come back down and talk to some people.'

Albany officer Nick Carpenter added in the video: 'There have been several shootings in the beat. That's unfortunate. If you have anything you want to say or reach out, please reach out.'

Father Sean O'Brien, with the St. Francis of Assisi congregation in Albany, said he hopes the group can 'bridge some of our differences' and that people will 'stay mindful of what brings us together.'

He added: 'Regretfully, we've had a lot of shootings in our neighborhood which is sad because at the same time we have a lot of kids in our neighborhood.'
Ryanair today reported a loss of 230million (273million euros) for the three months of 2021 to the end of June - but nudged up its forecast for full-year traffic on the back of strong summer bookings.

The budget carrier expects to fly up to 100million passengers this financial year after a strong recovery in summer holidays but said fares remained well below pre-pandemic levels.

The Irish airline upped its forecast to fly between 90million and 100million in the year ending March 2022, up from the lower end of an 80million to 120million range it previously forecast.

Ryanair flew 27.5 million passengers in the year to March 2021, down from a pre-COVID-19 peak of 149 million the previous year.

The announcement came as the company said Covid-19 continued to 'wreak havoc' on the business.

Ryanair today nudged up its forecast for full-year traffic on strong summer bookings but said fares remained well below pre-pandemic levels as it reported an after-tax loss of 230million

The company said traffic in the first quarter was up to 8.1 million from 0.5 million in the same quarter last year, but the losses are higher than the 185 million euros (158 million) in the same period of 2020.

It said: 'FY22 continues to be challenging, with Covid-19 travel restrictions prolonging uncertainty.

'Following the 1st July rollout of EU digital Covid certificates (and the relaxation of the UK's quarantine rules) for fully-vaccinated persons, our group has seen Q2 bookings recover strongly (albeit at low fares).

'We believe that FY22 traffic has improved to a range of 90m to 100m (previously guided at the lower end of an 80m to 120m passenger range) and (cautiously) expect that the likely outcome for FY22 is somewhere between a small loss and breakeven.

'This is dependent on the continued rollout of vaccines this summer and no adverse Covid variant developments.'

Ryanair expects to fly up to 100 million passengers this financial year after a strong recovery in summer bookings.

Ryanair flew 27.5 million people in the year to March 2021, down from 148.6 million in the previous year.

The company said: 'Covid-19 continued to wreak havoc on our business during Q1 with most Easter flights cancelled and a slower than expected easing of EU govt. travel restrictions into May and June.

'Significant uncertainty around travel green lists (particularly in the UK) and extreme govt. caution in Ireland meant that Q1 bookings were close-in and at low fares.'
Mark McGowan has again demanded Sydney follow his hardline approach and tighten its lockdown to suffocating levels.

The Western Australian Premier continued his campaign to make Sydneysiders even more miserable with another swipe at Gladys Berejiklian.

Mr McGowan insisted the NSW premier admit her 'mistakes' and expand the tough restrictions on western Sydney across the city and expand mask rules.

Sydney's Covid outbreak grew by 145 on Monday despite 31 days of lockdown so far and no signs the daily new cases will slow down.

'Well obviously the NSW government has made some terrible mistakes,' he told reporters during a tour of a mine site on Monday.

He said locking down specific local councils was pointless as people just moved between them anyway and spread the virus.

'We just want them to put in place measures that work and actually take this more seriously. They've got to lockdown properly,' he said.

'They can't have borders between local government areas within Sydney people cross borders... they close one LGA and then they move to another and they close that... it's not working.'

Mr McGowan said Sydneysiders should be forced to wear masks all the time outside, as was the case in Melbourne, even with no one around.

'They don't have a mask mandate outside, people are wandering around the streets without masks on,' he said.

Sydneysiders only have to wear masks in close proximity to others outside, such as at bus stops and waiting for coffee orders and can otherwise be unmasked.

Not a single case of Covid has been transmitted outdoors in Australia in the whole pandemic and there is no evidence it occurs, according to NSW Health.

The WA premier, a strong advocate of hard and fast lockdowns even with a few cases, praised Victoria and South Australia over their quick lockdowns.

He also backed Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' call that there should be a 'ring of steel' around Sydney to 'protect the rest of Australia'.

'They don't have restrictions on people leaving Sydney, they don't have any of the roadblocks that every other state government has put in place,' he said.

Mark McGowan (pictured) said his NSW counterpart should have followed his lead and imposed harsher restrictions

Sydney's lockdown (pictured) are likely to be extended after case number have failed to drop

Ms Berejiklian was previously praised for keeping NSW open during Covid outbreaks but the Delta strain that emerged in June proved too much for this strategy.

In late June, she resisted growing calls for an economically-damaging Melbourne-style lockdown as the outbreak first broke out of the Bondi region.

She stuck to a soft lockdown which included travel out of Sydney being banned and masks required in public indoor spaces including workplaces.

'It is a very contagious variant, but we are at this stage comfortable that the settings that are in place are the appropriate settings  but that is so long as everybody does the right thing.'

The state government is considering what restrictions are to remain in place after July 31 with case numbers not appearing to drop.
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Britons have been warned to brace for more rain and flooding as the Met Office has issued a four-day storm warning after the UK was battered with almost a month's worth of rain in a day yesterday.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rain in England and Scotland from Monday to Thursday, possibly causing more flooding and transport disruption.

The new warnings come as homes, roads and Tube stations were flooded in the south of England, with a flooded hospital cancelling all surgery and outpatient appointments on Monday due to the heavy rain.

The basement at Whipps Cross Hospital in east London was flooded, causing damage to the electrical system and a loss of power.

A major incident was called across Barts Health NHS Trust, with staff moving around 100 inpatients from affected wards, including to other hospitals within the Barts Health group.

Ambulances are currently being diverted to other hospital emergency departments to relieve the pressure on Whipps Cross.

The emergency department at the hospital remains open for walk-ins but patients requiring urgent treatment are asked to attend alternative hospitals where possible.

Newham Hospital is now fully operational after also being affected by flooding.

A yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for parts of Kent and Sussex between 10am and 5pm on Monday (left) while another yellow storm warning has been issued across much of Wales, northern and central England between 9am on Tuesday and 6am on Wednesday (right)

The heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop on Tuesday and will last well into the night across north Wales and north-west England in particular (left). Meanwhile, a yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for most of Scotland for 12 hours from noon on Tuesday, while yellow rain warnings also follow for all of Wednesday and the early hours of Thursday morning (right)

Flooding forced Whipps Cross Hospital to cancel surgeries and appointments after some departments lost power during the thunderstorms yesterday afternoon. Pictured: A fire engine is seen outside the main entrance to Whipps Cross Hospital today

Barts Health NHS Trust said patients are being transferred from the affected departments to other hospitals within the trust

Near Whipps Cross Hospital, one family's home, where they have lived for 34 years, was flooded during their first get-together in 18 months and family member Nicola Thorogood has described the experience as 'heartbreaking' for her parents

A spokeswoman for Barts Health NHS Trust said: 'We are continuing to experience operational issues at Whipps Cross Hospital due to the heavy rainfall yesterday.

'We cancelled all planned surgery and outpatient appointments for today, and are diverting ambulances while we work hard to clean up affected areas of the hospital.

'We are keeping the situation under constant review and will post updates about services as necessary.

'Meanwhile, we cleaned all areas affected by the flooding at Newham Hospital yesterday and its emergency department is now open to people needing emergency care.

'We are working closely with other hospitals across the Barts Health group to maintain patient care and asking the public to check the latest visiting arrangements for each hospital on our website before coming to any site.'

The wettest part of the country on Sunday was St James's Park in London, where 41.8mm of rain fell. The average rainfall for July in London is 45mm, meaning almost a month's worth of rain fell in one 24-hour period.

The daily rainfall value of 41.8mm recorded at St James's park is that weather station's second-wettest July day on record.

A yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for parts of Kent and Sussex between 10am and 5pm on Monday while another yellow storm warning has been issued across much of Wales, northern and central England between 9am on Tuesday and 6am on Wednesday.

The heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop on Tuesday and will last well into the night across north Wales and north-west England in particular.

Meanwhile, a yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for most of Scotland for 12 hours from noon on Tuesday, while yellow rain warnings also follow for all of Wednesday and the early hours of Thursday morning.

Floodwater begins to subside in Battersea, London, today leaving mud covered roads and a car which was abandoned

Pictured: A car is left covered in mud and debris today one day after being stuck in floodwater in Battersea, London

Police wade through deep flood water to assist a van driver whose vehicle is submerged in Chigwell Road, London, today

A London taxi drives through water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms district of London today after thunderstorms

Under water: The subway at South Woodford Station, pictured today, has flooded after heavy rainfall yesterday afternoon

London Fire Brigade crews had to come to the rescue after two cars became stranded in flood water at Worcester Park today

'Heartbreaking': Family home of 34 years is hit by floods amid torrential rain as they enjoyed their post-coronavirus reunion A family's home has been flooded after heavy rain in London A woman whose childhood home was flooded during the family's first get-together in 18 months has described the experience as 'heartbreaking' for her parents. Nicola Thorogood, 33, was at her parents' house in Walthamstow, east London, along with her two sisters, their partners and all their children when torrential rain hit the area on Sunday. The family made a frantic attempt to keep the water out of the home they moved into in 1987, but in the end they gave up and put their efforts into trying to save as many belongings as possible. 'It's heartbreaking for my parents,' Ms Thorogood said. 'It's just knowing what they've put into it - they're in their mid-60s now, but they're still working - and they've worked so hard all their life to have that house and it's the thing they're most proud of and want to pass on to us eventually. It's that that breaks my heart.' The house is about a 10-minute walk from Whipps Cross Hospital, which declared a major incident on Sunday. Ms Thorogood's family were all together on Sunday for the first time since January 2020 after so-called Freedom Day. Her older sister left with her children shortly after 3pm as the weather started to worsen, and soon after the rest of the family were using buckets to try to sweep water away from the front step, and build makeshift flood defences using bin bags and soil. When it became clear they could not stop the water, they instead tried to save as many belongings as they could. Ms Thorogood said: 'We took what we could upstairs, obviously anything like sentimental photos and things like that. Then we retreated upstairs to my parents' room and just watched the rain fall and the flood come in.' 'My mum was close to tears,' Ms Thorogood said. 'She kept saying, 'nobody's hurt' and 'there's worse things could happen' but you could see the pain on her face. 'My mum's very house proud - she's always cleaning and she's always decorating and she keeps it to a nice standard.' By Monday morning the water had receded and her parents were beginning to clean up. 'They stayed because mum just didn't want to leave,' Ms Thorogood, who lives in Chingford, said. 'I spoke to her this morning and she said the water's gone, but it's like a warzone, and they don't know where to start. 'I'm hoping she'll come and stay here for a few days... they can't stay there, at the moment they have no power, they don't know if it's safe to put it back on. 'So it's just a bit of a waiting game.' Advertisement

The Met Office said thunderstorms occur when there is warm air on the surface that is underneath cooler air above it.

The warm air rises and creates instability which can create quite heavy downpours of rain and hail, as well as creating the conditions for thunder and lightning.

A Met Office spokesman said: 'Going forward, there's some more thunderstorms and intense downpours in the forecast, with a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms currently active until 5pm today in the far South East.

'The current dominant weather pattern of the UK is set to be a spell of low pressure, bringing with it some more persistent rain from Tuesday and into Wednesday, with some slow moving heavy rain expected over Scotland on Wednesday in particular.'

The spokesman said an official study would have to be completed before any connections to the weekend's weather can be linked to climate change, but added that the science indicates that warmer air can hold more water, so rainfall is increasing on average across the world.

'In some places, rainfall is becoming more intense as well. Heavy rainfall is also more likely.

'Since 1998, the UK has seen seven of the 10 wettest years on record. The winter storms in 2015 were at least 40% more likely because of climate change,' he said.

Four stations remain closed, although only Stepney Green is due to flooding, but there's good service across most train and tube services. Three others - Chancery Lane, Southwark and Temple - are closed due to staff shortages.

Eastbound Metropolitan line trains are not stopping at Liverpool Street and step-free access is not available due to flooding.

London Fire Brigade said last night that in total they had more than 600 calls to flood-related incidents including flooding to roads and properties, reports of ceilings collapsing and vehicles stuck in water.

Boris Johnson tweeted his thanks to the emergency services and volunteers after England's south was battered by thunderstorms.

'My thoughts are with everyone affected by the flooding in London and the South East,' the Prime Minister tweeted.

'A huge thank you to the emergency services and volunteers helping families and businesses through this difficult time.'

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: 'We are seeing increasing incidents of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

'This is not the first time in recent weeks that London has been hit by major flooding. Despite having limited powers in the area, it remains a key priority for myself and London's council leaders that more is done urgently to tackle flooding and the other impacts of climate change.

'This includes continuing to urge Thames Water to address localised issues with infrastructure that may exacerbate the impact of flooding.'

Downing Street said the Environment Agency would support any councils affected by flooding.

A No 10 spokesman said: 'The Environment Agency are looking at the situation closely and continue to work with local authorities to ensure that any support they need is provided.'

The spokesman said Boris Johnson agreed with scientists that extreme weather was more likely as a result of global warming, but it was a matter for experts to decide whether individual events were down to the phenomenon.

'The Prime Minister completely agrees that climate change is going to lead to more extreme weather events, which is why we are doing what we're doing to try and reduce greenhouse gases,' the spokesman said.

The Government was pushing for the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow 'to lead to positive changes to come'.

Pictures from the streets of the capital yesterday evening show fire crews using specialist equipment to rescue drivers from stranded cars.

Flooding in Chigwell today after thunderstorms hit London last night

Pictured: Volunteers inflated a dinghy and carried stranded passengers from a submerged bus in London

Pictured: Water on the dancefloor at Walthamstow Trades Hall, a members' club in north-east London, after heavy rain fell on Sunday

Pictured: The A406 Southend Road remained closed into this morning as floodwater submerged both sides of the road

New Cross Road became 'a river' amid the heavy downpours, and video showed Pudding Lane tube station almost completely submerged.

Meanwhile, residents in north-east London used buckets, brooms and wooden boards to create makeshift flood defences for their homes, while water gushing from an Underground station was caught on video.

Restaurant manager Mariya Peeva, who lives in Woodford, said her neighbour's bedroom was flooded, and her son worked with other residents to prevent the rising rainwater from deluging their home.

Ms Peeva, 46, said: 'My son went to buy some food from the local shop - by the time he came back the whole street and the pavement were already flooded and the water was coming into our front door.'

Londoner Eddie Elliott, 28, said the flooding was the worst he had ever seen it, after he cycled past Queenstown Road station where the road had been 'totally shut down'.

He said: 'Having been born and raised in London, I have never seen anything quite like it.

'It stands out as the worst I've experienced personally ... totally shut down the whole road with buses stood broken down in the water.'

A makeshift defence created by residents in Woodford to protect their home from floodwater after heavy rainfall hit London

Residents scramble to stop floodwater from entering their homes after torrential downpours in the capital yesterday

Homes, roads and Tube stations flooded while two London hospitals asked patients to stay away after thunderstorms and battered the south yesterday. Pictured: fire crews use specialist equipment to rescue a stranded driver in Worcester Park

The River Roding in East London burst its banks yesterday afternoon after torrential downpours. Pictured: Chigwell Road

Residents attempt to unblock a drain in south Woodford after a junction is submerged in rainwater after torrential downpours

London Fire Brigade said they received more than 600 calls to flooding related incidents yesterday including to stranded cars

Newham Hospital had a similar appeal, writing on its Twitter account: 'Our Emergency Department has flooded in some areas. We're still here if you need us but to help us while we fix things please attend a neighbouring hospital if possible. Thank you!'

Standon Calling festival in Hertfordshire was also cancelled due to the floods.

The festival said in a statement: 'Unfortunately due to flooding we will no longer be able to proceed with the festival.

'If you can safely leave the site this evening please do so as soon as possible. We are working on getting everyone off site as safely and quickly as possible.'

The rain brought an end to the heatwave earlier this week, but temperatures are set to rise in most places again on Monday as the storms clear, with the mercury predicted to reach 78F in London, 77F in Edinburgh, 75F in Cardiff, and 71F in Belfast.

The Met Office has predicted early cloud in some northern and eastern parts which will move up to Scotland, and sunny spells and scattered showers in most places throughout the day on Monday.

Pictured: The scene at Pudding Lane Tube station, which is seen above totally submerged under water

Canary Wharf business park buildings seen through heavy rainfall as a mass storm passes over the city on Sunday afternoon

Lightning strikes near Canary Wharf business park buildings with a bolt appearing to hit Aragon Tower in south east London

A yellow warning for storms also covers a wider area of the south from Norwich to Plymouth, and lasts until midnight

Police officers stop traffic from driving into flood waters and redirect traffic after severe rain caused flooding in east London

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for storms covering London and some of the Home Counties

Met Office rain gauges looking back over six hours saw 34mm of rain at Sandhurst and 32mm at Wych Cross in East Sussex. An Environment Agency rain gauge recorded 52mm of rainfall in an hour just west of Ashford. Pictured: Nine Elms, London

Rain brought an end to a heatwave earlier this week, potentially disappointing anyone who hoped for a sunny trip to the coast

Parts of south east England saw up to 50mm of rain in just an hour on Sunday afternoon as the area was battered by torrential rain (Pictured: People walking in Wimbledon Common, south west London, shelter from heavy showers under an umbrella)

Two friends in summer dresses shelter themselves from heavy rain showers which broke the week long heatwave in London

Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said the storms are being caused by a 'convergence' of air currents, due to warmth in the earth's surface from the recent heatwave rising into cooler air in the atmosphere. Pictured: Nine Elms district, London

Pictured: London Firefighters look along Chigwell Road in south Woodford which goes under the A406. The Metropolitan Police have declared a 'major incident' in north-east London after heavy rainfall and thunderstorms caused flash flooding

The river Roding appears to have burst its banks close to the Charlie Brown roundabout below the A406 North Circular Road in South Woodford. Police have closed Chigwell Road either side of the roundabout and it remained closed overnight

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasey told constituents she could 'share this pain' because her house had also been flooded

A cyclist rides through flood water in Horse Guards Road in central London as thunderstorms pelted the capital yesterday

A woman walks through Parliament Square as heavy rain sweeps through central London during torrential rain yesterday

A toilet overflows on Pudding Lane, London, as the capital's infrastructure struggles to cope with the flooding

Battersea, London, flooded from the rain. It comes after lightning set fire to houses in Andover, Hampshire, on Saturday

There was a warning for heavy downpours and thunderstorms for southern England and South Wales from 8pm Friday and over the next two days with up to 2in (50mm) of rain expected within just a few hours. Pictured: a flooded street in Battersea

Wood Green High Street, in East London, taped off to the public as a result of flash flooding following heavy downpours

Parts of south east England saw up to 50mm of rain in just an hour on Sunday afternoon. Pictured: Wood Green high street

Wood Green High Street in the aftermath of flash flooding. The heavy downpours are also expected to continue

A torrential downpour in East London.Leytonstone High Street in East London flooded after a torrential downpour

Residents and business owners get creative as they try to protect their properties from flooding in Leytonstone High Street

Pedestrians sheltering underneath umbrellas in Wimbledon Village. The great British summer getaway began on Friday

Jamie Curtis said the roads near Clapham Common were blocked due to floodwater which was '12 to 18 inches deep'.

'(I've) not seen that level of flooding in London before,' he said.

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy told constituents she could feel their pain - because her house was flooded too.

Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said the storms are being caused by a 'convergence' of air currents, due to warmth in the earth's surface from the recent heatwave rising into cooler air in the atmosphere.

It comes after lightning set fire to houses in Andover, Hampshire, on Saturday morning, forcing residents to leave.

Neighbours heard an 'enormous bang' as the strike set two homes ablaze on Mercia Avenue, and a 70-year-old woman was assessed by paramedics.

Kingston Police, who oversee a borough in the amber zone for storms, warned motorists to 'drive carefully' and remember they are 'not driving a submarine'.

The force said in a tweet: 'Please remember to drive carefully. Also remember that you're not driving a submarine. Do not enter what could possibly be deep water. Watch your speed and distance as stopping distances will be greater.'

River water levels rose yesterday after downpours. Pictured: A burst water pipe next to Hammersmith Bridge, in West London

There was a warning for heavy downpours and thunderstorms for southern England and South Wales from 8pm Friday

Handout photo of in buses in flood water in Battersea, south London, after heavy rainfall hit the capital

Man walks through flood water in Horse Guards Road in central London. Thunderstorms brought heavy rain to the south east

Pictured: A pedestrian crosses through deep water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms district of London during heavy rain

A woman walks through a flooded path in St James's Park in central London. Kingston Police, who oversee a borough in the amber zone for storms, warned motorists to 'drive carefully' and remember they are 'not driving a submarine'

A car drives through water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms district on London following hours of heavy rain in the capital

Two people shelter under the same umbrella as they walk through the grass at Wimbledon Common on the rainy Sunday

One park-goer in Wimbledon shelters herself from the rain while a friend stands nearby while they walk through the Common

Rain bounces off the pavements in central London as people shelter under umbrellas as the capital was battered with rain

Two friends in summer dresses shelter themselves from the rain during heavy showers which broke a week-long heatwave

Heavy rain pounds the streets in Soho, London. The capital city saw flash flooding as a result of extremely heavy downpours

Two people cosy up under an umbrella walking in Wimbledon Village during the heavy rain showers on Sunday afternoon

Thunderstorms brought torrential downpours and localised flooding to parts of the south east on Sunday

The rain brought an end to the heatwave earlier this week, potentially disappointing anyone who hoped for a dry, sunny trip to the coast.

The rest of the country was forecast to experience a cloudy, more settled end to the week with sunshine expected in Scotland.

Temperatures are set to rise in most places again today as the storms clear, with the mercury predicted to reach 26C in London, 25C in Edinburgh, 24C in Cardiff, and 22C in Belfast.

The Met Office has predicted early cloud in some northern and eastern parts which will move up to Scotland, and sunny spells and scattered showers in most places throughout the day.

Last week Britons heading on staycations to campsites and caravan parks along the south coast were warned over incoming storms, hail and 55mph winds which were set to hit England on Friday evening and last throughout the weekend.

Traffic navigates through deep water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms district of London on Sunday during heavy rain

A car drives through deep water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms during the torrential downpour

A cyclist wades through deep water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms district of London on Sunday

The great British summer getaway began on Friday as the heatwave continued  with around 400,000 tourists heading to packed airports over the weekend and up to 2.3 million drivers set to hit the roads as the school holidays kicked off.

The UK enjoyed another blast of heat on Friday before the torrential rain was forecast to set in, causing flooding, travel disruption and could even leave some areas 'cut off' this weekend as a month and a half's worth of rain was set to fall in just a few hours.

There was a warning for heavy downpours and thunderstorms for southern England and South Wales from 8pm Friday and over the next two days with up to 2in (50mm) of rain expected within just a few hours.

Latitude festivalgoers got to enjoy sets by Rudimental, Sea Girls, Nadia Rose and Kawala on Saturday evening with no masks or social distancing as tightly packed crowds of people danced along to upbeat music.

Pictured: Latitude festivalgoers got to enjoy sets by Rudimental, Sea Girls, Nadia Rose and Kawala on Saturday evening

Thousands of revellers enjoying the first full-capacity festival since Covid-19 missed the rain for much of the afternoon

The heatwave which much of the UK enjoyed for the past week came to an end, as rain descended on the south of England

The four-day festival, which is part of the Government's Events Research Programme, is being attended by 40,000 people. Festivalgoers must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test or be double vaccinated to access the Henham Park site in Suffolk

Earlier this week, Britons heading on staycations to campsites and caravan parks along the south coast were warned over incoming storms, hail and 55mph winds which were set to hit England on Friday evening and last throughout the weekend

The four-day festival, which is part of the Government's Events Research Programme, is being attended by 40,000 people.

Festivalgoers must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test or be double vaccinated to access the site at Henham Park in Suffolk which also boasts its own pop-up vaccination clinic.

Photographs show revellers taking a zen moment with a spot of yoga or a quick dip in the lake in between drinks and musical acts. For those who love comedy, a tent dedicated to British and Irish-based comics featured Kerry Godliman and Katherine Ryan.

Headliners The Chemical Brothers, Bastille and Bombay Bicycle Club were booked to perform at the event.

But the Standon Calling music festival was called off due to flooding.

The festival, which had been taking place in Hertfordshire, had a capacity of 15,000.

The Met Office had issued an amber warning for storms in the home counties on Sunday.

Eart Herts Police said in a statement: 'Due to serious flooding, promoters of the @StandonCalling music festival have sadly cancelled this year's event.

'We are working with the promoters to assist people with getting home safely or making other arrangements.'

Pictures of the festival on social media appeared to show large quantities of water and mud around the stages.

Standon Calling said on Twitter: 'Unfortunately due to flooding we will no longer be able to proceed with the festival.

'If you can safely leave the site this evening please do so as soon as possible.

'We are working on getting everyone off site as safely and quickly as possible.'

The festival said it expected 'considerable delays' leaving the site and warned festivalgoers not to drive if intoxicated.

Ticket holders can return today to collect their belongings, the festival added.

Primal Scream, Craig David, De La Soul and Sophie Ellis-Bextor were among the acts scheduled to play on Sunday.
Annastacia Palaszczuk is quarantining in a 'modest' hotel room in Brisbane's CBD and not a three-room suite, police said.

The Queensland premier started her 14-days at the Westin Hotel on Mary Street on Sunday after returning from a controversial week-long trip to Tokyo.

The premier helped secure the 2032 Olympics for Brisbane, but was also criticised because she successfully lobbied the federal government to halve arrivals caps in the lead up to her trip.

Ms Palaszczuk then backflipped on her promise not to attend Friday night's opening ceremony after being awkwardly ordered to so by Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates.

Queensland Premier Annastacia arrives at Haneda Airport ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

Annastacia Palaszczuk is quarantining in a 'modest' hotel room in Brisbane's CBD and not a three-room suite. This standard room at The Westin in Brisbane is what she could be using

She has honoured her promise to do hotel quarantine, but there had been rumours she was staying in a three-room luxury suite.

Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski denied that was the case, saying the premier is in a 'modest' room, selected in consultation with the police protecting her.

'Unfortunately, we do have to provide dignitary protection to our premier because of the threats that she sometimes faces,' he told reporters.

'So it has been set up, it is what I would call a modest room, certainly not a the three-bedroom suite which would be a complete inaccuracy.

'So of course, it's been set up so she can do a job, including being able to connect to the national cabinet.'

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the opposition had been spreading rumours that Ms Palaszczuk was staying in a large luxury suite.

The premier helped secure the 2032 Olympics for Brisbane, but was also criticised because she successfully lobbied the federal government to halve arrivals caps in the lead up to her trip

Ms Palaszczuk backflipped on her promise not to attend Friday night's opening ceremony after being awkwardly ordered to so by Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates (left)

She denied that the premier had a bigger room than what would be allocated to regular returned travellers.

'She's one person staying in one of the many rooms that have been set aside for hotel quarantine,' Ms D'Ath said.

'So this room has been used by many other people who have been in hotel quarantine.'

The health minister also brushed off questions about whether Ms Palaszczuk had asked Mr Coates to help her get to the Tokyo opening ceremony.

The AOC president was labelled as 'misogynistic' after ordering the premier to attend during a live press conference on Wednesday night.

Queensland government figures and Mr Coates have since sought to play down the interaction.

The Queensland premier started her 14-days at the Westin Hotel on Mary Street on Sunday after returning from a controversial week-long trip to Tokyo

'It's not what I've heard, look, the premier has spoken about this, John Coats has spoken about this,' Ms D'Ath said.

'They've all given new explanation in relation to that press conference. I really don't think there's anything else to add.'

She said Ms Palaszczuk was 'bright and cheery' chairing the COVID-19 update meeting on Monday morning.

The minister said she was sure the premier would keep herself busy during her next 13 days of hotel quarantine.

'Hopefully she's going to take a moment to get to watch some of the Olympics because I think it's going to be thrilling today,' Ms D'Ath said.
Five people have been arrested and eight more fined after being found at a house party in Adelaide, in breach of South Australia's Covid-19 lockdown rules.

Officers were called to the Lightsview property, north of Adelaide, about 11:30pm on Sunday, following reports of a gathering of up to 12 people playing loud music.

Thirteen people were found at the address on Sunday night with those arrested including two men aged 24 and three women aged 18, 19 and 29.

Police say the incident was the third time patrols had been called to the property during the week-long lockdown which began at 6pm on Tuesday, July 20.

Officers were called to the Lightsview property, north of Adelaide, around 11:30pm on Sunday, following reports of a gathering of up to 12 people playing loud music

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens (left) labelled the group as 'alleged idiots' and said their actions threatened the good work of the rest of the community

Officers were called to the home on Wednesday and Saturday last week which led to the arrest of two people and the issuing of several fines after tenants were found displaying 'blatant breaches of restrictions'.

Following the most recent breach on Sunday, one of the 24-year-old men was charged with stating false details and breaching the Emergency Management Act.

A 29-year-old Townsville woman and a 18-year-old Fairview Park woman were also charged with the same offences.

They were all bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in September.

Three other party-goers, men aged 27 and 21, and a 19-year-old woman from Fairfield Park were also fined for a breach of the Emergency Management Act.

A 24-year-old man from Salisbury North was charged with the same breach as well as hindering police. The man and the 19-year-old woman were bailed.

An additional six party-goers, who were aged between 16 and 24, were issued an on-the-spot fine and directed to return home.

'It's incredibly frustrating, and it's not so much my personal frustration,' Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said of the most recent Covid-19 breaches

SA residents who breach lockdown orders can face fines of up to $1060 with the punishment significantly more severe if there is an arrest

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens labelled the group as 'alleged idiots' and said their actions threatened the good work of the rest of the community.

'It's incredibly frustrating, and it's not so much my personal frustration,' he said.

'I think everybody else who is doing the right thing in South Australia should be incredibly disappointed that some people just think these rules don't apply to them.'

The commissioner said the incident followed similar breaches during SA's current lockdown and others earlier in the pandemic when high restrictions were in place.

'It's typical of a certain cohort within the community who simply disregard any sort of rules or regulations,' he said.

SA residents who breach lockdown orders can face fines of up to $1060 with the punishment significantly more severe if there is an arrest.

Individuals who break restriction rules or lockdown orders face fines of up to $20,000 and the possibility of up to two years in jail.

Police have reminded residents that officers will continue to conduct compliance checks on people during the lockdown, particularly in the north-eastern suburbs considered the epicentre of the state's current Covid-19 outbreak.

'Police wish to reassure the community that patrols have found the overwhelming majority of people are doing the right thing,' they said on Monday.

South Australia is due to end its lockdown at one minute past midnight on Wednesday morning with some restrictions to remain in place

South Australians will be required to wear masks in high-risk settings, personal care services, passenger transport services and health care services

South Australia is due to end its lockdown at one minute past midnight on Wednesday morning.

Restrictions will remain in place following the easing of stay-at-home orders, including the 1 person per 4sqm rule, seated dining and drinking in indoor and outdoor venues and a limit of ten people per household gathering.

Private activities are also limited to ten people, with restrictions on shisha, singing and dancing to continue. Weddings and funerals can be attended by 50 people.

SA residents will be required to wear masks in high-risk settings, personal care services, passenger transport services and health care services.
A four-year-old boy who tragically died in a house fire is being remembered as a 'fun and cheeky' child who loves animals.

Rithish Kirushnaneethan died in the fire at about 1opm on Saturday in Dandenong, in Melbourne's southeast.

His mother and other family members tried desperately to rescue the boy but he died at the scene.

The little boy's distraught father sobbed as he recalled the moment his wife called to tell him about the fire which destroyed his family's home.

Four-year-old Rithish Kirushnaneethan (pictured) tragically died in a house fire on Saturday despite heroic attempts to save his life

'My wife call(ed) me.(I came home and there was) fire, everything (was) gone,' he said to The Herald Sun.

Rithish's cousin, Cham Saminthadarshan, said his death was 'very hard' for the family.

'(Rithish) is very playful, very friendly, and he loves pets, he was sleeping with his pet last night as well,' Ms Saminthadarshan said.

She also said that Rithish's mother is 'very upset' and that it is a 'very hard at the moment for everyone'.

The man, in his 30s, who tried to save the young boy was taken to The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with serious burns.

A 29-year-old woman was also taken to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition and was treated for smoke inhalation

The family had only moved into the Leonard St home two weeks ago.

Three adults and two children fled from the blaze and escaped without injury.

A child has died after becoming trapped in a house fire while a neighbour who tried to save their life has been taken to hospital with serious burns

The home went up in flames on Leonard Street at Dandenong, in Melbourne's southeast (pictured), at 10pm on Sunday

Police have set up a crime scene and are investigating the cause of the fire.

They are not treating the fire as suspicious and believe it may have been caused by a gas heater in the living room of the home.

A woman has also died in a separate fire after a blaze ripped through a property on Badge Court at Laverton, in Melbourne's south-west, just after midnight.

Two other occupants managed to escape the blaze while the woman was found dead inside the 'extensively damaged' home.
Police will take a zero tolerance approach with anti-lockdown protesters who dare to cause more chaos this weekend, as online conspiracy theorists continue to rile up thousands of disillusioned followers.

More than 3,500 protesters took to the streets of Sydney CBD on Saturday demanding an end to the five week coronavirus lockdown.

The protest, which saw copycat events in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, was planned on social media weeks in advance by a shady army of online conspiracy theorists.

Police had been monitoring encrypted messaging platform Telegram as early as May before the protests erupted.

Plans for a rally then gained momentum on Facebook and Instagram where word began to circulate in fringe social media groups that are rife with conspiracy theories and anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination sentiment.

Some violently clashed with police, sparking ugly scenes that shocked the nation, with 63 protesters charged so far with various offences and more arrests are expected.

NSW Police are aware of 'discussions' online about another protest this Saturday, which prompted a blunt warning from the state's top cop.

NSW Police will be out in force again this weekend if anti-lockdown take to the streets again. Pictured is a protester being led away on Saturday in Sydney

Police Commissioner Mick Fuller warned police will be out in strong force again and that the response will be similar to the one at the Cronulla riots 15 years ago.

'Can I just put this warning out now to everyone  that will be heavily policed, we will be taking the ground very early,' Mr Fuller said on Monday.

'You will be arrested.'

'The community has spoken about that behaviour. The premier has spoken about that behaviour and it won't be tolerated again.'

He believes 'anarchists' are behind the rallies, who, unlike Black Lives Matter protesters who took to the streets in June last year, did not formally register the protest.

'There are no organisers that we can take to the Supreme Court to stop the protests happening which means they're a bunch of anarchists which means in terms of the police response, it will be significant, on Saturday if it is planned to go ahead,' Commissioner Fuller added.

NSW Police have set up its biggest strike force since the Cronulla riots in response to the anti-lockdown protest in Sydney on Saturday. Pictured is a protester being arrested by police

NSW Police swiftly set up Strike Force Seasoned to track down all attendees at Saturday's protest, which is now being feared by health officials to be a coronavirus super-spreader event.

More than 250 public infringement notices have already been issued.

Crime Stoppers NSW has received more than 10,000 tips from the public after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and police minister David Elliott urged residents to dob in those who posted footage of themselves at the protest.

Strike force detectives are also analysing footage from social media, CCTV and police-worn body cameras to identify more.

Mr Fuller didn't mince his words when he spoke to 2GB breakfast radio host Ben Fordham earlier on Monday.

Some protesters at Saturday's rally violently clashed with police (pictured), sparking ugly scenes that shocked the nation

'The strike force we have set up is probably the biggest since the Cronulla riots in terms of making sure we hold these grubs to account,' he said.

'We saw violence at a level that we haven't seen since 2005.'

Twenty one men appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Sunday, where 15 were granted bail to appear at Downing Centre and Newtown Local Courts at a later date.

Investigators have since issued more than 250 public infringement notices.

Among those charged on Sunday were Jon-Bernard Kairouz, 24, the TikTok comedian who developed a cult following for predicting NSW's daily Covid count, after he was filmed addressing the large crowd of protesters on a megaphone.

NSW top cop Mick Fuller (pictured) issued a blunt warning to anyone planning to attend another protest this weekend

Former NRL star Frank Winterstein and his anti-vaxxer wife Taylor were also issued with public infringement notices after they documented their attendance at the protest on social media.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said she was 'really distressed' about the illegal protest as NSW recorded 145 new cases on Monday.

'I just can't understand the motivation at such a time. I mean every day, I look at the data on the number of hospitalisations and the numbers of deaths and the number of young people that are impacted,' she said.

'It actually is quite distressing, so I think we all have a collective responsibility to take up vaccination.'
Afghanistan faces an 'unprecedented' number of civilians deaths from the Taliban offensive, the UN has warned.

It comes as the US military said it would continue to support Afghan government forces with airstrikes as it prepares to completely withdraw from the country by August 31.

Violence has surged since early May when the Taliban cranked up operations to coincide with a final withdrawal of US-led foreign forces.

The Taliban's ongoing assault has seen the insurgents capture half of Afghanistan's districts and border crossings as well as encircle several provincial capitals, with most of the fighting in the countryside.

Afghanistan faces an 'unprecedented' number of civilians deaths from fighting between the Taliban and Afghan army (pictured at Torkham, near the Afghan-Pakistan border)

It comes as the US military said it would continue to support Afghan government forces with airstrikes (pictured a F-35B Lightning II aircraft launched from assault ship USS Essex for a mission in Afghanistan) as it prepares to completely withdraw from the country by August 31

The United Nations warned on Monday that Afghanistan could see the highest number of civilian deaths in more than a decade if the Taliban's offensives across the country are not halted

The Taliban has launched a sweeping offensive across Afghanistan following the US drawdown ahead of a complete withdrawal by August 31

The United Nations warned on Monday that Afghanistan could see the highest number of civilian deaths in more than a decade if the Taliban's offensives across the country are not halted.

In a report released Monday documenting civilian casualties for the first half of 2021, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it expected figures to touch their highest single-year levels since the mission began reporting over a decade ago.

It also warned that Afghan troops and pro-government forces were responsible for a quarter of all civilian casualties.

'Unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed,' UNAMA head Deborah Lyons said in a statement released with the report.

'I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed to the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians.'

During the first half of 2021, some 1,659 civilians were killed and another 3,254 wounded - a 47 percent increase compared with the same period last year, the UNAMA report said.

The rise in civilian casualties was particularly sharp in May and June - the initial period of the Taliban's current offensives - with 783 civilians killed and 1,609 wounded, it added.

'Particularly shocking and of deep concern is that women, boys and girls made up of close to half of all civilian casualties,' the report said.

The rise in civilian casualties was particularly sharp in May and June - the initial period of the Taliban's current offensives - with 783 civilians killed and 1,609 wounded, the UN said

The Taliban's ongoing assault has seen the insurgents capture half of Afghanistan's districts and border crossings (pictured, Taliban fighters capture the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing at Chaman on July 14) as well as encircle several provincial capitals, with most of the fighting in the countryside

UNAMA blamed anti-government elements for 64 per cent of civilian casualties - including some 40 per cent caused by the Taliban and nearly nine percent by the jihadist Islamic State group.

About 16 percent of casualties were caused by 'undetermined' anti-government elements. But Afghan troops and pro-government forces were responsible for 25 percent, it said.

UNAMA said about 11 percent of casualties were caused by 'crossfire' and the responsible parties could not be determined.

UNAMA also noted a resurgence of sectarian attacks against the country's Shiite Hazara community, resulting in 143 deaths.

It comes as the US military said it was prepared to continue supporting the Afghan army with air strikes during its withdrawal.

Marine General Kenneth McKenzie said in a press conference on Sunday: 'The United States has increased air strikes in support of Afghan forces over the last several days and we're prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks'.

Mckenzie refused to say whether air support would continue after the pullout out is completed on August 31.

Instead, he said: 'The government of Afghanistan faces a stern test in the days ahead. The Taliban are attempting to create a sense of inevitability about their campaign. They're wrong.'

It comes as US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie said the US military prepared to continue supporting the Afghan army with air strikes during its withdrawal

The UN warned Afghan troops and pro-government forces were responsible for a quarter of all civilian casualties, which totaled 1,659 in the first half of 2021

There are fears the country could descend into civil war after tens of thousands were killed and at least 22,000 families displaced in fighting

There are fears the country could descend into civil war after tens of thousands were killed and at least 22,000 families displaced in fighting.

Fighting continued on the outskirts of Kandahar city on Sunday.

Resident Hafiz Mohammad Akbar said his house had been taken over by the Taliban after he fled.

'They forced us to leave  I am now living with my 20-member family in a compound with no toilet,' said Akbar.

'They have all moved from the volatile districts of the city to safer areas,' Dost Mohammad Daryab, head of the provincial refugee department, told the AFP news agency.

Others also expressed concerns the fighting could increase in the days ahead.

'If they really want to fight, they should go to a desert and fight, not destroy the city,' Khan Mohammad, who moved to a camp with his family, also told AFP. 'Even if they win, they can't rule a ghost town.'

Last week, 15 diplomatic missions and the NATO representative in Kabul urged the Taliban to 'lay down their weapons for good and show the world their commitment to the peace process' on the Eid al-Adha holiday.

The joint statement was submitted by Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the European Union delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Britain and the US and NATO's senior civilian representative.
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A lagoon in Argentina's southern Patagonia region has turned bright pink in a striking but frightful phenomenon experts and activists blame on pollution by a chemical used to preserve prawns for export.

The colour is caused by sodium sulphite, an anti-bacterial product used in fish factories, whose waste is blamed for contaminating the Chubut river that feeds the Corfo lagoon and other water sources in the region, according to activists.

Residents have long complained of foul smells and other environmental issues around the river and lagoon.

'Those who should be in control are the ones who authorise the poisoning of people,' environmental activist Pablo Lada said, blaming the government for the mess.

A lagoon in Argentina's southern Patagonia region has turned bright pink in a striking but frightful phenomenon experts and activists blame on pollution by a chemical used to preserve prawns for export

The colour is caused by sodium sulphite, an anti-bacterial product used in fish factories, whose waste is blamed for contaminating the Chubut river that feeds the Corfo lagoon and other water sources in the region, according to activist

The lagoon turned pink last week and remained the abnormal colour on Sunday, said Lada, who lives in the city of Trelew, not far from the lagoon and some 870 miles south of Buenos Aires.

Environmental engineer and virologist Federico Restrepo said the colouration was due to sodium sulphite in fish waste which, by law, should be treated before being dumped.

The lagoon, which is not used for recreation, receives runoff from the Trelew industrial park and has turned the colour of fuchsia before.

But residents of the area are fed up.

In recent weeks, residents of Rawson, neighbouring Trelew, blocked roads used by trucks carrying processed fish waste through their streets to treatment plants on the city's outskirts.

Lada said: 'We get dozens of trucks daily, the residents are getting tired of it.'

Residents have long complained of foul smells and other environmental issues around the river and lagoon and the lagoon turned pink last week and remained the abnormal colour on Sunday

Environmental engineer and virologist Federico Restrepo said the colouration was due to sodium sulphite in fish waste which, by law, should be treated before being dumped

The lagoon, which is not used for recreation, receives runoff from the Trelew industrial park and has turned the colour of fuchsia before. But residents of the area are fed up

With Rawson off limits due to the protest, provincial authorities granted authorisation for factories to dump their waste instead in the Corfo lagoon.

Environmental chief for Chubut province Juan Micheloud said last week: 'The reddish colour does not cause damage and will disappear in a few days.'

Sebastian de la Vallina, planning secretary for the city of Trelew disagreed: 'It is not possible to minimise something so serious.'

Plants that process fish for export, mainly prawns and hake, generate thousands of jobs for Chubut province, home to some 600,000 people.

Dozens of foreign fishing companies operate in the area in waters under Argentina's Atlantic jurisdiction.

'Fish processing generates work... it's true. But these are multi-million-dollar profit companies that don't want to pay freight to take the waste to a treatment plant that already exists in Puerto Madryn. 35 miles away, or build a plant closer,' said Lada.

According to the environmental chief for Chubut province Juan Micheloud, the colour does not cause damage and will last for a few days. However, Sebastian de la Vallina, planning secretary for the city of Trelew, disagreed and said that it is 'not possible to minimise something so serious'
An education minister today refused to rule out vaccine passports for university students looking to return to in-person lectures and live in halls of residence.

Boris Johnson is said to be 'raging' about the relatively low uptake of Covid vaccines in young people and suggested the move to drive up the rates.

It would see students only allowed back on campus in September if they can prove they have been double-jabbed.

Vicky Ford, the minister for children and families, was repeatedly asked about the policy during a round of interviews this morning.

She told the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme: 'So obviously, I can't comment on things that haven't been announced.

'But one does need to look at every practicality to make sure that we can get students back safely and make sure that we can continue to prioritise education.'

Mr Johnson's officials spokesman also refused to rule out the radical policy.

He said: You have heard what the PM has said before, specifically that the pandemic is not over and as he said last week we are still looking at the scope for vaccination certification and as we said last week I am not going to go into individual sectors or settings.

We obviously reserve the right to protect the public and reduce transmission which is why as I say we are still looking at the scope of the vaccine certification.

If given the go-ahead, the policy would mark another chaotic U-turn from Mr Johnson, who previously promised vaccine passports would only be enforced for foreign travel.

The PM sparked fury last week when he announced the documents will be a legal condition of entry for nightclubs.

Furious Tory MPs branded the push for vaccine passports on universities 'wrongheaded' and warned it could create a 'social hierarchy'.

Labour also attacked the plans today, with leader Sir Keir Starmer warning: 'I just to be very clear about this, I don't want to see vaccine passports used on an everyday basis.' Deputy leader Angela Rayner described the plans as 'unworkable'.

Speaking on Sky News this morning, children's minister Vicky Ford refused to rule out students being required to have both doses of a Covid vaccine to get back to university this autumn

Latest NHS England figures show just 58.6 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds have had one Covid injection, compared to rates of above 90 per cent in most older age groups

The Prime Minister is said to be 'raging' about the low numbers of young people coming forward to get the jab and hopes the move pressures them to come forward, according to The Times.

The latest NHS England figures show just 58.6 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds have had one Covid injection, compared to rates of above 90 per cent in most older age groups.

At the same time, the virus is sweeping through younger age groups, with case rates among those in their 20s higher than any age group since the pandemic began.

But Mr Johnson is likely to be challenged by those within his own party who are against vaccine passports and compare the proposals to a dystopia.

Double-jabbed British expats 'will be able to return to the UK to visit family quarantine-free from August 1' British expats who have received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be able to visit family in the UK without having to quarantine from next month, it was claimed today. The UK Government will formally recognise jabs administered overseas from August 1, according to The Telegraph. That means that Brits living abroad who are fully vaccinated will be able to avoid a 10 day stay in self-isolation when returning from an amber list country. The Government currently only recognises NHS administered vaccinations when it comes to international travel rules. As a result, British expats who live in amber list nations have faced the barrier of quarantine even when they have had both doses. Ministers are now reportedly planning to change the rules to allow Brits to register a foreign jab with their GP. That should pave the way for double-jabbed people to be able to visit the country without having to self-isolate. It is also thought that quarantine-free travel to the UK for double-jabbed foreign nationals could be opened up 'very soon' as the Government continues to seek reciprocal deals with countries which agree to recognise the NHS vaccine app. The current amber list travel rules state that Brits who are 'fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme' do not have to self-isolate when they return. However, people who are not 'fully UK vaccinated' do still have to quarantine for 10 days. Formally recognising foreign jabs will make it much easier for British expats to return to the UK, with hundreds of thousands based in major EU countries alone. It came amid reports that restrictions on travel from France will likely be dropped next week as the Government's traffic light system is reviewed. Advertisement

Tory MP Robert Halfon, chairman of the education select committee, told the newspaper: 'This is wrongheaded.

'It's like something out of Huxley's Brave New World where people with vaccine passports will be engineered into social hierarchies - those who will be given higher education or those who do not.'

Mr Johnson suggested all students  apart from those with medical conditions that stop them getting jabbed  should be forced to get vaccinated.

He made the comments last week in virtual meetings with colleagues, while he was self-isolating in Chequers after coming into close contact with Health Secretary Sajid Javid who tested positive for the virus, according to The Times.

Ms Ford did not deny that the plans could go ahead.

Speaking on Sky News this morning, she said: 'What we've always done throughout this pandemic is prioritised access to university.

'And one of the things that we really want to do is encourage young people to get that double vaccination is the way that you'll minimise disruption to your own university career.

'And I will certainly be encouraging both of my student sons to have their second vaccination before they go back to university to become a requirement.

'We must make sure that we continue to prioritise education and if they want to be able to avoid the self-isolation such as we have said for other adults, the double-vaccinated adults by August the 16th if you have not got a positive test, if you don't have symptoms, you won't need to self-isolate.

'So, for students who are returning to university that's really important.'

The PM announced last week that night clubs will bar people from their venues from September if they have not been double jabbed, as well as from 'other venues where large crowds gather'.

Compulsory vaccinations will come into force later in the year for people who work in care homes.

The Government is also in talks with the Premier League about only letting double-jabbed fans into stadiums.

Speaking on a visit to co-working space Impact Hub, in central London, Labour's deputy leader Ms Rayner said: 'We think it is unworkable actually and we should be encouraging people to get the vaccine as soon as they possibly can, and also encouraging people to take regular tests as well. Because that is how we keep control of the virus.

'Of course, even with the two vaccines you can still get Covid, so therefore testing has got to be an important part of that scheme.'

She had earlier said of vaccine passports: 'The bureaucracy shouldn't fall on businesses. Many businesses, the practicalities, whether it is in hospitality or in other organisations, they have absolutely struggled during this pandemic and there is absolutely no way that these businesses can go around vetting and checking these vaccine passports are legit.'

Sir Keir said he wants to be 'pragmatic' over proposals on the use of Covid passports.

The Labour leader was asked on LBC about the use of certification at mass events such as the Euros final at Wembley.

He said: 'I think tests are actually more useful than double vaccinations, as the Health Secretary has shown. He, of course, got Covid just about 10 days ago now, I know he's through it now, but he had been double vaccinated. So, I actually think tests are much more useful.

'I think that the idea that we can go back to mass sporting events or other events without any checks is not one I would subscribe to.'

Asked whether he would support the Government in a vote, he said Labour would 'look carefully' at proposals and added: 'What I don't want to see, just to be very clear about this, is I don't want to see vaccine passports used on an everyday basis for access to critical things like health, dentistry, food, etc.

'So, for sporting events, I'll look at what the Government puts on the table. I want to be pragmatic because we all want all business sectors and sporting sectors to return as quickly as possible. But not for everyday use.'

Professor Adam Finn, deputy head of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, told LBC on Sunday that ministers needed to be careful about how they promoted the Covid vaccines.

He said: 'Nudging can be done but it has to be done in a way that people don't feel that people are being pushed into something they don't want to do

'We have had people under 30 on our intensive care unit and also requiring high-level oxygen therapy. This is not always trivial in young adults.

'There are younger people really getting seriously ill, so that's one good reason to think about having the vaccine. But these vaccines, it's clear, do reduce the risk of not only getting the infection but passing it on to other people.

'Getting immunised is going to reduce the risk of spreading this infection among young people and enable them to get back to normal.'
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California's out-of-control Dixie Fire is even more dangerous after it merged with a smaller blaze over the weekend, incinerating more than 190,000 acres in the northern part of the state since July 14 and forcing authorities to call for evacuations of several communities north of the capitol city of Sacramento on Sunday.

The Dixie Fire fused with the nearby Fly Fire and leveled dozens of houses and other buildings through the small community of Indian Falls in Plumas County over the weekend.

The Dixie Fire, now the largest in California, also charred vehicles and took down powerlines.

Officials believe that smoke columns created by the blaze could spawn lightning storms capable of igniting more blazes, similar to the Bootleg Fire, which has consumed more than 480,000 acres in Oregon.

Residents in nearby communities, like that in Twain, are either evacuating or staying in their homes in hopes of riding out the approaching blaze.

California's largest wildfire merged with a smaller blaze and destroyed homes in remote areas with limited access for firefighters, as numerous other fires gained strength and threatened property across the U.S.

A home in Indian Falls burns as the Dixie Fire rips through the area over the weekend

A firefighter is shown spraying water as the home goes up in flames

Firefighters have been working non-stop to try and control the fire. As of Sunday, the fire was 21% contained

The Dixie Fire destroyed cars throughout the Indian Falls neighborhood

Cars and homes were left smoldering in the wake of the fire. Officials said nearly 300 miles of land in Plumas and Butte counties were charred

Smoke and heat from the inferno is creating pyrocumulus clouds - also known as fire clouds. They can create their own weather systems and thunderclouds, causing lightning that can spark additional fires

On Sunday, officials said the blaze had charred nearly 300 square miles of land in Plumas and Butte counties.

The Plumas County Sheriff's Office had issued mandatory evacuations for the eastern shore of Lake Almanor, where personnel conducted door-to-door notifications.

An evacuation shelter was established in Susanville, and five other areas were placed under evacuation warnings.

The fire was 21% contained as of Sunday.

A preliminary investigation found that the Dixie Fire broke out after a tree fell on one of the thousands of power lines that dot the state's landscape.

The power line is owned by Pacific Gas & Company (PG&E), a private operator previously found guilty of causing a fire that wiped out the nearby town of Paradise and killed 86 people in 2018.

Firefighters carrying hand tools were forced to hike through rugged terrain, said Rick Carhart, spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

"It has been burning in extremely steep canyons, some places where it is almost impossible for human beings to set foot on the ground to get in there," he said. "It's going to be a long haul."

Powerlines were burnt and collapsed throughout Indian Falls

A burnt motorcycle is pictured in the aftermath of the blaze

Homes were burnt to the ground

A partially burned power pole was left suspended by powerlines

Resident Pamela Aylen, right, hugs a neighbor as they prepare to ride out the Dixie Fire July 24 in Twain, California

Aylen serves as the manager at the Twain General Store. She picked up supplies to prep for the fire

Twain resident Jon Cappleman prepares to defend his home against the Dixie Fire despite the mandatory evacuation order

Twain has prepared a homemade fire hydrant to try and protect his property, which includes 10 goats, 25 chickens and six cats

uResidents in Quincy, California, examine a new fire map as evacuation orders came in for Plumas County on Sunday

Firefighter Chad Claunch walked by a Quincy, California. home saluting the efforts of those combating the blazes

Firefighters also reported progress against the Bootleg Fire, the largest in the nation, as nearly half of it is contained as of Sunday.

There are more than 80 fires currently ravaging the nation. They have destroyed at least 1.3 million acres in California, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana in an unusually heavy start to the Western fire season that experts say is symptomatic of climate change.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday proclaimed a state of emergency for four northern counties because of wildfires that he said were causing 'conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property.'

The proclamation opens the way for more state support.

On Saturday, fire crews from California and Utah were coming to Montana, Gov. Greg Gianforte said.

Five firefighters were injured Thursday when swirling winds blew flames back on them as they worked on the Devil's Creek Fire burning in rough, steep terrain near the rural town of Jordan.

They remained hospitalized Friday but Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Mark Jacobsen declined to release the extent of their injuries.

The Dixie Fire destroyed homes in rural Plumas County

The fire passed through Indian falls over the weekend

There are more than 80 wildfires burning in the Western U.S. The fires have collectively scorched more than 1.3 million acres

The Dixie Fire continues to grow as it burns through Plumas and Butte counties

Firefighters are also working to contain another dangerous fire in Yorba Linda, near Anaheim, California

The firefighters included three U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service crew members from North Dakota and two U.S. Forest Service firefighters from New Mexico.

In California, the Tamarack Fire south of Lake Tahoe continued to burn and threatened communities on both sides of the California-Nevada state line.

Forest Service investigators determined it was sparked by a lightning strike from a storm that was previously known to have ignited a smaller, nearby fire that was extinguished on June 30, Oregon Forestry Department spokesman Marcus Kauffman told Reuters.

Unknown to authorities at the time, an invisible 'holdover' fire that would ultimately grow into the Bootleg Fire smoldered unnoticed - apparently concealed beneath mounds of pine needles, cones and debris on the forest floor - before it was detected and reported on July 6, Kauffman said.

Although no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported, the Bootleg Fire has destroyed at least 67 homes and more than 100 outbuildings and other structures.

Some 3,400 dwellings remained listed as threatened, many under evacuation orders or notices for residents to be ready to flee at a moment's notice.

Extremely dry conditions and recent heat waves tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight.

Climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.
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The son of a nurse turned anti-vaxxer struck off for using her position to spread 'distorted propaganda' about Covid and 5G today said he believes she is beyond help, risking lives and declared: 'What she's doing is very dangerous. This is her five minutes of fame'.

Sebastian Shemirani, 21, is estranged from his conspiracy theorist mother Kate, 54, who says his criticism of her shows he is now part of a 'global plot' orchestrated by the CIA she believes will wipe out half the UK's population in the next five years.

Mrs Shemirani, 54, who qualified as a nurse 35 years ago, is being investigated by police saying medics were like Nazi doctors complicit in genocide and should face 'Nuremberg trials', said vaccination teams should be renamed 'death squads' and referred to the NHS as the 'new Auschwitz' during a rally with Piers Corbyn on Saturday.

Boris Johnson today condemned her comments, having previously called anti-vaxxers 'nuts', with his official spokesman saying: 'Doctors and nurses have done a heroic job throughout this pandemic and continue to do so. Any violence, threats or intimidation is completely unacceptable', adding that if she has committed any crimes that is a 'matter for the police'.

She was also removed from social media and struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council last month for spreading misinformation, claiming that symptoms of Covid-19 were caused by 5G and that vaccines were 'rushed through' because 'they want to kill you'.

Shemirani said nursing colleagues who reported her to the watchdog were overweight and jealous of her, but a panel banned her from her job for public protection.

Sebastian, a banking intern with JP Morgan who graduated from the London School of Economics after attending Eton, today launched an extraordinary evisceration of his mother's bizarre conspiracy theories, which he says she tried to impose on her own children from a young age.

Mr Shemirani is also concerned she has become a far-right poster girl despite having mixed-race children her supporters wouldn't want to 'exist', because his father is Iranian. He said: 'People are taking her as a source of truth and a saint and I wish I could tell them all that my mum is not the person you think she is. She's someone with a massive amount of self-interest and loves being the centre of attention'.

Responding to his claims she told the BBC: 'From what I can see it would appear a 'conspiracy theorist' is actually now anyone who believes something other than what your controllers want them to believe. I find this deeply disturbing'.

The mother-of-four lives in East Sussex having separated from her husband Faramarz Shemirani in 2014, the father of her four children, and her remarks were branded 'reprehensible' and said they 'could put nursing staff at risk', according to the Royal College of Nursing.

Thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday to protest against the vaccination programme and the Government's approach to the pandemic where shamed nurse Kate Shemirani was the star speaker. Her comments are now subject to a police investigation

Kate Shemirani, 54, was removed from social media and suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council in July last year for spreading misinformation (pictured: Shemirani at the rally on July 24)

Kate Shemirani speaks to thousands of protesters during the demonstration. Demonstrators protest in Trafalgar Square, London

Pictured: Kate Shemirani with Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

Shamed anti-vaxxer nurse whose own son has abandoned her and claims that NHS colleagues who got her struck off were overweight and jealous Mother-of-four Kate Shemirani, a former nurse of 35 years, is adamant coronavirus is a hoax and claimed its symptoms are linked to the roll-out of 5G Mother-of-four Kate Shemirani, a former nurse of 35 years, is adamant coronavirus is a hoax and claimed its symptoms are linked to the roll-out of 5G. She has argued the vaccine is a political tool to gain access to and change people's DNA, has likened lockdown to the Holocaust and insisted dancing NHS nurses will 'stand trial for genocide'. She wrote: 'Murder. Genocide. The NHS is the new Auschwitz.' She is a headliner at anti-lockdown rallies, having joined conspiracy theorists David Icke and Piers Corbyn at a protest in August. She directed yobs to confront riot police whom she branded 'dirty dogs' and mocked for wearing face masks at a rally in September. Her son Sebastian, 21, said he is concerned about the impact his mother's claims could have on public health and branded her 'dangerous' and an 'attention-seeker'. Miss Shemirani has been suspended for 18 months to avoid the risk of harm to the public. The Nursing and Midwifery Council is investigating her statements linking coronavirus vaccines to 5G mobile phone technology. Miss Shemirani said nurses who made accusations against her did so because they were overweight and jealous. She added: 'We all know what women can be like.' She has reportedly resigned as a registered nurse. Advertisement

When asked if their relationship could recover he said: 'I think she's too far gone to be helped. I'm never going to have a relationship with my mum again. And that's why it's important that if someone is coming to you and says: 'I'm starting to believe all this stuff'. Nip it in the bud. Because it takes a couple of years to completely lose somebody.

'When this is over and everything she says is forgotten and the global genocide hasn't happened people will forget about it. But the disaster that goes on in my family and the relationships she's losing now that stuff stays forever'.

He heard from her earlier this month, as she appeared at two major anti-vaxxer rallies with Jeremy Corbyn's brother Piers.

In a text she wrote: 'You need to listen to me. You and your sister are going to die. The CIA has a plot and half the Uk's population is going to be killed within five years'.

Sebastian said his childhood was made a misery because of his mother's obsession with conspiracy theories, which terrified him into thinking the end of the world is coming. He said: 'It was hell'.

He was shown YouTube videos and 'the Rothschilds are planning to go live on a space station and how there's going to be this mass genocide, stuff like that. I'm ten, 11 years old and I'm bricking it. I can't believe that the genocide is coming'. And when he left home at 17 he said: 'She came to see me as part of this global plot'.

Sebastian told the BBC he felt compelled to speak out having lost his mother. He said: 'We've got to do it before these idea get bigger and more people fall down the route she's trying to take them down. You can only prevent it before it happens'.

Sebastian is worried that her cause has also been taken up by the far-right.

He said: 'My dad is Iranian, all of her children are mixed race and she's out there getting all this clout and attention from people who don't think I should exist and certainly wouldn't want to listen to her if they did any digging whatsoever'.

Police are investigating Kate Shemirani, 54, who was removed from social media and suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council in July last year for spreading misinformation.

She had used her status as a health professional to spread 'distorted propaganda' about the Covid-19 pandemic, claiming that symptoms of the virus were caused by 5G and that vaccines were 'rushed through' because 'they want to kill you'.

Shemirani had previously said nurses were complicit in genocide, said vaccination teams should be renamed 'death squads' and referred to the NHS as the 'new Auschwitz'.

In footage posted on Twitter on Saturday, she speaks to a crowd in Trafalgar Square through a loudhailer, telling them: 'At the Nuremberg trials, the doctors and nurses, they stood trial, and they hung.

'If you are a doctor or a nurse, now is the time to get off that bus.

'Get off it and stand with us, the people, all around the world they are rising.'

Palliative care doctor Rachel Clarke uploaded footage of her remarks, tagging the Met Police and accusing Shemirani of 'threatening NHS doctors with the noose' and 'inciting hatred'.

Shemirani had told the crowd to 'get the names' of NHS workers, adding: 'Email them to me. With a group of lawyers, we are collecting all that.'

A Met Police spokesman said that the remarks were being investigated.

'We are aware of video circulating online showing a speech that occurred during a rally in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, 24 July.

'Officers are carrying out inquiries to establish whether any offences have been committed. No arrests have been made.'

She has argued the vaccine is a political tool to gain access to and change people's DNA, has likened lockdown to the Holocaust and insisted dancing NHS nurses will 'stand trial for genocide'

Shmirani's social media accounts with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram have since been blocked, but it is alleged she continued to post similar content and feature on other people's accounts on other social media sites such as Telegram, BitChute and Brighteon

Kate Shemirani in Parliament Square on July 19 - she wore a nurse's uniform despite being struck off a month earlier

THE NUREMBERG DOCTORS' TRIAL The doctors' trial was the first of 12 trials for war crimes of high-ranking German officials and industrialists that US authorities held in Nuremberg after the end of World War II. Twenty of the twenty-three defendants were medical doctors, and were said to have been involved in Nazi human experimentation and mass murder under the guise of euthanasia. The accused were faced with four charges of war crimes, including performing medical experiments, without the subjects' consent, on prisoners of war and civilians of occupied countries, in the course of which experiments the defendants committed murders, brutalities, cruelties, tortures, atrocities, and other inhuman acts. They were also charged with planning and performing the mass murder of prisoners of war and civilians of occupied countries, stigmatised as aged, insane, incurably ill, deformed, and so on, by gas, lethal injections, and other means in nursing homes, hospitals, and asylums during the Euthanasia Program and participating in the mass murder of concentration camp inmates. Accusations also included crimes against humanity and membership in a criminal organization, the SS. The indictment was filed on 25 October 1946, and the trial lasted from 9 December that year until 20 August 1947. Of the 23 defendants, seven were acquitted and seven received death sentences. The remainder received prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. All of the criminals sentenced to death were hanged on 2 June 1948 in Landsberg prison, Bavaria. Josef Mengele, one of the leading Nazi doctors, had evaded capture. Advertisement

Last month it was revealed that an NMC Fitness to Practice Committee ruled that her misconduct was so serious that she should be struck from the nursing register permanently.

In its ruling, the chair of the panel found that Mrs Shemirani 'attempted to encourage people to act contrary to public health guidance issued by the UK government by spreading this information through social media platforms and at public events'.

The panel heard that Mrs Shemirani first joined the NMC register in June 1986 and had previously worked in the NHS but now describes herself as an 'aesthetic nurse practitioner'.

The NMC received a 'significant number of referrals' about her conduct last year as she became a leading activist, speaker and promoter against vaccines and the existence of Covid-19.

She used her social media brand 'Kate Shemirani - Natural Nurse in a Toxic World' to spread her opinions, often referring to herself as a registered nurse and wearing a nurse's uniform in her videos.

The panel heard her describe face masks as 'dirty rags' and 'muzzles'. She claimed they 'do not stop viruses' and that 'wearing a mask makes people very sick and increases the risk of bacteria and the risk of infections'.

According to her, ingredients in vaccines include 'acetone and aborted foetal cell tissue that turns into cancer'.

She said the HPV 'kills girls on the spot' and described the Covid-19 vaccines as 'downright deadly', adding that 'there is no C-19 other than the one pre loaded into a syringe'.

Her social media accounts with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram have since been blocked, but the panel heard that she continued to post similar content and feature on other people's accounts on other social media sites such as Telegram, BitChute and Brighteon.

She was interviewed on main stream national media networks as a leading 'anti-vaxxer', including on BBC One Panorama, Sky News, and ITV Wales.

Reaching it's decision, the panel heard how she also used her social media platform to compare health organisations with Nazi death camps.
Nine tourists have died and three others were injured when a landslide which was caught on camera destroyed part of a village in northern India.

Video showed the terrifying moment boulders tumbled down a mountain and smashed into village of Chitkul, located in the Himalayas, snapping a bridge in two while leaving roads and houses badly damaged.

The tourists, from Delhi, were travelling along a road from Chitkul to the nearby village of Sangla - known for having some of the cleanest air in India - in a minivan when it was crushed by the falling rocks.

Three others were injured in the same landslide, triggered by heavy rains which eroded soil, including a local who was hurt when part of their house was destroyed.

Nine tourists were killed and three others injured when a landslide triggered by torrential rains sent boulders crashing into a village in northern India

Rocks smashed into the village of Chitkul, in the Himalayas, destroying a bridge (pictured) while badly damaging houses and a road on Sunday

Among the dead was Deepa Sharma, a doctor who was identified among the victims by Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who she was friends with.

Posting on Instagram, Ranaut described the death as 'beyond tragic' and said she 'feels terrible' after getting the news.

Local officials said rocks had been falling from the mountains for the last two days after heavy rains swept through the area, and that one vehicle had already been damaged while travelling along the road - though nobody was injured.

President Ram Nath Kovind told the Hindustan Times: 'Deeply saddened by the news of the death of many people in a landslide in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh.

'Express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured people a speedy recovery.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added his condolences and said arrangements have been made to get financial assistance to the relatives of the victims.

Chitkul had been hit by torrential rains in the days leading up to the rockslide, eroding soil from the mountainside and causing the boulders to come loose

One of the dead was identified as Dr Deepa Sharma, after a Bollywood actress she was friends with posted a tribute to her Instagram page

The landslide struck the village of Chitkul, in the Indian Himalayas, which attracts tourists because it has some of the cleanest air in the country

India is currently in the midst of monsoon season which has so-far killed some 160 people in flooding and landslides as the country is hit by torrential rains.

India's western coast was hit by severe rainstorms over several days, with a quarter of a million people evacuated from their homes in three states and power cut across vast areas.

Experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of the annual deluge - which is critical to replenishing rivers and groundwater but also causes widespread death and destruction.

'The focus has now shifted to evacuating the injured and restoring electricity as water levels recede,' a National Disaster Relief Force spokesperson said.

'The rainfall has stopped in most places and water levels have receded. We are helping with clean-up, relief and restoration.'

In the worst-hit state Maharashtra, where the toll rose to 149 on Sunday, officials said search operations were halted in the hillside village of Taliye, southeast of Mumbai.

Some 53 bodies have been recovered in the village so far, with 17 people still missing, after a large landslide washed away people and homes on Thursday.

In the neighbouring district of Satara, 29 people were killed in multiple landslides.

India is in the midst of monsoon season which has triggered flooding and landslides across the country, which have killed 159 (pictured, a landslide victim is recovered in Maharashtra state)

Rescue workers recover the body of a person who was killed in landslides which hit Maharashtra state, India, after being triggered by heavy rainfall

Rescuers evacuate people from a flooded village in Maharashtra state, India, with tens of thousands of people currently displaced from their homes

And in Chiplun, 24 hours of uninterrupted rain caused water levels to rise by nearly 20ft on Thursday.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday described what happened in that district as 'unimaginable'.

'The water level reached the ceiling of my shop, there was so much water inside,' a shopkeeper there told Indian news broadcaster NDTV.

'We've seen floods before in 1965 and 2005, but this was worse than before,' another resident added.

Neighbouring state Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the floods were the worst since 1982.

Further south in Karnataka state, nine people died in flooding and four others were missing, officials said.

Authorities were trying to restore power supply to the affected districts.
Home Office has drawn up staff plans to deal with flux of migrants at Dover Port

Border officers are being pulled out of airports and relocated to the English Channel to help deal with record numbers in migrants arriving in Britain, it has been reported.

Agents from Border Force are having to leave positions at some of the busiest border gates in the UK for Kent, where more staff are needed to process and detain migrants arriving by small boats.

However, the move by the Home Office will likely worsen queues at airports, where queues for passport control have already been stretched to hours in length.

Heathrow Airport alone expected 60,000 passengers departing each day on the weekend, the highest number this year.

Agents from Border Force are having to leave positions at some of the busiest border gates in the UK for Kent, where more staff are needed to process and detain migrants arriving by small boats, it has been reported

It was reported officers were being redeployed to Dover from airports including Heathrow and Gatwick as well as the ports of Southampton, Portsmouth and Newhaven

A Gatwick Airport spokesman said it was also expecting its busiest weekend of the year so far, with flights heading out to more than 100 destinations in 30 countries.

But the easing of restrictions and start of school holidays has combined with border guards being forced to isolate to create huge queues at the border.

According to The Times, as many as one in ten Border Force staff had been forced to isolate at some airports after being pinged by the NHS app.

On Saturday, Heathrow arrivals at Terminal 2 were forced to wait for up to three hours to get through passport control after e-gates broke down and the pingdemic left just one official at the desks, according to frustrated passengers.

But yesterday, the Sunday Telegraph reported officers were being redeployed to Dover from airports including Heathrow and Gatwick as well as the ports of Southampton, Portsmouth and Newhaven.

Lucy Moreton, of the Union for Borders, Immigration and Customs, told the publication that this could lead to greater delays for passengers, especially during peak times of the day when the passengers from multiple flights arrive at the same time.

The move by the Home Office will likely worsen queues at airports, where queues for passport control have already been stretched to hours in length. Pictured: Arrivals at Heathrow's Terminal 5

On Saturday, Heathrow arrivals at Terminal 2 were forced to wait for up to three hours to get through passport control after e-gates broke down and the pingdemic left just one official at the desks, according to frustrated passengers

The number of migrants crossing the Channel between 2019-21 has been increasing year-on-year. The graph above shows how many have crossed each month. The red line for 2021 soars above the lines for previous years, showing the monthly total is now at its highest ever

She added that the union was also concerned some staff were having to travel over 250 miles from their 'home base' to put in a shift of 'physically demanding work' before having to return home.

'The more this happens the more fatigued staff get and the greater the risk of accident.

'The ISU has written formally to the Home Office raising concerns about the excess hours that staff are working and the significant risk to both the staff and potentially members of the public.'

Paul Charles, founder of the PC Agency, the travel consultancy, said: 'Border Force need to ensure that it has got enough staff at key airports, especially Heathrow, which are now starting to see some signs of a recovery over the summer.

'There is an onus on the Home Office to ensure they have got enough staff to process passengers to get them through.'

The number of migrants to have reached British shores this year has already surpassed last year's record of 8,410.

Last week it was reported that as many as 22,000 migrants could cross the Channel by the end of the year.

It comes as Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed a further 54m would be given to French authorities to strengthen patrols to prevent crossings.

Eyebrows have also been raised over the French authority's work in preventing migrant crossings. France only intercepts migrants before they enter the water and intervenes only if boats require or request assistance.

Last week it was reported that as many as 22,000 migrants could cross the Channel by the end of the year

However, it has emerged that France cannot deploy its own drones to catch migrants before as they make their way to the north coast because of privacy laws.

The authorities have been limited by a ruling from the national privacy watchdog, known as CNIL, which found that the government's use of drone cameras to enforce coronavirus restrictions and for other law enforcement purposes was 'outside of any legal framework', the Telegraph reported.

This however has now undermined their ability to carry out drone searches for Britain-bound migrants. The French government said they are working to resolve the dispute.

On top of this, Gerald Darmanin, the interior minister, said that 60 per cent of those in Calais had arrived in France through Belgium, and so had asked Frontex, Europe's Border and Coast Guard Agency, to take up patrols and surveillance.

'We are not yet up to scratch. Other meetings are planned, notably in September in Cardiff as part of the G7,' Darmanin said.

'We need European air surveillance. I myself have contacted Frontex, which is predominantly taking care of southern Europe, and asked them to deal with northern Europe, too, particularly the coastline of Nord-Pas-de-Calais.'

Ms Patel is also said to have vented her frustration at Dan O'Mahoney, Border Force's Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, saying that the numbers must come down.

The Home Office was approached for comment.
A doctor stabbed his own mother to death in a fit of rage during a 'Boomerang Generation' row after his parents evicted him from their family home.

Clinical radiologist Andrew Nisbet, 41, knifed special needs teacher Pamela Nisbet, 68, in the neck after learning he was about to be evicted from their family home.

As she lay dying on the floor, Nisbet fought with his father Patric who tried to tend to his wife in a bid to save her. Mrs Nisbet died at the scene from her injuries despite attempts by paramedics to save her.

At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) in Manchester, Nisbet was struck off after he made a plea to a disciplinary panel to spare him career ruin.

In August last year, at the Royals Courts of Jersey, Nisbet denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Nisbet was later sent to a psychiatric hospital. He is currently detained at a secure treatment facility in Essex.

He told police afterwards: 'I remember standing a few feet away from my mother who was lying on the floor. I realised I had a knife in my hand, and I felt very confused.'

Andrew Nisbet (above), 41, fatally stabbed his mother Pamela Nisbet, 68, in the neck after his parents evicted him and his family from their home on Jersey in Channel Island

Pamela (above), 68, and Andrew Snr saw their son's living arrangements as a 'short-term solution.' They evicted their son, his partner, and their newborn son after he turned down an offer for a three-bedroom property

Nisbet had previously lived and worked in Scotland but was said to have 'experienced difficulties' in interacting with patients and work colleagues and in November 2017 his employers suggested he work remotely from home.

He returned to live with his parents in the parish of St Peter on Jersey and moved into an annex with the hope of extending the house for him to live in with his partner and newborn son.

Nisbit became apart of the 'Boomerang Generation' - a term applied to young adults who choose to share a home with their parents after previously living on their own.

His mother and father saw his new living arrangements as a 'short-term solution' and when their son turned down their offer of a three-bedroom property elsewhere on the island Mr and Mrs Nisbet began eviction proceedings against him.

In August 2019, a summons was served on him and a meeting was set up four days later to discuss the eviction but Nisbet's partner stormed out after 20 minutes and he then promptly turned on his mother.

Mrs Nisbet's husband - a consultant radiologist at Jersey General Hospital - was sat in a room next door when he heard a scream and ran in to find his wife bleeding from her neck on the floor.

He struggled with his son for a few minutes and tried to fend him off with his walking stick before being forced out of the annex. During the fight Mr Nisbet Snr pleaded: 'Andrew, for god's sake let me go and look after your mother' only to get the reply: 'I can't do that'.

Nisbet pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but denied murder after attacking his mother in her home

Police and paramedics arrived but were unable to save her.

Earlier this month he appeared at his MPTS tribunal to explain the background to the killing and produced a series of expert reports in an attempt to save his 19 year career in medicine.

One report complied by a fellow doctor known only as Dr E read: 'Doctors who kill are very rare and this underscores the unique nature of the offence and additionally that it is my opinion unlikely to be repeated; therefore I would consider Dr Nisbet a low risk to the general public.'

Nisbet's lawyer Christopher Gillespie told the hearing: 'Dr Nisbet does not pose a risk to his patients nor the public at large. In his former adjusted role as a teleradiologist as he had no contact with patients and there was no previous history of offending or violence.

Police were unable to save her when they arrived at her home (shown above). The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) has ordered Andrew's name be erased from the medical register

'The offence was not premeditated and the assault was by means of a single blow. The weapon was a penknife type implement, which Dr Nisbet was accustomed to carrying, rather than a weapon with which he had armed himself in order to commit the offence.

'Dr Nisbet has been proactive in reflecting on his behaviour, in trying to understand his conduct. He has demonstrated over the years that he can achieve academically, lead a fulfilling professional life, in a role that complements his strengths and abilities, and maintain a loving and stable relationship with his partner and children.

'As was clear from his evidence, both written and oral, he does display insight into the issues of risk and how he and the profession are perceived by the public. It may be that he has had to work harder to achieve that insight but that should not be a factor that should be held against him.'

In ordering Nisbet's name to be erased from the medical register, MPTS chairman Tim Smith said: 'The Tribunal has seen some evidence to indicate that Dr Nisbet has some coping strategies in stressful situations, but they have not fully developed.

'Following the stabbing he mentioned how his father had hit him with his walking stick so hard that it broke. The Tribunal considered Dr Nisbet concentrated more on himself than realising why his father acted as he did, having seen his wife being killed in front of him.

He added: 'In his previous role as a radiologist Dr Nisbet had no contact with patients, however, there is not a recent risk assessment available nor any guarantee that he would have the benefit of similar work place adjustments. On his evidence he appears to be making slow but steady progress but still remains a risk to the public.

'A reasonable and well-informed member of the public would be appalled if Dr Nisbet, who had been convicted of manslaughter, was permitted to return to unrestricted practice.

'Whilst the Tribunal has sympathy for his personal circumstances these must yield to the need to maintain public confidence in the profession and the maintenance of proper professional standards.'
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Binmen and passenger train drivers could be added to the list of critical workers exempt from self-isolation rules as ministers scramble to undo the damage caused by the 'pingdemic'.

The Government announced last week that some fully vaccinated staff in some critical sectors would be exempt from having to self-isolate if they are 'pinged' as a close contact of a positive coronavirus case.

Those people will be subject to daily Covid-19 testing instead, allowing them to continue to go to work.

Ministers were due to meet today to discuss expanding the eligibility criteria for workers in key areas to avoid the stay at home requirement amid mounting fears over the strain placed on crucial national infrastructure by the 'pingdemic'.

The Covid operations sub-committee of Cabinet was expected to look at extending the rollout of daily testing sites for coronavirus and to consider granting further exemptions.

Ministers were due to decide whether to widen the number of jobs eligible for the test and release approach and whether to boost the numbers for existing sectors in order to tackle the recent wave of staff absences. Refuse collectors and train drivers are among the jobs expected to be added to the list in the coming days.

It came as it was claimed that just 25 of the Government's promised 500 coronavirus testing sites for food distribution workers are up and running.

Some 500 sites in the food sector - manufacturing facilities, food processing plants and supermarket depots - were reportedly contacted and informed they would be given testing capability to ensure staff could continue to work.

But The Times reported that only approximately 25 of those sites were due to be operational from today. The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman was unable to confirm how many testing units are now live but insisted 'it will be 500 by the end of the week'.

Meanwhile, union bosses have urged key workers to ignore the Government's exemptions from self-isolation and to stay at home for 10 days if they are 'pinged' by the NHS Covid app.

Leaders from some of the UK's biggest unions, including the RMT, Unison and Usdaw, are telling critical workers in transport, food and border control among other sectors to continue to quarantine if they are contacted by the app, citing fears staff could become infected in workplaces.

Steve Hedley, the RMT's senior assistant general-secretary, also threatened strike action over the exemptions scheme, telling the Telegraph: 'Why should our people be infected with Covid? We have discussed the possibility of taking action at a senior level, and I can say that nothing has been ruled out.'

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, said he would not support strike action as he insisted 'we need to keep our critical sectors working'.

Any move to defy the Government's exemptions plans will spark concerns of further disruption to critical infrastructure as the nation braces for potential travel and food supply chaos.

However, Education Minister Vicky Ford this morning tried to assuage the concerns of unions as she insisted the exemptions would only apply to 'a really, really small number of people' in 'certain really, really crucial sectors'.

Union chiefs are urging key workers to ignore the Government's exemptions from self-isolation and stay home if they are 'pinged' by the NHS Covid app, in a move that threatens disruption for shoppers, commuters and holidaymakers

Food industry leaders claim they are yet to receive further details about which workers will be allowed to skip isolation rules if they are 'pinged' by the NHS Covid app. Pictured: Empty soft drinks shelves in Tesco in Cardiff on Friday

Government guidance lists 16 sectors: energy, civil nuclear, digital infrastructure, food production and supply, waste, water, veterinary medicines, essential chemicals, essential transport, medicines, medical devices, clinical consumable supplies, emergency services, border control, essential defence and local government

Education minister Vicky Ford this morning tried to assuage the concerns of unions as she insisted the exemptions would only apply to 'a really, really small number of people' in 'certain really, really crucial sectors'

Double-jabbed key workers are able to avoid house-arrest via a Downing Street testing scheme launched amid mounting fears over the chaos to key infrastructure caused by the so-called 'pingdemic' after more than 600,000 people were told to self-isolate by the NHS app last week.

Policing Minister Kit Malthouse has already been forced to apologise for delays at the border as families set off on the first weekend of the summer holidays, which were branded 'total chaos' by travellers and which he blamed on the 'pingdemic'.

Paddy Lillis, general secretary of retail and food manufacturing union Usdaw, said staff would be encouraged to stay at home rather than return to work and said: 'Usdaw does not believe that the current situation in the food supply chain is critical or warrants the sector being placed on the exemption list.'

Christina McAnea, the general secretary of Unison, told the newspaper: 'Anyone pinged or called by Test and Trace should isolate. Staying at home protects colleagues, neighbours, friends and everyone else too. No one should be forced into work when isolating, even those employees on the exempt list.'

Sir Keir told LBC Radio that he wants the exemptions to work as he signalled his opposition to the stance taken by the union leaders.

Asked if he would support industrial action, the Labour leader said: No, I dont think that is the right way. I think that if it is possible to show that with a double vaccination and a negative test critical workers can go back to work I would support that.

Obviously we need to keep an eye on how safe it is, we need to be cautious but we need to keep our critical sectors working and I think we should support exemptions which allow us to do that.'

Ministers will today discuss the growing chaos across the UK's critical infrastructure at a meeting of Covid-O, the Cabinet subcommittee handling pandemic operations.

Ms Ford told Sky News: 'I think it is important that we also minimise the disruption to the economy and that is why we have looked at certain really, really crucial sectors and are saying in those circumstances that double vaccinated adults if they haven't had the positive test, they don't have any symptoms then they can continue to work.

'But this is a really, really small number of people in order to keep these truly essential services running.

'It is services like, for example, police, fire, border control, some of the food sector, and some elements of transport as well.

'But as I say, the key date to move forward to is just in a couple of weeks time, August 16, where all adults who have had that double vaccination they they will be able to avoid the self-isolation unless they have got symptoms or a positive test.'

Downing Street was unable to say how many of the food sector-specific testing sites are up and running today.

The PM's Official Spokesman said: We expect 500 sites to be able to test within this week and we said at the end of last week we have rolled out the workplace contact testing following the Governments engagement with the industries that have been affected by self-isolation.

It is obviously the case that we want to avoid any disruption in critical services which is why we have expanded that testing.

Pushed again on how many are operational amid the reports that it is only 25, the spokesman replied: It will be 500 by the end of the week.

As well as the 500 testing sites for the food supply chain, a further 200 sites are being set up in other key sectors.

Industry bosses have been calling for an emergency plan to tackle the impact of the 'pingdemic' on the UK's food supply network which has been an 'absolute disaster' and has done 'more harm than good'.

Food industry leaders claim they are yet to receive further details from the Government about which workers will be allowed to skip isolation rules if they are 'pinged' by the NHS Covid app.

They also say hundreds of businesses which are to be allowed to take part in the scheme have not yet been briefed on the full details.

It comes after the Government bowed to growing pressure from the industry by allowing a key-worker exemption for food supply chain workers. Instead of being forced straight into isolation when 'pinged', food supply chain workers, along with a handful of other key workers, will instead be allowed to take part in daily testing.

Up to 10,000 staff, from across 500 different sites, are expected to qualify for the scheme. However supermarket workers are not included. Testing sites are due to be set up at 15 'crucial' supermarket depots as of today.

The move came after it was revealed how more than a million adults across the UK have been forced into isolation in the last week - 600,000 of which have been 'pinged' by the NHS Covid-19 app.

The sheer number of workers being forced into isolation - even if they never end up having Covid - has sparked fears of a disruption to the food supply chain and empty supermarket shelves in some areas.

But plans by ministers to fix the issue have come under fire by industry leaders, who have criticised the Government over a 'lack of communication'.

James Bielby, of the Federation of Wholesale Distribution, which supplies food to outlets other than supermarkets, told the Observer newspaper that the industry still had no idea who is on the list of exempted groups.

He also said that of the 500 businesses supposedly included, only 3 per cent had actually been notified.

Mr Bielby said: 'It's total chaos. There are 15 businesses who were part of the initial run through [of the scheme] on Friday, but there's supposed to be 500 businesses in total, it's entirely opaque.'

Meanwhile, Shane Brennan, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, the organisation representing companies that move frozen and chilled foods, said: 'Several days after the prime minister told us the food supply chain was critical and would be exempt, we still don't have a definitive list of who will be exempt and what is required of them.

'Businesses are fighting to keep food on shelves, and I regret that despite the best intentions in some places, government has done more harm than good.'

It comes as frontline businesses and services paralysed by pingdemic chaos will get access to 200 new testing sites from Monday.

The Government's emergency plan to tackle the pingdemic's impact on the food supply industry has been an 'absolute disaster' and has done more harm than good, industry bosses have claimed. Pictured: A shopper walks past a row of empty shelves in ASDA Cardiff on Friday)

Some 200 new test centres are going to be set up throughout the country to try and stem the chaos caused by the pindemic

The Government on Saturday said in a statement that an expected initial extra 200 testing sites would be opened so that daily contact testing could be 'rolled out to further critical workplaces in England'.

But it came as it was claimed the system causing the problem could not be stopped - because there is not enough testing capacity to allow the 'test and release' method to take over.

The chaotic situation sparked harsh words from some sectors over the lack of clarity from the authorities.

Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, added: 'We desperately need this detail and need it quickly. The last we heard, communication could be coming on Monday, so we have a long weekend to get through yet. We need a sense of urgency here.'

Richard Harrow, chief executive of the Frozen Food Federation, said: 'The Government announcement last night that parts of the supply chain will be allowed to test and release workers that are pinged by Track and Trace only goes part of the way.

James Bielby, of the Federation of Wholesale Distribution (FWD), which supplies food to outlets other than supermarkets, told the Observer that the industry still had no idea who was actually on the list of exempted groups

'It shows that yet again Government does not understand how connected the food supply chain is.

'Only opening part is unlikely to solve the overall issue. Plus, who is in and who is out, who decides and how do they decide?

'Confusion continues to pervade and I have been advised no list until Monday. This is worse than useless.'

Cornwall Airport Newquay said it was being 'very much affected' by staff shortages due to isolation orders and its boss was not optimistic over discussions over exemptions with the Department for Transport.

Managing director Peter Downes told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We've been told to expect exemptions in very small numbers of people, in ones and twos, rather than large numbers of staff.

'When we have between a quarter and a third in some cases of individual teams being pinged by the system in one go, and as soon as you get people back you're often losing others to fresh notifications, we don't believe that the scheme is going to cater for that.'

One industry not to feature in the exemptions list was hospitality, with its trade association warning the sector will have 'one hand tied behind our back' as staff are forced into isolation over Covid-19 contacts during what should be the peak season.

Calling for a 'more pragmatic solution', UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: 'We now face a summer of venue closures and reduced service, when we should be at a seasonal peak.

'The sector will do all it can to provide great service, but it will be with one hand tied behind our back.

'Those who are fully vaccinated should be able to test after a ping and, subject to a negative result, carry on with their lives. For those not fully vaccinated two negative tests should be sufficient to return to work.'

Home Secretary Priti Patel insisted: 'Daily testing will keep our frontline teams safe while they continue to serve the public and communities across our country.'

The expansion came after the Government on Thursday announced its programme would allow thousands of workers at up to 500 sites in the food sector to avoid the need to self-isolate if identified as a contact of a coronavirus case, and instead take daily Covid tests.

Discontent with the Government's self-isolation policy was growing at the weekend as food industry bosses condemned changes to ease the 'pingdemic' , hospitality leaders warned of a summer of closures and train operators were forced to cut services.

Pressure has mounted on Downing Street to bring forward the date at which people who are double vaccinated against coronavirus can avoid self-isolation.

Freedom day has prompted an extraordinary onslaught of pings to people following the coronavirus rules still left

There were increasing calls for Mr Johnson to bring forward his wider relaxation of quarantine rules for the fully vaccinated from August 16 as businesses were hampered by staff being told to isolate as coronavirus cases soar.

In a bid to calm the concerns of industry, ministers published a limited list of sectors whose double-jabbed workers are eligible to avoid isolation if they undergo daily testing before the wider easing of rules for England.

Industry leaders said the move did not include sufficient workers but doctors warned the problem is that the Prime Minister has let the virus 'rip' and not the 'pings' being issued by the NHS Covid-19 app to tell coronavirus contacts to isolate.

The mounting criticism came as data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed Covid-19 cases continued to rise, with around one in 75 people in England infected.

'When we have between a quarter and a third in some cases of individual teams being pinged by the system in one go, and as soon as you get people back you're often losing others to fresh notifications, we don't believe that the scheme is going to cater for that.'

One industry not to feature in the exemptions list was hospitality, with its trade association warning the sector will have 'one hand tied behind our back' as staff are forced into isolation over Covid-19 contacts during what should be the peak season.

Calling for a 'more pragmatic solution', UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: 'We now face a summer of venue closures and reduced service, when we should be at a seasonal peak.

'The sector will do all it can to provide great service, but it will be with one hand tied behind our back.

'Those who are fully vaccinated should be able to test after a ping and, subject to a negative result, carry on with their lives. For those not fully vaccinated two negative tests should be sufficient to return to work.'
Calls to punish Republicans investigating the Capitol riots have grown after Rep. Adam Kinzinger accepted Nancy Pelosi's offer to serve on the Jan. 6 committee on Sunday.

He is the second Republican and outspoken Trump critic to take a seat on the committee at the behest of the House Speaker, after Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney joined the body earlier this month.

Kinzinger will join the other members at the committee's first hearing on Tuesday.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy last week pulled his five picks, which were given to Pelosi when she created the group. The move came after the speaker rejected two of them  Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Jim Banks of Indiana.

Now, GOP members beyond the hard-right Freedom Caucus are calling for party leaders to remove the pair from other committees.

'There's a lot,' one Republican told CNN about the push. 'Supporting Pelosi's unprecedented move to reject McCarthy's picks was a bridge too far.'

Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger (left) joined Liz Cheney (right) on the Jan. 6 Capitol riot committee after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi denied seats to two Trump supporters

Pelosi told ABC News on Sunday morning that Jordan and Banks would 'jeopardize the integrity of the investigation.'

Kinzinger agreed that the panel needed a 'serious, clear-eyed non-partisan approach'.

'Today, I was asked by the Speaker to serve on the House Select Committee to Investigate January 6th and I humbly accepted,' the Illinois congressman wrote in a statement Sunday afternoon.

'I'm a Republican dedicated to conservative values,' he continued, 'but I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution - and while this is not the position I expected to be in or sought out, when duty calls, I will always answer.

'I will work diligently to ensure we get to the truth and hold those responsible for the attack fully accountable,' he said in his Sunday statement.

Both Cheney and Kinzinger voted for Trump's impeachment following the January 6 riot.

Kinzinger has been a vocal critic of the former president both on television and on social media. He strongly criticized his own political party, saying that the GOP is no longer focused on policy and has become all about "loyalty" to Trump.

"I think what I'm used to saying to any Republican that's maybe kind of confused by the moment we're in is policy doesn't matter anymore. It literally is all your loyalty to Donald Trump. As I've said before, this is something that like echoes a little bit out of North Korea, where no matter what policy comes out, you're loyal to the guy," he told NBC News' Meet the Press last month.

Cheney was voted out of her No. 3 leadership role in the party and replaced by loyalist Elise Stefanik of New York for continually calling out Trump on his election lies.

There are no Trump supporters on the committee investigating the violent breach, which critics say was sparked by Trump's calls to 'stop the steal' and 'show strength' during a rally that same day.

McCarthy had previously warned freshman Republicans to look to Pelosi for future committee appointments if they accepted her invitation.

'Plenty of people wondering the same things,' another GOP member told CNN. 'If they are accepting appointments from Nancy Pelosi rather than the GOP, haven't they already effectively left? Perhaps they should ask Speaker Pelosi for committee assignments?'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday she 'plans' to select Republican Kinzinger and 'other Republicans' for the committee probing the January 6 Capitol attack

Republicans are warning of 'endless retaliation' as a 'new level of partisanship' emerged when Pelosi rejected two of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's (pictured) picks for the panel

McCarthy fumed after Kinzinger joined the panel, calling it not bipartisan  just made up of people hand-selected by Pelosi who all share her same view that Trump is to blame for the Capitol attack.

'Speaker Pelosi's rejection of the Republican nominees to serve on the committee and self-appointment of members who share her pre-conceived narrative will not yield a serious investigation,' McCarthy said in a Sunday statement after Kinzinger accepted a post on the panel.

Liz Cheney vs. Donald Trump Voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 riots

Said the president 'summoned this mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack'

Her outspoken opposition to Trump's 'big lie' lost her a party chairmanship and led to a censure from her state party

'He's unfit,' she said of the former president after she was removed from party leadership. 'He never again can be anywhere close to the Oval Office.'

Defended Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and former Ukraine Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, two witnesses in Trumps first impeachment, after he attacked them

Criticized Trump's proposal to draw down troops in Germany

Rebuked him for dismissing reports that Russia had offered Afghan militants a bounty to kill U.S. troops

Backed infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci for how he dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic

Mocked Trumps cavalier attitude on face coverings by tweeting out a photo of her father wearing a mask with the caption, 'Dick Cheney says WEAR A MASK.' Advertisement

He did not directly reference Kinzinger's willingness to accept the speaker's invitation.

'The Speaker has structured this select committee to satisfy her political objectives,' he added. 'She had months to work with Republicans on a reasonable and fair approach to get answers on the events and security failures surrounding January 6. Instead, she has played politics.'

The California Republican said the Senate has already conducted successful bipartisan investigations that 'should serve as a roadmap' for the January 6 select committee.

'Speaker Pelosi's departure from this serious-minded approach has destroyed the select committee's credibility,' he insisted.

It is not clear if Pelosi will tap any other GOP members to serve on the committee, but she did say 'other Republicans' have expressed interest in joining the panel.

ABC This Week host George Stephanopoulos pushed Pelosi on when she will make an announcement.

'Perhaps after I speak to Adam Kinzinger. But I'm not going to announce it right this minute,' she said just moments before approaching the Illinois Republican.

Adam Kinzinger vs. Donald Trump Voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 riots

Endorsed all GOP anti-Trump candidates running for the House in 2022

Launched a PAC aimed at ending Trump's influence on the GOP

Regularly uses social media to fact-check and push back against claims of widespread voter fraud pushed by Trump and his minions

Condemned staunchly pro-Trump lawmakers and Republicans who promote baseless conspiracy theories, such as QAnon

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'You can say that that's the direction I would be going on,' she continued with a chuckle. 'He and other Republicans have expressed an interest to serve on the select committee.'

Pelosi said she 'wanted to appoint three of the members that Leader McCarthy suggested, but he withdrew their names.'

'The two that I would not appoint are people who would jeopardize the integrity of the investigation. And there's no way I would tolerate their antics as we seek the truth,' she told ABC News on Sunday morning.

McCarthy had put up Jordan, Banks, Troy Nehls of Texas, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota and Rodney Davis of Illinois.

Jordan, Banks and Nehls all voted against certifying the 2020 election for Joe Biden by citing fraud in certain states on January 6.

Pelosi, as House Speaker, was able to veto only two.

'Unless Speaker Pelosi reverses course and seats all five Republican nominees, Republicans will not be party to their sham process and will instead pursue our own investigation of the facts,' McCarthy said last week.

'Pelosi has broken this institution,' he continued, while accusing the House speaker of an 'egregious abuse of power.'

Pelosi defended her decision to reject Jordan and Banks, saying their 'antics' were in danger of getting in the way of finding the truth behind what happened on January 6.

She said both lawmakers had a history of making statements that would have made it impossible for them to display 'balanced judgment,' including blaming the Biden administration for events that unfolded before it had even formed.

'It is my responsibility as Speaker of the House, to make sure we get to the truth on this, and we will not let their antics stand in the way of that,' she said during her weekly press briefing.

Pelosi said Sunday she would have appointed three McCarthy's picks, but 'the two that I would not appoint are people who would jeopardize the integrity of the investigation.' She's speaking of Reps. Jim Banks (left) and Jim Jordan (right), who she rejected for the committee

Republicans warn there will be 'endless retaliation', according to a Sunday report, as the House becomes further divided.

'I didn't think things could get more partisan in the House than they already were,' a top Republican aide told the Washington Examiner. 'But Speaker Pelosi's decision to remove Republicans from the January 6th Committee just took things to an entirely new level.'

'When Republicans take back the House, expect endless retaliation,' the aide said.

The House currently sits at a 220-211 divide with Democrats holding the majority, but Republicans are putting all their efforts into flipping the body back to red in the 2022 midterms.

The Senate is split 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris holding the tie-breaking vote.

The panel begins its first hearing Tuesday into the violence that left five people dead after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Congress as hey moved to certify the Electoral College results. It will hear from law enforcement officers who battled protesters.

The House select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol (above) is due to meet for the first time next week as it probes the attack on Congress that left five people dead

Last week, Pelosi hit back against critics who accused her of being intent on taking down Trump.

'We're there to get the truth, not to get Trump,' she said spelling it out.

'T-R-U truth. Trump that seems to be what the other side is obsessed with.

'So as legislation allows I didn't accept two of the five people were appointed, they had made statements and taken actions that I think would impact the integrity of the commission of the committee, the work as a committee,' she said.

'This is deadly serious. This is about our constitution, it's about our country.'

By way of example she cited a combative statement released by Banks last Monday in which he promised to use his role on the commission to investigate the response of the Biden administration to the riot.

'There was no Biden administration on January so let's not go into that,' she said.

Republicans were prepared to focus their strategy on why Pelosi wasn't more prepared for the attack.

'There's one fundamental question that I hope Democrats will actually answer and address and that is why wasn't there a proper security presence that day?' Jordan questioned after he was appointed by McCarthy.

'And frankly, only the speaker can answer that question so let's see if the Democrats bring that up,' he added.

Pelosi's spokesperson told DailyMail.com last Wednesday that the GOP strategy is 'desperate'.

'On January 6th, the Speaker, a target of an assassination attempt that day, was no more in charge of Capitol security than Mitch McConnell was,' Drew Hammill said. 'This is a clear attempt to whitewash what happened on January 6th and divert blame.'

At a rally in New York on July 25, right-wing protesters demanded the release of those arrested for participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that left five people dead and windows smashed

They called for the release of more than 500 people arrested in connection with the breach

He added: 'I would hope the media would do better and treat this as the utter nonsense that it is.'

The GOP was also planning to highlight leftist political violence, including the 2020 summer riots and looting in response to police brutality.

'The Democrats in the summer of 2020 normalized anarchy, they normalized rioting and looting,' Jordan said. 'So I think that's an important element that we'll have to point out.'

In his statement, after being named to the committee by McCarthy, Banks also promised to address questions being ignored by Democrats.

'Even then, I will do everything possible to give the American people the facts about the lead up to January 6, the riot that day, and the responses from Capitol leadership and the Biden administration,' he said.

'I will not allow this committee to be turned into a forum for condemning millions of Americans because of their political beliefs.'

Two days later he accused Pelosi of running from the facts.

'I'm a sitting member of Congress and served my country in Afghanistan and the Speaker knows how hard I will fight for my country,' he said.

'We said all along that this was a purely partisan exercise by the Democrats and Nancy Pelosi's rejection of me and Jim Jordan shows once again she is the most partisan figure in America today.'

The panel has been beset by partisan wrangling from the off. Last month, all but two Republicans opposed the select committee in a House vote.
British expats who have received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be able to visit family in the UK without having to quarantine from next month, it was claimed today.

The UK Government will formally recognise jabs administered overseas from August 1, according to The Telegraph.

That means that Brits living abroad who are fully vaccinated will be able to avoid a 10 day stay in self-isolation when returning from an amber list country.

Meanwhile, ministers are also considering plans which would allow double-jabbed foreign nationals to be allowed into the UK without having to quarantine.

The Government is hoping to strike reciprocal deals with dozens of nations to recognise each other's vaccinations and vaccine apps.

That could pave the way for the return of much easier travel to and from many popular holiday destinations.

It will also inevitably spark optimism of a deal being done between the US and the UK as the two sides continue talks on setting up a travel corridor.

Reports suggest that the Government will formally recognise foreign jabs for expats from August 1, paving the way for more quarantine-free travel back to the UK

Brits living abroad who are fully vaccinated will be able to avoid a 10 day stay in self-isolation when returning from an amber list country. A vaccination centre in Doncaster is pictured on June 27

The Government currently only recognises NHS administered vaccinations when it comes to international travel rules.

As a result, British expats who live in amber list nations have faced the barrier of quarantine even when they have had both doses.

Ministers are now reportedly planning to change the rules to allow Brits to register a foreign jab with their GP.

That should pave the way for double-jabbed people to be able to visit the country without having to self-isolate.

It is also thought that quarantine-free travel to the UK for double-jabbed foreign nationals could be opened up 'very soon' as the Government continues to seek reciprocal deals with countries which agree to recognise the NHS vaccine app.

The deals are likely to be based on a mutual recognition of the vaccines used in each country which means the UK is only likely to strike agreements with nations using jabs already approved for use in Britain.

That could present a stumbling block for a reciprocal deal with the US because the AstraZeneca vaccine, the workhorse of the UK rollout, has not yet been approved for use by Washington.

Meanwhile, in a sign that a breakthrough on US-UK travel may still be some way off, a White House official today said the Biden Administration does not intend to lift any existing travel restrictions 'at this point'.

The official cited concerns over the Delta variant and the rising number of US coronavirus cases.

'Given where we are today with the Delta variant, the United States will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point,' the official told Reuters.

The current amber list travel rules state that Brits who are 'fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme' do not have to self-isolate when they return.

However, people who are not 'fully UK vaccinated' do still have to quarantine for 10 days.

Formally recognising foreign jabs will make it much easier for British expats to return to the UK, with hundreds of thousands based in major EU countries alone.

There have been a total of 46,563,452 first doses of a vaccine administered and 37,160,659 second doses. Last Sunday 60 new deaths within 28 days of testing positive were recorded, meaning today's figure of 28 is a drop of more than 50 per cent

It came amid reports that restrictions on travel from France will likely be dropped next week as the Government's traffic light system is reviewed.

It is thought the country will be taken off the 'amber-plus' list as government officials believe the Beta coronavirus variant threat is being contained.

Sources claim the Delta variant prevalent in Britain is spreading faster than the Beta variant in Europe, and would 'out-compete' it in the coming weeks, according to The Times.

At present double-jabbed holidaymakers returning from France must quarantine for up to ten days because it is on the amber-plus list.
A Manhattan spinal surgeon has settled his divorce with his former-beauty queen wife after claiming in court papers that he discovered she had been engaged in sex work.

Dr. Han Jo Kim sought an annulment of his marriage to former Miss USA hopeful Regina Turner, claiming she worked as a high-end call girl before and after their 2015 marriage,' New York Daily News reported, citing court documents.

Special Surgery Dr Kim settled his divorce from Turner before a public court hearing which was scheduled for 10am Monday, a court spokesman told the Daily News.

The divorce papers, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, reportedly allege that Turner earned nearly $700,000 in cash from her clients.

Millionaire surgeon Dr. Kim claimed he first became aware of his wife's double life in December 2020 when he came across an explicit iMessage intended for Turner, which detailed a sexual encounter between her and another man, the court papers reportedly state.

The papers go on to claim that Turner, who won the Miss Connecticut title in 2011, had clients including a New Jersey-based real estate executive and an award-winning lighting designer, New York Daily News reported.

'Not to belabor the obvious but ... defendant clearly committed material fraud upon Dr. Kim by concealing her sale of sexual services in exchange for money prior to the marriage,' Dr. Kim reportedly states in the court documents.

'As is further obvious, plaintiff would never have married defendant absent her lies and concealment.'

A Manhattan spinal surgeon is divorcing his beauty queen wife Regina Turner (pictured) after claiming he discovered she had been engaged in sex work, court papers reportedly reveal

Dr. Han Jo Kim is seeking an annulment of his marriage to former Miss USA hopeful Regina Turner (pictured), claiming she worked as a high-end call girl before and after their 2015 marriage,' New York Daily News reported, citing court documents

He claims she worked as a high-end call girl before and after their 2015 marriage,' New York Daily News reported, citing court documents. They are pictured together

The court documents also reportedly include records of financial transactions, alleged to be payments from clients to Turner.

A hearing was due for Monday as Dr. Kim sought to void the marriage on the grounds that he was a victim of fraud.

He alleged that Turner misled him about other details of her past, including that she had studied science at the University of Connecticut for three years before leaving to compete in the Miss USA pageant, New York Daily News reported, adding that Dr. Kim's papers state that Turner had never graduated high school.

In the court documents, Dr. Kim reportedly alleged that his wife pretended to be out with friends while actually engaging in sex work and also claimed she had to make frequent weeks-long works trips to China relating to a clothing app she was developing,' New York Daily News reported.

'In fact such travel was in connection with defendant's provision of sexual services in exchange for money,' the paper reported the court documents as saying.

New York Daily News said Turner's subpoenaed bank records allegedly showed $675,030 in cash deposits from 2015-2021.

Millionaire surgeon Dr. Kim (pictured) said he never would have married former Miss Connecticut Regina Turner had he known of her past, according to court documents reported by New York Daily News

It reported that records showed checks for as much as $2,000 each made out to cash and deposited in Turner's account from the New Jersey real estate executive, whom the outlet did not name.

The deposits from the executive totaled $185,5000, according to documents filed by Dr. Kim and reported in New York Daily News.

Meanwhile, the lighting designer's company wired $116,000 to Turner over six years, including many individual payments of $10,000, the outlet reported, citing bank records included in the court filing.

The papers reportedly state that Turner claimed in January to have no income and to be totally reliant on her husband for support.

Dr. Kim earned $3.2million in 2018, according to New York Daily News, which said the couple own an Upper East Side apartment and a waterfront home on Long Island.

DailyMail.com has reached out to lawyers for both Kim and Turner for comment.
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Street clashes erupted outside Tunisia's army-barricaded parliament on Monday, the day after the president suspended parliament and fired the prime minister following protests against the government's handling of the pandemic.

President Kais Saied added to the redundancies on Monday, firing the defence and justice ministers and plunging the young democracy into a constitutional crisis.

Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi was sacked on Sunday in a move which appeared to be backed by the army but was labelled a coup by foes including influential Islamists.

Soldiers from early Monday blockaded the assembly in Tunis while, outside, supporters of the rival sides hurled stones, bottles, and insults at each other.

Police stormed Al Jazeera's offices in Tunis and asked all journalists to leave. Officers said they were carrying out orders.

Street clashes erupted outside Tunisia's army-barricaded parliament on Monday, the day after the president suspended parliament and fired the prime minister following protests against the government's handling of the pandemic

President Kais Saied sacked Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and suspended parliament for 30 days on Sunday, plunging the young democracy into a constitutional crisis and sparking mass protests

Protesters scuffled with police and rival political supporters during a demonstration outside the parliament building in Tunis on Monday after the prime minister was sacked and the parliament suspended

Outside the parliament in Tunis supporters of the rival sides hurled stones, bottles, and insults at each other

Supporters of Tunisia's President Kais Saied throw stones towards the Parliament building which was cordoned-off by the military on Monday

Soldiers from early Monday blockaded the assembly in Tunis and parliament speaker Rached Ghannouchi, who said he would call a session in defiance of the president, was blocked from entering by the army

Ennahda supporters take cover from stones thrown at them by supporters of President Kais Saied outside the parliament on Monday

Tunisian military forces guard the area around the parliament building in the capital Tunis as thousands turn out to protest after the prime minister was sacked on Sunday

Supporters of Tunisia's President Kais Saied chant slogans denouncing the country's main Islamist Ennahda on Monday

President Kais Saied (left) sacked Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi (right) and suspended parliament for 30 days on Sunday, plunging the young democracy into a constitutional crisis

Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi spent the day outside the entrance of the House in protest after the military stopped him from entering on Monday morning

Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi arrived at the parliament early on Monday morning and said he would call a session in defiance of Saied, but the army stationed outside the building stopped the 80-year-old former political exile from entering.

Last night he decried Saied's decision as an assault on democracy and called on Tunisians to take to the streets in opposition.

It 'is a coup d'etat against the revolution and against the constitution,' Ennahda, the biggest party in Tunisia's ruling coalition, charged in a Facebook post, warning that its members 'will defend the revolution'.

But Saied, who swept to office in 2019 after campaigning as the scourge of a corrupt, incompetent elite, has rejected accusations that he had conducted a coup.

He said his actions were based on Article 80 of the constitution and framed them as a popular response to the economic and political paralysis that have mired Tunisia for years.

The parties with the most seats in parliament said Article 80 did not support Saied's move.

Two of the other main parties in parliament, Heart of Tunisia and Karama, joined Ennahda in accusing Saied of a coup.

Protesters carried signs reading 'Game over' at a demonstration after the prime minister was sacked and parliament suspended by the president on Sunday

A supporter of the country's Islamist Ennahda party is injured during a protest outside the parliament building in the capital, Tunis, on Monday

Tunisian soldiers stand guard at the gates to the parliament building in Tunis as hundreds of protesters gather outside on Monday

Supporters of Tunisia's largest party Ennahda gathered outside the parliament building in the capital Tunis on Monday

Supporters of Tunisia's President Kais Saied throw stones towards the Parliament building which was cordoned-off by the military on Monday

Supporters of Tunisia's President Kais Saied were seen throwing stones at Ennahda supporters at a protest outside the parliament building on Monday

Tunisian security officers hold back protesters outside the parliament building the day after the president sacked the PM and suspended parliament

Female supporters of moderate Islamist party Ennahda stand in front of security officers guarding the country's parliament building

Supporters of Tunisia's Ennahda party gathered outside the parliament building on Monday after President Kais Saied sacked the prime minister and suspended parlaiment

Tunisian protesters hold up placards with slogans denouncing what they described as a 'coup d'etat' outside the parliament building in the capital Tunis

A injured man is helped by fellow protesters after he was hit on the head by a stone thrown at him during a demonstration outside the parliament building on Monday

Saied said the constitution did not allow for the dissolution of parliament, but did allow him to suspend it, citing Article 80 which permits it in case of 'imminent danger'.

In a later Facebook post, he clarified that the suspension would be for 30 days.

'I have taken the necessary decisions to save Tunisia, the state and the Tunisian people,' Saied declared in a statement on Sunday, a day that had seen angry Covid street protests in multiple cities.

Saied also said in his statement that he had suspended the legal immunity of parliament members and that he was taking control of the general prosecutor's office.

He warned against any armed response to his actions. 'Whoever shoots a bullet, the armed forces will respond with bullets,' said Saied, who has support from a wide array of Tunisians including both Islamists and leftists.



'We are navigating the most delicate moments in the history of Tunisia,' Saied said on Sunday.

Saied said he would take over executive power 'with the help' of a government, whose new chief will be appointed by the president himself.

The crisis follows prolonged deadlock between the president, the premier and Ghannouchi, which has crippled the Covid response as deaths have surged to one of the world's highest per capita rates.

The president's announcement sparked jubilant rallies by his supporters late on Sunday while the military blocked off parliament and state televisions station.

Large crowds took to the streets of the capital to celebrate and wave the national flag, as car horns sounded through the night and fireworks lit up the sky.

'Finally some good decisions!' said one Tunis protester, Maher, celebrating in defiance of a coronavirus curfew.

Others held up signs with a simple message to the sacked government: 'Game Over'.

Nahla, brandishing a Tunisian flag, was jubilant and told AFP: 'These are courageous decisions - Saied is unblocking Tunisia. This is the president we love!'

While Tunis Farhat, a 49-year-old in Gafsa, told AFP that the president had understood what people wanted.

'He has shown himself to be a true statesman,' he said.

'Our patience has reached its limit, there's no room for losers. That's it, game is over!' said 24-year-old Ibrahim, echoing an old slogan from the massive demonstrations which toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's regime in 2011.

But one man, aged in his forties, watched on without enthusiasm and said: 'These fools are celebrating the birth of a new dictator.'

The president's announcement sparked jubilant rallies by his supporters late on Sunday while the military blocked off parliament and state televisions station

Large crowds took to the streets of the capital to celebrate and wave the national flag, as car horns sounded through the night and fireworks lit up the sky

People celebrated President Kais Saied's announcement in the Avenue Habib Bourguiba in Tunis on Sunday night

People across the country took to the streets to celebrate President Kais Saied's decision to sack the prime minister and suspend parliament late Sunday

Families came out to celebrate and wave the national flag, as car horns sounded through the night and fireworks lit up the sky

Flares and fireworks lit up the sky over Tunis on Sunday night as residents celebrated President Kais Saied's decision to sack the prime minister following a day of anti-government protests

Before the president's announcement, thousands had marched in several cities protesting against Ennahda, criticising the largest party in Tunisia's fractious government for failures in tackling the pandemic.

Demonstrations were also reported in the towns of Gafsa, Kairouan, Monastir, Sousse and Tozeur.

A senior Ennahda official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, alleged that the protests before the president's announcement, and the subsequent celebrations, had all been choreographed by Saied.

'We are also capable of organising large demonstrations to show the number of Tunisians who are opposed to these decisions,' this official said.

Several protesters were arrested and a journalist was injured when people hurled stones and police fired tear gas canisters, an AFP reporter said.

'The people want the dissolution of parliament,' the crowd had chanted.

In the 10 years since the revolution which toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has had nine governments, some of which have lasted only a few months, hindering the reforms necessary to revamp its struggling economy and poor public services.

Tunisia has recently been overwhelmed by Covid-19 cases which have raised the death toll to more than 18,000.

Last week, Mechichi fired his health minister over his handling of the pandemic as cases skyrocketed - the latest in a string of health ministers to be sacked.

Before the president's announcement, thousands had marched in several cities protesting against Ennahda, criticising the largest party in Tunisia's fractious government for failures in tackling the pandemic

Demonstrations were reported in the towns of Gafsa, Kairouan, Monastir, Sousse and Tozeur, as well as in the capital, Tunis

Tunisian anti-government protesters gesture as they face off with security forces at a rally in front of the parliament building on Sunday

Police officers run towards demonstrators during an protest against the government's handling of the pandemic on Sunday
A woman who married two ISIS fighters in war-torn Syria after fleeing Australia in 2014 is being allowed to return to New Zealand with her children.

Suhayra Aden, 26, was a dual Australian-NZ citizen before the Morrison government stripped the 'terrorist bride' of her citizenship rights in 2020, calling her an 'enemy of our country'.

After spending time in the notorious Al-Hawl refugee camp, the young mother later tried to make her way across the northern border to Turkey but was arrested with her children, aged two and five, in February and held in immigration detention.

Turkey lobbied the NZ government to repatriate Ms Aden and her children, and on Monday Kiwi leader Jacinda Ardern agreed to fly her back before taking a swipe at her trans-Tasman counterpart.

ISIS 'terrorist' bride Suhayra Aden, 26 (pictured during her arrest in Turkey), has been granted permission to return New Zealand

'New Zealand has not taken this step lightly. We have taken into account our international responsibilities as well as the details of this particular case, including the fact that children are involved,' Ms Ardern said.

'I made very strong representations to Australia that she should be permitted to return there.

'Her family moved to Australia when she was six and she grew up there before departing for Syria in 2014, on an Australian passport. Unfortunately, Australia would not reverse the cancellation of citizenship.

'They are not Turkey's responsibility, and with Australia refusing to accept the family, that makes them ours.'

Turkey lobbied the NZ government to repatriate Ms Aden and her children, and on Monday Kiwi leader Jacinda Ardern (pictured) has agreed to fly her back before

The Morrison government stripped Ms Aden of her citizenship rights in 2020, calling her an 'enemy of our country'

Ms Aden's overseas jaunt to Syria was riddled with tragedy and loss as the country's war devolved into one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in modern history.

During her time there, the mother-of-three lost one of her children to pneumonia and two Swedish-born, ISIS fighter husbands to the violent conflict which ravaged the nation.

The Islamic State terror group were rapidly building a formidable army in Syria and Iraq in 2014, and used targeted digital media propaganda to recruit fighters and allies from across the globe, including the west.

In their quest to establish Sharia Law in an Islamic Caliphate across the Levant, it is estimated that more than 210,000 civilians were brutally killed.

Despite the criticism from the NZ Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has made no apologies for cancelling the terror suspect's passport.

'Australia's interest here is that we do not want to see a terrorist who fought with terrorist organisations enjoying privileges of citizenship, which I think they forfeit the second they gauge as an enemy of our country,' Mr Morrison said.

In their quest to establish Sharia Law in an Islamic Caliphate across the Levant, it is estimated that more than 210,000 civilians were brutally killed. Pictured: What is left of the Syrian city of Raqa in 2017

After spending time in the notorious Al-Hawl refugee camp (pictured), Aden later tried to make her way across the norther border to Turkey but was arrested with her children, aged two and five, in February and held in immigration detention

Ms Ardern said NZ were left with no choice but to accept the woman because rejecting the claim would have left her and her children stateless - an illegal act under the conventions of international law.

She told NZ citizens that Aden will be placed under control orders to make sure there is no risk to the community.

'I can assure people great care is being taken as to how the woman and her young children are returned to New Zealand and how they will be managed in a way that minimises any risk for New Zealanders,' Ms Ardern said.

'Planning by agencies has been two-fold - to ensure all appropriate steps are in place to address potential security concerns and to have the right services in place to support reintegration, with particular focus on the wellbeing of the children.'
July has seen recording-breaking 3,349 arrivals - surpassing June's high of 2,179 migrants in 92 boats

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Almost 400 migrants arrived on British shores on Sunday - taking the total number of people to arrive so far this year soaring past 9,000.

Border Force dealt with 378 people attempting to cross the Channel in 12 boats yesterday, making it one of the busiest days of 2021.

Battling downpours of rain at Dover Marina, Kent, a Border Force vessel brought the first migrants into port at around 9.30am.

Around 100 men, all wearing orange lifejackets, face masks and some with their hoods up to protect themselves from the adverse weather, were seen on board.

One man, wearing a grey tracksuit and red hoodie, flashed a 'V for victory' sign as he was escorted onto dry land by a Border Force officer.

BF catamaran Hurricane then brought in a further 70 men, some huddling under light blue blankets for warmth, around an hour later.

It means 9,255 migrants have made the dangerous 21-mile journey so far this year - already surpassing last year's record total of 8,410. However, estimates have suggested total arrivals could shoot up to 22,000 by the end of the year at current rates.

July has also seen a record breaking 3,349 arrivals in 112 boats - beating June's high of 2,179 in 92 boats.

Border Force vessels worked through downpours of rain to bring 378 migrants into the Port of Dover on Sunday, one of the busiest days of 2021. Pictured: One man flashes a 'V for victory' sign as they arrive in port

The weekend's arrivals mean 9,255 migrants have made the dangerous 21-mile journey so far this year - already surpassing last year's record total of 8,410.

Estimates have suggested total arrivals could shoot up to 22,000 by the end of the year at current rates

One woman who had to be helped off the boat was given wheelchair and escorted up the ramp still wearing her fluorescent life jacket

Over in Dungeness, around 20 miles down the Kent coast, the RNLI were busy bringing in around 20 migrants on a lifeboat.

A woman and a child were among the men spotted walking up the shingle after being detained by Immigration Enforcement.

Their large black rigid hulled inflatable boat with outboard engine could be seen floating on the shore.

Back in Dover, Border Force cutter Hunter was packed with migrants as the queue of those being processed continued to grow.

Around 30 people who appeared to be of African origin, this time including women and children, were brought to harbour around 1.30pm.

A young girl aged around five wearing a grey beanie hat and blue coat could be seen playfully running her hand along the fenced gangway before waving at onlookers as she plodded up towards the processing tent.

Two young boys held the hands of their parents as they disembarked while another held hands with a gloved Immigration Enforcement officer.

Several children and women were seen amongst the crowded boats of mostly men

Despite downpours of rain at Dover Marina, Kent on Sunday, Border Force cutter Valiant brought the first migrants in around 9.30am. Around 100 men, all wearing orange lifejackets, face masks and some with their hoods up to protect themselves from the adverse weather, were seen on board

Responding to the latest figures, Home Secretary Priti Patel, said: 'The British public should be in no doubt of our unwavering determination to stop these dangerous crossings from safe EU countries and take down the evil criminal gangs behind them'

Dan O'Mahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said: 'There is an unacceptable rise in dangerous small boat crossings across the channel because of a surge in illegal migration across Europe'

The number of migrants crossing the Channel between 2019-21 has been increasing year-on-year. The graph above shows how many have crossed each month. The red line for 2021 soars above the lines for previous years, showing the monthly total is now at its highest ever

Home Secretary Priti Patel recently announced an additional 54million would be given to French authorities to help strengthen patrols across the country's northern beaches to prevent crossings

One toddler wearing a padded overall had a dummy in their mouth and looked as if they were only just old enough to walk up the gangway with the help of their father.

In what was an extremely busy day for UK search and rescue teams, French authorities prevented 178 migrants from crossing in five boats.

And more migrants have already been brought into Dover Marina today.

Priti Patel's plan to pay France 55m to handle migrants trying to cross the Channel: Explained Priti Patel has agreed to give France another 54million to stop the growing number of migrants crossing the Channel Priti Patel has agreed to give France another 54million to stop the growing number of migrants crossing the Channel. The Home Secretary's controversial agreement with French interior minister Gerald Darmanin will see policing numbers along the French coast more than double to 200 to cover a wider area. There will also be an increased use of aerial surveillance, including drones. The two countries agreed to draw up a long-term plan for a 'smart border' using technology to identify where crossings are being attempted. But the deal failed to impress critics, who accuse the French authorities of not doing enough to stop small boats leaving their territorial waters. With UK support last year, France doubled the number of officers deployed daily on French beaches, improved intelligence sharing and purchased more cutting-edge technology. This resulted in France preventing twice as many crossings so far this year than in the same period in 2020. However, as French interceptions increased, the Home Office said that organised criminal gangs have changed their tactics, moving further up the French coast, and forcing migrants to take even longer, riskier journeys. Charities branded the measures inhumane, while refugee rights campaigner Lord Dubs said Miss Patel's plans were a 'disservice to this country's history'. Advertisement

Hurricane was seen with around 30 migrants sitting on the deck. One man was seen carrying his young son aged no more than four while a woman walked behind them.

Another woman held the hand of a girl, believed to be her daughter aged around seven, who appeared unsteady on her feet as she walked along the mooring wearing a purple jacket with the help of a Border Force officer.

The Home Office is yet to confirm exactly how many migrants have been intercepted making the treacherous trip across one of the world's busiest shipping routes today.

Responding to the latest figures, Home Secretary Priti Patel, said: 'The British public should be in no doubt of our unwavering determination to stop these dangerous crossings from safe EU countries and take down the evil criminal gangs behind them.

'We are utilising all aspects of Government to tackle this issue and our significant actions are having an impact.'

Ms Patel recently announced an additional 54million would be given to French authorities to help strengthen patrols across the country's northern beaches to prevent crossings.

She also praised French efforts at tackling the issue, adding: 'French authorities have already prevented over 7,500 migrants entering the UK this year  nearly treble the number for the same period in 2020  and earlier this week we signed a strengthened agreement to increase police patrols on French beaches, improve surveillance technology and enhance intelligence sharing.

'Since the start of 2020, we have secured more than 65 small boat related prosecutions, totalling over 53 years in jail. This is the result of extensive collaborative upstream operational work taking place with our law enforcement and intelligence partners.

'This week, we also saw the landmark Nationality and Borders Bill proceed through Parliament, which will reform the system to make people think again before attempting to enter this country illegally and break the business model of people smugglers.'

Dan O'Mahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said: 'There is an unacceptable rise in dangerous small boat crossings across the channel because of a surge in illegal migration across Europe.

'Earlier this week we signed a strengthened agreement with our French counterparts to increase police patrols on French beaches and enhance intelligence sharing. This joint work has already prevented over 7,500 migrants enter the UK - nearly treble the number for the same period in 2020.

'The Government continues to take steps to tackle the unacceptable problem of illegal migration through the Nationality & Borders Bill which will protect lives and break this cycle of illegal crossings. The Government is also continuing to return those with no legal right to remain in the UK.'
A salon owner has been fined 1,760 over a lockdown raid when customers fled from the business - including one with hair dye still on her head.

Tina Howarth, 35, secretly kept her salon open to treat lockdown locks and offer beauty treatments.

Her customers fled when police raided the business after getting a tip-off that it was still open on January 16.

Euphoria Tanning, Nail and Beauty in Cwmbran, South Wales, remained open despite level 4 coronavirus restrictions. The salon had received a previous fixed penalty notice in June last year. On January 16, Gwent Police raided the business after receiving a tip-off that there were customers inside

A woman can be seen running from the salon with a protective cape on her shoulders and treatment still on her roots

Eight customers fled when police gained entry to the business. Three customers were identified and also received fixed penalty notices, according to Gwent Police

A court heard CCTV captured the moment eight people ran from Euphoria Tanning, Nail and Beauty in Cwmbran, South Wales.

In the video, six women and two men are seen fleeing the salon.

One woman wears a protective cape covering her shoulders and has treatment still on her roots.

Howarth, of Pontypool, was ordered to pay a 1,760 fine, a 176 surcharge and costs of 85 for failing to close a business not permitted to be open under Alert Level 4 coronavirus.

On Monday, Magistrates in Newport heard there was no answer when officers tried to get inside as the customers escaped through the fire exit on January 16.

Officers found the tanning beds had recently been used and beauty treatments had been taking place.

Customers escaped through the fire exit while police was denied access to the salon. When officers finally gained entry, they discovered the tanning beds had recently been used and beauty treatments had been taking place

Howarth now has until August 16 to pay the 2,021 balance.

Three customers were identified and received fixed penalty notices, according to Gwent Police.

Speaking at the time of the incident, councillor Mandy Owen, of Torfaen council, said: Its clear from the camera footage obtained following the latest visit that the business and customers were aware they were breaking lockdown restrictions putting themselves, others and the NHS at risk.

This is the second time the business has been issued with a fixed penalty notice. Public Protection Officers issued the first fixed penalty notice in June 2020. This is very disappointing.

Howarth was ordered to pay a 4,000 fine in 2016 for offering tooth whitening services without any dental qualifications, according to ITV News.
The Project hosts have shared intimate details about the side effects they've had since rolling up their sleeves for the coronavirus vaccine.

Carrie Bickmore revealed she found an unusual but harmless lump on her breast after getting Pfizer, while Steve Price suffered bad dreams after his AstraZeneca shot.

The lively discussion on Monday night's program was sparked by reports that some women who had the Pfizer jab claimed their breasts have since grown due to swollen lymph nodes.

'Not just women I'm afraid,' Pete Hellier joked.

Co-host Bickmore then candidly opened up about the changes she's seen in her own breasts since getting the Pfizer jab.

'This is exactly what happened, and I will admit I clicked on the clickbait today because mine didn't go up a size, but I was thinking when I was in the shower, after I got my Pfizer, I noticed a lump, and I thought that's weird, I will keep an eye on that,' she said.

Carrie Bickmore (pictured) opened up about the changes she saw in her breasts after getting the Pfizer vaccine

'I texted a girlfriend who had the jab around the same time as me the next day and asked how she was feeling, she said "fine, but my lymph nodes are up under my arms' and I was like 'of course, that's what it is".'

Her revelations prompted fellow panellist Steve Price to join the conversation.

'You get bigger boobs and I get bad dreams from the second jab of AstraZeneca,' he told Bickmore.

'That was the side effect I had.'

Co-host Pete Helliar asked Price if his bad dreams were about bigger boobs.

'Maybe,' Price laughed.

Waleed Aly added: 'He is not disclosing.'

The unusual and temporary side effect dubbed the 'Pfizer boob job' has prompted an rise in mammogram appointments in the US, where the vaccine rollout is far more advanced than Australia's.

The Project's Steve Price (pictured) revealed on Monday night he had bad dreams after getting his second jab of AstraZeneca

The Australian Department of Health states that enlarged lymph nodes are a less common side effect of the Covid-19 vaccine.

'These side effects are usually mild and usually go away within one or two days,' the website states.

'Some recipients will experience more significant flu-like symptoms from this vaccination compared to other common vaccinations and may require time away from normal activities.

'These symptoms may occur after either dose but are more common after the second dose.'

More than 11 million doses have been administered since Australia's vaccine rollout began five months ago with almost 13 per cent of the country's population now fully vaccinated.

Dr Jeanette Dickson, President of The Royal College of Radiologists in the UK said swollen lymph nodes can occur after getting the jab but are nothing to worry about.

'Virtually everyone mounts an immune response after getting the jab in their arm,' she said earlier this year.

Carrie Bickmore and fellow panelist from The Project Peter Helliar went to get the vaccine together (pictured)

'This response is biggest in the lymph nodes in our armpits, which drain fluid away from the arm  the swelling of which is then seen on screening mammograms, which is something these scans are designed to pick up.

'In cancer care we are also seeing some visible lymph node swelling in the armpits of recently vaccinated patients undergoing CT and PET-CT scans.

'If patients are having any type of scan they need to make the imaging team aware if and when they had their COVID-19 jab and in which arm.

'These lumps can happen after the vaccine and are nothing to worry about.

'However, if a lump hasn't gone a few days after getting the jab, then we would urge patients to consult their GP in case the cause is more serious.'
Congressman Clay Higgins revealed that he, his wife and his son have gotten the coronavirus, which he called a 'biological attack' from the Chinese Communist Party, in a Facebook post Sunday.

The third-term US representative from Louisiana said he and his fourth wife Becca previously had the virus in January 2020 'before the world really knew what it was.

'So, this is our second experience with the CCP biological attack weaponized virus  and this episode is far more challenging. It has required all of my devoted energy.'

It is unclear if Higgins or his family have been vaccinated.

Rep. Clay Higgins (left) has revealed he and his wife, Becca, have Covid for the second time

Higgins, 59, called the virus a '(Chinese Communist Party) biological attack weaponized virus'

The congressman seemed to promote the unproven theory that the virus was intentionally created and dispersed by the Chinese government.

The US and international bodies like the World Health Organization are pushing China to be more transparent about the origins of the virus as American intelligence agencies consider the theory that it may have escaped from a lab in China.

The Delta variant of Covid-19, first identified in India, is 'aggressive and much more transmissible than previously circulating strains,' CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said at a briefing last week.

The variant is now responsible for most cases in the US, India, Israel and the UK.

Most hospitalizations and serious cases of Covid are among those who have not been vaccinated.

About 98 to 99 percent of the Americans dying of the coronavirus are unvaccinated, suggested former Covid-19 Biden administration advisor Andy Slavvit in June.

'We are all under excellent care, and our prognosis is positive,' Higgins told his followers Sunday. 'We are very healthy generally speaking, and our treatment of any health concern always encompasses western, eastern, and holistic variables.'

'We are all under excellent care, and our prognosis is positive,' he told his followers Sunday. Above, Higgins leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference in June 2018

Higgins' fourth wife, Becca, underwent treatment for multiple sclerosis in 2018

Higgins, 59, did not respond to a CNN survey asking member of Congress about their vaccination status. Almost half of Republicans did not respond to the survey.

His office did not immediately respond to queries from DailyMail.com.

In an editorial for the The Daily American newspaper in April, Higgins said his office had 'aggressively promoted' the availability of vaccines and called their development 'scientifically sound,' though he expressed skepticism about their safety.

He claimed he and his wife had 'naturalized immunity' from having the virus last year.

Higgins' wife, Becca, underwent an eight-to-10 hour treatment akin to 'chemotherapy' for multiple sclerosis, according to a Facebook post from May 2018.

'I love and respect you all,' Higgins wrote Sunday.

'I am honored and humbled to serve you in Congress. Our mission will continue. My family and I will recover fully. Your prayerful support is felt deep within my family and will never be forgotten.'

A former law enforcement officer, Higgins has represented Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District since 2017.
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The proportion of European Union workers in the UK's hospitality sector has dropped to its lowest level in at least five years - with British staff now making up more than half the workers in the industry, it emerged today.

People from EU countries made up 37 per cent of the workforce at more than 700 hospitality companies in June - down from 43 per cent two years ago, according to Fourth, a firm that provides software to the industry.

The percentage of British workers in the sector rose from 46 per cent to 51 per cent, the company's data showed as restaurants continue to report problems in finding staff with some closing down or cutting services as a result.

Fourth added that thousands of workers in the sector are still furloughed. Some 45 per cent of staff on payroll are still on full or flexible furlough, although this is the lowest proportion since the scheme began last year.

Britain's leading hospitality trade association UKHospitality has told how businesses across the country are looking for staff, and that 200,000 more employees are needed to keep restaurants and pubs running at full capacity.

And problems have intensified during the 'pingdemic' with industry bosses estimating in recent weeks that one in five staff in hospitality have been pinged by the NHS Covid-19 app - equating to about 400,000 employees.

The trend towards fewer EU and more British workers looks set to continue after Brexit, with the problem having been exacerbated in the past 18 months by European nationals heading home because of the pandemic.

People sit at outside tables to eat and drink at bars and restaurants in Soho in April amid the hospitality workforce crisis

An employee sets a table at the Italian restaurant and wine shop Lume in Primrose Hill, North London, on July 22, where the owner is now considering closing one or more days a week or limiting services

Last month 63 per cent of new starters in the sector were British, which was the highest figure since Fourth started measuring in 2016. EU citizens made up 28 per cent, compared with 50 per cent in January 2019.

Fourth also revealed that the total sector headcount this month is still down 13 per cent compared to July 2020, and down 23 per cent compared to July 2019.

Italian restaurant owner could closing one or more days a week amid EU staff exodus and 'pingdemic' Giuseppe Gullo owns Lume restaurant in Primrose Hill Italian restaurant owner Giuseppe Gullo is among the hospitality bosses facing a lack of manpower amid the 'pingdemic' and EU staff exodus. Mr Gullo, who runs Lume restaurant in the upmarket London district of Primrose Hill, is now considering closing one or more days a week or limiting services. He said two members of his team of eight moved back to Italy after the Covid-19 crisis began, adding: 'The pandemic made people realise they could change work very easily. 'We are very worried. I have a very good team, but if they decide to move on if they get poached, we struggle to fill up those positions.' When the restaurant reopened at the end of May, Mr Gullo immediately sensed there would be problems, adding: 'Everybody in restaurants was calling each other, looking for cooks and servers.' He said all the CVs he has received in his 15-year career in London came from mainland Europe, but never from Britain. Advertisement

The total headcount for the second quarter of this year  which is April, May and June - was down 25 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2020.

The company found that the proportion of EU workers has been consistently declining since the UK formally left the EU in January 2020, which was closely followed by the outbreak of the pandemic two months later.

In that time, the proportion of EU workers in the sector has dropped from 43 per cent in January 2020 to 37 per cent in June 2021.

This has been offset by a steady increase in British nationals, rising from 46 per cent in January 2020 to 51 per cent in June 2021  taking the figure over that threshold for the first time in Fourth's records.

The proportion of workers from non-EU countries has remained relatively steady, increasing slightly from 11 per cent in January 2020 to 12 per cent in June 2021.

This trend is also recognised across back-of-house and front-of-house roles in June, with British workers accounting for 32 per cent of back-of-house roles and 55 per cent of front-of-house roles  again the highest proportion seen since Fourth started recording that data.

Workers from EU countries recorded the lowest percentage figures on record in the month, accounting for 52 per cent of back-of-house roles and 36 per cent of front-of-house roles.

This data shows that the majority of back-of-house jobs, such as chefs and kitchen porters, are still held by EU workers, although that number is decreasing.

The same can be said for new starters in the sector, with British workers leading the way.

During June, they accounted for almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of all new hires across the sector, again the highest figure on record.

In that period, EU nationals made up just a quarter (28 per cent) of new hires  a significant reduction since January 2019 (50 per cent of new starters).

Workers from non-EU nations made up 10 per ent of new hires, a figure that has remained relatively steady since 2019.

Fourth's data also revealed that the pub sector appears to be the most resilient, with its headcount down 7 per cent this month compared to July 2020, followed by hotels (13 per cent down), restaurants (14 per cent down) and 'quick service restaurants' or QSRs (15 per cent down).

It also found that the number of hours worked in June 2021 increased by 378 per cent compared to June 2020, yet this was still down by 26 per cent compared to June 2019.

Union chiefs are urging key workers to ignore the Government's exemptions from self-isolation and stay home if they are 'pinged' by the NHS Covid app, in a move that threatens disruption for shoppers, commuters and holidaymakers

In addition, there were 54 per cent more starters than leavers in June 2021, a figure which has been consistent since April this year.

How public transport is being hit by pingdemic Britain's public transport services are being hit by staff self-isolating, with workers in the sector are among the vast number of people being pinged by the NHS app. Reduced timetables have been introduced on railways in an attempt to improve reliability after a recent spate of last-minute cancellations due to staff shortages. Passengers are being advised to check their train is running before they leave home. Thameslink and Southern has cut its weekday timetables on five routes 'until further notice', and warned that further changes could be required. Avanti West Coast has reduced the frequency of its services between London Euston and Manchester, Birmingham and North Wales to 'manage staff shortages and ensure a reliable service'. A revised timetable with fewer services was also launched by London Northwestern Railway on Saturday. ScotRail said a 'very limited number of trains' are being cancelled due to staff shortages, but it has not amended its timetables. Transport for London closed the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines over the weekend due to more than 300 members of staff self-isolating. It said control rooms are 'very vulnerable' as 'taking a small number of staff out of the equation at short notice can close an entire line'. Bus operators Arriva and First Bus said a number of their staff have been told to self-isolate, but pledged to take action to minimise disruption to services. Airline easyJet said its flights are not being affected by the issue. Advertisement

Fourth's EMEA managing director Sebastien Sepierre said: 'A potent combination of Britain's departure from the EU and the devastating impact of the pandemic continues to significantly shake up the sector's labour market.

'The much-publicised staffing crisis is proving hugely challenging for operators, as a consequence of a clear shrinking of the labour pool, in back-of-house roles in particular.

'It remains unclear how long this disruption might last and how it will be resolved in the months ahead during the long road to recovery.'

It comes as the Government was warned supermarket shelves will go empty again in the next two to three weeks unless action to tackle the pingdemic is stepped up.

Ministers will hold emergency talks today to hammer out plans to more than double to 2,000 the number of critical workplaces where staff can undergo daily tests to avoid isolating.

Drivers of passenger trains are expected to be among the latest workers exempted from quarantine rules as rail companies begin sweeping cancellations from today. Binmen are also expected to receive assistance.

The Government announced last week that it would set up testing facilities at 500 food distribution sites, 100 transport hubs and 100 emergency services bases.

But last night experts warned the action was not enough and there was criticism that only a handful of the sites are up and running.

Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said 17 per cent of staff in the capital were off last week.

Reduced timetables are being introduced from today on railways after a spate of last-minute cancellations due to staff self-isolating.

Northern, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway and Govia Thameslink are among operators cutting services for up to six weeks.

It comes as a hospital trust took to social media to issue an urgent appeal for nurses to work the night shift.

Belfast Health Trust said that Royal Victoria and Mater Hospital were under 'extreme pressure', amid a rising number of staff absences due to the pandemic and a surge in coronavirus patients.

Figures last week showed more than 600,000 people had been pinged by the NHS Covid app in seven days.
A Labour MP allegedly rang police and fled her home when her brother told her she was possessed after she married a man her family disliked, a court heard today as she denied conning a local council out of 64,000 in housing benefits to 'dishonestly' obtain a studio flat.

Apsana Begum, 31, who is on trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, wept as she told jurors she went to a police station on May 21, 2013 out of fear she could become the victim of honour-based violence after her brother followed her to work.

On the same day, the Poplar and Limehouse MP - who won the east London seat with a 28,904 majority in the general election in December 2019 - said an argument erupted at her family home in east London when her brother locked her in the living room.

She said: 'He told me he wanted me to see an imam because I wasn't registering their concern about (her partner) Ehtashamul (Haque). He thought I was possessed and said he wanted me to get checked.

'I refused and said I'm not under a spell, this is my choice and I just wanted them to support me. But he started reciting the Koran. He had his hand over my head. I started shouting for my mum but she wasn't responding.

'I didn't know what was going to happen next. I thought he might beat me up.'

Begum said she managed to call 999 and when officers arrived she fled with only her handbag. A court clerk passed Begum tissues as she said she had to collect her belongings which her family had placed in black bin bags outside their house on Woodstock Terrace.

Giving evidence today wearing a white shirt and grey headscarf, Begum told the jury her Bangladeshi-heritage family disapproved of her relationship with Mr Haque, who is now a Tower Hamlets councillor.

Begum met Mr Haque while doing a community leadership post-graduate diploma. He was seven years older and had been married twice before, and her family did not see him as a suitable match for her.

She denies three counts of housing fraud for allegedly withholding information about her living circumstances to jump the queue for a council house between January 2013 and March 2016.

Tower Hamlets Council, which is bringing the prosecution, alleged it cost the local authority 63,928.

Apsana Begum, 31, claimed she was living in 'overcrowded conditions' with her family when she was in fact in a four-bedroom house with three other people, jurors have been told

Begum is accused of not notifying the council that she was no longer living in overcrowded accommodation - as she claimed when she applied for social housing - after she moved in with Mr Haque.

She claims she rang the council to notify it for council tax purposes and believed it would share the information. She said it was a period of 'turmoil' due to the breakdown of her relationship with her family and having lost her father months before.

Begum also claims Mr Haque was 'controlling and coercive' and had taken over her 'matters and affairs'. 'We had started a new life together - it wasn't easy but it's what we had chosen. He said he would tell everyone,' she added.

During an interview with the council's fraud investigations team on January 21 2020, a transcript of which was read out in court, she said: 'I was going through a lot of turmoil at the time, escaping from an abusive situation and later on realising he (Mr Haque) was very, very abusive.

'He told me he was handling my matters and affairs. He had my details, bank details, he was making transfers and all that.'

In response to evidence that her account had been making bids for houses while she was known to be living with Mr Haque, she denied making the bids and said: 'I'm shocked to see these records.'

Asked if the bids could have been made by Mr Haque, Begum said: 'It must have been him. He had access to the accounts.'

Last week, Begum's defence lawyer Helen Law said investigators failed to 'join the dots', including that the complaint about her applications in 2019 was made by a relative of Mr Haque, Sayed Nahid Uddin.

She said she split with Mr Haque after he cheated on her in mid-2016. She added that she had also become concerned that he had a drinking problem. In November 2016, Begum called police to report that Mr Haque had been following her from her workplace in his car, after constantly calling and texting her.

The prosecution says Begum attempted to gain social housing at first by claiming she lived in an overcrowded three-bedroom house with her family and did not have a bedroom of her own, which made her a higher priority in the queue.

However, according to a social housing application made in 2009 by Begum's aunt, the house had four bedrooms. Begum insists there were only three when she lived there.

Prosecutor James Marsland claimed she 'must have had a good understanding of the social housing system and how it operated' because she worked for Tower Hamlets Homes (THH), a public organisation working with the council to arrange social housing, between October 28, 2013 and August 3, 2016.

Jurors heard Begum left her family home in Poplar in 2013 because of a dispute over her partner being a divorcee, and felt she was under threat from her brother. Pictured: Snaresbrook Crown Court, where the trial continues

Reading out the agreed facts of the case at Snaresbrook Crown Court, James Marsland, prosecuting, said Begum thought 'her family didn't like Mr Haque because he was divorced' and was 'finding the situation... stressful'.

'Her brother was aware that she had taken her passport and wrongly thought she had taken it to run away.

'She was asked [by the police] if she was at danger of honour-based violence. She was feeling a bit worried. In their risk assessment, the police noticed that her brother was using controlling behaviour.'

In an interview transcript read to the court, Begum said she had been going through 'a lot of turmoil' and was 'escaping an abusive situation' after leaving her family home in Poplar.

'Essentially it was a situation where there was honour based abuse,' she said. 'I left with police assistance. I did go to my partner's address, but he told me there was somebody there. I went to his sister's address. I stayed between both places for about two weeks. I moved in and I informed the council.'

Begum said her husband told her he had also informed the council of her relocation.

'He said he did the same as well,' she said. 'He was very much in control of my affairs at the time. From the moment I had met him.

'He had my details, he had my bank details, he was making financial transactions. I had a very, very difficult life. He was very, very abusive, controlling. He had a problem with alcohol.

'His family were very intrusive. They would show up and try to make changes, interfere. I was very afraid of him. I had had those difficulties with my family.'

Begum said she thought she would 'end up being in violent situations.' She also told investigators she later returned to her family home in November 2015 to escape the harassment she faced from her husband.

'I just remember fleeing from him, fleeing from my situation which was really, really bad with him,' she said. She was awarded the one-bedroom studio flat in March 2016.

'Police heard that Mr Haque was following her,' Mr Marsland told the court. '[He] was constantly calling and texting her. She showed the messages to the police. On 21 April 2016, Ehtasham Haque was contacted by the police and was given a written harassment warning and told to stop harassing Apsana Begum.'

Begum was one of 26 new Labour MPs elected in 2019, winning her seat with a majority of nearly 30,000.

A supporter of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Momentum, she has spoken in Parliament about the impact of coronavirus on ethnic minorities and sits on the Commons education committee.

She is also notable for being the chair of an all-party committee on domestic abuse and violence and has spoken in the House of Commons about being a survivor.

Begum denies fraud and the trial continues.
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Controlled from a secret room beneath Hampstead Heath, they were in place during the Cold War to stop the London Underground from flooding following a nuclear attack.

The floodgate system was installed in the Second World War on parts of the Tube network to prevent water from the River Thames gushing into stations after a bomb attack.

Now, after Londoners yesterday grappled with further heavy rain which caused flash flooding at stations including Pudding Mill Lane in Stratford, a new documentary tells the incredible story of the half-built station from which the gates were controlled in the late 1950s.

During the conflict against Nazi Germany, the gates had been overseen at Leicester Square station, but less than 20 years later  in the nuclear hostilities with the Soviet Union  somewhere deeper was needed.

Tonight's episode of UKTV's Secrets of the London Underground reveals how what would have been North End station, which was built at the turn of the 20th century beneath land that is now part of Hampstead Heath in North London, became the new control centre for the flood gate network.

Controlled from a secret room beneath Hampstead Heath, they were in place during the Cold War to stop the London Underground from flooding following a nuclear attack. The floodgate system was installed in the Second World War on parts of the Tube network to prevent water from the River Thames gushing into stations after a bomb attack. Above: the gates which were installed at Waterloo station

Instigated by American tycoon Charles Tyson Yerkes, North End station was built as part of a planned extension to what is now the Northern line.

The developer wanted to build a suburb near to the planned station, to create a community of commuters who would make daily use of it.

However, the land Yerkes needed was owned by the prestigious Eton College, who  in the face of local opposition to the station plans - sold it to wealthy resident Dame Henrietta Barnett.

She then turned the land over to the people of London and called it the Hampstead Heath extension. It is still enjoyed by Londoners today.

Her move made Yerkes' project unviable, and so the North End project was mothballed in 1906  before a surface building had been built.

It means that, deep beneath the heath, tunnels and the remains of a platform lie largely forgotten.

Prior to their use in the Cold War, the tunnels and platform could only be accessed from underground.

However, when the Government opted to use the space once again, a nondescript surface building, along with an access shaft, was built. Recent images show how the building has been made to look like an electricity substation.

In tonight's show, presenter Tim Dunn is seen being guided down a metal staircase by transport historian and co-presenter Siddy Holloway.

Once at the bottom, the pair are just a few feet away from tunnels carrying Northern Line trains, which can be heard rushing past.

Now, after Londoners yesterday grappled with further heavy rain which caused flash flooding at stations including Pudding Mill Lane in Stratford, a new documentary tells the incredible story of the half-built station from which the gates were controlled in the late 1950s. Above: A recent images show how the surface structure - which was only built in the 1950s - has been made to look like an electricity substation

Instigated by American tycoon Charles Tyson Yerkes (left), North End station was built as part of a planned extension to what is now the Northern line. The developer wanted to build a suburb near to the planned station, to create a community of commuters who would make daily use of it. However, the land Yerkes needed was owned by the prestigious Eton College, who  in the face of local opposition to the station plans - sold it to wealthy resident Dame Henrietta Barnett (left, right photo)

She then turned the land over to the people of London and called it the Hampstead Heath extension. It is still enjoyed by Londoners today. Her move made Yerkes' project unviable, and so the North End project was mothballed in 1906  before a surface building had been built. Above: One of the tunnels being built at North End

In tonight's show, presenter Tim Dunn is seen being guided through the parts of North End which were built by transport historian and co-presenter Siddy Holloway

The pair then walk through dark, dirty tunnels before arriving at what Holloway calls the 'control room'. Inside, a wide panel of buttons is set into a metal console, which has been painted green. Names of lines including the Piccadilly Line are seen alongside levers

From 1958, the Underground's flood gate network was overseen from the small room. Two male staff members had to make use of a basic stove (pictured), toilet and shower  all of which are still in place

The phone which the flood gate operators would have used to communicate with officials above ground is still in place

Because the station was never finished, the walls of the tunnels are simply rough concrete and have not been tiled over

An extremely dirty sink is also still in place inside one of the side rooms in the establishment, deep beneath Hampstead Heath

The pair then walk through dark, dirty tunnels before arriving at what Holloway calls the 'control room'.

Inside, a wide panel of buttons is set into a metal console, which has been painted green. Names of lines including the Piccadilly Line are seen alongside levers.

From 1958, the Underground's flood gate network was overseen from the small room. Two male staff members had to make use of a basic stove, toilet and shower  all of which are still in place.

Ms Holloway said: 'Flood gates were initially installed during the Second World War, because of course, there was a great risk of aerial bombardment which of course was made true in the Blitz.

'They were all controlled from a small room at Leicester Square station but after the Second World War, and particularly with the threat of nuclear war becoming more and more apparent, in the 1950s they needed somewhere a bit more robust. Hence, they came here.

'And it couldn't have been a more perfect location, right?

'Because it's so incredibly deep, nobody would look for a nuclear bunker in a middle of suburban Hampstead. There wasn't even an access shaft to it.'

Stations where flood gates were installed include Embankment (above), in Westminster. It is today served by the Circle, District, Northern and Bakerloo line. In the above image, part of the chain mechanism for the flood gate can be seen

The gates took less than a minute to shut once operators had pressed the appropriate buttons. Above: A guard stands by as one of the gates is tested

The gates, which weighed around six tonnes, varied in type. Some cut across the tracks, such as the one above, believed to be at Embankment

An additional design saw gates built to close across exit passageways  sealing off the platform from the rest of the station

A system of microphones known as hydrophones were installed along the River Thames, so that the flood gate operators could be told if a bomb had landed in the Thames. Above: The flood gate at Charing Cross underground station, which is now Embankment

However, by 1960, the facility became redundant as technological progress meant that any new atomic or hydrogen bomb would have 'cut a crater into London much deeper' than the North End facility, Ms Holloway said.

In tonight's programme, Ms Holloway also takes Mr Dunn to a tunnel which runs close to live Underground lines. The pair are seen being buffeted as a Northern Line train rushes past.

The area is now used as an engineering access point and as an emergency exit for passengers on the Northern Line.

Stations where flood gates were installed include Embankment, in Westminster. It is today served by the Circle, District, Northern and Bakerloo line.

Today, remains of the flood gates on the southbound platform serving the Bakerloo Line can still be seen.

Whilst the gates were never used, they were routinely checked to ensure they were in good working order.

The gates were hydraulically powered and initially controlled from Leicester Square.

Before any gates could be closed, staff had to ensure that the section set to be blocked off was free of trains  otherwise they would have been trapped inside the flooded tunnel.

The gates, which weighed around six tonnes, varied in type. Whilst some cut across the tracks, an additional design saw gates built to close across exit passageways  sealing off the platform from the rest of the station.

A system of microphones known as hydrophones were installed along the River Thames, so that the flood gate operators could be told if a bomb had landed in the Thames.

The gates took less than a minute to shut once operators had pressed the appropriate buttons.

Secrets of the London Underground, Episode 2, will be on tonight at 8pm on Yesterday and all episodes will be available on catch-up at UKTV Play.
The stepson of Sir Richard Sutton today denied murdering the hotel tycoon at his 2million country mansion.

Thomas Schreiber, 34, appeared at court charged with killing his wealthy 84-year-old stepfather and the attempted murder of his own mother Anne Schreiber, 65.

Sir Richard, who was one of Britain's richest men, suffered fatal stab wounds during the alleged attack in April in Higher Langham, near Gillingham in Dorset.

Schreiber, appearing in the dock this morning at Winchester Crown Court in Hampshire, spoke to confirm his name and deny murdering Sir Richard.

Fair-haired and unshaven Schreiber, wearing a grey jumper, also pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of his mother Mrs Schreiber, who is Sir Richard's partner.

A court artist's sketch of Thomas Schreiber, 34, who was charged with the murder of Sir Richard Sutton, as seen from a video link from Winchester Crown Court on April 13, 2021

Schreiber also denied one count of dangerous driving, relating to his driving of a Range Rover on motorways in the south of England on the night of April 7.

During the plea hearing, prosecutor Adam Feest QC revealed that Mrs Schreiber - who was left in a critical condition in hospital - has recovered from her injuries enough to provide investigators with a DNA sample.

However, Mr Feest QC added 'we are very mindful of Mrs Schreiber's condition'.

Mr Feest QC also told the court forensic evidence is still being worked on because 'there's a lot of it' and that psychiatric reports are being prepared for Schreiber, from the Gillingham area in Dorset.

Recorder of Winchester, Her Honour Judge Angela Morris, adjourned the case until a provisional further case management hearing on October 8.

Thomas Schreiber (pictured), 34, was charged with killing his wealthy 84-year-old stepfather and the attempted murder of his own mother Anne Schreiber, 65

A provisional trial date has already been set for November 29.

Judge Morris said: 'Mr Schreiber, your trial date remains the same but there's still quite a lot of work that has got to be done.

'It's really important that you co-operate with your legal team and the psychiatrist that's preparing a report on you.'

Police were called to Sir Richard's 2million home at about 7.30pm on April 7. He had suffered stab wounds to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene at 9.15pm.

Anne Schreiber, 65, pictured with her partner Sir Richard, who was one of Britain's richest men

An initial post-mortem examination indicated that the cause of death was stab wounds to his chest. Mrs Schreiber was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Schreiber was arrested by police about three hours after the call to the police in Hammersmith, West London.

Sir Richard, who has been described as an 'old English gentry landowner', was listed at number 435 in the Sunday Times Rich List last year.

He had an estimated family fortune of 301 million - a rise of 83 million on the previous year.

Police guard Sir Richard's 2million property in the Dorset hamlet of Higher Langham in April

Sir Richard's company owns London hotels the Sheraton Grand Park Lane and the Athenaeum, plus three smaller venues.

He had an extensive property and farming portfolio, including the 6,500-acre Benham Estate in west Berkshire and the Stainton Estate in Lincolnshire.

Sir Richard had two children, David, 61, and Caroline, 55, by his first wife Fiamma, and five grandchildren.

Mrs Shreiber, a Danish-born physiotherapist who has a practice in Milborne Port, Dorset, has three grown-up children.
Shocking images have revealed the conditions on a farm where more than 100 animals were left to die after being neglected by two young women.

RSPCA officers found animals that had died and others that were malnourished after being starved of food and water at Bog Hall Farm in Mordon, County Durham.

Hannah Olivia Wilkinson and her late girlfriend Rio-Anne Katie Jane Dickinson failed to look after the animals while renting the land in an attempt to make money during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The RSPCA found dead animals in plastic bags ready to be burnt, alongside emaciated which had to be euthanised.

Wilkson admitted causing unnecessary suffering but was spared prison and ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and pay 428 in costs.

Her co-defendent Dickinson passed away shortly after the pair pleaded guilty in court last month, amid claims she was being bullied online.

An inquest which opened into her death two weeks ago heard the 20-year-old's body was found in woodlands and identified at Darlington Memorial Hospital by her father.

Her family said online bullies were 'partially to blame for her death' on June 26, just days after pleading guilty.

Her stepmother Michelle O'Shaunessy and father Phil Dickinson claimed 'cruel and hateful comments on social media made the 20-year-old feel unable to carry on.'

Rio-Anne Katie Jane Dickinson (left) and Hannah Olivia Wilkinson (right, pictured outside court) were found guilty on charges of unnecessary suffering after neglecting to take care of 121 animals at Bog Hill Farm in Mordon

The women kept hens, chickens, quails, ducks and guinea fowl on the farm and were also responsible for two sheep, two hamsters, four guinea pigs, two budgerigars as well as a goat and a rabbit.

A RSPCA spokesperson said they found dead animals in plastic bags ready to be burnt

The women sold animals on to others and operated without a licence or vet support.

Teesside Magistrates' Court heard how the pair neglected a total of 121 animals at the farm near Sedgefield in County Durham.

They kept hens, chickens, quails, ducks and guinea fowl on the farm and were also responsible for two sheep, two hamsters, four guinea pigs, two budgerigars as well as a goat and a rabbit.

The court heard how they sold animals - with Dickinson admitting to selling 500 birds in one week - and operated without a licence or vet support.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Rio Dickinson and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

We understand that the matter has been referred to the coroner and will assist if needed.'

Hannah Olivia Wilkinson (pictured outside court) admitted causing unnecessary suffering but was spared prison and ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and pay 428 in costs

The two women were leasing the farm in an attempt to make money during the COVID-19 lockdown (Pictured, Bog Hill Farm)

The court heard how they sold animals as Dickinson admitted to selling 500 birds in one week and operated the farm without a licence or vet support

During Wilkinson's sentencing hearing on Wednesday, the court heard how the conditions were discovered by the landlord of the farm who leased it to the defendants.

Alex Bousfield, prosecutor, said concerns were raised about the purchased animals being covered in lice and the landlord carried out three spot checks in two-week period before calling the RSPCA.

A chicken with a plastic ring inside its leg and a guinea pig that developed teeth that were too long were among the injured animals.

Wilkinson and Dickinson, both from County Durham, pleaded guilty to five counts of unnecessary suffering.

The charges relate to 52 red ex-battery hens, 19 various type chickens, 10 quail, one guinea fowl, a red ex-battery hen, a pale brown and white juvenile duck and a white Bantam hen.

They also admitted a sixth charge of not taking steps that were reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal for which they were responsible.

These included one rabbit, four guinea pigs, two hamsters, two sheep, one goat, 15 ducks, two budgerigars and one guinea foul.

All of the offences took place in July last year.

The two women pleaded guilty to six counts of unnecessary suffering at Teesside Magistrates' Court (pictured above)

Deputy District Judge Mark Daley said it was a 'distressing' case on many levels which had now turned to 'tragedy'.

He suspended Wilkinson's 15 week detention in a young offenders institution for 18 months and banned her from keeping all animals, with the exception of dogs, for a period of six years.

The judge also ordered her to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and pay 428 in costs. He said that in the case of Dickinson he will have to vacate the pleas and withdraw the case.
A Perth man has been banned from owning dogs for five years and slapped with a $9,000 fine after he starved his pet to the point that it had to be euthanised.

In April 2019, police visited the man's property and found two dogs, a five-year-old brindle Great Dane named Redley and a smaller dog.

Redley was discovered in a heartbreaking state, with his ribs, spine and hips protruding, prompting police to file a cruelty report to the RSPCA.

Two RSPCA inspectors visited the property, in Orelia, and seized Redley and the other dog.

The RSPCA says the owner told inspectors he thought Redley was sick but could not afford to take him to the vet, saying he was trying to 'build him back up' by feeding the Great Dane once or twice a day.

Redley (pictured) was discovered in a heartbreaking state, with his ribs, spine and hips protruding, prompting police to file a cruelty report to the RSPCA

Redley was later assessed by a vet, who determined he had suffered prolonged starvation resulting in his highly emaciated state, with severe muscle wastage across his body, an ear infection, hip dysplasia and a flea infection.

The RSPCA treated and cared for Redley for more than a month, but he was euthanised on humane grounds.

Redley's 36-year-old owner, who now lives in South Australia, was convicted of animal cruelty at Rockingham Magistrates Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty, the RSPCA said in a statement.

The court found the man did not provide proper and sufficient food to Redley, and said the dog had suffered harm which could have been alleviated if the owner took reasonable steps.

'Redley was meant to be a loved pet. Instead he was left to starve and suffer over a long period of time. The sheer neglect is hard to comprehend. Please, if you can't look after your animals, ask for help,' RSPCA WA's Hannah Dreaver said.
Western Australia's coronavirus safeguards are facing a fresh challenge after crew members from another potentially infected ship were hospitalised in Perth.

The Darya Krishna bulk carrier berthed at Fremantle Port on Monday to allow for the emergency medical evacuation.

Authorities had flagged that three symptomatic crew members would be hospitalised but as of Monday afternoon, only two had been removed from the ship. They were transferred to Fiona Stanley Hospital by St John Ambulance.

A WA Health spokesman said the third person was expected to be transferred later on Monday but was unable to provide information on their condition.

The Darya Krishna bulk carrier (pictured) berthed at Fremantle Port on Monday to allow for the emergency medical evacuation

The remaining 17 crew members were expected to undergo testing at the port under strict protocols.

Premier Mark McGowan earlier said eight crew were reported to be showing flu-like symptoms, including the second officer who he described as being 'incredibly unwell'.

They are suspected to have acquired the virus when the Darya Krishna docked in the Indonesian port of Batam on its way to Australia.

The arrival of yet another likely-infected ship after visiting virus-plagued Indonesia has prompted the WA premier to issue a warning to shipping companies.

'We'll turn away ships if we can,' he told reporters.

'It may be a bit hard with this particular ship because of the number of people who are unwell but if we can, we'll turn them away and that sends a message to the shipping companies: you will lose money if you don't deal with this situation.'

Premier Mark McGowan earlier said eight crew were reported to be showing flu-like symptoms, including the second officer who he described as being 'incredibly unwell' (pictured, the ship in Fremantle Port on Monday)

Mr McGowan admitted Commonwealth maritime authorities 'aren't that keen on that approach', although WA's police chief has emergency powers to prevent vessels from entering local waters.

He said it was hoped most of the crew members could remain on board to prevent the risk of infection in the community.

The Darya Krishna left Singapore on July 18 and had been bound for the port of Kwinana, south of the CBD.

Indonesia is in the midst of a coronavirus outbreak that has so far resulted in more than 1500 deaths since it began some weeks ago. The total number of infections is more than 3.1 million.

Last week, 10 crew members of another vessel - the BBC California - tested positive for the Delta strain of the virus after the cargo ship docked in Fremantle.

Premier McGowa said it was hoped most of the crew members could remain on board the ship (pictured) to prevent the risk of infection in the community

Eight infected crew remain aboard the ship, which had also visited ports in Indonesia.

State and federal leaders have agreed to examine what can be done to prevent visiting ships arriving with infected crew.

'My view is when the ships are in Indonesia, the crew stay on board. They don't get off,' Mr McGowan said.

'When you get off and you go to some of the port towns, the likelihood is you will catch COVID.

'It will be hard for the Indonesian government, I accept, to make this a priority at this point in time. It's up to the companies to do their job.'

WA's borders remain closed to NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia as they deal with their own Delta outbreaks.

The state reported no new cases on Monday.
Former US Rep. Trey Gowdy criticized Congresswoman Cori Bush on his Fox News show Sunday night for spending almost $70,000 on private security while openly calling to defund the police.

'Cori Bush tells us she is progressive, the better word might be hypocritical,' Gowdy said on his new show Sunday Night in America.

Bush, a freshman Democrat from Missouri, spent $69,120 in 'security services' from April 15 to June 28, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.

The payments were made to New York-based RS&T Security Consulting LLC and a Nathaniel Davis of St. Louis, Mo.

'Members of Congress are spending more money than ever on their personal security,' said Gowdy, a four-term Republican from South Carolina who left office in 2019.

'It's a tragic reflection of the times we live in  safety is priority number one for members of Congress, as it should be. But what about you?'

Crime has risen in some parts of the US as the country reopens following Covid-related lockdowns.

In New York, concerns about crime took center stage in the mayoral race, leading to the Democratic primary win in June of former NYPD officer Eric Adams.

Cori Bush, 45, was elected in 2020 as the first black woman to represent Missouri in the House

Bush, 45, is an outspoken advocate of the defund the police movement, which seeks to redirect public funds away from law enforcement agencies and into social services.

The movement gained steam after last year's police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the ensuing protests, some of which turned violent.

'When we say defund, we're talking about needing to divest from the parts of our society that are harming and killing us - and invest in the parts that help keep us healthy and alive,' Bush tweeted on May 30.

'We deserve life.'

Bush has said that policing in the US is built to 'enable white supremacy.'

'It is not just a few bad apples, it's a rotten tree,' she tweeted on Feb. 17.

Bush spent almost $70,000 on private security over just two-and-a-half months this year

Calls to 'defund the police' emerged during protests following last year's police killing of George Floyd. Above, protesters face police during a march May 30 in Chicago

'We need to transform public safety  and that starts with defunding the police and reinvesting in our communities.'

Some members of the Democratic Party, including party stalwarts like former President Barack Obama and House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina, have cautioned against using the divisive slogan 'defund the police.'

'But if you instead say, 'Let's reform the police department so that everybody's being treated fairly, you know, divert young people from getting into crime,' Obama said on a Snapchat show in December. 'And if there was a homeless guy, can maybe we send a mental health worker there instead of an armed unit that could end up resulting in a tragedy?'

'Suddenly, a whole bunch of folks who might not otherwise listen to you are listening to you.'

Gowdy, 56, pointed out that Bush's security costs would go a long way in his home state.

'She wants to defund the police - she wants to defund your police, but not her police,' the host said.

'She spent nearly $70,000 on her own personal security last year. I don't know about your city or state, but $70,000 would get your own personal police officer in South Carolina. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.'
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Thousands of anti-Cuban regime protesters gathered outside the White House Sunday and stayed overnight into Monday to pressure Joe Biden to do more to address socialist Miguel Diaz-Canel's actions against the people of Cuba.

The group stayed into the night for a planned candlelight vigil at midnight to mark the 26th of July Movement, a Cuban national holiday commemorating the 1953 attack when Fidel Castro led his first attempt to overthrow then-Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista.

'I'm 27 and I never thought I would live to see something like this,' Alex Perez, a Florida resident who came to the United States from Cuba seven years ago, told the Miami Herald as he joined the protest in Washington,D.C.

'We need to make sure there's pressure for people who didn't have to go through what I went through to know what's going on in Cuba,' he added.

Miami Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar joined the candle and cellphone light vigil on Sunday night. More elected officials are expected to join protests on Monday.

More arrived in D.C. in the early morning hours of Monday and immediately headed to the White HOuse to join the protest.

Anti-Cuban government protesters held a candlelight vigil outside the White House overnight to mark the 26th of July Movement as thousands showed up in Washington D.C. over the weekend to demand President Joe Biden take action in Cuba

Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (pictured center) joined the protests on Sunday and more elected officials are expected to join on Monday

Protesters holding Cuban and American flags held demonstrations into the night in front of the White House, which is lit up red, white and blue to celebrate the U.S. Olympic Team

A demonstrator dressed in the military outfit of Fidel Castro points a wooden stick with fake blood on it at a fellow protester

When asked what the message to President Biden is, Cuban-American protester Luis Luchuga Jr. told Fox & Friends: Listen, we are here to send a loud and clear message and that is that the Cuban people need help. We need an intervention. We are here to let him know that we are fighting for our freedom.

Luchuga, who has a Cuban flag draped over his shoulders and was joined by several other protesters in frame, fled from Cuba when he was 8-years-old.

As you know, weve had a dictatorship for 62 years, a totalitarian regime that has stripped everything from the Cuban people, including their humility and their decency. Today they have no water, they have no electricity, they have no food, he said.

He said the July 11 events have inspired hope for the Cuban people, claiming it could go down in history as their new independence day.

Thousands more protesters are expected to arrive in the nation's capital on Monday, according to Maria Fundora, who leads a Texas-based group called Cuba Libre that provides legal assistance to Cubans making asylum claims.

Fundora, 59, told the Herald that at least 18 buses left from Miami and only three had arrived in Washington by Sunday evening. She said caravans from Tampa and Texas are also on the way.

She advocated for military intervention in Cuba, and said Biden's response to the protests in Cuba so far and said his inaction 'guarantees a Trump 2024 ticket.'

Protesters from around the country arrived in Washington, D.C. over the weekend to pressure Biden to do more following violent clashes between anti-government protesters and Cuba's socialist regime

A woman painted green and dressed as the Statue of Liberty with bloody hands, a sewn-closed mouth and the Cuban flag at the bottom of her dress stands in protest outside the White House

Two protesters engage in a dramatic demonstration of the violence between the Cuban people and it's socialist government, which broke out earlier this month

At least 18 buses left from Miami over the weekend and more caravans from Tampa and Texas are on the way

The protests come as Cuban-Americans claim Biden isn't doing enough to push back against the island's socialist regime violently retaliating to demonstrators earlier this month who marched in the streets in the midst of food, vaccine and medicine shortages in the pandemic.

Cuban authorities have arrested hundreds of demonstrators, activists and journalists after protests erupted on July 11 across the country amid an economic crisis, scarcity of basic goods, lack of freedoms  all happening around the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of July 14, one person was confirmed dead, but dissident group Cuban Decide estimates five were killed in the clashes. Hundreds of others reported injuries.

'We saw a lot of people on I-95 with Cuban flags and messages on their cars,' Chris Cruz, who was with Perez at the White House protest on Sunday, said. 'Tomorrow is going to be intense but I know people will keep their cool.'

The Biden administration last week issued new sanctions on Cuba after outcry following the government's violent response to island-wide protests regarding the regime's handling of the reemerging COVID-19 crisis.

On Thursday, the Treasury Department blacklisted Defense Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera and the Black Berets, a Interior Ministry special police unit, following their role in the crackdown on protesters.

The move, however, does basically nothing considering in January the Trump administration already sanctioned Cuba's entire Interior Ministry, including the Black Berets.

Cuba is also already under a trade embargo.

Experts have said the new sanctions will have little to no impact on assets held by Cuban security forces.

In response to these revelations, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, lambasted Biden's sanctions as 'meaningless.'

'Biden sanctioning an already sanctioned regime official in Cuba is the kind of symbolic but meaningless measure we will continue to see as long as [he] is being advised by people who were drinking mojitos in Havana in 2015 to celebrate the Obama policy,' Rubio tweeted on Friday.

As pressure mounts for the administration to do more, thousands of anti-Cuban government protesters from all over the country arrived in Washington, D.C. to post up outside the White House and demand action.

While the majority of protesters came up from Miami, and other parts of Florida, there were also travelers from Texas and New Jersey. Florida, due to its proximity to the island, has north of 1.5 million Cubans residing there, making it by far the state with the largest Cuban population.

The community is outraged over the injustice in Cuba, where the socialist, unitarian government is preventing its people from acquiring basic human needs like food and medicine.

In a statement last week, Biden said the new sanctions are just the start of his administration's action on Cuba.

Jose Gabilondo, a law professor at Florida International University, said: 'I think their goal is to appease part of Joe Biden's would-be electorate because he did poorly in Florida.'

'There were already a quite complex set of sanctions in place,' he continued. 'It's kabuki politics.'

Before announcing the sanctions last week, a report revealed the administration is looking at other responses to the unrest, like bolstering U.S. presence at the embassy in Havana and making internet more accessible to citizens.

'At President Biden's direction, the United States is actively pursuing measures that will both support the Cuban people and hold the Cuban regime accountable,' a senior administration official told the Herald last week.

On July 11, protest broke out islandwide in the midst of the biggest economic crisis in Cuba in 30 years

The government responded with violence as the people experience food and medicine shortages in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic

The violent clashes left cities in disarray with scores injured, at least one confirmed dead and hundreds in custody

As violent confrontations broke out between the people of Cuba and their government, Diaz-Canel's regime swiftly cut off citizens' internet access to stop images from being widely shared online.

Lawmakers, including Rubio, have been urging Biden to give dissidents free satellite internet access to stop the government from preventing activists who attempt to share their posts on social media.

Biden is also weighing measures to help ensure money Cuban Americans send home makes it there in full.

A State Department working group will look at the feasibility of staffing increases at the U.S. embassy and forming a 'Remittance Working Group' to get money to the island.
Texas firefighter, Elijah Snow, was found dead in Cancun, Mexico last Monday

The Texas firefighter who was found dead in Cancun while on vacation to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary died of 'mechanical asphyxiation', Mexican authorities have found.

Elijah Snow, 35, became trapped as he tried to enter the window of a bathroom at a resort that was not the one he was staying at, Mexican investigators concluded.

While Mexican officials insist that there are no signs of foul play, family members of the firefighter from Arlington suspect that he may have been killed after a possible kidnapping.

The couple were staying at the Royalton Chic Suites Cancun, a $392-a-night all-inclusive resort, another guest who was staying there at the time confirmed to DailyMail.com.

The person said that on the day Snow was found dead, she saw police crime scene tape at another resort that is right next to the Royalton, but was uncertain whether it was connected with his death.

'The resort must have something on video because cameras are all over the place,' the source said. 'Now hopefully they all work.'

Mexican authorities have steadfastly refused to name the resort where Snow was staying or the one where he was found dead, but some Spanish-language reports suggest that his body was found at the Sunset Resort right next to the Royalton, conflicting with earlier reports claiming it was up to 10 miles away.

The night of his death, Snow and his wife had been drinking together in the bar of the resort where they were staying, family friends told KXAS-TV.

Snow's wife Jamie decided to go back to their room while he remained behind, and the wife became concerned when she woke up at 4am and realized he wasn't there, the friends said.

Snow, a father of two, became trapped as he tried to enter the window of a bathroom at a resort that was not the one where he was staying with his wife, investigators said

Snow was staying at the Royalton Suites, and reports suggest his body was found next door

The couple were staying at the Royalton Chic Suites Cancun (above), a $392-a-night all-inclusive resort, another guest who was staying there at the time confirmed to DailyMail.com

A friend of the family posted about the Elijah Snow's death on Facebook. Friends and family suspect foul play, but Mexican authorities insist the death was accidental

A firefighter for eight years and the father of two young children, Snow had been staying at the all-inclusive Cancun hotel with his wife to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.

Jaime joined the Facebook fan club of the Royalton Chic Suites Cancun a month before her husband's death, and a week prior had posted a comment to another member of the group saying 'see you there'.

The luxurious Royalton is a beachfront resort featuring a rooftop cabana, with packages including unlimited dining, drinks and room service.

A spokesperson for Toronto-based Blue Diamond Resorts, which operates the Royalton chain of resorts, did not immediately respond to an inquiry from DailyMail.com on Monday.

Authorities with the Quintana Roo State Attorney General's Office said in a statement that Snow died of mechanical asphyxia due to thoracic-abdominal compression.

The office said Snow was trapped in a window when trying to enter a bathroom window and could not place his feet on the ground, giving him no support point to release himself from the window.

'The circumstances in which the events occurred are being investigated,' officials wrote in a social media post from the state attorney general's office for Quintana Roo, Fiscalia General Quintana Roo.

Snow's body was 'located in a bathroom window' at a hotel but it was not the resort where Snow had been staying, the office said.

Elijah Snow and his wife Jamie were on vacation for their 10-year wedding anniversary

The luxurious Royalton is a beachfront resort featuring a rooftop cabana, with packages including unlimited dining, drinks and room service

The couple were said to have been staying in the hotel zone of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Local officials say his body was found at a different hotel to where he was staying

Adding to the confusion, Snow's wife, Jamie Snow, was told that her husband had in fact died after falling over a wall while at the Cancun resort where they were staying, but the family do not believe the explanation.

A local attorney managed to source photos of the crime scene that suggest Snow was in fact beaten to death, according to KTVT.

The couple had been celebrating their 10-year anniversary but Snow was found dead after just one night of the vacation. The name of the resort has so far not been released by authorities.

The pair are said to have enjoyed a few drinks at the hotel bar before deciding to head back to their room whereupon Snow stopped and went back to the bar, while his wife went to their room to sleep.

Jamie Snow woke up around 4am and went looking for her husband when he had not returned only to be told that he had been found dead having 'fallen between the walls of the neighboring resort.'

After the couple had been to a resort bar for drink, Elijah went back out to a bar. Jamie began a search for him at around 4am and was told he had been found dead by 8:30 that morning

Colleague Xavier Flores posted on Facebook about Arlington, Texas Firefighter Elijah Snow with photos of his body being brought back home

An @ArlingtonTxFire honor guard at @DFWAirport today, for the return of the family of Elijah Snow, who was found dead this week in Mexico pic.twitter.com/VwnSokiYnw  Jason Allen (@CBS11JasonAllen) July 23, 2021

Elijah Snow's father-in-law, Randy Elledge, said that it appeared Snow had been beaten and possibly suffocated.

'You're supposed to be safe there,' Elledge said. 'You're at your resort, all inclusive, and have no intentions of leaving so you'll be safe. And you're not safe there.'

Snow was a firefighter in Arlington, Texas and had worked for the Fire Department for eight years.

His father Ronny was also an Arlington firefighter who died in the line of duty in 1985, the same year Snow was born.

Snow's remains were returned to North Texas from Cancun on Friday, where they were met by an honor guard and water cannon salute at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. His funeral will be held on Tuesday in Arlington.

He is survived by his wife Jamie, daughters Aubrey and Hannah.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter Lilibet has finally been added to the Royal Family's line of succession on the official website seven weeks after her birth.

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's second child, was born on June 4 in Santa Barbara, California, and is eighth in line to the throne.

The update to royal.uk comes three days after the omission was highlighted by royal experts, who pointed out that Prince Andrew was still listed as eighth in line.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, pictured in March being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey

Harry and Meghan's trusted journalist friend Omid Scobie, the Harper's Bazaar US royal editor, tweeted at 12.30pm today: 'The line of succession on the @RoyalFamily website has just been updated to include the Sussexes second child: Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, who is eighth in line to the throne. She was born on June 4.'

The name of Lilibet's two-year-old brother Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was added to the royal.uk list just 15 days after he was born in May 2019.

And as for her cousin Prince Louis, who is the second son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, his name was added to the list just 12 days after he was born.

Zara and Mike Tindall's son Lucas, who is 22nd in line to the throne, has been listed on the website since his birth in March.

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor has now been added to the royal line of succession after the website was updated. Harry and Meghan's daughter is eighth in line to the throne

Lilibet was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and named after the Queen's childhood nickname, while her middle name Diana was in tribute to Harry's late mother.

The omission in the line of succession was spotted by ITV Royal Editor Chris Ship, who suggested on the Royal Rota podcast on Friday that the House of Windsor was 'making a point'.

He said: 'You have got to ask what has taken them so long. All they have got to do is hit the paragraph button and put in a different number.

'They must have done it before. They did it for Archie. Clearly they did it for Louis when he was born.

The line of succession on the Royal Family website is shown as it was before the update today

'And they have done it for some of the other children like August that have been born as well. So where's Lilibet? I can forgive them a week or two but a month?'

Mr Ship suggested the omission after such a lengthy period of time was 'a little petulant'.

He added: 'Is it them saying, 'We will get around to it when ready?' It does feel like to me, maybe, they are making a point.'

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the Royal Family website is 'updated periodically'.

Harry and Meghan in a photo to announce they were expecting their second child in February

Last month Harry and Meghan launched an unprecedented legal attack on the BBC after the corporation claimed the couple did not ask the Queen if they could name their daughter Lilibet.

Harry and Meghan instructed lawyers on June 9 to contest comments from the BBC's 'palace source'.

The couple said it was 'false and defamatory' to suggest the monarch had 'never been asked' if they could use her nickname.
Susannah Levin (pictured) a longtime graphic designer for Ben & Jerry's said she would no longer work for the company after its announcement last week that it would no longer serve customers in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem

A longtime graphic designer for Ben & Jerry's says she will no longer work for the ice cream maker after the company's decision last week to stop serving Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Susannah Levin, a New York-based freelance graphic designer who has worked for the ice cream maker since 2000, made the announcement in a Facebook post Wednesday.

'Effective immediately, I have quit my job of 21 years at Ben & Jerry's, over the statement on Israel,' she announced, and said that 'anti-Zionism IS the new anti-Semitism.'

'My company's response is part of this despicable trend and I was have no part of it,' she said.

Levin had designed packaging and various marketing materials for the company, and her announcement drew praise from various supporters of Israel.

'Respect! This woman is a real hero,' tweeted Arsen Ostrovsky, an international human rights lawyer and CEO for the International Legal Forum.

'We need many more people like Susannah Levin,' posted Roz Rothstein, CEO and co-founder of Stand With Us, an education non-profit dedicated to combating anti-Semitism.

Levin, who had worked for the ice cream maker since 2001, said the company's decision was following a 'despicable trend' of 'anti-Semitism'

'Amazing. Ordinary citizens are heroes. Go Susannah Levin!' tweeted Phil Rosen, who sits on the board of Yeshiva University in New York City.

Levin's announcement came after Ben & Jerry's faced intense backlash for its announcement last week, including from the Israeli government, which urged 35 American states with anti-Israeli boycott laws to punish Unilever, which owns Ben & Jerry's.

On Thursday, Unilever CEO Alan Jope distanced himself from its subsidiary's decision, but gave no indication that it would force Ben & Jerry's to roll it back.

The Ben & Jerry's announcement is one of the strongest steps by a well-known company against Israel's settlements on the West Bank, which are widely seen by the international community as illegal.

In a conference call with investors, Jope said that Ben & Jerry's, which has a long history of social activism, had made the decision on its own.

He noted that under its purchase agreement with Ben & Jerry's in 2000, the iconic ice cream company maintained broad independence over its social justice policies and that Unilever respected that arrangement.

Levin's announcement drew praise from various advocates for the Jewish state

Levin's announcement came as Unilever CEO Alan Jope (pictured above in New York in 2019) said Thursday that while his company remains 'fully committed' to Israel, it cannot force its subsidiary, Ben & Jerry's, to reverse its decision to stop selling ice cream in Jewish settlements on the Israeli-occupied West Bank

The image above shows a flag of Israel set atop a delivery truck outside a Ben & Jerry's factory in the Israeli town of Be'er Tuvia on Wednesday

'Obviously it's a complex and sensitive matter that elicits very strong feelings,' he said.

'If there is one message I want to underscore in this call, it's that Unilever remains fully committed to our business in Israel.'

That includes a new $41million razor factory, corporate offices and facilities that employ some 2,000 people, hundreds of millions of dollars of investment and support for 'social programs,' he said.

He said 'it is not our intent' to regularly delve into such sensitive matters.

'It's been a longstanding issue for Ben & Jerry's,' he said.

'We were aware of this decision by the brand and its independent board, but it's certainly not our intention that every quarter will have one quite as fiery as this one.'

It remained unclear whether his comments would calm the uproar in Israel.

The country's new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, said earlier this week that he had spoken to Jope about what he called a 'clearly anti-Israel step.'

American supporters of Israel slammed Ben & Jerrys as anti-Semitic on Monday after the Vermont-based ice cream maker announced it would no longer sell its products in Jewish settlements on the occupied West Bank

The Ben & Jerry's statement cited 'the concerns shared with us by our fans and trusted partners'. The Israeli foreign ministry called Ben & Jerry's decision 'a surrender to ongoing and aggressive pressure from extreme anti-Israel groups' and the company was cooperating with 'economic terrorism'

Bennett, a former leader of the West Bank settlement movement, said Thursday that Israel would 'use the tools at its disposal - including legal - on this issue' and that those boycotting Israel 'need to know that there will be a price to pay.'

In it's announcement, Ben & Jerry's said its sales in the occupied West Bank and contested east Jerusalem were 'inconsistent with our values.'

The company's factory is in southern Israel, not in a settlement, meaning that it is targeting consumers, as opposed to a production facility.

The Palestinians claim both areas, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, as parts of a future independent state.

Israel annexed east Jerusalem after the 1967 war and considers the area part of its undivided capital.

It says the West Bank is disputed territory whose fate should be resolved in peace talks.

But the international community widely sees both areas as occupied territory and considers the settlements, home to some 700,000 Israelis, as illegal under international law.

In its statement, Ben & Jerry's sought to differentiate between Israel and occupied lands, saying it would continue to produce ice cream inside Israel through a 'different arrangement.'

But it gave no further details and said it would end its production agreement with its long-time Israeli licensee at the end of next year.

Separating Israel and its settlements will be difficult. Israeli supermarket chains, a main distribution channel for Ben & Jerry's, operate in the settlements.

Israeli law also prevents local companies from boycotting the settlements.

Israel does not differentiate between the settlements and the rest of its territory.
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A 17-year-old girl murdered by her father recalled in her diary how her mother 'called me a liar and threatened to kill me' if she went to the police and accused him of sexual abuse, it emerged today.

The tragic diary entry by Bernadette Walker was revealed as her father Scott Walker, 51, was found guilty by a jury of the teenage student's murder.

Prosecutor Lisa Wilding QC told Cambridge Crown Court that Scott Walker formed an 'unholy alliance' with Bernadette's mother, his ex-partner Sarah Walker, 38, to cover up the girl's death, sending messages from Bernadette's phone to give the impression she was still alive.

Today police, who suspect Scott Walker hid her body after murdering her, released part of the teenager's diary which included an entry made before she disappeared.

Bernadette wrote how her mother Sarah accused her of lying and told her she would 'kill me' if the teen went to police with the claims.

The un-dated entry seen by jurors reads: 'Told my mum about my dad and the abuse. She called me a liar and threatened to kill me if I told the police.

'She said that the other kids matter more. I love feeling unwanted. I feel nothing right now cause I always thought mum would deal with [sic] and it would all go away. But no, he's still here telling me I made it up.

'What kind of parent wouldn't believe their daughter? But it's fine, I'm going to pretend it's okay till I leave home then I will block them out of my life.

Bernadette Walker, 17, (left) of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, pictured with her mother Sarah Walker (right)

'I told my mum about my dad and the abuse. She called me a liar and threatened to kill me if I went to police': Bernadette Walker's chilling diary entry about the abusive stepfather who has today been convicted of her murder

Bernadette Walker, 17, pictured with her father Scott Walker, 50, who murdered her

Chilling exchange between Bernadette's mother and police call operator as she reports her 17-year-old daughter missing.

Pictured: Bernadette Walker's rucksack. The tragic diary entry by Bernadette Walker was revealed as her father Scott Walker, 51, was found guilty by a jury of the teenage student's murder

Bernadette Walker's rucksack in a lockup. Bernadette Walker, 17, was last seen alive on July 18 last year when 51-year-old Scott Walker, who was not her biological father, collected her from his parents' house in Peterborough, Cambridge Crown Court heard

Pictured: The car belonging to Scott Walker. Prosecutors said that Scott Walker killed her to 'prevent her pursuing her allegations of sexual abuse any further'

Both Scott and Sarah made multiple trips to the lock-up as well as to Cowbit, a rural area of Lincolnshire

Scott Walker (pictured left) told jurors that Bernadette's (right) allegations of sexual abuse were 'untrue'

Scott Walker and Sarah Walker. Bernadette's body has never been found but a six week trial heard that she vanished on July 18 last year shortly after making allegations of sexual abuse against her father

'NO CASE TO ANSWER FOR MISCONDUCT' OVER BERNADETTE WALKER POLICE INVESTIGATION A police officer had 'no case to answer for misconduct' over his role in the missing person investigation for murdered teenager Bernadette Walker, a watchdog has concluded. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it launched an investigation in October last year after the conduct of the officer was referred to it by Cambridgeshire Police. On Monday, the IOPC said the officer's performance had been 'satisfactory' and it had 'identified a number of potential areas of learning for the force'. The watchdog said no-one at the force whose actions were considered as part of its eight-month-long probe had a case to answer for misconduct, adding that four officers who had some involvement in the missing person investigation will take part in a 'reflective practice review process'. The IOPC's findings were announced on the day that 51-year-old Scott Walker was found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Bernadette following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court. Prosecutors said that Mr Walker, who Bernadette called father but was not her biological parent, killed her to 'prevent her pursuing her allegations of sexual abuse any further'. Her mother, 38-year-old Sarah Walker, admitted two counts of perverting the course of justice and was also found guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice 'knowing or believing' Bernadette to be dead. The IOPC said the teenager was reported missing by her mother on July 21 2020, with the force launching a missing person investigation initially assessed as 'medium risk'. The watchdog added: 'Allegations that the missing teenager had been sexually abused were also disclosed to the police by her mother in the days following the missing person report'. IOPC investigators examined whether Cambridgeshire Police had followed policies and procedures regarding the management of the missing person investigation, the appropriateness of its risk level and the handling of the abuse allegation from July 21 to September 9 2020. It said the police investigation stayed at medium risk for seven weeks and was reviewed by the 'subject officer' seven times. The investigation was then re-graded as 'high risk' by another officer, and two days later a homicide investigation began with Bernadette's parents treated as suspects. As part of their work, investigators interviewed four officers and a member of police staff and examined nearly 600 entries on the missing person report, the IOPC said. IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: 'This is a tragic case and my thoughts and sympathies are with all those who loved Bernadette Walker and will miss her. 'We found the officer's performance was satisfactory in that they identified essential lines of inquiry, attempted to ensure actions were progressed and carried out timely reviews of the missing persons investigation. 'The IOPC and Cambridgeshire Constabulary agreed that no officer or staff member whose actions were considered in the IOPC investigation had a case to answer for misconduct. 'We understand Cambridgeshire Constabulary has implemented a number of changes in the wake of this tragic incident and, in response to our investigation, has identified practice requiring improvement for four officers who had some involvement in the missing person investigation. 'They will now take part in the reflective practice review process to provide an opportunity for them to learn and develop in this specific area of policing.' Advertisement

'I'd rather say I'm an orphan than say I have abusive parents who couldn't give a s**t about me or what happens to me. If I was brave enough I probably would have already left, or just killed myself.'

Bernadette's body has never been found but a six week trial heard that she vanished on July 18 last year shortly after making allegations of sexual abuse against her father.

Sarah had previously admitted perverting the course of justice by sending messages from Bernadette's phone and providing false information to police with the intention to cover up sexual abuse allegations made by Bernadette against Scott.

She was today also found guilty by majority verdicts of two counts of perverting the course of justice 'knowing or believing' Bernadette to be dead, after previously pleading not guilty to these.

One count was of sending messages from Bernadette's phone to give the impression that she was alive, and the other was of giving false information to police relating to her disappearance.

It came as a chilling phone call was revealed in which Sarah Walker misled police that it was 'not the first time she'd run away' in an effort protect her killer stepfather.

Her phone call - made public by the police this afternoon - can be revealed for the first time today as he was found guilty of murdering Bernadette to stop her complaining of sexual abuse.

Sarah can be heard telling the operator: 'I am just ringing to report my 17-year-old daughter missing. She ran away on Saturday lunchtime but I knew where she was until she stopped messaging. This is not the first time she done it.'

Bernadette Walker, 17, was last seen alive on July 18 last year when 51-year-old Scott Walker, who was not her biological father, collected her from his parents' house in Peterborough, Cambridge Crown Court heard.

Prosecutors said that Scott Walker killed her to 'prevent her pursuing her allegations of sexual abuse any further'.

Scott Walker said that Bernadette ran away from his car when he stopped the vehicle, but jurors rejected his account.

The prosecution said Bernadette told her mother, 38-year-old Sarah Walker, on July 16 that Scott Walker had sexually abused her 'over a number of years', but that Sarah Walker did not believe her daughter's allegations.

Scott Walker told jurors that Bernadette's allegations of sexual abuse were 'untrue'.

The prosecution said that Bernadette was sent to stay with Scott Walker's parents overnight on July 17 'while things calmed down a little', with Scott Walker collecting her on July 18, when she was last seen alive.

Sarah Walker reported Bernadette as missing to police in the early hours of July 21.

Lisa Wilding QC, prosecuting, said that Scott Walker formed an 'unholy alliance' with Bernadette's mother, his ex-partner Sarah Walker, to cover up the girl's death, sending messages from Bernadette's phone to give the impression she was still alive.

Sarah Walker admitted two counts of perverting the course of justice by sending messages from Bernadette's phone after she disappeared and by providing false information to the police relating to her disappearance.

Scott Walker told the court that Sarah Walker had feared the involvement of social services over the allegations against him.

Sarah Walker had denied the course of justice 'knowing or believing' Bernadette to be dead, and jurors are continuing to deliberate on these.

The judge gave them a majority direction on Monday.

Scott Walker was also found guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice.

Ms Wilding said that Scott Walker's phone, 'which was usually in regular use', was off between 11.23am and 12.54pm on July 18.

'The prosecution say that in that hour and a half he killed Bea,' she said.

Scott Walker was also found guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice

Police were standing guard outside the 17-year-old's home today last year

Specialist forensic officers were seen going in and out of the house along with a police dog

Harrowing diary entry from Bernadette reveals abuse claim The un-dated entry seen by jurors reads: 'Told my mum about my dad and the abuse. She called me a liar and threatened to kill me if I told the police. 'She said that the other kids matter more. I love feeling unwanted. I feel nothing right now cause I always thought mum would deal with and it would all go away. 'But no, he's still here telling me I made it up. 'What kind of parent wouldn't believe their daughter? 'But it's fine, I'm going to pretend it's okay till I leave home then I will block them out of my life. 'I'd rather say I'm an orphan than say I have abusive parents who couldn't give a sh*t about me or what happens to me. 'If I was brave enough I probably would have already left, or just killed myself.' Advertisement

Ms Wilding said that when Scott Walker's phone reconnected to the network at 12.54pm the first call he made was to Sarah Walker, which lasted for more than nine minutes.

'The only sensible conclusion that can be drawn from that telephone call is that Scott Walker told his wife that he had killed Bernadette and needed her help, immediately, to cover up Bea's disappearance and death, and to buy them both time to work out what should happen next,' said Ms Wilding.

'The story they concocted in that call, and which both relied on from that moment on, even until now, was that Scott had stopped the car on the short drive home to confront Bea about her allegations, that Bea jumped out of the car when he pulled over and that she ran off.

'Then, that Scott tried and failed to run after her and so returned home without her.

'From that moment on, Scott and Sarah Walker  Bea's own mother and father  were joined, the prosecution say, in an unholy alliance, designed and intended to mislead, to divert and to pervert the inevitable investigation into the disappearance and ultimately the death of Bea Walker.'

Sarah Walker was not married to Scott Walker but had changed her surname to Walker by deed poll.

At the time of Bernadette's disappearance, Scott and Sarah Walker were living at the same address but Sarah Walker was in a relationship with another man.

Scott Walker said in evidence that he considered the possibility that Bernadette's allegations and disappearance may have been a 'plan' to get him 'out of the house'.

Sarah Walker did not give evidence.

A sentencing date has been set for September 10.
Sydney's latest coronavirus victim, a woman in her 80s, was found dead at the same western Sydney home where an illegal gathering last weekend spread Covid to 28 people.

The gathering was investigated by police after more than half of the 50 attendees caught the virus, with a large family group understood to have met to grieve a relative.

In a cruel twist of fate, it seems that very same gathering in Pendle Hill has resulted in the death of another family member.

She was one of two people who died on Monday from coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in NSW from the recent outbreak, which began on June 16, to 10 as a further 18 people fight for their lives on ventilators.

NSW Health confirmed the other victim was a man, also aged in his 80s, who was pronounced dead at Campbelltown Hospital.

It comes after stark warnings from health officials not to 'intermingle' with family members outside your household as the highly infectious Indian Delta strain continues to surge across the Harbour City.

Emergency personnel are pictured arriving at the scene in Pendle Hill where a woman in her 80s died of Covid at the same home where an illegal family gathering was held last weekend

Police are parked outside the Pendle Hill home in Sydney where a woman in her 80s died of Covid-19 - the same house where 28 people caught the virus last weekend

Police and emergency personnel were photographed outside the Pendle Hill home where the woman's body was discovered on Monday afternoon.

It is that same address where one week earlier on July 19, a large group of grieving family members gathered to mourn the death of another relative, which was not Covid-related.

Since that time, 28 people who were at the home have now returned a positive test for the Indian Delta variant.

Police blocked off the road on Monday night, while devastated relatives sat outside in the front yard.

It is the second time someone has died after catching the virus from family, after Saeeda Akobi Jjou Stu, who lived in Green Valley, died three days after testing positive (pictured, Covid testing in Fairfield)

Neighbours said they noticed a large number of cars pull up on their street that day in breach of Sydney's strict lockdown laws, but did not report the household to police because they were aware that a loved one had died.

'We saw the police here the first time and the body being carried out,' a neighbour told the Daily Telegraph.

'There were heaps of people coming in and out, three or four at a time, but I didn't want to say anything because they had just lost someone. It is very sad.'

It is the second time someone has died after catching the virus from family, after Saeeda Akobi Jjou Stu, who lived in Green Valley, died three days after testing positive.

Her twin sons, infected removalists Roni and Ramsin Shawka, as well as her husband also have the virus.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Saturday sent out an ominous warning to families in western Sydney, pleading with them to follow Sydney's strict stay-at-home measures.

A man in his 80s also died from Covid at Campbelltown Hospital (pictured) on Monday

'We really need our community, particularly in southwestern and western Sydney, to stay at home, to hear the message and stay at home,' he said.

'And don't intermingle with family members from other households.

'It will continue to cause massive grief here in Sydney, particularly in western and southwestern Sydney, if family members mix with family members from other households.

'Just please, stop doing it. Stop.'

NSW Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Jeremy McAnulty noted he was particularly 'concerned' by the gathering at Pendle Hill.

'Families coming together, even in tragic times can actually, when you are naturally grieving, can be a risk where Covid can easily take hold and spread among family members and then out to their households and further afield,' he said.

Adriana Midori Takara, 38 (pictured), returned a positive test for the highly infectious Indian Delta variant on July 15 and succumbed to her illness less than two weeks later

The news comes after the death of Adriana Midori Takara on Sunday, a 38-year-old Brazilian student who was living in Sydney's CBD and in the final year of a Masters degree in accounting.

A second woman, aged in her 70s, was also announced to have died from Covid that same day.

Sydney recorded 145 new Covid-19 cases overnight, with 51 people out in the community while infectious.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian told a press conference on Monday morning that the source of the infection for 79 of the new cases is still under investigation.

Fifty-five of the cases are linked to household contacts of known cases, and nine were other close contacts.

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Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the number of unvaccinated people over the age of 60 is 'distressing' and urged everyone in the age bracket to make an appointment immediately.

It is not yet known if the two latest death had received a jab or if they had any underlying medical conditions.

'When I review the numbers, to see how few over even 60-year-olds and over 70-year-olds we have managed to reach,' Dr Chant said.

'For me, anyone who is over 60 or over 70 should be going to their doctor as a matter of urgency, or their pharmacist which will be opening up across the state in coming days and get a dose of vaccine.'

Sydney recorded 145 new Covid-19 cases overnight, with 51 people out in the community while infectious (pictured, Bondi Beach locals are seen strolling by the water on Monday)

Dr Chant speculated that NSW could administer more than 350,000 vaccines a day if there were no issues with supplies, but that the state would have to make do with the current shortage of Pfizer.

'There are priority groups, some of which are the responsibility of the Commonwealth, such as disability and aged care that we want to make sure are absolutely vaccinated,' she said.

She also said the jab will be available on a walk-in basis in some health clinics in an effort to target vulnerable groups, in a policy shift that will be announced on Tuesday.

It is unclear as to whether people under 40 will be able to get AstraZeneca without an appointment.

Ms Berejiklian said she 'argued my little heart out' for more Pfizer jabs during national cabinet on Friday, but that health authorities would focus on the distribution of the jabs - ensuring they are given to young workers, which Dr Chant agreed with.

Pictured: A graphic showing the number of infections per day in Sydney's current outbreak, which grew by 145 cases on Monday

'It makes sense. The only people that are actually moving about are those essential workers,' the health officer said.

'People that are working in logistics and distribution, critical workers that come from that area that supports Sydney and even NSW and beyond.

'It is important that we consider how vaccinating that group would potentially prevent transmission.'

Ms Berejiklian did not specify whether Greater Sydney would come out of lockdown after July 30, but her government has requested financial modelling that would assess the devastating effect of extending the restrictions to September 17.

'Please be assured that our mission is to keep the community safe as possible, while allowing people to live as freely as possible,' she said.

'In the next few days we will continue to look at the existing settings to give people certainty on what life in New South Wales beyond July 31 looks like.

'It is really important for people not to leave home unless they absolutely have to and, in particular, do not mingle.'
Her claim of constructive dismissal has now been rejected by a tribunal

A Boots worker appalled onlookers by telling a customer who did not speak good English 'I don't speak Taliban', an employment tribunal heard.

Dorothy Roach, who had worked as a healthcare assistant at the high street chemists for 14 years, went over to the till to help a colleague when she saw the store manager struggling with a customer.

The tribunal was told she was then heard making 'racist comments', including 'they're annoying, I'm sick of them'.

Mrs Roach quit after a complaint from a customer prompted an investigation. She denied making the comments and said she would not be made 'a scapegoat'.

She then brought a claim for constructive dismissal. But the tribunal has now ruled against her.

A tribunal heard that Dorothy Roach appalled onlookers as she 'I don't speak Taliban' at a customer who could not speak good English while working at her Boots store in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside

The hearing was told Mrs Roach began working at Boots in 2006 at the Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, branch.

On October 13 2020, Joanne Kelly, the store manager, was dealing with a woman who did not have English as her first language and was having difficulty asking for her name and address, the tribunal in Liverpool heard.

At the time, Mrs Roach was working at the healthcare counter but went over to the other till to speak to another colleague about an issue.

According to a customer complaint made later that afternoon heard by the tribunal, Mrs Roach, referred to as 'Dot', then made 'racist comments'.

The customer said: 'There was a woman ahead of me in the queue, who didn't speak very good English.

'One of the pharmacists was trying to ask her name and address and they weren't having much luck, and another member of staff said to a customer "I don't speak Taliban" and then she also carried on to say "they're annoying, I'm sick of them".

'Then she looked at me as l was waiting, she went "won't be long love, we're just having technical issues" and then nodded her head towards the woman who couldn't speak English.'

An investigation into the complaint was launched by Danny Hird, the Wigan Grand Arcade branch store manager, and the branch pharmacist told him she had also heard Mrs Roach say those words.

During her investigatory interview, Mrs Roach 'strenuously denied the allegation' and said she would not be the 'scapegoat' for someone else and was not being disciplined.

The hearing was told she later resigned with immediate effect due to health reasons and said she could not go through with the disciplinary process.

Mrs Roach brought a claim of constructive dismissal but this was rejected by the tribunal.

Employment Judge Liz Ord concluded: 'Mrs Roach resigned because Mr Hird told her she would need to undergo a disciplinary process in regard to racial allegations he understood had been made against her by a customer.

'She was not prepared to be subjected to a disciplinary procedure and protested her innocence, saying she was being made a scapegoat for someone else's actions.

'Boots' investigation provided a reasonable basis upon which to make that decision, and Boots proceeded in this way with reasonable and proper cause.

'It did not breach the implied term of mutual trust and confidence and there was no repudiatory breach entitling the claimant to resign.'
A North Carolina car dealership has been forced to apologize amid backlash after an employee called a black customer Bon Quisha in a racially insensitive Facebook post.

Trinity Bethune, 21, was excited to buy her first car with the money she earned as a personal care assistant at a nursing home, according to WTVD.

But after she purchased the vehicle from Lumberton Honda, the dealership posted a photo of her in front of her new car with the caption: 'Congratulations to Bon Quisha on her 2016 Toyota Camry.'

When she saw the Facebook post later, Bethune commented: 'I'm not sure if this is a "joke" or something, but my name is definitely Trinity Bethune.

'I'm very offended by this post, it's almost a racial slur,' she continued. 'If I'm not addressed by MY name, then please don't address me at all.'

The Lumberton Honda in North Carolina congratulated 'Bon Quisha' on the purchase of her 2016 Toyota Camry last week, but the woman's name is actually Trinity Bethune

When she saw the post, Bethune said she was 'offended by the post,' saying 'Bon Quisha' is 'almost a racial slur,' and writing that they should have addressed her by her name

Shortly afterwards, her brother, Tyrone Jacob, shared the post, and made it go viral with 23,000 shares as of Monday, even though it has since been deleted

The since-deleted post has now gone viral, with many across the country calling for a boycott of the dealership, commenting on its posts '#TrinityBethune' and 'our dollars matter, stop buying here.'

It is unclear who created the post and what their motivation was, but 'Bon Quisha' is considered a derogatory term for black women.

It is defined on Urban Dictionary as a 'loquacious white boy that acts like a black woman as a joke.'

Her brother, Tyrone Jacob, later made the 'disgusting' post go viral, with 23,000 shares as of Monday, even though the dealership has since deleted the post.

On Thursday, he wrote: 'This is not how I planned to congratulate my little sister on her first car purchase. This is completely intentional, disgusting, unfair and many other adjectives I could use to describe this situation.

'Rather than responding like a "Bon Quisha," I'm responding like a Karen,' he wrote, alleging: 'This was not a mistake.'

'With the exception of the letter "n," her name is spelled using the first row of the keyboard. Typing Bon Quisha requires effort and intent.

'I'm outraged that she was publicly humiliated without a public [or] private apology.

'I'm waiting to hear back from a couple of my colleagues in the legal space, but please tell me if this is something my family should explore.'

He added that Bethune was 'not well at the moment,' and said, 'If you know her, please send love her way.'

The next day, Bethune shared her own thoughts about the incident, writing: 'To everyone asking "could this be an honest mistake?" No it could not have been.

'It was intended as a "joke," I'm assuming,' she wrote on Facebook. 'I'm very offended. If you know what a Bon Quisha [is] you will be also.

'As a black woman, I carry myself in a way where I will not be stereotyped,' Bethune wrote. 'This is public humiliation and at the LEAST, I deserve an apology.'

She told WTVD: 'The name "Bon Quisha" seems like a stereotype for someone, you know, for them to be like ghetto. It's something people use towards black people as a racial slur and as an offensive term.'

Bethune said she has not touched the new car since she saw the post.

'I feel like my character was played with,' she added. 'I mean, I think I carry myself in a very well manner.'

Bethune called the term 'Bon Quisha' a 'racial slur and as an offensive term,' saying she tries to carry herself in a way that she would not be stereotyped

Many have since called for a boycott of the Lumberton Honda, seen here

The dealership told WBTV that the employee who posted the insensitive post has since been fired, and executives have called Bethune to apologize.

On Friday, the dealership also issued a public apology on Facebook.

'Lumberton Honda and our entire staff sincerely apologize and regret the recent inappropriate post towards one of our valued customers,' it wrote.

'The action of this former employee does not represent the views or culture of our company. Lumberton Honda has been a part of the community for over 18 years, serving thousands of customers of all ethnicities.

'This incident reminds us that there is always room for improvement.

'Again, please accept our sincere apology. We are truly sorry.'

On Friday, the dealership issued a public apology on Facebook, saying: 'The action of this former employee does not represent the views or culture of our company,' and that 'this incident reminds us that there is always room for improvement'

Thousands of people replied to the apology, saying it did not go far enough

But thousands of people commented on the post, claiming that the apology does not go far enough.

Tiffany Russell, for example, wrote: 'Obviously this behavior does represent the views and values of your company, otherwise you wouldn't have hired someone of that caliber.

'I am positive that this was NOT the first incident of racism that this person displayed,' she continued. 'The only difference is that others, outside your company were able to see it first-hand.

'Do you know how much trauma you have caused this young lady and countless others by this display of racism? No one should ever shop with this company again.'

Margaret S. also wrote: 'Clearly it does represent your company.

'The fact that the employee felt comfortable to even make the post shows that yo8u have created an environment that welcomes such bigotry and racism.

'Nowhere in this do you state how you are actually going to rectify this situation.

'It took how many hours for you to write this statement?' she continued, 'meanwhile, you had no problem continuing to advertise your APR rates while everyone awaited what we now see is a lack luster typical clean-up statement that does nothing for the harm that was caused to the consumer. So try again.'

And Mason Meyer commented: 'Until y'all guarantee that EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE will be completing sensitivity and awareness training, your apology means nothing.

'You clearly have a culture problem that needs to be addressed immediately.'

Jess Bell also seemed to agree that there was a problematic culture at the dealership, writing that she had complained to the dealership in the past about 'one of your employees harassing me from multiple Facebook accounts.'

She allegedly contacted the dealership's management 'and nothing was done about it.

'Your sincere apology to this woman is complete BS,' she said, ''cause had you not been called out on social media, you wouldn't have done anything.'

Shonda Hodge, meanwhile, commented that it 'Sounds like y'all need some processes in place to approve your social media posts. This is NOT OK and the obligatory apology isn't landing.

'Try by actually doing better,' she said. 'You should take that car back and give her any monies that she gave you back as well.

'What a horrible experience,' she concluded. 'Let her witness real joy in buying her first car.'

The dealership's rating on Google has since dropped, with many one-star ratings added on Friday, according to the Fayetteville Observer, and Bethune told WTVD she has been overwhelmed by the nationwide response.

She said she is considering taking legal action against the dealership.
The boyfriend and brother of a Brazilian finance worker were forced to say harrowing goodbyes to her through the window of a Sydney hospital hours before she died from coronavirus, grieving friends say.

Heartbreaking tributes continue to flood in for business masters student Adriana Midori Takara, 38, whose life support was switched off Sunday morning, 10 days after she tested the to positive highly infectious Indian Delta variant transmitted by a friend.

The finance worker's health quickly deteriorated and was rushed to hospital two days later, where she had a heart attack and underwent surgery.

She then suffered thrombosis in the legs and was placed in an induced coma before she died alone in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's intensive care ward a week later.

As 3,500 protesters stormed the streets of the Sydney CBD to demand an end to the month-long lockdown sparked by the latest NSW outbreak, Ms Takara's boyfriend Khalid and brother Helio Eiki Takara were several kilometres away saying their final goodbyes to her through a window.

It was the closest they could get to Ms Takara under the strict lockdown rules.

Adriana Midori Takara (pictured) had her life support switched off on Sunday after a battle with Covid at just 38

'Her brother and her boyfriend got a call from the hospital Saturday afternoon saying 'come quickly, she doesn't have long to live', friend Marlene Coimbra told The Daily Telegraph.

In the weeks prior to the virus, Ms Takara tried countless times to book an appointment for the Covid-19 jab but was told by the NSW Health vaccine online portal that there was no no appointments until after October.

Her friends are now urging everyone to get vaccinated.

'She was unconscious the whole time that she was there and on her last day, Saturday, a few blocks away, the anti-vaxxers were protesting,' Ms Coimbra added.

'Those protesters are an insult to what happened to her. Adriana was such a beautiful, modest soul and may still be alive today if she got the vaccine.'

Adriana Midori Takara, 39 (pictured), returned a positive test for the highly infectious Indian Delta variant on July 15 and succumbed to her illness less than two weeks later

Ms Coimbra described Ms Takara as 'a normal girl' with plans to marry once she and her boyfriend had finished their studies.

'[She was a] hardworking girl, let me tell you,' she told the ABC.

'She studied very hard. She was very dedicated to whatever she was doing.'

She was shocked at how rapidly Ms Takara's condition deteriorated.

'Just so quickly. So quickly, you know, how her body disintegrated. It's just terrible, Ms Coimbra added.

As Ms Takara's boyfriend and brother said their final goodbyes to her through a hospital window, thousands of anti-locldown protesters took to the streets several kilometres away

Ms Takara had no underlying health conditions that would have contributed to her death and her distraught family back home in Brazil were forced to say their final goodbyes over Zoom.

But the tearful conversation was one-way with Ms Takara never regaining consciousness after her emergency surgery.

Ms Takara moved to Australia from Sao Paulo in 2019 and quickly became part of the 'family' in Sydney's tightknit expat community of South Americans.

She was living in Sydney's CBD with her boyfriend and on the cusp of finishing her graduate degree in accounting at the Kaplan Business School.

One of their housemates was a nurse who recently tested positive for Covid, a friend claimed on Facebook, sending the unvaccinated couple into isolation.

Just a few days later her boyfriend called an ambulance and Ms Takara was rushed to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital feeling very 'unwell'.

Ms Takara (pictured) had no underlying health conditions that would have contributed to her death

'A day or two after admission, Adriana complained of chest pains. Medical staff assessed her having a heart attack,' her friend Jules Pedrosa wrote on Facebook.

'She needed immediate surgery and an instrument (don't know if it was a pacemaker or otherwise) had to assist her heart to maintain a regular rhythm.

'Adriana's health condition worsened after a few days and further tests confirmed that her heart had a 'viral infection'.

'This is interesting because she and her family have no history of heart disease.'

He said her condition deteriorated so quickly that a decision was made with the relevant consent from family members to switch off the life-preserving machines.

A GoFundMe page to help pay for Ms Takara's funeral raised more than $25,000 within hours

Ms Takara, was living in Sydney's CBD with her boyfriend and on the cusp of finishing her graduate degree in accounting at the Kaplan Business School (pictured)

'All goodbyes were said via Zoom to audiences in Australia and Brazil,' Mr Pedrosa said.

'Communication was one-way because she had been unconscious for several hours after her emergency heart surgery.'

The Brazilian Consulate in Sydney has been in contact with Ms Takara's brother and shattered family back in Sao Paulo.

Another devastated friend Fernanda Ferreira Batista has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the funeral costs and to later support Ms Takara's brother in returning her body to Brazil, which had already raised $25,000 within hours.

She has known Ms Takara and her brother for 13 years and doesn't want her late friend to be seen as a number.

'Since Covid-19 started most of us only hear about numbers. Numbers of cases, numbers of infections, numbers of vaccines, numbers of deaths,' she wrote.

Ms Takara moved to Australia from Sao Paulo in 2019 and quickly became part of the 'family' in Sydney's tightknit expat community of South Americans (pictured, Bondi Beach)

'Adriana was a daughter, sister, aunt, niece a girlfriend, and especially a friend. An amazing friend, not only my friend but a friend of so many people.

'Everyone that is lucky enough to have been part of Adriana's life will remember her kindness and her bright simile forever.

Adriana is not a number, she was a woman with dreams and wishes.

When you look at the sky from now on, it will be brighter because of Adriana, it will be a reflection of her bright smile.'

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Ms Takara's tragic death should serve as a stark warning to those complacent about the virus that it does not discriminate.

A second woman, aged in her 70s, was also announced to have died from Covid on Sunday.

Two more Sydneysiders have since died, bringing the total number of deaths in NSW from the recent outbreak, which began on June 16, to 10 as a further 18 people fight for their lives on ventilators.

NSW Health confirmed on Monday afternoon the two fatalities were a man and a woman who were both aged in their 80s.

The young student is understood to have lived in Bondi (pictured, locals in the area on Sunday)

The woman died at home in Pendle Hill, while the man died in Campbelltown Hospital.

There are major concerns that Saturday's protests will prove to have been a super spreading event, and authorities are calling on the estimated 3,500 people who attended in Sydney to get a Covid test for the sake of the community.

'I'm appealing to all 3,500 people to get tested tomorrow, if not for themselves for the sake of their family and friends,' Police Minister David Elliott said.

'It broke my heart,' Ms Berejiklian said of seeing pictures of all the protesters.

'Millions of people across our state are doing the right thing and it broke my heart that people had such a disregard for their community. I'm disgusted.'

'Thank you for the people doing the right thing and for those that aren't... you should be ashamed of yourselves.'

Sydney recorded 145 new Covid-19 cases overnight, with 51 people out in the community while infectious.
Veteran journalist Carl Bernstein labeled Donald Trump 'America's own war criminal' in an interview with CNN's Brian Stelter, alleging he committed 'homicidal negligence' over the COVID-19 deaths of 610,000 Americans.

Speaking to the Reliable Sources host, Bernstein urged Americans to 'calmly step back' and 'look at Trump in a different context.'

'Trump is not just political - he transcends the political, and we need to start looking at his crimes in that context.

'He is our own American war criminal of a kind we've never experienced before,' Bernstein claimed. 'I think what we're talking about - Trump's crimes as an American war criminal in his own country that he has perpetrated upon our people, including the tens of thousands of people who died because of his homicidal negligence in the pandemic.'

Bernstein accused Trump of putting his own interests over Americans being 'slaughtered' during the coronavirus pandemic

Bernstein seemingly stood by his comments when CNN host Brian Stelter warned the veteran journalist he would get 'heat' over his war crime allegations

The Watergate reporter accused Trump of putting his political interests above the Americans getting 'slaughtered' by COVID.

Critics of the former president have repeatedly accused him of downplaying the pandemic. In February 2020 when the first outbreaks hit the US, Trump promised it would 'disappear' like a 'miracle.'

Trump also repeatedly tried to discredit his own coronavirus task force health experts, namely Dr. Anthony Fauci, and even publicly called him a 'disaster.'

But more than a year in, infections have exceeded 34 million and more than 610,000 people have died.

More than a year into the pandemic infections have exceeded 34 million and more than 610,000 have died

Bernstein claimed Trump's actions during the pandemic amounted to 'homicidal negligence'

Trump has been by his critics of accused of downplaying the pandemic. During his tenure in the White House Trump made public efforts to discredit scientists trying to combat the virus like Dr. Anthony Fauci (pictured during a COVID-19 briefing in April 2020)

Bernstein also accused Trump of 'fomenting a coup' on January 6th - citing his own Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Mark Milley's alleged comparison of Trump to Adolf Hitler.

'The head of the American military comparing him and his movement to brown shirts, to the Reichstag fire - this is a huge wakeup call to this country when General Milley, the head of the American military, has said this,' Bernstein said.

Shortly before the MAGA riot Milley expressed concern over Trump's rampant claims of voter fraud and efforts to cast doubt on the election, according to a book titled 'I Alone Can Fix It.' He called the country's fragile political situation a 'Reichstag moment,' referring to Germanys Weimar Republic in the early 1930s.

A week after the riot the general reportedly labeled far-right groups like The Proud Boys who stormed the Capitol 'Nazis.'

Bernstein said his accusations went beyond 'impeachable offenses.'

Bernstein also accused Trump of 'fomenting a coup' with his actions leading up to the January 6th MAGA riot (pictured: Trump speaks to supporters near the White House on January 6th)

The Watergate reporter cited Mark Milley's comparison of Trump and his followers to Hitler and 'brown shirts' (pictured: violent insurrectionists loyal to President Trump scale the west wall of the US Capitol on January 6th)

'It's about a different kind of crime in which the humanity of the people of the United States was relegated to the floor by the president of the United States, who uplifted only his own narrow political, financial and personal interests above that of our people, of our country, of our Constitution,' he said.

Stelter warned Bernstein he would 'get heat' for his war crimes allegation.

'It's not like the ICC is setting up a panel or anything, taking any action,' he said.

Bernstein stood by his comments.

'All I'm doing is saying woah, let's look at Trump's crimes in a different context. Yes - war crimes. These are crimes against our people,' he said.
President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced Monday that they've come to an agreement to end the U.S. military's combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year, more than 18 years after American troops were sent in.

There are 2,500 US troops in Iraq helping the local forces counter the threat of the remaining elements of the Islamic State.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Biden said 'our counter-terrorism co-operation will continue even as we shift to this new phase'.

Kadhimi insisted that Iraq no longer needs the assistance of US combat forces and said: 'Today our relationship is stronger than ever. Our co-operation is for the economy, the environment, health, education, culture and more.'

President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced Monday that they've come to an agreement to end the U.S. military's combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year, more than 18 years after American troops were sent in.

The U.S. will still play a supportive role in Iraq as the part of the fight against ISIS , a senior administration official said Sunday night on a briefing call with reporters.

'As we formally end the combat mission and make clear that there are no American forces with a combat role in the country, Iraq has requested, and we very much agree, that they need continued training; support with logistics, intelligence, advisory capacity building -- all of which will continue,' the official said. =

A U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq in March 2003 based on charges that then-Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's government possessed weapons of mass destruction. Saddam was ousted from power, but such weapons were never found.

In recent years the U.S. mission was dominated by helping defeat Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

'Nobody is going to declare mission accomplished. The goal is the enduring defeat of ISIS,' the senior administration official said.

The U.S. troop presence has stood at about 2,500 since late last year when former President Donald Trump ordered a reduction from 3,000.

Kadhimi insisted that Iraq no longer needs the assistance of US combat forces and said: 'Today our relationship is stronger than ever. Our co-operation is for the economy, the environment, health, education, culture and more'

The announcement to end the U.S. combat mission in Iraq comes as the U.S. is in the final stages of ending its war in Afghanistan, nearly 20 years after President George W. Bush launched the war in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

The U.S. mission of training and advising Iraqi forces has its most recent origins in former President Barack Obamas decision in 2014 to send troops back to Iraq. The move was made in response to the Islamic State groups takeover of large portions of western and northern Iraq and a collapse of Iraqi security forces that appeared to threaten Baghdad. Obama had fully withdrawn U.S. forces from Iraq in 2011, eight years after the U.S. invasion.

The distinction between combat troops and those involved in training and advising can be blurry, given that the U.S. troops are under threat of attack. But it is clear that U.S. ground forces have not been on the offensive in Iraq in years, other than largely unpublicized special operations missions aimed at Islamic State group militants.

Pentagon officials for years have tried to balance what they see as a necessary military presence to support the Iraqi governments fight against IS with domestic political sensitivities in Iraq to a foreign troop presence. A major complication for both sides is the periodic attacks on bases housing U.S. and coalition troops by Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran.

The vulnerability of U.S. troops was demonstrated most dramatically in January 2020 when Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on al-Asad air base in western Iraq. No Americans were killed, but dozens suffered traumatic brain injury from the blasts. That attack came shortly after a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian military commander Qassim Soleimani and senior Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad International Airport.

The U.S. military mission since 2014 has been largely focused on training and advising Iraqi forces. In April, in a joint statement following a U.S.-Iraqi meeting in Washington, they declared, 'the mission of U.S. and coalition forces has now transitioned to one focused on training and advisory tasks, thereby allowing for the redeployment of any remaining combat forces from Iraq' at a time to be determined later.

The U.S. troop presence has stood at about 2,500 in Iraq since last year

Kadhimi is seen as friendly to the United States and has tried to check the power of Iran-aligned militias.

But his government condemned a U.S. air raid against Iran-aligned fighters along its border with Syria in late June, calling it a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

The United States plans to provide Iraq with 500,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine under the global COVAX vaccine-sharing program, the senior administration official said.

The United States will also provide $5.2 million to help fund a U.N. mission to monitor October elections in Iraq.
Liz Cheney said on Monday that Kevin McCarthy is 'childish' for labeling her and Adam Kinzinger, the only two members of the GOP on the January 6 committee, 'Pelosi Republicans.'

'We've got very serious business here. We have important work to do,' she said to reporters on Capitol Hill.

Kinzinger told reporters on Monday that McCarthy 'can call me whatever names he wants,' before reassuring, 'I'm a Republican.'

'If the conference decided, or if Kevin decides, they want to punish Liz Cheney and I for getting to the bottom and telling the truth, I think that probably says more about them than it does for us,' he continued in response to the House Minority leader suggesting there could be consequences for the duo.

McCarthy answered 'we'll see' when asked Monday if he would punish Cheney of Wyoming and Kinzinger of Illinois for joining the Democrat-led January 6 select committee.

He called the duo of anti-Trump GOP lawmakers 'Pelosi Republicans.'

When asked when he had last talked to them he told DailyMail.com, 'Couldn't tell you.'

The GOP leader is under pressure from some members of his Republican caucus to crack down on Cheney and Kinzinger, who joined the panel investigating the MAGA riot at the invitation of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

A spokesperson for Kinzinger added, 'It would speak volumes if he took away their committee assignments to 'punish them' for upholding their oath to protecting our democracy.'

McCarthy attended an event in the Rose Garden of the White House on Monday, marking the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It put him in the same venue as Pelosi, who he's been arguing with over the formation of the 1/6 committee. Pelosi vetoed two of his Republican nominees to the panel and he pulled all his picks in return.

The two didn't interact during the event but McCarthy was spotted speaking to President Joe Biden afterward.

Pelosi and McCarthy shared a terse phone call, CNN reported, after Pelosi nixed Republican Reps. Jim Banks and Jim Jordan from serving.

'What you're doing is unprecedented,' McCarthy said.

The network reported that on the call voices were raised and McCarthy hinted that Pelosi's decision would come back to haunt her.

Pelosi had announced on Wednesday that she wouldn't allow the two Republicans, both staunch allies of Donald Trump, to serve on the committee that will probe the January 6 Capitol riot.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told DailyMail.com 'we'll see' when asked if he would punish anti-Trump GOP Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, who have joined the Democrat-led January 6 select committee

McCarthy attended the same event at the White House as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who he had a terse phone call with last week, according to CNN, after she nixed two of the Republican members he selected for the committee - adding Kinzinger, an anti-Trump Republican, instead

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (left) stands just feet away from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (right) at a White House event marking the anniverary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, after the two had a heated conversation over the formation of the 1/6 select committee

Both Jordan and Banks voted to overturn the election the day of the insurrection.

Later Pelosi said she would appoint Kinzinger, a Republican Trump critic, to serve on the select committee instead. She announced Cheney's appointment last month.

Putting the two Republicans on the panel allows Pelosi to tout any findings as bipartisan.

'She's broken Congress. Then it just makes the whole committee sham and the outcome predetermined,' McCarthy told reporters at the White House on Monday.

Calls to punish Republicans investigating the Capitol riots have grown after Kinzinger accepted Pelosi's offer to serve on the Jan. 6 committee on Sunday.

He is the second Republican and outspoken Trump critic to take a seat on the committee at the behest of the House Speaker, Cheney joined the body earlier this month.

Kinzinger will join the other members at the committee's first hearing on Tuesday.

McCarthy last week pulled his five picks, which were given to Pelosi when she created the group. The move came after the speaker rejected Jordan and Banks.

Now, GOP members beyond the hard-right Freedom Caucus are calling for party leaders to remove the pair from other committees.

'There's a lot,' one Republican told CNN about the push. 'Supporting Pelosi's unprecedented move to reject McCarthy's picks was a bridge too far.'

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy arrives at the White House Rose garden for an event Monday

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) responds to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy calling her a Pelosi Republican:



I think thats pretty childish. pic.twitter.com/mpTviN7xCJ  The Recount (@therecount) July 26, 2021

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is captured arriving at the White House Rose Garden Monday to an event that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also attended

Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger (left) joined Liz Cheney (right) on the Jan. 6 Capitol riot committee after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi denied seats to two Trump supporters

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy talks to a gaggle of reporters in the White House Rose Garden Monday

Pelosi told ABC News on Sunday morning that Jordan and Banks would 'jeopardize the integrity of the investigation.'

Kinzinger agreed that the panel needed a 'serious, clear-eyed non-partisan approach'.

'Today, I was asked by the Speaker to serve on the House Select Committee to Investigate January 6th and I humbly accepted,' the Illinois congressman wrote in a statement Sunday afternoon.

'I'm a Republican dedicated to conservative values,' he continued, 'but I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution - and while this is not the position I expected to be in or sought out, when duty calls, I will always answer.

'I will work diligently to ensure we get to the truth and hold those responsible for the attack fully accountable,' he said in his Sunday statement.

Both Cheney and Kinzinger voted for Trump's impeachment following the January 6 riot.

Kinzinger has been a vocal critic of the former president both on television and on social media. He strongly criticized his own political party, saying that the GOP is no longer focused on policy and has become all about 'loyalty' to Trump.

'I think what I'm used to saying to any Republican that's maybe kind of confused by the moment we're in is policy doesn't matter anymore. It literally is all your loyalty to Donald Trump. As I've said before, this is something that like echoes a little bit out of North Korea, where no matter what policy comes out, you're loyal to the guy,' he told NBC News' Meet the Press last month.

Cheney was voted out of her No. 3 leadership role in the party and replaced by loyalist Elise Stefanik for continually calling out Trump on his election lies.

There are no Trump supporters on the committee investigating the violent breach, which critics say was sparked by Trump's calls to 'stop the steal' and 'show strength' during a rally that same day.

McCarthy had previously warned freshman Republicans to look to Pelosi for future committee appointments if they accepted her invitation.

'Plenty of people wondering the same things,' another GOP member told CNN. 'If they are accepting appointments from Nancy Pelosi rather than the GOP, haven't they already effectively left? Perhaps they should ask Speaker Pelosi for committee assignments?'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday she 'plans' to select Republican Kinzinger and 'other Republicans' for the committee probing the January 6 Capitol attack

Republicans are warning of 'endless retaliation' as a 'new level of partisanship' emerged when Pelosi rejected two of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's (pictured) picks for the panel

McCarthy fumed after Kinzinger joined the panel, calling it not bipartisan  just made up of people hand-selected by Pelosi who all share her same view that Trump is to blame for the Capitol attack.

'Speaker Pelosi's rejection of the Republican nominees to serve on the committee and self-appointment of members who share her pre-conceived narrative will not yield a serious investigation,' McCarthy said in a Sunday statement after Kinzinger accepted a post on the panel.

Liz Cheney vs. Donald Trump Voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 riots

Said the president 'summoned this mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack'

Her outspoken opposition to Trump's 'big lie' lost her a party chairmanship and led to a censure from her state party

'He's unfit,' she said of the former president after she was removed from party leadership. 'He never again can be anywhere close to the Oval Office.'

Defended Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and former Ukraine Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, two witnesses in Trump's first impeachment, after he attacked them

Criticized Trump's proposal to draw down troops in Germany

Rebuked him for dismissing reports that Russia had offered Afghan militants a bounty to kill U.S. troops

Backed infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci for how he dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic

Mocked Trump's cavalier attitude on face coverings by tweeting out a photo of her father wearing a mask with the caption, 'Dick Cheney says WEAR A MASK.' Advertisement

He did not directly reference Kinzinger's willingness to accept the speaker's invitation.

'The Speaker has structured this select committee to satisfy her political objectives,' he added. 'She had months to work with Republicans on a reasonable and fair approach to get answers on the events and security failures surrounding January 6. Instead, she has played politics.'

The California Republican said the Senate has already conducted successful bipartisan investigations that 'should serve as a roadmap' for the January 6 select committee.

'Speaker Pelosi's departure from this serious-minded approach has destroyed the select committee's credibility,' he insisted.

It is not clear if Pelosi will tap any other GOP members to serve on the committee, but she did say 'other Republicans' have expressed interest in joining the panel.

ABC This Week host George Stephanopoulos pushed Pelosi on when she will make an announcement.

'Perhaps after I speak to Adam Kinzinger. But I'm not going to announce it right this minute,' she said just moments before approaching the Illinois Republican.

Adam Kinzinger vs. Donald Trump Voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 riots

Endorsed all GOP anti-Trump candidates running for the House in 2022

Launched a PAC aimed at ending Trump's influence on the GOP

Regularly uses social media to fact-check and push back against claims of widespread voter fraud pushed by Trump and his minions

Condemned staunchly pro-Trump lawmakers and Republicans who promote baseless conspiracy theories, such as QAnon

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'You can say that that's the direction I would be going on,' she continued with a chuckle. 'He and other Republicans have expressed an interest to serve on the select committee.'

Pelosi said she 'wanted to appoint three of the members that Leader McCarthy suggested, but he withdrew their names.'

'The two that I would not appoint are people who would jeopardize the integrity of the investigation. And there's no way I would tolerate their antics as we seek the truth,' she told ABC News on Sunday morning.

McCarthy had put up Jordan, Banks, Troy Nehls of Texas, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota and Rodney Davis of Illinois.

Jordan, Banks and Nehls all voted against certifying the 2020 election for Joe Biden by citing fraud in certain states on January 6.

Pelosi, as House Speaker, was able to veto only two.

'Unless Speaker Pelosi reverses course and seats all five Republican nominees, Republicans will not be party to their sham process and will instead pursue our own investigation of the facts,' McCarthy said last week.

'Pelosi has broken this institution,' he continued, while accusing the House speaker of an 'egregious abuse of power.'

Pelosi defended her decision to reject Jordan and Banks, saying their 'antics' were in danger of getting in the way of finding the truth behind what happened on January 6.

She said both lawmakers had a history of making statements that would have made it impossible for them to display 'balanced judgment,' including blaming the Biden administration for events that unfolded before it had even formed.

'It is my responsibility as Speaker of the House, to make sure we get to the truth on this, and we will not let their antics stand in the way of that,' she said during her weekly press briefing.

Pelosi said Sunday she would have appointed three McCarthy's picks, but 'the two that I would not appoint are people who would jeopardize the integrity of the investigation.' She's speaking of Reps. Jim Banks (left) and Jim Jordan's (right) who she rejected for the committee

Republicans warn there will be 'endless retaliation', according to a Sunday report, as the House becomes further divided.

'I didn't think things could get more partisan in the House than they already were,' a top Republican aide told the Washington Examiner. 'But Speaker Pelosi's decision to remove Republicans from the January 6th Committee just took things to an entirely new level.'

'When Republicans take back the House, expect endless retaliation,' the aide said.

The House currently sits at a 220-211 divide with Democrats holding the majority, but Republicans are putting all their efforts into flipping the body back to red in the 2022 midterms.

The Senate is split 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris holding the tie-breaking vote.

The panel begins its first hearing Tuesday into the violence that left five people dead after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Congress as hey moved to certify the Electoral College results. It will hear from law enforcement officers who battled protesters.

The House select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol (above) is due to meet for the first time next week as it probes the attack on Congress that left five people dead

Last week, Pelosi hit back against critics who accused her of being intent on taking down Trump.

'We're there to get the truth, not to get Trump,' she said spelling it out.

'T-R-U truth. Trump that seems to be what the other side is obsessed with.

'So as legislation allows I didn't accept two of the five people were appointed, they had made statements and taken actions that I think would impact the integrity of the commission of the committee, the work as a committee,' she said.

'This is deadly serious. This is about our constitution, it's about our country.'

By way of example she cited a combative statement released by Banks last Monday in which he promised to use his role on the commission to investigate the response of the Biden administration to the riot.

'There was no Biden administration on January so let's not go into that,' she said.

Republicans were prepared to focus their strategy on why Pelosi wasn't more prepared for the attack.

'There's one fundamental question that I hope Democrats will actually answer and address and that is why wasn't there a proper security presence that day?' Jordan questioned after he was appointed by McCarthy.

'And frankly, only the speaker can answer that question so let's see if the Democrats bring that up,' he added.

Pelosi's spokesperson told DailyMail.com last Wednesday that the GOP strategy is 'desperate'.

'On January 6th, the Speaker, a target of an assassination attempt that day, was no more in charge of Capitol security than Mitch McConnell was,' Drew Hammill said. 'This is a clear attempt to whitewash what happened on January 6th and divert blame.'

At a rally in New York on July 25, right-wing protesters demanded the release of those arrested for participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that left five people dead and windows smashed

They called for the release of more than 500 people arrested in connection with the breach

He added: 'I would hope the media would do better and treat this as the utter nonsense that it is.'

The GOP was also planning to highlight leftist political violence, including the 2020 summer riots and looting in response to police brutality.

'The Democrats in the summer of 2020 normalized anarchy, they normalized rioting and looting,' Jordan said. 'So I think that's an important element that we'll have to point out.'

In his statement, after being named to the committee by McCarthy, Banks also promised to address questions being ignored by Democrats.

'Even then, I will do everything possible to give the American people the facts about the lead up to January 6, the riot that day, and the responses from Capitol leadership and the Biden administration,' he said.

'I will not allow this committee to be turned into a forum for condemning millions of Americans because of their political beliefs.'

Two days later he accused Pelosi of running from the facts.

'I'm a sitting member of Congress and served my country in Afghanistan and the Speaker knows how hard I will fight for my country,' he said.

'We said all along that this was a purely partisan exercise by the Democrats and Nancy Pelosi's rejection of me and Jim Jordan shows once again she is the most partisan figure in America today.'

The panel has been beset by partisan wrangling from the off. Last month, all but two Republicans opposed the select committee in a House vote.
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Whale-watchers off the coast of Japan could scarcely believe their eyes after catching sight of two rare white orcas swimming together as part of the same pod.

The orcas were spotted during a whale-watching tour on July 24 in the Kunashirskiy Strait, a 20-mile stretch of water between the northern islands of Hokkaido and Kunashir.

Mai, an employee of the Gojiraiwa-Kanko tour company, said one of the pair was older with slightly darker skin while the other was younger and had clearly-visible scratch marks down its back.

She said the older whale was first spotted around two years ago but it is the first time she has seen the younger animal and the first time she has seen both of them together.

'It was the best day ever. This is the first time two white orcas have been seen off the coast of Japan,' she said.

Japanese whale-watchers were stunned to spot two rare white orcas swimming off the coast of Hokkaido, one of the country's northern-most islands, over the weekend

The pair include an older orca (right) which had previously been seen two years ago, and a younger orca (left) which has never previously been seen before

The pair are part of a pod that contains mostly normal-looking orcas, but these two are thought to carry a gene which partially removes pigment from their skin - making them appear white

The white orcas are not thought to be true albinos, meaning they have no skin pigment, and are instead thought to have leucism - an umbrella term for a range of conditions which partially removes pigment from their skin

The pair are not 'true' albinos, which is caused by a genetic trait that means the affected animal produces no melanin at all - the compound that gives skin, hair, feathers and eyes their colour.

True albinos will be completely white and have red eyes - a colour given by the red blood in vessels which are usually hidden behind the iris showing through.

Instead, these two whales are thought to have leucism - an umbrella term that covers a range of conditions where animals produce some melanin, but either have noticeably whiter skin or skin that is white in patches.

That explains why the white patches that traditionally surround an orca's chin and eyes are still visible on the two animals spotted near Japan, and why the eyes themselves are still dark.

It may also help explain the scarring down the side of the younger animal - which is particularly visible as the scar tissue seems to have healed in a darker shade compared to the surrounding white skin.

White orcas and whales were once so rare that they were thought to be a myth, but are becoming increasingly common, with scientists aware of at least five individuals alive today.

Having leucism may help to partially explain why the younger dolphin has visible scars on its side - with the scar tissue containing more pigment than the rest of the skin, making the wounds difficult to miss

White whales and orcas are becoming more common - which scientists think may be due to falling numbers of the animals which decreases their genetic variation, meaning rare traits crop up more often

It is not known what effect the white colour has on the affected orcas, though it clearly makes them more visible which in turn could make them less-effective hunters and mean they attract more attention from rivals

One of the white orcas is seen swimming alongside three other members of its pod which all have the typical white and black markings that are common to the species

It is not clear exactly why they are becoming more common, but scientists theorise that it may be down to dwindling numbers of the whales and is a sign the species is in trouble.

As the population of a species declines, so does its genetic variation because the animals left have fewer potential mates to choose from.

Depending on the genes carried by those remaining individuals, it could accentuate some traits that were previously thought of as genetically rare.

That includes rare genetic disorders that hamper an animal's ability to survive in the wild, threatening to accelerate the species' decline.

While it is not known exactly what effect the leucism has on the lives of the orcas that inherit it, it does make them more visible - potentially hampering their ability to hunt, and attracting unwanted attention from rivals.

However, the trait is not always harmful. For example, Kermode bears are traditionally black but are increasingly being born white thanks to a recessive gene.

Scientists have found the trait leads to them catching more fish because salmon find it harder to spot them.
An Alabama mom who firmly believed the coronavirus was a hoax regrets not getting her family vaccinated after Covid killed her autistic son.

Christy Carpenter of Pell City, Ala., said it was only after her 28-year-old son Curt became seriously ill - and she and her daughter caught the virus - that the family realized the importance of getting vaccinated.

The son died in early May two months after being diagnosed with coronavirus and spending his last weeks on a ventilator.

'It took watching my son die and me suffering the effects of Covid for us to realize we need the vaccine,' the heartbroken mom told The Washington Post.

'We did not get vaccinated when we had the opportunity and regret that so much now.'

Carpenter said she and her family had been hesitant to get a shot and had initially held the false belief that Covid-19 was a hoax.

'It took years to create other vaccines, and the coronavirus vaccine was created very quickly,' Christy Carpenter said. 'That made us very nervous.'

Her boy's haunting last words to his mom, Carpenter told the newspaper, were: 'This is not a hoax, this is real.'

Christy Carpenter (left), an Alabama mother whose son Curt (right) died from Covid-19, has said not getting her family vaccinated is her biggest regret

Coronavirus cases are on the rise in Alabama, which has one of the country's lowest vaccination rates with just 33.9 percent of those eligible having been fully vaccinated, according to figures from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Some 41.6 percent of those eligible have received at least one dose.

Scott Harris, chief executive of the Alabama Department of Public Health, told The Washington Post that the unvaccinated accounted for more than 95 percent of current coronavirus hospitalizations in the state.

Carpenter does not want others to repeat her mistake and hopes that Curt's death will remind people of the importance of getting vaccinated.



'If Curt were here today, he would make it his mission to encourage everyone to get vaccinated,' she told the newspaper.

'Cayla, his sister, and I are carrying out that mission in his memory.'

Carpenter described her son, who had autism, as someone who 'lived life to the fullest' and enjoyed Pokemon, trains, video games and frogs.

'If we can help keep people healthier and possibly save lives by encouraging others to take the vaccine, then Curt's death was not in vain,' she said.

Carpenter said that she does not want others to repeat her mistake and hopes that her son's death will remind people of the importance of getting vaccinated

Curt was a young and otherwise healthy man when he contracted the virus, which his mother and younger sister were also diagnosed with on March 5, the mom said.

The three initially suffered only mild symptoms and appeared to be getting better while recovering at home. But a week later, both the mom and son's oxygen levels dropped, and they were rushed about 35 miles east to Birmingham's Grandview Medical Center.

They both developed pneumonia and Curt was put on a ventilator. He also suffered a collapsed lung that, combined with his unstable oxygen levels, led his organs to begin shutting down. He died on May 2.

The mom said that after leaving the hospital she could not drive or work until late May and remains on pulmonary therapy. Carpenter told the paper she is still suffering from fatigue, hair loss and 'covid brain.'

'I lose my train of thought easily, can't remember parts of conversations, can't remember people's names that I have known for years.

'I sometimes think I'm going crazy, but I know I'm not.'

Curt (left), Christy (center) and Cayla (right) were diagnosed with Covid-19 on March 5

Last week, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said unvaccinated residents were 'letting us down,' adding that it was 'time to start blaming the unvaccinated, not the regular folks'.

'These folks are choosing a horrible lifestyle and self-inflicted pain,' Ivey said of the unvaccinated while describing vaccines as 'the greatest weapon we have to fight Covid.'

'That's the cure. That prevents everything. Why do we want to mess around with just temporary stuff?

'We don't need to just encourage people to go halfway with curing this disease. Let's get it done.

'We know what it takes to get it done. Get a shot in your arm. I've done it. It's safe. The data proves it. It doesn't cost anything. It saves lives.'

The United States has the highest coronavirus death toll in the world, with at least 610,000 people having died from Covid-19 since the pandemic reached the country in early 2020.

The U.S. has recorded more than 34.4million cases, including 15,711 on Sunday. Deaths in the country have dropped significantly, thanks in large part to a successful vaccine campaign which has seen more than half of the population receive both shots.
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The disgraced anti-vaxxer nurse being probed by police for comparing health workers to Nazi war criminals hanged after the Nuremberg trials worked as a BA air hostess for longer than she was employed by the NHS, it emerged today.

Kate Shemirani also ran a clinic injecting clients with Botox and claims to have beaten breast cancer with coffee enemas and injecting her stomach with mistletoe before turning her holistic treatment into a lucrative business calling herself: 'A natural nurse in a toxic world'.

Such is the rift in the conspiracy theorist's family, her son Sebastian, 21, believes his mother, 54, must be prosecuted for hate crimes and declared today: 'My mum is definitely beyond help. It's impossible to talk to somebody when they've got that level of God complex.'

He says his childhood was 'hell' because of years of brainwashing and said today that he was left 'bricking it' aged ten when Mrs Shemirani told him 'the Rothschilds are planning to go live on a space station and how there's going to be this mass genocide', adding that when he fled home at 17 he said: 'She came to see me as part of this global plot'.

Shemirani, who was struck off as a nurse last month, only briefly worked for the NHS in the 1980s before working as a British Airways air hostess and model before administering Botox, fillers and peels while bringing up her four children.

After undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstruction, she refused chemotherapy on the advice of her then husband Faramarz, himself a conspiracy theorist who believed 9/11 was an inside job.

They divorced in 2014 after she embarked on a fat-free, salt-free, sugar-free vegan regime including high doses of vitamins as well as 13 juices a day, five coffee enemas and mistletoe injected into her stomach. Before her lifestyle change she said she 'drank gallons of tea and coffee a day and lived off her kids leftovers and chocolate'.

Ten years on from her cancer diagnosis and still largely following that regime, she has had no recurrence of disease, she recommended the same treatment to other cancer patients until she was suspended last summer and then banned from working as a nurse last month.

Shemirani has said that anyone who disagrees with her is lying, misinformed or jealous, with overweight, envious nurses blamed for her career being ended. 'The fact that I was always graced with decent looks and I'm always very slim has generated jealousy throughout my career,' she said previously.

When she is not comparing nurses and doctors to war criminals at rallies with Piers Corbyn - or being plugged by conspiracy theorists including David Icke - she spends time at her south coast home with her seven and 'loves to go for long walks at the beach and in the Sussex countryside'.

Kate Shemirani, aged 21 working as a nurse in Glasgow before she quit to become an BA air hostess

Pictured: Kate Shemirani with Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

The postman's daughter from Nottingham, who left school before completing her A-levels, worked variously in a factory, a bar in Spain and in Argos and, after qualifying at Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1984, supplemented her salary as a theatre nurse with modelling assignments.

From 1990 to 1998 she worked as a long-haul BA air stewardess. After her children were born, she briefly set up her own business administering Botox, fillers and peels, and it was only a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2012 that saw her perform a complete volte-face in terms of her attitude to conventional medicine.

Kate Shemirani's son Sebastian, 21, says that in a recent text message she warned him: 'You need to listen to me. You and your sister are going to die. The CIA has a plot and half the UK's population is going to be killed within five years'.

Today he told the BBC his mother should be prosecuted 'under existing laws, or if there aren't existing laws in place that say that what she is doing is illegal then we should be having a national conversation about what laws we should be bringing in and drafting up legislation for that'.

He said: 'My mum is definitely beyond help. The problem is that she's so arrogant in her world view and really, truly believes that she is a conduit for the truth on a spiritual level, not just a scientific level.'

Mrs Shemirani, 54, who qualified as a nurse 35 years ago, is being investigated by police saying medics were like Nazi doctors complicit in genocide and should face 'Nuremberg trials', said vaccination teams should be renamed 'death squads' and referred to the NHS as the 'new Auschwitz' during a rally with Piers Corbyn on Saturday.

Boris Johnson today condemned her comments, having previously called anti-vaxxers 'nuts', with his official spokesman saying: 'Doctors and nurses have done a heroic job throughout this pandemic and continue to do so. Any violence, threats or intimidation is completely unacceptable', adding that if she has committed any crimes that is a 'matter for the police'.

She was also removed from social media and struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council last month for spreading misinformation, claiming that symptoms of Covid-19 were caused by 5G and that vaccines were 'rushed through' because 'they want to kill you'.

Shemirani said nursing colleagues who reported her to the watchdog were overweight and jealous of her, but a panel banned her from her job for public protection.

Sebastian, a banking intern with JP Morgan who graduated from the London School of Economics after attending Eton, today launched an extraordinary evisceration of his mother's bizarre conspiracy theories, which he says she tried to impose on her own children from a young age.

Mr Shemirani is also concerned she has become a far-right poster girl despite having mixed-race children her supporters wouldn't want to 'exist', because his father is Iranian. He said: 'People are taking her as a source of truth and a saint and I wish I could tell them all that my mum is not the person you think she is. She's someone with a massive amount of self-interest and loves being the centre of attention'.

Responding to his claims she told the BBC: 'From what I can see it would appear a 'conspiracy theorist' is actually now anyone who believes something other than what your controllers want them to believe. I find this deeply disturbing'.

The mother-of-four lives in East Sussex having separated from her husband Faramarz Shemirani in 2014, the father of her four children, and her remarks were branded 'reprehensible' and said they 'could put nursing staff at risk', according to the Royal College of Nursing.

Thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday to protest against the vaccination programme and the Government's approach to the pandemic where shamed nurse Kate Shemirani was the star speaker. Her comments are now subject to a police investigation

Kate Shemirani, 54, was removed from social media and suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council in July last year for spreading misinformation (pictured: Shemirani at the rally on July 24)

Kate Shemirani speaks to thousands of protesters during the demonstration. Demonstrators protest in Trafalgar Square, London

Shamed anti-vaxxer nurse whose own son has abandoned her and claims that NHS colleagues who got her struck off were overweight and jealous Mother-of-four Kate Shemirani, a former nurse of 35 years, is adamant coronavirus is a hoax and claimed its symptoms are linked to the roll-out of 5G Mother-of-four Kate Shemirani, a former nurse of 35 years, is adamant coronavirus is a hoax and claimed its symptoms are linked to the roll-out of 5G. She has argued the vaccine is a political tool to gain access to and change people's DNA, has likened lockdown to the Holocaust and insisted dancing NHS nurses will 'stand trial for genocide'. She wrote: 'Murder. Genocide. The NHS is the new Auschwitz.' She is a headliner at anti-lockdown rallies, having joined conspiracy theorists David Icke and Piers Corbyn at a protest in August. She directed yobs to confront riot police whom she branded 'dirty dogs' and mocked for wearing face masks at a rally in September. Her son Sebastian, 21, said he is concerned about the impact his mother's claims could have on public health and branded her 'dangerous' and an 'attention-seeker'. Miss Shemirani has been suspended for 18 months to avoid the risk of harm to the public. The Nursing and Midwifery Council is investigating her statements linking coronavirus vaccines to 5G mobile phone technology. Miss Shemirani said nurses who made accusations against her did so because they were overweight and jealous. She added: 'We all know what women can be like.' She has reportedly resigned as a registered nurse. Advertisement

When asked if their relationship could recover he said: 'I think she's too far gone to be helped. I'm never going to have a relationship with my mum again. And that's why it's important that if someone is coming to you and says: 'I'm starting to believe all this stuff'. Nip it in the bud. Because it takes a couple of years to completely lose somebody.

'When this is over and everything she says is forgotten and the global genocide hasn't happened people will forget about it. But the disaster that goes on in my family and the relationships she's losing now that stuff stays forever'.

He heard from her earlier this month, as she appeared at two major anti-vaxxer rallies with Jeremy Corbyn's brother Piers.

In a text she wrote: 'You need to listen to me. You and your sister are going to die. The CIA has a plot and half the Uk's population is going to be killed within five years'.

Sebastian said his childhood was made a misery because of his mother's obsession with conspiracy theories, which terrified him into thinking the end of the world is coming. He said: 'It was hell'.

Sebastian told the BBC he felt compelled to speak out having lost his mother. He said: 'We've got to do it before these idea get bigger and more people fall down the route she's trying to take them down. You can only prevent it before it happens'.

Sebastian is worried that her cause has also been taken up by the far-right.

He said: 'My dad is Iranian, all of her children are mixed race and she's out there getting all this clout and attention from people who don't think I should exist and certainly wouldn't want to listen to her if they did any digging whatsoever'.

Police are investigating Kate Shemirani, 54, who was removed from social media and suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council in July last year for spreading misinformation.

She had used her status as a health professional to spread 'distorted propaganda' about the Covid-19 pandemic, claiming that symptoms of the virus were caused by 5G and that vaccines were 'rushed through' because 'they want to kill you'.

Shemirani had previously said nurses were complicit in genocide, said vaccination teams should be renamed 'death squads' and referred to the NHS as the 'new Auschwitz'.

In footage posted on Twitter on Saturday, she speaks to a crowd in Trafalgar Square through a loudhailer, telling them: 'At the Nuremberg trials, the doctors and nurses, they stood trial, and they hung.

'If you are a doctor or a nurse, now is the time to get off that bus.

'Get off it and stand with us, the people, all around the world they are rising.'

Palliative care doctor Rachel Clarke uploaded footage of her remarks, tagging the Met Police and accusing Shemirani of 'threatening NHS doctors with the noose' and 'inciting hatred'.

Shemirani had told the crowd to 'get the names' of NHS workers, adding: 'Email them to me. With a group of lawyers, we are collecting all that.'

A Met Police spokesman said that the remarks were being investigated.

'We are aware of video circulating online showing a speech that occurred during a rally in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, 24 July.

'Officers are carrying out inquiries to establish whether any offences have been committed. No arrests have been made.'

She has argued the vaccine is a political tool to gain access to and change people's DNA, has likened lockdown to the Holocaust and insisted dancing NHS nurses will 'stand trial for genocide'

Shmirani's social media accounts with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram have since been blocked, but it is alleged she continued to post similar content and feature on other people's accounts on other social media sites such as Telegram, BitChute and Brighteon

Kate Shemirani in Parliament Square on July 19 - she wore a nurse's uniform despite being struck off a month earlier

THE NUREMBERG DOCTORS' TRIAL The doctors' trial was the first of 12 trials for war crimes of high-ranking German officials and industrialists that US authorities held in Nuremberg after the end of World War II. Twenty of the twenty-three defendants were medical doctors, and were said to have been involved in Nazi human experimentation and mass murder under the guise of euthanasia. The accused were faced with four charges of war crimes, including performing medical experiments, without the subjects' consent, on prisoners of war and civilians of occupied countries, in the course of which experiments the defendants committed murders, brutalities, cruelties, tortures, atrocities, and other inhuman acts. They were also charged with planning and performing the mass murder of prisoners of war and civilians of occupied countries, stigmatised as aged, insane, incurably ill, deformed, and so on, by gas, lethal injections, and other means in nursing homes, hospitals, and asylums during the Euthanasia Program and participating in the mass murder of concentration camp inmates. Accusations also included crimes against humanity and membership in a criminal organization, the SS. The indictment was filed on 25 October 1946, and the trial lasted from 9 December that year until 20 August 1947. Of the 23 defendants, seven were acquitted and seven received death sentences. The remainder received prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. All of the criminals sentenced to death were hanged on 2 June 1948 in Landsberg prison, Bavaria. Josef Mengele, one of the leading Nazi doctors, had evaded capture. Advertisement

Last month it was revealed that an NMC Fitness to Practice Committee ruled that her misconduct was so serious that she should be struck from the nursing register permanently.

In its ruling, the chair of the panel found that Mrs Shemirani 'attempted to encourage people to act contrary to public health guidance issued by the UK government by spreading this information through social media platforms and at public events'.

The panel heard that Mrs Shemirani first joined the NMC register in June 1986 and had previously worked in the NHS but now describes herself as an 'aesthetic nurse practitioner'.

The NMC received a 'significant number of referrals' about her conduct last year as she became a leading activist, speaker and promoter against vaccines and the existence of Covid-19.

She used her social media brand 'Kate Shemirani - Natural Nurse in a Toxic World' to spread her opinions, often referring to herself as a registered nurse and wearing a nurse's uniform in her videos.

The panel heard her describe face masks as 'dirty rags' and 'muzzles'. She claimed they 'do not stop viruses' and that 'wearing a mask makes people very sick and increases the risk of bacteria and the risk of infections'.

According to her, ingredients in vaccines include 'acetone and aborted foetal cell tissue that turns into cancer'.

She said the HPV 'kills girls on the spot' and described the Covid-19 vaccines as 'downright deadly', adding that 'there is no C-19 other than the one pre loaded into a syringe'.

Her social media accounts with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram have since been blocked, but the panel heard that she continued to post similar content and feature on other people's accounts on other social media sites such as Telegram, BitChute and Brighteon.

She was interviewed on main stream national media networks as a leading 'anti-vaxxer', including on BBC One Panorama, Sky News, and ITV Wales.

Reaching it's decision, the panel heard how she also used her social media platform to compare health organisations with Nazi death camps.
Disgraced: Ian Paterson was sentenced to 20 years in jail for performing unapproved and life-threatening surgeries on women and men in the West Midlands

Potential victims of disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson are being urged to come forward and claim part of a new 22.2 million compensation fund.

More than 750 victims have already successfully claimed after receiving unapproved and life-threatening surgery from Glasgow-born Paterson - who treated more than 11,000 patients across the West Midlands.

Thomspons Solicitors, which has set up the new fund with firm Slater and Gordon, believes many more of these patients could have been victims.

The rogue surgeon is serving a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty of wounding both men and women with unnecessary and dangerous operations.

Linda Millband, head of clinical negligence at Thompsons said it is 'clear that many more patients had been mistreated by Paterson and deserve to be compensated'.

She said: 'It is clear people have been missed and we will be urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Ian Paterson, at any time, to come forward and seek compensation for their injuries.'

She added that the firm, which previously litigated for other victims, had been 'involved in this whole sorry story from the start and are determined to ensure we get the very best outcome for anyone who suffered at Paterson's hands'.

Paterson performed 'cleavage-sparing mastectomies' on women that left the breast tissue in place, allowing the cancer to return.

A total of 675 out of 1,207 women who underwent the unregulated treatment had died by 2017.

In some cases he advised treatment for women who did not have cancer, offering them more expensive procedures.

Ian Paterson worked at hospitals and private clinics across the West Midlands, including those run by Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, which covers hospitals in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and Birmingham (Pictured: Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield)

Cheryl Iommi (pictured), a previous recipient of compensation after having three unnecessary lumpectomies performed, urged others who think they might have been victims to come forward

Victim Patricia Welch (centre) speaks outside Nottingham Crown Court following Ian Paterson's sentencing in 2017

Paterson worked at NHS hospitals in the West Midlands and private clinics including those run by Spire hospitals (Spire Parkway in Solihull, pictured)

He worked at NHS hospitals in the West Midlands and private clinics, including those run by Spire hospitals.

He carried out breast and general surgery, treating more than 11,000 patients in total.

Last year Spire Healthcare wrote to 5,500 former patients of Paterson - who were seen by the surgeon between 1993 and 2011 - after being criticised by an independent inquiry for not doing enough to contact them.

Thompsons Solicitors said it had been asked to manage the new fund and to represent additional victims of Paterson's crimes alongside Slater and Gordon.

Paterson was employed by Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT)  since taken over by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust (UHB)  but also had practising privileges in the independent sector at Spire Parkway, Solihull, and Spire Little Aston in Birmingham.

Jailed for 20 years for wounding with intent: Ian Paterson Butchering breast surgeon Ian Paterson is currently serving his 20-year prison sentence. What was he convicted of? He was convicted of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three counts of unlawful wounding between 1997 and 2011, after a trial in 2017. How did he harm patients? Paterson carried out 'experimental mastectomies' on women that left the breast tissue in place, allowing the cancer to return. In some cases, he also advised treatment for women when they did not have cancer and offered them more expensive procedures. Who has been affected? 675 out of 1,207 women who underwent the unregulated treatment had died by 2017. Where did he work? Paterson worked at NHS hospitals in the West Midlands and private clinics including those run by Spire hospitals. Advertisement

The new compensation scheme relates only to patients treated by Paterson in a Spire Healthcare hospital.

Cheryl Iommi, a previous recipient of compensation after having three unnecessary lumpectomies performed, urged others who think they might have been victims to come forward.

The 54-year-old, from Birmingham, said she felt the compensation 'was about vindication'.

She said: 'I would encourage anyone who was a victim of Paterson to seek legal redress, especially with Thompsons.

'I can't put into words how grateful I am for the kindness I was shown and what that meant to me after everything he put me through.'

Spire Healthcare said it had provided 22.2m in total, to cover things like costs of contacting people and reviewing cases as well as compensation.

The provider said that, while the compensation scheme will be administered by Slater and Gordon and Thompsons Solicitors, patients of Paterson can approach any law firm to advise them, and to apply to the new scheme on their behalf.

A spokesperson for the provider said: 'Patients who suffered at the hands of Ian Paterson must not be prevented from seeking compensation.

'Spire Healthcare has taken the initiative to collaborate in setting up the new fund so that Patterson's victims can access appropriate legal expertise.'

In September 2017, more than 750 patients treated by Paterson received compensation pay-outs from a 37 million fund.

The independent Paterson Inquiry, published in February last year, found that many of Glasgow-born Paterson's patients were 'lied to, deceived or exploited', though the consultant maintains his innocence.

A total of seven inquests have been opened to date, into deaths which 'may have been caused or contributed to by acts or omissions in the treatment provided by Mr Paterson'.

A tribunal last year heard how Paterson was free to butcher cancer patients for eight years despite nine separate reports of botched treatments.

Senior colleagues at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT) were aware of nine separate reports of botched treatment by 2007 - but in 2010 only one was reported to the General Medical Council for investigation, it was claimed.
A New York judge has placed a gag order on one of the key witnesses in the criminal case against the Trump Order, it emerged on Monday.

Jennifer Weisselberg is the ex daughter-in-law of Allen Weisselberg, who was one of the company's most senior executives before he had to resign his posts after being charged with running a tax-fraud scheme inside the company.

Reports suggest that her documents and grand jury testimony were central to his indictment and, in a series of media interviews, she has described how her children's private school fees were paid by the Trump Organization as an untaxed perk.

But it has now emerged that she has been under a gag order since March as part of divorce proceedings, according to a document obtained by the Daily Beast.

'ORDERED that Defendant, Jennifer Weisselberg, shall refrain from having any discussions or interviews whatsoever with the press about the parties children... the custody proceeding pending before the court or her motivation for giving interviews insofar as it concerns the children,' reads the order, signed by New York County Supreme Court Justice Lori Sattler.

As well as being a key witness, Jennifer Weisselberg has been a frequent commentator on progress of the criminal case against the Trump Organization

Weisselberg said she handed over financial records from her divorce to investigators probing the Trump Organization. When asked which of her documents might have contributed to the case, she said: 'All of it.'

Allen Weisselberg was the Trump Organization's chief finance officer until he stepped down after being charged with a tax fraud scheme inside the company. He has denied the charges

Jennifer Weisselberg has been outspoken in her criticism of the Trump Organization and described repeatedly how she kept boxes of financial records collected during her divorce from Allen Weisselberg's son Barry, who also works for the former president's company.

Her lawyers say it is all part of a concerted effort to silence her.

'What we have here is a concerted effort to keep my client quiet,' said her former attorney Aimee Richter during a hearing in May, according to the Daily Beast.

The order was apparently issued after an attorney appointed by the court to represent the children's interests expressed concerns about repeated media interest in the couple's corporate apartment and questions about the custody case.

It marks the latest twist in a divorce that reportedly yielded crucial information in the criminal case.

Witnesses said in April that they saw Jennifer Weisselberg wheeling a valet cart piled with boxes and a laptop computer to to a black Jeep with tinted windows waiting outside her apartment.

The documents are believed to include information about apartments and tuition paid for by the Trump Organization for the couple's two children, as investigators probe whether the perks were properly declared for tax purposes.

'For me, when the government calls you, it's your civic duty and there's nothing wrong with telling the truth. It wasn't really a choice; they called me,' she told CNN.

'I'm happy to be as honest and transparent and just be forthcoming because I don't have anything to hide.'

She has kept up a running commentary on the case against the Trump Organization.

Jennifer Weisselberg has said she believes her former father-in-law will 'flip,' offering evidence against former President Donald Trump

The 15 counts against the Trump Organization and its long-serving chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg Prosecutors unveiled their case against Allen Weisselberg and the Trump Organization in Manhattan Supreme Court on Thursday. It contained 15 charges, several of which only apply to the chief financial officer. They are: Scheme to defraud in the first degree Conspiracy in the fourth degree Grand larceny in the second degree (Weisselberg only) Criminal tax fraud in the third degree Criminal tax fraud in the third degree Criminal tax fraud in the third degree Criminal tax fraud in the fourth degree Offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree (Weisselberg only) Offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree (Weisselberg only) Offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree (Weisselberg only) Offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree (Weisselberg only) Falsifying business records in the first degree Falsifying business records in the first degree Falsifying business records in the first degree Falsifying business records in the first degree Advertisement

In an interview in May she said she was certain that the company's chief financial officer would 'flip' on former President Trump.

Soon afterwards she claimed that she was being evicted from her home.

'Yesterday, I was served to leave my apartment within the next seven days. It's a threat,' she said on CNN's New Day, explaining that her former father-in-law remained a guarantor on her lease.

A month later she told DailyMail.com she did not believe Trump was involved in tax evasion.

'Allen orchestrated the finances, and Donald is just sort of naive,' she said.

'It's provable that his trusted CFO is putting [Trump] and his children in a bad legal position.'

She claimed Weisselberg, 73, would do anything 'to please his boss and continue to show he can save him money.'

And when her former father-in-law and the company were charged at the start of July, she was asked which of her documents might have contributed to the case: 'All of it,' she told CNN's New Day.

Weisselberg is accused of failing to pay tax on $1.76 million of perks since 2005, according to the 25-page, 15-count indictment.

The Trump Organization was also indicted with accusations of conspiracy, grand larceny, tax fraud and falsifying business accounts.

The indictment accused Weisselberg of failing to pay tax on two leased Mercedes-Benzes, a rent-free apartment, bonuses and school fees paid for by the Trump Organization.

It also said that other, unnamed executives were given similar benefits and that Weisselberg orchestrated the scheme with 'others.'

The various schemes alleged in the indictment include: $1,174,018 in untaxed income used to pay Weisselberg's rent $359,058 in unreported compensation for private school fees $196,245 in untaxed income for Mercedes Benz leases $29,400 in under-the-table cash used to pay holiday tips.

Wiesselberg and the company have both denied any wrongdoing.
A mother has spoken of her pain nine years after her daughter was raped and hit with a stone by a stranger when she was just 15.

Myrto was left bed-bound and unable to communicate after the incident when she was on holiday on the Greek island of Paros.

She was raped by 24-year-old Adhmet Wakas after she wandered a short distance from her family in July 2012.

He then tried to kill her by hitting her head on the seafront rocks before repeatedly throwing a stone at her head. She was found half-naked and unconscious shortly afterwards.

Myrto (left, with mother Mary) was left bed-bound and unable to communicate after she was raped and hit with a stone by a stranger while on holiday on the Greek island of Paros

Despite doctors' best efforts, Myrto suffered aphasia due to severe injuries to her head and lungs. She remains unable to comprehend or formulate language to this day.

Aphasia is when a person has difficulty with their language or speech and is usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain.

Nine years after the shocking crime, her mother, Mary Kotrotsou, took to Facebook to vent her sadness and anger over the event.

In the poignant social media post, Mary said: 'Nine years... it's been since the day I saw you walk one last time.

She was raped by 24-year-old Adhmet Wakas after she wandered a short distance from her family in July 2012 (Pictured before the incident)

Wakas then tried to kill her by hitting her head on the seafront rocks before repeatedly throwing a stone at her head. She was found half-naked and unconscious shortly afterwards

'Nine years have passed and I didn't hear your voice tweaking endlessly.

'Nine years... of hospitals, surgeries, treatments, and unstoppable pains even today.

'Nine years... that you don't live your life like your peers, you only watch and understand.

'Nine years... running to which doctor tells me he can do something. To every therapist for any treatment. Where I read that he may have been presented in the medical field and has a relationship with the brain. In Greece and abroad.

'Nine years... that I pray and hope for a miracle from God because I have nothing else left to do.

'Nine years... when ordinary people ask me about your health and I don't know what to answer.

Despite doctors' best efforts, Myrto suffered aphasia due to severe injuries to her head and lungs. She remains unable to comprehend or formulate language to this day (Pictured before the incident)

Nine years after the shocking crime, her mother, Mary Kotrotsou, took to Facebook to vent her sadness and anger over the event. In the poignant social media post, Mary said: 'Nine years... it's been since the day I saw you walk one last time'

Mary also revealed that her daughter is bed-bound and could only move around in a wheelchair

'Nine years of pain and sorrow for the life you will not live. Not for me. for you alone.

'Today I accidentally read that it is World Brain Day. What an irony for you that on this day a monster destroyed your own brain!'

Mary also revealed that her daughter is bed-bound and could only move around in a wheelchair.

She wrote in the post: 'I'm waiting for the state to take responsibility for what happened to you because it was not an accident, it was not a car accident.'

Wakas had been working in Paros at the time and fled the scene after committing the crime. Police arrested him in an Athens suburb shortly afterwards.

A court sentenced him to life imprisonment plus 25 years for aggravated attempted murder, rape and robbery in 2017.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Monday conceded that the Biden administration would need to work with both Fox News and Facebook to help Americans through the coronavirus pandemic, though the president has seemed unwilling to sit down with the right-wing network himself.

'The president's number one goal, still, is beating the pandemic. Our objective is to put people back to work and we need to talk to Fox and Fox viewers in order to do that,' Psaki said in an interview with Snapchat's political series Good Luck America.

Psaki admitted Fox News' large daily audience made it a key platform to reach many.

'A lot of people still watch Fox News. Do they like the president, or even like me? Most days, no. But thats okay. Our job is not only to talk to people who like us.'

But it wasn't a full concession - Psaki maintained Biden and his staffers still wouldn't 'do a lot of the personalities on Fox.'

Jen Psaki told Snapchat's Peter Hamby that the Biden administration is looking to 'put people back to work'

Despite signaling a willingness to cooperate Psaki said the White House still wouldn't 'do a lot of the personalities on Fox.' (pictured: Sean Hannity's show on March 26)

While Biden administration officials have spoken to some of Fox News' daytime hosts, they have yet to sit down with anyone on the network's primetime lineup (pictured: Trump adviser Stephen Miller [right] on Tucker Carlson Tonight in July)

During the interview Psaki also insisted the administration is 'not trying to get into a battle du jour with Facebook' after Biden was forced to walk back comments he made earlier this month accusing Facebook of 'killing people' with misinformation.

'It's not just Facebook. Every social media platform has a responsibility here and they could all probably be doing more to crack down on misinformation. Also, it's not just social media platforms. It is also personalities on television. It is also elected officials, unfortunately,' she said, adding that working in social or other media 'doesn't mean that you don't have a responsibility to save lives.'

Psaki insisted the administration is 'not trying to get into a battle with Facebook' but every social media platform shares the responsibility to combat misinformation

Like Fox News, Psaki admitted 'a huge swath' of the US population get their news from the social media giant.

'Our goal is to make clear to the public and people who get information from Facebook, from YouTube, from Twitter, from a range of platforms that you should really be clear-eyed about what the information is, what the source is, is it coming from medical doctors - everybody has a responsibility.'

More than six months after taking office Biden has still not sat down with Fox News for an interview (pictured July 24)

More than six months into his tenure Biden still has not sat down with an interview with Fox News, despite speaking to ABC, CBS and NBC and doing two town halls with CNN.

However various administration officials have appeared on Chris Wallace's Fox News Sunday and other daytime programs - but have completely stayed away from the right-leaning network's primetime lineup.

'I think our view at this moment is we don't have to approve -we don't - of everything they do editorially, of everything their personalities say and do, but it is still a platform for us to communicate with the public,' the press secretary said.

Biden's former boss Barack Obama ran an administration that viewed Fox as its political adversary.

From the beginning of his tenure Obama accused Fox of being 'entirely devoted to attacking' his White House and gave the network very little access compared to other large media operations.

For Biden, however, Psaki said it was 'not the fight we want to fight right now.'

She contrasted the White House's approach against Donald Trump's aggressive stance against the media - who he labeled an 'enemy of the people.'

'Getting in a fight with Fox News at this point in time for the administration isn't particularly constructive coming off of an administration that completely destroyed trust in media, trust in institutions,' Psaki said.

Psaki contrasted the Biden administration's approach against Donald Trump's more combative stance against the media as a whole, claiming he 'destroyed trust' in media and institutions

However she made no indication that Biden or Kamala Harris may be sitting down with Fox anytime soon, claiming that its viewers wouldn't listen to them 'tell them what to do.'

She hoped they would be willing to hear White House health experts' COVID warnings instead.

'They might listen to medical experts or some of our doctors, they might. There might be information that strikes them because it's so fact-based, if we convey it to Fox that they may hear that,' she said.
A new poll by YouGov suggests the use of face masks among young people has slumped since 'freedom day' on July 19.

The survey found 46 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they wore a face mask in a public place in the last two weeks, compared to 58 per cent on July 16 and 64 per cent on June 2.

Meanwhile, the survey of 1,742 British adults between July 21 and 22 found other age groups were still wearing face coverings at around the same rate.

A poll by YouGov suggests use of face masks among young people has slumped since 'freedom day' saw the relaxation of restrictions. Pictured: Latitude Festival this weekend

Groups of maskless young revellers the reopening of England's nightlife after Freedom Day

Data shows 69 per cent of all Britons say they wore a face mask in the last two weeks, compared to 71 per cent on July 16 and 73 per cent on June 2.

YouGov also said young people were less likely to be fully vaccinated and more likely to have disabled their NHS Covid-19 app.#

The researcher said that while last week 38 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds had been avoiding crowded places, this has now fallen to 26 per cent.

Older generations showed little to no change in their behaviour towards crowded spaces.

Meanwhile, the proportion of Britons thinking the Government is handling Covid-19 well fell from 41 per cent just before 'freedom day' to 34 per cent afterwards.

Attitudes among Conservative voters tumbled 17pts this week. Prior to July 19, about three-quarters (73 per cent) of Conservative voters thought the Government was doing a good job of managing the pandemic response.

Two young women hold anti-vaccination protesters hold a demonstration in Parliament Square

According to YouGov, now only 56 per cent do, the lowest to date among Tory voters.

It comes after NHS England data showed one in three 18-to-29 year olds have still not had a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Around three million young adults in the UK are yet to be vaccinated, even though all over-18s have been eligible since June 18.

Public Health England revealed last week that case rates among those in their 20s are higher than in any age group since the pandemic began.

The current weekly infection rate of 1,155 cases per 100,000 compares to a rate of just 60 per 100,000 in those over 80.

In total, 88 per cent of adults have had their first dose, but this falls to 66 per cent among those aged 18 to 29.
A social justice group has said it sent a letter to white Democrats in two wealthy Texas neighborhoods calling on them to pledge their children will not apply to Ivy League schools so that black students can get a spot instead.

Dallas Justice Now (DJN), which appears to have been set up recently, is asking white supporters of Black Lives Matter to commit to 'making sacrifices to correct centuries of injustice.'

The group is specifically calling on white people to sign its 'college pledge' not to send their children to Ivy League or US News & World Report Top 50 schools 'and instead leave those spots open for students from Black, LatinX, and other marginalized backgrounds who were denied access to these institutions for hundreds of years.'

Ethnic minorities have long been underrepresented in Ivy League schools. At Harvard and Princeton, only around 6 percent of the total student body are black, according to Data USA. At Columbia and Cornell this figure stood at around 5 percent, while Brown around 7 percent.

DJN said in a press release it has sent the pledge out to the '95 percent white Highland Park and University Park neighborhoods'.

Data from the US Census Bureau shows 88 percent of residents in University Park are white, with just 1.5 percent of people being black or African American. In Highland Park, 91 percent are white and less than 1 percent black or African American.

Both areas are among the richest in the state, with residents enjoying a median household income above $200,000 and Highland Park ranking in the 10 wealthiest communities in America back in 2018.

The average house price stood at $1.3 million in University Park and $1.5 million in Highland Park between 2015 and 2019, with some mansions along the iconic Beverly Drive currently on the market for $10 million.

A social justice group has sent a letter to white Democrats in two wealthy Texas neighborhoods calling on them to pledge their children will not apply to Ivy League schools so that black students can get a spot instead. The letter above

Highland Park and University Park are among the richest areas in the state. The average house price stood at $1.3 million in University Park and $1.5 million in Highland Park between 2015 and 2019. Pictured a villa in Highland Park

The pledge letter, seen by Dallas City Wire, tells rich, white people they 'earned or inherited your money through oppressing people of color'.

'We are writing to you because we understand you are white and live within the Highland Park Independent School District and thus benefit from enormous privileges taken at the expense of communities of color,' the letter reads.

'You live in the whitest and wealthiest neighborhood in Dallas, whether you know it or not, you earned or inherited your money through oppressing people of color.'

It goes on to call out the white Democrats who stand with the Black Lives Matter movement, saying now is the time for them to 'step up' and make the area 'more just.'

'However, it is also our understanding that you are a Democrat and supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, which makes you one of our white allies and puts you in a position to help correct these cruel injustices,' it reads.

'We need you to step up and back up your words with action and truly sacrifice to make our segregated city more just.'

A woman called Jamila posted a video on the group's Facebook page this month describing it as a 'nonprofit advocacy group'

The pledge asks the recipient to check one of two boxes: 'I am a racist hypocrite' or 'I agree' to the pledge.

The group warned on its website it will publicly announce the names of people who have and have not signed the pledge.

It is not clear how the group has identified the group of 'white Democrats' it sent the letter to or how many people have received it.

Spokesperson and founder of DJN Michele Washington hit out at white BLM supporters in the wealthy areas who put up signs but have failed to 'make any sacrifices' to drive real change.

'White abolitionists died in the Civil War so that we could live as free men and women.

'White freedom riders risked their lives at the hands of the KKK to end the racist Jim Crow Laws,' she told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'Now, wealthy white liberals in 95 percent white enclaves like the Park Cities in Dallas profit by professing support for Black Lives Matter on social media, displaying us like animals at their charity galas, and taking Instagram pictures of themselves at our rallies all the while failing to make any sacrifices themselves to cure the problems that they and their ancestors created and profited from.'

Washington said college education at an Ivy League or Top 50 school is a social mobility tool and argued that sacrificing the place of a white student is 'a minor sacrifice for privileged families.'

Dallas Justice Now (DJN), which appears to have been set up recently in Dallas, is asking white allies to commit to 'making sacrifices to correct centuries of injustice'. The group's website above

The group said it was hosting a meet and greet earlier this month and posted images of a handwritten sign and people signing a document

'Imagine the progress we could make ending the multi trillion dollar wealth gap if those hundred thousand spots at top colleges went to Black and LatinX students,' she said.

'We understand that this is a minor sacrifice for privileged families but we think it is the least they can do if they truly are allies of our community.'

Washington told Dallas City Wire people posting support on social media but not taking action 'are the problem.'

'If whites want to be our allies, they must make sacrifices,' she said.

'Many people think they can get by just posting on social media - it's hurtful to those of us who have dedicated our lives to social justice when they think that is enough to remedy hundreds of years of oppression.'

The letter has sparked some disagreement in the local community, with the group clashing with a white woman over its call to action.

Casie Tomlin claimed she received the pledge letter and could not believe it was real.

'There's no way an organization would send this,' Tomlin told Dallas City Wire.

Washington responded by branding Tomlin a 'racist Karen' and accused her of reporting the group to the police over the pledges.

Tomlin has denied the allegations, telling Dallas City Wire: 'I wholeheartedly dispute and deny all accusations made by Michele Washington and Dallas Justice Now.

Dallas Country Club in Highland Park. Data from the US Census Bureau shows 91 percent of residents in the wealthy suburb are white and less than 1 percent black or African American

'I am now and have always been an active advocate for social justice.'

DJN appears to have been set up toward the end of last year with a Facebook page for the group posting its first photo in October.

In a post on June 25, the group announced it was nearing completion of its website.

A woman who said she is called Jamila posted a video on the Facebook page this month describing the group as a 'nonprofit advocacy group.'

'I'm Jamila with Dallas Justice Now,' she said.

'We are a nonprofit advocacy group in Dallas and we are fighting for change, we are fighting for equality.

'We are wanting to bridge gaps and we just want to catch up.'

Jamila said she is a parent and wants to send her children to college - something she said would create 'generational wealth' and have a 'trickle down effect' on other generations in the community.

The group said it was hosting a meet and greet earlier this month and posted images of a handwritten sign and people signing a document on the Facebook page.

Washington told Dallas City Wire that DJN is planning to launch an Advisory Council which will include Professor Troy Harden, director of the Race and Ethnic Studies Institute at Texas A&M University.

Harden denied any involvement with the group when reached for comment by DailyMail.com, saying 'it's not true.'

Harvard University above. Harvard announced a more diverse class of 2025 in April with 18 percent identifying as African American or black

Calls for more diversity in Ivy League schools have mounted over the last year in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and BLM protests calling for and end to racism

A BLM protest in Dallas, Texas, last year as people demanded racial justice in the wake of George Floyd's murder

Calls for more diversity in Ivy League schools have mounted over the last year in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and BLM protests demanding an end to racism across America.

Harvard announced a more diverse class of 2025 in April with 18 percent of students identifying as African American or black, 27.2 percent Asian American, 13.3 percent as Latinx, 1.2 percent as Native American, and 0.6 percent as Native Hawaiian.

Meanwhile, the university is being sued by a group that claims it imposes a 'racial penalty' on Asian American applicants by systematically scoring them lower in some categories than other applicants and awarding 'massive preferences' to black and Hispanic applicants.

Harvard denies that it discriminates against Asian American applicants and says its consideration of race is limited.

Lower courts sided with the university but the plaintiffs, a group called Students for Fair Admissions and anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum, appealed the decision.

Last month, the Supreme Court asked the Biden administration to give its views on whether the justices should hear the challenge.
Terry McKirchy, 59, (pictured) is now being charged with first-degree murder, thirty-seven years after she aggressively shook Benjamin Dowling, 35, when he was an infant

A former Florida babysitter has been charged with murder - decades after she shook a baby boy so violently in 1984 he was left with permanent severe brain damage - following his death at the age of 35.

Benjamin Dowling was left with such serious head trauma, he never mentally development past the age of five-and-half-months.

Despite his injuries, he survived into adulthood, under the constant care of his family, until he died at his family's home in Bradenton, Florida, in September 2019.

A Manatee County medical autopsy confirmed his death was a result of the injuries he received as an infant under the care of his babysitter Terry McKirchy, now 59.

This month, McKirchy was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. She is currently awaiting extradition back to Broward County, Florida to face the charges.

McKirchy was 22 when she claimed Dowling fell off a couch while she was watching him at her home in Hollywood, Florida on July 3, 1984.

His parents, who had arrived to pick him up from McKirchy's home, were immediately concerned.

The family told the Sun Sentinel they noticed their son was acting unusually; Mrs. Dowling told police her son's hands were clenched and he was turning blue, in addition to his breathing being shallow and him staring blankly at her.

The Medical Examiner's Office referred Dowling's case to the Hollywood Police Department, which then referred it to the State Attorney's Office

Mrs. Dowling immediately rushed her son to the hospital, where doctors determined Benjamin had Shaken Infant Syndrome, now commonly referred to as abusive head trauma.

McKirchy was later arrested and found guilty of first-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery on a child.

However, after taking a plea deal, McKirchy, who was pregnant at the time of sentencing, escaped a 15-year prison stay.

Instead, a Broward judge ordered McKirchy to report to jail only on weekends until her baby was born.

But after Dowling's death in 2019, new murder charges were filed after the Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death was caused by the injuries he suffered as a baby and referred his death the local police which passed it to the State Attorney's Office.

In 1984, McKirchy, who was 22-year-old at the time, claimed Dowling fell off a couch.

Benjamin's injuries were so severe, he needed to have a feeding tube placed in his abdomen when he was 18-months-old, where it remained until he died

The family told the Sun Sentinel that Benjamin progressed normally through his first 5 months of life, but that his life as neve the same after the incident. In this photo, Benjamin is pictured with a family member

Despite those efforts, Benjamin's family said he was unable to accomplish the simplest of functions or even comprehend any form of communication after the incident

'The passage of time between the injuries sustained and the death of the victim were considered by the forensic experts who conducted the autopsy and ruled the death was directly caused by the injuries from 1984,' the State Attorney's Office said in a statement.

'The facts speak for themselves, and this case was presented to the Grand Jury, which determined that this was a homicide,'

Although the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution claims no one can be prosecuted twice for the same crime, murder and attempted murder are two separate crimes.

The U.S. does not have a statue of limitations for murder and filing new charges after death is very common, Javis states.

McKirchy was arrested in Dowling's death on July 2, 2021, after U.S Marshalls tracked her down at an auto parts store in Sugar Land, Texas where she was working.

The U.S. Marshals Office did not have a home address for McKirchy in Sugar Land and are uncertain of how long she had been residing there.

The new charges may bring some peace to the Dowlings who believe it weren't for the 1984 incident, their son would've lived a normal life.

'Benjamin never progressed in development beyond a 5-month-old infant. Benjamin never crawled, fully rolled over, walked, never talked, never fed himself, he never enjoyed a hamburger or an ice cream cone,' they told The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

'Benjamin never progressed in development beyond a 5-month-old infant. Benjamin never crawled, fully rolled over, walked, never talked, never fed himself, he never enjoyed a hamburger or an ice cream cone,' they told The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

The family told the Sun Sentinel that Benjamin progressed normally through his first five-and-a-half months of life, but that his life as never the same after the incident.

Benjamin's injuries were so severe, he needed to have a feeding tube placed in his abdomen when he was 18-months-old, where it remained until he died.

In addition, he also had metal rods placed along his spine because he could not hold himself upright.

He also attended numerous schools for children with special needs.

Despite those efforts, Benjamin's family said he was unable to accomplish the simplest of functions or even comprehend any form of communication.

'Although he lived to be 35 years old, the life we would have lived as a family was forever altered,' the family added. 'We cherish our time with and memories of Benjamin, and we continue to support him through our belief that there should be justice for Benjamin.'

McKirchy remains in Texas where she awaits extradition to South Florida.
A Trump-era Immigration and Customs Enforcement director says morale within the law enforcement group is 'in the toilet' as the migration crisis continues with no sign of it stopping under the Biden administration.

Tom Homan, who served as the head of ICE for the first year-and-a-half of Trump's presidency, told Fox News' Mark Levin on Sunday that he is 'disgusted' with President Joe Biden's handling of the southern border.

'[Biden] sold out this country to win the presidency,' Homan said of the president's campaign promise to give all those seeking asylum a safe place in the U.S. 'And now we see that in action, [with] open borders.'

He said that while people view the border crisis as just that  a crisis  it is really Biden's campaign promise of 'open border' coming successfully to fruition.

'People say, well, this is incompetence,' he added, 'this is mismanagement. No, it's not. Their plan is coming together perfectly. This is open borders.'

Thousands of illegal immigrants from all over the world cross the U.S.-Mexico border every day.

Trump-era ICE Director Tom Homan said Sunday Biden's response to the migration crisis and 'open border policies' have put morale 'in the toilet' among immigration enforcement officials

Border enforcement agents have become overwhelmed as thousands of migrants arrive all along the U.S.-Mexico border every day. Here migrants detained from Central America in Sunland Park, New Mexico on July 22, 2021

This crisis has left immigration enforcement agencies like ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spread thin. While agents are dispersed from ports of entry to apprehend border jumpers at wall gaps, mass amounts of human and drug trafficking have been able to slip through the understaffed ports.

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana agreed that Biden lied to Americans during the 2020 campaign by not revealing that he 'believes in open borders.'

'Let's be honest, President Biden didn't tell the American people the truth when he was running,' he told Fox & Friends on Monday morning. 'He believes in open borders.'

'He believes the border's a nuisance, he believes that vetting people at the border is racist, he believes anybody ought to be able to come into America,' he added. 'Since President Biden has been in office, a million people have come into America from the southern borderwe don't have the slightest idea who they are.'

The new attack on Biden as an 'open borders' advocate comes as a new report from Republicans on a border committee revealed the administration is spending $3 million per day to stop construction of Trump's wall.

Republicans on the Senate subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management, which falls under the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the report recently that shows Biden has already spent around $2 billion on halting border wall construction projects.

The $3 million daily costly per t is going to contractors to guard all the materials  like steel and concrete  that are lying around in the desert for the project, the report states.

'This waste of taxpayer resources threatens military readiness and national security,' the minority panel, led by Ranking Member James Lankford, wrote in the report.

A Republican report states the administration is spending $3 million every day to contract guards for wall materials, like steel and concrete, that have been left lying around in the desert  adding up to a total of $2 billion so far since Biden took office

Meanwhile, Homan says morale among ICE officers 'has never been worse down on the border.'

'I've been at the border four times in the last two months and these men and women, I tell you right now, they've lost total respect in the President of the United States, which is sad,' he told Fox.

He also said they 'lost respect in the secretary of Homeland Security' Alejandro Mayorkas because they hear his words contradict what they are experiencing at the border every day.

'The secretary to this day will say the border is secure and closed and these men and women are dealing with this crisis every day, putting themselves in harm's way,' Homan said. 'And their secretary won't recognize that.'

'These men and women save lives, Mr. President,' Homan fired back at Biden. 'They don't watch people starve to death on the Rio Grande banks. So they've lost respect. They've been abandoned by their own commander in chief and their secretary.'

Homan was succeeded by three different people who served as the ICE director in an 'acting' capacity under Trump. After Homan retired, no other person was confirmed to the position in Trump's remaining two-and-a-half years in office.

Homan worked under six different presidents, and said hard-line immigration policies with strict border enforcement has always worked.

'Personally, I'm disgusted,' Homan said. 'I spent almost 35 years, I started as a Border Patrol agent on that border. I worked my work my way up the chain, rung by rung. I was the first director of ICE to actually came up through the ranks. So I spent my whole career doing this.'

'I can tell you without any doubt in the world that President Trump gave us the most secure border I've seen in my entire career, almost 35 years,' he continued. 'That is just a stone-cold fact.'

Customs and Border Protection revealed that 188,829 migrants were stopped at the southwest border in June. Border encounter numbers are at a 20-year high

He bashed people who feel Trump's policies were 'cruel' or 'inhumane.'

'I worked for six different presidents, the policies worked,' Homan said. 'Let me ask this question to the American people listening. When illegal immigration is down 60, 80 percent, how many women are being raped by the cartels? How many children aren't dying? How many millions of dollars do the cartels not make on smuggling drugs? How many fentanyl overdoses didn't occur?'

'So the fact is, President Trump saved lives. He secured the border,' he asserted.

In Fiscal Year 2021, more than 1.1 million migrants have had encounters with CBP, according to their numbers, with the vast majority of those incidents happening under the Biden administration.

In June alone, 188,829 were stopped at the border  a new 20-year high that has continued to spike since March.
Furious former staff members who worked for Prince Harry and Meghan during their time in the Royal Family are hoping the Duke's tell-all autobiography will finally allow them to speak out against the royal couple without the fear of repercussions.

The small band of staffers  the so-called 'survivors'  and royal courtiers are currently considering the ramifications of Harry's decision to write about his life.

They keep in touch on a semi-regular basis to swap stories and discuss the latest in the world of the Sussexes.

A small band of staffers  the so-called 'survivors'  and royal courtiers are currently considering the ramifications of Harry's decision to write about his life

Most royal staff are bound by understandably draconian confidentiality provisions, including the Official Secrets Act.

However, some of Harry and Meghan's ex-staffers have become increasingly incensed over what they believe is a false narrative being promoted about how they were treated by the institution.

This situation was exacerbated by the sensational and damaging interview with Oprah Winfrey in March, as well as the bombshell public release of claims Meghan had bullied staff members, and the launch of an official investigation by Buckingham Palace. The Sussexes denied bullying claims and said they were victims of a 'calculated smear campaign'.

But the autobiography  for which Harry is expected to receive a 14.7 million advance from Penguin Random House  risks taking the acrimony to another level.

Last night my royal insider revealed: 'Harry and Meghan's former staff members are convinced that this book is being written to settle scores and will likely include a lot of detail about their time within the Royal Family.

'Based on the Oprah Winfrey interview, some of these ex-workers simply do not trust that a full and accurate picture will be presented.

Most royal staff are bound by understandably draconian confidentiality provisions, including the Official Secrets Act, writes Dan Wootton

'Conversations have already started about what steps they might be able to take to protect their own reputation and that of the monarchy post-publication.'

It remains unlikely that there would be any official overturning of the confidentiality rules because of their importance in protecting members of the Royal Family from damaging leaks over the years.

But an insider added: 'There may be a provision given to staff members to respond to any claims that they consider to be inaccurate.

'Maybe a blind eye could be turned if staff members used friends or family members to correct the record on their behalf.

'These are the sorts of conversations going on at the moment and, of course, legal remedies are always available too if the book smears any individual staff members unfairly.'

Harry and Meghan's staff hold the key to exposing their experiences about many of their most explosive claims about the Royal Family, so it is a shame they could remain silenced.

Another royal source added: 'These are, on the whole, very good people who wanted the best for Harry and Meghan.

'But many of the secrets they know are explosive and would blow up much of the victim narrative so carefully crafted by those two.

'For example, some of these staff members were aware of commercial conversations that were going on when they were still full-time royals  they were clearing the way to make millions long before Megxit was revealed.

'The way they tried to publicly discredit staff who they took against has been particularly distasteful and left a bad taste in the mouth of many courtiers past and present.

'All options have to stay on the table because we are in unprecedented times. There is literally no precedent for this situation.'

However, some of Harry and Meghan's ex-staffers have become increasingly incensed over what they believe is a false narrative being promoted about how they were treated by the institution, Dan Wootton writes

During their time in the Royal Family, a host of staff members left the employ of Harry and Meghan.

They included private secretaries Samantha Cohen and Amy Pickerill, two PAs, including Melissa Touabti, and two nannies.

At least ten former staff members are reported to be wanting to give evidence to the Buckingham Palace investigation into Meghan's alleged bullying behind palace walls.

Harry and Meghan's then communications secretary Jason Knauf alerted Prince William's private secretary Simon Case in an email, leaked to The Times in the days before the Oprah chat was broadcast.

He wrote: 'I am very concerned that the Duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The treatment of X was totally unacceptable.

'The Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights. She is bullying Y and seeking to undermine her confidence.

'We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards Y.'

Meghan described the bullying allegations as a 'calculated smear campaign'.

The Mail on Sunday revealed at the weekend that Prince Harry's old friends are also horrified that Harry is writing a book and are considering speaking out too.

A source told the newspaper: 'If Harry slams any of his old school and military buddies in his new book they have pledged to break ranks to tell their story.'

Last week I revealed the 'growing sense of shock and fury' among the royal palaces and the Duke of Sussex's own family members about his book plan, which a senior royal source told me could be 'the final nail in the coffin of the Royal Family's relationship with Harry'.

Insiders close to the Prince of Wales confirmed he did not know about Harry's book, even though he has been working on it for the past year and Clarence House is believed to be worried about what Harry might write about his stepmother Camilla.

A deal will see Prince Harry's memoir released next year. Harry's wife Meghan is to pen a 'wellness' guide as part of the contract with Penguin Random House

The source said: 'Let's be honest, Harry has never been close to the Duchess of Cornwall. If he documents their fraught relationship in the book it could be very damaging at a time when Charles is laying the groundwork for her to become Queen.'

While there is still hope that Charles and Harry's relationship will be able to recover, courtiers do not believe a rapprochement with William is possible.

A royal insider explained: 'This is the end of any close relationship with the Duke of Cambridge. There's nothing more that can be said on that front. William believes his behaviour is shameful and tasteless.'

The publication of the book  being ghost written by J.R. Moehringer  in 2022 has also worried courtiers because it risks overshadowing a trio of significant royal milestones, notably the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Announcing the news of the book, Prince Harry said in a statement: 'I'm writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become. I've worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story  the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learnt  I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think.

'I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to share what I've learnt over the course of my life so far and excited for people to read a firsthand account of my life that's accurate and wholly truthful.'

But as my royal source concluded: 'Many of Prince Harry and Meghan's former staff doubt the book will be 'wholly truthful' because, if it was, Harry and Meghan would come out of it looking terrible.'
A Detroit woman was banned from Facebook for 24 hours after she wrote 'why are men so dumb' in response to a meme about men and nail polish.

Candace King said the social media giant kicked her out for a day after she responded to a meme that said women will notice a difference in two different shades of purple, while fellow commenters said men would not notice the difference.

'I posted on there 'this is a different color, why are men so stupid' and then 5 seconds later, the comment just disappeared and I was like what's going on,' King told Fox 2. 'At first I thought it was a joke (and) I'm like yeah right I'm blocked...what? But it was real, for sure.'

In the comment section of the meme, some commenters noticed that women could tell the difference between the two shades of purple nail polish while some men could not, leading Candace King to post her comment on the matter

King, of Detroit, said her comment was made as a joke and could not believe it caused her to be banned from Facebook for 24 hours

King checked the countdown on when she could post on Facebook again

The original post poked fun of men and women arguing over two shades of nail polish

She said she received a message from Facebook on Friday alerting her that her comment did not follow community standards for hate speech and that she was banned from the platform for 24 hours.

Facebook defines hate speech as a direct attack against people rather than concepts or institutions based on protected characteristics, like gender.

King said that while the comment was meant as a joke, Facebooks algorithm misinterpreted it as hate speech even though a person would understand the context.

"I feel like its a comment in jest, and maybe if an actual person was reviewing this stuff, King said.

King was back on Facebook over the weekend, but she added that she had to be careful with her comments because another incident could cause a longer ban.

"I got the warning that if I do it again, the punishment will be more severe," Candace said.

Facebook did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment.

Facebook has previously faced criticism for its policies after it banned President Donald Trump from its platform earlier this year.

Last month, Facebook also reversed its position on banning users who claim that Covid-19 may have originated in a lab in Wuhan, China.

In April of last year, Facebook had announced that it was imposing limits on harmful misinformation about COVID-19.

In February of this year, the company announced that it was expanding its crackdown to include claims that the virus was man-made. In a blog post, Facebook said that it would not allow conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines.
Starting on September 13, all New York City employees will be required to either get a COVID vaccine or take a COVID test every week to continue working in their public sector jobs.

The announcement expands the requirement from just requiring Health and Human Services and those in 'congregate and residential settings' to get vaccinated or take a test each week, to more than 314,000 municipal employees - including those that work for the Department of Education and the New York Police Department.

'September is the pivot point of the recovery,' Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference on Monday. 'September is when it will all happen.'

Those who remain unvaccinated will be required to wear masks at all times, he said, adding: 'There unfortunately will have to be consequences.'

'We unfortunately have to be very tough if a city government employee does not wear masks indoors if they're unvaccinated,' de Blasio said, with health officials later announcing that those who do not wear masks may be put on leave.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday that all New York City employees will be required to get a COVID test starting on September 13 if they are not vaccinated against the virus

The mayor also announced that those who do not get a COVID vaccine will be required to wear a mask at all times, and will launch an 'NYC COVID Safe' app to allow people to display either their vaccination records or their negative COVID tests

The mayor also urged private businesses to require vaccinations or weekly testing, saying: 'My message to the private sector is go as far as you can go right now.'

He added that the city may impose more 'mandates and measures whenever needed to fight the Delta variant.'

'This is about our recovery, this is about what we need to do to bring back New York City, this is about keeping people safe, this is about making sure our families get through COVID OK, this is about bringing back jobs, you name it,' he said.

To help with these efforts, de Blasio said the city will launch an 'NYC COVID Safe' application on August 2 that will allow people to display their vaccination records or their negative COVID tests.

The COVID tests will expire after seven days to meet the mayor's requirement that city employees must be tested every week.

The move comes just one week after the mayor announced that employees at the city's public hospitals and in Health Department community clinics would be required to get their vaccinations by next Monday, or begin submitting to weekly COVID tests.

And those in publicly-run residential or congregate care facilities, like nursing homes, would be required to present a proof of vaccination by August 16 or submit to weekly tests.

As of Monday, 70.6 percent of adults have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine and 65.3 percent are fully vaccinated, according to the Health Department.

That amounts to more than 9.8 million people vaccinated in the city, the mayor announced on Monday.

But just last week, the New York Police Department announced that it had only vaccinated about 43 percent of its force, The Hill reports.

'Since vaccines became available we have encouraged our employees, especially those who have contact with the public, to get vaccinated,' the NYPD said in a statement at the time.

When asked about this low vaccination rate in the police force, de Blasio said the NYPD and 'every other agency [has] gotta do better. We gotta go farther.'

To help with these efforts, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday that the state is allocating $15 million to community vaccination organizations .

'These orgs have the expertise to move the needle in areas with high positivity and low vax rates,' the governor tweeted, adding: 'We've made incredible progress against COVID - but there's more work to do.'

As of Sunday, the city's COVID positivity rate was above 1 percent, with a daily average of 591 confirmed cases and 233 probable cases, according to Health Department data.

There were at least 28 hospitalizations as of Sunday, and at least three confirmed deaths.

Testing, however, has increased past 2 percent, according to the New York Post, more than doubling the below 1 percent rate in early July.

Nasal swab testing, like that seen here, will be required for all city employees who are not vaccinated beginning on September 13

Governor Andrew Cuomo also tweeted on Monday that the state is allocating $15 million to community organizations to help improve the vaccination rates

Speaking to WNYC on Friday, the mayor reiterated that more needed to be done as the Delta variant continues to spread.

'We tried purely voluntary for over half a year,' he told WNYC on Friday, according to the New York Post. 'We tried every form of incentives. But now we've got to go further, we've reached the limits of a purely voluntary system.

'It's time for more mandates.'

'We've tried everything else and we got results, but we need more' people to get vaccinated.

'If people want freedom, if people want jobs, if people want to be able to live again, we have to get more people vaccinated,' the mayor said Friday.

He added that: 'The Delta variant is like a freight train coming on, we've got to take it seriously.'

The United States recorded 15,711 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday with a seven-day rolling average of 52,116, which is a 291 percent increase from the 13,305 average recorded three weeks ago.

Deaths have continued to remain relatively flat with 56 recorded on Sunday and a seven-day rolling average of 281, 17 percent up from the average of 239 recorded three weeks prior.

The number of infections across the country are rising as the Delta variant continues to spread

The U.S. recorded 15,711 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday with a seven-day rolling average of 52,116, which is a 291% increase from the 13,305 average recorded three weeks ago

Deaths have continued to remain relatively flat with 56 recorded on Sunday and a seven-day rolling average of 281, 17% up from the average of 239 recorded three weeks prior

The mayor also called out people who spread 'misinformation' about the vaccines on social media, discouraging people from getting the jab.

He said the city Health Department is planning to write a letter to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, calling on them to crack down on those who spread the false information.

'There are people spreading disinformation purposely for their own profit, for their own fame for their own political gains,' he said. 'Let's be clear, the folks who are out there lying about vaccinations lying about COVID are doing it for their own greedy reasons - not for your health and well-being but for their own aspirations.'

'That's what's going on and it has to end,' he said. 'And those who are enabling the disinformation have to stop. It has cost many people their lives.

'Those who spread disinformation are literally killing people,' he said, noting that 65 percent of the 'disinformation' is coming from social media, linking back to just 12 accounts.

'These people are still at large,' he said and are 'literally depriving people of their lives.'

He asked Zuckerberg and Dorsey to 'kick them off your sites immediately,' saying: 'If you don't stop the lies, then you are complicit in the rise of COVID.'

White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday said the Biden administration would continue fighting COVID-19 'misinformation' despite the president's recent gaffes illustrating the pitfalls

The mayor said he agreed with President Joe Biden's move to police what is posted on social media, a policy the White House announced last week.

The Biden administration is reviewing Section 230 - a 1990s era regulations that protects tech companies from being held liable for their content, in the way that newspaper and magazine publishers are.

Democratic senators this week introduced legislation that would require internet platforms such as Facebook and Alphabet's Google to take down health and vaccine-related misinformation during public health emergencies or be held liable for its impacts.

It would set up the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidelines on what is and what is not misinformation.

The announcement came after the administration admitted it had been flagging dangerous 'misinformation' to Facebook - such as claims that vaccines could cause infertility - for removal.

Republicans have since accused Biden of acting like a 'Cuban dictator' in the way it was pressuring private companies to censor speech.

'What the Biden White House is doingnamely, ordering big tech companies to ban Americans that do not regurgitate government approved messagingis what authoritarian regimes do,' said Sen. Marsha Blackburn in a letter sent to the White House.

'The American people deserve to know the extent of the White Houses coordination with big tech. President Biden should waive executive privilege and release the emails.'

Free speech advocates have also raised bipartisan concerns.

'No matter which party is in power, the government cannot be trusted to label "truth" or "fiction" any more than Facebook or Twitter can,' said the American Civil Liberties Union, reminding viewers of how at the start of the pandemic President Trump claimed that COVID-19 would just disappear.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment about its strategy.
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Wild animals dragged human remains linked to missing British hiker Esther Dingley from an unknown place in the Pyrenees to the busy walking path where they were discovered, investigators claimed today.

The grim theory was suggested by French police, investigating the disappearance of the 37-year-old Oxford graduate who was last seen in late November.

There was a major breakthrough on Friday when a skull with long hair was found close to Port de la Glere, a mountain pass on France's border with Spain, just south of Bagneres-de-Luchon. The trail is known as Puerto de la Glera in Spanish.

Commander Jean-Marc Bordinaro, who has been involved in the search from day one, said: 'This is indeed the area that Esther Dingley was supposed to be in when she disappeared, but we need to be cautious while the identification process is underway.

'Everything suggests that these bones were recently moved by animals. They would not have been there a few days earlier,' he added.

Brown bears and wolves are among the creatures roaming freely in the mountain range, where birds of prey such as vultures are also a common sight.

The remains were being investigated on Monday by forensics experts, exploring a possible match to DNA provided by Ms Dingley's mother, 74-year-old Ria Byrant.

Ms Bryant has also confirmed that a scan of her daughter's teeth had been requested by the French, through the British consulate in Bordeaux.

Wild animals dragged human remains linked to missing British hiker Esther Dingley (pictured) from an unknown place in the Pyrenees to the busy walking path where they were discovered, investigators claimed today

Ms Dingley (pictured right with her boyfriend Daniel Colegate) went missing on November 22

There was a major breakthrough on Friday when a skull with long hair was found close to Port de la Glere, a mountain pass on France's border with Spain, just south of Bagneres-de-Luchon. The trail is known as Puerto de la Glera in Spanish

Commander Bordinaro confirmed that police on both sides of the border were carrying out urgent searches to see if they can trace where the skull and related bones may have been hidden.

Ms Dingley was carrying a distinctive yellow tent, and had a bright red-and-grey rucksack with her when she went missing, but no trace of either has been found.

Both are made of hardwearing material that would last for years out in the open, including in the rugged Pyrenees countryside.

Commander Bordinaro said his colleagues were contacted by Spanish police on Friday afternoon, after the remains were discovered at about 2pm.

He had previously admitted that it was 'very likely' that Durham-born Ms Dingley had been involved in a mountain accident, and had been unable to raise help.

The search for her was called off in February because of deteriorating weather, but it resumed in the Spring.

In her last know message, sent to her partner Dan Colegate on November 22, Ms Dingley wrote: 'Might dip into France. Hoping Refuge Venasque has a winter room. Keep you posted when can. Love you xxx'

An investigating French source on Saturday said there was no 'immediate proof as to the identity of the remains' and that 'a medico-legal procedure will be followed to establish the identity of Person X in the days ahead.'

Specialist forensics officers from the General Directorate of the National Gendarmerie (DGGN) will carry out the task, under the supervision of France's Interior Ministry and an examining magistrate.

Up to 3,000 unidentified bodies are found in France every year, including ones in vast rural areas such as the Pyrenees, said the source.

'Prosecutors order analysis in the case of suspicious death, and that is when the entire procedure starts,' said the source.

'Genetic and dental material is gathered before burial can be allowed. It is a potentially complex procedure.'

Two hikers raised the alarm around 2pm on Friday after discovering what he believed could be the remains of a body near the spot where missing hiker Esther Dingley went missing late last year

Specialist officers from Spain and France have carried out several searches of the area around the Puerto de la Glera hiking trail, where Ms Dingley was hiking before she went missing. Searches recently resumed after being called off due to bad weather

DNA analysis is considered the most accurate part of the identification process, but samples are not always available to pathologists if a body is badly decomposed, or reduced to bone, said the source.

Christophe Amunzateguy, the chief public prosecutor of Saint-Gaudens, has been informed about the discovery of the remains, and was liaising with police investigators this weekend.

Ms Dingley had been planning to cross back into Spain after spending a day hiking on the French side of the border before she went missing.

Her last known contact was a WhatsApp call with Mr Colegate from the summit of the Pic de Sauvegarde, where she took a selfie.

The two Oxford graduates had been travelling around Europe in a camper van for years after quitting their careers and Durham home.

Missing persons charity LBT Global, which has been supporting Mr Colegate and Ms Dingley's family, said that confirmation of whether the possible human remains were a match would take 'days or even weeks'.

Guilhem Garrigues, the keeper of the Venasque refuge on the French side of the border where the British hiker had planned to spend the night, theorised on Sunday that Ms Dingley could have fallen in snow.

He explained that the paths she was believed to have taken were clear on the Spanish face of the mountains, but could have remained covered in snow around the Puerto de la Glera pass, where the slopes are normally shaded and which could have taken her by surprise.

The keeper - who handles hosting, maintenance and cooking duties at the refuge - added police had resumed searches for Ms Dingley two weeks ago after the winter snows melted and that officers told him they believed it likely her remains would be discovered by the public by chance.

Mr Garrigues told the Times newspaper: 'The hike is easy in the summer and there are about 20 people who do it every day. But in the winter it changes completely. It's steep and anyone can make a mistake and slip, or be unbalanced by a gust of wind.'

Meanwhile Ms Dingley's family said in a statement they are 'urgently seeking clarification' after the bones were found on Friday near where the hiker was last seen.

Mr Colegate wrote in the 23-page report about Ms Dingley's plans to do a circular hike between Spain and France which involved sleeping at a mountain refuge.

He said in his dossier: 'An individual that Esther met on November 19 came forward to say he had specifically suggested this route through France, between Port de Venasque and Port de la Glere, to Esther when he met her. There is no reason to think that Esther did not stick to this plan.'

Dingley's partner Dan Colegate (left) claimed in a recent BBC interview he 'could no longer agree' with the idea she had suffered an accident

In a section titled 'Esther's Planned Onward Route', he suggested she reached the mountain refuge in France and slept there overnight before continuing a hike to return to her initial starting point in Spain.

He said: 'Her onward route would have involved a descent northwards towards the Hospice de France, a flat traverse westwards around the Imperatrice Way, and a climb southwards to the border at Port de la Glere. From the border the route descends back towards Hospital de Benasque.

'This route would have been well within Esther's capabilities for a day hike, in addition to the fact she had a tent, camping equipment and significant experience using it.

'Distance was 16km with 1100 metres of ascent, five to seven hours of hiking time. The weather remained excellent that Monday. The route is very obvious on the ground and also from the terrain when starting from Refuge de Venasque.

'It's basically impossible to get lost in good visibility here. The entire route is a well-made and easy to follow path. Although Esther believed and had warned family that there was poor signal in the area, in fact the signal is very good on the French side.

'Within half an hour of leaving the refuge, Esther should have been able to use her phone for most of the rest of the day.'

Officers from Spain's Civil Guard went to the spot but alerted their French counterparts after confirming it was on the other side of the border. One unconfirmed local report said the unnamed runner had come across a human skull.

A Spanish radio station covering the province of Huesca, which includes the town of Benasque where Ms Dingley began the hike she vanished on, said: 'Sources close to the investigation have indicated that the skull could correspond to Esther Dingley's because of the colour and length of the hair.'

Civil Guard sources said on Saturday officers were '90 per cent certain' the bones found were human remains but insisted the job of analysing them for confirmation and more clues was now a French task.

LBT Global said in its first written statement overnight: 'LBT Global is aware of the discovery of what may be human remains close to the last known location of Esther Dingley.

'We are urgently seeking clarification. The family have been informed of the discovery and we are supporting them now.

British hiker Esther Dingley was seen at Eroski supermartket in Benasque, Spain, on Novermber 19, days before her sudden disappearance

'Until anything is confirmed there will be no statement or interviews with any family members. Please be aware this may take days or even weeks.'

Specialist officers from Spain and France have carried out several searches of the area where Esther was believed to have gone missing.

A co-ordinated air and land search by police mountain rescue experts from both countries took place on July 1.

Civil Guard sergeant Jorge Lopez Ramos, whose Greim elite mountain search and rescue team led an eight-day search for Ms Dingley on the Spanish side of the border before it was halted last December because of bad weather, confirmed late last year Puerto de la Glera was on the route Esther told her boyfriend she was planning to take before she disappeared.

Referring to the mountain pass by its Spanish name, he said at the time: 'Esther told her partner she was planning to spend the night in a nearby refuge on the French side of the border called Venasque before doing a long half-circle to re-enter Spain through a mountain pass called Puerto de la Glera and heading back down to Llanos del Hospital.

'It would have been a long day's walk or she could have spent the night somewhere and finished the following day.

'We don't know if she reached Venasque that night. It's shut at the moment and only an emergency part of it is open for people to sleep in and consume any food they have with them.'

Amunzateguy, the chief public prosecutor of Saint-Gaudens, is expected to make an official statement if there are any updates to the case.

Spanish Civil Guard said the discovery was a matter for the French police to comment on as the bones had been found on their side of the border.
The moment a man carjacked a woman and took her car amid a shooting spree has been caught on camera.

Anyelo Santana, 39, is seen taking the woman's car at gunpoint, shortly after he had allegedly shot his estranged wife in the Dominican Republic.

He then went on a shooting spree in the eastern city of Higuey on Saturday, killing seven people and wounding eight others before being killed by cops.

Santana, 39, shot estranged wife, Angela Acosta, 28, following an argument inside her home, and then left her for dead.

A resident recorded the moment Santana carjacked a woman at gunpoint before he went on a shooting rampage through the streets of the Higuey neighborhood of 21 de Enero.

Anyelo Santana shot his wife Angela Acosta during an alleged jealous rage that he had and then carjacked two drivers as he went on a shooting spree in the Dominican Republic eastern city of Higuey on Saturday, killing six people and wounding six others before authorities shot him dead during a shootout

A resident in the Higuey neighborhood of 21 de Enero records the moment Anyelo Santana carjacked a woman moments after he had shot his estranged wife, Angela Acosta, at their former home Saturday. The 39-year-old Santana proceeded to shoot 12 people, killing six of them, before he died following a gun battle with cops

Rafael Reynoso, 45, was standing outside his home with a group of people when Santana shot into the crowd and fled, according to digital newspaper Diario Libre.

Reynoso said he knew Santana and had shared a few beers with him Friday night.

'Once he did that, he chased after other people,' Reynoso said.

Santana barged into a cellphone store and shot dead Jineiry Cuevas, 21, and her brother, Michael Cuevas, 16, who were at the shop purchasing a phone to gift to their dad on Father's Day, which fell on Sunday.

Both siblings suffered gunshot wounds to the abdomen.

'The pain is indescribable, there are no words to express what it feels like to lose a child,' father Cesar Henriquez told Diario Libre.

Jineiry Cuevas (left) and her brother, Michael Cuevas (right) were shopping for a cellphone which they intended to gift to their dad for Father's Day - which is celebrated on the last Sunday of July in the Dominican Republic - when Anyelo Acosta went inside the store and executed them

Anyelo Santana, who was the father of Angela Acosta's two children had a history of being reported for domestic violence incidents, the Dominican Republic National Police said

Santana led police on a pursuit after forced two people out of their vehicle and attempted to escape from the cops by hiding inside an auto repair shop. He engaged the police in a gun battle before he was shot and killed.

The other victims killed have been identified as Victoriana Villa, 69; Ezequiel Perez; Ronny Peguero; and Miguel Pilier.

Among the injured are Darwin Castro, 27; Johhny Arias, 45; Cecilio Reynoso, 57; and a 12-year-old, whose name has not been released.

Newspaper El Nacional reported that authorities had not provided the names of two other people, including a pregnant woman, who were wounded.

All of the wounded victims, except for Santana's wife, have been treated and discharged from two area hospitals.

Acosta, who underwent surgery to remove the bullets, told the National Police that she and Santana had been separated for a month.

However, Santana, the father of the couple's two children, continued to show up at their former residence to beat her out of jealousy. Police said he had a history of being reported for domestic violence incidents.

Higuey mayor Rafael Baron Duluc said: 'It is impossible to fully know what leads a human being to commit such an act'

'But what we do know is that our hearts go out to each of the wounded men and women in Higuey.

'Our thoughts go out to all the families who have lost a loved one in this horrible tragedy.'
Former President Trump's billionaire friends Tom Barrack on Monday pleaded not guilty in a Brooklyn court to federal charges of illegally lobbying for the United Arab Emirates.

A small crowd was waiting for the private equity investor as he arrived at court and pelted him with insults.

'It's our democracy,' shouted one man in video posted to social media one man yelled. 'It's our democracy, not yours. Traitor!'

Barrack, 74, faces seven charges, including secretly lobbying the Trump administration for the UAE between 2016 and 2018, and lying to investigators about his relationship with the Gulf state.

He pleaded not guilty on all counts during a brief hearing on Monday.

Tom Barrack (center) arrived at federal court in Brooklyn on Monday. Hecklers branded him a traitor before he pleaded not guilty to seven charges, including that he secretly lobbied the Trump administration on behalf of the United Arab Emirates

Barrack, a private equity investor, served as an informal adviser to Trump's 2016 election campaign before chairing his inaugural committee

Thomas Barrack, a billionaire friend of Donald Trump, stands beside his co-defendant and former employee Matthew Grimes and his lawyer Matt Herrington during their arraignment hearing at the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn, New York

He was released on a $250 million bond and is due to return to court on Sept. 2.

'As you'd expect, the system is working. I think what you'll find is that over time, you'll all see that I'm 100 percent innocent,' he said as he left the courthouse.

Under terms arranged with prosecutors last week, he has given up his passport and will wear an ankle monitor, while complying with a curfew.

In addition, he was ordered to restrict his travel to California, New York and Colorado, where he will live at his Aspen home while awaiting trial.

Barrack, who chaired Trump's inaugural committee, was arrested in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

He and two others were charged with acting as unregistered foreign agents as they allegedly tried to influence US policy on the UAE's behalf while Trump was running in 2016 and later while he was president.

The other two men charged are Barrack's former assistant Matthew Grimes, 27, and Emirati businessman Rashid Sultan Rashid Al Malik Alshahhi, 43.

Grimes, of Aspen, Colorado, also pleaded not guilty in court on Monday.

Al Malik is a businessman from the United Arab Emirates who prosecutors said acted as a conduit to that nation's rulers and is believed to be at large in the Middle East.

In court papers, prosecutors said al Malik was living in LA for years before fleeing the US three days after an April 2018 interview by law enforcement.

Barrack appeared in court in Los Angeles, California, last week after being arrested

Thomas Barrack reached a deal with prosecutors on Friday that will saw him released from custody while he awaits trial on charges of illegal lobbying

Barrack was a prominent supporter of Trump's successful 2016 presidential campaign and directed his inaugural committee

Barrack, 74, (pictured left at the 2017 inauguration) was hit with seven-count indictment relating to trying to push the UAE's agenda and shape the foreign policy of the administration

A seven-count indictment filed by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn alleged that Barrack, Grimes and Al Malik failed to register as lobbyists and used their influence to advance the UAE's foreign policy goals in the United States.

Barrack is also alleged to have repeatedly lied during an FBI interview about his dealings with the UAE.

The indictment goes to the heart of the US longtime close relationship with the UAE and directly ties its de facto ruler, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Barrack's charges.

Barrack raised $107 million for Trump's inaugural celebration, which was scrutinized both for its lavish spending and for attracting numerous foreign officials and businesspeople looking to lobby the new administration.

While the indictment made no allegations of wrongdoing by the inaugural committee, or by Trump  who was referenced only as 'the Candidate,' the 'President-Elect' and 'the President'  it said Barrack boasted that he had been a 30-year partner of Trump and could help the UAE gain US influence.

'The defendants repeatedly capitalized on Barrack's friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected President, high-ranking campaign and government officials, and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances,' Acting Assistant Attorney General Mark Lesko said.

Barrack's spokesperson has denied any wrongdoing, saying: 'Mr Barrack has made himself voluntarily available to investigators from the outset. He is not guilty and will be pleading not guilty.'

Prosecutors said Barrack provided UAE government officials with sensitive information about developments within the Trump administration  including how senior U.S. officials felt about a yearslong boycott of Qatar conducted by the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries.

'Worse, in his communications with Al Malik, the defendant framed his efforts to obtain an official position within the Administration as one that would enable him to further advance the interests of the UAE, rather than the interests of the United States,' prosecutors wrote in a letter seeking his detention. They noted that he has citizenship in the U.S. and Lebanon, a country with no extradition treaty with the U.S.

Barrack is the founder of the private equity firm Colony Capital, though stepped down as the company's chief executive in 2020, and in April resigned as executive chairman. He is pictured at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in 2014

When Barrack tried to get Trump to appoint him as either the U.S. ambassador to the UAE or as special envoy to the Middle East, he wrote al Malik 'that any such appointment 'would give ABU DHABI more power!' prosecutors wrote.

Barrack served as an informal adviser to Trump's campaign in 2016 before becoming the inaugural committee chair. Beginning in January 2017, he informally advised senior U.S. government officials on Middle East foreign policy, prosecutors said.

Authorities cited several specific instances when Barrack or others allegedly sought to influence U.S. policies, noting that, in May 2016, Barrack inserted language praising the UAE into a campaign speech Trump delivered about U.S. energy policy and arranged for senior UAE officials to receive an advanced draft.

They said he also agreed to arrange meetings and phone calls between senior UAE officials and Trump, reviewed a PowerPoint presentation to be delivered to senior UAE officials on how to boost their influence in the U.S. with his help and repeatedly tried to conceal his conduct, even denying he'd ever been asked by al Malik to help the UAE.

Throughout 2016 and 2017, Barrack and Grimes received talking points and feedback from senior UAE officials in connection with Barrack's national press appearances and communicated on a dedicated cellular telephone which had a secure messaging application to facilitate communications with senior UAE officials, prosecutors said.

They said that after one appearance in which Barrack repeatedly praised the United Arab Emirates, Barrack emailed al Malik, saying: 'I nailed it ... for the home team,' referring to the UAE.

The billionaire is a longtime Trump ally and founder of the digital infrastructure-focused private equity firm DigitalBridge Group Inc, which was known as Colony Capital Inc before a rebranding announced in June.

Barrack stepped down as DigitalBridge's chief executive in 2020.

In April, he resigned as executive chairman of the firm but has remained as a non-executive director. Forbes estimates his wealth at $1 billion.

Barrack was a prominent supporter of Trump's successful 2016 presidential campaign and directed his inaugural committee.
Vatican prosecutors have alleged a jaw-dropping series of scandals in the biggest criminal trial in the Vatican's modern history, which opens Tuesday in a modified courtroom in the Vatican Museums.

The scandals include a cardinal who allegedly induced an underling to lie to prosecutors and brokers and lawyers who pulled a fast one over the Vatican No. 2 to get him to approve a disastrous real estate deal.

It also includes a self-styled intelligence analyst who bought Prada and Louis Vuitton items with the Vatican money that she was supposed to send to rebels holding a Catholic nun hostage.

The once-powerful cardinal and nine other people are accused of bleeding the Holy See of tens of millions of dollars in donations through bad investments, deals with shady money managers and apparent favours to friends and family. They face prison sentences, fines or both if convicted.

Vatican prosecutors have alleged a jaw-dropping series of scandals in the biggest criminal trial in the Vatican's modern history. The prosecutors' case also suggests that Pope Francis (pictured) and his top lieutenants were not only aware of some of the key transactions, but in some cases explicitly authorised them

The trial, which will likely be postponed for several months after the first hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday, is the culmination of a two-year investigation into the Holy See's flawed 350 million-euro London real estate venture.

That operation exposed the Vatican's once-secret financial dealings and its structural dysfunction, which allowed just a few people to do so much damage to the Vatican's finances and reputation, with little expertise or oversight.

But the prosecutors' case also suggests that Pope Francis and his top lieutenants were not only aware of some of the key transactions, but in some cases explicitly authorised them, even without full documentation or understanding the details.

Given the hierarchical nature of the Holy See and the obedience required of underlinings to their religious superiors, questions also remain about why some people were charged and others not.

One Vatican monsignor who until recently was considered by prosecutors to be a key suspect, Monsignor Alberto Perlasca, managed to avoid indictment.

Francis, who as absolute monarch wields supreme legislative, executive and judicial power in Vatican City, has in many ways already convicted Angelo Becciu (pictured). Last year, Francis presented Becciu with evidence that he had sent 100,000 euros in Vatican funds to a Sardinian charity run by Becciu's brother

Perlasca's office handled the London investment from start to finish and his boss had identified him as the main in-house culprit in obscuring the deal's costly outcome.

But prosecutors suggested that Perlasca flipped and became an important witness, in part after coming under pressure to recant his testimony by the lone cardinal on trial, Angelo Becciu.

Francis, who as absolute monarch wields supreme legislative, executive and judicial power in Vatican City, has in many ways already convicted Becciu.

Last year, Francis presented Becciu with evidence that he had sent 100,000 euros in Vatican funds to a Sardinian charity run by Becciu's brother.

Francis secured Becciu's resignation as head of the Vatican's saint-making office and then stripped him of his rights as cardinal, a sanction that was announced immediately by the Vatican press office.

Becciu, who is charged with embezzlement and pressuring Perlasca to recant, has denied any wrongdoing.

The onetime chief of staff in the Vatican secretariat of state, Becciu is also linked to a mysterious figure who is also on trial, Cecilia Marogna, whom he hired in 2016 as an external security consultant.

Given the hierarchical nature of the Holy See and the obedience required of underlinings to their religious superiors, questions also remain about why some people were charged and others not

Prosecutors allege Marogna embezzled 575,000 euros in Vatican funds that Becciu had authorised for ransoms to free Catholic hostages.

Bank records from her Slovenian front company show the Vatican wire transfers were used instead to pay bills at luxury shops and boutique hotels.

Marogna says the money was legitimate compensation and reimbursement for her intelligence-related expenses.

The London real estate deal dates to 2014, when the Vatican's secretariat of state decided to invest an initial 200 million euros in a fund operated by Italian businessman Raffaele Mincione, with half the money put into the London building, half in other investments.

By November 2018, the original investment had lost 18 million euros, prosecutors say, prompting the Vatican to seek an exit strategy while retaining its stake in the building in London's swank Chelsea neighbourhood.

Enter Gianluigi Torzi, another broker, who helped arrange a 40 million euro payout to Mincione.

Francis secured Becciu's resignation as head of the Vatican's saint-making office and then stripped him of his rights as cardinal, a sanction that was announced immediately by the Vatican press office

But prosecutors say Torzi then hoodwinked the Holy See by secretly restructuring 1,000 shares in the property's new holding company in a way that gave him full voting rights.

Prosecutors say Torzi then extorted the Vatican for 15 million euros to get control of the building that it thought it had already acquired.

Mincione and Torzi, who are accused of fraud, money laundering, embezzlement and other charges, have denied wrongdoing.

Becciu's successor as chief of staff, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, told prosecutors that Francis had made clear by November 2018 that he wanted to lose as little money as possible to finally secure ownership of the building and 'turn the page and start over'.

It was a message Francis repeated to Torzi himself during a January 2019 meeting, Pena Parra told prosecutors.

After realising that Torzi actually controlled the building and based on Francis' desire to move forward, Pena Parra said the Vatican had two choices. Those were to sue him or pay him off for the 1,000 voting shares that he owned.

The London real estate deal dates to 2014, when the Vatican's secretariat of state decided to invest an initial 200 million euros in a fund operated by Italian businessman Raffaele Mincione, with half the money put into the London building, half in other investments

Pena Parra said the Vatican's concern was that suing him could take years and even possibly end in Torzi's favour.

'Between these two options, with the advice of lawyers and experts, option No. 2 was chosen because it was considered more economical, with more contained risks and in a more manageable time frame,' Pena Parra wrote in his testimony seen by The Associated Press. 'It also simply aligned with the desire of the Superior,' a reference to Francis.

And yet the payout of 15 million euros to Torzi is at the heart of the case. Prosecutors accuse Torzi of extorting the Vatican for the money and the Vatican's financial oversight agency of failing to stop the deal.

The oversight's managers say the Vatican had no choice but to pay Torzi, given the Secretariat of State  knowingly or not  signed legally binding contracts that gave Torzi control of the building.

The biggest criminal trial in the Vatican's modern history opens Tuesday in a modified courtroom in the Vatican Museums (pictured)

Prosecutors say the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was decived into approving Torzi's contract by a lawyer who drafted a one-page memo describing the deal but omitting key details, including Torzi's voting stake.

Pena Parra said only later did the Vatican realise the lawyer was associated with Torzi.

Quoting Parolin's own notes, Pena Parra said the cardinal approved the deal based on the lawyer's brief memo and assurances from Perlasca and another Vatican money manager, Fabrizio Tirabassi.

Parolin, Pena Parra and Perlasca were not charged. Tirabassi is charged with corruption, extortion, ebezzlement, fraud and abuse of office; he denies wrongdoing.
President Joe Biden on Monday nominated eight new U.S. attorney positions across the country, including in the office overseeing the prosecutions of hundreds of defendants charged in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

Among the nominees announced Monday is Matthew Graves, a former fraud and public corruption prosecutor in the U.S. attorneys office in the District of Columbia who is being tapped to run that office at a time when it is consumed by hundreds of cases arising from the Capitol riot. He is currently a partner at the firm DLA Piper.

Unlike other U.S. attorneys offices, the D.C. office handles both federal and local crimes, including a wave of gun violence on D.C. streets.

The Trump administration appointee who held the job during the riot, Michael Sherwin, later left the Justice Department. The position has been held on an acting basis by Channing Phillips, who served in the same role during the Obama administration.

President Joe Biden nominated attorney to be U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C. at a time when it is consumed by hundreds of cases arising from the Capitol riot

The office of the U.S. attorney in Washington D.C. takes local cases - including D.C. rising gun violence - and federal cases, such as the January 6th MAGA riot (above)

If confirmed by the Senate, the nominees would run offices in the District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington state.

Most would be historic firsts, including the first black or female attorneys to lead their districts, the Biden administration said.

The eight were 'chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials in this field, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice,' according to the White House.

The nominees come as the Justice Department is continuing to round out its leadership team under Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The Justice Department's 93 U.S. attorneys, who are responsible for federal criminal prosecutions in their respective districts, are likely to be central to efforts to combat violent crime.

The lawyers represent the first batch of U.S. attorney nominees advanced by the Biden White House, which is still working to fill key Justice Department posts six months into the administration. The White House last week announced the nomination of a lawyer to run its antitrust division but withdrew its nominee for the civil division head. No nominee has been announced for the key solicitor general role.

Rachael Rollins, the district attorney in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, would be the first black woman to serve as U.S. attorney in that state.

Rollins became the first black woman elected as district attorney in Massachusetts in 2018 and has championed progressive reforms in the role, including declining to prosecute a slate of low-level, non-violent crimes that she argued has resulted in over-incarceration, especially for people of color.

Erek Barron, a former federal prosecutor and policy advisor to Biden and a current state lawmaker, would be the first black U.S. attorney in the District of Maryland, the White House said.

He worked for Biden and for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee as their counsel and policy adviser from 2007 to 2009.

The Maryland office also handles a range of high-profile prosecutions, including political corruption and domestic terrorism.

Rachael Rollins, the district attorney in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, would be the first black woman to serve as U.S. attorney in that state (left) and Erek Barron, a former federal prosecutor and policy advisor to Biden and a current state lawmaker, would be the first black U.S. attorney in the District of Maryland (right)

Other nominees include Zachary Myers, who specializes in national security and cyber matters as a federal prosecutor in Maryland and who the White House says would be the first Black U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Indiana; and Clifford Johnson, who would be the first Black lawyer to lead the Northern District of Indiana after spending nearly 35 years in that office.

Justice Department environmental lawyer Vanessa Waldref would be the first woman to run the U.S. attorney's office in the Eastern District of Washington.

And Nicholas Brown, who has been a federal prosecutor and general counsel to the governor, would be the first Black lawyer to run the Western District of Washington, which encompasses Seattle.

The Justice Department disclosed in February that it was seeking the resignation of most U.S. attorneys appointed during President Donald Trump's administration, though it did leave in place David Weiss, the top federal prosecutor in Delaware, where law enforcement officials have been conducting a criminal tax investigation involving Biden's son, Hunter.

U.S. attorneys serve at the presidents pleasure and are routinely nominated with a recommendation from a home-state senator. For instance, Trini Ross, a former federal prosecutor who is being nominated as U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York in Buffalo, was recommended for the job by the state's senior senator, Charles Schumer.
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It was a tragedy which made headlines around the world and marked the beginning of the end for Concorde, the world's most famous supersonic passenger airliner.

Air France Flight 4590 crashed during take-off on this day 21 years ago, killing all 109 people onboard. A little over three years later, the global Concorde fleet was retired.

But whilst the ultra-fast plane remains a global icon, its Russian-built competitor is far less well-known.

On December 31, 1968, three months before Concorde's first test flight, the Tupolev Tu-144 - which was dubbed the 'Konkordski' due to its resemblance to its Western competitor - was unveiled by the Moscow-based Voronezh Aircraft Production Association.

Named after A.N. Tupolev, the Soviet engineer who designed it, the plane was wheeled out of a secret hangar and successfully completed a 38-minute trip at record-setting speeds.

At the start of the following June, the plane became the first passenger airliner to go faster than the speed of sound, beating the British-French Concorde by four months.

In May 1970, the airliner then became the world's first commercial transport plane to exceed Mach 2, or 1522.41 miles per hour.

But it was also dogged by disaster  the most famous being when it fell out of the sky and burst into flames at the Paris Air Show on June 3, 1973, killing six crew members and eight people on the ground, including three children.

Its myriad design flaws also meant that it was so loud that passengers reported being unable to have a conversation whilst onboard.

On December 31, 1968, three months before Concorde's first test flight, the Tupolev Tu-144 - which was dubbed the 'Konkordski' due to its resemblance to its Western competitor' - was unveiled by the Moscow-based Voronezh Aircraft Production Association. Above: The plane in Germany in 1971

Named after A.N. Tupolev, the Soviet engineer who designed it, the plane was wheeled out of a secret hangar and successfully completed a 38-minute trip at record-setting speeds

The incident at the Paris Air Show set progress on the airliner back, meaning Concorde won the race to be the first to launch a passenger service in 1975.

Two years later - on November 1, 1977 - the Tupolev Tu-144 finally welcomed customers on an Aeroflot route between Moscow and Alma-Ata (now Almaty) in Kazakhstan.

The plane carried passengers at a speed of around 1,200mph and at an average height of 52,000ft.

However, the following year, the commercial service was stopped after another test flight crash and a string of failures.

The Tupolev Tu-144 continued to fly cargo routes until it was finally grounded in 1983.

Like Concorde, it was prohibitively expensive to run the Tupolev Tu-144 and it was plagued by malfunctions.

Unlike its Western competitor, the plane was bigger, heavier and less technologically advanced. It was also loud and uncomfortable for passengers.

Concorde's Air France Flight 4590 (pictured) crashed during take-off on this day 21 years ago, killing all 109 people onboard. A little over three years later, the global Concorde fleet was retired. But whilst the ultra-fast plane remains a global icon, its Russian-built competitor is far less well-known

Like Concorde, it was prohibitively expensive to run the Tupolev Tu-144 and it was plagued by malfunctions. Unlike its Western competitor, the plane was bigger, heavier and less technologically advanced. It was also loud and uncomfortable for passengers. Above: Its interior

Whilst the Tu-144 was larger and more powerful than Concorde, it was also 20 tonnes heavier, meaning its aerodynamic performance was not as good: Above: Air hostesses are seen smiling at a press event for the plane in 1969

Concorde had pioneered some cutting-edge technology  such as an electronic fly-by-wire control system and carbon-based brakes.

Its advanced systems meant its wings also slightly changed shape during flight to reduce drag.

By contrast, whilst the Tu-144 was larger and more powerful than Concorde, it was also 20 tonnes heavier, meaning its aerodynamic performance was not as good.

At the 1973 Paris Air Show, the Tu-144's pilots were seeking to wow the spectators as they competed with Concorde, which was also on display.

After Concorde had taken off and put on a dazzling display, the Tu-144 took off and made an initial 360-degree turn, which was successful.

But when it levelled off and began descending towards the ground, the plane could not withstand the stress it came under and it began to break up.

The plane then crashed in a nearby village, killing everyone onboard as well as eight French civilians on the ground.

The plane was dogged by disasters  the most famous being when it fell out of the sky and burst into flames at the Paris Air Show on June 3, 1973, killing six crew members and eight people on the ground, including three children. Above: The aftermath of the crash

After Concorde had taken off and put on a dazzling display, the Tu-144 took off and made an initial 360-degree turn, which was successful. But when it levelled off and began descending towards the ground, the plane could not withstand the stress it came under and it began to break up. The plane then crashed in a nearby village, killing everyone onboard as well as eight French civilians on the ground

The Tu-144 is seen in France in 1973. On November 1, 1977 - the Tupolev Tu-144 finally welcomed customers on an Aeroflot route between Moscow and Alma-Ata (now Almaty) in Kazakhstan

From left to right: The Tupolev Tu-144's test pilot Mikha Kozlov, the engine's commander Edouard Elian, the chief engineer A.A. Tupolev, the academician A.N. Tupolev and engineers Vladimir Benderov and Yuri Seliverstov

Whilst some put the crash down to pilot error, some Russian observers claimed that a Mirage fighter aircraft which was also being exhibited had caused the pilot to swerve and lose control.

Regardless of the exact reason for the crash, the disaster shook the world's faith in the Russian plane.

It was not until 1977 that passengers started to fly on the Tu-144  a year after Concorde began doing so.

However, passengers said that they were unable to even have a conversation onboard because the noise from the aircraft was so loud.

Part of the noise stemmed from the vast air conditioning units, which were necessary to prevent passengers from overheating.

Tu-144 continued to fly cargo routes until it was finally grounded in 1983. Above: Observers look at the plane during a press event

Soviet aircraft Tupolev Tu-144 is seen, 12 December 1968, during its maiden flight. It was built under the direction of engineer Alexei Tupolev

People who travelled on the Tu-144 also complained that the seating was too cramped and that the toilets did not work.

The final straw for the plane came in 1978, when a modified variant crashed on a pre-delivery flight to operator Aeroflot.

When Aeroflot decided to pull the plug on the plane in 1982, the Tu-144 had carried out just 102 commercial flights  only 55 of which had passengers onboard.

By comparison, Concorde flew more than 50,000 flights with British Airways alone.

By the end of the 1980s, all the Tu-144s had been mothballed, after a brief period in which some where used to train crew for planned Soviet space shuttle flights.

Overall, 16 Tu-144s were built, compared to 20 Concordes.

A history of Concorde and how a crash contributed to its demise Concorde changed the game of long distance travel by reaching extreme speeds and using a drooping nose for takeoff. The planes were one of the most advanced aircraft ever to fly passengers around the world with just 20 built over a 15-year period. But on this day 21 years ago, Concorde's Air France Flight 4590 en route from Paris to New York crashed shortly after take-off due to an engine fire, killing all 109 people onboard as well as four people on the ground. The crash marked the beginning of the end for Concorde, the world's most famous supersonic passenger airliner. A little over three years after the tragedy, the global Concorde fleet was retired. The Concorde fleets of British Airways and Air France were grounded pending an inquiry and although transatlantic flights resumed from London and Paris following a safety upgrade in November 2001 it wasn't to last. In April 2003 it is announced that Concorde would be taken out of service due to a sharp dip in passenger numbers amid global economic problems and the aftermath of September 11. The last Concorde touched down in October 2003 after a special flight from London Heathrow to Airbus UK's Filton airfield in Bristol. Now the 17 remaining Concorde jets which once hosted celebrities and royalty are dotted about the world in museums or storage. Among Concorde's most distinctive features was its pointed nose, which drooped downwards during take-off to allow for better pilot visibility. Its triangular 'delta' wings were also instantly recognisable and offered stability and efficiency. Innovations born with Concorde advanced aeronautics, including the weight-saving aluminium for the body and the first ever use of electronic controls to replace manual ones. According to BAE Systems, the estimated final overall cost of developing the Concorde was around 1.6 billion dollars. Its inaugural scheduled passenger flights were on January 21, 1976: the Paris-Rio route operated by Air France and London-Bahrain by British Airways. Jock Lowe, who was the longest serving Concorde pilot, said flying the aircraft was 'like driving a sports car compared with a normal car'. He continued: 'The most exhilarating part was the power you had on take-off. The acceleration was really quite special.' Concorde quickly established itself as the way to travel for the discerning tycoon and Hollywood star. Its fine wines and five-star cuisine assured it a large, well-heeled fan base, with regular passengers including the likes of Joan Collins, Sir Paul McCartney and Diana, Princess of Wales. But shorter travel times came at a price: a return London-New York ticket in 2003 cost around 8,300 pounds ($11,960). Advertisement
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump, Jr. are racking up high approval ratings among Republicans as the party sorts through a bevy of figures seeking to lead the party amid a polarized electorate and fierce GOP opposition to President Biden.

Donald Trump Jr., a favorite at Trump rallies dating back to 2015 and 2016, scored the highest approval ratings in a new survey by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates.

His approval rating stood at a net positive rating of 55 per cent among Republicans. He was running essentially even with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has rallied his party against coronavirus lockdowns.

Donald Trump Jr. has a net positive approval rating of 55 percent in a new survey among Republicans

DeSantis has been among several figures mentioned as possible 2024 Republican presidential candidates. Trump Jr. has frequently been seen as a potential heir to his father's political legacy, although he has never held public office and has turned down opportunities to pursue statewide elective office.

He helped run the Trump Organization while his father was in the White House, although the company was indicted on tax fraud charges last month and faces protracted legal struggles.

The men are among seven public figures whose popularity was measured in a poll conducted by Tony Fabrizio, who did polling for Donald Trump's two presidential campaigns. The data was reported by Axios, although the article did not reveal question wording or ordering, or reveal any data on a straight-up question on who respondents favor for president.

Trump Jr. and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came in ahead among the seven GOP figures where data was released

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a potential GOP presidential candidate, had a net positive 54 per cent approval rating, although his state is going through another coronavirus spike

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) scored a net positive 17 per cent rating, despite facing potential indictment

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who was thrown off her House committees, maintains a net positive rating of 8 per cent

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who got dumped as a member of the House GOP leadership following her backing of the second Trump impeachment, scored a negative 43 per cent rating

One figure who is in the gutter among her own party, according to the poll, is GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, who voted to impeach Trump and accepted Speaker Nancy Pelosi's appointment to a Jan. 6th riot commission.

She has become the face of a dwindling opposition to former President Trump amid the House GOP. Her approval rating stood at a negative 43 per cent among Republicans, according to the poll.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who denounced Trump after the riot, but has worked to stymie much of President Biden's agenda and helped force through Trump's Supreme Court picks, comes in at a barely net positive rating of + 2 per cent.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a loyal Trump backer who is facing potential criminal indictment amid a probe of former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, scored a net positive 17 per cent rating.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who was stripped of her committee assignments this year amid a series of statements, including embracing a 9/11 conspiracy theory, accusing Nancy Pelosi of treason, and blaming lasers from space for California wildfires, comes in at a net positive 8 per cent. The lawmakers was able to score a big fundraising haul after getting ousted from committees.

DeSantis, 42, comes from a state that is key to presidential politics and was a cornerstone of Trump's 2016 win. He has sought to carve out a role as a leader of resistance to coronavirus restrictions, although his state has now become a national center for new infections from the coronavirus.

The approval ratings that were released did not include former President Donald Trump, who is blasting out daily attacks on President Biden and who continues to claim the 2020 election was fraudulent. Trump has seen elected Republicans in Congress fall behind his claims in the weeks since the Jan. 6th Capitol riot.
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The son of a struck-off nurse who compared NHS medics to Nazis at an anti-vaxxer rally today called on her to be prosecuted for her 'very dangerous' comments.

Sebastian Shemirani, 21, is estranged from his conspiracy theorist mother Kate, 54, who says his criticism of her shows he is now part of a 'global plot' orchestrated by the CIA she believes will wipe out half the UK's population in the next five years.

Asked what should happen to her, Sebastian said: 'Be prosecuted under existing laws, or if there aren't existing laws in place that say that what she is doing is illegal then we should be having a national conversation about what laws we should be bringing in and drafting up legislation for that.

'Because it's only a matter of time before... somebody acts on the bad advice that she's giving the country.'

He said he believes his mother cannot be helped. 'My mum is definitely beyond help,' Sebastian told the programme. 'The problem is that she's so arrogant in her world view and really, truly believes that she is a conduit for the truth on a spiritual level, not just a scientific level.'

He added: 'It's impossible to talk to somebody when they've got that level of God complex.'

Shemirani is being investigated by police amid claims she may have incited violence and broken hate crime laws.

Sebastian Shemirani, 21, is estranged from his conspiracy theorist mother Kate, 54, believes she should be prosecuted for her comments

Thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday to protest against the vaccination programme and the Government's approach to the pandemic where shamed nurse Kate Shemirani was the star speaker. Her comments are now subject to a police investigation

Mrs Shemirani who qualified as a nurse 35 years ago, is being investigated by police saying medics were like Nazi doctors complicit in genocide and should face 'Nuremberg trials', said vaccination teams should be renamed 'death squads' and referred to the NHS as the 'new Auschwitz' during a rally with Piers Corbyn on Saturday.

Boris Johnson today condemned Shemirani comments, having previously called anti-vaxxers 'nuts', with his official spokesman saying: 'Doctors and nurses have done a heroic job throughout this pandemic and continue to do so. Any violence, threats or intimidation is completely unacceptable', adding that if she has committed any crimes that is a 'matter for the police'.

She was also removed from social media and struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council last month for spreading misinformation, claiming that symptoms of Covid-19 were caused by 5G and that vaccines were 'rushed through' because 'they want to kill you'.

Shemirani said nursing colleagues who reported her to the watchdog were overweight and jealous of her, but a panel banned her from her job for public protection.

Sebastian, a banking intern with JP Morgan who graduated from the London School of Economics after attending Eton, today launched an extraordinary evisceration of his mother's bizarre conspiracy theories, which he says she tried to impose on her own children from a young age.

Mr Shemirani is also concerned she has become a far-right poster girl despite having mixed-race children her supporters wouldn't want to 'exist', because his father is Iranian. He said: 'People are taking her as a source of truth and a saint and I wish I could tell them all that my mum is not the person you think she is. She's someone with a massive amount of self-interest and loves being the centre of attention'.

Responding to his claims she told the BBC: 'From what I can see it would appear a 'conspiracy theorist' is actually now anyone who believes something other than what your controllers want them to believe. I find this deeply disturbing'.

Kate Shemirani, 54, was removed from social media and suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council in July last year for spreading misinformation (pictured: Shemirani at the rally on July 24)

Kate Shemirani speaks to thousands of protesters during the demonstration. Demonstrators protest in Trafalgar Square, London

Pictured: Kate Shemirani with Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

The mother-of-four lives in East Sussex having separated from her husband Faramarz Shemirani in 2014, the father of her four children, and her remarks were branded 'reprehensible' and said they 'could put nursing staff at risk', according to the Royal College of Nursing.

Shamed anti-vaxxer nurse whose own son has abandoned her and claims that NHS colleagues who got her struck off were overweight and jealous Mother-of-four Kate Shemirani, a former nurse of 35 years, is adamant coronavirus is a hoax and claimed its symptoms are linked to the roll-out of 5G Mother-of-four Kate Shemirani, a former nurse of 35 years, is adamant coronavirus is a hoax and claimed its symptoms are linked to the roll-out of 5G. She has argued the vaccine is a political tool to gain access to and change people's DNA, has likened lockdown to the Holocaust and insisted dancing NHS nurses will 'stand trial for genocide'. She wrote: 'Murder. Genocide. The NHS is the new Auschwitz.' She is a headliner at anti-lockdown rallies, having joined conspiracy theorists David Icke and Piers Corbyn at a protest in August. She directed yobs to confront riot police whom she branded 'dirty dogs' and mocked for wearing face masks at a rally in September. Her son Sebastian, 21, said he is concerned about the impact his mother's claims could have on public health and branded her 'dangerous' and an 'attention-seeker'. Miss Shemirani has been suspended for 18 months to avoid the risk of harm to the public. The Nursing and Midwifery Council is investigating her statements linking coronavirus vaccines to 5G mobile phone technology. Miss Shemirani said nurses who made accusations against her did so because they were overweight and jealous. She added: 'We all know what women can be like.' She has reportedly resigned as a registered nurse. Advertisement

When asked if their relationship could recover he said: 'I think she's too far gone to be helped. I'm never going to have a relationship with my mum again. And that's why it's important that if someone is coming to you and says: 'I'm starting to believe all this stuff'. Nip it in the bud. Because it takes a couple of years to completely lose somebody.

'When this is over and everything she says is forgotten and the global genocide hasn't happened people will forget about it. But the disaster that goes on in my family and the relationships she's losing now that stuff stays forever'.

He heard from her earlier this month, as she appeared at two major anti-vaxxer rallies with Jeremy Corbyn's brother Piers.

In a text she wrote: 'You need to listen to me. You and your sister are going to die. The CIA has a plot and half the Uk's population is going to be killed within five years'.

Sebastian said his childhood was made a misery because of his mother's obsession with conspiracy theories, which terrified him into thinking the end of the world is coming. He said: 'It was hell'.

He was shown YouTube videos and 'the Rothschilds are planning to go live on a space station and how there's going to be this mass genocide, stuff like that. I'm ten, 11 years old and I'm bricking it. I can't believe that the genocide is coming'. And when he left home at 17 he said: 'She came to see me as part of this global plot'.

Sebastian told the BBC he felt compelled to speak out having lost his mother. He said: 'We've got to do it before these idea get bigger and more people fall down the route she's trying to take them down. You can only prevent it before it happens'.

Sebastian is worried that her cause has also been taken up by the far-right.

He said: 'My dad is Iranian, all of her children are mixed race and she's out there getting all this clout and attention from people who don't think I should exist and certainly wouldn't want to listen to her if they did any digging whatsoever'.

Police are investigating Kate Shemirani, 54, who was removed from social media and suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council in July last year for spreading misinformation.

She had used her status as a health professional to spread 'distorted propaganda' about the Covid-19 pandemic, claiming that symptoms of the virus were caused by 5G and that vaccines were 'rushed through' because 'they want to kill you'.

Shemirani had previously said nurses were complicit in genocide, said vaccination teams should be renamed 'death squads' and referred to the NHS as the 'new Auschwitz'.

In footage posted on Twitter on Saturday, she speaks to a crowd in Trafalgar Square through a loudhailer, telling them: 'At the Nuremberg trials, the doctors and nurses, they stood trial, and they hung.

'If you are a doctor or a nurse, now is the time to get off that bus.

'Get off it and stand with us, the people, all around the world they are rising.'

Palliative care doctor Rachel Clarke uploaded footage of her remarks, tagging the Met Police and accusing Shemirani of 'threatening NHS doctors with the noose' and 'inciting hatred'.

Shemirani had told the crowd to 'get the names' of NHS workers, adding: 'Email them to me. With a group of lawyers, we are collecting all that.'

A Met Police spokesman said that the remarks were being investigated.

'We are aware of video circulating online showing a speech that occurred during a rally in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, 24 July.

'Officers are carrying out inquiries to establish whether any offences have been committed. No arrests have been made.'

She has argued the vaccine is a political tool to gain access to and change people's DNA, has likened lockdown to the Holocaust and insisted dancing NHS nurses will 'stand trial for genocide'

Shmirani's social media accounts with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram have since been blocked, but it is alleged she continued to post similar content and feature on other people's accounts on other social media sites such as Telegram, BitChute and Brighteon

Kate Shemirani in Parliament Square on July 19 - she wore a nurse's uniform despite being struck off a month earlier

THE NUREMBERG DOCTORS' TRIAL The doctors' trial was the first of 12 trials for war crimes of high-ranking German officials and industrialists that US authorities held in Nuremberg after the end of World War II. Twenty of the twenty-three defendants were medical doctors, and were said to have been involved in Nazi human experimentation and mass murder under the guise of euthanasia. The accused were faced with four charges of war crimes, including performing medical experiments, without the subjects' consent, on prisoners of war and civilians of occupied countries, in the course of which experiments the defendants committed murders, brutalities, cruelties, tortures, atrocities, and other inhuman acts. They were also charged with planning and performing the mass murder of prisoners of war and civilians of occupied countries, stigmatised as aged, insane, incurably ill, deformed, and so on, by gas, lethal injections, and other means in nursing homes, hospitals, and asylums during the Euthanasia Program and participating in the mass murder of concentration camp inmates. Accusations also included crimes against humanity and membership in a criminal organization, the SS. The indictment was filed on 25 October 1946, and the trial lasted from 9 December that year until 20 August 1947. Of the 23 defendants, seven were acquitted and seven received death sentences. The remainder received prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. All of the criminals sentenced to death were hanged on 2 June 1948 in Landsberg prison, Bavaria. Josef Mengele, one of the leading Nazi doctors, had evaded capture. Advertisement

Last month it was revealed that an NMC Fitness to Practice Committee ruled that her misconduct was so serious that she should be struck from the nursing register permanently.

In its ruling, the chair of the panel found that Mrs Shemirani 'attempted to encourage people to act contrary to public health guidance issued by the UK government by spreading this information through social media platforms and at public events'.

The panel heard that Mrs Shemirani first joined the NMC register in June 1986 and had previously worked in the NHS but now describes herself as an 'aesthetic nurse practitioner'.

The NMC received a 'significant number of referrals' about her conduct last year as she became a leading activist, speaker and promoter against vaccines and the existence of Covid-19.

She used her social media brand 'Kate Shemirani - Natural Nurse in a Toxic World' to spread her opinions, often referring to herself as a registered nurse and wearing a nurse's uniform in her videos.

The panel heard her describe face masks as 'dirty rags' and 'muzzles'. She claimed they 'do not stop viruses' and that 'wearing a mask makes people very sick and increases the risk of bacteria and the risk of infections'.

According to her, ingredients in vaccines include 'acetone and aborted foetal cell tissue that turns into cancer'.

She said the HPV 'kills girls on the spot' and described the Covid-19 vaccines as 'downright deadly', adding that 'there is no C-19 other than the one pre loaded into a syringe'.

Her social media accounts with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram have since been blocked, but the panel heard that she continued to post similar content and feature on other people's accounts on other social media sites such as Telegram, BitChute and Brighteon.

She was interviewed on main stream national media networks as a leading 'anti-vaxxer', including on BBC One Panorama, Sky News, and ITV Wales.

Reaching it's decision, the panel heard how she also used her social media platform to compare health organisations with Nazi death camps.
A fourth member of the so-called Stockwell Six - a group of young black men who were wrongly jailed for attempting to rob a corrupt police officer nearly 50 years ago - has mounted an appeal against his conviction.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission announced on Monday that Texo Johnson got in touch after his sister saw the news that three of his friends had their names cleared earlier this month.

The convictions of Courtney Harriot, Paul Green and Cleveland Davidson were overturned by the Court of Appeal as they were based on the word of corrupt British Transport Police officer Detective Sergeant Derek Ridgewell.

The trio, Mr Johnson and two others  Ronald De'Souza and Everett Mullins, who was acquitted  were arrested on the London Underground on a night out on February 18 1972.

The Stockwell Six, as they became known, were accused of trying to rob Ridgewell, who was in plain clothes and had previously served in the police in South Rhodesia, now Zimbabwean.

The Stockwell Six were largely convicted on the evidence provided by Detective Sergeant Derek Ridgewell (pictured) who was later found to be corrupt and died in prison in 1982

Ridgewell claimed the six, who got on the train at Stockwell station in south London, attempted to rob him before he fought back and arrested them with a team of undercover officers.

They all pleaded not guilty, but all bar one were convicted and sent to jail or borstal, despite telling jurors that police officers had lied and subjected them to violence and threats.

Mr Mullins was acquitted because it was shown that his reading was not good enough for him to have read and fully understood his signed statement, which was written for him by Ridgewell.

But Mr Harriot was sentenced to three years in prison, Mr Davidson was sentenced to six months' detention and Mr Green was sent to borstal.

Mr Johnson has now submitted an application to the CCRC, which investigates miscarriages of justice, and is expected to become the ninth person convicted in the 1970s on the word of Ridgewell to finally have their name cleared.

In a statement, he said: 'It happened such a long time ago so, to be honest, I'd put it to the back of my mind.

'I'm still taking it all in and it's quite overwhelming  but I'm pleased to have the same opportunity to finally clear my name.'

CCRC chairwoman Helen Pitcher said: 'We'd tried a number of ways in the past to try and find Mr Johnson, which is why we were delighted when his sister called and put us in touch with him. It was a good day for us all.'

After his conviction was overturned earlier in July, Mr Davidson described Ridgewell as a 'corrupt and wicked and evil police officer' and said his own conviction had affected him for the last five decades and 'ruined' his life.

He asked: 'We got justice today, but it has not put it right  how can it put it right?'

The convictions of Courtney Harriot, Paul Green (left) and Cleveland Davidson (right) were overturned by the Court of Appeal earlier this month

Ridgewell was involved in a number of high-profile and controversial cases in the early 1970s, culminating in the 1973 acquittals of the so-called Tottenham Court Road Two  two young Jesuits studying at Oxford University.

He was then moved into a department investigating mailbag theft, where he joined up with two criminals with whom he split the profits of stolen mailbags.

He was eventually caught and jailed for seven years, and died of a heart attack in prison in 1982 at the age of 37.

Ridgewell's corruption has previously led to eight wrongful convictions being overturned by the Court of Appeal.

In January 2018, Stephen Simmons' 1976 conviction for stealing mailbags was quashed after he discovered Ridgewell was jailed for a similar offence two years after his own conviction.

In December 2019, three members of the Oval Four  who were arrested at Oval Underground station in 1972 and accused by Ridgewell's 'mugging squad' of stealing handbags  also had their convictions overturned.

Winston Trew, Sterling Christie and George Griffiths were all sentenced to two years, later reduced to eight months on appeal, following a five-week trial at the Old Bailey.

In March 2020, the final member of the Oval Four, Constantine 'Omar' Boucher, also had his name cleared, prompting calls for a 'wholesale review' of all cases linked to Ridgewell.

After Mr Davidson, Mr Green and Mr Harriot's convictions were overturned, BTP Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock said the force had 'examined all available records' of investigations where Ridgewell was the principal officer.

He said BTP 'have not identified any additional matters that we feel should be referred for external review'.
America has hit a roadblock in the coronavirus pandemic.

A hard, very dangerous and completely unnecessary roadblock.

Put bluntly, a lot of deluded, ill-informed, shamefully scare-mongered, or simply complacent Americans have got it into their heads that either the covid vaccines are somehow more dangerous than covid itself, or the virus isn't serious enough to warrant protection from it.

Some of these sceptics believe the insane conspiracy-theory that the US Government is using vaccines to plant microchips in their heads to control their minds. (Don't laugh: a recent Economist/YouGov poll revealed that 20% of Americans really do suspect this.)

Many more, tens of millions of people across the United States, are hesitant to get jabbed for all manner of other reasons ranging from doubts about the vaccine's efficacy, to a fear they impair fertility, damage pregnancy, alter DNA, magnetize you, or even actively help transmit the virus.

These unsubstantiated theories have been fuelled by anti-vaxxer whack-jobs online, and especially on social media.

And they have sadly begun to have a very real and deadly influence, as I can personally attest.

A lot of deluded, ill-informed, shamefully scare-mongered, or simply complacent Americans have got it into their heads that either the covid vaccines are somehow more dangerous than covid itself, or the virus isn't serious enough to warrant protection from it

Fewer than one in ten Americans who reject the vaccines trust the nation's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci, and only 20% trust the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC). This is largely down to a lengthy concerted effort by many anti-vaxxers on social media, and some in the mainstream media, to denigrate both Fauci and the CDC

I've just had covid, the Delta variant, despite being fully vaccinated with the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

It was an unpleasant experience and I felt quite sick, as sick as I've felt from any illness, but I never came close to being hospitalized or dying.

So, the vaccine worked: it stopped me getting seriously ill.

But when I revealed this on Twitter and Instagram, and urged people to get jabbed, I was promptly bombarded with an astonishing amount of utterly insane and incredibly vitriolic responses from the anti-vaxxer brigade  many of them in America.

They accused me of being paid by the UK government to say this, or of being paid by the vaccine companies, or by Bill Gates to help him in his evil masterplan to stick his own 5g chips in our brains.

They didn't believe I'd had covid, or if I did, then it proved the vaccines don't work.

They screamed abuse at me for encouraging people to get the vaccines, many branding me 'Mengele' after Josef Mengele, the evil Nazi 'Angel of Death' scientist who helped create the Holocaust gas chambers and performed deadly experiments on concentration camp prisoners.

I'm used to being trolled, but this was on a different scale to anything I've experienced.

A few even threatened me with physical violence if I didn't 'shut the f*ck up' with my 'pro-vaxx propaganda.'

The venom and volume of the reaction said all I needed to know about why US vaccination rates are stalling.

And America's growing hesitancy to get jabbed is now directly threatening the country's ability to defeat covid.

Back in mid-April, the US was vaccinating more than three million people a day in one of the fastest, best vaccine distribution programs in the world.

Now, that figure is down to just 500,000 a day.

Yet new covid cases have doubled in the past month and every single state is seeing an increase, some in the south very sharp increases, as the Delta variant begins to run riot as it has been in the UK and many other parts of the world.

President Biden, who missed his target of getting 70% of over-18s vaccinated with at least one shot by July 4 (it's still only 68%), has blamed firms like Facebook for 'killing people' by allowing covid misinformation to take hold on their platforms.

He later withdrew that claim after a furious backlash - but he shouldn't have because he was right.

President Biden, who missed his target of getting 70% of over-18s vaccinated with at least one shot by July 4 (it's still only 68%), has blamed firms like Facebook for 'killing people' by allowing covid misinformation to take hold on their platforms. He later withdrew that claim after a furious backlash - but he shouldn't have because he was right

Stephen Harmon, a member of the Hillsong megachurch in California, had been a vocal opponent of vaccines on social media, making a series of jokes about not having the vaccine. Last Wednesday, Harmon died from Covid-19 in a hospital outside Los Angeles. How many of his followers might also succumb to the virus because they believed him when he mocked the vaccines?

Stephen Harmon, a member of the Hillsong megachurch in California, had been a vocal opponent of vaccines on social media, making a series of jokes about not having the vaccine.

'Got 99 problems but a vax ain't one,' the 34-year-old boasted to his 7,000 Twitter followers in June.

Last Wednesday, Harmon died from Covid-19 in a hospital outside Los Angeles.

How many of his followers might also succumb to the virus because they believed him when he mocked the vaccines?

It couldn't be a more critical time in the pandemic for Americans to believe the science about vaccines or for social media firms to wipe anti-vaxxer conspiracy theorists off their sites.

If they can do it to Trump for inciting a riot at the Capitol, they should do it to people inciting a deadly refusal to take a vaccine that will save many more lives than were lost on January 6.

I'm the biggest supporter of free speech you'll ever meet but it doesn't apply to those who incite rioting or cause needless deaths with deliberate lies in a public health emergency.

The Delta variant is at least twice as contagious as the original strain of covid, and carries 1000x the viral load, so it will infect and kill more people.

This is especially true of countries with poor or non-existent vaccine programs.

They are sadly going to see covid explode in the next few weeks and months, their health systems will come under severe pressure, and many victims will get seriously ill and die.

America is in a much stronger position to withstand the Delta surge because 80% of the most vulnerable adult population, the over-65s, are now fully vaccinated.

But the total number of vaccinated Americans remains under half (49%), with many young people being brainwashed into rejecting it, yet the stats couldn't possibly be any more emphatic about vaccine efficacy.

White House surgeon-general Vivek Murthy revealed last Thursday that 97% of covid hospital admissions, and 99.5% of covid deaths, in the US are currently occurring among unvaccinated people.

These aren't invented numbers  they're cold, hard, unarguable facts.

Yet, the Economist/YouGov poll revealed that just 16% those who reject vaccination in the US believe most new cases are among unvaccinated.

And 90% fear potential side effects from the vaccines more than they fear actual covid.

The reason for this is contained elsewhere in the poll, which also revealed a catastrophic breakdown in trust between America's vaccine-sceptic citizens and its scientific experts.

Fewer than one in ten Americans who reject the vaccines trust the nation's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci, and only 20% trust the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC).

This is largely down to a lengthy concerted effort by many anti-vaxxers on social media, and some in the mainstream media, to denigrate both Fauci and the CDC.

The result is clear to see: the Delta variant is now almost exclusively targeting the country's unvaccinated population because they don't have the shots to stop it.

It's been so depressing to see the vaccine roll-out descend into yet another excuse for vicious partisan tribalism.

Covid presents a common threat to mankind, it doesn't care about our political persuasion, yet thanks largely to Donald Trump's shocking failure to take it seriously enough when he was President, it is now a virus that many more Republicans than Democrats continue to be complacent about

Back in mid-April, the US was vaccinating more than three million people a day in one of the fastest, best vaccine distribution programs in the world. Now, that figure is down to just 500,000 a day

Covid presents a common threat to mankind, it doesn't care about our political persuasion, yet thanks largely to Donald Trump's shocking failure to take it seriously enough when he was President, it is now a virus that many more Republicans than Democrats continue to be complacent about  seemingly oblivious to the reality that if they don't get vaccinated, the pandemic will be prolonged, and their freedom further impinged.

Even Trump's own former surgeon-general Jerome Adams has demanded people get vaccinated to stop covid restrictions returning to American life.

'More mitigation is coming,' he warned on CBS Face The Nation. 'Whether it's masking, or whether it's closures or whether it's your kids having to return to virtual learning, that is coming. And it's coming because this pandemic is spiraling out of control yet again. And it's spiraling out of control because we don't have enough people vaccinated.'

He's right.

As Dr Fauci said: 'We're going in the wrong direction if you look at the inflection of the curve in cases. If we don't vaccinate people, the model is going to predict that we're going to be in trouble.'

Though frankly, a lobotomised imbecile could predict that.

I listened to the anguished son of a prominent UK anti-vaxxer on the radio today, and my heart broke for him.

I listened to the anguished son of a prominent UK anti-vaxxer on the radio today, and my heart broke for him. Sebastian Shemirani, 21, is now estranged from his mother Kate because she's turned into a ranting madwoman spewing hideous anti-vaccine claptrap at rallies all over Britain

Sebastian Shemirani, 21, is now estranged from his mother Kate because she's turned into a ranting madwoman spewing hideous anti-vaccine claptrap at rallies all over Britain.

Mrs Shemirani, 54, who incredibly is a qualified nurse, plunged to a disgusting new low at the weekend when she said doctors and nurses who support covid vaccines are like Nazi doctors complicit in genocide and should face 'Nuremberg trials'.

She also claimed vaccination teams should be renamed 'death squads' and referred to the UK's National health Service as the 'new Auschwitz.'

Her son, a banker, said their falling out was irreparable, and warned:

The total number of vaccinated Americans remains under half (49%), with many young people being brainwashed into rejecting it, yet the stats couldn't possibly be any more emphatic about vaccine efficacy

'I think she's too far gone to be helped. I'm never going to have a relationship with my mum again. And that's why it's important that if someone is coming to you and says: 'I'm starting to believe all this stuff'. Nip it in the bud. Because it takes a couple of years to completely lose somebody. When this is over and everything she says is forgotten and the global genocide hasn't happened people will forget about it. But the disaster that goes on in my family and the relationships she's losing now that stuff stays forever'.

I feel so sorry for him.

But the real disaster here isn't the impact that attention-seeking crazies like Kate Shemirani have on their poor families, but on the scores of people who believe her and high- profile conspiracy theorists around the world like her, shun the vaccines, and tell their friends and family to shun the vaccines.

This will cost many lives.

To win the war on covid, we need to go to war on the anti-vaxxers - shut them down, get them off the airwaves, ban them from social media, and urgently re-educate their brainwashed followers about the incontrovertible truth around vaccines.

And we need to do it now.
More Albanian criminals will be expelled from England and Wales and transferred to prisons in their home country under an agreement reached Monday by the government.

UK and Albanian justice ministers Chris Philp and Etilda Gjonaj approved the Prisoner Transfer Agreement, where British criminals in Albanian jails will also be returned to the UK.

The deal builds on an agreement signed by home secretary Priti Patel earlier this month that was designed to speed up the process of deporting crooks.

Under the new deal, repatriated prisoners will serve their full sentence in their home country and they will be banned from ever returning to the UK. Albania will pay the costs of housing prisoners once they leave the UK, though Britain will cover the cost of their transport.

UK and Albanian justice ministers Chris Philp and Etilda Gjonaj approved the Prisoner Transfer Agreement, where British criminals in Albanian jails will also be returned to the UK

More Albanian criminals will be expelled from England and Wales and transferred to prisons in their home country under an agreement reached Monday by the government

Pictured, a gang of Albanian drug dealers are taunting cops by posting pictures of drug money and flash cars to a public Instagram page

Albanian nationals make up 10 per cent of foreign criminals in UK jails - the largest share held by any other country. More than 1,500 Albanians are in prison in England and Wales. The UK does not have statistics on British prisoners in overseas jails, though the number imprisoned in Albania is thought to be extremely low.

There is growing concern over the number of foreign nationals in prison in England and Wales - one in eight inmates are now non-UK citizens.

Under the new deal, Albania will pay the costs of housing prisoners once they leave the UK, though Britain will cover the cost of their transport. The repatriated prisoners will serve their full sentence in their home country and they will be banned from ever returning to the UK.

The transfers won't begin until at least the autumn.

UK and Albanian justice ministers Chris Philp and Etilda Gjonaj approved the Prisoner Transfer Agreement,

'We are committed to removing foreign criminals who have abused our hospitality and inflicted misery on our communities,' Philp said in a statement.

The bilateral Albanian prisoner deal is a major breakthrough post-Brexit and could pave the way for similar deals, such as Poland, whose nationals make up the second largest bloc of foreign prisoners in UK jails.

The UK and Albania halve also reaffirmed their shared commitment to crack down on Western Balkan-based crime groups that are involved in drugs trafficking, illicit finance and organised immigration crime to the UK.
He also denies giving the SRA false or misleading information

A solicitor told a Muslim woman she could 'return to Afghanistan to educate the Taliban on terrorism' at a function, a tribunal was told.

Victor Stockinger, 61, allegedly made a series of 'racially, ethically, and religiously motivated' remarks at the event held at the High Court in 2019.

The New Zealand-born lawyer had asked several women at the event if their male partners 'paid towards their lifestyle', the Solicitors' Disiplinary Tribunal heard.

He had allegedly said at the function held by the the Solicitors' Association of High Court Advocates: 'The definition of a successful woman is on that can afford to spend anything she likes, the definition of a successful man is one who can afford such a woman.'

Stockinger also told a solicitor from Zaire that her French must be worse than her Gujarati and Hindi due to her Asian heritage, it was said.

Nimue Bruce, for the SRA, said: 'In 2019 at a function that took place at the High Court by the Solicitors' Association of High Court Advocates, Mr Stockinger made a series of remarks which were racially, ethically, and religiously motivated.

Stockinger allegedly made the remarks at the event held at the High Court in 2019

'One of the complainants is a Muslim woman from Afghanistan.

'Following introductions being made, Mr Stockinger asked where she was from and what languages she spoke.

'She said Dari/Farsi in response. Mr Stockinger said she was wrong, in fact she spoke Tajik.

'He then said she was wasting her time working in the field of human rights and she could return to Afghanistan to educate the Taliban on terrorism.

'Another woman reported Mr Stockinger asking if she had any interest in genetics, and that she must have Irish or Celtic ancestry.'

The woman responded that she had 93 percent Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry according to a genetic test, the tribunal heard.

Ms Bruce continued: 'Mr Stockinger says: ''So you think you're Jewish?''

'She says: ''I don't think I'm Jewish, I know I'm Jewish.''

'Mr Stockinger responded: ''So you're playing the religion or race card.'' '

Mr Stockinger allegedly told other attendees at the event that 'Africans can never get it right' and that the 'Belgians made the Congo civil', the tribunal heard.

He denies giving the Solicitors Regulation Authority false or misleading information while he was being investigated for misconduct.

Stockinger, of Bloomsbury, central London, denies making racially, ethnically, or religiously motivated statements, and failing to comply with an SRA investigation.

The sole practitioner, admitted to the profession in 1990, also denies failing to comply with orders 'made in proceedings requiring him to make costs payments to other parties'.

The tribunal continues.
The man who went viral this weekend after confronting Fox News Host Tucker Carlson at a bait shop in Montana has received a deluge of hate on his Facebook page since sharing video of the encounter on Instagram.

On Saturday Dan Bailey posted a 22-second clip of his interaction with Carlson at the shop in which he called him, 'the worst human being ever' in a rant over the host's stance on Covid vaccines.

But on Sunday, after the video had garnered more than 113,000 views, Bailey's Facebook page was hit with more than 150 mostly negative comments under an employment update he shared announcing that he had started a new job at the National Parks Conservation Association as Yellowstone Program Manager.

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Montana fly fisherman Dan Bailey confronted Tucker Carlson on Friday at a fishing supplies store in Livingston, Montana, where he called the Fox News host 'the worst human being ever'

Bailey is now confronting a wave of negative comments on his Facebook page after the video went viral

Bailey did not immediately return a request for comment. A spokeswoman for the National Parks Conservation Association said Bailey's opinions were his own and did not reflect those of the organization.

The responses Bailey received included a number of threats, as well as a few noting that as word of Bailey's encounter got out, he might soon be in the market for a new job.

'Well, your life is ruined while Tucker will continue to be the highest rated cable news program. Hope your publicity stunt was worth it Dan Bailey!' wrote one user.

The disparaging comments included threats as well as many suggesting he might soon be out of a job as word of his video got out

The comments were in response to an employment update Bailey made on his Facebook page

'Be very very very glad I wasnt at that store that day my lucky friend. The only hunting you would be doing is for a dentist. You are a cowardly scumbag and I will make sure your work gets it good and hard,' wrote another.

'Be looking for a new job STAT,' threatened another. 'Am in touch with your bosses at the highest levels. Thankfully I have connections in DC and you acted like a punk. Embarrassment to Your employment.'

'Hey Marxist Dan- probably a good time for you to be looking for another job! Next time you make yourself famous, can you hold in your gut?' joked another.

'Confronting a person in front of their children like that makes you a complete coward,' wrote another, noting that Carlson in the video tells Bailey that he was visiting the store with his daughter.



'Mr Bailey, you are probably one of the best fishing guides in all of Montana, but you don't know anything when it comes to the lying media. Tucker is far from a racist and we here in Florida know the truth about the vaccine, so when you get your head out of your fishing box, let us know,' posted another.

In the video Bailey has a wide smirk while Carlson appears more withdrawn and whispers, 'My daughter is here,' to which Bailey says, 'I don't care man. You are the worst human being known to man. I want you to know that.'

A local resident named Dan Bailey had someone film the interaction and shared it on Instagram, where he identified himself as the man in the video

The Fox News host says, 'Settle down son,' to which Bailey says, 'Son? Don't call me son,' before Carlson walks away with Bailey trying to follow him before the video ends

Bailey shared the 22-second clip to his Instagram page, where it has garnered 113,501 views as of Sunday morning

In response, Carlson says. 'I appreciate that. I appreciate that.'

Bailey continues, 'What you have done to everybody else in this state, to the United States, to everyone else in this world. What you have done to families, what you have done to everybody else in this world. I don't care that your daughter is here. What you've done to people's families '

As he talks, Carlson notices he is being recorded on a camera and gives a grin.

The Fox News host says, 'Settle down son,' to which Bailey says, 'Son? Don't call me son,' before Carlson walks away with Bailey trying to follow him as the video ends.

Bailey captioned the video, 'It's not everyday you get to tell someone they are the worst person in the world and really mean it! What an a**hole! This man has killed more people with vaccine misinformation, he has supported extreme racism, he is a fascist and does more to rip this country apart than anyone that calls themselves an American.'

On July 16 episode of 'Tucker Carlson Tonight,' the Fox News host slammed 'idiot Republicans' for focusing on Cuba rather than the 'tyrannical' United States government

The video stands out on Bailey's Instagram, which appears otherwise apolitical and is filled with photos of him hunting and fishing.

It is unclear what Bailey was going to say before the video ended, but his Instagram caption alluded to Carlson's statements on the Covid-19 vaccine.

Most recently, Carlson called out Republicans on July 16 for focusing on Cuba's communist regime instead of Biden's Press Secretary Jen Psaki's announcement that the White House is 'regularly' coordinating with Facebook and other social media giants on news it thinks should be censored, particularly regarding alleged misinformation about the vaccine.

Carlson said, 'Even today idiot Republicans on the hill spent their whole day talking about the lack of freedom in Cuba  and it's not a free country, that's true  but increasingly neither are we and they don't seem to notice what's going on in the country they're supposed to be running.'

The clip has been shared multiple times on Twitter, including by Donald Trump Jr., who compared Bailey to the newest Emoji depicting a pregnant man

The clip was also shared by the conservative political action committee The Lincoln Project

The Lincoln Project has been known for its anti-Trump stance and has called out Fox News a number of times for its statements on the coronavirus, most recently in a pinned tweet posted on July 22

Carlson did not publicly respond to Bailey's video as of Sunday morning.

In a statement sent to the Daily Mail, a Fox News spokesperson said, 'Ambushing Tucker Carlson while he is in a store with his family is totally inexcusable  no public figure should be accosted regardless of their political persuasion or beliefs simply due to the intolerance of another point of view.'

The clip has been shared multiple times on Twitter, including by Donald Trump Jr., who wrote, 'Is the loser who went out of his way to have someone video him harassing Tucker in public for some viral content the model for the new Pregnant Male Emoji? The likeness is uncanny! #SoBrave.'

The clip was also shared by the conservative political action committee The Lincoln Project, whose tweet included Bailey's quote calling Carlson the 'worst human being' and was shared 24,400 times and liked 97,200 times.

The Lincoln Project has been known for its anti-Trump stance and has called out Fox News a number of times for its statements on the coronavirus. A pinned tweet from the organization, posted on July 22, is captioned 'Fox News has blood on its hands,' and includes a video dragging the news outlet for its statements against the Covid-19 vaccine.

The fishing store, which coincidentally shares the same name as the man in the video, posted a statement to distance themselves from Bailey's actions.

The statement read, 'On July 23rd, a well-known television personality, Tucker Carlson, was affronted while shopping at Dan Bailey's Outdoor Company.

'Coincidentally, the person engaging Mr. Carlson was a local resident named Dan Bailey. This person has no affiliation with our business, other than he shares the same name as our founder, who passed away in 1982.

'To be clear, we treat every customer equally and respectfully. Our staff was professional and cordial to Mr. Carlson, as we are with all of our customers.'
Tory backbenchers accused ministers of trying to turn Britain into a 'Beijing-style democracy' today amid a row over compulsory vaccine passports for universities.

Boris Johnson is said to be 'raging' about the relatively low uptake of Covid jabs in young people, and had suggested the move to drive up the rates.

It would see students only allowed back on campus in September if they can prove they have been double-jabbed.

But Tory MP Tom Tugendhat railed against the scheme today saying it would lead to yet another form of ID card.

The chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee told TalkRadio: 'We need to be extremely careful that we don't go from a Brussels-type democracy to a Beijing-type democracy.'

Other Conservative MPs branded the scheme as 'wrongheaded' and said it risked turning Britain into a two-tier society.

And the University and College Union  which represents universities  said it was 'hugely discriminatory' against foreign students and those who won't be able to get jabbed.

Covid cases are now concentrated mostly in younger age groups who are less likely to get the vaccine because they do not see the virus as a threat.

Official figures show adults in their early twenties in England were 12 times more likely to be infected with Covid than the over-60s last week.

And they were 20 times more likely to have suffered an infection than the over-80s.

It comes after the minister for children and families Vicky Ford repeatedly refused to rule out the plans during a round of interviews today.

The Prime Minister has already said clubbers will need to be double-vaccinated from September to attend the late night venues.

Data from the Government's dashboard showed 18 to 24 year olds made up 14 per cent of cases on July 17. This was the lions' share and 12 times more than in the over-60s

Tory backbencher Tom Tugendhat (left) said the plan risked turning Britain into a 'Beijing-style democracy'. And the chair of the education select committee Robert Halfon said the plan was 'wrongheaded'

Speaking on Sky News this morning, children's minister Vicky Ford refused to rule out students being required to have both doses of a Covid vaccine to get back to university this autumn

The chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs Mark Harper said today the plans for vaccine passports in universities amounted to 'compulsory vaccination'.

He urged ministers to return to 'persuasion not panic' to roll-out the jabs, saying it was the 'right public health approach'.

And the chairman of the Commons education select committee Robert Halfon called the plans 'wrongheaded'.

Mr Halfon told The Times: 'It's something out of Huxley's Brave New World where people with vaccine passports will be engineered into social hierarchies  those who will be given higher education or those who will not.'

Youngsters ditch face masks in droves, poll finds A new poll by YouGov suggests the use of face masks among young people has slumped since 'freedom day' on July 19. The survey found 46 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they wore a face mask in a public place in the last two weeks, compared to 58 per cent on July 16 and 64 per cent on June 2. Meanwhile, the survey of 1,742 British adults between July 21 and 22 found other age groups were still wearing face coverings at around the same rate. Data shows 69 per cent of all Britons say they wore a face mask in the last two weeks, compared to 71 per cent on July 16 and 73 per cent on June 2. YouGov also said young people were less likely to be fully vaccinated and more likely to have disabled their NHS Covid-19 app. The researcher said that while last week 38 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds had been avoiding crowded places, this has now fallen to 26 per cent. Older generations showed little to no change in their behaviour towards crowded spaces. Meanwhile, the proportion of Britons thinking the Government is handling Covid-19 well fell from 41 per cent just before 'freedom day' to 34 per cent afterwards. Attitudes among Conservative voters tumbled 17pts this week. Prior to July 19, about three-quarters (73 per cent) of Conservative voters thought the Government was doing a good job of managing the pandemic response. Advertisement

The UCU called the plans 'highly discriminatory'. Its general secretary Jo Grady said the scheme aimed to blame students for poor vaccine uptake in young people.

'Sadly, this looks and smells like a Prime Minister trying to pin the blame on students for not yet taking up a vaccine they have not been prioritised to receive'.

She called on Mr Johnson to instead work with universities to boost uptake among young people.

Labour also attacked the plans today, with leader Sir Keir Starmer warning: 'I just to be very clear about this, I don't want to see vaccine passports used on an everyday basis.' Deputy leader Angela Rayner described the plans as 'unworkable'.

Ms Ford refused to rule out the plans today, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'So obviously, I can't comment on things that haven't been announced.

'But one does need to look at every practicality to make sure that we can get students back safely and make sure that we can continue to prioritise education.'

Mr Johnson's officials spokesman also refused to rule out the radical policy.

He said: You have heard what the PM has said before, specifically that the pandemic is not over and as he said last week we are still looking at the scope for vaccination certification and as we said last week I am not going to go into individual sectors or settings.

We obviously reserve the right to protect the public and reduce transmission which is why as I say we are still looking at the scope of the vaccine certification.

If given the go-ahead, the policy would mark another chaotic U-turn from Mr Johnson, who previously promised vaccine passports would only be enforced for foreign travel.

The Prime Minister sparked fury last week when he announced the documents will be a legal condition of entry for nightclubs.

Mr Johnson is said to be 'raging' about the low numbers of young people coming forward to get the jab and hopes the move pressures them to come forward, according to The Times.

The latest NHS England figures show just 58.6 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds have had one Covid injection, compared to rates of above 90 per cent in most older age groups.

At the same time, the virus is sweeping through younger age groups, with case rates among those in their 20s higher than any age group since the pandemic began.

Around three million 18 to 29 year olds are still yet to be vaccinated, even though they have been eligible for more than five weeks.

Latest Department of Health data shows adults in their early twenties in England are most likely to be infected with Covid after one in 78 tested positive for the virus over the week to July 17, the latest available (Or 1,276 cases per 100,000 people in the group).

Schoolchildren aged 15 to 19 were the second most likely to have the virus after one in 79 tested positive (1,253 per 100,000), followed by 25 to 29 year olds at one in 91 (1,093 per 100,000).

On the other hand, 85 to 89 year olds were least likely to be infected after one in 1,666 tested positive for the virus last week (60 per 100,000).

They were followed by adults in their early 80s at one in 1,587 (63 per 100,000) and the over-90s at one in 1,562 (64 per 100,000).

Older adults are most at risk of serious disease, hospitalisation and death if they catch the virus, which has led to many preferring to stay at home and only meeting in small groups to avoid becoming infected.

But younger people generally do not see the virus as a threat. Because of this they are also less likely to get vaccinated against the virus  which cuts the risk of infection  than those in older age groups.

Latest NHS England figures show just 58.6 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds have had one Covid injection, compared to rates of above 90 per cent in most older age groups

Double-jabbed British expats 'will be able to return to the UK to visit family quarantine-free from August 1' British expats who have received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be able to visit family in the UK without having to quarantine from next month, it was claimed today. The UK Government will formally recognise jabs administered overseas from August 1, according to The Telegraph. That means that Brits living abroad who are fully vaccinated will be able to avoid a 10 day stay in self-isolation when returning from an amber list country. The Government currently only recognises NHS administered vaccinations when it comes to international travel rules. As a result, British expats who live in amber list nations have faced the barrier of quarantine even when they have had both doses. Ministers are now reportedly planning to change the rules to allow Brits to register a foreign jab with their GP. That should pave the way for double-jabbed people to be able to visit the country without having to self-isolate. It is also thought that quarantine-free travel to the UK for double-jabbed foreign nationals could be opened up 'very soon' as the Government continues to seek reciprocal deals with countries which agree to recognise the NHS vaccine app. The current amber list travel rules state that Brits who are 'fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme' do not have to self-isolate when they return. However, people who are not 'fully UK vaccinated' do still have to quarantine for 10 days. Advertisement

It comes as a poll published today suggested younger people are ditching face masks in droves after 'Freedom Day'.

The survey found 54 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they did not wear a face mask in a public place for the last two weeks.

For comparison, 42 per cent said they ignored the requirement over the fortnight to July 16, and only 36 per cent in the two weeks to June 2.

But separate surveys suggest older adults are still choosing to wear the coverings for fear of catching the virus.

A survey of 1,742 British adults days two days after Freedom Day found other age groups were still wearing the masks at about the same rate.

Ms Ford did not deny that the Government was considering making vaccine passports compulsory in universities.

She told Sky News this morning: 'What we've always done throughout this pandemic is prioritised access to university.

'And one of the things that we really want to do is encourage young people to get that double vaccination is the way that you'll minimise disruption to your own university career.

'And I will certainly be encouraging both of my student sons to have their second vaccination before they go back to university to become a requirement.

'We must make sure that we continue to prioritise education and if they want to be able to avoid the self-isolation such as we have said for other adults, the double-vaccinated adults by August the 16th if you have not got a positive test, if you don't have symptoms, you won't need to self-isolate.

'So, for students who are returning to university that's really important.'

Mr Johnson suggested last week all students  apart from those with medical conditions that stop them getting jabbed  should be forced to get vaccinated.

He made the comments in virtual meetings with colleagues, while he was self-isolating in Chequers after coming into close contact with Health Secretary Sajid Javid who tested positive for the virus, according to The Times.

The Prime Minister announced last week that night clubs will bar people from their venues from September if they have not been double jabbed, as well as from 'other venues where large crowds gather'.

Compulsory vaccinations will come into force later in the year for people who work in care homes.

The Government is also in talks with the Premier League about only letting double-jabbed fans into stadiums.
A class of fourth graders in Minnesota were given an equity survey about race and gender, but were allegedly told by a teacher not to tell their parents about the questions that they were asked even if they didn't understand them.

The survey was conducted at Riverview intermediate school in the Sartell-St. Stephen School District in Minnesota by the Equity Alliance of Minnesota, and comes amid a national debate on how to teach history and current events specifically focusing on matters of race.

Student Hayley Yasgar addressed a school board on July 19 and told them she felt 'very nervous and uncomfortable' when her teacher instructed her not to talk to her mother about the survey.

She also says she was not permitted to skip any questions even if she didn't understand them, in a video of the meeting posted by Alpha News.

One question said: 'Do you currently identify yourself as female, male, transgender (transgender people have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from their assigned sex. For example, they were born male but now identify as female), or something else?'

Hayey Yasgar spoke to her school board about how 'uncomfortable and nervous' she felt when her teacher told her not to discuss the questions of the equity survey with her parents

A question asking the young students about their gender identity sparked confusion which is when the students were forbidden from discussing the questions with their parents

A young boy in Hayley's class asked the teacher if his mom could explain the question to him.

The teacher denied the student's request telling him that he could not ask his mother and that the class was not to repeat the questions to their parents.

Hayley spoke to the school board to let them know 'how uncomfortable and nervous' this made her as she explained that her 'mom always tells [her] she can tell her anything but also tells her she can trust [her] teachers too.'

She said that 'being told to hide this from [her] mom made [her] feel very uncomfortable like [she] was doing something wrong.'

Hayley's mom, Kelsey Yasgar told Fox & Friends: 'We were told that this "equity audit" was going to be taking place but ... they didn't tell us the day it was taking place. We weren't really sure a lot of details behind it.

'Due to the lack of transparency from the school district and Equity Alliance for Minnesota , the third party, we were not informed of the questions on this survey.'

She added that she was 'very upset' when she learned that her daughter was told not to share the questions with her parents.

She said: 'that should pose a great concern in any parent's eyes.'

She was informed that this instruction came from the Equity Alliance of Minnesota and school administration and was not a singular decision made by the teacher.

Hayley and her mother, Kelsey Yasgar, spoke with Fox & Friends on Monday about the situation

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Ridlehoover could not be reached for a comment.

DailyMail.com have also reached out to Equity Alliance of Minnesota.

The survey comes a year after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota which led the city to pay $27 million in a wrongful death suit and sparked a national reckoning with race.

As the country looks ahead to the new school year, Critical Race Theory has become the new hot topic as schools and parents struggle to determine how to contextualize and explain current events in the classroom.

The equity survey was administered by a third party, the Equity Alliance of Minnesota

CRT is the academic concept that race is a social construct and that racism is not only an individual bias but has been integrated into institutions such as policing, housing, voting, and even education itself to the determent of people of color.

Former President Donald Trump has slammed critical race theory, referring to it as 'flagrant racism' that is being forced into 'every facet of our society' during a speech in Arizona on Saturday.

Trump took the stage at Arizona Federal Theatre in Phoenix for the 'Protect Our Elections Rally,' where he criticized Democrats for adhering to an 'America last' ideology.

'We shouldn't be apologizing to the world,' he said. 'We're apologizing for America, just like Obama apologized. Remember, he apologized. They should be apologizing to America for what they've done to it. That's who I think should be apologizing to.

Trump also took a hit at the Biden administration, saying their 'America last' philosophy is making a mockery of our country right here at home.'

Former President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd of thousands during an election-focused rally in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday

'Earlier this year, Biden signed an executive order pushing toxic, critical race theory into our children's schools and into our military,' Trump continued. 'How about our military? This poisonous left-wing doctrine is flagrant racism, plain and simple, and it has no place in our schools, no place in our military and no place in our country.'

That particular comment was in reference to President Biden's first day in office when he signed an executive order rescinding Trump's order restricting the federal government and its contractors from teaching critical race theory.

Furthermore, Trump also attacked the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, who defended the military's examination of critical race theory in June, which Trump later referred to as 'a Marxist ideology.'

'Can you believe it?' Trump addressed thousands of his supporters. 'He said he wanted to quote, "understand white rage." He wants to understand white rage.

'What the hell is he talking about that for? Our generals should not be focused on learning left-wing ideology.

'They should be focused on defeating America's enemies and winning our future wars. Hopefully, we don't have them, but if we do, we have to win them.'

National Education Association President Becky Pringle has also agreed to make public statements in support of critical race theory and 'racial honesty in education'

The National Educator's Association recently approved a resolution to promote critical race theory in schools - and said it wants to hire a team to 'fight back' against those opposed to CRT

But America's largest teachers' union has publicly endorsed the teaching of critical race theory in schools, wants to hire staff to 'fight back' against those who oppose CRT, and has called for an October 14 rally to be held in honor of George Floyd's birthday.

The National Educator's Association recently approved a resolution to promote critical race theory through its existing channels, work to 'fight back' against opponents of the practice.

It also wants to assemble a team to teach it to union members and create a 'national day of action' to start a dialogue about systemic racism on October 14  George Floyd's birthday.

In addition to its plans, the NEA will join with Black Lives Matter at School and the Zinn Education Project to create a 'national day of action' on October 14  George Floyd's birthday  to have a dialogue on systemic racism

The resolution reads that the NEA will 'provide an already-created, in-depth, study that critiques empire, white supremacy, anti-Blackness, anti-Indigeneity, racism, patriarchy, cisheteropatriarchy, capitalism, ableism, anthropocentrism (human centered points of view) and other forms of power and oppression at the intersections of our society.'

It continues to say that the NEA plans to 'publicly (through existing media) convey its support for the accurate and honest teaching of social studies topics, including truthful and age-appropriate accountings of unpleasant aspects of American history, such as slavery, and the oppression and discrimination of Indigenous, Black, Brown, and other peoples of color, as well as the continued impact this history has on our current society.

'The Association will further convey that in teaching these topics, it is reasonable and appropriate for curriculum to be informed by academic frameworks for understanding and interpreting the impact of the past on current society, including critical race theory.'
House Democrats are expanding their investigation into Trump's Health Department after accusing the former president's administration of 'meddling' with CDC data during the COVID pandemic - including efforts to alter an apolitical CDC report that were allegedly hidden by then-CDC head Robert Redfield.

According to documents released Monday, Democrats on the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis are looking to interview three former Trump officials and eight current or former public health officials they allege were part of Trump's 'failed response efforts.'

Among the allegations is one official's account that Redfield 'ordered staff to destroy evidence of political interference,' lawmakers claim.

The committee members accused Trump officials of engaging 'in a persistent pattern of political interference in the nations pandemic responseoverruling and bullying our nations scientists and making decisions that allowed the virus to spread more rapidly in an attempt to advance former President Trumps electoral prospects.'

Democrats on the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis widened their probe into Trump officials' handling of the COVID pandemic, including requesting interviews with 11 current or former CDC officials (pictured from left to right: Three subcommittee members including Chair James Clyburn, Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Maxine Waters)

The subcommittee, led by Rep. James Clyburn, claims it is aware of 88 instances of the Trump administration interfering with the US pandemic response, including several instances where Trump-era officials sought to alter the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR).

MMWR reports offer regular public updates on scientists' findings.

One email from August 2020 obtained by the Democrats shows former HHS adviser Paul Alexander demanding an 'immediate stop' to the apolitical reports, calling them 'hit pieces on the administration.'

Alexander went on to outline conditions in which the reports can be released, which include giving him leave to alter the information within to ensure it is 'fair and balanced.'

The email was sent to lawmakers by Dr. Charlotte Kent, editor-in-chief of the MMWR report, who told them she was instructed to delete the email by Redfield.

Former CDC Director Robert Redfield was accused of allegedly trying to suppress a damning email from an official seeking to stop publication of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports

House Democrats have accused Trump (pictured during a March 2020 COVID briefing) officials of trying to 'bully' top scientists and making decisions that made the virus 'spread more rapidly'

'Dr. Kent stated that she was instructed to delete Dr. Alexanders email on August 9, and that she understood the direction came from Dr. Redfield,' lawmakers wrote in a letter addressed to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and current CDC head Rochelle Walensky.

Lawmakers also said the White House refused to have Redfield sit down for an interview after learning about the allegations, and 'abruptly canceled' four other scheduled interviews with officials.

'Our public health institutions must never again be compromised by decision makers more concerned with politics than keeping Americans safe,' the letter read.

They also asked to interview six current members of the HHS staff.

Democrats outlined their newly-released findings in a letter to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky (pictured July 20) and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra (pictured July 22).

'These requests are consistent with the House of Representatives authorization...to conduct a full and complete investigation of issues related to the coronavirus crisis, including the preparedness for and response to the coronavirus crisis and executive branch policies, deliberations, decisions, activities, and internal and external communications related to the coronavirus crisis,' lawmakers write.

The House Democrats also wrote letters requesting interviews with top Trump CDC advisers Amanda Campbell, ex-CDC deputy chief of staff, Kyle McGowan, ex-CDC chief of staff and Nina Witkofsky, ex-acting chief of staff and senior adviser at the CDC.

Campbell and McGowan were both cc'd on Alexander's August 2020 email and previously spoke out against the administration's alleged efforts to blunt the CDC's ability to report data.

Lawmakers requested interviews with Trump CDC advisers Amanda Campbell, ex-CDC deputy chief of staff (right), Kyle McGowan, ex-CDC chief of staff (center) and Nina Witkofsky, ex-acting chief of staff and senior adviser at the CDC (right)

More than 34 million COVID cases have struck the US so far, and more than 610,000 people died from the virus.

In their letter to Campbell Democrats claim they obtained evidence of the Trump administration's 'dangerous attempt to achieve herd immunity,' changing CDC guidance to reduce COVID testing rates and pursuing 'questionable coronavirus treatments over the objections of scientists.'

'These incidentsmany of which occurred while you were at CDCdegraded every major facet of the prior Administrations public health response and severely hindered the countrys ability to respond effectively to the pandemic,' they write.
Pictured: PCSO Vikki Gill in Canny Cops

A former soldier who stalked his PCSO girlfriend and staged a jet ski collision with her while on holiday in Mexico has avoided jail with a suspended sentence.

Police and Community Support Officer Vikki Gill, 36, went abroad with lorry driver William Thompson, 34, who used an app to track her movements, Durham Crown Court was told.

The court heard Miss Gill, who has appeared on the Channel 4 programme Canny Cops, suspected he had deliberately collided with her when the pair were on separate jet skis.

Prosecutor Chris Baker said she needed surgery to fit steel rods in her legs and had to use a wheelchair for the rest of the holiday, but Thompson remained 'unhelpful and unpleasant' towards her until they flew back to Britain.

After they returned from holiday, ex-serviceman Thompson dropped the injured woman at her mother's home and said: 'There you go. She's your problem'.

Thompson also posted a picture of a jet ski on his Facebook with the message 'Weapon of Choice'.

When Miss Gill finally left him, Thompson messaged her saying 'Someone is going to get hurt' with an image of a figure holding a pistol near where she was staying at a friend's house.

Thompson, of Consett, County Durham, admitted controlling and coercive behaviour and putting a person in fear of violence.

Judge Ray Singh gave him a 24-month jail sentence suspended for 24 months and ordered him to attend a 'better relationships' course.

He was also ordered to be tagged for a 120 day alcohol abstinence order and do 35 days rehabilitation activity.

Speaking after sentencing, mother-of-two Miss Gill said her police career has been left in ruins. She had managed to fight her way back to duty but was no longer physically able to do front line policing on her beat in Peterlee, County Durham

Police and Community Support Officer Vikki Gill, 36, went abroad with lorry driver William Thompson, 34, who used an app to track her movements, Durham Crown Court (pictured) was told

The court heard Thompson, who was said to be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome following his service career, conducted a campaign of terror against Vikki.

The offences took place in Durham City.

Speaking after sentencing, mother-of-two Miss Gill said her police career has been left in ruins. She had managed to fight her way back to duty but was no longer physically able to do front line policing on her beat in Peterlee, County Durham.

Pictured: PCSO Vikki Gill

She said: 'I got no compensation from it all. He is getting away with it basically.

'He has destroyed my life. I cannot do the things I used to and it is really hard.

'He was the key skis with us. We were on holiday together. Then he just came side on, laughing his head off, thinking it was hilarious, and crashed into the side of me.

'I am a still employed as a PCSO. But I have not done my job properly since the accident a couple or years I was on restricted duty.

'Then I ended up going back out but I could not manage. I was going to have to leave because I could not manage full time.

'So they dropped my hours to part time. But then I am back under occupational health with work.

'It happened nearly two years ago in August. I have had a rough time. I have to get out of this house and get moved, It is just a nightmare.'

Lewis Kerr, mitigating, said his client suffered PTSD and was also diagnosed with cancer last December for which he is still undergoing treatment.

He added that Thompson had now 'moved on' and was working a local charity to address his mental health issues.

The judge said Thompson was 'on a power trip' and he was being merciful even though he 'richly deserved to go to prison'.

He added: 'This was a horrendous catalogue of abuse against a female who time and time again gave you the chance to change.'

He also granted an indefinite restraining order, banning Thompson from ever contacting PCSO Gill again.
Two women were seen brawling on a Spirit Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Friday morning in a now viral video, as violent incidents are increasing on airplanes and at airports.

The video, tweeted by Las Vegas Scoop on Friday, shows a woman in the aisle of the plane pointing at another woman in her seat, as people yell: 'It's not even worth it, it's not even worth it.'

The woman in the seat then starts pointing back at the woman in the aisle, at which point the woman in the aisle starts slapping at her and points at her again, while seemingly arguing with her about something.

At that point, the woman in the seat grabs the woman in the aisle and starts pushing her down into the seat, and punching her, grabbing her by the hair to keep her down.

A man in the background could be heard yelling 'It's lit, it's lit.'

The woman in the aisle then pulls the woman in the seat out of her seat, and they are seen brawling in the aisle, as a group of passengers surround them.

The fight appears to begin as an argument between the two women onboard a Spirit Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Friday morning, with the woman in the aisle pointing at another woman in her seat

Soon, the woman in her seat grabs the woman in the aisle by her hair and starts punching her, forcing her into the row of seats, where she continues to fight the woman

A longer version of the brawl, tweeted by Network in Vegas on Saturday, appears to show the woman in the aisle get kicked off the plane, as a man starts chanting 'Nah, nah, nah, nah, hey, hey, hey goodbye.'

The woman seems upset about her dismissal, walking down the aisle saying 'What the f***,' and turning back to the passengers in their seats, seemingly arguing with them.

As she continues to yell back at the passengers, the woman in the seat, wearing a blue bandana, begins to stand up, and starts to talk directly to the woman in the aisle, at which point the woman in the aisle turns back to her and starts pointing.

The woman in her seat then starts yelling back at the woman in the aisle, causing her to turn around and start arguing and pointing, until the woman in the blue bandana punches her and grabs her.

Another woman is seen trying to separate the two, until they fall into the aisle, at which point more people start gathering around the two brawlers and try to separate them.

It remains unclear what led to the brawl or whether either of the women faced any repercussions for their actions.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Spirit Airlines for more information about the apparent assault.

The woman in the aisle was apparently being kicked off the flight when the fight began

On her way out, the woman in her seat stood up and started arguing with her

But violence incidences like these are increasing on airplanes and at airports.

In June, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that airlines have reported more than 3,000 incidents involving unruly passengers since January 1, with about 76 percent of the nearly 3,300 reports involving passengers who refused to wear masks on board their flights.

It has collected $682,000 in these penalties since the new regulations went into effect.

While the FAA agency did not track such reports in prior years, a spokesman said it was safe to assume this year's numbers are the highest ever.

Since announcing a 'zero-tolerance policy' against unruly passengers in January, the FAA has publicized potential fines - some topping $30,000 - against more than 80 passengers. That is about three times the full-year average number of cases over the past decade, according to FAA figures.

In one instance just last week, a white man on a Frontier Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Miami allegedly grew angry at a black passenger because he thought he was taking to long to get his luggage from the overhead bin and was blocking his way out.

The white man then reportedly punched the black passenger, and called him the 'N' word.

A nearly three-minute long video of the incident showed the two men arguing, when a white man suddenly grabs a black man and pushes him down into the seat. A black woman then seems to get involved and starts attacking a white woman, who grabs her by the hair as a flight attendant asks what happened.

The white man, meanwhile, continues to punch the black man, leading the black woman to grab the white man by the head, as people try to pull him off the black man.

Eventually, several other passengers and a flight attendant were able to get the white man off the black man, and push him forward to deplane.

The black man could be seen trying to follow him, but the black woman seemed to hold him back, as others on the plane shouted at him to 'get out.'

Video posted to Instagram shows the moment a white passenger pushed a black passenger into the seat of a Frontier Airlines plane as passengers tried to deplane on Sunday night

A black woman and a white woman, presumably the men's wives, got involved, with the black woman trying to grab the white man while the white woman pulled her hair

FAA fines for unruly passengers reaches $682,000 With nine cases of unruly passengers reported earlier this month, totaling $119,000 in fines, the agency has collected a total of $682,000 since the beginning of the year. $21,500 to a passenger on a December 2020 Frontier Airlines flight from Nashville to Orlando

$18,500 to a passenger on a February 19 Republic Airlines flight from Indianapolis to Philadelphia

$17,000 to a passenger on a January 25 Frontier Airlines flight from St. Louis, Missouri to Las Vegas

$13,000 to a passenger on a January 29 Frontier Airlines flight from San Diego to Las Vegas

$10,500 to a passenger on a February 27 Allegiant Air flight from Provo, Utah to Mesa, Arizona

$10,500 to a passenger on a January 23 Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Ketchikan

$10,500 to a passenger on a December 19 Allegiant Air flight from Syracuse, New York to Punta Gorda, Florida

$10,000 to a passenger on a February 19 Republic Airlines flight from Indianapolis to Philadelphia

$7,500 to a passenger on a February 25 Southwest Airlines flight from Denver to Los Angeles Advertisement

Last month, a 29-year-old woman was arrested and charged with aggravated assault while she was trying to check-in for another Frontier Airlines flight with her two children at Orlando International Airport and hit an employee with a keyboard.

And in May, a young woman on a Southwest plane in San Diego, California punched a flight attendant in the face. She was charged with felony battery.

As a result of these violent incidents, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said they will resume self-defense training for airline flight attendants and pilots, which were halted last year due to the pandemic.

Certain airlines have also decided to ban the sale of alcohol on their flights in the wake of these violent incidences.

In May, American Airlines officials announced they would not resume serving alcohol to passengers in the main cabins until at least September, saying that they had seen 'some of these stressors create deeply disturbing situations on board aircrafts.'

Vice president of flight service Brady Byrnes added: 'Let me be clear: American Airlines will not tolerate assault or mistreatment of our crews.'

'While we appreciate that customers and crewmembers are eager to return to 'normal,' we will move cautiously and deliberately when restoring pre-COVID practices.'

American Airlines halted the sale of alcohol in economy in late March 2020 to limit interactions between passengers and flight attendants during the pandemic. The airline now says the ban will remain in place through September 13, the same date the Transportation Security Administration plans to lift the mask mandate on all flights.

Southwest Airlines has also decided to halt its plans to return to selling alcohol to customers as the COVID pandemic wanes.

'Given the recent uptick in industry-wide incidents of passenger disruptions inflight, we have made the decision to pause the previously announced re-start of alcohol service,' said Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz.

Mainz said the decision might disappoint some customers, 'but we feel this is the right decision at this time in the interest of the safety and comfort of all customers and crew onboard.'

The airline has not determined new dates for selling alcohol.
Sen. Ted Cruz joined a number of other Republican voices in mocking the runaway Texas Democrats after a group of Dallas-based Democrats offered to send them care packages.

'No Miller Lite?' the Texas Republican asked, highlighting the plea.

The Dallas Democrats had tweeted, 'Our Dems in DC said they'd appreciate care packages from home.'

'Before 5pm Tues, we're collecting Dr. Pepper, salsa, hard candy, hairspray, travel toiletries, hand sanitizers, sewing kits, first aid, and/ or $ to pay shipping,' the tweet said.

Sen. Ted Cruz joined a number of other Republican voices in mocking the runaway Texas Democrats after a group of Dallas-based Democrats offered to send them care packages

'No Miller Lite?' Cruz asked highlighting a post from the Dallas Democrats that said they were putting together 'care packages' for the runaway Texas Democrats

Democratic House members from Texas fled their state on July 12 and headed to Washington, D.C., to stall passage of a GOP voting bill

Earlier this month, a majority of Democrats in the Texas House traveled to Washington, D.C., in order to stall Republicans from passing a restrictive voting bill.

They arrived in D.C. on July 12.

Republican opponents hammered them for flying in a private jet - and carrying along a case of Miller Lite.

They've also been criticized for receiving a $221-a-day per diem, which they're supposed to receive while the Texas House is in session.

The group checked into the Washington Plaza Hotel off of Thomas Circle in D.C. - an older property, but one that boasts a large swimming pool out front.

The rooms were going for about $200 a night.

A number of conservatives on Twitter also poked fun at the Texas Democrats over the care package tweet

A number of the Texas Democrats have also contracted COVID-19.

Beyond Cruz, a number of conservative Twitter users also mocked the Dallas Democrats plan to send care packages to the runaway lawmakers.

Comfortably Smug said, 'Flying a private jet out of town to skip your job then asking for donations is infrastructure.'

'They can have all their basic needs met with they go back to Texas and get sent to jail,' Comfortably Smug added. 'The audacity of these people to ask for handouts when there are Americans struggling.'

Conservative writer Ashe Schow chimed in, 'They're in D.C., not Venezuela.'

Twitter user Andrew Brown contributed, 'There are 2 Safeways within 5 minutes of their hotel and a Whole Foods that's 2 minutes away. They're fine.'

'The Texas Democrats are in hotels in Washinton, D.C., not deployed to a [forward operating base] in Afghanistan,' Twitter use Jerry Dunleavy said.

Matt Whitlock, a former Senate GOP spokesman, tweeted, 'Important to note that these lawmakers are still getting $221/day in per diem from taxpayers, had private flights and luxury hotel rooms paid for, and are just sitting in hotel conference rooms doing zoom meetings.'

'If you're feeling charitable, please find a better cause,' he added.

Writing a mock letter, Twitter user AG said: 'Dear Martha - It's day 11. Enemy forces have our hotel surrounded. Our ranks are being ravaged by disease. They keep telling us to go home, but our heroic commitment to this stunt will not dwindle. I know things are tough at home, but pls send hairspray - your brave soldiers.'
A man was stoned to death in Texas after he opened fire at a party, killing one and injuring three.

The gunman, who has not been named, was at the house party in the Como neighborhood of Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday night when he reportedly became upset and left.

He returned shortly before 1am, armed with a gun, and opened fire in the backyard, hitting at least one person.

The shooter then fled, pursued by partygoers, who grabbed landscaping bricks from a nearby pile and began throwing them at him, according to the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

The group soon caught up with the gunman and began pelting him with bricks.

He opened fire again, hitting two people. One of the gunshot victims died at the scene.

Police say the gunman was struck multiple times by the bricks and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man was stoned to death in Texas after he opened fire at a party, killing one and injuring three. Police at the scene in Fort Worth, Texas

The shooting was reported just before 1 a.m. Monday morning, after a fight erupted among partygoers at a residence in the Como neighborhood

The three injured victims are currently in hospital.

Police said one person is in critical condition and two others have 'non-life-threatening injuries.'

'Last night's incident could have happened anywhere in the city, it just happened in Como,' Councilman for District 3 Michael Crain said in a statement Monday morning.

One person is in critical condition and two others have 'non-life-threatening injuries' after the shooting

According to police, a man attending the party became upset and left, later returning with another individual

'Just as the July 4th incident could have happened anywhere else in the city. Crime is increasing across the board, he added.

Crain is referring to a shooting that followed a July Fourth festival, where eight individuals were wounded near a car was.

According to police, no has been arrested in Monday morning's shooting.

Calls for comment from DailyMail.com to the Fort Worth Police Department went unanswered.
The sister of murdered British backpacker Hannah Witheridge was pregnant when she died in hospital after years of complications following surgery, an inquest has heard.

Miss Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, was found dead on a beach in Thailand on September 15 2014 and her sister Laura Daniels, 30, died at Southampton General Hospital on September 16 2019.

An inquest in Portsmouth, attended virtually by her widower Lewis Daniels and parents Tony and Sue Witheridge, heard that Mrs Daniels had surgery in 2011 for the rare condition trigeminal neuralgia, which causes facial pain.

Laura pictured with her husband, Lewis Daniels. An inquest heard that Mrs Daniels had surgery in 2011 for the rare condition trigeminal neuralgia,

n undated file composite handout picture made available by Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office shows British students Hannah Witheridge (left) and David Miller (right), who were found murdered on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand on 15 September 2014

Mrs Witheridge wept at one point in the hearing and said: 'You lose one daughter, you don't expect to lose another.'

Robert MacFarlane, consultant neurosurgeon at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, said the operation involved making an opening in her skull to access the nerve.

He said Mrs Daniels had a 'variety of problems' afterwards, including spinal fluid leaking through the wound, and she required multiple operations.

Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp, area coroner for Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton, summarising Mr McFarlane's evidence, said: 'Laura had a relatively rare condition, particularly for someone of her age, for which the options are medication, which some people don't get on with, or surgery.

'The surgery was effective but she did experience complications.'

Mr McFarlane said Mrs Daniels had been 'concerned about the potential side-effects (of medication) were she to start a family in the future'.

She started treatment at Southampton General Hospital from 2015, having her first admission while she was a student locally.

Aabir Chakraborty, consultant neurosurgeon at the hospital, said she was treated for hydrocephalus - a build-up of fluid in the brain.

He said: 'It just felt so unfair that she kept on having these troubles.'

Asked by the coroner if he was shocked by Mrs Daniels's sudden death, he said: 'I will be honest, I was quite devastated. It was awful.'

He said Mrs Daniels was pregnant at the time.

He said he did not know what caused her death and, addressing Mrs Daniels's family, added: 'I just want to say sorry.'

The coroner told him: 'I don't think you could have done any more than you did.'

A post-mortem examination recorded Mrs Daniels's cause of death as unascertained.

Mrs Rhodes-Kemp adjourned the inquest until August 11 to hear written evidence and to reach a conclusion, as there was insufficient time to do so on Monday.

The bodies of Miss Witheridge and 24-year-old David Miller, from Jersey, were found on the resort island of Koh Tao in 2014.

They had arrived in Thailand separately and met at the hotel where they were staying.

Sue Witheridge with her husband Tony, Laura and Lewis at the funeral of Hannah Witheridge at St Marys Church, Hemsby, Norfolk

Two Burmese migrants who were convicted over the killings had their death sentences reduced to life imprisonment in 2020.

Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin had denied killing Mr Miller and raping and killing Miss Witheridge.

Lawyers for the two men had claimed evidence used in the case against them was mishandled and they made confessions under duress that they later retracted, raising questions about police competence and the judicial system in Thailand.

Human Rights Watch at the time called the verdict 'profoundly disturbing', citing the defendants' accusations of police torture that were never investigated and questionable DNA evidence linking them to the crime.

But Thailand's Supreme Court upheld the convictions.
An Uber driver who was carjacked and beaten by gang four of teenage boys pretended to be dead and escaped when they threw her from a bridge into river in Brazil.

Marcia Angola had picked up the four teens after they requested a ride on the app in Tangara da Serra, Mato Grosso, on Saturday, according to online news outlet G1.

The teens asked the 40-year-old woman to make a second stop, where they were waiting for a fifth person, but instead flashed a toy gun and kidnapped her.

'We stopped at a corner where they said they would pick someone up,' Angola said. 'But that person (did not) exist and they announced the robbery.'

Marcia Angola told Brazilian online news outlet G1 that the teen carjackers told her they were going to they were going to 'hang me and kill me'. She was left beaten and bruised (right) after the attack

Three of the four carjacking suspects were caught on video robbing a watch store in Nova Olimpia, a city in the central-western Brazilian state of Mato Grosso on Saturday after they had carjacked a 40-year-old female driver from Uber and threw her off a bridge

Angola was blindfolded and placed in the back seat of her vehicle as one of the suspects drove off at a high speed rate.

The teens demanded she hand over money, and became enraged when she managed to take her blindfold off.

'They started beating me, punching me and saying they were going to hang me and kill me. The solution I had was to pretend to be dead,' Angola recalled.

She remembers one of the teen attackers noticing that she was still alive, and shouting, 'Let's kill, squeeze her neck.'

Angola said the suspects grabbed her by her arms and legs, and flung her from the Sepotuba River Bridge.

'When I fell, I just remember that I asked God for me to fall into the water, because if I fell to the ground I would have died,' she said.

'I (went under water) when I surfaced and saw what they were looking at (me). I kept quiet and sank again, letting the water take me down the river, trying to balance myself, kind of floating because I didn't know how to swim and couldn't go to the bottom.'

Marcia Angola told Brazilian news outlet G1 that the teens wanted to rob her off her money and car

Marcia Angola was thrown off the Sepotuba River Bridge in Mato Grosso, Brazil, on Saturday after she was carjacked by four teens who ordered a ride on Uber

Eventually, Angola was able to reach the river shore and made it to a farm, where residents called paramedics.

After throwing Angola over the bridge, the teens headed towards the municipality of Nova Olimpia, where they robbed a watch store.

Surveillance footage showed three of the suspects standing in front shop before one of them smashed the window with a rock as they took off with

The teens were arrested by the Military Police and allegedly confessed to their roles in the crime.

One of the teens was seen on video being beaten by his mother as he walked into a police precinct to turn himself in.

Charges on the four suspects had not been announced by the Mato Grosso Civil Police, which is investigating.
A fisherman who killed a Greek Island's beloved endangered seal by allegedly blasting the animal with a spear gun at a close range is wanted by authorities.

Greek authorities are searching for the killer of Kostis, a monk seal who became the mascot of Alonnisos island, a marine protected area, after surviving a cyclone and endearing himself to locals.

Kostis, who was named after the fisherman who saved him as Cyclone Zorbas lashed the Aegean Sea in 2018, was 'deliberately killed' off the coast of Alonissos island, the MOm NGO for the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal said.

Greek authorities are searching for the killer of Kostis, a monk seal who became the mascot of Alonnisos island, a marine protected area, after surviving a cyclone and endearing himself to locals

Kostis, who was named after the fisherman who saved him as Cyclone Zorbas lashed the Aegean Sea in 2018, was 'deliberately killed' off the coast of Alonissos island, the MOm NGO for the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal said

The island is part of the Alonissos and Northern Sporades marine park, Greece's first such park where sea life is protected by law.

It is the largest such protected area in Europe, according to the marine park's website.

'Unfortunately, yet again, it is proven that human wickedness and stupidity have no limits,' MOm said in a statement.

'The innocent and unaware seal was executed at close range with a spear gun that had a large spear for exactly that purpose.

'This news was received with great grief and outraged not only the people of MOm, who cared for several months for Kostis during his rehabilitation, but also all the sensitized residents and visitors of Alonnisos who had the luck to admire Kostis from close by.

'The perpetrator obviously won't have the slightest bit courage to come forward and admit his idiotic act.'

The island is part of the Alonissos and Northern Sporades marine park, Greece's first such park where sea life is protected by law

According to the group, Mediterranean monk seals are endangered, and almost half of the remaining population lives in Greece.

The charity urged anyone with information to contact the police, and says it plans to sue the killer.

The group had taken Kostis under its wing after his rescue, moving him to a first aid centre before returning him to his natural environment in the Aegean Sea.

But Kostis proved to be very sociable and was often seen lying on boats in the port of Alonissos island, posing for photos.

News of his death caused an uproar, with many people taking to social media.

'We don't deserve this planet. We spoil all beauty,' one Facebook user said.
A woman who was convicted of kidnapping a businessman and killing him by burying him alive in 1987 will be allowed to appeal her life sentence, the Illinois appeals court has ruled.

Nancy Rish, 59, first petitioned in December 2017 for a resentencing hearing so that the court can consider evidence of domestic violence.

Rish and her then-boyfriend, Danny Edwards, had kidnapped media heir Stephen Small, of Kankakee, and buried him in a plywood box while waiting for a ransom to be paid.

But Small suffocated when a breathing tube running to the surface failed.

Rish argues that Edwards abused her and threatened her life if she did not participate in his plan. She also claims that she was unaware of Edwards' plans.

She has maintained her innocence since her trial in 1988 saying on the day of her sentencing: 'I just want to say I am not guilty of these charges, never was.'

Rish's attorney's Steven Becker and Margaret Byrne are now able to dispute her life sentence.

A 2015 change in the law allows convicted felons to challenge their sentences if they are able to prove their crimes were committed as a result of being the victim of domestic abuse.

Nancy Rish, 59, argues that she was forced into the 1987 kidnapping and killing of an Illinois media heir as a victim of domestic abuse

In 1988, Rish was sentenced to life in prison for her involvement in the murderous plot

Edwards' sentence was reduced to a life sentence as Illinois moved towards abolishing the death penalty

The Illinois appeals court overturned a lower court decision on Thursday which was a win for the attorneys who have been fighting to get her sentence reduced since 2017.

In 1987, Edwards, who was 30 at the time, kidnapped Small, 40, in an attempt to get his affluent family to pay a $1 million ransom.

Small was the heir to a media fortune as the son of Burrell L. Small, president and chairman of the Mid America Media Group, a broadcasting company that owned 11 radio stations and two cable television stations, and a former publisher of The Daily Journal of Kankakee.

His uncle Len H. Small, also was publisher of The Daily Journal, as well as president of Small Newspapers Inc. Series of Phone Call. And his great-grandfather was Len Small the governor of Illinois from 1921 to 1929.

Small was lured to a building he was renovating by the kidnappers pretending to be policemen claiming the building had been broken into on September 2, 1987.

Small was an Illinois businessman and media heir who was held at ransom for $1 million

Small was lured to a building he was renovating when his kidnappers called him claiming to be police officers alerting him a break in

The kidnappers then called Small's wife, Nancy Small, at around 3:30 am requesting the ransom.

The family received five calls from the kidnappers and were willing to accept the kidnappers' demands but were unable to decipher the tape-recorded message they received over the telephone directing them where to leave the ransom.

Edwards buried the businessman in three feet of sand in the forest of Kankakee, Illinois in a homemade wooden box equipped with an air pipe and provisions for water and light but Small eventually died.

Rish, who was 26 at the time, drove Edwards around before and after Small was kidnapped.

Officers found Small's 1987 maroon Mercedes Benz on two days later at 7 pm and discovered his body three hours later near the Indiana border. A coroner announced that he had been dead for several hours when he was found.

Rish was 26 years old at the time of Small's death

Edwards was 30 years old when he kidnapped and killed Small

Edwards and Rish were quickly apprehended for their crimes and taken into custody the day that Small's body was retrieved. On May 27, 1988, a jury deliberated for less than an hour before sentencing Edwards to a death sentence for which he showed no emotion.

His sentence has since been reduced to a life sentence as part of the state's move to end the death penalty.

On December 20, 1988, Rish was sentenced to life and 30 years for her involvement in the murderous crime.

Before her sentencing she claimed her innocence in an emotional statement, 'I am very sorry for what happened, for what I was associated with. I told the truth . . . at times when I did lie, I admitted it, but then I watched as the officers one by one got up there, under oath and they lied.'

'To get a conviction the way they did is very, very unfair.'

The Small family was willing to pay the $1 million ransom but could not decipher the message instructing them where to drop the money

While Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-sponsored the change in the law that is allowing Rish her petition when he was a senator, his office has opposed Rish's requests, claiming that her life sentence was based on the 'horrific nature of the crime in which [she] played an integral part.'

A Kankakee County judge had thrown out Rish's request, stating that she failed to provide evidence of domestic violence that would likely 'change the sentence imposed by the original trial court.'

The appeals court reinstated the case on the grounds that the lower court shouldn't have judged the facts of her case, but rather whether her petition was properly filed, which has also assigned Rish's case to another judge.
Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn has come under fire after he joked about assassinating someone in Washington D.C. when he was gifted a semi-automatic rifle at a church event on Sunday.

The retired general was presented with the rifle at the Church of Glad Tidings in Yuba City, California on Sunday by Jason Parker, who owns a gun company.

'We were trying to come up with a rifle that we thought was appropriate for a general,' Parker told a crowd at the church, 'so we went with an old-school Woodland Camouflage - one of our top-quality guns.'

In response, Flynn said: 'Maybe I'll find someone in Washington D.C.'

The crowd then burst out laughing and applauding, as Parker noted: 'This one's Florida compliant.'

It is unclear why the retired general was being honored at the church, which has previously dissuaded people from getting the COVID vaccine, according to its Facebook page. It has since deleted its video of the event.

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn was presented with a Woodland Camo AR-15 at the Church of Glad Tidings in Yuba City, California on Sunday, and joked that he would 'find someone in Washington D.C.'

Shortly after the poor taste joke, the Tennessee Holler tweeted a 38-second clip of Flynn accepting the Woodland Camo AR-15, drawing some backlash online.

Maraleia commented that Flynn's comment makes him 'a clear and present danger,' and Jonathan Slater asked 'How [can] you say something like that? And how do people laugh and applaud this?

'We are in terrifying times,' he tweeted.

Richard Arnold also said he hopes that everyone 'on stage who was laughing considers that a former national security advisor just made a joke about shooting people in Washington that he doesn't like.'

And Dan M. commented: 'The humor of threatening to use his new toy on 'someone in Washington D.C. is grotesque. As is the laughter about it.'

He also asked: 'Why is a church trafficking in guns? Don't they trust God to protect them?'

Patricia G., meanwhile, asked whether the FBI, Justice Department or Pentagon Force Protection Agency would investigate these comments, alleging, 'If this was said by a person of color, they would be arrested immediately,' while Joy noted that she reported the video to the FBI 'because that was a clear threat.'

Brent seemed to concur, writing: 'That's a pretty direct assassination threat from someone who has ALSO been directly involved in planning a coup,' and D. Stamos noted: 'I'm retired USAF. I know retired and active generals with one to four stars personally, and none of them, none, are like this.

'Flynn dishonors his oath, his uniform and our flag.'

After the video spread on social media, many claimed he was a threat and asked the FBI to investigate his claims

Flynn was appointed to serve as the National Security Advisor under former President Donald Trump in 2016, serving just 22 days before resigning amid reports that he had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

In 2017, he pleaded guilty to 'willfully and knowingly' lying to the FBI about his communications with the Russian diplomat, but was pardoned by the former president in November 2020.

He has since claimed that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump, retweeting a call for Trump to keep the White House by force last year, and reportedly urging the former president to use the Insurrection Act to declare martial law and stay in power, according to the Huffington Post.

But Flynn is considered one of the leading advocates of the QAnon movement, which believes there is a cabal of Satanic pedophiles and Trump will one day return as president, according to Newsweek. These beliefs led to him being banned from Twitter in January.

Then in May, the former three-star general reportedly called for a 'Myanmar-style' coup in the United States - later saying his comments were misconstrued, and just last month, Newsweek reports, he told a conspiracy theory podcast that Trump needs to 'light the world on fire' at his upcoming rallies.
Georges Berges, the gallerist representing Hunter Biden, once told Resident magazine he wanted to get a 'foothold in China' (pictured October 2018)

The art dealer representing Hunter Biden in his debut to the professional art world was once labeled 'one of the leading art experts on Chinese contemporary art' and declared he would be 'the lead guy in China' on finding and collecting Chinese art in a 2015 interview.

'When you think of it, Chinas economy is transforming the global economy and everything is changing because of a rising China,' gallerist Georges Berges told luxury lifestyle magazine Resident. 'But beyond that, what fascinates me is the cultural impact that China is having on the world.'

'My plan is to be the lead guy in China; the lead collector and art dealer discovering and nurturing talent from that region.'

Top officials throughout the 21st century - including Joe Biden himself - have viewed the Chinese economy's meteoric rise as a threat to global democracy amid the country's abysmal labor protections and reported abuse against Uighur and Turkic Muslims.

But his son's art dealer was eager to get in on the ground floor of China's 'cultural empowerment.'

'I want to further my embrace of the rising China and its undisputable growing influence of contemporary art and that is why my focus these days is mostly on China. Money may come and go. Power may come and go, but when you make a cultural impact on society, that lasts forever,' Berges said.

During the interview, first uncovered by Fox News, Berges pledged to 'establish the Georges Berges Gallery foothold in China.'

'Cultural power is real power,' he said.

Hunter Biden's artist profile on the Georges Berges Gallery website

Berges' gallery's website shows no indication he opened a location in Asia, but it does feature Hunter Biden under 'Our artists' as the 51-year-old recovering drug addict plans to showcase his works at a private event in Los Angeles and a public exhibition in New York City before selling the works.

Prices would range from $75,000 for pieces on paper to $500,000 for large-scale paintings, Berges told ArtNet.

And while Berges' interest is limited to China's cultural power, his infamous client has had links to its expanding economy.

Berges told another arts outlet that Hunter Biden's paintings would go from $75,000 for paper pieces to half a million dollars for larger works

The gallery will feature Hunter's paintings at a private showing in Los Angeles and a public exhibition in New York City

Hunter reportedly owned a 10 percent stake in Bohai Harvest RST Equity Investment Fund Management Company - a Chinese equity firm partially owned by the country's central bank - as late as this past April, more than 100 days after his father took office.

He previously said he would divest from the company in October 2019.

A Senate report from late 2020 uncovered a series of transactions involving Hunter and China that was flagged for 'potential financial criminal activity.'

The money included a $5 million payment from a Chinese energy company with ties to the Communist party and $1 million for work with an associate who was later jailed for bribery.

Hunter Biden had financial ties to a partially Chinese government-owned equity company as late as April (pictured: Closing session of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October 2017)

Hunter's foray into the professional art world has been a source of ethics concerns surrounding the Biden White House (pictured May 22)

Even on the campaign trail Hunter's international business dealings were a headache for Joe Biden and his team, but the president continues to staunchly defend his son (pictured January 20)

Questions over Hunter's international business dealings have long plagued the White House.

More recently, concerns over whether buyers of the 51-year-old's paintings would try to use the transactions to curry favor with the Biden administration have put officials in an ethics bind.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki claimed that the gallerist 'will be the only person who handles transactions or conversations in that vein and will reject any offer that is out of the ordinary,' but critics including George W. Bush's former ethics chief have cast doubt on the plan.

'It's going to be very clear with people in the know as to who buys Hunter Biden's art,' Richard Painter said on Fox last week. 'The question is, are the American people going to know? The White House should insist on complete transparency.'
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Monday become the first federal agency to require its frontline health care workers to be vaccinated.

President Joe Biden confirmed the move in a brief statement to reporters Monday afternoon.

'Yes. Veteran Affairs is going to in fact require that all docs working in facilities are going to have to be vaccinated,' Biden said, following a report quoting his Veterans Affairs secretary regarding health care workers at the VA.

President Joe Biden said that 'all docs' working at Veterans Affairs Department facilities would be required to get vaccinated

Following the action, 115,000 staffers will have two months to get inoculated against the coronavirus, and face being fired if they do not oblige.

The move comes after the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association and dozens of other medical groups joined in a statement calling for mandatory vaccinations for health workers amid the spike in the Delta variant and rising infections in states with low vaccination rates.

'We call for all health care and long-term care employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against covid-19,' they wrote. 'The health and safety of U.S. workers, families, communities, and the nation depends on it.'

Biden confirmed that 'all docs' at the VA would be asked to get the shot ahead of his meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in the Oval Office  although the policy would in fact be more expansive within the VA.

Denis McDonough, the secretary of veterans affairs, told the New York Times: 'I am doing this because it's the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop.

McDonough, who served as White House chief of staff in the Obama administration, added that the mandates would apply to the employees who have the most contact with patients.

The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday become the first federal agency to require its frontline health care workers to be vaccinated. World War II Army veteran John Stephens, 96, receives the shot in Vancouver, Washington

This includes doctors, dentists, nurses, physicians assistants and physical therapists at VA medical centers across the country.

'It's the best way to keep Veterans safe, especially as the Delta variant spreads across the country,' McDonough said in a statement. 'Whenever a Veteran or VA employee sets foot in a VA facility, they deserve to know that we have done everything in our power to protect them from COVID-19. With this mandate, we can once again make - and keep - that fundamental promise.'

The Biden administration has so far been unwilling to back federal vaccine mandates, and has insisted it is up to private companies.

The move came after White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the White House 'supports the steps of hospitals' to require staff to get vaccinated, saying it 'could be a guide for us on what to do with our own workforce here from the federal government.'

She noted there are 'certain powers' that the federal government has, and 'certain powers that the federal government does not have.'

She cited the role of experts at the Centers for Disease Control, then said 'there are decisions by institutions, by localities, by hospital systems, who may make decisions about how they can protect their workforces. We certainly support that.'

The president could legally compel members of the military to get the shot, but has so far declined to issue the order.

Medical staff applaud before Vietnam War Army veteran James Curry, 78, (R) receives a COVID-19 vaccination at a Veterans Affairs long-term care facility on December 17, 2020 in Vancouver, Washington. The move by the VA comes as dozens of medical groups called for mandatory vaccinations for health workers

The military has battled with low inoculation in their ranks, but are unable to force anyone until the vaccines are fully approved by the FDA.

But there are more concerns over the spread of the Delta variant that has caused a surge in cases across the US.

On Monday, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced all city employees would have to be vaccinated.

California also announced that all state workers would have to have the shot if they wanted to return to work.
Lindsay Boylan, 36

Former aide Lindsay Boylan, 36, was the first woman to accuse Cuomo of sexual harassment in a Medium post on February 24. She claimed that the governor asked her to play strip poker and kissed her on the lips without her permission when she worked for him in 2017.

Lindsay Boylan, 36

Charlotte Bennett, 25

Charlotte Bennett, 25, came forward a few days after Boylan and claimed that Cuomo sexually harassed her last June while she was working as a health policy adviser in his administration at the height of the COVID-19 crisis.

Bennett accused Cuomo of 'grooming' her and asking inappropriate questions about her sex life.

She also claimed that he told her he was open to dating women in their 20s.

BENNETT said the governor asked her about her love life - including whether she ever had sex with older men - and talked about his own, saying that age differences didn't matter in relationships and he was open to dating women over 22.

During a meeting alone in his office, the governor said he was lonely and talked about wanting to hug someone, Bennett said.

She said she swiftly complained to Cuomo's chief of staff and was transferred to another job.

She said she spoke to a lawyer for the governor, but didnt insist on further action because she liked her new post and wanted to move on.

Charlotte Bennett, 25

Anna Ruch, 33

Anna Ruch was the third woman to accuse Cuomo of sexual harassment and the only one thus far who did not work with him in a professional capacity. She claimed that Cuomo put his hands on her face and asked if he could kiss her just moments after they met at a September 2019 wedding in Manhattan.

Anna Ruch, 33

Ana Liss, 35

Ana Liss, 35, a former aide, said Cuomo asked her whether she had a boyfriend, once kissed her hand at her desk and called her by patronizing names, including 'blondie,' 'sweetheart' and 'honey.'

At a reception, the governor hugged her then put his arm around her lower back and waist as they posed for photo, Liss said.

She said she eventually asked for a job transfer. In an interview, Liss said she was 'not claiming sexual harassment per se,' but felt the administration 'wasn't a safe space for young women to work.'

Liss, who previously served as Cuomo's policy and operations aide between 2013 and 2015, told the Wall Street Journal that during her time in his administration, the governor had subjected her to unsolicited advances, including touching her lower back, kissing her hand and quizzing her about her love life.

Ana Liss, 35

Karen Hinton, 62

The oldest allegations against Cuomo came from Karen Hinton, who served as a press aide for him when he led the US Department of Housing and Urban Development two decades ago and she was a consultant for the agency. Hinton told the Washington Post about a 2000 incident when she said Cuomo summoned her to his 'dimly lit' hotel room and embraced her after a work event. She said she tried to pull away from Cuomo when he pulled her back and held her before she managed to escape the room.

Karen Hinton, 62

Unnamed sixth accuser

The most damning allegations leveled against Cuomo to date came from a sixth accuser, whose name has not been released.

The accuser, who is a member of Cuomo's staff, alleged that he closed a door, reached under her blouse and fondled her after summoning her to the governor's mansion in Albany for help with his cellphone, according to the Times Union of Albany.

It first reported on her accusation last month; she then gave more detail in her first interview on the matter, published Wednesday.

The woman spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect her privacy, although her identity is known within the governors circle, the Times Union reported.

The woman, an executive assistant, told the Times Union the governor gave her kisses on the cheek and inappropriately tight hugs for years and made remarks including, 'If you were single, the things that I would do to you' and 'I'm single and ready to mingle.'

Then, one day in November, she was summoned to his Executive Mansion office to help him with a cellphone problem, she said.

He got up from his desk, started groping her and told her 'I don't care' after she tried to deflect him by saying he was going to get them into trouble, and then he slammed the door, she said.

Then he reached under her blouse and clutched one of her breasts over her bra, she told the newspaper.

The woman told a colleague this winter about the alleged encounter, and the co-worker told a supervisor in early March, according to the newspaper.

Cuomo called the report 'gut-wrenching' in a March statement and said: 'I have never done anything like this.'

Another female aide, who has remained anonymous, claimed he called her to his Executive Mansion last year, reached under her blouse and fondled her

Jessica Bakeman

Jessica Bakeman claimed in a first-person article for New York Magazine that she was sexually harassed by Cuomo on several occasions since the start of her journalism career in 2012.

Bakeman added her voice as the seventh accuser as she detailed inappropriate touching by the governor as he continued to deny all of the claims.

'He took my hand, as if to shake it, then refused to let go,' Bakeman wrote of an interaction with Cuomo as she said goodnight at a holiday party in 2014 when she was only 25 years old.

'He put his other arm around my back, his hand on my waist, and held me firmly in place while indicating to a photographer he wanted us to pose for a picture.'

At the time Bakeman had been working for what is now Politico New York and claimed that red flags went up as her 'job was to analyze and scrutinize him'.

'I didn't want a photo of him with his hands on my body and a smile on my face,' she wrote.

Jessica Bakeman, a reporter who once covered the Cuomo administration, was the seventh woman to come forward with claims of harassment

'But I made the reflexive assessment that most women and marginalized people know instinctively, the calculation about risk and power and self-preservation. I knew it would be far easier to smile for the brief moment it takes to snap a picture than to challenge one of the most powerful men in the country.'

In an earlier 2012 incident while she was working for USA Today, Bakeman also claims that Cuomo kept her pinned to his side as he told a story to her male colleagues.

'He left it there, and kept me pinned next to him, for several minutes as he finished telling his story,' she said. 'I stood there, my cheeks hot, giggling nervously as my male colleagues did the same. We all knew it was wrong, but we did nothing.'

The reporter, who now works in Florida, claimed that Cuomo 'never let me forget I was a woman' as she also alleged that he made frequent attempts to humiliate her, including calling out her purple phone instead of answering her question during a press gaggle.

Alyssa McGrath, 33

McGrath, a current administrative assistant in Cuomo's office, told The New York Times that he looked down her shirt, quizzed her about her marital status, and told her she was beautiful, using an Italian phrase she had to ask her parents to interpret.

McGrath didn't say the governor made sexual contact with her but thought his behavior was sexual harassment.

She recalled Cuomo kissing her on the forehead and gripping her firmly around the sides while posing for a photo at a 2019 office Christmas party.

Alyssa McGrath (pictured) is one of two aides who have come forward to accuse the governor of harassment

Sherry Vill, 55

Sherry Vill, 55, accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct during a press conference with her attorney Gloria Allred on Monday.

She alleges Cuomo grabbed her face and kissed her 'aggressively and in a sexual manner' on both cheeks in May 2017 while he was touring her home in Greece, near Rochester, as he inspected local flood damage.

Vill, who said she felt uncomfortable at the time, shared an image her daughter took on the day that showed Cuomo holding her face as he kissed her cheek and her attorney held up multiple photos showing the Governor inside her home.

The same photos appear on Cuomo's Flickr account, as well as multiple others that show him kissing and greeting residents as he toured the town.

None of the women in the other photos have accused the governor of inappropriate behavior or wrongdoing.
The final victim of the Miami condo collapse has now been recovered and identified more than one month on from the disaster, taking the death toll to 98 people.

Estelle Hedaya, 54, was the last person still known to be missing after the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, collapsed in the early hours of June 24.

Hedaya's younger brother Ikey Hedaya confirmed her identification to The Associated Press, bringing the family's agonizing four-week wait for answers to an end and concluding the search for any more bodies.

Miami-Dade police said her body was recovered on July 20.

On Monday Fire Chief Alan Cominsky said crews found no evidence anyone who was found dead had survived the initial collapse.

In the hours after the building fell, rescue crews had said they heard 'tapping' coming from beneath the rubble, fueling hopes that some victims would be pulled out alive.

For several days, officials insisted it was a rescue and not a recovery mission but no survivors were found since the early hours after the collapse.

The identification of the last remaining victim comes as Miami officials released new photos showing how the community pulled together to 'bring some form of closure to the families affected'.

The final victim of the Miami condo collapse has now been recovered and identified more than one month on from the disaster, taking the death toll to 98 people. Estelle Hedaya pictured

Estelle Hedaya, 54, (pictured) was the last person still known to be missing after the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida , collapsed in the early hours of June 24

Ikey, a 47-year-old real estate tax accountant from Brooklyn, told AP he was drawing strength from God following the recovery of his sister's remains, just as he'd seen his sister do in troubling times.

'She always mentioned God anytime she was struggling with anything,' he said.

'She had reached a different level spiritually, which allowed her to excel in all other areas.'

A funeral for Hedaya has been scheduled for Tuesday.

Ikey told last week how he had given his DNA and even reluctantly visited the collapse site to see for himself what was being done to find his big sister.

He told AP he had been hesitant to visit the site and come face to face with his sister's final moments.

He told Associated Press the wait was torture and said he 'can't believe Estelle is in there somewhere'.

Ikey said he was in disbelief that his sister was the only person left to find.

'Hard to believe. My sister is the last one,' he said Wednesday as another day passed with no word on his sister.

The balcony and living room of her sixth floor apartment were still eerily intact following the collapse. Ikey said he found the visit too much and left.

'I can't believe Estelle is in there somewhere, and I didn't want to think about it,' he said.

But at the urging of a childhood best friend, now a rabbi, they returned to the site to pray.

Miami officials released new photos showing how the community pulled together to 'bring some form of closure to the families affected'

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah shared a heartwrenching video montage of photos from the last month's search and rescue efforts on Twitter Monday (images above)

The photos show emergency workers from various agencies, members of religious groups and community members working together at the collapse site over the last month

Emergency crews from different parts of the country and world are seen together amid the search

Hedaya, a former New Yorker who loved to travel, lived on the sixth floor of the 13-story condo tower.

She was chief operating officer for jewelry company the Continental Buying Group a and also had a blog called 'Follow The Toes' documenting her travels, fitness tips and favorite spas.

Rescuers had officially concluded the painstaking task of removing layers of dangerous debris and pulling out dozens of bodies just days earlier, with further searches of the rubble moving to a separate collection site.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said Wednesday night the search for victims had been impeded by fire, water and other obstacles, and further identification of victims was relying heavily on the 'technical, scientific process' of pathologists.

'The enormous pressure of the weight of the collapse and the passage of time also make it more challenging,' she said.

Last Wednesday, two other people still missing were finally identified, leaving Hedaya the only left unaccounted for.

Authorities confirmed Linda March, a 58-year-old attorney who recently moved back to Miami from New York, and Anastasia Gromova, a 24-year-old who was visiting friends in the building, had been recovered.

March's remains were found on July 5 and Gromova's on July 18 but both were only formally identified Wednesday.

March, who lived in a penthouse in the building, and Hedaya were close friends.

Jadallah went on to thank all the various search and rescue teams who came from around the country and the world to support the local crews on the ground

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews are seen together at the scene of the collapse above

Some images show locals arm in arm in solidarity with one another supporting each other

One image showed messages and tributes being pinned to a wall in honor of those who were missing, feared dead amid the search

Jadallah told the families of victims that their loved ones 'will never be forgotten, as they have forever changed this community'

Leah Sutton, a close friend of both women, described them 'forces to be reckoned with.'

'My two beautiful amazing fearless friends saved for last, have to believe there was a reason for them to be last,' she said.

'Estelle's love of God was unbelievable and unwavering.'

Sutton, who has known Hedaya since birth and described herself as her Miami mama, said the two women celebrated most holidays and birthdays with her family.

Hedaya's boss Joe Murphy said 'the weirdest thing about this whole thing is that Estelle's best friend in the whole building is Linda.'

Gromova was on vacation at the tower with 23-year-old Michelle Pazos at her father Miguel's apartment. The bodies of Michelle and Miguel were found earlier.

A total of 98 victims have now been pulled from the rubble, with everyone known to be missing now accounted for.

The victims spanned all walks of life and ranged in age from 1 to 92.

They included members of the area's large Orthodox Jewish community, the sister of Paraguay's first lady, her family and their nanny, along with an entire family of four that included a local salesman, his wife and their two young daughters, 4 and 11, who were buried in the same coffin.

Two more victims were identified Wednesday. Authorities confirmed Wednesday Linda March, 58, (right) and Anastasia Gromova, 24, (left) had been recovered

Estelle Hedaya (left) and Linda March (right) were close friends with each other. Hedaya lived on the sixth floor and March on the top floor

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah shared a heartwrenching video montage of photos from the last month's search and rescue efforts on Twitter Monday.

The photos show emergency workers from various agencies, members of religious groups and community members working together at the collapse site over the last month.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews are seen combing through the rubble in some images while others showed locals arm in arm in solidarity with one another.

One image showed messages and tributes being pinned to a wall in honor of those who were missing, feared dead amid the search.

'Throughout the month we spent working at the Champlain Towers South condominium, we witnessed numerous groups of people come together at #Surfside under one common goal,' Jadallah wrote.

'Members of the community: you were instrumental in helping families who lost loved ones in this tragedy.

'Elected officials, religious institutions, hotels, restaurants, small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, everyone who provided care & comfort to those who needed it.'

Jadallah went on to thank all the various search and rescue teams who came from around the country and the world to support the local crews on the ground.

'I watched you work day & night, while being pelted by 35 mph rain or by the 103 degree heat index,' he wrote.

'I watched one of you tumble down the debris pile, only to return right back to the pile. I, along with the millions of residents, will forever be grateful for your painstaking work.'

Jadallah told the families of victims that their loved ones 'will never be forgotten, as they have forever changed this community'.

'I hope that you find the strength you need to carry on in each other, in those new bonds formed, in those new friendships forged and in the everlasting bond we've created. You are all in my heart,' he wrote.

'May God bless you and watch over you all. #SurfsideStrong.'

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's urban search-and-rescue team pulled away from the site Friday in a convoy of firetrucks and other vehicles - one day before the one-month anniversary of the tragedy Saturday.

The fire chief saluted their bravery, saying they had worked 12-hour shifts while camping out at the site and also dealing with the heavy emotional burden.

The site of the June 24 collapse at the oceanside tower is now mostly swept flat and more than 26 million pounds of concrete rubble, mangled rebar and debris removed from the area where the building once stood.

An aerial view of the site during a rescue operation of the Champlain Tower partially collapsed in Surfside, Florida, July 1

Almost 100 people were killed when 55 of the 136 units in the 13-story tower collapsed in the early hours of June 24

The rubble has been moved to a Miami warehouse off site where forensic scientists are still at work examining it.

Authorities said the debris will be preserved as possible evidence for lawsuits and for other experts to review.

A total of 55 of the 136 units in the 13-story tower fell at 1:25am on June 24.

Search teams spent weeks battling the hazards of the rubble, including an unstable portion of the building that teetered above, a recurring fire and Florida's stifling summer heat and thunderstorms.

The remaining section was demolished on July 4 when the site became too dangerous for rescue teams to continue searching for the missing and Tropical Storm was barreling toward south Florida, threatening to topple it entirely.

With all the missing now accounted for, investigators can turn their attentions to determining what caused the building to collapse and whether or not it could have been prevented.

It has emerged that the architect behind the tower was suspended for six months after a structure he designed collapsed during a hurricane over a decade before the Champlain Towers South was built.

William Friedman died in 2018 at the age of 88, but when he was a young architect in his 30s he had designed commercial sign pylons that were part of the rooftop of a building in downtown Miami.

Search and Rescue personnel search in the hours after the collapse on June 24

The remains of the building were demolished on July 4 as Tropical Storm Elsa barreled toward south Florida fueling fears it would collapse

The pylons toppled following a storm in 1965 as Hurricane Betsy struck south Florida.

The collapse was serious enough for at least one prominent Miami architect to alert the Florida State Board of Architecture who then suspended him for 'gross incompetency, in that he negligently, improperly, and carelessly' designed the 20-foot tall pylons.

While there is no known link between that issue and the Champlain Towers South collapse, investigators are probing whether there were critical failures in the initial design and in the handling of the building's maintenance in the run-up to last month's collapse.

Witnesses said they saw sections of the pool deck collapse into the garage below before the building fell.

A consultant engineer warned in a damning October 2018 report that the Champlain Towers South had 'major structural damage' to the pool deck area and underground parking garage.

The structural field survey report specifically raised concerns about the pool deck area, in which the waterproofing was failing, and the underground parking garage which was riddled with 'abundant' cracking.

It said the tower was in need of numerous repairs around the base of the structure 'in a timely fashion.'

William Friedman was suspended following the collapse of sign pylons at two Miami buildings as Hurricane Betsy ripped through the area above

Meanwhile, it's unclear what will happen at the collapse site.

A judge presiding over several lawsuits filed in the collapse aftermath wants the property sold at market rates, which would bring in an estimated $100 million or more.

Some condo owners want to rebuild, and others say a memorial should be erected to remember the dead.

On Wednesday a Florida judge said victims and families of victims will receive at least $150 million in compensation.

This includes about $50 million in insurance on the Champlain Towers South building and at least $100 million in proceeds from the sale of the Surfside property where the structure once stood, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman said at a hearing.

The $150 million does not count any proceeds from the numerous lawsuits already filed since the June 24 collapse.

Those lawsuits are being consolidated into a single class action that will cover all victims and family members if they choose, the judge said.

REVEALED: Floor by floor breakdown of where the 98 identified Miami condo victims were before the tower's collapse

Floorplans of the Miami condo tower have revealed where many the victims lay sleeping or were going about their lives inside their homes on the night of the horror collapse.

Victims of all ages were spread across the 13 floors of the tower when it fell, killing almost 100.

Using information released by Miami-Dade police along with public records and online appeals, DailyMail.com has created floorplans which reveal the true scale of the tragedy which has become one of the deadliest construction disasters in US history.

DailyMail.com has compiled floorplans of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, using public records and information released by police. They show where many the victims lay sleeping or were going about their lives in their homes when the tower fel

The oldest victim was 92-year-old Hilda Noriega who lived in apartment 602.

Noriega, the mother of North Bay Village Police Chief Carlos Noriega, had only recently celebrated her birthday with her son finding a birthday card given to her among the rubble before her body was recovered on June 29.

A Miami firefighter pulled his own seven-year-old daughter from the rubble that same day.

Stella Cattarossi, 7, was sleeping alongside her mom Graciela in the family's fifth floor apartment 502 when it collapsed. Three of their family members were also killed.

The youngest victim of the tragedy is one-year-old Aishani Patel whose body was recovered on July 6.

Aishani's pregnant mom Bhavna Patel, a 38-year-old British and US citizen, and her husband Vishal Patel, 42, were also killed when they were inside their third floor apartment when the building fell.

Also on the third floor was Theresa Velasquez, a Los Angeles-based executive for the Live Nation event promotion company.

The 36-year-old had flown into Miami to visit her parents who lived in apartment 304. They both also died in the collapse.

Other victims include Elaine Lia Sabino, 71, and Richard Augustine, 77, who were staying in the condo they shared on the 12th floor - the lower penthouse level - when the tower collapsed.

The youngest victim of the tragedy is one-year-old Aishani Patel whose body was recovered on July 6. Aishani's pregnant mom Bhavna Patel, a 38-year-old British and US citizen, and her husband Vishal Patel, 42, (all pictured together) also died

Friends posting online said Stella Cattarossi's body was found alongside her mother Graciela

Sophia Lopez Moreira, her husband Luis Pettengill and their three young children were on the 10th floor of the tower. Moreira is the sister of President Mario Abdo Benitez's wife Silvana

The two friends lived in apartment 1210 - the apartment on the end next to the section that remained standing.

Sabino, a flight attendant who worked for US Airways and JetBlue, was found in the rubble on July 6, with Chicago native Augustine found hours later.

They were next-door neighbors to Elena Chavez, 84, and Elena Blasser, 64, a mother and daughter who lived together in apartment 1211.

Blasser's son Pablo Rodriguez said his mom had told her she was woken by 'creaking noises' in the building the night before it collapsed. He said he had thought nothing of it at the time.

Blasser's body was found on July 5 and her mom's July 6. The next day another 12th-floor resident was also recovered from the rubble.

The first victim was found almost immediately after the collapse in the early hours of June 24.

Stacie Fang, 54, was pulled from the debris and rushed to Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, but died of her injuries soon after.

Elena Chavez, 84, and Elena Blasser, 64, are pictured together. The mother and daughter lived together in apartment 1211

The oldest victim was 92-year-old Hilda Noriega who lived in apartment 602. Noriega, the mother of North Bay Village Police Chief Carlos Noriega, had only recently celebrated her birthday

Tzvi (pictured far left) and Ingrid (pictured far right) Ainsworth, members of the Jewish community from Melbourne, lived in an apartment on the 11th floor of the building

Fang's 15-year-old son Jonah Handler survived after being trapped under the frame of his bed. He was seen being rescued from the rubble by emergency crews with the help of a passing dog walker.

Jonah was seen reuniting with his rescuers earlier this month.

The mother and son lived in apartment 1002 on the 10th floor of the tower.

Also staying on the 10th floor were some of the youngest victims of the collapse - siblings Alexia Maria Pettengill Lopez Moreira, 9, Anna Sophia Pettengill Lopez Moreira, 6, and Luis Vicente Pettengill Lopez Moreira, 9.

The young children were the daughters of Sophia Lopez Moreira, the sister-in-law of Paraguay's President Mario Abdo Benitez. Their mom, father Luis Pettengill, and housekeeper Leidy Vanessa Luna Villalba also died.

The family did not live in the building; they were celebrating Luis' birthday after the family traveled to the US for their COVID-19 vaccines.

One floor above, in apartment 1104, lived Tzvi Ainsworth, 68, and his wife, Ingrid Ainsworth, 66.

The couple split their time between Florida and Australia and were well known among Melbourne's small Jewish community.

In apartment 903, lived Antonio Lozano, 83, and his wife Gladys Lozano, 79. The Cuban couple were about to celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary on July 21.
American Airlines is asking pilots to conserve fuel whenever possible as the US sees a surge in summer travel.

The air carrier released a memo to pilots Monday warning about a nationwide supply crunch and urging them to do everything possible to save fuel.

'Use all available fuel savings strategies when possible,' Managing Director of Flight Operations John Dudley said in the memo. 'Every gallon of jet fuel saved is helpful.'

Experts say the supply crunch stems from shortages of fuel, as well as trucks and drivers to transport it.

American Airlines is asking pilots to conserve fuel whenever possible as the US sees a surge in summer travel (File photo of an American Airlines plane above)

The fuel crunch comes as airlines experience a surge in travel demand after a sharp downturn last year during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As evidenced by data from TSA checkpoints (above), traveler throughput has been increasing since the beginning of the year

The fuel crunch comes as airlines experience a surge in travel demand after a sharp downturn last year during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As evidenced by data from TSA checkpoints, traveler throughput has been steadily increasing since the beginning of the year.

This means that as travelers are starting to fly again, they may find themselves with less desirable flight options.

According to CNBC, American Airlines may have to add stops to certain flight routes because of the fuel delays.

While the airline has faced 'minimal' flight disruptions thus far and hasn't had to cancel any flights due to the fuel supply shortage, officials expect to see its impact throughout the summer.

'American Airlines station jet fuel delivery delays initially affected mostly western U.S. cities, but are now being reported at American stations across the country. Delivery delays are expected to continue through mid-August,' Dudley said.

In addition to planned stops, the airline has started tankering fuel, which means that certain flights are carrying additional fuel into airports that have been affected by the shortages.

Dudley also urged pilots to contact American Airlines dispatchers early 'if it is necessary to land enroute' and noted that taking on extra fuel 'will lead to a heavier aircraft when landing'.

However, because extra fuel adds weight, Dennis Tajer, a spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association (APA), noted planes may need to leave some seats empty to ensure safety of all passengers. This could limit traveler capacity on certain routes.

The graph above shows how the price of jet fuel in the US has risen substantially since last fall

Tajer expects planes to fly with more fuel than needed to complete their journey when traveling from cities where fuel is more abundant into cities where supply is tight.

A memo from APA to union members stated that while 'these new challenges are manageable, [it's] important to be proactive and work closely with the load agents and dispatchers.'

In a statement to DailyMail.com, American Airlines said the company is aware of the shortage and has taken steps to minimize the industry-wide impacts. The statement reads:

'We are aware of fuel supply issues at some airports, predominately across the western US, affecting a number of carriers. American is currently experiencing minimal operational impact due to fuel supply issues. Our team continues to work around the clock to monitor the situation and minimize the impact on our customers.'

American Airlines declined to comment on whether or not the fuel shortage has impacted the company's finances or stock.

Meanwhile, both Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have echoed American Airlines' claims, saying they haven't had any operational problems due to the shortage but have seen fuel delays at smaller airports.

Southwest told CNBC they would turn to tankering fuel if needed.
The mother of murdered student Libby Squire fears her killer may have flashed her weeks before her death but didn't report it.

Lisa Squire is urging people to report all non-contact 'minor' offences to the police in a bid to stop other twisted killers like Pawel Relowicz causing more misery.

She said she is haunted by the fact her daughter Libby, 21, was flashed in Hull just weeks before she was kidnapped, raped, murdered and dumped in the river by depraved Relowicz in January, 2019.

Speaking to The Mirror, from her home in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, nurse Lisa, 51, said: 'I know Libby was flashed at, a few weeks or months before she died. It happened after a night out around November time. I'm not sure exactly when.

Lisa said she wants to see an early intervention along with education in school on the subject

Relowicz had left the village of Warszewice, northern Poland, with his wife, now 26, five years before the murder and both found work at pork producer Karro Foods' plant in Malton, North Yorks

Libby, 21, was flashed in Hull just weeks before she was kidnapped, raped, murdered and dumped in the river by depraved Relowicz in January, 2019

'She told him to 'p**s off' basically, and berated him.

'I said to her 'you should really report it' and she said "Oh mum, I gave him a mouthful and told him what a pathetic human being he was." But she didn't report it.

'And that absolutely haunts me now because likely or not that was him.'

Lisa said she wants to see an early intervention along with education in school on the subject of flashing and sexual harassment.

Her younger 19-year-old daughter Beth is also due to go to university this September.

She spoke to her about the importance of reporting minor crimes, warning that each time the person flahses it could go 'a bit further' each time.

'By reporting it, you are hopefully stopping the next person being attacked by this man,' Lisa added.

Relowicz had left the village of Warszewice, northern Poland, with his wife, now 26, five years before the murder and both found work at pork producer Karro Foods' plant in Malton, North Yorks.

He was given a role as a butcher and was seen by Hull's Polish community as a 'normal friendly, hard-working family man'.

But really he was a sexual deviant who peered through the windows of student's and broke into their houses to steal knickers and sex toys before leaving behind condoms as 'calling cards.'

Lisa is haunted by the fact Libby was flashed at but never reported it to the police. She believes it may have been Relowicz

He 'patrolled' the interlocked network of streets around the family home in his silver Vauxhall Astra and kept with him the pink holdall which held the 'trophies' he'd stolen during his sexually motivated raids.

During his trial at Sheffield Crown Court, Richard Wright, QC, said in the time leading up to Libby's murder, Relowicz's sexual urges were 'completely out of control' at that time and Relowicz agreed that they were.

The trial was told he left used condoms behind because he wanted to strike fear into the women whose homes he had invaded and 'got a kick' out of them knowing he had been masturbating while there.

Throughout 2017, 2018 and 2019, Relowicz continued his behaviour and was only caught when it was too late for Libby.

The perverted killer was a sexual deviant who peered through the windows of student houses, broke into their houses to steal knickers and sex toys and left behind condoms as 'calling cards'

A court artist's sketch of Pawel Relowicz (in blue) sitting in Sheffield Crown Court

He was jailed in February 2021 and sentenced for 27 years for the kidnapping, rape and murder of Libby Squire.

Also in August 2019, he was jailed for eight and a half years after admitting nine offences including theft of sexual items and voyeurism at Sheffield Crown Court.

Judge Jeremy Richardson, QC, told him: 'It is clear to me that you harbour sexually deviant traits within your character. This led you to commit these crimes which, taken as a whole, may only be characterised as a campaign of sexually deviant criminality.

'Your conduct has caused immense distress to several young women in Hull. I regard you as potentially a very dangerous individual.

'You lived with your wife at Raglan Street in Hull. Your home was near to the University of Hull and nearby student accommodation. Over a period of about 19 months from June 2017 you exhibited very disturbing behaviour towards young women living close to where you lived.'
Prominent activists Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. William Barber II have been arrested during a sit-in at Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's office in Phoenix, according to fellow protesters.

Jackson and Barber took part in the protest on Monday with the full intent of being arrested, in order to draw attention to their demand to abolish the Senate filibuster, according to organizers.

Activist Erika Andiola, a former spokeswoman for Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign, said on Twitter that at least 30 people had been arrested in the sit-in, including Jackson and Barber.

A Phoenix Police Department spokesman was unable to immediately confirm the arrests when reached by DailyMail.com.

Rev. William Barber II posted a photo that appeared to show him wearing loosely fitting flex-cuffs as he sat in the front seat of a car during the protest in Phoenix

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, carrying the American flag, was leading the protest with Barber

Barber, holding the mic, said he was opposing the Senate filibuster

Jackson (left) and Barber (right) are seen above in file photos. Activists said they were among 30 arrested in a demonstration in Phoenix on Monday

Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat, has been outspoken in her opposition to eliminating the filibuster (file photo)

Jackson is a longtime activist on the national stage, and Barber is a prominent advocate on racial injustice issues from North Carolina, where he gained fame for his 'Moral Mondays' demonstrations every week at the state capitol in Raleigh.

On Monday, Barber posted a photo that appeared to show him wearing loosely fitting flex-cuffs as he sat in the front seat of a car.

'We've got to get these shackles off of our democracy,' he wrote.

The demonstrators in Phoenix were seeking to put pressure on Sinema, a moderate Democrat, to support abolishing the filibuster, which she has resisted.

Democrats hope to pass a sweeping bill on election laws, and with the Senate split 50-50, many view eliminating the filibuster as the only viable path to achieving their goals.

Under the current rules, it often takes 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, and eliminating the procedural rule would allow Democrats to pass their agenda unobstructed, assuming they voted as a bloc.

Monday's protest started with a march from Kachina Park, located on Campbell Avenue and 42nd Street, and ended at Sinema's Phoenix office.

Barber is a prominent advocate on racial injustice from North Carolina, where he gained fame for his 'Moral Mondays' demonstrations

Demonstrators are seen joining the protest on Monday in Phoenix near Sinema's office

Monday's protest started with a march from Kachina Park, located on Campbell Avenue and 42nd Street, and ended at Sinema's Phoenix office

Sinema has been outspoken in her opposition to eliminating the filibuster.

In June, she said she opposes abolishing the filibuster because it is 'a tool that protects the democracy of our nation rather than allowing our country to ricochet wildly every two to four years back and forth between policies.'

'When you have a system that's not working effectively - and I think most would agree the Senate is not exactly a well-oiled machine - the way to fix that is to change your behavior, not to eliminate the rules,' said Sinema.

Her views have drawn prior protests at her local office, including one last month that resulted in arrests.

Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, another moderate Democrat, has also said he opposes eliminating the filibuster rule.

President Joe Biden also dismissed the idea of eliminating the filibuster during a CNN town hall in Cincinnati last Wednesday, warning that doing so would 'throw the entire Congress into chaos' where 'nothing at all would get done.'

Biden said eliminating the filibuster would throw Congress into 'chaos' and distract from passing other items on Democrats' agenda

Speaking at an invite-only event moderated by CNN host Don Lemon, Biden was accused by a first-year law student of 'doing little to actually stop' Republican 'assaults' on voting rights legislation after a GOP filibuster killed Democrats' push to pass Biden's For The People Act.

'If these efforts are really the most dangerous in out history,' he asked, citing Biden's own words, 'Isn't it logical to get rid of the filibuster so we can protect our democracy and secure the right to vote?'

At one point Lemon joined in pressing the president, to which he snapped 'Let me finish my answer.'

Biden previously signaled he may be open to nixing the filibuster when Democrats failed to win a super majority to pass his bill to strengthening voting rights, which ended with a 50-50 vote - 10 votes shy of overcoming a Republican filibuster.

Democrats would need to win a 60-vote 'super majority' to overcome Republican efforts to indefinitely stall the bill via a filibuster.
Brian Jeffrey Raymond, 45, of La Mesa, California, (pictured) pleaded guilty Friday to federal sexual abuse and transportation of obscene material charges, according to The Department of Justice

A former U.S. diplomat may face life in prison, after admitting sexually abusing multiple women while employed at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.

Brian Jeffrey Raymond, 45, of La Mesa, California, pleaded guilty Friday to federal sexual abuse and transportation of obscene material charges, according to the Department of Justice.

An investigation into Raymond was launched after a nude woman was spotted screaming for help on the balcony of his Mexico City apartment last May.

The woman told the FBI she had no recollection of events after consuming drinks and food provided by Raymond.

He was arrested in La Mesa last October, on one count of coercion and enticement.

'Brian Raymond betrayed the trust granted to him as a U.S. government employee representing the United States abroad by engaging in years of predatory conduct sexually abusing, exploiting, and recording vulnerable women he targeted in the United States and around the world,' Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, said in a statement.

'As demonstrated by Raymond's prosecution and plea, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will use all of the tools at our disposal to hold accountable those who victimize women.'

Throughout their investigation, FBI agents said they recovered hundreds of photographs and videos depicting more than 20 unconscious and nude or partially nude women from Raymond's cell phones, iCloud account, and other electronic devices.

The files date back to 2006, continuing up until May 2020.

Photographs and videos clearly depict Raymond fondling the victims breasts and buttocks, in addition to lying in bed with unconscious women on two different occasions.

During their time with Raymond, the women claimed they experienced memory loss and had no knowledge of the photographs, videos, or physical contact.

In addition, FBI agents said internet history recovered from Raymond's devices revealed searches for unconscious women and side effects of prescription drugs combined with alcohol.

An investigation into Raymond was launched after a nude woman was spotted screaming for help on the balcony of his Mexico City apartment last May

Raymond has worked for the U.S. government for 23 years in numerous countries, according to court documents. Prosecutors did not specify what position he held in Mexico other than to say he was working for a U.S. government agency at the embassy (pictured)

In his plea agreement, Raymond admitted he engaged in sexual intercourse with two of the victims depicted in the recordings 'when both were incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or consenting to it.'

Both incidents took place in Raymonds embassy-leased residence in Mexico City.

Raymond admitted that over the course of 14 years, he recorded and/or photographed at least 24 unconscious and nude or partially nude women, and touched the breasts, buttocks, genitalia of numerous women 'while they were incapable of consent.'

The DOJ said Raymond transported all 479 photographs and videos of 20 unconscious and nude or partially nude women, into the United States.

Raymond has worked for the U.S. government for 23 years in numerous countries, according to court documents. Prosecutors did not specify what position he held in Mexico other than to say he was working for a U.S. government agency at the embassy.

This is the first incident the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City has come under fire.

In 2014, an unidentified married Treasury attache was fired after an investigation found he forced a 22-year-old woman to perform oral sex at a New Years Eve party at his taxpayer-funded apartment.

However, his name has been redacted in all documents and his name has never been released, despite constant requests and the Biden administrations pledge for more transparency.

This is not the first incident in which the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City has come under fire. In 2014, an unidentified married Treasury attache was fired after an investigation found he forced a 22-year-old woman to perform oral sex at a New Years Eve party at his taxpayer-funded apartment

His case resurfaced in March after Raymond was arrested.

In December, 2017, it was revealed that The Treasury Department paid $174,000 over five years to settle sexual harassment cases, many involving members of Congress.

It is not known if officials in the Treasury paid anything to settle sexual harassment claims involving its own staff.

This isnt the first time a government department has protected the identity of a high-ranking overseas official accused of misconduct while stationed abroad.

In January 2016, DailyMail.com uncovered that a US consulate employee had a child taken from his care because officials feared the minor was in danger following systematic abuse and neglect.

A document exposed how the International Trade Administration staff member allegedly subjected the minor to shocking care while working abroad and living in a house owned by the government

An investigation found the child was routinely underfed and encouraged to take their clothes off in the consulate residence so the man could allegedly take pictures of them naked.

At the time the unidentified employee also allegedly harassed female colleagues during his posting and used a government email address to meet women online.
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Thousands of Cuban-Americans marched to the White House on Monday to demand the Biden administration intervene in the brutal crackdown of the communist regime.

The huge crowd joined a group of protesters who stayed overnight on Sunday and held a candlelit vigil in a bid to push the government to go beyond what has been considered 'meaningless' sanctions.

Demonstrators descended on the capital and planned to march from the White House to the Cuban Embassy demanding freedom for the island.

The group is marking the 26th of July Movement, a Cuban national holiday commemorating the 1953 attack when Fidel Castro led his first attempt to overthrow then-Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista.

Now the protesters are attacking the regime, saying it is no longer their day. Cuban residents have had access to the internet blocked during the demonstrations and are facing beatings and arrests from soldiers.

Republicans, including Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Florida Senator Rick Scott joined the marchers, many of whom had driven in caravans from Florida to D.C.

'I'm 27 and I never thought I would live to see something like this,' Alex Perez, a Florida resident who came to the United States from Cuba seven years ago, told the Miami Herald as he joined the protest in Washington,D.C.

'We need to make sure there's pressure for people who didn't have to go through what I went through to know what's going on in Cuba,' he added.

Miami Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar joined the candle and cellphone light vigil on Sunday night. More elected officials are expected to join protests on Monday.

More arrived in D.C. in the early morning hours of Monday and immediately headed to the White HOuse to join the protest.

Thousands of Cuban-Americans marched to the White House on Monday to demand the Biden administration intervene in the brutal crackdown of the communist regime

The huge crowd joined a group of protesters who stayed overnight on Sunday and held a candlelit vigil in a bid to push the government to go beyond what has been considered 'meaningless' sanctions

The demonstrators took over the roads surrounding the White House on Monday to demand more from Biden

The Cuban-Americans are reacting to the biggest crackdown on people in their home country in decades

Cuban activist participate in a Cuban freedom rally near the White House on Monday

Tearful protesters joined the crowd as they demanded freedom for the Cuban people

The group planned a human rights march from the White House to the Cuban Embassy

Republicans, including Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw (left) and Florida Senator Rick Scott joined the marchers

Anti-Cuban government protesters held a candlelight vigil outside the White House overnight to mark the 26th of July Movement as thousands showed up in Washington D.C. over the weekend to demand President Joe Biden take action in Cuba

Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (pictured center) joined the protests on Sunday and more elected officials are expected to join on Monday

Protesters holding Cuban and American flags held demonstrations into the night in front of the White House, which is lit up red, white and blue to celebrate the U.S. Olympic Team

A demonstrator dressed in the military outfit of Fidel Castro points a wooden stick with fake blood on it at a fellow protester

Two protesters on Sunday engage in a dramatic demonstration of the violence between the Cuban people and it's socialist government, which broke out earlier this month

At least 18 buses left from Miami over the weekend and more caravans from Tampa and Texas are on the way. A group is pictured in front of a White House fence on Sunday

The protests come as Cuban-Americans claim Biden isn't doing enough to push back against the island's socialist regime violently retaliating to demonstrators earlier this month who marched in the streets in the midst of food, vaccine and medicine shortages in the pandemic.

Cuban authorities have arrested hundreds of demonstrators, activists and journalists after protests erupted on July 11 across the country amid an economic crisis, scarcity of basic goods, lack of freedoms  all happening around the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of July 14, one person was confirmed dead, but dissident group Cuban Decide estimates five were killed in the clashes. Hundreds of others reported injuries.

'We saw a lot of people on I-95 with Cuban flags and messages on their cars,' Chris Cruz, who was with Perez at the White House protest on Sunday, said. 'Tomorrow is going to be intense but I know people will keep their cool.'

The Biden administration last week issued new sanctions on Cuba after outcry following the government's violent response to island-wide protests regarding the regime's handling of the reemerging COVID-19 crisis.

On Thursday, the Treasury Department blacklisted Defense Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera and the Black Berets, a Interior Ministry special police unit, following their role in the crackdown on protesters.

The move, however, does basically nothing considering in January the Trump administration already sanctioned Cuba's entire Interior Ministry, including the Black Berets.

Cuba is also already under a trade embargo.

Experts have said the new sanctions will have little to no impact on assets held by Cuban security forces.

In response to these revelations, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, lambasted Biden's sanctions as 'meaningless.'

'Biden sanctioning an already sanctioned regime official in Cuba is the kind of symbolic but meaningless measure we will continue to see as long as [he] is being advised by people who were drinking mojitos in Havana in 2015 to celebrate the Obama policy,' Rubio tweeted on Friday.

As pressure mounts for the administration to do more, thousands of anti-Cuban government protesters from all over the country arrived in Washington, D.C. to post up outside the White House and demand action.

While the majority of protesters came up from Miami, and other parts of Florida, there were also travelers from Texas and New Jersey. Florida, due to its proximity to the island, has north of 1.5 million Cubans residing there, making it by far the state with the largest Cuban population.

The community is outraged over the injustice in Cuba, where the socialist, unitarian government is preventing its people from acquiring basic human needs like food and medicine.

In a statement last week, Biden said the new sanctions are just the start of his administration's action on Cuba.

Jose Gabilondo, a law professor at Florida International University, said: 'I think their goal is to appease part of Joe Biden's would-be electorate because he did poorly in Florida.'

'There were already a quite complex set of sanctions in place,' he continued. 'It's kabuki politics.'

Before announcing the sanctions last week, a report revealed the administration is looking at other responses to the unrest, like bolstering U.S. presence at the embassy in Havana and making internet more accessible to citizens.

'At President Biden's direction, the United States is actively pursuing measures that will both support the Cuban people and hold the Cuban regime accountable,' a senior administration official told the Herald last week.

On July 11, protest broke out islandwide in the midst of the biggest economic crisis in Cuba in 30 years

The government responded with violence as the people experience food and medicine shortages in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic

The violent clashes left cities in disarray with scores injured, at least one confirmed dead and hundreds in custody

As violent confrontations broke out between the people of Cuba and their government, Diaz-Canel's regime swiftly cut off citizens' internet access to stop images from being widely shared online.

Lawmakers, including Rubio, have been urging Biden to give dissidents free satellite internet access to stop the government from preventing activists who attempt to share their posts on social media.

Biden is also weighing measures to help ensure money Cuban Americans send home makes it there in full.

A State Department working group will look at the feasibility of staffing increases at the U.S. embassy and forming a 'Remittance Working Group' to get money to the island.
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Thunderstorms and flash downpours will continue until at least Thursday, the Met Office has warned after another night of flooding yesterday, with cars submerged in Yeovil and Tube stations forced to close while a London hospital cancelled surgeries and evacuated 100 inpatients.

A yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued across much of Wales, northern and central England between 9am today and 6am on Wednesday, with heavy showers and storms expected to last well into the week across north Wales and north-west England in particular.

Meanwhile, a yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for most of Scotland for 12 hours from noon, while yellow rain warnings also follow for all of Wednesday and the early hours of Thursday morning. The Environment Agency put 10 flood warnings for parts of the South in place last night.

Yesterday a yellow warning was in place for parts of Kent and Sussex between 10am and 5pm while Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue officers were called out to help vehicles submerged beneath a flooded section of the A30 outside a Halfords autocentre in Yeovil, Somerset.

Homes, roads and Tube stations across the capital were deluged, while Whipps Cross Hospital was forced to cancel all surgery and outpatient appointments yesterday after the basement was flooded, causing damage to the electrical system and a loss of power.

A major incident was called across Barts Health NHS Trust, with staff moving 100 inpatients from affected wards, including to other hospitals within the group, while ambulances were diverted to other A&E departments to relieve the pressure on Whipps Cross.

The wettest part of the country on Sunday was St James's Park in London, where 41.8mm of rain fell.

The average rainfall for July in London is 45mm, meaning almost a month's worth of rain fell in one 24-hour period. The daily rainfall value of 41.8mm recorded at St James's park is that weather station's second-wettest July day on record.

Flash flooding at Yeovil in Somerset after torrential rain and thunderstorms struck during the late afternoon

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue officers on a flooded section of the A30 in Yeovil outside a Halfords autocentre

The Environment Agency put 10 flood warnings for parts of the South in place last night

Flooding forced Whipps Cross Hospital to cancel surgeries and appointments after some departments lost power during the thunderstorms. Pictured: A fire engine is seen outside the main entrance to Whipps Cross Hospital

Barts Health NHS Trust said patients are being transferred from the affected departments to other hospitals within the trust

Near Whipps Cross Hospital, one family's home, where they have lived for 34 years, was flooded during their first get-together in 18 months and family member Nicola Thorogood has described the experience as 'heartbreaking' for her parents

Floodwater begins to subside in Battersea, London, leaving mud covered roads and a car which was abandoned

'Heartbreaking': Family home of 34 years is hit by floods amid torrential rain as they enjoyed their post-coronavirus reunion A family's home has been flooded after heavy rain in London A woman whose childhood home was flooded during the family's first get-together in 18 months has described the experience as 'heartbreaking' for her parents. Nicola Thorogood, 33, was at her parents' house in Walthamstow, east London, along with her two sisters, their partners and all their children when torrential rain hit the area on Sunday. The family made a frantic attempt to keep the water out of the home they moved into in 1987, but in the end they gave up and put their efforts into trying to save as many belongings as possible. 'It's heartbreaking for my parents,' Ms Thorogood said. 'It's just knowing what they've put into it - they're in their mid-60s now, but they're still working - and they've worked so hard all their life to have that house and it's the thing they're most proud of and want to pass on to us eventually. It's that that breaks my heart.' The house is about a 10-minute walk from Whipps Cross Hospital, which declared a major incident on Sunday. Ms Thorogood's family were all together on Sunday for the first time since January 2020 after so-called Freedom Day. Her older sister left with her children shortly after 3pm as the weather started to worsen, and soon after the rest of the family were using buckets to try to sweep water away from the front step, and build makeshift flood defences using bin bags and soil. When it became clear they could not stop the water, they instead tried to save as many belongings as they could. Ms Thorogood said: 'We took what we could upstairs, obviously anything like sentimental photos and things like that. Then we retreated upstairs to my parents' room and just watched the rain fall and the flood come in.' 'My mum was close to tears,' Ms Thorogood said. 'She kept saying, 'nobody's hurt' and 'there's worse things could happen' but you could see the pain on her face. 'My mum's very house proud - she's always cleaning and she's always decorating and she keeps it to a nice standard.' By Monday morning the water had receded and her parents were beginning to clean up. 'They stayed because mum just didn't want to leave,' Ms Thorogood, who lives in Chingford, said. 'I spoke to her this morning and she said the water's gone, but it's like a warzone, and they don't know where to start. 'I'm hoping she'll come and stay here for a few days... they can't stay there, at the moment they have no power, they don't know if it's safe to put it back on. 'So it's just a bit of a waiting game.' Advertisement

A spokeswoman for Barts Health NHS Trust said: 'We are continuing to experience operational issues at Whipps Cross Hospital due to the heavy rainfall.

'We cancelled all planned surgery and outpatient appointments for today, and are diverting ambulances while we work hard to clean up affected areas of the hospital.

'We are keeping the situation under constant review and will post updates about services as necessary.

'Meanwhile, we cleaned all areas affected by the flooding at Newham Hospital yesterday and its emergency department is now open to people needing emergency care.

'We are working closely with other hospitals across the Barts Health group to maintain patient care and asking the public to check the latest visiting arrangements for each hospital on our website before coming to any site.'

The Met Office said thunderstorms occur when there is warm air on the surface that is underneath cooler air above it.

The warm air rises and creates instability which can create quite heavy downpours of rain and hail, as well as creating the conditions for thunder and lightning.

A Met Office spokesman said: 'Going forward, there's some more thunderstorms and intense downpours in the forecast, with a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms currently active until 5pm today in the far South East.

'The current dominant weather pattern of the UK is set to be a spell of low pressure, bringing with it some more persistent rain from Tuesday and into Wednesday, with some slow moving heavy rain expected over Scotland on Wednesday in particular.'

The spokesman said an official study would have to be completed before any connections to the weekend's weather can be linked to climate change, but added that the science indicates that warmer air can hold more water, so rainfall is increasing on average across the world.

'In some places, rainfall is becoming more intense as well. Heavy rainfall is also more likely.

'Since 1998, the UK has seen seven of the 10 wettest years on record. The winter storms in 2015 were at least 40% more likely because of climate change,' he said.

Four stations remain closed, although only Stepney Green is due to flooding, but there's good service across most train and tube services. Three others - Chancery Lane, Southwark and Temple - are closed due to staff shortages.

Eastbound Metropolitan line trains are not stopping at Liverpool Street and step-free access is not available due to flooding.

London Fire Brigade said last night that in total they had more than 600 calls to flood-related incidents including flooding to roads and properties, reports of ceilings collapsing and vehicles stuck in water.

Boris Johnson tweeted his thanks to the emergency services and volunteers after England's south was battered by thunderstorms.

'My thoughts are with everyone affected by the flooding in London and the South East,' the Prime Minister tweeted.

'A huge thank you to the emergency services and volunteers helping families and businesses through this difficult time.'

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: 'We are seeing increasing incidents of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

'This is not the first time in recent weeks that London has been hit by major flooding. Despite having limited powers in the area, it remains a key priority for myself and London's council leaders that more is done urgently to tackle flooding and the other impacts of climate change.

'This includes continuing to urge Thames Water to address localised issues with infrastructure that may exacerbate the impact of flooding.'

Downing Street said the Environment Agency would support any councils affected by flooding.

A No 10 spokesman said: 'The Environment Agency are looking at the situation closely and continue to work with local authorities to ensure that any support they need is provided.'

The spokesman said Boris Johnson agreed with scientists that extreme weather was more likely as a result of global warming, but it was a matter for experts to decide whether individual events were down to the phenomenon.

'The Prime Minister completely agrees that climate change is going to lead to more extreme weather events, which is why we are doing what we're doing to try and reduce greenhouse gases,' the spokesman said.

The Government was pushing for the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow 'to lead to positive changes to come'.

Pictures from the streets of the capital show fire crews using specialist equipment to rescue drivers from stranded cars.

Pictured: A car is left covered in mud and debris today one day after being stuck in floodwater in Battersea, London

Police wade through deep flood water to assist a van driver whose vehicle is submerged in Chigwell Road, London

A London taxi drives through water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms district of London after thunderstorms

Under water: The subway at South Woodford Station has flooded after heavy rainfall

London Fire Brigade crews had to come to the rescue after two cars became stranded in flood water at Worcester Park

Flooding in Chigwell after thunderstorms hit London

Pictured: Volunteers inflated a dinghy and carried stranded passengers from a submerged bus in London

Pictured: Water on the dancefloor at Walthamstow Trades Hall, a members' club in north-east London, after heavy rain fell on Sunday

Pictured: The A406 Southend Road remained closed into this morning as floodwater submerged both sides of the road

New Cross Road became 'a river' amid the heavy downpours, and video showed Pudding Lane tube station almost completely submerged.

Meanwhile, residents in north-east London used buckets, brooms and wooden boards to create makeshift flood defences for their homes, while water gushing from an Underground station was caught on video.

Restaurant manager Mariya Peeva, who lives in Woodford, said her neighbour's bedroom was flooded, and her son worked with other residents to prevent the rising rainwater from deluging their home.

Ms Peeva, 46, said: 'My son went to buy some food from the local shop - by the time he came back the whole street and the pavement were already flooded and the water was coming into our front door.'

Londoner Eddie Elliott, 28, said the flooding was the worst he had ever seen it, after he cycled past Queenstown Road station where the road had been 'totally shut down'.

He said: 'Having been born and raised in London, I have never seen anything quite like it.

'It stands out as the worst I've experienced personally ... totally shut down the whole road with buses stood broken down in the water.'

A makeshift defence created by residents in Woodford to protect their home from floodwater after heavy rainfall hit London

Residents scramble to stop floodwater from entering their homes after torrential downpours in the capital

Homes, roads and Tube stations flooded while two London hospitals asked patients to stay away after thunderstorms and battered the south. Pictured: fire crews use specialist equipment to rescue a stranded driver in Worcester Park

The River Roding in East London burst its banks after torrential downpours. Pictured: Chigwell Road

Residents attempt to unblock a drain in south Woodford after a junction is submerged in rainwater after torrential downpours

London Fire Brigade said they received more than 600 calls to flooding related incidents including to stranded cars

Newham Hospital had a similar appeal, writing on its Twitter account: 'Our Emergency Department has flooded in some areas. We're still here if you need us but to help us while we fix things please attend a neighbouring hospital if possible. Thank you!'

Standon Calling festival in Hertfordshire was also cancelled due to the floods.

The festival said in a statement: 'Unfortunately due to flooding we will no longer be able to proceed with the festival.

'If you can safely leave the site this evening please do so as soon as possible. We are working on getting everyone off site as safely and quickly as possible.'

The rain brought an end to the heatwave earlier this week, but temperatures are set to rise in most places again on Monday as the storms clear, with the mercury predicted to reach 78F in London, 77F in Edinburgh, 75F in Cardiff, and 71F in Belfast.

The Met Office has predicted early cloud in some northern and eastern parts which will move up to Scotland, and sunny spells and scattered showers in most places throughout the day on Monday.

Pictured: The scene at Pudding Lane Tube station, which is seen above totally submerged under water

Canary Wharf business park buildings seen through heavy rainfall as a mass storm passes over the city on Sunday afternoon

Lightning strikes near Canary Wharf business park buildings with a bolt appearing to hit Aragon Tower in south east London

A yellow warning for storms also covers a wider area of the south from Norwich to Plymouth, and lasts until midnight

Police officers stop traffic from driving into flood waters and redirect traffic after severe rain caused flooding in east London

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for storms covering London and some of the Home Counties

Met Office rain gauges looking back over six hours saw 34mm of rain at Sandhurst and 32mm at Wych Cross in East Sussex. An Environment Agency rain gauge recorded 52mm of rainfall in an hour just west of Ashford. Pictured: Nine Elms, London

Rain brought an end to a heatwave earlier this week, potentially disappointing anyone who hoped for a sunny trip to the coast

Parts of south east England saw up to 50mm of rain in just an hour on Sunday afternoon as the area was battered by torrential rain (Pictured: People walking in Wimbledon Common, south west London, shelter from heavy showers under an umbrella)

Two friends in summer dresses shelter themselves from heavy rain showers which broke the week long heatwave in London

Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said the storms are being caused by a 'convergence' of air currents, due to warmth in the earth's surface from the recent heatwave rising into cooler air in the atmosphere. Pictured: Nine Elms district, London

Pictured: London Firefighters look along Chigwell Road in south Woodford which goes under the A406. The Metropolitan Police have declared a 'major incident' in north-east London after heavy rainfall and thunderstorms caused flash flooding

The river Roding appears to have burst its banks close to the Charlie Brown roundabout below the A406 North Circular Road in South Woodford. Police have closed Chigwell Road either side of the roundabout and it remained closed overnight

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasey told constituents she could 'share this pain' because her house had also been flooded

A cyclist rides through flood water in Horse Guards Road in central London as thunderstorms pelted the capital

A woman walks through Parliament Square as heavy rain sweeps through central London during torrential rain

A toilet overflows on Pudding Lane, London, as the capital's infrastructure struggles to cope with the flooding

Battersea, London, flooded from the rain. It comes after lightning set fire to houses in Andover, Hampshire, on Saturday

There was a warning for heavy downpours and thunderstorms for southern England and South Wales from 8pm Friday and over the next two days with up to 2in (50mm) of rain expected within just a few hours. Pictured: a flooded street in Battersea

Wood Green High Street, in East London, taped off to the public as a result of flash flooding following heavy downpours

Parts of south east England saw up to 50mm of rain in just an hour on Sunday afternoon. Pictured: Wood Green high street

Wood Green High Street in the aftermath of flash flooding. The heavy downpours are also expected to continue

A torrential downpour in East London.Leytonstone High Street in East London flooded after a torrential downpour

Residents and business owners get creative as they try to protect their properties from flooding in Leytonstone High Street

Pedestrians sheltering underneath umbrellas in Wimbledon Village. The great British summer getaway began on Friday

Jamie Curtis said the roads near Clapham Common were blocked due to floodwater which was '12 to 18 inches deep'.

'(I've) not seen that level of flooding in London before,' he said.

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy told constituents she could feel their pain - because her house was flooded too.

Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said the storms are being caused by a 'convergence' of air currents, due to warmth in the earth's surface from the recent heatwave rising into cooler air in the atmosphere.

It comes after lightning set fire to houses in Andover, Hampshire, on Saturday morning, forcing residents to leave.

Neighbours heard an 'enormous bang' as the strike set two homes ablaze on Mercia Avenue, and a 70-year-old woman was assessed by paramedics.

Kingston Police, who oversee a borough in the amber zone for storms, warned motorists to 'drive carefully' and remember they are 'not driving a submarine'.

The force said in a tweet: 'Please remember to drive carefully. Also remember that you're not driving a submarine. Do not enter what could possibly be deep water. Watch your speed and distance as stopping distances will be greater.'

River water levels rose after downpours. Pictured: A burst water pipe next to Hammersmith Bridge, in West London

There was a warning for heavy downpours and thunderstorms for southern England and South Wales from 8pm Friday

Handout photo of in buses in flood water in Battersea, south London, after heavy rainfall hit the capital

Man walks through flood water in Horse Guards Road in central London. Thunderstorms brought heavy rain to the south east

Pictured: A pedestrian crosses through deep water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms district of London during heavy rain

A woman walks through a flooded path in St James's Park in central London. Kingston Police, who oversee a borough in the amber zone for storms, warned motorists to 'drive carefully' and remember they are 'not driving a submarine'

A car drives through water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms district on London following hours of heavy rain in the capital

Two people shelter under the same umbrella as they walk through the grass at Wimbledon Common on the rainy Sunday

One park-goer in Wimbledon shelters herself from the rain while a friend stands nearby while they walk through the Common

Rain bounces off the pavements in central London as people shelter under umbrellas as the capital was battered with rain

Two friends in summer dresses shelter themselves from the rain during heavy showers which broke a week-long heatwave

Heavy rain pounds the streets in Soho, London. The capital city saw flash flooding as a result of extremely heavy downpours

Two people cosy up under an umbrella walking in Wimbledon Village during the heavy rain showers on Sunday afternoon

Thunderstorms brought torrential downpours and localised flooding to parts of the south east on Sunday

The rain brought an end to the heatwave earlier this week, potentially disappointing anyone who hoped for a dry, sunny trip to the coast.

The rest of the country was forecast to experience a cloudy, more settled end to the week with sunshine expected in Scotland.

Temperatures are set to rise in most places again today as the storms clear, with the mercury predicted to reach 26C in London, 25C in Edinburgh, 24C in Cardiff, and 22C in Belfast.

The Met Office has predicted early cloud in some northern and eastern parts which will move up to Scotland, and sunny spells and scattered showers in most places throughout the day.

Last week Britons heading on staycations to campsites and caravan parks along the south coast were warned over incoming storms, hail and 55mph winds which were set to hit England on Friday evening and last throughout the weekend.

Traffic navigates through deep water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms district of London on Sunday during heavy rain

A car drives through deep water on a flooded road in The Nine Elms during the torrential downpour
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot doubled down on her controversial policy to grant interview requests only to minority members of the media, saying she would 'absolutely do it again.'

Speaking on the New York Times' Sway with Kara Swisher on Monday, Lightfoot, a Democrat, said that despite the backlash to the temporary policy, which she put in place for a day in May to mark her two-year anniversary as mayor, it had sparked a discussion.

'I would absolutely do it again. I'm unapologetic about it because it spurred a very important conversation, a conversation that needed to happen, that should have happened a long time ago,'

Lightfoot said that despite the backlash from journalists who criticized the decision as allowing politicians to choose the reporters who cover them, it was important for her to use her position in an advocacy role.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot doubled down on her controversial policy in May to grant exclusive interviews only to reporters of color, saying she would 'absolutely do it again' in an interview on Monday

Lightfoot made the remarks to New York Times' Kara Swisher, who while noting the importance for diversity in the newsroom, disagreed saying politicians should not be able to choose which reporters cover them

'Here is the bottom line for me, to state the obvious, Im a black woman mayor. Im the mayor of the third-largest city in the country, obviously I have a platform, and its important to me to advocate on things that I believe are important,' she said. 'Going back to why I ran, to disrupt the status quo. The media is critically important to our democracy. the media is in a time of incredible upheaval and disruption but our City hall press corps looks like its 1950 or 1970.'

In particular, she called on news outlets to focus on hiring more diverse slates of reporters.

'People that make the hiring decisions have to be focused on diversity. In Chicago, we have a huge amount of diverse media talent. Weve got schools that are of journalism that are best in class across the country, and I would say, really, across the world. So the absence of journalists of color, covering the mayor of the third-largest city in a country is absolutely unacceptable,' she said. 'And so I decided to say something about it.'

Swisher, who is white, echoed the concerns of some of her fellow journalists that politicians cannot choose the journalists that cover them.

'I just taught at the University of Chicago. You have amazing diverse journalists studying there that I taught. And I agree with the need for more diversity in media. But politicians dont get to choose who covers them,' she said.

'No, its not about me choosing who covers me, right? I gave exclusive interviews. And we do get to choose who we talk to in exclusives,' Lightfoot replied. 'I gave exclusive interviews with journalists of color, right? One 24-hour period and it was like peoples heads exploded. I had journalists saying, "Does the mayor think Im racist?" No, its not about individuals. It's about systemic racism.'

Gregory Pratt, a Chicago Tribune reporter who is Latino, said he was among those who been granted an interview in May, but the newspaper decided to cancel it when Lightfoot refused to lift her ban on other reporters

Back when Lightfoot first announced the controversial policy, it was met with some trepidation, even from reporters of color.

Gregory Pratt, a Chicago Tribune reporter who is Latino, said he was among those who had been granted an exclusive interview but the newspaper decided to cancel it when Lightfoot refused to lift her ban on other reporters.

'I am a Latino reporter @chicagotribune whose interview request was granted for today. However, I asked the mayor's office to lift its condition on others and when they said no, we respectfully canceled,' Pratt tweeted.

'Politicians don't get to choose who covers them.'

Pratt on Monday was mum about Lightfoot's doubling down on her decision to try the policy again, and instead focused on other aspects of Lightfoot's interview, such as seemingly contradictory coronavirus proposals.

Pratt was mum Lightfoot's doubling down on the policy, but instead focused on other aspects of the interview, such as Lightfoot's seemingly contradictory coronavirus policy stances

Lightfoot, for instance, warned that if positivity rates rise about 200 per day she may reinstate mask mandates. At the same time, however, plans to have the music festival Lollapalooza come to Chicago at the end of July are continuing forward.

'At the same time she's threatening possible restrictions if cases rise above 200 per day, Mayor Lori Lightfoot is moving forward with plans to bring 100,000 a day to Grant Park for Lollapalooza,' Pratt tweeted, noting that at one point last week the city saw 193 cases.

Additionally, he noted Lightfoot's hesitance to commit to reelection, when she told Swisher 'it wasn't a gimme' that she would run again, particularly as crime has remained a problem in the city.

'Whether she runs again will be clearer in a year. If crime continues as is she might not have a choice,' he tweeted.

Journalists noted that Lightfoot's comments, as well as those about whether or not she would seek reelection came as gun violence has continued to plague the Windy City in 2021 with the city's crime data showing a nine percent jump in shootings so far compared to the same time last year and a 60 percent jump from 2019

It came as the Chicago Sun-Times reported Sunday that Lightfoot's policies to stem the tide of violence in the city appear to be failing, with its most troubled communities seeing skyrocketing gun violence.

Fatal shootings in West Pullman for instance were up 566percent from this time two years ago, the outlet reported, in North Lawndale up 201percent, South Lawndale 160percent and Chatham 116percent.

Only three areas Lightfoot had targeted, according to the analysis, saw gun crimes down since 2019.
Veteran reporter Kelly O'Donnell told Biden his comment was a 'compliment,' earning a chuckle from the president (pictured in the White House briefing room on July 6)

President Biden snapped at an NBC News reporter Kelly O'Donnell for asking about the Department of Veterans' Affairs vaccine mandate on Monday during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi at the White House on Monday.

After meeting with the Iraqi leader Biden took several questions on the United States' relationship with Iraq and American strategy in the Middle East.

As White House staff began ushering reporters out of the room, O'Donnell shouted a question about Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough's department-wide COVID vaccine mandate for its health care workers.

'You are such a pain in the neck, but I'm going to answer your question because we've known each other so long,' the president shot back.

O'Donnell retorted, 'I take that as a compliment, Mr. President,' earning a chuckle from Biden.

A veteran journalist who started at NBC in 1994, O'Donnell first covered the White House under George W. Bush's administration.

O'Donnell seemed to clarify that her exchange with Biden was friendly by stating he hurled the insult 'with a smile'

Biden told her the question had 'nothing to do with Iraq' before confirming McDonough's announcement.

'Yes. Veteran Affairs is going to in fact require that all docs working in facilities are going to have to be vaccinated,' Biden said regarding health care workers at the VA.

He did not, however, respond when O'Donnell tried to ask a follow up about further COVID vaccine requirements for federal employees.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Monday become the first federal agency to require its frontline health care workers to be vaccinated.

President Joe Biden said that 'all docs' working at Veterans Affairs Department facilities would be required to get vaccinated after snapping at NBC's O'Donnell for asking the question

Following the action, 115,000 staffers will have two months to get inoculated against the coronavirus, and face being fired if they do not oblige.

The move comes after the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association and dozens of other medical groups joined in a statement calling for mandatory vaccinations for health workers amid the spike in the Delta variant and rising infections in states with low vaccination rates.

'We call for all health care and long-term care employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against covid-19,' they wrote. 'The health and safety of U.S. workers, families, communities, and the nation depends on it.'

Biden confirmed that 'all docs' at the VA would be asked to get the shot ahead of his meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in the Oval Office  although the policy would in fact be more expansive within the VA.

Denis McDonough, the secretary of veterans affairs, told the New York Times: 'I am doing this because it's the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop.

McDonough, who served as White House chief of staff in the Obama administration, added that the mandates would apply to the employees who have the most contact with patients.

The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday become the first federal agency to require its frontline health care workers to be vaccinated. World War II Army veteran John Stephens, 96, receives the shot in Vancouver, Washington

This includes doctors, dentists, nurses, physicians assistants and physical therapists at VA medical centers across the country.

'It's the best way to keep Veterans safe, especially as the Delta variant spreads across the country,' McDonough said in a statement. 'Whenever a Veteran or VA employee sets foot in a VA facility, they deserve to know that we have done everything in our power to protect them from COVID-19. With this mandate, we can once again make - and keep - that fundamental promise.'

The Biden administration has so far been unwilling to back federal vaccine mandates, and has insisted it is up to private companies.

The move came after White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the White House 'supports the steps of hospitals' to require staff to get vaccinated, saying it 'could be a guide for us on what to do with our own workforce here from the federal government.'

She noted there are 'certain powers' that the federal government has, and 'certain powers that the federal government does not have.'

She cited the role of experts at the Centers for Disease Control, then said 'there are decisions by institutions, by localities, by hospital systems, who may make decisions about how they can protect their workforces. We certainly support that.'

The president could legally compel members of the military to get the shot, but has so far declined to issue the order.

Medical staff applaud before Vietnam War Army veteran James Curry, 78, (R) receives a COVID-19 vaccination at a Veterans Affairs long-term care facility on December 17, 2020 in Vancouver, Washington. The move by the VA comes as dozens of medical groups called for mandatory vaccinations for health workers

The military has battled with low inoculation in their ranks, but are unable to force anyone until the vaccines are fully approved by the FDA.

But there are more concerns over the spread of the Delta variant that has caused a surge in cases across the US.

On Monday, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced all city employees would have to be vaccinated.

California also announced that all state workers would have to have the shot if they wanted to return to work.
An off-duty police officer in Brazil was beaten to death during a bar fight after an argument over a spot on the bathroom line.

Private Roberto Rodrigues de Souza, 31, was pronounced dead on Sunday night at Varzea Grande Hospital in Varzea Grande, Mato Grosso.

Video footage obtained by digital outlet VG Noticias shows the cop trying to open a locked bathroom door before arguing with another customer.

A second surveillance camera records the moment Rodrigues de Souza walks up to the man near an empty area of tables and chairs, and tries to punch him on the face.

The bar patron then tackles Rodrigues de Souza to the ground, and begins punching and kicking him.

Roberto Rodrigues de Souza, who belonged to the Military Police in Mato Grosso, Brazil, died Sunday after he was beaten at a bar by two men, including an individual whom he had punched in the face following an argument in the bathroom area. The 31-year-old was rushed to a hospital and went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead

Still image from a surveillance camera shows two men (pictured in the black t-shirt and white shorts) attacking police officer Roberto Rodrigues de Souza at a bar in Brazil on Sunday night

Another man nearby then jumps in to the fight and swings a chair at the at the cop's head.

Both men continued to punch and kick Rodrigues de Souza's head while two women who were with them attempt to stop the attack.

All four ran off from the bar and escaped. The two men remained on-the-run as of Monday evening, but were identified by police investigators.

Rodrigues de Souza suffered a broken neck and trauma to the cranium and died in hospital.

Still image from a security camera shows police officer Roberto Rodrigues de Souza (pictured right in the white t-shirt) lunging at a bar customer before he punched him

Roberto Rodrigues de Souza served under the Varzea Grande Military Police's 4th Battalion

Roberto Rodrigues de Souza leaves behind a wife and two children

Rodrigues de Souza, who served under the Varzea Grande Military Police's 4th Battalion, leaves behind a wife and two children.

'The Military Police of Mato Grosso regrets with deep regret the death of soldier Roberto Rodrigues de Souza,' the police department said via a statement. '(The) Military Police express condolences to all family and friends.'
Convicted killer and rapist Joseph Smith, 55, died in a Florida prison on Monday. His cause of death is unknown

A convicted child killer has died at a Florida prison 17 years after he kidnapped, raped, and murdered an 11-year-old-girl - and three years after his death sentence was vacated due to a legal loophole.

Joseph Smith, 55, died while in custody at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida on Monday while still waiting to be resentenced.

His cause of death is unknown.

Smith, then 39, was convicted in 2006 of the kidnapping, rape, and murder of 11-year-old Carlie Brucia.

The Florida State Attorney's Office released a statement saying, 'While nothing can bring back Carlie. we are grateful that her family, her friends, and the entire Sarasota community will finally have closure and will not have to endure any further court proceedings to bring Smith to justice.'

Carlie's father Joe told FOX 13, 'I feel wonderful,' when he heard the news of Smith's passing. 'It's long overdue. The inept and corrupt criminal justice system could not get it done, so the natural order of things finally took care of it.'

Smith was sentenced to the death penalty by lethal injection, by a jury's vote of 10-2 in March 2006.

But in 2018 that sentence was vacated, due to a separate state supreme court decision in 2016 that ruled that capital sentences must be unanimous.

This came despite that fact that Smith was caught on a surveillance camera grabbing the pre-teen by the arm, and dragging her away from a Sarasota car wash to her ultimate death.

Brucia was 11 years old when Smith tracked her to an isolated parking lot and abducted her

Smith (left) was caught on surveillance camera on February 1, 2004, grabbing Carlie Brucia (right), age 11, by the arm, and dragging her away to her ultimate death

Tape taken from the scene of Brucia's abduction on February 1, 2004, showed Smith approaching the young girl in an isolated area in a parking lot.

The pre-teen was walking home from a friend's house , passing behind Evie's Car Wash at 4715 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota.

She was looking down as she walked, until Smith approached and grabbed her arm.

The two were seen standing there for a moment, until Smith led her away by the wrist.

Brucia's body was found four nights later, on the grounds of Central Church of Christ at 6221 Proctor Road, after having been raped and murdered.

Smith was arrested and confessed to the crime before her body was found.

It was revealed during his trial that Smith was an unemployed auto mechanic and convicted drug abuser with a long record, who had recently violated probation, but was released prior to his attack on Brucia.

Since being placed on death row in March of 2006, Smith has tried repeatedly to appeal the sentence.

Tape taken from the scene of Brucia's abduction on February 1, 2004, showed Smith approaching the young girl in an isolated area in a parking lot

Joseph Brucia, Carlie Brucia's father, said he felt 'wonderful' about Smith's death

He was denied repeatedly, until the Supreme Court of Florida held in 2016's Hurst v. Florida that 'a unanimous jury recommendation for death is required before the trial court may impose a sentence of death.'

That decision was held to apply retroactively to Smith's case, which was finalized in 2011, because it was held to apply to all cases decided after the 2002 US Supreme Court ruling in Ring vs. Arizona, which held that a jury must find aggravating factors in order for the death penalty to be imposed.

Brucia's mother, Susan Schorpen, died at the age of 47. She was said to have led a troubled life after her daughter's death, according to the Herald-Tribune, and reportedly died of an overdose.

Her death happened about one month after it became apparent Smith might get the rehearing he had long been hoping for.

Susan Schorpen (center), Carlie Brucia's mother, and supporters arrive to testify in the Joseph Smith sentencing phase on November 28, 2005 in Sarasota, Florida

Schorpen, died at the age of 47 from an overdose after struggling to get accept her daughter's gruesome death

At the time of Smith's original sentencing in 2006, Schorpen called Smith an 'animal' and expressed how happy she was that he was given the death penalty.

'He's still breathing, and my daughter isn't. ... He couldn't be dead fast enough for me,' she said, frustrated that he would first have the usual number of requisite appeals before his sentence would be carried out.

In July 2018, a lower court first ordered Smith's death sentence be vacated and another sentencing hearing be held.

Brucia's father, Joe Brucia said his family had been robbed of justice at that time.

Jennfer Luttman, an FBI forensic examiner, displays to the jury the tattered and stained red shirt 11-year-old Carlie Brucia was wearing when her body was found

Assistant State Attorney Debra Johnes Riva (R) and Sarasota County Sheriff's Det. Toby Davis hold up the mechanic's uniform of Joseph Smith as evidence

'Obviously it's a very poor decision. He committed a crime, a horrific crime and the state of Florida convicted him and sentenced him to death,' he told the Herald-Tribune.

'I'm not surprised, just disappointed. I don't think it's a system that strives for justice. It's a system made for attorneys.'

'It's an outrage. It benefits nobody but attorneys,' Brucia added. 'They will probably end up spending millions on this case so far... what he needs is to be executed.'

Smith had asked, in July, that Twelfth Circuit Court Judge Charles Roberts immediately substitute a life sentence, but that request was denied, and the vacating of his sentence was appealed to the Florida Supreme Court.

Because only 10 of the 12 jurors in Smith's sentencing voted for the death penalty rather than life in prison, the highest court upheld the circuit court's order and his death sentence has now officially been vacated.

A new jury was set to pass sentence over Smith, but a date had not been set when he died.

The back of the Car Wash Detail Center in Sarasota, Florida where Carlie was abducted
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's husband Chasten claims the couple can't afford a one-bedroom apartment in Washington D.C and say the city is 'almost unaffordable'.

In an interview with the Washington Post published on Monday, Chasten griped that a one-bedroom apartment including a den was out of their price range.

Instead, they decided to move into an apartment building in the Eastern Market area of the city, where rent starts at $4,500 a month for a one-bedroom and $5,650 for a two-bedroom.

They chose the spot because of the high security and the amenities including an elevator.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's husband Chasten claims the couple can't afford a one-bedroom apartment in Washington D.C and say the city is 'almost unaffordable'.

'We're doing fine for ourselves, and [yet] the city is almost unaffordable. Which tells you how extremely unaffordable it is for many people,' Chasten said in the interview.

Chasten also said that the rent was less than $4,500 a month when they signed the lease at the beginning of the year.

They secured a lease for the 800-square foot pad for $3,000 with two months of free rent, the Post reported.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in D.C. is $2,090 a month and $2,936 for a two-bedroom, according to rental site Zumper.

The average salary of a capital resident is $77,000 a year, according to Payscale.

Buttigieg's salary is $221,400 a year and Chasten, a former middle school and drama teacher, is unemployed. 'I need a job', Chasten told the Post.

Chasten told the Post that the couple sold their house in South Bend, Indiana, where Pete was mayor from 2012 to 2020, earlier this year.

They still own a home on Lake Michigan in Traverse City where Chasten grew up and his parents live.

Chasten now says they play 'Zillow Price Is Right', and 'try to guess the out-of-reach appraisal values of homes they admire and then look up the actual estimate online.'

He did admit that he sees the 'charm' in D.C. and understands the 'people who are very in love with this city'.

The couple were quickly mocked on Twitter for Chasten's comments during the interview.

'Imagine being so far removed from the real world that you complain about your $4,500/mo apartment not having a den,' tweeted Republican Senator Josh Hawley's press secretary Abigail Marone.

'Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities thanks to #bidenflation but poor Pete & Chasten don't get a den in their high-end building. Boo hoo.'

Others said the couple could get something 'really nice' in D.C. for $4,500 a month.

Chasten was thrust into the limelight during the 2020 presidential campaign when husband Pete announced he would run.

He admits that he sometimes struggles with the D.C. insider life of being invited to dinners and parties with lobbyists and lawmakers.

'Its very hard to make a friend when everybody wants something from your husband, he said. 'Or theyre expecting him to do something. It makes interactions feel inauthentic a lot. You just kind of have to always have your guard up.'
When Olly Stephens left his home to meet a girl in the park he had no idea he was walking into an ambush. Yet 20 minutes later he would be dead, another victim of Britain's teenage knife culture.

The 'cunning and manipulative' girl who had lured him to the park watched as Olly was attacked by two boys aged 13 and 14. The younger produced a blade and stabbed Olly twice.

Paramedics were unable to save his life and  as his father and sister said their final goodbyes  the three killers made their escape. The girl, who cannot be named, was 'strutting along' like a 'Queen Bee', according to one passer-by.

But for all the front, the 13-year-old was no gangster's moll. And this was no typical gang fight.

She was raised in an affluent, middle-class family and, as Olly lay dying, she was picked up by her mother and given a lift back to their 500,000 home in a sought-after suburb of Reading.

The lives of the two boys had also been far from difficult. Raised by loving parents, the elder, known as Boy B, was in all the top sets at his school. And although the parents of Boy A were divorced he also came from a stable background.

Yet the pair chose to glorify and mimic the culture of inner-city gangs  joking online about stabbing people and posing on Instagram with knives and balaclavas.

Yesterday, following a trial at Reading Crown Court, the boys were convicted of murder after a jury deliberated for more than 18 hours.

When Olly Stephens (pictured) left his home to meet a girl in the park he had no idea he was walking into an ambush

Boy A had earlier admitted another count of perverting the course of justice after dumping the clothes he was wearing at the time of the killing.

Boy B had pleaded guilty to manslaughter and one charge of perverting the course of justice after deleting videos and pictures from his phone after the attack to cover his tracks.

The girl, who was not involved in the murder trial, had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter. All will be sentenced at a later date.

Speaking after the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, senior investigating officer at Thames Valley Police, said: 'The circumstances of this case are horrific, and will no doubt shock and appal people.

'Olly's completely unnecessary killing, orchestrated and carried out by three other children, should horrify us as a society.

'Olly's death is a tragedy that should never have happened. We all have a duty to educate and protect the children of our communities to ensure other families do not suffer the same devastation.'

Olly's family had watched every day of the case, poignantly placing one of his signed rugby shirts on a spare seat to mark his presence.

They say they have struggled to understand the violence in their community.

The 'cunning and manipulative' girl who had lured him to the park watched as Olly was attacked by two boys aged 13 and 14. Pictured: Olly on CCTV on his fatal trip to the park

'The problems run deep,' Olly's father Stuart told a friend, citing concerns over the closure of youth clubs and the proliferation of sex, guns and knives on social media.

Raised in a cul-de-sac in Emmer Green, an area of Reading popular with families, growing up had not been easy for Olly, who was diagnosed with autism as a child.

'He was so full of promise, goals, and ambitions,' Mr Stephens, 51, told mourners at his funeral in February. 'Although this stage of his life was awkward for him, we felt he was finally accepting his autism. Olly was our enigma, a square peg in a round hole, a puzzle to be solved, a teenager.

'We loved, nurtured, and cherished him. We never gave up. We used to talk about his autistic "superpower" as we called it.' Recalling how he was alerted to the tragedy in the next-door park, he said: 'What happened was the stuff of nightmares. A knock on the door shattered our lives with the force of a baby rhino.'

The killing on January 3 was no random act. The three conspirators knew Olly and the girl was even known to his parents, making it even harder for them to process what happened.

'For her to be involved with what happened to Olly is what shocked them the most,' a family friend told the Mail. 'It's just inexplicable.'

And what, of course, makes it even harder to understand is the ages of those involved.

The two boys, the court heard, believed Olly had been talking behind their backs, risking them getting into trouble with some older pupils.

Their plan was to force Olly to apologise on camera  a 'ritual of embarrassment' in the belief they were 'gang members' who had been 'disrespected'.

Another friend of Olly's family said: 'Nothing like this has happened in this part of Reading before. These are just kids trying to portray themselves as something they are not, trying to act up to this sort of lifestyle.'

To lure Olly out, the boys enlisted the help of the girl, who was also known to have fallen out with him. While she'd only just entered her teens, recent images of her on TikTok show her in full make-up looking more like an 18-year-old. She told the boys she did not care whether or not the 'fxxxxx dies' and that whatever happened to him would be 'karma'.

She then became central to the plan to locate and set up Olly.

Alison Morgan QC, prosecuting, said: 'This was not a consensual fight that Olly went alone to, willingly, knowing what was about to happen. This was an ambush.'

The parents of the girl, now 14, had requested they be allowed to watch the trial via a videolink 'to understand the circumstances which led to these proceedings'.

We now know that it was no more than a school-yard spat that somehow ended up costing a very young man his life.

Having walked to the park, Olly was confronted by the two boys  both of whom were dressed in black. Boy B and Olly started to fight before Boy A stepped in and lunged at Olly with a vegetable knife that he had brought with him.

He admitted stabbing Olly in the upper arm to protect his friend but claimed he didn't know that Olly had also been stabbed elsewhere as well.

He also insisted he had taken out the knife because he thought he saw Olly reaching for a blade of his own.

Boy B claimed he did not know his friend was armed and said he had only wanted a fist-fight. He said that Olly then started getting the better of him. 'That was when [Boy A] completely lost it,' the child said. 'He began shaking, started going red, pulled out a knife and stabbed Olly.'

Boy B said all the 'street slang' talk on social media was just an act 'to big myself up to other people' and that in reality he lived in a strict household where he would be grounded if he got home later than his 8pm curfew.

Asked why he had done it, Boy A told a girl: 'I just saw red. I couldn't stop myself.'

Arrested within hours of the killing, the pair made no comment when quizzed by detectives.

Because of their age special arrangements were made for the trial, with lawyers removing their wigs and gowns. But Boy A had to be spoken to by the judge for not taking the case seriously enough and having an 'attitudinal face' as evidence was presented.

Later in the trial  and not in the presence of the jury  his barrister called for the judge to step down from the case, saying that the boy's mother and his solicitors felt that she had been biased.

Judge Heather Norton refused the application.

Boy A had a conviction for robbing a 16-year-old of his trainers at knifepoint in September 2020, an offence for which he was referred to a youth offending team.
Britain has made a dramatic offer to pick up and return migrant boats in the Channel that resist French intervention, it emerged last night as roughly 2,000 migrants gathered by the Channel.

The UK's offer  made as a result of growing exasperation with the crisis in the Channel  has been rebuffed by France.

Amid record numbers of crossings, it is understood that UK officials have been left hugely frustrated at the inability to intercept migrants at sea and turn them around.

Privately, the UK authorities admit that the surge in arrivals will continue for the rest of the year because they do not have a 'silver bullet' to solve the issue.

It is now believed that the number of migrants in northern France has roughly doubled since March, with more than 9,000 already having reached Britain so far in 2021, The Times reports. Around 8,000 people have been prevented from crossing.

Organised gangs now rely to an extent on small boats due to reductions in ferry crossing amid the Covid pandemic.

The UK started sending France high-tech equipment, thought to include drones, earlier this year in an attempt to provide further aerial surveillance on its coastline

France has intercepted 8,000 migrants from leaving its shores and picked up 500 boats this year, as well as returning 2,700 asylum seekers at sea

Last week, Home Secretary Priti Patel agreed to pay France 54million for extra policing and the use of drones in a controversial deal. But yesterday it emerged that the UK has been hindered by a French legal ruling that has prohibited the use of drones by its police due to privacy concerns.

It came as another 378 migrants made the 21-mile crossing on Sunday, taking the total number of arrivals this year to more than 9,000.

Sources said tackling the surge has been complicated because most migrants now try to resist intervention in French waters, sometimes threatening violence. Under its interpretation of maritime law, France says it can only then intervene if there is an immediate danger to life.

So in cases where migrants threaten violence or resist, French patrols are instead forced to watch the boats until UK border officials take over.

In an attempt to solve the issue, UK sources said yesterday that the nation's warships were offered to intercept such vessels before taking them back through French waters.

But the measure was ruled out by Paris due the political difficulty for a 'proud sovereign nation' giving Britain permission to return migrants to its shores.

This is despite reports in June of UK Border Force vessels entering French waters to pick up migrants to bring to Britain.

Despite lingering frustrations about co-operation with Paris, senior Home Office officials say it is 'ridiculous' to accuse French authorities of escorting boats into UK waters.

They pointed out that France has intercepted 8,000 migrants from leaving its shores and picked up 500 boats this year, as well as returning 2,700 asylum seekers at sea.

UK sources said yesterday that the nation's warships were offered to intercept such vessels before taking them back through French waters

Sources said tackling the surge has been complicated because most migrants now try to resist intervention in French waters

But, while accepting that French policing has significantly improved, UK officials say their intelligence gathering to detect smugglers is still ineffective.

The UK started sending France high-tech equipment, thought to include drones, earlier this year in an attempt to provide further aerial surveillance on its coastline.

The 54million funding deal agreed by Priti Patel last week also included the provision of more aerial surveillance technology to France.

But with the Home Secretary under pressure to reduce crossings, the roll-out has been hindered by a ruling from French privacy watchdog, the CNIL, earlier this year that said police drone use is unlawful.

French officials are now trying to introduce laws that will allow forces to use drones but this will not be in time to prevent the surge in crossings on the Channel during the summer months.
A man who opened fire on an unarmed woman who tore down one of his Nazi flags has invoked the Stand Your Ground defense as he claims he feared an imminent attack from ANTIFA.

Alexander Feaster, 45, shot 26-year-old Kyndal McVey four times with his AR-15 as she ran away from his Hunter, Oklahoma, home after stealing his Nazi flag on a dare in the early hours of on June 28, 2020.

He was charged with assault and battery with a deadly weapon and shooting with intent to kill.

In a civil proceeding waged by McVey seeking $75,000 toward medical bills, lost time and negligence.

But Feaster's lawyers argue that he had reasonable cause to fear for his life and property, and acted lawfully under Oklahoma's 'stand your ground' laws.

Kyndal McVey (left) says she has been left with 'mental and physical pain and suffering' following the incident, which occurred outside Alexander Feaster's property in the small town of Hunter in June last year

McVey was attending a party across the street from Feaster's home in the early hours of June 28, 2020 when she decided to cross the street and remove one of two Nazi flags she noticed out front of the residence

Oklahoma is one of 23 states that employ 'stand your ground' or 'make my day' laws allowing property owners to wage deadly force when they if they are on their own property, not committing an unlawful act at the time and 'reasonably believe it is necessary to [use deadly force] to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.'

What do Stand Your Ground laws really mean? Oklahoma is one of 23 states that employ 'stand your ground' or 'make my day' laws allowing property owners to wage deadly force when they if they are on their own property. Stand your ground law makes it legal for a person to exert deadly force if; I) the person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself, or another, or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony; or II) the person acts under a reasonable belief as to the necessity of force In most cases, self-defense only works as a criminal defense if a person has tried to get themselves out of danger and failed to first. It is known as a 'duty to retreat.' Stand Your Ground states differ because they do not impose a duty to retreat. Advertisement

In a court motion, Feaster's legal team argued that their client ' correctly thought that the men at the party were armed... and that all the persons there were highly intoxicated. An all too familiar pattern of events was occurring and Mr. Feaster reasonably believed his home was soon going to be attacked.'

The documents detail the circumstances of Feaster's alleged anxiety: the flood lights that he had installed to illuminate his often-stolen Nazi flags obscured his view of the party across the street, they said, and he could only see the cars lined up in the street.

When McVey approached the home to take the flag and ran to a 'group of shadowy figures across the street,' Feaster saw it as the 'beg[inning] of an assault on his home.'

'Believing he was under attack, [Feaster]... used defensive force on McVey and... acted to deter others from similar conduct or deadly force. After he used such force, Feaster retreated into his home... and did not emerge until the Sheriff's Deputy arrived.'

The document also alleges that, after the shooting had taken place and before McVey was recovered in a ditch outside the home, 'one of the party goers across the street, Ethan Cotton, moved his truck to the middle of the road and held a gun on Mr. Feasters residence until the Sheriff's arrived.'

In the court filings, Feaster argued that his political beliefs made him a constant target for threats.

He said the swastika flags outside his home 'were associated in the public's consciousness with the Third Reich and National Socialism'.

Feaster argued that McVey should have been charged with theft, trespassing, public intoxication and a hate crime.

Police said McVey was at a party across the street when she was dared to steal one of two Nazi flags from outside Feaster's home in the early hours of June 28.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Feaster used his AR-15 to fire eight shots - four of which struck McVey in the back and lower legs as she ran away.

McVey collapsed in a ditch and a friend administered first aid before first responders arrived.

McVey spent several weeks in hospital and underwent multiple surgeries for her injuries

Feaster has claimed in court documents that he is a 'patriotic citizen' and 'loyal American' who feared he was in 'imminent danger of death or great bodily harm'

A neighbor moved their pickup truck in front of Feaster's home to create a barricade for McVey's protection and another witness trained a gun on his house as a precaution.

Deputies who responded to the scene arrested Feaster without incident.

McVey spent several weeks in hospital and underwent multiple surgeries for her injuries.

Investigators say a search of Feaster's house yielded 15 firearms and showed signs he was 'anticipating an incident'.

They found a chair positioned near the front of the house facing the door.

'There was a large ashtray containing several cigarette buts and a handcuff pouch containing handcuffs on a box next to the chair,' the probable cause affidavit said.

'It appeared that Mr Feaster was anticipating an incident to take place and had been watching from that spot.'
Criminals will be made to clean up streets and green spaces to ensure justice is 'seen to be done'.

Writing in today's Daily Mail, Priti Patel promises to make 'yobs pay back to the communities they've blighted'.

The scheme is part of Boris Johnson's Beating Crime Plan under which more burglars will be tagged on release from jail.

The plan says GPS monitoring of offenders will be extended to cover half the country's police forces.

Tracking the movements of freed burglars will help 'deter and detect further acquisitive crimes'.

Unveiling the plan today, the Prime Minister will announce a trial of alcohol monitoring tags, which check whether those guilty of drink-fuelled crime stay off booze.

Officers will also be given more powers to seize knives under a relaxation of restrictions on their stop and search powers.

Writing in today's Daily Mail, Priti Patel (pictured) promises to make 'yobs pay back to the communities they've blighted'

Miss Patel says: 'The public want to see justice done and criminals pay the price for their crimes. They want to see yobs pay back to the communities they've blighted by their thoughtless actions.

'That's why we are relaunching unpaid work so it is more visible, to ensure offenders are publicly making reparations for their crimes by undertaking work that is valuable to their local areas, such as cleaning the streets, estates, alleyways and open spaces of litter and other visible signs of disorder in local neighbourhoods.'

Mr Johnson's plan will also ensure that every neighbourhood in England and Wales has a named police officer that residents can contact.

Critics said the plan was a mere 'gimmick' that would do nothing to make the streets safer. Labour pointed out that the Tories cut the number of police by more than 20,000 after taking office in 2010.

The Police Federation will today deliver a letter to Downing Street setting out the anger of the rank-and-file at a pay freeze.

Mr Johnson's document also pledges:

Publication of league tables for 101 and 999 call answering times;

45million to support young people in crime hotspots;

More money for targeted patrols, increased street lighting and CCTV;

A crackdown on drugs, including more testing of suspects after arrest;

A new 'victims law' to codify their rights.

As part of the plan, Mr Johnson wants to make community service more visible by getting offenders to clean up public places rather than working inside.

Many work in charity shops or in warehouses sorting clothes from charity collection bins. A number will be employed clearing waterways and canal paths as well as sprucing up woods and beaches. The offenders will wear hi-vis jackets.

The Government will trial the use of monitoring tags that detect alcohol in the sweat of offenders guilty of drink-fuelled crime. The test, which will take place on prison leavers in Wales, is to address the fact that alcohol is a significant driver of crime, playing a part in 39 per cent of all violent offences.

As part of the plan, Mr Johnson wants to make community service more visible by getting offenders to clean up public places rather than working inside (stock image)

On release offenders may be required to wear a tag and either not drink at all or not consume more than a certain amount.

Mr Johnson's plan includes permanently relaxing conditions on the use of section 60 stop and search powers to empower police to take more knives off the streets.

The conditions were imposed under the Tories in 2014 but are now being lifted.

1,500 more burglars, thieves and robbers to be GPS tagged Hundreds more burglars, robbers and thieves will be electronically tagged in a bid to cut down on reoffending, Boris Johnsons new plan states. Ministers expect that over the next year 1,500 more offenders will have their whereabouts monitored 24 hours a day for up to a year by GPS tags upon release from prison. All burglars who have served a sentence of a year or more will be tagged. At present this only occurs in six police forces in the country, but the scheme will be expanded to 13 more, ensuring it covers half of the country. Police forces will be ranked in league tables according to how quickly they answer 999 and 101 calls to respond to the publics plea for help. It comes as some victims are waiting up to ten minutes for their 999 call to be answered due to the pingdemic causing staff shortages. Emergency calls made in the West Midlands area during the early hours of Sunday were taking an average of four minutes to speak to an operator. Some call waiting times reportedly stretched to nearly ten minutes. Yesterday Labour West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said of the 999 league tables: This is an extra layer of bureaucracy and a gimmick that will just add to the polices workload and slow things down. The Police Federation  the officers union  said the return to targets would be a damaging and retrograde step. Advertisement

It means an authorisation for stop and search no longer needs to be referred up to a senior officer. Inspectors can also search someone if they are concerned an incident involving serious violence 'may'  rather than 'will'  occur.

John Apter, the chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, will today deliver a letter to No 10  just days after the group said it no longer had confidence in Miss Patel.

Criticising Mr Johnson's plan, the letter says: 'We don't need old ideas presented as new; we need genuine investment for the whole of the criminal justice system and genuine consultation over new ideas. Without that, this is just another ill-thought-out initiative.

'Police officers are sick of gimmicks. Sick of underfunding. Sick of mixed messaging putting police at risk. Sick of Government contempt for police. It's time for a total reset.'

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labour's shadow home secretary, said: 'This announcement of rehashed policies won't make our streets safer.

'The Conservatives are all talk and no action when it comes to tackling crime. On their watch, police numbers are down and community policing has been decimated. Coupled with an insulting pay freeze, it is no wonder frontline police have declared no confidence in the Home Secretary.

'There are already targets for emergency response times and having named officers in wards is not enough to make up for the devastating scale of Conservative cuts to community policing.

'Little wonder that, on their watch, anti-social behaviour is rocketing, there are record low convictions for rape and violent crime is devastating communities.'

But Mr Johnson said last night: 'I promised to back the police and make people safer, because we cannot level up the country when crime hits the poorest hardest and draws the most vulnerable into violence.

'That is why my Government has remained unstinting in its efforts to protect the British public and this plan delivers a fresh commitment, as we emerge from the impacts of the pandemic, to have less crime, fewer victims and a safer society.

PRITI PATEL: Public want to see justice done... and offenders pay for crimes

Crime destroys lives and ruins neighbourhoods. It leaves people afraid, bereft and bereaved.

It must be confronted. Our Beating Crime Plan contains a range of measures to reduce crime and level up the country so that everyone has the security and confidence that comes from having a safe street and a safe home.

From day one as Home Secretary, Ive made it clear that I will back the police. We have already recruited nearly 9,000 extra police officers as part of our unprecedented recruitment drive to bring in 20,000.

Well make sure that every community in the country has a named police contact  someone who knows your neighbourhood and can act on the challenges your community faces.

PRITI PATEL: Crime destroys lives and ruins neighbourhoods. It leaves people afraid, bereft and bereaved

The significance of this cannot be underestimated  I know that Mail readers want to know who their local bobby on the beat is and who they can turn to when affected by crime.

The public also want to see justice done and criminals pay the price for their crimes. They want to see yobs pay back to the communities theyve blighted by their thoughtless actions.

Thats why we are relaunching unpaid work so it is more visible, to ensure offenders are publicly making reparations for their crimes by undertaking work that is valuable to their local areas, such as cleaning the streets, estates, alleyways and open spaces of litter and other visible signs of disorder in local neighbourhoods.

We will step up our efforts to go after drug gangs that exploit the young and vulnerable. We have already closed more than 1,100 county lines, there have been more than 6,300 arrests and millions of pounds and lots of drugs have been seized.

More than 1,900 vulnerable people have been rescued from exploitation by drug dealers. Our plan represents our comprehensive, far-reaching strategy for driving down all types of crime.

It will give the law-abiding majority confidence in the police to deal with crime and it will ensure that criminals know they will face the consequences of their vile actions.

The plan sets out our approach to hidden harms, which can leave people feeling vulnerable in their own homes. Women and girls are affected by certain violent crimes in particular ways and to a greater degree than men and boys, requiring a specific response and a distinct strategy, which we recently published.

PRITI PATEL: GPS tagging is a highly effective way of keeping track of offenders and it will be rolled out to a further thirteen areas (stock image)

We are increasing investment in the Safer Streets Fund. Meanwhile, violence reduction units will receive an additional 17million to deliver targeted interventions to young people  including at moments of crisis, such as when they go to A&E with a knife wound.

GPS tagging is a highly effective way of keeping track of offenders and it will be rolled out to a further thirteen areas.

We will launch alcohol monitoring on licence in Wales later this year, to explore how alcohol tags can change behaviour and reduce alcohol-fuelled crime, including on release from prison.

One of the biggest drivers of crime is drugs. There will be more drug testing when people are arrested. Project Adder is an intensive approach that addresses addiction, diversion, disruption, enforcement and recovery.

It has worked very well so far, so we are going to expand these schemes to an additional eight local authorities.

The first duty of any Government is to do all it can to keep people safe. We will not shirk that responsibility. We are going to drive down crime.
A desperate search is underway for two sisters who vanished from their home in the middle of the night.

Police are calling for help to find the siblings who went missing from their home in the Little River, Victoria, during the early hours of Monday morning.

Aruba, 12, and Bushra, 14, were last seen at a Calvert Road address about 2am on 26 July.

Police and family have concerns for their welfare due to their age and the length of time they have been missing.

Anyone who has seen the girls, or has information, is urged to call Corio Police Station on 5247 3500.
Some 90 per cent of population growth in recent years has been driven by immigrants and their UK-born offspring, analysis suggests.

Over the past 20 years they have added around seven million to the British population, the report from the Migration Watch UK think-tank said.

The overall number who were born abroad  and who are therefore recognised by statisticians as immigrants  has risen to around nine million, it found.

The audit of migration since 2001 warned that immigration over the last two decades  with numbers of arrivals running at around 300,000 a year with little public debate  are likely to produce economic, social and political difficulties in coming years.

The report said the proportion of the country who are not white British has nearly doubled, and those from ethnic minorities now make up 21 per cent of the population of 67million

Think-tank chief Alp Mehmet said: We can no longer duck the longer-term consequences of very high levels of immigration which have taken place without the publics consent.

'The British people will be deeply concerned when they realise the sheer scale of the changes and their impact on prospects for achieving a harmonious and integrated society.

The report said the proportion of the country who are not white British has nearly doubled, and those from ethnic minorities now make up 21 per cent of the population of 67million.

The report noted: Just over a third of births involve at least one foreign born parent and in some parts of London nearly 80 per cent of births are to foreign-born mothers.

It added: Immigrants and their subsequent families have been given the right to be here by the policies of successive governments.

They are now an accepted part of our economy and culture.

Our concern is the scale and pace of change combined with the failure to achieve the level of integration that is essential to a harmonious society.

The audit of migration since 2001 warned that immigration over the last two decades  with numbers of arrivals running at around 300,000 a year with little public debate  are likely to produce economic, social and political difficulties in coming years

The report went on: We cannot, of course, be sure that immigration will resume at its previous levels once the Covid crisis has subsided but the Governments major post-Brexit loosening of the global visa system makes this very likely.

It has sharply reduced both the salary and qualification requirements for a work visa, exposing some seven million UK jobs to new or increased international competition.
Nearly 15 million homes in Britain have been hit by a broadband outage lasting three hours or more during the pandemic, a survey has found.

The figure is three times higher than the previous year, according to research by Uswitch.com. With much of the adult population working from home while also trying to keep children learning online, many have had to use mobile data instead.

Broadband issues are estimated to have cost the UK almost 5 billion in lost work time as a result.

Uswitch.com estimated the UK had lost 16 million working days due to the outages, particularly with millions relying on it to do their jobs

But the survey of 4,000 adults found that only a quarter of those affected complained to their provider about it.

Edinburgh was the UKs outage capital, with a reported average downtime of 175 hours compared to 25 hours the previous year. Residents of Belfast suffered the shortest amount of downtime (11 hours).

Bristol was second hardest hit, with 109.3 hours of downtime - though this was a significant improvement from the previous years total of 169 hours.

Leeds, Sheffield, and Brighton followed with 109.3, 96.5 and 75.3 hours of downtime respectively.

More than a third (36 per cent) turned to their mobile data to stay online - but two thirds of those who did so said they used up their entire monthly allowance as a result.

Uswitch.com estimated the UK had lost 16 million working days due to the outages, particularly with millions relying on it to do their jobs.

Despite the inconvenience however, only a third of respondents said they were tempted to switch providers because of it.

Ernest Doku, Uswitch.com broadband expert, said: Outages have affected the country like never before over the past 12 months, with three times as many people complaining of a lost connection than in the previous year.

The first thing to do if you think youre suffering an outage is to check whether its a problem with your router, which can often be fixed with a simple reset.

If its clear that the issues are beyond your control, contact your provider and they will be able to inform you of any problems in your area and, hopefully, an estimated time for a resolution.

If your connection goes down for more than two days you could be entitled to compensation of just over 8 a day. Most of the UKs big broadband providers are signed up to Ofcoms auto-compensation scheme, so you should be covered. These rules were relaxed during the pandemic as providers focused on keeping the country running, but from July the scheme will be up and running again.

Uswitch.com estimated the UK had lost 16 million working days due to the outages, particularly with millions relying on it to do their jobs

If youre experiencing repeated issues or youre not happy with your suppliers response, do a comparison online and see what alternatives are available in your area.

A survey by USwitch.com last month found that people moving home are forced to wait more than eight days on average for their broadband connection to be up and running.

Yet nearly half received no extra help when asking their provider to speed up the process, with rural residents twice as likely to be left unassisted.

Delays are also subject to a postcode lottery - with a wait of 15 days for residents in Bristol three times as long as those in Brighton 150 miles away.

Ofcom has previously warned that the lockdown had only served to intensify the digital divide for many from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Around 1.5million households do not even have internet while and estimated 400,000 schoolchildren do not have access to a device to work on at home.
Australia has reached a new milestone with the cost of Covid-19 testing stinging the taxpayer for more than $1billion.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal working Australians contribute between $42.50 and a whopping $85 each and every time someone is tested for coronavirus.

The milestone comes amid frustration health authorities are persisting with a ban on much cheaper $15 rapid antigen tests, which have been adopted around the world and produce accurate results in just minutes.

The cost of Covid tests in Australia has broken the billion-dollar mark as calls to implement rapid antigen testing ramp up

Covid cases continue to soar in NSW, with tens of thousands being tested every day

Rapid antigen tests could reduce costs and provide faster Covid test results, diagnostics experts believe

COVID TESTS OVER THE PAST 7 DAYS Victoria: 323,095 NSW: 590,130 SA: 115,963 QLD: 90,767 WA: 37,733 TAS: 9,885 NT: 9,215 ACT: 6,920 TOTAL: 1,180,708 The Australian Government pays Medicare Benefits Schedule rebates for private patient Covid-19 tests. More than 9 million private patient tests have been bulk-billed under the MBS by a range of public and private providers who are sharing the load of testing. For the Covid-19 pathology test, the MBS sets a $42.50 rebate for public providers and $85.00 rebate for private providers. Additional MBS rebates for the costs associated with collection and management of patient specimens also apply. The Australian Government has paid abound $760 million for MBS funded COVID-19 pathology tests. Advertisement

Daily Mail Australia can also reveal children suffering isolation in Melbourne have been visited by health officials guarded by soldiers.

Families were visited on Sunday by mistake after a Victorian health department bungle wrongly identified them.

One father, who asked to remain anonymous, said an official demanded to see his young son under the premise of a 'welfare check

On Friday, a little over 23.3 million Australians had been tested for the virus - at a cost to taxpayers of $760 million through the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

That number soared over the weekend, with the Australian Government Department of Health website registering 24million tests to date on Monday - 173,128 over the past 24 hours.

In NSW, which recorded 145 new cases of the virus on Monday, 98,000 Covid tests were conducted as of 8pm Sunday.

More than 1,000 people flooded the streets in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday to protest the latest lockdown, with many more taking to the streets in Covid-ravaged Sydney.

The demonstrators were seen abandoning face masks and disregarding social distancing, raising concerns the anti-lockdown rally could act as a super spreader for Covid-19.

The soaring test costs have led to renewed calls for the Commonwealth and state governments to introduce cheap and effective rapid antigen tests to run in tandem with the more expensive polymerase chain reaction tests.

PCR tests, which require pathology testing inside a laboratory, remain the only tests available to the general public.

Last week, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention warned pathology labs it would end its support for the tests from December 31 due to concerns over their accuracy.

'CDC encourages laboratories to consider adoption of a multiplexed method that can facilitate detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses,' it stated in an alert.

Rapid antigen testing kits can be bought over the counter in countries including Belgium

Health personnel speak to people queuing in their cars at a Covid-19 test site in Albert Park, Melbourne, last year

People line up at a Covid testing site in Prahran last week after a positive Covid case attended the Prahran Market in Melbourne. More than 900 people needed to get tested and isolate

Australian Defence Force soldiers are arriving at the homes of children as Victorian health officials do 'welfare checks'

BUNGLING HEATH OFFICIALS UNLEASH SOLDIERS ON KIDS Children suffering isolation in Melbourne have been visited by health officials guarded by soldiers. Daily Mail Australia can reveal families were visited on Sunday by mistake after a Victorian health department bungle wrongly identified them. One father, who asked to remain anonymous, said an official demanded to see his young son under the premise of a 'welfare check'. His family had just been released from 14 days isolation after attending the MCC on July 10 when an infected member was there. The search party had wrongly believed the man's son had been isolating due to a related Covid event at Trinity Grammar. A teacher who attended the same game had become infected, forcing students and teachers into isolation. The health officials refused to leave the boy's home before speaking to him, despite being shown an email from their own department clearing him of quarantine. 'It was pretty intimidating. They demanded he present at the door and then asked for his phone number,' the boy's father said. 'They wouldn't accept they had got it wrong. ' The man labelled Victoria's health department a 'disgrace'. 'They couldn't have cared less for my son's health. They wanted to make sure he was home and we were isolating, even though we had clearance and they had mucked up their contact tracing yet again,' he said. Daily Mail Australia has reported the incident to Victoria's health department, but received no response. Advertisement

Experts claim by running rapid antigen and rapid antibody tests in parallel with PCR tests, patients understand after 15 minutes with a high degree of accuracy whether they currently have or have had the virus.

Such tests, which can be bought over the counter in the United States and United Kingdom, can quickly identify potential carriers and cost as little as $15 a pop.

John Kelly, managing director at Atomo Diagnostics, told Daily Mail Australia on Monday the high cost of PCR tests had impacted Australia's most vulnerable people.

'The number of PCR tests being made available to screen workers in aged care, has been severely limited due to cost  typically twice or three times a month,' he said.

'Rapid tests being only one tenth of the cost, could be used every two days. Studies published by the US Government's Institute of Health demonstrate that frequent rapid testing is a more effective way to manage risk in these environments.

'The benefit of also getting results at the time of the test in invaluable. Finding out a worker has Covid the day after they have worked a shift while infectious is just too late.'

A spokeswoman for the Commonwealth health department told Daily Mail Australia it continued to back PCR testing.

'Covid-19 pathology testing remains an important part of the strategy to contain the spread of COVID-19, with testing at no charge to patients forming a central part of the Australian Government's Covid-19 health response,' she said.

'The government and public and private pathology laboratories have successfully worked together on delivering Covid-19 pathology testing throughout the pandemic.'

Sources have told Daily Mail Australia Australian pathology companies were 'rolling in cash'.

The majority of COVID-19 tests have been provided to public patients under state and territory health testing services.

The Australian Government is providing financial support for pathology testing through its 'National Partnership on COVID-19 Response', funding 50 per cent of the costs of public health testing facilities.

Soldiers have been accompanying Victorian health officials to check on the 'welfare' of children under quarantine directions

Victorians caught up in Tier 1 Covid scares have been told to obtain multiple tests before they are released from quarantine

Drive-through Covid testing sites have become 'the norm' for anyone getting about Melbourne

Soldiers have scared young children after turning up in support of bungling health care workers in Melbourne

Under the partnership, all governments have committed to providing Covid-19 pathology testing to people in Australia free of-charge, regardless of Medicare eligibility.

This includes all Australian citizens, permanent residents and all visa holders, including those who are not eligible for Medicare.

The Commonwealth has committed to spend a total of $311 billion to fight Covid-19, including $20 billion on health support and $290 billion in economic stimulus.

According to Mays budget, the government has spent an additional $41 billion on economic support and $3 billion on health since Decembers mid-year economic update.

Another expert told Daily Mail Australia the taxpayer expense of testing Australians could be far better spent.

'If the amount of $3-4 billion spent on PCR testing was used to purchase rapid tests, it would be enough to test every person in Australians ten time each,' he said.
Household cats are more susceptible to coronavirus infection than dogs, a new study has warned.

Researchers from the University of Minnesota looked at the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2  the virus that causes Covid-19  in the two most popular pets, dogs and cats.

They found that eight per cent of cats have antibodies for the virus, suggesting they've previously been infected.

However, less than one per cent of dogs were found to have these antibodies, suggesting they may be less susceptible to the virus.

Hinh Ly, co-author of the study, said: 'Because companion animals can be the source of a range of infectious diseases, determining how susceptible the two most popular pet species in the United States are to SARS-CoV-2  and how prevalent the disease may be among them  could have significant impacts for both human and animal health.'

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Household cats are more susceptible to coronavirus infection than dogs, a new study has warned

In the study, the team looked at samples from blood serum collected from 239 cats and 510 dogs between mid-April and mid-June 2020.

Two new serological tests were developed to look for the presence of antibodies, which indicate that an animal has previously been infected with the virus.

The tests revealed that eight per cent of the cats had antibodies in their blood serum.

However, less than one per cent of dogs tested positive for antibodies, suggesting that cats may be more susceptible than dogs.

In the study, the team looked at samples from blood serum collected from 239 cats and 510 dogs between mid-April and mid-June 2020 (stock image)

Yuying Liang, co-author of the study, said 'The results will help clarify the prevalence of cross-species transmission of this coronavirus among pets and their owners.'

The team is now performing a follow-up study covering the latter months of 2020, when the positivity rate of human Covid-19 cases reached its peak.

The study comes shortly after researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands revealed that coronavirus is common in cats and dogs if their owners have the virus.

Swabs from 310 pets in 196 homes where at least one human had been infected with Covid were taken by researchers.

Out of the pets six cats and seven dogs triggered a positive PCR test and another 54 had evidence of virus antibodies in their system.

Owners passing Covid-19 on to pets is a 'negligible risk to public health', according to researchers, but there is a possibility they could become a 'reservoir' and reintroduce it to humans after it has left the human population.

The main concern, according to study author Dr Els Broens, isn't the health of the animal as they have mild or no symptoms, but rather the future risk to humans.
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter has flown its tenth flight on Mars, clocking up a total of one mile since its first flight in April.

On Saturday (July 24), the robotic copter reached a height of 40 feet (12 metres)  its highest point yet  over a region on the planet called Raised Ridges.

Raised Ridges is a collection of rock features in the Jezero Crater  an ancient river delta that may once have harboured life  from which NASA's six-wheeled car-sized rover Perseverance could collect samples.

Perseverance is currently heading south from its landing spot on the Jezero Crater, while Ingenuity is scouting locations to help it plot its way on the ground.

Photo of NASA 's Ingenuity helicopter taken during its tenth flight. NASA said it was the 'most complex' flight yet

This annotated image of Mars' Jezero Crater depicts the ground track and waypoints of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter's tenth flight

INGENUITY FLIGHTS SO FAR Flight one: April 19, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 9.8ft, stationary hover and a landing Flight two: April 22, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 16ft, hover, then shift westward for 14ft before returning and landing Flight three: April 25, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 16ft, hover, shift northwards for 328ft at an airspeed of 2 m/s before returning to land Flight four: April 30, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 16ft, hover, shift southwards 873ft at 3.5m/s before returning to land Flight five: May 7, 2021 with a vertical takeoff up to 33ft, hover, shift southwards 423ft at 3.5 m/s before landing at that new location Flight six: May 22, 2021 with a vertical takeoff of 33ft, hover, shift southwest 492ft at 9mph, travel 49ft south, travel 164ft before returning to land Flight seven: June 8, 2021 with a vertical takeoff of 33ft, hover, shift 348ft at 9mph, land at Airfield D Flight eight: June 21, 2021 with a vertical takeoff, hover, shift southwest 520ft, land at Airfield E 438ft away from Perseverance Flight nine: July 5, 2021 with a record length of 2,050ft southwest over a prospective research location at 16ft per second. Flight ten: July 24, 2021 with a record height of 40 feet (12 metres) over Raised Ridges to Airfield G. Flight duration 165.4 seconds. Advertisement

'With the Mars Helicopter's flight success today, we crossed its 1-mile total distance flown to date,' NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory posted on Instagram.

NASA called the tenth flight Ingenuity's 'most complex' yet in its efforts to support Perseverance in its mission to search for signs of ancient life on Mars.

Like on previous flights, Ingenuity snapped 'selfies' of its shadow on the planet's surface.

Ingenuity is equipped with two cameras of its own its its cube-shaped base  one colour camera with a horizon-facing view for terrain images and one black-and-white for navigation.

Ingenuity arrived on Mars attached to the belly of Perseverance, which touched down on Mars on February 18 after a nearly seven-month journey through space.

Perseverance made its first test drive on Mars on March 4, and on April 4, NASA confirmed that Ingenuity has been dropped to the surface of Mars from Perseverance's 'belly' in preparation for its historic flight.

NASA also said on April 5 that Ingenuity had survived its first night on the Martian surface  a major milestone because surface temperatures can plunge as low as -130F (-90C).

The copter, which is just 18-inches tall, made its first flight on April 19, 2021, making history as the first powered controlled flight on any planet other than Earth.

In a nod to this feat, Ingenuity carries a small amount of fabric that covered one of the wings of the Wright brothers' aircraft, known as the Flyer, during the first powered, controlled flight on Earth in 1903.

For the first flight, Ingenuity took off, climbed to about 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground, hovered in the air briefly, completed a turn and then landed.

After that, the helicopter successfully performed additional experimental flights of incrementally farther distance and greater altitude, culminating with the tenth flight on Saturday.

The Jezero Crater (pictured) is an ancient river delta that seems a logical spot for somewhere that once harboured life

The first five flights throughout April and May were part of a 'technical demonstration' to prove something could fly on Mars.

The subsequent flights formed part of an extended mission support role, helping Perseverance.

During its sixth flight on May 23, Ingenuity experienced a bit of a wobble due to some 'unexpected motion' in the final few feet.

This motion was from an 'image processing issue' but it 'muscled through', NASA JPL tweeted at the time.
COVID-19 cases rose by nearly 18% last year in Reno, Nevada, after a heavy layer of wildfire smoke settled over the city, according to findings from the Desert Research Institute.

Scientists believe there is a link to air pollution caused by the smoke between Aug. 16 and Oct. 10 and a rise in COVID-19 cases locally.

'Our results showed a substantial increase in the COVID-19 positivity rate in Reno during a time when we were affected by heavy wildfire smoke from California wildfires,' said Daniel Kiser, a co-lead author of the study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology.

'This is important to be aware of as we are already confronting heavy wildfire smoke...with COVID-19 cases again rising in Nevada and other parts of the western U.S.'

Wild fires raged in Nevada in the summer and fall of 2020. Smoke from the blazes, like the Pinehaven Fire, pictured above, were found to be linked to the rise of COVID-19 in Reno

The flames destroyed thousands of acres and blackened the air with smoke

Smoke rises from a neighborhood in southwest Reno

There are currently more than 80 wildfires blazing in the west with smoke clouds and haze reaching New York City.

Kiser told the Reno Gazette Journal that he hoped the research would motivate more people to get vaccinated and wear masks to reduce their exposure to the virus amid the latest wildfires.

Kiser and his team collected data from the Washoe County Health District and Renown Health, the region's largest hospital system, where they discovered wildfire particles that measured 2.5 micrometers - about one-thirtieth the size of a human hair - or less.

Washoe County's 450,000 residents, many of whom live in Reno, experienced those particles for 43 days, the team said. The study compared the area with that of the San Francisco Bay, where people dealt with those particles for only 26 days.

We had a unique situation here in Reno last year where we were exposed to wildfire smoke more often than many other areas, including the Bay Area, said Dr. Gai Elhanan, co-lead author of the study and an associate research scientist of computer science at the institute. We are located in an intermountain valley that restricts the dispersion of pollutants and possibly increases the magnitude of exposure, which makes it even more important for us to understand smoke impacts on human health.

Kiser and Elhanan's team also cite a study out of Northern Italy where researches there found new coronavirus on these particles.

Kent Pinkerton, an expert on air pollution at the University of California, said theres concern among physicians and scientists about the impact of climate change on cardiopulmonary health, a topic hes currently addressing in an article hes submitting to a medical journal.

Hotter temperatures, climate change, wildfires, air pollution, all seem to have some association with a greater risk of COVID-19 cases, Pinkerton said. If youre susceptible to air pollution, such as particulate matter, it could be that you just have a situation where youll be also much more susceptible to viral particles that might be in the air that youre breathing.

Pinkerton added that there was a research in Turkey showing an upswing in COVID-19 cases that may be linked to air pollution.

The Reno Fire Department and the city worked together to vaccinate residents in April

They concluded that the wildfire particles were responsible for the rise in COVID-19 cases in the area.

While other research around the world points to similar conclusions, scientists have not yet found the mechanism that increases the risk.

Some have speculated that the virus attach to pollutants an get into people's lungs.

Kiser and Pinkerton said some researches theorized that because the pollutants make their way through the nasal, throat and lung passages, the inflammations they create along the way can make those areas ripe for infection.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has its own webpage about wildfire smoke and COVID-19 that that provides tips on how to prepare for wildfire season, including identifying high-efficiency air filters and maintaining a supply of N95 respirators which filter out particulates.
Reducing air pollution could be the key to warding off dementia, according to a promising new analysis of scientific studies being presented today.

Researchers at Chicago-based non-profit Alzheimer's Association are detailing three papers that put pressure on governments to clean our air and help reduce rates of the debilitating condition.

The study's authors looked at the effect of reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less  about 3 per cent the diameter of a human hair  known as PM2.5.

In one study, cutting NO2 levels over time lowered the chance of developing dementia by more than a quarter  up to 26 per cent.

When breathed in, it's thought microscopic particles in air pollution enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain where they provoke inflammation  a problem that may be the trigger for dementia.

But more research is needed into how exactly air pollution exposure could cause different dementia conditions including Alzheimer's.

The new analysis is being reported today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2021, which is being held in Denver and live-streamed online.

More research is needed into how air pollution - namely nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter - cause a decline in brain functioning. There are different diseases that can cause dementia. Many are associated with an abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain. This build-up causes nerve cells to function less well and ultimately die (stock image)

WHAT IS PARTICULATE MATTER (PM)? PM is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. They are created from a variety of sources, including traffic, construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires. Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of reactions of chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Some PM, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, is large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Other PM is so small it can only be detected using an electron microscope. PM2.5 - of diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller - differ from PM10 - 10 micrometers and smaller. Source: US EPA Advertisement

'We've known for some time that air pollution is bad for our brains and overall health, including a connection to amyloid buildup in the brain,' said Claire Sexton, director of scientific programs & outreach at the Alzheimers Association.

'But what's exciting is we're now seeing data showing that improving air quality may actually reduce the risk of dementia.

'These data demonstrate the importance of policies and action by federal and local governments, and businesses, that address reducing air pollutants.'

PM2.5 can easily enter the lungs and then the bloodstream and mostly comes from burning coal, wood stoves, forest fires, smokestacks and other human processes that involve burning.

Meanwhile, NO2  which mainly comes from road transport emissions  damages immune system cells in the lungs and causes increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. It can make asthmatics more sensitive to allergens.

Previous reports have linked long-term air pollution exposure with accumulation of amyloid beta plaques, which is a cause of Alzheimer's, a form of dementia.

But today's announcement marks the first accumulated evidence that reducing pollution is linked with lower risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

STUDY ONE

The first study in the analysis was conducted by Xinhui Wang, assistant professor of research neurology at University of Southern California, and colleagues.

They investigated if older women living in locations with greater reduction in air pollution may have slower decline in their cognitive function and be less likely to develop dementia.

Particulate matter, or PM, comes from a variety of sources, including vehicle exhausts, construction sites, industrial activity or even domestic stoves and ovens. PM2.5 is particulate pollutant 2.5 micrometres or smaller in size

They looked at a group of women aged between 74 and 92 in the US from the National Institutes of Health-funded WHIMS-ECHO study  all of whom did not have dementia at the beginning.

Participants were followed between 2008 and 2018, with cognitive function tests performed every year to determine if they'd developed dementia.

Participants' home addresses were noted and mathematical models were used to estimate the air pollution levels at these locations over time.

The researchers found that, in general, air quality greatly improved over the 10 years before the study began.

During a median of six years of follow-up, cognitive functions tended to decline as women aged, as expected.

But for every 1.2 microgram per cubic metre (g/m3) reduction in PM2.5 there was a 14 per cent reduced risk of getting dementia.

And for every 5.3 parts per billion (ppb) reduction in NO2 there was a 26 per cent reduced risk of getting dementia.

This was similar to the lower level of risk seen in women two to three years younger.

1.2 g/m3 and 5.3 ppb are 10 per cent of the the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) current standard for both pollutants.

NO2 forms from emissions from cars, trucks and buses, power plants and off-road equipment

Other benefits were a slower decline in overall cognitive function and memory, similar to women one to two years younger.

Women with reduced pollution also had better results on specific tests of working memory, episodic memory and attention/executive function.

These 'cognitive domains' tend to decline for dementia patients at the pre-clinical stage, according to the team.

These benefits were seen regardless of age, level of education, the geographic region where they lived and whether they had cardiovascular disease.

'Our findings are important because they strengthen the evidence that high levels of outdoor air pollution in later life harm our brains, and also provide new evidence that by improving air quality we may be able to significantly reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia,' Wang said.

'The possible benefits found in our studies extended across a variety of cognitive abilities, suggesting a positive impact on multiple underlying brain regions.'

Particulate matter (PM) is emitted during the combustion of solid and liquid fuels, such as for power generation, domestic heating and in vehicle engines. Pictured, London obscured by pollution

STUDY TWO

In a similar study, University of California, San Diego researchers worked with a large cohort of more than 7,000 participants aged 65 or older.

They found a 15 per cent reduced risk of all-cause dementia and a 17 per cent reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease for every decrease in PM2.5, measured as a microgram of gaseous pollutant per cubic meter of air (g/m3).

This decrease was independent of socio-demographic and health behaviour factors, and APOE genotype  a genetic risk factor for dementia.

'These data, for the first time, highlight the beneficial effects of reduced air pollution on the incidence of dementia in older adults.' said study author Noemie Letellier.

'The findings have important implications to reinforce air quality standards to promote healthy ageing.

'In the context of climate change, massive urbanisation and worldwide population ageing, it is crucial to accurately evaluate the influence of air pollution change on incident dementia to identify and recommend effective prevention strategies.'

STUDY THREE

Alzheimer's disease  the most common cause of dementia  is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells.

One of the proteins involved is called beta amyloid plaques, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells. The other protein is called tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells.

Accumulation of beta amyloid plaques is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

While a link between air pollution and increased beta amyloid production has been found in animal and human studies, little is known about the effects of long-term exposure to air pollution on beta amyloid.

Artist's impression shows amyloid plaques forming between neurons, otherwise known as nerve cells (stock image)

The third study was led by Christina Park, doctoral student in the Department of Epidemiology at University of Washington.

Park and colleagues examined links between exposure to PM2.5, larger particles (PM10) and NO2, and levels of A1-40 (one of the major protein components of plaques) in more than 3,000 individuals who were originally dementia-free.

The study evaluated and averaged air pollution levels at participants' addresses for time periods up to 20 years prior to taking blood tests to measure individuals' beta amyloid.

People who were in the study longer  up to eight years  showed a strong link between all three air pollutants and A1-40.

This marks some of the first human data suggesting long-term exposure to air pollutants is associated with higher A1-40 levels in the blood.

'Our findings suggest that air pollution may be an important factor in the development of dementia,' Park said.

'Many other factors that impact dementia are not changeable, but reductions in exposure to air pollution may be associated with a lower risk of dementia. More research is needed.'
Archaeologists have unearthed a 2,200 year-old shipwreck in the Mediterranean sea that sank after it was hit by falling blocks as the temple of Amun was destroyed in an earthquake.

The wreck was discovered - along with the remains of a funerary area - underneath the ancient city of Heracleion, which fell into the water after it was destroyed by earthquakes nearly 1,200 years ago.

Experts have noted that the ship, known as a fast galley, is 25 meters (82ft) long and its body was built with a flat keel, something that was common for navigating the Nile River and the Delta.

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They also found a large sail and other evidence that 'the ship was built in Egypt,' according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities posted on Facebook.

Archaeologists have unearthed a 2,200 year-old shipwreck - along with the remains of a funerary area - in the Mediterranean sea that sank after it was hit with 'huge blocks' from the temple of Amun

The galley is under 5 meters (16ft) of clay on the seabed, along with debris from the temple

The ship sank 'as a result of the collapse of the temple and huge blocks falling on it during the second century BC, due to a devastating earthquake, the fall of these stone blocks contributed to keeping the ship down the deep canal now filled with temple debris,' the statement added.

The galley is under 5 meters (16ft) of clay on the seabed, along with debris from the temple.

The burial was also covered with a pile of rocks, a tumulus, that was used in ancient times to signify burials.

'This discovery beautifully illustrates the presence of the Greek merchants who lived in that city,' the ministry told Reuters, noting that Greeks also lived there during the late Pharaonic dynasties.

'They built their own sanctuaries close to the huge temple of Amun. Those were destroyed, simultaneously and their remains are found mixed with those of the Egyptian temple.'

Lead researcher and president of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology Franck Goddio, said in a statement that the finds of fast galleys from this period are 'extremely rare.'

It is one of only two surviving vessels built in this manner: the first, the Marsala, built in 235 B.C., was discovered in 1971 in Sicily, according to Artnet.

The discovery of the wreck, along with the remains of a funerary area, was found using a new type of sonar.

In the funerary area, experts uncovered elaborate pottery and a gold amulet of the Egyptian god Bes, often associated with childbirth, fertility, sexuality, humor and war.

In the funerary area, experts uncovered a gold amulet of the Egyptian god Bes, often associated with childbirth, fertility, sexuality, humor and war

The ship sank after it was hit with 'huge blocks' from the temple of Amun, which slid into the ocean when the ancient city of Heracleion fell into the water

The city of Heracleion, was one of the most important trade centers in the Mediterranean area. Before Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331, Thonis-Heracleion was the largest port city in Egypt

Heracleion is believed to have been at the center of Mediterranean trade more than 1,000 years ago.

The city of Heracleion, home of the temple where Cleopatra was inaugurated, was one of the most important trade centers in the Mediterranean area before it disappeared into what is now the Bay of Aboukir.

Before Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331, Thonis-Heracleion was the largest port city in Egypt.

The city slumped into the sea some 1,200 years ago, around 800 A.D., likely due to a series of earthquakes that eventually pushed it into the sea.

Real-life Atlantis: The sunken city of Heracleion, brought to life by the research team investigating the site 150ft under the sea where it now lays, including the main temple of Amun-Gerb, center-right

Heracleion, sometimes known as Thonis-Heracleion (for the Egyptian and Greek names), was rediscovered by archaeologists and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology near the turn of the 21st century and experts have been analyzing it ever since.

Some have given it the nickname 'Egypt's Atlantis.'

In 2019, archaeologists discovered the ruins of an underwater temple in the city, located off Egypt's north coast.
Archaeologists have uncovered a rock-hewn 'dining room' in the 'House of Muses,' an excavation site in southeast Turkey that dates to the 2nd or 3rd century BC, when Asia Minor was under Roman rule.

After early field work in the 1990s, excavations of the ancient city of Zeugma, now modern-day Gaziantep, began in 2004.

Ankara University archaeologist Kutalmis Gorkay soon unearthed a trio of amazingly intact mosaics from almost 2,200 years agoone mosaic, unearthed in 2014, depicted the famed Nine Muses of ancient mythgiving the site the name 'The House of the Muses.'

'Muses are the most important personifications of classical Greek education, especially in antiquity,' Gorkay told Hurriyet Daily News.

'In the mosaic found in this house, goddesses and personifications believed to contribute to Greek literature, history, poetry and music are depicted.'

After excavating some 50 feet of dirt on the site, Gorkay has discovered two rock chambers in the house he believes were ancient dining rooms.

The rooms were adorned with elaborate mosaic floors and 'show traces of the intellectual life of its owner at that time,' he told the paper.

Two rock-hewn chamber believed to be Roman-era dining rooms were discovered at the famed 'House of the Muses' in Turkey

At its height Zeugma had some 80,000 inhabitants but the house probably belonged to a family 'having better than the middle-class economy,' Gorkay said, with multiple courtyards where dinner parties would have been held and basins would have collected rainwater.

Strategically located near both the Taurus Mountains and Euphrates River, Zeugma was originally founded by the Greeks in 300 BC, when it was known as Seleukia-on-the-Euphrates.

One of Alexander the Great's generals, Seleucus I Nicator, constructed the first bridge over the Euphrates there.

In approximately 64 BC, it was conquered by the Romans, who renamed it Zeugma, after the Greek name for the 'bridge of boats' that crossed the Euphrates there.

The rooms, with elaborate mosaic floors, were uncovered by archaeologists after shoveling through 50 of soil during the ongoing excavations in the southeastern Turkey's Gaziantep province

Work on excavating the rock-cut rooms at Zeugma has paused while archaeologists address some 'risky cracks' with protective measures, including 'injections or steel structures'

An incredibly well preserved mosaic depicting the nine goddesses that inspire mankind (above) earned the home the name 'House of Muses'

Zeugma was 'one of the most important cities in Anatolia, especially on the Eastern Roman border,' Gorkay said, referring to the half of Turkey on the Asian continent, also known as Asia Minor, which was claimed by the Roman republic in 129 BC.

Roman rule of Anatolia continued after the rise of the Roman Empire in the first century BC, until shortly after the sacking of Rome in 410 AD.

After safety concerns are addressed and the excavation is completed, the stone-carved 'dining rooms' will be opened to visitors

Work in the chambers has paused, as Gorkay's team works to shore up a series of 'risky cracks' they identified on the ceilings, but they hope to complete the excavation later this year.

Protective measures, including 'injections or steel structures' will ensure the site is safe when the rooms are eventually opened to the public.

Numerous other mosaics, frescos and architectural details have been found in the area, with many pieces on display at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which has the largest collection of mosaics in the world.
Poison ivy, a common summertime nuisance that causes allergic reactions in most people, is being supercharged by climate change, according to ongoing research.

The three-leaved weed seems to thrive in higher soil temperatures and rising carbon dioxide levels.

Numerous reports in recent years indicate that soil temperatures have increased substantially around the globe in the 21st century.

Jacqueline Mohan, a University of Georgia ecologist currently studying the impact of soil temperatures on poison ivy, told Grist that her preliminary results indicate a 9 degree Fahrenheit increase makes the dreaded plant grow nearly 150 percent faster.

Mohan is conducting experiments in the Harvard Forest, a 3,000-acre managed forest in Petersham, Massachusetts, that is used by the Harvard University and outside experts for scientific research.

That 9 degree increase is a worst-case scenario for soil warming, but even a more moderate uptickequivalent to the 2 Fahrenheit the air temperature has increased since 1880causes poison ivy to proliferate more quickly.

Other plants in the forest only grew between 10 and 20 percent faster in warmer soil, Mohan told Grist, which made the poison ivy plants grow larger, as well.

'So far, poison ivy benefits from CO2, and it benefits from warmer conditions, and gosh only knows what happens when we do them both,' Mohan told the climate-news site. 'Which is of course what the planet is doing.'

Rising greenhouse gasses are causing soil temperatures to rise and poison ivy to grow bigger and more prevalent, according to researchers

In 2006, Mohan first published evidence illustrating that poison ivy grew double its size when exposed to levels of carbon dioxide environmental scientists predict will be in the atmosphere by 2050.

'Poison ivy and vines in general really, really benefit from higher atmospheric CO2,' Mohan told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2013. 'Vines use the infrastructure of trees, which means they can use carbohydrates generated from photosynthesis to make bigger, greener leaves.'

According to the US Department of Agriculture, poison ivy's growth and potency have both doubled since the 1960s.

The agency says both could double again as carbon dioxide levels hit 560 parts per million (PPM), as expected within the next 30 to 50 years.

Urushiol, the resin in poison ivy leaves, causes blisters and severe itching in up to 85 percent of the population. Increased CO2 levels are making urushiol more potent, scientists say.

Harvard Forest is a 3,000-acre forest managed by Harvard University in Petersham, Massachusetts, that Mohan used to analyze how soil temperature is impacting poison ivy's growth. Even a more moderate uptick, equivalent to the 2 Fahrenheit the air temperature has increased since 1880, causes poison ivy to proliferate more quickly

In 2019, the global average atmospheric average carbon dioxide in 2019 was 409.8 PPM.

Poison ivy leaves produce urushiol, a resin that typically causes redness and swelling when it comes in contact with bare skin, followed by blisters and severe itching.

Mohan's 2006 study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, indicated the boosted CO2 levels also made the urushiol more potent.

Thankfully, rising soil temperatures didn't seem to make the urushiol stronger on its own.

The nuisance weed thrives in 'disturbed landscapes,' the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests reportsincluding roadsides, abandoned lots and even near beaches.

Poison ivy flourishes in 'disturbed landscapes,' like roadsides, picnic sites, abandoned lots and even near beaches. As humans develop more wildlife areas, experts expect the toxic weed to become even more of a nuisance

'Bulldozers and excavators create huge swaths of raw land and poison ivy is the master of colonizing these edges and margins,' according to the 120-year-old ecological organization.

It flourishes where there's sunshine and few other plants competing for resources.

As humans increasingly encroach on wildlife areas, the amount of poison ivy is predictably increasingly, according to a February 2021 study in the journal Physical Geography.

'Humans are definitely making an ideal poison ivy habitat,' study author John Jelesko, a botany professor at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, told Grist.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Jelesko found the toxic plant more prevalent in picnic areas, popular trails and campsites.

'It's not very prevalent in the middle of the forest, let me tell you,' Jelesko said. 'Whenever you get to disturbed habitat you find a lot more of it.'
Elon Musk's aerospace firm SpaceX has been awarded a $178 million (129 million) contract for NASA's first mission to Europa, Jupiter's fourth largest moon.

SpaceX will provide 'launch services' for the Europa Clipper mission, which is due to blast off in October 2024 to study Europa through a series of fly-bys, NASA said.

The spacecraft will launch on a Falcon Heavy rocket owned by Musk's company from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space agency added.

The mission aims to find out if the natural satellite hosts conditions suitable for life using 'a sophisticated suite of science instruments'.

Europa, an icy moon with a hidden subsurface ocean, has a diameter of 1,940 miles (3,100 kilometres)  about 90 per cent the diameter of Earth's moon.

The announcement comes amid an ongoing battle between SpaceX and rival company Blue Origin, owned by fellow billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Bezos published an open letter to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on Monday, offering NASA $2 billion for a contract to build a lunar lander for the upcoming Artemis missions.

There is evidence of recent geological formations within the 15 mile thick frozen crust, including small, dark and dome-like features about a mile below the surface

EUROPA: QUICK FACTS Europa is 90 per cent the size of Earths moon. It orbits Jupiter at a distance of about 484 million miles (778 million kilometers). It completes one orbit of Jupiter every 3.5 Earth days. Europa's surface is mostly solid water ice, crisscrossed by fractures. But its subsurface ocean might contain more than twice as much water as Earth. The moon has a very thin oxygen atmosphere - too thin for humans to breathe. Advertisement

But SpaceX  which made the announcement on its Twitter page  has the contract for the Europa Clipper mission safe.

'NASA has selected Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) of Hawthorne, California, to provide launch services for Earths first mission to conduct detailed investigations of Jupiter's moon Europa,' the agency said in a statement.

'The total contract award amount for launch services is approximately $178 million.'

Key mission objectives are producing high-resolution images of Europa's surface, determine its composition and look for signs of recent or ongoing geological activity.

The mission will also measure the thickness of the moons icy shell, search for subsurface lakes and determine the depth and salinity of Europa's ocean.

Europa is one of few locations in the Solar System with liquid water, along with Earth and Saturn's moon Enceladus, making it a target of interest for NASA.

Thanks to ground-based telescopes, scientists already know Europa's surface is mostly water ice.

Scientists have also found evidence that beneath the ice crust is an ocean of liquid water or slushy ice.

According to NASA, Europa's subsurface ocean might contain more than twice as much water as Earth.

Last year, Monica Grady, Chancellor at Liverpool Hope University, said it's 'almost a racing certain' that Europa is home to alien life, which she thinks is 'similar to the intelligence of an octopus'.

A 3D model of Europa Clipper

NASA will aim to find out if she's correct with the launch of Europa Clipper, which will 'send a highly capable, radiation-tolerant spacecraft into a long, looping orbit around Jupiter to perform repeated close flybys of the icy moon'.

NASA did not reveal whether other companies had bid on the Europa Clipper launch contract, which marks NASA's latest vote of confidence in Musk's firm.

SpaceX has already carried several cargo payloads and astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for the space agency in recent years.

In April, SpaceX was awarded a $2.9 billion contract to build the lunar lander spacecraft for the planned Artemis program that would carry NASA astronauts back to the moon for the first time since 1972.

But the contract was halted after two rival space companies, Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin and defence contractor Dynetics Inc, protested against SpaceX's selection.

SpaceX chief and renowned billionaire Elon Musk (pictured) also owns car maker Tesla and neurotechnology firm Neuralink

Now Bezos is claiming NASA is 'putting an end to meaningful competition for years to come' if it doesn't consider Blue Origin for contracts in the future.

'It is not too late to remedy,' Bezos says in the letter to NASA published on Monday (July 26).

'We stand ready to help NASA moderate its technical risks and solve its budgetary constraints and put the Artemis Program back on a more competitive, credible, and sustainable path.'

Jeff Bezos (pictured), founder of Amazon and space tourism company Blue Origin, flew into space on July 20, 2021

SpaceX's partly reusable 23-story Falcon Heavy, currently the most powerful operational space launch vehicle in the world, flew its first commercial payload into orbit in 2019.

In May 2020, SpaceX successfully transported NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on a 19-hour journey to the ISS  marking the first crewed test flight of the firm's Crew Dragon spacecraft.

In the process it became be the first crewed launch from the US into orbit since NASA's space shuttle program ended in 2011.
An international group of researchers led by the Harvard astronomer who believes the first interstellar object discovered was a 'lightsail' from another civilization have announced a new project to search for signs of 'extraterrestrial technological civilizations' (ETCs) in space.

Known as the Galileo Project, the researchers - led by Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb - will use artificial intelligence and look at data from existing and future astronomical surveys and high-resolution telescopes.

The project will have three objectives: to search for unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), other interstellar objects like 'Oumuamua and satellites created by ETCs.

A new project will search for 'extraterrestrial technological civilizations' in space has been announced. Pictured is the famous Tic-Tac footage, which has been previously acknowledged as real by the Navy. It was captured by pilots recording on their video sensors during training flights in 2004

The Galileo Project is being led by Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb (pictured), whopreviously suggested 'Oumuamua was a 'lightsail' sent from another civilization

'After the recent release of the [Office of the Director of National Intelligence] report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), the scientific community needs the determination to systematically, scientifically and transparently look for potential evidence of extraterrestrial technological equipment,' Loeb said in a statement.

'The impact of any discovery of extraterrestrial technology on science, our technology, and on our entire world view, would be enormous.'

Loeb continued: 'Given the recently discovered abundance of habitable-zone exoplanets, with potential for extraterrestrial life, the Galileo Project is dedicated to the proposition that humans can no longer ignore the possible existence of ETCs.

'Science should not reject potential extraterrestrial explanations because of social stigma or cultural preferences that are not conducive to the scientific method of unbiased, empirical inquiry. We now must 'dare to look through new telescopes', both literally and figuratively.'

The project takes its name from Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei - who used telescopes to make a number of discoveries, including Jupiter's four largest moons - because of the possibility it may discover ETCs, perhaps as soon as 2023, thanks to the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

The project will have three objectives: searching for unidentified aerial phenomena, other interstellar objects (like 'Oumuamua, pictured) and satellites created by ETCs

Last month, Loeb suggested there was a link between 'Oumuamua and the US government's report on UAPs. He said 'Oumuamua could have been sent 'to scan signals from all viewing directions,' looking for sensors that a yet-to-be discovered predecessor put into Earth's atmosphere

Last month, Loeb suggested there was a link between 'Oumuamua and the US government's report on UAPs.

He said 'Oumuamua could have been sent 'to scan signals from all viewing directions,' looking for sensors that a yet-to-be discovered predecessor put into Earth's atmosphere.

'Based on astronomical observations, 'Oumuamua turned out to have highly anomalous properties that defy well-understood natural explanations,' Loeb added in the statement.

'We can only speculate whether 'Oumuamua may be explained by never seen before natural explanations, or by stretching our imagination to 'Oumuamua perhaps being an extraterrestrial technological object, similar to a very thin light-sail or communications dish, which would fit the astronomical data rather well.'

The Harvard researcher has previously said there should be 'a quadrillion' objects similar to 'Oumuamua within the solar system if they have a natural origin.

To date, astronomers have only found two ISOs: 'Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov, which was discovered in 2019.

A number of theories - including that it is a hydrogen iceberg or nitrogen iceberg- have been postulated about the origins or the composition of the 900-foot-long cigar-shaped 'Oumuamua since it was discovered in October 2017.

Our first interstellar visitor sailed past Earth at at 97,200mph in 2017, but what exactly was Oumuamua? A cigar-shaped object named 'Oumuamua sailed past Earth at 97,200mph (156,428km/h) in October. It was first spotted by a telescope in Hawaii on 19 October, and was observed 34 separate times in the following week. It is named after the Hawaiian term for 'scout' or 'messenger' and passed the Earth at about 85 times the distance to the moon. It was the first interstellar object seen in the solar system, and it baffled astronomers. Initially, it was thought the object could be a comet. However, it displays none of the classic behavior expected of comets, such as a dusty, water-ice particle tail. The asteroid is up to one-quarter mile (400 meters) long and highly-elongated - perhaps 10 times as long as it is wide. That aspect ratio is greater than that of any asteroid or asteroid observed in our solar system to date. But the asteroid's slightly red hue  specifically pale pink  and varying brightness are remarkably similar to objects in our own solar system. Around the size of the Gherkin skyscraper in London, some astronomers were convinced it was piloted by aliens due to the vast distance the object traveled without being destroyed  and the closeness of its journey past the Earth. Alien hunters at SETI  the Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence based at Berkeley University, California said there was a possibility the rock was an alien artefact. But scientists from Queens University Belfast took a good look at the object and said it appears to be an asteroid, or planetesimal as originally thought. Researchers believe the cigar-shaped asteroid had a 'violent past', after looking at the light bouncing off its surface. They aren't exactly sure when the violent collision took place, but they believe the lonely asteroid's tumbling will continue for at least a billion years. Advertisement

Last month, the long-awaited report from the Pentagon on the subject of 'unidentified aerial phenomenon' (UAPs) offered no explanation for 140 of the 144 observations dating back to 2004.

The declassified June 25 report, which came from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, added that it lacks sufficient data to determine the nature of mysterious flying objects.

'In 18 incidents, described in 21 reports, observers reported unusual UAP movement patterns or flight characteristics,' the report reads.

'Some UAP appeared to remain stationary in winds aloft, move against the wind, maneuver abruptly, or move at considerable speed, without discernable means of propulsion. In a small number of cases, military aircraft systems processed radio frequency (RF) energy associated with UAP sightings.

'The UAPTF holds a small amount of data that appear to show UAP demonstrating acceleration or a degree of signature management. Additional rigorous analysis are necessary by multiple teams or groups of technical experts to determine the nature and validity of these data.

'We are conducting further analysis to determine if breakthrough technologies were demonstrated.'

The term UFO has been more recently replaced by unidentified aerial phenomenon, especially in light of the U.S. Pentagon declassifying three videos in April 2020.
Stained glass windows in England's famed Canterbury Cathedral may be centuries older than previously thought, according to new analysis that dates some panels to the mid-12th century.

If accurate, the colorful panes would have witnessed the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in the cathedral by followers of King Henry II in 1170.

The particular panels, which are installed over one of the cathedral's entrances, depict the ancestors of Christ and had previously been thought to have been made by artisans in the 13th century.

If the revised date is accurate, it would make them among the earliest extant works of stained glass in the world.

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It would also restore a piece of the structure's history long thought lost.

'We have hardly anything left of the artistic legacy of that early building [apart from] a few bits of stone carving,' Leonie Seliger, the cathedral's head of stained glass conservation, told BBC News.

'But until now, we didn't think we had any stained glass,' Seliger added. 'And it turns out that we do.'

The Ancestors of Christ stained glass panels at Canterbury Cathedral (above) date to 1130-1160, according to new analysis, at least a decade before Thomas Becket was murdered in the church

Henry II initially appointed Becket as his chancellor, then nominated him as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, with the hope his confirmation would bring the Church of England more under the monarchy' control.

But Becket discovered a newfound religious belief and worked to extend the reach of the archbishopric, recovering church lands lost to the monarchy and reestablishing the church's jurisdiction over clergymen accused of committing secular crimes.

He also excommunicated a number of Henry's ministers and advisors, and threatened the king with ecclesiastical punishments.

After Henry reportedly asked, 'Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?,' four knights rode to Canterbury and beheaded Becket in the cathedral's northwest transept on December 29, 1170.

Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England, is one of the oldest Christian structures in Great Britain. Pictured: Visitors in the cathedral's nave

Thomas Becket was a hugely influential archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century. A rift between him and King Henry II culminated in the king's knights murdering the Archbishop in his cathedral (pictured) on December 29, 1170

In addition to Becket's killing, the Ancestors of Christ panels 'would have witnessed Henry II come on his knees begging for forgiveness, they would have witnessed the conflagration of the fire that devoured the cathedral in 1174,' Seliger said.

'And then they would have witnessed all of British history.'

The oldest known stained glass windows are those at Augsburg Cathedral in Bavaria, Germany, completed in the late 11th century.

As far back as the 1980s, art historian Madeline Caviness had questioned the dates assigned to some of the Ancestors of Christ panels at Canterbury, pointing to noticeable stylistic differences.

But disturbing the fragile works of art and worship was too risky.

A stained-glass window depicts the murder of Thomas Becket by Henry II's knights, part of a series on the sainted archbishop in the cathedral's chapel

Four decades later, researchers from University College London (UCL) designed a 'windolyser,' a portable device that shines a beam on glass, causing it to emit radiation that can be used to determine when it was createdsimilar to how spectrometry can determine the chemical composition of distant stars.

Materials scientist Laura Ware Adlington, who led the research, says some of the Ancestor panels could date to between 1130 and 1160, at least a decade before Becket was killed.

Founded in 597, the Canterbury Cathedral was completely rebuilt between 1070 and 1077. It was initially though the 'Ancestors Series' panels were installed after a fire devastated the building in 1174over a period ranging from the late 1170s through until 1220.

Founded in 597, Canterbury Cathedral was completely rebuilt between 1070 and 1077 and again after a devastating fire in 1174

But data from the windolyser suggested they were there well before the fire and had been stored during reconstruction and added to the rebuilt cathedral.

'The scientific findings, the observations and the chronology of the cathedral itself all fit together very nicely now,' Caviness, now 83, told BBC News.

'I wish I was younger and could throw myself more into helping Laura with her future work. But I've certainly got a few more projects to feed her.'

Other panels in the famed house of worship have also been reconsidered: in 2019, researchers suggested stained-glass windows dated to the Victorian era really were constructed in the Middle Ages,

Rachel Koopmans, a medieval history professor at York University, said a panel depicting a group of pilgrims heading to Canterbury actually dates to the 1180sa decade or so after Becket's murder and some 200 years before Chaucer wrote about such a pilgrimage in Canterbury Tales.

The window was part of a series in a chapel built in Becket's honorof the dozen created to tell his story, only eight remain.

'The unique panel picturing traveling pilgrims allows us to see how the earliest pilgrims to Canterbury interacted and what they would have looked like, right down to the pilgrims' wonderfully decorated boots,' Koopmans told York University magazine in 2019.

Using documents in the cathedral archives and an 1861 photograph of the window, she made her case about the pilgrimage window and she and Seliger secured permission to remove the it for study.

Using digital photography technologies and spectrometry, they verified the glass in that window dated to the 1100s as well, nearly 800 years earlier than assumed.

In medieval times, stained glass windows held significant importance, educating an illiterate populace about religious narratives.

'They were the comic books of their day,' Koopmans told the magazine. 'They were designed as colorful bands to be read and admired by visiting pilgrims.'
NASA has confirmed that researchers have discovered the first evidence of water vapor on Jupiter's icy moon, Ganymede after researchers analyzed data taken by the Hubble Space Telescope 20 years apart.

Experts looked at ultraviolet observations of Ganymede taken in 1998 and 2010 by Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and compared them to observations made in 2018.

The 1998 UV images from STIS showed bands of the moon's atmosphere that were similar to Earth's aurora. There was a discrepancy in the earlier observations that at the time, scientists thought was due to higher concentrations of atomic oxygen.

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NASA has confirmed that researchers have discovered the first evidence of water vapor on Jupiter's icy moon, Ganymede after researchers analyzed data taken 20 years apart

Experts looked at ultraviolet observations of Ganymede taken in 1998 and 2010 by Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and compared them to observations made in 2018

Researchers believe the temperature near Ganymede's equator 'becomes sufficiently warm that the icy surface releases some small amounts of water molecules'

Experts looked at ultraviolet observations of Ganymede taken in 1998 and 2010 by Hubble's (pictured) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and compared them to observations made in 2018 by Hubbles Cosmic Origins Spectrograph

Upon looking at the 2018 UV observations taken by Hubbles Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS), the researchers did not find much atomic oxygen in Ganymede's atmosphere, which means there was another reason for the differences in the UV aurora images.

Now, they believe that the temperature near Ganymede's equator 'becomes sufficiently warm that the icy surface releases some small amounts of water molecules,' the European Space Agency said in a statement.

Ganymede: The moon that is larger than both Mercury and Pluto Since its discovery in January 1610, Ganymede has been the focus of repeated observation, first by Earth-based telescopes, and later by flyby missions and spacecraft orbiting Jupiter. These studies depict a complex icy world whose surface is characterized by the striking contrast between its two major terrain types - the dark, very old, highly cratered regions and the lighter, somewhat younger (but still ancient) regions marked with an extensive array of grooves and ridges. With a diameter of 3,280 miles (5,262 kilometers), Ganymede is larger than both planet Mercury and dwarf planet Pluto. It's also the only satellite in the solar system known to have its own magnetosphere. Advertisement

'So far only the O2 had been observed,' the study's lead author, Lorenz Roth of the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, said in a statement released by NASA.

'This is produced when charged particles erode the ice surface. The water vapor that we have now measured originates from ice sublimation caused by the thermal escape of H2O vapor from warm icy regions.'

'Ganymede's surface temperature varies strongly throughout the day, and around noon near the equator it may become sufficiently warm that the icy surface releases some small amounts of water molecules,' ESA added in their statement.

'In fact, the perceived differences between the UV images are directly correlated with where water would be expected in the moons atmosphere.'

The Hubble Space Telescope is partnership between NASA and the ESA.

The ESA's upcoming JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission is set to launch next year and arrive at Jupiter in 2029, with the possibility it incorporates the latest findings from Hubble into its mission, Roth added.

'Our results can provide the JUICE instrument teams with valuable information that may be used to refine their observation plans to optimize the use of the spacecraft,' added Roth.

As part of JUICE's mission, it will study the largest planet in the solar system, as well as three of its largest moons, 'with particular emphasis on Ganymede as a planetary body and potential habitable world,' the ESA added.

The findings were published Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy.

The largest of Jupiter's moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto, are known as Galilean moons, after being discovered by Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei in January 1610.

Ganymede is not only Jupiter's largest moon, but the largest moon in our solar system, and the only moon with its own magnetic field.
Team GB taekwondo star Jade Jones was in tears after her stunning first round defeat to Kimia Alizadeh Zenoorin at the Tokyo Olympics, and she conceded she was 'scared' and had put too much pressure on herself.

The two-time Olympic champion was shocked by the underdog Alizadeh Zenoorin, the bronze medallist from Rio de Janeiro competing with the Olympic Refugee team, despite being one of the favourites to bring home a gold medal.

Jones was distraught while speaking to the media and said she was still finding her loss difficult to process, and also struggled without her family in Japan.

'I've still not had a lot of time to think about it, I think it will take a while to sink in but I think I just put too much pressure on myself,' she told the BBC.

'Coming out was hard, I felt scared, I just felt too much pressure and the whole tournament has been different to what I'm used to.

'I'm used to having my family with me so that when I am scared coming out them cheering for me just gives me that extra push to go for it, so I just got trapped in that fear mode today.

Jade Jones was distraught after her shock first round taekwondo loss as she fought back tears

Heartbreak for Jade Jones at Tokyo 2020 



She has still made everyone so proud!



 https://t.co/TFl2yjfDMk #bbcolympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/Gu7EomKi6d  BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 25, 2021

Team GB's Jones was stunned in the first round after losing to Kimia Alizadeh Zenoorin

'Obviously just devastated. I think I could have done more but I gave it my best under the circumstances and just gutted and wish I could have brought back the gold for everyone at home.

Jones was on the hunt for a third consecutive title in the women's -57kg category, having taken gold in London and Rio.

But instead, she looked stunned after her defeat was sealed, which came despite her winning the first round 6-4.

Alizadeh Zenoorin then rallied to take the next two 6-2, 6-4, preventing Jones from asserting any control throughout, and celebrated wildly.

Jones said she was 'scared' in her defeat and struggled without her family with her in Tokyo in an emotional interview

Jones had been on the hunt for a third consecutive title but instead crashed out early in Tokyo

Jones may still have a chance of clinching bronze through the repechage, however, but that would rely on Alizadeh Zenoorin reaching the final.

Her close friend Bianca Walkden was reduced to tears in the crowd, as were several other team-mates, after watching Jones' knockout.

Alizadeh Zenoorin earned two points each for two hits to the truck early in the second, with the Iranian leading heading into the final round.

Jones said she had put too much pressure on herself after being one of the favourites from Team GB to earn another gold medal

Iranian Alizadeh Zenoorin had led heading into the final round and clinched a superb victory

The tension was palpable inside the Makuhari Messe Hall, and Alizadeh Zenoorin moved further into the ascendency after landing another blow to Jones' trunk.

Her contact saw her move 14-10 ahead with just seconds left, and an appeal from Jones' camp for a video referral failed to lead to an overturn.

That left Jones reeling from an early elimination, and brought a very premature end to her hopes of landing yet another medal.
He has been a regular visitor to sporting events during his time in the UK.

And Tom Cruise, 59, has reportedly now turned his hands to yet another sport, with The Sun claiming he has given darts a go.

The actor has been staying in the UK while filming for the latest instalment of the Mission Impossible franchise and is currently on a yachting holiday in Cornwall.

New game? Tom Cruise has reportedly picked up darts as he continues to embrace the sporting culture during his stay in the UK

A source told the publication that Tom has 'loved' his time in Britain and that setting up a darts board was the 'next natural step as he turns himself into an honorary Englishman'.

The source added: 'He knows darts are a staple of English pubs and he fancied a go.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives of Tom Cruise for comment.

Tom has spent much of the last year in the UK filming the seventh instalment of the Mission Impossible franchise and has been pictured shooting action-packed scenes in the Yorkshire Moors in recent months.

Sporting culture: A source told the Sun that Tom has 'loved' his time in Britain and that setting up a darts board was the next step on his road to becoming an honorary Englishman

During his downtime, the screen star has also been seen at several big events including Wimbledon and the Silverstone Grand Prix.

He was also seen mingling with David Beckham at Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 final.

Last month, Mission: Impossible 7 filming was reportedly paused again due to a positive Covid test with crew members speculating it could be Cruise.

Despite there being 'no proof' to back up the idle talk, it has been claimed that people are gossiping it could be Tom, due to his alleged absence on set.

A source told The Sun: 'Filming on Mission Impossible 7 is on hold again because of coronavirus. And this time, those working on the production have said they think Tom could be the possible cause of the postponement.

Sport enthusiast: During his downtime, the screen star has also been pictured at several big events including Wimbledon and the Silverstone Grand Prix

'Everyone on the set was told that filming was being stopped again because of a positive test. And since then, Tom hasn't been on set once.

'Now people are speculating that he could have come into contact with the person who tested positive. And in some cases, people are even gossiping and saying it could be him.'

MailOnline contacted Mission Impossible film representatives for comment at the time.

It is not known whether Tom has received the Covid vaccine or not, although despite being proven to dramatically cut the risk of coronavirus, none of the jabs approved in Britain are 100 per cent effective.

It means some vaccinated people will inevitably get infected without having any symptoms, leaving them unaware they are infected and contagious  unless they get tested.
Katie Holmes was spotted stepping out for a walk with a friend in New York City on Sunday morning.

The 42-year-old actress was seen carrying an iced coffee and enjoying a conversation with her pal as she made her way down one of the Big Apple's walkways.

The performer's excursion comes amid her involvement in two major film projects that are set to be released in the near future.

Shared stroll: Katie Holmes was seen taking a walk with a male pal in New York City on Sunday afternoon

Holmes was dressed in a black tank top that exposed a slight portion of her toned tummy as she strolled with her pals.

She contrasted her top with a stark white pencil skirt that flowed gracefully as she made her way down the street.

The Thank You For Smoking actress sported a stylish pair of dark gray Birkenstock-style sandals and a pair of near-matching sunglasses.

Her beautiful brunette locks remained loose and cascaded down her backside for much of the shared outing.

Neutral tones: The performer was dressed in a black tank top that was contrasted by a flowing white pencil dress during her outing

Luscious locks: The actress' flowing brunette hair remained loose and cascaded down her backside

She also accessorized with several gold earrings and a single bracelet.

The actress recently completed work on her untitled second directorial effort, which was filmed entirely in secret.

News about the feature was first broken by Deadline, who noted that it would revolve around two strangers who are forced to spend their respective periods of quarantine together in the same Airbnb.

When the unlikely pair are forced to confront their own bad relationships and standoffish personalities, they inadvertently develop a romance.

Working hard: Holmes is currently planning for the release of her untitled second directorial effort; she is pictured in 2015

In addition to directing the feature, Holmes also wrote its script and served as one of its producers.

The film's cast will include performers such as Melissa Leo, Jim Sturgess and Derek Luke, among others.

The filmmaker-actress also gave the media outlet her perspective on the feature and expressed that she was happy to have helmed the project.

'I am so grateful to have been supported in telling a story about this particular time in all of our lives and I am proud to be a part of this team of creatives,' she said.

Holmes' untitled film currently does not have a set release date.

The performer is also set to appear in an upcoming television production, which will be taken from a script by screenwriters Ilene Chaiken and Melissa Scrivner-Love.

Staying busy: Holmes is also set to appear in an untitled project from screenwriters Ilene Chaiken and Melissa Scrivner-Love; she is pictured in 2015

The feature will be centered around a special agent of the FBI who attempts to salvage her professional reputation after it was discovered that she was having an affair.

The project's screenwriters both serve as executive producers on the currently untitled production.

Filming initially began in 2018 and stretched out for several weeks, and its ultimate release date remains unknown.
Kyle Sandilands has blasted a report claiming some of 'Australia's top real estate agents' turned down a chance to appear on Luxe Listings Sydney.

The Sunday Telegraph claimed several elite real estate agents had snubbed the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime series - which is now one of the most popular property-themed shows in the world and has already been renewed for season two.

Sandilands, who produces the show through his company King Kyle, slammed the article on Monday's Kyle and Jackie O Show, saying Sydney's leading luxury real estate agents 'were desperate to get on it'.

'We decided who the best agents are!' Kyle Sandilands has blasted a report claiming some of 'Australia's top real estate agents' turned down a chance to appear on Luxe Listings Sydney

'Did you see the other real estate agents having a go? The ones that aren't on it are saying they are glad they didn't go on the show,' co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson said.

'That's bulls**t; they are all desperate to get on it. I'll write down their names, too, and I'll make sure you don't get on it [in future seasons],' Sandilands responded.

'We didn't do an audition process where everyone got to decide [who would appear]. We decided who are the best agents in Sydney. It wasn't based on anyone's statistics,' he added.

Report: The Sunday Telegraph claimed several elite real estate agents had snubbed the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime series - which is now one of the most popular property-themed shows in the world and has already been renewed for season two

According to The Telegraph, Alison Coopes from Agency by Alison Coopes and Pauline Goodyer from Goodyer Real Estate turned down an opportunity to appear on the reality show.

Alexander Phillips from PPD Real Estate also said: 'They asked me to be in the show but I didn't want to and I have zero regrets.'

Meanwhile, Paul Biller from Biller Property and Monika Tu from Black Diamondz Property Concierge appeared in the pilot episode but not in the series.

'Bulls**t': Sandilands, who produces the show, slammed the article on Monday's Kyle and Jackie O Show, saying Sydney's leading luxury real estate agents 'were desperate to get on it'

Luxe Listings Sydney launched exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on July 9 in over 240 countries and territories around the world.

It follows real estate agents Gavin Rubinstein, D'Leanne Lewis and Simon Cohen as they negotiate multi-million dollar deals in Sydney.

The series features plenty of drama, with the agents feuding with each other as they fight to secure the best listings.

The show, hailed as Australia's answer to Selling Sunset, received positive reviews and has been a hit both locally and internationally.

A second season is currently in the works.
They celebrated their one-year anniversary over the weekend.

And The Kid Laroi showed his appreciation for his stunning girlfriend Katarina Deme on Sunday by reposting one of her bikini pictures.

The 17-year-old Aussie rapper shared a photo of the model and TikTok star posing in a colourful two-piece and a Prada bucket hat.

True love! The Kid Laroi showed his appreciation for his stunning TikTok star girlfriend Katarina Deme by reposting her bikini pictures

Katarina flaunted her stunning beauty in the image by going makeup free and her long hair was plaited in boho braids at the front.

The star, real name Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, add two Smiling Face with Heart-Eyes emojis to his post.

The couple were enjoying some time by the pool after Laroi performed at Rolling Loud Miami 2021.

Beauty: The 17-year-old Aussie rapper shared a photo of the model and TikTok star posing in a colourful two-piece and a Prada bucket hat

On Sunday, Laroi shared a sweet tribute to his other half on Instagram, confirming he is 'happier than ever' alongside photographs of the pair spending quality time together.

'One year with you and I'm happier than ever. Time flies kid...' Laroi captioned the post.

Katarina replied 'I love youuuuuu,' in the comments section, before sharing the same images on her own page.

She captioned the photos: 'Celebrating one year with you...'

Gorgeous: Katarina flaunted her stunning beauty in the image by going makeup free and her long hair was plaited in boho braids at the front

Laroi spoke to Kyle & Jackie O Show in February about his romance with Katarina, revealing they'd met through mutual friends.

Host Jackie 'O' Henderson branded Katarina 'the most beautiful girl I've ever seen', prompting Laroi to laugh and add: 'I agree!'

The Indigenous star added that he never expected to fall in love so young, but did so shortly after relocating from Sydney to Los Angeles - where Katarina is based.

Miami life! The couple appeared to be enjoying some time by the pool after Charlton performed at Rolling Loud Miami 2021

Love: The couple celebrated their one year anniversary over the weekend

Adorable: 'One year with you and I'm happier than ever. Time flies kid...' Laroi, whose real name is Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, captioned the post, to which she replied: 'I love youuuuu,'

Pretty: In February, radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson recently described model Katarina as 'the most beautiful girl I've ever seen', and the young rapper wholeheartedly agreed

'Around the time that I met her, I just put out the whole F*ck Love project and was not in the vibe of love,' he said.

'But I guess... you can't control some of that type of stuff. It was so ironic.'

Radio presenter Kyle Sandilands added: 'Once again it's proven that when you're not looking, love comes along at the strangest time.'

'100 per cent, I agree,' Laroi replied.

Love story: Laroi spoke to The Kyle & Jackie O Show in February about his blossoming romance with Katarina, revealing they'd met through mutual friends

Laroi and Katarina have shared several loved-up snaps of themselves on Instagram, with the first image being uploaded earlier in the year.

Alongside the photo of the pair cuddled up together, the rapper wrote: 'I know I said f**k love but... @katarina.deme.'

His heart-warming post comes just weeks after Laroi landed his first number No. 1 single on Australia's ARIA charts with his collaboration with Justin Bieber, titled Stay.

It's another major career milestone for Laroi, who also recently made history as the youngest solo artist to top the Australian album charts.
She is set to take over the role of Princess Margaret from Helena Bonham Carter in Netflix's fifth season of The Crown.

And Lesley Manville, 65, has reportedly added another shoot into her diary and is set to star in a new BBC1 crime drama called Sherwood.

The six-part show will reportedly see the Academy Award nominee acting alongside David Morrissey, 57, once again as they both starred in BBC2's Holding On in 1997.

Reigning over: Lesley Manville, 65, is starring in a new BBC1 crime drama called Sherwood

Speaking about Lesley's upcoming part in The Crown and crime drama Sherwood, a source told The Sun: 'The two roles couldnt be further apart. One is set in high society, the other among a working-class community.

'Lesley has played quite a few posh parts recently and Princess Margaret is just the latest,' the insider said.

They added: 'Although The Crown is a high-calibre production from Netflix, Sherwood is also one of the most anticipated dramas of the year.'

Reunited: The show will see the Academy Award nominee acting alongside David Morrissey, 57 (pictured in 1997), for the second time since they both starred in BBC2's Holding On in 1997

New series Sherwood is set in an 80s Nottinghamshire community who are still dealing with the after-effects of the miners' strike.

Sherwood sees two shocking murders hit an already broken community - leading to one of the largest manhunts known to British history.

In a release about the upcoming show, the BBC explains: 'To solve the murders, police inspectors Ian St Clair, from the local constabulary, and Kevin Salisbury from the Met, must reunite and bury a rivalry that stretches back to 1984.'

MailOnline has contacted Lesley's representative for further comment.

Lesley and David previously worked together on Holding On which aired in 1997 and saw a group of Londoners all affected by the murder of a young woman.

The eight-part drama was very popular and scooped a Royal Television Society award for Best Drama Serial in 1998.

Replacement: Lesley's newest role in the drama comes ahead of her appearances on seasons five and six of The Crown, where she will replace Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret

It comes ahead of Lesley's appearance on seasons five and six of The Crown, where she will replace Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret.

And Helena Bonham Carter admitted she's 'so chuffed' to be handing over the role to the actress, 64, as she spoke with Radio Times about leaving the part on Thursday.

Detailing how she feels to be departing the role, the Sweeney Todd star, 54, who has been nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for the show, said: 'I feel like I should be handing over a baton, like this race we are all running.

'With Lesley, I feel like I should hand the cigarette holder that I used as a baton. Here you are, over to you!'

'Shes going to have a great time with her and Im so chuffed its her and shes a great actress and shell have great fun.'

Sherwood is expected to be released in 2022 on BBC1.
Married At First Sight's Jessika Power and Martha Kalifatidis have been embroiled in a bitter feud since 2019.

And it appears the duo may be at it again, with reports Jessika, 29, is fuming after learning she is getting paid peanuts for her upcoming Big Brother VIP gig.

'Jess will be livid to know Martha took home $30,000 for Celeb Apprentice, while she struggled to get $20,000 out of Channel 7,' New Idea reported on Monday.

Not happy! Jessika Power, 29, (pictured) is understood to be 'livid' with her Big Brother VIP paycheque after learning Martha Kalifatidis was paid more for her Celebrity Apprentice gig

According to the publication, Jessika jumped at the opportunity to appear on Big Brother after seeing how Martha was able to reinvent herself.

'Jess has had a reality TV opportunity thrown at her every month for the past year, but for one reason or another they've fallen over,' the source added.

'She wants to be the MAFS queen bee!'

Claims: According to New Idea this week, Jessika 'struggled to get $20,000 out of Channel Seven' while Martha (pictured) was paid a hefty $30,000 for her recent appearance on Celebrity Apprentice Australia

Jessica has since denied the magazine's claims, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'Martha and I are friends and I'm proud of how successful she's become.'

She continued: 'I would never be envious of people that are succeeding and I don't care for any "crown or title", I'm not the same Jess I was 3 years ago!'

Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenner is believed to be earning $500,000 for her two week stint on the Channel Seven reality show.

Cashing in: Caitlyn Jenner (pictured) is believed to be earning $500,000 for her two week stint on the Channel Seven reality show

Rumours: The network is also understood to have forked out a three figure deal for Meghan Markle's brother Thomas Markle Jr, who will also appear on the show

Caitlyn, 71, is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007.

The network is also understood to have forked out a three figure deal for Meghan Markle's brother Thomas Markle Jr, who will also appear on the show.

Big Brother VIP is the second celebrity-themed Big Brother format to air in Australia, after a first season was made back in 2002.

Big Brother VIP begins filming at Sydney Olympic Park in the coming weeks and will air on Channel Seven later this year. Sonia Kruger is returning as host.

The set is currently being constructed despite the ban on building works in Sydney, after the producers were granted special permission.
She is known for showing off her well-put-together clothing ensembles on her various social media outlets.

And on Sunday afternoon, Gabrielle Union opted for an eye-catching look as she went topless under her outerwear while stepping out in New York City.

The 48-year-old performer flashed a wide smile as she walked down one of the metropolis' streets and approached a waiting car.

Eye-catching look: Gabrielle Union went topless underneath a chic brown leather jacket while stepping out on a solo outing in New York City on Sunday

Union sported a chic single-breasted brown leather jacket that draped down to her thighs during her outing.

She complimented her outerwear with a long black St. John skirt that fell to the middle of her shins and obscured much of her toned legs.

The Bring It On actress also wore a pair of sandals that featured long straps that covered the top of her ankles and carried a small brown purse.

Her recently cut dark brown hair looked perfectly styled.

Dressed to impress: The performer complimented the shade of her outerwear with a flowing long black skirt from St. John

Accessorizing: The Bring It On actress carried a small brown purse with her as she made her way along the Big Apple's walkways

Earlier in the day, Union shared a duo of shots that had been taken during a photoshoot to her Instagram account.

The performer remained topless in both of the photos, and a stylist had previously placed a bright flower on the left side of her head.

She accessorized with a single ring while preparing to take part in the production.

The Being Mary Jane actress added multiple floral-themed emojis to her post's caption.

Behind the scenes: Union shared a duo of shots from a photoshoot to her Instagram account on Sunday, and she was topless in both of them

Her newly shortened hair was prominently displayed in both of the shots.

Union spoke about her past experiences with her locks during a past interview with People, where she noted that she struggled with self-image issues.

'When I was younger, I hated everything about [my hair]. I wanted it to be anything but what it was,' the actress noted.

She recalled: 'I wasted so much of my youth in my twenties, thirties and certainly my teens wanting to be someone else. I was inundated with images and messages saying, "You're just not as pretty as so-and-so."'

Past conflict: During an interview with People, Union expressed that she spent much of her younger years 'wanting to be someone else'

The L.A.'s Finest star went on to note that, as she grew older, she learned how to accept herself and has become much more confident as a result.

'In my early forties, I just emptied my basket of f***s and came out reborn and loving myself in a way that you only see on Oprah episodes,' she said.

The performer also remarked that she had come to appreciate the texture and look of her beautiful locks over time.

A new perspective: The performer also noted that, after a period of self-reflection in her early forties, she 'came out reborn and loving myself'

'I used to think you had to have a certain hair texture in order to be seen as beautiful or dynamic. I don't have that anymore. I love my own hair,' she said.

Union concluded by expressing that she had become able to construct any look she wanted with her locks and that she was happy to have them.

'Everything I want to achieve, everything I can dream of, I know I can do it with my own hair,' she remarked.
Laura Whitmore wowed Love Island fans as she showcased her enviable legs while hosting Aftersun on Sunday.

The 36-year-old presenter looked sensational as she dazzled during her presenting duties wearing an all-black figure-hugging dress.

And ensuring to delight avid fans of the ITV2 reality series, Laura revealed at the end of the spin-off show that she's set to return to Majorca just in time for Casa Amor.

Love Island: Laura Whitmore flashed her legs in a sleek black dress as she hosted Sunday's edition of the Aftersun show

Putting on a sizzling display, Laura's left arm and shoulder was left bare with part of the dress having been cut out, while she also flashed her enviable legs.

Laura opted for a vibrant shade of scarlet lipstick and a more subdued tone of pink on her nails.

She kept her accessories to a minimum, with a black ribbon in her hair and a selection of rings on her fingers.

Love Island fans have been left confused as to why Laura has barely been seen in the villa since the first episode of the series.

Gorgeous: The blonde beauty revealed at the end of the spin-off show that she's set to return to Majorca just in time for Casa Amor

Stunning: The 36-year-old presenter looked sensational as she began her presenting duties wearing an all-black figure-hugging dress

Radiant: Laura opted for a vibrant shade of scarlet lipstick and a more subdued tone of pink on her nails

Shock: At the end of Sunday's Aftersun episode, Laura received a text during the broadcast

Revelation: Reading the text message on air, Laura said: 'Laura, it's time to head to the island for Casa Amor Let the fun begin!'

The presenter - who is reportedly being paid 600,000 to host - has not been present for any of the dumpings that have happened thus far and has only featured for 12 minutes of the programme over the last three weeks.

However, at the end of Sunday's Aftersun, Laura confirmed that she was set to make her return to the villa as she received a text during the broadcast.

Reading the text message on air, Laura said: 'Laura, it's time to head to the island for Casa Amor Let the fun begin!

'#PackYourBags #TwoVillasAreBetterThanOne #NewLocationNewTemptation #HaveYouHadAPCRTest #HaveYouFilledOutYourPassengerLocatorForm #AreYouDoubleJabbed'

Radiant: Her left arm and shoulder was left bare with part of the dress having been cut out, while she also flashed her enviable legs

Animated: Laura looked to be enjoying herself as she hosted Sunday's edition of Aftersun

Guest: On the show, Laura was joined by musician Ella Eyre to discuss the latest instalment of the reality show

After fans previously took to social media to discuss Laura's noticeable absence from the villa, she took to her Instagram story to explain that the pandemic made it difficult to jet into Mallorca.

Elsewhere on Aftersun, Laura was joined by musician Ella Eyre to discuss the latest instalment of the reality show.

Ella looked stunning in a vibrant multi-coloured ensemble.

Appearing on Sunday night's Aftersun show, Ella wore a matching three-piece outfit consisting of an open-fronted shirt, a pair of tiny shorts and a strapless crop top.

Fashion statement: Appearing on Sunday night's Aftersun show, Ella wore a matching three-piece outfit consisting of an open-fronted shirt, a pair of tiny shorts and a strapless crop top

Colour coordinated: All three items of clothing were covered in a bright floral design created by a blend of different shades of pink, orange and blue

All three items of clothing were covered in a bright floral design created by a blend of different shades of pink, orange and blue.

On her feet, Ella wore a pair of plain white canvas trainers, with complemented the undertones of her outfit.

Accessorising her ensemble, Ella wore a selection of gold jewellery, including two necklaces and chain bracelets on each of her wrists.

Love Island continues on ITV2 on Monday at 9pm.
She was one of the breakout stars at this year's Miami Swim Week.

And Lucciana Beynon is ready to hit the runway once again, showing off her sensational figure in a series of mirror selfies over the weekend.

The Venezuelan-Australian model, 19, poured her curves into a skimpy snakeskin bikini as she struck a variety of raunchy poses on Instagram.

Too hot to handle! Model Lucciana Beynon, 19, poured her curves into a skimpy snakeskin bikini as she struck a variety of raunchy poses on Instagram over the weekend

Lucciana looked every inch the sex symbol as she swayed her hips and ran her hands through her raven tresses.

She then turned around to showcase her shapely derriere in the G-string bikini bottoms, tugging them high on her hips to highlight her tan lines.

The Gold Coast socialite also modelled an emerald green bikini with criss-cross detailing and matching briefs.

Wowsers! She then turned around to showcase her shapely derriere in the G-string bikini bottoms, tugging them high on her hips to highlight her tan lines

Lucciana made her debut at Miami Swim Week debut earlier this month.

The beauty set pulses racing in a perilously high-cut white swimsuit that showed off her statuesque figure to perfection.

Her racy one-piece highlighted her toned abs and lean legs, while a pearl necklace drew the eye to her ample cleavage.

Glamazon: The Gold Coast socialite also modelled an emerald green bikini with criss-cross detailing and matching briefs

That wasn't her only runway look, as she also slipped into a one-shoulder black swimsuit with elaborate cut-outs and G-string bottoms.

The Kardashian lookalike previously spoke of her plans to relocate to the U.S. after finishing high school to focus on her modelling career.

She told The Gold Coast Bulletin in 2017: 'When I finish school I'll still be 17, so as soon as I turn 18, I'm going to move to America forever.'

'I want to become a Victoria's Secret Angel and then ultimately become a supermodel,' she added.

Hot to trot: Lucciana made her debut at Miami Swim Week debut earlier this month. The beauty set pulses racing in a high-cut white swimsuit that showed off her statuesque figure

Sizzling: That wasn't her only runway look, as she also slipped into a one-shoulder black swimsuit with elaborate cut-outs and G-string bottoms

Lucciana, whose mother is Venezuelan former beauty queen Ninibeth Leal, has a contingency plan for when her modelling career eventually ends.

'Once my time is up, because you know modelling doesn't last forever, I'll get involved in the family business and invest in property,' she said.

She was recently linked to British social media star Max Wyatt, after they were pictured partying together in Miami.
They rose to fame on the Netflix dating show Too Hot to Handle.

And Emily Miller, 27, wowed in a very revealing green mini dress while out for dinner with stunning co-star Tabitha Clifft at Novikov in Mayfair on Sunday.

The beauties turned heads as they made their way to the restaurant in stunning ensembles.

Pose: Emily Miller, 27, wowed in a very revealing green mini dress while out for dinner with stunning co-star Tabitha Clifft at Novikov, Mayfair on Sunday

Emily's dress was embellished with a roughed skirt and crossover top.

She paired her skintight dress with brown heels and a Burberry chain strap bag.

She accessorised with gold earrings and her glam make-up enhanced her naturally flawless features.

Tabitha looked incredible in a white corset with fringe embellishment and green khaki shorts.

Wow! Emily's skintight dress was embellished with a roughed skirt and crossover top

Stunning: She paired her skintight dress with brown heels and a Burberry chain strap bag

She completed her look with white lace up heels and large silver hoop earrings.

The outing comes after Emily and co-star Cam Holmes, 24, revealed they had sex seven times a day for a week when the show ended.

The couple had an instant connection from the moment they walked into the villa and admitted they got a bit carried away once they were finally able to sleep together.

Speaking on the PrettyLittleThing podcast, Emily and Cam revealed their friends were 'worried' about them and told them their sex life may be 'a bit too much'.

Gorgeous: The beauties turned heads as they made their way to the restaurant in stunning ensembles

Style: Tabitha looked incredible in a white corset with fringe embellishment and green khaki shorts

Beautiful: She completed her look with white lace up heels and large silver hoop earrings

During the tell-all episode the couple, who were finally able to reveal their relationship this month after the show aired, revealed that they had joined the mile high club on their way home from Turks and Caicos where the show was filmed.

They also touched upon their instant sexual attraction, explaining they had planned for a steamy night in the bedroom the day they met.

But Cam said they were 'gutted' when their plans were disrupted after they discovered they were actually on Too Hot To Handle and would have to practice celibacy during the retreat.

Cam said: 'We had an instant connection which wasnt shown as much on the first episode but instantly we were just drawn to each other so that made things a lot harder.

Looking good: The TV personalities posed up a storm on the way to the venue

Pose: They were snapped getting out of a taxi in central London

'The show you guys see is one day whereas for us it was like three or four days. So yeah by that point we were reared up and ready to go and then Lana was a good old c*** block.'

The cheeky duo got a little shifty when asked if they had managed to sneak in any secret rendezvous which the cameras and Lana didn't spot.

Commenting on the subject, they said: 'Everyone has got their own little stories with things they got away with on the show, how true they are we dont really know.'

And, while the couple have been happily living together since February, they admitted they did have an argument after Emily finally managed to watch episode four of the show, which saw Cam getting up close and personal with Christina.

Emily said: 'We had our first argument over episode four when he went on the date with Christina, we were actually doing something for work, we were at a premier.

Looking great! Her long brunette locks were styled in curls

'I was watching it in the queue because I just had to watch it and I lost it. I knew it was coming but actually watching it is a different thing.

It just hit me like a tonne of bricks and he didnt handle it very well either, he just kept saying babe get over it, it happened six months ago. I needed him to grab me and reassure me and say "I love you so much".'

Emily admitted watching Cam on the date with Christina while she was at the retreat was a difficult experience.

She said: 'When I peered over that wall and was watching them like a hawk on that date I was like this is the end as I know it this is it me and Cam are done for. I was honestly heartbroken.

Candid: The outing comes after Emily and co-star Cam Holmes, 24, revealed they had sex seven times a day for a week when the show ended

Friends: Speaking on the PrettyLittleThing podcast, Emily and Cam revealed their friends were 'worried' about them and told them their sex life may be 'a bit too much'

'Watching them walk up arm in arm wasnt nice for any girl to see. Yeah it did pull on my heart strings, I went through the wars a little bit didnt I.'

The couple also assured fans of the show that the scenes are '100% real' but they did sometimes have to re-film conversations they had while eating lunch or dinner.

They said: 'When were eating lunch or dinner or whatever we would obviously have a lot of conversation going on between us and wed have to repeat things in front of the camera, so the producers would be like the cameras werent rolling you have to repeat that again.

'In the end they had to seperate us because we were talking too much over dinner time and they were getting annoyed so they had to separate us to save the chat. We were like naughty kids always getting separated.'
Late rapper Pop Smoke's album Faith landed in the top spot for its release on the Billboard 200 this week, about a year after the rapper's album Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon achieved the same feat.

According to MRC Data, the 20-track album, which was first made available July 16, sold 88,000 equivalent album units in the United States for the week ending July 22, Billboard reported.

The record is loaded with cameos from prominent performers including Kanye West, Dua Lipa, Chris Brown and Future, among others; a version with four more songs was released this past Wednesday.

Number one: Late rapper Pop Smoke's album Faith landed in the top spot for its release on the Billboard 200 this week, about a year after the rapper's album Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon achieved the same feat

Rounding out the top five albums included John Mayer's Sob Rock, Olivia Rodrigos Sour, Doja Cats Planet and Dangerous: The Double Album from Morgan Wallen.

The feat occurred just more than a year after Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon debuted in the top spot for the week of July 18, 2020. The album, which spent another week on the number one spot, was the third top-selling record of the year, per MRC Data.

The album took home the honors for Top Billboard 200 Album at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards this past May. His mother Audrey Jackson said she aimed to 'thank the fans for honoring the life and spirit of my son so much that he continues to manifest as if he were still here in the flesh.

Jackson said that her late son 'created music for the kid who has to sleep four in a room, the kid who has to figure out how to get to school each day so he can graduate and make his mom proud.

The late rapper has also been on the charts with the 2020 mixtapes Meet the Woo, V.2 and Meet the Woo, V.1 Mixtape. He was snapped in 2019 in LA

Pop Smoke posthumously took home multiple honors at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards this past May, with his mother Audrey Jackson and brother Obasi Jackson on hand

'He did this so that 14-year-olds would not have to kill to prove that they are somebody. That is the irony in this.'

The late rapper has also been on the charts with the 2020 mixtapes Meet the Woo, V.2 and Meet the Woo, V.1 Mixtape.

The record was the debut studio recording for Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Jackson. The musical artist was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after he was fatally shot at the age of 20 in a February 19, 2020 home invasion at a rental home in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles.

Prosecutors in the case surrounding Pop Smoke's killing said earlier this month that 20-year-old Corey Walker, the adult charged (along with three underage people) in the ongoing case, will not face the death penalty, NBC Palm Springs reported.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said last year he is acting under a 'mandate from the public' that the death penalty would 'never [be] an appropriate resolution in any case.'

In regards to the other suspects, Gascon has said that he sought to 'immediately end the practice of sending youth to the adult court system.'
TV host Barry Du Bois has responded to questions about his prior social media activity, just a day after he announced he was running for an independent seat in the Senate.

Du Bois, 60, follows a string of Instagram accounts that spread conspiracy theories about vaccines and Covid-19, but he clarified on Monday he only follows them to better understand the views of other Australians on the supposed 'vaccine debate'.

The father of two, who hosts Channel 10 lifestyle show The Living Room, has vowed to fight for 'everyday Australians' in his campaign for the upcoming federal election.

TV host Barry Du Bois has responded to questions about his prior social media activity, just a day after he announced he was running for an independent seat in the Senate

Du Bois, who has beaten cancer twice thanks to Australia's world-class medical system, follows pages run by anti-vaxxers, Covid-deniers and lockdown protesters.

When contacted for comment by Daily Mail Australia on Monday, Du Bois responded with a 369-word statement explaining he was following them so he could 'understand both sides' of the debate.

Among the accounts followed by Du Bois is 'Reignite Democracy Australia', a Melbourne-based advocacy group that opposes mask wearing, lockdowns, mandatory testing and Covid vaccinations.

Du Bois, 60, who has beaten cancer twice thanks to Australia's world-class medical system, follows pages run by anti-vaxxers, Covid-deniers and lockdown protesters. Among the accounts followed by Du Bois is 'Reignite Democracy Australia', a Melbourne-based advocacy group that opposes mask wearing, lockdowns, mandatory testing and Covid vaccinations

The former builder also follows a page called 'Gardasil Girls', which spreads misinformation about the Covid vaccine as well as the life-saving HPV vaccine which prevents around 90 per cent of cervical cancers

Du Bois follows a similar account called 'The People's Press', which claims to 'fight the mainstream media' by spreading Covid misinformation. The page also advocates false QAnon conspiracy theories about politicians and warns of 'convicted pedophile Freemasons'

Du Bois follows a page called 'Science_cited' which seeks to discredit 'mainstream views' about diseases, including Covid-19, and life-saving vaccines

The account, run by 2017 Australian Survivor contestant Monica Smit, also promoted the shameful anti-lockdown protests that took place in various cities over the weekend, describing the events as a 'turning point for Australia'.

Du Bois follows a similar account called 'The People's Press', which claims to 'fight the mainstream media' by spreading Covid misinformation.

The page also advocates false QAnon conspiracy theories about politicians, warning its followers not to take orders from 'convicted pedophile Freemasons'.

Barry Du Bois' statement in full In a statement provided to Daily Mail Australia on Monday, Du Bois said: 'Bottom line - I put my faith in proven medical science and I take the advice of experts in their field. It's thanks to great medical and scientific innovations that we've advanced in the world. 'I also believe that the smartest and fairest way to be a cohesive community is to know what my fellow Aussies are feeling and thinking. This means being willing to have open and transparent conversations with everyone  no matter if their backgrounds or beliefs are different to mine. Because if we're not willing to listen to each other, how can we ever have a hope of creating a country where we can all thrive and prosper? 'Just like I would if I was chatting to someone I'd just met at a cafe or a pub, on social media I interact with people from all walks of life so that I can gain understanding of where they're coming from. When you ignore others, you only create a fractured war of 'us against them'. 'There's a divide in our community right now because career politicians have tried to politicise community health messages. And these mixed messages have really confused and scared a lot of people. If someone has a question about science or pharmaceuticals they should feel free to ask any question, and be answered in a way that will dispel their fear or at least leave them feeling that their concerns have been understood. 'If we engage in meaningful conversation and show empathy we are more likely to have a more cohesive community that cares for each other, not hates each other and this is just one of the reasons that I am running for Senate in the next federal election. 'The seven pillars that I'd like the laws of this country to be viewed through before they're passed are environment, commerce, culture, education, health, cohesion, and transparency. And when it comes to health, proven medical science is the best chance we have, while treating individuals on a case by case basis. Our medical and health care must be accessible to all, regardless of wealth, location, age or condition. We're a rich country compared to most, and it's time that everyone is looked after equally.' Advertisement

The former builder also follows a page called 'Gardasil Girls', which spreads misinformation about the Covid vaccine as well as the life-saving HPV vaccine which prevents around 90 per cent of cervical cancers.

The views expressed by these accounts appear to contradict Du Bois' own political manifesto, which highlights the importance of evidence-based medicine.

'Medical care, health and medicines must be accessible to all regardless of wealth, location, age or condition,' Du Bois' official manifesto states.

'Reignite Democracy Australia', an Instagram account followed by Du Bois, posted this anti-mask meme over the weekend

Du Bois (pictured with his children, Arabella and Bennett) announced on Sunday he was running for federal parliament

'We're a rich country compared to most. We need to do better,' it continues.

It comes after Du Bois shared his political aspirations in an Instagram post on Sunday.

'Team Baz. I'm super proud to announce one of the most important challenges I've ever taken on,' he began.

Announcing the news via Instagram, the father of two uploaded a promotional video for his campaign alongside a lengthy caption outlining his political aspirations

'This new chapter of my life means so much to me. You guys have supported me through the best and the worst of the last decade of my life, I hope to have you on board.'

Du Bois, who is living with an incurable form of cancer, told The Sunday Telegraph he'd been 'dabbling with the thought of politics for a while'.

'It is an impossible task but I have taken on other impossible tasks, especially with health, and won. I have a short amount of time to do a lot,' he said.

Du Bois, who is living with an incurable form of cancer, told The Sunday Telegraph he'd been 'dabbling with the thought of politics for a while'

Du Bois explained he'd previously knocked back offers from both the Labor and Liberal parties in order to run as an independent for 'for safe seats'.

'I am not interested in that because three years ago they gave me five years to live. That is not my sentence, I will be here as long as it takes to do what I have to do,' he said.

Barry has a 10-year plan for his political career, and hopes to keep the government honest during his time in office.

Du Bois has a 10-year plan for his political career, and hopes to keep the government honest during his time in office

In a press release, the Channel 10 personality explained he wanted to fight for everyday Australians, not just the rich and powerful.

'For too long, politicians have used complicated language to hide the fact not everyone's been getting a fair go,' he said.

'We've all being let down by a system where deals are done behind closed doors and where big corporations and the lobbyists have all the power.

'My promise is to be the voice for the everyday citizen. I will look at every bit of legislation through their eyes, to evaluate how it will personally affect them, their family and the Australia that's going to be left behind for their kids.'

New chapter: Du Bois began his career as a builder, before finding fame on Channel 10 lifestyle program The Living Room. Pictured with Amanda Keller, Dr Chris Brown and Miguel Maestre

Du Bois was diagnosed with cancer of the bone marrow (plasmacytoma myeloma) in 2011, after experiencing chronic neck pain.

He underwent surgery and radiotherapy, which was successful. However, the cancer returned as a multiple myeloma in 2017, requiring him to undergo chemotherapy.

His cancer is not curable.

'None of us know how long we've got left here. That's why I'm going to use whatever time I have left to make a big difference. It's for my kids. It's for your kids. And it's for Australia,' Du Bois said.
Clementine McVeigh has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her daughter Luella, who died 10 years ago at just one month old.

On Sunday, the AFL WAG, 37, posted a photo of baby Luella in hospital to Instagram on what would have been her 10th birthday.

'Happy 10th birthday my beautiful Luella-Paloma. It's been 10 years. I think about you daily,' the New Zealand native wrote.

'I think about you daily': AFL WAG Clementine McVeigh (pictured) paid heartbreaking tribute to her late daughter Luella on what would have been her 10th birthday

'For the past 10 years, you are the reason for making me the mother I am today. You have made me extremely compassionate and extremely grateful,' Clementine said.

'I look around my everyday life and choose what makes me happy. And who brings joy and laughter to my life because I know it could be taken away in a second. Life is so precious, I never knew how precious until I held you in my arms.'

She continued: 'Luella-Paloma, you came into this world with a magical heart. A heart that needed to be shared Thank you for giving me your heart. It will beat with me until I hold you again one day.

'To all the mums and dads out there that have lost a child or children, my heart is warm for you all. You are not alone.'

Tribute: On Sunday, the AFL WAG posted a photo of baby Luella in hospital to Instagram and wrote: 'For the past 10 years you are the reason for making me the mother I am today. You have made me extremely compassionate and extremely grateful'

Clementine and her husband, Jarrad McVeigh, lost their first child in 2011 when she died four weeks after she was born due to a serious heart complication.

Speaking to Marie Claire in 2017, Clementine said losing Luella was 'hell'.

'Losing a child is hell. I wouldn't wish it upon anybody,' she told the publication.

Tragic: Clementine and her husband, Jarrad McVeigh, lost their first child in 2011 when she died four weeks after she was born due to a serious heart complication

'It made me appreciate everything I have in life because it can be taken away in a split second.'

Clementine and Jarrad went on to have two daughters, Lolita, eight, and Florence, three.

She married the Sydney Swans star in 2010.
Kate Hudson has been hard at work filming the sequel to the 2019 mystery film, Knives Out, which again stars Daniel Craig in the leading man role, in Greece since production started in June.

Wanting to take advantage of the glorious sights and culture of the Mediterranean coast, the actress made it a family affair and brought along partner, Danny Fujikawa, and her three kids.

And on Sunday, presumably on a day off from the shoot, Hudson took to Instagram and confessed she needed help in finding the right hair products to use.

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Bad hair daze: Kate Hudson, 42, took to Instagram to ask her 13.7 million fans and followers to give her tip on what hair products she should use

The Oscar-nominated actress, 42, first posted a photo of herself with her head leaning back and her right hand brushing the front of her hairline.

'Tell me your favorite hair products,' she asked her 13.7 million fans and followers in the caption.

It didn't take long before a slew of suggestions came rolling in the comments section.

Olaplex was one brand that was mentioned numerous times; along with Moroccan Oil, Monat, Kerastase Paris, Kevin Murphey, Palmers Coconut Oil Leave-in Conditioner, and Caviar Shampoo and Conditioner, to name a few.

Wave of suggestions: It didn't take long before a slew of suggestions on hair care products came rolling in Hudson's comments section

Confession: 'I like some of them, but I don't have one that I love, love, love,' the Oscar-nominated actress admitted in a video she posted on her Insta-Story

About five hours later, and seemingly still fixated on her hair dilemma, the Almost Famous star took to her Instagram Story and shared a video with the caption: 'Hair products are hard for me!!!!

'Why do I have such a problem with hair products?' the actress confessed as she looked straight into the camera.

'I like some of them, but I don't have one that I love, love, love.'

Her friend and personal trainer, Nicole Stuart, chimed in: 'I tried this one, and it was literally like I started gaining weight. And I looked at the side effect and it was "sudden gaining of 10 lbs", which prompted a cross between a smile and a look of surprise on Hudson's face.

What??? The actress' personal trainer, Nicole Stuart, who's with Hudson as she films, Knives Out 2, in Greece with Daniel Craig in the lead role, chimed in about trying one hair care product that warned of a potential for a rapid 10 lb. weight gain

WTF: The Almost famous star was surprised, and didn't seem to believe that you could gain weight from a hair care product

'Hold on a second. I have to put this on Instagram,' Hudson said just as she turned the camera around to show her gal pal.

'This is Nicole, who's using a hair product that gave a warning that you may have a sudden gaining of 10 lbs. Was it that specific?' a still surprised Hudson asked.

'It was in the warning,' Stuart could be heard in the background while Hudson continued her infectious laugh.

In disbelief, the Fabletics co-founder wrote, 'I need to find this product. I don't believe it', across the last clip of the video.

Camera turn: Hudson turned the camera towards her personal training to get more information about her claim of weight gain

No way: The How To Lose a Guy In 10 Days revealed 'I don;'t believe it'

Seemingly, done with her longstanding issues with finding hair products that she loves, the mother of three took back to Instagram and shared a family photo with a scenic coastal town and water in the backdrop.

'My boys,' she gushed in the caption of the snap that showed her husband and her son's Ryder Robinson, 17, and Bingham Bellamy, nine, walking towards a bench by the water.

Ryder's father is Black Crows frontman Chris Robinson, while Bingham's dad is the leader of the British rock group, Muse.

Hudson and Fujikawa, 35, have a two-year-old daughter of their own, Rani, who's also on the working family trip to Greece.

Family matters: Later on Sunday, the mother of three took back to Instagram and shared a family photo of her partner Danny Fujikawa, 35, and sons Ryder, 17, and Bingham, nine, enjoying scenic Mediterranean coast
Caitlyn Jenner is facing scrutiny for campaigning for Governor of California from hotel quarantine in Australia - but she insists it's just proof of her tireless work ethic.

The Republican candidate, 71, is halfway through her two-week stint in quarantine ahead of an appearance on reality show Big Brother VIP, despite the recall election being less than two months away.

She defended her decision to fly to Sydney for a TV commitment, telling Fox News on Sunday that '[un]like most politicians, I actually honour my contract.'

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Controversy: Caitlyn Jenner is facing scrutiny for campaigning for Governor of California from hotel quarantine in Australia - but she insists it's just proof of her tireless work ethic

Jenner spoke to the American media outlet via telephone from her hotel suite in Sydney, where she was last week pictured flicking a cigarette off the balcony.

While the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star wouldn't confirm her involvement in Big Brother VIP, for which she has reportedly been paid AU$500,000, she did say her visit to Australia had been planned for 'months'.

'I have had this on the books, this show that I'm doing down here in Australia, for months and months,' Jenner explained.

Packed schedule: The Republican candidate, 71, is halfway through her two-week stint in quarantine ahead of an appearance on reality show Big Brother VIP, despite the recall election being less than two months away

The Olympic gold medallist is facing backlash on both sides of the Pacific for her decision to travel from California to Sydney for a reality show.

Many Americans are confused why she would be running for office from overseas as the recall campaign reaches its stretch run.

And Aussies are angry that a spot in hotel quarantine has been given to a foreign celebrity while 30,000 Australians remain stranded overseas due to border closures.

Double duty: Jenner defended her decision to fly to Sydney for a TV commitment, telling Fox News on Sunday that '[un]like most politicians, I actually honour my contract'

For her part, Jenner says her campaign team 'continues to work' in California while she fulfills her contractual obligations to Channel Seven, the television network that airs Big Brother in Australia.

She claims she will be back 'at least a week' before ballots are mailed out to voters.

'I will be back, and our bus tour will start, and for the next month we will be talking to the people,' Jenner told Fox News.

A source previously told TMZ Jenner had committed to Big Brother before announcing her bid for Governor of California on April 23, and insisted it would not interfere with her political ambitions stateside.

Plans to return: The Olympic gold medallist claims she will be back 'at least a week' before ballots are mailed out to voters. 'I will be back, and our bus tour will start, and for the next month we will be talking to the people,' Jenner told Fox News

She is running as a Republican on a platform of making California a more pro-business state with lower taxes and less regulations, as well as closing the border, leading the COVID-19 recovery, and addressing affordable housing and the homelessness crisis.

Her reported trip to Australia threatens to throw a wrench in her already long-shot bid for the governorship.

A major May poll showed Jenner ranked fourth among GOP hopefuls with just 6 percent of support.

Veteran: Caitlyn, who has started her 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine, is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007. Caitlyn is pictured on the far left, when she was known as Bruce Jenner and living as a man

In that poll, conducted by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, Jenner trailed behind Republicans Kevin Faulconer, the former mayor of San Diego; John Cox, a former candidate for governor in 2018; and Doug Ose, a former congressman.

The poll also showed that only 36 per cent of voters support recalling Newsom, suggesting that he has a good chance of keeping his seat.

Jenner, however, dismissed the results of the poll as 'outdated'.

New location: Big Brother VIP begins filming at Sydney Olympic Park in the coming weeks. The last two seasons of Big Brother were filmed at a warehouse in Manly (pictured), but producers were forced to relocate after being served an eviction notice

Rage: The international arrival has resulted in anger from Aussies who are prohibited from entering or leaving the country, many of whom have been separated from loved ones since the start of the Covid pandemic. Australians spoke of their rage on social media on Friday

'Honestly, I'm not concerned about the polling,' she said, according to Politico. 'I guarantee you that I am in the lead.'

'I have a tremendous advantage, obviously because of name recognition.'

Jenner is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007.

Big Brother VIP is the second celebrity-themed Big Brother format to air in Australia, after a first season was made back in 2002.

Rumored housemates include Vanderpump Rules star Jax Taylor, Married At First Sight bride Jessika Power and Angela Clancy from last year's season of Big Brother.
Baptiste

Rating:

Take Off With Bradley And Holly

Rating:

Fiona Shaw is extraordinary. Baptiste (BBC1) is a drama about a woman at a constant pitch of hysterical terror  and yet who, even when she is screaming, can barely express her feelings.

I can't think of any other actress capable of exposing so much raw pain, and simultaneously showing us that her character is numb to it.

Ambassador Emma Chambers, whose husband and daughter are both dead and whose sons are hostages, is so tightly wound that her emotions are cut off. Her repression acts like a tourniquet.

For much of the story she is in a wheelchair. At one point, about to recruit former police inspector Zsofia Arslan (Dorka Gryllus) for a surveillance mission, she pummels her paralysed legs.

Tcheky Karyo as Julien Baptiste and Fiona Shaw as Emma Chambers in Baptiste

'I can't move them but I can feel every excruciating thing,' she says. Her emotions mimic her legs  they're agony but unresponsive.

The drama follows two parallel timelines, the beginning of her family's terrorism ordeal and its aftermath. Earlier, in an effort to drown out her feelings, she walked around her apartment, switching on TVs and radios  piano concertos, rock, news bulletins all blaring.

Writers Jack and Harry Williams use a similar technique to overwhelm us with action. Scenes do not follow in chronological order: they multiply, one on top of the other.

It's not difficult to tell the present-day events from those 14 months earlier. Grieving detective Julien Baptiste was stubbly and wild-eyed at first, but at least he was coherent. And still married.

Later, he's divorced, drunk, beer bellied and matted with white hair. He looks like Father Christmas after a bottle of absinthe. But those are just the two primary storylines, like a pair of rails in a track. Other lines branch off at all angles.

Europop of the weekend: I predicted Ben Miller's sleuth in Professor T (ITV) was bound to be an opera fan, like Morse. But his taste is French and Italian hits of the Fifties. by the likes of Ornella Vanoni and Dalida. On vinyl, naturellement! Advertisement

We saw Baptiste and his wife Celia (Anastasia Hille) break into their daughter's home and find her dead from a drugs overdose beside their grandchild's cot. And we watched Arslan's father, a Turkish immigrant in Budapest, face down a racist yob with a petrol bomb and then calmly treat the youth for burns.

In less expert hands, all this would either be overexplained or incomprehensible. This script strikes a perfect balance, often using bitter comedy to advance the plot.

As Shaw's character walked into the police station where a terrorist was being held, the metal detectors shrieked. Chambers snarled at the unlucky officer on duty  she was the ambassador, she was hardly likely to be carrying a knife. Did she have a knife? Of course she did... Complex, full of surprises and thought provoking, Baptiste is everything that the final series of Line Of Duty claimed to be but wasn't.

Bradley Walsh appeared to have his own theory about the corrupt top cop running organised crime in Line Of Duty. As he launched a game show called Take Off (BBC1), with contestants vying for places on a holiday to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, he kept referring to co-presenter Holly Willoughby as 'H'.

Brad and Holly's double act is the only aspect of the series that works. The party games are all dreadfully lame, none worse than a test of reactions where four people, on a cue from Brad, try to snatch up one of three passports on a table.

In another, Holly wobbled along a luggage conveyor belt in four-inch heels, pointing out visual puns that spelled the names of U.S. states. A whisk, a scone, the sun... from that you're meant to guess 'Wisconsin', apparently.

Between rounds, an Elvis impersonator sang snatches from the King's songbook. It was more Skegness than Vegas.
Ally Langdon was left red-faced when she accidentally made an X-rated gaffe while talking about Karl Stefanovic's unusual footwear choice on Monday's episode of the Today show.

The 42-year-old put her proverbial foot in it when she pointed out Karl was wearing socks and sandals.

Ally threw to footage of Karl wearing the questionable fashion choice, before ordering him to 'get it up' for the audience to see.

Oh my! Ally Langdon was left red-faced when she accidentally made an X-rated gaffe while talking about Karl Stefanovic's unusual footwear choice on Monday's episode of the Today show

'Get your foot up, if you can get it up?' Ally said, before breaking into a fit of giggles to Karl.

'I'm not that old,' Karl replied, before saying Ally had a 'foul mouth' and needed to 'take a long, hard look at herself'.

Bit racy: The 42-year-old put her proverbial foot in it on Monday, when she pointed out Karl was wearing socks and sandals

Karl then acknowledged his choice of socks and sandals, insisting it was important to be 'comfortable' and 'not look hot at work'.

'It's called comfort. I don't want to look really hot when I go to work,' Karl explained.

'No one will ever accuse you of that,' Ali replied with a laugh.

Karl finished by saying the 'hits keep coming' before moving on from the segment.

'Get your foot up, if you can get it up?' Ally said, before breaking into a fit of giggles to Karl. 'I'm not that old,' Karl said, before saying Ally had a 'foul mouth' and needed to 'take a long, hard look at herself'

Meanwhile, Karl recently celebrated the first birthday of his daughter, Harper.

He regularly takes to social media to document his personal life with his shoe designer wife, Jasmine Yarbrough.

The Nine star shared cute baby picture on his Instagram for his 264,000 followers to see this month.

Album: Meanwhile, Karl recently celebrated the first birthday of his daughter, Harper. The Nine star shared cute baby picture on his Instagram for his 264,000 followers to see this month

'What's a lockdown daddy chops?' Karl wrote in the caption as Harper is seen smiling in a close-up with food in her mouth.

Karl and Jasmine were married in Los Cabos, Mexico, in 2018.

Karl is already a father to sons Jackson, 20, and River, 12, and daughter Ava, 16, who he shares with ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn.
KJ Apa enjoyed a low-key dinner with friends in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The 24-year-old actor, who plays Archie Andrews on the hit CW show Riverdale, grabbed some food with his pals as they dined al fresco.

His very pregnant girlfriend, model Clara Berry, didn't make it out for the gathering.

Chill time: Actor KJ Apa, 24, met up with several friends for dinner, seemingly without his pregnant girlfriend Clara Berry, at a restaurant in Los Angeles on Sunday

The father-to-be was the picture of cool when he arrived in style on a motorcycle.

The New Zealand native joined up with pals who enjoyed food and drinks at a makeshift patio area set up on the sidewalk, seemingly due to the rising dangers of COVID-19 again.

He looked casually cool a bright orange Dickies sweatshirt that was paired with charcoal-colored pants and black sneakers.

Fatherhood looming: The Riverdale star sat at a table set up on the sidewalk, seemingly due to the recently enhanced health concerns of COVIID-19

Humming along: The New Zealand actor arrived in style on a mottorcycle

Around the time her boyfriend was out enjoying the company of friends, Berry took to Instagram and posted a series of photos of herself showing off her burgeoning baby bump in a sporty orange outfit.

'Vie en chantier, she wrote in the caption in French, which translates to 'life on site.'

The couple made the announcement that they were expecting their first child together in May, although they have yet to announce a due date.

Baby on board: KJ's girlfriend, Clara Berry, showed off her baby bump in a series of snaps she posted on Instagram on Sunday

Playful: 'Vie en chantier, she wrote in the caption in French, which translates to 'life on site', as he posed with his tongue out

Romance rumors between the two first began to spread back in February 2020, after Apa shared a photo of himself snuggling with Berry.

He captioned the image 'Coup de foudre, which translates in French to 'love at first sight.'

The fifth season of Riverdale is set to return on August 11.

Some of Apa's other notable roles include such films as A Dog's Purpose (2017), The Hate U Give (2018), and I Still Believe (2020).
Aubrey Plaza beat the sweltering Los Angeles heat on Sunday afternoon in a black tank top and jean shorts.

The 37-year-old Parks And Recreation star hit the streets of Los Feliz with her now husband Jeff Baena, 44, as they walked their two dogs on a rare couple's outing.

Plaza revealed that she had secretly wed the screenwriter-director in May as she referred to him as her 'darling husband,' nearly 10 years after they first began dating.

Couple outing: The Parks And Recreation actress, 37, revealed she had secretly married the screenwriter-director, 44, in May as she referred to him as her 'darling husband'

The Legion actress showed off her slim frame in high waisted denim shorts with a stripe detailing up the side and a square neck tank top which was tucked in.

Her choppy caramel tresses were left down and she looked effortlessly cool in a pair of round sunglasses.

For the neighborhood stroll, Plaza opted to wear a pair of nude sandals as she took the rein on one of the couple's two dogs.

And Baena, 44, wore a white T-shirt and grey shorts with sneakers as he walked their other pooch.

California cool: She beat the Los Angeles heat in jean shorts and a spaghetti strap tank while walking her dogs in Los Feliz

Working relationship: The couple recently returned from Verona, Italy where she was shooting Spin Me Round  an indie comedy with that Baena directed

The couple recently returned from Verona, Italy where she was shooting Spin Me Round  an indie comedy with Alison Brie that Baena directed.

The project wrapped in early July and in her May marriage reveal she wrote: 'So proud of my darling husband @jeffbaena for dreaming up another film that takes us to italia to cause some more trouble.'

Her reps later confirmed they had tied to know to PEOPLE. The pair began dating after meeting in 2011 and have professionally collaborated on a number of projects including Life After Beth and The Little Hours.

In 2019 she said that she thinks their relationship works well because they're both in the same industry.

'I think that when you're with someone that is in your field, they understand what you're dealing with on a deeper level. So obviously you are able to support each other and really understand kind of the journey that we're both on. So I think that can be really great.'
She has been busy making content for her new Adults Only website.

But Steve Irwin's niece Rebecca Lobie took a well-deserved break from her racy project on Monday and spent a day at the beach .

The 33-year-old showed off her curves in a blue bikini as she soaked up the Queensland sun.

It's a tough gig! She has been busy making content for her new Adults Only website, but Steve Irwin's niece Rebecca Lobie took a well-deserved break from her new racy project on Monday and spent a day at the beach in Queensland

The estranged cousin of Bindi Irwin launched her own subscription website last week.

While it's certainly a big career shift for Rebecca - who used to be a manager at Australia Zoo - her raunchy venture also arrived on a significant day for the rest of the Irwin clan: matriarch Terri Irwin's 56th birthday.

While Terri's daughter Bindi was busy paying tribute to her 'amazing mama' on Instagram, Rebecca, 33, was encouraging her fans to pay a $7 monthly subscription fee for access to her 'exclusive' content.

Looking good! The 33-year-old showed off her curves in a blue bikini as she soaked up the Queensland sun

New venture: The estranged cousin of Bindi Irwin launched her own racy subscription website last week

Meanwhile, it all comes amid the Irwin family feud, which hit the headlines last month when Bindi accused her grandfather Bob, 82, of neglecting her.

'I'm so excited to launch my exclusive content today! Can't wait to connect with you all,' Rebecca said on Monday night, hours before her legion of fans woke up to the opportunity to subscribe to her website on Tuesday morning.

Rebecca, who is the daughter of Steve Irwin's sister Joy and her husband Frank Muscillo, is believed to be estranged from the family since resigning from Australia Zoo in December 2015.

She made no mention of Terri's birthday on her Instagram account on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, Rebecca told Daily Mail Australia she 'doesn't believe in airing out our family business' when asked how things were going between her and the Irwins.

'There is enough hurt and emotion for everyone involved with it all that it doesn't need to be rehashed,' the mother of two said.

Family: While her estranged cousin Bindi (right) was busy paying tribute to her 'amazing mama' Terri (centre) on Instagram, Rebecca was encouraging her fans to pay a $7 monthly subscription fee for access to her 'exclusive' content. Pictured left: Robert Irwin

Price: Rebecca is charging fans US$4.99 (AUD$6.80) for the first month's subscription fee, and US$9.99 (AUD$13.61) thereafter. But there is a catch, as it appears more raunchy videos of the Instagram star cost extra

Rebecca is charging fans US$4.99 (AUD$6.80) for the first month's subscription fee on beckylobie.com, and US$9.99 (AUD$13.61) thereafter.

But there is a catch, as it appears more raunchy videos cost extra.

For an additional US$55 (AUD$74.92), Rebecca says one video shows her 'fully naked... with just the seat belts covering up my [lemon emoji].

'But don't worry, I made sure to pull back to give you a full view. We are just getting started.'

For an extra US$34 (AUD46.31) she promises a 'nip slip' in a three-photo gallery.

Exit: Rebecca, the daughter of Steve Irwin's sister Joy and her husband Frank Muscillo, is believed to be estranged from the family since resigning from Australia Zoo in December 2015

The Irwin family feud was blasted wide open last month after Bindi spoke about her strained relationship with her grandfather Bob in a scathing Facebook post.

She sensationally claimed Bob - who is Steve's father - has shown 'no interest in spending time with me or my family'.

'I really wish my entire family could spend time with [daughter] Grace. Unfortunately, my grandfather Bob has shown no interest in spending time with me or my family,' the 22-year-old said.

Bindi went on to claim that Bob had 'returned gifts I've sent after he opened them' and ignored any letters sent from her.

'From the time I was a little girl he has ignored me, preferring to spend time doing anything else rather than being with me,' she continued.

'He has never said a single kind word to me personally. It breaks my heart.'

She went on to say that her mother Terri still writes to him and sends birthday cards and Christmas gifts, but claims they have received no reply.

Rift: The Irwin family feud was blasted wide open last month, after Bindi she spoke about her strained relationship with her grandfather Bob, 82, (pictured) in a scathing Facebook post

Claims: When one fan asked why she hadn't included her grandfather Bob, Bindi gave an uncharacteristically raw account of their relationship (pictured)

'We have also been his financial support since 1992 when he returned from Australia Zoo, sending him funds every week,' she added.

'We built him a house on a beautiful property and will always do our best to ensure his wellbeing.

'I hope everyone remembers to be kind to one another but most of all care for your own mental health. I have struggled with this relationship my entire life and it brings me enormous pain,' Bindi concluded.

Following her harsh post, members of Bob's inner circle fired back at Bindi.

Bethany Wheeler, another granddaughter of Bob's by marriage, declared on Facebook: 'The time has come to speak up.'

Ms Wheeler, whose stepmother Mandy is Bob's daughter, defended her grandfather's character, calling him 'one of the most genuinely beautiful humans on this planet' who has 'never spoken out or put down anybody'.

Amanda French, a family friend who co-wrote Bob's 2016 autobiography The Last Crocodile Hunter, also accused Bindi of assassinating her grandfather's character.

'To read the sad comments online today has sickened me, and people who are closest to him,' Ms French wrote on Facebook.

She described Bob as 'kind, gentle, generous and extremely f**king introverted'.
Kylie Jenner was quick to show off her very flat stomach on Instagram early Sunday morning.

The 23-year-old makeup mogul wore baggy jeans and a tight grey crop top in a boomerang video as she wrote 'early bird. happy sunday.'

Later the billion dollar beauty founder indulged in some pasta as she showed off a step by step of making spicy fusilli that was heavy on the cheese.

Up early! Kylie Jenner, 23, flaunts her very flat midriff in baggy jeans and a grey crop top on Instagram before indulging in a pasta dinner

In the mirror snap she put her hand in one of her jean pockets which drew attention to the pants' rather large fit in comparison to her gym-honed stomach.

She rolled up a fitted spandex tank top which fell just below her bust and cocked her head to the side.

For a chilled out day at home Kylie went makeup free and wore no accessories accept a scrunchie around her wrist.

And later she flexed her chefing capabilities as she crafted a carb heavy dinner, proving that everything in moderation is key.

Cheffing it up: The reality star has proven to be gifted in the culinary department

Sunday supper: Kylie's fusilli dinner featured a decadent amount of cheese

Glistening: Proud of her at-home meal she showed it off on social media

Her spicy fusilli seemed to be a take on a Los Angeles italian haunt, Jon & Vinny's, which is renowned for that pasta dish.

Despite boasting a very busy schedule amid her Kylie Cosmetics relaunch and a myriad of other obligations, Jenner seemed to take Sunday to unwind.

And on Saturday evening she showed supported on-again beau and baby daddy, Travis Scott, as he performed at the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami.

Though she did not physically attend she watched a live stream from bed while she hyped him up: 'lets go!!!'

Glam: As she continues to promote her newly relaunched Kylie Cosmetics she modeled some lip shades via Instagram

The pair  who share three-year-old Stormi  confirmed they were back on again during a June 15 appearance at the Parson's Benefit in New York City.

During part two of the Keeping Up With The Kardashians reunion she said that though she was 'not thinking about marriage,' she 'would hope to get married one day.'

Despite no plans to rush down the aisle, the Goosebumps rapper affectionately referred to her as 'wifey' in his acceptance speech at the benefit after being honored with an award.

Baby daddy: On Saturday evening she showed support for Scott who performed at the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami by watching him on livestream; pictured July 24
Wannabe Love Islanders can now use tinder to apply for the hit series.

According to the Love Island Instagram, the juggernauts are pairing up to find sexy singles for the next round of dating at the villa.

'We are straight up asking for the match,' the message read.

Match: Love Island Australia fans can apply for the third season of the Channel Nine reality show using Tinder. Pictured: Cast

'Couple-up with Love Island on Tinder and if we like what we see, your profile could be fast-tracked to the casting team.'

All those applying must be aged between 19 and 32 with 'smile, sex appeal and sass' to become Islanders.

The reality show will be filmed in Queensland this year, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Ready for the villa? 'Couple-up with Love Island on Tinder and if we like what we see, your profile could be fast-tracked to the casting team'

Channel Nine are expecting one of their biggest years yet with the show getting ready for its third blockbuster season.

According to The Herald Sun this month 48,000 people have expressed interest in applying via the online application form.

The report cited research from Uswitch which tracked online searches for applications for reality shows.

Lovelorn: Love Island was the most popular, with Nine's The Block coming in second with an average of 10,560 searches each year

Channel Nine confirmed that filming will take place in Queensland, which Nine confirmed on Instagram.

'@LoveIslandAU is back!' the post began.

'#Repost: FACTS about Queensland. Birthplace of our smokin' hot #LoveIslandAU S3 host @sophiemonk. Location of the sanitised lust bubble that is our Villa.'

Wowsers: Love Island Australia is produced by ITV Studios Australia and its previous two seasons were filmed in Spain and Fiji

'Proudly boasts a Guinness World Record for having the horniest animal in the world, JR the bull. We'll be looking to break that record this year. #Moo.'

Love Island Australia is produced by ITV Studios Australia and its previous two seasons were filmed in Spain and Fiji.

Sophie Monk will be returning as the host of the dating series.
Her past has been dissected ever since she became a frontrunner to capture the heart of the latest Bachelor, Jimmy Nicholson.

And Holly Madison made an apparent attempt to evade public scrutiny on Sunday, taking a walk with a friend under cover of darkness.

The 27-year-old marketing manager hid her wavy blonde tresses beneath a cap with its brim pulled low, chatting away as she walked a Labrador.

Hardly peak hour! Holly Madison (right) went incognito on a late night walk on Sunday, amid mounting public scrutiny suggesting she's a paid actress and Donald Trump supporter

She rugged up against the winter chill in black leggings from Pip Edwards' eponymous P.E. Nation line and a heavy tan jacket.

She looked in high spirits, despite the controversy surrounding her past.

Kingston has recently had to fight back against claims she's a professional actress, potentially hired to masquerade as a reality star on The Bachelor.

Sporty: The blonde bombshell rugged up against the winter chill in black P.E. Nation leggings and a heavy tan jacket

What scandals? She smiled as she and her pal chatted, apparently unbothered by the controversy surrounding her past

The Bachelor contestant's professional resume was recently unearthed on IMDb.

But Kingston has brushed the claims off as mere coincidence, telling media that acting is in her past.

'I played a minor role in a television show over six years ago after I graduated from university,' Kingston recently told news.com.au.

Speaking out: Holly is fighting back against claims she's a professional actress masquerading as a reality TV star

'Whilst I enjoyed my time doing this, my passion is in the field I currently work in. I have over five years' experience in marketing; working for awesome Australian brands and that is where my sole focus is.'

Kingston, who is listed as a 'marketing manager' on Channel Ten's website, played 'Alice' in nine episodes of Ready For This back in 2015.

Headshot: 'I played a minor role in a television show over six years ago after I graduated from university,' Kingston said recently. Seen here in a professional headshot from her IMDb page

Old life? Kingston, who is listed as a 'marketing manager' on Channel Ten's website, played 'Alice' in nine episodes of Ready For This back in 2015

She features prominently in a trailer for the ABC3 teen drama series, playing a blonde athlete engaged in afeud with a rival competitor.

Kingston also found herself in hot water over a seemingly pro-Trump Instagram post from 2018.

In the image, Holly poses in front of the Wisdom Tree in Los Angeles, California, with a large American flag in the background.

She captioned the post '#MAGA', which is an abbreviation of the Donald Trump campaign slogan 'Make America Great Again'.

Looking back: She features prominently in a trailer for the ABC3 teen drama series, as a blonde athlete engaged in an apparent feud with a rival competitor

Backlash: Kingston also found herself in hot water over a seemingly pro-Trump Instagram post from 2018

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Holly confirmed the post was simply 'made in jest' and had nothing to do with her political views.

'The comment I made on my Instagram caption from 2018 which made reference to U.S. politics was made in jest and with complete sarcasm intended,' she explained.

'It's fairly evident I use satire a lot on my social media platforms. This comment in no way, shape or form is an accurate representation of my political beliefs.'

Flashback: In the image, the marketing manager poses in front of the Wisdom Tree in California with a large American flag in the background. She captioned the post '#MAGA', which is an abbreviation of the Donald Trump campaign slogan 'Make America Great Again'

Despite the sarcastic nature of the post, it still sent a handful of Aussie journalists into a tailspin on Twitter, with one writing: 'Yikes.'

'Oh damn. I also just saw the Bachelor this year is brown. Welp,' another tweeted.

'That red rose will match really nicely with Holly's red MAGA cap,' wrote one viewer.

The topic was also brought up on the Fitzy & Wippa radio show on Thursday, but the hosts seemed more sympathetic to Holly than woke warriors on Twitter.

Joke: 'The comment I made on my Instagram caption from 2018 which made reference to U.S. politics, was made in jest and with complete sarcasm intended,' she said in a statement

'She might've been taking the p**s,' the show's producer suggested to hosts Ryan Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli.

'You know what, you might write that if you're in the States making fun of it,' she added.

'She seemed like a nice girl, and you know what? You've gotta give people the chance to change or we'd never evolve,' reasoned Wippa.

He also said there was nothing in the post that specifically confirmed whether she was a Trump supporter or not.

'Oh damn. I also just saw the Bachelor this year is brown. Welp': One viewer was concerned about Fijian Bachelor Jimmy Nicholson having to be around Holly

Unbothered: The topic was also brought up on the Fitzy & Wippa radio show on Thursday, but the hosts seemed more sympathetic to Holly than woke warriors on Twitter
Q+A will be trialling three hosts after it was recently announced that Hamish Macdonald is leaving the ABC current affairs series after 18 months at the helm.

According to a report by The Australian Business Review on Monday, the program has enlisted veteran TV journalists David Speers, Virginia Trioli and Stan Grant to share the role of host.

Speers and Trioli will be based in Melbourne, while Grant will be appearing from Sydney in a new trial for the show, which will last until the end of the year.

Handing over the reigns: Q+A will be trialling three hosts after it was recently announced that Hamish Macdonald (pictured) is leaving the ABC current affairs series after 18 months at the helm

If the trio prove to be successful in their new roles, it's likely they will become the show's permanent hosts.

It appears to be going well so far, with the new hosts already providing a much-needed boost in the ratings for the program.

Q+A has also found the new format has worked well amid the coronavirus pandemic, with lockdowns often creating a sense of uncertainty for audiences.

Job share: According to a report by The Australian Business Review on Monday, the program has enlisted veteran TV journalists David Speers, Virginia Trioli and Stan Grant (pictured at a memorial in Sydney in November 2020) to share the role of host

On probation: Speers and Virginia Trioli (pictured) will be based in Melbourne, while Grant will be appearing from Sydney in a new trial for the show, which will last until the end of the year

The program is filmed before a live audience, with The Australian noting: 'Having three hosts based in two cities also provides more flexibility'.

It also allows Speers, Trioli and Grant to share the load, so they can all focus on their main jobs, with each only hosting one show around every three weeks.

Macdonald, 40, assumed the role 18 months ago, taking over from Tony Jones, who had hosted the panel program for 12 years.

New gig: If the trio prove to be successful in their new roles, it's likely they will become the show's permanent hosts. Pictured, David Speers

He announced his departure from the show last week, leaving many fans and industry insiders stunned.

'I am enormously grateful for the opportunity I've been given to host Q&A and to work alongside wonderful, talented and passionate people,' he said in a statement.

'I am really proud of what we've achieved together during these extraordinary times. I'd also like to thank the incredible Q+A audience for all they contribute to this program each week. It is, after all, their show. Their questions and stories from all corners of Australia are inspiring, revealing and clever - and it has been a privilege to receive and read them.'
Sam Taylor-Johnson looked sensational as she enjoyed a day at the beach with her handsome husband and their famous friends.

The director, 54, looked incredible in a low-cut swimsuit as she soaked up the sunshine with her partner-of-12-years Aaron, 31.

The couple looked more loved-up than ever as they joined Gerard Butler, 51, and his girlfriend Morgan Brown, 50, in Malibu on Saturday afternoon.

Cute couple: Sam Taylor-Johnson, 54, wowed in a low-cut swimsuit as she joined ripped husband Aaron, 31, for a beach day in Malibu on Saturday

The pair were also joined by their daughters Wylda, 11, and Romy, nine.

Sam looked sensational on the outing as she slipped into a black swimsuit that highlighted her tiny waist and long legs.

Aaron also had his incredible physique on display as he showed off his ripped abs in a pair of colourful swimming trunks.

Ripped! Aaron seemed in great spirits as he joined his stunning wife and their famous friends for a day of sun, sea and laughter

The pair were in great spirits as they headed out for a dip in the ocean before enjoying some quality time together in the sunshine.

The pair looked smitten as they chatted with Gerard and Morgan, who also looked the picture of love on the outing.

Gerard looked great in a pair of blue swimming trunks that he teamed with a vest and shades.

Double date! The couple looked more loved-up than ever as they joined Gerard Butler, 51, and his girlfriend Morgan Brown, 50, in Malibu on Saturday afternoon

Looking good: Director Sam, 54, looked incredible in a low-cut swimsuit as she soaked up the sunshine with he partner-of-12-years Aaron, 31

Meanwhile, Morgan looked sensational as she highlighted her gym-honed physique in a white thong bikini.

The two couples have both faced adversity in their relationships, with Sam and Aaron causing controversy over their age gap when they first started dating, while Gerard and Morgan have split and reconciled several times.

Director Sam met Aaron when she cast him as a young John Lennon in her film Nowhere Boy.

Tanned and toned: Aaron also had his incredible physique on display as he showed off his ripped abs in a pair of colourful swimming trunks

Family fun day: The pair were also joined by their daughters Wylda, 11, and Romy, nine

They embarked on a romance in 2009 when he was 18 and she was 42. They announced their engagement at the film's premiere in London and married three years later in June 2012.

The couple have two daughters together, while Sam also has two daughters from her first marriage which ended in divorce in 2008.

In addition to Nowhere Boy, Aaron and Sam also worked together on the 2019 movie A Million Little Pieces and they are preparing to film the biographical drama Rothko which is currently in pre-production.

Looking good: Aaron had his enviably muscular physique on display as he towelled himself off after a dip in the ocean

Back on dry land: The pair were in great spirits as they headed out for a dip in the ocean before enjoying some quality time together in the sunshine

Meanwhile, Gerard and Morgan have dated on and off since 2014.

The couple were first spotted together on a beach trip and quickly became inseparable before they called it quits on their romance for the first time in 2016.

The couple quietly reconnected the following year just before embarking on a getaway to Mexico, although they broke up for a second time shortly after the trip.

The pair went on to rekindle their connection in 2018, and the actor reportedly proposed to Morgan, who turned down the offer of marriage.

However, the rejection did not deter the Phantom Of The Opera star, with the couple staying together until splitting for the third time in August of last year.

By March 2021, the pair were seen together again and confirmed their rekindled romance when they were spotted kissing at a farmer's market the following month.
Her character Janine Butcher was last seen on EastEnders in 2014 as she boarded a train to go to Paris - where she joined daughter Scarlett and sister Diane.

And now, following the news of her character's return to the BBC One soap, Charlie Brooks, 40, has been spotted on the Walford set at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire for the second time since her highly-publicised exit.

The actress was caught filming her secret explosive entry scenes with Kat's son Tommy, who her daughter Scarlett tried to kill by starting a huge fire with him inside of a building.

Serious: Charlie Brooks was spotted shooting explosive entrance scenes for her return as she looked glum with a face full of soot on set

Lookalikes: Wig-wearing body doubles for herself, daughter Scarlett and Tommy were also spotted, indicating that her fiery return will include plenty of action scenes

The Hertfordshire-born star cut a sombre figure in a casual black strapped top and tracksuit bottoms in the same colour for the day of acting alongside a wig-wearing body double.

Donning a pair of oversized shades, Janine was covered in soot and fire dust from being in the fictional fire and was pictured eating food between filming.

Completing her look, the fitness DVD presenter donned a chunky leather-strapped-belt around her waist and slipped on a pair of comfortable looking leopard-print slippers to walk across the car park.

Glum: Her character Janine Butcher was last seen on EastEnders in 2014 as she boarded a train to go to Paris - where she joined daughter Scarlett and sister Diane

In character: Following the news of her character's return to the BBC One soap, Charlie Brooks, 40, has been spotted on the Walford set at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire for the second time since her highly-publicised exit

Talented: The actress was caught filming her secret explosive entry scenes with Kat's son Tommy, who her daughter Scarlett tried to kill by starting a huge fire with him inside of a building

Body doubles for herself, daughter Scarlett and Tommy were also spotted, indicating that her fiery return will include plenty of action scenes.

A fire engine spotted on set also alluded to the plot of the storyline.

The actress, who departed the soap in 2014, is set for a rollercoaster comeback, with bosses hinting she'll take centre stage in the soap's 'biggest storyline of the year'.

In black: The Hertfordshire-born star cut a sombre figure in a casual black strapped top and tracksuit bottoms in the same colour for the day of acting

Prop: A fire engine spotted on set also alluded to the plot of the storyline

Announcing the news, the bosses assured fans of the show that 'drama and scandal' are never far behind Janine, and she'll make a stormy return to the soap in the coming months.

Speaking about returning to the role, Charlie said: 'I am beyond excited to be slipping back into Janines shoes and returning to The Square.

'The time feels right and I cant wait to find out what shes been up to for the last seven years! She is and always has been SO much fun to play.

Emerging: Completing her look, the fitness DVD presenter donned a chunky leather-strapped-belt around her waist and slipped on a pair of comfortable-looking slippers to walk across the car park

Announcing the news, the bosses assured fans of the show that 'drama and scandal' are never far behind Janine, and she'll make a stormy return to the soap in the coming months

Coming soon: Announcing the news, the bosses assured fans of the show that 'drama and scandal' are never far behind Janine, and she'll make a stormy return to the soap in the coming months

'Feels a bit like coming home. Its good to be back.'

Jon Sen, executive producer for EastEnders, added: 'Janine is one of EastEnders most iconic characters who is loved, and often despised, in equal measure by viewers and all those in Walford.

'Charlies portrayal of Janine over the years has created some of EastEnders most memorable moments and we are all really excited to see Charlie bring her incredible portrayal of Janine back again.'

Appearing to provide a hint for fans about future story lines, he continued: 'We have lots of drama in store for Janine, in fact it may be wise for some of the residents of Walford to invest in some slip on shoes'

Love-hate: Jon Sen, executive producer for EastEnders, added: 'Janine is one of EastEnders most iconic characters who is loved, and often despised, in equal measure by viewers and all those in Walford

Teasing fans: Appearing to provide a hint for fans about future story lines, he continued: 'We have lots of drama in store for Janine, in fact it may be wise for some of the residents of Walford to invest in some slip on shoes'

Experienced in the role: Plot details of her return are not yet known, but Janine has been involved in her fair share of drama during her time on the soap, which first began in 1999

The murderous character is said to be part of a 'huge' storyline planned by BBC bosses, according to The Sun.

Plot details of her return are not yet known, but Janine has been involved in her fair share of drama during her time on the soap, which first began in 1999.

Most notably, Janine married Barry Evans  played by Shaun Williamson  for his money before pushing him off a cliff.

Off to France: The evil killer, Janine, (right) was successful in ending Michael's life, but was found not guilty in court - leading to her being shunned by locals which made her eventually leave Walford

Giddy: Rumours of Charlie's return to the show had been circulating and it appeared they were confirmed when she was spotted on the set recently

Return: Charlie pictured on set as Janine in a scene from 2008

Jon Sen, executive producer for EastEnders, said: 'We are all really excited to see Charlie bring her incredible portrayal of Janine back again'

She went on to marry a rich elderly Jewish businessman called David, who died of a heart attack at the ceremony, before tying the knot with Ryan Malloy (Neil McDermott), whom she also tried to kill.

Although she was unsuccessful in her murder plot against Ryan, she framed arch-rival Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) for the attempted crime.

Janine married a fourth time to Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd) and had her daughter Scarlett with him, before she eventually set out to kill him too.

The evil killer was successful in ending Michael's life, but was found not guilty in court - leading to her being shunned by locals which made her eventually leave Walford.
EastEnders actor Ben Champniss and his wife Georgie welcomed their first child on Saturday, a baby boy named Robert.

Sharing the happy news on Instagram, Ben  who has played market stall holder Shrimpy on the BBC soap since 2014  gushed that his 'life has been made' and shared a sweet family photo of himself and Georgie with their son in the hospital alongside two close-up snaps of the newborn's face.

Ben, 36, wrote: 'Introducing, Freddie Robert Champniss. Born Saturday 24th July at 5.40pm. Weighing 7lbs.'

Congratulations: EastEnders actor Ben Champniss, 36, and his wife Georgie welcomed their first child on Saturday, a baby boy named Robert

Soap star: Ben has played market stall holder Shrimpy on EastEnders since 2014

The actor added: 'Georgie is the coolest, most unbelievable person I know, and both her and Freddie are doing so well!!

'We're so happy to finally meet you, Freddie! The final piece of the puzzle. Life made.'

Doting mother Georgie cradled little Robert, who lay bundled in a towel across her chest, while Ben rocked a trilby teamed with a striped jumper and looked down adoringly at his son.

Ben's little lad arrived a week late, with the soap star revealing on Instagram that Georgie's due date had been exactly seven days prior.

Ben told his fans: 'Introducing, Freddie Robert Champniss. Born Saturday 24th July at 5.40pm. Weighing 7lbs'

Ben added: 'Georgie is the coolest, most unbelievable person I know, and both her and Freddie are doing so well!'

Late: Ben's little lad arrived a week late, with the soap star revealing on Instagram that Georgie's due date had been exactly seven days prior

Sharing a snap of himself pointing at his wife's bump, Ben wrote: 'Today is our due date! A decent walk to try and get this little fella on the move! (We're very aware of the other techniques as well by the way.!)'

Ben and new mum Georgie  who works for travel company Haven - celebrated their three year wedding anniversary in May with a trip to Cornwall.

The pair have been an item for a decade, with Ben recently sharing a post of himself cuddled up to his wife alongside the caption: 'Look at those youngsters!! 9 years ago in Manchester.'

Anniversary: Ben and new mum Georgie  who works for travel company Haven - celebrated their three year wedding anniversary in May with a trip to Cornwall

Long term: The pair have been an item for a decade, with Ben recently sharing a post of himself cuddled up to his wife alongside the caption: 'Look at those youngsters!! 9 years ago in Manchester'

Announcing that he and his wife were expecting a baby boy in February, Ben wrote on Instagram: 'Georgie and I are delighted to announce that we're having a baby!! We couldn't have wished for a better way to celebrate 10 years of being together and 3 years married!'

He added: 'We can't wait to meet you baby boy!!!'

In a series of images shared at the time, Georgie could be seen placing a hand on her growing stomach while also holding up an ultrasound for the camera, while Ben showed off a sweet white baby grow with: 'Baby Champniss' written across it.

Incredible news: Ben announced that he and his wife were expecting a baby boy in February
He shot to fame after displaying his hunky physique and rugged good looks on Baywatch in the Eighties.

And David Hasselhoff seems to have barely aged a day as he looked better than ever while celebrating his 69th birthday in Marbella, Spain, on Monday.

Posing with several balloons in his hotel room, the muscular star wrote on Instagram: '69 and feeling fine'.

'69 and feeling fine': David Hasselhoff looked better than ever on Instagram on Monday as he celebrated his 69th birthday in Marbella, Spain

David cut a stylish figure in a blue and white striped shirt and matching white trousers for his birthday on the Costa del Sol.

He flaunted his signature deep tan in the low-buttoned shirt and thanked the luxury Puento Romano resort for hosting his birthday celebrations.

The youthful actor proudly held up his foil balloons that displayed his age for all to see.

Babewatch David shot to fame for his physique and starring role as Mitch Buchannon on Baywatch in 1989 (L) and still wows people with his looks years later (pictured right this month)

A gorgeous pink cake and a carefully laid out fruit platter could be seen on the table in front of the star as he treated himself to an indulgent birthday spread.

David has been living it up in Spain throughout the summer alongside his glamorous wife Hayley Roberts.

Hayley and the heart throb have been married since 2018, when they had a romantic and lavish ceremony in Puglia, Italy.

Cute couple: David has been living it up in Spain throughout the summer alongside his glamorous wife Hayley Roberts who he married in 2018 (pictured in 2019)

Speaking to OK! magazine at the time, David said: 'For the longest time I didnt think it was right to marry Hayley as I was so much older and I didnt want to take away the fun and the youth and the excitement of growing old together and having children.

'Weve been together for about seven years and weve had such a great time. Ive realised how much I love Hayley and how much weve become part of each others life.'

The couple met back in 2011, when David was working as a judge on Britain's Got Talent.

While in Cardiff, Wales for auditions, the former Baywatch star strolled into a store and was approached for a picture by Hayley, who was working as a shop assistant at the time.

The former Knight Rider star has two daughters from his marriage to second wife Pamela Bach: Taylor Ann Hasselhoff, 30, and Hayley Hasselhoff, 27.
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They have been soaking up the sunshine in Barbados as a family.

And Simon Cowell and his girlfriend Lauren Silverman enjoyed a day at the beach as they soaked up the sun on the Caribbean island.

The TV personality, 61, who appeared to be slightly sunburned, narrowly avoided a playful snap from his lookalike son Eric, seven, as they went for a family swim alongside his partner, 44.

Watch out! Simon Cowell, 61, narrowly avoided a playful snap from his lookalike son Eric, seven, as they went for a swim in Barbados alongside his partner Lauren Silverman, 44, on Monday

Lauren looked sensational as she displayed her jaw-dropping figure on the sands before going for a swim with Simon and their son Eric.

The socialite donned a bright orange swimsuit for the day which she paired with a pale pink mini skirt with a red floral print.

Lauren styled her brunette locks into an updo for the day while she also sported a white headband and a pair of sunglasses.

Showing off her sun-kissed glow, Lauren completed her look with a gold necklace and matching bracelets.

Radiant: Lauren looked incredible as she enjoyed a day at the beach with her family

Looking good: Lauren styled her brunette locks into an updo for the day while she also sported a white headband and a pair of sunglasses

Holiday: Britain's Got Talent judge Simon, who appeared to be suffering with sunburned shoulders, sported a pair of bright green swimming trunks for the outing

Simon sported a pair of bright green swimming trunks for the outing where he was seen going for a stroll along the beach.

The couple brought Eric on a boat trip where Simon sported a navy life jacket and a pair of sunglasses.

The family took in the breathtaking views around the island as they went sailing before they decided to go for a swim.

Eric looked in good spirits on the outing where he was seen playing with his father's snorkel while in the water.

Simon and Lauren were clearly making the most of their time away as they were seen laughing and joking with each other on the boat.

Vacation: The couple brought Eric on a boat trip where Simon sported a navy life jacket and a pair of sunglasses

Going for a dip: Showing off her sun-kissed glow, Lauren completed her look with a gold necklace and matching bracelets

Family fun: Simon and Lauren were clearly making the most of their time away as they were seen laughing and joking with each other on the boat

Swim: Eric looked in good spirits on the outing where he was seen playing with his father's snorkel while in the water

Parents: Simon and Lauren welcomed Eric together back in February 2014

Health: Simon also displayed the results of his four stone weight loss, going shirtless for the occasion

Break: The family took in the breathtaking views around the island as they went sailing

Rest: Simon took a much needed break from his busy work schedule by heading to the island

Future: Simon won't be back on the UK small screen until Britain's Got Talent returns in 2022

Their latest Caribbean holiday comes after Simon vowed to do everything he can to ensure he makes a full recovery following breaking his back.

Simon was left bedridden for months after a electric bike accident at his Malibu home in August last year.

The record executive now walks for several hours a day and holds business meetings at 9AM so that he no longer lives like a 'vampire'.

Of his new fitness regime, a source told MailOnline: 'Simon said how he hasn't worn trainers as much as this in 20 years.

Proud: Lauren was all smiles as she watched her son take to the water

Relationship: Simon and Lauren have been together since 2013

Fitness: Simon kept up with his exercise routine during the outing as he went for a solo swim

Outfit: Lauren donned a bright orange swimsuit for the day which she paired with a pale pink mini skirt with a red floral print

Sunny: Simon was left on his own in the boat at one point as Lauren and Eric hopped in the water

Heartwarming: Eric was in a playful mood as he appeared to tease his dad during their swim

Recovery: Their latest Caribbean holiday comes after Simon vowed to do everything he can to ensure he makes a full recovery following breaking his back

Glowing: Lauren went makeup free for her day at the beach and also sported a pair of stud earrings

Day out: Simon appeared to be sharing a joke with his other half as he removed his snorkeler on the beach

Learning: Eric appeared to still be getting used to the water as he was aided by the noodle

Luxury: Simon is believed to stay in a 20million luxury villa whenever he goes to Barbados

TV: Simon previously used the villa for the judges' houses portion of The X Factor

'He feels fitter than ever before and is keeping to a normal routine rather than being on the phone until into the early hours of the morning.'

Simon told Extra in February of the horror bike incident: 'I nearly smashed my spine to pieces!'

The X Factor boss also admitted he 'couldn't have got through' it without his girlfriend Lauren and son Eric, who sweetly called him 'iron man' when he first saw his dad with metal rods and screws in his back following surgery.

Simon met Lauren when she was still married to millionaire property developer Andrew Silverman.

Trio: Eric sported a bright blue life vest as he joined his parents on the boat

Aid: The family were seen waving at a man who helped them out for the day

Back in fighting form: Simon was left bedridden for months after an electric bike accident at his Malibu home in August last year

Fun in the sun: Eric went in for another playful slap as he joked around with his father

Flawless: Lauren let her brunette locks fall loose down her shoulders after the couple returned to shore

Taking the reins: Simon had no problem taking charge of the sail boat during the outing

Style: Simon wore his locks in his usual cropped style during the outing

Bliss: Lauren looked in good spirits as she made the most of the couple's day out

Paradise: Lauren appeared to try and raise the sail of the boat as they took to the waters

Play: Eric was seen reaching overboard as Lauren and Simon chatted during the boat trip

Thumbs up: Simon gave a thumbs up to the family's helper after they jumped in the water

Routine: The record executive now walks for several hours a day and holds business meetings at 9AM so that he no longer lives like a 'vampire' following his accident

Regime: Of his new fitness regime, a source told MailOnline: 'Simon said how he hasn't worn trainers as much as this in 20 years'

The source added: 'He feels fitter than ever before and is keeping to a normal routine rather than being on the phone until into the early hours of the morning'

Dangerous: Simon told Extra in February of the horror bike incident: 'I nearly smashed my spine to pieces!'

Their affair became public  and Simon's life changed  at the end of July 2013 when news broke of Lauren's pregnancy.

In 2015, Simon told Mail on Sunday Event magazine: 'I'm not proud of the circumstances, I can't hold my head up about it.'

And of the pregnancy, he admitted: 'This was not something I planned. But I remember going to the first scan with Lauren.

'I called him Tad because he looked like a tadpole. Something just kicked in. I felt unbelievably protective of both of them. I just absolutely wanted him. I just hadn't known that before.'

Ordeal: The X Factor boss also admitted he 'couldn't have got through' it without his girlfriend Lauren and son Eric

Past: Simon met Lauren when she was still married to millionaire property developer Andrew Silverman

Public: Their affair became public  and Simon's life changed  at the end of July 2013 when news broke of Lauren's pregnancy
Sex And The City fans were left in disbelief as they learned that Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon worked together on another TV project 16 years before landing leading roles in the HBO series.

The pair played best friends on SATC, but back in the Eighties they landed roles as sisters in the 1982 TV movie, My Body, My Child, starring Vanessa Redgrave.

They played the daughters of Vanessa's Catholic character in the movie, who fell pregnant again and was debating whether to have an abortion after learning her unborn child will have disabilities.

Way back when! A Sex And The City fan account shared sweet throwback of Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon before they co-starred in the hit series together (pictured in 1982)

A screenshot from the movie reappeared on fan account, Every Outfit on Sex & the City', as they quipped: 'Be nice to your colleagues, people. You may still be working with them 39 years later'

With diehard fans of the pair only knowing Sarah and Cynthia for their roles as Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbs in Sex And The City respectively, they went into meltdown in the comments.

Shocked fans penned: 'This has literally blown my mind'; 'Omgggg'; 'Wow! Too cool.'; 'So sweet'; 'Whhaaaaat' [sic].

Now: SJP (middle) and Cynthia (left) are renowned for playing Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbs in Sex And The City (pictured above with Kristin Davis, right)

Meltdown: With diehard fans of the pair only knowing Sarah and Cynthia for their roles as Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbs in Sex And The City, they went into meltdown

However, Cynthia herself first brought up the fact back in 2018, when a Brazilian fan site tweeted a picture of the fresh-faced pair on screen.

Cynthia playfully responded: 'Yes that's me on the right @brasil_nixon, age 15, but can anyone guess who the girl in the middle is playing my sister?

'Another fun fact--Vanessa Redgrave played our mother!'

Throwback: Cynthia herself first brought up the fact back in 2018, when a Brazilian fan site tweeted a picture of the fresh-faced pair on screen

One to watch: The pair played the daughters of Vanessa Redgraves' catholic character in the movie, who fell pregnant again and was debating whether to have an abortion a

Running from 1998 to 2004, Sex And The City was an immensely popular series focusing on the love and sex lives of four 30-something New York City women.

Alongside Sarah and Cynthia was Kristin Davis as Charlotte York Goldenblatt and Kim Cattrall, who played promiscuous PR agent Samantha Jones.

The women have been filming the upcoming SATC revival And Just Like That in New York, with the exception of Kim - who chose not to join the project.

Famous four...no more: The women have been filming the upcoming SATC revival And Just Like That in New York, but absent from the proceedings is Kim Cattrall (second right)

Kim, 64, made it clear that she had no intention of coming back to any new iteration of the franchise, after a highly publicised and long-standing feud between herself and Sarah.

The new incarnation of the show, renamed And Just Like That, will run for ten episodes on HBO.

The network's chief content officer, Casey Bloys, reflected on Samantha's exit, saying: 'Just as in real life, people come into your life, people leave. Friendships fade and new friendships start.'

For Kim and Sarah, it seems the friendship did not fade but was never there to begin with.

Explaining why she would not return, Kim said in 2019: 'It's a "no" from me. You learn lessons in life and my lesson is to do work with good people and try and make it fun.'

The previous year, their frosty relationship played out on social media after the death of Kim's brother Chris.

No coming back: Kim refused to return as man-eater Samantha (pictured) after a high-profile feud with Sarah, who plays the lead role of Carrie Bradshaw

When SJP sent her condolences online, Golden-Globe winner Kim thought the sentiment was disingenuous and posted: 'My mom asked me today, "when will that Sarah Jessica Parker . . . leave you alone?"

'Your continuous reaching out is a painful reminder of how cruel you really were then and now.'

SJP has denied a feud, saying she had 'never uttered an unkind, unsupportive, unfriendly word'.
Jessica Alves showed off her 25kg weight loss at Studio V* Club in Shoreditch on Monday night as she partied the night away with friends in a plunging nude dress.

She underwent sex reassignment surgery in February, and just last month had gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.

And the Brazilian television personality, 37, told the MailOnline that she's 'desperate' to lose her virginity and become a mother by whatever means necessary following her sex change surgery.

Living it up: Jessica Alves showed off her 25kg weight loss at Studio V* Club in Shoreditch on Monday night as she partied the night away with friends in a plunging nude dress

Jessica revealed: I am desperate to lose my virginity after my sex change surgery and I have been on the hunt for the right guy, but no luck.

'I've been using Tinder in order to chat to those who are supposed to be a match but I havent been very lucky,

'My account often gets banned because users report me thinking that it isn't a real profile.

'Last week, I agreed to go on a date with this man who looked and sounded amazing and when I turned up it was a catfish,' she fumed.

'I'm on the hunt for the right guy': The Brazilian television personality, 37, told the MailOnline that she's 'desperate' to lose her virginity following her sex change surgery

Unlucky in love Jessica continued: 'I was so angry and disappointed that I gave him only 10 minutes of my time.

'When I stood up to go he asked me for my underwear,' she added with outrage.

Jessica has since joined X-rated subscription site OnlyFans, telling MailOnline that she has been using the site to date her fans.

She explained: 'All my girl friends use OnlyFans and they talked me into it, before I was reluctant at making an account but now, after a week on it, I'm loving it.

'I hope to find my Prince Charming soon': Jessica has joined X-rated subscription site OnlyFans, telling MailOnline that she has been using the site to date her fans

'It is a controlled website on my terms and I am getting to interact with some very nice genuine fans and I hope to find my Prince Charming soon.

Revealing the details of her first OnlyFans sourced date, Jessica said: 'It was a very nice fan who knew all about my life and my story,

'He was also very intelligent charming and interesting and made me feel really special.

Future plans: 'I feel under pressure to find a man, lose my virginity and have a baby,' Jessica admitted

Of her dating future, Jessica admitted: 'I'm 37 and in a few days I turn 38. I feel under pressure to find a man, lose my virginity and have a baby.

Following her sex reassignment surgery, the The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant explained how the hormones she has to take caused an increase in appetite which led to a weight gain of 66 lbs (4.7st).

Jessica decided to undergo gastric sleeve surgery in May and has since rapidly begun shedding her excess weight which has boosted her confidence.
Their characters' decades long friendship takes centerstage in the upcoming Sex And The City reboot.

And Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon appeared rapt in conversation as they strolled around and shot a scene for the HBO Max shot on Sunday in NYC.

It looked like they were picking up a scene from earlier in the month, seen clad in the same costumes as another shoot two weeks ago.

Besties: Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon were seen paling around New York while shooting the Sex And The City reboot and Just Like That on Sunday

SJP was all for maximalism in a silk jacket, dramatic caped vintage Claude Montana paneled linen jumpsuit from and a trendy chapeau.

The star - who plays wrier-turned-podcaster Carrie Bradshaw on the series - also carried two bags: one silver crocheted piece and a tiny teal bucket bag.

Cynthia - who plays level-headed lawyer Miranda Hobbes on the show - also packed a fashion punch wearing a multicolored tie-dyed Dries Van Noten frock with turquoise espadrilles and a pistachio-hued bag. She also embraced her natural hair, rocking a chic silver bob.

As the girls walked along, they chatted it up, surely offering some of that iconic Michael Patrick King dialogue.

Continuation: It looked like they were picking up a scene from earlier in the month, seen clad in the same costumes as another shoot two weeks ago

Flashy: SJP was all for maximalism in a silk jacket, dramatic caped pantsuit and a trendy chapeau

Doubled up: The star - who plays writer-turned-podcaster Carrie Bradshaw on the series - also carried two bags: one silver crocheted piece and a tiny teal bucket bag

The ladies were back on set after fans made the mind-blowing realization that Cynthia and SJP first worked together all the way back in 1982 - 16 years before Sex And The City.

The pair played sisters in the 1982 TV movie, My Body, My Child, starring Vanessa Redgrave.

In the film they played the daughters of Vanessa's Catholic character, who became pregnant again and was debating whether to have an abortion after learning her unborn child will have disabilities.

A screenshot from the movie reappeared on fan account, Every Outfit on Sex & the City', as they quipped: 'Be nice to your colleagues, people. You may still be working with them 39 years later'

Way back when! The ladies were back on set after fans made the mind-blowing realization that Cynthia and SJP first worked together all the way back in 1982 - 16 years before Sex And The City. (Pictured in 1982)

Now: SJP (middle) and Cynthia (left) are renowned for playing Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbs in Sex And The City (pictured above with Kristin Davis, right)

With diehard fans of the pair only knowing Sarah and Cynthia for their roles as Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbs in Sex And The City respectively, they went into meltdown in the comments.

Shocked fans penned: 'This has literally blown my mind'; 'Omgggg'; 'Wow! Too cool.'; 'So sweet'; 'Whhaaaaat' [sic].

However, Cynthia herself first brought up the fact back in 2018, when a Brazilian fan site tweeted a picture of the fresh-faced pair on screen.

Cynthia playfully responded: 'Yes that's me on the right @brasil_nixon, age 15, but can anyone guess who the girl in the middle is playing my sister?

'Another fun fact--Vanessa Redgrave played our mother!'

Meltdown: With diehard fans of the pair only knowing Sarah and Cynthia for their roles as Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbs in Sex And The City, they went into meltdown

Throwback: Cynthia herself first brought up the fact back in 2018, when a Brazilian fan site tweeted a picture of the fresh-faced pair on screen

One to watch: The pair played the daughters of Vanessa Redgraves' catholic character in the movie, who fell pregnant again and was debating whether to have an abortion a

Running from 1998 to 2004, Sex And The City was an immensely popular series focusing on the love and sex lives of four 30-something New York City women.

Alongside Sarah and Cynthia was Kristin Davis as Charlotte York Goldenblatt and Kim Cattrall, who played promiscuous PR agent Samantha Jones.

The women have been filming the upcoming SATC revival And Just Like That in New York, with the exception of Kim - who chose not to join the project.

Kim, 64, made it clear that she had no intention of coming back to any new iteration of the franchise, after a highly publicised and long-standing feud between herself and Sarah.

The new incarnation of the show, renamed And Just Like That, will run for ten episodes on HBO.

Famous four...no more: The women have been filming the upcoming SATC revival And Just Like That in New York, but absent from the proceedings is Kim Cattrall (second right)

The network's chief content officer, Casey Bloys, reflected on Samantha's exit, saying: 'Just as in real life, people come into your life, people leave. Friendships fade and new friendships start.'

For Kim and Sarah, it seems the friendship did not fade but was never there to begin with.

Explaining why she would not return, Kim said in 2019: 'It's a "no" from me. You learn lessons in life and my lesson is to do work with good people and try and make it fun.'

The previous year, their frosty relationship played out on social media after the death of Kim's brother Chris.

When SJP sent her condolences online, Golden-Globe winner Kim thought the sentiment was disingenuous and posted: 'My mom asked me today, "when will that Sarah Jessica Parker . . . leave you alone?"

'Your continuous reaching out is a painful reminder of how cruel you really were then and now.'

SJP has denied a feud, saying she had 'never uttered an unkind, unsupportive, unfriendly word'.
Molly Mae Hague looked sensational as she shared a slew of bikini snaps from her holiday in Ibiza.

The Love Island star, 22, showed off her bronzed tan in one striking image as she slipped into a beige bikini top that she paired with white trousers.

She flashed her toned midriff in the snap as she made the most of her downtime on her business trip to the Spanish island.

Wow: Molly Mae Hague, 22, looked sensational in an Instagram snap on Monday as she posed in a beige bikini while living it up in Ibiza

Adding to the glamour, Molly-Mae opted for designer beach accessories as she posed next to a Prada wicker basket bag.

The social media influencer framed her face with trendy black oval-shaped sunglasses and wore her golden locks loose and poker straight.

Meanwhile, on her stories, she documented her day with a selfie, which was captioned: 'short hair has my heart.'

Wow: The day before Molly-Mae shared another sizzling snap as she posed in a black keyhole bikini that she paired with joggers

She looked amazing in the image, wearing minimal make up and a white racer back style vest top.

The model also posted a snap of the rain which has hit Ibiza, forcing her inside where she was 'sheltering.'

The day before Molly-Mae shared another sizzling snap as she posed in a black keyhole bikini that she paired with joggers.

She captioned the stunning makeup-free snap: 'Worked on myself'.

Amazing: The Love Island star showed off her bronzed tan in the image, and paired her beige bikini top with white cotton trousers

Stunner: Meanwhile, on her stories, she documented her day with a selfie, which was captioned: 'short hair has my heart'

Bad weather: The model also posted a snap of the rain which has hit Ibiza as she revealed the downpour had forced her to 'shelter' inside

The post comes as it was calculated on Friday that Molly-Mae's wardrobe for her holiday currently amounts to around 10,000.

The Love Island star had most recently showcased an incredible semi-sheer vintage Fendi dress, which retails for 6,500 on second hand designer sites.

Molly-Mae styled her jaw-dropping beach look with a woven white leather clutch bag by Bottega Veneta, which costs 2,370 to buy online.

The reality star took to her Instagram Stories last week to document her journey to Ibiza, where she is shooting something exciting.
Kylie Jenner's best friend Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou sizzled in a floral bikini as she posed in an outdoor shower.

The 24-year-old social media star shared two images in which she was seen cooling down after soaking up the sun on the Amalfi Coast.

'My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,' she coyly captioned the sexy snaps that she posted on Monday.

Wow! Kylie Jenner's best friend Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou sizzled in a floral bikini as she posed in an outdoor shower

Stassie's white and yellow floral bikini showcased her hourglass figure as she leaned against the stones under the spray of the shower head.

The high-cut bikini bottoms emphasized Karanikolaou's toned legs and curvy hips. She accentuated her taut tummy with a gold belly chain.

Stassie's ample cleavage was on full display in her low cut bikini top which was edged with white lace.

Cooling off: In the second shot, she closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side as the water flowed over her sunburned skin

She accessorized with gold hoop earrings, chunky gold rings and a gold bangle bracelet.

In the second shot, she closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side as the water flowed over her sunburned skin.

The brunette beauty's long locks cascaded in damp waves over her shoulders as she rested one hand on her flat stomach and leaned against the wall of the shower.

Fun: The California native has been spending most of the summer traveling since celebrating her birthday last month

The California native has been spending most of the summer traveling since celebrating her birthday last month. She recently visited the Turks & Caicos Islands before jetting off to Mykonos, Greece.

Since landing in Italy a few days ago, Stassie has posted a series of snaps in which she was seen taking in the sights of the celeb-loved coastal town of Amalfi.

In a recent shot, the Youtuber donned a blue and beige dress as she sipped a glass of rose and gazed at the scenic view from a balcony.

Going for a swim: Karanikolaou rocked a yellow bikini in another snap as she emerged after a dip in the ocean

Sexy: In another photo that was taken from behind, she showed off her cheeky backside in the thong bottoms

Karanikolaou rocked a yellow bikini in another snap as she emerged after a dip in the ocean.

In another photo that was taken from behind, she showed off her cheeky backside in the thong bottoms.

Stassie shared another photo in which she was seen in white shorts with a matching white crop top and a white dress shirt which she left unbuttoned.

Stylish: Stassie shared another photo in which she was seen in white shorts with a matching white crop top and a white dress shirt which she left unbuttoned

She posted in front of a bed of pink flowers and gave the camera a sultry stare. The brights lights of the city and the cliffs of Amalfi was seen in the background.

Karanikolaou sported a ribbed beige string bikini in another post and tucked a white flower behind her ear.

Stassie is traveling with a group of friends including Jenner's former assistant Victoria Villarroel, who is also a successful influencer.

Good times: Stassie is traveling with a group of friends including Jenner's former assistant Victoria Villarroel, who is also a successful influencer

Stassie recently talked about her longtime friendship with Kylie in an interview with Bustle. The two met at Barnes & Noble when they were in middle school and became BFFs after meeting again at a mutual friend's birthday party.

Karanikolaou said, 'We know too much about each other. We're stuck with each other forever.'

Rumors frequently swirl that that the two have had a falling out whenever they are not pictured together for awhile. Stassie dismissed the speculation, saying, ' It's nuts because I'm like, 'I've known this girl since I was literally 13.' If you think that [because] we don't post a photo together for a month we're not friends, you're insane.'

The influencer, who is currently working on a hospitality project, said that Kylie's success motivates her. 'It's one of the most inspiring things ever seeing my best friend build a whole empire.'

Stassie was most recently romantically linked to All The Boys I've Loved Before star Noah Centineo. However, she debunked a tabloid report that the pair tied the knot in Las Vegas. Karanikolao told Bustle, 'I did not get married.'
She recently revealed she'll be fronting a new ITV drama, titled No Return, that is set to air next year in 2022.

And stepping out on set as filming kicked off in Manchester on Monday, Sheridan Smith debuted a new ankle tattoo reading 'Peace is my priority' following her recent split from fiance Jamie Horn.

The actress, 40, seemed in high spirits while back on set and was seen flashing a smile as she got herself ready to film new scenes.

New tattoo? Sheridan Smith debuted a new ankle tattoo reading 'Peace is my priority' as she returned to work on the set of No Return following her recent split from fiance Jamie Horn

Dressed in character, Sheridan looked lovely in a printed black and white shirt, leggings and tan sandals.

Sheridan's tattoo, which appeared to be new, could be seen just above her ankle - it's not know if it's part of her character or an inking she has had etched in recent months.

Sheridan already has a number of tattoos, including a pair of angel wings on one wrist and a butterfly alongside the quote 'this too shall pass ' on the other, as well as a huge floral design on her shoulder and a large lotus on her thigh.

Speaking in 2019, Sheridan addressed her decision to get several tattoos, following the death of her dad Colin in 2016.

Looking good: The actress, 40, seemed in high spirits while back on set and was seen flashing a smile as she got herself ready to film new scenes

Inked up: Sheridan's tattoo was visible during filming and sat just above her ankle on the outside of her leg - it's not known if it's part of her character or a new tattoo she has

Struggling to cope with her grief, she experienced a mental breakdown while starring in Funny Girl in the West End in 2018.

She told Stella magazine: 'The reason I went out and got all these tattoos two years ago was because I thought no one was ever going to give me a job again.

'I wanted to plaster myself in tattoos that meant something to me, but also that I thought meant I would never be employed again because you are not meant to have body markings in the theatre.

'It was my way of self-destructing but giving myself a reason for it. My mum went berserk at me.'

Tat's the way: Sheridan already has a number of tattoos including a butterfly on her wrist underneath the quote: 'This too shall pass'

Body art: The theatre star also ha a huge floral design on her shoulder, with Sheridan previously admitting she turned to tattoos while struggling with her mental health

Stylish: Dressed for her new role, Sheridan looked lovely in a black and white printed shirt

Care to share? She was seen joking with her make-up artist and close friend Lesley Brennan as she received touch ups to her make-up ahead of stepping in front of the camera

In a previous interview with Radio Times, Sheridan added that her make-up artist often covers her tattoos for work while she also 'wears cardigans a lot'.

She said: 'I was not in a good place. My mum went berserk! Maybe in my head I just wasn't going to act any more. I was in this mad little world.

'Why should the whole world have a right to look at me? But then I got better and thought: "Oh, I'm an idiot! Of course I'm going back to acting!"

'Now my make-up artist has ordered a product from America that covers the tattoos. And I wear cardigans a lot!'

Joke's on you: Sheridan was seen in a fit of giggles as a crew member was seen attending to her and rearranging her stage outfit prior to her shooting scenes

While on set, Sheridan was seen with her short blonde locks in a voluminous style, parted to the side, and she was sporting a glam make-up look, courtesy of her make-up artist and close friend Lesley Brennan.

Lesley, who was wearing a protective visor, was on hand to touch up Sheridan's make-up in between takes, with the friends spotted laughing and joking together while ensuring the star was camera ready.

Sheridan was also seen being attended to by a member of the crew, who adjusted her outfit prior to the camera's rolling.

Excited to be filming, Sheridan was seen beaming from ear-to-ear as production took place at The Printworks in Manchester city cetre and Mackie Mayor Indoor Market - where Sheridan filmed scenes alongside her co-star and comedian Rufus Hound, who plays a private investigator in the series.

No Return is a new four-part series, recently announced by ITV, that follows a woman named Kathy, played by Sheridan, her husband Martin (played by Quiz star Michael Jibson) and their 16-year-old son Noah (Louis Ashbourne Serkis - son of Andy Serkis) as they jet off to Turkey, only to find themselves on the holiday from hell.

Excited: The mum-of-one toted a pale pink bag over one shoulder and wore her short locks in a voluminous style, parted over to one side

Pep in her step: When not filming, Sheridan opted for comfort and switched her sandals for a comfy pair of black and white hi-top trainers

The drama has been penned by Danny Brocklehurst, who previously wrote Netflix series The Stranger, and also stars Sherlock star Sian Brooke as Megan - the sister of Sheridan's character Kathy.

Setting the scene in a press release, ITV has shared: '[The family's] holiday is a chance to unwind and for Kathy and Martin to spend some much-needed time together. Until unsuspecting Noah accepts a seemingly innocent invitation to a beach party from a fellow holidaymaker, Rosie (Jodie Campbell), who is staying at the same hotel.

'Suddenly Kathy and Martins world spectacularly falls apart when they are left desperately fighting for their sons freedom against extremely challenging circumstances.

'An arrest, an expensive and alien legal system, looming media coverage and resistance from fellow holidaymakers to come to their aid leaves the distraught parents fighting for Noahs freedom when ironically he should be at school sitting his latest exams.'

Exciting: No Return stars Sheridan as mum Kathy who ends up on the 'holiday from hell' with her husband and 16-year-old son

Grateful: Sheridan told fans she is so 'grateful' to be a part of the four-part series, which she teased is going to be 'amazing' (pictured above with make0up artist Lesley)

A while to wait: Fans will have to hold on until next year, as No Return isn't expected to hit TV screens until 2022 (pictured above: Sheridan with pal Lesley)

Star-studded: Joining Sheridan in the drama are the likes of Sherlock's Sian Brooke, Quiz star Michael Jibson and Louis Ashbourne Serkis - whose father is actor Andy Serkis

No Return began filming earlier this month, with Sheridan telling fans on Instagram she is so 'grateful' to be a part of the drama.

As day one of filming kicked off on 12 July, she penned: 'This is an AMAZING drama, so grateful to be part of it!'

Filming will no doubt come as a welcome distraction for Sheridan, who confirmed her split from ex-fiance Jamie just weeks earlier.

She and Jamie, who share 14-month old son Billy, revealed their decision to part ways in a statement shared to The Sun.

It read: 'It is with great sadness that we have decided to have some time apart.

Good spirits: Sheridan marked being back filming on Instagram as she took to her story to try out different filters with friend Lesley

Behind-the-scenes: Sheridan was seen joking around with Lesley in between takes

Loving it: The women were playing around with different filters while waiting around on set

'We both remain completely committed to raising our beautiful boy Billy together. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.'

News of their split came just a year after the couple welcomed their first child, son Billy, together in May last year.

A source told OK! magazine at the time: 'Sheridan is struggling to get through the split. She put him out there for everyone to see and she really thought he was The One.'

It was also claimed the split brought back the pain Sheridan felt after losing her father Colin who passed away in 2016 following a battle with cancer.

Split: Sheridan confirmed her split from ex-fiance Jamie Horn weeks before filming started

Family: The former couple split just over a year after welcoming their son Billy in May 2020

They said: 'She had the public falling out with his mother and they got through all of that, but sadly it hasn't worked out. She's devastated. This has brought back all the feelings of missing her dad because he was her tower of strength.

'In her heart she's hoping they can make it right, but it doesn't look like there's any way back. They have a baby together and it's tough. She's heartbroken.'

Sheridan and Jamie first began dating in 2018 after meeting on Tinder and reportedly got engaged after just three months together.

Jamie is said to have proposed to Sheridan in May 2018 with a 10,000 ring, and the couple were residing in a rented property in North London together.

They both appeared in a one-off ITV documentary, titled Sheridan Smith: Becoming Mum, which was released in 2020 and followed Sheridan's pregnancy.
Tiffany Haddish attended the premiere of Jungle Cruise, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, over the weekend in Anaheim, California despite not appearing in the movie.

The 41-year-old showed off her forest green jumpsuit, brown boots, hoop earrings and dyed-blonde line bob while discussing possible plans to star in a Disney film.

The stand-up comedienne turned actress said she loved the Jungle Cruise ride growing up, but also made some cryptic comments to Extra about her real motivations for attending the premiere.

Night out: Tiffany Haddish attended the premiere of Jungle Cruise at Disneyland in Anaheim, California this weekend

No crying over spilled tea: The stand-up comedienne said she 'show up everywhere she need to be for a reason,' and alluded to a possible upcoming collaboration with Disney

'Im a huge Disney fan. I watched all Disney movies coming up I love me some Disney,' she said.

Asked if that's her 'next move', she told Extra, 'Well, it is. I'm not here for nothing Tiffany show up everywhere she need to be for a reason  I'm not a roach, I don't just pop up out of nowhere.

'When I show up, something's about to happenI'm not spilling no tea, but it might be slowly dripping off the edges of the cup!'

The Girl's Trip actress was delighted to be at Disneyland but was not accompanied by her partner Common because the rapper is wary of being around so many people while the coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing.

Nice look! The 41-year-old showed off her forest green jumpsuit, brown boots, hoop earrings and dyed-blonde line bob while discussing possible plans to star in a Disney film

'[Common is] not feeling the theme park. He say he do ride roller coasters, but he don't like how there be so many people,' said the cover girl.

Tiffany recently admitted having some alone time is a natural part of their romance because she 'needs space.'

The Emmy-Award-winner said she and her boyfriend have both been busy recently with her working on a new television show and Common recording another album.

Business and pleasure: The star walked the red carpet where she talked about her excitement to attend the premiere as well as possible plans to star in an upcoming Disney film

Haddish has had quite a busy year already.

The actress appeared in three films that have come out this year including a starring role opposite legendary comedian Billy Crystal in Here Today, and she even went underwater in a cage to do a show for Shark Week which fans can now stream on Discovery+.

The movie star also has two films in post-production including The Card Counter, which is scheduled to premiere at the 78th Venice Film Festival in September.
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A Batman body double drove the Batcycle through the street's of Glasgow as filming of The Flash got underway on Monday.

The film, which also shot in London last month, stars Ezra Miller in the lead role while both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton are reprising their roles as the Caped Crusader.

The double sported the eye-catching Batman costume as he filmed the Hollywood blockbuster on the streets of Glasgow which has been transformed into a US city.

Filming: A Batman body double drove the Batcycle through the street's of Glasgow as filming of The Flash got underway on Monday

Members of the production crew were seen trying to push the giant bike along the street with the double at the wheel.

The Flash, due for release in November 2022, is reportedly filming in George Square while Cochrane Street and George Street are also being used, according to Glasgow Times.

Large sections of the street were blocked off to pedestrians with several cars and trucks parked nearby.

The Flash is the latest film to be shot in Glasgow after the city was recently transformed into 1960s New York for filming of Indiana Jones 5 where Harrison Ford's body double was seen earlier this month.

Character: The film, which also shot in London last month, stars Ezra Miller in the lead role while both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton are reprising their roles as the Caped Crusader (Ben Affleck pictured as Batman)

Production: Members of the production crew were seen trying to push the giant bike along the street with the double at the wheel

Suited and booted: The double was seen getting his Batman mask fitted ahead of filming

Michael Keaton has already been spotted filming in London but has yet to be seen sporting his Batman costume, implying he may only be returning as alter ego Bruce Wayne.

Ben, who played Batman more recently, has yet to be seen on set.

The film sees The Flash travel back in time to prevent the murder of his mother, triggering a string of unexpected consequences in the process, including meeting Batman in a parallel dimension.

The Flash was originally scheduled for release in 2018, although it was later pushed back due to its troubled development process.

Director Andy Muschietti was brought on to helm the feature. It was rescheduled for a June 2022 debut and was eventually pushed back to November 4th of that year as a response to the onset of the global pandemic.

Double: Ben, who played Batman more recently, has yet to be seen on set of the upcoming blockbuster

Action: The actor was seen speeding down a street in the city centre

Costume: The actor's suit featured structured shoulders and a black belt

On location: Large sections of the street were blocked off to pedestrians with several cars and trucks parked nearby

Earlier in June, Muschietti, shared a photo of Michael's bloody Batman costume to his Instagram account.

The actor was announced to be taking up the helm of the Caped Crusader in the much-awaited film this past April, although he was first speculated to have been involved with the project in June of last year.

Muschietti's photo showed Batman's iconic insignia that is typically placed on the center of the character's costume.

A few drops of what appeared to be blood were notably spattered across its front.

The image seemed to signal that Keaton would be returning to his former role in the forthcoming superhero film.

On the move: The double sped past several extras towards a dark truck

Scene: An American school bus was seen parked on the side of the street in preparation for a scene

Movie: The Flash, due for release in November 2022, is reportedly filming in George Square while Cochrane Street and George Street are also being used

Setting: A white van reading 'United States Mail Service' aided in transforming Glasgow into a US city

Blockbuster: A large truck was seen in the middle of the street next to a red car with an American license plate

The Birdman star's first time portraying the character was in 1989's Batman, which was directed by Tim Burton.

The feature was well-received by critics upon its release, with many reviewers pointing to the actor's performance as especially strong.

Michael went on to portray the character in the film's sequel, Batman Returns, which was also helmed by Burton and released in 1992.

After the Ed Wood director stepped down from a planned third sequel, the Beetlejuice actor also left the series, and the two were replaced by Joel Schumacher and Val Kilmer, respectively.

Career: Michael's first time portraying the character was in 1989's Batman, which was directed by Tim Burton and was followed by Batman Returns (pictured in Batman Returns in 1992)

Other actors who have taken up the helm of the Dark Knight since then include George Clooney and Christian Bale, among others.

Ben went on to portray Batman in the 2016 feature Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice and played the character in several other features.

The 48-year-old actor was initially supposed to direct, write and star in the upcoming feature The Batman, although he later left the production and was replaced by Robert Pattinson.

Both Ben and Michael are set to portray younger and older versions of Bruce Wayne in The Flash.

Role: Ben went on to portray Batman in the 2016 feature Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice and played the character in several other features

Lead: Ezrea Miller is reprising his role as The Flash which he most recently played in Zack Snyder's Justice League

A film based on the DC Comics character had been in development for several decades, with several aborted attempts to create a movie about the superhero occurring over a period of roughly thirty years.

The feature went through several prospective directors, including Rick Famuyiwa and Seth Grahame-Smith, before Muschietti stepped in to helm the flick.

The Barry Allen version of The Flash will be portrayed by Ezra Miller, who first played the speedster in Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice.

Other performers who will appear in the long-awaited movie include Kiersey Clemons, Sasha Calle and Ron Livingston.

The feature will follow the titular character as he travels back in time in order to prevent the untimely death of his mother, which causes consequences to occur in his own timeline.

An inside look: The Flash's director, Andy Muschietti, shared an image of a blood-spattered Batman logo to his Instagram account in June

Meanwhile, filming of the untitled fifth film in the Indiana Jones franchise has been going on for several weeks with parts of the Scottish city transformed into 1960s Manhattan.

Harrison himself has been forced to take a break from filming for three months as he recovers from a shoulder injury sustained on set.

During filming this month, Harrison's stunt double charged through a crowded parade celebrating Apollo 11's landing in 1969 on horseback.

Bolting down a city centre street in a grey suit, the action-packed scene saw a lookalike for 79-year-old Harrison rip through a banner as cheerleaders performed in the street and crowds waving American flags looked on in surprise.
Hilaria Baldwin welcomed a son last year - she gave birth to Eduardo in September 2020 as daughter Maria Lucia was welcomed via surrogate in February of this year - but her body has snapped back very quickly.

And this weekend the yoga enthusiast proved just how toned she has become as she showed off her very trim midsection in a crop top while stepping out with husband Alec for ice cream in the Hamptons.

Along with the couple were three of their six children. In addition to Eduardo and Maria, the couple have Carmen, seven, Leonardo, six, Rafael, four, and Romeo, three.

Hot mama in New York: Hilaria Baldwin welcomed a son last year - she gave birth to Eduardo in September 2020 as daughter Maria Lucia was welcomed via surrogate in February - but her body has snapped back very quickly

Good genes in good jeans: And this weekend the yoga enthusiast proved just how toned she has become as she showed off her very trim midsection in a crop top as she stepped out with her actor spouse for ice cream in the Hamptons

The former TV host made the most of a black hoodie crop top that had long sleeves.

The cover girl added high-waisted dark blue denim jeans with a boot cut.

Baldwin also wore her highlighted hair down over her shoulders and added oversized amber ombre sunglasses and diamond stud earrings.

Over her shoulder was a white leather Gucci purse as she held onto her cell phone and had a bronze colored scrunchie on her wrist.

Good mommy: Over her shoulder was a white leather Gucci purse as she held onto her cell phone and had a bronze colored scrunchie on her wrist as she looked after her kids

She was also seen with Alec, her husband since 2012, as he displayed a fresh summer tan.

The Blue Jasmine star had on a black Ralph Lauren Polo shirt and blue shirts as he sported a silver beard. He was seen carrying a tray of food.

The family was outside an ice cream parlor after enjoying a frozen treat to deal with the summertime heat on Long Island.

This comes a week after she discussed her children's skin tone on social media.

The good life: She was also seen with Alec, her husband since 2012, as he displayed a fresh summer tan

Baldwin criticized online trolls for questioning her children's skin color as she shared a sweet selfie with Maria Lucia.

The fitness expert noted that her skin appeared darker than the kids she shares with her husband, but assured her followers they are in fact her own.

Hilaria held her four-month-old daughter close to her face for the candid snap shared to her nearly one million followers.

'I know, I know, sleuths,' she wrote on Instagram stories. 'My skin is darker and my kids is lighter. Yes, they are mine. Trying to keep up with all these ideas.'

Good daddy: The Blue Jasmine star had on a black Ralph Lauren Polo shirt and blue shirts as he sported a silver beard. He was seen carrying a tray of food

She made sure to add: 'I have to say: you have quite a bit of time on your hands.'

Hilaria seemed to take the criticism in stride though as she appeared relaxed while breastfeeding during a boat ride near their Hamptons home.

The star had Eduardo in September 2020 after suffering two miscarriages and then welcomed Maria Lucia via surrogate in late February.

Their surprise announcement shocked fans and followers, which an insider told People: 'It's no one's business about a woman's right to choose how and when she expands her family.'

Unique approach: Baldwin criticized online trolls for questioning her children's skin color as she shared a sweet selfie with Maria Lucia last week

Mom mode: The part-time yogi gave birth to Eduardo in September 2020 after suffering two miscarriages and then welcomed Maria Lucia via surrogate in late February

Earlier this year, Hilaria apologized for faking her Spanish heritage after it was revealed her real name was Hillary Hayward-Thomas and she was from Boston, not Majorca.

She atoned on Instagram for misleading her followers and noted that she 'should have been more clear' about her past.

Hilaria insisted she was brought up 'with two cultures, American and Spanish' and feels 'a true sense of belonging to both.'
Kerry Katona's daughter Lilly-Sue looked sensational as she stepped out in a tiny bubblegum pink dress on Saturday.

The Instagram influencer, 18, could have been her mum's double as she headed out to Soho, London, in the skimpy ensemble for a night out.

It comes shortly after the blonde beauty announced she's a witch and explained that she started exploring witchcraft soon after the first lockdown in March 2020.

Spitting image: Kerry Katona's 18-year-old daughter Lilly-Sue looked incredible as she modelled a tiny bubblegum pink dress on Saturday

Double take: The Instagram influencer could have been her mum's double as she headed out to Soho in the skimpy ensemble for a night out

Lilly's bold mini dress boasted high-neck detailing, a tiny skirt and a round cut-out section along her midriff - showcasing her taut abs and never-ending pins.

The teenager kept things comfortable in a pair of fresh white low-top Converse pumps, teaming them with a pair of white rolled-down socks.

Kerry's mini-me looked very dolled up as she strolled around London, wearing a palette of rich makeup including big, fluffy eyelashes and nude matte lipstick.

Fashion: The teenager kept things comfortable in a pair of fresh white low-top Converse pumps, teaming them with a pair of white rolled-down socks

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree: The mum-and-daughter-duo are undeniably similar with their bright smiles and blonde tresses

The starlet styled her ash-blonde tresses into chic waves, while she went for the less-is-more motto - opting not to add any jewellery to her fun look.

The teen carried her personal belongings in a light blue medium-sized handbag with tan straps, which appeared to be from YSL.

Lily, who's celebrity dad is Westlife's Brian McFadden, said she started exploring witchcraft soon after the first lockdown in March 2020.

Wicca: Lily, who's celebrity dad is Westlife's Brian McFadden, said she started exploring witchcraft soon after the first lockdown in March 2020

The black magic fanatic told Ok! Magazine last week that: 'I was born an Irish Catholic, but I've always been drawn to spells and crystals.'

The new Wiccan told the platform how she stumbled upon a tree with a pagan symbol and a nearby fire on a walk during the one-walk-a-day order - despite there being no sign of anyone else around.

'It felt like a sign, so I went back and researched it and it took me down a Wicca rabbit hole. I realised it's such a beautiful religion, it's incredibly spiritual.'

Witchcraft: The black magic fanatic told Ok! Magazine last week that 'I was born an Irish Catholic, but I've always been drawn to spells and crystals'

And she's not the only teenager that's tapped into witchery during lockdown.

The primarily teenage audience on TikTok has seen #Wicca grow to 1.5B views, while #babywitch - intended for a community of those just starting in the practice - has a whopping 1.9B views.

The practice has historically been the target of criticism, which Lily feels saddened by.

'It's so sad because it's so misunderstood. There's such negative connotations around what witchcraft is. Like it's all "evil women being burnt at the stake' and 'it's the devil's work". But it's actually a wonderfully kind, good religion.'
Tamra Judge says she's feeling 'more alive every day' as she continues to heal from having her breast implants removed.

The former Real Housewives Of Orange County star, 53, gave fans a recovery update on Sunday, sharing a very real shot of her bra and post-op drains in addition to a totally topless snap.

Tamra told her 1.7million Instagram followers about her first post-op shower, admitting she 'couldn't take' having to avoid getting wet 'anymore.'

Baring all: Tamra Judge said she was feeling 'more alive every day' as she updated fans about her healing post-breast implant removal surgery

Update: Tamra told her 1.7million Instagram followers about her first post-op shower, admitting she 'couldn't take' having to avoid getting wet 'anymore.' She's seen leaving her plastic surgeon after a Monday checkup above

'Day 6 - couldnt take it anymore,' she wrote along with a mirror selfie where she gave a very unvarnished look at her process.

Not hiding the unsavory parts, she donned a pink bra and revealed two tubes and little bulbs for fluid to drain into.

'I got in the shower with my bra on & did the best I could without getting my drains wet,' Tamra wrote, adding: 'I feel and smell so much better!'

Judge, who has been open about the many complications her implants caused, told followers: 'I continue to feel more alive every day!'

Unedited: The former Real Housewives Of Orange County star shared a very real shot of her bra and post-op drains in addition to a totally topless snap

Progress! Later that day she shared a video to her Instagram Story revealing the drains were officially coming out during her doctor's appointment

She said symptoms like inflamed sinuses were gone and that she no longer wakes up 'with blurry eyes,' joking 'just old eyes that need reading glasses.'

And Judge said she was feeling better mentally as well, writing: 'My thoughts are healthy & happy, something Ive struggled with for so long!

'Even though My body is recovering my energy level is better then its been in years.,' she went on adding how she's only have 'two pain pills' and was trying to many things with CBD gummies rather than her prescription.

Ending on an optimistic note, Tamra said: 'I cant wait to fully recover , I hear things just keep on getting better. happy Saturday friends,' while adding the tags #biiawareness #BII for 'breast implant illness.'

Feeling lighter: Tamra was seen leaving her cosmetic surgeon in Orange County, California on Monday

Dressed down: She looked casual chic in gray leggings, Gucci slides and a Stella McCartney bag

Later that day she shared a video to her Instagram Story revealing the drains were officially coming out during her doctor's appointment.

Last Monday, Tamra underwent breast implant and capsule removal surgery on Monday with plastic surgeon, Dr. Milind Ambe of Newport Surgery Center.

'Implants & capsules removed. Feeling tired & a little sore as expected,' she captioned an Instagram post. 'Im pretty sure not working out will be the hardest part for me.

Tamra claimed she's suffering from breast implant illness (BII), which can include a wide range of symptoms, including joint pain, chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression, according to Breastcancer.org.

Journey to health: Judge, who had downsized her implants years ago on an episode of RHOC, made the decision to undergo explant surgery due to ongoing 'autoimmune issues' and what she described as breast implant illness

She shared a few Instagram stories post check-up and wrote: 'Can't wait to share with you my journey with BII.'

Judge revealed her decision via Instagram Story earlier this month where she expressed that she is 'tired of being tired and inflamed' before sharing a topless shot from the doctor's office.

'Explant surgery pre-op bye bye boobies,' captioned Judge, who covered up her nipples with a set of orange emojis in the snap as she clarified that this would be her second implant removal, with the last being '9 years ago.'

'5 years ago I put very small 125CC implants in,' she wrote, noting that she 'can't wait' to be rid of those 'very small implants.'

Judge has suffered from 'thyroid issues, swollen joints, fatigue, and bladder, sinus and gut inflammation' as a result of her implants, as recorded by People.

Judge, who has had her breasts altered 'five times' over the span of her life, explained to People in 2015 how her perspective on implants have changed over the years.

Post surgery: Her doctor noted that 'every thing looks great' during a check up despite some swelling and gauze adding padding to the results

Bye bye: Judge revealed her decision via Instagram Story last week where she expressed that she is 'tired of being tired and inflamed' before sharing a topless shot from the doctor's office.

Following the birth of her now 35-year-old son Ryan, Judge decided to go under the knife for her very first breast augmentation.

She had them redone several times, including after the arrival of her 21-year-old son Spencer, before deciding to get them removed all together in 2012 and replaced with smaller implants.

Tamra told the outlet that when her breasts 'were big in the '90s, I loved them,' but her desire for ample cleavage dwindled due to 'lifestyle' changes.

'It's a lifestyle thing I guess, as you get older you don't want those big giant boobs.

'It is what it is. It's a personal choice and for me. I don't do it for the public or my husband. It's something you do to make yourself feel better,' she explained.

Tamra famously left the Real Housewives of Orange County in January of 2020 after 12 seasons on the popular Bravo reality series.

She had joined the cast back in 2007 when the show was in its third season.
They are currently living it up on holiday in sunny Ibiza.

And Demi Sims, 25, showcased her incredible figure in a tiny bikini as she shared a sizzling snap to Instagram on Monday, while her sister Frankie, 26, wowed in a cut-out swimsuit.

The TOWIE stars have been posting scantly clad snaps all week from their Balearic island holiday, with the beauties both flaunting their ample underboob in their latest social media offerings.

Wow! Demi Sims, 25, showcased her incredible figure in a tiny bikini in a sizzling snap shared to her Instagram on Monday, while her sister Frankie, 26, wowed in a cut out swimsuit

Demi flashed her assets in a red snake skin patterned bikini with matching bandana, bag and sarong.

The beauty smouldered for the camera and ensured to work all her angles, holding onto her blonde locks with one hand.

She captioned the post: 'Life size doll, but no you cant play with me.'

Meanwhile, her gorgeous sister Frankie also shared a sizzling snap with her 344K followers which also showcased some under boob in her sexy one-piece.

Pose! Frankie also shared a sizzling snap with her 344K followers which also showcased some under boob in a cut out black swimsuit

In the slew of snaps, the brunette beauty posed in front of the ocean with wet hair and neutral make-up which enhanced her natural beauty.

The swimsuit was embellished with a tie around the waist line and she accessorised with a pair of sunglasses.

She captioned the post: 'YOU CAN LITERALLY FEEL WHEN ITS TIME TO MOVE INTO YOUR LIFES NEW CHAPTER.'

Frankie's partying comes just a week after it was revealed she had split from Love Island's Jack Fincham, 29, after four months of dating.

Stunning: In the slew of snaps the brunette beauty posed in front of the ocean with wet hair and neutral make-up which enhanced her natural beauty

Style: The swimsuit is embellished with a tie around the waist line and she accessorised with a pair of sunglasses

Brushing off the breakup, Frankie also set pulses racing as she sizzled in blue swimwear, which left little to the imagination as her breasts poked out the bottom, earlier in the week.

Frankie set pulses racing with the racy pictures, captioning the snaps: 'Hot girl summer - IBIZA - let's hav ya.'

The reality star also took to her Stories to update her followers with her antics while enjoying the sunshine.

Arriving at her hotel, where she is staying in a room with Demi, she filmed inside her lavish room to show her followers and gave a glimpse of their fridge filled to the brim with alcohol.

Talking to the camera, she explained that they didn't know how long they would be staying in Ibiza for but told her followers to 'stay tuned'.

Gorgeous: Frankie set pulses racing with the racy pictures, captioning the snaps: 'Hot girl summer - IBIZA - let's hav ya'

She later revealed that she had mistaken a complimentary condom which had been supplied by the hotel as a shower cap.

Her sister Demi also shared the hilarious incident on her story but explained 'I definitely won't be needing that' before Demi chimed in exclaiming: 'I WILL!'

Demi and Frankie, also joined by some other friends, then took to Ocean Beach - owned by Wayne Lineker.

The group were seen popping champagne bottles, cheering and dancing to the music together.

Frankie's trip to Ibiza comes after the news she had split with Jack and he was spotted being surrounded by four police officers in a car park at 5AM.

According to reports from The Mirror on Saturday, the former Love Island star spoke with officers after they had gotten a call claiming he was acting suspiciously.

Sisters: Demi and Frankie, also joined by some other friends, then took to Ocean Beach - owned by Wayne Lineker

Girls trip: The group were seen popping champagne bottles, cheering and dancing to the music together

He was seen speaking with four men in uniform in a car park in south east London, five miles from his family home in Bexleyheath.

Jack was not charged by the police, and it was said his family came to take him home shortly after his conversation with the cops.

A local said: 'I have no idea why he was there. I only realised who it was after Googling. I'm sure if Jack wishes to take to social media and explain he will.'

MailOnline contacted Jack's representatives for further comment at the time.

It was recently revealed that Jack and Frankie, who started dating in April, were said to have parted ways after fighting.

Insiders told OK!: 'Jack and Frankie have split. They've had a couple of rows and have unfollowed each other on Instagram.'

In May, Jack and Frankie confirmed their romance, sharing romantic snaps after being spotted passionately embracing after a night out.

They later shared a photograph from their first ever date, on April 11 at Jin Bo Law Skybar in London.
She's always makes a stylish display.

And model Daisy Lowe embraced her inner rock chick in black leather trousers and biker boots as she headed out for dinner with boyfriend Jordan Saul on Monday.

The 32-year-old wore a stylish oversized satin khaki shirt to complete the look as she headed to The Arts Club in Mayfair.

Date night: Daisy Lowe embraced her inner rock chick in black leather trousers and biker boots as she headed out for dinner with boyfriend Jordan Saul on Monday

She donned a bright red lip which added colour to her stylish outfit and carried her essentials in a quilted black handbag.

Her boyfriend cut a stylish figure in a white sweatshirt and black trousers which he paired with chunky boots.

The hunk was also partial to a bit of bling - wearing a silver chain around his neck, a flashy silver watch and what appeared to be the trinity bracelet by Cartier.

The couple have been dating for over a year and were spotted for the first time together in June 2020.

Loved-up: The 32-year-old wore a stylish oversized satin khaki shirt to complete the look as she headed to The Arts Club in Mayfair

Sweet: Daisy could not top smiling as she walked hand-in-hand with her boyfriend after dinner

Daisy's outing comes as she stepped out for lunch in Mayfair with her agent last week.

The fashionista looked sensational in a plunging yellow floral dress as she hit up the trendy ROKA restaurant in a bright patterned number.

Hitting up the chic spot, she met up with Kirsty Reilly, the Agency Director of Elite Talent London - whom Daisy is currently signed to.

Here they come: Jordan cut a fashionable figure in black lace-up boots and a white T-shirt

Relationship: The couple have been dating for over a year and were spotted for the first time together in June 2020

Off they go: The happy couple hopped into Jordan's car after enjoying their meal in the city

She took to Instagram, re-sharing a photo on her story of the venue exterior from @kirstyreillywalton13 with the caption: 'Lunch meeting with @daisylowe so nice to be out !'

Daisy then responded with the comment: 'Whoop whoop @kirstyreillywalton13'.

She also posted a sweet selfie later in the day holding her 13-year-old pooch Monty.

The image sees the model staring at her pup lovingly in her lunch outfit while she shared a beaming smile.

Good company: Hitting up the chic spot, she met up with Kirsty Reilly, the Agency Director of Elite Talent london - whom Daisy is currently signed to
Lisa Rinna is set to reprise her role as Billie Reed on the long-running NBC soap opera Days Of Our Lives.

On Monday, the network announced that Rinna, 58, will star in a five-episode limited series titled Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem and Lisa confirmed her return on Instagram.

'Billie Reed is Back,' the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star wrote in the caption of her post sharing the news, adding a woman dancing emoji.

Coming back: Lisa Rinna is set to reprise her role as Billie Reed on the long-running NBC soap opera Days Of Our Lives

New project: On Monday, the network announced that Rinna, 58, will star in a five-episode limited series titled Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem and Lisa confirmed her return on Instagram. Seen in 2020

She continued, 'All of the romance, action, drama and surprises that only DAYS can deliver, but like youve never seen before. Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem is streaming soon on @PeacockTV. #DOOLBeyondSalem #PeacockTV.'

The series will air on NBCU's streaming platform Peacock. Rinna will be joined by past and present cast members, who will leave Salem to take off on their own adventures.

Fan favorite couple Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) and John Black (Drake Hogestyn) will travel to Zurich, Switzerland.

Meanwhile, another longtime couple, Ben (Robert Scott Wilson) and Ciara Weston (Victoria Konefal) will take a romantic vacation in New Orleans while Chad (Billy Flynn) visits old friends in Phoenix.

Returning to her roots: Lisa originated the character of Billie Reed in 1992

Abe Carver (James Reynolds) will head to Miami with his daughter Lani Price (Sal Stowers), his sister-in-law Paulina Price (Jackee Harry) and Paulina's husband Eli Grant (Lamon Archey).

According to the press release, 'All find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving stolen jewels which, in the wrong hands, could cause dire consequences for Salem. Its a race against time for ISA agent Billie Reed as she crosses the globe in search of this missing treasure.'

Lisa originated the role of Billie in 1992 but left the show in 1995. She reprised her role again from 2002 until 2003 and from 2012 until 2013. Rinna last returned to play her feisty alter-ego for a week-long stint in February 2018.

Off-screen romance: She recently talked about dating Patrick Muldoon when he played her brother on Days Of Our Lives. Pictured in 1992. Former flames: Her former RHOBH castmate Denise Richards, 50, who co-starred with Muldoon, 52, in the 1997 sci-fi thriller Starship Troopers, dated the actor on and off for years. Seen in 1999

In September 2017, Lisa announced her return to the soap with a post on Instagram. Rinna posted a sexy photo in which she was seen posing from the chest up.

'Billie is Back! #daysofourlives,' she wrote in the caption, adding an emoji of a heart and a kiss.

In Rinna's 2018 storyline, her character worked with Black, who is an ex-ISA agent, to as the two tried to thwart a plot to kill Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols). She also reunited with her nephew Will Horton (Chandler Massey) who was previously thought to be dead.

Lisa - who shares daughters Delilah, 23, and Amelia, 20 with her actor husband Harry Hamlin, 69 - has starred on the hit Bravo reality series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills since 2014.

Her other job: On Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills in 2021 with, from left, Crystal Kung Minkoff, Dorit Kemsley, Kyle Richards, Erika Girardi, Garcelle Beauvais and Sutton Stracke

She recently talked about dating Patrick Muldoon when he played her brother on Days Of Our Lives.

'Having an affair with the guy who played my brother,' Lisa responded when asked about her most 'surreal' 90s moment.

'Well, not an affair, but a couple of one-night stands with the guy who [played] my brother. Patrick Muldoon and I had like, a thing,' she added.

Her former RHOBH castmate Denise Richards, 50, who co-starred with Muldoon, 52, in the 1997 sci-fi thriller Starship Troopers, dated the actor on and off for years.

It was previously revealed on the premiere episode of RHOBH's ninth season that Denise and Lisa were sleeping with Patrick at the same time.
Kim Kardashian took to social media today to wish her grandmother, Mary Jo Campbell, a happy birthday.

The reality TV star posted several rare pictures on Instagram of her grandma with various members of their family to commemorate her 87th birthday.

'You are the woman who taught me my work ethic and have taught me so much about life, love and relationships,' wrote the 40-year-old socialite.

Old school shot: Kim Kardashian took to social media today to wish her grandmother, Mary Jo Campbell, a happy birthday. The reality TV star posted several rare pictures on Instagram of her grandma with various members of their family to commemorate her 87th birthday

With all her kid: Kim with MJ and all four of her kids: North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm

'I'm so grateful to have you by my side to always go to when I need someone to keep it all the way real with me! I love you so much and hope today is magical for you grandma. I love you so much!!!'

Kris Jenner, also posted about her mother on Instagram calling her the family's rock.

'You have always been my greatest inspiration, the one I can come to for anything, and if it weren't for your love support and guidance, I wouldn't be the woman I am today,' Jenner wrote.

The very early years: The SKIMS founder also shared this image with Kourtney and MJ

Mama: Kris Jenner, also posted about her mother on Instagram calling her the family's rock. 'You have always been my greatest inspiration, the one I can come to for anything, and if it weren't for your love support and guidance, I wouldn't be the woman I am today,' Jenner wrote

Good granny: The matriarch isn't in the limelight as much as other members of the family but has made several appearances on Keeping Up With The Kardashians including one in 2019 when Kendall and Kylie Jenner stepped up to give Kris a break from being on call to help her

The matriarch isn't in the limelight as much as other members of the family but has made several appearances on Keeping Up With The Kardashians including one in 2019 when Kendall and Kylie Jenner stepped up to give Kris a break from being on call to help her.

Both of the Jenner girls posted tributes to their grandmother on Instagram as well. Kylie reposted a picture of herself and MJ from a fan account onto her story.

In the photo, Kylie wears jeans and a matching blue top underneath a black leather jacket. MJ has ruffles on her white shirt which she wears under a black jacket adorned with holiday images including a picture of Santa Claus.

In the hospital: MJ is seen with Kris and Robert after one of her children were born

They are good friends: Kris with her mom in an undated photo shared to Instagram

The older Jenner sister posted a picture from 1952 of her grandmother sitting and smoking a cigarette while wearing a a dark top and a dotted white skirt.

MJ was born July 26, 1934 in Arkansas. She married three times and had two children with her second husband, Robert True Houghton. She later divorced their father and married a Harry Shannon to whom she remained wed for 40 years until his death in 2003.

Campbell was also named by the Kardashians' lawyers as the copyright holder of an infamous photo of Khloe Kardashian in a leopard print bikini which made the rounds on social media accidentally and caused the 37-year-old some grief after fans accused her of editing her photos.

Throwback Monday: Kylie Jenner reposted this photo from a fan account onto her story and wished her grandmother a happy birthday.

Mary Jo and the Jenners: A picture of Grandma MJ with Kendal and Kylie when they were younger
Britney Spears has called her father Jamie 'threatening' and 'scary' in new court filings that request he be replaced as the conservator of her estate.

The pop star's lawyer Matt Rosengart has filed a motion to have Jamie removed and have Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Jason Rubin appointed in his place.

The new legal documents accuse Jamie of making his daughter's life hell, and describe her current situation as 'traumatizing, insane and depressing' while also painting a portrait of a financially irresponsible conservator, according to TMZ.

Meanwhile, a source has claimed to The Sun that Spears wants the new conservator to 'investigate' Jamie's finances as 'money is missing' from her $60M fortune.

'She has made millions that her attorney believes are unaccounted for and Britney doesnt know where it went,' an insider tells the outlet.

Request for change: Britney Spears' legal team has filed court docs requesting her father Jamie Spears be replaced as conservator of her estate. In the filings Spears describes her dad as 'threatening' and 'scary'

Meanwhile, Britney's lawyer Matt Rosengart has requested Rubin, who practices out of Southern California, be appointed as conservator of her estate, citing his experience in handling financial and elder abuse cases in the past.

Certified Public Accountants offer financial statement audits and other attestation services to help inform investors about the financial health of organizations.

They also provide individuals and families with valuable knowledge and advice on taxes and financial planning.

New guy: Spears' lawyer Matt Rosengart has requested CPA Jason Rubin be appointed as conservator of her estate

If the request is granted, Rubin would be given financial authority to manage Britney's estate and assets as well as the powers of attorney to make health care decisions.

In the past, Britney's health care decisions have been the purview of Britney's co-conservator Jodi Montgomery.

Jodi was brought on to co-manage Britney's affairs in September 2019, when Jamie became ill and has remained in charge of Britney's personal affairs, working as her 'care manager', while Jamie controls her fortune.

The damning court docs depict Jamie as an incompetent financial manager, saying his family 'struggled financially under his leadership and filed for bankruptcy in 1998.'

This is despite the fact he earned millions off of his daughters tours and concert residencies, with the document estimate Jamie raked in $2.1million from his cut of her Vegas residency alone.

Ousted yet? The new legal docs accuse Jamie of making his daughter's life hell, describing her current situation as 'traumatizing, insane and depressing' (pictured in 2008)

Furthermore, Britney's legal team said her relationship with Jamie is 'venomous' and 'it impairs Ms. Spears's mental health, her well-being, and her ability to pursue and continue with her extraordinary career.'

Rosengart states in the documents: 'Any father who genuinely loves his daughter and has her best interests at heart should willingly step aside in favor of the highly respected professional fiduciary nominated here.'

Lynne Spears, Britneys mother and Jamie's ex-wife, said in a declaration supporting Rosengarts filing that his 'microscopic control' over her health care and business decisions in a key period in 2018 and 2019 was especially damaging.

She stated: 'Such scrutiny is exhausting and terrifying, like living in custody'.

Replacement: If the request is granted, Rubin will also been given power to make health care decisions, which is currently the purview of Britney's co-conservator Jodi Montgomery (right)

At a July 14 hearing, Jamie's attorney Vivian Thoreen said he would not be stepping down and he has only ever been motivated by his daughters best interests.

Thoreen said Britney had many inaccurate beliefs, among them that 'her father is responsible for all the bad things that have happened to her.'

Judge Brenda Penny gave Britney permission to hire an attorney of her choice at that hearing, when for the second straight time the singer publicly assailed the conservatorship that has been in place since 2008, breaking into tears as she described the 'cruelty' it subjected her to.

'My dad needs to be removed today,' she said, adding that she would like to see him charged with abusing his position.

Damaging: Lynne Spears, Britney's mother and Jamiesex-wife, said Jamie's 'microscopic control' over her health care and business decisions in a key period in 2018 and 2019 was especially damaging (pictured with Jamie in 2012)

Penny has not yet shown any inclination to remove Jamie, and it is not the first time an attorney for Britney has sought her fathers ouster.

Last year, Rosengarts court-appointed predecessor, Samuel Ingham III, proposed that James Spears be replaced with estate-management firm The Bessemer Trust. Penny instead ruled that Jamie Spears and the firm should work in tandem, but Bessemer bowed out of the arrangement before it formally began.

Ingham resigned after the dramatic June hearing when the pop star publicly decried the conservatorship for the first time, telling Penny: "I just want my life back."

Improvement: Rosengart's new filings contend while Britney' may have needed the support and oversight of a conservatorship 13 years ago, her mental health has improved since (pictured in 2017)

Meanwhile, Rosengart's new filings also contend that while Britney' may have needed the support and oversight of a conservatorship 13 years ago, her mental health has drastically improved since.

'Since receiving professional medical care at the outset of this conservatorship over thirteen years ago, Ms. Spears is clearly in a different place now, and she has been for many years,' the court docs explained.

'The entire world has witnessed Ms. Spears working tirelessly -- with astonishing dedication, precision, and excellence -- as a musical artist and performer, an exceptional earner for Mr. Spears (and others) who had a financial interest in making sure she would continue to work and perform.'

Furthermore, the documents break down Britney's financial assets.

She currently reports $2,730,454 in cash holdings and $57,666,398 in non-cash assets, but that is likely only a portion of her financial portfolio.

Additionally there are multiple Morgan Stanley accounts listed and her homes are valued at $8,455,483.

A hearing regarding Rubin is set for December 13th and according to the filings Britney plans to personally attend.
Olivia Wilde was seen again alone in Los Angeles after a loved up trip to Italy with beau Harry Styles, 27, earlier this month.

The actress, 37, was wearing a red, white and blue T-shirt that said Je Suis Avec Elle which is French for I Am With Her.

I'm With Her was a term used by people who wanted Hillary Clinton as the next United States President, but she lost to Donald Trump in 2016.

Still with her: Olivia Wilde was seen again alone in Los Angeles after a loved up trip to Italy with beau Harry Styles, 27, earlier this month. The actress, 37, was seen in a red, white and blue T-shirt that said Je Suis Avec Elle which is French for I Am With Her

In 2015 Olivia said she supported Clinton: 'The fact that she feels the plight of women and girls as the most important issue of the 21st century is a huge reason why Im supporting her.'

The Tron: Legacy actress added blue trousers and Comme des Garcons Converse Chuck Taylors. The director sipped on a Topo Chico sparkling water.

Her brunette-to-blonde ombre hair fell onto her shoulders and backside and she wore a stylish pair of aviator-style sunglasses from Ray-Ban. The looker also had her fingernails painted black.

The performer had a gold locket around her neck on a long chain.

Agua por favor: The Tron: Legacy actress added blue trousers and Comme des Garcons Converse Chuck Taylors. The director sipped on a Topo Chico sparkling water

This sighting comes after her ex Jason Sudeikis finally addressed their split last year. In an interview with GQ, the actor, 45, clarified he had separated from Olivia in November 2020 and admitted not even he had complete clarity on their break-up.

Jason also said it had been a difficult year for him, saying he had decided to rebound like an 'Avenger' after hitting 'rock bottom.'

Speaking of the breakup, he said: 'I'll have a better understanding of why in a year,' he said. 'And an even better one in two, and an even greater one in five, and it'll go from being, you know, a book of my life to becoming a chapter to a paragraph to a line to a word to a doodle.'

A style all her own: Her brunette-to-blonde ombre hair fell onto her shoulders and backside and she wore a stylish pair of aviator-style sunglasses from Ray-Ban. The looker also had her fingernails painted black and carried a black purse

Meanwhile, Wilde and Sudeikis are 'figuring out' their lives as co-parents.

The couple ended their seven-year engagement earlier this year, and are now working on discussing the best way to co-parent their two children  seven-year-old son Otis and four-year-old daughter Daisy.

An insider said: 'Their relationship as co-parents is a work in progress. They are figuring it out as they go.'

Olivia, 37, is determined to 'make co-parenting work' with the Ted Lasso star, and ultimately wants what's best for her children.

Done: This sighting comes after her ex Jason Sudeikis finally addressed their split last year. In an interview with GQ , the actor, 45, clarified he had separated from Olivia in November 2020 and admitted not even he had complete clarity on their break-up. Seen in 2018

The source explained: 'She wants to make co-parenting work and will do what it takes. She tries just keep the peace. She knows she is a great mom and will always do what's best for her kids.'

And although she wants to work out a good co-parenting strategy with Jason, Olivia has no interest in rekindling their romance, as she's moved on with Styles.

The insider told E! News: 'Olivia has completely moved on and isn't looking back. She knows Jason will be a part of her life forever and that it's important for the kids that they have a solid relationship. She does whatever she can to make that happen.'
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Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have sold an 8,520 sq. foot seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom mansion they owned in Beverly Hills for $16.8 million after a yearlong effort to unload the prime property.

Teigen, 35, and Legend, 42, last August had moved out of the home, according to the New York Post, which went into escrow after only a week on the market last year at a selling price of $24 million.

Realtor Marshall Peck of Douglas Elliman, Beverly Hills told the outlet that the aforementioned deal did not go through, creating delays in the process while giving potential purchasers the false impression the property wasn't on the market.

The latest: Chrissy Teigen, 35, and John Legend, 42, have sold an 8,520 sq. foot seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom mansion they owned in Beverly Hills for $16.8 million after a yearlong effort to unload the prime property

The famed family - including kids Luna, five, and Miles, three, and Chrissy's mother Vilailuck Teigen - had moved out of the home with a bigger home being renovated, as Teigen was expecting their third child, but they tragically lost the baby last October, and Teigen said in December on Instagram she 'never will be [pregnant] again.'

At the time, Teigen and Legend - who bought the home in 2016 for $14.1 million - had looked to sell the Beverly Hills home at a price of $22.5 million, according to the outlet.

The pair in May had put the property on the market for $17.7 million, and a private-equity executive wound up making the winning offer, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The home, which was built in 1966, was once owned by Rihanna, who later sold it in 2014 for $7.65 million, after litigation over construction. Investors who bought the home made significant renovations prior to Teigen and Legend's purchase two years later, including a personal gym and movie theater.

The home features 33-foot ceilings, a sculptural staircase and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the canyon

The 8,520 sq.ft. home has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms and sits on nearly an acre of land in a private gated area just minutes from The Beverly Hills Hotel and Rodeo Drive

The kitchen is made for a chef, as cookbook author Chrissy is often seen showing off her cooking skills online, and comes complete with an enormous island that seats six

Peck told the Post the home 'is hands down the most beautiful home in Beverly Hills' and that 'it has the finest finishes I have ever seen.'

He added: 'It features 33-foot ceilings, a sculptural staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping canyon views while bespoke teak ceilings from Thailand, cerused oak floors steel-rolled clay walls exude sensuality.'

The home sits on nearly an acre of land in a private gated area just minutes from The Beverly Hills Hotel and Rodeo Drive. Listing photos show just how luxurious the stylish celebrity couple's home is, with 33-foot high ceilings, a sculptural staircase and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the canyon.

The kitchen is made for a chef, as the cookbook author had often been seen showing off her cooking skills online; and comes complete with an enormous island that seats six.

The kitchen then opens up into a large family room and throughout the home the ceilings are bespoke patterned from Thailand, with oak floors and clay and steel-rolled walls that 'exude sensuality', according to an earlier listing.

The grand piano sits in front of EGOT recipient John Legend's many awards, including Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tonys

The backyard is perfect for entertaining guests, with its heated saltwater pool and jacuzzi as well as a wood-burning oven, grill, and grapevine-wrapped pergola

The master bedroom features a brass and concrete fireplace with a balcony and a lush glam room

The master bedroom features a brass and concrete fireplace with a balcony and a lush glam room, according to the property listing.

The spa-like bathroom comes completes with a marble tub, onyx sinks and a double shower with a large window and television.

The backyard is perfect for entertaining guests, with its heated saltwater pool and jacuzzi as well as a wood-burning oven, grill, grapevine-wrapped pergola and solar power generator.

Teigen is in the middle of a bullying scandal for past toxic social media behavior, which has led Macy's to cease selling her kitchen line and her exit from the Netflix show Never Have I Ever. The model/cookbook author said she could be 'canceled forever' amid the career crisis.

Teigen last year let fans inside her enormous closet that looks more like a showroom after clearing out her clothes ahead of the move

Determined to keep the space tidy, Chrissy told fans as she cleaned out her closet: ' I can't come up here ever again, I can't handle it'

The couple's children have a perfect playroom that any child would love, complete with books, a TV, kitchen area and stuffed animals

I 'feel like utter st in real life,' Teigen said July 14 on Instagram. 'Going outside sucks and doesnt feel right, being at home alone with my mind makes my depressed head race. But I do know that however Im handling this now isnt the right answer.

'I feel lost and need to find my place again, I need to snap out of this, I desperately wanna communicate with you guys instead of pretending everything is okay.'

Some instances involve Courtney Stodden; Teigen had apologized publicly in May to Stodden in a tweet, but Stodden said Teigen has yet to do so privately.

'Im mortified and sad at who I used to be, I was an insecure, attention seeking troll,' Teigen wrote. 'I am ashamed and completely embarrassed at my behavior but that is nothing compared to how I made Courtney feel.'

The spa-like bathroom comes completes with a marble tub, onyx sinks and a double shower

The tub sits in front of a huge window with sweeping views of the canyon below, as well as separate sinks and vanities for plenty of space

Though the home was built in 1966, renovations include a personal gym and movie theater
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It's the highly-anticipated new Bond film set to finally be released in October.

And Daniel Craig looked every inch the 007 action man in the new No Time to Die trailer released on Monday.

The actor, 53, launches himself off a bridge with just a rope and speeds on a motorbike in the action-packed 30-second teaser.

Wow! Daniel Craig looked every inch the 007 action man in the new No Time to Die trailer released on Monday

In other snippets of scenes Craig is seen reuniting with Q (Ben Whishaw), zooming along in high-speed car races and firing weapons at his enemies.

Craig is also seen shooting through the skies in a fighter jet as new star Lashana Lynch (who plays Nomi) takes the controls while admitting she's 'never flown one of these before.'

Returning Bond girl Lea Seydoux (Dr. Madeleine Swann) is seen next to Bond in a dramatic car chase scene while Ana de Armas (Paloma) makes a brief appearance, telling 007 'you're late'.

The dramatic trailer ends with the words 'Bond is back' flashing across the screen as the October release date is shown.

Stunts: The actor, 53, launched himself off a bridge with just a rope and sped on a motorbike in the action-packed 30-second trailer

Jaw-dropping: In other snippets of scenes Craig is seen reuniting with Q, zooming along in high-speed car races and firing weapons at his enemies

Lea and Ben Whishaw - who plays Q - both reprise their roles in the film while new stars Rami Malek and Ana de Armas will make their debuts.

No Time to Die is Daniel's final adventure as Bond and the film was originally set for release in April 2020 before being postponed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The hotly-anticipated film is reportedly set to have the world's biggest premiere when it is released later this year.

Stars: Craig is also seen shooting through the skies in a fighter jet as new star Lashana Lynch takes the controls, while Bond girls Lea Seydoux and Ana de Armas make brief appearances

Exciting: The dramatic trailer ends with the words 'Bond is back' flashing across the screen as the October release date is shown

According to reports from The Mirror last month, MGM and the film's producers are said to have set aside 10 million for the grand event in the UK.

It was claimed that those behind-the-scenes are keen to have the premiere take place in a large London stadium like Wembley Arena.

A source speaking to the publication claimed: 'They think they can pull off the biggest in-person premiere of the post-pandemic era, and have already put aside a whopping 10million for an event in England that will signal the return of these kinds of flashy movie launches that everybodys been missing for the last year.

'They are looking at the biggest venues in London, starting with Wembley and going down from there, and have enquired about the Staples Center in Los Angeles for a US premiere.

Cast: Lea and Ben Whishaw - who plays Q - both reprise their roles in the film while new stars Rami Malek (pictured) and Ana de Armas will make their debuts

Stunning: Ana wears a beautiful black gown as she appears briefly in the new trailer released on Monday

Scary: In another scene James and Lea are pursued in a high-speed car chase

'MGM and the Bond team have never liked the idea of launching this movie without a red carpet event, which is one of the many reasons theyve rolled with all the delays.'

MailOnline contacted representatives of the James Bond franchise for further comment at the time.

The much anticipated blockbuster has seen its planned premiere pushed back multiple times due to the Covid pandemic, after originally being slated to come out in April 2020.

The film, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, is the 25th film in the franchise, and finds Bond after he has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica when his old friend Felix Leiter, played by Jeffrey Wright, from the CIA turns up asking for help.

Leaving his seemingly happy life with Madeleine (Lea Seydoux), Bond returns to the field to face Safin (Rami Malek) who is armed with a new dangerous technology that could impact the world.

Producer Barbara Broccoli has already teased what fans can expect and said that the movie will deliver a satisfying ending for Daniel's Bond.

007: No Time to Die is Daniel's final adventure as Bond and the film was originally set for release in April 2020 before being postponed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic

Speaking on the official James Bond podcast, she said: 'It's a culmination of everything that his portrayal of the character has been through and it ties up all the storylines. It's a pretty epic film, I have to say.'

After pushing the film's release back to April 2021 in October, MGM quashed rumours about whether it was thinking of offering the film to streaming services for a $600 million one-year licensing deal.

'We do not comment on rumours. The film is not for sale. The film's release has been postponed until April 2021 in order to preserve the theatrical experience for moviegoers,' an MGM spokesperson told Variety.

Bloomberg had reported that Netflix, Amazon and Apple had all been approached about the possibility of the movie being offered up for Premium VOD.

Big event: The film, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, is the 25th film in the franchise, and finds Bond after he has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica when his old friend Felix Leiter, played by Jeffrey Wright, from the CIA turns up asking for help (pictured: Ana de Armas)

However, according to Deadline.com, none of the streaming services were willing to put up more than half the amount the studio was seeking.

Lead actor Craig did defend James Bond producers' decision to delay the premiere of the new film in October last year.

Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Craig said: 'This thing is just bigger than all of us. We want to release the movie at the same time all around the world and this isn't the right time. So fingers cross April 2 is going to be our date.'

The new release will be Craig's final outing as the spy after landing the role for 2006's Casino Royale. He has also starred in Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).

The star has previously discussed his anxieties over the new script and admitted feeling 'physically very low' was the reason behind the film's five year delay in a recent interview with GQ Magazine.

The actor said: 'I was never going to do one again. I was like, 'Is this work really genuinely worth this, to go through this, this whole thing?' And I didn't feel... I felt physically really low.

Ending: The new release will be Daniel Craig's final outing as the spy after landing the role for 2006's Casino Royale. He has also starred in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre

'So the prospect of doing another movie was just, like, off the cards. And that's why it has been five years.'

Craig said that the 'physicality' of Bond is 'a preparation, in a way', because he would not get the script beforehand.

He said: 'It's making my head go, 'This is what it's going to be'.'

Trying to prepare for a role in one of the most popular film franchises in modern cinema without a script also caused him to have anxiety.

He said: 'I have suffered from it in the past. I have suffered because it's been like, 'I can't cope. I can't deal with this'.'

The hunt for a new Bond began in 2016 when Daniel admitted he was 'over it' after being cast in the role since Casino Royale in 2006.

'... I'd rather break this glass and slash my wrists,' he told TimeOut when asked whether he would do another Bond film.

'No, not at the moment. Not at all. That's fine. I'm over it at the moment. We're done. All I want to do is move on.'

Since the speculation began the likes of Tom Hardy, James Norton, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and even retired footballer David Beckham have been mentioned as possible replacements.
David Carroll, a Chattanooga news anchor and radio host, is on ChattanoogaRadioTV.com. You may contact him at radiotv2020@yahoo.com
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An artistic rendering of the 10 granite pillars to be installed on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus this fall. The monuments will pay homage to the National Pan-Hellenic Council and its Divine Nine historically Black fraternities and sororities.
Neel Bhatt, a UW assistant professor of otolaryngology, specializes in treating patients with voice problems. Through his work, he began to realize people did not like the sound of their own voices. With the transition to school over Zoom, many students can relate to the discomfort of hearin
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Tom Barrack pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges that he acted as an unregistered agent of the United Arab Emirates and obstructed a federal investigation.

Barrack, a real estate investor who once owned the controlling stake in Miramax, was arrested last week and held for three days in a county detention center in San Bernardino. He was released Friday evening on a $250 million bond, and is required to wear an ankle monitor. The bond is secured by a $5 million cash deposit.

He appeared in person at federal court in Brooklyn on Monday. He is barred from traveling outside of New York, Southern California or Colorado.

Matthew Grimes, an employee of Barracks investment firm who was also indicted, also entered a not guilty plea.

Barrack has been friends with former President Donald Trump for decades and acted as an informal adviser on Middle East issues. Barrack, the founder and former CEO of Colony Capital, is accused of using his close ties with the Trump administration to advance the UAEs foreign policy goals.

In a statement issued on Friday, Barrack thanked the jail staff in San Bernardino and praised their professionalism.

I also want to recognize the grace and humanity of the gentlemen with whom I have shared a community over these last three days, he said in the statement. I am innocent and will prove that in court.

Rashid Al-Malik, a UAE citizen, was also indicted on the foreign agent and conspiracy charges. He remains at large.

Barrack bought Miramax from Disney in 2010, in partnership with the Qatari state investment authority. He later sold the company to beIN Media Group, a Qatari broadcaster.

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With a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases circulating in the region, the effects are being felt locally, forcing the Conroe Animal Shelter to close.

The shelter, managed by Conroe-based Care Corporation, first posted information about cases July 23 noting an employee had tested positive. Shelter officials posted a statement regarding the closure for the facility at 407 Sgt. Ed Holcomb Blvd. late Sunday.

The shelter is closed until further notice due to multiple employees testing positive for Covid. Thank you for understanding. If you are missing an animal please check petharbor.com. We will continue to check our voice mail. We are sorry for any inconvenience, the post read.

Data online shows the shelter has less than five employees. No other information was available.

Montgomery County health officials first confirmed a growing number of new and reinfected COVID-19 cases July 14 and urged all residents to get vaccinated. Data from the county shows 238,394 people are now fully vaccinated which is almost 47 percent of the county population of those 12 and older.

Last week, the Montgomery County Public Health Department confirmed the county added 412 new active cases and 23 cases of people reinfected. Reinfection is defined by the Department of State Health Services as two positive COVID-19 cases at least 90 apart with no consecutive tests between.

The total number of cases is now 57,017 with 1,221 of those active. Total hospitalizations increased 36 to 91 with 20 of those patients in ICU. To date, 30,096 people have recovered.

The countys number of deaths increased four to 346. Additionally, the countys testing positive rate has also started to rise again and is now at 7 percent.

Health officials are encouraging all eligible residents to be vaccinated to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 and emerging variants in the area. Everyone 12 years of age and older is eligible for a vaccine in Texas.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
What do Metro-North and the Merritt Parkway have in common, I mean, aside from often crawling at a snails pace? Both seem to be hotbeds of unenforced safety rules.

Anybody who has driven the parkway knows that its 1930s design cannot accommodate trucks, but they are there all the time. Tom Lombardo, a fellow Board member on the Merritt Parkway Conservancy, recently conducted an unscientific survey to quantify the problem.

In a single hour one weekday morning, he logged 212 trucks, buses and commercial vehicles traveling in both directions on the highway. Thats more than three per minute. Now compare that number with the fact that state police issued only 581 tickets to trucks on the Parkway in all of 2020 and you get a sense of how unenforced this rule is.

Mind you, trucks on the Merritt Parkway are only facing a $90 fine, if caught, which they arent often, until they strike a bridge. The King Street Bridge in Greenwich was struck 24 times in one year.

State Police are understaffed and spread too thin. Enforcing the no trucks rule appears not to be high on their priorities list.

But on Metro-North, rules enforcement should not be the problem it has become, given the staffing of conductors on all trains. Yet, in the middle of the COVID pandemic, the railroad is not enforcing a simple rule designed to keep conductors and passengers safe: wear a face mask.

Theyre still wasting money and manpower disinfecting car interiors, wiping down surfaces and spraying the seats. Never mind that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been telling us for months theres only a one in 10,000 chance of getting COVID by surface contact.

Oh, the railroad does a great PR job explaining how to wear a mask, but they dont enforce what is now a Federal Transportation Safety Administration regulation: wear a face mask or face a fine.

A recent Freedom of Information request of the MTA Police showed that since last September they have not issued a single ticket to mask rule violators in Connecticut. Not even one.

Yet I see social media complaints every day, often with pictures, of people on trains riding maskless and not being challenged, let alone ticketed, by Metro-North staff. In some cases passengers say even the conductors arent fully masked.

These reports are duly logged by MTAs social media watchers, complete with date, time and location information and reported to supervisors. Then, like with so many complaints to the railroad, nothing changes.

Are these conductors disciplined? Retrained? Does anyone do anything to stop this potentially life threatening non-enforcement of a Federal public health rule? Apparently not, given the growing number of reports we see.

The MTA has seen 136 of their own employees die of COVID since the pandemic began. Theyve even built them a memorial. And sure, theyve passed out thousands of masks to subway, bus and train riders. But what good are free masks if the rules to wear them arent enforced?

The TSA and Federal Aviation Administration have issued tens of thousands of dollars in fines in 1,300 cases of non-mask wearing on airplanes. But on Metro-North not a single ticket. Not one.

If trucks arent ticketed on the Merritt Parkway and maskless riders arent penalized on the train, people notice the laws arent being enforced and that scofflaws rule the roads and rails.

Jim Cameron is a longtime commuter advocate based in Fairfield County. Contact him at CommuterActionGroup@gmail.com.
DENVER (AP)  A 75-year-old Colorado man who suffered a cascade of health problems after a police officer used a Taser on him in his home without warning filed a federal lawsuit Monday, accusing the officer of also putting a knee on his neck and causing an injury to his carotid artery that required surgery.

After former Idaho Springs Officer Nicholas Hanning used the Taser on May 30, Michael Clark says he lost consciousness and struck a chair as he fell. His lawsuit asserts that Hanning then put pressure on his neck that deprived him of oxygen, prolonged his loss of consciousness and increased his risk of death.

Hanning has been charged with third-degree assault and fired. Body camera footage released last week appears to show Hannings knee on Clarks neck as the handcuffed man laid on the ground after being stunned and dragged out of his apartment. The officer's knee is not always in view, so it's not clear how long that lasted. Within about 15 seconds, Hanning's knee can be seen again but on Clarks back just below the neck.

A lawyer for Hanning did not immediately return a telephone call or an email seeking comment.

Police initially said Clark and an officer got into an altercation before the Taser was used but later said Hanning initiated the altercation and that Clark put down a sword-like weapon when asked. Police Chief Nathan Buseck, who asked prosecutors to investigate, declined to comment on pending litigation.

Colorado lawmakers passed a sweeping police reform law during nationwide protests over George Floyd's killing last year by a Minneapolis officer who pressed a knee into his neck. It banned officers from using chokeholds, defined as any pressure that could make breathing difficult or impossible or pressure to the carotid arteries to stop the flow of blood to the brain.

Clark's body began sending blood cells to the injured carotid artery within 24 hours and he had a stroke the next day, according to the lawsuit against Hanning, another officer with him at Clarks apartment, their supervisor and the city.

According to the footage and court documents, Hanning and his partner knocked on the door to Clarks apartment without announcing they were police. A 30-year-old woman who had just moved in next door had accused Clark of punching her in the face, which Clark later denied. The lawsuit alleges the woman was intoxicated, offered authorities varying accounts of what happened and had no injuries.

Clark had yelled through the wall at his new neighbors about making loud noise as he was trying to sleep, according to the lawsuit. He answered the door with a collectible sawfish snout sword, thinking it might be the neighbors coming to confront him, but only realized it was the police once he opened the door, it said.

The officers' body camera footage shows Hanning going into Clarks apartment and telling him to put down the sword, which Clark does immediately. The lawsuit says Hanning also kicked Clark in the knee and punched him in the head.

Clark then refused the officers conflicting commands to get on the ground and get out of the apartment, forcefully saying No," the video shows. Then, as Clark was talking about his neighbors being noisy, Hanning used his Taser on him, less than a minute after Clark opened his door.

Eight weeks after Clark was wheeled out of his apartment building with his arms and ankles tied to a stretcher, he has not been able to return home and is in a nursing home in need of surgery on his heart and to remove a burst appendix, according to the lawsuit. Doctors do not think his heart is strong enough to undergo surgery on his appendix and they do not want to operate on his heart and risk infection caused by the ruptured appendix, it said.
DARIEN - Professional ballet dancer Claire Mazza is joining the Darien Arts Center as part of an expansion to its dance program, which will take place in the centers newly renovated Weatherstone Studio this fall.

The centers dance program offers programs for children starting at 3 years old through adults and the opportunity to participate in multiple performances throughout the year.

A native New Yorker, Mazza began her dance training at the School of American Ballet. While immersing herself in the Balanchine style, Mazza studied privately with Francois Perron, focusing on the classical French technique, and attended Studio Maestro (currently Manhattan Youth Ballet).

Upon graduating and after performing with the Manhattan Youth Ballet Studio Company, Mazza launched her professional career dancing with Les Grands Ballet Canadiens de Montreal, Brooklyn Ballet, the North Carolina Dance Theatre, Richmond Ballet, Morales Dance, Staten Island Ballet, the St. Peters Dance Company, Dances Patrelle, and Cello Pointe.

Mazza was also a soloist with Connecticut Ballet for many years. She is currently a soloist with the New York City based company Ballets With a Twist and the Kathryn Posin Dance Company.

Mazzas ballet repertoire spans from classical to contemporary works. She recently performed as a principal in Ballet Choreographer George Balanchines Who Cares? and starred as the character of Titania in A Midsummer Nights Dream. Mazza has also been seen dancing in television productions such as Kings, Royal Pains and Elementary.

Mazza has been teaching dance to students for the past 10 years. Mazza co-founded the nonprofit organization, East Coast Contemporary Ballet, in 2019.

Mazza is teaching ballet on Wednesdays, for students, who are in the sixth grade through the eighth grade, from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m., and company ballet from 6:45 to 8 p.m., also on Wednesdays. The dance classes at the arts center begin on Sept. 7.

Classes for students ages 3 and older include ballet, jazz, hip hop, Broadway dance, lyrical jazz, contemporary dance, pointe and boys ballet, which is new for the arts centers offerings.

View the class offerings, and the rest of the class offerings at the arts center by visiting darienarts.org. Also sign up for the arts centers email newsletters and register for the classes at that website or call the arts center at (203) 655-8683.

brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com
NEW YORK (AP)  New York City will require all of its municipal workers  including teachers and police officers  to get coronavirus vaccines by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday.

The rule is expected to affect about 340,000 city employees, making the city one of the largest employers in the U.S. to take such action.

While it isn't a vaccine mandate  no workers will be forced to take a shot  officials hope the inconvenience and discomfort of weekly tests will persuade many to overcome a reluctance to get inoculated.

This is about our recovery. This is about what we need to do to bring back New York City," de Blasio said. This is about keeping people safe.

But some of the unions representing city workers balked at the announcement, saying the city couldn't impose the requirement without negotiations.

New York City is a union town, and that cannot be ignored, said Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37 of AFSCME. DC 37 represents about 100,000 New York City employees across several departments.

Hours after de Blasio's announcement, officials in California announced that state employees and all health care workers will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or get tested weekly.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declined to answer a question about whether he will require state employees to be vaccinated. Speaking at a news conference at Yankee Stadium, Cuomo urged localities to consider vaccinating public-facing government workers.

The Sept. 13 deadline in New York City coincides with the start of public school, when the Democratic mayor has said he expects all pupils to be in classrooms full time. City health care workers and employees in congregate setting such as group homes will face earlier deadlines.

The move comes as the city battles a rise in COVID-19 cases fueled by the highly contagious delta variant. Since the end of June, the daily average of new cases has increased by more than 300%.

Last week, the city had announced it was mandating vaccinations or weekly testing for workers in the city's hospital system.

De Blasio expanded the requirement Monday and urged private employers to adopt similar rules.

My message to the private sector is: Go as far as you can go right now," the mayor said. I would strongly urge a vaccination mandate whenever possible, or as close to it as possible.

City workers' unions offered mixed responses to the new mandate.

Vaccination and testing have helped keep schools among the safest places in the city," the United Federation of Teachers said in a statement. "This approach puts the emphasis on vaccination but still allows for personal choice and provides additional safeguards through regular testing.

But the union that represents the city's 4,300 EMS workers blasted the city for not consulting them.

The city and the mayor cannot simply disregard the civil liberties of the workforce, said FDNY EMS Local 2507 President Oren Barzilay.

He said some EMS workers  like some other people around the country  are concerned about taking a vaccine that got fast-track, emergency use authorization but not yet a full approval from federal regulators.

The three vaccines authorized in the U.S. still underwent the normal massive testing required of any vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's acting commissioner, Dr. Janet Woodcock, told a Senate committee this week that the agency did not cut any corners on safety.

City workers who choose testing will be responsible for getting it done. Tests are available to city workers and the general public at city-run sites, private walk-in clinics and many other locales for free to the person being tested; insurers or public money covers the cost.

Asked about union objections, de Blasio said the city has a right to require that its workforce gets vaccinated or tested.

When it comes to the health and safety of our workers in the midst of a global pandemic, we have the right, as employers, to take urgent action to protect peoples health, to protect their lives, he said.

The number of vaccine doses being given out daily in the city has dropped to less than 18,000, down from a peak of more than 100,000 in early April. About 65% of adults in the city are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, caseloads have been rising for weeks, and health officials say the variant makes up about seven in 10 new cases.

De Blasio has said that he does not plan to reimpose a broad indoor mask mandate, as Los Angeles County has done. Masks are required in some settings such as public transportation.

De Blasio said unvaccinated city employees will be required to wear masks indoors at all times.

Asked how the city would handle unvaccinated employees who don't want to wear masks in the workplace, city labor relations commissioner Renee Campion said, If employees refuse to comply, they just cant be at work. And in fact, they will not be paid.

___

Associated Press writer Marina Villeneuve contributed to this report.
CHUGUR, Peru (AP)  The humble two-story, adobe home of the Castillo family, located in one of the poorest districts of Peru deep in the Andes, feels a little empty now. Lilia Paredes packed up the familys belongings within the last week, neatly folding her husbands shirts and picking some plates and silverware in between visits from farmers from nearby villages stopping by to say goodbye.

A neo-baroque presidential palace awaits Paredes, her husband and Peruvian President-elect Pedro Castillo, and their two children  should the family chose to live in the historic building.

Castillo, will be sworn in as president Wednesday, less than two weeks after he was declared the winner of the June 6 runoff election. The leftist rural teacher, who has never held office, defeated his opponent, right-wing career politician Keiko Fujimori, by just 44,000 votes.

Paredes is not sure where she, her husband and two children will live starting Wednesday. She also does not know where the children will go to school once classes begin.

We dont have any property in Lima, she told The Associated Press last week on her foggy patio in Chugur while she rubbed her hands amid the cold of the Andean winter. We are people from the countryside, and almost always, the provincial have to wait years to have a property in the capital. If they tell me to live in another place, it would also be the same, we are not kings to live in a palace, we go to work.

Castillos supporters included the poor and rural citizens of the South American nation. He popularized the phrase No more poor in a rich country, and stunned millions of Peruvians and observers by advancing to the runoff.

The economy of Peru, the worlds second-largest copper producer, has been crushed by the coronavirus pandemic, increasing the poverty level to almost one-third of the population and eliminating the gains of a decade.

The typical presidential transition process was derailed after Fujimori tried to overturn the result, asking election authorities to annul thousands of votes alleging fraud, an accusation she could never prove. That left the Castillo family little time to make plans and say their goodbyes.

Unlike all of Perus former presidents of the last 40 years, the Castillos have no home in Lima. Paredes, also a teacher, said she and her husband have to decide whether they will live in the presidential residence, but it is likely they will call it home. She has seen it from the outside but has never stepped inside, not even on guided tours that were offered during pre-pandemic times.

Choosing their home is a significant decision given Castillos anti-elite rhetoric. His campaign slogan could be called into question if the family moves into the ornate presidential palace.

Paredes is taking to Lima some bags with food, including peas, beans, sweet corn flour and cheese that the family makes at home after milking their cows at dawn. The familys house - which Castillo built more than 20 years ago - will be in the care of Paredes elder sister.

The family has also packed study materials for Arnold, 16, and Alondra, 9. Paredes would like her children to attend a university and a state college. She said Arnold wants to study civil engineering because he likes math.

Alondrita will continue studying in a public school, but I would like it to be one of nuns, Paredes said. If that happens, it will be the first time in decades that the children of a president enroll in public education. The powerful in Peru have long preferred private schools.

Some local media outlets had suggested that Paredes would wear an haute couture dress from a Lima-based designer, but she categorically denied that option. She chose Lupe de la Cruz, a seamstress from a town near Chugur, to make two suits for her.

I like simple... My husband likes what I wear, and I like what he wears, she said.

Paredes recently brought de la Cruz two cuts of brown and green wool fabric. The seamstress showed her a fashion magazine, and the next first lady chose the designs of two discreet suits.

She does not like embellishments nor scandalous colors, de la Cruz said days later at her workshop, cluttered with fabrics, scissors, needles, threads and rulers.

Before leaving for Lima, Paredes and her family attended a service in the Nazarene church that is located a few yards (meters) from their home. Pastor Victor Cieza invited dozens of pastors from other evangelical churches from the surrounding villages.

The church with yellow walls and a tin roof filled up with neighbors dressed in hats and woolen ponchos like those worn by Castillo. Some sang accompanied by a guitar; others reflected on vanity and the importance of humility.

Everyone knows us, we will never forget where we are from and where we have to return because the positions are not forever, Paredes said at the end of the service.
I have many fond memories of growing up in Darien. My family lived on Beach Drive overlooking Holly Pond. In 1973, we moved to Long Neck Point Road.

Some of you may have known my parents, John and Fran Emery. But most people were not aware that my dad carried a lifelong deep grief. July 30 is a day that has haunted my father all of his life.

Most of our Darien friends didnt know that my dad had a younger brother named Bill. William Friend Emery graduated from New Canaan High School in May 1944 and enlisted in the Navy.

My grandfather, Lt. Commander John Colvin Emery, served in the Navy and received an order from his superior, my grandmother, Janet Millar Emery. My grandmother was still grieving and processing the death of their young 4-year-old child, Steven Gray Emery, who died in 1940 due to spinal meningitis.

My grandmother told her husband: Do not put my son in harms way. My grandfather then looked up and down the Navys Fifth Fleet for the perfect ship that had the least likelihood of seeing any action. My grandfather found the perfect ship: 10 battle stars, Admiral Raymond Spruances Flagship, and FDRs ship of state. The ship was dry docked in Mare Island in Vallejo, Calif., after getting hit by a kamikaze pilot during the Okinawa Gunto Operation. It was the USS Indianapolis CA-35.

Three weeks before VJ Day was declared on Aug. 14, 1945, the USS Indianapolis CA-35 delivered the components of the first atomic bomb to the island of Tinian. From there, the Enola Gay dropped Little Boy on Hiroshima. The USS Indianapolis, nicknamed Indy, played a crucial and pivotal role in the ending of World War ll.

Sadly and tragically, on July 30, 1945, two weeks before peace was declared, the Indy was torpedoed and sunk in 12 minutes. Of Indys 1195 final sailing crew, only 316 survived 4 1/2 days in shark-infested waters in the Philippine Sea.

Perhaps some of you may have first heard about the USS Indianapolis from the movie Jaws. I still remember watching Jaws at the Darien Playhouse with my dad in 1975. When Robert Shaw started to deliver his speech about the USS Indianapolis in the movie, my Dad started fidgeting in his seat. I could tell he was so uncomfortable.

The Indy sinking was the largest loss of life from a combatant ship in naval wartime history. My uncle and namesake, William Friend Emery, Seaman First Class/Quartermaster Striker, Navigation Division, was one of the 879 Indy crew who were lost at sea.

Today, there are only five Indy survivors still with us. I will be flying down to Indianapolis for our Sixth Annual Honor Watch on July 30 at our USS Indianapolis CA-35 Monument. We will begin our Honor Watch at 4 a.m., and will be joined by other members of our Indy family.

As we remember the anniversary of the end of World War ll, please dont forget the the USS Indianapolis CA-35, and the 879 of her final sailing crew who were not able to come home to their families loving embrace. These magnificent Indy sailors of the greatest generation had a higher calling and destiny. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that we cherish today. As a Gold Star family, the Emery family knows the ultimate price of freedom.

Freedom is not free. Our heroes might be gone, but they will never ever be forgotten. To never be forgotten is to live forever.

Michael William Emery is a resident of West Concord, Mass.
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For Release: Monday, July 26, 2021

DEC and Team Rubicon Announce First-Ever Joint Sawyer Training Exercise

Exercise at Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest Marks Expansion of DEC's Southern Pine Beetle Control Efforts

Click Here for Video from July 25 Training (leaves DEC website).

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that DEC held its first-ever sawyer training exercise this past weekend at DEC's Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest with a Long Island-based delegation of Team Rubicon volunteers. The two-day training exercise was designed specifically to help Team Rubicon, an international non-profit disaster response organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans, committed civilians, and first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.

"Team Rubicon volunteers-veterans of our armed forces-embody the values of courage and selfless service, much like DEC's first responders," said Commissioner Seggos. "This training partnership helps us manage damaging invasive species in our state forests, bolsters New York's severe-weather preparedness, and provides Team Rubicon members valuable operational and chainsaw training that they will put to use when storms impact lives and property."

"We thank the DEC for this partnership and for the opportunity to provide additional training and expertise to our volunteers. This experience will allow us to respond quickly when communities need us," said Maureen Rutkowski, Team Rubicon New York State Lead.

Rocky Point Forest Management Projects

In addition to providing a training opportunity for these emergency responders, the exercise supports forest management efforts underway at Rocky Point State Forest. The area chosen for the training session is part of an approximate 1,500-acre parcel on the nearly 6,000-acre Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest. Following the discovery of southern pine beetle (SPB) on Long Island in 2014, DEC took aggressive steps to contain its spread. Initial work focused on cutting more than 2,400 trees on a 20-acre parcel on the DEC-managed Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest.

Because Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest is one of the largest publicly owned properties in the Central Pine Barrens region, DEC brought in a team of DEC foresters to complete an inventory of tree species on this property in 2015. The inventory produced a hazard risk map of timber stands at the greatest risk of SPB infestation. From this inventory, DEC completed a tree stand density analysis to determine the optimal number of trees per acre that would allow a forest to fend off any future southern pine beetle attacks. Approximately two years ago, DEC staff oversaw a timber stand marking project on an approximate 1,500-acre parcel of this forest. Marked trees were chosen to protect healthier trees from being impacted by SPB. These marked trees designated for thinning will be taken as part of this training exercise with Team Rubicon.

Team Rubicon

Team Rubicon is an international non-profit disaster response organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams to communities affected by disasters. Team Rubicon currently maintains a roster of more than 140,000 plus volunteers able to deploy throughout the United States and world. In New York State, Team Rubicon has nearly 6,500 volunteers. To learn more please visit Team Rubicon's website (leaves DEC website).

Team Rubicon was formed after a 7.0 earthquake shattered Por-au-Prince, Haiti, in January 2010. In the days following the earthquake, many traditional aid organizations were slow to establish relief efforts, citing dangerous and unstable working conditions. Troubled by the scenes in Port-au-Prince and the lack of proper aid, two Marines, Jake Wood and William McNulty, decided to act. Gathering supplies and volunteers, the small group of veterans, first responders, and medical professionals deployed to Haiti. The small group focused on populations often overlooked or underserved by traditional aid organizations. By applying medical and leadership skills honed by years of service in the military, Team Rubicon provided aid to thousands of survivors of the earthquake. From this initial operation, a larger organization grew, one committed to helping underserved communities impacted by disasters.

About the Southern Pine Beetle

SPB is considered one of the most destructive forest pests in the U.S. and attacks all species of pine including pitch pine, the predominant species found in the Long Island Pine Barrens. Prior to its discovery on Long Island in 2014, it had reached as far north as New Jersey and devastated almost 50,000 acres of pine barrens there. Municipal, county, state, and federal agencies are working together to protect Long Island's 55,000 acres of core pine barrens and the 100,000 acres of surrounding compatible growth of pine barrens, which protect the island's sole source drinking water aquifer.

The most effective method of minimizing the spread of SPB includes cutting infested trees and thinning surrounding forested areas. Thinned forests enable individual trees to better defend themselves against beetle attacks. If untreated, SPB can move swiftly to nearby forested areas. Insecticides have been shown to be mostly ineffective against SPB, too costly to the environment, and too great a threat to the sole source drinking water aquifer. Adult beetles bore into the bark of trees laying eggs in S-shaped tunnels just beneath the bark. This disrupts the flow of nutrients, killing the tree in typically two to four months. More information about SPB is available on DEC's website.

Photos and video below are Courtesy of NYSDEC.

High Resolution Photos (zip) (Internet explorer is required to download).

B-Roll footage: https://we.tl/t-v5NGZMaHDG. (Leaves DEC website)




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HYDERABAD: Unbelievable, but true. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) spent Rs 7,396 to fill each pothole in the city as the civic body itself testified to the court of law.

In the data submitted to the High Court, the corporation said it had spent Rs 180.08 crore to fill 2,43,455 potholes from financial year 2016-17 to till date. Though the corporation earmarked about Rs 1,600 to repair each pothole, it has spent over four times the amount, according to the data. Surprisingly, the civic body, in its report, maintained that the decrease in number of potholes over the years was due to preventive and comprehensive steps taken under periodical preventive maintenance (PPM) and the recent comprehensive road maintenance plan (CRMP) programmes.

According to the data submitted to the High Court, the corporation deployed instant repair teams (IRT), which work during the non-monsoon period spanning from November 1 to May 31 every year. During the financial year 2017-18, it deployed 60 teams and spent Rs 4.92 crore, 79 teams in 2018-19 and spent Rs 6.91 crore, 157 teams in 2019-20 and spent Rs 20.26 crore and 141 teams in 2020-21 and spent Rs 48.82 crore. Overall, the GHMC spent Rs 48.28 crore on 437 IRT teams. This apart, the corporation spent Rs 95.77 crore on monsoon emergency teams (MET), which were placed to look after repair of roads, clear water stagnation on roads etc during June 1 to October 31. It deployed 173 teams and spent Rs 21.68 crore during the financial year 2018-19, 153 teams and spent Rs 22.92 crore in 2019-20, 170 teams and spent Rs 24.53 crore and, in 2020-21, 195 teams and spent Rs 26.64 crore.

In addition to the above teams, the GHMC also took up repair of potholes, cross cuttings and longitudinal cutting of roads using jet patcher or speed craft machines to ensure speedy and effective filling of potholes, as per the GO NO 271 dated April 18, 2018. It used Shell Mac compound which is used for instant repair of potholes and depressions on roads permanently. It is an all-weather usage product and repairs can be made in wet conditions of monsoon, low temperatures of winter and high temperatures of summer.

The treated surface can be opened for traffic immediately after treatment. The civic body has also used bulk bitumen, crushed metal and cationic emulsion to repair the potholes. The civic body spent Rs 6.09 crore during financial year 2016-17 for procurement of pothole repair material to repair 86,884 potholes, Rs 7.25 crore in 2017-18 to repair 56,769 potholes, Rs 5.81 crore in 2018-19 to repair 42,870 potholes, Rs 5.70 crore in 2019-20 to repair 41,836 potholes and Rs 1.89 crore and in 2020-21 to repair 12,944 potholes.

The corporation submitted to the court that it had repaired 2,152 potholes in 2021-22 as on date. Overall, the corporation claimed that it had filled 2,43,455 potholes and spent Rs 170.08 crore in the last five years.

A senior GHMC official, requesting anonymity, said additionally the corporation spent about Rs 10 crore to procure the jet patchers. He said the overall amount spent on repairing potholes on city roads was Rs 180.08 crore. When asked about spending Rs 7,396 per pothole while the corporation allocated only Rs 1,560 to fill each pothole, the official refused to comment on the issue.
Earlier in the day, as soon as the House met, Speaker Om Birla paid tributes to the armed forces personnel for their valour and sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. (Representative Image: PTI)

New Delhi: Proceedings of Lok Sabha were adjourned till 2:45 PM on Monday after Opposition members raised slogans and placards on the Pegasus snooping row and the farmers' issue.

The House ran for a few minutes as papers were laid on the table and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

With the Opposition MPs raising slogans against the government, Kirit Solanki, who was chairing the proceedings, asked them to return to their seats and allow the House to function. However, with the protesting MPs not relenting, he adjourned the proceedings till 2:45 PM.

Earlier in the day, as soon as the House met, Speaker Om Birla paid tributes to the armed forces personnel for their valour and sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War.

On the 22nd anniversary of 'Operation Vijay', mounted to flush out Pakistani troops from the heights of Kargil, Speaker Birla also expressed his gratitude to the family members of the heroes of the Kargil War.

Members observed silence for those who made the supreme sacrifice.

He also congratulated Mirabai Chanu for winning a silver in Tokyo Olympics.

Soon thereafter, opposition members trooped into the Well raising slogans, disrupting the proceedings.

While the Pegasus snooping row remained the dominant issue with the Opposition members, they also raised slogans and displayed placards in support of agitating farmers.

Some opposition members demanded the presence of the prime minister in the House and raised slogans such as "Modi sarkar jawab do" (Modi government please answer) on the Pegasus issue.

"The government wants to give a reply. If you want a reply, please go back to your seats ... people choose you to raise their issues. You are raising slogans ... this hurts the dignity of the House," Speaker Birla said.

He had then adjourned the proceedings till 2 PM.
Localised infections would be closely monitored and all out efforts would be made to ensure the pandemic is under check, he said. (DC Image/Murali Krishna)

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has planned to vaccinate the most vulnerable sections soon and also train medical professionals to cope with the possible third wave of coronavirus, state Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan said on Monday.

Also, localised infections would be closely monitored and all out efforts would be made to ensure the pandemic is under check, he said.

"Doctors and nurses would be trained to cope with the possible third wave and already the infrastructure at all the paediatric wards in the government hospitals across the state have been upgraded," Radhakrishnan told PTI.

The third wave is likely to affect children more.

The government's efforts are oriented towards averting any new infections, he added.

"We have to be mentally prepared to face it. And appropriate steps were already taken to improve the beds and oxygen supplies," he said referring to the nearly 80,000 beds created across Tamil Nadu.

Oxygen cylinders and concentrators have also been readied.But a disheartening factor is the behaviour of some of the people, he lamented.

"Despite the state government's best efforts in enforcement and monitoring to bring the pandemic under control, an element of casualness which is creeping among the people could cause a spurt in cases," Radhakrishnan said and appealed to the people to follow Covid appropriate behaviour.

"Some people are still not wearing face masks or following social distancing. The absence of masks and non-conformity to social distancing norms are causing concern," he said and warned that this could affect the efforts in bringing down the coronavirus cases.

On Sunday, Tamil Nadu reported 1808 cases with its overall tally going to 25,48,497.

The active cases stand at 23,364.

Regarding inoculation, the senior official said the government has planned to cover the most vulnerable sections soon, subject to availability of vaccines.

"The emergence of Covid variant is not in our control. So, we have to be mentally prepared to face any eventuality," Radhakrishnan said.
Last month, the Canadian government also announced that it is extending the ban on incoming passenger flights from India for another month due to the Delta variant of COVID-19. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: National carrier Etihad Airways on Monday informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2.

The date could be extended, depending on directions by the UAE authorities, Khaleej Times reported citing Etihad Airways Guest Relations.

"We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet.

Last month, the Canadian government also announced that it is extending the ban on incoming passenger flights from India for another month due to the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has on Monday sought the view of the Central government on a petition filed on July 16, 2021, by the mother of Nimisha Fathima who is in Afghanistan prison following the killing of her Islamic State (IS) fighter husband in an attack.

A single Bench of Justice PB Suresh Kumar while considering the petition filed by Fathima's mother Bindu K has sought a response from the Centre in this regard. Fatima's mother has demanded the repatriation of her daughter and her four-year-old grand daughter said the court.

The petition alleged, "not repatriating Nimisha and her child amounts to a violation of the fundamental right to life and denial of the right to education to the kid. The petitioner has been running from pillar to post since 2015 but has failed to receive any support from the central and state governments.

None of the media reports which say they have been detained in the prison has been denounced or countered by the Indian authorities. The return of them shall not pose a threat to the security or sovereignty of India since after the repatriation they can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society under the watchful eyes of human rights organizations."

Earlier, the High Court had refused to entertain a Habeas Corpus plea of Bindu seeking repatriation of Nimisha Fathima citing technical issues.
Prof M Panduranga Rao, who worked extensively for the Ramappa temple to be nominated for the Unesco heritage site through Kakatiya Heritage Trust (KHT), expressed happiness over their hard work finally making Telangana proud.  DC Image

WARANGAL: The marvel of Kakatiya era, Ramappa temple in Palampet of Mulugu district, has become the face of Telangana on the global tourism front with the award of world heritage site tag by the Unesco on Sunday.

A festive mood engulfed the erstwhile Warangal district, especially in Palampet village about 65 kilometres from Hanamkonda. Villagers cheered the announcement as the temple received the Unesco recognition.

However, the locals say if not for their combined efforts to protect it, the temple may not have survived today. Former sarpanch and convenor of Ramappa Temple Protection Committee Venkataram Mohan Rao said a tunnel was being dug as part of the Devadula irrigation project in 2010, against the norms of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as the contract company proposed to dig the tunnel which passed dangerously close to the temple.

"We issued notices to the company but the then Andhra Pradesh government supported the contractors. Without giving up, we formed the Ramappa temple protection committee with members like MLA Chukka Ramaiah, Prof Jayadheer Tirumal Rao, Prof Panduranga Rao and several others to fight against this and successfully stopped the tunnel. If not for the efforts of these people, the temple would not have stood today," he said.

Prof M Panduranga Rao, who worked extensively for the Ramappa temple to be nominated for the Unesco heritage site through Kakatiya Heritage Trust (KHT), expressed happiness over their hard work finally making Telangana proud.

"We participated in the live interaction with Unesco. It is a great achievement for the Telangana government which successfully projected Ramappa temple into the list of Unesco's world heritage sites. BV Papa Rao from KHT, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and I wrote a letter regarding the temple to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ASI, union minister Kishan Reddy and all worked extraordinarily and helped make this a possibility," he said.

Minister for panchayat raj Errabelli Dayakar Rao, minister for tribal welfare Satyavathi Rathod and Mulugu MLA Seethakka expressed happiness over the temple being recognised as a world heritage site.
Bengaluru: Amid talks of new leadership for Karnataka, current chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday said that he has decided to resign from his post, ending all the debates around the state's chief ministerial post.

The chief minister announced his decision at a programme to mark the celebration of 2 years of his government in the state.

"I have decided to resign. I will meet the Governor after lunch," Yediyurappa said while addressing Vidhana Soudha.

He also took to Twitter to announce the news and said, "It has been an honour to have served the state for the past two years. I have decided to resign as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am humbled and sincerely thank the people of the state for giving me the opportunity to serve them."

"I am grateful to PM @narendramodi Ji, @JPNadda Ji & @AmitShah Ji for their support," he added.

The speculation started when Yediyurappa visited Delhi and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP President J P Nadda early in July. The trip raised questions in some quarters on whether the party was now working out a succession plan.

However, on his return from the national capital, Yediyurappa rubbished talk that he is on way out and asserted that the central leadership has asked him to continue in the post.

Moreover, BJP President J P Nadda on Sunday ruled out any leadership crisis in the state and said Yediyurappa has done good work.

"Yediyurappa has done good work. Karnataka is doing well. Yediyurappa is taking care of the things in his own way," Nadda said. When asked if there is a leadership crisis in the southern state, Nadda said, "That is what you feel. We don't feel so."

Prior to Nadda's remarks, the Karnataka CM said he will take an appropriate decision on his leadership once he receives directions from the BJP high command in the evening regarding his continuation in the post.

"By evening once it comes, you will also get to know about it, once it comes I will take an appropriate decision," Yediyurappa had said in Belagavi.
Bengaluru: There seems to be no "closure" for B S Yediyurappa, the BJP's "comeback man" in Karnataka, as he could never complete a full term in office, despite becoming the Chief Minister four times, surmounting odds.

It's also too early to write a political obituary of the 78-year old Lingayat strongman and the 24X7 politician, the face of the party in the State for decades.

From the humdrum existence as a government clerk and a hardware store owner to becoming the chief minister four times, Yediyurappa has navigated the choppy waters of politics with the consummate ease of a seasoned oarsman.

In a repeat of sorts, it is a "cut short" tenure for the rarely smiling and ever grim-looking Yediyurappa as he is stepping down less than two years ahead of the end of the current tenure, ascending to power, exactly two years ago after a murky legal battle and weeks of political drama.

For the architect of the BJP's first ever government to the south of Vindhyas, age is being seen as a primary factor for his exit from the top job, with an unwritten rule in the BJP of keeping out those above 75 years from elective offices; also the high command wants to make way for the fresh leadership, ahead of the assembly polls, likely by mid-2023.

Among the other reasons that might have contributed to his exit include rumblings within the party with complaints about his "authoritative" style of functioning, his younger son and state BJP Vice President B Y Vijayendra's alleged interference in the administration, and allegations of corruption.

Yediyurappa's tenure as Chief Minister includes- seven days during his first term in November 2007; three years and two months from May 2008; for three days in May 2018, following the assembly polls, which was his third term; and finally for exactly two years since July 26, 2019, his fourth tenure.

A hardboiled RSS swayamsevak, Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yediyurappa was born on February 27, 1943 at Bookanakere in K R Pet Taluk of Mandya district to Siddalingappa and Puttathayamma.

Fondly called "Raja Huli" (King Tiger) by his followers, he joined the RSS when he was barely 15, and cut his political teeth in the Jana Sangh, the BJP's forerunner, in his hometown Shikaripura in Shivamogga district.

He became the Jana Sangh's Shikaripura taluk chief in the early 1970s.

Yediyurappa, who began his electoral politics as Purasabha president in Shikaripura, was first elected to the Legislative Assembly from Shikaripura in 1983 and went on to win eight times from there.

Widely credited for BJP's growth in Karnataka, along with being party's state unit president, he has also served as opposition Leader in the Legislative Assembly, member of Legislative Council, as also member of parliament.

A Bachelor of Arts, he was jailed during the Emergency, worked as a clerk in the social welfare department before taking up a similar job at a rice mill in Shikaripura before he set up his hardware shop in Shivamogga.

He married Maitradevi, daughter of the rice mill owner, where he worked, on March 5, 1967 and has two sons and three daughters.

His elder son B Y Raghavendra is a MP from Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency.

Always seen in his trademark white safari suit, according to those close to him, he had keen interest in watching Kannada movies.

Yediyurappa is also seen as BJP's only leader with a "mass leader" stature in South India, and wields considerable influence over the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, which is estimated to form about 16 per cent of the states population, and is considered to be the BJPs core support base in the state.

He could have landed in the hot seat in 2004 when the BJP emerged as the single largest party, but the Congress and JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda formed an alliance, and a government was formed under Dharam Singh.

Known for his political acumen, Yediyurappa joined hands with H D Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son, in 2006 and brought down the Dharam Singh government.

Under a rotational chief ministership arrangement, Kumaraswamy became the CM and Yediyurappa his deputy.

Yediyurappa became CM for the first time in November 2007 but his term lasted just seven days as Kumaraswamy reneged on a power sharing pact and walked out of the alliance.

He became the chief minister once again after the BJP came to power in May 2008 but had to step down in July 2011 following his indictment by the then Lokayukta N Santosh Hegde in an illegal mining case.

In the 2008 polls, Yediyurappa had led the party to victory, and the first BJP government in the south was formed under him, with the help of "Operation Kamala" (Operation Lotus)- an alleged attempt of the BJP to engineer defection of opposition legislators to ensure the stability of the government.

On October 15, 2011, he surrendered before the Lokayukta court after it issued a warrant against him in connection with alleged land scams,and was in jail for a week.

Sulking after having been made to quit, Yediyurappa broke his decades-long association with the BJP and formed the Karnataka Janata Paksha.

However, ploughing a lonely furrow, he failed to make the KJP a force to reckon with in state politics but wrecked the BJP's chances of retaining power in the 2013 polls, winning six seats and polling about 10 per cent votes.

As Yediyurappa faced an uncertain future and the BJP looked for a leader with a formidable reputation to lend its campaign the required heft ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the two cosied up to each other, leading to the KJP's merger with the BJP on January 9, 2014.

In the Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 19 of the state's 28 seats, a remarkable turnaround for the party which had secured only 19.9 per cent votes in the Assembly polls just a year ago leading to the fall of its first government.

Notwithstanding the corruption taint, Yediyurappa's status and clout grew in the BJP.

On October 26, 2016, he got a huge relief when a special CBI court acquitted him, his two sons and son-in-law in a Rs 40 crore illegal mining case, which had cost him the chief ministership in 2011.

In January 2016, the Karnataka High Court quashed all 15 FIRs against Yediyurappa lodged by Lokayukta police under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

In April that year, he was appointed the state BJP chief for the fourth time.

The Lingayat leader, however, continued to be dogged by controversies, with some cases against him still pending before courts.

The BJP declared him its chief ministerial candidate in the 2018 assembly polls, ignoring the taunts by the Congress.

As the polls threw up a hung verdict, with no party getting a clear majority in the 225-member House (including Speaker), the Governor invited Yediyurappa, the leader of the single largest party, to form the government and gave him 15 days to prove the majority.

However,the Supreme Court asked him to prove the majority in the House within 24 hours following a plea by the Congress-JD(S) challenging the Governor's decision to invite the BJP to form the government.

The three-day-old BJP government collapsed on May 19, 2018, minutes before the scheduled trust vote, with him resigning in a tame anti-climax and hours later Kumaraswamy, the chief ministerial candidate of the newly formed JD(S)- Congress alliance, was invited to form the government.

In the next over one year period, the BJP under Yediyurappa managed to keep the coalition government on tenterhooks as the ruling combine constantly feared poaching of MLAs.

In its best ever performance the BJP also won 25 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 parliamentary polls.

The resignation of 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs came as a blow to the alliance and it collapsed, losing the trust vote on July 23, 2019, paving the way for his return.

Determined to regain the reins of power, amid uncertainties about his political future with growing age, Yediyurappa is said to have played a key role in engineering the defection of the 17 Congress-JD(S) rebels.

Sixteen of them had subsequently joined the BJP.

He ensured that most of them won the bypolls in December that year on a BJP ticket, and 12 are currently Ministers in his cabinet, as promised.

Though in the last two years, BJP won most of the by- elections under Yediyurappa's leadership, repeated floods, alleged shortcomings in COVID management and growing disgruntlement within the party and the government, threw challenges to administration.

With growing age and strong central leadership, his declining sway over the party and administration, marred his final tenure, bringing him the criticism of being a "weak CM" from the opposition parties.
Sherman started her meetings with Xie, who is in-charge of the US-China relations, and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a resort hotel in Tianjin. (AFP Photo)

Beijing/Tianjin: Striking an aggressive stance at the face-to-face talks with the US, China on Monday for the first time handed down to Washington a list of demands and remedial actions to be taken by the Biden administration to end the "stalemate" in bilateral ties.

Talks between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng and US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to improve the relations got off on a rough note at the northeastern Chinese port city of Tianjin, with Xie launching a blistering attack on Washington, accusing it of being the "owner of coercive diplomacy".

Sherman, the No. 2 diplomat of the US, is the highest-ranking American official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office six months ago.

She started her meetings with Xie, who is in-charge of the US-China relations, and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a resort hotel in Tianjin.

Besides launching a well-publicised scathing attack on the US, accusing it of "bullying" other countries with "might is right" coercive diplomacy by imposing sanctions, Xie also handed down a "List of US Wrongdoings that Must Stop" and a "List of Key Individual Cases that China Has Concerns".

The list included removal of US sanctions imposed on the Chinese officials and their families and revocation of the Washington's judicial request to Canada to extradite Meng Wanzhou, CFO of Huawei and daughter of its founder Ren Zhengfei, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing.

Meng, who was arrested in Vancouver in 2018 on a bank fraud warrant issued by the previous Trump administration, is still facing trial.

In the list of wrongdoings, China urged the US to revoke the visa restrictions on members of the ruling Communist Party of China and their families unconditionally, revoke the sanctions on Chinese leaders, officials and government agencies, cancel visa restrictions on Chinese students and stop harassing them, stop suppressing Chinese companies and "oppression" Confucius institutes, he said.

In the second list, China has expressed concern over rejection of visas for Chinese students, the unfair treatment of Chinese citizens and harassment of the Chinese consulates and Embassy in the US and racial attacks on Chinese and Asians.

Sherman arrived in China on Sunday evening from Mongolia. The meeting was held in Tianjin as Beijing is not hosting any foreign dignitaries due to COVID-19 protocols.

On her arrival, she tweeted, "heartfelt condolences (from the United States) to those who have lost loved ones" in severe storms and flooding last week in China's Henan province resulting in the deaths of 69 people.

In Washington, State Department spokesperson Ned Price termed the Sherman's meeting with Wang as a "frank and open discussion about a range of issues, demonstrating the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between our two countries."

Price said Sherman raised concerns about human rights, including in Hong Kong and Tibet, and what he called the "ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang."

She also raised issues of media access and freedom of the press, Beijing's conduct in cyberspace and actions toward Taiwan and in the East and South China Seas besides discussing cases of American and Canadian citizens detained in China and Beijing's unwillingness to cooperate with the World Health Organization and allow a second-phase investigation inside China into COVID-19's origins, Price said.

Monday's pattern of the US-China talks followed the highly contentious first meeting in March in Anchorage, Alaska where Wang and top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi exchanged barbs with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

China also came under immense pressure mounted by the US and allies over the allegations of genocide in Xinjiang over mass detention camps holding thousands of Uyghur Muslims.

The Biden administration's special envoy on climate John Kerry visited Shanghai in April this year for meetings with his Chinese counterpart.

The China-US relationship turned adversarial under former US President Donald Trump who besides imposing trade sanctions also squarely blamed China for the spread of the coronavirus, which had first emerged in Wuhan in December 2019 and the possibility of it leaking from a bio-lab in the city.

Biden sought to firm up Trump's stern China policy by uniting Washington allies like the EU, Canada, Australia and Japan, which has further riled China.

He had a lengthy phone conversation with Xi after he took over and reports say the two countries may work out plans for a bilateral summit soon.

"I know him pretty well," Biden said earlier and described Xi as "very bright" and "very tough" but without "a democratic, small D, bone in his body", highlighting the autocratic style of functioning of the 68-year-old Chinese leader.

Under pressure especially over the COVID-19, China is drumming up support against independent inquiry by the WHO into the origins of the coronavirus.

China has mounted a massive campaign at home and abroad to avert any such move to facilitate international investigators to probe the COVID-19 origins in Wuhan.

Zhao said about 55 countries including Russia, Belarus, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have written to the WHO expressing opposition to the politicisation of the COVID-19 origin.

Ahead of the talks, Wang Yi said on Saturday that China will give the US a "tutorial" on how to treat other nations equally.

"The United States always wants to exert pressure on other countries by virtue of its own strength, thinking that it is superior to others," he said, according to his comments posted on the foreign ministry website.

"However, I would like to tell the US side clearly that there has never been a country in this world that is superior to others, nor should there be, and China will not accept any country claiming to be superior to others," he said.

In his speech at the talks, Xie said the China-US relationship is in a stalemate, fundamentally because some Americans portray China as an "imagined enemy," and Washington must change the highly-misguided mindset and dangerous policy.

"It seems that a whole-of-government and the whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down. It is as if when China's development is contained, all US domestic and external challenges would go away," he said.

The US policy seems to be demanding cooperation when it wants something from China. "China wants to work with the US to seek common ground while shelving the differences," he said.

"After all, a healthy and stable China-US relationship serves the interests of both sides. And the world expects nothing less from the two sides," he added, according to a report by state-run Xinhua news agency.
Doctors at a private facility surgically inserted a customised 3D printed hip implant in a 60-year-old Tanzanian woman as her pelvic bone had been badly damaged, according to a statement from the hospital.

The hospital claimed this is the first time that such a large implant has been used for a hip surgery in India.

Such a customised implant was required as the patient's pelvic bone had been badly damaged due to three previous hip surgeries, the statement from Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurgaon said. The surgery was carried out in seven hours.

These three failed hip replacement surgeries left very little bony support for the new readily available hip implants.

The hip prosthesis was lying loose in the pelvis and the patient was not even able to sleep because of the pain due to constant irritation of the surrounding muscles around the implant, the statement said.

Her leg was short by 6 cm because of the damage to pelvic bone. Besides this, she was also drained of her finances. After securing the required financial assistance from the government, she sought the opinion of Dr Subhash Jangid, the director and unit head of Bone and Joint Institute in Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurgaon.

After detailed examination and investigations, it was determined that there was a need for a custom-made 3D printed hip implant for her third time revision of the hip prosthesis, the statement said.

It was the only hope for her to move again without any support and lead a normal life, it added.

The team of doctors performed this "difficult and challenging surgery", which took around seven hours.

"This is the first time such a large 3D printed customised implant has been used for a hip surgery in India. Such cases are very rare and complicated. We had to do a meticulous dissection of the important vessels and nerves supplying the limb as they were very close to old prosthesis and embedded in the scar tissue of the previous surgery. Any damage to these important structures would have disastrous consequences as either the limb may get paralysed or severe bleeding from major intra pelvic vessels can be life threatening. We were able to save all important vessels, nerves and intra pelvic organs of the patient," said Dr Jangid.

The senior doctor said the team conducted several tests and had multiple virtual discussions (because of the coronavirus pandemic) with a team of engineers. The final prosthesis came after 15 days with all certifications and quality checks.

"She started walking with support from the next day with equal limb lengths (her 6 cm shortened leg was made equal with this surgery). Sutures were removed after three weeks. She started walking with the support of a cane after six weeks of surgery," the doctor said.

Soon after that, she was flown to her home country via a special flight because of the pandemic situation, the statement added.
News about Latin America is rarely in Indian media, but the current resurgence of the Left is worth noting. The victory of socialist schoolteacher Pedro Castillo in Peru is the latest in a wave in a region where the free-market doctrine dominated in recent decades.

In a close election, Castillo won against far-Right Keiko Fujimori, who faces money laundering accusations and is challenging Castillos indigenous and mixed-race majority. Backed by youth alienated by inequality, poverty and corruption, but with no political experience, Castillos Free Peru Party confronts a Right-wing in parliament that will challenge his economic plans. Chile has elected a liberal Constituent Assembly to replace its ultra-Right Pinochet-era constitution. The region's wealthiest nation per capita is notorious for high inequality levels. The Right led by President Sebastian Pinera is discredited and the next polls may see a Left-leaning party win.

Unrest swept Colombia after President Ivan Duque Marquez's Centre-Right government raised taxes and introduced austerity measures. Colombias Right is fractured while poverty affects over 40% of the population, unemployment is high and Covid-19 has devastated the economy. The protests, demanding universal basic income and free college education for the lowest taxpayers, were met with considerable force, which backfired, forcing the government to roll back the austerity measures. Colombia is the only Nato partner in Latin America and is backed by Washington to contain revolutionary dissidents in longstanding conflicts. The Left-wing candidate, Gustavo Petro, leads in polls for next years presidential election.

Brazil Supreme Courts ruling last March overturned former leftist President Lula da Silvas (2003-10) conviction for corruption and should allow him to contest next years election. Polls show Lula leading President Jair Bolsonaro, labelled Trump of the Tropics, who is losing support, with Brazil registering half a million Covid-19 deaths, the second-highest worldwide.

Brazil is a regional heavyweight. Moderate leftist governments under Lula and his successor Dilma Rousseff of Workers Party (PT) lifted millions out of poverty. Record growth funded social investments that halved wealth inequality. Brazil supported the more radical Left in Ecuador, Bolivia and Venezuela. The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR-2008) and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC-2011) that sought greater integration of the region could not have materialised without PTs backing. Brazil under Lula was also key to building BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as an alternative politico-economic pole to G-7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and US).

Lula's return would re-energise BRICS, reviving the promise of a multi-polar world. Moreover, for the first time in many years, Latin Americas three largest economies Argentina, Mexico and Brazil could operate with some degree of concert and challenge the stance of the US-controlled Organisation of American States and the Lima Group that oppose regimes in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua.

Luis Arce was Vice President of Evo Morales, a popular indigenous, Left-wing leader ousted in 2018 by the Right aided by the military. After Arces election as president in 2020, he restored Bolivias membership of CELAC, UNASUR, and Left-wing Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA, founded by Venezuela and Cuba in 2004). CELAC is the only pan-American organisation minus the US and Canada; UNASUR encompasses all South America, and ALBA aims to promote cooperation within Latin America free of US influence.

The coming elections may enable the Left to rejuvenate these groupings. Castillo, Lula and Arce along with Presidents Lopez Obrador (Mexico) and Alberto Fernandez (Argentina) reject the neoliberal economic order which has led to unequal wealth distribution, economic stagnation and high unemployment, provoking popular disillusionment. Latin America has suffered from prolonged political instability and development, investment and growth have suffered. The global economic downturn exacerbated the problems of the primarily commodity-driven economies. The privatisation of assets, erosion of industrial and technological base and the creation of a super-rich oligarchy was the result and lack of local opportunities led to migration to North America.

Leftist movements in Latin America are not driven by geopolitical competition, nor the influence of Russia, China or Cuba, but by the failure of most governments to adapt to capitalism by consolidating adequate regulatory institutions. It will be instructive to see how US policy reacts to the current leftist wave, which is viewed as anti-American. Washington cannot ignore these events, despite its stated emphasis on Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Focus for India

India has maintained relations with the political spectrum in Latin America, with varying success on the Left. Given the economic emphasis on our relations with the region and our agnostic political attitude, India should take note of the political developments and welcome the democratic success of the Left, which is gaining significant ground.

(The writers are former Indian ambassadors)
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A Derry man has been imprisoned for assaulting a woman in the city centre during which he caused an injury to the victims ear.

Liam Carlin, 32, of Carlisle Road in the city, admitted a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on May 21 of this year.

The court heard that CCTV operators observed the defendant rolling around on the ground with a female in front of the Bank of Ireland building on the Strand Road.

A police officer confirmed that the pair were fighting.

When the PSNI arrived Carlin and the victim were sitting with their backs against a wall and were both clearly intoxicated.

Police observed blood on the injured partys white hooded top and noticed a wound behind her ear. She told officers that she caused the injuries to herself and wanted to die.

CCTV operators rewatched the footage which they said clearly shows Carlin punching her several times around the head.

The court was told that a number of witnesses confirmed that to be the case.

During police interview the defendant said they had been drinking from early in the afternoon and he couldnt remember how he got to Strand Road.

Carlin had no recollection of hitting the alleged injured party but admitted that it must have happened when shown CCTV footage.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley asked the court to give his client full credit for an early guilty plea.

He said its quite possible the offence could have been downgraded to a common assault based on the facts.

Mr Quigley added that Carlin and the victim were fighting while both highly intoxicated.

Carlin and the injured party were described as street drinkers who have fought with each other in the past.

The defence solicitor said Carlin has been spending more and more time in custody.

Deputy District Judge McStay said the defendant was refused bail for these matters and he has created this situation by reoffending.

He sentenced Carlin to four months in prison.
DUFFY (nee Porter), Kathleen, 25th July 2021 beloved wife of the late Edward, 21 Yeats Court, Ballymagroarty, loving mother of Helen, Leo, Kathleen, Majella, Damian and Michelle, a much loved grandmother and great grandmother and dear sister of Bob, Bridget, Mary and the late Leo, Johnny, Willie, Peggy and Jimmy. Funeral from her home on Tuesday at 11.30 am for 12 oclock Requiem Mass in Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty. Interment afterwards in St. Aengus Cemetery, Burt. House and funeral restricted to family and close friends only please due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for her.

McCARRON, Joesph (Joe), We regret to inform you that the death has taken place of Joseph (Joe) McCarron peacefully at Owenmor Care Home, on the 25th of July 2021. Late of 58 Lisfannon Park. May he rest in peace. Beloved husband of the late Mary. Devoted father of James, Josephine and the late Sue. A much loved father-in-law of Debbie, Seamus and Ned. Loving grandfather to all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dearest brother of Adelaide, May, John, James and the late Harry and Paddy. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by all his wider family circle, friends and neighbours. Joe's remains are now reposing at his daughter Josephine's residence 38 Meenan Drive, funeral leaving from there on Tuesday 27th July at 10:20am for 11:00am requiem mass in St. Eugene's Cathedral, burial immediately afterwards in the City Cemetery. Sadly, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and in accordance with the updated government guidelines the wake and funeral will be private for family and friends only. Please maintain social distancing and adhere to government guidelines at all times. Joe's funeral requiem mass can be streamed live via the link below;

http://www.steugenescathedral.com/webcam.html St. Joseph Pray For Him. Our Lady Of Lourdes Intercede For Him.

ROGERS, Emilia Rose, We regret to inform you that the death has taken place of baby Emilia Rose Rogers at The Royal Maternity Hospital Belfast on 15th of July 2021. 6 Sheascan View, Dungiven, Co Derry. Beloved daughter of Lorron and Danny and little sister of Jason, Alissa, Joshua and Jaxon. Deeply regretted by her grandparents Diana and Paul Snook, Leslie Arter and Torron Eeles and her aunts and uncles. Cherished forever by her loving parents and siblings.

MONTGOMERY, Frederick W.G. (Freddie) July 24, 2021 Peacefully at Ardlough Care Home (surrounded by his loving family and friends, formerly of Disertowen Road, Curryfree) much loved husband of the late Catherine, dearest brother of Robena (Beenie) and the late Sam, a dear uncle of Robert and wife Valerie, a cherished great-uncle of Scott, and a special friend of Scott Theobald. A Service of Thanksgiving for his life will be held on Monday 26th July at 1.00 p.m. in D & R Hay and Sons Funeral Home, 24a Church Road, Altnagelvin, Londonderry, BT47 3QQ, followed by burial in Altnagelvin Cemetery, family and friends are welcome to pay their respects on Sunday 25th July between 7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Family flowers only, donations in lieu if desired to Cancer Research U.K. c/o Mrs Ruth Hay, Funeral Director (at the above Funeral Home address). Dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his entire family circle. Peace after suffering.

CASSIDY  July 24, 2021 (suddenly) at Marriot House, Magherafelt, James (Jim), formerly of Loughinsholin Park, Castledawson, dear husband of the late Betty and a loving brother of Ann, Madge, Betty, Joan, John, Emily, Lena and Tom. Funeral arrangements later. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, for Northern Ireland Hospice, payable to Garvins Funeral Service (Donations A/c), 15 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6BP. Sadly missed by the entire Family Circle. Peace, perfect peace.

JOHNSTON  July 23, 2021 (peacefully) at Brooklands Care Home, Mary Elizabeth, 16a Carmean Road, Moneymore, dearly loved daughter of George and the late Mary, stepdaughter of Joyce, dearest sister of Thomas, George, David and the late Robert and also a loving sister-in-law and aunt. House strictly private due to current government guidelines. Family and friends welcome in Garvins Funeral Home, 15 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6BP on Sunday evening (July 25) from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral service in Ballyeglish Parish Church on Monday, July 26 at 2:30pm followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, for Cancer Research UK, payable to Garvins Funeral Service (Donations A/c). Always loved and remembered by the entire Family Circle. The Lord is my Shepherd.

ONEILL (Orr), Betty, 65 Dromdallagan, Ballinascreen, died peacefully on Saturday 24th July, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Dear wife of Joe and mother of Catherine, Joe, Damian, Ruairi, Chris, Helen, Philip and Roisin. Deeply regretted by her sons, daughters, their partners, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements to follow. Due to current covid restrictions, house and wake is open only for family and friends.

OHAGAN (Kilrea & Glenullin) 21st July 2021. Suddenly but peacefully Maria R.I.P. beloved partner of Declan Scullion (Crosskeys) and loving mother of Dualtach and Tiarnan. Precious daughter of Margaret Mary and the late Patsy and cherished sister of Diane, Terence and Karen. Funeral from her late residence, 10 Church Court, on Monday at 1:15pm for 2pm Requiem Mass in St. Marys Church, Drumagarner. Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Our Lady of Lourdes pray for her. Deeply regretted by the entire OHagan & Scullion Families. Family flowers only please.

McKEOWN, Avril, 22nd July, 2021, peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital, beloved wife of Tony, loving mother Sallyanne and a devoted grandmother of Shane and Maya. Funeral service in Ballyarnett Presbyterian Church at 11.00am on Monday 26th July followed by burial in The City Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if wished to The Foyle Hospice, 61 Culmore Road. The Lord is my Shepherd.

McCALLION (nee McDermott), 22nd July 2021, peacefully at Melmount Manor Nursing Home, ROSALEEN (ROSE), beloved wife of John, loving mother of Thomas, John, Brenda, Paul, Derek and the late Brian, a dear and loving grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Dearly loved and will be sadly missed by the entire family circle. Funeral leaving her home, 45A Glenbank Road, at 6:00pm on Sunday the 25th July to St. Eugenes Cathedral for Requiem Mass on Monday at 11:00am. Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery. Sadly, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the wake and funeral are for family and close friends only. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on her soul. Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for her.
Alia Bhatt was the first choice for the remake of Sridevis ChaalBaaz? Heres what we know

Back in April this year, Shraddha Kapoor took to her official social media handle to announce her next film, ChaalBaaz In London. Instantly we all thought it was a remake of Sridevis super hit 1989 film ChaalBaaz because the background score was the music of Na Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai and because it is being directed by Pankaj Parashar, who helmed the original. Moreover, it was reported that Shraddha will play a double role in the film. Well, the director clarified yesterday that ChaalBaaz In London is not a remake of Sridevis film.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shraddha  (@shraddhakapoor)

A report in ETimes has now reported that producer Manmohan Shetty had planned to make a remake of the 1989 film and had even approached Alia Bhatt to step into Sridevis shoes for the project. However, things did not work out. Shetty had earlier purchased the rights of the film from Jayantilal Gada after paying a hefty signing amount. But they had a deal according to which Shetty had to start the remake in 6 months. According to their agreement, if he failed to do so, the rights would return to Gada, which is what happened. So now the remake rights are back with Jayantilal Gada.

Pankaj, on the other hand, reached the office of T-Series with his own script, which is 80% based in London and is in a different zone. The project, which is not a remake, eventually got a green light from the producers. In an interview after the films announcement, the filmmaker had shared that Shraddha is magic on screen and nobody could be better than her for a film like ChaalBaaz In London.
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro, powered by AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPU and Nvidia RTX 3000 series GPU, is now available in India for a starting price of Rs 1.39 lakh. Users can buy the latest Lenovo gaming laptop via Amazon, Flipkart and offline retail stores. The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro comes in two variants - an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU variant with 16GB RAM,1TB SSD (Rs 1.39,990) and an Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU version featuring 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD (1,59,990).

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro sits above the regular crop of gaming laptops from the brand. Last years Legion Pro laptop is famous for its cooling, sturdy build quality and a value for the money price tag.

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Specifications, Features, Availability

Both models of the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro come with an 8-Core/16-Thread Ryzen 7 5800HS CPU (7nm) which offers a max clock speed of 4.4GHz. The new Ryzen 5000 series CPU delivers higher clock speeds across all its 8-cores and 2X Direct Access L3 cache per core offering 23% better performance than the previous-gen and an additional 2 hours worth of battery life.

In terms of GPU, Lenovo Legion 5 Pro has two options - an RTX 3060 with 130W TGP, and an RTX 3070 with 140W TGP. Lenovos communication team is also trying to do something different by announcing the GPUs Total Graphical Power or TGP upfront and plans to make their powerful GPU a highlight of their official communication going forward. For reference, the same Nvidia RTX 3060 mobile GPU has a TGP as low as 85W in other laptops in the market, which consequently performs worse than a higher TGP variant.

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro comes with a MUX switch which provides an additional 5-10% FPS boost while gaming.

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro specs also include 1TB SSD storage, an 80Wh battery with a 300W fast-charger, and two RAM variants - 16GB/32GB. Lenovo confirms that the Legion 5 Pro gaming laptop comes with expandable memory (up to 32GB with dual slots) and storage (up to 2TB) options.

Moreover, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro comes with a 1600p WQHD bezel-less display featuring a 165Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of maximum brightness, one of the highest in its class. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro display has a 16:10 aspect ratio, 100% sRGB, Nvidia G-Sync, AMD Free Sync and 90% AAR as well.

In terms of thermal performance, Lenovo Legion 5 Pro features an upgraded chassis with ColdFront 3.0 technology. Lenovo claims high cooling performance for Legion 5 Pro thanks to the use of Copper for heat dissipation, vents under the keyboard for higher airflow and additional structural design changes.

As per official communication, the Legion 5 Pro has a UL certificate and is consequently capable of working 12 hours at maximum load without any kind of throttling.

The Legion 5 Pro claims to deliver optimum sound performance with Nahimic 3d audio with features like 7.1 channel surround sound, sound tracker, night mode, sound-sharing and n-force.

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro I/O include - USB Type-A, Type-C, RJ45 Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack and much more. Lastly, Lenovo plans to offer Legion Ultimate Support for its latest gaming laptop which includes features like access to gamer-focused tech 24/7 tech support, hardware, software and NBD onsite support along with 3 years of warranty.

Last years Lenovo Legion laptops delivered in terms of cooling and gaming performance. In 2021, Lenovo plans to capture the increasing tech-literacy among gamers and enthusiasts. The Legion 5 Pro laptops deliver the same on paper, itd be interesting to see how that translates to real-world performance.
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Without more support, nearby traffic could make perimeter walls collapse, with parts of the street falling into the void.



SURFSIDE, Fla. (AP)  An engineer hired to help figure out why a South Florida condominium collapsed last month is warning officials that the site may still not be safe.

Structural engineer Allyn Kilsheimer told Surfside and Miami-Dade officials in a letter Thursday that Collins Avenue could crumble because a remaining perimeter wall near the road could fail. The development was first reported Friday by the Miami Herald and WPLG.





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KENNEWICK, Benton County (AP)  The J.R. Simplot Co. will pay a penalty of $65,250 after the Environmental Protection Administration accused it of pesticide safety issues just south of the Columbia River.

The penalty covers problems cited by EPA at both its Umatilla, Oregon, and Moreland, Idaho, facilities where large amounts of pesticide are stored and sold, the Tri-City Herald reported.





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SEATTLE  The Monkey Bridge and Ballard Optical building, at 1723 N.W. Market St., sold for almost $5.2 million, according to King County records.

The buyer was Ballard Retail Commons LLC, which is associated with apartment investor and developer Preston Walls. Public records indicate a loan from the seller.





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SEATTLE  The Seattle Seafood Center, at 717 S. Michigan St., sold last month for almost $2.9 million, according to King County records.

The sellers were two related local LLCs that had owned the property for decades.





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There has been a spike in Covid-19 cases being treated at Letterkenny University Hospital.

Figures from the Health Service Executive (HSE) show 19 patients with the disease were being treated in the hospital on Sunday evening, with four of those in ICU. The hospital has the highest number of cases in the country.

The number of confirmed cases increased from 14 in 24 hours with the ICU cases increasing from two.

There were four Covid-19 cases being treated at Sligo University Hospital on Sunday night with one in ICU.

The incidence rate in Donegal is 883.8 cases per 100,000 people over 14 days, more than three times the national rate. There have been 1,407 cases over the latest 14-day period. The five-day moving average in the county is 136 cases.

The HSE issued a warning on Monday following the recent rise in cases in the north west.

Dr Anthony Breslin, director of public health with HSE North West, said numbers are at an upward trend at the moment.

People know what they have to do in terms of public health measures. They just need to keep doing it. Id ask everyone to stay safe and be sensible.

With the bank holiday approaching, Id once again urge people not to congregate in large numbers, to observe social distancing and to continue good handwashing practices.

Fourth wave

Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta Hospital Group said it is clear the country is experiencing the upward curve of the fourth wave of Covid-19 infection in this country.

We dont yet know how many people will get seriously ill and will require hospital care or treatment in an intensive care unit. A small percentage of all people with Covid-19 will require hospital care but as the number of cases in the community increases, this small percentage translates into a larger number of patients needing hospitalisation.

Even before we see the impact of the fourth wave on our hospitals, we have record numbers of people attending the Emergency Departments, many of whom need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment. We are seeing a level of activity normally not seen until December and January.

He said the increase in Covid-19 cases in the community is a great concern.

I would like to appeal to the public to stay vigilant and help halt the spread of the virus in the community by following public health advice in relation to wearing masks and keeping social distance. I would also urge anyone aged 18 and over who hasnt yet registered to get a free Covd-19 vaccine at the LYIT Letterkenny or Carndonagh vaccination centres, to do so by going to hse.ie. The vaccine is the most effective way to prevent serious disease and will help protect you and those close to you.

John Hayes, chief officer for the HSE in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo, said large numbers are attending the test centres in Donegal Town, Letterkenny and Buncrana. The Delta variant is highly infectious and is circulating in our communities. Now more than ever, with restrictions easing we need to be extremely vigilant and not to let our guard down in terms of public health measures; it is vital that we do so to protect our loved ones and vulnerable people including those not yet vaccinated. The vaccination programme is making great progress, we would urge anyone aged over 18 years of age who has not yet registered for their free Covid-19 vaccine to do so.
People across Louth are being encouraged to get involved in 2021s Big Beach Clean, with record numbers previously being involved in 2019.

The Big Beach Clean, which took a break in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, previously had 10 clean up events in Louth in 2019.

This saw 600 volunteers remove over 3.7 tonnes to litter from beaches all across the region.

Across the entire country, there were over 300 clean up events held with over 8,000 volunteers removing over 45 tonnes of marine litter from beaches across Ireland.

For 2021, the event is set to run between the 17th and 19th of September and is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), which is operated by Ocean Conservancy.

The Big Beach Clean itself, however, is run by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce.

This initiative is also an opportunity for volunteers to get involved in a worldwide citizen science project, which entails collecting the amount and types of litter on Irish beaches and filling in Clean Coasts Marine Litter Data Cards, said a spokesperson for An Taisce.

This will help heighten awareness about the issue of marine litter serving as an indicator of the magnitude of the problem.

The Big Beach Clean will be taking place on the same weekend as World Clean Up Day, which normal brings together over 20 million people across 80 different countries to clean up litter around the world.

With this, registration will open for all residents of Ireland to help clean up around the country, as statistics show that the number one cause of marine litter comes from litter being dropped in towns and cities.

Getting involved in the Big Beach Clean is a way for residents of non-coastal counties to help prevent litter entering our waterways and seas by holding a clean-up no matter where they are in the country and tackling the problem at source, said a spokesperson for An Taisce.

Anyone who wishes to get involved with the Big Beach Clean can register online to receive a clean-up kit to help with their efforts on www.cleancoasts.org

Currently, Louth Tidy Towns are also seeking locals to help clean up Dundalk as the SEEK Contemporary Urban Arts Festival gets underway at the end of July.




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FILE  In this April 2, 2012 file photo, a 4-year-old Atlantic salmon is held at the National Fish Hatchery in Nashua, N.H. Maine is home to the last wild Atlantic salmon populations in the U.S., but a new push to protect the fish is unlikely to land them on the states endangered list.
In this Dec. 8, 2011, photo, Bishop Peter Libasci, center, arrives at the Cathedral of St. Joseph for his Installation service as the Tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Manchester, in Manchester, N.H. A lawsuit is accusing the head of the Roman Catholic Church in New Hampshire of sexually abusing a teenager when he was a priest in New York. Bishop Libasci is accused in the lawsuit of abusing the unidentified youngster, who was 12- or 13-years-old at the time, on numerous occasions in 1983 and 1984.
New Port Richey - Francis W. Lannon, Jr, 88, passed away in Florida on July 24, 2021 after a short illness. He was surrounded by all six of his children. Frank was born in Lawrence the son of Julia and Francis Lannon, Sr .He graduated from Central Catholic High School and Boston College. Aft
By The Staff of The News

Face-coverings required for all in elementary schools, plus the unvaccinated in all public schools.

New Mexico's elementary-school students will be masked again when classes resume next month.

All elementary school students, teachers, support staff, volunteers and visitors will be required to wear masks in New Mexico public schools when classes resume next month, the state's Public Education Department announced Monday.

In addition, those who are unvaccinated, or who don't provide proof of vaccination, will be required to wear masks in all school classes.

The PED stated in a news release the guidelines are "designed to make sure New Mexico K-12 students can safely return to in-person learning this fall."

Masks were required in all public schools last school year, but officials had hoped they would be optional this year.

"In-person learning for New Mexico children is my top priority," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in announcing the standards. "And with safety guidelines and unobtrusive health requirements in place, it can happen safely - and for the well-being and growth of our children, it must happen.

"Until vaccinations are available to children of every age, it will be incumbent on each of us, in school environments, to do everything we can to minimize risk - and that includes face-coverings," the governor added. "Various studies and federal data have shown school environments are and can be safe - and a return to comprehensive classroom activities is essential for the well-being and growth of New Mexico children."

Clovis Municipal Schools Superintendent Renee Russ said Monday she had not had time to review all of the requirements the state has established.

"However," she wrote in an email, "I can tell you that numerous Superintendents across the state continue to advocate for the opportunity to exercise local control with regard to mask-wearing and other COVID-related mandates. The only type of local control afforded to New Mexico school districts under these recently released guidelines is to be more restrictive than what is required by NMPED.

"To this point in the pandemic, we have chosen to avoid being more restrictive than required, and I expect this is the approach we will continue to take moving forward."

Portales Superintendent Johnnie Cain said he received news of the mandates Monday morning and plans a staff meeting Wednesday to discuss options. He said the district will offer online learning again to those who are concerned about the virus, but said details have not been worked out.

Cain said state education officials did not give any indication when mask mandates might be reviewed.

COVID-19 cases have been increasing in Curry and Roosevelt counties in recent weeks though hospitalizations remain low.

Plains Regional Medical Center Director Jorge Cruz said the Clovis hospital had four patients hospitalized with COVID on Tuesday, including one in intensive care. He said the hospital has seen two COVID-related deaths in the past two weeks.

Through Tuesday, Curry County had reported 106 new COVID cases in July, compared to 78 in June. Roosevelt County had reported 39 new cases in July, compared to 19 in June.

New Mexicos Public Education Department posted the following on its website Monday regarding mask mandates in public schools:

HERES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

All individuals in elementary schools regardless of vaccination status are required to wear a mask while:

in a school building

on school transportation

or at an indoor school-sponsored event

Secondary school students, staff, and volunteers who are fully vaccinated and provide documentation of full vaccination are not required to wear masks.

Secondary school students, staff, and volunteers who are unvaccinated (and those who do not provide documentation of full vaccination) are required to wear a mask while:

in a school building

on school transportation

or at an indoor school-sponsored event

Masks are not required outdoors.
Just after his first week of official practice, new transfer Jesse Miritello persuaded sever
THE vast majority of women affected by recent capacity issues in the CervicalCheck screening service will be contacted by the end of this week.

More than 200,000 women had a cervical screening sample taken in the first half of 2021 while just 300,000 samples were expected for the entirety of this year. About 200 of around 200,000 women who had a sample taken in the first half of 2021 are now being contacted by CervicalCheck and asked to book a repeat cervical screening test following a capacity issue.

Those being contacted are women in whom HPV was found in the initial screening.

The original samples expired due to a delay in a testing facility in Santry, Co Dublin as a result of Covid-19 infection control measures and the unprecedented number of samples.

This meant the samples were not fully tested within the accurate timeframe.

Speaking to The Echo, clinical director with CervicalCheck Noirin Russell said the vast majority of women affected will have been contacted by the end of this week. More than 100 women had been contacted by Thursday of last week.

Dr Russell, who is also a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Cork University Maternity Hospital, said they had been expecting to process 300,000 samples this year.

What we werent expecting was that 200,000 would come in the first six months of the year and actually, January and February were relatively quiet, so the vast majority of those women attended between March and June.

Those affected will book a repeat test at least three months after their initial test and this will be fast-tracked through the programme with the results expected in four to six weeks.

At the moment, because the numbers are so high, women are waiting eight to 10 weeks. Thats the new normal for waiting for a screening result but this cohort of women will be fast-tracked.

However, Dr Russell said the uptake is positive and noted previous concerns amid a low uptake of screening last year.

We were concerned because the response rates to the letters when we did restart in July, it was really slow to get going at the start. Following a positive test for HPV, the follow-up test to check for abnormal cells (cytology test) must be done within 42 days of the sample being taken.

Dr Russell said that it is incredibly unlikely that the issue, which impacted women from across the country, would have a serious clinical negative effect.

We know that approximately six in 10 women will have normal cells when we do that cytology test, and four in ten will have abnormal cells and then theyll need a referral on to colposcopy.

But even that four in 10 will still have an incredibly low chance of having cervical cancer.
The Big Beach Clean is back this year, with Cork company Cully and Sully once again rowing in to support the initiative.

The campaign is an annual call to action inviting communities and volunteers around the country to remove litter from around the Irish coast after the end of the bathing season.

This year it will run from September 17-19, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), operated internationally by Ocean Conservancy.

The initiative is also an opportunity for volunteers to get involved in a worldwide citizen science project, which entails collecting the amount and types of litter on Irish beaches and filling in Clean Coasts Marine Litter Data Cards.

The Big Beach Clean also takes place over the same weekend as World Clean Up Day, which normally unites more than 20 million people in 180 countries, who come together to tackle litter.

For this reason, in 2021, with the involvement of the National Spring Clean programme, registrations will again be open to all residents of Ireland, no matter how far from the coast they are based.

"Getting involved in the Big Beach Clean is a way for residents of non-coastal counties to help prevent litter entering our waterways and seas by holding a clean-up no matter where they are in the country and tackling the problem at source," organisers state.

Cully and Sully are supporting the initiative by providing volunteers with clean up kits.

They will also be hosting flagship events which will be announced in August.

Cullen Allen said they are delighted to support the campaign.

"We love our beaches and waterways and use them all year round for various activities from windsurfing to sea swimming and we know how important it is for everyone to continue to protect them," he said.

"We are hopeful for a bumper sign up year this year and looking forward to the events in September."

To register visit the Clean Coasts website at www.cleancoasts.org
Facebook notified the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about alleged sharing of child pornography by two young Cork men.

Detective Garda Craig Peterson said the centre then notified the Garda Protective Services unit at Anglesea Street garda station in Cork.

This resulted in two young men being arrested for the purpose of being charged and brought before Cork District Court.

21-year-old Aran Flanagan of Tuairin Glas, Ballincollig, County Cork, and 21-year-old Aidan Higgins of Clashduv Road, Togher, Cork, appeared before Cork District Court.

Detective Garda Peterson said there was no garda objection to the accused being remanded on bail when the case was adjourned and he said both accused had been totally cooperative with gardai.

The Director of Public Prosecutions directed that both men could have the cases against them dealt with summarily at Cork District Court, rather than by indictment at the circuit court, on a guilty plea only.

Judge Olann Kelleher required a summary of the allegations in the case so that he could decide on whether he too would accept jurisdiction on a plea of guilty. The judge said he would accept jurisdiction.

Det. Garda Peterson said Facebook contacted the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children who in turn notified gardai about the alleged sending of a file containing an image of sexual abuse of a child to another person. Warrants were obtained to search the defendants homes, and phones containing images or videos of child pornography were allegedly found.

Defence solicitor, Pat Horan, represented both accused men.

Judge Kelleher adjourned the cases against Aran Flanagan and Aidan Higgins until September 27.

On that date, it will be an opportunity for the accused to indicate if they are pleading guilty or not guilty. If they are denying the charges, books of evidence will then have to be prepared.

Bail conditions require them to sign on once a week at their local garda station, surrender their passports, reside at home and notify gardai of any change of address.

Both men are charged with the knowing distribution or showing of child pornography on July 27, 2020.

Higginss second charge stated that he had 310 picture or video files of child pornography.

Flanagans second charge refers to the alleged possession of 2,456 video files of child pornography.
Digital Desk Staff

The first submissions to the Governments working group on defective homes indicate that the cost of remedying Celtic Tiger-era building issues will be at least 365 million.

As The Irish Times report, the Construction Defects Alliance, which represents almost 400 affected homeowners, suggests in its submission that this sum is the tip of the iceberg with almost 21,000 impacted units now identified.

Costs submitted by apartment owners show they are facing an average bill of 17,635 to remedy legacy issues.

The submission to the working group is based on real-life examples of costs and impacted developments. However, there are thought to be significantly more developments with similar issues around the country.

Previous estimates from the alliance forecast that the issue could end up costing 1 billion to remedy, and it believes this figure will still be borne out, or possibly exceeded.

The alliance is working with residents in 106 different developments around the State, more than 50 of whom submitted costs for the submission to the working group.

Legal barriers

Levies are often imposed to fund remediations  the highest cited being 72,000 per unit. However, work to remediate the defective homes is often held back by financial constraints and frustrated by legal barriers.

Most affected complexes have sought legal advice on taking action against developers and builders, but have been thwarted by the Statute of Limitations and the liquidation of companies involved in originally building their homes.

The submission outlines how residents live with stress over their safety and the impact on their finances, as well as dramatically rising insurance costs  in one instance these increased by 700 per cent in a year.

There are additional service charges, and difficulties in selling the apartments, and costly safety measures such as 24/7 fire wardens being needed.

Levies can be divisive, it says, citing an example where neighbours are now taking legal action against each other.

The alliance is aware of 20,750 homes impacted by defects, but its submission says our clear sense is that this number only represents the tip of the iceberg.


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Consumers will spend more money shopping online this summer in response to ads they see on social media if deals are offered by vendors. Shoppers also are more receptive to chat commerce, a potential new trend.

Smartly.io, a social advertising automation platform for creative and performance marketers, on April 29 announced new research underscoring the role social media plays in influencing shoppers in a world changed by the pandemic.

Now more than ever, brands are seeking ways to stay relevant. Marketers must be prepared for every possible scenario as they face varying stages of reopening across regions. They also must be keenly aware of a range of preferences from consumers, noted Smartly researchers.

The Smartly survey found that consumers are still relying on social media to stay in touch. Specifically, more than half (56 percent) of global respondents and 64 percent of those in the UK said they are using social media to connect with friends and family.

Dynata conducted the global survey of 1,000 consumers in the U.S., UK, Germany, and Australia. The research explored consumer sentiment around social media today. The results offer eye-opening insights for brands to consider for their advertising strategies.

Consumers anticipate a return to normalcy. That, in turn, reflects their eagerness to spend, said Robert Rothschild, CMO, vice president and global head of marketing at Smartly.io.

"For brands, social media provides an opportunity to reach targeted consumers in an impactful way. To be successful, marketing teams must balance their strategy to current consumer preferences across platforms, formats, and audiences. Relevant, localized, and timely content will be key to winning share in a competitive marketplace." he told the E-Commerce Times.

Chatting Trending

Recent research by chat commerce provider Clickatell shows a growing interest among consumers in using the chat apps they use to talk to friends and family -- to make purchases. This could be a supplement to social media ads that influence consumers.

Although the report primarily focuses on the use of chat apps to deal with banks, it also shows increasing appeal for using chat apps to buy merchandise.

Clickatell's first Chat Commerce Trends Report finds that 70 percent of respondents would use a chat app with banks and retail vendors as a communications channel. The report also revealed that 77 percent are open to purchases via their chat apps.

The survey results released March 30 of over 1,000 U.S. banking consumers conducted by Dimensional Research in partnership with Clickatell suggest that chat is the next big thing for customer service, marketing, and payments. U.S. consumers show an interest in extending the use of chat from friends and family conversations to commerce.

Almost nine in 10 consumers already use chat apps, such as WhatsApp, Apple's iMessage, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, and Instagram chat on mobile devices, the research shows. It also demonstrates that 54 percent have used a chat app to talk to a business, with younger generations doing so at even higher rates.

Consumers have moved to chat in mass. It is becoming the number-one preferred digital engagement platform, according to Pieter de Villiers, CEO and co-founder of Clickatell.

"This research reveals that they are now ready to do business with the brands they love on their favorite chat apps," he said. "Banks and other brands need to meet consumers where they are, which is on chat, or risk losing mindshare."

Basic New Marketing Tool

Social media is becoming a fundamental part of the marketing stack, suggested Robert Rothschild in a Smartly blog discussing the "2021 Retail Social Advertising Forecast."

Retail has been well ahead of other industries with incorporating social media advertising in their marketing mix. The accelerated shift to e-commerce in 2020, driven by a global pandemic, further underscored the value of this strategy, according to Rothschild.

"It became clear that social advertising is essential to engaging the right consumers," he wrote in his Nov. 19, 2020 entry.

Facebook First

Facebook remains the most popular social media platform, according to the survey results, followed by YouTube and Instagram. More than one-third of global consumers (38 percent) said they have used Facebook the most in the month leading up to the survey.

YouTube polled at 18 percent, and Instagram came in at 15 percent. Additionally, global consumers are most open to receiving video ads on social media right now (27 percent), followed by photo carousels (23 percent), and Stories (19 percent).

One year and counting into the varying waves of Covid-19, pandemic fatigue has not hit consumers yet. More than half of global consumers (51percent) said they still want brands to acknowledge the pandemic in their ads. For example, they want to see how brands relate to safety measures and updated store hours.

Consumers are opening their wallets more as the pandemic continues to evolve. For instance, 35 percent of global consumers said the social media ads they encountered recently have spurred them to make a purchase online. That spending trend is up from 26 percent in August 2020 when Smartly.io previously surveyed consumers.

Additionally, 38 percent of global consumers said they would be most open to purchasing clothing/apparel via social media in the next 30 days. But they want added inducements such as deals and discounts.

Also, 45 percent of global respondents said they would like to see ads with deals and discounts from travel brands. This is particularly high in Australia, where 59 percent of respondents said they are looking for deals and discounts from travel brands' advertising.

Lastly, 55 percent of global respondents said they would like to see deals and discounts in advertising from grocery stores, followed by local offers from nearby stores (42 percent).

About the Study

Smartley.io commissioned Dynata to survey 1,000 adult consumers to understand their preferences and attitudes towards social media, including channel use, engagement with ads, and purchasing decisions.

Respondents were located in the U.S., UK, Germany, and Australia. All respondents were over the age of 18. The survey was conducted in March 2021.

Jack M. Germain has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His main areas of focus are enterprise IT, Linux and open-source technologies. He is an esteemed reviewer of Linux distros and other open-source software. In addition, Jack extensively covers business technology and privacy issues, as well as developments in e-commerce and consumer electronics. Email Jack.






Netherlands implements second cleaning for transport from Germany to combat ASF

The Netherlands is introducing a mandatory second cleaning for transport arriving from Germany as a protective measure against African swine fever.

The measure is effective since mid-July 16 and applies to all means of transport from Germany in which biungulate animals (pigs, cattle, sheep, goats and deer) are loaded. Every vehicle returning to or arriving in the Netherlands from Germany must undergo a second cleaning at a cleaning and disinfection site.

Following cleaning and disinfection, a certificate will be issued and has to be sent to the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety (NVWA) for monitoring.

The measure was already mandatory for transport movements with Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Greece.

- Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (Netherlands)




EFSA expands campaign to more countries to control ASF

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is increasing efforts to control the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Europe by expanding a current campaign to a nine more countries.

Last summer, EFSA launched the campaign to raise awareness of ASF in south-east Europe. It was carried out in partnership with local authorities in countries comprising a "region of concern"  namely, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia  due to their proximity to countries where ASF is present.

EFSA is now extending the campaign to Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Estonia, Hungary and Romania.

The campaign complements the ongoing efforts of the European Commission and other international organisations working to eradicate the disease in Europe.

The campaign focuses on groups and individuals who come into contact with domestic pigs and wild boar, particularly pig farmers. It is being implemented with assistance from local veterinary organisations, farmers' groups, hunting associations, border police and other relevant bodies.

- EFSA
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After returning from the edge of space, Jeff Bezos has personally waded into Blue Origin's dispute with NASA over its decision to award a $2.9 billion lunar lander contract to Elon Musk's SpaceX. In an open letter to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Bezos said his company is willing to waive up to $2 billion in payments from NASA in the current and next two federal fiscal years in return for a fixed-price lander contract. Bezos said Blue Origin is also willing to fund its own pathfinder mission to low-Earth orbit. "This offer is not a deferral, but is an outright and permanent waiver of those payments," Bezos said in the letter. "This offer provides time for government appropriation actions to catch up."

While Bezos spends a significant part of his letter talking about Blue Origin's commitment to "advance America's future in space," his offer isn't altruistic. At the heart of it is the belief that NASA unfairly excluded his company from a lucrative and prestigious contract. When it comes to its most important projects, NASA has historically handed out agreements to multiple contractors to promote competition and ensure it can get a mission off the ground on time if one company falls behind schedule. In its latest procurement, NASA didn't do that, and Blue Origin filed a protest with the federal government shortly after that.

At the time, a Blue Origin spokesperson told Engadget NASA "executed a flawed acquisition for the Human Landing System program and moved the goalposts at the last minute." That's something Bezos reiterates in his letter. "Instead of investing in two competing lunar landers as originally intended, the Agency chose to confer a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar head start to SpaceX," the former Amazon CEO said. "That decision broke the mold of NASA's successful commercial space programs by putting an end to meaningful competition for years to come."

It's hard to say how NASA will respond to the open letter. The Human Landing System project can't move forward while the US Government Accountability Office reviews the protest from Blue Origin. Notably, this isn't the first time a Bezos-affiliated company has got itself into a contract dispute with the US government. In 2019, Amazon challenged the Department of Defense's decision to award Microsoft its $10 billion Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) cloud contract. After a nearly two-year-long legal battle, the Pentagon canceled that project at the start of July in favor of a new multi-vendor project that will hand out work to both Amazon and Microsoft.
LG may be through with smartphones, but it's still making gear you can use with your mobile. The Korean company has unveiled its new range of LG Tone Free wireless earbuds, and this time the germ-killing UV tech isn't the highlight. Of the three newcomers, the high-end FP9 model has a charging case that plugs into a headphone jack to work as a Bluetooth dongle. The feature could be handy during flights and in other wired environments.

The trio, including the mid-range FP8 and low-end FP9, also come with active noise-canceling and two new spatial audio upgrades. That means you should hear musical elements as if they're positioned in different spaces in a 3D soundstage. The results are supposed to be more "lifelike," according to LG, but we'll have to test them before offering a verdict.

LG

In fact, spatial audio is becoming a more common feature in general. It recently arrived on Apple Music and has long been available through Sony's 360 Reality Audio format. While Verizon claims that its spatial audio format, Adaptive Sound, doesn't even require specific headphones, earbuds or speakers.

The big departure in the Tone Free's design is the shorter stem, which LG reduced by 4.4 millimeters. All three also pack a trio of microphones and a new voice calling feature, dubbed Whispering Mode, that lets you hold the right earbud close to your mouth as a dedicated mic.

UV auto-cleaning is back, too, but limited to the FP8 and FP9. It can get rid of 99.9 percent of germs in five minutes when the buds are placed inside the case, which features wireless charging on the FP8. Both the mid- and high-end earbuds also pack more battery life than the low-end- FP5: 10 hours of playback time compared to 8 hours between charges, and 24 hours with the case compared to 22 hours.

LG says the LG Tone Free FP series will be available starting this month in colors including charcoal black and pearl white, with the FP8 and FP9 also offered in haze gold. We've reached out for pricing info and will update this article accordingly.
If Detective Pikachu had you hankering for more real-world(ish) Pokemon action, Netflix appears to be working on something that might catch your interest. The streaming giant has a live-action Pokemon series in early development, according to Variety .

Lucifer co-showrunner Joe Henderson is reportedly involved with the show as a writer and executive producer. Netflix picked up Lucifer after Fox canceled the show. Henderson has another project in the works at Netflix, an adaptation of his Shadecraft comic.

Several Pokemon shows have streamed on Netflix, including Pokemon: Indigo League and Pokemon Journeys. Netflix has also announced or streamed a bunch of game-related titles and live-action anime adaptations .
SiriusXM has revealed a new $35/month plan that allows you to listen to the services 300-plus channels from two cars and log in to the SXM streaming app on two devices simultaneously. Subscribers will have other perks through the Platinum VIP plan, including the chance to check out some exclusive events with artists and celebrities.

The plan includes access to more than 5,000 soundboard-quality concert recordings. Youll also be able to check out 250 video recordings of shows selected from live concert streaming service nugs.nets library. The lineup includes gigs from Bruce Springsteen, Phish and Pearl Jam (all of whom have SiriusXM channels), as well as the likes of Wilco and Metallica.

Platinum VIP seems like SiriusXMs take on a family plan, with live concert recordings and other perks to sweeten the deal. For subscribers who have more than one car, the plan could be a better option than perhaps having two $22/month Platinum plans.
First developed more than 100,000 years ago, clothing is one of humanitys earliest  and most culturally significant  inventions, providing wearers not just protection from the environment and elements but also signifying social status, membership in a community and their role within that group. As robots increasingly move out of labs, off of factory floors and into our everyday lives, a similar garment revolution could soon be upon us once again, according to a new research study out of New Yorks Cornell University.

We believe that robot clothes present an underutilized opportunity for the field of designing interactive systems, the team argues in What Robots Need From Clothing , which was submitted to the In Designing Interactive Systems Conference 2021. Clothes can help robots become better robots  by helping them be useful in a new, wider array of contexts, or better adapt and function in the contexts they are already in.

I started by looking at how different materials would move on robots and thinking about the readability of that motion  like, what is the robot's intention based on the way materials move on the robot, Natalie Friedman, a PhD student at Cornell Tech and lead author on the paper, explained to Engadget. From there, I started thinking about all the different social functions that clothes have for people and how that could influence how the robot is viewed.

While tomorrows robots may wear white button down dress shirts and black bow ties while serving hors d'oeuvres to party guests or wear candy stripes while working as nurses, its not simply a matter of tossing human clothing onto a robotic chassis. What robot clothes are is integrally tied to what robots need from clothing. Robot clothing should analogously fulfill needs robots have, rather than just being human clothes on a robot, the researchers wrote.

Robo-clothes could take any number of forms, depending on their wearers specific function. Robotic firefighters, such as the Thermite from Howe and Howe , might theoretically be issued heat-resistant overcoats akin to what humans wear but embedded with thermochromic ink to provide the robots operator an easy visual reference to the areas ambient temperature or indicate that the robot is in danger of overheating. Conversely, search-and-rescue bots could wear waterproof garments when conducting oceanic operations and then strap on extra-grippy boots when searching for lost hikers in mountainous terrain or survivors of a building collapse.

"I think this work is important to helping engineers and technologists understand the functional importance of aesthetics and signaling in design, Cornell Tech professor and co-author Wendy Ju, said in a recent blog. It's not just fashion - what the robot wears helps people understand how to interact with it in ways that are critical to safety and task execution."

Overall, the use of swappable attire could lead to more generalized robot designs as the specific capabilities the clothing provides don't have to be baked into the robots construction. It is more difficult to build a new robot than to build new clothes, Friedman said. I think that clothes are going to influence robot design and robot designs are going to influence clothes. Maybe it'll start in one direction  clothes made to fit robots  but, in the future, I think that robots might be built to better fit in clothes. She notes that Pepper , though recently discontinued by SoftBank , offers an online merch store with a wide variety of costumes and outfits for the robot to wear including outfits designating cultural, national, professional and religious affiliations.

NurPhoto via Getty Images

But clothing on robots isnt just for their own benefit, it also serves to demystify and humanize these cutting-edge machines in the eyes of the people theyre working with. For example, clothing could help protect a robots sense of shame  or rather that of its user.

The need for wire modesty  to cover up nudity  stems from anthropomorphic priggishness, since robots do not get embarrassed about wires poking out of them, the researchers wrote. However, both humanoid and non-humanoid robots have pragmatic reasons to maintain a clean and covered aesthetic, because exposed wires present a real risk to function. Any wire that is pulled out or cut will remove power or signal to a subsystem, and that can be risky to the robot and any people or objects in the environment.

I definitely see a future where [when robots] aren't wearing clothes, it might look a little funny, Friedman added. I mean we are just mapping our ideas onto robots, right? Robots dont have consciousness, so they don't feel shame.

However, putting clothes on robots could also prove problematic especially if the apparel style has been culturally appropriated. You can bet your bottom dollar that the first cannabis dispensary to dress an automated budtender in rastafarian garb is going to make headlines  and not the kind that are good for business  same as if you outfitted a Roomba with a Native American headdress. Hawaiian shirts, for example, used to be a marker of casual Friday office attire, but more recently are affiliated with the extremist Boogaloo Boys, the researchers wrote.

Despite the potential drawbacks to putting pants on robots, doing so could help make the entire field of research more attractive to a new generation of roboticists. I like to think about girls in robotics, Friedman said. When they're young, I think robotics seems like a really intimidating thing but I see clothes as kind of a way to welcome, you know, the stereotypically feminine... skills that women have. I see clothes as a way to welcome girls into [robotics].
2021-07-26

Maeci

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, held a telephone conversation with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, focused on the situation in Tunisia. The conversation confirmed that Italy and the European Union are paying the utmost attention to the latest worrying developments in the country and reiterated their shared commitment to its political and economic stability.
2021-07-23

Maeci

Today the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, will be meeting the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed. At the end of the meeting, they will be issuing joint statements.
AMES, Iowa - A new study led by an Iowa State University scientist sheds light on how organisms have evolved to address imbalances in sex chromosomes.

The study looks at a species of softshell turtle, but the results could help to illuminate an important evolutionary process in many species, said Nicole Valenzuela, professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology and lead author of the study.

Many organisms determine their sex by a pair of specialized chromosomes that appear in virtually every cell of an organism's body. A matched pair of chromosomes results in one sex, while a mismatched pair results in another sex. For instance, in humans and many other species, sex chromosomes are referred to as X and Y. Typically, two X chromosomes result in a female while XY chromosomes result in males. These chromosomes also contain the genetic codes for the production of essential proteins, and the disproportion in chromosomes in XY individuals caused by them carrying only a single X for every pair of non-sex chromosomes (called autosomes) can lead to an imbalance in the production of proteins. The study sheds light on how organisms have evolved to address such imbalances through a process called sex chromosome dosage compensation, or SCDC.

The study focused on a species of softshell turtle known as Apalone spinifera, which are among the largest of freshwater turtles and inhabit a large portion of North America, including Iowa. But the research could help scientists understand the process in other organisms as well. The study also could generate better understanding of how disease can arise if the SCDC process doesn't function correctly.

"Understanding the diversity of SCDC mechanisms in nature, how they happen and evolve, informs more broadly on how animals and humans compensate for gene dose imbalance, and why the failure to properly compensate for these differences leads to disease states," Valenzuela said.

The study was published this week in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B.

What is sex chromosome dosage compensation?

Sex chromosome dosage compensation comes into play for individuals who have mismatched sex chromosomes. In the case of the softshell turtles included in the study, the sex chromosomes are referred to as Z and W, and it's the females of the species who have mismatched, or ZW, chromosomes. That mismatch means they lack a second copy of the Z chromosome, unlike their male counterparts who have two Z chromosomes.

The Z chromosomes contain instructions for some of the proteins normally functioning cells should produce, and having only a single copy of a chromosome can result in a reduced amount of proteins produced, because protein production is often affected by the number of gene copies. More copies means more protein production. Thus, unevenness in the number of copies of genes that work together can lead to developmental, physiological or other disorders. But SCDC mechanisms work to upregulate, or increase the level, of protein production from genes in the single Z (or X) chromosomes. The importance of maintaining a proper balance is made evident by diseases caused by abnormal numbers of sex chromosomes, including Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome in humans, and Valenzuela said these processes have evolutionary and health implications in many other organisms as well.

Valenzuela and her co-authors sampled softshell turtles at various stages of development, including embryos, young hatchlings and adults, and analyzed various tissues to determine which genes were activated. The researchers then compared the activity of genes from sex chromosomes and from autosomes, broken down by male and female turtles.

The study represents not only the first such study to analyze sex chromosome dosage compensation in turtles, but the findings also show that remarkably, temperature appears to affect the SCDC process in the turtles. Valenzuela has studied temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), or the way environmental temperatures influence whether a turtle embryo develops into a male or female in species that lack sex chromosomes, in previous research. But because softshell turtles lost this ancestral TSD system, this thermal sensitivity in the SCDC came as a surprise, she said. And the way in which softshell turtles carry out SCDC is also unusual and complex.

The study found that both sexes of softshell turtles double the activity of the Zs in early embryonic development, which fixes the expression imbalance in ZW females (twice Z expression now matches autosomal expression). But this same response creates an imbalance in males (Z expression now doubles autosomal expression). At later embryonic stages, male Z expression decreases, and this effect is more pronounced at cooler than at warmer incubation temperatures, according to the study. Valenzuela said the new study is likely the first to show that temperature can impact SCDC not just in turtles, or in animals, but as broadly as in eukaryotes, or organisms in which genetic material is contained in a cell nucleus. Eukaryotic species include a huge range of organisms, including animals, plants and fungi.

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The feeling of a needle piercing skin is familiar to most people, especially recently as COVID-19 vaccinations gain momentum. But what exactly happens when a needle punctures skin? The answer is revealed in a new paper published recently in the Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids.

Mattia Bacca, assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, often looks to the natural world for answers when he's faced with a mechanical engineering problem--like the way a gecko can cling to a surface with the pads on its toes, or an ant can cut through a leaf many times its size.

Bioinspired engineering helped Dr. Bacca, along with PhD candidate Stefano Fregonese, to answer the previously unsolved question of how the mechanics of piercing works on soft materials, like skin.

"Cutting is ubiquitous in our survival and daily lives," Bacca explains. "When we chew food, we cut tissue to make it digestible. Almost every species in the animal kingdom evolved with the ability to cut tissue to feed and defend, hence have acquired remarkable morphological and physical features to allow this process efficiently."

They created a mechanical theory to determine the critical force required for needle insertion--the pivotal phenomenon of puncture. Their work provides a simple, semi-analytical model to describe the process, from dimensional arguments to finite element analysis.

Mechanisms involved in cutting soft tissue have only gained attention in engineering over the last several decades, initially with investigations into the properties of rubber. Previous approaches determined the force needed to insert a needle in tissue after its initial puncture, using physical experiments that couldn't fully measure the deformations and complex failure mechanisms involved in breaking through the surface of a soft material.

In contrast, the new model created by Fregonese and Bacca can finally predict the puncture force and validate this with previous experiments. They discovered that the needle insertion force is proportional to the toughness of tissue and scales inversely with the radius of the needle--meaning thinner needles require less force. Albeit both these observations are intuitive, they provided quantitative prediction. What is counterintuitive, however, is the role of material rigidity in this process. Tissue rigidity scales inversely with puncture force, with softer tissue requiring higher force (at same toughness). The UBC team is currently performing additional experiments and model refinements to get "deeper" into the physics of this problem.

So far, their results come from various inquiries into animal solutions. At first, Fregonese joined Dr. Bacca's Micro & Nano Mechanics Lab for a project related to the mechanics of adhesion in animals like geckos. Exploring overlaps with this area and the problem of cutting, they began to investigate fundamentals of cutting and the link to the morphological evolution of animals, with an international collaboration >studying leafcutter ants with animal biomechanics expert Dr. David Labonte (Imperial College), and muscle physiology expert Dr. Natalie Holt (University of California). They also collaborated with UBC Okanagan's Dr. Kevin Golovin and mechanical engineering colleague Dr. Gwynn Elfring to research the interaction between ballistics and gels.

Their new theoretical model may help engineers developing various applications such as protective equipment, automation processes involving food and the emerging technology of robotic surgery.

It may also impact how people experience injections in the future, something top of mind for people who've recently lined up to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. For example, future technology could provide options like self-administered disposable pads armed with microneedles--like the ones designed by UBC's Dr. Boris Stoeber--designed to pierce skin at the right depth and with the right force.

###

"Piercing soft solids: A mechanical theory for needle insertion," published in Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2021.104497.

This research was supported by the Department of National Defense of Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and by the Human Frontiers in Science Program.
Even in the absence of bark beetle outbreaks and wildfire, trees in Colorado subalpine forests are dying at increasing rates from warmer and drier summer conditions, found recent University of Colorado Boulder research.

The study, published in the May print issue of the Journal of Ecology, also found that this trend is increasing. In fact, tree mortality in subalpine Colorado forests not affected by fire or bark beetle outbreaks in the last decade has more than tripled since the 1980s.

"We have bark beetle outbreaks and wildfires that cause very obvious mortality of trees in Colorado. But we're showing that even in the areas that people go hiking in and where the forest looks healthy, mortality is increasing due to heat and dry conditions alone," said Robert Andrus, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at Washington State University. "It's an early warning sign of climate change."

These deaths are not only affecting larger trees, thus reducing forests' carbon storage, but hotter and drier conditions are making it difficult for new trees to take root across the southern Rockies in Colorado, southern Wyoming and northern parts of New Mexico.

It's well known that rising temperatures and increasing drought are causing tree deaths in forests around the globe. But here in Colorado, researchers found that heat and drought alone are responsible for over 70% of tree deaths in the 13 areas of subalpine forest they measured over the past 37 years. That's compared with about 23% of tree deaths due to bark beetles and about 5% due to wind damage.

"It was really surprising to see how strong the relationship is between climate and tree mortality, to see that there was a very obvious effect of recent warmer and drier conditions on our subalpine forests," said Andrus, who conducted this research while completing his graduate degree in physical geography at CU Boulder. "The rate of increasing mortality is alarming."

With temperatures in Colorado having risen by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1980s and increasing more quickly at higher elevations, estimates of another possible 2.5 or more degrees of warming in the next few decades due to climate change indicate that the rate of tree deaths will only increase.

Seeing the forest for the trees

Subalpine forests cover over 10,000 square miles in Colorado and are best known by those who ski or recreate in the mountains. Subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce dominate the area above the Peak to Peak Highway in the Front Range, and if you go over any mountain pass in Colorado, you're going into the subalpine zone, according to Andrus.

Previous research at CU Boulder has shown how wildfire, beetle kill and the two combined can affect the mortality and health of Rocky Mountain subalpine forests. This new research isolated the effects of those two common stressors from those of heat and moisture to find out how much of an effect climate change is having on these tree populations.

"As trees die in increasing numbers due to fire, bark beetles and drought, the warmer and drier climate is making it much less likely that new tree seedlings can establish and replace the dead adult trees," said Tom Veblen, co-author of the study and professor emeritus of geography.

Launched by Veblen when he arrived on campus in 1982, this is the longest running study of tree mortality in Colorado with remeasurements made frequently enough to identify the factors causing tree death. Every three years since, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and undergraduate field assistants have diligently returned to the more than 5,000 marked trees on Niwot Ridge just west of Boulder. In these 13 subalpine forest plots, they recorded that more trees died during summers with higher maximum temperatures and greater moisture deficits.

They found that tree mortality increased from .26% per year during 1982 to 1993, to .82% per year during 2008 to 2019--more than tripling within 40 years.

"It is really challenging because it's not very visually obvious to the casual observer," said Andrus. "But the thing to keep in mind is that while warmer, drier conditions are also causing more fire and bark beetle outbreaks, these slow and gradual changes are also important."

###

Additional authors on this publication include Rachel Chai of the Veblen Lab at CU Boulder; Brian Harvey, previously a postdoctoral researcher in geography at CU Boulder and now an assistant professor at the University of Washington; and Kyle Rodman, previously a graduate student in the Veblen Lab at CU Boulder and now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
Through a new award program, the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) have joined forces to award the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Technical University of Darmstadt a three-year $720,000 research grant ($500,000 from NSF) to explore opportunities to more efficiently produce green hydrogen, a clean and renewable source of energy.

This project is among the first supported by the NSF-DFG Lead Agency Activity in Electrosynthesis and Electrocatalysis (NSF-DFG EChem), an international effort to support collaborative work between U.S. researchers and their German counterparts on engineering science projects for novel and fundamental electrochemical reactions and studies. The new project assembles a multidisciplinary team, comprising Professors Hong Yang and Nicola Perry at UIUC and Professor Andreas Klein at TU Darmstadt.

"Our society is making great strides toward a future powered by renewable sources," said the project's principal investigator Hong Yang, Alkire Chair professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and affiliate professor of chemistry at UIUC. "Green hydrogen can fuel cars and semi-trucks or used as commodity chemicals for industrial manufacturing--but there is work to be done to ensure that green hydrogen production is viable and scalable."

Green hydrogen is made from splitting water molecules with a device called an electrolyzer that uses electric energy from renewable sources--but this process currently requires a lot of energy, and it is still not cost-effective.

This newly funded research project aims to increase the efficiency and stability of electrolysis for water splitting via understanding the engineering science of new classes of electrocatalysts such as pyrochlores.

Catalysts speed up chemical reactions. The research team will use cutting-edge techniques to reveal their complex surface and bulk structures, which influence catalyst performance and reaction rates. Their goal is to identify the specific chemistry--down to the atomic level--that creates the most reactive and stable electrocatalysts for water splitting.

Ultimately, better catalysts are needed to reduce electricity usage and meet the stability requirement to produce green hydrogen at a reduced cost.

"Our team brings together diverse methods and disciplinary lenses that, when combined, have potential to provide unique insights for the development of practical green hydrogen catalysts," said the project's co-principal investigator Nicola Perry, a materials science and engineering professor at UIUC. "This interdisciplinary and internationally collaborative environment will also provide a rich, formative context for student researcher training."

Perry will lead the growth of thin-film catalysts, as a model platform enabling fundamental insights. She will also oversee the analysis of defect chemistry, which is the study of populations of active atomic-scale anomalies under dynamic operating conditions and their impact on catalyst performance. Perry and Yang are also members of the Materials Research Lab, where some of this work will take place.

Andreas Klein, a professor of materials and earth sciences at TU Darmstadt, will develop a new framework to study the surface structures using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in realistic conditions.

"Hydrogen is expected to play an important role for carbon-neutral technology," Yang said. "I am excited to help develop the sustainable technologies to make green hydrogen to fuel cars, and one day, our society at large."

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PITTSBURGH, July 26, 2021 - Adolescents who set goals for their future and those with strong parental support are less likely to use e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, according to a study by UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine physician-scientists.

The research, published today in the journal Pediatrics, suggests that strategies to prevent youth vaping may be different from what works to dissuade youth from smoking cigarettes.

"The use of e-cigarettes by young people is at epidemic proportions, with 27% of youth surveyed saying they'd vaped in the last 30 days," said lead author Nicholas Szoko, M.D., a fellow in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at UPMC Children's. "And a lot of the traditional methods we think of for counseling youth on the dangers of tobacco and drug use may not apply to vaping. Pediatricians and parents need a better understanding of what motivates adolescents to eschew e-cigarettes."

Szoko and his colleagues analyzed anonymous questionnaires administered in partnership with the Allegheny County Health Department and completed by 2,487 high school students in Pittsburgh Public Schools. The surveys asked questions to ascertain if and how often the students used e-cigarettes or other tobacco products, and to determine if any of four "protective factors" validated by previous research were associated with a lower likelihood of vaping or smoking.

The protective factors examined were:

Future orientation: A person's beliefs, hopes and goals related to the future.

Parental monitoring: Parent-child interactions and communication.

Social support: The ability to rely on friends and peers.

School connectedness: A sense of belonging and inclusion at school.

In the study, positive future orientation and high levels of parental monitoring were both linked with a 10% to 25% lower prevalence of recently or ever vaping, compared to peers with lower scores on those protective factors. There was no link between social support or school connectedness and use of e-cigarettes.

All four protective factors were associated with lower prevalence of smoking or use of other tobacco products, but none were linked to intent to quit using tobacco products. This suggests that once young people begin to use tobacco, quitting may be more difficult to promote. The researchers note that these findings should be explored to develop improved youth tobacco prevention efforts, but that it isn't surprising that the results for vaping weren't exactly the same as for smoking.

"E-cigarettes are positioned and marketed differently than tobacco cigarettes. They've been popularized as tools for smoking cessation, and previous research has found the various flavors and trendy ads for vaping are attractive to youth," said Szoko. "We also know that vaping primes adolescents to transition to smoking cigarettes and other substance use. So, it stands to reason that we may need different approaches to keep kids from vaping, than we use to stop them from smoking."

Senior author Alison Culyba, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of pediatrics, public health, and clinical and translational science at Pitt, noted that frameworks already exist to help clinicians use future orientation and encourage parental monitoring when providing health care to young people, which bodes well for developing e-cigarette intervention programs to strengthen these protective factors.

"Future orientation is something very tangible that pediatricians and other health care providers can talk with teens about in the clinic--motivational interviewing is something we're very comfortable doing with our patients," said Culyba, also an adolescent medicine physician and director of the Empowering Teens to Thrive program at UPMC Children's. "And we can help parents to navigate their roles as their children become pre-teens and teens, and help encourage open conversations with their kids about what they're encountering."

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Additional authors on this research are Maya I. Ragavan, M.D., Susheel K. Khetarpal, and Kar-Hai Chu, Ph.D., all of Pitt or UPMC, or both.

This research was supported by The Heinz Endowments, The Grable Foundation and National Institutes of Health grants KL2TR001856, UL1TR001857, K23HD098277-01.

To read this release online or share it, visit http://www.upmc.com/media/news/072621-Szoko-Vape-Protective-Pediatrics [when embargo lifts].

About UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Regionally, nationally, and globally, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is a leader in the treatment of childhood conditions and diseases, a pioneer in the development of new and improved therapies, and a top educator of the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. With generous community support, UPMC Children's Hospital has fulfilled this mission since its founding in 1890. UPMC Children's is recognized consistently for its clinical, research, educational, and advocacy-related accomplishments, including ranking in the top 10 on the 2021-2022 U.S. News Honor Roll of America's Best Children's Hospitals. UPMC Children's also ranks 15th among children's hospitals and schools of medicine in funding for pediatric research provided by the National Institutes of Health (FY2019).

About the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

As one of the nation's leading academic centers for biomedical research, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine integrates advanced technology with basic science across a broad range of disciplines in a continuous quest to harness the power of new knowledge and improve the human condition. Driven mainly by the School of Medicine and its affiliates, Pitt has ranked among the top 10 recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1998. In rankings recently released by the National Science Foundation, Pitt ranked fifth among all American universities in total federal science and engineering research and development support.

Likewise, the School of Medicine is equally committed to advancing the quality and strength of its medical and graduate education programs, for which it is recognized as an innovative leader, and to training highly skilled, compassionate clinicians and creative scientists well-equipped to engage in world-class research. The School of Medicine is the academic partner of UPMC, which has collaborated with the University to raise the standard of medical excellence in Pittsburgh and to position health care as a driving force behind the region's economy. For more information about the School of Medicine, see http://www.medschool.pitt.edu.

http://www.upmc.com/media
The planet's oceanic crust has been shaped over hundreds of millions of years by volcanic activity - but much of this volcanic system is hidden below the seafloor.

Magma moves and solidifies to add two million kilograms of new material to the Earth's crust every second during a process called seafloor spreading. However, how this magma migrates and what controls this remain puzzling.

New research led by the University of Plymouth aims to unlock some of these mysteries and provide greater understanding of the dynamic processes occurring at depth beneath the seafloor.

Along the East Pacific Rise, home to the most magmatically active seafloor spreading axis on Earth, geophysicists have imaged thin, lens-shaped magma chambers known as axial melt lenses.

They are thought to sit on top of hot mushes made up of crystals surrounded by small amounts of magma, and this system in the lower crust feeds magma upwards through conduits known as dykes which, in turn, leads to the eruption of lava onto the seafloor.

How this process occurs is currently poorly understood because the deep crust is largely inaccessible in the oceans. So instead, researchers will study an ancient section of seafloor now exposed on land in the Oman mountains, and use a combination of analytical methods to determine the pathways followed by magma during the construction of oceanic crust by seafloor spreading.

The project is being supported by a grant of more than 650,000 from the Natural Environment Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation. It will be led in Plymouth by Professor of Geophysics and Geodynamics Antony Morris and Dr Michelle Harris, Lecturer in Earth Sciences, and involves a partnership with Professor Chris MacLeod (Cardiff University) and Dr Benoit Ildefonse (University of Montpellier).

Professor Morris, the project's principal investigator, led a study demonstrating how geophysical magnetic methods may be used to discover magma pathways in Oman, published in Geology in March 2019.

He said: "Plate tectonics is a unique characteristic of our planet and continuously repaves two-thirds of the Earth's surface. The formation of new oceanic crust represents the largest magmatic system on Earth and involves the cooling and solidification of magma along the 70,000 km global network of seafloor spreading axes. Understanding the details of how ocean crust forms is therefore critical to understanding the exchange of heat and mass from the solid Earth to the oceans and atmosphere.

"Since the rocks of the deep oceans are inaccessible, scientists have largely had to employ geophysical experiments to investigate the sub-seafloor. This project offers us exciting opportunities to read the rock record of these magma processes in unprecedented detail to create a comprehensive picture of one of the building blocks of our planet."

All the members of the research team have previously been involved in major international efforts to understand the formation and evolution of ocean crust via the International Ocean Discovery Program and the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program's "Oman Drilling Project".

In this new project, they will use a technique called anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) to measure the 3D preferred alignments of crystals resulting from the flow of magma during the formation of crustal rocks to map out magma pathways along more than 100 km of the Oman spreading axis.

This will then be combined with geochemical analyses of rock compositions to develop a comprehensive 3D model for the anatomy of the magma systems responsible for forming two-thirds of the Earth's surface.

Dr Harris, Co-Investigator on the project, added: "This project is particularly exciting for the multidisciplinary approach we will take and the scale at which we will work. The combination of linking the magmatic fabrics investigated using AMS with the geochemistry of the melts offers real opportunity to study the magmatic systems in a holistic fashion that hasn't been attempted at this scale before. The potential to relate our large-scale studies with the observations from the East Pacific Rise will be a major step forward in studying seafloor spreading."

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The Pound New Zealand Dollar (GBP/NZD) exchange rate had edged lower heading into the weekend as the latest flash PMI figures from the UK disappointed investors.

At the time of writing on Friday the pair were trading at around NZ$1.9698 as the risk-sensitive New Zealand Dollar was supported by an upbeat market mood.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Weaken on Lacklustre UK Retail Sales

The Pound has been trading in a mixed range against the New Zealand Dollar for much of the week as ongoing coronavirus worries left Sterling sentiment damaged.

Friday saw the release of the latest UK retail sales figures which had shown a rebound in consumer spending during June  attributed to Euro 2020.

Many economists were less than positive surrounding the rebound however.

Lisa Hooker, consumer markets leader at the consultancy PwC, commented on the latest retail sales figures:

Headline growth masks declines in other non-food categories, with household goods sales suffering their first non-lockdown driven decline since the start of the pandemic, as people started to spend more time out of the home; and sales in the hardest-hit clothing category again slipping below pre-pandemic levels.

So the post-pandemic retail recovery will likely remain fragile for the rest of the summer, as government support schemes begin to wind down, and the booming grocery sector sees operational and supply challenges from the current pingdemic.

More so, the latest flash PMI figures from the UK have shown a sharp slowdown in the UKs economic growth and recovery.

New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Exchange Rates Supported by Upbeat Market Mood

The New Zealand Dollar has found itself struggling throughout most of the week as lack of economic data from New Zealand and a prevailing risk-off mood limited the appeal of the Kiwi.

Whilst global coronavirus cases surge, the risk-correlated New Zealand Dollar has been on the back bench against many of the majors.

It comes as Prime Minister Jacinda Arden chose to pause the travel bubble with Australia for eight weeks following the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.

A statement from Ardens office stated that:

For the next seven days there will be managed return flights for New Zealanders from all states and territories that will require proof of a negative pre-departure test. Additionally, those who have been in NSW will still have to go into MIQ for 14 days. And those who have been in Victoria must self-isolate upon return and have a negative day 3 test.

The New Zealand Dollar ended the week trending higher a broad weakness in the Pound supported Kiwi sentiment.

GBP/NZD Exchange Rate Outlook: Coronavirus Developments in Focus

A lack of notable data from the UK will instead see Pound investors keeping an eye on any further coronavirus developments heading into next week, as a further surge in cases could cause the government to rethink current measures.

New Zealand Dollar traders will themselves be focusing on the global market mood for much of the week, alongside the latest ANZ business confidence index for July.
The Pound Sterling has been held in narrow ranges on Monday with underlying caution surrounding risk conditions and tentative conditions ahead of Wednesdays Federal Reserve policy decision.

The latest UK coronavirus developments provided an element of support with the Pound to Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate holding around 1.3750 with the Pound to Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate drifting lower to 1.1670.

Coronavirus Risks Remain in Focus

There was some relief that the latest data released on Sunday recorded a further decline in UK new coronavirus cases for the fifth successive day.

The data increased hopes that the UK could see a lower than feared peak in cases, lessening the threat of renewed restrictions.

Nevertheless, there was still a high degree of uncertainty, especially with the easing of restrictions in England not yet reflected within the data. The weaker than expected PMI business confidence data on Friday also triggered uncertainty over the outlook.

MUFG commented; "We remain GBP bullish over the medium-term but that view incorporates assumptions like COVID risks receding and the NI (Northern Ireland) protocol issue being resolved."

Credit Agricole noted the important implications for the UK and global economies; If the UK can open up without a large spike in hospitalisations, it would give other countries hope that vaccinations are a path out of Covid lockdowns.

Goldman Sachs added; the next couple weeks of data will be important to gauge how the economyand the health situationare evolving with fewer activity restrictions.

Federal Reserve Meeting Comes into Focus

The US and global coronavirus developments could also have a significant impact on Federal Reserve thinking at Wednesdays policy meeting.

CBA strategist Joseph Capurso expected a hawkish stance; "We expect the FOMC to drop 'substantial' from 'substantial further progress. Removing 'substantial' will signal the FOMC believes it will soon be appropriate to taper asset purchases."

Mizuho Bank expected a more cautious stance; "Overall, the Fed is expected to hold a rather neutral stance before the Jackson Hole symposium in late August, while risks are biased to dovish side given the Delta variant spread."

Global Risk Appetite More Cautious

Overall risk conditions were more fragile on Monday with a retreat in Asian equity markets amid a sell-off in China.

There were also cautious comments from China as the Vice foreign minister remarked that relations between the US and China face difficulties and are at a stalemate.

After posting record highs on Friday, US S&P 500 futures also lost ground on Monday.

ING commented; Any further hits to China-related sentiment (either through the geopolitical channel or the growth expectations channel) should prove beneficial for USD heading into the FOMC meeting.

Hedge Funds Abandon Sterling

The latest COT data released by the CFTC recorded a switch to a net short, non-commercial Sterling position of over 3,000 contracts in the latest week from a long position of 8,000 previously. This was the first short Sterling position since mid-December 2020 as global investors overall switched back into the US currency.

The positioning data will lessen the potential for further Pound selling unless there is a severe deterioration in confidence surrounding the UK economy or a slump in global equities.

ING remained cautious over the near-term outlook; Sterlings upside may remain capped due to the ongoing clash between the EU and the UK over the Northern Ireland protocol. It appears very little downside risks related to this topic are priced into GBP, and a combination with a USD-positive FOMC meeting could make Cable re-test the 1.3600 support this week.

Credit Agricole was more optimistic over the outlook with the potential for renewed Pound buying; our positioning based model remains in favour of buying pairs such as AUD/USD and GBP/USD.
Monday, July 26, 2021

Rosemary James was the reporter who broke the story about Jim Garrison's investigation into the JFK assassination for the New Orleans States-Item. She then went on to work for WWL-TV.

This review is from the July 11, 1999 edition of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

My favorite part of the review is Rosemary James' description of Garrisons' book:

"Still not content, Garrison sat down at his typewriter and concocted the biggest lie of all, his book, "On the Trail of the Assassins," once again defaming Clay Shaw. To give the devil his due, the book was well written, a fast-moving, exciting piece of cold war spy genre fiction, and it produced a lot of money for the DA in book sales, and a movie contract.

Oliver Stone, as gullible as they get in La-La Land, swallowed Garrison's tale hook, line and sinker, and spent millions regurgitating it on film. With "JFK," Stone became another False Witness, distorting history and justifying his film on the basis of artistic license, giving Garrison the image of a God-fearing family man and caped crusader and using the same smear tactics as Garrison to destroy the image of an innocent man no longer able to defend himself."

I strongly recommend that everybody read Patricia Lambert's False Witness, one of the finest books out there on the Garrison investigation

Click here to purchase False Witness.
Two years after a settlement was reached over $6 million in San Antonio real estate  seized by the U.S. government during a money laundering investigation of a former Mexican governor  the properties are finally headed to the auction block.

The sales just might be a bargain hunters dream.

Bidding on four of the properties  single-family residences in an affluent Northeast Side subdivision  will start at under $150,000 for each. Each of them is assessed by the Bexar County Appraisal District at at least $500,000.

Also for sale are two large land parcels on Montgomery Road, near U.S. 90, and commercial office space in the 1100 block of West Blanco Road on the North Side.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio properties worth $6 million to be sold to settle forfeiture lawsuit

Federal prosecutors in 2014 moved to seize the seven properties, which they said were bought with laundered money by Luis Armando Reynoso Lopez.

Reynoso Lopezs father, Luis Armando Reynoso Femat, was governor of the central Mexican state of Aguascalientes from 2004 to 2010.

U.S. federal agents launched an investigation of Reynoso Femat over allegations that he sent $5.5 million he embezzled from Aguascalientes to U.S. banks so his son could use the money to purchase the real estate here, according to court records.

Beginning in 2008, Reynoso Femat and his son, Reynoso Lopez, conspired together, and with others, to divert monies illegally derived from the Mexican state of Aguascalientes through financial institutions in Mexico, to bank accounts they established in the U.S., said an affidavit unsealed in the forfeiture case in 2017.

VICENTE ARTEAGA. /AP

No one was criminally charged in the U.S. In 2019, Reynoso Lopezs attorney said his client had purchased the properties with legitimate funds.

Details of the settlement are sealed.

Reynoso Femat never filed any claims to the properties nor responded to the allegations here. He was sentenced in 2017 to more than six years in prison in Mexico for charges that included embezzlement, but it appears he never served any time.

Reynoso Femat last month unsuccessfully ran for mayor of the state capital of Aguascalientes.

CWS Asset Management & Sales is conducting the auctions for the Treasury Department.

The online auctions will be conducted over four days, with the land parcels set to be sold first on Aug. 5. The two parcels, at 6192 and 6250 Montgomery Road, total 66.5 acres. The land is not zoned. Bidding starts at $430,000.

Two commercial office buildings, totaling nearly 10,600 square feet at 1116-1132 W. Blanco Road, will be auctioned Aug. 6. Bidding starts at $340,000.

The single-family homes at 22710 and 22715 Colibries St. are set to be sold Aug. 11. Bidding for 22710 Colibries, 3,426 square feet, starts at $140,000. Bidding for 22715 Colibries, 2,576 square feet, opens at $110,000.

The other two homes will be auctioned Aug. 12. Bidding for 22719 Colibries, 3,466 square feet, starts at $130,000. Bidding for 22723 Colibries, 2,871 square feet, starts at $120,000.

Interested bidders must submit a deposit ahead of the auction, though amounts vary by property. Dates have been set for property inspections.

Staff writer Guillermo Contreras contributed to this report.

pdanner@express-news.net
As local leaders try to improve the regions plateauing COVID-19 vaccination rates, San Antonio and Bexar County may require their employees to show they have received their shot  or get tested for the virus every week.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff are considering the requirement for city and county workers after New York City and California on Monday put the mandate in place for government employees.

Public and private employers are increasingly considering the idea for their workforces as the more contagious delta variant of the coronavirus spreads  driving up death and hospitalization rates.

Such a move by the city and county would apply to some 18,000 employees. But Nirenberg and Wolff arent sure doing so would be legal  or that it wouldnt draw the ire of Gov. Greg Abbott, who has all but stripped cities, counties and school districts of the authority to enact their own measures to combat the virus.

We are supportive of the efforts of New York and California, Nirenberg and Wolff said in a joint statement. We will be reviewing the legalities and practicalities of requiring a COVID-19 vaccine and/or weekly testing in conformity with CDC guidelines in order to protect the health and well-being of city/county workforce.

On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases

Local officials have looked for ways to boost the number of vaccinated residents amid COVID-19s resurgence as the number of people seeking vaccines has plateaued this summer. In fact, city officials held an unscheduled news conference last week to emphasize the need to get vaccinated in light of the increasing cases.

If you are unvaccinated, forget the disinformation that you hear out there, Nirenberg said at the conference. You are at great risk of severe illness.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus nearly tripled in July. As of Friday, hospitals held 418 COVID-19 patients  compared with 140 at the beginning of the month. Over the weekend, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the state had reached more than 4,000 hospitalizations for the first time since March.

More than three-quarters of the countys eligible population  people ages 12 and up  received their first dose of the vaccine. Less than two-thirds are fully vaccinated against the virus.

Meanwhile, the rate of the virus transmission has increased dramatically. The percentage of COVID-19 tests that turn up positive  known as the positivity rate  rose to 13.5 percent last week.

That rate had sat below 5 percent  considered by health experts to be a manageable amount of virus transmission  for five months before rising at the end of June.

jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFReports
Medios y Media /Getty Images

The Celebrity Fan Fest returns this week, bringing some big names to town. Its the highlight of a week that also will see the release of a couple of highly anticipated projects. Heres a look:

Concert: Hailing from Mexico, the goth rock en espanol band Caifanes emerged onto the music scene in the 80s, drawing on influences such as the Cure. After making classic albums such as El Nervio del Volcan, Caifanes disbanded in the 90s, but the band reunited for Coachella 2011 and continued making music. Its most recent recent single is 2019s Heridos. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aztec Theatre, 104 N. Saint Marys St. $54.50-$99.50, theaztectheatre.com.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  A California sheriffs deputy was fatally shot this weekend when his SWAT team tried to rescue people held hostage inside a San Joaquin Valley home by a man armed with an AK-47-style rifle and a handgun, authorities said Monday.

Four other people were also killed in the shootout, including the gunman  who had been previously arrested multiple times for domestic violence offenses, according to Lt. Joel Swanson, a spokesperson for the Kern County Sheriffs Office.

(Editors note: This story includes discussion of domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).)

Swanson did not know the specifics of the 41-year-old shooter's previous arrests and he has not yet been named publicly. A restraining order against the gunman  filed by one of the victims and effective June 3  was supposed to stop him from coming to the home where the killings occurred.

Three people inside the home  believed to be the gunman's sons and their mother  were fatally shot during the standoff Sunday afternoon in Wasco, a small community in the middle of farm fields northwest of Bakersfield.

The woman had filed the restraining order, Swanson said, but authorities were still trying to determine what had prompted her to seek legal action against him. The restraining order was also supposed to prevent the gunman from having firearms.

The shooting has the implications of what we see in law enforcement when it comes to domestic violence and how serious it is, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said, and, quite frankly, how a restraining order is not bulletproof.

Deputies shot and killed the suspect after he began climbing onto the home's roof with the firearms.

Youngblood identified the slain deputy as Phillip Campas and called him a star in our organization."

Campas, 35, was a five-year veteran of the sheriff's office and had previously served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. He was an instructor at the academy, as well as a member of the sheriff's SWAT team and the honor guard.

Campas is survived by his spouse and three children, ages 6, 9 and 13, according to the Kern Law Enforcement Association.

We thought he'd been here over 10 years, he's had that kind of impact, Youngblood said. He was here for five.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement calling Campas's death a tragic and senseless loss of this dedicated public servant" and ordering flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff.

Deputy Dizander Guerrero was wounded by gunfire and two deputies were struck by shrapnel during the violence.

The violence began around 1 p.m., and included a 911 call that had an open line into the home, Youngblood said. The activity heard on the call led deputies to believe at least one person was still alive inside the home.

We felt obligated to go in and try and rescue that victim, the sheriff said.

Two women and two girls were able to escape the home safely, Youngblood said. Their relationship to the shooter and the other victims was not immediately clear, but Swanson said they were believed to be acquaintances of the woman and her sons.

The victims inside the home  only described as the gunman's 17- and 24-year-old sons and their 42-year-old mother  also have not been named publicly.

The first deputies to arrive at the home, following multiple 911 calls, were met by one of the women who had escaped. She told them there was a gunman inside the house and two to three people had been shot.

Within minutes, Youngblood said, the gunman started firing at the deputies from inside the house. A SWAT team, including Campas and Guerrero, approached the front door and encountered gunfire from a rifle. The deputies fired back at the shooter.

Campas and Guerrero were struck and pulled to a safe location so they could be rushed to the hospital. The two deputies who were hit by shrapnel did not leave the standoff, the sheriff said.

Over several hours, the suspect fired out of the house at the deputies. Around 6:30 p.m., the gunman climbed onto the roof with the rifle and handgun. Deputies fired at him, fatally striking him.

Authorities found the other three victims dead inside the home.

More than 100 deputies responded to the scene and 23  some on the SWAT team and others who were close with Campas  are currently on administrative leave because of the shootings.

The SWAT team members were off-duty and not responding to calls on Monday as they grieved.
Ken Branca

A driver who made an unsafe attempt to exit Interstate 10 on the Northwest Side caused a fatal accident Sunday night, according to San Antonio police.

Police said the driver of a Dodge was traveling westbound on I-10, near De Zavala Road, around 10 p.m. when the individual abruptly crossed three lanes to get into the exit lane. The driver lost control and struck the off-ramp barrels in front of an oncoming Nissan, police said.
Monday marks the 12 year anniversary of one of San Antonio's most horrific crimes.

On July 26, 2009, San Antonio police found the mutilated body of a 4-week-old baby named Scott "Baby Scotty" Buchholz. The child's mother, Otty Sanchez, was accused of beheading and dismembering the infant and told police the devil made her do it. Police said she also ate parts of the baby's body.

The crime was so gruesome, SAPD needed to provide counseling services for the officers who entered the home.

Sanchez had recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia and told police she was hearing voices who instructed her to kill her child in order to prevent an apocalypse, the Express-News previously reported.

On ExpressNews.com: Shooter stoned to death with bricks after opening fire at Fort Worth party, police say

Sanchez's cousin, Priscilla Garcia, called 911 after finding the child beheaded and dismembered. In the 911 recording, Sanchez can be heard in the background yelling "I loved him" and I didn't mean to do it. He told me to.

Sanchez had been living with her mother and Garcia in their Wayside Drive home at the time.

Courtesy Photo

Police said Sanchez used a steak knife and two swords to kill the child before mutilating the corpse and eating body parts that included the brain, nose and toes, the Express-News said. Her attorney, Ed Camara, said the woman thought it was necessary to kill her child to prevent an apocalypse.

On ExpressNews.com: Mom who mutilated newborn enters plea

She was arrested that day and charged with capital murder. She was eventually found not guilty by reason of insanity and was admitted to the North Texas State Hospital Vernon facility, a maximum-security mental institution.

Her mental competency is reviewed annually by a judge, but officials don't believe she will ever be released. Camara, told reporters in 2010 that he didn't think "realistically this is ever the type of thing that can be cured."

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan on Sunday issued his first civil arrest warrant for a fugitive Democrat, Rep. Philip Cortez of San Antonio, after the lawmaker flew back to Washington, D.C. to rejoin colleagues following a brief return to Texas last week.

Cortez had fled to D.C. with more than 50 of his Democratic colleagues earlier this month in an attempt to tank a controversial elections bill. But he returned to the Lone Star State last week  shocking many of his fellow Democrats, who were unaware of his plans  and said he would try to engage in good faith dialogue with the GOP author of the legislation.

After those negotiations failed, and after facing harsh criticism from his colleagues, Cortez returned to D.C. on Sunday night. Phelan issued the arrest warrant the same day.

Rep. Cortez returned to the Texas Capitol of his own volition and represented to me and his fellow members that he wanted to work on policy and find solutions to bring his colleagues back to Texas, Phelan said in a statement. As a condition of being granted permission to temporarily leave the House floor, Rep. Cortez promised his House colleagues that he would return.

Instead, he fled the state and has irrevocably broken my trust and the trust of this chamber.

TEXAS TAKE: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday

The warrant means little now that Cortez is back in D.C., where Texas state troopers have no jurisdiction. But if he returns to Texas again, Department of Public Safety officers could detain him and escort him back to the Capitol.

Cortez said in a Monday morning interview that he decided to rejoin his Democratic colleagues in the nations capital after three unsuccessful meetings last week with state Rep. Andrew Murr of Junction, the GOP sponsor of the elections measure.

He and Rep. John Turner, D-Dallas, one of the few Democrats who decided not to flee the state, had gone into negotiations with six or seven pressure points that theyd hoped to address  mostly concerning provisions in the bill that deal with the role of partisan poll watchers.

Democrats fear that expanded access for the poll watchers would lead to voter intimidation  especially through language stipulating that poll watchers who violate election law can only be removed if theyve already received a warning.

Cortez said Murr wouldnt budge until Democrats came back to Texas.

FACT CHECK: Will Texas Democrats be put in leg irons when they return to D.C.?

There was not any positive progress in terms of being able to move forward and improve the bill or improve the language of the bill, and upon seeing that, I decided to return back to D.C. and join my colleagues, he said.

Responding to the news of a civil arrest warrant later Monday, Cortez said in a statement that he owes a duty to my constituents to do everything I can to stop this harmful legislation.

State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie and the head of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, issued a statement Sunday night lauding Cortez as a valued member of our caucus who colleagues welcomed back to D.C. with open arms.

It was a de-escalation of a bitter back-and-forth that at times played out over social media last week as Democrats expressed frustration over Cortezs departure, which he did not discuss with the delegation beforehand. Abhi Rahman, a Democratic aide, tweeted that Cortez was a gutless coward who has earned himself a primary challenge.

Rahman said in an interview Monday that public pressure likely pushed Cortez to return.

This isnt the time for negotiations on voting, Rahman said.

cayla.harris@express-news.net
Sujata Jana / EyeEm/Getty Images/EyeEm

A head-on collision Saturday night in Fredericksburg left two people dead and three others were airlifted to San Antonio hospitals with injuries.

Fredericksburg police said a minivan and a pickup truck collided in the 3000 block of state Highway 16 around 9:12 p.m. The minivan was traveling north in the southbound lanes.
Construction of an Alamo exhibit hall will begin next month, despite concerns that the structure might be too big  and too boring.

The two-story, 24,000-square-foot Alamo Exhibit Hall & Collections Building will house rock star Phil Collins collection of Alamo memorabilia, as well as touring exhibits and artifacts from the Alamos own massive collection. The $15 million facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2022.

During a meeting in Austin on Monday, Dallas architect Norman Alston, a member of the Texas Historical Commissions antiquities advisory board, expressed concern that the limestone building depicted in an artists rendering appeared too big to be that plain in that location, at the northeast corner of the Alamo grounds.

He acknowledged the challenge of placing a new building at the site that would be compatible with historic structures from the 1700s and early to mid-1900s.

Im afraid that were pushing the edges of that concept, if thats the idea  to keep the building simple and in the background, Alston said during a joint meeting of the commission and its advisory board.

On ExpressNews.com: Phil Collins Alamo collection finally gets a home

Commissioner Laurie Limbacher, an Austin architect, agreed, saying the building should not be so simple that it creates a jarring experience for visitors.

Gensler | GRG

She and Alston were reacting to renderings that showed a broad, V-shaped building with a stone facade and few architectural ornaments or embellishments. They suggested that because of its size, the structure needed to generate more visual interest.

The matter was before the commission because the Alamo complex is a state antiquities landmark.

After a break to negotiate ways to allow the exhibit hall to move forward, representatives of the nonprofit Alamo Trust, which operates the historic site, agreed to present updated plans responsive to concerns that the current design is too bland.

Members of the commission and the advisory panel approved a permit for the project contingent on a staff review of the updated plans and exterior materials.

The Alamo Trust and its partners in an ambitious makeover of the Alamo complex  the city of San Antonio and the Texas General Land Office  are under time pressure to get the exhibit hall under way.

Collins donated his collection to the state in 2014, on condition that a facility to exhibit the artifacts was under construction or in the schematic phase of build out by October 2021.

Tom Butler, a consulting architect on the project, said Monday that construction would begin in August.

A recently published book by Hearst Newspapers columnist Chris Tomlinson and two co-authors has raised questions about whether some of the better-known items in Collins collection, including a knife supposedly owned by Alamo defender Jim Bowie, have a documented connection to the Alamo. The issue was not discussed at Mondays commission meeting.

The commission also approved permits for excavation and archaeological work connected to the exhibit halls construction, as well as amendments to permits for architectural investigations and conservation work in the Alamo Church and Long Barrack.

Experts want to remove, study and replace stones and repair ceilings in the church. They also want to repair trip hazards in the floor of the Long Barrack.

During an update on the larger Alamo complex makeover, Patrick Gallagher, program manager for the Alamo Trust, said a reproduction of the palisade, a row of upright wooden posts that were part of the 1836 battle compound, is planned. The palisade extended diagonally from the southwest corner of the church.

Gallagher said the Alamo has a palisade reproduction in design and will request a permit to place it at the site later in the year.

A $250 million museum and visitor center also is planned. The trust has raised at least $75 million  a $50 million state appropriation and $25 million from Bexar County  for that part of the endeavor. The state has previously spent or committed $100 million for other parts of the plan, including the new exhibit hall. The city has spent or allocated $38 million for improvements to the plaza and streetscape.

On ExpressNews.com: 4-D Theater, civil rights display to help activate Alamo site

Gallagher said the exhibit/collections building, the palisade, a re-creation of the Alamos main south gate and upgrades to the south end of Alamo Plaza are in the first of five phases of the makeover.

The second phase is conversion of Alamo Hall to an education center and redevelopment of the north part of the plaza. Upgrades to the Long Barrack, including public displays of archaeological features, are in the third phase.

The fourth phase is construction of the museum and visitor center, including new retail space and a civil rights exhibit, through a renovation of the historic Woolworth and Crockett buildings on the west side of Alamo Plaza.

The final phase will involve completing work on the church and turning the 1930s-era gift shop building next to the church into an events venue.

Other plans include use of augmented reality to give visitors a sense of what the site looked like during different periods.

Were looking at a bold digital interface thats in development right now, Gallagher said.

shuddleston@express-news.net
The 830 area code will soon play a greater part in Texas Hill Countrys identity, and the city of Boerne is taking to social media to urge residents to be patient as the region transitions to dialing 10 digits for all local calls.

By this time next year, Texans in the Hill Country should develop the habit of dialing the area code plus the telephone number for all local calls. If you dont dial the area code, you will be routed to the National Suicide Hotline.

Last year, the Federal Communications Commission issued an order approving 988 as the three-digit abbreviated dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The new process goes live Oct. 24.

Have patience, the city of Boerne wrote on Facebook. We have time to adjust, and some phone companies already require 10-digit dialing.

Several Texas area codes with the 988 prefix (254, 361, 409, 806 and 940) will also be affected. The 830 area code encompasses the Texas Hill Country and many of San Antonios suburbs. It also completely surrounds area codes 210 and 726, which serve most of San Antonio itself along with its innermost suburb.

Beginning in 2017, anyone making a local call within the 210 area code was required to dial that code along with the seven-digit phone number, the Express-News reported.

Federal Communications Commission

Boerne residents appeared divided on the issue on social media.

If I call a neighbor, across the street, who also has a 830 area code, I now have to dial an area code, one resident wrote. Makes perfect sense.

Another said it really isnt that big of a deal to punch-in three additional numbers.

What other changes need to be made?

Important safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices, and alarm and security systems must be programmed to use 10-digit dialing. Many systems operate on 10-digit dialing by default, but some older equipment may still use seven-digits.

Contact your medical alert or security provider if you are not sure whether your equipment needs to be reprogrammed to accommodate the upcoming change to 10-digit local dialing. Any needed reprogramming of alarm and home security equipment must be done during the permissive dialing period from April 24, 2021 to Oct. 24, 2021 to avoid interruption of those services.

What will remain the same?
The highlight from the second week of the capital murder trial of Otis McKane: video of the interrogation interview in which he admits he killed a police officer.

I was mad. I cant see my son. I lashed out at the first police officer Id seen, hes heard telling San Antonio police Detective Mark Duke.

McKane, 36, is charged with fatally shooting Detective Benjamin Marconi, 50, a 20-year veteran of the police department, on the morning of Nov. 20, 2016. Marconi was working overtime on a Sunday and had just made a traffic stop. He was shot twice in the head while he sat in his patrol car, writing a citation.

Here are five things you need to know, as McKanes capital murder trial enters its third week:

My whole life, Ive been accused. At the start of the video, McKane repeatedly denies being at Public Safety Headquarters and shooting a police officer.

I know exactly what happened. Ive seen with my own eyes and watched it over and over again, Duke tells McKane as he lays out the video evidence and eyewitness accounts that placed him at the police department the day Marconi died.

Jerry Lara /Staff photographer

I look down and I am standing in a pool of blood pouring from his head and pooling around my feet. There was absolutely no sign of life, ER Dr. Erica Simon said during her emotional testimony Friday.

As low as you can get, San Antonio SWAT Officer Christopher Zygmont testified Wednesday, describing the position of Marconi, who was sitting lifeless in his patrol car when Zygmont responded to the scene.

He was happy to shoot him, SWAT Officer Christopher Enfinger testified Friday, recalling what McKane said when he took him to appear before a magistrate for his arraignment.

Testimony resumes this morning in the 379th District Court.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
A 71-year-old man in South Bexar County died this month after being stung by bees more than 300 times.

Alejandro Azua was doing yardwork on a sunny morning July 12 outside his house on the 17000 block of Texas 16 South when bees from a hive inside his homes walls attacked, possibly provoked by noise and vibrations from his lawn mower.

Emergency medical personnel took him to Texas Vista Medical Center, where he died. The cause of death was listed as complications of arthropod assault.

The bees in Azuas home, found using an infrared camera, had built a hive  4 feet wide by 8 feet tall  in a wall near a closet.

Richard LaBiche  owner of Total Service Pest Control, which was called to exterminate the bees  said the hive probably had been there for one to two years. While LaBiche typically would have taken the honeycomb brood to his ranch because of the nationwide bee shortage, the bees in this case were exterminated because Azuas family considered them a threat to neighbors in the wake of his death.

Neverthess, LaBiche said the hive was an ordinary one  nokiller bees  that was possibly provoked by vibrations.

Why he was attacked this time and not all other times he cut grass, I cant answer that, he said.

On ExpressNews.com: Don't forget about your water bills. SAWS resumes water shut-offs in October, late fees in September

Sheriff Javier Salazar, who echoed LaBiches theory as to why the bees attacked, urged caution when working outside.

Were asking people to carefully check their surroundings before starting any machinery like a leaf blower, Salazar said.

Likewise, experts remind people to check toys left outside for bees and other insects before letting children play there.

LaBiche maintains bee hives on his ranch and occasionally removes bees for Union Pacific Railroads.

Bees are known to build hives between walls, he said, and some homeowners may never know they are there. Such hives are often detected by finding a few bees guarding the entrance. A basic hive has about 60,000 bees, LaBiche said.

We dont ever get called until people get stung, he said. Theyll spray some wasp or bee killer and think they got em all, when they didnt even touch the hive. All theyve done is upset the bees.

On ExpressNews.com: 'Wrecking my dad's body' - COVID outbreak at San Antonio assisted living facility shows pandemic isn't over

Dr. Manuel Estrada, with Texas Vista, said one bee sting can send someone who is allergic into anaphylactic shock, a severe reaction that can restrict airways. People who are not allergic to bees or have no other illnesses may experience itching, redness and mild swelling at the site of a sting.

In any case, the more a person is stung, the more venom a person is subjected to, which can lead to serious systemic symptoms such as swelling of the tongue, face or airways.

Once you have somebody who has experienced (multiple bee stings), the first thing to look at is the airway and make sure the patient is breathing, Estrada said. What can kill the patient is a compromised airway.

People should seek medical attention after a bee sting if symptoms include wheezing, a sensation of choking, or stertor, which is a low-pitched sound that resembles snoring. Anyone stung should seek medical attention if swelling and redness spreads from the site of the sting.

While he worked in a Midland hospital, Estrada saw people in anaphylactic shock who had to be placed on ventilators.

Bee venom can also cause complications with people who have other diseases, such as uncontrolled sugar levels among diabetics, Estrada said.

LaBiche said bees will warn people when they are too close by giving them a quick bump, one that often goes unnoticed.

On ExpressNews.com: For the love of animals: San Antonio advocate makes a career out of helping pets

Swatting at a bee, he said, can provoke it to release a pheromone that signals other bees to swarm the attacker.

People with a major bee hive around their homes may call the Bexar County Sheriffs Office at 210-335-6000 to be connected with a bee removal expert, Salazar said.

He said removing hives the size of the one found at Azuas home often costs several hundred dollars, though LaBiche offered his services free of charge for the county and the surrounding community.

The sheriff urged people to call a professional regarding large hives, saying there are resources available to help with the cost.

We would rather figure out how to get something paid for than to lose someone of any age to something like this, he said.

JBeltran@express-news.net
A new mental health response service that has helped avert tragedies and connected people in crisis to the professional care will expand next week, Bexar County officials said Monday.

A second four-person Specialized Multidisciplinary Alternate Response Team, or SMART, will begin handling some emergency calls, as an alternative to sending law enforcement, in order to deescalate responses and assess proper follow-up for individuals with mental health issues. Officials spoke in measured tones but hailed the success of a pilot program that was launched in October 2020 to serve suburban and incorporated areas.

Bexar County commissioners allocated $1.5 million last year to start the program as a partnership between the Bexar County Sheriffs Office, Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, Acadian Ambulance Service and the Center for Health Care Services. A major catalyst of the initiative was the August 2020 death of Damian Lamar Daniels., a Black 31-year-old former Army sergeant who was suffering a mental health crisis at his home on the far West Side.

On ExpressNews.com: Bexar County takes steps to improve mental health responses

Daniels was fatally shot by a deputy while experiencing distress that prompted four calls to the Sheriffs Office in a span of 25 hours prior to the shooting.

We all realized that was not the sort of team we should send out for a mental health call, said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who thanked members of SMART for the programs tremendous success.

Robin Jerstad /Staff photographer

The team, wearing soft uniforms with olive green shirts, is composed of one experienced paramedic, a licensed clinician and two deputies specially trained in mental health. Since October, the team has recorded 378 responses to calls and 143 follow-up actions, including referrals to substance abuse or mental health care, by a team composed of two care managers and a peer support specialist.

The service will expand from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Officials are hopeful it will grow to include night and weekend coverage.

Sheriff Javier Salazar said SMART is critical to serving the countys large veterans community.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio police could become backup on mental health and homeless calls

We owe it to them to take care of them. And we owe it to them to approach them in the right way when the time comes, he said.

Jelynne LeBlanc Jamison, president and CEO of the Center for Heath Care Services, said the program has been an effective tool in our community, reaching people with lifestime mental health disorders, which often start by the time a person is in their mid-20s. About 70 percent of the responses involved new patients for the mental health agency.

So just think about the effectiveness of a team like SMART who can reach an individual and engage them quickly for services at the time that they need them, Jamison said.

shuddleston@express-news.net
A retired San Antonio police detective was indicted Monday by a Bexar County grand jury, accused of pulling a gun on a man and striking him during a confrontation over a lost phone.

John Edward Schiller, 57, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Bexar County District Attorneys Office.

On Sept. 27, 2020, the incident began when the man who was allegedly assaulted, Christian Torres, 40, found a phone and an ID on a far West Side street, according to a San Antonio police report.

Torres, a San Antonio resident, told investigators he intended to take the phone to the address listed on the ID and that he had to stop at a hardware store first. Torres said the phone rang while he had it, and he told a voice on the other end that he would return it, the report states.

On ExpressNews.com: 12 years ago a woman beheaded her baby. She said it was to 'prevent an apocalypse'

While Torres was driving on Culebra Road, a female pedestrian  whose name is redacted in the report  knocked on his window while he was at a red light.

According to the report, Schiller and the unidentified woman had been tracking the phone and had called the police. And although police advised them to stop following the phone, they followed Torres when they saw him leave the store as the phone they were tracking resumed moving, the report states.

At the red light, Torres said he yelled at the woman because he did not know her. He subsequenltly stopped at an unidentified gas station on Culebra, where he said the woman started yelling at him again. He threw the phone to the womans feet and drove sawy, according to the report.

When Torres parked at a Home Depot, he said Schiller approached him aggressively, a report states.

On ExpressNews.com: One dead in I-10 crash on Northwest Side that is blamed on an unsafe lane change

According to the police department, Schiller was hired in July 1987 and retired in February 2019.

Schiller told police he identified himself as a retired police detective as he approached Torres with a gun in hand.

Thats when Torres began recording the incident.

Schiller kept approaching Torres, who backed away until he was against another vehicle in the parking lot, the report states. Torres said Schiller ordered him to the ground at gunpoint and then punched him, causing him to fall to the floor, the report states. And as Torres was on the ground, the two started fighting, according to the report.

Schiller told police that Torres hit first, the report states.

Police who interviewed Torres at the scene noted that he had a bloody lip.

On ExpressNews.com: Closing arguments underway in capital murder trial of accused cop-killer Otis McKane

Torres said he told Schiller to put the gun away. Schiller then walked to his vehicle as police arrived.

Schiller was arrested Oct. 22 and released the next day from the Bexar County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

The case is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity and Cyber Crime Division in the 379th District Court.

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, the District Attorneys Office said.
The San Antonio Express-News is inviting artists to make our newsroom their canvas.

The newspaper and MySA is in the process of relocating our offices from the storied building at 301 Avenue E to the former San Antonio Light Building a few blocks away. The move in is targeted for September. To help usher in a new page of our 156-year history, the Express-News is requesting proposals from artists to create and install two art pieces in the newsroom.

A panel comprised of Express-News employees and San Antonio artists will decide the winning proposals. They are looking for ideas that reflect the history of the newspaper and the city's culture and diversity.

The first piece will featured in the second floor lobby, near a reception desk. The second installation will be a mural that covers a wall of the newsroom's open floor plan.

The application period is open from July 26 to August 27. Artists are welcomed to apply for both spaces. A blueprint of the space and photos can be provided upon request. Artists will be compensated for their work.

Interested applicants can find more information, including specifications, and submit proposals here. The San Antonio Express-News Diversity Committee, which is overseeing the process, can be contacted by emailing diversitycommittee@express-news.net.
The February freeze did nothing to kill off the mosquitoes, and the rainfall weve seen over the past few months has created the perfect conditions for a vengeful comeback this summer.

We werent catching mosquitoes in early March and thought it would be a light season, and maybe the freeze wiped them out, said Joel Lara, who has been catching blood suckers for Metro Healths Vector Control Services since 2016. But with the rains in late May, June and July, there was a short break and then this explosion of mosquitoes.

So far this year, San Antonio International Airport has seen above-average rainfall levels. With higher chances of sunshine this week, the citys Vector Control program has been flooded with calls from residents complaining about the mosquitoes.

On ExpressNews.com: It's mosquito season, and the wet spring means bigger, more aggressive biters are out in force

While not as bad as other cities, San Antonio has routinely landed on Orkins list of the worst U.S. cities for mosquitoes.

The pest control company releases its annual ranking of Americas Top 50 Mosquito Cities. San Antonio was listed at No. 38, rising nine spots from its 2020 ranking.

You can typically expect to have itchy ankles and angry red welts year-round. However, you have a higher chance of being bitten during mosquito season, which starts slowly in the spring, peaks in the summer and tapers off into fall.

Pin Lim/For the Chronicle

There are three categories of mosquitoes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those categories tend to come in waves and include the types of mosquitoes that like to lay eggs in tires, buckets and trash cans. Theyre called container mosquitoes and they can lay eggs in a dry container before it rains, gluing their eggs just above the waterline.

Another category are the ones that carry diseases such as the West Nile virus. These mosquitoes prefer dirty, stagnant water. They often emerge as water recedes and dry summer conditions set in.

On ExpressNews.com: Rattlesnake bites are on the rise in Texas. Here's how you can avoid them.

Last month, Bexar County officials reported that a pool of mosquitoes collected by one of its monitoring stations in Northeast Bexar County tested positive for West Nile.

Lara said that recent rains followed by this hot, dry period have created ideal conditions for all types of mosquitoes.

One of the most important things you can do is remove standing water around your home, which is a main source of mosquito development. Regularly dump vases, pet water bowls, flower pot saucers, buckets and trash cans.

David Taylor

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It doesnt take much water, either, Lara said. We have found larvae in caps of soda water bottles.

There are four stages of the life cycle of mosquitoes; three of them are in water, Lara said.

Incidentally, its the females who are the biters although they dont have teeth. Instead, they use a long tubular mouthpiece called a proboscis. It has a serrated edge to pierce a persons skin. They take a blood meal and use it for egg development, Lara said.

For those who wonder why they are often the first ones in a group to be bitten, it comes down to chemistry, Lara said.

"Theres a lot of theory about this, but it has to do with body odor, sweat and carbon dioxide levels. Mosquitoes sense it and gravitate toward it," he said.

How can I avoid becoming a mosquitoes dinner?
- /Henry Ford Health System /AFP via Getty Images

In the early days of COVID-19 in 2020, a pattern emerged in the United States that was clear, unsurprising and unchanging: The virus was disproportionately afflicting African Americans and Latinos.

Given the historic disparities in health care for those communities, it should have been expected that a historic pandemic would amplify those disparities just as it would magnify all inequities. COVID-19 was a great equalizer in making everyone susceptible and reminding everyone of their mortality. But because all was not equal before it spread, we were also reminded that those with underlying health problems were more vulnerable than others.
Hungry students cant learn. And they shouldnt face the embarrassment of being served an alternate meal because of an outstanding school cafeteria tab. Its been an unfortunate part of life for many students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The good news is more San Antonio students will receive free meals at school, regardless of household income, through the National School Lunch Program, the Express-News reported.

Northside and North East independent school districts received a waiver to extend free meals through the 2021-22 school year. Because of high poverty rates, San Antonio ISD, Edgewood ISD and Southside ISD already meet federal Community Eligibility Provision requirements to offer free meals to all students without the need for the U.S. Department of Agriculture waiver or household applications.

Lets make this permanent. It addresses food insecurity and reduces shame around hunger by keeping everyone on a level playing field. Local, state and federal officials should take Californias lead and offer free school meals for all students.

Throughout the pandemic, food insecure students in San Antonio struggled with distance learning and academic engagement more than their peers, according to a University of Texas at San Antonio Urban Education Institute study in October. Bexar Countys pre-pandemic rates of food insecurity were already hovering around 14 percent in 2018. That number nearly doubled to 26 percent for public school families by spring 2020. The highest rates of food insecurity were 49 percent in Edgewood ISD, and 41 percent in Harlandale and Southwest ISDs.

Hunger isnt just a local issue. According to Feeding Americas October analysis of the potential impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity in 2020, the projected number of food insecure American children was 17 million. Texas ranked eighth in the U.S. with the highest projected number of children  more than 2.1 million  who were food insecure.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 35 million Americans, including nearly 11 million children, lived in food-insecure households. Pre-pandemic data reflect the lowest food insecurity rates had been in more than 20 years. The comitment to alleviating hunger must remain strong.
NEW DELHI (AP)  As coronavirus cases ravaged India this spring, Anil Sharma visited his 24-year-old son Saurav at a private hospital in northwest New Delhi every day for more than two months. In May, as India's new COVID-19 cases broke global records to reach 400,000 a day, Saurav was put on a ventilator.

The sight of the tube running into Sauravs throat is seared in Sharmas mind. I had to stay strong when I was with him, but immediately after, I would break down as soon as I left the room, he said.

Saurav is home now, still weak and recovering. But the family's joy is tempered by a mountain of debt that piled up while he was sick.

Life has been tentatively returning to normal in India as new coronavirus cases have fallen. But millions are embroiled in a nightmare of huge piles of medical bills. Most Indians dont have health insurance and costs for COVID-19 treatment have them drowning in debt.

Sharma exhausted his savings on paying for an ambulance, tests, medicines and an ICU bed. Then he took out bank loans.

As the costs mounted, he borrowed from friends and relatives. Then, he turned to strangers, pleading online for help on Ketto, an Indian crowdfunding website. Overall, Sharma says he has paid over $50,000 in medical bills.

The crowdfunding provided $28,000, but another $26,000 is borrowed money he needs to repay, a kind of debt he has never faced before.

He was struggling for his life and we were struggling to provide him an opportunity to survive, he said, his voice thick with emotion. I was a proud father -- and now I have become a beggar.

The pandemic has devastated India's economy, bringing financial calamity to millions at the mercy of its chronically underfunded and fragmented healthcare system. Experts say such costs are bound to hinder an economic recovery.

What we have is a patchwork quilt of incomplete public insurance and a poor public health system. The pandemic has shown just how creaky and unsustainable these two things are, said Vivek Dehejia, an economist who has studied public policy in India.

Even before the pandemic, healthcare access in India was a problem.

Indians pay about 63% of their medical expenses out-of-pocket. That's typical of many poor countries with inadequate government services. Data on global personal medical costs from the pandemic are hard to come by, but in India and many other countries treatment for COVID is a huge added burden at a time when hundreds of millions of jobs have vanished.

In India, many jobs returned as cities opened up after a severe lockdown in March 2020, but economists worry about the loss of some 12 million salaried positions. Sharma's job as a marketing professional was one of them.

When he asked his son's friends to set up the campaign on Ketto to raise funds, Sharma hadnt seen a paycheck in 18 months. Between April and June this year, 40% of the 4,500 COVID-19 campaigns on the site were for hospitalization costs, the company said.

The pandemic has driven 32 million Indians out of the middle class, defined as those earning $10 to $20 a day, according to a Pew Research Center study published in March. It estimated the crisis has increased the number of Indias poor -- those with incomes of $2 or less a day -- by 75 million.

If youre looking at what pushes people into debt or poverty, the top two sources often are out-of-pocket health expenditure and catastrophic costs of treatment, said K Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India.

In the northeastern city of Imphal, 2,400 kilometers (1,490 miles) away, Diana Khumanthem lost both her mother and sister to the virus in May.

Treatment costs wiped out the family's savings, and when the private hospital where her sister died wouldnt release her body for last rites until a bill of about $5,000 was paid, she pawned the family's gold jewelry to moneylenders.

When that wasnt enough, asked her friends, relatives and her sisters colleagues for help. She still owes some $1,000.

A health insurance scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 was intended to cover around 500 million of India's 1.3 billion people and was a major step toward easing medical costs. But it doesnt cover the primary care and outpatient costs that comprise most out-of-pocket expenses. So it hasnt effectively improved access to care and financial risk protection, said a working paper by researchers at Duke University.

The program also has been hobbled by disparities in how various states implemented it, said Shawin Vitsupakorn, one of the papers authors.

Another paper, by the Duke Global Health Institute and the Public Health Foundation of India, found costs of ICU hospitalization for COVID-19 are equivalent to nearly 16 months of work for a typical Indian day laborer or seven to 10 months for salaried or self-employed workers.

Meager funding of healthcare, at just 1.6% of India's GDP, is less, proportionately, than what Laos or Ethiopia spends. At the outbreak's peak in May, hospitals everywhere were overrun, but public facilities lacked the resources to handle the floods of patients coming in.

The result is a suffering public health system, where the provision of care is often poor, prompting many to flock to private hospitals, said Dehejia.

A public hospital treated Khumanthems mother, but her sister Ranjita was admitted to a private one that cost $1,300 per day.

Ranjita was the family's only earner after Khumanthem left her nursing job last year to return home during the first wave of the virus. She's now hunting for work while looking after her father and her sisters 3-year-old son.

At her home in Imphal, Khumanthem grieved for her mother by remembering her favorite food  chagem pomba, a type of gruel made with vegetables, rice and soybeans. Every few minutes, she looked toward the front gate.

This is usually the time Ranjita would return home from work, she said. I still keep thinking she could walk through the gate any moment now.

Back in New Delhi, Sharma sighed in relief as an ambulance brought his son home from the hospital last week. Saurav needs physiotherapy to build up his weakened muscles, a daily nurse and a long list of medications. It may be weeks before he will be able to stand on his own, and months before the ambitious lawyer who graduated among the top of his class will be able to go to court again.

The costs will continue.

Our first priority was to save him, Sharma said. Now we will need to figure out the rest.

___

Associated Press journalist Yirmiyan Arthur contributed from Imphal.
The San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance, which includes more than 500 San Francisco bars, announced Monday a new policy requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a 72-hour negative COVID test for entry into their establishments.

The policy will go into effect Thursday.

SFGATE previously reported that the bars, members of the S.F. Bar Owner Alliance, were mulling whether to enact such a requirement last week.

Its unclear how many bars will be participating, as Ben Bleiman, head of the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance, said previously it would be done on a volunteer basis.

The Bar Owner Alliance said in a statement that guests without a COVID vaccine or negative test are able to sit outside at parklets or other outdoor spaces but will not be allowed inside. Individual bars will decide the best way to enforce this new policy for their customers, the alliance said.

"This decision is based solely on our need to protect our workers, customers, and their families," the statement reads. "However, we hope it might also influence some who have not yet received vaccinations to do so as soon as they are able.

"We understand that the only way our society (and our businesses) can ever return to true normalcy is through higher rates of vaccinations among our residents, not just in San Francisco but across the United States of America."

The new policy arrives as the delta variant continues to pose a threat to San Francisco and the nation at large. As of Sunday, San Francisco's seven-day case average was 147 new COVID cases a day, SFist reported.

Editor's note: This story was updated July 26 at 3:05 p.m. to clarify who is instituting the policy.
Madison County's Mental Health Court is a specifically designed specialty court focused on individuals in the court system with mental health conditions. It's one of three specialty courts within Madison County's judicial system, including a veteran's treatment court and drug treatment court.

These courts within the Third Judicial Circuit are partnerships between the State's Attorney's office, Public Defenders' office, probation department and other local agencies. These specialty courts also work with the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts (ILAPSC), which represents county problem-solving courts throughout the state with a "mission to provide education, assistance, training and development through collaboration of behavioral health and justice systems."

The mental health court is designed to divert non-violent defendants with mental illness into judicially supervised, community-based treatment programs.

The court orders a group comprised of a judge, assistant state's attorney, public defender liaison, designated probation officers and treatment providers from community agencies  which in Madison County include Chestnut Health Systems and Centerstone of Illinois  to work together to develop treatment plans and supervise individuals who voluntarily agree to the program's terms and conditions. The court identifies people to whom services should be provided and indentifies the people to provide that service. Participants then have follow up status hearings which are regularly scheduled to review compliance with treatment plans.

"Individuals should not be penalized for having an illness," Deborah Humphrey, executive director at the Madison County Mental Health Board, wrote in an email. "It is believed that individuals diagnosed with a chronic major mental illness, who commit a criminal act are better served by providing treatment for the mental illness rather than incarceration. At the time of the criminal offense the person, due to their mental illness, may not have had the mental capacity to reason or differentiate between right or wrong of their actions."

Humphrey said incarceration in jail can cause additional trauma and have an even more devastating impact that can worsen a defendant's condition. In addition, medications and treatment services may not be available when they are jailed. By providing the alternative of treatment and stabilization, the person can work toward becoming more mentally healthy and this can reduce the tendency of the person to reoffend.

It can take a minimum of one to two years to create a mental health court between planning, seeking funding and implementing the court. The Administrative Office of Illinois Courts (AOIC) now requires that mental health and other specialty courts become certified, an additional process, and re-certification takes place every three years. In December 2015, the Illinois Supreme Court announced the creation of uniform standards and a certification and application process for problem-solving courts which was developed by the AOIC and the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning.

Madison County's mental health court employs a team that has specialized dockets and caseloads that provide individualized treatment plans and highly-involved judges who preside over frequent and non-adversarial court hearings. Successful completion of the program is defined by predetermined criteria and clients are motivated to succeed by the threat of sanctions, such as increased court appearances or community service, as well as the promise of incentives, including gift cards for groceries and decreased court appearances.

The team includes assistant state attorneys and public defenders who are or become specialized in eligibility and in determining if the case is appropriate for mental health court. Caseloads for these specialty courts are much smaller than in other courts and the court is involved in ensuring the individual completes a course of treatment and the program, which includes four phases with minimum requirements that must be met to move to the next phase or to graduate.

To be eligible for the mental health court, individuals must have a chronic major mental health diagnosis (for which both those with traumatic brain injuries and developmentally delayed individuals are ineligible), have a pending misdemeanor or probational felony offense, qualify under additional criteria stated in the Mental Health Court Treatment Act 730 ILCS 168/20 and sex offenses except prostitution and DUI or any driving offenses are excluded. Individuals must also have victim consent when appropriate, be a Madison County resident aged 18 or older and engage in services provided by the court-approved treatment providers.

Individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system and are determined to be eligible for mental health courts are offered the chance to participate voluntarily.

"Individuals must agree to be participants in the Mental Health Court program," Humphrey wrote. "The Mental Health Court has structured phases that progressively decrease supervision levels and frequency of probation and court appearances. The Court Treatment Program provides a wealth of services, ranging from case management and crisis intervention to in-and out-patient treatment in the areas of mental health and substance abuse programming, referral to inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment for aftercare."

For individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and addictions, referrals are also offered residential, outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for substance use. All courts reported the implementation of evidence-based practices in their programs, most commonly cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, integrative dual disorder treatment and supportive employment.

To become enrolled in the mental health court, the defendant or attorney must file a Motion for Assessment Motion, Motion for Assessment - Misdemeanor Only or Motion for Assessment - Felony Only as well as complete an assessment performed by the court-designated agency to determine eligibility, which is then reviewed by the assistant state's attorney to determine acceptance into the program and which track to participate in, if applicable: Track I-Diversion or Track II-Probation.

The goals of the mental health court are to provide access to psychiatric and therapeutic care, improve treatment attendance and medication adherence, reduce the potential stigma of a criminal record for individuals with mental illness, improve the overall quality of life and increase productivity for a defendant, reduce the time and costs of incarceration and psychiatric hospitalization, reduce police contacts and direct defendants with mental illness away from the traditional court system to community-based treatment.
The Madison County mental health court is one of three specialty courts in Madison County which fall under the problem-solving court category.

The mental health court attempts to redirect people who come in contact with the criminal justice system but suffer from mental health disorders back through a different system of community-based treatment and a voluntary program of four phases with minimum requirements. If the participant graduates from the program, they can have their offense dismissed.

Going through mental health court can be a labor-intensive program. There are meetings scheduled weekly with some members of the mental health court team, including probation officers and case managers. There are also biweekly meetings with other members of the team, like the states attorney, public defender and mental health court judge. The process of going through mental health court starts with treatment coordinators.

"The treatment coordinator completes assessments as requested by the Court," wrote Jamie Jung, mental health court coordinator for Chestnut Health Systems, in an email. "The coordinator assesses the consumers mental health symptoms, treatment history, use of psychotropic medications, and how symptoms affect the consumers daily level of functioning. The coordinator takes those factors into account to reach a diagnosis. The coordinator learns the consumers interest in participating in mental health court and ability to engage in the program. All of this is included in a letter which is sent to the Court for review."

Screening

The screening process involves a potential participant being tested for appropriate charges and residency requirements. The probation officer assigned to the case completes an Adult Risk Assessment (ARA) and a Global Assessment of Individual Needs (GAIN) to determine if a potential participant meets the high-risk and need categories. The potential participant is asked to complete the Consent to Release/Disclosure of Confidential Information form, a demographic/informational form, and the individual is provided a mental health court handbook.

If the mental health court team determines the individual is not eligible, the referral is closed and pertinent parties are made aware why. If the participant does meet eligibility, a clinical assessment is scheduled. Upon completion, all pertinent case information is compiled, disseminated and discussed. If the individual remains eligible, they are placed on the next possible Mental Health Court docket for entry and all evaluations, screening and assessments are used to assist in the creation of an effective case supervision plan, which is different for every participant.

"The court system and probation department together refer consumers who they believe would benefit from the program," Jung said. "This is based on the consumers need for or history of mental health treatment. The docket is designed to encourage consumers to engage in mental health and/or substance abuse treatment."

Exclusionary reasons are decided by the mental health court judge and include demonstration of unwillingness to participate, individuals who are charged with non-probational offenses that the prosecutor is unwilling to amend to a probational offense and an individual who has previously on three or more occasions completed, been discharged from, or terminated from a mental health court program.

Once an individual is in the mental health court program, they are designed a unique supervision plan that they must complete over the course of at least a year to graduate.

"They are seen every two weeks as we have courts," said Circuit Court Judge Kyle A. Napp, who presides over the mental health court. "Every week they meet with their probation officer and counselor, we work with Chestnut and Centerstone and we have case managers that appear at every session, work with all of the clients and help them get medication and get set up with a psychiatrist/psychologist or doctor. If they need help with housing, we help with that, help with finding a job, everybodys needs are different. They are met with every week and they meet with the judge every two weeks, make sure things are okay."

These court sessions are done in a "conversational way", per Napp, and all participants meet with Napp, who is the lone presiding judge of the mental health court. These biweekly check-ins are held to make sure the participant remains on the expected path and is following their treatment recommendations.

"If a participant is not following treatment recommendations, he or she may be unsuccessfully discharged from the program," Jung said. "When participants are compliant and attend Court, the probation officer and treatment professional discuss with the judge their recommendations for the client as well as the clients engagement and compliance. The States Attorney and a public defender or hired attorney are also present. The participant will discuss how they feel they are managing and discuss any concerns or questions they may have."

Three Tracks

There are three routes a mental health court program can follow. The first is if an individual has had no prior involvement in the criminal justice system but have recently acquired a charge. That charge is dismissed upon successful completion of their program and they get their case dismissed.

"A gentleman who was going to SIUE and in his junior year, he suffered an onset of schizophrenia, he called for help, he was afraid he was going to hurt himself, he ended up getting into it with the police officer, charged with battery to an officer, resisting arrest, came into the program," Napp said. "He hadnt ever been in trouble before, was set up with a doctor, he was wonderful to work with, ended up graduating and got his case dismissed because he did everything he was supposed to, he was originally from Chicago and went back cause he got a job."

Track two is a participant charged with a felony and who has been in trouble before, but is someone that doesn't necessarily warrant going to prison but instead that participant badly needs treatment and help. That participant can plead guilty, go on probation and come to the court. All fees associated with the court are waived except restitution if the participant is found liable, and it's one of the reasons to go to mental health court.

"The third track is people who have been in trouble before and either the case would send them to prison or theyve been before," Napp said. "Theyre called redeploy, these individuals plead guilty and are put on probation with the understanding theyd go to prison if they quit our court. Weve had great success with the redeploy, a lot of people would think otherwise, a lot of them want treatment and help they just dont know how to go about it, those who suffer from mental illness have the hardest road when it comes to the criminal justice system."

The Program

The program in its foundation consists of four structured phases and is a minimum of 12 months in duration. The program is both a pre and post-adjudicatory program as cases with no conviction are dismissed upon successful completion and those on probation are discharged after graduation.

In the first phase of the program, which lasts a minimum of 10 weeks, participants must do things like be timely, comply with treatment and supervision, develop and begin implementing their case supervision plan and maintain weekly contact with probation officers and community support specialists. They also address transportation and housing in this phase. To advance, participants must be honest, remain in compliance with treatment and supervision and demonstrate progress towards a goal.

In Phase 2, which lasts a minimum of 14 weeks, a participant must attend all status hearings, comply with scheduled home visits and curfew (as required) and review and actively engage in case supervision plan requirements. They begin changing people, places and things that may negatively impact them and maintain stable housing and develop a financial stability plan. To advance, participants must remain in compliance with treatment and supervision and remain honest, have a minimum of 60 days consecutive clean time and be actively participating in case plan requirements and demonstrating progress towards a new goal.

In Phase 3, which lasts a minimum of 14 weeks, a participant must be doing many of the same things in Phase 2, but also be engage in pro-social activies and interacting with pro-social people, engage in ancillary services as needed (including parenting and life skills classes) and seek employment, education or vocational training. To advance to the final phase, participants must remain in compliance with treatment and supervision and remain honest, have a minimum of 98 days consecutive clean time, actively participate in case plan requirements and demonstrate progress towards that new goal.

Finally, in the last stage, also a minimum of 14 weeks, Phase 4, participants follow similar steps as Phase 3, continuing to engage socially and in their case plan requirements, be gainfully employed or enrolled in an educational program, and develop and submit a post-completion maintenance plan. To graduate from the program, participants must remain in compliance with treatment and supervision and remain honest, continue abstinence from drugs and alcohol, maintain stability in housing, and must actively participate in case plan requirements and be employed, in an educational program or volunteering.

Throughout this process, hearings and weekly meetings are happening to help participants continued to progress through phases. Those hearings are non-antagonistic and the teams including state's attorneys and public defenders works together to help.

"Its different," Napp said. "The states attorney still represents the people the defense attorney represents the client, but in these hearings we are there to figure out the best plan, what do we do to help to get a person successfully through, hopefully not offend again, but leave in a better place. If theres fighting were not working for the betterment of the client and community. Everyone goes in with a different mindset than in a regular courtroom."

Completion

Tips for getting through the mental health court process include being honest, treating everyone with respect, self-reporting all relapses (if applicable) to treatment and probation, and remaining in consistent communication with the mental health court team. The mental health court also recommends through the handbook avoiding associating with people who may adversely impact progress. Another tip is to be actively involved in treatment and for participants to discuss issues that are important to them. Participants are recommended to avoid being negatively influenced by others and not to lie or behave in a violent manner.

"People come in in different places," Napp said. "Sometimes individuals have jobs, homes and supportive families, and they dont need help with any of that, they need help with providing counseling, why their offense happened, and help ensuring it doesnt happen again. Maybe they were having an episode, were here to help them figure out what triggers them. Others come in and are homeless, or theyre living in a terrible environment and housing is an issue. Some are much more low functioning than others and need more assistance."

Graduation is a big ceremony for those that make it through the program, as successful completion of the program is meant not just to help participants in the short term, but in the long term. Participants are told to remain in contact with their teams, as just because they've graduated doesn't mean they no longer are able to receive help.

"When I first became the judge, we call it graduating, I would make graduates brownies," Napp said. "Once I started it, I didnt know how to stop it, I have made more brownies than I care to admit because Ill make them more brownies than they know what to do with. Everybody celebrates graduation with brownies and after we are always open for them. If they need us, contact us, so we can help. Just cause theyve graduated doesnt mean theyre done with us."

The Madison County Mental Health Court was established in March of 2006. It was modeled after drug courts and developed in response to the overrepresentation of people with mental illness in the criminal justice system the court seeks to divert select defendants with mental illness into judicially supervised, community-based treatment. The policies of the mental health court comply with the "Best Practices Standards for Drug Courts" as established by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals as well as the "Problem Solving Courts Standards" as established by the Supreme Court of Illinois Administrative Office of Illinois Courts.
HOUSTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shell Offshore Inc., a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, today announces the final investment decision (FID) for Whale, a deep-water development in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico that features a 99% replicated hull and an 80% replication of the topsides from our Vito project.

"Whale is the latest demonstration of our focus on simplification, replication and capital projects with shorter cycle times to drive greater value from our advantaged positions," said Wael Sawan, Shell Upstream Director. "We are building on more than 40 years of deep-water expertise to deliver competitive projects that yield high-margin barrels so that we are able to meet the energy demands of today while generating the cash required to help fund the development of the energy of the future."

Whale will be the second Shell-operated deep-water development in the Gulf of Mexico to employ a simplified, cost-efficient host design. With this development approach, Shell anticipates an internal rate of return estimated to be greater than 25%. Our Whale development will feature energy-efficient gas turbines and compression systems. This development will be the latest addition to our Gulf of Mexico portfolio where our production is among the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity in the world for producing oil.

The Whale development, owned by Shell Offshore Inc. (60% operator) and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (40%), is expected to reach peak production of approximately 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) and currently has an estimated, recoverable resource volume of 490 million boe. Whale will be Shell's 12th deep-water host in the Gulf of Mexico and is currently scheduled to begin production in 2024.

Shell's Powering Progress strategy to thrive through the energy transition includes increasing investment in lower carbon energy solutions, while continuing to pursue the most energy-efficient and highest-return Upstream investments.

Cautionary note

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this announcement "Shell", "Shell Group" and "Group" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. "Subsidiaries", "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this announcement refer to entities over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as "joint ventures" and "joint operations", respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as "associates". The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "aim", "ambition", "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "goals", "intend", "may", "milestones", "objectives", "outlook", "plan", "probably", "project", "risks", "schedule", "seek", "should", "target", "will" and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this announcement, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, such as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak; and (n) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell plc's Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 (available at www.shell.com/investors and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this announcement and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement, July 26, 2021. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.

The content of websites referred to in this announcement do not form part of this announcement.

We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this announcement that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.

LEI number of Royal Dutch Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70

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Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
The countdown has commenced to a keynote native cattle reduction sale from the local Halton pedigree Hereford herd, to be staged at Skipton Auction Mart.

The Halton herd was established 10 years ago when David Boothman bought an in-calf Hereford cow for his wife Iris as a birthday present.

Since then the herd, at Home Farm, Halton East, North Yorkshire, has slowly grown, but the couple now say they feel the time is right to take a step back and reduce their winter workload.

The sale, at Skipton Auction Mart on 7 August, will comprise 49 head  11 cows with calves at foot, six heifers with calves, 11 maiden heifers, two in-calf heifers and a brace of bulls.

The Boothmans purchased their first stock bull, the Blakelow 1 Calzaghe son, Coley 1 Josh, from fellow Hereford breeder Heather Whittaker, of Halifax.

Josh produced offspring, especially Halton 1 Clara, who forms part of the sale. Not having many females Josh was soon coming back onto his daughters.

The couple then increased heifer numbers by making purchases from the Tunstall, Redshaw and Fogfield pedigree Hereford herds.

Their second bull, Hoghton View 1 Cameron, was acquired from Stephen and Lizzie Walker, who farms near Blackburn.

Cameron has since grown into an impressive bull with some nice heifers on the ground, a good selection of which are being sold at Skipton as both heifers with calves and maiden heifers.

The calves were sired by Haltons latest Heather Whittaker acquisition, Coley 1 Sullivan, who is being retained, along with some of the old favourites.

Cameron, a product of imported semen from the Australian sire, Wirruna Daffy D1, will be offered for sale as part of the reduction.

One of his own sons, the March, 2020-born Halton 1 Garfield, who is out of the Halton 1 Clara, will also be offered.

Taking place the same day is a second high profile native cattie reduction sale on behalf of the Rt Hon Gerald Turtons pedigree Upsall Beef Shorthorn herd near Thirsk.

World-renowned Upsall, Britains oldest Beef Shorthorn herd, is due to arrive with a 55-strong headcount.

This sale will comprise 19 maiden heifers free from the bull from last years crop of calves, a trio of two-year-olds run with the bull, 16 cows with calves at foot outfits and a single 15-month-old bull.
Farmers and growers are increasingly concerned about workforce shortages despite having robust Covid security plans in place, the NFU has warned.

It was announced last week that more than 10,000 people who work in the UK food supply chain will be exempt from isolation rules if they are 'pinged' by the NHS Test and Trace app.

Defra Secretary George Eustice said that the government had made a special exception for the food industry for 'very obvious reasons'.

But fears continue to grow for large parts of the economy due to the so-called 'pingdemic' crisis, with a record 600,000 people in the week to 14 July being asked to self-isolate by the app.

Responding to the announcement that some food workers can apply for exemptions from isolating, the NFU said that it didn't go far enough.

The union has called for more measures to avoid disruption further down the chain, particularly for those who can 'offer more Covid security while keeping food supply moving.'

Vice president Tom Bradshaw said: It is important to think about the whole food supply chain right back to farm because they produce the food that keeps processing plants and distribution centres going."

He said some farming businesses who had robust Covid-19 security plans in place on-farm were 'increasingly concerned' about workforce shortages.

This was particularly true as the rise in Covid cases coincided with the start of harvest, he said, when the picking and packing of fruit and veg is in full swing.

It comes as Defra confirmed on Sunday (25 July) that it had contacted 500 key food processing sites that had been identified for daily contact testing.

According to a report by the BBC, it is understood that testing will be rolled-out to key food chain sites, which will be joining large retailer depots as part of the initial phase of the testing programme.

The number of job roles that are exempt from isolation is also understood to have been broadened to include roles such as forklift drivers and dispatchers, the BBC said.

But the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) recently warned that key details were still missing, along with a lack of clear guidance on how the rules would apply to individual companies and workers in the sector.

The body said: "We urgently need government to publish more information giving clear, unambiguous guidance on which sites are exempt, which job roles qualify for exemption and exactly how these new rules will be applied.

"We also question the governments decision to end the provision of free lateral flow testing kits to companies last Monday just as the pingdemic started to take hold.

"This just makes it more difficult and more expensive for companies to provide workplace testing and will inevitably start filtering through into higher food prices," the industry body added.
A record number of people descended on Berry Holme Farm in Cumbria for Holstein UK's Premier Herd Open Day, which took place on Thursday.

The event gave farmers and Holstein enthusiasts a chance to view the award winning Berryholme herd, crowned the winner of the Premier Herd Competition in 2019.

The Wright family have been farming at Berry Holme Farm since 1919 and registered their first Friesian in 1965.

David, who manages the farm, joined the team full time in the early 2000s and is now the fourth-generation to farm at Berryholme.

The 140-cow milking herd - plus followers - is nationally recognised for exceptional breeding, confirmation, production and their extremely high standard of health and welfare.

Currently averages are 10,850kg at 4.31% butterfat and 3.28% protein with a calving interval of 398 days.

They began classifying in 2001 and the herd now boasts 86% of their herd as VG/EX animals with 45 EX and 72 VG.

Having won the Premier Herd award in their Centenary year, the family welcomed guests for the Open Day near Kendal.

The highly anticipated Best of Berryholme Sale took place during the afternoon and received competition from across the UK and Ireland with bidders both ringside and online.

The sale was conducted by Harrison and Hetherington with lead auctioneer Glyn Lucas commenting: It was fantastic to see a huge crowd of over 1,000 Holstein breeders and enthusiasts come together to celebrate the day with the Wright family

"Thirty-five animals had been carefully selected with all the most prolific breeding lines represented in an impressive catalogue.

"The trade topped at 27,000gns for a close to perfect yearling heifer from the Flo cow family, milking cows topped at 10,000gns for a young three-year-old cow.

"The sale averaged almost 6000 with 40% of the females selling for 5000 or more."

Sue Cope, CEO of Holstein UK, said the quality of the cows was 'outstanding': "It was a wonderful day of celebration for the Holstein breed.

"I would like to congratulate the Wright family who have really proven what the combination of great genetics and milk production can look like."
Scottish growers abstracting water are being warned that action is needed now to protect water resources amid continuing dry weather.

The latest weekly report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows that the majority of the country is now seeing the impacts of water scarcity.

It says conditions are deteriorating as the dry weather continues, with 'significant scarcity' affecting Helmsdale and Naver and 'moderate scarcity' including Wick, Cree, Doon, Ayr and Arran.

The longer-term forecast suggests that there is an increased likelihood of hot, dry weather compared to normal, with a greater chance of impacts from hot weather.

Farmers, growers and other water abstractors licenced by SEPA should have a plan to deal with the range of conditions they may experience, the agency advises.

They should monitor their water usage and equipment to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency and avoiding any unnecessary leakage, SEPA adds.

It warned in the spring that water scarcity conditions could deteriorate quickly if a period of prolonged dry weather returned later in the year.

Scotland experienced an extremely dry April, with less than a third of the usual rainfall across a large part of the southern country.

This caused water levels to fall rapidly and ground conditions became increasingly dry.

Wet weather in early May partly balanced this in some areas of the country, but in others it remained quite dry, SEPA explained.

Scotland as a whole had less than half the normal rainfall for June (45%) and was 1.4 degrees Celsius warmer than usual.

Ground conditions continued to dry rapidly over the last two weeks of the month.

While the beginning of July saw some locally intense rain, but it was not enough to lead to a sustained improvement.

Some rivers in the Highlands are returning levels that have not been seen for several years.

Terry AHearn, chief executive said: Water scarcity is resulting in pressures on the environment and water users and businesses abstracting water must take action now to conserve water.

"My message is clear: SEPA is here to offer support and guidance, so if you are having difficulty obtaining water supply or are concerned about meeting licence conditions get in touch.

"If you work with us and try to do the right thing in this next period, you will find a helpful and supportive regulator.

"If you deliberately do the wrong thing, then youll get the uncompromising regulator your behaviour deserves."
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You can always trust Priyanka Chopra when it comes to giving us some major fashion inspiration. And if youre a bride to be or someone attending a wedding why not take some tips from the desi girl herself. Priyanka and Nick Jonas got married at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur in December 2018. We all know that PeeCee had a grand but intimate wedding in Jodhpur and what we loved about the wedding was her bridal style. It was fun, comfortable and gorgeous. You ask us whats the best part? Apart from the oh so fun functions we loved how fresh and new all of Priyankas looks were and she made a happy bride. So heres a roundup of all Priyanka Chopa Wedding Dress. Scroll through.

1. Priyanka Chopra Roka Ceremony Dress

2. Priyanka Chopra Bridal Shower Dress

3. Priyanka Chopra Bachelorette Dress

4. Priyanka Chopra Pre-wedding Puja Dress

5. Priyanka Chopra Pre-Wedding Dinner Dress

6. Priyanka Chopra Mehendi Dress

7. Priyanka Chopra Sangeet Dress

8. Priyanka Chopra Indian Wedding Dress

9. Priyanka Chopra Christian Wedding Dress

10. Priyanka Chopra Jodhpur Reception Dress

11. Priyanka Chopra Delhi Reception Dress

12. Priyanka Chopra First Mumbai Reception Dress

13. Priyanka Chopra Second Mumbai Reception Dress

Priyanka looked ethereal for her Roka ceremony. The actress opted for an Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla anarkali suit with flare pants. She looked like a true Indian beauty in the yellow ensemble adorned with embroidery, gota and sequin work. While she kept her hair open and went with a minimal makeup look. Priyanka completed her look with chandbalis from Mahesh Notandass, silver juttis from Needledust and a small silver bindi.For Priyankas bridal shower in New York which was attended by her close friends she was styled by celebrity stylist Mimi Cuttrell. The Dostana actress wore a white strapless dress from Marchesa Fashion. The textured skirt dress had feather detailing, which was cinched to her waist. She styled the dress with nude heels and a stunning diamond necklace. With a warm lip color and tousled hair Priyanka looked nothing but like a dream in this outfit.PeeCee had a fun filledwith her girl gang in Amsterdam and looking at the pictures on social media we definitely missed out on some fun! Priyanka kept her look similar to that of her bridal shower. Priyanka Chopra wore a feathered cape dress by Georges Chakra. She styled her look with white heels and a long white coat. Priyanka went with glittery eyes and added a pop of color with her red hot lips and open hair. This look of her's surely gave us bride goals.For the pre-wedding puja in Mumbai PeeCee kept her look simple. She opted for a pastel blue embroidered suit by ace designer Manish Malhotra. She accessorized her look with chandbalis and heels. Even Nick color coordinated with Priyanka for. He was seen wearing a blush pink kurta. We can only say that Nickyanka sure know how to give couple goals to their followers.This look of the actress is so different yet stylish. Priyanka chose to wear custom Ralph and Russo. The outfit featured a peach silk crop top and trousers, with an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline with draped silk chiffon straps and back sashes. The stunning co-ord set was hand embroidered with glass beads and gold crystals. Priyanka Chopra accessorized her look with a statement necklace and earrings. While she kept her makeup simple and hair open.For heragain chose to wear her favourite designers. She wore a multi-hued attire which excellently represented the Indian culture and specially Rajasthan. The actress accessorized her look with heirloom jewellery made from rubies, which was from the same designers. What we loved the most about this look was it was radiant, fuss-free and such a happy outfit. We loved how Priyanka wasn't scared to experiment with these bright colors.was glam on point! She went with a hand-embroidered sequin saree in gold and silver by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. PeeCee accessorized her look with a statement diamond necklace and earrings. While she kept her makeup minimal she went with straight open hair. This look of hers is perfect for a bride who wants to enjoy her own wedding and have a fuss free outfit.For the Indian wedding ceremony we saw. And till date when we see her wedding look we just cant stop adorning her. The actress wore a classic red Sabyasachi lehenga. The custom made lehenga had sequins all over with hand-cut organza flowers French knots in silk floss, delicate Siam-red crystals and threadwork embroidery. It took 3720 hours with 110 embroiderers to create the gorgeous ensemble. Priyanka paired her look with a multi-strandwith uncut diamonds and emeralds, a maang tikka, waist band and a nath.was nothing short of a. We saw the actress wearing custom Ralph and Russo. The full sleeved gown was worn over a strapless column dress made out of 2,380,000 pearl sequins, paired with a stunning 75-foot tulle long veil and a pair of custom Jimmy Choo heels. In order to give the dress a special touch Priyanka got her parents name and Nicks full name stitched onto the dress. This look of PeeCee is timeless and we love every single thing about it.For her Jodhpur reception Priyanka opted for a custom Dior gown. She looked ravishing in red and gave full new bride vibes. She accessorized her look with a diamond choker from Chopard and maang tikka which added a traditional touch to the whole look.For thePeeCee went with a traditional look. She chose to wear a stunning gold lehenga by designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock. Priyanka further accessorized her look with a three strand diamond necklace and matching statement earrings from Khanna Jewellers. Her hair was styled in a bun with white roses, and her makeup was kohl eyes and glossy brown lips.look of the actress was a mix of traditional and modern. We sawwith a corset style blouse by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. She accessorized her look with a Victorian necklace by the same designer. For her makeup she went with smokey eyes and brown lips and opted for a low bun. We loved the corset touch to the blouse of the lehenga.Last but not the least her second Mumbai reception was a star studded one. For this function Priyanka opted for a simple look. We saw her wearing a pink and grey. The ensemble featured a skirt, hand embroidered with tiny, organza and chiffon flowers, a full sleeved blouse and an embroidered stole to complete the look. Priyanka kept her makeup minimal with her hair open. She accessorized her look with a statement diamond necklace.Read More - Best Priyanka Chopra Movies
The trailer of Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advanis Shershaah dropped yesterday on the eve of the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas and its already racking up loads of views on social media and YouTube. Shershaah is based on Captain Vikram Batra (PVC), a Kargil War hero who sacrificed his life for his country. Vishal Batra, Captain Batras twin brother, has now thanked the Indian Army and Karan Johar for making his dream come true. Vishal Batra had always wanted to make a film on his late brother.

"The dream of making a movie on Vikram began in 2015. When I met CDS Bipin Rawat sir, I told him that I wanted to make a movie and we would not be able to do it without the Army's help. I have been with them (filmmakers) throughout the journey, for long. I now hope that the movie, Shershaah and Vikram's journey inspires the youth of the country to join Indian Army, Vishal said, according to a leading daily.
Katrina Kaif is one diva everyone waits to get a glimpse of. Her fans, the paparazzi and social media mongers look forward to each of her appearances. Shes one of the most loved and cherished actors in town and makes a statement every time she steps out.

Getting the shutterbugs clicking today, Katrina was snapped at Sanjay Leena Bhansalis office in Mumbai. She looked radiant in a bright yellow and orange summer dress as she posed for the paps before heading in for a meeting. She finished off her beautiful look with a pair of tangerine flats and a mandatory N95 mask. Despite the covered face, you could spot Katrina smiling for the cameras on her way in.

Needless to say, our excitement to see her has doubled in anticipation of what might be the reason for her visit to SLB. A new project in the making, you think?


Veteran Kannada actress Jayanti breathed her last in Bengaluru this morning. The actress was 76 years old and was admitted to the hospital a couple of weeks back after she complained of breathlessness. She had been suffering from asthma for 35 years and passed away fighting the same. Her son Krishna Kumar confirmed the news to a leading daily and said that she passed away in her sleep in a private hospital in Bengaluru.

Jayanti worked in several films that received a lot of love from the audience as well as the critics. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Edakallu Guddada Mele in 1974 and Thulasi in 1977. RIP!











Read More - Armaan Malik, Amaal Malik Pay Tribute To Their Late Grandmother, Bilquis Malik
LONDON, July 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As cities across the world face unprecedented floods and other climate catastrophes, the Commonwealth of Dominica is doing everything in its power to curb the crisis. Last week, the Government of Dominica announced the completion of the Berekua Bypass Project in its ongoing efforts to build more climate-resilient communities. The building of the bypass took five months and cost over two million EC dollars. This included constructing a twelve-metre box culvert, the upper and lower wing walls and drain channels.

According to Parliamentary Representative for the Grand Bay constituency, Hon. Edward Registe, the bypass was motivated by 2017's Hurricane Maria, which caused large-scale landslides and floods in the area. "Quite a few people were employed there, and right now, I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish together," he said. "This is going to mitigate against major flooding in the area."

The Berekua bypass and other sustainable infrastructural projects in Dominica are significant towards the government's commitment to becoming the world's first climate-resilient nation. Some of these developments include rebuilding roads, over a dozen health centres, and constructing 5,000 weatherproof houses across the island that annually face the threat of harsh rains and storms. The country's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme provides much of the funding for these projects.

The CBI programme grants vetted applicants and their families citizenship within a matter of a few months. This enables successful investors to apply for a second passport, allowing increased visa-free travel prospects and the ability to live, work, and study in Dominica. In exchange, applicants are expected to monetarily contribute to a government fund that channels the revenue into projects like the Berekua bypass or other education or health-related ventures.

As the most popular citizenship programme in the Caribbean, Dominica requires a contribution of USD 100,000 to its Economic Diversification Fund or USD 200,000 in eco-tourism real estate. There are no residency or visitation requirements to become a Dominican citizen. The Dominica passport issued under CBI is valid for ten years, and the citizenship acquired can be passed on for generations to come.

Due to COVID-19, Dominica also made post citizenship additions acceptable and expanded the definition of dependants, making the programme more accessible for family members.

pr@csglobalpartners.com, www.csglobalpartners.com


ZURICH (dpa-AFX) - Credit Suisse Group AG (CS) reached a settlement with its former wealth-management executive Iqbal Khan and private investigators over a spying scandal that rocked the Swiss bank in 2019, according to several media reports. The spying scandal ultimately led to the ouster of its chief executive officer Tidjane Thiam last year.



The settlement involves ending criminal complaints between Khan and the investigators and related legal action, the reports said.



In February 2020, Tidjane Thiam resigned as Chief Executive officer of Credit Suisse in the wake of a spying scandal at the Swiss bank.



In December 2019, Credit Suisse confirmed that a second top employee was placed under surveillance earlier 2019.



Peter Goerke, who was a member of the Executive Board at the time, was placed under observation by a third-party firm on behalf of the bank for a period of several days in February 2019.



An investigation by the bank enlisted Swiss law firm then concluded that Pierre-Olivier Bouee, a former member of the Executive Board, issued the mandate to have Peter Goerke put under observation. As was the case with former wealth management head Iqbal Khan, the observation was carried out via an intermediary. Khan had subsequently moved on to UBS.



The bank had terminated the employment agreement with Pierre-Olivier Bouee.



The Swiss law firm's investigation did not find any indication that the Group CEO Tidjane Thiam, other members of the Executive Board, or members of the Board of Directors had any knowledge of the observation of Peter Goerke until media reported on it.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

CREDIT SUISSE-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
Regulatory News:

AudioValley(Paris:ALAVY) (Brussels:ALAVY):

Targetspot, a leading audio AdTech company, announces the appointment of Laurence Henuzet as Operations Director. Henuzet is a recognised expert in the world of digital advertising in Europe, with over 11 years of experience.

Laurence Henuzet has been working in the digital sector since 2010. She started her career as a Google Adwords specialist, and went on to create and develop the Performics trading desk in Belgium, where she was responsible for all programmatic campaigns, tracking, optimisation, technical aspects and team management.

In recent years, Henuzet has expanded her portfolio of active clients in various sectors such as FMCG, automotive, finance, gambling, beauty and pharmaceuticals. "Over the years, she has acquired cutting-edge technical skills, making her one of the leading experts in the field of programmatic purchasing, traffic and tracking solutions," says Mario Cabanas, General Manager of Targetspot. "We are proud to have her on board to accelerate the development of our proprietary technologies

The rise of programmatic audio

Once considered a peripheral extra in the digital media campaign ecosystem, digital programmatic audio has been gaining traction since mid-2020, attracting new brands and capitalising on the meteoric growth of digital audio in recent years (podcasts, audiobooks, Internet radio, music and playlists). Advertisers are finding a historic opportunity here to gain granularity in reaching their core target audience, in a way that no other medium could reach before.

Advertisers have long been reluctant to invest in programmatic audio due to the lack of options. This is an area where Targetspot's ambitions are clearly defined, as Henuzet confirms: "We are a pioneer and we want to drive programmatic audio forward by creating a collaborative, agile campaign process that involves all stakeholders (for example: a meta-SSP). We have the tools to identify the moments that matter through audio signals. Ultimately, we can enrich our programmatic offering not only in audio, but also in video games

Publishers can now sell their audio inventory via private marketplaces, guaranteed programmatic deals or the open market, in addition to direct deals. "The DSPs are connected to the major audio SSPs and new features are planned in the programmatic roadmap for each stakeholder," enthuses Targetspot's new Operations Director.

If you would like to meet or interview Laurence Henuzet, we would be delighted to hear from you. Our press department is available via email at press@audiovalley.com.

FUTURE UPDATES

2020 half-year revenue

Wednesday 20 October 2021, before market close

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210725005007/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Sebastien Veldeman, CFO Francis Muyshondt, IR

investorrelations@audiovalley.com

Press relations

Emilie Dehan press@audiovalley.com

Laure-Eve Monfort laure-eve@grand-ouest.be +32 489 57 76 52
EQS Group-Ad-hoc: Reinet Investments SCA / Key word(s): Quarter Results

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



26-Jul-2021 / 07:30 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Key financial data Reinet's net asset value of  5 155 million reflects a compound growth of 9.1 per cent per annum in euro terms, since March 2009, including dividends paid

The net asset value at 30 June 2021 reflects a decrease of  229 million or 4.3 per cent from  5 384 million at 31 March 2021 Net asset value per share at 30 June 2021:  27.97 (31 March 2021:  29.21) Commitments totalling  253 million in respect of new and existing investments made during the quarter, and a total  20 million funded during the quarter Reinet Investments S.C.A. (the 'Company') is a partnership limited by shares incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and having its registered office at 35, boulevard Prince Henri, L-1724 Luxembourg. It is governed by the Luxembourg law on securitisation and in this capacity allows its shareholders to participate indirectly in the portfolio of assets held by its wholly-owned subsidiary Reinet Fund S.C.A., F.I.S. ('Reinet Fund'), a specialised investment fund also incorporated in Luxembourg. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange; the listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is a secondary listing. The Company's ordinary shares are included in the 'LuxX' index of the principal shares traded on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The Company and Reinet Fund together with Reinet Fund's subsidiaries are referred to as 'Reinet'. Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements This document contains forward-looking statements which reflect the current views and beliefs of the Company, as well as assumptions made by the Company and information currently available. Words such as 'may', 'should', 'estimate', 'project', 'plan', 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'intend', 'potential', 'goal', 'strategy', 'target', 'will', 'seek' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside Reinet's control. The Company does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to provide updates or to revise, any forward-looking statements. BUSINESS OVERVIEW Net asset value The net asset value ('NAV') at 30 June 2021 comprised: 30 June 2021 31 March 2021  m %  m % Listed investments British American Tobacco p.l.c. 1 831 35.5 1 826 33.9 Other listed investments 108 2.1 96 1.8 Unlisted investments Pension Insurance Corporation Group Limited 2 514 48.8 2 755 51.2 Private equity and related partnerships 793 15.4 776 14.4 Trilantic Capital Partners

Fund IV, Fund V, Fund VI, TEP, TEP II, related general partners and management companies 211 4.1 179 3.3 Snow Phipps

Fund II, Fund III, Fund IV, co-investment opportunities and management company participation 143 2.8 161 3.0 Asian private equity companies and portfolio funds 250 4.8 242 4.5 Milestone China Opportunities funds, investment holdings and management company participation 50 49 Prescient China funds and investment

management company 149 142 Grab Holdings Inc. 42 43 Asia Partners fund 9 8 Specialised investment funds 189 3.7 194 3.6 Vanterra C Change TEM and holding companies 18 17 NanoDimension funds and co-investment

opportunities 83 84 GAM Real Estate Finance Fund 3 9 Other fund investments 85 84 United States land development and mortgages 33

0.6 33

0.6 Diamond interests 15 0.3 17 0.3 Other investments 69 1.3 69 1.3 Total investments 5 363 104.0 5 572 103.5 Cash and liquid funds 556 10.8 507 9.4 Bank borrowings and derivatives Borrowings (826) (16.0) (837) (15.5) Net derivative assets 95 1.8 114 2.1 Other (liabilities)/assets Minority interest, fees payable and other liabilities, net of other assets (33) (0.6) 28 0.5 Net asset value 5 155 100.0 5 384 100.0 All investments are held, either directly or indirectly, by Reinet Fund. Information relating to current key investments AT 30 JUNE 2021 Committed amount(1) in millions Remaining committed amount(1) in millions Invested amount(2) in millions Realised proceeds(2) in millions Current fair value(1) in millions Total realised and unrealised value(3) in millions Listed investments British American Tobacco p.l.c. EUR - - 1 739 2 792 1 831 4 623 GBP - - 1 418 2 333 1 570 3 903 Other listed investments EUR - - 84 68 108 176 USD - - 96 78 128 206 Unlisted investments Pension Insurance Corporation Group EUR 1 291 - 1 309 - 2 514 2 514 Limited GBP 1 107 - 1 107 - 2 155 2 155 Trilantic Capital Partners EUR 584 234 368 458 211 669 Euro investment EUR 87 20 67 143 33 176 US dollar investment(4) USD 590 254 346 380 211 591 Snow Phipps Fund II, Fund III, Fund IV, co-investment opportunities and management company EUR 403 273 135 71 143 214 participation USD 478 324 154 80 170 250 Asian private equity companies and portfolio funds Milestone China Opportunities funds, investment holdings and management company EUR 142 1 128 140 50 190 participation USD 169 2 167 159 59 218 Prescient China funds and investment EUR - - 68 2 149 151 management company USD - - 82 2 176 178 Grab Holdings Inc. EUR - - 43 - 42 42 USD - - 50 - 50 50 Asia Partners fund EUR 21 13 8 - 9 9 USD 25 15 10 - 11 11 Specialised investment funds Vanterra C Change TEM EUR 60 4 53 2 18 20 and holding companies USD 71 4 67 3 21 24 NanoDimension funds and co-investment opportunities EUR 99 15 85 38 83 121 Euro investment EUR 4 - 4 1 4 5 US dollar investment USD 112 18 94 42 94 136 GAM Real Estate EUR 117 33 87 87 3 90 Finance Fund GBP 100 28 72 75 2 77 United States land development and EUR 181 5 160 43 33 76 mortgages USD 215 6 209 48 39 87 Diamond interests(5) EUR - - 116 95 15 110 ZAR - - 1 160 1 409 254 1 663 Calculated using quarter end foreign exchange rates. Calculated using actual foreign exchange rates at transaction date. Total of realised proceeds and current fair value. The invested amount for Trilantic Capital Partners includes an initial payment of $ 10 million. The exposure to the South African rand has been partially hedged by a forward exchange contract and borrowings in this currency.

PERFORMANCE NET ASSET VALUE The NAV comprises total assets less total liabilities, and equates to total equity under International Financial Reporting Standards. The decrease in the NAV of  229 million during the quarter reflects decreases in the estimated fair value of certain investments including Pension Insurance Corporation Group Limited and derivative assets, offset by increases in the value of British American Tobacco p.l.c. ('BAT'), other listed investments, Trilantic Capital Partners, Snow Phipps funds and co-investment opportunities and Prescient China funds. Reinet records its assets and liabilities in euro; the weakening of sterling and the US dollar against the euro, offset by the strengthening of the South African rand against the euro has resulted in an overall decrease in the value of certain assets and liabilities in euro terms. Applying the current quarter end exchange rates to the March 2021 assets and liabilities would have resulted in a decrease in the March 2021 NAV of some  41 million. NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE The NAV per share of the Company is calculated by dividing the NAV by the number of shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) of 184 290 891. COVID-19 In March 2020, the World Health Organisation classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. Reinet recognises that the long-term financial impact of COVID-19 may still be unknown. However it continues to value its investments in line with International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation ('IPEV') guidelines and its approved valuation procedures and methodologies. All investment valuations have been prepared using latest available data and discussions have taken place with fund managers to determine any significant changes in value and any impacts related to COVID-19. INVESTMENTS Reinet seeks, through a range of investment structures, to build partnerships with other investors, specialised fund managers and entrepreneurs to find and develop opportunities for long-term value creation for its shareholders. Since its formation in 2008, Reinet has invested some  3.1 billion and at 30 June 2021 has committed to provide further funding of  613 million to its current investments. New commitments during the quarter under review amounted to  253 million, and a total of  20 million was funded during the quarter. Major items impacting the NAV, significant changes in carrying value and new investments during the quarter under review are described below. LISTED INVESTMENTS BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C. The investment in BAT remains one of Reinet's largest investments and is kept under constant review, considering the company's performance, the industry outlook, cash flows from dividends, stock market performance, volatility and liquidity. Reinet holds 56.1 million BAT shares representing some 2.44 per cent of BAT's issued share capital as at 30 June 2021. The value of Reinet's investment in BAT amounted to  1 831 million at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  1 826 million), being some 35.5 per cent of Reinet's NAV. The increase in value reflects the increase in the BAT share price on the London Stock Exchange from  27.74 at 31 March 2021 to  28.00 at 30 June 2021 offset by the weakening of sterling against the euro during the quarter. Further information on BAT is available at www.bat.com/annualreport. OTHER LISTED INVESTMENTS Other listed investments comprised: 30 June 2021 31 March 2021  m  m SPDR Gold shares 32 32 Selecta Biosciences, Inc. 5 5 Soho China Limited 21 12 Twist Bioscience Corporation 50 47 108 96 SOHO CHINA LIMITED Soho China Limited ('Soho') is a Chinese office developer focused on developing and leasing properties in the central business districts of Beijing and Shanghai. Soho developments are known for their modern architecture, with designs from architects such as Zaha Hadid and Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The company has developed over five million square metres of commercial properties in China. In June 2021, the Blackstone Group announced its intention to make a general offer to acquire a controlling stake in Soho. Reinet holds 47 million shares with a market value of  21 million as at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  12 million). The increase in value reflects the increase in the share price following the announcement by the Blackstone Group, offset by the weakening of the US dollar against the euro during the quarter. Further information on Soho is available at www.sohochina.com. UNLISTED INVESTMENTS Unlisted investments are carried at their estimated fair value. In determining fair value, Reinet Fund Manager S.A. (the 'Fund Manager') relies on audited and unaudited financial statements of investee companies, management reports and valuations provided by third-party experts. Valuation methodologies applied include the NAV of investment funds, discounted cash flow models and comparable valuation multiples, as appropriate. PENSION INSURANCE CORPORATION GROUP LIMITED Reinet's investment in Pension Corporation is carried at an estimated fair value of  2 514 million at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  2 755 million). This value takes into account Pension Corporation's audited adjusted equity own funds value at 31 December 2020, valuation multiples over the corresponding period drawn from last disclosed industry data and a discount of 10 per cent which takes into account the illiquid nature of Reinet's investment. The resultant decrease in Reinet's estimated fair value of Pension Corporation is mainly a result of a decrease in comparable company multiples derived from public information of listed peer-group companies in the UK insurance sector as at 30 June 2021 and the weakening of sterling against the euro in the quarter. The valuation multiples used in determining the fair value include any current market impacts on the trading prices of listed peers related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The investment in Pension Corporation represents some 48.8 per cent of Reinet's net asset value at 30 June 2021, compared to 51.2 per cent at 31 March 2021. Further information on Pension Corporation is available at www.pensioncorporation.com. PRIVATE EQUITY AND RELATED PARTNERSHIPS TRILANTIC CAPITAL PARTNERS TRILANTIC CAPITAL PARTNERS Reinet's investment in Trilantic Management and related funds is carried at the estimated fair value of  211 million at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  179 million) of which  2 million (31 March 2021:  2 million) is attributable to the minority partner. The estimated fair value is based on unaudited valuation data provided by Trilantic Management at 31 March 2021 adjusted for changes in the value of listed investments included in the portfolios and cash movements up to 30 June 2021. No adjustment has been made by Reinet in respect of the impact of COVID-19 on the valuation of underlying unlisted investments at 30 June 2021 following discussion with Trilantic Management, as Reinet does not expect this to be significant. The increase in the estimated fair value is due to capital contributions of  22 million and increases in estimated fair values of underlying investments, offset by the weakening of the US dollar against the euro. Further information on Trilantic is available at www.trilantic.com. SNOW PHIPPS FUNDS, CO-INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY PARTICIPATION In 2021, a new management company known as TruArc Partners, LP ('TruArc') was formed as a successor business to Snow Phipps Group, LLC ('Snow Phipps'), continuing the historical focus on middle-market controlled private equity investments. In addition to providing investment advice to TruArc Fund IV, TruArc will also serve as a sub-adviser to the existing Snow Phipps funds. In the quarter ended June 2021, Reinet committed a total of  253 million ($ 300 million) to TruArc Fund IV and a related co-investment vehicle. In addition, Reinet acquired a minority stake in TruArc. Reinet has to date invested as a limited partner in Snow Phipps II, Snow Phipps III, TruArc Fund IV, TruArc and in five co-investment opportunities alongside Snow Phipps III. Reinet's investment is carried at an estimated fair value of  143 million at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  161 million), based on the unaudited valuation data provided by Snow Phipps at 31 March 2021. No adjustment has been made by Reinet in respect of the impact of COVID-19 on the valuation of underlying unlisted investments at 30 June 2021, as Reinet does not expect this to be significant. The decrease in the estimated fair value reflects distributions of  27 million together with the weakening of the US dollar against the euro, offset by capital contributions of  1 million and increases in the value of underlying investments in the quarter. Further information on Snow Phipps is available at www.snowphipps.com. CASH AND LIQUID FUNDS Reinet holds cash on deposit principally in European-based banks and in liquidity funds holding highly rated short-term commercial paper. Reinet's cash and liquid funds increased from  507 million at 31 March 2021 to  556 million at 30 June 2021. During the quarter, the BAT dividend received and proceeds of sales amounted to  36 million and  28 million respectively, both amounts were accrued as at 31 March 2021. Distributions from several investments amounted to some  33 million. Investments were made of some  20 million in underlying investments, payment of the management fee to Reinet Investment Advisors Limited, which was accrued as at 31 March 2021, amounted to  16 million, payments of loans and interest amounted to  6 million and taxes and other expenses, including movements in exchange rates, amounted to  6 million. BANK BORROWINGS AND DERIVATIVES BORROWINGS BORROWINGS Reinet has a facility agreement in place with Bank of America, N.A. up to 9 December 2022. The borrowing facilities allow Reinet to drawdown the equivalent of up to  250 million in a combination of currencies to fund further investment commitments. At 30 June 2021,  201 million of this facility had been drawn and is repayable before 30 September 2021 (31 March 2021:  203 million). Some 12 million BAT shares have been pledged as collateral in respect of this loan. During early 2017, Reinet entered into a  500 million, medium-term financing arrangement with Merrill Lynch International, which runs to 2022. At 30 June 2021, the estimated fair value of the borrowing was  585 million ( 502 million) (31 March 2021:  591 million ( 503 million)). The  500 million financing transaction includes the purchase by Reinet of put options over approximately 15.5 million BAT shares for a premium of some  92 million ( 79 million) payable over the life of the transaction (the 'Premium Loan'). At 30 June 2021, the Premium Loan is carried as a liability at an estimated fair value of  14 million ( 12 million) (31 March 2021:  18 million ( 16 million)). Some 1.1 million BAT shares have also been pledged to collateralise the Premium Loan and future interest payments. As part of the medium-term financing arrangement and Premium Loan a portion of BAT shares are on loan to Merrill Lynch International. Reinet retains the economic benefit of all shares on loan. The  500 million loan is repayable over a 7 month period starting in July 2021 and ending in February 2022, repayments can be made in cash or by using BAT shares or a combination of both, at the discretion of Reinet. Reinet has also borrowed ZAR 443 million to fund its investments in South African projects. At 30 June 2021, the estimated fair value of the borrowing was  26 million (31 March 2021:  25 million); the increase in the estimated fair value is due to the strengthening of the South African rand against the euro during the quarter. This loan matures in March 2022. DERIVATIVE ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) - OPTIONS AND FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACT DERIVATIVE ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) - OPTIONS AND FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACT As part of the aforementioned  500 million medium-term financing arrangement, Reinet purchased put options which provide protection should the value of the BAT shares used to secure the borrowings fall below a certain amount. Proceeds received as a result of the put options being exercised could be used to repay the amounts borrowed in full. The put options are carried at their estimated fair value of  96 million at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  114 million). The decrease in the carrying value of the put options reflects the increase in value of the underlying BAT shares, the decrease in the time to maturity together with the weakening of sterling against the euro in the quarter. Reinet also entered into a forward exchange contract to sell ZAR 200 million, which is carried at its estimated fair value of  2 million (liability) at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  1 million (liability)). The change in value reflects the strengthening of the South African rand against the euro in the quarter. Reinet holds 340 230 warrants in respect of shares in Selecta. The warrants expire in December 2024 and are carried at the estimated fair value of  1 million (31 March 2021:  1 million). OTHER (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS MINORITY INTEREST, FEES PAYABLE AND OTHER LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS MINORITY INTEREST, FEES PAYABLE AND OTHER LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS The minority interest liability amounts to  3 million at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  3 million) and is in respect of the minority partner's share in the gains and losses not yet distributed arising from the estimated fair value movement of investments in which they have interests. Fees payable and other liabilities comprise principally an accrual of  9 million in respect of the management fee payable as at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  16 million), a provision for deferred taxes of  7 million (31 March 2021:  6 million) relating to realised and unrealised gains arising from the investments in Trilantic and Snow Phipps, and withholding and corporate taxes of  6 million (31 March 2021:  6 million) relating to the investment in United States land development and mortgages. Accruals and other payables, net of other assets amount to  8 million (31 March 2021:  6 million). No provision has been made in respect of a performance fee as at 30 June 2021 (31 March 2021:  nil) as the conditions required to pay a fee had not been met at that date. In order for a performance fee to be payable at 31 March 2022 the volume weighted average market price of the Company's share determined by taking into account volume and price information on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange over the last 20 trading days of the current financial year needs to exceed  18.93. The performance fee (if applicable) and management fee are payable to Reinet Investment Advisors Limited. No amount is receivable as at 30 June 2021 in respect of BAT dividends as the record date for the next quarterly dividend is 9 July 2021 (31 March 2021:  37 million). CAPITAL STRUCTURE As at 30 June 2021, there were 195 941 286 ordinary shares and 1 000 management shares of no par value in issue. As at 30 June 2021, the Company held 11 651 395 ordinary shares as treasury shares. The voting and dividend rights attached to treasury shares are suspended. Therefore, the total number of voting rights at 30 June 2021 was 184 290 891. SHARE INFORMATION The Company's ordinary shares are listed and traded on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (symbol 'REINI', Thomson Reuters code REIT.LU), on Euronext Amsterdam (symbol 'REINA', Thomson Reuters code REIT.AS) and on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (symbol 'RNI', Thomson Reuters code RNIJ.J) with the ISIN number LU0383812293; the listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is a secondary listing. The Company's ordinary shares are included in the 'LuxX' index of the principal shares traded on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Reinet Investments Manager S.A. General Partner For and on behalf of Reinet Investments S.C.A. Website: www.reinet.com Reinet Investments S.C.A. (the 'Company') is a partnership limited by shares incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and having its registered office at 35, boulevard Prince Henri, L-1724 Luxembourg. It is governed by the Luxembourg law on securitisation and in this capacity allows its shareholders to participate indirectly in the portfolio of assets held by its wholly-owned subsidiary Reinet Fund S.C.A., F.I.S. ('Reinet Fund'), a specialised investment fund also incorporated in Luxembourg. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange; the listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is a secondary listing. The Company's ordinary shares are included in the 'LuxX' index of the principal shares traded on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The Company and Reinet Fund together with Reinet Fund's subsidiaries are referred to as 'Reinet'. Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

This document contains forward-looking statements which reflect the current views and beliefs of the Company, as well as assumptions made by the Company and information currently available. Words such as 'may', 'should', 'estimate', 'project', 'plan', 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'intend', 'potential', 'goal', 'strategy', 'target', 'will', 'seek' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside Reinet's control. The Company does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to provide updates or to revise, any forward-looking statements. Reinet Investments S.C.A.

R.C.S. Luxembourg B 16 576

Legal Entity Identifier: 222100830RQTFVV22S80

Registered office: 35, boulevard Prince Henri, L-1724 Luxembourg, Tel. (+352) 22 42 10, Fax (+352) 22 72 53

Email: info@reinet.com, website: www.reinet.com

End of ad hoc announcement
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Food producer Cranswick Plc. (CWK.L) reported Monday that its revenue in the first quarter was 9.6 percent ahead of last year, with corresponding volumes up 7.7 percent. In its trading update for the 13 weeks to June 26, the company said its higher results reflect strong retail demand and increased sales from the Eye poultry facility. Revenue growth also reflected the gradual but sustained recovery of the food to go and food service channel. Far East export sales were well ahead of the same quarter last year, reflecting strong market prices. The UK pig price increased by 12 percent during the period. The average price across the quarter to June 2021 was 9 percent below that in the equivalent period a year earlier. Looking ahead, the company said its outlook for the current financial year remains in line with the Board's expectations. Adam Couch, CEO of Cranswick, said, 'We have made a positive start to the year. Our capital investment programme remains firmly on track as we build the platform to deliver our long-term growth strategy and we continue to make meaningful progress in delivering our Group-wide 'Second Nature' sustainability strategy.' 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.
Regulatory News:

Air Liquide (Paris:AI) has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with TotalEnergies, through Lampiris its energy supply affiliate in Belgium, for a total capacity of 15 megawatts of offshore wind electricity in Belgium. Following PPA agreements in the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands, this PPA signed by the Group in Belgium illustrates Air Liquide's commitment to lead the way in the energy transition and to lower its carbon footprint, in line with its Sustainability Objectives.

Thanks to this 15-year long-term contract, started June 1st, Air Liquide will power part of its industrial and medical gas production assets in Belgium with renewable energy. TotalEnergies will supply the renewable energy from an offshore wind farm located in the Belgian North Sea.

The wind-generated electricity will save up to 270,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the contract duration, which is comparable to the equivalent electricity related emissions of ~14,000 Belgian households. This agreement will expand Air Liquide's offer of low-carbon solutions at competitive prices and give customers the ability to add more renewable content in their end products.

Francois Jackow, Executive Vice President and a member of the Air Liquide Group's Executive Committee supervising Europe Industries activities, said: "In line with its ambitious Sustainability Objectives, Air Liquide is regularly increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix it uses to power its operations. This enables us to decarbonize our activities and also to provide our customers with solutions contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. With this new long-term contract, the Group actively supports the ongoing and unprecedented transformation of the energy sector in Europe, to foster a low-carbon economy in Europe."

About Air Liquide Benelux

Air Liquide in Benelux comprises subsidiaries active in the production, distribution, and sale of industrial and medical gases, technologies and services of the Air Liquide Group. Founded in Belgium in 1906 and in the Netherlands in 1913, Air Liquide currently operates 28 industrial sites throughout the Benelux. The Group currently employs more than 1,200 people in this region, all activities taken together, and it supplies more than 65,000 customers and patients. The Air Liquide Benelux Large Industries business line operates a pipeline network stretching 2,345 kilometers, which supplies the industrial basins from Mons to Rotterdam.

____________________________________________________

Air Liquide in Benelux comprises subsidiaries active in the production, distribution, and sale of industrial and medical gases, technologies and services of the Air Liquide Group. Founded in Belgium in 1906 and in the Netherlands in 1913, Air Liquide currently operates 28 industrial sites throughout the Benelux. The Group currently employs more than 1,200 people in this region, all activities taken together, and it supplies more than 65,000 customers and patients. The Air Liquide Benelux Large Industries business line operates a pipeline network stretching 2,345 kilometers, which supplies the industrial basins from Mons to Rotterdam.A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 78 countries with approximately 64,500 employees and serves more than 3.8 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide's scientific territory and have been at the core of the company's activities since its creation in 1902.

Air Liquide's ambition is to be a leader in its industry, deliver long term performance and contribute to sustainability with a strong commitment to climate change and energy transition at the heart of its strategy. The company's customer-centric transformation strategy aims at profitable, regular and responsible growth over the long term. It relies on operational excellence, selective investments, open innovation and a network organization implemented by the Group worldwide. Through the commitment and inventiveness of its people, Air Liquide leverages energy and environment transition, changes in healthcare and digitization, and delivers greater value to all its stakeholders.

Air Liquide's revenue amounted to more than 20 billion euros in 2020. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes

www.airliquide.com

Follow us on Twitter @airliquidegroup

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210725005033/en/

Contacts:

Corporate Communications

media@airliquide.com

Investor Relations

IRTeam@airliquide.com


LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Alexion's, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca (AZN.L, AZN), Ultomiris or ravulizumab has been recommended for marketing authorisation in the European Union for expanded use to include children and adolescents with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria or PNH.



The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency's positive opinion was based on results from Ultomiris Phase III trial, which demonstrated that Ultomiris was effective in achieving complete C5 complement inhibition through 26 weeks for the treatment of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age with PNH.



PNH is an ultra-rare and severe blood disorder characterised by the destruction of red blood cells that can cause a wide range of debilitating symptoms and complications, including thrombosis (blood clots), which can occur throughout the body, and result in organ damage and potentially premature death.



Ultomiris was first approved in the EU in 2019 for the treatment of adults with PNH and is also approved in the EU for the treatment of adults and children with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS).



In June 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the expanded use of Ultomiris to include children (one month of age and older) and adolescents with PNH, the first and only treatment for this age group in the US.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

ASTRAZENECA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE), through Lampiris, its energy supply affiliate in Belgium, signed a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement with Air Liquide. TotalEnergies will supply 50 GWh per year of renewable electricity over a period of 15 years. Air Liquide will use this renewable energy to power some of its industrial and medical gas production sites in Belgium.

TotalEnergies will supply Air Liquide with this electricity from an offshore wind farm located in the Belgian North Sea. With a strong expertise across the integrated electricity chain, TotalEnergies proves its ability to provide competitive and available renewable electricity to support Air Liquide in its sustainable development objectives.

This agreement also illustrates TotalEnergies' commitment to contribute to Belgium's energy transition, while promoting low carbon solutions for its customers. The wind-generated electricity will save about 270,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the life of the contract.

"A growing number of companies are shifting to renewable energy, and we want to support them on their path towards carbon neutrality. There is a dynamic market for corporate PPAs in Europe, and we want TotalEnergies to take a strong leadership position", said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President Renewables at TotalEnergies.

This contract with Air Liquide follows other Corporate PPAs signed earlier this year by TotalEnergies with Orange, Microsoft and Merck.

TotalEnergies, renewables and electricity

As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a portfolio of activities in renewables and electricity that should account for up to 40% of its sales by 2050. At the end of 2020, TotalEnergies' gross power generation capacity worldwide was around 12 GW, including 7 GW of renewable energy. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW of gross production capacity from renewable sources by 2025, and then 100 GW by 2030 with the objective of being among the world's top 5 in renewable energies.

____

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our 105,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, clean, reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

About Lampiris

Lampiris is the third largest supplier of renewable energy and gas in Belgium. The company supplies approximately one million connections and offers various solutions for self-consumption (by installing solar panels) and electric mobility. Lampiris is a 100% subsidiary of TotalEnergies.

Cautionary Note

This press release, from which no legal consequences may be drawn, is for information purposes only. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. TotalEnergies SE has no liability for their acts or omissions. In this document, the terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies "Company" and "Company" are sometimes used for convenience. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005259/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies

Media Relations: +33 1 47 44 46 99 l presse@total.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +44 (0)207 719 7962 l ir@totalenergies.com
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French stocks fell notably on Monday after the tutoring and education tech sector became the latest target of China's sweeping regulatory crackdown. Chinese authorities introduced a new set of sweeping regulations on private educators, which includes prohibiting tutoring for profit in core school subjects to reduce financial pressures on families. The policy change also restricts foreign investment in the sector through mergers and acquisitions, franchises, or variable interest entity (VIEs) arrangements. Separately, China's antitrust regulator ordered Tencent to end its exclusive music licensing rights, a step aimed at tackling the company's dominance of online music streaming in the country. U.S.-China tensions also weighed, with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng saying that the relationship between the world's two largest economies 'is now in a stalemate and faces serious difficulties.' The benchmark CAC 40 index dropped 39 points, or 0.6 percent, to 6,529 after rising 1.4 percent on Friday. Faurecia shares slumped 4.3 percent despite the car parts maker posting higher first-half sales and profit, and upgrading its 2021 cash flow target. 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.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 26, 2021) - Pancontinental Resources Corporation (TSXV: PUC) (OTCQB: PUCCF) ("Pancon" or the "Company") reports gold and multielement geochemistry results for the first three diamond drill holes in Phase 2 of the Company's fully funded 10,000-meter (m) maiden drill program at its flagship Brewer Gold & Copper Project (see Table 1). Holes 8, 9 and 10 are vertical holes located to the south and southeast of discovery Holes 4 and 5 and drilled below the former mine.

Highlights:

Hole 8 intersected 106.5 m of 1.07 g/t Au, 0.26% Cu and 1.49 g/t AuEq, including: 45.23 m of 2.03 g/t Au, 0.52% Cu and 2.87 g/t AuEq; and 8.23 m of 5.04 g/t Au, 1.43% Cu and 7.34 g/t AuEq

Hole 9 intersected 15.95 m of 1.09 g/t, 0.22% Cu and 1.44 g/t AuEq

Hole 10 intersected 11.90 m of 2.22 g/t Au, 0.07% Cu and 2.33 g/t AuEq

Pancon President and CEO Layton Croft stated: "These new results prove that gold-copper mineralization extends to the south and southeast of discovery Holes 4 and 5. Hole 8 is located 50 meters south of Hole 4 and 160 meters south of Hole 5. Hole 9 is located 50 meters south of Hole 8. Hole 10 is located 50 meters east of Hole 9 (see Figure 1). This 210-meter north-south mineralized strike length, open in all directions, sets the stage for definition grid drilling of a potential gold-copper resource below the former mine (see Figure 2). Meantime we are testing zones outside the former mine by drilling step-out holes to the north, east, south and west (see Figure 1). To date Pancon has reported results for 10 Brewer diamond holes (and 3,291.5 m of core). Four of those 10 holes contain significant gold and copper values (Holes 4, 5, 8 and 10) and another two contain encouraging gold and copper values (Holes 2 and 9). We will build on this success by soon adding a second diamond drill rig."

Table 1: Gold Assays and Multielement Geochemistry Results for Diamond Holes 8, 9 and 10

(see here for Certificates of Analysis and complete results)

Hole ID Hole Size From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) AuEq* (g/t) B21C-008 HQ 52.00 158.50 106.50 1.07 0.26 1.49 Incl.

104.00 149.23 45.23 2.03 0.52 2.87 Incl.

135.50 149.23 13.73 3.72 1.02 5.36 Incl.

141.00 149.23 8.23 5.04 1.43 7.34 B21C-009 HQ 154.55 170.50 15.95 1.09 0.22 1.44 Incl.

162.96 166.00 3.04 3.20 0.57 4.12 B21C-010 HQ/NQ 81.95 93.85 11.90 2.22 0.07 2.33 And

160.00 171.00 11.00 0.67 0.04 0.73

*AuEq calculated using spot price of Au: $1,811.60/oz and Cu: $4.21/lb

See Quality Assurance and Quality Control Statement below regarding assaying techniques.

Intervals are core lengths and are not presumed to be true thicknesses.

Figure 1: Select Phase 1 Hole Locations and Results, All Phase 2 Hole Locations and Select Gold-Copper Results for Holes 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5156/91094_7397b3c1241e691b_003full.jpg

Figure 2 shows an updated North-South cross section, looking west, of the former Brewer Gold Mine main pit, with gold-copper results for vertical diamond holes 4, 5, 8 and 9 which span 210 meters on a north-south axis. Hole 10 is located 50 meters east of this north-south section and thus not shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: North-South Cross Section with Gold-Copper Results from Holes 4, 5, 8 and 9

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5156/91094_7397b3c1241e691b_004full.jpg

Phase 2 Drilling Update

Pancon's Phase 2 diamond drill program follows the success of Phase 1 drilling, as reported in the Company's April 27, 2021 news release, with Hole 5 intersecting 181.6 meters of 1.24 g/t Au and 0.27% Cu (1.67 g/t AuEq) and Hole 4 intersecting 115.6 meters of 0.91 g/t Au and 0.17% Cu (1.18 AuEq). To date, Pancon has completed 14 diamond drill holes at the Brewer Gold & Copper Project with another four diamond drill holes to be completed before the end of Phase 2.

The Company expects results from Holes 11 and 12 in August, and results from Holes 13 and 14 in September. Holes 15-18 will be drilled in August, with results expected thereafter.

Pancon also plans to report in August results and analysis for all 6 sonic drill holes, which were drilled vertically through the reclaimed sulphide ore and waste rock in the former main pit as well as the results for the 104 rotary air blast (RAB) drill holes drilled in the latter half of June (see news release of June 8, 2021).

Philip Corriher Joins Pancon Board of Directors

At the Company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 21, 2021, Mr. Philip Corriher was appointed as an independent director of the Board of Directors. Mr. Corriher was previously appointed as a strategic advisor, as reported in the Company's April 1, 2021 news release. Mr. Corriher brings more than 15 years of global professional experience in the textiles and natural resources sectors. He is a successful entrepreneur and investor with deep knowledge of both the global minerals exploration and mining industry as well as the geologic potential of the southeastern United States. Mr. Corriher was born and raised in North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina State University as a Park Scholar and Centennial Scholar. In 2015, he founded Carolina Mining Company in order to consolidate the most prospective historic gold, silver and base metals mines of North Carolina. Carolina Mining Company now controls more than 5,000 acres of surface and mineral rights in the Piedmont, located about 100 kilometers north of the Brewer Gold Project on the same prolific and underexplored Carolina Slate Belt.

At the same recent AGM, Mr. Don Whalen stepped down from the Pancon Board of Directors after having served for 16 years as independent chairman. The Company is very grateful to Mr. Whalen for his dedicated leadership and contributions over the years. Mr. David Mosher, who has also served as an independent director for 16 years, has assumed the role of Pancon interim chairman.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Statement, Notes and Assumptions

Phase 2 exploration diamond core drilling was HQ and NQ size. The core was logged and marked for sampling and assaying by geologists contracted by Pancon. Samples, typically 1.5 meters in length, were sawn in half using a diamond core saw and one-half of the core was placed in sample bags and tagged with unique sample numbers, while the remaining half was kept in the core box for storage. Each bagged core sample was shipped to SGS Labs in Ontario, Canada, where it was dried, crushed and pulverized to >80% passing -200 mesh.

Gold was analyzed by fire assay (30 g) with an AAS (atomic absorption) finish, with a lower detection limit of 0.005 g/t gold. Samples containing greater than 10.0 g/t gold were analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Multielement analyses, including base metals and rare earth elements, were analyzed with ICP-MS/ICP-AES (inductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometry/atomic emission spectroscopy). Strict sampling and QA/QC protocols are followed, and assay integrity is monitored internally with a quality control program including the insertion of standards, blanks, and duplicates in the sample stream on a regular basis.

Gold equivalent values reported in this release were calculated using the following prices: a gold spot price of US$1,811.6/oz and a copper spot price of US$4.21/lb. Gold equivalent values can be calculated using the following formula: AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + k*Cu (g/t); where k = price_Cu(US$/kg)/price_Au(US$/kg). Recoveries of individual elements can not generally be determined based on equivalent values and fluctuating metal prices will change the value of 'k' and therefore the gold equivalent values.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Tom Quigley, MSc, CPG-11962, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

About Pancon

Pancon is a Canadian junior mining company focused on exploring the prolific and underexplored Carolina Slate Belt in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA. In January 2020, Pancon won the exclusive right to explore the former Brewer Gold Mine property. The Brewer Gold & Copper Project, on the gold-rich Carolina Slate Belt in South Carolina, is where the former shallow Brewer Gold Mine produced 178,000 ounces of oxide gold between 1987-1995 from open pits that extended to 65-meter depths, where copper and gold-rich sulphides were exposed but could not be processed by the oxide heap leach processing facility (Zwaschka, M. and Scheetz J.W., 1995, Detailed Mine Geology of the Brewer Gold Mine, Jefferson, South Carolina, Society of Economic Geologists). Until Pancon, Brewer hadn't been explored since 1997, and most of the tools used previously to explore the property have since been updated with more advanced technologies. Brewer is a high sulphidation system driven by a sub-volcanic intrusive and possibly connected to a large copper-gold porphyry system at depth, as indicated by: widely known prospective geology, including diatreme breccias; associated high sulphidation alteration; gold and copper mineralization; and geophysics (Schmidt, R.G., 1978, The Potential for Porphyry Copper-Molybdenum Deposits in the Eastern United States, U.S. Geological Survey). Pancon's 100%-owned, 1,500-acre Jefferson Gold Project nearly completely surrounds the 1,000-acre former Brewer Gold Mine property, and both Jefferson and Brewer are located 12 kilometers northeast along trend from the producing Haile Gold Mine, which produced 137,413 ounces of gold in 2020 (https://oceanagold.com/operation/haile/).

For further information, please contact:

Layton Croft, President & CEO or Jeanny So, Manager, External Relations

E: info@panconresources.com

T: +1.647.202.0994

For additional information please visit our new website at http://www.panconresources.com/ and our Twitter feed: @PanconResources.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/91094
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 26, 2021 / EnviroLeach Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "EnviroLeach"), (CSE:ETI)(OTCQX:EVLLF)(FSE:7N2) is pleased to announce that Group 11 Technologies Inc. ("Group 11"), a privately-held company focused on the development and commercialization of in-situ gold recovery, will host a webcast on Monday, July 26.

Group 11 recently completed a USD $1 million financing with accredited investors. Proceeds will advance test work to assess the amenability and recovery rates for gold extraction through the combination of in-situ recovery technology using EnviroLeach's environmentally friendly water-based solution. EnviroLeach is a founding (40% interest pre-financing) shareholder of Group 11. EnviroLeach has also granted to Group 11 a licence the use its chemistry formulas as a key component of the in-situ gold recovery process.

Group 11 management will be joined by management of GFG Resources Inc. to discuss details of the commencing collaboration between the two companies to develop its Rattlesnake Hills Gold Project located in central Wyoming.

Register for Live Webcast - July 26, 2021

A live webcast will be hosted on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 2:30 pm Eastern Standard Time (11:30 am Pacific Standard Time) to discuss Group 11's details of its innovative technology and the upcoming test programs planned on the Rattlesnake Hills Project. To register please visit: https://my.6ix.com/event/gfg-and-group11/.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details to access the webinar via conference call or webcast. A replay of the webcast will be available following the conclusion of the call.

In-situ Gold Recovery

In-situ recovery (In Place Mining) using EnviroLeach's patented and proprietary formula, which uses FDA approved elements that are essential elements, offers a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional mining.

Cyanide has been the leaching reagent of choice in gold mining because of its high gold recoveries, robustness, relatively low costs and safety when handled properly. Nonetheless, cyanide remains a controversial issue in environmental assessments and permitting processes. Cyanide, banned in some jurisdictions, has an ongoing public relations problem and associated cost for the gold mining industry due to the environmental impacts and its potential for lethal effects on human, animal and aquatic life resulting from its possible mismanagement.

About Group 11 Technologies Inc.

Group 11 is a private US-based company committed to the development and application of environmentally and socially responsible precious metals mineral extraction. The combination of in-situ recovery extraction (ISR) technology and environmentally-friendly water-based chemistry to recover gold and other metals provides a promising alternate solution to conventional open pit and underground mineral extraction. The goal of advancing sustainable extraction considers growing concerns surrounding water use and discharge, carbon footprint, energy consumption, community stakeholders and workplace safety while addressing a growing global need for metals in our daily lives. Group 11 was founded by Enviroleach Technologies Inc. (CSE:ETI)(OTCQB:EVLLF), Encore Energy Corp. and Golden Predator Mining Corp.

Group 11 is a group of elements in the periodic table, also known as the coinage metals, consisting of gold (Au), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu).

About EnviroLeach Technologies Inc.

EnviroLeach Technologies is engaged in the development and commercialization of environmentally-friendly formulas and technologies for the treatment of materials in the primary and secondary metals sectors. Using its proprietary non-cyanide, water-based, neutral pH treatment process EnviroLeach extracts precious metals from ores, concentrates, and E-Waste.

Backed by the momentum of a first-class staff of scientists and engineers, tens of thousands of individual tests and assays, independent validations, strategic partners and tens of thousands of hours in research and development, EnviroLeach's technology is emerging as a potential new standard for the provision of eco-friendly methods for the hydrometallurgical extraction of precious metals in both the mining and E-Waste sectors. Further information is available on the EnviroLeach website: https://EnviroLeach.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and the United States securities legislation. Statements contained herein that are not based on historical or current fact, including without limitation statements containing the words "anticipates," "believes," "may," "continues," "estimates," "expects," and "will" and words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking information may include, but is not limited to, information with respect to our Research and Development activities, the accuracy of our capital and operating cost estimates; production and processing estimates; the results, the adequacy of EnviroLeach's financial resources and timing of development of ongoing research and development projects, costs and timing of future revenues or profits and adequacy of financial resources. Wherever possible, words such as "plans", "expects", "projects", "assumes", "budget", "strategy", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "targets" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative forms of any of these terms and similar expressions, have been used to identify forward-looking statements and information. Statements concerning future revenue or earnings estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking information. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the expectations and opinions of EnviroLeach's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The CSE has not approved or disapproved of the information contained herein.

Contact Information:

Jason Leikam

VP Corporate Development

EnviroLeach Technologies Inc.

info@EnviroLeach.com

(604) 428-2400 x104

SOURCE: EnviroLeach Technologies Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/656950/EnviroLeach-Announces-Group-11-Technologies-Update-and-Webinar
BANGALORE, India, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The CT Scanner Market is Segmented by Product Type (High-End Slice CT Scanner, Mid-End Slice CT Scanner, Low-End Slice CT Scanner), by Application (Research & Academic Institutions, Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals) and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC and RoW). This report is published on Valuates Reports in the Medical Devices & Equipment Category.

The global CT Scanner market size is projected to reach USD 11390 Million by 2027, from USD 9000.1 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 4.0% during 2021-2027.

Major factors driving the growth of the CT scanner market are:

Increasing priority for minimally invasive diagnostic procedures and procedural benefits offered by CT Scanner are driving the CT scanner market.

Growing patient emphasis on early disease diagnosis is expected to boost the market growth

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF CT SCANNER MARKET

Rising Cases of Chronic Disorders to Fuel CT Scanner market growth. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases in the current population due to lifestyle and other environmental hazards is expected to play a major role in CT scanner market growth.

The shift of medical care toward image-guided interventions and technological advancements is expected to further fuel the CT scanner market growth. CT scans are the only precise choice for testing a patient's condition after an emergency brain trauma, hence it is the only procedure that medical professionals prefer. Increased demand for enhanced evaluation tools in emergency departments, as well as an increase in the number of ambulatory emergency care units, are likely to boost CT market growth.

Furthermore, Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, demand for computerized tomography (CT) scan machines has steadily increased. The devices have proven to be effective in distinguishing pneumonia induced by COVID-19 from pneumonia caused by other probable triggers. CT scan equipment can also be used to determine how far an illness has gone in a person's body.

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CT SCANNER MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

Based on region, North America is expected to be the most lucrative during the forecast period, due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in the region.

The most popular and fastest-growing form of CT scanner is the high-end slice CT scanner, which is predicted to account for a large portion of the market share. More than 64 slices, open versions, and cardiac CT are among the high-end slice CT Scanner.

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CT SCANNER MARKET SEGMENTATION

By the product type, the market is primarily split into

High-End Slice CT Scanner

Mid-End Slice CT Scanner

Low-End Slice CT Scanner.

By the end users/application, this report covers the following segments

Hospitals

Diagnostic Centers

Research & Academic Institutions

Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals.

Key Companies

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

GE Healthcare

Medtronic

Accuray Incorporated

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd

Shenzhen Anke High-Tech Co., Ltd

Carestream Health

Hitachi Ltd, Koning Corporation

Neusoft Corporation

Planmed Oy

Shimadzu Corporation

Canon

Siemens AG.

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SIMILAR REPORTS

- Veterinary CT Scanner market size is projected to reach USD 156.7 Million by 2027, from USD 123.1 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 4.1% during 2021-2027.

- PET-CT Scanners market is projected to reach USD 2117.9 Million by 2027, from USD 1785 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 2.9% during 2021-2027.

- Mobile CT Scanner Market is segmented by Type Low Slice CT Scanner (<32 Slices), Medium Slice CT Scanner (32 Slices), High Slice CT Scanner (>32 Slices), by Application Hospitals, Clinics and by various regions.

- Micro CT Scanner Market is segmented by Type Medical Grade, Industrial Grade, by Application Biological Application, Industrial Application and by various regions.

- CT Scanner Rental Market is segmented by Product Type Daily, Weekly, Annually, by Application Medical Personnel, Medical Institutions and by various regions.

- Full Body CT Scanners Market is segmented by Type Mobile (Portable) Type, Fixed Type, by Application Neurology, Oncology, Cardiology, Orthopedic Surgery and by various regions.

- Dual-source Computed Tomography (CT) scanner Market : Dual-source Computed Tomography (CT) scanner is a developed form of CT scanner, which use two separate X-ray spectra to enhance material differentiation and tissue characterization. It is designed to produce a diagnostic image of a patient's beating heart and coronary vessel without having to artificially lower their heart rate.

- Helical CT Scanner Market is segmented by Type Double layer, Multi Layer, by Application Hospital, Medical Center and by various regions.

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- Excellent interfacial activity, foaming performance and wettability Makes Alkyl Polyglucoside a Preferred Green Surfactant

- The alkyl polyglucoside market survey identifies key factors enabling growth across various segments, including types and processing method. It also profiles leading vendors and highlights strategies adopted by them to increase sales in the alkyl polyglucoside Market

NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fact.MR - A Market Research and Competitive Intelligence Provider: The global alkyl polyglucoside market is poised to expand at a CAGR of approximately 8% during the forecast period between 2021 and 2031. The alkyl polyglucoside business swelled at around 5.9% CAGR during its historical period from 2016 to 2020.

Despite challenges posed amid COVID-19, the alkyl polyglucoside market managed exhibiting impressive 7.7% growth in 2021 and totaled 584 KT by the end of the year. Fact MR Survey also predicts application in industrial and institutional cleaners to surge by 0.6% to 91KT in 2021, while demand in admixtures for plaster, concrete and cement to register 0.1% negative growth to total 26KT in the same year.

According to the study, the demand is propelled due to its bio-degradable nature and usage in numerous applications such industrial, personal care, and cosmetics. It is popularly known to be adaptable due to its superior surface activity, non-irritating, and non-toxic properties. Its use as a cleaning and emulsification agent is expected to drive its adoption application across diverse industries.

Request a report sample to gain in-depth insights at

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=747

Growing population and urbanization has improved awareness among consumers, therefore, positively affecting the demand outlook. Willingness among consumers to spend on advanced solutions for improved laundry operations and increasing efficacy also will bode well for the market.

Driven by these factors, the demand for fabric softeners, soaps, and detergent powders will rise. Alkyl polyglucoside surfactants are non-ionic surfactants and are the primary raw materials used in the production of detergents. Growing economic prosperity and purchasing power is therefore contributing towards the sales of cosmetics, homecare, personal care, and other consumer products that utilize alkyl polyglucoside in their raw materials.

"Consumer goods manufacturers are focusing on highlighting the health hazards associated with traditional surfactant and are marketing their products as safer alternatives. Besides spending on marketing strategies, they are shifting towards eco-friendlier alternatives to synthetic chemicals. This will aid the overall scope for expansion of alky polyglucoside market," says Fact.MR analyst.

Key Takeaways fromAlkyl Polyglucoside Market Survey

Europe is expected to dominate global market backed by demand from Germany , which is the largest consumer of cosmetics and personal care products.

is expected to dominate global market backed by demand from , which is the largest consumer of cosmetics and personal care products. Home care products are expected to dominate the application segment driven by rising demand on account of rising per capita income and urbanization, which also is encouraging sales of biodegradable products.

The U.S. is expected to dominate as one of the early adopter of technologically advanced goods and production processes. Besides this, stringent regulations governing quality standards for consumer goods products will present a conducive environment for the market's growth.

Latin America is likely to exhibit surge in demand owing to rising number of manufacturers in fungicide, insecticide, and pesticide industries.

is likely to exhibit surge in demand owing to rising number of manufacturers in fungicide, insecticide, and pesticide industries. India is expected to account for 20.7% of share in the APEJ market and is set to expand at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

Key Drivers

The rising awareness about benefits of naturally derived home care products is expected to bolster alkyl polyglucosides use in personal care products segment.

Implementation of stringent regulations by government bodies across the globe such as ECHA, CEFIC, REACH, and other organizations to regulate environmental hazards of inorganic surfactants are create attractive prospects for sales of bio-based surfactants, bolstering demand for alkyl polyglucoside surfactants

COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled the demand for essential products across the globe. This has helped in bolstering demand for raw materials such as alkyl polyglucoside.

Key Restrains

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chain and suspended production across various industries. This has impacted the global sales of alkyl polyglucoside.

Manufacturers are innovating alternative materials to offer natural surfactant with similar properties but higher efficiency for application across diverse industries. Availability of eco-friendlier alternative might hamper growth prospects.

To learn more about Alkyl Polyglucoside Market, you can get in touch with our Analyst

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=747

Competitive Landscape

The key players operating in the global alkyl polyglucoside market are adopting numerous strategies such as brand development, portfolio expansion, delivery focus, mergers, acquisitions, expansion, and investments to gain an edge over their competitors.

For instance, in December 2019, Pilot Chemical Company acquired Organo Sintesis S.A. de C.V. (OSSA). This acquisition will assist the company in expanding its antimicrobial and surfactant products in Latin America.

BASF in October 2019 had increased its alkyl polyglucoside production by 1000 tons to cater the rising demand from Chinese market and other countries in Asia Pacific.

The key players as profiled by Fact.MR are:

Croda International Plc.

BASF SE

Huntsman Corporation

Dow Chemicals Co.

SEPPIC S.A.

LG Household & Health Care Ltd

Galaxy Surfactants

Akzo Nobel NV

Pilot Chemical Company

Shanghai Fine Chemical Co Ltd

More Valuable Insights on Alkyl Polyglucoside Market

Fact.MR, in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global alkyl polyglucoside market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2021 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections in Alkyl Polyglucoside market with detailed segmentation:

Product Type

Coco Alkyl Polyglucosides

Lauryl Alkyl Polyglucosides

Decyl Alkyl Polyglucosides

Capryl Alkyl Polyglucosides

Others

Application

Homecare

Surface Cleaners

Dishwashing Detergents

Laundry Detergents

Other Homecare Products

Personal Care

Bath Products

Cleansers & Wipes

Oral Care

Other Personal Care Products

Industrial & Institutional Cleaners

Agricultural Chemicals

Oil Fields

Admixtures for Cement, Concrete & Plaster

Others

Primary Function

Alkyl Polyglucoside Cleansing Agents

Alkyl Polyglucoside Emulsifying Agents

Alkyl Polyglucoside Wetting Agents

Alkyl Polyglucoside Degreasing Agents

Alkyl Polyglucoside Solubilizing Agents

Alkyl Polyglucoside Hydrotope

Alkyl Polyglucoside Foaming Agents

Others

Regions

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Rest of the World

Key Questions Covered in the Alkyl Polyglucoside Market Report

The market survey also highlights projected sales growth for alkyl polyglucoside market between 2021 and 2031

The report offers insight into alkyl polyglucoside demand outlook for 2021-2031

Alkyl polyglucoside market share analysis of the key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, collaborations or partnerships, and others

Alkyl polyglucoside market analysis identifies key growth drivers, restraints, and other forces impacting prevailing trends and evaluation of current market size and forecast and technological advancements within the industry

Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the Chemical & Materials Domain -

Surfactant Cleansers and Adjuvants Market- Surfactant demand is increasing day by day as the global economy shows signs of improvement, notably due to Asia's strong economic expansion. Manufacturers are attempting to develop lower-cost solutions as well as new inventive goods that perform better. Mildness and moisturization are crucial aspects in the latest trends in the surfactant cleansers and adjuvants market. In addition, customers are increasingly demanding sulfate-free surfactants in personal care products such as shampoos and body washes.

Bio-based Surfactants Market- The usage of conventional surfactants in industry raises environmental problems. As a result, a growing number of producers are switching to bio-based surfactants. This is one of the main reasons why the bio-based surfactants market is expected to grow in the future years. Furthermore, bio-based surfactants have a number of advantages over conventional surfactants, including superior performance characteristics at high temperatures and emulsion stabilization, which are expected to boost demand for natural surfactants in a variety of industries.

Detergent Polymers Market- Detergent polymers are expected to acquire substantial traction due to their efficacy in providing high-performance detergent formulations at a lower cost. Detergent polymers have become a popular ingredient among detergent makers due to their strong filth removal characteristics and good efficacy as an anti-redeposition agent. The usage of detergent polymers in industrial and institutional cleaning applications has accelerated due to a number of benefits such as color transfer and scale encrustation inhibition.

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The increased requirement for security, a boom in the illicit trade of counterfeit and pirated goods, Regulatory standards Imposed by Governments, and a preference for outsourced TIC services are the primary reasons for this increase in demand.

JERSEY CITY, N. J., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Verified Market Research recently published a report, "Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market" By Sourcing Type (In-house Services, Outsourced Services), By Service Type (testing, inspection, and certification), By Application (Consumer Goods and Retail, Agriculture and Food, Chemicals, Healthcare), and By Geography. According to Verified Market Research, the Global Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market was valued at USD 222.35 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 324.32 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.21% from 2021 to 2028.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market"

202 - Pages

126 - Tables

37 - Figures

Global Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market Overview

Outsourcing TIC services to third-party service providers is a long-standing business practice used by many product and component manufacturers to ensure adherence to national and international quality and safety standards, as well as to reduce recall costs and improve production efficiency by shifting non-core tasks, operations, jobs, or processes to an external third-party specialist.

Outsourcing allows organizations to dedicate more resources towards strengthening their core business processes, cut operating expenses, and provide faster and better services.59% of businesses use outsourcing to cut their costs which allows for increased production and process efficiency, which contributes to an improvement in the company's net profits. Another reason for the growth of The TIC industry is stringent government requirements on food and consumer product testing, required inspection rules, and the growing trade of consumer products.

Key Developments in Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market

In December 2019 , SGS established a new textile laboratory in Ethiopia to provide a comprehensive range of testing services for apparel and textile items.

, SGS established a new textile laboratory in to provide a comprehensive range of testing services for apparel and textile items. In February 2019 , Intertek announced that it would broaden its electromagnetic compatibility testing capabilities to include electromagnetic fields. This extension is concerned with human exposure in the workplace and the measurement of such EMF fields to ensure employee safety at work.

The major players in the market are SGS S.A. (Switzerland), Bureau Veritas S.A. (France), Intertek Group Plc. (U.K.), TUV Sud AG (Germany), Dekra SE (Germany), Eurofins Scientific SE (Luxembourg), TUV Rheinland AG Group (U.S.), Element Materials Technology Ltd. (U.K.), Lloyd's Register Group Limited (U.K.), APPLUS+ (Spain).

Verified Market Research has segmented the Global Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market On the basis of Sourcing type, Service Type, Application, and Geography'.

Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market, By Sourcing type

In-house services



Outsourced services

Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market, By Service type

Testing



Inspection



Certification



Others

Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market, By Application

Consumer Goods and Retail



Agriculture and Food



Chemicals



Healthcare



Energy and Power



Industrial manufacturing

Testing, Inspection, And Certification Market by Geography

North America



U.S





Canada





Mexico



Europe



Germany





France





U.K





Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China





Japan





India





Rest of Asia Pacific



ROW



Middle East & Africa

&



Latin America

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Outsourced Sales Service Market By Type (Online Service and Offline Service), By Application (Small Businesses, Medium-Sized Businesses, And Large Businesses), By Geography, Forecast, 2020-2027

Continuous Testing Market By Service (Managed Service and Professional Service), By Interface (Web, Desktop, and Mobile), By Vertical (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), Healthcare, Telecom and IT, Energy and Utilities, and Others), By Geography, Forecast, 2020-2027

Digital Inspection Market By Dimension (2D and 3D), By Technology (Machine Vision, Metrology and NDT), By Component (Hardware, Software and Services), By Verticals (Manufacturing, Electronics and Semiconductors, Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Others), By Geography, Forecast, 2020-2027

Top 5 penetration testing companies in the online security market

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 26, 2021) - Meryllion Resources Corporation (CSE: MYR.X) ("MYR "or the "Corporation") wishes to announce that it has signed an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Oldham Range base and battery metal exploration property (the "Property") in Western Australia.

Figure 1: Location Plan of Oldham Range Licence in Western Australia

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Highlights

 The Property comprises a 14,700 ha granted exploration licence, 320km northeast of Wiluna, Western Australia.

 Soil sampling and an airborne geophysical survey of the Property has identified several drill-ready targets for base and battery metal mineralization - copper, nickel, cobalt, PGEs and zinc - characterized by the coincidence of geochemical anomalies with high priority VTEM conductors.

 The Corporation intends to commence an initial drill program in the current quarter, subject to all relevant Authorities and Stakeholder approval.

 Major mining companies - Fortescue Metals and Rio Tinto - are significant property holders adjacent to or near the Oldham Range Property. In addition, Rumble Resources Limited (ASX: RTR, Market capitalisation of approx. AUD$300m) has announced in April 2021 a new major zinc-lead- silver discovery in 2 areas approx. 110km north of Wiluna, Western Australia. This discovery is some 120 km from the Property. A large 30,000 metre drill program is underway by RTR.

 The Corporation can earn a 100% interest in the Property by AUD $300,000 expenditure based on an agreed budget on or before 31 December 2021. Following the minimum expenditure being met, MYR will have an exclusive right to acquire the Property at any time subject to:

1. Issuing 2,000,000 MYR shares;

2. Payment of AUD$50,000; and

3. Granting a 1% Net Smelter Royalty for all metals produced from the Property.

The Chief Executive Officer of MYR, Mr. Jeremy Edelman, said: "We are delighted to have optioned the drill-ready Oldham Range Property which gives shareholders the opportunity to be quickly drilling a number of targets with the potential to host increasingly valuable base and battery minerals."

Figure 2: Major Mining Companies Proximity to Oldham Range Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Oldham Range Property

The Oldham Inlier forms part of a basement high in the north-western part of the Officer Basin. Initial exploration work was completed by the Geological Survey of Western Australia followed by initial soil and geophysical surveys by several operators between 2001 and 2014. The MYR drill program will be the first drilling ever undertaken on the Property.

Figure 3

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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About Meryllion Resources Corp.

Meryllion Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Corporation undertook a corporate re-structuring and financing in early 2021 and is now investigating a number of exploration opportunities with drill-ready targets.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Jeremy Edelman

Director and Chief Executive Officer

Meryllion Resources Corp.

E: meryllion@outlook.com

Qualified Person

The technical disclosure in this release is based on information prepared by Dr. Simon Dorling. Dr. Dorling is a member of the Australasian Institute of Geoscientists (Member Number: 31021). Dr. Dorling has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which they are undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the JORC Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Dr. Dorling consents to the inclusion in the release of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although Management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such.

Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/91207
SURREY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 26, 2021 / Gungnir Resources Inc. (TSXV:GUG)(OTC PINK:ASWRF) ("Gungnir" or the "Company") announces plans to begin drilling at its high-grade Lappvattnet nickel deposit in Sweden during the first part of August 2021.

Jari Paakki, CEO commented, "We are very excited to initiate drilling at our Lappvattnet deposit which has not seen systematic drilling since the 1970s other than a few twinned holes into the sulphide deposit itself in 2007. Lappvattnet hosts some excellent nickel grades which locally exceed 5% Nickel and up to 50.91 g/t PGEs as we reported in 2020. Drilling is planned to commence once we complete drilling at our Knaften gold target."

Drill highlights at Lappvattnet by previous operators include:

3.21% Nickel over 4.97 metres (from 76.43 metres) in twin hole LAP-07-002. Gungnir re-sampling within this interval returned 50.91 g/t PGEs (39.0 g/t Platinum, 11.8 g/t Palladium, 0.11 g/t Gold) over 0.45 metres;

(from 76.43 metres) in twin hole LAP-07-002. Gungnir re-sampling within this interval returned over 0.45 metres; 2.87% Nickel over 2.81 metres (from 39.24 metres) in hole LAP74209, includes 5.0% Nickel over 1.43 metres;

(from 39.24 metres) in hole LAP74209, includes over 1.43 metres; 2.19% Nickel over 3.75 metres (from 90.43 metres) in hole LAP75002, includes 5.3% Nickel over 1.07 metres; and

(from 90.43 metres) in hole LAP75002, includes over 1.07 metres; and 2.11% Nickel over 2.96 metres (from 88.00 metres) in hole LAP75003, includes 4.3% Nickel over 0.38 metes.

Drilling will focus on the shallow, western part of the Lappvattnet deposit. The work plan consists of 10 or more holes, for approximately 1,200 metres, along six to seven sections spaced about 40 metres apart. Along sections, planned hole intercepts are positioned roughly 20 to 70 metres from historic intersections of massive sulphide. In addition to assaying for nickel, copper and cobalt, all mineralized sections will importantly be analyzed for PGEs which were not assayed in the 1970's drill holes. New drilling and assays are expected to be incorporated into future resource upgrades.

In 2020, the Company outlined an Inferred Resource at Lappvattnet along with its other nickel asset Rormyrberget (see 2020 NI43-101 Technical Report with an effective date of November 17, 2020). At Lappvattnet, there are 28 drill holes by prior operators (25 holes from the 1970s and three twinned holes from 2007) that contributed to this mineral resource estimate. Numerous additional holes were drilled in 2007 in the area but most were focused on targets outside of the Lappvattnet nickel resource and Gungnir's current license (Lappvattnet nr 101) which was staked by the Company in 2015. Further details on Lappvattnet can be found in the 2020 Technical Report (link on the Company's home page).

Gungnir's 2020 Swedish Nickel Resources (177 million lbs of Nickel):

Lappvattnet: Inferred Resource of 780,000 tonnes grading 1.35% Nickel for 23.1 million lbs (10.5 million kg) of Nickel.

Rormyrberget: Inferred Resource of 36,800,000 tonnes grading 0.19% Nickel for 154 million lbs (70 million kg) of Nickel.

Sample lengths reported above are core lengths and based on current data it is estimated true widths are approximately 80% of the drilled intersections. Gungnir verified high-grade nickel mineralization as well as significant PGEs at Lappvattnet in an extensive re-sampling/verification program of available historic drill core in 2020 (see news releases dated March 30, 2020 and July 8, 2020 for further details on the re-sampling program and results).

The Company also reports that it has recently secured extensions for licences covering the Lappvattnet deposit (as well as Rormyrberget) into 2026. An update on current drilling at the Company's Knaften gold project to follow.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Jari Paakki, P.Geo., CEO and a director of the Company. Mr. Paakki is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Gungnir Resources

Gungnir Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based TSX-V listed mineral exploration company (GUG: TSX-V) with gold and base metal permits in northern Sweden. Gungnir's assets include the Knaften project which hosts a developing intrusion-hosted gold system, and VMS (zinc-copper) and copper-nickel targets, all of which are open for expansion and further discovery. East of Knaften, the Company holds two nickel-copper-cobalt deposits, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget. Further information about the Company and its properties may be found at www.gungnirresources.com or at www.sedar.com.

On behalf of the Board,

Jari Paakki, CEO and Director

For further information contact:

Head Office/Investor Relations

Phone: +1-604-683-0484

Jari Paakki, CEO

Email: jpaakki@eastlink.ca

Chris Robbins, CFO

Email: robbinscr@shaw.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (also known as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and may cause actual results, performance or achievements or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or industry results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "feel", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "subject to", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: planned drilling activities and the expected timing thereof; the expectations of further exceptional nickel and PGE assays; expectations of future resource upgrades and that new drilling and assays will be incorporated into any resource upgrade, and Gungnir's plan for development of its properties and the timing thereof.

Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Gungnir, including, without limitation: the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the Canadian and global economy and Gungnir's business, and the extent and duration of such impact; no change to laws or regulations that negatively affect Gungnir's business; there will be a demand for Gungnir's services and products in the future; Gungnir will be able to operate its business as planned; and Gungnir's plans for future exploration and development of its properties is reasonable and will be possible within the anticipated timelines. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Gungnir believes to be reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such information.

Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to: no certainty that any economically viable mineral deposit will be located on Gungnir's properties; that Gungnir may not be able to complete its planned drilling as anticipated; the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; ability to access capital markets; environmental matters; changes in legislation or regulations; receipt of required licenses, permits and approvals; and resource estimates may not be accurate and may differ significantly from actual mineral resources. Management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information contained herein are based upon reasonable assumptions and information currently available; however, management can give no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Gungnir. The forward-looking information is stated as of the date of this news release and Gungnir assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Gungnir Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/657046/Gungnir-To-Drill-High-Grade-Lappvattnet-Nickel-Deposit
The implant was performed at Hannover Medical School

Regulatory News:

CARMAT (FR0010907956, ALCAR) (Paris:ALCAR), the designer and developer of the world's most advanced total artificial heart, aiming to provide a therapeutic alternative for people suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure, today announces the first implant of its Aeson bioprosthetic artificial heart in Germany.

This new implant of the Aeson artificial heart was performed by Prof. Jan D. Schmitto and his interdisciplinary Heart Team of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Transplant Surgery (Director: Prof. Axel Haverich) at Hannover Medical School (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover MHH), in Germany. The MHH Hospital is a maximum care hospital with a nationwide catchment area, recognized for its quality research in several domains such as transplantation and regenerative medicine, infection and immunology, biomedical engineering and implants.

Prof. Jan D. Schmitto, Director of the Mechanical Circulatory Support and Cardiac Transplantation Program at Hannover Medical School, declared: "The implant of the first CARMAT TAH in Germany represents another milestone in the field of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices. The extremely ill patient suffered from long-lasting congenital heart disease and was finally fulminantly decompensated. He was treated by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for many days before he received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) plus aortic valve replacement (AVR) and a temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) a week ago. Based on persistent right heart failure which made the RVAD not able to be weaned, there were no other treatment options left than Aeson in this specific situation. Therefore, we asked the CARMAT team to join our forces for this ultima ratio use in order to face that critical situation of our patient. Unfortunately, because of its terminally ill status and the extremely fragile clinical profile, the patient passed away in the postoperative course. However, we observed that Aeson has been able to directly intraoperatively stabilize the hemodynamic situation of the patient and has also been able to cope with the high pulmonary arterial pressures. Overall, we have been impressed by the promising performance of the device and we are looking forward to include it in our portfolio to save many lives in the future."

Stephane Piat, Chief Executive Officer of CARMAT, concluded: "We supported Prof. Schmitto's team in Hannover last Friday for the treatment of a young patient suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure due to Congenital Heart Disease. Because of the lack of treatment options for this severe heart failing patient and taking into account the challenging management of his severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), Aeson has been identified as the last possible solution. Despite challenging hemodynamic conditions, our device was able to deal with this very high level of PAH. This finding could open new opportunities in terms of indication of use for congenital heart diseases. We continue screening patients in Hannover as well as in other centers in Germany which have already been trained in the use of Aeson.

About CARMAT: the world's most advanced total artificial heart project

A credible response to end-stage heart failure: CARMAT aims to eventually provide a response to a major public health issue associated with heart disease, the world's leading cause of death: chronic and acute heart failure. By pursuing the development of its total artificial heart, Aeson, composed of the implantable bioprosthesis and its portable external power supply system to which it is continuously connected, CARMAT intends to overcome the well-known shortfall in heart transplants for the tens of thousands of people suffering from irreversible end-stage heart failure, the most seriously affected of the 20 million patients with this progressive disease in Europe and the United States.

The result of combining two types of unique expertise: the medical expertise of Professor Carpentier, known throughout the world for inventing Carpentier-Edwards heart valves, which are the most used in the world, and the technological expertise of Airbus Group, world aerospace leader.

The first physiologic heart replacement therapy: given the use of highly biocompatible materials, its unique self-regulation system and its pulsatile nature, the CARMAT total artificial heart could, assuming a successful clinical development, potentially save the lives of thousands of patients each year with no risk of rejection and with an enhanced quality of life.

A project leader acknowledged at a European level: with the backing of the European Commission, CARMAT has been granted the largest subsidy ever given to an SME by Bpifrance; a total of 33 million.

Strongly committed, prestigious founders and shareholders: Matra Defense SAS (subsidiary of the Airbus Group), Professor Alain Carpentier, the Centre Chirurgical Marie Lannelongue, Truffle Capital, a leading European venture capital firm, ALIAD (Air Liquide's venture capital investor), CorNovum (an investment holding company held 50-50 by Bpifrance and the French State), the family offices of Pierre Bastid (Lohas), of Dr. Antonino Ligresti (Sante Holdings S.R.L.), of the Gaspard family (Corely Belgium SPRL and Bratya SPRL) and of M. Pierre-Edouard Sterin (BAD 21 SPRL), Groupe Therabel as well as the thousands of institutional and individual shareholders who have placed their trust in CARMAT.

CARMAT's history in brief:

2008: creation of CARMAT

2010: Initial public offering (Euronext Growth Paris)

2013: 1 st implant of the artificial heart in human as part of a clinical feasibility study conducted in France

implant of the artificial heart in human as part of a clinical feasibility study conducted in France 2016: start of the PIVOTAL study in France, then in Europe, on approx. 20 patients with the aim of obtaining CE marking

December 2020: obtaining CE marking in the "bridge to transplant" indication, allowing the heart to be marketed under the trade name Aeson in Europe and in other countries that recognize this marking.

July 2021: 1 st human implant within the framework of an early feasibility study in the United States; 1 st sale in Europe.



For more information: www.carmatsa.com

Name: CARMAT

ISIN code: FR0010907956

Ticker: ALCAR

Disclaimer

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe to, shares in CARMAT ("the Company") in any country. This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to the Company's objectives. Such forward-looking statements are based solely on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company's management and involve risk and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, whether the Company will be successful in implementing its strategies, whether there will be continued growth in the relevant market and demand for the Company's products, new products or technological developments introduced by competitors, and risks associated with managing growth. The Company's objectives as mentioned in this press release may not be achieved for any of these reasons or due to other risks and uncertainties.

No guarantee can be given as to any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements, which are subject to inherent risks, including those described in the Universal registration document filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers on February 24, 2021 under number D.21-0076 as well as changes in economic conditions, the financial markets or the markets in which CARMAT operates. In particular, no guarantee can be given concerning the Company's ability to finalize the development, validation and industrialization of the prosthesis and the equipment required for its use, to manufacture the prostheses, satisfy the requirements of competent authorities, enroll patients, obtain satisfactory clinical results, perform the clinical trials and achieve commercial objectives.

Aeson is an active implantable medical device commercially available in Europe ONLY, CARMAT SA., CE0344. The Aeson TAH is intended to replace ventricles of native heart and is indicated as a bridge to transplant in patients suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure (INTERMACS classes 1-4) who are not amenable to maximal medical therapy or LVAD and are likely to undergo heart transplant in the 180 days following device implantation. The decision to implant and the surgical procedure must be executed by Health Care professionals trained by the manufacturer. Carefully read the documentation (clinician manual, patient manual alarm booklet) for characteristics and information necessary for patient selection and good use (contraindications, precautions, side effects).

In the USA, Aeson is currently exclusively available within the framework of clinical trials.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005635/en/

Contacts:

CARMAT

Stephane Piat

Chief Executive Officer

Pascale d'Arbonneau

Chief Financial Officer

Tel.: +33 1 39 45 64 50

contact@carmatsas.com

Alize RP

Press Relations

Caroline Carmagnol

Tel.: +33 6 64 18 99 59

carmat@alizerp.com

NewCap

Investor Relations

Strategic Communication

Dusan Oresansky

Quentin Masse

Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 94

carmat@newcap.eu
NEW PORT BEACH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 26, 2021 / Whittier Trust Company is excited to congratulate Mason Carpenter, who was recently promoted to Vice President and Portfolio Manager within the firm.

Mason began his career with Whittier Trust in 2018 and has proven himself by providing outstanding value to the Orange County office and Investment Team as a whole. Mason is the lead investment manager on over 40 relationships totaling over $450 million of AUM. He is responsible for analyzing companies in the Energy and Materials sectors, as well as assisting in the management of the company's fixed income strategies. Mason manages portfolios for individual high-net-worth clients, foundations, and endowments and is based in the company's Newport Beach office in Orange County.

Prior to joining Whittier Trust, Mason was a Supervisor at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO) in the company's Legal and Compliance department, where he focused on trade and portfolio compliance. Prior to joining PIMCO, Mason was an Associate at FMV Opinions, Inc., where he performed valuations for both C and S corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. Prior to working in the finance industry, Mason worked for the Department of Defense.

Mason received his MBA with distinction from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business, as well as a graduate certificate in Financial Analysis and Valuation. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California San Diego, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Distinction in Economics. Mason is a CFA charter holder and a member of the CFA Society of Orange County.

For more information or upcoming events, contact Brandi J. Fields at, BFields@whittiertrust.com, or visit www.whittiertrust.com .

Whittier Trust is the oldest and largest private multi-family office headquartered on the West Coast. Whittier's wealth management platform serves over 480 families and over 40 foundations throughout the U.S. and advises on over $17 billion in assets. The firm has helped individuals and families manage, grow and transfer wealth intergenerationally for six generations. The firm has offices in South Pasadena, San Francisco, Newport Beach, Reno, Seattle, and Portland. To learn more, visit http://www.whittiertrust.com

SOURCE: Whittier Trust

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/657072/Whittier-Trust-Names-New-Vice-President-and-Portfolio-Manager-to-Whittier-Trust-Company-in-Newport-Beach
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 26, 2021) - Quebec Silica Resources Corp. (CSE: QTZ) ("Quebec Silica" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Geologica Groupe Conseil ("Geologica") of Val-d'Or Quebec has been engaged to complete the next phase of development on the Company's 100% owned Charlevoix property (the "Property"). Geologica has proven expertise in advancing, developing, and performing economic evaluations on similar silica deposits and has more than 36 years of expertise in Canadian and international exploration. Their team comprises highly qualified technical people with experience with more than 1,500 mandates for precious, base metals, diamonds, rare earth elements and industrial minerals for junior and significant company clients.

"Quebec Silica's goal is to be a supplier of high-grade silica for use in the high technology industry, specifically battery technology and renewable energy. We believe Geologica will be an important contributor to achieving our goals," stated Raymond Wladichuk, President and CEO.

The Quebec Silica team is currently in discussions with various technology companies that require a secure source of high-grade silica; however, before this can happen, the Company must complete a sequence of resource development phases. In 2021, to identify the highest grade zones of the Charlevoix silica deposit, the Company plans to perform a heliborne magnetic-radiometric geophysical survey followed by line cutting, mapping, trenching, and drilling. Silica samples from this phase will be sent to a specialized laboratory for quality and purity evaluation in order to permit bulk sampling and more advanced thematic studies and analysis. Positive results from the 2021 development phase will warrant further drilling, a resource calculation, and additional engineering testing and economic evaluation.

A few notes on silica:

The global silicon metal market is expected to grow by USD 675.35 million during 2020-2024 (source Technavio). The silicon demand has several end-use industries: building and construction, industrial process, personal care and consumer products, electronics, transportation, medical and healthcare, and energy (Source Research and Markets 2021).

Silicon as an anode material in Li-ION batteries will increase. Advances made in research on the use of silicon (Si) in Li-ION battery anodes indicate that by 2030, up to 30% of the active anode materials for Li-ION batteries used in electric vehicles could be silicon. This increase, combined with the expected exponential growth in demand for electric vehicles, will create a very high demand for the battery-grade silicon (Si) with an estimated market of over 200,000 MT per year by 2030 (Source Roskill 2021).

Quebec Silica Resources Corp. is a resource development and technology company focused on providing and developing resources essential in the electrification of the economy. The Company is currently developing the Charlevoix high-grade silica deposit near Clermont, Quebec, Canada.

Raymond Wladichuk, P.Geo., CEO of Quebec Silica, and a "Qualified Person" for National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Additional information on Quebec Silica is available at www.quebecsilica.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

QUEBEC SILICA RESOURCES CORP.

"Raymond Wladichuk, P.Geo."

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Elyssia Patterson - CFO

Tel: +1 (778) 683 4324

Email: info@quebecsilica.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Quebec Silica's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Although Quebec Silica believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; the COVID-19 pandemic; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Quebec Silica to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/91247
Rio Tinto has begun reducing production at its BC Works aluminium smelter in Kitimat, Canada due to a strike initiated by the Unifor Local 2301 union after negotiations failed to reach a new collective labour agreement.

Production will be reduced to around 35 per cent of the smelter's 432,000 tonne annual capacity, so that it can safely be operated by staff and employees required under an essential services order granted by the BC Labour Relations Board.

Rio Tinto Aluminium managing director Atlantic Operations Samir Cairae said: "Reducing production will have a significant impact on the business and community, but we are committed to taking the necessary steps to operate safely with a reduced workforce.

"We have made every effort to reach a mutually beneficial agreement through negotiating in good faith over the past seven weeks, including proposing an independent mediator which was rejected by Unifor Local 2301.

"We will continue to look for longer term solutions with the union and work closely with customers and suppliers to minimise disruptions."

A reduced workforce is also in place to ensure the Kemano hydro-power facility continues to run safely.

Rio Tinto employs approximately 1,050 people at the BC Works smelter and Kemano powerhouse, including around 900 employees represented by Unifor Local 2301. The company contributed C$780 million to the economy of British Columbia in 2020.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005751/en/

Contacts:

Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com



Media Relations, UK

Illtud Harri

M +44 7920 503 600



David Outhwaite

M +44 7787 597 493



Media Relations, Americas

Matthew Klar

T +1 514 608 4429



Media Relations, Australia

Jonathan Rose

M +61 447 028 913



Matt Chambers

M +61 433 525 739



Jesse Riseborough

M +61 436 653 412



Investor Relations, UK

Menno Sanderse

M: +44 7825 195 178



David Ovington

M +44 7920 010 978



Clare Peever

M +44 7788 967 877



Rio Tinto plc

6 St James's Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom



T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England

No. 719885



Investor Relations, Australia

Natalie Worley

M +61 409 210 462



Amar Jambaa

M +61 472 865 948



Rio Tinto Limited

Level 7, 360 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia



T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404

riotinto.com

Category: BC Works
Abbotsford, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 26, 2021) - Gatekeeper Systems Inc. (TSXV: GSI) (OTC Pink: GKPRF) (FSE: 1GK) ('Gatekeeper' or the 'Company'), a video and data solutions provider for public transportation and smart cities, reports its financial results for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021. During the quarter, the Company achieved its sixth consecutive quarter of operating profit while investing approximately $0.5 million in AI development pertaining to the Company's recently launched Automatic Lane Enforcement (ALE) product offering.

ALE uses video analytics and Artificial Intelligence to identify instances in which vehicles are violating transit lane traffic laws or passing a streetcar when passengers are boarding or deboarding. ALE records the video evidence, captures the vehicle license plate, and prepares the instance for review and ticketing using the Company's proprietary Traffic Infraction Management System (TIMS) software. The Company is currently conducting live ALE transit trials.

Business Highlights

Launched AI-enabled Automatic Lane Enforcement (ALE) solution for traffic lane violations;

Developed CLARITY, an industry-first integrated video and school bus operating platform;

Launched a new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) based video management solution designed to store and manage school bus video data and announced first customer deployment;

Announced contracts with school districts in Louisiana, Illinois and Alberta;

Announced pilot-project installations for Toronto Student Transportation Group and for the Canadian Federal, Provincial and Territorial school bus safety initiative.

Financial Highlights

Revenue for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 was $12,088,139 which compares to $12,584,503 for the same period in the previous year;

Revenue for the three months ended May 31, 2021 was $3,831,373 which compares to $5,653,462 for the same period in the previous year;

Gross profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021 was $1,853,029 and $5,224,335 respectively, and represents 48% and 43% of revenues respectively;

Operating profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021 was $144,081 and $489,492 respectively;

Cash flow generated from operating activities during the nine-month period was $4,856,090 and at May 31, 2021 the Company had working capital of $8,738,973, no borrowed-money debt, and approximately 90.3 million shares outstanding.

Management Commentary

"In Fiscal Q3 2021, we maintained operating profitability while re-investing in our business to develop new product lines, which we expect will deliver significant future revenues," commented Doug Dyment, President and CEO. "Our backlog and sales pipeline are strong in both the transit and school markets, and in Q3 most of our business was repeat orders from existing customers through our recurring-customer business model. We are strategically investing in our AI and video analytics capabilities to develop smart city products such as ALE, which we recently launched as a solution to help cities improve passenger safety and alleviate traffic congestion as we emerge from the pandemic."

Financial Summary

For the three months ended For the nine months ended May 31,

2021 May 31,

2020 May 31,

2021 May 31,

2020 Revenue $ 3,831,373 $ 5,653,462 $ 12,088,139 $ 12,584,503 Cost of Sales 1,978,344 3,246,302 6,863,804 7,094,861 Gross Profit 1,853,029 2,407,160 5,224,335 5,489,642 Gross Margin 48% 43% 43% 44% Expenses 1,708,948 1,472,852 4,734,843 4,522,034 Operating Profit 144,081 934,308 489,492 967,608 Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ (42,393)

$ 1,325,428 $ (141,898)

$ 1,424,783 Earning (Loss) per share - Basic $ (0.00)

$ 0.01 $ (0.00)

$ 0.01 Diluted $ (0.00)

$ 0.01 $ (0.00)

$ 0.01 May 31, 2021 August 31,

2020 Total Assets $ 13,911,315 $ 15,601,937 Total Liabilities 3,051,923 4,764,064 Total Shareholders' Equity $ 10,859,392 $ 10,837,873

Full details of the financial reports and operating results for the third quarter ended May 31, 2021 are described in the Company's consolidated financial statements with accompanying notes and related Management's Discussion and Analysis, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About Gatekeeper Systems Inc.

Gatekeeper is a leading provider of intelligent video and data solutions designed to provide a safer transportation environment for children, passengers, and public safety personnel on multiple transportation modes. The Company uses AI, video analytics, thermal cameras, and mobile data collectors to inter-connect public transit assets as part of intelligent transportation systems in a Smart City ecosystem. The Company's Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) business model is an enabling transformation to a video and data solutions provider for intelligent transit and Smart Cities.

www.gatekeeper-systems.com

Contact Information:

Douglas Dyment

President & CEO

ddyment@gatekeeper-systems.com

(604) 864-6187

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties, the reader should refer to the risk factors described in the management's discussion and analysis for the period ended May 31, 2021. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our expectations as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to obtain a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company undertakes no obligations to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur, unless required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/91246
ByHeart, a NYC-based baby nutrition company, secured $90M in series B funding.

The round was led by D1 Capital Partners with participation from OCV Partners, Polaris Partners, Bellco Capital, Two River and Red Sea Ventures  all of whom also invested in ByHearts Series A  as well as new investment from AF Ventures, and Gaingels.

The company intends to use the funds to launch its first formula, as well as to advance its innovation pipeline of mom and baby products.

Founded in 2016 by Ron Belldegrun and Mia Funt, ByHeart is advancing an infant formula recipe that incorporates modern advancements in baby nutrition.

The company, which has manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania, recently launched Cluster, a new digital platform offering access to resources and education to support parents in their feeding decisions from pregnancy through toddlerdom.

FinSMEs

26/07/2021
Capstar Ventures L.P., an Austin, Texas-based early-stage venture capital firm, closed its maiden Fund I, at $41.3m.

The $41.3m was raised from an experienced group of individuals, family offices, and institutions including Capital Creek Partners, Tiger Partners L.P., and J.P. Morgan. Capstar Ventures is the first fund to close as part of J.P. Morgan Asset Managements Project Sparka new initiative in which J.P. Morgan invests balance sheet capital in diverse, emerging alternatives fund managers, including minority-led and women-led venture capital funds.

Founded by Kathryn Cavanaugh in 2019, Capstar Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in the next generation of innovative consumer companies. The firm invests broadly across the consumer sector at Seed and Series A in digitally native brands, consumer goods and services, and technologies that power these startups.

Capstar Ventures has invested in ten portfolio companies to date, including:

Culina, a plant-based food company;

Stylust, a commerce technology platform;

The Class, a health and wellness platform;

Sarah Flint, a womens luxury shoe brand;

Packed Party, a celebration lifestyle brand;

St. Frank, a luxury home decor brand;

Museum of Ice Cream, an experience-first development company;

Bravo Sierra, the first military-native wellness company;

Eterneva, a grief wellness company; and

Intraloop, a community insights technology platform.

Cavanaugh has been investing in and advising early-stage companies across consumer, healthcare, and technology for the past 15 years. While working at Grace Beauty Capital, Mainsail Partners, and De Novo Ventures, she deployed and actively supported over $350M of equity investments, including early-stage disruptive consumer brands such as Rothys, Supergoop!, Parachute, Primary, and M.M.LaFleur.

FinSMEs

26/07/2021
Queenly founders Trisha Bantigue and Kathy Zhou.

Queenly, a San Francisco, CA-based marketplace and search engine for the formalwear industry, raised $6.3m in funding.

The round, which brought total funding to date to $7.1m, was led by Andreessen Horowitz.

The company intends to use the funds to grow the team to keep up with industry demand and scale out their operations and engineering features.

Founded in 2019 by Trisha Bantigue and Kathy Zhou, Queenly is a marketplace and search engine for the formalwear industry, which combines a personalized, resale marketplace experience with small-business sales and data analytic tools.

The companys proprietary ML-driven search engine and computer vision technology was built in-house by Zhou, who also engineered and launched the companys iOS, Android, and website. Queenly currently has over 125,000 users, 60,000+ unique dresses listed on their platform, and a total inventory value of $15 million.

To date, the company has raised $7.1m in funding from Y Combinator, The House Fund, Interlace Ventures, Dragon Capital, NextView Ventures, MyAsiaVC and Shakti Venture Capital, as well as the former CTO of Uber, Thuan Pham, CPO of Uber, Manik Gupta, CEO of Lambda School, Austen Allred, CEO & cofounder of Mercari, Ryo Ishizuka, CEO of FitBit, James Park, CMO & cofounder of ScentBird, Rachel ten Brink, and the cofounders of Caviar, Jason Wang, Shawn Tsao, and Andy Zhang.

FinSMEs

26/07/2021
Local blogger Kara Mae Harris mixes ingredients to make a traditional Maryland White Potato pie. In Harris' blog, The Old Line Plate, she researches and archives recipes of Maryland foods. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/TNS)
Rainfall can be seen at the corner of Juniper and Marygold avenues in Fontana during the overnight hours of July 26. (Contributed photo by Gilbert Gonzalez)
23 Mar 2021 --- Kerry has released a report delivering insights about the rise of emerging flavors in the US and Canada, such as butter chicken, miso, black garlic, pho and harissa... Read More
FILE - In this July 22, 2021 file photo, a health care worker fills a syringe with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Most Americans who havent been vaccinated against COVID-19 say they are unlikely to get the shots and doubt they would work against the aggressive delta variant despite evidence they do, according to a new poll that underscores the challenges facing public health officials amid soaring infections in some states.(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
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Johnny Clem was born on August 13, 1851 in Newark, Ohio. At the age of 10, with the start of the American Civil War, Johnny tried to join the Union Army. Although he immediately dropped out of school and did numerous exercises with the 3rd Ohio Volunteer Regiment, he was initially turned down every time the recruiters were in town because of his age. Some sources point out that he was eventually accepted into the 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, other sources suggest that it was initially the 22nd Michigan. Since he was still officially denied entry into the service, he was initially paid a bonus directly by the officers. The other soldiers gave him a rifle and a uniform and trained him as a drummer. In May 1863 he was finally allowed to officially enroll in the Union Army (he received a full 12 dollars for a month). At that point, he was only 12 years old, despite everything. In the meantime, however, Johnny had already taken part in numerous skirmishes and achieved a certain fame .
The world lost a beloved mother. Barbara Offord Zackery passed away on June 15, 2021, in Gainesville, Texas. She was born July 18, 1941 in Valley View, Texas to Bill and Mary Rozella Offord. Barbara was proud of her seven children and several other children she had raised as her own through 
Galveston, TX (77553)

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Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery developer Jam City is no longer going public via a merger with DPCM Capital. The deal, originally revealed this May, would've seen the mobile studio merge with DPCM Capital to form Jam City Holdings and bring the resulting company's valuation to $1.2 billion.

Originally, going public in this way was intended to boost Jam City's capital which, in turn, aims to accelerate the mobile-facing company's growth. Instead, a press release from DPCM Capital published over the weekend now says that both parties have mutually agreed to terminate those plans.

"In light of current market conditions, DPCM Capital and Jam City believe that terminating the business combination agreement is the best path forward for the parties and their respective stockholders," explains the brief press release. The now-canceled deal would've also included the acquisition of Montreal-based mobile publisher Ludia.

For its part, DPCM Capital notes that it is still "evaluating alternative business combinations" elsewhere for a potential merger, however any alternative plans Jam City may have made in lieu of the merger have yet to be disclosed.




[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.]

Friday, 23rd July 2021  Team17 and Wonderscope Games have today launched the Farming Update for community life-sim game Hokko Life, which launched into Steam Early Access last month. Inviting players to cultivate their best virtual life, Hokko Life whisks players to the town of Hokko, where they can customise every aspect of the town they call home. The new update features a cornucopia of content, including a new farming area, dozens of crops to grow, and crafting recipes to create. The seeds have been planted, heres what weve sown: The Farming Update provides a harvest of fresh content for Hokko denizens, including 24 different crops to sow, grow, and gather, from onions and tomatoes to strawberries and watermelons. It also introduces a new villager to the town, Aubrey, who joins the friendly group of welcoming villagers, selling seeds, crafting recipes, and a variety of farming equipment. A new farming area is also available from today that, once cleared of debris and overgrowth, provides players with a new allotment to practice and develop their green fingers. Once successfully grown, crops can be exchanged for prepared food from the village innkeeper or donated to townsfolk. The full patch notes for the Farming Update can be found on the Hokko Life Steam page.

Alongside the launch of the Farming Update the Early Access roadmap for Hokko Life has also been revealed, with updates on the way that include a super shopping mall, a mayor merits system, new clothing design and customisation options, bug bonanza, and desert island distractions. Full details of the announcement can be found on Steam.

Press wanting to start their very own cosy community, can request preview code for Hokko Life.

Hokko Life Key Features:

Get Creative: The workshop awaits as players take control over every aspect of Hokko, with the 3D design tool, every aspect of a players creation can be tailored to perfection

Dare to Design: No detail is too small, everything from the colour, fabric, and angle of the pillow on a chair can be edited

Sharing is Caring: Players will be able to share their meticulously crafted designs with friends and other players around the world

Back of the Net: A lazy afternoon in Hokko can be spent with a net or pole in hand, catching and collecting the critters crawling around town

Meet the Neighbours: Hokkos townsfolk offer a warm welcome, and with varying personalities, they all make for fantastic friends. Players can start their life in Hokko Life on Steam now. To keep up to date with all the information on Hokko Life please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and join us on Discord.



For more information please contact:





Jon Wilcox  Senior PR Manager  Team17

[email protected]

Rebecca Nicol  Junior PR & Events Manager  Team17

[email protected]



About Wonderscope Games

Wonderscope Games is based in Stockholm, Sweden and headed by British-Swedish developer, Robert Tatnell. The studios debut title, the community life simulator Hokko Life, is currently in development for PC. Visit www.wonderscope.games for more information.

About Team17 Group plc Founded in 1990, Team17 Group plc is a leading developer, video games label, and creative partner for developers around the world. Floated on AIM in 2018, Team17, with its extensive portfolio of over 100 titles, embodies the spirit of independent games. In addition to the award-winning Overcooked!, Yokus Island Express, and the iconic Worms, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020, Team17 has helped bring critically acclaimed titles including Hell Let Loose, Moving Out, Golf With Your Friends, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, Blasphemous, and The Escapists to gamers everywhere. Visit www.team17.com for more info.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
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Old Dog New Tricks: Attackers Adopt Exotic Programming Languages By the BlackBerry Research & Intelligence Team

July 2021 by BlackBerry

Eric Milam, VP of Threat Research at BlackBerry

Malware authors are known for their ability to adapt and modify their skills and behaviors to take advantage of newer technologies. This has multiple benefits from the development cycle and inherent lack of coverage from protective solutions. This paper will look into less prolific programming languages and their use in the malware space. It is critical that industry and customers understand and keep tabs on these trends, as they are only going to increase. explain Eric Milam, VP of Threat Research at BlackBerry.

Malware authors have a reputation for being slow to change what works for them. But this is not always the case. Some malware groups have taken the opportunity to branch out and try new or exotic programming languages to try to evade detection by the security community, or address specific pain-points in their development process.

The BlackBerry Research & Intelligence Team chose four uncommon programming languages of interest to examine: Go, D, Nim, and Rust. This choice was due in part to our detection methodology. Weve identified an increase in their use for malicious intent, and we have seen an escalation in the number of malware families being identified and published that use these languages.

These languages have also piqued our interest because they could be considered more developed, and they have a strong community backing. While this trend is nothing new, BlackBerry aims to shed light on the state of the current threat landscape regarding these new and emerging languages. In our new white paper, well cover the reasons for their adoption, as well as what areas we expect to see a further uptick in, as this trend enters its next evolution.

And perhaps most importantly, well discuss ways both private individuals and corporations can address these growing risks. Key Findings

 More Loaders and Droppers are Being Written in Newer Languages

The BlackBerry Research & intelligence Team has been seeing a growing number of loaders and droppers written in uncommon languages. These new first-stage pieces of malware are designed to decode, load, and deploy commodity malware such as the Remcos and NanoCore Remote Access Trojans (RATs), as well as Cobalt Strike. They have been commonly used to help threat actors evade detection on the endpoint.

 Why Use a New Programming Language?

New programming languages are typically adopted because they improve upon a deficit in an existing language. Their creators could be in search of simpler syntax, performance boosts, or more efficient memory management. Or the nature of the new language could better suit the environment it is to be used within (e.g., Internet of Things devices use lower-level languages such as C or assembly). The user-friendly nature of some languages can also drastically improve both ease of development and the quality of life of the developer (e.g., the pip package manager for Python, or npm for Node.JS).

 Using Uncommon Languages Can Hamper Reverse-Engineering Efforts

The use of certain languages can significantly hamper reverse-engineering efforts. Malware analysis tooling does not always adequately support exotic programming languages. This can make analysis efforts a more tedious experience. Binaries written in the languages of focus within our white paper (Go, Rust, Nim, and DLang) can appear more complex, convoluted, and tedious when disassembled, compared to their traditional C/C++/C# based counterparts.

 Uncommon Languages Can Thwart Existing Signature-Based Detection:

Signature-based detection of malware depends on specific static characteristics being present within a file. These are qualities about the file that do not change and that do not require the file to be executed for some to visualize them. Hashes are an example of a static characteristic, which requires each byte to be identical within the target scope (i.e., a hash of the whole file, or a hash of a certificate, etc.). When malware is authored in a new language, as opposed to what has been seen traditionally (e.g., BazarLoader being rewritten in Nim), signatures written to detect the previous iteration will more than likely not match.

 New Languages May Appear to Add Layers of Obfuscation to Malware

In the case of more uncommon programming languages, the language itself can act almost as a layer of obfuscation. It is because of their relative youth and obscurity, that the languages themselves can have a similar effect to traditional obfuscation and can be used to attempt to bypass conventional security measures and hinder analysis efforts.

 Cross Compilation  One Malware to Many Machines

Modern-day organizations use a mixture of Windows and MacOS across departments for typical end-user work. Cross-compilation provides an attacker the option of authoring the same malware variant (containing the same or similar functionality) in one language and having it cross-compiled to target different architectures and operating systems. This would allow them to potentially cut down on the number of tools required to meet their goals, and to widen the net of any malicious campaign.

 New Languages Rejuvenate Old Malware

Older malware written in traditional languages like C++ and C# is actively being given new life with droppers and loaders written in exotic languages. Typically, the older malware will be stored in encrypted form within the first stage, using XOR, RC4, AES or other methods of encryption and encoding. Once decoded, the binary is dropped to disk and executed (by a dropper) or injected into a running process and loaded into memory (by a loader). This is an attractive proposition for a threat actor, as they do not need to go to the lengthy effort of recoding the malware and instead can wrap it in one of these delivery methods.

 Some Older Malware is Being Completely Rewritten in New Languages

While wrappers and loaders are more cost effective, some well-resourced threat actors are beginning to rewrite their existing malware using exotic languages. Examples of this are the switch from BazaLoader to NimzaLoader, and from Buer to RustyBuer. The pseudonyms are used to track them by referencing the name of the language.

 Its All-Go in Go for Threat Actors

Based on BlackBerrys research and current trends within the current threat landscape, it appears that Go has matured to the point where it is now one of the "Go-to" languages for threat actors. This is both at the APT and commodity level for the development of malware variants. This assumption is based upon the fact that new Go-based samples are now appearing on a semi-regular basis, including malware of all types, and targeting all major operating systems across multiple campaigns.

 DLang on the Slow Burn

Findings by the BlackBerry Research & Intelligence Teams show that DLang malware appears to be the least used language within the threat landscape, despite its adoption by several industry players over the last few years. However, its worth noting that DLang has seen an uptick in use over the last year throughout 2021, in terms of the development of numerous types of malware. This could be the beginning of a new trend of DLang adoption within the threat landscape.

 Cobalt Strike + Go/Nim Pose Future Threat

The BlackBerry Research & Intelligence Team has seen a large uptick in use of initial stagers for Cobalt Strike being compiled using Go, and more recently in Nim. These initial stagers are the binary used to facilitate first-stage, initial access by reaching out to download the Cobalt Strike beacon from a TeamServer. This server is responsible for serving the beacons themselves. It is important that defenders stay ahead of the curve in catching Cobalt Strike-related files written in these languages, to enhance defensive capability against such a formidable threat.

Introduction

Technological advancements are one of the driving factors in modern society. New technologies can revolutionize lives, improve efficiency at an incredibly large scale, and permanently alter the status quo of society. They also have the capacity to be misused by bad actors with ulterior motives, or they can be turned against the very purpose for which they were created. For example, while the concept of email had been around since the advent of ARPANET in the 1970s, it didnt reach mainstream adoption until the explosion of the Internet in the mid-to-late 90s. With it came a deluge of email abuses, such as the ILOVEYOU computer worm in early 2000, which ran rampant and affected an estimated 10% of all Internet-connected computers at the time. While not exclusive to computer science, this trend of abusing new technology has been observed repeatedly with both new and uncommon programming languages. While the initial motivation for the creation of new programming languages is to achieve an improvement on existing languages and technologies, it is almost an eventuality that they will also be misappropriated by individuals or groups for malicious use. That could happen through security researchers creating a new proof of concept to help prevent future threats, or a threat actor using the new language to develop a new malware variant. From the use of Delphi and VB6 as a wrapper layer of malware, to a rewrite of the now-infamous BazarLoader (named NimzaLoader) in the Nim programming language, weve seen history repeat itself.

And we ask  why is this the case?

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Uncommon Programming Languages

Each programming language has their own benefits and drawbacks for different scenarios: C is not object oriented, whereas C++ is. C++ is strongly typed, whereas Python isnt. Python is great for data science, but it is a less than ideal choice for devices with limited performance. In non-software-engineering terms, each language has areas of application where they excel, and areas where they fail.

Nim, for example, can be compiled into several languages such as C, C++, and even JavaScript. DLang has many syntax improvements over C, as well as being fully interoperable with (and syntactically similar to) C. Rust has very low overhead and is very efficient where performance is concerned and Go is touted as C for the 21st century.

When choosing a language, a developer must weigh options such as the target environment, syntax, purpose, and suitability of the language to the problem at hand. Furthermore, memory management, static vs. dynamic linking, and codebase extensibility should all be major considerations as well as many others.

On the positive side, the newer programming languages often come with a higher degree of security consideration, offering features such as memory-safe programming by design. This can protect the developer from introducing easily overlooked security holes that can result in memory-related bugs and vulnerabilities.

Additionally, the use of new languages can help to demonstrate that an individual, a development team, or company is on the technological cutting edge. It shows that they are using the most modern, most efficient, and most productive means of developing their products. However, this can come at a cost  be it financial or temporal.

Much like in the business world, developers with experience in these languages are hard to come by, and they can garner a higher salary. This increases the overhead for such a project.

In a similar vein, training existing developers to write code in these languages can be a significant time investment. This is not always the case, but in a tight development pipeline, this can still cause a deficit.

Within the threat landscape, these rules also apply, but there are still more reasons why security researchers and threat actors alike could benefit from using these uncommon languages. Why would threat actors be conscious of using these more secure languages, you might ask? Well, the answer is quite simple  they dont want to leave themselves open to exploitation.

This was recently demonstrated in the case of EmoCrash, where security researcher James Quinn discovered that the infostealer malware Emotet was vulnerable to a buffer overflow within the installation routine of the main binary. In doing so, Quinn developed EmoCrash to leverage this and act as an Emotet vaccine, preventing installation of the malware in the first place. Uncommon Language Adoption by Threat Actors

There has been some notable malware written in Go, Rust, Nim, and DLang since their inception; most of what has been found is written in Go. These uncommon programming languages are no longer as rarely used as once thought. Threat actors have begun to adopt them to rewrite known malware families or create tools for new malware sets.

While C-language malware is still the most widespread, threat actors such as APT28 and APT29 have been using these unconventional programming languages in their malware sets more often than other groups. APT28 or Fancy Bear is a Russian state-sponsored group that has been operating since 2004. The group has frequently made headlines worldwide and is most notably known for allegedly infiltrating the United States Democratic National Committee in an attempt to influence the 2016 presidential election. APT28 has been involved and associated with a wide range of attacks and malware families, but the Zebrocy malware family notably uses multiple uncommon programming languages within its kill chain.

The first sample of Zebrocy seen in 2015 was made up of three components: a Delphi downloader, an AutoIT downloader, and a Delphi backdoor. Regardless of the programming language Zebrocy has been written in, the malware is spread through phishing campaigns that contain an initial Trojan which will attempt to communicate with a C2 server and execute a downloader to drop a malicious payload via an established backdoor. Though the malware has seen multiple rewrites and has evolved over time, the method of delivery via email attachment and general functionality remains largely the same.

In 2018, analysts linked a Go-based Trojan to APT28 and identified it as a rewritten version of the original Zebrocy Delphi downloader. In the years following, most recently in 2020, Go has proven to be an APT28 favorite, as the other core components of Zebrocy  the backdoor payload and downloader  were also found rewritten into Go.

In 2019, a Nim downloader, was found alongside the Go backdoor in the same Zebrocy campaign targeting embassies and ministries of foreign affairs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The group is still active and was last seen using the COVID-19 pandemic as a lure to deliver the Go downloader variant in late 2020.

Like APT28, APT29 (known as Cozy Bear) is also a Russian threat actor group found to be using Go in recent malware sets. The group is best known for their involvement in the SolarWinds compromise in early 2020. APT29 was seen targeting Windows and Linux machines in 2018 with WellMess, a RAT written in Go and .NET.

The Go version of WellMess is the most prevalent and comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit variants as PE and ELF files, giving APT29 the ability to deploy it to more than one type of architecture and OS. The group typically gains access to a victims network by performing vulnerability scans of an organizations external IP addresses and using public exploits against the vulnerable systems they encounter.

In 2020, APT29 was seen using a more sophisticated versions of WellMess in attempts to steal information about COVID-19 vaccine development from multiple organizations located in the U.K., the U.S., and Canada. Although the newer variant is still written in Go, the threat group has added more complexity to the malware, including more network communication protocols and the ability to run PowerShell scripts post-infection.

Both threat actors are still active and have conducted some of the most impactful Russian cyberattacks to date. Recent activity suggests that these groups have been using the uncommon programming languages mentioned in this paper to add complexity to their malware, target multiple platforms, and evade detection.

Language Breakdowns: One Timeline to Bind Them All

Below is a timeline of some prominent examples of malware written in these languages throughout the last decade. This illustrates the uptick in their usage, particularly that of Rust, Nim, and D. (It is worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list of malware families developed in these languages).

Figure 1: Timeline of prominent examples of malware written in the languages of Go, Rust, Nim, and DLang.

Security Community Adoption of Uncommon Languages

Developers and threat actors are not the only groups capitalizing on the popularity and benefits of these newer programming languages. In recent years, the security community has also adopted these languages and used them for their offensive advantages in implementations such as Red Team tools. Many of these tools are open-sourced or publicly available. They reference features such as cross-compilation and efficiency in their repositories as motives behind using these more uncommon languages.

In December 2020, FireEye reported that a sophisticated threat actor had gained unauthorized access to their Red Team tools. As a countermeasure, FireEye publicly released a statement along with a GitHub repository containing detection signatures to help identify the stolen tools. In this repository, FireEye revealed that their Red Team had been using a combination of specially modified, publicly available tools as well as tools that were created in-house for their team. These were written in various languages including Go, DLang, and Rust.

Signatures for existing malware families that are based off static properties have little success in tagging the same malware once rewritten in these more obscure languages. In situations such as Buer and RustyBuer (as well as BazarLoader and NimzaLoader), new rules usually must be created to tag these tangentially related variants.

So, if static signatures are being broken each time a malware family is rewritten, is there much we can do to tag them?

We have a greater chance at catching these multi-language malware families using dynamic or behavioral signatures, signatures that tag behavior via sandbox output, or EDR or log data. These techniques can be far more reliable in these instances.

While the codebase could be ported over to this new language and thus break the static indicators, the actions of the malware can often stay the same. This is especially true in situations where the malware is re-coded. In other circumstances such as shellcode loaders, which often inject into processes using a limited subset of Windows API calls, they can be identified using that limited subset.

The languages investigated in this report have bindings which allow them to interface with the Win32 API and use these API calls. In essence, they can use an almost-identical methodology to that of more traditional languages such as C++. This is not always the case, as particular languages can use their own APIs in place of Win32 APIs. For example, they could use cryptographic libraries that would restrict the visibility of certain events. However, the use of these libraries within a binary can often be signaturized too.

By taking a step back from the implementation and looking at the core concept of how these pieces of malware interact with the system, threat researchers and software engineers alike can create more implementation-agnostic detection rules to be able to tag these dynamic behaviors if static signatures fail. This is not to say that dynamic signatures trump their static ilk by any means. Both are now necessary to have a comprehensive detection capability on the endpoint and beyond, and they should be used accordingly.

Does Adoption in Industry Mirror Adoption in the Threat Landscape?

Since the dawn of computing itself, the success or failure of a new language depends upon its adoption within legitimate business.

A "thumbs up" from any industry titan can be significant to the languages adoption into the mainstream. As has been frequently observed with new programming languages and associated technologies, the rest of industry tends to follow where the industry titans lead.

This is not always the case, however. Many cutting-edge startups leverage new technologies, which can (at least eventually) inversely influence market leaders.

Malware developers also contribute, inadvertently, to the growing trend. Being the first to break ground by pioneering their product (in this case, a new malware variant) in new and uncommon languages can be just as much of a goal and an ambition to a threat group as it would be to a legitimate business. This can mean a greater level of kudos and reputation gain for the developer, regardless of the color of the hat that they wear.

Another aspect to consider is that analysis tools and techniques are typically not developed by the security industry until there is a certain level of saturation of malware being written in a new language. Even if a language begins to pick up adoption within the business world, it can take time for the analysis tooling to reach a point where they are able to process these new languages in an adequate fashion, if they ever do.

These languages can come with several improvements once theyre adopted into the software development lifecycle of a threat actor. While this might sound bad for researchers, the inverse is also true. By using these languages for enhanced detection evasion, or for quality-of-life improvements, they also inadvertently aid us in our hunt for malicious samples.

Due to the relatively low number of compiled binaries in these languages, it is arguably easier to identify malicious samples.

Conclusions

This report is intended to add new insight to the existing work of the security community on the topic of less-common programming languages and their application in malicious software and threat actor campaigns. It is important for defenders to further the discussion on the risk and effects of not defending against parts of the threat landscape that could seem obscure.

Programs written using the same malicious techniques but in a new language are not usually detected at the same rate as those written in a more mature language. The loaders, droppers, and wrappers previous discussed, are in many cases simply altering the first stage of the infection process rather than changing the core components of the campaign.

This is the latest trend in threat actors moving the line just outside of the range of security software in a way that might not trigger defenses in later stages of the original campaign.

This discrepancy in detections can be attributed to many factors. A smaller sample set for product testing, training, and improvement, along with a lack of supporting tooling, are part of the equation. Many features that analysts and researchers have come to enjoy, and at times rely on for binary analysis, are simply not available during the early stages of a languages adoption. The limited usage of these more modern technologies in comparison to more mature workflows, does not lend itself to an outpouring of market support, but these threats are active and continue to have a very real impact.

Malicious binaries written in languages like D, Rust, Go, or Nim currently comprise a small percentage of the languages being used by bad actors in the world today, but it is imperative that the security community stay proactive in defending against the malicious use of emerging technologies and techniques.
TORONTO, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (Denarius Silver or the Company) (TSXV: DSLV), is pleased to announce that SRK Consulting (US) Inc (SRK) has successfully completed its review and assessment of the Lomero-Poyatos Project located within the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IBP), Southern Spain, confirming the potential exploration targets for a gold and copper polymetallic project. The Company has submitted its proposed exploration program and detailed budget for the Lomero-Poyatos Project to the Andalucia Mining Authorities for approval. The Company is well financed with approximately CA$25million in the treasury and with technical support from Gran Colombia, its largest shareholder, which will enable us to complete our upcoming work programs. We expect to get the necessary approvals within approximately 8 weeks.



Highlights of SRKs Review

Gold grades at the Lomero-Poyatos Project are some of the highest known in the Iberian Pyrite Belt.

Previous exploration done on the project has identified mineralization over a strike of over 1 km and with a vertical extension of 400 m. The deposit remains open along strike and at depth.

SRKs analysis of the average gold grades within the drilling show a potential increase in the average grades from 3.0  3.1 g/t Au (surface only) to 3.7  3.8 g/t Au, when considering the underground holes.



Serafino Iacono, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO of Denarius, commented, With SRKs consolidation of available information from previous explorers, we now have an increased knowledge base for the Project to define the geological framework and provide estimates of the potential tonnage and grade ranges. This first step sets the stage for further development of the Project, and we are excited that the gold grades are some of the highest known in the Iberian Pyrite Belt.

The Lomero-Poyatos Project (the Project or Lomero) is a polymetallic deposit located on the northern limbs of the prolific copper-rich IBP, one of the largest districts of pyrite-rich massive sulphide deposits in the world. Within the IPB there are eight major mining areas, each reported to contain more than 100 million tonnes of ore. The Project is about 10 km west of the operating Aguas Tenidas mine, owned by Minas de Aguas Tenidas (MATSA), and 3.3 km east of the abandoned San Telmo mine.

The mine has a long history of production with mining origins as early as Roman times from two historic open pits, Lomero and Poyatos and continued underground mining during the last century. The Project is reported to have produced about 2.6 metric tonnes (Mt) of pyrite mineralization grading 5 g/t Au, 80 g/t Ag, 1.20% Cu, 1.10% Pb and 2.91% Zn from different orebodies. The gold grades at the Project, deduced from the sampling and exploration data, are some of the highest known in the IPB.

Two VMS lenses striking E-W and dipping to the north are seen at surface as gossanous outcrops worked in the two open pits (Lomero and Poyatos) occurring in the west of the permit. The VMS lenses dip moderately to shallowly to the north and combine at depth to form one deposit over 1 km in strike length. The average thickness of massive sulphide, based on drillhole intersections, is about 7.5 m, although the maximum thickness of massive sulphide exceeds 20 m. The deposit remains open along strike and at depth and further exploration is planned to test for extensions.

The deposit consists of pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, tennantite-tetrahedrite, minor arsenopyrite, barite, pyrrhotite and gold. Initial mineralogical work has shown that the deposit contains at least three different mineralization types: Cupriferous material, Pyritic material containing gold credits only, and Polymetallic material containing mainly Zn+Pb+Au+Ag.

Numerous Mineral Resource estimates have been completed on the Project by previous explorers. These estimates are not considered as current and SRK will perform further work to reconfirm the tonnage and grades at Lomero.

Table 1: Summary of historical estimates for the Lomero Poyatos Project

Year Company Data Used Cut-off Grade Density Total Tonnage

(Mt) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) Pb (%) S

(%) Indicated

% Inferred

% OP/UG 2002 SRK PdH Holes (60), UG sampling, CMR holes (9) 50/t OP and 70/t UG Variable based on S grade Density=(e(0.95+(S%/82.4) averages ~4 20.6 3.1 70 1.2 3.3 1.2 37 8 % 92 % OP+UG 2007 Wardell Armstrong CMR holes (55) only 1.5 g/t Au Variable based on S grade Density=(2.55+((S% /53.4)*2.5)) 3.7 3.3 28 0.9 1.6 1.2 - 100 % 0 % UG 2011 GEMCOM/Behre Dolbear CMR holes (55) only, PdH Holes (60), UG sampling 1g/t Au, >2m thickness Single value 4.5 6.1 4.2 88 - - - - 83 % 17 % UG 2020 Behre Dolberg CMR holes (55) only, PdH Holes (60), UG sampling 1g/t Au Single value 3.5 20.9 3.1 62 0.9 3.1 0.9 - 0 % 100 % UG

Sources: SRK

Note: Mineral Resources are reported in total with no breakout for classification used at the time of reporting. SRK cautions the reader that these estimates should not be considered as current and should not be relied upon but have been shown to provide context on the variation in the potential size of the deposit.

Denarius has commissioned SRK to act as independent engineers and qualified persons for the review and assessment of the Project and to develop a strategic plan to advance the Project to an advanced exploration project and the declaration of Mineral Resources by the second half of 2021.

To date, a total of 98 surface holes and 61 underground holes have been completed on the Project by the previous owners for a subtotal of 23,471.8 m. Drilling has been completed in the upper portion from surface to a drill spacing of approximately 50 x 50 m but has been completed post mining so a number of the shallow holes have intersected the historical mining voids and could result in a low bias, with the majority of the sampling occurring in the footwall of the mineralization. The previous exploration has identified mineralization over a strike of over 1 km and with a vertical extension of 400 m.

The underground drilling reporting to have occurred post mining and targeted the existing pillars to test for remaining mineral resources. Limited detail on the holes exist and further verification work will be required to confirm the higher grades reported within the drilling. Analysis of the average gold grades within the drilling show a potential increase in the average grades from 3.0  3.1 g/t Au (surface only) to 3.7  3.8 g/t Au, when considering the underground holes. It is SRK's view that this highlights the potential impact on future Mineral Resource estimates, and the requirements for further verification drilling.



SRK has created a number of scenarios to assess the potential for the Project. SRK used geological volumes and high-level estimates of the grade continuity. SRK has defined the ranges for the potential exploration targets within approximately 75 m of the existing exploration. All volumes were clipped to the current permits but it is assumed the mineralization continues along strike in both directions and at depth beyond these current ranges.

The potential quantity and grade ranges noted below are conceptual in nature and insufficient exploration has been conducted to define this material as a Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in these exploration target estimates being delineated as Mineral Resources or converted to Mineral Reserves in the future. SRK cautions that estimates of exploration targets are not a CIM-defined category, are not Mineral Resources and are too speculative to fulfill the definition of Mineral Resources.

Based on the analysis SRK considers the exploration potential for Lomero to be as follows:

Table 2: Summary of exploration potential (using a 1.0 g/t Au cut-off)

Average Value Domain Tonnage Density Au Cu Ag Zn Pb S Mt g/cm ppm % ppm % % % Potential Total 7  21 Mt 3.8  4.3 2.7  3.2 0.5  1.0 30-50 1.5 -2.1 0.5-0.9 35-40

SRK has planned a phased drilling program of approximately 23,500 m drilling, which is targeted to provide:

Validation drilling - 8 diamond drillholes, totaling 1,600 m to be conducted by twining of selected historical holes covering a spatial range of the deposit (Figure 1).

Infill Drilling  56 diamond drillholes, totaling 15,600 m, designed to produce a 50x50 m drilling pattern in the lower levels of the existing mining operation and provisional geological model. The infill drilling (Figure 2) has been designed to increase the confidence in the estimates to an Indicated Mineral Resources, and to aid in the identification of different mineralization styles. The use of orientated core supplemented with televiewer information will increase the confidence in the structural controls on the project and geotechnical and hydrogeological modelling.

Extensional Drilling  17 diamond drillholes, 6,300 m  to initially explore around the currently known margins of the deposit and test geophysical anomalies within the property. The downhole program has been designed to intersect potential depth extensions at a range of approximately 100 m down-dip of the current known mineralization. Drilling will be spaced on section lines approximately 100  120 m along strike.



The current mineralization remains open along strike and at depth, and if extensions are identified further exploration maybe warranted, which could be included and has been budgeted to increase the total drilling meters to 60,000 meters. The estimated cost for the exploration field program is approximately US$4.0 million and, using four diamond drilling rigs, should be completed within six to nine months once permitting is approved.

Figure 1 accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f7f56080-24df-47c2-a195-dc8074668fa1

Figure 2 accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09fd8a05-f958-41d2-a2c6-ab8ee2d841c4

All drilling will be completed using a combination of PQ and HQ depending on the depth extents, and Denarius is currently in the process of developing a detailed exploration plan which has been submitted to the Andalucia Mining Authorities to obtain the required permits to commence work. Denarius have identified a drilling contractor and signed an initial contract and once approved Denarius plan to mobilize and start drilling as soon as possible to advance the Project.

In addition to the exploration drilling the Company will begin undertaking a number of engineering scopes of work in tandem with the drilling program, to advance the understanding on other key aspects for the Project including metallurgical sampling, comminution studies, mineralogical studies, geotechnical assessment for open pit and underground requirements, hydrogeological assessment, geochemical analysis and down-hole geophysics.

It is estimated that this program of work plus the necessary design engineering studies will be completed over the next 18 months, with the aim of declaring Mineral Reserves for the Project at this time. The key aspect listed above will be to obtain and advance the metallurgical test work, for which Denarius have already begun exploring options for suitable commercial and mine laboratories in the region to conduct the testwork.

Denarius will continue to update the market on the progress of the drilling and dependent on drilling results move the project towards an advanced exploration project and complete a preliminary economic assessment to consider the various mining and processing options during the exploration program.

Qualified Persons Review

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Ben Parsons, Principal Consultant (Resource Geology) with SRK, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Denarius

Denarius is a Canadian-listed public company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and eventual operation of mining projects in high-grade districts, with its principal focus on the Lomero Project in Spain and the Guia Antigua Project in Colombia. The Company also owns the Zancudo Project in Colombia which is currently being explored by IAMGOLD Corp. pursuant to an option agreement for the exploration and potential purchase of an interest in the project.

Additional information on Denarius can be found on its website at www.denariussilver.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

DENARIUS SILVER CORP.

Serafino Iacono, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO

Email: investors@denariussilver.com

Website: www.denariussilver.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.

Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forwardlooking statements. Forwardlooking statements may be identified by words including anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, expects and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forwardlooking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, listing of the Warrants and use of proceeds from the Financing are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forwardlooking statements.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BC Craft Supply Co Ltd., (CSE: CRFT) (CRFT or the Company), a diversified wellness company advancing cannabinoid and psychedelic innovation and psychotherapy, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, FeelWell Brands Inc. (FeelWell) has filed a provisional patent application in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), for a custom cannabis micro-dosing tablet dispenser for its brand CLIX and other commercial licensing applications.



Micro-dosing is the practice of taking small amounts of cannabis to reap the medical benefits of THC, while potentially avoiding its psychoactive effects that may interfere with the demands of daily life. FeelWells custom micro dosing tablet dispenser allows users to benefit from very low doses of cannabis, and its unique friendly design is easy to use.

FeelWell is proud to bring this best-in-class device to market, which delivers a specific dose of cannabinoids in each tablet, allowing for a more predictable and accurate experience, said CRFT, CEO, Matthew Watters. Our new micro-tablet dispenser, coupled with our latest device partnership with Omura gives CLIX a unique point of differentiation in the United States cannabis market; ensuring our innovative formulations are paired with the right technology to deliver the optimal customer experience. From recreational to pharmaceutical applications, we see amazing potential for novel applications of the device.

FeelWell has entered into partnerships with Sinc&Berger and The Hershey Group to facilitate ongoing patents, design changes, and to bring the micro-dosing tablet dispensers to market across the United States through a series of licensing opportunities. Expected distribution in the California market will commence in the Fall of 2021, with national distribution in late 2021.

About BC Craft Supply Co Ltd.

BC Craft Supply Co Ltd. is a diversified wellness company advancing cannabinoid and psychedelic innovation and psychotherapy. The Company offers a reimagined vision for craft markets through collaboration, expertise, and adaptation. Its operations include:

CRFT a curator and aggregator of craft cannabis, providing advocacy and access for premium small-batch growers to Canadas cannabis market;

a curator and aggregator of craft cannabis, providing advocacy and access for premium small-batch growers to Canadas cannabis market; Medcann Health Products - a cultivation and processing facility in Chemainus, BC;

- a cultivation and processing facility in Chemainus, BC; Feelwell Brands , a successful cannabinoid brand house licensed in the state of California; and

, a successful cannabinoid brand house licensed in the state of California; and AVA Pathways a pre-clinical biotech company focused on neuroplasticity and mental health applications using psilocybin and compounds derived from mushrooms.

CRFT works with local artist cross-sectors and remains fervently committed to keeping the art, technique, and purity of their pursuit.

Follow @BC_Craft on Twitter for the latest updates.

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (THE "CSE") HAS NEITHER APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. 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.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the anticipated timing of the official launch of the Companys new product lines.

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. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, Ascent assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

For further information:

Matthew Watters, CEO, and Director

Phone: (604) 687-2038.

Email: info@bccraftsupplyco.com

BC Craft Supply Co. Ltd.

SUITE 810  749 West Pender Street

Vancouver, British Columbia

V6C 1H2



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0120589b-a8d5-4775-8d7f-307e7342c9cf.












Dublin, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) - Market Insight, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The market size of HCM in the seven major markets was USD 301.3 million in 2020, and the market is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 22.24% for the study period (2018-2030).



Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Epidemiology



The epidemiology division's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) symptoms provide insights about the historical and current patient pool and the forecasted trend for every seven major countries. It helps recognize the causes of current and forecasted trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. This part of The report also provides the diagnosed patient pool and their trends along with assumptions undertaken.



Country Wise- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Epidemiology



The epidemiology segment also provides the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) epidemiology data and findings across the United States, EU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), and Japan.



The total 7MM prevalent cases of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) were 34,713 cases in 2020.



Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Drug Chapters



The drug chapter segment of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) report encloses the detailed analysis of HCM marketed drugs and late stage (Phase-III and Phase-II) pipeline drugs. It also helps understand the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) clinical trial details, expressive pharmacological action, agreements and collaborations, approval and patent details, advantages and disadvantages of each included drug, and the latest news and press releases.



Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) requires a multi-disciplinary approach that includes neonatologists, cardiologists, surgeons, nutritionists, pharmacists, nurses, and social workers. Guidelines have been set forth regarding the optimal HCM classification and management, but they must be taken in the situation and cannot be used in every circumstance. The primary approach is pharmacologic support, and if the patient is refractory to medication, non-pharmacologic support may be considered.



Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Emerging Drugs



Mavacamten is an investigational, novel, oral, allosteric modulator of cardiac myosin; mavacamten reduces cardiac muscle contractility by inhibiting excessive myosin-actin cross-bridge formation, resulting in hypercontractility, left ventricular hypertrophy, and reduced compliance.



Mavacamten is initially being developed for the treatment of symptomatic, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Based on its mechanism of action and evidence of therapeutic activity, mavacamten is also being studied in the clinic to treat symptomatic non-obstructive HCM and among a targeted population of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).



Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Market Outlook



The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) market outlook of the report helps build a detailed comprehension of the historic, current, and forecasted Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) market trends by analyzing the impact of current therapies on the market, unmet needs, drivers and barriers, and demand of better technology.



This segment gives a thorough detail of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) market trend of each marketed drug and late-stage pipeline therapy by evaluating their impact based on an annual cost of therapy, inclusion and exclusion criteria's, mechanism of action, compliance rate, growing need of the market, increasing patient pool, covered patient segment, expected launch year, competition with other therapies, brand value, their impact on the market and view of the key opinion leaders. The calculated market data are presented with relevant tables and graphs to give a clear view of the market at first sight.



Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) market in 7MM is expected to change in the study period 2018-2030.



Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Drugs Uptake



This section focuses on the uptake of the potential drugs recently launched or expected to get launched in the market during the study period 2018-2030. The analysis covers Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) market uptake by drugs, patient uptake by therapies, and drug sales.



This helps understand the drugs with the most rapid uptake, reasons behind the maximal use of new drugs, and the comparison of the drugs based on market share and size, which will again be useful in investigating factors important in the market uptake in making financial and regulatory decisions.



Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Pipeline Development Activities



The report provides insights into different therapeutic candidates in Phase II and Phase III stages. It also analyses Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) key players involved in developing targeted therapeutics.



Major players include Mavacamten (Bristol Myers Squibb), CK-274 (Cytokinetics), and LCZ696 (Novartis), are being assessed as potential therapies to be available in the market in the coming future.

Key Topics Covered:



1 Key Insights



2 Report Introduction



3 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Market Overview at a Glance

3.1 Market Share (%) Distribution of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in 2018

3.2 Market Share (%) Distribution of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in 2030



4 Executive Summary of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy



5 Disease Background and Overview

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Risk Factors

5.3 Symptoms

5.4 Types of HCM

5.5 Molecular Genetics basis

5.6 Pathophysiology

5.6.1 Cardiac abnormalities

5.6.2 Genetic abnormalities

5.7 Disease Stages and Progression

5.7.1 Stages of HCM

5.7.2 Clinical progression of HCM

5.8 Manifestations

5.9 Clinical workup



6 Epidemiology and Patient Population

6.1 Key Findings

6.2 7MM Total Diagnosed Patient Population of HCM

6.3 Assumption and Rationale

6.4 The United States

6.4.1 Prevalent Cases of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the United States

6.4.2 Diagnosed cases of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the United States

6.4.3 Gender-specific Prevalence of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the United States

6.4.4 Type-specific Prevalence of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the United States

6.5 EU5

6.5.1 Germany

6.5.2 France

6.5.3 Italy

6.5.4 Spain

6.5.5 United Kingdom

6.6 Japan



7 Treatment and Management

7.1 Pharmacological management

7.2 Non-pharmacologic therapy

7.3 Treatment Guidelines

7.3.1 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) guideline

7.3.2 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines



8 Patient Journey



9 Case Reports



10 Emerging Products

10.1 Mavacamten: Bristol Myers Squibb

10.2 CK-274: Cytokinetics

10.3 LCZ696: Novartis



11 Organizations contributing towards Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy



12 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Seven Major Market Analysis

12.1 Key Findings

12.2 Market Size of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in 7MM

12.3 Market Size of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy by Current Therapies

12.4 Market Size of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy of Emerging Therapies

12.5 Market Outlook

12.6 United States Market Size

12.6.1 Total Market Size of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in United States

12.6.2 Market Size of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy of Current Therapies in the United States

12.6.3 Market Size of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy of Emerging Therapies in the United States

12.6.4 EU-5 Market Size

12.6.5 Germany

12.6.6 France

12.6.7 Italy

12.6.8 Spain

12.6.9 United Kingdom

12.7 Japan



13 Market Drivers



14 Market Barriers



15 SWOT Analysis



16 Unmet Needs



17 Appendix



Companies Mentioned

Bristol Myers Squibb

Cytokinetics

Novartis

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6t81xf
NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- nextSource announced today Catherine Peglow has joined nextSource as Vice President of Human Resources. In this role, Ms. Peglow will serve as a member of the executive team and be responsible for employee relations, talent management and acquisition programs, succession planning, compensation, legal compliance, and support for implementation of the Companys mission and strategy. She will assume this role effective immediately.



We are pleased to welcome Catherine to the nextSource team. She brings a wealth of strategic, functional, and operational experience to her new role of providing leadership in the planning and implementation of quality-based, integrated human resources programs, commented Catherine Candland, Chief Executive Officer.

Ms. Peglow comes to nextSource with a rich blend of experiences, having held senior positions in Human Resources disciplines of talent acquisition, talent development, governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and diversity and inclusion. Most recently she led the Contingency Workforce Program at one of the nations leading universities. As an attorney, she has also held positions with the North Carolina Bar Association as well as serving as a general counsel to several public and private organizations.

This is an exciting next step in my career, stated Ms. Peglow. I look forward to the opportunity to forge an impactful Human Resources organization that contributes to the Companys priorities of employee stewardship, preparing for the future of work, and the wellbeing and belonging of the extended nextSource community."

About nextSource: nextSource advances the way the world connects with talent. We offer innovative workforce solutions that deliver extraordinary service, efficiency, analytical insight, risk mitigation and improved access to talent that enhances a unified workforce. Solutions offerings include Managed Services Program, Direct Sourcing solutions, Employer of Record services, Independent Contractor Compliance Management, Statement of Work based Project Services Management and Workforce Consulting and Advisory services. As a privately held, woman-owned business with over 20 years experience, nextSource provides a personalized, intelligent approach to workforce solutions driven by high impact, strong results and continuous growth. For more information, visit www.nextSource.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91aa6dc3-e1da-41fd-b200-114c1f1bc7c4
DENVER, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jennifer Jasinski, a pioneer in the Denver dining scene who has helped make the Mile High City a culinary destination, is being inducted into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame in October.



She will be honored along with other MenuMasters award winners at a party by Nations Restaurant News sponsored by Ventura Foods on the evening of Oct. 4 at Mile High Station in Denver. She is also collaborating with Nations Restaurant News to develop the menu for the evening.

The hall of fame honors chefs who have spent their careers promoting culinary excellence in American foodservice.

Im honored and humbled to be inducted into the NRN MenuMasters Hall of Fame, Jasinski said. Joining the astounding list of chefs including my mentor Wolfgang Puck, Jose Andres, Tom Colicchio, Daniel Boulud and others is super cool. I cant wait to collaborate with the NRN team on a Colorado menu for the MenuMasters celebration  especially since its happening right here in my hometown of Denver.

Other past inductees into the hall of fame, which was established in 1998, include Jeremiah Tower, Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken, Jacques Pepin, Paul Prudhomme, Tom Colicchio, Wolfgang Puck and Emeril Lagasse.

Jasinski is the head of Crafted Concepts , which operates Rioja , Bistro Vendome , Stoic & Genuine and Ultreia restaurants in Denver as well as Ultreia Paella Catering.

I am so glad that were finally inducting Jen into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame, NRN senior food & beverage editor Bret Thorn said. She has been a terrific champion of great food and fun restaurants, and a brilliant mentor for other chefs. Shes also a fount of knowledge when it comes to sustainability issues and takes all of the responsibilities that modern chefs have seriously.

Ventura Foods is delighted to celebrate the 2021 MenuMasters Hall of Fame honoree, chef Jennifer Jasinski, said Jim Goggin, Senior Vice President, Ventura Foods. Her life-long passion for cooking, dedication to extraordinary culinary execution and deep commitment to her staff make chef Jennifer an outstanding Hall of Fame inductee. MenuMasters is our once-a-year opportunity to recognize the achievements of menu innovators and culinary trailblazers, such as chef Jennifer. I can think of no better way to celebrate the foodservice industry than with a curated tasting menu that chef Jennifer will be developing exclusively for this years event.

Originally from Santa Barbara, Calif., Jasinski studied cooking at Santa Barbara City College and then The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Her first cooking gig was at The Rainbow Room in New York City, but she soon returned to southern California and before long came under the wing of Puck, working closely with him since the only restaurants he had at the time were Spago in Beverly Hills and Chinois on Main. She stayed with him for 11 years as he expanded before spreading her own wings and landing in Denver at a Kimpton Restaurants property, Hotel Monaco, where she was executive chef of an Italian restaurant, Panzano.

Receiving critical acclaim there, she opened Rioja with business partner Beth Gruitch in 2004. They went on to open their other restaurants, most recently Ultreia, which debuted in late 2017.

The venues are consistently listed among top restaurants in local press and Jasinski herself has won chef of the year and similar awards from Denver Magazine, The Denver Post, eater.com and 5280 Magazine as well as Restaurant Hospitality. Rioja was inducted into NRNs Fine Dining Hall of Fame in 2011.

In 2013 Jasinski became the first Denver chef to win the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in the Southwest.

Other accolades include the 2007 Jean Yancey award in the National Association of Women Business Owners Outstanding Women in Business awards presented by the Denver Business Journal, 2004 Colorado Chef of the Year and 2005 Western Regional Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation and the 2014 Princess of Pork at the Denver stop of the Cochon 555 festival.

Qualified restaurant and foodservice operators are welcome to attend the MenuMasters celebration. For registration and more information, please visit www.menumasters.com .



ABOUT MENUMASTERS

MenuMasters is an invitation-only event for foodservice executives celebrating excellence in menu research & development. The MenuMasters Awards identify and recognize research and development executives and their respective foodservice companies for outstanding dedication and achievement to the area of research and development, and the product lines that are developed and marketed by their restaurant and foodservice companies. Follow #MenuMasters on social media to join the excitement, and get more information on the gala and how to attend on the MenuMasters website.

ABOUT NATIONS RESTAURANT NEWS

Nation's Restaurant News (NRN) is the No. 1 source of business information for the foodservice industry. For more than 50 years, NRN has served the information and engagement needs of foodservice professionals, offering award-winning content across all mediums with the goal of driving businesses forward. NRN was named Best Media Brand by the Jesse H. Neal Awards in 2019. NRN is part of the Restaurant & Food Group by Informa Connect, the leading B2B integrated media group connecting products, solutions and thought leadership with the largest, most engaged and highly qualified audience in foodservice and food retail. The group connects the entire food and foodservice ecosystem of operators, chefs, retailers, manufacturers, vendors and solutions providers through traditional, digital, social and custom media as well as digital and live events. Learn more at www.nrn.com .

ABOUT VENTURA FOODS

Ventura Foods mission is to help our customers delight their customers. We continually do so by creating the flavors and custom food solutions that our foodservice, food manufacturing and retail customers value. Ventura Foods fuels your passion for great food. No one keeps ahead of flavor trends and develops delicious dressings, sauces, mayonnaises and other products like we do. Think of Ventura Foods as your secret ingredient for attracting and keeping customers. Learn more at www.venturafoods.com .

MEDIA CONTACT

Jesse Yeung

Nations Restaurant News

605 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10158

jesse.yeung@informa.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2330992c-45a9-4226-95b0-83aa3df5b433
New York, July 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Superheater Market Overview: According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR),  Superheater Market Research Report, Type, Application and Region - Forecast till 2027 the market size is projected to be worth USD 6.73 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 5.49% CAGR during the forecast period (2021 - 2027).

Multiple Factors Supporting Market Growth

Some of the factors propelling the global superheaters market growth include the increasing number of power plants and swift growth of the steam boilers market. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is one of the most diverse industrial hubs, with over 70,000 products with applications in the cosmetics, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizer industries. The expansion of power plant capacity has become a primary driver of the worldwide superheater market. By 2035, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that an investment of roughly USD 9.5 trillion would be required for the construction of new power plants and the refurbishment of existing ones. Furthermore, the urban population will constitute more than 60% of the total population. Furthermore, favorable industrial growth policies, low-cost raw resources, low labor costs, and ease of access have transformed China and India into attractive industrial markets and the world's fastest-rising economies. All these elements are projected to propel the superheater industry.



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Key Players

List of the key companies in the global superheater market are 

National Boiler Service

Chromalox

Optimus Industries

Birwelco

Alfa Laval

Sussman Electric Boilers

Watlow

KNM Group

Sandvik AB

VPI Acquisition Company LLC

Maarky Thermal Systems Inc.

Uchino Co. Ltd.

Browse In-depth Market Research Report (111 pages) on Superheater

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/superheater-market-7765





Market Segmentation

The global superheater market has been segmented into type and application.

By type, the global superheater market has been segmented into radiant superheaters, convection superheaters, and combined superheaters. The radiant type segment dominates the market because when the boiler load is reduced by roughly 50%, the heat of the flue gas is significantly reduced, resulting in less heat captured by the convection superheater. A radiant superheater can sustain heat at practically any load, resulting in a constant final superheat temperature. End customers will be compelled to install radiant superheaters as a result of these causes.

By application, the global superheater market has been segmented into power generation, industrial, oil & gas, and others.

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Regional Analysis

APAC to Lead with the Greatest Market

In 2018, Asia Pacific had the greatest market share in the worldwide superheater market. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest expanding market during the forecast period, owing to rising power demand and rising investments in new power generation plants. China is estimated to lead the Asia Pacific superheater market during the forecast period, with the highest CAGR from 2018 to 2023. During the forecast period, China and India are expected to be among the fastest-growing economies. These countries are expected to account for roughly 70% of all proposed thermal power capacity additions over the same time frame. All of these factors are likely to push the superheater market, as superheaters are an essential component of power generation plants.

North America to Display Strong Growth

The market in North America is expected to remain strong throughout the forecast period due to established infrastructure, increased power consumption, the presence of important market participants in the US, technical innovation, and increased power output. After the United States, Canada and Mexico are major country-specific markets.

Europe to Follow North America

Europe is another important geographic market for the same reasons that apply to North America. Germany, Norway, Russia, and the United Kingdom earn the most market revenue in this region. Other European countries account for a considerable portion of the market as well.

South America to Grow Steadily

Since South America has yet to reach technical improvement over North America, the market in South America is expected to grow slowly but steadily during the projection period. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela are the region's major country-specific marketplaces. The remaining South American countries contribute to this industry as well.

Segmentation of Market covered in the research:

Information by Type (Radiant Superheaters, Convection Superheaters, and Combined Superheaters), by Application (Power Generation, Industrial, Oil & Gas, and Others) and Region (North America, South America, Europe, Asia- Pacific, and Middle East & Africa)



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About Market Research Future:

Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis with regard to diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions.
Louisville, KY, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kyle Buys Houses has given a shot in the arm to homeowners, who are struggling with the question, how to Sell My House Fast in Louisville KY? by offering to purchase properties up to $650,000.

The family-owned business based out of Louisville, Kentucky has earned its stripes on the back on the best real estate solutions it provides homeowners in the city and surrounding areas. There are many homeowners who need to sell their homes quickly for their own reasons. Then there are others, who are struggling with issues like foreclosure that can become the bane of their existence.

Kyle Buys Houses has taken the hassle out of the overwhelming process and ensured that clients can get the best value for their homes in double-quick time. Anyone wondering how to Sell My House For Cash Today in Louisville KY doesnt have to look beyond the solutions offered to them by the company. There is no hassle of dealing with real estate agents, banks, stacks of paper anymore as it is all handled by a professional company.

We Buy Houses in Louisville KY just as they are so that homeowners dont have to do a thing besides signing a few papers, says Kyle Sencuk, Co-Founder of the company. Its true that selling homes can be a daunting process as homeowners have to undertake repairs, cleaning the house, showing it to interested parties, etc. However, thats not the case when they entrust Kyle Buys Houses with the task.

In fact, it has streamlined the whole process and made it a lot easier for homeowners. Those who wonder how they can get Cash For My House in Louisville KY can simply reach out to the company. Its experienced team of professionals then researches every detail about the house to ensure that they craft the best offer for clients. Kyle Buys Houses then makes a fair cash offer with no obligations or any fees.

From the experiences of its past clients, one can rest assured that the offers are a fair price for peoples homes. In fact, Kyle Buys Houses pays all the fees involved so that there is more cash in homeowners pockets. This is a win-win situation for homeowners in the area who dont have to wait for months to sell their homes. In fact, they can also choose a closing date based on their specific needs and convenience too.

And now with its offer to buy houses up to $650,000, Kyle Buys Houses has ensured that homeowners can get all the cash they want in their hands in no time and without any hassle or fees.

About Kyle Buys Houses

Kyle Buys Houses is a real estate solutions company based out of Louisville, Kentucky. The family-owned business has created a name for itself by offering impeccable solutions for homeowners dealing with foreclosure, struggling to sell their properties, etc.

###

Media Contacts:

Kyle Buys Houses

Address: 1421 Larchmont ave, Louisville, KY 40215

Phone: 502-200-9903

URL: https://www.louisvillesellmyhousefast.com/





News by: news.38digitalmarket.com



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TORONTO, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Despite an extraordinarily challenging year, UFCW Canada members and Local Unions were undeterred in their extraordinary ongoing fundraising efforts, raising more than $2.1 million dollars in their latest annual campaign to support the lifesaving and lifechanging work of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).



Since adopting the LLSC as their charity of choice in 1985, the UFCW family of members, Local Unions, and activists have now raised over $47.2 million in support of the LLSC. UFCW Canada members are your neighbours working in grocery stores, food processing plants, health care facilities, The Beer Store, security, hospitality, logistics, and other sectors of the economy, with many on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through their heartfelt commitment and generosity, the UFCW Canada union family of members, activists, and Local Unions has been a pillar of strength and support over the past three decades for the LLSC, said Paul Meinema, the National President of UFCW Canada. As they have throughout the pandemic, day in and day out, UFCW Canada members and Local Unions continue to lead the way in helping their neighbors and communities across Canada  as well as the thousands of families across this country whose lives have been touched by blood cancers.

In a typical year, UFCW Canada members, Local Unions, and allies organize and participate in numerous fundraising activities, including Light the Night walks to raise money for the fight against blood cancers. But the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of many of these events, including the Leukemia Bottle Drive  an annual Ontario-wide, May-weekend co-operative fundraiser between UFCW members and The Beer Store that converts deposits on bottles into donations to the LLSC. But even with the bottle drive canceled, bottle donations throughout the year still raised over $1.4 million.

The money raised annually by UFCW Canada activists and Local Unions across Canada is used to support research and programs to find a cure, provide better therapies and patient support, and raise public awareness of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

We are grateful to UFCW Canada members, Local Unions and allies for their long-standing commitment to the blood cancer community, says LLSC President Alicia Talarico. Their generous support has helped to fuel what once seemed impossible  research that saves more lives, and critical programs that assist people at every step of their blood cancer experience. Without UFCW Canada members, Local Unions and allies, there would be fewer scientific breakthroughs and less support services available to those newly diagnosed, people in treatment and those navigating life after a blood cancer.

You can find out more about the UFCW Canada familys history of LLSC fundraising at ufcw.ca/leukemia. To learn more about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC), visit www.llscanada.org.

About UFCW Canada:

As Canada's leading union for retail and food workers, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW Canada) represents over 250,000 workers across the country working in the food retail and processing, agriculture, health care, security, and hospitality industries, as well as other sectors of the economy. UFCW Canada is the country's most innovative organization dedicated to building fairness in workplaces and communities. Since 1985, UFCW Canada members and Local Unions have also fundraised over $47.2 million in support of the life-changing work of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. To find out more about UFCW Canada, visit www.ufcw.ca.



CONTACT



Michael Forman, Communications Director

UFCW Canada

mforman@ufcw.ca

(416) 675-1104, extension 2249

www.ufcw.ca

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in Canada. LLSC funds life-saving blood cancer research across the country and provides information and support services free of charge to people affected by a blood cancer and their families. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of Canadians affected by blood cancers.



For personalized disease, treatment or support information, contact our local support staff at 1-833-222-4884. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit llscanada.org for more.

CONTACT



Maja Begovic, Director, Marketing Communications

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

Maja.begovic@lls.org

416-731-9338
Louisiana Medical Fitness Facility for Patients and Public to Open in 2022

DALLAS, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cooper Wellness Strategies, a Cooper Aerobics company, announces a partnership with Franklin Foundation Hospital in Franklin, LA. Cooper Wellness Strategies (CWS) will help develop a new medical fitness center located on the hospital campus as an integral part of a planned wellness center. CWS work includes facility design, planning and management of the fitness center, slated to open in late 2022. Visit cooperwellness . com or call 972.560.3263 for additional information on medical fitness programs and other wellness services.

We are pleased to provide a medically-integrated fitness center for patients and the entire Franklin community, said Tyler Cooper, MD, MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cooper Aerobics. Helping this facility further advance the health and well-being of its patients and members through this fitness center offering is reflective of our Cooper purpose of improving the quality and quantity of peoples lives for more than 50 years.

The fitness center will be a 26,300-square-foot full-service facility with an indoor walking track, exercise studios, a group exercise room, an indoor lap pool and an exercise-therapy pool for patients and the community alike to join. Cooper Wellness Strategies will help with design elements of the facility, pre-opening planning, business launch and ongoing management of the medical fitness center component of the overall 60,000-square-foot Franklin Foundation Hospital wellness center. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2021 with an anticipated opening date planned for December 2022.

This planned wellness center incorporating medical fitness services positions Franklin Foundation Hospital as an innovative health care partner in Louisiana. Wellness and prevention are vital to a patients continuum of health care, said David Evans, Vice President of Cooper Wellness Strategies. We are honored to work alongside the hospital in integrating their medical care with Coopers fitness expertise for the Franklin residents and surrounding communities.

Cooper Wellness Strategies helps build healthier communities across the United States by providing its services to corporations, health care facilities, residential and senior living communities, as well as medical and commercial fitness centers. From project vision to realization, Cooper Wellness Strategies' experienced fitness and wellness professionals deliver innovative, customized strategies to drive engagement and create lasting healthy change. The suite of services includes wellness programming, fitness facility management, project feasibility analysis, business plan development, leadership and staff training and more. Visit cooperwellness.com to learn more.

About Cooper Aerobics

Cooper Aerobics in Dallas serves as the headquarters for six health and wellness companies and a research and education nonprofit, The Cooper Institute 501(c)(3), founded in 1970 by Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH. Cooper Aerobics is the health and wellness resource that bases its recommendations on its world-leading body of data and expertise. Through the array of services Cooper offers, millions have been inspired to make good health a habit, helping improve their quality and quantity of life. For more information, call 866.906.2667 (COOP) or visit Cooper50.com . Follow the Cooper Aerobics Facebook page or Instagram account for updates.

About Franklin Foundation Hospital

Franklin Foundation Hospital is a 22-bed critical access community hospital serving the residents of St. Mary Parish and surrounding communities.

Media Contact: Pam Czerlinsky

972.560.3246

pczerlinsky@cooperaerobics.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f4edfea5-9b12-4718-b18b-0507c407182a
Governor Northam Awards Virginia Main Street Grants to 16 Community Development Projects

Funding will support the revitalization of historic commercial districts

RICHMONDGovernor Ralph Northam today announced that 16 communities across the Commonwealth will receive more than $200,000 in Virginia Main Street grants to support projects aimed at revitalizing historic commercial districts, expanding small businesses, and growing local economies.

These grants will go a long way towards revitalizing downtown business and commercial districts, while also preserving their unique historic character, said Governor Northam. The Virginia Main Street program is a proven tool to help small communities create opportunities for long-term economic growththats why we plan to invest significant resources from the American Rescue Plan to expand the reach of these redevelopment efforts.

Downtown Investment Grants were awarded to 12 projects in the towns of Farmville, Orange, Altavista, Abingdon, Cape Charles, Onancock, Tappahannock, Tazewell, and St. Paul, and the cities of Hopewell, Winchester, and Manassas. Community Vitality Grants were awarded to four projects in the towns of Halifax and Pulaski, the city of Petersburg, and Nelson County. The awarded projects will leverage an additional $495,000 in local and other non-state resources.



For more than three decades, the Virginia Main Street program has spurred economic development through revitalization and historic preservation, said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. Downtowns are the heart and soul of so many communities across the Commonwealth, and these grants are designed to create opportunities for growth and economic sustainability, so that people want to spend time and money there.

Last week, Governor Northam announced a proposal to direct $53 million in American Rescue Plan funding to the Industrial Revitalization Fund and the Virginia Main Street program. This increased investment will be focused on providing support for minority and immigrant communities, as well as woman- and minority-owned businesses.

Since 1985, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has provided assistance to localities engaged in downtown commercial district revitalization through the Virginia Main Street program. DHCD uses the National Main Street Centers comprehensive incremental Main Street Approach, which is built around a communitys unique heritage, culture, and historic building attributes. To learn more about the Virginia Main Street program, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/vms.

2022 VIRGINIA MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN INVESTMENT GRANT AWARDEES

Wayfinding Fabrication and Installation

$25,000

Town of Farmville

The project will fund fabrication and installation of a wayfinding system identified in a 2020 study to help customers find public parking, improve traffic flow, and ease the transition between car and pedestrian use in the Main Street district. Anticipated outcomes include increased customer traffic to area businesses and customer spending.

Alley Activation and Complete Streets

$25,000

City of Hopewell

The project will improve the accessibility, sociability, and overall image of the Main Street district through the installation of four bike racks, a bike repair station, and revitalization of a blighted, low-density alley as a viable street for passage, gathering, retail, and festivals. This will be achieved through cleanup efforts, erecting pennant banners, and installing collapsible bollards, stamped concrete entryways, new lighting, and planters. The project will leverage significant municipal investments in the district.

Placemaking in Commemorative Park

$25,000

Town of Orange

The Orange Downtown Association, in partnership with the Orange County African-American Historical Society and the town of Orange, will undertake a placemaking project to support the creation of a small park commemorating and illuminating the history of Oranges former African-American commercial district. The park will feature three interpretive panels that will be digitally linked to online stories and images as well as new benches, tables, trash receptacles, bike racks, and landscaping.

Facade Improvements and Complete Streets

$25,000

City of Winchester

The comprehensive revitalization project targets a distressed block of Piccadilly Street, which serves as a gateway corridor for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic between the historic George Washington Hotel and downtown pedestrian mall. Leveraging the economic development authority and municipal investments, the project will support 12 facade improvements, 16 community-designed parklets, and a large exterior mural to enhance curb appeal for businesses and engage residents.

Downtown Business Investment Grant Program

$20,000

Town of Altavista

The project will fund the expansion of the towns existing Downtown Business Investment Grant, which is designed as an incentive for new or existing businesses to fill 11 vacant storefronts in the Main Street district. Benefits to qualifying businesses include startup financial assistance toward rent and utilities for three months, permit reimbursements, and marketing. The project will fund a market study and support the efforts of the Spark Innovation Center to serve as an entrepreneurial support hub and co-working space.

Bike Rack/Bench Project

$15,000

Town of Abingdon

The project will fund the installation of benches, bike racks designed in partnership with the local trade school, and wayfinding signage to connect the Main Street district to regional recreational assets, such as the Virginia Creeper Trail. These amenities will encourage visitors to walk, bike, and explore downtown Abingdon, driving customer traffic and sales revenue to small businesses.

Livestream Shopping

$15,000

City of Manassas

The project will increase customer spending and support local businesses through a new, innovative livestream shopping program. Grant funds will be used to develop a website, enlist a videographer and salesperson, and promote livestream events. The project is also nationally recognized and funded through a Main Street America Main Street Resiliency Grant.

Design Enhancements

$10,000 per community

Town of Cape Charles

Town of Onancock

Town of Tappahannock

Town of Tazewell

Each newly designated Virginia Main Street community will receive funding to support a high-priority, high-impact project that will be identified in the future through design services.

Alley Activation and Outdoor Dining

$10,000

Town of St. Paul

The project will fund alley improvements connecting Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue between the Western Front Hotel and local restaurants. The project will add an outdoor dining area to relieve interior seating limitations due to COVID-19 and leverage municipal investments and sewer system upgrades in the alley. Improvements include new brick pavers, lighting, three bistro patio dining sets, three murals, trashcans, planters, benches, hand sanitizing stations, and signage providing guidelines for health, safety, and general use.

2022 VIRGINIA MAIN STREET COMMUNITY VITALITY GRANT AWARDEES

Transforming Spaces into Great Places: Halifax Downtown Connections

$7,000

Town of Halifax

The town of Halifax will implement an outdoor activity hub that allows for socially distanced gathering, dining, and additional foot traffic to Main Street businesses. The town will also incorporate a wayfinding system that will connect visitors and residents to the historic downtown and central business district through park and walk plazas. This proposal will build upon the Halifax Downtown Connections Plan and help the town build and strengthen its community partnerships.

Economic Vitality Support: Lovingston Market Study

$7,000

Nelson County

Building upon previous Community Development Block Grant planning grant efforts, Nelson County will complete a market analysis and retail gap analysis with an external consultant to help guide the business development of the village of Lovingston. The goal is to generate a unique redevelopment strategy that distinguishes Lovingston and becomes a foundation for physical improvements and promotional activities.

Main Street Petersburg

$7,000

City of Petersburg

Main Street Petersburg will implement a community listening and planning project to identify what its residents want most for downtown and how to achieve it. This foundational process will cultivate organizational partnerships, donor relationships, increased volunteerism, and ultimately culminate in a strategic development plan to guide revitalization in downtown Petersburg.

Pulaski Pocket Park and Mural Project

$7,000

Town of Pulaski

Pulaski On Main and students from the New River Community College art program will create a public mural in the town of Pulaskis new pocket park. This project will build upon previous beautification efforts funded by a Community Development Block Grant.

# # #
Stefano Domenicali has played down rumours that he is lining up Qatar as a potential replacement venue for cancelled grands prix in 2021.

With several earlier-scheduled races already postponed or called off due to the ongoing global covid crisis, the F1 CEO admits that this year's 23-date calendar is not set in stone.

"Can we deliver 23 grands prix? I'm not sure, but that's the target," Domenicali told GQ.

"We've made sure we have a good relationship with everyone and are ready with different options. We have a lot of things to consider and co-ordinate."

The Italian, however, played down the rumours about Qatar's Losail circuit suddenly becoming a leading candidate to replace the recently-axed Australian GP.

"There is actually more talk of another race in Bahrain," he revealed to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I hope to confirm everything by mid-August. I also won't hide that the situation in Japan is under observation."

(GMM)
Spectators appear to be racing back to the fabled Italian GP in September.

Last year, Pierre Gasly's sensational maiden Formula 1 win played out before empty grandstands - but that looks set to change for 2021.

Tickets are set to go on sale for this year's event at Monza, according to the Automoto publication.

"In a matter of days we will be able to say officially that the public is returning to Monza and tickets will soon be available in the various categories," confirmed Giuseppe Redaelli, president of the circuit operator Sias.

(GMM)
Sprint races could be installed as a permanent replacement for traditional qualifying in Formula 1, CEO Stefano Domenicali has admitted.

The format made its debut at Silverstone, with the second of three trial 'sprint qualifying' rounds in 2021 now confirmed for the Italian GP in September.

"Do you know what the best thing is? That on Friday in Hungary, people will say 'how boring'," Domenicali told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Some F1 figures have suggested tweaks to the format are needed, but the Italian says the general reaction to sprint qualifying has been positive.

"In the US, they are enthusiastic about it. We know that Americans love the show as well as the competition," Domenicali said.

As for the team bosses, he claims they are "100 percent in favour".

"We finally had the courage to do something different and this attitude was greatly appreciated by those we consider as potential newcomers to F1," said Domenicali.

"Giving different content to those who come to the track on every day is something extraordinary," he added. "The fact that there is something of importance every day is an extra element.

"We will now analyse the details and the feedback we got from the community of experts, from the fans, from the commentators and of course from the drivers to fix what should be fixed for Monza and then draw conclusions at the end of the third experimental race and see what to do in 2022."

It is widely held that the biggest flaw with the sprint qualifying format as it stands is that the 'qualifying' winner on Friday is not officially regarded as the pole sitter.

Domenicali said: "The concept of pole position resulting from a flying lap is in the history of F1, but things can change.

"Just think of the Halo and how many people were against it - but today, no one dares to question it anymore. But it is an evaluation that we are doing.

"It's also nice to see how the drivers approached it, which for me is not a surprise - I know that they like racing more than they like to do long runs on Fridays."

Until now, F1 officials have said that the format will not be a permanent replacement for qualifying. Managing director Ross Brawn says it is more likely that only a handful of races will get 'Grand Slam'-like status in future.

However, Domenicali said: "In my head is the desire to promote special events that can be enhanced with the qualifying race.

"But if there is the conviction that this format must always be applied, I have nothing against it. We will evaluate it at the end of the year," he insisted.

"There is no rush."

(GMM)
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Do you still feel the thorn of wanting to celebrate that you are already vaccinated? You better think about it. Read on and weigh what is most important so as not to affect the effectiveness of your vaccine.

Drinking alcohol after applying your dose can enhance its side effects, for example, dizziness, fever, nausea and headaches . Therefore, the intake of alcoholic beverages is not recommended, according to Dr. Rosa Maria Wong , specialist at the Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory of the UNAM Faculty of Medicine.

The doctor commented to UNAM Global that "it is recommended not to take in 72 hours, which is the period in which immunizations cause some side effect and alcohol can enhance them ." However, the scientific community extends this period to 21 days or three weeks after its application.

In studies prior to other vaccines, excessive alcohol consumption was found to impair the immune response and increase susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections.

Split stances

Even so, opinions are divided regarding its consumption and its relation to the effectiveness with the vaccine. Even the doctor herself, Rosa Maria Wong, points out that one or two drinks is okay.

At the beginning of the application of the biological Sputnik V In Russia, a warning was issued not to consume alcohol, this because the population of that country is one of the most ingesting this type of drink in the world and in excess it can interfere with the immune response.

Similarly, Angela Hewlett , associate professor of infectious diseases, who leads the team for infectious disease Covid-19 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, supports this hypothesis and says that moderate consumption has no impact on cells. immune. "I think having a celebratory drink in moderation is fine," he explained to The New York Times .

On the other hand, Dr. Ronx Ikharia, specialist in emergency medicine, explains in the BBC documentary ' The truth about strengthening your immune system' , it is not advisable to drink alcohol before or after receiving a vaccine.

She did an experiment on herself. He took a blood sample before and after drinking three glasses of wine, to see how alcohol affected his immune system. The result? After analyzing both samples, he was able to verify that the alcohol he had consumed was enough to halve his levels of white lymphocytes in the blood, those responsible for defending the body from external pathogens.

What do the Mexican authorities say?

When the young people of northern Mexico began to receive their vaccine, Alonso Perez Rico, Baja California Secretary of Health, asked the population not to go to be immunized with a hangover.

"If they are 'raw' do not get vaccinated, because they will have greater side effects," said the official. In addition, he explained that it is possible to drink after the application but that it is not recommended either because side effects may appear that are going to be confused with the effects of alcohol.

Also, those who had already received their vaccine in the Mexican Republic were advised that they could not take it for a week. This time varied depending on the health professional who applied it and gave the explanation.

So can I drink alcohol or not?

In summary, it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol before or after receiving your COVID-19 dose as it can reduce its effectiveness.

Sheena Cruishank , professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Manchester, advises avoiding drinking as the immune system needs to work at its best to have a good response to the vaccine, so it is not recommended to drink alcohol the night before or after  , He comments to the British newspaper The Mirror .

It is a personal decision, but better to abstain from drinking for a while than to compromise your immunization.

It may interest you: How effective are the Sputnik and Sinovac vaccines?

Recommendations for the application of your vaccine

Go to the appointment for breakfast

If you feel a headache or fever, take only paracetamol

Rest and hydrate properly.

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
KARACHI, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistani authorities said Monday they were working on plans to refloat a cargo ship that ran aground off the coast near the southern port city of Karachi last week amid bad weather.

The Heng Tong 77 was en route to Istanbul from China when it drifted and got stuck in shallow waters Wednesday near the coast in Pakistani territory, authorities said. The event raised fears the oil being transported in the vessel could spill, potentially damaging the environment.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russian authorities have restricted access to the website of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny and to dozens of sites run by his close allies, Navalny's team said Monday.

The action came amid mounting government pressure on opposition supporters, independent journalists and human rights activists in Russia ahead of the country's parliamentary election. The September vote is widely seen as an important part of President Vladimir Putins efforts to cement his rule before a 2024 presidential election.

The 68-year-old Russian leader, who has been in power for more than two decades, pushed through constitutional changes last year that would potentially allow him to hold onto power until 2036.

Navalny's website, as well as the website of his top strategist, Leonid Volkov, and longtime ally Lyubov Sobol were unavailable on Monday. The websites of Navalny's Foundation for Fighting Corruption and a network of about 40 regional offices, which the Russian government outlawed as extremist groups last month, also could not be accessed; neither could the website of the Navalny-backed Alliance of Doctors union and an online page calling for Navalny's freedom.

According to Russias state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, access to all of the websites was restricted at the behest of the Russian prosecutor general's office. In a statement to the Interfax news agency, Roskomnadzor confirmed blocking the websites, saying they were being used for propaganda of extremist groups.

(They) have decided to completely wipe us out of the internet, Navalny associate Maria Pevchikh tweeted.

Navalny, who is Putin's most ardent political foe, was arrested in January upon returning from Germany, where he spent five months recovering from a nerve agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin  an accusation rejected by Russian officials.

In February, Navalny was ordered to serve 2 years in prison for violating the terms of a suspended sentence from a 2014 embezzlement conviction that he dismissed as politically motivated.

His arrest and jailing sparked a wave of mass protests across Russia's 11 time zones, in what appeared to be a major challenge to the Kremlin. The authorities responded with mass arrests of demonstrators and the criminal prosecutions of Navalny's closest associates.

The politician's Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which he launched 10 years ago and has published dozens of colorful and widely watched videos exposing the alleged corruption of senior government officials, was labeled as an extremist group along with the network of regional offices Navalny had relied on to organize protests.

The ruling not only barred the foundation and the offices from operating, but also prevents people associated with the organizations from seeking public office and exposes them to lengthy prison terms.

Navalny's team pointed out Monday that the website of Smart Voting  a project to support candidates most likely to defeat the ones from the Kremlins dominant United Russia party in various elections  remained available.

Volkov, the strategist, suggested that authorities might block the strategy site closer to the election" in September, in which Navalny's team plans to deploy the Smart Voting project.

Ivan Zhdanov, a close Navalny ally, said in an Instagram post that the politician's team was was not surprised by the blocking of the websites and therefore ready for them. Zhdanov urged supporters to follow Navalny's team and its members on social media, where it's harder to block us, and to download a mobile app that contains all the recent investigations and the Smart Voting project.

An app cannot currently be blocked, Zhdanov wrote.
BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Like many of Spains 20-somethings, Sergio Rosado has seen the new, more contagious coronavirus strain strike those too eager to cut loose when authorities rolled back health restrictions with vaccinations picking up pace.

But the 22-year-old student shares the country's widespread public trust in the vaccines, and Rosado plans to get his shots as soon as his turn comes.

I have friends that have caught COVID-19 at big parties. Lots of people I know have caught it, Rosado said. I did go out too, but to places without many people and in controlled spaces, and with face masks.

Spain, like its fellow European Union members, got off to a slow start in administering shots compared to Britain and the United States after regulators approved the first vaccines. But once deliveries by drugmakers started flowing to meet demand, the country quickly made up ground.

After only fully vaccinating 10% of its adults from January until the end of April, now nearly 54% of its adults, around 25 million people, have received two vaccine jabs, making Spain one of the inoculation leaders in the 27-nation European Union.

The program is built on Spains efficient public health care system, a well-ordered vaccination plan that stuck strictly to age groups, and a populace confident in the safety of childhood immunizations and therefore largely resistant to skepticism about COVID-19 jabs.

Vaccination forms part of our genome, Amos Garcia, president of the Spanish Association of Vaccinology, told The Associated Press. Our professionals have always believed strongly in the benefits of vaccines. We have always strongly encouraged children from a very young age to get their vaccines.

He said general vaccination rates for children in Spain were over 95%.

Spains public health care system, which has suffered budget cuts in the past decade, buckled last year under the first wave of the virus, which has claimed at least 81,000 lives in the country.

But fears that the health system wouldnt be up to the job of managing a massive vaccine rollout proved unfounded. Eligibility information was widely disseminated, and people didn't hesitate to sign up when it was their age groups turn. Vaccination lines generally moved swiftly, and unlike France, there was no paperwork to get in the way when people went to their local clinics or mass vaccination points.

It also helped that no politician, not even on the fringes of the right or left, sowed doubts about the vaccines. The only political issue regarding the vaccines was when they weren't arriving fast enough, and regional health authorities in charge of administering them demanded more quicker.

This is not a question of progressives or of conservatives. It is a public health question, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told MSNBC while on a visit last week to the United States.

Unlike Germany or France, Spain doesn't have a big anti-vaccine movement. More than 90% of Spains public health workers have been vaccinated, compared with 42% of public health workers in France.

So while France and Greece have had to pressure skeptics and procrastinators into getting their shots by making vaccines mandatory for people working certain jobs, such as paramedics and nursing home workers, Spaniards have so far needed very little prodding.

In methodically working its way from the most elderly downward, Spain achieved its first goal: stopping the most vulnerable from dying. But the emphasis on vaccines as the salvation could also have contributed to Spains young letting down their guards as curfews and face mask requirements were lifted, just as the delta variant arrived.

The result is that, despite its smooth vaccine rollout, Spain is currently one of Europes hot spots for new infections. Spain is reporting more than 25,000 new cases a day now compared with 3,400 a day a month ago, according to Our World in Data.

A month ago, when we let go of the most of the restrictions, we didnt call it Freedom Day like England, but basically it was a fairly big move toward more freedom," Rafael Bengoa, former Director for Health Systems at WHO and one of Spains leading public health experts, told the AP.

That is one of the reasons that we have the present epidemiological situation."

If you want to control the pandemic in this situation, you have to be doing both the traditional public health restrictions plus the vaccinations, Bengoa explained.

In response, some regions have put new restrictions back into place, such as a nightly curfew in the region that includes Barcelona.

Spain is counting on its vaccine program to make quick inroads with people under age 40 and it seems that the desire to get vaccinated hasn't fallen victim to a generation gap. Spains government polling bureau said last week that nearly 90% of respondents under 35 said they wanted to get vaccinated.

Still, Bengoa thinks virus restrictions will remain in place for a while.

We have to explain to the population that this is here to stay, he said. We will control it. But ... youre going to have to live with a virus that is more dangerous than the flu.

___

Hernan Munoz in Barcelona, Aritz Parra in Madrid, and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report.

___

Follow all AP stories on the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
With many voters heading out of town on vacation, absentee ballots could play a crucial role in the special election for the empty seat in the 36th Senate District representing Greenwich and parts of Stamford and New Canaan.

For the Aug. 17 special election, any registered voter can cast an absentee ballot, election officials said.

Its important for voters to understand that all registered voters can vote by absentee ballot for the special election as well as for the election in November, Greenwich Democratic Registrar of Voters Mary Hegarty said on Monday.

The state legislature extended the use of the COVID-excuse, which makes the ballots available to everyone. That means there will be more use of absentee ballots than you usually have, she said. Usually in Connecticut, there is a narrow list of allowed excuses for casting an absentee ballot, including if a voter is out of town on Election Day.

Three candidates  Democrat Alexis Gevanter, Republican Ryan Fazio and petition candidate John Blankley  are seeking the Senate seat, which was vacated in late June by the unexpected resignation of Alex Kasser, who was elected to a second term in December.

The short time frame for the campaign has also put a focus is on getting out the vote, which could mean a push for absentee ballots as was seen in last years presidential election.

According to Greenwich Republican Registrar of Voters Fred DeCaro, 16,421 voters out of the 42,359 residents on the rolls in Greenwich voted via absentee ballot last November.

To get an absentee ballot, a voter can request one online, mail in an application for a ballot or go in person to their town clerks office to fill out a request and get the ballot, Hegarty said.

Greenwich Town Clerk Carmella Budkins said she definitely expects it to be busy in the weeks before the election.

Getting out the vote

A possible September primary in Stamford for the Democratic nomination for mayor between incumbent Mayor David Martin and challenger Caroline Simmons, the state representative who earned the party nomination over the weekend, would also offer access to absentee ballots.

Gevanter pointed to her advocacy for expanded ballot access as a volunteer for Safe Votes CT, a nonpartisan statewide coalition of voting rights citizen groups.

Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and I believe it should be easy and accessible for every election, not just this one, she said Monday. Right now, my campaigns efforts are focused on ensuring voters know that they have the right to vote by absentee ballot and how to do it. Our goal is to get as many people as possible to vote by requesting their ballots and voting either in person at their town clerks office, by secure drop box at Greenwich Town Hall, New Canaan Town Hall or the Stamford Government Center or by mail.

Fazio, a member of Greenwichs Representative Town Meeting who ran against Kasser unsuccessfully in fall 2020, also stressed the need for absentee ballots. He said Republicans are encouraging all of our supporters and all voters to vote absentee ballot if they are worried they may not be able to vote (in person) on the day of the election.

Its important during an unusual election date, in this case for a special election, that everyones voice be heard and that people vote either by absentee ballot or in person on Aug. 17, he said.

He predicted that the absentee ballots would play a big role in the upcoming election.

The middle of August is a difficult time to have a special election because so many people are not going to be in town, Fazio said. We want to encourage our supporters also to strongly consider voting absentee in order to make sure that their voice is heard in what will be a very close and competitive election.

Blankley, a Democrat, broke from the party when it backed Gevanter for the nomination. A main part of his strategy, he said, will be to appeal to unaffiliated voters through mailings  and part of that pitch will remind them that they can vote absentee.

It is critical for the unaffiliated candidate who doesnt have access to the major parties apparatus to make sure the people know that they have a choice in this election beyond a Democrat and a Republican, he said.

Turning in ballots

As of the end of Monday, 690 absentee ballots had been requested in Greenwich for the special election, with 143 already returned, according to Assistant Town Clerk Kimberly Spezzano.

Calls to the town clerks in Stamford and New Canaan for information on Monday were not returned.

The drop boxes used throughout the state for last falls presidential election will be used again for the special election. Voters can drop off ballots or applications for ballots in the boxes. Officials in Greenwich, Stamford and New Canaan will collect them every day, Hegarty said.

All absentee ballots must be received by Aug. 17 to be counted, regardless of the postmark, she said.

If its getting close, people should drop their ballot in a ballot box, Hegarty said. She also urged voters to follow the ballots instructions very carefully when it comes to using the inner envelope and signing it.

Failure to follow the instructions might mean your vote wont be counted, she said.

Voters can also cast ballots at their usual polling places, with one change in Greenwich. Voters in District 7, who usually go to Greenwich High School, will instead vote at Central Middle School, which is also used by District 8.

According to Hegarty, District 7 will vote in the cafeteria and District 8 will vote in the gymnasium.

For more information on polling places, visit www.greenwichct.gov for Greenwich, www.stamfordct.gov/residents/elections for Stamford or www.newcanaan.info/departments/registrars_of_voters/index.php for New Canaan.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in Thailand also gave the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 its stamp of approval, not long after the FCC did the same. Meanwhile, the Indonesian wireless authority certified the S Pen Pro that will be supported by the Galaxy Fold3.



Thailand's NTBC certifies the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 (SM-F711B)

Thailand will be getting the SM-F711B version of the Z Flip3, which supports the local 5G bands. The third iteration of the clamshell foldable will be slightly more compact and will have the total battery capacity of 3,300 mAh (split between two cells, 2,300 + 900 mAh) as the Z Flip 5G. Unfortunately, it looks like it will retain its charging speed as well, just 15W. However, it will feature some upgrades over its predecessor, including a Snapdragon 888 chipset and IPX8 water resistance.

The S Pen Pro that will work with the Galaxy Z Fold3 was also certified

As for the S Pen Pro (model number EJ-P5450), this appears to be a different model than the one that was unveiled earlier this year alongside the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Its not clear how exactly these two differ, but the Pro stylus will be larger than the S Pens that come with Galaxy Note phones since it is not intended to sheath into the phone itself.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, Z Fold3 and more will be unveiled on August 11

Source
At Guam Regional Medical City, Dr. Mariana Vigiola Cruz will be performing surgeries with much smaller incisions for faster recovery, as well as performing ne specialized procedures like bariatric surgery.
Former judge and senator Robert Klitzkie was misleading and uninformed in a talk he gave to the Rotary Club of Guam, according to the Commission on Decolonization.

Last week, Klitzkie railed against local media outlets and the Commission for gaslighting the public by pushing the idea that political self-determination for CHamorus was the same as decolonization for Guam. Decolonization affected more than just native inhabitants of the island, he said.

While the two concepts were not synonymous, the Commission said in a release, there was a continual withholding of political choice for CHamorus.

Self-determination is the CHamoru peoples expressed will, via a plebiscite, of what type of truly self-governing status they want for their island. Decolonization then occurs after that vote, when Guam transitions to a political status with true self-governance, the commission wrote.

The Commissions statement pointed to several continuing inequities in political status:

Territorial Clause and Insular Cases, which determined that only certain parts of the Constitution are extended to the citizens of the territories.

The Jones Act, which raises the cost of goods in territories.

The lack of a voice for the island in negotiations that affect us.

They also took issue with Klitzkies calling independence advocates separatists, and stated that it was not what decolonization was about. The political status-quo, which Klitzkie was in favor of, withheld the islands political, economic and cultural development, the group said.

The unincorporated territory status of Guam contradicts the principles of the U.S. Constitution, the Commission wrote, adding that the status was one of ownership, not incorporation into the U.S.

It is the moral and international obligation of the U.S. to support CHamoru self-determination, if the country truly wished to be a beacon of freedom and democracy, and reckon with its colonial past, they said.

Klitzkie

Klitzkie said there are 170,000 people living on this island. And every one of those people is living in a colony.

So if were really serious about decolonization, are we only going to decolonize it for those who are going to be able to exercise this right of self-determination that the Commission highlights, and if thats the case, what happens to the others? he said.

Independence was the only actual option for self-determination, he stated, given that statehood was unlikely due to Guams small population and revenue, and free association with the U.S. would require independence.

Rather than spinning our wheels, the island could negotiate a more agreeable compact with the U.S. such as the one the CNMI enjoys, he stated.
Veterinarian Dr. Joel Joseph took the stand Monday at the District Court of Guam to testify in a case where he is accusing several government employees of wrongfully denying his controlled substance registration license in April 2011.

Josephs attorney, Mitch Thompson, asked the Wise Owl vet to detail key events following the denial of his controlled substance license.

Shortly after his license renewal application was submitted, an order to show cause was issued by Department of Public Health and Social Services.

Joseph, feeling caught off guard by the order show cause, then submitted a notice of defense. The order to show cause was rescinded the next day, and Joseph said he was ecstatic.

At this point I thought it was over and done with, Joseph said. He said he thought his license would be renewed.

Public Health did not renew Josephs license though, and eventually the case went to the Superior Court of Guam.

As a result of the case, a stay order was issued by Judge Michael Bordallo, which made Joseph believe he could still practice until the court proceedings were resolved.

A portion of Guam law was displayed to the jury to substantiate Josephs belief:

A proceedings to refuse to renew a registration does not affect the existing registration, which remains in effect until completion of the proceedings.

Thompson then asked Joseph about an inventory search of Wise Owl, which found Joseph to be in violation of a number of laws for possessing, acquiring and administering controlled substances without a valid license.

Joseph explained the inspection was improperly founded because of the stay order.

They wouldnt give me my CSR. Judges said I had a valid CSR until court proceedings could finish, Joseph said.

Joseph said he felt violated by the search because he had a license.

The way to eliminate doctors or destroy them is by taking away their license to give medicine, Joseph said. This was a blatant way of doing that without due process.

Josephs direct examination will continue Tuesday morning as Thompson began discussing the raid of Wise Owl in 2013.
Traveling nurse: GMH was one of the best experiences of my life




Haiti - Investigation : Dimitri Herard, used an Ecuadorian ID card to travel between Colombia and Ecuador





Guillermo Lasso the President of the Republic of Ecuador, interviewed by CNN last week on travel between Colombia and Ecuador by Dimitri Herard the Head of the General Security Unit of the National Palace in Haiti, confirmed that Dimitri Herard had used an Ecuadorian ID card to travel between the two countries.



According to the investigations, Dimitri Herard traveled to different countrieshttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34223-haiti-justice-the-dg-of-the-colombian-police-wonders-about-the-role-of-the-chief-of-security-of-president-moise.html including Ecuador and Colombia (January 20: 2021 Bogota - Ecuador; February 1: Ecuador - Bogota - Dominican Republic; May 23: Bogota - Ecuador; May 28: Ecuador- Bogota) from where the members of the Colombian commando allegedly involved in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise arrived.



The Ecuadorian President stressed that Herard had obtained the Ecuadorian identity card legally, and that he was ready to contribute to the investigations to elucidate the assassination of the President of Haiti.



Let's recall that in 2012, Herard rose through the ranks at the Eloy Alfaro Military College (Quito, Ecuador). Today he is considered one of the suspects in the assassination of President Moise, justice awaits answers which explain why the men of different specialized units, attached to the security of President Moise did not oppose the Colombian Commando.



Moreover, the reasons for these displacements and what he did in Bogota during his transit to Ecuador are still unknown.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34283-haiti-flash-follow-up-of-investigations-into-the-assassination-of-president-moise-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34236-haiti-justice-dimitri-herard-did-not-appear-at-the-palace-of-justice.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34232-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34224-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34223-haiti-justice-the-dg-of-the-colombian-police-wonders-about-the-role-of-the-chief-of-security-of-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34175-haiti-assassination-of-president-moise-international-reactions-part-1.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Senator Lambert invited by the American ambassadors

"I was the guest of Ambassadors Sison and Foote https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34301-haiti-politic-the-biden-administration-appoints-a-special-envoy-to-haiti.html . Our conversation was intense. Our discussions considered the situation in Haiti which is at an impasse and the urgency of actions that must be good to rebuild the institutions of the State" Senator Joseph Lamber



Murder of Moise : Right to the truth

"We demand, without delay, Justice for the immortal President Jovenel Moise and all the other martyrs that the socio-political system focused on violence, wickedness, tyranny, intolerance, social exclusion, corruption and Impunity has crushed over the past decades. All information held on the names of the alleged sponsors, intellectual and material authors of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise must be communicated to the general public in the name of the right to the truth. Otherwise, the State authorities in office will participate in a second assassination of President Jovenel Moise and history will judge them" Office for the Protection of the Citizen (OPC)



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34283-haiti-flash-follow-up-of-investigations-into-the-assassination-of-president-moise-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34238-haiti-flash-monitoring-of-investigations-into-the-assassination-of-president-jovenel-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34210-haiti-flash-arrest-of-one-of-the-intellectual-authors-of-the-assassination-of-president-moise-and-an-attempted-coup.html



Washington : diplomatic tributes

During the past two weeks of mourning, several members of the diplomatic corps in Washington D.C. made the trip to the Embassy of Haiti to pay tribute to the 58th President of Haiti, HE Mr. Jovenel Moise, assassinated on July 7, 2021.



Did you know ?

Despite the destruction of its infrastructure in 2010, the Art Center, a pillar in the Haitian cultural landscape, the Art Center has managed to save more than 5,000 works and 3,000 archive files today which are preserved and valued.



Tributes to President Moise in Cuba

A high-level Cuban delegation from Cuba went to the Embassy of Haiti in Havana to pay tribute and sign the condolence register in memory of the late President of Haiti Jovenel Moise, assassinated on July 7, 2021. This delegation was made up of Deputy Prime Minister Ines Maria Chapman Waugh; the Deputy Minister of External Relations Gerardo Penalver; the Director of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, Mr. Luis Mayo and the Ceremonial Director of the General Directorate of Protocol Oreste Perez.



Grand'Anse : Monitoring of the construction of the electricity distribution grid

Construction work on the electricity distribution network in the town center of the municipality of Corail (Grand'Anse) and those in the town center of the commune of Bonbon (Grand'Anse) are continuing at a rapid pace (laying of conductors).



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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Vaccine mandates is a loaded phrase right now, but its best to not forget there a
We want extraordinary things to happen in life. Sometimes these come through a qui
Hill County Board of Health will hold its quarterly meeting Wednesday, July 28, rescheduled from July 21, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Hill County Courthouse Annex meeting room in the Courthouse Annex, 302 Fourth Ave., Havre.

The meeting agenda is:

Call to order

Roll call

Approval of meeting minutes from April 21, 2021

Agenda corrections, additions or deletions

Items of old business:

Harmful algal bloom research project  updates

Hill County COVID-19 updates and vaccination program status  Kim Berg

Items of new business:

1. Montana Public Health Institute  Naloxone awareness, training and assistance  discussion

2. Public health system improvement grants and technical assistance  discussion

3. Review of Interlocal Agreement  City of Havre and Hill County  SB 80  amended cection 7-11-105 Montana Code Annotated, Handout

4. Review of city-county health board structure  discussion

Department reports

 Kim Berg  Health Department

 Bridget Kallenberger  PHEP/CD

 Megan Wilkie Family Planning

 Nicole Hungerford  WIC

 Clay Vincent Environmental Health

Public comment/open agenda

Closing remarks

Adjournment.

Upcoming meeting schedule, third Wednesday of the month, quarterly, January, April, July and October  The next quarterly Board of Health meeting is Oct. 20.
Multiple employees of the Great Northern Fairgrounds have publicly accused Fair Board member Bob Sivertsen of inappropriate and threatening behavior including trying to trap employees in horse stalls, damaging county property to prevent them from using air conditioning, and risking environmental damage to the grounds with antiquated methods of insect repellant.

When asked about the allegations, Sivertsen's only response was, "See you (in) court."

Sivertsen is a well-known figure in the area, a long-time rancher and inductee into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. He served in the state Legislature from 1974 to 1982, is a well-known local auctioneer and has announced many events at Great Northern Fairgrounds. He also has been president of the re-established Highway 2 Association that has pushed since 2001 to widen U.S. Highway 2 to four lanes across the state and has pushed to upgrade the Port of Wild Horse on the Canadian border north of Havre.

He also has publicly complained about the management and operation of the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center and made a failed attempt in 2019 to spearhead a boycott of Montana Hutterite colonies.

Havre Daily News attempted to contact other members of the fair board, the Hill County commissioners and Great Northern Fairgrounds manager Frank English.

English, who was the only source Havre Daily could find to contact other fairgrounds employees, has been out of town since Saturday and Havre Daily was unable to contact him.

The other fair board members and county commissioners had not responded to requests for comment by printing deadline this morning.

Among those alleging misconduct is Great Northern Fairgrounds Secretary Anita Stevenson, who called Sivertsen's behavior unstable and sometimes dangerous.

The most concerning of these incidents, she said, was one in which Sivertsen twice closed the door of a horse stall she was trying to clean out in preparation for 4-H's arrival at the Great Northern Fair, attempting to hold it closed until she acquiesced to his demands about work procedures.

Stevenson said Sivertsen apparently didn't like that she and another employee were shoveling the manure into the midway of the barn, so they could take it away with the fairground's tractor, instead preferring that they take it away one wheelbarrow at a time and keep the midway clean.

She said on top of the fact that Sivertsen has no authority to dictate how the job is done, and the one who does have that authority, Fairgrounds Manager Frank English, asked them to do it that way, she has some health-related issues that make the more labor-intensive procedure potentially dangerous given that it was over 100 degrees out already.

When she refused his request, she said, Sivertsen closed the stall door on her and held it shut in an attempt to trap her.

Stevenson said when she got the door open she told him never to do it again or she would call Hill County human resources, and when he tried to do it again almost immediately after, she made good on what she said.

As she was calling HR, she said, she heard screaming from inside the horse barn as Sivertsen had now trapped her co-worker, 18-year-old Allee Bartlett.

The screaming was so loud that the person on the other end of the line could hear the commotion and asked what was going on.

Stevenson said the incident has made Bartlett feel understandably unsafe around Sivertsen and she avoids him whenever she can, but the departure of groundskeeper James Logan, who Stevenson said quit to get away from Sivertsen's meddling, has left her with very few people to go to.

"When he quit Allee didn't have anyone she felt safe with out there," she said.

She said while she is absolutely furious with Sivertsen, she's ultimately not all that worried about herself, but Bartlett's well-being is another matter.

"I do have sour grapes but I'm not worried about me, I can handle myself," she said. "I do worry about Allee."

Stevenson said she told her coworker to call the police if Sivertsen ever tries to do something like that again.

Stevenson said while this was perhaps the most dramatic of Sivertsen's actions it is far from the only instance of this kind of behavior.

Another incident she described involved Sivertsen cutting wires in a county pickup truck to prevent employees from using the air conditioning which he felt was unnecessary even in triple digit weather.

Stevenson said this incident happened just before the Fourth of July when workers, including Logan, found the air conditioning in the vehicle disconnected along with a note from Sivertsen warning them not to use the air conditioning.

English reconnected the air conditioning for the workers who, upon returning to the vehicle later, found that Sivertsen had cut the wires.

"That's vandalism in my opinion," Stevenson said. "It's not his property, he had no right."

Stevenson said Sivertsen also spent a great deal of time undermining English in general, coming to the fairgrounds without his knowledge and not keeping the manager informed about anything he was doing.

She said he would often turn on and leave sprinklers going to water grass English had already watered, allowing massive pools to form in the midway.

Sivertsen, she said, also made a habit of pouring motor oil on the grounds to serve as mosquito repellant, potentially poisoning the ground.

"That stuff is toxic," she said.

Stevenson said she's worked at the fairgrounds for only a month, and Sivertsen has been doing these kinds of things since day one, and she's repulsed by the fact that the fair board has done nothing to stop or even reprimand him.

She said this isn't the first time concerns about Sivertsen have been brought to members of the board, but every time they're brought up board members do nothing, or worse make excuses for him.

"Every time something like this is brought up they have another excuse for Bob Sivertsen," she said. "They just brush it under the rug."

Stevenson said this is part of a pattern she's observed in which members of the board constantly blame English for the troubles at the grounds, insult his competence and make him a scapegoat, while protecting Sivertsen who regularly engages in inappropriate, and sometimes dangerous behavior, which she said is wildly hypocritical.

When asked for comment about the situation, English said he would prefer to let those on the receiving end of Sivertsen's behavior speak for themselves.

She said the fact that this situation has gone on for so long and no one has done anything about it shames the county.

"I'm disgusted," she said. ... They need to be proactive and realize that Bob is not an asset to the board. In fact, he's a huge embarrassment to the county in my opinion."

Stevenson said she isn't sure what the procedure for removal is for county boards, but the Hill County Commission should be looking into Sivertsen's fitness to serve on said board.

She said he should simply be removed from the board for his actions, actions she said he has made no effort to acknowledge or apologize for.
Editors note: This version corrects the connection between Montana Pool Service and Evergreen Skateparks.

Girls on Shred, a division of The Montana Skatepark Association, will be hosting noncompetitive skateboarding clinics including in Havre and Big Sandy and on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation for girls and nonbinary people to learn to skate.

Clinics will be held at skateparks in Lincoln and Great Falls Aug. 9, Big Sandy Aug. 10, Box Elder Aug. 11, Havre and Malta Aug. 12, Shelby and Browning Aug. 13 and Whitefish Aug. 14.

Girls on Shred Executive Director Samantha Veysey Gibbons said in an email exact times for the clinics have not been announced.

Veysey Gibbons said all volunteers are vaccinated for COVID-19 and masks and hand sanitizer will be provided.

"We took 2020 off from skateboard events and decided to use our funding for the canceled clinics to buy folks in need of gear to continue their skateboard progression during the pandemic. It was a joyous occasion when we finally hosted our first skateboard clinic this summer. We really missed meeting new people and sharing our collective love for skateboarding," she added.

Veysey Gibbons said the clinics, which have always been free, are laid back, and organizers try to create an inviting and friendly space for all participants.

"We provide extra skateboards, padding, and helmets to those who don't have their own, so if you're planning on attending all you'll need are sole-toed shoes and some water to stay hydrated. We have volunteers to help give advice to those that want it, however most of our events end up feeling more like a skate jam than an official clinic," she continued.

After first holding snowboarding clinics for women in west central Montana in 2010, the MSA website says Girls on Shred began holding skateboarding clinics as well in 2015.

"We started in 2010 as a carefree non-competitive snowboard event that happened once a year at Montana Snowbowl. Over the years we added on more and more snowboard and skateboard clinics, mostly around Missoula and at Lost Trail Ski Area," Veysey Gibbons said.

"We became a non-profit under the Montana Skatepark Association in 2019 where we've been able to flourish into a more official organization and have access to more fundraising, allowing us to host events all around the state and the (Pacific Northwest). Our goal is to empower female and non-binary people through boardsports," she continued.

Veysey Gibbons said Girls on Shred is working with Montana Pool Service to make the first Girls on Shred skateboard decks, the designs which Veysey Gibbons said are being printed on skateboards this week.

Montana Pool Service works with Evergreen Skateparks to develope skateparks for communities across Montana.

Veysey Gibbons said Jeff Ament of the band Pearl Jam has helped Girls on Shred a ton over the last few years, especially with gear donations for Girls on Shred to use and give away at its events. Girls on Shred and Jeff Ament's Army are divisions of the Montana Skatepark Association.

Ament, who grew up in Big Sandy and now lives in Missoula, has been an avid skateboarder since his teenage years and has helped build multiple skateparks including in Big Sandy, Rocky Boy, Havre and Hays. Ament and Montana Pool Service recently came to Havre to clean graffiti off the Havre skatepark.

Starting in 2000, the Montana Skatepark Association has been providing support, consulting and funding for Montana communities looking to expand recreational opportunities. The association website says it is 100 percent volunteer-based and all the money it receives is spent on building skateparks and skateboarding communities.

Veysey Gibbons said the easiest way to stay connected with Girls on Shred is to follow @GIRLSONSHRED on Instagram. She said people not on social media can email [email protected] with any questions.
Local students advance to nationals in history contest

Performing in "The Rambling House," from left, were Lillian Riddle, Callie McCall, Landon Pierron, Katy Sue Malt and Katherine Grady.

Several students from two local homeschool programs advanced to the national level of competition in the 2021 National History Day Contest.

An annual event, the contest invites students to select a topic related to the theme and create a project in one of five categories: documentary, website, exhibit, performance or paper. Students began competition at the regional level (coordinated by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources) and then advanced to state and national levels if awarded first or second place. This year's theme was Communication in History: A Key to Understanding.

National History Day fosters skills in research, writing and communication as it requires all entries to develop a product, an annotated bibliography and then to defend their work to a panel of judges. Some parts of the process were adapted this year to comply with Covid-19 restrictions.

Classical Scholars, a middle homeschool cooperative based in Mills River, created three projects this year and one of them, a junior group performance, won 2nd place in the nation and a $500 prize.

"Theres No Place Like Home: How Military Carrier Pigeons Provided a Vital Means of Communication During World War I," is a junior group performance presented by Campbell Hodge, Ava Karis Renegar, and Kerrigan Wankel. Although many believed modern technology, such as radio and telegraph, to be superior forms of communication, military carrier pigeons would prove the most efficient means for understanding the conditions and needs of troops during World War 1, saving thousands of lives. The team interviewed a local pigeon fancier, David Velez.

Two documentaries were also created:

"Comics At War: How Superheroes Were Used to Communicate American Virtues and Foster Patriotism Starting With World War II," a junior group documentary created by Jonah Hardin, Kyle Malt, Jeremy Owens, and Mark Walton. In the midst of a war being fought on foreign shores, comic book superheroes communicated a sense of hope to the American people leading them to understand their role in the war effort. By creating relatable characters big enough to defeat enemies Americans faced, not only were war bonds sold, but the next generation would be influenced by their patriotic ideals of Truth, Justice, and the American way. The team interviewed Dr. James J. Kimble from Seton Hall University, as well as a local comic book collector, Brad Rogers. Comics at War qualified for Nationals.

"For Truths Sake: How the Library Company of Philadelphia Communicated an Understanding of Our National Identity Through Shared Knowledge Provided by Access to Resources and Books Throughout the Country," a junior group documentary created by Kate Johnson and Jenkins Cowan. The Library Company of Philadelphia, was a public library founded by a group called the Junto Club. The common desire to advance knowledge for the benefit of mankind knit together an imagined community which transcended religious and political divisions and its leader was one of Americas Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. The team interviewed James Green, librarian at The Library Company of Philadelphia.

Great Expectations, a high school homeschool cooperative, also based in Mills River, created four projects. One of them, a senior group performance, was awarded a coveted prize that celebrates Irish history and grants the recipients a cash prize or airplane tickets to Ireland. The two performance groups, both of which qualified for nationals, were:

"The Rambling House: How Irish Storytellers Communicated History to Preserve and Understand Culture," a senior group performance presented by Katherine Grady, Katy Sue Malt, Callie McCall, Landon Pierron and Lillian Riddle. Throughout centuries of repression, Irish storytellers communicated their culture and fostered historical understanding for future generations. Stories provided an essential form of societal communication for the Irish, and it became their key to understanding. The team interviewed an Irish storyteller and a local author and storyteller, Pepper Basham.

"Sweeping the Clouds Away: How Sesame Street Understood the Importance of Diversity and Communicated it to our Youngest Citizens," a senior group performance presented by Isaac Brown, Selah Grady, Cyrus Hardin, Ashley Jarrett and Hayla Smith. In 1961, 98% of American homes had a television, prompting the chair of the FCC, to issue a challenge to the lords of television to do better. Young children all across the world were plugged into these impressionable devices. However, in 1969 a new concept in childrens television programming was introduced. Sesame Street communicated social issues through relatable and diverse characters and for over 50 years has been deliberately populated with the most racially diverse cast that public television has ever seen, communicating a better understanding of each other and our world. The team visited the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta and interviewed the curator regarding the role of Sesame Street in childrens television.

And two documentaries were also created:
Tuxedo to celebrate Homer Levi's 100th birthday on Saturday

James Homer Levi, who dropped out of school in the sixth grade to work at Mondamin Dairy milking cows and deliver ice and milk to Lake Summit residents, recalls that it was a 14-mile walk around the lake.

Levi went on four years later to get a job at the local cotton mill, along with his older siblings and later still spent 33 years as a supervisor at Cranston Print Works in Fletcher, retiring in 1984.

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday adopted a resolution honoring Levi, who turns 100 years old on Aug. 2.

A native of the Bob's Creek community, Levi is from a family that has resided in the Green River community for more than

eight generations. In September 1942, he joined the United States Army to serve in World War II. Although the Army intended to send him to the South Pacific, the ship transporting him and 500 other soldiers to Guadalcanal took a blow, disabling it off of the coast of Panama, the resolution said. The orders for the men aboard the ship were destroyed in the explosion and they waited for several months in Panama until they received new orders to stay in Panama and guard the canal against possible enemy attack.

After the war, Levi returned to Henderson County and married Ruth Freeman, also a native of Henderson County, and raised their two children, Steve and Marsha. A member of Tuxedo Baptist Church, Levi is "very dedicated to the church and to leadership in the community," his great-nephew, the late Theron Maybin, once said of him.

A birthday celebration will be held for Levi at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 31, in the Fellowship Building of Tuxedo First Baptist Church. The public is invited.
MUSIC fans can get a flavour of next weeks Henley Jazz Workshop when five of the tutors band together to play the Crooked Billet in Stoke Row.

The concert on Tuesday (July 27) features Crooked Billet regular Andy Crowdy alongside David Newton, Karen Sharp, Max Brittain and Alex Garnett.

The pubs chef patron Paul Clerehugh said: Five of the top musicians on the European jazz scene are coming together to play jazz, swing and Latin. Expect top-drawer music and a good few laughs.

Andy Crowdy is one of the UKs top jazz bass players. He has been touring with Joe Brown and continues to work with Moscow Drug Club  you can catch them in the Mirror Tent at the Henley Festival this year.

He plays for John Etheridges Sweet Chorus as well as leading gypsy jazz guitarists such as Angelo DeBarre, Fapy Lafertin and Gary Potter and has toured Europe, Australia and the US with Lillian Boutte.

David Newton is principal lecturer in jazz piano at Leeds College of Music and has been voted best UK jazz pianist at the British Jazz Awards many times.

Karen Sharp started her career touring with Humphrey Lytteltons band after she graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music. Inspired to play the tenor sax by two giants of improvisation, Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins, she has won the tenor saxophone category at the British Jazz Awards on numerous occasions.

Guitarist Max Brittain has performed at all the major UK concert venues and has toured extensively throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. His jazz career includes work with Humphrey Lyttelton, Terry Lightfoot, Jamie Cullum and Ronnie Scott among others.

In 1990 he was invited to establish the electric guitar faculty at Eton College and was senior visiting teacher until he retired in 2017 in order to concentrate on performing, composing and arranging jazz.

Alex Garnett has been one of the leading sax players in the UK and Europe for more than two decades, being instantly recognisable by his dark, husky sound. He has performed with artists including Van Morrison, Evan Panker and the Rolling Stones.

The Crooked Billets full menu will be available on the night and a music cover charge of 15 will apply. To book, call (01491) 681048.

For more information on the Henley Jazz Workshop, visit www.henleyjazzworkshop.co.uk
As most of you are aware, the metrics we use to track the prevalence of COVID-19 are going up across Georgia  both the number of cases and the percentage of those tested who receive a positive result  which means that the number of COVID positive inpatients in our hospitals is also increasing. Whether this is due to the July 4 holiday weekend or the Delta variant, or some combination of both, the result is the same: we need everyone to continue doing everything they can to protect themselves, their friends, and their family.

This means that if you have not been vaccinated, please do so as soon as possible. Given the timeframe between shots for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, as well as the number of days before all three vaccines reach full efficacy against the virus, the time to act is NOW.

If you have been vaccinated, this is also the time to talk to your family, friends and neighbors who might be on the fence about getting their shot. Nearly all of the patients in the hospital with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. While there have been a few cases of the disease breaking through the vaccine, most of these have been asymptomatic or mild cases of the illness. Simply put, if you get the COVID-19 vaccine, you will not be as sick as an unvaccinated person who contracts COVID-19. And those we are seeing in our hospitals are trending younger.

You can find all the information you need on the COVID-19 vaccines, including answers to frequently asked questions, at piedmont.org/covid-19/vaccine.

Lastly, Id like to remind everyone to continue to practice the 3 Ws; wash your hands, wear a mask, and watch your distance. While CDC guidance has been relaxed regarding masks and social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated, when you are in situations when you dont know that everyone is vaccinated, the safest route is to practice all three. It is also safer to attend activities outdoors when possible and to avoid crowds indoors.

Henry County has demonstrated a fantastic level of support for our staff during the pandemic. Your prayers and acts of kindness are appreciated more than youll ever know. What we need more than anything right now is for everyone to take COVID-19 seriously, get vaccinated, and help us end this surge of the pandemic.
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Billy James Daniel, 85, of Wolfe City, passed away on July 23, 2021 at Oak Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Commerce, with his family by his side. Billy was born in Wolfe City, Texas on July 13, 1936, the son of Samuel Daniel and Eliza Phillips Daniel. He began his career in the gr
When it comes to wasting time, theres no one better than the Texas House of Representatives. They come together every couple of years, throw a bunch of bad ideas against the wall and see what sticks.
FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2021, file photo, a woman, who was identified only by her initials S.A., one of three New Zealand nationals, is escorted by a Turkish police officer, left, to the local courthouse in Hatay, Turkey. New Zealand on Monday, July 26, 2021 agreed to repatriate the alleged Islamic State militant and her two young children, who have been detained in Turkey since February.
Provo, UT (84601)

Today

Mainly clear. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Mainly clear. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable.
Nashua - Linda Susan Mason, with her husband of 21 years at her side, passed on June 15, 2021 at the Hillsborough County Nursing Home in Goffstown, N.H. Linda was born on June 26, 1947, in Lawrence, Mass. to William and Elizabeth (Tuttle) Case. She warmly remembered her childhood, spent in N
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Dr. Anthony Fauci warned on Sunday that the United States is going in the "wrong direction" as COVID-19 infections spread throughout the country due to unvaccinated individuals.

Fauci Warns Amidst the Increasing New Numbers of COVID-19 Cases

Dr. Anthony Fauci said on CNN's "State of the Union" that He is not so sure it would be the worst-case scenario, but for him, it is not going to be good. He also added that the country is going in the wrong direction in its fight against the new variant of COVID-19.

Fauci also presented a model projecting that if vaccination rates do not increase, the country may see 4,000 virus-related fatalities every day. Fauci claims that the nation has the "tools" to "bend" the model's projected trajectory, using vaccines as an example. Vaccines have been shown to be effective against serious illness.

However, 50 percent or half of the population is not completely immunized. That is a critical issue, especially with novel variants like Delta, which have the unique ability to travel quickly and readily from person to person, according to a recently published article in New York Post.

Read Also: COVID-19 Inoculation Rates Spike Up in States With Most Number of Infections

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention May Update its Mask Guidelines

Top health officials in the Biden administration are having "preliminary discussions" on whether vaccinated individuals should wear masks in public again. The discussions are in their "preliminary stages," according to The Washington Post, and the outcome may be as simple as a new message from senior White House officials.

Officials warned that any new official advice would have to come from the CDC and that the White House has adopted a hands-off approach with the agency to ensure that scientists' work is not hampered. However, the high-level talks indicate a fresh emphasis on what controls may need to be restored to limit the spread of the delta variant throughout the administration.

According to two individuals involved with the discussions, one proposal floated by some authorities is to require all Americans to wear masks when vaccinated, and unvaccinated persons mingle in public areas or inside, such as malls or movie theaters.

CDC Director Says Pandemic Among the Unvaccinated

In a recently published article in Yahoo News, Dr. Rochelle Walensky has said many times that this is a pandemic among the unvaccinated and that this is a problem that mostly affects the unvaccinated, which is why they are out there almost begging the unvaccinated to be vaccinated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 states have failed to vaccinate at least half of their population completely. The daily average of individuals being completely vaccinated was the lowest it has been since the end of January as of Friday.

Some local health authorities have given tougher mask advice than their federal colleagues to halt the increase in cases. In most circumstances, the CDC still believes that fully vaccinated individuals are safe without masks. All forms of the COVID-19 vaccination, including the Delta variant, substantially decrease the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, although infection is still possible.

Related Article: Mask Guidance Amidst the Delta Variant, Here's What Experts Say



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The former White House physician, Rep. Ronny Jackson, stated on Thursday that he believes President Biden would retire due to his poor cognitive skills.

Jackson Believes Something Serious Is Going on With Biden

In a recently published article in The Hill, former White House Physician Ronny Jackson said that there is something serious going on with Biden right now, and he believes that either Biden will resign, or they will convince him to resign from office at some point in the near future due to medical issues, or they will have to use the 25th Amendment to remove him right now.

During an interview with Jackson, Hannity said that Biden would fail a cognitive test, reiterating a Republican allegation that the president's health is deteriorating. Sean Hannity also slammed Biden's answers from the day before during a CNN town hall, calling some of them "totally unintelligible."

Hannity also asked Jackson, "Donald Trump took a cognitive test. He got 30 out of 30 right. I hear it's a very difficult test. I do not think Joe Biden would do well on that test. Is that a fair assessment based on what I'm observing?" according to a published article in MSN News.

Read Also: Cawthorn Urges to Indict Jill Biden For Being "Cruel" to "Mentally Unstable" Joe Biden, Claims Republicans Will Prosecute Fauci

Jackson Believes Biden Needs Cognitive Test

Biden's rambling performance on CNN on Wednesday night, which was widely mocked on social media, included false claims about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and talked about helping kids "find out whether there's a man on the moon or whether those aliens are here or not." He even referenced to obscure conspiracy theories that confused the audience.

Meanwhile, Jackson said that Biden was messed up. The former White House Physician also shared a video clip from this week in which Biden strangely responded to a reporter's inquiry on police defunding by saying that Republicans accuse him of "sucking the blood out of kids," according to a published report in the New York Post.

Moreover, Jackson also mentioned during the interview that something is going on. He said this while he was running for president, and he continued to insist that it will only get worse and that they are seeing it unfold right now in front of everyone's eyes.

Biden Needs to Prove He Is Mentally Fit To Perform

In June, Jackson, who served as the White House physician for both Trump and Obama, distributed a letter signed by more than a dozen Republicans, urging Biden to undergo a cognitive test to show he is mentally competent to serve as president.

Republican lawmakers said that the American people deserve to know the mental capabilities of the country's most powerful official. In May, White House officials said that Biden will undergo his annual medical checkup "later this year" and that the findings would be made public.

Jackson, on the other hand, has been dogged by controversy for remarks he made about Trump's health. Even though Trump ate fast food and did not exercise, he termed Trump's nutrition "great" during a White House briefing in 2018.

Related Article: Joe Biden's Health: 'Something's Not Right' says Former White House Physician



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During his time as vice president, Joe Biden used a personal email account to convey State Department intelligence to his son, Hunter. Some of the messages were personal, while others dealt with politics or business. Information from top White House officials, State Department officials, and other government departments was included in many of the emails.

Concerns about the usage of a private email server may indicate a conflict of interest, and the services are more vulnerable to hackers than protected government accounts. Biden is reported to have gone by the aliases Robin Ware, Robert L. Peters, and JRB ware.

Joe Biden used various private accounts, pseudonyms

According to Fox News, a staffer in the Vice President's Office, John Flynn, sent Biden his daily agenda to his private email address, Robert.L.Peters@pci.gov, while copying in Hunter for at least four weeks in 2016. Between May 18 and June 15, 2016, there were ten similar emails copied to Hunter.

Hunter was paid $83,333 per month to sit on the board of Burisma Holdings Ltd, a corrupt Ukrainian energy firm, at the time. He began working at Burisma in 2014 and resigned just two months after his father stepped down as vice president.

Biden threatened Poroshenko with withholding $1 billion in US funding unless he removed Ukraine's top prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who was probing Burisma's owner, Mykola Zlochevsky, only months earlier. Shokin was dismissed from office in March 2016 after being extensively accused of corruption.

Officials from the State Department are believed to have tried to express concerns about Hunter's connection with Burisma directly with Biden, but their comments were dismissed. On March 26, 2012, Joe Biden sent a forwarded email to Hunter and his brother Beau, who was the Delaware attorney general, using one of his alias private emails, RobinWare456@gmail.com.

It caused major concerns since the executive was also being investigated by a Ukrainian prosecutor, who was forced to resign when Joe used $1 billion in American assistance money to remove him. Joe Biden has previously denied ever granting Hunter's business partners access to him or the White House. Hunter Biden's complicated family sagas and foreign business transactions have been revealed (thanks to a laptop reportedly formerly held by the president's son).

Read Also: Joe Biden Loses Track in Another Blunder While Speaking to Half-Empty CNN Town Hall

Hunter Biden's laptop revelations

This month, Daily Mail reported that Hunter organized White House and vice-presidential residence meetings with his father for two Mexican billionaires with whom he was arranging multibillion-dollar business projects and Joe flew Hunter and his business partner to Mexico on Air Force 2. DailyMail.com also uncovered last month that when Joe Biden was still in office, former FBI Director Louis Freeh, who represented a corrupt Romanian property tycoon alongside Hunter, talked with Joe about joining his consultancy business in 2017.

In the email conversation, Hunter Biden expresses his concern over Beau's possible compensation, writing, "My main concern is that he has at least that much income guaranteed for two years. He's been offered that by Stuart Grant in return for joining his firm and being available to Stuart for client development."

The strategy appears to have entailed a gradual rollout until Joe Biden was ready to join the company, as per NY Post. The emails' wording suggests that the plan for then-Vice President Joe Biden to join the firm when the Obama administration ended was already in place, casting more doubt on Biden's assertions that he was unaware of his son's business activities.

However, the Biden-led business never got off the ground, and a few months before his death in May 2015, Beau Biden took a position with Stuart Grant, a Delaware attorney, and Democratic Party fundraiser. The fresh email revelations follow data released last month that indicated President Biden met with Mexican billionaires and other business associates of Hunter Biden in 2014.

In April 2019, a water-damaged MacBook Pro was left off for repair at a Delaware computer store, but the person who dropped it off never came back to pick it up. In December of that year, the FBI seized the laptop.

Related Article: Hunter's Laptop Reveals How Joe Biden Meets with Son's Business Partners in Vice President's Office in 2014



@YouTube

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A landslide in northern India sent rocks tumbling down a mountain and colliding with a vehicle, killing at least nine individuals, many of whom were tourists, and damaging a bridge.

A dramatic video shows stones tumbling into a valley in Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state. According to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the vehicle was transporting 11 individuals.

In addition to the nine people killed, two more were injured, as well as a passer-by. According to local news outlets, the passengers killed in the vehicle were tourists from India's capital, Delhi, and other parts of the nation.

India experiences landslides amid excessive rain

Per The Globe and Mail, ITBP troops rushed to the scene near Badseri village in Himachal Pradesh's mountainous Kinnaur district to launch a rescue operation, according to ANI. According to television footage, the Batseri bridge in the Kinnaur area crumbled, and other cars were damaged as stones moved downhill due to landslides.

The accident caused by a landslide in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh is extremely sad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter. He sends his sincere sympathies to the families of those who have died as a result of this tragedy. The Prime Minister vows to prepare the arrangements for individuals injured in the accident.

The event occurs as India faces days of landslides and flooding caused by torrential monsoon rains in the western region of the nation, which have killed at least 113 people and wounded 50 others. More than 130,000 people were rescued from almost 900 impacted villages throughout Maharashtra, including Ratnagiri district and Kolhapur, according to a government spokesperson.

The navy also sent rescue crews with boats to the area, as well as helicopters to remove stranded individuals. Officials said Talai, 168 miles (270 kilometers) south of Mumbai, was one of the worst-affected villages, with 59 homes buried by a huge landslide on Thursday, as per Sky News.

On Sunday, rescuers discovered two more dead, bringing the total number of people killed to 42, with an unknown number still missing. Rescue operations were hampered by bad weather, tough terrain, and huge debris, according to state official Sagar Pathak.

During the June-September monsoon season, when excessive rain undermines the foundations of constructions that are typically poorly designed, landslides and flooding are prevalent in India. Experts believe the severe rains along India's western coast are consistent with how rainfall patterns have changed in the region in recent years as a result of climate change, as the Arabian Sea warms, resulting in more cyclones and more intense rainfall over shorter periods. Over 30 people were killed in landslides in and around Mumbai over the weekend.

Read Also: Fatal, Untreatable "Superbug" Spreads from Patients in Two Cities; CDC Warns Global Health Threat

Several rescue staff deployed in devastated states

As a result of the heavy rains that have devastated numerous states throughout India, up to 150 NDRF personnel have been deployed in relief and rescue operations. Maharashtra has expanded the number of rescue squads in response to the rising number of floods.

In the state alone, 34 special rescue groups are deployed. Several other states are experiencing flood-like conditions, with eight NDRF teams deployed in Telangana, seven in Karnataka, and several in Assam, among others. Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, took a trip to flood-ravaged Chiplun, where he met with authorities and local representatives to assess the damage, Republic World reported.

Related Article: Pandemic, Epidemic, Monsoon? India Battered As At Least 100 Dead in Floods and Landslides

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Almost two-thirds of the female staff in the UK military reported bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment while serving in the force, as revealed by a parliamentary report on Sunday.

The UK defense subcommittee described its investigation of the treatment of female military staff as "one of the most important" inquiries in its history. The report noted that about 62% of respondents revealed they had experienced some form of bullying, discrimination, or harassment while serving in the force.

Bullying, Discrimination, Sexual Harassment

The report included the testimony of more than 4,100 women in the military, including staff and veterans. The reports were given as confidential public evidence and included gang rape, sexual assault by drugs, sexual exploitation of under-18s, and "trophies" or contests to "bag the women" on camp or on ships.

Some of the victims also said they were bullied for refusing sexual advances from co-workers and were only able to observe as their friends were attacked by men because they were "too afraid to report it."

In a statement, Sarah Atherton, chair of the subcommittee on women in the Armed Forces, said that despite the military coming a long way in recent years, the current situation is still proof that the world is a man's world, CNN reported. Atherton added that the current Complaints system left victims hesitant to report their experiences.

The complaints system and military court system denied justice to women who are victims of serious sexual offenses. Most of the victims said that the military did not do enough to address the problem and the alleged crimes.

Read Also: Internet Outage Affects Multiple Websites Including Akamai, Amazon, and Google; 911 Services Go Down

Atherton noted that the fact that conviction rates in military courts were four to six times lower than civilian courts was not right.

The report was also the first time that the Ministry of Defense lifted the restriction of not allowing military personnel to partake in the agency's inquiries. The report also urged authorities to hand over cases of rape and sexual assault from military courts to civilian courts. It called for the creation of a new defense authority independent from the chain of command to investigate the accusations of bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment, Military reported.

What Was Achieved?

The incident came after the head of British armed forces said the UK military was not defeated in Afghanistan. The statement as the nation ordered the withdrawal of most of its soldiers in the war-torn country.

Chief of Defense Staff General Sir Nick Carter said the terrorist attacks such as 9/11 were prevented from occurring in Afghanistan during the time the military was stationed there. The military official said he continued to remember the 457 UK lives that were lost that day.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the withdrawal of most of Britain's troops from Afghanistan. He said that there could "never be a perfect moment" to order the soldiers to go home but noted that the UK military's presence in the region was never meant to be permanent.

The orders came after Lucy Aldridge, the mother of William Aldridge, who died at 18 years old in 2009, questioned the military's objectives in Afghanistan. She asked what the government was able to achieve that they sacrificed so many lives, BBC reported.

Related Article: Britain Deploys Two Patrol Ships to Indo-Pacific After China's Nuke Threat to Japan

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In the face of a massive Taliban assault, a top U.S. military commander says airstrikes would continue to help Afghan troops as the militia continues to advance.

U.S. Troops Will Continue to Support Afghan Forces

In a recently published article in The Washington Post, a top US military general has said that the US would continue to conduct airstrikes in support of Afghan forces, despite an uptick in Taliban assaults ahead of the departure of the U.S. and other foreign troops from Afghanistan.

Last week, the U.S. troops bombed Taliban strongholds in at least four airstrikes, including in Kandahar, the Taliban's birthplace in the southern region. According to military authorities, militants have surrounded and taken control of certain sections of the province capital, as well as nearly half of the country's district headquarters.

Additionally, a Top U.S. Military General said several of the attacks occurred amid "close fighting" between Afghan forces and the Taliban. According to the military official, recent attacks were carried out at the request of Afghan troops, including the destruction of stolen vehicles and weaponry.

Read Also: US Troops Afghanistan Withdrawal: It Has Began, Top General Says

Head of the U.S. Central Command Released a Statement

The frequency of airstrikes has risen as the Taliban gains more land, according to Marine Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie, the commander of US Central Command, who took over responsibility for US operations in Afghanistan this month, according to a recently published article in ALJAZEERA.

He said in a statement "We are prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks. We're taking airstrikes as we need to take them," according to a recently published article in France 24.

McKenzie reaffirmed that the U.S. airstrikes in support of Afghan troops would stop on August 31, when President Biden has said that the mission will be over and the U.S. departure will be complete. Following that, the primary emphasis will be on logistical assistance through contractors, such as Afghan aircraft maintenance. According to McKenzie, some of them will be evacuated to another nation, refurbished, and then returned to Afghanistan.

Will Airstrikes Stop After the Full Withdrawal of the U.S. Troops

In a recently published article in MSN News, according to the Pentagon, the U.S. pullout is approximately 95% complete. Approximately 650 US military personnel will stay in Afghanistan to protect the US Embassy and Kabul's international airport.

Meanwhile, McKenzie would not go so far as to declare that the US will not attack Taliban targets in support of Afghanistan's beleaguered forces. After the deadline, Obama has said that there would be a high bar for airstrikes: militants plotting terrorist acts on the US homeland or against allies.

As the U.S. presence in Afghanistan decreases, Afghan troops face the prospect of losing intelligence and aerial attack capabilities at the same time that the Taliban continues their territorial push, which has included allegations of mass killings in some areas, including Kandahar province, according to Human Rights Watch.

Furthermore, McKenzie expressed confidence in the Afghan Air Force, which has carried out many airstrikes of its own. Officials from the United States have staked a large wager that the air force built in their image would be a decisive element in the fight against the Taliban and a significant edge over the terrorists.

Related Article: US Military Destroys Equipment Before Leaving Afghanistan



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The Tunisian President Kais Saied on Sunday likened his presidential election victory in 2019 as a new revolution. He then brought numerous supporters onto the streets due to his freezing of the parliament and dismissal of the government in a move that his detractors touted as a "coup."

Tunisia's president stated he would fill in the executive role with the aid of a new PM. This is the largest obstacle yet to the democratic system that the country introduced in an uprising in 2011.

People Flooding to Protest

Numerous people rapidly flooded the capital and other cities. They honked car horns and hollered in scenes that recounted the revolution. This uprising incited the Arab Spring demonstrations that shook off the Middle East.

The new guidelines arrive hours following protesters marching in the streets in many regions of the nation. They were calling out the parliament to be dissolved and the government to tender resignation.

The nation went through an economic slowdown due to public tumult and attacks by militant rebels since a revolution that ignited the Arab Spring rebellion of 2010-2011.

Tunisian President's Facebook Announcement

The declaration of the Tunisian president was expressed in a video broadcast on the Tunisian Presidency on the Facebook's page. This happened following an urgent meeting that the president had with senior security authorities.

Saied also declared that he annulled the immunity of all parliament members, reported Xinhuanet.

This is the largest obstacle yet to a 2014 democratic constitution that divided the powers between prime minister, president, and parliament. Against a fragile government and divided parliament, the scope of backing for Saied's actions was not made clear. Saied also cautioned against any brutal retaliation, reported Reuters.

Read Also: China Opposes Wuhan Lab Leak Theory As COVID-19 Origin, But WHO Still Uncertain

According to Saied in a statement, "Many people were deceived by hypocrisy, treachery and robbery of the rights of the people. I warn any who think of resorting to weapons... and whoever shoots a bullet, the armed forces will respond with bullets," reported The Hindu.

Under article 80 of the constitution, the president declared such guidelines following an emergency Carthage Palace meeting. Saied continued, after the announcement of his decisions that the Tunisian people as of now go on with their uprising under the shadow of validity. He added they will make efforts towards the application of the law to all people equally.

Tunisian Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi blamed the president of initiating an overthrowing against the constitution.

According to Ghannouchi, they regard the organizations to remain in place. He added the supporters of the Tunisian public and Ennahdha will defend the uprising.

Saied joined his supporters in the street littered with the central Habib Bourguiba Avenue. This place is the central point of the revolution in 2011.

Military vehicles, hours following the statement, flanked the parliament establishment as crowds in proximity sang the national anthem and cheered.

Years of corruption, paralysis, rising unemployment, and declining state services had already jaded numerous Tunisians regarding their political system.

Related Article: Iraq Bomb Explosion Records 35 Fatalities, 60 Wounded in Baghdad

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Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been three waves of stimulus payments. However, as of now, neither the White House nor Congress has authorized a fourth round of stimulus checks; and it is unclear if they will approve a fourth round of stimulus checks in the future.

That hasn't stopped rumors from spreading on social media about the federal government issuing a fourth stimulus check, especially a $2,500 payment on July 30. On July 15, a false social media post on Facebook promised that everyone would get $2,500 in stimulus money by July 30. A link to a post that tells you what you need to do to get yours immediately deposited, how to receive it faster, and how to monitor it, is provided at the end of the post.

Per The Sun, the message then links to a page that purports to explain how to have checks "directly deposited" but leads to a picture of an ape giving people the middle finger. The terrible prank comes at a time when millions of Americans are appealing with Congress for a fourth stimulus check.

The White House, on the other hand, has not stated whether or not a fresh batch would be released. Since the beginning of the pandemic, three stimulus checks have been issued: one in March 2020 for $1,200, one in December 2020 for $600, and a third for $1,400. The last stimulus check was passed under the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, which also provided more money to families with children than the previous two stimulus checks.

However, there is a chance that the White House may enact a fourth stimulus package after all. In June, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the president is "open to a range of ideas" about a fourth check and hasn't ruled it out. However, as the country recovers from Covid-19 and begins to reopen, there appears to be little chance that a fourth stimulus check will be made.

Read Also: $1,000 Thank You Stimulus Checks: Which States Will Distribute It and Who Are Eligible for the Relief Money?

If not a fourth stimulus check, what should you wait for instead?

Members of Congress have authorized the third batch of relief payments, which are already being distributed. President Joe Biden signed this measure into law in March of 2021. Almost all of the stimulus payments have now been distributed. The overall cost of all of these payments is $400 billion. This package includes your stimulus check.

According to the IRS's notice on Wednesday, about 2.2 million further stimulus payments were already made in June and July. Around 1.3 million of these stimulus payments were intended for beneficiaries who were getting their checks for the first time. These are Americans who have not had their information entered into the IRS database.

These are the Americans who did not get a stimulus check prior to submitting their 2020 tax returns. The remaining 900,000 stimulus recipients received "plus-up" payments. Just those Americans who have gotten only partial or incomplete stimulus relief will get these payments, Digital Market News reported.

You may be entitled to a plus-up relief payment if you did not get the full amount of your stimulus payment. Because many Americans submitted their tax returns for 2020 after the stimulus checks were released in March 2021, these plus-up relief checks were provided. As a result, if a family's income has decreased, they are entitled to a larger payment. However, the IRS refused to give it to them since their 2020 tax returns had not yet been finalized.

More stimulus checks are on their way

The US government has continued to send out stimulus checks to its citizens, with 2.2 million distributed in the previous six weeks. Although this is the third round of stimulus checks, it serves as a refresher and so functions similarly to the fourth stimulus check.

These 2.2 million payments increase the overall number of payments to 171 million, with a total cost of $400 billion reported by the IRS, Treasury Department, and Bureau of the Fiscal Service. Citizens in the United States are now receiving money in the form of stimulus checks as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in March.

The money that people are receiving now is referred to as plus-up payments by the IRS because some US residents could not qualify for the full $1,400 owing to their 2019 taxes but would have been able to form their 2020 return, thus this has been remedied. It is estimated that 900,000 individuals are affected. The remaining 1.3 million people, on the other hand, had not gotten any financial help via stimulus checks since the IRS was unable to contact them. But now that they have registered, they are entitled to receive funds from the US government, as per MARCA.

Related Article: Still Waiting For Your Stimulus Check? Here's What to Do to Find, Track Payments

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Gaza was bombarded by several jets that unloaded explosive armaments as the Israel Defense Force (IDF) retaliated against a previous attack that used incendiary balloons to burn down areas in southern Israel.

In a statement, the IDF said that its attacks were focused on a terrorist group and the buildings that they allegedly operated inside a Hamas military base. The warplanes attacked unspecified "infrastructure and utilities used for activities."

Violent Aircraft Bombings

However, the alleged terrorist base was adjacent to civilian sites, including a school for children, to which the agency did not provide further details about. The Hamas-affiliated al-Resalah said that Israel aircraft flew over and bombarded areas in the Western parts of Gaza City before heading over to the eastern region of Khan Younis. Despite the attacks, there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Terrorists reportedly fired machine guns targeting the Israeli aircraft over the Gaza strip while the planes were bombarding the areas. The violent insurrection groups were able to strike down a drone for their efforts.

A spokesperson for the IDF said the military did not have information regarding reports of drones that were taken down. The army was the one that announced the attack was made in retaliation for the incendiary balloons, the Times of Israel reported.

Hazem Qasim, a Haman spokesperson, criticized Israel's attacks and called them a "failed attempt to show its own impotent power and restore its army's battered image after it was shaken."

Read Also: Joe Biden Reportedly Uses Private Email Accounts, Fake Names to Send Government Info to Hunter During Term as VP

The Coordinator of Government Operations in the Territories (COGAT) Maj.-Gen. Ghassan Alian on Sunday announced that the fishing zone in the Gaza strip would be restricted to only six nautical miles down from 12 nautical miles.

The restriction came only 12 days after authorities expanded the Gaza fishing zone's reach from nine to 12 nautical miles amid the peaceful times that were observed in the weeks prior. The COGAT said in a statement that the Hamas group was responsible for the actions done in and out of the Gaza strip and towards Israel. He added they would bear the consequences of their violent acts, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Fragile Peace

In May, the confrontations between Israel and Gaza started after an 11-day peace. Egypt's fragile ceasefire was expected to not last long. While the temporary truce was governed by the United States, it did very little to address the actual problems between the two regions. Experts anticipated the quick return of violent attacks and counterattacks between the two parties.

The Palestinian government said that the ceasefire did nothing to prevent Israel from becoming aggressive in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. This led to the dissatisfaction of Palestinians that led to the rocket launches on May 10.

With the continued forced expulsions and house demolitions of Palestinian homes in occupied Jerusalem, Israeli settler break-ins have also surged. They have done so under the protection of Israeli security, which assisted their entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compounds.

Many international governments have pressured the Israeli government to stop the attacks to no avail. However, they have not doubled down on consequences that could be applied on the region if it continued its actions, Aljazeera reported.

Related Article: Former White House Physician Predicts Biden Will Resign, POTUS Needs To Take Cognitive Test

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Prince Harry's memoir would "destabilize the monarchy" and cause problems when Prince Charles succeeds to the throne, a royal expert fears. The alleged concerns appear to be connected to speculations that Prince Harry plans to publish a second book when the Queen dies, which a royal source fears may hinder the Queen's power handover to her oldest son, Prince Charles.

However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's attorneys quickly denied claims of a book scheduled to be released after the Queen's death, calling the allegations "false and defamatory." Harry has only indicated that he is working on a book, which he hopes to publish in late 2022.

Harry, Meghan's belongings were removed from the palace

Prince Harry, 36, is preparing to release his explosive biography in four volumes, which he promises will go into the "highs and lows" of his amazing life. The book will be released next year to coincide with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. However, it was also reported that the Duke of Sussex's belongings have been removed from Frogmore Cottage and stored, as per The Sun.

After Harry traveled back to California following the dedication of Princess Diana's statue on July 1, Windsor Castle staff removed his and wife Meghan's living quarters and bedroom. It's unclear who ordered his belongings, which are reported to include framed paintings, to be packed up and deposited at the neighboring castle.

However, reports have surfaced that Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39, may never return to Frogmore but may return to the luxurious home when the rental agreement expires in April. After Harry agreed to write a tell-all memoir, royal sources claim it's "hard to believe" the pair will return for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee next year.

According to insiders, the Duke of Sussex merely wants to communicate the "facts" and has no intention of harming his family. Instead, he saw the book as an opportunity to reflect on his life and clarify misunderstandings. Royal insiders, on the other hand, strongly disagree, with nearly all senior royals fearing a recurrence of the Oprah Winfrey interview - or worse.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of his mother Princess Diana's death, the Prince will issue his first book next year, touted as a "definitive chronicle of the events, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped define him." However, it falls on the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, raising concerns that it may overshadow celebrations marking her 70 years as monarch.

Read Also: Meghan Markle's Father Vows to File Lawsuit Against Her and Prince Harry to See Grandchildren

The Royal family is disappointed with Prince Harry's memoir

A source said there is also "anger and disappointment" among royals in the book's content, which comes only months after the death of the Queen's husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. For fear of fanning the flames of an already fragile relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, senior Palace officials have opted not to comment publicly on the announcement.

Last Monday, a representative for Prince Harry stated that proceeds from the first book will be donated to charity, but they have yet to explain whether this includes any advance payments made before publication or profits from the other three books.

On Sunday, Daily Mail confirms that Prince Harry's cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, are considerably more sympathetic to him despite little doubt about his estrangement with his father, Prince Charles, and brother, Prince William.

Prince Charles is concern about Prince Harry

Meanwhile, Prince Charles' acquaintances allege that the Prince of Wales feels his son is at a "crossroads." According to royal insiders close to Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales is concerned about Prince Harry's chosen path."

The sources added the heir to the throne is worried that his youngest son is secretly writing his memoirs. As he begins life outside the royal family in the United States, the Prince of Wales feels his son is at a "crossroads."

The memoirs have the potential to be highly explosive books, revealing personal information about royal life. Prince Charles' friends say he is "bizarrely hellbent" on destroying his father's reputation, Express.co reported.

Related Article: Prince Harry's Tell-All Memoir Does Not Concern the Royal Family, Palace Releases No-Comment Remark

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After federal prosecutors claimed he equipped himself with a machine gun and meant to kill women in a mass shooting, a 21-year-old Hillsboro man faces hate crime charges. Tres Genco was described as an "ince" or "involuntarily celibate," according to the US attorney for the Southern District of Ohio.

Tres Genco, 21, of Hillsboro, Ohio, is accused of plotting a hate crime, including a plan to shoot students in sororities at an Ohio institution. Federal investigators apprehended him on Wednesday.

An incel movement is an internet group made up of guys who are enraged by women. Incels commit acts of violence under the notion that women unfairly refuse them sexual or romantic attention to which they feel they are owed, HS Today reported.

Genco had profiles on a prominent incel website from at least July 2019 until mid-March 2020, according to the indictment. On the site, Genco was a frequent contributor. Genco allegedly recounted blasting "some foids and couples" with orange juice with a water gun in one of his posts. "Foids" is an incel word that refers to women and is short for "femoids."

Man plans to kill women in Ohio State University

Genco equated his very powerful deed to that of renowned incel Elliot Rodger, according to the charging complaint. Rodger shot people at a University of California, Santa Barbara sorority home in May 2014, killing six people and injuring 14 others.

Rodger blasted a group of college students with orange juice from a water pistol prior to his mass attack. Genco is also said to have written a manifesto in which he stated that he would "slaughter" women "out of anger, jealousy, and revenge" and referred to death as the "great equalizer."

Law enforcement authorities uncovered a letter written by Genco in which he stated his intention to "shoot big" for a death count of 3,000 people and that he planned to undergo military training. Genco's electronics showed that on the day he penned his manifesto, he looked up sororities and a university in Ohio on the internet.

According to court records, the Highland County Sheriff's Department was summoned to Genco's house in March 2020. Genco had locked himself in his room with a gun and the person was concerned he may injure himself or intend to hurt others.

Read Also: Family Suspects Negligence as Woman Dies in Indiana Jail Custody; Lawyers Claim Prison Was Squalid, Racist

Authorities discovered self-confessed incel plotting crimes since 2019

Prosecutors claim Genco resided in Hillsboro, Ohio, a small community of roughly 6,500 people located about an hour east of Cincinnati. Investigators claimed they recovered an AR-15-style rifle with a bump stock and a Glock weapon modified to shoot completely automatically with no serial number when Genco surrendered. They also discovered a large number of writings dating back to at least 2019.

Per USA Today, the Ohio man identified a date for his planned mass massacre in those writings: May 23, 2020, according to court records, a little over two months after his detention. In court filings, FBI investigators mentioned Ohio State University as a prospective target. Prosecutors said Genco bought tactical gloves, a bulletproof jacket, a sweatshirt with the phrase "Revenge" on it, cargo pants, a bowie knife, a skull facemask, and numerous magazines that year.

The Ohio man was charged with planning a hate crime and unlawfully possessing a machine gun, with the hate crime allegation carrying a potential life sentence and the weapons charge carrying a potential ten-year term.

In 2014, after 22-year-old Elliot Rodger massacred six people at the University of California in Santa Barbara, the word 'incel' became popular among young internet users. Rodger made videos describing his intention to "punish" women who weren't attracted to him in the months leading up to his spree, and published a manifesto outlining a "Day of Retribution."

Genco isn't the only person to claim that Rodger's slaughter inspired him. In 2018, Alek Minassian, a self-described "incel," mowed down 26 people with a vehicle in Toronto, Canada, killing ten.

Minassian told police that he admired Rodger and spoke with him on the internet and that he hoped Rodger's slaughter would inspire further assaults. In March, he was convicted guilty of ten charges of first-degree murder, as per RT.

Related Article: Watch: Indiana Woman Threatens Teen With a Knife in the Playground While Shouting Racial Slur

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An eight-month-old baby was trapped under a car after a male driver crashed into a mother's vehicle in Yonkers, New York, prompting two police officers and bystanders to conduct a rescue operation.

Authorities reported that at around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, a suspect driving a vehicle swerved around a corner and struck a curb, causing his car to hit a parked vehicle before crashing into the 36-year-old victim's car, the Yonkers Police Department said in a news release.

Baby Trapped Under Car

Surveillance camera captured the moment of the incident and showed the victim trying to cross the street with her baby as a passenger before being slammed by the man.

The mother's vehicle was forced to crash into a barbershop, which led to the baby being trapped underneath the vehicle, said police. At a nearby bagel shop, two police officers were having breakfast when they heard the sound of the collision. Upon investigating, the law enforcement personnel discovered the mother inside the wreckage.

The police release said that the officers, with the help of bystanders, forcefully lifted the vehicle in order to save the baby trapped underneath. Medical professionals then performed the necessary treatments on the victims while requesting necessary additional resources to the scene of the incident, CNN reported.

Body camera footage of the incident showed one of the officers rushing into the building and saying there was a baby under the vehicle. He could be heard telling dispatch about the details of the incident before helping lift the vehicle.

Read Also: Joe Biden Reportedly Uses Private Email Accounts, Fake Names to Send Government Info to Hunter During Term as VP

It was reported that the infant was found to have suffered a skull fracture due to the impact of the crash. The mother of the victim was also found to have leg fractures, Police Commissioner John Mueller said.

Authorities said that both of the victims did not suffer life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover, thanks in part to the quick response of the two police officers and bystanders. The driver of the vehicle that crashed into the mother and baby, 43-year-old David Poncurak, was arrested for driving under the influence and was charged with other crimes after police discovered an alcoholic beverage inside his car, Fox News reported.

Deadly Crash

During the weekend, authorities reported that three people died on Route 100 in Anne Arundel County after their vehicle overturned when they went on "excessive speeds in a reckless manner," said officers.

Officials said the victims' car was driving westbound on Route 100 Northern near the Route 10 interchange. The incident where the vehicle was barreling down the highway was witnessed by an off-duty officer. Authorities said the SUV's tires dug into the ground and flipped upside down, crashed into a large tree, and toppled onto its passenger side.

Authorities identified the three deceased to be 44-year-old Brian Alexander Simmons, 31-year-old Diona Trechele Baber, and 41-year-old Willette Luann S. Marshall. Police said the driver of the vehicle was Simmons.

Police reported that a 22-year-old man who was walking in the middle of the street in Baltimore Avenue in Prince George's County was struck by a car and was immediately pronounced dead at the scene, WUSA9 reported.



Related Article: Police Found Human Remains Where Missing Hiker Esther Dingley Disappeared, Possible Foul Play Being Verified

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The IRS is sure to make a few errors with a backlog of 35 million returns to process as of early July and now with child credit payments to distribute to 35 million households every month.

Families Reported They Received the Wrong Amount

In a recently published article in CBS News, on July 15, the first of six monthly payments under the increased Child Tax Credit came. Most parents with children aged 17 and under received one of the payments. However, other parents are claiming that they have yet to get a check or that they received the wrong amount.

Given that the huge new program is decided by a family's 2019 or 2020 tax return, it is hardly unexpected that some parents are experiencing issues with the increased CTC. The IRS has been contacting parents who do not usually file taxes to encourage them to file a simplified return that will allow them to participate in the program. Others, on the other hand, may be dealing with issues that are more difficult to resolve.

Mark Steber, Jackson Hewitt's chief tax information officer, said many of the problems that parents face are due to misconceptions regarding eligibility. The IRS agreed, stating that income phaseouts and the age of a kid may be factors that may have led individuals to receive less money than they anticipated, according to The Washington Post.

Read Also: Child Tax Credit: Families to Start Receiving Monthly Checks on July 15

Some Factors That Caused Child Tax Credit Problems

It's possible that the IRS is to blame if you received the first of those new checks and if the amount seemed to be incorrect. But, before you call the tax office, which usually has lengthy phone wait time, here are five causes of payment issues that you can resolve on your own, according to Yahoo News.

1. Filing of Taxes

To guarantee that you get adequate child credit money each month, the IRS wants to know your 2020 income. Households led by couples filing jointly must earn $150,000 or less to qualify for the full benefit. The income threshold for single parents is $75,000.

The IRS must base payments on 2019 income for individuals who haven't paid their taxes for 2020. Parents may now be getting decreased child credit cash that does not represent their most recent income since many of those families experienced unexpected unemployment or salary cutbacks last year as a result of the epidemic.

2. IRS Might Send Your Check to a Close Account

Because it's conceivable that the IRS sent your cheque to a defunct or inactive bank account, Steber advises people to double-check that the IRS has the most up-to-date information.

Start by visiting the IRS's Child Tax Credit Update Portal, which will provide you with some basic information about the check's destination, such as your address and bank account. This will notify you if the IRS is transferring money to an outdated address or a closed account.

3. Number of Qualifying Children

Every child between the ages of 6 and 17 will get $250 per month while children under the age of 6 will receive $300. Households that have a new baby in the first half of 2021, a newborn who won't be accounted for on the family's 2020 tax return but would make the family eligible for additional child credit money, will have to wait until later this summer to update their information with the IRS.

It is important to note that the IRS is relying on the most current tax return on file to calculate payment since the child tax credit is being given in advance every month until December. If your family never filed taxes with the IRS or if the tax information is now obsolete, this may be a problem.

Related Article: Child Tax Credit Update: Money to be Given Out Starting July 15; Some Are Hesitant to Receive Support



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Officers from the Vancouver, Washington, region are grieving the loss of a deputy who was killed in a shooting on Friday night.

A Deputy Was Killed While in the Line of Duty

In a recently published article in CNN News, according to the Clark County Sheriff's Office, Detective Jeremy Brown, 46, had been on the job for 15 years before being killed while in the line of duty. Around 7:00 p.m., the deputy was engaged in a shooting incident. The Clark County Sheriff's Office has already identified the suspects.

Police authorities said that Brown was conducting surveillance at 3508 NE 109th Avenue in his car. Other units on the same detail in the vicinity were unable to contact Brown over the radio. A civilian reported hearing gunshots and seeing a guy bleeding inside a car.

In a published report from the Flash Alert, the office shared: "During his tenure at the Sheriff's office he worked as a Corrections Deputy, Patrol Deputy and was currently assigned as a Detective." Moreover, during a news media briefing, Sgt. Brent Waddell of the Clark County Sheriff's Office said the shooting happened in Vancouver, which is a suburb of Portland, Oregon.

Read Also: 1 Dead, 5 Others Shot In Texas Cabinet Plant Shooting; Suspect In Custody

Two Persons Arrested While One Remained At Large

According to authorities, two individuals have been apprehended while the third suspect is still being sought. Authorities believe the individuals are armed and dangerous.

The arrested suspects were Abran Raya-Leon, 28 years old, and Misty M. Raya, 35 years old. They were detained on unrelated felony warrants after an "exhaustive search," Vancouver, Washington, police stated in a news statement on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, another man identified as Guillermo O. Raya, 26, is still being sought, according to the police. Guillermo O. Raya is considered armed and dangerous, according to police, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued in connection with the incident, according to a published report in ABC News.

Witnesses told detectives that Guillermo Raya was worried that police were following him and approached Brown while sitting in an unmarked SUV, according to an arrest warrant document obtained by The Columbian.

Sheriff's Office Released Official Statement

Officials said two men and a woman left the scene in a car and were followed by police. Their car collided at the intersection of Padden Parkway and Interstate 205. The three then fled on foot, according to police.

The Sheriff's Office said,"This is a difficult time for the Clark County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement agencies in Clark County and the surrounding Clark County, Portland metro area. Clark County law enforcement appreciates the support and understanding of the community in these tough times."

According to OPB, Brown was a member of a southern Washington anti-drug task team. Neighbors claimed several unmarked police cars, most likely undercover, were part of the first police reaction.

The circumstances behind Brown's death are still unknown. The Columbian stated that witnesses at The Pointe Apartments, where the incident happened, claimed they heard gunfire about 7 p.m. Several law enforcement cars were on the scene shortly.

Related Article: Video Reveals NRA's Wayne Lapierre Repeatedly Shooting At Endangered Elephant in Bostwana



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Multimedia Video Journalist

Buffalo native trying to get her news on! Im a Multimedia Journalist here at Your Hometown Stations and I love what I do. Have a cool story idea? Im in! Just email me at ashelton@wlio.com or message my Facebook page.
Pipeline

26 July 2021

Hang Lung Properties today announced its collaboration with global hospitality group, Hyatt, to establish the first Grand Hyatt branded Residences for sale, in Kunming. Grand Hyatt Residences Kunming will be the most coveted address for the city's discerning and affluent as it redefines the residential experience, meeting the aspirations of a new generation. The development is the first branded Residences project under the recently unveiled Hang Lung Residences portfolio, and will be an integral component of the Spring City 66 development, which spans luxury retail, grade A offices and the five-star Grand Hyatt hotel.

Grand Hyatt Residences Kunming are located in Panlong District, the central business and commercial hub of Kunming, and will seamlessly connect to Spring City 66, the only fully integrated mixed-use complex in Kunming. The Residences sit above the 332-room Grand Hyatt Kunming hotel, occupying the high zone of the 250-meter-tall building, featuring 254 apartments enjoying sweeping views across the city, including three immaculate penthouses, each with their own private terrace and swimming pool. Supported by Hyatt's acclaimed hospitality and service standards and with Hang Lung's meticulous attention to design, quality, and functionality, Grand Hyatt Residences Kunming are poised to become the premier residential address of choice in the city. The project is expected to be launched in the market in late 2022.
Pipeline

26 July 2021

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced today that its newest brand - Atwell Suites - continues to grow with the latest property planned for Austin, Texas. The Atwell Suites Austin Airport is owned and managed by Bob & Son, Ltd and is the third hotel underway for the brand, joining hotels currently under construction in Miami and Denver. There are currently more than 20 properties in IHG's US pipeline for this design-led, dynamic, all-suites hotel brand optimized for longer stays of up to six nights.

The 80-room Atwell Suites Austin Airport property will appeal to business and leisure travelers and is conveniently located near Austin Bergstrom International Airport, the new Oracle headquarters and Tesla Gigafactory facility. Additionally, visitors will enjoy the hotel's proximity to the world-renown Circuit of The Americas facility which brings fans from around the world for major events such as the Moto Grand Prix, NASCAR and Formula One Racing, as well as concerts and other events.

The new Austin property will feature a signature two-story lobby featuring The Common, the second floor public space that mixes private and shared areas to perfectly suit the transition from work to leisure. Other planned hotel amenities include complimentary breakfast, an inviting paid bar with shareable small plates, on-site pool, spa, and free hotel shuttle to and from the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

The Atwell Suites brand is designed for guests looking for inspiration and seeking opportunities to discover, learn and grow as they travel. Key brand hallmarks include flexible and enriching spaces that help guests easily switch between work and rest and surprising touches along the guest journey that create an atmosphere that sparks connections and conversations.
Now Open

26 July 2021

Tourism Minister Niels Olsen, among those attending the inaugural event. With 125 rooms, event rooms, swimming pool and spa, it is a new full-service offer, north of Quito.

The new Holiday Inn Quito Airport hotel officially opened its doors with an event that brought together tourism officials and other local dignitaries while observing all Covid-safety measures.

The latest Holiday Inn addition, one of the most reliable and globally recognized brands owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts, gives continuity to its presence in Ecuador, where it already operated the Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport. This new property in Quito is north of the city, close to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport. It is also near the main corporate complexes and large shopping centers.

Modern and functional, thanks to its state-of-the-art H4 design, reflecting the brand's constant innovation, the new property is a full-service hotel with 125 comfortable and spacious rooms, event rooms with capacity for up to 180 people, an outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym and spa, and shuttle service to and from the airport. Whether guests are waiting to take off or just landed, the spectacular view of the nearby mountains is not to be missed.

The hotel restaurant offers a regional and international menu. Available to guests are an executive floor with preferential check-in service, buffet breakfast, open bar, and afternoon snacks.

With great optimism and a positive message, attendees of the event celebrated this sign of the ongoing recovery of the tourism industry. This new hotel will generate more than 100 direct and indirect jobs along with the 21-million-dollar investment, financed entirely with Ecuadorian capital. In this way, IHG Hotels & Resorts shows owners and consumers the value of Holiday Inn as a resilient and essential hospitality brand, carrying both leisure and business appeal.
Reopening

26 July 2021

Oxford Capital Group, LLC today announces the signing of a long-term lease agreement for The Porter Hotel Portland (218 SW Jefferson Street) with the owner of the property, Germany's Union Investment. Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, The Porter is a recently developed 16-story, 296-room high design, full service, luxury lifestyle hotel located at the corner of 2nd Ave. and Columbia St. in downtown Portland's Fountain District.

Guests and locals alike will benefit from The Porter's four unique food and beverage outlets which will re-open sequentially as demand returns. The first venue to resume operations immediately upon reopening of the hotel will be The Portland Exchange Grocer & Goods, a modern take on the traditional delicatessen concept; Xport Bar & Lounge, an expansive rooftop venue which features spacious decks with unparalleled views of the mountains, will open next as the summer/fall office and financial district re-gain momentum. Also slated for future re-openings are Chiosco Pizza Window and Terrane Italian Kitchen + Bar, offering classic Italian flavors crafted with seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Banquets and group meetings will resume as restrictions are eased. Additional amenities include more than 12,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space, a fitness center, sauna and steam room, indoor pool and whirlpool. The property is within walking distance to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Keller Auditorium as well as Portland Art Museum. Other popular attractions like the Oregon Convention Center, Moda Center, Portland Art Museum, and Portland Zoo are just a short drive away.

The Porter Hotel Portland transaction is structured as a long-term lease covering 100% of the total rentable area of almost 200,000 square feet. With the lease and management agreement finalized, Oxford and Union Investment can re-open the hotel and capitalize on post-Covid market recovery.
Press Release

26 July 2021

Danbury, Conn  Meyer Jabara Hotels (MJH) has been selected by Atlantic Equity Partners to manage The Menhaden, an independent luxury boutique hotel located in Greenport, New York, on Long Islands North Fork. The stylish hotel with nautical decor appeals to travelers seeking private, local experiences who are flocking to this seaside destination for its quaint rooms, communal galleys, rooftop bar and deck, on-site restaurant, and proximity to local vineyards, farms, restaurants, breweries, and beaches.

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The Menhaden has proven to be a one-of-a-kind asset, and we are thrilled to add this well-designed independent property to our growing portfolio of full-service luxury boutique hotels, said Justin Jabara, President of Meyer Jabara Hotels. This property is charming and timeless with many high-end appointments, including a minimalist black/white/greige color pallet, guestroom furnishings by Restoration Hardware, a copy of Moby Dick at each bedside, a complimentary commissary on each floor, a provisioning shop offering everything needed for a beach picnic or boat trip, a British open-air electric Moke jeep to transport guests to nearby wineries and more, and the only rooftop bar in Greenport offering stunning views of the sunset and overlooking Main Street, Greenport Harbor, the North Ferry, and Shelter Island. If you want to be part of the cool crowd who desire only the best luxuries in life, The Menhaden is truly the place to stay.

Jonathan Hoenig, managing partner with Atlantic Equity Partners, a New England-based boutique real estate private equity firm, said The Menhaden, which originally opened in 2019, is performing strong despite the pandemic. North Fork, he said, is a special place, and The Menhaden is one of the highest quality boutique hotels travelers will experience anywhere on eastern Long Island. For Hoenig, having the opportunity to invest in one of the last up-and-coming leisure markets in New York and the Northeast is exciting, especially considering the anticipated renaissance of the leisure market in this area over the next decade and the growing demand among consumers for higher quality unique experiences. With Meyer Jabara Hotels now at the helm, Hoenig said he is confident that this asset will thrive, especially with the management groups impressive track record of operating hotels amidst challenging economies and its expertise with destination planning.

The Menhaden is a spectacular property and an irreplaceable asset, Hoenig said. Meyer Jabara brings generations of management experience and a broad knowledge of markets throughout the U.S. that we intend to invest in. Every member of their team is hands-on, accessible, and thorough from property level manager to upper-level management and ownership. They offer a wide range of management experience from 16 room boutiques to 400+ room full-service hotels. This gives us the ability to know we can work with the same partner across a diverse group of investments.

This property cant help but to thrive under Meyer Jabara Hotels operational excellence, he said. The market  said to be the New Hamptons  is on fire. Already under their leadership we are seeing record-setting average daily rates. The former owners did an outstanding job developing this property and brand which we look forward to building upon in the years to come.

Dan Pennessi of Tellus Capital LLC, the seller, developer, and former operator of The Menhaden, had this to say: We know that The Menhaden is in good hands with the team at Atlantic Equity Partners and Meyer Jabara Hotels. The inspiration for the development of The Menhaden was driven by the existing infrastructure  a wonderful year-round community, public utilities, an extended season and dearth of luxury accommodations, and quality service. The property and brand were designed to exude contemporary coastal: well-appointed and chic with minimal decor, an exterior that effortlessly fits into this historic Village, timeless. The guest response has been amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed building and operating this amazing asset.

For more information on Meyer Jabara Hotels, visit www.mjhotels.com. For media inquiries, call Barb Worcester of PRpro at (440) 930-5770 or email her at [email protected].

About Meyer Jabara Hotels

With headquarters in Danbury, Conn., Meyer Jabara Hotels is an award-winning hospitality company owning, operating or leasing hotels and restaurants in 11 states throughout the eastern portion of the United States. The company was formed in 1977 as Motel Hotel Associates through the partnership of William Meyer, a specialist in real property law, and Richard Jabara, a second-generation hotelier. Their portfolio of hotels includes Marriott, Hilton, Choice, Hyatt, InterContinental, and Wyndham brands, as well as several independent hotels. The company culture, referred to as "The Journey," is considered by Meyer Jabara Hotels to be their strongest competitive advantage because it challenges and encourages each team to create special relationships, or heart connections, with the key stakeholders: business partners, associates and customers. For more information on Meyer Jabara Hotels, visit www.meyerjabarahotels.com.

About Menhaden

Located in the heart of the Village of Greenport on Long Island, New Yorks North Fork, The Menhaden is a 16-room boutique hotel with high-end service and amenities. Enjoy the North Forks only hotel roof deck and easy access to all the North Fork has to offer, including local vineyards and the beach. Less than two hours from New York City, visit by train, Jitney, boat or car.
Supplier News

26 July 2021

New integration with xnPOS GO mobile application makes it easier for merchants to upsell and grow their revenue by providing a safe and quick order and pay experience

Extended partnership now includes launching solutions into United States and Canada, delivering a consistent global service through one platform no matter where you are in the world

Hospitality businesses now have access to more solutions from Xn protel fully integrated to Planets digital payments platform, which offers acquiring, currency conversion and gateway services

Planet, a global integrated payments leader, is pleased to announce it is extending its partnership with Xn protel Systems to support new digital solutions for hotels and Food & Beverage outlets to help grow revenue from payments. The partnership is further strengthed as the two companies now launch their full range of integrated services into United States and Canada.

The integrations of xnPOS and protel PMS from Xn protel Systems with Planets payment gateway offers Hospitality businesses a fully integrated service, wherever guests choose to spend throughout the hotel. The solution makes it easy and convenient to securely store card details for additional payments using tokenisation. This means staff can easily process payments without the guest being present. Hotels can also track guests spending history throughout the hotel journey, gaining a deeper understanding of guests to help increase spend and loyalty. Furthermore, payment in the guests currency of choice with conversion services, offers them the convenience to pay how they want to.

Guests can now browse digital menus on their own device to safely self-order and pay at their leisure thanks to the integration of the xnPOS GO mobile application with Planets payment gateway. This touchless user experience helps maintain social distancing, and gives guests the confidence to spend freely from wherever they are in the venue, including their room. Hoteliers benefit from increased revenue as the application allows upsell of complementary items within the app, and gives guests the option to pay in-app with the methods they know and understand.

We are excited to develop our partnership with Xn protel Systems, by launching into new markets and expanding our range of digital services, commented Steve ODonovan, Chief Payments Officer at Planet. Hospitality businesses are looking for innovative, digital solutionsthat can help drive revenue, reduce contact with guests and staff yet still deliver a personalised guest experience. Furthermore, they need to simplify payment processes using the latest integrations, across all payment channels and locations.

Our aim is to offer our clients payment tools which are safe, quick and simple, and which help them spend more time delivering a luxury service for guests and diners. Our partnership with Xn protel Systems gives Hospitality businesses the solutions to transform their digital strategy as they reopen. As well as providing a consistent service across all locations through our unique digital platform.

The global presence, as well as the safe and versatile payment options makes the Planet solution a perfect partner for our xnPOS product suite. The addition of xnPOS GO, our native guest self-ordering solution to the existing Planet [email protected] or [email protected] solutions enables hoteliers to increase their average check size while increasing the efficiency of service delivery, which is of particular importance given the current recruitment challenges facing the hospitality industry 

Emmanuel Clave, Vice President of POS Products at Xn Protel Systems

About Planet

Planet is a provider of integrated digital payment services on a unique single platform that offers acquiring, processing, digital wallets, VAT refund and currency conversion services. Planet helps businesses meet the needs of their customers by simplifying complex payments, helping people spend freely. Planet serves 600,000 Merchants and 100 partner banks across more than 70 markets on five continents. Planet is part of the Eurazeo portfolio of growth companies. Planet acquired 3C Payment in August 2020.

Find out more here: www.PlanetPayment.com
Opinion Article

26 July 2021

The vaccine rollouts are progressing, which means the rebuilding of traveler confidence isnt far behind. The next big step is the reopening of international borders, for which we are all awaiting travel bubbles to be established by governments, IATA or other transactional authorities. For hotels that want to capitalize upon this reemergence of global travel, though, a key step you must undertake right now is to configure and automate the way your content is displayed on third-party websites.

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First, we should give some clarity. By content, were referring to all the non-sellable attributes that accompany a hotels nightly rate and address including text descriptions, images, amenities, cancellation policies, COVID-19 safety procedures, onsite service availability and so on  practically everything that influences bookings besides the price.

To understand why content is a leading determinant for hotel selections in this post-pandemic environment, we have to first look at how dramatically customer behavior and hotel operations have changed since March 2020. For this, we sat down with a content distribution expert, Andreas Posmeck, the CEO of GIATA (www.giata.com), who shed some light on the forces that will drive revenues from international arrivals in the next few business cycles.

For reference, GIATA offers a platform for hotels that both shows the totality of global sales channels where each individual property is offered as well as a centralized function to automatically push out content to all third parties. We explored how such systems can help to secure the most room reservations from the coming travel surge.

Guests Will Still Be Hesitant

We agreed with Posmeck that  following a full year of uncertainty, traveler confusion and outright fear  international customers have more or less been trained to be hesitant about booking hotels, even with a shot in the arm of vaccine-driven confidence. While people still yearn to travel like its 2019, they have cautiously retreated to their most-trusted accommodation sources  ones that show booking flexibility, good deals, packages, clearly stated Covid safety measures and a variety of lodging options.

Adding to this uncertainty are all the changes to various hotel operations; nearly every aspect of a property now comes with an additive layer of Covid precautions along with reopening dates, new hours of operation and other amenity offering substitutions. Customers need to know all these changes in full detail prior to making a reservation decision, and if a hotel isnt displaying its content to accurately convey all these key points, then guests will book elsewhere  that is, those competitors where all these important points are in fact comprehensively described.

In many cases, this retreat to the most-trusted source puts the OTAs back at the forefront, and indeed travel search data from 2020 confirms these websites year-over-year growth in search traffic and market share. For certain territories, however, this could also include credible tour operators or wholesalers, especially those that display listings in a customers native language.

As something to think about for this last point, there are nearly eight billion people in the world, yet how many consider themselves English-primary speakers? A quick lookup of most commonly spoken languages (this infographic for instance) reveals that each only has a small percentage of the global market share, thus making content translation a great asset for hotels focusing their efforts on generating more booking conversions from the forthcoming international arrivals. That is, while indeed many around the world understand and speak basic English, such customers may prefer, and be more emotionally moved towards booking, if hotel descriptions are presented in their native language.

Especially true when distributing inventory across international borders, there are the channels you know and the ones you dont. By itself, this necessitates the use of a process or platform to efficiently control your content across all of cyberspace to ensure that your hotel is advertised properly and so that your hotel is seen as the brand of choice in any given market.

As Bubbles Open

In tandem with the need for better visibility on all hotel distribution channels  whether your revenue manager works directly with a channel or not  there are also the prospective guests you see and the ones you dont. That is, for example, how do you know your hotel does or doesnt appeal to guests from certain countries if you dont already have good reach within that territory?

These types of scenarios are what we workshopped with Posmeck, all of which are especially relevant during our current period with so much reshuffling of preferred travel destinations and accommodations. Travel bubbles will open, and you have to be fully visible on the most popular channels in a given country to get traction with those locals.

Posmeck demoed how GIATA can help via multi-language text conversions, for which the company has built  based on the work completed by its 64 in-house translators  a proprietary translation and grammatical syntax correction program. And by the way, the resulting texts are licensed by companies like Google and easyJet Holidays.

As one potential scenario, suppose you operate a hotel within the Bay Area and tomorrow the US reaches an agreement with Japan to form a travel bubble with the resumption of regular flights between both countries. While your revenue manager likely has the propertys Expedia and Booking pages already optimized, how is your hotel being displayed on Rakuten, Jalan, Ikyu or the plethora of unfamiliar wholesaler websites popular in that island nation? Ditto for China with Ctrip or practically every other major original market.

Second to this, how would you correctly transliterate (not just translate) content to instill proper language flow and tense structure? Hiring a translator who also specializes in hospitality may be highly uneconomical given that there isnt a lot of reliable historical data to justify such expenses, especially when such personnel would have to be recruited on an ongoing basis to execute all the little and constant content updates.

Now compound this issue to comprise the rest of the globe. Beyond Booking which provides some translation services, how will you ensure that your content has the right style and syntax in channels catering to the locally preferred channels for French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Turkish, Arabic and Portuguese speakers? Your team, as lean as it must be to stay profitable, doesnt have time to update all the various local travel distribution channels in English, let alone any other language.

As weve previously touched upon, speaking to a local in their native tongue is a great way to gain an edge for the competition, and companies like GIATA are offering a solution by automating all this content transliteration. For one final example, consider that United States residents with a Hispanic background still prefer to book accommodations within the US on Spanish-text websites over English-text ones; a host hotels ability to properly command this language can hence present a lucrative domestic recovery opportunity.

Travel Surge Stages

While we all want travel to return to its 2019 metrics, that wont happen all at once. Certain territories will benefit before others as the situation evolves. For instance, southernly US destinations like Disneyland (and the surrounding Orange County) are bound to see huge swells before northerly, urban centers like New York. Thinking internationally, the announcement for each bubble will likely be carefully periodized to not reopen the world too quickly and cause more harm than good  that is, induce another Covid wave by opening too early.

For any scenario, you have to get ready to pivot. Our worry, though, is that once travel and occupancy numbers improve, your team will find itself too far in the weeds of daily guest service requirements to have the time to effectively keep every third-party website in working order. This is especially true for when you factor in different preferences for each country and high-margin versus low-margin distributors as well as those channels you dont work directly with for foreign language mistranslations and missing connections that can jumble the way content is displayed.

Automating all that content distribution to thousands of multinational distribution channels is the only way to stay above water, lest you miss out on any of these tiered travel surges. In this sense, the best course is to set up the right software now so that your hotel is first on the list in any market, whether youre actively advertising there or not. Above all, technology is your best friend for the decade ahead, with platforms like GIATA, as Posmeck closed out our chat, Nurturing good roots so that future forests can grow.
Prashant Salla worked as an automotive engineer before he launched Detroit-based FixMyCar in 2018. He chose last year to expand the business into Houston as the pandemic fueled a consumer shift toward convenience that reached beyond Doordash and two-day shipping.

Now, he said, revenues from this market are growing faster than anywhere else.

The idea of the mobile mechanic is not a new one, but its caught on during the pandemic as customers grew more reluctant to leave home and as entrepreneurs have taken notice.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Lyft making auto repair house calls in Houston

Auto shops had to get creative to coax people to get work done during the height of the pandemic, offering services such as home pickup and post-service delivery that were previously only available nominally or through luxury car dealerships. Now, ride-sharing business Lyft  which launched an on-demand auto care offering in Houston earlier this year  and Prashants are seizing the opportunity.

Its not as new as you might think; its been around for quite some time, now, Tony Molla, vice president of industry relations at the Texas-based Automotive Service Association. But I think theyre gaining a new level of acceptance as people want convenience.

FixMyCar mechanics have made 1,000 repairs in Houston since launching. The company so far operates out of Houston, Dallas and Detroit, where its headquartered, but has plans to expand nationally.

Houston is its fast-growing market, Salla said, and hes looking to hire at least 15 more mechanics to add to the 10 now working for the company in the market. He chose Houston to be among his first exansion markets because of its population and density of auto repair shops, which tells us its a good market for auto repair.

The idea for the company came when he was helping a mobile mechanic he knew find work. The mechanic had the skills and the equipment but was struggling to reach enough customers to make ends meet.

Salla said he realized customers were happy to receive the service once they knew it was available, so he launched FixMyCar around the concept.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Dallas rideshare company to roll into Houston

The inconvenience in getting your car fixed was the big problem we were trying to solve, he said.

To make appointments, Houstonians can call or go to the companys website, fixmycar.io. Its technicians tackle small tasks such as oil changes, fluid leaks and diagnostic inspections.

Anything thats not a complex, heavy repair were able to provide in the mobile environment, Salla said.

FixMyCar offers a $149 annual membership that includes up to three oil changes, vehicle inspections and discounts on other services. The warranties it offers extend for two years or 24,000 miles.

The mechanics are independent contractors; they make their own schedule and FixMyCar provides the platform, the warranty and pays for the parts. Because FixMyCar does not face the costs associated with brick-and-mortar operations, Salla said hes able to charge less for the services and pay mechanics more per hour. Its a win-win for everybody involved.

Ford Davis, a mechanic who lives in Tomball, had been working in the industry for around 14 years before he started working for FixMyCar in April. He had started the process of launching his own mobile mechanic business when he found FixMyCar online and decided it would be a good way into the business.

He said he makes around $45 an hour now  $20 more an hour than he made working for dealerships. The jobs are smaller and easier, he said, and he gets to make his own hours.

Rain sometimes interrupts the work, he said. If its raining heavily hell have to reschedule at times, but sometimes a canopy is enough to keep the site dry.

Despite the interruptions, he said hes happy to be working more directly with customers.

Moving forward, Salla said hes looking to build partnerships with brick-and-mortar auto shops so FixMyCar can handle repair jobs of all sizes. The idea would be to take the car to the shop for the customer, have it fixed and return it for them so they never have to leave the house.

Auto repair often requires heavy machinery only available in a full shop, Molla said, and thats why he doesnt see the house call model displacing traditional brick-and-mortar operations.

I dont think this is ever going to be a sweeping thing that will fundamentally change the way we service cars, he said, noting hybrid models offering both mobile and brick-and-mortar might be the way of the future. Theres always going to be brick and mortar.

amanda.drane@chron.com

Twitter.com/amandadrane
The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy could create more than 1.1 million jobs in Texas over the next 25 years to build out wind and solar generation, upgrade transmission, improve energy efficiency and advance new technologies, according to a report released Monday by 27 labor unions.

The 55-page report also called for using tax credits to expand carbon capture technologies, electrifying vehicles used by local governments, updating building standards for energy efficiency and installing solar panels on the states public schools.

The unions  including the United Steelworkers, the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers and the Texas State Employees Union  are using the report to launch a new initiative, the Texas Climate Jobs Project, which aims to address the challenges of climate change, the energy transition and income inequality. Delegates at the Texas AFL-CIOs annual convention, which opens virtually Tuesday, will vote on a resolution endorsing the report and the mission of the jobs project.

Union officials said they will work with political and industry leaders to advance clean energy projects and working conditions in the renewable energy industry. Bo Delp, executive director of the Texas Climate Jobs Project, said the key to the success of the energy transition will come down to creating quality, good-paying jobs.

We have this transition thats underway in Texas and really no plan to make sure these jobs being created are actually good jobs, he said. Workers do not have a seat at the table.

The Texas AFL-CIO worked with researchers from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., Northeastern University in Boston and Occidental College in Los Angeles to study the number jobs that could be created in various aspects of growing the renewable energy and climate tech industries. Using data from the U.S. Department of Energys National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Energy Information Administration, researchers calculated how many jobs were created at various clean energy projects across the country.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Clean energy dreams bump against economic realities of oil and gas

They said nearly 455,000 more could be created if companies installed 100,000 megawatts of wind energy in Texas over the next 25 years, and an additional 335,400 jobs if 40,000 megawatts of solar were built in 20 years. Such an expansion would triple wind generation capacity from current levels and increase solar generating capacity by nearly six times.

Retrofitting all of Texas K-12 schools with more energy efficient air-conditioning and construction that the report said would create nearly 84,000 jobs.

Lara Skinner, one of the reports authors and director of Cornells Labor Leading on Climate Initiative, said the number of jobs created may seem high, but they would be added over a period of up to 25 years. That would average to about 5,000 jobs a year for updating school buildings, for example.

The study did not examine how many jobs in the oil and gas industry would be lost as the energy transition unfolds, but Skinner said job losses in those industries appear inevitable as the world scrambles to avoid the worst effects of climate change and their massive costs.

Delp said leaders in all levels of government can help make sure workers arent left behind in the transition. City and school board leaders can include labor protections on wages, overtime and working conditions in requests for proposals for green initiatives. Renewable companies can meet with workers and unions to discuss salaries and benefits.

We must ensure that working people thrive in this clean energy transition, Delp said. If we cannot solve that problem, our ability to meaningfully address climate change will be much more difficult.

shelby.webb@chron.com
Nollege, a new high-end consignment shop focusing on sneakers, streetwear, and vintage clothing is coming to the Heights M-K-T this fall.

Starting as a passion project between friends, Nollege moved to a brick-and-mortar shop in Dallas. Now, the company is opening its first Houston location in September.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year, an announcement that reflects the reality on the ground more than a major shift in U.S. policy.

Even before Biden took office, the main U.S. focus has been assisting Iraqi forces, not fighting on their behalf. And Biden did not say if he planned to reduce the number of troops in Iraq, now about 2,500.

The announcement comes on the heels of Bidens decision to withdraw fully from Afghanistan nearly 20 years after the U.S. launched that war in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Together, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have heavily taxed the U.S. military and kept it from devoting more attention to a rising China, which the Biden administration calls the biggest long-term security challenge.

For years, U.S. troops have played support roles in Iraq and in neighboring Syria, which was the origin of the Islamic State group that swept across the border in 2014 and captured large swaths of Iraqi territory, prompting the U.S. to send troops back to Iraq that year.

Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office session with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Biden said his administration remained committed to a partnership with Iraq  a relationship that has been increasingly complicated by Iranian-backed Iraqi militia groups. The militias want all U.S. troops out of Iraq immediately and have periodically attacked bases that house American troops.

Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Concerned Veterans for America, said U.S. troops will remain at risk.

Regardless of whether their deployment is called a combat mission, U.S. troops will remain under regular attack as long as they remain in Iraq, Caldwell said in a statement. An American military presence in Iraq is not necessary for our safety and only risks the loss of more American life.

Biden said the U.S. military will continue to assist Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State group, or ISIS. A joint U.S.-Iraq statement said the security relationship will be focused on training, advising and intelligence-sharing.

"Our shared fight against ISIS is critical for the stability of the region and our counterterrorism operation will continue, even as we shift to this new phase were going to be talking about, Biden said.

The shift from a U.S. combat role to one focused on training and advising the Iraqi security forces was announced in April, when a joint U.S.-Iraqi statement said this transition allowed for the removal from Iraq of any remaining U.S. combat forces on a timetable to be determined later. It did not specify what combat functions the U.S. was engaged in then, nor did Biden get into such specifics on Monday.

Were not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission, he said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki declined to say how many troops would remain in Iraq by year's end.

"The numbers will be driven by what is needed for the mission over time, so it is more about moving to a more advising and training capacity from what we have had over the last several years, she said.

The U.S. troop presence has stood at about 2,500 since late last year when then-President Donald Trump ordered a reduction from 3,000.

The Iraqi government in 2017 declared victory over the Islamic State group, which is now a shell of its former self. Still, it has shown it can carry out high-casualty attacks. Last week, the group claimed responsibility for a roadside bombing that killed at least 30 people and wounded dozens in a busy suburban Baghdad market.

In his remarks alongside Biden, al-Kadhimi thanked the United States for its support.

Back home, al-Kadhimi faces no shortage of problems. Iranian-backed militias operating inside Iraq have stepped up attacks against U.S. forces in recent months, and a series of devastating hospital fires that left dozens of people dead and soaring coronavirus infections have added fresh layers of frustration for the nation.

For al-Kadhimi, the ability to offer the Iraqi public a date for the end of the U.S. combat presence could be a feather in his cap before elections scheduled for October.

Biden administration officials say al-Kadhimi also deserves credit for improving Iraqs standing in the Mideast. Last month, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Baghdad for joint meetings  the first time an Egyptian president has made an official visit since the 1990s, when ties were severed after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait.

The Iraqi prime minister made clear before his trip to Washington that he believes its time for the U.S. to wind that mission down.

There is no need for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil, al-Kadhimi told The Associated Press last weekend.

The U.S. mission of training and advising Iraqi forces has its most recent origins in President Barack Obamas decision in 2014 to send troops back to Iraq. The move was made in response to the Islamic State groups takeover of large portions of western and northern Iraq and a collapse of Iraqi security forces that appeared to threaten Baghdad. Obama had fully withdrawn U.S. forces from Iraq in 2011, eight years after the U.S. invasion.

Pentagon officials for years have tried to balance what they see as a necessary military presence to support the Iraqi governments fight against IS with domestic political sensitivities in Iraq to a foreign troop presence.

The vulnerability of U.S. troops was demonstrated most dramatically in January 2020 when Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on al-Asad air base in western Iraq. No Americans were killed, but dozens suffered traumatic brain injury from the blasts. That attack came shortly after a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian military commander Qassim Soleimani and senior Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad International Airport.

___

Associated Press writer Samya Kullab contributed to this report.
WESTFORD, N.Y. (AP)  A Florida woman was killed when her parachute malfunctioned as she was skydiving in upstate New York, police said.

Karen Bernard, 59, of Wildwood, was killed at around 9 a.m. Saturday when she jumped out of a plane to skydive in the central New York town of Westford, state police said in a news release.
Elisa Donovan has been thinking about what happens to bodies after people die  about the chemicals that funeral home workers use to embalm them. The metal caskets and concrete vaults that house them in the earth. The fertilizers and pesticides that are scattered and sprayed above on cemetery lawns.

Shes questioned what this means for the environment and probed how to offer another way.

Donovan isnt the first to promote the concept of green burials, which involve burying people in the ground without toxic chemicals and in biodegradable containers such as woven caskets or linen shrouds. But the cemetery that she and others at the Katy Prairie Conservancy are creating adds a new twist. The conservancy protects land. Their cemetery will too.

This so-called conservation cemetery would be the first in Texas and one of fewer than a dozen in the country, at least as certified by the Green Burial Council. The designation guarantees that not only will green burials occur there but also that the land will be legally conserved into the future in its natural state. They hope it might be replicated elsewhere and generate funds to preserve more areas, too.

It just makes sense, said Donovan, who serves as vice president and general counsel for the conservancy. The idea that a cemetery lasts forever, and has to be maintained forever. And land trusts like the Katy Prairie Conservancy, thats our mission too.

The nonprofit land trusts aim is to preserve the prairies and wetlands that conservancy president and chief executive officer Mary Anne Piacentini calls the iconic landscape of this region.

Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

The conservancy has protected more than 24,000 acres so far, much of it west of the city of Houston. It bought some of the land. As for the rest, legal agreements called conservation easements leave properties with their owners but guarantee the natural land is protected.

Much of the original prairie, of course, has already been paved over and developed. So as the Houston metropolitan region stretches outward, Donovan feels an urgent need to protect even more. The restored and natural landscape improves air and water quality and reduces flooding, which remains a major issue in the region. Plus, the plants capture carbon from the atmosphere, which can help fight climate change.

When she heard Donovans idea, Piacentini at first wasnt sure how it would help. Then the full picture emerged, of natural burials with GPS coordinates and maybe small markers to locate the graves and a beautiful, wild grassland sprawling on the soil. There could be walking trails and a gathering space, diverse plants and wildlife habitat, with something to marvel at year-round. Maybe other preserved properties would buffer it.

The bodies, buried this way, will decompose quickly into the surrounding soil, Donovan explained. So the conservancy believes natural burial is still the safest method for protecting water quality, keeping chemicals out of the ground, even if a flood were to occur. They plan to pick a site away from water sources and outside floodplains.

And those at the conservancy had models to look to: Conservation cemeteries date back to the 1990s, when Ramsey Creek Preserve opened a burial ground on 33 acres west of Greenville, S.C. Others followed, including the Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery in Gainesville, Fla., where graves spaced among 93 acres of forest and meadows are marked with small brass disks and the land is open to hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Arguably, natural burial was occurring long before anyone dreamed up chemically preserving bodies, but its increasingly being considered as a choice again in America, said Freddie Johnson, executive director of the Prairie Creek cemetery. Sometimes natural burials occur at modern cemeteries. Conservation burial takes the option to a higher standard, combining it with the preservation of the land. The cemeteries can work with existing funeral homes, which refrigerate the bodies until they are buried.

Johnson was glad to see support and awareness grow around an idea that he considers so beneficial. People commonly call him to ask about it, he said. And he finds it meaningful and fulfilling to help, especially after he wondered at the beginning: Maybe Im the only one that thinks this is very exciting.

Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Increasing interest in the idea comes down to education around it, especially in a society where talking about death doesnt come easily, said Caitlyn Hauke, president of the Green Burial Council International board of directors. Theyve now certified 30 natural burial sites and 49 hybrid sites. Hauke finds that people, after considering the concept, decide, This totally makes sense.

When the conservancy pitched the idea to a firm called Quantified Ventures, Piacentini didnt know if those at the company would like it or think it strange. But the conservancy entered and won a competition that the firm offered, and Quantified Ventures will now advise it on developing and financing the project. The proposal surprised the company, explained Dan Yeoman, the companys chief financial and strategy officer.

We were all intrigued by the concept of conservation cemetery that can both preserve and restore threatened land while meeting a growing interest in natural burials, Yeoman wrote. When we discussed the long-term potential for the idea  and its ability to fund significantly more conservation beyond the initial cemetery site  we were ready to go.

The conservancy hasnt determined yet where exactly the cemetery will be, but a recent visit to the organizations Indiangrass Preserve offered a glimpse of what it might be like. A gravel path snaked through the landscape. Insects hummed. The sun reflected the gentle hues of little bluestem, green shocks of switchgrass, red and yellow petals of Indian blanket on the rolling soil.

Plots are expected to go on sale in 2022, one last way in Donovans mind to leave behind a better world.

emily.foxhall@chron.com | Twitter: @emfoxhall
Adebayo Dare closed his eyes as the shot went into his right shoulder.

The 29-year-old Houston resident sat Thursday in the observation area at Houston Methodist Hospital Sugar Land after getting his second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. It took some convincing from a nurse in the family.

My sister pushed me to get it, he said. I kept saying I didnt want to get a vaccine.

Two months ago, Fort Bend County officials were celebrating their success in getting shots in the arms of most residents to protect against COVID-19. The opening of a massive drive-thru vaccination site at Smart Financial Centre, aggressive messaging on social media and outreach efforts had helped make Fort Bend the county with the highest percentage of residents who were fully vaccinated in Texas.

But as Fort Bend officials have moved to launch new outreach efforts amid the emergence of the highly transmissible delta variant and a slowdown in demand for shots, they have encountered resistance that goes beyond long-standing vaccine hesitancy.

Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

When county commissioners recently took up a proposal to spend $345,000 in federal funds for additional community outreach, several residents became hostile. They decried what they saw as government overreach, drawing cheers from a packed meeting.

This effort is nothing but an attempt to bully, intimidate, coerce and scare people into submission, all under the guise of being helpful, Rebecca Clark told the commissioners. If we want (the vaccine), everyone knows precisely how to get it.

Amid the urgent push from local officials, resistance from those still holding out against vaccines mirrors the nations building tension as the coronavirus pandemic teeters on the cusp of a new wave. Republican elected officials sounded alarms when President Joe Biden this month suggested a door-knocking campaign to encourage individuals to get a shot. Now, however, more Republican leaders are urging people to get vaccinated as surging cases raise fears that the country is backsliding.

In Fort Bend, the Democrat-led commissioners court ultimately voted 3-2 to approve an agreement with Next Wave Strategies, a Houston firm that will help the county develop multilingual, culturally appropriate local messaging to educate and encourage people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID is not gone. We all wanted to get back to normal and we are almost back to normal  and we want to keep it that way, said County Judge KP George, a Democrat, at a Friday news conference.

Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Addressing hesitancy, barriers

The mood has changed quickly in Fort Bend, a diverse county of more than 800,000 residents southwest of the city of Houston.

When vaccines became available at drive-thru sites early this year, people waited in their vehicles for three or four hours to get a shot.

They were anxious to be there, said Bill Ray, executive director of the Homeland Preparedness Project. Those folks, they came to us. They were ready for it.

Thousands of volunteers from Rays group staffed the mass vaccine events, which he thinks helped boost the countys vaccination rate in the spring.

As demand for the vaccine has slowed, the county has shifted to smaller clinics and is working to address hesitancy and barriers among the unvaccinated population by reaching out to community leaders.

Once we determine the ways they want to be communicated with, maybe our message will get there better and faster, said Dr. Jacquelyn Minter, the countys director of health and human services. And well be able to at least give them the right information to make the choices they want to make about their body.

As of Friday, nearly 66 percent of Fort Bend County residents older than age 12 were fully vaccinated. Only six counties in Texas had a larger share of their population fully vaccinated, with the statewide average at nearly 52 percent. More than 96 percent of county residents over age 65 have gotten at least one dose and 88 percent are fully vaccinated.

Fewer people were vaccinated in the outskirts of the county, according to the countys dashboard. The cities of Sugar Land, Katy, Richmond and Rosenberg boast high vaccination numbers.

People face multiple barriers to getting vaccinated, Minter said, including long work hours, transportation challenges, lack of internet access or no regular medical provider. Some believed they had to pay for the vaccine, she said.

The county has worked with schools, homeowners associations, municipalities, colleges, businesses and houses of faith to provide vaccines. They have offered free tickets to Sugar Land Skeeters games and to the Typhoon Texas waterpark, and dispatched a mobile health unit to community groups and neighborhoods.

We can have 80, 90, 100 people that said, Oh, Im so glad youre here, Minter said of vaccine events at local churches.

Still, the emergence of the delta variant has county leaders alarmed. They held a news conference Friday to urge people to resume wearing masks indoors and practice physical distancing, in addition to renewing their call for holdouts to get vaccinated.

Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Community outreach sparks controversy

Public health officials are still striving to achieve herd immunity, when enough of the population has achieved immunity to make person-to-person spread unlikely.

Still, not everyone believes more community outreach is needed.

County Commissioner Andy Meyers, who voted against the outreach measure, called New Wave Strategies a partisan political operative and said the initiative was a waste of taxpayer money because the countys vaccination rate is already high.

Next Wave Strategies will conduct research about the best way to communicate with certain groups and develop outreach based on the results, according to a proposal. Community leaders, health care professionals and elected officials will help address vaccine myths, too. The firm did not respond to a request for comment.

Some medical professionals and residents welcome the countys latest push.

Dr. Faisal Masud, director of critical care at Houston Methodist Hospital, spoke in support of the community outreach efforts on behalf of his patients and their families.

The best information is the best medicine, Masud told commissioners. We have to empower our patients.

Since March 2020, he said, he has witnessed the devastation wrought by COVID-19 and, most recently, the regret of unvaccinated people hospitalized with the disease. Many are young people.

Why would you want to go backward? he asked.

During the pandemic, Pastor David Sincere of Fort Bend Transformation Church has handed out personal protective equipment, food boxes and information about resources.

Three decades of work serving youth, seniors and other vulnerable groups has taught him that the most effective way to reach people is through respectful conversations, he said.

Its about relationships, he said. Its about going out there and winning the trust of the community, doing the right thing. Being consistent.

Sinceres church is hosting a mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinic soon at a Missouri City apartment complex.

The goal is to help and respect people at the same time, he said.

If they dont want to get vaccinated, thats fine, he said. But there are other individuals, for a plethora of different reasons, they just havent been able to get their vaccine. So anything that can make it easier for them, were for that.

Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Not too late to get vaccinated

On Thursday, a steady stream of people filtered into Houston Methodist Hospital Sugar Lands vaccination clinic during the lunch hour. Staff registered patients and pointed them to blue-curtained spaces where nurses asked a few questions and administered the shots with friendly banter beneath bright lights.

Some mothers brought their children and teens to be vaccinated before school. Others came for their shot after receiving encouragement from a trusted friend or relative. One woman dropped by the clinic to get her first shot two weeks after giving birth  she grilled her doctor with questions and was assured it was a safe and smart choice for her and her baby.

Nearby, a handful of people showed up to get their shots at a CVS in a brick building plaza. Among them were a mother taking her daughter for a back-to-school shot and a woman getting vaccinated before an international trip.

Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Its still not too late to get the COVID vaccine, said Akash Patel, district leader for the company. I know weve had it for some months now, but if patients have any hesitation, please reach out to our pharmacists or any medical providers for questions to get the real explanations.

Back at the hospital, 14-year-old Emilia Lopez exited the vaccination clinic with her mother after getting her shot and writing a message in red marker on a small poster. It said: I got my COVID-19 vaccine because  my mom and my entire family had taken it for our safety and others! So I decided to add to our family and protect her.

The teen girl hoisted the sign and taped it to the wall in a hallway alongside dozens of other white squares. Among the messages:

Ready to get back to normal!!

Its the right thing to do

My grandparents.

anna.bauman@chron.com

twitter.com/abauman2
The state of Texas released test results for STAAR tests late last month, but it was not until last week that DeAnne Phillips checked to see how her school performed. It turned out to be a nice surprise.

I didnt realize we did so well, said Phillips, an administrator at Coastal Horizons charter school in Stephenville.

Coastal Horizons, which works with kids with substance abuse issues within the Erath Excels Academy Inc. district, was one of 10 school systems across Texas that achieved gains in reading and math scores on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness despite having more than 25 percent of its students learning virtually throughout the 2020-21 year.

Those districts will be studied by a new commission on remote learning in the state legislature to better understand how their students made learning gains despite the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Its important for the state to study those districts and see why they are outliers in the results, said Commisioner of Education Mike Morath during a media briefing on the STAAR results.

Overall, Texas schools dipped to their worst math proficiency levels in six years, with the number of students in grades three through eight who failed to meet state standards rising from 21 percent in 2019 to 37 percent in 2021. The number of students who failed to meet standards in reading grew by 4 percent, around what educators had expected.

The largest declines were seen in districts with higher percentages of students who learned online.

That is where Coastal Horizons likely had an advantage, Phillips said.

The school, which seeks to get students into recovery while also supporting their academic needs, always has taught virtually.

It went much smoother for teachers and students because of that, Phillips said.

The districts with positive gains on the STAAR tests are spread throughout the state and include traditional schools and charter schools. The student demographics of the school systems vary, but most have relatively small enrollments, with none serving more than 4,200 students.

Some districts credit their success to having online learning options before the pandemic began and being consistent across all campuses with the kind of technology used. Other districts in communities heavily impacted by the virus said creating a safe environment for students to eventually come back to campus was crucial.

More than 37 percent of the 4,100 students in Somerset ISD, southwest of San Antonio, learned remotely during the the 2020-21 school year. The number of students meeting state standards in math increased by 1.6 percent and by 5.5 percent in reading.

Somerset ISD Superintendent Saul Hinojosa attributed the districts success to several factors, including a partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching that provided teachers with best practices for online learning, such as providing support office hours, having students share their work with each other, and encouraging participation in chats or discussion boards.

We did well because we really dug deep into the data to see where kids were struggling, he said. We individualized instruction to fit the needs of students.

More Information Texas school districts with more than 25 percent of kids learning virtually and had positive gains in the number of students meeting STAAR math and reading proficiencies in 2021 Somerset ISD: 4,106 students enrolled;37.7 percent of students learned virtually; +1.6 math and +5.5 reading Groom ISD: 156 students enrolled; 50 percent of students learned virtually; +1.5 math and +10.9 reading Crockett County Consolidated ISD 810 students enrolled: 51 percent of students learned virtually; +5 math and +8.9 reading Erath Excels Academy: 114 students enrolled;48.9 percent of students learned virtually; +3.2 math and +11.5 reading University of Houston Charter School: 89 students enrolled; 47 percent of students learned virtually; +1.7 math and +16.7 reading Dell City ISD: 66 students enrolled; 59.8 percent of students learned virtually; +21.2 math and +25.9 reading Alvarado ISD: 371 students enrolled; 27.3percent of students learned virtually; +3.7 math and +1.1 reading Ezzell ISD: 82 students enrolled; 50.6 percent of students learned virtually; 2.1 math and +.1 reading Winona ISD: 1,116 students enrolled; 33.6 percent of students learned virtually; +1.1 math and +2 reading Wheeler ISD: 459 students enrolled;32.2 percent of students learned virtually; +6.1 math and +4.9 reading *Student enrollement numbers based on the 2019-20 school year. Data compiled by the Texas Education Agency See More Collapse

An incentive plan that pays teachers for good performance and to stay in schools in rural or low-income areas also helped the district retain experienced educators through the pandemic, Hinojosa said.

The primary factor, Hinojosa said, was being able to safely get kids back into the classroom through the year.

The biggest game-changer for us was partnering with Community Labs and the 80|20 Foundation who agreed to invest and test our students and staff weekly for COVID, he said. Testing helped lessen anxiety and gave assurance to teachers and students that they were safe.

The district was one of the first in the state to offer on-site COVID testing at campuses with results within 24 hours at a time when labs across the nation were heavily backlogged.

The community the district serves, which is about 87 percent economically disadvantaged, was severely impacted by the pandemic, Hinojosa said. The school system made an effort to educate families about the virus and how to stay safe, he added.

Once more kids started coming back to campus and positive cases popped up, Hinojosa said the district performed contact tracing and asked those who tested positive to quarantine. That helped teachers and parents feel better about in-person instruction.

We started the school year with 38 percent of students in school and ended with 83 percent on campus, Hinojosa said.

Erath Excels Academy Inc., another outlier, had 48.9 percent of students learning virtually and had a 3.2 percent increase in students meeting math standards and an 11.5 percent increase in reading. The district serves 114 students.

Phillips said the Coastal Horizons students also may have fared better because they were living on campus during the pandemic.

Everyone else scattered and had to learn at home and had to deal with all kinds of distractions, she said. All of those outside factors are taken away in a boarding school environment with a very strict routine.

South of Fort Worth, Alvarado ISD has 371 students, more than 27 percent of whom spent the year learning remotely. The district recorded a 3.7 percent increase in students who met state math standards, and a 1.1 percent increase in reading.

Spokesman Tommy Brown said the district focused on parent communication throughout the pandemic, with some campuses regularly performing home visits to check in on students.

Teachers assigned to online students did not have to teach in-person at the same time, Brown said.

It was important that their primary responsibility was focusing on teaching virtually, he said.

Using consistent online learning platforms helped streamline the process and eliminate confusion, Brown said.

As the school year progressed, Brown said parents became more comfortable sending their kids back to campuses because the district required everyone to wear masks, even after Governor Greg Abbott lifted the statewide mask mandate in March.

In the Houston area, the University of Houston Charter School was another standout. The school, which permanently closed this summer, had 47 percent of its 89 students learning online.

Nonetheless, the number of students meeting state math standards rose by 1.7 percent, while the number that reached the standards for reading increased a whopping 16.7 percent.

The UH board of regents voted last December to close the school because of financial considerations.

hannah.dellinger@chron.com
Before evidence showed the delta variant of the novel coronavirus spreading at a rapid rate locally, Annie Gillis said she felt safe sending her kids back to learn in-person in Spring Branch ISD.

This week, as Houston-area hospitals began to fill with COVID-19 patients again, her view shifted. The highly transmissible variant coupled with the fact that Texas schools will not be able to mandate masks gives the mother pause.

I dont have a choice, I cant vaccinate my 9-year-old, she said.

Many Texas parents share the same concerns. Kids under 12 still are not approved to receive any of the vaccines on the market and most parents will not be able to opt for remote learning because the Texas Legislature failed to pass a bill to pay for it.

Without the legislation, there is no statutory framework to authorize remote instruction in the coming school year, Texas Education Agency spokesman Frank Ward said. The disaster authority TEA used to allow distance learning during the 2020-21 school year cannot be used again, he added.

The only exceptions in the law are for seven schools that were fully virtual before the pandemic. Remote instruction also is allowable under the law if the majority of teaching during that day is done in person.

The law allows districts to decide their own daily school schedules, and a minimum number of instructional minutes are required each day.

Some schools have used this to go to a four-day school week in-person, with a fifth day remote, knowing that enough minutes were reached in the four days, said Ward.

If a school system does not meet the minimum of in-person instruction time, it will not be fully funded by the state, Ward said.

To be fully funded, every school must meet the standard in-person 75,600 operational minutes requirement for the school year, he said.

Teachers also are worried their districts will not have enough safety measures in place to protect them and their students from the new COVID variants, said Andrew Dewey, secretary treasurer of the Houston Federation of Teachers, a union that represents Houston ISD employees.

Over the last week, most of our calls have been from teachers asking what will be done to protect us, Dewey said. Frankly, were asking the same questions we were asking a year ago. Its depressing.

This year is more worrisome for educators in many ways, Dewey said, because even though there were many unanswered questions going into the 2020-21 school year, there was a plan to start virtually in HISD.

This year, theres no back up plan, he said.

While Houston ISD plans to operate 100 percent in-person this upcoming school year, Dennis Spellman, senior media relations specialist for the district, said in an email statement that it is monitoring conditions and the spread of COVID.

We are taking steps to ensure the safety and health of our students and staff, he said. Our actions are informed by the guidance of our partners at the Harris County Public Health department, the guidelines set by the CDC and the Texas Education Agency. The pandemic has taken a toll on our children and its on all of us to ensure a safe return to the classroom where they can thrive alongside their friends.

Nearly half of HISD students remained online through the entire 2020-21 school year.

Galveston, Cy-Fair, Conroe, Alief and Texas City ISDs said they will not offer virtual learning in the fall due to the lack of state funding.

Round Rock ISD outside of Austin said Monday it would offer virtual school despite a lack of state funding to do so.

"We understand concerns due to the fact that children under 12 are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine and recognize that some families prefer at-home learning as the pandemic continues, a statement from the district reads. Despite the lack of funding from the state, Round Rock ISD is announcing today that a virtual option for students in kindergarten through sixth grade will be available for the fall semester to allow time for vaccine approval for children under 12.

Glenda Macal, president of Fort Bend AFT, which represents Fort Bend ISD employees, said teachers recognize that students need to be in class as much as possible to get back on track after the pandemic upended learning for millions of students in the state.

To meet that goal, Macal said mask use will be crucial.

I believe that we should do whatever the health department and the experts say, said Macal. We need to get kids back in the classroom, but that needs to be done safely.

Districts are rendered powerless when it comes to requiring masks, said a statement from Alief ISD.

Unfortunately, since Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order renders school districts powerless in mandating universal mask wearing while in schools, we can only encourage everyone to do their part in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks, the statement reads.

Dr. James Versalovic, interim pediatrician-in-chief and pathologist-in-chief at Texas Childrens Hospital, said masking is essential for preventing the spread of the virus, particularly for children who cannot be vaccinated. Distancing from others and regularly sanitizing hands also are important, he added.

I think parents also need to keep children home if theyre sick, he said.

While there is no evidence that children are getting more sick with the delta variant, Versalovic said it is the most contagious strain of the virus yet and it is easily transmitted to children.

We are seeing the impact of delta on children and adolescents, he said. Weve seen a steady increase in COVID positivity in children and an increase in children hospitalized with the virus this last week.

Texas Childrens Hospital has diagnosed more than 15,000 COVID cases in children and hospitalized more than 100 since the pandemic began.

The hospital is participating in pediatric trials for the Pfizer vaccine. Versalovic said it is expected to be available to children ages 5 to 11 by the end of the fall. It is likely to be offered to children 6 months and up by early 2022.

hannah.dellinger@chron.com

Jeremy Wallace contributed to this report.
Harvard is taking a more systematic approach to finding technology created by aliens.

A new initiative, called the Galileo Project, will seek to identify the nature of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena and interstellar objects that dont originate in our solar system. It will use telescopes to collect new data  rather than looking at past observations that are often based on anecdotal reports and partial data  to help determine if these objects are natural, made by humans or created by other intelligent civilizations.

We should not argue philosophically about this, Avi Loeb, a professor at Harvard Universitys Department of Astronomy, said Monday in a news conference. We should collect enough data to tell us the difference between a rock and an artificial object. And thats the aim of the Galileo Project. Without prejudice, well just monitor our sky.

PREPARATION: Would humanity have been ready if Comet NEOWISE was hurtling toward Earth?

Details on the Galileo Project were unveiled Monday. Loeb is chair of the project and will work with a multi-institutional, international team. It is being funded by private donations and already has received $1.8 million.

Its creation was spurred by two recent findings: A June 2021 report delivered to Congress about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena and the October 2017 discovery of 'Oumuamua, the first object seen in our solar system that is known to have originated elsewhere.

'Oumuamua, a Hawaiian-language word that is loosely translated to scout, flew by Earth so fast that it couldnt have been influenced by just the suns gravity. And it didnt look like comets or asteroids that had been previously studied. This prompted speculation that the object had a natural explanation that humanity had not been seen before  or that it was an extraterrestrial technological object.

The report delivered to Congress was intriguing to the team of researchers because it stated that Unidentified Aerial Phenomena are likely physical objects  they were viewed visually and detected by multiple sensors, including radar and infrared  but their nature was unclear.

Thats quite an unusual admission by the government, the most conservative organization that I know of, saying there are objects in our sky that we dont really understand, Loeb said.

Galileo Project wont analyze existing images or speculate on prior Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. Instead, it would use telescopes to search for future Unidentified Aerial Phenomena and 'Oumuamua-like interstellar objects. It could also look for potential extraterrestrial satellites that are exploring the Earth.

Artificial intelligence and deep learning would help differentiate atmospheric phenomena from birds, balloons, drones and potential technological objects surveying the planet.

The telescopes high-resolution images would allow researchers to distinguish if such items were Made in Country X or Made by Exoplanet Y. Yet these Unidentified Aerial Phenomena would be detected by more than just optical means.

Would anybody trust even a high-resolution optical image alone? asked Frank Laukien, a visiting scholar at Harvard who co-founded the Galileo Project with Loeb. Or would we want to have infrared or radar confirmation (or rule out) that something is not just a mirage or an optical illusion?

Laukien, who is also the CEO of Bruker Corp., which develops scientific instruments and analytical and diagnostic solutions, identified himself as the resident skeptic. Of all the species on Earth, just one species has built a civilization. And that civilization has only been able to send out signals in the past 100 years or so.

EXOPLANETS: Earth-like 'Goldilocks' planets might be less hospitable than scientists think

Sure, there is probably life elsewhere in the galaxy. But he said intelligent life and extraterrestrial civilizations are not all that likely.

Loeb, on the other hand, recently wrote a book called Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth. In this book, he explored a theory on how 'Oumuamua could have been alien technology from a distant star.

We can no longer ignore the possibility that technological civilizations predated us, Loeb said on Monday, and that we are not the smartest kid on our cosmic block.

andrea.leinfelder@chron.com

twitter.com/a_leinfelder
The unseemly spectacle of an elected official bobbing in a tub of uncomfortably hot water is nothing new in Texas.

In the early 20th century, it was the Governors Ferguson feeling the heat. Pa Fergusons financial shenanigans got him impeached; Ma Fergusons penchant for pardoning prison inmates, more than 3,000 in all, raised questions about a purse full of bribe money. In the 50s, a Veterans Land Board scandal landed a state land commissioner in prison. In the 70s, the notorious Sharpstown scandal ensnared a House speaker and numerous other elected officials. In the 80s, it was a governor feeling the heat over money passed under the table to SMU football players. In the 2000s, an attorney general went to prison on charges that he used political money for private purposes.

We are only skimming the bubbling surface, but its safe to say that an even deeper dive into the Texas Elected Officials Hall of Shame would fail to come up with a politician more embroiled than the man we have twice elected to enforce our laws and protect our constitution.

A 31-page complaint filed last week with the State Bar of Texas by 16 Texas attorneys, including four past presidents of the State Bar of Texas, as well as legal scholars and legal-ethics experts. Organized by a group calling itself Lawyers Defending American Democracy, the complaint is merely the latest reminder that Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to tread water in an Olympic-sized pool of scandal.

The lawyers group wants him suspended or permanently disbarred; we just want him gone. A quick Paxton primer underscores why:

Six years ago, our attorney general was indicted on felony securities fraud charges. He allegedly persuaded investors to buy stock in a technology firm without disclosing that he would be compensated for it. After endless fights over venue and other stalling tactics, he still hasnt gone to trial.

In October, eight of his top aides told authorities they believed he was breaking the law by doing a series of favors for a political donor, an Austin developer named Nate Paul, allegedly in return for a job for Paxtons mistress. Every one of the aides has either resigned or been fired. The FBI has launched an investigation.

A few weeks after the mutiny without precedent, to quote the Texas Tribune, Paxton took it upon himself to file a howler of a lawsuit with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to toss the 2020 presidential election results in four battleground states that had assured Joe Bidens victory. His own solicitor general wouldnt even sign it. The lawsuit, soundly rejected, relied on discredited claims of election fraud. (Keep in mind that Paxton uses our money to make himself and his state a national laughingstock.)

A little over six months ago, our attorney general stood before a roiling crowd at the White House and urged supporters of then-President Donald Trump to keep fighting. We are Texans, we are Americans, and were not quitting, he shouted.

Later that day, January 6, Paxton claimed  with a straight face  that the mob that invaded the Capitol a few hours earlier were liberal antifa activists, not Trump supporters.

A month after Paxton groveled at Trumps feet in D.C., state senators revealed that he had doled out $40 million for raises in the AGs office without proper appropriation from lawmakers. [I]f every agency did what yours did, General Paxton, we wouldnt have a budget, state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, said. We wouldnt even need a budget.

The complaint filed with the State Bar of Texas last Wednesday charges Paxton with a pattern of unethical conduct including the frivolous lawsuit seeking to overturn the 2020 election results.

Mr. Paxtons misconduct has brought dishonor not only to his fellow Texas lawyers but to the American legal profession as a whole, said Gershon Gary Ratner, co-founder of the Lawyers Defending American Democracy group and principal author of the complaint. After investigation, if the allegations in this complaint are validated, Mr. Paxton should be suspended from the practice of law or be permanently disbarred.

The State Bar was already investigating a complaint from a Democratic activist filed in response to Paxtons election lawsuit, the Associated Press reported in June. Whether either complaint leads to discipline for the attorney general is less important that the long-overdue need for Paxton to go. Fortunately, finally, some of Paxtons fellow conservatives are coming around to the realization that he has made a mockery of the office he holds. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Paxtons former top aide, has urged Paxton to resign. Other past supporters are voting with their feet  and wallets. The Chronicle reported last week that dozens of political donors who have previously helped bankroll Paxtons campaigns are now giving to his primary challengers, Land Commissioner George P. Bush and former Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman.

In 2018, Paxton barely won reelection against a relatively unknown Democrat, Justin Nelson. This time, both primary opponents are well known; both are raising enough money to run competitive campaigns against an incumbent. (Two Democrats, former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski and Dallas-area civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, also are running.)

For the good of the state he serves, Paxton should have had the decency to resign months ago. He didnt and he doesnt, which means Texans likely will have to endure a non-functioning AGs office for months to come (assuming that Texas Republicans have finally seen the light). Heres hoping the water gets even hotter.
The claim: There is clear legal authority to handcuff and put in leg irons legislators that are trying to stop the Legislature from being able to do business.  Sen. Ted Cruz.

Cruz, a former Texas solicitor general, said in an interview with a reporter that the state constitution provides authority for such arrests of lawmakers who fled the state on July 12 to block an elections bill they oppose.

PolitiFact rating: False. The Texas House Rules state that absent lawmakers can be sent for and arrested, wherever they may be found. But, because absent lawmakers arent charged with a crime, its unclear how the use of the word arrest should be interpreted in this context. This is because no Texas court has reviewed how this provision is to be enforced. Thus, there is no legal clarity.

Discussion

About PolitiFact PolitiFact is a fact-checking project to help you sort out fact from fiction in politics. Truth-O-Meter ratings are determined by a panel of three editors. The burden of proof is on the speaker, and PolitiFact rates statements based on the information known at the time the statement is made. See More Collapse

In 2003, before Cruz became a national household name, he was appointed to serve as the Texas solicitor general by then-Attorney General Greg Abbott.

That same year, Republicans redistricting plans were foiled when at least 50 Democratic state House members broke quorum and fled to Ardmore, Okla., forcing Texas Gov. Rick Perry to call a special session. During that special session, the Republican effort was scuttled again when 11 Democratic state senators made their own quorum-breaking getaway by fleeing to Albuquerque, N.M.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

At the time, Speaker of the House Tom Craddick asked Abbott what legal authority the House has to arrest its absent Democratic colleagues. According to Cruz, that question was placed in Cruzs hands.

Abbott asked me. I researched it. It turns out the Texas Constitution has a provision that explicitly authorizes fleeing House members to be arrested, Cruz recalled.

But Cruzs interpretation of the constitution doesnt appear to be shared by all.

Article III, Sec. 10 of the state constitution provides little guidance for the situation at hand. In one short paragraph, the document states that the House can compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each House may provide.

Under the Texas House rules, the remaining House members can issue a Motion for Call of the House, which directs the sergeant-at-arms to dispatch state police to find and return the missing members to secure a quorum.

All absentees for whom no sufficient excuse is made may, by order of a majority of those present, be sent for and arrested, wherever they may be found, Rule 5, Sec. 8 of the House rule book states.

While the language uses the word arrest, theres uncertainty about how this term is to be interpreted. Because none of these errant members have committed any crime, and the House cannot issue a criminal warrant for their arrest, they cant be arrested in a criminal sense.

Although Cruzs interpretation of the law finds that there is clear legal authority to handcuff Democratic lawmakers and put them in leg irons, others treat this as a gray area of the law.

In a situation like this, they dont even have a warrant for a criminal arrest, said Sandra Thompson, a University of Houston law professor and director of the Criminal Justice Institute. I think we really need to be thinking about this more in terms of an escort than trying to analogize it as a criminal situation.

The reason this question lacks clarity is because this hypothetical set of circumstances has no judicial precedent in Texas, said Randall Erben, an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law and former legislative director to Abbott. There has been no judicial interpretation of enforcement of Rule 5, Sec. 8 of the House rule book, and thus no existing authority on the matter in Texas.

Im not going to argue with the junior senator about this, but what Im saying is theres no precedent anywhere for any of this, Erben said. He may have found some authority someplace from somewhere, but its not going to be relevant or on point to the interpretation by a court of competent jurisdiction, which under the Constitution is the only authority that anybody has to do this.

Cruzs office, which responded to questions, argued that the clear legal authority stems from the U.S. Constitution, which has a similar provision regarding absent lawmakers. Cruz spokesman Steve Guest points to a 1988 case in which an Oregon senator was brought into the Senate chamber by police feet-first against his will.

Erben, however, said that the ultimate authority here rests in the Texas courts.

Were in Texas. The only authority thats relevant as far as a judicial review would be the Texas courts, and Texas courts have never ruled on anything about the enforcement of any House rule provision, Erben said.
A group of nearly 60 major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association, on Monday called for mandatory vaccination of health care workers. As the highly contagious delta variant drives a new surge of coronavirus cases, vaccination is an ethical obligation for health care workers, the groups said in a joint statement.

Due to the recent COVID-19 surge and the availability of safe and effective vaccines, our health care organizations and societies advocate that all health care and long-term care employers require their workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the statement said. This is the logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all health care workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and well-being.

The statement was signed by a wide array of professional associations, including those representing doctors, nurses, pharmacists and infectious-disease experts.

In recent weeks, more hospitals and health care systems have announced that they would begin requiring all employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has said that the mandates are legal, and many hospitals already require employees to get flu shots.

Health care organizations rarely agree on anything, but this is one thing where they are speaking with one voice and unanimity, said Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, an oncologist and bioethicist at the University of Pennsylvania, who organized the joint statement. I think that attests to the wide recognition that this is the right thing to do for this country.

Although many health care workers have been eligible for vaccination since December, when the first shots were authorized, a significant number remain unvaccinated. In New York, for instance, roughly 1 in 4 hospital workers have not yet been vaccinated, according to state data. Nationwide, just 58.7% of nursing home employees have been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Some health care workers have pushed back against vaccine requirements. A small group of employees sued Houston Methodist Hospital over its mandate. The suit was dismissed last month, and more than 150 workers at the hospital were fired or resigned over their refusal to be vaccinated.

Some employers have been reluctant to require the vaccines, which currently have an emergency-use authorization, until they receive full approval from the Food and Drug Administration. That approval is expected but could be months away.

Emanuel said some hospitals and health care organizations were using the lack of full approval as an excuse to push off vaccine mandates. The joint statement noted that the COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be both safe and effective.

With more than 300 million doses administered in the United States and nearly 4 billion doses administered worldwide, we know the vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19, Dr. Susan Bailey, immediate past president of the AMA, said in a statement.

The joint statement said exceptions could be made for the small subset of employees who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
CD Baby president Joel Andrew on the Music Biz Weekly podcast

Joel Andrew has helped make CD Baby a leading online distributor of independent music representing more than 650,000 artists to 100+ global digital platforms.

CD Baby tracks represent 20% of all the music on Spotify.

He was a working musician when he began opening mail on weekends for CD Baby. He has since become a spokesman for the independent music scene and a mentor to many artists.

Jole posts regularly on social media, offering advice to the independent music community on business matters including management, touring, songwriting, and music production.

He also recently posted an important essay on Billboard and Hypebot reminding musicians to measure success on their own terms. Read it here.

CD Baby president Joel Andrew joins hosts Michael Brandvold and Jay Gilbert on the Music Biz Weekly podcast:

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Dalton CRA Softball Tourney Wraps Up with Three Title Tilts

DALTON, Mass. -- The Dalton CRA Invitational Softball Tournament beat the rain, and three travel squads beat their opponents to claim tourney titles on Sunday at Pine Grove Park.

In the 10-and-under division, the Greylock Thunder defeated host Dalton in the final after Dalton won a semi-final against Adams-Cheshire-Savoy on Sunday morning.

In the 14U Division, the Berkshire Force topped the ACS Swat to claim the crown.

In the 16Us, a pair of squads from New York's Capital District squared off in the title game, and the Outlaws defeated the Guilderland Bulldogs to claim the hardware.

The 12U division title was decided on Saturday when the ACS Swat swept the first two games of a best-of-three series against the Thunder.

"The tournament was a great success with lots of good softball games," organizer Dustin Belcher said. "The volunteers that helped work on the fields were amazing!"
Adams Fire District Sets Virtual Review of Organizational Study

ADAMS, Mass. The Fire Department will hold a virtual meeting to go over some findings from the recent Organizational Assessment and Strategic Plan that could inform some changes within the Fire District.

"I really want to see the public join in on this Zoom meeting," Fire Chief John Pansecchi said. "It is important that they hear about this report and see that these problems are consistent across the country."

Municipal Resources Inc. of New Hampshire was hired to review the fire and rescue services provided to the town. The group developed a target hazard analysis, reviewed response metrics, evaluated the current facility, apparatus, budget, and conducted a number of interviews with various stakeholders.

The document also put forth some recommendations believed to improve the department and the services to Adams as well as sure up the department's longevity and efficiency.

This is the first time the Fire Department has undergone such an assessment, but Pansecchi said he saw nothing he didn't already know.

"I have done my own research over the years, and I can tell you from reading past studies the information is pretty much consistent with departments of similar sizes," he said. "I didn't find any surprises."

The full 112-page report can be found here . The report includes a narrative and discussions with different stakeholders. More conclusively, the document includes a lengthy list of 63 recommendations that range from structural changes to planning initiatives.

A broader list of conclusions is included towards the end of the document. They are:

Development of a staffing model that includes a salaried full-time fire chief and per diem coverage during peak hours to meet increasing emergency service demands and address dwindling response resources; Planning for facility replacement; Development of an apparatus and equipment capital improvement plan (CIP); Develop a revenue stream that will support the needs of a modern-day fire service organization; Development of a strategic plan which can serve the District as a roadmap to chart the future of the organization.

The report also included an involved implementation timeline

A few of the recommendations have come up among the Fire District membership before, including making the fire chief position full time.

In 2019, Fire District voters shot down the proposition to bump the part-time fire chief position up to full time. With more duties beyond just fighting fires, Pansecchi, who also has a full-time job, said a full-time person was needed in the office.

Pansecchi reiterated that moving to a full-time chief has nothing to do with him. He said when he asked for the change in 2019, he budgeted the lower amount on the salary scale. He added that the Prudential Committee could hire whomever it wanted to be the chief.

The plan also recommends creating per diem positions to cover busier times of the day when coverage is spotty and inconsistent

"I don't have people that are qualified that can commit to every Monday or every Tuesday," Pansecchi said. "I have people who may have the day off, but they have overtime or something else comes up. It is tough. They work when they can."

He added that it is also difficult to find this consistent coverage with a shrinking department. This is another recommendation within the plan, to more aggressively pursue recruitment and retention.

"We are seeing our numbers drop continuously. We are not desperate yet," he said. "... We are losing firefighters. We get them trained, they spend a few years here, and then they move out of town."

The report did point out that many of the firefighters are much older and edging closer to retirement. The report said there is an incoming leadership gap.

Pansecchi said all of the department's engineers are in their 50s or 60s. He said some members are in their 70s. He said fighting fires is a "younger person's game" and once volunteers hit the age of 65 they take on a more supportive role.

Be that as it may, when this group retires there will be a loss of institutional knowledge and leadership without abundant younger firefighters coming up through the ranks.

"The future is scary when you look at it," he said. "Hopefully some of these new guys develop into good firefighters down the road."

He said this is a problem volunteer departments throughout the country are facing. He said in the past year they have implemented more aggressive recruitment in line with what the report recommends.

The plan does recommend creating a captain position that would lead this effort

The plan also urged the department to explore new revenue streams. Specifically starting a conversation with the town about extending fire protection fees outside of the fire district.

Currently, Fire District members pay a fee for fire protection services. Properties outside of the water district do not pay any fee but still receive fire services.

Pansecchi said in other like communities, a fire service fee is connected directly to the municipalities taxes. The district did bring this up to the town a few times, however to no avail.

"There does not seem to be much enthusiasm to go that way, but I think it would be easier with town-wide billing," he said. "We can't bill people outside of the district so it would have to go through the town, and that has not worked out in previous discussions."

The report also recommends improving communication with the prudential committee, improving documentation and inventory records, and further planning.

Pansecchi said these problems are not specific to Adams and, in fact, cited Williamstown who had the same company conduct a similar report.

"If you read it it is almost identical," he said. "They are a similar-sized community, and they have taken a lot of these steps already. They have a full-time chief."

Pansecchi said some of the recommendations are already underway while others will take time. Some of the larger items will come down to a vote, such as the full-time chief position that the report recommends the department sort out within the year

He was happy that an independent source backed what he and his team have believed for some time now but said it was important to have a transparent conversation with the membership about the future of the Fire District and department.

"They really need to know where we stand and what the future is gong to bring ... and hopefully we can change some minds over time," he said. "That is the big thing. Be here, pay attention to the presentation, and ask questions because the future of the department depends on it."
Two Berkshire Residents Join CDCSB Board of Directors

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.  Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB) welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors.

Don Eaton, of Stockbridge, and Joe Grachmal, of Great Barrington, were elected to serve a three-year term this week on the nonprofit's Board of Directors.

Don Eaton is an account director at Toole Insurance Agency in Lee. Professionally, Eaton works with clients in the construction and other related sectors in Massachusetts and Eastern New York, and holds the Certified Insurance Counselor and Construction Risk Insurance Specialist designations. In his personal time, he has devoted many years to volunteerism and philanthropy and currently serves as a deacon for the Congregational Church in Stockbridge. Don has a keen interest in affordable housing and is dedicated to supporting small businesses. He joined the CDCSB Board with the intent to serve on the Economic Development subcommittees and working closely with the organization's new Small Business Technical Assistance Program.

Joe Grachmal is a 2019 Harvard graduate and Great Barrington resident with a passion for municipal innovation and supporting small towns. In fact, Grachmal is currently developing a private municipal innovation company called Ulpian Labs, which will "engage the next generation of leaders to address crucial challenges facing small to mid-sized municipalities." He is also a Lead America Hometown Fellow. Joe has a passion for all things sustainable and took an interest in the CDCSB's mission of building affordable housing. With Joe's experience, he will serve on the Board's Marketing and Fundraising subcommittee and contribute to the work on developing affordable housing projects in the Berkshires.

The Board of Directors also includes Jim Harwood, President; Richard Stanley, Vice President; Cara Becker, Treasurer; Anthony Blair, Clerk; Erik Bruun; Jeffrey Cohen; Cara Davis; Thomas Doyle; Robin Helfland; Michael Igoe, Rufus Jones; Richard Melluzo; Rachel Moriarty; and David Thorne.
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Name: Prasad Ramakrishnan

Company: Freshworks

Job title: CIO and CISO

Date started current role: October 2018

Location: San Francisco, CA

Prasad Ramakrishnan is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Freshworks, leading the companys IT vision, strategy and execution. Ramakrishnan is a seasoned IT professional, SaaS evangelist and go-to thought leader on all things cloud and security. His expertise is critical to the success of Freshworks products as well as global work culture. He spearheaded the companys sustained connectivity in response to the pandemic despite weak internet infrastructure in India. Before Freshworks, Ramakrishnan was CIO at Veeva where he took a democratic approach to software adoption and empowered his employees - the would-be users - to decide on the software they would use. His team voted for Freshservice, Freshworks ITSM (IT service management) offering. Ramakrishnan became an early adopter, customer and advocate of Freshworks - and he liked it so much he joined the company.

What was your first job? My first job was as a product development engineer at Wipro, one of the major IT solutions companies in India.

Did you always want to work in IT? Growing up, I had a passion for math and science and wanted to become a mechanical engineer. I took a couple of programming classes during my undergrad years and found that I was very good with programming languages and computers. The personal computer era was just dawning at that time in the mid-80s. I pivoted from mechanical engineering to the world of computers. The rest, as they say, is history.

What was your education? Do you hold any certifications? What are they? I received my bachelors degree in mathematics and a diploma in business administration from Madras University in Chennai. I have a masters in computer applications from Anna University in Chennai, and an MBA in global management from the University of Phoenix.

Explain your career path. Did you take any detours? If so, discuss. I started my career in product development and then moved into consulting, where I went on to head delivery and implementations. I found my IT calling when I joined Brocade in 2001. I decided within a year or so of moving into IT that this is where I want to be, and I worked my way through the corporate world to become a CIO and CISO.

As a consultant, you never really own the aftermath of the implementations and that always bothered me. I found that when you are in IT, you not only own transforming the business, but also own all the good and bad decisions you make along the way. This makes you a better leader and a better technologist. I love solving complex problems, and when you are in IT, you work with an ever-changing landscape - where the tech platforms around you are evolving AND the internal business processes landscape is also changing. This is a perfect recipe for innovation, akin to changing the wheels when the train is moving at 90 mph. That excitement and the ride is why I wanted to continue and build a career in IT.

What business or technology initiatives will be most significant in driving IT investments in your organisation in the coming year? In response to the pandemic and economic environment, were redefining and refining our business processes and systems to deepen our engagements with our customers. As such, were increasing investments in our customer engagement, analytics and security capabilities. Capacity planning and capacity expansion for virtual environments, as well as data exfiltration and data loss prevention (DLP) are additional key areas to stretch the value of our IT dollars in this new normal. Enhancing our overall security posture is vital to stay a step ahead of any potential new threats presented in the COVID era.

As a post-pandemic world continues to take shape, real estate investments, corporate network-related investments are being replaced by security-related investments. Security and data prevention are becoming a higher priority, and our team recognises that even in more challenging times, these investments will help us thrive economically through and after the pandemic.

In addition, the way we engage with customers and sustain the engagement is also changing. Investments in integrations to Chat, IM, Slack, WhatsApp will become even more critical. CIOs will need to invest in automation via artificial intelligence, machine learning and bots in order to handle the distributed business processes.

What are the CEO's top priorities for you in the coming year? How do you plan to support the business with IT? Our origins started in the cloud and that digital-first mindset enabled us to adapt quickly and continue our rapid growth, in spite of the pandemic. Our business starts and flourishes with great IT and our CEO is well aware. Our goal as a company is to help businesses delight their customers and employees. But unlike the legacy SaaS vendors, we do this in a way that is fast, simple and easy for our customers. Freshworks plans to continue building its IT infrastructure to continue our success with realising this mission.

The pandemic has amplified the need for cybersecurity protections. As a CISO and CIO, protecting data and information is my number one priority and the pandemic has increased that focus. Each product at Freshworks is created with security to the customer first. Throughout the pandemic and into 2021, we will continue strengthening our cybersecurity posture.

Does the conventional CIO role include responsibilities it should not hold? Should the role have additional responsibilities it does not currently include? The role of CIOs is ever-changing with new technologies and trends emerging constantly. In terms of responsibilities, Im prepared and happy to wear many hats. I serve as both CISO and CIO of Freshworks, so its important for me to look at the roles holistically.

One trend Im seeing is forward-thinking CIOs are recognising that software success is inextricably linked to end-user success. As such, they are abandoning the command-and-control approach to purchasing software for a more inclusive, democratic approach that includes administrators, managers and most importantly, end-users.

The sheer volume of solutions on the market continues to explode. Its the CIOs job to analyse all of these solutions and discern what will give their company a differentiated edge. Correctly assessing the value of these solutions will become increasingly important as more companies move into the cloud.

Are you leading a digital transformation? If so, does it emphasise customer experience and revenue growth or operational efficiency? If both, how do you balance the two? Digital transformation for any company should encompass a balance of both customer experience, revenue growth and operational efficiency. At Freshworks, we are empowering our customers by making sure their customer experience is at the forefront of our mission. The operational efficiency for our customers helps them succeed through rapid acceleration to cloud and SaaS-based platforms. Internally, our operational efficiency (including cybersecurity needs) helps our employees work more productively, and we've also invested in tools that allow online collaboration and work from anywhere, including Workplace, Zoom and Slack.

Implementing any kind of technology transformation requires leadership and direction from the top. Leaders need to make communication a focus  there must be a clear articulation of why, when and how you are doing what you are doing. In addition, championing from the CEO needs to clearly communicate not only why things are changing, but also drive adoption of those changes. Most importantly, developing a continuous feedback loop allows you to make adjustments as needed to respond to the shifting landscape.

Describe the maturity of your digital business. For example, do you have KPIs to quantify the value of IT? We are a fast growing product company that was born in the cloud. As with any fast growing business, the systems and processes always play catch up with the growth. We use a method which I refer to as metrics that matter to drive metrics and analytics in the organisation. We use metrics such as project timeline - planned vs. actual, budget vs. actual expenses, first call resolution, time taken for onboarding, trend with false positives in our security alerts, etc. to measure how IT supports the business.

What does good culture fit look like in your organisation? How do you cultivate it? Freshworks is a heart-driven business - we treat each other like Kudumba (family) and this has been key to our successes. By encompassing Kudumba in everything that we do, we enable our customers to feel comfortable and at ease with a company they can trust.

For many tech companies, building a culture is usually not top of mind nor purposeful, but I have found it to be foundational  the difference between success and failure. Without the feeling of family, companies can lose sight of their goals and ultimately, lose customers.

Our wellness as individuals is not taken lightly by the company and as a leader on the executive team, we are constantly discussing how we can give our employees a sense of belonging even when we are working in thousands of home offices around the globe.

It is vital for employees to keep a healthy work-life balance and we make that a priority by allowing necessary downtime, including mental health days and impromptu company holidays, encouraging micro meetings to save time and workload, and offering No Meeting Days. Culture retention and appreciation is another important aspect of strong work-life balance - we prioritise recognising and celebrating our employees virtually for their hard work.

The pandemic has given companies a unique opportunity to listen to employees and recognise the necessary tools that individuals need to succeed while ensuring their mental and physical wellness. At Freshworks, we launched a powerful photo campaign #AndItsOkay to give a voice to employees struggling with the effects of COVID-19 and shine a light on mental health.

What roles or skills are you finding (or anticipate to be) the most difficult to fill? We have a 100% cloud and SaaS-based technology stack. The industry at large is still moving from a traditional on-prem based tech landscape to a cloud and all SaaS footprint. In this new world, the role of the business analyst or IT product manager as it is being referred to nowadays, is very critical.

Analytics environments have evolved to a model where we are not just looking at the rear view mirror, but are looking at a model of predictive and future looking analytics. These roles are hard to fill.

Cybersecurity roles have always been hard to fill and will continue to be in the future. The threat landscape is more complex now than ever before and will continue to be a challenge.

What's the best career advice you ever received? One of my mentors said If you dont enjoy what you are doing, dont do it here. The journey will be more bitter for you and for everyone around you if you do not enjoy what you are doing.

When I moved into IT and realised that I enjoy being in IT, I went to my CIO and told him that I wanted to be a CIO someday. His advice to me (which he was fully supportive of) was to rotate between different roles within IT to get an appreciation for the various functions and business areas. Doing this has enabled me to gain first hand experience in various business processes in sales, marketing, finance, SOX, infrastructure, etc.

That is one of the reasons why I encourage my team members to explore different roles within the team and to bounce between IT and other organisations, such as Product / Engineering, to give them a rich perspective of what is out there. This will enable them to find their ultimate passion and help them achieve their career goals.

Do you have a succession plan? If so, discuss the importance of and challenges with training up high-performing staff. Employee development is an art and a science. The greatest engineers dont necessarily have to be great leaders. It is important to define the various roles that are required to run the business at the different stages of evolution, and map the right people into these roles. It is important to acknowledge that we will, in some cases, not be able to find someone internally who is operating at the level we want them to operate - in which case we have to go outside for the right talent. The key to success is to provide an environment where talent can thrive. As a leader, it is your responsibility to constantly look for key talent, and invest in their potential. Provide opportunities, whether internal or external to your team, to keep high achievers motivated.

What advice would you give to aspiring IT leaders? Aspiring IT leaders should know that honesty and integrity are often overlooked in competitive workplaces, but will ultimately be the key to success. Its also important to always continue learning and adapting to the shifting industry around us. As it always has been with IT, putting yourself in the shoes of the end user will lead to a better, more successful software or product.
Local bus heist ends with thief throwing another vehicle through his home with stolen tractor many miles away
On 26 July, around 20 Tunisian security agents stormed the headquarters of Qatar-based Al-Jazeera broadcaster in Tunis and forced out the entire staff of seven media workers, before closing the office.

Al-Jazeera media workers reportedly asked for an official judicial warrant to close the medias office but the security agents, who confiscated the keys of the newsroom, said there was no judicial decision in this regard and that they were just following orders".

In parallel, Al Jazeera journalists reporting in the field noticed a clear disturbance in their communications, which created interference with their direct contacts with the newsroom back at the channel.

The SNJT also denounced the incitement against Alarabiya journalists in Tunisia over social media as well as the confiscation of mobile phones of journalists covering demonstrations around the parliament building and preventing them from working.

The incidents occurred just a day after President Kais Saieds decision to dismiss the prime minister and suspend Parliament, which sparked a political crisis in Tunisia's fledgling democracy.

The SNJT called on the President of the Republic to take urgent action to ensure freedom of journalists in their work and to address all illegal procedures in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

The Journalists Syndicate holds the President of the Republic responsible for protecting press freedom, the union added.

IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: The authorities in Tunisia must guarantee that all journalists in Tunisia are able to work without intimidation or interruption. The President of Tunis must order his security forces to reopen the offices of Aljazeera immediately and to stop harassing the journalists and the media".
Election Workers Needed for the September 14th California Gubernatorial Recall Election

Imperial, California - The Imperial County Registrar of Voters is seeking Election Workers, Poll Workers and Inspectors, for the California Gubernatorial Recall Election that will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Compensation for Poll Workers is $100.00 per day and $110.00 per day for Inspectors.

To qualify as an Election Worker, you must be one of the following:

A registered voter in California

A legal permanent resident of the United States

A high school student age 16 or order with a 2.5 GPA  Must obtain teacher and parent permission

Selected poll workers must attend a 2-3 hour scheduled training class. A stipend will be paid for those that attend a mandatory training class.

To apply, please visit www.elections.ImperialCounty.org to download an application or call (442) 265-1060 for more information.
Dan Price wants bosses to stop acting like everyone's an extrovert. The founder and CEO of payment-processing business Gravity Payments, Price is known for instituting a $70,000 minimum salary at that company -- and he takes issue with entrepreneurs who are calling all of their employees back to the office again.

Price thinks CEOs do their teams a disservice when they take a one-size-fits-all approach to deciding where work gets done. They should consider, he argues, that more introverted employees might be happier -- and doing their best work -- at home.

"I don't think we appreciate how much work-from-home has helped introverts," Price wrote in a LinkedIn post on Thursday.

"A lot of CEOs are extroverts (like me) and find being around people energizing, and assume others are the same way," he writes. "So they force employees back to the office under the assumption that it will help people."

The mass shift to remote work during the pandemic led some high-profile CEOs like Apple's Tim Cook and JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon to claim that it's a poor substitute for in-person work, because chance meetings in the office fuel creativity and improve collaboration. While that theory has been suggested by many business leaders over the years, there's little evidence to support it, a New York Times report found.

What anti-remote-work bosses fail to consider, Price argues, is that "many people find being at the office exhausting and need time at home to recharge."

He also notes that people who feel comfortable speaking up during in-person meetings are often unfairly perceived as star employees, and that remote work helps level the playing field. "People who keep to themselves are usually listening more intently than anyone and have valuable things to share if you get them into a more comfortable space," Price writes.

Price has a history of expressing unconventional attitudes toward leadership, most notably with his announcement in 2015 that he would raise his company's minimum wage to $70,000 -- and cut his own salary to the same amount. His post this week touched a nerve for many workers and bosses, garnering nearly 28,000 reactions and more than 1,000 comments.

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I'm fully vaccinated, but to get on a plane in Europe to come to the United States for a combination business trip and family vacation, I still had to jump through hoops. If your company is ready to start doing business travel again, you need to prep your employees. This is what I've learned this past week.

International travel still requires jumping through many hoops (if you can get a flight).

My flights from Switzerland to the U.S. changed at least four times between when I bought the tickets and finally took off. Why? Not many people are flying across the Atlantic, and airlines are cutting flights. Add to it varying Covid problems, and it can be a nightmare to get across the ocean.

You may book tickets for your employees, but there's no guarantee that they will end up on those flights, and they may have to go through circuitous routes to get to their destination.

To get on an international flight (depending on location), you'll probably need a negative Covid test, proof of vaccination, and a myriad of forms filled out. I live in Switzerland, but due to flight cancelations, I had to fly out of Frankfurt, Germany, change airports in London, and then on to the U.S. That meant I had to comply with three different countries' regulations. Switzerland and Germany were easy, but London required forms.

My children flew with their father, and they were routed through Spain, which came with its own set of regulations.

These regulations change all the time, so make sure your employees are up to date. I even have an electronic vaccine passport issued by the Swiss Government and the paper documentation, which wasn't enough to avoid more paperwork.

On the plus side, the transatlantic flights were practically empty, so flying was super comfortable!

Prepare for rules for your domestic flights.

I've spent time in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Texas, and Utah in the past seven days. Masks? Practically non-existent. My hotel in Pennsylvania had a big sign saying masks were required, so I put mine on, only to be greeted by an unmasked employee.

Your employees probably are not used to wearing masks in their daily tasks, but they will need them for their flights and for all their time in the airport. The man across the aisle from me on my flight from Philadelphia to Atlanta kept his mask below his nose. My seatmate politely asked him to raise his mask. He responded that masks were stupid and so he wouldn't.

I don't know whether he was traveling for business or pleasure, but what I do know is his combative attitude meant that the flight attendant had more work to do. Judging by the increasingly annoying reminder announcements to keep your mask covering your nose and mouth, he wasn't the only non-compliant person on the flight.

If you don't want to wear a mask on the flight, lobby the FAA or Congress. Don't make your flight attendant have to babysit you and your mask. Let your employees know that they will be responsible for any fines incurred for their rebellious behavior.

Airlines need to consider changing their baggage rules.

While my transatlantic flight was practically empty, all four of my domestic flights were full. This meant that the airline begged people to gate-check roller bags through to their final destination for free.

This is a waste of time and energy. They knew the flights would be full when people checked in originally. Why not offer people the option of checking a roller bag for free when they check in? You not only get the bags out of the overhead bins, but you can also speed up security checks.

As it is now, it's just more work for everyone.

It may make more sense for your employees to drive.

It's not the full flights that are the problem, it's the car rentals. There is a rental car shortage, and the available cars are incredibly pricey. While I rented a car for a portion of my trip, I used Uber in Texas and Utah. It was far cheaper than renting a car.

If the trip is less than five or six hours by car, it may be cheaper and more convenient for the employee to drive their own car. (The company should reimburse for mileage, of course.) Finding and paying for rental cars can be the most difficult part of the trip.

What if your employees aren't ready to travel?

Some travel is, of course, essential. But if your employees don't feel comfortable hopping on a plane or meeting with people face to face, consider if this is essential travel. It may not be. We've survived with Zoom for almost a year and a half, we can go a bit further.
A director whose upcoming film stars Johnny Depp has accused the studio distributing it, MGM, of burying the movie because of the actors personal problems.

The film, entitled Minamata, was originally scheduled for release in February but it never came out.

Director Andrew Levitas, in a letter obtained by Deadline, writes: MGM had decided to bury the film (acquisitions head Mr Sam Wollmans words).

Levitas attempted to get the company to reconsider but alleges he was rebuffed.

MGM has offered a statement in reply: The film was acquired for release via American International Pictures (AIP), a division of MGM which handles day-and-date releases. Minamata continues to be among future AIP releases and at this time, the films US release date is TBA.

In the film, Depp plays Eugene Smith, a famous photojournalist who is sent to Japan to uncover corporate negligence that led to thousands suffering mercury poisoning from polluted waters.

As well as the Pirates of the Caribbean star, Minamata also features Bill Nighy and Army of the Deads Hiroyuki Sanada.

Johnny Depp arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice on July 24, 2020 at the trial suing News Group Newspapers and Sun Executive Editor Dan Wootton (Getty)

Depp was previously replaced by Mads Mikkelsen for the third instalment of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, after a judge denied him permission to appeal the ruling in a High Court libel case against The Sun over claims he beat his ex-wife, actor Amber Heard.

Minamata is Levitas second directorial effort following Lullaby, which was released in 2013 and starred Amy Adams and Jennifer Hudson.
Love Island fans have shared their disappointment in Teddy after he kissed two of the new bombshells in Casa Amor.

Monday nights episode of the reality show (26 July), saw all the male contestants head off to a second villa, leaving their partners behind.

It didnt take long for them to get intimate with the latest women to arrive on the show, and in a game of dares, Clarisse Juliette kissed Teddy after choosing him as the person she fancies the most.

Teddy, meanwhile, chose Mary, and kissed her despite being coupled up with Faye.

I felt f***ing guilty as f***, he could later be heard saying.

Viewers were not pleased, with one tweeting: If Teddy doesnt go back alone to Faye from Casa Amour I will legit lose the only bit of faith I have left in the male species.

Another said: Teddy trying to make himself feel better by telling himself Faye would be ok with him snogging another girl because shed want him to get involved in some way. Are we talking about the same Faye?

Love Island continues every night except Saturday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox.
With Love Island now past its halfway mark, viewers have already seen their fair share of contestants bid farewell to the villa.

Following the drama in Casa Amor this week, six contestants were ejected from the series having failed to charm their way into a recoupling.

The six unfortunate souls were Medhy, Lillie, Salma, Jack, Kaila, and Harry (though Lillie was able to drop a pretty huge bombshell before departing).

Before this, Aaron and Lucinda became the latest fully fledged contestants to leave the series on Sunday (25 July), after losing a public vote.

Despite being removed from the villa, the couple insisted they wished to remain together after the shows conclusion.

Newcomer Georgia left the series just days earlier (Thursday, 22 July), just one day after entering.

She initially had eyes for Hugo, but when a shock recoupling was announced, the PE teacher opted to save his friend Chloe over Georgia, who hed admitted to feeling no spark with.

Georgia was the eighth contestant to be booted from the villa, following on from Danny and AJ, who left on Wednesdays (21 July) show. After being named among the six contestants to receive the fewest number of public votes, the pair were chosen to leave by their fellow islanders who were tasked with making the decision.

In the opening week of the series last month, Shannon became the first islander to be dumped from the series after late entry Chloe Burrows entered the villa and went on a date with all five male contestants, including Hugo, Jake, Brad, Toby and Aaron.

A dramatic re-coupling saw Chloe choose Aaron, leaving his former partner Shannon without anyone to couple up with and therefore booted from the villa.

Shannon was the earliest contestant to ever be sent home from the show, leaving after only 48 hours in the villa. Contestants are typically dumped from the island around day five or six.

Second to leave the show was Chuggs Wallis, just two days after he arrived in the villa as a late addition.

His exit came after bombshell Rachel Finni had to choose whether she wanted to recouple with Chuggs or Brad.

She then chose Brad, leaving Chuggs single and dumped from the island.

Last Mondays episode (12 July) saw Rachel then become the third islander to be dumped from the ITV series after newcomer Teddy Soares chose to couple up with Faye, leaving Rachel without a partner.

Brad and Lucinda go their separate ways (ITV)

Brad McClelland then left the villa after he and Lucinda Strafford were voted the least compatible couple by the public.

The pair could either exit together or have one of them stay. Brad eventually decided to leave to allow Lucinda to remain on the show as he had been in since day one.

Next to go was original islander Sharon, who left after new girl AJ picked Hugo during a recoupling.

AJ was subsequently dumped a few days later, along with Danny.

Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2
Meat producer Cranswick said it has been buoyed by an increase in exports to Asia while the price of UK pigs has grown rapidly.

The company added that it is still on track to meet expectations, boosted by a strong demand for its poultry.

Far East export sales in the three months to the end of June were well ahead of where they were in the same period last year when China was in lockdown over Covid-19.

The UK pig price increased by 12% during the three months, Cranswick said on Monday.

The business increased the capacity at its poultry site in Eye, Suffolk, from 1.1 million to 1.4 million birds per week.

It also opened a new 20 million cooked bacon plant in Hull and is working on a breaded poultry facility in the city.

Chief executive Adam Couch said: We have made a positive start to the year.

Our capital investment programme remains firmly on track as we build the platform to deliver our long-term growth strategy, and we continue to make meaningful progress in delivering our group-wide Second Nature sustainability strategy.

Earlier this week the companys Science Based Target for climate change was validated.

It sets Cranswick in line with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures.

Cranswick plans to halve its emissions, and those that are produced when customers consume its products, by 2030 and will be net-zero a decade later, it said.

Mr Couch added: The professionalism and commitment of our colleagues across the business is the foundation on which our successful performance is based, and as always I would like to thank them for their continued dedication and support.

Shares in the company were trading up by around 2% on Monday morning.
Heavy rains over wildfire burn scars in Colorado have resulted in mudslides that have left roads shut down and motorists trapped in the state.

On Wednesday, a mudlside along the East Troublesome Fire burn scar in Grand County, Colorado, trapped drivers and shut down a highway.

Flash flooding in the area exacerbated the situation earlier this week.

Multiple mudslides occurred as a result, according to the Grand County Sheriff's Office.

There were no injuries reported from the slides.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has issued warnings to drivers that more mudslides are possible in coming days as monsoon season continues.

"Between the unrelenting weather forecast and the impacts we are seeing throughout Colorado, CDOT is asking travelers to take extra precautions, plan for additional time and double-check conditions before traveling," CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said in a statement. "Our crews will continue to monitor conditions closely and take what steps we can to keep people safe and return to normal as the weather allows. Once weather passes and crews can evaluate the impacts to the roadway, we are removing rocks and debris and making sure the road surface is safe before reopening."

Law enforcement officials have urged drivers to be cautious of the mudslides during the rest of monsoon season.

"Landslides can travel several miles and create an avalanche of earth, mud, and debris. These natural disasters are fast-moving and come with force," Colonel Matthew Packard, the chief of Colorado State Patrol, told Denver 7.

He said drivers should be prepared and stay alert while driving.

"Advance preparation can make a big difference in your safety and survival. Pay attention to the weather forecast and stay alert by looking for the landslide signs like unusual sounds, including rocks knocking together, or trees cracking," he said.

Climate change exacerbates existing problems. While it does not necessarily create new wildfires or mudslides  events that occur naturally and have in the past  climate change intensifies those disasters. Wildfires are more intense, droughts are more stark, creating more fuel for the flames. Rains are heavier, making it more likely that mudslides will occur.

One woman was killed by another mudslide north of Denver. Heavy rains triggered the slide, sending debris into Poudre Canyon.

Flooding in that area left three others missing, prompting rescuers to use drones in an attempt to locate the individuals. Five homes were destroyed and six other mudslides were triggered by the rains.

In one instance a car was swept into the Cache la Poudre River by the flooding and mudslides.

The National Weather Service has warned that more flooding and mudslides are likely.
Swathes of India have been ravaged by floods and landslides following a deluge of heavy monsoon rains that have claimed at least 164 lives, with more than 64 people missing and thousands evacuated.

Torrential downpours lashed the western coastal states of Maharashtra and Goa, as well as Karnataka and Telangana as workers, including personnel from Indian armed forces, were deployed for the urgent rescue mission.

The crew used boats and helicopters to search for missing people. They also waded through thick sludge and debris to rescue over 60 people buried under rubble from landslides in the worst-hit Raigad and Satara district where people are trapped for more than three days, an official said.

In Raigad alone 71 people have died, while there are 41 and 21 fatalities in Satara and Ratnagiri respectively, according to latest data by the government.

"We are trying hard to rescue people trapped under landslide debris in Raigad and Satara but the possibility of evacuating them alive is remote. They are trapped under mud for more than three days," said a senior official with the state government.

Three landslides wreaked havoc in Raigad following incessant rains on Thursday, leading to an assurance of help from chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday.

Two national highways, including one connecting Pune and Bengaluru, were partially submerged in water, blocking movement of traffic. Other key roads leading to villages were also under water.

People await for help on top floor of their house after village submerged in water at Kolhapur in western Maharashtra state, India (AP)

Several people were trapped on the rooftops of their houses, anxiously awaiting help from rescuers in Sangli district as the village appeared to be submerged in water.

Terrifying visuals from Maharashtras Ratnagiri showed a bus depot completely submerged in water. The manager was stranded on a bus as other vehicles were seen floating around it.

In Karnataka and Telangana, dozens of people have already died because of floods and landslides. Karnataka government issued red alert in seven districts after landslides occurred in eight places.

Indias tourist destination Goa, home to a large population of foreigners, is facing the worst floods in nearly four decades, the states chief minister Pramod Sawant said. Hundreds of houses have been damaged and drowned in flood waters. People have lost virtually everything, said health minister Vishwajit Rane.

Maharashtra government said in a statement on Monday that 164 people have died across the state, 100 people are missing and 2,29,074 have been evacuated.

Aerial view of the Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India (EPA)

The situation was grim in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh where at least nine people died and four were injured after a massive landslide. Terrifying visuals showed huge boulders and rocks crashing down on a bridge causing its collapse in the Sangla valley.

Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over loss of lives while condolences poured in from foreign ministries of neighbouring Bangladesh, Maldives, Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan.

While monsoons are typically notorious in India, studies suggest that the climate crisis is making Indias monsoons worse. A Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research report published in April said the situation would only worsen, leading to dire consequences for nearly a fifth of the worlds population.

Roxy Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, said in a tweet that flood situation in India is unprecedented, but not unexpected.

We already see a threefold rise in widespread extreme rains that cause floods across India. Red colors in this image indicate rise in extreme rains, he added.

The climatic devastation in India is similar to disasters seen around the world during recent weeks, including in Chinas central Henan province as well as in Germany and Belgium.
Wildfires raging in the western United States are creating such intense heat that they are creating their own weather patterns, leading to the kind of cross-continental smoke flows that brought ashen skies to much of the East Coast this week.

There are dozens of infernos currently raging across 13 US states that have cumulatively burned an area larger than greater Los Angeles.

The Bootleg Fire in Oregon is believed to be to blame for the haze that descended on some residents of New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington DC on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The smoke is being brought across the United States by pyrocummulus clouds. These towering ash-filled clouds are created when the extreme heat from wildfires force air to rapidly rise, and as the flames consume trees and plants in their path, the water inside them evaporates into the rising air.

Smoke particles join with the added moisture in the atmosphere to create menacing thunderclouds that can produce their own lightning, tornadoes, and force the wind to blow around them.

Normally the weather predicts what the fire will do. In this case, the fire is predicting what the weather will do, Marcus Kauffman, a spokesman for the state forestry department told the New York Times .

Meteorologists say the pyrocummuls clouds were carried 3,000 miles eastwards from southern Oregon, through the Great Lakes district and on to the East Coast on high-level winds.

The smoke clouds had been met and enlarged by closer fires in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.

Smoke travelling across the US to the East Coast was not especially rare, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

But this weeks smoke flows hung lower than usual, extending to ground level in some places.

Lunchtime thunderstorms in New York City on Wednesday brought some relief from the lower air quality.

But the unpredictable nature of the pyrocummulus clouds, and changeable weather patterns in the west, mean the poor air quality could return within days.

Wildfires burning out of control across the Western United States brought smoke-filled skies to New York City and Washington DC on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said smoke and haze from the Bootleg Fire in Oregon that had drifted across the Great Lakes region had reached the Eastern Seaboard.

This will filter the sunshine here throughout the day today, the NWS said on Twitter.

The smoke blankets partially blocked the sunrise in New York on Tuesday, weather watchers reported, and when the sun eventually became visible it had a distinctive reddish hue.

New York States Department of Environmental Conservation issued a rare air quality alert for parts of upstate New York including the Finger Lakes and Rochester.

It recommended older adults, young children, and anyone with underlying conditions should stay indoors.

Similar warnings were in effect for much of Canada, as well as from Vermont to northern New York state until midnight Tuesday, the NWS said.

The smoke, which stretched as far south as Washington DC, was likely to remain visible until a cold front sweeps through later in the week.

Montana and Idaho account for 35 of the fires, which are aided by a heatwave that has brought searing temperatures and dangerous conditions for firefighters.

The largest single blaze, the Bootleg Fire, has scorched around 350,000 acres, or 530 square miles, of forest and grasslands, with thousands of firefighters battling through extreme forms of weather generated by the blaze.

As the smoke builds, it becomes caught up in weather systems and transported across the country.
Americans are an increasingly lonely people, a new study has indicated.

According to the Survey Center on American Life , Americans today have fewer friends and talk to them less often than they did 30 years ago.

Signs suggest that the role of friends in American social life is experiencing a pronounced decline, the study said. The May 2021 American Perspectives Survey finds that Americans report having fewer close friendships than they once did, talking to their friends less often, and relying less on their friends for personal support.

The Survey Center based its findings on interviews with 2,019 Americans, aged 18 and up, from all 50 states and Washington, DC .

The results were concerning. Close to half of those surveyed  49 per cent  said they only had three or fewer close friends.

Even more striking is how these numbers have changed over time. In 1990, 33 per cent of Americans said they had 10 or more close friends. Today, only 13 per cent say they do.

Meanwhile, the number of friendless Americans has surged. In 1990, only three per cent said they had no close friends at all. Today that number has risen to 12 per cent.

The study said the most obvious culprit behind such friendlessness was the Covid-19 pandemic, which has closed offices and other normal venues for socializing.

But the survey found other reasons as well.

First, Americans are marrying later than ever and are more geographically mobile than in the past  two trends that are strongly associated with increasing rates of self-reported social isolation and feelings of loneliness, the Survey Center said.

Second, American parents are spending twice as much time with their children compared to previous generations, crowding out other types of relationships, including friendships.

The third and central reason, however, was work.

Americans are working longer hours and traveling more for work, which may come at the cost of maintaining and developing friendships, the study said.
The chief executive of Marks & Spencer has said the retailer is preparing to launch same-day and half-day clothing deliveries, beating services offered by rivals Asos and Next.

Steve Rowe announced that the move would allow shoppers to order school uniforms, lingerie or evening dresses online to be picked and delivered from M&S stores.

Asos and Next offer next-day deliveries, while fashion chain Zara offers same-day deliveries to customers based in London only, for twice the standard delivery charge.

M&S is understood to be offering a same-day service nationwide.

The retail boss told The Times it emphasises how traditional retailers with bricks and mortar stores could adapt to the shift to online commerce, instead of blaming the Internet for the decline of the high street.

He said the move puts M&S in a position where the big retailer has a multichannel proposition so we can be where our customers want and they can choose how quickly they want it.

M&S has around 1,000 physical stores, with just over 250 selling clothing, home and food ranges.

Earlier this year, the retailer plunged to a 201m loss due to the coronavirus lockdown and said it will close 100 stores as it moves high street shops to retail parks.

But Rowe said the retailers strategy to sell brands from other companies on its website was proving to be a draw for customers, pointing towards 14 per cent of customers who bought a dress from sustainable brand Nobodys Child, a brand newly added to M&S womenswear.

The strategy, which launched in October, aims to have 40 third-party brands listed on M&S by the end of 2021. These include Smiggle, Joules, Triumph and Havaianas.

Rowe said this was helping the retailer increase its market share in its key categories, but resisted suggestions that M&S was turning into a department store.

He told The Times that the reason John Lewis, Debenhams and House of Fraser had struggled was because they were too similar, adding that people wouldnt know which department store they were in if they were blindfolded outside each one.

Their only differentiator is price and service, he said. We are putting a curated range of brands together, not hundreds of brands. Were also giving the brands access to 39 million customers.
A Dutch teenager who became the youngest space traveler after travelling on board Blue Origins rocket last week says he told his co-passenger Jeff Bezos that hed never ordered anything from Amazon.

Oliver Daemen, the 18-year-old physics student, was one of the passengers who accompanied Mr Bezos along with his brother Mark Bezos and 82-year-old aviator Wally Funk, who became the oldest person to go to space. The 11-minute trip went 100km above Earths sea level, out of the planets atmosphere.

I told Jeff, like, Ive actually never bought something from Amazon. And he was like, oh, wow, its [been] a long time [since] I heard someone say that, Mr Daemen told news agency Reuters.

The teenager, whose father is the chief of an equity firm in the Netherlands, got the opportunity to fly with Mr Bezos and the others after another candidate, who successfully bid $28m for the ride, canceled at the last minute.

But according to Mr Daemen, his family did not have to pay as much to get his seat at the New Shepherd launch vehicles capsule.

We didnt pay even close to $28m, but they chose me because I was the youngest and I was also a pilot and I also knew quite a lot about it already, he said.

While experiencing the few minutes of weightlessness during their trip to space, Mr Bezos played a game of catch with the rest of the crew with a ping pong ball and also threw Mr Daemen some Skittles sweets for him to catch with his mouth.

The Skittles company appreciated the highlight in a tweet, asking if the candy tasted better in space.

When Mr Daemen caught the Skittle while floating upside down, Mr Bezos can be seen appreciating the teenager.

Yeah! Well done! Here, toss me one, he was heard saying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmpb7xJJ10I

Commenting on his experience with the passengers, Mr Daemen said: They were super fun and all down to earth, as funny as that may sound.
Senior government officials and allies of the US were targeted by the spyware from the surveillance software developer NSO Group, according to the head of encrypted messaging app WhatsApp.

Will Cathcart, who became the head of the Facebook-owned app in 2019, said that in the same year 1,400 WhatsApp users were targeted by governments using software from NSO Group.

Last week, it was reported that military-grade spyware Pegasus from NSO Group infiltrated the smartphones of journalists, politicians, and human rights activists, according to an investigation by 17 media organisations and Amnesty International.

Mr Cathcart said that the recent attack reported in the media was similar to the attack against WhatsApp users two years ago. That attack is now the subject of a lawsuit brought by WhatsApp against NSO Group.

The reporting matches what we saw in the attack we defeated two years ago, it is very consistent with what we were loud about then, Mr Cathcart told The Guardian.

This should be a wake up call for security on the internet  mobile phones are either safe for everyone or they are not safe for everyone.

Over 50,000 phone numbers were on a list of people believed to be of interest of NSO Group clients, although the spyware manufacturer says the number is too large to represent individuals targeted by Pegasus. NSO Group has repeatedly claimed reporting of the Pegasus project is full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories, saying the figures reported are too large.

However, Mr Cathcart said that the claim tells us that over a longer period of time, over a multi-year period of time, the numbers of people being attacked are very high, he said. Thats why we felt it was so important to raise the concern around this.

WhatsApps claims mean the messaging giant has evidence that an NSO Group server attempted to install malicious software on a user device.

Mr Cathcart also implied that iPhone manufacturer Apple had not been as vocal about the dangers of malware, praising Microsoft and Googles statements about the perils of giving spyware firms like NSO immunity on Twitter.

I hope that Apple will start taking that approach too. Be loud, join in. Its not enough to say, most of our users dont need to worry about this. Its not enough to say oh this is only thousands or tens of thousands of victims, he told The Guardian.

If this is affecting journalists all around the world, this is affecting human rights defenders all around the world, that affects us all. And if anyones phone is not secured that means everyones phone is not secure.

Apple declined to comment on Mr Cathcarts statement. WhatsApp declined to comment further when asked by The Independent.

NSO Group did not respond to a request for comment from The Independent before time of publication, but told The Guardian: We are doing our best to help creating a safer world. Does Mr Cathcart have other alternatives that enable law enforcement and intelligence agencies to legally detect and prevent malicious acts of pedophiles, terrorists and criminals using end-to-end encryption platforms? If so, we would be happy to hear.

WhatsApp does, in fact, have systems in place for law enforcement to detect malicious acts using end-to-end encrypted platforms. This is done through metadata  information created by sending messages but does not include the content of the message  such as IP address, message frequency, name and profile photo.

Machine learning algorithms then detect abnormal behaviour, such as messages exchanged with accounts known for sharing child sexual abuse material.

While such information is helpful to law enforcement, if such data fell into the wrong hands it could be used for nefarious purposes  as even an IP address can be used as a gateway to more precious personal data, such as a users name or location. This is why some privacy advocates, such as Edward Snowden, prefer to use Signal, which collects significantly less data on the user.
Princess Dianas niece Lady Kitty Spencer has married Michael Lewis in a lavish ceremony over the weekend.

The 30-year-old exchanged vows with the millionaire business mogul, 62, at the Villa Aldo Brandini in Frascati, Italy, on Saturday 24 July, with the bride opting for a Dolce and Gabbana gown for the occasion.

On Sunday, the luxury Italian fashion house shared details of the Victorian-inspired wedding gown on Instagram, with one photo showing Spencer wearing the long-sleeved lace dress captioned: A glimpse at the #AltaModa gowns created exclusively by Dolce and Gabbana for @kitty.spencer on the most important day of her life.

The looks include a Victorian inspiration lace bridal gown.

In addition to lace sleeves with button detailing, the ballgown wedding dress included a full skirt, a sheer lace bodice, a high neck and statement shoulders, while the photo sees Spencer accessorised the bridal look with a long, simple veil with lace detailing.

The fashion brand, for which Spencer is an ambassador, also created additional looks for the brides wedding weekend, with a video posted to Dolce and Gabbanas account showing Spencer trying on a number of exclusive hand-made gowns created for her, including a blue tulle gown with pink flowers, which she wore the night before the nuptials, according to Harpers Bazaar, and a green and white off-the-shoulder gown.

The clip also sees the model dressed in an intricately embellished white dress with flower detailing, as well as a glimpse of a fourth gold dress, before concluding with a behind-the-scenes look at Spencer trying on her white wedding gown.

For this unique event, Dolce and Gabbana created a number of exclusive hand-made gowns, each celebrating the beauty of the bride, the passion for #AltaModa and the absolute joy of the occasion, the caption reads.

During the nuptials, Princess Dianas niece was accompanied down the aisle by her brothers Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp and Samuel Aitken, according to the DailyMail, which notes that her sisters, twins Eliza and Amelia, were also in attendance.

The wedding of Earl Charles Spencers eldest child was also reportedly attended by Idris Elbas wife Sabrina and Made In Chelsea star Mark Vandelli, according to the outlet, and by Lewis three children from his previous marriage.

The British fashion model and her South Africa-born fashion mogul husband, who owns the fashion chain Whistles and who has a reported net worth of $109m (80m), were first reported to be dating in 2018, with Lewis proposing in December of 2019.

However, for the most part, the newlyweds have kept their relationship out of the public eye, with Spencer previously revealing during an interview withTown and Country in May that she feels less vulnerable when I dont discuss things like my love life.

I just think: Really, whats that got to do with anyone else? It shouldnt make a difference to anyones day. Who I love or dont love, or have a crush on or dont have a crush on, or go on a date with, I dont know why that should be what somebody reads over their cornflakes, the 30-year-old explained at the time, adding: As long as I keep it sacred, then it can remain so. As soon as I dont, I dont think you can get it back.

As of now, Spencer has not shared any photos or videos from her recent nuptials to her Instagram account, where she has more than 549,000 followers.
A lagoon in Argentina has turned bright pink due to pollution, a development that has alarmed environmentalists.

Activists said that pollution in the lagoon in Argentinas southern Patagonia region is caused by sodium sulfite  an antibacterial product used in fish factories. The chemical is typically used to preserve prawns for export.

Residents have also said that the pollution in the Chubut river, which feeds the Corfo lagoon and other water sources in the region, has led to a foul smell.

Pablo Lada, an environmental activist was quoted by AFP saying: Those who should be in control are the ones who authorise the poisoning of people. He also blamed government authorities for being lax about the residents concerns of pollution and foul smell.

The Corfo lagoon turned pink last week and remained the abnormal colour on Sunday, Mr Lada said.

Other activists have said that the chemical sodium sulfite, that has caused the discolouration of the lagoon, should, as per law, have been treated before being dumped in the water.

The chemical comes from an industrial park in Trelew.

Residents of Rawson, near Trelew where the industrial park is located, have been complaining of pollution and in recent weeks protested by blocking the roads used by trucks that carry the processed fish waste through their streets to treatment plants on the citys outskirts. Mr Lada said: We get dozens of trucks daily, the residents are getting tired of it.

Due to protests in Rawson, reports said that provincial authorities granted permission for factories to dump their waste in the Corfo lagoon.

Juan Micheloud, environmental control chief for Chubut province, however, told AFP last week that the colour does not cause damage and will disappear in a few days. He said that an agreement was made with a company (transporting effluent from the fisheries) to dump liquids into the Laguna de Corfo, according to BA Times.

But Sebastian de la Vallina, planning secretary for the city of Trelew, said: It is not possible to minimise something so serious.

Chubut province in Argentina has a population of about 600,000 and fish processing factories hire a lot of locals in the area.

BA Times reported that the lake is 10 to 15 hectares in area, and is situated in the Industrial Park of Trelew, which was founded by Welsh settlers over 150 years ago.

Meanwhile, locals have also complained of the proliferation of insects due to pollution.
With his cattle ranch threatened by a deepening drought, Jim Stanko isnt cheered by the coming storm signaled by the sound of thunder.

Thunder means lightning, and lightning can cause fires, said Stanko, who fears hell have to sell off half his herd of about 90 cows in Routt County outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado if he cant harvest enough hay to feed them.

As the drought worsens across the West and ushers in an early fire season, cattle ranchers are among those feeling the pain. Their hay yields are down, leading some to make the hard decision to sell off animals. To avoid the high cost of feed, many ranchers grow hay to nourish their herds through the winter when snow blankets the grass they normally graze.

But this year, Stankos hay harvest so far is even worse than it was last year. One field produced just 10 bales, down from 30 last year, amid heat waves and historically low water levels in the Yampa River, his irrigation source.

Some ranchers arent waiting to reduce the number of mouths they need to feed.

At the Loma Livestock auction in western Colorado, sales were bustling earlier this month even though its peak season isnt usually until the fall when most calves are ready to be sold. Fueling the action are ranchers eager to unload cattle while prices are still strong.

Everybody is gonna be selling their cows, so its probably smarter now to do it while the price is up before the market gets flooded, said Buzz Bates, a rancher from Moab, Utah who was selling 209 cow-calf pairs, or about 30% of his herd.

Bates decided to trim his herd after a fire set off by an abandoned campfire destroyed part of his pasture, curbing his ability to feed them.

Weather has long factored into how ranchers manage their livestock and land, but those choices have increasingly centered around how herds can sustain drought conditions, said Kaitlynn Glover, executive director of natural resources at the National Cattlemens Beef Association.

If it rained four inches, there wouldnt be a cow to sell for five months, said George Raftopoulos, owner of the auction house.

Raftopoulos says he encourages people to think twice before parting with their cows. Having to replace them later on might cost more than paying for additional hay, he said.

Culling herds can be an operational blow for cattle ranchers. It often means parting with cows selected for genetic traits that are optimal for breeding and are seen as long-term investments that pay dividends.

Jo Stanko, Jims wife and business partner, noted her cows were bred for their ability to handle the regions temperature swings.

We live in a very specialized place, she said. We need cattle that can do high and low temperatures in the same day.

As the Stankos prepare to shrink their herd, theyre considering new lines of work to supplement their ranching income. One option on the table: offering hunting and fishing access or winter sleigh rides on their land.

The couple will know how many more cattle theyll need to sell once theyre done storing hay in early September. They hope to cull just 10, but fear it could be as many as half the herd, or around 45 head.

Already, the family sold 21 head last year after a disappointing hay harvest. This year, the crop is even worse.

With the heat, its burning up. I cant cut it fast enough, Jim Stanko said of the hay crop.

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The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/environment.
 Close Coronavirus in numbers

Booster vaccinations against Covid-19 could reportedly be offered to as many as 32 million Britons from next month alongside flu jabs.

The campaign could start as soon as 6 September over fears the efficacy of Britains earliest jabs may begin to decline.

A Tory revolt, meanwhile, is threatening Boris Johnsons plans to introduce domestic vaccine passports to gain entry to domestic venues and events.

Downing Street is pushing for vaccine passports to be required for entry into large-scale events amid fears allowing large numbers of unvaccinated people in an enclosed space could spread the virus.

But Andrew Bridgen, one of the 43 Tories who previously signed a declaration opposing vaccine passports, accused the Conservative Party of trying to aggressively coerce young people into getting coronavirus jabs.
A hospital facing an inquiry into scores of baby deaths on its wards still poses a danger to mothers and infants, according to midwives who work in its maternity unit.

An investigation by The Independent revealed the scale of avoidable errors at the Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) Trust that have led to infants dying or being left brain-damaged. Ministers have since announced an independent review into cases at the trust, which is one of the largest in England.

But while the hospital concerned  the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham  claims it is making significant changes and recruiting more staff, midwives have told The Independent that there are still not enough resources to help mothers give birth safely, with dangerous levels of understaffing as well as a shortage of beds and equipment.

One said they were regularly left in tears by the conditions at the hospital, which the care regulator rated inadequate in December last year.

Weve been banging our heads against a brick wall. I come home crying every day, saying What the hell have I done? I have put myself through financial hardship for three years and Ive gone into a career where, every day, I feel like Im going into chaos.

Its that kind of anxiety where you think, is today the day that Im going to be put in front of the coroners court because a mum or baby has died in my care?, they added.

One midwife working in the community told The Independent: They keep saying Weve learned our lessons, its not like that now  but its even worse now. Its worse because we know about it and its still bad. Women are still at risk of harm. Even more so in the community.

The hospital is facing calls for an inquiry into alleged failings in its care of mothers and babies after dozens of families raised concerns. Patient safety minister Nadine Dorries has agreed to meet with local MPs and families, while the NHS has agreed to an independent review of cases going back to 2016.

The trust is facing at least a dozen clinical negligence claims by families, and has paid out more than 91m in damages and legal costs since 2010 over incidents including 46 cases of babies left with permanent brain damage and 19 stillbirths, as well as 15 deaths involving mothers and babies.

A midwife working in the hospitals maternity unit said one of the main issues was a lack of staff and resources.

They said: Youre running around for a thermometer; youre running around for a blood pressure machine. Were sharing the same resources because theres nothing available. Theres nothing that works.

Theres just a bottleneck of postnatal beds. So theres no movement, because if you cant move people from the labour suite to the postnatal ward, you cant take a new labourer. And then you cant take an induction because they need to come round to the labour suite. So youre chasing your tail constantly.

The Independent was told that many newly qualified midwives who have been recruited to the trust have since left or gone off sick. It is also claimed by several staff that, due to staffing gaps, some have been given high-risk women to look after with little support. The Independent has previously reported on instances of high-risk women being looked after by new midwives.

One said: I can be given a woman and she could die and its not even my fault. Its the lack of support. Its the lack of resources. Its so scary to feel like you are going to be shot down because of no fault of your own. I wanted to support women, to empower them. I wanted to be their advocate and I cant do any of that at NUH.

I am planning to leave, but this has tainted my view of midwifery. Even if I go to another trust, is it going to be the same?

The trust has previously said it is fighting to fill 70 vacancies in its midwifery staffing  a problem common to midwifery units across the country.

The Nottingham trust also runs community midwifery services, including a home birth service, but midwives said the service was regularly not running because the trust just did not have enough staff.

One community midwife was given a whole area of Nottingham to cover on her own as a newly qualified midwife, a source said, adding: When she asked for help, they said: We havent got any staff, you will have to make do with it. Theyre screaming out for midwives all the time at weekends.

Women are still at risk of harm. Even more so in the community. In the hospital, theres always somebody to ask, or somebody to pass something to. At the weekends, for example, Im working nine to five and Ive been given seven or eight women. And I cannot physically go around and see all of them to give them the care that they need. Im working three, four hours extra writing up notes.

They said women were regularly being discharged from hospital without having breastfed, and were just given a bottle in order to free up the beds. This is all the time, one worker said: Theyre just giving them a bottle just to get them out.

They added: The community situation is so well hidden. Because the hospitals always get the headlines. The poor care is always at home when the women are more vulnerable, because theyve got no one to complain to.

The Independent has seen emails confirming allegations by the staff that some guidelines used by the hospital were contradictory or inadequate. In one email, the policy for identifying jaundice in newborns was described as not fit for purpose. And in an email earlier this year, staff were told to refer parents to A&E for a test before a second email reversed this and said it would be left to the professional judgement of staff.

But one midwife said: Because we are so short-staffed its not the same person going in to see the baby. They said this could affect the visual judgement being made.

One worker told The Independent that a new computer system could take four minutes to load one page, with 31 pages required to be filled in for a new booking.

In response to the concerns, the chief nurse for the trust, Michelle Rhodes, said: We are truly sorry, and apologise from the bottom of our hearts to the families who have not received the high level of care they need and deserve.

Improving maternity services is a top priority and we are making significant changes, including by recruiting midwives, consultant obstetricians and managers to support staff, as well as reviewing the way we respond to incidents and providing additional updated equipment and training for our teams on the monitoring of babies. We are also reviewing our clinical guidelines to ensure they are in line with best practice.

Im sorry that some of our staff feel like they havent been listened to  we hold regular open forums with our new director of midwifery, the senior team and myself, to actively encourage them to raise any concerns with us, and they can also speak to any of the leadership team at any time, or our Freedom to Speak Up guardians.
The humble two-story, adobe home of the Castillo family, located in one of the poorest districts of Peru deep in the Andes, feels a little empty now. Lilia Paredes packed up the familys belongings within the last week, neatly folding her husbands shirts and picking some plates and silverware in between visits from farmers from nearby villages stopping by to say goodbye.

A neo-baroque presidential palace awaits Paredes, her husband and Peruvian President-elect Pedro Castillo, and their two children  should the family chose to live in the historic building.

Castillo, will be sworn in as president Wednesday, less than two weeks after he was declared the winner of the June 6 runoff election. The leftist rural teacher, who has never held office, defeated his opponent, right-wing career politician Keiko Fujimori, by just 44,000 votes.

Paredes is not sure where she, her husband and two children will live starting Wednesday. She also does not know where the children will go to school once classes begin.

We dont have any property in Lima  she told The Associated Press last week on her foggy patio in Chugur while she rubbed her hands amid the cold of the Andean winter. We are people from the countryside, and almost always, the provincial have to wait years to have a property in the capital. If they tell me to live in another place, it would also be the same, we are not kings to live in a palace, we go to work.

Castillos supporters included the poor and rural citizens of the South American nation. He popularized the phrase No more poor in a rich country, and stunned millions of Peruvians and observers by advancing to the runoff.

The economy of Peru, the worlds second-largest copper producer, has been crushed by the coronavirus pandemic, increasing the poverty level to almost one-third of the population and eliminating the gains of a decade.

The typical presidential transition process was derailed after Fujimori tried to overturn the result, asking election authorities to annul thousands of votes alleging fraud, an accusation she could never prove. That left the Castillo family little time to make plans and say their goodbyes.

Unlike all of Perus former presidents of the last 40 years, the Castillos have no home in Lima. Paredes, also a teacher, said she and her husband have to decide whether they will live in the presidential residence, but it is likely they will call it home. She has seen it from the outside but has never stepped inside, not even on guided tours that were offered during pre-pandemic times.

Choosing their home is a significant decision given Castillos anti-elite rhetoric. His campaign slogan could be called into question if the family moves into the ornate presidential palace.

Paredes is taking to Lima some bags with food, including peas, beans, sweet corn flour and cheese that the family makes at home after milking their cows at dawn. The familys house - which Castillo built more than 20 years ago - will be in the care of Paredes elder sister.

The family has also packed study materials for Arnold, 16, and Alondra, 9. Paredes would like her children to attend a university and a state college. She said Arnold wants to study civil engineering because he likes math.

Alondrita will continue studying in a public school, but I would like it to be one of nuns, Paredes said. If that happens, it will be the first time in decades that the children of a president enroll in public education. The powerful in Peru have long preferred private schools.

Some local media outlets had suggested that Paredes would wear an haute couture dress from a Lima-based designer, but she categorically denied that option. She chose Lupe de la Cruz, a seamstress from a town near Chugur, to make two suits for her.

I like simple... My husband likes what I wear, and I like what he wears, she said.

Paredes recently brought de la Cruz two cuts of brown and green wool fabric. The seamstress showed her a fashion magazine, and the next first lady chose the designs of two discreet suits.

She does not like embellishments nor scandalous colors, de la Cruz said days later at her workshop, cluttered with fabrics, scissors, needles, threads and rulers.

Before leaving for Lima, Paredes and her family attended a service in the Nazarene church that is located a few yards (meters) from their home. Pastor Victor Cieza invited dozens of pastors from other evangelical churches from the surrounding villages.

The church with yellow walls and a tin roof filled up with neighbors dressed in hats and woolen ponchos like those worn by Castillo. Some sang accompanied by a guitar; others reflected on vanity and the importance of humility.

Everyone knows us, we will never forget where we are from and where we have to return because the positions are not forever, Paredes said at the end of the service.
Misinformation about the effectiveness of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab has helped fuel the spread of Covid-19  and still risks undermining the fight against rising infections, one of the scientists behind the vaccine has warned.

French president Emmanuel Macron wrongly claimed the jab was quasi-ineffective for over-65s earlier this year, while misleading reports from Germany said it was only 8 per cent effective in this age group.

Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said that confused messaging about the vaccine in protecting against Beta and other variants threatens to erode confidence in the jab, at a time when millions of people around the world remain unvaccinated.

He pointed to the example of South Africa, which rejected the Oxford vaccine back in February due to concerns about its effectiveness before later suffering an intense third wave of infections caused by the highly transmissible Delta variant.

Fears have returned surrounding the jabs ability to protect against Beta, which has been shown to be effective in partially evading the immune response triggered by the vaccines and causing symptomatic infection.

Its rising spread in France prompted ministers to impose new travel restrictions on the country, which are set to be reversed, due to fears that the variant could take off in the UK and disrupt the national rollout.

However, Sir Andrew said that worries over Beta were unfounded, insisting that the Oxford vaccine remained highly effective in preventing hospitalisation and death from the variant.

Writing for The Independent, alongside Shabir Madhi, a professor of vaccinology at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, Sir Andrew suggested the lessons from South Africa needed to be learned across the globe.

South Africa was one of the first African countries to procure the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from Serum Institute of India, they wrote.

Unfortunately, these doses were never deployed because of misguided fears over efficacy, allowing the present third wave to occur in a largely unvaccinated population.

Cases in South Africa surged following the introduction of the Delta variant to the country, which has spread among partially protected or unvaccinated individuals. The caseload of its third wave has been significant, drawing the first two waves by a factor of three.

South Africa has so far completely vaccinated only 5 per cent of its population of roughly 60 million, meaning health services in the country have been placed under horrifying pressures by Delta, said Sir Andrew and Professor Madhi.

In a move that shocked the world at the time, South Africa halted use of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine in February after evidence emerged that the jab did not protect clinical trial volunteers from mild or moderate illness caused by Beta.

But the two professors insisted this is not a reason to panic.

Infection of vaccinated people with Beta, Delta, and future coronavirus variants is expected, they wrote.

It is severe disease and not mild infection that makes a pandemic, and so far vaccines have substantially weakened the link between infection and death.

However, all the current data and evidence points to the effectiveness of the vaccine in protecting against serious illness and keeping people out of hospital, said Sir Andrew and Professor Madhi.

Taking data together from the lab, animal studies, and trials of other similar vaccines we can be confident that the Oxford vaccine will be highly effective at preventing severe disease and death with Beta, just as it does with Alpha and Delta variants.

Betas prevalence in the UK has dropped to insignificant levels after it was first detected in England late last year. More globally, data shows that the variant is fading away.

There are a few outliers, however, with the likes of Spain and France reporting a recent rise in Beta infections. But scientists still believe that the variant does not currently pose a threat to global efforts to bring Covid-19 under control.

Jonathan Ball, a professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said that the variant is a bit of a lightweight.

Sir Andrew and Professor Madhi warned that misconceptions around Beta and the effectiveness of the jabs risked undermining our best tool for preventing death from Covid19, the vaccines.

They added: Future policy decisions should be driven by effectiveness of vaccines against hospitalisation and death.

If the current high levels of protection against severe disease are sustained, the global public health emergency will be curtailed by the ongoing vaccine roll out.
A man who attacked and threatened ambulance staff around 40 times has been jailed for almost half a year.

John Dannaher, 33, routinely spat, assaulted and threatened London Ambulance Service paramedics and across the south east of England over several years, including threatening to murder women in the service and to follow them home.

Clinical team manager Scott Lummes spent two years building a case against Dannaher after the serial offender abused a colleague at Kings Cross station, shouting and screaming at her as she tried to treat him.

Lummes found that Dannaher had made dozens of 999 calls despite his GP confirming that he had no serious medical problems.

Lummes discovered around 40 separate reports made against Dannher, which included physical assaults, spitting and verbal threats, but which resulted in only one custodial sentence.

In a statement from London Ambulance Service, Lummes said: He was particularly abusive to women, including making threats of murder and following them home.

I was determined for him to be held to account for his actions and that this type of bullying and threatening behaviour would not be tolerated.

Dannaher received a Criminal Behaviour Order, which banned him from being in any UK ambulance unless he was so ill he was physically unable to take himself to a hospital.

However, after Dannaher continued to harass and abuse ambulance staff, he was jailed for 181 days at Colchester Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to breaching the order in June.

Paramedic Grace Harman, 24, who made the initial report which sparked the investigation, said: I was trying to assess him but he was shouting and screaming.

He kept saying Im much bigger than you. I did not feel safe as he was so aggressive and threatening.

Graces crewmate called the police, who sat in the back of the ambulance with Dannaher while he was taken to hospital.

Grace added: Im so glad London Ambulance Service has a zero tolerance approach as we cant just accept this kind of behaviour.

There have been 171 reported physical attacks on London Ambulance Service and 252 reports of verbal abuse between April and June this year.

Of the physical attacks, 80 of those could be prosecuted and so far these have resulted in six prosecutions.

Crews in London are now receiving body-worn cameras and two violence reduction officers now support staff who have been assaulted and work with police to increase prosecutions, as part of a #NotPartoftheJob campaign.

London Ambulance Service Chief Paramedic Dr John Martin said: Our people care for patients with commitment and compassion and must be free to do so without fear of violence.

Dannahers behaviour towards crews who were trying to help him was clearly unacceptable and he is now serving a custodial sentence. We will always seek conviction for offenders who abuse our staff or volunteers.
A man killed his 17-year-old step-daughter to prevent her pursuing her allegations of sexual abuse against him, prosecutors said.

Scott Walker killed Bernadette Walker, who was known as Bea, after she told her mother he had been abusing her.

Diary entries reveal the teenager had not been believed. Instead, her mother conspired with Walker to cover up the killing, Cambridge Crown Court heard.

In an undated entry, Bea wrote: Told my mum about my dad and the abuse. She called me a liar and threatened to kill me if I told the police.

Beas body has never been found despite multiple searches and it is thought Walker, 51, disposed of her body in countryside near Peterborough.

A page from a diary belonging to Bernadette Walker was shown to the jury at the trial of Scott Walker, who was convicted of her murder. (PA)

Bea also wrote that she would block her parents out of her life after she left home, adding: Id rather say Im an orphan than say I have abusive parents who couldnt give a s*** about me or what happens to me.

After Beas death, Walker formed an unholy alliance with her mother Sarah Walker, 38, to cover up the murder, prosecuting QC Lisa Wilding said.

Using Beas phone, Sarah Walker hacked into her daughters social media and email accounts immediately after speaking with Walker on 18 July, 2020, the day of the murder.

She changed Beas passwords and sent messages to herself from Beas phone, apologising for the abuse allegations.

She also messaged Beas friends to say she had run away because she had lied, later telling police that Scott Walker had told her to send these fake messages.

Later on the night of Beas murder, the couple drove to a lock-up garage where the prosecution believe Beas possessions and mobile telephone may have been stored.

Scott Walker, who has been found guilty of murdering his teenage daughter Bernadette (PA)

Scott Walker went back and forth from the garage that night and over the next two days.

Sarah Walker went with him on some of those trips, including to outlying areas of Peterborough and beyond, with police piecing together their movements from mobile phone, CCTV and number plate recognition data.

Nicola Rice, senior prosecutor from CPS East of England, said that the couple then concocted a plan and began to lay a false trail that she was missing.

They went to extraordinary levels of deceit to cover-up what happened, telling a web of lies to family members, friends and ultimately to the police, she said.

The pair did not report their daughter missing until 21 July. They were arrested six weeks later.

Sarah Walker admitted two counts of perverting the course of justice by sending messages from Bea's phone after she disappeared and by providing false information to the police relating to her disappearance, with Scott Walker telling the court that his partner had feared the involvement of social services.

Beas friends also gave evidence at the trial, with some saying it was unusual for her not to post on social media after 17 July.

Rice added: The delay in reporting Bea missing and the lies they told everyone were nothing short of wicked and designed only to protect themselves without any thought, care or love for Bea or their wider family.

Both Scott and Sarah Walker will be sentenced on 10 September.

Separately, a watchdog has ruled that a police officer had no case to answer for misconduct over his role in Beas missing person investigation.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it launched an investigation in October last year after the conduct of the officer was referred to it by Cambridgeshire Police.

On Monday, the IOPC said the officers performance had been satisfactory and it had identified a number of potential areas of learning for the force.
Thousands of asylum seekers are waiting in northern France for a chance to cross to Britain amid record arrivals on small boats.

According to Home Office figures, at least 2,000 migrants are currently massing around the Calais area.

Overall asylum applications to the UK have fallen, but small boat crossings have risen dramatically after the coronavirus pandemic caused a decrease in the freight and passenger traffic.

Almost 9,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year - more than the total for 2020 - and almost 400 asylum seekers were detained by British authorities on Sunday alone.

Authorities are concerned about a potential shift in tactics that may have been sparked by enforcement efforts around Calais, seeing migrants attempt longer and more dangerous crossings from areas including Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Officials have also been documenting the arrival of much larger inflatable boats than the small dinghies previously used, with a vessel landing last week carrying an unprecedented 83 passengers.

Some asylum seekers have said they were forced into flimsy boats with the threat of violence, after being promised safe passage by smugglers, while others have been exploited or made to work for gangs in France.

The government has been criticised for its response to the record crossings, with charities calling for it to set up more safe and legal alternatives while critics call for tougher action to stop the boats.

Priti Patel has announced an agreement to more than double the number of police patrolling French beaches, with the government to give France 54m.

We are utilising all aspects of government to tackle this issue and our significant actions are having an impact, she said on Sunday.

French authorities have already prevented over 7,500 migrants entering the UK this year, nearly treble the number for the same period in 2020, and earlier this week we signed a strengthened agreement to increase police patrols on French beaches, improve surveillance technology and enhance intelligence sharing.

Priti Patel previously vowed to make Channel crossings unviable (Home Office)

Of the migrants prevented from reaching the UK this year, 2,700 were intercepted at sea and returned to France according to Home Office figures.

The government is looking at the legality and safety implications of pushing boats back towards France itself, but has not reached a decision.

French authorities do not forcibly intercept migrants at sea who refuse to be rescued or resist, and monitor the vessels journey into British waters and notify the coastguard in those circumstances.

The Home Office has been pushing to jail asylum seekers who steer small boats as people smugglers, but prosecutions have been limited by new Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance.

The Nationality and Borders Bill, if enacted, would criminalise any migrant who reaches the UK on small boats by creating a new offence of knowingly arriving in the UK without valid entry clearance.

It would also make it easier to prosecute people for steering boats or assisting asylum seekers who arrive via irregular routes.

It is not possible to claim asylum in the UK from abroad, or apply for entry clearance overseas with the purpose of claiming asylum.

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match on day ten of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London AP UK news in pictures 7 July 2021 The residents of Towfield Court in Feltham have transformed their estate with England flags for the Euro 2020 tournament PA UK news in pictures 6 July 2021 A couple are hit by a wave as they walk along the promenade in Dover, Kent, during strong winds PA UK news in pictures 5 July 2021 Alexander Zverev playing against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round of the Gentlemen's Singles on Court 1 on day seven of Wimbledon at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club PA UK news in pictures 4 July 2021 Aaron Carty and the Beyonce Experience perform on stage during UK Black Pride at The Roundhouse in London Getty for UK Black Pride UK news in pictures 3 July 2021 Englands Jordan Henderson celebrates after scoring his first international goal, his sides fourth against Ukraine during the Euro 2020 quarter final match at the Olympic stadium in Rome AP UK news in pictures 2 July 2021 Dan Evans serves against Sebastian Korda during their mens singles third round match at Wimbledon Getty UK news in pictures 1 July 2021 Prince William, left and Prince Harry unveil a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana, on what would have been her 60th birthday, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London AP UK news in pictures 30 June 2021 Dancers from the Billingham Festival and Balbir Singh Dance Company, during a preview for the The Two Fridas, UK Summer tour, presented by Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance in collaboration with Balbir Singh Dance Company, inspired by the life and times of female artists Frida Kahlo and Amrita Sher-Gil , which opens on July 10 at Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens in Durham PA UK news in pictures 29 June 2021 A boy kicks a soccer ball in front of the balconies and landings adorned with predominantly England flags at the Kirby housing estate in London AP UK news in pictures 28 June 2021 Emergency services attend a fire nearby the Elephant & Castle Rail Station in London Getty UK news in pictures 27 June 2021 People walk along Regent Street in central London during a #FreedomToDance march organised by Save Our Scene, in protest against the governments perceived disregard for the live music industry throughout the coronavirus pandemic PA UK news in pictures 26 June 2021 A pair of marchers in a Trans Pride rally share a smile in Soho Angela Christofilou/The Independent UK news in pictures 25 June 2021 Tim Duckworth during the Long Jump in the decathlon during day one of the Muller British Athletics Championships at Manchester Regional Arena PA UK news in pictures 24 June 2021 A member of staff poses with the work 'The Death of Cash' by XCopy at the 'CryptOGs: The Pioneers of NFT Art' auction at Bonhams auction house in London EPA UK news in pictures 23 June 2021 Bank of England Chief Cashier Sarah John displays the new 50-pound banknote at Daunt Books in London Bank of England via Reuters UK news in pictures 22 June 2021 Actor Isaac Hampstead Wright sits on the newly unveiled Game of Throne's "Iron Throne" statue, in Leicester Square, in London, Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The statue is the tenth to join the trail and commemorates 10 years since the TV show first aired, as well as in anticipation for HBO's release of House of the Dragon set to be released in 2022 AP UK news in pictures 21 June 2021 Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon receives her second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 20 June 2021 Joyce Paton, from Peterhead, on one of the remaining snow patches on Meall aBhuiridh in Glencoe during the Midsummer Ski. The event, organised by the Glencoe Mountain Resort, is held every year on the weekend closest to the Summer Solstice PA UK news in pictures 19 June 2021 England appeal LBW during day four of their Womens International Test match against India at the Bristol County Ground PA UK news in pictures 18 June 2021 Scotland fans let off flares in Leicester Square after Scotland's Euro 2020 match against England ended in a 0-0 draw Getty UK news in pictures 17 June 2021 Members of the Tootsie Rollers jazz band pose on the third day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 16 June 2021 A woman and child examine life-size sculptures of a herd of Asian elephants set up by the Elephant Family and The Real Elephant Collective to help educate the public on the elephants and the ways in which humans can better protect the planets biodiversity, in Green Park, central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 June 2021 Hydrotherapists with Dixie, a seven-year-old Dachshund who is being treated for back problems common with the breed, in the hydrotherapy pool during a facility at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's in Battersea, London, to view their new hydrotherapy centre PA UK news in pictures 14 June 2021 Scotland's David Marshall in the net after Czech Republic's Patrik Schick scored their second goal at Hampden Park Reuters UK news in pictures 13 June 2021 Raheem Sterling celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring Englands first goal of the Euro 2021 tournament in a match against Croatia at Wembley Reuters

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has warned that the bill would create a discriminatory two-tier asylum system violating the 1951 Refugee Convention and target bona fide refugees.

The right to seek asylum is universal and doesnt depend on the mode of arrival, said UK representative Rossella Pagliuchi-Lor last week. Under the Refugee Convention, states must grant asylum-seekers access to their territory and refugees access to their rights.

The government has repeatedly claimed that refugees should seek asylum in the first safe country they reach, but that is not a requirement under international law.

The UNHCR said refugees should not be denied access to the rights in the Convention just because a country thinks that asylum should be sought elsewhere.

Last week, Ms Patel announced strengthened plans to resettle refugees from countries including Greece and Turkey, but it does not apply to those who have already reached France.

The UNHCR, which identifies people to be resettled, said resettlement was only open to a tiny minority of eligible refugees and doesnt absolve the UK of its obligations towards those arriving spontaneously.
The school summer holidays could be responsible for the fall in Covid-19 cases across the UK, a leading expert has said.

Dr Mike Tildesley, who is a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M) advising ministers, said he is cautiously optimistic about the decrease in numbers of coronavirus cases, but said that only time will tell if the Covid third wave is turning round.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, the expert in infectious diseases said that any situation where cases are falling clearly is good news.

But added: I think what we need to think about, though, is that there has been a change recently and I think the big one is that, in a lot of parts of the country, schools have now closed for the summer.

Now, of course, because of that, what that means is... secondary school children have been doing lateral flow tests twice a week for quite a long period of time and we know at the moment cases are slightly higher in younger people, [and] because schools have now broken up, it may be that part of the reason cases have dropped somewhat is that were not detecting as many cases in younger people now.

Dr Tildesley went on to add that hospital admissions and deaths from Covid-19 need to be looked at to see whether we can really draw confidence in whether we are seeing everything turning round, as it always takes several weeks for case numbers to be reflected in admissions to hospital.

He suggested that this time lag between infections and hospital admissions, would mean that numbers of admissions are likely to continue to rise in the coming days, even though the number of cases is in decline.

He explained: I would say that the fact the cases have gone down for the last five days or so is... Im cautiously optimistic about that, but I think were going to have to wait another couple of weeks before we see, firstly, the effect of the 19th of July relaxation and, second, whether hospital admissions will start to go down.

I think if they do then at that point we can be much more confident that were starting to see, hopefully, this wave turning round.

On the subject of lateral flow testing in secondary schools, the doctor explained that more lateral flow testing would mean that more positive cases were found.

He explained: When [lateral flow testing] stops, its possible that cases may seem to go down, when infections may be not going down as fast.

Adding: We need to monitor this over the next few days to see if this is consistently going down or whether we are sort of seeing a dip because schools are closed and then maybe things might level off again, so I think it remains to be seen exactly whats going to happen.

Currently, figures in the UK indicate that the number of new cases of Covid-19 reported each day have fallen for the fifth consecutive day.

In total, 29,173 cases were reported by the UK government on Sunday which is down from 48,161 which were reported on 18 July. This is the first time since February that Covid case numbers have fallen in the UK for five days in a row.

It is however too early to see whether or not the final lifting of lockdown restrictions on 19 July has had an effect on case numbers.

Education minister Vicky Ford announced on Monday that, although the sustained drop in Covid cases is very good news, people should not become complacent.

We all know how quickly it can go back up again, she told Sky News.

I think it does show how important it is that we continue to take issues like self-isolation really seriously as well and continue to encourage people to get that vaccine, and the double vaccine indeed, because thats going to be the way that we get out of this longer term.

The news comes as senior ministers are set to discuss extending the rollout of daily testing sites to help allow further exemptions from isolation for critical workers in order to tackle the so-called pingdemic, where large numbers of people have been asked to self isolate having been pinged by the NHS app.

Additional reporting by PA
Former House of Commons speaker John Bercow has defended the backbench Labour MP who was kicked out of the chamber for calling Boris Johnson a liar.

Mr Bercow said Dawn Butler was entitled to claim the prime minister had lied  calling for absurd parliamentary rules to be changed so MPs can accuse one another of lying in the chamber.

Ms Butler was told to leave the Commons for one day last week after she refused to withdraw her claim that Mr Johnson had lied to the House and the country over and over again.

In an article written jointly with the Labour backbencher, Mr Bercow wrote: The glaring weakness of the system is that someone lying to tens of millions of citizens knows he or she is protected by an ancient rule.

They told The Times: They face no sanction. By contrast, an MP with the guts to tell the truth is judged to be in disgrace. It is absurd.

Sir Keir Starmer has said he supported and agreed with Labour MP Dawn Butler when she said Mr Johnson had repeatedly lied to the country.

I agree with what Dawn had to say  I think the prime minister is the master of untruth and half truths, Sir Keir told LBC on Monday. Dawn was simply giving some examples of that.

Expressing his sympathy with the Labour MP, Sir Keir suggested that it was unfair she had been sanctioned for saying the prime minister had lied.

But the Labour leader also said it was right for the backbencher to have been ordered to leave the House of Commons for a day for breaking parliamentary etiquette.

Ms Butler was ordered to leave the House after refusing twice to take back her remarks, since it breaks current parliamentary etiquette to call another member a liar.

She highlighted disputed claims made by Mr Johnson  referring to his statements on economic growth, NHS spending and nurses bursaries, before adding: Its dangerous to lie in a pandemic.

As explained on the UK parliament website, such language breaks the rules of politeness in the House of Commons chamber and can lead to a member being asked to withdraw what was said or leave.

In a chamber where MPs must refer to each other as the honourable member, accusations of deliberate deceit and dishonesty are forbidden.

Many left-wing commentators and Labour MPs, including the partys deputy leader, threw their support behind Ms Butler after the incident. Just to confirm, Boris Johnson is a liar regardless of who calls him a liar or where they call him a liar, Angela Rayner said.
Chinas state-owned nuclear energy company could be blocked from all future power projects in the UK, with ministers understood to be considering ways to prevent its involvement.

The move could block China General Nuclear (CGN) from involvement in a consortium planning to build the 20bn Sizewell C nuclear plant on the Suffolk coast, as well as one in Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex.

A Whitehall source has confirmed a report by the Financial Times that first revealed that the government is exploring ways of removing CGN from future nuclear power projects in Britain.

The move would likely stoke further tensions between the UK and China, and would also mark a toughening of Britains stance towards Beijing.

Chinas involvement in nuclear power in the UK dates back to an agreement endorsed by then prime minister David Cameron and Chinese president Xi Jinping in 2015.

But relations have sourced since then amid major concerns about Beijings clampdown in Hong Kong and the treatment of the Uighurs in Xinjiang.

One unnamed official told the FT said talks had also been held on halting CGN involvement in Sizewell C and there was little chance of involvement in the Bradwell-on-Sea project. There isnt a chance in hell CGN builds Bradwell.

The Sizewell C project has been proposed by a consortium of French firm EDF and CGN, with planned ownership being 80 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: Nuclear power has an important role to play in the UKs low-carbon energy future, as we work towards our world-leading target to eliminate our contribution to climate change by 2050.

All nuclear projects in the UK are conducted under robust and independent regulation to meet the UKs rigorous legal, regulatory and national security requirements, ensuring our interests are protected.

Campaign group Stop Sizewell C has said building the power station will damage the landscape and wildlife habitats, and any subsides for the costly project would be better invested in renewables.

A environmentalist campaign group has described the potential impact of the Sizewell as wholesale carnage. Together Against Sizewell C (Tasc) claimed millions of fish off the coast of Suffolk could be sucked into the plants cooling mechanism over a 20-year period.

The project suffered a significant setback earlier this year after major investors ruled out providing funding for the 20bn project.

Additional report by PA
New measures set out today in New York City and California mean that state employees will be required to get vaccinated against Covid-19 or undergo regular tests for the virus.

Both areas are currently seeing a surge in Covid-19 infections. According to ABC7 News , health officials warned that the majority of the new cases are among those who have not been vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs became the first federal agency to require its frontline health care workers to be vaccinated, in a move confirmed by President Joe Biden.

Veteran Affairs is going to in fact require that all docs working in facilities are going to have to be vaccinated, Mr Biden told reporters on Monday.

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said the rapid spread of the Delta variant was behind the new city mandate, which will affect approximately 340,000 city workers, including teachers and police officers.

Mr de Blasio said: This is about our recovery, this is about what we need to do to bring back New York City, this is about keeping people safe, this is about making sure our families get through Covid OK, this is about bringing back jobs. You name it.

He added: Were leading by example, and commented that he hoped the citys actions would encourage private employers to follow suit.

Renee Campion, commissioner at the New York City Office of Labor Relations, said employees that refused to comply would be put on leave without pay, reported NPR.

In California, similar measures were put in place. Governor Gavin Newsom made the announcement that state employees and health care workers will need to show evidence of vaccination by August 2, or be required to take mandated tests and wear masks.

Unvaccinated health care workers will have to be tested twice a week.

Were at a point in this epidemic this pandemic where choice, individuals choice not to get vaccinated, is now impacting the rest of us in a profound and devastating and deadly way, Mr Newsom said.

The states Covid-19 cases have risen sharply, with a new seven-day average of 6,400 cases per day, and 3,000 hospitalisations per day.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed tweeted an update to the citys existing policy, announced last week, that all city employees had to get vaccinated.

She posted: Starting Wednesday, anyone hired by the City and County of San Francisco must be vaccinated for COVID before they can start their new job. This builds on our already announced requirement for existing employees.

Starting Wednesday, anyone hired by the City and County of San Francisco must be vaccinated for COVID before they can start their new job.



This builds on our already announced requirement for existing employees. https://t.co/D3db9gh98K  London Breed (@LondonBreed) July 26, 2021

In a tweet posted last week, she had said: I applaud the businesses that are stepping up to do the same with their employees. We need widespread vaccinations to end this pandemic.
The family of a 28-year-old anti-vaxxer who died from Covid have revealed how he regretted not getting vaccinated in his final days in an ICU unit, and admitted that it was not a hoax.

Curt Carpenter, of Pell City, Alabama, allegedly told his family the disease was not a hoax after believing in the fringe conspiracy and falling-ill in March. His mother, Christy Carpenter, also believed the virus was not real.

It took watching my son die and me suffering the effects of Covid for us to realise we need the vaccine, she told The Washington Post in a recent interview. We did not get vaccinated when we had the opportunity and regret that so much now.

Ms Carpenter said she and her son were anti-vaxxers because it took years to create other vaccines. The family eventually caught Covid and Curt was taken to an ICU unit in Birmingham, Alabama. He died on 2 May after 51 days on a ventilator.

Curt thought Covid was a hoax and did not take it seriously, until he could not breathe without the oxygen, she added in an interview the Montogomery Advertiser in Alabama. Among his last words were: This is not a hoax, this is real.

I know that if Curt had survived, he would have made sure everyone knew how serious this disease is, and how important the vaccine is, she added, and said it was her her mission to inform Alabamans of the importance of getting vaccinated against Covid.

The story, which circulated on social media at the weekend, is one of many amid a surge of Covid in Alabama and a swathe of southern Republican-leaning states where vaccinate rates are among the lowest in the whole US.

Alabama governor Kay Ivey last week told reporters in Birmingham, Alabama, that it was time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks, not the regular folks for a rise in infections and hospitalisations in her state.

According to the CDC, as few as 39.8 per cent of Alabamans aged 12 and older have been fully vaccinated against Covid, compared to the American average of 48.8 per cent.

Vaccine hesitancy has largely been seen among Republicans, and was to blame for the Biden administration missing a 4 July target of getting 70 per cent of adults vaccinated. Fringe conspiracies about Covid have meanwhile been spread online.
Five people have died at a home shooting in Wasco, California , authorities say.

According to the Kern County Sheriffs Office, the shooting happened on Sunday afternoon. The dead include three victims in the home, a sheriffs deputy, and the suspected shooter. Another sheriffs deputy was also shot and wounded.

Wascos mayor, Alex Garcia, offered his condolences in a statement .

This afternoon, I received news that every mayor prays to never get, Mr Garcia wrote on Sunday. While reporting to a standoff here in Wasco, one of our brave Kern County Sheriff Deputies was killed in action and one other was shot and wounded. Although this remains an ongoing situation, at this time I would like to share that my heart goes out to the families of both the deputies.

According to Lt Joel Swanson of the Kern County Sheriffs Office, police received calls of a possible shooting at around 1pm on Sunday. When deputies arrived at the scene, the suspect began shooting at them from inside the home, but did not manage to hit anyone. The deputies took cover, and the town was put on lockdown.

Later a SWAT team arrived to assist the deputies. At 2:50pm, the lieutenant said, a quick-react team approached the home. It was at this point that the two deputies were shot, one of them fatally. Both were taken to a hospital.

At 6:28pm, Lt Swanson said, the suspect was shot. He was also taken to hospital, and later died.

The names of the suspect and the slain deputy have not yet been released.

The Kern County District Attorneys Office offered its sympathies on Twitter.

Our deepest condolences to family, friends & fellow deputies of the KC Deputy Sheriff who was killed in the line of duty today, the DA tweeted . Our hearts are broken.
The founder of the Hillsong global megachurch is pro-choice when it comes to Covid vaccines.

Senior Pastor Brian Houston encouraged his flock to follow medical guidance while calling the vaccine a personal decision following the death of California church member Stephen Harmon.

Mr Harmon, 34, attended Hillsong Church in Los Angeles and spoke out against the vaccine on social media before catching Covid, according to CBS Los Angeles.

In a written statement to The Independent, Mr Houston said his death was a sad day for his friends and family.

As a church, our focus is on the spiritual well-being of the people in each of our local communities. On any medical issue, we strongly encourage those in our church to follow the guidance of their doctors, the statement said.

While many of our staff, leadership and congregation have already received the Covid-19 vaccine, we recognise this is a personal decision for each individual to make with the counsel of medical professionals.

Mr Harmon had chronicled his vaccine scepticism and subsequent battle with Covid in social media posts that have since been removed or protected.

According to reports of the posts before they were hidden, he tweeted on 33 June: If youre having email problems, I feel bad for you, son. I got 99 problems but a vax aint one!

Bidens door to door vaccine surveyors really should be called JaCovid Witnesses. #keepmovingdork, he wrote in a separate tweet reported by Insider.

As he fought the virus at the Corona Regional Medical Centre, his rhetoric on the vaccine began to soften. He wrote on 8 July that he was not against the vaccine but he was just not in a rush to get it.

Ironically, as I continue to lay here  in my Covid ward isolation room fighting off the virus and pneumonia, he added in the Instagram post, according to CNN.

In his last post alongside a photo in hospital on Wednesday 21 June, Mr Harmon said he had chosen to be intubated.

Ive fought this thing as hard as I can but unfortunately its reached a point of critical choice & as much as I hate having to do this id [sic] rather it be willingness than forced emergency procedure, he wrote. Dont know when Ill wake up, please pray.

His posts are no longer viewable online and neither is the initial confirmation of his death from Mr Houston, who said on Instagram the next day that Mr Harmon had died as a result of Covid.

He was one of the most generous people I know and he had so much in front of him, Mr Houston wrote in the since-deleted post.
A man who was attempting to cross the water from Miami to New York in a floating hamster wheel has washed ashore before completing his mission.

Authorities were called to a beach near Miami, after locals reported seeing the vessel wash up on the sand, reports Fox News 35 .

Reza Baluchi, 49, from Florida, was found safe inside and uninjured.

Mr Baluchi told officers from Flagler County Sheriffs Office that he was using the contraption to try to run across the waves from Florida to New York to raise money for charity.

In a statement posted on Facebook , the FSCO said: The occupant advised he left the St. Augustine area yesterday to head to New York, but came across some complications that brought him back to shore. The US Coast Guard was contacted and arrived on scene to take over the case and ensure the vessel/ occupant are USCG compliant for their safety moving forward.

The vessel, which Mr Baluchi calls a bubble is made up of a metal drum with buoyant wheels on each side.

My goal is not only to raise money for homeless people, but raise money for the Coast Guard, raise money for the police department, raise money for the fire department, Mr Baluchi told Fox News 35.

They are in public service, they do it for safety and they help other people. he added.

Mr Baluchi has embarked on similar voyages before. He had to be rescued during an attempt to travel from Florida to Bermuda in 2014, and again in 2016, off the coast of Jupiter, Florida.

Mr Baluchis friend, Gina Laspina, told the channel that he carries a GPS with him so family and friends can see where he is, and brings enough food and water to survive anywhere for days and weeks.

But though his latest stunt failed, Mr Baluchi said: Ill never give up my dream.

They stop me four or five times, he told Fox News 35, but I never give up.
Seven fully vaccinated Stanford University students have tested positive for coronavirus at the prestigious school amid an uptick in cases in California.

The university confirmed that at least seven cases were all symptomatic and come amid a surge in infections in the area in a letter to students last week.

"As you have seen in the national news, cases of Covid-19 have been ticking upward," Stanford University officials said.

They added: "We are seeing some of this in our own community, where we are experiencing an increase in the number of student Covid cases, including among fully vaccinated individuals."

Although coronavirus vaccines can greatly reduce an individuals chance of infection or serious illness, they are not 100 per cent effective.

Vaccination continues to provide effective prevention against serious illness from Covid-19, but some breakthrough cases are occurring here and around the country, driven in large part by Covid-19 variants, the university said.

While the US has seen a large decrease in coronavirus cases across the nation in recent weeks, the more transmissible Delta variant is causing a localised surge in infections.

In the Golden State, health officials have pleaded with people to get vaccinated for Covid-19 as community outbreaks have emerged and overall infections creep up.

Stanford University officials have reassured students that "vaccination continues to be our best defense against severe Covid-19 infection."

They noted that face coverings, physical distancing and hand hygiene remain powerful ways to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

The university said: Even if you test negative for Covid-19, we recommend wearing a face covering if you have cold symptoms to keep others healthy.

Californias Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the country, has recently reinstated its mask mandate, even for those with two vaccinations as it struggles to prevent a wave of infections.

Statewide, over 60 per cent of residents or over 21 million people have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccination.

They urged students to get tested for the virus if experiencing Covid-19 symptoms even if they think they are due to a common cold or allergies.

The state Department of Public Health has said that 99 per cent of cases between 1 January and last week were among those who havent been vaccinated.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press
President Joe Biden announced that all US combat troops will leave Iraq by the end of the year.

Mr Biden made the remarks in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

Our role in Iraq will be dealing with  it's just to be available, to continue to train, to assist, to help and to deal with ISIS as it arrives, Mr Biden said. But we are not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission."

The president has also made exiting Afghanistan, the United States other drawn-out war, a top priority.
Veteran reporter Carl Bernstein has accused former President Donald Trump of being an American war criminal for his actions while in office.

Mr Bernstein, who did much of the original news reporting on the Watergate scandal that eventually led to the resignation of then President Richard Nixon, spoke with Brian Stelter on CNN on Sunday.

When youre talking about Trump youre obviously talking about a kind of delusional madness  that is on a scale and a scope that we have never experienced in an American president in our history, he said.

Mr Bernstein continued: I think we need to calmly step back and maybe look at Trump in a different context. He is  our own American war criminal of a kind weve never experienced before.

The host of Reliable Sources then quickly asked Mr Bernstein to explain what he meant by the accusation, and the reporter went on to list aspects of Mr Trumps presidency that he believes are criminal.

I think when were talking about Trumps crime as an American war criminal in his own country that he has perpetrated upon our people, he explained.

Mr Bernstein went on to reference the pandemic, saying tens of thousands of people died because of his homicidal negligence.

The reporter accused the former president of putting his own electoral interest above the health of Americans as they were slaughtered by the novel virus.

He also made reference to Mr Trumps attempts to undermine the 2020 election and the 6 January riots, mentioning his actions in terms of fermenting a coo to hold on to office.

The Watergate reporter has been a vocal critic of the former president over the last year, having called him a homicidal president amid Mr Trumps 2020 presidential election campaign.

At the time, in response to the comments, Mr Trump called Mr Bernstein a nut job, saying that he has been a nut job for many years.

At an event in Arizona over the weekend, the former president once again reiterated his baseless claims of election fraud in a bid to insert himself into an Arizona audit.

A number of officials have ruled there is no evidence there was any serious fraud in the 2020 election despite a host of lawsuits from Mr Trumps team.

Trump is not just political he transcends the political and we need to start looking at his crimes in that context, Mr Bernstein said on Sunday.

The Independent has contacted the Office of Donald J Trump for comment.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press
Dr Anthony Fauci is calling for more efforts from GOP leaders in areas where vaccination rates are low, amid growing frustrations around the country regarding the persistence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In an interview with CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director applauded comments from Gov Kay Ivey of Alabama and Rep Steve Scalise of Louisiana in recent days, both of whom urged their constituents to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

Their statements come as a divide is growing around the county, with some states reporting high vaccination rates and others still struggling to get even half of their eligible populations vaccinated.

Concerns about that divide are only growing as the Delta variant continues to spread in the US; the new strain of Covid-19 poses a severe danger to the unvaccinated, particularly those who are immunocompromised in some way, while also a risk of infection for vaccinated Americans though the danger of severe symptoms is far lower for vaccinated individuals.

She has every right to be frustrated, Dr Fauci said on Sunday in response to a clip of Ms Ivey complaining that unvaccinated Alabamans were letting us down.

"I was very heartened to hear people like Steve Scalise come out and say, hey we need to get vaccinated. Even Governor Desantis in Florida is saying the same thing, Dr Fauci continued.

Dr. Fauci: "I was very heartened to hear people like Steve Scalise come out and say we need to get vaccinated. Even Governor Desantis in Florida is saying the same thing." pic.twitter.com/kTpTRgb47t  Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) July 25, 2021

Messaging about vaccinations continues to be extremely mixed in the Republican Party. Some prominent leaders have embraced the calls for Americans to get vaccinated being issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and broader Biden administration, while others have lambasted the administration for simple efforts to raise vaccination rates, including a much-maligned door-to-door educational volunteer effort, or even speculated about the safety, necessity or efficiency of the vaccines themselves.

Former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, whose served under former President Donald Trump and is now running for governor of Arkansas, also penned an op-ed over the weekend in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette explaining her personal choice to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

"Based on the advice of my doctor, I determined that the benefits of getting vaccinated outweighed any potential risks, she wrote.

About 57 per cent of the total US population has received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, while 49.2 per cent are fully vaccinated, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The Delta variant, meanwhile, has been detected in all 50 states and is believed to be a primary factor behind rising case rates around the nation. Case rates began rising again in early July, and the US seven-day average of new cases per day is now at 51,209.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has compared unvaccinated individuals to drunk drivers.

He appeared on CNN to discuss the recent spike in coronavirus cases due to the Delta variant. As US health authorities are considering re-instating mask guidelines even for vaccinated adults due to the surge of cases, Mr Newsom claimed that individuals who refused to take the vaccine posed a risk to the public similar to drunk driving.

Its like drunk drivers, you dont have the right to go out and drink and drive and put everybody else at risk including your own life, Mr Newsom said.

He was asked if California needed to consider reinstating a universal mask mandate to stop the spread of the Delta variant.

Look we don't even have to have that debate if we can just get everybody vaccinated that isn't vaccinated, that's refusing to get vaccinated, that's living vaccine free and impacting the rest of us, he said.

California's vaccination rate is one of the highest in the country, with more than half of its adult population fully vaccinated. However, Mr Newsom said even with the high rate of vaccinated individuals cases were still spiking in his state.

The Delta variant of the coronavirus is much more contagious than the virus that kicked off the US portion of the pandemic last year. Health officials report that virtually all new cases of the coronavirus are among the unvaccinated.

Doctors on social media have also been sharing horror stories of unvaccinated individuals suffering from the virus pleading with them to give them the vaccine just before they are intubated, which is often a precursor to death.

We're really trying to focus on ending this pandemic once and for all, he said. Those non-pharmaceutical interventions like face coverings and face masking were necessary in the absence of vaccines, but with these vaccines we can extinguish this virus once and for all and get it behind us.

Approximately half of the adult US population is fully vaccinated.

Mr Newsom's comments will likely enrage Republicans in his state, who are already on the warpath to have him recalled.

This September, Mr Newsom will face a recall election driven by the state's Republican leaders. Much of the ire directed at him is rooted in restrictions he put in place aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus throughout the state.

Mr Newsom has largely dismissed the recall effort as political manoeuvring by Donald Trump loyalists in the Republican districts of California.
Former Trump administration adviser and conspiracy theorist Michael Flynn has sparked yet another outcry after a video circulated in which he appeared to joke that he might carry out a political assassination with a rifle.

Appearing on stage at the Church of Good Tidings in Yuba earlier this month, California, Mr Flynn was presented with a semi-automatic rifle painted in what one man called old-school woodland camouflage.

Maybe Ill find somebody in Washington, DC! Mr Flynn said, to cheers and laughs from the assembled congregation.

Coming from Mr Flynn, a central figure in the QAnon conspiracy theory who has previously advocated action against the US government, the joke landed badly with much of the public. Many social media users responded with horror as well as anger, calling for Mr Flynns arrest or court martial and labelling him a traitor.

During his appearance at the church, he also spoke in language and drew on themes that chime with the QAnon conspiracy theory, declaring at one point that liberal leaders in America are conduits for evil, because evil does exist, speaking of dark forces at the top of the American government, and alluding to the scourge of sex trafficking.

Some QAnon believers think Mr Flynn is at the forefront of a battle against the deep state, and many have taken up his phrase digital soldiers to describe their dogged devotion to the unfounded, bizarre and often violent ideology.

Mr Flynn earlier this summer appeared to endorse the idea that the US government should be overthrown in a military putsch .

Asked by an audience member at a conference in Dallas, Texas why what happened in [Myanmar] cant happen here, he responded: No reason. I mean, it should happen here. No reason. Thats right.

Later that month, reports emerged of a heated Oval Office meeting attended by Mr Flynn and fellow pro-Trump conspiracy theorist Sidney Powell, at which the two and several Trump aides allegedly fought over numerous outlandish and possibly illegal strategies for averting a Biden inauguration.

Mr Flynn gave his opinion as it emerged that Mr Trump and certain figures around him were apparently sharing the idea that the former president will somehow be reinstated to the Oval Office in August. While Mr Flynn later distanced himself from the remarks , he has a record of endorsing extreme measures in Mr Trumps favour.
A Republican congressman from Louisiana has described the coronavirus as a bioweapon and alleges he has been targeted by it twice after contracting the virus for a second time.

US Representative Clay Higgins claimed Covid was a Chinese-produced biological attack weaponised virus.

In a Facebook post, Mr Higgins revealed he and his immediate family all caught the coronavirus, suggesting none of them have had the vaccination that has been available widely for half a year.

He also revealed that he and his wife had the coronavirus early in its US landfall.

Becca and I had Covid before, early on, in January 2020 before the world really knew what it was, he claimed.

He said that this episode is far more challenging, noting that it has required all of my devoted energy.

Mr Higgins said that his family was receiving excellent care and were in relatively good health considering the potential severity of the virus.

The lawmaker has not commented publicly on his vaccination status, but has encouraged his constituents to take the shot. Louisiana has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, with only 36 per cent of its adult population fully vaccinated. Just over half of all American adults are fully vaccinated.

Mr Higgins has a history of passing along misinformation and conspiracy theories about the coronavirus as fact.

Last year, the lawmaker claimed the coronavirus was created in a laboratory and regularly parroted Donald Trump's name for the virus, calling it the Chinese virus.

When pressed to cite his sources for those claims, Mr Higgins refused to defend his assertions and told reporters to Google the theories.

There is currently no evidence that the coronavirus was bred in and escaped a lab, although US intelligence officials have been tasked with investigating the possibility by the Biden administration. The results of that investigation are expected at the end of the summer.

Mr Higgins has a long history of making controversial statements. In 2017, he called for no quarter for anyone considered radicalised by Islam.

Kill them. Kill them all, he said.

He also made a video in a gas chamber in the Auschwitz concentration camp that he used as a way to argue that the US military needed to be invincible in order to prevent something like the Holocaust from ever happening again.

He was widely criticised for using the gas chamber as a way to further his political beliefs and agenda and eventually removed the video from his official channels.
Senators are racing to seal a bipartisan infrastructure deal as soon as Monday, as pressure is mounting on all sides to show progress on President Joe Biden s top priority.

Heading into a make-or-break week, key senators and staff spent the weekend trying to reach a final agreement. One major roadblock is how much money should go to public transit. But spending on highways, water projects, broadband and others areas remains unresolved, as is whether to take unspent COVID-19 relief funds to help pay for the infrastructure.

The lead Republican negotiator, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman said the two sides were about 90% of the way there on an agreement.

A top Democrat, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, said he was hopeful a final bill would be ready Monday afternoon  though others were not so sure.

The week ahead is crucial. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has said he wants to pass the nearly $1 trillion bipartisan package as well as the blueprint for a larger $3.5 trillion budget plan before the Senate leaves for its August recess. He held a procedural vote last week to begin debate on the bipartisan framework, but all 50 Senate Republicans voted against it, saying they needed to see the full details of the plan.

The White House wants a bipartisan agreement for this first phase, but as talks drag on anxious Democrats, who have slim control of the House and Senate, could leave Republicans behind and try to go it alone. If it fails, it could be wrapped into the broader package of Bidens priorities that Democrats are hoping to pass later.

The bipartisan package includes about $600 billion in new spending on public works projects. Democrats want to see more of the money go toward boosting public transportation, which includes subways, light-rail lines and buses, in line with Bidens original infrastructure proposal and the push to address climate change.

The bipartisan group originally appeared to be moving toward agreement on more money for transit. But Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey the top Republican on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which oversees public transit, raised questions. He cited, in part, previous COVID-19 federal relief money that had already been allocated to public transit.

Nobodys talking about cutting transit, Toomey said Sunday. The question is, how many tens of billions of dollars on top of the huge increase that they have already gotten is sufficient? And thats where there is a little disagreement.

Typically, spending from the federal Highway Trust Fund has followed the traditional formula of 80% for highways and 20% for transit. Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Tom Carper of Delaware say they will oppose the deal if transit funding falls below that.

The White House has declined to say whether Biden would push for the additional funding for transit.

Transit funding is obviously extremely important to the president  the Amtrak President, as we may call him, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday. But we believe that members can get this work done and can work through these issues quite quickly.

The final package would need the support of 60 senators in the evenly split 50-50 Senate to advance past a filibuster  meaning at least 10 Republicans along with every Democratic member. Last weeks test vote failed along party lines.

A Democratic aide granted anonymity to discuss the private talks said beyond transit, there are other remaining issues still unresolved around how to pay for it. For instance, details on broadband funding, as well as whether to tap into the leftover COVID relief funds previously passed by Congress, continue to be discussed, the aide said.

Democrats are seeking a compromise to pay for the package after they rejected a hike in the gas tax drivers pay at the pump and Republicans dashed a plan to boost the IRS to go after tax scofflaws.

Three rounds totaling nearly $70 billion in federal COVID-19 emergency assistance, including $30.5 billion that Biden signed into law in March, pulled transit agencies from the brink of financial collapse as riders steered clear of crowded spaces on subway cars and buses. That federal aid is expected to cover operating deficits from declining passenger revenue and costly COVID-19 cleaning and safety protocols through at least 2022.

But Democrats and public transit advocates see expanded public transit systems as key to easing traffic congestion, combating climate change and curbing car pollution.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, recently sent a letter with 30 Democrats on the panel warning that the Senate proposal was inadequate and that any deal should incorporate the House-passed $715 billion infrastructure bill, which includes more money for rail and transit.

The historical share for public transit from the Highway Trust Fund is 20%, Paul Skoutelas, president of the American Public Transportation Association, said Sunday. It is the absolute minimum acceptable level to help sustain our nations public transportation systems. It is imperative that we make robust, forward looking investments to modernize and expand public transit that will assist in our economic recovery from the COVID pandemic and get Americans back to work.

Portman appeared on ABCs This Week, Toomey was on CNNs State of the Union and Warner spoke on Fox News Sunday.
A woman waving a Trump 2024 flag caused a security scare after she drove onto the Minnesota Capitol Mall in St Paul on Monday.

Wild scene at the Minnesota State Capitol as a woman drives her vehicle onto the south mall, waving a Trump flag, Theo Keith, a political reporter at KMSP-TV/FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, reported on Twitter.

The woman disrupted a press conference being held by Democratic State Representative John Thompson and his supporters at the Capitol building.

Footage of the incident showed the woman fleeing across the south lawn of the Mall before she was stopped on Martin Luther King Boulevard by police in unmarked squad cars.

According to local media reports, she shouted: I am a white woman! There is only one race! at state troopers after she was arrested.

Newsweek reported that the woman was held by Capitol security officials at the scene until paramedics and mental health specialists arrived.

Wild scene at the Minnesota State Capitol as a woman drives her vehicle onto the south mall, waiving a Trump flag.



The incident disrupted state Rep. John Thompson and his supporters, who are holding a news conference at the Capitol. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/KWhmiZlFDB  Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) July 26, 2021

Demonstrators reportedly complained that the woman was given special treatment because she was white.

White privilege! White privilege! Treat her like shes Black! Put her in handcuffs! the demonstrators reportedly shouted.

The woman had waved a flag out of the drivers side of the vehicle that read: Trump 2024, Make Votes Count Again.

Mr Thompson was holding the press conference to announce he would not be stepping down after allegations resurfaced that he had choked and hit a girlfriend on multiple occasions.

In a separate incident, Mr Thompson was pulled over by St. Paul police on July 4, and later accused officers of racial profiling. The city police chief demanded he apologise for the comments.

Top Democrats in the state including Governor Tim Walz had called on Mr Thompson to resign.
Thomas Barrack was heckled on his way to pleading not guilty to federal charges of illegally lobbying Donald Trump on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.

The private equity investor who served as the ex-presidents inaugural committee chair was called a traitor as he arrived at a New York court.

Its our democracy. Its our democracy, not yours traitor, a man can be heard yelling in a video posted online. Its our democracy a**hole.

Mr Barrack, 74, was also greeted by a man holding a DIRTY TRAITOR sign at the arraignment on seven counts of acting and conspiring to act as agents of the UAE, according to CNBC.

Judge Sanket Bulsara maintained Mr Barracks $250m release bond and ordered him to avoid any contact with officials from the country, the outlet reported. He was ordered to not travel on private aircraft or conduct foreign financial transactions, and to limit domestic transactions to less than $50,000.

Prosecutors argued in a memo last week that Mr Barrack was a flight risk as he holds dual US-Lebanese citizenship and had access to a private jet. His lawyer denied that Mr Barrack owns a plane, CNBC reported.

Mr Barrack has denied the allegations and said in a statement emailed to The Independent that he would prove his innocence in court.

The billionaire, who has been friends with Mr Trump for four decades, was arrested last week on charges that also included obstruction of justice and lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Prosecutors allege he and two co-conspirators exploited his friendship with Mr Trump to advocate for the UAEs wish list within the White House and in media interviews, including during a 2016 interview on national television.

According to the indictment, Mr Barrack subsequently emailed a co-conspirator, UAE national Rashid Sultan Rashid Al Malik Alshahhi, that he nailed it for the home team.

Defence attorney Matt Herrington said in an email to Law&Crime that Mr Barrack made himself voluntarily available to investigators from the outset and would continue to fight the allegations in court.

Read Mr Barracks full statement:

Of course I am innocent of all these charges and we will prove that in court. The important thing for us to remember is three miles from here standing in the middle of New York Harbor is the Statue of Liberty with a torch in her hand signifying enlightenment, welcoming the seven continents across the seven seas to bring to her the immigrant masses to give them tolerance, liberty and justice.

My grandparents came here in 1896 and 1900 and from humble and simple beginnings they gave me the gift of all that America has to offer. That statue is made of steel with a patina of copper. Were in the middle of a very heated moment and I can only tell you that the hardest steel is forged from the hottest fire.
A Russian prospective opposition candidate declared a hunger strike on Monday, claiming she had been deliberately quarantined in a Covid-19 hospital to stop her registering for Septembers general elections.

Violetta Grudina, an associate of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, told The Independent that she had indeed been ill with Covid in mid June, but was recovered and testing negative by the time a court in Murmansk, northern Russia, ordered her hospitalisation in early July.

"This is punitive medicine," she said. "Im perfectly healthy, with the vitals of a cosmonaut, but being kept alongside others who are clearly very unwell. Its bastardly."

The only aim of the quarantine order, she said, was to keep her in hospital until the 4 August registration deadline had passed.

Doctors were "refusing to speak to her," or to hand in crucial registration documents to the electoral authorities. She was, she said, receiving no medical treatment and wasnt even being tested.

Ms Grudina also claimed packages sent to her from the outside had been lost. Some contained food, others contained keys and documents from her lawyers.

"The head doctor did hand in registration documents to the local electoral commission, she added, but they were his own.

Arkady Amozov, the chief doctor at the hospital, is running as an independent candidate, but previously campaigned in primaries as a representative for Vladimir Putins ruling United Russia party.

Ms Grudinas unlikely attempt to participate in local elections for Murmansks 9th district has been beset by difficulties from the very start. Since announcing her intention to run on 9 April, her election offices were first ransacked then shot at by unknown gunmen; her home was targeted in an arson attack; and aides were arrested by police.

The Navalny associate was also the subject of hate mail and a hit job by pro-Kremlin television channel NTV, which made special mention of her history as an LGBT+ activist.

Commenting on her decision to try to register for the most controlled elections of Russias post-Soviet history, Ms Grudina said she felt an "obligation" to participate.

She had no intentions to disassociate herself from her mentor, Alexei Navlany  even after his organisations were banned as extremist.

It must be a first that a candidate has prepared election papers from inside a Covid hospital, she said.

"Ive no idea how things will end but its already the most absurd campaign in political history.
Russia has begun work on a new Doomsday plane, state media announced on Monday, in a report that fed into fears the arms confrontation between the worlds pre-eminent nuclear powers is far from over.

Like Washington, Moscow currently runs four Airborne Command Posts, as they are officially called, capable of keeping top officials in the air following a catastrophic conflict and destruction of ground infrastructure.

The report said the new plane would be an adapted version of the Ilyushin-96-400M passenger jet, and will be built in Voronezh, on Russias western border with Ukraine. A Ria Novosti military source suggested two new aircraft would enter service "shortly."

Like the current Ilyushin-80s, which began flying at the end of 1980, the top-secret plane will have a reinforced fuselage, special lines of communications, and protection against radiation fall-out (which means no cabin windows).

But the new plane will also offer a much greater range than its ageing predecessor

The update, codenamed Zveno 3S represents the latest chapter of a massive 12-year modernisation programme in Russian aviation, which followed decades of post-Soviet under-investment and perceived poor performance in the 2008 Russo-Georgian war.

The announcement is not totally unexpected, with a modernised plane first mooted as early as 2016. Earlier reports suggested its maiden flight would be completed this year. It is not clear if construction schedules will fall in line with those predictions.

For all the protection the project supposedly offers against extreme external threats, Russias doomsday infrastructure has not always been watertight in the face of traditional threats at home.

In December 2020, the supposedly top-secret plane made headlines after it was revealed that a thief had broken in and stolen important equipment from the cockpit.

In total, 39 communication units and five radio boards disappeared.

Embarrassed military chiefs, who insisted the equipment was not key to the functioning of the plane, admitted the stolen technology was worth at least a million roubles (10,000).
Tunisia has often been heralded as the sole success of the so-called 2011 Arab Spring but on Sunday President Kais Saied plunged the country into its deepest political crisis in a decade by firing the countrys prime minister, defence and justice ministers as well as freezing the parliament.

The dramatic move has been labelled a coup by some experts and the presidents staunchest critics.

It followed violent nation-wide rallies by protesters demanding the resignation of the premier and dissolution of the parliament, during a disastrous outbreak of coronavirus that has pushed the healthcare system to the point of collapse and escalated economic woes.

Much of the rage was directed towards Tunisias moderate Islamist party Ennahda which commands the largest block in the parliament, and whose offices and local party headquarters have been stormed and even set alight.

But few expected the president, a staunch independent, to take such drastic measures. While there has been growing clamour for change, it has alarmed many who fear the executive, legislative and judicial powers in the country are now in the hands of one man.

Tunisian president Kais Saied (Tunisian President Facebook Page)

The European Union (EU) has urged caution, calling all political actors to respect the constitution and avoid violence.

Saied, meanwhile, has defended his actions by saying he took the decisions until social peace returns to Tunisia and until we save the estate.

The military, meanwhile, has surrounded the parliament and prevented it from properly operating.

Supporters of Mr Saied have taken to the streets in celebration while Ennahda party leaders have called on their members and other Tunisians to go to the parliament building to protect the revolution and the will of the people.

Two of the other main parties in parliament, Heart of Tunisia, and Karama, joined Ennahda in accusing Saied of a coup.

What happened?

President Saied, who was a constitutional law professor before being elected to office in 2019, claimed he took the move after consultations, under Article 80 of the constitution, with the prime minister and speaker.

This has been disputed by the parliament speaker, Rached Ghannouchi, who is also head of Islamist movement Ennahda, and said neither he nor the prime minister have been approached about this. Instead, he called the action a coup against the constitution and the (Arab Spring) revolution.

Article 80 of the constitution allows a president to take "exceptional measures in the event of imminent danger threatening the institutions of the nation and the independence of the country and hindering the regular functioning of the public powers." But there is bitter division over what that means in practical terms.

The measure should allow the president to assume executive power and freeze parliament for an unspecified period until normal institutional workings can be restored. But experts and Saieds critics say it can only happen in consultation with a special court which, according to the countrys 2014 constitution, should adjudicate such disputes between arms of the state. Controversially, the body still does not exist. In fact, the delays in its creation have been at the heart of the bitter battle between the president, the prime minister and the parliament speaker over the last year.

Tunisian soldiers guard the main entrance of the parliament as demonstrators gather outside the gate in Tunis (AP)

Nonetheless Mr Saied pushed ahead and, in a military-style address posted on Facebook, he announced he was suspending all the activities of the parliament for 30 days and lifting immunity for all MPs  an issue he has previously raised as one which allows politicians to evade accountability.

He also said he would relieve the current prime minister Hichem Mechichi and instead he would assume executive authority with the aid of a government headed by a new prime minister.

On Monday Tunisian troops surrounded the legislature and blocked the parliament speaker entering when the 80-year-old former political exile tried to hold a session in defiance of the president.

Why now?

While it is feted as one of the few democracies in the region, Tunisia has lurched from crisis to crisis since the 2011 uprising which saw the overthrow of long-time President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Over the years it has struggled with surging unemployment, which, as the pandemic set in, has risen to nearly 18 per cent on average and nearly 40 per cent among the youth. The country has also struggled with recurring attacks by the so-called Islamic State (IS), which has devastated the tourism industry.

But these issues began to crescendo in 2019 following elections which, according to Monica Marks, an expert on Tunisian politics at New York University Abu Dhabi produced a populist clap-back that most of the establishment parties like Ennahda werent expecting either.

Parliament speaker Rached Ghannouchi, head of the moderate Islamist Ennahda (REUTERS)

Mr Saied was perhaps one of the greatest surprises when he was elected as an independent, and one who is famously hostile to political parties. In 2020 he appointed Hichem Mechichi as prime minister but has been in embroiled in political disputes with him ever since, as the country grappled with an economic crisis and a flailing response to the pandemic.

The street has been boiling after 10 years of democratic transition that has not produced any tangible gains beyond freedom of expression which is not an edible good. Monica Marks, expert in Tunisian politics at New York University Abu Dhabi

Disagreement over Tunisias constitution lies at the heart of this discord  and is a matter which was intended to be settled by a constitutional court. However, seven years after the constitution was approved, the court has yet to be installed after disputes over the appointment of judges.

The street has been boiling after 10 years of democratic transition that has not produced any tangible gains beyond freedom of expression which is not an edible good, Marks told The Independent.

We saw huge protests this January the largest since the revolution largely because of the disastrous Covid response 

Mr Mechichi actually sacked the countrys health minister earlier in the month after the health ministry said the system had collapsed.

But anger still mounted, and the dissolution of parliament had been among the demands of thousands of protesters who defied virus restrictions and scorching heat to demonstrate Sunday in the capital, Tunis, and other cities.

What next?

Right now it appears that the president and the parliament are at loggerheads.

Mr Ghannouchi in a signed statement said that despite the fact the legislature had been dissolved the parliament is in constant session due to the special circumstances that the country is going through.

Senior members of Ennahda party told The Independent they are mobilising [their] members telling them to come to the streets and protest the coup detat.

It is in the interests of the international community to support the only remaining democracy in the region. Dr Rafik Abdessalem, member of the Ennahdas executive body and Ghannouchis son-in-law

Dr Rafik Abdessalem, who is a member of the Ennahdas executive body and Ghannouchis son -in-law, told The Independent that there were no negotiations right now between his party and the president.

Instead, he called on international states to intervene against what he called an authoritarian move.

We call on the international community to take responsibility and reject this process, he said.

It is in the interests of the international community to support the only remaining democracy in the region.

He claimed the president did not like the diversification of power and had exploited the health crisis the country is facing.

Experts, including Ms Marks say the outcome will likely be determined by the reaction from the military establishment and the powerful trade unions.

The military has been a silent, non-active player in politics and so what they do is key, she said.

The fact that Saied announced his decision seated around a table with guys in military uniform is distressing, she added.

She said over the years the military has been seen as a competent natural player and so there has been a fair amount of external investment in it, making it bulkier and more popular than ever.

The Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) meanwhile notably released a very cautiously worded statement not supporting the president but not condemning the action either.

Echoing the EU, the UGTT demanded that the exceptional measures taken by the president be accompanied by a set of constitutional guarantees. They also urged the military, political parties, and the judiciary to distance themselves from political quarrels and to maintain independent.

What are the concerns?

The main fear among experts and observers is the fast descent into violence as opposing factions take to the streets to either celebrate or condemn the presidents actions.

If that happens all eyes will also be on the security forces to see their reaction.

The other concern, for some, is the consolidation of power in the hands of one man, potentially returning Tunisia to some elements from before the revolution.

There are concerns that Saied uses the crisis to push for what he has called his preferred constitutional settlement  a presidential system based on elections but with a smaller role for parliament.

However, Saied could also rapidly name a new prime minister to handle the Covid-19 surge and a looming fiscal crisis. There are hopes he could return to parliament after his 30-day freeze ends and allows normal procedures to resume.
One of Chinas top officials has blamed the US for the deterioration in Chinese-American relations, complaining that some Americans treat China as an imagined enemy  an attitude that he said has contributed to a stalemate between the two countries.

Chinas vice foreign minister, Xie Feng, made the remarks in a bilateral meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman asked the US to correct its very dangerous China policy. Mr Xie accused the US of creating an imaginary enemy and said it was the investor of coercive diplomacy.

Mr Xie told Ms Sherman: The China-US relationship is now in a stalemate and faces serious difficulties. Fundamentally, it is because some Americans portray China as an imagined enemy. He added that the hope maybe that by demonising China, the US could somehow shift domestic public discontent over political, economic and social issues, and blame China for its own structural problems.

Mr Xie continued: The US keeps making an issue with China. Its as if the US side has nothing to talk about except about China. We urge the United States to change its highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy.

Responding to his comments, Ms Sherman said: There are some things that rise above specific differences that are the global responsibility of great powers. In an interview with AP, after her meeting with Mr Xie and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Ms Sherman in the northern city of Tianjin after arriving in China late on Sunday.

And even as Mr Xie accused the US of demonising China, Ms Sherman called on China to look beyond differences and work with the United States on difficult global issues such as climate and the pandemic as a responsible global power.

Reuters reported that foreign journalists were not allowed into the hotel where the meeting took place, even though the Chinese media were allowed. The state media had on Sunday also reported that foreign minister, Mr Wang, had criticised the US for being unable to deal with others equally.

Ms Sherman, meanwhile, denied Chinese accusations of the US suppressing Chinas rise. The US has been a vocal critic of China on human rights to its territorial ambitions since Joe Biden took charge of the White House in January. Prior administrations have also been critical of China. The two countries have been at loggerheads on issues related to cybersecurity, technology and human rights.

Mr Xie, according to Chinese media, said in the meeting with Ms Sherman that China wants to seek common ground while shelving differences. Joe Biden has previously described the US-China relationship as collaborative, competitive and adversarial and said that the US will cooperate in areas such as climate emergency but confront China in others such as human rights.

The high-level meeting took place days after China imposed sanctions on US individuals including former US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross in response to US sanctions on Chinese officials in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that the goal of the talks is not to negotiate specific issues but to keep high-level communications channels open. As per the Biden administration officials, the U.S. wants to ensure that guardrails are in place to prevent competition between the countries from turning into conflict.
A flight in the US was evacuated after a teenager sent pictures of a toy gun to other passengers onboard.

The Orlando-bound United Airlines flight was due to depart from San Francisco on 22 July when several passengers received the photo via Airdrop, a service that allows sharing between Apple devices.

The unnamed teen had shared an image of a realistic-looking Airsoft gun, reported KNTV.

All travellers were evacuated off the plane out of an abundance of caution, according to an airport spokesperson.

They were subjected to an extra security screening before everyone, barring the culprit, was allowed to reboard the aircraft.

It later transpired that the teenager did not have the replica firearm on his person and that the photo had been taken elsewhere at an earlier date.

United flight 2167 departing from San Francisco to Orlando was delayed due to a security issue involving a customer on board, said a United Airlines spokesperson.

Law enforcement officials were notified and our teams are working with them to review this matter. As a precaution, all customers deplaned and were rescreened before the flight departed.

Its not the first time an Airdrop message has disrupted air travel.

In 2019, a plane was evacuated after someone used the feature to send a photograph of a suicide vest to passengers and flight attendants on board.

Authorities said the Florida-bound plane was about to take off from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey when the image was widely shared on board.

A member of the crew on JetBlue flight 573 alerted the captain, who informed authorities.

The plane returned to the gate and the 150 people on board were asked to leave the aircraft.

Their luggage was rescreened and examined by police bomb-sniffing K-9 dogs.
There was a small bit of good news for holidaymakers on 24 June as the Department for Transport announced that 16 destinations were set to join the travel green list.

The transport secretary confirmed that, alongside various British Overseas Territories, tourism favourites Malta, Madeira, the Balearic Islands and a number of Caribbean islands would be upgraded.

Grant Shapps said: Were moving forward with efforts to safely reopen international travel this summer, and thanks to the success of our vaccination programme, we're now able to consider removing the quarantine period for fully vaccinated UK arrivals from amber countries  showing a real sign of progress.

Its right that we continue with this cautious approach, to protect public health and the vaccine rollout as our top priority, while ensuring that our route out of the international travel restrictions is sustainable.

So does this mean you can head to Malta on a summer holiday? Heres everything you need to know.

When did Malta join the green list?

Malta joined the UKs green list at 4am on 30 June.

Will Malta let British holidaymakers in?

Yes, but with hefty caveats.

Shortly after the UKs announcement that Malta would go green, the Maltese government said that, from 30 June, only fully vaccinated travellers who present a vaccine certificate recognised by Malta's Public Health Superintendent will be allowed in from the UK, quarantine-free. According to the Maltese tourism board, the NHS app will be accepted as proof of vaccination, along with vaccination certificates in digital or downloaded PDF form.. Arrivals must have received their second jab at least 14 days prior.

Children aged five-11 can travel if they accompany vaccinated adults with proof of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours of arrival in Malta; children under five do not need a test. Those aged 12 and over will need proof of vaccination to enter - a negative PCR test for over 12s will not be accepted.

The move follows concerns over the soaring rates of the Delta virus variant in Britain.

Everyone must complete a Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form. You must show both forms to airline officials on departure and health officials stationed at the Terminal Temperature Screening Points when you arrive in Malta.

Do you have to be vaccinated?

Unless you are a Maltese citizen, or a child under 12, it would appear so.

As from the 30 June, only fully vaccinated persons can travel to Malta from the United Kingdom, reads the Visit Malta website.

What are the rules in Malta and whats open?

Passengers on public transport, including the Gozo ferry, must wear face masks.

Masks are mandatory in all public spaces, indoor and outdoor, for all those aged three and over, with fines levied for non-compliance. From 1 July a maximum of 2 people may remove their masks in outside public spaces if they have been vaccinated and they have an official vaccination certificate. Currently only Maltese issued certificates will be accepted as proof of vaccination.

Mask wearing on beaches is advised but no longer required as of 1 June.

Museums and tourist sites, non-essential shops and services such as hairdressers all reopened in April.

Restaurants and snack bars are open, limited to six people per table. Cinemas and theatres are also open, while bars, discos and nightclubs remain closed and boat parties are prohibited.

What are the rules for returning green list travellers?

Those heading to the UK from green list countries, such as Malta, must present a negative Covid test (lateral flow, rapid antigen or PCR) before departure. On arrival into the UK there is no mandatory quarantine, but travellers must take a PCR test within two days of entering the country.
British expatriates hope to learn by Friday that vaccinations received abroad will enable them to avoid quarantine on arrival from amber list locations.

From Spain, Sarah Price tweeted: As a Brit living in Spain I am desperate to see family without the constraints of quarantine.

On 8 July, the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, announced that people who had completed a course of NHS vaccinations would not need to self-isolate on return from middle-risk countries from 19 July  covering a large majority of key nations, including the US, Germany, Spain and Italy.

But unlike many other nations, the UK currently refuses to accept proof of vaccination abroad as an alternative to self-isolation. That decision affects both expatriates who were jabbed abroad as well as foreign citizens hoping to visit family in the UK.

The vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi, told the last sitting of Commons on Thursday: By the end of this month, UK nationals who have been vaccinated overseas will be able to talk to their GP, go through what vaccine they have had, and have it registered with the NHS that they have been vaccinated.

The reason for the conversation with the GP is to make sure that whatever vaccine they have had is approved in the United Kingdom.

His remarks triggered consternation among many British expatriates, because people living abroad are not supposed to have GPs in the UK. Officials are thought to be working on other means of verification, possibly including the EU digital Covid pass.

One British man living abroad said: Plenty of us havent officially left and still have doctors. We often see them when we return home. But I really dont know how Im supposed to get through on the phone from here and discuss my German-administered AZ with them.

Claire Lewis tweeted: This is driving us Brits living in EU with the vaccination certificate crazy. We watch doubly vaccinated Brit tourists coming to and fro all over Europe with relative ease.

We just want to get to UK to see relatives for first time in two years with reciprocal treatment.

Kristen Covo wrote: Ridiculous that we wont allow entry to anyone who has been vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine. Or that citizens cannot return home because they were not vaccinated by the NHS. It is just more ludicrous excuses that need to end.

Ministers from France and Italy have written to the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, pleading for their fully vaccinated citizens to be allowed to avoid quarantine.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: We recognise there are a large variety of Covid-19 vaccines being administered worldwide and work is ongoing to determine which non-UK vaccines and certification solutions we might be confident to recognise.

Meanwhile the UKs inbound travel industry, which in 2019 attracted 41 million people spending 28bn, has effectively written off the summer, with no indication when vaccinated foreign visitors might be allowed to skip quarantine and take a British holiday.
As the end of summer nears, it looks increasingly unlikely that the UK-US travel corridor will open in the short term.

On 26 July, the Biden administration announced it will maintain restrictions on a range of countries, including the EU and China, for the foreseeable future, because of concerns about the rapidly spreading Covid-19 Delta variant and rising coronavirus cases in the country.

Given where we are today ... with the Delta variant, we will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki told a press conference.

Driven by the Delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated and appear likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead.

In June, at the G7 in Cornwall, a new transatlantic travel taskforce was set up to explore ways to reopen UK-US travel.

The group is exploring options for resuming flights at scale on what was once the busiest and most lucrative intercontinental route network in the world.

Travel between the UK and the US has been frozen since March 2020, thanks to a series of presidential proclamations, while the US is on the UKs amber list of countries, requiring a 10-day quarantine when returning to the UK and two post-arrival PCR tests.

After President Biden arrived in the UK for the G7 meeting in St Ives, the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, tweeted: Were pleased to announce a joint UK/US Taskforce to help facilitate the reopening of transatlantic travel.

Heres what you need to know about UK-US travel this summer.

How important is UK-US travel?

The market is huge. In 2019, nearly four million Britons travelled to the US, according to the UKs Foreign Office, while 4.5 million visits were made from the US to the UK, according to figures from VisitBritain.

Pre-pandemic, London-New York was one of the busiest international air corridors in the world (as well as being important economically), with around three million passengers annually.

What are the entry requirements for the US currently?

A ban on travel from the UK to the US was introduced on 16 March last year. The presidential proclamation of 14 March 2020 banned UK travellers from entering the US because their presence threatens the security of our transportation system and infrastructure and the national security.

It prevents holidays and non-essential business or family trips to the US. The principle exception is: Any alien whose entry would be in the national interest.

According to the UKs Foreign Office advice, British nationals who have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil, China and South Africa in the previous 14 days will not be granted entry.

Anyone arriving from elsewhere will be subject to usual entry rules: either with a visa or with an Esta visa waiver.

These rules dont apply to US citizens and permanent residents of the US, as well as close family members and other limited visa holders.

The US is on the amber list - but for how long?

Various factors dictate a countrys entry onto the UK green list: countries must be advanced in their vaccine rollout; have low levels of any virus variants of concern; and have low infection rates. Taken together, the country must pose a low risk for Covid being reimported to the UK.

However, although the US remains stuck on the UKs amber list, the rules have been softened to allow fully jabbed Americans to swerve quarantine.

On 28 July, transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that from 4am Monday 2 August, travellers to England who have proof of vaccination in the US, with a further two weeks for the jabs to take effect, will be able to avoid quarantine. They will be treated the same as people who have been fully jabbed by the NHS.

Mr Shapps tweeted: Were helping reunite people living in the US and European countries with their family and friends in the UK.

From 2 August at 4am people from these countries will be able to come to the England from an amber country without having to quarantine if theyre fully vaxxed.

They must provide a test to fly before being allowed to travel to the UK, and must also prebook a PCR test for after their arrival.

When will the travel ban be lifted?

Although a new taskforce has been announced, talks are ongoing and no firm timeline has been given for it to report back.

On 29 June, the Financial Times reported that talks between the two have stalled, with officials involved saying it was unlikely a conclusion would be reached by the end of July.

Meanwhile, the US has extended the existing travel ban on UK citizens.

On 26 July, the Biden administration announced it will maintain restrictions on a range of countries, including the EU and China, for the foreseeable future.

Both the US and the UK have a high number of Covid-positive cases caused by the Delta variant, although new infections in the UK appear to be decreasing.

Given where we are today ... with the Delta variant, we will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki told a press conference.

Driven by the Delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated and appear likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead.

Airlines have been pushing the White House for months to lift the restrictions in the hope to regain lost ground, but summer travel to the US by Europeans and others covered by the travel restrictions now seems unlikely.

Can Americans travel to the UK?

The CDC has raised the UK to its highest risk category for Covid, level 4 or very high. It warns travellers not to travel to the UK, but if they must, to be vaccinated first.

However, this is not a legal requirement, and is guidance only.

For fully vaccinated Americans, the path has been smoothed. From 2 August, all double-vaccinated inbound US travellers will follow green list rules, and present a negative Covid test at the border and a negative PCR test within two days. Any unvaccinated US traveller will need to self-isolate for 10 days and take two PCR tests on days two and eight.
Following freedom day and the relaxing of social distancing and mask-wearing rules, in the face of our third coronavirus wave, there is some trepidation.

We know the UK is one of the most highly vaccinated populations in the world with more than 88 per cent of adults receiving at least one dose. And there is a demonstrable weakening of the link between cases and hospitalisations or deaths.

The situation is rather different in South Africa, where the third wave is peaking. In both countries, the third wave is dominated by the Delta variant, but the similarities end there. South Africa is under-vaccinated, with about 5 per cent of adults having received one dose, and the huge third wave has placed horrifying pressures on the health system.

The second wave in South Africa was dominated by the notorious Beta variant, which sparked much concern because of its ability to escape immune responses and cause infections in vaccinated individuals, but it hasnt taken off here in the UK. Beta has almost completely been pushed out by the Delta variant in the third wave in South Africa, and in other countries, like the UK, where both are present.

So surprisingly, the increasingly rare Beta variant is in the news again. Clement Beaune, the French Europe minister, publicly criticised the restrictions placed upon travellers from France to England by the UK government because of UK fears that the Beta variant, first identified in South Africa, might spread to the UK and that the vaccines would be less effective.

We have been here before.

South Africa was one of the first African countries to procure the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India. Unfortunately, these doses were never deployed because of misguided fears over efficacy, allowing the present third wave to occur in a largely unvaccinated population.

As we see today with the Delta variant, the Beta variant is well adapted to infect those who are vaccinated, and we showed this to be the case in a clinical trial in South Africa, where there was very low efficacy against minor infections. This is not a reason to panic. Infection of vaccinated people with Beta, Delta, and future coronavirus variants is expected. It is a severe disease and not mild infection that makes a pandemic, and so far vaccines have substantially weakened the link between infection and death.

The available studies of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine only tell us about mild infection with Beta as severe disease has not been studied. The absence of direct evidence of protection against severe disease caused by Beta is not the same as the absence of protection.

On the contrary, taking data together from the laboratory, animal studies, and trials of other similar vaccines we can be confident that the Oxford vaccine will be highly effective at preventing severe disease and death with Beta, just as it does with Alpha and Delta variants.

Future policy decisions should be driven by the effectiveness of vaccines against hospitalisation and death. If the current high levels of protection against severe disease are sustained, the global public health emergency will be curtailed by the ongoing vaccine rollout.

The confused messaging about Beta variants and vaccine effectiveness undermines our best tool for preventing death from Covid-19: the vaccines.

Professor Sir Andrew Pollard is director of the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford

Shabir Madhi is professor of Vaccinology at the University of Witwatersrand
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A landslide incident in Himachal Pradesh killed nine people, when a massive boulder fell on a traveller ferrying tourists from Chitkula to Sangla in Himachal Pradeshs Kinnaur district on Sunday. Eight of them died on the spot and three were injured.

Among the dead was 34-year-old Deepa Sharma, hailing from Jaipur. She was an Ayurveda practitioner, a clinical nutritionist and a writer, according to her Twitter bio.

Her personal website states that she loved photography, travelling and meeting new people. On the day before she lost her life in the landslide, she tweeted a photograph of herself in the hills with the caption, Life is nothing without mother nature.

Life is nothing without mother nature.  pic.twitter.com/5URLVYJ6oJ  Dr.Deepa Sharma (@deepadoc) July 24, 2021

Helped people during pandemic

On her website, Deepa had mentioned how she had assisted several people during the pandemic through social work.

I educated women who are not aware about their rights and about various government schemes During the pandemic, I have been helping many families with food, female hygiene, medical treatment and basic necessities with the support of NGOs and the government, she wrote.

Deepa Sharma

Her passion for womens rights is a running theme through the write-up on the website. The pinned tweet from August 2020 on her Twitter account reads, I am not an IAS/IPS, IIM, Ivy League school pass out, any celebrity or any politician, but I am confident, in few years people will know my name very well for my good work and my professional attributes for our nation and for womens empowerment.

Following the deadly landslide, prime minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for each victims family and Rs 50,000 in aid for those injured. Several people have expressed condolences on Twitter, where Deepa Sharma had a large following.
Scientists have developed a way to use 3D printing technology to create facial parts for people who have missing facial features due to a birth-deform or scarring due to an accident.

Microtia Surgeon

Also Read: IIT Madras Scientist Grows Tiny Brains Using 3D Printing For Brain Research

As reported first by BBC, this novel tech is being developed by researchers from Swansea University along with the Scar Free Foundation who have announced a three-year programme worth 2.5 million for regenerative research.

Today, patients who have suffered the loss of facial features and are using plastic prostheses have often complained that theyve often felt synthetic and didnt feel like a part of them. Most of them have preferred to use their own tissue for reconstruction of the deformed region.

The new technology does exactly this, by forming a custom cartilage scaffold where the patients own stem cells can grow on. This eliminates the need to take cartilage from other parts of the body -- a painful process resulting in more surgeries and scarring.

Scarfree.org

Also Read: Indian-Origin Scientist's Team 3D Printed A Tiny Heart, Can Eliminate Need Of Organ Donors

To 3D print parts from human cells, the first step involves taking human cartilage-specific stem cells from a patient and combining it with nanocellulose that comes from plants to create a bioink. This ink will be fed into equipment (developed by Cellink) that would print the part one layer at a time.

Cartilage is a connective tissue of our body that provides a framework to enable the bone structure to develop. The novel process would allow stem cells to grow on the cartilage structure, preparing it for facial reconstruction.

The project's leader Professor Iain Whitaker at Swansea University, explains, The impact of this work could be really exciting. It would give us as surgeons the ability to take cells from the human body, to expand them and put them into an ink, which could literally be printed into a three-dimensional structure [and] implanted back into the human body.

He added, This, from our point of view as surgeons, would mean we wouldn't have to take tissue from elsewhere in the body, so it would be limiting scarring, limiting pain and you would be increasing options to help people reconstruct defects.

Getty Images

Also Read: Indian Origin Scientist 3D Prints Skin With Blood Cells To Heal Diabetics & Burn Victim Wounds

Simon Weston, a Welsh veteran of the British Army who recovered from serious burn injuries suffered during the Falklands War is the lead ambassador of the Scar Free Foundation.



He said, Its fantastic that this research is taking place and what we are going to do is amazing. This new research  bioprinting ear and nose cartilage made from the patients own cells  would have made a big difference to me. There simply wasnt the research or capability at the time to rebuild my ears  I literally had to watch them fall off. This research also avoids the need for skin grafts taken from other parts of the body  a process which itself can be very painful and leaves behind new scars.
File photo of healthcare workers wearing PPE suits collecting swab samples of people for COVID-19 testing, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, July 22. Indian American Dr. Jasavantbhai Patel, with the help of Best Care Pharmacy California, donated 100 units of oxygen concentrators to the Visnagar area to establish an oxygen concentrator bank in Gujarat state. (ANI photo
Dilawar Syed, co-chair of the AAPI Victory Fund, has been nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as Deputy Administrator at the Small Business Administration. His confirmation has been stalled by a group of senators. The Pakistani American executive is seen here in a file photo with President Joe Biden. (India-West file photo)
Real-time social media posts from local businesses and organizations across Northern Virginia, powered by Friends2Follow. To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below.
This aerial, taken in June, shows areas of north Woodbridge along and west of Route 1 (center of photo) targeted for redevelopment through the small-area plan. Meanwhile, new plans have been filed for additional projects at Belmont Bay (upper part of photo).
A Massachusetts man is facing charges of arson and insurance fraud in connection with a fire that consumed a building he owned in Great Barrington.

The building held apartments and a retail shop but was vacant when it went up in flames July 7. Firefighters from three area departments worked to extinguish the blaze.

Great Barrington Police Chief Paul Storti said that authorities arrested local resident Harry Sano in connection with the incident. Authorities allege the 85-year-old Sano intentionally started the fire and then filed an insurance claim for the damage.

Storti said that even though the building was empty, the fire posed a danger to firefighters as well as nearby residents.

Local police and fire agencies investigated the fire with assistance from the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the state fire marshal.

Sano was released pending his arraignment, which is scheduled for Monday in Southern Berkshire District Court.

Attempts to reach Sano were unsuccessful. Two phone numbers listed in Sanos name are disconnected, and it was unclear whether he is represented by an attorney.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Abuse Molestation Massachusetts Arson
A $2.3 million payment to a group of Black and Latino police officers to settle their workplace discrimination lawsuit against a Maryland police department is the latest effort toward reforms within the department, a county official said Thursday.

Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said she will make sure that the future actions of the Prince Georges County Police Department dont support bad behavior.

Moving forward, I will continue to do the work needed to ensure that our culture and policies do not support bad actors or bad behavior, Alsobrooks said during a news conference. And we will also make sure that everyone in this government knows that discrimination and bias are not acceptable in our police department or any other agency.

The plaintiffs, members of the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association and the United Black Police Officers Association, accused police officials of condoning racist, abusive behavior by white officers and retaliating against Black and Hispanic officers who complained about misconduct.

The lawsuit also said the countys police chief at the time, Henry Stawinski, allowed racism to thrive in his department. Stawinski resigned last year.

The department you see, I submit to you, is not the department of a year and a half ago, Alsobrooks said. This settlement allows us to continue the path that we are already on of reforming this department.

What I can assure you is this: the internal culture that was the subject of this lawsuit, which took decades to create, is one that will end with this administration, she said.

The Washington Post reported this week that the settlement includes the implementation of new and updated policies to make the promotional process more fair, clearly state possible punishments for those who engage in racist or discriminatory conduct and prohibit officers from using race, ethnicity or national origin to make policing decisions. One revised policy will clarify the severe discipline supervisors are subject to if they do not properly fulfill their duties during use-of-force reviews.

Additionally, a new Equal Employment Opportunity policy that covers anti-discrimination, anti-retaliation and bias-free policing will address the timeliness and resolution of investigations into complaints and require additional training for officers and supervisors.

Prince Georges County abuts the nations capital to the east. As of 2020, more than 64% of the countys more than 900,000 residents are Black, while slightly more than 27% of residents are white and 19% are Hispanic. Whites account for 47% of the departments officers, with Blacks accounting for nearly 43%, the lawsuit said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Maryland
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio urged the citys private sector businesses to institute vaccine requirements for their employees, saying the limits of a purely voluntary system have been reached.

Speaking in his weekly appearance Friday on WNYC radio, de Blasio told host Brian Lehrer, If people want freedom, if people want jobs, if people want to live again, we have got to get more people vaccinated and obviously, its time for whatever mandates we can achieve.

De Blasio announced a policy that would require workers in New York City-run hospitals and health clinics to either get vaccinated or get tested weekly. Other city employees including teachers and police officers arent under a mandate as of now, but de Blasio said he hasnt ruled out applying one at some point.

On Friday, he called on the citys private hospitals, as well as other private employers to follow suit.

Any form of mandate, including the type were doing, you know, the either/or approach, any type of mandate helps, he said. It will move the ball. It will get more people vaccinated. It will change consciousness.

He pointed to the more contagious delta variant of the virus, which he likened to a freight train coming on.

Daily COVID-19 infections in the state of New York have soared 327% since June 25, with most of the illnesses occurring among unvaccinated people. Over the past seven days, more than 5,400 new infections have been reported in New York City as the delta variant has spread.

De Blasio was asked about a move by the French government to require people to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter spaces like restaurants and other public places.

He said, Thats a direction we need to seriously consider.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics New York
Typhoon In-Fa, the powerful storm battering regions around Shanghai, has forced some of the worlds biggest shipping ports to halt operations until at least Tuesday.

All of Shanghais ports and some in neighboring regions remain shut after closing over the weekend due to the extreme weather, according to people familiar with the situation. The idled ports include Yangshan, part of the worlds biggest cluster of container terminals, which sits offshore to the south of Shanghai.

In-Fa slammed into Zhejiang province to the south of Shanghai on Sunday, prompting local authorities to evacuate more than 100,000 people and shut schools, markets and businesses. Shanghai, Chinas financial hub, was hit hard by stormy weather over the weekend, with images of street flooding, flying debris and uprooted trees shared on social media.

The port stoppages will affect deliveries of container goods, oil products, liquefied natural gas and bulk shipments like grains, the people said. The ports may be able to resume as early as Tuesday, although that depends on the storms path, they added.

Calls to the Yangshan Port Maritime Safety Administrations general office went unanswered. The administrator hasnt shared any update on the port since Saturday, when it said on social media that all ships had been evacuated and all terminals had halted operations.

Shanghais terminals collectively handled about 43.5 million TEU last year, making the city as a whole the largest container port in the world, according to the Shanghai International Port Group. TEU is industry jargon for 20-foot equivalent units, the standard measure for container ship capacity.

By late Monday afternoon, In-Fa was pushing northwest and heading for Jiangsu province, Shanghais city government said, citing the national meteorological bureau. While Shanghai authorities downgraded their typhoon alert for the city to blue, the lowest of four tiers, they warned that strong winds and rainstorms would continue.

Shanghais two major airports and some subway lines and high-speed rail service began re-opening Monday afternoon as the tropical cyclone powered past the city heading west.

Deadly Floods

China had earlier issued an orange alert for In-Fa, the second highest, and took major precautions ahead of the storm after last weeks historic flooding in central Henan province, where at least 63 people died.

Shanghai had relocated over 360,000 people as of 10 p.m. Sunday, mostly from the Pudong district, the China News Service said. No deaths or injuries had been reported.

Yangshan port evacuated hundreds of vessels, including all large container ships, as wind speeds off the coast reached up to 102 kilometers per hour (63 mph) over the weekend, Xinhua News Agency reported, citing the ports bureau of maritime affairs.

Shanghais benchmark stock index was down 2.3% by the end of Monday, after China continued its crackdown against private education companies.

Photograph: People cross the street in the wind and rain along in Ningbo on July 25, 2021, as Typhoon In-Fa lashes the eastern coast of China. Photo credit: Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters China
Aon plc and Willis Towers Watson announced that the firms have agreed to terminate their $30 billion business combination agreement and end litigation with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

The proposed combination was first announced on March 9, 2020 and would have created the largest insurance broker.

Aon-WTW Merger Would Help Boost Industrys Innovation. Aon CEO Makes the Case.

In connection with the termination of the business combination agreement, Aon will pay a $1 billion termination fee to Willis Towers Watson, Willis Towers Watsons proposed scheme of arrangement has now lapsed, and both organizations will move forward independently.

Despite regulatory momentum around the world, including the recent approval of our combination by the European Commission, we reached an impasse with the U.S. Department of Justice, said Aon CEO Greg Case, in a prepared statement. (Cases employment agreement has been extended to April 1, 2026.)

The DOJ position overlooks that our complementary businesses operate across broad, competitive areas of the economy. We are confident that the combination would have accelerated our shared ability to innovate on behalf of clients, but the inability to secure an expedited resolution of the litigation brought us to this point, Case added.

Read more: U.S. AG Garland Hails Aon-Willis Merger Termination as a Victory for Competition

Although the companies received approval from the European Union to go ahead with the merger, the U.S. DoJ filed a lawsuit last month to block the combination on antitrust grounds. And other countries were also examining the implications of the merger, such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

To meet the concerns of antitrust watchdogs, the brokers had agreed to divest certain of their holdings but not if the merger failed to be completed. Indeed, both Aon and WTW had previously said that all of the announced regulatory divestitures are contingent on the completion of the pending Aon and Willis Towers Watson combination, as well as other customary closing conditions.

In May, both companies agreed to sell off Willis Re and other WTW assets to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. for nearly $3.6 billion. Other planned divestitures included the sale of Aons U.S. retirement business to private investment firm Aquiline and its Retiree Health Exchange individual health insurance business to Illinois-based digital services firm Alight for total gross consideration of $1.4 billion. In addition, Aon agreed in May to sell its retirement and investment business in Germany.

Read more: Arthur J. Gallagher Ends $3.6B Deal to Buy Willis Re, After Aon-Willis Merger Scrapped

Our teams resilience and commitment are a source of pride and confidence. They have continued to bring to life Willis Towers Watsons compelling value proposition to better serve our clients in the areas of people, risk and capital, said Willis Towers Watson CEO John Haley.

Going forward, our focus remains steadfast on our colleagues, our clients and our shareholders. We believe we are well-positioned to compete vigorously across our businesses around the world and will continue to introduce important innovations to the market. We appreciate and deeply respect all the Aon colleagues we got to know through this process, Haley added.

Both firms will provide further financial updates and outlooks on their respective second quarter earnings calls, which take place on July 30 for Aon and Aug. 3 for Willis Towers Watson.

In a separate announcement, Willis Towers Watson announced that its board of directors approved an increase of $1 billion to its existing share repurchase program, which has approximately $500 million remaining on the current open-ended repurchase authority.

WTW said it is authorized to repurchase shares, by way of redemption, and will consider whether to do so from time to time, based on many factors, including market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other business considerations.

WTW anticipates using this authorization in 2021 and 2022.

Willis Towers Watson also expects to utilize the significant capital generated by cash flow from operating and non-operating activities to, among other things, increase its investment in organic and inorganic growth opportunities over the next three years.

There was no mention in the press release about whether the share repurchase plan has a connection to the termination announcement and the $1 billion fee that WTW will receive from Aon.

In yet another announcement, Aon announced it had extended employment agreements for CEO Case and Aon CFO Christa Davies for an additional three years, through April 1, 2026.

The biggest question when Willis reports earnings is its plan for CEO succession as John Haley was expected to retire when the deal with Aon closed, said an equity research note from Wells Fargo.

Topics Mergers Trends Aon
This edition of International People Moves covers appointments at London-based broker Howden Reinsurance and Berkley Re Australia.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Howden Reinsurance, part of international re/insurance intermediary Howden Broking, has announced the first appointment to its newly formed casualty treaty team of Luke Birtwistle as divisional director, as the firm continues to invest in building its treaty capabilities.

Birtwistle has over eight years of experience in the casualty treaty market and joins from ArgoGlobal, where he spent five years as a casualty treaty underwriter. He was instrumental in revamping pricing models and developing cross-class initiatives structured around client needs that differentiated their offering. Prior to that, he was at Canopius Group, where he served as assistant underwriter for international casualty treaty reinsurance.

In his new role as divisional director, Birtwistle will focus on building out Howdens casualty treaty team. George Harris Hughes and Mike Lambert will join him after their contractual obligations have been discharged.

***

W. R. Berkley Corp. announced the appointment of Glen Riddell, chief executive officer of Berkley Re Asia, to the additional role of chief executive officer of Berkley Re Australia. The appointment is effective Dec. 31, 2021. Tony Piper will continue as chief executive officer of Berkley Re Australia until that date, when he will transition into the role of chairman of the operating unit.

Riddell joined Berkley Re Asia in 2015 as chief executive officer and has 30 years of property and casualty re/insurance experience in the Asia Pacific region. In his dual role as CEO of Berkley Re Asia and Berkley Re Australia, he will bring together the management and oversight of both operating units.

Piper joined Berkley Re Australia in 2009 as assistant general manager and was appointed CEO in 2013. As chairman, he will retain an active role, assisting the team with strategic client relationships, the transition into this new structure and other special projects and initiatives.

Glen and Tony have been instrumental in positioning Berkley Re Asia and Berkley Re Australia as premier reinsurance providers in their respective territories. Bringing management of the two operations together will enable us to more fully leverage the combined specialist expertise of these two independently strong teams to provide bespoke reinsurance solutions that create greater opportunities for our long-term partners, commented W. Robert Berkley Jr., president and chief executive officer of W. R. Berkley.

Glen has done an outstanding job at Berkley Re Asia over the past several years and we are excited that he will be taking on this expanded role. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony for his outstanding leadership at Berkley Re Australia and couldnt be more pleased that he will continue to be actively involved in the day-to-day operations as chairman of our Australian reinsurance business, he added.

Topics Reinsurance Australia Casualty
A new study found that between 2005 and 2020, the percentage of single family rentals increased by over 10% in North Minneapolis, Southeast Como and parts of St. Paul, with Southeast Comos rentals changing due, in part, to an aging homeowner population and localized investor landlords.

The Urban Institute researchers published a report titled Who Owns the Twin Cities? in which they investigated who owns homes across the metro area and how property ownership has changed over recent decades. They found there has been a growing number of investor landlords, or landlords who own more than three properties, and an increase in single-family rentals. As a result, poor and BIPOC residents have been displaced.

Some investor landlords in Southeast Como are Go Gopher, Miles Group and Elmwood Properties, The Minnesota Daily reported.

One thing we definitely know is that investors like to concentrate their focus, said Yonah Freemark, senior research associate on the project. All three companies condense their rentals to the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Minnesota, including Southeast Como.

Increase in Investor Landlords

The report found that investor landlords are concentrated in North Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center, Central St. Paul and Como.

Of these rental homes, an increasing number are owned by major corporations, typically incorporated outside of the Twin Cities, the report said.

Tony Damiano, a University of Minnesota post-doctoral research fellow who helped with the project, said the foreclosure crisis in the late 2000s impacted North Minneapolis heavily. He said that in their research, the project team mainly focused on North Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The foreclosure crisis disproportionately impacted communities of color through predatory lending practices, which then resulted in huge amounts of foreclosures that took place on the north side, Damiano said.

Banks and governments ended up with many foreclosed houses that they did not know what to do with.

This often resulted in bulk sales of multiple homes, oftentimes below market value to large institutional investors, Damiano said.

These investors then either sold them or rented them out. Southeast Como sees this same pattern of investors buying homes to rent, but in a different way.

In Southeast Como, investor landlords tend to buy houses from the aging homeowner population, said DeWayne Townsend, co-chair of the Southeast Como Improvement Association Land Use and Development Committee.

Whats concerning is that when you have a senior citizen whos been living in a house on a fixed income for 60 years and now has to go to a nursing home, the family is left with this house. They just want to get rid of it, Townsend said. They dont want to have to update it or bring it up to code or any of that stuff. They just want it out of their hands.

Townsend watched this happen to the property next to him. After his elderly neighbor sold his home to a corporation, the house changed. Townsend said before, it was a single-family house that had potential to be a starter home, but after construction, it had tons of bedrooms which catered to UMN student renters.

Another difference between investor landlords in Southeast Como and North Minneapolis is where they live. In the student-heavy neighborhood, the majority of landlords live within 25 miles of their rental properties, meaning theyre within the Twin Cities area, according to Townsend.

In contrast, the three largest investors in the Twin Cities are nationally owned corporations based elsewhere in the country, according to the report. The fourth largest is based in Bloomington, but works nationally.

With the rise in investor landlords, there is potential for exploitation of tenants. Who Owns the Twin Cities? included research on investor-owned single-family rentals in Southern California that found many tenants experience poor management, increased rent and higher rates of eviction.

Miles Group, a local investor landlord, has had problems maintaining their properties, with multiple rentals having city code violations.

To some degree (investor landlords provide) more opportunities for people to live in neighborhoods that historically required people to own, Freeman said. At the same time, they may have some negative attributes like reducing the number of homes available for purchase.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Homeowners Minnesota
U.S. Senator Tim Scott said hes hopeful an agreement on police reform will be reached but vowed that any final accord wouldnt demonize the police, including allowing individual officers to be sued in civil cases.

That is dead-stop not going to happen, cant happen, Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, said on Fox News Sunday.

Scott is leading slow-going bipartisan negotiations on legislation to overhaul policing practices in the U.S., along with Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and Representative Karen Bass of California. Both sides say chances for legislation could collapse if there isnt a deal before an August recess that begins in less than two weeks. The Senate has a backlogged fall agenda that includes a debt limit increase and a broad $3.5 trillion economic plan, and next year midterms elections will make deal-making more difficult.

Despite Scotts optimism, a person familiar with the talks said a deal appears increasingly unlikely, although talks are continuing. The person said that Republicans repeatedly have shifted their demands, including on how to handle civil lawsuits filed against police officers by victims families.

Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, arrives for a Senate Republicans luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Senate Democrats blocked Republicans proposal to overhaul U.S. policing practices, contending the measure is too meager to respond to the surge in protests against police brutality and racial inequities, and leaving Congress at an impasse for now.

Scott said on Sunday that negotiations are active, including over this weekend. He said issues like chokeholds or the militarization of police are things we can negotiate on. No-knock warrants. We can make them better and more transparent. Were making progress on those issues.

But he said allowing individual officers to be sued is bad policy. He added, I cannot and I will not support defunding the police. We need to frankly refund the police.

The attempts to reach a compromise have been going on in earnest since April, when former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the 2020 killing of George Floyd. Legislation would be geared toward holding police officers more accountable for injuries and deaths they cause, to provide more training for local police departments, and to bar most choke holds and federal no-knock drug warrants.

Accountability Debate

The biggest sticking point in the talks has been over whether and how to create greater accountability for police officers who engage in excessive force by creating more exposure to civil lawsuits and criminal charges.

Negotiators have wrestled over whether to end the legal doctrine of qualified immunity, which shields police officers from being sued for damages for violating someones constitutional or legal rights.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said he wont back any bill that removes the legal protection for individual officers facing civil lawsuits. It would take 60 votes to advance the legislation in a Senate split 50-50 between the two parties.

Booker weeks ago proposed draft legislation that said police departments or local governments employing an officer would be liable in any civil lawsuits, not the officers themselves. It also proposed criminal penalties for officers who intentionally use excessive force if the officer knows it was excessive or consciously disregards a substantial risk that force was excessive. The proposal was negotiated with the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The draft legislation was not accepted, although Scott has been open to shifting liability in lawsuits to police departments. The person familiar with the talks said a complicating factor is that Republicans now want to have language that would strengthen the qualified immunity legal protection for officers by making it law.

Any failure in the talks would come more than a year after an effort to approve policing legislation collapsed in the Senate in 2020, months after Floyds killing sparked protests worldwide. Democrats blocked a bill Scott drafted that had only GOP support.

President Joe Biden has called for a deal this year on the legislation, and he and Vice President Kamala Harris met privately in May with Floyds relatives, including his young daughter.

With assistance from Ian Fisher.

Top Photo: Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Law Enforcement
The Florida company whose software was exploited in the devastating Fourth of July weekend ransomware attack, Kaseya, has received a universal key that will decrypt all of the more than 1,000 businesses and public organizations crippled in the global incident.

Kaseya spokeswoman Dana Liedholm would not say Thursday how the key was obtained or whether a ransom was paid. She said only that it came from a trusted third party and that Kaseya was distributing it to all victims. The cybersecurity firm Emsisoft confirmed that the key worked and was providing support.

Ransomware analysts offered multiple possible explanations for why the master key, which can unlock the scrambled data of all the attacks victims, has now appeared. They include: Kaseya paid; a government paid; a number of victims pooled funds; the Kremlin seized the key from the criminals and handed it over through intermediaries  or perhaps the main attacker didnt get paid by the gang whose ransomware was used.

The Russia-linked criminal syndicate that supplied the malware, REvil, disappeared from the internet on July 13. That likely deprived whoever carried out the attack of income because such affiliates split ransoms with the syndicates that lease them the ransomware. In the Kaseya attack, the syndicate was believed overwhelmed by more ransom negotiations than it could manage, and decided to ask $50 million to $70 million for a master key that would unlock all infections.

By now, many victims will have rebuilt their networks or restored them from backups.

Its a mixed bag, Liedholm said, because some have been in complete lockdown. She had no estimate of the cost of the damage and would not comment on whether any lawsuits may have been filed against Kaseya. It is not clear how many victims may have paid ransoms before REvil went dark.

The so-called supply-chain attack of Kaseya was the worst ransomware attack to date because it spread through software that companies known as managed service providers use to administer multiple customer networks, delivering software updates and security patches.

President Joe Biden called his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, afterward to press him to stop providing safe haven for cybercriminals whose costly attacks the U.S. government deems a national security threat. He has threatened to make Russia pay a price for failing to crack down, but has not specified what measures the U.S. may take.

If the universal decryptor for the Kaseya attack was turned over without payment, it would not be the first time ransomware criminals have done that. It happened after the Conti gang hobbled Irelands national health care service in May and the Russian Embassy in Dublin offered to help with the investigation.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
COVID-19 did not delay medical treatment for workers compensation claimants, but did decrease the amount of emergency care and other services provided to injured workers, a study released by the Workers Compensation Institute concludes.

Research by WCRI economist Olesya Fomenko found that there were no noticeable delays in medical treatment for injured workers when the first two quarters of 2019 are compared to the same period in 2020. In fact, there were slightly shorter waiting times for some types of services, including emergency room, physical medicine, major surgery, and neurological/neuromuscular testing.

On the other hand, WCRI did observe some decreases in the share of patients receiving particular types of services when comparing the first half of 2019 to the first half of 2020. In particular, the states hit hardest by COVID  Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey  saw the share of lost-time claims with emergency services drop to 23% from 31%.

This is consistent with the expectation that people would want to avoid going to the emergency room because of fear of virus contraction, the report says.

Fomenko examined data from 27 state workers compensation systems to track changes in medical utilization. Her findings are similar to the conclusions of previous studies conducted by the National Council on Compensation Insurance and the California Workers Compensation Institute.

In general health, the coronavirus pandemic greatly reduced the use of health care services in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 41% of adults delayed or avoided medical care because of concerns about COVID-19, the WCRI study notes.

In contrast, our results for WC show that medical treatment for injuries covered by WC did not experience any delays and actually had shorter duration for some types of services, the report says. This can potentially be explained by injuries filed with WC being more severe than general health medical conditions on average.

The study found ample evidence that workers compensation did avoid medical services in the hard-hit states. In Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey, the share of claims with physical medicine dropped by 4.7 percentage points and pain management by 2.4 percentage points.

The study showed that the decrease in the share of patients using particular medical services as most pronounced in the hard-hit states. For example, nationally the share of injured workers who used emergency rooms declined by 4 percentage points, compared to 8% for Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Among all 27 states, the share of claims with major surgery dropped three percentage points, to 17% during the 1st quarter of 2020 from 20% during the same period of 2019. The share of claims with pain management injections dropped to 7% from 9%.

By comparison, the share of patients in the hard-hit states that received major surgery dropped six percentage points. The share of patients who had pain management injections dropped by two points in all 27 states and in the hard-hit states.

The conclusion that workers compensation medical care was not delayed defies commonly held beliefs about the impact of the virus.

Last December, MedRisk reported that injured workers were being impacted by the deferral of hospital treatments and physical therapy due to COVID-19. Some researchers predicted it would take 45 weeks to catch up with the backlog of surgeries and other medical procedures, Medrisk Chief Operating Officer Mary ODonoghue said in a company blog post.

In April 2020, Jeff Rush, workers comp program manager for the California Joint Powers Authority, wrote in the insurance pools newsletter that employees with existing claims are experiencing delays in treatment, especially if they need to undergo surgery.

In contract to those observations, NCCI reported last December that the impact of COVID on emergency room visits was only minor. NCCI said that the average time between the date of injury and the first ER encounter increased from 1.2 days in 2019 to 1.4 days in 2020.

The same report concluded that the wait time for major surgeries decreased slightly during the COVID pandemic, from 20 days in the second quarter of 2019 to 19.8 days in the second quarter of 2020.

The measure indicates that, in general, WC injured workers did not experience significant delays in major surgeries during this period based on claims that had a surgery, the report says.

Alan Pierce, a Salem, Massachusetts claimants attorney who hosts a regular podcast on workers compensation issues, said the he is pleasantly surprised by WCRIs findings.

I can think of a couple of clients right now that would have had surgery in the past year, but for COVID, he said by telephone. I can think of some who did not get MRIs and their PT was canceled.

Pierce said he would be interested to see a comparison of temporary disability duration pre- and post-pandemic. He said an increase in the amount of time injured that workers remain on TD would indicate that many delayed care and therefore recovered more slowly.

Topics COVID-19 Workers' Compensation Talent
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland today welcomed the decision by insurance brokers Aon and Willis Towers Watson to terminate their planned $30 billion merger.

This is a victory for competition and for American businesses, and ultimately, for their customers, employees and retirees across the country, said Garland in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Justice, which Garland heads, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit on June 16, 2021, to stop the merger,. DOJ argued that the combination of the worlds second and third largest insurance brokers would reduce competition for the business of American companies, effectively consolidating the industrys Big Three into a Big Two.

The decision to not proceed with the merger ends the litigation with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Update: Aon and Willis Terminate $30B Merger; Aon to Pay $1B Break-up Fee

In his statement, Garland continued:

American employees and retirees rely on dependable health care and retirement plans provided by their employers. Many of those employers, in turn, rely on insurance brokers like Aon and Willis Towers Watson for managing the complexities of these health and retirement benefits. Businesses also rely on Aon and Willis Towers Watson to compete for the bulk of their risk management portfolio, including property and casualty insurance. The decision to abandon this anticompetitive merger will help preserve competition in insurance brokering.

The proposed combination was first announced on March 9, 2020. The European Commission approved the deal earlier this month,.

Both brokerages had agreed to sell off Willis Re and other WTW assets to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. for nearly $3.6 billion and complete other divestitures to win approval. They were in negotiations with DOJ over additional issues when they decided to call off the merger. Aon said all promised divestitures were contingent upon the merger being completed.

Despite regulatory momentum around the world, including the recent approval of our combination by the European Commission, we reached an impasse with the U.S. Department of Justice, said Aon CEO Greg Case, in a prepared statement.

The DOJ position overlooks that our complementary businesses operate across broad, competitive areas of the economy. We are confident that the combination would have accelerated our shared ability to innovate on behalf of clients, but the inability to secure an expedited resolution of the litigation brought us to this point, Case added.

In connection with the termination of the business combination agreement, Aon will pay a $1 billion termination fee to Willis Towers Watson.

Topics Mergers USA Aon
In the wake of 2020 and winter storm Uri, we have seen firsthand how disaster can strike anytime or anywhere, causing sometimes irreparable damage  and no business is immune. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons is the importance of business owners having disaster plans ready to protect their operations and employees. Studies have shown that the majority of businesses will not survive a disaster if they are not able to recover and return to operations within one month of a disaster striking.

No disaster will ever go exactly according to plan, but those who have emergency preparedness basics in place will fare better than those who do not. Business owners can start taking steps today to prepare for the future should a disaster occur.

Evaluate lessons learned. Take a look back at past crises your business has faced and evaluate what could have been done differently  these lessons learned could help you prepare for events in the future. Assess where your business is at now and ways in which you could potentially pivot operations if necessary. Every business is different, so figure out whats right for your business and tailor your plans to the needs of your business, employees and customers.

Create a disaster preparedness plan. Write down a plan and be prepared for it to change along the way. Take time to think about the unthinkable. Look at the potential outcomes of different types of disasters and familiarize yourself with the steps you can take in response to each scenario. No one is ever fully prepared for a disaster but having any amount of preparation and planning in place is highly beneficial if and when disaster strikes.

Make sure that your entire team is aware of your disaster plan. The last thing anyone wants to do in the face of disaster is go into panic mode. In a disaster situation, employees will look to their employers to lead and to get operations back on track quickly. Having a system in place for quick and effective communication with employees will make it much easier for everyone to get on the same page and pivot quickly. In a crisis scenario, time is of the essence. Making sure your disaster plan includes clearly defined roles and responsibilities that all employees are aware of will save time in figuring out how to respond to a crisis.

Test your plan and update it often, making sure to solicit employee input along the way. When employees see you making an effort to be safe and when they are involved in the actual planning process, they feel valued and invested. Having the entire business on board with your disaster plan is crucial to ensuring that your business will stay resilient after an emergency. Create a frequent schedule for evaluating your plan and making sure it still fits the needs of your business.

Invest in safety, it pays off. Know the hazards of your business and have a response plan for any potential scenario. Consider investing in preventing workplace hazards to avoid crises from happening. Also consider evaluating business protections such as your insurance policy and determining if it includes protections for unforeseen circumstances such as loss of time and loss of business.

Texas Mutual has created the Be Ready Texas Podcast for additional resources and tips for how business owners can get prepared before disaster strikes.
Floridas COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases again jumped significantly this week as the vaccination rate in rural counties where some of the worst outbreaks are occurring remains well below the state and national averages.

About 5,300 Floridians are now hospitalized with COVID, a 65% jump since last week and nearly a tripling since June 14 when 1,845 were hospitalized, the Florida Hospital Association said. Officials have said more than 95% of those hospitalized were not vaccinated.

About 60% of residents 12 and older are vaccinated, according to the state, equal to the national rate. But the percentage of vaccinated adults remains low in the states rural, strongly conservative north, where some counties are at about 30% as residents dont trust the vaccination program but have high infection rates.

More than 73,000 new coronavirus cases were reported statewide over the past week, according to the state health department, nearly seven times the 12,000 reported a month ago. Floridas numbers had been falling since mid-January when 100,000 new cases per week were reported and 8,200 were hospitalized just as the vaccination program began.

This thing got politicized nationally, and were paying the price, said Jared Moskowitz, the states former emergency management director. This is mostly now a pandemic amongst the unvaccinated.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has been vaccinated, this week encouraged the remaining unvaccinated Floridians to get their shots.

If you are vaccinated, fully vaccinated, the chance of you getting seriously ill or dying from COVID is effectively zero, DeSantis said. These vaccines are saving lives.

More than 38,000 Floridians have died with COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March 2020, including an average of 33 per day over the past week. Thats compared with 24 per day earlier this month. In late January, 185 Floridians per day were dying.

Still, despite the recent surge, DeSantis said the state will not return to government mandates _ in May, he barred municipalities from imposing their own and banned businesses from requiring proof of vaccination. He said it is up to individuals on how they deal with the pandemic.

We have a situation where we have three vaccines that have been widely available for months and months now and people need to make decisions that are best for them, he said. To have the government come in and to lock anyone down or restrict anyone is totally unacceptable.

The states Democrats and their allies said that is the wrong approach and accused him of putting his 2022 reelection campaign and possible 2024 presidential run ahead of Floridians health. They want cities and counties to be able to again impose their own mandates and restrictions such as requiring masks in indoor public places.

The surge is  being facilitated by misguided orders from Tallahassee that block local leaders and businesses from pro-actively protecting individuals from unnecessary exposure, the 10 Democratic members of Floridas congressional delegation wrote in a letter to DeSantis.

Florida doctors affiliated with the Committee to Protect Health Care, a progressive group, criticized DeSantis for attacking Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top government infectious disease official who has pushed for more cautious policies than the governor.

They said DeSantis recent mocking of Faucis errant first pitch at a Washington Nationals game a year ago and his reelection campaigns sale of merchandise emblazoned with Dont Fauci my Florida detracts from the serious message he should send about the virus. They accused him of dividing Floridians on an issue that should unite them.

Why is he undermining infectious disease experts and their recommendations? The consequences of (his) leadership has been a steep rise in COVID-19 cases and an increased number of Floridians dying, said Dr. Frederick Southwick, chief of the University of Florida medical schools infectious disease division.

DeSantis has argued that his COVID leadership has been effective, protecting nursing home patients, seniors and others of the most vulnerable.

Because of the new outbreak, several hospitals across the state are reinstituting visitation restrictions. Jackson Health, the states largest provider, has barred visitors for most of its patients at its hospitals. Others are limiting visitors to one per patient. AdventHealth in central Florida has temporarily stopped doing inpatient elective surgeries.

Jackson said it had 143 COVID-19 patients this week compared with 66 in early July, a 117% increase.

Dr. Lilian Abbo, head of Jacksons infectious disease prevention program, believes most of those becoming ill are infected with the delta variant as they are becoming sicker faster than with earlier strains of the coronavirus. They are also not seniors and other groups that were previously prevalent.

We are seeing younger people in their 20s and 30s with not much risk factors  not obese, not diabetic _ coming in very sick, Abbo said. Some of them requiring potential lung transplants.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics COVID-19 Florida
As the remaining rubble from the collapse of a 12-story oceanfront condominium was cleared away Wednesday, a Florida judge said victims and families who suffered losses will get a minimum of $150 million in compensation initially.

That sum includes about $50 million in insurance on the Champlain Towers South building and at least $100 million in proceeds from the sale of the Surfside property where the structure once stood, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman said at a hearing.

The courts concern has always been the victims here, the judge said, adding that the group includes visitors and renters, not just condo owners. Their rights will be protected.

The $150 million does not count any proceeds from the numerous lawsuits already filed since the June 24 collapse, which killed at least 97 people. Those lawsuits are being consolidated into a single class action that would cover all victims and family members if they choose, the judge said.

I have no doubt, no stone will be left unturned, Hanzman said of the lawsuits.

So, far 97 victims have been identified, many of them using DNA analysis. Miami-Dade officials had said Wednesday evening they believed they have two more victims to identify, but another persons name was released later in the day _ meaning there may be just one more.

Officials have not yet announced an end to the recovery effort.

Meanwhile, the site of the tragedy has mostly been cleared away with the debris relocated to an evidentiary collection site near the airport where a thorough search will continue with enormous care and diligence, said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

She spoke about the difficulties of the search in a statement Wednesday.

The enormous pressure of the weight of the collapse and the passage of time also make it more challenging, she said, stressing that workers were still carefully combing through the rubble for the remaining victims as well as personal property and religious artifacts.

On Wednesday, police said 24-year-old Anastasia Gromova and Linda March, 58, were identified.

Gromova, a Canadian from Montreal, had just been accepted to a program teaching English in Japan and was visiting the condo for one last hurrah with friend Michelle Pazos. Gromovas body was recovered three days ago and was one of the last to be identified.

Her grieving family rushed from Canada after the collapse and had spent weeks in agony waiting in Miami.

It just makes it real and hard but on a different level. At least we can move on now, her sister Anna Gromova told The Associated Press, describing her sister as a bright star that fell fast. We will remember her forever.

Her parents said she was bright, always on the go, constantly smiling and unafraid to take on difficult challenges.

Its hard because you knew the loss was preventable and still nothing was prevented, her sister said.

Marchs body was recovered July 5, police said. Earlier this year, the successful attorney rented the furnished penthouse where pictures of white bunk beds hanging precariously close to the sheered off building made national headlines.

March, described as an outgoing person, had lost both her parents and sister in the past decade and had gotten a divorce and was looking for a new start in Miami, friends said.

The rubble that will be key evidence is being stored in a Miami-area warehouse, with the rest in nearby vacant lots, said the receiver, attorney Michael Goldberg. All of that will be preserved as possible evidence for the lawsuits and for other experts to review, he said.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is leading a federal probe into the collapse, according to a receiver handling the finances on behalf of the condominium board.

It may take years for their report to become public, Goldberg said of the NIST probe.

The building was just undergoing its 40-year recertification process when it collapsed. That came three years after an engineer warned of serious structural issues needing immediate attention. Most of the concrete repair and other work had yet to be started.

There remain differences of opinion among condo owners about what to do with the site. Some want the entire condo rebuilt so they can move back in. Others say it should be left as a memorial site to honor those who died. A third suggestion is to combine both.

Owner Raysa Rodriguez, whose unit was on the ninth floor, said she couldnt imagine going back into a building in a place where so many friends died.

I personally would never set foot in a building. Thats a gravesite, Rodriguez told the judge. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking of everyone who perished.

Oren Cytrynbaum, an attorney who is informally representing some fellow condo owners, said it was important to think creatively about the building sale, including whether requirements might be added such as a memorial of some kind for future developers.

It shouldnt be a traditional land sale, Cytrynbaum said. Were not on one path.

Hanzman, however, said time is of the essence because victims and families need money to begin rebuilding their lives.

This is not a case where we have time to let grass grow underneath it, he said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Florida Talent
Personal residential insurer Gulfstream Property and Casualty Insurance Co. has agreed to liquidate according to a July 22 order signed by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

The Florida Department of Financial Services must agree to receivership before the liquidation process can formally begin. Once the DFS signs off, Gulfstream customers will have 30 days to find new coverage.

In the OIRs Consent To Order Of Receivership, Commissioner David Altmaier wrote that the office has determined that one or more grounds exist for the initiation of delinquency proceedings, which include Gulfstreams admission of insolvency.

Read More: Rescue Efforts Fell Short for Gulfstream Insurance

The liquidation process caps off a tumultuous stretch for the Sarasota-based insurer.

Gulfstream was placed under administrative supervision in late June after it failed to maintain the minimum surplus necessary to pay claims. Weeks earlier, ratings firm Demotech Inc. withdrew its A designation, citing the companys shaky finances.

Gulfstream suffered significant losses in 2020. The company reported a decrease in surplus of more than $5.2 million as of Dec. 31, 2020 compared with the same date in 2019 including a net loss of $22.6 million and a net underwriting loss of $34.9 million.

Gulfstream was in the process of securing a well-heeled investor this year until a string of severe winter storms forced higher required contributions, leading the suitor to pull out.

In May, Gulfstream received OIR approval to cancel 20,311 personal residential policies. The company said it would not accept risk on any policies outside Florida past June 1.

They had to get rate increases, they had to get additional capital, and I think the reality is they were doing both, Demotech President Joseph Petrelli told Insurance Journal. Management had put in money. The company had filed for rate increases and received rate increases and then filed for more. They just couldnt get enough money in fast enough.

Remaining Gulfstream policies are expected to go to a combination of private carriers and state-run Citizens Property Insurance Co., the insurer of last resort.

OIR has worked closely with other private carriers to secure consumers streamlined options for replacement coverage in the private market, said Alexis Bakofsky, Director of Communications at OIR. Florida Peninsula Insurance Company along with its affiliate Edison Insurance Company, and Homeowners Choice Property Casualty Insurance Company, with its affiliate Typ Tap Insurance Company, will be offering coverage to a substantial number of Gulfstream policyholders through direct contact with their agent.

Citizens President and CEO Barry Gilway said during a Wednesday, July 14 Board of Governors meeting that 35,000 Gulfstream policies were likely be subject to liquidation.

The bottom line is we do believe there may be opportunities for one and maybe two companies to pick up the 35,000 policies, Gilway said. If they do, there is very limited impact on Citizens.
Five firefighters were injured when a thunderstorm and swirling winds in central Montana blew a lightning-caused wildfire back on them, federal officials said.

All five remained in medical facilities and were still being evaluated and treated a day after they were injured, Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Mark Jacobsen said. He declined to release the extent of the firefighters injuries or specify where they were being treated.

They had joined other crews working on the 1,300-acre Devils Creek fire burning in rough, steep terrain about 36 miles northwest of the town of Jordan.

They were building a defensive fire line Thursday when the weather shifted, Jacobsen said.

Numerous wind shifts and rapid rates of spread resulted in erratic fire behavior as thunderstorms and associated cells were passing over the area when the incident occurred, he said.

Other firefighters in the area were able to call for help and the injured firefighters  three U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service crew members from North Dakota and two USDA Forest Service firefighters from New Mexico  were evacuated, Jacobsen said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Friday that crews from Utah and California were coming to Montana on Saturday to help fight fires.

Utah will send two task forces with a total of seven engines and 25 personnel, while California is sending a strike team with five engines and 20 personnel, Gianforte said.

The teams will be in Montana for two weeks, and Montana will pay their costs, the governor said.

A day earlier, Gianforte said he was mobilizing two National Guard helicopter teams to help respond to fires.

The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation requested the military support. One of the agencys firefighting helicopters made a hard landing and burned last month. The crew got out safely.

Most of Montana east of the Continental Divide was under a warning Friday for conditions like high temperatures, gusty wind and low humidity that can lead to fires starting and rapidly spreading, the National Weather Service said.

Abnormally dry conditions amid a historic drought in the U.S. West also were contributing to the fire risk in Montana.

So far this year, fires have burned just over 244 square miles of land, with 17 large fires active in the state as of Friday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Another firefighter injured in Montana this season after he was overtaken by flames July 16 is being treated for burns in Salt Lake City, officials said.

Dan Steffensen, 65, underwent a second operation Thursday to remove burned tissue, according to a Facebook update posted by Red Lodge Fire Rescue. He may be at the hospital for up to six months, the agency said.

Steffensen has been with agency since 2015. He works to reduce hazardous fuels around homes and responds to new fires.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Montana
Two former employees of a home manufacturing company in eastern Oregon have filed a lawsuit saying they endured anti-Black racism and discrimination, and then were fired after reporting the incidents to managers.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court by two Black women who worked for Marlette Homes in Hermiston between 2018 and 2020, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

The company also does business as Clayton Hermiston, and is registered as CMH Manufacturing West, Inc., part of billionaire Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway, which controls a manufactured home empire.

Twin sisters Lisa Williams and Angela Pierce accuse the companys Hermiston branch of a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, race-based discrimination, wrongful termination and whistleblower retaliation.

Ms. Williams and Ms. Pierce heard and saw (the n-word) used in their environment, saw swastika symbols in the bathroom of Defendant, and were subject to physical assault and other dangers, according to the complaint.

Marlette Homes Human Resources Manager Erinn Gailey-Genack said Wednesday that the company had no comment at this time. The Tennessee-based corporate office for CMH Manufacturing did not respond to requests for comment.

State records show the company denied similar allegations of illegal conduct earlier this year, while admitting to racial slurs appearing in company bathrooms.

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Topics Lawsuits Oregon Manufacturing
This annual community garage sale will take place from July 30 through Aug. 7. With college students moving in and lease terms ending, the sale provides a way to keep leftover items out of the waste stream.
Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, will address a major UN food systems summit on Ireland's role as one of the global leaders in sustainable food production, later today.

The Minister will also outline some of the key measures contained within the new Food Vision 2030 strategy for Ireland's food sector.

The bedrock of our pioneering and innovative agri-food sector is our farmers, fishers and food producers as well as our processing sector, he added.

Each of these are constantly evolving and advancing their ambitions to drive ambition in our sector.

"Ireland has a rich history in producing safe, traceable and sustainable food. By taking key steps now, we are ensuring that our future is as bright as our past.

"I am delighted that the Government has approved the publication of the new strategy for the agri-food sector, 'Food Vision 2030  A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems'.

The Strategy, which was developed by a Committee of agri-food stakeholders, envisages a transformational pathway to a position of world leadership in 'Sustainable Food Systems' by dealing with the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental and social.

I particularly welcome the food-systems, mission-based approach proposed by the Committee.

The report will be officially launched in the coming weeks and I am confident it will be a robust roadmap for our sector for the next decade.

Meanwhile, the Strategy is a framework for the agri-food sector that revolves around four high-level missions:

A climate-smart, environmentally sustainable agri-food sector;

Viable and resilient primary producers with enhanced wellbeing;

Food that is safe, nutritious and appealing, trusted and valued both at home and overseas;

Achieving an innovative, competitive and resilient sector, driven by technology and talent. These are underpinned by a series of key goals and actions designed to achieve a system-wide transformation over the next 10 years.
More than one million people in Northern Ireland are now fully vaccinated, the Department of Health has said.

Around 70% of the adult population have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The milestone comes eight months after the first jab was administered in Northern Ireland.

Minister for Health Robin Swann described the vaccination programme as an outstanding success.

He added: It has helped us take significant strides towards the more normal life that we all want to see return.

Rolling out the vaccination programme has required a huge amount of hard work and dedication, so to all involved please accept my sincere gratitude.

I appreciate the long hours you have worked to ensure that we could give the people of Northern Ireland protection from this virus.

For all those who have already come forward for vaccination, thank-you. You have helped play your part in getting us to where we are. You have helped to protect yourself, those around you and our health service.

The Ulster Unionist minister said there is a need to increase vaccine take-up rates in the coming days.

The Delta variant is driving up daily cases of the virus, which has also led to an increase in the number of people admitted to hospital.

If we can make a concerted effort to increase vaccine uptake in the next week or so, this can help make a decisive difference in terms of preventing serious illness and hospitalisations, Mr Swann added.

Our regional vaccination centres are closing for first doses in less than seven days so please if youre not vaccinated, make it your priority to get a first dose as soon as you can.

Chief medical officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said it is a life-saving vaccination programme.

There are many people alive here today because they have been vaccinated, he added.

This virus is not going away and increasingly the only way we all get back to doing more of the things we want to do is for more of the population to be vaccinated.

Patricia Donnelly, head of the Covid vaccination programme in Northern Ireland, said: We are very pleased with the success of the programme but we do not take these milestone for granted.

There has been a lot of hard work and determination behind this programme and we know we are not at the finish line yet.

Uptake in the older age groups has been exceptional but only 56% of our under-30s have come forward to date.

We do not want this age group to miss out. Time is running out in vaccination centres for first doses so if you have not already come forward, then please do so soon.

(PA Graphics)

Earlier this week we also announced that those young people who turn 18 on or before 31 October 2021 will be able to get vaccinated.

If youre in this group then you can simply go to one of the regional vaccination centres, or if you prefer you will shortly be able to make an appointment using the online system.

A further 1,264 cases of Covid-19 were reported in Northern Ireland on Sunday.

Two further deaths of patients who had previously tested positive for the virus have also been notified.

In total, 2,204,177 vaccines have been administered.
Stormont ministers will meet later to consider further Covid-19 relaxations for Northern Ireland and discuss ways to tackle the regions spiralling health waiting lists.

The virtual executive meeting will re-examine a number of decisions that were postponed last week amid concerns about rising infection numbers.

These moderate risk moves include allowing theatres and concert halls to welcome back audiences and increasing the limit on gatherings in indoor domestic settings from six to 10, from no more than three households.

First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill will co-chair Mondays virtual executive meeting (Presseye/PA)

Ministers will also consider whether to lift current restrictions on MoT test centres.

An easing of the requirement for face coverings in places of worship is also set to be discussed, with the potential this will be relaxed so people will only have to wear them entering and exiting the buildings.

The decisions will be taken during at an executive meeting that was already scheduled to discuss Northern Irelands waiting list crisis.

The region has the worst waiting list times in the UK.

There are currently more than 335,000 waiting on a first consultant-led appointment, with some facing waits of up to seven years for treatment.

The waiting lists have led to increased pressures on emergency departments across the region, as patients attempt to seek treatment via A&Es.

Those pressures have been exacerbated by increased numbers of Covid-19 admissions and on Sunday two health trusts, the Belfast and South Eastern, issued an emergency call out for off-duty staff to come in to help deal with the worsening situation inside hospitals.

Two further relaxations of Covid-19 rules were agreed by ministers last week and those come into effect on Monday.

A cap limiting the number of households allowed to participate in 15-person outdoor domestic gatherings has been removed and close contact services, such as hairdressers, are now able to accept walk-in customers.

Moves considered moderate and higher risk were delayed last week pending an update from health officials on the latest wave of Covid-19.

Ministers were due to be presented with more data on the link between positive cases and hospital admissions before reconvening to reconsider those decisions.

While the moderate steps will be considered during Monday afternoons meeting, ministers will convene again on Thursday to consider the higher risk relaxations.

These include lifting restrictions on indoor live music, including a proposal to end a requirement for the sound to be kept to an ambient level.

The resumption of conferences and exhibitions will also be considered on Thursday, as will a proposal to end social distancing requirements for outdoor activities and reduce the distance to one metre for indoor settings.
The High Court has struck out separate actions in which a mother and daughter alleged they were defamed by singer and former Presidential candidate, Dana Rosemary Scallon.

Mr Justice Brian OMoore dismissed and struck out both actions on Monday over the failure by Susan Stein and her daughter Susan Gorrell to comply with a 2018 court order to pay 150,000 security for costs.

They previously told the High Court and Court of Appeal, and reiterated their position in an email from Ms Stein last week, they will never be in a position to pay the security, he noted.

For reasons including the cases had weighed on Ms Scallon for almost 10 years, the judge was also satisfied, in the exercise of his discretion, to strike out both cases rather than stay them.

In their actions, both women claimed Ms Scallon, while being interviewed on TV3 during the 2011 Presidential election campaign, made statements which meant both women had maliciously made up claims that Ms Gorrell was sexually abused in the 1970s by her uncle, John Brown, who lived in England. They claimed the allegations of abuse were true.

Ms Gorrell subsequently made a complaint to the English police.

Mr Brown (64), of Bracknell, Berkshire, who denied all the claims against him, was cleared in July 2014 of charges of indecent assault of two girls aged under 13 and 16 at several locations in Northern Ireland and England in the 1970s and 80s.

In 2014, both women settled their defamation actions against TV3 on terms including an undisclosed payment. That settlement was made without consent of Ms Scallon who continued to defend the proceedings, the court was told by her counsel Eamonn Dornan BL on Monday.

Ms Scallon denied defamation and denied all the claims against her.

Dana's grounds for dismissal

She later sought security for costs orders. After the High Court refused security, she appealed to the Court of Appeal (COA). In late 2018, the COA directed the plaintiffs to provide 150,000 security after finding the High Court had correctly concluded Ms Scallon had a bona fide defence to the claims capable of succeeding before a jury trial and the plaintiffs had failed to discharge the burden of proof with regard to their issue of their alleged impecuniosity.

Ms Scallon, through her lawyers KRW Law LLP, initiated an application last year seeking to strike out both cases.

Neither woman was represented in court when Mr Dornan moved the application before Mr Justice Brian OMoore on Monday.

In her affidavit grounding the application, Ms Scallon said the cases should be dismissed and struck out on grounds of failure to pay security, abuse of process and disclosing no reasonable cause of action.

Their continuation is frivolous and/or vexatious in circumstances where my brother has been fully acquitted of the charges, based on the same allegations which I had asserted were 'false and malicious lies' or 'false accusations' or 'unsubstantiated and malicious rumours, she said.

The cases should also be struck out for want of prosecution in the past two years, she said.

Judge's ruling

In his ruling, the judge said he would strike out the cases over the failure to pay security.

The other grounds for strike out would require deeper analysis, he said.

Addressing the failure to pay security, he said the plaintiffs initiated their cases in 2011, a statement of claim was delivered in May 2012 and Ms Scallon sought security for costs in 2013. The High Court refused security in 2015 but the COA in November 2018 directed 150,000 security be paid, 75,000 by each plaintiff.

Both the High Court and the COA accepted the plaintiffs had said, if security was ordered, that would bring their cases to an end, he said. Ms Scallon placed an emphasis on that, saying each had indicated intention to discontinue their case if security was granted but had taken no step to do so.

The judge was satisfied there was no appeal against the security order and that the relevant legal papers had been served on the plaintiffs. An email last week from Ms Stein, responding to correspondence from solicitors for Ms Scallon, had said neither she nor Ms Gorrell were in a position to continue with their action, he noted. The email said they stood by the statements they had made but are unable to continue with the proceedings for financial reasons.

It was plain the plaintiffs did not intend to proceed with their actions and he would grant the strike out orders, he said.

He will deal on a later date with an application by Ms Scallon for costs of the strike-out application to be paid by TV3.
Burma Ex-Myanmar Military Captain Who Nearly Shot Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Dies of COVID-19

Ex-captain Myint Oo / Myint Oo Facebook

A former military captain who tried to shoot pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 32 years ago died of COVID-19 after he was initially turned down by a military hospital for treatment.

Ex-captain Myint Oo, 60, died on Saturday at a military-run medical facility in Hmawbi in Yangon.

On April 4, 1989, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was on the campaign trail for the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Ayeyarwady Region when she and her supporters were confronted by a group of soldiers led by the captain in the delta town of Danubyu. At the time, the then military regime was trying to suppress Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD due to their huge popular support.

On the day, Myint Oo barked orders for the procession to disperse. However, the walk by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters went on, prompting soldiers to aim their rifles at the group, awaiting an order to fire from Myint Oo, who continued to shout that the soldiers would open fire if the group continued to walk on the side of the road.

The intense situation was suddenly defused by a major who interrupted the captain, ordering him not to shoot, saying, This is not the frontline This is politics.

The majors intervention made Myint Oo furious. He tore off his epaulettes on the spot.

Years later, the captain recalled that he would definitely have fired on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters because he had received a written order from upstairs to do so.

I just wanted to be a dutiful soldier who follows orders, he said, adding that the last-minute change to the order made him angry enough to tear off his epaulettes, because they didnt follow the order they issued.

Despite tearing off his epaulettes, Myint Oo remained in the army until 1992, when he was transferred to the Irrigation Ministry, where he eventually retired as a deputy director.

When the NLD came to power in 2015, he remained anti-NLD and anti-Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, using his Facebook account to voice his displeasure at them and his loyalty to the military.

However, he felt betrayed all over again on July 18 when he rushed to the 1,000-Bed Military Hospital in Yangon after developing a fever, one of the symptoms of COVID-19. He was not welcomed and was yelled at by officers on duty. After two days of seeking admission, he tested positive and was sent to a COVID-19 center without proper referral documents and was turned away from there as well.

This angered him so much he wrote a warning on his Facebook page, saying he didnt want to turn red after having been green after all these years, meaning the incidents had prompted him to consider whether to support the NLD, as he had been betrayed by the military.

After his post, Myint Oo was admitted to a military hospital in Hmawbi but he died there on Saturday. While he was no doubt glad that he was finally taken care of by the military he held dear, the initial rejections and mistreatment of him at the military hospitals in his hour of need forced him to contemplate the true colors of the military to which he had been loyal his whole life.

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Pegasus spyware developed by the NSO Group is in the spotlight after international media organizations collaborated on a massive report revealing governments in the company's clientele using the malware to surveil different persons of interest. Find out how you can tell if your smartphone is infected with the spyware and how you can use Amnesty's toolkit.

What is Pegasus Spyware?

The Pegasus spyware works as malware that infiltrates smartphones via apps like iMessage and WhatsApp. Victims can also introduce the spyware into their devices by inadvertently clicking a link containing the vulnerability, Time explained. The Israeli NSO Group insists it is only intended for use against criminals and terrorists, but the investigation was done by The Guardian and 16 other media organizations revealed widespread and continuing abuse of the spyware.

Spyware like Pegasus takes advantage of known and unknown flaws in a computer's operating system until the companies making the devices roll out fixes.

The NSO Group has also demonstrated the ability to install malware on devices with zero need for interaction from the victim. Receiving a call from someone attempting to infect a device was enough to successfully infiltrate the operating system's defenses without raising any alarms. The spyware is difficult to detect as it exists in the smartphone's memory, similar to other malware like ransomware.

Once installed, Pegasus can harvest practically any data from the device and transmit it back to the attacker, The Guardian explained. The spyware user can secure a log of the phone owner's past movements and track their location in real-time with pinpoint accuracy, including the speed at which their car was traveling.

In the data leak provided by Paris-based journalism nonprofit Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International, around 50,000 phone numbers were potential surveillance targets, TechCrunch said.

The list contained phone numbers of more than 180 journalists, including reporters, editors, and executives at the Financial Times, CNN, the New York Times, France 24, The Economist, Associated Press, and Reuters. Phone numbers of lawyers, activists, journalists, political opponents, government critics, as well as relatives of these individuals were also found in the list.

At least 10 governments are believed to be NSO's clients who were entering numbers into a system: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, India, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Guardian revealed. The phone numbers were from 45 countries across four continents.

The NSO Group still maintains it "does not operate the systems that it sells to vetted government customers, and does not have access to the data of its customers' targets."

Pegasus spyware targeted:



 Macron

 Iraqs Barham Salih

 Pakistans Imran Khan

 Egypts Mostafa Madbouly

 Moroccos Saad-Eddine El Othmani

 Hariri

 Ugandas Ruhakana Rugunda

 Belgiums Charles Michel Moroccan King



 Washington Post  Ragp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) July 20, 2021

Read Also: Joker Malware in Android: 11 Apps to Avoid in Google Play Store to Prevent Infection

4 Ways to Tell if Your Android is Infected with Pegasus or any other Malware

Look out for these warning signs of an infiltrated smartphone. Using the recently released toolkit should also be helpful in scanning your device for any malicious software.

4. Check for signs of battery drainage

Spyware can drain an excessive amount of battery from your device. See if your battery is depleting very quickly or that you find yourself needing to charge your phone often.

3. Check for encrypted text messages

Receiving strange SMS messages that look like code could be a worrisome sign that the device is hit with spyware. Beware of other texting scams like smishing that steal sensitive information from devices as well.

2. Check for high data usage

When your phone is hacked, the hacker is trying to extract data from your phone which means it needs a connection to transfer that data. Go to Settings then tap Connections. Select Data usage and then review your current amount of available data.

1. Use the Mobile Verification Toolkit

The MVT scans the device backup for text messages with links to domains known to be used by NSO as well as any potentially malicious applications installed on the device, Tech Crunch explained.

Here's what Israels NSO Group Pegasus #spyware can do- software they willingly sell to vetted parties. Graphics from @guardian This was recently found to work on iPhones as well by Amnesty International. pic.twitter.com/Y7Q3L7ixjD  Mindful Vegan Canadian (@mindfulvegan_ca) July 22, 2021

Read Also: Afraid Your Samsung Galaxy Phone Has Been Hacked? Check For Warning Signs, Perform Fixes

How to Use Amnesty's Mobile Verification Toolkit

The open-source toolkit can be downloaded from Github and is available for both Android and iOS users.

The Amnesty International Security Lab does inform the users that the tool does require some technical skills like understanding the basics of forensic analysis and using command line tools. Installation of the MVT does require the installation of dependencies that are compatible with the computer being used for the scans.

A more in-depth guide to using the tool is available in their documentation that walks the user step by step from installation to scanning.

The tool is not limited to scanning for Pegasus as it can also check for other malicious apps.



Related Article: Afraid Your iPhone Is Infected With Spyware? Major Warning Signs and 6 Ways You Can Remove It
New Samsung Galaxy S21 FE leaks are piling up on the internet. After its success with Galaxy S20 FE, Samsung plans to repeat the experience by creating a sequel unit to its flagship model, the Galaxy S21.

Full details for the new smartphone, including its specs and price, are available below.

Fan Edition (FE) smartphones are what Samsung advertises as "a tribute to its Galaxy fans," according to Cnet. These smartphones are popular with its affordable price comparable to the budget-friendly Galaxy A series. However, Samsung Galaxy FE certainly has better specs and features befitting the Samsung premium S series namesake.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a rumored smartphone expected to come out sometime this year. Details for the device, like its specs and availability, are gathered through information tidbits and online leaks.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Specs and Features

MyFixGuide reported recently that the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE was listed on the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Certification for approved devices. The smartphone was also found with TENAA Certification, meaning that Samsung submitted its official design for the smartphone on the Chinese website.

Galaxy S21 FE will reportedly be powered by a 2.8GHz Chipset rumored to be Snapdragon 888. It has 8GB RAM and 126 GB or 256 GB ROM.

Other specs for the incoming device might include a 6.4-inch display with 16M Color Depth and Full HD+ resolution up to 2340 by 1080p. Its overall dimensions are expected to be 155.7 by 745.9 by 9 mm. The smartphone might also support 5G connectivity for better internet access. It is also reported to have a 4,370 mAh battery capacity and a Dual Sim card slot.

Note that this smartphone is said to be taller than the 6.2 Galaxy S21; however, it will also be smaller than S20 FE.

The Galaxy S21 FE is also rumored to feature a 32-megapixel main lens, 12-megapixel, and an 8-megapixel camera system. It will also have a 12-megapixel front-facing camera.

The smartphone's overall design is reportedly similar to the Galaxy S21 appearance. However, YouTuber TechTalkTV highlighted that the Galaxy S21 FE could have a smaller camera housing than S21, which comparably "goes all the way to the sides."



Cnet estimated that the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE price might stand at $699. This makes the smartphone relatively cheaper than Galaxy S20 at $999. This price lineup is hypothesized to put Galaxy S21 FE at the same price line as Galaxy S20 FE but still significantly cheaper than Galaxy S21.

Read Also: Clubhouse App Data Breach Is Scary! 5 Steps to Delete the App Now

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE leaks

Twitter use Evan Blass posted images of the appearance of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. His post also pointed out that the smartphone would come in four different colors: black, green, lavender, and white.

The Galaxy S21 might be unveiled in the upcoming Samsung Unpacked event on August 11, together with Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. If not, Galaxy S21 FE might follow the S20 FE launch date, which happened in late September.

Related Article: Afraid Your iPhone Is Infected With Spyware? Major Warning Signs and 6 Ways You Can Remove It
Huntsville, TX (77320)

Today

Rain showers early with mostly cloudy conditions later in the day. High near 90F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
eftpos has announced seasoned digital executive Mark Britt has joined the eftpos team as CEO of Beem It to take it next-level with plans for a new national rewards platform for Australian consumers, while also providing evidence a Parliamentary inquiry today into Mobile payment and digital wallet financial services.

We're told new CEO Mark Britt will providing evidence at 11.30am today to the Parliamentary Joint Committee inquiry into Mobile payment and digital wallet financial services, and will "focus his comments on ways to ensure competition in the mobile wallet space and enhance opportunities for Australian players like Beem It."

A joint submission from eftpos and Beem can be found here.

In announcing Beam It's new CEO, the company explains Britts vision for the business is "to extend the digital wallet experience into the physical world."

While further details will be announced in the coming months, Been It has revealed it will "soon enable discounts and offers, an all-in-one loyalty wallet, gamified social rewards, promotions supporting local businesses, and more."

eftpos notes its November 2020 purchase of Beem It "was the logical move as a trusted Australian payments brand that has access to hundreds of thousands of Australian merchants, millions of consumers and is quickly moving into digital payments," and that it plans to "build an Australian digital marketplace that aims to deliver on the unique needs of Australian consumers and merchants, and flourish through facilitating exceptional customer experiences."

And, because eftpos is Australias debit card system, processing over 2 billion debit card transactions in 2020 worth an average of more than $300 million each day, the company wants to protect this user base and market in a world of credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cryptocurrencies, cash, the BNPL buy now pay later Zip, Afterpay, PayPal Pay in 4, and more.

A Beem It after-zip-pay in 4 via debit cards is presumably also on the way. A commentator on the Sky News Weekend Business show was suggesting Sunday that the debit card system was next for this kind of move, following PayPal's Pay in 4 launch earlier this month.

eftpos CEO Stephen Benton said in addition to taking the job as Beem It CEO, Britt would also lead eftpos new ventures business to drive commercial outcomes across the wider eftpos Group of businesses, including responsibility for its Digital Identity solution, connectID.

Benton said: Mark embraces the start-up mindset required to deliver the necessary speed to market and intensity of meeting customer needs. Which is critical as the eftpos Group has big aspirations for Beem It, both in terms of the role it will play in Australia as the lifestyle app for all Australians and for the eftpos Group broadly to progressively cover new ventures for the Group.

Beem It, along with other eftpos assets such as connectID, will be utilised to create compelling innovations within a local ecosystem for consumers, Fintechs, merchants and banks to enhance digital commerce while leveraging existing industry investments to help compete with Big Tech, Benton continued.

Britt is also former CEO of Nine Digital, spearheaded Microsofts Consumer and Online business for the Asia Pacific region as General Manager, and also co-founded iflix, a video streaming service across Asia, and said he was "looking forward to leading Beem It which is poised to embrace the take up of the use of digital wallets, as well as launch promotions supporting local businesses and each other.

Beem It already has a loyal user base of over 1.4 million Australian members, with over 200 million social connections between them, so there is a great opportunity to make Beem It available to more people with more services and features, whilst creating an Australian digital marketplace focused on delivering value for all users.

Australians are already using digital wallets to pay for everyday expenses and eftpos recognises the key growth opportunities are linked to how the value-added services that wrap around the digitised payment are achieved," Britt concluded.

Britt's experience also includes previous roles at Ninemsn, PWC and representation on several Boards and charity organisations, and in addition to that, we're told Britt "brings great consumer insights and deep experience in digital strategy, both building and leading successful tech businesses across the APAC region."

eftpos reminds us it has "an agnostic approach to mobile payments," and notes "eftpos mobile transactions grew more than 400% year on year in May 2021 across all supported mobile ecosystems and from April to May 2021 alone, there was 13% growth in eftpos mobile transactions.

"Mobile and digital wallets are an important part of eftpos mobile strategy and with the continued rise of digital wallets and in store mobile initiated transactions as the most common types of contactless forms of paying."
Thousands of people are being asked to share their search engine results for research into whether platforms such as Google and YouTube promote misinformation and political biases, with the launch of the citizen science Australian Search Eperience Project.

The Australian Search Experience Project project brings together researchers from three Australian universities within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society and partner organisation AlgorithmWatch, with the aim of determining the impact of personalisation of search results for critical news and information, across key platforms from Google to YouTube.

The project group is seeking more than 3,000 participants for the citizen science project, where a downloadable plugin will periodically run searches on users search engines using keywords, and report the results back to researchers.

Co-Chief Investigator, Professor Mark Andrejevic from Monash Universitys School of Media, Film and Journalism, said there is little known about the way search engines order and display information.

We know that search engines shape our information environment, but we don't know how this plays out in practice, he said.

There has been lots of speculation about their ability to show different people different information in response to the same search queries - potentially contributing to political polarisation and the spread of false information.

We know from recent experience that these are real concerns when it comes to important political and public health issues, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But only the search engines themselves really know what is going on - our goal is to provide some much needed public accountability.

If we want to engage in meaningful public discussion about how best to respond to the power these companies have to shape what we know about the world, we need evidence about what is really happening online, Professor Andrejevic said.

Professor Andrejevic said the project will ultimately provide an independent, rigorous assessment of how search and social platforms shape information flows and public discourse for Australian users - and will assess the extent to which search results are personalised by various leading search engines and their algorithms, based on the profiles established by those search engines for their different users.

As part of the process, project participants will be asked for some basic demographic details, but nothing that can be used to re-identify individuals.

The searches will all happen in the background with minimal disruption to the users, and the plugin does not capture any private data - and researchers will work with policymakers, educators, and the platforms themselves to mitigate any negative effects of custom tailored search results.

To install the plugin go to https://www.admscentre.org.au/searchexperience/ and follow the instructions.
The South West Alliance of Rural Health (SWARH) and Barwon Health are depoying InterSystems data platform, Iris for Health, to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.

The South West Alliance of Rural Health and Barwon Health in southwest Victoria are leveraging the InterSystems Iris for Health, a data platform engineered to extract value from healthcare data, InterSystems announces.

SWARH provides information technology services to support public hospitals and associated health services in a region extending from west of Melbourne to the south Australian border.

Barwon Healths facilities are the University Hospital Geelong and community health centres in and around Geelong and the south coast.

SWARH and Barwon Health support different IT environments. These include a range of clinical and patient administration systems, specialist healthcare applications, and data analytics solutions. While these systems are connectedprimarily via Health Level Seven (HL7) messaging standardsthere is no single data repository supporting real-time data analysis, says InterSystems.

All healthcare data within SWARH and Barwon Health will be available for artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), business intelligence (BI) and clinical intelligence in real time by leveraging Iris for Health. The organisations plan to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience, and optimise the use of resources.

Iris for Health will also future proof the organisations interoperability and healthcare device integration capabilities. This includes API management capabilities and deep support for emerging healthcare data standards like HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR).

A single-stack solution for AI/ML, BI, and clinical intelligence is expected to simplify and accelerate the process of extracting value from or operationalising healthcare data. It is also expected to improve healthcare information, which InterSystems calls healthy data, and pave way for machine learning.

As the custodian of healthcare data, SWARH recognises it can use it to improve patient outcomes and experience.

Its aim is to identify, in real time, which facility is likely to provide the best outcome for a particular patient. A machine learning algorithm could then inform decisions about where to send a patient being transported by air ambulance.

Iris for Health will enable us to consolidate all our healthcare data into a single repository for analysis and operationalisation. It enables, for example, machine learning models to be trained on historical data capture across the whole region, said SWARH chief information officer Andrew MacFarlane. That underpins our innovation strategy to extract value from healthcare data to provide the best possible care and ensure the long-term sustainability of our operations.

Organisations can capture and persist the data from HL7 and other messages to create a real-time health data lake or repository.

It will also integrate with Barwon Healths existing data warehouse to migrate previously captured information to the new environment.

Both SWARH and Barwon Health use the Microsoft Power BI data analysis tool and will take advantage of the InterSystems Iris Connector for Power BI.

Iris for Health already provides the database and interoperability technology underlying SWARHs InterSystems TrakCare healthcare information system and its data will also be available for analysis.

IRIS for Health will advance other strategic goals for SWARH and Barwon Health, including the use of AI for better population health, and the Hospital of Things, which will see the integration and analysis of data from healthcare and medical devices both inside and outside hospitals, combined with external population data, to improve the quality of care.

Organisations need clean, accurate data available anytime, anywhere. It needs to be able to flow seamlessly across all sources, be ready for action, and enable better decisions. That is what we call healthy data, concludes InterSystems country manager Australia and New Zealand Darren Jones. We congratulate SWARH and Barwon Health on deploying a healthy data strategy in Australia.
COMPANY NEWS by Qlik: BTPN wants to lead Indonesias digital banking transformation. As the country relaxes regulation around digital banking, paving the way for entirely virtual banks, BTPN aims to be first to market with new digital services.

We launched the Jenius app in 2016, our first all-digital channel, says Duddy Christian Hayanto, Head of Data Engineering, Bank BTPN. We have more than two million users today. They can enjoy an entirely branchless banking experience.

The bank recognises there is plenty of growth for Jenius. Indonesia, a country with a population of 260 million, has a huge youth demographic. More than 40% of the population is under 25. For many, their first experience of a bank will be through a smartphone and internet growth rates run at double digits.

The success of Jenius created a welcome headache for Hayanto. With more touchpoints, and wide access, the bank was capturing a huge amount of new data. BTPN wanted to be able to act on, or react to, this data. The problem was our data was held in the core banking system, which meant it wasnt being processed until the end of the day. We had no insight into real-time activity.

If the customer had an issue, we had no visibility of what it might be. If there was a sale opportunity, wed miss it, Hayanto explains.

Real-time data ingestion with immediate alerts

Bank BTPNs Enterprise Data Hub is built with Qlik Replicate, part of Qliks data integration platform. Rather than having to wait until the end of each business day to access data, Qlik Replicate simplifies the massive, daily data ingestion into big data platforms from thousands of sources, including Oracle, SQL, DB2, MySQL, Sybase and PostgreSQL.

Qlik Replicate enables real-time ingestion of data from our AS/400 environment, but the real advantage is we can then gain instant visibility to all the data in one dashboard for real-time action, says Hayanto. We do real-time ingestion through Apache Kafka. Because everything is completely real time, monitoring is necessary to ensure this process runs smoothly without any errors and Qlik Replicate has an alert feature so we can find out if an incident occurs. Thats a real plus point. All streamlined, no delays.

The use of change data capture (CDC) enables true real-time analytics with less overheads. The approach automatically generates target schemas based on source metadata. If there is a problem, BTPN can check the logs, and it can restart from the exact moment rather than starting from scratch.

Real-time ingestion means we get incremental data changes in less than a minute, explains Hayanto.

Relieving strain on the core banking system

The creation of the Enterprise Data Hub relieves any strain on the core banking system, leaving it free to focus on serving transactions. This reduces the risk of business downtime, protecting corporate reputation.

In direct terms, the primary beneficiary of Qlik Replicate is BTPNs CRM application. The availability of near real-time data enables the bank to create a detailed picture of every customer  in the moment.

If there is a problem with onboarding a new customer, we can see it immediately, says Hayanto. Previously wed have been blind.

The speed of access to data transforms user productivity. The time taken to retrieve data for a query is under a second which means BTPN agents can directly engage with a customer, confident they have a real-time view of the customers activity.

Data: the fuel to drive business growth

The engagement with Qlik means BTPN is in control of its data. Data is no longer seen as something to be stored and managed, but an asset to be exploited. The link to Apache Kafka means any data update is visible and directed to the appropriate team in real time. Users can access the hub remotely. Data is always-on.

The power of the Enterprise Data Hub is now being brought in to support new services: To support the currency exchange feature for Jenius foreign currency products, BTPN enables real time synchronisation for any exchange rate changes and the data hub is also used for customer onboarding, to help check against duplications.

This is having a real-world impact on banking services, says Hayanto. Real-time data gives the bank an immediate and detailed picture of every customer. At a macro level this helps spot trends and potential issues. At an individual level this enables the bank to deliver relevant products and services.
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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.
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Local officials are talking about using federal funds to upgrade heating and air systems at the Washington County Courthouse, as well as developing a meatpacking and livestock auction arena in the county. Those issues will be talked about in a workshop beginning at 4 p.m. The regular monthly meeting of the commission will follow at 6 p.m.
I, Michael Gail Pence, was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on December 1, 1938. I went to my eternal rest on July 29, 2021, in Joplin, Missouri. I graduated from Roanoke, Indiana High School in 1956 and Purdue University in 1960 with a degree in mechanical engineering. I moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma 










IHG HOTELS & RESORTS GROWS LUXURY & LIFESTYLE COLLECTION IN MONTENEGRO IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is proud to announce a franchise agreement with Celebic Group, one of Montenegros largest real estate development companies, to open InterContinental Resort Amma, Canj  Montenegro in autumn 2023. IHG HOTELS & RESORTS GROWS LUXURY & LIFESTYLE COLLECTION IN MONTENEGRO IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is proud to announce a franchise agreement with Celebic Group, one of Montenegros largest real estate development companies, to open InterContinental Resort Amma, Canj  Montenegro in autumn 2023. Montenegro - Industry economy - Hotel projects

This is a press release Category: Europe This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2021-07-26



The stunning new hotel will be the first for the InterContinental brand in the market, and will join its IHG-sister property Regent Porto Montenegro in providing guests with a luxury destination overlooking the beautiful Adriatic seafront.



It will be perfectly located on the Biserna Obala (Pearl Coast), part of a 1200m-long unspoiled coastline sheltered by wooded, rocky hills traditionally popular with locals and visitors alike.



InterContinental Resort Amma, Canj  Montenegro will offer leisure and business guests a choice of 198 rooms, including 60 suites, alongside a selection of villas and a significant luxury residential development.



A sun-drenched swimming pool with its own bar, indoor and outdoor wellness facilities, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and a spa with four treatment rooms and three saunas will ensure every visitor finds a way to rest, relax and unwind during their stay.



When it comes to dining, InterContinental Resort Amma, Canj  Montenegro will boast a world-class main restaurant and rooftop bar, as well as a more intimate club lounge.



There will be plentiful meeting rooms  including a ballroom  for those guests looking to take care of business, as well as underground parking with 260 spaces.



(Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President Development Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is one of the worlds best-known luxury global travel brands, and as we celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, were delighted to sign an agreement with Celebic Group to welcome InterContinental Resort Amma, Canj  Montenegro into our growing Lifestyle & Luxury Collection.



"At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are proud to have a positive, assured brand presence in the Balkan countries and we consider Celebic Group to be the ideal partner as we continue our growth in the region throughout the next few years.



The opening of InterContinental Resort Amma, Canj  Montenegro, anticipated for autumn 2023, adds further momentum to our recent expansion in the Balkans, which saw voco Podgorica welcome guests through its doors in2020, and the signing of Holiday Inn Express Podgorica, which is set to open towards the end of this year, also in partnership with Celebic Group.



The idyllic tourist town of Canj is located in southern Montenegro, one of Europe's fast-growing luxury leisure markets thanks to its eye-catching coastline, sprawling beaches and easy access to Dubrovnik in southern Croatia.



Mr. Goran Darmanovic, Advisor to the President at Celebic Group added: We are pleased to expand our long-standing partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts with the signing of InterContinental Resort Amma, Canj  Montenegro.



The hotel will be the first branded property in Canj and presents a strong opportunity to attract visitors to the town, coupled with the introduction of a luxury residential development as part of the project.



InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the worlds largest luxury hotel brand and this year celebrates its 75th anniversary. Each of its hotels is a destination in its own right with a distinctive style and ambience, from historic buildings to modern city landmarks and captivating resorts in every corner of the globe.



InterContinental Resort Amma, Canj  Montenegro will form part of IHG Hotels & Resorts powerful Luxury & Lifestyle Collection, which includes: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and Hotel Indigo. The InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand currently has 33 open hotels across Europe, with a further five in its development pipeline in countries including Turkey, Italy, France, Israel and Azerbaijan.*



*figures correct as at 31 March 2021 About IHG IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.



With a family of 16 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the worlds largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has nearly 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline. Luxury and Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo Premium: HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels, voco Hotels

HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels, voco Hotels Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Groups holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally.


Opinion Columnist

Chris Powell has worked for the Journal Inquirer since 1967, first as a reporter, then as an editor, and now as a columnist. He was managing editor from 1974 until retiring from that position in 2018.
This return was not planned. The Finnish court trying former Sierra Leonean rebel commander Gibril Massaquoi for crimes committed in Liberia between 1999 and 2003 has already held three months of hearings in Liberia and Sierra Leone from February to May this year. Seventy-three witnesses were heard about events in two parts of the country: the far north eastern province of Lofa and the commercial district of Waterside, in the heart of the Liberian capital Monrovia. Back in Finland, the court heard from a few more witnesses in June. It was supposed to start deliberating on the judgement, to be delivered in October. But the prosecutors office believes there are new elements surrounding the alleged crimes in Monrovia and the alibi of the accused. It is therefore forcing the court to return to Liberia, and possibly Sierra Leone, for further witness hearings.

There are no new facts alleged. But at the heart of this unexpected twist is one of the major intrigues of the trial. Prosecution witnesses have given varying dates for the attack on Waterside, placing it in 2001, 2002 and 2003. During the hearings in Monrovia, several corrected the date they had given when questioned by investigators, changing it from 2003 to 2001 or 2002. The problem with 2003 is that Massaquoi had a seemingly watertight alibi at the time: he was a key informant for the prosecutors office of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, a UN court based in the Sierra Leonean capital Freetown. He was probably the most important of all, according to Alan White, the courts former director of investigations.

Alibi backed by Special Court

The Finnish investigation established that Massaquoi was placed under the protection of the prosecutors office in September 2002. Then, from March 10, 2003, he was placed under the responsibility of the courts witness protection unit. A written statement by the former head of the witness protection unit, senior Pakistani police officer Saleem Vahidy, is included in the Finnish investigation file. In it, Vahidy describes the conditions under which Massaquoi was kept in safe houses until he went into exile in Finland in August 2008. The former UN official writes that it would be extremely unlikely for Massaquoi to leave the safe house without the knowledge of the WVS [Witness and Victims Section], and the question of being able to visit another country would be virtually impossible.

Until recently, the Finnish prosecutor considered this alibi strong enough to support the claim that the crimes committed in Waterside occurred before 2003. However, there was one major obstacle to his thesis: the attack in central Monrovia described by witnesses could only have taken place between June and August 2003. The vast majority of witnesses mentioned there was fighting with a Liberian rebel movement, the LURD, and a front line on the Old Bridge over the Mesurado River, in the heart of the capital. However, this seems to describe only the very last months of the war, between June and August 2003, when LURD entered the capital and brought down the regime of Liberian President Charles Taylor.

The court heard from only one expert on the history of the conflict, Ilmari Kaihko, a former member of the Finnish armed forces who became a professor at the Swedish Defence University. Between 2012 and 2015, Kaihko investigated the events at Waterside. According to an unofficial transcript by the NGO Civitas Maxima of his court testimony last June, he confirmed that these events took place in the summer of 2003, and more precisely in July.

The Waterside site in Monrovia (pictured here by Finnish investigators) is at the heart of the announced extension of the Gibril Massaquoi trial.  National Bureau of Investigation Finland

Could Massaquoi have escaped UN surveillance?

The prosecutor now seems to want to reconcile the testimonies of prosecution witnesses with this chronological reality. He explains that some defence witnesses, heard in Freetown in May, have weakened the alibi of the accused, making it appear that the accused could have escaped UN surveillance and been in Monrovia in June or July 2003. As a result, some witnesses who were dismissed by the prosecutor because they placed Massaquoi in Waterside that year may find new credibility. In other words, the prosecutions new theory would be to say that, yes, the events at Waterside did take place in 2003, and that Massaquoi was there because his alibi is porous.

The court battle reflects the radical incompatibility of the two sides of the story. Former members of the UN tribunal, including Massaquois protection officers, are likely to be called by the defence to argue that it was impossible for him to have escaped incognito from Freetown for several days in June-August 2003 to go to war-torn Liberia.

Highly improbable, according to Dufka

The defence has already gathered a testimony that is fraught with danger for the prosecution. On June 18, Corinne Dufka, a researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW), was called as a witness at the Finnish court. Dufka conducted investigations in Sierra Leone between 1999 and 2003 for the American NGO and for the UN tribunal, for which she worked between October 2002 and October 2003. She recounted meeting Massaquoi eight times in Sierra Leone between June 2001 and September 2003. The first four times were in June-July 2001, when the conflict was still ongoing in Sierra Leone and Massaquoi was a spokesperson for the Sierra Leonean rebel group, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). She saw him again at the end of January 2002 in Freetown, when the civil war had officially ended in that country. She saw him again on July 18, 2002, and again in August, but she said she could not confirm the exact date because she no longer has her personal notes for that month.

It was Dufka who introduced Massaquoi to Alan White, the chief investigator of the UN tribunal, an initiative that would seal the fate of the former rebel. I was under absolutely no delusions that Massaquoi had been guilty of horrible abuses and that he represented an organization guilty of several horrible atrocities, she told the Finnish judges. But her research did not indicate that Massaquoi was among those most responsible for RUF crimes, she said. Prosecutors needed some insider witnesses in order to convict the leaders. In her eyes, Massaquoi was an ideal candidate for this role. So in August 2002, and again in September, she and White met with Massaquoi in Freetown.

We were told that Gibril Massaquoi was in the [witness protection] programme and his movements were quite limited. Do you think of him being able to travel to Monrovia in the summer of 2003? the defence lawyer asked her.

I would find that highly unlikely. In that summer, the Liberian rebels launched an offensive against the capital Monrovia. At that time, Gibril Massaquoi was collaborating with the Special Court as an insider witness, and as I understand it, providing information on command structure and information against President Taylor. The indictment of Taylor [by the UN Tribunal for Sierra Leone] had been made public in June. So I find it unlikely that Massaquoi would have travelled to Monrovia to defend the capital, fighting on the same side as the person just indicted by the Special Court, Dufka replied.

Dufka also told the court that other RUF commanders  such as Sam Bockarie and Dennis Mingo, alias Superman  had been assassinated at the time by Taylor to stop them testifying against him.

What did Lofa victims say in 2001-2002?

The human rights activist also proved an asset for the defence regarding the crimes of which Massaquoi is accused in Lofa province. She investigated these crimes for HRW in 2001 and 2002. I spoke to 61 witnesses of [Liberian] government atrocities in Lofa county. The atrocities included massacres, rape, mutilation, destruction of property, looting and so on, Dufka testified, according to an unofficial transcript of the hearing by Civitas Maxima. Six of these witnesses, interviewed between March and July 2002, were from the village of Kamatahun, a key location in the charges against Massaquoi. Their testimonies seem to relate the same facts as those alleged against Massaquoi, who is often identified by witnesses as calling himself Angel Gabriel. They described an incident that they told had [taken] place in September-December 2001, in which the Liberian forces captured people trying to flee the violence and took them to an area near Kamatahun. () Afterwards, after an order of a commander, they were taken into three houses  one of the witnesses said four houses  and they were burnt alive, the researcher told the court.

In these interviews, were there any names mentioned? asked the defence lawyer.

Yes, there were. In the six of the testimonies, five mentioned Zig Zag Marzah as a commander, also known as Joseph Marzah. He was an infamous commander, and this name was repeated several times. The other commander named was Stanley. And there were a number of other lower level commanders named by the 61 witnesses with whom I spoke, Dufka replied.

Did you write down the names they mentioned?

Yes.

Was there Angel or Angel Gabriel mentioned in the interviews conducted by you or your colleague?

No, I do not recall that.

Did anyone mention Gibril Massaquoi?

No, they did not.

You mentioned also several organizations and officials that you had talked to. Were there any commanders names mentioned?

Yes. A part of the human right researchers job is to research command structures, so several names did come up. I discussed this with local community organizations, as well as members of think tanks, diplomats, refugee rights organizations, and so on.

Did Angel Gabriel or Gibril Massaquoi ever come up?

No.

Just to make sure, did you visit Lofa personally?, asked the prosecutor.

No I did not, replied Dufka, who at the time interviewed Liberian victims who had taken refuge on Sierra Leones border with Lofa.

Judges with limited power

The Massaquoi trial is governed by a procedure that can sometimes be perplexing. The judges, for example, have no knowledge of the more than 3,000-page file compiled by the investigators. They do not have any knowledge of Vahidys written testimony to date. It is the parties alone who decide what they want to extract from this file to present to the judges, often in a very succinct form, at the hearing. And it is only on the basis of what is said, rather summarily, in court, that the magistrates will judge.

The judges also do not have the right to decide in advance on the suitability of the witnesses proposed by the parties, or to restrict the number of witnesses. There may now be up to 31 witnesses in the new session requested by the prosecutor, some of whom have already testified but will be questioned again. This is expected to take four to five weeks of hearings in Monrovia and possibly Freetown. All judicial personnel must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before traveling to West Africa. Contacted by Justice Info, the prosecutor and defence lawyer mentioned the possibility of going to the field at the end of August. On the judges side, they think it more reasonable to plan for September.

When it returns to Finland, the court will have to hear from at least three witnesses  including the American former director of UN investigations, Alan White, who has long promised to come and testify on behalf of the accused. Following the upcoming hearings in Monrovia, the defence may also want to call new witnesses. So a judgment is looking more and more unlikely before early 2022, in a case that is becoming increasingly complex.
Bosnian Serb representatives on Monday announced a boycott of all major institutions in the divided country  effectively blocking them  outraged over the decision of UN representative to ban genocide denial.

Austrian diplomat Valentin Inzko, the UN High Representative in Bosnia who also holds various executive powers, made the decision last week.

Inzko imposed amendments to the Bosnias criminal code to prohibit denial of genocide and war crimes in a country where the Srebrenica massacre is often played down by Serb leaders.

While the High Representative can pass laws or unseat elected officials, he has rarely used his powers in the past. This latest decision has outraged Serb politicians.

Branislav Borenovic, one of the opposition leaders in Republika Srpska, the Bosnian Serb entity, announced the boycott at a press conference.

As of tomorrow, Serb political representatives will no longer participate in the work of the common institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and will not make any decisions until this issue is resolved, he told journalists.

Serb representatives will boycott Bosnian joint presidency, the parliament and the government, he added  effectively blocking the central institutions that rely on the approval of representatives of all three ethnicities.

Ever since the 1990s war, which left about 100,000 dead, Bosnia has been divided into two entities, one Serb and the other Muslim-Croat.

 Inzkos successor disputed 

The Srebrenica massacre took place in July 1995, a few months before the end of the war, when Serb forces rounded up and killed more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys after capturing the town of Srebrenica.

The massacre was deemed genocide by various verdicts of both the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Serb leaders in Bosnia and Serbia, however, usually deny the massacre amounted to genocide, instead calling it a great crime.

Inzkos decision, which the diplomat made only a week before the end of his term, was immediately rejected by Bosnian Serb leaders.

Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of Bosnian joint presidency, has even threatened dissolution of the Balkan country.

The row comes at a particularly delicate time, as Inzko, after 12 years in office, prepares to hand over to Germanys Christian Schmidt on August 1.

But Russia and China are challenging Schmidts appointment at the UN.

The High Representative who arrives does not have legitimacy, Dodik told journalists on Monday.

And Mirko Sarovic, president of the main Serb opposition party SDS, said: We will never again accept any decision () of the High Representative.

Bosnias parliaments are the only places for decision-making, he added.
Robert Parris Moses, an American civil rights activist, endured beatings and imprisonment while leading a black voter registration campaign in the southern United States In the 1960s He later helped improve mathematics education for ethnic minorities. He has died at the age of 86.

During the Civil Rights Movement, as the Mississippi Field Director of the Student Nonviolence Coordination Committee, Moses was committed to eliminating apartheid and was The Summer of Freedom in 1964 Hundreds of them went to the south to register voters.

Moses founded the Algebra Project in 1982 and began his Chapter Two of Civil Rights Work, which included courses developed by Moses to help poor students succeed in mathematics.

Ben Moynihan, the director of operations for the Algebra Project, said he had spoken with Moses wife Janet Moses, who said that her husband died in Hollywood, Florida on Sunday morning. No information was provided about the cause of death.

This is a huge and huge loss. Bob Moses is one of the bravest Americans born in this country. He helped design the Summer of Freedom and efforts to democratize this country. As our democracy is under attack, the loss of these symbols of democracy should prompt us to take action. https://t.co/CsB77gDLX4  Ida Bay Wells (@nhannahjones) July 25, 2021

Moses was born in Harlem, New York on January 23, 1935. Two months ago, a race riot killed 3 people and injured 60 people in the nearby area. His grandfather, William Henry Moses, was a famous Southern Baptist missionary and a supporter of Marcus Garvey, the leader of black nationalism at the turn of the century.

But like many black families, the Moses family moved from south to north during the Great Migration. Based on Robert Parris Moses: A Life in Civil Rights and Leadership at the Grassroots by Laura Visser-Maessen (Robert Parris Moses: A Life in Civil Rights and Leadership at the Grassroots) It is said that once in Harlem, his family sold milk from a black-owned cooperative to help supplement family income.

While attending Clinton Hamilton College in New York, he became a Rhodes scholar and was deeply influenced by the writings of French philosopher Albert Camus and his thoughts on the rationality and moral purity of social change.

Subsequently, Moses participated in a Quaker-sponsored European tour and consolidated his belief that before obtaining a masters degree in philosophy from Harvard University, change was bottom-up.

Bob Moses is a model of my organization. Principled, wise, humble, thoughtful, willing to work with everyone who comes, never blame, but always challenging. Fun love, kindness, reflection, tenderness. -Imani Perry (@imaniperry) July 25, 2021

It wasnt until 1960 that Moses took part in a recruiting trip and saw the movement with his own eyes that he stayed in the Shennan region for a long time. He found Pastor Martin Luther Kings Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta, but found that there was little activity in the office, and soon turned his attention to SNCC.

I was taught to take away voting rights behind the Iron Curtain in Europe, Moses said later. I never knew that the right to vote behind the scenes of cotton here in the United States was taken away.

The young civil rights advocate tried to register black people to vote in rural Amite County, Mississippi, where he was beaten and arrested. When he tried to charge a white assailant, an all-white jury acquitted the man, and a judge provided protection for Moses so that he could leave.

He later helped organize the Mississippi Liberal Democratic Party, which tried to challenge the all-white Democratic delegation from Mississippi.

But President Lyndon Johnson prevented the rebellious Democrats from voting in the convention, and instead allowed Jim Crown Southerners to stay and attract national attention.

#Bob Moses already dead. What a smart, conscious, compassionate, and proactive person. Educator. organizer. leader. Have a good rest, sir. This is shared by Mr. Moses #FreedomSummer. https://t.co/1x4h2BgJuD -Martin Luther King Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) July 25, 2021

Disappointed by the reaction of the white liberals to the civil rights movement, Moses soon began to participate in demonstrations against the Vietnam War, and then severed all ties with the whites, even former SNCC members.

Moses worked as a teacher in Tanzania, Africa, returned to Harvard to obtain a Ph.D., and taught high school mathematics in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In later life, the shy Moses founded the algebra project.

The historian Taylor Branch won the Pulitzer Prize for his Watershed, and he said that Moses leadership embodies a paradox.

In addition to attracting the adoration of young people among young people like Martin Luther King Jr did in adults, Blanche said, Moses represents an independent concept of leadership. People and inherited by ordinary people.
The president is accused of attacking Tunisian democracy after firing the Tunisian prime minister and the suspension of the parliament.

The President of Tunisia described his election victory in 2019 as like a new revolution-on Sunday night, he sacked the government and frozen the parliament to bring a large number of supporters to the streets in a move called a coup by his enemies.

Kais Saied, 63 years old, politically independent, former constitutional lawyer, publicly awkward, prefers super-formal classical Arabic speech style, and is now the undisputed center of Tunisian politics.

Nearly two years after his election and separate voting caused a severely divided parliament, he sidelined both the prime minister and the speaker of the parliament. Critics viewed this move as an unconstitutional seizure of power.

However, when tens of thousands of people flocked to the streets of major cities to celebrate, Said seemed to be setting off a wave of anger against political elites who had failed to deliver on the promised democratic gains over the years.

Since the Tunisian revolution in 2011, the Speaker of Parliament Rached Ghannouchi has been affected by the chaotic compromise of democratic politics for 10 years, and Said entered the stage as a relatively new person in 2019.

During the campaign, he presented himself as an ordinary person who accepted the corrupt system. He participated in the election without spending money and had a backbone team composed of consultants and volunteers-winning the leftists , Islamists and young peoples support.

His supporters said that he spent very little money in the election, only the price of coffee and cigarettes he drank when meeting with Tunisians, and regarded him as a model of personal integrity.

After Tunisian President Keith Said announced the dissolution of Parliament and the government of Prime Minister Hichem Mecic, people celebrated in the streets [Fethi Belaid/AFP]

After being elected, he seemed to be bound by the constitution for a while, which gave the president direct powers only in military and foreign affairs, while day-to-day management was left to the government that is more responsible to the parliament.

Said made no secret of his hope that the new constitution will put the president at the center stage  prompting critics to accuse him of wanting to imitate Egyptian President Abdul Fatah Sisi to deprive his enemies of power.

Power struggle

As president, Said quickly quarreled with the two prime ministers who eventually emerged from the complex alliance building process-first Elyes Fakhfakh and then Hichem Mechichi.

However, the biggest controversy occurred between the moderate Islamic Baath Party and its senior leader Ganucci, who was a political prisoner and exile and returned to Tunisia in 2011.

In the past year, with the support of Ganucci, Saeed and Mecchi have quarreled over the reorganization of the cabinet and the control of the security forces, which has complicated efforts to respond to the pandemic and resolve the imminent financial crisis.

However, as the protests erupted in January, it was the government and parliaments old parties that faced public outragea wave of anger finally broke out last week with the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Efforts to establish a walk-in vaccination center failed, leading to Saids announcement last week that the army would take over the pandemic response  a move critics saw as the latest step in his struggle with government power.

After the protests against Ennahda in cities across the country, this laid the foundation for his announcement on Sunday.

People took to the streets to celebrate the downfall of the government, but the demonstrators also wanted social and economic reforms [Zoubeir Souissi/Reuters]

During the 2011 revolution, his students and friends said that he often walked in the narrow streets of Tunisian old towns and the magnificent colonial boulevards in the city center late at night to discuss politics with students.

Said was one of the legal advisers who helped draft Tunisias 2014 democratic constitution, although he quickly opposed the content of the document.

Now, some of the leading political heirs of the Tunisian revolution regard him as an executioner-calling him an attack on democracy by dissolving the government and freezing the parliament.
Before the pandemic, five grandsons of Mamik Nariati received free vaccinations against diseases such as polio, mumps and hepatitis B in schools in Surabaya, East Java.

But since the online school was opened last year, there have been no more immunization programs, she told Al Jazeera.

Sarigita Andika Wati, the mother of three children in Tabanan Regency, Bali, has a similar story: My children cannot go to school, so they cannot get free immunizations.

According to data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, 800,000 Indonesian children missed routine vaccination last year due to service disruptions due to the pandemic. These young people are one of them-an increase compared to the previous year By 40%.

This is another blow to Indonesia, which has surpassed India and Brazil as the worlds latest coronavirus hotspots. On Monday, the death toll on Monday reached a record 1,338 due to the overwhelmed hospitals having difficulty treating patients.

According to data from the Indonesian Society of Pediatrics, the COVID-19 infection rate among Indonesian children is also the highest in the world, accounting for one-eighth or 362,000 confirmed cases. More than 700 Indonesian children have died from the virus, and half of them are under five years of age. Without routine childhood vaccinations, they would also face the risk of some of the most deadly diseases in the world.

From March to December last year, childrens routine immunizations did drop, because children did not go to schools, public places and hospitals, so the coverage rate was very low, said Dr. Siska Sinardja, a spokesperson for the organization. The Indonesian Association of Pediatricians told Al Jazeera. The impact of the delay in immunization of children will be an increase in infectious diseases. But there is no data in this regard because the incidence of COVID is still rising, and all the focus is on Indonesias fight against COVID.

Confiscated income

According to data from the Vaccine Impact Modeling Coalition, vaccine programs in developing countries have prevented 37 million deaths worldwide in the past 20 years. The coalition is a global cooperative organization composed of 16 research groups and published The most comprehensive study to date on the impact of the vaccination program was published in the journal The Lancet in January.

The seriousness of this matter cannot be underestimated. The spokesperson of the alliance, Professor Neal Ferguson of the School of Health at Imperial College London, said that due to simple vaccination, 36 million families did not feel sad for their children or infants-and These children have a chance to grow up. The consortium also estimates that if the vaccine program continues, it can prevent another 32 million deaths by 2030.

A medical worker vaccinated a child with DPT (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough or whooping cough) in Serang, Indonesia. The surge in COVID-19 disrupts child vaccination in Indonesia and other developing countries [File: Fathulrahman/Antara Foto via Reuters]

However, the global vaccination plan has been interrupted due to the pandemic, which means that the goal is unlikely to be achieved.

According to data from WHO/UNICEF, the global coverage of conventional childrens vaccines has dropped from 86% in 2019 to 83% last yearanother 3.7 million children have missed the regular vaccines, which is since 2009 The highest number.

Of all the new children who missed the vaccine last year, Asia accounted for two-thirds, and the remaining one-third were in Africa and South America.

Last year, more than 2 million children in India and Pakistan did not receive the first dose of the combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, topping the list. But this problem is even more obvious in Indonesia, where before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia had the largest vaccination campaign in the world.

Between 2017 and 2018, approximately 70 million Indonesian school children were vaccinated with the measles-rubella combination vaccine from India. As a result, measles and rubella cases have dropped by more than 90%. But now, most of the benefits  and the broader improvements in education and development that vaccines have brought  are disappearing.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: Although countries are clamoring to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine, we have regressed in other vaccinations, putting children at risk of a devastating but preventable disease. -19 For the struggling communities and health systems, the outbreak of multiple diseases will be catastrophic.

The legacy of COVID-19

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has been working hard to solve this problem.

Prima Yosephine, the director of surveillance and quarantine at the ministry, admitted that last years pandemic had affected regular child vaccination programs because there are no other options and people are afraid to take their children to public places.

But she told Al Jazeera that at the end of last year, the ministry issued a bulletin for parents to make appointments. [for childhood vaccinations] In puskesmas, a national network of more than 10,000 free medical clinics in Indonesia, avoid crowds.

To commemorate World Immunization Week in April, the ministry also introduced multiple injection appointments in Puskesmas so that children can catch up.

Therefore, although the vaccination was delayed, the children still received the complete vaccine, Josephine said.

One child was vaccinated against measles.Experts worry that childrens diseases such as measles and polio may make a comeback due to the interruption of the plan due to COVID-19 [File: Beawiharta/Reuters]

The mother of three Sarigita Andika Wati confirmed that she was able to vaccinate all three children this year after showing her National Health Insurance card at a hospital in Bali.

But only 81% of Indonesians are enrolled in the National Health Insurance plan, and Mamik Nariati of Surabaya, with a population of 4 million, said her local puss cannot provide a vaccine for her two-year-old twin grandchildren.

Yosephine attributed the shortage to the overload of Puskesmas staff due to the large number of COVID-19 cases.

Sources in Java confirmed to Al Jazeera that thousands of pustules on the island have been converted into isolation wards and temporary morgues.

Gavi, the vaccine consortium that is purchasing billions of free COVID-19 vaccines for developing countries, said that countries hardest hit by the pandemic like Indonesia will need help to fill the gaps in routine immunization for children.

Dr. Seth Berkeley, CEO of Gavi, said: This is a wake-up call-we cannot let the legacy of COVID-19 become a resurgence of measles, polio and other killers. The future health of millions of children and their communities around the world. And well-being depends on it.
Robert Parris Moses was a civil rights activist who endured beatings and imprisonment while leading a black voter registration campaign in the southern United States in the 1960s. He later helped improve mathematics education for minorities and has now died . He is 86 years old.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Moses worked as the Mississippi Field Director of the Student Nonviolence Coordinating Committee to eliminate apartheid, and was the core of the Summer of Freedom in 1964, where hundreds of students went to the South to register as voters.

Because of the MacArthur Scholarship, he founded the Algebra Project in 1982 and started his Chapter Two of Civil Rights Work. The project includes courses developed by Moses to help poor students succeed in math.

Ben Moynihan, Director of Algebra Project Operations, said he had spoken to Dr. Janet Moses, Moses wife, who said that her husband died in Hollywood, Florida on Sunday morning. No information was provided about the cause of death.

Moses was born in Harlem, New York City on January 23, 1935. Two months ago, a race riot killed 3 people and injured 60 people in the nearby area. His grandfather, William Henry Moses, was an outstanding Southern Baptist missionary and a supporter of Marcus Garvey, the leader of black nationalism at the turn of the century.

When people asked what to do, he asked them what they thought. In meetings, he usually sits behind and speaks last. He sleeps on the floor, wears overalls, shares risks, accepts blows, and digs deeper.- Tom Hayden talks about Bob Moses, he has gone home and loves us so much. pic.twitter.com/xOYioFKHmO @ava

But like many black families, the Moses family moved from south to north during the Great Migration. According to reports, in Harlem, his family sold milk from a black-owned cooperative to help supplement family income. Robert Paris Moses: Civil Rights Life and Grassroots Leadership, Laura Visser-Maessen.

During his studies at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, he became a Rhodes scholar and was deeply influenced by the writings of French philosopher Albert Camus and his thoughts on the rationality and moral purity of social change. Before earning a masters degree in philosophy from Harvard University, Moses participated in a Quaker-sponsored European tour and strengthened his belief that change is bottom-up.

It wasnt until 1960 that Moses took part in a recruiting trip and saw the movement with his own eyes that he stayed in the Shennan region for a long time. He found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Pastor Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, but found that there was almost no activity in the office, and soon turned his attention to the Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee (SNCC).

I was taught to take away voting rights behind the Iron Curtain in Europe, Moses said later. I never knew there was [the] Deny the right to vote behind the scenes of cotton here in the United States. 

The young civil rights advocate tried to register black votes in rural Amite County, Mississippi, where he was beaten and arrested. When he tried to charge a white assailant, an all-white jury acquitted the man, and a judge provided protection for Moses so that he could leave.

We have lost one of the bravest organizers of our time. As the site organizer of the SNCC, Bob Moses is the architect of the Mississippi Liberal Project, the Mississippi Liberal Democratic Party, and the Algebra Project. Rest, Bob Moses pic.twitter.com/tnUQ1fKXLO @zellieimani

Moses later helped organize the Mississippi Liberal Democratic Party, which tried to challenge the all-white Democratic delegation from Mississippi. But then President Lyndon Johnson prevented this group of rebellious Democrats from voting in the convention, and instead allowed Jim Crow Southerners to stay and attract national attention.

Disappointed by the white liberals response to the civil rights movement, Moses soon began to participate in demonstrations against the Vietnam War, and then severed all ties with the whites, even former SNCC members.

Moses worked as a teacher in Tanzania, returned to Harvard University to obtain a Ph.D., and taught high school mathematics in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

My dearest brother Bob Moses-spiritual genius, intellectual giant and moral giant-has left us! Insufficient words! He is greater than life and one of the great models of our humanity! Let us never forget him! @CornelWest

In his later years, Moses, who asked not to be named, began his Second Chapter of Civil Rights Work by creating the Algebra Project in 1982.

Historian Taylor Branch Watershed The Pulitzer Prize winner said that Moses leadership embodies a paradox.

In addition to arousing the same adoration among young people as Martin Luther King did in adults, Blanche said, Moses represents an independent concept of leadership. It originated from ordinary people. And inherited by ordinary people.
San Diego-A San Diego lifeguard gave his current fiancee an unforgettable surprise in a marriage proposal on Pacific Beach.

Meagan Sharp, 29, said it all started when she and her 34-year-old boyfriend Alex Newsome went surfing on the beaches of the North Pacific on Tuesday.

When we were out, I saw a jet ski near the pier, and Alex told me to paddle outside, she said.

As they approached Crystal Pier, Sharp said that the motorboat began to approach them and realized that the person on board was their lifeguard friend, Josh.

We all talked for a minute, she said. Then Alex jumped on the motorboat and Josh handed him the ring. He knelt on one knee, of course I agreed.

Sharp said that after the proposal, they all had to gather on the beach.

The poor bystander thought I was rescued, she said. We are all very excited about the whole thing and cant wait to share this moment with friends and family. Its all very surreal.

Sharp also thanked everyone who participated in the project.

The other lifeguards are very helpful and supportive, which requires a lot of planning and approval, she said.

According to Sharp, the ring used in the proposal is that of Newsoms great-grandmother in the 1920s.
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire is hosted by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and aims to reconnect with the community and bring business to the area.

After a year and a half, the Carlsbad Country Street Circus resumed activities on Sunday.

The one-day event replaces the annual May event cancelled due to COVID-19.

Its great, its like being locked up for a long year, said participant Rick Kreysar.

Carlsbad Village Street Faire is hosted by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and aims to reconnect with the community and bring business to the area. This is especially important for pop-up companies that now rely on events to make money.

All major events stopped, so we had to adapt a little bit, said Ray Brown, the owner of Branch & Vine.

Brown said that the return of major events means everything.

Now we are almost back to 100% volatility, he said.

Bret Schanzenbach, CEO and President of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, said that the street market on Sunday was smaller than usual because the supplier dropped by about 25%.

Part of the decline in our numbers was because some of these companies were unsuccessful, he said. Many of the husband-and-wife industries from participating in street fairs to street fairs to street fairs have survived. They have a complete cycle of activities. Unfortunately, some of them have not stood the test.

However, people flocked to support small businesses.

Schanzenbach said: In the past, before the COVID, we estimated that there would be about 100 to 125,000 people, but now, just looking at these numbers, we feel very strong, as if very close to this number.

This event helps to bring business to suppliers and surrounding companies.

I have asked a few of them to tell me bluntly that this is their best working day of the year, Schanzenbach said.

Shawnta Fleming, general manager of Handels homemade ice cream, said her business increased sales by at least 10%.

The results are very good, said Trevor Smith of Engel & Volkers, a real estate agent. The people are great and warm. They are hosting us, and I am very happy to be back in front of the public, just like I am a person, and I like to see people.
The President of Tunisia said on Sunday that after protests in several cities, political battles in the democratic country escalated, he would disband the prime minister and freeze the parliament.

President Case Said stated that he will take over executive power with the assistance of the new Prime Minister. This presents the biggest challenge to date for the 2014 Constitution, which divides power among the President, Prime Minister and Parliament.

He said in a statement issued by the official media: Many people are deceived by hypocrisy, betrayal and deprivation of peoples rights.

I warn anyone who wants to use a weapon No matter who shoots, the armed forces will respond with bullets, he added.

For more than a year, Said has been involved in political disputes with Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi because the country is struggling to deal with the economic crisis, imminent fiscal austerity and slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stated in the statement that his actions were in line with the Constitution and that the immunity of parliamentarians was suspended.

Both Saeed and Parliament were elected in 2019 by different general suffrage methods, while Mecic took office last summer, replacing another short-lived government.
The President of Tunisia announced the adjournment of the Tunisian Parliament and the removal of Prime Minister Hicham Mecic. Violent protest Due to the governments handling of the COVID pandemic and the economy, several cities in Tunisia broke out.

President Keith Said said on Sunday that he will take over executive power with the assistance of the new prime minister. This poses the biggest challenge to date for the 2014 constitution, which divides power among the president, prime minister and parliament.

Many people are deceived by hypocrisy, betrayal and plundering of peoples rights, he said in a statement published in official media.

I warn anyone who wants to use a weapon No matter who shoots, the armed forces will respond with bullets, he added.

He stated in the statement that his actions were in line with the Constitution and that the immunity of parliamentarians was suspended.

After thousands of Tunisians marched in several cities and issued a statement after an emergency meeting in his palace, most of the anger was concentrated on the Baath Party, the largest party in the parliament.

The Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament, Rashid Ganucci, accused President Said of launching a coup detat against the revolution and the constitution.

We think these institutions still exist, and Ennahdas supporters and the Tunisian people will defend the revolution, Ennahdas head Ghannouchi told Reuters by phone.

As the country is struggling to cope with the economic crisis, imminent fiscal austerity and Unresponsive To the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both Saeed and Parliament were elected in 2019 by different general elections, and Mecici took office last year, replacing another short-lived government.

Tunisian journalist Rabeb Aloui told Al Jazeera that Saids actions were not surprising because he had threatened to dissolve the parliament and fire the prime minister.

Since last September, we have (always) been living in a political crisis, Aloui said.

She said many young Tunisians, especially those who protested on Sunday, were happy with the announcement.

Aloui added that the demonstrators also called for social and economic reforms, but these issues still need to be resolved.

We are indeed living under an economic crisis, and so is a health crisis [from] Coronavirus pandemic, she said.

Tunisia has been overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. There are approximately 12 million people in the country and more than 18,000 people have died from the disease.

Thousands protested

Earlier on Sunday, thousands of people defied the virus restrictions and the extreme heat and staged demonstrations in the Tunisian capital and other cities. The predominantly young crowd chanted Get out! and slogans calling for the dissolution of parliament and early elections.

The protest was launched by a new organization called the July 25th Movement on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of Tunisias independence.

Security forces were deployed, especially in Tunisia, where the police blocked all streets leading to the capital Bourguiba Avenue. This avenue was a key location for the Tunisian revolution ten years ago, which overthrew the dictatorship and triggered the Arab Spring uprising.

A Tunisian protester raised a national flag at an anti-government rally as security forces blocked the road in front of the Parliament of Tunis, the capital [Fethi Belaid/AFP]

Police are also deployed around the parliament to prevent demonstrators from entering.

In Tunisia on Sunday, the police used pepper spray on protesters who threw stones and chanted slogans, demanding that Prime Minister Mecic step down and dissolve the parliament.

Witnesses claimed that the protesters rushed into or tried to rush into Ennahdas offices in Monastir, Sfax, Elkhev and Sousse, while in Tuzer they set fire to the partys local headquarters.

Ennahda was banned before the revolution and has been the most successful political party since 2011 and a member of previous coalition governments.
The withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan exposes the countrys neighbors to a critical choice. With the withdrawal of foreign troops and the advancement of Taliban fighters, they will have to decide whether to cooperate to stabilize the country or turn it into a battlefield for regional interests again. This decision will not only determine developments in Afghanistan, but will also determine developments in the entire region.

So far, all signs point to the latter. Participants in the region have expanded their support for the Taliban and Islamic State (ISIS) organizations, which intensified their violent attacks in Afghanistan. The Afghans have little influence on the intervention of regional powers, and they will do what they have been doing-countering the militants, fleeing abroad, or die.

But chaos will not be contained within Afghanistan. It will inevitably spread to the entire region and destabilize the entire region. If our neighboring countries want to ensure peace within their borders, they will have to abandon backdoor transactions and make a paradigm shift in the way they treat Afghanistan, seeking strict regional cooperation to stabilize the country.

In the past few weeks, the courageous Taliban have made tremendous progress on the battlefield. Conquered more than 100 districts, and its fighters have surrounded most of the provincial capitals, ready to launch a major offensive to seize it.

They also controlled some key border crossings, which allowed them to derive substantial income from goods entering Afghanistan and cut off the supply chain when they chose to put pressure on the government and the Afghan people. The Afghan army was unprepared for the Talibans sudden attack, poor leadership and serious morale crisis, and failed to stop it from advancing.

At the same time, the Afghan branch of ISIL expanded its presence and operational capabilities, carrying out large-scale attacks in Kabul and other major cities.

At the same time, the production of illicit drugs has also reached a record high. In May, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that compared with 2019, there was a 37% increase in opium poppy cultivation last year. Drug production and smuggling provide a rich source of income for the Taliban. The connection between armed groups and the drug mafia empowers the latter, making it stronger than ever before, forming a huge transnational network that extends to Iran, Pakistan, Central Asian countries, and beyond Europe and the United States. East Asia.

If the Talibans military rule or another full-scale proxy war, the entire region will become unstable, which will have a ripple effect on the rest of Asia and even Europe.

This will inevitably trigger a large-scale refugee crisis, reminiscent of the crisis following the Soviet-Arabic War in the 1980s or the recent Syrian war. Turkey and neighboring countries have already felt the first wave of this exodus.

The war in Afghanistan over the past four years gave birth to a more violent jihad ideology. The regional jihadist movement rejoiced in what they believed was the embarrassing failure of the United States and would inevitably turn Afghanistan into a strategic base for its international operations.

More importantly, the belief that the most powerful global power has been defeated will inspire other militant groups in the region and elsewhere to strengthen their violent tactics, believing that they will also be in power eventually. Pakistan will be more vulnerable than any other country, because the rapid expansion of violent ideology has threatened the countrys stability.

The Pakistani Taliban and other Pakistani militants are likely to launch a violent rebellion across the country, hoping to overthrow the government and establish the Taliban regime.

Iran will also be threatened by the hardline Sunni regime of its neighbors. In recent years, the country has suffered many terrorist attacks, and unless the climax of extremism and terrorism is curbed, such attacks will only increase. At the same time, the victory of the Taliban will inspire religious extremist circles throughout Central Asia.

As far as we are concerned, since the Taliban ruled the country in the 1990s, Afghans have changed culturally, politically, and demographically. We have a highly educated and thriving young generation who never knew the rule of the Taliban. They are unlikely to accept the dramatic setbacks of our achievements in media, art, medicine, education and sports.

We will fight back, but we need our neighbors to stop cultivating extremist theorists who do not abide by the principles of humanity in the 21st century. Those who think they can control the Taliban and other extreme forces are delusional. After all, these groups are driven by ideology rather than rational thinking.

The atrocities committed by the Taliban in the past few weeks are similar to those during their rule of the country and ISILs atrocities in Syria and Iraq. From executing prisoners to killing civilians, plundering government agencies and peoples property, imposing religious taxes and even forced marriages, the organizations behavior shows its evil nature and the fact that it is not bound by any rules or values. 21st century.

Therefore, regional powers must take this threat seriously and take action before Afghanistan falls into turmoil and turns into a drug-extremist country. They should urgently launch a multilateral cooperation framework to mobilize the region around a common security goal: stabilizing Afghanistan. The role of Pakistan and Iran in this regard is particularly important because it is well known that these countries shelter and support the Taliban and other armed groups and maintain extensive influence over them.

Now is the time to make a historic decision about the future of our region. Do we want to live in a peaceful region based on the values ??of tolerance, progress, and coexistence, or continue to engage in destructive, never-ending conflict zero-sum games? The United States and NATO can choose between staying in Afghanistan or leaving. But we Afghans and our neighbors do not. The choices made in the coming weeks and months will determine our common future.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
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A senior Chinese diplomat said on Monday that Sino-US relations are in a dangerous stalemate because talks with their American counterparts have started a war in the port city of Tianjin.

Deputy Foreign Minister Xie Feng met with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. This is the first face-to-face meeting between senior representatives of the two countries since March. Open quarrel In Anchorage, Alaska.

China-US relations are currently at a deadlock and are facing serious difficulties, Xie said, according to a copy of the speech posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. He added that the United States hopes to rekindle a sense of national purpose by establishing China as animaginary enemy' and urged Washington to change what he called an extremely dangerous China policy.

Although some hope that Joe Bidens election will help the worlds two largest economies, relations between the worlds two largest economies have remained tense in recent months. Lead to recalibration.

Shermans stay in Tianjin was added to her itinerary last minute, After a trip that included trips to Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia.America is Unwilling to agree Unless Sherman is also received by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, she is expected to meet with him later on Monday.

The Alaska meeting fell into a rare Open slang contestYang Jiechi, Chinas top foreign policy official, warned Secretary of State Anthony Brinken that the United States can no longer stand in a strong position and preach to Beijing. Yang also accused the Biden administration of inciting countries to attack China.

Xies tough comments came days after Beijing imposed sanctions on China. Seven AmericansIncluding former Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, in retaliation against the United States for taking similar actions against seven Chinese officials because they were suspected of playing a role in suppressing the Hong Kong democracy movement.

Respected

But the Biden administration also announced last week that it would withdraw visa fraud charges against five Chinese researchers in the United States. A trial involving a researcher allegedly affiliated with the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army was originally scheduled to begin in California on Monday.

Shermans visit is part of a wider U.S. effort Increase participation There were talks with China before Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping might meet during the G20 summit in Italy in October.

Shi Yinhong, professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing, said: The two sides will continue to fight, but they should still be able to discuss specific issues such as the possibility of holding a presidential summit.

The Biden administration was initially reluctant to agree to a series of meetings with senior Chinese officials because its focus was to try to persuade European and Asian allies to jointly confront Beijing on a wide range of human rights, trade, and foreign policy issues.

As other senior government officials plead with countries throughout the Indo-Pacific region, the campaign will continue this week. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (Lloyd Austin) Seek failure Meet with his Chinese counterparts and will deliver a speech in Singapore on Tuesday. Austin will also visit Vietnam and the Philippines this week.

Brinken plans to fly to India Group of Four Tied with Australia and Japan. Former US President Donald Trump tried to revive the organization to counter Chinas influence in the region.

Supplementary report by Liu Xinning in Beijing
Closed schools may fall behind COVID-19 cases across the UK

An authoritative expert said that school closures due to summer vacation may be one of the reasons for the decline in coronavirus cases across the UK.

Dr. Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modeling Group (Spi-M) that advises ministers, said he is cautiously optimistic about reducing cases, but only time will Prove whether the third wave of Covid is reversing.

An infectious disease expert from the University of Warwick told BBC Radio 4s todays program, Any case where there is a significant decline is good news. However, I think what we need to consider is that there have been recent changes. I think the most important thing is that In many parts of the country, schools are now closed for summer vacation.

Now, of course, because of this, it means that middle school students have undergone lateral mobility tests twice a week for a considerable period of time. We know that the current cases of young people are slightly higher, (and) because The school is now disbanded, so part of the reason for the decline in cases may be that we do not find so many cases among young people.

Before we really know whether we see everything is improving, the other thing we need to consider is the hospitalization and, of course, the death.
We are used to seeing Katie Prices changing face and body.

But even by the standards of a TV star, her overall facelift in Turkey last month-including plastic surgery, hip enlargement and liposuction-was extreme.

11 Katie Price (photo earlier this month) has changed her appearance over the years

So over the years, the 43-year-old Katie has changed her appearance-how much might she have paid for it?

Here, Tanith Carey discussed with the UKs top cosmetic surgeons and experts how Katies very expensive cosmetic regimes add up-more than three quarters of a million pounds (although the star may pack some for free).

Chest

In 1998, Katie underwent her first breast augmentation surgery, which took her from 32B to 32D. She was only 19 years old at the time and had just become the focus of attention.

This turned out to be a slippery slope, and since then, her bust has more ups and downs than her love life.

Seeing the notoriety it gave her, in the next two years, Katie underwent two more operations, taking her to D-class and then F-class, even though she was only 5 feet 4 inches tall.

After giving birth to her first two children, Harvey and Junior in 2002 and 2005, respectively, she went to the United States the following year, promoted herself to G, and returned to the C Cup in 2008.

But this is just the beginning of another roller coaster.

11 Katie is naturally a 32B Credit: Rex

11 According to reports, she has 12 boob jobs Credit: Rex

In 2012, she returned to 32F. When these implants were infected, she was immersed in the B cup and kept without implants for a period of time.

But then in 2017, Katie reached her biggest so far and flew to a clinic in Brussels, where she reached 32GG

In her 9th operation in 2017, these implants were reduced from 1000 ml to 795 ml.

In March of this year, she confirmed that she has now performed the 12th operation in Belgium to correct a botched operation in Turkey.

Aesthetician, Dr. Ross Perry, Medical Director cosmeticSays that Katie has implanted various saline and silicone implants over the years, from round and tall to more natural teardrop shapes.

He warned that her surgery may not be over yet-because when the breast tissue hardens around the implant, she may help correct scar damage and cysts.

Dr. Perry added: The number of implants she uses means they cant get under the muscles, they have to go through-and the skin can only bear so much.

In a few years, she may need to further reduce the size of the implant to reduce the pressure on the skin in these areas.

Every time she undergoes any operation, the operation is always more difficult.

Possible cost: 120,000

teeth

Surprisingly, Kates smile may be the most expensive.

Chelsea Dental Clinic www.chelseadentalclinic.co.uk (please include association)

This is because Katie installed a complete set of hats for 100,000 in 2007, which means that her teeth have been filed on nails so that a more perfect copy can be fixed on it.

11 Katie installed the veneer in 2007 Image source: PA: Press Association

11 They were replaced in 2017

Dr. Escander said: This is more destructive, and the teeth are much weaker once they are cut off.

Thinner teeth may break on the gum line and need to be replaced.You may also need implants to replace irreparable teeth.

In fact, Katie admitted that some crowns broke while she was eating and needed to be replaced in 2017, ten years later, and then again in 2019.

Possible cost; 250,000

Hair/tan

Katie has long been a fan of sunbeds and can change her skin from honey to dark ebony.

Ten years ago, she revealed that she trains three to four times a week, 15 or 20 minutes each time, and costs about 40 a week. She said: My body is like leather.

She also bought a sunbed for her home, which cost about 4,000, but in April this year, she still went to the sunbath three times in just a week after the salon was reopened after the lockdown.

11 Katie used to spend 40 a week on sunbeds Credit: WireImage-Getty

Katie also sprays her own tan and has been using Crazy Angel products since 2012-the starter kit costs about 250.

In order to complete her styling, Katie also used more than 20 years of hair extensions, costing 12,000 pounds a year.

Possible cost: 300,000

Botox/filler

Katie admits that she has been obsessed with Botox since she was 27 years old, about 400 pounds each time.

In 2015, she said: I inject Botox every four months, and nothing more. I have an injection on both sides of my eyes-3 injections on each side. Anyway, I dont really have wrinkles, so I might You dont even need it.

Botox is no big deal to me: its like going shopping.

As she got older, Katie also began to use fillers more.

11 She allegedly spent 400 each time Credit: Sun

Aesthetician Dr. Rose Perry said: In the mid-2000s, it seemed that there were a lot of fillers on her cheeks, which changed her face shape slightly because her eye area began to narrow slightly.

But filling the cheeks is just to restore what is lost due to natural aging, not to change the shape of the face.

Possible cost: 30,000

Plastic surgery

Katie was not even 40 years old when she used Botox and fillers to face plastic surgery.

About four years ago, when she was 39 years old, she performed a contour facial lift-inserting invisible lines on both sides of the face, and then pulling up to lift the sagging cheeks and chin.

The next spring, she saw her at her favorite beauty clinic in Brussels, and she said that her job had been corrected.

11 Katie got a facelift four years ago Credit: Instagram

But it did not stop there. In September 2019, Katie went to Turkey for a full face lift and also performed a bottom lift.

She came back last month (June), so her face can be lifted up again to make her look like the upward-slanted fox eyes she likes.

However, as she said recently, she can receive treatment for free-and while adjusting her hips-she may be spared part of the full 30,000 of normal cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Rose Perry said: The problem is that Katie is only 43 years old and a very attractive woman. So it really makes me think that if she does nothing to her face, she still looks good.

Now that the surgery will have a negative effect on her appearance, I think we have reached it now. This is a somewhat sad scene.

Possible cost: 35,000

Eyebrow

Not satisfied with waxing, threading or plucking hair, Katie started getting eyebrow tattoos in 2012.

Skingeek.co.uk founder, skin care expert and therapist Nicola Russell (please stay) said: By 2012, it looks like her eyebrows have been tattooed, although they are in great shape and kept in her natural eyebrows. Within the scope of your shape, people often regret having such thick black eyebrows, because as you age, they will make you look older.

In 2016, she replaced fine ink strokes with heavier-looking block shapes, which Nikolay said would look older on a face without makeup.

Possible cost; 1,600

Lips

Although her lip size was good at first, Katies lip size has fluctuated up and down over the years.

Amish Patel, founder of Intrigue Cosmetic Clinics, believes that Katie started filling them in around 2001.

At that time, Katie changed her natural lip shape, lost the natural Cupid bow, and replaced it with a bigger pout.

11 Filler means that Katies Cupids bow is now less clear Image source: PA: Press Association

By 2004, Amish said that after the filling had dissolved, her lip line had become thinner again.

But in 2011 and 2016, she regained fuller lips. In 2017, she also got a lip liner, giving people the illusion of fuller pouts.

Since then, Katie continued to inject regularly, making her angry mother Amy notice that she looked like a Duffy Duck last year.

Recently in Turkey, Katie also used surgery to raise the lip line to make you look younger.

This is a permanent operation that increases the amount of pink tissue visible on the upper lip and makes the lips look fuller.

It also increases the display volume of the upper middle teeth.

Dr. Ross Perry said: In order to maintain the level where she may receive lip treatment every four to six months, it may be before the last batch of filler dissolves.

So I think thats why her upper lip shape keeps growing to the point where it stands out when viewed from the side. It creates more duck effect.

Possible cost: 15,000

nose

This is a procedure that is sufficient for Katie

She underwent rhinoplasty in 2007 and spent about 6,000 in a clinic in Los Angeles at the same time as her fourth breast augmentation.

Dr. Rosperry said: Basically, its a bit narrower on the bridge, and the tip is basically smaller.

But it didnt make a difference. Katie stopped there and said, I like my nose before and now.

Possible cost: 6,000

bottom

Just like her lips, Kates hips have also enlarged.

11 Katie is no stranger to lipo Image source: PA: Press Association

11 Katie also spent thousands of dollars to perfect her ass Credit: BackGrid

Not only did she have surgery to increase her hips and cheeks, but she also reduced them when she thought they made her look fat.

As Katie declared, she doesnt like the gym, she often combines breast augmentation with liposuction.

Katie used fat from other parts of the body for the first time in 2017 and 2019 to lift her hips.

This type of surgery usually costs about 5,000 in cheaper Turkish clinics, although Katie may get some treatment for free in exchange for publicity

Dr. Rosperry said that multiple bottom lifts and liposuction are risky.

Liposuction and injecting fat into the buttocks are not a lifestyle choice, nor an alternative to not going to the gym because of the risk of infection.

Possible cost: 20,000

Total: 777,600 GBP

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This column comes from the opinions of Ryan Andersen, a Lutheran pastor and main organizer of the Calgary Charity Alliance, which is made up of 32 local organizations dedicated to building a more just and compassionate city.For more information CBCs opinion section , See FAQ .

The church is burning. Others sprayed orange and red with the unforgettable words: We are children.

But compared with thousands of child graves, these losses are insignificant. When the church loses its spiritual legitimacy, what buildings are there? Who is in a normal mind and seeks spiritual hope from institutions that promote love but participate in and conceal the abuse and death of thousands of children in Canadian boarding schools?

I am a man of faith and a priest. I have a sharp question: In the face of genocide, can the church save its soul?

I believe there is a way. Its not easy, but its good.

For Christians, when something is wrong, the first step in healing is confession. To confess sin is to humbly seek and speak the truth. All of us try to conceal our mistakes, put the blame on others, and portray ourselves as right. In spiritual life, this is fatal because it hides our wounds and makes them fester. It is a gift to reveal the truth with an honest and humble attitude, because it reveals our wounds and thus opens up the possibility of healing.

Seeing the truth is a gift

When the indigenous people find courage Its a gift to share stories of their suffering during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

Since the aborigines are responsible for recording the deaths of boarding school children, this is a gift. They exposed wounds in Canada and the church center. Now we can see these wounds, and they may eventually heal.

But we cannot rush to think that we know the truth about colonization.

This spring, ground-penetrating radar technology helped pinpoint the locations of graves that were previously unmarked by many boarding schools. In June, this childrens monument quickly developed on the steps of Calgary City Hall. (Jeff Mackintosh/Canada Press)

I used to think that by living in the reserve, listening to stories, and studying history, I learned the truth about colonization. am I wrong. Since then, I have learned from the indigenous teachers that this truth is layered onions.

Learning and talking about the role of the church in boarding schools is just the beginning. Abandoning the doctrine of discovery and trying to justify the seizure of land not yet owned by Christians is just the beginning.

In order for the church to truly enter the modest truth-telling, we need to fight the full truth of colonization: its continuing impact on indigenous peoples, how our beliefs have caused us to commit this kind of harm, and how we as settlers benefit and Being dehumanized due to colonialism. Only when we are humble and open our hearts in this fight, we can prepare for the next thing.

In Christian theology, confession leads to repentance. This does not mean to simply say sorry or blame yourself. The word repentance translated into English means a change of mind. Transformation occurs most often through relationships.

The Church of the House of Prayer Alliance was damaged by a fire this month, which Calgary police described as a deliberate act of vandalism. No suspects were found. Elsewhere in Canada, churches have been razed to the ground after hundreds of cemeteries were found in boarding schools and aroused anger. (Mike Simington/Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

When a settler of faith establishes a relationship with aboriginal people, it is usually a relationship with those who feel safe-they have embraced Christianity or have developed the skills to adapt to Western culture.

But this is not enough. If the church is to save their own souls, it is time to listen to those who make us uncomfortable and angry. They are angry out of love, because they feel sad for what happened and what continues to happen.

Its time for us to sit in this anger, listen to it, and even welcome it. This is an expression of love mixed with sadness. When we understand why people are so angry that they want to burn down the church, we will know that we are making progress.

Learn to share anger

This will involve listening. I learned from indigenous teachers that if we want to listen, we need to leave the space where we feel comfortable. Now is the time for church members to become students and learn from those who we think need to be taught.

In the face of genocide, can the soul of the church be saved?

If the children continue to be taken away by the family instead of the family members getting the support they need to raise the children, will we also be deeply angry with love, we will know the answer; Over-regulation of the police but insufficient protection of our fellow human Anger, leading to the disappearance and murder of thousands of women and girls; or when we start publicly asking why these unmarked graves are not considered crime scenes.

When we stand side by side with the indigenous people and work together for justice, we will find the answer. Then we will be able to talk about reconciliation and even atonement, which means getting together again or literally unity.

Anyone affected by the boarding school experience and those affected by the latest report can receive support.

A nationwide Indian boarding school crisis hotline has been established to provide support to former students and those affected. People can call the 24-hour national crisis hotline: 1-866-925-4419 for emotional and crisis referral services.
Former prime minister and billionaire businessman Mikati looks set to get the majority of votes.

Beirut, Lebanon- President Michel Aoun has begun consultations with the parliamentary group with the purpose of finding a new prime minister-designate.

The talks started at the Babda Palace at 10:30 a.m. (07:30 GMT) on Monday and will continue until late in the afternoon.

The former prime minister and billionaire businessman Najib Mikati (Najib Mikati) led the Azm Movements three-member parliamentary group, It looks like it will get a majority of votes.

Aoun has already met with Mikati and former prime minister Saad Hariri, who supported Mikati on Sunday, saying that the country urgently needs a government.

The candidate with the most votes will be appointed as the new prime minister-designate and will be responsible for the formation of the government.

Like Hariri and other former prime ministers Fuad Siniora and Taman Salam, Mikati has the support of senior Sunni political leaders.

In a statement on Sunday, Siniora said that this support is based on his plan to form a technocratic government that will implement economic and structural reforms and restart bailout negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

Speaker Nabih Berry and the Amal Movement also supported Mikati. After Mikati met with the political coordinator of the partys leader Said Hassan Nasrallah, Shiite Hezbollah was very May follow suit.

The Druze-majority Progressive Socialist Party also supports Mikati.

However, the Tripoli businessmen lacked the support of the majority of Christian parliamentarians. The 15 parliament members of the Lebanese Army announced that they would not nominate candidates, while 31 parliament members of the Free Patriotic Movement reportedly opposed Mikati as an option, arguing that he was too close to Hariri.

In Lebanons political system, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, the president is a Maronite Christian, and the speaker is a Shia Muslim.

Since the resignation of the caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab after the Beirut port bombing in August last year, the country has had no formal government for nearly a year.

Lebanon continues to fight a severe financial crisis that has plunged half of its population into poverty and devalued the Lebanese pound by more than 90%.

The international community has repeatedly called on Lebanon to form a government and commit to implementing structural reforms to release development loans and aid to restructure and restore the economy.

In October 2020, Hariri returned as prime minister-designate, but he could not agree with President Aoun on the size and sectarian distribution of the reformist and technocratic government. Due to a nine-month political deadlock, he resigned 10 days ago.

Mikati had previously served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon for two terms; first in the caretaker government for three months in 2005, and then in the mature government from April 2011 to February 2014.

He also served as Minister of Public Works and Transportation in 1998. He leads the Azim Movement Party and is currently one of the three members of Parliament.

At the end of 2019, Lebanese prosecutor Ghada Aoun accused Mikati, his brother Taha and son Maher, and Audi Bank of illegally making huge profits through subsidized housing loans. Mikatis argues that these allegations are politically motivated.
Joined CBC News on Monday to report on Mary Simons appointment as Canadas first Aboriginal Governor.

Mary Simon officially became Canadas first Aboriginal Governor at a ceremony held in the Senate Building in Ottawa today.

Earlier this month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Simon as an Inuk from Kuujjuaq in northeastern Quebec.

The swearing-in ceremony will be conducted in English and Inuktitut for the first time, and will be broadcast on CBC radio in eight indigenous languages.

CBC Chief Political Correspondent Rosemary Barton (Rosemary Barton) will host Mondays event in Ottawa on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News Network starting at 10 a.m. EST, and will start at 11 a.m. EST on CBC TV and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation gem.

The audience can also follow the event in the following ways Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News And on Facebook. CBC Aboriginal Facebook Is hosting an English stream, CBC Nunavut Facebook Host the Inuit language stream, and CBC North Facebook Sharing both.

After the ceremony, Simon will visit the National War Memorial, review the guard of honor and lay flowers for the Canadian war dead-this is her first representative of the Queen in Canada.

On Thursday, Simon took the first step in a formal role while talking to the Queen.

In a short online conversation posted on the royal familys Instagram account, the queen said she was very happy to talk to Simon and told her that she was taking over a very important job.

Yes, I am honored to be able to complete this work in the next few years, Simon said. I think this is vital to our country.

Indigenous leaders-especially representatives of indigenous people Inuit community  have Praised the date.

Natan Obed (Natan Obed) said: Seeing someone like Mary Simon, she is the undisputed leader of the indigenous peoples of this country. Recognition for the contribution to this new role is really strong. Earlier this month, the chairman of the National Inuit Inuit Inuit Inuit Kanatami (ITK) told CBC.

But people are worried about Simons French ability.

Although she is fluent in English and Inuktitut, Simon is not fluent in French. Normally, the governor should have complete knowledge of both official languages.

Although Simon promised to continue French lessons during his tenure as Governor, hundreds of French-speaking Canadians still complained to the Office of the Official Language Commissioner.

These complaints prompted Commissioner Raymond Theberge to investigate the process of nominating the Governor.

Although growing up in northern Quebec, Simon said that she never had the opportunity to learn French since she was a child because the federal day school she attended did not teach French.

Day schools are operated separately from boarding schools, but are run by many groups that operate boarding schools. They operated from the 1860s to the 1990s.

Watch | The Language Commissioner says he has received nearly 600 complaints about the next Governors lack of fluency in French

Official Language Commissioner Raymond Theberge joined Power & Politics to discuss his investigation of the process of selecting Mary Simon as the next Governor. 3:49

The government insists that Simon is a model candidate, even though she is not fluent in French.

Simon has held various advocacy and ambassador positions during her career, and then she brought a rich resume to Rideau Hall.

In 1975, she helped negotiate the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, a landmark agreement between the Crees and Inuit in northern Quebec, the provincial government and Quebec Hydro.

The agreement is widely regarded as the countrys first modern treaty, and it enables the province to recognize the rights of the Crees and Inuit in the James Bay area for the first time, such as exclusive hunting, fishing and trapping rights, and Autonomy in certain areas. It also provides financial compensation in exchange for the construction of large new hydroelectric dams to meet the provinces growing demand for new energy.

During the negotiations leading to the return of the 1982 Constitution, Simon was also the representative of the Inuitincluding the recognition of indigenous treaty rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Watch | In 1984, Marie Simon challenged Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau

The first ministerial constitutional convention was held in March 1984. This exchange takes place in discussions about gender equality. 3:29

In 1986, Simon was appointed to lead the Inuit Polar Conference (ICC), which was established in 1977 to represent the Inuit in all Arctic countries. At the International Criminal Court, she proposed two priorities for the indigenous people of the North: protecting their way of life from environmental damage and promoting responsible economic development in their traditional territories.

In 1994, former Prime Minister Jean Chretien appointed Simon as Canadas first ambassador for polar affairs.

During her tenure in this position, she helped to negotiate the establishment of an eight-nation organization, which is todays Arctic Council. She was later appointed as Canadas ambassador to Denmark.

Since 2006, Simon has served as the president of ITK for two terms. In this position, she represented the Inuit in responding to a formal apology against boarding schools filed in the House of Commons in 2008.
With President Saeeds removal of Prime Minister Me?i? and the suspension of Parliament, Tunisia is again facing political and economic turmoil.

Tunisia, often hailed as the so-called successful model of the Arab Spring, is once again facing political and economic turmoil.

On Sunday, President Keith Said removed the prime minister and Suspension of parliament.

He also suspended the parliamentarians immunity, insisting that his actions were constitutional.

Said said in his speech that he will assume administrative power with the assistance of the new prime minister.

This announcement was condemned by his rivals as an attack on democracy, but was welcomed by others on the streets across the country.

Speaker Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the Baath Party, the largest party in the parliament, accused Said of launching a coup detat against the revolution and the constitution.

Why now?

The move was made after large-scale demonstrations in several cities in Tunisia earlier on Sunday.

After the COVID-19 case escalated economic problems, the protesters demanded that the government step down. The office of the Ennahdha party was also attacked.

The protesters threw stones and chanted slogans, demanding that Prime Minister Hichem Me?i? step down and dissolve the parliament.

Witnesses said the protesters rushed or tried to rush into Ennahdhas offices in Monastir, Sfax, Elkhev and Sousse, while in Tuzer they set fire to the partys local headquarters.

With soaring unemployment and declining national services, the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated Tunisias economic difficulties.

The growing political division and Tunisias weak economy are consistent with the ongoing struggle for dominance in the Tunisian parliament.

Said said that he is trying to avoid an imminent financial crisis amidst the weeks-long surge in new coronary pneumonia cases and rising mortality.

Earlier this month, the Tunisian Ministry of Health stated that the countrys healthcare system collapsed under the weight of the pandemic, killing more than 17,000 people out of a population of approximately 12 million.

The challenge of ten years

Said and Parliament were elected in different general elections in 2019, while Mecic took office last year, replacing another short-lived government.

But this is not the first short-lived government in Tunisia since the 2011 revolution led to the overthrow of long-term President Ben Ali.

After months of failed attempts to form a government, Elyes Fakhfakh became prime minister in January 2020, but was forced to step down due to corruption scandals within a few months.

A few months later, Mechichi was appointed as prime minister, but the political dispute with Said has been entangled for more than a year. His fragile government went from crisis to crisis as it struggled to respond to the pandemic and the need for urgent reforms.

In the past decade, the country has faced a series of challenges, including repeated attacks by the Islamic State of ISIL (ISIS), which destroyed the countrys important tourism industry and was the main cause of the economic recession, which was approaching the crisis point in 2017 .
Investigators said the New Jersey driver who killed a Lower Merion firefighter, two others, and a Pennsylvania State Police in the westbound lane of the Schuylkill Highway early on Saturday morning has been charged with driving homicide, drunk driving, and involuntary homicide. Crime and other crimes.

The accident resulted in the death of firefighter Thomas Royz, whose life was remembered at Sundays memorial service. According to the police, Royz, two other firefighters and police officers were on I-76 in response to an earlier drunk driving accident.

Jacquelyn Walker of Little Egg Harbor in Ocean County has been identified as The driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee later attacked emergency responders At 3 oclock in the morning on Saturday, they prepared Leaving the scene of the first crash.

According to reports, Walker turned 63 on Saturday. Court documents, Reportedly drove her SUV to the right shoulder of the highway, where the fire truck was parked, the emergency lights were activated, and four people were hit. Royds is a firefighter for the Belmont Hills Fire Co. in Lower Merion. Two other firefighters work at Gladwin Fire Company.

Royds suffered a cardiac arrest at the scene and he was taken to Poly Hospital, where he died. Two other firefighters were injured and required surgery. The firefighter was taken to the Pennsylvania Presbyterian Medical Center in West Philadelphia.

The police said someone saw Walker leaning on her car, visibly trembling, and repeated Oh, my goodness after the crash.

Investigators said Walker admitted that she had been mixing drinks in the car before the accident, and that there was a An open bottle of rum was allegedly found in the jeep. Allegedly, the police also saw Walker pouring a glass of wine on the side of the road and said there was a smell of alcohol in the glass.

Walker told the authorities that she had lost her way after visiting the Quaker Bridge Shopping Center 35 miles away in Lawrence, New Jersey, and had stopped several times to find directions. She said she believed she was on I-295 in New Jersey at the time of the accident and believed that the Schuylkill Highway was a five-lane highway. State police said Walker also believed that the accident occurred at about 5 pm.

Walker was also charged with a number of serious vehicle assaults, while drunk driving was charged with assaults on other first responders. Its worth noting that she was accused of violating Pennsylvanias new move law Drivers are required to slow down and drive into a lane away from emergency responders.

Court records provided online on Monday showed that Walker did not pay bail. The bail was $500,000, and she was still in custody.

Related to the first crash on I-76, sTate police accused Tyre Malik McCall of Prussia and Cole Henry Strempel of Pottstown of drunk driving.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday that New York City will require all its municipal staff-including teachers and police-to be vaccinated against the coronavirus or receive COVID every week by mid-September. -19 Detection.

The rule is expected to affect approximately 340,000 city employees, making the city one of the largest employers in the United States to take such actions. Although this is not a mandatory requirement for vaccines  no workers will be forced to vaccinate  officials hope that the inconvenience and discomfort caused by weekly testing will convince many people to overcome their reluctance to vaccinate.

Its about our recovery. Its about what we need to do to bring back to New York City, De Blasio said. This is to ensure peoples safety.

The September 13 deadline coincided with the opening of public schools, when the Democratic Mayor stated that he wanted all students to attend classes throughout the day. Urban health care workers and employees in collective housing and other gathering places will face earlier deadlines.

Watch | Among unvaccinated Americans, the surge of COVID-19 continues: Democrats and Republicans are again trying to persuade unvaccinated Americans to get COVID-19. 2:00

The move comes as the city is fighting an increase in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly contagious delta variant. Since the end of June, the average daily number of new cases has increased by more than 300%.

Last week, the city announced that it would make it mandatory for staff in the citys hospital system to be vaccinated or tested weekly.

In a speech at Times Square in April, De Blasio said that the new rules for city workers to be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 each week are to ensure the safety of people. (Richard Drew/Associated Press)

De Blasio expanded the requirements on Monday and urged private employers to adopt similar rules.

My message to the private sector is: do your best, the mayor said. I strongly urge as close as possible or as close as possible to the vaccination requirements.

New York City is a Union Town

The unions representing city workers reacted mixedly to new tasks affecting their members.

The United Teachers Federation said in a statement: Vaccinations and testing help make schools the safest place in the city. This method focuses on vaccination, but still allows individuals to choose and pass Regular testing provides additional protection.

But Henry Garrido, executive director of the 37th District Council of the U.S. Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, said: If the city hall intends to test our members every week, they must first meet with us at the dinner table to bargain.

Garridos union represents approximately 100,000 employees in multiple departments in New York City, and he stated that mandatory negotiations are required for weekly tests.

New York City is a union town that cannot be ignored, he said in a statement.

When asked about Garridos statement, de Blasio said the city has the right to require its employees to be vaccinated or tested.

During the global pandemic, when it comes to the health and safety of our workers, as employers, we have the right to take urgent action to protect peoples health and protect their lives, he said.

On July 22, when the daughter of Evelyn Pereira (Evelyn Pereira) of Brooklyn was watching the American Museum of Natural History in New York, a medical staff was vaccinating her with the first dose of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine. Approximately 65% ??of adults in New York City have been fully vaccinated. (Mary Altaf/Associated Press)

The daily dose of vaccine in the city has dropped from a peak of more than 100,000 in early April to less than 18,000. Approximately 65% ??of adults in the city have been fully vaccinated.

At the same time, the number of cases has been on the rise for several weeks, and health officials say this variant accounts for approximately 7 of the 10 new cases.

De Blasio has stated that he does not intend to re-implement the extensive indoor masking regulations as in Los Angeles County. In some cases, such as public transportation, it is necessary to wear a mask.

De Blasio said that municipal employees who have not been vaccinated will be required to wear masks all the time indoors.




The downtown Bon Secours St. Francis in Greenville, South Carolina recognizes that teenagers and young adults who are struggling with cancer often do not receive treatment and hospitalization that match their developmental needs at critical stages of their lives. Childrens hospitals and adult oncology wards isolate them from the world and receive the same medical care as young children or the elderly.

Under the guidance of the patient advisory committee and through exploratory patient-caregiver feedback meetings, the architect Macmillan Pazdan Smith (Greenville, South Carolina) embarked on the renovation of a first 26-bed medical oncology unit to meet the unique needs of this population. As a result, the Bon Secours St. Francis Adolescents and Youth (AYA) Cancer Center is designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents and young cancer patients.

The design team first created a public/private dichotomy familiar to any family, separating the nursing space from the social-centric space. This helps patients feel more comfortable when interacting with their peers in an open, welcoming living area designed to help them decompress and connect with each other. A local muralist turned the entire wall into a distant view of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The decoration around the center incorporates photography of the local natural environment.

Game rooms and gathering areas with musical instruments and laptops have also been added to promote the community and encourage social interaction, helping adolescent patients feel like teenagers during their hospital stay. The enhanced user environment control system, circadian rhythm lighting, extensive seating options and technology shape the personal end user experience to create a treatment experience different from most sterile clinical environments.

The nurse workstation is hidden in the reception area at the entrance, allowing nursing staff to quickly enter the other parts of the hospital, while separating the clinical space from the social space, and guiding guests to enter the central living room more deeply. This expansive central area provides soft furnishings and modular seating, family restrooms, gathering areas and play areas for families with young children. The kitchen area on the side of the living room complements the hospitals food preparation capabilities and is converted into a private dining room when needed. The four wards are set on both sides of the central area, creating additional visual and psychological separation between treatment and social interaction. The warm, inviting aesthetics and natural landscape help connect the treatment room to the overall experience.

Project details:

Facility Name: Bon Secours St. Francis Juvenile and Youth Cancer Center

Location Greenville, South Carolina

Completion date: August 2019

Owner: Bon Secours St. Francis Health

Total floor area: 2,160 square feet.Refurbish

Total construction cost: $719,000

Cost/sq. ft: 332 USD/sq. ft.

Construction company: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture

Interior design: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture

General Contractor: Trehel Corp.

Engineering: Reece, Noland & McElrath Inc. (MEP), Forma Structural Consulting (structure)

Builder: Trehel Corp.





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San Diego-On Monday morning, Rain led the National Weather Service to issue flood warnings to northern and north-central San Diego County.

The flood warnings for Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook, Julian, Ramona and Vista will continue until 8 am. NWS San Diego said that so far, Oceanside has received one-half and three-quarters of the rainfall.

Radar update at 510 am: North San Diego and Riverside Counties continue to experience moderate to heavy rainfall. As these showers move to the northwest, rain rates of 0.25 to 0.50 inches per hour will continue. Avoid high water areas. Turn around and dont drown! #cawx pic.twitter.com/IoZ6Z5col5 -NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) July 26, 2021

The California Highway Patrol dispatch center told the City News Agency that the rain caused vehicle breakdowns and minor collisions on state and federal highways in the county.

San Diego County is expected to have showers and isolated thunderstorms throughout the morning, and the severe weather on Monday afternoon will shift to the mountains and deserts.

Forecasters said that Monday the county will be very humid, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 82 degrees in coastal and inland areas, 95 to 100 degrees in desert areas, and more than 70 degrees in mountainous areas.
As the parliamentary elections in September approached, the authorities began banning access to websites related to opposition leaders.

Prior to the upcoming parliamentary poll, Russian authorities have blocked access to the website of the imprisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, as well as the websites of 48 other individuals and organizations associated with him .

Mondays move came after a Russian court Approved last month The prosecutor requested the declaration of an organization associated with Navalny as extremists, effectively banning it and preventing his allies from participating in the September elections for the lower house of the State Duma.

The Russian Internet regulator Roskomnadzor stated in a statement to Reuters that at the request of the Attorney General, it has taken action to block navanny.com, the main website of the banned movement and other websites in Russia.

It said these sites help the campaigns covered by the courts ban to promote and continue illegal activities.

Navalnys team condemned the move and stated on social media that the authorities are expected to soon target its so-called smart voting site, which advises people on how to vote tactically in an attempt to remove candidates from the ruling United Russia Party. .

(They) decided to completely wipe us out of the Internet, Navalnys colleague Maria Pevchikh wrote on Twitter.

Navalnys ally Leonid Volkov (Leonid Volkov) said that he and others will soon explain what people should do to prevent the site from being blocked.

The Kremlin suppresses opponents

NavalnyThe 44-year-old is President Vladimir Putins most prominent domestic critic.

He is currently serving two and a half years in prison for a violation of parole related to corruption in 2014, which he believes is fabricated.

He was arrested after returning to Russia from Germany in January, where it took him five months to recover from the nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin.

His imprisonment has increased tensions between Russia and Western powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, which demanded his release.

Earlier this year, Navalnys imprisonment also triggered a wave of large-scale protests in 11 time zones in Russia, which seemed to be a major challenge for the Kremlin.

The authorities responded by arresting demonstrators on a large scale and bringing criminal proceedings against Navalnys closest associates.

In recent months, the Kremlin has also increased pressure on Russian opposition supporters, independent journalists and human rights activists ahead of the upcoming September polls.

It is widely believed that this vote is an important part of Putins efforts to consolidate his rule before the 2024 presidential election.

The 68-year-old Russian leader has been in power for more than 20 years and pushed for constitutional reform last year, which may allow him to remain in power until 2036.
Lack of opportunities, especially for young people. Punish debts. A broken social contract. The pressure of the pandemic has made the situation worse.

This year, this economic secret is fueling social and political turmoil around the world. South Africa experienced this situation earlier this month. Cuba is too. Now its Tunisias turn.

Each of these countries has its own unique environment. But in the context of the Middle East and North Africa, Tunisias risk is very high.

After all, Tunisia is the birthplace of the Arab Spring, and is hailed as its only success story-the country got rid of its long-serving dictatorship, emerged from the flames of protest dedicated to democratic reforms, is legal like a phoenix, and Serving the people, not just an economy that serves corrupt elites.

But the phoenix never soared. There is a symbiotic relationship between political deadlock and economic weakness. They enjoyed each other, and in Tunisia, both sides became stronger in the process.

Since the Arab Spring, more than a dozen governments have run the country, but the economy has been sluggish.

According to data from the World Bank, the average annual economic growth rate from 2011 to 2019 was only 1.5%, which is impressive. Investment and exports have never regained their strength before the Arab Spring. Corruption is still rampant.

Then the epidemic hit.

According to government data, Tunisias economy shrank by 8.6% last year and another 3% in the first three months of this year.

Tourism is the cornerstone of the economy that brings foreign exchange, but it will be significantly reduced in 2020. Manufacturinganother pillarhas also been hit hard.

Tunisian security officials stop protesters outside the capital, Tunisias parliament building, on July 26, 2021, after the president took action to suspend the countrys parliament and remove the prime minister [File: Fethi Belaid/AFP]

By the end of last year, these pandemic interruptions pushed the official unemployment rate to 17.4%, compared with the pre-pandemic level of 14.9%. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, this proportion has risen to 17.8% in the first three months of this year.

But this number does not cover the entire range of despair and frustration that has swept young people across the country.

According to data from the World Bank, the youth unemployment rate in 2011 exceeded 42%. By 2019, it had fallen to about 35%, but the International Monetary Fund estimated that by the last quarter of last year, it had risen to more than 36%.

It was the young people in Tunisia that sowed and nurtured the Arab Spring. This year, a new generation of people took to the streets to protest against political inefficiency, corruption and chronic lack of opportunities.

At the same time, the country is now on the decline of the third and most serious wave of COVID-19 infections, with its healthcare system collapsing and implementing more lockdowns this month.

According to the latest data from Our World Data, in an alarming example of global vaccine inequality, only about 7% of Tunisians are fully vaccinated.

The government is trying to reduce the economic loss caused by the loss of jobs and income due to COVID restrictions by expanding the existing cash transfer program to troubled families. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have been supporting this financial support to reduce the economic losses of COVID on a global scale.

But this measure and other pandemic responsesalong with declining incomeshave worsened Tunisias fiscal deficit and debt situation.

The World Bank pointed out in April that by the end of 2020, government debt will reach 88% of gross domestic product (GDP), compared with 72% the year before. Economic growth is expected to pick up this year, but it will not be enough to restore Tunisias economy to its pre-pandemic state.

The country can definitely use the International Monetary Funds rescue plan. However, negotiations with international lending institutions on the alleged US$4 billion loan have stalled.

IMF packages usually come with painful conditions to achieve what the agency calls sustainable finances. In fact, the agency has pushed Tunisia in the past to cut its public sector wage bills, as well as financial support and general subsidies to state-owned enterprises.

But removing this support will inevitably lead to unemployment and family financial pressure-certainly in the short term.

If things are good and have widespread support among voters, this will be enough for the government to succeed. But the current times are terrible, and the countrys political leadership has been shattered. again.

Credit rating agencies took note of this. Earlier this month, Fitch Ratings downgraded Tunisia to B- with a negative outlook on the grounds that it failed to reach a new financing plan with the International Monetary Fund.

In response to the latest political crisis on Monday, Fitch wrote in a press release: The President of Tunisias decision to suspend the parliament and remove the prime minister may further delay the IMFs plans and thereby ease the countrys huge Financing pressure.

This has plunged the country into the situation of the past ten years-politically fragile, economically fragile, and lost a strong government that can fulfill the economic promises of the Arab Spring.
A Toronto company was paid for storing potentially life-saving stem cells from the children of approximately 3,000 customers across Canada, and now claims in the lawsuit that all samples stored by the company had been destroyed nearly three years ago.

But customers of the Canadian Cord Blood Bank (CBBC) stated that the owner Bernartka Ellison never told them that their childrens samples were no longer feasibleand in some cases, the company was After the samples were allegedly destroyed, the customer was charged an annual storage fee.

I feel deceived, Shannon Callahan said. I am very angry with the whole situation.

The mother in Georgina, Ontario was one of the few customers who confirmed to CBC News. They were accused of storing the childs cord blood after Ellison claimed that all samples were destroyed in October 2018.

Callahan was last charged in July 2019.

The recent statement about sample destruction is the latest in a series of revelations that Ellison has never directly communicated with customers. The lack of transparency  some customers previously thought of poor management  now makes some parents feel cheated if they need the opportunity to help their children.

Shannon Callaghan took a photo with her newborn daughter Sara in 2006. (Submitted by Shannon Callahan)

As parents, we dont do this because we have money to burn, said Callahan, who estimates that since the birth of her 15-year-old daughter, she has spent $3,500 on initial expenses and annual storage.

I have cancer in my family; if I can do something for my child, if it should be passed on to her, I want to know that I have done my part, she said.

According to Health Canada, cord blood contains stem cells and can be used to treat certain health conditions, such as leukemia.

Ellison is collecting information for class actions

CBC News contacted Ellison to try to understand why the owner of the CBBC did not tell customers that all samples were allegedly destroyed nearly three years ago, and why some customers are still being charged.

In a series of emails, Ellison did not directly respond to CBC News questions.

But Ellison did say that they are collecting information for reputable Canadian cord blood bank customers to join our class action certification, targeting those who the company claims to destroy samples.

Ellison used their/their pronouns. He had used another name before. He told CBC News that each customer can receive $300,000 per sample from the perpetrator.

The company failed Health Canada inspections in 2015

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News first reported on this Toronto company Four years ago, when a customer discovered that CBBC had failed Health Canadas inspection in 2015, it meant that the company could only store samples for the use of its source, but not for others.

Ellison did not share this change with the companys customers. Many of them stated that they were selling this service based on the potential use of stem cells for family members.

In a court document, CBBC stated that it only stores samples for personal use.

Watch | Mother Ontario reacted to the Toronto companys claim that all samples were destroyed:

Shannon Callaghan, a customer of the Canadian Cord Blood Bank, responded to the Toronto companys claim in the lawsuit that all cord blood samples stored by the company were destroyed nearly three years ago. 0:29

According to Health Canada, the so-called storage policy makes the samples impossible to use at all, because the possibility that someones own stem cells can be used to treat them is very low.

So how many parents Trying to transfer samples of their children To another facility.

CBC News previously reported that a couple in Waterloo, Ontario transferred a sample of their child to another cord blood bank in February 2019. Since then, The couple initiated a $600,000 lawsuit against the CBBC Its owner allegedly failed to properly store the samples to ensure that they could be used for medical purposes.

Ellison denied all the allegations in the lawsuit.

In a defense statement, CBBC believes that the couples decision to move the sample put them at risk, This is the most likely cause of the reduced stem cell viability in the sample.

The case is still in court.

Toronto police investigate Ellison extortion

Ellison claimed that all samples were destroyed in 2018before the samples of the Waterloo couple were transferredin connection with another customer trying to transfer their childs cord blood.

Toronto police executed a search warrant at the Canadian Cord Blood Bank Laboratory in the eastern end of the city in October 2018 to obtain samples of a couple in Ontario as part of the blackmail investigation against Ellison, according to the copy of the information used (ITO ) To justify the search warrant.

Toronto police executed a search warrant in the Canadian Cord Blood Bank laboratory in this building at 1450 OConnor Avenue in Toronto in October 2018. (Lisa Xing/CBC)

ITO includes a summary of the case written by the chief investigator, which states that Ellison will not allow the transfer of samples of the Ontario couple until the customer has paid nearly $16,000 in preparation and transfer fees, and Ellison stated that if there is no payment, Eri Sen will destroy the samples.

The detective also wrote in the ITO, After further investigation, it was found that the price recommended to the customer is much higher than the charges of any other cord blood facility. Therefore, Ellison is extorting money from the customer.

Toronto Police spokesman Connie Osborne told CBC News that no charges were made against Ellison. But Osborne said she could not comment further because she had already filed a public complaint related to the investigation to the Office of the Independent Police Review Officer (OIPRD).

In an email, Ellison argued that the signed search warrant obtained by CBC News from a Toronto court was fraudulent and stated that the attorney generals office told them that the search warrant was never granted.

Ellison sues Toronto Police, University Health Network

In April, Ellison sued the Toronto Police Department, Ontario couple, University Health Network (UHN) and other individuals for police investigation and execution of the arrest warrant against Ellison, with a total claim of 3.5 million US dollars.

No defense statement has been submitted in the case, and the case is still in court.

In their statement of claim, Ellison claimed that during the execution of the search warrant, UHN employees and police removed the Ontario couples samples and rummaged through the storage unit of the laboratory, from a storage temperature of approximately 150 degrees. Hundreds of samples were taken out and exposed to room temperature, which is known to cause cord blood degradation.

In June of this year, Ellison further advanced this claim in the second of two defamation lawsuits that Ellison filed against CBC.

All samples are in [Ellisons] Under the guidance of the Toronto Police Department, two employees of the University Health Network destroyed the business, Ellison said in the statement of claim.

A UHN spokesperson told CBC News in an email that it has no record of the individuals mentioned in the lawsuit being employed by UHN.

UHN employees will not be required to accompany the Toronto Police Department in this way, said spokesperson Gillian Howard.

Ellison told CBC News in an email that the information provided by UHN was inaccurate.

I feel cheated, the customer said

In the past four years, more than 50 CBBC customers from across the country contacted CBC News to seek answers about their childrens cord blood samples.

Monique Chisholm is one of them. Antigonishs mother said that she felt very uncomfortable when she learned that Ellison claimed that all samples were destroyed in 2018.

Monique and Wade Chisholm decided to store the cord blood of their youngest son Killian (left) so that the stem cells could one day help their eldest son Cullan (middle), who suffered brain damage at birth. (Submitted by Monique Chisholm)

If all the samples are damaged, how could it be possible [Ellison] Dont let us know? Chisholm said, I just dont know if this whole story is as simple as someone with poor management skills.

I feel cheated.

In 2014, Chisholm and her husband decided to store the cord blood of their youngest son Kilian. The couple made this decision partly because they hoped that medical advances might mean that Killians stem cells could help his brother Cullan, who suffered brain damage at birth.

The idea is to help heal our sons brain, hopefully someday, Chisholm said.

Like Callahan, Chisholm was charged an annual storage fee in February 2019-after Ellison said the samples were destroyed.

The two women also paid for additional testing, which the company said was necessary in order to use the samples for other family members when necessary.

Ellison did not answer CBC Newss question on why the company provides the testing service. If, as it claims, CBBC only stores samples for personal use.

Watch | Mom in Nova Scotia says she feels lied:

Monique Chisholm, a customer of the Cord Blood Bank of Canada, talked about how the lack of communication in the Toronto company made the mother of two children feel cheated. 0:31

Now Callahan and Chisholm are seeking accountability from Ellison.

Callahan said: I think if these samples are destroyed they will not comply with the contract deadline. They did not advise me. They are not very transparent.

Chisholm said customers should hear Ellisons news directly.

[Ellison] There is a lot of explanation to do, she told CBC News. I think [Ellison] Owe myself and everyone [their] Customers like Zoom phones. 
The following are some of the reactions from around the world to Tunisian President Kais Saieds decision to suspend Parliament and remove the Prime Minister.

Tunisian President Keith Saids decision to suspend the parliament and remove the prime minister caused protests in the country. The largest political party condemned this as a coup.

This decision was condemned by his rivals as an attack on democracy. Foreign governments have also expressed concerns.

Here are some reactions from around the world to Sundays shocking announcement.

Turkey

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern about the latest developments and called for the restoration of the countrys democratic legitimacy.

The ministry stated: Preserving Tunisias democratic achievements is a success story of the democratic process carried out in accordance with the expectations of the people in the region. It is very important for the region and Tunisia.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogans spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin wrote on Twitter: We oppose the suspension of the democratic process and the disregard of the democratic will of the people in friendly and brotherly Tunisia.

We condemn measures that lack constitutional legitimacy and public support. We believe that Tunisias democracy will become stronger in the process.

Qatar

The state-run Qatar News Agency said Doha called on all parties involved in the Tunisian political crisis to avoid escalation and move towards dialogue.

Qatar hopes that all parties in Tunisia will adopt a dialogue approach to overcome the crisis, QNA said, citing a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Germany

Maria Adeba, a spokesperson for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters that Germany hopes that Tunisia will restore constitutional order as soon as possible.

Since 2011, democracy has taken root in Tunisia, Adbar said, referring to the year of popular revolution that overthrew Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

She said Germany was very worried but added: We dont want to talk about a coup.

It is important to restore constitutional order as soon as possible, Adebach said.

We will definitely try to discuss (the situation) with the Tunisian ambassador to Berlin. Our ambassador to Tunisia is ready to participate in the discussion.

European Union

The EU urges all political actors in Tunisia to respect the countrys constitution and avoid violence.

We are closely monitoring the latest developments in Tunisia, a spokesperson for the European Commission said.

We call on all Tunisian actors to respect the Constitution, its institutions and the rule of law. We also call on them to remain calm and avoid resorting to any violence in order to maintain the stability of the country, she said.

Russia

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a brief comment that Russia is closely following developments in Tunisia.

We hope that nothing will threaten the stability and safety of the people in that country, he told reporters at a daily telephone briefing.
UPDATE: The female found deceased on Avery Island rd is identified as 56 year old Teresa Miller from New Iberia. All other information is pending autopsy findings and law enforcement investigation.

Deputies with the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office responded to a call of a body on the side of Avery Island Road in Iberia Parish on July 25, 2021, at approximately 2:00 a.m. ISPO deputies arrived on scene to discover the deceased body of a 56 year old, white female. The identification of the female is being withheld at this time.

Detectives with the IPSO Bureau of Investigation immediately began an investigation and applied for an arrest warrant for Kent Broussard, 43 years old of Youngsville, Louisiana. Broussard was arrested on the following charges:

LA RS 14:130.1 Obstruction of Justice

LA RS 14:502 Failure to Seek Assistance

Broussard was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail. A bond has not been set at this time. Additional charges are pending, following an autopsy by the Iberia Parish Coroners Office .
Following new masking guidance issued by the CDC to curb the spread of COVID-19, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says that he will reinstate an indoor mask mandate for all persons aged five and older, regardless of vaccination status.
Two children from Franklin County are a reminder that true friendship really is priceless. That friendship was front and center at this year's Meramec Community Fair in Sullivan, Mo., where 8-year-old Jesse Starr, son of Shauna and Josh Starr, worked to get bidders to open up their wallets a
KBS' upcoming romantic-comedy drama "Police University" showcases f(x)'s Krystal, B1A4's Jinyoung, and Cha Tae Hyun's camaraderie and charms in a new drama poster.

Krystal, Jinyoung, and Cha Tae Hyun's Synergy in "Police University"

On July 26, KBS released a new "Police University" poster, featuring f(x)'s Krystal, B1A4's Jinyoung, and "The Producers" actor Cha Tae Hyun.

The "Police University" poster showcases the three actors' amazing synergy and teamwork in the field of crime investigation.

"Along With the Gods" actor Cha Tae Hyun perfectly synchronized with his character, Yoo Dong Man, a respected detective who works at National Police University as a professor.

He effortlessly shows his charisma and power as he poses on top of his two students (played by Krystal and Jinyoung) with an indifferent yet intimidating gaze.

Fans' curiosity rises as to how Yoo Dong Man (Cha Tae Hyun) leads his students in their undoubtedly dangerous crime investigation.

B1A4's Jinyoung has his piercing eyes darted in his target as he holds a laptop and a gun in both of his hands, showing how the hacker embraced his new dream of becoming a police officer.

Jinyoung portrays a determined Kang Seon Ho with a professional vibe and tensed eyes.

How Kang Seon Ho (Jinyoung) survives the academy after being teamed up with cold and uptight Yoo Dong Man keeps the fans interested and excited.

Being branded as the frosty and frigid is not new to f(x)'s Krystal as she was and is still known as Kpop's "Ice Princess," portraying Oh Kang Hee is not as difficult.

Freshman student Oh Kang Hee displays a fearless expression as she poses beside his colleague Kang Seon Ho.

Oh Kang Hee aims to impress Yoo Dong Man and to ace his class.

Viewers expect Krystal to show off a girl-crush concept in portraying Oh Kang Hee, the girl who is an expert in Judo and academics, and dreams to become a police officer.

One of the many things fans and viewers are anticipating to see is how Oh Kang Hee and Kang Seon Ho's rocky start of friendship blooms into a fresh and youthful romance in such a crucial environment of being co-partners in crime investigations.

Police University Release Date and Further Details

"Police University" (also known as "Police Class") tells the story of a professor with 20 years of criminal homicide and cyber investigation teams up with freshmen students, a hacker and a Judo master, for a special collaborative investigation.

The drama series is directed by Yoo Kwan Mo, penned by Moon Min Jung, and produced by KBS Drama Production.

The production team shared that the three actors certainly differ in personalities and charms but they all grow maturely and rationally as persons together.

They added, "Laughter and tears are expected in drama as many people will relate to their stores. Please look forward to seeing Krystal, Jinyoung, and Cha Tae Hyun in 'Police University'."

"Goodbye Dear Wife" actress Hong Soo Hyun, B.A.P.'s Yoo Young Jae, and "A Gentleman's Dignity" actor Lee Jong Hyuk are also in the drama series.

"Police University" premieres on August 9 at 9:30 p.m. KST on KBS2.

Watch Police University drama teaser here:

Follow KDramastars for more Kdrama, KMovie, and celebrity news updates!



KDramastars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
MEDFORD, Ore.  Jackson County's regional food bank says that it will receive a healthy helping of food donations this week from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this week, as it continues to see high demand for food assistance spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfire disasters.

We are so grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for providing the ACCESS Food Bank with a significant donation that will help feed thousands of food-insecure individuals and families locally," said Marcee Champion, Food Programs Director at ACCESS.

The LDS Church plans to deliver a semi-truck full of food to the ACCESS food bank warehouse later this week.

We appreciate the work ACCESS does in providing food to 18 emergency pantries throughout Jackson County, said John Clason, the LDS Medford Stake President. To help support their effort, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pleased to donate a full semi-truck of food from our Humanitarian Surplus that will arrive Wednesday, July 28th.

Clason says a mission of the LDS Church is to help those in need and knows this food donation will help fulfill that mission.

ACCESS feeds one in five Jackson County residents annually, and the organization says that the impact of COVID and the wildfires have increased the threat of food insecurity throughout the local community.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Oregon's U.S. Senator Ron Wyden announced Monday that he is co-sponsoring a bill intended to speed the delivery of federal aid for communities impacted by disasters like the September 2020 wildfires that devastated southern Oregon.

Oregonians struggling to put their lives back together after a wildfire or other disaster deserve the smoothest possible path for the federal response thats needed to help them with a recovery, Wyden said in a statement. The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act would iron out the bureaucratic obstacles that have unnecessarily slowed communities ability to rebuild low-income housing and take other steps needed so urgently after disaster strikes.

The bill primarily targets policies at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with the goal of establishing "a permanent and predictable funding process," Wyden's office said.

If passed, the bill would create a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to send out funding before Congress acts on each event. It would also authorize HUD to issue regulations for reducing red tape, delays, and unpredictability stemming from the Federal Register notice process.

Wyden's office said that the bill would also support resilience as part of disaster recovery, authorize "quick release" funds to support grantee capacity right after a disaster event, and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts.

The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Susan Collins of Maine, Todd Young of Indiana, Patrick Leahy of Vermont, and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana  two Democrats and three Republicans.
YES: The competition is the same.

LESS: It's not the same without fans.

NO: It was silly to stage them.

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Recently, a local business owner wrote about the ongoing debate about the personal property tax and the effort to repeal it in Wisconsin.

I appreciated her comments, particularly how they highlighted the need to repeal this archaic tax. The personal property tax in many ways unfairly taxes some entities, while others pay nothing at all. This is due to a piecemeal approach to repealing the personal property tax in the past, which only served to favor certain industries and made for an even more unequal tax for everyone else.

With this history in mind, there is broad bipartisan support for a repeal, but it is important that as Wisconsin looks to eliminate the personal property tax for good, the need to do so the right way is paramount.

That said, the approach taken recently by Republicans to jam their plan through the same day as the state budget was the wrong way to go about making this significant shift in our states tax structure.
Ketchikan, AK (99901)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 57F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 57F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
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I just opened my email inbox to see the following headline: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) will finally release a draft of their long-awaited federal cannabis legalization bill on Wednesday.

I wholeheartedly support the federal legalization of cannabis. For one thing, it is much safer than almost all drugs and medications available with or without a prescription. And, the fact that it is currently illegal stems from prohibition and has racist roots. That said, on this particular morning and with this particular article, I got to thinking about a number of different things. Included in them are the release of prisoners currently serving sentences for personal cannabis possession, the access to cannabis for people in need, and the ability for patients to take their medication across state lines without the fear of being charged with a federal offense, to name a few. Most of these thoughts were fleeting  not because they arent important, they are. But, because with the legalization of recreational cannabis use in Massachusetts, we have seen an overabundance of people either DIY-ing (do it yourselfing) their own health care or relying on the non-medically educated bud-tender for advice as to how to best treat their medical condition. Weve also seen the proliferation of cannabis shops and cannabis card mills boasting, Get your medical card here. In neither of these cases is patients offered science-based medical advice. So, for today, the latter issues are my focus.

Throughout this year, I have written several pieces about many of the above-listed topics. They have ranged from my introduction to the world of cannabis medicine, the unethical practices of card mills and dispensaries, the lack of understanding of physicians and individuals regarding what it is that cannabis care specialists do to the assertion that those very specialists best serve medical cannabis patients. Ive also spent many hours talking with patients about these same topics while arming them with education regarding the misinformation and high-pressure sales tactics of bud-tenders at cannabis dispensaries.

All of this background information brings me to my point. Making cannabis not illegal is a starting point. With that, however, comes the obligation to ensure that patients are afforded the best possible options for care. The bud-tender does not provide this. They are salespeople whose job is to sell products. They are no more qualified to help patients than clerks at a drugstore running the registers. Good patient care is also not offered by the card mill, whose business practices include the incentivization of physicians to provide cannabis cards without medical care; they are giving patients what is essentially only a tax-free coupon for use at medical dispensaries.

The federal legalization of cannabis comes with the responsibility of the government to assure safe and appropriate access to cannabis. It is also the responsibility of governing agencies to put into place the methods by which patients have access to true medical care. The current state of affairs is such that physicians are not able to provide prescriptions for cannabis. Instead, we are limited to making suggestions. There is no other medication with which a patient presents a suggestion to a clerk and has that clerk pick out their medication. This should not be the case with medical cannabis, either.

The medical system has always required that patients receive proper medical care from their physician, prescriptions for their medications, and appropriate follow-up. Cannabis medicine should be no different. Physicians must be able to provide their patients with prescriptions for their medications. Patients must be able to pick up their medication from the dispensing locations free of pressure to purchase items that were not prescribed to them and free of clerks undermining their doctors orders. While the federal government is poised to legalize cannabis for recreational users, it is duty-bound to include provisions to ensure adequate care and protection for patients.

Jill Becker is a physician and can be reached at her self-titled site, Jill Becker, MD.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
EUGENE, Ore. -- A 16-year-old and a 14-year-old have been arrested following a shooting at the Lane County Fair Saturday afternoon.

Eugene police said before the shooting, an adult male and the two juveniles became involved in a physical altercation.

During the altercation the 16-year-old displayed a handgun and threatened the adult male. A citizen, who attempted to intervene, was allegedly assaulted by several friends of the juveniles who were involved in the original physical altercation.

The 16-year-old was subsequently contacted by security. During this contact the 16-year-old discharged the handgun and the bullet struck an uninvolved woman in the arm. The 16-year- old was subsequently detained by security. During this time the 14-year-old disturbed evidence of the shooting and was also detained by security.

Around 4 p.m. Saturday, members of the Eugene Police Department and the Eugene Springfield Fire Department responded to what was initially reported as an active shooter at the Lane County Fair.

Subsequent investigation determined this was not an active shooter event, but a single shot fired as a result of a disturbance. This was not known to fairgoers at the time and those in attendance ran from the scene potentially causing other injuries that were not the direct result of the shooting, police said.

Wesley Hicks said he was on the scene at the time of the altercation. He said he went to make sure the people around him were secure and did not see the the trigger pulled. He claimed multiple shots were fired.

"We were just hanging out at the ticket booth. We were trying to find some tickets and some commotion started. I looked over and all of a sudden a big brawl started," Hicks said.

According to multiple witnesses, when the discharge was heard, everyone panicked.

"It was straight chaos for a minute, it was unbelievable," Hicks said.

The 16-year-old has been charged with Assault in the Second Degree with a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. The 14-year-old has been charged with Tampering with Evidence and Disorderly Conduct.

Both juveniles were transported and lodged at Serbu.

This investigation is still ongoing and the Eugene Police Department would like to speak with any members of the community who witnessed this event. Please call 541.682.5111 and refer to case number 21-11264.
EUGENE, Ore. -- A retired navy service member says he flew all the way to Oregon from Indonesia just to get his COVID-19 vaccine.

Dan Stiff said he flew into Eugene last Friday and was at the vaccine clinic in Lowell the next day. Stiff said he retired and moved to Indonesia about eight years ago. He normally splits his time between Indonesia and the United States. But when the vaccine became available in Indonesia, he said the country wouldnt give it to him because he wasnt a citizen. However, he also had trouble getting to the U.S. because Indonesia requires passengers on domestic flights to be vaccinated.

Finally, he worked out a deal with the Indonesian Foreign Ministry to board a flight to the U.S. after showing a negative COVID-19 test.

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry got an agreement with the U.S. government to allow us to do that domestic flight with just the PCR swab test negative 48 hours prior to the flight. So, I was able to get on the flight to Jakarta and then fly directly here, Stiff said.

He hopes his long journey inspires others to also get the jab.

Look what I've done to get the vaccination to try to protect other people and myself from this horrible scourge, Stiff said. I came all the way here to get vaccinated. So please America: get vaccinated.

Stiff said even though the vaccine wont provide protections for several weeks, he already feels a sense of relief just to have access.
By Ritah Kemigisa

The ministry of health has commended Ugandans for following covid prevention Standard Operating Procedures.

The ministrys Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine tells KFM that the decline in covid-19 infections is due to the highest level of discipline that has been displayed by citizens during the 42-day lockdown.

The National Planning Authority has since ruled out a third wave, projecting a further reduction in new infections with an average daily of 400 cases.

Atwine however says the national task force on covid-19 and relevant authorities will soon sit to determine the way forward after the 42-days of the lockdown.

The 42-day lockdown declared by the president on June 18th elapse on July 29th.
By Damali Mukhaye

The opposition Forum for the Democratic Change party has asked the government to stop the exercise of giving each Member of Parliament the Shs 200 million for purchasing cars.

The government last week dished out Shs 200 million to the 529 MPs to buy cars, something that has since sparked anger among members of the public who argue that the timing is wrong.

Addressing journalists at their offices in Najanankumbi, the party spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who is also an MP for Kira Municipality said there is a need to abolish the policy of giving legislators money to buy cars because it is costly.

According to Ssemuju, the government should instead facilitate MPs with interest-free loans to buy vehicles and the money be deducted from their salaries.

Ssemujju, who is among the MPs who returned the money for cars to parliament during the 10th parliament, adds that the decision to take or return the money remains a personal matter.
By U R N The Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah has said that he is alive and well despite reports that he has been unwell.

Mr Oulanyah returned from the United Kingdom on Friday after over one month in what Parliament says was a private visit to check on his family.

He last presided over Parliament at the reading of the 2021/2022 financial year Budget at Kololo Independence Grounds immediately after his election as Speaker of Parliament.

His absence from the public, however, raised speculation with several reports indicating that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Some reports also indicated that he was allegedly transported to Entebbe International Airport in an ambulance and carried on a stretcher to the plane that evacuated him from Uganda.

However, Deputy Speaker Anita Among told the press that Speaker Oulanyah was on leave and would return to chair the House, as they had agreed that either Speaker chairs the house for two months.

Read more: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/i-m-alive-and-well-speaker-oulanyah-says-3486874
Weather Alert

The Washington Department of Ecology has announced an Air Quality Alert through noon Thursday, Aug. 5, for all of Washington east of the Cascade crest because of degraded air quality. The alert may be extended past Thursday for areas close to active wildfires. Wildfire smoke may produce health impacts due to Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) pollution. Air quality may reach levels that range from unhealthy for sensitive groups to very unhealthy. Burning restrictions are in effect. Health Impacts and Recommended Actions: When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, sensitive persons may experience health effects and should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. When air quality reaches Very Unhealthy levels, everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities, and keep windows closed if it is not too hot. If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask (people with chronic diseases should check with their doctor before wearing a mask). Outdoor Burning Restrictions: Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued an emergency order July 6, 2021, prohibiting most unpermitted outdoor burning through September 30, 2021. Visit www.ecology.wa.gov/burnbans for details on local restrictions.

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TUESDAY TO 11 PM PDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with afternoon temperatures in the upper 90s to 105 degrees possible. * WHERE...Portions of Central, East central, North central, Northeast and Southeast Washington and North and North central Idaho. * WHEN...From 11 AM Tuesday to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat combined with unusually warm overnight temperatures will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses. Conditions will be difficult for residents without air conditioners. Those working or participating in outdoor activities will also be vulnerable. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wildfire smoke in the region could reduce afternoon temperatures reducing the risk of extreme heat. The amount of wildfire activity and subsequent smoke in the region will play a role in how hot the temperatures are Tuesday and Wednesday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air- conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. &&
A gallery in Vienna have decided to host a solo exhibition by Kilkenny native Pauline OConnell, whose work, since 2012, has focused on the upland rural area where she lives in the county.

'When a Gap Becomes an Aperture' will be exhibited from July 31 to August 22, 2021 at Stern Studio Gallery in the Austrian capital.

Her discovery of the absence of this place on the electoral map prompted her inquiries of the rural as a place, a subject and philosophical enquiry.

Through the cultivation of her practice-led (auto)ethnographic research, she uses a range of media - including sound, video, photography, drawing, installation, and text - to explore the impacts that historic rural constructions, disciplinary malpractices and conceptual disinvestment have had on the political, material, and social perceptions of the rural today prompting us to question the very basis of our understanding.

Contradiction plays a large part in OConnells work - sometimes even she confronts herself in the process.

The exhibition comprises a series of newly created works ranging from a choreographic textual neon work, a large-scale photographic panorama, a wooden sculpture and an artists book.

At the centre is (t)here (2020-2021) - a green neon wall- mounted text work whose central element - a constant, is here - which is always on. Shifting perspectives are presented through a series of accumulations - questions and positions: here, (t)here, where?, nowhere, now (t)here, now here, here? This on/off sequence tells its own story where the politics of narrative  whereby authority is afforded to those who employ it can maintain power over those subject to it - can be analysed, deconstructed and translated. This work acts as a prompt through which conversations can be catalysed. It is, therefore, unfinished in that sense. It creates a space for further enquiry, for discussions across and between rurals constituted by multiple, similar and contradictory identities, geographies and lifeworlds.

Spoil I (2021), a 4-meter wide photographic panorama depicts the so-called heaved-up-leftovers of a mono-culture industrial plantation after it is deforested. These linear spoils line up similar to war barricades, redrawing the area where planting took place 30 years prior. They become remnants of an ongoing industrial agriculture practice that is based on an extraction rhetoric that renders land/nature only valuable in economic terms. This upland area, a place called The Brown Mountain that is close to where the artist lives, is left spoiled. The land is deemed by agricultural policy not good enough for anything but large scale, quick-growing Sitka Spruce plantations that, at the end of their growing life are transformed into low-grade planks and OSB board. Even though considered a sustainable renewable timber resource, these monoculture plantations render the soil dead in terms of its biodiversity. While agricultural incentives are at odds with the prospect of forward-thinking ecological restoration which involves the replanting of a broad range of native trees and time is given for them to regenerate, in this way, the agri-capitalist frame is subverted offering a more-than palliative approach. A decentring of the ego and galvanising thinking beyond one self and lifetime is required. Spoil I, is the first in a series that reflects on our attachment/detachment to nature and our surrounding environment.

PINE (2021), a hand-cut oriented strand board (OSB), is both material and emotion. It directly relates to and comes from Irish monoculture Sitka Spruce plantations where trees provide a renewable raw material that makes up the boards, providing material for our built environment. Reflecting on the effects of Covid-19 on the curtailment of peoples movements, the artist explores the ways The Brown Mountain local plantation has also provided a place where grief can be expressed - evidenced through an increased social/recreational footprint. PINE provides a space for contemplation, self-reflection, (dis)connection and hope.

Inspired by Georges Perecs experimental book Tentative D'epuisement d'un Lieu Parisien, or An Attempt at Exhausting a Place in Paris, In the Middle of Nowhere (2019), in the form of an artists book, recontextualises this work where OConnell pays attention to the seemingly insignificant and notices what is taking place when nothing special is happening.

Set at Brookes Cross, Castlewarren, Co. Kilkenny, where, over three days, she placed herself and took note of what she saw speaks back to rural pejoratives such that nothing happens there, its the middle of nowhere.

About the artist:

Pauline OConnell is a visual artist based between rural County Kilkenny, Ireland and Amsterdam.

She has presented her work at LEcole Des Beaux Arts, Paris (FR); M.Y. Art Prospects, New York (USA), EVA International (IRE); Sheffield Hallam University (UK), University College Cork, Maynooth University (IRE); University of Dundee (SCT); RIXC Art Science Festival, Riga (LV) and since 2012 her works have been played back or (re)presented locally in the context from which they emerge - in community halls, in fields and at crossroads.
One of the most innovative musicians in Ireland, Martin Hayes will return to the Marble City this August during the Kilkenny Arts Festival for a mouthwatering trio of concerts in the company of two musicians celebrated for their genre bending versatility: guitarist Steve Cooney and pianist and composer Cormac McCarthy.

Presented by Kilkenny Arts Festival in association with The Watergate Theatre these performances will take place on August 14 and 15. Audience numbers will be strictly limited in accordance with Government guidelines and all Covid-19 protocols will be in place.

Whether performing solo or as a founder member of celebrated ensembles such as The Gloaming and the Martin Hayes Quartet, the acclaimed fiddle player is a restless innovator, always looking to take traditional music in exciting new directions. These concerts are sure to be a festival highlight.

It was also announced today that festival audiences will have a chance to see The Dead, An Opera on the big screen in the comfort of The Watergate on August 15, presented by Breda Cashe Productions.

An original production from The Performance Corporation in association with Breda Cashe Productions, The Dead, An Opera is an acclaimed musical drama based on James Joyces best-loved short story. Tapping into the deep vein of musical references running through the original story, The Dead takes us on a journey exploring life, love and death. Acclaimed Irish composer Ellen Cranitch and award-winning playwright Tom Swift have created a pared back musical telling of Joyces classic story that is by turns theatrical, evocative and moving.

Directed by Jo Mangan, a talented cast of Susannah De Wrixon, John Molloy, Kathy Rose O Brien and Rachel O Byrne, accompanied by a quartet of Katie O Connor, Jane Hughes, Una O Kane and Aoife Durnin, conjure the atmosphere of a Christmas party inhabited by Joyces vibrant characters.

Kilkenny Arts Festival 2021 runs August 5 to 15. In the midst of an ever changing landscape, the festival brings artists and audiences together again through unique arts encounters. Line-up also includes live performances returning to Castle Yard (Elektra), a new play from Rough Magic in a future where hope for a return to the halcyon days of the 2020s comes in the form of a new Tonic, the festival continues to support artists as they explore new directions with new projects from Karan Casey and Murieann Nic Amhlaoibh with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Helen Comerford premieres 19 new artworks, an immersive installation at Kilkennys new skatepark after dark and Richard Mosses Incoming at the Butler Gallery.

For more see kilkennyarts.ie
GOAL is encouraging Kilkenny people to take part in its innovative new public campaign to motivate people to act to achieve a more equal, fairer and sustainable world.

The #Connected2 Campaign aims to encourage better awareness and understanding of how people all over the globe are interconnected through Climate Change and Food Systems, and to highlight how events in one part of the world can have an impact, whether positive or negative, on other parts.

The #Connected2 campaign comes ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) due later this year. The high-level conferences will see global leaders discuss how they can work to fight the impacts of food insecurity and climate change, two of the biggest crises facing humanity today.

The UN has warned that more than 811 million people  approximately one in ten of the worlds population  are suffering from malnutrition and hunger, 118 million more people than last year.

Climate change is also resulting in more frequent and intense drought, storms, heat waves, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers wreaking havoc on people's livelihoods and communities.

The #Connected2 campaign is being launched with promotional videos showcasing people from around the world telling us how they are connected.

People are being encouraged to get involved and to post their own videos and statements on Twitter and Instagram, and to start a conversation about how Climate Change and Food Systems connected them to other people and places.

The online campaign will feature inputs from young people and leaders from across the world and will include:

Photo essays from GOALs Global Youth Programme participantsfrom six different countries, each themed around a statement incorporating Climate Change or Food Systems.

A video series connecting activists and leaders across different backgrounds and countries. In each video, two guest speakers will discuss how they and their worlds are #Connected2.

According to GOAL Deputy CEO and Director of Public Engagement, Mary Van Lieshout, the aim of #Connected2 is to encourage members of the public to take notice of the connections they see between people, geographical areas, and global issues like Climate Change and Food Systems.

These issues are each connected to one another, and so we must be connected in our response. We encourage everyone to get involved in the #Connected2 campaign, to tell us how they are connected to others, places and passions around the world, she said.

Climate change poses a considerable threat to global food security, and as it worsens there will be further stress on an already hungry world. World leaders, including Ireland, need to double down on efforts at home and internationally to promote climate-smart agriculture and elevate the issue of climate change and food insecurity.

Find all details here.
Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins, has stated that students who have been on the PUP will not miss out on their college grant, SUSI, when they return to college this September.

Minister Collins said, The student support scheme is a critical financial support for students participating in higher education. Some opposition politicians are scaremongering saying that students in receipt of the PUP will not qualify for their SUSI grant  this is completely false.

Collins explained that as in any statutory scheme, a core principle is that there is a consistency of approach and equitable treatment for applicants as part of the means assessment process. This applies to people who are dependent on different types of social protection payments.

Minister Collins added, The PUP has been treated as reckonable income since it was introduced in March 2020. Income from the Covid-19 payment has the same standing and is treated in a similar fashion to other Department of Social Protection payments, such as jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance. This means that a student or family on the PUP should be treated in the same way as a student or family who are dependent on jobseeker's benefit or allowance.

An important feature of the SUSI scheme is the change of circumstance provision. If a student has experienced a change of circumstances during 2021, they can apply to SUSI for their application to be assessed or re-assessed under a change of circumstances. Such a change in circumstances will clearly include no longer being in receipt of the PUP. Students will no longer be able to receive the payment from early September, in line with normal circumstances where students do not qualify for unemployment payments while at college.

Therefore, no student will miss out on the SUSI grant as a result of them being in receipt of the PUP because they will not be receiving it from September onwards concluded Minister Collins.
A SINKHOLE measuring approximately 9ft deep has developed in a Limerick city housing estate.

A water pipe which ruptured at around 3am on Saturday morning is suspected to have led to the major collapse.

Local residents have described the carnage that unfolded in Rhebogue Meadows off Dublin Road in the early hours of the morning, likening it to a tsunami outside their front doors.

The water came surging through the estate. It surged through houses, it actually turned direction due to the walls and broke some walls down. Its just carnage, explained Sarah Beasley, chairperson of Rhebogue District Residents Association.

The sink hole is huge, it looks like the two incidents must be connected. Id say the hole is nine foot deep. It just collapsed in. They have put barriers around it.

There are houses ruined, cars are being taken away. The Daughters of Charity house is damaged. The residents were terrified. We were expecting this thunderstorm and thats what we thought it was. The pipe burst in Rhebogue Meadows. They said it was like a tsunami at three oclock this morning, she continued.

The smell is shocking. The smell is in the kitchens and bedrooms - these residents are of all ages. People are being told not to drive their cars because the electrics may have been ruined so there are cars being lifted and taken to garages for assessment.

According to Ms Beasley of the Aontu party there are between 10 and 15 houses affected to different degrees. Three units of Limerick Fire Service spent two hours at the scene during the night. Personnel from Irish Water and the local authority also responded after the alarm was raised at around 3am.

The fire brigade were there at 3am, the council officials are there. I have to say all the services who attended were amazing. There has been a fantastic response from everyone. All the residents are down there helping. I would say the residents affected will have to find alternative accommodation."

Local councillor Frankie Daly, NP, has called for proper investment to ensure a similar incident does not happen.

There has been a significant break. This pipe has burst in the past and there have been issues there. Its an asbestos pipe. Its the same pipes that are breaking the whole time. They are not fit for purpose, said Cllr Daly who is liaising with residents.

In a statement issued this Saturday lunchtime a spokesperson for Irish Water said: Irish Water and Limerick City and County Council are working to repair a burst water main in Rhebogue serving Corbally, Moyross and surrounding areas. The burst water main in Rhebogue Meadows has caused water damage to a number of properties and a car in the estate.

Irish Water and Limerick City and County Council Operations staff are currently on site and working with the affected families. Irish Water apologises to the residents for the distress caused by this unplanned burst.

Impacted customers may experience lower than normal water pressure and in some instances, intermittent water outages.

Crews are working to repair the burst as quickly and as safely as possible to restore normal water supply to homes and businesses in the affected areas. Works are expected to be completed by 10pm tonight. We recommend that you allow 2 to 3 hours after the estimated restoration time for your water supply to fully return, continued the spokesperson.

Traffic management, including diversions, will be in place while the works are being carried out.

In the meantime, it is important that people in surrounding areas continue to conserve water in order to reduce the pressure on local supplies which will be depleted as a result of this burst. Tips on conservation can be found at www.water.ie/conservation.

Irish Water understands the inconvenience when a burst occurs and thanks customers for their patience while we work to repair the burst and restore normal supply to impacted customers. Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please see the water and supply services section of our website.

"Irish Water is working at this time, with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE Covid-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing."
The Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins has told the state broadcaster RTE that one out of every four businesses will not reopen for indoor dining, when new laws are relaxed from Monday, July 26.

"That is my gut feeling based on listening to businesses," he said.

He added that the "single biggest issue" for the hospitality sector was staffing problems.

"We don't have enough staff and we have to make sure we source as many as possible for our sector."

"What we need to do now is get our doors open from Monday and then look at how the operation of this new regime is in flow, and then we may have to go back to the Government to streamline what it is there to make it more operational for our industry."

"We are moving in the right direction but need to make sure it's streamlined into the future," he told RTE.
MASON CITY, Iowa - A GoFundMe has been set up for a Hampton teen killed in a two-vehicle crash over the weekend in Mason City.

Cammie Lee Haack, 17, of Hampton, was killed in the crash on S. Federal Ave. on Saturday morning.

As of Monday morning, more than $11,000 has been raised for Haack's family.

Authorities said that Haack and Joanna Gautier, 30, of Charles City, were involved in the crash on S. Federal Ave. at 6:30 a.m.

The Mason City Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Mason City Fire Department were all called to the 3500 block of South Federal Avenue around 6:30 am Saturday in response to the collision.
The Kids Dreams Come True organization sent Grant Dowling and his family on a week-long vacation to San Diego.

The organization is a local nonprofit that delivers timeless memories to kids with severe or life threatening disabilities.

The most recent recipient, the Dowling family, flew out of Rochester International Airport this morning thanks to the organization.

Grant's mother, Jen Dowling, said the organization provides an experience they otherwise would not get.

"It gives kids like him and Jacob and other kids a dream they probably would never have any other time. It is just heartwarming and humbling and awesome all around," Dowling said.

Kids Dreams Come True's Renee Tschumper said the organization is always looking to gift a vacation of a lifetime to a deserving child and their family.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  A man has pleaded guilty to causing the emergency evacuation of a pro-life event at Rochester Community and Technical College.

Samuel Warren Vanderwiel, 21 of Rochester, has entered a guilty plea to one count of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Charges of harassment and fifth-degree assault were dismissed.

Police say Vanderwiel created a self-made stink bomb that used ammonia and another substance to create sulfate gas. Court documents state that after first trying to get others to protest the pro-life event on September 18, 2019, Vanderwiel put the bomb in Hill Theater and 50 to 70 people had to evacuate after it was found.

Vanderwiel has been sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation and must do 5 hours of community work service or pay a $50 fine.
MASON CITY, Iowa - A Mason City man is facing a felony burglary charge for allegedly using a ladder to get into a second-story balcony.

Derek Trca, 41, is accused of climbing onto the balcony of an apartment at 550 N. Kentucky Ave. (Key Apartments) just after 2 a.m. Monday and shaking and rattling the sliding door.

Police said Trca was found lying on the balcony porch and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

He's being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  More than 100 people gathered outside the Iowa state Capitol Saturday to rally against mandates requiring people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, such as the ones some Iowa hospitals have issued.

One of the speakers at the rally, Republican state Rep. Jeff Shipley, called vaccine mandates a crime against humanity.

The event was organized by a group called Informed Choice Iowa that opposes mandatory coronavirus vaccinations and vaccine passports.

Brei Johnson with that group told the Des Moines Register that she believes vaccinations should be discussed between a health professional and patient, not made a condition of employment.
NORTHWOOD, Iowa  A Worth County woman is sentenced for stealing from the Diamond Jo Casino.

Sarah Elizabeth Daniel, 45 of Northwood, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of third-degree theft. She was ordered to spend two years on supervised probation and pay $3,845 in restitution.

Daniels was charged with second-degree theft for stealing that money while working at the Casino between June 27 and July 18 of 2020. Investigators say Daniel was seen taking money from a cash drawer.
The Quarry Hill Nature Center hosted a tour of the ground's unique caves on Sunday.

Tour guide Travis Meyer said the caves were constructed in 1879 as a way to keep produce fresh for the state hospital that resided above.

Inside the cave is 32 identical rooms and two larger rooms: the Apple and Butter rooms.

Meyer said the underground cave cellar is unique for southeastern Minnesota.

"Well, the caves that we have here in the park are man-made caves. That is probably the most notable distinction between any other caves you would find in southeastern Minnesota, so if you go to Mystery Cave or Niagara Cave, you are going to see a cave made by nature. The cave that we are visiting today was carved out by probably 5 or 6 men over the course of a year to a couple of years," Meyer said.

The Quarry Hill Nature Center will host another cave tour on August 15.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - There are conflicting recommendations coming from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics when it comes to students wearing face masks this fall.

The CDC says those who are fully vaccinated - including students, teachers and staff - do not have to wear a face mask in school this fall. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics is saying otherwise.

There are two main reasons for the recommendation by the AAP. The first one being that students under the age of 12 are not yet eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. And the second reasoning is if only unvaccinated students had to wear face masks, medical experts say it would be difficult to monitor or enforce mask policies for those who are not vaccinated.

Though COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred in school settings, multiple studies have shown that transmission rates within schools, when multiple prevention strategies are in place, are typically lower than or similar to community transmission levels. Still, Olmsted County Public Health director, Graham Briggs said protecting students, teachers and staff is their main focus right now while heading into the fall. "We want to make decisions really understanding what the risks are to the community. And knowing that while it's more rare in children, children do die from COVID infection," he explained. "They can get hospitalized. They potentially could have long-term health impacts with scarring in their lungs and things like that."

While there are some students who are eligible to get the shot, others can't because of health reasons. So that raises some concerns from parents about the potential risk of bullying or teasing. Briggs said this is something district leaders need to take into account when making a decision. "We could do an opt-out thing, but then that labels people. Right now, you've got people with masks on and people without masks. Kids are mean," explained Briggs. "The kids either with masks or without masks are going to get teased from one of the other groups until you run into this haves and have not's sort of thing."

Just last week, Rochester Public School's COVID-19 advisory team met to discuss this topic. Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel will announce the recommendation at the school board meeting on Tuesday.

The Minnesota Departments of Health and Education have yet to announce any final decision on the use of face masks in school this fall.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.  The Winnebago Industries Foundation and the Minnesota Vikings Foundation are again teaming up to provide healthy meals to children in North Iowa and the Twin Cities.

We know that in the summer months, many children and families miss the quality nutrition they need, says Winnebago Industries Foundation Executive Director Katy Friesz. We are thrilled to mobilize with the Minnesota Vikings Foundation, connecting our communities with healthy meals and nutrition education during events this summer.

The foundations have joined forces for a food truck program called the Vikings Table. The custom-built food truck designed and produced by Winnebago Specialty Vehicles made its debut in 2019 distributing healthy meals to youth dealing with food insecurity. In two years, it has given out over 20,000 meals.

The Vikings Table is an impactful way to leverage the resources of the Minnesota Vikings Foundation and the power of the Vikings brand to directly address childhood hunger in our community, says Brett Taber, Minnesota Vikings Foundation executive director. We are proud to be making a difference on food insecurity and youth health through this program in partnership with the Winnebago Industries Foundation.

The Vikings Table Food Truck will return to Forest City on Tuesday at the Winnebago Industries Visitors Center for display at the annual Winnebago Grand National Rally.
NORTHWOOD, Iowa  Reports of phony emails are cropping up in Worth County.

The Sheriffs Office says the emails claim to be from Amazon or Paypal about a package that has been shipped and charged to the credit card of the person getting the email.

The Sheriffs Office says if you are not expecting a shipment, do not open or respond to these kind of emails because they are just trying to get your personal information. The Worth County Sheriffs Office says you should contact your bank if you are concerned about your accounts being accessed.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High near 80F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable.
Wildwood, Eureka and Chesterfield will not enforce St. Louis County mask mandate Wildwood, Eureka and Chesterfield officials will not enforce the mask mandate going into effect in St. Louis County come Monday.

ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) -- A mandate that everyone wear a mask in public places in St. Louis City and County is back.

Effective Monday, everyone 5 and older in St. Louis City and County must wear a mask in indoor public places and on public transportation regardless of vaccination status. Officials are also urging people to wear masks outside if they are in a group. Those who are seated in a restaurant or bar eating and drinking, and those who have disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks are exempt from the mandate.

At the urging of local health experts with the St. Louis Pandemic Task Force, County Executive Dr. Sam Page and I took action by instating a mask mandate to stop the spread of COVID-19, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said in a briefing Monday. As of yesterday, the CDC is considering doing the same.

Missouri AG wants to file a lawsuit to stop upcoming mask mandate in St. Louis Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said he will be filing a lawsuit in an effort to stop the upcoming mask mandate for St. Louis City and County.

The announcement comes as the Delta variant spreads in the St. Louis region. St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page said Monday the variant has thrown us a curveball and is highly transmissible. He said masks will make it possible for students to get back in school, businesses to remain open and for more people to get vaccinated.

The uptick in COVID-19 cases has St. Louis seeing the most hospitalizations since February. Data provided by the St. Louis Pandemic Task Force Friday showed 318 people in St. Louis hospitals with COVID-19. That's the highest number since early February. While COVID is straining hospitals in Southwest Missouri, local officials say nearly all of the patients in St. Louis hospitals are local cases. More than 90 percent of them are not vaccinated.

You can still spread COVID-19 even if you are vaccinated. You can still get sick, Mayor Jones said. She then explained that while vaccinated individuals can still catch the coronavirus, the risk of ending up in the ICU is greatly reduced, which helps to free up hospital beds. Jones said she lost her only remaining uncle to COVID-19 in November.

These masks save lives, County Executive Dr. Sam Page said. Theyve prevented thousands of people from getting sick and dying, and when the Mayor and I stood here in May and announced that our health departments would be relaxing some of the public health orders and protocols, including wearing masks, we did so because the case rate was headed in the right direction and vaccine access was improving.

Page said all the decisions regarding the public health protocols will be based on experts. The mandate will be enforced on a case-by-case basis. He stressed the biggest push would continue to be for residents to get vaccinated.

Missouri healthcare CEO trying to reach the unvaccinated says people are dying unnecessarily Steve Edwards, the president and CEO of a health care system in Missouri, is troubled that health experts cannot seem to inspire more people to get vaccinated in his area, which is being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In their joint press conference Monday morning, Page and Jones both spoke about the backlash from other leaders regarding the mandate.

We see right wing politicians try to tell us whats best for St. Louis, teeing off against our city to score political points, said Jones. Our Attorney General, who is running for Senate and has a history of filing failed lawsuits, whats to file another frivolous lawsuit to serve his own interest and at the expense of public health. Its easy to grandstand when your biggest concern is filming your next campaign commercial and chasing clout.

Creating distractions for political gain is short sighted at best and life-threatening at worse. As some passionate supporters of the previous president hold on tight to bombast and misinformation, we are laser focused on protecting the health and welfare of people in our communities, Page said.

After Page and Jones concluded their press conference, St. Louis County Councilman Tim Fitch took the podium.

St. Louis councilman to challenge new mask mandate This weekend will be your last weekend without a mask in St. Louis City and County, as a spike in new COVID-19 cases brings back a mask mandate.

He said the debate on the council is not about wearing masks, but whether it is legal for a mandate to be issued.

That law that he [Page] is relying on in the past changed on June the 15th when the Governor and the General Assembly passed into law the ability of the local governing body to approve recommendations from the public health director, he said. He has not come to us, the council, and asked us for any input whatsoever. You heard him say, and the mayor say, this is about politics, this is about right-wing politics.

Fitch said he was not going to use politics in the issue, but he said the council should have been addressed before the mandate was announced. He also urged people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Get vaccinated, he said. I cant say it any clearer than that. That is our way out of this. Get vaccinated."

In a series of tweets, Governor Mike Parson addressed the mandate. He wrote, "Dictating mask mandates when we have the vaccine is ignoring the real solution and eroding public trust. From the very beginning of this pandemic, we have recognized the importance of local control; however, re-imposing mask mandates regardless of vaccination status is WRONG and goes against current CDC guidelines. These policies that don't consider vaccination status reduce the incentive of getting the vaccine and undermine its integrity. The vaccine is how we rid ourselves of COVID-19, not mask mandates that ignore common sense."
(CNN) -- Steve Edwards, the president and CEO of a health care system in Missouri, is troubled that health experts cannot seem to inspire more people to get vaccinated in his area, which is being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Edwards, of Springfield-based Cox Health, told CNN on Friday that his system has had 534 COVID-19 patients die, with more than 100 of those deaths after vaccines became widely available. None of the patients who died were vaccinated.

He is desperately trying to figure out how to get through to people.

"If I knew how I was missing the mark, we could correct and change," he told CNN's Alisyn Camerota. The community needs 80 to 90% of people to get immunity either from getting inoculated or catching the virus, he said.

"We're not nearly halfway there. This will roar on for quite some time," he said.

He said he thinks the vaccine hesitancy stems from mistrust of the government or institutions. He said doctors have seen patients who didn't get a vaccine because it is under emergency use authorization who ask for monoclonal antibodies -- that are also available under an EUA.

"Someone got into their head that the vaccine is not safe," he said. "It might be the safest vaccine in the history of man. And we somehow have not overcome that."

Edwards said he feels guilty because he is the most prominent voice in the local health care community and people continue to die unnecessarily. He struggles because he thinks his voice could be heard better and he could have save some lives.

"Every vaccine can save a life," he said.

US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said he is concerned because the Delta variant of coronavirus is spreading quickly among unvaccinated people, who account for the vast majority of coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths nationwide.

"The thing that's making this possible is the fact that we are dealing with the most transmissible version of COVID-19 that we've seen to date," he said.

Despite being shown an AP-NORC poll that suggests 45% of people will definitely not get vaccinated, Murthy said: "Well, I'm certainly not giving up on making sure that we continue to work hard to get people vaccinated and I don't think that we've actually reached the limit (on vaccine outreach) yet.

"Every day more than half a million people are making the active choice to get vaccinated. That's a lot of people ... and so we are making progress. We just want to make faster progress."

Rise in hospitalizations is self-inflicted wound, expert says

Health experts blame the recent surges in COVID-19 cases on the low rate of vaccinations. And now the accelerating Delta variant is threatening to increase hospitalizations and deaths as well, one expert said Thursday.

"This is a self-inflicted wound, because we can prevent all of those hospitalizations and deaths -- or at least 98, 99% of them -- if we can encourage vaccination," Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, told CNN's Jim Acosta.

More than 91 million people live in a county considered to have high COVID-19 transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every state on Friday had a seven-day average of new cases higher than the week before, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Yet, despite the warnings from health experts, the daily pace of people becoming fully vaccinated keeps falling. It's now the lowest it's been since the end of January, when the US had only been vaccinating for about six weeks, according to CDC data.

The US government has purchased an additional 200 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, BioNTech said in a news release Friday. More than half should arrive by the end of the year, and the rest by May of next year. That would bring to 500 million the total number of doses supplied by Pfizer.

Only 48.9% of the US population is fully vaccinated, and the seven-day average pace is around 249,000. The average hasn't been above 500,000 fully vaccinated people per day since July 5, according to CDC data.

"We're all thinking that another surge is likely," said Dr. Christian Sandrock, director of critical care at UC Davis Medical Center, in a statement Thursday. "It is frightening. I don't think we'll go back to the worst we've seen, due to the vaccine, but it's hard to tell."

UC Davis epidemiology professor Lorena Garcia said the impact could be extremely devastating on rural communities with lower vaccination rates and limited access to care.

Alabama has the lowest rate of vaccinations at 33.9%, CDC numbers reveal. Mississippi has also vaccinated less than 35%.

Gov. Parson: 'Re-imposing mask mandates regardless of vaccination status is WRONG' A mandate that everyone wear a mask in public places in St. Louis City and County is back.

After a news conference Thursday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey encouraged people to get vaccinated.

"These folks are choosing a horrible lifestyle of self-inflicted pain," she said. "It's time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks, not the regular folks. It's the unvaccinated folks that are letting us down."

In Missouri, additional personnel and equipment are being sent to Springfield-Greene County to support the local health care system, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday.

A return to masks

Some regions are returning to masks in the hopes of slowing the spread.

In Texas, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo warned that the region is "at the beginning of a potentially very dangerous fourth wave of this pandemic" and raised the threat level from yellow to orange, urging community members to wear masks.

"So, I know they're uncomfortable, I don't like wearing masks either, but until we get the numbers back down, let's all wear masks again," the judge said of the county that includes Houston, the nation's fourth most populous city.

Masks are recommended indoors for all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, according to Austin-Travis County's COVID-19 risk-based guidelines. Austin Mayor Steve Adler says if he could "order all children and teachers to mask without ending up in court," he "would do it in a heartbeat."

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order in May prohibiting state governmental entities such as counties from requiring that masks be worn.

The number of hospitalizations has crossed the threshold of over 30 admissions per day, officials say.

Eric Clapton says he won't play at any venues that require fans to be vaccinated Legendary musician Eric Clapton announced he will not perform at any venues that require fans to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

The CDC still recommends that unvaccinated people wear masks, but the choice is up to the individual if they are vaccinated, Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Thursday.

"If you are vaccinated, you get exceptional protection from the vaccines, but you have the opportunity to make the personal choice to add extra layers of protection if you so choose," she said.

Experts express concern even for vaccinated Americans

Experts are warning that even people who are vaccinated need to be concerned about the surge.

"If there's all kinds of virus around you, if you're in a community with a lot of virus, then because these vaccines are not 100%, it is going to impact you," CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Thursday.

At this time of the summer, transmission rates should be low, said CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent Sanjay Gupta, speaking on the same show. In the warm weather of July, people are primarily socializing outside, where the virus is less likely to spread, he said.

Come the drier, colder weather of the fall and winter, transmission rates might go up even more, Gupta added.

"So, this could be as good as it gets at least for a period of time," he said.

How worried should vaccinated people be of COVID-19 breakthrough infections? (CNN) -- Coronavirus infections are on the rise again in the United States. While more than 

For people who are vaccinated, their immune systems are much better equipped to protect them against the virus, but not perfect, Gupta said. Some might not get symptoms if they are infected, but some might end up being protected from hospitalization and still get sick, he said.

Wen compared vaccination to wearing a seat belt: it is a crucial layer of protection, but it is not foolproof against the reckless behavior of others.

"But saying that doesn't mean undermining confidence in seat belts. It just saying that the choices that other people are making influence us, too," Wen said.

Vaccine effectiveness against Delta

Walensky said Thursday that the Delta variant is an "aggressive and much more transmissible" strain of the virus.

"It is one of the most infectious respiratory viruses we know of, and I have seen in my 20-year career," Walensky said at a White House COVID-19 briefing.

The spread of the variant makes vaccination even more important, Walensky said.

"If you are not vaccinated, please take the Delta variant seriously. This virus has no incentive to let up, and it remains in search of the next vulnerable person to infect," she said.

According to CDC data released earlier this week, the Delta variant represents an estimated 83% of all coronavirus samples sequenced in the last two weeks. The good news is data shows vaccines are working as they did in clinical trials against the variant, Walensky said.

Dr. Celine Gounder, who served on President Joe Biden's transition Covid-19 advisory board, said the variant might mean people need more measures to protect themselves.

"At the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC said that a close contact was somebody that you're indoors with unmasked for 15 minutes or more," Gounder said in an interview with STAT published Friday. "The equivalent of that with the Delta variant is not 15 minutes, it's one second."

Three important measures to fight the variant are vaccines, masks and good ventilation.

People should think in terms of how much virus there is in the air, plus how long they might be in contact with that virus-laden air.

"So if you're indoors, there's not a lot of air dilution unless you're opening up windows and doing that sort of thing. When you're outdoors, it's almost infinitely diluted. And so outdoors, your risk is really low," Gounder said.

She added that opening windows at home works really well.

The-CNN-Wire &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
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North Korea plans to hold a national conference of war veterans to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, state media said Monday, despite the global coronavirus pandemic.







"The 7th National Conference of War Veterans is to be held in Pyongyang with splendor on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.







The Korean War ended in an armistice signed on July 27, 1953, which leaves South and North Korea technically in a state of war. The North called the war the Fatherland Liberation War and designated the armistice signing date as Victory Day.







War veterans participating in the conference arrived in Pyongyang on Sunday, while party officials visited the lodging quarters to award the participation certificates and congratulate the war veterans, according to the KCNA.







The KCNA did not say when the conference will take place, but it is likely to be held ahead of the anniversary date.







Observers say the event appears to be aimed at tightening internal unity in the face of deepening economic fallout caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.







The North held the first conference of war veterans in 1993, when it marked the 40th anniversary of the end of the war. It also has taken place in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020 since leader Kim Jong-un took office in late 2011. (Yonhap)


gettyimagesbank



South Korea's health authorities on Monday confirmed the country's second vaccine-linked death, as a man in his 20s who received the first dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine died last month.



The man, who received the shot on June 7, died at a hospital six days later after suffering cardiac arrest, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The victim did not have any underlying disease.



Local authorities carried out an autopsy and later confirmed that the victim suffered from inflammation of the heart muscle, or myocarditis.



It marked the second time for local health authorities to acknowledge death after vaccination.



"Although it is very rare, mRNA vaccines can lead to side effects such as heart inflammation," a local health official said.






U.S. deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman looks up before talks with Chinese officials at the Tianjin Binhai No. 1 Hotel in the Tianjin municipality in China, Monday, in this image taken from video footage run by Phoenix TV via AP Video. AP-Yonhap



A top Chinese diplomat took a confrontational tone on Monday in rare high-level talks with the United States, accusing it of creating an "imaginary enemy" to divert attention from domestic problems and suppress China.



Amid worsening relations between the world's two largest economies, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the second-ranking U.S. diplomat, arrived on Sunday for face-to-face meetings in the northern city of Tianjin that the State Department described as "frank and open".



There were no specific outcomes agreed and the prospect of a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping was not discussed, senior U.S. administration officials said following talks that lasted about four hours.



Shortly after Monday's meetings began, Chinese state media reported on confrontational remarks by Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, in echoes of a similarly combative opening by senior Chinese officials during high-level talks in March in Alaska.



"The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an 'imaginary enemy'," Xie was quoted as saying as talks were underway.



The United States had mobilised its government and society to suppress China, he added.



"As if once China's development is suppressed, U.S. domestic and external problems will be resolved, and America will be great again, and America's hegemony can be continued."



Sherman laid out U.S. concerns over China's actions on issues ranging from Hong Kong and Xinjiang to Tibet and cyberattacks, senior administration officials said, adding that China should not approach areas of global concern, such as climate and Afghanistan, on a transactional basis.



Sherman, who also met with State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, raised concerns including over what Washington sees as China's unwillingness to cooperate with the World Health Organization on a second phase investigation of the origins of COVID-19, and foreign media access in China.



"The Deputy Secretary raised concerns in private  as we have in public  about a range of PRC actions that run counter to our values and interests and those of our allies and partners, and that undermine the international rules-based order," the State Department said in a statement.



"It is important for the United States and China to discuss areas where we disagree so that we understand one another's position, and so that we are clear about where each side is coming from," a senior administration official said.



"Reaching agreement or specific outcomes was not the purpose of today's conversations," a senior U.S. official said.



Protocol Wrangle



Sherman's China visit was added late to an Asian itinerary that included stops in Japan, South Korea and Mongolia amid wrangling over protocol between Beijing and Washington.



On Saturday, Wang had warned that China would not accept the United States taking a "superior" position in the relationship, a day after China unveiled sanctions on former U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and others.



Relations between Beijing and Washington deteriorated sharply under former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the Biden administration has maintained pressure on China in a stance that enjoys bipartisan support but threatens to deepen mistrust.



"When both countries see each other as an enemy, the danger is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy," said Cheng Xiaohe, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing.



Monday's talks came amid frayed relations between Beijing and Washington that have worsened in the months since an initial diplomatic meeting in March in Anchorage, the first under the Biden administration.



At the Alaska meeting, Chinese officials, including Wang, railed against the state of U.S. democracy, while U.S. officials accused the Chinese side of grandstanding.



Monday's meeting was held amid stringent Chinese COVID-19 measures, which have meant that foreign officials have met Chinese counterparts outside Beijing, the capital.



Foreign media were kept at a distance from the site of the talks, but Chinese media were permitted on the premises. (Reuters)


By John J. Metzler





It's summertime and the living is easy, as the old song goes. And vacations both domestic and international should be surging despite dark pandemic clouds still shrouding parts of the world.



But last year's collapse in international tourism, seeing a decline by 74 percent in 2020, has still not rebounded. According to a new UN report, so far 2021 has actually "been worse for most destinations with an average global decline of 88 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels."



Tragically, the COVID-19 pandemic still runs rife over large parts of the world; more than four million people have since died. And it's not over. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated somberly, "Vaccines offer a ray of hope, but most of the world is still in the shadows. The virus is outpacing vaccine distribution. This pandemic is clearly far from over; more than half its victims died this year."



A new report by the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on "COVID-19 and Tourism" warns, "Vaccines are a critical part of the solution, albeit with considerable uncertainty, even once access and distribution problems are overcome."



Clearly vaccinations have slowed the spread especially in the United States, Israel, and Western Europe. Yet shortages, haphazard distribution, and vaccine reluctance has plagued countries such as Brazil, India, and South Africa.



Moreover travel restrictions, constantly changing and confusing even in Europe, have dampened interests in many destinations.



For example, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) reports that key international destinations such as Thailand have seen an 83 percent visitor drop, Indonesia 74 percent, Turkey 73 percent and Jamaica 67 percent. China has experienced an 88 percent drop. Needless to say, tourism forms a vital economic engine which is now largely sputtering.



The WTO reports that tourism experts don't see "a return to pre-COVID arrival levels until 2023 or later." In fact, nearly half of those consulted only see a return to 2019 levels in 2024! The group adds, that while "domestic travel has increased, this does little to help developing countries that are dependent on international travel."



Indeed the group lists a number of scenarios for tourism growth; the more "optimistic" scenario reflects a 63 percent reduction in travel! Based on this model, overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decline for example in Turkey will be 6.3 percent, Ireland 4 percent, France 2.3 percent, South Korea 2.7 percent and the United States 1.5 percent.



Generally a drop of $1 trillion in tourist receipts worldwide, prompts a negative multiplier across other sectors such as agriculture and construction, creating a loss of $2.5 trillion in GDP. These numbers are sobering.



So what to do? The U.N. Trade and Development and WTO report asserts, "So far, the vaccine rollout has varied greatly between countries, from almost complete to hardly started. Rolling out the vaccine globally as soon as possible is an economic priority."



The report adds, "Vaccinating 40 percent of the global population by year's end and 60 percent by mid-2022 is an aspirational goal, but difficult to achieve and could cost $50 billion, according to International Monetary Fund."



Yet it appears that even well vaccinated countries such as the U.S. and United Kingdom may be adversely affected by new COVID strains such as the Delta variant. This reality raises the specter of renewed restrictions to movement and international travel.



Even the U.S./Canada border remains closed.



Given the warmer weather and lifting of most local COVID restrictions, New York City is returning to its groove as a vibrant pace setting center. Yet surprisingly despite open restaurants and the return of insufferable traffic, large parts of the Big Apple seem strangely free of foreign tourists. Many large hotels are still closed and the return of rampant street crime has dampened any true return to normality.



Across the world, as the already postponed Tokyo Olympics approach, Japan faces further COVID restrictions adding a spectator ban on Olympic sporting venues. Despite being a developed and health conscious country with a good medical infrastructure Japan's vaccination rate remains poor with only 17 percent of the population fully vaccinated.



While the U.S. government is again pushing for vaccine mandates and Americans have easy access to the jabs, Dr. Matt McCarthy, staff physician at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, stresses that vaccine acceptance among the population would increase with overdue FDA approval of the shots which would underscore their safety. "There's no explanation for the holdup."



In the meantime "Vaccine Passports" are planned as the world returns to "normal."





John J. Metzler (jjmcolumn@earthlink.net) is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism  The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China."


By Trudy Rubin





Back in 2016, when expectations for change were running high in Cuba, I traveled to Havana and spoke with Cuban academics, artists, independent bloggers, and private businesspeople.



The hopes they expressed, and the disappointments that followed, explain the demonstrations that broke out in Cuba earlier this month. In fact, it is surprising those demonstrations didn't erupt earlier.



And what I heard then offers insights into how the Biden administration should respond to the recent protests across Cuba.



Hint: It isn't, as Miami's Cuban American, Republican Mayor Francis Suarez suggested, by military intervention.



If the United States has learned any foreign policy lesson over the past 20 years, it should be that U.S. efforts to change regimes by force end very badly. Far better to empower Cubans themselves by legitimate means.



In 2016, President Barack Obama had eased travel restrictions for Americans to visit Cuba and Cuban Americans to send remittances to relatives on the island. That money was fueling a surge in private restaurants and guest houses to serve new visitors from abroad.



Obama and then-President Raul Castro (Fidel's brother) were in the process of normalizing relations.



I repeatedly heard expectations that, as an aged Fidel faded  he died in late 2016  and his aging brother moved toward retirement, the much younger vice president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, would soon take over. "The party will get rid of old folks and bring new faces," one economist told me. "In the next three years, there will be profound changes."



I heard repeated demands for the government to permit more free enterprise and to facilitate private farming (which would alleviate food shortages, since Cuba imports the bulk of its foodstuffs). I also heard demands for open access to the internet (which was tightly controlled then) and independence for artists and journalists.



"Young people see their parents have less than their grandparents," a blogger told me. "They want more than free education and health care."



In other words, encouraged by Obama's opening to Cuba (which encouraged more foreign investors to look at Cuba) and by hopes for internal change, many Cubans believed they would see dramatic reforms at home, despite a continuing U.S. trade embargo.



Most Cubans I spoke to did not seek another violent revolution but sought the kind of free markets permitted by communist regimes in Vietnam and China.



Their hopes were dashed. At home, President Castro surrounded himself with conservatives and failed to move on economic reforms. Rather than encourage free enterprise, the Cuban government continued to lean on socialist Venezuela for financial and energy aid.



In the U.S., President Donald Trump reversed Obama's opening and imposed more sanctions  stopping tourism and remittances to Cuba.



Diaz-Canel only became president in late 2019 (the same year that Cubans finally got social media access), and only began to introduce economic reforms in 2021. By then, an impoverished Venezuelan regime had cut subsidies and cheap oil deliveries to Cuba.



And in 2020, COVID-19 struck, ending tourism from Europe and slamming the economy, while shrinking foreign currency reserves. Although the Cuban medical system did well at first, a desperate government permitted an influx of Russian tourists who reportedly spread the delta variant.



The result: empty shelves, long food lines, severe energy shortages, and a spreading coronavirus. And demonstrations across the country, with participants protesting economic collapse, and many calling for "freedom."



So how should Biden respond? "There have been missed opportunities on all sides," says Richard Feinberg, a longtime Cuba expert at the University of California, San Diego. Not only did the Cuban government fail to reform its economy, but Biden failed to follow through on campaign promises to undo many Trump-era sanctions. Had Biden done so, Feinberg believes, "He would be in a better position to discuss reforms [with Havana] along with Cuba's alliance with Venezuela."



Given those realities, the White House should let the Cuban people take the lead.



Biden has said, "We stand with the Cuban people" on "the right of peaceful protest and the right to freely determine their own future." It is important for Biden and democratic allies to repeat that pledge, including calls for an open internet.



But any effort by the United States to openly intervene in what were clearly spontaneous demonstrations can only delegitimize a genuine Cuban protest. And it could spur a geopolitical conflict if Russia intervenes.



Instead, Biden should reinvigorate Obama's effort to link Cuba more closely to the United States and its people by dropping Trump's restrictions on tourism and remittances. Perhaps this can't be done immediately  lest it appear to reward a government crackdown. But, if the Cuban government refrains from more repression, it should be done soon.



And before Russia or China offer Cuba assistance with their COVID-19 vaccines, Biden should follow up his offer to send vaccines  so long as they are administered by an international organization. And he should help Havana get the necessary materials for Cuba's home-produced vaccine.



The best way to encourage Cuban demands for more freedom is to offer its people hope for change the Communist Party can no longer dare to deny them. Those hopes rose under Obama and were dashed by Raul Castro, abetted by Trump. Biden can do better than that.





Trudy Rubin (trubin@phillynews.com.) is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. This article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency.


A Chinese national flag flies over a vehicle entrance to the inmate detention area at the Urumqi No. 3 Detention Center in Dabancheng in western China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, April 23. AP-Yonhap




Steve Garbacz is executive editor for KPC Media Group and editor of The News Sun. He contracted chickenpox from his brother, who got it first, in 1994, one year before the varicella vaccine was approved for deployment in the U.S. His 2-year-old son is vaccinated against chickenpox. Email him at sgarbacz@kpcmedia.com.
SALEM, OR (KPTV) - With the current and forecasted heat in Oregon, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is suspending their enforcement of the regulations that prohibit the self-serve of gasoline at retail gasoline service stations.
(MARYVILLE, Mo.) The Nodaway County Prosecutors office has charged an Iowa man with six child sex crimes.

53-year-old Richard Eugene Darrell, of Red Oak, Iowa, has been charged with one count of felony sodomy or attempted sodomy, one count of statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy, two counts of felony sexual abuse, and two counts of felony child molestation.

According to the Nodaway County Sheriffs office, authorities began investigating Darrell after it was reported he had sexually molested a 12-year-old girl in Hopkins, Missouri.

Darrell has a bond review hearing before Judge Robert Rice in Nodaway County on August 3.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation said violent crimes against children have more than tripled. (Photo: KATV)
BELT, Mont. - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is hosting an open house forum ahead of phase three of the Belt North and South project.

This next phase of the project, slated to begin this summer, will widen 3.5 miles of US-87 to five lanes before and after the Armington Junction, add a roundabout at the Armington Junction and a new bridge over Belt Creek.

MDT is inviting the public to voice their comments and concerns from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on August 5 at Belt Public School.

For more information about the project, click here.

If you can't make the public meeting, you may provide comments to Melissa Shannon at melissas@strategies360.com.
WASHINGTON & ABUJA, Nigeria--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 26, 2021--

The Niger Delta Partnership Initiative (NDPI) released the NDPI 2020 Annual Report, which highlights the PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta) 2020 Annual Report, outlining the peacebuilding and economic development work being done in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The publications, both of which are aptly titled "Resilience & Results in a Pandemic," summarize a milestone year with sections like:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005123/en/

A scorecard of the last ten years in the Niger Delta, which includes investments leveraged into the agriculture and enterprises sector

Progress in 2020, which had USD 27.7 Million in net additional income for farmers and SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises)

Impact stories from the Niger Delta, and more

"PIND and NDPI are proud of the positive impact we have made in facilitating peacebuilding and economic development in the Niger Delta over the past decade," said Mamadou Beye, NDPI Board of Directors Chairman. "This was accomplished through our private and public sector partnerships, and the collective knowledge, expertise, and collaboration of our partners, donors, communities, and the citizens of the Niger Delta."

"We plan to remain focused and sustain the momentum in the coming years through capacity building and innovation. We thank you for being a part of bringing peace and prosperity to the Niger Delta region and look forward to a more sustained partnership in the years ahead," said Nadeem Anwar, NDPI Executive Director.

"Throughout this annual report, we will introduce program participants with stories that reflect resilience in the face of ten years of hard work and one pandemic year of uncertainty. Because of you and the work we are doing together; conflicts are being mitigated, people are being moved out of poverty, and hope is rising for a better tomorrow. Thank you for the selfless collaborations, engagements, and partnerships that have given the people of the Niger Delta renewed hope," said PIND Executive Director Dr. Dara Akala.

The NDPI 2020 Annual Report and PIND 2020 Annual Report were prepared with data collected from January 1 through December 31, 2020. Learn more about PIND and NDPI's work in Nigeria's Niger Delta at PINDfoundation.org and NDPIfoundation.org.

About PIND

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) is a Nigerian nonprofit organization established in 2010 with initial funding from Chevron Corporation to promote peace and equitable economic growth in Nigeria's Niger Delta region by forging multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder partnerships at the regional, national, and international levels. PIND works closely with numerous partners to implement collaborative market-based, community-owned programs to mitigate conflicts and boost economic opportunities for local businesses, ensuring that economic progress occurs in a systemic, inclusive, and sustainable manner. Learn more about PINDfoundation.org.

About NDPI

The Niger Delta Partnership Initiative (NDPI) is the U.S.-based 501(c)(3), nonprofit operating partner of Nigeria-based implementing partner PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta). Since 2010, NDPI & PIND have strengthened and stabilized Niger Delta communities by reducing poverty, powering coastline communities, nurturing employment, fostering stability, and enabling development through multi-stakeholder partnerships. Learn more about NDPIfoundation.org.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005123/en/

CONTACT: Media Contacts:

Chinwe Nnoham-Onyejekwe, PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta)

+234 817.206.4628 |chichi@PINDfoundation.org Abbie Elliott, NDPI (Niger Delta Partnership Initiative)

+1 703.786.5620 |abbie.elliott@NDPIfoundation.org

KEYWORD: AFRICA UNITED STATES NIGERIA NORTH AMERICA DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER PHILANTHROPY OTHER POLICY ISSUES PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENT OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OTHER ENERGY FINANCE OIL/GAS CONSULTING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENERGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PHILANTHROPY OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES FOREST PRODUCTS WHITE HOUSE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOUNDATION AGRICULTURE PUBLIC POLICY NATURAL RESOURCES

SOURCE: PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta) 2020 Annual Report

Copyright Business Wire 2021.

PUB: 07/26/2021 10:00 AM/DISC: 07/26/2021 10:01 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005123/en
ROME, JUL 26 - Italy's COVID-19 Emergency Commissioner Francesco Paolo Figliuolo said Monday that Italy was on target to have 80% of the population vaccinated for COVID-19 by the end of September, a level of coverage that should bring about herd immunity. "By the end of July we will have covered 60% of the people it is possible to vaccinate," Figliuolo said as he visited a vaccination hub in Turin. "Our aim is to get up to 80 by the end of September and that target is a step away. "We are at 56% and I consider that a good result. "Now we have to keep going without letting up". When asked about a demonstration by a group of anti-vaccination protesters outside the hub, Figliuolo commented: "I saw lots of young people (having jabs) and some people who are against (vaccinations) and that is right - it's a free country". (ANSA).
ROME, JUL 26 - Holocaust survivor and Life Senator Liliana Segre has blasted people who have compared COVID-19 vaccinations to the persecution of Jews by the Nazis. The 90-year-old told Jewish newspaper Pagine Ebraiche that these comparisons were "crazy" and a mix of "bad taste and ignorance". A small but vocal minority has staged protests against the obligation to have the Green Pass vaccine passport to access restaurants, pools, gyms and open-air events in Italy as well as to travel abroad. Interior Minister Luciano Lamorgese told a press conference in Caserta on Monday that the authorities were keeping an eye the anti-vaccine protestors. "There is no 'health dictatorship'," Lamorgese said. "It is fundamental to get vaccinated to overcome this pandemic. "All the government's measures were adopted to protect public health because real freedom is the ability to go where you want without harming others". (ANSA).
ROME, JUL 26 - A doctor who spoke at a demonstration at the weekend against the use of the Green Pass vaccine passport could face disciplinary proceedings, the head of the local chapter of the Italian medical guild said on Monday. The doctor, Novara hospital infectious-diseases chief Luigi Garavelli, told ANSA on Monday that he was not against vaccinations. "I didn't take part in Saturday's demonstration, I just spoke, after being asked by an acquaintance, in order to give explanations," Garavelli said. "When I said that I was vaccinated and so was my wife and my in-laws and that I consider vaccination a fundamental instrument in the fight against COVID, I was bombarded with boos and insults". (ANSA).
MILLER COUNTY, Mo An Osage Beach woman was seriously injured Friday after being hit by a car in Miller County. She was laying at the side of the road, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, Dominque McDonald, 20, of Fayette, Missouri was driving a 2005 Nissan Maxima on Kaiser Industrial Road at 2:21 a.m., Friday, July 23, when he attempted to make a U-turn at the intersection with Kaiser Road.

As the vehicle made the U-Turn it struck Nicole Davenport, 41, of Osage Beach, who was lying next to the roadway.

Davenport sustained serious injuries and was transported via helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia, Mo.
The mission and the vision for the Youth Development and Care Center remain the same, Delagrave said.

History

The amount of $290,000 for purchasing the former Brannum Lumber property on Taylor Avenue with the intent of making it a juvenile detention facility (or at least a parking lot to serve the facility) was approved in July 2020, although word of it flew mostly under the radar until months later.

The majority of Racines 15 aldermen, as well as Mayor Cory Mason, opposed the countys plan to build its juvenile detention center on Taylor Avenue. But, when the County Board voted to move forward with the $45 million project, only one supervisor, Fabi Maldonado, voted in opposition.

Opposition from Mason or the Racine City Council wouldnt have any legal power on the Taylor Avenue property. The county owns the land and thus can build on it without city approval.

The proposed Racine County Youth, Development and Care Center will replace that facility and serve a maximum of 48 youths from Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, Manitowoc and Washington counties.
BURLINGTON  Goodbye, candy bars. Hello, cookie dough.

Nestle has unveiled plans to retool its Burlington chocolate factory to replace production of such candy favorites as 100 Grand bars with new refrigerated cookie dough.

Nestle officials say the makeover will involve a $70 million investment and will represent the biggest change since the plant opened at 637 S. Pine St. in 1966.

Plant Manager Patrick Miner said employees are eager to welcome the new product line, which will give the aging Burlington plant renewed life in cookie dough products that are popular with consumers.

Its an exciting change for us, Miner said. This will be a totally different portfolio coming to the factory.

The plant will continue making chocolate chip morsels along with the cookie dough. But production will stop at the Burlington location for such longtime candy favorites as 100 Grand bars, Nestle Crunch bars, Buncha Crunch and Raisinets.

Nestle sold its U.S. confectionery business for $2.8 billion in 2018, although the deal had no immediate impact on the Burlington plant.
Vickie and Mike Baker not only hosted the National Guernsey Convention at their farm earlier this month.

They also had to reinvent the gathering after it was canceled last year because of the pandemic.

The theme for convention was Guernsey Reimagined, Vickie Baker said. We came up with that because everything that weve done or tried to do, weve had to rethink.

As it happens, reimagining is also what the Bakers  of Maple Bottom Farm in Dawson, Pennsylvania  are hoping to do for the Guernsey breed.

Unlike the breed associations traditional four-day conventions, this years event ran only two days, July 9 and 10.

On July 9, the Bakers, who chaired the convention, hosted the only official farm tour at their Fayette County farm.

The tour, which Baker said was very relaxed, functioned as more of a social gathering. She served grilled cheese made from the farms Guernsey milk.

It was just really nice to be able to get together with people and visit, because we havent done that in so long, she said. I mean, who doesnt like grilled cheese sandwiches?

The Bakers milk their cows in two separate systems. About 60 are milked by robot, with that milk getting shipped to Land OLakes.

Another 20 cows are milked by hand, with that milk going to Naturally Golden Family Farms, a co-op that the Bakers started with other local Guernsey farmers.

Promoting Guernsey Milk

When the Bakers started farming in 2006, only about 20 of their 150 cows were Guernseys. Now 110 of 170 cows are.

We believe in the milk, in Guernsey milk, Baker said.

In fact, Baker said she thinks that Guernsey milk could become Americas table milk.

That belief is driven in part by the A2 protein. Baker said that 93% of Guernsey cows that are tested produce A2 milk. Some people believe this protein is more digestible than the A1 protein produced by most Holsteins.

Guernsey milk is often golden in color because of high beta carotene levels. It also contains contains more omega-3 fatty acids, more vitamins and more protein than milk from other breeds, Baker said.

Promoting Guernsey milk was one of the main reasons Baker formed the co-op, along with building the breed and building relationships with other Guernsey farms in Pennsylvania and neighboring states.

Its going to bring a better-tasting milk back to the market, with options, because A2 is something we obviously have as well, she said.

Baker isnt alone in wanting to promote and grow the Guernsey breed. About 150 people toured her farm during the convention.

Weve got a lot of interest in the breed, a lot of enthusiasm, she said. We dont want to take away from our history, but we want to continue to relook at things and see what else we can do with the breed.

Dairy of Distinction

The convention also included youth competitions, an awards banquet and a sale held at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.

Overall Im thrilled, Baker said. Attendance wasnt exactly what we would have had in a normal year, but we still had people travel from everywhere. We had people attend convention that had never attended a convention before.

Next years convention will return to a four-day format and will be held in Wooster, Ohio, from June 21 to 24.

The National Guernsey Convention was the second such dairy event to visit Pennsylvania this summer. The National Holstein Convention was held in Lancaster in late June.

The World Guernsey Conference came to Lancaster in 2019.

Along with leading this years national convention, the Baker family also received the Dairy of Distinction award this year.

Baker first applied two years ago, but the farm missed out because renovations to an on-site bed-and-breakfast reduced the curb appeal.

This time, with the renovations complete, the farm was chosen.

I have always, since I was young, admired the Dairy of Distinction recipients, and Mike (has) as well, Baker said. Its an award that, certainly, Mike and I received, but its something that we cant do without our family.

Baker said she was happy to see the Dairy of Distinction sign placed at her farm. Many people will see it when they stay at the B&B or the farms sunflower maze, which is open for its second season.

Its all about promoting dairy, Baker said. Everything that we do now in our business is about promoting dairy, and not just our dairy.

A lot of the agritourism visitors come from out of state. Baker knows those people probably wont be frequent customers of the farm, but she thinks giving them a good experience on a dairy farm could shape their purchasing habits in the future, benefiting the dairy industry as a whole.

Its amazing how many people come and do a tour and say I cant believe how clean it is, Baker said. Thats not good that they think that dairies arent clean, and that were not producing good food from them.

Baker thinks many farmers take for granted their ability to be on a farm every day.

The number of people last year that thanked us for opening our farm to them was truly amazing, she said.

Though many of the consumers that come onto the farm wont know what the Dairy of Distinction sign means, it could open the door for conversation.

We know were doing a good job, and people in our industry know were doing a good job, Baker said. We were really thrilled, really honored to get that.
A former White House doctor shared his prediction that U.S. President Joe Biden will resign from his post due to limited cognitive abilities.

Rep. Ronny Jackson from Texas said these claims during an interview with Fox's "Hannity" host Sean Hannity. The Republican lawmaker and former White House physician scrutinized the president's responses during a town hall speech, according to The Hill report.

Hannity cited the cognitive test, which former U.S. President Donald Trump took with a 30 out of 30 scores.

Jackson states that there is something serious going on with Biden right now, adding that he thinks the president is going to resign or will be convinced to vacate his post due to medical issues.

Jackson also noted that the people will have to use the 25th Amendment "to get rid of this man right now."

READ NEXT: Pres. Joe Biden Says He Does Not Care if People Think He's 'Satan Reincarnate' After Expressing Support On Bipartisan Probe of Capitol Riot

Biden Speech

Biden had mumbled some questions at his CNN town hall, which caused raised eyebrows from journalists and critics, according to a Mediaite report.

CBS News White House beat reporter Kathryn Watson tweeted that there should be a drinking game for every time that Biden said "all kidding aside," "I'm not joking," and "I'm being serious."

Donald Trump Jr. did not let the opportunity pass to take a jab on Biden's gaffes. He tweeted that he is thrilled that Biden is in charge of the free world, with a flushed emoji.

The Republican National Committee's RNC Research Twitter handle tweeted that Biden struggles to keep his thoughts straight when talking about vaccines.

The Republicans said that the American people deserve full transparency on the mental capabilities of their highest elected leader, according to a New York Post report.

Jackson said that he has been saying it is only going to get worse, adding that right now people are watching that happen right before their eyes.

Biden had misspoken when talking about the vaccines' effectiveness against the Delta variant.

Biden's Health

Dr. Kevin O'Connor had released a three-page medical summary of the president's health on July 23 at the request of his patient.

The report had described the president as "healthy and vigorous." It also stated that he is fit to successfully execute the duties of his work, according to an NBC News report.

There has been no notable change in the president's medical history. In the late 1980s, Biden had survived two brain aneurysms, one did not rupture.

The president is taking blood thinners, medication for acid reflux, cholesterol, and seasonal allergies.

O'Connor has been Biden's main physician since 2009. He had also released the results of the president's most recent physical exam.

Biden's notable good health can be attributed to his decision not to smoke, drink, and commit to having an exercise routine at least five days per week.

In May, the White House has vowed that the more updated medical report will be released soon.

White House spokesman Andrew Bates said that the president is planning to have a checkup later this year, with reassurances that the results will be made public.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden, a 'Direct Beneficiary' of His Son Hunter Biden's Foreign Deals, Says Head of Government Accountability Institute

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Mary Webber

WATCH: Ex-White House Physician Ronny Jackson urges cognitive test for Biden| US | WION English News| World - from WION






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High demand found among farmers to rent planter that preserves topsoil

Eric Lindquist / Photo by Eric Lindquist Greg Leonard, land conservation manager for the Eau Claire County Land Conservation Division, shows off a no till drill at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. The county began renting the drill, which preserves topsoil, in 2020.

EAU CLAIRE  Eau Claire County officials are making it easier for farmers to save the earth  specifically the topsoil that covers their land.

The county is doing that by making a no-till drill available for farmers to rent. The equipment enables farmers to plant seeds with minimal disturbance of the topsoil.

By following that practice, farmers are better able to preserve their topsoil, which can minimize runoff and improve water quality.

After receiving several requests from farmers to start a no-till equipment rental program, the county used grants and donations to acquire a 10-foot-wide Great Plains drill in 2020 for $36,500, said Greg Leonard, land conservation manager for the Eau Claire County Land Conservation Division.

We were able to purchase it using zero tax levy dollars, said Leonard, who displayed the equipment and promoted the rental program at last weeks Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Eau Claire County.

Officials determined the investment would be worthwhile if Eau Claire County farmers used the technology on at least 500 acres a year. Its popularity has exceeded expectations, pleasing Land Conservation Division staff.

Last year we hit 560 acres, and were over 600 acres already this year, Leonard said, noting that the upcoming fall planting season should yield 40% of the annual usage.

Farmers have rented the no-till device almost every day since spring planting began, he said.

One of those customers, Steve Strey, already owns a no-till corn planter and has been switching his farm over to as much no-till as possible in recent years.

The program made it easy for Strey to try no-till for planting grains, soybeans and cover crops as well on the roughly 950 acres he farms near Foster.

Im glad the county has it available. It gives people a chance to try a modern technology, he said. I like it because it causes very minimal soil disturbance.

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that continuous no-till had been adopted on only 21% of all cultivated land in the United States even though the practice can save time and money compared with conventional tillage.

The goal of using no-till operation, a method that has been around since the 1980s, is to leave the ground as undisturbed as possible.

We all have our existence dependent on the fact that theres 12 inches of topsoil and that it rains, Leonard said. Protecting the soil is a way to protect the earth and protect us.

He pointed out that topsoil helps filter groundwater and prevent surface runoff, which can carry nutrients into lakes and streams and lead to harmful algae blooms.

Eau Claire County, which followed a few other regional counties into the no-till rental business, charges a fee of $50 per day plus $8 per acre seeded for the drill.

Leonard said the rental program allows some farmers to use the soil conservation method who otherwise might not be able to afford to buy the equipment on their own.

Now that rental program helped Strey prove the technology worked on his land, he said he can justify buying a no-till grain drill of his own.
The number of people in Irish hospitals with Covid-19 has doubled since the middle of July with Portlaoise among the hospitals admitting patients with the disease.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today, July 26, been notified of 1,345 confirmed cases of COVID-19. As of 8am today, 141 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 25 are in ICU.

The HSE began publishing daily hospital reports on Covid-19 on July 12 for the first time since the cyber attack in May.

The Daily Operations Update Acute Hospitals up to Sunday, July 25 showed that there were 137 people in hospital. There was one case in Portlaoise hospital but no critically ill patients.

The report published on July 12 shows that there were 60 people by the end of the day in Irish hospitals after being infected. Portlaoise hospital had two inpatients with the virus. MORE BELOW LINK.

Hospitals are as busy as every treating all sorts of patients. There were two available general beds by close of business on Sunday, July 25 in Portlaoise hospital which had one ICU bed available.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: We are currently experiencing high incidence of COVID-a across many counties. There has been a significant increase in hospitalization over the last fortnight.

Please continue to avoid crowded spaces, keep distance from others, keep indoor settings well ventilated by opening windows and doors, wear a mask where appropriate.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: 87% of cases today are in those aged less than 45 years. If you are awaiting your vaccine or are awaiting your second dose, continue to protect yourself by following public health advice.

Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective. Please get vaccinated as soon as you have the opportunity to do so, he said.
A man and woman have been detained by Gardai investigating a dating website fraud.

Garda HQ says officers attached to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) have arrested two people in counties Tipperary and Dublin as part of an ongoing investigation into romance fraud.

"During the course of this investigation, it was established that a man based in the east of the country, was defrauded of 28,000 on a dating website.

"The money was laundered through the accounts of two persons based in Tipperary and Dublin. The mans bank account was also used to launder the proceeds of a separate invoice redirect fraud, perpetrated upon an Irish based company," said a statement.

Gardai added that last Thursday, July 22, a man, aged in his 20s, was arrested and detained at Tipperary Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He was later released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

They added that a woman, aged in her 40s, was arrested in Dublin on Monday, July 26 for alleged offences contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. She was detained in Finglas Garda Station under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. A vehicle was also seized during the arrest operation.

Gardai concluded that investigations were ongoing.
The water is back on again for some 1,000 households in Portlaoise who suffered a week of dry nights, but it may yet be cut off again.

Householders in Portlaoise resorted to buying bottled water to flush toilets and take showers, after water restrictions were unexpectedly extended during the heatwave.

The public water supply had been turned off nightly from Sunday July 18 to Friday July 23, hitting Portlaoise homes from 10pm to 6am and then from 8am to the next morning. The restriction included many housing estates along the Mountmellick Road and Ridge road area right out to Kyletalesha.

The only warning and updates were given via Irish Water's website.

Customers shared their anger in an online discussion, complaining that they had to use bottled water in toilets and showers.

The restrictions were halted by last Friday July 23 as the reservoirs had filled back up from the eight underground wells in Coolbanagher that serve the town.

Irish Water says there will now be no further restrictions for the rest of this week.

Cllr Dwane Stanley raised the issue at Monday's Laois County Council meeting, demanding that Irish Water answer to councillors.

People were going to work with no water and coming home with no water, no sanitation. The difficulty I have is the lack of communication from Irish Water, she said.

She thanked the council's water staff for their daily updates to her which she then passed on to residents.

Irish Water is funded by the taxpayer including residents but they feel they have no responsibility to us. To this day I have received no communication, that is not acceptable, she said.

It's claimed that the shortage is down to a lack of wells to supply the rapidly growing town. Eight wells supply 8,000 cubic metres of water per day to Portlaoise but in mid July demand rose to 8,800, forcing a decision to turn off water at night to prevent the whole town from running dry.

The Mountmellick side has the most households and so was chosen.

Director Simon Walton said that 200,000 was approved by Irish Water on June 9 to connect to one of three new wells bored and ready for the town in Coolbanagher, Emo.

Work began on June 10 and will be complete in mid to late September. However he did not rule out more water restrictions before that, depending on demand.

"It is a possibility depending on the weather that there may be further restrictions between now and Spetmeber. We have already made recommendations to Irish Water that two additional boreholes need to be brought to bear for Portlaoise," the director of services said.
A member of the Reserve Defence Forces has brought a High Court challenge against the decision to dismiss him on the grounds that he is a risk to national security.

The action has been brought by marketing executive Kealan Harrington, who strongly denies being a risk to national security.

He believes that his dismissal is linked to his role as public spokesperson for the family of Aaron Brady, the man convicted and jailed last year for the murder of Garda Adrian Donoghue.

The High Court heard on Monday that Mr Harrington joined the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) in 2014. A year later he joined the Permanent Defence Forces, but left shortly afterwards.

In 2019 he re-enlisted in the RDF, and was subject to security vetting and security analysis.

He claims that last April following a meeting with three officers he was told he was being discharged as his services were no longer required and that he was a security risk to the State

He claims that despite making a request to be furnished with information concerning the reasons for his discharge, nothing has been provided to him.

He claims that his discharge is unlawful and was made in breach of natural and constitutional justice.

Mr Harrington from Ballintemple, Co Cork also claims the manner of his discharge contravenes Defence Force Regulations. He claims he was given no notice of the fact he was being discharged.

At the meeting with his superiors in April he claims that was denied the chance to make his case, and has been denied a fair hearing, and he has been dismissed without any proper agreed process whatsoever.

His appeal against the decision was also dismissed.

In judicial review proceedings against the Minister for Defence, Ireland and the Attorney General Mr Harrington seeks an order quashing the decision, made effective on May 17th last, to discharge him from the Reserve Defence Forces.

Represented by David Geoghegan Bl, Mr Harrington also seeks an order remitting the purported discharge to the Minister to be determined in law and in accordance with regulations applicable to members of the Reserve Defence Forces.

Counsel said Mr Harrington was never been told in advance what the April meeting was about, nor has he ever been presented with the reasons or grounds for asserting that he is a security risk to the state.

Counsel said that following an exchange of correspondence between Mr Harrington's solicitors and the Defence Forces his client was informed that the decision to dismiss him arose out of an incident at the gate of Collins Barracks, Cork last October.

He said that when passing the gate, he asked the guard on duty when the gym and training sessions, halted due to Covid-19 restrictions would re-start.

He said he was asked for his military ID, but did not have any. He was kept there until an Officer attended and asked him why he was attempting to gain access.

Counsel said his client believes that incident arose due to 'a misunderstanding.'

Counsel said Mr Harrington was subsequently brought in for a meeting with the Military Police over the incident.

Mr Harrington said he was not initially told why the meeting was called, but claims he was eventually told that it was part of a disciplinary process.

Counsel said that arising out the incident at the gate his client was wrongly accused of trying to impersonate an officer.

Mr Harrington filed a complaint over that incident, which he says was dismissed by a superior officer.

Counsel said his client believes that Mr Harrington's decision to act as a spokesperson for the family of convicted murderer Aaron Brady is the reason for his discharge from the RDF.

Mr Harrington said that following an approach by a friend he is developing an online campaign to help the Brady family. They claim that Brady, who is appealing his conviction, is innocent of Garda Donohoe's murder.

His involvement in this campaign was never mentioned to him by the Defence Forces. Mr Harrington feels it may have influenced the decision to dismiss him as a security risk.

The matter came before Mr Justice Charles Meenan, who on an ex-parte basis, directed that the application for permission to bring the challenge be made on notice to the respondents.

The matter will return before the Court in November.
A LIMERICK restaurant has given a brutally honest reason for not opening to indoor diners this Monday - they can't be arsed asking for all the information!

Annette Do, manager of Zweton on the Father Russell Road, wrote a humorous post on Facebook that has got a big reaction.

"Open for Takeaway. We are not currently open for dine in as we cant be arsed asking ye all for all the information right now. Its a bit weird!! We will open soon. Best luck to all the brave souls that are opening."

Annette stresses that it is very much tongue in cheek, and a bit of fun, and in no way wishes to insult businesses that can't open or have closed.

She said she was "flummoxed" by the regulations in their current guise and wouldn't be the most tech savvy. But Annette and all the staff are looking forward to welcoming back customers indoors in the near future.

One person commented underneath, "Brilliant I am crying from laughing - fair play".

While another said: "This is the funniest post, well done to all in team Zweton Fr Russell Rd."
Larry Chen, the former school teacher who became one of the worlds richest people, has lost his billionaire status as China cracks down on its private education sector.

Chen, the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Gaotu Techedu Inc., is now worth $336 million, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, after shares in his online-tutoring firm plunged by almost two-thirds in New York trading on Friday on reports of the regulatory overhaul.

On Saturday, China released new regulations that ban companies that teach school curriculums from making profits, raising capital or going public. Its the latest blow for Chen, who has shed more than $15 billion in wealth since late January as Gaotus stock tumbled.

Gaotu will comply with the regulations and fulfill social responsibilities," Chen said in a statement on Weibo, a Chinese Twitter-like service, late on Saturday night.

Chen wasnt the only one who saw his wealth plunge.

TAL Education Group CEO Zhang Bangxins fortune fell by $2.5 billion to $1.4 billion after the companys shares plunged 71% in New York on Friday. New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. Chairman Yu Minhong also lost his billionaire status, shedding $685 million and leaving him with a stake value of $579 million after the firm sank 54%.

Both companies released similar statements vowing to comply with the new rules. Gaotu, TAL and New Oriental didnt immediately respond to requests for comment on the wealth declines.

Its the latest chapter in a spectacular rise and fall for Chen, who founded Gaotu, formerly called GSX, in 2014 and saw the stock rise more than 13-fold from its debut in 2019 through a Jan. 27 high.

But Gaotus shares have since lost 98% of their value, buffetted also by the implosion of an investor, Bill Hwangs Archegos Capital Management.

Hwangs family office had built highly leveraged positions in Gaotu and other firms using swaps. When some of those stocks fell, banks demanded collateral that Hwang was unable to provide, so they offloaded large blocks of Gaotu and other shares. Gaotu plunged as much as 56% in one day.

The company disclosed in September that it was being investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and short sellers including Carson Blocks Muddy Waters questioned the firms business.

Chinas harshest-ever curbs on its $100 billion private-tutoring and online education sector have hit investors from Tiger Global Management to Temasek Holdings Pte, with platforms losing the ability to go public, depriving their backers of exits, and foreign capital being banned from the sector.

The overhaul will also weigh on leading industry players over the next several years, Catherine Lim, a senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, wrote in a note Sunday, referring to New Oriental and TAL.

Operating losses can only worsen," she said.

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The Centre is expected to soon roll out certain provisions of the new education policy (NEP), including the four-year undergraduate courses with multiple entry and exit options, a multidisciplinary course structure, digital repository and academic credit bank, almost one year after the policy was launched.

The higher education regulator has written to institutions, colleges and universities to submit their action-taken reports at the earliest, in view of the rising criticism that little action has been taken since the policy was launched, two government officials said requesting anonymity.

Soon after taking charge of the ministry, Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed the NEPs progress and the ministry is likely to make some announcement as the policy turns one on 29 July.

NEP has several provisions, but the ones that are likely to be rolled out soon are academic bank of credit, digital repository and multidisciplinary education at the university level. Authorities from a few states, including Assam and Uttarakhand, have discussed the NEP implementation plan with the new minister," said one of the two officials.

The multiple entry and exit system and academic bank of credit are interlinked, and is being targeted to be implemented for the 2021-22 academic year. Whether this will be done first in central varsities and then across India is yet to be finalized," the second official said.

The entry and exit system allows a candidate to join a course and take a break after, say, one or two years, while the credits earned will be deposited on a digital platformthe academic bank. The student will be free to work for a few years and join the classroom to pursue his/her education from where he/she left the course.

The second official said the education minister had taken several review meetings on the NEP in the past two weeks. On 9 July, Pradhan said his ministry caters to over 300 million students and will take everyone along while implementing policies". We had fruitful discussions on the NEP and on strengthening the education sector in Assam," Pradhan also said in a tweet on 24 July.

The first official said the University Grants Commission (UGC) has written to universities and colleges to speed up the adoption of the multidisciplinary education system and the implementation of the national digital repository.

One of the fundamental principles as envisaged in the NEP 2020, which will guide the education system, as well as individual institutions, is multidisciplinary and holistic education across disciplines in the long term, this will be the approach for all undergraduate programmes, including those in professional, technical and vocational disciplines. In view of the above, you are requested to take appropriate action for implementation of multidisciplinary and holistic education in your universities and affiliated colleges and share the initiatives taken in this regard," UGC chairman D.P. Singh wrote in a recent letter to varsities.

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Some of Germanys most senior politicians have floated the possibility of tough restrictions for unvaccinated people, or even compulsory inoculation, echoing similar sentiment throughout Europe as the delta variant spreads in the region.

The unvaccinated would have to curb contact in the event of a high level of infections in Germany and would be banned from restaurants, movie theaters and stadiums," Helge Braun, chief of staff in Angela Merkels chancellery, told Bild am Sonntag on Sunday. Those restrictions may be imposed regardless of tests, he added.

The prime minister of Baden-Wuerttemberg, the Green partys Winfried Kretschmann, told German news agency DPA that he doesnt plan to make vaccinations obligatory, but cant rule out mandatory vaccinations forever," adding that potential variants may make such a step necessary.

A total of 89 million Covid vaccine doses have been administered in Germany as of Saturday, according to data collected by Bloomberg News and Johns Hopkins University. Considering a population of 83 million, it will take one month to cover 75% of the population with a two-dose vaccine at the current rate, according Bloomberg data.

Italy will restrict many leisure activities, including dining indoors, for citizens who arent vaccinated or havent recently tested negative for the virus. In the UK, vaccine certificates could be required at business conferences, music festivals and sports events in England from September.





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Heatwaves in the US and floods in western Europe have dominated the news cycle recently, forcing us to re-examine the relationship between climate change and extreme weather. Other catastrophes are going unnoticed.

In the past week alone, 380,000 people have been evacuated due to floods in Chinas Henan province, 30 villages in Uganda were affected as rivers overflowed and 25 people died in landslides after Mumbai was hit by big storms that also inundated regions surrounding the megacity. Temperatures in Turkey and North Africa approached 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), while South Africa and Brazil froze. Siberia is battling wildfires again.

Finland experienced 31 consecutive days with maximum temperatures above 25C, the longest heatwave ever recorded in the country. Emergency rooms filled up, mostly with people suffering from dehydration and cardiac issues, local media reported.

Research shows that similar long heatwaves can lead to several hundreds of excess deaths, mostly among the elderly," said Virpi Kollanus, a researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. A 2018 heatwave is estimated to have caused about 380 deaths in Finland.

In Iran, the hottest summer in decades has led to water shortages that in turn sparked protests in the countrys southwest. At least one protester has been killed by gunfire and a policeman was shot dead during the unrest.

All these calamities are part of a constellation of extreme weather events that paint a picture of a world thats already warmed 1.2C from pre-industrial times. Theres no doubt it will get warmer.

The global climate is out of balance, German meteorologist Johannes Quaas said in an interview last week as his country reeled from floods that killed over 170 people and left hundreds missing. Our climates reaction to greenhouse gas emissions isnt immediate. The warming and resulting weather events that we see today are a reaction to emissions that entered the atmosphere decades ago.

Even if societies meet the target to reduce carbon dioxide pollution to net zero in 2050, the planet will continue to warm after that," Quaas said. The planet needs to reach a new balance and will continue to warm until it does."

Scientists estimate that, even if we meet global emissions reduction goals, some amount of warming is baked in. That will take the planet to somewhere between 1.5C to 2C above pre-industrial times by the end of the century. While their warming predictions have been correct in the past, theres no way to be absolutely sure when temperatures will stop rising, because the experiment were running on the planet has never been attempted before.

Well definitely make it to 1.5C and it will be hard to stop the warming and remain there," said Hans-Otto Portner, a professor at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research and an adviser to the German government on climate and the environment. This tells us that we havent reached the end of it. The motivation to do something about climate change only grows because we see the signs on the wall."

Death, violence and destruction are all signs of humanitys struggle to adapt to a changing climate. It seems like theres something in human mentality that makes us be behind the events, and not ahead," Portner said. Maybe thats because the nature of unprecedented events is that we cant imagine whats coming."

Laura Millan writes the Climate Report newsletter about the impact of global warming.

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Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa put speculation to rest on Monday by announcing his decision to resign. It was at an event to mark two years of his government that a teary-eyed Yediyurappa declared he would meet the state governor to step down, as he did. Nobody, he said, pressured him into it.

This could mean curtains for the political career of the four-time chief minister who at 78 is past the 75-year age limit that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has in place for such posts. He is known for his support base among Lingayats, the wooing of whom had helped the BJP make its debut in southern India as a ruling party. Of late, however, a clamour for his ouster had been growing, especially for his poor handling of the covid pandemic. Public prognostications of his exit had intensified after he met top leaders in Delhi a few days ago. As the BJP had expended much energy on taking charge of Karnataka, with its national- level opposition having joined hands against it, what the party has in mind for the state will be watched closely. Expectations of a new technocratic approach to governance, however, should be tempered with the identity calculus that the party may seek to base its electoral plans on.

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Ending months of speculation, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa today announced his decision of stepping down from the CM post.

"It has been an honour to have served the state for the past two years. I have decided to resign as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am humbled and sincerely thank the people of the state for giving me the opportunity to serve them," BS Yediyurappa said in a tweet.

It has been an honour to have served the state for the past two years. I have decided to resign as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am humbled and sincerely thank the people of the state for giving me the opportunity to serve them. (1/2)  B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) July 26, 2021

"I am grateful to PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah & BJP chief JP Nadda for giving me the opportunity to serve Karnataka for two years. I also thank the people of Karnataka & my constituency," BS Yediyurappa said in another tweet.

The announcement was widely anticipated but Yediyurappa kept everyone guessing till yesterday.

BS Yediyurappa broke down today as he spoke at the two-year anniversary of his government.

Amid speculation about leadership change in Karnataka and the exit of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, the names of several leaders have been doing the rounds for the key post.

The Panchamasali Lingayat community has been demanding the chief ministerial post for several months.

For the last two weeks, the demand for a Dalit Chief Minister has also increased in BJP. Dalit leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol and B Sriramulu are also in the race to become the next chief minister.

Last month, some BJP MLAs had demanded that Yediyurappa must step down as chief minister. State Tourism Minister CP Yogeeshwara in a statement had said that instead of the Chief Minister, his son has been ruling and controlling the Ministries of Karnataka.

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Tigers are giants of the cat family. (Image credit: Yudik Pradnyana via Getty Images)

Big cats are found all over the planet, and each species is unique, from the elusive snow leopards that stalk wild sheep in the mountains of Afghanistan to the lions that face off against wildebeest in sub-Saharan Africa.

There are many strong contenders for the giant cat crown, but two ferocious felines stand head and shoulders above the rest. From smallest to largest, here are the nine biggest cats living in the wild today.

9. Clouded leopards

Clouded leopards are excellent tree climbers. (Image credit: Arun Roisri via Getty Images)

Clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) are not leopards (Panthera pardus), as their common name suggests, but a separate species of cat, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo. They are smaller in stature than leopards and other big cats. Clouded leopards can grow up to 3.4 feet (1 meter) long and weigh up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms), according to the San Diego Zoo.

The clouded leopard population extends from Nepal, through Southeast Asia, and into China. However, their population is fragmented and declining due to human activity such as deforestation and illegal hunting, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They eat a variety of prey including slow loris (a species of small primates), and small deer.

Related: Clouded leopard declared extinct in Taiwan

8. Lynx

Eurasian Lynx are the largest species of lynx. (Image credit: Javier Fernandez Sanchez via Getty Images)

Lynx are wild cats with black tufts of fur on their ears and short stumpy tails. They are found in North America, Europe and Asia. Bobcats (Lynx rufus), the smallest of the four lynx species, are only about twice the size of a domestic house cat but other lynx can be much bigger. The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is the largest lynx species and can be 4.3 feet (1.3 m) long and weigh up to 79 pounds (36 kg), according to the University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web (ADW). Lynx eat a variety of prey across their range including rodents, birds and deer.

Related: These two angry, yelling lynx are probably fighting about sex

7. Snow leopards

Snow leopards are well suited to life in the snow. (Image credit: Jeff Wendorff via Getty Images)

Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are elusive cats that live in the mountains of central Asia, including Afghanistan and China, according to the Snow Leopard Trust, a nonprofit conservation organization working to protect snow leopards. Like the clouded leopard, snow leopards have "leopard" in their name but they are not leopards, which are a separate species. Snow leopards are however in the same Panthera genus as leopards and other big cats, such as lions (Panthera leo), because they are closely related. Snow leopards grow up to 4.3 feet (1.3 m) long from head to rump but their tails can add another 3.3 feet (1m) to their total body length. They can weigh up to 120 pounds (54 kg).

Snow leopards prefer to hunt wild sheep, such as Bharal, and other cliff-dwelling species. However, human activity has reduced their habitat and prey, so the big cats will sometimes take domestic livestock, such as goats. This brings the cats into conflict with local herders who depend on their livestock and kill leopards in retaliation, Live Science previously reported.

Related: Rare treat: 3 snow leopards frolic and snuggle on camera

6. Cheetahs

Cheetahs can outrun any animal on land. (Image credit: Kerstin Meyer/Getty)

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are the fastest land animals on Earth and can run up to 70 mph (112 km/h). They are sizable cats, capable of growing 7.5 feet (2.3 m) long, including their tail. Cheetahs normally weigh between 75 and 125 pounds (34 to 57 kg), according to the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

Cheetahs are mainly found in northern, eastern and southern Africa. They also live in Asia but the species is almost extinct there except for a small population in Iran. They usually eat small to medium-sized prey, including gazelles.

Giant cheetahs once roamed the Earth, and were much larger than the cheetahs alive today. In 2011, scientists discovered fossils at a 1.8 million-year-old site in the Republic of Georgia belonging to an extinct cheetah species called Acinonyx pardinensis, which was estimated to weigh about 220 pounds (110 kg), Live Science previously reported.

Related: Cheetahs are racing toward extinction

5. Pumas

Pumas go by many names. (Image credit: J. T. Chapman/Shutterstock.com)

Pumas (Puma concolor) are the most widespread big cat in the Americas and go by many other names including cougar, mountain lion and panther. They can be found from southern Alaska and Canada in the western half of North America, to southern Chile at the bottom of South America, according to Panthera, a cat conservation organization. Their range used to be much greater but they were wiped out of the eastern half of North America by humans, except for a small population that still resides in Florida. Many puma populations are also suspected to be declining in Central and South America due to threats like habitat loss and illegal poaching, although their status in these regions is largely unknown, according to Panthera.

The U.S. Forest Service states that pumas can be more than 8 feet (2.4 m) long, including their tails, and weigh between 130 and 150 pounds (59 and 68 kg). However, some pumas can grow even bigger, and weigh up to 220 pounds (100 kg), according to The National Wildlife Federation, a U.S. nonprofit conservation organization. Pumas hunt small, medium and large prey across their range. In North America, they mostly eat deer, according to the IUCN.

Related: Condors drive cougars to kill more

4. Leopards

There are many subspecies of leopard including the critically endangered Amur leopard. (Image credit: Getty/Shaun Johnson)

Leopards are stealthy and powerful spotted predators ranging through parts of Africa and Asia. They usually grow up to 6.2 feet (1.9 m) long, excluding their tails, which can add another 3.3 feet (1 m). They can also weigh up to 165 pounds (75 kg), according to the San Diego Zoo.

Leopards are sometimes attacked and killed by other large cats that see them as competition for food, including lions in Africa and tigers in Asia. To avoid this, leopards often hunt at different times and places than these other predators, according to ADW. Leopards usually eat medium-sized prey, including small antelope and gazelles.

Related: Leopards might have walked alongside Neanderthals

3. Jaguars

Jaguars are strong swimmers. (Image credit: Photo by James Keith via Getty Images)

Jaguars (Panthera onca) are the largest big cat in the Americas. They live in North, Central and South America but most reside in the Amazon rainforest, according to the IUCN. Jaguars are occasionally spotted close to the Mexican border in the U.S., but for the most part humans have eliminated the big cats from their historical northern range, which included Arizona and New Mexico.

Jaguars grow to be 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) long without their tails and up to 9 feet (2.7 m) long with their tails. They can weigh up to almost 350 pounds (158 kg), according to Panthera. Jaguars predate on a variety of animals across their range including deer, monkeys and fish.

Related: Jaguar kills another predatory cat in never-before-seen footage

2. Lions

Male lions are known for their great manes. (Image credit: Maggy Meyer/Shutterstock)

Lions are the second-largest cat species in the world and are often called the "king of beasts" or "king of the jungle." They are the most social cats and live in groups called prides. Male lions are bigger than females and have luxurious hairy manes. The males can reach 10 feet (3 m) long, including their tails, and weigh up to 550 pounds (250 kg), according to the National Zoo.

Lion populations are decreasing but they can be found in most sub-Saharan African countries, such as Botswana, Tanzania and the Central African Republic. There is also an isolated population of Asiatic lions living in northwest India, according to the IUCN. Lions mainly eat medium to large-sized prey including antelope and zebra.

Related: Small terrapin outsmarts young lion in wild video

1. Tigers

Tigers are an endangered species. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Tigers (Panthera tigris) are the biggest species of cat. These iconic, striped felines also grow up to 10 feet (3 m) long like lions, but tigers are heavier and can weigh up to 660 pounds (300 kg), according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). That's three times heavier than the heaviest puma.

Tigers mainly live in the forests of tropical Asia, including India and Indonesia, although they can also be found in colder climates in the far east of Russia and the mountains of Bhutan, according to the IUCN. They sit at the top of the food chain and hunt animals such as deer and wild pigs.

Tigers used to have a far greater range and a much larger population but their numbers have fallen significantly in the last 100 years due to human activity, such as poaching and habitat loss. There are only about 3,900 tigers left in the wild today, according to Panthera.

Related: There are more 'pet' tigers than there are in the wild. How did that happen?
Military personnel float on a boat on the Ahr River in Rech, Germany, on July 21, after devastating floods hit the region. (Image credit: Photo by Christof Stache/AFP via Getty Images)

As nations around the world are still recovering from recent record-breaking heat and floods that claimed hundreds of lives, an international team of experts is preparing a new report on climate change .

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) convened Monday (July 26), and will release the new climate "report card" on Aug. 9.

One area of interest in the report will be extreme weather, such as relentless heat waves, raging wildfires and deadly flooding. Such events are increasing in both frequency and severity, and can be traced to significant warming in the Arctic , "which has had an impact on the dynamics of the atmosphere in the whole Northern Hemisphere," Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, said at the ceremony.

Related: 10 signs that Earth's climate is off the rails

This report will be the first of three such documents, which are compiled by more than 1,000 scientists assessing existing studies and data to determine how climate change is affecting the planet and to recommend strategies for policymakers, U.N. Foundation representatives said in a statement (the U.N. Foundation is a charitable organization that supports U.N. causes and projects, according to the foundation's website ).

Their findings are then presented to working groups of climate experts, who produce the three IPCC reports. The Aug. 9 report will address scientific evidence of climate change worldwide, covering drivers for rising land and sea surface temperatures; disappearing sea ice; sea level rise and acidification; and an increase in extreme weather events.

Other working groups will produce two more reports  one will be released in February 2022 and the other in March 2022  evaluating climate change's impacts and risks and recommending options for climate-mitigating policies and economic plans, according to the statement.

In recent years, the IPCC's assessments and reports "have been foundational to our understanding of climate change, the severe and growing risks it poses throughout the world, and the urgent need for action to address it," Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, said at the opening ceremony.

Vanishing glaciers and melting sea ice are strikingly visible examples of how climate change is currently reshaping Earth's surface. There is also accumulating evidence of climate change fueling extreme weather, such as wildfires , droughts and floods. Recent studies have also demonstrated that climate change is making storms wetter and more powerful, Live Science previously reported .

"This upcoming report should serve as a catalyst for countries to act swiftly by demonstrating the severity of current impacts and the opportunity to solve the climate crisis  but only if we act now," Pete Ogden, the U.N. Foundation's vice president for energy, climate and the environment, said in the statement.

Originally published on Live Science.
A nurse fills a syringe with COVID-19 vaccine in Reading, Pennsylvania. (Image credit: Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)

More than 50 U.S. medical groups, representing millions of health care professionals, are calling for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for all health and long-term care workers, according to news reports.

On Monday (July 26), 57 medical organizations  including the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics  released a joint statement urging such vaccine requirements, The Washington Post reported .

A vaccination mandate "is the logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all health care workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and well-being," the statement said .

The statement noted that cases of COVID-19 are spiking in the U.S. again as more transmissible coronavirus variants , including the delta variant , spread throughout the country.

"Vaccination is the primary way to put the pandemic behind us and avoid the return of stringent public health measures," the statement said.

Health care workers were among the first groups of Americans to be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations after the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in December 2020. Still, by the end of May 2021, an estimated 25% of hospital workers who had come into contact with patients had not been vaccinated, according to the Post. Additionally, as of mid-July, 38% of nursing home workers had not been fully vaccinated, the Post reported.

The statement signatories hope the policy sets an example for employers across the country, including those outside the health care industry.

"One of the things that resonated with people is, 'Look, we're the medical community. This is a health problem. We need to lead  and we need to have the courage of our convictions,'" Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, a bioethicist at the University of Pennsylvania who organized the joint statement, told the Post.

Still, less than 9% of U.S. hospitals have mandated COVID-19 vaccination, with some facilities worried about lawsuits, the Post reported. After the Texas-based Houston Methodist hospital system issued a COVID-19 vaccination mandate in April, former staff sued the hospital, but a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit.

Overall, nearly 70% of U.S adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 60% have been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Originally published on Live Science.
The meteor, travelling up to 43200 miles per hour, lit up the night sky as if it were daytime.

The meteor, traveling up to 43,200 mph, lit up the night sky as if it were daytime. (Image credit: Norwegian Meteor Network)

The hunt for fragments of an "unusually large meteor " that lit up the skies over Norway on 25 July has begun. The meteor awakened awestruck residents of the country's capital city, Oslo, with the sound of a large explosion.

Footage shows the fireball from the meteor streaking across the sky in a trail of bright flashes at around 1 a.m. local time Sunday morning before it landed somewhere in a forest near Oslo.

The rumbling of the meteor startled numerous residents and led to calls to Norwegian emergency services, though no injuries or damage have been reported yet, the Norwegian police said.

Related: Space-y tales: The 5 strangest meteorites

The Norwegian Meteor Network (NMN), a group that monitors meteor activity in the country, has analyzed video footage of the extraplanetary visitor's trajectory to pinpoint its landing site, which the group believes to be somewhere in Finnemarka forest, located 40 miles (60 kilometers) from Oslo.

"My wife and I heard a loud rumbling noise and saw two powerful flashes of light," Morten Bilet, a meteorite collector and an NMN member, told Verdens Gang , a Norwegian newspaper. "It's definitely a large meteor that has come in over eastern Norway. This is a big deal."

The meteor was traveling up to 43200 miles per hour (72000 km per hour) and lit up the sky for five to six seconds, according to the NMN. The meteor's pressure wave also caused a strong gust of wind, the group said.

Experts have pinpointed the landing site of the meteorite remnants to a nearby forest. (Image credit: Norwegian Meteor Network)

Bilet told Reuters news agency that the meteor was deflected to Earth when it hit our solar system's asteroid belt while traveling between Mars and Jupiter, but further details about the otherworldly arrival remain elusive.

"With an object of this size, it's nearly impossible to get an overview of absolutely everything," Bilet said. "It would have been easier had it had a steeper course. We don't know yet whether it was a rock or an iron meteorite. From experience, it's more likely to be a rock, but we can't draw conclusions yet." Stone or rock meteorites tend to have formed on the surface or crust of a planet or large asteroid, whereas iron ones come from the planet or asteroid's core.

The NMN conducted a search for fragments from the meteor Sunday morning and into the afternoon. The group suspects that, given the tough-to-find location somewhere in the middle of a forest, any meteorite fragments could take up to 10 years to discover.

Meteors are small chunks of space rock that can be as small as grains of sand or as large as boulders roughly 3 feet (1 meter) wide and are scattered throughout the solar system. Much like bigger space rocks, called asteroids, they are leftovers from the formation of the planets.

The blazing rock that rumbled and flashed above Oslo was a special type of meteor called a "fireball" meteor, defined as any meteor emitting light of an intensity equal to or greater than that of Venus in the night sky, according to the American Meteor Society (AMS).

Fireballs burn brightly because of their size and speed  which creates a significant amount of friction when the rocks hit Earth's atmosphere. As the space rocks enter the atmosphere at speeds far exceeding the sound barrier, they also cause a sonic boom, which is likely the cause of the explosion heard by Oslo residents. Several thousand fireball meteors enter Earth's atmosphere every day, but most go unnoticed because they're not bright enough to see with the naked eye or they pass over uninhabited areas, according to the AMS.

One fireball meteor was witnessed passing over England, Wales and northern France in March 2021, Live Science previously reported. In the same month, a meteor the size of a bowling ball exploded over Vermont with the force of 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of TNT, Live Science previously reported.

The most explosive meteor event in recent history occurred near Chelyabinsk in central Russia in 2013. As the meteor struck the atmosphere, it created a blast roughly equivalent to 400-500 kilotons of TNT, or 26 to 33 times the energy released by the Hiroshima bomb. Fireballs rained down over Chelyabinsk and its environs, damaging buildings, smashing windows and injuring approximately 1,200 people.

Originally published by Live Science.
Michelangelo reportedly sculpted this wax figurine, titled "A Slave," in the 16th century. (Image credit: Victoria and Albert Museum/BBC Two)

A 500-year-old wax sculpture attributed to Michelangelo might hold the famed Renaissance artist's fingerprint, a new analysis finds.

Michelangelo reportedly created the wax sculpture as a study for a larger sculpture he planned for St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, according to a statement from BBC Two , which just released the new season of "Secrets of the Museum" featuring the figurine. However, the larger sculpture was never completed, and now the model belongs to the Victoria and Albert Museum, or the V&A, in London.

Called "A Slave," the wax figurine had been on display, but curators moved it from an upper-level gallery during the unusually warm spring in 2020 to a cooler storage area when the museum temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic , according to The Times . Five months later, curators checked up on the figurine in storage, and they noticed a never-before-seen fingerprint or thumbprint on the sculpture's derriere.

Related: 11 hidden secrets in famous works of art

Perhaps the changing temperatures and humidity levels modified the figurine's wax composition, which made the print more apparent, art scholars told the Times. Given that Michelangelo reportedly created the sculpture, it's possible that the fingerprint is his.

"It is an exciting prospect that one of Michelangelo's prints could have survived in the wax," Peta Motture, a senior curator at the V&A, said in the statement. "Such marks would suggest the physical presence of the creative process of an artist. It is where mind and hand somehow come together."

Michelangelo destroyed many of his wax models before he died, Motture said. In fact, just before his death at age 88 in Rome in 1564, Michelangelo had many of his drawings and papers burned in two bonfires; he had other drawings burned in 1518, according to The New York Times . It's unknown why he ordered his work burned, but renaissance biographer Giorgio Vasari opined that maybe Michelangelo didn't want people to know the supreme effort he put into his work, as he wanted to appear as a genius whose work was perfect. Or, perhaps Michelangelo burned his work to prevent plagiarism, The New York Times reported.

Because so much of Michelangelo's work was destroyed, "a fingerprint would be a direct connection with the artist," Motture said.

A magnified view of the finger or thumbprint on the figurine's hiney. (Image credit: Victoria and Albert Museum/BBC Two)

That said, many of Michelangelo's masterpieces  including the paintings on the Sistine Chapel and the statues of Pieta and David  are on display for the public.

While in Florence, Italy, Michelangelo made the 7-inch-tall (17.6 centimeters) figurine with the fingerprint, some time between 1516 and 1519. Later, he used the figurine as a model to create the marble statue "Young Slave," which is unfinished. This larger statue was designed for the tomb of Pope Julius II. But the design for the pope's tomb was later changed, and so now the unfinished statue  which has a few differences from the earlier model  sits at the Accademia gallery in Florence, according to the V&A .

"A Slave" was acquired in 1854 by the Museum of Ornamental Art at Marlborough House, which later became the V&A. In 1924, a member of the public fell and knocked over the figurine, smashing its limbs, The Telegraph reported . The museum carefully pieced it back together, and did a "pretty amazing" repair job, Victoria Oakley, a conservator at the V&A, told The Telegraph. But after the accident, additives that the artist, presumably Michelangelo, imbibed in the wax began to seep out, which created a dark spot on the surface, she said.

To check the claim that the finger or thumb print on the figurine's rear is really Michelangelo's, V&A staff plan to compare it with a fingerprint on a 1530 terracotta statue known as " Two Wrestlers ," which is known to have a fingerprint from Michelangelo, the Times reported.

The BBC Two documentary "Secrets Of The Museum" first aired July 20 and will run for the next six weeks.

Originally published on Live Science.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Nerve damage and a buildup of immune cells in the cornea may be a sign of "long COVID," a long-term syndrome that emerges in some people after COVID-19 infection, a new study suggests.

These preliminary results will need to be verified in a larger group of people with long COVID, or COVID-19 long-haulers, as they're known, an expert told Live Science. But the findings do hint at something scientists already suspected: Some symptoms of long COVID emerge due to peripheral nerve damage, she said.

COVID-19 long-haulers experience a wide range of symptoms, and a large proportion report neurological problems, including headache, numbness in the body, loss of smell and "brain fog," or trouble thinking and concentrating, Live Science previously reported . This constellation of symptoms hints that long COVID may partly arise from damage to nerve cells in the body, said senior author Dr. Rayaz Malik, a professor of medicine and consultant physician at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar in Doha.

Related: 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history

Specifically, preliminary evidence suggests that long COVID may involve damage to small nerve fibers  thin wires that branch off of specific nerve cells in the body and relay sensory information about pain, temperature and itchiness, among other sensations to the central nervous system. Small-fiber nerve cells also help control involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and bowel movements; therefore, damage to these cells can cause a wide array of symptoms.

Malik and his colleagues study small-fiber nerve loss in people with diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis ; they noticed that people with long COVID appear to share similar symptoms with these patients, so they decided to investigate the potential link.

Using a technique called corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), the team took snapshots of nerve cells in the cornea, the transparent layer of the eye that covers the pupil and iris. The team used the non-invasive procedure to count the total number of small-fiber nerve cells in the cornea, while also assessing the length and degree of branching of those fibers. In their work with other conditions, the team has found that, when you find damage in the small-fiber nerves of the cornea, that often indicates that there's similar damage elsewhere in the body. "This is like a very good barometer, almost, of nerve damage elsewhere," Malik explained.

According to the new study, published Monday (July 26) in the British Journal of Ophthalmology , people who develop neurological symptoms after a COVID-19 infection show significant small-fiber nerve loss in the cornea, compared with COVID-19 survivors without lingering neurological symptoms. What's more, the degree of nerve-fiber damage correlated with the participants' symptom severity, meaning greater nerve damage was linked to more pronounced symptoms.

The small study included 40 people who had recovered from COVID-19 between one and six months prior to their assessment; out of the full group, 29 people had recovered from COVID-19 at least three months prior. In addition to getting the corneal scan, each participant completed a survey that included questions about any neurological symptoms of long COVID.

They also filled out questionnaires about neuropathic pain, which can include numbing, prickling and burning sensations in the body, as well as muscle weakness, according to UC Davis Health . Another questionnaire helped the researchers to pinpoint the location and severity of the participants' muscle pain; it also helped flag additional symptoms like fatigue and bowel issues, the authors noted.

Of the 40 participants, 22 showed lingering neurological symptoms  including headache, dizziness and numbness  four weeks after recovering from their initial COVID-19 infections. And 13 out of the 29 who had been recovered for at least three months reported having neurological symptoms at week 12 post-infection. "It's very clear, if you look at the graphs ... people who've got the neurological symptoms definitely have a reduction" in small-fiber nerves, while the other participants don't, Malik said.

The study authors also assessed 30 healthy individuals with no history of COVID-19 infection for comparison. They found that, compared with these 30 control participants, all the COVID-19 survivors harbored a large number of immune cells on their corneas; more specifically, immune cells called dendritic cells that help inform the immune system of foreign invaders appeared in unusually high quantities.

Related: 11 surprising facts about the immune system

The people with lingering neurological symptoms showed a roughly fivefold increase in these dendritic cells, compared with the healthy controls; those without neurological symptoms showed about a twofold increase.

"So there's clearly something, there's an immune process that is still ongoing," even after the initial COVID-19 infection clears, Malik said. "So maybe there is an immune trigger that is switched on and it takes time for it to kind of settle down," he said. And in the meantime, this runaway immune response damages nerve cells.

The new study cannot prove that an immune response caused the observed nerve damage. However, the idea does align with existing evidence that most neurological damage from COVID-19 is caused by inflammation , not by the virus infecting nerve cells directly, according to a 2020 commentary in the journal Pain .

"It's not the infection, per se, it's the immune response it provokes," said Dr. Anne Louise Oaklander, an associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and assistant in pathology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, who was not involved in the new study. "Infection revs up your immune cells to start firing, to fight the enemy, and there's going to be collateral damage," she said. In this case, small-fiber nerve cells may fall victim to friendly fire.

Oaklander added that she was "excited" about the new study, as it provides evidence of small-fiber nerve damage in long COVID patients. The data are helpful to biomedical researchers, like Oaklander, who are trying to understand the causes of long COVID and how to treat the syndrome. However, for now, she said the research doesn't necessarily provide any solutions for patients.

In their paper, Malik and his colleagues suggest that corneal confocal microscopy could be used as a diagnostic tool to help identify people with long COVID  particularly those with neurological symptoms. However, currently, the technique is primarily used for research and is not widely available in clinical settings, Oaklander said.

The gold standard for assessing small-fiber nerve damage involves taking a small skin biopsy from a patient's leg and measuring the nerve endings within, she said. Doctors can screen for symptoms of nerve damage with written surveys and neurological exams, but they currently require a skin biopsy to confirm their diagnoses. For this reason, it would be helpful if future studies of long COVID patients included these skin biopsies, along with the standard questionnaires used to screen for small-fiber sensory neuropathies, Oaklander suggested. ("Neuropathy" refers to damage to the nerves that run through the body outside the brain and spinal cord.)

For now, Malik said his group plans to follow up with their initial group of 40 participants, to see how their corneal nerves and long COVID symptoms change through time. In addition, they plan to replicate their study in larger groups of patients to validate the results.

"People might say, 'Well, 40 patients isn't enough.' We agree; you need larger studies," Malik said. Assuming the results can be confirmed in larger cohorts, eventually, this line of research may provide helpful hints as to how doctors can treat long COVID, he added. Treatments for post-infectious neuropathies do exist, it's just a question of whether they'd work for long COVID patients with post-infectious small-fiber neuropathy, and if so, how they can best be applied, Oaklander said.

Originally published on Live Science.
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Ahead of the films world premiere at Locarno Film Festival, Variety has been given exclusive access to the debut trailer for Hinterland, the crime thriller from Austrian filmmaker Stefan Ruzowitzky, who won the Foreign Language Film Oscar with The Counterfeiters.

The film is a center-piece of the festival with a prestigious first weekend primetime premiere on Friday, Aug. 6 in the events iconic open-air venue, Piazza Grande. Beta Cinema, the films sales agent, is looking to close further deals out of Locarno to follow up on Cannes Pre-Screenings deals soon to be announced.

Hinterland, starring Murathan Muslu (Pelican Blood) and Liv Lisa Fries (Babylon Berlin), is set in Vienna in 1920, following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Peter Perg (Muslu) returns home from the Great War, after years of captivity, but the Vienna he comes home to is nothing like the place he once knew.

The new Austrian Republic thrives on social and artistic freedom, but anti-democratic movements and unemployment loom large. A stranger in his hometown, his life takes a turn for the worse when one of his former comrades is murdered. Suddenly the mysterious killings of veterans are mounting. Personally connected to the victims, Perg decides to bring the killer to justice.

He finds an ally in the cool-headed forensic doctor Theresa Korner (Fries), with whom he has a deeper, shared history. Their investigation leads them into the darkest corners of the city, as they confront a brutal and systematic killer and intrigues from within the police force. But when the killers net closes around Perg himself, he faces the moral dilemma of his life.

Muslus credits include Cracks in Concrete, 8 Days and Skylines. As well as Babylon Berlin, Fries stars in Christian Schwochows Munich and Counterpart. Other cast include Max von der Groeben (Fack ju Gohte, Lindenberg! and Do Your Thing), Marc Limpach (Babylon Berlin and Bad Banks) and German star Matthias Schweighofer (Resistance, 100 Things and Friendship!).

The film is a FreibeuterFilm and Amour Fou Luxembourg production in co-production with Scope Pictures in Belgium and Lieblingsfilm in Germany.

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SPOILER ALERT: Do not read until you have watched Rick and Morty Season 5, Episode 6, Rick & Mortys Thanksploitation Spectacular.

At this point in Rick and Mortys fifth season, there are now three episodes that could have easily been called Rickdependence Spray, including the space semen-filled Rickdependence Spray. A Rickconvenient Mort obviously couldve gotten the treatment solely because it actually aired on Independence Day.

And now Rick & Mortys Thanksploitation Spectacular also could have possibly been called Rickdependence Spray simply because of a Rick particular joke/line in the cold open: Alright, funs fun, but now the federal governments gonna be pissed again. Way to go. And on Americas birthday or whatever the fuck Thanksgiving is. What episode will be the next honorary Rickdependence Spray? And will that question be the only true constant in this season of Rick and Morty?

Rick & Mortys Thanksploitation Spectacular has a simple premise: Rick has to turn himself into a turkey and trick the President into giving him a presidential pardon. Or, Gobble gobble broh. Rick and Morty givin thanks in this one. Rick and Morty going down the presidential well so soon after Rickdependence Spray (an episode that is also structurally quite similar) is an interesting choice. As mentioned in the review of that previous episode, plots centering around Rick and the President have never actually been the most interesting or exciting of the series.

In fact, Rickdependence Spray possibly just put them in the realm of actively bad, which again, is why the Presidents brief in-and-out appearance in Mortiplicity actually worked. While the series has always known how to function when it comes to Rick versus the multiverse, when it comes to Rick versus a President of a United States (of which there are infinite ones), something just doesnt quite click. The President is not an interesting Morty nemesis or Rick and Morty antagonist, yet suddenly, this season is attempting to force him to be.

But maybe thats also because Rick and the President dont just f**k and get it over with, as both Summer and the Vice President both suggest. Considering the back and forth antagonism between the two, the intense desire to one-up each other, and the unspoken reasons as to why they even care so much in the first place, it seems like that is where this episode is heading. It would especially make sense, much like the turkey tracker bit that the episode keeps pointing out is important in the first half (and, of course, ends up being important).

Instead, it all just boils down to the President really loving America (despite all the secret horrors introduced in this episode) and Rick really hating America because he (unsurprisingly) hates all countries. Morty also learns a lesson about the myth of American exceptionalism here, and while its a thread that works  particularly when you compare the expendable military in this episode to the expendable military in Rickdependence Spray  there are some absolute backflips to get there. Especially considering how expendable Morty is in this episode, despite being by Ricks side every step of the way.

(Unlike in Rickdependence Spray, Beth, Jerry, and Summer are really out of the picture in this episode. And despite all of the turkeys, Thanksgiving itself is such an afterthought in this episode. The latter part at least isnt too much of an issue, considering that this is an episode airing in July, anyway.)

The episode opens with a National Treasure riff, as Rick and Morty are about to steal the United States Constitution for the purposes of revealing a secret treasure map. Morty then accidentally burns a hole through the Constitution, the Lincoln Memorial, the Liberty Bell, and the Statue of Liberty. That last one reveals a giant assassin, as apparently, It was a Trojan horse, Morty. Never trust the French.

From that point on, the war between New York City and France occurs offscreen, despite how much of an adventure that sounds, comparatively. As a result of all of this, the President immediately sends the military to the Smith house, which leads to Ricks turkey pardon plan  something that, according to the episode, Rick has done more times than he can count.

This is where the Marines (which will eventually become Turkey Marines) come in, as the show introduces their working class lives with the country soundtrack that croons, Got a pregnant girl and a pickup truck  Now its time to turn into a turkey. (Despite how much comedic mileage is gotten out of the military mens lives, the post-credits epilogue is still the most affecting scene of the entire episode, going for the jugular with its comment on the way vets are treated and PTSD instead of the joke.)

Rick and Morty become turkeys, Marines become turkeys, and then the President also becomes a turkey, as the only one who can tell that Rick and Morty have become turkeys. In the initial turkey scuffle, the President loses his tracker, which enters a different, normal turkey, and that is what drives the rest of the episode; as the Marines are returned to their human state, the normal turkey also becomes a human-hybrid version of the President.

Turkey Man, they call him, naturally. Turkey Man then has other turkeys turned into humans  into soldiers, with an increased strength of 1000% compared to humans  and gets the favor of Congress by regularly giving them raises. (That really helps them not care about France taking over New York, again, offscreen). After a short detour against a Spider F.D.R.  he was a polio guinea pig  Rick and Morty return to humanity, and Rick returns the President to the same state, with the promise of a pardon.

Because, remember, this is all about a presidential pardon. On Thanksgiving. The day when the President pardons turkeys. Thats why Rick became a turkey.

Rick and the President have to learn to work together, and they do, with the help of the poor Marines with pregnant wives and the special race of pilgrims and Native Americans (from the Crypt of the New World) who are versus turkeys. (Turkey dinosaurs were Americas original rulers. Theres a lot of Thanksgiving folklore, apparently.) Tying things back to the top of the episode, the President leads Rick and Morty to the Crypt of the New World, which is where the treasure (but not really treasure) map led to, underneath the Lincoln Memorial.

They save the day, the President pardons Rick and Morty, and still, Rick and the President do not get together. Maybe next time.

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A scripted series about Vince McMahon and his federal steroids trial is in the works from WWE and Jason Blums Blumhouse Television, Variety has learned.

Currently titled The United States of America vs. Vince McMahon, the series will be the first scripted portrayal of McMahon and many legendary figures of the WWE. Blumhouse will develop the series under the guidance of Blumhouse TV president Chris McCumber.

We have a dramatic, riveting saga  one thats crazier than fiction  that will appeal to the cross-section of Blumhouse and WWE fans, said McCumber, To say Im thrilled about collaborating again with WWE is an understatement.

McCumber worked with McMahon for years during the formers time as an executive at NBCUniversal, with whom WWE has longstanding ties. Most recently, WWE sold the exclusive streaming rights to their vast content library on WWE Network to NBCU streamer Peacock in a deal reportedly worth north of $1 billion.

McMahon has been at the helm of WWE for approximately four decades. During that time, he oversaw the expansion of the company into the dominant force in professional wrestling, bringing it to a national audience with an immense cultural impact. In addition to working behind the scenes, he began appearing onscreen as the Mr. McMahon character in the mid-1990s, famously feuding with top star Stone Cold Steve Austin among others.

1994, the U.S. government indicted McMahon for allegedly supplying anabolic steroids to WWE talent. McMahon  with his liberty at stake, two school-aged children at home and with WWE on the brink of bankruptcy  refused to take a plea deal. Ultimately, McMahon stood trial and was acquitted unanimously by a jury of his peers and went on to build the WWE into a multi-billion-dollar empire.

McMahon, WWE executive producer and chief of global television distribution Kevin Dunn, Blum, McCumber and Jeremy Gold will serve as executive producers on the project. No writer is currently attached.

Jason, Chris and their team at Blumhouse create amazing work and we look forward to delivering an inside look into one of the most pivotal moments in our companys history, said Dunn.

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Congressman Jamaal Anthony Bowman (NY-16) visited Laredo on Friday to look at how migrants are being treated locally by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and by local shelters.

According to the congressman, the conditions were deplorable for some of these people as he saw about 10 men crammed together in a small space at a CBP facility. He also saw people gathered in local shelters such as the Holding Institute and said they have stepped up efforts to help these people coming into the country.

We need to acknowledge the harm that we as a nation have caused that is contributing to what we see on the border today, Bowman said. Too often, we discuss border policy in a vacuum without acknowledging the role the U.S. has played in a global climate and political crisis which has led to mass migrant waves. As we repair these harms, and that is key, it's not only about repairing our harms here on the border but about repairing the harms in the country in which many of the immigrants are coming from.

According to Bowman, even though he is a congressman from New York, he has a close connection to the issue going on at the border as many of the people from his district are immigrants coming from other countries and have horrifying stories to share. He considers it an issue of personal importance and one he believes should focus less on enforcement and more on finding ways to solve the problems of the people in their home countries.

As we repair these harms, we should grant asylum to those currently in need, and we should implement a 21st century Marshall Plan to help rebuild Central America in the same ways we have contributed to harming it, Bowman said. The Biden administration has inherited an immigration crisis held by the Trump administrations policies rooted in xenophobia, but we know that there was xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment before Trump. We all know that.

However, I do commend President Biden for reversing all of Trumps policies and for working to reunite families and correcting his original decision to only add 15,000 refugees to raising it to 62,500, but there are still many steps that have to be taken on the issue of immigration starting with getting a reconciliation deal that includes a pathway to citizenship.

Bowman said that prior to his visit he knew the conditions were not as bad as some Republicans have stated, but he was shocked by how the shelters are doing more of the hard work as they try to house the migrants coming into the country.

I have heard many horror stories from the Republican Party about what is happening on the border, and I knew that they werent scary evil people coming across the border trying to harm us or harm our country, Bowman said. I knew that that wasnt the case. I just wanted to come and see it for myself. What was shocking, even though I have seen it on paper in terms of how we fund CBP and how we fund ICE as I have seen the numbers on paper, but to see the contrast in resources and facility was still very striking.

He said what they have is much bigger and better than at the shelters. He said without the volunteers and staff at those places, there would be no aid for these people.

Pastor Michael Andrew Smith, the executive director of the Holding Institute, said none of their volunteers have contracted COVID-19. However, he said they have been affected in other ways by the pandemic.

A hundred percent of our staff is vaccinated, and we ask volunteers to be vaccinated as well, Smith said. I have actually seen the opposite as I have seen in my work with volunteers, I have seen volunteers come to us, even this last week, an excellent volunteer come to us and say, My boss at the place I work has given me a choice if I stay and volunteer here with you, because you are working with COVID positive families, I am going to lose my job. So I sat down with them and said to her your job comes first, and I am happy to help on anything I can do, and I appreciate your service, but I havent had a volunteer that has been impacted by COVID other than about potential job loss.

Mayor Pete Saenz and other local officials have recently said the migrants coming into the present a problem for multiple reasons including concerns for public health. However, Smith said migrants are not the problem.

The immigrant is not the cause of the problems that you are seeing right now as the immigrant has been demonized since the prior administration had the catch-all person to blame for everything, he said. I firmly believe that that is not true. The immigrant that we see is an extended family, which is typically a single parent with a few kids that may have made a multi-day journey in an unfriendly environment, abused physically and emotionally and still decided to make that trip.

I can tell you that they are not here to steal your jobs, to take away your benefits, they are not here to take away your school lunches, and they definitely are not here to spread disease and violence and to cause harm in your community.

The Laredo Immigrant Alliance also discussed the migrant situation and suggested a potential solution.

We really want folks to understand that Laredo and other border communities dont have a border crisis or disaster, that the border has been used often for political sportsmanship at the expense of Mexicans, Mexican Americans, Tejanos, Indigenous people and racial minorities, and this narrative that there is a border crisis only serves the fuel and discontent among our residents and allows for the dehumanization and criminalization and discrimination of these individuals, Laredo Immigrant Alliance community organizer Ilse Mendez said. As part of a community with many vulnerable folks, we are concerned that our state further continues to exclude and criminalize our migrant brothers and sisters instead of welcoming them with dignity and providing them a safe passage.

Bowman said the solution is to allow these people the chance at a better life and to not always focus on providing temporary solutions but rather permanent ones that root out the true causes as to why people migrate in the first place. He said we need to solve the issues these people are facing in their countries to finally curtail the growing number of people leaving their home countries.

The bottom line is that everybody deserves dignity and human rights regardless of how or why and when they came to our country, Bowman said. We need to treat immigration as a matter of public terror, we need social services, mental healthcare and other support for these people coming into the United States and to provide what they need so they can have a good life, especially the children.

The solution to an increasing number of people seeking refuge in the U.S. is not more advanced surveillance technology, militarization, detention centers and temporary solutions. In addition, we must understand as a nation that we are interconnected with other nations.

jorge.vela@lmtonline.com
Two former City of Laredo employees are filing an appeal to their termination letters stating they believe they were the citys fall guys after a city-wide boil water notice was issued on July 4 and lasted for 10 days.

According to documents provided to Laredo Morning Times, Ricardo Gomez and Tony Moreno were terminated from their positions for what they believe were vague allegations by Utilities Director Arturo Garcia Jr. despite having two different responsibilities.

On July 6, the City of Laredos official City Managers Office Facebook page stated that a plant superintendent and operator had sent too little chlorine into the water system days before the boil water notice.

It was made clear that the personnel responsible were removed from their positions.

These NOW FORMER employees will no longer be able to do this, and we have new controls to ensure it. We found the root cause and eradicated it, the city managers office stated.

Garcia said that operational errors were traced back to the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant.

Levels leaving the plant currently have been restored to normal levels; we are going to implement free chlorine conversion to eliminate any potential contaminants that may exist, Garcia said during a press conference on July 6.

According to the appeal, the city fired Moreno and Gomez based on an incomplete and inaccurate investigation.

The chlorine levels are low, so the individuals injecting the chlorine must be at fault, the appeal states. That logic reveals the incompetence of the City of Laredo management who investigated this matter or reveals a deliberate attempt to mislead the citizens of Laredo.

The Municipal Civil Service Rules and Regulations state that employers and management are required to provide clear and identifiable violations leading to termination, but the documents state that their termination letters failed to do so.

However, the appeal states that Garcia failed to issue any written or verbal productivity goal for Moreno and Gomez; thus, both men had no metric or standard available to meet.

Grab sample results from a DR6000 Laboratory Spectrophotometer provided showed that between July 2-3, the chloramine levels leaving the Jefferson Water Treatment plant were between 3.3 and 3.1, within the chloramine range TCEQ issued out.

The commission states that the appropriate chloramine level is between 0.5mg/L to 4.0mg/L.

The document also shows that between June 15 and July 6, chloramine levels leaving the Jefferson and El Pico water plants ranged between 2.2 to 3.3 at Jefferson and 1.8 to 4.2 at El Pico.

In addition, a daily chlorine residual sheet was provided showing a plant operators findings at several distribution sites throughout Laredo from Bartlett Avenue to Mines Road. The sheet showed chlorine residuals varying from day to day from both total and free chlorine levels throughout the month. Results showed that there was no total or free chlorine, or below the minimum TCEQ level, at the distribution sites found.

The appeal moves forward to state that the true root cause lies in the water distribution department and its superintendent Antonio Mora III.

As the water system is split between water treatment and water distribution, Moreno and Gomezs claim that the distribution department failed to enact a Nitrification Action Plan, while the water treatment department saw little to no issues with chloramine levels.

On or about October 2019, top executives from the Utilities Department attended a TCEQ training that explained the NAP and how to implement a NAP. Since that training, the water treatment department led by Mr. Moreno, implemented a NAP. In contrast, the distribution department failed to implement any NAP, the documents claim.

An NAP ensures chloramine disinfection is successful by preventing and/or responding to nitrification, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality explains. Nitrification is the biological process in which nitrifying bacteria use ammonia and nitrite sequentially to form nitrate. It can cause the loss of beneficial disinfectant residual at water plants that use chloramines, TCEQ states.

They add that a NAP can help control and prevent nitrification and benefit water systems using chloramine.

As it stands, the TCEQ requires frequent flushing for dead-end mains to clear lines of sediment and provide a good disinfectant level. The TCEQ states that in the case of public water systems using chloramines, it requires the local plants to document residual levels which would result in more frequent flushing.

The appeals documents add that Moreno implemented multiple changes to address the TCEQ report from the 2019 boil water notice. These include:

Implemented a NAP with baseline triggers at (1) the Jefferson WP, (2) Sierra Vista PS, (3) 359 PS, (4) Killam Elevated Tank, (5) MHOC PS, (6) Pilot Truck Stop and (7) El Pico WP.

Tank mixers at (1) Bartlett Elevated Tank, (2) Las Blancas Elevated Tank, (3) Cuatro Vientos Elevated Tank, and (4) Killam Elevated Tank.

Upgraded the chlorination system at 359 PS and added liquid ammonia sulfate (LAS).

Added a chlorination system at Las Blancas Elevated Tank.

Prepared a change order to Garver Engineering to design a chlorination/LAS system at Milmo PS and Sierra Vista PS.

Continued to obtain an annual maintenance of the chlorination/LAS systems at both water plants through equipment representative, Environmental Improvements.

The appeal adds that during an investigation on June 21 by TCEQ Laredo Region 16 Investigator Elsa Hull, an issue with a backflow preventer did not pass inspection because its repair kit was back ordered.

Hull said there were no violations with plant records or equipment within the Jefferson or El Pico water plants after the kit was installed on July 6 by Arellano Plumbing.

Moreno and Gomez are requesting the Civil Service Commission overturn the citys decision to terminate them by ordering that they be reinstated to their previous roles and receiving any and all back pay and benefits that they have lost as a result of their termination.

The Civil Service Commission was created to hear appeals in the case of any employee subjected to any disciplinary action including termination.

While there is still no concrete date, Moreno and Gomez are set to meet before the citys Civil Service Commission to appeal their termination early next month.

The city had not responded to a request for comment as of press time Saturday.

cocampo@lmtonline.com
VALPARAISO, Mexico (AP)  When they heard gunfire in the valley, residents locked their doors and cowered inside their homes. Some 200 armed men had just looted a gas station, according to a witness, and the shooting would continue for hours as an equal number from an opposing group confronted them.

The authorities didnt arrive until the next day. When they did, they found 18 bodies in San Juan Capistrano, a small community in Valparaiso, Zacatecas. The north-central Mexican state holds strategic importance for drugs being shipped to the United States. Mexicos two strongest cartels  Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation  are locked in a battle for control.

One month after the June 24 killings, there have been no arrests. The military has sent reinforcements, but killings continue across Zacatecas: a doctor here, a police officer there, a family hacked to pieces, eight killed at a party, two girls shot along with their parents.

In a country that has suffered more than a decade of violence at the hands of powerful drug cartels, the situation in Zacatecas, as well as violence-plagued states like Michoacan and Tamaulipas, shows that neither the head-on drug war launched by former President Felipe Calderon in 2006, nor the softer hugs not bullets approach of current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador have managed to break Mexicos cycle of violence.

Zacatecas 746 murders in the first half of the year, compared to 1,065 for all of 2020, give it the highest murder rate per 100,000 residents in the country through June, according to the Mexican government.

The day they (soldiers) leave, we know from experience that quickly the criminal groups are going to fight over territory, said Eleuterio Ramos, Valparaisos worried mayor.

What makes Zacatecas worth fighting for is its location. It borders eight other states. Among other things, the cartels are battling to control the most lucrative drug: fentanyl. Zacatecas sits between the drugs production and its consumers.

After the chemical precursors enter the Pacific ports, they are finished into fentanyl pills in labs in Nayarit, Jalisco and Sinaloa to the west of Zacatecas, said Oscar Santiago Quintos, head of the analysis and intelligence department of Mexicos Attorney Generals Office. To the east sits San Luis Potosi, a logistics hub filled with shipping companies that can move the tiny pills north. Highways running north to key border cities pass through Zacatecas, providing a direct route for northbound drugs and southbound guns.

The battle for Zacatecas is part of the larger war to dominate the fentanyl market, which is the largest source of money for the cartels in the United States, said Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In 2020, some 93,000 people died of fentanyl overdoses in the U.S., a record high.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, Valparaiso sits on one of those critical highways.

For the past month, a shot up pick-up truck has rested here. It's a reminder that residents remain in the line of fire even as the army and National Guard patrol the area.

The larger currents of the international drug trade engulfing these Zacatecan communities may not be clear to their residents, but the impact is inescapable.

When the shootouts rumble across the plains dotted with ranches, farmers often cant go out to feed their livestock. Goods to stock store shelves and medical care frequently don't arrive for fear of cartel roadblocks. Gunmen stop residents and demand their cell phones to look for information that could tie them to the other cartel. They sometimes beat people or tie them up regardless to instill fear.

If someone doesnt stop, they open fire. Earlier this month, a doctor was killed in neighboring Jerez for not stopping. Two paramedics carrying a woman in an ambulance from neighboring Jalisco state to a hospital were killed a few days before passing through Valparaiso.

Last month, a priest was killed in crossfire on the highway. Residents said he had been helping them get electricity back after an armed group cut the power to some ranches.

One town is controlled by Sinaloa, the next by Jalisco, the next Sinaloa again, said a community leader, who like more than a dozen people interviewed requested anonymity to avoid repercussions. He said just sharing territory with one group makes residents complicit in the eyes of their enemies.

A rumor circulated that the cartels were forcing youth snatched from the communities to work for them.

There was panic, said a 21-year-old man, the oldest of five siblings. They stayed only because there wasnt any way to go, nor any place.

Plenty of families left, some for other Mexican cities to wait for the situation to calm, others to the United States where some 1  million Zacatecans  the same number as in Mexico  reside.

Others just stayed inside. There were 15 days that we didnt go out for anything, said Claudina Betancourt, a nurse born in San Juan Capistrano. She continues working here, but recently moved her belongings to Fresnillo where her daughter and mother live in case she has to quickly leave one day for good.

Theres no cellular coverage and just two phone booths, isolation that adds to the uncertainty.

Days after the June 24 shootout, authorities found two more corpses, raising the death count to 20. Valparaisos mayor could not confirm or deny figures given by some residents that were double that. A detective who apparently was investigating the shootout and was pulled out of Valparaiso for his safety was later killed.

Similar violence is occurring in other states like Michoacan and Guerrero, where residents caught between competing gangs suffer extortion, abductions and killings.

For years, attention focused on violence along Mexico's northern border in cities like Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and Nuevo Laredo. Zacatecas had it then too as cartels battled for control, but it was overshadowed. Now Zacatecans, including in the state capital of the same name, have awoken on several occasions to corpses dangling from overpasses.

Murders occur daily in Fresnillo, a city that mixes the local offices of major mining companies with farmers working the bean fields. With 239 murders per 100,000 residents, Fresnillo has the highest perception of insecurity in Mexico: more than 96% of its population lives in fear, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.

There is anxiety and uncertainty not knowing where to find safety for your family, said Ramos, Valparaisos mayor, who was just re-elected to a third term. He said he has not been directly threatened, but he has the same fear as everyone.

Mexicos federal government defends its policy of targeting the root causes of violence  poverty, corruption, impunity  with social programs while deploying the National Guard and soldiers. There are more than 100,000 guardsmen deployed in the Mexico, plus the military, yet the violence continues apace.

Arturo Nahle, Zacatecas former attorney general and current state supreme court president, said those policies could be right, but will take years to bear fruit. The strategies that the Mexican government has implemented over the last 15 years have not worked," he said.

Lopez Obrador's party just won the governorship in Zacatecas, but it remains to be seen if coordination with federal authorities will improve.

If we dont manage to pacify Mexico, regardless of what has been done, we are not going to be able to historically prove our administration, the president said earlier this month.

Last Wednesday, he announced a special strategy to address the cities with the most murders, among them Fresnillo: more military presence and more social development.

More troops would be welcome in Zacatecas, though the effectiveness of their patrols is debated.

With the army the bad guys dont move in, said a 74-year-old farmer in San Juan Capistrano, who teared up talking about the situation in his community. The government, if it pays attention, can put a stop to everything.

But a resident from the same area had a different hope for peace: that one cartel wins soon.
Julie Bazan, the executive director of MRGB-AHEC, has received a distinguished national award that honors her determination, leadership and the far reach she has in national and local networks that serve communities.

Bazan, who started out as a secretary, the only full-time employee in 1993 when the Mid-Rio Grande Border Area Health Center was established, has been executive director since 2010. She said that she shared the award with the board, staff, student volunteers and the community.

The entire community has contributed to the success of AHEC and given us the platform to work with harmony not just with the state but with the nation, Bazan said.

MRGB-AHEC addresses the growing need for health care professionals and academic resources in the region.

Bazan received the presidential award for 2020-21 on July 1 during the national AHEC virtual conference. Their national conferences are held every two years. This conference, attended by about 700 people from various states, recognized the national organizations 50th year.

This award is intended to honor the individual who has been of greatest support to the National AHEC Organization president during their tenure in that role, NAO president Gloria Burnettt said. It is a means for the president to recognize the colleague who has been instrumental in assisting them in accomplishing the goals that were set by the organization during that term.

The local center has served thousands of individuals through its programs. The center is part of a network of five community-based AHEC Centers with the South Texas AHEC Program located at UT Health San Antonio serving 35 counties in South Texas.

Myrthala Alejo, Licensed Professional Counselor, said Bazan has a special capacity for helping people and for partnering with other organizations to ensure that the right resources are provided for those seeking it.

She referred to Bazans swift response to help the community at the beginning of the pandemic.

While other organizations shut down or did not extend extra help, AHEC sought out those needing mental health services through a series of mental health presentations, said Alejo.

We realized we needed to help individuals deal with the anxiety people were feeling and the uncertainty of the future, Bazan said.

AHEC started virtual mental health presentations every other Friday and is still offering them to this day at the request of the community. Each session early on had 250-plus people attending the virtual gatherings, and to this day the presentations draw at least 100 people every two weeks, according to Bazan.

It is one hour, very precise. Its not a lecture and more like a conversation, and we invite a mental health professional to join us and talk about ways to deal with anxiety and the professional presents a variety of symptoms and recommendations to help yourself, Bazan said. We have a list of services for people in South Texas, and we make it available to the community.

During the presentation, they have an open forum for questions and answers.

The idea was to make everyone understand in our own way that we are in this together and that somehow we were going to get through, Bazan said.

The format was popular and reached people in San Antonio, Houston, New York and Tennessee.

Hazel Medellin, academic and continuing education programs coordinator at the center who also handles the financials of the nonprofit, said that students approached them about being overwhelmed and classes being harder during the pandemic.

It took a toll on their mental health, she said.

In reviews of the center, the students responded favorably to the presentations and AHECs outreach.

They saw that we didnt stay behind, but in this turnaround they said you knew how to transition us and be comfortable in this setting, Medellin said.

When the pandemic hit, they received a lot of phone calls concerning depression, anxiety, panic attacks and domestic violence.

The agency had to try to get answers for their clients because they had to stay within their place and home. Some people  were used to going out to work and being apart from each other for a certain time. Now they were in quarantine and staying in that little space, they became violent, Medellin said.

Bazan serves on the boards of Casa de Misericordia and Border Region and is involved in different communities, Alejo said.

She unifies everyone, she is looking to help them in some way. She is a great role model for other women, young and old, and she is somebody to look up to because she is someone truly looking to educate the public and help the people in Laredo, Alejo said.

Vicky Morales, Academic & Continuing Education Programs Coordinator at AHEC, praised AHEC and Bazan as well.

She said AHEC is like hidden gold, that when students discover it  they can find anything to use it.

(Bazan) has made AHEC shine more. She has been a great role model, not just to the staff but the whole community.

On the national level, she has stood out as well.

Julie is hard working, dependable, determined and tenacious. As NAO treasurer, she was an important part of the team that helped our organization transition to a new management company, an enormous task in which happened practically seamlessly. Julie is a tireless advocate for her local, state and national AHEC, Burnett said. On a personal level, I admire her ability to speak frankly about tough topics while remaining professional. This quality has made her input extremely valuable and sought-after during my term as NAO President.

There are about 400 AHECs across the nation. In Laredos area, the curriculum for the programs is written in house with a special focus on the cultural needs of the local residents and the local resources available to them, Bazan said.

The center has served thousands of individuals through its programs. The center is part of a network of five community-based AHEC Centers with the South Texas AHEC Program located at UT Health San Antonio serving 35 counties in South Texas.

Dwain Harris, NAO CEO, said Bazans award placed Laredo on the national map in a positive way.

Julie is a passionate and effective leader, not only in her work with the Mid-Rio Grande Border AHEC but also in her community and for our national network, he said. The AHEC mission revolves around improving the health of those in rural and underserved areas by strengthening the healthcare workforce. We do that in number of ways, including the development of pipeline programs to help future health professionals from those areas achieve their goals.

We also offer continuing education for health professionals, and our AHEC Scholars program equips health professions students with knowledge and training that ultimately will make them better at what they do and more responsive to vulnerable patient populations.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte unabashedly renewed his threat to kill drug dealers in his final state of the nation speech on Monday, while defending his nonconfrontational approach in the country's territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.

Duterte, 76, who won a six-year presidential term in 2016, is winding down his often-tumultuous presidency amid a raging pandemic, a battered economy and a legacy overshadowed by his deadly campaign against illegal drugs that has set off complaints of mass murder before the International Criminal Court.

While many expected him to focus on ways to combat the coronavirus, which has devastated the economy and worsened hunger and poverty, Duterte instead devoted most of a rambling, nearly three-hour televised speech to non-pandemic topics he has addressed repeatedly in the past.

Duterte reiterated his threat to kill drug dealers, explaining it is tougher to fight criminals the legal way, while daring the International Criminal Court to record his remarks.

I would never deny and the ICC can record it: Those who destroy my country, I will kill you. And those who destroy the young people of our country, I will kill you, Duterte said. I will really bring you down because I love my country.

You can do it the legal way, but it would take you months and years, Duterte told an audience of legislators, Cabinet members and foreign diplomats.

Duterte and police officials have denied condoning extrajudicial killings, but he has repeatedly threatened to kill suspects in his public speeches. More than 6,000 mostly petty suspects have been killed during police drug raids. In addition, a large number have also been gunned down by motorcycle-riding assassins who human rights groups suspect are linked to law enforcement.

The killings have alarmed Western governments, U.N. rights experts and human rights groups. Duterte has acknowledged that he failed to fulfill a campaign promise to eradicate the drug menace and deeply entrenched corruption within six months of becoming president. But he said he had found at least nine police generals and Bureau of Customs officials were involved in the drug trade.

I did not know that I was fighting my own government, he said, although the involvement of law enforcers and public officials has long been reported.

Randy Delos Santos, whose 17-year-old nephew, Kian, was shot to death in 2017 by three officers who were later convicted of murder, said the poor have been traumatized by the drug crackdown.

He has not won this war on drugs, because the problem is still there, but a lot of families have lost their breadwinners, Delos Santos told The Associated Press. Were the biggest loser and we still live in fear.

An ICC prosecutor said last month a preliminary examination found reason to believe crimes against humanity had been committed under Dutertes crackdown on drugs and sought permission to open a formal investigation. Duterte said he will never cooperate with a possible investigation.

Allies have defended Dutertes record, with documentaries on state-run TV and speeches highlighting his administrations efforts to fight criminality, poverty, corruption and decades-long communist and Muslim insurgencies, as well as build infrastructure.

But increasingly vocal opponents have criticized Dutertes handling of key issues, including his refusal to confront China's pressing of territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Duterte said he had not aggressively confronted China because a military solution is not an option for the weaker Philippines.

It will be a massacre if I go and fight a war now, Duterte said. We are not yet a competent and able enemy of the other side.

Duterte thanked medical workers who are fighting the coronavirus along with private companies and foreign banks which provided help and funds that allowed the country to deal with the pandemic.

He said the economy can hardly endure more lockdowns, but that if the highly contagious delta variant spreads widely he would have little option but to resort to more restrictions.

I really do not know what to do. I have to listen to the task force, he said, referring to a government body of Cabinet officials and medical experts which has been dealing with the pandemic.

The Philippines has reported more than 1.5 million COVID-19 infections, including 27,224 deaths. Months of lockdowns and natural disasters caused the economy to plummet by 9.5% last year.

Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros said she failed to hear clear plans in Duterte's speech for dealing with inadequate virus testing and contact tracing and the massive number of Filipinos who lost their livelihood because of the pandemic.

Our people wanted to hear about jobs and health from the president. He should have focused on these most of all, Hontiveros said.

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Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila contributed to this report.
California and New York City announced Monday that they would require all government employees to get the coronavirus vaccine or face weekly COVID-19 testing, and the Department of Veterans Affairs became the first major federal agency to require health care workers to receive the shot.

Meanwhile, in a possible sign that increasingly dire health warnings are getting through to more Americans, vaccination rates began to creep up again, offering hope that the nation could yet break free of the coronavirus if people who have been reluctant to receive the shot are finally inoculated.

The announcements are the opening of the floodgates as more government entities and companies impose vaccine mandates after nationwide vaccination efforts hit a wall, said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown Universitys School of Public Health.

Some people find mask mandates annoying, but the reality is theyre temporary. We cant do them forever, he said. Vaccine mandates have to be one of the major paths moving forward because they get us closer to the finish line. Mask mandates just buy you a little more time.

In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all municipal workers  including teachers and police officers  will be required to get vaccinated by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing, making the city one of the largest employers in the U.S. to take such action.

California said it will similarly require proof of vaccination or weekly testing for all state workers and millions of public- and private-sector health care employees starting next month.

The VAs move came on a day when nearly 60 leading medical and health care organizations issued a call through the American Medical Association for health care facilities to require their workers to get vaccinated.

It was unclear what would happen to employees who refuse to comply. Some of the unions representing New York municipal workers said the city could not impose the requirement without negotiations.

The longstanding policy in the health care industry is for staff to stay up-to-date with vaccinations, such as annual flu shots, but a general rule also allows exceptions for medical reasons, such as allergies.

Elsewhere, St. Louis became the second major city to mandate that face masks be worn indoors, regardless of vaccination status, joining Los Angeles in re-imposing the orders.

For those who are vaccinated, this may feel like punishment, punishment for doing the right thing, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, a Democrat, said Monday. Ive heard that, and I feel that frustration.

President Joe Biden should lead by example and impose further mandates on the federal workforce and in public venues where the government has jurisdiction, including in planes, trains and federal buildings, said Dr. Leana Wen, a former Baltimore health commissioner.

We need vaccine mandates and vaccine verification, she said. Were well past the time for the Biden administration to get on board with this. What were doing is not working. Doing more of the same is not the answer here.

The administration has so far recommended that unvaccinated people keep wearing masks indoors, but top officials over the weekend said they are considering recommending that the vaccinated also wear them indoors.

Were going in the wrong direction, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union.

Wen, who is also an emergency physician and a professor at George Washington University, said public health experts have worried for months about this very scenario.

We were worried the honor system would not work, the unvaccinated would be behaving as if theyre vaccinated, and people would think the pandemic is over," she said. "That's precisely what has happened, and it's incredibly frustrating."

The U.S. should not have been caught off guard after watching the delta variant ravage India in May and then land in the United Kingdom, Israel and other highly vaccinated nations with force last month, added Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious disease specialist at Yales School of Public Health.

We have learned multiple times to not take anything for granted with COVID, he said.

Jha said Americans should brace for another rough few months of COVID, which has already claimed nearly 611,000 lives in the U.S.

I really thought this would be a fabulous summer, but I underestimated the misinformation campaign that was coming, he said Monday. What were the chances that after more than half a million Americans dead, that one-third of the country would still not want to end the pandemic?"

Vaccinations ticked up over the weekend, with about 657,000 vaccines reported administered Saturday and nearly 780,000 on Sunday, according to CDC data. The 7-day rolling average on Sunday was about 583,000 vaccinations a day, up from about 525,000 a week prior.

Public health experts on Monday said the uptick in vaccinations is encouraging but warned that its far too early to say if millions of unvaccinated people are finally overcoming their reticence.

I wish I could say yes, but I honestly dont know, said Ko. There is a lot of ground to cover.

The U.S. is around 67% immune from COVID-19 when prior infections are factored, but it will need to get closer to 85% to crush the resurgent virus, Jha said.

So we need a lot more vaccinations. Or a lot more infections, he said.

The seven-day rolling average for daily new cases in the country shot up over the past two weeks, from more than 19,000 on July 11 to nearly 52,000 on July 25, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Health experts said they are hopeful that the prominent conservative and Republican voices that have spent months casting doubt on the vaccination effort are finally willing to help move the needle.

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and other Republicans on the GOP Doctors Caucus held a press conference at the Capitol late last week imploring their constituents to lay lingering doubts aside.

Fox News host Sean Hannity declared on his popular show: It absolutely makes sense for many Americans to get vaccinated. I believe in science. I believe in the science of vaccinations.

Facebook also needs to do a better job cleaning up misinformation on its social media platform, Jha said.

And the Food and Drug Administration needs to fully approve the COVID-19 vaccines, which currently have emergency approval. That final step will give more companies greater confidence to impose vaccine mandates, he suggested.

"FDA approval matters a lot, Jha said. Its absurd at this point. The safety and efficacy of these drugs has been well-documented.

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Associated Press writers Lindsey Tanner in Three Oaks, Michigan; Alexandra Jaffe and Aamer Madhani in Washington; and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Senators and the White House were locked in intense negotiations Monday to salvage a bipartisan infrastructure deal, with pressure mounting on all sides to wrap up talks and show progress on President Joe Bidens top priority.

Despite weeks of closed-door discussions, senators from the bipartisan group blew past a Monday deadline set for agreement on the nearly $1 trillion package. Instead they hit serious roadblocks over was how much would be spent on public transit and water infrastructure and whether the new spending on roads, bridges, broadband and other projects would be required to meet federal wage requirements for workers. They're also at odds over drawing on COVID-19 funds to help pay for it.

Republican negotiator Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, who took the lead in key talks with a top White House aide, insisted the bipartisan group was making progress.

This is heading in the right direction," Portman told reporters at the Capitol. "Its a big, complicated bill.

Biden struck a similarly upbeat tone, telling reporters at the White House he remained optimistic about reaching a compromise.

This is a crucial week after more than a monthlong slog of negotiations since Biden and the bipartisan group first celebrated the contours of the nearly $1 trillion bipartisan agreement in June, and senators were warned they could be kept in session this weekend to finish the work.

The White House wants a bipartisan agreement for this first phase, before Democrats go it alone to tackle broader priorities in a bigger $3.5 trillion budget plan that's on deck. A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC found 8 in 10 Americans favor some increased infrastructure spending, and the current package could be a political win for all sides as lawmakers try to show voters that Washington can work. Securing the bipartisan bill is also important for some centrist Democrats before engaging in the broader undertaking.

But as talks drag on, anxious Democrats, who have slim control of the House and Senate, face a timeline to act on what would be some of the most substantial legislation in years. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wants progress on both packages before the August recess, and he told senators to brace for a Saturday or Sunday session.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden himself worked the phones all weekend, and the administration was encouraged by the progress. But Psaki acknowledged time is not endless.

Adding to the mix, Donald Trump issued a statement Monday disparaging Senate Republicans for even dealing with the Democrats on infrastructure, though it's unclear what influence he has. The former president had failed at an infrastructure deal when he was in office.

Its time for everyone to get to yes, Schumer said as he opened the Senate.

Schumer said Trump is rooting for our entire political system to fail while Democrats are rooting for a deal.

The bipartisan package includes about $600 billion in new spending on public works projects, with broad support from Republicans and Democrats for many of the proposed ideas.

Yet there was little to show Monday after a grinding weekend of talks, putting the deal at risk of stalling out.

The Democrats and the White House had sent what they called a global offer to Republicans on remaining issues late Sunday, according to a Democratic aide close to the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them.

But Republicans rebuffed the ideas, saying the new proposal attempted to reopen issues that had already been resolved, according to a GOP aide also granted anonymity to discuss the private talks.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said its time for Biden to become more involved. I think its imperative that the president indicates strongly that he wants a bipartisan package, she said.

A top Biden aide, Steve Ricchetti, was tapped for the direct talks as Portman fielded information to the other senators in the group, several senators said.

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said, There were too many cooks in the kitchen.

While much of the disagreement has been over the size of spending on each category, labor issues have also emerged as a flashpoint.

Democrats are insisting on a prevailing-wage requirement, not just for existing public works programs but also for building new roads, bridges, broadband and other infrastructure, according to another Republican granted anonymity to discuss the private talks.

At the same time, transit funding has been a stubborn source of disagreement for the past several days.

Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, the top Republican on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which oversees public transit, raised questions about the size of the transit funding increase. He cited, in part, previous COVID-19 federal relief money that had already been allocated to public transit.

Democrats and public transit advocates don't want spending to go any lower than what's typically been a federal formula of about 80% for highways and 20% for transit. They see expanded public transit systems as key to easing traffic congestion and combating climate change.

Psaki has previously said transit funding "is obviously extremely important to the president  the Amtrak President, as we may call him.

The senators also appeared to still be debating money for public water works and removal of lead pipes after Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, raised questions about the amount.

Also unresolved is how to pay for the bipartisan package after Democrats rejected a plan to bring in funds by hiking the gas tax drivers pay at the pump and Republicans dashed a plan to boost the IRS to go after tax scofflaws.

Funding could come from repurposing COVID relief aid, reversing a Trump-era pharmaceutical rebate and other streams. It's possible the final deal could run into political trouble if it doesn't pass muster as fully paid for when the Congressional Budget Office assesses the details.

The final package would need the support of 60 senators in the evenly split 50-50 Senate to advance past a filibuster  meaning at least 10 Republicans along with every Democratic member. A test vote last week failed along party lines as Republicans sought more time to negotiate.

Meanwhile, Democrats are readying the broader $3.5 trillion package, which would go beyond public works to include child care centers, family tax breaks and other priorities. It is being considered under budget rules that allow passage with 51 senators in the split Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to break a tie. That package would be paid for by increasing the corporate tax rate and the tax rate on Americans earning more than $400,000 a year.

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Associated Press writers Hope Yen and Josh Boak contributed to this report.
TIANJIN, China (AP)  High-level face-to-face talks between U.S. and Chinese diplomats on Monday highlighted sharp differences between the sides, although the tone appeared somewhat less contentious than at their last meeting.

China issued a long list of demands and complaints, accusing the U.S. of trying to contain and suppress Chinas development, while America brought up its concerns about human rights and other issues, and urged cooperation on matters including climate change, Iran and North Korea.

Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng urged the U.S. to change its highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy."

Xie blamed the U.S. for a stalemate in bilateral relations, saying some Americans portray China as an imagined enemy," according to an official summary of his remarks during the meeting.

Xie met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman at a closed-off resort hotel in Tianjin, about an hour from Beijing. Sherman is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office six months ago.

Relations between the countries deteriorated sharply under Bidens predecessor, Donald Trump, and the two sides remain at odds over a host of issues including technology, cybersecurity and human rights.

Xie said China wants to seek common ground while shelving differences, highlighting a divide in the basic approach to their relationship. The Biden administration has said it will cooperate in areas such as climate but confront China in others such as human rights, describing the relationship as collaborative, competitive and adversarial.

In a telephone interview with The Associated Press following the talks, Sherman said, This is a process where weve taken another step. We came to these conversations not expecting any specific outcomes.

Sherman held separate meetings Monday with both Xie, who is in charge of U.S.-China relations, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Her visit follows a highly fractious initial meeting in March in Anchorage, Alaska, where Wang and veteran Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi exchanged angry words with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price described Sherman's meeting with Wang as a frank and open discussion about a range of issues, demonstrating the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between our two countries."

Price said Sherman raised concerns about human rights, including in Hong Kong and Tibet, and what he called the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang." He said Sherman also raised issues of media access and freedom of the press, Beijings conduct in cyberspace and actions toward Taiwan and in the East and South China Seas.

Sherman discussed cases of American and Canadian citizens detained in China or under exit bans, and reiterated concerns about Chinas unwillingness to cooperate with the World Health Organization and allow a second-phase investigation inside China into COVID-19s origins, Price said.

At a daily briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China delivered of long list of demands, including withdrawing visa restrictions on Chinese Communist Party members and their families, sanctions on Chinese leaders, officials and government departments and lifting visa restrictions on Chinese students.

He said Washington should end measures against Chinese enterprises, students, educational outlets and media and withdraw the extradition request for Meng Wanzhou, the Huawei executive who was detained in Canada.

Sherman said the sides did not discuss a possible meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which some observers have speculated could take place on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Rome at the end of October.

Americas No. 2 diplomat travels next to Oman, where she will meet Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalifa Al Harthy on Tuesday. She met with officials in Japan and South Korea last week.

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Moritsugu reported from Beijing.
BEIJING  The major eastern Chinese city of Nanjing recorded another 31 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, as authorities announced more than 1.5 billion doses of vaccine have been administered around the country.

The new cases bring Nanjings total to more than 106 over recent days. The virus circulating in the city has been identified as the delta variant, according to local officials.

The city has been carrying out mass testing and placed tens of thousands of people under lockdown. Along with near-universal indoor mask wearing, China has utilized such practices to largely contain the domestic spread of the virus.

China has also aggressively pursued vaccinations, with little word of noncompliance. The National Health Commission said 1.55 billion doses had been administered as of Sunday  exceeding the countrys population of 1.4 billion.

However, questions have been raised about the efficacy of Chinese-made vaccines, particularly the SinoPharm jab among older people.

That's stirred concern for the dozens of countries that have given the Chinese companys shots to their most vulnerable populations. Some countries now say they are prepared to provide a third shot to boost production of protective antibodies.

China on Tuesday also reported another 40 imported cases, almost half in Yunnan province along the border with Myanmar, which is facing a major outbreak.

China has 795 people currently in treatment for COVID-19. The death toll has stayed steady for months at 4,636.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 Some French health workers resent, resist mandatory vaccines

 Pandemic leaves Indians mired in massive medical debts

 What happens when your Olympics COVID test gets taken 39 minutes early?

 Malaysian doctors walk off job in government hospitals

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 Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

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HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

MELBOURNE, Australia  Australias second-most populous city is ending its fifth pandemic lockdown Tuesday as the Victoria state government declares it has beaten an outbreak of the highly contagious coronavirus delta variant for a second time.

The five-day lockdown in Melbourne and across Victoria will allow schools, pubs and restaurants to reopen. But people will not be allowed to have visitors in their homes for two more weeks.

Meanwhile, the city of Sydney remains in lockdown indefinitely after more than four weeks. Australias most populous city is where the delta outbreak began in mid-June when a limousine driver was infected while transporting a U.S. air crew from the airport. The New South Wales state government reported a new daily high of 172 infections Tuesday.

South Australia state announced that its week-long lockdown will end as planned Wednesday after no new cases were recorded Tuesday.

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ST. LOUIS -- Missouris attorney general has filed suit seeking to halt a mask mandate that took effect Monday in the St. Louis area amid a rise in COVD-19 cases that are burdening a growing number of hospitals around the state.

The mandate requires everyone age 5 or older to wear masks in indoor public places and on public transportation in St. Louis city and St. Louis County even if they are vaccinated. Wearing masks outdoors is strongly encouraged.

The lawsuit by Attorney General Eric Schmitt argues the mandates are arbitrary and capricious because they require vaccinated individuals to wear masks, despite the CDC guidance that this is not necessary. It also questions mandating children to wear masks in school, noting they are less likely to become seriously ill.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones defends the mandate, calling the suit frivolous.

Gov. Mike Parson says in a tweet that requiring everyone to wear masks reduces the incentive of getting the vaccine.

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HONOLULU -- Hawaiis Department of Health is recommending that masks be used in all indoor settings at schools and that social distancing be observed in classrooms when possible. Masks are recommended outdoors when there is crowding or prolonged close contact.

The department made the recommendations Monday in updated guidance for school officials before the Aug. 3 start of another school year during the pandemic.

The department also says schools should consider screening tests for all teachers and staff who have not been fully vaccinated. It further recommends screening for students who are not fully vaccinated for participation in sports and other activities with a higher risk of virus transmission.

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UNITED NATIONS  The U.N.s deputy humanitarian chief is warning that the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting conflict-ridden and impoverished countries much worse this year than in 2020, with many facing higher caseloads and rising deaths.

Ramesh Rajasingham said in a closed briefing Monday to the U.N. Security Council that these surges are being fueled by a lack of access to vaccines, the easing of public health measures, increased social mixing, and the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus.

In his briefing obtained by The Associated Press, Rajasingham says that so far in 2021 almost three-quarters of countries needing humanitarian aid have recorded more pandemic cases or deaths than in all of 2020. He adds that in over one-third of those countries at least three times more cases or deaths have been recorded this year compared to last.

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MONTGOMERY, Alabama  The number of COVID-19 patients in Alabama hospitals has climbed to more than 900  a number the state has not seen since February.

The Alabama Hospital Association says there were 947 COVID-19 patients in state hospitals Monday, up from 204 at the beginning of July. The latest number is about a third of where the state was at the peak of the pandemic when there were 3,000 virus patients in state hospitals in January.

The head of the hospital association says the concern is not the number itself, but the steep upward trajectory in numbers. Dr. Don Williamson says the state has the solution in the form of the vaccine, but there is not a long line of people wanting to be vaccinated.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va.  Coronavirus infections in West Virginias largest county have doubled in the past week after reaching a 12-month low.

The Kanawha-Charleston health department said in a news release Monday that the number of cases in Kanawha County grew by 38 to 124 on Monday, up from 58 active cases on July 19,

Active virus cases peaked at Kanawha County at nearly 2,100 in early January before dropping steadily, falling below 500 in mid-March. The number hit 57 on July 13, the fewest active cases since June 2020.

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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Some Louisiana health facilities are suspending nonemergency surgeries that might require hospital admissions as they grapple with a steadily increasing influx of COVID-19 patients amid the states latest spike in cases.

Baton Rouge-based Our Lady of the Lake said Monday it will pause scheduling nonurgent surgeries requiring inpatient beds for at least three weeks after admitting 25 new COVID-19 patients within 24 hours.

In New Orleans, the six-hospital LCMC system said it, too, is suspending non-essential procedures that might require overnight stays.

Louisiana has one of the lowest coronavirus vaccination rates in the nation, worsening this latest surge in COVID-19 cases fueled by the highly contagious delta variant.

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SEATTLE  Health officials in eight counties in western Washington state are recommending mask-wearing in indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status because of a rise in COVID-19 cases.

The recommendation came in a joint statement Monday from local health officers in the Puget Sound region.

The officials say mask use will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public, including customers and workers, help stem the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in many parts of the state, and decrease the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.

State health officials have talked about masking in public indoor spaces but arent currently making the same recommendation.

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OSAGE BEACH, Missouri  Thirty-one-year-old Daryl Barker of Branson, Missouri, was one of the unvaccinated. He came down with the delta variant of the coronavirus in early July and has been hospitalized 17 days.

With southwestern Missouri hospitals too full, he was transferred to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, where he is slowly recovering after becoming critically ill.

On Monday, Barkers wife, Billie, used a marker to write I love you backwards on the ICU window so he could read it from the other side.

The chief medical officer at the hospital tells The Associated Press that the difference between the current virus outbreak and the winter is that patients are younger and sicker. Since July 1, the hospital has admitted 70 patients with the virus. Twenty-two have died.

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JACKSON, Miss.  Mississippi health officials say the state is seeing its highest number of new COVID-19 cases in months as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread.

The state is also experiencing a sharp increase in the percentage of positive tests.

The state Department of Health said Monday that 3,608 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Mississippi from Friday through Sunday. That compares to 2,326 reported from Friday through Sunday a week earlier  numbers that were highest in the state since February.

The increase is happening as some schools are starting classes and thousands are gathering for the Neshoba County Fair.

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SAN FRANCISCO -- California will require state employees and all health care workers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or get tested weekly as officials aim to slow rising coronavirus infections, mostly among the unvaccinated.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the new policy Monday. The mandate will affect at least 238,000 state employees, according to the California controllers office, and at least 2 million health care workers in the nations most populous state.

About 62% of all eligible Californians are fully vaccinated, and the state has struggled to make significant progress in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the more contagious delta variant now makes up an estimated 80% of infections in California. Hospitalizations are on the rise, though still far below where they were during the winter peak.

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MADRID  Spanish health authorities say the spread of the coronavirus is slowing down following weeks of a steep surge of infections driven mostly by young groups that are yet to receive vaccines.

The country has reported 700 new cases per 100,000 residents in the past two weeks, a level that Spain only recorded in the third major surge at the beginning of the year, when it peaked at 900 new cases per 100,000.

But Health Secretary Silvia Calzon said Monday that the one-week cumulative incidence had dropped to less than half the 14-day figure for the first time in weeks, leading officials to believe that contagion is receding.

The more contagious delta variant of the virus accounts since this week for most new cases, the Health Ministry said in a report on Monday.

Nearly 8% of hospital beds across the country are treating COVID-19 patients, although in ICUs the occupation rate is now already more than 16% and growing.

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ANKARA, Turkey  Turkey has recorded more than 15,000 new coronavirus cases, as the number of infections continue to surge.

Health Ministry figures on Monday showed another 16,809 new infections in the past 24 hours, the highest number of cases since early May. The ministry also reported 63 new deaths, bringing the overall death toll to 50,997.

The rate of increase in the number of cases makes keeping the outbreak under control more difficult, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted on Monday, urging the public to observe coronavirus precautions and to get vaccinated.

Experts are warning that Turkey could face another peak with the highly contagious Delta variant and vaccination rates are not sufficient. Only about 26 percent of the country of 84 million people have been fully vaccinated, using Chinas Sinovac and the Pfizer vaccines.

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The mayor of the county that hosts Floridas theme park mecca says that we are in crisis mode when it comes to dealing with soaring numbers of COVID-19 infections.

Florida accounted for a fifth of the nations new infections last week, more than any other state, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Orange County Mayor Jerry Deming said Monday that the home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort is seeing about 1,000 new cases a day.

The state health department says more than 73,000 new coronavirus cases were reported in Florida over the previous week, nearly seven times the 12,000 reported a month ago. Florida had 341 cases per 100,000 people over the past week, second only to Louisiana, according to CDC data.

Despite this latest surge, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida will not return to government mandates.
BERLIN (AP)  Pharmaceutical company BioNTech said Monday that it wants to use the mRNA technology behind its coronavirus vaccine to target malaria.

The Germany-based company, which developed the first widely approved coronavirus shot together with U.S. partner Pfizer, aims to begin clinical trials for a safe and highly effective malaria vaccine by the end of next year.

We are already working on HIV and and tuberculosis, and malaria is the third big indication (disease) with a high unmet medical need, BioNTech's chief executive, Ugur Sahin, told The Associated Press. It has an incredible high number of people being infected every year, a high number of patients dying, a particularly severe disease and high mortality in small children.

According to the World Health Organization, there were about 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019. The global body estimates that 409,000 people died from malaria that year, with children under the age of 5 accounting for 67% of deaths.

Africa has by far the highest burden of the mosquito-borne disease worldwide, WHO says.

Sahin acknowledged that the effort is at a very early stage and there's no guarantee of success. But he said the company believes its the perfect time to address this challenge because of the insights it has gained from developing an mRNA vaccine against the coronavirus and a growing understanding of how malaria works.

Experts say developing a vaccine to prime the immune system against malaria will be tricky, however.

The genome of Plasmodium, the parasite that causes malaria, is more complex than viruses, said Prakash Srinivasan, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

A malaria vaccine made by drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline already being trialed in three African countries has shown that inducing strong, long-lasting antibody levels is challenging, he said.

Existing and future variants of the parasite could also pose a challenge to developing an effective vaccine, said Srinivasan, whose lab is also working to develop a shot against malaria.

But Barton Haynes, director of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, said the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic showed mRNA technology could be used to quickly adapt vaccines to work against new variants.

The mRNA platform is going to be applicable to many different pathogens, he said.

Sahin said early-stage development and testing of vaccines normally costs about $30-80 million.

The project, which is a collaboration with the World Health Organization, the European Commission and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, "has no budget limits at the moment, he added.

BioNTech said it is also seeking to establish an mRNA vaccine production facility in Africa, which is among the regions that have struggled to get sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses.

The company said it is working with partners to evaluate how to establish sustainable mRNA manufacturing capabilities on the African continent to supply African countries with vaccines. Once built, such a facility would be able to make various mRNA-based vaccines.

BioNTech and Pfizer have said they will deliver 1 billion doses of their COVID-19 vaccine to middle- and low-income countries this year, and another billion doses in 2022.

Last week, the two companies announced that a South African firm, the Biovac Institute, will become the first on the continent to start producing their coronavirus vaccine.

BioNTech has previously said it is working on a vaccine candidate for tuberculosis, with clinical trials aimed for 2022, and therapies for several forms of cancer.
Lockport, NY (14094)

Today

Sunshine and some clouds. High 79F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 57F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Ministers Ministers Charlie McConalogue and Pippa Hackett met with IFA representatives last week over the issue of forestry licences.

Following the meeting the Ministers issued a joint statement which outlined: We met today with members of the IFA who were protesting at the rate at which forestry licenses are being issued to individual farmers by our department.

We gave them good news on recent improvements, and also told them that while we accept there are issues, we believe we are addressing them robustly, indeed with their help and co-operation, through Project Woodland.

Cathaoirleach role is beyond anything I ever thought of, says Longford's female African mayor The election of Uruemu Adejinmi to the position of Cathaoirleach of Longford Municipal District attracted significant media attention across Ireland and abroad - and rightly so.

New multilingual audio player launched in conjunction with Longford town walking trail A new multilingual souvenir audio player has been launched by Longford County Council to complement the Longford Town Walking Trail.

In terms of figures, we explained that in June of this year 411 licenses were issued. 80% of those were private, the highest number of private licenses issued in one month in five years. We also updated them on staffing increases, in terms of ecologists, inspectors and administrators.

However we also focused on the wider issue which is to devise a vision for Irish forestry for the next 100 years.



We need as a country to agree on what we want from our trees, so that our woodlands and forests work for our communities, for industry and for biodiversity.



The statement went on to add With the help of the farmers protesting today, and other stakeholders, Project Woodland is both fixing the current issues and working on the longer term vision.



It involves representatives from all stakeholders, coming together in working groups, along with officials and outside expertise, to fix the backlog, reform the process, make organisational structures fit for purpose, and also devise that new strategy.

It is a process which is giving a genuine voice to all involved and it is working well.



One of the early asks from one of the groups was that Minister Hackett would undertake a fundamental regulatory review of the licensing system, as well as of the processes pursued by other Member States.



Such a review had also been called for by the Oireachtas Committee and stakeholders. And Minister Hackett has asked the Project Board to progress that immediately, the statment concluded.
Profound shock and sadness spread across the communities of Rath, Abbeyshrule and Ballymahon on Monday, June 28 as the word spread of the sad passing of Larry Noonan, Rath, Abbeyshrule son of the late William and Eithne.

Larry, who was only 67 years old, passed away after a short illness which he battled with bravery. He had two loves in his life, his family and farming.

His wife Maura and two children Paul and Aisling were the focal point of his life, along with his dear mother Eithne with whom he shared a love of playing cards and who sadly only passed away last year on June 13, 2020.

Larrys passion for farming was instilled in him from a young age by his father William, who passed away in 1995. Larry often spoke fondly of his childhood when they would walk cattle along the road from Rath to the Ballymahon market, a much simpler time he shared with his father and siblings.

Larry always had a keen eye for cattle, he was renowned for breeding quality livestock so much so that he won the All Ireland Continental Type Beef Bullock Champion back in 1983 which added to his impressive collection of rosettes and medals he won throughout the years. Many people valued his knowledge of cattle which he was always generous to impart.

Larry will be sadly missed by all the members of Ballymahon, Elphin, Roscommon and Granard Marts where he was always a loyal supporter and where he loved to attend to catch up with many friends and neighbours and where he was always very popular and highly respected. He had an unassuming pleasant disposition with a smile and time for everyone.

He was always willing to lend a hand in times of need and as many neighbours said the road will never be the same without him.

Larry was a loving husband, a great father, brother, friend and neighbour, a true gentleman who will be sadly missed by all, but never forgotten.

His remains were removed from his home along the Clooneen road which was lined with his heartbroken neighbours and many friends on Wednesday, June 30 to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Forgney where his cousin Monsignor Bernard Noonan celebrated the Requiem Mass and he was laid to rest in the adjoining Cemetery. The beautiful singing and music was performed by Ann Keenan and Larrys nieces Miriam and Avril Walsh.

We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife Maura, son Paul, daughter Aisling, son-in-law Liam Doogan, brothers Eugene, Liam, John, Michael and Paul, sisters Mary (Walsh), Empor, Ballynacargy and Edel (Feeney), Moigh, Ballymahon, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends.

May his dear Soul rest in peace.
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From Monday, EU Digital COVID Certificates will be the primary means that people will use to access indoor hospitality.

You will be asked to present your certificate or HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record or other proof of immunity at the entrance to the premises or seating area in the case of food courts for example. You may also be asked to show some photo ID to prove that the proof of immunity is yours.

Businesses will have access to an online scanner that can scan the QR code on your EU Digital COVID Certificate.

People are asked to note that there is a delay of up to 15 days between receiving your second vaccination and the immunity necessary to activate your certificate, depending on the vaccine received.

If a customer leaves the premises (or seating area in a food court for example) for any reason (to access a smoking area for example) they will have to notify a staff member. Ideally, they will then be provided with a pass which must be returned or checked on re-entry.

Information for customers

What to do if you don't have an EU Digital COVID Certificate

The regulations that are being made under the Health (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2021 will provide details of the proofs of immunity that may be accepted by businesses, including the EU Digital COVID Certificate and HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record.

Forms of photo ID that are acceptable to show at the door

The regulations that are being made under the Health (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2021 will provide details of the photo IDs that may be accepted by businesses including passports and driving licences.

People vaccinated outside the EU

For those from outside the EU who are fully vaccinated or recovered, the regulations that are being made under the Health (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2021 will provide details of the proofs of immunity that may be accepted by businesses.

Refusal of access

Businesses may refuse access where people cannot offer proof of vaccination or recovery or cannot demonstrate that their certificate relates to them. If businesses do not operate on this basis, they may be liable for fines or closure.

Failte Ireland continues to operate its COVID-19 safety charter. Businesses who sign up to this voluntary charter are subject to spot checks which confirm that the business is complying with all public health protocols and government guidelines and that all employees have undertaken infection prevention control training. For consumers, they should look for the safety charter signage.

Conditions in place for businesses around time limits, table numbers, table service

Following public health advice, the time limit for sitting at tables has been removed. There is now no limit to the amount of time consumers can sit at tables. Businesses may decide to operate this approach.

There is no requirement for pre-booking, however businesses may decide to operate this approach. Businesses should ensure appropriate queue management systems are in place.

A maximum of 6 persons aged 13 or over are permitted at a table. This limit of 6 does not include accompanying children aged 12 or younger. The total combined capacity at a table cannot exceed 15 overall (max. 6 persons aged 13 and over). Mingling between tables is not allowed.

You should wear a face mask at all times other than when sitting at your table. All staff will continue to wear appropriate PPE including face masks at all times.

Counter service remains prohibited. The regulations will provide for people to be served at tables only. This is to protect unvaccinated workers.

There is no change to closing time  currently COVID-19 regulations require all premises to close at 11.30pm.

Customers will still be required to provide contact tracing details with the exception of those under 18. Contact name and telephone number are required and will be securely retained for 28 days and will be compliant with GDPR.

Indoor areas should be well-ventilated.

Data protection

Businesses will not retain any personal data relating to a persons vaccination or immunity status.

Customers will still be required to provide contact tracing details with the exception of those under 18. Contact name and telephone number are required and will be securely retained for 28 days and will be compliant with GDPR. This is provided for in Regulation 13 of the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A  Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 217 of 2021).

Those who are unable to get a vaccine for medical reasons

Access to businesses is being restricted to those who are vaccinated or recovered as the risk is still high, however the system will be kept under review.

What to do if you see a problem with compliance

The Health and Safety Authority and HSE have been designated in the legislation as having a role in assessing compliance, however, we all have a role to play in making sure that the system works and indoor hospitality can reopen. As a customer, you should raise your concerns with the business first and if youre not happy, going to another premises sends a strong signal.

'She was my hero and my angel'-heartbroken father pays tribute to tragic daughter who drowned saving son in Cavan lake The father of a young mother of two who drowned while desperately trying to save her own son in a Co Cavan lake last week has said his daughter will be forever remembered as my hero and my angel.
Defective walkie-talkie batteries caused a fire that destroyed a van allegedly used in the abduction and assault of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney, the Special Criminal Court has heard.

Detective Sergeant Jim McDevitt of Cavan Garda Station today (Monday, July 26) told the three-judge, non-jury court that an insurance assessor found that the batteries were "prone to overheating".

The trial has previously heard that DNA matching Mr Lunney's was swabbed from areas of suspected blood staining inside the van. DNA matching one of the accused men, Darren Redmond, was found on a bar behind the front seats.

The prosecution does not allege that Mr Lunney was in the van but that someone who had been in contact with Mr Lunney transferred the blood to the van.

Det Sgt McDevitt confirmed that gardai moved the Renault Kangoo from the forensic vehicle examination centre in Santry, Dublin to Ted Brennan's yard in Cavan where a fire broke out in February 2020.

Following the fire Sgt McDevitt was initially told the Kangoo was undamaged and told the defence it was still available for inspection on February 25. Three days later, however, he learned that it had been destroyed.

He told defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC, for the accused known as YZ, that the van was moved from Santry because the normal procedure is that once examined, vehicles are kept in the region close to the investigation. The sergeant also confirmed that gardai had received letters from lawyers working for the accused in January and February 2020 seeking information relating to the Kangoo, including its whereabouts.

Sgt McDevitt told Giollaiosa O'Lideadha SC, for the accused man Alan O'Brien, that gardai are satisfied the fire was caused by batteries that were charging overnight in an office attached to the vehicle storage yard.

The scene was examined by gardai and by an insurance assessor who is an expert on fire damage, the witness said. The insurance assessor purchased eight or nine of the same type of walkie-talkies on internet site e-bay and found the same defect in all of them. "They were prone to overheating," he said.

A 40-year-old man named as YZ because he can't be identified for legal reasons, Alan OBrien (40), of Shelmalier Road, East Wall, Dublin 3, Darren Redmond (27), from Caledon Road, East Wall, Dublin 3 and Luke OReilly (68), with an address at Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, Co Cavan have all pleaded not (NOT) guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan on September 17, 2019.

Mr Lunney has told the court that he was bundled into the boot of a car near his home and driven to a container where he was threatened and told to resign as a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings.

His abductors cut him with a Stanley knife, stripped him to his boxer shorts, doused him in bleach, broke his leg with two blows of a wooden bat, beat him on the ground, cut his face and scored the letters QIH into his chest.

They left him bloodied, beaten and shivering on a country road at Drumcoghill in Co Cavan where he was discovered by a man driving a tractor.

The trial has previously heard from the previous owner of an Audi A4 that the prosecution alleges was used by Mr Lunney's attackers to take him from his home to Cavan.

Sgt McDevitt today told Mr O'Lideadha that the Audi owner said he would be able to identify the two men who bought the Audi from him. Gardai organised an identity parade with seven men including Mr O'Lideadha's client Alan O'Brien. The Audi owner did not identify anyone as the buyer, Sgt McDevitt said.

Sgt McDevitt agreed with Michael Lynn SC that his client Luke O'Reilly's 68th birthday is today and he has no previous convictions. He also agreed that Mr O'Reilly had purchased a Mitsubishi Canter lorry by internet auction for Stg1,462 (1,700) from an English firm on 3 September 2019.

The lorry was delivered to Cyril McGuinness's yard in Derbyshire. Mr McGuinness is now deceased and the prosecution alleges he organised Mr Lunney's abduction. The trial has previously heard that Mr O'Reilly told gardai during interviews that he was in phone contact with McGuinness in September 2019 in relation to importing a lorry from England.

The sergeant agreed with Michael Bowman SC that his client, Darren Redmond, had received 25,000 in August 2019 from a civil litigation. He said this tallied with a lodgement made to Mr Redmond's AIB account around that time. Det Sgt McDevitt also confirmed that Mr Redmond is a friend of the accused man known as YZ and would often be seen in his company. He also confirmed that garda surveillance spotted the Renault Kangoo on multiple occasions around the East Wall area of Dublin, where Mr Redmond lives, on various dates in 2019 after Mr Lunney's abduction.

Sean Guerin SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions said today that he expects to complete the prosecution's evidence tomorrow and begin closing speeches on Wednesday.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt is presiding with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge David McHugh.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of London-listed company director and manager changes announced on Monday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Persimmon PLC - York, England-based housebuilder - Finance Director Mike Killoran will retire in early 2022 after 25 years with the company. Persimmon says Killoran will step down in mid-January following the trading update for 2021. Killoran joined Persimmon in 1996 and was promoted to the board as finance director in 1999. Chair Roger Devlin says the company now will start the process to find a successor.







Dignity PLC - West Midlands, England-based funeral services - Hires John Castagno as independent non-executive chair, starting this past Friday. Castagno is an independent non-executive director of Post Office Insurance and a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute. As a result of Castagno's appointment, Chief Executive Officer Gary Channon will stand down from the additional role of executive chair. Dignity also notes that Dean Moore will remain a director.







Mobile Streams PLC - London-based mobile content and data intelligence - Hires Bob Moore as non-executive chair and Rama Uthayanan as finance director, both immediately. Moore replaces Charles Goodfellow as chair, and Goodfellow will revert to non-executive director. Moore is a lawyer who was co-founder & commercial director of former AIM-listing Granby Oil & Gas. Uthayanan is an accountant who was finance director of People's Operator PLC, before its delisting from AIM in 2019. He has been finance director at Krunchdata Ltd, a 49% subsidiary of Mobile Streams since December 2018.







4D Pharma PLC - Leeds-based live biotherapeutic products developer - Chief Financial Officer John Beck dies. 4D says succession planning is underway.







Block Energy PLC - oil and gas production and development in Georgia - Calls general meeting for August 11 to consider resolution from 5.0% shareholder Forest Nominees to remove Chair Philip Dimmock from the board and replace him as chair with Chuck Valceschini, a current non-executive director. In its letter earlier this month, Forest, a nominee of GP (Jersey) Ltd, didn't provide a reason for the change. Following this, Forest sends a second letter, received by Block Energy on Saturday, requesting an additional general meeting to consider commissioning an independent forensic investigation into the affairs of the company. "The board of directors regrets that this action has been taken at a time when the company is in the middle of drilling a well pursuant to a shareholder-mandated strategy and considers the requisition of this second general meeting to be unwelcome and unnecessary," Block Energy says. On Friday, Dato Sandroshvili resigned immediately an independent non-executive director, while earlier this month Chris Brown resigned as independent non-executive director but will serve his notice period to October 2.







Aveva Group PLC - Cambridge, England -based industrial software - Hilary Maxson will replace Peter Herweck as non-executive director on August 1. Maxson will represent 60%-owner Schneider Electric SE, where she is CFO. Back in May, Herweck was seconded to Aveva from Schneider to be Aveva's CEO.







Kingswood Holdings Ltd - London-based wealth and investment management - Buzz West retires as chair and non-executive director, effective immediately, though he will remain for six months as a consultant. West has been on the board for seven years, five of those as chair. Kingswood promotes David Hudd to acting chair while a search is made for a new chair. Hudd has been on the board since 2018. Meanwhile, Patrick Goulding will leave as CFO, having served Kingswood for two years. Hires Jon Millam as new CFO, starting August 1. Millam currently is finance director, FP&A, at Equiniti Group PLC.







Prospex Energy PLC - investor in onshore and shallow offshore European gas and power projects - Hires Mark Routh as CEO and director. Managing Director Edward Dawson will step down from Prospex board immediately but remain an employee for a transfer period. Routh was chair & CEO for eight years of AIM-listing IOG PLC, which recently changed its name from Independent Oil & Gas.







Velocys PLC - Oxford, England-based sustainable fuels technology - Hires Ann Markey and Tom Quigley as independent non-executive directors. Markey is an accountant who is a non-executive director of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and of London-listed Foresight Solar Fund Ltd. Quigley also is an accountant and is a non-executive director of AIM-listed waste gasification firm Eqtec PLC. As an executive, he held corporate finance roles with Close Brothers Group PLC and others.







Iomart Group PLC - Glasgow-based cloud computing - Hires Andrew Taylor as non-executive director, starting August 1. Taylor is CEO of AIM-listed Gamma Communications PLC.







Red Rock Resources PLC - gold explorer in Kenya and Australia, copper-cobalt in Democratic Republic of the Congo - Hires Alex Borrelli as independent non-executive director, starting immediately. Borrelli is an accountant who worked in corporate finance as an executive. He now is a director of AIM-listings Greatland Gold PLC, Xpediator PLC, Tiger Royalties & Investments PLC and Bradda Head Holdings Ltd.







Trident Royalties PLC - mining royalty and streaming - Hires Peter Bacchus as non-executive director, while James Kelly steps down as non-executive director "to pursue other business interests", both effective immediately. Bacchus is chair & chief executive of Bacchus Capital, an investment banking boutique focused on natural resources sector. He previously had been global head of Mining & Metals at Morgan Stanley and European head of Investment Banking at Jefferies Financial Group Inc.







Jersey Electricity PLC - electricity supplier in Jersey - Peter Simon will resign from board on August 31. A search for a new non-executive director will begin soon.







By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust PLC - UK-based closed-ended investor in renewable energy assets - Agrees conditional acquisition of five solar panel sites near Dublin, Ireland, for between EUR138 million and EUR145 million. Notes that the sites have a combined installed capacity of up to 250 megawatts.

Says the purchase is conditional upon four of the five sites becoming fully operational, which is expected to occur by the second half of 2022. Adds that the four initial sites benefit from fixed revenues until 2037, having received a contract for difference in Ireland's renewable energy support scheme auction in 2020. Aims to secure a similar contract for the fifth site.

Secures a fully amortising debt facility of up to EUR88 million from Allied Irish Banks PLC and La Banque Postale to part finance the acquisition of the operational sites.

Chair Phil Austin says: "This acquisition, coming shortly after completion of our recent fundraise, will extend our presence into a fifth country, providing further geographic and revenue diversification."

In early July, the firm raised gross proceeds of GBP150 million from placing, open offer and subscription. The size of the placing was revised upwards, from GBP100 million, due to investment pipeline and investor demand. Overall, the trust raised 64.1 million shares in placing, 68.0 million shares in open offer, 6.3 million shares from the subscription and 6.5 million shares from intermediaries offer.

Current stock price: 105.22 pence, down 0.4% on Monday

Year-to-date change: down 6.8%

By Scarlett Butler; scarlettbutler@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - S4 Capital PLC said Monday it has snapped up Asia-based salesforce specialist Destined for an undisclosed price.

S4 Capital's data and digital media consultant MightyHive will work with Destined to improve its digital practice in Asia and expand the firm's global salesforce capability.

Salesforce is a customer relationship management platform which gives all a company's departments a including marketing, sales, commerce, and service a a shared view of all customer data.

"The Destined team is incredibly impressive and we believe adding them to our portfolio will help us immediately accelerate operations and bring additional value to clients," said MightyHive Co-Founder and S4 Capital Executive Director Chris Martin.

Destined has worked with high-profile brands such as Spotify, Panasonic Corp and Opal HealthCare. It has offices across Asia and certified professionals across Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan.

Founder and Chief Executive Andrew France described Destined's partnership with MightyHive and S4 Capital as a "fantastic opportunity" for the salesforce specialist to expand its reach.

Shares in S4 Capital were up 0.4% at 700.00 pence in London on Monday.

By Josie O'Brien; josieobrien@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 84F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy skies. High 91F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Raphael Varane returned to training at Valdebebas on Monday while Real Madrid and Manchester United negotiate over his future.

The Frenchman got back to work after enjoying some holidays following France's premature Euro 2020 exit, and is now awaiting news over whether he will be off to Old Trafford this summer.

Varane is among the international players who have now returned to Madrid, which also includes Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, David Alaba and Gareth Bale.

Karim Benzema, however, has been able to return to Madrid after testing positive for COVID-19 when he was about to catch a plane back to the capital from Lyon.

Varane, as MARCA has reported, has already reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United, leaving it all up to the two clubs to arrange a fee.

The deal is expected to be done soon, with a fee in the region of 50 million euros

.
Marietta, GA (30060)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. High 82F. Winds ENE 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 66F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.
Atlanta, GA (30303)

Today

A few showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 82F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 66F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Roswell, GA (30075)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with widely scattered showers or thunderstorms possible in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds ENE 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 near 65F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.
Henrietta "June" Crabtree, age 94, formerly of Conneaut Lake, PA passed away on July 30, 2021 at Rolling Fields Eldercare. She was born on April 2, 1927 in Courtney, PA to the late John and Henrietta (Young) O'Dell. She married Harry Crabtree on May 8, 1949. He preceded her in death on Decem
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17 firefighters from across Western Australia will travel to Canada to assist with wildfire emergency

The taskforce will be deployed for a total of seven weeks

The firefighters bring a range of skills to help battle the challenging fire front

A special taskforce of Western Australian firefighters will travel to Canada to help relieve exhausted crews battling the country's worst wildfires in recent years.

The 17 men and women - from as far as the Kimberley and Great Southern - travelled to Perth over the weekend to undertake final physical and medical examinations ahead of their trip.

They will be deployed to some of the hardest hit areas in Canada, including Ontario and British Columbia, where a State of Emergency was declared last week.

The taskforce is made up of eight volunteer firefighters, three Department of Fire and Emergency Services personnel and six Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service staff members.

They are due to depart for Sydney later today where they will be met by New South Wales Rural Fire Service personnel who will also be travelling to assist in Canada.

The firefighters bring a range of skills to help battle the challenging fire front - including acting as incident controllers, divisional commanders, fire behaviour analysts, taskforce leaders, operations and planning officers and aerial firefighting specialists.

They join firefighters from Mexico and the United States of America assisting with the frontline response across Canada.

The seven-week deployment includes two weeks in quarantine when the group arrive back in Australia.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:

"Having experienced our own bushfire emergency in Wooroloo earlier this year, the scale of the devastation caused by the wildfires in Canada is terrible to see, and we want to provide whatever support we can.

"I'm proud that we are able to deploy a taskforce of skilled volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel to help the Canadian communities during their time of need.

"Australia has benefited from the generosity of Canadian firefighters in recent years and this dedicated group is helping to return that favour by assisting fellow firefighters to protect communities.

"Our best wishes go to this taskforce and I know their skills will be a great help to Canadian authorities as they battle this wildfire emergency."

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"Western Australians know only too well the devastating toll out-of-control bushfires can have on communities.

"That's why we always stand ready to help others in need and are committed to providing support overseas during wildfires.

"These dedicated Western Australian firefighters are equipped with the skills and knowledge to lend a hand and will assist in relieving exhausted crews on the ground in some of the hardest hit areas.

"I am very proud that we are able to help Canada's emergency services in what has been a challenging bushfire season for them and extend my sincere thanks to the taskforce."

Emergency Services Minister's office - 6552 6300

Environment Minister's office - 6552 5900
New poster on "Oral-Health Impact Profile 5: Analyzing A Private Practice Adult Population's Distribution" is presented at the virtual 99th General Session & Exhibition of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), held in conjunction with the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and the 45th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR).



A high school student along with researcher from University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA, performed an observational study to understand the distribution of the Oral-Health Impact Profile (OHIP5) scores in a general adult population seeking care in a private, suburban dental clinic.



Participants were adult patients seeking care in a clinic who were administered the OHIP5 survey upon arrival. This survey was filled out as a paper copy and additionally included demographic questions (race, ethnicity, gender and age) for additional analysis.



Oral-Health Impact Profile (OHIP5) Survey distribution improves private dental care.





Understanding the distribution of OHIP5 scores between men and women of an adult population seeking care in a private, suburban dental clinic allows for dental practitioners to further improve the care that they provide and allows for them to enhance their treatment plans.







Source: Medindia A chi-square test for homogeneity is performed, which determined no difference between the score distributions between females and males.Understanding the distribution of OHIP5 scores between men and women of an adult population seeking care in a private, suburban dental clinic allows for dental practitioners to further improve the care that they provide and allows for them to enhance their treatment plans.Source: Medindia Participants were adult patients seeking care in a clinic who were administered the OHIP5 survey upon arrival. This survey was filled out as a paper copy and additionally included demographic questions (race, ethnicity, gender and age) for additional analysis.
Most of those affected by vision loss or impairment live in low and middle-income countries, and 55 per cent of blind people are women and girls, said Bangladesh's UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima while introducing the resolution.A whole-of-society approach is needed along with a paradigm shift to address poverty and inequality linked with vision loss, she added.Further, the loss of vision is also connected to many other Sustainable Development Goals, from health to gender equality. Sight loss is also causing a $411 billion annual global loss of productivity, hence urgent action must enhance employment potential and education, the resolution said.Eye care can be transformative, with a simple test or a pair of glasses making the difference for going to work or school."This resolution is a watershed moment," Fatima said, urging the member states to send a strong message of hope to those in need.Source: IANS
After the arrest of Shilpa Shettys husband Raj Kundra in the alleged pornography case, actor Karan Kundrra has found himself in a bizarre situation and only because he shares the same last name as Raj Kundra.



Many people mistook Karan Kundrra for Raj Kundra and his pictures were also used instead of the businessman alongside the ongoing pornography case.

In a recent interview, Karan Kundrra expressed that he woke up one day and saw that many people thought that it was him who was arrested in the case and started tagging and tweeting about him.

The actor also expressed that it took a while for him to figure out what it was and that they wanted to tag Raj Kundra and instead tagged him.

He further elaborated saying that while some thought that it was a mistake, some also thought that the person arrested for making porn is him. He also said that some people even abused him for the same and started tagging him on Twitter and then Karans fans corrected the trolls.

Karan also expressed that this wasnt the first time that this confusion happened. Earlier as well, the actor was mistaken for Shilpa Shettys husband. He also revealed that back then, he took it on a lighter note.

A few days ago, Raj Kundra was arrested in connection with an adult film racket case. The arrest shocked everyone.

According to reports, it is being said that he started this adult film company 18 months ago during lockdown which also showed rapid growth.

Mumbai Police had arrested Raj Kundra after booking him under various sections of the IPC and IT Act as he is said to be the key conspirator in the case.
Trust us when we say that conspiracy theorists in India are on a completely different level altogether. Not only do they believe that India had visitors from outer space about 10,000 years ago, but they also believe that we have our very own Area 51. We are of course talking about Kongka La Pass.



 PTI

For people who have been living under a rock all this while, Area 51 is a highly secretive Air Force base near Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Rumours and several conspiracy theorists will have you believe that the US government has a secret research base in Area 51, that harbours aliens and extracts technology from their knowledge. Think Men In Black, but in real life.



 Reuters

Well, our very own desi conspiracy theorists have their own Area 51 in the mountains of Himalaya, near Ladakh, called the Kongka La Pass? What do they say about Kongka Valley and the area? Well, read on.



1. The Indo-Sino War

 Wiki Commons

The area around the pass is a little tricky. The area comes under Ladakh, but the Chinese claim it as their own (surprise, surprise). China considers the Kongka La Pass as its Tibetan boundary with India, whereas India, considers the Lanak Pass which is further to the east, as its boundary. As a consequence, the Kongka La Pass is sort of a No Mans Land, although officially, it isnt recognised as one.



In 1956, a group of 10 Indian policemen, led by an officer by the name of Karam Singh, were tasked to set up patrol posts in the area. Two men from the party were detained by the Chinese army. A patrol of 20 soldiers was sent in search of these two men. These 20 men encountered a group of Chinese soldiers. A fierce firefight ensued, in which we lost 9 men, and one died later due to the injuries. Some were captured and tortured. Eventually, the Kongka La Pass became an important theatre of war in the Indo-Sino war of 1962.

Some ghost hunters claim that the area is haunted by the souls of all those fallen soldiers. The locals claim that it is these soldiers that still protect the area, and deter away intruders from the Chinese side.

2. Great Place To Visit...If You Can Manage

 Wiki Commons

Whether you believe in ghosts & aliens, or not, you have to agree that the Kongka La Pass is a very scenic place. Documentary filmmakers, scientists and researchers, mainly physicists, who have visited the area, say that no matter what time of the year you visit the place, it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. But heres the thing - civilians are not allowed to visit the area, although, it is only unofficially considered to be a no mans land by the armies, and the locals.



3. A Hotbed For Unusual Activities

 Reuters

This is what certainly rings the bell of every conspiracy theorist - the area truly is a hotbed for some highly unusual activities. Very often there will be sightings of UFOs and bizarrely shaped bright lights, with no plausible explanation. Also, several pilots have claimed that they avoid the area when they can, mainly because their guidance and navigation equipment start glitching out. Nothing gets juicier than this for conspiracy theorists, who often scour through satellite images from Google Earth to support their findings.



4. Reports Of Alien Sightings

 Reddit/r/aliensinindia

Several locals and enlisted men have reported that they have seen flying saucers and other unidentified flying objects in the area, quite regularly. Several eagle-eyed conspiracy theorists have presented photos taken using Google Earth to show unidentified caves which appear and disappear sporadically, giving rise to the claims the mountain harbours a secret alien base.



5. From The Chinese Side As Well...

 Reuters

The Chinese government has tried to explain these happenings, as the result of some secret experiments that the Indian military is carrying out. This of course was denied by the Indian forces, but more interestingly, even the Chinese soldiers stationed near the pass. Furthermore, even Chinese conspiracy hunters claim that the Chinese government has a rather shady stand when they speak of the area.


Dutch teenager who went into space with Jeff Bezos and became the youngest space traveller told the billionaire that he never ordered anything from Amazon. Oliver Daemen, an 18-year-old physics student went along with Bezos and 82-year-old aviator Wally Funk on a 10-minute trip to space.

 Reuters

Bezos funded the space trip via his company Blue Origin by selling billions of dollars worth of Amazon stock. After completing his flight, Bezos said in a statement "I also want to thank every Amazon employee and every Amazon customer because you guys paid for all of this, Bezos said during the news conference after his space flight. "So seriously, for every Amazon customer out there, and every Amazon employee, thank you from the bottom of my heart, very much. It's very appreciated.



Whats odd is that the teenager that went with him to space wasnt a customer of the e-commerce platform. "I told Jeff, like, I've actually never bought something from Amazon," Daemen told Reuters in an interview on Friday at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. "And he was like, 'oh, wow, it's a long time ago I heard someone say that.'

 Blue Origin

Daemen was picked after another candidate who bid $28 million dollars had cancelled at the last minute. The teenager found that he would be flying into space while on a family holiday in Italy.



"They called and said: 'Are you still interested?' and we were like Yes! Yes! Yes!

The Dutch teenager has dreamt of going into space since he was a child and followed every new development by space explorations companies such as Blue Origin, SpaceX and others. He also got his pilots license at a very young age. "We didn't pay even close to $28 million, but they chose me because I was the youngest and I was also a pilot and I also knew quite a lot about it already.

Daemen could not fathom that he went into space even three days after the journey. "I don't think I realised it until I was in the rocket: 'wow, it's really happening,'" he said. "It was my ultimate, ultimate goal ... but I never thought it was going to be this soon.

 Blue Origin

In preparation for the trip, the crew received two days of safety training but nothing too hard according to Daemen. He could also be seen tasing ping-pong balls in weightlessness with Jeff Bezos.



"That was super cool. It's so weird to be weightless. It was easier than I had expected. It was kind of like being in water, Daemen said.

Daemen does not have plans for his future but said that he would consider a career in space travel.
Meridian, MS (39302)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.
Nessel Files Brief in Lawsuit Against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Decision to Delist Gray Wolves

Nessel Files Brief in Lawsuit Against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Decision to Delist Gray Wolves

Attorney General

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel 517-599-2746

Public inquiries: 517-335-7622



July 26, 2021

LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum have submitted an amicus brief in the Wolf Delisting litigation fighting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (the Service) decision to remove gray wolves from the list of endangered species. Nessel previously urged the Service not to use Michigan's successful recovery efforts of the species to delist the gray wolf nationwide, but the Service did just that. This brief argues that the Service made this move contrary to the Endangered Species Act and to the detriment of gray wolf populations in other states.

The brief - filed Friday in the U.S. District Court Northern District of California - asserts that the Service unlawfully delisted gray wolves based on the species' status in Michigan and other Great Lakes states. This is improper for three reasons:

The Service must look to a species' current range, i.e., where it currently exists, to determine whether it is endangered;

The Service must analyze the five statutory factors for delisting for each state in which a species is actually located; and

The Service may not break a species into recovered populations in a way that cuts out orphan populations that would otherwise be entitled to protection.

"By delisting the gray wolf nationwide, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service abandoned its obligation to protect endangered gray wolves wherever they are found. Turning cooperative federalism on its head, the Service weaponized our effective wolf recovery in the Great Lakes region against wolf populations struggling to recover in other states," said Nessel. "The facts are clear here: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can only use Michigan's successes in Michigan, not nationwide. Where wolves remain endangered, they must remain listed."

In the brief, Nessel argues that the Endangered Species Act does not authorize the Service to pick and choose where endangered species should recover. In fact, the Service must protect the gray wolves where they are also currently found - in Washington, Oregon, California, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Kansas.

In 2019, Attorney General Nessel asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to abandon its proposal to delist the gray wolves, citing that it failed to analyze whether the gray wolves living in more than a dozen other states were in danger of extinction. Instead, the federal government focused irresponsibly and unlawfully on Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Service finalized its proposed rule and as a result, the gray wolf was removed from the endangered species list nationwide in 2020. A legal battle is currently underway, thus prompting the filing of this amicus brief by the attorneys general of Michigan and Oregon.
LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer signing Senate Bill 27, a supplemental appropriations bill that includes $7 million for the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act (WICA) Fund:

"For months now, we've known the WICA fund was running into the red as the Legislature negotiated budget bills. While I am encouraged to see $7 million go back into the fund with this bill signing, I urge our legislators to understand the priority this fund must have for pending and future claims.

"When the Act was signed in 2016, it was a promise to provide relief to those who spent years of their lives in prison for crimes they did not commit. Assisting these individuals as they restart their lives is one way to right that wrong. We owe the wrongfully imprisoned more than just compensation - we owe them support and respect. That cannot be achieved without a proper appropriation to the WICA Fund."

Previously, the Department of Treasury notified the Legislature that the WICA funds were running low, pursuant to state law, through two 60-day insufficient funding notices. One notice was sent in January, the other was sent last month. Last week, the funds were depleted completely.

Prior to the fund reaching $0, Gilbert Poole was awarded a judgment of just under $1.6 million for the more than three decades he spent in prison for a crime he did not commit. But Treasury was only able to process $370,730.86, which was the remaining fund balance. More than $1.2 million remains owed to Poole. Nessel's Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) worked alongside the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Innocence Project to obtain an exoneration for Poole in May. Once Poole's remaining balance is removed from the replenished $7 million, there still remains more than $8.3 million in pending claims currently being reviewed and litigated.

Among the pending WICA claims is a complaint asking for $778,377.18 in compensation plus costs and attorney fees for Corey McCall. The CIU announced the vacation and dismissal of McCall's conviction last month after collaboration with the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office, the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, and the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Innocence Project.
AG Nessel Highlights Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary by Calling for Access to Public Transportation

AG Nessel Highlights Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary by Calling for Access to Public Transportation

Attorney General

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel 517-599-2746

Public inquiries: 517-335-7622



July 26, 2021

LANSING - To mark the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 18 state attorneys general urging Congress to pass legislation that will allow people with disabilities to have equal access to public transportation. The All Stations Accessibility Program Act of 2021 (ASAP) will support state and local government efforts to provide accessible public transportation to people with disabilities.

The ASAP Act was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-IL; Senate Committee on Banking Housing and Urban Affairs Chair Sherrod Brown, D-OH; and Special Committee on Aging Chair Bob Casey, D-PA. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Illinois Reps. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia and Marie Newman. The legislation would establish a federal grant program to support local transit and commuter rail authorities to upgrade existing stations to meet or exceed the ADA's accessibility standards. In a letter to Congressional leadership, the coalition argues that the legislation is essential to addressing barriers to transportation, which also serve as barriers preventing people with disabilities from fully participating in society.

"Even as we celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we must recognize there is work yet to be done to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities," Nessel said. "Access to transportation is critical and ensures that all members of society can be active participants in their communities. As such, I join my colleagues in urging Congress to pass the ASAP Act."

The landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law July 26, 1990 and was designed to guarantee people with disabilities equal opportunities to be active participants in society. Considered by many to be the most sweeping civil rights legislation since passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the ADA resulted from tireless advocacy by disabled activists who demanded civil rights for people with disabilities. In passing the ADA, Congress acknowledged the historic isolation and segregation of people with disabilities, as well as the discrimination they experience in critical areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, recreation, voting and more.

In their letter to Congressional leadership, the attorneys general point out that, notwithstanding the progress enshrined in the ADA, more work is needed to ensure people with disabilities can actively participate in their communities. Despite the ADA becoming law more than 30 years ago, studies show that people with disabilities continue to face challenges in obtaining employment and housing. A 2020 report issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that only 17.9% of people with disabilities were employed, compared to 61.8% of people without disabilities. In their letter to Congress, the coalition argues that access to transportation is critical to addressing disparities in housing and employment and allowing people with disabilities to participate equally in society.

The Federal Transit Administration has reported that nearly 20% of all public transit stations were not ADA accessible in 2019. The ADA's Standards for Accessible Design set minimum standards for what makes a facility accessible to people with disabilities. However, the ADA allows public entities to defer making architectural changes to facilities constructed prior to the ADA's enactment when changes would pose an undue financial burden. As a result, the coalition point outs, state and local governments' fiscal constraints have frequently prevented them from making all legacy transportation systems fully accessible.

The ASAP Act will establish a grant program dedicated to assisting state and local governments in upgrading legacy rail stations, or those that were in operation before the ADA's effective date. The program would appropriate $10 billion over 10 years, and each grant will fund 90% of a project's net cost. Recipients can use grant funding to develop plans for projects aimed at accommodating individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, and developmental disabilities. Each project plan must also ensure equitable service to all riders regardless of income, age, race or ability.

Joining Attorney General Nessel in calling upon Congress to pass the ASAP Act are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington.
MANISTEE  Meds Cafe, located on Arthur street, had some unexpected beginnings.

Originally from Mississippi, Meds Cafe general manager, Jennifer Bergen, has always had a knack for agriculture.

Starting in the cultivation field, Bergen quickly found herself working in the medical marijuana business.

I have always been passionate to help people, stated Bergen.

Meds Cafe opened in May of 2021, strictly as a medical cannabis store.

We cater to strictly medical purposes, said Bergen,The owners have three or four other locations and we are hoping for recreational use for our store, one day. But for now, we will only have medical. Bergen stated if they are to one day open the store for recreation as well, they will always cater to the medical community.

Meds Cafe allows the customer to see the products.

Itsalmost like a deli, said Bergen, The customer is allowed to see the product, smell it, and even watch the process as we do it. That is something not every cannabis store does.

Medical marijuana, such as cannabidiol, known as CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, are used medicinally to help relieve chronic pain, muscle pain and spasms, nausea due to chemotherapy, and even migraines.

Fewer people have (medical marijuana) cards now, said Bergen, But you can be any age for a card, as long as there is a medical issue.

Meds Cafe is focused on building relationships with their customers to meet their individual medical needs.

Medical (marijuana cardholders have) more access to products and for a better price, said Bergen comparing it to adult-use marijuana.

Meds Cafe also carries a variety of products that tackle pain, in all forms, and the products are not just for smoking. The dispensary carries flowers, vaporizers and edibles.

With a passion for helping people relieve their pain, Bergen believes knowledge of cannabis is important. Bergen encourages people who suffer from chronic pain "to get their medical cards.
Nearly 700,000 Michigan residents received letters in June from the states Unemployment Insurance Agency stating that their eligibility criteria for unemployment benefits had retroactively changed.

The letters prompted concern that people who had received benefits from over the past year would have to pay them back.

However, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced that people who followed the rules and received benefits will not need to pay back the money.

The letters were sent out because four criteria the state established for Pandemic Unemployment Assistances no longer qualified as legitimate reasons for payments by the U.S. Department of Labor.

After receiving the letters, Michigan residents were given 20 days to re-certify their PUA claims. The deadline to refile was last weekend, but individuals who missed it, should contact their state representative or the UIA.

Whitmer said the letters were required to be sent by the federal government to keep the state in compliance and protect taxpayers against fraud.

Although some residents might go through the process and learn they werent eligible for benefits, Whitmer said a federal waiver guidance will cover residents, as long as their original applications were made in good faith.

I want to be clear to every Michigander who did the right thing: no one who followed the rules and received benefits through no fault of their own should have to pay back money to the federal government, Whitmer said in a statement.

This federal waiver guidance, announced in early May, allows states to waive recovery of overpayments for individuals not at fault. In cases where individuals collected benefits fraudulently, the guidance says states must assess monetary penalties, require repayments or potentially pursue criminal prosecution.

Jody Kerbyson is the CEO of GST Michigan Works. She said the best course of action for people confused about their PUA status is to schedule an appointment with the UIA.

While GST Michigan Works understands the frustration that people are experiencing, unfortunately we are not equipped to assist with these unemployment issues, Kerbyson said. Since each situation is different, there is no one solution.

Kerbyson said her organization is standing by ready to help people with re-employment efforts like completing their work search requirements and registering for work.

In a July 14 press release, Acting UIA Director Liza Estlund Olson said the agency will evaluate each requalification on a case-by-case basis. Olson said the agency is currently reviewing a waiver process, but no specific details on the process have been released yet.

Michigan House Oversight Committee Chairman Steve Johnson announced last week that he plans to launch an investigation into the UIA, calling the agency a mess. Johnson said the oversight hearings will include testimony on the pattern of mismanagement, incompetence and outright fraud at the agency.

For any questions about you unemployment claims, visit the Unemployment Insurance Agency website at https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-94422_97241---,00.html.
After residents in Port Austin had to deal with a devastating tornado touching down in June and destroying homes, all eyes were on the sky again Saturday after another tornado struck the northern part of the Thumb.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the northern portions of Huron County on Saturday afternoon after a waterspout was observed over Lake Huron to the north of Port Austin.

The NWS confirmed a tornado touched down near the intersection of Grindstone and Hellems roads about 1 mile east of Port Austin. It was an EF0 tornado, with a maximum wind speed of 80 mph, a width of 150 feet, and a path of 2.9 miles before lifting off the ground at Tomlinson Road.

The tornado destroyed an outbuilding, a field of soybean crops, trees near Sullivan Road, and a fence line.

This is the first time that multiple tornado events happened in the Upper Thumb in the same summer since 2015, which included tornadoes touching down in Tuscola and Sanilac counties on June 22, 2015.

Megan Varcie of the NWSs Detroit office said tornado warnings like the one on Saturday are not abnormal for Southeast Michigan. The region normally gets five or six confirmed tornados each year.

Tornadoes are small scale and relatively isolated, Varcie said. Getting a tornado in the same location is less likely. In general, it's not out of the ordinary to have tornadoes in Southeast Michigan.

According to Varcie, the main difference between an ordinary storm and a severe storm where tornadoes may occur depends on the storms rotation in the atmosphere.

If storms get rotating, it increases the favorability for tornadoes to form, Varcie said. Its pretty frequent throughout the summer to get the conditions favorable for severe weather.

Southeast Michigans severe weather season runs from late April to the end of August, so there is still the potential for more severe storms like this past weekends until early September. Varcie said the NWS does not know the exact forecast for the areas severe weather potential, but climatologically, the threat is still out there.
Guilford Police / Contributed

GUILFORD  Investigators on Monday are working to establish a timeline in the killing of 42-year-old Lindsey Hopkins, found dead in the Quonnipaug Hills condo complex last week.

Police Chief Butch Hyatt said police are working to pinpoint how much time had passed between Hopkins being killed and her body being found.
NEW LONDON  The renovation of the State Pier into a launching-pad for offshore wind energy projects is well-underway, state officials said last week, despite concerns from some lawmakers over the project's $235 million price tag and efforts by local opponents to halt the development.

Work crews began the process of remediation in February at the century-old pier, which is owned by the Connecticut Port Authority. Existing buildings on the site have been demolished, according to authority officials, while earth-moving equipment is in place to re-grade a portion of the property known as the hill.

The later stages of the project, meanwhile, still face permitting approvals from state and federal regulators even as the final round of state bonds were approved on Friday.

The not-yet-permitted work includes one of the projects most significant undertakings: Filling in the central wharf and adding several acres of space to handle massive heavy-lift equipment involved in the assembly of wind turbines.

Ultimately, what we are left with is a much more capable facility that will be able to handle in addition to wind-turbine components, a wide variety of general cargoes, said John Henshaw, executive director of the Port Authority.

Henshaw said the authority expects the project to be completed near the end of 2022, at which point the 30-acre site will be turned over to a joint-venture by Eversource Energy and rsted, which signed a 10-year lease to use the pier as a staging area for three wind projects off the coast of Rhode Island and New York.

The three wind power projects are expected to employ more than 100 people at the pier, according to Justin Mays, a spokesman for the venture. One of the offshore sites, Revolution Wind, will supply 304 megawatts of energy to Connecticut and 400 to Rhode Island  enough to power 350,000 homes.

Construction over the next year is expected to add another 400 temporary jobs, officials said.

I thought long and hard about the scale of this project, I think its transformative not just for New London and New London Harbor, I really think its transformative for the state and the region, Gov. Ned Lamont told the state Bond Commission on Friday Its one of the most extraordinary deep water ports in the country, thats why wind is going to be built out of there, what a difference that makes.

Criticism of the project has focused on its soaring costs, which have risen by nearly 50 percent since the Port Authority reached a deal with the wind-energy developers last year at a total cost of $157 million.

Lamont conceded Friday that development of the project did take a little longer and it was more expensive than we wanted. Still, the bond commission, chaired by the governor, approved the final tranche of bonds for the project worth $50 million, bringing the states total investment to $160.5 million. Eversource and rsted have committed another $75 million to the project  for a total of $235 million.

The only opposing vote on the commission, state Rep. Holly Cheeseman, R-East Lyme, questioned whether potential issues with older pilings on the site, or the expected dredging, could push the eventual cost even higher.

I must admit, Im very concerned with this project both in terms of the cost that may be borne by the taxpayers and a lack of transparency on the part of the Port Authority, Cheeseman said.

Henshaw defended the cost of the project, saying earlier estimates were made during the conceptual phase, and grew as the details were hammered out. For example, he said, an installation berth had to be moved from one side of the site to the other, to prevent interference with the Cross Sound Ferry, adding significant costs to the project.

At each of those steps, the price went higher, but it was driven in part by some external factors, Henshaw said.

Kosta Diamantis, the deputy secretary for the office of policy and management, told the commission Friday that the latest cost estimates on the project are rock solid, and construction could wrap up under the current budget.

Opposition to the project has also arisen from the pier itself, which was historically used to handle shipments of salt, copper, steel and plywood.

The Port Authoritys application for an environmental permit from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection faces opposition by a road salt business that was forced off the pier as a result of the renovations, The Day reported.

An attorney for the business, DRVN Enterprises, was unable to comment last week.

DEEP spokesman Will Healey said Thursday that DRVNs appeal of a draft license for the project that was recommended for approval by a hearing officer is being considered by the agencys commissioner, Katie Dykes. A hearing before Dykes was held on Wednesday.

Should the commissioner find that the facts of the hearing are correct, she will issue her final decision and the license would then be signed, Healey said in an email.

Henshaw said the lease by the Eversource-rsted venture would not make the pier completely off-limits to other uses over the next decade. During lulls, their construction of offshore turbines, portions of the pier can be made available for other cargo, Henshaw said.

State Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, said the Port Authority, which was created less than a decade ago, appeared to be ill-equipped to handle the scope of the project.

Im a proponent of offshore wind, said Formica, whose district includes New London. I think we have to move forward with the project, Im just concerned that the due diligence didnt occur early enough, with enough specifics, to determine what the numbers might be.

The chair of the legislatures Energy Committee, state Sen. Norm Needleman, D-Essex, said the cost-overruns associated with the project were unfortunate, but he remained focused on the long-term goal of building up the states clean-energy electric grid.

This is a good thing overall, Needleman said. The details  thats a little more murky.
Tobacco giant Philip Morris International announced that they will stop selling cigars in Britain in the coming years. This means that the Marlboro brand will disappear from the shelves after a century in stores across the country.

Philip Morris International's plan is part of efforts to phase out smoking in the UK . The company also pledged to encourage those who wish to continue smoking to switch to alternatives such as e-cigarettes or heated tobacco devices , which are considered more modern and less harmful.

"I want to allow this company to leave cigarettes behind ," Jacek Olczak, chief executive of Philip Morris, told Britain's The Daily Mail . "I think in the UK, in ten years at the most, the problem of smoking can be completely solved ," he added.

Asked if that meant Philip Morris would stop selling traditional cigars in the UK, Olczak replied: "Absolutely ." And he stressed that the Marlboro brand will leave the country.

We're delivering a #smokefree future and, as we do, we're continuing to earn the trust and active cooperation of stakeholders across society, building a relationship grounded in facts and science.



Find out more here https://t.co/J7TTKaNT7n pic.twitter.com/lbkJGxlL1x - Philip Morris International (@InsidePMI)July 1, 2021

(Marlboro) will disappear. The first option for consumers is to quit smoking. But if they don't, the second best option is to let them switch to better alternatives, " said the Philip Morris manager, referring to the fact that smokers will be encouraged to switch to electronic cigarettes or other tobacco devices.

In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph , Olczak expressed his concern for the environment by comparing cigarettes to gasoline cars.

Read also: This is the reason why Philip Morris blocked the sale of cigars

The Government of Great Britain has a plan to become 'smoke-free' by 2030. This project includes reducing the prevalence of smoking to 5% in all age groups by that year, that is, to a third of current levels. Therefore, the withdrawal of the traditional Philip Morris cigars would be an extra boost.

A few months ago the company announced that it will leave cigarettes in Mexico , a market in which it has a 65% share , to promote other forms of smokeless tobacco consumption with its IQOS device. In fact, in previous statements, the company said it wanted half of its turnover to come from non-smoking products while transforming itself into a "health and wellness company" with its new mission to "quit smoking in the world" by eliminating little by little cigarettes. In addition, Philip Morris launched a  1bn takeover bid for Vectura, a British pharmaceutical company that makes asthma inhalers .

Philip Morris International , which spun off the Altria tobacco company and has been listed in New York since 2008, sells Marlboro cigars throughout much of the world. Its former parent still sells the brand in the United States, where it is the market leader. Its UK revenue is around 800 million pounds a year, according to documents filed by Companies House cited by iProfesional.

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A shortage of jet fuel, coupled with supply chain issues and an urgent demand from firefighting aircraft, continues to cause problems at airports around the West.

In Nevada, state and federal lawmakers said they are investigating a possible shortage of jet fuel that could delay cargo delivery and passenger travel at Reno-Tahoe International Airport in the coming days.

A spike in demand for jet fuel both by commercial airlines and from firefighting aircraft in Montana and the Pacific Northwest led to departure problems and daylong flight delays recently at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.

In California, recent flights in and out of Fresno Yosemite International Airport were disrupted by jet fuel shortages blamed on the lack of tanker truck driver deliveries.

Lawmakers said the Reno-Tahoe airport serving Nevadas second largest metro area faces a shortage of jet fuel that could force the cancellation of cargo and passenger fights, potentially restricting the flow of tourists and essential goods into the northern part of the state.

Besides serving Reno, a popular gambling destination, the airport is the nearest passenger terminal to Lake Tahoe.

Nevadas political leaders issued a statement late Saturday pledging to minimize disruption at the airport and ensure the aerial fight against Western wildfires isnt hampered.

To be clear, further failure to secure adequate fuel supplies is unacceptable, wrote Gov. Steve Sisolak, U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, and U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei.

The Reno airports shortage is caused by a confluence of factors, including a scarcity of tanker truck drivers, said Stacey Sunday, a spokeswoman for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority.

Theres just nobody available to drive the trucks of fuel in here, and its hard to predict long the shortage will last, Sunday said.

Reno-Tahoes longest runway also is under construction, limiting how much extra fuel airlines can load onto inbound flights because heavier loads require longer stopping distances.

Elsewhere, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon is allowing truck drivers to work longer hours while they deliver fuel that might be needed for firefighting aircraft elsewhere.

So far this summer, Wyoming hasnt had significant fuel shortages or major wildfires.

Other Western governors including South Dakotas Kristi Noem have signed similar orders, although Gordons still prohibits truck drivers from driving when tired. Government rules usually limit truck drivers road hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Robert Parris Moses, a civil rights activist who was shot at and endured beatings and jail while leading Black voter registration drives in the American South during the 1960s and later helped improve minority education in math, has died. He was 86.

Moses, who was widely referred to as Bob, worked to dismantle segregation as the Mississippi field director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee during the civil rights movement and was central to the 1964 Freedom Summer in which hundreds of students went to the South to register voters.

Moses started his second chapter in civil rights work by founding in 1982 the Algebra Project thanks to a MacArthur Fellowship. The project included a curriculum Moses developed to help struggling students succeed in math.

Ben Moynihan, the director of operations for the Algebra Project, said Moses wife, Dr. Janet Moses, told him her husband passed away Sunday morning in Hollywood, Florida. Information was not given as to the cause of death.

"Bob Moses was a hero of mine. His quiet confidence helped shape the civil rights movement, and he inspired generations of young people looking to make a difference," said former President Barack Obama on Twitter.

Moses was born in Harlem, New York, on January 23, 1935, two months after a race riot left three dead and injured 60 in the neighborhood. His grandfather, William Henry Moses, has been a prominent Southern Baptist preacher and a supporter of Marcus Garvey, a Black nationalist leader at the turn of the century.

Like many Black families, the Moses family moved north from the South during the Great Migration. Once in Harlem, his family sold milk from a Black-owned cooperative to help supplement the household income, according to Robert Parris Moses: A Life in Civil Rights and Leadership at the Grassroots, by Laura Visser-Maessen.

Moses didnt spend much time in the Deep South until he went on a recruiting trip in 1960 to see the movement for myself. He sought out the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.s Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta but found little activity in the office and soon turned his attention to SNCC.

I was taught about the denial of the right to vote behind the Iron Curtain in Europe, Moses later said. I never knew that there was (the) denial of the right to vote behind a Cotton Curtain here in the United States.

The young civil rights advocate tried to register Black people to vote in Mississippis rural Amite County where he was beaten and arrested. When he tried to file charges against a white assailant, an all-white jury acquitted the man and a judge provided protection to Moses to the county line so he could leave.

In 1963, he and two other activists  James Travis and Randolph Blackwell  were driving in Greenwood, Mississippi, when someone opened fire on them and the 20-year-old Travis was hit. In a press release from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Moses described how bullets whizzed around them and how Moses took the wheel when Travis was struck and stopped the car.

We all were within inches of being killed," Moses said in the 1963 press release.

A reoccurring theme in Moses' life and work was the need to listen and work with the local populations where activists were trying to effect change, whether that was registering Black voters in some of the most staunchly anti-integration parts of Mississippi or years later working with students and teachers to come up with ways to improve math knowledge.

In an interview with the National Visionary Leadership Project, he talked about the need for civil rights workers to earn the trust of the local population in Mississippi.

You had to earn the right for the Black population in Mississippi to decide that they were going to work with you because why should they risk everything to work with you if you were somebody or a collection of people who were just not serious?" he said.

He later helped organize the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which sought to challenge the all-white Democratic delegation from Mississippi in 1964. But President Lyndon Johnson prevented the group of rebel Democrats from voting in the convention and instead let Jim Crow southerners remain, drawing national attention.

Disillusioned with white liberal reaction to the civil rights movement, Moses soon began taking part in demonstrations against the Vietnam War then cut off all relationships with whites, even former SNCC members.

Moses worked as a teacher in Tanzania, Africa, returned to Harvard to earn a doctorate in philosophy and taught high school math in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He later taught math in Jackson, Mississippi, while commuting back and forth to Massachusetts on the weekends.

The press-shy Moses started his second chapter in civil rights work by founding in 1982 the Algebra Project using money he received through the MacArthur Foundation Fellows program  often referred to as genius grants  to improve math literacy among underserved populations. Ben Moynihan from the Algebra Project said Moses saw the work of improving mathematics literacy as an extension of the civil rights work he had started in the 1960s.

Bob really saw the issue of giving hope to young people through access to mathematics literacy.... as a citizenship issue, as critical as the right to vote has been," Moynihan said.

Ernesto Cortes Jr., director emeritus and senior advisor to the Industrial Areas Foundation which helps develop community organizers, worked with Moses over four decades during which Moses would come to seminars and trainings. Cortes said Moses did not talk fast and was very attentive and deliberate. One of the key lessons Moses imparted was his steadfastness  sticking to a goal despite being repeatedly knocked down  and his generosity.

Bob always looked to develop other people, and give them recognition and give them their due, Cortes said.

___

Former AP reporter Russell Contreras was primary contributor to this report.
In the waning days of the U.S. presence at Bagram Airfield, Marine Corps veteran Justin Modeste knew the can of energy drink he had was valuable and rare.

"Probably the remaining supply of red Rip-it in the country," he wrote in a post shared to several Facebook groups where the base's denizens bought, sold and traded various goods. "Act now to get your hands on the last few drops of this nectar from the gods. No lowball offers, I know what I got."

The post included a photo of a short, opened 8-ounce can of the fruity energy drink that has fueled U.S. wartime operations since 2004 by the tens of millions and has become a staple for troops, veterans and contractors alike. His asking price: $500.

"It was indeed my last can of Rip It," Modeste said in a phone interview in early July about the photo he'd jokingly posted weeks earlier. He'd planned to snap the photo before popping the can's top and downing half of it, "but I couldn't wait to dig in."

Energy drinks and tobacco became hot commodities as base residents hunted for diminishing supplies in the hectic weeks before the U.S. left, seemingly overnight, in early July.

Many went from dining at bountiful cafeterias to subsisting on Meals, Ready to Eat, but Army culinary specialists were sent in to serve up hot food at least through June 25.

The Simple Tastes of 'Camp Cupcake'

A group of four Army cooks recently returned to Kuwait after spending several weeks running the North Dining Facility on Bagram. Other cafeterias had been closed and civilian contract workers sent home.

"We were feeding over 2,000 soldiers," said Sgt. Nicole Hall of the Army Reserve's 310th Sustainment Command, quoted in an Army statement this week.

On 12-hour shifts, they served up scrambled eggs, steak, vegetables and "everything you could possibly think of," Master Sgt. Lloyd Cossey said in the statement.

Throughout much of the war, the cafeterias on forward operating bases Modeste called "Camp Cupcake" hosted steak and lobster dinners on Fridays. Modeste was partial to another delicacy Bagram's DFACs served those nights: "the best mac and cheese known to man."

Toward the end, the troops were happy just to have hot meals, Hall said, as cited in the Army statement. "Their favorite meal was the grilled cheese."

Meanwhile, planes never stopped coming and going, said Staff Sgt. Steve Augusten, another cook, in the statement. Bomb disposal crews were doing "constant controlled detonations, explosions all the time."

With more than 95% of the withdrawal complete, the military has hauled out over 980 C-17 cargo plane loads of gear, U.S. Central Command said this week.

But as creature comforts became rare at the airbase that served as the U.S. logistical hub north of Kabul for nearly 20 years, contractors began to complain, said Modeste, who'd deployed to a similarly "cupcakey" base in Iraq on one of several overseas tours during his 8 1/2 years in the Marines.

He'd been conditioned for Bagram's final, spartan days during an "eye-opening" deployment to Helmand province over a decade ago. His team lived on MREs and took solar showers during long stretches at an observation post atop an "unlivable mountain" in 2009 and 2010.

"It could be worse," Modeste would remind himself this summer.

The Last 'Trickle' of Energy Drinks

Into mid-June, Facebook groups like "Bagram Yard Sale" and "Bagram Craigslist" had ads offering random items like duct tape, power cables, foot lockers, TVs, tools, microwaves, gym equipment and personal Wi-Fi devices.

One user jokingly offered an MRE, labeled as a "stool hardener," for $1,000. Another advertised a bike with ape-hanger handlebars, billing it a "chick magnet" likely to net marriage proposals.

"Make an offer," the user wrote. "Free to an American soldier."

As exchanges and dining facilities closed, things got dicey for those with energy drink and tobacco habits, some of whom turned to these groups offering to buy cases of Monster or Red Bull, packs of cigarettes and logs of dip. Others offered their dwindling supplies in trade.

Modeste's "last can" ad came after years of being supplied "cases and cases" of the Rip Its that typically filled drink coolers at the dining facilities, he said. He'd first tasted the tantalizing beverage in Iraq, where he'd stuff his cargo pockets with it -- his personal record was smuggling out 12 that way.

"That was my life force," he said, adding that the habit "trickled into contractor life" when he arrived at Bagram in 2014 to support the counter-rocket, artillery and mortar systems.

Rip It was adopted as the energy drink of choice to be supplied at dining facilities in 2004 "because it was the most cost-effective," Army spokesman Wayne Hall told Stars and Stripes in late 2018.

In the decade from 2009 to 2018, the Defense Logistics Agency shipped more than 175 million cans of it to U.S. Central Command -- $165 million worth -- data DLA provided to Stars and Stripes shows.

It's also sold by the case or by the can in the coolers of higher-end Kabul grocery stores and the stalls of the bustling Bush Bazaar, likely pilfered from military supplies.

While it's available in the U.S., often in discount retailers like dollar stores, Modeste says it's not the same as the stuff shipped downrange.

This story has been clarified to reflect that the quotes from Sgt. Nicole Hall, Master Sgt. Lloyd Cossey and Staff Sgt. Steve Augusten came from the same Army statement.
Despite concerns about companies growing weary of regularly losing employees to National Guard duty, guardsmen reported fewer cases of problems with their civilian employers during the pandemic than other recent years, according to data obtained by Military.com.

The data comes from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR, a Defense Department program that tracks issues guardsmen have with employers, including retaliation for taking time off for military duty, which in some cases is a crime.

In 2020, ESGR worked on 700 cases for Air and Army National Guard troops with employer issues, according to the data, a slight decrease from 2019 and 2018, which had 733 and 858 cases, respectively.

Although the National Guard has been constantly deployed at home and abroad during the pandemic -- in support of relief efforts while also juggling other domestic missions such as securing the Capitol, putting out wildfires and overseas operations -- the data suggests theres little evidence that the large number of missions have hurt relations with civilian employers or retention in the force.

Even now, at least 20,230 Guard troops are still on pandemic-related missions while just 2,500 troops are serving in Iraq and 900 in Syria, including guardsmen, making the case the Guard has become one of the most heavily utilized parts of the military.

Overall, 18,500 guardsmen are supporting overseas missions, including in Europe and the horn of Africa.

Read Next: Black Rifle Coffee Distances Itself from Extremists, Including Some Who Loved Their Brand

The data for 2021 is incomplete. ESGR has opened 366 cases so far, which is on track to be on par with previous non-pandemic years.

It is unclear whether issues could spike come Sept. 30 when President Joe Biden plans to suspend federal support for the COVID-19 response mission, and when many guardsmen likely will return to their civilian careers. That data also could be skewed if many guardsmen were laid off anyway due to the economic fallout many businesses faced.

A lot of civilian employers were letting people go, so you just might not have a handle on the full situation, John Goheen, a spokesman for the National Guard Association of the United States, told Military.com.

But despite the burden on civilian businesses losing their employees to military service, Goheen said there was probably a clear understanding, given the pandemic was an issue employers saw for themselves and could relate to.

Unlike Afghanistan and Iraq, this is one of those situations where its right in the employers faces, Goheen said. Its in their backyards, not in some far-away land.

Federal law has strong protections for guardsmen on federal missions, whether thats deployed abroad to somewhere like Iraq, or on the federally backed pandemic or Capitol Hill security missions. Employers must allow guardsmen to return to work and not allow the time away for military duty to interrupt any accrual of benefits or promotions. Some employers continue to pay guardsmen while theyre away, although theres no law mandating continued payments. However, employees cannot be forced to use vacation time during military service.

Guardsmen also can be activated under state orders. This is usually done for domestic disturbances and natural disasters. In some cases, guardsmen are deploying to the border under state orders. While federal law is strict, there are few broad protections for state-activated troops.

[Theyre] protected by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act when they are mobilized under federal orders, Marianne Downs, an ESGR spokesperson, said in a statement to Military.com. When a National Guard Service member is mobilized under State Active Duty, they have USERRA protections in limited circumstances. Otherwise their protections are determined at the state level.

Downs said most cases are handled at the lowest level possible, usually through an informal notice to the employer about legal protections guardsmen have, saying that many issues stem from small businesses who simply do not know the law. Roughly 78% of cases were resolved that way in 2020. In many cases, according to Downs, it was a matter of the service member not properly communicating with the employer.

However, cases can escalate to the Department of Labor and then the Department of Justice. Its unclear how many cases of military discrimination have ended up in a court. Once ESGR cannot solve an issue between a service member and employer, the case is escalated to the Department of Labor who may issue formal warnings to an employer. If an issue still isnt resolved, the case then will be taken by the Department of Justice for a criminal inquiry and potential lawsuit.

In one case in May, Cpt. Christopher Robbins, of the Indiana Army National Guard, reached a settlement with Ashley HomeStore following allegations that the company violated federal law by not offering to reemploy him when he returned from a month-long training event in the summer of 2017, according to the Justice Department.

The Justice Department expects employers to fully comply with their reemployment obligations under the law, said Acting U.S. Attorney John Childress of the Southern District of Indiana in a May statement. Where employers fall short in doing so, we will aggressively vindicate the reemployment rights of servicemembers.

Here are the top five reasons troops seek out assistance from ESGR:

21.1% -- Reinstating the reservist or guardsmen to their civilian job after leaving for the military and with the seniority and pay they would have held if they were not absent

20.8% -- Issues related to time off in advance of service, verification of service and inquiries into types of protected military service

12.1% -- Employees being denied rights or benefits

6.1% -- Employers requiring an employee to use vacation or similar leave during military service.

5.4% -- Issues related to benefits such as vacation, bonuses, and holiday pay accrual during service.

Guardsmen also are choosing to stay in the military, despite some fearing the force has been stretched too thin. As of June, the Guard achieved 119% of its retention goals for the year, meaning more troops extended their service contracts than the force targeted.

One side effect is that the Guard suspended reenlistment incentives for the rest of the year. These are usually bonuses ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the service members rank and job, if they commit to more years in uniform.

Yet, the strong reliance on the Guard at home and abroad has spurred concerns of the long-term impact on the force. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told lawmakers in May that the increasing use of the Guard could prove too much.

I am concerned about the possibility of unreasonable demands [on] the Guard, she said. I think we have to be mindful of the fact they are balancing their service with civilian careers and frankly from a recruiting and retention standpoint if we are overly taxing the Guard or the Reserves that can be damaging.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Army National Guard to Halt Re-Up Bonuses Amid Sky-High Retention
The United States will formally end its combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year, President Joe Biden announced Monday. Biden said the two nations will continue to work together in the fight against the Islamic State despite the drawdown.

Biden, alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, cited progress in the U.S.-led air campaign against the extremist group. That campaign saw intense conflict between 2014 and 2019, when thousands of U.S. troops returned to Iraq after Islamic State fighters claimed large swaths of the country's land, overrunning Iraqi government forces.

Our role in Iraq will be ... to be available to continue to train, to assist, to help and to deal with ISIS, as it arrives, Biden told reporters in the Oval Office.

It's critical for the stability of the region, and our counterterrorism cooperation will continue, even as we shift to this new phase we're going to be talking about. But we're not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission.

Roughly 2,500 troops are in Iraq after a troop reduction ordered by then-President Donald Trump last year in an effort to transition the U.S. from a leadership to supporting role in the ongoing war. Despite the president pushing for a full reduction, a senior defense official told reporters at the time that the Pentagon, commanders and national security officials concluded that 2,500 personnel were necessary to safeguard the mission.

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment for how that footprint may change in coming weeks or which units would remain behind in an advisory capacity.

U.S. officials have several times denied it was leaving the country -- most recently last week when the BBC reported that Brett McGurk, the National Security Councils top coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, told Iraq counterparts the withdrawal was near.

Last year, the Iraqi parliament voted to end the U.S.s mission there after a drone strike killed Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad International Airport in January 2020.

Iraqi officials stated the U.S. overstepped its security agreement when it took the action, escalating tensions with Iran. The fallout from the strike forced the U.S. and Iraq into strategic negotiations that included the eventual U.S. withdrawal from Iraqi soil.

Then-president Barack Obama ordered troops to come home in 2011 -- eight years after the invasion that was billed as an effort to find and destroy weapons of mass destruction developed by Saddam Husseins regime. Those supposed weapons were never found.

In 2014, Obama ordered the return of U.S. military fighter jets and bombers to break apart ISIS strongholds and reclaim territory, which included bombing campaigns in Syria.

The campaign saw more than 5,000 troops through 2018 before steadily reducing personnel in the region.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Related: US, Iraq Agree American Troops Should Leave, But Haven't Decided When
The nation's largest health-care system has ordered the majority of its health-care workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough announced Monday that COVID-19 vaccines will be required by all doctors, dentists, physician assistants, registered nurses and other providers known as "Title 38 health workers" or risk their jobs.

The move -- the first for a federal agency -- comes as the country sees an uptick in coronavirus cases caused by the Delta variant and follows the deaths of four unvaccinated VA employees to COVID-19 in the past several weeks -- three of whom had the Delta variant, according to a department release.

"It's the best way to keep veterans safe, especially as the Delta variant spreads across the country," McDonough said in a statement about the mandate. "Whenever a veteran or VA employee sets foot in a VA facility, they deserve to know that we have done everything in our power to protect them from COVID-19."

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During congressional testimony last week, Assistant Under Secretary for Health Dr. Carolyn Clancy said the department has seen an increasing number of hospitalized veterans, 97% of whom were not vaccinated.

She urged veterans and workers to get vaccinated if they have not already done so.

"To those of you listening, I implore you to get vaccinated to help keep yourself, your loved ones and our veterans safe today," Clancy said.

As of Monday, 300,099 VA employees, or roughly 70% of the more then 400,000 workers at the VA, were fully vaccinated, according to a VA database. But increases in cases among employees -- from 192 new cases in June to 390 in July -- have raised concerns of a pending surge, Clancy told members of a House Veterans Affairs subcommittee.

"This surge of infection is causing us to deploy emergency personnel and resources to multiple areas of the country -- signs that we're seeing mirror prior surges and are warning of what's ahead," Clancy said.

Earlier this month, McDonough said he was considering a vaccine mandate, adding that the department had added incentives such as half-day, paid leave for employees who could show they have been vaccinated.

They also are allowed to take leave without being charged for it if they have side effects from the vaccine, according to McDonough.

The legality of requiring vaccines as a condition of employment has been hotly debated since the first coronavirus vaccines were rolled out late last year under an emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration.

The authorization stipulates that individuals receiving a dose must be informed of the "option to accept or refuse administration ... and of the consequences of refusing administration of the product" -- a condition that some legal scholars have taken to mean that requiring a vaccine is illegal.

In May, however, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by at least 116 employees of a Houston hospital who had been suspended as a result of refusing to get vaccinated against the contagious coronavirus.

Similar lawsuits have been filed in California, North Carolina, New Mexico and elsewhere, but to date, no judge has ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.

Those required to get the vaccine under the mandate include "physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, expanded-function dental auxiliaries and chiropractors who work in Veterans Health Administration facilities, visit VHA facilities or provide direct care to those VA serves," according to VA.

The number of active cases of COVID-19 in the VA hospital system has more than doubled in the past two weeks, from 1,519 on July 9 to 3,820 as of Monday. More than 272,245 veterans and employees have contracted the virus since the beginning of the pandemic, and 12,679 have died.

VA hospitals seeing a surge of cases in the past several weeks include those in Texas, Florida, Arkansas and Missouri, according to the department.

VA officials added that they have seen recent outbreaks among unvaccinated staff and students at a VA law enforcement training center as well.

A number of medical organizations have expressed support for the VA's new mandate, including the American Hospital Association.

AMVETS issued a statement Monday praising the move, which the organization said will protect veterans.

"[It] is the right thing to do," Joe Chenelly, AMVETS national executive director, said in a statement. "Every VA employee coming into contact with a veteran should be expected to take every measure possible to ensure they are not endangering veterans who are in VA facilities."

Chenelly added that he expects McDonough to receive criticism for the decision but reiterated that the secretary is putting veterans safety first.

Through direct communication with the Secretary and his staff, we know hes taking this seriously, ultimately acting on advice of medical professionals, Chenelly said.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.

Related: Many Soldiers Still Arent Vaccinated; Whats The Armys Plan?
There are a lot of benefits to military service, and the first among them is job training that can translate to a real-world career after leaving the military. The trouble with that particular benefit is that some military careers dont always have a direct civilian counterpart.

Infantry and combat arms veterans really dont find careers that closely resemble what they did in the military. This experience isnt wasted by any means. They still gain work experience and the soft skills that come with an infantry career. These skills are highly desired by civilian employers and include teamwork, demonstrable leadership and the ability to follow instructions, among many others. Combat arms personnel excel at those things.

When considering a post-military career, many veterans have a clearer understanding of where to go in their careers. Combat arms personnel may feel a little lost in finding the next step. The good news is that the world is actually wide open. The U.S. Census Bureau recently compiled data that points to great careers offering high starting salaries for these kinds of veterans.

1. Scientific and Technical Services

This sector performs highly specialized jobs and often requires a lot of specialized training, education or certification. Those working in scientific and technical services can offer those services to industries or households, or work in companies that require them. These fields include scientific research and development, architectural engineering, computer systems design and even advertising.

Read: The 9 Best Job Programs for Veterans Separating in 2021

Many of these careers can be studied through military programs or with the benefits of tuition assistance and GI Bill funding. There are also private nonprofit organizations that offer to teach skilled services to veterans for free or at a fraction of the cost of a two- or four-year degree. The highest earners surveyed were making more than $80,000 per year, just one year after leaving the military.

2. Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction

Hard work pays off, it seems. Americas mining industry not only includes companies extracting minerals, oil and other materials such as natural gas. It also includes any work done at the mine to process the ore or other substances to make them suitable for transport or processing.

This means that working on an oil rig, operating mining equipment or working as a geological engineer is a well-compensated, post-military career path for veterans. The sector includes operating construction equipment or working in mine safety. The highest-earning vets working in this sector were making upward of $70,000 every year.

3. Utilities

Working in utilities is just what it sounds like. Utilities personnel make the electricity, natural gas, water, steam and sewage flow. They are responsible for the generation and transmission of electricity (through nuclear, coal, gas or renewables) and everything associated with those areas. When it comes to water and sewage, theyre the ones responsible for treating and distributing water supplies and collecting and disposing of wastewater.

Read: The Utility Workers Union of America Is Training Veterans for Post-Military Careers

Many programs to train veterans in utilities exist, because the United States needs utilities workers, and power companies are willing to pay handsomely for their skill and expertise. They love veterans especially, because vets are motivated and detail-oriented. High earners in utilities are making upward of $60,000 per year, one year after discharge, as of the end of 2020.

4. Educational Services

Educational services is a wide-open field, comprising not just primary and secondary school teachers, but also college-level professors and skilled tradesmen who are instructing future skilled trades workers. It also includes any instructional work done via correspondence or over the internet as well as more unique instruction, such as languages or English as a second language.

Even just one year out of the military, veterans in the educational services field may have a lot to offer students and other people looking to learn from their education and experience. The highest earners in the industry were making as much as $60,000 annually, according to the Census Bureaus statistics.

5. Public Administration

The widest category on the list was public administration, but it still managed to make the top five highest-earning possibilities for recently separated veterans. These able managers supervise and direct the implementation of local, state and federal public policy in a number of fields, including health, the environment, justice and labor.

Read: How Veterans Leaving the Military Can Launch a Political Career

Many of these roles are elected positions, depending on the rules in your local government. They include prison wardens, clerks of court and county offices, such as treasurer, comptroller or superintendent. No one goes into public service to get rich (as you might have learned from your military service), but even just one year after leaving the military, veterans can earn upward of $45,000 in this sector.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

Want to Know More About Veteran Jobs?

Be sure to get the latest news about post-military careers as well as critical info about veteran jobs and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.
The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that the Securities Appellate Tribunal's (SAT) order, directing Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) to deposit Rs 250 crore was fair. The apex court further refused to interfere with the SATs stay on an order passed by Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) restricting Franklin Templeton AMC from launching any new debt schemes for two years and refund a little over Rs512 crore.

The SC bench of justice Abdul Nazeer and justice Krishna Murari also recorded an undertaking by Franklin Templeton, which agreed not to launch a new debt scheme till the SAT case is closed.

However, while disposing the petition, the SC asserted that Franklin Templeton will also have to deposit Rs250 crore in an escrow account, as per the SAT order

Solicitor general (SG) Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for SEBI, contended that "The very foundation of fundamental error is wrong. We want them to deposit the amount in an escrow account. The interim order is wrong since only profits can be directed to be returned."

Mr Mehta contended that SAT failed to calculate the actual expenses, taking the amount as gross amount without calculating the asset management firm's expenses. Further, he said that based on the statutory rules, Rs 512 crore was calculated, and setting aside of this amount by SAT is 'erroneous'.

Mr Mehta also argued It is not a stay of money decree, but also a stay on what they are not permitted...when there are facts and statistics on how Rs512 crore figure is arrived at, then if a part of the adjudicated amount is asked to be paid, then it becomes a precedent."

During the hearing, senior counsel Harish Salve, representing Franklin Templeton, stated that this is the first appeal on facts and law. "We are not saying they have wrongly identified the branch of fees. The whole thing cannot be the income. At worse, you can ask for profit," he said.

Justice Nazeer then asked how Rs250 crore was calculated?

Mr Salve responded, "Only 50%. Please read para 12. This is the first appeal on facts and law. The appreciation of facts on which SAT order has been given is wrong." He also alleged that SEBI had misled the apex court by saying 'similar matters are pending'.

Turning down SEBIs appeal against the SAT order , the apex court eventually ordered "Mr Salve and Mr Singhvi submits that Franklin Templeton AMC will not launch any new debt schemes till the disposal of appeal pending before SAT, Mumbai. The submission is taken on record. We are not inclined to interfere with the order regarding the payment of Rs512 crore.

"Appeals are accordingly disposed off. Four weeks' further time is given to SEBI before SAT, Mumbai. We direct SAT to dispose off matter expeditiously as possible."

The SAT had also stayed the SEBI's order , restricting the fund house from launching any new debt scheme for two years.

SEBI had earlier also asked Franklin Templeton to refund investment management and advisory fees of Rs512 crore, including interest, collected towards its six debt schemes, which were shut down last year.

In its order, SEBI stated that Franklin Templeton "committed serious lapses/violations with regard to a scheme categorisation (by replicating high-risk strategy across several schemes) and calculation of Macaulay duration."

Serious lapses and violations appeared to be a fallout of the Franklin Templeton AMC's obsession to run "high yield strategies without due regard from the concomitant risk dimensions," the SEBI order said.

Last week, Franklin Templeton had indicated that it has complied with the conditions prescribed by the SAT order pertaining to the restrictions imposed by SEBI on the fund house.

In a letter to investors, Sanjay Sapre, president of Franklin Templeton AMC said, "The restriction on launching any new debt schemes for a period of two years shall remain stayed during the pendency of the appeal. We have complied with the conditions prescribed in the SAT order and the matter is listed on 30 August 2021, for further hearing."

The six debt schemes  Franklin India Low Duration Fund, Franklin India Dynamic Accrual Fund, Franklin India Credit Risk Fund, Franklin India Short Term Income Plan, Franklin India Ultra Short Bond Fund, and Franklin India Income Opportunities Fund  together had an estimated Rs25,000 crore as assets under management.

According to SEBI, serious lapses and violations appear to be a fallout of the Franklin Templeton AMCs obsession to run high-yield strategies without due regard of the risks involved.

After the decision to wind up the schemes, SEBI ordered a forensic audit and appointed chartered accountants (Cas) Chokshi and Chokshi LLP to conduct a forensic audit of the company and its trustees, particularly with respect to the six debt schemes.
We had mentioned in previous weeks closing report that Nifty, Sensex may head higher, if global markets don't wilt. On Monday, the major indices closed with minor losses. On the NSE, there were 955 advances, 1,008 declines and 72 unchanged.

The trends of the major indices in the course of Mondays trading are given in the table below:

Kotak Mahindra Bank reported a 32%year-on-year (y-o-y) jump in standalone Q1FY21-22 net profit at Rs1,641.92 crore against Rs1,244.45 crore in Q1FY21-21. The net interest income for Q1FY22 increased 6% y-o-y to Rs3,942 crore, from Rs3,724 crore in Q1FY21-21.

ITC reported a 28.6% y-o-y growth in standalone profit at Rs3,013.5 crore in the quarter ended June 30, 2021, partly driven by a low base in the year-ago quarter. The profit was at Rs2,342.76 crore in the year-ago quarter.

Reliance Industries reported the June quarter profit at Rs13,806 crore, up 66.7% y-o-y, with normalised tax provision. The revenue of the oil-to-telecom conglomerate stood at Rs1.44 lakh crore.

Tata Motors posted a consolidated net loss of Rs4,450.92 crore for Q1FY21-22 against a net loss of Rs8,437.99 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.

HCL Technologies was selected as a launch partner for Microsofts recently announced industry cloud, Microsoft Cloud for financial services.

Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys reported robust June quarter earnings. The company posted a four-fold jump in its consolidated profit after tax (PAT) to Rs99.09 crore during the June quarter, mainly on account of higher income.

Vedanta posted a net profit of Rs4,224 crore against Rs 1,033 crore. Revenue jumped 77.9% at Rs28,412 crore against Rs15,973 crore. EBITDA came in at Rs 9,871 crore against Rs 3,993 crore while EBITDA margin stood at 34.7% against 25%.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported a 38% y-o-y growth in consolidated revenues to Rs29,335 crore. L&T bagged orders worth Rs26,557 crore during the quarter ended 30 June, 2021 registering a growth of 13% over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Alembic Pharmas consolidated net profit was down 45.3% at Rs161.9 crore against Rs295.7 crore and revenue was down 1.1% at Rs1,326 crore against Rs1,341 crore, y-o-y.

Axis Bank posted a standalone profit of Rs2,160.15 crore for the quarter ended June 2021, thereby rising 94.2% y-o-y. Net interest income grew by 11.1% to Rs7,760.27 crore in Q1FY21-22, from Rs6,985.31 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal.

The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below:

The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below:
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Major League Baseball has apparently decided that there are 42 too many minor league baseball cities and, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred, after the 2020 season, that will change. There will be a new agreement between the majors and the minors signed and a lot of cities will lose their
SOUTHAMPTON -- Show off your Southampton Free Library pride and help celebrate our 100th anniversary by participating in our Virtual 5K. Everyone who registers before August 16 will be guaranteed either a t-shirt or a gaiter with our 100th anniversary logo and be entered into a raffle for a 
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Souderton schools can and should accept diversity
July 26, 2021

U.S. - China Talks Point To A Longer Conflict

The U.S. wants to slice and dice its approach to China. It will use all means to take advantage of China where it can, while restricting China in those fields were it can no longer compete with it. The Chinese reject that approach. The U.S., they say, should not see China as an enemy. It should stop lecturing China, accept it as an equal and cooperate with it in all fields.

The U.S. is unwilling to do that. Its media-military-industrial complex is already primed for a cold war with China. Trillions of dollars are to be made from it. China on the other side is ready to play hardball if it must.

Today U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman held talks with the Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Xie Feng, She also meet with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The later meeting, demanded to be the main event by the U.S., had already led to some squabble. Wang Yi is beyond Sherman's rank and her main discussion, the Chinese insisted, should be with a person on her own level:

The State Department emphasized Sherman will have senior-level communications but a statement from Chinas Foreign Affairs Ministry emphasized that Sherman will hold talks with Xie and after that Foreign Minister Wang will meet her.

On Saturday two 'senior U.S. administration officials' gave a preview of the talks:

As Secretary Blinken has said, the U.S. relationship with China will be collaborative where it can be, competitive where it should be, and adversarial where it must be. And we expect all dimensions of the relationship will be on the table for discussion during Wendys meetings.

...

In Tianjin, [Sherman is] going to make clear while we welcome stiff and sustained competition with the PRC, everyone needs to play by the same rules and on the level  on a level playing field. Shes going to underscore that we do not want that stiff and sustained competition to veer into conflict. This is why the U.S. wants to ensure that there are guard rails and parameters in place to responsibly manage the relationship.

The second official added:

So let me also put this meeting into the context of the administrations broader China policy effort. Since President Biden took office, weve put a lot of focus on strengthening our own competitive hand vis-a-vis China through many actions that weve taken domestically, investing in ourselves at home. Weve also rallied our allies and partners, including to advance an affirmative vision of the rules-based international order. And weve confronted China when theyve acted against our interests and values while working to cooperate with China on areas like climate change and nonproliferation. We know were stronger when we work with our allies. We know this makes us more effective when dealing with Beijing. We arent seeking an anti-China coalition in our work with allies and partners, but rather trying to work together in a multilateral fashion to uphold the international rules-based order.

...

With all of those actions underway, were entering this engagement from a position of strength and of solidarity.

...

Even as we meet with our Chinese counterparts, we will also continue to hold China accountable. These things are not mutually exclusive, and it should be clear that we are not afraid to impose costs for Chinas behavior that undermines international norms.

As Peter Lee commented with his usual snark:

"We're going to keep kicking your ass. Don't kick back, 'kay?" Our fate now that dime store Machiavellis, excuse me, generational talents, run the FP show.

The emphasized words were not welcome in China. On Sunday Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded in an interview with an attack on U.S. exceptionalism:

The United States always wants to exert pressure on other countries by virtue of its own strength, thinking that it is superior to others, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday. However, I would like to tell the US side clearly that there has never been a country in this world that is superior to others, nor should there be, and China will not accept any country claiming to be superior to others. If the United States has not learned how to get along with other countries on an equal footing by now, then it is our responsibility, together with the international community, to give the US a good tutorial in this regard.

Today, after the talk between Sherman and Xie, the Foreign Ministry published a series of strong response snippets by Deputy Foreign Minister Xie Feng:

I especially like the one about the 'rules based international order':

On 26 July, during his talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng made the comment that the U.S. side's so-called rules-based international order is an effort by the United States and a few other Western countries to frame their own rules as international rules and impose them on other countries. The United States has abandoned the universally-recognized international law and order and damaged the international system it has helped to build. And it is trying to replace it with a so-called rules-based international order. The purpose is to resort to the tactic of changing the rules to make life easy for itself and hard for others, and to introduce the law of the jungle" where might is right and the big bully the small.

The SCMP summerizes:

China has for the first time given the US a list of red lines and remedial action it must take to repair relations, including lifting sanctions and dropping its extradition request for Huawei financial chief Meng Wanzhou. Chinese foreign vice-minister Xie Feng told US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman on Monday morning that US-China relations had reached a stalemate and faced serious consequences, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement. The foundational reason is that some people in the US are treating China as an imagined enemy, it quoted Xie as saying. After the meeting, Xie said China gave two lists to the US  one with one remedial action for Washington to take towards China, and the other a series of Beijings key concerns.

...

Xie said the Chinese side also expressed its strong dissatisfaction towards the wrong remarks and actions of the US in relation to investigations into the origins of Covid-19, Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. We urge the United States not to underestimate the strong determination, firm will and strong ability of the 1.4 billion Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, state news agency Xinhua quoted him as saying.

In its summary of the talks the Associated Press points to the basic difference in the approaches:

High-level face-to-face talks between U.S. and Chinese diplomats on Monday highlighted sharp differences between the sides, although the tone appeared somewhat less contentious than at their last meeting.

...

Xie said China wants to seek common ground while shelving differences, highlighting a divide in the basic approach to their relationship. The Biden administration has said it will cooperate in areas such as climate but confront China in others such as human rights, describing the relationship as collaborative, competitive and adversarial.

As the U.S. is for now rejecting the Chinese offer for burying the hatchet China will have to play hardball. It will not be cooperative in the fields where the U.S. wants it to be cooperative (Iran, North Korea, etc.). It will also be adversarial in fields where the U.S. has little ability to push back (rare earth exports, Boeing 737MAX re-certification).

The U.S. hopes that it can find and press 'allies' into confronting China. But Europe already rejected that. To others, especially in Asia, the U.S. looks like a declining power because it is a declining power and the economic interests of most nations now favor China. Under these circumstances I for one fail to see how the U.S. could win in a longer cold conflict.

How long then will it take until the U.S. recognizes that and steps down from its illusion of supremacy?

Posted by b on July 26, 2021 at 16:20 UTC | Permalink

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More FM Breakfast Club's own Lana Searle is heading to Celebrity Treasure Island!

Lana is one of 21 Kiwi personalities contestants who will battle it out for $100,000 for their chosen charity.

Filmed locally in the Far North earlier this year not too far from Lana's home of Dargaville, she's chosen to support a charity founded by her Ngati Kuri iwi.
MOULTRIE, GA.- Lamar Otis Knight, 61, of Moultrie passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Funeral services will be held 4:00 PM Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at Cobb Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Greenfield Cemetery. Born March 16, 1960, in Moultrie, he was the son of the late George Otis 
WASHINGTON - The phrase "all is fair in love and war" took on a new meaning Friday, when a Texas man was arrested after boasting to a match in a dating app about participating in the Jan. 6 riot "from the very beginning."

Andrew Taake of Houston was charged with assaulting police and storming the Capitol building. His arrest follows a months-long investigation spurred by a tip and a FedEx delivery driver who confirmed his identity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to the government.

ONLY IN HOUSTON: Happy 713 Day, Houston! Here's why we're the best

Taake made his initial court appearance Friday in the Southern District of Texas, according to a Department of Justice news release. His public defender did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Similarly to another arrested rioter, it all started with a conversation on Bumble, a dating app, according to court documents.

The unnamed Bumble user asked if he had been "near all the action." Taake claimed he was pepper-sprayed by police after gathering to protest the presidential election results, according to a July 21 criminal complaint.

Washington Post photo by Ricky Carioti.

"About 30 minutes after being sprayed," he said of a selfie showing him wearing a gray beanie and a dark gaiter. "Safe to say, I was the very first person to be sprayed that day . . . all while just standing there."

The two never got to meet face to face.

Three days after the events, the match sent the conversation to officials, along with screenshots of Taake's location on Jan. 6 - shown as Alexandria, Va., just outside Washington, D.C. - according to the complaint.

After the tip, officials reviewed flight records, security footage and photos and videos posted across social media. What they found was far more than a participant "peacefully standing there," as Taake claimed on Bumble, according to the complaint.

A federal agent said images show the Texas man "using what appears to be a metal whip and pepper spray to attack law enforcement officers."

Body-camera footage provided by D.C. police allegedly reveals Taake emerging from the crowd of rioters on the other side of a bike rack barricade crafted by the authorities. He pepper-sprayed the officers, retreated and is then seen "striking officers with a weapon that appears to be a whip," the federal agent wrote.

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Once the crowd managed to break into the building, the U.S. Senate's security cameras caught Taake - with his whip still in hand - walking down the aisles, the complaint says.

But how did officials conclude it was him?

After gathering images, FBI agents showed them to a FedEx driver who had delivered a package "minutes before" at Taake's address, according to court documents. The driver then identified Taake as the man in the photos, the goverment said.

An interview between the federal agent and Taake led to his identity confirmation after the official reviewed the amassed evidence, court documents said.

Authorities also said they found a link between Taake's phone number and the Jan. 5 Spirit Airlines ticket to Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport that he bought from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

Identified in the document as the co-owner of a home-cleaning and pressure-washing service - officials matched the phone number listed on the company's Facebook page with the cellphone Taake used to book his flight. According to the complaint, it was connected to cellphone sites that would be utilized from inside the Capitol building.

Taake faces charges including attempting to obstruct the work of law enforcement, causing a disturbance during a session of Congress and entering a restricted building that contained the vice president.

He is one of the more than 535 individuals to be arrested in breaching the Capitol and one of the more than 165 people charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

TEXAN PRIDE: Your guide to shopping for cowboy boots in Houston: from $ to $$$

Taake is also the second to have been charged after a Bumble encounter - though others have been flagged by the dating app.

"Bumble prohibits content that promotes racism or encourages any illegal activity including terrorism and the incitement of violence," a spokesperson for the company said in a statement to The Washington Post. "Additionally, the spreading of misinformation, such as disputing the certified results of the U.S. Election, is prohibited."
Weaving through a line of orange lockers, Dexter was focused.

He sniffed at each one, before stopping and sitting in front of a lockernear the end of the row on the right.

"Good boy! Good boy!" his handler cheered, patting him on the back.

The 3-year-old Dutch Shepherd mix had successfully found the locker at the Maryland Correctional Training Center building with a hidden jar of "prison moonshine."

Dexter, along with his furry colleagues - Marley, Gisele and Raven - are a part of a new team the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) K-9 Unit has established to train and deploy dogs to sniff out alcohol in correctional facilities.

With homemade prison wine leading to inmate violence and potential deaths, officials say the unit will save lives.

DPSCS Secretary Robert Green said the unit was created in part after he saw an increase in alcohol-related activities and overdoses during the coronavirus pandemic due to limitations on activities and visits. Dining halls became socially distanced, and many prisoners were having their meals brought to their cells, increasing the access prisoners had to ingredients for alcohol made in cells with a "mash" of fruit, sugar and bread or yeast.

Green believes the unit is the first of its kind in the country for a state correctional setting with an assigned team of trained alcohol-sniffing dogs.

"Those furry four-legged officers, as each one of them is to us, is a force multiplier that helps us do our job," Green said.

"Pruno," a term used for prison alcohol, can lead to illnesses such as botulism and has caused several outbreaks in prisons in California, Arizona, Utah and Mississippi, according to the CDC.

After seeing a local spike in pruno consumption, Green held a meeting with the K-9 Unit in April to develop training for dogs to detect alcohol. Within six weeks, Gisele, the sole female trainee, was the first dog out, and two weeks later, the team was deploying all four dogs - including a chocolate lab, an English springer spaniel and a lab mix - in their new roles.

The four dogs work throughout the state, with correctional facilities in Cumberland, Baltimore and Jessup, Hagerstown and the lower Eastern Shore.

The dogs are "dual purpose" within the DPSCS K-9 Unit and are also trained to detect artificial drugs, cellphones, thumbdrives and other contraband, making them ideal to also detect alcohol, said Maj. Mark Flynn, commander of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services K-9 Unit.

Sgt. Jessica Hite, an assistant trainer, created the training plan for the dogs. Hite said she starts training the animals with 10 drops of ethanol, having the dogs do a search pattern sniff the alcohol and then telling them to sit. The dogs are rewarded with a ball and play time with their handler after they successfully find the alcohol. After repeating the process multiple times, Hite said it will "click to them" and they begin sniffing to find the alcohol on their own.

Flynn said the dogs can learn a new odor in a week and the training plays into their natural tendency to hunt and desire to be rewarded.

"We're also being trained as well," said Amanda Nusbaum, Marley's handler. "They're our partners 24/7, so that bonding and playing is really rewarding for us as officers."

The "four-legged officers" can sniff out both methanol and ethanol, which prison wine contains high concentrations of, making it dangerous to consume, Flynn said.

"Methanol is produced through the distillation process, and is deadly," Flynn said. "The inmates, unfortunately, are trying to consume this product, and it's causing overdoses and injuries to the inmates."

Flynn said the overdoses seen in the prison system during the pandemic were "unacceptable." Assaults on staff and inmates can increase with intoxication as well, he said.

As contraband, inmates also sell the alcohol, Hite said.

Sgt. Daniel Harmon, an assistant trainer, said prisoners have a process for creating the illegal prison wine that starts with creating the "mash," which can be consumed directly as "wine" after sitting for a while or is distilled into something much more potent, Harmon said.

One of the brews that officers found in a correctional facility recently was 98 proof ethanol, and another was 199.8 proof methanol.

The distilling process, Harmon said, involves making a heater, nicknamed a "stinger," that resembles a wire and plugging it in to a light socket or power source. The "mash" is placed in a crate in a plastic bag, and as the stinger heats it up, droplets form in the plastic bag, creating a potentially deadly mix of methanol and ethanol. The liquid is poured out into another plastic bag or container through a funnel and sealed.

"If they're not pouring that [methanol] out, it's mixing with the ethanol, which is the alcohol they drink," Harmon said, "It'll put you in a hospital very quickly," or can be deadly.

Dexter, Marley, Gisele and Raven can detect the smell within minutes during prison searches, said Sgt. Stephanus Roling, Gisele's handler.

Since the team's creation, recoveries of alcohol have tripled by including the trained dogs, Flynn said. About 45 percent of the dogs in the DPSCS K-9 Unit are rescue dogs, he added.

United States Police Canine Association Executive Director Don Slavik said that he's seen prison systems across the country certify and train dogs for narcotics and cellphones but has not heard of them using dogs to sniff out alcohol before.

"Dogs," Slavik said, "are the best mobile device that we have in the United States to sniff out contraband."
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Malaysias government said it will not extend a coronavirus emergency beyond Aug. 1 as the country's Parliament reopened Monday after a disputed seven-month suspension amid a worsening pandemic.

The emergency, which allowed the government to halt Parliament since January and rule by ordinance without legislative approval, has been slammed as a ruse for embattled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to stay in power amid challenges to his leadership.

Opposition lawmakers slammed the governments failure to tackle the pandemic despite a national lockdown since June 1. Malaysias total cases passed 1 million Sunday, up by eight-fold from the whole of last year and up 77% since the lockdown. Deaths have also climbed steeply to over 8,000.

After the special, five-day session of Parliament opened, Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan said the government would not seek an extension of the emergency.

Opposition lawmakers were also taken by surprise when Takiyuddin announced the government has annulled all emergency ordinances on July 21. They questioned why the annulment wasnt made public earlier and whether it followed the proper process. Details were hazy on how it affects measures such as penalties imposed on those breaking COVID-19 protocol.

Muhyiddin, in his briefing to the lower house, said Malaysia, like other countries, was not spared from the more contagious delta variant of the coronavirus.

He defended his governments policies, saying economic aid has been distributed to poor households and to businesses severely hit by the lockdown. Vaccinations have also been accelerated, with the majority of the population expected to be inoculated by the year's end, he said.

This government is not perfect but this government does not allow the people to suffer and always works to save lives, Muhyiddin said.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad urged Muhyiddin to step down and said his unelected government, which took power in March 2020, has failed. Echoing other lawmakers, he said the parliamentary session was a sham because debates and voting weren't allowed.

If this government has really failed, then it is time for the prime minister to step down and we need the forum to vote on this, another lawmaker, Gobind Singh, said earlier.

Analysts say the end of the emergency was not unexpected as the king wasn't likely to agree to an extension. The annulments will also help Muhyiddin avoid parliamentary votes on those ordinances that could be seen as a test of support for his leadership, said Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.

With no voting allowed in the session, Oh said it "summarily reduces Parliament to worse than rubber-stamp role.

The biggest party in Muhyiddin's ruling alliance has withdrawn its support for him for failing to tackle the pandemic, but the attorney-general said Muhyiddin would remain in power until it can be proven in Parliament that he lost majority support.

That keeps his position safe for now, as the government has said the special parliamentary session will focus purely on the pandemic and no voting or other motions will be allowed. The regular parliamentary session will only resume in September.

There was an uproar at the end of Monday's session as Muhyiddin, who was supposed to answer questions raised by lawmakers, was absent. Where's the PM? Where's the PM? opposition lawmakers shouted. Instead, the finance minister handled the closing session and dodged answers related to the emergency.

Muhyiddin became prime minister after initiating the downfall of the reformist government that won the 2018 elections. His Bersatu party formed an unstable alliance that includes the United Malays National Organization, which was ousted in the 2018 polls. UMNO is the largest party in the alliance but has been unhappy at playing second fiddle to Bersatu and opposes the emergency declaration.

The five-day session of the lower house is being held under strict virus-prevention measures, with lawmakers masked and separated by transparent screens.

House Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun said the number of lawmakers may be restricted after two lawmakers and 12 parliamentary staff tested positive for the virus over the weekend. He said more than 60 people, including up to six lawmakers, who are close contacts are quarantined.
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PITTSFIELD  Authorities confirmed Monday that a man whose disappearance prompted an endangered person alert this weekend has died.

Pike County Sheriffs Department and Illinois State Police issued a request for help in finding Ronald Abney, 82, of Hull on Saturday. He had not been seen since leaving Hardin about 3 p.m. Friday, possibly en route to Moberly, Missouri.

The Endangered Missing Person Advisory was canceled about 5:30 p.m. Sunday, with authorities saying he had been located.

Pike County Sheriff David E. Greenwood said Monday that Abney was found at 5:03 p.m. Sunday in a creek bed on Illinois Route 96, 2 miles south of Atlas. Preliminary investigation indicates Abneys car went off the road and into the creek bed Friday afternoon.

Searchers had been looking for Abney following the report of his disappearance. Family members were joined by community members in ground and air searches.

Illinois State Police is investigating the crash.
GRAFTON  Mayor Mike Morrow, along with City Attorney Will Miller, are waiving their salaries to support the citys police department.

I ran on a campaign promise that I was not going to take a salary, and I was going to donate my salary to help the police department specifically and the city in general, Morrow said.

This transpired this month during the citys budget meeting. Morrow had proposed a budget that included a targeted pay raise for the police department and city workers.

According to Morrow, this budget was in the red by $60,000. Another budget was proposed by the city treasurer at only $20,000 in the red. The treasurers budget would have given targeted employees a raise of an extra 50 cents an hour.

Morrow said that people were 100% for the police department but also concerned about the deficit budget. City Attorney Will Miller of MillerKing Law Firm in Alton offered to donate his salary to help the city and the police department after speaking with his business partner, Patrick King.

It became apparent that (the budget) was going to be a difficult undertaking for the city, Miller said. I felt, and my partner felt, that the most appropriate thing for us to do was to donate our salary back for the benefit of the city and their employees.

Police Chief Eric Spanton, along with the city administrative manager and public works manager, also offered to not take a pay raise in an effort to help the police department.

The budget passed unanimously. Starting Sept. 1, members of the police department and other targeted workers will be getting $1.50 an hour pay increase.

Additionally, two Grafton residents volunteered their time to help out the city. Rob Hedger volunteered to cut the grass at Red Hawk Park and Cynthia Han donated $250 to help the Parks and Recreation Department buy a new baby swing for Red Hawk Park.

I was just pleased with the fact that the Grafton people are stepping forward and helping other Grafton people and helping their police officers, Morrow said. Grafton was featured in a Friday segment on the national TV program Fox and Friends.

Spanton said he was overwhelmed with the actions of Morrow, Miller and the community members.

Grafton is a very good town, Spanton said. Theyve got good people and care about the police department and it is enjoyable to work there.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Moderna said Monday it plans to expand the size of its COVID-19 vaccine study in younger children to better detect rare side effects, such as a type of heart inflammation recently flagged by U.S. health authorities.

The company said it is in talks with the Food and Drug Administration to enroll more study participants under age 12. It had intended to test the vaccine in about 7,000 children, with some as young as 6 months. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company said via email it hasn't decided on how many kids might be added.

The announcement comes as U.S. COVID-19 cases are rising and schools prepare to welcome students back to classrooms. At the same time, regulators continue to review cases of a rare type of heart inflammation called myocarditis that has been reported in a small number of teenagers who got the Moderna or Pfizer shots.

Pfizer said on Monday that if it makes changes to its vaccine testing in children, it will provide an update then. The New York-based company is testing its vaccine in up to 4,500 children in the United States and Europe.

The FDA said in a statement it could not comment on its discussions with companies, but added we do generally work with sponsors to ensure the number of participants in clinical trials are of adequate size to detect safety signals.

The news was first reported by the New York Times.

U.S. officials and independent medical experts said last month the benefits of the vaccines far outweigh the risks of the side effect, which has been reported in several hundred people younger than 30. But any vaccine safety issues could slow uptake, particularly among parents wary of taking any health risk with their children.

Currently, Pfizer has the only U.S. vaccine authorized for children 12 years and up, while Moderna is expecting an FDA ruling on its application in the coming days.

While teens receive the same dose as adults, younger children may need smaller doses. That additional complexity adds time to drugmakers research and application timelines.

Moderna said Monday it expects to have enough data to apply for FDA authorization in younger kids by late this year or early 2022.

Pfizer has previously said it expects to apply in September for children ages 5 through 11. Results for two younger age groups that began testing a little later should be available by October or November, according to the company.

___

Johnson reported from Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
COVID-19 isnt the only respiratory virus stymied by pandemic-mitigation efforts  or to experience a rebound as those efforts are relaxed.

Infection rates for respiratory syncytial virus  commonly known as RSV  also are climbing, according to Dr. Johana Gimenez, a pediatrician with Memorial Physician Services in Jacksonville.

When we started wearing masks, staying at home and being away from people, all of those things, RSV infection rates fell, Gimenez said.

They didnt just fall, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Friday. They fell to historic lows.

Between Jan. 4, 2020, and April 4, 2020, RSV positivity rates dipped from 15.3% to 1.4% and then stayed at less than 1% during the next year. By comparison, the rate during the previous four years was above 3% weekly with peaks ranging from 12.5% to 16.7% in late December of those years.

There was a marked decrease in winter-season RSV, Gimenez said.

RSV-related hospitalizations were at 0.3 per 100,000 people between October 2020 and April, compared to 27.1 and 33.4, respectively, during that time period in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, according to the CDC, and nearly 77% of RSV-related hospitalizations between October 2020 and May 22 happened in April and May, as pandemic-related restrictions were starting to be eased.

Between April 17 and May 22, the weekly positivity rate in the southeastern United States more than doubled, from 1.1% to 2.8%. It soon followed in Illinois.

On June 11, we started Stage 5 in Illinois, Gimenez said of the Restore Illinois plan to reopen the state following the pandemic shutdown. And we started to see an increase in RSV, out of season.

More Information Symptoms Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus generally appear within four to six days after infection. They include:  runny nose  decrease in appetite  coughing  sneezing  fever  wheezing In very young infants, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties. Symptom relief To relieve symptoms:  Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.)  Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. See More Collapse

RSV is a common virus that has been around for a long time. It usually causes only mild symptoms typical of the common cold  a runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, a fever, wheezing  and most people recover pretty easily. But it can be life-threatening, especially among infants and older adults, and it is the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants.

Almost all children are infected by RSV at least once by 2 years of age, Gimenez said.  But you can die from RSV due to respiratory failure.

However common, the current spike is worrisome, both because of the rise in infections and the fact that its happening mid-summer rather than later in the fall or winter, she said, noting that its season usually loosely coincides with influenza season.

We are seeing an increase regionally, in central Illinois, and nationally since we started Phase 5, Gimenez said. Theres definitely an increase in incidences and (hospital) admissions.

Those at the greatest risk for becoming the sickest as the result of an RSV infection are infants who were born prematurely, children with a lung disease or congenital heart disease and those with chronicle diseases, Gimenez said.

Basically, because these are respiratory viruses, its the same way you get sick, she said. The transmission is the same.

As with COVID-19, there are things people can do to avoid getting RSV, including maintaining social distance, she said.

Infection can happen when youre touching contaminated surfaces, she said. The virus can live on surfaces for hours, 30 minutes on your hand. Its the same thing were saying for COVID  stay 6 feet away, wash your hands and clean surfaces thoroughly.

When you see who usually gets sick, its usually kids less than 2 years of age, Gimenez said. Its more like mild flu when older children and adults get it. The oldest Ive seen in my practice is a 4-year-old who had other viruses, too.

But its important for parents to recognize the symptoms, know how to treat them and when to seek medical intervention, Gimenez said.

The first symptoms tend to be a cough and runny nose that may progress to wheezing and respiratory distress, she said, noting that she recommends calling a doctor if the symptoms persist for three days.

I tell moms, you as mothers have a gut feeling, Gimenez said. If your gut feeling as a mom is that your child is sick, listen to your body and go ahead and take your child to the doctor.

While antibiotics dont work on viruses, there are steps to help make a child more comfortable as their bodies fight RSV, she said.

Hydration is the first step.

Sometimes kids (with RSV) wont want to eat, so they get dehydrated, she said. Make sure they drink plenty of liquids.

Using a bulb syringe to carefully suction some of the congestion from their nasal passages also can help.

Prevention remains the best bet, though.

If you want to be safe with your child, continue to keep your distance a little bit, Gimenez said. Have wipes for hands, hand sanitizers.  If you have a baby less than 2 months old, stay home as much as possible. Those less than 2 years usually are not going to use a face mask. Just make sure whatever they touch doesnt go into their mouth or eyes.
ISLAMABAD (AP)  A renowned Scottish climber died in an avalanche while attempting to scale K2 in northern Pakistan, the worlds second-highest mountain peak, a Pakistani mountaineering official and a British charity said Monday.

Rescuers meanwhile located the bodies of three climbers who died on the same mountain earlier this year, officials said.

Rick Allen, 68, died in an avalanche three days ago while trying to reach the summit along a route that had not been attempted previously on the mountain's southeast face, said Karrar Haidri, the secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan.

Allen's two climbing partners survived the avalanche and were subsequently rescued, Haidri said.

Their expedition was aimed at raising funds for the U.K.-based charity Partners Relief & Development, where Allen was a board member. The charity, which works for the welfare of children, confirmed Allen's death on its Facebook page.

An experienced climber, Allen was involved in an avalanche and was rescued in 2018 when he was scaling Broad Peak, which like K2 lies in the Karakoram Range, along the Pakistan-China border.

Rick died doing what he loved the most and lived his life with the courage of his convictions," said the charity's statement.

Stephan Keck, an Austrian who was one of Allen's climbing partners, survived the avalanche. He told The Associated Press on Monday that he escaped death miraculously.

He said after the avalanche hit the climbers he opened his eyes and saw that Allen was dead. He said Allen's body was lying near him because they were connected with a rope.

Keck said he stood up and moved to a safer place as more avalanches were imminent. He said military helicopters came to rescue him and a fellow climber. Keck said he might have died in the harsh weather if he hadn't been rescued.

Pakistan is home to several top mountain peaks and climbers flock from all over the world to attempt to scale the summits.

Also on Monday, Haidri said rescuers located the bodies of three climbers  Pakistani mountaineer Ali Sadpara, Jon Snorri of Iceland and Juan Pablo Mohr of Chile. They died attempting to summit the 8,611-meter (28,250-foot) high K2 in February. Their bodies could not be found earlier despite several attempts by Pakistani search and rescue teams aided by the military.

Haidri said the Pakistan army's help was being sought to retrieve the bodies as it was difficult for the rescuers to bring the bodies down from the high altitude. He said the bodies of Snorri and Mohr will be sent to their respective countries.

Last week, South Korean climber Kim Hong Bin fell into a crevasse and went missing in bad weather after scaling the 8,047-meter (26,400-foot) high Broad Peak. A rescue operation to try and find him has been put on hold because of the weather.
CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico (AP)  Apparently, even the most bloodthirsty drug gangs can get tired of killing: Three of the warring factions of Mexico's Gulf cartel announced Monday they have reached agreement on a truce.

Police in the state of Tamaulipas confirmed the professionally printed banners appeared in the border city of Reynosa and other cities Monday. Cartel gunmen randomly killed 15 bystanders last month in Reynosa, which is across the Rio Grande from McAllen, Texas.

Photos of the banners showed they were printed with red, white and green letters  the colors of the Mexican flag  and slogans like Long live Peace!

State police said four people had been detained on suspicion of hanging the banners from buildings or overpasses in more than a half dozen cities across Tamaulipas.

The banners were signed by three of the main factions in the decade-old turf war  the Metros, the Scorpions and the Reds. It was unclear if a fourth faction, the Cyclones, was part of the agreement.

In contrast to usual cartel messages, which are often misspelled and accompanied by heaps of bodies or body parts, Mondays message used polite, almost erudite language and bore a picture of a dove with an olive branch.

We have agreed to a truce of tranquility and we declare our solidarity with the people, and with ideological principles consistent with keeping the peace, read the text of one banner, which included the plea, We have families, too.

The primordial thing is for the communities in which we have a presence feel secure with it, without any worry, the banner read. The Gulf Cartel has principles and its greatest priority is peace in the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Metros are one of the larger factions of the now-splintered Gulf cartel, and they have long dominated Reynosa.

The Tamaulipas state prosecutors office has said the June 19 killings in Reynosa were carried out by members of the Scorpions and another Gulf Cartel faction known as the Cyclones, both of which are based to the east of Reynosa, around Matamoros. The fact that similar banners appeared in Matamoros suggested the Cyclones are on board with the pact.

Prosecutors said the two groups sought to terrorize the population of Reynosa as part of their campaign to challenge the Metros' control of the city.

Turf battles have become common in Tamaulipas, where remnants of the Gulf cartel and the old Zetas gang have been carrying out turf battles for more than a decade. The border cities are lucrative routes for smuggling drugs and migrants.
South Africas virus cases decline, liquor sales allowed View Photo

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  South Africas government has lifted a ban on liquor sales and relaxed other pandemic restrictions, reporting that a recent spike in coronavirus cases has passed its peak, the president said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation Sunday night that the average daily number of new confirmed cases over the last week was around 12,000, which was a 20% drop from the previous week.

The latest figures suggest that we have largely passed the peak of the third wave of infections, although there are areas in the country where we still need to be concerned because the rates of infection have not yet shown signs of decline, Ramaphosa said.

The government is allowing retail alcohol sales to resume from Monday through Thursday, while bars and restaurants also will be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages. Schools have fully reopened, and social and religious gatherings are again allowed for a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. A nighttime curfew has been reduced to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Ramaphosa also announced the reinstatement of a monthly relief grant of 350 rand ($23.50) for unemployed South Africans until next March. An estimated 2 million jobs have been lost since last year due to the pandemic, according to the countrys official statistics.

While new confirmed cases are declining in South Africa, many other countries in Africa are seeing increased COVID-19 cases, driven by the delta variant.

To accelerate its mass vaccination campaign, South Africa will start giving shots on weekends and will make them available to younger residents ages 18 and above starting September 1. Currently, vaccines are limited to people 35 and up.

In the coming weeks, we will substantially increase the rate of vaccination, said Ramaphosa.

South Africa, which has a population of 60 million, has administered over 6.3 million vaccine doses. The rate of inoculations needs to increase for the country to reach its target of having 67% of the population fully vaccinated by February.

According to Ramaphosa, 31 million doses of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be delivered in the next two to three months, while negotiations with other manufacturers are continuing.

In describing South Africas efforts to curb the pandemic, Ramapahosa lamented the violent riots this month sparked by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma, saying the unrest was like fighting a battle on two fronts.

More than 300 people died and more than 2,500 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism resulting from the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.

The deployment of 25,000 army troops helped quell the rioting. Ramaphosa said his government would seek restitution for businesses that suffered more than 20 billion rand ($1.35 billion) in damage and also would assist poor South Africans.

The state-owned insurance company, SASRIA, will expedite claims by insured businesses for riot-related damage, and the government plans to announce support measures for smaller, uninsured businesses, Ramaphosa said.

I want to make it clear that law and order will be maintained, the president said. There will be further arrests, particularly of those who conceptualized, planned, and executed these actions that have led to so much destruction and loss of life.

By MOGOMOTSI MAGOME and ANDREW MELDRUM

Associated Press
Philippine leader unabashedly threatens to kill drug dealers View Photo

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte unabashedly renewed his threat to kill drug dealers in his final state of the nation speech on Monday, while defending his nonconfrontational approach in the countrys territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.

Duterte, 76, who won a six-year presidential term in 2016, is winding down his often-tumultuous presidency amid a raging pandemic, a battered economy and a legacy overshadowed by his deadly campaign against illegal drugs that has set off complaints of mass murder before the International Criminal Court.

While many expected him to focus on ways to combat the coronavirus, which has devastated the economy and worsened hunger and poverty, Duterte instead devoted most of a rambling, nearly three-hour televised speech to non-pandemic topics he has addressed repeatedly in the past.

Duterte reiterated his threat to kill drug dealers, explaining it is tougher to fight criminals the legal way, while daring the International Criminal Court to record his remarks.

I would never deny and the ICC can record it: Those who destroy my country, I will kill you. And those who destroy the young people of our country, I will kill you, Duterte said. I will really bring you down because I love my country.

You can do it the legal way, but it would take you months and years, Duterte told an audience of legislators, Cabinet members and foreign diplomats.

Duterte and police officials have denied condoning extrajudicial killings, but he has repeatedly threatened to kill suspects in his public speeches. More than 6,000 mostly petty suspects have been killed during police drug raids. In addition, a large number have also been gunned down by motorcycle-riding assassins who human rights groups suspect are linked to law enforcement.

The killings have alarmed Western governments, U.N. rights experts and human rights groups. Duterte has acknowledged that he failed to fulfill a campaign promise to eradicate the drug menace and deeply entrenched corruption within six months of becoming president. But he said he had found at least nine police generals and Bureau of Customs officials were involved in the drug trade.

I did not know that I was fighting my own government, he said, although the involvement of law enforcers and public officials has long been reported.

Randy Delos Santos, whose 17-year-old nephew, Kian, was shot to death in 2017 by three officers who were later convicted of murder, said the poor have been traumatized by the drug crackdown.

He has not won this war on drugs, because the problem is still there, but a lot of families have lost their breadwinners, Delos Santos told The Associated Press. Were the biggest loser and we still live in fear.

An ICC prosecutor said last month a preliminary examination found reason to believe crimes against humanity had been committed under Dutertes crackdown on drugs and sought permission to open a formal investigation. Duterte said he will never cooperate with a possible investigation.

Allies have defended Dutertes record, with documentaries on state-run TV and speeches highlighting his administrations efforts to fight criminality, poverty, corruption and decades-long communist and Muslim insurgencies, as well as build infrastructure.

But increasingly vocal opponents have criticized Dutertes handling of key issues, including his refusal to confront Chinas pressing of territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Duterte said he had not aggressively confronted China because a military solution is not an option for the weaker Philippines.

It will be a massacre if I go and fight a war now, Duterte said. We are not yet a competent and able enemy of the other side.

Duterte thanked medical workers who are fighting the coronavirus along with private companies and foreign banks which provided help and funds that allowed the country to deal with the pandemic.

He said the economy can hardly endure more lockdowns, but that if the highly contagious delta variant spreads widely he would have little option but to resort to more restrictions.

I really do not know what to do. I have to listen to the task force, he said, referring to a government body of Cabinet officials and medical experts which has been dealing with the pandemic.

The Philippines has reported more than 1.5 million COVID-19 infections, including 27,224 deaths. Months of lockdowns and natural disasters caused the economy to plummet by 9.5% last year.

Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros said she failed to hear clear plans in Dutertes speech for dealing with inadequate virus testing and contact tracing and the massive number of Filipinos who lost their livelihood because of the pandemic.

Our people wanted to hear about jobs and health from the president. He should have focused on these most of all, Hontiveros said.

___

Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila contributed to this report.

By JIM GOMEZ

Associated Press
Bosnian Serb politicians decry outlawing of genocide denial View Photo

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  Bosnian Serb political representatives have pledged to block decision-making in the countrys institutions in protest over a recent move by the top international envoy in Bosnia to outlaw genocide denial.

We will not live in a country where someone can impose a law by simply publishing it on his website, Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of Bosnias joint presidency, said Monday.

Dodik spoke after a meeting of leaders of all Bosnian Serb political parties to discuss the imposition on Friday by U.N. High Representative to Bosnia Valentin Inzko of changes to the countrys criminal code. The imposed changes introduce prison sentences of up to five years for genocide denial and the glorification of war criminals.

Dodik repeatedly said over the weekend that Inzkos decision should serve as a final push for secession of Bosnian Serb lands from the rest of the country.

In a decision published after their meeting on Monday, Bosnian Serb political representatives said they considered Inzkos decision unacceptable and void, announcing they will confront it by boycotting the work of the countrys multi-ethnic presidency, parliament and government.

Under the terms of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement that ended Bosnias 1992-95 interethnic war, the country was carved into highly autonomous Serb-run Republika Srpska and a federation shared by Bosniaks and Croats. The two are linked by joint institutions and all the decisions on the state level have to be reached by consensus of the three ethnic groups.

As the top international envoy overseeing implementation of the peace agreement, the High Representative was given the authority to impose laws or dismiss officials who undermine the post-war ethnic balance and reconciliation efforts.

In the immediate post-war years, the international community kept Bosnia on a reform course, pressuring its leaders to accept painful compromises in return for financial and other support.

But over a decade ago, as the international focus shifted to other global crises, Bosnia was mostly left to its own devices. This has encouraged Bosnian Serb leaders, Dodik in particular, to increasingly call into question the countrys continued existence and stoke ethnic tensions by downplaying or denying the crimes committed by their ethnic kin during the war.

They have been denying with particular gusto the scope of the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica, Europes only acknowledged genocide since World War II.

The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court for Former Yugoslavia declared the Bosnian Serb killings of more than 8,000 Bosniaks that took place in Srebrenica in July 1995 as genocide. But Bosnian Serb officials and neighboring Serbia have refused to accept the designation.

Bosnian Serbs also have honored their wartime leader, Radovan Karadzic, and military commander Ratko Mladic as heroes, although both have been convicted of genocide and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Hague-based tribunal. Murals featuring Mladic and Karadzic can be seen in many towns in the Serb-run part of Bosnia.
Israeli airlines launch first direct flights to Morocco View Photo

JERUSALEM (AP)  Two Israeli airlines launched their first commercial flights between Israel and Morocco on Sunday, less than a year after the countries officially normalized relations.

Israirs flight departed Tel Aviv for Marrakech with around 100 Israeli tourists, the company said, hours before Israeli national carrier El Al dispatched its first direct flight to the same destination.

Israeli Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov said the new direct flights would help advance fruitful tourism, trade and economic cooperation and diplomatic agreements between the two countries.

Israel and Morocco agreed to normalize relations in late 2020 as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Morocco was among four Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan, to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

As part of the deal, the United States agreed to recognize Moroccos claim to the long-disputed Western Sahara region, however the Biden administration said it will review this decision. Moroccos 1975 annexation of Western Sahara is not recognized by the United Nations.

Many Israeli Jews have lineage that traces back to Morocco, which is still home to a small Jewish community of several thousand.

El Al said in a statement before the departure of its first flight that the company plans to operate five flights per week between Israel and Morocco.

We hope that now many can know Morocco better, to experience and be excited by this special country that is deeply rooted in Israeli heritage, culture and experience, said El Al CEO Avigal Sorek.

After the first flight arrived in Marrakech, the director of the Moroccan national tourism office, Adil Fakir, called it a crowning moment of the important decision taken by Morocco to resume relations between the two countries.

The head of the Israeli liaison office in Rabat, David Govrin, said it would strengthen the existing ties between our two people. The head of the Jewish community in the Marrakech-Safi region, Jacky Kadoch, also welcomed the development.
CAIRO (AP)  A boat carrying African migrants capsized off Libyas coast Monday, leaving at least 57 people presumed dead, a U.N. migration official said. It was the latest disaster in the Mediterranean Sea involving migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

The vessel left the western coastal town of Khums on Sunday, Safa Msehli, a spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration, said.

She said there were at least 75 migrants on board, including women and children. Among the 57 presumed drowned were 20 women and two children, Msehli said.

Eighteen of the migrants were rescued and returned to shore by fishermen and Libyas coast guard, Msehli said.

The survivors, who are from Nigeria, Ghana and Gambia, reported the vessel had stopped due to an engine problem, then capsized amid bad weather, Msehli said.

Mondays capsizing was the second sea disaster in less than a week off the Libyan coast involving Europe-bound migrants. At least 20 migrants went overboard from a vessel on Wednesday and were presumed dead, according to the U.N. migration agency.

There has been a spike in crossings and attempted crossings from Libya in recent months. Amnesty International has said that in the first six months of this year, more than 7,000 people intercepted at sea were forcibly returned to detention camps in Libya.

A migration agency report earlier this month said the number of migrants and refugees who died while attempting to reach Europe on dangerous sea crossings more than doubled so far this year, compared to the first six months of 2020.

The report said at least 1,146 people perished between January and June, with the Central Mediterranean route between Libya and Italy being the deadliest, claiming 741 lives.

The deadliest shipwreck so far this year took place April 22 off Libya, when 130 people drowned despite the ship sending multiple distress calls.

Libya has emerged as the dominant transit point for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. The oil-rich country plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Rights groups and officials at U.N. agencies that work with migrants and refugees have for years cited survivor testimony about systematic abuse in detention camps in Libya. These include forced labor, beatings, rapes and torture. The abuse often accompanies efforts to extort money from families before migrants are allowed to leave Libya on traffickers boats.

Earlier this month, Libyan maritime authorities acknowledged that one of their coast guard vessels had fired warning shots at a migrant boat it was chasing in the Mediterranean. They said it was an apparent effort to stop the vessel from crossing to Europe and endangering the lives of the migrants onboard.

By SAMY MAGDY

Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP)  A California sheriffs deputy was fatally shot this weekend when his SWAT team tried to rescue people held hostage inside a San Joaquin Valley home by a man armed with an AK-47-style rifle and a handgun, authorities said Monday.

Four other people were also killed in the shootout, including the gunman  who had been previously arrested multiple times for domestic violence offenses, according to Lt. Joel Swanson, a spokesperson for the Kern County Sheriffs Office.

(Editors note: This story includes discussion of domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).)

Swanson did not know the specifics of the 41-year-old shooters previous arrests and he has not yet been named publicly. A restraining order against the gunman  filed by one of the victims and effective June 3  was supposed to stop him from coming to the home where the killings occurred.

Three people inside the home  believed to be the gunmans sons and their mother  were fatally shot during the standoff Sunday afternoon in Wasco, a small community in the middle of farm fields northwest of Bakersfield.

The woman had filed the restraining order, Swanson said, but authorities were still trying to determine what had prompted her to seek legal action against him. The restraining order was also supposed to prevent the gunman from having firearms.

The shooting has the implications of what we see in law enforcement when it comes to domestic violence and how serious it is, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said, and, quite frankly, how a restraining order is not bulletproof.

Deputies shot and killed the suspect after he began climbing onto the homes roof with the firearms.

Youngblood identified the slain deputy as Phillip Campas and called him a star in our organization.

Campas, 35, was a five-year veteran of the sheriffs office and had previously served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. He was an instructor at the academy, as well as a member of the sheriffs SWAT team and the honor guard.

Campas is survived by his spouse and three children, ages 6, 9 and 13, according to the Kern Law Enforcement Association.

We thought hed been here over 10 years, hes had that kind of impact, Youngblood said. He was here for five.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement calling Campass death a tragic and senseless loss of this dedicated public servant and ordering flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff.

Deputy Dizander Guerrero was wounded by gunfire and two deputies were struck by shrapnel during the violence.

The violence began around 1 p.m., and included a 911 call that had an open line into the home, Youngblood said. The activity heard on the call led deputies to believe at least one person was still alive inside the home.

We felt obligated to go in and try and rescue that victim, the sheriff said.

Two women and two girls were able to escape the home safely, Youngblood said. Their relationship to the shooter and the other victims was not immediately clear, but Swanson said they were believed to be acquaintances of the woman and her sons.

The victims inside the home  only described as the gunmans 17- and 24-year-old sons and their 42-year-old mother  also have not been named publicly.

The first deputies to arrive at the home, following multiple 911 calls, were met by one of the women who had escaped. She told them there was a gunman inside the house and two to three people had been shot.

Within minutes, Youngblood said, the gunman started firing at the deputies from inside the house. A SWAT team, including Campas and Guerrero, approached the front door and encountered gunfire from a rifle. The deputies fired back at the shooter.

Campas and Guerrero were struck and pulled to a safe location so they could be rushed to the hospital. The two deputies who were hit by shrapnel did not leave the standoff, the sheriff said.

Over several hours, the suspect fired out of the house at the deputies. Around 6:30 p.m., the gunman climbed onto the roof with the rifle and handgun. Deputies fired at him, fatally striking him.

Authorities found the other three victims dead inside the home.

More than 100 deputies responded to the scene and 23  some on the SWAT team and others who were close with Campas  are currently on administrative leave because of the shootings.

The SWAT team members were off-duty and not responding to calls on Monday as they grieved.

By STEFANIE DAZIO

Associated Press
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  New Zealand on Monday agreed to repatriate an alleged Islamic State militant and her two young children, who have been detained in Turkey since February.

The decision follows a bitter dispute with Australia over which country needed to shoulder responsibility for the woman, who had been a dual citizen of both countries until Australia stripped her citizenship under its anti-terrorism laws.

The woman and her children were arrested when they tried to illegally cross from Syria into Turkey, according to Turkey's Defense Ministry. Turkey identified her only by her initials, S.A., while New Zealand media say she is Suhayra Aden, who was 26 at the time of her arrest.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand had taken into account its international responsibilities and could not remove citizenship from anybody if it left them stateless.

I made very strong representations to Australia that she should be permitted to return there. Her family moved to Australia when she was 6 and she grew up there before departing for Syria in 2014 on an Australian passport," Ardern said in a statement. Unfortunately, Australia would not reverse the cancellation of citizenship.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the woman lost her citizenship as a result of her own actions, and that ending citizenship for dual nationals engaged in terrorist conduct was an integral part of Australia's response to terrorist threats.

The governments first priority is always to protect the Australian community," Andrews said in a statement.

Ardern said the safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders was the government's paramount concern. She said there had been extensive planning with the police and other agencies.

I can assure people great care is being taken as to how the woman and her young children are returned to New Zealand and how they will be managed in a way that minimizes any risk for New Zealanders," Ardern said.

Authorities declined to say when the family would be repatriated, citing legal and security concerns.

Ardern said anybody suspected of being associated with a terrorist group should expect to be investigated under New Zealand laws, although the case remained a matter for the police.

New Zealand police confirmed an investigation was underway but declined further comment on whether the woman would face any criminal charges.

___

Associated Press journalist Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia, contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States served notice Monday that it will keep existing COVID-19 restrictions on international travel in place for now due to concerns about the surging infection rate because of the delta variant.

It was the latest sign that the White House is having to recalibrate its thinking around the coronavirus pandemic as the more infectious variant surges across the U.S. and a substantial chunk of the population resists vaccination.

It was also a reversal from the sentiment President Joe Biden voiced earlier this month when he said his administration was in the process of considering how soon the U.S. could lift the ban on European travel bound for the U.S. after the issue was raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to the White House.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the restrictions would continue for now.

Driven by the delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated, and appears likely to continue in the weeks ahead, she said.

The rising cases also are causing the administration to take a closer look at policies on wearing masks.

On Monday, the Department of Veterans Affairs became the first first major federal agency to require its health care workers to get COVID-19 vaccines. And over the weekend, U.S. health officials acknowledged theyre considering changing the federal governments recommendations on wearing masks.

The delta variant is a mutated coronavirus that spreads more easily than other versions. It was first detected in India but now has been identified around the world. Last week, U.S. health officials said the variant accounts for an estimated 83% of U.S. COVID-19 cases, and noted a 32% increase in COVID hospitalizations from the previous week.

The rise in cases has prompted some state and local officials to reinstate masking guidance, even for vaccinated Americans.

The White House follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance released in May, which states those who are vaccinated dont have to wear masks indoors. Theyve thus far made no changes to Bidens public events, and the president is still traveling the country and participating in events unmasked.

But Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, said on CNNs State of the Union this Sunday that recommending that the vaccinated wear masks is under active consideration by the governments leading public health officials.

Were going in the wrong direction, Fauci said, describing himself as very frustrated.

The surge in the delta variant poses a major political challenge for Biden, who called it a great day for Americans when the CDC released its relaxed masking guidance in May and on July 4 declared that the virus is on the run and America is coming back. Hes spent the past few months shifting his focus from dire warnings to Americans to get vaccinated to public events pitching his infrastructure, education and jobs proposals, which are currently in the middle of fevered negotiations on Capitol Hill.

The administration has touted strong economic growth as fears about the pandemic waned, states relaxed their coronavirus restrictions and their economies opened back up. But the surging delta variant risks undermining that economic progress and drawing Bidens attention away from his domestic agenda and Democratic Party priorities like gun, voting and policing reforms, back to the risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

It could also highlight one of the administrations greatest struggles thus far: The sluggish vaccination rate nationwide. As of Sunday, 69% of American adults had received one vaccination shot, according to the CDC  still slightly below the 70% goal Biden had set for July 4. Sixty percent of American adults have been fully vaccinated.

When asked Monday if he had confidence he could get unvaccinated Americans to get the shot, Biden said, we have to, but ignored a follow-up question on how. And prior to the VA's announcement, White House press secretary Jen Psaki skirted questions from reporters on why the administration hadnt yet issued its own vaccination mandates for healthcare workers, deferring to the CDC for guidance and hospitals and healthcare associations on the ultimate decision.

Psaki acknowledged that the administration runs the risk of undermining its vaccination goals by further politicizing an already fraught issue if the president becomes the face of vaccine mandates.

The president certainly recognizes that he is not always the right voice to every community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, which is why we have invested as much as we have in local voices and empowering local trusted voices, she said.

Still, its clear the administration is taking steps to address the continued impact of the pandemic.

Biden announced Monday that those Americans dealing with so-called long COVID  sometimes debilitating side effects caused by the illness that last for months after the initial infection  would have access to disability protections under federal law.

These conditions can sometimes, sometimes, rise to the level of a disability, he said, adding theyd have accommodations in schools and workplaces so they can live their lives in dignity and get the support they need.

And the CDC advised Americans against travel to the United Kingdom this past Monday given a surge in cases there.

Most of continental Europe has relaxed restrictions on Americans who are fully vaccinated, although the United Kingdom still requires quarantines for most visitors arriving from the U.S. Airlines say, however, that the lack of two-way travel is limiting the number of flights they can offer and seats they can sell.

But the rise and prevalence of COVID-19 variants in Europe, especially the delta mutation, has caused the Biden administration to tread slowly about increasing transatlantic travel.

___

This story was first published on July 26, 2021. It was updated on July 27, 2021 to correct that CDC guidance said those vaccinated dont have to wear masks indoors, not those unvaccinated.
In a letter signed to Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, 32 Texas Representatives are asking the pair to reconsider the current COVID-19 protocols amid a shocking jump in cases this month. The letter asks the governor and commissioner to allow Texas school districts to offer fully funded virtual learning and enforce masks in school.

On July 20, Abbott told Houston TV station KPRC he won't impose another face mask mandate, despite the rapid rise of the highly contagious delta variant in Texas. Instead, Abbott says it's time for individual responsibility and leaves it up to parents if they want their children to wear a mask or not.

The letter, sent by Rep. Vikki Goodwin and 31 other lawmakers, including Reps. Donna Howard, Trey Martinez Fischer, and Diego Bernal, said the fact the Delta variant "has ended our ability to act as though the COVID pandemic is behind us."

"The academic year will be starting soon, and we have heard from school officials and parents in our districts that the path we are on is not acceptable to them," reads the letter, which was sent on Friday. "To meet this challenge, schools must be given options that they currently do not have."

Former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro also chimed in on the matter, writing on Twitter that Abbott is so "afraid of losing his primary" that he'll put millions of children, their education, and their families at risk.

"Selfish cowardice, Greg," he tweeted on Sunday night.

In Texas, the positivity rate rose from 12.7 percent to 13.22, and the number of hospitalizations broke 4,000 on Friday for the first time since March, according to data from the Texas Tribune. As of July 24, about 43 percent of Texans have been fully vaccinated.

Abbott says there's no need for government mandates as others should know what practices to take to protect themselves. He also believes many Texans have immunities to COVID-19, whether through the vaccine or previous exposure. To clarify, both of these groups can still become infected and die from COVID-19.

All Texans over the age 12 are eligible for the free COVID-19 vaccine. Bexar County has a list of providers here.
In January, when Ed Condon and JD Flynn broke off from their jobs at a long-standing Catholic news agency, they promised readers of their new newsletter that they would deliver reporting without an agenda, or a foregone conclusion. "We aim to do serious, responsible, sober journalism about the Church, from the Church and for the Church. . . . We want The Pillar to be a different kind of journalism."

Six months later the Pillar broke the kind of story mainstream news organizations would be unlikely to touch: They said they had obtained commercially available data that included location history from the hookup app Grindr, and used it to track a high-ranking priest from his offices and family lake house to gay nightclubs.

MORE NEWS: Columnist explains why Californians should leave Texas

Now Condon and Flynn, two 38-year-old canon lawyers-turned-muckrakers, are at the center of both a global surveillance-ethics story as well as a mud fight among their fellow Catholics over whether last week they served or disgraced the church. One Catholic writer described it as "a witch hunt aimed at gay Catholic priests."

In some ways the Pillar story and reaction to it feels almost like a throwback: Conservative Catholics who point to the 1960s and liberalizing sexual mores for society's troubles and focus on gay priests. But in 2021 the availability of personal digital data and the use of smartphones for surveillance are far bigger fears for the vast majority of Americans than is news about a member of the clergy possibly using a hookup app.

Flynn and Condon's story also punctuates how America's religious and journalistic landscapes have changed. Institutions and hierarchies now have to contend with scrappy startups taking matters into their own hands.

And in the growing conservative Catholic media scene, their newsletter and its takedown of Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill represents a new power and boldness of those demanding their church be purged of leaders who they see as too permissiveon issues like abortion,gender norms and sex outside of heterosexual marriage.

On Friday, the pair answered the question of whether there would be more sex-data stories following the Tuesday announcement of Burrill's resignation as chief administrator of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Pillar reported it had brought some of its findings from the data to the Archdiocese of Newark to say there were "patterns of location-based hookup apps" at various clerical residences there. In a statement to The Post, the archdiocese said the Pillar provided no actual data or evidence of misconduct and that the matter is being reviewed.

Flynn and Condon initially said they were not interested in participating in an interview for this article, then agreed to consider questions by email, and later said they didn't have sufficient time and declined. But in comments they've tweeted since Tuesday and a podcast they posted Friday, they explained a bit of their thinking.

"There's nothing to recommend the indiscriminate naming and shaming of people for moral failures just because you can. That is unethical. And that is not something I believe we've done,"Condon said on the podcast.

"People are entitled to moral failures and repentance and reconciliation and to a legitimate good reputation. There's a difference between that and serial and consistent, immoral behavior on the part of a public figure charged with addressing public morality, isn't there?" Flynn said.

They also compared their Burrill piece to one done by the New York Times' Opinion section, which explored the dangers of leaked smartphone data and used such data to identify a person who was near the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The New York Times piece quoted one man who was interviewed and agreed to his name being used.

One of the writers of the Times' piece Friday said the whole point of the reporting was to expose the vulnerability of such data, and that they didn't name anyone without consent.

"This was the nightmare scenario that we were talking about to some degree. . . . To see it happen is just confirmation of just how dangerous this type of information is," said Charlie Warzel, who has since left the Times and now is also publishing on Substack, the same online newsletter platform the Pillar uses. "Despite the fact that I don't think there are any ethical similarities with what we did and this, it obviously makes me feel terrible that our work was used as a justification in this."

Condon and Flynn were willing to go where Catholic media in the past apparently have not.

Specifically, in 2018, when an anonymous tipster offered an explosive scoop to Alejandro Bermudez, executive editor of the Catholic News Agency, the Colorado-based outlet owned by EWTN, a multimillion dollar nonprofit Catholic media company.

The data hawker, who, Bermudez said, agreed to meet at a Denver coffee shop, claimed to have a trove of information showing priests using dating apps. The person came from a technology background but was interested in "reforming" the church and wanted the material that allegedly could expose priests' double lives to be in Catholic hands, he told The Post.

Bermudez said he doesn't recall the tipster's name but that he was dubious about the data's credibility and its news value, and he passed for those reasons.

Flynn and Condon were at CNA when Bermudez got that tip, but neither knew about it, Bermudez said. He also doesn't know whether the data in the Pillar story is the same information once presented to him but said there are parallels.

Bermudez said CNA gets a few pitches each year from people who allege they can reveal priests' indiscretions. But he said he would not have published the story about Burrill and was concerned about the other ways similar data could be weaponized within the church.

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"Once this cat is out of the bag, what is the limit?" Bermudez said. "If we say, 'Listen, that was completely legitimate, that was completely moral,' then any kind of tracking by any authority in the Catholic Church is fair game."

Now it appears similar information did end up in Catholic hands - just not those of a legacy Catholic media organization, instead in those of two men running an upstart newsletter who say their journalism is in the service of Jesus Christ. Some Catholics agree; others, even fellow conservative Catholic journalists, worry the pair also see themselves as a kind of prophet, judge, jury and executioner.

Flynn grew up in a Protestant family in New Jersey and converted to Catholicism. He worked for the Archdiocese of Denver from 2007 to 2013 under leading conservative Archbishop Charles Chaput. Flynn was chancellor there for the last two of those years. He was also spokesman for the diocese of Lincoln, Neb., the lone holdout in the American Catholic Church where girls may not be altar servers. He is a canon lawyer, an expert on church laws, such as those guiding Catholic annulments or disputes.

Condon, nephew of Catholic University President John Garvey, grew up in New Jersey and England, and worked in British politics for years before serving as a canon lawyer in U.S. dioceses.

At the Catholic News Agency, the pair quickly stood out for being the rare right-leaning Catholic journalists aimed squarely at the hierarchy and holding it accountable. Both regularly sprinkle their tweets with references to church law and confidently - some say cockily - tout their own interpretations as the most pure and accurate.

They also draw readers with their personal tweets, more casual than Vatican-stuffy, with Flynn as the wholesome dad of three sharing photos of his family and preaching about traditional values, while Condon plays the cynical grump who pines for the old days when men wore suits and elegant watches.

Flynn was interviewed for a 2018 master's project at the University of Missouri about ethics in Catholic journalism.

In that paper, he said he thought all journalists are the same in that they all have a "guiding set of assumptions. . . . The concept of objective journalism is a myth."

However, the paper described Flynn as saying that Catholic journalism has a different set of ends in mind than simply to inform and educate. The difference, he argued, is that "the Catholic perception of the common good is, ultimately, the salvation of souls, and more generally the Church's ideas, developed over the centuries, about what constitutes human flourishing."

Flynn and Condon resigned from CNA late last year to launch the Pillar, mirroring a broader media narrative in which journalists have left established media companies to strike out on their own. The publishing platform allows them editorial freedom, but not always a guaranteed paycheck: Writers can collect subscription money from newsletters, with Substack taking a 10 percent cut. Some writers get an advance.

As of last week, the Pillar ranked as the third-highest-grossing Substack in the "faith" category, and it has thousands of subscribers.

"The trends in Catholic media are not that different from secular media," said the Rev. Matt Malone, editor in chief of America, a Jesuit magazine. Some writers are going independent with Substacks while legacy outlets, he said, are trying to "amass this sizable digital audience and to navigate editorially in a polarized world."

But while competition among secular media for eyeballs and clicks is about financial survival, for Catholic media, there's another underlying struggle: for the right to say who is on the side of God and the true church.

There are left-leaning sites that focus on social justice aspects of church teachings such as the rights and needs of the poor and immigrants, while others focus heavily on teachings around abortion and sexual orientation.

Kathryn Jean Lopez, a Catholic writer who works for the conservative National Review, said last week she was torn about the ethics of the Pillar's methods. However, she said she understood the men's motivation.

Lopez said the Pillar is a product of "this frustration that men aren't living the lives they stepped up to live" - namely priests who violate their promises to be chaste, and concerns that teachings about things like contraception and homosexuality are being ignored.

"They're concerned about the rot in the church. There's clearly been a nodding and winking and looking away. The church is not immune from the fallout of the sexual revolution - that's gotten as extreme as putting children on puberty blockers," she said. "Someone has to clean up the church for the sake of the world. . . . I think this is why the Pillar exists."

Condon and Flynn were vague about why they left CNA.

In their podcast episode Friday, they said a source approached them a few months ago with a broad data set that supposedly let them link dating-app use to priests' phones. The data did not contain names and phone numbers but did have the phones' unique identifying numbers and information about their locations. Using additional information, like the priest's known locations and travel, it was possible to identify who some of the data belonged to, the writers said.

Flynn and Condon said they verified the data's legitimacy but did not say how or with whom. They said the data had been bought legally but didn't say whether they paid for it.

They argued that Burrill was a legitimate target because he was a CEO-like figure at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which develops policies such as those protecting children from sexual abuse. Getting pushback for linking being gay and child abuse, the men said they were calling out Grindr itself as dangerous for children, not gay people. In its original story on Burrill, the Pillar wrote, "There is no evidence to suggest that Burrill was in contact with minors through his use of Grindr."

Michael Brendan Dougherty, a senior writer at the National Review, said he has been impressed by the outlet's reporting on Vatican finances.

"(The church) doesn't need more volunteer interpreters of the Pope's 'true intentions' or whatever it is other outlets speculate about. It needs journalism about corruption, management and policy. That's what the Pillar does," Dougherty said.

But media ethics watchers were unnerved by their tactics, even if the data was legally obtained.

"I worry very much about creating - through some of these precedents - a permissibility of journalists to basically publish whatever they can get their hands on," said Edward Wasserman, media ethics professor and dean emeritus of University of California at Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism.

Many other prominent Catholics were similarly disturbed by the Pillar's methods.

Michael O'Loughlin, a national correspondent for America Magazine, called it "a witch hunt aimed at gay Catholic priests" on Twitter.

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Monsignor Richard Antall, a pastor in Cleveland and author, wrote in a Catholic digital magazine focused on the LA area that the Pillar's story took an "inquisitorial approach." David Scott, the spokesman for the USCCB President Archbishop Jose Gomez, shared Antall's essay in a tweet:

"Serious ethical questions about this 'investigation.' Must reading," Scott tweeted.

Toward the end of Friday's podcast, Flynn and Condon bemoaned the public debate about their recent work.

"I hate being the center of attention like this," Flynn said.
By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She is currently writing a book about textile artisans.

Gurbir Grewal, the new director of enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), takes up his post today.

Lets hope his tenure is longer than that of his predecessor, Alex Oh, who prior to joining the SEC was a partner at legal powerhouse Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Oh quit the SEC gig five days after taking office. Oops!

Ill return to the Oh matter below.

After the Oh debacle, SEC chair Gary Gensler was on notice that it would be prudent to find someone free of deep Wall Street ties to fill the enforcement position. From Reuters, U.S. SEC enforcement head resigns after five days on the job:

After her April 22 appointment, a group of advocacy groups wrote to Gensler saying they were deeply surprised and concerned by his choice. The SEC has failed the American people by repeatedly selecting Wall Street defense lawyers as Directors of Enforcement, said Dennis Kelleher, Chief Executive Officer of Better Markets, a Washington group advocating for Wall Street reform. They come to the SEC with needless and unhelpful baggage, including crippling conflicts of interest regarding current and past clients as well as a mindsetill-suited to being an aggressive enforcer, he added.

Grewal arrives free of such conflicts from his previous position as New Jerseys attorney general. Hes the first SEC director of enforcement since 2005 without recent ties to corporate America, according to Reuters, Wall Street enforcement to get tougher as SECs new top cop gets to work:

For two decades, the Wall Street watchdog has largely drawn its top enforcement cops from the white-collar defense attorneys bar, which critics say creates conflicts of interest that deter officials from properly punishing misconduct.

Instead, Grewal has spent the bulk of his career in public service, according to the SEC press release announcing his appointment:

As New Jerseys Attorney General, Grewal heads the Department of Law & Public Safety, which employs more than 3,700 uniformed officers, 750 lawyers, and thousands of additional public servants, including investigators, regulators, and administrative staff. Before becoming Attorney General, Grewal served as Bergen County Prosecutor, the chief law enforcement office of New Jerseys most populous county. Earlier in his career, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey, where he served as Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit from 2014 to 2016 and oversaw the investigation and prosecution of all major white collar and cybercrimes in the District of New Jersey. He also previously served as an AUSA in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York, where he was assigned to the Business and Securities Fraud Unit. Grewal worked in private practice from 1999-2004 and from 2008-2010.

Now, I wouldnt advocate an outright bar on distinguished members of the bar whove spent some or even much of their legal careers representing private clients from government service. Theres something to be said for employing a former poacher to be a gamekeeper  the rationale FDR followed in appointing notorious stock speculator Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. as the very first SEC chairman (see 431 Days: Joseph P. Kennedy and the Creation of the SEC (1934-35).

Alas, what we see at the SEC now  and in other top government legal positions at the Department of Justice (DoJ)  usually follows a revolving door pattern. Taking tough enforcement stances while in government service is not the ticket to spinning back into a lucrative private post.

Grewal enjoys a reputation as a tough prosecutor who wont be afraid to take cases to trial. The Reuters description of the SECs soft enforcement stance as an exclusively Trumpian phenomenon had me chortling. Per Reuters, Wall Street enforcement to get tougher as SECs new top cop gets to work:

In contrast, the sources said, Grewal will be willing to pursue big companies and challenge them in court rather than settling for a fine, a common practice which Democrats say doesnt deter corporate wrongdoing.

Jerri-Lynn here. Hello? Anyone hear of the Holder doctrine? As laid out by Eric Holder, who served in the DoJ during the last two Democratic administrations, most recently as Attorney General. Under the Holder doctrine, the DoJ eschewed criminal charges against companies and executives, and instead opted for negotiated settlements with de minimus parking ticket penalties. Just the cost of doing business (see these 2016 posts, Law Enforcement Losing War on White Collar Crime; and The Obamamometers Toxic Legacy: The Rule of Lawlessness.

As for the SEC the last time Democrats were in charge, take a look at two other 2016 posts, for details on what the reality was under chair Mary Jo White. Before and after her tenure at the SEC. White was a partner at white shoe law firm Debevoise & Plimpton (see News Flash: Mary Jo White Claims SEC Produces Bold and Unrelenting Results; and Mary Jo White Leaves Behind a Weakened SEC for Trump to Weaken Further). The takeaway: Whites SEC didnt leave anyone quaking in their boots.

No, Virginia, lax enforcement of corporate crime and securities law violations cant be laid at Trumps feet. Going soft on Wall Street has been a bipartisan policy, whichever party is nominally in charge.

Back to Oh

Oh resigned as director of enforcement in April.In her resignation letter to SEC chair Gensler, according to Reuters, U.S. SEC enforcement head resigns after five days on the job:

Oh said a development relating to one of her previous cases would be an unwelcome distraction to the important work of the Division.

This seems a but cryptic. Shortly later, in May, the matter became clearer, when U.S. federal district court judge for the District of Columbia Royce Lamberth imposed Rule 11 sanctions on Oh. According to Reuters in Judge sanctions Paul, Weiss and would-be SEC enforcer Alex Oh in Exxon case:

In his Wednesday order, [Judge Lamberth] admonished Oh and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison for calling opposing counsel in the Exxon case unhinged and agitated and combative without evidence during a February 2021 deposition. Ms. Oh has sincerely apologized for her conduct; Paul Weiss has also apologized. Both should have known better than to impugn another attorneys character without reviewing the entire record. And neither should have made those accusations without evidentiary support, the judge wrote. The Court cannot allow such misconduct to occur without at least rebuking counsel.

Im not going to delve here into the details of the conduct that led Judge Lamberth to sanction Oh. Instead, I point interested readers to another Reuters account, which discusses the controversy at length, Sanctions decision against Paul Weiss, Alex Oh rests on unsettled ground. The judges sanctions order can be found here.

The Bottom Line

Can Grewal make the SEC feared and respected again? I guess well just have to wait and see. Im not the only one who will be watching closely. According to Reuters, Wall Street enforcement to get tougher as SECs new top cop gets to work:
Finally, the Nathan Bedford Forrest bust has been removed from the state Capitol. For those of you who have somehow, luckily, been living under a rock and know nothing about Nathan Bedford Forrest, he was a slave trader and Confederate general who oversaw the massacre of Tennesseans at Fort Pillow. He served as the first head of the Ku Klux Klan, later found God, and then shit himself to death.

Then, somehow, whether it was because of his fantastic hair, good looks and military acumen, or because he was a giant evil racist, he became the heartthrob crush of a disturbing number of white Tennesseans. And every time Black Tennesseans made any kinds of social gains, old Nathan Bedford Forrest was brought out of retirement to remind us all of the true and natural social order.

+13 Slideshow: Nathan Bedford Forrest Bust Removed From Capitol Removal comes as GOP leaders in the House and Senate put up a fight

In fact, we did not have a bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest in the state Capitol until shortly after Avon Williams was elected to the state Senate in 1969. Williams  who was one of the attorneys who desegregated Nashville schools, and who defended the students in the sit-in movement, and who was a cousin of Thurgood Marshall, and who was a prominent member of the NAACP  represented North Nashville in the state Senate. Linda Wynn has a great brief biography of Williams that captures the highlights of his life.

Williams started pushing in the early 1970s for legislation that would require Tennessees public schools to teach Black history as an integral part of U.S. history. Also, in the early 1970s, the Sons of Confederate Veterans  with the help of member and state Sen. Douglas Henry  began to call for a bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest to be placed in the state Capitol. If one were bone-ignorant of history, one could believe that this is just a monumental coincidence. But like I said, the continual recurrences of the coincidences of Black Tennesseans making political and social gains and white Tennesseans deciding now is the perfect time to honor Nathan Bedford Forrest leads me to believe those are not coincidences at all.

The Tennessean would have you believe that the bust has finally been removed not due to pressure from activists, but due to the skillful leadership of Gov. Bill Lee. Coincidentally  just like all coincidences in the afterlife of Nathan Bedford Forrest  Lee is the first governor elected after Sen. Henrys death. Lee gets no credit for being right about disregarding this one dead person, considering the immense suffering hes caused by disregarding our COVID-19 dead.

The funniest and most disappointing response comes from Lt. Gov. Randy McNally. In a Twitter thread, McNally said:

My position on the bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest has been clear and consistent over a number of years. I believe that context is needed, but not removal. No one is arguing that Forrest is not a problematic figure. He is. But there is more to his story. His life eventually followed a redemptive arc which I hope is outlined in detail in our state museum. No figure honored on the capitol grounds or across the state could stand up to modern scrutiny. Without historical context, we would have no Tennessee heroes, only villains. No Christian saints, only sinners. The left-wing activists who are pushing an anti-American, anti-history agenda here in Tennessee and across the nation will not stop with Nathan Bedford Forrest. The woke mob means ultimately to uproot and discard not just Southern symbols, but American heroes and history as well. This is not the end. It is the beginning. The left will move on to the next figure or monument and demand that we again kneel at the altar of political correctness. While the governor and the constitutional officers did not stand with me today, I hope they will next time. Because more fights are coming.

Yall, Nathan Bedford Forrest was a Confederate general! You literally cannot get more anti-American than attempting to secede from the United States and then killing a bunch of U.S. soldiers while you are at war against your own country. In what world is it anti-American to point out that people who literally betrayed the country and tried to leave it were anti-American? I try to put myself in the shoes of someone who can believe that a man who was literally so anti-American that he betrayed his country and killed American soldiers was some great American worthy of veneration  but all I get are my metaphorical shoelaces tied in convoluted knots.

Really though, I want to address this part: No figure honored on the capitol grounds or across the state could stand up to modern scrutiny. Here is the important thing to understand and the thing that I wish Lt. Gov. McNally understood: Nathan Bedford Forrest could not stand up to scrutiny in his own day.

Every person who stood on his auction block knew him for the evil family-destroyer he was. Every U.S. soldier who faced him in battle knew him for the traitor he was. Every person who lived in terror from or died at the hands of the first iteration of the Ku Klux Klan knew him and his organization for the evil that it did. In his own time, his reputation never recovered from the massacre he led at Fort Pillow.

What if McNally spent even 10 minutes being as devoted to those people as he is to Forrest? What might that change, if he identified with the man who was stolen from his family by Forrest and sent south, never to be seen again? What if McNally imagined being the scared 18-year-old kid fighting to preserve the Union against Forrests hostilities? And fine, maybe McNally just cant imagine himself as people in such different circumstances. But could McNally imagine being the politician who has to figure out what to do with the post-war Democrats running around refusing to acknowledge that the war is over and who are terrorizing Republican voters?

There was no point in Tennessee history when everyone thought Forrest was A-OK, and especially not during Forrests lifetime. The activists who forced the issue now have the same opinions of Forrest that many people have had since the time he started slave trading.

The problem with Forrest at this point isnt the moldering sack of dust and bone and wood that constitutes Nathan Bedford Forrest, the man. The problem with Forrest  which has been repeatedly illustrated throughout the whole bust debate  is that when our white state legislators think about Nathan Bedford Forrest, they identify with him. They identify with that old slaver, KKK leader and traitor  and not with the people who suffered at his hands.

Imagine what it would mean for this state if that changed?
(Natural News) For the purposes of emergency management during a public health state of emergency, the Australian Defence Force has granted itself the power to administer a poison (SARS-CoV-2 Covid-19 vaccine) to the public.

An Instrument of Authorisation document signed by Chief Health Officer Dr. Andrew Robertson clearly states that the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine is a poison that the Australian government is deliberately injecting into people to supposedly fight the plandemic.

COVID-19 has created twin crises  a public health emergency and a profound global economic shock, both of which are having a significant impact on the wellbeing of Australians, the document states about the scheme.

A safe and effective vaccine, available globally, will dramatically improve health outcomes and societal wellbeing and facilitate economic recovery. Making safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available to all Australians is a key priority of the Australian, State and Territory governments.

You might argue that most of us have never heard of a poison that is safe and effective, unless of course the goal is to terminate the existence of every person who is injected. In that case, Fauci Flu shots are indeed highly effective at achieving this goal.

Wuhan Flu shots are killing people and spreading more variants

Pursuant to Sections 197 and 198 of the Public Health Act of 2016 (WA), Australian doctors, nurses and other health workers have been authorized to supply or administer a poison, the document further reveals, beginning on March 8, 2021, and continuing in force until the public health state of emergency is no longer in force or until otherwise amended or revoked.

Here in the United States, they call these poisons medicines, for official purposes. In Australia, it is clearly indicated, at least in the case of the Chinese Virus, that the contents of all those creepy vials include deadly toxins.

We know from Nobel Prize winner Luc Montagnier that said toxins include Chinese Virus variants that the mainstream media is blaming on the unvaccinated. There are also other mystery ingredients, the long-term effects of which remain to be seen.

CDC head Rochelle Walensky continues fearmongering campaign to push poison injections on masses

Despite the fact that these injections have been scientific proven to cause and spread more disease, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) talking-head Rochelle Walensky is actively spreading lies about the so-called delta variant, calling it the pandemic of the unvaccinated.

If you are not vaccinated, please take the delta variant seriously, Walensky howled over Zoom in yet another display of Chinese Virus hysterics, for which she has become something of a meme. This virus has no incentive to let up and it remains in search of the next vulnerable person to infect.

What Walensky really means, of course, is that she and other deep state goblins have no incentive to let up on their fearmongering campaign, which is making them all filthy rich while systematically eradicating much of humanity.

The latest data out of Israel shows that a whopping 84 percent of all new Fauci Flu cases are occurring in people who were vaccinated in accordance with Walenskys wishes. So much for science.

The 20-year-reign of terror and stupidity of communist Rochelle Walensky should end immediately, wrote one commenter at The Gateway Pundit.

Fauci must also be held responsible, interjected another. Fauci said experimenting with gain of function was worthwhile even if it causes a global pandemic. There are not as many dead people as they are telling us, but still if anyone died from it, Fauci has their blood on his hands.

To keep up with the latest news about the death and destruction being caused by Chinese Virus injections can be found at SpikeProtein.news.

Sources for this article include:

Wa.gov.au

Wa.gov.au

NaturalNews.com

Archive.ph

TheGatewayPundit.com
(Natural News) Last week, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a bill that, if passed, will prohibit the federal government from keeping a database of who has gotten the vaccine. He also expressed his concern about the door-to-door teams in a tweet, writing: When the Biden admin calls for targeted door-to-door outreach to get people vaccinated, it comes across as a g-man saying: We know youre unvaccinated, lets talk, comrade.'

As concerns grow over the possibility of Americans being forced to get COVID-19 vaccines, one pressing question is how exactly the government will know who has been vaccinated and who has chosen not to get the vaccine. With White House officials recently announcing they will be sending teams door to door to try to convince people in areas with low vaccination rates to get the jab, many fear that the government is planning to set up a database to keep track of who is complying.

The Biden administration has not clarified the areas the plan will target, the length of the effort and what outreach team members plan to do when they approach people in their homes. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said that it is absolutely the governments business to send people to knock on Americans doors and that doing so has never been illegal. He also tweeted that the federal government has not been keeping a database of who has been vaccinated.

The White House failed to meet a self-imposed deadline of July 4 to have 70 percent of American adults vaccinated with at least their first dose. So far, more than 67 percent have done so, with more than 157 million Americans now fully vaccinated.

The new bill says that if any federal department or agency somehow obtains or possesses data related to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in any state, it must destroy that data  or delete it if it is in digital form  within 30 days of the enactment of the bill.

Many lawmakers concerned about door-to-door vaccination campaign

Senator Cruz isnt the only lawmaker who is concerned about the outreach teams. Representative Andy Biggs (R-Arizona) tweeted: In 2021, the nine most terrifying words in the English language: Im from the government, have you been vaccinated yet?

Meanwhile, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado) tweeted: Biden has deployed his Needle Nazis to Mesa County. The people of my district are more than smart enough to make their own decisions about the experimental vaccine and dont need coercion by federal agents. Did I wake up in Communist China?

Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) tweeted that people should be free to choose whether to get vaccinated, adding: Why is that concept so hard for the left?

Earlier bill introduced by Cruz sought to ban federal vaccine passports

In late May, Cruz was one of three senators to introduce a bill banning federal vaccine passports. Some states already have executive orders or bills in place that ban vaccine passports, but they are becoming more popular in other countries as the summer tourism season gets into full swing.

The bill would also stop the government from working alongside third parties like airlines to set up vaccine passport systems of their own.

Cruz has said that he got the vaccine because he felt it was the right decision for him personally, but he believes that Americans should be free to make their own decisions about the matter.

It is unthinkable that in a free society like America, people who do not want to be injected with an experimental vaccine could be denied the ability to participate in society on account of that decision.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

KPVI.com

BusinessInsider.com
(Natural News) Former National Institutes of Health (NIH) contract scientist and Classen Immunotherapies proprietor J. Bart Classen has published a paper warning that there is strong potential for Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) mRNA vaccines to trigger Parkinsons, dementia and a variety of other prion and chronic diseases.

Alzheimers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple system atrophy (MSA), and mad cow disease are all on the table as possible side effects of Chinese Virus injections, Classen says, this based on an extensive analysis of the RNA poisons contained in the Pfizer shot.

This latest paper is Classens second look at the prion disease risks associated with Fauci Flu shots, drawing from actual adverse event data from the United Kingdom. Far from theoretical, the risk of neurodegenerative disease stemming from Chinese Disease shots is both real and probable.

AstraZenecas vector-based injection for the Wuhan Flu, which is not an mRNA jab, is also linked to causing prion disease. It would appear as though all of the jabs created for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus are linked to this buffet of neurodegenerative illnesses.

After looking at roughly six months worth of data ending around mid-June, Classen found that both the genetically engineered (GMO) adenovirus injections and the lipid-encapsulated synthetic mRNA injections produce deadly spike proteins that can trigger serious and irreversible nervous disorders.

Describing his findings as a clear signal of a specific prion disease, Parkinsons disease, Classen says the pathological progression he observed is consistent with what is known about the pathogenic coronavirus spike proteins contained in or produced by Chinese Virus injections.

Fauci Flu shots massively accelerate progression of prion diseases

Under normal circumstances without a vaccine, the progression of prion diseases, which is demarcated by the abnormal folding of certain proteins, takes many years. After a Fauci Flu shot, however, that process greatly accelerates  you might say at warp speed.

Classen believes that Chinese Virus injections could be piggybacking on mild prion disease that is already in motion in some people, while in others the shots could be actively prompting the misfolding of essential RNA and DNA binding proteins called TDP-43 and FUS, thus catalyzing a toxic chain reaction process.

It is probably a little bit different in every persons body depending on their unique biology, but the end result is still the same: neurodegeneration. For some it happens quickly and in others more slowly, but the common denominator is that it happens.

Classen also says that the vaccine spike proteins could be causing other protein, including [normal] proteins already in cells, to form what he describes as abnormal clumps called Lewy bodies that can lead to relatively rapid cell death.

Research has shown that the development of Lewy bodies in monkeys exposed to the Chinese Virus resulted in some or all of the motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease.

It is precisely because the vaccine spike proteins act so quickly in this regard that prion disease post-injection advances as quickly as it does, Classen suggests. What would normally take many years to develop is being sped up by the jabs to induce neurodegenerative disease in a matter of months or even weeks, depending on the individual.

The AstraZeneca  vaccine may concentrate in the gastrointestinal system to a greater extent leading to faster transport of the spike protein via the Vagus nerve to the brain, Classen says. By contrast over the long run, the Pfizer mRNA vaccine may induce more TDP-43 and FUS to form prions and lead to more prion disease.

All this pain and suffering to maybe avoid a case of the sniffles? Tragic and idiotic.

As injected people continue to fall ill and die from Chinese Virus injections, we will keep you informed about it at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

LifeSiteNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) This leak is going to be the story of the year.

Thats what former National Security Agency contractor and privacy whistleblower Edward Snowden tweeted earlier this week.

He was referencing a bombshell investigative report involving 17 media organizations including the Washington Post revealing that an Israeli firms software was utilized to hack into the phones of dozens of government officials, human rights activists and journalists.

Military-grade spyware licensed by an Israeli firm to governments for tracking terrorists and criminals was used in attempted and successful hacks of 37 smartphones belonging to journalists, human rights activists, business executives and two women close to murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to an investigation by The Washington Post and 16 media partners, the paper reported.

The Pegasus spyware licensed by Israel-based NSO Group, may also have been used to hack into phones belonging to two women close to Jamal Khashoggi, a Post columnist murdered at a Saudi consulate in Turkey in 2018, Southfront added in a report of its own.

One of the women, according to the report, was his fiancee. Both of the women were targeted before and after his death.

Did Biden Administration order the spyware hack?

Another of the media outlets which conducted the probe, The Guardian, noted that the investigation hinted at widespread and continuing abuse of the firms hacking software  essentially malware that infects smartphones and allows for hackers to extract information including texts, emails and photos. In addition, the malware enables the recording of phone calls and can secretly activate a phones microphone to allow for monitoring of subjects.

NSO Group has long maintained that the malware is only used for the most serious of criminals including terrorist organizations, as well as drug and human traffickers.

Pegasus is a very advanced malware that infects iOS and Android devices to allow operators of the spyware to copy messages, photos, calls and other data, including secretly activate microphones and cameras, Southfront reports.

The leak of information indicated that as many as 50,000 phone numbers may have been accessed by the Pegasus malware since 2016.

The list includes many close family members of one countrys ruler, suggesting he might have instructed the countrys intelligence agencies to explore the possibility of tracking and spying on their own relatives, Southfront adds.

For its part, the Israeli firm pushed back hard on the extensive investigative report and the fantastical claims that it made.

The report by Forbidden Stories is full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories that raise serious doubts about the reliability and interests of the sources. It seems like the unidentified sources have supplied information that has no factual basis and are far from reality, the company said in the statement.

After checking their claims, we firmly deny the false allegations made in their report, the statement said. The firm further noted that its technology was not used in any way that can be connected to Khashoggis murder.

Journalists looking into the hacks identified at least 1,000 people spanning more than 50 countries.

They included several Arab royal family members, at least 65 business executives, 85 human rights activists, 189 journalists and more than 600 politicians and government officials  including several heads of state and prime ministers, reported Southfront.

The Associated Press issued a statement regarding revelations that two of its reporters had their phones hacked as well.

We are deeply troubled to learn that two AP journalists, along with journalists from many news organizations, are among those who may have been targeted by Pegasus spyware, said Director of AP Media Relations Lauren Easton.

We have taken steps to ensure the security of our journalists devices and are investigating, she continued.

Reuters spokesman Dave Moran noted as well: Journalists must be allowed to report the news in the public interest without fear of harassment or harm, wherever they are. We are aware of the report and are looking into the matter.

But the most interesting aspect is this: Despite all of the news organizations involved in this investigative effort, no one bothered to report a connection between NSO Group and a Democrat close to Joe Biden.

New York Times reporter Kenneth Vogel explained in a Twitter thread shortly after the story was published that the firm paid a company called SKDK, a Democrat-aligned company of Anita Dunn, a Biden advisor, until late in 2019.

The Israeli firm NSO GROUP was behind the spyware used to hack journalists & human rights activists, a @WashingtonPost investigation reveals. Not included in the story: NSO GROUP paid @SKDK (BIDEN adviser ANITA DUNNs firm) for advice until late 2019, Vogel wrote.

NSO GROUP also paid BEACON GLOBAL STRATEGIES (a firm started by JEREMY BASH, an MSNBC analyst who served as CIA & Pentagon chief of staff under OBAMA) until early 2020, @NSOGroup told me last yr. It said @SKDK & Beacon Global provided communications & business strategy advice, Vogel noted further.

NSO Group has retained TOM CLARE to attack the investigation as speculative & baseless. @TAClares boutique defamation firm @clarelockellp also has represented the Russian oligarch OLEG DERIPASKA, Project Veritas (vs the @NYTimes) & Dominion Voting Systems, among other clients, he added.

We agree with Snowden that this is a huge story  but what happened to the Democrat connection?

Sources include:

Southfront.org

WashingtonPost.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Eye doctors said that nearsightedness in children increased during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They attributed the rise of myopia cases to increased screen time on mobile devices and computers, and less time spent outside the house. Thus, eye doctors suggested that children spend more time outdoors, take breaks from looking at screens and protect their eyes using special contact lenses or eye drops.

Millions of children in the U.S. have spent much more time looking at screens during the pandemic  thanks to lockdown mandates and virtual classes. Some students have been attending online classes for more than a year now after in-person classes were prohibited. While earlier research has suggested the impact of online classes on childrens mental health, recent research has shined a light on how they affect childrens vision.

One such study done in China looked at the rates of myopia in children from 2015 to 2020. The authors looked at 120,000 children who were forced to stay home during national lockdowns. According to their study, the number of nearsighted children between six to eight years old was three times higher compared to the previous five years. Their findings were published back in January 2021 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

The authors elaborated that this increase in myopia rates was not observed in older children, i.e. those aged nine to 13, despite spending more time in front of screens. Based on this, they surmised that younger children may be more sensitive to environmental change than older ones. Nevertheless, a child who develops myopia at a younger age could experience worse eye problems later in life.

Nearsightedness was already a problem even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the pandemic accelerated the condition for children around the world. Back in 2016, the Australia-based Brien Holden Vision Institute said almost five billion people  half the worlds population  may suffer from myopia by 2050.

The institute pointed out lifestyle changes resulting from a combination of decreased time outdoors and increased near-work activities as a major reason for rising nearsightedness. It also warned that the sudden spike in myopia cases could make the condition a leading cause of permanent blindness. (Related: Put the phone down: Too much screen time can harm your eyes and cause vision loss.)

Fortunately, there are ways to combat nearsightedness before it worsens

Eye experts have expressed concern with the rising cases of nearsightedness. They also pointed out that children and adults with high myopia  a particularly severe level of nearsightedness  are at risk of developing worse eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma.

A June 1 report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) puts forward two theories for the increasing nearsightedness during the pandemic. First, childrens eyes adjust to accommodate a close focus  especially when they look at screens or books for long periods. This causes the eyes shape to change and elongates over time.

Second, decreased periods outdoors contribute to rising myopia rates as people tend to look farther away when outside. Natural light and outdoor physical activity also play a role in keeping myopia at bay. However, adults tend not to experience worsening myopia as eye growth stabilizes after childhood.

Wills Eye Hospital Ophthalmologist-in-Chief Julia Haller told WSJ: We know that focusing up close and not being outside has increased the rate of myopia. Theres been a huge impact from the pandemic. (Related: Screen time is hard on your eyes: Heres how to protect them.)

Other eye doctors attested to more children experiencing nearsightedness. Pediatric ophthalmologist Allison Babiuch shared that many children coming into her Ohio clinic now have worse vision. Were seeing a big jump in their prescriptions, she said.

Meanwhile, Baltimore pediatric ophthalmologist Megan Collins said that her young patients attending classes often have myopia. She elaborated: Ive seen some younger kids that last year, when I saw them, they had no significant refractive error. Nothing that required glasses. Within a year, theyve had a pretty substantial change in their vision.

The WSJ report suggested three ways that children can keep myopia at bay. First, children should be encouraged to spend more time outdoors. The upcoming summer season is an opportunity for children to take a break from their computers or mobile devices  and reduce their risk of developing myopia. Collins recommended that children spend at least one hour outdoors doing a physical activity to slow the progress of nearsightedness.

Second, children should be taught the 20/20/20 rule. Babiuch recommends that children take a 20-second break for every 20 minutes of screen time by looking at objects 20 feet away. Third, children should be reminded to blink more while looking at screens. According to Babiuch, people tend to blink less when staring at a screen  which causes eyes to be strained and dried out.

Visit EyeHealth.news to read more articles about the COVID-19 pandemics effects on the eyes.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

JAMANetwork.com

AOP.org.uk

WSJ.com
(Natural News) American infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci is anticipating two books about him to hit the shelves. Aside from the book deals, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is set to appear in a new Disney-produced documentary. Despite these deals, he has been criticized for profiting from the pandemic.

The NIAID director announced on June 1 that he will publish a book titled Expect the Unexpected: Ten Lessons on Truth, Service and the Way Forward. He added that the book will be released by National Geographic Books on Nov. 2. Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble have opened pre-orders for the 80-page book at $18 per copy. A NIAID spokesperson told the Daily Mail that Fauci will not be paid for the project.

Expect the Unexpected will draw from interviews of Fauci conducted during his more than three decades helming NIAID. An overview of the book describes it: Those looking to live a more compassionate and purposeful life will find inspiration in his unique perspective on leadership, expecting the unexpected and finding joy in difficult times.

While Faucis 80-page book is set for a later date, another book about him is set for release in late June of this year. The childrens picture book titled Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became Americas Doctor will be released on June 28. It draws upon interviews with the infectious disease doctor conducted by the author Kate Messner.

Aside from these two books, Fauci will also be the subject of a new documentary. The film is set to air on National Geographic  owned by The Walt Disney Company  later this year. Emmy winners John Hoffman and Janet Tobias are set to direct, while Dan Cogan and Liz Garbus are slated to produce the film.

Documentary filmmakers reportedly followed the infectious disease expert throughout 2020. They captured footage of Fauci working as part of the White House Coronavirus Task Force under the Trump and Biden administrations. Emails made public revealed that former Disney CEO Bob Iger was extremely supportive of the project when it was pitched early last year.

The book and film deals translate to publicity  and profit  for Fauci

The projects involving Fauci highlight how he will remain in the spotlight even after the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic ends. Currently, the NIAID director is the highest-paid federal employee in the U.S. with an annual salary of $417,608. The U.S. president receives a slightly lower yearly salary of $400,000.

But the infectious disease expert was not the first government official accused of profiting from the pandemic. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo released his own book last year titled American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the Pandemic. Despite the book deal amounting to $5.1 million, it has only sold around 45,000 copies as of writing.

According to a piece by Alex Shephard of The New Republic, Cuomos book is a disaster from a sales standpoint. He added that the book itself may even have contributed to the governor being embroiled in a scandal. While Cuomo and his aides were working on American Crisis, they were also undercounting the actual number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. (Related: Cuomo regime undercounted coronavirus nursing home deaths in New York.)

It is not yet clear how Americans will receive Faucis new book, but some have already criticized him for supposedly profiting during a pandemic. Many even took to Twitter to voice out their sentiments against the NIAID director, the Western Journal reported.

Tablet Magazines Noam Blum wrote: I really need the people in charge of handling this pandemic to stop writing books about how theyre handling this pandemic while theyre still doing it. Greg Price of The Daily Caller meanwhile tweeted: Dr. Fauci is publishing a book and [has become] the highest paid federal government employee, while you lost your business and had your kids out of school for a year.

Three U.S. lawmakers from the Republican Party also joined in the fray. North Carolina Rep. Dan Bishop noted how Fauci never missed a paycheck while advocating that people lose theirs. He added: His lockdown mandates destroyed livelihoods and threatened our childrens futures. Now hell be profiting nicely off it. (Related: Republican lawmakers call on Dr. Anthony Fauci to testify about coronavirus origins.)

Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan posted: Dr. Fauci took away your First Amendment rights during the pandemic, [but] relied on the First Amendment to write his new book. Meanwhile, Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs kept it short with a one-sentence tweet: Profiting from the pandemic with a book deal is truly a new low.

Visit Pandemic.news to read more stories about Dr. Anthony Fauci profiting from the pandemic.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NewRepublic.com

WesternJournal.com

Twitter.com 1

Twitter.com 2

Twitter.com 3
(Natural News) A hospital physician from Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama recently penned a heart-wrenching story on social media about young, healthy patients dying from covid, begging her for vaccines. The alleged doctor, Brytney Cobia, says she holds their hand and tells them, Im sorry, but its too late  before intubating them into a coma. Her Facebook post has gone viral, and her story has been shared over 686,000 times through a site called Al.com.

Doctor pushes manipulative story to mock unvaccinated people and guilt the public into vaccinating

A closer inspection of the Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham tells a much different story. Brytney Cobia completely fabricated her story, and her name doesnt even appear in the hospitals directory. In fact, the hospital has not admitted a single pediatric patient for covid-19 since their data was made available, a year ago. And the average number of adult covid-19 patients from week-to-week ranges between 4 and 8 in a hospital with 449 hospital beds and 91 ICU beds. These beds are usually 70  90 percent full  not with covid patients, but with patients struggling from other, more serious health issues (many of which are related to the vaccines).

According to Grandviews most recent data submitted for the week ending on July 9, 2021, the hospital bed capacity is 358.9 of 427.0 beds used (or 84.1% full). The ICU capacity is 83.9 of 91 beds used (or 92.2% full). The current capacity data for adult inpatient beds and ICU beds is about average for this hospital. More importantly, there have only been six hospital admissions for covid-19 during this 7-day period, and all of these admissions are for adult patients who can recover with the right treatment protocol. Moreover, neither Dr. Cobia nor the hospital has admitted a single healthy pediatric patient, according to publicly available information. The seven-day average for hospitalized covid-19 patients is a mere 7.4, and NONE of these are pediatric patients. Dr. Cobia appears to be lying to manipulate the public into thinking the vaccine is the only way to prevent death. She seems to be pushing out dangerous propaganda to coerce and guilt parents into vaccinating their children. A John Hopkinss study finds that there have been zero covid deaths among healthy children across the nation, so there is zero justification to vaccinate kids.

Even more telling, there were 856 people who went to the hospital suspecting they have covid-19 during the last seven-day reporting cycle. A total of 285 of this cohort tested positive for covid-19, but according to the hospitals data, only 6 of the people were actually admitted as patients. Some of these patients have even been fully vaccinated. This indicates that medical professionals like Dr. Cobia have inundated people with so much fear and propaganda, that people feel compelled to seek the ER when they feel unwell. However, most of these people (roughly 66 percent) dont even have covid and are sent home to get well. Of the remaining 33 percent who test positive for covid-19 out of this cohort, only 2 percent (6 patients out of 285) need medical care. This medical care is needed because these patients are already suffering from underlying medical conditions (and vaccine damage) that make them more susceptible to complications from (any) infection.

(Related: Government conducting clinical trials to learn how best to manipulate Americans to take covid-19 shots.)

According to the hospitals data, there were NO young healthy covid patients begging for a vaccine

For the entire month of June, the number of covid-19 patient admissions was zero for both adults and pediatrics. The number of covid-19 patients in the entire hospital system ranged from 4 to 8, and there are treatments to help these patients recover, despite Dr. Cobias admitted inclination to mock these patients and intubate them.

Dr. Cobia fabricated her story to manipulate the public and coerce vaccine compliance. The title of her story is called: Im sorry, but its too late: Alabama doctor on treating unvaccinated, dying COVID patients. Vaccine advocates have used the story to their advantage on social media, and Facebook has curated the story and maximized its outreach.

Dr. Cobia starts by saying Ive made a LOT of progress encouraging people to get vaccinated lately!!! Do you want to know how? She blatantly lies: Im admitting young healthy people to the hospital with very serious COVID infections. One of the last things they do before theyre intubated is beg me for the vaccine. I hold their hand and tell them that Im sorry, but its too late.

To complete the sell, she says, A few days later when I call time of death, I hug their family members and I tell them the best way to honor their loved one is to go get vaccinated and encourage everyone they know to do the same.

The hospitals own data shows that Dr. Cobia is a prideful, manipulative deceiver who lies about patients and fabricates attention-seeking stories to promote her ideology. Even worse, she breaches patients privacy and plots to refuse treatment and intubate patients if they arent vaccinated.

Sources include:

Facebook.com

Al.com

Data.MontgomeryAdvertiser.com

GrandViewHealth.com

Twitter.com

TheFederalist.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Dr. Peter Daszak, president of the EcoHealth Alliance and leader of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) origin investigative team thanked Dr. Anthony Fauci for publicly dismissing the theory that the virus that caused the global pandemic may have come from a lab.

On April 18, 2020, Daszak sent an email to Fauci to thank the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for discrediting the credible allegation that the coronavirus was engineered by the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and it accidentally leaked after infecting one of the institutes employees.

I just wanted to say a personal thank you on behalf of our staff and collaborators, for publicly standing up and stating that the scientific evidence supports a natural origin for COVID-19 from a bat-to-human spillover, not a lab release from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, wrote Daszak in the email. From my perspective, your comments are brave, and coming from your trusted voice, will help dispel the myths being spun around the viruss origins.

Less than 12 months after Daszak sent this email to Fauci, he would be in Wuhan personally leading a WHO team supposedly charged with investigating the origin of the coronavirus. (Related: Rick Scott criticizes WHO investigative team for visiting Chinese propaganda exhibition in Wuhan.)

Fauci responded to the email the next day, writing: Many thanks for your kind note.

Daszak was responding to Faucis comments on April 17, 2021, when a reporter asked the latter whether or not the coronavirus could have come from one of the WIVs labs.

There was a study recently  where a group of highly qualified evolutionary virologists looked at the sequences there and the sequences in bats as they evolve, said Fauci at the time. The mutations that it took to get to the point where it is now is totally consistent with a jump of a species from an animal to a human.

This statement contrasts with comments he made in May when he said that he was not convinced that the coronavirus developed naturally.

Emails shed light on Daszak and Faucis relationship

Mainstream news outlet Buzzfeed News obtained Daszaks email to Fauci through a Freedom of Information Act request. The website has since released more than 3,200 pages of emails from Fauci covering January to June 2020.

The emails also provide a closer look into Faucis relationship with Daszak. Notably, he forwarded anti-conspiracy theory articles to colleagues that quoted Daszak disparaging the lab leak origin theory.

It should be noted that Daszak, as the president of the EcoHealth Alliance, used around $3.4 million in grants he received from Faucis NIAID to the WIV between 2014 to 2019. The grant money was specifically given to fund research and other work regarding the coronavirus.

On Wednesday, June 2, Fauci talked about the legitimate concerns regarding the grant money during an interview on News Nation.

The Wuhan lab is a very large lab, to the tune of hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars. The grant that were talking about was $600,000 over five years, he said, in an attempt to diminish the fact that money was still being diverted into the WIV.

Fauci further argued that the WIVs work regarding the coronavirus is essential since the research is intended to assess the threat of certain viruses to humans, which might then damage the United States.

You dont want to go to Hoboken, New Jersey, or to Fairfax, Virginia, to be studying the bat-human interface that may lead to an outbreak, added Fauci. So you go to China.

One of the criticisms raised with the grant money being funneled to the WIV is that scientists in the Chinese institute may have performed gain-of-function research on coronaviruses. They could have done this by engineering the coronavirus samples in the labs to make them more infectious and possibly even more dangerous. Fauci did not directly respond to this criticism. He instead talked about how, as scientists, the people at the WIV are obligated to do their work.

I cant guarantee everything thats going on in the Wuhan lab, we cant do that, but it is our obligation as scientists and public health individuals to study the animal-human interface.

Commenting on the release of the emails, Fauci said that they have been taken out of context because people have been cutting out individual sentences in emails without showing what the emails actually said in their entirety. You dont really have the full context.

Learn more about the ongoing debate regarding the coronavirus lab leak origins by reading the latest articles at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

News.Yahoo.com 1

BuzzfeedNews.com

NYPost.com

News.Yahoo.com 2
(Natural News) District Judge Claude Hilton ruled in May that a parents group can move forward with a lawsuit alleging that new admissions policies at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in northern Virginia discriminate against Asian Americans.

The U.S. News and World Report rated the school commonly known as TJ as the best public high school in the country in April.

Asian Americans constitute more than 70 percent of the student population at TJ, and for decades Black and Hispanic students have been underrepresented there.

In a bid to increase diversity at the school, the Fairfax County School Board drastically overhauled the admissions process at the school  scrapping a standardized test that had been the linchpin of the process. The new system now allocates slots at the highly competitive school in a system that distributes the vast majority of slots to the top 1.5 percent of students at each of the countys middle schools.

An application fee and other items that were seen as a barrier to Black and Hispanic families have also been eliminated. In a statement given after the lawsuit was filed in March, a spokeswoman for the school board called TJs previous admissions exam one of the historical barriers blocking students from culturally and ethnically diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

School board members have said that increasing geographic diversity at the school should improve racial diversity.

New policy targets Asian Americans who prosper under old system

Opponents of the changes, Asian American parents in particular, said that the new process will no longer attract the very best students to the school. They alleged that the changes target Asian American families who prospered under the old system. (Related: Harvards mass discrimination against Asians exposed in shocking investigation RACIST BIGOTS run the school.)

Lawyers for the Fairfax County School Board urged the judge to dismiss the lawsuit entirely.

Attorney Stuart Raphael said the new admissions policy is explicitly race-neutral and that admissions evaluators dont even know the race of the applicants. He stressed that under federal case law, a school board is within its rights to be motivated by a desire to increase opportunities for Black and Hispanic students, as long as they dont show a specific intent to discriminate against Asian Americans.

The Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), which is representing the parent group Coalition for TJ, said the practical effect of changing policies to increase Black and Hispanic students is to reduce slots for Asian Americans.

The new admissions policy caps the number of students allowed from each of the districts 23 middle schools. The three middle schools that typically account for most of TJs admissions have higher numbers of Asian American students than most other middle schools, PLF said in a statement. As a result, TJs Class of 2025 is projected to have 42 percent fewer Asian American students, while no other racial group will lose seats.

Erin Wilcox, an attorney for PLF said: There are a finite number of seats at TJ, Wilcox said. You cannot intend to increase the seats for one race without knowing it will decrease the seats for another race.

Hilton didnt buy the school systems assertions that its new admissions policy is race neutral.

Everybody knows the policy is not race neutral, and that its designed to affect the racial composition of the school, he said. You can say all sorts of beautiful things while youre doing others.

New policy still applies for incoming class of freshmen

While Hilton allowed the lawsuit to move forward to the next stage, he denied a request for an injunction that would have barred the school system from using the new policy for the incoming class of freshmen.

He said it would be too disruptive to order a change at such a late date.

Raphael said the school system is has almost completed its review of applications for the upcoming fall semester, and that students will find out in June whether they have been admitted under the new process.

Julia McCaskill of Herndon, a Coalition for TJ member who has an eighth-grader waiting on whether shell be accepted to TJ, said she was disappointed that the judge declined to issue an injunction. Her Asian American daughter attends a middle school that has a large number of high-performing students and typically sends large numbers of students to TJ.

With all but 100 of the 550 slots in the freshman class reserved for just the top 1.5 percent of students at each school, she said the new rules diminish her daughters chances of acceptance.

The TJ admissions lawsuit reflects a national debate over admissions and racial composition of elite public high schools. Similar lawsuits and debates have emerged at top-tier schools in New York, California and some other states.

Follow RaceWar.news for more news and information related to races.

Sources include:

JustTheNews.com

DailyWire.com

Richmond.com

APNews.com
(Natural News) Data from last years miserable lockdowns that lasted months longer than they should have in mostly blue states is just starting to come in, and from the looks of it, were safe in saying that shutting down the globes No. 1 economy wasnt the smartest idea in the box.

In fact, if you look at the data in sum, we can conclude, confidently, that lockdowns were:

 Harmful to our children (keeping kids out of in-person learning, for instance, in part led to more than five times more adolescent deaths via suicide than were killed by the virus);

 Wearing masks did nothing to slow the spread of the virus;

 Vaccines are NOT even close to being as effective as they are claimed to be;

 Even vaccinated people are testing positive for the virus;

 Vaccinated people are even spreading the virus.

But no matter. Its push the vaccines, push the vaccines, push the vaccines  because if we dont get one, then were just going to be subjected to new rounds of harmful shutdowns. And this time around, Republican leaders in Congress appear to be all-in with Democrats on this.

Big League Politics reports:

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is ordering Americans to receive the dangerous and experimental COVID-19 vaccine under the threat that he will shut down public life in America with the Democrats if they do not comply.

McConnell is issuing these terror threats to implement the fledgling vaccine regime as Americans begin to resist the mass hysteria pushed about COVID-19 for over a year now.

It never occurred to me that there would be difficulty getting Americans to get the shot, McConnell, who himself was stricken with polio when he was a youth, said.

These shots need to get in everybodys arms as rapidly as possible or were going to be back in a situation in the fall that we dont yearn for  that we went through last year, McConnell added.

Get vaccinated! These shots need to get into arms as rapidly as possible, or else we're gonna be back in a situation this fall like what we went through last year. pic.twitter.com/J4o6yL5cn4  Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) July 20, 2021

That sure sounds like a veiled threat: Take the shot or get locked down again, Americans.

Former New York Times reporter Alex Berensen, who has been literally tracking the pandemic for more than a year and documenting all of the information  not just regime information  about the virus, ripped Republicans newfound interest in getting everyone vaccinated, even people who have had the disease already.

Its odd how the Republican establishment is rolling on vaccines just as the data show their efficacy is collapsing. From a health perspective the argument made much more sense in May. But then not much of this has ever been about health, he tweeted this week.

Its odd how the Republican establishment is rolling on vaccines just as the data show their efficacy is collapsing. From a health perspective the argument made much more sense in May. But then not much of this has ever been about health.  Alex Berenson (@AlexBerenson) July 22, 2021

Americans dont know enough about these vaccines yet to trust them, let alone be cajoled into getting a jab just because a politician says we must. In fact, there is some speculation that politicians railing at us to get a shot is what is driving many people to resist  because we dont trust what were being told.

Then again, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida notes there is no shortage of hypocrisy here, either.

Even though most Americans have gotten vaccinated, especially in his state, there are still jurisdictions that want to force people to wear masks  even if theyre vaccinated.

Understand what that message is sending to people who arent vaccinated, DeSantis said during a news conference this week. Its telling them that the vaccines dont work. I think thats the worst message you can send to people at this time because I think that the data has been really, really good in terms of preserving peoplesaving peoples lives [and] reducing mortality dramatically.

2/ COVID19 cases spiking in Florida, Gov. DeSantis said hes frustrated with local efforts to push mask mandates. Says it sends the wrong message about vaccines. Adds those hesitant to get vaxxed  wont  -if theyre heckled. pic.twitter.com/2EczERYb5e  Greg Angel (@NewsGuyGreg) July 21, 2021

We would beg to differ on the second part of his statement, but his comment about making vaccinated people wear masks  if the vaccines are so good  is spot-on. Why do it if the shots work?

Americans are confused about COVID and COVID vaccines because weve been lied to about this pandemic from the outset. McConnell isnt helping.

Sources include:

BizPacReview.com

BigLeaguePolitics.com

Pandemic.news
(Natural News) A health official in Norway said the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is over in the Scandinavian country. Dr. Preven Aavitsland of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) based his declaration on the country recording its lowest level of hospitalizations since the end of last summer. The chief physician of the NIPHs infection control and environmental health division nevertheless warned Norwegians against letting their guards down.

On June 6, Aavitsland tweeted a graph showing Norways lowest hospital admissions levels  writing that the figure showed the pandemic [was] over with. He espoused the sentiment during his interviews with Norwegian media outlets.

The health official told Norwegian newspaper VG: Here in Norway  the pandemic is, so to say, over. We can start to prepare ourselves for [the coronavirus] taking very little space in our everyday lives. He later told state broadcaster NRK: A fire chief would have said: The forest fire is out and the danger for people and buildings is over. [But] there remains a little clearing up here and there and we need to be vigilant.

Aavitsland predicted that Norway would only see localized outbreaks in the future as authorities there were well equipped to deal with these situations. He added that rising vaccination rates contributed to very few people contracting COVID-19 and being hospitalized because of the disease. As of writing, 28 percent of adults in the Scandinavian country had been fully vaccinated, while 42 percent had received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose.

However, he noted that it would still take several years for the pandemic to come under control globally. It isnt [completely] over until its over for everyone, Aavitsland said. The chief physician nevertheless continued that Norwegian health authorities would increasingly offer their expertise outside their home country.

Norway has had one of the lowest infection rates in Europe throughout all three waves of the pandemic. Its cases and deaths have also been significantly lower than its Scandinavian neighbors Sweden and Denmark  the latter taking a similar approach to Norway. Its low population density and isolated position in northern Europe played a role in curbing the rise of infections.

Swift action by Norwegian authorities helped bring the pandemic to its heels

Decisive action by Norways government and public health officials when infections rose also contributed to the countrys low caseload. What we have done right is that, first of all, we moved tough and hard at the start, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg told the Financial Times in May 2021. She credited Norwegians general trust in the authorities in helping with the COVID-19 response. The prime minister also mentioned the countrys US$1.3 trillion oil fund that helped alleviate the economic effects of the pandemic.

However, not all Norwegian health officials concurred with Aavitslands declaration. Norwegian Directorate of Health Assistant Director Espen Nakstad warned that the pandemic was not completely over in the country. He added that until all adults receive their second COVID-19 vaccine doses in August or September of this year, people cannot lower their guards just yet. Hopefully we can live very normally again, even if the pandemic is  not completely over in Norway until its over in all countries, Nakstad told NRK.

NIPH Director General Dr. Camilla Stoltenberg also disagreed with Aavitslands remarks. She said: It is too early to state that the coronavirus pandemic is over in Norway. The director general added that even Aavitsland himself has also emphasized that we still have a way to go.

The swift decisions of Norways health authorities were also reflected in how the country responded to the AstraZeneca vaccine. Back in April 2021, the NIPH recommended that the vaccine made by the British drug manufacturer be suspended there. The guidance followed reports of blood-related adverse reactions from those inoculated with the vaccine. (Related: Norwegian health agency recommends banning AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine due to blood clot risks.)

NIPH Infection Control and Environmental Health Division Director Geir Bukholm said in an April 15 statement: We now know significantly more about the connection between the AstraZeneca vaccine and the rare and serious incidents of low platelets, blood clots and bleeding. Based on this knowledge, we have arrived at a recommendation that the AstraZeneca vaccine be removed from the coronary vaccination program in Norway.

Later, a May 12 Bloomberg report said that Norway removed the AstraZeneca vaccine permanently from its COVID-19 vaccination schedule. Solberg announced the move during a news conference on the same day. The prime minister told reporters: The government has decided that the AstraZeneca vaccine will not be used in Norway, not even voluntarily. (Related: Norwegian doctor says AstraZeneca jab is, in fact, causing deadly blood clots.)

Visit Pandemic.news to read more stories on how European countries such as Norway respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources include:

FT.com

TheEpochTimes.com

FHI.no

Bloomberg.com
(Natural News) Chinas manufacturing and industrial hubs in the southern part of the country have been ordered to use less power and even close between one to three days a week to mitigate power shortages.

Record demand for power has exceeded supply in Guangdong province, where the cities of Guangzhou, Foshan and Dongguan are located. Those cities are known for producing global consumer and high-tech products.

Factories may not fulfill their orders in time after the China Southern Power Grid Company announced that 21 cities and regions across Guangdong would be included in the rationing or restrictions on usage. Companies have to limit the power supply, or their electricity will be cut off. (Related: Biden hands over control of Americas power grid to communist China.)

Mike Wang, manager of an electronics factory in Dongguan, said workers were sweating profusely through 36C days as they could not turn on the air conditioners and fans without breaching power usage limits.

I am really worried now. I dont know how to explain to clients [that their orders will be late], said Wang, noting that power shortages have hobbled his factorys efficiency by 20 to 30 percent.

Klaus Zenkel, chair of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in South China, said that about 100 of the organizations companies were affected and further shortages risk having an adverse impact on foreign investment in the region.

After the economic recovery post-pandemic, companies are very busy and have a lot of orders.?Now some have been asked to shut down three days a week. Its quite unreasonable, Zenkel said. Its an infrastructure issue that needs to be handled immediately.

Low rainfall, Chinas carbon emissions targets contribute to power shortages

The problem has been exacerbated by high temperatures and low rainfall in Yunnan, which Guangdong partly relies on for hydropower. Analysts said the central governments carbon emissions targets have also made local governments reluctant to expand their reliance on coal-fired power, forcing officials to ration electricity instead.

With Chinas carbon plan,?local governments are very nervous about their use of coal and thermal power, said Shan Guo, partner at Plenum China Research.

Chinas non-fossil fuel installed power capacity could surpass that of coal-fired capacity this year for the first time, according to the China Electricity Council (CEC). That projection came in the wake of Chinese President Xi Jinpings announcement during the global climate summit in April that China will strictly control coal-fired power generation and limit the increase in coal consumption during the latest phase of its five-year economic plan.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Chinas main economic planning agency, has emphasized increasing renewable energy output to reduce reliance on coal. But the commission also suggested more financial aid for coal producers and that coal-fired power plants alleviate immediate needs, an implied acknowledgment by the central government that coal-based electricity will remain key in the countrys energy mix for the foreseeable future.

Lara Dong from data provider IHS Markit said limits on coal imports and domestic production were also a factor contributing to the shortages.

Provinces across China are under pressure to reduce their energy intensity  carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP)  as part of central government efforts to reduce peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060.

Dong said there was a risk of more rationing as the province approached its expected peak in demand in July or August.

Industrial and manufacturing sectors drive Chinas economic recovery from pandemic

China has experienced one of the fastest economic recoveries in the world from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, largely due to the countrys industrial and manufacturing sectors.

Despite a calamitous start to the year, China was the only major economy to register growth in 2020 at 2.3 percent. Its economy grew 18.3 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the same period last year, marking the biggest jump in GDP since China started keeping quarterly records in 1992.

However, the growth rate was boosted by a low base in early 2020. Comparing growth for the first quarter of 2021 with the last quarter of 2020, the Chinese economy grew by a far smaller 0.6 percent.

We must be aware that the COVID-19 epidemic is still spreading globally and the international landscape is complicated with high uncertainties and instabilities, said Chinas National Bureau of Statistics, which released the first quarter data.

Other key figures released by Chinas statistics department also point to a continuing rebound but are also unusually strong because they are compared against extremely weak numbers from last year.

Industrial output for March rose 14.1 percent over a year ago, while retail sales grew 34.2 percent. (Related: The Joe Biden transition team is compromised by Chinese elites who have already taken advantage of Hunter Bidens White House connections.)

Some analysts predicted a number of sectors will slow as government fiscal and monetary support is reduced.

According to Yue Su, the Economist Intelligence Units principal economist for China, some production and export activity could have been front-loaded into the first quarter, suggesting slower growth ahead.

Trade performance and domestic industrial activities for the rest of year might not be able to maintain such strong momentum, due to lack of measures to stimulate domestic economy, she said.

After scrapping its target last year, China has set an economic growth target of 6 percent for 2021.

Follow Bubble.news for more news and information related to the economy.

Sources include:

FT.com

ArgusMedia.com

BBC.com
(Natural News) Last month, cruise line Royal Caribbean announced that it will no longer require passengers from the United States to be vaccinated against the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

Royal Caribbeans announcement is a reversal from previous statements and vaccination protocols that the company had previously submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in May. Back then, Royal Caribbean stated firmly that it would require all passengers at least 18 years of age to be vaccinated. (Related: Royal Caribbean to ban unvaccinated adults from cruise ships this June, turning their cruise ships into floating super strain factories.)

Now, the company said it will strongly recommend passengers get vaccinated, but will not require it.

Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date, said the company.

Royal Caribbeans statement regarding vaccination protocols also alerted Americans that the cruise line was once again setting sail from U.S. ports this summer, starting with the MS Freedom of the Seas, which will depart from the Port of Miami on July 2.

Gov. Ron DeSantis forced businesses to back down from requiring vaccines

The sudden reversal of Royal Caribbeans vaccination policy may have been influenced by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor recently signed a law that could fine cruise lines like Royal Caribbean up to $5,000 for each person who is required to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

This recently passed law was crafted by Republican state lawmakers, who control the state legislature. It prohibits government entities, schools and businesses across Florida from asking anybody to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The law, which takes effect on July 1, can fine businesses up to $5,000 per violation.

A spokeswoman for DeSantis told The Epoch Times in an email that he has been leading the fight for the cruise industry to operate since last year, and he has been working with the cruise lines so that they will be able to set sail soon in compliance with Florida law.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley thanked DeSantis and other elected officials for supporting the cruise industry, which was shut down in March 2020 after the first COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths on many cruise ships.

Vacationers can finally plan to take their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone, said Bayley in his statement. The company added that it will still be requiring all of its employees to get vaccinated.

Lynn Sierra-Caro, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean International, clarified the companys previous plan to require passengers to be vaccinated. She said this mandate only applied to its test cruises. These cruises are required by the CDC to go on trial voyages as it gradually eases its rules governing the cruise industry. The CDC has so far authorized nine cruise ships, including Freedom of the Seas, for test cruises.

According to the CDC, cruise lines that do not meet the agencys vaccination thresholds for both passengers and crew must first do a successful test cruise before they can restart full operations and revenue cruises. The CDCs threshold is for 95 percent of passengers and 98 percent of the crew to be vaccinated.

Our intention is to comply with all federal, state and local laws, said Sierra-Caro.

Unvaccinated guests will still face restrictions, higher costs

During a webinar with travel agents, Royal Caribbean said it plans to treat its unvaccinated passengers differently.

The company said its plans could change. But during the webinar, it said that unvaccinated passengers sailing from Florida can expect extra fees that will not be part of the initial cruise fare. In one of its slides, this is what the company said its protocols are regarding cruises departing from Florida:

It is strongly recommended that guests set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccinatation will be required to undergo testing, be responsible for any expenses incurred and follow other protocols. These expenses are still being finalized.

Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President Vicki Freed explained that the exact extra costs unvaccinated individuals will incur are still not known because it is still being worked out.

Royal Caribbean Group  which owns the cruise line  Chairman and CEO Richard Fain clarified that there will be no additional costs for passengers under the age of 18 who are not eligible for the vaccine.

The company may also mandate other health protocols not outright banned by Florida law.

Learn more about how businesses are attempting to restart their operations and how many are attempting to require employees and patrons to get vaccinated by reading the latest articles at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

MiamiHerald.com

RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com
(Natural News) America just celebrated its 245th birthday on July 4, but in fact, our nation is on the cusp of breaking up.

And whats more, a growing number of Republicans, Democrats and political independents want it.

An eye-opening new survey found that Americans are so divided in certain regions of the country that many believe we ought to go our separate ways, as in  they favor secession.

Conducted in June by YouGov in conjunction with BrightLineWatch, participants in each region of the United States were asked: Would you support or oppose [your state] seceding from the United States to join a new union with [list of states in new union]?

Pollsters talked to Americans of all political stripes in the following five regions of the country:

Pacific: California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and Alaska

Mountain: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico

South: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee

Heartland: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska

Northeast: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia

The results were nothing short of stunning, especially in the South, which is telling in and of itself.

GOP support for secession grew in the South from 50 percent in January to 66 percent in June, the highest percentage of GOP supporters in all five regions.

Republicans are most secessionist in the South and Mountain regions whereas it is Democrats on the West Coast and in the Northeast, the group noted. In the narrowly divided Heartland region, it is partisan independents who find the idea most attractive.

In the Northwest, some 47 percent of Democrats said they want out, the survey found.

By this summer, we anticipated, political tempers may have cooled  not necessarily as a result of any great reconciliation but perhaps from sheer exhaustion after the relentless drama of Trump, the organization continued in analyzing its findings.

As the country turns 245 years old, Americans have reasons to worry about the state of their democracy, Bright Line Watch noted.

In June 2021, we surveyed a representative sample of Americans and an expert sample of political scientists on the performance of U.S. democracy, the threats it faces, and how their political representatives should address these matters, the group added in a summary.

We find deep partisan polarization in perceptions of what is right and wrong with American democracy and the steps that should be taken to fix it, the group added.

In addition, experts express reservations about current changes to election law at the state level. Still, we find some signs that Americans regard partisan attacks on election administration with skepticism.

The pollsters also suggested that feelings about a national divorce werent likely to change much at least in the near future.

In the past six months, Democrats and Republicans have not budged in how they reward or punish prospective candidates for voting to certify the election and for Trumps impeachment, the assessment noted.

In fact, secession is gaining traction. Instead of support for secession diminishing over the past six months, as we expected, it rose in every region and among nearly every partisan group, the assessment noted.

Interestingly, the group said, whole political experts broadly regarded Trumps presidency as a threat to democracy, the desire for secession has risen dramatically among all political groups since President Joe Biden took office, USA Features News reported, citing the data.

The surveys results come as Joe Biden used the term Civil War recently to lie about GOP efforts at shoring up voter integrity following the 2020 election theft.

Its almost like they want a civil war, author Mark Steyn said earlier this month during an interview with Fox News Tucker Carlson.

See more news about secession at Secession.news.

Sources include:

DailyWire.com

USAFeatures.news

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Fox News host Tucker Carlson denounced officials in the U.S. government who helped China conceal the truth about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). Carlson also criticized entities who previously dismissed the COVID-19 laboratory leak theory but did an about-face as evidence for it emerged. His tirade came as other mainstream media outlets released an avalanche of evidence bolstering the possibility of a lab leak.

During a June 3 episode of his Tucker Carlson Tonight program, the host echoed claims by Chinese scientists more than a year ago. According to the scientists, the novel coronavirus probably escaped from a government lab in Wuhan. Despite the plausibility of this claim, it has received criticism for being racist and a conspiracy theory  if not outright silence. Carlson said: Of course, [COVID-19] escaped from a Chinese virology lab. Did you really think it came from the wet market? Come on.

The host also mentioned the existence of numerous emails from infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci sent to other individuals. Several mainstream media outlets obtained the emails through a Freedom of Information Act request. Furthermore, Carlson also mentioned articles from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Vanity Fair that supported the COVID-19 lab leak theory.

The Vanity Fair piece noted that virologist Shi Zhengli of the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) collected samples of a bat coronavirus from a cave in Chinas Yunnan province. The pathogen, which had similarities to SARS-CoV-2, caused the death of several miners in 2012. Carlson added that BBC journalists tried to visit the Yunnan cave in late 2020. However, plainclothes police officers followed them and the road toward the cave was obstructed by a well-placed broken-down truck.

Meanwhile, the WSJ piece cited a U.S. intelligent report outlining how three WIV researchers fell ill and sought hospital treatment back in November 2019. The report noted how the scientists displayed symptoms consistent with both COVID-19 and common seasonal illness. According to Carlson, the WSJ piece only strengthened the idea that the WIV researchers who seem to have been working with bat viruses were the first [COVID-19] victims.

The host ultimately said that while the Chinese government covered up the truth about COVID-19, some researchers in the U.S. government helped them. Carlson claimed that the U.S. researchers who helped Beijing conceal the truth had interests aligned with [that]  of the Chinese government.

He continued: Many research scientists are addicted to tax dollars. If the public understood just how recklessly theyve behaved [by] endangering the entire world with their weird little experiments in  China, the money might dry up. (Related: Fauci secretly funded gain of function research at Wuhan lab that produced Covid-19.)

U.S. officials who insisted on the lab leak theory were bullied into silence

Carlson also mentioned that a number of U.S. government officials who espoused the COVID-19 lab leak theory faced harsh criticism. Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield was among those officials intimidated into backing down. Thats not some guy on Twitter. Its the former director of the CDC, so youd think the world would stop and ask follow-up questions. But thats not what happened, Carlson said.

The former CDC head told Vanity Fair why he espoused the laboratory leak theory for COVID-19. He said that in early January 2020, he received a call about the virus spreading in Wuhan. Redfield immediately suspected the WIV as responsible  given his training as a virologist. However, he was threatened and ostracized by both politicians and other scientists for putting forward another hypothesis. (Related: Gain-of-function expert Dr. Peter Daszak bullied top scientists into covering up laboratory origins of SARS-CoV-2.)

Redfield has consistently stood by the lab leak theory as the possible origin of the pandemic. He remarked during an interview: I still think the most likely [cause] of  [the outbreak in Wuhan] was from a laboratory. Other people dont believe that [and thats] fine. Science will eventually figure it out.

Another government official confirmed the intimidation those believing in the COVID-19 lab leak theory face. Former State Department official Thomas DiNanno outlined that other staffers were warned not to scrutinize the lab leak theory. According to the former official, any investigations on the theory would expose the U.S.s links to gain of function research in the facility.

DiNanno wrote in a memo that staff members from two State Department bureaus  the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance and Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation dissuaded any probes on the matter. The official said his attempts to press further were blocked by staffers who warned him that doing so opens a can of worms. DiNanno told Vanity Fair: [The warnings] smelled like a cover-up and I wasnt going to be a part of it.

Deception.news has more articles about the U.S. governments role in the origins of COVID-19.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

VanityFair.com

WSJ.com
According to information published by VnExpress on July 24, 2021, the Vietnam Coast Guard ship CSB 8021 arrived in Vietnam after being in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Hamilton-class former U.S. Coast Guard cutter is the second vessel of this class given to the Vietnam Coast Guard by the United States government.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

CSB 8021 vessel (Picture source: Vietnamnet)

The U.S. Coast Guard officially transferred CSB 8021, formerly JOHN MIDGETT, to Vietnam on August 14, 2020. Since November 1, 2020, the ships new Vietnam Coast Guard crew has received training on the vessel, its systems, and equipment. The vessel also went through a dry dock maintenance and repair availability to prepare it for its service in the Vietnam Coast Guard, funded by U.S. foreign military financing.

The vessel and transfer support total over $27 million in grant security assistance and follow the 2017 transfer of CSB 8020 to Vietnam, valued around $24 million. CSB 8021 left its former homeport of Seattle, Washington, on June 1, 2021, after completion of outfitting and crew training.

USCGC John Midgett (WHEC-726), previously USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726), was the twelfth and latest of the United States Coast Guard's fleet of 378 ft (115 m) high endurance cutters. With her crew of 24 officers and 160 enlisted men and women, she was homeported in Seattle, Washington under the operational and administrative control of Commander, Pacific Area (COMPACAREA). Prior to Fleet Renovation and Maintenance (FRAM), the Midgett's homeport was Alameda, California.

The Hamilton-class cutter was the largest class of vessel in the United States Coast Guard until replaced by the Legend-class cutter, aside from the Polar-class icebreaker. The hull classification symbol is prefixed WHEC. The cutters are called the Hamilton-class after their lead ship, or the "Secretary class" because most of the vessels in the class were named for former Secretaries of the Treasury.
Gov. Ned Lamont said Monday that his administration is not planning any new mandates, including travel restrictions floated as a possibility last week, even as COVID hospitalizations jump by 32 over the weekend.

Connecticuts COVID-19 infection rate continues to rise due to the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. Since Friday, hospitalizations jumped from 76 to 108 with 589 new cases and a 2.27 positivity rate.

Still, the governor said hell hold off on restrictions.

Nobody wants mandates. I know how tired everybody is, Lamont said. We dont have to get into that conversation if people just go get vaccinated.

The governor was in New Haven to make a plea to young people to get vaccinated, which he views as better way to combat the highly contagious delta variant, as opposed to ordering new mandates.

Asked about the possibility of new travel restrictions, which he indicated was under consideration last week, Lamont said, its probably not a really good week to go to Missouri or Arkansas is sort of my sense.

Id probably skip Florida as well, he said.

Lamont said hed have to talk with neighboring governors about putting into effect a travel advisory, which Northeast states issued jointly earlier in the pandemic.

Right now, theres nothing anticipated, he said. But, he added, his administration is closely watching southern states where infection rates are much higher than in Connecticut.

The White House announced Monday that its keeping current international travel restrictions in place due to the Delta variant and rising coronavirus cases domestically.

While Lamont maintains that restrictions are not needed in Connecticut, other governments are contemplating mandates and additional measures to try to curb the rapid spread of the Delta variant.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday all city employees will either have to be vaccinated or receive weekly testing, and Los Angeles County recently started requiring masks again, even for vaccinated individuals.

julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Some Louisiana health facilities are suspending nonemergency surgeries that might require hospital admissions as they grapple with a steadily increasing influx of COVID-19 patients amid the state's latest spike in cases.

Baton Rouge-based Our Lady of the Lake said Monday it will pause scheduling new, nonurgent surgeries that require an inpatient bed for at least three weeks after admitting 25 new COVID-19 patients within 24 hours. In New Orleans, the six-hospital LCMC system announced new visitor restrictions, effective Monday, and said it, too, was suspending non-essential surgeries and procedures that might require hospital admission or overnight stays. Monday's announcement on the LCMC website said the suspension would be effective Thursday.

Louisiana has one of the lowest coronavirus vaccination rates in the nation, worsening this latest surge in COVID-19 cases fueled by the highly contagious delta variant.

Statewide, the number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus illness reached 1,221 on Monday, according to state health department data. That's more than double the hospitalization number only 10 days ago. And medical leaders say the COVID-19 patients they're seeing are largely unvaccinated.

Our Lady of the Lake  which runs a regional medical center, children's hospital and smaller hospital in the Baton Rouge area  said it has 112 of those COVID-19 patients in its facilities, 40% of those in intensive care.

"Our inpatient facilities remain at capacity, Stephanie Manson, chief operating officer at Our Lady of the Lake, said in a statement. We made this decision to make additional beds and staff available. Previously scheduled procedures are proceeding as scheduled. We continue to schedule outpatient and new urgent surgical procedures.

Health officials warn that delaying procedures such as cancer treatments, knee surgeries and other inpatient operations considered nonemergency could worsen health conditions over time.

But Louisiana is seeing one of the nation's worst coronavirus surges per capita. More than 6,200 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed with the state since Friday, and more than 15,000 new cases over the past week.

Republican U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, who represents southwest and south central Louisiana, announced Sunday night that he, his wife and his son have contracted COVID-19. The congressman, who has criticized mask mandates and other coronavirus rules, said he and his wife also were infected last year. Higgins has refused to say whether he's been vaccinated against the virus.

Louisiana has struggled to reach the immunization rates of other states, with only about 37% of its residents fully vaccinated and 41% starting the vaccination process. Only four states have lower vaccination rates, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Joe Kanter, the governor's chief public health adviser, said Louisiana is seeing a slight uptick in people's interest in the shots since the delta variant intensified across the state. Still, that won't be enough to combat the latest surge in the short-term  because it takes weeks to get fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Baton Rouge General Medical Center said it has 71 COVID-19 patients in its hospital, calling this summer's spike in coronavirus illness cases more drastic compared to a similar surge last July. Hospitalizations are larger among younger age groups this year, according to the hospital.

Large percentages of Louisiana residents 60 and older have gotten vaccinated, while far fewer people in younger age groups have done so.

Gov. John Bel Edwards on Friday urged everyone to wear masks indoors if they cant stay distanced from others, even if they've been vaccinated. But the Democratic governor didn't return to a statewide mandate.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles started requiring masks for all of its locations Monday, after seeing some of its offices forced to close intermittently in recent months because of COVID-19 outbreaks.

___

Associated Press reporter Kevin McGill in New Orleans contributed to this story.

___

Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
On Sunday, San Antonio Representative Philip Cortez announced he left Austin again to rejoin the Texas Democrats in Washington, D.C.

Cortez returned to Austin on Wednesday, July 21 after leaving the state with more than 50 Democrats on July 12 to break quorum and halt the passing of the controversial GOP-backed election bills. He said he came to Texas to begin active discussions and open communication lines with the Republicans.

A few Texas Democrats publicly noted Cortez left without consulting with those who broke quorum. San Antonio representative Ina Minjarez told Texas Public Radio reporter Joey Palacios she was disappointed to see Cortez turn his back on the fight. She said, "though I cannot speak to what led to his decision, it is disheartening to think that some representatives value a gavel over protecting the voting rights of all Texas."

In a tweet, Cortez shares he decided to go back to Washington after conversations with Republican leadership didn't yield any substantive results. He says he wants to continue the fight with his colleagues in Washington.

"I stand firm in my resolve to remain with the Democratic Caucus until the special session ends, and to do whatever it takes to fight for the freedom to vote for all Texans," Cortez writes in a statement.

Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner responded to Cortez's return, writing in a statement he welcomes him back as they fight against House Bill 3. The bill aims to ban drive-thru and 24-hour voting options, enhance access for partisan poll watchers and prohibit local election officials from proactively distributing applications to request mail-in ballots.

"In the Texas House Democratic Caucus, our unity is our strength. We welcome Rep. Phil Cortez, who is a valued member of our Caucus, back to Washington, D.C. with open arms," Turner states. "All 57 Democrats breaking quorum are just as firm in our commitment to seeing this through until the end as we were the day we left. We are united and unrelenting in our commitment to protect the freedom to vote."

The Texas Democrats are in Washington to pressure the House and Senate to enact the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Currently, both acts are in a holding pattern.

While the Texas Democrats can stay until the session ends, Gov. Greg Abbott has the power to call as many special sessions as he likes, which he already announced on Twitter he would do once the lawmakers return to Austin. Special sessions can last up to a maximum of 30 days, but there is no minimum.
New Castle, PA (16103)

Today

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds light and variable.
AP photo/J. Scott Applewhite, PoolTop infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci responds to accusations by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, as he testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 20. Cases of COVID-19 have tripled over the past three weeks, and hospitalizations and deaths are rising among unvaccinated people.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The finance ministry has moved a file for extension of tenure of three public sector banks' managing directors, including Punjab National Bank (PNB), according to sources.

Besides, the sources said the ministry has also recommended the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for extension of 10 executive directors (EDs) of various public sector banks.

The three-year term of S S Mallikarjuna Rao, MD and CEO of PNB, is coming to an end on September 18 but the finance ministry has recommended for extension for four months till January 31, 2022, when Rao attains his superannuation age of 60 years.

Atul Kumar Goel's term as MD and CEO of UCO Bank has been recommended for a two-year extension beyond November 1 this year.

A S Rajeev, MD and CEO of Bank of Maharashtra, has been suggested for an extension of two years beyond December 1.

The finance ministry has simultaneously forwarded the name of S L Jain for the appointment of MD and CEO of Indian Bank.

The BBB, the headhunter for state-owned banks and financial institutions, had recommended the name of Jain in May after the interview.

With regard to EDs, the ministry has recommended names of 10 for extension of their term till their superannuation age or two years, whichever is earlier.

The MD and CEO of a public sector undertaking is given a maximum tenure of five years as a government guidelines.

According to sources, the ministry sought extension of the executives from the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC).

The proposal has been sent to the Dof Personnel and Training for the same after consultation with BBB.

The final call for extension will be taken by the ACC.

Interestingly, the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) has also invited applications for appointment of new MDs of PNB.

For PNB, the BBB on June 16, had sought public application for the MD and CEO post.

The eligibility criteria as announced in public notice is that the applicant should be in the age group of 45 to 57 years in mainstream banking, of which, at least one year has to be at the board level.

The compensation offered is in line with the MD and CEO of a large public sector bank, it said.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: More than eight tonnes of garbage has been cleared from the Korattur lake by a group of volunteers over the last two weeks. A group of nearly 50 volunteers have joined hands to clean the lake every weekend.

Like-minded conservationists from the area began a 52-week challenge on April 11 and have been cleaning the polluted lake. Due to Covid-induced lockdown, the work was stalled for four weeks, but has since resumed.

S Sekaran from Korattur Lake Conservation Movement said the lake is heavily polluted and that most of the waste here constitutes liquor bottles and water bottles. This is because miscreants visit the place at night. This not only spoils the lake, but also raises safety concerns for the residents of the area.

Even though we clean the lake during the daytime, anti-social elements pollute it during nights. Awareness boards have been put up to prevent this, he said. Though there is a 3.5-km walkway surrounding the lake, many avoid it due to the stench from garbage and safety issues. It may be noted that the lake was once the primary drinking water source for more than 18,000 houses in the area.

Another issue is the release of industrial effluents into the lake. The National Green Tribunal has passed an order to form a joint committee and suggest measures. An inspection report submitted by the State government to NGT found that the top soil of Korattur lake is heavily contaminated. TNPCB also informed the tribunal that action has been initiated against 153 industries letting effluents into the lake.

The residents worry that discharge of effluents will affect the ground water and eventually drinking water.

The lake had thriving populations of fishes, visiting birds, snakes, turtles, along with microscopic and macroscopic plants. The eBird database, a repository of checklists of birds from around the world, has recorded more than 130 species of birds in and around Korattur lake.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Nearly 200 women farmers from Delhi's neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana gathered at Jantar Mantar in the national capital for a 'Kisan Sansad' on Monday to continue the agitation against the Centre's contentious agricultural laws.

They raised slogans demanding scrapping of the three farm laws -- the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

The focus of Monday's 'Kisan Sansad' was the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 and the farmers' demand for the enactment of a law guaranteeing remunerative minimum support price (MSP) for their crops.

The women's 'Kisan Sansad' was moderated by politician and speaker Subhasini Ali. It commenced with the singing of the national anthem, followed by the observation of a two-minute silence in the memory of the farmers who have died during the eight-month agitation. "Today's 'sansad' will showcase the strength of women. Women can farm as well run the country, and today everybody here is a politician," Ali said.

Asserting that the farmers protest against the three "black laws" and their demand for MSP will continue, she said, "The government keeps calling us (farmers) by different names like terrorists, Khalistanis, etc. but if they have the strength, then they should not eat the food produced by these terrorists and Khalistanis."

Neetu Khanna, a farmer leader, said it is shameful that the government is "mistreating" the farmers when "they are the ones who keep the country alive". "I would like to put forward the demand for a legal guarantee for MSP because if we don't have MSP, the common man will suffer," she said.

Another participant, Nav Kiran, demanded the withdrawal of the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, claiming it is "anti-woman, anti-poor, and anti-common man".

Explaining how the law is anti-woman, she said, "We have seen how the prices of cooking oil and cooking gas have gone up because of this law. It will not allow women the scope to save whatever little money they could manage to earlier from their monthly expenses."

The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act deregulates food items like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes by removing them from the list of essential commodities.

The amendments to the six-and-half-decade law provide that stock holding limit on commodities will only be imposed under exceptional circumstances like national calamities, famine with a surge in prices, the government had said in Parliament last year.

The government had said the amendments will boost investment in the agriculture sector and will also create more storage capacities to reduce post-harvest loss of crops. Actress and activist Gul Panag, who also attended the 'Kisan Sansad', said with the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, the government has made the original law passed in 1955 "toothless".

"The new law will promote hoarding and black marketing. What people are not understanding is that this new law will not affect the farmers but the middle class. Also, we are not interested in amendments made to the laws that were not made through due process. These laws have to be repealed," she said.

The 'Kisan Sansad' is part of the farmers' agitation against the agricultural laws. As part of 'Kisan Sansad', farmers from the protest sites at Delhi borders, where they have been camping since November last year, have been gathering at Jantar Mantar to raise their voices against the agricultural laws while the Parliament's Monsoon session is underway.

Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal has given special permission for the demonstration by a maximum of 200 farmers at Jantar Mantar, a few metres away from the Parliament complex, till August 9.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: After battling Covid-19 for around two months, Dr Pradeep Tara, a popular general physician and chest specialist in East Delhi, succumbed to the disease on Friday. Dr Tara, who was in his mid-sixties, is one of the popular doctors in Mayur Vihar Phase-I. He also consulted patients throughout the first and second waves of the pandemic before developing Covid symptoms. He was admitted to the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in May.

The doctor breathed his last on July 23 at around 2.25 pm. Several residents of Mayur Vihar Phase-I conveyed condolences to the doctors family including his wife Dr Geeta, who is a gynaecologist.

He was our family physician and one of the best doctors we know. Another kind, good, proficient and intuitively best diagnostician has fallen. We are grieved, shocked and cant reconcile to this latest tragedy, tweeted Smita Purushottam, a former ambassador to Switzerland.

Tanuja Kothiya, historian and professor at Ambedkar University of Delhi, tweeted, Mayur Vihar area lost one of its best doctors. He continued to see patients through the last year. He was such a good doctor, a calming presence to his patients. He made my fathers last few months so much better.

He was the family doctor for all his patients. His professional approach and gentle smile were half cure for many of us. His deep sense of commitment continued during the pandemic. No patient should suffer was his noble thought before he himself became a victim, said Sivaram Raghavan, a resident of Mayur Vihar.

He was the one to diagnose my Gilberts syndrome when all other doctors had driven me round the bend on liver issues. His wife, Dr Geeta Tara, saw me through my fibroadenoma troubles. This loss is personal, tweeted Namrata Joshi, senior journalist and film critic.

People recall his humble manners

Many people remembered Dr Tara as very humble and down to earth. He treated and consulted more than 100 Covid patients in the last one year during the first and second waves of the pandemic
By Express News Service

KOCHI: A KSU worker was injured after being allegedly assaulted by SFI activists at the Maharajas College mens hostel on Sunday morning. The police arrested two students in connection with the incident.

Mohammed Niyaz, 21-year-old Perinthalmanna native and a final-year BCom student and KSU college unit secretary, was injured in the attack and was admitted to Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kadavanthra.

Central Police station SI Anie Siva

takes a KSU member into custody

during a protest march to Maharajas

College hostel | A Sanesh

Akhil Pushpan, 22, unit secretary of SFI Maharajas College and a native of Karunagappally, and Adarsh K Nair, 20, a first-year degree student hailing from Kozhikode, were arrested by the Central police following a complaint lodged by KSU leaders.

They were later released on bail.The incident took place around 1.30am when Mohammed Niyas resisted a section of SFI workers move to store ganja in his hostel room. The SFI workers assaulted him and he sustained injury in his nose. He was later shifted to Indira Gandhi Hospital. The college hostel has turned into a den of SFI goons. The SFI workers have been torturing KSU activists for the past one week, alleged Alosious Xavier, KSU district president.

KSU took out a march to the college hostel demanding action against the accused behind the attack. Fifteen people who took part in the march were booked for unlawful assembly. However, SFI said the case was fabricated after its leaders warned the students against bringing drugs to the college.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Activists Rona Wilson and Shoma Sen, arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, told the Bombay High Court on Monday that there was no connection between the Elgar Parishad event held on December 31, 3017 and the Koregaon Bhima violence that took place a day after.

Their counsels, senior advocates Indira Jaising and Anand Grover, further told HC that the FIR against the activists had been registered in the aftermath of the Koregaon Bhima incident, which pertained to rioting and violence, and not to any terrorist activity.

There was no legal ground for the activists to have been charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the counsels told a bench of Justices SS Shinde and NJ Jamadar.

Advocate Jaising also raised questions on the authenticity and legal admissibility of the electronic evidence the National Investigating Agency (NIA) claimed to have recovered from Wilson's computer, and from the electronic devices of the other accused in the case.

She said the HC must direct an investigation into the alleged tampering of legal evidence. The bench was hearing pleas filed by Wilson and Sen challenging their prosecution under UAPA and seeking that all charges against them in the case be quashed.

In their pleas filed in HC in April this year, Wilson and Sen said the case against them was based on forged and hearsay evidence that was planted on devices allegedly belonging to co-accused Wilson. The activists cited the report of a US digital forensic firm which claimed an incriminating letter and other material had been planted on the computers of Wilson and several of his co-accused in the case.

On Monday, the advocates for the accused told HC that the Elgar Parishad event and the one at Koregoan Bhima took place at a distance of 7 kilometres, and two separate FIRs were registered for the two incidents.

The Maharashtra government had said in the Supreme Court that Hindutva leader Milind Ekbote and some others were responsible for the Koregoan Bhima violence, Jaising said. "My submission is that there is no connection between the Parishad event and the violence which took place. The complaint in this case (Elgar Parishad) was made eight days later. When Milind Ekbote approached Supreme Court for anticipatory bail, the Maharashtra government submitted in an affidavit that he is responsible for the attack and hence his pre-arrest bail was rejected," Jaising told HC.

"Then they changed and said that these people (the activists and their co-accused) are responsible. Can these two narratives stand?" she said.

Jaising further said the petitioners had been in prison as undertrials for three years, with no bail, and with no idea when the trial was likely to begin. "You can prosecute me for the violence, but where does UAPA come in? Where is the allegation of sovereignty and integrity of India? Every riot is not an offence under UAPA. This is a case of selective prosecution," she said.

On the issues raised on the credibility of the electronic evidence cited by the NIA, the HC said the same would be considered by the special court at the time of trial.

Grover and Jaising, however, said irrespective of what the trial court held, the HC must consider what constituted legal electronic evidence and what did not. HC will continue hearing the pleas on August 4. The same HC bench reserved its verdict on the temporary bail plea filed by lawyer Surendra Gadling, another accused in the Elgar-Parishad case.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 38-year-old engineer who was put on life support system for 44 days for severe Covid infection has been discharged from a private tertiary care hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He was in home quarantine after turning Covid positive and later admitted to the hospital after his oxygen saturation dropped suddenly.

The patient was given oxygen support and moved to the multidisciplinary ICU. He was then put on the ventilator as his condition worsened after he developed pneumonia and his lungs function dropped. He was treated and brought back to life by employing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) - a procedure which oxygenates a patients blood outside the body thereby allowing the heart and lungs to rest.

ECMO is employed for providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to persons whose heart and lungs are unable to provide an adequate amount of oxygen exchange or perfusion to sustain life, said cardio-thoracic and vascular surgery senior consultant of KIMSHEALTH, Dr Shaji Palangandan.

However, through the continuous use of the machine its oxygenator loses efficacy after 21 days and has to be replaced. The challenge was to replace the oxygenator in a matter of 24 seconds, which was done successfully. There is also the chance of blood clotting as a result of the continuous flow of blood into the ECMO machine from the patient, Dr Palangandan said.

When the patients health improved he was weaned away from the ECMO machine and the ventilator.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Tamil actor Yashika Anands friend was killed, while the actor and two other friends were injured in a mishap on East Coast Road (ECR) near Mahabalipuram on Saturday night. Police said Yashika was behind the wheel at the time, and has been booked.

The deceased, Bhavani, who hails from Hyderabad, died while being taken to hospital. Police sources said the four were travelling to Chennai in an SUV, and around midnight, the vehicle hit the median and toppled near Sulerikadu.

Passersby rushed the four to a nearby hospital, where Bhavani was declared dead. Yashika is said to have suffered grievous injuries. The other three were later shifted to a private hospital in Chennai, while Bhavanis body was taken to the Government Chengalpattu Hopital for a post-mortem examination.

Police sources refused to comment when asked if Yashika was drunk. She was booked under Sections 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by an act that endangers the life or personal safety of others), and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the IPC.
By ANI

WASHINGTON: An international team of researchers found a strong and statistically significant relationship between the spatial distribution of global climate risk and toxic pollution.

For more than 30 years, scientists on the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have focused on human-induced climate change. Their fifth assessment report led to the Paris Agreement in 2015 and, shortly after, a special report on the danger of global warming exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The Nobel Prize-winning team stressed that mitigating global warming "would make it markedly easier to achieve many aspects of sustainable development, with greater potential to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities."

In a first-of-its-kind study that combines assessments of the risks of toxic emissions (e.g., fine particulate matter), nontoxic emissions (e.g., greenhouse gases), and people's vulnerability to them, University of Notre Dame postdoctoral research associate Drew (Richard) Marcantonio, doctoral student Sean Field (anthropology), Associate Professor of Political Science Debra Javeline and Princeton's Agustin Fuentes (formerly of Notre Dame) found a strong and statistically significant relationship between the spatial distribution of global climate risk and toxic pollution.

In other words, countries that are most at risk of the impacts of climate change are most often also the countries facing the highest risks of toxic pollution.

They also measured other variables, including the correlation of the spatial distribution of toxic environments, total mortality due to pollution, and climate risk, and they found a strong interconnection.They write in their forthcoming PLOS paper, "Global distribution and coincidence of pollution, climate impacts, and health risk in the Anthropocene": "Deaths resulting from toxic pollution are highest where the distribution of toxic pollution is greatest and, critically, also where the impacts of climate change pose the greatest risk."

"It is not surprising to find that these risks are highly correlated, but this article provides the data and analysis to inform policy, data, and analysis that was previously lacking," Javeline said.

To complete the study, Javeline, Marcantonio, Field, and Fuentes used data from three indexes. ND-GAIN is an index of 182 countries that summarizes a country's vulnerability and exposure to climate impacts risks and its readiness to improve climate resilience.

EPI ranks 180 countries on 24 performance indicators across 10 issue categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality. Lastly, GAHP estimates the number of toxic pollution deaths for a country, including deaths caused by exposure to toxic air, water, soil, and chemical pollution globally.

In order to make their results the most advantageous for policymakers, the authors created what they call "Target," a measure that combines a country's climate impacts risk, toxic pollution risk, and its potential readiness to mitigate these risks.

Based on these criteria, the top 10 countries they recommend concentrating on are Singapore, Rwanda, China, India, Solomon Islands, Bhutan, Botswana, Georgia, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand.

Among those countries appearing at the bottom of the list are Equatorial Guinea, Iraq, Jordan, the Central African Republic, and Venezuela. These nations are most likely to have outstanding governance issues that currently stand in the way of effectively addressing pollution.

"Notably, our results find that the top one-third of countries at risk of toxic pollution and climate impacts represent more than two-thirds of the world's population, highlighting the magnitude of the problem and unequal distribution of environmental risk. Given that a large portion of the world's population lives in countries at higher toxic pollution and climate impacts risk, understanding where and how to target in pollution risk mitigation is critical to maximizing reductions of potential human harm," they write.

The authors also note that by mitigating toxic pollution in large countries with high populations such as China and India, neighbouring countries will also benefit. China's Air Pollution and Prevention and Control Action Plan of 2013, which specifically targets toxic emissions, is producing impressive results. Researchers have found a 40 per cent reduction in toxic emissions since the plan was enacted.

"The idea of Target is to highlight where action can be taken to reduce risk to human health and flourishing, but how that targeting is done- e.g., incentives vs. sanctions -- requires moral reflection to determine what actions should be taken and who should take them. This is especially true given the general inverse relationship between who is most responsible for producing these risks versus who is most at risk," Marcantonio said.

During the 2021-22 academic year, the University, through its annual Notre Dame Forum, will engage in a series of conversations devoted to the theme "Care for Our Common Home: Just Transition to a Sustainable Future."

Inspired by Laudato Si' and Pope Francis' continued emphasis on these issues, the forum will feature a wide range of discussions and events over the coming year.

Since its establishment in 2005, the Notre Dame Forum has featured major talks by leading authorities on issues of importance to the University, the nation, and the larger world, including the challenges and opportunities of globalization, the role of presidential debates, immigration, and the place of faith in a pluralistic society.
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DEHI: The standoff in Eastern Ladakh is stuck as Indian Army and Chinese Peoples Liberation Army have differing approach on troop presence and their withdrawal from standoff points. There have been major parlays, at various levels to sort out the standoff. Also, this time the numbers of the contentious locations along the LAC in Ladakh have increased.

An official aware of the developments told, "While Chinese PLA is pressing to de-escalate and then disengage, Indian Army has made it clear that unless the Chinese troops move back to the pre-May 5, 2020 positions India will not move its troops back."

The Chinese want Indian Army to move out all its soldiers which got deployed after the May 5, 2020 stand off which began with the clashes between the troops at Finger 4 on the north bank of Pangong Tso. It later spread out to multiple points including Hot Spring, Gogra, Galwan and Depsang.

A distinct change this time is the increase of on ground friction positions which total to 17 such locations along the 832 kilometer long LAC in Ladakh.

"Amidst the standoff there is an increase of five friction points which include area around Kilometer 120 in Galwan, PP 15 and PP 17A at Shoksha La on the North of the Pangong and Rechin La and Rezang La on the South of Pangong, added the official.

Before May 5, 2020 there were two Mutually Agreed Disputed Areas (Trig Heights and Demchok) and 10 Areas of Differing Perceptions at Samar Lungpa, Depsang Bulge, Areas east of Pt 6556, Crossing of Charding Nullah, Kongka La, Pangong Tso, Spanggur, Mt Sajjum, Dumchele and Chumar.

With the rise in disputes, there has been increase in the communication between the PLA and the Indian Army in order to resolve the protracted tensions along the LAC which led to deadly duels in Galwan which claimed lives on both sides.

Also, for the first time the Corps Commanders (Senior Higher Military Commander Level: SCML) from the two sides got involved to discuss the resolution of the standoff otherwise the Division Commanders (Higher Military Commander Level: HCML) were the highest-level officers resolving the ground situations.

There have been frantic talks which used to be up to five hotline calls in a day. There has been no gap in communication as there were 11 SCML, 10 HCML, 55 Delegation Level ( Sector Commander or Brigadier level) talks. The Hot Line talks in this period has been 1450 times.

The hotlines have been set-up at Daulet Beg Oldi (DBO) and Chushul in Ladakh. The last SCML or Corps Commander level talks were held on April 9 this year.

Indian and Chinese Corps commanders plan to meet for the 12th Round within a fortnight to take ahead the disengagement process. There are good chances that the two sides agree to disengage from Gogra and Hotspring, said another official. But there is a trust deficit which will take time to regain and under the new Memorandum of Understandings and Agreements s the Chinese have broken all the past agreements told the officials.

Amidst the talks the Chinese have been furtively building permanent structures on their side. It reflects their intention as it is an important facto, the officials remarked.

India has also begun sprucing up its all-round logistics chains and the associated military infrastructure. India is also inducting new equipment.

There has been no attempt to reoccupy the positions which were vacated by the Indian sides and the Buffer Zones at various places still exist but it varies at different points.

As for the troops, the Chinese were resorting to quick rotations at the heights. The PLA rotated it troops from Rechin La and Rezang La in 10 days.

The Indian troops were better acclimatized but they also rotated troops with the frontline troops falling back in the habitat which have been made close to the frontline areas.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: At least five Assam Police personnel were killed and over 50 others, including civilians, injured when the Assam-Mizoram border row flared up on Monday that saw the police of the two states firing at each other. Automatic weapons, including light machine guns, were used by the Mizoram Police in the attack, the Assam government alleged.

The injured included Assams Cachar Superintendent of Police Nimbalkar Vaibhav Chandrakant and the officer-in-charge of a police station in the district. Ironically, while Assam has a BJP government, the ruling party in Mizoram is an NDA ally.

Clear evidences are now beginning to emerge that unfortunately show that Mizoram Police has used Light Machine Guns (LMG) against personnel of @assampolice, tweeted a horrified Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma later in the day.

The incident came amidst a fortnight-long eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation between the two police forces and two days after the CMs of the two states discussed the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Meghalaya capital Shillong.

Shah spoke to the two CMs on Monday and asked them to peacefully resolve the issue. Following his intervention, the Assam Police withdrew from the site. The CRPF is now manning the area.Blaming Mizoram for the flare-up and breaching status quo, an Assam government statement said, Mizoram began constructing a road towards Rengti Basti in Assam, destroying the Inner Line Reserve Forest in Lailapur area. Simultaneously, the Mizoram side also set up a new armed camp on a hillock next to the camp of the neutral force, CRPF, in the same vicinity.

When Assam officials went to the area to request the Mizoram side not to disturb status quo, they were surrounded and attacked by a mob of miscreants from the Mizoram side, which was visibly supported by the Mizoram Police.

Mizoram blames Assam for flare up

In the afternoon, Manipurs Kolasib district SP held talks with the Assam delegation. The SP returned again around 4.30 pm and claimed he had no control over the mob, the statement added. E ven while the talks were on, the Mizoram Police opened fire on the Assam officials and civilians from two dominating high features with automatic weapons, including light machine guns, the statement said.

For his part, Mizoram CM Zoramthanga condemned the Assam governments unjustified act of intrusion and aggression into Mizorams territory. He said the injuries on both sides could have been avoided. Giving his take of the incident, Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana said around 200 Assam Police personnel came to Mizorams Vairengte auto-rickshaw stand at around 11.30 am by forcibly crossing a post manned by the CRPF and overran a Mizoram Police post.

He said the Assam Police damaged several vehicles that were travelling along the national highway between Vairengte and Lailapur. Upon learning of the arson committed by Assam Police, residents of Vairengte town, Kolasib district proceeded to the site to inquire. These unarmed civilians were assaulted by Assam Police by lathi-charging and firing of tear gas, thereby causing injuries to several civilians, Lalchamliana said. E ight unoccupied farm huts near the trouble-torn area were torched. Lalchamliana said the SP of Kolasib had gone to the site to try and resolve the issue.

However, the Assam side was adamant and unwilling to discuss, he claimed. The confrontation continued and a volley of tear gas canisters and grenades were launched at Mizoram Police followed by firing from Assam side around 4:50 pm. The Mizoram Police responded by firing back at Assam Police.

Whos the squatter?

Border conflicts have occurred since Mizoram was carved out of Assam as a Union Territory in 1972 to eventually become a state in 1987

There have been several rounds of talks between the two states since 1995 to resolve the issue

Officials and locals in Assam claim Mizos have been squatting on 1-3 km land from the interstate border

But Mizoram groups claim the authorities in Assam have been using illegal Bangladeshis to move 10-12 km inside their territory

The official stand of Mizoram is that the boundary should be demarcated based on a notification of 1875 that distinguished the Lushai Hills (present day Mizoram and erstwhile district of Assam) from the plains of Cachar

1933 The point of conflict is another British-era notification of 1933 that Assam follows but is not acceptable to Mizoram, which says their ancestors were not consulted on this

In 1971, the interstate boundary was redefined and Mizos say it was done without their knowledge or consent. Much of Mizo land under British rule was included into Assam territory
By PTI

CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party will not forge alliance with any political party for the 2022 Punjab Assembly polls, said the party's senior leader Raghav Chadha here on Monday.

Chadha, who is AAP's Punjab co-incharge, said his party will contest all the 117 Assembly seats on its own. "AAP will fight the 2022 elections on its own. There will be no alliance with any party. And the party will contest all 117 Assembly seats on its own and will form the government," said Chadha when asked whether the AAP will enter into an alliance with any political party for the upcoming polls.

Meanwhile, a senior Congress leader from Muktsar Gurmit Singh Khudian on Monday joined the AAP in the presence of Chadha and AAP's Punjab unit chief Bhagwant Mann.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: With several states deciding to reopen schools at secondary and senior secondary levels in the wake of the waning COVID pandemic, the Union education ministry has asked states for the vaccination status of teachers.

The newly appointed education minister Dharmendra Pradhan while interacting with officials from several states said that states should share this data with the Centre soon, sources in the government said, adding that a decision on when and how to open schools has been completely left to states.

The move comes as some state governments such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have decided to open schools for secondary and senior secondary level students on a rotation basis -- with students allowed to attend classes on alternate days -- with certain precautions.

Centrally there is no data available on COVID-19 vaccination status of teachers in about 15 lakh schools across India even as the inoculation was opened for all adults beginning May 1.

Only last week, top senior officials including ICMR director general Balaram Bhargava had said in a press briefing that primary schools in India can be opened first in districts reporting less than 5% Covid19 test positivity rates as kids can handle infection better.

It was, however, also recommended that full vaccination of teachers and all support staff in schools should be ensured before schools can be reopened.

UNICEF too on several occasions has pointed out that while the pandemic has resulted in a great learning loss to children, vaccinating teachers is a critical step towards putting it back on track.

UNICEF is calling for teachers to be prioritized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, once frontline health personnel and high-risk populations are vaccinated, it had recently said in a statement. This will help protect teachers from the virus, allow them to teach in person, and ultimately keep schools open.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: After weeks of a virtual faceoff between Assam and Mizoram police forces due to border disputes, fresh violence was reported from the interstate border on Monday.

Shots were fired and vehicles were damaged. It was not immediately known what triggered the violence.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called up his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga and insisted on the maintenance of the status quo on the border.

I have just spoken to Honble Chief Minister @ZoramthangaCM ji. I have reiterated that Assam will maintain the status quo and peace between the borders of our state. I have expressed my willingness to visit Aizawl and discuss these issues if need be, the Assam CM tweeted.

Honble Zoramthanga ji could you please investigate why are civilians from Mizoram holding sticks and trying to incite violence ? We urge civilians to not take up law and order on their own hands and permit peaceful dialogue to take place between governments @AmitShah @PMOIndia https://t.co/BRkhWYuEUX  Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 26, 2021

Responding to him, Zoramthanga wrote on the micro blogging site: Hon'ble @himantabiswa ji, as discussed I kindly urge that Assam Police @assampolice be instructed to withdraw from Vairengte for the safety of civilians.

Dear Himantaji, after cordial meeting of CMs by Honble Shri @amitshah ji, surprisingly 2 companies of Assam Police with civilians lathicharged & tear gassed civilians at Vairengte Auto Rickshaw stand inside Mizoram today. They even overrun CRPF personnel /Mizoram Police. https://t.co/SrAdH7f7rv  Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) July 26, 2021

Sarma had shared a video from the site on Twitter earlier in the day and wrote: Honble @ZoramthangaCM ji, Kolasib (Mizoram) SP is asking us to withdraw from our post until then their civilians won't listen nor stop violence. How can we run government in such circumstances? Hope you will intervene at earliest.

Responding, Zoramthanga tweeted: Dear Himantaji, after cordial meeting of CMs by Honble Shri @amitshah ji, surprisingly 2 companies of Assam Police with civilians lathicharged & tear gassed civilians at Vairengte Auto Rickshaw stand inside Mizoram today. They even overrun CRPF personnel /Mizoram Police.

In another tweet, the Mizoram CM shared a video showing a Mizo couple travelling by car that had broken windshields.

Innocent couple on their way back to Mizoram via Cachar manhandled and ransacked by thugs and goons. How are you going to justify these violent acts? Zoramthanga wrote tagging Assam Police.

Last week, the Assam CM had described the border situation as an eyeball to eyeball confrontation.

The two states had discussed the issue along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Shillong on Saturday.

Mizoram has a different perception of the interstate boundary which is based on the British era notification of 1875.

In a recent letter to the Assam CM, Aizawl Municipal Corporation councilor Rosiamngheta said the British government and the then Mizo chief Suakpuilala had in 1875 agreed to a point near river Dholai as the boundary between the two places. He said since then, the Mizos have accepted it and never heard of any other boundary.

But in 1933, Rosiamngheta said the British government determined the Assam boundary again without the knowledge or consent of the Mizos.

In 1971, the NEARA Act re-identified the interstate boundary once again without the consent or knowledge of the Mizos. Much of Mizo land under British rule was included in Assam territory

The boundary fixation of 1971 has never been accepted by the Mizo people. Assam has wrongly claimed possession over Mizo land by fore deal due to the Mizo yearning for peace and security, the Mizoram councilor wrote to the Assam CM.


By Express News Service

LUCKNOW: A few hours before Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath touched down in Ayodhya on Sunday, the BJPs first-time MLA from Ayodhya Ved Prakash Gupta said he would be the happiest man if the CM opted to contest from the same seat in 2022 Assembly polls.

Guptas statement came amid reports that the BJP is planing to field all its senior leaders in the 2022 Assembly polls. However, it remains to be seen whether or not the party will actually field Adityanath from the Ayodhya seat. Recently, the BJP finished second to Samajwadi Party in the district panchayat members polls in Ayodhya.

However, it managed to win the district panchayat chairpersons polls in the same district. The present two-time BJP MP from Faizabad seat Lallu Singh had won the Ayodhya Assembly seat five times between 1991 and 2007, before SPs Pawan alias Tej Narayan Pandey snatched the seat in 2012 polls.

However, five years later, in 2017 polls, Ved Prakash Gupta wrested the seat for the saffron party by defeating Pandey (the ex-minister) by more than 50,000 votes. According to informed sources within the BJP in Lucknow, the party plans to field all its top leaders in the Vidhan Sabha polls this time.

But, instead of Ayodhya, the CM could actually contest from one of the seats in his home district of Gorakhpur (as he has immense sway in that region of the state up to the Nepal border).

Among the other top state BJP leaders, Keshav Prasad Maurya could be fielded from Sirathu Kaushambi district and Dinesh Sharma from any seat of Lucknow. Senior cabinet minister Dr Mahendra Singh could also be fielded from his home district Pratapgarh, possibly from Kunda seat, which has been a virtual fiefdom of ex-UP minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh who has won the seat six times.
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: For the first time, Lado Panchayatsan assembly of girls from villagesare being held in India in Haryana. On July 18, the first online Lado Panchayat was held, in which 90 girls from Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh participated.

Over the last five days, seven offline sessions of the panchayat were held in various parts of Haryana, including Hisar, Jind, Gurugram and Mewat. In each of them 25 to 30 girls have participated. Demands raised so far include, raising marriage age of girls from 18 to 21 years and that a minimum educational qualification be fixed for girls before they can marry.

On Sunday, a much larger session was held, in which 135 girls, including two from the UK, one from Canada, a doctor and a sociologist, participated. During the session, girls demanded that laws be amended to give them freedom.

In our village, girls are getting married at a very young age, and thus, they hardly know anything about marriage, and most of them, have not even completed their studies. If the government raises the marraige age to 21 years for girls, there should also be a minimum qualification to be attained before girls can marry, said Anjali from Bihar.

We are not able to complete our studies as our families get our marriages fixed, said Priyanka from Bhiwani in Haryana said. The Lado Panchayats are being organised by Selfie with Daughter Foundation.

Report to be submitted to PM

Fifteen Lado panchayats will be held. Then, a detailed and comprehensive report with video recordings will be submitted to the Prime Ministers Office and the Union Ministry of Women and Child Welfare highlighting the demands raised
By PTI

SRINAGAR: A police constable was injured on Monday in a militant attack on the residence of a protected person in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

"Terrorists fired upon the residence of Fazal Ahmad at Chandoosa in Baramulla in the early hours of Monday," the officials said.

One personal security guard of the politician identified as constable Altaf was injured in the firing, the officials said.

He was taken to a hospital where his condition is stated to be stable.

Ahmad, brother of former deputy chief minister Muzaffar Baig, and his family were safe, they said.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Four terrorists, including three who had infiltrated into India from Pakistan, were killed in two separate encounters since Saturday afternoon. According to sources, three Lashkar terrorists were killed in a gunfight in the Shokbaba forest area of Sumblar in north Kashmirs Bandipora district on Saturday.

An Army jawan was injured in the gunfight and is undergoing treatment at the military hospital in Srinagar. The operation to track down the remaining terrorists continued into Sunday. Marine commandoes (MARCOS) are assisting a joint team of police, CRPF and Army personnel, in the operation, which was launched on Saturday after receiving inputs about the presence of a group of militants in the forest area.

The police said of the three militants killed, two are foreigners (from Pakistan) while the third one is a local resident named Shariq Ahmad Babawho had crossed over to Pakistan via Wagah border in Punjab in 2018 and recently infiltrated through the Line of Control (LoC).

Meanwhile, in a separate encounter, a terrorist was killed in Sursano village in Kulgam in south Kashmir on Sunday In the same area, a terrorist snatched an AK-47 rifle from a policeman. A search operation was launched subsequently, but no arrests were made as of Sunday evening. Meanwhile, the security forces have foiled IED attacks by recovering four IEDs during search operation in border district of Kupwara on Sunday.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Monday said the report filed by a committee headed by its former judge Justice (retd) D K Jain regarding role of erring police officials in the 1994 espionage case relating to ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan cannot be the basis for prosecution and the CBI has to probe and collect material in the FIR lodged by it.

Narayanan, 79, had been acquitted in the matter and was eventually awarded Rs 50 lakh compensation by the apex court.

The CBI, which has registered an FIR in the matter, has to investigate and proceed as per law, the apex court said.

They (CBI) cannot proceed against you (accused) on the basis of the report only. They have to investigate, collect material and then proceed as per law. Ultimately, it is the investigation which will be done. Report cannot be the basis of your prosecution, a bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Sanjiv Khanna said.

The bench said this during the hearing after an advocate, appearing for one of the accused, requested that the committee's report be shared with them as the CBI has relied heavily on it.

Nothing will turn on the report. The report is only an initial information. Ultimately, CBI will conduct investigation which will have the consequences, the bench said.

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the FIR registered by CBI has the gist of the report.

The bench mentioned that the report says FIR has been lodged but it has not been uploaded on the website.

It observed the apex court had earlier said that only the committee's report not be made public and authorities are free to proceed as per law.

Mehta said the FIR registered in the matter has been filed in the concerned court and it can be uploaded on the website during the course of the day, if the court permits.

We hasten to add that the earlier order only required CBI to ensure that report submitted by the Justice D K Jain committee should not be made public.

Now that CBI has finally decided to proceed in the matter, further steps after registration of FIR shall follow as per law and no directions are required in that regard from this court, the bench said.

It also observed that accused will have the liberty to avail the remedies available to them and the concerned court will decide on it in accordance with law.

At the fag end of hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju said that since the committee has filed its report, the panel may have to be wound up.

As the report has been finally acted upon, we accede to the request of ASG S V Raju that Justice D K Jain committee constituted under the order of this court may cease to function, said the bench while appreciating the efforts of the committee.

The apex court had on September 14, 2018 appointed a three-member committee, while directing the Kerala government to cough up Rs 50 lakh compensation for compelling Narayanan to undergo "immense humiliation".

It had ordered setting up of the committee to take appropriate steps against the erring officials for causing "tremendous harassment" and "immeasurable anguish" to Narayanan and had directed the Centre and state government to nominate one officer each in the panel.

Terming the police action against the ex-scientist of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a "psycho-pathological treatment", the apex court had in September 2018 said that his "liberty and dignity", basic to his human rights, were jeopardised as he was taken into custody and, eventually, despite all the glory of the past, was compelled to face "cynical abhorrence".

The espionage case, which had hit the headlines in 1994, pertained to allegations of transfer of certain confidential documents on India's space programme to foreign countries by two scientists and four others, including two Maldivian women The CBI, in its probe, had said that the then top police officials in Kerala were responsible for Narayanan's illegal arrest.

The case also had its political fallout, with a section in the Congress targeting the then Chief Minister late K Karunakaran over the issue, that eventually led to his resignation.

Over a period of almost two-and-a-half years, the panel headed by Justice Jain examined the circumstances leading to the arrest.

The former scientist, who was given a clean chit by the CBI, had earlier said that the Kerala police had "fabricated" the case and the technology he was accused to have stolen and sold in the 1994 case did not even exist at that time.

Narayanan had approached the apex court against a Kerala High Court judgement that said no action needed to be taken against former DGP Siby Mathews, who was then heading the SIT probe team, and two retired superintendents of police K K Joshua and S Vijayan, who were later held responsible by the CBI for the scientist's illegal arrest.

The CBI, while giving clean chit to the scientist, had said that Siby Mathews had left "the entire investigation to IB surrendering his duties" and ordered indiscriminate arrest of the scientist and others without adequate evidence being on record.

The case had caught attention in October 1994, when Maldivian national Rasheeda was arrested in Thiruvananthapuram for allegedly obtaining secret drawings of ISRO rocket engines to sell to Pakistan.

Narayanan, the then director of the cryogenic project at ISRO, was arrested along with the then ISRO Deputy Director D Sasikumaran, and Fousiya Hasan, a Maldivian friend of Rasheeda.
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: Though, police is yet to speak on the alleged plot to topple the JMM-led alliance government in Jharkhand, the statements recorded by the three arrested persons in the case confessed that a huge amount of money was offered to all the MLAs, along with the post of deputy Chief Minister (CM) and ministerial berths for defecting.

Congress MLA Naman Bixal Kongari also claimed that he was offered a huge amount of money and ministerial berth for toppling the government, but he refused it and informed senior party leaders in this regard.

Notably, three persons -- Abhishek Kumar Dubey, Amit Singh, and Niwaran Prasad -- were arrested, allegedly for hatching conspiracy to destabilize the JMM-led alliance government in Jharkhand. Booked under sections 419, 420, 124-A, 120 B, and 34 of IPC along with some section 171-B of PR Act and section 8/9 of PC Act.

Meanwhile, the JMM tweeted that the MLAs were offered Rs 25-30 crore along with the posts of deputy CM and ministerial berth for toppling the government. All of them were promised the post of Deputy CM or ministerial berth. All kinds of tricks to topple an elected government in Jharkhand. Many more characters and layers of this story are yet to be revealed, claimed JMM through its official Twitter handle.

ALSO READ | BJP demands SIT probe into the alleged plot to topple JMM-led government in Jharkhand

The three arrested persons in their statement disclosed that the deal was being fixed with 11 MLAs who were promised Rs 1 crore in advance. They also admitted that Maharashtra BJP leaders --Chandrashekhar Rao Bavankule, who is the party's Jharkhand state general secretary and Charan Singh -- involved in the plot along with businessman Jaikumar Belkhede alias Balkund.

Since advance money of Rs 1 crore was not given to the three MLAs, they got annoyed and returned to Ranchi on the very next evening, said one of the accused Abhishek Dubey in his statement.

They also claimed that Congress MLAs Irfan Ansari from Jamtara and Umashankar Akela from Barhi, along with Independent MLA Amit Kumar Yadav, had also gone to Delhi with them on July 15 where they met some of the senior BJP leaders. Flight tickets, rooms in five-star hotels, and all other arrangements in Delhi were made by Belkhede, they said.

All the meetings with senior BJP leaders in Delhi were fixed by the Maharashtra BJP leaders, said Dubey.

Incidentally, the manager of Hotel Le Lac, where the alleged conspiracy was being hatched, is said to have denied any police raid in his hotel.
By PTI

SRINAGAR: An unidentified militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Aharbal area of the south Kashmir district following inputs about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

As the forces were conducting searches in the area, militants fired upon them, he said. The forces retaliated, ensuing an encounter in which one militant was killed, the official added. The identity and group affiliation of the slain ultra are being ascertained, he said, adding that the operation is in progress.
Kumar Vikram By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Only about 71,000 migrant workers have been provided skill training under a central government initiative, announced in the wake of the migrant crisis last year. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) had targeted training 3 lakh migrant workers from 116 districts identified across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Odisha, MP and Jharkhand.

According to government data, over 1.08 crore migrant workers had returned to their home states when the first Covid-mandated lockdown was announced in March 2020. These migrants mainly belonged to six states, with Uttar Pradesh receiving over 32 lakh migrant workers followed by Bihar, which saw over 15 lakh migrant workers return home.

The latest data from the skill development ministry discloses that only 70,823 migrants were trained and 59,888 were assessed in the six states till July 10 this year. Bihar topped the list with the skill-training of 31,619 workers. Uttar Pradesh stood a distant second, training 13,724 migrants. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Assam completed the skill training of 12,478, 10,598, 1690 and 714 migrant workers.

Guided by the Centres Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, skill-mapping of migrant labour was done to enhance their employability on the basis of skills they possessed to enable them to work closer to their homes.

A targeted skilling programme was planned under MSDE in the 116 districts that were found to have a high concentration of unskilled or semi-skilled migrant workers. In collaboration with the district authorities concerned, the ministry rolled out the programme for skill training within 125 days during November last year. District skill committees were entrusted with mobilising candidates, identifying their aspirations and facilitating batch creation based on local job opportunities. Officials said five job roles were identified, including mason, self-employed tailor, sewing machine operator, assistant electrician and organic grower.

Besides, six nodal officers were appointed to handhold, monitor and facilitate the district administration. Virtual training meetings were also held with states principle secretaries and collectors. A parliamentary standing committee noted that in its endeavour to impart skill training, the ministry is facing a number of challenges. It asked the ministry to look into the issues that impede the smooth skill training and take corrective measures.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Amid reports that French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on the Pegasus snooping allegations, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday attacked the Centre, saying the only government that is "unconcerned" over the issue is that of India.

French President Macron has spoken to Bennett over reports that Morocco's security forces may have used the Pegasus spyware to snoop on his cellphones.

Macron telephoned Bennett on July 22, and asked him to ensure that "the issue was being taken seriously", Israel's Channel 12 has reported.

Reacting to the reports, Chidambaram tweeted, "President Macron of France called PM Bennett of Israel and demanded to know full information about alleged use of Pegasus spyware to hack phones in France, including the President's.

" PM Bennett promised to come back with the "conclusions" of their own investigations, the former home minister said.

"The only government that is unconcerned is the Government of India!" Chidambaram said.

Is it because the government was fully aware of the snooping and does not need any more information from Israel or the NSO Group, he asked.

Chidambaram on Sunday had said the government should either call for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the Pegasus snooping allegations or request the Supreme Court to appoint a sitting judge to investigate the matter.

In an interview with PTI, he had also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement in Parliament clarifying whether there had been surveillance or not.

Last week, an international media consortium reported that over 300 verified mobile phone numbers, including of two ministers, over 40 journalists, three opposition leaders besides scores of businesspersons and activists in India, could have been targeted for hacking through the Pegasus spyware of the Israeli firm NSO Group.

The government has been denying all Opposition allegations in the matter.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Bad weather on Monday led to the cancellation of President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to Kargil. President Kovind was ascheduled to pay homage to soldiers killed in the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan at War Memorial Drass on the 22nd anniversary of Operation Vijay.

Amid inclement weather conditions, the President's plane couldn't take off from Srinagar. Following the cancellation of his visit, President Kovind laid a wreath at the Dagger War Memorial in Baramulla in north Kashmir and paid tributes to slain soldiers.

India is observing the 22nd anniversary of Operation Vijay this year. July 26 marks the victory of Indian armed forces over Pakistan in Kargil peaks during Kargil war in 1999.

It is the second time since 2019 that President had to cancel his Kargil visit on Kargil Vijay Diwas.

In 2019 too, President Kovind had to cancel his visit to the War Memorial in Kargil due to bad weather.

President Kovind arrived in Srinagar on Sunday on a four-day visit to J&K and Ladakh UT.

On July 27, Tuesday, President Kovind will attend and address the 19th annual convocation of University of Kashmir in Srinagar.

In view of the President's visit, security arrangements have been beefed up, especially in Srinagar.

The security men have set up temporary check points, where the vehicles and commuters are being thoroughly searched.

The tight security arrangements have also been put in place around the venues, which would host the President.
By PTI

SHAHDOL: A man, his minor son and daughter died due to a poisonous insect bite in Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol district, a police official said on Monday.

The incident took place in Kothi Taal village on the intervening night of Saturday-Sunday when the man and his children were sleeping in their house, he said.

Sometime after midnight, the man, Lala Paalia (35), suddenly complained of severe body pain, Jaitpur police station in-charge Sudeep Soni said.

His family members rushed him to Jaitpur community health centre and he succumbed during treatment on Sunday morning, the official said.

His son Sanjay (5) and daughter Shashi (3) were also found dead in the room where they were sleeping, he said.

The official said the postmortem reports confirmed they died of some poisonous insect bite.

The police have registered a case and are conducting a probe into it, he added.
Jayaram Poduval By

Imagine a visitors book: old, a compilation of palm leaf manuscripts, soiled by the sand from Egypt and Arabia, slightly dampened by the Mediterranean winds, perfumed by the spices; that will be the visitors book of Kerala. The visitors to Kerala came from far-off regions of the known world. The geographical discoveries of the enlightenment days of Europe did get initiated to find suitable and unhindered channels to reach Kerala. When Christopher Columbus returned to Spain laden with gold and claiming that he found the route to the East, his claim was refuted purely on the basis that he did not have black gold or pepper. The discovery of America and that of a passage to the East Indies by the Cape of Good Hope are the two greatest and most important events recorded in the history of mankind, says Adam Smith. The Portuguese, initiated by Prince Henry the Navigator, sent various expeditions to the East just to break the Arab-Venetian nexus in the spice trade, the most successful being the travel of Vasco Da Gama.

The spice trade kept Kerala in the annals of history of the civilisations of the world like China, Egypt and Rome. They were aware of the distant land where you got luxury goods like ivory, cotton textiles and spices. Though we dont get any reference to Kerala in the Vedas, we do have ancient Indian texts that provide ample references to the region, the Aitareya Aranyaka being the first that mentions the land of KeralaCherapada in this text is likely a reference to Kerala [P K Gopalakrishnan, 1974]. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata give clear instructions to the geographical location of Kerala. In the former, Sugriva maps the regions of South India to his army placing Kerala near the Pandyan and Chola countries (present Tamil Nadu). In the Mahabharata, it was Sahadevas responsibility to conquer Kerala as part of the Asvamedha campaign.

Megasthenes, Greek ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya, refers to the Pandyan kingdom of the south and the neighbouring population of Chermoe, probably a garbled version of the word Chera, in his book Indica. Kautilya mentions the pearls of the River Churni, the ancient name of the River Periyar, one of Keralas major rivers. The second rock-cut edict of Asoka at Girnar cites Keralaputras as bordering the Mauryan Empire in the south. Kalidasa, in his own unique style, mentions the southern military campaign of Raghu (great grandfather of Sri Rama) where he refers to the pepper plants and the rising smell of cardamom as Raghus horses trampled through the forests of Kerala. Kalidasa also did not fail to refer to the jewellery-cladded Kerala women who removed them in fear of Raghus army.

One can be sure that during the period of Kalidasa, which is mostly accepted as 5th century CE, Kerala women must have been wearing the jewellery made from the shiploads of gold that came from Rome in exchange for pepper and other spices exported. No wonder the Roman writer Pliny the Elder (1st century CE) complained about the draining of gold to Kerala through the spice trade. He estimated that India took 55,000,000 sesterces ($800,000) annually due to spending on spices, ivory and woven wind-like exposing clothes. Among these, the wind-like exposing clothes were exported from Barigaza (Bharuch, Gujarat) and the rest from Muziris (near Kodungallur in Thrissur district). According to the Roman geographer Strabo, the early Empire sent a fleet of around 120 ships on an annual one-year trip to India and back. William Logan, who wrote the Malabar Manual (the first official Western-style history of Kerala), does bring in another reference from Rome where Alaric I (circa 370-410 CE), the Visigoth conqueror, asked for a huge ransom of pepper to free Rome from his siege.

Kerala had connections with Egypt and Arabia from ancient times as we find black peppercorns stuffed in the nostrils of Ramses II, placed there as part of the mummification rituals in 1213 BCE. It may be noted here that black pepper was the monopoly of Kerala till the 17th century when the Portuguese started the pepper plantations in Southeast Asia. Pre-Quran references to black pepper and teak from India in Arab poetry indicate trade connections to Kerala. William Logan traces the trade connection between Kerala and the West thus, Perhaps as early as the time of Moses, the great Jewish law-giver, this commerce existed, for cinnamon and cassia played a part in the temple services of the Jews (Exodus xxx. 23,24) and at any rate the commerce existed in the time of King Solomon (c. 1000 BCE), for the Bible narrative records ... For the King had fleet of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram; once every three years the fleet of Tarshish, bringing gold and silver, ivory and apes and peacocks. (I Kings x. 22). With the exception perhaps of silver, these are all productions of the Malabar coast.

West-bound trade was dominated by the Mappilas (Kerala Muslims) along with the Muslim traders of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The sea route from Kerala in the pre-Carreira da India (Cape route) was laborious and expensive as it had to pass through ports and toll points at Hormuz, Jeddah, Cairo, Alexandria and Venice, as the local informant Gasper Da Gama would explain to Vasco Da Gama [S Subrahmanyam,1998]. The intention of the Portuguese endeavour was precisely against this Moor-Egyptian and Venetian network. Adrian Fortescue provides us with further information about these aims: King Alfred sent Singhelm, the Bishop of Shireburn, with gifts. Singhelm came to Rome and then went on to the Malabar Coast. He made his offerings here and brought back from his long journey jewels and spices; strange to see an English Bishop in India in 883! [Nicol Macnicol 1934].

Apart from this English Bishop, there were many Europeans travellers who visited the land of pepper through the ages such as Marco Polo, John of Montecorvino (both in the 13th century), Friar Jordanus (14th century), Nicolo Conti (15th century) and Pero de Covilham, who was sent by Portuguese king D Joao II in 1487 to investigate the conditions in the Indian Ocean. He visited Cannanore (Kannur) and Calicut (Kozhikode). So was Vasco Da Gama the first European who set foot in India? Definitely not. Or is he the Great Explorer who found the sea route to India, as taught in history books? Well, it is a matter of dispute, which we will discuss in the next section of this series on the pre-modern visual culture of Kerala.

Jayaram Poduval, Head, Department of Art History, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (jpoduval@gmail.com)
Yesterday was Kargil Vijay Diwas. It marked the day when the intrusions into the Kargil sector of Ladakh by the Pakistan Army in May-July 1999 were finally defeated and all Pakistani presence on our side of the LoC was eliminated with the restoration of status quo ante. In the course of that achievement, 527 good Indian warriors were killed in action and over 1,100 were wounded, no mean price. Operation Vijay commenced with issues with respect to the synchronisation of operations by the Indian Army with the Air Force (the latter even named their action differently, Operation Safed Sagar), displaying poor jointmanship by all; its a problem that has not left us in 22 years. The experience of Operation Vijay also shattered whatever little trust existed between India and Pakistan. It is not that we trusted the Pakistanis with all that was happening in J&K. Yet, Pakistans political leadership welcomed former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Lahore just a few months before the intrusions were discovered. A two-track relationship with Pakistan had existed for long. On the one hand, we fought at many parts of the LoC and suffered Pakistans proxy war but at the same time, unwritten agreements remained rooted to some form of trust in other areas; Kargil was one of those. For Pakistan, it is an area at a limb where it would always be stretched to fight. Classically it is served by exterior lines on the Pakistan side while on the Indian side it is maintained by interior lines. Pakistan should always have been happy to keep the area quiet lest India commenced threatening the Gilgit-Baltistan segment from that flank, forcing an out-of-proportion deployment by Pakistan. It would be at the cost of other strategically important areas. But then it was none other than Musharraf in the seat of the Pakistan Army Chief. He was ambitious, ruthless and a tad roguish. We did not cater for that while continuing to keep Kargil defended with the traditional old style of extended defence.

Musharraf risked it without thinking through the operation. Keeping the political leadership and the other Services in the dark, the Pakistan deep state planned an operation where the initiation probably created a romantic vision of the Pakistan flag fluttering at Srinagar. However, the conflict termination part remained non-existent. Musharrafs basic aim was to evict the Indian Army from Siachen by severing the Srinagar-Leh road communications in the Kargil sector, making logistics and resupply impossible. What Musharraf never calculated was the patriotic fervour and regimental passion with which the Indian Army warriors would throw themselves against his Northern Light Infantry troops at the dizzy heights where the attackers superiority ratios demanded 9:1 deployment. The Indian Army did it with much less, but units pressed into offensive operations continued the attritional attacks over many days, defying all norms that are applied in such operations.

Most analyses these days dwell on the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) recommendations and ascertain what is yet left to be implemented. That too is a must but should not take away the sheen from the positive narratives of the resilience shown by the nation as it came back from a disastrous situation to overcome the odds. There are many aspects that the younger generation and those beginning to take an interest in the nations strategic affairs need to know so that they continuously investigate and learn more about one of the most turbulent challenges India has ever faced. The KRC report is an important reference for that investigation.

In 1999, Pakistan was concerned about flagging militancy in Kashmir and the possibility of the international community losing interest in it. The nuclear tests of 1998 had brought Pakistan to nuclear parity with India, thus emboldening it to risk a conflagration. Considering the Pakistan Armys diluting power within that countrys polity and its ever-present desire to be the ruler, Musharraf could not allow Vajpayees India-Pakistan peace process to seriously take off. That is when the tradition was set. It is also why we had a Pathankot immediately after a surprise visit by PM Modi to Lahore in December 2015. If Musharraf achieved any part of the aim of his operation, it was in the Kashmir Valley. Militancy and terror revived and a new phase of suicide attacks commenced in July 1999. North Kashmir, suddenly denuded of the 8th Mountain Division, awaited the arrival of fresh troops and the raising of Kilo Force (Kupwara). Infiltration from PoK through Lipa, Neelam and Tangdhar intensified. The area got so heavily infested with terrorists that for the next few years, we were battling and neutralising them in droves. In 2001, 2,100 terrorists were killed, the highest in any year of the 30-year proxy war.

Why was the Indian strategy so attritional that we pushed attacks frontally or from just the flanks, reinforced initial failure and did not sufficiently use air power? The rear of the adversary was hardly used to place blocks, prevent reinforcements or cut off resupply. Usually, a combination of approaches proves successful. The political authority had imposed a term of reference that the LoC would not be crossed under any circumstances. This restricted maneuverability for ground troops and the Air Force, which then had to make runs only parallel to the LoC. The political leaderships predicament was perhaps never fully appreciated. A year after the overt nuclearisation of both nations, the risk of a major conflagration was not something palatable. In fact, this aspect of Indian restraint was very avidly used in the diplomatic domain by the Indian government to place Pakistan on the defensive, leading to Nawaz Sharif rushing to Washington to plead for ceasefire.

There is yet speculation that the lessons of Kargil have not manifested sufficiently to prevent India being strategically surprised. The example of Eastern Ladakh 2020 is being often quoted. There are many ways suggested by experts to overcome the issue of strategic surprise at the borders. In my opinion there are two important aspects that need implementation. First, a National Security Strategy document needs to be drafted and fully discussed in Parliament, chapter by chapter, to raise the concern for military security. Second, when the political community is well-versed with military strategic affairs, the involvement of all stakeholders will rise. Bi-annual war games and model exercises for selected members of the political community is one way. The National Defence College at Delhi is tailor-made to do it and recommendations for this already exist.

Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Former Commander, Srinagar-based 15 Corps. Now Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir, (atahasnain@gmail.com)
If there was even an iota of doubt about Mamata Banerjee positioning herself as the prime ministerial candidate of an Opposition coalition, it got dissipated after she engineered her election as the Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Partys head. Didi didnt need to hold that position ever since she became chief minister of West Bengal in 2011, as her writ runs in the regional party she founded. Now that she has given herself a parliamentary position without being a member of Parliament, Mamata has made her intentions clear.

At 66, age is on her side. Her recent call for Opposition unity in her address from Kolkatatelecast simultaneously at multiple regional capitals for the first timehad the right nuance. Though the next general elections are more than two-and-a-half years away, putting off the cobbling together of an Opposition alliance to a much later date could be counterproductive, she warned. But one half of her choice of leaders to take the coalition initiative forward was curiousSharad Pawar of the NCP and P Chidambaram of the Congress. For, no one, including himself, knows where Chidambaram stands in his partys matrix. While Mamata is believed to have lined up a meeting with Sonia Gandhi during her visit to Delhi, snubbing the Gandhis by not mentioning them in her video address sent out a loaded political message.

Though Mamata may be ready to lead the Opposition, the moot point is whether other regional parties would agree to rally around her. For, she is seen as at least as autocratic as the dispensation she seeks to replace. She has worked in coalitions before, but her ability to run a grouping of disparate national and regional parties, which involves flexibility, political trade-offs and listening more than speaking, is yet to be tested. And her record at development is at best patchy.

A fractured Opposition is what the BJP would be counting on as five states, including the all important Uttar Pradesh, go to polls in about eight months. Just the other day, BSP leader Mayawati appeared to shake off sloth and spoke about the need for a united Opposition. If Mamata can somehow catalyse coalition building in UP, it would be a giant step towards realising her national ambitions.
The rain mayhem has left a trail of devastation across states in India. Maharashtra has borne the brunt but so have Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Not to forget the fury Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have witnessed. We are just in the middle of the monsoon. There are a few good months left for the storm season to come up and the recurrence of such extreme events can never be predicted.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) acknowledges that the country has been witness to an increased number of natural disasters. India had reported just one severe cyclone in 2016; it witnessed six each in 2018 and 2019. Last year, five severe storms left their deadly imprint. The heavy rainfall events during the monsoon season alone are alarmingly rising. From 226 extremely heavy rainfall events (in 2016) to 554 (2019) and 341 (2020), the incidence of extreme localised rainfall has greatly multiplied flood risk in the country.

But India is not alone in this crisis of climate change. Germany woke up to the horrors of floods two weeks ago. At least 15 cm rain in 24 hours and Germany was left to count its losses, estimated at a staggering 5 billion euros. Zhengzhou, the capital of Chinas Henan province, reported over 21 cm rain in a day. Much of this dropped in the first few hours, leaving the city trapped in water. These extreme rainfall events forebode a dark future fraught with incalculable damage to life and property, and India must be ready for this.

Its exposure to natural calamities and ability to absorb the shock in economic terms would be humongous. What it requires is a robust disaster management plan, not a piecemeal approach by states. The MoES already has a first-of-its kind comprehensive report on assessment of climate change that must be activated. States like Odisha have shown the path to dealing with such vagaries of nature. However, much more and on a national scale needs to be done because climate change is hitting India where it hurts mostthe poorest of the poor.
Anusha Ravi By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Karnataka's Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday announced his resignation at the end of his speech at the celebrations of his government completing two years of governance. A teary-eyed BS Yediyurappa said he would submit his resignation to Governor Tawarchand Gehlot post-lunch.

Even as his voice choked up as he announced his resignation, BS Yediyurappa said he wasn't bidding farewell in sadness but thanked Bharatiya Janata Party's leadership for the opportunity.

#BSYediyurappa resigns...will BSY, the veteran of many battles, face of BJP's only southern citadel walk into the sunset or rise again for a new chapter ? Right now that question is as much in the air as the name of his successor, the next #CM @XpressBengaluru @NewIndianXpress  santwanabhattacharya (@santwana99) July 26, 2021

"With your permission, I have decided that post-lunch I will go to Raj Bhavan and submit resignation as Karnataka's Chief Minister. I am not sad. I am happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda gave BS Yediyurappa additional two years despite breaching the 75-year-old cap. Words are not enough to thank them. I appeal that all of us should work together to build the party," BS Yediyurappa said announcing his resignation from the dais.

Soon after he visited the Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation. Yediyurappa has been asked to continue as caretaker CM until the BJP's parliamentary committee takes a call on the next Chief Minister. Speaking to the media after submitting his resignation, BS Yediyurappa said his resignation was voluntary and nobody has coerced him to step down.

BS Yediyurappa made a fiery yet emotional speech at the event celebrating his government's 2nd anniversary. "At a time when there were no cars, I remember cycling to places to work for the party. We built the party when there was no one to do it," he recalled.

It has been an honour to have served the state for the past two years. I have decided to resign as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am humbled and sincerely thank the people of the state for giving me the opportunity to serve them. (1/2)  B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) July 26, 2021

"It has been an honour to have served the state for the past two years. I have decided to resign as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am humbled and sincerely thank the people of the state for giving me the opportunity to serve them," BS Yediyurappa tweeted after submitting his resignation to the Governor.
By Express News Service

DAVANGERE: BJP MLA and Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's political secretary MP Renukacharya on Sunday said that he will abide by the party high command's decision on the leadership issue. Speaking to reporters at Honnali, the MLA said that he was not aspiring to be a minister.

He, however, said if given an opportunity, he will perform well. "The decision taken by the high command needs to be followed by all legislators, including me. At present, I have no information on any talks between the chief minister and the central leaders," Renukacharya said.

"I am a staunch party worker and capable of handling any portfolio given to me. I am not demanding any post," he said. A staunch supporter of CM Yediyurappa, Renukacharya had recently visited New Delhi and met the party central leaders.
Abhilash Chandran By

Express News Service

KOTTAYAM: Financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month for families with five or more children, scholarships for engineering studies and free medical aid for pregnancy-related needs from the fourth child. These are the offers made by the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Pala to the laity to encourage bigger families when the entire world has been struggling to control population growth. The reason: concerns about the community's dwindling numbers.

With calls for early marriages, larger families and avoiding contraceptive measures failing to yield much results, the Syro-Malabar Church has now launched a campaign on social media to promote families with more children by community members as part of 'Year of the Family' celebrations called by Pope Francis. The initiative has been taken up jointly by the Eparchy of Pala and its institutions like Family Apostolate, Mar Sleeva Medicity in Pala and St Joseph's College of Engineering and Technology, Pala.

As per messages circulating on social media, the Family Apostolate under Pala diocese will provide Rs 1,500 to couples who have got married after 2000 and have five or more children, while St Joseph's Engineering College will provide education scholarships for the fourth child and younger siblings in a family. The medical expenses during pregnancy will be taken care of by Mar Sleeva Medicity from the birth of the fourth child.

"Often, families stop having children after the second or third child is born because of the increasing expenses involved in raising them. It is in such a context that we decided to provide a minimum financial assistance and other benefits to families. Moreover, we also took into account the call for a larger family concept of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council. The Church has been promoting more children in families for long. We have decided to take it seriously against the backdrop of the Covid pandemic and the Year of the Family celebrations," said Fr Joseph Kuttiankal, director of the Family Apostolate.

Meanwhile, Fr Kuttiankal said the decision was taken not on the basis of any survey on birth and fertility rates among the laity. "Having an organised system in the eparchy -- right from the bishops to vicars of parishes -- it is easy for us to understand the situation of families in the Church," he added.

Interestingly, the Church's decision has come at a time when states like Uttar Pradesh have proposed the Population Control Act to debar families having more than two children from enjoying the benefits of government schemes and limiting ration card units to four in a family. The North Indian state has also announced special incentives for parents with one child.

Concerned over a sharp fall in the birth rate in Christian families, KCBC had in 2008 initiated the concept of 'larger families' with three or more children. While the bishop of Thamarassery diocese had issued a pastoral letter in 2017, exhorting believers to ensure that their boys get married before the age of 25 and girls before they turn 23, the Idukki bishop had issued a pastoral letter advising Church members to give up the use of contraceptives and other birth control measures.
By Express News Service

KOZHIKODE: The anticipated third wave of Covid is unlikely to be severe on children and there is not need get panic, said the experts during a national conference on Covid and Children which concluded on Sunday. The two-day conference which held online was organised jointly by the Department of Pediatrics, Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, National Health Mission and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and was attended by 35 experts.

According to the experts, it is normal that children, who havent been vaccinated, will be more susceptible to the disease after those over 18 years of age will be vaccinated. This is only an inference and is not because of any genetic mutation occurred in the virus as speculated in the social media, said a news release issued after the conference.

It is said that compared to elders, the severity of the disease is less among children and it is not scientifically proved that this will change in the third wave. Therefore, there is no need to press the panic button. However, the experts also said the vaccination for children need not be delayed. The conference also expressed concern over the psychological and social impact of Covid among children that are more severe than physical issues.

It asked the government and the society to come forward to help the affected to tide over the crisis. Loss of parents in the pandemic, loss of income of the parents, the psychological issues emanated from the closure of schools and online education are the crucial issues that need to be addressed. The local bodies in the state can effectively envisage projects to solve the problems, the conference said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the conference at a function which was presided over by Health Minister Veena George. Kozhikode Medical College principal Dr V R Rajendran, MLA Thottathil Raveendran, Indian Academy of Pediatrics national president Dr Ramesh and others attended the function.


By Express News Service

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday sought the view of the Union government on a petition filed by the mother of Nimisha Fathima, a Kerala woman who is presently in a prison in Afghanistan, seeking a directive to the Centre to take steps to repatriate her daughter and granddaughter. Nimisha's husband, who was allegedly an IS fighter, had died in an attack in Afghanistan.

Justice PB Suresh Kumar issued the directive on the petition filed by K Bindu of Attukal, Thiruvananthapuram. She submitted that not repatriating Nimisha and the child amounts to a violation of the fundamental right to life and denial of the right to education to the kid. The petitioner submitted that she has been running from pillar to post since 2015, but has failed to receive any support from the central and state governments.

There were several media reports that her daughter and grandchild have been detained in a prison in Afghanistan since November 2019. Now the government of Afghanistan wishes to deport Nimisha, her minor daughter, as well as the other Indian women and children. However, as per the media reports the Indian government had refused to accept its citizen and left the minor children and women at the mercy of Afghan authorities. She pointed out that none of the media reports has been denounced or countered by the Indian authorities.

The petitioner also claimed that the return of Nimisha and her minor daughter shall not pose a threat to the security or sovereignty of India since after the repatriation they can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society under the watchful eyes of human rights organisations.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tightening its screws on dowry seekers, the state government has decided to strictly implement the rule insisting all its employees to submit an affidavit counter-signed by their spouses and fathers-in-law stating that they have not taken or given dowry. The department heads should compile the reports and hand them over to the district dowry prohibition officer every six months. In case of filing fake affidavits, legal and departmental action will be initiated against the erring officers.

The order issued by the department of women and child development said that even the government employees are not free from the regressive practice and the Dowry Prohibition Act should be implemented strictly to put an end to this.

Though there are rules that mandate the government employees to present such an affidavit at the time of joining, it has been noticed that they are not being followed in full spirit. The involvement of some government officials in the recent dowry-related suicides also prompted the government to take such a step.

Dowry affidavit likely for pvt sector staff too

The government is planning to make the affidavit mandatory for private-sector employees as well. The discussion in this regard was initiated at the behest of the chief minister and further action is expected in the coming days, sources said.

The existing rules do not prevent a couple from receiving gifts during their marriage, provided they make a list of items that they had received as gifts and countersign them. It has, however, been observed that the provision is widely being misused and the couple seldom prepares such a list. Sources said the government would turn its attention to this anomaly and measures will be taken to address it.

Private sector

The govern-ment is planning to make the affidavit mandatory for private-sector employees as well
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday granted interim anticipatory bail to former Kerala police officers, S Vijayan and Thampi S Durga Dutt, the first and second accused respectively in the case relating to hatching a conspiracy to frame former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan and others in the ISRO espionage case for two weeks.

Justice Ashok Menon passed the interim order on the petition seeking anticipatory bail filed by the two former police officers.

The court ordered that the petitioners be released on interim bail on their executing a bond for Rs.50,000 with the two solvent sureties to the like sum if the CBI arrested the petitioners. However, the petitioners should cooperate with the investigation, held the court.

When the petition came up for hearing, the Assistant Solicitor General P. Vijayakumar appearing for CBI sought adjournment citing that the Additional Solicitor General of India will be appearing in the case. Then the petitioner's counsel requested for an interim order restraining the CBI from arresting them.

When the court asked whether the prosecution was going up on arresting the accused, the ASG was not in a position to say anything regarding the arrest. Therefore, the court said that it was granting interim bail to the two former police officers.

The court also extended the interim order directing CBI not to arrest P.S.Jayaprakash, former Central intelligence officer and 11th accused in the case for two weeks.

The petitioners argued that they had only acted in the best interests of the police department and they had not done any excesses on any accused. The accused in the espionage case were produced before the Magistrate court and when they were questioned by the Magistrate, they did not make any complaints of torture against the petitioners.

The CBI has filed a statement citing that then former police officers had played an active role and concocted an espionage case after hatching a conspiracy with the other accused in the FIR and other unknown persons. The petitioners were still very influential as they had once served as officers in the Kerala police. If bail was granted to them, it would create fear in the minds of probable witnesses who may be otherwise willing to speak the truth.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government and Opposition on Monday traded charges against each other in the Assembly over the Kodakara hawala heist case. The Opposition alleged that a deal was executed by the government with the BJP to bail it out from the case involving gold smuggling through the diplomatic channel and save its skin in the Bengaluru drugs case, without directly naming Bineesh Kodiyeri.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan shot back stating that BJP leaders were listed as witnesses in the charge-sheet of the hawala case as they were aware of the case and witnesses can be arraigned as accused anytime when the investigation in the case proceeds further. The Opposition and government locked horns when Roji M John of the Congress moved an adjournment motion demanding a discussion over the Kodakara case as the case witnessed, according to him, 'Pinarayi magic' when the charge-sheet was filed in the court.

"When the charge-sheet was submitted by the state police, all the BJP leaders who were initially accused in the case were now listed as witnesses. The Opposition wondered how the BJP leaders who were to be listed as accused in the case became witnesses," said Roji.

"This is nothing short of a deal executed by the CPM with BJP," said V D Satheeshan. "The central enforcement agencies which had been investigating smuggling cases suddenly lost interest in the case. All these developments indicate that there has been a clear quid-pro-quo deal, he said. Replying to the allegation, the Chief Minister said the Congress had lost face when the people of Kerala had snubbed the party in the elections. Since then it had been trying to level charges against the CPM linking it with the BJP.

The Congress which approached the central agency seeking investigation in the LIFE Mission scam is not ready to approach the central agencies this time. In fact, the state police handed over the case details to the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax and Chief Electoral Officer and it is up to them to decide whether they would hold a probe into the case, he said.

The hawala money was brought here for the electioneering of the BJP, he said. Police have recorded the statement of 206 people including BJP state president K Surendran. So far, 21 accused in the case were arrested apart from seizing Rs 1.46 crore out of the Rs 3.5 crore robbed. Later the Opposition staged a walkout when the Speaker denied leave for the adjournment motion.
Dhinesh Kallungal By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the government claims that the state is far ahead of other states in vaccinating the people, those who live in the border districts find booking a slot for vaccination in private hospitals in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka is easier than searching for a vaccination slot in Kerala. K Arun, 35, of Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram, who recently took his first dose of vaccination from Chennai, said the people who live in the border areas prefer neighbouring districts in Tamil Nadu to get the vaccine as there is no rush for paid doses in the neighbouring state.

In the state, the priorities for vaccination have changed of late. Even people above 45 years of age are looking for the mercy of local political leaders to get their first dose of vaccine. V K Girish, 52, of Thrissur said he had been trying for a vaccination slot for the past couple of months. I also knocked at the doors of ASHA workers and local politicians to get the dose as the nature of my work involves interacting with various kinds of people. Finally, I had to finally take a paid vaccine from Tamil Nadu when I visited there, he said.

If you are desperate to get your jab today or tomorrow, taking a vaccine from the nearest private hospital across the state border is the best option, he added. I personally advise elderly people who have taken their first dose and are waiting for the second dose after the 84-day period to take the vaccine from across the state border as there is no serpentine queue or harrowing experience to get your slot, said Arun.

It is sad to note that the state has been lagging behind in vaccination when compared with other states. It has to be investigated why the state is lagging behind other states despite the people here being positive to taking their vaccine jabs since the second wave of Covid started, said IMA state secretary P Gopikumar.

In addition, the priorities got skewed after the government decided to rope in local self-government body members and others in the vaccination programme, he said.

If, earlier, elderly people or people with comorbidities and certain categories were chosen by health workers for vaccination, things have now taken a turn for the worse as local politicians have been given charge of spot registration. Their priority is not comorbidity or other factors, but their political and personal interest, which has hit the vaccination drive in Kerala badly, he added.

According to the government statement, as on Saturday, 1,83,89,973 people have been given vaccination so far, including first dose for 1,28,23,869 persons and second dose for 55,66,104. Going by the 2011 census, 38.39% of the total population have received the first dose and 16.66% the second dose. If we consider people aged above 18, 53.43% have received the first dose and 23.19% the second dose.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR : Taking disaster management education ahead, Utkal University has come out with illustrative booklets for rural school students at elementary level to make them understand natural calamities in a simplified manner. The booklets were launched on Sunday on the occasion of World Drowning Prevention Day.

Among the eight State-specific natural disasters - lightning, whirlwind, tornado, heavy rain, sunstroke, boat accident, drowning, and snakebite - the booklets have been prepared on drowning. The university has collaborated with Odisha State Disaster Management Authority and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force for the booklets which have been developed with funds under phase 2 of Rashtriya Uchchattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) project.

As a part of Utkals community linkage and rural outreach programme, the university plans to impart water safety and safe rescue skills to the students of the elementary stage with the help of OSDMA and ODRAF, said Prof Sabita Acharya, Vice- Chancellor, Utkal University.

The booklets will be distributed free of cost among students of rural areas of the State. She said with drowning being one of the major calamities that people of all age groups especially children face in day-to-day life due to lack of awareness and negligence, these booklets have been designed to make it interesting for students to read them. Subsequently, booklets in other disasters will be prepared for the students.
B Anbuselvan By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: After making the subject of federalism a focal point of politics recently by addressing the Government of India as Ondriya Arasu (Union government) instead of Mathiya Arasu (Central government), the DMK government has now taken many symbolic measures to infuse Tamil identity in public spaces.

The Transport Department has completed works for displaying boards with Thirukkural couplets and their explanations in all government buses. The boards contain a picture of poet Thiruvalluvar in white attire along with the chapter name and number of the couplet displayed.

Though the government buses have been displaying Thirukkural verses since 1968, the new government has decided to replace the boards with ones containing the verses and explanations. This will surely invoke a sense of Tamil identity in public places. Promoting literary figures to infuse Tamil identity in public places is part of DMKs agenda to fortify its ideological credibility, says political commentator Raveenthran Duraisamy.

He added that the late DMK supremo M Karunanidhi had installed a gigantic 133-foot statue of poet Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari with the same objective. The present government is taking the partys five-decade old strategy forward as the BJP is trying desperately to make inroads in the State, he further said.

According to Tamil scholars, Thirukkural was first displayed in a bus operated from MLA Hostel (Chepauk) to the Secretariat in 1967. One year later, in response to a Congress MLAs question, then chief minister CN Annadurai explained the significance of Thirukkural and subsequently announced that portraits of Thiruvalluvar would be displayed in local body offices and schools. The then DMK government also ordered displaying of Thirukkural couplets along with an authorised portrayal of Thiruvalluvar in all government buses. Since then, a two line text of Kural in Tamil has been put up behind the drivers seat in the buses.

The G.O then had stated that the move was aimed at inculcating the spirit of Thirukkural among government employees and public. However, of late, the stickers displaying Kural were replaced with private advertisements and quotes from religious texts. In this situation, the present government ordered that the couplets will be displayed on new boards in all buses. This is also expected to put an end to the controversy over portrayal of Thiruvalluvar in saffron attire.

In 2019, a picture of Thiruvalluvar clad in a saffron robe was posted by BJP and few other right-wing organisations on social media. The DMK, Tamil scholars and other organisations strongly opposed the act of attaching religious identity to Thiruvalluvar. During the last two years of AIADMK government, pictures of Thiruvalluvar clad in saffron were put up at several government offices. They were all taken down following protests by the then Opposition parties. In February this year, the DMK and PMK had expressed opposition to a picture of the saint-poet in saffron robes along with sacred thread in a CBSE Class 8 textbook.
Bagalavan Perier B By

Express News Service

CUDDALORE: In a tragic incident, Covid-19 precipitated the death of all three members of a family from Titakudi living in Malaysia.

Raviraja (40) and his wife Sathyabhai (39) of Titakudi were software engineers. Both have worked at a company in Kuala Lumpur for 15 years and lived in the city with their five-year-old daughter Kugatharani. However, on July 14, Raviraja tested positive and was admitted to a hospital. Two days later, both Sathyabhai and Kugatharani learned that they were positive and were placed under home quarantine.

But the next day, the family's relatives at Titakudi woke up to the shocking news that Sathyabhai, along with her daughter, had died by suicide. On Saturday, they learnt that Raviraja too had died in the hospital after not responding to treatment.

"We had spoken to Sathyabhai after Raviraja was admitted to hospital and asked her to stay strong. She was very worried after she and her daughter tested positive. On the day she died by suicide, she spoke to us and cried that there was no one to help them even though she was suffering due to Covid. We weren't even able to see their faces one last time. At least we want to perform final rituals for them. We humbly request the State and Central governments to help us to get their remains from Malaysia and bring them to Titakudi," said Raviraja's mother Sandhabhai.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed pleasure over the Ramappa Temple receiving the World Heritage Site tag. Sharing a tweet by UNESCO, the Prime Minister said: Excellent! Congratulations to everyone, especially the people of Telangana. I urge you all to visit this majestic Temple complex and get a first-hand experience of its grandness.

Excellent! Congratulations to everyone, specially the people of Telangana.



The iconic Ramappa Temple showcases the outstanding craftsmanship of great Kakatiya dynasty. I would urge you all to visit this majestic Temple complex and get a first-hand experience of its grandness. https://t.co/muNhX49l9J pic.twitter.com/XMrAWJJao2  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2021

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao also hailed the decision. In a statement, he said under self-governance the government is making all efforts to revive and restore the heritage of Telangana.

ALSO READ: Telangana's Ramappa Temple a Kakatiya-era marvel named after sculptor

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy thanked the PM for his guidance and support as UNESCO conferred the tag to the Temple. Taking to Twitter, MAUD Minister KT Rama Rao said now that Telangana has achieved its first World Heritage Site tag, the States next aim is to get World Heritage City status to Hyderabad.

Happy to share the good news that

the 800 year old Kakatiya Rudreshwara #RamappaTemple in #Telangana has been inscribed as a UNESCO #WorldHeritage Site



My compliments to everyone who was involved in the effort pic.twitter.com/BIPCCiHyOJ  KTR (@KTRTRS) July 25, 2021

Telangana Tourism Minister V Srinivas Goud said that the honour should have come much earlier. He said that there are many other sites such as Gollantha Temple in the State which would fall under the category of World Heritage Site. TPCC president A Revanth Reddy and BJP president Bandi Sanjay also hailed UNESCOs decision. Meanwhile, BJP State secretary Dr S Prakash Reddy claimed that the TRS government had no role in achieving World Heritage Site status to Ramappa Temple.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: At least 46 Afghan soldiers crossed over and took refuge in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province after losing control of a border post to the Taliban militants along the international border, according to media reports on Monday.

The Pakistan Army said the incident occurred late on Sunday night in Arundu sector in the country's Chitral district when an Afghan National Army (ANA) local Commander requested the Pakistan Army for refuge and safe passage.

According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 46 soldiers, including five officers, belong to the ANA and Border Police as "they were unable to hold their military posts along Pak-Afghan International Border due to the evolving security situation in Afghanistan."

ALSO READ | Taliban terrorists kill 43 in Afghanistan's Malistan district

The Pakistan Army contacted the Afghan authorities for information and necessary formalities.

"After contact with Afghan authorities and necessary military procedures, 46 soldiers including 5 officers have been given refuge/safe passage into Pakistan," the Army said, adding that the Afghan soldiers have been provided food, shelter and necessary medical care as per established military norms.

It said that these soldiers will be returned to the Afghan government authorities in a dignified manner after due process, Dawn newspaper reported.

Ever since the US announced to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by September, the Taliban has stepped-up its offensive against Afghan security forces, forcing hundreds of soldiers and other officials to seek refuge in the neighbouring Pakistan, Iran and Tajikistan.

ALSO READ | UN: Women, children casualties on the rise in Afghanistan

In a similar incident on July 1, at least 35 Afghan soldiers had requested the Pakistan Army for refuge/safe passage due to inability to hold their military post along Pak-Afghanistan International Border.

They were also given a safe passage into Pakistan and handed over to the Afghan government authorities after due procedure, according to the Army.

The Afghan troops have lately come under a lot of pressure from the Taliban.

Earlier in July, more than 1,000 Afghan security personnel fled across the border into Tajikistan following the Taliban attacks.
By AFP

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi will slash the cost of establishing new businesses by "more than 90 percent" from Tuesday to increase the "competitiveness regionally and internationally" of the emirate, already a magnet for commerce.

In recent weeks authorities have ramped up efforts to woo new business to Abu Dhabi, one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates.

Corporate taxes are practically zero in the UAE as it seeks to diversify its previously oil-based economy.

"Business setup fees in Abu Dhabi emirate have been reduced to AED1,000 ($272) -- a reduction of more than 90 per cent," the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said in a statement late Sunday.

The new tariff will see the scrapping of some fees that were previously payable to different public bodies and the reduction of others, and will come into force from Tuesday July 27, it added.

"The move will significantly enhance ease of doing business in the emirate and increase Abu Dhabi's competitiveness regionally and internationally," the statement said.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Arab Emirates is among "jurisdictions with no or insignificant taxes".

ALSO READ | NRI businessman Yusuffali MA selected to the board of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry

However, the UAE on Monday welcomed the historic deal to overhaul the way multinational companies are taxed, saying it supports the global consensus to combat tax avoidance and profit shifting.

More than 130 countries have already agreed to reforms on international taxation, including a minimum corporate rate of 15 percent.

"The UAE is fully committed to working collaboratively with the OECD and (inclusive framework) members to further advance the technical discussions to ensure a fair and sustainable outcome can be achieved," said the assistant under-secretary at the finance ministry, Saeed Rashid al-Yateem, according to a statement carried by the official WAM news agency.

The UAE has recently launched a swathe of economic reforms.

Since June 1 foreigners have been able to create businesses and retain control of all of the capital, once only possible in special free zones, compared to a maximum of 49 percent outside those zones previously.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai, one of the other seven emirates, have traditionally competed to host the regional offices of global businesses, attracting thousands of firms.

ALSO READ | UAE extends ban on passenger flights from India till August 2

In June the Dubai government announced a series of reforms, due to be enacted by mid-September, aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and stimulating economic growth.

In recent months Saudi Arabia, the Arab world's largest economy, has emerged as a competitor to the Emirates' pulling power as it seeks to break its own dependence on oil.

With a brand new business district in the capital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia issued an ultimatum to foreign businesses in February that they must locate their regional headquarters there by 2024 or risk missing out on lucrative government contracts.
By Associated Press

TIANJIN (China): China came out swinging at high-level face-to-face talks with the United States on Monday, July 26, 2021, blaming the U.S. for a "stalemate" in bilateral relations and calling on America to change "its highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy."



Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng accused the administration of President Joe Biden of trying to contain and suppress China's development, according to an official summary of his remarks to visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.



The fundamental reason why relations between the two face serious difficulties is because some Americans portray China as an "imagined enemy," the Foreign Ministry quoted Xie as saying.



Sherman, America's No. 2 diplomat, is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit China since Biden took office six months ago. She was having separate meetings with Xie, who is in charge of U.S.-China relations, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a closed-off resort hotel in the city of Tianjin.



Relations between the countries deteriorated sharply under Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, and the two sides remain at odds over a host of issues including technology, cybersecurity, human rights and other issues.



Xie said China wants to seek common ground while shelving differences. The Biden administration has said it will cooperate in some areas but confront China in others, such as human rights, describing the relationship as collaborative, competitive and adversarial.



In an interview Saturday, Wang accused the U.S. of adopting a superior attitude and using its strength to pressure other countries.



"China would never accept any country that claims to be superior to others," he told China's Phoenix Television. "If the U.S. has not learned to treat other countries equally, China and the international community have the responsibility to help the U.S. learn how to do this."



Biden administration officials have said the goal of the talks is not to negotiate specific issues but to keep high-level communications channels open. The U.S. wants to ensure that guardrails are in place to prevent competition between the countries from becoming conflict, they said.



A possible meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be on the agenda, possibly on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Rome at the end of October.



Sherman, who arrived Sunday evening from Mongolia, tweeted "heartfelt condolences (from the United States) to those who have lost loved ones" in severe storms and flooding last week that killed at least 63 people in Henan province.



Her meetings follow an initial and highly contentious meeting in March in Anchorage, Alaska, where Wang and veteran Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi flew to meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan.



John Kerry, the Biden administration's special climate envoy, traveled to Shanghai for meetings with his Chinese counterpart in April.
By PTI

LONDON: A severe coronavirus infection, involving hospitalisation and ventilator support, has a substantial impact on a recovered patient's intelligence as part of wider "Long-COVID" symptoms, a UK study has found.

Scientists tested 81,337 participants between January and December 2020 with a clinically validated web-optimised assessment as part of the Great British Intelligence Test.

The questionnaire items captured self-report of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 infection and respiratory symptoms.

"These results accord with reports of long-COVID, where 'brain fog', trouble concentrating and difficulty finding the correct words are common," notes the study published in 'The Lancet EclinicalMedicine' journal last week.

ALSO READ | Course of COVID-19 infection can be determined by early antiviral response in nose: Study

"The scale of the observed deficit was not insubstantial. When examining the entire population, the deficits were most pronounced for paradigms that tapped cognitive functions such as reasoning, problem solving, spatial planning and target detection whilst sparing tests of simpler functions such as working-memory span as well as emotional processing," it said.

One possibility was the observed cognitive deficits related to ongoing symptoms of the deadly virus, such as a high temperature or respiratory problems, with 4.8 per cent of participants who were ill reporting residual symptoms.

People who had recovered from COVID-19, including those no longer reporting symptoms, exhibited "significant" cognitive deficits versus controls when controlling for age, gender, education level, income, racial-ethnic group, pre-existing medical disorders, tiredness, depression and anxiety.

"The deficits were of substantial effect size for people who had been hospitalised, but also for non-hospitalised cases who had biological confirmation of COVID-19 infection. Analysing markers of premorbid intelligence did not support these differences being present prior to infection.

"Finer grained analysis of performance across sub-tests supported the hypothesis that COVID-19 has a multi-domain impact on human cognition," the findings conclude.

The scientists said the results accord with reports of "Long COVID" cognitive symptoms that persist into the early-chronic phase.

They say the findings should act as a "clarion call" for further research with longitudinal and neuroimaging cohorts to plot recovery trajectories and identify the biological basis of cognitive deficits in SARS-COV-2 or COVID-19 survivors.

The study entitled "Cognitive Deficits In People Who Have Recovered From COVID-19' involved researchers from Imperial College London, King's College and the Universities of Cambridge, Southampton and Chicago.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: National carrier Etihad Airways on Monday informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2.

The date could be extended, depending on directions by the UAE authorities, Khaleej Times reported citing Etihad Airways Guest Relations.

ALSO READ | Expatriates hope of return to UAE dims as flight suspension continues

"We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet.

Last month, the Canadian government also announced that it is extending the ban on incoming passenger flights from India for another month due to the Delta variant of COVID-19.
By Associated Press

WILMINGTON: The United States is in an "unnecessary predicament" of soaring COVID-19 cases fueled by unvaccinated Americans and the virulent delta variant, the nation's top infectious diseases expert, Dr Anthony Fauci said Sunday, July 25, 2021.



"We're going in the wrong direction," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, describing himself as "very frustrated."



He said recommending that the vaccinated wear masks is "under active consideration" by the government's leading public health officials. Also, booster shots may be suggested for people with suppressed immune systems who have been vaccinated, Fauci said.



Fauci, who also serves as President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, told CNN's "State of the Union" that he has taken part in conversations about altering the mask guidelines.



He noted that some local jurisdictions where infection rates are surging, such as Los Angeles County, are already calling on individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status. Fauci said those local rules are compatible with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that the vaccinated do not need to wear masks in public.



More than 163 million people, or 49% of the total U.S. population, are fully vaccinated, according to CDC data. Of those eligible for the vaccine, aged 12 and over, the figure rises to 57%.



"This is an issue predominantly among the unvaccinated, which is the reason why we're out there, practically pleading with the unvaccinated people to go out and get vaccinated," Fauci said.



Fauci said government experts are reviewing early data as they consider whether to recommend that vaccinated individuals to get booster shots. He suggested that some of the most vulnerable, such as organ transplant and cancer patients, are "likely" to be recommended for booster shots.



He also praised Republicans, including Govs. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas and Ron DeSantis of Florida, and the second-ranking House leader, Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, for encouraging their constituents to get vaccinated. Their states have among the lowest vaccination rates in the country.



"What I would really like to see is more and more of the leaders in those areas that are not vaccinating to get out and speak out and encourage people to get vaccinated," Fauci said.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi on Monday asked Pakistanis to "get serious" and follow Covid guidelines as the country battles a fourth wave of the pandemic and recorded 3,752 new coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours, the highest number reported in over two months.

The death toll due to the viral infection rose to 23,048 with 32 more deaths reported overnight, health officials said.

The total number of cases in the country now stands at 1,008,446, they said.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre, the 3,752 fresh cases is the highest number reported since May 21 when 4,007 infections were recorded, and an overnight increase from the 2,819 cases detected a day earlier.

The positivity rate in the country is also the highest since May 19 when it was recorded at 8.23 per cent, it said.

Terming the situation as "alarming", President Alvi urged people to follow the Covid guidelines.

"Alarming. 3752 new Covid patients yesterday. Get serious people of Pakistan. Cases have shot up post Eid. I was expecting & warning about it as I saw carelessness in streets, bazaars, weddings & mosques," he tweeted.

"Let's put our act together. Follow SOPs Wash hands, Mask & Social Distance," the president added.

Alarming. 3752 new Covid patients y/day. Get serious people of Pakistan. Cases have shot up post Eid. I was expecting & warning about it as I saw carelessness in streets, bazaars, weddings & mosques. Lets put our act together. Follow SOPs Wash hands, Mask & Social Distancepic.twitter.com/QPTGaf74kE  The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 26, 2021

Meanwhile, Pakistan on Monday received the second consignment of three million doses of the US-donated Moderna vaccine via the Covax facility, according to a press release issued by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef).

The first batch of 2.5 million Moderna vaccine doses were delivered by the US earlier this month.

Covax has delivered a total of 8 million doses of Covid vaccines to Pakistan since May 8.

These include 2.5 million doses of AstraZeneca, 100,000 doses of Pfizer and 5.5 million doses of Moderna vaccines.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is set to form the next government in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as it emerged as the largest political party in the legislative assembly elections in the region which was marred by allegations of irregularities and violence, local media reported, citing unofficial results.

The Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf party (PTI) has won 23 seats while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was second with eight seats and the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) secured just six seats, the state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Muslim Conference (MC) and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party (JKPP) were successful in one seat each.

However, Geo TV reported that PTI won 25 seats, followed by PPP with nine and PML-N six.

One seat each was won by Muslim Conference and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party.

Thus, PTI got a simple majority to form the government without support of any other party.

It is for the first time that it will form a government in PoK.

Traditionally, the ruling party in the country wins the elections in Pok.

The assembly has a total of 53 members but only 45 are directly elected, while five seats are reserved for women and three are meant for the technocrats.

The 45 members directly elected included 33 residents of PoK and 12 refugees' who came over the years from Kashmir and settled in various cities of Pakistan.

India has previously slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and said any action to alter the status of the militarily occupied region has no legal basis.

PTI Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, who is the front-runner candidate for the 'Prime Minister' of the region, won from his seat.

Former 'Prime Minister' and PML-N leader Raja Farooq Haider retained his seat.

Another ex-'Prime Minister' and chief of Muslim Conference, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, also won.

A total of 587 candidates contested the elections in 33 constituencies of various PoK districts and 121 candidates in 12 constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir refugees settled in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Opposition parties, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have accused Khan's party of "rigging" the elections held on Sunday.

"There is proof of systematic rigging in the election," PPP's vice-president Senator Sherry Rehman.

She said PTI workers attacked the PPP worker during polling time, while police had uprooted a camp belonging to her party.

"There is a clear difference between the voter lists of several polling stations," she said.

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a statement, claimed that to rig the election the PTI "goons" attacked her party's workers in Gujranwala's Alipur Chatha area.

"PTI has been allowed to engage in hooliganism with complete liberty," she said.

However, the region's Election Commission rejected the allegations and said that the polls were held in a fair and peaceful manner.

The chief election commission, Abdul Rashid Sulehria, told the media that he was satisfied with the election process.

At least two PTI workers were shot and killed in clashes with PPP activists at a polling station in Charhoi area of Kotli district on Sunday.

The two men were shot dead by unidentified persons, police said.

Also, at least four soldiers were killed while three soldiers and a civilian driver were injured when their vehicle plunged down a ravine off a curvy mountain road in Laswa area of the region, the military said in a statement on Sunday.

The soldiers were part of army troops deployed to help maintain peace during the elections.

In another incident, five police constables were injured after Jamaat-e-Islami activists attacked them with batons at the Dhal Chakhya polling station of Jhelum valley district.

A PML-N candidate Choudhary Muhammad Ismail Gujjar kicked up a storm as he threatened on Sunday that he would "seek India's help" if the local administration failed to address his concerns after his party's polling agents were removed from a polling station, the Geo News reported.

Following their exit from the polling station, the agents got into a heated argument with the deputy commissioner after which the polling process was halted there.

He, however, later clarified on media that his statement was directed towards the administration.

Region's Secretary Election Commission Muhammad Ghazanfar Khan claimed that the elections were held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

He expressed satisfaction over the law and order and appreciated the performance of the police and the Pakistan Army for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the elections, in which there were 32 lakh people eligible to vote to elect 45 members of the assembly for a five-year term.

The last general election for PoK Legislative Assembly was held in July 2016 and won by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

In this election, the PTI nominated candidates for all the 45 constituencies, while PML-N and PPP each issued tickets to candidates for 44 seats.

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the radical Islamist party which was banned in April by the Pakistan government for its violent activities, contested on 40 seats.

The TLP was not de-registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan even after the ban, enabling it to take part in the elections.

Apart from the ticket holders of different political parties, a total of 261 independent candidates were also in the race for the 33 constituencies in PoK, while 56 independents were running for the 12 refugees' seats.


By AFP

LONDON: UK police on Monday said they were investigating a knife attack on a woman in a London park, with online footage showing she was wearing a T-shirt with a cartoon from Charlie Hebdo, the French magazine targeted by jihadists.

The 39-year-old woman was treated in hospital for a minor slash injury after the attack on Sunday afternoon at Speakers Corner' in Hyde Park, the Metropolitan Police said.

Footage posted on YouTube showed a man in a hooded top approach a woman holding an umbrella and stab her, apparently several times.

The man then takes off his hood and leaves.

The woman's T-shirt has the Charlie Hebdo logo and a cartoon showing a Muslim man kissing a cartoonist with the slogan "L'amour plus fort que la haine" (love is stronger than hate).

She has blood running down her face and shortly afterwards collapses to the ground.

Speakers' Corner is a historic place for open-air debate where people are allowed to make speeches on any lawful subject.

Police did not identify the victim by name but social media said she was Hatun Tash, a preacher from a group called DCCI Ministries that says it seeks to preach the Christian Gospel to Muslims.

Detectives said they had recovered a knife at the scene and the victim gave an account of what happened.

"We know that this assault was witnessed by a number of people, many of whom captured it on their phones. I would ask them, if they have not already done so, to contact police," said Detective Superintendent Alex Bingley.

Bingley asked people not to "speculate on the motive for the attack until we have established the full facts".

Twelve members of staff at the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo were gunned down in January 2015 by two brothers who vowed allegiance to Al-Qaeda.

The gunmen said they were taking revenge for the magazine's publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed that many Muslims find offensive.
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Layoffs at Peoples United Bank associated with its acquisition by Buffalo, N.Y.-based M&T Bank will have a devastating effect on economy in Bridgeport and the rest of Fairfield County, a Connecticut economist said Monday.

And one of Connecticuts U.S. senators said that could reach throughout the state.

Donald Klepper-Smith, chief economist and director of research for DataCore Partners, said the 747 layoffs announced at Peoples United that M&T announced last week will result in the loss of an additional 1,153 jobs elsewhere in the Connecticut economy.

The Bridgeport labor market area is going to be put on its haunches for at least a year or two by this, Klepper-Smith said, These people will not be absorbed into other jobs easily.

For every dollar earned by Peoples United, another $1.18 is spent elsewhere in the local economy, he said

The financial services sector has some of the highest multipliers of any in the economy, Klepper-Smith said. They are pretty sizable.

Multiplier effects are used by economists to determine the kind of impact a business has on an economy.

Because the financial services sector is highly competitive, Klepper-Smith said decisions are increasingly driven by economies of scale. Banks that are merging seek to recover the costs associated with the deal by seeking to eliminate duplication of service, particularly back-office operations that dont deal with customers.

During a press conference Monday in Hartford, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., expressed his concern about the layoffs, which he called massive, unprecedented in recent history. Blumenthal was told about of the layoffs just 24 hours before M&T notified the Connecticut Department of Labor on Thursday, but wasnt given any details about the scope of the job cuts.

These layoffs could well turn downtown Bridgeport or at least that part of it, into a ghost town, with ripple effects throughout Fairfield County and even the state of Connecticut, Blumenthal told reporters. They are exactly the kind of layoffs that have prompted me and others to say we have to stop the acquisitions and mergers that are out of control.

Blumenthal said he is considering asking for a review of the merger by either the Federal Reserve or the federal Comptroller of the Currency.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim is demanding M&T Bank rethink its layoff plan. In a letter to Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, Ganim said, if these shocking layoff proposals do not diminish significantly, City Finance will re-evaluate previously positive depository relationships with Peoples and M & T Bank.

I am asking that you stand with me, and other elected officials, to demand that M&T Bank improve transparency and rethink its plan which will negatively impact the livelihood of thousands of families in the State of Connecticut, Ganim told Tong in his letter.

M&T Bank officials said that when the layoffs occur, those who lose their jobs will be given priority as the Buffalo-based financial institution seeks to fill 1,500 currently vacant positions.

Peoples United employees ... impacted in the merger will be given first priority for applications for these open positions that meet their experience and qualifications, and we will work to maximize the ability to obtain M&T employment from their existing work location, an M&T spokesman said in a statement.

But company officials have not responded to questions by Hearst Connecticut Media as to whether employees who are laid off would see their pay cut if they were to apply for new positions with a lower rate of pay. Blumenthal said Peoples United employees that are being laid off should receive equivalent pay, equivalent jobs, equivalent responsibilities, fairness.

Were going to be watching like a hawk, what they actually do, he said. More than their words, I care about their actions.

Blumenthal said the layoffs contradict assurance he previously received from People Bank officials at the highest level.

The layoffs will take place between Oct. 1 and May 20, 2022, with majority occurring in 2022, M&T bank officials said Monday.

Bridgeport will become a regional headquarters for M&T when the merger is complete. Of the 747 jobs being eliminated, 661 of them are based in that city, according to the filing M&T made with state officials.

The job cuts in Bridgeport are likely to leave significant amounts vacant space in the Peoples United headquarters. But John Boyd, whose Princeton, N.J.-based company evaluates locations for many of the nations corporate giants, said finding a tenant for whatever office space the bank vacates should not be overly challenging.

Were getting calls like never before looking at options in Fairfield County, Boyd said. We expect a number of companies in the tech, life sciences and co-working businesses to be looking at options like this in Connecticut. Timing is everything in economic development and in this case, timing is a friend because Connecticut is really booming.

An M&T spokesman said Monday that substantially all Peoples United branch employees, including those who work in the Stop & Shop branches, will be retained when the merger is completed.

Peoples United officials announced in late January before its merger with M&T became public that it will not to renew its existing in-store branch contracts with Stop & Shop supermarkets in New York and Connecticut.

Peoples United officials said at the time there would be no immediate effect on supermarket branch employees because the bank wont begin pulling out of the Stop & Shop locations until 2022.

M&T officials promised on Monday that community giving and reinvestment will remain a central part of the joint companys mission through their respective foundations and M&T.

The combination of M&T and Peoples Uniteds is a unique opportunity to create a new organization that will strengthen our ability to serve our combined communities and customers, and provide solutions that make a difference in peoples lives, said Rene Jones, chairman and chief executive officer of M&T, who will lead the combined company in the same capacity.

The merger, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of each company, is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals. Shareholders of M&T and Peoples United, at special meetings of their shareholders on May 26, 2021, approved the transaction.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
Toby Talbot/AP

The chief executive of the company that makes Marlboro cigarettes was quoted by Britain's Mail on Sunday as saying that the tobacco company foresaw an end to its sales of traditional cigarettes in Britain within 10 years.

I want to allow this company to leave smoking behind, Jacek Olczak, the CEO of Philip Morris International, was quoted in the paper saying. "I think in the UK, ten years from now maximum, you can completely solve the problem of smoking.
3 1 of 3 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3





WASHINGTON  Join the Gunn Historical Museum and weaver Ellen Goldman at the Washington Town Party at the Spring Hill Arts Gathering at 292 Bee Brook Road from 1-4 p.m. Aug. 8. Admission is free.

In the spirit of preserving the regions history, the Gunn Historical Museum in Washington is presenting Ellen Goldman, an enthusiastic weaver who enjoys sharing her love of weaving with others, an announcement said.
Deaf-blind US Paralympian withdraws from Tokyo Games after request to bring her mother is denied
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., center, flanked by the GOP representatives he nominated for a committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol  from left, Troy Nehls of Texas, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, Jim Banks of Indiana, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Rodney Davis of Taylorville  talks about Speaker Nancy Pelosis decision to reject Banks and Jordan at a news conference Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Hundreds of people queue to be vaccinated against COVID-19 at the Enfermera Isabel Zendal Hospital in Madrid, Spain on July 7. Spain is trying to stamp out a new wave of COVID-19 among its youth thanks to a robust vaccination program that is widely supported. Spain like the rest of the European Union got off to a slow start to compared to the United States and Britain when the first vaccines were released.
Stigmatization refers to the action of placing a mark of disgrace upon a person, based upon some characteristic that distinguishes them from other members of society. Stigmas commonly relate to social, gender, race, intelligence, or health attributes. When a person is stigmatized based on disability due to illness or injury this can restrict participation in, and overall quality of, life. Several illnesses are stigmatized: these include mental illnesses, AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and substance abuse-related disorders. One such disease is hepatitis.

Hepatitis. Image Credit: Explode/Shutterstock.com

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a general term to describe inflammation of the liver tissue. It can arise from several causes, although the most common cause is a viral infection. Viral hepatitis is a serious public health concern, infecting millions of people worldwide each year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015 estimated that 1 in 3 people globally are infected with one of the five viruses that lead to hepatitis. Despite this, a significant amount of stigma is attached to the disease, particularly hepatitis B and C, which are blood-borne viruses.

Hepatitis and stigma

Infection with bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV are a source of discrimination and stigma worldwide. Although much has been written about the impact of stigma associated with HIV and AIDS, there is less documentation of hepatitis-related prejudice despite having a much higher prevalence globally. One recent literature review, however, drew on data gathered from 23 separate studies to describe the origins of hepatitis-related stigma. The review found:

Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge surrounding the transmission of viral hepatitis, which in some cases is manifested in structural discrimination. One example of this was the recently banned legislation in China which allowed employers to screen applicants for HBV and reject them based on a positive result.

Stigma was driven by stereotyping and negative assumptions of those who become infected, with HBV and HBC in adults being attributed to substance misuse, sexual promiscuity, homosexuality, and sex work.

Fear of infection and lack of knowledge regarding transmission also drove social isolation and the breakdown of intimate relationships.

The impact of stigma

A global report conducted by the World Hepatitis Alliance in 2016 investigated the types of stigma and discrimination people with hepatitis encounter. The survey found that stigma associated with hepatitis infection impacted an individuals ability to access medical care, their mental health, and ability to work and maintain relationships. It found:

Almost three-quarters of respondents suffered from self-stigmatization, internalizing their societies negative perceptions of the disease. This led to shame and fear about disclosing diagnoses and delay in seeking healthcare. This has serious individual and public health implications, as people delay life-saving interventions and risk transmission to others.

More than half of respondents felt that they experienced barriers accessing the healthcare they required, and almost 40% had been denied access to healthcare.

42% could cite instances where people infected with viral hepatitis had lost their job, with the same proportion being denied employment opportunities due to having hepatitis.

More than 60% felt their government was addressing the stigma and discrimination experienced by those with viral hepatitis, and only 15% were satisfied with their governments responses.

Interventions for hepatitis-related stigma

Interventions should be tailored to best meet the needs of those experiencing stigma. For example, people who are experiencing emotional distress should have access to information and support to utilize positive coping strategies.

Healthcare strategies play an important role in de-stigmatizing illnesses. Attitudes towards infection can be moderated by educational programs highlighting that hepatitis can be prevented and successfully managed. Numerous comparable programs have shown to be beneficial in addressing the fear and shame associated with HIV. Similarly, positive messages regarding vaccination programs can address stigma whilst also managing transmission.

Raising awareness of the hepatitis virus by disseminating accurate information about transmission, management and prevention may dispel some commonly held myths about people with the infection. Finally, using online support groups and social media can provide a platform for those living with hepatitis to share their lived experiences, creating community support networks.

Case study #Stigmastops

In 2028, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global campaign to raise awareness of hepatitis called #Stigmastops. The aim was to increase awareness of how stigma associated with the infection can impact on patients quality of life. By encouraging Twitter posts and releasing a series of stigma stories the campaign aimed to break the silence surrounding viral hepatitis and stimulate discussion, understanding, and empathy among the wider public.

References:

Adjei, C. A., Stutterheim, S. E., Naab, F., & Ruiter, R. (2020). "To die is better than to tell": reasons for and against disclosure of chronic hepatitis B status in Ghana. BMC public health, 20(1), 663. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08811-5

Smith-Palmer, J., Cerri, K., Sbarigia, U., Chan, E., Pollock, R. F., Valentine, W. J., & Bonroy, K. (2020). Impact of Stigma on People Living with Chronic Hepatitis B. Patient related outcome measures, 11, 95107. https://doi.org/10.2147/PROM.S226936

Worldhepatitisalliance.org. (2019). World Hepatitis Alliance | Fighting for a world free from viral hepatitis. [online] Available at: https://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/.

Holding Governments Accountable World Hepatitis Alliance Civil Society Survey Global Findings Report. (n.d.). [online] . Available at: https://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/sites/default/files/resources/documents/holding_governments_accountable_-_civil_society_survey_report.pdf [Accessed 26 Jul. 2021].

Further Reading
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is often described as an unprecedented event, as the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) took many by surprise. However, from a scientific and historical standpoint, the novel coronavirus pandemic was entirely predictable.

In fact, scientists and experts had previously written about a possible pandemic, warning that the world was not prepared. A 2017 article published in Time by Bryan Walsh, entitled The World Is Not Ready for the Next Pandemic, is an example of how data was already warning of the worlds vulnerability to hyper infectious diseases.

Image Credit: ImageFlow / Shutterstock.com

Introduction

Throughout history, communicable diseases have impacted humanity; however, these diseases became more threatening as society made the shift to agrarian life around 10,000 years ago. The creation of more closely connected communities gave infectious diseases the chance to grow into epidemics. Diseases like influenza, smallpox, leprosy, malaria, and tuberculosis were among those that have thrived since this shift.

As human civilization has evolved and communities have become better connected, the likelihood of pandemics has subsequently risen. Below, we discuss the history of infectious diseases and how they will continue to affect our modern-day lives.

A review of ancient outbreaks

The first recorded pandemic occurred during the Peloponnesian War in Athens, Greece in 430 B.C. The disease was carried across the Athenian walls during the siege. Historians estimate around two-thirds of the population died from contracting the disease.

Following this, the Antonine Plague emerged in 163 A.D. and is now considered to be an early version of smallpox. This plague began with the Huns infecting the Germans, who then passed it to the Romans. Once the Romans acquired the Antonine Plague, it had the opportunity to spread throughout the Roman empire.

Image Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

Historians believe that the Cyprian plague began in Ethiopia in 250 A.D. and made its way through Northern Africa to Rome, where it continued to spread northward. The next three centuries was witness to multiple, recurring outbreaks of the Cyprian plague. In fact, this plague changed the course of history, with a particular outbreak leading the British to seek help against the Picts and Scots from the Saxons, who went on to take control of the British Isles.

As civilizations grew and empires conquered different parts of the world, infectious diseases gained more opportunities to spread. In 541 A.D., the Justinian plague broke out in Egypt and spread across Palestine and the Byzantine Empire, finally reaching the Mediterranean. The impact of this plague was significant, as it changed Emperor Justinians plans to consolidate the power of the Roman empire. Overall, about 26% of the worlds population fell to the Justinian plague, which is now considered to be the first significant emergence of the bubonic plague.

Recent history of infectious diseases

In more recent history, leprosy ravaged Europe throughout the 11th century, which was then followed by the infamous Black Death of the 14th century. This second and largest outbreak of the bubonic plague claimed the lives of 30-60% of the European population. In 1665, the bubonic plague made another appearance, causing the deaths of 20% of Londons population during what is now known as The Great Plague of London.

Since the first major outbreak in 1817, there have been seven cholera pandemics to date. Although a cholera vaccine was created in the late 1800s, outbreaks have continued to be problematic. The 1800s also saw the third outbreak of the bubonic plague, which claimed the lives of more than 15 million people. The Fiji Measles Pandemic also occurred in 1875, where 40,000 people, which was one-third of Fijis total population, died.

As the world moved into the 20th century, influenza pandemics became more frequent. Between 1889 and 1890, 360,000 died from the Russian Flu. Unfortunately, this figure was minimal in comparison to the 50 million deaths that resulted from the Spanish Flu pandemic that began in 1918.

The 1918 pandemic was shortly followed by the Asian Flu pandemic that saw two waves in the 1950s. The final pandemic of the 20th century was the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic, which was first identified in 1981. The spread of HIV/AIDS is still considered to be a pandemic, as more than 32 million lives have been lost to this disease over the past four decades.

The deadly threat of coronaviruses

The most recent pandemics have been the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic and the current COVID-19 pandemic, both of which have been caused by coronaviruses.

The SARS pandemic claimed the lives of 774 people before it was effectively controlled via quarantine efforts. The SARS pandemic was viewed as a wake-up call by global health agencies, who believed it highlighted the worlds unreadiness to deal with and prevent the spread of infectious diseases from developing into a pandemic.

Lessons learned in the SARS pandemic were used to control the H1N1, Ebola, and Zika outbreaks. Despite this, the world remains unprepared for COVID-19, as it was ultimately declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020.

Lessons learned from COVID-19

As of July 22, 2021, more than 4.13 million deaths have been attributed to COVID-19, with over 192 million confirmed cases. Other than the loss of life and number of cases, COVID-19 significantly changed the world, as it paused economies and prevented social interaction, both of which inevitably impacted mental health, food security, and much more for the global population.

The COVID-19 pandemic also taught the world about how to deal with and prepare for future pandemics, as many scientists warn of their inevitability in the future. It is likely that the measures that have been implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19 will remain in place to continue to protect us from the spread of infectious diseases in the future.

For the infections that may break through these barriers, the world now has the experience to create effective vaccines in record-breaking time. While the emergence of infectious diseases cannot be completely prevented, various measures can be taken to minimize their impact on human life.

Lessons Learned During The Coronavirus Pandemic: A Harry Smith Essay | Sunday TODAY Play

References

Covid map: Coronavirus cases, deaths, vaccinations by country. BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-51235105

Piret, J. and Boivin, G., 2021. Pandemics Throughout History. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.631736/full

ShawTaylor, L., 2020. An introduction to the history of infectious diseases, epidemics and the early phases of the longrun decline in mortality. The Economic History Review, 73(3). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7404362/

The World Is Not Ready for the Next Pandemic. Bryan Walsh. Time. Available at: https://time.com/magazine/us/4766607/may-15th-2017-vol-189-no-18-u-s/

Further Reading
Kathi Arbini said she felt elated when Missouri finally caught up to the other 49 states and approved a statewide prescription drug monitoring program this June in an attempt to curb opioid addiction.

The hairstylist turned activist estimated she made 75 two-hour trips in the past decade from her home in Fenton, a St. Louis suburb, to the state capital, Jefferson City, to convince Republican lawmakers that monitoring how doctors and pharmacists prescribe and dispense controlled substances could help save people like her son, Kevin Mullane.

He was a poet and skateboarder who she said turned to drugs after she and his dad divorced. He started "doctor-shopping" at about age 17 and was able to obtain multiple prescriptions for the pain medication OxyContin. He died in 2009 at 21 from a heroin overdose.

If the state had had a monitoring program, doctors might have detected Mullane's addiction and, Arbini thinks, her son might still be alive. She said it's been embarrassing that it's taken Missouri so long to agree to add one.

"As a parent, you would stand in front of a train; you would protect your child forever  and if this helps, it helps," said Arbini, 61. "It can't kill more people, I don't think."

But even though Missouri was the lone outlier, it had not been among the states with the highest opioid overdose death rates. Missouri had an average annual rank of 16th among states from 2010 through 2019, as the country descended into an opioid epidemic, according to a KHN analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data compiled by KFF.

Some in public health now argue that when providers use such monitoring programs to cut off prescription opiate misuse, people who have an addiction instead turn to heroin and fentanyl. That means Missouri's new toll could cause more people to overdose and leave the state with buyer's remorse.

"If we can take any benefit from being last in the country to do this, my hope would be that we have had ample opportunity to learn from others' mistakes and not repeat them," said Rachel Winograd, a psychologist who leads NoMODeaths, a state program aimed at reducing harm from opioid misuse.

Before Missouri's monitoring program was approved, lawmakers and health and law enforcement officials warned that the absence made it easier for Missouri patients to doctor-shop to obtain a particular drug, or for providers to overprescribe opiates in what are known as pill mills.

State Sen. Holly Rehder, a Republican with family members who have struggled with opioid addiction, spent almost a decade pushing legislation to establish a monitoring program but ran into opposition from state Sen. Rob Schaaf, a family physician and fellow Republican who expressed concerns about patient privacy and fears about hacking.

In 2017, Schaaf agreed to stop filibustering the legislation and support it if it required that doctors check the database for other prescriptions before writing new ones for a patient. That, though, sparked fresh opposition from the Missouri State Medical Association, concerned the requirement could expose physicians to malpractice lawsuits if patients overdosed.

The new law does not include such a requirement for prescribers. Pharmacists who dispense controlled substances will be required to enter prescriptions into the database.

Dr. Silvia Martins, an epidemiologist at Columbia University who has studied monitoring programs, said it's important to mandate that prescribers review a patient's information in the database. "We know that the ones that are most effective are the ones where they check it regularly, on a weekly basis, not just on a monthly basis," she said.

But Stephen Wood, a nurse practitioner and visiting substance abuse bioethics researcher at Harvard Law School, said the tool is often punitive because it cuts off access to opioids without offering viable treatment options.

He and his colleagues in the intensive care unit at Carney Hospital in Boston don't use the Massachusetts monitoring program nearly as often as they once did. Instead, he said, they rely on toxicology screens, signs such as injection marks or the patients themselves, who often admit they are addicted.

"Rather than pulling out a piece of paper and being accusatory, I find it's much better to present myself as a caring provider and sit down and have an honest discussion," Wood said.

When Kentucky in 2012 became the first state to require prescribers and dispensers to use the system, the number of opioid prescriptions and overdoses from prescription opioids initially decreased slightly, according to a state study.

But the number of opioid overdose deaths  with the exception of a slight dip in 2018 and 2019  has since consistently ticked upward, according to a KFF analysis of CDC data. In 2020, Kentucky was estimated to have had the nations second-largest increase in drug overdose deaths.

When efforts to establish Missouri's statewide monitoring program stalled, St. Louis County established one in 2017 that 75 local jurisdictions agreed to participate in, covering 85% of the state, according to the county health department. The county now plans to move its program into the state one, which is scheduled to launch in 2023.

Dr. Faisal Khan, director of the county department, said he has no doubt that the St. Louis program has "saved lives across the state." Opioid prescriptions decreased dramatically once the county established the monitoring program. In 2016, Missouri averaged 80.4 opioid prescriptions per 100 people; in 2019, it was down to 58.3 prescriptions, according to the CDC.

The overall drug overdose death rate in Missouri has steadily increased since 2016, though, with the CDC reporting an initial count of 1,921 people dying from overdoses of all kinds of drugs in 2020.

Khan acknowledged that a monitoring program can lead to an increase in overdose deaths in the years immediately following its establishment because people addicted to prescription opioids suddenly can't obtain them and instead buy street drugs that are more potent and contain impurities.

But he said a monitoring program can also help a physician intervene before someone becomes addicted. Doctors who flag a patient using the monitoring program must then also be able to easily refer them to treatment, Khan and others said.

"We absolutely are not prepared for that in Missouri," said Winograd, of NoMODeaths. "Substance use treatment providers will frequently tell you that they are at max capacity."

Uninsured people in rural areas may have to wait five weeks for inpatient or outpatient treatment at state-funded centers, according to PreventEd, a St. Louis-based nonprofit that aims to reduce harm from alcohol and drug use.

For example, the waiting list for residential treatment at the Preferred Family Healthcare clinic in Trenton is typically two weeks during the summer and one month in winter, according to Melanie Tipton, who directs clinical services at the center, which mostly serves uninsured clients in rural northern Missouri.

Tipton, who has worked at the clinic for 17 years, said that before the covid-19 pandemic, people struggling with opioid addiction mainly used prescription pills; now it's mostly heroin and fentanyl, because they are cheaper. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Still, Tipton said her clients continue to find providers who overprescribe opiates, so she thinks a statewide monitoring program could help.

Inez Davis, diversion program manager for the Drug Enforcement Administration's St. Louis division, also said in an email that the program will benefit Missouri and neighboring states because "doctor shoppers and those who commit prescription fraud now have one less avenue."

Winograd said it's possible that if the state had more opioid prescription pill mills, it would have a lower overdose death rate. "I don't think that's the answer," she said. "We need to move in the direction of decriminalization and a regulated drug supply." Specifically, she'd rather Missouri decriminalize possession of small amounts of hard drugs, even heroin, and institute regulations to ensure the drugs are safe.

State Rep. Justin Hill, a Republican from St. Charles and former narcotics detective, opposed the monitoring program legislation because of his concerns over patient privacy and evidence that the lack of a program has not made Missouri's opioid problem any worse than many other states. He also worries the monitoring program will lead to an increase in overdose deaths.

"I would love the people that passed this bill to stand by the numbers," Hill said. "And if we see more deaths from overdose, scrap the monitoring program and go back to the drawing board."
Last year, the American Cancer Society (ACS) issued an updated set of guidelines for cervical cancer screening - emphasizing the shift toward screening with primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

While the ACS recommendation accounts for a transition period to implement primary HPV screening, additional factors should be considered to operationalize these guidelines, according to a special white paper in the July issue of the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease (JLGTD), official journal of ASCCP. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

In the article, the ASCCP Cervical Cancer Screening Task Force voices its support for the ACS's 2020 cervical cancer screening guidelines, which include "a strong recommendation to screen with primary HPV testing."

Meanwhile, the ASCCP Task Force reserves its full endorsement for the 2018 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations, which provide greater flexibility as the US healthcare system shifts to more widespread use of primary HPV screening. Jenna Z. Marcus, MD, of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Newark, is lead author of the ASCCP Task Force white paper.

During shift to primary HPV testing, ASCCP task force 'endorses any cervical cancer screening'

Since HPV causes the vast majority of cervical cancers, testing for HPV as the primary screening test is a more effective approach to screening than cervical cytology (Pap testing)." Patty Cason, MS, FNP-BC, Study Co-Author, Wolters Kluwer Health

With this approach, a cervical swab is used to test for the presence of high-risk HPV strains responsible for virtually all cervical cancers. In its 2020 guideline update, the ACS recommends the HPV test alone (primary HPV screening), for people with a cervix, beginning at age 25 and continuing through age 65.

At the current time, many patients receive care at sites where FDA-approved tests for primary HPV screening are not yet available, so this screening approach is not yet accessible to all patients. The ACS states that when FDA-approved tests for primary HPV screening are not available at a given health center, other options - co-testing with both HPV testing and cervical cytology, and cervical cytology alone - are "acceptable" alternative strategies. The ACS also suggests that these methods may be excluded from future guideline updates.

The Task Force acknowledges the benefits of primary HPV screening. "The ASCCP recognizes the need to transition to primary HPV screening and acknowledges that logistical considerations surrounding implementation, the impact of limited HPV vaccination in the United States, and inclusion of populations who may be marginalized are necessary and must be prioritized."

However, during this transition period, a flexible approach is needed to ensure maximum availability of screening. For that reason, the ASCCP Task Force endorses the 2018 USPSTF cervical cancer screening recommendations, which include "all screening modalities." The USPSTF statement provides "flexibility that may benefit those who are marginalized, underinsured, or experiencing inequity and health disparities." Through its endorsement of the 2018 USPSTF guidelines, that document is considered official ASCCP clinical guidance.

ASCCP assesses guidance from other organizations according to its Guidelines Endorsement Policy, which has three levels: endorsement, support, and comment. Endorsement indicates endorsement of a peer organization's clinical document and denotes that ASCCP fully supports the clinical guidance.

Support of a peer organization's clinical document denotes that ASCCP deems the document to be of educational value to its members, although ASCCP may not agree with every recommendation or statement in the document. Comments to a peer organization's clinical document denotes that ASCCP does not agree with the recommendation, and feels the need to formally voice that opinion through public comment.

In announcing its support for the 2020 ACS guidelines, The ASCCP recognizes the need to transition to primary HPV screening and acknowledges that logistical considerations surrounding implementation, the impact of limited HPV vaccination in the United States, and inclusion of populations who may be marginalized are necessary and must be prioritized.

The Task Force emphasizes the need for "sound and conservative clinical judgment" when applying the guidelines to the individual patient's situation. The authors conclude: "Most importantly, the ASCCP endorses any cervical cancer screening for secondary prevention of cervical cancer and recommends interventions that improve screening for those who are underscreened or unscreened."
Metrion Biosciences Limited (Metrion), the specialist ion channel contract research and drug discovery company, today announced the appointment of Nick Foster as Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Global Business Development, to support the broadening of Metrions international customer base and facilitate entry into new territories. The appointment follows the recently announced 2.7m new equity investment led by Gresham House Ventures and forms part of the Companys significant growth strategy for 2021 and 2022, with a focus on the USA, EU, and Japan.

Nick has a strong technical background in protein engineering and drug metabolism studies, as well as global business development and marketing expertise, and an understanding of the early drug discovery and safety profiling process and the importance of customer relationships. Following his early career as a laboratory scientist, Nick moved into business development, holding positions as Associate Director, Business Development Europe for BioFocus Limited (now Charles River Laboratories), Head of Commercial Operations at Optibrium Limited, and Director, Business Development for WuXi AppTec. Nick has an undergraduate degree in Applied Biochemistry from Liverpool John Moores University, UK.

I am very pleased to welcome Nick to Metrions senior management team. His background and experience will be crucial to the next phase of Metrions growth and I look forward to working with him to achieve our corporate objectives. Dr. Andrew Southan, Chief Executive Officer of Metrion Biosciences

Nick Foster Chief Commercial Officer, Metrion Biosciences, commented: I am delighted to be joining Metrion at this exciting time of expansion for the company. Metrion has established itself as a global leader in ion channel drug discovery and I look forward to working with the team to support these services, engage with our collaborators and develop new opportunities to further expand our global partnerships.
Over the past 18 months, researchers have learned much about COVID-19 and its viral cause, SARS-CoV-2. They know how the virus enters the body, coming in through the nose and mouth and beginning its infection in the mucus layers of the nasal passageway. They know that infections that remain in the upper airway are likely to be mild or asymptomatic, while infections that progress down the airway to the lungs are much more severe and can lead to fatal diseases. And they have identified common risk factors for severe diseases, like age, gender, and obesity. But there are still many unanswered questions -- such as when, and where, the course of severe COVID-19 is determined. Does the pathway to severe disease begin only after the body has failed to control mild disease, or could it start much earlier than that?

Researchers at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard; the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Boston Children's Hospital (BCH); MIT; and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) wondered whether this path towards severe disease could start much earlier than expected -- perhaps even within the initial response created when the virus enters the nose.

To test this, they studied cells taken from nasal swabs of patients at the time of their initial COVID-19 diagnosis, comparing patients who went on to develop mild COVID-19 to those who progressed into more severe disease and eventually required respiratory support. Their results showed that patients who went on to develop severe COVID-19 exhibited a much more muted antiviral response in the cells collected from those early swabs, compared to patients who had a mild course of the disease. The paper appears in Cell.

"We wanted to understand if there were pronounced differences in samples taken early in the course of disease that were associated with different severities of COVID-19 as the disease progressed," said co-senior author Jose Ordovas-Montanes, an associate member in the Klarman Cell Observatory at Broad and assistant professor at BCH and Harvard Medical School. "Our findings suggest that the course of severe COVID-19 may be determined by the body's intrinsic antiviral response to initial infection, opening up new avenues for early interventions that could prevent severe disease."

To understand the early response to infection, Sarah Glover of the Division of Digestive Diseases at UMMC and her laboratory collected nasal swabs from 58 people. Thirty-five swabs came from COVID-19 patients, taken at the time of diagnosis, representing a variety of disease states from mild to severe. Seventeen swabs came from healthy volunteers and six came from patients with respiratory failure due to other causes. The team isolated individual cells from each sample and sequenced them, looking for RNA that would indicate what kind of proteins the cells were making -- a proxy for understanding what a given cell is doing at the moment of collection.

Cells use RNA as instructions to make proteins -- tools, machinery, and building blocks used within and by the cell to perform different functions and respond to its environment. By studying the collection of RNA in a cell -- its transcriptome -- researchers understand how a cell is responding, at that particular moment in time, to environmental changes such as a viral infection. Researchers can even use the transcriptome to see if individual cells are infected by an RNA virus-like SARS-CoV-2.

Alex Shalek, co-senior author on the study, a member of the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, and an institute member at Broad specializes in studying the transcriptomes of individual cells. His lab has helped develop innovative approaches to sequence thousands of single cells from low-input clinical samples, as the nasal swab of COVID-19 patients, and uses the resulting data to create high-resolution pictures of the body's orchestrated response to infection at the sample site.

"Our single-cell sequencing approaches allow us to comprehensively study the body's response to disease at a specific moment in time," said Shalek, who is also an associate professor at MIT in the Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, the Department of Chemistry, and the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. "This gives us the ability to systematically explore features that differentiate one course of disease from another as well as cells that are infected from those that are not. We can then leverage this information to guide the development of more effective preventions and cures for COVID-19 and other viral infections."

Ordovas-Montanes's lab studies inflammatory responses and their memory, specializing in those found in epithelial cells -- the top layer of cells, like those that line your nasal passageways and are collected by nasal swabs. Working with the Shalek lab and that of Bruce Horwitz, a senior associate physician in the BCH Division of Emergency Medicine, the researchers interrogated how both epithelial and immune cells were responding to early COVID-19 infection from the single-cell transcriptome data.

First, the team found that the antiviral response, driven by a family of proteins called interferons, was much more muted in patients who went on to develop severe COVID-19. Second, patients with severe COVID-19 had higher amounts of highly inflammatory macrophages, immune cells that contribute to high amounts of inflammation, often found in severe or fatal COVID-19.

Since these samples were taken well before COVID-19 had reached its peak state of disease in the patients, both these findings indicate that the course of COVID-19 may be determined by the initial or very early response of the nasal epithelial and immune cells to the virus. The lack of strong initial antiviral response may allow the virus to spread more rapidly, increasing the chances that it can move from the upper to lower airways, while the recruitment of inflammatory immune cells could help drive the dangerous inflammation in severe disease.

Finally, the team also identified infected host cells and pathways associated with protection against infection -- cells and responses unique to patients that went on to develop mild disease. These findings may allow researchers to discover new therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections.

If, as the team's evidence suggests, the early stages of infection can determine disease, it opens a path for scientists to develop early interventions that can help prevent severe COVID-19 from developing. The team's work even identified potential markers of severe disease, genes that were expressed in mild COVID-19 but not in severe COVID-19.

Nearly all our severe COVID-19 samples lacked expression of several genes we would typically expect to see in an antiviral response." Carly Ziegler, Study Co-First Author, and Graduate Student, Health Science and Technology Program, MIT and Harvard

"If further studies support our findings, we could use the same nasal swabs we use to diagnose COVID-19 to identity potentially severe cases before severe disease develops, creating an opportunity for effective early intervention," said Carly Ziegler

Support for this study was provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation, the AGA Research Foundation, the New York Stem Cell Foundation, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, the National Institute on Aging, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, and other sources.
New biomarkers found in the eyes could unlock the key to helping manage diabetic retinopathy, and perhaps even diabetes, according to new research conducted at the Indiana University School of Optometry.

During its early stages, diabetes can affect the eyes before the changes are detectable with a regular clinical examination. However, new retinal research has found that these changes can be measured earlier than previously thought with specialized optical techniques and computer analysis.

The ability to detect biomarkers for this sight-threatening condition may lead to the early identification of people at risk for diabetes or a visual impairment, as well as improve physicians' ability to manage these patients. The study appears in the journal PLOS One.

Early detection of retinal damage from diabetes is possible to obtain with painless methods and might help identify undiagnosed patients early enough to diminish the consequences of uncontrolled diabetes." Ann E. Elsner, study co-author and Distinguished Professor, School of Optometry, Indiana University

Diabetic retinopathy, which is caused by changes in the blood vessels in the retina, is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in U.S. adults. From 2010 to 2050, the number of Americans with diabetic retinopathy is expected to nearly double, from 7.7 million to 14.6 million.

The new study is part of the current widespread emphasis on the detection of diabetic retinopathy through artificial intelligence applied to retinal images. However, some of these algorithms provide detection based on features that occur much later than the changes found in this study.

The IU-led method advances earlier detection because of the retinal image processing algorithms described in the study.

"Many algorithms use any image information that differs between diabetic patients and controls, which can identify which individuals might have diabetes, but these can be nonspecific," Elsner said. "Our method can be combined with the other AI methods to provide early information localized to specific retinal layers or types of tissues, which allows inclusion of information not analyzed in the other algorithms."

Elsner conducted the retinal image analysis in her lab at the IU School of Optometry's Borish Center for Ophthalmic Research, along with her co-author, Joel A. Papay, a Ph.D. student in the Vision Science Program at the school. They used data collected from volunteers with diabetes, along with healthy control subjects. Additional data were also collected from a diabetic retinopathy screening of members of the underserved community at the University of California, Berkeley, and Alameda Health.

The computer analysis was performed on retinal image data commonly collected in well-equipped clinics, but much of the information used in this study is often ignored for diagnosis or management of patients.

The study was supported by a five-year $2.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health's National Eye Institute.
Adolescents who set goals for their future and those with strong parental support are less likely to use e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, according to a study by UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine physician-scientists.

The research, published today in the journal Pediatrics, suggests that strategies to prevent youth vaping may be different from what works to dissuade youth from smoking cigarettes.

The use of e-cigarettes by young people is at epidemic proportions, with 27% of youth surveyed saying they'd vaped in the last 30 days. And a lot of the traditional methods we think of for counseling youth on the dangers of tobacco and drug use may not apply to vaping. Pediatricians and parents need a better understanding of what motivates adolescents to eschew e-cigarettes." Nicholas Szoko, M.D., Lead Author, Fellow, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's

Szoko and his colleagues analyzed anonymous questionnaires administered in partnership with the Allegheny County Health Department and completed by 2,487 high school students in Pittsburgh Public Schools. The surveys asked questions to ascertain if and how often the students used e-cigarettes or other tobacco products, and to determine if any of four "protective factors" validated by previous research were associated with a lower likelihood of vaping or smoking.

The protective factors examined were:

Future orientation: A person's beliefs, hopes and goals related to the future.

Parental monitoring: Parent-child interactions and communication.

Social support: The ability to rely on friends and peers.

School connectedness: A sense of belonging and inclusion at school.

In the study, positive future orientation and high levels of parental monitoring were both linked with a 10% to 25% lower prevalence of recently or ever vaping, compared to peers with lower scores on those protective factors. There was no link between social support or school connectedness and use of e-cigarettes.

All four protective factors were associated with lower prevalence of smoking or use of other tobacco products, but none were linked to intent to quit using tobacco products. This suggests that once young people begin to use tobacco, quitting may be more difficult to promote. The researchers note that these findings should be explored to develop improved youth tobacco prevention efforts, but that it isn't surprising that the results for vaping weren't exactly the same as for smoking.

"E-cigarettes are positioned and marketed differently than tobacco cigarettes. They've been popularized as tools for smoking cessation, and previous research has found the various flavors and trendy ads for vaping are attractive to youth," said Szoko. "We also know that vaping primes adolescents to transition to smoking cigarettes and other substance use. So, it stands to reason that we may need different approaches to keep kids from vaping, than we use to stop them from smoking."

Senior author Alison Culyba, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of pediatrics, public health, and clinical and translational science at Pitt, noted that frameworks already exist to help clinicians use future orientation and encourage parental monitoring when providing health care to young people, which bodes well for developing e-cigarette intervention programs to strengthen these protective factors.

"Future orientation is something very tangible that pediatricians and other health care providers can talk with teens about in the clinic--motivational interviewing is something we're very comfortable doing with our patients," said Culyba, also an adolescent medicine physician and director of the Empowering Teens to Thrive program at UPMC Children's. "And we can help parents to navigate their roles as their children become pre-teens and teens, and help encourage open conversations with their kids about what they're encountering."
Crystal Joseph pays for two telemedicine video services to ensure that her small therapy practice in Silver Spring, Maryland, can always connect with its clients.

She's been burned before. During one hours-long service outage of SimplePractice in late May, PsycYourMind, which offers mental health counseling and group sessions for Black patients, lost about $600 because of missed appointments. Livid, Joseph requested a small credit from the telemedicine service, which costs $432 monthly for her team of clinicians and trainees. SimplePractice refused, she said.

"What they offer is phenomenal, especially being founded by a therapist," said Joseph, a licensed clinical professional counselor. "But with a private practice, if you don't get paid, you don't eat." For some sessions, she was able to hop onto her backup, VSee, which costs her $49 each month. Some of her peers use Zoom. But even though Joseph keeps links to both her SimplePractice and VSee accounts in her email signature, a last-minute switch-up can feel messy for clients, and she never charges a no-show fee when it's an "act of God."

Major health systems, clinics and private practices alike pivoted swiftly to telemedicine when the covid-19 pandemic forced the nation to shelter in place and patients could no longer safely venture into health care settings. But the video services were not equally prepared for the titanic influx in users, said Kapil Chalil Madathil, an engineering professor at Clemson University who has researched how easy  or difficult  telemedicine platforms are to use.

Videoconferencing vendors, including Zoom, tech giants like Microsoft and Cisco, and a host of telemedicine startups absorbed an explosion of demand over the past pandemic months. PitchBook estimates that revenue from the global telehealth market will hit $312.3 billion in 2026, up from $65.5 billion in 2019. But beyond connectivity issues, some services seemed designed for dissatisfaction. They required patients to download a desktop application or made them click through multiple steps to log in. "On an iPhone, I can click one button to see my grandkids," Madathil said. "Can we not make telemedicine systems as easy as that?"

Providers often were locked in with telemedicine options from services they were already using  or what they could afford. Joseph was already paying SimplePractice to house her practice's electronic health records, so moving to another platform would have been time-consuming and costly, she said.

Practitioners have depended on telemedicine to keep their businesses afloat in the pandemic, and Joseph plans to keep a portion of her sessions virtual. A one-stop shop for private practice clinicians, SimplePractice offers scheduling, an electronic medical records system and insurance claims filing along with its video services. The company said it hosted 17 million telehealth appointments last year.

"The expectations are rising," said Diana Stepner, a SimplePractice vice president. "Individuals want screen sharing, they want grid views, so we've added new capabilities since the pandemic began and will continue to do so."

Zoom became an overnight poster child for staying connected as employees in every line of business across the country worked from home. Its revenue jumped 326% in the fiscal year that ended on Jan. 31, 2021, over the previous year's. Even before the pandemic, the Silicon Valley company offered a service tailored for health care practitioners that complied with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects patient privacy, and could be synced with Epic Systems electronic medical records.

"It was 'all bets are off' once the pandemic hit," said Heidi West, who heads the health care division at Zoom. West pointed to the CARES Act and the loosening of telehealth regulations, which allowed doctors to be reimbursed for telemedicine at the same rate as for in-office visits.

UCSF Health, which had contracted with Zoom for virtual visits since 2016, gave every doctor and clinician a personal link for its videoconference line and a separate virtual waiting room. Telemedicine calls for outpatient care within the San Francisco academic medical system spiked from 2% of visits in February 2020 to more than 60% by that April. Doctors were seeing patients  who often used their cellphones  in their homes, in parked cars and in one case on skyscraper scaffolding, where a construction worker stepped away for a quick doctor's visit, said Linda Branagan, director of telehealth at UCSF Health.

Zoom is not immune to glitches, Branagan said, but it seems to bounce back faster than many other vendors and "recovers quite gracefully."

UCSF surveyed its patients and found they were more satisfied with their video visits than their in-person ones. More than a year later, almost one-third of outpatient visits are still conducted virtually.

Elsewhere, the initial transition was rockier. Dr. James McElligott, who runs Medical University of South Carolina's Center for Telehealth, said the hospital could not afford to upgrade its Vidyo conferencing system, so he opted for Doxy.me, which the center already used for research and had an easy-to-use interface.

"We were able to get clever, and many doctors really liked it," McElligott said. The software has a waiting room from which patients can be transferred into virtual rooms with providers. The health system sent patients a text with a direct link for their appointments so that they didn't lose time.

"But we couldn't control quality or solve connectivity issues ourselves," he said. "We did have a lot of patients who, despite it just being a link, were uncomfortable waiting." That led to some patients abandoning visits, he added.

Doxy.me employed just eight people when the video telemedicine service saw an unwieldy increase in users in March 2020. For two weeks straight, the company signed up 20,000 new health care providers a day, said founder and CEO Brandon Welch, amassing a backlog of customer service inquiries. One day, Welch recalled, there was a 30-second queue for the website to load because so many people were logging on simultaneously.

"We hired anyone who could walk and chew gum at the same time," joked Welch, noting that many of those early pandemic hires, largely tackling customer service, had been recently laid off from other industries, like restaurants.

Doxy.me automated the sign-up process as quickly as possible. The service ballooned from 80,000 users to 850,000 as it assembled a team of 120 employees. And it is still hiring. Doctors and clinicians can sign up for the basic HIPAA-compliant service  which includes audio, video and a patient waiting room  at no charge. But for enhanced options, like screen sharing or shared rooms, there's a price tag of at least $29 a month.

For many doctors and clinicians, the move to virtual visits may be permanent, even with all the technical hiccups. A survey conducted by SimplePractice of over 2,400 clinicians in February found that 88% expected to continue offering a telehealth option.

Jessica Ehrman, a Santa Monica, California, therapist who plans to keep her practice fully remote, finds telemedicine much easier for scheduling, particularly for kids who have short windows of availability. Still, connectivity issues during that small time frame can tarnish the whole session.

"If you're talking about deep childhood trauma  having your connection time out then? It's really frustrating when we're paying for a service," said Ehrman, who has been suddenly dropped from sessions, experienced lags and even once saw back-end coding pop up in her provider portal. Like Joseph in Maryland, she uses SimplePractice through her agency and personally pays for Zoom's HIPAA-compliant option to head off technical difficulties.

Despite the problems, few health care providers want to forsake the technology. "Video visits are cemented," said Branagan. "I will never again have to have a conversation with a physician to convince them that you can do health care via video."
James "Jim" C. Thompson, 86, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Clark Memorial Health. He worked at the Army Ammunition Plant and Jewish Hospital as an orderly/transport. Jim was a member of Eastside Christian Church. He was a native of Shepherdsville, KY. He is survived by his sons, Hen
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(Newser)  After a summer devoid of the big screen last year, moviegoers are flocking back to theaters, though Scott Mendelson noted in his May preview in Forbes that most of the films being released this season are "smaller in scale and not aiming for blowout status. The hope is for achieving normalcy, not notching milestones." That hasn't traditionally been the case, as summer has been when Hollywood often pushes out releases it hopes will smash box-office records. Salon takes a look back over the past five decades or sonot at the blockbusters that were, but at the ones that weren't. These are the summer films with "big intentions that produced not-so-big results" and that "failed, often spectacularly." Read on for the bombs, including a movie inspired by an L. Ron Hubbard book:



Ishtar (1987) Super Mario Bros. (1993) The 13th Warrior (1999) Battlefield Earth (2000) Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001) The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) Stealth (2005) Evan Almighty (2007) Cowboys and Aliens (2011) The Lone Ranger (2013)

See more movies that tanked, as well as a little history behind each, here . (M. Night Shyamalan's latest is holding its own .)
(Newser)  Robert Parris Moses, a civil rights activist who was shot at and endured beatings and jail while leading Black voter registration drives in the American South during the 1960s and later helped improve minority education in math, has died. He was 86, per the AP. Moses, who was widely referred to as Bob, worked to dismantle segregation as the Mississippi field director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee during the civil rights movement and was central to the 1964 Freedom Summer in which hundreds of students went to the South to register voters. Moses started his second chapter in civil rights work by founding in 1982 the Algebra Project thanks to a MacArthur Fellowship. The project included a curriculum Moses developed to help struggling students succeed in math.

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Ben Moynihan, the director of operations for the Algebra Project, said he had talked with Moses wife, Dr. Janet Moses, and she said her husband had passed away Sunday morning in Hollywood, Florida. Information was not given as to the cause of death. Moses was born in Harlem, New York, on January 23, 1935, two months after a race riot left three dead and injured 60 in the neighborhood. His grandfather, William Henry Moses, has been a prominent Southern Baptist preacher and a supporter of Marcus Garvey, a Black nationalist leader at the turn of the century. Moses, a Rhodes scholar as well as an activist, had a Ph.D. from Harvard. He taught math in Massachusetts and Mississippi.

(Read more obituary stories.)
(Newser)  A conservative radio host who downplayed COVID-19 and refused to get vaccinated has now contracted the virus and is in critical condition. Phil Valentine announced his diagnosis July 11, and initially said he'd be back to work in days (and he apparently was, for at least one day). "Unfortunately for the haters out there, it looks like Im going to make it," he said. But within less than two weeks, he was hospitalized; he's on a ventilator at night and using an oxygen mask during the day. On Sunday, his radio station posted an update regarding Valentine's vaccine statusnotable because, as Valentine's brother, Mark, tells New York Times, "A lot of people didnt get the vaccine because he didnt." And now 99.7 WTN is saying this: "Phil would like for his listeners to know that while he has never been an anti-vaxer he regrets not being more vehemently pro-vaccine, and looks forward to being able to more vigorously advocate that position."

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The response has been mixed, with some saying Valentine (who, last month, sang a song he called "Vaxman" that appeared to mock vaccines and, even after his diagnosis, appeared to question vaccine safety) had already inspired them to get vaccinated after he himself got sick, while others say they still have no plans to get the shot. The news comes as others' similar COVID diagnoses are also making headlines: In Maine, a Republican lawmaker who broke the state legislature's mask rules, mocked the vaccine, and downplayed the virus now has it, the Press-Herald reports; he and his wife are reportedly having significant symptoms. In Louisiana, a man hospitalized with COVID tells CBS News he'd rather go through that than get vaccinated. And in Southern California, a 34-year-old man active with Hillsong church, who had mocked vaccines on social media and continued posting about being opposed to them after being hospitalized, died of COVID, ABC 7 reports. (Read more COVID-19 stories.)
(Newser)  Hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail is quite an accomplishment. As Outside notes, only about 20% who try are successful. Hiking the 2,655-mile trail in only one season? Amazing. Doing it in 51 days? "Mind-boggling," says an official with the PCT Association. In fact, it appears to be record-breaking. The details:

The mark: Endurance athlete Timothy Olson last week claimed a time of 51 days, 16 hours, and 55 minutes, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. The 37-year-old wore a GPS tracker, and once his data is confirmed, he would eclipse the previous mark set by a Belgian athlete in 2016 by less than 24 hours. FKT (fastest known time) records for the PCT and other major routes are officially kept here.

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So fast: It typically takes five months for a hiker to finish the PCT, per IRunFar.com. Olson had to average more than 50 miles a day, often at high elevations. He wasn't so much hiking as runningfrom Mexico to Canada.

It typically takes five months for a hiker to finish the PCT, per IRunFar.com. Olson had to average more than 50 miles a day, often at high elevations. He wasn't so much hiking as runningfrom Mexico to Canada. Complications: Wildfires in particular complicated the run this year. Some parts of the trail were closed, forcing Olson to backtrack. At one point, he was driven from one trailhead to beyond the section that was closed, but his GPS data is expected to show that he actually ended up running longer than the trail itself and thus would get the record.

Wildfires in particular complicated the run this year. Some parts of the trail were closed, forcing Olson to backtrack. At one point, he was driven from one trailhead to beyond the section that was closed, but his GPS data is expected to show that he actually ended up running longer than the trail itself and thus would get the record. Support team: Olson had a support team following him in two RV vehicles, though some parts of the trail were too isolated for that. They helped him with food and laundry, among other things. His wife, fellow athlete Krista Olson, who's eight months pregnant, was in that support team. Olson posted a photo of him and his wife just before his final stretch. "Every step of the way I have felt all of your positive vibrations and supportthey're giving me so much strength and energy," he wrote. His wife previously had two miscarriages, and Olson raised money on his run for the support group Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.

Olson had a support team following him in two RV vehicles, though some parts of the trail were too isolated for that. They helped him with food and laundry, among other things. His wife, fellow athlete Krista Olson, who's eight months pregnant, was in that support team. Olson posted a photo of him and his wife just before his final stretch. "Every step of the way I have felt all of your positive vibrations and supportthey're giving me so much strength and energy," he wrote. His wife previously had two miscarriages, and Olson raised money on his run for the support group Return to Zero: H.O.P.E. Recuperating: "After 2,650 miles, he's shot and his body doesn't deal with cold well," mother-in-law Debbie Loomis tells the Chronicle. Father-in-law Bob Loomis added that Olson was battling lower-leg issues during the run.

(Read more Pacific Crest Trail stories.)
(Newser)  "We're going in the wrong direction." That was Dr. Anthony Fauci's message to the nation Sunday on CNN in regard to COVID. Fauci reiterated what has become a familiar theme among US health officials, describing "a pandemic among the unvaccinated" because of the fast-spreading delta variant. More:

Looking ahead: With the COVID fight still ongoing, Fauci is backing a new approach to guard against future pandemics, reports the New York Times. The idea is to make prototype vaccines for about 20 families of viruses so they'd be ready to go should one jump from animals to humans or break out in some other fashion. The idea is expensive, with Fauci estimating its cost at "a few billion dollars" per year. But he thinks it could begin in 2022 and yield its first results in about five years.

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Two possible shifts: Fauci said the new surge in cases means the US might soon recommend booster shots for the most vulnerable and revise its mask policy to recommend that the vaccinated begin wearing them again indoors, reports the Washington Post.

Fauci said the new surge in cases means the US might soon recommend booster shots for the most vulnerable and revise its mask policy to recommend that the vaccinated begin wearing them again indoors, reports the Washington Post. In praise: Fauci, who described COVID as "in retreat" among the vaccinated, made a point Sunday to praise Republicans who have shifted tone of late and are encouraging people to get vaccinated, reports the Guardian. He singled out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rep. Steve Scalise.

Fauci, who described COVID as "in retreat" among the vaccinated, made a point Sunday to praise Republicans who have shifted tone of late and are encouraging people to get vaccinated, reports the Guardian. He singled out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rep. Steve Scalise. Tone matters: Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie went on ABC's This Week Sunday and discussed the reluctance among the unvaccinated to get their shots. "What they don't want is to be indoctrinatedthey're willing to be vaccinated," he said, per Axios. It's more about persuading than ordering, he added. "It's a libertarian type of response. I sat with this guy and I walked him through the facts, and then he said: 'OK, I'm going to go get vaccinated.' That's what we need to be doing."

(Read more Anthony Fauci stories.)
(Newser)  Former jailhouse informants in Philadelphia say detectives trying to clear up murder cases decades ago offered them the chance to have sex with girlfriends or sex workers in police interview rooms in return for false testimony that sent innocent men to prison. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that no case has been overturned on "sex for lies" since 1990, but at least six men whose convictions were based on testimony from accusers who have admitted they lied in return for sex and drugs are still behind bars, including 71-year-old William Franklin. In a 2016 affidavit, ex-con Manny Claitt said police said he had a choice between a life sentence or leniency, plus the chance to meet girlfriends in a police building known as the Roundhouse, if he implicated Franklin and another man in a 1976 murder. Visitor logs show he met at least one girlfriend in the building.

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In a statement before his death last year, Claitt admitted his testimony had been falseand said detectives threatened to frame him for another murder if he recanted. "There was never no evidence, no fingerprints, no weapons, no ballistics," Franklin says. At least 11 other former prisoners have also claimed homicide detectives offered similar arrangements, including Franklin Lee, who says women were allowed to bring drugs to the meetings. Most of the detectives involved are now deceased and the DA's office has declined to comment on the cases in the Inquirer story. Boston College law professor R. Michael Cassidy tells the paper that jailhouse informants are the "third rail of prosecutorial behavior" and offering informants sex and drugs "would be egregious behavior that would probably make the whole statement inadmissible, even if the behavior was disclosed." (Read more Philadelphia stories.)
(Newser)  He may be an inspiration to both extreme athletes and hamsters alike, but Reza Baluchi's recent bid to "run" from Florida to New York has come to a frustrating and anticlimactic end. Per the Sun Sentinel, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office reported that the 49-year-old washed ashore a beach in St. Augustine, Fla., on Saturday, 30 miles south of where he'd set off the day before in a contraption he calls a "hydropod," in his quest to make it 1,000 miles north to the Empire State. However, Baluchi "came across some complications" that truncated his journey, the sheriff's department noted on Facebook, showing photos of what the Guardian calls Baluchi's "strange vessel," a "barrel-type" structure that appears to be held up by flotation devices. The Coast Guard "arrived on scene to take over the case and ensure the vessel/occupant are USCG compliant," said the sheriff's post.

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The USCG has a history with Baluchi, per a previous CNN article, which indicates Baluchi tried to use his hydropod to get from Florida to Bermuda, both in 2016 and in 2014. A ticked-off Coast Guard had to rescue him both times, declaring his voyage to be "manifestly unsafe"; the 2014 rescue cost nearly $150,000, per WPLG. This time, an uninjured Baluchi says he was forced to turn back after he discovered some of his safety and navigation gear had been stolen. Baluchi, who came to the States in 2002 as a refugee from Iran, is no stranger to extreme living: He's hunkered down in a tent in Death Valley, run from one side of the US to the other (twice), and even made an 11,000-mile-plus trek around the nation's perimeter. He raises money for these stunts, he says, to support the homeless, the Coast Guard, and first responders. He plans to try his New York trip again. (Read more strange stuff stories.)
(Newser)  An Australian clothing company accused of exploiting public fears about COVID-19 by making false claims about its activewear has agreed to pay a $3.7 million fine. As a second wave of infections hit Australia last summer, Lorna Jane started selling what it called "anti-virus activewear," the Washington Post reports. Ads claimed the activewear was treated with a spray that stopped transferal of all pathogens" and could "cure the spread of COVID-19." "With Lorna Jane Shield on our garments it meant that we were completely eliminating the possibility of spreading any deadly viruses," one ad claimed. In a ruling Friday, a judge called the claims "exploitative, predatory, and potentially dangerous," reports the BBC.

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Judge Darryl Rangian said the company, which admitted there was no scientific or technological evidence for its claims, had made "misleading, deceptive, and untrue representations," per the Courier Mail. The company was ordered to pay the fine, publish corrections, and pay the cost of the consumer watchdog's investigation. Lorna Jane argued that it had been misled by a supplier but said it will not contest the fine. A "trusted supplier" had told the company a spray used on the clothing "was both antibacterial and antiviral," chief executive Bill Clarkson said. "We believed we were passing on a benefit to our customers." (Read more coronavirus stories.)
(Newser)  Inevitable but still unwelcome: The US Geological Society says the average daily water level of Great Salt Lake in Utah has dropped to a historic low. The agency tweeted over the weekend that it recorded a level of 4,191.3 feet above sea level, eclipsing the previous low set in 1964, per the Salt Lake Tribune. Don't expect the record to stand very long, because the lake typically drops through August and September before rebounding in October. "The new historic low is going to be set this autumn," says Ryan Rowland of the USGS. While lake levels have been trending lower for years, this year's drought in Utah delivered the decisive blow in regard to the unwanted record. Snow melt in the spring usually raises the lake level 2 feet. This year? 6 inches.

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"I have never seen it this badnot in my lifetime," pilot Andy Wallace, who flies regularly over the lake, tells CNN. The network takes an in-depth look at the lake's problems, noting that while the drought has indeed exacerbated the trouble in 2021, longer-range issues including increased human consumption and diversion have been depleting the lake for a while. It also details the cascading problems that result for the ecosystem, which in turn take a toll on the local economy. The situation is such that the co-leaders of the Great Salt Lake Institute at Westminster College wrote an obituary for the lake back in November. "In lieu of flowers, conserve water and call your legislators to advocate for smart water laws," they wrote. (Read more drought stories.)
(Newser)  Pastor Greg Locke has told his congregation that coronavirus restrictions have no place in his church. His stand, announced Sunday, apparently was sparked by federal health officials' reconsideration of mask recommendations and mandates as coronavirus cases jump. "If they go through round two and you start showing up (with) all these masks and all this nonsense, I will ask you to leave," Locke told his members. "I am not playing these Democrat games up in this church." Locke leads Global Vision Bible Church near Nashville, the Lexington Herald Leader reports. He promised Sunday not to close the church, as he did early in the pandemic when health officials were urging people not to gather in churches. "They will be serving Frostees in hell before we shut this place down," Locke said in his sermon.

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The congregation has grown dramatically as Locke has preached that the pandemic and coronavirus vaccines are scams, per CNN. Worshippers began coming to Mount Juliet from other states to attend the social distancing-free church services. Locke said he's become even more opposed to the vaccines over the course of the pandemic. Tennessee's coronavirus vaccination rate is about 38%, per the Hill, and New York Times data show the number of confirmed cases has more than tripled in 14 weeks. On Friday, state officials reported having more than 1,000 "breakthrough" cases, in which vaccinated people test positive for the virus, and 27 COVID-19 deaths among fully vaccinated Tennessee residents, per WZTV. (Read more face masks stories.)
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St. Marziale honored in Kulpmont with Mass, procession

Larry Deklinski / LARRY DEKLINSKI/STAFF PHOTO A statue of San Marziale is carried out of Holy Angels Church in Kulpmont prior to a procession Sunday afternoon. Larry Deklinski / Members of the greater Kulpmont community take part in the San Marziale procession Sunday afternoon. Larry Deklinski / LARRY DEKLINSKI/STAFF PHOTOs/ Members of the greater Kulpmont community take part in the San Marziale procession Sunday afternoon. San Marziale is the patron saint of Isca sull Ionio, a town in Calabria, southern Italy, which was the birthplace of many Italian immigrants who came to America. Larry Deklinski / LARRY DEKLINSKI/STAFF PHOTO Members of the greater Kulpmont community take part in the San Marziale procession Sunday afternoon.

KULPMONT  Members of the community recognized the Italian roots of the borough by honoring the patron saint of Isca sullo Ionio, a small town in southern Italy that was the birthplace of many immigrants who came to America for a better life.

Following a noon Mass at Holy Angels Church, men carried a statue of St. Marziale outside the church as bells rung, fireworks exploded overhead and the Our Boys Band played an assortment of Italian and patriotic music, including the national anthem.

Led by a police car and fire truck escort, the procession, which included flag, cross and banner bearers, statue carriers, band members and other citizens, moved through the streets of Kulpmont where residents pinned money to the statue.

All proceeds are donated to Holy Angels Church and the community.

According to legend, St. Marziale was the youngest of seven sons  known as the seven martyrs  of St. Felicitas, and is venerated as the patron saint of Isca sullo Ionio in Calabria, Italy, and Torricella Peligna in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

His feast day is July 10.

After a hiatus in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in an informal procession of a select number of dedicated marchers, Kulpmonts annual Italian heritage parade again graced borough streets in full force.

People from different ethnic backgrounds attended Sundays procession, but most of the marchers were of Italian descent from Kulpmont.

The event was organized by Landscape Services, Bressi Family Foods, the Holy Name Society of Holy Angels Church, Holy Angels Church, the Kulpmont order of the Knights of Columbus and various individuals and local businesses.
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A recent energy resilience evaluation from May 22-23, 2021, across Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, and Field Station Kunia in Hawaii demonstrated that the locations could be isolated and powered during a significant outage to ensure mission continuity.
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Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) President and Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH) Chairperson Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa has congratulated Saudi Arabia on UNESCOs inscription of Saudi Arabias cultural rock art in Hima, Najran, on the World Heritage List. She noted that the registration of the site on the list is a success not only for Saudi Arabia but also for all Arab countries.

The decision was taken during the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee being held in Fuzho, China. The site, the sixth to be enlisted in Saudi Arabia, is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world. Bahrain and ARC-WH are participating in the session of the World Heritage Committee, held in China until July 30.

Shaikha Mai indicated that the inscription of the sixth Saudi Arabian world heritage site reflects the countrys rich human heritage. She indicated that Bahrain, as a member of the World Heritage Committee, had backed the inscription of the Saudi site on the World Heritage List, noting that Bahrain and ARCWH support efforts to preserve the heritage sites across the Arab world.

Covering an area of 500 square kilometres, and located between Najran and Wadi Addawasir in the countrys southwest, Hima is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world, with more than 34 sites featuring inscriptions. Situated along the route taken by ancient Arabian caravans, these images derive from various scripts, including Musnad, Aramaic-Nabataean, South-Arabian, Thamudic, Greek and Arabic.

The works portray the everyday life of 7,000-year-old communities, with images depicting hunting, fauna and flora. Saudi Arabia is now home to six locations on the prestigious list, namely Hima Cultural Area (listed in 2021), Al Ahsa Oasis (listed in 2018), Rock art in Al Hail region (listed in 2015), Historic Jeddah (listed in 2014), Al Turaif (listed in 2010) and Hegra (also known as Madain Saleh) (listed in 2008).


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Former worker says city manager abused power in doling out discipline to employees
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DANBURY  A YouTuber may have tried to provoke local officers while he filmed at Danbury Library last month, but the cops should have kept their cool, experts said.

Danbury Police Department is wrapping up an internal investigation into this incident, which sparked a potential lawsuit and First Amendment debate.

Hearst Connecticut Media recently obtained body camera footage that showed an officer told another cop that the YouTuber would have been on the f****** ground five years ago and would have been dead 20 years ago.

Its blood curdling because its so dangerous, said Dan Barrett, legal director with the American Civil Liberties Union. What the cop said is so incredibly revealing and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. That public employees would feel free to severely injure or kill somebody because they felt disrespected is, I think, all of our worst fears.

There never should have been a time  no matter five or 20 years ago  when that behavior from police would be acceptable, he said.

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It appears the YouTuber tried to push these officers buttons on purpose, said Keith Taylor, an adjunct assistant professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

The lesson here for police officers is that, regardless of provocation, its important to always maintain an appropriate level of professionalism, he said.

In its internal investigation of the incident, Danbury police found some policy violations, including those comments, Chief Patrick Ridenhour said. As required under the police contract, private hearings are being held over the next week or so before the department administers any discipline to involved officers. The officers get union representation during the hearings.

Five cops responded to the Danbury Library incident. Ridenhour declined to release any names of officers involved in the hearings until after they concluded.

Danbury police should look at the attitudes of its cops and the departments culture, Barrett said.

If I were the employer, Id be thinking: Are we getting through to these people or do we have people who are out on the street who are going to do something violent? he said.

Comments like this are why some have called for police budgets to be cut and for that funding to be used in ways to better help the community, Barrett said.

Thats a severe warning to the employer that youve got a couple people who have views that for a long time have been way out of the mainstream, Barrett said. The challenge for Danbury is to get its house in order.

The YouTuber, SeanPaul Reyes, who says he intends to sue over the incident, is part of an online community of auditors, who film in public buildings, such as libraries or municipal centers, to see how well officials follow the U.S. Constitution. He was charged with criminal trespass and breach of peace on July 15 after a visit to City Hall in which he was recording.

Taylor has seen similar actions in New York City, where members of the public film officers in case they do something inappropriate. Often, the videographers try to provoke the officers into doing something wrong and sometimes win a monetary amount in lawsuits, he said.

It sounds like this particular individual was successful in provoking unfortunate types of comments from the officers, he said.

The exchange between the two officers happened after they walked away from the YouTuber, who had asked one cop if he looked at little girls in his free time and the other if he wore a mask to hide herpes, among other comments.

In these situations, officers should avoid engaging with the videographer and call a supervisor, Taylor said. A supervisor was called to the Danbury Library at the time.

Danbury police should address the issue by being transparent, acting quickly with an investigation and holding people accountable, Taylor said.

But the other aspect the agency has to do is make sure their officers are armed with proper training and clear protocols in terms of how to handle individuals who are attempting to provoke an incident, he said.
MCALLEN, Texas (AP)  South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noems whirlwind tour of the U.S. border with Mexico on Monday was filled with climbing into military vehicles, visiting with troops and positioning herself as tough on an issue that's sure to loom large in 2024 presidential debates.

The Republican governor flew to McAllen, Texas, to check in on the roughly 50 National Guard members who volunteered for a 30-day deployment. She heard how troops have encountered many children crossing and are eager to be stationed where even more people cross the border each night. By the end of the day, she had doubled down on border policy, saying she was considering extending the National Guard's assignment for more months.

The reality of it is astonishing, Noem told The Associated Press after meeting with the troops. What our soldiers are seeing is a porous border.

The ambitious governor s first visit to the border gives her a chance to pick up where former President Donald Trump left off in making hard-line immigration measures a driving force of the Republican Party. Noem eagerly joined the political fight with President Joe Biden after a surge in border crossings, sending the South Dakota Guard members to aid Texas push to arrest people crossing the border illegally and charge them with state crimes.

This is a national security threat behind us, Noem said at a news conference near a border wall. What we see happening behind us is an open border. The drugs that come into South Dakota come over this border.

But the governor has also stepped into a border policy debate that has no easy answers. She described how National Guard members are eager to help with border security, but have also been thrust into an environment where it's difficult to determine why people are crossing.

Large numbers of migrants have been showing up at the U.S. border with Mexico, with many turning themselves over to U.S. Border Patrol agents in seeking legal asylum status. U.S. officials reported this month that they had encountered 55,805 members of families with children in June, up 25% from the previous month. That figure still remains far below the high of 88,587 in May 2019.

For any Republican eyeing a 2024 presidential bid, a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border may become as necessary as visiting early primary states. Among the governors who have joined Gov. Greg Abbotts initiative, Noem and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are the only ones to stage a news conference with the border as a backdrop.

Noem posed for photos with troops stationed on the Rio Grande River, inspected night-vision-enabled military trucks, and munched on burgers with her National Guard escort.

However, Noems trip comes with its own political baggage: She was fiercely criticized for accepting $1 million from a Republican donor to fund the deployment. Military experts said it set a troubling precedent that sent a message that military troops could be deployed at the behest of private donors.

But Noem brushed aside those concerns, and instead cast the donation as proof she is fiscally conservative. By accepting the donation, she argued, she was saving taxpayer money. And she was already eager to join the border fight when Tennessee billionaire Willis Johnson called with his $1 million offer  she was just deliberating whether to send police officers or National Guard troops.

Noem said many others have reached out to offer donations to fund the deployment. She said she would evaluate any further offers, but added that she would like to see Texas help fund the deployment if it lasts beyond the initial two months she committed.

Meanwhile, Texas authorities last week began arresting people along the border on trespassing charges. At least 10 people were jailed, but the number of migrant arrests could increase to as many as 100 or 200 per day, according to authorities.

As Noem made her first foray into border policy, she appeared ready to double-down on a tough-on-immigration stance that is sure to be a talking point for years to come.

A lot of times you can't speak to the reality of something unless you see it, she said.

___

Follow Stephen Groves on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephengroves
There are 54 drug recognition experts dispersed across Connecticut, and the number of these specially trained police officers could dramatically increase next year in response to the states legalization of recreational marijuana.

There is no chemical-based, roadside test for marijuana as there is with alcohol and no tube through which a driver can blow. So, police officers have to rely on training to determine if a driver is under the influence, and drivers must comply with the officers request.

This used to be voluntary, said Kevin Geraci, a South Windsor police officer who is among those training DREs on behalf of the state Department of Transportation.

A subject arrested for impaired driving where the officer suspected drugs, they didn't have to do this evaluation, it was strictly voluntary, with no repercussions for them refusing to do it. Now with the new legislation, they're required to take it and there could be penalties for refusing.

Current law does not allow the state to suspend the license of drug-impaired drivers who do not have an elevated blood-alcohol level. But the new legislation, which takes effect in April 2022, allows a drivers license to be suspended based on evidence of behavioral impairment, according to an Office of Legislative Research analysis.

And if a driver refuses to be evaluated by a DRE, the officers testimony can be used and admitted as evidence in a criminal court.

Because there is no chemical-based field test for marijuana, the testimony of those DREs is admissible as evidence in court, as it has been since Connecticut began training DREs in 2011.

DRE training is the highest level of drug-related education an officer can receive, according to Geraci.

It's a pretty intensive training course, he said. We kind of tout that it's probably one of the more difficult courses in law enforcement to take.

DREs are located in each of the states counties, including in Greenwich, Norwalk, Clinton, East Haven, Torrington, Shelton, Newtown, Wallingford, Wolcott, New Milford and several Connecticut State Police Troops. The state Department of Motor Vehicles employs a DRE, as does the University of Connecticut for its Storrs campus.

Agencies without DRE-trained officers will request one from a neighboring town as needed.

In the long run, we'd like to do a call-out program where DREs can be requested to respond, Geraci said. If an agency needs a DRE, they would go to a website and request a DRE and then all the DREs would get a page saying, Hey, you know, Avon is looking for a DRE. Does anybody want it? Sure. And then you would go out and respond.

DREs are not the officers pulling over drivers. All police officers are trained to administer a standard field sobriety test, which only covers alcohol. They will shine a light back and forth and check the drivers eyes, ask the person to walk and turn and to stand on one leg.

Those are the three tests that patrol officers will utilize for all impaired drivers, Geraci said.

The next step is Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement, known by its acronym, ARIDE. Thats a two-day class designed to teach officers to determine if a driver is under the influence of a drug.

They're not looking specifically for one or two different things. It's a totality of everything, Geraci said. Your vehicle operation, their personal contact. Are they dropping documents? Are they fumbling? Do they have bloodshot eyes? Do they smell like alcohol or marijuana or another substance? Is there a residue all over their mouth because they just inhaled gold spray paint?

The goal, according to Robert Klin, who runs the DRE program for the state Department of Transportation, is to have as many ARIDE-trained officers as possible.

The goal is to get everybody coming out of the academy ARIDE training, he said.

But when there is reason to question the arresting officers determination  if, for example, a suspects blood-alcohol level is lower at the police station than it was in the field  the department may call in a DRE.

DREs are called post-arrest. Theyre there to confirm the presence of substances, Klin said. Theyre not hunting people. They're not driving around looking for people.

The 12 steps of a DRE drug evaluation 1. Breath alcohol test, to determine BAC 2. Interview of the arresting officer, to determine what he or she saw or heard that could indicate drug use 3. Preliminary examination, to determine whether to continue the evaluation 4. Eye examination for evidence of involuntary eye jerking and other effects 5. Divided attention tests, such as finger-to-nose tests and one leg stands 6. Vital sign examinations 7. Dark room examinations, for changes in the pupils with changes in light 8. Muscle tone examination, to see if muscles are markedly tense or flaccid 9. Examination for injection sites 10. Interview of the subject and logging other observations 11. Recording the evaluator's opinion, based on the above tests 12. Toxicological examination Source: CT OLR See More Collapse

The other 12 steps

Neither DRE nor ARIDE training is specific to marijuana, but both levels of training include ways to tell if a driver is stoned.

If you kind of look at some of the things that marijuana does, it does mess with people's time and distance perception, Geraci said.

Some of that is how a person is driving. Maybe theyre following too close, or forgot which way they were going. Once a suspect is back at the police station, there are even more tests.

For instance, marijuana causes eyelid tremors. You close your eyes, you tilt your head back, your eyelids flutter rapidly, not normal twitching, Geraci said. You don't know that that's happening at all, whatsoever.

Another test asks suspects to close their eyes and estimate when 30 seconds have passed.

Most people in their head will be like, Oh, I got this, I can count to 30, Geraci said. We've had people go for a minute, a minute and a half. Or some people that count five seconds and think 30 seconds have passed. In their head they think they did fine, but in reality they didnt.

There are, in fact, 12 steps a DRE uses to determine if a suspect is actually under the influence of a drug. That includes multiple checks on the dilation of a suspects pupils in several different light levels, interviews with both the arresting officer and the suspect and toxicology reports.

When asked if he could confidently tell if a suspect was under the influence of marijuana, Geraci said, I trust the program and the training that I have.

Obviously, you'd have to go through the entire process to make a determination, he said. We don't just look at somebody and say, Hey, that person is high or that person is drunk. We go through our entire process.

The training to be a DRE consists of two weeks of intensive classroom instruction and a week in the field. That fieldwork includes real people, suspected of being inebriated, usually in an out-of-state jail such as Maricopa County in Arizona.

Theres a limit to those field certification sites, Klin said. A handful in the country.

According to Geraci, suspects used during training are tested after theyve been arrested, similar to the process after an officer is certified.

These people are coming straight off the streets, in some cases, to us, and that's when they're usually impaired, Geraci said. We ask, Anybody who wants to help us out, and they're usually pretty good about it, because it gets them out of central population. They're in a small room with us, not with 30 or 40 other people. So there are usually plenty of people that will stand up and raise their hand and say, Yeah, I'll volunteer to help out.

DRE training costs about $5,000 per student, covered by grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the state DOT.

I'm a forensic guy, I do computer forensics, that's my full-time job. I went to all these forensic schools, and trust me, that was extremely hard, Geraci said. This was pretty close to some of the computer forensics stuff that I've done.

It took Geraci eight full hours to take the DRE test, and he said some people have taken as long as 12 hours.

Just the sheer amount of knowledge of information that you're getting, and, memorization that's required to do this, it certainly, testing-wise, was probably one of the more difficult tests that I've had to take, he said.

More DREs on the way

When Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law a bill legalizing recreational use of cannabis, included was a provision to add DREs to Connecticuts rolls.

According to that law, local police agencies have until Jan. 1, 2022 to request more DRE training. The Police Officer Standards and Training Council will then make a recommendation by July 2022 on how many more DREs should be trained.

Geraci said the program is so intense he prefers to train volunteers, not officers appointed by their commanding officer.

We would certainly rather have people who want to do this come into the program than agencies saying, You're going to this training, he said. Because it's not just a one-and-done thing.

Officers are required to get recertified every two years, and there are administrative tasks involved in making legal testimony stand up in court.

You have to do a lot of data management, he said. You have to keep track of all your emails, you have to keep them listed for attorneys, because one thing that they're going to look for is the amount of emails and stuff in your paperwork being in order.
QUEBEC, July 23, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - The ministere de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC) announced today that a sale by mutual agreement will be held on September 21, 2021. This sale, as provided for in the Regulation respecting a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emission allowances, is meant to offer an additional alternative to emitters who might otherwise experience difficulty in obtaining necessary emissions units to meet their compliance requirements to do so.

Within the carbon market, companies subject to the cap-and-trade system must acquire an amount of emissions units to cover their emissions before the end of each compliance period. For the 2018-2020 compliance period, these companies have until November 1, 2021 to submit admissible units required to cover their GHG emissions.

The publication of the Sale Notice, which includes the number of emissions units for sale, the prices per category, and application requirements, marks the beginning of the application period. The application period closes on August 23, 2021.

Associated link:

The Sale Notice is available on the MELCC's website: https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/changements/carbone/Avis-ventes-gre-gre-en.htm.

Source and information :

Relations medias

Ministere de l'Environnement et de la Lutte

contre les changements climatiques

Tel. : 418 521-3991

SOURCE Ministere de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques

Related Links

https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/


The enhanced partnership builds on the airline's new non-stop 787 Dreamliner service between Amsterdam and Calgary and provides greater access between Canada and European points for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic.

"Through this expanded codeshare relationship with KLM our guests will benefit from new opportunities to travel between Europe and Canada," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "Our Dreamliner service to Amsterdam combined with convenient connections on a world-class partner like KLM is an exciting step as we work to support the safe restart of international travel."

WestJet's inaugural service between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) is set to depart on August 5, 2021. The airline's new service will operate two-times weekly beginning August 5, 2021 and will increase to three-times weekly as of September 9. All AMS flights will be on WestJet's 787 Dreamliner, featuring WestJet's Business Cabin including lie-flat pods, dining on demand and WestJet's award-winning caring service.

"This is an exciting development for inbound travel and tourism to Alberta from key European markets via Amsterdam," said David Goldstein, CEO, Travel Alberta. "Rebuilding these targeted international air links is critical to the province's economic recovery. We look forward to working with WestJet to re-establish Alberta's competitiveness as a business and leisure destination emerging from the pandemic."

Details of WestJet's service between Calgary and Amsterdam:

Route Frequency Start Date Calgary 

Amsterdam 2x weekly Aug. 5  Sept. 5, 2021

3x weekly Sept. 9  October 31,

2021 Amsterdam 

Calgary 2x weekly Aug. 6  Sept. 6, 2021

3x weekly Sept. 10  November 1,

2021

Details of WestJet's codeshare with KLM via AMS:

Airport

Code City Country VIE Vienna Austria BRU Brussels Belgium TLS Toulouse* France* LYS Lyon* MPL Montpellier/Mauguio* FRA Frankfurt Germany MUC Munich BER Berlin HAJ Hanover MXP Milan Italy VCE Venice LIS Lisbon Portugal MAD Madrid Spain GLA Glasgow UK EDI Edinburgh MAN Manchester LCY London LHR London

*Pending regulatory approval

About WestJet

In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline's Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet

Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet

Follow WestJet on Instagram instagram.com/westjet/

Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet

Read the WestJet blog at blog.westjet.com

Recent recognition includes:

2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)

2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)

2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)

2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)

SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership

For further information: Media contacts: To contact WestJet media relations, please email [email protected]

Related Links

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BS Yediyurappa has announced his resignation. He said that nobody in the party leadership forced him into resigning and that it was his own decision.

BS Yediyurappa has stepped down from the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka, right on the day suggested by initial reports on the situation. Yediyurappa resigned on the day of his terms second anniversary. In his speech announcing the resignation, he thanked PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda for giving him the opportunity to serve as the CM of Karnataka. He reiterated that he was voluntarily stepping down and that the party did not force him to do so. BSY broke down during his speech and said that his term was no less than an Agnipariksha(trial by fire). He said that he will meet the Governor after lunch to formalize the resignation.

With this resignation, the speculations of who will be the next CM of Karnataka have gained momentum. The anger of the prominent Lingayat community leaders and seers makes choosing another face from the community a wise decision for the BJP central leadership. The Lingayat community is the most prominent community in the state and represents 17% of the total population. This community decides the outcome on nearly 100 assembly seats, out of the total seats, of Karnataka. But it would be unwise to think that the party would not go for a figure with proven leadership capacities, even if it has to scout for them outside the Lingayat community.

CONTENDERS IN THE RACE TO REPLACE BSY

BL Santosh started as a full-time RSS worker in the year 1993. In 2006, he moved to BJP and became the General Secretary(Organization) of the Karnataka state unit. He remained in the post till 2014 when he was made the Joint General Secretary(Organization) of the national unit of BJP. Then in 2019, he was promoted as the General Secretary of the party. Attributing to his seniority and experience in both the BJP and RSS makes it likely that he would be the top choice of the party leadership, as he has a massive influence in the Karnataka BJP. The only factor against Santosh seems to be his caste. Karnataka last saw a Brahmin Chief Minister in 1988.

Pralhad Joshi is currently a Union Minister. An MP from northwest Karnatakas Dharwad, Joshi is also very close to PM Modi and is a well-known name in the party. He has served as the state party president between 2012 and 2016. On being asked by the media about his possibility of becoming the next Karnataka CM, he said that any decision regarding his role would be acceptable to him. But, like BL Santosh, Joshi is also a Brahmin and faces the same challenge as far as his elevation to CM post is concerned.

CT Ravi is from the Vokkaliga community of southern Karnataka. The community dominates the region, where the BJP aims to gain a significant presence. Ravi is currently the National General Secretary of the party and an MLA from Karnatakas Chikmagalur, and he has already proved his strategic thinking by helping four candidates of the party win seats in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Also, making Ravi the Chief Minister would be easier for the party as he is already an MLA in the state.

Basavaraj Bommai is the current Home Minister of Karnataka and another face from the Lingayat community. He is the son of former Karnataka CM SR Bommai. Earlier media reports suggested that Yediyurappa could suggest Basavrajs name if the party leadership asks for his opinion.

Party leadership is still silent on the resignation of BS Yediyurappa and his eventual successor. No clear reactions, for their names doing rounds for the post, have come from the above party leaders themselves. Most of them, in their own words, say that they will decide whatever fate the party decides for them.
India celebrated the 22nd anniversary of its Kargil victory this year. A bike rally was organized by the Indian Army to commemorate the valour of the Kargil heroes.

The country celebrated the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas this year. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on 26 July to mark the success of Operation Vijay, the Indian Army operation to flush out Pakistani infiltrators occupying important locations in the Kargil sector in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Kargil War saw extraordinary courage of Indias soldiers in an extremely harsh high altitude terrain. India lost around 527 of its brave soldiers in the conflict. More than 1300 soldiers were injured. And it is a tribute to this exemplary valour of the living and the fallen heroes that we celebrate as the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The Indian Army flagged off a bike rally to commemorate the Kargil victory, led by the GOC in C of Northern Command Lt. Gen. YK Joshi, from Udhampur to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras. The rally started with 25 bikers, consisting of civilians and serving personnel, which went up to 75 bikers by the end of the journey. The rally was named Dhruv Kargil Ride, and spanned over two days.

CDS General Bipin Rawat laid a wreath on the Kargil War Memorial in Dras and paid homage to the fallen heroes of the nation. The CDS also received and installed the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal at the memorial, as a tribute to the Kargil heroes. The victory flame is one of the four that were lit by PM Modi at the National War Memorial on 16 December 2020 in Delhi and sent to the four cardinal directions of the country. It marks the victory of India in the 1971 war.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with the Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, paid homage to the heroes of the Kargil War at the National War Memorial in Delhi. Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar and Chief of Integrated Service Committee Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain were also present to pay their tributes.
Sources suggest that senior leaders in the party are in the process of brokering a truce between the Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot camps

As the crisis in Punjab Congress appears to be over, the Congress high command has now set its focus on the divided house in Rajasthan unit which is split into the Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot factions. Sources suggest that senior leaders KC Venugopal and Ajay Maken are in the process of brokering a truce between the two camps.

According to the reconciliation terms, Sachin Pilot might get a central role in Congress. It will result in shifting his base to Delhi.

Several other members of the Pilot camp are likely to get a place in the Ashok Gehlot-led government, and it is said that around four to five MLAs will be landing in key portfolios.

As per the central government terms, due to the second Covid-19 wave, a change of leadership in the states health ministry was necessitated. Sources said Health minister Raghu Sharma may be removed due to negative public sentiment over how the covid outbreak was treated.

Reports say that the reshuffle in the Rajasthan Cabinet might occur in the first or second week of August. As per sources, the high command feels that the Rajasthan political turmoil damaged the partys image and prospects, hence a solution at the earliest is preferred.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Ajay Maken, after meeting ministers, MLAs and office-bearers at the party office in Jaipur, said that there is no conflict among the party leaders in Rajasthan.

I can say that there is no conflict among the party leaders and they all have left the final decision about the Cabinet expansion to the party high command, he said. However, he did not disclose any date for the Cabinet expansion, but he will be returning to Jaipur on July 28.

Sachin Pilot, too, is silent about the cabinet reshuffle in Rajasthan. He said that he will express his opinion in the party forum.

A rift between the Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot-led factions of the Rajasthan Congress started after the Pilots faction was accused of sidelining the current state government. They were appealing for a cabinet expansion and are reportedly upset with the party high command over the continued delay of the same.

However, last year, Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs came up against the leadership of CM Ashok Gehlot and left Rajasthan. They returned after a truce was set up by the Congress high command.
In the document submitted by China to UNESCO, applying for the status of Quanzhou heritage site status, did not specifically mention the citys ancient relationship with Tamil Nadu or Hinduism.

On Sunday, the UNESCO World Heritage list included about 22 sites, including a temple connecting Hinduism in the South eastern Chinese city Quanzhou. The new list of Quanzhou Emporium of the world in song-yuan China by the worlds top cultural organisation is likely to boost Chinese president Xi Jinpings maritime Silk Road, belt and road initiative (BRI) certificate of part of the sea route, which aims to extend China to Asia and beyond connecting through marine infrastructure project.

China has been promoting the coastal province Fujian and the city of Quanzhou as an important ancient sea trade zone where multicultural communities including from Tamil Nadu mingled a millennia ago. Xi served as governor of Fujian between 1999 and 2002, and visited Quanzhou. The decision was made during the 43rd online session of the UNESCO World Heritage committee on Sunday, chaired by Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian and the same province where Kwanjis is located.

In October 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi had decided to establish sister -state relation between Tamil Nadu and Fujian after Mamallapuram visit due to Qunazhous ancient ties with Tamil Nadu.

The main sites on the list include the Hindu- Buddhist -Kaiyan temple, the Luoyan Bridge Qinging mosque, one of the oldest mosque in China and an archaeological site of an old maritime trade office, which was first established in 1087, according to the state China Daily newspaper.

The document that China submitted to UNESCO, applying for the status of Quanzhou heritage site did not specifically mention the citys ancient relationship with Tamil Nadu or Hinduism. Historical monuments and sites of an ancient Quanzhou (zaiton) are directly related to the significant events of general Zheng Hos voyage to China and are clearly involved in the spread of Islam Manchesterism, Hinduism and Nestroiasm in the South East cocoas, the document said.

Wang liming from the Quanzhou Maritime Museum shared more details and said ,Today, anyone who talks about the relationship between ancient Hinduism and China cannot help but mention the city of Quanzhou, its past prosperity has left the city with a huge number of valuable cultural ruins. Among them, the Hindu carving industry allows people to understand Hindu scriptures and mythology and demonstrates the friendly exchange between Quanzhou and Tamil Nadu, India which began more than 1000 years ago.

With the worldwide popularity of Quanzho, people of different religious beliefs from all over the world visit the city. Christianity, Islam and Judaism came one of after another, Hinduism also came after Indian merchants. The followers built great Hindu temples and altars in the metropolis, Wang added.

About a particular temple Wong wrote: Today, according to these very historical history, this very temple, which was described as extremely great has long since been destroyed. Although it is impossible to see its true appearance, there are numerous fine stone carvings at non Nanjiochang, where the temple was probably located. Hindu architectural elements have also been found in many parts of the city.

According to the Sundays list, China now has 56 UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of the lowest in the world.
Former Senator Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., was assaulted and robbed in Oakland's Jack London neighborhood on Monday, her office said in a tweet.

Boxer, 80, was assaulted by an assailant who "pushed her in the back, stole her cell phone and jumped in a waiting car," the tweet said.

The former senator was not seriously injured in the confrontation, according to the tweet.

The Oakland Police Department could not confirm whether Boxer was involved in a robbery and assault Monday but did say that a victim was walking on the 300 block of 3rd Street in Oakland when she was approached by someone. The incident is being investigated by the Oakland Police Department's robbery section, the police department said.

"I'm very saddened by this experience because here is a grandma alone, on her phone, and two young people attacked," Boxer told KPIX. "I'm not hurt physically at all. I'm just shook up."

She said that one person pushed her while the other was driving the car. They appeared to be younger than 18, Boxer told KPIX.

Boxer said the assailant "pushed me very hard." Before she could fall, she said, the assailant grabbed her phone.

Before the assailants left, Boxer said she asked them: "Why would you do this to a grandma?"

She added that she hopes "he has some guilt."

Boxer was a senator for California from 1993 to 2017. She previously served as a U.S. representative representing Marin and Sonoma counties from 1983 to 1993. Before that, she served on the Marin County Board of Supervisors for six years. She did not seek re-election for the Senate in 2016 and was succeeded by Vice President Kamala Harris. She joined the lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs as co-chairwoman in 2020.
A Trader Joe's grocery store in Hayes Valley was approved by the San Francisco Planning Commission on Thursday.

The much-anticipated project has been in the works for eight years after a series of delays hampered the timeline. The new store, which will be the seventh Trader Joe's in San Francisco, will reside at 555 Fulton St., taking over an empty lot in a condominium building.

News of the approval was first reported by the San Francisco Examiner.

Hayes Valley is a neighborhood commercial transit district, meaning it has banned formula retail in the neighborhood. A 2019 zoning change passed by the Board of Supervisors allows for grocery store chains in the district.

As part of its approval, the grocery store must participate in food affordability programs, including SNAP and WIC, and analyze food affordability.

The new 16,600-square-foot store is expected to employ about 110 people.

During the public comment section, most community members voiced support for the project, with a few expressing opposition, largely because of traffic concerns.

To mitigate these concerns, commissioners called for modifications to the project, including an update on traffic mitigation within a year, the extension of parking limits to 90 minutes and the inclusion of right turn signs in the parking garage.

"I'm glad we finally found somebody to occupy the space," said Commissioner Sue Diamond during the meeting. "We do need a grocery store of this size."
NORTH HAVEN  Some people dream about being on Broadway their entire lives but never get there. At age 12, Taya Diggs has already made it.

The rising North Haven Middle School seventh-grader landed a role in a Broadway production of School of Rock at Tuacahn Amphitheatre, a venue a little farther from home than New York City - its in Ivins, Utah, where Diggs has been living since May for rehearsals.

The venue seats more than 2,000 people. Opening night, scheduled for July 31, already is sold out, according to Diggs mother, Jacquelyn Diggs, who said the crowd will be her daughters biggest audience to date.

I am super-excited because I actually got to see a couple of the other shows  and there were a lot of people there, Taya said. We worked really hard and I think theyll definitely like it.

Taya may be in the big leagues now, but she got her start locally.

She was around five or six years old when she performed as a hedgehog in her first show, Alice in Wonderland, she said, put on by the Whitney Players Theater Co., a Hamden-based community theater group.

Shes been doing plays with them ever since, Jacquelyn Diggs said.

As Taya grew, so did her roles. In 2019, the company put on a performance of Matilda, and Taya landed the lead.

When she was Matilda, I was so taken aback, her father, Rodney Diggs, said. It knocked the wind outta me the first night, but I wasnt surprised.

He wasnt surprised, he said, because of his daughters dedication and perfectionism.

Taya has learned a lot from the Whitney Players, she said.

Cindy Simell-Devoe, the groups director and producer, said that when Taya played Matilda, she was tiny, tiny, tiny in size, but huge in presence.

Simell-Devoe believes that experience, which gave Taya the chance to work with older cast members rather than kids, elevated (Taya) to the next level.

Playing Matilda was a huge role, Simell-Devoe said. So that kind of brought her more to the level of being able to perform independently.

Simell-Devoe said the entire company is thrilled about Tayas role in School of Rock and described the young actress as outgoing, funny and friendly.

(Taya) can do all three things: She can sing, dance and act, Simell-Devoe said. She is a triple threat.

Its not just talent that Taya has, but dedication.

Im just so  amazed by her dedication and commitment to everything she does, like, Im just in awe of her, Jacquelyn Diggs said. She gets up on stage in front of so many people and doesnt think twice about it, and just her level of dedication to everything she does, it really blows us away.

When her daughter got the role in School of Rock, it was rewarding, she said.

But Jacquelyn Diggs also felt a little bit nervous.

It was so far away, and it required her to be away from home for five months, and I just didnt know how we would manage it, she said. Shes only 12, so I was just so worried to be away from her, but we knew that she wanted this so badly.  We wanted to do everything we could to give her the opportunity.

Fortunately, a neighbor who was home from college for the summer agreed to go stay with Taya in Utah, Jacquelyn Diggs said, adding that relatives will rotate to cover the rising stars remaining time out west.

Taya said having a role in School of Rock has been a great experience.

Ive also learned to be grateful, because this opportunity not everybody has gotten, she said.

The show, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, follows a group of prep school students who form a band under the leadership of their substitute teacher. Taya plays the role of backup vocalist Shonelle.

At the end of the show, (Shonelle) learns to feel free, and she learns that not everything is about being perfect, Taya said. You have to  learn to have fun and just live life to the fullest.

Taya also understudies the role of Tomika, who is shy but learns to come out of her comfort zone and becomes the lead singer of the group, she said.

Her parents and three siblings, including six-year-old Zoey, who wants to follow in her sisters footsteps, all are in Utah for the musicals premiere.

Im the most proud (of her), Zoey Diggs said.

I dont even know if theres a word to describe that feeling when I see her on stage, Jacquelyn Diggs said. I cry every time.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
Photo by Getty Westend61 / Photo by Getty Westend61

HARTFORD  A teenager who was wounded by gunshot is in critical condition Sunday, according to city police.

Police went to Hartford Hospital Sunday around 4:19 p.m. for a report of a gunshot victim arriving for treatment by private vehicle, a release from Lt. Aaron Boisvert read.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)  The city council in Montpelier, Vermont, has postponed a vote on whether to allow people experiencing homelessness to camp in city parks.

Late last week, the council discussed a proposed policy looking at the needs of the homeless and the city, including where emergency sleeping would be located when the local shelter is full, WCAX-TV reported. The proposal also addressed what park staff should do if they find someone sleeping in an unapproved location, such as on school grounds, private property or near a public path, the station reported.

The goal is to protect the homeless while adding boundaries, officials said.

If the shelters are open and theres a place for someone to go, and theyre camping in a high sensitivity area, we would ask them to leave that area, so they can go to a shelter thats more appropriate and safe, Montpelier Homelessness Task Force staff representative Cameron Niedermayer said.

The Homelessness Task Force will be considering suggestions from the public and working with the parks commission before the council's next meeting on Aug. 18.

Vermont ended pandemic-related emergency hotel rooms for some of the homeless population on July 1. The state extended the hotel voucher program 84 days for families with children, the disabled, pregnant women and other vulnerable people, and gave $2,500 checks to those no longer eligible. Families with children and some disabled households may be able to stay longer. On Friday, a federal court judge again extended the program for some people to show they can remain eligible until a ruling is made in a court case.

___

NUMBERS

On Monday the Vermont Health Department reported 18 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19, bringing the statement total since the pandemic began to almost 24,750.

There were five people hospitalized. None were in intensive care.

The number of fatalities remains at 259.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Vermont has risen over the past two weeks from 5.43 new cases per day on July 10 to 18 new cases per day on July 24.

The Associated Press is using data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to measure outbreak caseloads and deaths across the United States.
Tara ONeill / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  A man who was shot on Spring Street early Saturday walked in to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Police were notified shortly before 4 a.m. Saturday that a 32-year-old New Haven man had walked in to Yale New Haven Hospital with a gunshot wound, Officer Scott Shumway said.
ATLANTA (AP)  The largest city on Georgia's coast has reimposed a requirement that people wear masks in some public settings, citing a steep and alarming rise in cases of COVID-19.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson made the announcement at a news conference Monday, saying people now must wear masks any time they are indoors with people who are not members of their immediate families.

However, the order says it only applies to city buildings, childcare centers, hospitals, public transit and tourism vehicles. The order says masks are strongly advised in businesses and highly recommended during religious services. That's less strict than Savannah's earlier order.

Also Monday, the Bibb County school district became the latest Georgia district to announce that all students and staff must wear masks when indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Other Georgia school districts taking that position include DeKalb County, Clayton County, Atlanta, Rockdale County and Decatur.

More than 100 of Georgias 159 counties are listed as having high transmission based on last weeks data.

The states seven-day average of cases rose back above 2,000 for the first time since March 10 after bottoming out below 400 in late June. The daily case rate peaked at nearly 9,500 in January. Infection rates are worst among adults aged 30 to 59. The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized, at about 1,400, is also the highest since March.

Georgia has recorded more than 1.1 million cases of COVID-19 and more than 21,000 deaths. Deaths have not yet risen significantly in the current surge.

As COVID-19 cases are rising in all 50 states, I want to encourage all Georgians to talk with their doctor and get vaccinated, Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted Monday.

Georgia remains among the eight lowest states by vaccination rate, according to federal data

Johnson, Savannah's mayor, said his order does not apply to schools and colleges, but called on them to require masks, saying rates of COVID-19 have roughly tripled in Chatham County in the last two weeks. Savannah-Chatham public schools said it would stay mask-optional for now, but the district is requiring masks on school buses.

The county saw a big spike in new cases at the end of last week, according to state Department of Public Health data, pushing transmission rates to levels last seen in March. Reported new cases are roughly nine times where they were when they bottomed out in late June.

Statewide case rates in Georgia are almost five times as high as they were in late June.

Johnson said the delta variant of COVID-19, low vaccination rates and large gatherings over the July 4 holiday may be contributing to the rise.

Many people have just let their guard down, Johnson said. "They've stopped masking, they've stopped social distancing regardless of vaccination status.

Savannah was the first Georgia city to impose a mask mandate last year. In May, it dropped the requirement but advised unvaccinated people and medically vulnerable people to keep wearing masks.

None of us want to take a backward step in our return to normalcy, but wearing a mask is the simple, easy, most inexpensive thing we can do to protect ourselves and those around us," the first-term mayor said.

For now, Johnson said the city will allow large outdoor events to continue, as long as organizers take safety precautions.

The Harlem Globetrotters are scheduled to perform Wednesday in Savannahs Martin Luther King Jr. Arena. The show will go on, but masks will now be required for anyone who attends as well as staff members, said Yasmeen Badich, vice president of marketing for the arena.

Some other local governments are also requiring masks in government buildings. Liberty County and its county seat of Hinesville, which adjoin Fort Stewart south of Savannah, have reimposed such rules. The county closed indoor recreation centers.

As of Thursday, 46% of Chatham County residents had received at least one dose of a vaccine, just above Georgia's 45% rate. People 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated.

Are we effectively punishing those who did the right thing, who took the vaccine? And the answer is yes, we probably are," Johnson said. But the minority is being punished because of the inaction of the majority.

Bibb County Superintendent Curtis Jones said he was reimposing a mask order based on transmission rates and guidance from public health authorities, saying the move was needed to make sure students could attend class in person.

"Everyone must do their part to keep students and staff safe so we can have a normal school year, Jones said in a statement.

___

Associated Press Writer Jeff Martin contributed. Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
Oil and gas companies are always on the lookout for highly skilled talent when looking to fill open positions. Where do they look for a strong talent pool? How do they generate positive leads to fill those positions? What are the skills they look for? These are some questions that recruiters, human resources and talent acquisition departments ask every time they must either replace a person or hire for a new position.

Midland College (MC) Energy Technology and Diesel Technology Programs have developed strong partnerships with local oil and gas companies to help answer some of these questions and fill the employment gap here in the Permian Basin. There is representation from upstream, midstream and downstream companies. The partnerships are made up of large corporations such as Chevron, Oxy, Ovintiv and SM Energy, as well as independents such as Endeavor and CrownQuest, just to mention a few. These companies are a very integral part of the educational process.

Where do they look for a strong talent pool? Conveniently located in the Permian Basin, MC provides an ideal starting point. As a community college, MC is committed to provide a strong talent pool with individuals that possess a strong foundational skill set. All faculty in the Energy and Diesel Programs have industry experience in oil and gas or the diesel equipment industries. This ensures that students are not only receiving the theory aspect of instruction, but also instruction from a practical real-world experience. All courses consist of lecture plus actual hands-on labs. The hands-on labs help to reinforce content and allows students to apply what they have learned in the classroom.

How do they generate positive leads to fill those positions? Industry partners are invited to speak to students about opportunities within their respective companies. Some of them attend classes as guest lecturers or speak about a day in the life of an engineer, field service tech, natural gas compressor mechanic, etc. These opportunities provide students with the day to day functions of a job in the oil and gas industry. Moreover, it establishes name recognition for the company and allows students to begin networking with individual companies.

What are the skills they look for? Every company wants an individual that is already well-versed and experienced, but in reality, those types of individuals are a rare find. MC works hand in hand with our industry partners to ensure that students are well-equipped with the fundamental skills necessary to be successful in the oil and gas industry. Our advisory board which consists of a diverse group of individuals from these companies provide feedback in regards to new innovations and changes within the industry. Based on their input MC will make curriculum changes to the Energy and Diesel programs to ensure students possess skills that are current and relative.

The partnership goes beyond providing subject matter expert involvement. These companies also provide scholarships as well as donations of equipment. Scholarships support students in the Energy and Diesel Programs. Over the course of a year Oxy, Chevron, Ovintiv, Archrock, Midland West Rotary Club have donated in excess of $35,000 toward scholarships. Archrock donated a compressor package valued at approximately $200,000. Other industry partners such as Endeavor, JohnDeere Yellowhouse, and Caterpillar have donated everything from pumps, engines, transmissions to downhole equipment. They are making an investment in our students future with these types of donations.

Partnerships between Midland College and the oil and gas industry is an important and vital part to developing a well-rounded skilled individual that is prepared to enter the workforce. Midland College is the gateway for these employers in being able to provide an employee with a fundamentally strong base. We are extremely fortunate to be in the Permian Basin. We are here to support each other for the long haul.
As the new school year approaches, some shoreline towns are holding clinics this week to help increase COVID vaccination rates among students.

In Guilford, where 53 percent of children between the ages of 12 and 15 are fully vaccinated, according to the state Department of Public Health, two clinics will be held this week. A clinic will be held Monday at Guilford High School and Tuesday at the Town Green.

In Madison, where 46 percent of kids 12 to 15 are vaccinated, a clinic will be held Wednesday at Daniel Hand High School.

About 90,000 children statewide in this age group have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, according to the DPH. More than 75,000  about 43 percent of the Connecticut population in this age range  have been fully vaccinated, the data shows.

Nine shoreline towns  Lyme, Old Saybrook, Clinton, Guilford, East Hampton, Old Lyme, Madison, East Lyme and Branford  are above the state average.

More than 60 percent of children in this age group in Old Saybrook, Lyme and Clinton have received at least one shot of the vaccine, the data shows. In Lyme, nearly 57 percent of these children are fully vaccinated. Clinton is at 55 percent and Old Saybrook is at 54 percent fully vaccinated.

At just under 50 percent, Branford and East Lyme are the only shoreline communities that have not yet fully vaccinated at least half of their children in this age group, the data shows.

But it remains uncertain how the vaccination rates will impact whether students and staff will be required to wear masks when they return to school in the fall.

East Hampton and Lyme-Old Lyme school districts have announced they will not require masks in the fall. However, Lyme-Old Lyme Superintendent Ian Nevaiser pointed out last month that regardless of how local districts want to proceed, they will need to comply if the state requires masks.

Gov. Ned Lamont has said he needs more time to evaluate the highly contagious delta strains impact before deciding on whether to lift the school mask mandate.

The DPH and state Department of Education mask guidance is included in Connecticuts return-to-school document that outlines procedures required and recommended for public school districts.

Many school reopening plans come from the CSDE return-to-school document, which serves as a template for each district. The statewide planning document includes details on classroom layout, lunch, transportation, recess and more.

Local school district plans include lunch returning to normal, morning health screenings by parents to make sure their childs temperature is below 100 degrees, social distancing when possible and hand sanitizer stations around the schools.

After-school clubs will also resume at many schools in the fall.

These reopening plans will be reviewed every six months or when there is a sudden change in data related to the pandemic.

Our children benefit most from in-person learning, and our priority of a safe return to in-person instruction this fall can be achieved by remaining vigilant on what we know works including vaccinating the maximum number of students and staff eligible, DPH spokesperson Christopher Boyle said in a statement when asked whether vaccination rates will impact mask mandates in schools.

Achieving and maintaining high vaccination coverage in schools is the best tool we have to make sure that the school year is free from interruption and disruption from outbreaks and the resulting need for students or teachers to quarantine, Boyle said. In support of this goal, DPH and CSDE will continue collaboration in offering on-site clinics in schools.

christine.derosa@hearstmediact.com
Sharon C. Mantell, 57, on July 25, 2021, in Town of Niagara; daughter of the late Charles and Arline (Henderson) Mantell. Survivors include sisters, Kim Kuntz and Susan Mantell; brothers, Charles and John Mantell. Memorial service was held on August 2 in Oakwood Cemetery. Arrangements were w
President Muhammadu Buhari will leave Abuja today for London to see his doctors and participate in the Global Education Summit on Financin...

President Muhammadu Buhari will leave Abuja today for London to see his doctors and participate in the Global Education Summit on Financing Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 2021-2025.

Buhari was initially scheduled to go to the UK last month, but called it off.

In a statement by media adviser, Femi Adesina, Buhari will spend a few days, after the education summit for an earlier scheduled medical check-up.

He is due back by second week of August, 2021.

The Summit, which will be co-hosted by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, and the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, will bring together Heads of State and Government as well as stakeholders and youth leaders.

It will also provide a platform for partners to chart a way forward towards transforming education systems in partner countries, through exchange of best practices.

It will offer the opportunity for leaders to make 5-year pledges to support GPEs work to help transform education systems in up to 90 countries and territories.

Deliberations at the Summit will focus on: The Power of Education A Conversation between Global Champions; Transforming Education for Girls; Financing for Impact and Recovery and; What Now? Priorities for Transforming Education in the Coming Five Years, among others.

President Buhari will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of State Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
Supporters of Sunday Adeyemo, the Yoruba nation agitator better known as Sunday Igboho, have arrived at the Cour Deappal De Cotonou, Beni...

Supporters of Sunday Adeyemo, the Yoruba nation agitator better known as Sunday Igboho, have arrived at the Cour Deappal De Cotonou, Benin Republic, as his extradition hearing resumes.

Igboho, who was arrested alongside Ropo, his wife, is being held at the Economic and Financial Brigade station in Cotonou.

On arrival at the court premises on Monday, there was a teeming crowd of apologists of the separatist activist across different classes: monarchs, clerics, working class people.

They loitered around the courts vicinity, waiting for the arrival of Igboho and the commencement of the proceedings.
Yes; and with the delta variant a concern, everyone regardless of vaccine status should wear one

Yes; but only for those who are as yet unvaccinated

No; people can wear one if they or their parents want, but masks should not be mandated

No; I don't believe masks work and don't think people should wear them

Vote

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For a dozen years, Le Chat Noir was a cabaret theater and lounge in downtown New Orleans. Soon, its old space will reopen with the same name, now recast as an upscale-casual restaurant from a local operator with big plans ahead.

Theres even a ready tie-in to Le Chat Noirs cat motif.

This new Le Chat Noir is now taking shape at 715 St. Charles Ave., which was most recently home to Marcellos Restaurant & Wine Bar. Marcellos did not reopen here after the pandemic closures, and last year it relocated to downtown Covington.

The new restaurant is from James Reuter, founder of Bearcat Cafe, just off Freret Street, and Bearcat CBD, its downtown sibling. Hes developing the new restaurant along with property owner and Marcellos founder Gene Todaro.

Its slated to open by late September.

This new restaurant will be more refined and upscale than the two Bearcat cafes, best known for breakfast and lunch menus mixing healthy and indulgent dishes. But it will share some of the same guiding principles, including a broad range of vegetarian, vegan, paleo and gluten-free dishes.

The chef is Seth Temple, and he described his approach as showcasing local ingredients with a lighter, cleaner edge.

I want to present them in a way that's not over manipulated, not smothered and covered, he said. I want to present it with the respect it deserves and also make sure it's affordable enough for someone like me, a cook, to eat here.

Temple has been giving a taste of what he has in store for Le Chat Noir at an ongoing pop-up in residency at Bearcat CBD, two blocks away at 845 Carondelet St.

From Thursday through Saturday each week, his crew serves a dinner menu in line with what the new restaurant will feature. This evening edition is dubbed Le Chat Noir at Bearcat CBD, and it will continue until the new restaurant opens.

A recent meal showed Temples style in vivid fashion, with an interplay of freshness and flavor in dishes that were not always obvious but tasted intuitively right.

Whole roasted carrots yielded to the knife like butter to swipe up some tofu hummus, bringing an earthy chile heat with it.

An heirloom tomato salad over a bright basil aioli carried a spread of fat fried oysters and razor-thin slices of shallots.

Slices of Wagyu rib-eye steak were paired with creamy-rich Stilton and beets cooked to a dark, balsamic sweetness. They combined for bundles of umami flavor to pack into crinkly lettuce cups.

Even a simple plate of white anchovies became a centerpiece, at least for their short life span under my fork, with a plate of griddle-pressed focaccia as running partner and a bath of citrus and chile that begged for a crisp white wine (the Austrian Kremstal riesling worked perfectly).

Temple is a Lake Charles native. In New Orleans, he cooked at Kentons and Couvant before departing for London, where he cooked at the Michelin-starred restaurant Lyles. Back in New Orleans, he started working with Reuter at Bearcat and eventually developed the dinner concept as Le Chat Noir plans progressed.

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The new restaurant will allow him to expand on the ideas hes showing now at the pop-up.

The kitchen will have a wood-fired grill and will practice whole animal butchery, for both meat and seafood. At any given time 40% to 60% of the menu will be vegetarian or vegan, said chef Seth Temple, who will lead the kitchen.

+25 Photos: Remembering Le Chat Noir, the cabaret that lit up downtown New Orleans Le Chat Noir was a cabaret theater and lounge in downtown New Orleans that hosted a wide array of performances from 1999 to 2011. After closin

The cabaret originally opened in 1999 with a lounge up front and an intimate, club-sized performance space and stage in back. It hosted a wide array of productions until closing in 2011.

A renovation is now underway behind the papered-over windows, though the bones of the old space within remain the same.

+11 Ian McNulty: At Maypop, Italian fusion and a fresh reminder of what restaurants give us The ham spent a year longer than planned hanging in the curing case at Maypop, not exactly forgotten but set aside as the restaurant sat close

Walk into the new restaurant, and youll find an expanded bar in the front lounge area, where broad windows face the passing streetcars.

This lounge will have its own oyster bar, a standup version with no seats, in the old-fashioned way. Customers will simply belly up to slurp them down. Temple said he wants to focus on a changing array of specialty oysters from different waters around the country, including from Bright Side Oysters in Grand Isle.

The main dining room in back will have seating for about 60 people, and also work in a touch of the theatrical. The kitchen occupies the space where the cabarets stage once stood; this is now framed by a large pass-through counter, for a semi-open kitchen visible from the dining room.

+11 Uptown coffee house, closed in pandemic, will become dim sum parlor and bakery For almost 30 years, Cafe Luna was a low-key landmark for its Uptown neighborhood. It closed for good during the pandemic. Now, a young couple

At the new restaurant, Temple will be joined by Kevin Wardell as general manager, an accomplished sommelier who will direct the wine program.

Behind the bar, youll find Christian Penuel, who is now at Bearcat CBD, and Christina Rando, an alum of Cure, who is developing the cocktail program. The rest of the staff will be a mix of former Marcellos employees and others joining from Bearcat and elsewhere.

We're going to push through the pandemic, Reuter said. This is a group of young professionals who are really excited to work together on something new going in a positive direction.

Le Chat Noir

715 St. Charles Ave., projected opening September 2021

Le Chat Noir at Bearcat CBD

815 Carondelet St., (504) 766-7399

Dinner Thu.-Sat. (reservations recommended)

Bearcat CBD also serves separate menus at breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sun. (no reservations)

+20 More new restaurants keep opening despite the pandemic; these New Orleans stories show why Because she felt this was her time, pandemic or no, Melissa Araujo opened her first restaurant Alma in the Bywater last fall, introducing many

New restaurant Mister Mao embraces inauthentic global flavor in familiar Uptown setting For two decades, the barge board cottage on Tchoupitoulas Street just past Napoleon Avenue had been known as Dick & Jennys, even though a
Mermaids are beguiling mythological creatures in many cultures. In Shahad Ameens fable-like debut feature film, Scales, theyre both powerful and vulnerable figures who live largely hidden in the waters near a small fishing village.

While the mermaids are mysterious figures, the traditions of the town are harrowing. The film is black and white, and it opens with a scene on the beach at night. Villagers wait at the waters edge, and drumming and chanting begins some sort of ceremony. The scene is shrouded in darkness save for a few torches and their reflections on the water. Men holding babies or leading young girls wade into the water and drop them beneath the waves. Only Muthanah cannot bear it, and he turns back and dives under to rescue his daughter Hayat.

Sparing the girls life is a curse on her and the village. The people live by a tradition in which each family must sacrifice a daughter to the sea. Theres very little for the fishermen to catch. The already rugged environment dries up, leaving the dusty city to suffer years of deprivation, and Hayat is blamed for the misfortunes of the town.

Hayat lives as a pariah, and her family also continues to share the burden. Much of the film takes place when she is about 12 years old, as her parents struggle over whether to produce a daughter to sacrifice. Hayat is sent to live with the young boys who are learning to fish. They live behind barbed wire fences, which emphasizes the towns separate treatments by gender.

The youth mend nets and apprentice to work on the boat, which stays at sea for days at a time trying to find anything to feed the townspeople. The men see her as bad luck, though the captain, Amer, insists on keeping her aboard. A patch of skin on Hayats foot transforms into scales, and when it begins to spread, she is careful to hide it from view.

Ameen grew up in Saudi Arabia, and Scales was the nations official submission for Academy Award consideration for 2021 awards. It was filmed on the coast in Oman, and its in Arabic with English subtitles.

At 75 minutes, Scales is short for a feature. It also explores ideas and imagery similar to Ameens 2013 short film, Eye & Mermaid, in which a young girl discovers that a group of men including her father have caught a mermaid.

'All the Streets are Silent' explores links between skateboarding and hip-hop in 1980s New York The early footage of Busta Rhymes and Method Man rapping at clubs and WKCR 89.9 FM is alone worth the ticket.

Ameen says she is inspired by the story of Atargatis. There are different accounts of the goddess, but she was viewed as a symbol of fertility and the life of the seas. In some stories, she threw herself in the ocean, trying to turn herself into a fish. But the gods deemed her too beautiful for that fate and intervened to save her beauty, leaving her half woman, half sea creature.

The story in Scales is communicated more through its stark imagery than its spare dialogue. Ameen contrasts the rugged, barren landscape with the lush and inviting water. That may be intended to highlight the realms controlled by men and women. The village is a misogynist society in microcosm, and Ameen has talked about how women are treated in her native Saudi Arabia.

Hayat is played by the young Saudi actress Basima Hajjar. She brings a wide-eyed, patience to a world of cruelty. As an outcast, she is a witness, but also something more.

Scales is about sacrifice, and the townspeople may have given up more than they understand.

Scales opens July 30 at Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge.
Chef Luci Winsberg and Tyler Correa met in college at the University of California at Santa Cruz. After graduating, they traveled in South America and then settled in New Orleans, Winsberg's hometown. Winsberg began her culinary career under chef Sue Zemanick at Gautreaus. When Zemanick opened Zasu, Winsberg became its sous chef and Correa left the software industry to manage the bar. During the pandemic, Winsberg and Correa left to found Fish Hawk, a pop-up that serves hot food at bars and offers prepared items, raw fish and ready-to-cook items at the Coffee Science farmers market on Sundays. Theyre working on opening a restaurant that also sells fresh fish. Fish Hawk pops up on Wednesdays at Miel Brewery & Taproom, on Fridays at Pals Lounge and it will be offering hot food at an art market at Coffee Science on Saturday, July 31.

Gambit: How did you go from working at Zasu to opening Fish Hawk?

Luci Winsberg: We had been playing with the idea of opening our own thing for about a year. During the pandemic we started thinking about different concepts and the way restaurants were changing their format and doing a market, or opening up their space to be more dynamic. We started thinking about what the city needed and what we could bring to it. I have always thought we needed a good fish market. We have places in Bucktown and Westwego  and we go there all the time  but we wanted someplace in town where people can get restaurant-quality fish at reasonable prices, then to open a seafood restaurant attached to it.

Gambit: What kind of food do you serve at the hot food pop-ups?

Tyler Correa: We debuted with spicy coconut fried shrimp, which took off. That and our snapper Reuben have been our two big sellers. We try to bring less bar food to the table. Well do a flounder fillet on top of vegetables.

W: I wouldnt necessarily (have done) a fried coconut shrimp thing at Zasu. The difference is I wouldnt be serving it with mango-habanero aioli dipping sauce. The food that sells well at bars is different. We try to cater to the crowd thats gonna be at the bar. We do more fried food  people like fried food, and so do I  I think we do it well, and were using fresh stuff.

Every week we sit down and do a different menu. We usually have two to four options. (Chef) Gina (Mazzitelli) and I sit down and look at cookbooks. We want to show people the variety of things we can do. It might be Italian, or French-inspired or Asian-inspired.

C: The cool thing about the response (to bar pop-ups) weve been getting is people saying its refreshing that its not just burgers as an option. I think a lot of people in New Orleans have great taste. Miel brings out an eclectic crowd. To be able to have fresh things, fresh vegetables, bright citrusy salads  people are psyched. There are a lot of people in the pop-up scene that expect to be able to go to a bar and have dinner.

W: people are excited that were doing fresh fish. I feel like, creatively, we can do what we want. We can do things as spicy as we want. The crowds at the bars are young and experimental with their food. At Pals, people know were going to be there and come there for us.

The Mill serves seafood, Creole favorites and more in the Warehouse District The Mill opened its dining room in the Cotton Mill building on the edge of the Warehouse District in June 2020.

Gambit: What about the fishmonger side of Fish Hawk?

W: We got into Coffee Science early on. I think October was our first market. It was a beautiful community-making experience. We serve smoked trout dip, (ready-to-cook) dill-cured salmon and pastrami smoked salmon  all of which I smoke in house. I cure things myself. We were doing (ready-to-cook) stuffed flounder in season with different stuffings. Stuffed branzino. We also bring fresh fillets as well.

We buy all whole fish from purveyors in the city. We try to keep it as local and as fresh as possible. We butcher them in house. Gina and I are pretty skilled at fish butchery from working with Sue.

C: I cant believe the lists we get from our purveyors of all this incredible fish thats going to restaurants. Theyre texting us about all this incredible seafood. Its not hitting shelves. Its going to restaurants. We want to peel back the curtain and give people the opportunity to get this Gulf fish. Its really nice stuff.

We also sell our smoked trout dip and salmon at Bellegarde Bakery and Piece of Meat, since theyre doing the grocery thing. Piece of Meat is good example of what were trying to do, or St. James Cheese Co. Were trying to do the fish version.

For more information and a pop-up schedule, visit Fish Hawk's website or Instagram.
Inside a nondescript building along the U.S. 190 service road that once housed a Mr. Fish pet store, there stands an opulent altar, surrounded by candles, majestic statues and floral bouquets.

The Covington area building might lack a steeple or stained glass, but it hosts a growing group that gathers to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass, a solemn and ancient form of Catholic worship spoken almost entirely in the Latin language by a priest who faces away from the congregation.

Since its establishment last August, Our Lady of Mount Carmel has grown from 250 founding members to more than 600, making it one of the largest in the Southeast, said the Rev. Damian Zablocki. Its one of seven places in the archdiocese of New Orleans, including St. Patricks Church in downtown New Orleans and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Kenner, that regularly offers the Latin Mass.

Latin Masses, also known as the Tridentine Mass, have made up only a small percentage of Roman Catholic Masses since the sweeping modernization reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s largely limited them. The liturgy was thrust into the spotlight recently when Pope Francis reimposed restrictions on the Mass that had been lifted for more than a decade, saying some communities had exploited the form to divide the church.

The pope left it to bishops to decide whether the Latin Mass would continue to be practiced in their dioceses.

Hours after the Pope's restrictions were announced July 16, nearly 500 people packed into the pews of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to celebrate a solemn high Mass, the most formal version of Latin Mass with more celebrants, incense and Gregorian chants. One of the celebrants was Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who told the congregation that the Popes letter was an opportunity to show the world that Mass can be celebrated in many different ways.

Be not afraid, he told the worshippers. What you know as the Latin Mass here  and not only here but in the other six locations  will continue.

After Vatican II, the Latin Mass became a point of contention for some who saw practice as defiant of church leadership. Aymond acknowledged that the Latin Mass has caused division in some communities, but in an interview last week he said that has not been the case in New Orleans.

We dont have any of that here, he said. The people here who go to that Mass and participate in it are good Catholics and believe in the teachings of the church.

Some differences between the Latin Masses and the newer Mass are obvious: in the older form, Latin intonations are spoken by a priest who mostly faces away from the congregation. Worshippers speak less but move more frequently in a choreographed rotation of sitting, standing and kneeling. They receive communion on the tongue while kneeling at the altar rail. Only boys are allowed to be altar servers and women are encouraged, but not required, to wear veils. The Mass is also longer.

In recent years, Aymond said that he has noticed growing interest in the Latin Mass, particularly among young Catholics who are drawn to the beauty and the quiet, as well as its mystical dimension.

Its something they didnt know before so theyre spiritually intrigued.

Zablocki estimated that at least 90% of the Mount Carmel community are adults too young to have grown up with the Latin Mass.

Especially young people, I think, have felt starved for true devotion and true traditions of the church which have been practiced for 2,021 years in various places, said Zablocki, who was a waiter at Irenes, the French Quarter restaurant, before he became a priest. To see the secularism in the world is very difficult and in the Latin Mass they find tradition, they find something to emotionally, physically and spiritually cling to, to make heaven visible.

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Sal Marcello, 20, said he found the Latin form more meaningful than other services. He said he was drawn to the challenge of the Latin language and practices that he feels promote his spiritual growth, including learning the origin and significance of the intricate gestures the priest does during the Mass, as opposed to remaining on a surface level and skating through on the Cheetos of spiritual life.

Hannah Hauswald, 30, heard her parents describe Latin Mass as she was growing up. She began attending in 2013, drawn, she said, to its reverence and beauty.

We just want to have a reverent type of worship, to continue the ancient traditions, said Hauswald, who covered her head with a blue lace and sequined veil at the July 16 Mass.

The Latin Mass community on the north shore began more than 10 years ago, when a small group would pray in Rachel Simpsons Mandeville living room. Later, the archbishop allowed them to celebrate it at an Abita Springs parish, but soon they outgrew that space and moved to the former Mr. Fish store, Simpson said.

Its the same Mass, just a different language, she said. If people saw what really goes on they would get it. You dont really understand what you dont know.

The Latin form tends to attract people who practice a stricter, more conservative form of Catholicism, Zablocki said. Many participants take longer fasting periods, women wear veils and people sometimes become more conservative in their spirituality," he said.

But Our Lady of Mount Carmel attracts people from all walks of life, Zablocki said, including single people, married couples with lots of children, people who have been divorced and all sides of the political spectrum. He has made a conscious effort to ensure the community does not exist in a bubble, encouraging people from other parishes to visit and worship.

People long very much for the reverence, they long very much for the beauty, they long very much for the tradition, Zablocki said. Not because it's some dead ritual, but because it's something that's actually living and they see it.

But some remember practicing Latin Mass exclusively during their childhoods and are happy to reconnect.

Curt Burns, 77, and his wife Mary, 72, said they were reintroduced to the Latin Mass during a pilgrimage to Ecuador. Since then they have attended Latin Masses around the world and appreciated the consistency.

Its beautiful to recognize the Latin Mass in other parts of the world, Mary Burns said.

Joe Morse, a Covington father of four, said going to church on Sundays felt like an obligation until he started going to Latin Mass.

It was so beautiful and reverent, the music and everything was perfect, he said. He and his wife bring their children to the Mass.

Young families like his own, many of whom homeschool their children, have formed a close-knit network. Morse said the archbishop's message at Mass made him hopeful for the growth of the community.

Theres a growing community who want to worship in the traditional Catholic liturgy and to make it more difficult for them to do that would be divisive, he said. Were just interested in a reverent, traditional Mass and not necessarily trying to be more pharisaical or holier than thou.
Members of the Chahta Tribe, Tchefuncte Nation recently gathered in historic Bonfouca near Slidell to mark the completion of a six-week training program presented by the Community Preparedness Response Network in partnership with the state Health and Hospitals Bureau of Community Preparedness.

The training was done online, due to COVID-19 issues.

The network team reached out to more than 100 people, one-on-one, to assess their level of preparedness and recommended they establish their own plans in the event of natural disasters, pandemics and other emergencies.

The training was led by Chief Elwin Warhorse Gillum, who founded the network to help communities with a model she developed after Hurricane Katrina for relief, recovery and re-entry. Preparedness is accessed with the following questions: What do I need for relief? What can I do to recover? How do I re-enter?

We needed something that was more for the grassroots community, to help them prepare for disasters, the chief said. Now we are facing simultaneous disasters with an active hurricane season and a pandemic. Each requires unique planning and preparedness.

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Participants discussed how to make a stay-or-go plan and received training information that they can share with their families and network of friends, churches and organizations. Warhorse emphasized the importance of people learning to understand how government agencies respond to emergencies and an individual's responsibility. This kind of training can benefit people beyond hurricane season.

Its a year-round response, she said of the training. Its about securing yourself and not waiting for someone to knock at the door to help you.

CPRN has created networks with more than 60 members of the faith-based community, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The training included both tribal and nontribal members with representatives from Louisiana, Texas, California, Ohio, Mississippi, Arkansas, North Carolina, New York and Oklahoma.

A mobile office in St. Tammany Parish and on the Mississippi Coast allows CPRN members to go into communities to educate about CPRN while practicing social distancing. Other community outreach includes the creation of a new website. For information, email cprn985@gmail.com.
Louisianas ongoing surge of COVID cases escalated significantly on Monday with an additional 6,225 new confirmed cases reported since Friday, marking the largest jump in the count on record. At the same time, new vaccinations more than doubled over the last week, an indication that the worrisome spread fueled by the delta variant is convincing more people to get the shot.

The seven-day caseload was 15,282, higher than previous peaks during the first and second surge in 2020. The only time weekly cases have been higher was the first few weeks of January, during the third and deadliest surge in Louisiana.

There were also 213 new hospitalizations and 14 new deaths. Patients on ventilators increased by 31, bringing the total to 113.

The increase in hospitalizations brought the statewide number to 1,221, according to a noon update from the Louisiana Department of Health. The last time hospitalizations reached that number was Feb. 5.

As COVID cases surge in Louisiana, the inevitable is happening: more breakthrough infections As COVID-19 cases surge in Louisiana among unvaccinated people, the inevitable is occurring: some vaccinated people are also getting sick.

Over the last seven days, there were approximately 9,622 new vaccinations daily, a huge spike from the first two and a half weeks of July, when the daily average was 4,366.

The delta variant makes up 83.7% of cases in Louisiana and neighboring states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest update.

The vaccines are still effective against the delta variant. Though there have been more breakthrough cases in vaccinated people, the vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization. About 93% of COVID-19 cases reported to the state are among unvaccinated people, Louisiana state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter said at a press conference Friday.

After an increase in cases among vaccinated people, the Louisiana Department of Health changed its guidance on who should be tested on Friday. Now, both unvaccinated and vaccinated people should be tested immediately after notification of exposure and again after 5 to 7 days.

+3 Louisiana COVID numbers: Data on cases, deaths, hospitalizations, vaccines Editor's Note: Due to changes in the importance of various metrics used to track the pandemic, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate r

Previously, LDH recommended following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which does not recommend testing for vaccinated people if they have no symptoms.

In Louisiana, there are 1,706,544 people who are fully vaccinated and 1,908,441 people who have received at least one dose of a vaccine.

According to a noon update from the Louisiana Department of Health, 45,902 more doses of COVID vaccines have been administered, for a total of 3,483,291.

Most of those shots are part of the two-dose regimen recommended for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which is why the total number of people who have received at least one dose is lower than the total number of doses.

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Note: The Advocate and The Times-Picayune staff calculates daily case count and confirmed death increases based on the difference between today's total and yesterday's total of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The Louisiana Department of Health releases a daily case count on its dashboard that includes probable cases as indicated by a positive antigen test. That case count can be different than the one listed here.

Here are some of the parishes with the highest single-day increase in confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths, based on the Monday report:

Jefferson: 905 new cases; 1 new death

East Baton Rouge: 517 new cases

Orleans: 678 new cases

St. Tammany: 509 new cases; 1 new death

Lafayette: 334 new cases; 2 new deaths

Caddo: 234 new cases

Tangipahoa: 282 new cases

Deaths also occurred in these parishes: Livingston, Ascension, Rapides, Acadia, Vermillion, East Feliciana and Madison.

Can't see chart below? Click here.

Can't see chart below? Click here.

This is a developing story. More details and analysis to come.
Louisiana health officials saw some big jumps in Monday's coronavirus data, marking the largest jump in the count on record amid a more contagious strain's spread across the state.

Cases have risen steadily to the point that Louisiana  and the nation  are experiencing a fourth wave, prompting a related spike: the average number of COVID vaccination jabs given daily.

According to Louisiana Department of Health data analyzed by the Times-Picayune | The Advocate, an average of 9,622 new vaccines were given in the last seven days.

That number is more than double the average of new shots rolled out prior to the state's vaccine lottery announcement and the surge in cases.

From May 17 to June 14, an average of 4,566 Louisiana residents were getting vaccines each day. Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the coronavirus vaccine lottery three days later, which encouraged Louisianans to get vaccinated before the end of July in order to win one of 14 prizes, including a $1 million jackpot.

The daily average of new vaccines dipped slightly to 4,366 between July 1 and July 18, the weeks before COVID-19 case and hospitalization numbers jumped at alarming rates and led local and state officials to recommend all residents wear masks indoors.

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In Louisiana, there are 1,706,544 people who are fully vaccinated and 1,908,441 people who have received at least one dose of a vaccine. At least 41% of the population has had at least one shot, and 36% are fully inoculated.

Officials also reported 45,902 more doses of COVID vaccines administered since Thursday, for a total of 3,483,291.

Despite the presence of the more contagious delta variant and more breakthrough cases, the shot is still effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Officials said most new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations have been unvaccinated patients.

The delta variant now accounts for 83% of Louisiana's coronavirus cases. As of Monday, the LDH confirmed 6,225 new confirmed cases, the highest reporting day on record for confirmed cases.

To see more coronavirus data, click here.

Staff writers Emily Woodruff and Jeff Adelson contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first major federal agency to require health care workers to get COVID-19 vaccines, as the aggressive delta variant spreads across the nation and some communities report troubling increases in hospitalizations among unvaccinated people.

In Louisiana, it means the VA is the first hospital to set a deadline for employees to get vaccinated. Most hospitals are still considering whether to put in place the mandate, except for Ochsner Health, who will require employees get vaccinated once the shots are FDA approved.

The VA's move came on a day when nearly 60 leading medical and health care organizations issued a call for health care facilities to require their workers to get vaccinated.

"With more than 300 million doses administered in the United States and nearly 4 billion doses administered worldwide, we know the vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19," Dr. Susan Bailey, immediate past president of the American Medical Association, said in a statement. "Increased vaccinations among health care personnel will not only reduce the spread of COVID-19 but also reduce the harmful toll this virus is taking within the health care workforce and those we are striving to serve."

Although vaccination among physicians is nearly universal  96% according to an AMA survey  that's not the case for many other people working at health care facilities. In nursing homes, only about 60% of staffers are vaccinated, compared with about 80% of residents, according to recent numbers from Medicare. And COVID-19 cases are rising.

At the VA, vaccines will now be mandatory for certain medical personnel  including physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants and others who work in departmental facilities or provide direct care to veterans, said VA Secretary Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough.

Daily average of new COVID vaccines given in Louisiana more than doubles; see data Louisiana health officials saw some big jumps in Monday's coronavirus data, marking the largest jump in the count on record amid a more contag

Employees will have eight weeks to get vaccinated.

"It's the best way to keep veterans safe, especially as the delta variant spreads across the country," McDonough said in a statement. "Whenever a veteran or VA employee sets foot in a VA facility, they deserve to know that we have done everything in our power to protect them from COVID-19.

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"With this mandate, we can once again make  and keep  that fundamental promise," he added.

In addition to the AMA, the medical and health care groups calling for mandatory vaccines for health workers included the American Academy of Nursing, the American Public Health Association, the American Pharmacists Association and, for the first time, a nursing home industry group. LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit nursing homes and elder care facilities, had previously advocated educating nursing home employees about the benefits of getting their shots. Also joining the call was the National Medical Association, the leading professional group representing Black physicians.

"Unfortunately, many health care and long-term care personnel remain unvaccinated," the groups said in a statement. "We stand with the growing number of experts and institutions that support the requirement for universal vaccination of health workers."

It was unclear what would happen to VA employees who refuse to be vaccinated. The longstanding policy in the health care industry is for staff to stay up-to-date with vaccinations, such as annual flu shots. However, a general rule is to allow exceptions for medical reasons, such as known allergies.

One complicating factor with the COVID-19 vaccines is that they have yet to win full approval from the Food and Drug Administration, and continue to be provided under emergency use authorization. The lack of a full approval has fed into hesitancy among some people.

However, the emergency approval process didn't skip the extensive testing required of any vaccine. Of the three manufacturers of vaccines approved in the U.S., Pfizer and Moderna have applied for full approval, and a Pfizer decision is expected soon.

And the COVID-19 vaccines were not brewed overnight, either. Indeed, they were the fruit of more than 10 years of behind-the-scenes research and huge injections of funding that laid the groundwork for them to be rolled out so quickly.

Katie Smith Sloan, CEO of LeadingAge, said it's time go beyond the power of persuasion. "As COVID-19 variants emerge and proliferate, we can start saving more lives today by ensuring staff are fully vaccinated," she said.
Over her lifetime in New Orleans, Angela Chalk has noticed her 7th Ward neighborhood heating up as the number of trees diminished.

Everyone is aware that it's hot, Chalk said. They may not specifically know the reasoning for the increased temperatures.

The same asphalt and concrete that contribute to flooding also absorb and retain the suns rays, then slowly radiate that heat back into the air. This creates heat islands, keeping the air hotter for longer periods in some spots and for those spots exacerbating the extreme heat that affects broader regions. Its the second, site-specific part of a one-two punch in an era of rising temperatures across the globe.

Due to a combination of dark and impermeable surfaces, New Orleans ranks as the worst heat island of 159 cities in the United States, according to a new report from science news nonprofit Climate Central  more intense than even larger metropolises such as New York City, Houston and Chicago. Lafayette ranks 19th.

Its additive, said Andrew Pershing, the nonprofits director of climate science. Whatever the temperature you have on that day, you have this extra effect.

Using models, the report estimates that New Orleans residents on average could experience temperatures almost 9 degrees higher than those living in less developed areas outside the city. Within New Orleans itself, specific neighborhoods with less green space and more development could see even greater disparities. Communities of color and pockets of low-income residents tend to see disproportionate impacts.

Extreme heat can trigger potentially fatal reactions such as heat stroke or exhaustion, and worsen a range of health issues, from respiratory illnesses to heart diseases. It also is expensive, driving up energy costs to cool houses and businesses.

Amy Lesen, a Dillard University health-disparities researcher who was not involved in the Climate Center analysis, said the report is built on well-established research into the factors creating urban heat islands. She was surprised to see New Orleans at the top of the list, but she said its time to go beyond broad models and to measure just how much temperatures vary across the city.

This is a good wake-up call, and we need to think about it, Lesen said. We also really need to dig down into what the reality is on the street for people [who] live here.

Pershing said the report aims to highlight changes that a city can make to cool itself.

We know that cities are getting warmer and they're going to continue to get warmer over the next several decades, he said.  But ... you have the potential where you can actually make changes that essentially reduce the warming that people will experience.

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For New Orleans, that means reckoning with the high concentration of impermeable surfaces with low albedo, a measure of how well a material reflects solar energy; lighter and more reflective surfaces have higher albedo. Pershing said cities can add more reflective surfaces and ensure that the effects of darker surfaces are mitigated with green spaces.

New Orleans has already begun this transition, and, earlier this month, Mayor LaToya Cantrell signed into a global agreement to increase amount of green and permeable space in the city to between 30% and 40% by 2030.

In the 7th Ward, Chalk founded Healthy Community Services to regreen her neighborhood. Partnering with Dillard, Tulane Universitys Bywater Institute and other organizations, the nonprofit hopes to lessen the heat and reduce flooding.

Much of its work involves educating residents on green infrastructure and planting trees. Chalk said shes monitoring results with sensors to compare an area with new trees to an untouched section.

We know that we're cooling down incrementally, Chalk said. It's going to take a while for them to come to full maturity so that you can have some recognizable benefits.

ISeeChange, a New Orleans-based climate technology company, also is trying to map heat throughout the city with sensors and user-generated data.

Thats the kind of community-based work that Lesen, the Dillard researcher, wants to promote to address New Orleans heat islands.

Whats really valuable here is talking about what the impacts are, she said, and then thinking about how they can be improved.

TOP 20 URBAN HEAT ISLANDS

New Orleans, 8.94 degrees Newark, N.J., 7.71 degrees New York City, 7.62 degrees Houston, 7.46 degrees San Francisco, 7.37 degrees Boston, 7.24 degrees Chicago, 7.24 degrees Miami, 7.24 degrees Baltimore, 7.08 degrees Providence, R.I., 7.08 degrees Sacramento, Calif., 7.08 degrees Salinas, Calif., 7.08 degrees Burlington, Vt., 7.05 degrees Bend, Ore., 6.97 degrees Cleveland, 6.97 degrees Detroit, 6.97 degrees Erie, 6.97 degrees Fresno, Calif., 6.97 degrees Lafayette, 6.97 degrees McAllen, Texas, 6.97 degrees

Source: Climate Central.
A Houma man was cited for harvesting several sacks of oysters from a polluted area of Lafourche Parish.

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries patrol team spotted Angel Torres-Cuevas, 43, taking oysters in Bayou Blue north of Catfish Lake on July 19. The area is closed to shellfish harvesting due to high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria.

Wildlife and Fisheries agents seized nine sacks of oysters and returned them to the water. Agents also seized Torres-Cuevas' boat and oyster dredge.

The penalty for taking oysters from a polluted area is a fine of up to $950 and up to 120 days in jail. Violators could also have their oyster harvester licenses revoked for up to one year and be required to perform community service.

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The polluted area had been closed by the state Department of Health. The source of the contamination is unclear, but common sources include leaky septic systems, waste dumped from boats and animal feces.

Fecal contamination typically closes several hundred acres off the Louisiana coast at any one time. Health officials regularly test for fecal contamination in oyster-growing areas. Closures usually last 21 days before additional testing is done.
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Williamsport -- Dwell Orphan Care recently received substantial grant funding as a result of the Williamsport/Lycoming Community Fund Capacity Building Grant from the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. Dwell will use the grant funding for three avenues in order to expand the organization's capacity through education and operational function. The funded projects will allow leadership and staff to work more effectively and efficiently to serve local foster and adoptive families.

Executive Director Jennifer Lake continues to lead the organization with discernment and a keen awareness of the needs of foster and adoptive families in the area. In an effort to extend Dwells existing trauma-informed training and services, Mrs. Lake will be pursuing course work at Lock Haven University to grow her understanding and knowledge base surrounding trauma and its effects on the brain.

Jennifer, along with her partners at area child welfare agencies, see the gaps that exist in trauma-aware service. Trauma work is so crucial in our area, Lake explained, and access to trauma-informed training and counseling will make a huge impact on local foster and adoptive families. Children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and separation are impacted by altered brain chemistry. That altered brain chemistry can be displayed through behaviors and emotional outbursts that make parenting these children challenging. Our goal at Dwell is to provide training that provides tangible tactics and strategies that establish and rebuild healthy brain chemistry along with secure attachment, strong connections, and felt safety in these children.

In addition to Mrs. Lakes continued education, her staff will also benefit from the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvanias grant award. A portion of the funding will be used to support the staffs participation in the Christian Alliance For Orphans Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio this fall. This conference provides a comprehensive look at the orphan, foster, and adoptive climate, teaches current best practices for nonprofits serving these demographics, and offers insightful, real-life experience workshops aimed at enhancing existing ministries that serve vulnerable children and the families who love them.

Finally, Dwell plans to implement a cloud-based donor management system that will help the organization streamline communication and relationship-building with the community that supports their work.

Being able to consolidate and simplify some of our administrative process will be a huge help as we move forward, Lake stated. The donor management program will free up more of our time to do work that directly and tangibly serves families and children.

Were beyond grateful that the FCFP sees our work as deserving of these grant dollars, she concluded. Were humbled to be counted among the other change-making organizations in this region. The FCFP is an invaluable resource to all of us doing work in this sector and we look forward to the growth we will experience as a result of this grant funding.

Work has already begun in the pursuit of these three opportunities for Dwell, and the organization hopes to complete all of the action plans submitted with their grant proposal before the close of the calendar year.
Wolf administration officials doubled down this week on pursuing more than $100 million in new pandemic-related emergency contracts as they faced questions from state lawmakers about the health departments spending.

The House and Senate held two hearings this week after Spotlight PA reporting found that the Department of Health was using the emergency procurement process, which allows state agencies to sidestep public bidding for contracts they say are urgent, to hire a new contact tracing company after the last one failed to prevent a data breach.

The health department requested a $34 million contract with Public Consulting Group, LLC, to take over the contact tracing program, though officials told lawmakers they expect to spend closer to $9 million.

Separately, the agency is pursuing an $87 million emergency contract to hire a company to perform COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools across the state. Officials also want to pay a Boston-based firm $2.7 million to perform consulting services. The company, Boston Consulting Group, was previously awarded an $11.6 million contract to assist the state with the vaccine rollout.

It is incredibly important right now that, even though case counts are low, we are on top of any potential outbreak, Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam said during a joint hearing of the Senate Health and Human Services and Communications and Technology Committees on Wednesday.

The needs are urgent, Beam said, because they want to have these programs in place before the start of the new school year in August.

But Republican lawmakers pushed back, saying that at this stage of the pandemic, there needs to be more oversight and transparency around how emergency contracts are used.

Now that the spread isnt occurring as rapidly as it was, did we not as a state have the ability to transition a little bit slower, take time, and perhaps vet some Pennsylvania-based vendors? Sen. Michele Brooks, (R., Mercer), chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, asked Wednesday.

The Department of Health wants to hire Ginkgo Bioworks, a Boston-based biotech company, to provide optional COVID-19 testing programs in K-12 schools in the coming weeks. Public Consulting Group is also headquartered in Boston and is the agencys choice to pick up where the last contact tracing company left off.

The previous vendor, Insight Global, headquartered in Atlanta, was hired through an emergency procurement request in July 2020. The state fired the company in June after a security breach exposed the personal information of about 72,000 people who participated in contact tracing efforts  outreach to people who were possibly exposed to the coronavirus in an attempt to prevent future outbreaks.

While the original contract was worth $22.9 million, it grew to $57.8 million by March, purchase orders on file with the state treasurer show. Health department officials on Wednesday told Senate lawmakers the state has paid the company $28 million so far. A hold has been placed on future payments as litigation related to the data breach is handled.

It was not until late June that the health department used the emergency procurement process to initiate a contract with Public Consulting Group to take over.

The contract has not yet been finalized, but a department spokesperson said in a statement that movement is expected soon. Officials would not say how many contact tracers would be hired, only that the number would be included in the contract.

According to the Contact Tracing Workforce Estimator built by the George Washington University Institute for Health Workforce Equity, Pennsylvania still needs 2,225 contact tracers.

Community health nurses employed by the health department, along with Pennsylvania National Guard members, have been assisting with contact tracing efforts since early June as the department works to replace Insight Global.

About 50 service members were assigned at the start of the transition, but that number has since been reduced to about 12, due in part to National Guard scheduling, Keara Klinepeter, health department executive deputy secretary, said during the Wednesday hearing.

Twelve, right now, is sufficient, Klinepeter said.

Klinepeter emphasized that the pandemic is not yet over, and in the instance of a threat to public health, time equals lives.

Health department officials told lawmakers on Wednesday that they considered at least eight vendors when picking a new contact tracing company. Still, only the final emergency procurement request, to hire Public Consulting Group, has been made public.

These contracts are only a small sample of the hundreds of emergency procurement requests made during the pandemic.

A Spotlight PA analysis showed state agencies made 483 emergency procurement requests in 2020, up from an average of 135 requests made each year since 2015. The estimated costs attached to those requests totaled more than $340 million last year, up from an annual average of $81 million.

The Department of General Services typically approves emergency procurement requests within a day or two after they are submitted, a Spotlight PA review of state records showed. Non-emergency solicitations can take a minimum of 45 days to finalize.

Health department officials said they work closely with the Department of General Services to craft emergency procurement requests, as well as subject-area experts within the health department, legal counsel, and department leadership to determine whether the expense is necessary and to oversee a contractors work.

We dont treat vendors who come in through emergency procurement differently than we treat vendors who come in through a traditional, competitive process, Klinepeter said.

Department of General Services Secretary Curt Topper told House lawmakers during a hearing Tuesday the process is rigorous and the format is necessary to make sure state agencies are able to respond to emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic.

I think we have a really good handle on this, Topper said. I dont have any complaints about the process with respect to emergency procurements.

Rep. Jason Ortitay (R., Allegheny), who chairs the subcommittee that held Tuesdays hearing, said hes still considering ways to strengthen the legislatures oversight of state contracts, including adding dedicated audit staff to legislative committees.

Ortitay also said he wants to improve transparency by requiring state agencies to publicly post emergency procurement requests. State law currently does not require agencies to make the requests public, but the Department of General Services does publish them to the state eMarketplace website, Topper said.

Thats one thing were going to fix, is to make sure they are statutorily obligated, and its not just an option, Ortitay said.

The health department will continue to communicate with legislators on the issue of procurement, a statement from a department spokesperson said.

Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, (R., York), chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, said she would follow up with agency officials and colleagues in the House to collaborate on ways to improve the procurement process as a whole.

I think that we need to have more legislative oversight, Phillips-Hill said.

This story has been updated to clarify the amount of money paid to Insight Global.

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Williamsport, Pa. One July 21, an agent from the Lycoming County District Attorneys office picked up a man identified as Anthony David Jourdan, 32, Turbotville for an alleged drug transaction.

After and exchange of $200, Jourdan gave the driver of the vehicle approximately 3.51 grams of methamphetamine. Agents said Jourdan then became agitated to the point the undercover officer called in backup to execute an arrest.

According to the report, officers approached the vehicle and ordered Jourdan to get out. He refused and a scuffle started that resulted in Jourdan being taken into custody.

Jourdan was charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and second-degree misdemeanor resisting arrest. Jourdan is being held at the Lycoming County Prison on $20,000 monetary bail as he awaits a preliminary hearing on July 27.
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Harrisburg, Pa.  Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Gerow was involved in a crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Chester County this week that killed a motorcyclist and shut down the highway for nearly seven hours, according to law enforcement and other officials.

Kevin Harley, a spokesperson for Gerow, confirmed that Gerow was the driver and said he is now cooperating fully with the investigation and will continue to do so.

He looks forward to the State Police completing their investigations and is confident that the investigation will confirm that he was not the cause of the accident, Harley wrote in an email. He has been advised that he should not discuss the matter further until the investigation has been completed.

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the crash, which occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday on the portion of the Turnpike that runs through Tredyffrin Township, authorities said.

A State Police report on the incident made public Thursday does not name Gerow. It says only that the crash involved a Honda motorcycle and a Mercedes Benz 300, both traveling westbound on the turnpike. It did not identify the man who was killed.

But on Friday, Chester County Coroner Christina VandePol identified the victim as Logan Carl Abbott, 30, of Bradford County.

In a statement Friday, State Police spokesperson Brent Miller said the investigation is active and ongoing, and his agency is trying to determine whether other vehicles may have been involved.

The crash scene was large and the turnpike (westbound) was closed for approximately seven hours, said Miller. PSP still needs the publics help. Anyone who witnessed, has video, or other information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Troop T-King of Prussia station at 610-279-1605.

Nicholas Forgette, a highway construction worker who was working on the turnpike Wednesday evening, said he was on the opposite side of the highway when he saw Gerows car pass by with a motorcycle wedged into the grill of the car.

In an interview Friday, Forgette said the first thing he noticed were sparks coming off a car that was traveling at a high rate of speed in the westbound lanes of the turnpike. He and members of his construction crew who were with him were dumbstruck, he said.

Everyone was in disbelief, he said. That is not something you see every day. It was a big motorcycle, too. There were a bunch of sparks. And it was very loud.

Forgette, who works for a traffic control company in Pottstown, said Gerow was pulled over by State Police several miles down from where he first saw him. He said Gerow was sitting on a guardrail, stone-faced and kind of disconnected.

When he saw Gerows car, he said the motorcycle was sitting upright, with the side stuck into the front of the car.

He said he left before the roadway reopened, but his crew members told him that Gerow was directed into the front seat of a cruiser and driven away from the scene.

Gerow, a longtime Republican strategist based in Harrisburg, announced his run for governor last month, saying hes a coalition builder who can unite the GOP and expand its appeal as a Latino immigrant who found opportunity in the United States.

He said he would campaign as a conservative happy warrior, with a focus on helping the states economy rebound after being shut down during the pandemic, and making Pennsylvania more attractive to businesses.

Gerow was born in Brazil and adopted by American missionaries who later returned to the United States.

He began his political career working for Ronald Reagans 1976 presidential campaign. He ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate and Congress multiple times in the 1980s and 1990s, then founded the Harrisburg-based public affairs firm Quantum Communications in 2001.

He also serves as vice chairman of the American Conservative Union, which hosts the annual gathering known as CPAC, and was a cochair of businesswoman Carly Fiorinas 2016 presidential campaign.

Two weeks ago, Gerow addressed CPACs members in a meeting in Dallas, addressing such topics as cancel culture, election integrity, critical race theory, abortion, and public funding for private schools.

Gerow, who received cheers from the crowd when he mentioned his candidacy for governor, struck a bipartisan note while pointing out that Republicans and Democrats support criminal justice reform.

Because its the right thing to do, he said.

Inquirer staff writers Chris Brennan and Andrew Seidman contributed to this article.

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Montoursville -- On Thursday, July 22, Governor Tom Wolf joined PennDOT District 3 to acknowledge Sullivan County Maintenance Organization for reaching 4,000 days (11 years) without a disabling employee injury. Currently, this is the longest active streak of its kind in the Department.

A disabling injury is any injury that results in an employee missing one or more days of work.

Sullivan County Maintenance Organization continues their dedication to a safe work environment that allows employees to return home each day injury-free, Governor Wolf said. I commend their efforts to maintain these safety standards which keep our employees safe.

This safety milestone shows the dedication Sullivan County employees have to safety 24/7 culture in the workplace, said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian, P.E., Their focus to adhering to safety standards is commendable, as our employees are the departments greatest resource.

Over the last ten years, Sullivan County employees have continued to impress me with their focus on safety standards, said Sandra Tosca, District Executive for the departments Montoursville-based District 3-0 region. They realize that workplace injuries not only impact themselves, but everyone around them, including their families and co-workers.

County employees perform a wide range of road and bridge maintenance activities throughout the year. All work is done with a strict adherence to the tenets of safety.

Im extremely proud to be part of a team of men and women who embrace the departments philosophy of safety, 24/7, said Sullivan County Maintenance Manager Kenneth Pochatko. This county makes accountability and responsibility for employees a priority.
Muncy -- Gail A. Hayes, 78, of Muncy died Thursday, July 22, 2021 at UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport.

Born February 20, 1943 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of the late Milton and Mary Jane Amsrud. On Dec. 27, 1965 she married Michael J. Hayes, who preceded her in death Apr. 13, 2013. Together they celebrated 47 years of marriage.

Gail was a graduate of Aquinas High School, LaCrosse, Wisconsin and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin where she received her bachelors degree. She taught sixth grade English at Muncy Elementary School for many years.

Gail was a member of the Church of the Resurrection, Muncy. She previously served on the board at the Muncy Public Library. Gail loved reading and doing word search puzzles.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Kerry Hayes, of Doylestown; a daughter and son-in-law, Gretchen Hayes-Donohue and Thomas Donohue, of Williamsport; and two grandsons, David and Adam.

In addition to her parents, she was predecease by two brothers and two sisters.

Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 30 at the Church of the Resurrection, 75 Musser Lane, Muncy, where a Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. with her pastor, the Rev. Glenn McCreary, officiating.

Burial will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery, Montoursville.

The family will provide the flowers and suggests memorial contributions in Gails name be made to the Church of the Resurrection, 75 Musser Lane, Muncy, PA 17756.

The family is being assisted by Grenobles, 121 S. Main St., Muncy.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grenoblefuneralhome.com.

To plant a tree in memory of Gail Hayes as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.




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Elliot Pierce is a lifelong conservative resident of Northwest Georgia. Open-minded and curious, he also writes for GeorgiaPol.com. Follow him on Twitter @ElliotPierce and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elliot.pierce, or reach him by email at elliotpierce1@gmail.com.
Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing during the afternoon. High 86F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.
Cedartown, GA (30125)

Today

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Widely scattered showers or a thunderstorm early. Then partly cloudy. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
HAMMOND  Two Illinois men are pleading guilty to robbing banks in Hammond and Homewood, Illinois.

Matayo H. Young and Myron McKinney, both 20, appeared Thursday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge John E. Martin to admit they acted together last year in committing two holdups.

Young and McKinney had been scheduled to stand trial next month on charges that, if convicted, would have carried a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The two gave up their right to make the government prove them guilty in return for a promise of a more lenient sentence, according to plea agreements they made earlier this month with the U.S. attorneys office.

Martin states in court records that he heard the two men acknowledge they knowingly gave up their constitutional trial rights. Martin also heard the strength of the evidence prosecutors would have presented against them, if a trial had taken place.

According to the FBI, the first robbery took place Aug. 3, 2020.

Young walked into the TCF Bank branch, 17830 Halsted St., Homewood, wearing a black mask and clothing and glasses. McKinney stayed outside in a car, acting as a lookout.
In the early weeks of the pandemic, there was a silver lining to be found for pet shelters.

Most area animal shelters and humane societies shut down completely. Not only were visitors not allowed to stroll in and peruse the pets waiting to be adopted, but the facilities were completely cleared of pets and sat empty for weeks. That meant that the animals had to have somewhere else to go and people stepped up in large numbers to foster those animals.

Many new foster families saw it as an ideal time to do so as they worked from home and had more time to dedicate to a pet, and they enjoyed the companionship as their dining room tables became their work stations. A lot of those foster situations even turned into adoptions.

Fast forward to a year later and many shelters have fully reopened. People have also been making their way back to the workplace and fostering has dropped off, but the need for fostering remains strong. The rooms that were empty in late March 2020 are now full again, and some shelters are at capacity and beyond  unable to accept new intakes and with waiting lists for people wanting to surrender pets.
A veteran federal prosecutor originally from Gary was nominated Monday by Democratic President Joe Biden to serve as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.

If confirmed by the Democratic-controlled Senate, Clifford Johnson would make history as the first black U.S. attorney in the district, which includes all of Northwest Indiana and 32 counties altogether.

In a sense, Johnson already holds that distinction. He was acting U.S. attorney for six months in 2017 following the resignation of U.S. Attorney David Capp and prior to the appointment of U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch II.

During that period, Johnson oversaw the prosecution and conviction of Lake County Sheriff John Buncich on public corruption charges.

But Johnson's experience as a federal prosecutor dates back to 1986 when he left the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division after five years to join the U.S. attorney's office in Hammond as a civil assistant U.S. attorney.

The graduate of Gary's Emerson High School and Valparaiso University Law School then served as chief of the local civil division before becoming first assistant U.S. attorney in 2010. He left the office in 2020.
NASHVILLE  Mark Valentine knows that his brother Phil Valentine, a prominent conservative radio host who scoffed at the need to get vaccinated, has had a big impact on how his listeners have viewed the pandemic and their own response to it.

The fact of the matter is a lot of people didnt get the vaccine because he didnt, Mark Valentine said.

But after Phil Valentine was infected with Covid-19 and was hospitalized in critical condition, and since he issued a statement advising others to get the vaccine, the news has divided his fans and critics  who continue to clash over Mr. Valentines culpability in his own illness and his influence on listeners who, like him, waved off the opportunity to get vaccinated.

Phil Valentine, who once wrote that he was not going to get the vaccine because his chances of dying from the virus were way less than one percent, is now hospitalized, attached to a ventilator at night, and to an oxygen mask during the day, so he can breathe.
Mayor Adrian Perkins, a Shreveport native and graduate of West Point and Harvard Law School who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, was sued last year when he tried one. On Friday, he announced a new advisory urging residents to wear masks indoors, a day after the parish commission voted to postpone action on a mandate.

The falsehoods filling social media feeds dwarf whatever vaccine salesmanship power he has, he said. One complicating phenomenon, he said, was the sharing of misinformation between the Black community, which has a long-held skepticism of vaccines, and a white population that sees the vaccine and virus restrictions as government overreach.

Dr. Whyte framed her struggles getting people vaccinated as part of a broader negligence of public health. She said her department was continually underfunded despite significant rates of syphilis and maternal and infant mortality. It is wrestling with infant vaccinations and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and is fighting an increase in drug overdoses.

Her department has 99 employees, but few for preventing and tracking infectious disease. She oversees one epidemiologist and a community health worker supervisor who has no one to supervise. She is starting to see some help from federal funding appropriated during the pandemic: She plans to hire three community health workers soon, a social worker to replace one who retired years ago, and at least one more epidemiologist, most likely with funds provided by the C.D.C. She manages contact tracing with a small team.

As Dr. Whyte explained the citys challenges in an interview, Calandre Singh, an epidemiologist in Shreveport for the state health department, interrupted with a warning. The funeral for a police deputy in neighboring Webster Parish was set for the next day and was likely to draw hundreds of people indoors, likely without masks  a possible superspreading event. Dr. Whyte and her team consulted with the organizers, who promised to enforce social distancing and a mask requirement. No outbreak has been tied to the event thus far, she said.

Within a month, Dr. Whyte anticipates even knottier debates about the need for masks and vaccines in schools. Federal regulators have not yet authorized the vaccine for the youngest children, but those 12 to 15 have been eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine since May.

At times over the last year, Dr. Whyte has felt so emotionally wrung out that she has been tempted to quit. Her otherwise healthy husband, a physician, spent two months on a ventilator last year, an experience she describes vividly in her pitches to community members about vaccination. The exchange with Ms. Peavy at the City Council meeting had left her angry and depleted.
KABUL, Afghanistan  The top American general overseeing operations in Afghanistan declined to say Sunday night whether U.S. airstrikes against the Taliban would end Aug. 31, the date previously given by officials as a cutoff for such attacks.

Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the head of United States Central Command, refused to commit to ending the United States last remaining military leverage over the Taliban: airstrikes.

The insurgents recent advance across Afghanistan has resulted in the capture of over half the countrys districts, and now threatens its major cities.

Afghan forces have so far not been able to contain the Taliban since it intensified its military campaign May 1, with the countrys military ceding large swathes of territory, at times without a fight.
As a director, Tcherniakov is often interested in trauma: the ways in which it is overcome, sublimated or succumbed to. Here, that was manifest in the Dutchmans origin story, recounted in a series of vignettes during the overture.

The Dutchman, in this telling, grew up in a small town  possibly coastal, though there is neither a ship nor sea in sight  with uniform, clean, monochromatic, rather sinister architecture. His single mother had an affair with a married man, who violently broke things off with her. Gossip spread, and she became an outcast, isolated in an already isolating place. So she hanged herself; the boy, unable to help, was left mournfully holding onto her swinging foot.

He leaves his hometown and later returns  like the librettos cursed Dutchman, docking his ship every seven years in search of a love that will redeem him. Now an adult, with an imposing build and furrowed brow, he is unrecognizable at a local bar, where he tells his tale to a half-interested crowd. (The baritone John Lundgrens delivery of the monologue was strained, and misaligned with the menacing force of his demeanor.)

Among the people the Dutchman meets at the bar is Daland  in the libretto a sea captain and the father of the operas heroine, Senta, but here a clean-cut, middle-class man. (Indeed, the one who ruined his mothers life.) The bass Georg Zeppenfeld portrays him with a warm tone and a touch of naive insouciance.
Quarantine can be lifesaving; it can also be dangerous, an exercise of extraordinary power in the name of disease control, a presumption of guilt instead of innocence.

In Until Proven Safe, a new book about quarantines past and future, Geoff Manaugh and Nicola Twilley do an impressively judicious job of explaining exactly why fears of quarantine are understandable and historically justified, while also showing how in coming years we will almost certainly find ourselves more dependent on quarantine, not less. Quarantine has to do with risk and uncertainty, and its logic is simple: There might be something dangerous inside you  something contagious  on the verge of breaking free.

While medical advances have made some diseases more diagnosable and less deadly, newfound knowledge can also accentuate the depths of our ignorance. The more we know, the more we know how much we dont know  not to mention that modern life, with escalating numbers of people and goods churning their way around the world, has increased the opportunities for contagion.

Image Credit... .

Quarantine is distinct from isolation, even if the terms are often used interchangeably. Someone is isolated when they are known to be sick; someone is quarantined when they might be but we cannot be sure. Manaugh, an architecture and technology blogger, and Twilley, the co-host of a podcast about the science and history of food, bring an impressively wide range of interests to bear on a subject that involves not only infectious disease but also  in their ambitious yet seamless narration  politics, agriculture, surveillance and even outer space.
Chinese regulators barred tutoring companies from making profits, a move that sent their shares plummeting on Monday, erasing tens of billions of dollars from the value of the countrys once blistering education sector, as Beijing turns its focus to the growing financial burden that students  and their parents  face.

Some of Chinas biggest publicly listed education companies lost significant chunks of their value as investors ditched them after the announcement of rules that require all companies that offer curriculum tutoring to register as nonprofit institutions.

The rules, which were published over the weekend, will also restrict new foreign investment, once a key avenue for those companies to raise money. They are the latest in a series of moves by China to rein in its technology sector that has hit stocks of its biggest companies, in sectors as diverse as ride hailing and music licensing. Regulators say they are tackling privacy, cybersecurity and antitrust concerns, directing their crackdown at the countrys thriving internet industry.

Koolearn Technology, which provides online classes and test-preparation courses, said it expected the rules to have material adverse impact on its business. Its stock lost 33 percent on Monday. A handful of other Hong Kong-listed education companies, including New Oriental Education & Technology and Scholar Education Group, along with the U.S.-listed companies Gaotu Techedu and TAL, issued similar statements.
Companies reconsider vaccine requirements

Last month, Goldman Sachs unofficially kicked off Wall Streets return to the office in a celebratory mood. (There were food trucks and live music). The tone has since changed, as the highly contagious Delta variant spreads and nearly half of the U.S. population isnt fully vaccinated.

That has led some companies to reconsider their reopening plans and rekindled the debate about whether to make vaccination mandatory. To date, most companies havent required returning workers to get inoculated. Will that change?

We all but shamed people, Johnny Taylor, the C.E.O. of the Society for Human Resource Management, said of companies cajoling and offering incentives for workers to get vaccinated. But now were at a point that none of thats working and weve got to close the gap.

North Carolina-based Novant Health said last week that it would make inoculations mandatory after trying other ways to overcome vaccine hesitancy. As the Delta variant spreads, the time was right to say, Weve got to move forward with requiring vaccines of our team members, said Dr. David Priest, the companys chief safety officer.
Lordstown Motors, a struggling electric pickup truck company, said Monday that it had reached a deal with an investment firm to raise $400 million over three years.

The investment firm, Yorkville Advisors, has agreed to buy up to $400 million of Lordstowns shares, which would provide badly needed cash to a company that this summer said it could go out of business without raising more money.

The deal is potentially quite lucrative to Yorkville because it will buy the stock for at least $7.48 a share, the closing price on Friday. If Lordstown stock rises, the hedge fund stands to make a profit.

Yorkville agreed that it would not bet against Lordstowns stock. Lordstown also agreed to give Yorkville 371,000 shares, which are worth nearly $3 million based on the current stock price, for agreeing to the deal.
MIAMI  Outside Versailles Restaurant, on Calle Ocho, near Miamis Little Havana, thousands of protesters have gathered in the last two weeks, waving red, white and blue flags  Cuban and American  in the pouring rain and the suffocating humidity.

In front of the self-proclaimed worlds most famous Cuban restaurant, Cuban exiles and Cuban Americans show their support for Cubans on the island who have denounced the Communist government and protested shortages of food and medicine in the biggest movement in decades.

They chant Patria y Vida (Homeland and Life) and bang on pots as cars stuck in traffic honk in support. All of the ruckus can be heard inside the restaurant.

Versailles has been a community landmark for 50 years, and it has attracted marches, protests and celebrations of major Cuban American news events for decades. The crowds are nothing new. Protesters have long replenished their energy with cafe Cubano and guava-and-cheese pastelitos from the ventanita, the restaurants tiny service window.
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Wesley Morris was ready for his medal.

In 2012, he had just won his first Pulitzer Prize for criticism, as a writer for The Boston Globe, and was at the ceremony at Columbia University with his mother. But when he wondered out loud where he could pick up the award, he got a surprise.

Oh, sweetie, Tracy K. Smith, that years poetry winner, told him. We dont get a medal, only the public service winner gets that. We get a paperweight. (OK, she was exaggerating a little.)

My mom was like, Oh my God, Wesley, he said, laughing.

It was the rare oversight for Mr. Morris, a deep thinker and New York Times critic at large who recently won his second Pulitzer Prize for criticism, the only person to receive that award twice.

He was recognized for an ambitious body of work over the past year on race and culture that included not only incisive essays about the racial justice movement and the impact of cellphone videos on Black Americans, but poignant personal pieces like a Times Magazine story about how growing a mustache was connected to his sense of Blackness.
Mr. Adams, for his part, is seizing the mayoral bully pulpit, moving to cement a national reputation as a Democrat who speaks with uncommon authority about both public safety and police reform.

Every year, you have these different playbooks, said Donna Brazile, a former acting chair of the Democratic National Committee who recently encountered Mr. Adams on the set of ABCs This Week.

He has the commanding playbook for the moment, she said.

In some ways, it is a difficult playbook to replicate. Mr. Adams, who will be New Yorks second Black mayor if he wins in November, as expected, grew up in poverty and says he was beaten by police officers before joining the force himself.

He spent years drawing attention for challenging police misconduct, only to emerge as the most public safety-minded candidate in this years mayoral primary. His striking trajectory and promises to combat inequality helped him connect with a broad swath of Black and Latino voters and with some white working-class New Yorkers. And the buzz around him now is due in part to interest in the likely next mayor of the nations largest city.

But some party officials and lawmakers also say that Mr. Adams offers a template for how to discuss matters of crime and justice, urgent issues for Democratic candidates across the country as the early contours of the 2022 midterm campaigns take shape.
HOUSTON  This March, my partners and I paid special bonuses to all employees at my law firm in the heart of this city. Unlike at many other firms around the country, this $395,000 in bonuses  in addition to the $2.7 million in year-end bonuses  was not some apology or atonement for cutbacks stemming from the coronavirus economy. We wanted to reward all 90 of our employees for their record-breaking work in 2020: Our small, specialized, 28-year-old firm had its best year yet, and we did it mostly together.

Not Zoom together  real together.

In March 2020, a tidal wave of stay-at-home orders from local and state officials turned downtown Houston into the kind of a ghost town one might imagine when a hurricane is about to hit. We closed our office along with most other city businesses.

Advocates of the move hoped that working from home would not slow productivity significantly and could obviate the need for office space in the future. But in a remote-work setting, we never matched the team creativity and production we had taken for granted at our office. On Zoom, some people were distracted and anxious to leave meetings, but in person, they were engaged and animated  there was just no comparison.

While lawyers at other Houston law firms claimed to be happy with remote work, I believe it prevented us from performing at our sharpest. There is a cost to working at home that goes beyond depression, disconnectedness and failing to bathe regularly: It can drain morale and diminish collegiality.
Say youre Jeff Bezos.

Youre the richest person in the world. Youve spent billions of dollars starting up a rocket company that has just launched you and three others high enough that everyone agrees you reached outer space, even if just for a few minutes.

Are you now an astronaut?

The answer appears to be no, at least in the eyes of the Federal Aviation Administration, which last week revised its definitions on whom it considers to be an astronaut.

But for Richard Branson, the billionaire who went to space a week earlier on a rocket plane operated by Virgin Galactic, a company he founded, the answer might be yes.

The advent of the age of space tourism brings along a question of semantics: Is the word astronaut something that describes where someone has been  outer space  or is it a job description like pilot or sailor?
After dark, the Watagan Mountains in New South Wales, Australia, can appear otherworldly to anyone with a headlamp. But things turned stranger than usual in 2015 when John Gould, a behavioral ecologist at the University of Newcastle in Australia, was surveying sandpaper frogs in the forests ephemeral pools for his dissertation.

Dr. Gould was crouching upon a pool, seeking frogs, when he saw a pea-sized bug that he thought had fallen into the water. As he peered closer, Dr. Gould realized he was not watching a right-side-up bug struggling to escape the water, but an upside-down beetle in full control of its life and current situation. It skittered along the undersurface of the water as if in a parallel world, the kneeling Dr. Gould beneath him.

The surface of the pool was immaculately still, nary a wind ripple in sight, and Dr. Gould pulled out his phone to record the water scavenger beetles nonchalant ceiling crawl. Because the footage was unrelated to his research, Dr. Gould stored the beetle video in his files and did not return to it for several years as he finished his doctorate. In June at last, Dr. Gould and Jose Valdez, a wildlife ecologist at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research in Leipzig, published the first detailed documentation of this behavior in beetles in the journal Ethology.

Martin Fikacek from National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, was not involved with the initial research but identified the bug as a water scavenger beetle, likely in the family Hydrophilidae.
We could have raised $1 billion in capital, Mr. Beri said.

Recent cyberattacks around the world have taken down operations at gasoline pipelines, hospitals and grocery chains and potentially compromised some intelligence agencies. But they have been a bonanza for one group: cybersecurity start-ups.

Investors have poured more than $12.2 billion into start-ups that sell products and services such as cloud security, identity verification and privacy protection so far this year. That exceeds the $10.4 billion that cybersecurity companies raised in all of 2020 and is more than double the $4.8 billion raised in 2016, according to the research firm PitchBook, which tracks funding. Since 2019, the rise in cybersecurity funding has outpaced the increase in overall venture funding.

The surge follows a slew of high-profile ransomware attacks, including against Colonial Pipeline, the software maker Kaseya and the meat processor JBS. When President Biden met with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia last month, cyberattacks perpetrated by Russians were high on the diplomatic agenda. This month, the Biden administration and its allies also formally accused China of conducting hacks.

The breaches have fueled concerns among companies and governments, leading to increased spending on security products. Worldwide spending on information security and related services is expected to reach $150 billion this year, up 12 percent from a year ago, according to the research company Gartner.

Before we got to this point, we as security teams were having to go and fight for every penny we could get, and now its the exact opposite, said John Turner, an information security manager at LendingTree, the online lending marketplace. Executives, he said, are asking: Are we protected? What do you need?
I hate getting caught in the rain. But lately, with the mercurial weather and my new dog-walking schedule, Ive found myself caught in bright sun showers, swampy mists and downright tempests. In my humble opinion, rain is nothing to sing about  Gene Kelly be damned.

After a sunny bus ride to Williamstown, Mass., walking with a pup, a tote and a backpack, I was caught again  soaked down to the soles of my Converse. Roughly 15 minutes later the skies settled as suddenly as they had erupted. Its a problem the Williamstown Theater Festival, which I was attending for the first time, has had to contend with all summer. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the usually indoor festival has tried to adapt with three outdoor productions. But the area has received an above-average amount of rainfall this season, disrupting these plans and leading the festival not to open its shows for reviews from critics.

Adaptation, how the festival has successfully or unsuccessfully readjusted to the climate and the politico-cultural climate (namely the pandemic and the protests), was the theme of my weekend.

One of the first sights I saw on my damp walk from the bus to the hotel was of a Black woman on a stage: delightful. This was an outdoor rehearsal for one of three 30-minute plays curated by the playwright-director Robert OHara for Celebrating the Black Radical Imagination: Nine Solo Plays. In The Masters Tools, cleverly written by Zora Howard (Stew), a Black enslaved woman named Tituba (a wonderfully devilish Rosalyn Coleman), like the victimized slave from Arthur Millers The Crucible, recounts a treacherous storm that led to her mothers decapitation. A storm is a great equalizer, she says, describing how nature howls like its in heat and how the trees shake as though possessed.
My horse was ready to bolt  his ears pricked, his muscles tense. A few feet ahead, a herd of wild horses stared back at us; theyd been unaware of us for most of our ascent from the valley below. Horned lizards shuffled in the sagebrush beneath us, but my horses gaze remained locked on his untamed brethren.

Moments later we were galloping at full speed beneath the rugged backdrop of the towering Absaroka Range. We fell in line with the back of the herd  alongside the foals scrambling to keep up with their mothers  and were bombarded by chunks of earth flying up from their thundering hooves. I squinted to keep the dust out of my eyes. A herd of pronghorn watched from a distance, well camouflaged among the gold-tinted grasslands of the Wind River Indian Reservations high-altitude plains.
At the F.D.A.s urging, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna will expand their studies of children 5 to 11 to detect rare side effects.

Making vaccines mandatory

In the most drastic response yet to the lagging vaccination campaign and a Delta fueled surge in infections, a number of local and state governments in the U.S. announced that they were imposing vaccine mandates for workers.

New York City will require all municipal workers to be vaccinated against Covid-19 by mid-September or face weekly testing, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this morning. A few hours later, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California announced a similar mandate for all state employees and many health care workers.

The Department of Veterans Affairs also said today that it would require its frontline health care workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, making it the first federal agency to mandate that employees be inoculated.

Among the flurry of announcements, a group of nearly 60 major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association, called for mandatory vaccination of health care workers.
The American forces in Iraq also support about 900 U.S. troops in neighboring Syria, where the American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces continue to carry out ground operations against the Islamic State in the countrys northeast. If the United States were to withdraw from Iraq, it would make supporting the Syria mission much more difficult.

Many Biden administration officials are also haunted by the failed withdrawal from Iraq in 2011. The United States was pulled back in three years later after James Foley, an American journalist, was beheaded by the Islamic State in August 2014 for a propaganda video and the group seized the northern third of the country.

As head of American forces in Iraq, General Lloyd J. Austin III oversaw the 2011 withdrawal mission. He now serves as Mr. Bidens defense secretary. Richard N. Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, said a reluctance to exit Iraq altogether might be a hangover from the Obama decision to leave only to have to re-enter.

And while American officials insist they are not keeping troops in Iraq to fight Iran or Iran-backed militias, the military presence there also allows the United States to monitor Iran more closely. The drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, a powerful Iranian commander, for instance, was launched from Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq.

U.S. troops in Iraq help in a political sense balance or contain Iran, which is a serious regional threat, said James F. Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Iraq.

The incentives to stay, combined with the lack of political pressure at home to leave, made Mr. Bidens announcement on Monday mostly a set piece of diplomatic theater that did little more than formalize the current state of play.

The objective of both sides is for nothing to change and to keep about 2,500 U.S. troops there that would do things they are already doing, said Sarhang Hamasaeed, the director of Middle East programs at the United States Institute of Peace. Thats supporting Iraqi security forces, but not engage in combat.
WASHINGTON  At the urging of federal regulators, two coronavirus vaccine makers are expanding the size of their studies in children ages 5 to 11  a precautionary measure intended to detect rare side effects including heart inflammation problems that turned up in vaccinated people younger than 30.

Appearing at a televised town-hall-style meeting in Ohio last week, President Biden said that emergency clearance for pediatric vaccines would come soon. The White House has declined to be more specific on the timeline, and it was unclear how much of an impact, if any, expanding the studies would have on when vaccines could be authorized for young children.

Multiple people familiar with the trials said the Food and Drug Administration had indicated to the two vaccine makers, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, that the size and the scope of their pediatric studies, as initially envisioned, were inadequate to detect the rare side effects. Those include myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis, inflammation of the lining around the heart.

Questions about vaccinating children  including those under 12  are of huge interest to parents and teachers. Regulators will be required to balance potential side effects of coronavirus vaccination against the risks of Covid-19.
At the urging of federal regulators, two coronavirus vaccine makers are expanding the size of their clinical trials for children ages 5 to 11  a precautionary measure designed to detect rare side effects including heart inflammation problems that turned up in vaccinated people younger than 30.

President Biden promised at a meeting in Ohio last week that emergency clearance for pediatric vaccines would come soon, but the White House has not been specific on the timeline. It was unclear whether expanding the studies will affect when vaccines could be authorized for children.

The Food and Drug Administration has indicated to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna that the size and scope of their pediatric studies, as initially envisioned, were inadequate to detect rare side effects. Those include myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis, inflammation of the lining around the heart, multiple people familiar with the trials said.

Questions about vaccinating children  including those under 12  are of huge interest to parents and teachers. Regulators will be required to balance potential side effects of coronavirus vaccination against the risks of Covid-19.
Thomas J. Barrack Jr., a billionaire private equity investor and close ally to former President Donald J. Trump, pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of illegal lobbying for the United Arab Emirates.

The not-guilty plea puts Mr. Barrack on course for a high-profile trial that is likely to engulf Mr. Trump and the close-knit business world that aided the former presidents rise to power. Mr. Barrack served as a key fund-raiser to Mr. Trump throughout his time in office, including a stint as chairman of Mr. Trumps inaugural committee.

Of course I am innocent of all these charges, and we will prove that in court, Mr. Barrack said in a statement.

Earlier this week, Mr. Barrack was released on $250 million bond and ordered to wear a GPS location-monitoring bracelet at all times, according to a Justice Department spokesman. Mr. Barrack, 74, entered the plea during a Monday appearance in Federal District Court in Brooklyn, where he was arraigned on charges that he acted as an unregistered agent of a foreign power, obstructed justice and lied to the F.B.I.
WASHINGTON  The Department of Veterans Affairs will require 115,000 of its frontline health care workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus in the next two months, making it the first federal agency to mandate that employees be inoculated, government officials said on Monday.

The move comes as concern is growing that the substantial portion of the population that has not been vaccinated is contributing to the rapid spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. While it was a sharp departure from the Biden administrations reluctance to embrace mandates, it was part of a broader shift in which New York City, many hospital chains and some private employers are deciding that the time has come to make being vaccinated a requirement.

I am doing this because its the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop, Denis McDonough, the secretary of veterans affairs, said in a telephone interview on Monday. The department is one of the largest federal employers and is the biggest integrated health care system in the country.

The mandate will apply to workers who are the most patient-facing, Mr. McDonough said, including doctors, dentists, registered nurses, physician assistants and some specialists. Beginning on Wednesday, those health care workers will have eight weeks to get fully vaccinated or face penalties including possible removal, he said.
He had immense knowledge, so he knew what the Rebbe was saying, said Mr. Loewenthal, a member of Lubavitch.

That missionary movement, second in size to Satmar among Hasidic groups, has about 100,000 adherents. Tens of thousands more Jews visit its synagogues, collegiate centers and homes of emissaries scattered across the globe. Rabbi Schneerson was so venerated that many of those followers believe him still to be the Messiah.

Rabbi Kahns skill was no parlor trick. What chiefly distinguishes the Chabad-Lubavitch movement from other Hasidic and Orthodox groups is its devotion to reaching out to secularized or assimilated Jews. It offers college students chicken soup on Friday evenings, publishes ads reminding women to light candles to welcome the Sabbath, and buttonholes Jewish men on Manhattan sidewalks, urging them to enter what the Lubavitch calls mitzvah tanks, where they say morning prayers while strapped with tefillin  sets of boxes concealing Torah passages. Rabbi Kahns collections of Rabbi Schneersons teachings buttressed the movements outreach with intellectual heft and an aura of mysticism.

Such retention of a rabbis words accords with a Jewish tradition of passing on legends, moral parables and particulars of Jewish law orally. While the Torah was written on parchment scrolls, much of the Talmud is a compilation of rabbinic analyses and arguments that were passed along orally for generations before they were set down in written form.

Yoel Kahn was born on Feb. 14, 1930, in Moscow, the youngest of four children of Refoel Nachman and Rivkah (Davidson) Kahn. His parents belonged to an underground network of Hasidim and found ways of practicing their faith even as the atheistic Stalin government tried to stamp out religious observance in the Soviet Union. The elder Kahn had studied at a yeshiva in the White Russian town of Lubavitch, which was the seat of the Hasidic dynasty until it was abandoned with the onset of World War I. He was held in prison for the first three years of Yoels life.

By 1935 the family had escaped the Soviet Union and began making their way to British Mandate Palestine. During a sojourn in Austria, they met the sixth Lubavitch rebbe, Yosef Schneersohn, and his son-in-law and distant cousin Rabbi Schneerson, who lavished chocolates on Yoel and his siblings in farewells at a Vienna train station. Once in Palestine, Yoel was enrolled in a Lubavitch yeshiva and proved to be an exceptionally gifted student.

Image Rabbi Kahn in 2015. At his death he was working on a multivolume encyclopedia of Hasidic ideas and principles. Credit... Naftali Marasow/COLlive

By the time he was a teenager, Rabbi Kahn decided to study with Rabbi Yosef Schneersohn in New York, but when he arrived, in 1950, he learned that the grand rabbi had died a few days earlier. A year later, Rabbi Schneerson was named head of the movement. Yoel, according to a statement by Chabad-Lubavitch, recognized that the new rebbe was too busy giving his advice to followers to write out his discourses. In a private audience, Rabbi Kahn agreed to become his chozer and embraced what became a lifelong assignment.
The Wanderground is about a utopian community of women who communicate psychically with one another. It explored themes of womens inherent connections to the Earth and to one another. Remaining in print for over two decades, the book was one of the first major instances of lesbian representation in science fiction, a traditionally male genre.

Dr. Gearhart created her own Wanderground later in life: a community she called Womens Land in Willits, a city in redwood forest country about 140 miles north of San Francisco. She considered it the culmination of her lesbian separatist philosophy.

I keep saying that feminism as I understand it is an ideology of possibility, not probability, she said in an interview in 1980. She lived there with her land partner, Jane Gurko, her dog, Bodhi, and an eclectic group of women, many of them lesbians, who wanted to experience life closer to nature and, in many cases, farther from men.

Members of the community, which fluctuated in size, lived in cabins in the woods, outside of patriarchal confines, in Dr. Gearharts view.

Sally Miller Gearhart was born April 15, 1931, in the Appalachian town of Pearisburg, Va., and raised in a conservative Protestant family. Her father, Kyle Montague Gearhart, was a dentist; her mother, Sarah (Miller) Gearhart, was a secretary.

Mine was the childhood of the penny postcard and the ten-cent movie, Dr. Gearhart wrote in an autobiographical sketch on her website, adding, We were salt-of-the-earth people, believing in the Threefold God and in the everlasting virtues of hard work, a clean house, and strong drink.

Her parents divorced when Sally was young, and she spent much of her childhood with her maternal grandmother, who ran a womens boardinghouse. It was her first taste of a female-only community and one that stuck with her throughout her life.
TIJUANA  They labor in factories in Mexico producing goods U.S. consumers enjoy. But where American communities are awash in unused coronavirus vaccines, Mexican workers are often hard-pressed to find a single shot.

On one recent morning, however, hundreds of workers from the factories known as maquiladoras were waved across the border into San Diego, without visas or passports, and rolled up their sleeves to be vaccinated. An hour later, they were back on production lines in Tijuana.

The goal was to protect not just the workers, but also the closely intertwined American and Mexican economies.

If the maquiladoras cant operate, then we dont get our Coca-Cola, said Lydia Ikeda, senior director of Covid operations at the University California San Diego Health, which is helping run the program. We cannot be isolated.
The Biden administrations policies are nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to contain and suppress China, Mr. Xie told Ms. Sherman, according to a summary of his comments that the Chinese foreign ministry sent to reporters on Monday before the Americans could emerge to provide their own account.

It seems that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down, Mr. Xie told Ms. Sherman, according to the summaries of his comments, which were also issued on the Chinese foreign ministry website.

Ms. Shermans meetings offered the latest gauge of how the Biden administrations strategy is working. So far, at least, it has done little to temper Chinas behavior. Mr. Xies remarks underscored the anger that has been building in China toward the United States, undermining the chances that the approach will gain ground.

After a second meeting  with Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi  Ms. Sherman indicated that the two sides had discussed global and regional problems where the two governments might be able work in concert, including North Korea and nuclear proliferation. She sounded a note of caution about any concrete progress, though, adding that she had not come to the talks expecting instant results.

We were quite direct with each other on the areas of great difference, she said.

On areas where we have common interests and there are great global interests, we had very substantive discussions, shared some ideas, Ms. Sherman said. We will have to see where that goes.

Drew Thompson, a former director for China in the U.S. Defense Department, said the underlying intent behind Ms. Shermans visit appeared to be ensuring that sharpening differences did not spiral into dangerous standoffs.
A three-month constitutional crisis that had convulsed the Pacific Island nation of Samoa ended on Monday as its long-serving leader finally conceded an election defeat, making way for the first female prime minister in the countrys 56-year history.

The incoming leader, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, is scheduled to take office on Tuesday. The critical breakthrough in Samoas political stalemate came four days earlier, when the Court of Appeals ruled that a makeshift swearing-in ceremony that Ms. Fiames party had held in May after being locked out of Parliament was constitutional.

FAST here is the government, the departing prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, said of Ms. Fiames party as he vowed to supporters on Monday that he would lead a worthy opposition. We will be present in every Parliament sitting, so we can uphold the duties we were called to do by our constituencies.

Mr. Tuilaepa, 76, who has been the countrys leader for 22 years, had fought bitterly to hold on to his office since the April 9 election ended in a dead heat. After a final undecided lawmaker threw his support behind Ms. Fiame, giving her party a slim parliamentary majority, Mr. Tuilaepa refused to accept his loss, claiming that he had been appointed by God to lead the country.
France passed a new Covid-19 law late on Sunday that makes health passes mandatory for a number of indoor venues as the country faces a fourth wave of infections. The vote came after days of heated parliamentary debates that lasted long into the night and protests against the measure in dozens of French cities.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday, With the Delta variant, the epidemic is picking up again, adding, My message is simple: to get vaccinated.

About 40 million people, or nearly 60 percent of Frances population, have received a first shot, but the number of new daily cases has risen steeply over the past week, to over 15,000 on average, from fewer than 2,000 at the end of June.

Over 160,000 people demonstrated around France over the weekend to protest the health pass legislation, with brief clashes between largely unmasked protesters and police officers in Paris. Far-right politicians and members of the Yellow Vest movement were among those organizing the marches.
CAIRO  Tunisias fledgling democracy, the only one remaining from the popular revolutions that swept the Arab world a decade ago, trembled on the brink of collapse Monday after its president sought to seize power from the rest of the government in what his political opponents denounced as a coup.

The president, Kais Saied, who announced the power grab late Sunday, did not appear to have completely succeeded in taking control as of Monday evening, as chaos enveloped the North African country. But many Tunisians expressed support for him and even jubilation over his actions, frustrated with an economy that never seemed to improve and a pandemic that has battered hospitals in recent weeks.

With Syria, Yemen and Libya undone by civil war, Egypts attempt at democracy crushed by a counterrevolution and protests in the Gulf States quickly extinguished, Tunisia was the only country to emerge from the Arab Spring revolutions with a democracy, if a fragile one.

But the nation where the uprisings began now finds even the remnants of its revolutionary ideals in doubt, posing a major test for the Biden administrations commitment to democratic principles abroad.
The Class of Life is a controversial program introduced in various Japanese middle-schools where students spend months raising and getting attached to fish, before having to decide whether to eat them or not.

A part of the Sea and Japan Project sponsored by Nippon Foundation, the Class of Life was introduced in a number of schools across Japan in 2019, with the goal of teaching young students about the work that goes into land-based aquaculture, the challenges the activity involves, and last but not least, the importance of life. To this end, students in classes 4th to 6th are entrusted with a number of small fish and tasked with raising them to maturity for at least six months and up to a year. The controversial aspect of the program is that at the end, the students need to decide the fate of the fish, whether to release or eat them

Photo: Ah_bin-Yul/Pixabay

On July 21st, Japanese TV network FNN Original Prime Time broadcast a segment on the Class of Life at a middle school in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, where students were entrusted with the care of several young flatfish. In October of 2020, the teacher told students that they needed to become the father and mother of the fish for the next eight months, which meant feeding and monitoring them and the water they lived in.

As you can imagine, over the 8 months, most of the children became attached to the fish, with some even naming them and treating them as beloved pets.

Its easier to remember them by name, one of the students said. They are like real friends.

If some or all the fish die, they are given new ones and the children have to learn from their mistakes in order to raise them to maturity. Any mistakes are considered part of the learning process. But while seeing the fish die because of their mistake can be hard to overcome by the children, its nothing compared to the decision they have to make at the endo of the program.

Two weeks before the end of the Class of Life, the children at the Hamamatsu school featured on FNN were told by their teacher that they needed to decide whether they wanted to eat the fish or release it back into the ocean, where it risked winding up in someone elses net or being eaten by other fish. As the deadline neared, children debated on the correct approach.

I think its better to eat them and know the value of life, one student said.

I think its better to let them swim into the wide sea than to eat them, another countered.

On the big day, tension was high, an when the teacher asked for a show of hands in favor of eating the fish, 11 children raised their hands. With only 6 students having opted for the fish to be released, a chef was brought in to turn Michael and the other flatfish into sashimi for the children who voted to eat them.

In the end, some of the children who had opted to eat the fish couldnt even take a bite, but such behavior is considered normal. While seemingly cruel, the program and the decisions young children have to make are supposed to help them grow up and understand the importance of life.

Interestingly, this isnt the only program of its kind in Japan. A few years back, we wrote about a similar initiative at the Izumo Agricultural and Forestry High School, in Izumo, where students had to hatch eggs into chicks, raise them and then eat them, as a way of gaining a new appreciation for life and the food they consume.
A total of 10,000 is being paid in compensation following assaults by two young Tullamore men on two other men in the town.

Tullamore Circuit Court heard that one of the convicted men, 20-year-old Adam Doyle, 148 Arden View, had brought 6,000 in compensation for the two victims.

Judge Keenan Johnson was told that the second accused, Andrew Claffey, 21, of Flat 2, 12 Church Street, Tullamore, who was convicted of one assault, had paid previously paid 1,000. He was ordered to pay another 3,000 before sentencing is finalised.

Mr Doyle admitted assaulting Daryl O'Brien at the Phoenix Bar and Gary Kelly in O'Connor Square on October 4, 2020.

Mr Kelly was paid 4,000 arising from the assault by Mr Doyle and Mr O'Brien received 2,000.

Mr Claffey's compensation is going to his victim, Mr Kelly, following his plea of guilty to assaulting him outside the Phoenix Bar in O'Connor Square.

Garda Alan Burke told the court the assaults occurred on a Sunday evening and when he went to the scene at 7pm Gary Kelly had been knocked unconscious and had to be treated in an ambulance before being taken to hospital.

Garda Burke said he was told by Daryl O'Brien that he had been getting food with Mr Kelly in the smoking area of the Phoenix Bar and someone said, who are you calling a fool?

Mr Doyle assaulted Mr O'Brien and afterwards, when Mr O'Brien and Mr Kelly were outside at the entrance to the pub, Andrew Claffey came out and threw a punch at Mr Kelly, rendering him unconscious. Garda Burke said the word food may have been misheard as fool earlier.

Mr Kelly received cuts to his head and had to have his jaw x-rayed to ascertain if it was fractured.

In CCTV footage played in court, Daryl O'Brien and Gary Kelly were recorded coming out the door of the bar.

Adam Doyle could be seen leaving and then coming back and assaulting Mr Kelly while Mr Claffey was recorded throwing the punch which knocked Mr Kelly to the ground.

Mr Doyle also kicked Mr Kelly a number of times when he was unconscious, the court was told.

Judge Johnson imposed a two-and-a-half-year sentence on Mr Doyle and ordered him to follow all the directions of the probation service and engage with mental health services.

Mr Doyle was also ordered to refrain from the consumption of alcohol and provide clear urine samples.

Finalisation of Mr Claffey's sentence was adjourned to December 7 next for the payment of 3,000 to Mr Kelly and Judge Johnson indicated that if it is paid, he will apply the Probation Act.
From Monday, EU Digital COVID Certificates will be the primary means that people will use to access indoor hospitality.

You will be asked to present your certificate or HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record or other proof of immunity at the entrance to the premises or seating area in the case of food courts for example. You may also be asked to show some photo ID to prove that the proof of immunity is yours.

Businesses will have access to an online scanner that can scan the QR code on your EU Digital COVID Certificate.

People are asked to note that there is a delay of up to 15 days between receiving your second vaccination and the immunity necessary to activate your certificate, depending on the vaccine received.

If a customer leaves the premises (or seating area in a food court for example) for any reason (to access a smoking area for example) they will have to notify a staff member. Ideally, they will then be provided with a pass which must be returned or checked on re-entry.

Information for customers

What to do if you don't have an EU Digital COVID Certificate

The regulations that are being made under the Health (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2021 will provide details of the proofs of immunity that may be accepted by businesses, including the EU Digital COVID Certificate and HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record.

Forms of photo ID that are acceptable to show at the door

The regulations that are being made under the Health (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2021 will provide details of the photo IDs that may be accepted by businesses including passports and driving licences.

People vaccinated outside the EU

For those from outside the EU who are fully vaccinated or recovered, the regulations that are being made under the Health (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2021 will provide details of the proofs of immunity that may be accepted by businesses.

Refusal of access

Businesses may refuse access where people cannot offer proof of vaccination or recovery or cannot demonstrate that their certificate relates to them. If businesses do not operate on this basis, they may be liable for fines or closure.

Failte Ireland continues to operate its COVID-19 safety charter. Businesses who sign up to this voluntary charter are subject to spot checks which confirm that the business is complying with all public health protocols and government guidelines and that all employees have undertaken infection prevention control training. For consumers, they should look for the safety charter signage.

Conditions in place for businesses around time limits, table numbers, table service

Following public health advice, the time limit for sitting at tables has been removed. There is now no limit to the amount of time consumers can sit at tables. Businesses may decide to operate this approach.

There is no requirement for pre-booking, however businesses may decide to operate this approach. Businesses should ensure appropriate queue management systems are in place.

A maximum of 6 persons aged 13 or over are permitted at a table. This limit of 6 does not include accompanying children aged 12 or younger. The total combined capacity at a table cannot exceed 15 overall (max. 6 persons aged 13 and over). Mingling between tables is not allowed.

You should wear a face mask at all times other than when sitting at your table. All staff will continue to wear appropriate PPE including face masks at all times.

Counter service remains prohibited. The regulations will provide for people to be served at tables only. This is to protect unvaccinated workers.

There is no change to closing time  currently COVID-19 regulations require all premises to close at 11.30pm.

Customers will still be required to provide contact tracing details with the exception of those under 18. Contact name and telephone number are required and will be securely retained for 28 days and will be compliant with GDPR.

Indoor areas should be well-ventilated.

Data protection

Businesses will not retain any personal data relating to a persons vaccination or immunity status.

Customers will still be required to provide contact tracing details with the exception of those under 18. Contact name and telephone number are required and will be securely retained for 28 days and will be compliant with GDPR. This is provided for in Regulation 13 of the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A  Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 217 of 2021).

Those who are unable to get a vaccine for medical reasons

Access to businesses is being restricted to those who are vaccinated or recovered as the risk is still high, however the system will be kept under review.

What to do if you see a problem with compliance

The Health and Safety Authority and HSE have been designated in the legislation as having a role in assessing compliance, however, we all have a role to play in making sure that the system works and indoor hospitality can reopen. As a customer, you should raise your concerns with the business first and if youre not happy, going to another premises sends a strong signal.
A persons right to travel across land owned by another has caused tension between neighbours for generations.

Known as a right of way, it arises if one landowner needs to pass through anothers property to get to his own.

Rights of way are either general or limited.

The mode of the passageway may be restricted to foot passage or may admit motor vehicles, the purpose of the user may be restricted to the exercise of agricultural property purposes, or for the sporting facility, or for carrying coal to a house, or allowing access to a business premises.

A right of way could be a laneway, a boreen, or even a gap in a fence.

How does someone come to have a right of way?

A right of way can be created by either an agreement in writing or by use over a fixed period of time  called long use or prescription.

The first method is straightforward and basically means that two landowners sign a document to allow one of them to access a piece of property.

The second method by long use is the continuous use of the right of way for 20 years (soon to be 12).

A person who wants to establish a right of way by this method must use the route without force, without secrecy and without the oral or written consent of the landowner.

Historically, there were other ways to prove a right of way.

However, since the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, these will no longer be available.

The Act also will shorten the time frame to get the right of way to 12 years.

How to know if a Right of Way exists on my land?

If the right of way was created by agreement, there should be a paper trail showing it in your title documents. These may be held by your solicitor or mortgage provider.

If the right of way, created either by agreement or long use is registered, then it can be seen by requesting a copy of your propertys folio from the Property Registration Authority.

Up until recently, rights of way developed by long use were generally not registered and so may exist unregistered.

I have an unregistered right of way. Should I register it?

Yes, and soon.

The reason for this is that under the changes brought in since 2009, a right of way can be registered (if the affected landowner does not object) without the need for court approval under the old rules until November 30, 2021.

As such, while an application is still needed at present to have a right of way registered, it may become more problematic after this 2021 date when a court order may also be needed.

The benefit of registering a right of way is that it is protected from becoming extinguished. It will also be extremely helpful if you choose to sell your property in the future as a new purchaser will almost certainly want the right of way registered.

Can I Lose A Right of Way By Not Using It?

They can be lost by the doctrine of abandonment or they can generally be extinguished on 12 years non-user if not registered.

Usually, it will be up to the court to decide but non-use of itself may not be enough. Abandonment requires some act or omission by the owner of the right of way accompanied by an intention to permanently relinquish the right.

There is a conspicuous reluctance of the courts to hold that a right is abandoned in the absence of unequivocal evidence.

Abandonment is not to be inferred from the fact alone that the person who owns right away has made use of an alternative facility.

What Should I Do To Make Sure That I Dont Lose My Right Of Way?

If you access your property by using a right of way over another persons land you should make sure that that right of way is registered with the Property Registration Authority (PRA). To register a right of way, there is now a straightforward procedure where all parties agree.

People can now make an application to register it if it is not in dispute.

It is important to note that until the deadline of November 30, 2021, you can apply under the old rules to the Property Registration Authority to register the Rights of Way.

If you wait until 2021 you could lose an opportunity and may run into unnecessary difficulties.

How to stop somebody getting a right of way

A right of way can only be registered if it is used without secrecy, without force, and without permission.

A letter of consent, given periodically to the person using your land can, therefore, act as a written permission and help prevent someone from establishing a right of way.

If you are worried about someone developing a right of way then you should speak to your solicitor about it for detailed advice.

Seek Advice & Take Action

If you are a landowner using a right of way you should look for advice to make sure that your long-established rights of way are not lost.

Title documents should be checked at the earliest opportunity to find out if your right of way needs to be registered  if you dont do something in time you could lose a valuable asset.

If you have an agreement with the other owner or you have a written agreement you should register using the fast track system.

You should go about registering before the deadline for registration to avail of the older system of registration.



For further advice or if you wish to discuss any other legal area please contact reception@lynchsolicitors.ie
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California will require millions of health care workers and state employees to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or get tested weekly, announcing a broad measure Monday to try to slow rising coronavirus infections in the nations most populous state, mostly among the unvaccinated.

The new rule, to take effect next month, is the latest example of California and politically progressive cities nationwide cracking down on a virus that has upended life since March 2020. New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio announced a similar plan Monday that requires 340,000 city employees, including teachers and police officers, to show proof of vaccination or undergo weekly testing.

Los Angeles County, the nation's most populous, has reimposed an indoor mask mandate, regardless of vaccination status, and San Francisco announced it would require its 35,000 employees to get inoculated, get an exemption or lose their job.

California's order goes even further by dipping into the private sector. Medical professionals applauded Gov. Gavin Newsom's new policy, saying it's legal, ethical and necessary given a national surge driven by the highly contagious delta variant.

Hes really showing leadership to strengthen the case for vaccination, which the entire country is trying to make, said Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious diseases professor at the University of California, San Francisco.

The new rule would apply to an estimated 246,000 state employees, according to the governor, and at least 2 million health care workers and long-term care workers in the public and private sectors.

While about 62% of all eligible Californians are fully vaccinated, the state has struggled to make significant progress in recent weeks. Infections and hospitalizations are rising, with the delta variant now making up an estimated 80% of cases in California, though the growing numbers are still far below the winter peak.

An individuals choice not to get vaccinated is now impacting the rest of us in a profound and devastating and deadly way," Newsom said, making clear that he wants the private sector to follow his lead.

The Democratic governor has been hesitant to reimpose requirements on mask-wearing or social distancing since he allowed the state to reopen on June 15. The vaccinate-or-test requirement comes as Newsom faces a recall election in September that's largely over his handling of the pandemic. California was the first to impose a statewide stay-at-home order last year, and business and school shutdowns that lasted longer than those in many other states.

What we need to do in order to keep the public safe is to make sure that were relying on more than just the honor system, said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, a professor of epidemiology at UC San Francisco. The governor "is signaling that this is the right step to be taking at this particular time."

On Monday, dozens of national health care organizations released a letter pleading with health care and long-term care home employers to mandate employee vaccinations.

Universities are requiring students and faculty be vaccinated once school is back in. The San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance on Monday said it will recommend its hundreds of members check for proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test result before allowing guests inside.

Santa Clara and San Francisco counties are among those urging private employers to require employees be vaccinated. San Francisco is mandating all 35,000 municipal workers get inoculated as soon as the vaccines receive full approval from the Food and Drug Administration or get an exemption. Santa Clara isn't waiting for full FDA approval to require all 22,000 county employees get vaccinated.

In California, state and health care workers without proof of vaccination will continue to be required to wear masks on the job and undergo once- or twice-a-week testing.

Vaccine verification also will be required in jails, homeless shelters and other places where people congregate, Newsom said. It's not clear who will pay for the tests.

Richard Louis Brown, president of the largest state employee union, said it's still seeking details about the plan. Newsom offered no information about how the requirement might affect the large number of state employees who work from home, said Brown, whose Service Employees International Union Local 1000 has about 96,000 members.

Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, professor of medicine and public health at the University of Southern California, said the announcement will nudge both employers who have been unsure about a vaccine requirement and workers who haven't gotten the shots.

If the vaccine is required, theres going to be a lot more people who are going to get vaccinated," he said. They're not necessarily against vaccination  they havent felt the motivation, and theyre not concerned about getting infected.

But if their boss requires it, many have said, Yes, I will get vaccinated, Im not going to risk my job,' Klausner said.

California's secretary of health and human services said those who are eligible but remain unvaccinated is a diverse group. Dr. Mark Ghaly said some people need more information, others have not made it a priority and some will never get the vaccine. Then there are those who are not eligible  children under 12.

I want to see the unvaccinated people do whats not just right for them, but for their state and community as a whole, he said.

___

Har reported from San Francisco.
After building downtown locations in Bay City and Saginaw, Delta College will officially open Midlands own downtown location this fall.

The new Delta College Downtown Midland Center will welcome 300 students registered for in-person classes when the fall semester begins on Saturday, Aug. 28.

The three-story center, located at 419 E. Ellsworth St. across from Basil Thai Bistro, will be a reflection of the industries in Midland and will provide a technological upgrade from its previous Midland location.

Delta serves the tri-county area and has goal to be in each of the major citys downtowns, said Delta Director of Downtown Centers Kristy Nelson. The old building, located on 1025 E. Wheeler St. near Plymouth Park, was Deltas Midland home for 28 years and was becoming outdated, said Director of Marketing and Public Information Leanne Govitz.

Updating the old building would have been too costly, and the downtown location allows easier access for students, Nelson and Govitz said. Thus, Delta opted to move to downtown.

Two of the new buildings main educational offerings are health and chemistry, with each subject having its own large lab and classroom space. Nelson said this reflects major Midland employers Dow Chemical and Mid-Michigan Health, and the fact that a majority of the new center's student body is from Midland and many of them will stay in the city to work.

Part of a community college's goal is to educate local citizens for jobs, Govitz said. We partner a lot with employers on what skills and knowledge they are looking for in their employees.

The Midland center will focus on eight programs, including the transfer programs Associate in Arts and Associate in Science, Digital Forensics (Associate in Applied Arts), Entrepreneur/Small Business (Associate in Business Studies), Environmental Technology (Associate in Applied Arts), Health Foundations (Advanced Certificate), and Management (Associate in Business Studies and a transfer program with Northwood University).

This fall semester will have in-person and online classes, with 70% of classes being a mix of both, Govitz said. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students and faculty will be screened at the front door and will be required to wear a sticker showing they have been vaccinated in order to be allowed to not wear a mask in the building.

Students will be able to park in the Delta Center's parking lot, street parking, a nearby parking garage, or on bike racks if they ride their bicycles there. Nelson said there is enough nearby parking to support the student body.

The technology has been updated from the old location with state-of-the-art science labs and a full simulation hospital room. The third floor also has a digital cadaver table to simulate dissections.

Delta College still owns the Wheeler Street building and is looking to sell the property, but the process is not yet underway, Govitz said.

Midland Director of Planning and Community Development Grant Murschel said the old Delta property is zoned for single-family residential use and community use. He said the property could be used for either housing or something that has high community interest.

While he has not thought about how to use the property, Murschel said the City of Midland and Delta could work together to figure out what to do with the property.

The new building is designed to be a part of downtown, Nelson said. Delta purposefully did not install a cafeteria or coffee shop in the building to encourage students and faculty to eat downtown and walk around downtown.

Community members are also allowed to use the buildings computer labs or common areas. One of these areas is a top-floor terrace space surrounded by plants, overlooking the downtown scenery.

We want the downtown to be part of our campus culture, Nelson said.

The new space can support up to 650 students, with registration open until around the time when classes begin.
Norsk Meteornettverk/AP

HELSINKI (AP)  Norwegian experts say an unusually large meteor was visible over large parts of southern Scandinavia and illuminated southeast Norway with a powerful flash of light for a few seconds as many observers were reported to also hear a roaring sound afterwards.

The Norwegian Meteor Network said that it had analyzed and reviewed several videos of the event Sunday and said the meteor first appeared about 90 kilometers (55 miles) north of the capital, Oslo, and continued its trail in a southwest direction before fragmenting in several flashes of light.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Andrew Mullin.

Friday, July 23:

11:53 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Geneva Township residence for a malicious destruction of property. After speaking with a 68-year-old Geneva Township female, the deputy determined there was no damage to her property. The female reported suspicious activity happening in the area.

11:50 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a single-vehicle personal injury accident at a Hope Township location. The driver was transported to MidMichigan Medical Center for minor injuries. A UD10 accident report was completed and the driver received a citation.

11:48 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Homer Township business regarding an unknown male suspect who stole three bundles of firewood from the parking lot of the business. The firewood was valued at $18, and the victim is not seeking prosecution.

11:33 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash on South Saginaw Road.

10:57 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash on South Saginaw Road.

8:45 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Greendale Township residence for a report of a suicidal male. The 37-year-old Greendale Township male advised he had made suicidal statements because he was being emotional. The male was transported to MidMichigan Medical Center and a mental petition was completed.

7:13 p.m.  A deputy responded to a complaint involving a juvenile female who was allegedly being neglected/abused at a Lee Township residence. This incident is under investigation.

6:24 p.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Geneva Township residence for a death investigation of a 66-year-old female. This incident is still under investigation.

4:56 p.m.  Officers responded to a case of larceny on Schade West Drive.

4:16 p.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash in the area of Eastman Avenue and Harcrest Drive.

4:15 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Mills Township location reference a report of a vehicle sitting in a parking lot for a long time unoccupied. The deputy contacted family and learned that the male owner was fine, was at work and the vehicle had broken down. The deputy left a voicemail with the 34-year-old owner regarding vehicle removal.

3:23 p.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash in the area of West Buttles Street and Jerome Street.

1:45 p.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on East Main Street.

1:22 p.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Eastman Avenue.

1:05 p.m.  Officers responded to a hit-and-run crash on Joe Mann Boulevard.

12:14 p.m.  An animal control deputy received a call regarding a dog walking along US-10 near Jefferson Avenue. The dog was struck by a car in the roadway. The dog's owner was contacted and was advised of the incident.

8:19 a.m.  An animal control deputy was assigned to investigate a dog killing a neighbors chickens. Contact was made with the complainant and the dog's owner. Several options are being considered to address the problem.

3:16 a.m.  Officers responded to a domestic verbal situation on Arbury Place.

Thursday, July 22:

9:14 p.m.  Deputies contacted a 61-year-old Lee Township male who had multiple Midland County warrants. The male was arrested and lodged without incident.

7:59 p.m.  Officers made a warrant arrest on Eastman Avenue.

6:57 p.m.  An unknown person failed to pay for fuel at a Greendale Township gas station.

6:48 p.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash in the area of West Allen Street and Noeske Street.

6:17 p.m.  Officers responded to a case of larceny in the area of Ashman Street and Ann Street.

4:24 p.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash in the area of Eastman Avenue and Dilloway Drive.

3:39 p.m.  An animal control deputy received a call regarding two small dogs in Larkin Township running on a roadway. Contact was made with the dog owner and she was advised to keep the dogs on her own property, on a leash, or in an enclosure.

3:18 p.m.  Officers responded to a case of larceny on East Ashman Street.

12:02 p.m.  An animal control deputy has received several past complaints about a dog running loose in the North Saginaw Road and Dublin Road area. The location from which the dog is running loose was identified, and owners have been put on notice to keep the dog from running loose in the area.

7:56 a.m.  Officers responded to a case of larceny on East Wyllys Court.

5:09 a.m.  Officers responded to a two-vehicle, injury crash in the area of East Indian Street and Rodd Street.

2:47 a.m.  A deputy was dispatched to the Midland County Jail regarding an assault. A 48-year-old female advised that she was pushed by a 22-year-old female inmate. The were no injuries and a report was forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorneys Office for review.

Midnight  Officers responded to an OWI on Kuipers Drive and Forest Glen Way.
A health advisory was issued within the last month by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) because of a rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in certain parts of the country. RSV incidents were low from May 2020 to March 2021. Since then, diagnoses have significantly increased, creating the need for the advisory.

What is RSV?

RSV is a virus that causes respiratory illnesses. They can affect the nose, throat and lungs. Generally, the infection is gone within one or two weeks. However, the virus can lead to more serious conditions, including bronchiolitis, an infection of the small airways in the lungs. Pneumonia may also occur due to RSV. Severe cases may result in hospitalization or death.

Most RSV patients do not require hospitalization. RSV symptoms generally arrive in stages. They can include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. Appetite may also decrease. In infants less than six months old, symptoms may not include those previously mentioned. For them, the only signs may be irritability, less activity than usual or apnea, defined as a pause when breathing.

In most cases, it is possible to treat symptoms such as fever or headache and pain with over-the-counter medications. If dehydration is present, fluids should be replenished. In treating children, a physician should be consulted about which medications are best suited to administer.

For those of all ages, extreme breathing difficulty and excessive dehydration caused by RSV can sometimes result in hospital visits or overnight admission, depending on severity. The most severe cases could require additional oxygen or mechanical ventilation. Typically, hospitalization for RSV lasts several days.

At risk groups include the young and elderly

Almost all children show an infection by age two. Most infections last one to two weeks and typically run their course without hospitalization. Some RSV infections can be a danger to young children and older adults. Each year, RSV is attributed to the deaths of 100 to 500 children and 14,000 deaths of those age 65 and over. 58,000 children under age 5 and 177,000 older adults are hospitalized each year due to RSV infection.

The highest probability groups include premature infants and young children with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease. Children and adults with compromised immune systems and older adults, especially those with heart and lung conditions, are also at risk. For the elderly with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cases can be more severe. In older people, RSV can also lead to congestive heart failure.

RSV diagnoses alarming

RSV typically appears between late fall and early spring. Recent cases after the typical season resulted in the CDC advisory. Antigen tests can detect a particular virus and are commonly used in determining if RSV or influenza is present. According to CDC, antigen detection data nationwide show that positive cases rose from 5% July 20, 2020, to 28% July 17, 2021. While a spike has been seen in some southern states, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reported that a New York City childrens hospital saw a dramatic increase in RSV cases between February and May this year. Maimonides Childrens Hospital in Brooklyn admitted no RSV patients between September 2020 and January 2021. By May, there were 295 cases in the hospital and 81% required pediatric intensive care, up 45% from the previous year.

Preventative measures

As with many respiratory viruses, RSV can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Touching surfaces that may contain the virus and then touching the face before handwashing also spreads it, as does physical contact with an infected person. Someone with RSV is usually contagious for three to eight days.

Avoiding RSV is advisable, especially for those in the high-risk groups. The same preventative methods widely promoted during the past year also apply to RSV. They include avoiding contact with anyone infected and potentially contagious, covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue or upper sleeve, and cleaning surfaces frequently touched by others, including doorknobs and mobile devices. Sharing cups and utensils should be avoided.

A physician should be called when children exhibit symptoms without improvement for seven days, a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit in those under three months of age or a temperature of 104 F in any child.

Omar P. Haqqani is the chief of vascular and endovascular surgery at Vascular Health Clinics in Midland. If you have questions about your cardiovascular health, including heart, blood pressure, stroke lifestyle and other issues, we want to answer them. Email questions@vascularhealthclinics.org.
For 11 seasons, actor William H. Macy played the lead role of alcoholic, abusive patriarch Frank Gallagher on the Showtime series Shameless. As a drunken schemer capable of any manner of selfishness and deceit, Gallagher instigated endless pain and frustration for his on-screen children, notably the eldest Fiona (Emmy Rossum) and her brother Lip (Jeremy Allen White).

But Macy himself, naturally, couldnt be more different: Hes polite, enthusiastic about art and what it can give people, and was known for playing ukulele on set  between takes, of course.

I play it quietly and gently so it doesnt bother people, Macy said, I heard from a lot of people, including the producers, that it is so soothing. Just that sound wafting over the soundstage lowers peoples blood pressure.

Macy, who introduced himself as Bill, has been singing the praises of his favorite instrument for years. Watch him on CBS This Morning in 2014, talking about the amazing instrument, and you can listen to him sing about Wild Hogs and roast his co-stars on Oprah four years earlier. He keeps eight just in his office, likes to write vulgar songs with titles like You Dont Know Where This Dick Has Been and I Love F**ked up Women and even likes to leave them lying around his home: If I walk by my uke on the couch, he said, Ill play it for five minutes.

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When the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, Macy decided to use his favorite instrument to show appreciation for people put out of work. As spokesman for Woody Creek Distillery, he wrote a tribute song to out-of-work bartenders called Why I Put My Pants On. His wife, actress Felicity Huffman, shot it on her iPhone, and after some editing and color correction, they published the video online.

Macy wasnt the only one drawn to the ukulele during that dark period: It was the most popular instrument on Amazon during the early months of the pandemic, and other retailers saw similar spikes. I cant give you numbers, but it turned into the hand sanitizer of the musical instrument world said Brad Johnson, Director of Acoustic Instruments and Guitar Accessories at Guitar Center.

This is surprisingly common: Americans have historically turned toward acoustic instruments during times of strife.

CF Martin, they saw a spike in instrument sales during the Spanish Flu, Johnson said. They then saw, going into World War II, a big ukulele boom  they had to add on to their factory just to meet demand. During the '60s, the Vietnam War, acoustic instruments of all type had a boom. And I was working at Guitar Center post September 11, so I saw that spike myself.

It seems like expressing yourself is a natural, and effective, way to cope with stress  and the ukulele fits that specific niche by fulfilling three key categories: Its versatile, relatively easy to learn, and comes with a great community.

Ukuleles are versatile

When you pull out a ukulele, people laugh, Macy said. Especially a Soprano uke. It looks like a toy! If you want to entertain people, its always good to start with a laugh.

Though most famous for its association with Hawaiian music  Israel Kamakawiwo'oles cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow is likely the first song people think of when they think of the instrument  but the truth is its everywhere. You see people transposing Beatles tunes or whatever, Johnson said, doing the solo to Beat It, hammer-ons, whatever. It spans generation and genre and gender. A very unifying instrument.

There are so many different kinds of ukes, Macy said. Theres a big difference between a Baritone and a Soprano. Fender, the sweet people, sent me a uke thats shaped like a Stratocaster.

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This variety has led to interesting experimentation.

You should turn people on to the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Macy said excitedly, Its an orchestra of ukes! Theyve baritone ukes and soprano ukes, all kinds of different stuff. And theyre very funny!

Ukuleles are easy to learn

Macy wasnt always a ukulele player  he grew up with a guitar. It wasnt until after filming Boogie Nights in the mid 1990s when director Paul Thomas Anderson held an impromptu talent show to celebrate  with the caveat that you had to do something youd never done before. Macy picked up a Martin ukulele at a nearby Guitar Center, and though he didnt win (Im still pissed about that, he joked) he also never picked up a guitar again.

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Not many people know this: If you can play a guitar, you can play a ukulele, Macy explained. Theyve got different names, but the shapes are the same.

For musicians out there: A standard ukulele tuning is G C E A, which are five semitones higher than the top four strings of a guitar. In other words, if you play a D chord on a uke, itll sound like a G.

Its daunting to many people to bar chords on a guitar. On a uke, its a piece of cake, Macy continues. Ive got big, fat hands  it doesnt matter. IZ (Kamakawiwoole), the famous Hawaiian musician, he had a set a mitts and he could play. So its really accessible.

One tip? Dont beat yourself up about technique  at least, not at first.

People get hung up on strumming, says Macy. Id advise people not to worry about it, itll come. Even if all you do is play downbeats, you can get a lot of music by singing along.

The ukulele community

In addition to just keeping ukuleles around, Macy explains that he loves to give them as gifts, or suggest visitors start playing them. When we wrapped Shameless, after 11 years (in April of 2021), I gave everyone a ukulele, Macy said.

Jim Beloff is sort of the godfather of the uke these days, Macy said. He puts out these little books, and in each one he arranges songs. Hes got Jim Beloffs Camp Ukulele, Jim Beloffs Daily Ukulele. Hes got a couple Beatles songs. Wonderful arrangements.

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Macy shared Beloffs catchphrase, uke can save the world, which embodies what people love about the instrument: Its powerful without being the least bit intimidating. You can play it loud, like Jake Shimabukuro covering Bohemian Rhapsody, or quietly, like Macy on the set of Shameless, and itll always have that same effect.

The ukulele doesnt interfere, says Macy. It just calms everything down.
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Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. In his spare time, Spencer loves to hike, rock climb, and trail run. He's on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half.
Palestine, TX (75801)

Today

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.
Funeral service for Linda Michelle Robinson Caldwell, 65, who passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 in Waterloo, Iowa. Viewing will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Emanuel Funeral Home of Corsicana from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Second Mission Ba
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, a state of health emergency was declared in Libya on Monday after an emergency meeting between Health Minister, Ali al-Zenati, and the Committee of Epidemiology and Community Medicine and the National Centre for Disease Control
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - An international charity organization on Monday warned of an increase in cases of the contagious hepatitis E among refugees who fled to Sudan from Ethiopia and are living in refugee camps near the borderline areas
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Presidential Council Monday called on all Tunisian parties to resort to dialogue and communication to resolve their differences, an official statement said here
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Member of the Libyan Presidential Council Moussa Al-Kouni said here Monday the Fezzan Forum for Peaceful Coexistence and Social Harmony represented a big step towards achieving comprehensive national reconciliation in all parts of the country
BLOOMINGTON  The United States Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for McLean County in response to historic flooding and widespread damage caused by severe storms in June.

The declaration was issued after U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, and Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, co-led a congressional delegation letter to the SBA administrator last week seeking support for the county.

"Severe storms have caused significant flooding throughout McLean County, resulting in major damage," LaHood said Monday in a new release. "Assisting McLean County residents is critical, especially as the community has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic this past year.

"I was proud to lead my colleagues with Congressman Davis in this effort and I appreciate the SBAs timely approval of this much needed assistance."

State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, and McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage joined LaHood and Davis on Monday in announcing the SBA approving the declaration, which authorizes federal disaster loan assistance for property owners whose homes and businesses were damaged by flooding June 25-27.

"The recent flooding throughout McLean County has left many families and businesses needing assistance," Davis said Monday in a statement. "I applaud the SBA on their quick turnaround of this request so our constituents can get access to the help they need. Sheriff Sandage and his team at the EMA did a great job conducting the work on the ground to make this happen."

At least 25 homes and or businesses in a county must sustain major uninsured losses of 40% or more to meet the SBA's disaster declaration threshold.

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The county did not qualify for a federal disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Mclean County issued a local disaster declaration in June following the storms, which dumped up 10 inches of rain in the area.

The declaration was intendent to assist in gathering damage assessments, and around 2,000 damage reports have been submitted to the Mclean County Emergency Management agency.

McLean County was devastated by the recent flooding that affected so many local families and businesses," Sandage said in a news release. "The SBA disaster declaration request will provide some necessary financial assistance to those who have suffered loss and the McLean County Sheriffs Office along with the McLean County Emergency Management Agency fully supported the declaration request."

Home owners and renters can apply for low-interest, long-term loans to help repair or replace property damaged during the flooding, including vehicles. Businesses of any size are eligible to apply for loans to repair or replace real estate, inventory, supplies, machinery and equipment damaged during the storm.

Only uninsured or uncompensated disaster losses are eligible to receive loan assistance, according to the McLean County Emergency Management Agency.

Loans are available for residents and business owners in McLean, Champaign, DeWitt, Ford, Livingston, Logan, Piatt, Tazewell and Woodford counties.

Applications are available at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and a fact sheet is available through the SBA website. Application assistance is available through the SBA by phone at 800-659-2955 or email, disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Contact Sierra Henry at 309-820-3234. Follow her on Twitter: @pg_sierrahenry.

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CHICAGO  Five men were injured in a shooting in the South Austin neighborhood around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, according to Chicago police.

The men, ages 23 to 50, were gathered in a yard in the 4800 block of West Race Avenue when a man with a gun entered the yard and began shooting at them, police said in a media notification.

The men who were shot were 36, 48, 23, 30, and 50; all five men suffered gunshot wounds to their lower extremities, police said. They were taken to Stroger Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital, where their conditions were stabilized.

But police did not provide additional details such as how many times each man was shot, where specifically they were wounded or which victim was taken to which hospital. It also wasnt clear whether there had been more people standing in the yard who were not shot.

Authorities said the shooter was a man, but no additional description of the gunman was provided.

No arrests had been made as of Sunday afternoon and detectives continued to investigate, police said.

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CHICAGO  Eight people have died and at least 51 others were injured in shootings since Friday afternoon, police said.

Around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, five men ages 23 to 50 were shot by a man who entered the yard where they were gathered in the South Austin neighborhood, police said.

Police did not provide additional details about the shooting, including whether there had been additional people in the yard who were also shot.

Three men were injured in a shooting in the East Garfield Park neighborhood around 12:45 p.m. Sunday, police said. The men were standing outside in the 3200 block of West Lake Street when they were shot at by someone in a vehicle. One man, 30, was struck in the leg and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

Two men, 21 and 23, were taken to Mount Sinai in good condition with a gunshot wound to the leg and a graze wound to the forearm, respectively.

Earlier, three men were also injured in a shooting in the West Garfield Park neighborhood around 12:15 a.m. Sunday. The men, ages 31 to 55, were standing outside in the 300 block of South Kilbourn Avenue when they heard shots fired, police said.

A 39-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and thigh and was taken to Mount Sinai, where his condition was stabilized. A 55-year-old man was taken to Mount Sinai in good condition with a gunshot wound to the buttocks and thigh. The third man, 31, suffered a gunshot wound to the back and chest and was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition.

One man was killed and another injured in the Gage Park neighborhood shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday, police said.

The men were sitting in a vehicle in the 5800 block of South Western Avenue when they heard shots and felt pain. One man, 20, suffered a gunshot to his back and was transported to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.m. He was identified by the Cook County medical examiners office as Juan Mana.

The other man, also 20, suffered a graze wound to the head and was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

Around 8:15 p.m., a 44-year-old man was shot in 500 block of East 79th Street in the Chatham neighborhood by someone with a handgun.

He suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:34 p.m. The man was identified by the medical examiners office as Theodore K. Smith.

The latest homicide occurred in the East Garfield Park neighborhood around 6:10 a.m. Sunday. A man, 23, was in a building in the 3200 block of West Maypole Avenue when another man fired multiple shots into the building and then fled. The 23-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:58 a.m., police said.

In other shootings late Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning:

Around 1:15 p.m. Sunday, a 28-year-old man was injured in a drive-by shooting in the Near West Side neighborhood. The man was in a vehicle in the 1500 block of West Madison Street when he was struck multiple times by someone shooting from a dark-colored SUV. The man took himself to Rush University Medical Center, where he was in good condition, police said.

A man, 18, was shot while driving in the 3700 block of South Hermitage Avenue in the McKinley Park neighborhood about 4:10 a.m. The man suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and was taken to University of Illinois Hospital, where his condition was stabilized. Police said the man was uncooperative in providing further details.

In the South Austin neighborhood, a 21-year-old man was shot in the groin during an altercation with an unknown man shortly after 4 a.m. During the altercation, which occurred in the 5500 block of West Washington Boulevard, a second man appeared and shot the 21-year-old. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

Two men were injured in a drive-by shooting in the South Loop neighborhood shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday. Both men were standing outside in the first block of East Cermak Road when a gunman in a black vehicle traveling east struck each of them in the leg, police said. A 30-year-old man was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized. A 43-year-old man was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.

An 18-year-old woman was sitting in a parked car in Humboldt Park around 3:15 a.m. when she was approached by two men on bicycles. One of the men then produced a handgun and shot the woman in the leg before fleeing the scene, police said. The woman was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition.

Shortly after 3 a.m., a 19-year-old man was shot while driving in the 1400 block of South Keeler Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood, police said. He suffered two gunshot wounds to his lower back and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.

Shortly before 3 a.m., a man, 25, was shot in the leg in the 100 block of West Kinzie Street in the River North neighborhood. Another man, 23, was stabbed once in the lower back by a person other than the gunman. Both men were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where their conditions were stabilized. Witnesses said a second man who fled the scene was also stabbed, according to police.

A man was injured in a drive-by shooting in the 5800 block of South Peoria Street in the Englewood neighborhood around 2:50 a.m. The man was standing outside when he was shot by someone in a tan sedan, police said. He suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach and ankle and was taken to St. Bernard Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.

Police were called to the 2900 block of South State Street in the Dearborn Homes neighborhood around 12:15 a.m. Sunday to investigate an exchange of gunfire. An armed 16-year-old was shot once in the arm after he got into an argument with a man who was legally carrying a concealed weapon. The teen had fled but was located a few blocks away. He was taken to Comer Childrens Hospital in good condition. Both the teen and the man, 41, were arrested and were being questioned Sunday, police said.

In the South Austin neighborhood, a man between 30 and 40 was shot five times in the leg around 11:20 p.m., police said. The man was in the 700 block of South Cicero Avenue when he was shot by someone in a black sedan, and he was unable to communicate further with police due to the severity of his injuries. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.

Around 10:50 p.m., a 34-year-old man was shot by a man in a dark-colored SUV while standing on a porch in the 11700 block of South Union Avenue in the West Pullman neighborhood. The man suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and was in good condition at Roseland Community Hospital, police said.

A man, 34, was shot in the face and arm while standing next to his vehicle in the 1100 block of West 57th Street in the Englewood neighborhood around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said.

Around 6:10 p.m., a 38-year-old man was shot while standing outside in the 5600 block of South Racine Avenue in the Englewood neighborhood. After being approached by multiple people, the man suffered a gunshot wound to the calf, police said. He took himself to University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was in good condition.

A 52-year-old woman was shot in the leg in the West Garfield Park neighborhood shortly before 5:30 p.m. The woman was near an alley when she was approached by a person with a handgun, police said. She was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.

A man, 23, was shot around 2:45 p.m. while sitting in his car in the 3200 block of North DuSable Lake Shore Drive in the Lakeview East neighborhood. He was struck in the foot and drove himself to Weiss Memorial Hospital, where he was in good condition, police said.

A 25-year-old man was injured in a drive-by shooting shortly after 2 p.m. in the 6700 block of South King Drive in the Park Manor neighborhood. The man was standing outside when he was shot in the thigh by someone in a passing vehicle, police said. He took himself to University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was in good condition.

No one was in custody, and detectives were investigating.

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SPRINGFIELD  Illinois residents will soon have greater access to mental health services under measures Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law Friday.

Starting Jan. 1, most insurance companies doing business in Illinois will be required to provide their beneficiaries with timely and proximate access to treatment for mental, emotional, nervous or substance abuse disorders.

That means beneficiaries will not have to wait more than 10 business days to see a provider after requesting an initial appointment or 20 business days after requesting a repeat or follow-up appointment.

In addition, insurers will be required to maintain an adequate network of mental health care providers so that beneficiaries in Cook County and the surrounding collar counties will not have to travel more than 30 miles or 30 minutes from their home to see a provider. That limit expands to 60 miles or 60 minutes in other areas of Illinois.

Insurers will also have to make exceptions to out-of-network copay requirements if no in-network providers are available within those time and distance limits.

Those new requirements are contained in Senate Bill 471, which was sponsored by Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, and Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago. The new law applies to health policies that are subject to state regulation, including Medicaid plans. It does not apply to large group health plans that are regulated under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA.

Oftentimes individuals cant afford to wait days or weeks for mental health or substance use disorder treatment, Fine said in a statement Friday. Its imperative that Illinoisans have easy access to timely and reliable mental health care.

Also signed into law Friday was House Bill 212, which calls on the states Childrens Mental Health Partnership to develop recommendations for ensuring that all youth in Illinois have access to mental health education and mental health care in a school setting.

As our schools recover from numerous pandemic-related challenges, our state must prioritize our students well-being, state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, D-Western Springs, a chief sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. To ensure children are receiving the best mental health services at school, this proposal allows key state agencies to work together to improve prevention and treatment resources.

The Childrens Mental Health Partnership was established in 2003 to advocate for childrens mental health. It is made up of the secretary of human services, the state superintendent of education, and the directors of the Department of Children and Family Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Public Health and Juvenile Justice as well as the head of the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority, the attorney general and representatives of various stakeholder groups.

Pritzker also signed House Bill 33, prohibiting life insurance companies from denying coverage or raising premiums for people solely because they have undergone substance abuse treatment. It also prohibits them from discriminating based on whether an applicant has been prescribed an opioid antagonist drug such as Narcan, also known as Naloxone.

Overcoming an addiction means putting your future first, Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove, the lead Senate sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. Im excited to see insurance companies will no longer be able to punish individuals for changing their lives for the better.

That bill takes effect Jan. 1.

Meanwhile, another bill signed Friday requires school districts, starting immediately, to provide contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and for the Crisis Text Line on the back of student identification cards issued by the school district.

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House Bill 597, by Rep. Michael Marron, R-Fithian, and Sen. Scott Bennett, D-Champaign, was an initiative of the Illinois Education Association. It also requires school districts that dont issue ID cards to their students, or to all of their students, to publish the information on their websites.

TIF districts

Another new law will provide taxpayers with more information about how well tax increment financing districts, or TIFs, are performing.

TIFs are an economic development tool aimed at clearing up blighted areas by allowing local governments to dedicate the new sales tax and property tax revenues generated by a redevelopment project to pay for improvements within the district.

Those can include costs associated with redeveloping substandard, obsolete or vacant buildings, financing public infrastructure, cleaning up polluted areas, improving the viability of downtown business districts, rehabilitating historic properties and providing infrastructure needed to develop a site for new industrial or commercial use.

As of 2015, there were 1,238 active TIF districts in the state, according to TIF Illinois. According to Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who pushed for the bill, municipalities have been required to report certain financial information about the districts to the comptrollers office, but there has been little information available about how effective they have been in meeting their goals.

House Bill 571, by Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, and Sen. Ann Gillespie, D-Arlington Heights, begin reporting additional information including the number of jobs originally projected to be created in each district along with the number of jobs actually created; the actual amount of new revenue created compared to the amount originally forecast; and the stated rate of return for the project, which must be independently verified by a third party chosen by the municipality.

This is a sensible plan to ensure taxpayers are presented with a more complete picture of whether promises made are promises kept when it comes to TIF districts in their communities, Mendoza said in a statement about the bill.

Those were among 56 bills Pritzker signed into law Friday. So far, he has signed 160 bills from the 2021 spring session while 505 bills are still awaiting action.

Other bills signed into law Friday included:

Senate Bill 107, by Sen. Sara Feigenholtz and Rep. Ann Williams, both Chicago Democrats, streamlines adoption processes by allowing state courts in Illinois to exercise jurisdiction in complex adoption cases in which one of more of the birth parents resides out of state. It also removes the residency requirement in cases involving the adoption of an adult by a former stepparent.

House Bill 279, by Carroll and Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, requires oral medications to carry warning labels if they contain gluten.

House Bill 122, by Rep. Dan Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, and Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, prohibits utility companies  including telephone, cellular telephone, television, internet, energy, medical alert systems and water services  from charging early termination fees for customers who die before the end of a contract.

House Bill 3783, by Rep. Carol Ammons and Sen. Scott Bennett, both Champaign Democrats, provides that only trained employees are allowed to work on coal ash cleanup projects.

House Bill 58, by Didech and Johnson, limits to $10 the fee that county recorders can charge property owners for removing illegal restrictive covenants from recorded property deeds.

And Senate Bill 605, by Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, and Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, requires schools to develop policies on truancy and chronic absences each year and report them to families, including information on chronic truancy. That law takes effect July 1, 2022.

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CHICAGO  Mayor Lori Lightfoot will consider reinstating a mask mandate and other restrictions if the city starts to consistently record more than 200 new COVID cases per day, she said.

Watch now: Central Illinois firearm dealers still face shortages, increased demand Many Illinois-based firearm dealers and ammunition sellers have in the last 16 months ridden a wave of ups and downs as demand for guns and accessories has soared, creating shortages, delays and higher prices.

Asked what her threshold is for reinstating a mask mandate, Lightfoot said, Well, look, if we get back into an area where we feel like were in a red zone, which we are working very hard to make sure that our daily case rate is below 200, if we start to see consistently going over that, were not only going to look at a mask mandate, but were going to look back at other tools that weve been compelled to use.

I hope we dont get there," Lightfoot added. What were going to keep focusing on is pushing the vaccine. But my number one priority is to keep people safe.

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As of July 19, the most recent city data available, Chicagos seven-day rolling average of new cases was 130, a 76% increase from the previous week, when the figure was 74 cases.

Lightfoot faces a complicated balancing act on the pandemic. She has encouraged residents to get vaccinated and warned about possible restrictions if the city sees spikes. But she also has made a point of emphasizing her desire to keep the city as open as possible. At times, it has led to some mixed messaging.

As cases rose last October, for instance, she regularly warned about tighter restrictions being forthcoming  then criticized Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker for again shutting down indoor dining.

Lightfoot is also facing some criticism from people who think Lollapalooza shouldnt be allowed to happen this year as cases swell. Her administration is nevertheless carrying on with plans to host the 100,000 person a day festival.

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Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she isnt having any second thoughts about allowing Lollapalooza to go forward, even as COVID-19 cases spike and the safety standard for admittance to unvaccinated guests has been lowered from what was originally announced.

In the weeks before the city welcomes hundreds of thousands of spectators to Grant Park for the four-day festival starting Thursday, the festival quietly loosened the safety standard for unvaccinated guests. In May, Lightfoot first announced the festival would require attendees who arent fully vaccinated to get a negative COVID-19 test result within 24 hours of attending Lollapalooza each day.

Its unclear when the testing window change occurred but it appears it was between June 18 and July 8, according to a review of the festivals public communications.

Now the city and Lollapalooza are allowing the festival to go forward with negative tests up to 72 hours before the guest enters, according to the festivals website.

For her part, Lightfoot said she doesnt have concerns about Lollapalooza happening.

Its outdoors. Weve been having large-scale events all over the city since June without major problems or issues, Lightfoot said. The Lolla team has been phenomenal.

Lightfoot also said its important for attendees to demonstrate a negative test within a reasonable period of time, and indicated it could be more than 24 hours. Lightfoot said unvaccinated entrants would need a negative test within 48 hours but acknowledged she might be wrong about that.

News of the lower standard for admission comes at a time when Lightfoot is facing criticism from people who fear the Lollapalooza festival could become a super-spreader event.

Some have pointed to what happened at a Dutch music festival as a warning for Chicago.

After more than 1,000 people tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a music festival in early July in Utrecht, the Netherlands, a representative of that citys health board told a Dutch broadcaster it was a mistake to allow unvaccinated attendees to get in with a negative test within 40 hours of entering.

A spokesman for the Utrecht Health Board said the 40-hour time period was too lax, leaving too much time for people to get infected between receiving the test result and attending the festival.

The Utrecht festival had a total of 20,000 attendees over two days, compared to a full capacity at Lollapalooza of 400,000 over four days.
100 years ago

July 26, 1921: The American Radio Relay League  amateur radio operators  plans a big convention in Chicago. Bloomington has 25 to 30 amateur operators and about half expect to attend. George Postels and Edward Lehmann Jr. will play in the convention orchestra.

75 years ago

July 26, 1946: A citizens group has formed to restore ISNUs Old Main building. The university recently closed the 1850's building, deeming it unsafe. The group, headed by Julian Klemm, has no official tie to ISNU but the alumni are reported to be in favor of restoration.

50 years ago

July 26, 1971: Steak n Shake, the Bloomington-based drive-in restaurant chain, will open its third location at Locust and Clinton streets next Monday. It will occupy the former location of Hubbards Cubord. (A video store occupies the site now.)

25 years ago

July 26, 1996: Towanda Avenue in Normal is approaching the new Ironwood subdivision. Two lanes of new street will open between Shelbourne and Raab roads today. The stretch between Raab and Ironwood likely wont open until 2001 because Normal pays cash for all capital improvements.

Compiled by Jack Keefe; jkeefe@coldwellhomes.com.
Photo: (Photo : TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has plans to file a petition in the courts of California to allow him to see his grandchildren, Archie Harrison, 2, and one-month-old Lilibet Diana.

The 77-year-old former Hollywood lighting director has never met the children because he has been estranged from Meghan since she married Prince Harry in 2018. In March 2021, Thomas said he regretted staging a paparazzi shoot before the wedding, which sparked his issues with his daughter.

Speaking with Fox News, Thomas revealed that he would ask the court to grant him access to his grandkids "in the very near future." Thomas is frustrated that he has been treated as an outcast by his daughter and her husband. The source also said that Thomas and Meghan were close before she got married, and he feels it has been unfair on his part to be painted in the media as a "money-grabbing bum."

Thomas has been living in Mexico since he retired from Hollywood. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are staying in Montecito, California, a half-day drive to Meghan's father.

No Chance of Winning

However, celebrity divorce lawyer Mark Gross believes that Thomas will not likely win his petition. Gross said that similar cases under California laws have ruled in favor of grandparents if they have a relationship with their grandchildren.

Read Also: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Win Award for 'Enlightened' Choice To Have 2 Kids

However, Thomas doesn't have any relationship with Archie and Lili, so there's no path for the court to take to allow him the right to see the kids.

Gross also believes that Thomas' TV interviews, where he speaks about his intention to visit his grandchildren, are self-serving and not in the best interest of the children. The lawyer said that judges will be concerned about Thomas' plans when he's going public about it.

Thomas told the media that he learned of Lili's birth last June 2021 from the news because his daughter never informed him. When Archie was born, Thomas got word of it through Doria Ragland, his ex-wife.

Ragland has been the only family member on Markle's side to have a relationship with the children. According to reports, Harry sees Ragland as a mother figure just like Queen Elizabeth. The Duke of Sussex is apparently drawn to his mother-in-law because she doesn't seek publicity and has always been discreet.

Meghan's Brother on Television

Meanwhile, Meghan's brother, Thomas Markle Jr., will be entering the Australian "Big Brother" house in the coming weeks. The 54-year-old window fitter from Oregon has been in quarantine in Sydney as he prepares to make his TV appearance in a couple of weeks.

Meghan is also estranged from her brother since Thomas Jr has a different mother and lives a separate life. However, Thomas Jr has also been talking about his sister to the press and used to describe the Duchess of Sussex as a "phony" and "conceited woman."

Viewers of "Big Brother" expect more bombshells about the duchess from her half-brother. However, a spokesperson for Channel Seven in Australia doesn't want to confirm if Thomas Jr. is indeed one of their contestants. The show's release date has not yet been announced as well.

Related Article: Wearing Heels While Pregnant: Health Risks To Avoid and Safety Tips To Follow
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Payson, AZ (85541)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.
President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda is critical in the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) running efficiently.



President Akufo-Addo added that the efficiency of the state-owned enterprises can contribute positively to the nations transformational agenda even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.



Delivering his keynote address at the 2021 performance contract signing ceremony for specified entities under the theme Driving The Implementation Of Performance Enhancement Measures In SOEs, JVCs And Other State Entities, President Akufo-Addo recounted that Ghanas economy had been better until the onset of the Covid-19 some 16 months ago.



He noted that prior to the onset of the Covid-19, the government had introduced a number of policies and programs which have succeeded in being modesty in promoting a business-friendly environment, attracting investments, creating jobs, growing the economy and enhancing the living standards of the Ghanaian people.



Today, some 16 months later, these achievements have been significantly eroded, thanks to Covid-19. Whereas there are positive signs of recovery emerging from many parts of the world, there are still some countries that are facing dire conditions, President Akufo-Addo noted.



President Akufo-Addo however posited that the nation Ghana, through hard work and the grace of God, has been placed firmly back on the path of recovery based on the incredible assessment available to the government.



even in the midst of the global challenges, our economy is one of the very few to record positive GDP growth in 2020. This development is being buttressed forward by the first quarter of 2021 according to the Ghana Statistical Serviceeven better is the fact that according to Fits Solutions, Ghana is projected to be the fastest-growing economy in Africa this year, the President hinted.



The President of the Republic of Ghana further commended the management of the State Entities based on the activities of the Board and SIGA for contributing to this positive development in the midst of this unknown fold.



President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the historical difficulties the nation has had in the past which have been symptomatic Ghanas underperforming Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can be attributed to the facilitation of the comprehensive strategic approach to manage the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), conflicting objectives, despair monitoring systems, lack of transparency and weak lines of accountability.



Upon our assumption of office back in January 2017, we had to spend a significant amount of our time, addressing the challenges we inherited from our predecessors which almost crippled the SMEs. These include legacy debts, low working capital, weak corporate governance structures, multiplicities of stakeholder policy, directors with the overlapping and conflicting objectives in despairs monitoring systems, he stated.



He maintained that the establishment procedure which is being harnessed by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has been key in helping to resolve some of these concerns even though there is room for improvement.



President Akufo-Addo noted that in order for the state entities to support the nations development, there should be a need for a resilient institutional framework that will allow these entities to execute their mandate diligently.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









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

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The National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), Dr. Mrs. Gertrude Quashigah has said that the Government is committed to providing nutritiously balanced meal for pupils benefiting from the feeding programme.

She said, provision of nutritious meal is essential and remains the topmost priority of GSFP and the Government of Ghana.

She indicated that good meal does not only make children healthier and happier, but also improves their cognitive learning capacities.





Dr. Mrs. Quashigah said these when she addressed stakeholders at the official launch of the "Go For Soya Chunks" campaign in Accra. It was organised by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) in collaboration with the YEDENT Agro Group of Companies.





The GSFP National Coordinator was speaking on the topic: "The Realised Benefits of the Introduction of Soya Meals in School Feeding Menus".



The event was to promote the Texturised Soya Protein (TSP) also known as Soya Chunk produced in Ghana from locally produced soya as the alternative source of protein for school and household meal preparation.



Dr. Mrs. Gertrude Quashigah who is a renowned international nutrition expert is credited for her visionary leadership in adopting the use of the Texturised Soya Protein in 2019 as an affordable and nutritious plant source with high protein for the preparation of school meals by the GSFP caterers.



She subsequently came out with the novel practical Nutrition and Innovation Training for GSFP Caterers with the support of the World Food Programme and technical support from the YEDENT Agro Group of Companies, Partnership for Child Development (PCD) and Women In Agricultural Development (WIAD) in 2019.





According to the National Coordinator of GSFP, her outfit embraced the TSP and made a strong recommendation for all caterers of the programme to adopt because she knew the enormous benefits the TSP/Soya Chunk could offer to the life and development of the school children.









The TSP/Soya Chuck is an excellent source of high-quality protein which is rich in vitamins, minerals, insoluble fibre, and essential amino acids among others.

She therefore appealed to the YEDENT Agro Group of Companies, producers of the Soya Chunks to make them available and accessible in all the districts nationwide for caterers and households.





Mr. Seth Offei, Programme Officer-Agriculture at the Ghana School Feeding Programme also made a presentation on Scientific and Technical Information on Texturised Soya Protein/Soya Chunks.



He said that the TSP/Soya Chunks can be incorporated into variety of foods such as soups, stews, sauces, salads gravies etc.



Mr. Offei noted that apart from its high-quality protein, the Soya Chunk is more affordable and easier to prepare than red meat.





The Chief Executive Officer of YEDENT Agro Group of Companies, Mr. Samuel Ntim Adu said his company is the supply chain partner of WISHH in Ghana ensuring that soya is promoted and consumed by all.





He said that the value of the soya chunk cannot be quantified; it is the most affordable protein alternative; it has more protein than egg, beef and chicken; it is healthier, it does not contain cholesterol, it swears when added to food and can feed masses.



Encouraging more Ghanaians to consume the product, the YEDENT CEO indicated that more consumption of the soya chunk means more employment and more money for local soya farmers in the north and other regions.



Mr. Ntim Adu said that the "Go for Soya Chunks" campaign will run from now till December 2021 with some regional durbars, soya festivals, meeting of schools, cooking competitions in market places etc.

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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Former Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye has advised Ghanaians to heed the instructions of President Nana Akufo-Addo in his 26th nation address on COVID-19.



The President, on Sunday, 25th July, 2021 delivered a message to Ghanaians admonishing them to strictly follow the COVID-19 protocols as he dreaded Ghana has entered a third wave of the viral disease.



President's Speech



''As per data available from the Ghana Health Service, it appears that, unfortunately, our nation, like many others, is experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 infections. These increased infections have largely been driven by the Delta Variant of the virus, which, according to the World Health Organisation, has increased transmissibility rates, and, in our case in Ghana, has led, in recent weeks, to a rise in hospitalisation and ICU bed uptakes, and, tragically, deaths.



''...in recent weeks, we have seen a marked increase in the number of cases. As at Friday, 23rd July 2021, three (3) weeks later, the Ghana Health Service is now reporting that our total number of active cases stands at four thousand, five hundred and twenty-one (4,521). A total of one million, four hundred and six thousand, and eleven (1,406,011) tests have been conducted, out of which one hundred and two thousand, one hundred and three (102,103) persons have been infected with the virus, and ninety-six thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine (96,759) persons have recovered.



''Our daily infection rate for the past week is three hundred and fifty (350) cases, and, sadly, forty (40) more people have died from COVID over the last ten (10) weeks, bringing the cumulative number of deaths to eight hundred and twenty-three (823) since the onset of the pandemic. Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi Metropolitan areas remain the hotspots of infections. This entire development is very alarming'', he said.



President Akufo-Addo expressed concerns over the attitude of Ghanaians towards the disease saying ''it is extremely troubling to note that the high compliance rate with mask-wearing has fallen alarmingly. The wearing of masks in public places, fellow Ghanaians, continues to be mandatory''.



He therefore ordered that ''anyone found to be flouting this directive will have him or herself to blame. We cannot afford anyones recklessness to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country.''



''There are no exceptions to this rule, and strict conformity with this protocol will be enforced'', the President emphasized.



Wear Your Nose Mask



Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme Monday morning, Dr. Okoe Boye advised that the best remedy to the Coronavirus is the wearing of nose masks, so called on all Ghanaians to strictly abide by this culture.



He believed the nation will recover from the pandemic should the entire citizenry play their role effectively in fighting the disease.



"Just wear your mask. When you're in trotro, wear your mask. When you meet a friend, wear your mask. Everywhere you find yourself, wear your mask," he exclaimed.





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
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, former Deputy Minister for Health, has cautioned Ghanaians against sitting in air-conditioned offices during this pandemic season.



Delivering a speech to Ghanaians in his 26th COVID-19 nation update on Sunday, July 25, 2021, President Nana Akufo-Addo cautioned that "as per data available from the Ghana Health Service, it appears that, unfortunately, our nation, like many others, is experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 infections".



He further warned the citizenry stressing, ''the wearing of masks in public places, fellow Ghanaians, continues to be mandatory. There are no exceptions to this rule, and strict conformity with this protocol will be enforced. Anyone found to be flouting this directive will have him or herself to blame. We cannot afford anyones recklessness to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country''.



Discussing the President's address during Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo', Dr. Okoe Boye noted that virus enjoys the comfort of an air-condition, hence spreading rapidly in cold enclosed areas.



He, therefore, instructed Ghanaians who work in air-conditioned offices to either wear their nose masks or open the windows of the offices for fresh air to avoid transmissions and infections of the disease.



"This period doesn't demand air-condition. This virus likes air-condition. You know the virus prefers cold . . . So, if it's possible to open your office windows, open the windows . . . because once you close the windows, apart from the cold air, you've trapped the air; so you don't have anything trying to reduce the concentration of particles or at worst, wear your mask. If you wear your mask in an air-conditioned space, your risk minimizes," he admonished.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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

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Senior Psychologist, Professor Joseph Osafo has urged Ghanaians to guard themselves against the Coronavirus disease.



Ghana is reportedly in the third wave of the viral disease with her active cases exceeding 4,000.



" . . in recent weeks, we have seen a marked increase in the number of cases. As at Friday, 23rd July 2021, three (3) weeks later, the Ghana Health Service is now reporting that our total number of active cases stands at four thousand, five hundred and twenty-one (4,521). A total of one million, four hundred and six thousand, and eleven (1,406,011) tests have been conducted, out of which one hundred and two thousand, one hundred and three (102,103) persons have been infected with the virus, and ninety-six thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine (96,759) persons have recovered.



"Our daily infection rate for the past week is three hundred and fifty (350) cases, and, sadly, forty (40) more people have died from COVID over the last ten (10) weeks, bringing the cumulative number of deaths to eight hundred and twenty-three (823) since the onset of the pandemic. Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi Metropolitan areas remain the hotspots of infections. This entire development is very alarming," President Nana Addo said in his 26th COVID-19 nation update on Sunday, July 25, 2021.



Making submissions on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', Prof. Joseph Osafo blasted Ghanaians for relaxing on the COVID-19 protocols.



He reminded them that the war against the disease won't be won should they continue ignoring the safety protocols.



He advised Ghanaians to value their lives, therefore must wear their nose masks and practice all the other COVID-19 preventive etiquettes.



He cautioned; ''You should remember that what we're fighting against is not the virus; it's our own lifestyle. We have already won against the virus if we fight our own lifestyle.''





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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

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Kidnappers in Nigeria have seized a man who was sent to deliver a ransom payment to secure the release of dozens of abducted school children.



The elderly man was sent by the children's parents after they managed to raise 30m naira ($73,000; 53,000) by selling land and other possessions.



But they have been left feeling hopeless following his kidnapping.



The north of the country is in the midst of a wave of school abductions carried out by criminals for profit.



Ransoms are frequently paid, but this is a rare case where the person carrying the cash has been taken.



The kidnappers called up the school's headteacher to say that the money delivered was not the agreed sum.



The 136 students were taken from an Islamic school in Tegina, Niger state, in late May.



Gunmen riding on motorcycles stormed the town and opened fire indiscriminately killing one person and injuring another.

As people fled, the attackers went to the school and seized the children.



The parents and school administrators negotiated with the criminals and agreed to pay the ransom. They sold part of the school's land as well as other possessions.



Headteacher Malam Abubakar Alhassan told the BBC that six people were sent with the correct amount to meet the kidnappers near the forest where the children were being held.



When they arrived, the gunmen demanded that one of the group, an elderly man, follow them into the forest so that the cash could be counted.



But they later called to say the money was not sufficient.



"Parents are now resigned to fate. They say they can't raise any more money. They are now relying on God," Mr Alhassan told the BBC.

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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Representatives of Kasoa Zongo won the annual Salah cooking competition organized by Ghanas leading radio station, Happy98.9FM with it's partners.



This year's competition was sponsored by Tasty Tom and Wilmar Africa Ltd., producers of Frytol and Fortune rice, and had 10 Zongo communities battle it out in the kitchen for the coveted title as the best cook in all the Zongos in Accra.



Happy FMs Salah Food Fest cooking competition which took place on the 24th of July, 2021 at the Fadama Taxi station opposite the residence of the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu saw Kasoa Zongo unseating the reigning champions Fadama Zongo.



Three women were selected from each of these communities: Nima Zongo, Kaneshie Zongo, Kasoa Zongo, Nyamekye Zongo, Night market Zongo, Abeka Baribari Zongo, Fadama Zongo, Niiboi town Zongo, Shukura Zongo, and Darkuman Zongo to represent in the cooking competition. Also present were the Secret Billions Family.



The event saw a host of residents, family members as well as fans of the radio station, and respectable members from the National Chief Imams residence present to support the various communities in the competition.



There were other activities like dancing competitions, trivia among others with participants winning a lot of prizes from sponsors.



The champions, Kasoa Zongo won with their mouth-watering waakye and shinkafa with Fadama Zongo and Darkuman Zongo following up closely with their sumptuous jollof and chicken stew with salad, and lagba with ayoyo stew meals respectively.



Categories for scoring the competitors were taste, timeliness, and neatness, and thanks to the generosity of Happy FM and its sponsors, all competitors from the ten participating communities went home with certificate of participation and amazing prizes including packs of Frytol seasoning cubes, boxes of Frytol oil, bags of Fortune rice and boxes/strips of the enriched Tasty Tom tomato mix.



Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Media Alliance, Mr. Ernest Boateng, in his closing remarks said: On behalf of Happy FM, I would like to thank the Chief Imam and all the elders of Fadama for allowing us to host this event here today. This is an event that we would like to do every year so next year, God-willing, were bringing it back bigger and better. Its a competition so therell definitely be a winner and a loser but Id like to congratulate all the participants for preparing these amazing dishes. Youre all winners."



Priscilla Aprepary, representing Wilmar, producers of Fortune rice and Frytol, also said, Today has definitely been a day well spent. The aroma in Fadama today is really inviting and of course, you can only get that when youre using Fortune rice and Frytol oil and seasoning cubes for your cooking. Wed like to thank Happy FM for bringing us on board, the Chief Imam and elders of Fadama for hosting us, the contestants, and everyone present here today for helping us make this event a success. We would be glad to do this with you all every year.



Speaking as a representative of Tasty Tom, Loretta Aryee Marketing Assistant, convinced the people of Fadama on why they need to make Tasty Tom their premier choice of tomato paste. Tasty Tom is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, which we all know are essential nutrients for the body.



Tasty Tom is your sure and most affordable way of improving nutrition for your family so when you hit the market, dont forget it has to be Tasty Tom. She also thanked the Chief Imam, Happy FM, the cooking competitors and the citizens of Fadama and all other ten Zongo communities who made it a point to come support their various teams and in turn, make the event successful.



Happy FM and its partners Tasty Tom and Wilmar Africa, as part of the activities donated several boxes, and packs of consumables to the National Chief Imam.

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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Mr Mohammed Sukparu Adams, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Sissala West Constituency, says he has been attacked by unknown assailants on the JeffisiBullu road in the constituency.



The MP said he was attacked at about 1945 hours on Friday when he was returning to Gwollu from Jeffisi to oversee preparations towards a scheduled funeral on Saturday, July 24.



Mr Adams told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Buoti that "while returning around 1945 hours last night between Jeffisi and Bullu three masked men suddenly appeared from both ends of the bush holding torchlight and wielding guns. I asked my driver to stop with our windows closed, one of the assailants turned towards the driver pointing the torchlight at us in the car.



At that point, the security, on the front seat by my driver, fired through the side window of the driver, injuring the attacker in the process while the attacker from the rear was also shot at with the gun and my driver sped off towards Gwollu," he explained.



The MP commended the security officer for the swift intervention to save their lives, which he said was a sign of bravery, saying I owe my life to him apart from God for his quick action."



Mr Adams said he had since reported the incident to the Police at Gwollu, adding that the Gwollu District Police Commander said he had to call a patrol team from Tumu as their vehicle had broken down.



Later, a team of Police officers went back to the scene but couldn't find the attackers except for bloodstains on the ground," he added.



A source from the Police in Gwollu said one other person was also attacked earlier at the same place before the MP got there.



The source quoted the victim as saying that They made me lie on the ground until the MPs vehicle appeared and the subsequent shooting after which the robbers asked me to go and not watch my back. One of them sustained an injury on the shoulder.



This is the second time an MP had been attacked by unknown assailants in the Sissala West Constituency with the first being Alhaji Amin Amidu Sulemana in 2013.



He appealed for enhanced security patrols in the area to save lives.

Source: GNA









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Cocoa Abrabopa Association (CAA), Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co KG, Fuchs & Hoffmann and Ascot Amsterdam are collaborating on setting up an economically viable and resilient cocoa production system that will improve the lives of cocoa farmers and their households.

The 3-year sustainability project seeks to target about 526 members and their households and will be implemented in Daboase, Aboso and Bogoso in the Western Region of Ghana.



The program was kicked off during an online meeting where representatives of each of the organisation participated.



According to the partners, the main components of the joint program include Training members and field staff with the innovative Farmer Business Schools (FBS) approach; The implementation of an integrated and supportive Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS); Boosting the household income from cocoa and other agricultural products and Enhanced shade trees seedling planting and monitoring program.



They explained that, the FBS trainings will build the capacity of members and their spouses in order for them to take advantage of the skills and knowledge learned to sustainably improve their incomes and food supplies.



Staff of CAA will be trained by external trainers to strengthen the service delivery of the CAA field team with new and refreshed knowledge and skills which goes beyond the technical content.



With regards to the CLMRS component, existing child labour cases and families at risk of child labour and school attendance will be identified, child labour risk assessment which consists of household surveys, community profiling and awareness raising will be done at the start of the program.



Data gathered in the first year will be used to develop the model further for subsequent years with a remediation plan and members categorised into low and high risk to child labour.



This should lead to and increases percentage of children of CAA members and their sharecroppers attending school over a period of 3 years they said.



They also explained that, the Living Income component is split into 2 elements where a study will be carried out to identify the status quo, develop targeted activities and measures the progress towards a living income.



It will establish a household income baseline for the targeted member households and provide suggestions for cost-effective monitoring of the household income in the following years.



The study will also provide recommendations on improving the household income which includes from cocoa farming and from other agriculture-based livelihoods particularly for women they mentioned.









Source: graphiconline.com









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Healthcare delivery in the Ofoase Ayirebi constituency in the Eastern Region of Ghana has received a major boost due to the completion and handing over of a medical theatre to support the services of its 1st medical doctor.



The medical theatre is a state-of-the-art facility that comes on the back of the provision of an official residence and vehicle for the Doctor to serve the over 100,000 people in the District.



MP for the constituency and Minister responsible for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who sponsored the projects said he was delighted at the opportunity to do this for his community.



Facilities



The medical theatre is fitted with ultra-modern equipment including 1 Electrocardiography (ECG) machine, 10 ECG papers, two incubators, 2 oxygen concentrators, 2 delivery beds, 2 examination couches, 2 examination lamps, 10 hospital beds, 10 bedside cabinets, 5 intravenous (IV) stands, 2 nebulizer sets, 20 oxygen nasal prongs, 2 vital sign monitors among others.



Commissioning



Speaking at a brief ceremony to commission the health facility on Friday, July 23, 2021, Mr. Nkrumah celebrated the work of Dr. Prince Koranteng Ampaw and his team and encouraged them to take good care of the facilities.



He said the completion of the theatre will greatly improve health delivery in Brenase noting the revamping of other health facilities in the district to boost the stock of infrastructural facilities so as to improve the equity gap in geographical access to health services.



He said: when I assumed office as Member of Parliament, one of the things that were missing in the constituency was an excellent health facility that will carter for the health needs of my constituents. Accordingly, that was a top priority, so I and DCE Paul Asamoah channeled our energies to making sure the constituency has state-of-the-art health facilities. Like we did for Ayirebi, today I am happy to announce to the people of Brenase that they have a designated health facility that will see to their health needs, he said.



He also expressed his gratitude to the Chiefs and people of the area for providing a conducive environment for the construction and completion of the project.



The ceremony also saw the commissioning of a permanent residence for the only doctor in the Akyemansa district. The doctor who is now stationed in the district was also given a pick-up vehicle to help in his transportation needs.



Other dignitaries



The commissioning was attended by the District Chief Executive Officer, Paul Asamoah, District Health Director, Gifty Sunu, Eastern Regional Director of Health, Dr. Winifred Owusu, Residence doctor, Dr. Prince Koranteng Ampaw, and Nananom.



In his remarks, Mr. Asamoah also underscored the benefits of the medical theatre in improving healthcare delivery in the constituency and beyond. He said the completion of the theatre is further proof that the MP for the area is committed to providing health infrastructure to help improve healthcare delivery in the district.



On her part, Mrs. Sunu lauded the Minister for listening to the call of his constituents and acting accordingly in providing the health facility. She however admonished managers of the facility to maintain it so it can adequately serve its intended purpose stressing that a lot of investment has gone into this project and we need to prevent the equipment against damages.

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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Tunisia's main political parties have accused the president of staging a coup after he sacked the prime minister and suspended parliament.



Kais Saied, who also dismissed the defence minister, says he acted in accordance with the constitution.



The move followed Sunday's violent mass protests over the government's handling of the coronavirus outbreak and the economic and social turmoil.



Calls are now growing from the international community for restraint.



The UN said "all disputes... should be resolved through dialogue", while the EU urged all sides involved to respect the rule of law and avoid violence.



There were similar appeals from the Arab League, Russia and Qatar. The US expressed its concern about the latest developments.



Clashes among Mr Saied's supporters and opponents continued on Monday in the capital Tunis.



They threw stones at each other outside the legislature, which has been barricaded by troops.



Mr Saied, an independent who was elected in 2019, has had a long-standing feud with the man he has removed, Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi.



Mr Mechichi has the backing of the largest party in parliament, Ennahda, who are moderate Islamists.



Tunisia's revolution in 2011 is often held up as the sole success of the Arab Spring revolts across the region - but it has not led to stability economically or politically.



The recent spike in Covid cases has fuelled long-standing public frustration. The health minister was sacked last week after a bungled vaccination drive.



'Until social peace returns'



On Sunday, thousands of people across Tunisia demonstrated against the PM and Ennahda.



The party's local headquarters in the south-western city of Touzeur were set on fire.



In a televised address, Mr Saied said: "We have taken these decisions... until social peace returns to Tunisia and until we save the state."



He vowed to respond to further violence with military force.



In the early hours of Monday, the speaker of parliament, Rached Ghannouchi, who leads Ennahda, tried to get into the legislature. When he was blocked by Mr Saied's supporters, he and his own loyalists staged a sit-down protest.



Later on Monday, Al-Jazeera TV, which has been viewed as sympathetic to Ennahda, said security forces had raided its offices in Tunis, unplugging all equipment and telling staff to leave.

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 Right Reverend Professor Joy Obiri Yeboah Mante, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has urged young persons to desist from praying for Gods blessings and prosperity without engaging in any productive work.



Rt. Rev. Prof. Mante said no country could succeed with such characters stressing that God does not bless lazy people.

He gave the advice at the inauguration of City of Favor Estate developed by Sawer-Nanor and Sons Company Limited at Dawhenya in the Ningo-Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region.



God never blesses laziness that is why he said in the Book of Proverbs that go to the ant, you sluggard and learn its ways, this is so because the ant is never lazy, he noted, adding that work was one of the main purposes for human creation as stated in Genesis 2:15.



He said God created human beings to work and even the rich people must continue to engage in some form of work to prevent the brain from going stale.



The Moderator stressed that God created human beings to work that is why I dont like people standing at the roadside to beg.



He said when lawyers talk about basic human rights, they must know that the first among it was for people to work quoting II Thessalonians 3: 10 through which God instructed that those who do not work should not eat, meaning anyone who does not work have problem with God.



Prof. Mante reiterated that it was not enough to sit at home and pray for Gods favour and prosperity as God only blesses the work of peoples hands and multiply what one has, therefore having nothing would yield no related multiplication.

Even if you are just doing cassava farm, God will bless it, but just sitting at home and praying is wrong attitude to prayer, work hard and be sincere.



The Moderator implored young persons to appreciate gradual growth, the news of young people in Ghana going to the extent of killing their friends to sell their body parts to make quick money, while others wanted to triple jump into wealth without passing through the process was worrying.



The thing these days is that everybody is sitting at home with his phone in his hands trying to dribble everyone they want to become the richest person on their phones.



No country will prosper that way we need a country that everybody will work hard with sincerity and appreciation of gradual growth.







Source: GNA









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Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, has hit back at the Member of Parliament for Assin Central constituency, Kennedy Agyepong, over allegations of corruption the latter made against him.



This was after Kennedy Agyepong threatened to make public a video which will expose Kweku Baako as a corrupt person.



Making a submission on The Seat Show on Net TV, Monday, July 19, the NPP MP said: Im warning the NPP to be careful with Kweku Baako and Anas else they will topple their government. He is a very vicious and corrupt guy. NPP should listen to me very well, he is not on our side. They think Kweku Baako supports us but he does not. Hes a very wicked guy. He walks with his stomach. He can go to court, Im saying he is a wicked man What has he achieved in this country? He moves around and speaks like he knows more than anyone in this world.



Legal Tussle



The duo landed in court over charges of defamation filed against the maverick NPP MP, and the court ruled in favour of the renowned journalist.



Not satisfied with the courts decision, Hon Ken Agyepong asked his lawyers to file an appeal. Thus, the watching and reading public are smacking their lips in earnest anticipation of what is likely to be a tasty legal tussle.



But even before that court of appeal meeting, Round Two of the "bout" played out on Wednesday on Peace FM, when Kweku Baako threw down the gauntlet at the NPP MP to show the said video or he will sue him again.



I made a critique of his conduct relative to that threat which was the subject matter of discussion. He is entitled to criticize my opinion of him mercilessly and violently but he is not entitled to go out there and slander and think I will let it slide. I didnt care previously but for him particularly, you can either criticize or drag him to the court of law," he stressed.





Kweku Baako, who was speaking in a panel discussion on Peace FM morning show 'Kokrokoo' pooh-poohed at Kennedy Agyepong's comments and likened the utterances of the outspoken MP as a "giant with clay feet".



To him, Mr Agyepong's words are 'empty and porous'.



The experience I had with him at the High Court told me he is a giant with clay feet. He is empty, porous with the thing he says. On radio on TV he goes haywire but in court, he is an embarrassment. I even felt some sympathy for him. Ive heard him say that he wont pay a dime but who says Im interested in his money? He has even paid GHC80,000 but the point really is the apologies...The twelve times apology is his headache but no matter what he does, due process will take its course. If the truth is on your side, there is nothing on my side and I know the truth is on my side. It was an embarrassment and I will publish the transcript for people to know who has the truth on his side, he said.





Meanwhile below is a reaction from Kweku Baako on social media after Kennedy Agyepong's jab:It is very sad how some people make ugly allegations against others in the public space but fail abysmally to substantiate the allegations when they are provided with an opportunity in a court of law (competent jurisdiction).Kennedy Agyapong and his "star witness" , Nana Kwaku Badu, the NPP Constituency Chairman for Amenfi East were "unmitigated disasters" during cross-examination in the High Court. Kennedy Agyapong, as Defendant, failed to subpoena Frimpong-Boateng as he had indicated to the Court he would; claiming I(Plaintiff)had threatened the Minister, hence the latter's refusal and/or failure to show up in Court to testify on his(Kennedy Agyapong's) behalf! What crude nonsense!After suffering a humiliating defeat at the High Court, and pending the outcome of his weak and incompetent appeal at the Court of Appeal, this man appears to have grown "some balls" and has re-started spewing the usual ugly noises of allegations of me being involved in corruption and clandestine activities to undermine the Akufo-Addo Administration; similar allegations he proved chronically incompetent and unable to substantiate in the Court of Competent Jurisdiction.I shall be serializing the transcripts of the cross-examination and excerpts of the judgment of the High Court to illustrate the depths of incompetence and poverty of intellect and logic of this noise maker for all to appreciate the kind of person we are dealing with.I am told he claims he has some "video evidence" of my involvement in some corrupt, illegal and criminal activities. He had none to support his bogus, malicious and mischievous allegations at the High Court. If he is truly a man of COURAGE OF CONVICTION, I challenge him to make his so-called evidence public for all to see and hear!However, he should note that I will certainly not hestitate to cure his apparently incurable mischief and mendacity at the appropriate forum as I did the last time! And I can assure him that he would lose again! He would lose because he doesn't tell the truth! And I have no cobwebs of corruption in my wardrobe for him to unearth! If he has evidence, he's challenged to publicize it and abate his crude and cheap public stunts! I am immune to those useless, ugly and noisy antics of his!Somebody should remind Kennedy Agyapong that he has a MISSED CALL!Long Live Nkrumah's Ghana!

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/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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Seasoned journalist, Kwesi Pratt has lauded the Special Prosecutor (SP) nominee, Lawyer Kissi Agyebeng over his comments regarding corruption during a Parliamentary vetting on Thursday, July 22, 2021.



Lawyer Kissi Agyebeng has been appointed by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, following Martin A.B. K. Amidu's resignation.



Answering questions from the Vetting Committee of Parliament, he stated that he cannot eradicate corruption but rather will make it costly for people to engage in any form of corruption.



"I can't stop corruption...I will make corruption costly," he said.



"...at the end of the year, publicize the results as to which institution is performing well and which institution is not performing well. In that quest, if you are the Head of an institution and persistently your institution is drawing the short straw in terms of perception of corruption, from the point of view of experts, from the point of view of business people, you will sit up, he added.



Contributing to Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Mr. Pratt agreed with Lawyer Agyebeng stressing not even an Angel can stop corruption alone.



''It's true. Even if you appoint an Angel as Special Prosecutor, it's not him alone who can eradicate corruption'', he said.



He explained that the SP can do his best to prosecute but if the law enforcement authorities don't perform their duties effectively, there is no way corruption can be dealt with.



He therefore called for support for Lawyer Agyebeng as he works to nip corruption in the bud.



''We're watching him. We will offer him any help and encouragement he requires but he, himself, should do his work effectively and in accordance with the law'', Mr. Pratt concluded.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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

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A youth advocacy group with name, Patriotic Youth Advocates (PYA) has parried off suggestions from some sections of the public and civil society groups that the Health Minister should resign from his position because he made frank presentations before the Parliamentary probe into the botched procurement of Sputnik v vaccines.



He continued that, in all his dealings with the Sheikh Maktoum group that produces Sputnik V vaccine, the health Minister was guided by the ethics of his office that is to secure the lives of Ghanaian citizens hence his bargaining for the least of the price for the drugs to the 19 dollars they arrived at.



Speaking to Peace Fm News, Asante Kwadwo, Spokesperson of PYA, said the intentions and work rate of the Health Minister bears testimony that he wished the best for Ghana in engaging in that international transaction.



He said, the Health Minister considered the health and safety of Ghanaians as priority over procedural measures.



Mr. Kwaku Agyeman Manu, the group reminded the public worked to restore the nurses training allowance which had been cancelled by the previous NDC government.



Spokesperson for Patriotic Youth Advocates, Asante Kwadwo spoke to our reporter Pious Baidoo Banson



According to Asante Kwadwo pleaded with the public to stop scolding the health minister but the rather commend him for the good work he has done.





Source: Pious Baidoo Banson/Peace News









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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Former President John Dramani Mahama is lacing his boots to contest the 2024 presidential election, barring any hitch.



He has, therefore, tasked Muslims in his hometown Bole in the Savannah Region, to pray for him, as he prepares to return into the contest once again after losing the 2016 and 2020 elections respectively to the NPPs candidate Nana Akufo-Addo.



Radio Announcement



The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Bole-Bamboi, Alhaji Yussif Sulemana, relayed the former Presidents intentions on Bole-based Nkilgi FM during the 2021 Eid-ul-Adha celebration on Tuesday.



Former President John Dramani Mahama who is from Bole here (sic) has asked me to tell the good people of Bole-Bamboi Constituency that he has not forgotten of the good things they have done for him over the years and that Inshah Allah (God willing) he is likely to come back to contest elections in his party and so they should use this special Eid-ul-Adha day to thank God and to ask for good health, success and victory for him, the MP said.



He then said that Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God to sacrifice his only son Ismael to Him and that Ibrahim made an attempt; which is the highest form of obedience to God and situated it to the political dispensation saying, so former President Mahama entreats his Bole-Bamboi constituents to continue to be obedient to their creator, their parents, elders and also respect and love each other.



Official Statement



Mr. Mahama, in his 2021 Eid-ul-Adha message, said there is the need for Ghanaians to be reminded of the value of obedience and sacrifice as Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-Adha across the world.



He had said Ghanaians should use Eid-ul-Adha to inspire people to give back to humanity, something that is bigger and then sent specific message to Muslims in Bole-Bamboi saying he has always cherished their support over the years and that they should continue to pray for him in all his endeavours.



Long Process



Before he becomes the NDC flagbearer once again, he has to cross the partys hurdle at the primaries, which political pundits believe is a mere formality.



In 2012, Mr. Mahama, then Vice President, was seconded by the party to contest then impending December presidential election following the sudden passing of then President John Evans Atta Mills whose death occurred on July 24, 2012 and was buried on August 10, 2012.



Mr. Mahama won the controversial election which culminated in the landmark Presidential Election Petition of 2013 which verdict (5-4) narrowly went in his favour on August 29, 2019, after about eight months of trial.



The 2012 petition had been filed by then candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, his running mate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and then NPP Chairman Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, now deceased.



Then candidate Akufo-Addo after the courts verdict announced that even though he did not agree with the judges, he was letting things die for the sake of the peace and development of the country.



He then went back to the drawing board planning how to win the 2016 contest, and by dint of hard work, the NPP overpowered the NDC subsequently.



2016 Drama



In 2016, whilst seeking a second term in office, Mr. Mahama was defeated heavily by then opposition candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, 72, by over one million votes, making him the first incumbent to lose an election to an opposition leader in the Fourth Republic.



While Nana Akufo-Addos votes appreciated significantly and NDCs John Mahama dropped votes with then president-elect widening the gaps with 1,002,749 votes, when there was four more constituencies outstanding.



In the final analysis, candidate Akufo-Addo had polled some 5,755,758 representing 53.7% over Mr. Mahamas 4,771,188, representing some 44.4%, to clinch one touch victory in 2016.



2020 Test



In 2020, there was another showdown between the two leaders but Mr. Mahama was fighting to become President from opposition with the same Nana Akufo-Addo as incumbent.



He was once again defeated by the incumbent President Akufo-Addo who polled 6,730,587, representing 51.303%, to beat the former President, John Mahama, who garnered 6,213,182, representing 47.359% in the eighth election of the Fourth Republic.



The votes gap by the president-elect over the former president, who was staging a comeback, was around 517,405 and Mr. Mahamas 44% in 2016 appreciated to 47% in 2020.



Legal Tussle



Mr. Mahama subsequently launched a legal challenge, claiming he won the election but was denied victory, after he and his party had amassed their supporters to hit the streets to cause mayhem.



However, by the time the case was being heard, the NDCs stance that Mr. Mahama was denied victory had shifted to whether or not none of the 12 candidates that participated in the 2020 Presidential Election got the constitutionally mandatory 50 per cent plus one of the total valid votes.



The NDC also pushed that the Supreme Court should determine whether the Electoral Commission (EC) had to organise a run-off election between Mr. Mahama as petitioner and President Akufo-Addo who was declared winner by the EC on December 9, 2020 after the crucial December 7, 2020 general election.



No Concession



A few hours after the petition was unanimously dismissed by the Supreme Court, Mr. Mahama refused to concede defeat, and rather launched blistering attacks on the judges, the President and some state institutions.



What was meant to be a criticism of the final judgment of his petition, spilled over to other issues that even had no bearing on the proceedings of the court.



He accused the Akufo-Addo-led government of discriminating against some tribes in the country, saying certain tribes have been sidelined, attacked and discriminated against for quite too long and even said the discrimination has been extended to Mr. Daniel Y. Domelevo, the Auditor General who retired from public service.



He said Mr. Domelevo was compelled to retire because he was from a certain tribe that he said had suffered great injustice and abuse under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, and conveniently refused to explain the circumstances that made the presidency to ask Mr. Domelevo to retire because he had attained the retirement age of 60.



Interestingly, Mr. Domelevo was asked to retire because it had been found out that he tampered with his records at SSNIT in order to remain in government employment, but Mr. Mahama glossed over the facts and just attacked the government for political convenience.



Others were falsely branded as foreigners and their citizenship called into question unjustly, an abhorrent nation-wrecking prejudice which had been directed against certain ethnic groups of this country and had continued till date, and had even recently visited cruelly on the Auditor General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, he had said in the no-concession speech.



Volta Propaganda



He also alleged that President Akufo-Addos government strategically used the military to create fear and panic in some targeted ethnic groups to discourage them from participating in the 2020 polls.



Mr. Mahama said the selective deployment of military personnel in some parts of the country was used as a tool to instill fear in citizens in those areas and prevent them from taking part in the voter registration and other electoral processes.



Mr. Mahama also alleged that the NPP government spent huge amount of state resources to launch unprovoked attacks on some people, leading to avoidable deaths of some innocent NDC members.



In the last election, unprecedented levels of state funds were doled out by the ruling party and provoked deadly violence during and after the 2020 general elections, Mr. Mahama said, adding, in the process, eight of our compatriots were murdered in cold blood and several others maimed during the process of the elections.



We have designated these compatriots whose bloods were shed just because they sought to participate in what was a purely civil exercise as Martyrs of Democracy, to whom we shall dedicate an appropriate monument when the time comes.



Interestingly, the police administration in their post-election press conference said their preliminary reports indicated that almost all the incidents that resulted in deaths in particular constituencies were started by Mr. Mahamas own NDC supporters.







Source: Daily Guide









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Featured Video
Gorgeous Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson has denied viral reports that she has found love again and got married at a secret wedding.



On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, reports went viral on social media that the actress tied the knot two weeks ago at the blind side of everyone.



The reports claimed that Yvonne Nelson, the mother of one, married a rich Italian man.



A letter from the lawyers of Yvonne Nelson to one of the Instagram bloggers who published the story has killed our joy by denying the good news.



Yemmeybaba, the blogger who gave the gist wrote on Instagram;



Congratulates one of Africas finest screen goddesses, YVONNE NELSON as she tied the knot with her Italian sweetheart (name withheld), The highly secured ceremony -which we were there- took place two weeks ago.

Yvonne Nelson charged her lawyers to address the public that non of the above news about her marriage to an Italian is true.







Source: ghanacelebrities.com









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

Featured Video
The Canadarm 2 reaches out to capture the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft and prepare it to be pulled into its port on the International Space Station, Friday, April 17, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/NASA
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Isaiah 40:31 - Self Shot Edit:

Evgeny Kurnikov - 2021:

Madeira Island Cliff Trail:

Deadforest II:

Blueprint:

Mike Hopkins - 154km Canada Day Ride:

Kurt Sorge - Demesne:

Christian Rigal - San Diego Flow:

Mike Hoder - Fake BMX:

What A Huckin Video Part:

Cultcrew - Woodward 2021:

Lizzie Armanto - Chasing Tokyo 2021:

Axel Cruysberghs - Real Street 2021:

Jake Anderson - Real Street 2021:

There Will Be Doping Cheats at the Olympics This Summer:

How The Tokyo Olympics Became The Most Expensive Summer Games Ever:

Jackass Forever - Official Trailer:

Unbroken Ground:

Calling From The Coral:

Fairy Creek - The Last Stand:

Super excited to present the self-filmed video I've been working on for a few weeks now. Filming this has made me realize how long it takes to self-shoot a video, but it's been super rewarding. Massive thanks to everyone who made this trail a possibility!What could be better than a new bike and riding one of your favourite spots? Thank you to Valery Bekishev and Kirill Zamaraev for their help in filming!Definitely the wildest thing I have ridden. The last day of the trip brought us to this very old hiking trail down to the beach. Anything to get a beer at the beach I guess.Bikes! Now, more than ever.Blueprint started with a simple idea - to show sections of trail come to life before the viewers eyes. Once we broke ground here in Cumberland, BC, the abundance of good dirt was the ultimate inspiration to challenge ourselves to build something that pushed our creativity further than we had planned. The corners were just asking to get stacked bigger, faster, and smoother! We visualized, developed, and pushed the limits to create something special for all riders to enjoy: a hand-built, blue square level flow trail youll want to lap all day long. I hope our story inspires you to get creative, contribute to your mountain bike community, and have fun with it! For trail builders the trophy is so much more than the trail, its an extremely rewarding process. When you have a good crew to share those moments with, it adds a whole new layer of passion to it. We owe many thanks to Shimano, the United Riders of Cumberland, and Mosaic Forest Management for making this project possible. Video: Scott Bell.The Canada Day Challenge is simple: ride as many off-road KM's as Canada is old. Started when Canada turned 150 and this year the cookie crumbles at 154km. This year the temperatures were set to spike at a scorching 40 degree's Celsius (107 F), so there were no illusions it was going to turn into a suffer-fest, but the big question was... would we crack? Get beat by the heat and have to tuck our tails and head for the shade? Support Crew: Traharn Chidley, Luna and Illiera Hopkins, Sal and Lincoln Erwin. Buds: Kevin Erwin, Joe Hopkins, and Ben Burwash. Filming: Simon Hillis.Bringing the dream of having jumps in the back yard to life! Welcome to Grohmania.Christian Rigal swaps tarmac for trail, flowing through the dusty goodness of his hometown hills in San Diego, California aboard his SCOTT Ransom.Hoder is always a rider who has been best captured while out chilling, having sessions with his homies. We decided to use the homies to film a Hoder part and this is the result. Bang bang.Mike Hucker Clark has been busy putting in work on this full length edit for some time now with fellow rider and filmer, Matt Cordova. Hucker lays down some heavy moves from dirt, park, and ditches. Don't let that "Hucker" laid back personality fool you, he's all business in this one! Video: Matt Cordova.Some of the Crew went on a Edventure to Woodward Camp East. Nothing but summer fun with the homies.Shes one of the best skateboarders in the world. In Chasing Tokyo 2021, by Nathan Fitch, Lizzie Armanto recounts her award-winning career as she prepares for the 2021 Summer Olympics.Watch Axel Cruysberghs and filmer/editor Don Luongs entry into Real Street 2021, the all-video street skateboarding contest brought to you by ESPN's World of X Games.Watch Jake Anderson and filmer/editor Geoff Brownes entry into Real Street 2021, the all-video street skateboarding contest brought to you by ESPN's World of X Games.The World Anti-Doping Agency has the gargantuan task of taking performance enhancement drugs out of sports. VICE News looks at why their struggle to achieve that goal is far from over.Before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were delayed a year by COVID-19, they were already the most expensive summer games. Experts estimate they will cost more than $26 billion. The extra year added at least another $2.8 billion.Celebrating the joy of being back together with your best friends and a perfectly executed shot to the dingdong, the original jackass crew return for another round of hilarious, wildly absurd, and often dangerous displays of comedy with a little help from some exciting new cast.Unbroken Ground explains the critical role food will play in the next frontier of our efforts to solve the environmental crisis. It explores four areas of agriculture that aim to change our relationship to the land and oceans. Most of our food is produced using methods that reduce biodiversity, decimate soil and contribute to climate change. We believe our food can and should be a part of the solution to the environmental crisis  grown, harvested and produced in ways that restore our land, water and wildlife. The film tells the story of four groups that are pioneers in the fields of regenerative agriculture, regenerative grazing, diversified crop development and restorative fishing.Coral reefs have existed for 400 million years, but due to climate change, they're currently on track to disappear within a few decades. As a deep-sea scientist studies coral reefs from a submarine in the Red Sea, he opens up to his daughter about his hopes and fears for the future of coral reefs on a rapidly changing planet.Over the past 10 months, Fairy Creek has become an epicentre of public outcry for the permanent protection on ancient forests. This ecosystem is the last intact, unlogged watershed on southern Vancouver Island, but the story is far bigger than Fairy Creek itself.Photo: Emrik Jansson Photography
French reap Harvest Moon on Dansam West in Kondus Valley, Pakistan

Towards the end of June French mountain guides Martin Elias, Victor Saucede, Jeremy Stagnetto and Jerome Sullivan made the first ascent of Harvest Moon, a new route on Dansam West (6600m) above the Kondus Valley in the Karakorum, Pakistan. Climbed alpine style, the 1600m route is graded M6 WI6. Jerome Sullivan reports.

During the month of June 2021 I embarked on a beautiful voyage in the company of Martin Elias, Jeremy Stagnetto and Victor Saucede. We had planned a climbing trip to Pakistan and our destination felt full of mystery. We had in our possession one single photo of Dansam Peak (Aka K13), taken from a long way off and graciously sent to us by American climber Steve Svenson. The photo showed the North Face of Dansam and its three prominent pillars.



The Kondus Valley has been forbidden for the last 40 years, the only climb in the zone being of a Japanese ascent of the west summit in 1980 (via the easier south face). This we did not know at the time; we had been told by the authorities that all the summits of Dansam were unclimbed.



Covid restrictions in Pakistan made departure from France complicated and we feared that the expedition would be compromised, but a streak of luck had us aboard the plane for Islamabad and connecting to Skardu by the end of June. We quickly reached our promised land: the Kondus Valley. In this deep gash in the earth, nestled between a forest of granite spires, lies the lush green village of Khor Kondus. Fed by the waters of seven thousand meter summits Sherpi Kangri and Biafo Kangri, the fertile lands allow the locals to grow fields of wheat and feed the Zomoh (yak/cows).



Our arrival timed with the sun dipping across the horizon and did not go unnoticed. As we drove through the village, we turned around to see a hoard of children swarming behind our vehicle. The adults quickly arrived and bid us welcome. The next day they explained to us that Dansam peak was also named the dangerous mountain and we would soon understand why. After visiting the Hot springs and spending a couple days meeting the locals, we made our way up to our base camp: at 4000m a grassy valley bed strewn with beautiful boulders, at the foot of the glacier that gives access to the cirque of the Dansam North face. The face was not visible from base camp and we were very excited to get a first glimpse of what awaited us. The next day 4 hours of hiking on moraines had us pass the bend of the glacier and we immediately understood why it is nicknamed dangerous mountain by the local shepherds.



The three immense pillars of stone that we had identified in the photo were capped and decorated with very active and impressive seracs. The eastern summit appeared to us like a giants armchair. The arms rests, respectively the immense eastern and central pillars, stood out boldly. In the middle the icy seat was made of deep blue and fractured ice falls. The west pillar, standing on its own, felt to us as the most elegant feature. The ridge line shot out across the sky, its steepness softening only towards the summit. It also had the appeal of being the safest feature, not threatened by any serac.



Being below this face where no climber had sunk his axe or grabbed was a real treat! We could choose the most logical and appealing line. It felt like being a kid in a candy shop, with unlimited credit.

During the next two weeks we enjoyed perfect blue skies. We stopped looking at the weather forecast and started to believe the weather would stay that way during the whole month. We spent those days acclimatising and carrying gear from base camp to the foot of the wall. When we felt ready and anticipating that the ice conditions would deteriorate quickly with the rising temperatures, we made plans to climb. Then it started snowing.

For the next 10 days the weather was awful. The temperatures plummeted and every day we woke up under a fresh blanket of snow in base camp. The end of the trip was approaching, and we all had guide work waiting upon return so could not change our flights. Martin believed the new moon would bring a change in the weather. We waited patiently until the last moment. The waiting was frustrating as the deadline came nearer and we faced the possibility of going home without even an attempt. Eventually the moment came! With the new moon it was time to harvest the seeds we had sown.

On the 24th of June we set off for advanced base camp although the weather was not so nice. 7 hours later we were at the foot of the wall. The next morning, we set off for our 6 day ascent. After having climbed 400m of zigzagging snow ramps of terrible and unconsolidated snow we set up the camp on a snow rid dubbed les pentes a Damel, Djamel being Jeremys nickname. Here we would wait out the snowstorm that followed for the next 24 hours. The chosen line being a natural gully, it channeled the falling snow. Although our tent was not directly exposed, the gusts of air caused by the frequent avalanches would blast the tent and cause us to worry about our safety and the success of our ascent. The next day we left under a light snowfall and heavy spindrifts. We were now in the central gully system and the ice quality was great. Between shouts of spindrift! and hoods on! we made good progress. Some pitches were quite steep and physical and others more moderate and hard on the calves. This ice gully led us to another snow rib we called le linceul. We reached this quite late at night and dug out a poor bivy site. The night was short.

The next day was the crux as we needed to breach the 400m of steep rock leading to the summit slopes. Mixed pitches of great quality up to M6, with some portions of vertical and even overhanging ice let themselves be discovered. Victor led the hardest pitch: an overhanging ice smear on which, against all odds, he was fortunate. The ice had formed in the most improbable places because of the bad weather the past weeks! As we would discover descending the route in rising temperatures, good conditions were quite ephemeral. Without all the ice the headwall would have been quite complicated as the rock was of poor quality. This was a great climbing day as we marvelled on the quality of the climbing at 6000m. Looking behind us, the Karakorum appeared in the distance: K2, G1, G2, G4, Broad Peak.

We reached a decent bivy spot on an exposed and corniced ridge before nightfall and went to sleep with high hopes of reaching the summit the next day. But the next day would be full of surprises!

On the 29th we woke up to a starry night. Fatigue was showing and it was difficult to get started. We left our tents and rock gear and departed for the summit at sunrise. We were surprised by the difficulties. We had imagined that the more moderate terrain would be breached quickly, but the bullet-hard ice hidden beneath 10 cm of powder snow proved extremely time and energy consuming. On 60 slopes we had to build anchors and it took us a good part of the day to climb the 400m separating us from the summit.

Here came our second surprise. As the rock nipple that is the west summit appeared (invisible until the last moment) Martin, who was leading, started to laugh. I thought oh there must be another obstacle barring our path, but as I approached, I saw the reason why. A fixed piece of rope was dangling from an old piton! We all started to laugh at the absurdness of the situation. Although we really did not care so much that the summit had already been climbed, it felt ridiculous to have put in such effort and discover a piton on the last 20 meters! It later offered an interesting reflection on the personal and collective worth of climb, the first ascent of a route or a summit. The route we had just climbed was void of any trace of previous ascent. The north face of Dansam (leading to east or west summit) had never been climbed.

Our ascent had been shrouded with doubts and unknowns, specific to pioneering a route and mountain, and that is what was important to us. At this point the details of the Japanese ascent remain unknown to us, but we suppose they ascended the snow slopes of the south face, from the still forbidden Goma flank, as the fixed ropes on the summit pointed towards a heavy style of ascent and we found no trace of passage on our pillar (which seems to be the only feasible way up to the west summit on the north face). Our joy on the summit was untarnished by the discovery of the old rope and we hugged and laughed and even shed a tear!

We descended from the summit in a day and a half, rappelling our route, and walked into base camp on the 29th at night. We felt really privileged to have climbed an aesthetic line in such a pristine location. We named the route Harvest moon, as the new moon phase brought us the weather we needed. The next day we packed up base camp early and set off on our next adventure: catching the plane in Islamabad in the little time we had left!

The Kondus Valley holds mountaineering treasures for future parties and the villages of Khor Kondus and Karmanding are truly amazing places. The locals are humble people who live in very harsh conditions but are extremely welcoming. The surrounding rock spires offer endless possibilities although the rock quality is not always very good. And the hot springs are a great place to relax! Huge thanks to the Balti people for such a warm welcome.



by Jerome Sullivan
Twenty-five years ago, the world welcomed Atlanta as the host for the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Amid the celebrations, the world also witnessed the bombing of Atlantas Centennial Park.

The heartfelt moments of that Olympics are unforgettable for Augusta resident Phil Wahl.

Wahl, the president of Security Federal Bank in Aiken, was one of the many volunteers who was in Centennial Olympic Park on the night of July 27.

Working for Wachovia Bank at the time, Wahl was sent to Atlanta as a volunteer security coordinator. Stationed in Centennial Olympic Park, he was responsible for helping guests and conducted nightly sweeps to close the park.

Around 1 a.m. a pipe bomb exploded in the park while Wahl's team was preparing to close the venue. Eric Rudolph was eventually arrested and convicted of the Olympic bombing and other crimes and is currently serving multiple life sentences.

I received a radio call from one of the gates that said that they did not have these large zipties. You would (need) it to secure the gates, and there was one gate that did not have those, so I had to go, Wahl explained. Just as I was crossing (International Boulevard), (there was) this huge explosion, something that I will never forget. Ive never forgotten the feeling.

Wahl was in close proximity to the blast.

If youve seen the movie 'Saving Private Ryan' and he sees the explosion and his ears started ringing and was in a state of everything ... slowing down. Thats exactly how you feel when you have that type of impact from a bomb, he said. At that moment, you are kind of numb and wonder what has just happened and then you come back to reality.

Wahl immediately started to help those around him. He located a law enforcement officer and helped a couple injured by shrapnel to safety.

I immediately got on my radio and asked what had just happened and there was a huge amount of radio chatter and chaos and people running around and yelling, Wahl said.

The next couple of days after the event followed with news coverage, police investigations and a new sense of purpose for Wahl. After initially being a volunteer for two weeks, he extended his time to help with Olympic efforts.

For myself, it just kind of built up something within me like Im not going to let this keep me away from the Olympics, Wahl said. I felt it was kind of a rallying point for people and wanting to support. Did it have an impact? Im sure it did. Im sure there were people who were concerned and certainly you have to be concerned about that, but for me and most of my volunteer group, we came back.

The FBI awarded Wahl and other volunteers the St. Michaels pendant, named after the patron saint of law enforcement, for their service. The Olympic Committee also held an appreciation event for the volunteers.

The 25-year anniversary happens to fall during this year's Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic postponing last year's Games.

It's amazing that 25 years have passed, Wahl said. I look at pictures of me, my wife and my friends and Im much younger and a little bigger today and that shows me that I have aged, but it seems like it was yesterday. When you reminisce, it seems like it was just yesterday, and as a country we have gone through a lot in the past 25 years."

I have great memories of the Olympics and the excitement. It did not dampen my level of patriotism or the support for the United States and our state as the host, and I was excited to be there as a volunteer, Wahl said. My memories were all very good even though that was a very troublesome event in the middle of it.
A defense spending-and-policy bundle approved last week by the Senate Armed Services Committee would restore $5.7 million in payments to communities surrounding the Savannah River Site, after the Biden administration proposed slicing the sum from the federal budget.

The money, also known as payments in lieu of taxes, would be distributed to Aiken, Allendale and Barnwell counties, as has been the case for years. The trio surrounds and makes up the Savannah River Site, a 310-square-mile reservation established during the Cold War.

Broadly, payment-in-lieu-of-tax money, or PILT, represents a deal between the Department of Energy, which manages and uses the land south of Aiken, and neighboring governments, unable to tax the land or develop it. PILT funds for years have supported all-important local services: education, infrastructure and emergency response, among other things.

Barnwell County Council member Ben Kinlaw last month described the purse as sort of like the sacred cow  not to be messed with. Barnwell County traditionally receives the lions share of the South Carolina PILT allocation.

Its a legacy thats been there for a long time, Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness Executive Director Jim Marra has said of the payments, and certainly the communities have relied on it and used it for very good purposes.

The Senate Armed Services Committees approval, 23-3, is one of many steps in the annual National Defense Authorization Act process.

The bill  which authorizes $777.9 billion for U.S. defense programs, including $27.7 billion for the Energy Department  now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, the committees ranking member, said he hoped to see the legislation on the floor soon, where we can continue improving it through an open and robust amendment process.

The House will produce its own draft of the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. Differences need to be reconciled, via conference committee, before a final version is approved and sent to the president for signing.
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How does a traveler find a good place to eat when visiting an unfamiliar area?

Michael Stern offered some suggestions during his talk to the Rotary Club of Aiken at Newberry Hall on Monday.

He and an ex-wife, Jane Stern, are the co-authors of the series of Roadfood books. Ten editions in all have published since 1977.

In addition, there is a related website, Roadfood.com.

The focus is regional American fare, which Stern described as food that is a normal part of peoples lives.

To find the best in a particular location, look for the restaurant where there are a lot of first responder vehicles in the parking lot, he said. But I dont mean ambulances with their sirens going because theyre taking out the guy with food poisoning.

Stern also recommended trusting your nose to sniff out a potentially delicious meal while driving through a town.

Roll down the windows and smell, he said. I have come across great breakfasts because I could smell biscuits and bacon and ham frying. Barbecue sends (out) its aroma for blocks around.

But the best strategy, Stern believes, is to seek the advice of a friend.

If you can think of somebody who used to live there, ask them if they went back, whats the first thing they would eat and wheres the first restaurant they would go to eat it, he said. The chances are very good that youre going to get clued in to a place that is very special.

Stern, who moved to Aiken in 2015, also discussed food at local restaurants and what is distinctive about it, including hash on rice, a popular side dish at barbecue joints.

In the rest of the country, nobody has ever heard of it, but its hard to find a place around here that doesnt serve it, he said. And let me tell you something, as a photographer, its impossible to take a pretty picture of hash on rice.

The home fries served at some eateries in Horse Creek Valley also are different from the norm based on Sterns dining experiences.

Ive been eating my way along Highway 421, and there are some very good restaurants there, let me tell you, he said. Ive noticed that in a couple of places where you can order a hamburger, theyll say, Do you want home fries with that?

To me, home fries are chunks of potato cooked on a grill and usually you have them for breakfast instead of hash browns, maybe, Stern continued. "But  when I say, Yes, I want home fries with my hamburger or whatever, I get what I would call French fries. I asked why they were called home fries and one waitress said, Because we cut them here. We make them right here.
COLUMBIA  Mayors across South Carolina said July 26 their towns are unfairly waiting for $435 million in federal aid, and they're calling on Gov. Henry McMaster to let them collect their share.

South Carolina's 254 municipalities of fewer than 50,000 people are collectively slated to receive $435.1 million through Congress' American Rescue Plan. But their shares are tied to the state's. The towns can't get their money until the state officially asks the U.S. Treasury to release the $2.5 billion the Legislature controls.

So, while counties and larger cities gained access in mid-May, smaller municipalities are in wait-and-see mode.

"Were waiting on somebody to do something," said Scott Slatton with the Municipal Association of South Carolina, referring to legislative leaders and McMaster.

McMaster will formally seek the money sometime before the Legislature's special session in September, said his spokesman Brian Symmes. How soon remains unclear.

Concerns over how towns spend their aid help explain the delay.

By federal law, legislators have no say in how the money's spent. But legislative leaders want to incentivize certain types of spending, such as broadband expansion and water and sewer projects, by offering to share those costs. The details of such grant programs won't be worked out until this fall, when the Legislature will approve their own spending package for the aid.

A Senate budget-writing subcommittee will start its work next week.

"Everybody's saying, 'Wait until September,'" Slatton said.

But mayors said delays will only make it harder to hire contractors for projects that will likely get more expensive amid the competition.

"When you have all these municipalities and neighboring states working on infrastructure at the same time, there are only so many construction companies that do water and sewer projects," said Batesburg-Leesville Mayor Lancer Shull.

Federal aid to SC municipalities South Carolina's 254 municipalities of fewer than 50,000 people are slated to receive $435 million total in federal COVID aid. The amounts range from $21,400 for tiny Jenkinsville to $21.7 million for Goose Creek. The following are the top 15 allocations:  Goose Creek, $21.7 million  Greer, $16.6 million  Hanahan, $13.4 million  Mauldin, $12.6 million  Simpsonville, $12.1 million  North Augusta, $11.9 million  Greenwood, $11.7 million  Fort Mill, $11.1 million  Lexington, $11 million  Easley, $10.6 million  West Columbia, $9 million  Clemson, $8.7 million  Cayce, $7 million  Beaufort, $6.7 million  Port Royal, $6.6 million Source: Municipal Association of South Carolina

"Well all be bidding at the same time," he continued, noting the federal money must be allocated by late 2024. "That gives everybody a little bit of anxiety of, 'Can we get this done in time?'" His town of 5,400 people hopes to use its $2.7 million to help address decades worth of maintenance backlogs in its water and sewer systems. Goose Creek is slated to receive the largest chunk among the 254 municipalities, at $21.7 million. Town officials are waiting for the money to come in before deciding how to spend it, but ideas include water and sewer projects, as well as parks and trails, Mayor Greg Habib said. "We want to use it in a way that transforms our city and helps us prepare for future growth," he said. "It's one thing to complain you havent gotten free money yet, but it was stimulus-related, recovery-related. The longer the state delays in drawing the money down, the less of an impact that will make. "The state has its reasons for not doing so yet, but they havent given us a reason that makes sense to me," Habib added. Lawmakers say they want assurances the towns will have access to professional money managers to help them navigate the federal law and its requirements, so they don't wind up needing to pay back money they've already spent. The municipal association explored hiring the same company the state uses to provide financial help for any town that wanted it, but that was too expensive, Slatton said. The group suggested the state pay the tab for towns through the interest it will collect on its $2.5 billion  another reason local officials contend it doesn't make sense to wait to transfer the money from federal to state coffers. "We're still giving away money by not drawing it down," Habib said about interest the federal law allows local and state governments to keep. In addition to the $435 million, South Carolina's counties are collectively receiving $1 billion in aid through the law Congress passed in March. Those amounts range from $1.7 million for rural Allendale County to $101.7 million for Greenville County. Richland County is slated to get $80.8 million, while Charleston County is next at $80 million. They could start drawing down that money May 10 directly from the federal government. The federal law also provided 17 cities in South Carolina direct payments totaling $191 million, ranging from $1.95 million for North Myrtle Beach to $27.2 million to Columbia. North Charleston's receiving $24.3 million, while Charleston's receiving $21.1 million. Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray said his council won't start debating how to spend its $6.7 million allocation until the money is in the town's coffers. "The concern is that maybe the numbers less than what theyre telling us," he said. Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater said a quirk in the federal law means her town of nearly 27,000 must return several million of the $13.4 million it is allotted. While the aid is population-based, it must be less than the town's total budget last fiscal year. "We feel like were being penalized for being fiscally conservative," she said. "Were grateful for the money were getting, but thats just not right." Potential uses of Hanahan's money include a new firetruck, air purifiers and laptops for law enforcement, she said. "We dont even have access to it yet, so we dont want to start planning out every last dollar," Rainwater said. "I have concerns of price increases because were further down the line. Every city in the country is getting these funds, so not only are we behind when it comes to the state itself, were behind as far as the country is concerned. Were at the wrong place in line." As for state lawmakers' fears about local officials' spending decisions, Murray said, "I personally think a lot of municipal governments do that better than anybody." Sen. Thomas Alexander, who is leading the panel crafting the Senate's plan for the state's $2.5 billion, said he hopes the combined aid to state and local governments can work together to do the most good for residents statewide. His panel's work will begin next week with a presentation from McMaster's budget office on all the pockets of money pouring into the state from the federal law. Representatives for the towns are expected to testify. "We'll be hearing from them how we can best assist and partner together. That can be a menu of different ways," said Alexander, R- Walhalla. "I truly want us to look at it as an investment into opportunities that will make our communities successful."
Charleston International officials believe July will set a passenger record after traffic in June jumped to 94 percent of pre-pandemic levels as more travelers boarded planes for summer vacations.

Propelled by more airlines offering more flights to more destinations in the wake of the height of the pandemic, July's travel numbers will outpace those from July 2019, airport CEO Elliott Summey predicted.

Two years ago in July, more than 464,000 people came through the state's busiest airport. It was among the more heavily traveled months that led to a record-setting year for air passengers in Charleston.

Last month, more than 436,000 ticketholders traveled through the terminal on arriving and departing flights, or about 29,500 less compared to June 2019.

Measured against the same month last year, when airline travel plummeted amid the COVID-19 outbreak, passenger levels at the airport climbed 300 percent in June. In June 2020, slightly more than 109,000 travelers arrived and departed at Charleston International.

During this year's first six months, the airport recorded 638,000 more passengers than during the same time period in 2020. Compared to 2019, the terminal is down nearly 730,000 passengers during the first six months.

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Summey also is bullish on final projections for the rest of the year, as long as there is not another setback from the latest surge of coronavirus cases.

"I think we can beat 2019's numbers this year, barring another outbreak," Summey said.

That's a tall order, considering the airport will need to see nearly 3.25 million travelers, or an average of more than 541,000 each month, for the final six months of the year to match the passenger count for 2019. During the final six months of that year, the airport recorded an average of roughly 420,000 passengers a month.

The highest number of travelers the airport saw during any month of 2019 was in May of that year with just over 469,000.

For all of 2019, the number of people traveling through Charleston International stood at 4.87 million, as the growing airport set a string of records every year for nearly a decade before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Last year, just under 2 million people traveled through the terminal, far short of the 5 million-plus that was projected before the coronavirus flare-up and economic shutdown in March 2020 that crippled air travel.
CHAPIN  Chapins second in command, Mayor Pro Tempore Al Koon, plans to run to become mayor of the self-proclaimed Capital of Lake Murray in November.

Koon, a Chapin native, retired in 2011 after operating a nuclear power plant, which is now part of Dominion Energy. He said he sends his council pay back to the town.

Im not doing it to make money. Thats not at all the purpose, Koon said.

Koon is currently the only candidate who has publicly announced plans to run.

Chapins current mayor, 78-year-old David Knight, said he never intended to run for a second term. He plans to continue his work part-time as an attorney at his law practice.

"He and I have discussed his succession of me and I'm fully in support of that, Knight said.

Koon said he loves the small-town feel of Chapin and wants to help the town manage the population boom the surrounding area is experiencing.

"The thing that has driven me to be involved at all has to do with planning for our town, Koon said. Although we have a very small town, what we do affects the entire community."

While the town of Chapin includes less than two square miles of land and cannot expand much further, the unincorporated area of Chapin includes roughly 20,000 people and the entire 29036 zip code.

The Town Council is currently working on a growth plan to identify Chapins needs.

"A lot of people don't want a lot of growth, but we know that's not reasonable, Koon, 69, said. There will be growth, and we want to manage that growth in a small way. We want to make our town one that people are proud to live in."

If elected, Koon plans to use the completed growth plan to create a strategic plan with specific steps the town will take to manage growth. He said he wants to complete this before the first quarter of the year ends.

Though growth-management plans are in the works, Koon said this is a project that will take decades to complete.

If we make good decisions, in 10, 20 years, our town will have really benefited from it, Koon said. If we don't, we will just become another small town of eclectic businesses located wherever people want to build.

Koon said the Town Council works with Lexington County to ensure new developments match the towns goals. Those goals include maintaining a small-town identity and feel, limiting growth and promoting locally owned and operated small-businesses.

Koon and Councilman Leland Teal grew up together. Teal, 69, plans to run again to be a council member in November and fully supports Koon.

We went to school together ... We've grown up in this atmosphere, Teal said.

Teal isnt against growth, but he says the feel of Chapin has changed. He said growing up, Chapin was always a cohesive town, with residents getting along well, but now he feels like people have different priorities.

The councils hope is to rectify this disconnect with its comprehensive growth plan, he said.

Filing for the election opens on Aug. 23 and closes on Sept. 3, according to the South Carolina Election Commission.
COLUMBIA  A jury will decide whether Nathaniel Rowland kidnapped Samantha Josephson and stabbed her to death after the state rested its case July 26 and the defense called no witnesses a week into Rowland's murder trial.

Rowland waived his right to trial in his first comments in court since the first day of jury selection and his defense called no witnesses before resting. The jury will return to court the morning of July 27 to hear closing arguments and begin deliberations.

The state called more than 30 witnesses during five days of testimony. On the final morning or testimony, a forensic pathologist described the dozens of stab wounds Josephson suffered, and a video analyst pieced together the movements of a black Chevrolet Impala as it moved through Five Points before picking her up in March 2019.

A unique set of stab wounds found multiple places on Josephson's body match the weapon authorities say Rowland used to kill her, Dr. Thomas Beaver testified July 26. Beaver, a professor at Medical University of South Carolina, conducted Josephson's autopsy.

Josephson sustained as many as 120 stab wounds, Beaver said, including one behind the University of South Carolina student's ear and another that severed a bone in her neck that could have been the fatal blows. In multiple places along the right side of her body, Beaver noted wounds that appeared in pairs and parallel and set him on a search for a unique weapon.

When 5th Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson handed Beaver the multitool that investigators found in the trash behind Rowland's girlfriend's apartment, Beaver said the knife, with its multiple blade and handles, explained the wounds he examined.

Beaver said he was confused about some wounds being caused by two blades and others a single blade, and that the multitool can accomplish both.

"This is the weapon," Beaver said, holding the knife.

Beaver's testimony came before the state rested its case against Rowland, the 27-year-old from Clarendon County being tried on charges he kidnapped and killed Josephson in March 2019 after she mistakenly got in a car she thought was her Uber ride in Five Points.

A video analyst with the solicitor's office took the stand July 26 to walk jurors through more than 25 hours of security footage in Five Points that tracked the path of a black Chevrolet Impala weaving through the nightlife district.

Outside The Bird Dog bar on Harden Street, Josephson can be seen standing alone under a tree on the phone and first tried to get in a gray sedan when it pulled up nearby.

The Impala then partially hops a curb to pull in the handicap parking spot beside Josephson. She gets in, opening the door before the car stops completely, and the Impala pulls off just after 2 a.m. The video analyst, Justin Martin, said he used Josephson's GPS data to look for video in other areas of the city.

He found video showing the Impala going down Rosewood Drive past the Publix grocery store, heading south on Kilbourne Road and later driving north on Beltline toward Devine Street before hanging a U-turn back toward the Rosewood area. That was the last video Martin had of the Impala until it could be seen traveling east on Garners Ferry Road toward Sumter after 3 a.m.

Josephson's body was found later that day in the community of New Zion, east of Sumter.

Beaver said he took 170 photos and 13 X-rays as part of the autopsy. Josephson's parents, who have traveled from their home in New Jersey, were not in the courtroom as Beaver described to the jury numerous close-up photos of the wounds.

Rowland, in a dark shirt and red tie, stared straight ahead during the testimony.

Josephson shielded her right side during the attack, with one of the strikes piercing her right hand all the way through, Beaver said. All but a couple of tablespoons of blood had drained from Josephson's body at the time of the autopsy due to the attack, and Josephson would have bled quickly where she was attacked, Beaver testified.

Rowland's attorneys asked Judge Clifton Newman that some of the autopsy photos not be introduced into evidence. Public defender Tracy Pinnock argued that it was clear Josephson died from stab wounds in a brutal attack and the photos are only meant to elicit an emotional reaction from jurors.

Newman excluded two of the photos showing wounds to Josephson's head.

Witnesses called by the state included the turkey hunter who found Josephson's body; Rowland's former girlfriend, who told the jury she questioned all the blood in his black Chevrolet Impala; and numerous State Law Enforcement Division investigators and other experts prosecutors say paint a picture of Rowland locking Josephson in the back of his car, stabbing her to death and dumping her body in a rural stand of woods in Clarendon County.

Bank video shows a man then trying to use Josephson's debit card at ATMs in Sumter and Columbia and a Columbia wireless store owner identified Rowland as a man who came in the shop after Josephson's death and tried to sell a cellphone for $300.

Scratch marks on Josephson's cheek indicate her body was dragged, Beaver said. Investigators believe Josephson was dragged to where she was found in the woods.

After prosecutors rested their case, Rowland's attorney, Tracy Pinnock, asked Newman to direct a verdict in Rowland's favor, saying the state's evidence was circumstantial and never showed whether Rowland murdered Josephson or that he was driving the car the night the 21-year-old disappeared.

Newman rejected the argument, noting "an avalanche of direct and circumstantial evidence" the jury could decide is proof of his guilt.
South Carolina blood banks are asking people to give as the nation grapples with a blood donation shortage that could last through August.

Blood donation agencies, including The Blood Connection in the Lowcountry, say they can't recall a supply shortage so low, nor one that spanned such a long period of time. They say it's the product of a perfect storm of factors that's made the need for blood particularly high and the number of donors especially sparse.

It's typical to see donations fall during summer months, especially in areas with a lot of summer tourism like South Carolina, said Ben Williamson, communications director for the American Red Cross' Palmetto SC Region. People may also be donating less as they travel more, he said.

Every summer we see a dip, Williamson said.

But a rise in trauma cases and elective surgeries has put additional strain on supplies. In June, the Red Cross reported a 10 percent increase in demand from trauma centers, compared with June 2019.

Williamson said the Red Cross in South Carolina aims to have a five-day supply on the shelves, but at times this summer he has seen stock for some blood types dwindle to just half a day's supply.

The Blood Connection, a blood donation center in North Charleston that serves the region, sounded the alarm during a July 12 news conference describing several weeks of historically low donor turnout.

We're in a post-COVID world where people aren't thinking about the need, Delisa English, CEO and president of The Blood Connection, told The Post and Courier.

Remote life has also put a strain on the supply, said Jerry Squires, medical director of transfusion services for the Medical University of South Carolina. Blood donation organizations have long relied on high-traffic areas for blood drives. When the pandemic shuttered schools, colleges and workplaces, it cut off some of the blood bank's biggest lifelines, he said.

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At the news conference, Squires called on the public to spread the word about upcoming blood drives  and to take their friends and family.

If people know, they'll generally come out to donate, he said.

If left unaddressed, blood shortages can force hospitals to postpone elective surgeries, or in extreme cases, trauma procedures.

Andy Lyons, spokesman for Roper St. Francis Healthcare, which operates five hospitals in the Charleston metropolitan area, said though hospitals are aware of the scarcity, Roper St. Francis facilities haven't had to postpone any operations.

It hasn't been in a situation where patient care was affected, he said.

Still, the need for donors is palpable to health care workers, Lorenda Stallworth, a team supervisor for the Red Cross, said at a blood drive at Middleton Place on July 13.

It's just abnormally low this year, she said.

Stallworth, who has worked for the Red Cross for 27 years, said she's seen the public rise to the occasion before. She remembers how people lined up to donate blood after 9/11.

They stayed in the lines forever, she said. They wanted to help because the need was there.

So donate, she said. It only takes about an hour.
Hurricane Sandy, which washed over the northeast United States in 2012, was made more damaging by climate change, according to a study released this spring.

The paper, published in the journal Nature Communications in May, says the $60 billion storm was made more damaging by rising seas that pushed floodwaters further than they would have travelled otherwise. The storm was roughly $8 billion more expensive and affected 71,000 more people than it would have without the effects of higher oceans, the authors wrote.

Researchers first used historical data and other modeling to estimate how much of the sea level rise along the coast of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut was human-caused, said lead author Ben Strauss. Natural factors that were not included might be sinking land, for example, which happens at different rates in different places.

Then, they modeled how much further that additional flooding rose  in this case, roughly 4 inches out of the 10-foot surge from Sandy. That might seem like a small amount, but a few inches in a house flood can make a big impact dollar-wise, Strauss said, because it might be the difference between replacing an electrical system or another floor.

"If I can find someone whose home was hit by a flood, and the water line is just a couple of inches above their first electrical outlet, I can say 'Congratulations, you're a victim of climate change,'" said Strauss, who is chief executive officer and chief scientist of public education group Climate Central.

Attribution studies are a complex and growing branch of climate science, seeking to show in individual events the fingerprints of climate change  the warming of water and air caused mostly by planet-insulating gases released by humans. The research group World Weather Attribution, for example, reported earlier this year that a historic heatwave over the western United States and Canada would have been "virtually impossible" without human activity that has made the planet hotter.

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Researchers have also found that the extreme rains during 2017's Hurricane Harvey, over Houston, were much more likely because of warmer temperatures.

But for hurricanes, in particular, there is significant disagreement on how climate will transform the spinning cyclones. Some effects are well studied, like the likelihood for more rain falling from a warmer atmosphere. But in other regards, like whether there will be more or fewer hurricanes in total, there's still significant discussion.

In the case of Sandy, other effects of a warmer world aren't evident.

"Studies have so far found no evidence that Sandys intensity, size, or unusual storm track were made more likely by climate change," according to the Climate Central paper.

But that's part of the reason why researchers used water heights to model the additional extent of flooding in Sandy, Strauss said. The human connection to sea rise is well-documented.

"If the water starts higher, the flood's going to get higher," he said.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham requested more than $230 million in federal money for construction projects at nearly every military base in South Carolina as Congress brings back direct spending requests for the first time in over a decade.

Graham, R-S.C., earlier this month submitted member-directed spending requests, otherwise known as "earmarks," from the Military Construction and Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bills.

Among some of the major spending requests includes $122 million for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to construct an aircraft maintenance hangar, $30 million for Joint Base Charleston to construct a new fire and rescue station and $21 million for Fort Jackson to complete initial construction on their reception barracks.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's $230M military spending list U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's member-directed spending requests: $122.6 million for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to construct an aircraft maintenance hangar with applied instructional space, multi-story parking facility, operations support spaces, and a hangar shop annex to support the F-35 training squadron.

$30 million for Joint Base Charleston to construct a new Fire and Rescue Station to centralize essential emergency dispatch services into a 911 dispatch center and maximize base and airfield fire protection.

$29 million for Joint Base Charleston to construct a flight line support facility, which will include administration and warehouse areas to support the current C-17 fleet.

$21 million for Fort Jackson to complete Phase 1 of the Reception Barracks project.

$13.7 million for minor construction projects at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. These include an F-35 Operational Support Facility, the Instrument Landing System project at Beaufort, and Entry Control Facility improvements at Parris Island.

$9 million for McEntire Joint National Guard Base to provide a hazardous cargo pad to the 169th Fighter Wing, which they currently do not have.

$5 million for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to provide required adequate and efficiently configured facilities to support recycling and proper handling and storage of hazardous waste.

This year marks the return of earmarks in Congress for the first time since 2011, when the practice was banned because some politicians feared it was being abused. Democratic leaders in the House and Senate brought it back this year with some exceptions.

Several changes to the process include making all the requests available online, disclosing that the lawmaker has no financial interest in a project, the overall funding is limited to 1 percent of discretionary spending and for-profit groups cannot receive any of the funding.

I believe it is important that elected officials have a say in how taxpayer money is spent on infrastructure and not rely on bureaucrats in Washington to protect South Carolinas interests, Graham said in a statement. The funding requests for member-directed spending items will be public record. Every person will be able to judge for themselves if these are worthwhile requests."

Retired Army Gen. William Grimsley, the secretary of the S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs who oversees the states Military Base Task Force, said the federal funding would be a gamechanger for Palmetto State service members.

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"Those, if approved, will have a huge impact on our bases," Grimsley said. "These are very important to our men and women in uniform."

None of the earmarks are near the finish line as the appropriations bills still need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by President Joe Biden.

But even if Graham's asks fall short, the Palmetto State has already locked down some military funding at the state level.

More than $1.7 million has been earmarked by various South Carolina lawmakers since the annual budget was approved on July 1.

A look at South Carolina's approved military projects On July 1, the following military-related earmarks were approved from the state budget: $750,000 for the Shaw Welcome Center, requested by House Ways and Means Chairman state Rep. Murrell Smith and Rep. J. David Weeks.

$500,000 for the S.C. Military Museum, public outreach for the S.C. National Guard history, requested by Senate Finance Chairman state Sen. Hugh Leatherman.

$300,000 for Kershaw County armory relocation of maintenance yard, requested by state Sen. Perry Gustafson.

$200,000 for the JAG branch of the State National Guard, for field laptops, requested by Sen. Stephen L. Goldfinch.

Some of the major spending projects that have been approved include $750,000 for a welcome center at Shaw Air Force Base, $500,000 for the S.C. Military Museum and $300,000 for the relocation of a maintenance yard at the Kershaw County armory.

"These are important updates for preservation of our bases which is tied to the welfare and quality of life for our service members and their families across all components," Grimsley said.
MYRTLE BEACH  The United States Attorneys Office announced July 26 that a joint team of federal, state and local law enforcement officers arrested six individuals who have been charged for their roles in an interstate drug trafficking organization that operated for years out of Myrtle Beach, Conway, Florence and New York City.

The arrests were part of a second record of indictments in Operation New Optix that targets drugs and violent crime in the Myrtle Beach and greater Pee Dee region. In December 2020, they arrested 26 alleged drug traffickers.

Of the 35 defendants currently indicted, four remain at large and 22 have already pled guilty, according to authorities.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rhett DeHart said those in custody were targeted based on their interstate importation of large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine into South Carolina from the New York area, and their use of firearms.

Agents seized about $272,546 in suspected drug money, five vehicles, 11 firearms, more than 4.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine, more than 450 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and additional amounts of suspected fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, and other drugs, according to court records.

The following defendants were arrested this week:

Jovan Steven Graves, a/k/a Pablo, 34, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment.

Sean Lewis Adams, a/k/a Lou, 39, of Longs, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment.

Arthur Lee Busbee, Jr., a/k/a Bubba Jaws, 39, of Conway, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Deondray Azell Stanfield, a/k/a Rich Black, 43, of Myrtle Beach, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Brodus Bernard Gregg, 68, of Conway, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Dayvon Chadmar Bease, a/k/a T-Nochi, 37, of Conway, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

The following defendants who were charged in the first round of this investigation have pled guilty:

Shackeel Coleman, 29, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.

Harry Bellamy, 41, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 28 grams of cocaine base, and a quantity of marijuana. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.

Steven Jeffcoat, 30, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 28 grams of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.

Lenard Hemingway, 53, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Yenitza Coleman, 27, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Jasamine Mitchell, 32, of Conway, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Bradley Adams, 26, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Timothy McCray, 31, of Conway, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment

Brandon Prawl, 35, of Conway, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams of more of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Henry Boyd, 39, of Conway, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams of more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Timothy Lee, 27, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams of more of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Jacqueline Strickland, 59, of Conway, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Venson Strickland, 29, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams of more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

James Graham, 30, of Conway, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

Alonzo Lee Pierce, 37, of Galivants Ferry, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams of more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Gary Jackson, 30, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Alton Brown, 41, of Florence, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

Joshua Darby, 32, of Murrells Inlet, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

Travis Rogers, 40, of Conway, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams of more of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.

Kevin Linnen, 33, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

Mario Williams, 41, of Florence, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

Robert Hooker, 40, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

The following defendants from the first round are in custody pending trial or plea:

Quentin Smith, 29, of Conway, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams of more of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. He is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime which carries a potential penalty of 5 years consecutive to any other penalty imposed.

Kimo Felton, 41, of Conway, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.

Curtis McArthur, 35, of Longs, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

As this office has made clear time and again, violent criminals will find no safe harbor in South Carolina, said Acting U.S. Attorney DeHart in a press release. Because of the work of our federal, state, and local partners, we have obtained more than 100 convictions and been able to dismantle violent gangs across the Pee Dee Region.

Assistant United States Attorney Everett McMillian, Lead Task Force Attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, is prosecuting the case in coordination with the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office.
NORTH CHARLESTON  The city's police leadership should search for the cause of racial disparities in their officers' interactions with Black residents, refocus their school resource officer program on mentorship and hire bilingual translators.

Those were some of the key recommendations highlighted by researchers at community presentations last week introducing the public to a racial bias audit of the North Charleston Police Department.

The preliminary audit report by Arlington, Va.-based CNA was released on July 19. It contains 67 findings and 128 associated recommendations for how to address racial disparities in city policing. A final report will provide a timeframe for implementation. It is expected in the coming months after feedback from officials and the community.

The findings were presented by CNA researchers Zoe Thorkildsen and Bridgette Bryson at three meetings held July 21 and July 22 throughout the city. The session were sparsely attended and, with the exception of the third meeting, mostly White.

Black residents who did attend spoke their minds about living in a city haunted by the memory of Walter Scott, a 50-year-old Black man gunned down six years ago while fleeing from North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, who is now serving 20 years in federal prison.

They mostly expressed frustration. As one woman put it, nothing in the report was new to the African American community.

"It bothers me that there are always people that don't look like us, giving us data on things we've been saying for a long, long time," she said.

North Charleston City Council unanimously approved hiring CNA to conduct the racial bias audit in October. In 2019, the firm completed a similar probe that found racial disparities in Charleston police interactions with minority communities. Charleston implemented reforms in response to the findings.

Residents and activists have been calling for an audit for years, claiming officers continue to overpolice Black residents.

At the meetings, Black residents expressed frustration with officers routinely stopping them for minor traffic violations, so-called "pretextual traffic stops."

Before his fatal shooting, Scott was stopped by Slager because his vehicle had a broken brake light.

Pretextual traffic stops are a common police tactic. Officers will stop a vehicle for a minor traffic violation as an excuse to search for further wrongdoing. Police say it helps catch lawbreakers, but critics argue it harms community trust and contributes to racial profiling.

After Scott's shooting, The Post and Courier analyzed 400,000 police stops and 168,000 citations issued in South Carolina as part of its "Pull Over" investigation. The investigation revealed that people were stopped in North Charleston at a far higher rate per capita than any other large city in the state, and officers disproportionately stopped black men and women.

More than six years after Scott's death, many residents say the practice continues, and CNA's analysis appears to support that contention.

North Charleston's population is 45 percent African American and 46 percent White.

But Black people received over 51 percent of the citations issued from 2018 to 2020, according to the report. White people received 36 percent.

Black people also received more citations on average during a traffic stop than Whites  1.28 citations per stop compared with 1.18 citations. The disparity remained even when analysts removed less discretionary citations, such as driving under a suspended license or driving without a license that require citations.

Black people were also disproportionately impacted by arrests, use-of-force incidents and field interviews.

Sixty-three percent of the people arrested from 2016 to 2020 were African American, and 36 percent of those people were White.

Black people are involved in 67 percent of the department's use-of-force incidents, while 21 percent involve White people.

Blacks were participants in field interviews 64 percent of the time, compared to 31.5 percent for Whites.

Thorkildsen said at the meetings that using demographic data as a baseline for determining disparity in law enforcement interactions can cause researchers to overestimate actual disparity.

At the community meetings, Black residents shared stories of being stopped several times by North Charleston police officers for minor traffic violations. One man said he was stopped going to work for a license plate light that was out. He said he looked at the light himself, and it was functioning. On the way back from work, he was stopped by the same officer for the same violation.

One White woman asked in a meeting why it was a problem if police stopped someone for a minor infraction  they are trying to do their job.

"Would you still feel like that if people that look like you are being murdered every single day by police officers," Raynique Syas asked. "Would you still feel like that every time you got stopped? No, you'd be scared for your life with your children in the back seat like I am."

Syas said after the meeting she is hopeful the racial bias audit will result in positive change in the North Charleston Police Department. She said last year's protests over George Floyd's killing by a Minneapolis police officer seemed to have "shaken things up" in the Charleston area. Residents and public officials seem more aware that the status quo is not working.

"It's both sides coming to the realization that something is wrong with this relationship," she said.

Other Black residents shared stories of filing complaints against the department, only for those complaints to be ignored. An attorney said at one community meeting he urged a client to make a complaint. When the client tried to do so, the officer made a veiled threat that he would also be investigated as part of the process.

Thorkildsen said residents expressed fear and lack of trust in the department's complaint process during community sessions held earlier this year. Data showed the department investigated most complaints within 90 days, which was best practice, but citizens were not informed when their complaints were resolved.

Black residents who attended the community meeting did largely express support for Chief Reggie Burgess, but seemed skeptical he could fix systemic problems within the department. One man said Burgess seemed aware of the problems, but was hamstrung by city officials to do anything about it.

Burgess declined to comment on the report.

Few people are more haunted by Walter Scott's killing than his sister-in-law Denise Scott. She attended all three meetings and expressed frustration that more Black residents did not attend. She pointed out there were 54,000 Blacks in North Charleston, yet they were being represented by only a handful of people.

"That concerns me greatly," she said. "I want to fight for everybody. But mostly I want to fight for Walter and Walter's memory. I feel like we as a community let his memory down a little bit."

Despite the poor attendance, Scott said she was grateful for the meetings, and hopeful that the audit would lead to meaningful change in the Police Department. She said she respected Burgess, particularly for his humility and desire to promote unity in the community. But it would take more than one man to change policing in the city.

It shouldn't have happened to Walter," she said. "It shouldn't happen ever again.

After the final report is released, CNA will work with the department on implementing its recommendations.

During the community meetings, the researchers highlighted 10 findings that were of particular concern, as well as recommendations for addressing those issues.

The biggest issue was evidence of racial disparities in police interactions with the community, Thorkildsen said. After finding the root cause, the department should mitigate the impact and address any bias. Officers should be trained to combat bias and supervisors should be empowered to address it.

To address community member concerns about over-enforcement in certain neighborhoods, the department should review all traffic stops initiated for minor traffic violations to determine whether the stops are pretextual.

The school resource officer program should be changed to focus less on law enforcement and more on meaningful engagement with youth and mentorship. Officers should have a "guardian" mindset rather than a "warrior" mindset, Thorkildsen said.

The department needs to hire bilingual professionals to assist officers working in Hispanic communities. In the meantime, the department should acquire language translation services. The department should also hire a Hispanic and Latinx community liaison.

While Burgess supports community oriented policing practices, some officers have not embraced the strategy, the report found. The department needs to ensure that officers understand and support the principles of community policing.

The department should ensure that community members can file complaints through multiple methods and emphasize that complaints can be made anonymously. Residents should also be updated on the status of their complaints.

Finally, while the community has expressed high confidence in Burgess, that support can be a double-edged sword, Thorkildsen said. Residents said they often spoke to Burgess directly to have complaints addressed, but those complaints should be handled through the department's formal complaint process.

But the public is reluctant.
Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson has determined her office would not charge two Charleston County jail deputies involved in the death earlier this year of Jamal Sutherland.

Sutherland, a 31-year-old mentally ill Black man, died as Charleston County detention deputies Brian Houle and Lindsay Fickett tried to forcefully remove him from a jail cell on Jan. 5 for a bond hearing.

Houle and Fickett used pepper spray, Tasers and physical force to eventually pull him from the cell to attend the hearing. He died following the officers' struggle with the dying man.

Wilson said on July 26 "error after error after error" led to Sutherland's death, including "clear negligence" by deputies.

Still, because there was no criminal intent, she said she's unable to charge them.

"There is no question they were negligent," Wilson said. "There is negligence throughout this case. The problem in proving the criminal intent, however, is that this is how they were trained."

A 52-page report from Gary Raney, a correctional use-of-force expert who was hired by the solicitors office to review the case, outlined the systemic failures in policies, training and supervision at the detention center that contributed to Sutherlands death.

Raney said at a news conference, Houle and Fickett, as well as other current and former deputies in the jail's Special Operations Group, were poorly trained and operating based on practices that would be unheard of in any other correctional facility in the country.

He said the special team had performed cell extractions many times in the past; this just happened to be the time someone died as a result of those failures.

Wilson said even the lowest-level offense she could charge, involuntary manslaughter, required that prosecutors prove the deputies showed a "conscious disregard" for the risk that Sutherland could die. Houle told a supervisor that he did not believe Sutherland should be extracted from his cell, but he was ordered to do so anyway, which indicated Houle did not wish to harm Sutherland.

Wilson said she asked the U.S. Department of Justice in April to review Sutherland's death for possible civil rights violations. She said she has been sharing information with the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI about the matter. The case remains under investigation, she said.

Sutherland, who had no prior criminal history, was being held on the charge of third-degree assault and battery, a misdemeanor, on allegations he got into a fight at Palmetto Behavioral Health. If found guilty, he would have faced up to 30 days in jail. His parents checked him into the mental-health treatment center for symptoms related to his bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Graphic video of Sutherland's death was released in May, prompting protests over the deputies' rough handling of Sutherland, who appeared to be suffering a mental health episode during the encounter.

Houle and Fickett were fired that same month.

On May 25, the Charleston County Council approved a $10 million settlement to resolve claims against the Sheriff's Office and the North Charleston Police Department related to Sutherland's death.

At a news conference after Wilson's announcement, Amy Sutherland, Jamal's mother, blamed the state for her son's death. Enabled by South Carolina's "racist laws," she said the state's jails have no understanding of how to properly care for inmates.

What year is this? she asked. 1960? I sat and watched him die.  Being mentally ill is a crime in this state.

Mark Peper, an attorney representing the Sutherland family, called on the state Legislature to pass an excessive-force bill, which could give South Carolina solicitors necessary tools to hold officers accountable.

When you go back to session next year, do it in Jamals name, Peper said. Make meaningful change.

Peper was also hopeful about the federal investigation into civil rights violations at the jail.

They have a toolbox that is far greater, Peper said about the U.S. Department of Justice.

Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano declined to comment on the solicitor's decision.

Sutherlands death sparked fierce reactions from South Carolina politicians, especially in the wake of racial justice protests and talks of police reform in Washington.

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Charleston, was shaken when she first saw the video of Sutherlands death. She was upset no criminal charges were filed.

I'm frustrated and disappointed that there were no charges made, Mace said. A man lost his life due to the failures of the Charleston County Detention Center. I certainly hope the sheriff is paying attention, and that she will not rehire any individual who contributed to the death, whether intentional or not, of this young man.

Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, D-North Charleston, said he and Rep. JA Moore, D-North Charleston, met with Wilson a month and half ago to talk about the Sutherland case.

She prepared us about the difficulties, the legalities of coming up with charges, Pendarvis said. She told them she did not want to press charges if she couldnt be reasonably sure she would prevail.

So Pendarvis said he is not surprised by the decision, though he is disappointed.

The bigger problem is the protocol embedded within the Charleston County Sheriffs Office, he said.

He wondered why none of the deputies involved in Sutherlands death paused a moment to consider the consequences of their actions, to ask what exactly is the objective here?

But the video seemed to show deputies who believed they were acting appropriately, Pendarvis said.

This is an opportunity to renew calls to have some excessive-force statute on the books, he said. In South Carolina, we dont have the laws that will penalize this kind of conduct.

Some legislators likely would provide support, even as law enforcement resists such reform, he said.

Moore said Sutherland was not treated like a human being, but like an animal.

It speaks to a system that too often shows no mercy to people with mental illness or people of color, Moore said.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said he didnt have enough information to say whether the solicitor made the right decision in not charging the deputies. Still, Summey said there needs to be additional training on how law enforcement deals with people with mental health issues.

Hopefully, Sutherlands death will help bring about those necessary changes, Summey said.

Nobody has notified the city about plans to hold a public protest, but he is prepared for possible demonstrations, the mayor said.

No permits for a protest have been filed in Charleston, according to city spokesman Jack O'Toole.

Pastor Thomas Dixon said he was "disturbed" by Wilson's decision not to prosecute the deputies. He said there is a level of common sense that law enforcement officers must possess, as well as a "moral compass."

Houle and Fickett showed a "depraved indifference" to Sutherland's well-being during the cell extraction, for which they should be punished, Dixon said.

Others were complicit in Sutherland's death, Dixon said, including the superior officers who ordered Houle to perform the cell extraction, despite his reservations, and the officials who created the dangerous policies and procedures that made excessive force routine at the facility.

"They are all complicit," he said.

James Johnson, national president of the Racial Justice Network, has been in close contact with the Sutherland family and knows how disappointed they are now, he said.

Everybody who saw that video knew that was excessive force, he said.

He said Wilson had signaled for months she was unlikely to press charges, preferring to scapegoat the county rather than try to prosecute a criminal case.

The bottom line is she did not want to charge these officers, Johnson said. Its a slap in the face of every Black person in the state of South Carolina.

Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal ruled Sutherland's death a homicide in June. She said three factors led to Sutherland's death: his excited state, a change in his medication while he was at Palmetto Behavioral Health, and the subdual force used by deputies to extract him from his jail cell, which included tear gas, Taser shocks and physical force.

Wilson was expected to make a decision on whether to charge the deputies at the end of last month. She deferred, stating she needed more time to review and collect evidence in the criminal investigation.

A coalition of Charleston-area activist groups, including the ACLU, Black Liberation Fund and Charleston Activist Network, has called for sweeping reforms in response to Sutherland's death.

Graziano announced this weekend she had implemented eight policies at the county jail to change the way employees respond to inmates who have mental health challenges.

Among other changes, Graziano announced citizens in a mental crisis after arrest will be evaluated by a crisis unit before being booked into the jail. Detention officers have also been directed to deescalate and disengage when an inmate becomes combative or uncooperative, and inmates can exercise their right to refuse a bond hearing without appearing in court.
Editors note: The article has been changed from its original form to clarify that Jennifer G. Taylor will be playing the role of Nancy Hart.

The Living History Park in North Augusta will be closed for three days starting Thursday to be used as the set of an upcoming film.

"The Hornet's Nest," a docu-drama movie, will follow Georgia heroine Nancy Hart throughout a day in her life during the Revolutionary War.

Jennifer G. Taylor, a Charlotte based actress with some TV and film work, will play Hart in the film.

Much of Harts life story has been passed down through oral tradition. She made history during the American Revolution in Georgia to spy on the British soldiers. Hart County, in northeastern Georgia along the South Carolina border, and Lake Hartwell are named in her honor.

Larry Stephens, executive producer of the movie, said they picked the Living History Park as a filming location because of the log cabins and part of the town to replicate old Augusta. About 90% of the film will be shot at the park.

The movie is expected to be released around Christmas.

The Living History Park will reopen to the public at 9 a.m. Monday, July 26.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. High near 80F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Parents need to send Colleton County Middle School a report card on how poorly the staff handled teaching during the coronavirus pandemic.

Online classes are a bad idea for older students, but especially bad for young children. There was a lack of communication with classmates and teachers, which can be frustrating for many students.

Social engagement and community components make students more engaged, motivated and more likely to succeed in a course.

I cant understand why the school just didnt have outdoor classes, which would have been a smart and simplistic approach, instead of the way it was handled.

My granddaughter couldnt even get internet half the time because it simply wasnt available at her home. And the Wi-Fi hot spot her mother (my daughter) used wouldnt work much of the time.

My daughter also did not own a computer, and trying to get her one left my granddaughter basically forgotten, even after the school was contacted several times.

My granddaughter and most of her friends and classmates muddled through.

It is hard enough for children to adjust to attending classes, studying and doing homework, but to have to learn a tedious and extremely complicated way of learning made things even harder.

She failed, as did many of her classmates, and now they are all paying the price of not being able to have a summer vacation. But more importantly, they have the stain of a failure on their record.

The school failed the students and made things harder than they had to be. I give the school a grade of F.

The lesson for the day is Simple is always better.

LEISA LAWRENCE

Savannah Highway

Charleston

Reach anti-vaxxers

I continue to see people on CNN and other networks talking about the serious risk to the entire United States population by the failure of large numbers of people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

A major reason for this is that the target population does not watch CNN or other moderate or liberal-leaning news channels.

Rather, they appear to be watching commentators who call the vaccine program a threat to their freedom, with some suggesting the false idea that the vaccination includes microchips to control their thinking and actions.

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One effective way to fight back is to purchase advertising time on Fox News and similar outlets, telling the true story and debunking these conspiracy theories.

At least those watching can get both sides of the story. Reputable networks refuse to air the conspiracy theories, saying that they have been thoroughly debunked.

I dont object to door-to-door canvassing, but we need an educational program that reaches the intended audience more efficiently.

At the same time, someone needs to make it clear to Gov. Henry McMaster that his support of those opposed to a vaccine mandate, or even a promotion, threatens the lives of major portions of our population.

The freedom argument is disingenuous at best. Individual freedom does not allow anyone to put others at risk.

And finally, we have had mandated vaccinations for smallpox, measles, chickenpox, whooping cough, polio and other diseases for at least 60 years. Why is there resistance today? Sounds like politics to me.

FRITZ SAENGER JR.

Lettered Olive Lane

Mount Pleasant

Riot conviction was just

I was pleased to see that the person responsible for torching a police cruiser during the May 2020 riot following the death of George Floyd was charged and convicted.

It would be of interest, however, to see how many peaceful protesters from antifa, Black Lives Matter and other groups charged for torching vehicles and looting businesses in other cities around the nation were convicted.

It is gratifying that the Charleston Police Department works to stop these types of crimes and that the courts administer the rule of law.

It appears that many of those who were arrested and charged in other cities where riots occurred have been released and charges dismissed.

Where has equal justice under the law gone?

BOB GLENN

Little Creek Road

Seabrook Island
In a new report, the South Carolina Inspector General's Office said the fledging governor's school for agriculture near McCormick violated state purchasing laws, and that school employees need ethics training.

The inspector general launched an investigation after a recent Post and Courier Uncovered report revealed ethical breaches and questionable spending at the Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe.

The school is the state's newest of three governor's schools. Sitting on 1,300 wooded acres, it previously served children with behavioral problems. State leaders repurposed it in 2018 after years of mismanagement and waste. Now, with about 40 students last year, it's the only agriculture-based boarding school in the nation.

But in a six-page letter to the school's president, State Inspector General Brian Lamkin painted a portrait of an institution with severe growing pains.

His agency's report confirmed earlier revelations by The Post and Courier and its Uncovered partner, The Index-Journal of Greenwood, but left some questions unanswered.

Among the findings:

School leaders failed to follow state procurement laws when they awarded sidewalk paving contracts to a concrete company, creating an "appearance of a conflict of interest."

School leaders circumvented state purchasing laws by dividing that sidewalk paving contract into two smaller ones, bypassing rules for more expensive jobs.

Officials failed to follow other basic procurement rules designed to prevent fraud, and that the school should train all of its employees on how to properly purchase and requisition items.

The report also recommended the school contact the state Ethics Commission "and request ethics training for all staff."

In response, Tim Keown, the school's president, wrote Lamkin that he had made several changes.

"You gave me an exuberant amount of leadership suggestions that I am incorporating.  We will learn from this, move on, and continue to make South Carolina proud of our agency/school," Keown wrote in a letter.

The school has scheduled an ethics workshop, said Hayley Belton, director of public relations and marketing.

The inspector general's report echoed The Post and Courier's findings about two top school officials, Ken Durham, director of facilities, and his top deputy, Scott Mims. Hired to rehab the school's sprawling campus, both also serve on Edgefield City Council.

One of those jobs involved repaving sidewalks across campus. The school received four bids, including two that were the same. Under state law, ties trigger a coin toss. But that wasn't done, which the inspector general said was a violation of state procurement law.

Instead, two contracts worth $70,000 went to Faith Construction, a company run by one of Mims' business partners.

The inspector general's report identified problems and made recommendations but did not penalize the school for its mistakes.

Left unanswered were questions about the school's former top official, Sharon Wall.

The Post and Courier's report revealed that when Wall quit last year, she immediately went to work as a consultant for the school, charging $1,500 a day.

The state's ethics law prohibits employees from milking their government experiences by immediately cashing in as private-sector contractors.

As part of its Uncovered project, The Post and Courier is teaming up with news organizations across the state to shine a light on government waste, fraud and abuse.

An Uncovered investigation by The Index-Journal also showed that Durham and Mims funneled hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to their contractors of choice, including one with close ties to Mims.

Invoices dating back to 2018 showed that dozens of contracts to rehab school buildings were broken up into smaller jobs and below thresholds for seeking competitive bids.

Lamkin, the inspector general, told The Post and Courier he notified other agencies of its findings, including the state auditor and procurement services department.
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The following passage is from a letter that reportedly was circulated by an outfit called Dallas Justice Now (DJN), a racial equity group. The letter reads like a parody, but apparently it is not:

We are writing to you because we understand you are white and live within the Highland Park Independent School District and thus benefit from enormous privileges taken at the expense of communities of color. You live in the whitest and wealthiest neighborhood in Dallas, whether you know it or not, you earned or inherited your money through oppressing people of color. However, it is also our understanding that you are a Democrat and supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, which makes you one of our white allies and puts you in a position to help correct these cruel injustices. We need you to step up and back up your words with action and truly sacrifice to make our segregated city more just. Talk is not enough. Commit yourself towards taking action and making sacrifices to correct centuries of injustice. Open up spaces for Black and LatinX communities by refusing to send your kids to Ivy League and US News & World Report Top 50 schools and encourage friends, neighbors, and family members to do the same. Imagine if those hundreds of thousands of spots at these institutions were occupied only by marginalized communities. Imagine the opportunities. We can achieve true equity within our lifetimes but only if white folks are willing to sacrifice their privileges.

This is the pledge the whitest and wealthiest are asked by Dallas Justice Now to take:

As a white person with privilege both from my whiteness and my neighborhood I recognize the need to make sacrifices for the purpose of correcting hundreds of years of murder, slavery, discrimination, and lack of educational and economic opportunities perpetrated upon people of color. I understand that access to top schools is a key component in economic and social advancement. Therefore, I commit that my children will not apply to or attend any Ivy League School or US News & World Report Top 50 School so that position at that school is available for people of color to help correct historical wrongs. If I do not have children under 18 then I will commit to encouraging my white privileged friends, neighbors, and family members with children to sign the pledge and holding them accountable until they do so.

On the DJN website, the Whites are then asked to check one of two boxes:

I am a racist hypocrite.

I agree (to take the pledge).

I suppose that people who truly believe they earned their money by oppressing communities of color might, if they feel guilty about it, want to make some sort of restitution. Whether they would (or should) want the restitution to consist of denying educational opportunities to their children is another matter.

In any case, the notion that the average wealthy white earned his or her money by oppressing communities of color is too absurd for even your average White leftist to believe.

Theres also the question of how much an Ivy League education would be worth in terms of economic and social advancement if top White high school students stopped applying. The biggest advantage of an Ivy League education, in my view, is being surrounded by top-notch students, a few of whom will be influential in ones life during college and thereafter (as John Hinderaker was and still is in mine). That advantage will be watered down considerably if colleges and universities lack the opportunity to select top-notch students because parents sign and adhere to the DJN pledge.

Therefore, its not hypocritical for average White leftists to have their children apply to elite colleges and universities. Give DJN credit, though. At least they see through the diversity rationale for race-based admissions. They favor largely, if not entirely, Black and Latino student bodies throughout the Ivy League.

I suppose we can also give DJN back-handed credit for something else. The group has given Dallas-area liberals a feel for the absurdity of the BLM movement. That movement is not just about defunding the police (thereby making people of all races less safe). Nor is it about mildly redistributionist programs of the type that liberals comfortably can get behind.

BLM thinks all successful Whites owe their success to racism. And BLM wants its pound of flesh not just from all successful Whites, but also from their children.

DJNs founder says with derision that that numerous wealthy white Dallas residents think theyre allies because Black Lives Matter signs sit on their property. Its letter puts them on notice that much more is required.

Lets hope that DJNs letter causes left-liberals to reconsider whether they really want to be allies with this extremist and racist movement.

NOTE: Steves take on the DJN letter appears just below mine. I hadnt seen his post when I wrote mine.

There are similarities and differences between our takes. I hope readers find both useful.
Ive been following the campaign to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom, although not closely. My impression from reports and polls is that Newsom is likely to survive, but that his survival is not assured.

James Freeman of the Wall Street Journal finds Newsom vulnerable on a number of fronts  crime, the coronavirus, homelessness, and wildfires, for example. He notes that California voters give him low marks for his response to the drought. According to one poll, 27 percent of the electorate rate Newsoms response as only fair and 35 percent consider it poor. His polling on wildfires is similar.

Newsom would be even less respected when it comes to wildfires if the public knew that he is quietly pushing officials to ease regulations so as to promote residential and commercial development in dangerous fire-prone areas. Specifically, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF) is revising its fire-safe road regulations that have been in place since 1991. Among the changes Newsom supports are:

(1) Reducing the 20-foot road width standard for development on existing roads to 14 feet, making it impossible for 9-foot-wide firefighting equipment to pass 6-foot-wide passenger vehicles on 14-foot-wide roads. Most new development is on existing roads.

(2) Eliminating dead-end length limits for all existing roads, and removing most turnaround requirements. Current regulations have a one-mile length limit for existing dead-end roads and require turnarounds every quarter mile.

These changes amount to playing with fire, as a friend who has been working on this issue puts it. He points out that many of Californias rural towns are located at the end of long, narrow, dead-end roads that were never designed for hurried escapes. Some residents of Paradise, California who fled the Camp Fire in 2018 were trapped in bottlenecks and abandoned their cars, while others died in their vehicles.

The changes Newsom backs would make hurried escapes from wildfires all the more difficult. This, at a time when wildfire conflagrations have become the new normal throughout California and perilous evacuations have become commonplace.

Newsoms fingerprints are all over the push to revise the regulations. The BOF rulemaking process is overseen by Wade Crowfoot, whom Newsom appointed director of the California Natural Resources Agency. Crowfoot and others have pressured the BOF to weaken its regulations.

Crowfoot claims that somehow a 14-foot road standard is stronger than the existing 20-foot standard. No wonder the BOFs executive director, Matt Diaz, recently resigned, while Dr. Marc Los Huertos, the sole board member from southern California and one of two who voted against weakening the rules, has left the board.

In addition, according to my friend, eighteen firefighting professionals from federal, state, and county agencies have said that Newsoms policies encourage housing development in high fire-prone areas and increase the risk to lives and property during wildfire evacuations. And Doug Leisz, former associate chief of the U.S. Forest Service, calls Newsoms lowered standards unconscionable.

Some Democrats are none too happy to watch Newsom play with fire. Four Southern California lawmakers have urged the BOF to strengthen the regulations. They wrote, When roads are not upgraded and additional development is permitted this increases the number of vehicles that will need to use those roads for evacuations, which increases evacuation times for all existing residents.

Given the low marks Californias electorate already gives the governor on drought-related issues generally and wild fires specifically, Newsom would seem to be vulnerable on the matter of fire-safe road regulations. In fact, Im told that he asked the Board of Forestry to refrain from making a decision until October, after the recall election.

California Republicans should hold Newsoms feet to the fire, so to speak. They should make Newsoms irresponsible stance on fire-safe roads a major issue in the attempt to remove him.
I dont know. That covers a lot of territory. But if we limit the inquiry to very famous Democrats, the answer might be Andrew Cuomo and Hunter Biden.

They have much in common. Both are sons of very famous fathers. Neither, in all likelihood, would have become prominent but for what their fathers accomplished. Thats certainly the case with Hunter Biden.

Both are the subject of sex scandals, albeit of somewhat different sorts. Andrew Cuomo has been accused of sexual harassment by several women who worked in his administration.

Hunter Biden apparently was a fixture in the VIP lounges of various D.C. gentlemens clubs where, allegedly, he did crack cocaine with strippers. One stripper says he fathered her child.

And both Cuomo and Biden are under federal investigation.

Cuomo got off the hook to some extent last week when the Biden Justice Department dropped its investigation into COVID-19 deaths at New Yorks state-run nursing homes. This was (or would have been) a civil rights investigation under CRIPA, the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.

I dont know whether the DOJs decision not to press forward with this investigation was justified. For all I know, it might have been. However, I have no confidence that the Biden DOJ made this decision based on the law and the facts. More likely, the decision was based on politics.

Cuomo is not home and dry, however. Federal prosecutors apparently are still investigating whether the Cuomo administration obstructed justice in its response to a Justice Department request for information about nursing home deaths from the Wuhan virus. I discussed that matter here.

In addition, according to this report, federal prosecutors in New York City are believed to be investigating a state policy in March 2020 that pressed nursing homes to accept COVID-positive residents.

I suspect that the feds will decline to prosecute Cuomo. However, he must still worry about investigations reportedly being conducted by his political rival, Letitia James, New Yorks attorney general. She is said to be looking into the sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo, as well the $5 million he received in exchange for writing a book about the states COVID response.

As for the Hunter Biden investigation, mums the word (as it should be at this point). I would be surprised if anything comes of it while Joe Biden is president, but well see.
Yes, no matter what

Yes, but it depends on variety

No, for medical reasons, uncertainty

No, principle

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NASCON Allied Industries Plc achieved a one-fifth surge in its gross sales for the first half of this year, bringing its revenue up by N3.041 billion to N17.570 billion.

The company, however, faced a pressure so huge from cost of running business that it had a depressed profit to show for it, the year-to-June financials of the salt-maker showed Monday.

It committed N3.287 billion to goods distribution, which was 20 per cent higher than that of the corresponding period of last year, N2.216 billion of that going to spending on external haulage in its freight services arm.

In the same vein, administrative expenses climbed 30 per cent largely because of notable jump in employee costs and an increase of more than three times in spending on local travel, standing at N89.213 million.

NASCON, a manufacturer of stock cubes, seasoning, tomato paste and vegetable oil apart from refining salt, was jointly owned by the Nigerian government and Atlantic Salt & Chemical Inc. of Los Angeles, California, US under the name National Salt Company of Nigeria until Aliko Dangote, Africas wealthiest man, bought it out in 1991.

Profit before tax slid 6 per cent to N1.451 billion, while profit for the period was weaker by 3 per cent at N1.451 billion, according to its unaudited financial statements posted by the Nigerian Exchange and seen PREMIUM TIMES.

Nigerias dominantly agrarian north contributed at least six naira of every ten naira sales NASCON made between January and June. But that region has been facing hurdles in supplying adequate tomatoes needed to keep a 1200-ton per day processing plant owned by Dangote Industries Limited running and profitable since start in 2015.

The factory, intended to ease Nigerias leaning on China for tomato paste imports, could only function at 20 per cent of nameplate capacity since most parts of the plant were shut down four years ago partly because of a sweeping pest attack on farmlands cultivating the crop, and partly for want of resources needed by farmers to boost production, Bloomberg said.

NASCON closed trade in Lagos on Monday at N15 per unit, gaining 0.33 per cent.
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At least 50 travellers have been abducted in Sokoto State by armed bandits, a witness has said. An official of the Sokoto government confirmed the abductions but did jot state the number of victims.

The victims were travelling on Sokoto-Gusau road on Sunday when they were kidnapped.

The total number of people kidnapped during the Sunday morning operation has not been confirmed, but a witness said over 50 people were kidnapped.

Multiple sources also told PREMIUM TIMES that most of those abducted where boarding buses belonging to the State Transport Authority, simple known as SPORA.

Confirming the attack to journalists, Yahuza Chika, the general manager of the Sokoto Mass Transit, said only one of their buses was involved, while other vehicles involved did not belong to them.

He said two people from the bus escaped while the other passengers were taken by the bandits. He did not give the number of those kidnapped from his organisations bus.

However, a motorist from Talata Mafara going to Sokoto, Abubakar Umar, said more than 50 people were kidnapped during the operation that lasted more than 30 minutes.

He said, I was driving when I started hearing gunshots. I had to stop immediately after Lambar Bakura and other motorists stopped too. When the road was cleared, we drove to the spot and they were many vehicles empty parked. I counted three empty SPORA vehicles.

Another motorist, Isa Mustapha, said the attack occurred few minutes after he drove past the spot.

From Tureta to Lambar Bakura, you can count more than ten security checkpoints that include police, immigration and soldiers, how then could bandits be terrorising same place every day?

I left just a little after 11 in the morning and I started getting calls to confirm whether Ive left the spot because bandits have started attacking people. Its scary.

Ahmad Madunaka, a school teacher in Sokoto, said commuters in the first three vehicles were completely kidnapped and those included the SPORA vehicle.

Kidnapping for ransom has become commonplace in Sokoto and many other states in Nigeria.

The attacks in Sokoto and other states in Northwest Nigeria are carried out by armed bandits whose aim is to terrorise residents and make money.

Apart from the kidnappings, the bandits also kill residents of communities at will. A group of bandits recently shot down an alpha jet the military was using to attack the bandits in neighbouring Zamfara State.
No fewer than 7,000 artefacts plundered from Benin Kingdom are expected to be repatriated by Germany to Nigeria not later than October, Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

The Permanent Secretary, Gabriel Aduda, disclosed this at the Inaugural Nigerian Cultural Show exhibiting Nigerias diverse cultural heritage, sites and traditional festivals held at the Cultural Centre, Nigeria House, New York.

Mr Aduda also said the repatriation of the artefacts would go with building an ultramodern museum in Edo and the training of some curators.

He said Nigeria had reached an advanced stage of discussions with Germany to return thousands of different pieces of Benin Bronzes back to the country.

The Nigerian official said the ministry had been at the forefront alongside relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to facilitate the repatriation of thousands of Benin artefacts from the Republic of Germany.

We are working with relevant MDAs, we have had several high level meetings with the republic of Germany and we are at stage where thousands of art works are to be returned to Nigeria.

There are over 7,000 different pieces of artefacts that Republic of Germany wants to give back to Nigeria, he said.

We have talked deep into this that the reparation is not only at giving back, but they are coming to put a modern day museum in Edo State and they are training 25 curators that will man the museum for sustainability.

We have gone far and we are thinking that this will be concluded in October this year.

We are hoping it will be a window to reach out to other European countries to return to us what was taken from us years back, he said.

The permanent secretary commended the Consulate-General in New York for inaugurating in April, a Culture Centre and Library, equipped with books, cultural artifacts, research materials and historic documents on Nigeria for public use.

He said the participants were part of history as Cultural Centre hosts its first Cultural Show, saying I believe that we will leave this event with a better understanding of our country.

Also, with a heightened sense of admiration for our rich and unique ancestral heritage that has been the bedrock of our unity as a nation.

We are encouraged by your interest and being a part of our story telling today and I invite you to Nigeria to witness these festivals coming up later this year.

Mr Aduda said the Argungu International Fishing Festival and the Osun-Osogbo Festival promoted at the event are just two of the many festivals that characterise Nigeria.

In his remarks, a New York Senator, Robert Jackson, urged Black people to be proud of their race and culture.

If we are not proud about out race and culture, how do you expect other people to do it for us?

I have come to be part of the cultural event and to learn about the rich culture of Nigeria, he said.

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Also speaking, Cuthbert Ncube, Chairman of the African Tourism Board, said culture was a viable tool for development and should not be underestimated as the colonial masters did.

Mr Ncube said the board was open to engaging like-minded stakeholders as Africa re-writes its own narratives and starts identifying the capacities God had deposited in its citizens.

Culture is a veritable social capital deployed for growth and development and can translate to economic and technological capital, he said.

The Show was organised by the Consulate-General of Nigeria, New York, in collaboration with the New York African Chorus Ensemble, the African Tourism Board and the Nigerian-Americans Public Affairs Committee.

The Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Lot Egopija; his Atlanta counterpart, Amina Smaila; and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, George Edokpa, were among the dignitaries that attended the event. (NAN)
Olusegun Odebunmi, the sponsor of the bills before the House of Representatives for the amendment of the National Broadcasting Act (2010), otherwise referred to as the NBC Act and the Nigerian Press Council Act (1992) has maintained that his actions are independent of any vested interest, with repeated claims that it is driven by the need to regulate what he considers an unregulated media.

Mr Odebunmi, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, however belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and we should therefore situate his denial within the context of the message of a Yoruba proverb that should strike a chord here: The water skater does not just dance on the surface of the water, there is something beneath the depth that drums for it.

PREMIUM TIMES is of the opinion that the under-sea drumbeat propelling the macabre dance around attempts at legislative curtailment of press freedom in Nigeria is the Buhari governments seeming genetic abhorrence of media independence and, certainly, high voltage intolerance of freedom of expression, especially of the critical and dissenting type.

It is difficult to hazard any other guess for the introduction of the two bills in question. The same can be said for the proposed amendment to section 95 of the Electoral Act Amendment bill, relating to sanctions against media institutions and journalists not giving equitable coverage to parties and candidates in elections, and the earlier bills on the establishment of a National Hate Speech Commission and Protection from Internet Falsehood (otherwise called the Social Media Bill).

Any doubt about the motive behind these legislations should have now been cleared, with the NBCs latest martial order restraining the broadcast media from reporting the activities of insurgents and terrorists, while specifically warning against the way and manner newspapers are reviewed on air.

NBCs latest barrack-bellow reminds us of the proverbial witch that cried a day before the child died. Nigerian newspapers had on Monday, July 13 collectively devoted their front pages to protesting the attack on press freedom and the right of the people to know, under the instructive banner  Information Blackout. It is in the nature and character of this government to see such protest as an affront that deserves some punishment. The aftermath is the attempt to stop newspaper reviews by the broadcast media, which is being pursued.

However, the newspapers are right. If we add the subsisting suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, then the battle at hand is to forestall the imposition of an information blackout on the nation, since it would jeopardise the right of citizens to know and hamstring the media in the performance of its constitutional obligation to monitor governance and hold the government accountable to the people, as well spelt out in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution.

The issue therefore is not, has never been, and can never be about whether the media should be regulated, but how it should be regulated without the regulation constituting an obstacle to its capacity to serve as the societys watchdog. Our concern in this regard is that if allowed, the proposed amendments to the NBC, NPC and Electoral Acts would constitute such obstacle and end up strangulating the media for a number of reasons.

The most glaring anomaly in the proposed amendments to the NBC and NPC Acts is that they preserve their lack of independence by not removing them from the apron strings of the Minister of Information and the President. This is so because the boards (which in the case of the NPC is described as merely advisory) shall continue to be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Information, without confirmation by the Senate, as it obtains with other regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This in itself represents an undermining of the constitutional oversight responsibility that the National Assembly is saddled with by virtue of section 88 of the Constitution.

But the reason for this lack of independence and the retention of boards that would be dominated by government nominees is obvious. It is to ensure that with the snap of executive fingers, they could take arbitrary measures against media outlets and journalists for alleged ethical infractions.

Thus, a new sub-section (n) in Section 2 (FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION) of the National Broadcasting Act says the NBC can determine and apply sanctions (including where justified in the public interest) revocation of licenses of defaulting stations following findings of repeatedly material non-compliance with this Act, their license condition, or applicable provisions of the NBC CODE, which do not operate in accordance with the broadcast code and in public interest. The reference to public interest here can only be a disguised government or executive interest; otherwise, if any institution is to define the public interest, it shouldnt be an unelected body. But more fundamental is the fact that a station might actually not commit an offence but still be sanctioned if the NBC deems it in the public interest.

Similarly, the NPC Act amendment bill in section 3 (d) states that the Council can approve penalties and fines against violation of the Press Code by print media houses and media practitioners, including revocation of license, while 3 (e) says that it shall receive, process, and consider applications for the establishment, ownership and operation of print media and other related media houses, in clear violation of section 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to own the media as an extension of the right to freedom of expression.

The worst assault on freedom of the press is actually contained in 3 (c), which states that the Council shall with the approval of the Minister in charge of Information establish and disseminate a national Press Code and standards to guide conduct of print media, related media houses and media practitioners. To add insult to the press freedom injury, Section 9 (Code of Conduct) further provides in 9 (1) that: The Council shall establish a National Press and Ethical Code of conduct for media houses and media practitioners, which shall come into effect and be disseminated after the approval by the Minister.

It is indeed an amusing tragedy that the sponsor of this bill does not see anything wrong in turning the entire Nigerian print media into a department or unit in the office of the Minister of Information.

It is more tragic that the penalties for alleged infraction, as contained in the two amendment bills and section 95 of the Electoral Act Amendment bill, range from hefty fines (five million naira to ten million naira) to jail terms of up to three years, in a brazen attempt to criminalise journalism. As a matter of fact, these provisions clearly breach the legal principles established by the Court of Appeal in the case of NOSDRA (National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency) and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (2018) LPELR-44210 (CA), where it held that the imposition of fines by NOSDRA was contrary to its powers on the basis that penalties or fines are imposed as punishment for an offence or violation of the law and the power as well as competence to establish that an offence has been committed belongs to the courts and not a regulatory agency.

With these and many other objectionable provisions of the NBC and NPC Acts amendment bills, PREMIUM TIMES hereby calls for their total withdrawal and not their mere suspension, as Mr Odebunmi has announced, to pave the way for proper national dialogue on the best mechanisms to regulate the media, the necessity of which cannot be denied at a time when fake news and hate speech pose major threats to the dissemination of truthful information.

As leading media and human rights organisations submitted in their memorandum to the House Committee on Information at its public hearing on the two amendment bills on June 17, what the National Assembly should borrow from are international best practises that lean towards peer regulation, constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the press, and the expunging from statute all laws that criminalise freedom of expression. According to the International Press Centre (IPC), the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), the Centre for Media Law and Advocacy (CMLA) and the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), the above is the line that countries like Ghana, South Africa and Sierra Leone have toed.

PREMIUM TIMES endorses their position and charges the National Assembly to seize the opportunity of the ongoing constitutional amendment to provide for the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press and constitutional stipulation of the responsibility of the media in Nigeria. Under the envisaged statute-bound framework, media regulatory bodies would be creations of the Constitution, with the composition of their boards subject to the confirmation of the National Assembly, to give citizens the opportunity to object to nominees who might have questionable antecedents. Apart from the representatives of media professional bodies, associations, support groups and training institutions, the boards should also comprise the nominees of the National Assembly, the Bar Association, women, youth and people living with disability groups, and the Minister of Information.

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To further guarantee their independence, the funding of the regulatory bodies should come from the first line charge via appropriation by the National Assembly.

Without prejudice to all the above, we urge the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria to reassess their self-regulatory mechanisms so that institutional codes such as the Code of Ethics of Journalists in Nigeria can be widely disseminated and enforced.
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on charges of treasonable felony, will resume today, Monday, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, four years after it was stalled due to his disappearance from the country.

The separatist, who was granted bail in April 2017, fled the country after the invasion of his home in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State, by the military in September.

The judge, Binta Nyako, subsequently revoked his bail for ditching his trial.

Mrs Nyako also ordered his trial to be separated from the rest of the co-defensants.

While the trial of the rest of the defendants has made some progress, Mr Kanus has been stalled since 2017.

On June 29, 2021, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, announced that Mr Kanu had been rearrested and brought back to Nigeria to continue facing his trial.

He said the IPOB leader was intercepted days earlier but did not disclose which country and how the operation was carried out.

Although there has been no official disclosure about where and how Mr Kanu was arrested, relatives and lawyers of the IPOB leader, have described how he was taken into custody in Kenya under controversial circumstances.

On the day the AGF announced his arrest, Mr Kanu was produced in court.

The judge, during the proceedings, ordered his remand in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).

She then adjourned he trial till today, July 26.

PREMIUM TIMES will be providing live updates of the proceedings.

Officially scheduled to commence 9 a.m., the proceedings may take longer to begin.

Already, an army of security operatives have taken over the court premises.

Heavily armed and hooded SSS operatives and the Nigeria Police Force have cordoned off adjoining streets to the court.

The fierce-looking operatives turned commuters and passersby away from the streets adjoining the court.

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A crowd of stranded journalists was seen milling around barricaded lines around the court.

9.43a.m.: Mr Kanu has not been seen in the courtroom. The judge, Mrs Nyako, too, has yet to arrive.

Members of the governments prosecution team, defence lawyers, and some of his supporters and Igbo leaders are already seated in court.

10.54a.m: While the judge and Mr Kanu are being expected, we understand that the defence team already filed an application for an order transferring the IPOB leader from SSS custody to the Nigerian correctional centre.

We also understand that the government has filed an objection to the application.

It is not yet clear if the application will be heard today.

11.10a.m.: The trial judge, Binta Nyako, enters the courtroom, but Mr Kanu is not yet in sight.

11.48a.m.: Court adjourns trial till October 21, cites Mr Kanus absence. The judge also said the courts vacation started on Monday.
Uduak Akpan on Monday pleaded guilty to the murder of Iniubong Umoren, the Akwa Ibom woman who was lured out of her home with a fake job interview.

He was arraigned before a State High Court judge, Bennet Illaumoh, in Uyo.

Miss Umoren was raped and killed in April in the outskirts of Uyo by Mr Akpan who the police in Akwa Ibom State described as a serial rapist.

Her remains were buried in a shallow grave in Mr Akpans family house where the crime took place.

Mr Akpan, however, pleaded not guilty to the rape charge.

Dressed in a peach-coloured caftan, the 20-year-old Mr Akpan looked calm and confident in the dock.

His father, Frank Akpan, who is the second defendant in the case, pleaded not guilty to charge of accessory after the fact to murder.

An accessory-after-the-fact is someone who is believed to have assisted another person who has committed a crime to evade justice.

The Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, Uko Udom, SAN is leading the prosecution team.

After Mr Akpan was docked and the charges read to him, it was discovered that he had no lawyer to represent him.

A lawyer, Emms Ekongson who announced his appearance for the second defendant (Mr Akpans father) told the court that he was holding a brief for the second defendant, Mr Akpan Snr only.

The judge had to appoint a lawyer, Sampson Adulla, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the Legal Aid Council, to represent the first defendant.

The Legal Aid Council is a statutory body which provides free legal services to low-income Nigerians who are unable to hire a lawyer.

Mr Adulla prayed the court to enter a not-guilty plea for the first defendant, even though he had pleaded guilty, since he was charged for a capital offence.

The judge acceded to the prayer and entered a not-guilty plea for Mr Akpan before adjourning the case to August 18.

Why we arent prosecuting the third suspect  Akwa Ibom Government

Meanwhile, the state Attorney General, Mr Udom, while fielding questions from reporters outside the courtroom said the state government was prosecuting only two suspects because the evidence before them can sufficiently cater for the two.

Mr Udom was responding to concerns raised by reporters on the absence in court of the third suspect that was linked to the case.

In criminal prosecution we rely on the evidence that is brought from the investigation by the official investigators of the state, he said.

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Weve gone through all the investigation reports by all the security operatives that handled the investigation.

Currently, the two people that have been arraigned today and charged are the people that we have sufficient evidence to prosecute them.

There has been so much in the social media and we dont prosecute cases based on information on the social media but by what official investigating authority present by way of fact and evidence.

He, however, said that if the state has evidence on the culpability of another person in connection with the case the person will be charged and prosecuted.

In criminal prosecution there is no time bar for criminal culpability. If by tomorrow or ten years from now evidence comes out that can tie anybody who is not charged today in this crime, that person will be charged and prosecuted to the end, he said.
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The State Security Service (SSS) failed to produce Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for his scheduled trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.

The trial was stalled not just because of Mr Kanus absence from court, but also because the judges of the court began their vacation on Monday, the trial judge, Binta Nyako, said.

Mrs Nyako adjourned the case till October 21.

Earlier, the prosecuting lawyer, M. B Abubakar, informed the judge that Mr Kanus absence might be due to logistical issues encountered by the SSS, the agency holding him in custody.

However, Mr Kanus lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, countered the claim of the prosecution, saying the IPOB leader had been moved out of Abuja.

The separatist, who was granted bail in April 2017, fled the country after the invasion of his home in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State, by the military in September of that year.

Mr Kanu was rearrested and brought back to Nigeria in June, about four years after his trial on charges of treasonable felony was stalled due to his disappearance from the country.

The judge had on June 29 ordered Mr Kanu to remain in SSS custody.

It remains unclear why the SSS failed to produce him in court on Monday, as the operatives of the spy agency had taken over the premises and the adjoining roads much earlier before the proceedings started at about 11.10a.m.

More details soon
The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja to be transferred from the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) to prison.

Alluding to a worsening heart condition, Mr Kanu also urged the court to make an order granting him access to his cardiology doctor.

PREMIUM TIMES obtained a copy of Mr Kanus application as his trial on charges of treasonable felony began on Monday.

Mr Kanu who fled Nigeria, ditching his trial in 2017, was rearrested and brought back to Nigeria last month under controversial circumstances.

He was produced in court on June 29, when the trial judge, Binta Nyako, ordered him to be remanded in the custody of the SSS and adjourned the case till today (Monday).

The hearing resumed with the arrival of the judge around 11.10 a.m. on Monday.

Mr Kanu was conspicuously absent as the SSS, curiously, failed to produce him in court.

The prosecution cited issues of logistics as the reason for SSS inability to produce Mr Kanu in court, but defence lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, countered the suggestion, saying the defendant had been moved out of Abuja.

Mrs Nyako subsequently adjourned the trial till October 21.

Application for transfer to prison

In his application filed by his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on July 14, a copy of which PREMIUM TIMES obtained on Monday, Mr Kanus legal team said he would not get a fair trial if he remained in SSS custody.

The applicant cannot get fair trial in this case if the applicant continues to be detained in the custody of the State Security Service, where there is apparent inhibition to witnesses and materials that will be used for his defence, the application read in part.

It added, The principle of Nemo Judex in Causa sua is applicable in this case: The State Security Service is keeping and prosecuting the applicant at the same time.

The fact that it was the State Security Service that arrested and accused the applicant for the commission of the alleged offences in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 and still keeps the applicant in their custody, clearly shows that the right to fair trial of the applicant cannot be guaranteed.

The defence lawyer also argued that aside from the SSS not being an impartial entity regarding the detention, Mr Kanu also faces the difficulties of having very limited access to his lawyers.

Mr Ejiofor said Mr Kanus lawyers can only visit him after the approval of the Director of the State Security Services has been first fought and obtained, which said approval in most cases, takes days.

The situation, he said, would greatly impede the defendants constitutional right to unrestricted access to facilities for the preparation of his defence.

In addition, Mr Ejiofor argued that The cell of the State Security Service is not a statutorily recognised facility for detaining persons who are facing trials before a court of law.

The Nigerian prison, officially referred to as the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre, Mr Ejiofor said, is not only the proper place of custody for the defendant but also an impartial facility that has no interest whatsoever, in the outcome of this charge.

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Deteriorating health

Also cited as another ground for the application is Mr Kanus health condition, which was said to require urgent and specialised medical attention.

It important that the defendants medical consultants be allowed to carry out proper, thorough end independent medical examination of the defendant to save the defendants life, the application read in part.

It added specifically that Mr Kanu needs regular medical observation by his medical specialists/consultants in cardiology.

The defendant can only be alive to stand his trial, since it is only the living that can face trial, the defence said, adding that their client is entitled to fair hearing and/or trial in this case.

The SSS has a great interest in the outcome of the trial of the applicant and would readily ensure that the applicant is jailed.

Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done, the application added.

Prayer

The defence team, therefore, prayed for, An order of this honourable court directing the transfer of the applicant from the custody of the national headquarters of the State Security Service to the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre in Kuje, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, where he was originally detained before he was granted bail, pending the determination of the charge.

Another order sought in the application is one directing the defendant/applicants custodian, to grant access to his medical experts/doctors for the purpose of carrying out a comprehensive independent medical examination of the defendant/applicants heart condition/status, while in custody.

Government opposes application, says investigation ongoing

The federal government, through the prosecution team in the Federal Ministry of Justice, has filed an objection to the application, saying there is an ongoing investigation as to other offences committed by the defendant/applicant during the period he jumped bail.

In its counter-affidavit filed on July 19, it maintained that the offences he allegedly committed bordered on national security, adding that transferring the applicant to the correctional facility will jeopardise the proper investigation of the offences.

A litigation officer in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, Loveme Odubo, who deposed to the counter-affidavit on behalf of the government, described how Mr Kanu was magnanimously granted bail on health grounds in April 2017.

Mr Odubo said instead of attending to his health condition, Mr Kanu flouted all the bail conditions and also jumped the bail granted him by this honourable court.

The litigation officer, who recalled how the court subsequently revoked the bail earlier granted the defendant, added that the court had, considering the antecedents of the defendant/applicant ordered his remand in SSS custody pending his trial in the interest of national security.

Responding to grounds of ill health canvassed by Mr Kanus lawyer, the government said the defendant does not place anything before this honourable court that suggests the medical facility at the DSS (SSS) detention is not capable of handling his health issues.

The government also said the defendant/applicants application is capable of delaying the Proceedings in this case.

Adjournment

Meanwhile, the trial judge, Binta Nyako, on Monday adjourned the case till October 21, which implies that Mr Kanus application is not likely to be heard until then.

Curiously, Mr Kanu was not produced by the SSS in court for the much-touted trial on Monday.

Mrs Nyako, in adjourning the case cited Mr Kanus absence and the commencement of the courts judges vacation on Monday.
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President Muhammadu Buhari Monday signed the 2021 Supplementary Appropriation Bill into law.

The N983 billion (N982,729,695,343) supplementary budget had earlier been passed by the National Assembly.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (House of Representatives), Umar el-Yakub, told journalists at the State House on Monday that the president had assented to the budget.

He said the budget will be largely focused on funding security and health concerns.

Mr Buharis spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said in a statement that the president signed the budget in his office at the State House in the presence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze and Mr el-Yakub.

Of the amount, N123.3 million is for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure while the sum of the N859.3bn is for contribution to the Development Fund for the capital expenditure for the year ending on the 31st day of December, 2021, Mr Shehu said.

President Buhari commended the National Assembly for the expeditious consideration and approval of the supplementary budget, assuring that the executive arm of government would ensure the timely delivery of capital projects to achieve the laudable objectives of the Budget.

READ ALSO: FEC approves N895bn draft supplementary 2021 budget

Meanwhile, the President has also, at an earlier date, signed the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board (Amendment) Act, 2021.

The Act amends the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the establishment of the Orthopedic Hospital Jos, Plateau State under the control of the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board affiliated to the Jos Teaching Hospital to provide specialised orthopedic treatment and medical services.
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Four more abducted students of Bethel Baptist High School, Maraban Damishi, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have regained their freedom, an official said on Monday.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State, John Hayab, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

Yes, another four students escaped from their abductors on Sunday, July 25, and have been reunited with their parents, Mr Hayab said.

He said desspite the latest development, 83 students are still in captivity.

Backstory

Bandits in the early hours of July 5, invaded the school and kidnapped an unspecified number of students.

The Police Command in Kaduna, through its spokesperson, Mohammed Jalige, had confirmed the development.

Recall that PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday reported how 28 of them were freed by their abductors.

It is not clear if ransom was paid before their release or not.

The students, who regained their freedom in the early hours of Sunday, are among the reported 121 students abducted at the school premises.

Mr Hayab had confirmed the development to reporters.

The abduction is the fourth mass abduction in Kaduna schools in the last six months of deteriorating insecurity in North-west and North-central states.

(NAN).
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Armed bandits on Sunday raided Kukar Babangida community in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one person and injuring three others.

Residents said the bandits arrived at the community around 11 p.m., shooting sporadically as they conducted a house-to-house search for livestock and other valuables they could steal.

After their operation, the bandits took away about 300 livestock as well as motorcycles and clothes, many residents said, asking not to be named for security reasons.

They came around 11p.m. and conducted a house-to-house search for livestock. They shot one man dead and injured three others. The deceased was buried Monday morning, a source said.

The three injured victims are receiving treatment at health facilities around, he added.

ALSO READ: Bandits abduct N30 million ransom bearer for Niger Islamiyya school pupils

Kukar Babangida, located along the Katsina-Jibia road, was considered a safe place of refuge by many victims of attacks in far-flung Jibia communities.

The community was renamed after former military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, when he reportedly stopped by and planted a tree in the community following an official trip to Katsina in the 1980s.

The known phone contact of police spokesperson in Katsina, Gambo Isah, did not connect Monday morning when the reporter tried to obtain police remarks on the development.
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The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) on Monday said it will prosecute a controversial Yoruba actor, Yomi Fabiyi, for contempt of court over production of Oko Iyabo.

In the movie, Omiyinka Olanrewaju aka Baba Ijesha, who is being tried for allegedly raping a minor, was portrayed as being innocent of the charges against him.

The movie has drawn a backlash from viewers and celebrities while many people have reported it on YouTube.

Contempt of court

The DPP director and prosecution counsel, Olayinka Adeyemi, said Mr Fabiyi made a movie from the facts of Baba Ijeshas ongoing alleged rape case using the real names of the defendants and the survivor of the case.

Ms Adeyemi also pleaded with the court to exclude him (Fabiyi) from the court proceeding. Fabiyi was not present at the court on Monday.

Despite the warnings of this honourable court, an actor called Yomi Fabiyi went ahead and made a movie about the facts of this case, she said.

He used the real names of the parties and witnesses in this matter in the movie. Our application is to exclude him, his privies and his agents from proceedings in court.

He is not in court at the moment but his representatives may be in court. This is contempt of court and we intend to prosecute him and bring him before this court, the DPP prosecution counsel said.

The judge, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, responded and said the matter will be investigated.

This case is subjudice and you are not to be making videos and disparaging comments on social media. This needs to be investigated, lets see whether it is true, she said.

Meanwhile, Dada Awosika , one of Baba Ijeshas defence counsel, argued that he has seen the movie and it has no relation to the judicial proceedings.

He added that, The movie is about the controversy between two artists  Yomi Fabiyi and Iyabo Ojo and they are not involved in the case.

During the court proceeding, comedienne cum actress and foster mother of the complainant, Damilola Adekoya better known as Princess, gave a witness account of how she met and groomed Baba Ijesha.

Yoruba actress Iyabo Ojo and comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, were in court during the proceedings to support Princess.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Fabiyi, incurred the wrath of the umbrella body of Yoruba actors, TAMPAN, after he released the controversial Oko Iyabo movie.

The movie was loosely based on Baba Ijeshas alleged rape saga, his social media trial and all the parties involved.

Giving reasons for the suspension, TAMPAN said Fabiyi was guilty of professional misconduct and unethical practices.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has recorded over a million registrants since it commenced online voter registration.

The exercise, which officially started on 28 June, clocked a month on Monday as the commission revealed it now has 1,006,661 registrants.

According to the INEC spokesperson, Festus Okoye, the commission has also kicked off the physical or in-person registration in its 811 offices across Nigeria.

The exact locations of the designated centres have already been uploaded to our website and social media platforms. For further details, citizens are encouraged to contact our state offices through the dedicated telephone numbers provided in the uploaded publication.

Nigerians who pre-registered online can now complete their registration at those centres based on scheduled appointments. In addition, other Nigerians who prefer to register physically/in-person can now do so at those centres, Mr Okoye said in a statement in Abuja.

He added that both the online and physical registration by the INEC will continue until the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on 30 June, 2022.

This, the commissions spokesperson said, will help to clean up the data and compile the voters register for the 2023 General Election.

Youth account for 73.5 per cent

As revealed in the INEC data available to PREMIUM TIMES, not less than 740,063 of the recorded registrants are Nigerian youth between the ages of 18 and 34. This translates to 73.5% of the total figures recorded by the electoral body in the last four weeks.

The people between the ages of 35 and 49 account for 278, 042 while elderly between the ages of 50 and 69 are 102,578.

Only 14,712 people in their 70s and above registered online for transfers, replacement of PVCs , among other things.

The INEC data also shows that 12,274 people with disabilities across all categories participated in the online exercise.

For the fourth week in a row, Osun recorded the highest number of PVC registrants as 259,450 persons from the state registered at the end of fourth week.

Edo and Anambra came far behind Osun with 98,286 and 65,014 registrants while 63,250 persons from Bayelsa registered through INEC online portal in the last four weeks.
State governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have urged the National Assembly to entrench electronic transmission of results of elections into the nations electoral law.

The governors made the call at the end of their meeting in Bauchi on Monday.

The call was contained in a 10-point communique issued on Monday at the end of the meeting of the governors under the aegis of PDP Governors Forum.

The meeting was attended by Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta).

Others were Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Abiodun Makinde (Oyo), Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), and the deputy governor of Zamfara State, Mahdi Mohammed.

The communique was read by Mr Tambuwal, who is the Chairman of the Forum.

The National Assembly had recently rejected an amendment to the Electoral Act which sought the electronic transmission of results of future elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The governors asked the lawmakers to approve electronic transmission of results in order to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the country.

On the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the Governors identified the need for a free, fair and credible elections in the country and called on the National Assembly to entrench Electronic transmission of results of elections in the nations electoral jurisprudence, the governors said.

The governors urged INEC to deploy appropriate necessary technologies to ensure that votes of the electorates count in future elections.

They also called on the Nigeria Communication commission (NCC), the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), Telephone Companies (Telcos) and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure access of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services were provided in rural areas before the 2023 general elections.

The Forum condemned attempts to foist on all political parties one method of conducting primary elections which was by direct method through the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

The Governors noted that the method was prone to massive rigging and such other electoral malpractices as evidenced in the 2018 APC primary elections. Political parties should be allowed to decide their method of conduct of primaries as such would promote internal democracy.

The governors also appealed to the federal government to collaborate with the state governments to stem the raging unemployment affecting the youth through technology and increased production in all fields of human endeavour.

Government should stop paying lip service to the Ease-of-Doing Business as foreign direct investments have continued to fall partly due to obstacles placed on foreign companies wishing to invest in Nigeria.

A classical example is that of the FACEBOOK which indicated interest to invest in Nigeria but is being frustrated by regulatory agencies, the governors said.

They further called on the federal government to bring the activities of bandits, kidnappers and terrorists to an end through increased use of military equipment, traditional means of conflict resolution and technology of surveillance.

The PDP Governors Forum enjoined all Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Voter Registration exercise by INEC to prepare themselves with the necessary tools in the struggle to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

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Furthermore, the general public, especially our youths and women are implored to use the opportunity of the PDP e-Registration exercise which will kick off soon, to register as PDP members, while PDP members should update their membership electronically, the communique said.

(NAN)
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The Police in Enugu State have began investigation on the attack on three persons by unidentified gunmen in Opanda village in Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mohammed Aliyu, gave the order in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, in Enugu on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that unidentified hoodlums in the early hours of Monday attacked Nimbo and seriously injured three men with machetes.

The commissioner also directed the unraveling of the circumstances surrounding the incident and asked that the the perpetrators be arrested.

Mr Aliyu said that there would be no stone left unturned in the investigation.

Following information received at Nimbo Police Division in the early hours of today, July 26, alleging that yet-to-be identified hoodlums attacked some persons in a location at Opanda village in Nimbo Community of Uzo-Uwani LGA.

Police operatives attached to the Division raced to the scene and found three young men with degrees of machete cuts.

They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are responding to treatment, he said.

The police spokesman said that the commissioner also called on residents of the area to remain calm and law abiding.

The residents should assist the police with useful information to get to the root of the matter and fully apprehend the hoodlums, he added.

(NAN)
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Human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Joe Okei-Odumakin, has called on the Nigerian government to respect the rights of journalists.

Mrs Okei-Odumakin said the freedom and fundamental rights of citizens are not subject to the whims and caprices of security operatives or of the government they purport to work for.

In a statement issued on Monday, Mrs Okei-Odumakin who is the President, Centre for Change, condemned the arrest and manhandling of the publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore, by the police in Abuja.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Mr Sowore was arrested earlier on Monday by security operatives arround the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to observe proceedings in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Reports have it that Sowore was released later in the day by the security operatives.

These must stop. The freedoms, liberties, and fundamental rights of citizens are not at the whims and caprices of security operatives or of the government they purport to work for.

Security operatives are public servants who owe their authority to the Constitution and not to the government of the day.

Governments come and go but citizens remain the boss of those in government at all times, Mrs Okei-Odumakin said.

She noted that the public deserves to be informed of goings-on.

Sowore was accosted as he lifestreamed activities around the court vicinity. His phone was also seized from him before he was whisked away.

The camera belonging to Brock Media was equally snatched from the journalist, Yusuf Rock, while the journalist narrowly escaped arrest.

All these harassment of journalists performing their lawful duty of informing the populace must cease.

The media have been saddled with the responsibility of holding government accountable to the people.

This duty they must be allowed to perform without shackles and hindrances of any sort.

Once again it bears repeating that this is a democracy and a nation under law, not a dictatorship or banana republic, the statement reads in part.
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Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Monday meet in Bauchi, to deliberate on unemployment and the state of the Nigerian economy, according to a statement issued on Sunday, in Abuja, by the Director-General, PDP Governors Forum (PDP-GF), Cyril Maduabum.

Mr Maduabum said the PDP governors would, at the meeting, examine and deliberate on the current state of the nation, and the state of their respective states.

He said the health of Nigerias democracy, including the Electoral Act Amendment, Constitution alteration bills, pending before the National Assembly, would also feature in discussions at the meeting.

Mr Maduabum said the meeting would continue to interrogate the federal governments response to insecurity that was still pervading the country and proffer workable solutions.

He said the governors would continue to benchmark and exchange information and ideas on best practices on various aspects of governance in their respective states, which had become major beacons of light, delivering substantial democracy benefits through projects and policies impacting on the lives of Nigerians.

The governors will also receive reports of some of the committees working on various aspects of party repositioning, including the e-registration programme of the Party.

Mr Maduabum said that the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, would be the Chief Host, while the Forum Chairman, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, would preside over the meeting.

(NAN)
The Consulate-General of Nigeria in New York says it is determined to do everything possible to showcase Nigerias diverse cultural heritage, sites and traditional festivals to the outside world.

The Consul-General, Lot Egopija, stated this at the inaugural Nigerias Cultural Show, which held at the Cultural Centre, Nigeria House in New York.

A correspondent of the New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, with the theme Nigeria: Our Community, Cultures and Unity, also showcased Nigerias cultural dance troupes, musical performances and cultural fashion displays.

Mr Egopija, in his remarks, said that the inaugural event showcased two of Nigerias foremost festivals  the Osun-Osogbo festival and the Argungu Fishing Festival  which hold annually in Nigeria.

Mr Egopija said: A culture is a means to wealth which we have not explored fully. So the Consulate has thought it fit to advertise Nigeria cultural heritage and make Nigeria a tourist destination.

We are focusing on two cultural events that hold in Nigeria yearly  the Osun-Osogbo Festival and the Argungu Fishing Festival.

We are planning to have this event regularly so that people can be better informed and those who want winter get away can also see Nigeria as a tourist destination.

We are latching on the fact that people go out during winter to warm climates and we also want to corner some of these tourists to our country; that is the sole motive.

Let me assure you that we are working with Nigeria authorities to ensure that everyone who wishes to explore tourism sites in the country gets the best.

Sola Atanda of Endless Roar Tourism and Trade, who is a renown Ifa priest and President of the Healing and Teaching Temple of African Faith (HATTAF), who joined the event virtually, commended the Consulate-General in New York for promoting Nigerias rich heritage through exhibition of cultural festivals.

Mr Atanda said Nigeria has diverse good cultures, adding that it has been the culture of Osogbo indigenes to welcome visitors, emphasising that one has the tendency to misbehave when the culture is jettisoned.

The culture of the people is the life of the people. Culture is our history; every culture is given by God, the way of dancing, the way of eating and the way of relating with one another.

Culture promotes life and describes who we are, moulds our characters and when culture is lost, moral decadence will come in.

When culture is lost, children will be wearing wrong dresses, taking narcotics; so culture is so important to mould life and to remind the children who they are.

Mr Atanda attributed the security challenge in the country to breakdown in moral and cultural values, saying kidnapping, banditry and all that are wrong with us are not part of our culture.

They are foreign to our culture; we are better than that and that is why culture should be preached.

Nigerians are good people, we love dressing well, we love eating well, we make friends so culture is in us and it has to be kept alive, he said.

Similarly, the Emir of Argungu, ASamaila Mera, who also spoke virtually, commended the Consulate-General of Nigeria in New York for promoting the Argungu fishing festival, saying the festival has become a global agent of drawing tourists to the state.

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Mr Mera said the fishing festival began in 1934 as a mark of the end of the centuries-old hostility between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom.

The festival features a must-see fishing competition where thousands of fishermen compete to catch fish with their bare hands.

The festival, which started as a local fishing event in the Argungu river, cuts across several towns of Kebbi State in Northwest Nigeria and has since gone international, he said.

The first class traditional ruler said 36,000 fishermen participated at the 2019 edition of the festival with 34 sideline events holding simultaneously at six venues in four days.

The emir said the festival had become more than fishing as it had become a tool of reconciliation, tourism and education.

I have seen students writing their dissertation and thesis on the festival. For instance, we had six students focusing on 2019 edition as their research work for masters and doctoral degrees.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inaugural Cultural Show was attended by foreigners and Nigerians in the U.S. as well as diplomats and officers

It was organised by the Nigeria Consulate, New York, in collaboration with the New York African Chorus Ensemble, the African Tourism Board and the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee.

The highlight of event was the presentation of plaque to Joyce Adewumi, President and Founder of African Chorus Ensemble by Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Adewumi, a U.S.-based Nigerian art and culture proprietress, was honoured for her outstanding service and contributions to supporting the consulate in promoting Nigerias rich cultural heritage.

Mr Adewumi, also the Culture Ambassador of the Consulate-General, was recognised for promoting Nigerian arts by producing a film, titled We Are the Endless Roar, to showcase the rich tourism potential of Nigeria. (NAN)
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The principal suspect in the rape and killing of a female job seeker in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-south, is to be arraigned today at a state High Court in Uyo, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

The trial was stalled by the nationwide strike by judicial workers.

The slain woman, Iniubong Umoren, 26, was raped and killed in April by a twenty-year-old man, Uduak Akpan who had lured her out of her home with a fake job interview.

Her remains were buried in a shallow grave at the suspects family house in the outskirts of Uyo where the crime took place.

Mr Akpan, described as a serial rapist by the police, had confessed to the crime.

The late Miss Umoren, an orphan and a fresh graduate of philosophy, University of Uyo, was desperate for a temporary job, while she was waiting for her final year result from the university and her eventual deployment for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme.

The crime attracted outrage across Nigeria, with many Nigerians putting pressure on the police to bring the suspect(s) to justice.

Mr Akpan, who has been in prison, will face rape, murder and other charges.

It is unclear for now if his father and one other suspect also arrested by the police would be arraigned along with Mr Akpan.
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Last week, Nigerian stocks posted their biggest return in 17 weeks, garnering strength from a series of strong earnings reports by companies.

And the prospects for more upbeat financial performances in the coming days seem to be exciting as Africas largest economy steadily heals from the ravages of the pandemic.

The shape of things to come in the entire economy could be largely carved by the performance of the Big 5 Banks (Nigerias five biggest banks by asset), already heralded by the approval on Friday of Zenith Banks half-year audited results and interim dividend announcement, which should set the bar for the rest in that fold and perchance the banking industry.

PREMIUM TIMES has assembled a number of stocks with fundamentals and other potential, adopting key analytical approaches to save you the hassle of randomly picking equities for investment.

The selection, a product of analytical market watch, offers a guide to entering the market and take strategic positions in hopes that equities will gain value with the passage of time, particularly in the short term.

This is not a buy, sell or hold recommendation. You may have to involve your financial advisor before taking investment decisions.

ZENITH BANK PLC

Zenith announced last week the boards intention to reward shareholders with an interim dividend payout for the period covering January through June. The details of the cash reward are to be announced any moment soon.

TOTAL NIGERIA PLC

Total has declared an interim dividend of N4 per share for half-year 2020, backed by its strong financials for that period that saw profit attain N8.066 billion, compared to a N537.188 million loss recorded in the same period of last year. Investors planning to reap from the largesse are to buy and hold the firms shares till at least August 13. Payment will follow on September 13.

CUTIX PLC

Cutix has declared plans to simultaneously reward shareholders with bonus and dividend payout for shareholders following a promising half-year scorecard.

The company will offer stockholders a bonus of one new share for every one already held alongside a dividend per share of N0.15.

JAIZ BANK PLC

Currently, Jaiz trades well below its intrinsic value, making it a cheap stock to buy. Another notable factor, which makes it attractive for investment, is the closeness of its price to its lowest point in 52 weeks.

Jaiz, which closed at N0.53 per unit on Friday, has earnings per share (EPS) of N0.11 with a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 5.37.

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

Sovereign Trust makes this weeks pick for trading well below its real value. It has a PE ratio of 3.63 with an EPS of N0.08.
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The police have arrested Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the activist said in a Whatsapp message shared with his contacts on Monday.

Mr Sowore was at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Security operatives, comprising the police and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) had taken over the court premises and the adjoining streets, restricting movements in the area ahead of the trial.

Mr Sowore, among many journalists and others, who had hoped to attend the proceedings were denied entry into the court premises.

I have just been arrested by the Nigerian Police at the Federal High Court, Mr Sowore stated in his text message on Monday.

Subjected to beatings by police officers and take to the Federal Secretariat police station, he added.

Mr Sowore has been one of the vocal voices condemning the recent re-arrest and repatriation of Mr Kanu to Nigeria.

He had called for the unconditional release of the leader of the separatist group, who was said to have been controversially arrested in Kenya.
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Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, says he has been released by the police whom he earlier said arrested him at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Sowore was at the court in the hope of attending the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but was prevented from entering the court premises.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how Mr Sowore, around 10.31 a.m., notified his Whatsapp contacts about his arrest somewhere outside the court premises.

He later shared the news of his release via Whatsapp at about 1.10 p.m. on Monday.

I have been released, he said, adding that he had returned to the court to attend the proceedings some 5 young persons illegally detained by the DSS for wearing #BuhariMustGo Tshirts to Dunamis Church. Will keep you all updated. Thank you for your support!.

Security operatives, comprising the police and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) had taken over the court premises and the adjoining streets, restricting movements in the area ahead of the trial.

Mr Sowore, among many journalists and others, who had hoped to attend the proceedings were denied entry into the court premises.

I have just been arrested by the Nigerian Police at the Federal High Court; Subjected to beatings by police officers and take to the Federal Secretariat police station, Mr Sowore had stated in his text message on Monday.

Mr Sowore has been one of the vocal voices condemning the recent re-arrest and repatriation of Mr Kanu to Nigeria.

He had called for the unconditional release of the leader of the separatist group, who was said to have been controversially arrested in Kenya.
The Kano State House of Assembly has asked Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to sack and prosecute the suspended chairman of the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji.

This was contained in a resolution of the House reached on Monday during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Hamisu Chidari.

The lawmakers want Mr Magaji prosecuted for presenting and allegedly forged document from an hospital to defend his failure to honour the invitation of the lawmakers

While presenting its report, the chairman of the 12-member ad-hoc committee that investigated the embattled anti-corruption czar, Umar Gama, said it made five recommendations.

These include immediate sack, arrest and prosecution of Mr Magaji as well as setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the financial activities of the commission from 2015 to date.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the sitting, the majority leader of the House, Labaran Madari, said the investigation found that the medical report submitted by the counsel to the suspended chairman for not honouring the invitation of the committee is fake.

He said the committee also recommended that the state civil service should take appropriate action against Isah Yusuf, a level four officer serving as an accountant at the anti-graft agency.

Mr Madari said the committee also directed the new accountant rejected by Mr Magaji to assume duty as soon as possible.

The petition

Mr Magajis ordeal began when the state lawmakers received a petition from the office of the accountant-general of the state that the anti-graft commission rejected an accountant it posted there.

The petition reads:

With due respect to Honourable Speaker and honourable House in general, I wish to present a complaint to you that on April 2021, the office of the accountant general released a posting of accounting staff to various ministries and departments including Public Complaint and Anti Corruption Commission.

But this posting number C.5/AG/1.1/95 dated 15th March, 2021, the chief accountant posted to the commission have reported to the office of the accountant general, on 28th June, 2021 that he was denied taking over the financial activities of the commission as head of account as indicated in the posting letter. Copy attached.

Furthermore, not only the chief accountant was denied to take over the responsibility as head of account, rather he was issued with a rejection letter reference number: PCAC/June/1/Vol. 1/SS/ dated 28 June, 2021 asking him to report back to the office of the accountant general, for his services were not needed in the commission.

While an officer, a clerical officer for that matter, on grade level 04 is still maintain and act as head of account of the commission. Copy also of the rejected letter attached.

Accordingly, this act by rejecting him as head of account of the commission violated section 28 (b) of Kano state financial management law which gives the accountant general power to provide the accounting staff to each government ministries or extra ministerial departments. Copy also attached of the stipulated law.

Based on the above, the office of the accountant general is kindly appealing to the honourable House to take appropriate measures towards the complain please.

Shehu Abbas Muazu, the accountant general of the state.

Probe

After the petition was read in the House, the House leader and member representing Warawa constituency, Abdul Madari, advised the lawmakers to allow the Committee on Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption to investigate the matter, and report back for further deliberation.

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The deputy speaker and member representing Sumaila constituency, Hamza Masu, supported the position of Mr Madari and called on the House to suspend Mr Rimingado to allow a thorough investigation.

Also, the member representing Rogo local government, Magaji Zarewa, also suggested that the chairperson be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Other members who supported the suspension of Mr Rimingado were Ali Ibrahim Shanono (Bagwai/Shanono), Abdullahi Yaryasa (Tudunwada), Kabiru Hassan Dashi (Kiru), (Gwarzo) and Garba Yau Gwarmai (Kunchi/Tsanyawa).

After the deliberation, the House suspended Mr Magaji for one month and constituted a committee to investigate the matter.

The Committee had the Chairman of Public Complaint Committee, Mr Gama as chairman, and the Chairman House Committee on Judiciary, Lawan Shehu, the chairman House Committee on Public Account, Ibrahim Doguwa, the chairman House committee on Finance, Magaji Zarewa, and the chairman House Committees on Hajj, Sale Marke, as members.

The Committee has Deputy Director Legal in the House as secretary and the secretary Public Account Committee as co-secretary.

Ad-hoc committee invited Magaji

The adhoc committee had invited Mr Magaji to appear before it on July 14. However, on the scheduled day, Mr Magaji through his counsel, Mr Fari, asked for some facilities to enable him prepare his defence.

Mr Fari also told journalists that his client could not appear before the house that day because he was undergoing diagnosis at the National Hospital, Abuja.

He said he had submitted a copy of the laboratory form and letter to the secretary of the ad-hoc committee, requesting another time for him to honuor the invitation of the house after his medical appointment.

For two reasons he (Mr Magaji) is not here. One on health ground, number two we wanted to have adequate time and have facilities to prepare for our defence.

Mr Magaji was suspended on 5th day of July, 2021. And no single document was served on him from 5th July, 2021 to date. He was not served with a letter of suspension, he was not served with a copy of allegation against him. No single document was served on him.

The only document that we received is the letter dated the 12th day of July, from the House inviting to appear before the committee without indicating the name of the complainer or the petitioner, the allegation against him, nothing.

We are requesting for the copy of certified true copy of the petition written against him. Because he was not served with the petition, we heard it over radio.

Then we are applying for the certified true copy of the text of the House resolution conducted on the 5th day of July, 2021 concerning the issue. Then we are applying for the press releases issued by the Kano state House of Assembly on the 5th and 7th day of July, 2021. This is what we are demanding from the House.

Forged medical report

However, the National Hospital, Abuja, in a letter dated July 19 and sent to the Clerk of Kano state House Assembly, said it had no patient named Muhuyi Magaji in its record and no folder was opened in that name.

The letter reads:

Kindly refer to your letter with ref. No KNHA/CON/077 dated 16th July, 2021 on the above subject matter, in which you requested the hospital to verify the authenticity or otherwise of attached medical report/documents.

Following your request on the above, and subsequent investigations, we wish to state the following findings:

There is no patient named Muhuyi Magaji in their hospital record and no folder was opened in that name.

That by our records, the name and signature of the doctor (Dr. Bayo) on the medical report do not belong to any staff of National Hospital, Abuja.

Laboratory investigation in the National Hospital are no longer manually written on paper, but electronically transmitted.

In the light of the above Sir, the medical report/documents which you attached its photocopies are not authentic.

On behalf of the Chief Medical Director, please accept our warm regards.

Dr A. A Umar, Director, Clinical Services/CMAC on behalf of the Chief Medical Director.

Magaji risks 14-year jail term

A Kano-based lawyer, Abdulaziz Ahmad, said Mr Magaji faces up to 14 years in prison for presenting false medical report to the state House of Assembly.

Mr Ahmad said the act amounts to forgery as stated by section 362 of Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.

According to Mr Ahmad, the ingredients of that offence include presenting false document to public institution with the intention of misleading that institution to believe the said document is genuine and is from lawful authority.

The lawyer added that section 364 of Penal Code stipulated a fourteen year jail term for such offence with imprisonment or both imprisonment and fine.

He described Mr Magajis alleged act as Illegal and embarrassing and should not be swept under the carpet.

The legal practitioner suggested that the matter be forwarded to the police for thorough investigation.

What law says on forgery

Section 362 (A) of penal code defines forgery as: A person is said to make a false document  who is dishonestly or fraudulently makes, signs, seals, or execute a document or part of a document or mark denoting the execution with the intention of causing it to be believed that such document or part of a document was made, signed, sealed or executed or at a time which he knows that it was not made, signed, sealed or executed.

Also section 364 of the same penal code says: Whoever commits forgery shall be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to fourteen years or with fine or with both.
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As the trial of Sunday Igboho gets underway Monday at the Cour Deappeal De Cotonou, Benin Republic, an associate of the Yoruba nation agitator has urged his supporters to shelve their plans of travelling to the country for the proceedings to avoid overcrowding the court.

Banji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Self-determination Movement Worldwide, said the judiciary in the Benin Republic are not used to having crowded court premises, hence they may misinterpret the presence of too many people in the court premises as an attempt to harass, intimidate and overwhelm them.

He added that the move could have a negative effect on Mr Igbohos case.

Mr Akintoyes statement came just as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, announced he had sent a delegation to Cotonou to observe Mr Igbohos court proceedings.

Information has reached us that many Yoruba Nation Self-determination activists are planning to go and witness, and even protest at the court proceedings involving Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho in Benin Republic court, Mr Akintoye, an emeritus professor of History, said in a statement by his legal adviser, Olasupo Ojo.

We commend and appreciate the immense support already received from all Yorubas, Yoruba groups and friends of Yorubas worldwide. We have assembled the best lawyers within Republic of Benin and an International law expert from Paris, France for the legal defence of Chief Sunday Igboho and they are all working well under our supervision. We are satisfied with their work up till now.

The Nigerian government has falsely painted a bad picture that Chief Sunday Adeyemo is a gun-runner and a terrorist with large followership. The presence of crowds may be capitalised upon by the Nigerian government lawyers as corroborative of their allegations.

Mr Akintoye also said the presence of a huge crowd may pose some security concerns to security agencies and operatives in Benin Republic and may compel them to adopt some stringent measures to prevent a crowded court and attendant danger.

Our lawyers are not comfortable with the prospect of too much crowd spoiling their good work and have urged that we appeal to our people to refrain from crowding the court.

We, therefore, urge all lovers of the Yoruba Nation and Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho in Nigeria to please refrain from going to Cotonou for the Court proceedings.

Such trip may be rendered useless by the inadequate size of the Court Room. We shall be adequately represented by the Yoruba Community in Benin Republic. They have been very wonderful hence we should allow them to represent us very well.

We promise that detailed report of proceedings in court shall be made public after the court sittings. We crave the understanding of everyone in this sensitive matter.

Mr Igboho was arrested last week in Cotonou while he was trying to travel to Germany.
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The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, ordered the State Security Service (SSS) to release five Buhari-must-go protesters who were apprehended at the premises of Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja.

Ben Manasseh, Anene Udoka, Henry Nwodo, Samuel Larry and Samuel Gabriel were arrested on July 4 for wearing T-shirts with the inscription, Buhari-Must-Go.

Ruling on an exparte application filed by the detaniees lawyer, Tope Temokun, the judge, Anwuli Chikere, ordered the Nigerian secret police to immediately release them.

Mr Temokun had sought an order either releasing the detainees from custody or directing the SSS to produce them in court.

But the judge ruled that she had the power to order their release since the SSS had yet to file any charge against them.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how the detainees sued the SSS, President Muhammadu Buhari, the churchs pastor-in-charge, Paul Enenche, and others for alleged unlawful arrest and detention.

They prayed the court to declare their arrest and detention unlawful, also asked the court to award N10 million, each, in damages, for the violation of their fundamental rights.

The suits are marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/631/2021, FHC/ABJ/CS/636/2021, FHC/ABJ/CS/637/2021, FHC/ABJ/CS/638/2021, and FHC/ABJ/CS/639/2021.

Mr Temokun had argued in the separate suits that his clients were entitled to fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, right to freedom of expression and the press, right to freedom from discrimination and right to personal liberty.

According to him, the rights are guaranteed under Sections 35, 38, 39 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and under Articles 1, 2, 6, 8 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Ratification and Enforcement.

Other defendants include the Director-General of the SSS, Yusuf Bichi, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

The suit was adjourned till August 2 for hearing.
No fewer than 20 million young Nigerians would be impacted with digital skills through an initiative of the Federal Government and the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed on Monday, in Abuja.

Mr Osinbajos spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement, said this was part of a pre-recorded message delivered by the vice president at the official launch of the Generation Unlimited (GenU) programme in Nigeria.

GenU is a global, multi-sector partnership initially launched in September 2018, in collaboration with over 200 partners, and impacting over 100 million young people globally, through innovations and programmes in more than 40 countries across six continents.

Mr Osinbajo said that the initiative, which offered expanded education, training and employment, targeting 20 million Nigerians from aged between 10 and 24 years, from 2021 to 2030, would positively impact the countrys future job growth enabling programmes.

This programme is important because it promises to provide 20 million Nigerians with digital skills; link them to entrepreneurial and other job opportunities and assist them in realising their full potentials.

Over the next couple of years, we will provide digital learning, employment, entrepreneurship and engagement for and with 20 million young Nigerians.

This process is not only significant for our socio-economic development as a nation in the coming years, but also provides a learning asset for developing future job growth enabling programmes.

Nigeria has one of the worlds largest young populations; and it bears repeating that our countrys youth are the nations present and indeed its future; the cost of failing to invest in them is quite simply, unimaginable.

So, we are excited to be a part of the ambitious goal of reaching young Nigerians with this opportunity.

The work is massive, and we know we cannot achieve this objective without strong partnerships; and so, the presidency, the relevant ministries and state governments will be collaborating with GenU Nigeria, the private sector, the international community and our young people themselves to make this a reality.

Components

Mr Osinbajo said GenU Nigeria would have three key components Digital Skills Development, The Workforce Readiness Programme and Youth Engagement  as youth employment, and especially the empowerment of female entrepreneurs, was a major aspect of GenU Nigeria.

The vice president commended private sector partners such as Airtel, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Jobberman Nigeria, among others, for their innovative work with young entrepreneurs throughout the country and for their commitment to GenU Nigeria.

The introduction of GenU Nigeria was in collaboration with state governors, including Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano State and Godwin Obaseki of Edo.

Edward Kallon, UN Resident Coordinator, was also part of the initiative as a development partner.

GenU Nigeria, billed to be implemented in 12 states distributed across the six geo-political zones in the country, has a wide range of development partners, including the AfDB, GIZ, ILO, UNDP, USAID, and private sector organisations.

The participating states and their zones include: North-west  Kano State and Kaduna State; South-west  Lagos State and Ogun; North-east Borno and Bauchi States; South-east  Ebonyi and Enugu States; North-central  Niger and Benue; South-south  Rivers and Cross River.

Dignitaries present at the launch included Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu; Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mohammed Abdullahi, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Segun Dawodu.

Others were: UNDPs Kallon, alongside Country Representative, UNICEF Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, Country Managing Partner PwC, Nigeria, Uyi Akpata, Global Chief Executive Officer, GenU, Kevin Frey, and representatives of youth groups.

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(NAN)
The Nigerian government has expressed its commitment to addressing the challenges posed by infectious diseases such as the rampaging coronavirus pandemic, Cholera, among others.

Speaking at a pre-conference workshop ahead of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Conference of Applied and Field Epidemiology (NiCAFE), the director of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu said his agency is working to strengthen infodemics management as part of national emergency preparedness and response framework.

He noted that the NCDC is working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in that regard.

About the conference

The conference, which is being organised by NCDC, is aimed at strengthening the countrys preparedness for emergencies in cases of infection outbreaks.

According to the organisers, it is being held in collaboration with partners and scheduled to hold between July 26th and 28th with the theme: Building Back Better- COVID-19 and other Disease Outbreaks.

NCDC said the conference is focused on how Nigeria can build from the COVID-19 response to strengthen the countrys capacity to prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks.

While the event holds at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja with a limited number of in-person attendees due to COVID-19 restrictions, many participants are joining virtually via an app known as Whova.

Scourge

In the last 17 months, countries across the world have been affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Nigeria, apart from the coronavirus, there have been other disease outbreaks with Cholera currently posing another health crisis.

In the first quarter of this year alone, a total of 14, 343 suspected cases of cholera leading to 325 deaths, including 345 laboratory-confirmed cases have been recorded by the NCDC.

Though the cholera outbreak this year is yet to be declared a national emergency, health experts fear its repercussions on the countrys health infrastructure already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement ahead of the event, Mr Ihekweazu said the NiCAFE conference seeks to bring together public health professionals, laboratory scientists, field epidemiologists, researchers, health care professionals and other members of the public to reflect on the response to these outbreaks, review gaps in epidemic preparedness and response and brainstorm innovative solutions to strengthen health security.

Strengthening infodemics management

Ahead of the conference scheduled to kickstart officially on Tuesday, nine pre-conference workshops focused on skill-building and experience sharing were held on Monday.

Strengthening the management of infodemics  misconception, mistrust, and scepticisms  that sprung and widely circulated with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus shaped discussions in one of the pre-conference workshops.

The session is themed: Managing infodemics during epidemics: COVID-19 as a case study.

A lot of misinformation rose because COVID-19 is novel and spreading fast, thereby putting pressure on fact-checkers and journalists to deliver accurate, balanced, and timely reports while countering false information.

Also speaking, WHOs Infodemic Management Consultant, Abdulraman Danjuma, said that the outcome of collaborations among the national and sub-national governments as well as with partners and the private sector was to have an integrated Infodemic management system in the country for addressing public health response.

During the panel session on infodemics, the NCDC director of Prevention Programmes and Knowledge Management, Chinwe Ochu, harped on the need to train the media on ways to manage infodemics during epidemics.

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She described infodemic as an overabundance of information, both online and offline which she said includes deliberate attempts to disseminate wrong information to undermine the public health response and advance alternative agendas of groups or individuals.

The official noted that mis and disinformation can be harmful to peoples physical and mental health; increase stigmatisation; threaten precious health gains; and lead to poor observance of public health measures, thus reducing their effectiveness and endangering the countrys ability to stop the pandemic.

She advised journalists on tips to stay updated with verified information on infectious diseases especially in a time of crisis or conflict.

Everyone has a role to play in managing rumours and misinformation, lets work together to provide the public with evidence-based information to ensure their safety, she said.

Lessons from COVID-19 outbreak

Earlier, the first panel session of the day offered an opportunity for a stock-taking of just how severely the COVID-19 crisis has undermined global health goals and the lessons to be learnt using Nigeria as a case study.

Health experts detailed the setbacks they have sustained.

At a parallel session on the use of big data for epidemics, Nwando Mba, Director of Laboratory Services of the NCDC noted the importance of data during outbreak.

She said some of the setbacks Nigeria experienced during COVID-19 were as a result of inadequate data in some key areas, noting that data informs evidence and is the heartbeat of any outbreak response.

Planned activities

Meanwhile, Mr Ihekweazu said the event will feature eight keynote/plenary speakers, over 170 oral and poster presentations across various themes.

These include governance and leadership, epidemiology, surveillance and transmission dynamics, case management of infectious diseases. Other conference sub-themes include social sciences and community engagement, the role of agriculture and environment in disease transmission as well as health system strengthening for future pandemics, the official noted.

The conference keynote lecture will be given by the Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan on Day 1, and the Director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control, Dr. John Nkengasong on Day 2.
German drugmaker, BioNTech, has announced plans to develop a Messenger RNA (mRNA)- based vaccine to prevent malaria, a life-threatening disease that impacts millions of people, especially in Africa.

The company, which developed the United States first authorised COVID-19 vaccine with an American drugmaker, Pfizer, said it is planning to begin clinical trials by the end of 2022.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), European Commission and other organisations have been involved in the early planning phase of the new vaccine, the company said.

It added that global organisations have also offered their support to identify and set up the necessary infrastructure.

Were committed to reducing the suffering of people worldwide, so we feel we have a duty to utilise our technology to develop and manufacture an mRNA-based vaccine that addresses this life-threatening disease, BioNTech CEO, Ugur Sahin, said in a statement obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

The company also pledged to manufacture the potential vaccine in African facilities  either with licensed production partners or on its own.

Mr Sahin said the aim is to develop sustainable solutions for and together with the people of Africa.

Building on our mRNA technology and the expertise gained during the pandemic, our efforts will include substantial investments in vaccine development as well as transferring manufacturing expertise to sites on the African continent, he said.

Malaria vaccine

The development of the new vaccine comes as the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed more than four million lives globally, according to data from worldometer.

Pfizer and BioNTech had developed a highly effective mRNA-based vaccine to target the COVID-19 virus. This has been in use in several countries and has helped reduce the number of infections and deaths.

The mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine works by tricking the body to produce a harmless piece of the virus, triggering an immune response.

It is said to be easier to produce over traditional vaccines, which generally use a dead or weakened virus to produce an immune response.

Malaria burden

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite and spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

There were an estimated 229 million cases of Malaria and at least 409,000 deaths in 2019, according to WHO.

The majority of the cases were in Africa, and children under age five are the most vulnerable group affected by the disease.

Malaria is endemic in Nigeria with about 53 million cases annually (one in four residents) and 81,640 deaths annually (nine deaths per hour) from the disease.

According to the WHOs latest world malaria report, more than 1.5 billion cases of malaria and 7.6 million deaths have been averted since 2000 through global efforts to control the disease.

However, in recent years, the gains in combating malaria have plateaued, and progress towards critical targets is no longer on track.

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New development

Meanwhile, the president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Werner Hoyer, said malaria is a tricky disease to vaccinate against, hence it takes a lot of courage and dedication to embark on the endeavour BioNTech just committed to.

Mr Hoyer said finding an efficient vaccine is the only way to eradicate malaria, one of the biggest causes of death in children in less developed countries.

mRNA technology has shown itself to be a game-changer to end the pandemic, and the EIB confirmed its support for this innovative approach with two loans to BioNTech, one in 2019 for developing cancer treatments and the other in 2020 for research on the COVID-19 vaccine.

If mRNA can revolutionise malaria vaccine development as well, the EU bank would be proud to support this mission, he said.

In his remarks, President of the European Commission, Ursula Leyen, said the world is witnessing the start of a revolution in medical science.

mRNA technology can be a game-changer in the fight against other diseases too  including malaria.

Eradicating malaria is a realistic goal and now we know that it might be achieved already in this generation, he said.

Mr Leyen said this initiative is also a part of the broader engagement by the EU for health in Africa and the developing world.

If we succeed, we will not only be better equipped for the next pandemic. We will also invest in an African continent that is finally free from malaria, he said.

Jutta Urpilainen, commissioner for international partnerships, said: I warmly welcome the ground-breaking announcement of BioNTech, that aims to use the mRNA technology in the fight against Malaria, a major disease affecting the African continent.

Our Team Europe initiative on enhancing vaccine manufacturing and access to medicines and health technologies in Africa will support this important project,  he said.
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The National Pension Commision (PenCom) said pension fund assets had risen to N12.66 trillion as at June 30, with contributors under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) hitting the 9.38 million mark.

The Director General, PenCom, Aisha Dahir-Umar, said this at the 2021 Journalists Workshop held on Monday in Lagos, with the theme: Positioning the Pension Industry in the Post COVID-19 Era.

Mrs Dahir-Umar, represented by Peter Aghahowa, Head, Corporate Communication, PenCom, noted that the consistent growth trajectory justified the commissions overriding investment philosophy of ensuring the safety of pension fund assets.

She assured pension stakeholders that the implementation of the CPS remained on course.

Mrs Dahir-Umar stated that the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a review of business processes across various organisations, which made it imperative for the commision to deepen technology innovation.

COVID-19 has engendered socio-economic disruptions of the entire global order, with multifarious challenges in conducting hitherto routine activities.

It was, therefore, imperative for the commission to deepen technological innovation to navigate through the challenges imposed by the pandemic.

The most recent technological innovation introduced by the commission is the in-house designed and developed online enrolment application.

The application has capabilities to register, verify and enroll prospective retirees of Treasury-Funded Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), she said.

According to her, by the deployment of this new application, mass gathering of people has been avoided while enhancing convenience for the prospective retirees through a seamless enrolment process.

The DG mentioned that another notable technological innovation by the commission was the design and deployment of the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) Transfer System (RTS), which was launched in November 2020.

She said public enlightenment and education was one of the five strategic focus areas currently pursued by the commission.

This is considered germane considering that 17 years after the pension reform in Nigeria, there still exists a knowledge gap on the CPS.

Consequently, the commission is committed to reinvigorating its public enlightenment and education drive in order to address this challenge, she said.

According to her, other strategic focus areas of PenCom include the resolution of outstanding pension liabilities of the Federal Government; portfolio diversification of pension fund investments.

She also mentioned improvement in customer service delivery across the pension industry and unrelenting pursuit of sustainable growth of the pension industry by expanding the coverage of the CPS.

(NAN)
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A State High Court judge in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday entered a not-guilty plea for Uduak Akpan, even though the suspect had pleaded guilty to the murder of Iniubong Umoren, whom he had lured with a fake job interview.

The prosecuting and defence counsels disclosed this while addressing reporters outside the courtroom shortly after the case was adjourned.

The Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, Uko Sam, is leading the prosecution team.

Mr Sam, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, told reporters, For a capital offence, an accused person pleading guilty is neither here nor there. As far as the law is concerned, he is not guilty until we prove our case.

If you recall when he (the accused) started, his counsel was not there in court and the court had to appoint a lawyer to represent him. So if an accused person pleads guilty in a capital offence like this, the court normally would enter a plea of not guilty for him, he said.

Mr Sams position was corroborated by the defence counsel, Sampson Adula who prayed the judge to enter a not-guilty plea for his client, shortly after he was appointed by the court to represent the suspect.

Mr Adula is the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the Legal Aid Council, a statutory body which provides free legal services to low-income Nigerians who are unable to hire a lawyer.

The lawyer told reporters that under the law, any case that attracts death penalty requires a not-guilty plea, even if the suspect pleads guilty.

The court is enjoined to enter a plea of not guilty to a murder suspect even if he pleaded guilty and that was what I prayed the court to do because of the nature of the case which carry capital punishment.

Mr Adula told journalists that Mr Akpan was not guilty of the charges. He vowed to represent him till the end of the trial.

It behooves the state to lead credible evidence to prove the charge before the court, he said.

The judge, Bennet Illamouh, before adjourning the case to August 18, acceded to the prayer of the defence counsel and entered a not-guilty plea for Mr Akpan.

The accused was docked with his father, Frank Akpan.

Miss Umoren was reportedly raped and killed in April in the outskirts of Uyo by Mr Akpan who the police in Akwa Ibom State described as a serial rapist.

Her remains were buried in a shallow grave in Mr Akpans family house where the crime took place.
Entries for the 2021 ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award are now open. The ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award, which is now in its second edition, is an initiative powered by ISN Products Nigeria Limited, the leading supplier of medical diagnostic products and services in Nigeria.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Managing Director, ISN Products Nigeria Limited, Felix Ofungwu explained that the main objective of the initiative is to promote excellence in the practice of medical laboratory science in Nigeria by recognizing and rewarding outstanding medical laboratory scientists.

The ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award is our way of recognizing the significant role medical laboratory scientists play in the delivery of quality healthcare through accurate testing, which is critical to proper diagnosis and treatment of patients. For years, quality-driven medical laboratory scientists have served as the unsung heroes, carrying out their duties thanklessly and silently. Well, ISN is trying to ensure that these heroes get the recognition they deserve he said.

Speaking on eligibility for the award, Mr Ofungwu stated that an applicant is required to possess requisite and relevant academic qualifications, must be working in a registered Laboratory or Hospital and must be registered with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

He announced that the grand prize winner would be rewarded with a cash prize of One Million Naira (N1, 000, 000.00), capacity development training and a donation of Lab Equipment, Reagents and Consumables worth One Million Naira to the Laboratory or Hospital where he or she works. He explained that the award is as much a recognition of the laboratory in which the scientist works as it is of the scientist.

The first runner-up will receive a cash prize of Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750, 000.00) and a Capacity Development Training, the second runner-up will receive a cash prize of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000.00) and a Capacity Development Training while 7 other finalists will receive consolatory prizes of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000.00) each, he added.

While lauding esteemed stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), and the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD), for lending support to the initiative, Ofungwu noted that the company remains committed to advancing the cause of medical laboratory science practice by celebrating these unsung heroes for their invaluable role towards the delivery of quality healthcare in Nigeria.

Also speaking at the flag-off event, the Project Consultant for the Initiative, Daniel Adewuni, revealed that entries would go through a rigorous assessment and grading from a distinguished panel of judges drawn from the medical laboratory science profession who would determine the top 10 finalists as well as the eventual winners.

In his remarks, the National President, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, Professor James Damen, who was represented by its Chairman, Lagos Branch, Olumide Fadipe, lauded the company for continuing with the noble initiative noting that such gesture is testament to its commitment to excellence.

Also commenting, the Registrar/CEO, Medical Laboratory Scientist Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Tosan Erhabor, who was represented by Laboratory Manager, IVD Lab, Offutalu Paulinus, commended the organisation for the initiative which has helped not only to honour practitioners for their role but assisted in enhancing their capabilities.

About ISN Products Nigeria Limited

ISN Products Nigeria Ltd. is the leading supplier of medical diagnostic products and services in Nigeria. As the authorised agent and distributor for several globally recognised medical instrument providers, including Roche, Mindray, Merck Millipore and Illumina amongst others, we aim to promote accurate medical diagnosis and research in the country.

Over the last 4 decades, ISN has grown rapidly and established itself as a leader in the medical diagnostics distribution business with 10 offices across Nigeria and 2 offices in Ghana. ISN has also expanded into other product and service segments, including diabetes care, cold chain storage and distribution, and biomedical engineering services.

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About ISN Medical Laboratory Scientists of the Year Award

The ISN Medical Lab Scientist of the year Award (iMLSOTY) is a brainchild of ISN Products Nigeria Limited. The initiative is aimed at recognizing and honouring Medical Laboratory Scientists that have displayed exceptional best practices in Nigerias Medical Sector. In this second edition of the award, we continue on our quest of recognizing the Unsung heroes of Medical practice.
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The paramount ruler of Jaba kingdom in Kaduna State, Kpop Ham, has been kidnapped in his farm in Nasarawa State.

The traditional ruler was reportedly kidnapped on Monday, but details of the incident were hazy at the time of this report.

The spokesperson of the police in Kaduna, Muhammed Jalige, told PREMIUM TIMES that they were in contact with their counterparts in Nasarawa State on the matter.

However, he said he was yet to receive an official statement with regard to the incident.

The abduction came barely three weeks after that of the Emir of Kajuru, Alhassan Adamu, in Kajuru Local Government area of Kaduna State.

Both Kajuru and Jaba are in the troubled southern senatorial distinct of the state where over a hundred students of Bethel Baptist Secondary School were recently kidnapped.
Opposition political parties in Ogun State have threatened to challenge the victory of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded local government election held in the state.

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) on Sunday declared the APC winner of the 20 local government areas of the state.

But the Action Alliance and New Nigeria Peoples Party say they would head to court to seek the nullification of the elections, claiming that the process was marred with irregularities across board.

The two parties also said they have passed a vote of no confidence on OGSIEC and the entire electoral process.

Dapo Adeyemi, the State Leader and Chairman, Think Tank Committee of the Action Alliance, accused OGSIEC of excluding his party from the election results in Ifo local government.

Mr Adeyemi, in a statement on Sunday, also faulted the electoral committee for allegedly using old electoral result sheets for the election.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of OGSIEC, Babatunde Osibodu, Mr Adeyemi demanded an explanation on how his partys chairmanship candidate in Ifo scored zero votes in the polls.

While I may not want to comment on the fraudulent figure awarded the APC which appointed you, is it not criminal for your Returning Officer at Ifo to discountenance the votes casted for the candidate?

Are we sure that the Returning Officer is of sane mind? Or, do I assume that you intentionally directed that the result sheets used for previous elections where AA did not contest should be brought to Ifo Local Government.

Worst still, the result sheets comprised 19 Parties, 12 of which had been deregistered while you distributed result sheets for the 2021 elections to other LGs and AA was included.

Mr. Chairman, as a Lawyer, what do you say to this? Do you think you are fair to the candidate and the party? Would this not hunt you to your grave? In any case, we shall seek legal advice on this infraction and get back to you.

NNPP kicks

For the NNPP, the party Chairman, Olaposi Oginni, urged members of the party to remain calm in the face of provocation.

In an emergency meeting of both Ogun and Lagos NNPP leaders in Lagos on Sunday, the party spoke through its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Olorunmagba, enjoining party members to allow the court do its job.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) appealed to its candidates and members to remain calm and exercise caution in the face of the daring provocation resulting from the manipulation of the Saturday 24th July 2021 local council election in Ogun state, Mr Olorunmagba said.

He insisted that the NNPP won several seats in the election and that was the reason the presiding officers in several units were afraid to declare election results at the spot.

Our analysis of the results from almost all the polling units saw our great party coming second behind APC and ahead of PDP indicating that if the APC had allowed a free contest they would have been roundly defeated.

We saw this fraud coming due to excessive control of State Electoral Commissions (due to its enabling laws) by state government and proactively initiated a pre-election matter challenging the validity of the emergence of the APC candidates through the back door after the window for nomination had closed, while the courts are still looking at that, they decided to commit this brazen daylight rape of the very sophisticated people of Ogun state.

We call on you to be united, put this fraud behind you and wait for the courts to do their job.

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ALSO READ: Abiodun mocks PDP faction for boycotting LG election

We would also, in addition to the pre-election matter in court, proceed to the tribunal not only to challenge the Ward 11, Abeokuta North LG result which returned the NNPP candidate as Councillor-elect but the general conduct of the election and refusal of Presiding Officers to count votes and declare results publically.

The Ogun people spoke loudly and no doubt have exposed the unacceptability of the APC government as we head to 2023, what NNPP needed now is to consolidate on the gains of this outing which has showed us the love Ogun people have for us.

We urge all to rally round the party leaders across all levels and re-strategise for the future while we continue with the struggle to expunge all sections of the 1999 Constitution that puts the conduct of local elections in the hands of these governors in order to make our democracy hunt you to your grave? In any case, we shall seek legal advice on this infraction and get back to you.

Mr Osibodu did not respond to phone calls for comments.
The Ekiti State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has downplayed the 260,000 capacity cemetery inaugurated by Governor Kayode Fayemi, last week, saying that what the citizens needed was more hospitals.

It said instead of a cemetery, the demand is life-saving projects that could prolong their lives.

The opposition party stated that with this, it was evident that the governor was providing enough burial spaces for the victims of his bad policies.

Thef 260,000 capacity cemetery is the first public-private cemetery in Ekiti State,

It was commissioned by Mr Fayemi through the Environment Commissioner, Iyabo Okieimen, who represented him.

While reacting to the cemetery initiative, the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Raphael Adeyanju, said in Ado Ekiti on Sunday that the government wanted to profit from the high mortality rate occasioned by insecurity and bad economic policy of the APC controlled administration ,both at the state and the national level.

We are not surprised that Governor Fayemi has decided to make provision of cemetery his major priority since his administration is not interested in building good hospitals to promote sound health for Ekiti, he said.

This is a government that takes joy in taking food from the table of Ekiti people and watch them starve to death.

The PDP spokesman while describing the APC government as harbinger of sorrows and death, recalled that workers in the services of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, had met their untimely death because they were wrongly sacked by the administration.

He added that some teachers employed by the last PDP administration were also unjustly sacked while the subsequent recruitment exercise carried out by the APC government defied all sense of transparency and decency.

Many innocent job applicants that bought their employment forms and pass through rigorous examination were not given employment letters even after passing the interview, said Mr Adeyanju.

Many of these could not survive the shock of double standard of the APC.

We remember that this government relaunched its welfare program for the aged with great noise that brought nothing out. The school feeding program that was,launched by the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo is another fraudulent program of this administration.

Mr Adeyanju, however, said the APC government had taught the electorate a bitter lesson never to sell their votes when next the party comes with money to buy votes.

This time around, the people will not trade off their mandates and no amount of intimidation and violence will work for the APC. Ekiti people know that the APC is a party that doesnt believe in a free and fair election, he added.

Mrs Okieimen, while commissioning the cemetery, had submitted that the initiative was to encourage private investors to invest their hard-earned monies in the state .

She said although it was a partnership between the state and the private sectors, it would largely be driven by private concerns.

She further said the initiative was aimed at discouraging people from burying their dead in their homes.

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With this investment by a private body, Ekiti is no longer a rural setting. In USA, Britain and other European countries , you cant just bury your dead at home, she explained.

Aside the fact that it causes ground water pollution, it devalues our buildings and reduces its aesthetic values.

This is a public-private initiative, but will be driven largely by the private owners.
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The police in Lagos have charged 48 Yoruba nation agitators, arrested during the July 3 rally, for the murder of a lady who was killed by a stray bullet during the event.

One of the agitators, Tajudeen Bakare, was accused of being in possession of a Beretta pistol and killing Jumoke Oyeleke, a 25-year-old trader who was hit by a bullet as police began shooting into the air to disperse the agitators. She died on the spot.

The police said Mr Bakare, 51, held the pistol with two live ammunition while in a 4Runner jeep with registration number LSR 322 FK.

The 48 agitators were charged with unlawful assembly, unlawful society, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

They were arraigned on a five-count charge before a Yaba Magistrate Court on Monday by the police after spending 23 days in detention.

Charges

In the charge sheet obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the 48 agitators, including Mr Bakare and others now at large were charged for the following offences;

Count 1

Did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit; murder, unlawful assembly, unlawful society and conduct likely to cause the breach of public peace and thereby, committed an offence punishable under Section 168 (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Count 2

That you TAJUDEEN BAKARE M, and others now at large, on the 3 of July, 2021 at about 10:00hrs at Ojota Area of Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one JUMOKE OYELEKE F with a Baretta Pistol hold in your possession during your unlawful assembly and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Count 3

That you TAJUDEEN BAKARE M, and others now at large, on the 3rd of July, 2021 at about 10:00hrs at Ojota Area of Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District while in 4 Runner Jeep with Registration No. LSR 322 FK was in possession of a Baretta Pistol with two life ammunition and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 330 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Count 4

That the agitators and others now at large, on the 3rd of July, 2021 at about 10:00hrs at Ojota Area of Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District did assembly in such a manner as to cause persons in the neighbourhood to fear and disturb, provoke the public peace and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 44 (1) (2) (3) (4) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Count 5

That the agitators and others now at large, on the 3rd of July, 2021 at about 10:00hrs at Ojota Area of Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District did conduct yourselves in a disorderly manner, likely to cause the breach of peace and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 168 (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Trader killed at rally

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Miss Oyeleke, a 24-year-old trader was hit by a stray bullet during the rally.

The police on July 3 attempted to disperse the peaceful rally at the Gani Fawehnimi Freedom Park in Ojota by firing guns and tear gas canisters into the air.

Several minutes after the agitators were dispersed, the deceased was brought by residents that she was hit by a bullet allegedly fired by the police.

Although the police had swiftly issued a statement saying its officers never fired a single live bullet at the rally and that the deceased had been killed before the rally, the post-mortem report of the deceased countered the claims of the police.

The post-mortem of Ms Oyeleke revealed that she died around 11:30 a.m. on July 3 of hemopericardium, disruption to the heart and lungs and missile injury to the chest.

Although no bullet was found in the body of the deceased, the family demands justice for the deceased, adding that the police is yet to give the findings of their investigation.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has sworn in the 20 newly elected local government councils chairmen of the state, following their victory at the July 24 poll.

Speaking during the ceremony in Abeokuta on Monday, Mr Abiodun promised to provide good governance which would continue to strengthen the local government administration in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC won all the chairmanship seats in all the 20 councils in the state.

Some opposition parties rejected the outcome of the election and threatened to institute legal action.

He said the election could have taken place earlier but for the outbreak of COVID-19 and the need to adhere strictly to the prevention protocols.

He added that their assumption of office should bring a new vista of development to the people at the grassroots.

Mr Abiodun charged them to be inclusive, transparent, accountable, fair, equitable, obey the rule of law, provide good governance and be judicious.

He urged them not to rely exclusively on allocations from the Federal Government, urging them to be creative in generating funds internally, as well as through the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model.

But in doing this, you can not afford to over-burden the people who are the essence and facilitators of your being in power.

You should take a cue from our approach at the state level by being cerebral, methodical, systemic and ensure strategic allocation of funds.

Let me assure you all that our administration at the state level will continue to support our council areas with funds where and when necessary.

We must understand that the democratic process does not end at electing representatives but also in helping them to do what we have elected them to do, he said.

The governor expressed optimism that the new chairmen would justify the confidence reposed in them by providing credible and quality leadership and services at their respective councils.

He reassured that his administration would continue to respect the autonomy of the local councils by giving necessary support to the chairmen to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

Earlier, in his goodwill message, the Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, Kehinde Olugbenle, urged the chairmen to seek counsel from traditional rulers in order to move the councils forward.

Yemi Sanusi, the state caretaker chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC ), appealed to the chairmen to embark on grassroot programmes.

Mr Sanusi said i was important to alleviate the suffering of the people at the grassroots level.

(NAN)

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Hoodlums reportedly killed one person while many others were wounded when they attacked Shoprite Mall on Ring Road, Ibadan, on Sunday night.

A witness, who preferred anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ibadan that the deceased was shot dead by the hoodlums at the entrance gate of the mall.

The witness said that people at the mall started running helter-skelter when the miscreants struck which led to the injury of an unspecified number of persons.

The witness said that the attempt by the hoodlums to use the opportunity to break the glass door of the mall to loot was unsuccessful.

He said the quick appearance of security operatives further prevented the hoodlums from gaining access into the mall.

I suspect those boys were members of rival cult group, trying to prove superiority here at the mall.

The incident started at a Club inside the Shoprite around 8:30 p.m. and those hoodlums later pushed themselves to the entrance gate where one person was killed, the witness said.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident in an interview with NAN on Monday.

The incident occurred; comprehensive investigations are ongoing to apprehend all the culprits involved; update will be provided in due course, Mr Osifeso said.

A NAN correspondent, who visited the Shoprite mall where the incident happened, discovered that the mall was under lock.

Also, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) personnel were stationed at the malls gate while nobody was allowed to enter.

(NAN)
PLATTSBURGH [mdash] Dr. Stephen Guy Hausrath's spirit set sail August 1st a heavenly voyage with the comfort of a gentle rain and a steady breeze off of Lake Champlain. His death followed a year- long journey with cancer. This last year made him understand why dealing with cancer is often ca
The al alfresco cafe will exclusively serve illy coffee throughout the summer until 30 th September 2021. The opening of the cafe coincides with the launch of an outdoor exhibition in Trafalgar Square showcasing over 20 life-sized replicas of some of the most famous and treasured paintings in the National Gallery's collection. Running from 3 rd of August to 2 nd of September 2021, the open-air exhibition will be part of London's Inside Out Festival  a celebration of art and culture produced to encourage visitors back into London's West End.

Visitors to The National Gallery will also be able to enjoy illy coffee at the illy Espresso Bar inside the Gallery until 30th September 2021. Here, alongside illy classics such as the eponymous Italian espresso, coffee lovers can also expect specials such as illy's Cold Brew, a 100% Arabica coffee cold brewed for 12 hours, which is naturally sweet, thirst quenching and offers a uniquely refreshing taste.

As part of the partnership illycaffe will also be supporting the upcoming Kehinde Wiley exhibition, which runs from 10 December 202118 April 2022.

Massimiliano Pogliani, CEO of illycaffe, comments: "Through this new partnership, illy extends its commitment to promote beauty in all forms, especially through contemporary art. For over twenty-five years the company has sustained art and culture, supporting artists, institutions, and international exhibitions. The beauty for which illycaffe strives is associated with the Ancient Greek term kalokagathia, which fuses kalos (beautiful) and agathos (good) to create a new meaning in which the goodness of the aroma and the taste of the illy's blend is combined with the beauty of the visual and tactile experience of our product. Contemporary art successfully embodies these qualities and sponsoring The National Gallery's Contemporary Art Programme is a source of pride for us."

Everything that is "made in illy" is about beauty and art, the founding principles of the brand, starting from its logo, designed by artist James Rosenquist, to illy Art Collection cups, decorated by over 100 international artists including Marina Abramovic, Louis Bourgeois, Mark Quinn and, most recently, Ai Weiwei.

See here for more information on illycaffe and The National Gallery

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1580490/illy_National_Gallery.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1499472/illy_Logo.jpg

SOURCE illy
China and Indonesia both fall a number of places in the index, indicating that it easier to do business in those jurisdictions, but they are still among the most difficult; Hong Kong is one of the easiest.

LONDON, July 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong remains a great place for business according to the Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI) by TMF Group, a leading professional services firm.

The report analyses key areas of business administration and compliance across 77 jurisdictions, from the time it takes to incorporate a company, to changes in tax legislation, policies around wages and benefits, through to the challenges of opening a bank account. In all, over 290 different criteria are factored into this year's rankings.

Second only to Denmark, Hong Kong is one of the easiest jurisdictions in the world in which to do business, mostly due to its openness to globalisation and simple rules. In the area of accounting, for example, the jurisdiction follows the Hong Kong accounting principle, which is closely aligned with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Another factor is that incorporating a business usually takes only one week, while only one governmental body needs to be notified. Firing an underperforming employee is a relatively simple process, requiring around 3-4 weeks. Hong Kong is also a digital-friendly jurisdiction: official legal entity documents do not require an official stamp, chop or seal to be legally effective,

The wider Asia Pacific region presents many challenges and opportunities. China is one of the biggest economies in the world but has always been among the hardest jurisdictions to do business in the world, but the recent trend shows this may be changing. The country dropped from 6th to 12th over the last year, with Indonesia following the trend, dropping from 1st to 6th. The latter is clearly showing a commitment to opening up to foreign direct investment, with the introduction of new laws to actively reduce the layers of complexity.

The contrast in the region is evidenced by South Korea and India featuring in the top 20 most complex jurisdictions, while Singapore, Australia and New Zealand are all closer to the bottom of the index so are simpler for business.

One interesting revelation from the report is that none of the region's jurisdictions allow employees to be dismissed without citing a reason. Globally, that number is currently at 20%, compared to 29% in 2020, a fact mostly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of laws to protect employees.

Paolo Tavolato, Head of APAC at TMF Group, commented: "The Asia Pacific region is marked by its great diversity and opportunities. In general, countries in the region have been trying to apply more business-friendly legislations. Hong Kong is a hub for businesses in APAC, and it has simplified even more its corporate environment. Challenges are still very present in countries like China and Indonesia, but it is my belief that the investment opportunities are enough to attract companies and investors".

Top and bottom ten

1. Brazil

2. France

3. Mexico

4. Colombia

5. Turkey

6. Indonesia

7. Argentina

8. Bolivia

9. Costa Rica

10. Poland

68. Mauritius

69. El Salvador

70. The Netherlands

71. United States

72. British Virgin Islands

73. Curacao

74. Ireland

75. Cayman Islands

76. Hong Kong

77. Denmark



For further information, please contact:

Giampaolo Arghittu, Global External Communications Manager, TMF Group

[email protected]

D: +44-7983-314-989

Daniel Resendes, External Communication Executive, TMF Group,

E: [email protected]

T: +55-11-978-923-227

About TMF Group

Our 9,100 experts and 120 offices in 85 jurisdictions worldwide serve corporates, financial institutions, asset managers, private clients and family offices, providing the combination of accounting, tax, payroll, fund administration, compliance and entity management services essential to global business success.

We know how to unlock access to the world's most attractive markets  no matter how complex  swiftly, safely and efficiently. That's why more than 60% of the Fortune Global 500 and FTSE 100, and almost half the top 300 private equity firms, work with us. Our unique global delivery model, underpinned by our innovative digital platforms, means we can cover sectors as diverse as capital markets, private equity, real estate, pharmaceuticals, energy and technology, with experts on the ground providing local support.

With year-on-year growth averaging 8% since 2013, TMF Group is a trusted and reliable partner. Whether operating across one border or many, with a handful of staff or several thousand, we have the business-critical support you need to expand, operate and grow while remaining compliant, everywhere.

TMF Group  we make a complex world simple.

www.tmf-group.com

Related Links

https://www.tmf-group.com/



SOURCE TMF Group
BARCELONA, Spain, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Almirall, S.A. (BME: ALM), the global biopharmaceutical company based in Barcelona, has announced its H1 2021 financial results.

Summary of results H1

Core Net Sales* reached 415.5 MM, an 8% year-on-year increase with positive contribution by Growth Drivers

reached 415.5 MM, an 8% year-on-year increase with positive contribution by Growth Drivers Core EBITDA** increased 40.4% year-on-year to 125.6 MM driven by positive contribution from Growth Drivers

increased 40.4% year-on-year to 125.6 MM driven by positive contribution from Growth Drivers Normalised net income 57.8 MM

57.8 MM Net Loss of 42.8 MM due to an impairment of c.100 MM for the carrying value of the intangible asset for Seysara (69 MM), the US Legacy Portfolio (22 MM), and the Bioniz option payment which was not exercised (12 MM)

of 42.8 MM due to an impairment of c.100 MM for the carrying value of the intangible asset for Seysara (69 MM), the US Legacy Portfolio (22 MM), and the Bioniz option payment which was not exercised (12 MM) Operating Cash Flow reached 109.8 MM

*Core Net Sales excludes AstraZeneca Deferred Income

**Core EBITDA excludes AstraZeneca Deferred Income and Other Income

"We see a strong year-to-date performance demonstrating good momentum of our European dermatology business. Our solid results confirm that we are progressing as expected with an innovative pipeline focused on unlocking significant mid-term potential through important catalysts this year and in 2022. This has allowed us to upgrade our Core EBITDA Guidance for 2021.





I am very confident about the direction of the company and its performance. We are preparing important launches in H2 and we continue to look for bolt-on licensing deals that reinforce our core business and generate sustainable value for shareholders."

Gianfranco Nazzi, CEO

Growth Drivers Performance in H1

Psoriasis

Ilumetri, an anti-IL-23 high-affinity humanised monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, maintained a strong performance during Q2 with impressive year-on-year unit growth and excellent quarterly momentum, resulting in more than doubling of Net Sales growth year-on-year to achieve 20 MM this quarter. Growth trends remain strong in Germany, gaining new patients share and the product is starting to gain traction in France, a strategic market which represents the second-largest biologic psoriasis market in Europe. Almirall continues developing an extensive EU rollout campaign supported by long-term data that confirms Ilumetri's efficacy and safety profile.

Actinic Keratosis (AK)

After its launch in the US in February 2021, the initial rollout of Klisyri, a novel, first-in-class microtubule inhibitor indicated for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) of the face or scalp, continues to progress well. Klisyri represents a significant improvement in the treatment of this disease due to its short treatment protocol -one application daily for 5 days-, proven efficacy, and safety profile.

Recently, Almirall received the European Commission's approval of Klisyri. This approval represents a big opportunity for the company as the reported prevalence of AK in the European population is around 18% and its incidence is rising with the aging population and increasing levels of outdoor activity[ii]. The launch of the product in Europe is expected in H2 2021.

Acne

Seysara, an innovative oral antibiotic derived from tetracycline and specifically designed to treat acne, improved its market share in the OAB market (c. 4.4%) and increased prescriptions, which entailed an increase of Net Sales by 78% year-on-year. As patient visits to doctors and hospitals increase when we see normalization from Covid, we expect an increase of Seysara's market share that will be driven with the microbiology label update, supporting the new promotional activity and medical education program. However, Seysara has been heavily impacted by the Covid pandemic and the company has recognized an impairment for the carrying value of the intangible asset for this product, which was acquired in 2018 prior to its launch in the US. The revaluation of the intangible asset reflects the lower future income expected from the product as a result of higher payer rebates and patient co-pay assistance needed to secure market access for the product in the US. Almirall has revised Seysara's peak sales potential to $50-75 MM.

Late-stage pipeline & Agreements in H1

Atopic Dermatitis (AD)

The initial phase 3 topline results of clinical trials for lebrikizumab, an anti-IL13 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), are expected in the second half of this year. 52-week maintenance data will be reported in H1 2022. Moderate-to-severe AD is a significant unmet need and lebrikizumab has the potential to be a best-in-disease therapy for people living with this disease. Lebrikizumab has a peak sales potential of 450 MM in Europe and Almirall is working with partner Eli Lilly on the launch in Europe, expected in 2023.

Psoriasis

Almirall is preparing the launch of Wynzora Cream (50 g/g calcipotriol and 0.5 mg/g betamethasone as dipropionate), a topical treatment option of mild to moderate psoriasis vulgaris in adults, including scalp psoriasis, in different European countries through the course of H2 2021/Q1 2022, after having successfully completed a decentralized procedure and received market authorization in France. Wynzora Cream has been designed to provide patients a new treatment option in their daily routines by combining into one single product the three essentials of a topical therapy (efficacy, safety profile, and convenience of use).

Onychomycosis

In June 2021, Almirall signed an agreement with Kaken Pharmaceutical (KKPCF) which grants the company the exclusive rights for the development and commercialisation of the topical formulation of efinaconazole in Europe. Efinaconazole is used for the treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail. Since it has a low binding affinity with keratin, the main component of nails, it has superior nail-penetrating properties.

Guidance for 2021

Full year Core Guidance updated. Core Net Sales* mid-single-digit growth, Core EBITDA** between 195 - 215 MM (previously between 190 - 210 MM).

*Core Net Sales excludes AstraZeneca Deferred Income

**Core EBITDA excludes AstraZeneca Deferred Income and Other Income

[i] Wynzora is the approved brand name in the US and France.

[ii] Chetty P, Choi F, Mitchell T. Primary care review of actinic keratosis and its therapeutic options: a global perspective. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2015; 5(1): 19-35

SOURCE Almirall, S.A.
Analyst firm Forrester says 75% of all application development will use low-code platforms by the end of this year, up from 44% in 2020. In Japan, the rapid decline in the size of its labor force makes the need for advanced automation even more urgent. In response, Gartner predicts the Japanese low-code market will grow by 21% in FY2021.

Appian delivers complete automation, uniting business process management (BPM), robotic process automation (RPA), and artificial intelligence (AI) in a single workflow. Appian simplifies workflow design, making it easy to automate the entire organization and improve business performance.

Appian Japan is actively collaborating with global partners including Wipro Limited. The partnership with Wipro focuses on a unique solution to mitigate End User Computing (EUC) risks for financial services institutions through an EUC remediation platform. Appian's partnership with Ridgelinez Co., Ltd., will help Japanese organizations accelerate process visualization, intelligent automation, and governance enhancement, for finance and accounting digital transformation. Appian Japan is also working with Pkutech Co., Ltd. to support digital transformation that unifies BPM, AI, and RPA for Japan's largest companies.

"We are excited to deepen our ties with Japan and its leading companies," said Hashimoto. "Appian's global customers trust us to accelerate and improve their most important business processes and automations, which helps them respond more quickly to change."

Contact Appian Japan here:

Level 8 Pacific Century Place Marunouchi

1-11-1 Marunouchi

Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo 100-6208 Japan

Office Number: 03-4578-0223

www.appian.jp

About Appian

Appian helps organizations build apps and workflows rapidly, with a low-code automation platform. Combining people, technologies, and data in a single workflow, Appian can help companies maximize their resources and improve business results. Many of the world's largest organizations use Appian applications to improve customer experience, achieve operational excellence, and simplify global risk management and compliance. To learn more, visit www.appian.com .

SOURCE Appian

Related Links

http://www.appian.com/


NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fact. MR in its latest report forecasts that the global biofuel market will register a CAGR of 4.8% between 2021 and 2031. With rising demand for green fuels, the overall market is set to grow 1.6X from 2021 to 2031, reaching a valuation of around US$ 226 Bn by 2031 end.

Depleting natural resources, increasing carbon footprints and growing demand for renewable energy for ecological sustainability are some of the factors driving the growth of biofuel market. Biofuels are considered as one of the cleaner fuel options than the conventional ones.

Access to cheap energy has become an essential factor to the proper functioning of modern economies. Countries across the world are continuously looking for fuel alternatives to cope with the rising energy insecurity. As a result, sales of biofuels are gaining momentum.

Similarly, in order to achieve energy security, governments across the world are bringing forth various reforms to promote the use of biofuel blend with conventional fuels. This has resulted in the expansion of biofuel market.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=6485

Rising environmental concerns along with governments' emphasis on the use of ecofriendly alternatives have led to the adoption of various biofuels. Biofuels are being increasingly adopted to meet the ever-increasing demand for fuel across various sectors such as transportation sector.

Technological advancements have paved way for the development of cutting-edge liquid biofuels as viable option to decarbonize energy sectors in a cost-effective way in industries such as road transportation, aviation, shipping etc.

Automotive manufacturers are continuously introducing energy efficient vehicles with biofuel-based engines. This has largely impacted the sales of biofuels. Moreover, the growing interest of shipping companies towards usage of biofuels is expected to impact the demand for biofuels during the forecast period.

Various feedstock such as corn, sugarcane and vegetable oil are used to produce biofuels. Among these, corn and sugarcane account for around 50% of the required feedstock for biofuel production.

Bioethanol dominates the biofuels market with a revenue share of around 65% in 2020, owing to its clean and harmless nature.

North America leads the biofuels market with an incremental opportunity of US$ 22.7 Bn. This can be attributed to the increasing utilization of biofuels in transportation sector.

"Biofuels will be the world's fast-growing source of energy during the forecast period. Consequently the focus on capacity expansion is at all-time high in the market. Companies will therefore focus on strategic collaborations as they aim for competitive advantage," says a Fact MR Analyst.

Key Takeaways from Biofuels Market Survey

The U.S is leading the market for biofuels as a result of increasing adoption of biofuels along with higher production of biodiesel-based engine vehicles. The U.S and Brazil together account for over 3/4 of global biofuel production

together account for over of global biofuel production With increasing demand for green fuels along with growing interest of fuel policymakers in alternative fuels, the biofuel market in China is set to register a CAGR of around 6% between 2021 and 2031.

is set to register a CAGR of around 6% between 2021 and 2031. Indonesia is forecast to register a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing investments in biofuel infrastructure to meet country's alternative fuel goal.

is forecast to register a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing investments in biofuel infrastructure to meet country's alternative fuel goal. Based on feedstock, corn-based biofuel leads the market with over 1/4 of over biofuel revenue.

Owing to its suitability in automotive applications, bioethanol dominates the global biofuel market with over 65% revenue share.

Key Drivers

Growing interest to replace fossil fuels with biofuels for a sustainable ecosystem is positively impacting the biofuels market.

Rapid production of biofuel-based vehicles is fueling the demand for biofuels.

Consistent supply of feedstock along with favorable government policies support the adoption of biofuels across various industries.

Rising interest of shipping companies towards utilizing biofuels is likely to drive the growth of biofuel market further during the forecast period.

Key Restraints

Rising concerns for deforestation as a result of expansion of sugarcane and corn cultivation area is hampering the growth of biofuels market to some extent.

Lack of awareness across developing and under-developed countries regarding benefits of biofuels is negatively affecting the growth of overall market.

Rise of electric automotive industry is hampering the growth of biofuels market.

Similarly, COVID-19 has also negatively impacted the growth of biofuels market. Sales of biofuel witnessed a year-on-year decline of -3.6% in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 impact.

To know more about our research on Biofuels Market, you can get in touch with our Analyst:

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=6485

Competitive Landscape

Key players operating in the biofuels market are shifting their focus towards developing less expensive and cutting-edge biofuels. They are adopting various organic and inorganic growth strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, advanced product development and collaborations to gain a competitive edge in the market. For instance,

In May 2021 , Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced its plan to build North Dakota's first-ever soyabean crushing plant and refinery in order to meet the fast-growing demand from food, feed, industrial and biofuel customers, including producers of renewable diesel.

, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced its plan to build first-ever soyabean crushing plant and refinery in order to meet the fast-growing demand from food, feed, industrial and biofuel customers, including producers of renewable diesel. In July 2021 , TotalEnergiespartnered with Veolia to accelerate the development of microalgae cultivation using CO2. The microalgae cultivated will be converted into next-generation biofuels with low carbon intensity.

, TotalEnergiespartnered with Veolia to accelerate the development of microalgae cultivation using CO2. The microalgae cultivated will be converted into next-generation biofuels with low carbon intensity. Similarly in July 2021 , Kemin Biofuels launched ZyloZyme AA for the production of bioethanol.

Some of the prominent players operating in the biofuels market profiled by Fact.MR are:

Bunge Limited

Archer Daniels Midland Company

Valero Energy Corp.

Petrobras

Butamax

Renewable Energy Corp.

Wilmar International

Algenol

Pacific Ethanol Inc.

Poet, Llc

Flint Hills Resources

The Andersons, Inc.

Raizen S.A.

Copersucar S.A.

Abengoa, S. A.

Alpha Biofuels

More Valuable Insights on Biofuels Market

Fact.MR, in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global biofuels market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2021 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections in Biofuels market with detailed segmentation:

By Biofuel Type

Biodiesel

Bioethanol

Others

By Feedstock

Corn-based Biofuel

Sugarcane-based Biofuel

Vegetable Oil-based Biofuel

Other Feedstock-based Biofuel

By Application

Biofuel for Land Transport

Biofuel for Shipping

Biofuel for Other Applications

Key Questions Covered in the Biofuels Market Report

The market survey also highlights projected sales growth for biofuels market between 2021 and 2031

The report offers insight into biofuels demand outlook for 2021-2031

Biofuels market share analysis of the key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, collaborations or partnerships, and others

Biofuels market analysis identifies key growth drivers, restraints, and other forces impacting prevailing trends and evaluation of current market size and forecast and technological advancements within the industry

Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the Chemical & Materials Domain -

Refuse Derived Fuel Market- The refuse-derived fuel market has seen a minor upswing in growth, and the status quo is anticipated to continue as innovative waste management options are highlighted in the face of rising municipal solid waste (MSW), lowering landfill strain. There are numerous opportunities in the refuse-derived fuel market, and key stakeholders are fighting to capitalize on them through organic expansion plans in developed markets and system digitization for improved performance. Due to the region's advantageous regulations and technological strength, stakeholders in the refuse-derived fuel sector are concentrating on consolidating their position in Europe.

Petrochemical Feedstock Market- The global petrochemical industry appears to be improving steadily but significantly. Many factors influence how basic chemical capacities are added and used at the end of the upstream petroleum and gas sectors. Soaps, detergents, solvents, fertilizers, drugs, insecticides, and epoxy resins, among other industrial and domestic items, are made from petrochemical feedstocks. Because of its applications and developments, the global markets for petrochemical feedstocks are expected to grow in the future projection period.

Biochar Market- The global biochar market continues to have a highly fragmented competition structure, with a large number of unorganized firms holding the majority of revenue shares. A big number of market firms are utilizing their R&D capabilities to investigate the use of biochar in the generation of electricity and soil nutrient retention. Given the potential applicability and ultimate demand for biochar in addressing dry land concerns such as acidified soils and drought-related difficulties, stakeholders are focusing their efforts on raising farmer awareness in order to open up new market opportunities.

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United States

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SOURCE Fact.MR
MIAMI, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Azamara  the boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion experiences  today announced that Azamara Quest was the first of its ships to depart from Glasgow's Peel Port (King George V Dock), on the afternoon of July 26th, following thirteen months docked in the Scottish city.

For over a year, Glasgow has been a safe haven for three of Azamara's fleet, Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit, and in this time the ships and crew have enjoyed fantastic support from the local people and the authorities, businesses, including taxi companies, hotel owners and grocery stores.

Azamara President, Carol Cabezas comments, "We want to extend our thanks to Peel Ports for hosting the Azamara fleet and to the Glaswegian community who have not only welcomed our ships and crew with open arms but have also made an integral contribution in maintaining and preparing our vessels, ensuring that we can get back to doing what we do best this summer; connecting people to people; people with cultures; and people with themselves. As the ships prepare to return to the oceans, the generosity of Glasgow will be fondly remembered."

The ship sails for drydock in Cadiz, Spain to finalize preparations ahead of its return to service in August with five back-to-back Greece Country-Intensive Voyages; each seven-nights in length and a total of 18-late nights in port, including Santorini, Rhodes and Heraklion, Greece. Bringing the culture and heritage of destinations onboard, these sailings will debut a brand-new immersive onboard program for guests  Destination Celebration  the adaptation of AzAmazing Evenings.

"We've been honored to have had the three Azamara ships docked at KGV over the past year. Their giant presence has been a spectacular addition to the River Clyde scene, drawing sightseers from Glasgow and beyond," says Peel Ports Clyde port director Jim McSporran. "While we're sad to see Azamara Quest leave, followed soon by her sister ships, it is an encouraging sign that the gradual removal of Covid restrictions taking place will soon see the cruise industry return to its pre-pandemic scale of operations."

To book one of Azamara's Greece Country Intensive voyages, please visit: www.azamara.com/greecereturn

About Azamara

Azamara is an upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion experiences. Presently with three mid-sized ships sailing to all seven continents of the world, and an additional fourth ship scheduled to join the fleet in 2022. The boutique-style ships allow them to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller, less-visited hidden gems. Azamara's commitment to creating immersive experiences allows guests to travel deeper with longer stays, more overnights, and night touring. Guests can experience a boutique hotel at sea with inclusive amenities such as gratuities, select beverages, exclusive cultural events and more. For more information visit www.azamara.com .

SOURCE Azamara

Related Links

azamara.com


CALHOUN, Ga., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Buc-ee's, home of the world's cleanest bathrooms, freshest food and friendliest beaver, will open its newest travel center in Calhoun, Georgia, on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. A ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for 1:00 p.m. EST will celebrate the debut, which will be attended by local leaders including Mayor Jim Palmer of Calhoun, Gordon County Administrator Jim Ledbetter, and Gordon County Development Authority President Kathy Johnson. Doors will open to the public at 6:00 a.m. EST.

Located at 601 Union Grove Road just off I-75, Buc-ee's Calhoun will bring the same award-winning restrooms, cheap gas, quality products and excellent service that have won the hearts, trust and business of millions in the South for nearly 40 years to one of the most beloved coastal cities in the country.

Buc-ee's Calhoun marks the second Buc-ee's travel center in Georgia, and is approximately 160 miles west of the first Georgia outpost, located in Warner Robins. The two Georgia stores continue Buc-ee's multi-state expansion across the South, joining locations in Florida and Alabama. Buc-ee's first travel centers in South Carolina and Tennessee are currently under construction, while Buc-ee's continues to operate 38 locations across Texas, where it was founded.

Buc-ee's Calhoun will occupy more than 53,200 square feet and offer 120 fueling positions just outside its store with thousands of snack, meal and drink options for travelers on the go. Buc-ee's favorites including Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries will all be available.

"Calhoun is an ideal stop for folks making their way from central Georgia up through the gorgeous foothills of the northern part of the state, then on to Chattanooga in Tennessee and beyond," said Stan Beard of Buc-ee's. "It's a vibrant region, full of history and beauty, and Buc-ee's is thrilled to join such a special community."

Buc-ee's remains committed to providing a friendly, safe and fun stop for travelers everywhere. Buc-ee's Calhoun will bring at least 175 new, permanent, full-time jobs to the area with great pay, full benefits, 401k and three weeks of vacation.

About Buc-ee's

Buc-ee's is the world's most-loved travel center. Founded in 1982, Buc-ee's now has 38 stores across Texas, including the world's largest convenience store. Buc-ee's began its multi-state expansion in 2019, and has since opened two travel centers in Alabama, two in Florida, and two in Georgia. Buc-ee's broke ground on its first location in South Carolina in 2020, then broke ground on its first Kentucky and Tennessee outposts in 2021. Buc-ee's is known for pristine bathrooms, a large amount of fueling positions, friendly service, Buc-ee's apparel and fresh, delicious food. Originally launched and still headquartered in Texas, Buc-ee's has combined traditional quality and modern efficiency to redefine traveling for their customers. For more information, visit www.buc-ees.com.

High Resolution Photos Courtesy of Buc-ee's: CLICK HERE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel Austin, Hometown Social

[email protected]

713-305-0419

Related Files

Calhoun, GA Buc-ee's GRAND OPENING.pdf

Related Images

image1.png

SOURCE Buc-ee's
BOSTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Burns & Levinson has been named one of 140 law firms that general counsel at large companies recommend most to their peers according to BTI Consulting Group's "BTI Most Recommended Law Firms 2021: The Firms Top Legal Decision Makers Recommend Above All Others." The firms on the 2021 list earned their "coveted unprompted client recommendation" through "superior customer service" which is the "leading driver of law firm recommendations by General Counsel."

BTI's research found, "Superior service drives an unprompted recommendation four times (75%) more often than any other single factor." The five components of superior service include: delivering an excellent client experience, mobilizes quickly, easy to engage, develops custom solutions, and incorporates deep industry insights. Two other factors  legal prowess and providing value  also contribute to GC law firm recommendations.

"We are honored to be among this elite list of firms that GCs recommend most. Our firm's driving vision is to always go above and beyond to ensure clients' success," said Paul Mastrocola, co-managing partner at Burns & Levinson. "We are big enough to represent clients in complex and sophisticated matters, yet small enough to provide highly responsive, direct partner-level, proactive advice in a more cost effective and efficient way."

According to BTI, "Virtually every top legal decision maker looks to peer recommendations when first thinking of hiring a new law firm. Up to 64% of these decision makers hires the first firm recommended  even if this firm is recommended just once  hence the power of the unprompted recommendation. The peer-to-peer recommendation is serious business. Every recommendation is a personal statement about the type of provider  the commitment, service, quality, and demeanor  you are willing to endorse to a peer, from whom they would expect the same."

"At Burns & Levinson, we practice law differently. We offer clients a can-do entrepreneurial style of lawyering that we believe is unique to our firm," added David P. Rosenblatt, co-managing partner at the firm. "Our client service model is partner-driven, which means that clients work directly with our most experienced and resourceful attorneys to find solutions to their most complex problems."

The BTI Most Recommended Law Firms 2021 rankings are based solely on objective, unprompted feedback from the highest-ranking legal decision makers at large companies with $700 million or more in revenue. BTI conducted in-depth, telephone-based interviews from April 3, 2020 to June 17, 2021 with more than 350 GCs and their direct reports, chief legal officers, and other legal decision makers across more than 15 industry segments. Legal leaders were asked, "Which law firm do you recommend to your peers?" rather than "Do you recommend Firm ABC?" meaning named firms earned their recommendations entirely on their merit.

About Burns & Levinson LLP

At Burns & Levinson, we provide high-level, client-centric and results-oriented legal services to our regional, national and international clients. We are a full-service law firm with 125 lawyers in Boston, Providence and London. Our areas of expertise include: business/finance, business litigation, divorce/family law, venture capital/emerging companies, employment, estate planning, government investigations, intellectual property, M&A/private equity, probate/trust litigation, and real estate. We partner with our clients to solve their business and personal legal issues in a collaborative, creative and cost-effective way. For more information, visit Burns & Levinson at www.burnslev.com .

Contact:

Amy Blumenthal Kristen Weller Blumenthal & Associates Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer 617.879.1511 617.345.3555 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Burns & Levinson

Related Links

http://www.burnslev.com


"Hemp is a miracle crop  it removes carbon from the air, it nourishes the soil, it is renewable, and it can be used to produce biodegradable versions of an endless number of the goods we rely upon every day," said Delta Agriculture CEO George Overbey. "At Delta Ag, we have the technology to efficiently process all parts of the hemp plant  flower, grain, and fiber  and we are currently producing flower and fiber at scale, with capacity for seed processing not far behind. Delta Ag is currently the nation's top supplier of hemp, scaling at pace to eventually produce enough raw goods to be a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics and other non-renewable products that currently contribute to global pollution and waste. Delta Ag is harnessing the power of the hemp plant to make a carbon-negative future possible right here at home and one day, globally."

Following the 2018 Farm Bill's authorization of hemp production federally, and most recently the legalization of hemp farming in several states, Delta Agriculture possesses proprietary technology to process all parts of the hemp plant  flower, grain, and fiber  at scale. Currently operating more than 5,000 acres of farmland in West Texas, Kentucky, and Colorado, Delta Agriculture is on target to plant 10,000 acres this year and scale to more than 25,000 acres in 2022.

"As more and more companies seek to reduce their environmental footprint and cut their carbon output, Delta Agriculture is building the infrastructure to make that possible," said Delta Agriculture chairman John Paul Merritt. "Our team is applying a 'big ag' business model to usher global manufacturing into modern times  just as efficient but without the waste and pollution that petroleum-based plastics and other non-renewable goods inflict on our environment. We are providing manufacturers and retailers a real working solution to carbon offsets, rather than the ineffective short-term approach of buying carbon credits, and we are doing it while creating American jobs."

Delta Agriculture's "big ag" approach to the hemp industry is unlike any other in the market currently. Vertically integrated from genetics to raw goods to provide end-users with a consistent and stable supply, Delta Ag is the only company mass producing hemp for industries looking to transition to renewable raw goods as a means to offset their carbon footprint and reduce their industrial waste. Because of the hemp plant's short harvest cycle, Delta Agriculture can quickly expand acreage to meet industry demands as they arise.

The company utilizes proprietary genetics to maximize the effectiveness of their hemp seed, which is harvested and perfected at a 50,000 square foot genetics lab in Delta, Colorado  vertically integrated from genetics to raw goods in order to provide end-users with a consistent and stable supply.

Because hemp absorbs 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide directly from the environment with every 10,000 acres planted, Delta Agriculture's operations are carbon negative at the outset, offering the largest players in global manufacturing a raw good that is high in protein, renewable, and eliminates carbon waste.

To view and download Delta Agriculture's press kit, including new branding, fact sheet, hemp FAQs and executive leadership bios, please click here.

About Delta Agriculture

Delta Agriculture is the nation's largest industrial supplier of hemp raw goods. Paving the path to a carbon-negative future, Delta Agriculture utilizes the power of the hemp plant to create sustainable alternatives for non-renewable goods like petroleum-based plastics. With farming programs and integrated processing facilities across Colorado, Kentucky, and Texas, Delta Agriculture manages the production of hemp from genetics all the way to distribution and has proprietary, patented technology to process all parts of the hemp plant - flower, grain, and fiber - at scale.

SOURCE Delta Agriculture

Related Links

https://deltaag.com/


WASHINGTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac;NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation's secondary market provider that increases the availability and affordability of credit for the benefit of rural America, today announced that it will release its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021, on Thursday, August 5, 2021, after the closing of equity markets. A conference call to discuss the results will be held that day at 4:30 p.m. eastern time.

The conference call can be accessed by telephone or webcast as follows:

Dial-In (Domestic): (888) 645-4404

Dial-In (International): (862) 298-0702

Webcast: https://www.farmermac.com/investors/events-presentations/

When dialing in to the call, please ask for the "Farmer Mac Earnings Conference Call." This call can be heard live and will also be available for replay on Farmer Mac's website following the conclusion of the conference call.

About Farmer Mac

Farmer Mac is a vital part of the agricultural credit markets and was created to increase access to and reduce the cost of credit for the benefit of American agricultural and rural communities. As the nation's secondary market for agricultural credit, we provide financial solutions to a broad spectrum of the agricultural community, including agricultural lenders, agribusinesses, and other institutions that can benefit from access to flexible, low-cost financing and risk management tools. Farmer Mac's customers benefit from our low cost of funds, low overhead costs, and high operational efficiency. More information about Farmer Mac is available on Farmer Mac's website at www.farmermac.com.

SOURCE Farmer Mac

Related Links

www.farmermac.com


JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Blue, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan of Florida, is pleased to announce it has received a top score on the 2021 Disability Equality Index, the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide, further demonstrating Florida Blue's commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive work culture.

The 2021 Disability Equality Index (DEI ) Best Places to Work survey was completed by 319 companies nationwide. Florida Blue was among 191 companies to receive a score of 100, which it has received all seven years the survey has been conducted.

"Our mission to help people and communities achieve better health requires us to lead the way in creating a more inclusive and equitable society for our employees, members, customers and communities," said Pat Geraghty, president and CEO of Florida Blue. "This recognition is a testament of our diverse and inclusive culture, which is a true reflection of the diverse communities we serve."

This year, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was modernized to add new non-weighted questions about innovative technology to advance digital and remote accessibility; mental health and wellness benefits; paid caregiver leave; supplemental long-term disability insurance; accessible remote and in-person conferencing technologies, and flexible work options for people with disabilities.

Some of the company's recent achievements and initiatives include:

The introduction of digital wellness solutions to provide support and resources to help employees manage stress and improve their overall health and well-being.



The addition of paid caregiver leave for full-time employees to care for family members with a serious health condition, including an illness, injury, impairment or other physical or mental condition.



In 2020, Florida Blue and Florida Blue Foundation awarded a total of 28 grants to organizations that supported persons with disabilities, including Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center, and Mana-Sota Lighthouse for the Blind.

"In today's socially-diverse environment, we remain committed to breaking down barriers and taking bold action to foster a culture where employees feel empowered to bring their best selves to work," said Amy Ruth, senior vice president of Human Services Group and chief human resource officer at Florida Blue. "By embracing each other's differences, we are creating equal opportunities for employees to grow and thrive in their careers."

The survey measured culture and leadership; enterprise-wide access; employment practices; community engagement; supplier diversity; and non-U.S. operations.

The DEI was launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is acknowledged as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business.

About Florida Blue

Florida Blue, Florida's Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for more than 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve more than 28 million people in 45 states. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About the Disability Equality Index

The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion."

SOURCE Florida Blue
COOKIES products are expected to be available exclusively in Ontario via the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), the largest purchaser of cannabis in the world, by the end of 2021, before moving to wider distribution across other provinces. Gage will work with NOYA Cannabis Inc., a premium hydroponics production company awarded its grow and sales license from Health Canada in 2018, to bring to market hand-selected strains from rapper and entrepreneur Berner and his renowned cultivation partner Jigga. Such hand-selected strains include Gary Payton, Georgia Pie, Medellin, Lions Mane, Soap, Cheetah Piss, Blanco and more. In addition to iconic COOKIES strains, the partnership will also bring other COOKIES brands such as Lemonnade, Minntz, Runtz, Grandiflora, Powerzzzup, Run The Jewels and Collins Ave. to Canadian consumers. A COOKIES retail store is also planned to open in Canada by the end of 2021.

"For the past decade, I've put taste and experience first," said COOKIES founder Berner. "I'm thrilled to work with Gage, a company that is just as passionate about our brand as we are, to provide Canadian consumers with some of the best flower and cannabis products available in the world. It feels good to be in a position to diversify the current flavor profile on the Canadian market, with a planned flagship store in Toronto, I think the Canadian connoisseur will be proud to have COOKIES. NOYA already has our standards dialed in as far as cultivation goes, so this should make a smooth and powerful introduction to the COOKIES brand in Canada."

According to the Brightfield Group, legal cannabis sales in Canada grew 118% last year and are expected to grow another 60% this year. More importantly, sales in the legal market eclipsed that of the illicit market for the first time in Q1 2021.

"Working with Berner and his team to bring COOKIES to the Canadian market is validation of the painstaking processes we've developed at Gage," said Fabian Monaco, CEO of Gage. "The growth of the Canadian market creates more diverse and demanding consumers, and we're excited to bring one of the best-known cannabis brands in the world to customers across Canada."

About Gage

Gage Growth Corp. is innovating and curating the highest quality cannabis experiences possible for cannabis consumers in the state of Michigan and in Canada, 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 15 provisioning centers (dispensaries).

For more information about Gage Growth Corp., visit www.gagecannabis.com or www.gageinvestors.com .

U.S.

Instagram: @gagecannabis

Facebook: @gageusa

Twitter: @gagecannabisco

Canada

Instagram: @gagecannabisca

Twitter: @gagecanada

About COOKIES

COOKIES, founded in 2008 by Berner (the prolific Bay Area rapper and entrepreneur) and his partner Jai (a Bay Area breeder and cultivator) is more than a premiere cannabis company; it is an authentic lifestyle brand with passionate fans all over the world. The company went mainstream in 2011 and has grown its business through the combination of globally recognized premium genetics, popular culture resonance, and social media influence. COOKIES is constantly engaged in new breeding projects to launch differentiated brands and has quickly built a grassroots cult following while remaining loyal to its brand promise: authenticity and genetics innovation.

Today, COOKIES is one of the most well-respected and top-selling cannabis brands in California and throughout the world. The company and its product are recognized globally and offer a collection of over 150 proprietary cannabis varieties and product lines including indoor and sungrown flower, pre-rolls, gel caps, vape carts, CBD Flower and medicinal mushrooms. COOKIES' seed-to-sale business allows for complete quality control at every stepfrom cultivation and production to customers' end retail experience. With a deep commitment to restorative justice and progressive drug policy, COOKIES actively works to enrich communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs through advocacy work and social equity initiatives.

COOKIES

Instagram: @cookiesenterprises

Twitter: @cookiesglobal

Facebook: @Cookies_Global

About NOYA

Founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 2014, NOYA Cannabis Inc. is a licensed producer under the Cannabis Act. The company received its cultivation license in 2017, and its sales license in 2018. The company has positioned itself as a premium white label producer and is working with the biggest and best cannabis brands in the world. The company's mission is to distribute and cultivate premium craft cannabis to match the needs of the market.

For more information on NOYA Cannabis Inc. visit www.noyagrow.ca.

Instagram: @NoyaGrow

Twitter: @NoyaGrow

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.

Explanatory Note Regarding the Company's Operations

References in this news release to the Company and its operations and portfolio 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 .

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as, "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "expect", "anticipate", "believe, "intend", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate", "outlook" and other similar expressions, and include statements with respect to future sales of COOKIES products in Canada and timing thereof, expected COOKIES store openings in Canada and expectations regarding the growth of the Canadian cannabis market. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors relevant in the circumstances, including assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions, the current and future regulatory environment; and the availability of licenses, approvals and permits.

Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information including, but not limited to, those 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 statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Gage Cannabis Co.

Related Links

https://gageusa.com/


CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (NYSE:JELD) today announced that John Linker, chief financial officer, will participate in a fireside chat discussion at the Jefferies Virtual Industrials Conference on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

Gary S. Michel, president and chief executive officer, will participate in a virtual fireside chat discussion at the Barclays Select Series: Building and Building Products Conference on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. EDT.

A link to the audio webcasts for both conferences, along with replay and additional information, will be available on the investor relations portion of the company's website at https://investors.jeld-wen.com.

About JELD-WEN

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., JELD-WEN is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance interior and exterior building products, offering one of the broadest selections of windows, interior and exterior doors, and wall systems. JELD-WEN delivers a differentiated customer experience, providing construction professionals with durable, energy-efficient products and labor-saving services that help them maximize productivity and create beautiful, secure spaces for all to enjoy. The JELD-WEN team is driven by innovation and committed to creating safe, sustainable environments for customers, associates, and local communities. The JELD-WEN family of brands includes JELD-WEN worldwide; LaCantina and VPI in North America; Swedoor and DANA in Europe; and Corinthian, Stegbar, and Breezway in Australia. For more information visit www.jeld-wen.com.

SOURCE JELD-WEN Holding, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.jeld-wen.com


FORT COLLINS, Colo., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- It seems like no time has passed since the days when social media was a way for family and friends to share photos and life updates. Now, social media has become a place for people not only to share photos and life updates, but also to shop, leave reviews, make recommendations, and for businesses to market their products and services to a highly targeted audience.

In this case study , Marketing 360 shares how a wholesale distributor drove visibility and conversions with social media marketing. With the help of their marketing team at Marketing 360, this business was able to see just how valuable the right social media marketing strategy could be.

They saw 100K impressions, thousands of clicks, and hundreds of conversions in just a three-month period. Compared to the previous three-month period, the efforts put forth through social media marketing resulted in an incredible increase in conversions of almost 153%! Furthermore, they saw a 22% increase in impressions and a 20% increase in clicks and engagements.

The strategy? This social media marketing strategy consisted of two parts - a paid approach and an organic approach. During this period, the majority of their paid ad budget went to Facebook and Instagram ads. The campaigns were geared towards getting new leads, driving more conversions, and retargeted users who had previously engaged with their ads or on their website. Organically, they were posting on their social channels regularly to help drive more organic visibility.

This social media marketing strategy delivered big results, and the business will continue to implore these strategies.

Through many tools and integrated apps, plus the backing of a Marketing Success Manager, Marketing 360 makes it easy for small businesses to manage their business and marketing, all from one place while saving time, money, and tons of manual work. Learn more about Marketing 360 at https://www.marketing360.com/ .

About Marketing 360

Marketing 360 is a technology company that provides business management and marketing software and services for SMBs and franchises. The Marketing 360 platform gives SMBs everything they need to manage and grow their business from a singular platform, including the ability to  build a professional website, accept and manage payments, manage leads and customers, book appointments, monitor reviews, manage social media, syndicate business listings, manage content marketing, run multi-channel digital advertising campaigns, and more. Marketing 360 was founded in 2009 with the mission of enriching communities by helping small businesses grow, and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, with offices in Austin, Texas. Learn more about Marketing 360 at https://www.marketing360.com/.

Contact:

Farra Lanzer

[email protected]

970-541-3284

SOURCE Marketing 360

Related Links

http://www.marketing360.com


LIMA, Peru, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Orazul Energy Peru S.A. (f/k/a Orazul Energy Egenor S. en C. por A.) ("Orazul") today announced that it is extending the expiration date of its previously announced cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for its 5.625% Senior Notes due 2027 (CUSIP Nos. 68559B AA5; P7372B AA1) (the "Notes"), to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on Friday, July 30, 2021, unless further extended or terminated (the "New Expiration Date").

Holders of Notes who have not already tendered their Notes may do so at any time on or prior to the New Expiration Date, and any such tender will be entitled to receive the Early Tender Payment (as defined in the Offer to Purchase (as defined below)). Payment for the Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the New Expiration Date and that are accepted will be made on the Settlement Date, which is expected to happen on August 2, 2021. Notes validly tendered prior to 11:59 pm on July 26, 2021, the original expiration date for the Tender Offer (the "Original Expiration Date") and any Notes tendered after the Original Expiration Date and prior to the New Expiration Date, may be withdrawn any time prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on July 30, 2021, unless extended by Orazul.

Orazul stated in the Offer to Purchase that if the amount of Notes validly tendered in the Tender Offer is less than the Maximum Tender Amount, Orazul will be permitted to use any remaining Net Cash Proceeds (as defined in the indenture governing the Notes, the "Indenture"), for any corporate purposes (including distributions to its shareholders) to the extent not prohibited by and in compliance with the Indenture. As a result, following the Settlement Date of the Tender Offer, Orazul will distribute to its shareholders any remaining Net Cash Proceeds, to the extent not prohibited by and in compliance with the Indenture, which could result in a ratings decline of the Notes or otherwise result in a lower market price for the Notes. After giving pro forma effect to such distribution, Orazul's total debt to EBITDA ratio for the year ended December 31, 2020, unadjusted for the settlement of the Tender Offer, would have been 6.0x, based upon total debt of $550 million.

The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated June 25, 2021 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, including pursuant to this press release, the "Offer to Purchase"). Except as otherwise described in this press release and Orazul's July 12, 2021 press release that extended the Early Tender Payment through the Original Expiration Date, all other terms and conditions of the Tender Offer remain the same as set forth in the Offer to Purchase.

The Tender Offer constitutes an asset sale offer pursuant to the requirements of the Indenture, in connection with Orazul's sale in August 2020 of its indirect ownership in the transmission business companies, Etenorte S.R.L. and Eteselva S.R.L.

The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are described in the Offer to Purchase and remain unchanged, except for the Extension described above. Subject to applicable law, Orazul may further amend, modify or terminate the Tender Offer at any time in its sole discretion.

Furthermore, on June 25, 2021, Orazul published a press release stating that in the past weeks, the Inkia Group (Nautilus Energy Holdings LLC), through Orazul, received an indication of interest from a third party to acquire Orazul's thermal power generation and hydrocarbon businesses in Peru. In that context, in line with its strategy of generating value through portfolio optimization, the Inkia Group decided to initiate a sale process of Orazul's thermal power generation and hydrocarbon businesses in Peru. The sale process contemplates selling 100% of Orazul's indirect interest in its subsidiaries, Aguaytia Energy del Peru S.R.L. ("Aguaytia") and Termoselva S.R.L. ("Termoselva"). Aguaytia and Termoselva combined represented approximately US$51 million in revenues and $27 million in EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2020, in turn representing approximately 29% of Orazul's total consolidated EBITDA of $92 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. If the sale process of Aguaytia and Termoselva closes, after giving pro forma effect thereto, Orazul's total debt to EBITDA ratio for the year ended December 31, 2020, unadjusted for the settlement of the Tender Offer, would have been 8.5x, based upon total debt of $550 million.

The sale process will be subject to customary conditions applicable to transactions of this type, including legal and regulatory approvals. There is no assurance that the sale of Aguaytia and Termoselva will take place.

Orazul has retained Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Santander Investment Securities Inc. to act as Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is the Information Agent and Tender Agent for the Tender Offer. Questions regarding the Tender Offer should be directed to Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC at (800) 820-1653 (toll-free) or (212) 538-2147 (collect), or Santander Investment Securities Inc. at (855) 404-3636 (toll-free) or (212) 940-1442 (collect). Requests for documentation should be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (800) 370-1749 (toll-free) or (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers). This press release is for informational purposes only.

Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country, and the Offer to Purchase or any related documents have not been reviewed or approved by the Peruvian Superintendency of the Securities Market (Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores) or the Lima Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Lima). 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 is being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase.

This press release is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to purchase with respect to any Notes or any other securities. The Tender Offer is being made solely pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase. The Tender Offer is not being made to holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. None of Orazul, the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent makes any recommendation as to whether holders should tender or refrain from tendering their Notes. Holders should carefully read the Offer to Purchase and the related materials, because they contain important information, including the various terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender Notes and, if so, the principal amount of the Notes to tender.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are not based on historical facts and are not assurances of future results. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and estimates about future events and financial trends, which affect or may affect Orazul's businesses and results of operations. The words "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect" and similar words are intended to identify estimates and forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to forward-looking statements about the Tender Offer, including whether the Tender Offer is consummated in whole or in part. Although Orazul believes that these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, these statements are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are made in light of information currently available to Orazul. Estimates and forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and Orazul's future results may differ materially from those expressed in these estimates and forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and you should not place reliance on any forward-looking statement contained in this document. Orazul undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason.

SOURCE Orazul Energy Peru S.A.
BELOIT, Wis., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Louis Pinkham, Chief Executive Officer of Regal Beloit Corporation (NYSE: RBC), announced that the Board of Directors, at its regular quarterly meeting held on July 26, 2021, declared a dividend of $0.33 per share. The dividend is payable on October 15, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2021. The company has paid a dividend every quarter since January 1961.

Regal Beloit Corporation is a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of electric motors and controls, power generation solutions, and power transmission products serving customers throughout the world. We create a better tomorrow by developing and responsibly producing energy-efficient products and systems.

Our company is comprised of four operating segments: Commercial Systems, Industrial Systems, Climate Solutions, and Power Transmission Solutions. Regal is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin and has manufacturing, sales and service facilities worldwide. For more information, visit RegalBeloit.com.

SOURCE Regal Beloit Corporation

Related Links

http://www.regalbeloit.com


SHANGHAI, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric ("Shanghai Electric" or "the Company") (601727.SS and 02727.HK) shared the same stage with global companies for the Industry Intelligence Conference at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2021 (WAIC 2021) in Shanghai recently to discuss the benefits of industry intelligence and digital transformation. The annual Shanghai-based tech fest invites tech gurus and industry insiders to unlock insights, analysis and trends to shed light on topics such as staying ahead of change, supporting industries in AI integration, helping global elites and leaders to make better-informed decisions in an era defined by ever-evolving digital technologies.

At WAIC 2021, Shanghai Electric also reached a strategic partnership agreement with companies involved in the AI Investment Fund, which was launched in 2019 as part of an initiative of the Shanghai municipal government to support the city's pledge to build a "first-class AI innovation ecosystem." The cooperation will see Shanghai Electric providing digital solutions to facilitate the upgrade and transformation of smart factories, industrial parks and medical institutions in Shanghai.

During an Industry Intelligence Conference panel discussion, Ms. Yang Hong, Vice President of Shanghai Electric, said that the meaning of digital transformation rests on its tremendous potential in boosting efficiency and product quality and reducing operational expense. She emphasized that digital transformation is the best solution to help industries unblock bottlenecks when facing pressing challenges in terms of minimizing emissions and waste, maintaining low unit costs while ensuring high suitability.

"Shanghai Electric has a long history of innovating energy technologies and creating significant value for the entire industry. We have witnessed ourselves making countless zero-to-one technological breakthroughs and going through a metamorphosis to becoming a world-class enterprise with excellence and perfection at the center of our mission and vision," said Yang Hong.

"The industrial world is in the midst of transformation. As a future-focused tech company, Shanghai Electric embraces the Industrial Internet to create new digital solutions to help our partners seize the opportunity of tomorrow. With digital twins, artificial intelligence and big data technologies, Shanghai Electric aims to upgrade internal industrial production in an effort to refine our solutions for our partners, carving out a development path that will empower the future of the entire energy industry," she added.

In recent years, Shanghai Electric's efforts in driving forward the digital transformation of the energy sector have achieved multiple milestones. In June 2021, the company ranked 9th on the list of "2021 TOP100 Chinese companies promoting China's Digital Transformation" with an overall score of 85.42, according to Internet Weekly, a magazine managed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Shanghai Electric's Industrial Internet platform SEunicloud has now also been widely deployed in the wind power, gas turbine and other energy fields.

Since the launch of SEunicloud in 2019, the platform has improved through several updates. In late 2020, Shanghai Electric unveiled SEunicloud 2.0 featuring major improvements in terms of the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Intelligence (BI), and Creative Intelligence (CI). The 2.0 version is equipped with a new AI big data module capable of displaying data value and providing business analysis for a multitude of industrial scenarios, coupled with an upgraded BI module that enables fast data processing and intelligent analysis by navigating through huge datasets.

An agreement was inked between Shanghai Electric and Siemens Energy in June 2021, under which the pair will launch smart energy empowerment to support the development of smart energy in Shanghai. Located in Minhang District, the center will empower local power stations, small-and-medium-sized enterprises and the community with solutions  such as smart power plants, smart O&E, smart manufacturing and energy management system  that are aimed at bolstering Shanghai's digital transformation while reducing the urban carbon footprint.

SOURCE Shanghai Electric

Related Links

www.shanghai-electric.com


BEIJING, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sogou Inc. (NYSE: SOGO) ("Sogou" or "the Company"), an innovator in search and a leader in China's internet industry, today announced that it will report its second quarter 2021 unaudited financial results on Monday, August 9, 2021, before U.S. market hours.

About Sogou

Sogou Inc. (NYSE: SOGO) is an innovator in search and a leader in China's internet industry. With a mission to make it easy to communicate and get information, Sogou has grown to become the second-largest search engine by mobile queries and the fourth largest internet company by MAU in China. Sogou has a wide range of innovative products and services, including the Sogou Input Method, which is the largest Chinese language input software for both mobile and PC. Sogou is also at the forefront of AI development and has made significant breakthroughs in voice and image technologies, machine translation, and Q&A, which have been successfully integrated into our products and services.

For investor enquiries, please contact:

Sogou Investor Relations

Tel: +86 10 5689 8068

Email: [email protected]

For media enquiries, please contact:

Sogou Public Relations

Tel: +86 10 5689 9999 (61958)

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Sogou Inc.

Related Links

www.sogou.com


KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE:UHT) announced today that for the three-month period ended June 30, 2021, net income was $6.6 million, or $.48 per diluted share, as compared to $4.7 million, or $.34 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2020.

As calculated on the attached Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule"), our funds from operations ("FFO"), were $12.6 million, or $.92 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021, as compared to $11.4 million, or $.83 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2020.

Our financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2021 include a gain of $1.3 million, or $.09 per diluted share, related to the sale of the Children's Clinic at Springdale, a medical office building located in Springdale, AR, as discussed below. After adjusting the reported results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2021 for the $1.3 million gain, as computed on the Supplemental Schedule, our adjusted net income was $5.3 million, or $.39 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021.

The increase in our adjusted net income of $617,000, or $.05 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the second quarter of 2020, was due to: (i) an increase of $554,000, or $.04 per diluted share, resulting from an aggregate net increase in the income generated at various properties, including the income recorded in connection with the newly constructed Clive Behavioral Health facility, a 100-bed behavioral health care facility located in Clive, Iowa, that was completed in late December, 2020; (ii) an increase of $230,000, or $.02 per diluted share, in bonus rental earned on the three hospital facilities leased to subsidiaries of Universal Health Services, Inc. ("UHS"), partially offset by; (iii) a decrease of $167,000, or $.01 per diluted share, due to an increase in our interest expense.

During the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the second quarter of 2020, our FFO increased $1.3 million, or $.09 per diluted share. The increase was due primarily to the $617,000, or $.05 per diluted share, of increased adjusted net income, as discussed above, as well as an increase in depreciation and amortization expense, largely due to the depreciation expense recorded in connection with the Clive Behavioral Health facility.

Consolidated Results of Operations - Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, net income was $12.2 million, or $.89 per diluted share, as compared to $9.3 million, or $.67 per diluted share during the first six months of 2020.

As calculated on the Supplemental Schedule, our FFO were $25.4 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2021, as compared to $22.6 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2020.

After adjusting the reported results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021 for the above-mentioned $1.3 million gain recorded during the second quarter of 2021, as computed on the Supplemental Schedule, our adjusted net income was $10.9 million, or $.79 per diluted share, during the first six months 2021.

The increase in our adjusted net income of $1.6 million, or $.12 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2021, as compared to the comparable period of 2020, was due to: (i) an increase of $1.1 million, or $.08 per diluted share, resulting from an net aggregate increase net income, resulting primarily from the income generated at various properties, including the income recorded in connection with the newly constructed Clive Behavioral Health facility, and; (ii) an increase of $546,000, or $.04 per diluted share, in bonus rental earned on the three hospital facilities leased to subsidiaries of UHS.

During the first six months of 2021, as compared to the comparable period of 2020, our FFO increased $2.8 million, or $.20 per diluted share. The increase was due primarily to the $1.6 million, or $.12 per diluted share, of increased adjusted net income, as discussed above, as well as an increase in depreciation and amortization expense, largely due to the depreciation expense recorded in connection with the Clive Behavioral Health facility.

Dividend Information:

The second quarter dividend of $.70 per share, or $9.6 million in the aggregate, was declared on June 2, 2021 and paid on June 30, 2021.

Capital Resources Information:

At June 30, 2021 we had $258.2 million of borrowings outstanding pursuant to the terms of our credit agreement and $86.7 million of available borrowing capacity as of that date, net of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit.

On July 2, 2021, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement which increased the borrowing capacity to $375 million (from $350 million previously) and extended the maturity date to July, 2025 (from March, 2022 previously). We have the option to extend the maturity date for up to two additional six-month periods.

Divestitures, Acquisitions and Planned Divestitures:

During and subsequent to the second quarter of 2021, we completed two transactions and entered into two agreements, with non-related parties, as part of a series of anticipated tax deferred like-kind exchange transactions pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, related to the following properties:

Completed Divestiture:

Children's Clinic at Springdale: In June, 2021, we sold this medical office building ("MOB") located in Springdale, AR for a sale price of approximately $3.2 million, net of closing costs. This divestiture resulted in a gain of approximately $1.3 million which is included in our consolidated statement of income for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021.

Completed Acquisition:

Fire Mesa Office Building: In May, 2021, we acquired this building located in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a purchase price of approximately $12.9 million. The building, which is 100% leased under the terms of a triple net lease by a wholly-owned subsidiary of UHS, has approximately 44,000 rentable square feet. The lease on this building is scheduled to expire on August 31, 2027 and has two five-year renewal options.

Planned Divestitures:

Auburn Medical Office Building II  In July, 2021, we entered into an agreement to sell this 41,311 square foot, multi-tenant MOB located in Auburn Washington. The potential buyer of the property has the right to terminate the agreement for any reason until August 19, 2021, or later if extended subject to certain conditions. Therefore, we can provide no assurance that this transaction will be completed. The closing date on the sale of the property is scheduled to occur no later than November 1, 2021. The assets and liabilities related to this property are included in "Assets held for sale" or "Liabilities of properties held for sale" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2021.

Corpus Christi, TX  In July, 2021, we entered into an agreement to sell this 69,700 square foot, and currently vacant, former sub-acute hospital located in Corpus Christi, Texas. The potential buyer of the property has the right to terminate the agreement for any reason until July 30, 2021. Therefore, we can provide no assurance that this transaction will be completed. The closing date on the sale of the property is scheduled to occur no later than September 28, 2021. The assets and liabilities related to this property are included in "Assets held for sale" or "Liabilities of properties held for sale" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2021.

Disclosures Related to Certain Facilities:

Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus:

As previously disclosed, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UHS has notified us that it is planning to terminate the existing lease on Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus, upon the scheduled expiration of the current lease term on December 31, 2021. As permitted pursuant to the terms of the lease, UHS has the right to purchase the leased property at its appraised fair market value at the end of the existing lease term. However, UHS has proposed exchanging potential substitution properties, with an aggregate fair market value substantially equal to that of Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus, in return for the real estate assets of the Inland Valley Campus. The proposed substitution properties consist of one acute care hospital (including a behavioral health pavilion) and a newly constructed behavioral health hospital. The Independent Trustees of our Board of Trustees have approved the proposed property substitution subject to satisfactory due diligence and completion of definitive agreements. The effective date of the property substitution is expected to coincide with the scheduled lease maturity date of December 31, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the lease on the Inland Valley Campus, we earned $2.2 million of lease revenue during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021 ($1.3 million in base rental and $892,000 in bonus rental) and $4.4 million of lease revenue during the year ended December 31, 2020 ($2.6 million in base rental and $1.8 million in bonus rental).

Kindred Hospital Chicago Central:

Also as previously disclosed, the existing lease on Kindred Hospital Chicago Central, a 95-bed specialty hospital located in Chicago, Illinois, is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2021. The tenant of the facility notified us that they do not intend to renew the lease upon its scheduled expiration. We have begun marketing this property to potential new tenants. However, should this property be vacant for an extended period of time, or should we experience a decrease in the lease rate on a future lease as compared to the current lease, or incur substantial renovation costs to make the property suitable for another operator/tenant, our future results of operations could be unfavorably impacted. Pursuant to the terms of the lease, we earned approximately $780,000 of lease revenue during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021 and approximately $1.6 million of lease revenue during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2020.

PeaceHealth Medical Clinic:

The existing lease on the PeaceHealth Medical Clinic, an MOB located in Bellingham, Washington, consisting of approximately 99,000 rentable square feet, was scheduled to expire on December 31, 2021. In July, 2021, the lease was renewed for an additional seven year term, extending the scheduled expiration date to January 31, 2029. The tenant also has two additional five-year renewal terms. Additionally, the tenant has the right of first offer to purchase the property if the property is marketed by us; and the tenant has an option to purchase the property at the end of the lease term at the then fair market value.

General Information, Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors and Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust, invests in healthcare and human-service related facilities including acute care hospitals, behavioral health care hospitals, specialty hospitals, medical/office buildings, free-standing emergency departments and childcare centers. We have investments in seventy-three properties located in twenty states.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current management expectations. Numerous factors, including those disclosed herein, those related to the anticipated impact of COVID-19 on our financial results, as well as the operations and financial results of each of our tenants, those related to healthcare industry trends and those detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as set forth in Item 1A-Risk Factors and in Item 7-Forward-Looking Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in Item 2-Forward-Looking Statements and Certain Risk Factors in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021), may cause the results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Many of the factors that could affect our future results are beyond our control or ability to predict, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future operations and financial results of our tenants, and in turn ours, could be materially impacted by developments related to COVID-19. Such developments include, but are not limited to, the length of time and severity of the spread of the pandemic; the volume of cancelled or rescheduled elective procedures and the volume of COVID-19 patients treated by the operators of our hospitals and other healthcare facilities; measures our tenants are taking to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of government and administrative regulation and stimulus on the health care industry; declining patient volumes and unfavorable changes in payer mix caused by deteriorating macroeconomic conditions (including increases in uninsured and underinsured patients as the result of business closings and layoffs); potential disruptions to clinical staffing and shortages and disruptions related to supplies required for our tenants' employees and patients; and potential increases to expenses incurred by our tenants related to staffing, supply chain or other expenditures. There may be significant declines in future bonus rental revenue earned on our hospital properties leased to subsidiaries of UHS to the extent that each hospital experiences a significant decline in patient volumes. We believe that the underlying businesses operated by certain of our other tenants have been, at various times, either temporarily closed entirely or operating at substantially reduced hours. These factors may result in the inability or unwillingness on the part of some of our tenants to make timely payment of their rent to us at current levels or to seek to amend or terminate their leases which, in turn, would have an adverse effect on our occupancy levels and our revenue and cash flow and the value of our properties, and potentially, our ability to maintain our dividend at current levels. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and its impact on the economy, we may experience a decrease in prospective tenants which could unfavorably impact the volume of new leases, as well as the renewal rate of existing leases. The COVID-19 pandemic may delay our construction projects which could result in increased costs and delay the timing of opening and rental payments from those projects, although no such delays have yet occurred. The COVID-19 pandemic could also impact our indebtedness and the ability to refinance such indebtedness on acceptable terms, as well as risks associated with disruptions in the financial markets and the business of financial institutions as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic which could impact us from a financing perspective; and changes in general economic conditions nationally and regionally in the markets our properties are located resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not able to quantify the impact that these factors will have on our future operations, but developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse impact on our future financial results.

We believe that, if and when applicable, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share (as reflected on the Supplemental Schedule), which are non-GAAP financial measures ("GAAP" is Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America), are helpful to our investors as measures of our operating performance. In addition, we believe that, when applicable, comparing and discussing our financial results based on these measures, as calculated, is helpful to our investors since it neutralizes the effect in each year of material items that are non-recurring or non-operational in nature including items such as, but not limited to, gains on transactions.

Funds from operations ("FFO") is a widely recognized measure of performance for Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"). We believe that FFO and FFO per diluted share, which are non-GAAP financial measures, are helpful to our investors as measures of our operating performance. We compute FFO, as reflected on the attached Supplemental Schedules, in accordance with standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"), which may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not compute FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, or that interpret the NAREIT definition differently than we interpret the definition. FFO adjusts for the effects of gains, such as gains on transactions during the periods presented. To the extent a REIT recognizes a gain or loss with respect to the sale of incidental assets, such as the sale of land peripheral to operating properties, the REIT has the option to exclude or include such gains and losses in the calculation of FFO. We have opted to exclude gains and losses from sales of incidental assets in our calculation of FFO. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered to be an alternative to net income determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, FFO should not be used as: (i) an indication of our financial performance determined in accordance with GAAP; (ii) an alternative to cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP; (iii) a measure of our liquidity, or; (iv) an indicator of funds available for our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions to shareholders. A reconciliation of our reported net income to FFO is reflected on the Supplemental Schedules included below.

To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance these measures should be examined in connection with net income, determined in accordance with GAAP, as presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in this report or in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Since the items included or excluded from these measures are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance under GAAP, these measures should not be considered to be alternatives to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Since these measures, as presented, are not determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.

Universal Health Realty Income Trust Consolidated Statements of Income For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (amounts in thousands, except share information) (unaudited)



Three Months Ended



Six Months Ended



June 30,



June 30,



2021



2020



2021



2020

Revenues:





























Lease revenue - UHS facilities (a.) $ 7,265



$ 5,981



$ 14,397



$ 11,862

Lease revenue - Non-related parties

13,117





12,843





26,209





25,685

Other revenue - UHS facilities

207





221





433





435

Other revenue - Non-related parties

287





236





536





506





20,876





19,281





41,575





38,488

Expenses:





























Depreciation and amortization

6,951





6,381





13,738





12,761

Advisory fees to UHS

1,089





1,027





2,151





2,043

Other operating expenses

5,903





5,576





11,505





10,959





13,943





12,984





27,394





25,763

Income before equity in income of unconsolidated limited liability companies ("LLCs"), gain on sale and interest expense

6,933





6,297





14,181





12,725

Equity in income of unconsolidated LLCs

567





419





1,038





854

Gain on sale of real estate assets

1,304





-





1,304





-

Interest expense, net

(2,183)





(2,016)





(4,316)





(4,325)

Net income $ 6,621



$ 4,700



$ 12,207



$ 9,254

Basic earnings per share $ 0.48



$ 0.34



$ 0.89



$ 0.67

Diluted earnings per share $ 0.48



$ 0.34



$ 0.89



$ 0.67

































Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic

13,753





13,739





13,751





13,737

Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted

13,776





13,761





13,773





13,759

































(a.) Includes bonus rental on UHS acute-care hospital facilities of $1,648 and $1,417 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $3,343 and $2,797 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.



Universal Health Realty Income Trust Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule") For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (amounts in thousands, except share information) (unaudited)

Calculation of Adjusted Net Income



Three Months Ended



Three Months Ended



June 30, 2021



June 30, 2020



Amount



Per Diluted Share



Amount



Per Diluted Share

Net income $ 6,621



$ 0.48



$ 4,700



$ 0.34

Adjustments:

-





-





-





-

Less: Gain on sale of real estate assets

(1,304)





(0.09)





-





-

Subtotal adjustments to net income

(1,304)





(0.09)





-





-

Adjusted net income $ 5,317



$ 0.39



$ 4,700



$ 0.34





Calculation of Funds From Operations ("FFO")



Three Months Ended



Three Months Ended



June 30, 2021



June 30, 2020



Amount



Per Diluted Share



Amount



Per Diluted Share

Net income $ 6,621



$ 0.48



$ 4,700



$ 0.34

Plus: Depreciation and amortization expense:





























Consolidated investments

6,951





0.50





6,381





0.47

Unconsolidated affiliates

374





0.03





293





0.02

Less: Gain on sale of real estate assets

(1,304)





(0.09)





-





-

FFO $ 12,642



$ 0.92



$ 11,374



$ 0.83

Dividend paid per share







$ 0.700











$ 0.690



Universal Health Realty Income Trust Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule") For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (amounts in thousands, except share information) (unaudited)

Calculation of Adjusted Net Income



Six Months Ended



Six Months Ended



June 30, 2021



June 30, 2020



Amount



Per Diluted Share



Amount



Per Diluted Share

Net income $ 12,207



$ 0.89



$ 9,254



$ 0.67

Adjustments:

-





-





-





-

Less: Gain on sale of real estate assets

(1,304)





(0.10)





-





-

Subtotal adjustments to net income

(1,304)





(0.10)





-





-

Adjusted net income $ 10,903



$ 0.79



$ 9,254



$ 0.67





Calculation of Funds From Operations ("FFO")

































Six Months Ended



Six Months Ended



June 30, 2021



June 30, 2020



Amount



Per Diluted Share



Amount



Per Diluted Share

Net income $ 12,207



$ 0.89



$ 9,254



$ 0.67

Plus: Depreciation and amortization expense:





























Consolidated investments

13,738





1.00





12,761





0.93

Unconsolidated affiliates

736





0.05





579





0.04

Less: Gain on sale of real estate assets

(1,304)





(0.10)





-





-

FFO $ 25,377



$ 1.84



$ 22,594



$ 1.64

Dividend paid per share







$ 1.395











$ 1.375



Universal Health Realty Income Trust Consolidated Balance Sheets (amounts in thousands, except share information) (unaudited)



June 30,



December 31,



2021



2020

Assets:













Real Estate Investments:













Buildings and improvements and construction in progress $ 601,840



$ 605,292

Accumulated depreciation

(222,804)





(216,648)





379,036





388,644

Land

55,843





55,157

Net Real Estate Investments

434,879





443,801

Investments in limited liability companies ("LLCs")

9,067





4,278

Other Assets:













Cash and cash equivalents

9,733





5,742

Lease and other receivables from UHS

3,966





3,199

Lease receivable - other

7,250





7,504

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $17.0 million and $19.5 million, respectively)

11,071





11,742

Right-of-use land assets, net

8,899





8,914

Deferred charges and other assets, net

7,277





8,829

Assets held for sale

11,900





-

Total Assets $ 504,042



$ 494,009

Liabilities:













Line of credit borrowings $ 258,200



$ 236,200

Mortgage notes payable, non-recourse to us, net

57,902





58,895

Accrued interest

342





351

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

12,050





19,802

Ground lease liabilities, net

8,899





8,914

Tenant reserves, deposits and deferred and prepaid rents

11,100





10,842

Liabilities of properties held for sale

185





-

Total Liabilities

348,678





335,004

Equity:













Preferred shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

-





-

Common shares, $.01 par value; 95,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2021 - 13,783,442; 2020 - 13,771,287

138





138

Capital in excess of par value

267,951





267,368

Cumulative net income

692,934





680,727

Cumulative dividends

(804,632)





(785,413)

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income

(1,027)





(3,815)

Total Equity

155,364





159,005

Total Liabilities and Equity $ 504,042



$ 494,009



SOURCE Universal Health Realty Income Trust
The blood pressure monitoring device market will witness a positive impact during the forecast period owing to the widespread growth of the COVID-19 pandemic. As per Technavio's pandemic-focused market research, market growth is likely to increase in 2021 as compared to 2020.

With the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, organizations across the globe are gradually flattening their recessionary curve by leveraging technology. Many businesses will go through response, recovery, and renewal phases. Building business resilience and enabling agility will aid organizations to move forward in their journey out of the COVID-19 crisis towards the Next Normal.

This post-pandemic business planning research will aid clients to:

Recognizing the existing business model

Build Resilience by making effective resource and investment choices for individual business units, products, and service lines.

Conceptualize scenario-based planning to mitigate future crisis situations.

Download the Post-Pandemic Business Planning Structure

Key Considerations for Market Forecast:

Impact of lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, demand destruction, and change in customer behavior

Optimistic, probable, and pessimistic scenarios for all markets as the impact of pandemic unfolds

Pre- as well as post-COVID-19 market estimates

Quarterly impact analysis and updates on market estimates

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Major Three Blood Pressure Monitoring Device Market Participants:

A&D Co. Ltd.

A&D Co. Ltd. offers a lightweight and compact device that works on the oscillometric measuring method. It can diagnose white coat hypertension.

General Electric Co.

General Electric Co. manages patient flow by providing the right clinical information and well suits for neonate, pediatric, and adult patients.

Geratherm Medical AG

Geratherm Medical AG offers blood pressure monitors for regular blood pressure measurement at home and out of doors, assisting in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of hypertonia. The products include both upper-arm and wrist devices using the latest technologies.

If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extract FREE! Get report snapshot here to get a detailed market share analysis of market participants during COVID-19 lockdown: https://www.technavio.com/report/blood-pressure-monitoring-device-market-industry-analysis

Blood Pressure Monitoring Device Market 2021-2025: Segmentation

The blood pressure monitoring device market is segmented as below:

Product

Sphygmomanometers



Home-based BP Monitors



BP Transducers



BP Monitoring Consumables



Ambulatory BP Monitors

Geography

North America



Europe



Asia



ROW

The blood pressure monitoring device market is driven by the growing preference for home-based BP monitoring. In addition, the growing demand for ambulatory BP monitoring systems is expected to trigger the blood pressure monitoring device market toward witnessing a CAGR of 6.67% during the forecast period.

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Global Digital Blood Pressure Monitors Market- The digital blood pressure monitors market is segmented by type (stand-alone and integrated) and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and ROW).

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Market Drivers

Market Challenges

Market Trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendors covered

Vendor classification

Market positioning of vendors

Competitive scenario

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

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Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Report link: https://www.technavio.com/report/blood-pressure-monitoring-device-market-industry-analysis

SOURCE Technavio

Related Links

http://www.technavio.com


"Fear of COVID-19 infections and associated public policy measures continue to weigh heavily on the minds of patients of every age," says Jason Lane, M.D., ChenMed National Medical Director, Clinical Strategy and Outcomes.

Fear of COVID-19 and associated public policy measures continue to weigh heavily on the minds of patients of every age.

Board certified in both infectious diseases and internal medicine, Dr. Lane adds, "We are encouraging every grandparent, parent and young adult to keep asking medical providers this simple question when confirming their next doctor or dentist appointment: 'Are you and all of your care team members vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect me and our community?' Note the response and then decide where, when and how you will have your next in-person appointment. Remember telemedicine appointments may be an option - especially if you or your loved one has underlying health challenges, or is not yet COVID-19 vaccinated."

ChenMed, which presently operates more than 80 Chen, Dedicated and JenCare Senior Medical Centers in 12 states, has successfully vaccinated 100 percent of doctors and staff at over 70 of its practices by educating and encouraging care team members and patients alike through its ongoing and multifaceted VaxTheNation initiative.

"As a global-risk medical practice transforming care of the neediest populations, our centers are located in underserved neighborhoods," notes Faisel Syed, M.D., ChenMed National Director of Primary Care. "And, while 89 percent of seniors nationwide are now protected by COVID-19 vaccinations, less than 70 percent of the seniors living in underserved communities have been vaccinated to prevent COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths. We must stay focused on helping the most at risk."

The ChenMed primary care practices at which 100 percent of doctors and staff have received COVID-19 vaccinations include: 100 percent of Chen Senior Medical Centers in Miami; 100 percent of Dedicated Senior Medical Centers in Cincinnati, Houston, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay (Bradenton, Clearwater, Largo, Tampa, St. Petersburg); 100 percent of JenCare Senior Medical Centers in Louisville, New Orleans, and Richmond. "We're making great progress on getting all patient-facing staff vaccinated, and our company-wide goal remains 100 percent," explains Dr. Lane.

About the Survey

ChenMed has long captured monthly patient feedback using third-party vendors to capture the accurate patient experience data needed to help its primary care physicians keep nurturing outstanding relationships with members. For the month ending June 30, 2021, the Medallia Experience Cloud survey data shows a robust ChenMed Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 82.9 -- substantively higher than many best-in-industry 2021 NPS benchmarks reported by NICE Satmetrix (after collecting more than 65,000 email surveys) for iconic customer brands including Apple (60); Ritz Carlton Hotel (66); USAA (70); Alaska Airlines (71); and Costco Wholesale Corporation (80).

Medalia also surveyed 1,057 ChenMed patients in June, finding:

84 percent said it is very important for their medical care team to be COVID-19 vaccinated.

79 percent (average age 72 years) of seniors reported being more comfortable visiting a medical center when all staff is fully vaccinated.

Noting how NPS can vary by industry, region, or customer characteristics including age, income level, or time with your company, Dr. Syed reports, "Our doctors stay focused on earning trust every day by delivering truly personalized primary care. We give our patients our cell phone numbers. We encourage walk-in appointments. We really practice medicine differently, and the results are outstanding."

About ChenMed

For seniors most in need of care, high-quality health care often is beyond reach. ChenMed brings concierge-style medicine  and better health outcomes  to the neediest populations. Physician-led and privately owned, ChenMed is a provider of choice for some 20 Medicare Advantage health insurance plans. Operating more than 80 primary care medical practices for diverse populations of seniors, ChenMed results consistently include up to 75 percent drops in emergency room visits, plus 30 to 50 percent reductions for in-patient hospital admissions. A Fortune 2020 "Change the World" company, ChenMed brands include Chen Senior Medical Center, Dedicated Senior Medical Center and JenCare Senior Medical Center.

About Medallia

Medallia (NYSE: MDLA) is the pioneer and market leader in Experience Management. Medallia's award-winning SaaS platform, the Medallia Experience Cloud, leads the market in the understanding and management of experience for customers, employees and citizens. Medallia captures experience signals created on daily journeys in person, digital and IoT interactions and applies proprietary AI technology to reveal personalized and predictive insights that can drive action with tremendous business results. Using Medallia Experience Cloud, customers can reduce churn, turn detractors into promoters and buyers, and create in-the-moment cross-sell and up-sell opportunities, providing clear and potent returns on investment. www.medallia.com

SOURCE ChenMed

Related Links

http://ChenMed.com


BANGALORE, India, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Agrochemicals market is segmented by Product Type - Insecticide, Fungicide, Herbicide, Molluscicide, Others, Application - Rice, Banana and Pineapple, Other Fruit, Vegetables, Others. It is published in Valuates Reports under Chemicals Industry Category.

The global Agrochemicals market size is projected to reach USD 302.9 million by 2026, from USD 242.3 million in 2019, at a CAGR of 3.2% during 2021-2026.

Major factors driving the growth of the Agrochemicals Market are:

Increasing demand for food supply due to the rapid growth in the human population is expected to drive the agrochemical market.

Rising awareness regarding the advantages of agrochemicals such as higher crop yields, higher crop quality, lower labor costs resulting in more affordability is expected to propel the adoption of agrochemicals throughout the forecast period.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF AGROCHEMICALS MARKET:

Shrinking arable land and loss of crops due to pest attacks lead to wastage, posing a critical challenge to food and nutritional security. As a result, agrochemicals (fertilizers and a variety of pesticides) are widely utilized in agriculture, ensuring not only food and nutritional security but also bridging the gap between food production and consumption. Agrochemicals, such as insecticides and fertilizers, play a vital role as they have been shown to be a valuable resource for farmers all over the world.

Increasing R&D activities and cutting-edge advancements in farming technologies, as well as expanding farmer awareness of proper pesticide use, are creating profitable market potential.

However, the agrochemicals market might be hampered by rising environmental concerns caused by prolonged use of synthetic chemicals, increased health hazards produced by high toxicity of such chemicals, and worsening air, water, and soil quality caused by excessive use of synthetic agrochemicals.

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AGROCHEMICALS MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS:

Based on type, the market for herbicides in the pesticide type segment is expected to be the most lucrative. Herbicides are being more widely used around the world. As millions of people migrate from rural to urban regions, many developing countries (India, China, Bangladesh) are experiencing labor shortages. Herbicides are significantly cheaper and more commonly available in these nations than manual weeding labor.

Based on region, the market is dominated by Asia-Pacific, with North America expected to develop at the highest rate. In the agrochemical sector, price premiums and innovative environmentally friendly production processes are progressively growing. There is a growing need to strike a balance between using the greatest chemicals wisely and reducing their impact.

Asia-Pacific dominates the market, while North America is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market. Price premiums and innovative eco-friendly production methods are emerging steadily in the agrochemical market. There is an increasing need to balance the judicious use of the best chemicals and minimizing the impact of that use.

Agriculture's growth in emerging countries in South America, Africa, and the Middle East is paving the way for a slew of lucrative prospects for industry players. Furthermore, agrochemical producers' significant focus on product innovation is projected to give them a competitive advantage over their competitors.

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Segment by Type

Insecticide

Fungicide

Herbicide

Molluscicide

Others

Segment by Application

Rice

Banana and Pineapple

Other Fruit

Vegetables

Others

BY COMPANY

Syngenta

Bayer Crop Science

BASF

DowDuPont

Monsanto

Adama

Nufarm

FMC

UPL

LEADS Agricultural Products Corporation

Sinochem

Rotam

Production by Region

North America

Europe

China

Japan

Consumption by Region

North America

U.S.



Canada

Europe

Germany



France



U.K.



Italy



Russia

Asia-Pacific

China



Japan



South Korea



India



Australia



Taiwan



Indonesia



Thailand



Malaysia



Philippines



Vietnam

Latin America

Mexico



Brazil



Argentina

Middle East & Africa

& Turkey



Saudi Arabia



U.A.E

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SIMILAR REPORTS :

- Global Agricultural Pest Control Market Research Report contains Market Size, Market Share, Market Dynamics, Porter's 5 force Analysis, Segmentation, Regional and Competitor Analysis. Product-Type: Rats Control, Mice Control, Birds Control, Slugs Control, Snails Control, Ants Control, Cockroaches Control, Others, Application: Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Others.

- Global Insecticides in Agriculture Sales Market Research Report contains Market Size, Market Share, Market Dynamics, Porter's 5 force Analysis, Segmentation, Regional and Competitor Analysis. Product-Type: Weed Control, Control of Insects and Other Pests, Disease Control, Others, Application: Household Use, Public Health, Nurseries and Ornamental Crops, Industrial Weeding, Forestry, Lawn, Wood Treatment, Animal Health.

- Global Agricultural Biofungicides Sales Market Research Report contains Market Size, Market Share, Market Dynamics, Porter's 5 force Analysis, Segmentation, Regional and Competitor Analysis. Product: Agricultural Biofungicides, Product-Type: Trichoderma, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Others, Application: Soil Treatment, Foliar Treatment, Seed Treatment, Others.

- Molluscicides Market by Product-Type: Metaldehyde, Methiocarb, Ferrous Phosphate, Other bio-based molluscicides, Application: Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, Turf & Ornamentals, Others, Region: Global.

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Click Here To See Related Reports On Agrochemicals

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WASHINGTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomes the introduction today of a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives urging the European Union to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terror organization. In 2013, the EU -- encouraged especially by Bulgaria, which experienced a Hezbollah attack in 2012, and Cyprus, which foiled an attack being planned by Hezbollah operatives, also in 2012-- designated only the so-called "military wing" of the Iranian-sponsored terror group.

AJC has long advocated for governments to label the Lebanon-based Hezbollah a terrorist organization, and for applying sanctions against it. Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Lithuania, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States, as well as Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab League have all designated Hezbollah in its entirety as a terror organization.

"We encourage swift passage of this important bipartisan resolution pressing the EU to do the right thing and correct the fiction of a bifurcated Hezbollah it endorsed nearly a decade ago," said AJC CEO David Harris.

"Mistakenly believing it can tame Hezbollah's behavior, a proposition unsupported by evidence, the EU has created 'military' and 'political' wings within Hezbollah, when, in reality, it is a single, unified terrorist entity," Harris added.

In addition to terrorist activities, Hezbollah continues to engage in illicit narco- and weapons-trafficking, money laundering, stockpiling of explosives, and surveillance in European cities. Full designation by the EU would further delegitimize Hezbollah and hamper its ability to fundraise, recruit, and mobilize.

Designating Hezbollah in its entirety would empower European governments to take stronger steps to prevent the group from organizing and fundraising within EU borders. It would lead to the issuance of arrest warrants against members and active supporters of Hezbollah, the freezing of its assets in Europe, and a prohibition of fundraising activities on its behalf.

The resolution was introduced by Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), along with Representatives French Hill (R-AR), Ted Lieu (D-AC), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Joe Wilson (R-SC). This effort follows similar resolutions over the course of the last decade, strongly supported by AJC, that urged full designation of Hezbollah as a terror organization.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


STOCKHOLM, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alzinova AB (publ) (FN STO: ALZ), is today presenting data on the monoclonal antibody, ALZ-201, at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) held in Denver, USA and online. The preclinical data support the continued development of Alzinova's lead candidate, ALZ-101, which is further in development and is expected to enter the clinical phase with a Phase 1b study in Alzheimer's patients during the third quarter of 2021.

Dr. Anders Sandberg, Chief Scientific Officer at Alzinova, is presenting the scientific poster entitled: A novel A42 oligomer-specific antibody ameliorates the neurotoxicity of postmortem brain extracts from patients with Alzheimer's disease.

The poster features preclinical data relating to Alzinova's immunotherapy technology platform that specifically targets the oligomeric, neurotoxic forms of the amyloid- peptide (A) aggregates, which are considered to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease. The study was conducted in the context of a research collaboration together with Amsterdam University Medical Centers.

The monoclonal antibody, ALZ-201, which specifically targets amyloid A42 oligomers, neutralises the neurotoxicity effect although it only targets a very small fraction of all amyloid A. These data indicate that it has very high selectivity for the toxic form of the A peptide and a binding profile that differs from other known antibodies in the field. The selectivity may be a critical attribute for achieving a true specific therapeutic effect with favorable tolerability in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

"Based on the documented preclinical properties of both the monoclonal antibody, ALZ-201, and the clinical candidate, ALZ-101, we are now looking forward to the clinical development of the therapeutic vaccine, ALZ-101. This is an important step for Alzinova, in an area where the medical need is very high," says Dr. Sandberg.

Presentation information:

Poster number: 53659  on demand and displayed on the virtual platform from 3 pm CEST on Monday 26 July and throughout the duration of the conference. https://alz.org/aaic/overview.asp

For more information, please contact:

Kristina Torfgard, CEO

Telephone: +46 70 846 79 75

E-mail: [email protected]

The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 3:01 pm CEST on 26 July 2021.

About Alzinova AB

Alzinova AB is a Swedish biopharma company specializing in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease targeting neurotoxic amyloid- oligomers. The lead candidate, ALZ-101, is being developed as a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of Alzheimer's. Alzinova's proprietary ACC peptide technology enables the development of disease-modifying therapies that target the toxic amyloid- oligomers involved in the onset and progression of the disease with high precision. Alzheimer's is one of the most common and devastating neurological diseases globally, with of the order of 40 million people afflicted today. In addition, the antibody ALZ-201, in early preclinical development, was generated with the ACC peptide technology and the ambition is to expand the pipeline further. The company's Certified Advisor on Nasdaq First North Growth Market is [email protected], +46 768-532 822. For more information about Alzinova, please visit: www.alzinova.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/alzinova/r/alzinova-presents-preclinical-data-on-alzheimer-disease-candidates-at-the-aaic-conference,c3389256

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Alzinova
HOUSTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, a Harris County district judge signed an order requiring Crisco Operating to preserve evidence at the scene of a Humble, Texas, drilling site where a worker died on July 21. The incident happened Wednesday when Crisco Operating, an Austin-based oil and gas developer, allowed the floor of a derrick to fall onand killa worker who was located below.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the man was working on a rig located near the 7000 block of Winfield Road when then equipment fell on him. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

The Ammons Law Firm and Collmer Law Group filed suit Friday morning on behalf of the worker's widow and child. The lawsuit alleges that Crisco's negligence caused this preventable incident.

Within hours of the suit's filing, attorney Rob Ammons won a court order that requires Crisco Operating to keep the rig site shut down for the next week. While the incident scene remains protected by the court's order, engineering experts and the widow's attorneys will inspect and photograph the scene to gather evidence for trial.

The Ammons Law Firm has a nationwide personal injury practice focusing on tire defects, truck accidents, rollovers, consumer protection and product liability, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, post-collision fires, seatbelt defects, airbag defects, plant explosions and policyholder litigation against insurance companies.

SOURCE The Ammons Law Firm LLP

Related Links

https://www.ammonslaw.com


SELBYVILLE, Del., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As per recent research by Global Market Insights Inc., the global aramid fiber market is touted to record a valuation of $6.3 billion by the end of 2027, registering a CAGR of 9% from 2021 to 2027 with increasing demand for products that are durable, need low maintenance and give high performance.

Global Market Insights Inc.

The rise in product demand is driven by the polymer's unique properties like resistance to abrasion and organic solvents, ultra-high-strength, low flammability, and rigidness, which are expected to add to the rising demand for the product in the years to come. In fact, it would be pivotal to note that the market is expected to record massive gains from the safety applications alone, say about 35% of the aramid fiber market share over 2021 to 2027.

The strategic rise in product demand is urging aramid fibers manufacturers to invest heftily in various applications across diverse economies. Investments in Asian countries are one such move. The growth in the Asia Pacific aramid fiber market is expected to come from rising stringent regulations pertaining to flame-retardant materials and environmental safety. In 2020, APAC was valued at USD 700 million and is slated to record a CAGR of 8% through 2027. The factors driving this significant growth include a substantial rise in new procurements for armed forces, vehicles, and electronics.

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It is essential to mention that the global aramid fiber market is characterized by a gamut of applications. Some of the crucial application trends likely to transform the growth prospects of the overall aramid fiber industry are described below:

Heightened applicability in tire reinforcement

With automobile production and sales skyrocketing, the need for tire reinforcement is soaring to new heights. According to European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) statistics, approximately 77.9 million motor vehicles were manufactured worldwide in 2020. This estimate has also produced a surge in tire reinforcement, supporting a stringent growth in aramid fibers adoption.

Surprisingly, DuPont was one of the specialty chemicals firms, that introduced the concept of aramid fibers as a replacement to steel in tires to make them stronger and lighter. It has been observed that aramid usage in tires is expected to improve the fuel economy for commercial vehicles and subsequently reduce the dependence on oil. With such growing prominence, aramid fiber market revenue from tire reinforcement applications is touted to depict a CAGR of 8.5% over the foreseeable time frame.

Exceptional properties of aramid fibers to facilitate marine, aerospace, and industrial filtration

Special attributes of aramid fibers like durability, high strength, and lower maintenance, amongst others, are proven out to be beneficial for various industries including aerospace, marine, sporting goods, industrial, and more. In fact, the aerospace, industrial filtration, and marine industry captured a revenue stake of 10% of the overall market share in 2020.

Request customization of this report: https://www.gminsights.com/roc/812

Increased product utilization in frictional materials

It is vital to take note of aramid fibers' applications in several frictional materials like automotive and industrial gaskets, asbestos replacement, brakes and transmission friction parts, filament wound pressure vessels, brake pads, and others. Moreover, frictional materials accounted for 20% of the overall product demand in 2020. Besides, an increasing usability profile across the segment would impel the revenue share to grow at a rate of 8.5% through 2027.

The growth is further ascribed to the elevating demand for advanced materials to cater to trends of modernization in the global manufacturing sector.

All in all, boasting of immense utilization in safety applications, aramid fibers are estimated to hold major prominence in other application areas like industrial filtration, marine, frictional materials, and more. This stronghold in myriad application sectors would allow the aramid fiber market to grow profusely in 2021 and beyond.

Key industry participants in the aramid fiber industry are Teijin, Hyosung, Yantai Tayho, W. Barnet, Kermel, Kolon, Toray, Huvis Corporation, JSC Kamenskvolokno, Jiaxing Newtex, Beijing Landingji, And X-FIPER New Material. Industry players are focused on product development, merger & acquisition, strategic partnership & joint venture, and R&D investment strategies over the long run.

Related reports:

Aramid Honeycomb Market Future Business Strategies and Revenue Impact Analysis - 2026

Clear Brine Fluids Market Future Business Strategies and Revenue Impact Analysis - 2026

Aroma Chemicals Market Future Business Strategies and Revenue Impact Analysis - 2026

About Global Market Insights Inc.

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider. Offering syndicated and custom research reports, growth consulting, and business intelligence services, Global Market Insights, Inc. aims to help clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data that aid in strategic decision making.

GMIPulse, our business analytics platform offers an online, interactive option of exploring our proprietary industry research data in an easy-to-use and dynamic manner. Clients get to explore market intelligence across 11 top-level categories and hundreds of industry segments within them, covering regional, company level, and cross-sectional statistics that make our offering a stand-out for decision-makers.

Contact Us:

Arun Hegde

Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights Inc.

Phone: 1-302-846-7766

Toll-Free: 1-888-689-0688

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.gminsights.com

Related Images

aramid-fiber-market-statistics-2027.jpg

Aramid Fiber Market Statistics - 2027

SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc.
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) today announces the termination of its May 12, 2021 agreement to acquire certain Willis Towers Watson plc brokerage operations as a result of Aon plc and Willis Towers Watson plc terminating their combination agreement.

In conjunction with the termination announcement, Gallagher plans to exercise the special optional redemption feature of its $650 million tranche of 10-year senior notes issued on May 20, 2021. Additionally, Gallagher is evaluating opportunities to deploy its excess cash position through its merger program as well as possible share repurchases. The company plans to provide further updates on its second quarter 2021 earnings call on July 29, 2021 after the market close.

Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events and use words such as "expect," "intend," "plan," "potential," and other similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like "could," "may," "might," "see," "should," "will" and "would." You can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Gallagher's plans to redeem its senior notes, deploy its excess cash, and provide further updates with respect to these and other matters relating to the termination of its agreement to acquire certain Willis Towers Watson plc operations. Readers are cautioned against relying on any forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include risks that could negatively affect the success of our acquisition strategy, including the impact of current economic uncertainty on our ability to source, review and price acquisitions, continuing consolidation in our industry and growing interest in acquiring insurance brokers on the part of private equity firms and newly public insurance brokers, which could make it more difficult to identify targets and could make them more expensive, the risk that we may not receive timely regulatory approval of desired transactions, execution risks, integration risks, poor cultural fit, the risk of post-acquisition deterioration leading to intangible asset impairment charges, and the risk we could incur or assume unanticipated liabilities such as cybersecurity issues or those relating to violations of anti-corruption and sanctions laws; failure to successfully and cost-effectively integrate recently acquired businesses and their operations or fully realize synergies from such acquisitions in the expected; the current or a future economic downturn or unstable economic conditions, whatever the cause, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, or other factors like Brexit, worsening international relations, tariffs, trade wars, political violence and unrest in the U.S. or around the world, or climate change and other long-term environmental, social and governance matters and global health risks; volatility of the price of our common stock; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; and additional factors discussed in the section entitled "Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" in Gallagher's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021 and "Risk Factors" in Gallagher's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic currently amplifies, and in the future could continue to amplify, the risks, uncertainties and assumptions, reflected in such forward looking statements and risk factors. Any forward-looking statement made by Gallagher in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable law, Gallagher does not undertake to update the information included herein.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company has operations in 56 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Contact:

Ray Iardella

VP  Investor Relations

630-285-3661/[email protected]

SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Related Links

http://www.ajg.com


WASHINGTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AllAccessCon, in cooperation with author and editor Heidi Ruby Miller, hosted a virtual charity event July 24-25 to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Loaded with appearances by international bestsellers and award winners from around the globe, all funds generated by the readings, giveaways, and Q&A sessions are being donated to LLS.

Heidi Ruby Miller Like Sunshine After Rain chairty anthology cover art

"When someone I loved was diagnosed with stage 4 leukemia in the middle of the pandemic, I felt helpless," notes Miller. "The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was there for my family in so many ways that I wanted to help them in return and also give myself purpose."

From this near-tragedy she conceived a charity anthology titled Like Sunshine After Rain, to be released later this month by Raw Dog Screaming Press in hardcover and paperback.

"I did what I do bestI wrote and asked others for their writing. The only two requests: make it upbeat and short. My author friends did something extraordinary by experimenting with forms and genres, writing out of their comfort zones, and sharing personal, uplifting experiences. And they thanked me for it. Their willingness to search for the positive became an unexpected time capsule of perseverance during a time when we all needed it most."

Blood Cancer Stats During COVID-19

Statistics relating to blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia are in some ways bad, while also providing a glimmer of hope.

10% of new cancer cases diagnosed in the USA this year will be leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma this year

this year will be leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma this year Every 3 minutes somebody is diagnosed with a form of blood cancer in the USA , resulting in 1 death every 9 minutes

, resulting in 1 death every 9 minutes Due to improvements in care 5-year survival rates have doubled, or in some cases tripled, for blood cancers over the last 60 years

LLS employs a three-pronged approach to provide direct support, such as that received by Miller's family, as well as providing over $1 billion in research funding in addition to doing aggressive policy and advocacy work.

Featuring world-renowned authors

Because of pandemic restrictions the book launch was hosted virtually, with fundraising as an additional component. Michael Mehalek, Heidi Ruby Miller, and Arthur J. Rooney Award winner Jason Jack Miller, along with publisher Raw Dog Screaming Press, donated copies of their books to attendees.

Other authors and editors involved in the anthology include:

New York Times bestsellers Jonathan Maberry and Maria V. Snyder

bestsellers and USA Today bestseller Annette Dashofy

bestseller International bestseller Liz Coley

Amazon Charts bestsellers Cary Caffrey , Sasha Dawn , and Jennifer Foehner Wells

, , and Drue Heinz Literature Prize winner Randall Silvis

Bram Stoker Award winners Lee Murray , Christina Sng, Lucy A. Snyder , Sara Tantlinger , and Tim Waggoner

Award winners , Christina Sng, , , and International Horror Guild Award winners Michael A. Arnzen and Gary Braunbeck

and Asimov' s Readers Award winner Timons Esaias

s Readers Award winner Timons Esaias Pittsburgh City Paper Best Local Writer winner Brian Butko

Best Local Writer winner American Library Association Notable Book Award winner Lynn Salsi

Eugene V. Debs Foundation Literature Prize winner Eric Leif Davin

Full information and tickets can be found at https://hopin.com/events/like-sunshine-after-rain-book-launch.

About LLS

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. https://www.lls.org/

About AllAccessCon

AllAccessCon (https://allaccesscon.com/) is a Black-owned company founded in late 2019 to make live events accessible to everyone regardless of location, economic background, or disability. AllAccessCon maintains offices in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

Media contacts:

John Lawson

Founder, AllAccessCon

1 (301) 832-85321

[email protected]

SOURCE AllAccessCon

Related Links

https://allaccesscon.com/


HONG KONG, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bamboo Works announces its official launch as a premium business content provider (thebambooworks.com) with a focus on Chinese companies listed overseas. In a media realm increasingly divided between content creators and distributors, Bamboo Works is positioned as a creator of high-quality, analytical news, helping investors to better understand a large number of Chinese companies choosing to access global capital markets.

Bamboo Works provides premium content in both English and Chinese, and caters to the needs of publicly listed mid and small-cap companies that have strong investment potential but often go unnoticed simply due to lack of anyone writing about them.

"Investors nowadays are often overwhelmed by the vast universe of information at their fingertips. We are positioning ourselves as the one platform where publicly traded and pre-IPO Chinese companies can tell their stories in a credible way, offering them a new approach in their communications with stakeholders. We will also help larger companies to tell stories about their products and new initiatives that mainstream media often overlook," said Doug Young, a Bamboo Works co-founder with previous experience as senior Reuters journalist and managing editor of Caixin Global, the English edition of China's leading financial news publication.

Bamboo Works offers a wide range of content-centric services in print, video and other formats, from traditional news-style analysis to article and feature writing. It will distribute its offerings in English and Chinese on its own platform (thebambooworks.com) and on social media in both the U.S. and China. It will also distribute over branded channels on a rapidly emerging group of third-party news platforms such as the Seeking Alpha stock trader community in the U.S., and the popular Chinese Toutiao news and Futu stock trading platforms in China.

"As the landscape shifts, in addition to telling their stories in both new and traditional media formats, companies can rely on Bamboo Works to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of English- and Chinese-language publishing channels to get their stories in front of the people who matter most  investors," added Young.

Bamboo Works' founders bring more than a century of experience from global financial media and capital markets, with lengthy tenures at outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Alibaba, Hill & Knowlton and JPMorgan. They will use their experience as both journalists and in-house communicators, as well as understanding of capital markets, to help companies craft messages that will resonate well with investors.

Bamboo Works will provide its content services using its own editorial team, working with a network of industry veterans bringing combined experience from top global media including the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Bloomberg and the New York Times to help companies shape and write their stories.

Companies can choose from a range of options, including a new format allowing them to sponsor independent-style content that will facilitate their communications with different stakeholders. In addition to content creation, Bamboo Works will help companies create distribution strategies that take advantage of the growing choice of third-party platforms, and also help them design media friendly corporate newsrooms separate from corporate websites.

"With a truly East-West team of writers, strategists and translators, Bamboo Works aims to become a premier provider of in-depth business content for investors in both Asia and the West," Young said.

About Bamboo Works Limited

Bamboo Works (thebambooworks.com) is a premium business content provider with a strong focus on Chinese companies listed overseas. We aim at providing high quality, in-depth coverage to help investors and others to better understand this dynamic group of Chinese companies, in particular mid-cap and pre-IPO companies. Our platform aspires to help Chinese companies tell their stories in a credible way, offering them a new approach in their communications with stakeholders.

SOURCE Bamboo Works Limited
In the news release, Basil Street Announces Reservation Period For A+ Raise, issued 26-Jul-2021 by Basil Street over PR Newswire, there was an incorrect hyperlink at the end of the release (RESERVATIONS DISCLAIMER paragraph). Correct link is: https://www.seedinvest.com/Basil.Street.Cafe/series.b - and it has been revised in the corrected release below:

Basil Street Announces Reservation Period For A+ Raise

The gourmet pizza brand begins crowdfunding efforts after successful 2020 pilot program

LOS ANGELES, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Over four billion pizzas are consumed in the United States annually according to IBIS World. Coupled with the rise of the global kiosk market driven by consumer demand for affordable food options on the go, Basil Street is looking to change how Americans enjoy the Italian specialty. Through a patented, automated, cooked-to-order kiosk, and on the heels of a successful 2020 pilot program, the gourmand-focused brand announced today their official Regulation A+ round filing and commencement of their crowdfunding reservation period.

Following the brand's initial $10 million raise in April 2020, Basil Street recently completed a pilot program of their automated pizza kitchens (APKs) and received positive reviews from customers. The pilot consisted of five APKs in California, Texas, North Carolina, and Nevada. Patrons had the opportunity to experience the stand-alone kiosks' signature pies featuring fresh ingredients, utilizing a proprietary cooking process that in approximately three-minutes delivers a brick oven-style pizza experience similar to those found in one's local favorite pizzeria. Looking forward, Basil Street, a pizza kiosk brand that has received NSF and UL certification, plans to have about 50 APKs placed across the country by fall 2021 and aims to expand to up to 100 APKs by year end. Locations targeted for kiosk placement include universities, airports, and other high-traffic areas, further illustrating the growth potential and customer interest surrounding the technology.

"Automated food kiosks are accepted globally as a viable option for meals on the go. As the need for contact-free solutions rises in the U.S., we have successfully combined America's favorite meal with patented technology to deliver restaurant-quality food at the touch of a button," said Deglin Kenealy, CEO of Basil Street. "We are excited to take this next step and engage our supporters to become a part of the pizza robotic community through participation in our crowdfunding efforts. With over $47 billion in revenue generated in the U.S. Pizza Industry, the opportunity to transform this market is here."

Basil Street's APKs feature three rotating 10-inch Italian style, thin-crust pizza with a price point between $4.95-$14.95. Selections at each APK will vary and rotate, but include classic staples such as four-cheese, pepperoni, and supreme, alongside seasonal "Pizza of the Month" offers. All of Basil Street's pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and then flash-frozen to preserve nutrients, flavor and freshness before being cooked to order. The approximate three-minute cooking process utilizes their patented three-element non-microwave speed oven. The combination of patented oven technology and pizza quality creates a finished product similar to a brick oven pizzeria.

Basil Street's business model focuses on providing value and great tasting, high-quality, products for its customers. To ensure these values, Basil Street expects to restock machines frequently, utilizing among the best locally sourced ingredients to create a quality product for the masses.

For more information on Basil Street's automated pizza kitchens and updates on crowdfunding efforts, including required SEC disclaimer for all press coverage, please email [email protected]. Further information on Basil Street can be found on its website at www.basilstreetpizza.com.

Media Contact:

Jason Farhadi

The Brand Amp

(678) 313-0799

[email protected]

RESERVATIONS DISCLAIMER

Basil Street is accepting reservations for an Offering under Tier II of Regulation A. No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, it will not be accepted. No sales of securities will be made or commitment to purchase accepted until qualification of the offering statement by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and approval of any other required government or regulatory agency. A reservation is non-binding and involves no obligation or commitment of any kind. No offer to buy securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received without an Offering Statement that has been qualified by the Commission. A Preliminary Offering Circular that forms a part of the Offering Statement has been filed with the Commission, a copy of which may be obtained from Basil Street: https://www.seedinvest.com/Basil.Street.Cafe/series.b

SOURCE Basil Street
NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stila Cosmetics has a new retail home at the first ever Allure store located at 191 Lafayette Street in downtown New York City. The first of its kind beauty retail experience from Allure, the global beauty authority, Stila will be in good company as the store features more than 270 products from 150 different brands all previously featured in the magazine.

For over 25 years Stila Cosmetics has consistently churned out innovative products that combine traditional artistry with modern, chic trends. Each season the brand releases innovative products that easily translate from the runway to real life. At their heart, Stila believes that the right makeup can turn even the simplest look into a statement as authentic as one's signature. From the iconic Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner to the Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick and the Heaven's Hue Highlighter, Stila products have quickly become customer and Allure editor favorites winning several Allure Best of Beauty Awards in Allure's 30-year history.

"From the brand's inception, Allure has always been one of our biggest supporters and loudest cheerleaders," says Desiree Tordecilla, Chief Marketing Officer at Stila Cosmetics. "Each year the dedicated, knowledgeable editorial team has chosen Stila out of thousands of brands submitted as a Best of Beauty and Reader's Choice Award winner which has been integral to our growth over 25 years. As soon as we heard Allure was launching a retail experience and celebrating 30 years of beauty, we knew we wanted to be part of this amazing new venture, at the first Allure store. We cannot wait for our Stila fans and beauty enthusiasts to enjoy this amazing experience.!"

"As consumers begin to return to in-store shopping, innovation is critical for brands to cut through the noise. Allure Store is reimagining retail with an entirely new approach to beauty, combining its trusted editorial voice and unparalleled expertise to create a first of its kind, 360-degree immersive shopping experience. The store illustrates how much we can flex our powerful brands by extending Allure's iconic IP into a physical retail space," said Markus Grindel, managing director, global brand licensing, Conde Nast.

As Stila continues to grow and evolve with an ever-changing world, customers can now shop, experience and discover their new favorite Stila Cosmetics products at the Allure store daily from 11am - 7pm. The store will offer several unique technological touch points designed to give customers the most seamless shopping experience possible including virtual try-ons, QR codes to instantly learn more about the products from their mobile device, and more. Customers can shop and try on an assortment of cult favorite Stila Cosmetics products including Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, Heaven's Hue Highlighter and Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in our most popular, fan-favorite shades. For those unable to stop by the store, there is the option to shop the Allure store picks online at https://allure.shop, with same-day delivery available for those in Manhattan.

The Allure Store will feature a consistently rotating assortment of brands and products to give customers access to the best in beauty. Stila has officially signed on for a full year and will have a presence in the store through June 2022 with additional products and activations planned. For additional information on the Allure Store and the Stila products available please visit allure.shop or stop by the store.

ABOUT STILA COSMETICS

At Stila Cosmetics, artistry meets innovation, with a modern chic approach that translates from the runway to real life. For over 25 years, Stila has been inspiring fashion week makeup and creating artistry proven products that perform as promised, lasting from morning to moonlight, and that take a woman anywhere she dreams to go.

ABOUT THE ALLURE STORE

Allure Store is an experiential retail store by Allure, the global beauty authority. The store offers an editorial-led selection of the world's best beauty products and is designed to embody the future of retail by seamlessly integrating Allure's trusted voice into a 360-degree shopping experience. Allure Store offers a curated selection of makeup, haircare and skincare products all handpicked by the brand's very own beauty experts and have been previously featured in Allure. Allure Store operates as a partnership between Conde Nast and the STOUR Group. Allure is published in the U.S. by Conde Nast and in South Korea under license agreement with Doosan Group.

SOURCE Stila
Director of Logistics Rob Worcester  a volunteer who helps coordinate transportation and logistics for the more than two million sponsored veterans' wreaths shipped all across the country each December  and Don Queeney, WAA's Director of Trucking, presented members of the Bennett Family of Companies, with the award on July 24 at the 8th Annual Stem to Stone event held in Downeast, Maine, where the nonprofit is headquartered. It is also where the balsam is grown to make the veterans' wreaths sponsored by the public and placed by volunteers each December as part of the WAA's mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.

The James Prout Spirit of Giving Award is named in memory of James Prout, owner of Blue Bird Ranch Trucking of Jonesboro, Maine. Prout was the first person to volunteer to haul wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery when the program was in its infancy. The award is given annually to a deserving professional truck driver, company or organization that has supported charitable causes in a way that will affect generations to come.

Lee Gentry, Executive Vice President, Bennett Family of Companies, and Donna Padgett, Sr. Director of Financial Planning & Analysis Operations Manager accepted the award on behalf of Bennett.

"Wreaths Across America holds a special place in the hearts of the truck drivers, agents and employees of the Bennett Family of Companies," said Lee Gentry. Many of our team have served our country, have family members currently serving, or have known someone who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As part of our commitment to Patriotism, we have embraced the cause of Wreaths Across America - and of the National Cemetery that is closest to our company, Andersonville National Cemetery. It is our great honor to be a part of the Wreaths Across America family, to continue to Remember, Honor and Teach those around us about the brave men and women who we recognize during the holidays and at events like this throughout the year. On behalf of the entire team, we are humbled and grateful for this special honor."

Founded in 1974, Bennett Family of Companies is headquartered in McDonough, Georgia, and has seen steady and strong growth though out the years. Being diverse is a major part of their formula. Heavy hauling, Driveway services, Equipment Distribution, crane and rigging, Flatbed and Van Services are all a part of their business lines.

They have been awarded scores of times for their achievements and community support. Transport Topics' Top 100 for-hire Carriers, Commercial Carrier Journal's Top 250 companies, Truckload Carrier Association Highway Angel, and Atlanta's Top Women-Owned Business many times over.

Bennett Family of Companies has given back to the nation in many ways, from hurricane relief, to 9/11 response equipment transportation, there is little that they are not willing to do to lend their support, experience and assets to help those in need.

In 2018, this company added support of Wreaths Across America and Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia to their list of charities that they support, and has been hard at it since! They hold great sponsorship raising events that included the Atlanta Motor Speedway, various motor clubs, and law enforcement and others. The Wreaths Across Americas Transportation and Logistics team count on them to haul as many as 20,000 wreaths in support of the Mission.

The trucking industry is vital in helping WAA move the mission to more than 2,500 participating locations across the country each December.

"Without the trucking community and their generous donations of time and services, our mission simply would not be possible," said Don Queeney. "The work Bennett does year-round encourages new participation and support for the mission, not only in Georgia, but in the industry. They are true friends of the organization, for which we are grateful."

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization's mission  Remember, Honor, Teach  is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Press contacts:

Amber Caron

(207) 513-6457

[email protected]

Sean Sullivan

(207) 230-4599

[email protected]

SOURCE Wreaths Across America

Related Links

http://www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org


BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. and MARIETTA, Ga., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Trade Interior Solutions, one of the nation's leading providers of interior design, procurement, and project management services for hospitality providers, and its partner Blackford Capital, has successfully acquired the assets of Design Environments Corporation, a top interior design and interior architecture firm serving single and multi-family developments, collegiate housing and continuing care retirement communities (CCRC). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The transaction aligns two industry leaders into a single-source, national entity providing interior design, interior architecture, procurement, project management and installation services to a wider array of residential, overnight, and short-term rental owners and developers.

Marietta, Ga.-based Design Environments works across the country and is the premier provider of interior design and interior architecture services in the southeast region of the US. DEI will join Boston Trade, which has offices in Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco, as a division of Hospitality Consolidation Company (HCC), a Blackford Capital portfolio holding company. DEI's unique approach to providing a fully company-owned and managed turnkey solution to its clients has driven its evolution into the go to interior design provider for large regional and national developers.

"We are thrilled to add such a prestigious and well-respected company to our portfolio of services," said Greg Kadens, Chief Executive Officer at Boston Trade. "The synergies between our two organizations offer a unique advantage as a design-first procurement business that differentiates from the standard single thread procurement providers and with our international product sourcing capabilities, we believe we can add significant value to DEI's business model.

"With the addition of DEI to our family of interior design brands, we now have a professional staff of over 50 designers with expertise across a wide array of markets and project types. What makes this so compelling is the depth, experience and solutions we are now able to offer our clients," Kadens said.

There are no staffing changes expected for the 48 employees of Design Environments. Donna DeLuca, who founded Design Environments in 1991, will stay on as strategic consultant while Kristen Holloway will remain with the company as its president. The entire management team will also remain in place.

"The entire Design Environments team is excited about the opportunities that this combination presents," DeLuca said. "We strongly believe that Boston Trade will make a great partner in our continued growth and expansion."

Blackford Capital is an 11-year-old Midwest-based private equity investment firm specializing in helping founder-and family-owned companies supercharge performance by improving operations and implementing aggressive growth plans.

"With this transaction, we have advanced our vision for Hospitality Consolidation Company, so it is optimally poised to serve the rapidly changing hospitality and residential development industry while providing a platform for future acquisitions and expanded market share," said Martin Stein, founder and managing director of Blackford Capital and Chairman of Boston Trade Interior Solutions. "We are confident that the combination will create a dynamic company with an experienced and accomplished leadership team that will meet the future needs of its customers in new and exciting ways. Our vision is to become one of the most diversified FF&E providers across multiple industries with shared design, sourcing, and digital capabilities."

Dickinson Wright PLLC, Honigman LLP, and King & Spaulding LLP served as legal advisors; and Midland State Bank and Assurance Mezzanine Fund provided financing. Plante Moran provided deal structure and accounting services. Benchmark International, Moore Ingram Johnson & Steele, LLP, and HLB Gross Collins, P.C. represented the seller.

About Boston Trade International

Boston Trade has provided interior design and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) procurement solutions customized to the hospitality industry across the US since 1979. Boston Trade international merged with Vertically Integrated Projects on March 17, 2021. Headquartered in Bloomingdale, IL and with design and project management centers in Bloomingdale, Hudson, MA and Freemont, CA, Boston Trade Interior Solutions is a nationally recognized, industry leading, turnkey provider of professional design, procurement, project management and logistics services for the renovation and new construction of hospitality interiors. For more information, visit https://www.bostontrade.com/

About Design Environments

Design Environments, based in Marietta, Ga., is a nationally renowned interior design firm specializing in the interior architecture and merchandising of model homes, clubhouses, and amenity/sales facilities throughout the United States. Our highly skilled staff offers professional consultation in architectural detailing, space planning, lighting design and floorplan reviews through state-of-the-art CAD systems. The company also offers extensive warehousing and purchasing systems to ensure timely delivery and smooth installations. For more information visit http://www.designenvironments.com/

About Hospitality Consolidated Corp

Hospitality Consolidated Corp. (HCC) is the platform created by Blackford Capital to execute its growth strategy of acquiring leading interior design companies across multiple industries, including the hotel and hospitality industry, single and multi-family homes and other related industries while delivering efficiencies through economies of scale and through consolidated sourcing and fulfillment.

About Blackford Capital

Founded in 2010, Blackford Capital is a private equity investment firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Blackford Capital makes majority control investments in founder and family-owned, lower middle-market manufacturing, industrial and distribution companies. Currently, Blackford Capital has eleven portfolio companies. Blackford and their team members have received several recognitions over the past several years, including M&A Adviser Private Equity Firm of the year, Corp. Magazine Small Company of the Year (Michigan), GR Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year (West Michigan), numerous recognitions on the Inc. 5000 fastest growing private companies list and M&A Adviser Private Equity Professional of the Year (Martin Stein). For more information, visit https://www.blackfordcapital.com/

Contact:

Kourtney Rogus

Lambert & Co.

(810) 334-5282

[email protected]

SOURCE Boston Trade Interior Solutions; Blackford Capital

Related Links

https://www.bostontrade.com


LOS ANGELES, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Permit approvals to drill or rework new oil wells fell by 64% in the first six months of 2021 over the same period last year, giving Governor Newsom an excellent opening to more decisively transition off of fossil fuels, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance said today. The number of permit applications filed by oil and gas companies also fell by 52%.

The overall number of oil and gas permits approved under Newsom now totals 9,014 since he took office in January 2019, according to NewsomWellWatch.com, which is run by the groups and maps all California oil wells, with just 1,019 permits approved, by comparison, in the first six months of 2021.

"The market is the single most important factor suppressing permit applications, but Governor Newsom is also sending the oil industry the right signals by rejecting fracking permit applications and announcing an end to fracking by 2024," said Consumer Advocate Liza Tucker. "Governor Newsom now has a golden opportunity to seize the moment and come forward with a decisive transition plan off of fossil fuels that includes switching oil workers away from production toward desperately needed well remediation."

"Overall, rates of both permit approvals and counts of permit applications to drill new wells have dropped in 2021," said Kyle Ferrar, Western Program Coordinator at FracTracker Alliance. "While the market traditionally drives permit application counts, Governor Newsom now has the opportunity to reduce the expansion of oil extraction. Starting with a responsible setback for Frontline Communities of at least 2,500 feet from drilling operations, Newsom can limit new drilling and begin California's transition away from the stranglehold of big oil."

The biggest drop in approvals was for new oil and gas production wells and for new wells using more dangerous "enhanced oil recovery" techniques such as cyclic steaming and steam flooding. Those combined approvals fell 83%. (See Table 1 at:https://consumerwatchdog.org/energy/ca-permit-approvals-new-well-drills-are-down-64-first-six-months-consumer-watchdog-urges) Permit approvals to rework wells, including re-drilling, unclogging, and deepening, fell 36%. Combined that meant CalGEM approved 64% fewer permits across the board in the first six months of 2021 than last year.

Approvals of fracking applications dropped by three quarters, while the plugging of wells rose 31% over last year. "The number of approvals to plug wells exceeded the number of approvals to drill them and that is a positive sign that the era of oil in California could be starting to come to an end," Said Tucker.

The biggest decrease in permit applications was for drilling new oil and gas wells. Such applications dropped by 70%, while all applications fell 52%. (See Table 2 at: https://consumerwatchdog.org/energy/ca-permit-approvals-new-well-drills-are-down-64-first-six-months-consumer-watchdog-urges)

According to a chart of weekly permit application submissions for the first six months, permit applications plunged in mid-March when Newsom issued a Covid stay-at-home order and never recovered, with an uptick visible only in the last two weeks of June. (See Table 3 at: https://consumerwatchdog.org/energy/ca-permit-approvals-new-well-drills-are-down-64-first-six-months-consumer-watchdog-urges)

The pandemic and increasing pressure from environmental and corporate governance advocates, as well as shareholders and investors has created wind shear on rising permit applications, said Tucker. Last month, Reuters reported that Shell plans to exit Aera Energyits California joint venture with Exxon Mobil. Aera produces about 25% of the state's oil and gas. Shell has already sold off all of its California oil refining operations, some of which were connected by pipelines to fields. As oil prices have gradually risen this year, increasing numbers of oil producers are putting assets up for sale as investors pressure them to cut fossil fuel investments in favor of renewables.

California jurisdictions are not waiting for action from Governor Newsom. Culver City recently voted to phase out drilling and clean up wells in the Inglewood Oil Field within its borders by 2026. The Inglewood Oil Field is 18th largest oil field in the state and the second-most productive in the Los Angeles Basin.

In addition, the City of Los Angeles is currently considering zoning regulations to phase out oil drilling in the face of a five-year grassroots campaign led by communities affected by oil drilling and environmental advocates. The City Council is also pressuring CalGEM to close the Aliso Canyon gas storage facility in Porter Ranch that caused the biggest methane well blowout in U.S. history in 2015.

This month, an LA County Superior Court judge ordered the oil industry to pay more than $1.2 million in legal fees to three environmental groupsYouth for Environmental Justice, the South Central Youth Leadership Coalition and the Center for Biological Diversityand to pay over $1 million to the City of Los Angeles for bringing a retaliatory suit against the groups after they won protection from the city against neighborhood drilling. In 2019, a California appeals court dismissed the suit as a baseless attack on the groups. The LA County Board of Supervisors is also considering addressing the glut of marginally producing and idle wells in unincorporated areas of the county.

"These developments are putting the oil industry on notice that they no longer have carte blanche to pollute as they please and that policymakers and communities are going to rightly limit their extraction activities to protect public health and the environment," said Tucker.

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

Related Links

http://www.consumerwatchdog.org


Canada Nickel to participate in upcoming conference, announces additional land consolidation

TORONTO, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Canada Nickel Company Inc. ("Canada Nickel" or the "Company") (TSXV: CNC) (OTCQB: CNIKF), focused on advancing the next generation of nickel-sulphide projects, provides an update on several initiatives.

Presentation at Virtual Investor Conference

Mark Selby, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, will present live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com on July 29th. Canada Nickel invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts, to attend real-time, interactive presentation on VirtualInvestorConferences.com

DATE: Thursday July 29th

TIME: 12:30 pm ET

LINK: https://bit.ly/3hGKd6Z

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com

Issuance of Canada Nickel Shares on Acquisition of Mineral Property Claims

The Company is pleased to announce that it has entered into purchase agreements in June 2021 with various third-party vendors to acquire exploration assets comprised of mineral property claims located in the Timmins, Ontario region. Total consideration to be paid by the Company at closing under these agreements is 1.26 million Canada Nickel common shares and $25,000 in cash. Each of the vendors under these agreements will retain a 2% net smelter royalty ("NSR") in respect of the transferred claims, subject to a right of the Company to re-purchase 50% thereof (or 1% of the NSR). One of the vendors also retained offtake rights to purchase the ore, concentrate or other mineral products produced from this one property only, at market pricing. Such vendor will also hold a contingent right to receive a bonus payment (paid in cash or shares, at the Company's election) in the event the Company discloses a mineral resource pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 of 10,000 tonnes or more of nickel or nickel equivalent. The completion of these transactions is subject to customary closing conditions, including TSX Venture Exchange approval. The common shares issued pursuant to the above noted acquisitions will be subject to a four month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws.

About Canada Nickel Company

Canada Nickel Company Inc. is advancing the next generation of nickel-cobalt sulphide projects to deliver nickel and cobalt required to feed the high growth electric vehicle and stainless steel markets. Canada Nickel Company has applied in multiple jurisdictions to trademark the terms NetZero NickelTM, NetZero CobaltTM, NetZero IronTM and is pursuing the development of processes to allow the production of net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products. Canada Nickel provides investors with leverage to nickel and cobalt in low political risk jurisdictions. Canada Nickel is currently anchored by its 100% owned flagship Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Project in the heart of the prolific Timmins-Cochrane mining camp. For more information, please visit www.canadanickel.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of 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 information. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals, the future demand for metals, the results of drilling, inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property, environmental liabilities (known and unknown), general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, results of exploration programs, risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals, and the impact of COVID-19 related disruptions in relation to the Company's business operations including upon its employees, suppliers, facilities and other stakeholders. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Canada Nickel 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 law.

SOURCE Canada Nickel Company Inc.

Related Links

https://canadanickel.com/


LOS ANGELES, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital Group, home of the American Funds and one of the world's largest investment management firms, has joined the United Nations Global Compact initiative  a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices. The Compact is a call to companies globally to align their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of the UN goals. These are embodied in its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which address many of the world's most pressing needs and apply to all nations.

"The UN's Sustainable Development Goals are a critical framework for asset managers and the companies we invest in to quantify their impact," said Jessica Ground, Capital Group's Global Head of ESG. "By leveraging the SDGs, we will add further focus to our ESG process, and better understand the impact we are achieving as an asset manager and employer."

Capital Group has integrated ESG across all of its investment strategies. A key pillar of the firm's approach is its sector-specific investment frameworks, which identify the ESG issues that are likely to be the most material to the long-term success and sustainability of companies. The firm's investment frameworks and business operations have been mapped to five prioritized SDG themes: Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Development, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action.

"Robust processes and thoughtful frameworks are crucial, but we know that current and would-be clients want more than pledges. We are committed to providing more transparency on our processes around ESG integration," said Robert W Lovelace, Vice Chairman and President of The Capital Group Companies. "Capital Group has always believed that knowing how a company interacts with and impacts its community, customers, suppliers and employees is important to understanding its potential as an investment. Our experience and research indicate that a company taking a thoughtful and robust approach to Environmental, Social and Governance dimensions is a positive indicator of sustainability and strategic thinking, and that those factors will eventually be positively reflected in its valuation."

Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 12,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries.

More on Capital Group's approach to ESG engagement can be found in the firm's 2020 Stewardship Report.

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 June 30, 2021, Capital Group manages more than $2.6 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.

American Funds Distributors, Inc.

Media contact:

Natalie Marin, Capital Group

[email protected]

Tel: (213) 615-4508

Mobile: (917) 575-1528

SOURCE Capital Group
LONDON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Europe, the pan-European exchange operator and subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), today announced that it has received the necessary regulatory approvals to launch Cboe Europe Derivatives, a new Amsterdam-based futures and options market, on 6 September, 2021.

Cboe Europe B.V. (Cboe NL), Cboe Europe's subsidiary in Amsterdam, is now authorized to operate a Regulated Market for equity index futures and options, which will be regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). EuroCCP, Cboe's pan-European CCP, is also granted permission by the Central Bank of the Netherlands (DNB) to clear equity derivatives.

Cboe Europe Derivatives is planned to launch with the trading of futures and options based on six Cboe Europe indices: the Cboe Eurozone 50, Cboe UK 100, Cboe Netherlands 25, Cboe Switzerland 20, Cboe Germany 30, and Cboe France 40  all calculated using Cboe market data. EuroCCP will provide clearing services for the platform. The exchange plans to add futures and options on additional European benchmarks, along with single stock options, at a later date, based on customer demand and subject to regulatory approval.

Ade Cordell, president of Cboe NL, said: "We are delighted to reach this significant milestone for Cboe Europe Derivatives. The regulatory approval for a competitive and pan-European marketplace for equity derivatives is expected to accelerate the momentum we are seeing from market participants for an efficient market designed to address their needs. The launch of this exchange is a critical step in realizing Cboe's overarching vision to build one of the world's largest derivatives and securities networks, creating a consistent, world-class experience for our global customer base."

Cecile Nagel, president of EuroCCP, said: "This marks a watershed moment in EuroCCP's growth strategy, as it diversifies beyond cash equities and becomes a truly multi-asset class clearing house. We look forward to supporting Cboe Europe Derivatives in helping to bring efficiencies and cost savings to participants in Europe's equity derivatives market, particularly through portfolio margining."

The launch of Cboe Europe Derivatives underscores Cboe's commitment to becoming a truly global market infrastructure operator, entering new markets around the world and providing a consistent experience for its global customer base. This new exchange will leverage Cboe's global derivatives expertise and European equity trading and clearing footprint to help bring a modern, on-screen market structure utilized in the U.S. to Europe and to help grow the region's equity derivatives market overall. By taking a pan-European approach, Cboe Europe Derivatives will help enable market participants to access a vibrant derivatives market through a single access point, creating efficiencies in trading and clearing.

Additional information about Cboe Europe Derivatives is available on the Cboe website.

About Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to market participants around the world. The company is committed to operating a trusted, inclusive global marketplace, providing leading products, technology and data solutions that enable participants to define a sustainable financial future. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives and FX, across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more, visit www.cboe.com.



CBOE-OE

Cboe, VIX and Cboe Volatility Index are registered trademarks and Cboe Global MarketsSM is a service mark of Cboe Exchange, Inc.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.

SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cboe.com


"Our company supports the securitization process of more than 1 million mortgage-backed securities, and managing these securities is paramount to the stability of the U.S. mortgage finance market," Gueli said. "As CISO, Kelly will play a critical role and lead a holistic Information Risk team, ensuring the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of our data and processes."

Isikoff joins CSS from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where she served as Cyber Security Business and Strategy Advisor. She has also held CISO positions in the insurance/reinsurance sectors at Axis Capital and RenaissanceRe, as well as other information security leadership roles including Executive Director and CISO at JPMorgan and Senior Vice President, Global Information Security at Citigroup.

COMMON SECURITIZATION SOLUTIONS, LLC: Common Securitization Solutions (CSS) enables issuance of the largest segment of mortgage-backed securities  the Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac  helping support liquidity in the nation's housing finance markets. CSS does this through the Common Securitization Platform, the largest and most advanced securitization operation in the nation, which processes more than $400 billion in mortgage securities each month. CSS is a joint venture owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Contact: Lynn Rykowski

(301) 717-1327

SOURCE Common Securitization Solutions, L.L.C.

Related Links

https://www.commonsecuritization.com/


CHICAGO, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) today announced the appointment of Fran Horowitz to its board of directors, effective Aug. 2, 2021. With this addition, the Conagra Brands board will increase to 12 members.

"We are pleased to welcome Fran to the Conagra Brands board," said Richard H. Lenny, chairman, Conagra Brands. "Conagra and our shareholders will benefit from Fran's deep experience building consumer brands and her proven track record as an executive leader."

Fran Horowitz said, "I'm excited to join the Conagra Brands board. The board of directors, management team, and dedicated employees have built Conagra into an innovative, consumer-focused packaged food company. I look forward to contributing to Conagra's ongoing success."

About Fran Horowitz

Fran Horowitz is the Chief Executive Officer of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a leading, global specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for men, women and kids through five renowned brands: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks and Social Tourist. Prior to being named CEO in 2017, Ms. Horowitz served as President and Chief Merchandising Officer for all brands and the Brand President for Hollister. Before joining Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Ms. Horowitz held leadership positions with a variety of leading fashion retailers, including Ann Inc., Express, Inc., and Bloomingdale's.

Ms. Horowitz serves as a board member for non-profit organizations Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP) and SeriousFun Children's Network. She earned a bachelor's degree in International Studies from Lafayette College and an MBA from Fordham University.

About Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Marie Callender's, Banquet, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim, Reddi-wip, and Vlasic, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA: Dan Hare

312-549-5355

[email protected]



INVESTORS: Brian Kearney

312-549-5002

[email protected]

SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.conagrabrands.com


Request a Free Sample Report to Know More

Factors such as the augmented digitization of processes and the rising incorporation of microlearning will offer immense growth opportunities. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The corporate blended learning market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period.

Corporate Blended Learning Market 2021-2025: Segmentation

Corporate Blended Learning Market is segmented as below:

End-user

Automotive Industry



BFSI Sector



Consumer Goods Industry



Energy Industry



Others

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



South America



MEA

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40430

Corporate Blended Learning Market 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis and Scope

To help businesses improve their market position, the corporate blended learning market provides a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the market. Some of these vendors include Allen Communication Learning Services, Cegos Group, Computer Generated Solutions Inc., City and Guilds Group, D2L Corp., GP Strategies Corp., NIIT Ltd., Raytheon Technologies Corp., Skillsoft Ltd., and Wilson Learning Worldwide Inc.

The report also covers the following areas:

Corporate Blended Learning Market size

Corporate Blended Learning Market trends

Corporate Blended Learning Market industry analysis

The increased adoption of visual technologies for the corporate education domain is likely to emerge as one of the primary drivers of the market. However, the lack of effective training needs assessment may threaten the growth of the market.

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Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research report on the corporate blended learning market is designed to provide entry support, customer profile & M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support.

Related Reports on Consumer Discretionary Include:

Global E-learning Market - Global e-learning market is segmented by end-user (higher education, corporate, and K12) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA).

Download Exclusive Free Sample Report

Global Online Language Learning Market - Global online language learning market is segmented by language (English, Mandarin, Spanish, and others), product (courses, solutions, and apps), and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and MEA).

Download Exclusive Free Sample Report

Corporate Blended Learning Market 2021-2025: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist corporate blended learning market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the corporate blended learning market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the corporate blended learning market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of corporate blended learning market vendors

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2020

Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025

Five Forces Analysis

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

Market Segmentation by End-user

Market segments

Comparison by End-user

Automotive industry - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

BFSI sector - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Consumer goods industry - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Energy industry - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by End-user

Customer landscape

Geographic Landscape

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Key leading countries

Market opportunity by geography

Market drivers

Market challenges

Market trends

Vendor Landscape

Overview

Vendor landscape

Landscape disruption

Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

Allen Communication Learning Services

Cegos Group

Computer Generated Solutions Inc.

City and Guilds Group

D2L Corp.

GP Strategies Corp.

NIIT Ltd.

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

Skillsoft Ltd.

Wilson Learning Worldwide Inc.

Appendix

Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

Report: www.technavio.com/report/corporate-blended-learning-market-industry-analysis

Newsroom: newsroom.technavio.com/news/corporate-blended-learningmarket

SOURCE Technavio
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CP Group, a vertically integrated real estate and management firm focused on the Southeast and Southwest United States, today announced it had acquired Harris Corners, a 370,000-square-foot office campus in Charlotte, N.C.

The acquisition is a joint venture between CP Group and Siguler Guff, a leading global, multi-strategy private equity investment firm based in New York. The Class A office park comprises two five-story buildings and one four-story building and is regarded as the most attractive place for companies in Charlotte's northern suburbs to locate their offices.

"Charlotte has long been among the fastest-growing markets in the country and we are excited to add Harris Corners to our growing portfolio," said Chris Eachus, Partner at CP Group. "Harris Corners is a first-class property and we look forward to capitalizing on our operating expertise to ensure it remains among the city's most sought-after office locations."

Jimmy Zumot, Principal at Siguler Guff, commented, "This acquisition represents an exciting continuation of both our partnership with CP Group and our opportunistic investment strategy that entails acquiring best-in-class properties that sit at the intersection of value and growth."

Following the acquisition, CP Group will execute a targeted enhancement program to common areas and amenities while implementing its Class A management and tenant experience programs.

Built between 2000 and 2006, Harris Corners includes modern amenities for tenants and their employees including a conference facility, tenant lounge with grab and go cafe, fitness center, food truck program, and beautiful central courtyard. The property is also home to a newly constructed Courtyard/Residence Inn and multiple restaurants offering walkable lunch options.

The campus is in a prime position to benefit from recent infrastructure improvements in the area, including the installation of new toll roads on adjacent I-77 and the completion of the final segment of I-485, each of which is expected to support the continued growth of the northern suburbs. Harris Corners boasts a convenient location between Lake Norman and the Uptown CBD while offering a drive of fewer than 20 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

"Harris Corners provides a best-in-class office environment for companies who have chosen to call it home," said Scott Barr, Senior Vice President at CP Group. "We are excited to have the opportunity to work with those firms by adding Harris Corners to our portfolio."

CP Group, formerly known as Crocker Partners, is one of the country's premier owner-operators and developers of commercial real estate. The organization now employs nearly 200 employees and has a portfolio spanning more than 14 million square feet. The Harris Corners acquisition comes on the heels of the purchases of Five Post Oak Park  a 28-story office tower in Houston, Texas which the firm closed last week  and One Biscayne Tower and CNN Center earlier this month.

ABOUT CP GROUP

Active in the commercial real estate business for over 35 years, CP Group, formerly Crocker Partners, has established a reputation as a premier owner, operator, and developer of office and mixed-use projects throughout the Southeast and Southwest United States. Since 1986, CP Group has acquired and managed over 160 properties, totaling 51 million square feet and representing over $6.4 billion invested. They are currently Florida's largest and Atlanta's second-largest office landlord and rank 29th largest in the United States. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, they have regional offices in Atlanta, Miami, Jacksonville, Dallas, and Washington DC. To learn more about the company, visit CPGcre.com.

ABOUT SIGULER GUFF

Siguler Guff is a multi-strategy private equity investment firm with over $15 billion of assets under management and 25 years of investment experience. Siguler Guff seeks to generate strong, risk-adjusted returns by focusing opportunistically on market niches. Siguler Guff's core investment strategies include small business, opportunistic credit, distressed real estate and emerging markets. Siguler Guff's investment products include direct investment funds, multi-manager funds and customized separate accounts targeting specific areas of compelling opportunity. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in New York, Siguler Guff maintains offices in Boston, London, Moscow, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Houston, Texas. To learn more about Siguler Guff, please visit www.sigulerguff.com.

SOURCE CP Group
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DASH Systems , a Los Angeles-based technology company developing hardware and software to enable precision airdrop deliveries, today completed a test and evaluation partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship and the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to conduct airdrops to remote government facilities, towns and oil, and gas operators in Alaska. The "Big Dipper" expedition trip marked the first time a private company completed precision airdrops into remote Alaskan facilities.



DASH System's technology and hardware were designed to advance and enable precision airdrop deliveries in rural, remote, and difficult-to-reach locations without the need for landing. Alaska's poor infrastructure and extreme weather make routine delivery nearly impossible to remote communities and government facilities. 82 percent of communities and towns in Alaska do not have access to all-weather roads forcing food and packages to be flown into small local airfields.



"We tend to think of logistics as solved in large cities, but there are still hundreds of rural and remote locations that do not have access to large hubs for distribution of packages or materials," said Joel Ifill Founder and CEO at DASH Systems. "In Alaska, the large majority of communities still don't have access to the road network and instead have to rely on air cargo to get supplies in. The Bethel area alone has over 50 'fly-in' only communities. All it takes is bad weather, a damaged gravel runway or the lack of a road between the airport and end location to stop the delivery. We created DASH to rethink logistics and shipping for communities like these by bridging the sky and the ground."



Instead of having to land at an airport and drive cargo to its destination, DASH autonomously releases and lands packages from commercial airplanes to helipad-size drop areas. Working with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Office of Naval Research, DASH will study airdrops to select government facilities, towns and oil and gas operators as it expands its footprint across the United States. With hundreds of fly-in only communities, Alaska represents the perfect testbed of rugged and difficult terrain, tricky landings and customers who have unmet needs for urgent deliveries. Typical deliveries include time-sensitive spare parts, medical supplies and basic food and household staples.



"The value of DASH's approach to cargo delivery is easily understood by Alaskans who are all too familiar with the high costs and logistical challenges of rural deliveries," said Isaac Vanderburg, CEO of Launch Alaska. "Over the past year, the DASH team has built several invaluable relationships in Alaska, and the state as a whole is cheering them on."



"My company ships products throughout rural Alaska, and we face huge logistical challenges getting products to our customers timely, and at a reasonable cost," said Wayne Kleven, CEO of Alaskan Sales. "DASH Systems is not just talking about solving these challenges, but actually doing something about it by demonstrating their innovative approach to package delivery during their Big Dipper expedition."



The Big Dipper expedition encompassed over 7,000 miles of Alaskan terrain and demonstration deliveries were made to multiple remote facilities including HAARP, Poker Flat Research Center, The Village of Minto and Tullik Lake. In each location, multiple GRFN precision airdrop pods capable of holding 15 pounds of cargo were launched from DASH Systems' Cessna 208 into the specified landing zone.

"We are excited to partner with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship and Office of Naval Research. Nothing is more difficult, or important than delivering goods to front-line soldiers or remote government facilities that often don't get to choose if they have proximity to existing logistics infrastructure," continued Ifill. "Alaska is just one example of too many locations worldwide that make it nearly impossible to make deliveries and this is an important first step in proving what precision airdrops can do. We are flying over 7,000 miles to multiple delivery locations in remote Alaska and we're proud to be expanding our footprint."



DASH's system is inspired by defense technology and is a modern update to a longstanding and legal practice of air-drops repurposed for commercial and humanitarian use. Using an existing commercial airplane, DASH's flight management software maps the delivery route and instructs the pilot where and how to fly, simplifying and streamlining the process. When the aircraft reaches the correct spot, DASH's aircraft cargo handling system automatically releases the smart-cargo pods which land safely and softly at the desired location. This concept falls within existing FAA regulations and has undergone proof of concept tests in disaster relief and extensive use in the defense industry.



About DASH Systems

DASH Systems is the leader in precision airdrop systems. The company is backed by investors including 8VC, Trust Ventures, and Tusk Venture Partners. It is based in Hawthorne, California. For more information, visit: www.DASH.aero

CONTACT: Rachel Livingston, [email protected]com

SOURCE DASH Systems

Related Links

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BENSALEM, Pa., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Law Offices of Howard G. Smith reminds investors of the upcoming September 7, 2021 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the case filed on behalf of investors who purchased DiDi Global Inc. ("DiDi" or the "Company") (NYSE: DIDI ): (a) American Depositary Shares ("ADSs" or "shares") pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with the Company's June 2021 initial public offering ("IPO" or the "Offering"); and/or (b) securities between June 30, 2021 and July 2, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period").

Investors suffering losses on their DiDi investments are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss their legal rights in this class action at 888-638-4847 or by email to [email protected].

DiDi purports to be the world's largest mobility technology platform. The Company claims to be the "go-to brand in China for shared mobility," offering a range of services including ride hailing, taxi hailing, chauffeur, and hitch.

On or about June 30, 2021, DiDi sold about 316.8 million ADSs in its IPO for $14 per share, raising nearly $4.5 billion in new capital.

On July 2, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") stated that it had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest. It also reported that it had asked DiDi to stop new user registrations during the course of the investigation.

On this news, the Company's share price fell $0.87, or approximately 5.3%, to close at $15.53 per share on July 2, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

Then, on Sunday, July 4, 2021, DiDi reported that the CAC ordered smartphone app stores to stop offering the "DiDi Chuxing" app because it "collect[ed] personal information in violation of relevant PRC laws and regulations." Though users who previously downloaded the app could continue to use it, DiDi stated that "the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China."

On July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that the CAC had asked the Company as early as three months prior to the IPO to postpone the offering because of national security concerns and to "conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security."

On this news, the Company's stock price fell $3.04 per share, or 19.6%, to close at $12.49 per share on July 6, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

By the commencement of this action, the Company's stock was trading as low as $12.06 per share, a nearly 14% decline from the $14 per share IPO price.

The Registration Statement was materially false and misleading and omitted to state material adverse facts. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that DiDi's apps did not comply with applicable laws and regulations governing privacy protection and the collection of personal information; (2) that, as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to incur scrutiny from the Cyberspace Administration of China; (3) that the CAC had already warned DiDi to delay its IPO to conduct a self-examination of its network security; (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, DiDi's apps were reasonably likely to be taken down from app stores in China, which would have an adverse effect on its financial results and operations; and (5) that, 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.

If you purchased or otherwise acquired DiDi ADSs pursuant or traceable to the IPO and/or securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than September 7, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff if you meet certain legal requirements. To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020, by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contacts

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

Howard G. Smith, Esquire

215-638-4847

888-638-4847

[email protected]

www.howardsmithlaw.com

SOURCE Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

Related Links

http://www.howardsmithlaw.com/


Brown will lead Diamond's pharmaceutical development activities

TORONTO, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Diamond Therapeutics Inc. ("Diamond"), a drug development company focused on low-dose psychedelic therapies for use in the treatment of mental health, today announced the appointment of David Brown, PhD, as vice president, pharmaceutical development.

Brown has an impressive track record of experience, having held senior positions at leading pharmaceutical companies, including Patheon, Teva and Impopharma. He has developed numerous dosage forms, including complex and high barrier-to-entry drug-device combination products, for multiple global markets. His broad expertise includes program management; he has successfully taken projects from pipeline selection and project concept through to commercialization. Brown completed his PhD in pharmaceutics at the School of Pharmacy, University of London.

"With the global mental health crisis and lack of effective treatment options, the unique characteristics of psychedelics offer the promise of bringing exciting new options to patients with unmet needs," says Brown.

"I am delighted to join Diamond's impressive leadership team to work with highly regarded experts and partners."

At Diamond, Brown will be heading cutting-edge research and development regarding the formulation of low-dose psychedelics for pharmaceutical uses and the synthesis of novel compounds.

He will work closely with leading pharmaceutical manufacturer Dalton Pharma Services, which has an exclusive worldwide partnership with Diamond to provide cGMP psilocybin and other compounds to support clinical trials, research, and future commercial opportunities.

Dalton is one of only a few Canadian companies to successfully manufacture cGMP psilocybin for prospective use in regulatory submissions. The material already produced is sufficient for Diamond's needs for its own clinical trials and research.

Dalton is Health Canada approved, FDA inspected and works in accordance with International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines.

Brown's work with Dalton will be instrumental to Diamond as it prepares to begin its clinical trial programs with low-dose psilocybin in the United States and Canada.

"We at Diamond are thrilled to have David join the team. The level of expertise he brings in developing pharmaceutical products will be key to accelerating our drug development efforts," says Judy Blumstock, CEO of Diamond.

About Diamond Therapeutics

Diamond Therapeutics is a psychedelic drug development company based in Toronto. Our mission is to develop new and better therapies for mental health conditions by unlocking the promise of psychedelic compounds. Diamond is focused on sub-perceptual, non-hallucinogenic treatments that hold potential for use across a broad patient cohort  maximizing the positive impact better drugs can have on the global mental health crisis. To learn more about Diamond, visit www.diamondthera.com .

About Dalton Pharma Services

Dalton Pharma Services is a leading North American cGMP pharmaceutical organization providing integrated drug discovery, development and manufacturing services. We are FDA inspected, Health Canada approved and bring over 30 years of experience to every project. We deliver fully integrated solutions with an emphasis on speed, flexibility and quality. Our integrated services all at one location help us to be adaptable, flexible and cost-effective. To learn more about our history and capabilities, please visit http://www.dalton.com.

SOURCE Diamond Therapeutics Inc.
dvm360 works with its affiliates to share information and highlight the diverse veterinary communities they support. Tweet this

The new partners are:

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) improves the health and welfare of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine. As a trusted leader in the veterinary community, the AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record for facilitating high standards, including the Cat Friendly Practice and certificate programs, guidelines for practice excellence, and educational resources.

improves the health and welfare of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine. As a trusted leader in the veterinary community, the AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record for facilitating high standards, including the Cat Friendly Practice and certificate programs, guidelines for practice excellence, and educational resources. BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital is a national provider of advanced veterinary care, serving more than one million pets each year. Founded in 1996, BluePearl Pet Hospital is currently one of the largest specialty and emergency veterinary practices in the United States . BluePearl has more than 100 hospitals in 29 states that together employ 7,000+ associates, including 1,330+ veterinarians, 1,600+ veterinary technicians, and 4,100+ other professionals.

is a national provider of advanced veterinary care, serving more than one million pets each year. Founded in 1996, BluePearl Pet Hospital is currently one of the largest specialty and emergency veterinary practices in . BluePearl has more than 100 hospitals in 29 states that together employ 7,000+ associates, including 1,330+ veterinarians, 1,600+ veterinary technicians, and 4,100+ other professionals. Fear Free provides online education to veterinary professionals, pet professionals, animal welfare communities, and pet owners. The certification programs offered by Fear Free focus on emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. To date, more than 100,000 veterinary and pet professionals from over 50 countries have registered for Fear Free education.

provides online education to veterinary professionals, pet professionals, animal welfare communities, and pet owners. The certification programs offered by Fear Free focus on emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. To date, more than 100,000 veterinary and pet professionals from over 50 countries have registered for Fear Free education. Vetahead is an immersive online experience that provides the opportunity to learn from the world's top specialists in zoological medicine, also known as exotic animal medicine. At Vetahead, each course is developed by the instructors and guided toward general practitioners, veterinary students, and professionals.

The SAP program provides partnering advocacy organizations, medical associations, and veterinary schools with international and national reach and visibility. Through the program, dvm360 fosters collaboration and an open exchange of information among trusted veterinary practitioners for the benefit of the profession. dvm360 works with its affiliates to share information and highlight the diverse veterinary communities they support.

For a full list of dvm360 SAP partners, click here.

About dvm360

The leading media-content provider in the veterinary market, dvm360 has been in operation for more than 50 years. It provides readers with top-of-the-line digital and print content that focuses on every aspect of a veterinary professional's life. In addition, dvm360 hosts continuing education conferences that offer a 360-degree educational engagement experience for veterinary professionals. dvm360 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.

dvm360 Media Contact

Alyssa Scarpaci, 609-716-7777

[email protected]

SOURCE dvm360

Related Links

https://www.dvm360.com


Elevate Healthcare will continue reviewing all in-network agreements and process accordingly. EHC Leadership refuses to continue a relationship with insurance companies that are failing to comply with the Mental Health parity: The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity, and Prompt Pay Act.

State and Federal complaints were filed on July, 23, 2021 prompting an investigation of practices of all client networks we serve. Apologies from provider relations representatives is unsatisfactory we require action and results; while EHC is providing medically necessary therapy for client's dealing with depression, suicide ideation, severe anxiety, emotional and physical abuse, or homicidal thoughts. Preventive measures are key to a healthy and safe community creating service options for Juvenile Reform.

About Elevate Healthcare

Since 2019 Elevate Healthcare has been the leading outpatient mental health hospital provider for kids and adolescents ages 5 to 17. Providing free Mental Health Assessments, In Person - Online Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, and Family Therapy. EHC has served more than 25,500 clients; throughout locations. For additional information visit, www.elevatehealthcare.us.

SOURCE Elevate Healthcare

Related Links

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LONDON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Epos Now, a leading cloud-based software provider, supporting over 40,000 retail and hospitality locations across 71 countries, announced the opening of a new regional warehouse in Madrid, Spain.

In operation as of this week, this site marks the next phase in Epos Now's growth strategy and will act as a hub for all deliveries to retail and hospitality businesses, operating in the European Union.

The decision to expand to this locale comes at a time where the Spanish economy is expected to experience the biggest GDP rebound of the entire European Union. The complete EPOS solution will offer small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in this region the ability to open new digital revenue streams, connect to a global customer base, and is equipped to provide fiscalisation services.

"The site opening was the next logical step in our international growth strategy," said Jacyn Heavens, Founder and CEO of Epos Now. Spain is one of the fastest-growing markets for electronic point of sale technology and our regional warehouse, and newly appointed local team, will ensure that small and medium businesses in the retail and hospitality industry have access to advanced, affordable cloud POS solutions."

About Epos Now

Epos Now is a global payment and technology provider focused on small and medium businesses in the retail, hospitality, and personal care sectors. Founded in 2011, its mission is to help a worldwide community of over 40,000 retail and hospitality locations harness the power of cloud technology to compete with giants.

With Epos Now, businesses can control every element of their operation from any location, and on any device. Its cloud systems include payments, smart inventory control, custom reporting, staff & customer management as well as supporting businesses transition to meet a new type of merchant with robust ecommerce, delivery, and collection functionality.

For more information contact Tillie Demetriou, PR Executive at Epos Now at [email protected], +44(0)-808-291-4479



https://www.ocoglobal.com/asia/press-release-oco-global-announce-latest-expansion-in-the-asia-pacific-with-presence-in-malaysia/

SOURCE Epos Now
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Contact

BizVibe

Jesse Maida

Email: [email protected]

+1 855-897-5880

Website: https://www.bizvibe.com/

SOURCE BizVibe

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ATLANTA, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Express MRI is notifying patients of a data breach that may involve some of their information. Patients affected in the incident will soon receive a letter in the mail with information about the incident, measures Express MRI has taken, and additional steps they may consider to further secure their personal information amid the recent rise in data breaches across the United States.

Express MRI became aware of a potential data breach on July 10, 2020. With patient privacy and security as its number one concern, the company, which offers affordable, high-quality MRI scans, took immediate action to investigate and address the incident. The investigation identified that unauthorized emails were sent from an Express MRI email account. It was believed that no patient information was accessed due to this intrusion.

However, a secondary review of the investigation was completed on June 10, 2021. This review concluded that, despite having no conclusive evidence any particular patient information was actually accessed, read, or exported, it was possible emails containing patient information could have been accessed, read, or exported. Certain emails contain the name, address, email address, date of birth, age, referring physician, body part scanned, and whether the scan was related to a workers' compensation claim or motor vehicle accident investigation. No Social Security numbers, financial or insurance information or patient images were accessed, lost, compromised, or otherwise affected as a result of this data breach .

"Protecting our patients' personal information is one of our top priorities in our commitment to providing you with safe, high-quality care," said Express MRI CEO Alex Halpern. "We sincerely apologize to our patients for this inconvenience."

Express MRI has taken significant and immediate steps to respond to this incident, including assembling a team of highly qualified experts to reinforce the security of its information technology systems. These efforts also include the implementation of increased security safeguards to further enhance the security of its network.

Patients with questions and concerns may contact Express MRI toll-free at (833) 915-0885, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.

Contact:

**FOR JOURNALIST INQUIRIES ONLY**

Megan Paquin

Poston Communications

(404) 875-3400

[email protected]

PATIENTS CONTACT EXPRESS MRI AT

(833) 915-0885

SOURCE Express MRI
ABANO TERME, Italy, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fidia Farmaceutici, an Italian company world leader in the research, development, formulation and commercialization of hyaluronic acid-based products, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Orphan Drug Designation for ONCOFID-P for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma (MM), a rare and aggressive cancer with limited therapeutic options.

ONCOFID-P is an anticancer drug in advanced clinical development for the loco-regional treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, on which it has already demonstrated potent efficacy and excellent tolerability.

Its characteristics make ONCOFID-P ideal also for the loco-regional treatment of some forms of mesothelioma, especially pleural mesothelioma, which represents about 83% of all types of mesotheliomas, a group of highly lethal neoplasms with an average survival of 10.6% at 5 years and 49.8% at 1 year from diagnosis *.

The onset of mesothelioma is closely related to exposure to asbestos, used as an insulator in many industries, from constructions to naval-aircraft and heavy industries.

"Patients are diagnosed in advanced-stage and experience high mortality rate after the first year. Patients have an essentially uniform prognosis across countries, and they did not benefit from significant therapeutic improvements in the last thirty years" - says Prof. Antonio Rosato, Professor at the University of Padua and Director of the Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics Unit and Deputy Scientific Director at the Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS who conducted the pre-clinical trials and developed the concept of loco-regional application for the drug. "Oncofid-P represents a very important step forward for the treatment of this serious disease".

The Orphan Drug status has been granted according to strong preclinical data documenting the high anti-tumor activity of ONCOFID-P on human mesothelioma lines, both in vitro and in murine models of the disease.

"The FDA designation represents an opportunity for physicians and patients who, until now, did not benefit from any innovative therapy, and makes us proud," underlines Carlo Pizzocaro, President and CEO of Fidia Farmaceutici. "This result demonstrates that the scientific research must not stop and that every step forward will add hope for patients, especially those who are victims of such serious rare diseases."

Background information

ONCOFID-P

ONCOFID-P is an innovative anti-cancer drug, a conjugate of paclitaxel (taxol) with hyaluronic acid (HA), resulting from the research of Fidia Farmaceutici. This conjugation brings several advantages, including the possibility of loco-regional administration. ONCOFID-P, thanks to the HA component, specifically binds cancer cells expressing CD44, the HA receptor, significantly increasing the intracellular concentration of paclitaxel, and maintaining an excellent tolerability profile.

The muco-adhesive property derived from the HA component of Oncofid-P, retains the drug on the mucosal surface and, consequently, concentrates it in the tumor tissue reducing the possibility of systemic diffusion.

Clinical Development

Oncofid-P in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

In recent years, the clinical efficacy of Oncofid-P administered intravesically (loco-regionally) has been evaluated in a Phase 1 study in BCG-unresponsive carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder, to identify the minimum effective dose; in a Phase 2 study in low-grade papillary bladder cancer and in a Phase 1/2 study in BCG-unresponsive CIS according to an innovative therapeutic scheme. The results, obtained in Europe on about 100 patients, confirm the high efficacy and excellent tolerability of Oncofid-P in this indication. Phase 3 study is expected to start soon in the US and Europe.

Experimental Data on pleural mesothelioma

CD44 expression has been well documented on human pleural mesothelioma cell lines, which, as a result, are up to 70 times more susceptible to the anticancer activity of ONCOFID-P as compared to paclitaxel alone. In murine models of human mesothelioma, ONCOFID-P was significantly more effective than paclitaxel alone in terms of survival and tumor mass reduction. Moreover, intrapleural administration of ONCOFID-P is associated with low systemic exposure, indicating that ONCOFID-P localizes in the pleural cavity where, thanks to its muco-adhesive properties, it shows a prolonged residence time. The high pleural concentration coupled with the limited systemic exposure leads to high antitumor activity, with reduced likelihood of side effects.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm that affects the mesothelium, the thin tissue that lines most internal organs. The form that affects the pleura (the mesothelium that lines the lungs and the inner wall of the chest) is the most common. Rarer are mesotheliomas of the peritoneum (mesothelium lining the abdominal organs), of the pericardium (mesothelium lining the heart muscle) and of the testicles. Typically, it is caused by genetic alterations in the mesothelium cells, leading to their uncontrolled growth.

The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a mineral widely used in the past as an insulator in construction and in the transport sector. When its fragments are inhaled, like small hooks they get into the pulmonary alveoli causing an inflammatory reaction that, over time, generates the cancer.

Mesothelioma occurs in subjects exposed to this substance for work or proximity to sources of asbestos and after decades of exposure. The diagnosis is often difficult because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. Most often, when diagnosed, the extent of the tumor is large, and for patients referred for surgical removal, a chemotherapeutic intervention is required to reduce the tumor mass.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma represents about 83% of all forms of malignant mesotheliomas. At 5 years from first diagnosis, the average survival is 9.1%-10.6%, with a 1-year survival rate of 49.8%*. The unfavourable prognosis is partly due to the long incubation period of the disease, which leads to the diagnosis very often when the disease is already advanced, and a pharmacological approach is difficult.

Treatment options include surgery (when applicable), radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recently, innovative approaches for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma are being tested, including new immunotherapies, new chemotherapies and, above all, the combination of already known treatments with new chemotherapeutic drugs. The possibility of intrapleural administration of anticancer drugs with a prolonged local residence and a good tolerability profile, as well as the ability to easily penetrate the tumor tissue present on the surface of the pleural cavity are important properties for a new anticancer drug. These properties are present in ONCOFID-P and are well suited for combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs administered systemically, thereby increasing the antineoplastic activity without impacting on the tolerability profile.

Fidia Farmaceutici

Privately held, fully integrated Italian multinational company, with R&D, manufacturing, marketing and sales capabilities. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Abano Terme (a short distance from Venice). Fidia's overall objective is establishing its leadership, through an extensive product portfolio mainly based on hyaluronic acid (HA) in joint care, wound care ophthalmology, aesthetic and regenerative medicine, thereby providing patients and healthcare professionals with a variety of treatment options, such as pharmaceutical products, medical devices and food supplements. Over 55 years of R&D have placed Fidia at the forefront in the production of natural and functionalized HA, with different ranges of molecular weight (1,100 patents). Manufacturing operations - located in Italy - are inspected and approved by major international health authorities, including the US and Korean FDA, the Brazilian ANVISA and G-MED Notified Body, and comply with the strictest international regulations and safety standards. Fidia extends its global reach through local partners in +100 countries worldwide, as well as wholly owned subsidiaries in USA, Germany, Austria, Spain, France, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Egypt, and Middle East.

*Source : https://seer.cancer.gov

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1459276/Fidia_Farmaceutici_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Fidia Farmaceutici Spa
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Firehouse Subs invites guests nationwide to join its effort to hydrate local heroes and communities with the ninth annual H 2 O For Heroes  bottled water collection drive. On Saturday, Aug. 7, Firehouse Subs restaurants will offer one medium sub* to each guest who brings in at least one unopened, 24-pack of any brand of bottled water*. The water benefits local fire and police departments, emergency victims, senior and community centers, and more, to aid those in need of water during the hot summer months when dehydration and other heat-related illnesses are most threatening. ( View/download b-roll and photos. )

Bottled water collection drive returns Aug. 7 at U.S. Firehouse Subs restaurants

The ninth annual event returns after being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, Firehouse Subs' family of local restaurant owners listened to the needs of their communities and focused on providing Heartfelt Service where it was most needed. As a result, hundreds of Firehouse Subs franchisees partnered with Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to donate more than 100,000 meals to healthcare workers and first responders across the U.S. and Canada. The need to return to the annual H 2 O For Heroes is even greater this year after a tumultuous 2020 was quickly followed by more seasonal challenges. In June 2021, many parts of the Western U.S. experienced unprecedented temperatures, resulting in an increased risk of wildfires and heat-related illnesses.

"As we come into wildfire season, it's more important than ever to support our firefighting communities, especially our wildland firefighters," said Firehouse Subs Franchisee Chris Morris, who has more than a decade of experience as a firefighter in Idaho. "Many people might not know, but wildland firefighters can work in 16 day cycles out in the heat under very grueling conditions. It's really important to me and my fellow restaurant owners to be able to help them and our local communities stay hydrated during this time, and we're honored to partner with our guests to make that happen."

As a brand founded by two former firefighters nearly 27 years ago and true to its mission, Firehouse Subs hosts the one-day drive to offer lifesaving support and relief to first responders and vulnerable citizens who have an imperative need for protection against extreme heat-related situations. H 2 O For Heroes began in 2012 by Phoenix-area franchisees Jerry and Windy Griffin as a local initiative to encourage bottled water donations at a time when wildfires and drastic heat depleted the supplies of several of their local first responder organizations; in 2016, Firehouse Subs expanded the program into a nationwide effort that our guests and communities have come to love.

Since expanding in 2016, Firehouse Subs, its franchisees and guests have donated more than four million bottles of water to public safety departments, emergency victims and senior and community centers. Nearly half of those bottles were collected in 2019 alone, and the brand looks forward to continuing that renewed support during 2021's difficult summer weather. A partner of Firehouse Subs, Coca-Cola will be donating 5,000 cases of DASANI water to first responders and community organizations in support of this year's H 2 O For Heroes.

Firehouse Subs serves its signature hot subs in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and non-traditional locations. To participate in the H 2 O For Heroes collection drive efforts, visit www.firehousesubs.com or download the Firehouse Subs app to find your nearest location.

*Limit one medium sub per person, per case of unopened 24-pack bottled water (of any brand)

*Excludes Firehouse Subs restaurants in Canada, Puerto Rico, airports and college campuses.

About Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs is a restaurant chain with a passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service and public safety. Founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 by brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs is a brand built on decades of fire and police service, hot and hearty subs piled high with the highest quality meats and cheeses and its commitment to saving lives through the establishment of the non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The founders are the real deal, the food is their creation and the brand is a family of franchise operators who share their same passion for generously serving food and community. For the third consecutive year, based on recent Technomic Insight consumer data, Firehouse Subs was named the No.1 brand in the restaurant industry that "Supports Local Community Activities." This year, Firehouse of America and Firehouse Subs suppliers will together donate a portion of purchases at Firehouse Subs locations to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for the purchase of lifesaving equipment, with a minimum donation of $1 million.

Enjoy more subs. Save more lives. To learn more, visit http://www.firehousesubs.com .

Quick Facts:

More than 1,200 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and non-traditional locations

$60+ million granted to public safety organizations via Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla.

SOURCE Firehouse Subs

Related Links

http://www.firehousesubs.com


TORONTO, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- First Cobalt Corp. (TSX-V: FCC) (OTCQX: FTSSF) (the "Company") today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer, Trent Mell will present live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com on July 27, 2021 at 3:00pm ET.

Mr. Mell will provide an update on the Company's Refinery Project in Canada, its longer-term ambition for a Battery Park as well as its Iron Creek cobalt-copper project in Idaho, USA. First Cobalt invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts, to attend real-time, interactive presentations on VirtualInvestorConferences.com

DATE: July 27. 2021

TIME: 3:00pm ET

LINK: https://bit.ly/3hGKd6Z

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

About First Cobalt

First Cobalt's mission is to be the most sustainable producer of battery materials. In 2022, the Company plans to commission North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery, a critical asset in the development and manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles. First Cobalt also owns the Iron Creek cobalt-copper project in Idaho, USA as well as several significant cobalt and silver properties in the Canadian Cobalt Camp.

For more information visit www.firstcobalt.com

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly-traded companies to meet and present directly with investors.

A real-time solution for investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences is part of OTC Market Group's suite of investor relations services specifically designed for more efficient Investor Access. Replicating the look and feel of on-site investor conferences, Virtual Investor Conferences combine leading-edge conferencing and investor communications capabilities with a comprehensive global investor audience network.

SOURCE VirtualInvestorConferences.com
CHICAGO, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Help at Home, the leading national provider of in-home, person-centered care for seniors and people with disabilities, is looking to to fill positions created by the company's rapid growth in the Chicago area. Help at Home was recently listed as #8 on Forbes' "Best Employees for New Grads" based on criteria such as; safety of work environment, competitiveness of compensation, opportunities for advancement and effectiveness of diversity and inclusion efforts.

Help at Home offers a career path that enables employees to grow and advance within the company, especially individuals interested in the health care field. They have a variety of positions available, including caregivers, staffing supervisors, schedulers, training coordinators, program managers, personnel specialists, etc.

"With more than 45 years of home care experience and 40 million hours in the home each year, we have countless moments between clients and caregivers," said Priscilla Messir, Help at Home's chief people officer. "We're looking for caring, compassionate individuals who can create great days with meaningful moments for clients. We are proud of our high caregiver retention, four-year average relationship, high-quality care and high client satisfaction. We value our reputation for 'caring for our caregivers'.

Those interested should bring a resume and expect onsite interviews. Help at Home employees in Chicago benefit from excellent health and wellness coverage along with wages starting at $15/hour for entry level positions and sign-on bonuses up to $700.

For questions about Help at Home, available career opportunities or any other information related to the career fair, contact Will Larkin at 312-704-0357 or [email protected]. The event will be held at the Help at Home Office located on 36 S. Wabash Street on the 5th floor in Chicago from 8 am  2 pm CT on July 27 and 28.

About Help at Home

For more than 45 years Help at Home, a leading provider of high-quality relationship-based homecare to seniors and persons with disabilities, has provided person-centered care that helps people remain in their homes. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides in-home, community-based care across 13 states in 169 locations with the help of 30,000 highly trained, compassionate caregivers who have relationships with 67,000 clients. For more about Help at Home and its services, visit helpathome.com.

Kristen Trenaman

VP of Public Relations

[email protected]

Contact: 502-445-4126

SOURCE Help At Home, LLC

Related Links

https://helpathome.com/


SHANGHAI, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. ("Four Seasons Education" or the "Company") (NYSE: FEDU), a leading Shanghai-based educational company dedicated to providing comprehensive after-school education services with a focus on high-quality math education, announced that, on July 24, 2021, China's official state media, including Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television, announced the Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education (the "Opinion"), issued by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council. The Opinion contains high-level policy directives about requirements and restrictions related to after-school tutoring services, including (i) institutions providing after-school tutoring services on academic subjects to students at China's compulsory education stage, or Academic AST Institutions, need to be registered as non-profit, no approval will be granted to new Academic AST Institutions, and an approval mechanism will be adopted for online Academic AST Institutions; (ii) foreign ownership in Academic AST Institutions is prohibited, including through contractual arrangements, and Academic AST Institutions in violation need to rectify the situation; (iii) listed companies are prohibited from raising capital to invest in businesses that teach academic subjects in compulsory education; (iv) Academic AST Institutions are prohibited from providing tutoring services on academic subjects in compulsory education during public holidays, weekends and school breaks; and (v) Academic AST Institutions must follow the fee standards to be established by relevant authorities. The Opinion also provides that institutions providing after-school tutoring services on academic subjects in high schools (which do not fall within China's compulsory education system) shall take into consideration the Opinion when conducting activities.

The Company will continue to comply with all applicable rules and regulations in providing educational services, including those to be adopted following the policy directives of the Opinion. The Company is carefully considering the provisions of the Opinion and assessing their implications for the Company's business. The Company expects the Opinion, related rules and regulations, and the compliance measures to be taken by the Company will have material adverse impact on its after-school tutoring services related to academic subjects in China's compulsory education system, which in turn may adversely affect the Company's results of operations and prospect. The Company will proactively seek guidance from and cooperate with government authorities in connection with its efforts to comply with the Opinion and any related rules and regulations.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements, including the statements relating to the Company's future financial and operating results, are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, management's quotations and the Business Outlook section contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to its ability to attract new students and retain existing students, its ability to deliver a satisfactory learning experience and improving their academic performance, PRC regulations and policies relating to the education industry in China, general economic conditions in China, and the Company's ability to meet the standards necessary to maintain listing of its ADSs on the NYSE or other stock exchange, including its ability to cure any non-compliance with the NYSE's continued listing criteria. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by the Company is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 20-F.

About Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.

Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. is a leading Shanghai based educational company dedicated to providing comprehensive after-school education services with a focus on high-quality math education. The Company's vision is to unlock students' intellectual potential through high quality and effective education that can profoundly benefit students' academic, career and life prospects. The Company provides educational programs that are primarily focused on elementary-level math and have expanded in recent years to also include other subjects, including physics, chemistry, and languages, and other grade levels, such as middle school programs, as well as other programs including interest-oriented programs and programs catering for kindergarten students. The Company's proprietary educational content is designed to cultivate students' interests and enhance their cognitive and logic abilities. The Company develops its educational content through a systematic development process and updates it regularly based on student performance and feedback. Such process allows the Company to effectively drive better learning outcomes and serve students of different ages, aptitude levels and learning objectives. The Company's faculty is led by a group of experienced senior educators, including recognized scholars and award-winning teachers. Over the years, the quality of the Company's education services has been demonstrated by its student outstanding academic performance.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.

Olivia Li

Tel: +86 (21) 6317-6678

E-mail: [email protected]

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Jenny Cai

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Four Seasons Education Inc.

Related Links

http://www.sijiedu.com


BEIJING, July 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaotu Techedu Inc. ("Gaotu" or the "Company") (NYSE: GOTU), a leading online large-class after-school tutoring service provider in China, announced that, on July 24, 2021, China's official state media, including Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television, announced the Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education (the "Opinion"), issued by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council. The Opinion contains high-level policy directives about requirements and restrictions related to online and offline after-school tutoring services, including, among others, (i) institutions providing after-school tutoring services on academic subjects in China's compulsory education system, or Academic AST Institutions, need to be registered as non-profit; (ii) changing the current registration-based regime for operating online Academic AST Institutions to a government approval-based regime, (iii) foreign ownership in Academic AST Institutions is prohibited, including through contractual arrangements, and companies with existing foreign ownership need to rectify the situation; (iv) listed companies are prohibited from raising capital to invest in businesses that teach academic subjects in compulsory education; (v) Academic AST Institutions are prohibited from providing tutoring services on academic subjects in compulsory education during public holidays, weekends and school breaks; and (vi) Academic AST Institutions must follow the fee standards to be established by relevant authorities. The Opinion also provides that institutions providing after-school tutoring services on academic subjects in high schools (which do not fall within China's compulsory education system) shall take into consideration the Opinion when conducting activities.

The Company will continue to comply with all applicable rules and regulations in providing educational services, including those rules and regulations to be adopted following the policy directives of the Opinion. The Company is carefully considering the provisions of the Opinion and assessing their implications for the Company's business. The Company expects the Opinion, related rules and regulations, and the compliance measures to be taken by the Company will have material adverse impact on its after-school tutoring services related to academic subjects in China's compulsory education system, which in turn may adversely affect the Company's results of operations and prospect. The Company will proactively seek guidance from and cooperate with government authorities in connection with its efforts to comply with the Opinion and any related rules and regulations.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. 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 these and other risks is included in the Company's reports filed with, or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Gaotu undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Gaotu Techedu Inc.

Gaotu is a technology-driven education company and online large-class after-school tutoring service provider in China. The Company offers foreign language, professional and admission courses, and also offers K-12 courses covering all primary and secondary grades through the brand Gaotu K12. Gaotu adopts an online live large-class format to deliver its courses, which the Company believes is the most effective and scalable model to disseminate scarce high-quality teaching resources to aspiring students in China. Big data analytics permeates each aspect of the Company's business and facilitates the application of the latest technology to improve teaching delivery, student learning experience, and operational efficiency.

For further information, please contact:

Gaotu Techedu Inc.

Ms. Sandy Qin, CFA, CMA

E-mail: [email protected]

Christensen

In China

Ms. Vivian Wang

Phone: +852 2232 3978

E-mail: [email protected]

In US

Ms. Linda Bergkamp

Phone: +1-480-614-3004

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Gaotu Techedu Inc.

Related Links

ir.gaotu.cn


Soft funding from the GCRE Impact Fund will pay for the installation of EV charging stations at the affordable, multifamily development. Tenants will have access to EV charging directly on property and will enjoy discounted rates.

"Gardner Capital will be providing Alameda View Apartment residents with convenient access to EV charging stations at extremely low prices," said Michael Gardner, Founder of the GCRE Impact Fund and CEO of Gardner Capital. "Promoting EV adoption, while delivering real savings to our tenants, was the impetus of why we created the GCRE Impact Fund. Our firm will continue to develop projects that deliver material economic value for our tenants."

Located at 15501 E. Alameda Pkwy, in Aurora, Colorado, Alameda View Apartments has a total of 116 units of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes. Amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, fully appointed clubhouse with a fitness center and club room.

Gardner Capital developed the Alameda View Apartments in partnership with the City of Aurora, as well as multiple financial and other partners, including Citibank .

About the GCRE Impact Fund

Launched in 2020, the GCRE Impact Fund provides low interest soft loans and grants to initiatives that focus on upward mobility, renewable energy, EV adoption, or initiatives focused on investment in otherwise underserved markets. The Fund is expected to commit more than $500,000 annually for programs that align with the Funds investment goals and guidelines. For more information or to inquire about funding opportunities, please visit GCRE Impact Fund - Funding Page.

About Gardner Capital

Gardner Capital is a private equity firm with multiple operating businesses focused on affordable housing and renewable energy development, tax credit syndication, as well as real estate-related investments, joint ventures and capital partner structures. The firm has offices in St. Louis, Dallas, Houston and Orlando. Since 1992, Gardner Capital has placed more than $3 billion of equity in affordable housing and related investments. In recent years, Gardner Capital added a rapidly growing national platform for solar development and investments, expanding its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability across its investment platform. Additionally, the firm launched multiple alternative investment funds focused on renewable energy and EV adoption, upward mobility and investments in underserved markets. We are committed to investing in communities, creating upward mobility, and improving the wellbeing of families by developing, investing and raising capital for affordable housing and clean energy-related businesses. For more information, visit www.gardnercapital.com.

Company Contact:

Mike Koehler

Chief of Staff and Director of Solar Development for Gardner Capital

(314) 561-6065

[email protected]

Media Contacts:

Amy Power/Stacey Gaswirth

The Power Group for Gardner Capital

SOURCE Gardner Capital

Related Links

http://www.gardnercapital.com


NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesis Bank (In Organization), announced today the completion of its oversubscribed initial capital raise of $57.0 million, led by investors Stephen H. Gordon, managing member of Gordon Ventures, and Arkview Capital. The private offering represents the largest de novo capitalization ever in Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County, and the second largest de novo capitalization in Los Angeles County. Stephen H. Gordon has a long-established history of investing his own private capital to found, lead, operate, build, and take public multiple banking institutions on the West Coast. Arkview Capital, founded and led by Joon Chang, Pavel Chernyshov, and Vijay Mehta, is a minority-certified private equity fund focused on investing in diversity-oriented businesses.

Mr. Gordon stated, "I am excited for this opportunity to invest in the launching of a new commercial bank headquartered in and focused on serving the diverse business and commercial real estate needs of Southern California. As the banking industry experiences ongoing consolidation and dislocation, the market serving diverse communities, small to mid-sized businesses, and owners, operators, and investors in income producing multifamily and commercial real estate, continues to grow, especially during this critical time when the economy, at both the local and national level, recovers from the pandemic driven recession."

Mr. Gordon added, "As the lead investor and Founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Bank (In Organization), my investment is deeply rooted in my desire to make an immediate and meaningful impact on the widely diverse business owners, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and businesses within our local Southern California market area of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. It's gratifying to have so many other great investors and leaders in the business community recognize the need and share my vision."

Mr. Chernyshov, Co-Founder of Arkview Capital, stated, "We are excited to back Stephen H. Gordon and his highly experienced team given their exceptional track records in building and operating multi-billion dollar financial institutions. During the pandemic, we saw the need for an institution like Genesis Bank (In Organization) to provide access to financial services to the low- to moderate-income, diverse communities in Southern California, the second largest market demographic in the U.S. Our investment carries an important positive multiplier effect on our capital and the local economy by supporting affordable and workforce housing and small and mid-sized businesses in Southern California."

Mr. Gordon concluded, "My relationship with the Arkview principals dates back to 2010 when we acquired and capitalized Opus Bank. Over the years, we have maintained a great relationship, and I'm incredibly excited to continue our partnership as we launch Genesis Bank (In Organization)."

Piper Sandler & Co. acted as an advisor to Genesis Bank (In Organization). Holland & Knight LLP served as legal counsel. Carpenter & Company served as consultants. Greenberg Traurig LLP acted as legal counsel to Arkview Capital.

About Genesis Bank (In Organization)

Genesis Bank (In Organization) is a proposed California-chartered, non-member de novo commercial bank being organized by a group of highly experienced and successful bankers and business professionals. Genesis Bank (In Organization) will focus on serving the banking needs of small to mid-sized businesses, and owners and investors of income-producing multifamily and commercial real estate, located primarily in Orange and Los Angeles counties, California, as well as the western portions of the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties). Genesis Bank (In Organization) is powered by GenTeckTM, a groundbreaking combination of best-in-class technologies, which are tightly integrated to give clients a seamless, digital first, and transparent experience featuring end-to-end straight through processing to access lending, depository, and cash management solutions. Genesis Bank's (In Organization) products, services, and solutions will primarily include traditional commercial business, Small Business Administration (SBA), income property, and owner-occupied commercial real estate (industrial, retail, office) loan and deposit products, as well as treasury management services and solutions. Genesis Bank (In Organization) will also provide fiduciary banking, escrow, and section 1031 exchange services to serve the banking needs of its clients. Genesis Bank (In Organization) is headquartered in Newport Beach, California.

About Gordon Ventures, LLC

Gordon Ventures, LLC is the organizing entity on behalf of Genesis Bank (In Organization).

About Arkview Capital

Arkview Capital is a minority-certified private equity fund focused on investing in diversity-oriented businesses. As a Minority Business Enterprise ("MBE") certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Arkview believes that companies aligned with their diverse customer base will outperform long-term. Arkview provides capital to businesses serving diverse communities, partners with diverse founders, and promotes diversity within procurement and supply chains of leading Fortune 1000 companies.

For more information, please contact:

James Jones, Spokesperson

Carpenter & Company

949-579-1441

Cautionary Statement

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements regarding the anticipated business plans, product offerings, service levels, and financial condition of Genesis Bank (In Organization), and expectations of performance of Genesis Bank (In Organization) or its Board of Directors and management team. The use of any of the words "achieve," "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "would", "project", "plans", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements or information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Genesis Bank (In Organization) does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Genesis Bank (In Organization)
PUNE, India, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent market study published by Growth Market Reports titled, "Global Pipe fittings Market by Material Types (Aluminum, Cast Iron, Copper, Glass, Plastic, Steel, and Others), Applications (Drainage and Sewage disposal, Pumps and Piping system, HVAC, Transportation Pipes, Water Supply, and Others), End-users (Agriculture, Industrial, Residential, and Others), Distribution Channel (Online, and Offline), and Regions: Size, Share, Trends and Opportunity Analysis, 2017-2027", The global pipe fittings market was valued at USD 29,267 Mn in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 39,905 Mn by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. The market is primarily driven by increasing pipeline projects across the several countries, which is expected to boost the demand for pipe fittings among numerous industries.

Key Market Players Profiled in the Report

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

McWane, Inc.

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry

and Foundry Ward Manufacturing LLC

Core Pipe

Plasson Industries Ltd

Aliaxis Group SA

ASC Engineered Solutions

Aquatherm

GF Piping Systems

Viking Johnson

AVK Holding A/S

The report covers comprehensive data on emerging trends, market drivers, growth opportunities, and restraints that can change the market dynamics of the industry. It provides an in-depth analysis of the market segments which include products, applications, and competitor analysis.

Download PDF Sample here: https://growthmarketreports.com/request-sample/1209

This report also includes a complete analysis of industry players that cover their latest developments, product portfolio, pricing, mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations. Moreover, it provides crucial strategies that are helping them to expand their market share.

Highlights on the segments of the Pipe Fittings Market

Based on material types, the market is divided into aluminum, cast iron, copper, glass, plastic, and steel. The plastic pipe fittings segment held 34.09% share of the market in 2019, owing to wide applications of PVC and PE pipe fittings in several industrial and residential piping systems. Plastic pipe fittings are prominent fittings that and are available in socket weld (otherwise known as solvent weld) and threaded styles. Socket weld fittings are meant to be chemically welded in place, thus making installation quick and simple. Plastic pipes are usually dry, then marked as the solvent used to connect them works particularly quickly. Couplings are commonly used to link and connect straight lengths of pipe. Fittings can be provided in a range of materials common to plastic pipes, including PVC, RPVC, and CPVC. Common fittings in PVC pipe include elbows, reducers, covers, tables, waxes, joints, and crosses. The standard cross-sectional profile for most PVC pipe or tubing fittings is circular; however, other profile shapes available in the market are square PVC fittings. Increasing use of plastic pipe fittings in supplying drainage from residences to septic tanks and its rising usage for irrigation in fields is estimated to drive the plastic segment. The cast iron segment is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. This is attributed to government initiatives across the world to build smart city projects and improve clean drinking water access.

In terms of applications, the pipe fittings market is classified as drainage and sewage disposal, pumps and piping system, HVAC, transportation pipes, water supply, and others. The water supply segment accounted for 21.52% share of the market in 2019 and is expected to expand at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period, owing to rising urbanization in several developing countries, which is increasing infrastructural developments. Any pipe or tube designed to deliver drinking water to customers is considered as a water supply pipe. Large diameter pipes supply water to towns, smaller branch lines cater to street or groups of houses, and small diameter pipes located within individual buildings supply water to individual water outlets. The size of water pipes varies and can be as large as 3.65 meters in diameter or as small as 12.7 millimeters for individual outlets within a structure. Therefore, the pipe fittings for water supply pipes vary in shape and size, depending on the requirements. PVC, cast iron, copper, steel, concrete or burned clay are all typical materials used to make water pipes and its fittings. Individual water pipes can be joined together to form longer runs using pipe fittings such as flange, nipple, compression, or soldered connectors. Government initiatives for better water resources management to increase water supply to the growing population in is estimated to fuel the market.

Based on end-users, the market is categorized as agricultural, industrial, residential, and Others. The industrial segment accounted for 29.86% share of the market in 2019 and is anticipated to expand at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The industrial segment is further categorized into chemical industry, HVAC industry, oil & gas industry, power plants, and others. Pipe fittings have wide range of applications in numerous industry verticals such as power & energy, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals & biotech, semiconductor, pulp & paper, construction materials, and others. A large number of pipes are used in these industries to transfer liquids, gasses, slurries, and other solids and fluids from one place to another, and hence different categories of pipe fittings are used depending on the piping material used. Thus, pipe fittings play a pivotal role for the proper functioning of pipes and tubes in these industries for various applications. The industrial segment is anticipated to hold a significant market share, owing to rising need of transporting fluid, gas, and raw materials within the factory to complete the production process.

The residential segment is projected to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period, due to growing residential constructions in several countries, leading to high requirement for piping systems and fittings, which is expected to boost the market.

In terms of distribution channels, the pipe fittings market is bifurcated into offline and online. The offline segment accounted for 38.51% share of the market in 2019 and is expected to expand at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The online segment is expected to expand at considerable CAGR due to increasing e-commerce platforms across different industries resulting in high investments on e-commerce supply chain, which is expected to drive the segment during the forecast period.

Based on regions, the global pipe fittings market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Europe constituted 25.58% share of the global market in 2019 and is projected to expand at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Industrial developments across Asia Pacific and technological advancements in the piping industry in Europe are major factors propelling the global pipe fittings market in these regions

To Buy the Complete Report: https://growthmarketreports.com/report/pipe-fittings-market-global-industry-analysis

Key Takeaways from the Study:

Asia Pacific accounts for a significant share of the market, owing to rising residential construction activities and increased need for sanitation and water supply.

accounts for a significant share of the market, owing to rising residential construction activities and increased need for sanitation and water supply. Presence of key manufacturers of pipe fittings makes North America a highly attractive region. Moreover, product innovation offered by these players is anticipated to fuel the market in the coming years.

a highly attractive region. Moreover, product innovation offered by these players is anticipated to fuel the market in the coming years. The market in Europe is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, due to presence of natural gas projects, which require pipelines to transport natural gas from one place to another.

is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, due to presence of natural gas projects, which require pipelines to transport natural gas from one place to another. Middle East & Africa is projected to grow at a considerable CAGR, due to government initiatives for water supply management along with rising number of commercial buildings, which make use of HVAC systems.

Read 251 Pages Research Report with Detailed ToC on "Global Pipe fittings Market by Material Types (Aluminum, Cast Iron, Copper, Glass, Plastic, Steel, and Others), Applications (Drainage and Sewage disposal, Pumps and Piping system, HVAC, Transportation Pipes, Water Supply, and Others), End-users (Agriculture, Industrial, Residential, and Others), Distribution Channel (Online, and Offline), and Regions (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA)) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2021  2028"

For Any Questions on This Report: https://growthmarketreports.com/enquiry-before-buying/1209

Key Segments Covered

By Material Type

Aluminium

Cast iron

Copper

Glass

Plastic

PVC



RPVC





CPVC



Others

Steel

Others

By Application

Drainage and Sewage disposal

Pumps and Piping system

HVAC

Transportation Pipes

Water supply

Others

By Enterprise Size

Large Enterprise

SMEs

By End-users

Agriculture

Industrial

Chemical Industry



HVAC industry



Oil and Gas Industry



Power Plants



Others

Residential

Others

By Distribution Channel

Online

Offline

By Regions

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

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Polyethylene Market by Grades (Ultra-low-molecular-weight Polyethylene (ULMWPE), High-density Cross-linked Polyethylene (HDXLPE), Ultra-high-molecular-weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), High-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE), Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE), Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX), Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Very-low-density Polyethylene (VLDPE), Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), and High-density polyethylene (HDPE)), Applications (Packaging and Toys, Cable coverings, Buckets, Lids, Containers Bottles, and Films & Membrane manufacture), and Regions ( Asia Pacific , North America , Latin America , Europe , and Middle East & Africa ) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 20212028

Global Water Purifier Market by Technology (UV, RO, Activated Carbon Filters, Gravity-based, and Others), Mounting Types (Wall Mounted, Countertop, Tabletop, Faucet-mounted, and Under-the-sink), Portability (Portable and Affixed), Distribution Channels (Retail Sales, Direct Sales, and Online), End Users (Industrial [Water Treatment], Commercial [Hotels, Restaurants, and Offices], and Household),and Regions ( Asia Pacific , North America , Europe , Latin America , and Middle East & Africa ) Forecasts, 2021-2028

Middle East Spiral Welded Pipe Market by Type (ERW [Electrical Resistance Welding], LSAW [Longitudinal Submerged Arc-Welding Pipe], and SSAW [Spiral Submerged Arc-Welding Pipe]), By Application (Crude Oil Transmission, Natural Gas Transmission, Refined Products Transmission, and Water Oil Transmission) By End-Use (Oil & Gas Industry, Wastewater Treatment Industry, Construction & Infrastructure Industry, and Others) and By Country ( Saudi Arabia , Iran , UAE, and Rest of the Middle East )

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Our key analysis segments, though not restricted to the same, include market entry strategies, market size estimations, market trend analysis, market opportunity analysis, market threat analysis, market growth/fall forecasting, primary interviews, and secondary research & consumer surveys.

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NIAGARA FALLS, ON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Cannabis conference season is finally back and the cannabis growing community can reconnect in-person at the upcoming Grow Up Conference and Expo presented by ND Supplies (scheduled Oct 5-7, 2021) at Niagara Falls' Scotiabank Convention Centre. As Ontario enters Step 3 of the COVID-19 reopening plan, the Grow Up Conference and Expo venue can accommodate up to 1000 attendees.

This three-day B2B event will highlight industry education, collaboration and networking between industry professionals, marking the fourth iteration of Grow Up Conference and Expo. For the first time in nearly two years, the event will feature industry leading master growers, licensed producers, craft cannabis producers, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, home growers and more. "We are excited to finally be able to reconnect with the industry now that restrictions have loosened", said Randy Rowe, President of Grow Up,"The industry has gone through so many changes during this pandemic and we can't wait for the opportunity to network with industry professionals and get up to speed with the newest trends and innovations across Canada, and abroad."

Starting September 7, 2021, Canada will begin allowing entry to fully vaccinated American citizens, "Allowing entry from our American neighbours is an extraordinary milestone and allows us to remain a truly international event." says Neill Dixon, Co-Founder of Grow Up. "The North American cannabis industry relies on collaboration and networking between our two countries." This year's border town conference schedule offers four distinct segments: VIP Industry/Growing and Cultivation, Extraction Zone, Grow-at-Home workshop, and new for 2021 - Grow Up Psychedelics Summit. All three days will offer attendees varied presentations and panel discussions on topical industry trends. For an updated speakers list for this year's event, click here for an updated, real time list as speakers are confirmed.

Exhibition booths are available and conference registration is now open. Visit growupconference.com to register.

Nominations for the second annual Grow Up Awards ceremony open July 26 to industry thought leaders and brands. Winners will be announced October 5th. For more information and to submit nominations visit growupawards.com .

About Grow Up Cannabis Conference and Expo

Grow Up Conference and Expo, producers of cannabis events in Niagara Falls, ON and Victoria BC, have been named the top cannabis industry events in Canada by the Toronto Sun and High! Canada Magazine.

With decades of experience producing national profile events and creating global connections between business communities in the arts, broadcasting, media and technology. Together the founders have organized trade summit initiatives with governments around the world and have worked closely with sponsors in all levels of the Canadian government.

About ND Supplies

ND Supplies is a market-leading packaging supplier and manufacturing company that is at the top of the innovation curve within the Canadian cannabis industry. They focus on creating sustainable, child-safe packaging solutions designed to meet the Canadian regulatory framework and supply a proven, cost-effective, high-quality packaging system to licensed, reputable businesses that demand the highest form of compliance.

SOURCE Grow Up Conference and Expo

Related Links

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ALBANY, N.Y., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global carpet backing material market has witnessed slow but steady pace of innovations. However, in the recent years, market participants have been mainly focused on the development of more sustainable and greener carpet backing materials, which help improve the overall functionality of carpets. In order to obtain a competitive advantage, some firms in the present market environment are concentrating on growing their production capa3cities through product innovation and new investments. Technological advancements have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of final products, such as improving tuft bind and pattern definition.

Some of the most significant developments such as spunlaid polyester nonwovens, use of digital printing technology in the carpet industry combined with product promotional techniques techniques have emphasized on the significance of carpet components. This factor is likely to fuel the growth of the carpet backing material market during the forecast period. Furthermore, as carpet backing materials have an influence on the entire quality as well as performance of carpets, they play a critical role in influencing customer purchase preferences. There is a high demand for carpet backing materials from residential as well as commercial buildings. Thus, the global carpet backing material market is expected to reach around US$ 11 Bn by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period.

Strong expertise with attention to detail makes our market research reports stand apart. Request a sample now  https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=31649

Key Findings of Market Report

Manufacturers Experimenting with Materials to Launch Innovative Products

Technological innovations and developments are mostly focused on the creation of environment-friendly carpets. Several firms are increasingly concentrating on improving materials used in the making of carpet backings to provide sustainable goods. These materials are in high demand, since carpet backings are being highly utilized to improve carpet insulation, increase softness, and reduce noise. In the recent years, sustainability has remained a significant factor that is likely to impact the development of new carpet backings. Spunlaid polyester nonwovens have become a popular carpet backing material in the past few years due to their increased resilience. Furthermore, the introduction of sophisticated digital printing technology is predicted to drive the manufacturing of carpet backings, resulting in significant expansion of the carpet backing material market.

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Rise in Demand for Carpets Due to Rapid Urbanization to Widen Market Reach

Due to increased urbanization and population explosion around the world, the building &construction sector is expected to grow considerably in the upcoming years, mostly driven changing lifestyle. Globally, rising population and economic expansion have resulted in augmented investment in infrastructure and housing development. Carpets possess characteristics such as attractive aesthetics, improved moisture resistance, minimal maintenance, and high wear resistance. As a result, the demand for carpets is likely to increase in the building & construction sector.

Carpet Backing Material Market: Growth Drivers

The material science segment has advanced at break-neck speed in recent years, resulting in a surge in interest in novel carbon-negative carpet backing materials. The introduction of these substances is likely to increase the demand for carpet backing materials significantly.

Considerable increase in the number of construction activities, notably in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East , is projected to add to the growth of the market in the forthcoming years

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Carpet Backing Material Market: Key Competitors

Associated Weavers Europe NV/SA

Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

The Dow Chemical Company

Continental Flooring Company

Carpet &Rug Backing (CRB)

Wacker Chemie AG

Carpet Backing Material Market: Segmentation

Product Type

Primary Backing

Secondary Backing

Bonding Agents

Carpet Type

Hand Woven Carpets

Tufted Carpets

Needle Felt Carpets

Application

Residential

Commercial

Chemicals & Materials Industry battles Tangible Impact of Economic and Cultural changes, Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Chemicals & Materialhttps://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/food-beverages-market-reports-4.html Industry:

Flooring Market - The flooring market is equipped with wide range of product portfolio, which is making it, the most important for building material markets. The global flooring market is projected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 6.5% between 2019 and 2027. The substantial growth of the construction industry and the increasing trend of home renovation activities are likely to boost the market in the next few years.

Textile Chemicals Market - In terms of demand, Asia Pacific led the global textile chemicals market in 2018, and the same trend is anticipated to continue throughout 2019 and 2027. Changing consumer needs and an evolving retail marketplace are factors driving the apparel sector in Asia Pacific. The apparel sector in Asia Pacific is projected to expand at a CAGR of nearly 5% during the forecast period. The technical textiles market has witnessed evolution from passive to active smart and ultra-smart fabrics over the last few years. First-generation passive fabrics were capable of sensing only environmental stimuli, whereas, second-generation active fabrics included actuators, sensors, and a control unit in order to sense electric, thermal, and other stimuli.

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Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Kansas City Life Insurance Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share on July 26, 2021. The dividend will be payable on Aug. 11, 2021, to stockholders of record on Aug. 5, 2021.

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.

SOURCE Kansas City Life Insurance Company

Related Links

https://www.kclife.com


LOS ANGELES, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Levine Leichtman Capital Partners ("LLCP"), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, announced today that it has sold its portfolio company FlexXray Holdings, LLC ("FlexXray" or the "Company") to Warburg Pincus and Tilia Holdings. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

FlexXray is a leading provider of x-ray inspection services focused on food safety. The Company assists Fortune 100 food manufacturers with regulatory compliance and food safety issues by identifying and removing foreign contaminants. Hundreds of manufacturing plants throughout North America rely on FlexXray's expertise and customer service to salvage valuable products when contamination events occur in the normal course of the food manufacturing process. FlexXray was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas.

Matthew Rich, Senior Managing Director of LLCP, said, "Randy Jesberg and the entire FlexXray team have built an exceptional, differentiated business through an unwavering commitment to helping the world's largest food manufacturers keep their products and their customers safe. Following our initial investment in 2017, the Company made significant investments in management, sales & marketing, technological capabilities, and capacity. In addition, we were successful in completing two add-on acquisitions, which expanded FlexXray's geographic reach, broadened its service offerings and enhanced its ability to better serve customers nationally. FlexXray is positioned for continued success under its new ownership."

Randy Jesberg, CEO of FlexXray, commented, "We are appreciative of LLCP's support and guidance over the last four years. Their partnership, management-centric approach and strategic insights contributed greatly to the evolution and expansion of the business. We could not have asked for a better partner to help guide FlexXray through this period of tremendous growth."

The sale of FlexXray is LLCP's seventh recent successful exit, following Trinity Consultants, Nothing Bundt Cakes, ZorgDomein, Jonathan Engineered Solutions, Futurewhiz and Pacific Handy Cutter.

Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. served as the lead financial advisor to FlexXray, with support from Robert W. Baird & Co., Incorporated, and Honigman LLP served as legal counsel in connection with the sale.

About Levine Leichtman Capital Partners

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, LLC is a middle-market private equity firm with a 38-year track record of investing across various targeted sectors, including franchising, professional services, education and engineered products. LLCP utilizes a differentiated Structured Private Equity investment strategy, combining debt and equity capital investments in portfolio companies. This unique structure provides a less dilutive solution for management teams and entrepreneurs, while delivering growth and income with a significantly lower risk profile.

LLCP's global team of dedicated investment professionals is led by seven partners who have worked at LLCP for an average of 22 years. Since inception, LLCP has managed approximately $12.1 billion of institutional capital across 15 investment funds and has invested in over 90 portfolio companies. LLCP currently manages $8.5 billion of assets  including its most recent flagship fund, Levine Leichtman Capital Partners VI, L.P., which closed in 2018 with $2.5 billion of committed capital  and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Charlotte, Miami, London, Stockholm and The Hague.

SOURCE Levine Leichtman Capital Partners
HOUSTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lime Rock Resources, acquirers and operators of producing oil and gas properties in the United States, announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement to buy oil and gas properties in the Delaware Basin of Texas for $508.3 million from a private seller. The transaction is expected to close on September 30.

The acquired property is primarily in Loving County, Texas. As of the April 1, 2021 transaction effective date, the property was producing 15,163 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Eric Mullins, Chairman and CEO of Lime Rock Resources, said, "The high volatility in the energy business over the last 18 months has created some unique opportunities in the oil and gas property market. This acquisition is one of those opportunities, which fits quite well the Lime Rock Resources acquisition strategy." Charlie Adcock, Vice-Chairman of Lime Rock Resources, added, "We look forward to taking over operations in a few months to optimize existing production and pursue other value-creating initiatives."

About Lime Rock Resources

Based in Houston, the Lime Rock Resources team acquires, operates, and improves producing oil and gas properties in the United States. The team has acquired properties in select oil and gas basins nationwide as it seeks to provide its investors with attractive long-term returns. Established in 1998, Lime Rock Management has raised $8.9 billion in private equity funds for investment in the energy industry through Lime Rock Resources and Lime Rock Partners, investors of growth capital in E&P and oilfield services companies.

For more information, please visit www.limerockresources.com .

SOURCE Lime Rock Resources
SELBYVILLE, Del., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report by Global Market Insights Inc., the marine coatings market size was estimated at $4 billion in 2020 and is slated to exceed $6 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 5.6% from 2021 to 2027. The report provides a thorough analysis of the main investment avenues, major winning strategies, drivers and opportunities, wavering industry trends, market estimations, as well as the size and competitive scenarios.

Global Market Insights Inc.

Growing transportation and logistics activities across the globe have created a greater demand for large vessels. These vessels, however, require proper maintenance as they are continuously exposed to saltwater, moisture, and oxidation. This has significantly impelled the demand for marine coatings that offer protection against adverse environmental conditions.

Various manufacturers are making hefty investments in the development of eco-friendly coatings that allow operators to meet stringent regulations pertaining to marine transport. Companies producing marine paints and coatings are developing products with lower friction and VOC levels to adhere to regulatory requirements. To illustrate, the government authorities in China have established stringent environmental regulations like additional taxation on paints and coating with VOCs above a certain level.

Request a Sample Report: https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1142

The increased product usage is expected to provide a major impetus to the global marine coatings market over the forthcoming years. Some of the key trends impacting market value are as follows:

Rising application of anti-corrosion coatings:

Anti-corrosion marine coatings, which help in shielding the metal parts of the vessel from oxidation, salt spray and moisture, are gaining a wide-scale prominence in the industry. Reportedly, the anti-corrosion segment holds around a 40% revenue share of the overall marine coatings market. The elevating product demand is encouraging the industry players to develop more innovative offerings to effectively meet the rising demand and attract a larger customer base. For instance, in 2021, Nippon Paint Marine introduced a new antifouling technology for enhancing the antifouling performance to a high level and consistency. According to the company, it also improves the film thickness and time required for application.

Strategic initiatives by key market players:

The expansion of the marine coatings market share is largely being expedited by the strategic initiatives made by the key market players. These business conglomerates are collaborating with major transport firms that require large freight and passenger ships for logistics. Citing an instance, in 2020, Hempel A/S announced a partnership with the DFDS for delivering marine coatings and identifying opportunities for demonstrating the performance of Hempaguard X7 hull coating. Apparently, this initiative helped the company gain a competitive advantage in the industry.

Growing demand for offshore vessels:

Offshore oil and gas productions have enormously increased over the past few years, which has spurred the demand for offshore vessels. These vessels play a key role in the transportation of goods, equipment, tools and provide logistic support for the offshore oil platforms as well as other offshore structures. With increasing product demand, the offshore vessels segment is expected to record a robust CAGR of over 6% through 2027.

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The strong presence of boat manufacturers in Europe:

The presence of eminent boat manufacturers, as well as large freight and passenger ships fleets that offer logistics solutions for numerous businesses in the region, is the major factor augmenting the outlook of European marine coatings market. During the last five years, import tonnage has increased by 5% in the region, which in turn is supporting the business expansion. For the records, in 2020, the market had captured a sizeable share of more than 10%.

The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has induced a negative impact on the business outlook with a considerable decline in the demand for marine coatings on account of the restrictions imposed on sea-based trade. However, the industry is restoring operations and making a steady growth with increasing demand from vessels in dry dock for scheduled maintenance.

Key industry participants in the marine coatings industry are Akzo Nobel N.V., Jotun A/S, Hempel A/S, Chugoku Marine Paints, Ltd, Kansai Paint Co., Ltd., NipponPaint Co., Sherwin-Williams Company, PPG Industries, RPM International, and KCC Corporation. Industry players are focused on product development, merger & acquisition, strategic partnership & joint venture, and R&D investment strategies over the long run.

Related Reports:

Waterborne Coatings Market Future Business Strategies and Revenue Impact Analysis - 2027

Antimicrobial Coatings Market Future Business Strategies and Revenue Impact Analysis - 2026

About Global Market Insights Inc.

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider. Offering syndicated and custom research reports, growth consulting, and business intelligence services, Global Market Insights, Inc. aims to help clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data that aid in strategic decision making.

GMIPulse, our business analytics platform offers an online, interactive option of exploring our proprietary industry research data in an easy-to-use and dynamic manner. Clients get to explore market intelligence across 11 top-level categories and hundreds of industry segments within them, covering regional, company level, and cross-sectional statistics that make our offering a stand-out for decision-makers.

Contact Us:

Arun Hegde

Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights Inc.

Phone: 1-302-846-7766

Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.gminsights.com

Related Images

marine-coatings-market-statistics.jpg

Marine Coatings Market Statistics - 2027

SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc.
WIXOM, Mich., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. Shortly after 9/11 the Memorial Bracelets website was launched, and the company began collecting stories from the friends and family members of the victims on 9/11. "There are raw emotions in these stories that will either remined you of the feelings you had on that day, or help you understand the grief felt by the loved ones of the victims," said Rob Tacy, Founder of Memorial Bracelets.

September 11th, 2001 Memorial Bracelets available at MemorialBracelets.com

While wearing a Vietnam War POW/MIA bracelet in the early 70's for Major Leland Hildebrand, Rob Tacy thought about what the Major was going through every day as a prisoner of war while he was safe in America. Based on the deep personal connection that bracelet gave him to the POW, Rob wanted to know the meaning Memorial Bracelets had for those who currently wore them. To understand the reason, he began asking people to share the story behind why they wore theirs.

The following are some excerpts of stories received shortly after 9/11:

"We lost my father's best friend (my godfather) on Sept 11 th , and it's our way of keeping him close."

, and it's our way of keeping him close." "Being a survivor of the WTC, I wanted to memorialize a New York City Firefighter. I will forever carry his name in my heart."

"I am on active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I wear it as a reminder of what we are fighting for and to remember the victims of that tragic day in September."

"My sister was Judy Larocque . She was on AA Flight 11. One never recovers from our tragedy, but at least I will not let her be forgotten."

Because these first-hand testimonials were so moving, Memorial Bracelets and bracelet wearers began posting them to a blog located at https://www.whywear.com/. The blog contains almost 1,000 stories contributed over the past 20 years. Reading the stories of those lost at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania takes you back to the emotions you felt in the days immediately following the attack. As preferences changed, people began posting their "Why Wear" stories to the Memorial Bracelets Facebook page. Over 400 of those have been added to the Memorial Bracelets website as Reflections for specific individuals at https://www.memorialbracelets.com/reflections

September 11th, 2021, marks 20 years since the 2001 terrorist attacks. Many will never forget the name of the person on their Vietnam War POW/MIA bracelet. For those wearing Memorial Bracelets, they too will always remember the name of the person they wore on their wrist in memory of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

About Memorial Bracelets

As a father of two young boys, Rob Tacy knew how devastating it would be for his family if he were suddenly gone and decided to raise funds for the children who lost one or both parents on 9/11. To accomplish this, he created the first Memorial Bracelet, launched www.MemorialBracelets.com on October 23rd, 2001 and began donating $2.00 of every product purchased to the Twin Tower Orphan Fund. Memorial Bracelets has donated $35,000 to that cause and over $332,000 in total to charities that support the families of victims and heroes. By request, the site has grown to include the names of military members KIA in Iraq and Afghanistan and those KIA, POW, MIA and RR during the Vietnam War. People can also request names be added to the site so others can be honored by completing a Special Request form at https://www.memorialbracelets.com/request.

Media Contact

Rob Tacy

248-956-0469

[email protected]

SOURCE Memorial Bracelets
MindX Sciences has been granted the second patent for the risk assessment of suicide... a patient dies every 40 seconds. Tweet this

Prof. A.B. Niculescu, MD, PhD, Chairman and Founder of MindX Sciences stated "the granting of a second patent on objective biomarkers is a great step forward in assessing and preventing suicide risk at a biological level. Like heart attacks, you want to identify and treat risk factors early, before an acute event occurs. We are very pleased to bring this and other biomarker tests from the research lab to the community to help save and improve lives."

About MindX Sciences

MindX Sciences Inc. works to improve lives through empowering precision medicine approaches to mental health. MindX Sciences has a comprehensive platform solution, based on extensive clinical research studies: from digital (novel behavioral assessments in the form of apps) to molecular (novel blood tests) to enabling targeted therapeutics (with existing, repurposed, and new drugs). The focus is on providing objective tools for suicidality, as well as for highly prevalent mental health disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety, schizophrenia) and pain, that create suffering by themselves, as well as increase the risk for suicidality. The medium-term focus is on the prevention of Alzheimer's. The long-term focus is on promoting active longevity. Precisely assessing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders will be transformative to society. We are amid a mental health pandemic, on top of the COVID pandemic and its disruptive direct(biological) and indirect (socio-economic) effects. MindX's products are need now more than ever. Learn more at: https://mindxsciences.com/products/

Contact: Sunil Hazaray, [email protected]

SOURCE MindX Sciences

Related Links

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"Gen Z is the most influential consumer group out there today, and MINISO is committed to catering to their expectations and delivering experiences that are as distinct as their personality. This generation feels passionate about their hobbies and creates communities anchored in them. As a result, the only brands that will thrive in the future are those that create surprises to attract more consumers from this core demographic. The blind box machine is a bold new way for MINISO to meet the changing needs of consumers and connect with the youth of today through exciting brand experiences tailored to their unique interests," said Robin Liu, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of MINISO.

Nine collections will be sold in MINISO's blind box vending machines, including previous best-selling items from its retail stores. Blind boxes are priced between SGD 9.90 and 14.90, which makes them easily within reach for younger collectors. MINISO has also made contactless shopping easier than ever with the option to pay using card or to scan a QR code and complete the payment via WeChat Pay or Alipay.

According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, Singapore's pop toy retailing market ranks amongst the top three in the world alongside Japan and Korea. Capitalizing on this trend, MINISO already sells its blind box products in 22 stores across major shopping malls in Singapore. The retailer plans to open up a total of five self-service blind box vending machines across Singapore for this launch, with a focus on highly popular shopping destinations without an existing MINISO presence.

Since 2020, MINISO has sold blind box products online and in its stores across Singapore. In May 2021, the company won over the love of an entire generation of fans with five highly anticipated collection drops based on popular IPs, including the nationwide release of the Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and RUMI TUTU range. In addition, the retailer launched its own beloved Budding Pop series based on the fan-favorite emoji icon, which sparked a MINISO blind box phenomenon across South-East Asia. MINISO's first self-service blind box vending machine builds upon this momentum, bringing more opportunities for Gen Z shoppers to engage with and delight in MINISO's brand experiences.

A hub for trendy culture, Singapore will also serve as the launchpad for MINISO's blind box machines in the broader region, as it seeks to create new experiences for Gen Z consumers in Asia and beyond.

About MINISO

MINISO (NYSE: MNSO) is a lifestyle product retailer, offering high quality household goods, cosmetics, food, and toys at affordable prices. Since its first store opened in Guangzhou in 2013, MINISO has opened more than 4,587 stores in over 95 countries and regions. With a focus on sleek design and fun trends, its mission is to enable everyone to enjoy life's little surprises.

SOURCE Miniso Group
"If your data infrastructure isn't fast and flexible enough to keep up with your customers as they hop from one marketing channel to the next and one departmental interaction to the next, you will never deliver an end-to-end customer experience," said Gerry Murray, Research Director, Marketing and Sales Technology at IDC. "It takes an enterprise ecosystem to aggregate, analyze and activate customer data in real time. SAS delivers powerful capabilities in all three areas to empower data-driven innovation across the business."

In the study Experience 2030: Pulse Report conducted by Futurum Research and sponsored by SAS, 73% of brands believe that the future of CX is in real-time data collection and analysis. Futurum Research calls this "the need for speed"  speed to detection of consumer-initiated online events, speed to analysis of behavior and speed to intelligent reactions. The SAS CDP helps brands collect, analyze and activate first-party data in real time, instantly embedding insights into customer-facing systems to create value in consumer engagement and business models.

"Traditional CDPs fill a gap in the marketers toolkit, enabling the ingestion of data from multiple sources; managing customer identities; creating audience segments and provisioning data and insights to the martech stack. But that is not enough in today's world where customer engagement is constantly evolving and marketers need to change on a dime to keep up with expectations," said Lisa Loftis, Principal Product Marketer for CDPs at SAS. "Losing the data provided by the third-party cookie places an even higher emphasis on these real-time CDP capabilities  what we call beyond CDP. Because despite the fact that Google has pushed back their plans to phase out third-party cookies until 2023  these will be going away. And the sooner the planning starts for this, the better off companies will be."

Learn more about customer Intelligence without cookies .

Companies are already using SAS to move beyond traditional CDP platforms to seamlessly collect, enhance, extend and activate customer data in real time. SAS receives consistently excellent ratings from customers and analysts in areas as diverse as managing real-time interactions, facilitating digital decisions, and providing sophisticated real-time analytics. SAS was recently recognized as a leader in the 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Multichannel Marketing Hubs and The Forrester Wave: Real-Time Interaction Management, Q4 2020.

How SAS CDP capabilities are different from the rest:

Data Ingestion and Identity Management. SAS has an extensive data collection technology  one that feeds an open and cloud-based, customer-centric data hub. It is an enterprise-scale solution for collecting 360-degree customer views across digital channels, offline channels and third-party properties. Unlike many web data collection applications, which provide only aggregated information, SAS can provide granular contextualized customer-level information on user behavior (pages, screens and field interactions); capture and send events in real time; and stitch together online and offline information into a single unified profile that can be updated dynamically in real time as user behavior changes. This real-time view of customers enables marketers to pinpoint digital activity and respond immediately with contextually relevant optimized offers.

Segmentation and Data Provisioning. SAS goes beyond the simple segmentation capabilities found in many CDPs to provide advanced models, clustering and campaign targeting. "Do it for me" options can also provide guided analytics and segment discovery for marketers who are not necessarily data scientists. Segments can be dynamically updated with digital activity in real time and algorithmic, multitouch attribution lets marketers understand how customers are journeying across all contact points so that you can use your customer data and insights to shape omnichannel journeys. Predictive models, forecasting, goal-seeking routines, guided analytics, journey analytics and decisioning beyond marketing round out the AI and decisioning capabilities in the SAS CDP.

Streaming Data and a Unique Hybrid Data Architecture. Never miss an opportunity with SAS' streaming data platform that provides a real-time, two-way interaction between digital properties and on-premises applications. This eliminates the digital lag time  when something happens on the web and the CDP doesn't discover it for hours to days. This also powers the real-time dynamic updates of our customer identities and segments. The hybrid data architecture allows marketers to keep their data where they want it and enables them to join online and offline data while also providing a rigorous digital guardianship as personally identifiable information (PII) data is not stored in the cloud.

Learn more about SAS Customer Intelligence .

About SAS

SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries.  indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright  2021 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contact:

Angela Lipscomb

[email protected]

919-531-2525

sas.com/news

SOURCE SAS

Related Links

http://www.sas.com


CARROLLTON, Texas, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NerdsToGo , an emerging IT services franchise brand, was recently named to Franchise Business Review's second annual Culture100 list. The list recognizes the top 100 franchise brands in a 2021 report on the Best Franchise Cultures .

NerdsToGo

"To have NerdsToGo named to the 2021 Franchise Culture100 list is an honor, especially since this is direct feedback from our franchise owners," said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer at Propelled Brands. "We continue to seek ways to increase our franchisees' profitability, introduce new products and services and excel in customer service. This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of our network of franchisees and the support teams."

Franchise Business Review , a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today's Top Franchises , as well as in special interest reports throughout the year that identify the top franchises in specific sectors.

NerdsToGo was among 224 franchise brands, representing nearly 25,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review's research on the best franchise cultures. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems. The brands that were selected received the highest overall ratings based on 12 questions specifically focused on leadership, core values, whether they enjoy being part of the organization, and whether they would recommend their franchise to others.

"The impact of the pandemic this past year on small businesses has put the spotlight on franchise culture more than ever," said Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business Review. "Our research into hundreds of brands really shows which ones held up the best when rated by their franchise owners. The franchise companies that have the honor of being named to our Culture100 list are clearly among the best of the best franchise opportunities."

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the 2021 Best Franchise Cultures .

For information about the NerdsToGo franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson ([email protected] or 214-346-5679).

About NerdsToGo, Inc.

NerdsToGo, Inc. launched its original location in Guilford, CT in 2003 and quickly became the emerging leader in providing computer and technology-based services to both the small and medium-sized business market and the residential market. NerdsToGo began franchising in 2017 and quickly grew to 25 independently owned franchise locations in 16 states. In 2020, Fastsigns Holdings Inc. acquired GTN CAPITAL GROUP, LLC, the parent company of NerdsToGo.

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.

NerdsToGo locations provide the total solution in computer and technology support to customers, and the company's signature service is delivered by sending a Nerd onsite to customer locations in a well-branded, eye-catching Nerd Van. Customers can also receive service through remote support or by visiting a local NerdsToGo service center. NerdsToGo acts as the IT department for small to medium sized businesses by helping to design, implement and support IT networks, provide data backup & continuity services, cybersecurity solutions, cloud services, remote support, vendor management services and overall routine maintenance.

For information about the NerdsToGo franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson ([email protected] or 214-346-5679).

About Franchise Business Review

Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,100 leading franchise companies. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/ . To learn more about FBR's research, please visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com

Media Contact:

Avery Barzizza | BizCom Associates

513.520.3463 | [email protected]

SOURCE NerdsToGo
OAKLAND, Calif., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Breath Foundation (NBF), in partnership with the East Bay Community Foundation, is launching a $10 million fund to support Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to build power, promote racial solidarity, and cultivate healing between AAPI communities and Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities.

The We Got Us Fund will address racialized violence against the AAPI community by promoting cross-racial solidarity, long-term sustainable power, and effective alternatives to criminalization.

"We must be fearless in building a pathway towards collective liberation by investing in organizations that are often invisible and under-resourced," said Eddy Zheng, President and Founder, New Breath Foundation. "It is time to lift up and empower our AAPI communities who have, for too long, been overlooked because of the model minority myth."

There has been historic underinvestment in grassroots AAPI organizations, with less than one percent of philanthropic dollars going to fund AAPI causes. Even still, AAPI organizations have persisted, providing mutual aid to communities in need, fighting back against oppressive systems, and organizing people to exercise their democratic rights. With the recent waves of anti-Asian violence and the racial justice uprisings in the aftermath of state violence, the country is at an inflection point when it comes to race, and AAPI voices have to be a part of this conversation.

The We Got Us Fund utilizes a trust-based philanthropic approach that centers the communities most impacted by systemic racism and amplifies community based organizations committed to advancing cross-racial solidarity and collective liberation.

The We Got Us Fund seeks to achieve the following three outcomes:

Increased capacity to build power for Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous and people of color racial justice movements; Increased opportunities for racial solidarity and healing between Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous and people of color racial justice movements communities; and Increased development of leadership pipelines for survivors of crime, violence and those formerly incarcerated.

In addition to funding, the New Breath Foundation will provide key leadership with the creation of a community advisory committee composed primarily of AAPI formerly incarcerated leaders and survivors of violence, who will help devise a national grantmaking approach to resource grassroots organizations building power, fighting criminalization, and building cross-racial solidarity.

"Our support of organizations such as New Breath Foundation will focus their work on investing in community healing and solidarity building efforts throughout the state," said Dr. Robert K Ross, President of The California Endowment. "We know this investment will inspire others in philanthropy to invest more readily in AAPI organizations, such as New Breath Foundation, so they can build a new generation of organizers who can carry on the long legacy of activism and racial solidarity deeply rooted in the Asian American and Pacific Islander experience."

The New Breath Foundation grew out of grassroots movements to end mass incarceration, address immigration detention and deportation, prevent community violence, and advance racial justice and solidarity. While attention to AAPI issues may shift over time, the New Breath Foundation's We Got Us Fund is committed to building racial justice movement infrastructure that will sustain grassroots organizing strategies over the long-term. By convening and strategizing with community-based organizations committed to racial solidarity, NBF will strengthen its collective efforts towards achieving racial justice for all.

Read the community support statement from grassroots organizations at www.new-breath.org/community-support-statement .

"Significant and lasting change will only come from investing in organizations and leaders closest to the challenges we seek to address," said Sandy Herz, President of Sobrato Philanthropies. "The We Got Us Fund is an example of how to build and share power with AAPI communities in an authentic and deep way that can address barriers and create new avenues to opportunity. We are grateful to be part of the bold, transformative, trust-led work of this fund."

To learn more about the We Got Us Fund, visit New Breath Foundation's website at www.new-breath.org/wegotus .

About New Breath Foundation:

The New Breath Foundation mobilizes resources to support Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) harmed by the unjust immigration and criminal justice systems to heal, keep families together, and build movements that shift narratives and policies. We are organizers and directly impacted leaders who are building a community of funders and donors committed to providing hope and healing to AAPIs facing violence, incarceration, and deportation.

Supporters of the Fund:

The We Got Us Fund is housed at the East Bay Community Foundation and was made possible with key initial investments from Sobrato Philanthropies, The California Endowment, and Heising-Simons Foundation. Please visit the We Got Us Fund website for a full list of funders.

SOURCE New Breath Foundation

Related Links

https://new-breath.org/wegotus


The Rook I property is host to numerous electromagnetic ("EM") conductors and structural corridors which have yet to be explored as the focus has been on the development of the Arrow Deposit over the last several years.

Target high priority areas within a 10 km radius of Arrow including along the Patterson Lake Corridor which hosts the Arrow Deposit. Together with priority targets along the Derkson Corridor which is directly parallel and to the east of the Patterson Corridor that hosts the Arrow Deposit.

Arrow 2.0 Target  exploring greater than 300 m below known mineralization at Arrow to test for a replication of Arrow at depth where high grade mineralization remains open.

 exploring greater than below known mineralization at Arrow to test for a replication of Arrow at depth where high grade mineralization remains open.

Camp East Target  testing strong geophysical targets along a northeast conductor coincident with a regional north-northeast trend from Camp East through South Arrow and Arrow.

 testing strong geophysical targets along a northeast conductor coincident with a regional north-northeast trend from Camp East through South Arrow and Arrow.

Derkson Corridor  Parallel conductor corridor adjacent to the east of the Patterson Lake conductor corridor with highly prospective geophysical targets with known uranium mineralization drilled in historical drilling northeast, off of the SW2 property.

 Parallel conductor corridor adjacent to the east of the Patterson Lake conductor corridor with highly prospective geophysical targets with known uranium mineralization drilled in historical drilling northeast, off of the SW2 property.

Derkson East Target  series of northeast-southwest trending conductors within a strong geophysical and geochemical footprint.

 series of northeast-southwest trending conductors within a strong geophysical and geochemical footprint.



Derkson West Target  similar conductor to Patterson Lake Corridor with northeast-southwest trending conductor along magnetic gradient. Also, strong geophysical and geochemical characteristics.

All target areas exhibit similar geophysical characteristics to Arrow, including strong conductive signatures with numerous off-sets coincident with discrete gravity lows and steep magnetic gradients. Structural interpretations across the property suggests several EM conductors lie along significant rheological/lithological contrasts which have been interpreted to possess structural conditions favourable for localizing uranium mineralization. Additionally, analysis of previous drilling has also revealed several target areas contain prospective alteration and geochemical signatures indicative of uranium bearing systems.

Leigh Curyer, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Recommencement of field activities incorporating regional exploration whilst simultaneously advancing the Rook I Project through final engineering and permitting is an exciting time for NexGen. The NexGen group has a tremendous track record of discovery and the geological team has been looking forward to recommencing exploration drilling on what they consider to be the most prospective land package globally. Further, the detailed field work this summer is a foundation to future surface and underground infrastructure at the Rook I Project . "

Troy Boisjoli, Vice-President, Exploration & Community, commented: "We are very excited about the 2021 exploration program. Over the past number of years, exploration and drilling activities have been focussed on optimally developing the strategic Arrow Deposit and this 2021 program is focusing on making new discoveries by evaluating highly prospective exploration targets on the Rook I property. The Derkson Corridor is significantly under-explored. The 2021 exploration program is the culmination of a rigorous process in defining highly prospective drill targets. The NexGen geological team is excited to recommence drilling".

Exploration Focus:

Arrow 2.0  The Arrow Deposit is open and remains highly prospective at depth; integration of geophysics (Magnetic and 3D-ZTEM data) and structural interpretation indicate Arrow is hosted on the limb of a large-scale fold that extends to great depth, which suggests the conditions favourable for localizing uranium mineralization also continue to depth. Furthermore, drilling at Arrow shows uranium mineralization, brittle structures, and hydrothermal alteration continue below Arrow. Arrow 2.0 target is designed to be a significant step down-dip from Arrow at depth to test for the replication of high-grade mineralization.

Camp East  Lies along a recently defined north-northeast mineralized trend that includes the Arrow and South Arrow Deposits. Camp East was initially targeted and drilled in 2016 and returned highly prospective alteration, structural disruption, and anomalous geochemistry; intersections of anomalous Boron  a primary pathfinder element  have higher concentrations than the Arrow Deposit. Targeting at Camp East is focused highly prospective geophysical areas where bends and off-sets in the conductor have been interpreted as having increased potential to localize uranium mineralization within the north-northeast mineralized trend from Camp East through South Arrow and Arrow.

Derkson Corridor  Exploration will focus on two target areas on the Derkson Corridor; a parallel conductor to the southeast of the Patterson Lake Corridor ("PLC") that hosts the Arrow Deposit and several other zones of high-grade mineralization along trend.

The first target area lies on a series of northeast-southwest trending conductors at the edge of a prominent magnetic domain that represents favourable structural conditions for brittle reactivation and focusing mineralizing fluids. The target area is along strike to the southwest of historic drill hole DER-04 that intersected 2.5 m of 0.24% U 3 O 8 ; an indication of a uranium fertile trend. Previous drilling to the southwest of the first target area has revealed anomalous boron intersections of up to 424 ppm in drill hole RK-15-070. Drilling will target northeast of the boron anomaly at jogs in the conductor that have potential to localize hydrothermal fluids and uranium mineralization.

The second Derkson target lies along a similar northeast-southwest trending conductor to the PLC. Drilling in this area will target zones of structural dilation along the conductor that are interpreted to represent favourable locations for localizing uranium mineralization. A prominent jog on the conductor where the conductive signal weakens along strike of anomalous geochemistry has been prioritized for early program drilling.

2021 Site Investigation:

In addition to the exploration program, field work will be completed in support of Front End Engineering Design ("FEED") on the Rook I Project through advancement of further site investigations, both underground and surface. Surface investigations will include the completion of test pits and sonic boreholes in locations of planned surface infrastructure. The execution and analysis of these site investigation programs will build upon significant studies that have been incorporated in the recently released Feasibility Study ("FS") (see News Release dated February 22, 2021). Also, diamond drilling will focus on geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeological characterization of the rock mass proximal to the underground Life of Mine ("LOM") infrastructure in support of FEED. The drilling will further validate the current design and support the final design of the Underground Tailings Management Facility ("UGTMF").

About NexGen

NexGen is a British Columbia corporation with a focus on developing the Rook I Project located in the southwestern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada into production. Rook I hosts the Arrow Deposit that hosts Measured Mineral Resources of 209.6 M lbs of U3O8 contained in 2.18 M tonnes grading 4.35% U3O8, Indicated Mineral Resources of 47.1 M lbs of U3O8 contained in 1.57 M tonnes grading 1.36% U3O8, and Inferred Mineral Resources of 80.7 M lbs of U3O8 contained in 4.40 M tonnes grading 0.83% U3O8. The Rook I Project is supported by a NI 43-101 compliant Feasibility Study which outlines elite environmental performance as well as industry leading economics.

NexGen has a highly experienced team of uranium industry professionals with a successful track record in the discovery of uranium deposits and in developing projects through discovery to production. The Company is the recipient of the 2018 PDAC Bill Dennis Award for Canadian mineral discovery and the 2019 PDAC Environmental and Social Responsibility Award.

Technical Disclosure

All technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Anthony (Tony) George, P.Eng, NexGen's Chief Project Officer, and Troy Boisjoli, Geoscientist Licensee, Vice President, Exploration & Community for NexGen. Both are a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101

A technical report in respect of the FS is filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml) and is available for review on NexGen Energy's website (www.nexgenenergy.ca).

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

This news release includes Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources classification terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and the Mineral Reserves and the Mineral Resources estimates are made in accordance with NI 43-101. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards differ from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") set the SEC's rules that are applicable to domestic United States reporting companies. Consequently, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources information included in this news release is not comparable to similar information that would generally be disclosed by domestic U.S. reporting companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws and regulations and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, the 2021 Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project and estimates of uranium production, grade and long-term average uranium prices, anticipated effects of completed drill results on the Rook I Project, planned work programs, completion of further site investigations and engineering work to support basic engineering of the project and expected outcomes. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Statements relating to "mineral resources" are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment that, based on certain estimates and assumptions, the mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future.

Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about NexGen's business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions, including among others, that the mineral reserve and resources estimates and the key assumptions and parameters on which such estimates are based are as set out in this news release and the technical report for the property , the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price and market supply of uranium, the cost of planned exploration activities, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment, supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct NexGen's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward looking information or making forward looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate in the future.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of NexGen to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of NexGen expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others, the existence of negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of the availability of additional financing, the risk that pending assay results will not confirm previously announced preliminary results, conclusions of economic valuations, the risk that actual results of exploration activities will be different than anticipated, the cost of labour, equipment or materials will increase more than expected, that the future price of uranium will decline or otherwise not rise to an economic level, the appeal of alternate sources of energy to uranium-produced energy, that the Canadian dollar will strengthen against the U.S. dollar, that mineral resources and reserves are not as estimated, that actual costs or actual results of reclamation activities are greater than expected, that changes in project parameters and plans continue to be refined and may result in increased costs, of unexpected variations in mineral resources and reserves, grade or recovery rates or other risks generally associated with mining, unanticipated delays in obtaining governmental, regulatory or First Nations approvals, risks related to First Nations title and consultation, reliance upon key management and other personnel, deficiencies in the Company's title to its properties, uninsurable risks, failure to manage conflicts of interest, failure to obtain or maintain required permits and licences, risks related to changes in laws, regulations, policy and public perception, as well as those factors or other risks as more fully described in NexGen's Annual Information Form dated March 11, 2020 filed with the securities commissions of all of the provinces of Canada except Quebec and in NexGen's 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and Edgar at www.sec.gov.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or statements or implied by forward-looking information or statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE NexGen Energy Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.nexgenenergy.ca/


MANSFIELD, Texas, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Military.Finance is a fully decentralized, reward-based program designed to help our country's military veterans and first responders. The community-built blockchain organization implements programs to help military and first responder families directly and has a mission to become the largest financial contributor to military charities ever. The $30,000 donation to the Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation is the second financial donation in as little as 63 days since the company was established.

Brad Dahl and Shawn Burst presenting the check to Taya Kyle.

Accepting the donation is Taya Kyle. She is best known through her marriage to the late, great American Sniper, Chris Kyle, and she is also a New York Times best-selling author, with two books published. Taya founded the Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation as a way to continue a post-deployment legacy Chris began. The foundation focuses on the preservation and restoration of the marriage and the family to impact generations. TACK-F recognizes that being mission-ready and prepared to respond wherever and whenever needed comes at a cost. TACK-F leads the charge in providing insight and targeted programmatic interventions to offer service families hope, and importantly, statistically significant outcomes when it comes to a multitude of force readiness and wellness issues.

"Taya Kyle represents everything we stand for at Military.Finance," says Brad Dahl, founder of the company. "She's an American icon that continues to strengthen she and her husband's legacy through helping families of heroes that serve."

Taya Kyle has agreed to work with Military.Finance because their mission aligns well with the foundation she set up in her husband's honor, to not only support veterans and first responders but to also focus on their families. Kyle is looking forward to working alongside cutting-edge technology that could change how charities increase donor support and continue to bridge gaps between the population served and supported

"Military.Finance has given us a great opportunity to help more families who are struggling to stay together. I am looking forward to learning more about what they are doing to help others in this space." says Kyle. "The foundation looks forward to continued discussion and vision on how to increase awareness of the service community support needs and bring to the forefront the need to answer the call to action."

This brings Military.Finance's total donations to $50,000 with the other $20K getting donated to Major Ed Pulido at the Heart of a Lion Foundation on June 2, just 21 days after the token was developed. "These guys are the real deal," stated Major Ed. "We have an opportunity to change a lot of lives."

Along with the financial donations, Military.Finance has also initiated several programs to encourage volunteer efforts, connect active-duty military with family, sponsor individual PTSD treatments, as well as grant wishes for terminally ill veterans.

REFERENCES

Military.Finance: https://www.military.finance

Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation: https://tackf.org

SOCIAL LINKS

Telegram: https://t.me/Military_Finance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/militaryfinancetoken

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MilitaryFinance

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Mil_Finance

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Military_Finance/new/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/military.finance/

Discord: https://discord.com/channels/841495645801283584/841495645801283587

Chart: https://charts.bogged.finance/?token=0xf5015995376a35b10dcBD96BA6B6e9de1c9f87c5

TechRate Audit: https://github.com/TechRate/Smart-Contract-Audits/blob/main/Military%20Finance%20Token.pdf

MEDIA CONTACT

Company: Military.Finance

Contact Name: Don Dahl

Phone: 540-522-0052

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://www.military.finance/

SOURCE Military.Finance

Related Links

https://www.military.finance


NORFOLK, Va., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) today announced its science-based target to achieve a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2034 from a 2019 base year. This commitment is another step in the company's ongoing journey to build a more sustainable future.

"As a leading transportation provider, it is our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and also to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint," said James A. Squires, chairman, president, and CEO. "In recent years, our customers have avoided 15 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually by shipping their goods and materials with Norfolk Southern. Shipping by rail instead of truck lowers carbon emissions by 75% on average, relieves traffic congestion, and reduces wear on public infrastructure."

Norfolk Southern's emissions reduction target has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Validation from the SBTi  a joint initiative of CDP, UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute, and World Wide Fund for Nature  confirms that the company's target is consistent with reductions required to keep warming to well-below 2C above pre-industrial levels.

"Achieving our target will require continued investments in our locomotive fleet along with supplier engagement," said Josh Raglin, chief sustainability officer. "Our implementation of innovative technologies, sustainable operating practices, and locomotive modernizations are part of our efforts to build a more sustainable transportation network."

Locomotive fuel accounts for over 90% of the railroad's carbon emissions. Norfolk Southern set a fuel-efficiency goal as part of its 2015 strategic plan, targeting an 8.6% improvement by 2020. The company exceeded that goal with a 9.4% improvement, which resulted in savings of more than 130 million gallons of diesel fuel and avoidance of approximately 1.3 million metric tons of emissions.

Norfolk Southern is making significant efforts to lower GHG emissions across the company.

$500 million of green bonds were recently issued by the company to fund eligible green projects. Norfolk Southern was the first Class I railroad in North America to launch green bond financing.

were recently issued by the company to fund eligible green projects. Norfolk Southern was the first Class I railroad in to launch green bond financing. More than 700 locomotives were retired by the company in 2020, targeting older, less fuel-efficient models. Through precision scheduled railroading, the company has achieved operating efficiencies which allow for the movement of more freight with fewer locomotives, reducing fuel burn.

by the company in 2020, targeting older, less fuel-efficient models. Through precision scheduled railroading, the company has achieved operating efficiencies which allow for the movement of more freight with fewer locomotives, reducing fuel burn. A company locomotive modernization program is converting older DC traction models to more reliable and efficient AC units, providing more pulling power with fewer locomotives.

is converting older DC traction models to more reliable and efficient AC units, providing more pulling power with fewer locomotives. The company is equipping locomotives with smart energy management technology that automatically matches horsepower to trailing tonnage and track terrain, maximizing fuel efficiency using the minimum horsepower.

that automatically matches horsepower to trailing tonnage and track terrain, maximizing fuel efficiency using the minimum horsepower. An innovative public-private partnership program to recycle older locomotives into low-emission "Eco" models is reducing emissions in urban communities on our rail network and enabling them to meet their Clean Air Act obligations.

is reducing emissions in urban communities on our rail network and enabling them to meet their Clean Air Act obligations. An initiative to replace diesel-powered overhead cranes with hybrid and fully electric cranes at company intermodal facilities is projected to reduce emissions at those facilities by approximately 75%.

"Our goal with all of these sustainable business initiatives is to continue creating value that generates benefits for our stakeholders, whether they be customers, employees, communities, or shareholders," Raglin said. "We are accelerating our efforts to deliver a low-carbon economy and promote cleaner air in our communities."

About Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies, moving the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Norfolk Southern connects customers to markets and communities to economic opportunity, with safe, reliable, and cost-effective shipping solutions. The company's service area includes 22 states and the District of Columbia, every major container port in the eastern United States, and a majority of the U.S. population and manufacturing base.

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation

Related Links

http://www.nscorp.com


-Norwegian Jade is First Ship to Sail After 500 Day Suspension-

MIAMI, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, yesterday officially commemorated its highly-anticipated cruise comeback with a double debut: Norwegian Jade was not only the first of its 17-ship fleet to welcome guests after 500 days, she also made NCL history as the first vessel to homeport in Athens (Piraeus).

Norwegian Jade is the first of Norwegian Cruise Lines 17-ship fleet to welcome guests after 500 days and is the first vessel to homeport in Athens (Piraeus) in the Companys history. Norwegian Jades immersive Greek Isles itinerary, available through November 2021, will offer guests eight-to-nine hours of port time in a new destination each day, including Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini.

Until November 2021, guests sailing aboard Norwegian Jade's immersive Greek Isles itinerary will wake up in a new destination every day, able to spend eight-to-nine hours exploring some of Greece's most picturesque islands including luxurious Crete, bustling Mykonos, historical Rhodes and the iconic blue and white Santorini.

"Welcoming our guests and crew on board has been one of the most memorable moments of my over 30-year career," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "We are excited to embark on the Great Cruise Comeback with a brand-new itinerary and homeport for our brand, offering our guests an even greater selection of unique vacations at sea."

Greek Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis added, "We are overjoyed to welcome Norwegian Jade and her guests to Greece. The planned itineraries will offer unique experiences that combine our rich history, bustling culture and famous gastronomy."

Norwegian Jade's deployment in Athens is part of a long-term strategy to further increase the brand's presence in Europe, one of the line's most popular cruise destinations. Through 2023, the Company plans to position nine ships in the region, with Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Jade and Star scheduled to sail in Greece.

"Norwegian Jade's first Greek Isles voyages sold out shortly after we made the announcement that we were on our way back," said Sommer. "With such strong demand, we are glad to expand our offering in Greece with seven ships through 2023, providing our guests with a range of innovative vessels and itineraries to choose from."

Norwegian Jade is the first ship to recommence voyages as part of the Company's larger restart efforts. On Aug. 7, 2021, Norwegian Encore will be the first ship to return to service from the U.S., when she debuts in Seattle for her inaugural season of Alaska cruises. The fleetwide redeployment will continue in partnership with local governments and are guided by the robust protocols of the Company's SailSAFETM health and safety program, which at its cornerstone includes that all crew and guests must be fully vaccinated to embark for voyages through Oct. 31, 2021. Working with the leading experts of the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council, the robust protocols will regularly be evaluated and modified as needed, making science-based decisions to protect guests, crew and the destinations it visits. As protocols evolve and additional information becomes available, updates will be published at www.ncl.com/sail-safe.

Travelers seeking the latest details about NCL's redeployment should click here.

The cruise line's Peace of Mind cancelation policy remains in effect for cruises with embarkation dates through Oct. 31, 2021. Guests booked on these sailings have the flexibility to cancel their cruise 15 days prior to departure and receive a full refund in the form of a future cruise credit which may be applied to any sailing through Dec. 31, 2022.

For more information about the Company's award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.

For additional assets, click here.

SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line

Related Links

http://www.ncl.com


FREDERICK, Md., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EquityPlus announces the opening of Ox Fibre Apartments, an 83-unit workforce housing rental complex that is an adaptive re-use of an abandoned paint-brush factory in Frederick, Maryland.

Lt Governor Boyd Rutherford, County Executive Jan Gardner, Mayor Michael O'Connor, and Secretary (Maryland DHCD) Kenneth Holt were all present at the ribbon cutting that was held on July 22,2021.

Ox Fibre of Frederick will provide affordable rental housing for the working-class population of the City of Frederick and Frederick County. The building is 80,000 square feet, providing for a total of 83 units to be built, all with a comfortable amount of square footage. Rent is priced at 20% below market which effectively provides an affordable housing option to those in the appropriate income range, helping address the need for affordable housing within the booming city of Frederick. Units are available to individuals and families earning 40%-60% of the present Area Median Income (AMI).

The 83 units consist of 1-, 2-, and 3- bedroom loft apartments ranging from 500-1,500 sq. feet. All apartment units are newly constructed and quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-home washers and dryers, new windows, and additional amenities. There are six 1-bedroom floorplans, three 2-bedroom floorplans, and two 3-bedroom floorplans from which to choose.

The project's development team is led by EquityPlus LLC, an experienced affordable housing developer with offices in Mississippi and Virginia. To fund the project, EquityPlus utilized a combination of LIHTC and HTC equity along with mortgage financing. The firm also raised opportunity zone equity from private investors (Broad Creek Capital) and received subordinate, below-market financing from both the State of Maryland and Frederick County to help complete the project's ~$25 million capital stack.

The project is one of the first in the nation to combine the LIHTC program with the Opportunity Zone program utilizing different equity investors for each source of equity.

The project has a 1,300 person interest list for pre-leasing.

To find out more information, please visit Ox Fibre Apartment's website located here: https://www.oxfibreapartments.com/.

Media contact:

Avram Fechter

202-236-4402

[email protected]

SOURCE Equity Plus LLC

Related Links

http://www.equityplusllc.com/


Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty is a leading premium real estate brokerage in Vermont and New Hampshire. This is the third Sotheby's International Realty franchise for Peerage Realty Partners, joining Sotheby's International Realty Canada and Jameson Sotheby's International Realty of Chicago.

This new partnership enhances Peerage Realty Partner's position as a leading player in premium North American residential real estate market, positioning it for further growth and future partnership investments. It also empowers Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty to further expand its reach within and beyond its existing key markets.

TORONTO, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Peerage Realty Partners Inc. ("Peerage Realty") announces the acquisition of a substantial partnership interest in Four Seasons Sothebys International Realty ("Four Seasons"), the leading premium real estate brokerage in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Led by CEO and Partner Alan DiStasio and President and Partner Laurie Mecier-Brochu, Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty has grown to over 200 agents in 15 offices across Vermont and New Hampshire. The firm's sales will exceed US$1.4 billion (C$2.16 billion) in residential real estate this year.

This is a foundational partnership for Peerage Realty, serving as a cornerstone for its ongoing North American expansion strategy in key recreational real estate markets. It also reinforces its existing relationships with the iconic Sotheby's International Realty brand and reflects the objective of forging more partnerships in the future.

"We are on track to build on our momentum and achieve our goal to be among the largest premium residential real estate companies in North America," said Gavin Swartzman, CEO of Peerage Realty. "At Peerage, cultural fit, personal chemistry and shared vision are the critical elements that we look for in a new partner. The team at Four Seasons is a perfect fit for us and the opportunity to grow the Sotheby's International Realty brand is exceptional."

Four Seasons will continue to be led by the management partners, who will also participate as equity partners in the future growth and development of the firm.

CEO Alan DiStasio said: "With Peerage as our strategic partner, we will build on the success we've already achieved. All our Four Seasons agents gain the additional financial and human resources to further expand their reach and enhance the customer experience."

He added: "As a result of this partnership and the future growth it will bring, we expect to add to our ranks and create new employment opportunities."

President Laurie Mecier-Brochu noted: "We're all excited to join a network of top real estate professionals who share our culture, values and our commitment to serving our clients and setting the highest standards in our industry on a global basis."

Presently, Peerage is in partnership with Sotheby's International Realty Canada ("SIRC"), Canada's largest luxury real estate brokers with 29 offices and 620 agents in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta, and Jameson Sotheby's International Realty ("Jameson"), a dominant player in the luxury residential and commercial real estate markets with six offices and 460 agents in the Greater Chicago Area.

ABOUT FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty offers residential real estate services throughout Vermont and New Hampshire with a focus on offering the highest level of service, most innovative marketing and best performance in its market. It has 200 agents and 16 offices across both states.

Four Seasons' Vermont and New Hampshire roots run deep. As a company that is both homegrown and historied, it is solidly invested in the communities and the people it serves. Many Four Seasons agents are second, third and even fourth generation natives and they play where they live, making them the experts on regional lakefront properties, mountain retreats, ski houses, farmland and land development, equine estates, private neighborhoods, city homes and more.

To Four Seasons, New England is more than a place  it's a way of living, of enjoying life fully. Whether a native to Vermont or New Hampshire or a longstanding transplant, these stories begin with a love of the places they live, and the passion for sharing that dream and intimate knowledge with others.

While the Four Seasons market is very local, its reach is global as part of the Sotheby's International Realty. As a premier brand, Sotheby's International Realty is an exclusive gateway to the best and brightest in real estate worldwide, including an innovative marketing platform that showcases listings to qualified buyers both around the corner and around the globe.

ABOUT PEERAGE REALTY

Founded in 2007, Peerage Realty is a subsidiary of the Peerage Capital Group ("Peerage Capital"). It offers a unique and time-tested professional partnership model for entrepreneurial North American real estate service firms in premium markets. It has the unique benefit of being a private family and management-owned enterprise that is positioned to commit to long-term investments and time horizons.

Through its partner firms, Peerage Realty transacted over US$14.2 billion (C$18 billion) in residential sales in 2020 and it is projected to sell over US$23.6 billion (C$30 billion) in 2021. It has over 4,000 best-in-class sales representatives and 143 offices in Canada and the United States.

To support growth and expansion among partners, Peerage Realty consistently provides strategic input, capital, technology, operational expertise, marketing, public relations, and value-added products and services that differentiate and strengthen its partner firms in competitive markets. Its goal is to expand the suite of services that its partner firms can offer to enhance the client experience through all phases of a real estate transaction and beyond.

Peerage Realty's partners now include: Baker Real Estate, the leader in new development and condominium sales and marketing in the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal; BakerWest, a new construction condominium sales and marketing firm in Vancouver; Chestnut Park, one of the top luxury firms in Ontario; Epic Real Estate Solutions, condominium marketing experts with a focus on the interior of British Columbia; Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing, a leader in new development and condominium sales and marketing in British Columbia; Jameson Sotheby's International Realty, a luxury firm in the Greater Chicago Area; Madison & Company Properties, a leading luxury brokerage in Denver, Colorado; Sotheby's International Realty Canada, a national luxury real estate brokerage; and StreetCity Realty, a progressive brokerage and back office services provider in Ontario; The Byng Group, a leader in the rent-readiness market; and The Condo Group, a leading residential sales and marketing firm based in Victoria, B.C.

ABOUT PEERAGE CAPITAL

Peerage Capital is a leading North American business services and private investment firm. Peerage Capital is focused on partnering with exceptional, entrepreneurial management teams to form long-term investments across several strategic business services platforms including real estate services, real estate development and management, land assembly, self-storage, asset management and wealth advisory services.

A growing network of partner companies employs over 3,000 people across Canada and the United States with approximately US$7.87 billion (C$10 billion) in total assets under management (AUM) and administration and transacting over US$14.2 billion (C$18 billion) in annual sales of residential real estate sales in 2020. It is projected to sell over US$23.6 billion (C$30 billion) in 2021.

Peerage Capital focuses on service sectors where there are opportunities to achieve scale through both organic growth as well as through acquisition, operating synergies, and brand differentiation.

It supports the partner firms in which it invests by providing capital as well as a team of experienced professionals who add value in such areas as strategy, finance, technology, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, and communications.

Peerage Capital believes that superior talent is the ultimate driver of long-term growth and success. It operates with a strong culture of partnership, collaboration and alignment of interests, both economic and cultural. Peerage Capital's unique "Professional Partnership" model has been refined over 40 years to accelerate growth through value-added services that enhance the sustainable, profitable growth rate of the organization, maximizing value for all stakeholders.

SOURCE Peerage Realty Partners Inc.

Related Links

www.peeragerealty.com


YOKNEAM ILLIT, Israel, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PixCell Medical, innovator of rapid diagnostic solutions at the point-of-care, today announced it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with medical diagnostics company Gamidor Diagnostics to distribute the HemoScreen, PixCell's hematology analyzer, across Israel. This deal follows a global shift spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic towards near-patient, digitally connected testing and diagnostics.

Gamidor provides systems, reagents and services to clinical laboratories, hospitals and academic research institutions in Israel, and represents world-leading diagnostics companies, including Roche Diagnostics.

"The world of laboratory instrumentation is undergoing a revolution to mobile point-of-care (POC) devices located at the patient's bedside. It is an innovative, dynamic and evolving field that is providing medical teams with complementary diagnostic tools in addition to their therapeutic tools," said Michal London, Senior Vice President, Head of Pathology, Women's Health and POC Division at Gamidor Diagnostics. "Gamidor is leading the change in the field of POC, distributing the most advanced devices in the world to leading hospitals and clinics in Israel. We are pleased to announce a new and exclusive agreement with PixCell on the marketing and sales of the HemoScreen device in Israel, which will allow for faster clinical decisions, reduced waiting time for diagnosis and improved quality of care. In addition, HemoScreen will help diagnose and treat the aging population, which may have difficulty receiving venous or capillary blood samples."

PixCell's HemoScreen is the only 5-part differential CBC analyzer that is both FDA-cleared and CE-marked for point-of-care use. The portable diagnostic device delivers lab-accurate results within five minutes  significantly less time than traditional methods, removing the need for specially trained lab technicians to operate the instrument. Utilizing a patented, disposable cartridge preloaded with all necessary reagents, HemoScreen reduces reagent waste and eliminates the need for routine maintenance. With just one drop of blood, HemoScreen provides Complete Blood Count (CBC) results with 20 standard parameters, as well as comprehensive abnormal cell flagging for earlier detection of infection and certain cancer types.

"Israel has gained worldwide recognition as a pioneer in HealthTech innovation. Yet the country is lagging in the implementation of point-of-care diagnostics, with CBC testing  the most common blood test  still exclusively conducted by professional technicians in centralized laboratories, an expensive, resource-heavy and slow process that delays treatment," said Dr. Avishay Bransky, co-founder and CEO of PixCell Medical. "We are thrilled to partner with Gamidor to distribute our HemoScreen in Israel and are confident that together we can help the country meaningfully expand patient accessibility to point-of-care diagnostics tests."

About PixCell Medical

PixCell Medical provides the only simple-to-use and portable point-of-care blood diagnostic solution. PixCell's FDA-cleared and CE-marked HemoScreen platform shortens diagnostic results delivery from days to minutes. With just one drop of blood and within five minutes, HemoScreen delivers accurate readings of 20 standard blood count parameters, with the high clinical sensitivity of central lab results, saving patients, clinicians and health systems significant time and costs. PixCell leverages their patented Viscoelastic Focusing and lab-on-a-cartridge technologies, along with AI-powered machine vision, to deliver rapid point-of-care diagnostic results anywhere.

For more information: www.pixcell-medical.com. Please follow PixCell Medical on LinkedIn.

About Gamidor Diagnostics

Gamidor Diagnostics is a medical diagnostic company that provides systems, reagents and services to clinical laboratories, hospitals, academic research institutes and the general public in Israel. Following its establishment in the mid-1980s by the "Gamida for Life" Group and Mr. Yacob Ofer, the company experienced rapid growth to become what it is today: a leading provider of high-quality diagnostic solutions to its customers. Gamidor Diagnostics distributes exclusively to world leading diagnostic manufactures from around the world. The company's team consists over 100 professional and skilled employees in all departments; management, sales, customer service, technical services, IT, administration and logistics, who aim to provide the best service to the customers. The company strives for long lasting, friendly and open relationships with its customers and suppliers. Gamidor Diagnostic's core fields are genetics, tissue diagnostics, clinical chemistry, lab automation, women's health, microbiology, quality control programs, point-of-care and molecular biology.

For more information: https://gamidor.co.il/en/

Media Contacts:

Finn Partners for PixCell Medical

Lior Feigin

[email protected]

@LiorFeigin

Gamidor Diagnostics Spokesman

Shai Zakin

[email protected]

SOURCE PixCell Medical

Related Links

http://www.pixcell-medical.com/


RESTON, Va., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Raft, LLC, a technology consulting firm dedicated to bridging the gap between humans and data, announced today that it has been awarded a $36 million contract to provide the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's AFLCMC Detachment 12  known as "Kessel Run"  with DevSecOps software engineering expertise, Kubernetes infrastructure, and multi-region platform services as part of the Cloud Computing and I.T. Integration (CITI) effort. The contract includes supporting external Department of Defense (DoD) software initiatives, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, and creating warfighter value at Kessel Run.

"Raft is proud to partner with the Air Force and Kessel Run to support the secure, rapid development and delivery of combat capability wherever it is needed and when it is needed most," said Shubhi Mishra, Founder & CEO of Raft. "Kessel Run is truly a transformative force inside the Department of Defense for incremental delivery and continuous learning, and a fantastic fit for Raft's human-centered culture and obsession with the mission."

The Kessel Run software factory is composed of members from the Operational Command and Control Users (OpsC2), Wing Command and Control Users (WingC2), and All Domain Common Platform (ADCP) Program Management Office (PMO) who work together leveraging industry best practices and products to rapidly deliver capabilities while simultaneously scouting for potentially disruptive IT. Kessel Run embraces change through a "smaller is better" mindset, including lean and agile methodologies combined with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). Underlying all of this is a culture of innovation that balances speed and safety at scale.

"As a non-traditional Woman-Owned Small Business, our team brings innovative open source solutions that enable building distributed systems for our enterprise customers including the Department of Defense, Health & Human Services, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," stated Raft CTO, Bhaarat Sharma. "We're excited to contribute to the Cloud CITI initiative at Kessel Run and build tools that enable the warfighter to develop mission plans tailored to the immediate mission needs".

Raft will provide macro-level architectural solutions of a multi-region hybrid infrastructure (on-premise and commercial cloud), a cross-cutting application and integration architecture, and a data management and analytics architecture. Specifically, provide DevSecOps software engineering expertise, Kubernetes infrastructure, and multi-region platform services that help Kessel Run modernize Legacy software systems and supporting external DoD software initiatives associated with Kessel Run.

About Raft:

Raft is a customer-obsessed digital consulting firm specializing in creating data solutions leveraging human-centered design principles to solve mission critical, complex problems for government agencies. We accelerate and enhance their missions through rapid iteration and intense focus on "outcomes over outputs" to deliver maximum impact with everything we do. Raft is a remote-first distributed team of open source contributors and passionate experts in DevSecOps, Kubernetes management, artificial intelligence, and securely connecting humans and systems with data in the cloud, on-premise, and at the operational edge. Learn more at https://goraft.tech.

About Kessel Run:

Kessel Run is the operational name for AFLCMC's Detachment 12. Its mission is to deliver combat capabilities warfighters love and revolutionize the Air Force software acquisition process. From its headquarters at Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) and with significant supporting assets in Boston, MA (Kessel Run Experimental Lab) and Langley AFB, Kessel Run builds, tests, delivers, operates, and maintains cloud-based infrastructure and war-fighting software applications for use by Airmen worldwide and delivers them on time, as needed, and with efficiency and cost-effectiveness above other acquisition methods or practices in the Air Force and DoD.

SOURCE Raft, LLC
AUSTIN, Texas, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company, a Texas county mutual carrier, recently celebrated the 4th anniversary of its partnership with Elephant Insurance Company, a consumer-focused car insurance company dedicated to putting its customers at the center of all efforts. The partnership with the Virginia-based company continues the extension of Elephant's private passenger automobile insurance offering to Texas citizens.

"Elephant Insurance has a strong customer-focused approach to automobile insurance, and we're excited to continue our relationship with them," said Chris McClellan, President and CEO, Redpoint Insurance Group and Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company.

This partnership further extends Redpoint's mission to support the aspirations of its partners to provide quality coverage and exceptional service to their customers.

"At Elephant, we continually seek opportunities to elevate the customer experience," said Colleen Benzin, Head of Product at Elephant Insurance. "We value our partnership with Redpoint and look forward to bringing more customers in Texas the advantages of affordable rates and consumer control through our partnership."

About Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company

Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company is a Texas county mutual carrier headquartered in Austin, TX. Further detail is available at www.RedpointInsurance.com.

About Elephant Insurance

Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Elephant is a consumer-focused car insurance company that aims to put its customers at the center of all efforts. Elephant provides auto insurance policies to consumers in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Elephant Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Admiral Group, plc. and is certified as a Great Place to Work. To learn more about Elephant, visit elephant.com.

SOURCE Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company
DEERFIELD, Ill., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Reedy Industries, a leader in commercial and industrial HVAC, plumbing, and building controls services, has acquired CS3, a best-in-class mechanical, HVAC, and building controls solutions provider with offices in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee. With this acquisition, Reedy Industries expands their services footprint in the southeastern U.S., maintaining focus on meeting the needs of customers in the commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, government, and senior living market segments.

Reedy Industries

CS3 began serving the southeast region in 1985. The company combines industry-leading building automation and controls technologies with conventional mechanical and HVAC services in meeting the needs of commercial and industrial clients in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. CS3 is a full-service provider of smart building technologies; mechanical services including piping, sheet metal, and plumbing for construction and renovation projects; energy efficiency and sustainability solutions; and preventive maintenance and 24/7 emergency services.

"Reedy's reputation in the industry and their platform for supporting successful regional solutions providers makes this a perfect fit," says John Jerkins, president and co-founder of CS3. "Moving forward, we will be able to preserve the culture, ideals, and values that have made us a market leader and benefit from Reedy's resources and expertise that will help us accelerate growth."

"CS3 is a great company with an excellent reputation and long heritage of putting employees and customers first," says Joe Kirmser, Reedy Industries CEO. "John and the CS3 team have created a broad and deep range of building solutions and we are proud to welcome them to the Reedy family of companies."

CS3 is the fifteenth acquisition for Reedy Industries since 2019. Kirmser added, "Now that we have established a strong presence in the Southeast, we will look to add more density in the region through strategic add-on acquisitions."

With the acquisition complete, John Jerkins will stay on with CS3 in his current role as president. Rob Jerkins, John's son, will continue as chief operating officer. "We have built this business on a strong foundation of ethical values, a passion for service excellence, and innovative technology," says the younger Jerkins. "All of us at CS3 are excited about the many opportunities that lie ahead as part of the Reedy family of market-leading companies."

Reedy Industries serves critical environments in the commercial and industrial market spaces by focusing on HVAC, plumbing, and building controls services and solutions. Reedy Industries is actively expanding the services it provides within the building envelope and is doing so through both organic growth and acquisitions. Reedy Industries was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in Deerfield, IL, just outside Chicago. For more information, visit www.reedyindustries.com.

Media Contact

Jamie Budy

Director of Marketing, Reedy Industries

10 Parkway North Ste 100, Deerfield, IL 60015

[email protected]ustries.com

(847) 832-2323

Related Images

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SOURCE Reedy Industries
"At Chick-fil-A, we are committed to making a positive impact in the local communities we serve, and the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program is one way we help care for those in need," said Rodney Bullard, vice president of corporate social responsibility for Chick-fil-A. "We know that a nourishing meal is a critical need for millions of people, and we are so proud of the incredible milestone that restaurant Operators, their Team Members and partnering local organizations have reached together through this initiative. Not only is the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program a sustainable solution for utilizing surplus food, but it is also a program that makes a tangible impact in our communities as we continue to fight food insecurity."

In partnership with Food Donation Connection, the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program matches Chick-fil-A restaurants with local shelters, soup kitchens and nonprofits. Once matched, restaurant Team Members regularly package surplus food for partner organizations to pick up and distribute to those in need.

"About 80% of surplus food in our restaurant is now distributed through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program," said Steve Lowery, Chick-fil-A Operator in Springfield, Missouri. "This includes items such as chicken, eggs, biscuits, as well as salads and wraps. Through this program, we've had the opportunity to fill a need in our community and we are humbled by the opportunity to give back in this way."

"We're thankful to be a partner of the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, which helps us provide meals to hundreds of people in need every week," said Bill DeHass, director of community services for Clermont Senior Services Lifelong Learning Centers, which distributes food to seniors in Cincinnati, Ohio. "Through this partnership, seniors are provided a hot meal at our centers and thoroughly enjoy the dishes that incorporate Chick-fil-A menu items."

In addition to the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, Chick-fil-A has an established partnership with Feeding America to further its commitment to fighting hunger. In honor of each new restaurant opening, Chick-fil-A donates $25,000 to Feeding America, with the aim of funds being distributed to partners within the restaurant's community to aid in the fight against hunger. Since the Feeding America partnership began in 2020, Chick-fil-A has contributed $6 million to-date to advance Feeding America's mission of ensuring equitable access to nutritious food.

The Chick-fil-A Shared Table program is part of Chick-fil-A's corporate social responsibility efforts, which demonstrate our commitment to creating moments of care  for people, our communities, for others through our food and for our planet. To see other ways Chick-fil-A is positively impacting local communities, visit chick-fil-a.com/giving-back.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. Devoted to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate, and known for its Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Chick-fil-A serves freshly prepared food in more than 2,600 restaurants in 47 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada.

A leader in customer service satisfaction, Chick-fil-A was named top fast food restaurant in Newsweek's 2019 America's Best Customer Service report and received several honors in QSR's 2019 Reader's Choice Awards, including "The Most Respected Quick-Service Brand" and "Best Brand for Overall Experience". Additionally, Glassdoor named Chick-fil-A one of the top 100 best places to work in 2020. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com.

SOURCE Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.chick-fil-a.com


WARRENDALE, Pa., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- rue21, one of the nation's fastest growing specialty retailers, announced today it will open 5 new stores before teenagers and young adults head back to their classrooms. A total of 15 new stores are planned through the end of the year at strategically selected locations based on a data-driven model. The retailer, which serves the 15-25 Gen Z customer, became a pandemic-era anomaly when it experienced double digit growth last year, enabling aggressive investment in its physical and digital footprints.

"Recent new store openings have demonstrated the importance of our store channel to brand discovery and customer acquisition," said rue21's CEO Bill Brand. "Our dynamic in-store experiences have driven customer loyalty and is our model for continued omnichannel growth."

rue rewards, the brand's loyalty program that launched last year, is focused on converting new, in-store customers to omnichannel customers. 5.5M active members participate in the loyalty program.

As many retailers were closing stores during the pandemic, rue21 opened three new stores last year that outperformed expectations by more than 50 percent. The retailer attributes the stores' success to its data-driven site selection process that is laser-focused on its customer profile. The real estate selection process requires that each location matches perfectly with its customer demographics. Additionally, field teams participate by visiting every site prior to a new location approval.

"rue21's marriage of data and customer recognition provides the perfect formula for a winning location. The success of the new stores in 2020 fueled investment in the 15 new stores this year," said Michele Pascoe, rue21's CFO who also oversees the brand's real estate strategy. "As we continue to grow the fleet, we can't wait to welcome more loyal customers to the brand."

Additional stores are projected to open into 2022. rue21 customers can also shop online at www.rue21.com.

New store openings scheduled for this year:

Jacksonville, FL  The Avenues Mall

Coral Springs, FL  Coral Square

Memphis, TN  Wolfchase Galleria

Columbus, GA  Peachtree Mall

Cypress, TX  Houston Premium Outlets

Camp Hill, PA  Capital City Mall

Grand Rapids, MI  Woodland Mall

Madison, WI  West Towne Mall

Holyoke, MA  Holyoke Mall

Buffalo, NY  Walden Galleria

Oklahoma City, OK  Penn Square

Tulsa, OK  Woodland Hills

Pembroke Pines, FL  Pembroke Lakes

Waldorf, MD  St. Charles Town Center

Braintree, MA  South Shore Plaza

About rue21

rue21 is one of the nation's fastest growing retail destinations, offering a combination of on-trend, quality, and affordable fashion within apparel and accessories, beauty, intimates, and activewear that enable girls and guys, ages 15-25, to explore and express their individuality and personal style. Headquartered just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in Warrendale, they operate over 652 stores in 45 states and online at www.rue21.com.

Contact: Joanna Doven, [email protected]

SOURCE rue21

Related Links

https://www.rue21.com/store/


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Colorado homebuilder, Saint Aubyn Homes, originally founded by LeRoy Landhuis and a subsidiary of The Landhuis Company, will change its name to Tralon Homes. This change is a result of a new vision and direction for the company. The new name is effective immediately and will kick off the expansion of the business.

The Landhuis Company, a real estate investment and development company with over 45 years in the business, started Saint Aubyn Homes in 2009. Over the past 12 years, the business has developed a strong reputation for building quality homes with a low cycle time. While the company will continue with this focus, the Saint Aubyn Homes name no longer accurately reflects our work or our business objectives. Saint Aubyn Homes has been acknowledged as one of the fastest growing private homebuilders in the country and recognized in the top 100 builders nationally. The company has closed over 6500 homes and has lofty goals heading into the future.

Tralon Homes will bring forth a fresh start with new focus and objectives that will not only serve the homeowners, but the community as well. "We are excited about the direction we are headed, and we consider it an honor every day just to be in the business," says owner LeRoy Landhuis. The new name and branding will position Tralon Homes with new opportunities and open doors for the future.

About Tralon Homes

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, Tralon Homes, a subsidiary of The Landhuis Company, is a privately held and solely owned home builder. Tralon Homes builds single-family homes across Colorado including Northern Colorado, Southern Colorado and Pueblo. From start to finish, Tralon Homes is committed to building quality homes in less time, while delivering an exceptional buyer experience. Tralon Homes believes in a culture that draws selfless people involved in their community, schools, families and churches. As a team, an exceptional experience is built. To learn more, visit www.tralonhomes.com

SOURCE Saint Aubyn Homes

Related Links

http://www.tralonhomes.com


"Adam's extensive commercial banking experience and client-focused approach is perfectly in line with Oakworth's strategy to serve the Middle Tennessee market with high caliber associates who are dedicated to our clients," said Greer Redden, Market Leader.

"What drew me to Oakworth was the unique client approach," said Scalise. "Ultimately, the decision to join was an easy one given the quality of the associates, best-in-nation culture and the team approach to providing the industry's highest level of service to our clients and prospective clients."

Oakworth associates are individuals who share Oakworth's vision of redefining financial services while demonstrating leadership through shared core values: golden rule, character, professionalism, innovative/creative spirit and work ethic.

Oakworth, which was named "Best Bank to Work For" for three consecutive years by American Banker, delivers a distinctive approach to the market by focusing on privately held businesses, professionals and families. With its core purpose of helping people succeed, Oakworth assists clients with generational decisions by delivering its three core disciplines of commercial & private banking, wealth management and advisory services.

About Oakworth Capital Bank

Oakworth Capital Bank provides commercial and private banking, wealth management and advisory services to successful businesses, families and individuals. Oakworth serves its valued clients across the United States from its offices in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama, and Nashville, Tennessee. For more information about Oakworth Capital Bank and its unique approach, please visit oakworth.com.

For more information contact:

Lindsey Krausen

Phone: 205-278-2736

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Oakworth Capital Bank

Related Links

http://www.oakworthcapital.com


TEL AVIV, Israel, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SciSparc Ltd. (OTCQB: SPRCY), a specialty, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focusing on the development of cannabinoid-based treatments, today announced a number of updates regarding its Phase IIb clinical study in Tourette Syndrome using the proprietary cannabinoid-based treatment- SCI-110.

The company has begun preparation that will facilitate the commencement of the clinical study and engaged with a contract research organization (CRO) to provide support for the trial.

In addition, SciSparc had established its supply chain infrastructure for the manufacturing and delivering of the SCI-110 drug.

The company is currently in contact with two clinical sites that will potentially host and conduct the clinical study.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a movement and neurobehavioral disorder characterized by motor and vocal chronic tics with onset before age 18. About half to two-thirds of the cases get much better during adolescence[1]; however, adults will generally be more severe patients[2]. Tics may be associated with a premonitory sensation to perform the specific action, which may lead to "relief" once performed.

SciSparc intends to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of its SCI-110 in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study. The patients will be randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive either SCI-110 or SCI-110 matched placebo. The primary efficacy objective of the study will be to assess change in YGTSS-R-TTS[3] as a continuous endpoint at week 12 and week 26 of the double-blind phase compared to baseline. The primary safety objective of the study will be to assess absolute and relative frequencies of Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) for the whole population and separately for SCI-110 and placebo groups.

About SciSparc (OTCQB: SPRCY):

SciSparc Ltd. is a specialty clinical-stage pharmaceutical company led by an experienced team of senior executives and scientists. Our focus is on creating and enhancing a portfolio of technologies and assets based on cannabinoid pharmaceuticals. With this focus, the Company is currently engaged in the following drug development programs based on THC and/or non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD): SCI-110 (formerly THX-110) for the treatment of Tourette syndrome and for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea; SCI-160 (formerly THX-160) for the treatment of pain; and SCI-210 (formerly THX-210) for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. For example, SciSparc is using forward-looking statements when it discusses the expected clinical study for SCI-110 and the potential efficacy, safety of SCI-110. Historic results of scientific research and clinical and preclinical trials do not guarantee that the conclusions of future research or trials will suggest identical or even similar conclusions. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on SciSparc's current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of SciSparc could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in SciSparc's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 30, 2021, and in subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as otherwise required by law, SciSparc disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Investor Contact:

[email protected]

Tel: +972-3-6167055

[1] https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2010/march2010/rxfocustourettes-0310

[2] https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tourette-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet#3231

[3] Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-Revised-Total Tic-Score- A psychological measure designed to assess the severity and frequency of symptoms of disorders such as Tourette syndrome

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1434686/SciSparc_Ltd_Logo.jpg

SOURCE SciSparc Ltd.
Reporting to the President, the VPIE will be a member of the Executive Council, the institution's senior leadership and decision-making body, and serve the full spectrum of community members, including faculty and staff, students, clinicians, alumni and patients. Executive Council is committed to collaborating with the VPIE to infuse Inclusive Excellence throughout the SCNM experience.

Since 2007, SCNM has made efforts to increase representation in its board, faculty, and student populations and hiring and recruiting practices, including crafting its first formal diversity policy. In 2020, SCNM's President, Dr. Paul Mittman, spoke with alumni of color and, "Realized that our diversity goals lacked dimensionality," said Dr. Mittman. "I saw that we had to face uncomfortable truths. I knew that a holistic approach was necessary, not only in how we practice medicine but in how we approach diversity and belonging. So, we began a period of exploration, introspection, and data collection. That work has informed the creation of this position as well as a more rich and holistic approach to transforming our institution."

The College engaged in an independent campus climate survey with the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium, and 14 focus groups facilitated by Arizona State University's Center for the Study of Race and Democracy. President Mittman then convened a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force to evaluate and synthesize these results and make recommendations to weave inclusive excellence into the 2022-2027 strategic plan. The inclusive excellence goals will touch on areas including education, communication, conflict resolution, curriculum, training, community building, supporting students, hiring practices, admissions/recruitment strategies, clinical protocols and more.

For more information, www.scnm.edu/about-scnm/dei/.

About Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences

SCNM is a school of medicine and health sciences grounded in naturopathic principles. Dedicated to the ideal that everyone deserves high-quality healthcare, we engage students in rigorous, innovative academic programs, discover and expand knowledge, and empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. For more information, visit scnm.edu.

Contact: Amanda Moore

[email protected]

816.394.8886

SOURCE Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

Related Links

https://scnm.edu


QUINCY, Mass., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of ScrubaDub Auto Wash Center's new Quincy, MA location, the 3rd generation family business has teamed up with the Quincy School ~ Community Partnership (QSCP) to support Quincy food pantries. With food pantries in Quincy still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, this community initiative aims to collect food and monetary support for the pantries while rewarding donors with free ScrubaDub car wash services.

From July 29  August 9, 2021, visit ScrubaDub Quincy at 147 Coddington St, Quincy, MA to donate non-perishable canned/boxed food items (i.e. rice, pasta, cans of soup, cereal etc) or $5 to support local food pantries and receive a complimentary Simoniz UltraShine Hot Wax ($10 value) with your car wash. Alternatively, receive a FREE ScrubaDub Express car wash when you donate $10 online here (https://bit.ly/QuincyFood) to support the pantries! All food donations and 100% of the funds raised will be provided to the Quincy School ~ Community Partnership (QSCP) for distribution to Quincy's food pantries.

"It's an honor to partner with the QSCP to support local food pantries," said Mathew Paisner, ScrubaDub's Director of Business Development. "As a regional family business founded in Massachusetts in 1966, giving back to the communities where ScrubaDub operates is crucial to our success. Food pantries help families in need put meals on the table. COVID-19 has created obstacles for many Quincy students and families so we're thrilled to work with the QSCP to better support the Quincy community."

"The pandemic has had a large effect on our students and families, as well as local food pantries in Quincy. It is essential that we get back on track with helping our community," said Keith Segalla, Executive Director of the Quincy School ~ Community Partnership. "We are grateful for the support we receive from all business partners and excited to launch this new community fundraiser with ScrubaDub to help our food pantries."

About Quincy School ~ Community Partnership (QSCP)

The mission of the Quincy School ~ Community Partnership (QSCP) is to support the academic, social, and vocational successes of Quincy Public Schools students, through direct exposure to and mentorship from local businesses and community partners. The QSCP has a mission to enhance and enrich the educational opportunities of Quincy Public Schools students and professional staff. For more information, visit www.qscp.org .

About ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers

Family owned & operated since 1966, ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers is New England's leading car wash company. With over 200 Associates and 20 properties across 4 states: Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, ScrubaDub offers all formats of car washing as well as detail centers, gasoline stations, and convenience stores. The family enterprise commitment to earth-friendly practices, community-focus, and technology has earned the business national recognition. For more information, visit https://www.scrubadub.com/

SOURCE ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers

Related Links

scrubadub.com


LONDON and PHILADELPHIA, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GlaxoSmithKline plc today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted) for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster) in adults aged 18 years and older who are or who will be at increased risk of shingles due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known disease or therapy. Immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of shingles and associated complications than immunocompetent individuals.

Shingrix, a non-live, recombinant sub-unit adjuvanted vaccine, given intramuscularly in two doses, was initially approved by FDA in 2017 for the prevention of shingles in adults 50 years of age or older. Shingrix is not indicated for prevention of primary varicella infection (chickenpox). The approval for this new population expands the number of people who can be protected against shingles by Shingrix.

"We're proud to offer Shingrix in the US for the prevention of shingles in those who are immunocompromised, with FDA granting a broad indication for use in adults at increased risk of this disease," said Thomas Breuer, Chief Medical Officer, GSK Vaccines. "Older age and being immunocompromised are the most common risk factors for shingles disease. GSK is committed to this important patient population at increased risk for shingles disease and its complications by bringing them a vaccine option that can help prevent this painful condition."

The GSK Clinical Development Program evaluated the benefit-risk profile of Shingrix in heterogeneous immunocompromised patient populations.

This approval for a new population was based on clinical studies examining the safety and efficacy of Shingrix in adults (18 years of age) who had undergone an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auHSCT) and those undergoing treatment for hematological malignancies (post-hoc analysis). Further safety and immunogenicity data were generated in adults who were, or were anticipated to be, immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to known disease or therapy, including patients with HIV, solid tumors, and renal transplants.1,2,3,4,5,6

"In addition to this new patient population, there are more than 100 million adults 50 years and older in the US already recommended to receive Shingrix," said Breuer. "We know many of these individuals missed recommended vaccines during the pandemic and we hope this can be a reminder to them to catch up on all their immunizations, including Shingrix."

According to recently published report from Avalere Health and supported by GSK, more than 17 million doses of recommended vaccines, including Shingrix, were missed by adults during the pandemic.

Shingrix is the first shingles vaccine indicated for use in those who are at increased risk of the disease due to being immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to disease or therapy. It combines a non-live antigen, to trigger a targeted immune response, with a specifically designed adjuvant system to generate a Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)-specific immune response. For immunocompetent adults, Shingrix is intended to be administered in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart.

However, for adults who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to known disease or therapy and who would benefit from a shorter vaccination schedule, the second dose can be administered 1 to 2 months after the first dose.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has begun discussions to consider recommendations for use of Shingrix in immunocompromised adults.

Shingrix was previously approved by the European Commission (EC) for prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults 18 years of age or older at increased risk of shingles and granted marketing authorization on August 25, 2020.

About Shingles

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.7 Nearly all older adults have the VZV dormant in their nervous system, waiting to reactivate with advancing age.8 As people age, the cells in the immune system lose the ability to maintain a strong and effective response to VZV reactivation.7,9

Shingles typically presents as a painful, itchy rash that develops on one side of the body and can last for two to four weeks.9,10 The pain associated with shingles is often described as burning, shooting or stabbing. Even once the rash is gone, a person can experience postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), pain lasting from at least three months up to several years.7 PHN is the most common complication of shingles, occurring in 10 to 18 percent of all shingles cases.7,11

There are an estimated 1 million cases of shingles in the US each year.7 More than 99 percent of those over 50 years old are infected with VZV, and one in three Americans will develop shingles in their lifetime. The risk increases to one in two for adults aged 85 years and older.

About Shingrix

Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine approved in the US, Canada, EU, UK, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore to help prevent shingles (herpes zoster) in people aged 50 years or older. It combines an antigen, glycoprotein E, and an adjuvant system, AS01 B , intended to generate a Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)-specific immune response immune response that can help overcome the decline in immunity as people age.

Shingrix was previously approved by the European Commission (EC) and in the UK for prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults 18 years of age or older at increased risk of shingles and granted marketing authorization on August 25, 2020.

The updated US Prescribing Information will be available soon at www.gskpro.com.

Important Safety Information for Shingrix

The following is based on the US Prescribing Information for Shingrix. Please consult the full Prescribing information for all the labeled safety information.

Shingrix is contraindicated in anyone with a history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine or after a previous dose of Shingrix.

Review immunization history for possible vaccine sensitivity and previous vaccination-related adverse reactions. Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available to manage possible anaphylactic reactions following administration of Shingrix.

In a postmarketing observational study, an increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome was observed during the 42 days following vaccination with Shingrix.

Syncope (fainting) can be associated with the administration of vaccines, including Shingrix. Procedures should be in place to avoid falling injury and to restore cerebral perfusion following syncope.

In individuals aged 50 years and older: Solicited local adverse reactions were pain, redness, and swelling. Solicited general adverse reactions were myalgia, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

In autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (aged 18 to 49 and > 50 years of age): Solicited local adverse reactions were pain, redness, and swelling. Solicited general adverse reactions were fatigue, myalgia, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, shivering, and fever.

50 years of age): Solicited local adverse reactions were pain, redness, and swelling. Solicited general adverse reactions were fatigue, myalgia, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, shivering, and fever. The data are insufficient to establish if there is vaccine-associated risk with Shingrix in pregnant women.

It is not known whether Shingrix is excreted in human milk. Data are not available to assess the effects of Shingrix on the breastfed infant or on milk production/excretion.

Vaccination with Shingrix may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients.

About GSK

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com/about-us.

GSK Enquiries:













US Media enquiries: Evan Berland +1 215 432 0234 (Philadelphia)

Sean Clements +1 215 740 3088 (Philadelphia)







Analyst/Investor enquiries: James Dodwell +44 (0) 20 8047 2406 (London)

Sonya Ghobrial +44 (0) 7392 784784 (Consumer)

Mick Readey +44 (0) 7990 339653 (London)

Jeff McLaughlin +1 215 751 7002 (Philadelphia)

Frannie DeFranco +1 215 751 4855 (Philadelphia)

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2020 and any impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registered in England & Wales:

No. 3888792

Registered Office:

980 Great West Road

Brentford, Middlesex

TW8 9GS

1 Bastidas A, et al. JAMA 2019;132:123133.

2 Berkowitz EM, et al. J Infect Dis 2015;211:12791287.

3 Vink P, et al. Cancer 2019;125:13011312.

4 Dagnew AF, et al. Lancet Infect Dis 2019;19:9881000.

5 Vink P, et al. Clin Infect Dis 2019. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciz177.

6 Stadtmauer E, et al. Blood. 2014;124(19):2921-2929.

7 Harpaz R, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Seward JF; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention of herpes zoster: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008 Jun;57(RR-5):1-30.

8 Gnann et al. Clinical practice. Herpes zoster. N Eng J Med. 2002;347(5):340-6.

9 Johnson RW et al. Herpes zoster epidemiology, management, and disease and economic burden in Europe: a multidisciplinary perspective. Therapeutic Advances in Vaccines. 2015;3(4):109-120.

10 Lal H et al. Efficacy of an Adjuvanted Herpes Zoster Subunit Vaccine in Older Adults. N Engl J Med. 2015;372:2087-96.

11 Yawn et al. Health care utilization and cost burden of herpes zoster in a community population. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(9):787-94.

SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline plc

Related Links

http://www.gsk.com


PLEASANTON, Calif., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Quarterly net sales of $410.3 million , an increase of 25.8% year-over-year

Gross margin of 47.9% increased from 45.9% in the prior year period

Quarterly income from operations of $101.7 million , an increase of 40.9% year-over-year; operating margin of 24.8% increased from 22.1% in the prior year period

Quarterly diluted earnings per share of $1.66 , an increase of 36.1% year-over-year

Declared $0.25 per share quarterly cash dividend

Updating full year 2021 financial guidance

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: SSD), an industry leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, today announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2021. Refer to the "Segment and Product Group Information" table below for additional segment information (including information about the Company's Asia/Pacific segment and Administrative and All Other segment).

All comparisons below (which are generally indicated by words such as "increased," "decreased," "remained," or "compared to"), unless otherwise noted, are comparing the quarter ended June 30, 2021 with the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

2021 Second Quarter Financial Highlights

Consolidated net sales of $410 .3 million increased 25.8% from $326.1 million .

.3 million increased 25.8% from . North America net sales of $350.6 million increased 22.2% from $286.8 million due primarily to product price increases that took effect in April and June of 2021, in an effort to offset rising material costs, along with marginally higher sales volumes. In addition, the majority of the Company's distribution channels continued to benefit from increased U.S. housing starts and repair and remodel activity. Canada's net sales also increased primarily due to higher sales volumes and were positively impacted by approximately $2.6 million in foreign currency translation.

net sales of increased 22.2% from due primarily to product price increases that took effect in April and June of 2021, in an effort to offset rising material costs, along with marginally higher sales volumes. In addition, the majority of the Company's distribution channels continued to benefit from increased U.S. housing starts and repair and remodel activity. net sales also increased primarily due to higher sales volumes and were positively impacted by approximately in foreign currency translation.

Europe net sales of $56.4 million increased 51.0% from $37.4 million , primarily due to higher sales volumes and were positively affected by approximately $5.3 million in foreign currency translation related to Europe's currencies strengthening against the United States dollar.

net sales of increased 51.0% from , primarily due to higher sales volumes and were positively affected by approximately in foreign currency translation related to currencies strengthening against dollar. Consolidated gross profit of $196.4 million increased 31.1% from $149.8 million . Gross margin increased to 47.9% from 45.9%.

increased 31.1% from . Gross margin increased to 47.9% from 45.9%. North America gross margin increased to 49.9% from 47.4%, primarily due to the aforementioned product price increases.

gross margin increased to 49.9% from 47.4%, primarily due to the aforementioned product price increases.

Europe gross margin increased to 36.0% from 35.1%, primarily due to lower labor, factory, warehouse and shipping costs, partly offset by higher material costs, each as a percentage of net sales.

gross margin increased to 36.0% from 35.1%, primarily due to lower labor, factory, warehouse and shipping costs, partly offset by higher material costs, each as a percentage of net sales. Consolidated income from operations of $101.7 million increased 40.9% from $72.2 million . The increase was primarily due to the increase in consolidated gross profit, partly offset by higher operating expenses, as the Company transitions to a more normalized operating environment following 2020. Consolidated operating margin increased to 24.8% from 22.1%.

increased 40.9% from . The increase was primarily due to the increase in consolidated gross profit, partly offset by higher operating expenses, as the Company transitions to a more normalized operating environment following 2020. Consolidated operating margin increased to 24.8% from 22.1%. North America income from operations of $95.1 million increased from $72.2 million , primarily due to the increase in gross profit, partly offset by higher operating expenses due to higher personnel costs and professional fees.

income from operations of increased from , primarily due to the increase in gross profit, partly offset by higher operating expenses due to higher personnel costs and professional fees.

Europe income from operations of $5.9 million increased from $2.7 million , primarily due to the increase in sales volumes and gross profit, partly offset by higher operating expenses due to higher personnel costs.

income from operations of increased from , primarily due to the increase in sales volumes and gross profit, partly offset by higher operating expenses due to higher personnel costs. The Company's effective income tax rate increased to 26.9% from 25.8%.

Net income was $72.5 million , or $1.66 per diluted share of the Company's common stock, compared to net income of $53.5 million , or $1.22 per diluted share.

, or per diluted share of the Company's common stock, compared to net income of , or per diluted share. Cash flow provided by operating activities increased approximately $38.9 million to $81.6 million from $42.8 million .

to from . Cash flow used in investing activities increased approximately $12.8 million to $26.2 million from $13.4 million . Capital expenditures were approximately $19.3 million compared to $14.1 million and the Company invested $6.8 million in a venture capital fund.

Management Commentary

"We are pleased with our second quarter performance," commented Karen Colonias, President and Chief Executive Officer of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. "We experienced strong business momentum, generating net sales of $410.3 million, which grew 18.0% over the prior quarter and 25.8% over the prior year comparable period. Sales growth was primarily driven by the implementation of two product price increases during the quarter to offset rising material costs along with marginal increases in sales volume. The recent price increases we implemented drove significantly higher gross margins for the second quarter which increased to 47.9% from 46.7% in the prior quarter and 45.9% in the prior year period. As a result, our income from operations improved to $101.7 million and led to strong earnings per diluted share of $1.66."

Ms. Colonias continued, "Throughout the quarter, we were very pleased to be able to continue meeting the needs of our customers by providing them with our trusted product solutions, typically within 48 hours or less. This is despite the current environment marked by the increasing prevalence of global supply chain constraints, limited steel availability and a tight labor market. We also remained focused on executing our key growth initiatives which include: expansion into the OEM, repair & remodel / do-it-yourself ("R&R/DIY"), mass timber, concrete and structural steel markets."

Ms. Colonias concluded, "Importantly, we continue to believe in our ability to achieve our Five-year Company Ambitions despite margin compression we are expecting in 2022, which we expect will be directly correlated with rising raw material costs. Looking ahead to the second half of this year, we will continue to manage the key areas of our business we can control and look forward to continuing to provide our customers with Simpson's industry-leading solutions, supported by our long-standing relationships, technical and field support, strong inventory position and consistent product availability. I would like to sincerely thank our employees for their commitment to Simpson. We commend you for your dedication to safety, and for working hard every day to help achieve our mission of providing solutions to help people design and build safer, stronger structures."

Corporate Developments

On July 12, 2021 , the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 27, 2012 , which, amongst other things, extended the term of the credit agreement from July 23, 2022 to July 12, 2026 and modified certain covenants to provide the Company additional flexibility.

, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of , which, amongst other things, extended the term of the credit agreement from to and modified certain covenants to provide the Company additional flexibility. On July 14, 2021 , the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share. The dividend will be payable on October 28, 2021 to the stockholders of record as of October 7, 2021 .

Business Outlook

On April 26, 2021, the Company provided a full-year outlook. The Company is updating its full year outlook, primarily reflecting actual results of the second quarter, as well as improved visibility on the pandemic-related restrictions and the impact of those restrictions on the Company's operations. Based on business trends and conditions as of today, July 26, 2021, the Company's outlook for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 is as follows:

Operating margin is estimated to be in the range of 19.5% to 21.0%.

The effective tax rate is estimated to be in the range of 25.0% to 26.0%, including both federal and state income tax rates.

Capital expenditures are estimated to be in the range of $55 million to $60 million .

Conference Call Details

Investors, analysts and other interested parties are invited to join the Company's second quarter of 2021 financial results conference call on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time (2:00 pm Pacific Time). To participate, callers may dial (877) 407-0792 (U.S. and Canada) or (201) 689-8263 (International) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start time. The call will be webcast simultaneously and can be accessed through http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=145400 or a link on the Company's website at ir.simpsonmfg.com . For those unable to participate during the live broadcast, a replay of the call will also be available beginning that same day at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, August 9, 2021, by dialing (844) 5122921 (U.S. and Canada) or (412) 3176671 (International) and entering the conference ID: 13720842. The webcast will remain posted on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website for 90 days.

A copy of this earnings release will be available prior to the call, accessible through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at ir.simpsonmfg.com .

About Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., headquartered in Pleasanton, California, through its subsidiary, Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc., designs, engineers and is a leading manufacturer of wood construction products, including connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, and concrete construction products, including adhesives, specialty chemicals, mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials. The Company's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SSD."

Copies of Simpson Manufacturing's Annual Report to Stockholders and its proxy statements and other SEC filings, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, are made available free of charge on the company's web site on the same day they are filed with the SEC. To view these filings, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's web site at ir.simpsonmfg.com .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 2 IE of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "target," "continue," "predict," "project," "change," "result," "future," "will," "could," "can," "may," "likely," "potentially," or similar expressions that concern our strategy, plans, expectations or intentions. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, business outlook, priorities, expectations and intentions, expectations for sales growth, comparable sales, earnings and performance, stockholder value, capital expenditures, cash flows, the housing market, the home improvement industry, demand for services, share repurchases, our strategic initiatives, including the impact of these initiatives on our strategic and operational plans and financial results, and any statement of an assumption underlying any of the foregoing and other statements that are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations, opinions, projections and comments reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and we can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties, risk and other factors that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results to vary in material respects from what we have expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and supply chain, and the operations of our customers, suppliers and business partners and those discussed under Part I  Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part II  Other Information  Item 1.A and subsequent filings with the SEC. To the extent that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of such risk and other factors.

We caution that you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in our reports filed with the SEC that advise of the risks and factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries UNAUDITED Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share data)



Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30, (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 2021

2020

2021

2020 Net sales $ 410,281



$ 326,076



$ 757,922



$ 609,744

Cost of sales 213,835



176,276



399,195



330,278

Gross profit 196,446



149,800



358,727



279,466

Research and development and engineering expense 14,169



12,191



28,758



25,573

Selling expense 33,167



26,834



63,990



55,361

General and administrative expense 47,410



38,636



95,975



77,107

Total operating expenses 94,746



77,661



188,723



158,041

Gain on disposal of assets (28)



(73)



(108)



(137)

Income from operations 101,728



72,212



170,112



121,562

Interest expense, net and other (2,636)



(151)



(4,413)



(2,684)

Income before taxes 99,092



72,061



165,699



118,878

Provision for income taxes 26,609



18,582



42,827



28,573

Net income $ 72,483



$ 53,479



$ 122,872



$ 90,305

Earnings per common share:













Basic $ 1.67



$ 1.23



$ 2.83



$ 2.06

Diluted $ 1.66



$ 1.22



$ 2.82



$ 2.05

Weighted average shares outstanding:













Basic 43,434



43,471



43,406



43,787

Diluted 43,641



43,663



43,620



43,980

Cash dividend declared per common share $ 0.25



$ 0.23



$ 0.50



$ 0.46

Other data:













Depreciation and amortization $ 11,527



$ 10,006



$ 22,753



$ 19,739

Pre-tax equity-based compensation expense $ 3,702



$ 5,151



$ 10,245



$ 5,428



Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries UNAUDITED Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (In thousands)





June 30,

December 31, (Amounts in thousands)

2021

2020

2020 Cash and cash equivalents

$ 305,796



$ 315,448



$ 274,639

Trade accounts receivable, net

249,931



233,867



165,128

Inventories

310,254



265,365



283,742

Other current assets

35,722



20,222



29,630

Total current assets

901,703



834,902



753,139

Property, plant and equipment, net

255,353



247,119



255,184

Operating lease right-of-use assets

43,374



36,930



45,792

Goodwill

134,121



132,335



135,844

Other noncurrent assets

39,423



33,217



42,610

Total assets

$ 1,373,974



$ 1,284,503



$ 1,232,569

Trade accounts payable

$ 60,268



$ 49,149



$ 48,271

Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities

172,186



144,265



145,790

Total current liabilities

232,454



193,414



194,061

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

34,087



28,893



37,199

Long-term debt, net of current portion





150,000





Deferred income tax and other long-term liabilities

20,528



17,984



20,366

Stockholders' equity

1,086,905



894,212



980,943

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$ 1,373,974



$ 1,284,503



$ 1,232,569



Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries UNAUDITED Segment and Product Group Information (In thousands)



Three Months Ended





Six Months Ended







June 30,

%

June 30,

% (Amounts in thousands) 2021

2020

change*

2021

2020

change* Net Sales by Reporting Segment























North America $ 350,557

$ 286,807

22.2%

$ 651,120

$ 535,857

21.5%

Percentage of total net sales 85.4%

88.0%





85.9%

87.9%





Europe 56,438

37,379

51.0%

100,734

70,111

43.7%

Percentage of total net sales 13.8%

11.4%





13.3%

11.4%





Asia/Pacific 3,286

1,890

73.9%

6,068

3,776

60.7%



$ 410,281

$ 326,076

25.8%

$ 757,922

$ 609,744

24.3% Net Sales by Product Group**























Wood Construction $ 355,787

$ 280,724

26.7%

$ 657,365

$ 523,244

25.6%

Percentage of total net sales 86.7%

86.1%





86.7%

85.5%





Concrete Construction 54,305

45,304

19.9%

99,828

86,316

15.7%

Percentage of total net sales 13.2%

13.9%





13.2%

14.5%





Other 189

48

N/M

729

184

N/M



$ 410,281

$ 326,076

25.8%

$ 757,922

$ 609,744

24.3% Gross Profit (Loss) by Reporting Segment























North America $ 174,984

$ 136,024

28.6%

$ 317,369

$ 254,819

24.5%

North America gross margin 49.9%

47.4%





48.7%

47.6%





Europe 20,298

13,106

54.9%

35,548

23,807

49.3%

Europe gross margin 36.0%

35.1%





35.3%

34.0%





Asia/Pacific 1,207

484

N/M

2,451

651

N/M

Administrative and all other (43)

186

N/M

3,359

189

N/M



$ 196,446

$ 149,800

31.1%

$ 358,727

$ 279,466

28.4% Income (Loss) from Operations























North America $ 95,123

$ 72,196

31.8%

$ 164,533

$ 125,757

30.8%

North America operating margin 27.1%

25.2%





25.3%

23.5%





Europe 5,873

2,696

117.8%

8,164

1,026

695.7%

Europe operating margin 10.4%

7.2%





8.1%

1.5%





Asia/Pacific 203

(75)

N/M

628

(679)

N/M

Administrative and all other 529

(2,605)

N/M

(3,213)

(4,542)

N/M



$ 101,728

$ 72,212

40.9%

$ 170,112

$ 121,562

39.9%













































* Unfavorable percentage changes are presented in parentheses, if any.

** The Company manages its business by geographic segment but is presenting sales by product group as additional information.

N/M Statistic is not material or not meaningful.

CONTACT:

Addo Investor Relations

[email protected]

(310) 829-5400

SOURCE Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Related Links

http://www.strongtie.com/


TULSA, Okla., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stan Johnson Company, one of commercial real estate's leading investment sales brokerage firms, has announced the launch of a new affiliate debt services company, Four Pillars Capital Markets. The new firm will provide debt and equity financing solutions for commercial real estate investment properties. Four Pillars Capital Markets is a company built on the following principles: Service, Excellence, Collaboration and Access. The firm's professionals are committed to providing personalized, white-glove service to clients along with access to best-in-class insights, market data and capital providers. By leveraging the latest technology, a unified shared services platform and deep relationships with capital sources, investors in the historically underserved middle market now have a new choice in capital markets that is built on a legacy of client service.

"As part of our strategic growth plan, we have identified an opportunity to provide better service to our existing clients, attract new clients and offer a diversified capital markets platform," said Stan Johnson, President and CEO.

To help lead this new service line, the firm has also announced the hire of Farhan Kabani. Previously with Mark One Capital, an affiliate of Marcus & Millichap, Kabani has more than 15 years of commercial real estate finance experience and has secured over $5.0 billion in debt and equity capital for clients. Kabani joins Four Pillars Capital Markets as Partner and, with support from the Stan Johnson Company executive team, will lead the new real estate capital markets brokerage.

"I'm honored to embark on this new opportunity," said Kabani. "The Four Pillars national platform offers access to a deep pool of capital sources, and we have a unique opportunity to build a team that will provide unparalleled service to clients in the middle market. This is a very exciting opportunity to elevate the standard of service and client experience that investors expect when hiring a firm to source the best capital solution for their real estate financing needs."

Four Pillars Capital Markets has identified key geographies for future expansion in order to provide the best national coverage for clients.

About Stan Johnson Company:

Stan Johnson Company is one of the nation's leading commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firms that focuses on investment sales transactions involving retail, office, industrial, healthcare, and specialty properties. The firm and its affiliates provide acquisition, disposition, sale leaseback, capital markets, and advisory services for institutions, developers, investment funds, corporate occupiers, and private investors across the United States. With a historic focus in the single-tenant net lease sector, Stan Johnson Company is now in its fourth decade of operation and has expanded its service platform in order to better serve its valued clients. The firm has completed more than $40 billion in transactions nationwide and continues to be regarded as the Net Lease Authority as it focuses on continued growth and expansion into other industry sectors and services. To learn more about Stan Johnson Company, please visit: www.stanjohnsonco.com.

About Four Pillars Capital Markets:

Four Pillars Capital Markets, an affiliate of Stan Johnson Company, is a real estate capital markets brokerage firm dedicated to providing the highest level of client service. With over $5.0 billion in capital sourced and decades of industry experience, Four Pillars Capital Markets provides debt and equity financing to commercial real estate investors as they acquire or refinance office, industrial, retail, healthcare, multifamily and specialty assets. To learn more about Four Pillars Capital Markets, please visit: www.fpcm.com.

Contact:

David Ebeling

Ebeling Communications

(949) 278-7851

[email protected]

SOURCE Stan Johnson Company

Related Links

http://www.stanjohnsonco.com


CHICAGO, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Technomic released a deep dive into the chicken menu category uncovering global foodservice sales, COVID-19's impact on the category, consumer consumption insights and preferences, menu trends, and the top global and leading local chains, with the 2021 Chicken Global Menu Category Report. This report is a deliverable of the Global Foodservice Navigator program, which offers the tools and guidance to remain ahead of consumer, menu and operator trends across 25 countries.

"Chicken chains have been resilient amid the pandemic and the menu category remains primed for future growth," explains Aaron Jourden, senior research manager of global at Technomic. "With accelerating competition among chicken chains and crossover competitors looking to grow in this category, it is crucial for operators and suppliers alike to know what the top and fastest-growing chains are, what consumer preferences are across global markets, which menu trends are emerging and what strategies chains are adopting in response to the pandemic."

Key findings:

84% of consumers globally order chicken from a restaurant or dining establishment at least once a month

39% of consumers prefer their chicken grilled, over preparations such as fried and roasted

Thailand represents KFC's top market by guest patronage, followed closely by Malaysia and Indonesia

represents KFC's top market by guest patronage, followed closely by and Spicy chicken varieties are common among limited-time offers, with Nashville hot, Korean and mala among the most influential flavors

hot, Korean and mala among the most influential flavors The United States and South Korea are the world's largest exporters of chicken chains

Learn more: https://www.technomic.com/reports/global-menu-category-reports

Contact: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, [email protected]

About Technomic

Technomic Inc., a Winsight company, was founded as a management consulting firm in 1966. Since then, Technomic's services have grown to encompass cloud-based B2B research tools, consumer and menu trend tracking and other leading strategic research and analytic capabilities, to prioritize and size business opportunities. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants, retailers and multiple other business verticals aligned with the food industry that are looking to make informed decisions to support their business growth. Visit Technomic at www.technomic.com.

SOURCE Technomic

Related Links

http://www.technomic.com


STOCKHOLM, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This accreditation enables TFS to address complex requirements characteristic of the current clinical research environment. Flexible approach and quick implementation of change helps us reach our clinical trial goals. As Medidata partner we are able to provide scalable solutions and create a complete value-driven experience for our biopharma customers.

"The accreditation in Medidata Balance grows our portfolio of Medidata products and extends the successful partnership between TFS HealthScience and Medidata. Investing in cutting edge technology allows TFS to better serve our customers and demonstrates our commitment to patients", says Bassem Saleh, TFS CEO

TFS has aimed at the the accreditation in Balance to bring a number of benefits to our project management:

Patient randomization from within Rave

Unified EDC and RTSM solution and centralized operations

Reduced complexity and risk associated with the manual process

Configurable and reliable system giving potential to accelerate the study start-up

Simplified and tailored reporting

As Medidata partner since 2018. TFS HealthScience has previously been certified on Medidata Rave

For more information, please reach out to

Sylwia Domagalska, Senior Director Marketing and Communications

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +48 787 913 074

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

SOURCE TFS
CHICAGO, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Physician-owned hospitals (POHs) are a critical part of the care continuum and valuable partners to health systems, owed to long track records of providing high-quality care at lower costs, according to an industry report released by the Healthcare & Life Sciences investment banking team from Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL).

Access the BGL Healthcare & Life Sciences Insider: https://bit.ly/BGLpohinsider

Physician-owned hospitals (POHs) are a critical part of the care continuum and valuable partners to health systems, owed to long track records of providing high-quality care at lower costs, according to an industry report released by the Healthcare & Life Sciences investment banking team from Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL).

BGL examined current market dynamics impacting POHs, notably a restrictive regulatory climate, changes in payer strategy, site of care neutrality, and an aging physician demographic, all of which are leading physician owners to seek strategic partnerships to better navigate the changing landscape. The report also features an executive roundtable which discusses the current state of the market, as well as future outlook. Dr. Mike Russell, founder and past board chairman of Texas Spine & Joint Hospital and former President of Physician Hospitals of America, commented on future M&A activity, "There is consolidation in the hospital space. There is consolidation in the physician-owned hospital space. There is consolidation in the independent practice space. It's just part of the natural progression. The regulatory and market dynamics are pushing that direction. It's just going to continue."

The market has demonstrated that there is significant strategic value in partnering with physician-owned and led organizations:

As the industry continues to shift towards value-based care, POHs should remain highly competitive given the focus on delivering high-quality care at a competitive price point.

Broad cost containment efforts across the healthcare industry increase the importance of efficient, effective healthcare delivery systems, particularly given demographic trends that support increased procedural activity.

POHs may be better suited to accommodate the shift to outpatient versus inpatient site of care due to greater operating flexibility. Additionally, POHs are well positioned to participate in vertically-integrated networks and or more targeted provider-payer partnerships.

Amber McGraw Walsh, a partner at McGuire Woods, observed, "I think POHs continue to remain a very viable investment for a lot of different types of potential partners. The partnerships are most typically about the opportunities they can unlock in terms of value-based care, operational efficiency, etc."

Given asset scarcity, remaining independent POHs continue to be in high demand. As such, BGL expects acquisition activity to remain strong.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, capital markets, financial restructurings, valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and Philadelphia, and real estate offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and San Antonio. The firm is also a founding member of Global M&A Partners, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, Inc., an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com.



SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Related Links

www.bglco.com


NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cannabinoid Institute (TCI) launched a Spanish version of their well-respected online medical cannabis training certification for Mexican physicians and other healthcare providers on Friday, July 23. TCI is focusing on helping physicians who prescribe cannabis in Mexico to meet the demands of their patients since both medical and recreational cannabis became legal this past month. Legalization in Mexico comes after years of stigmatization. As in the United States, many physicians in Mexico remain largely unaware of the medicinal uses of the plant because medical schools have treated cannabis as a controlled substance for generations. Consequently, most physicians are only aware of the risks associated with abuse and remain ignorant of the finer nuances of prescribing cannabis or the potential for drug-drug interactions.

"We were concerned that physicians would lack the support they needed to feel comfortable prescribing cannabis to their patients. And we knew that our knowledge would help bridge that gap," stated TCI founder, Dr. Jan Roberts. "Ultimately, our primary goal is patient safety."

Spanish-speaking clinicians will now be able to take TCI courses and will get access to monthly grand rounds that are live and available in both English and Spanish. Clinicians will also receive eight hours of ACCME tier-1 credit, allowing international physicians to meet education requirements while staying abreast of recent scientific understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its role in medicine.

TCI offers science-based accredited training on cannabis and the endocannabinoid system to help educate clinicians on the uses and best practices for medical cannabis and to help patients avoid adverse reactions. In the US and abroad, less than 10% of medical schools provide training in the endocannabinoid system and in medical cannabis. While many cannabis educational programs focus on the "sin and stigma" of cannabis or treat cannabis as if it is a panacea that can fix every condition, TCI covers all aspects of cannabinoid science from a patient-first, science-based, objective perspective.

TCI was founded by Dr. Jan Roberts and Dr. Stacia Woodcock with a goal to reduce adverse outcomes for patients and to ensure clinicians can provide their patients with the most knowledgeable guidance possible. "Unfortunately, I have seen some poor medical decisions made by physicians who lack the scientific understanding of the ECS and cannabis, and those decisions have actually impacted my patients significantly," Roberts said. "As a result, I decided to start TCI."

TCI is different from other cannabis education programs, in that it provides training written by clinicians, for clinicians, and was developed out of the research that Dr. Roberts conducted at NYU on clinicians' knowledge and attitudes about cannabis. TCI's online platform allows participants to complete the course at their own pace and tailor their learning experience. Participants will also be able to attend monthly 'Grand Rounds', upon completion of their certification to focus on reducing potential patient adverse reactions and drug-drug interactions.

Dr. Roberts states: "At TCI, we are trying to use technology to create a global initiative around cannabis education for physicians and other clinicians worldwide. Cannabis laws vary country by country, creating an uneven playing field scientifically and in healthcare delivery. We aim to provide access to the best cannabis education worldwide, and TCI Mexico is just the first step to a global education and application system."

About The Cannabinoid Institute

The Cannabinoid Institute (TCI) is a global women-led medical cannabis education company that specializes in teaching science-driven, objective web-based and live education to physicians, nurses, mental health clinicians, and pharmacists by providing accredited certification programs and individual courses for clinicians.

About Dr. Jan Roberts

Dr. Jan Roberts is an internationally-recognized psychotherapist, educator, researcher, and speaker whose approach merges neurobiology, cognitive processing, EMDR, and mindfulness strategies.

Media Contact:

Haley Mueller

kmacconnect

[email protected]

(617) 874-6563

SOURCE The Cannabinoid Institute
LONDON, July 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Arab Emirates has extended a suspension for those travelling from India and several other South Asian countries due to COVID-related guidelines. According to Etihad Airlines, the ban will be in place until July 31st. However, other airlines have said this is pending government review. The extension does not include UAE citizens, diplomats or those holding the nation's investor visa. Nor does it include fully vaccinated travellers that hold a residency visa and have taken three tests since June 23rd.

However, those who fall outside this bracket and hope to conduct business or travel for leisure to the UAE will have to continue to wait for the restrictions to be lifted. Since April, expats in India have been left in limbo overseas, with many forced to re-evaluate their options. The need to have alternative solutions has become more apparent than ever for those facing limited mobility, not only impacting business but jeopardising family safety.

Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a spike in demand for second citizenship as a tool that can be leveraged to diversify assets whilst also providing a safety net during times of uncertainty. According to data, there have been as many as 5,000 high net-worth Indians who have left the country since 2020. In conjunction, there has been a sharp incline in interest for Citizenship by Investment (CBI)  a process that confers citizenship to an applicant and additional dependants once an economic contribution is made to a host country.

"As governments become more insular and impose stricter visa controls, the opportunity to travel and do business globally is considerably hampered. So, Citizenship by Investment is a wonderful way to reverse that as it gives the Indian national better access to travel and business opportunities," says Micha Emmett, CEO of CS Global Partners  a global investor immigration firm specialising in providing citizenship solutions.

Since 1993, Dominica has welcomed Indian investors, among others, to become citizens of the Caribbean nation. The country's CBI programme offers successful applicants a trusted route to second citizenship with benefits such as increased travel freedom to over 140 destinations, access to top tier educational institutions and alternative business prospects. The programme has also been ranked as the world's best offering for second citizenship by an annual independent study conducted by experts at the Financial Times' PWM.

+447867942505

[email protected]

www.csglobalpartners.com

SOURCE CS Global Partners
DUBLIN, Calif., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TriNet Group, Inc. (NYSE: TNET), a leading provider of comprehensive human resources solutions for small and medium-size businesses, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021. The second quarter highlights below include non-GAAP financial measures which are reconciled later in this release.

Second quarter highlights include:

Total revenues increased 16% to $1.1 billion as compared to the same period last year.

as compared to the same period last year. Net income was $91 million , or $1.37 per diluted share, compared to net income of $126 million , or $1.87 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

, or per diluted share, compared to net income of , or per diluted share, in the same period last year. Adjusted Net Income was $104 million , or $1.56 per diluted share, compared to Adjusted Net Income of $136 million , or $2.03 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

, or per diluted share, compared to Adjusted Net Income of , or per diluted share, in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $154 million , compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $199 million , in the same period last year.

, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of , in the same period last year. Total Worksite Employees (WSEs) increased 9% compared to the same period last year, to approximately 340,000.

Average WSEs increased 6% as compared to the same period last year, to approximately 333,000.

"During the second quarter, TriNet once again prioritized the needs of all of our stakeholders," said Burton M. Goldfield, TriNet's President and CEO. "As a result, we delivered strong financial and operational results. Through our customer selection process, we have a vibrant and durable customer base. We support them with traditional HR functions as well as strategic HR questions as they navigate the economic reopening. Our customers continue to grow with us by hiring new employees at record rates. As we look to the second half of 2021, we are encouraged by the business environment, we will continue to support our customers, and we expect to continue to grow."

TriNet's total revenues for the second quarter of 2021 increased 16% from the second quarter of 2020 to $1.1 billion. Professional service revenues for the second quarter of 2021 increased 29% compared to the second quarter of 2020.

At June 30, 2021, TriNet had cash and cash equivalents of $464 million and total debt of $495 million.

Third Quarter and Full-Year 2021 Guidance

In addition to announcing our second quarter 2021 results, we provide our third quarter and full-year 2021 guidance. Non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled later in this release. Percentages reflect the increase or (decrease) from the prior year quarter and prior year end.





Q3 2021

Full Year 2021



Low

High

Low

High Total Revenues

15 %

17 %

10 %

12 % Professional Service Revenues

15 %

20 %

13 %

15 % Net Insurance Margin

8.5 %

10.5 %

11.5 %

12.5 % Ratio of Insurance Costs to Insurance Service

Revenues

91.5 %

89.5 %

88.5 %

87.5 % Diluted net income per share of common stock

$ 0.48



$ 0.72



$ 3.60



$ 4.03

Adjusted Net Income per share - diluted

$ 0.62



$ 0.87



$ 4.25



$ 4.70



Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

We anticipate filing our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Form 10-Q") for the first half of 2021 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and making it available at http://www.trinet.com today, July 26, 2021. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-Q and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Form 10-Q.

Earnings Conference Call and Audio Webcast

TriNet will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET) today to discuss its second quarter results for 2021 and provide third quarter and full-year financial guidance for 2021. TriNet encourages participants to pre-register for the conference call. Callers who pre-register will be given a unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. To pre-register, go to: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10158467/eae2c96f47. For those who would like to join the call but have not pre-registered, they can do so by dialing +1 (412) 317-5426 and requesting the "TriNet Conference Call." The live webcast of the conference call can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of TriNet's website at http://investor.trinet.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on this website for approximately one year. A telephonic replay will be available for one week following the conference call at +1 (412) 317-0088 conference ID: 10158467.

About TriNet

TriNet is a leading provider of a comprehensive human resources solution for small to medium-size businesses, or SMBs. We enhance business productivity by enabling our clients to outsource their human resources, or HR, function to us, allowing them to focus on operating and growing their core businesses. Our HR solutions include services such as payroll processing, human capital consulting, employment law compliance and employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans and workers compensation insurance. Our services are delivered by our expert team of HR professionals and enabled by our technology platform, with online and mobile tools, which allow our clients and their employees to efficiently conduct their HR transactions anytime and anywhere. For more information, please visit http://www.trinet.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to TriNet's financial results as determined in accordance with GAAP are included at the end of this press release following the accompanying financial data. For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures, including the reasons management uses each measure, please see the section titled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, and statements made during the above referenced conference call will contain, statements that are not historical in nature, are predictive in nature, or that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or otherwise contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among other things, TriNet's expectations and assumptions regarding: TriNet's financial guidance for the second quarter and full-year 2021 and the underlying assumptions, and the extent, length and growth impact of economic reopening efforts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, "ability," "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "guidance," "impact," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "strategy," "target," "value," "will," "would" and similar expressions or variations. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, TriNet's expectations regarding client hiring practices, the impact of our customer selection process, and the impact of our operational focus and priorities. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, but are based on management's expectations as of the date hereof and assumptions that are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from our current expectations and any past or future results, performance or achievements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include: the economic, health and business disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our clients and prospects, insurance costs and operations; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the laws and regulations that impact our industry and clients; our ability to mitigate the business risks we face as a co-employer; our ability to manage unexpected changes in workers' compensation and health insurance claims and costs by worksite employees; the effects of volatility in the financial and economic environment on the businesses that make up our client base, and the concentration of our clients in certain geographies and industries; the impact of failures or limitations in the business systems we rely upon; the impact of our Recovery Credit program; adverse changes in our insurance coverage or our relationships with key insurance carriers; our ability to improve our technology to satisfy regulatory requirements and meet the expectations of our clients and manage client attrition; our ability to effectively integrate businesses we have acquired or may acquire in the future; our ability to effectively manage and improve our operational processes; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the effects of increased competition and our ability to compete effectively; the impact on our business of cyber-attacks and security breaches; our ability to secure our information technology infrastructure and our confidential, sensitive and personal information; our ability to comply with constantly evolving data privacy and security laws; our ability to manage changes in, uncertainty regarding, or adverse application of the complex laws and regulations that govern our business; changing laws and regulations governing health insurance and employee benefits; our ability to be recognized as an employer of worksite employees under federal and state regulations; changes in the laws and regulations that govern what it means to be an employer, employee or independent contractor; our ability to comply with the laws and regulations that govern PEOs and other similar industries; the outcome of existing and future legal and tax proceedings; fluctuation in our results of operation and stock price due to factors outside of our control, such as the volume and severity of our workers' compensation and health insurance claims and the amount and timing of our insurance costs, operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements; our ability to comply with the restrictions of our credit facility and meet our debt obligations; and the impact of concentrated ownership in our stock. Any of these factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results.

Further information on risks that could affect TriNet's results is included in our filings with the SEC, including under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on our investor relations website at http://investor.trinet.com and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . Copies of these filings are also available by contacting TriNet Corporation's Investor Relations Department at (510) 875-7201. Except as required by law, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements in this press release, and any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. In addition, we do not assume any obligation, and do not intend, to update any of our forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Key Financial and Operating Metrics

We regularly review certain key financial and operating metrics to evaluate growth trends, measure our performance and make strategic decisions. These key financial and operating metrics may change over time. Our key financial and operating metrics for the periods presented were as follows:



Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions, except per share and WSE data) 2021

2020

% Change

2021

2020

%

Change Income Statement Data:

























Total revenues $ 1,100



$ 948



16

%

$ 2,160



$ 1,996



8

% Operating income 121



173



(30)





259



293



(12)



Net income 91



126



(28)





192



217



(12)



Diluted net income per share of common stock 1.37



1.87



(27)





2.87



3.13



(8)



Non-GAAP measures (1):

























Net Service Revenues 302



335



(10)





611



618



(1)



Net Insurance Service Revenues 146



214



(32)





302



341



(11)



Adjusted EBITDA 154



199



(23)





317



344



(8)



Adjusted Net income 104



136

(24)





215



235



(9)



Operating Metrics:

























Average WSEs 332,719



313,701



6

%

327,007



325,024



1

% Total WSEs at period end 339,935



313,104



9





339,935



313,104



9





(1) Refer to Non-GAAP measures definitions and reconciliations from GAAP measures under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".

(in millions) June 30, 2021

December 31,

2020

%

Change

Balance Sheet Data:











Working capital $ 554



290



91

% Total assets 2,978



3,043



(2)



Debt 495



370



34



Total stockholders' equity 744



607



23







Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2021

2020

% Change Cash Flow Data:











Net cash used in operating activities $ (190)



$ (130)



46 % Net cash used in investing activities (135)



(121)



12

Net cash provided by financing activities 43



122



(65)

Non-GAAP measure (1):









Corporate Operating Cash Flows 240



315



(24)

(1) Refer to Non-GAAP measures definitions and reconciliations from GAAP measures under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".

TRINET GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions except per share data) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Professional service revenues $ 156

$ 121

$ 309

$ 277

Insurance service revenues 944

827

1,851

1,719

Total revenues 1,100

948

2,160

1,996

Insurance costs 798

613

1,549

1,378

Cost of providing services 66

60

130

124

Sales and marketing 45

45

91

91

General and administrative 40

35

76

68

Systems development and programming 11

9

24

18

Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 19

13

31

24

Total costs and operating expenses 979

775

1,901

1,703

Operating income 121

173

259

293

Other income (expense):







Interest expense, bank fees and other (5)

(4)

(10)

(8)

Interest income 1

2

3

7

Income before provision for income taxes 117

171

252

292

Income taxes 26

45

60

75

Net income $ 91

$ 126

$ 192

$ 217

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes 

3

(1)

5

Comprehensive income $ 91

$ 129

$ 191

$ 222

Net income per share:







Basic $ 1.38

$ 1.88

$ 2.91

$ 3.16

Diluted $ 1.37

$ 1.87

$ 2.87

$ 3.13

Weighted average shares:







Basic 66

67

66

69

Diluted 67

68

67

70



TRINET GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (In millions) June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020 Assets





Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents $ 464



$ 301

Investments 131



57

Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments 958



1,388

Accounts receivable, net 8



18

Unbilled revenue, net 346



246

Prepaid expenses, net 68



63

Other current assets 109



87

Total current assets 2,084



2,160

Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments, noncurrent 179



210

Investments, noncurrent 194



138

Property, equipment and software, net 76



79

Operating lease right-of-use asset 48



51

Goodwill 294



294

Other intangible assets, net 9



18

Other assets 94



93

Total assets $ 2,978



$ 3,043

Liabilities and stockholders' equity





Current liabilities:





Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 81



$ 50

Long-term debt 



22

Client deposits and other client liabilities 132



134

Accrued wages 506



309

Accrued health insurance costs, net 155



172

Accrued workers' compensation costs, net 57



59

Payroll tax liabilities and other payroll withholdings 572



1,095

Operating lease liabilities 12



11

Insurance premiums and other payables 15



18

Total current liabilities 1,530



1,870

Long-term debt, noncurrent 495



348

Accrued workers' compensation costs, noncurrent, net 133



138

Deferred taxes 21



22

Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 46



49

Other non-current liabilities 9



9

Total liabilities 2,234



2,436

Stockholders' equity:





Preferred stock 





Common stock and additional paid-in capital 776



747

Accumulated deficit (35)



(144)

Accumulated other comprehensive income 3



4

Total stockholders' equity 744



607

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,978



$ 3,043



TRINET GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2021 2020 Operating activities



Net income $ 192

$ 217

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:



Depreciation and amortization 45

32

Amortization of ROU asset 6

8

Accretion of discount rate on lease liabilities 1

1

Amortization of premium of investments 1



Stock based compensation 24

20

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:



Accounts receivable, net 10

4

Unbilled revenue, net (100)

(67)

Prepaid expenses, net (5)

2

Accounts payable and other current liabilities 29

69

Client deposits and other client liabilities (2)

102

Accrued wages 197

20

Accrued health insurance costs, net (17)

(22)

Accrued workers' compensation costs, net (7)

(2)

Payroll taxes payable and other payroll withholdings (523)

(475)

Operating lease liabilities (6)

(10)

Other assets (32)

(32)

Other liabilities (3)

3

Net cash used in operating activities (190)

(130)

Investing activities



Purchases of marketable securities (267)

(222)

Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable securities 149

119

Acquisitions of property and equipment (17)

(18)

Net cash used in investing activities (135)

(121)

Financing activities



Repurchase of common stock (74)

(100)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock 5

5

Awards effectively repurchased for required employee withholding taxes (9)

(6)

Proceeds from revolving credit agreement borrowings 

234

Payment of long-term financing fees (2)



Payment of debt issuance costs (7)



Proceeds from issuance of 2029 Notes 500



Repayment of debt (370)

(11)

Net cash provided by financing activities 43

122

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted and restricted (282)

(129)

Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted and restricted:



Beginning of period 1,643

1,456

End of period $ 1,361

$ 1,327







Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information



Interest paid $ 2

$ 7

Income taxes paid, net 45

6

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities



Payable for purchase of property and equipment $ 2

$ 2















Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the selected financial measures presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), we monitor other non-GAAP financial measures that we use to manage our business, to make planning decisions, to allocate resources and to use as performance measures in our executive compensation plan. These key financial measures provide an additional view of our operational performance over the long term and provide information that we use to maintain and grow our business.

The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is used to enhance the understanding of certain aspects of our financial performance. It is not meant to be considered in isolation from, superior to, or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. In subsequent filings, we will no longer provide Net Service Revenues, Net Insurance Service Revenues and Net Insurance Margin. Our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income will continue to disclose total revenues, insurance service revenues and insurance cost, determined in accordance with GAAP, which are the key components of these non-GAAP measures.

Non-GAAP Measure Definition How We Use The Measure Net Service Revenues  Sum of professional service revenues and Net Insurance Service Revenues, or total revenues less insurance costs.  Provides a comparable basis of revenues on a net basis. Professional service revenues are presented net of client payroll costs whereas insurance service revenues are presented gross of insurance costs for financial reporting purposes.  Acts as the basis to allocate resources to different functions and evaluates the effectiveness of our business strategies by each business function.  Provides a measure, among others, used in the determination of incentive compensation for management. Net Insurance Service Revenues  Insurance service revenues less insurance costs.  Is a component of Net Service Revenues.  Provides a comparable basis of revenues on a net basis. Professional service revenues are presented net of client payroll costs whereas insurance service revenues are presented gross of insurance costs for financial reporting purposes. Promotes an understanding of our insurance services business by evaluating insurance service revenues net of our WSE related costs which are substantially pass-through for the benefit of our WSEs. Under GAAP, insurance service revenues and costs are recorded gross as we have latitude in establishing the price, service and supplier specifications. Net Insurance Margin  Net Insurance Margin is the ratio of Net Insurance Services Revenues to insurance service revenues.  Provides a comparable basis of Net Insurance Service Revenues relative to insurance service revenues. Promotes an understanding of our pricing to risk performance. Adjusted EBITDA  Net income, excluding the effects of: - income tax provision, - interest expense, bank fees and other, - depreciation, - amortization of intangible assets, and - stock based compensation expense.  Provides period-to-period comparisons on a consistent basis and an understanding as to how our management evaluates the effectiveness of our business strategies by excluding certain non-cash charges such as depreciation and amortization, and stock-based compensation recognized based on the estimated fair values. We believe these charges are either not directly resulting from our core operations or not indicative of our ongoing operations.  Enhances comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects.  Provides a measure, among others, used in the determination of incentive compensation for management.  We also sometimes refer to Adjusted EBITDA margin, which is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to total revenues. Adjusted Net Income  Net income, excluding the effects of: - effective income tax rate (1), - stock based compensation, - amortization of intangible assets, - non-cash interest expense (2), and - the income tax effect (at our effective tax rate (1) of these pre-tax adjustments.  Provides information to our stockholders and board of directors to understand how our management evaluates our business, to monitor and evaluate our operating results, and analyze profitability of our ongoing operations and trends on a consistent basis by excluding certain non-cash charges. Corporate Operating Cash Flows  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, excluding the effects of: - Assets associated with WSEs (accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, prepaid expenses and other current assets) and - Liabilities associated with WSEs (client deposits and other client liabilities, accrued wages, payroll tax liabilities and other payroll withholdings, accrued health benefit costs, accrued workers' compensation costs, insurance premiums and other payables, and other current liabilities).  Provides information that our stockholders and management can use to evaluate our cash flows from operations independent of the current assets and liabilities associated with our WSEs.  Enhances comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, used as a liquidity measure to manage liquidity between corporate and WSE related activities, and to help determine and plan our cash flow and capital strategies.

(1) Non-GAAP effective tax rate is 25.5% for the second quarters of 2021 and 2020, which excludes the income tax impact from stock-based compensation, changes in uncertain tax positions, and nonrecurring benefits or expenses from federal legislative changes. (2) Non-cash interest expense represents amortization and write-off of our debt issuance costs and loss on derivative.

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures



The table below presents a reconciliation of total revenues to Net Service Revenues:

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended June

30, (in millions) 2021 2020

2021 2020 Total revenues $ 1,100

$ 948



$ 2,160

$ 1,996

Less: Insurance costs 798

613



1,549

1,378

Net Service Revenues $ 302

$ 335



$ 611

$ 618





The table below presents a reconciliation of insurance service revenues to Net Insurance Service Revenues:

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended June

30, (in millions) 2021 2020

2021 2020 Insurance service revenues $ 944

$ 827



$ 1,851

$ 1,719

Less: Insurance costs 798

613



1,549

1,378

Net Insurance Service Revenues $ 146

$ 214



$ 302

$ 341

NIM 15 % 26 %

16 % 20 %



The table below presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA:

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2021 2020

2021 2020 Net income $ 91

$ 126



$ 192

$ 217

Provision for income taxes 26

45



60

75

Stock based compensation 13

11



24

20

Interest expense, bank fees and other 5

4



10

8

Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 1 19

13



31

24

Adjusted EBITDA $ 154

$ 199



$ 317

$ 344

Adjusted EBITDA Margin 14.0 % 21.0 %

14.7 % 17.2 %

(1) Amount includes impairment of customer relationship intangibles and amortization of cloud computing arrangements included in operating expenses.

The table below presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share - diluted:

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions, except per share data) 2021 2020

2021 2020 Net income $ 91

$ 126



$ 192

$ 217

Effective income tax rate adjustment (4)

1



(4)

1

Stock based compensation 13

11



24

20

Amortization of intangible assets 1 9

1



10

3

Non-cash interest expense 1





3



Income tax impact of pre-tax adjustments (6)

(3)



(10)

(6)

Adjusted Net Income $ 104

$ 136



$ 215

$ 235

GAAP weighted average shares of common stock - diluted 67

68



67

69

Adjusted Net Income per share - diluted $ 1.56

$ 2.03



$ 3.20

$ 3.39

(1) Amount includes impairment of customer relationship intangibles.

The table below presents a reconciliation of net cash (used in) provided by operating activities to Corporate Operating Cash flows:

Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2021 2020 Net cash used in operating activities $ (190)

$ (130)

Less: Change in WSE related other current assets (96)

(74)

Less: Change in WSE related liabilities (334)

(371)

Net cash used in operating activities - WSE $ (430)

$ (445)

Net cash provided by operating activities - Corporate $ 240

$ 315



Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures for the third quarter and full-year 2021 guidance.

Low and high percentages represent increases (decreases) from the same period in the previous year.

The table below presents a reconciliation of insurance service revenues to Net Insurance Service Revenues and NIM:

Q3 2020

Q3 2021 Guidance

FY 2020

Year 2021 Guidance (in millions) Actual

Low High

Actual

Low High Insurance service revenues $ 849



14 % 17 %

$ 3,490



10 % 11 % Less: Insurance costs 759



17

17



2,979



14

14

Net Insurance Service Revenues $ 90



(8) % 16 %

$ 511



(14) % (5) % NIM 10.6 %

8.5 % 10.5 %

14.6 %

11.5 % 12.5 % Ratio of insurance costs to insurance

service revenues 89 %

91.5 % 89.5 %

85 %

88.5 % 87.5 %

The table below presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share - diluted:

Q3 2020

Q3 2021 Guidance

FY 2020

Year 2021 Guidance (in millions, except per share data) Actual

Low High

Actual

Low High Net income $ 33



(1) % 49 %

$ 272



(12) % (1) % Effective income tax rate adjustment (4)



(36)

(54)



(6)



13

(4)

Stock based compensation 11



32

32



43



23

23

Amortization of intangible assets1 1



3

3



5



136

136

Non-cash interest expense 1



28

28



1



287

287

Income tax impact of pre-tax adjustments (3)



29

29



(12)



39

39

Adjusted Net Income $ 39



11 % 55 %

$ 303



(6) % 4 % GAAP weighted average shares of

common stock - diluted 68









68







Adjusted Net Income per share - diluted $ 0.56



$ 0.62

$ 0.87



$ 4.44



$ 4.25

$ 4.70













































(1) Guidance amounts includes impairment of customer relationship intangibles.

SOURCE TriNet Group, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.trinet.com


TULSA, Okla., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tulsa Community College (TCC) is partnering with CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech, a program to increase the number of information technology (IT) workers across America and expand career opportunities to groups underrepresented in the tech workforce, the organizations announced today.

"Apprenticeships are a proven method for building skills and preparing people to enter the workforce," said Scott Mueller, Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development for the State of Oklahoma. "This partnership will provide Oklahomans family-sustaining jobs in tech and employers the highly-skilled and qualified talent they need for continued economic growth."

Through this collaboration TCC will offer Oklahoma residents new education and training options to prepare them for work in two high-demand IT occupations  cybersecurity specialist and network support specialist. The college will also work with employers to help them recruit and employ skilled tech talent.

"Through this collaborative effort, we are using best practices to combine classroom learning and demonstrated skills with on-the-job training gained through paid apprenticeships," said Dr. Leigh Goodson, TCC president and CEO. "The information technology field including cybersecurity and computer networking is an in-demand job and this innovative partnership with employers, non-profits, government and TCC will help ensure we have skilled talent to meet the need."

Several private and public sector organizations are joining TCC in this effort to help individuals overcome employment barriers to obtain fulfilling careers and help Oklahoma companies recruit and train skilled talent people. They include:

"We are honored to have Tulsa Community College join us in this effort to open IT career opportunities to more people and to help Oklahoma employers build a strong pipeline of tech talent now and for the future," said Amy Kardel, vice president for strategic workforce relationships at CompTIA. "Apprenticeships are a proven method for building skills and preparing people for employment. The training regimens that we have developed and that TCC will implement are designed to produce candidates with the right mix of technical and business skills required in today's digital age."

The demand for IT professionals in the Tulsa metropolitan area is strong. Employers listed job openings for nearly 2,900 core IT occupations during the first six months of 2021, according to CompTIA's analysis of Burning Glass Technologies Labor Insights data. The number of job postings increased by 31% from Q1 to Q2. Included in this total are job openings for IT workers in both cybersecurity and networking  the two career training paths that TCC will offer. Instruction will be built around the National Guideline Standards created by CompTIA and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. These standards detail the competencies in both technical and employability skills that apprentices will need to join the IT workforce as network support specialists, who analyze, troubleshoot and evaluate problems with computer networks; and cybersecurity support technicians, tasked with detecting cyber threats and implementing changes to protect an organization.

https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/apprenticeships-for-techTulsa area employers interested in joining the Tulsa Community College CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech program can attend an information session on Monday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at Tulsa Community College Northeast Campus Enterprise Building, 3727 E. Apache Street, Room A108. Information for employers and for individuals who would like to become apprentices is also available at CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech.

About Tulsa Community College

Tulsa Community College educates approximately 23,000 students each year. With knowledgeable faculty teaching in state-of-the art facilities on four campuses, programs for students at every stage of life, robust online learning opportunities, and a commitment to affordable excellence, we're equipped to guide you to personal and professional success. https://www.tulsacc.edu/

Media Contact

Nicole Burgin

Media Relations Manager

Tulsa Community College

[email protected]

Mobile: (918) 951-4122

mailto:[email protected]

About CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech

CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech is a national initiative to increase the number of skilled technology workers and expand tech career opportunities for diverse populations, including women, individuals with disabilities and people of color. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, led by CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the IT industry and workforce, and Maher & Maher, a recognized leader in building innovative and successful apprenticeship initiatives and is built according to the Registered Apprenticeship Program model. For more information visit https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/apprenticeships-for-tech.

Media Contact

Steven Ostrowski

CompTIA

[email protected]

+1 630-678-8468

SOURCE CompTIA

Related Links

http://www.comptia.org


KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) announced today that its reported net income attributable to UHS was $325.0 million, or $3.79 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021, as compared to $251.9 million, or $2.95 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2020. Net revenues increased 17.1% to $3.198 billion during the second quarter of 2021 as compared to $2.730 billion during the second quarter of 2020.

As reflected on the Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule"), our adjusted net income attributable to UHS during the second quarter of 2021 was $322.3 million, or $3.76 per diluted share, as compared to $250.2 million, or $2.93 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2020.

During 2021, we received approximately $189 million of additional funds from the federal government in connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"), substantially all of which was received during the first quarter of 2021. During the second quarter of 2021, we returned the $189 million to the appropriate government agencies utilizing a portion of our cash and cash equivalents held on deposit. Therefore, our results of operations for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 include no impact from the receipt of those funds.

Also, and as previously announced earlier this year, in March of 2021 we made an early repayment of $695 million of funds received during 2020 pursuant to the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program. These funds were returned to the government utilizing a portion of our cash and cash equivalents held on deposit.

Included in our reported and adjusted net income attributable to UHS during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 was a net favorable after-tax impact of approximately $29.8 million, or $.35 per diluted share, resulting from:

a favorable after-tax impact of $42.3 million , or $.49 per diluted share, resulting from $55.3 million of revenues recorded during the second quarter of 2021 in connection with the Kentucky Medicaid Managed Care Hospital Rate Increase Program, covering the period of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 , as discussed below in Kentucky Hospital Rate Increase Program ;

, or per diluted share, resulting from of revenues recorded during the second quarter of 2021 in connection with the Kentucky Medicaid Managed Care Hospital Rate Increase Program, covering the period of to , as discussed below in ; an unfavorable after-tax impact of approximately $27.2 million , or $.32 per diluted share, resulting from a $36.0 million increase to our reserves for self-insured professional and general liability claims, as discussed below in Increase to Self-Insured Professional and General Liability Reserves , and;

, or per diluted share, resulting from a increase to our reserves for self-insured professional and general liability claims, as discussed below in , and; an aggregate favorable after-tax impact of $14.6 million , or $.17 per diluted share, resulting from aggregate commercial insurance proceeds of $19.3 million received during the second quarter of 2021 in connection with the previously incurred, unfavorable economic impact from the following: (i) the previously disclosed information technology incident that occurred during 2020 ( $10.0 million of insurance proceeds received representing partial recovery of the loss sustained), and; (ii) the COVID-19 pandemic ( $9.3 million of insurance proceeds received representing recovery of the policy maximum).

Included in our reported and adjusted net income attributable to UHS during the three-month period ended June 30, 2020 was approximately $161.9 million, or $1.90 per diluted share, resulting from the recognition of approximately $218 million of net revenues recorded in connection with various governmental stimulus programs, most notably the CARES Act. Approximately $157 million of the governmental stimulus program net revenues were attributable to our acute care services and approximately $61 million were attributable to our behavioral health care services.

As reflected on the Supplemental Schedule, included in our reported results during the second quarter of 2021, was a net aggregate favorable after-tax impact of $2.7 million, or $.03 per diluted share, consisting of the following: (i) an after-tax unrealized gain of $1.6 million, or $.02 per diluted share, ($2.1 million pre-tax which is included in "Other (income) expense, net"), resulting from an increase in the market value of shares of certain marketable securities held for investment and classified as available for sale, and; (ii) a favorable after-tax impact of $1.2 million, or $.01 per diluted share, resulting from our adoption of ASU 2016-09, "Compensation  Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" ("ASU 2016-09").

As reflected on the Supplemental Schedule, included in our reported results during the second quarter of 2020, was a net aggregate favorable after-tax impact of $1.7 million, or $.02 per diluted share, consisting of the following: (i) an after-tax unrealized gain of $2.2 million, or $.03 per diluted share, resulting from an increase in the market value of shares of certain marketable securities held for investment and classified as available for sale, and; (ii) an unfavorable after-tax impact of $0.5 million, or $.01 per diluted share, resulting from our adoption of ASU 2016-09.

As calculated on the attached Supplemental Schedule, our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation & amortization ("EBITDA net of NCI", NCI is net income attributable to noncontrolling interests), was $581.8 million during the second quarter of 2021, as compared to $482.8 million during the second quarter of 2020. Our adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation & amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI"), which excludes the impact of other (income) expense, net, was $572.7 million during the second quarter of 2021 as compared to $479.7 million during the second quarter of 2020.

Consolidated Results of Operations, As Reported and As Adjusted  Six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

Reported net income attributable to UHS was $534.1 million, or $6.22 per diluted share, during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, as compared to $394.0 million, or $4.58 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2020. Net revenues increased 11.7% to $6.211 billion during the first six months of 2021 as compared to $5.559 billion during the comparable period of 2020.

As reflected on the Supplemental Schedule, our adjusted net income attributable to UHS during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021 was $532.4 million, or $6.20 per diluted share, as compared to $400.4 million, or $4.65 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2020.

Included in our reported and adjusted net income attributable to UHS during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, was the net favorable after-tax impact of approximately $29.8 million, or $.35 per diluted share, as discussed above.

Our reported and adjusted net income attributable to UHS during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 included approximately $161.9 million, or $1.89 per diluted share, resulting from the above-mentioned recognition of approximately $218 million of net revenues recorded in connection with various governmental stimulus programs, most notably the CARES Act.

As reflected on the Supplemental Schedule, included in our reported results during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, was a net aggregate favorable after-tax impact of $1.7 million, or $.02 per diluted share, consisting of the following: (i) an after-tax unrealized loss of $0.5 million, or $.01 per diluted share, resulting from a decrease in the market value of shares of certain marketable securities held for investment and classified as available for sale, and; (ii) a favorable after-tax impact of $2.2 million, or $.03 per diluted share, resulting from our adoption of ASU 2016-09.

As reflected on the Supplemental Schedule, included in our reported results during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020, was a net aggregate unfavorable after-tax impact of $6.4 million, or $.07 per diluted share, consisting of the following: (i) an after-tax unrealized loss of $5.1 million, or $.06 per diluted share, resulting from a decrease in the market value of shares of certain marketable securities held for investment and classified as available for sale, and; (ii) an unfavorable after-tax impact of $1.3 million, or $.01 per diluted share, resulting from our adoption of ASU 2016-09.

As calculated on the attached Supplemental Schedule, our EBITDA net of NCI, was $1.008 billion during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, as compared to $831.9 million during the first six months of 2020. Our Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI, which excludes the impact of other (income) expense, net, was $999.8 million during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, as compared to $838.3 million during the first six months of 2020.

Acute Care Services  Three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

During the second quarter of 2021, at our acute care hospitals owned during both periods ("same facility basis"), adjusted admissions (adjusted for outpatient activity) increased 26.4% and adjusted patient days increased 21.6%, as compared to the second quarter of 2020. During the second quarter of 2021, patient volumes at our acute care hospitals, as compared to the same period of 2020, reflect robust recoveries from the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions and policies that negatively affected patient volumes during the second quarter of 2020.

At these facilities, excluding the governmental stimulus revenues of approximately $157 million recorded during the second quarter of 2020, net revenue per adjusted admission increased 5.1% while net revenue per adjusted patient day increased 9.3% during the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the second quarter of 2020. During the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the second quarter of 2020, net revenues generated from our acute care services on a same facility basis increased 18.5% including the governmental stimulus revenues recorded during the second quarter of 2020, and increased 33.0% excluding the governmental stimulus revenues recorded during the second quarter of 2020.

During the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, at our acute care hospitals on a same facility basis, adjusted admissions increased 4.7% and adjusted patient days increased 9.3%, as compared to the first six months of 2020. At these facilities, excluding the governmental stimulus revenues of approximately $157 million recorded during the first six months of 2020, net revenue per adjusted admission increased 15.7% while net revenue per adjusted patient day increased 10.8% during the first six months of 2021, as compared to the comparable period of 2020. During the first six months of 2021, as compared to the comparable period of 2020, net revenues generated from our acute care services on a same facility basis increased 15.0% including the governmental stimulus revenues recorded during the first six months of 2020, and increased 21.5% excluding the governmental stimulus revenues recorded during the first six months of 2020.

Behavioral Health Care Services  Three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

During the second quarter of 2021, at our behavioral health care facilities on a same facility basis, adjusted admissions increased 14.1% and adjusted patient days increased 7.4%, as compared to the second quarter of 2020. During the second quarter of 2021, patient volumes at our behavioral health care hospitals, as compared to the same period of 2020, reflect robust recoveries from the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions and policies that negatively affected patient volumes during the second quarter of 2020.

At these facilities, excluding the governmental stimulus revenues of approximately $61 million recorded during the second quarter of 2020, net revenue per adjusted admission increased 1.9% while net revenue per adjusted patient day increased 8.3% during the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the second quarter of 2020. During the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the second quarter of 2020, net revenues generated from our behavioral health care services on a same facility basis increased 13.7% including the governmental stimulus revenues recorded during the second quarter of 2020, and increased 19.5% excluding the governmental stimulus revenues recorded during the second quarter of 2020.

During the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, at our behavioral health care facilities on a same facility basis, adjusted admissions increased 3.8% and adjusted patient days increased 1.6%, as compared to the first six months of 2020. At these facilities, excluding the governmental stimulus revenues of approximately $61 million recorded during the first six months of 2020, net revenue per adjusted admission increased 4.9% while net revenue per adjusted patient day increased 7.2% during the first six months of 2021, as compared to the comparable period of 2020. During the first six months of 2021, as compared to the comparable period of 2020, net revenues generated from our behavioral health care services on a same facility basis increased 7.2% including the governmental stimulus revenues recorded during the first six months of 2020, and increased 9.8% excluding the governmental stimulus revenues recorded during the first six months of 2020.

COVID-19

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began during the second half of March, 2020, has had a material unfavorable effect on our operations and financial results since that time. The COVID-19 vaccination process commenced during the first quarter of 2021 and we have generally experienced a decline in COVID-19 patients since that time as well as a corresponding recovery in non-COVID-19 patient activity. Since the future volumes and severity of COVID-19 patients remain highly uncertain and subject to change, including potential increases in future COVID-19 patient volumes caused by new variants of the virus, we are not able to fully quantify the impact that these factors will have on our future financial results. However, developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic could materially affect our financial performance during the remainder of 2021.

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities and Liquidity:

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, our net cash provided by operating activities was $119 million as compared to $1.451 billion during the first six months of 2020. The $1.332 billion net decrease in our cash provided by operating activities during the first six months of 2021, as compared to the first six months of 2020, was due to: (i) an unfavorable change of $1.174 billion resulting primarily from the above-mentioned $695 million of Medicare accelerated payments repaid during the first quarter of 2021, as compared to a favorable change of $477 million experienced during the first six months of 2020 resulting from receipt of the Medicare accelerated payments and other deferred governmental stimulus grants; (ii) an unfavorable change of $167 million in accounts receivable; (iii) a favorable change of $151 million resulting from an increase in net income plus depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, gain/loss on sales of assets and businesses and provision for asset impairment, and; (iv) an unfavorable change of $143 million in accrued and deferred income taxes due, in part, to COVID-19 related deferrals granted in 2020 by the Federal government and those of certain states, which deferred income tax payments into the third quarter of 2020, that were originally scheduled to be remitted during the second quarter of 2020.

Liquidity:

As of June 30, 2021, we had $996 million of aggregate available borrowing capacity pursuant to our $1 billion revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of credit. In addition, as of June 30, 2021, we had approximately $199 million of cash and cash equivalents.

Revised 2021 Operating Results Forecasts:

Based upon the operating trends and financial results experienced during the first six months of 2021, as indicated on the Revised Forecast table below, we are increasing our guidance range for consolidated net revenues; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation & amortization, and the impacts of other income/expense and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests ("Adjusted EBITDA, net of NCI"), and adjusted net income attributable to UHS per diluted share ("Adjusted EPS-diluted") for the year ended December 31, 2021. The tables below include our revised 2021 operating results forecasts for the year ended December 31, 2021, as well as our original 2021 operating results forecast which was previously disclosed on February 25, 2021.



Revised Forecast

Original Forecast

For the Year Ended

For the Year Ended

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2021

Low High

Low High Net revenues $12.351 billion $12.501 billion

$12.125 billion $12.361 billion Adjusted EBITDA, net of NCI $1.883 billion $1.961 billion

$1.738 billion $1.849 billion Adjusted EPS  diluted $11.46 per share $12.16 per share

$10.05 per share $11.05 per share

Our revised 2021 forecasted net revenues are estimated to be approximately $12.351 billion to $12.502 billion , representing increases of 1.1% to 1.9% over our original 2021 forecasted net revenues.

to , representing increases of 1.1% to 1.9% over our original 2021 forecasted net revenues. Our revised 2021 forecasted Adjusted EBITDA, net of NCI, is estimated to be approximately $1.883 billion to $1.961 billion , representing increases of 6.1% to 8.4% over our original 2021 forecasted Adjusted EBITDA, net of NCI.

to , representing increases of 6.1% to 8.4% over our original 2021 forecasted Adjusted EBITDA, net of NCI. Our revised 2021 forecasted Adjusted EPS-diluted is estimated to be $11.46 per share to $12.16 per share, representing increases of 10.0% to 14.0% over our original 2021 forecasted Adjusted EPS-diluted.

Adjusted EPS-diluted and Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI, are non-GAAP financial measures and should be examined in connection with net income determined in accordance with GAAP as presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in this report or in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Please see the schedule of Supplemental Non-GAAP Disclosures - 2021 Revised Operating Results Forecast, as included herein for additional information and a reconciliation to the financial forecasts as computed in accordance with GAAP.

In addition, the 2021 revised forecasted amounts exclude the impact of future items, if applicable, that are nonrecurring or non-operational in nature including items such as, pre-tax unrealized gains/losses resulting from increases/decreases in the market value of shares of certain marketable securities held for investment and classified as available for sale, our adoption of ASU 2016-09, and other potential material items including, but not limited to, reserves for various matters including settlements, legal judgments and lawsuits, potential impacts of non-ordinary course acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures or other strategic transactions, costs related to extinguishment of debt, gains/losses on sales of assets and businesses, impairment of long-lived and intangible assets, other amounts that may be reflected in the current financial statements that relate to prior periods, and the impact of share repurchases that differ from included assumptions. It is also subject to certain conditions including those as set forth below in General Information, Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors and Non-GAAP Financial Measures, including the likelihood that our future operations and financial results may continue to be materially impacted by developments related to COVID-19, as discussed herein.

Stock Repurchase Program:

On July 26, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a $1.0 billion increase to our stock repurchase program, which increased the aggregate authorization to $3.7 billion from the previous $2.7 billion authorization approved in various increments since 2014. Pursuant to this program, which including today's increased authorization has a current aggregate available repurchase authorization of $1.210 billion, shares of our Class B Common Stock may be repurchased, from time to time as conditions allow, on the open market or in negotiated private transactions.

In April, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a resumption to our stock repurchase program which had been suspended in April, 2020, as part of various COVID-19 initiatives. In conjunction with our stock repurchase program, during the three-month period ended June 30, 2021, we have repurchased approximately 2.21 million shares at an aggregate cost of $350 million (approximately $158 per share). Since inception of the program in 2014 through June 30, 2021, we have repurchased approximately 20.23 million shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $2.49 billion (approximately $123 per share).

Kentucky Hospital Rate Increase Program:

In early 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") approved the Kentucky Medicaid Managed Care Hospital Rate Increase Program ("HRIP") for state fiscal year ("SFY") 2021. The CMS approval increased the program's statewide net benefit to eligible Kentucky hospitals to approximately $1.1 billion from the original approved pool size of $86 million. During the second quarter of 2021, Kentucky enacted legislation that authorizes increased HRIP payments to hospitals and CMS approved the applicable HRIP rate add-on amount for SFY 2021, which is retroactive to July 1, 2020.

This program change increased our reimbursement for SFY 2021, covering the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, by an aggregate of approximately $55 million, which we recorded during the second quarter of 2021. Programs such as HRIP require an annual state submission and approval by CMS. In May, 2021, Kentucky submitted a request to CMS in order to continue the HRIP program for SFY 2022 with a similar payment methodology and payment level as the SFY 2021 program. However, we are unable predict if CMS will approve the HRIP for SFY 2022, and if approved, if the rates will be generally comparable to the SFY 2021 HRIP rates.

Increase to Self-Insured Professional and General Liability Reserves:

Our estimated liability for self-insured professional and general liability claims is based on a number of factors including, among other things, the number of asserted claims and reported incidents, estimates of losses for these claims based on recent and historical settlement amounts, estimates of incurred but not reported claims based on historical experience, and estimates of amounts recoverable under our commercial insurance policies. As a result of unfavorable trends recently experienced, during the second quarter of 2021, we recorded a $36.0 million increase to our reserves for self-insured professional and general liability claims.

Conference call information:

We will hold a conference call for investors and analysts at 9:00 a.m. eastern time on July 27, 2021. The dial-in number is 1-877-648-7971.

A live broadcast of the conference call will be available on our website at www.uhs.com. Also, a replay of the call will be available following the conclusion of the live call and will be available for one full year.

General Information, Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors and Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since our inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, our annual revenues were approximately $11.6 billion during 2020. In 2021, UHS was again recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune; ranked #270 on the Fortune 500; and ranked #307 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Public Companies.

Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was upon the Company's founding in 1979, enabling us to provide compassionate care to our patients and their loved ones. Our strategy includes building or acquiring high quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets, investing in the people and equipment needed to allow each facility to thrive, and becoming the leading healthcare provider in each community we serve.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 89,000 employees and through its subsidiaries operates 26 acute care hospitals, 334 behavioral health facilities, 39 outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 38 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. It acts as the advisor to Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust (NYSE:UHT). For additional information visit www.uhs.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current management expectations. Numerous factors, including those disclosed herein, those related to the anticipated impact of COVID-19 on our operations and financial results, those related to healthcare industry trends and those detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as set forth in Item 1A-Risk Factors and in Item 7-Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in Item 2-Forward Looking Statements and Risk Factors in our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021), may cause the results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and therefore actual results may differ materially. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Many of the factors that could affect our future results are beyond our control or ability to predict, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our future operations and financial results will likely be materially impacted by developments related to COVID-19 including, but not limited to, the potential impact on future COVID-19 patient volumes resulting from new variants of the virus, the length of time and severity of the spread of the pandemic; the volume of cancelled or rescheduled elective procedures and the volume of COVID-19 patients treated at our hospitals and other healthcare facilities; measures we are taking to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of government and administrative regulation and stimulus on the hospital industry and potential retrospective adjustment in future periods of CARES Act and other grant income revenues recorded as revenues in prior periods; declining patient volumes and unfavorable changes in payer mix caused by deteriorating macroeconomic conditions (including increases in uninsured and underinsured patients as the result of business closings and layoffs); potential disruptions to our clinical staffing and shortages and disruptions related to supplies required for our employees and patients; and potential increases to expenses related to staffing, supply chain or other expenditures; the impact of our substantial indebtedness and the ability to refinance such indebtedness on acceptable terms, as well as risks associated with disruptions in the financial markets and the business of financial institutions as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic which could impact us from a financing perspective; and changes in general economic conditions nationally and regionally in our markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not able to fully quantify the impact that these factors will have on our future financial results, but developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic could materially affect our financial performance during the remainder of 2021.

We believe that adjusted net income attributable to UHS, adjusted net income attributable to UHS per diluted share, EBITDA net of NCI and Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI, which are non-GAAP financial measures ("GAAP" is Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America), are helpful to our investors as measures of our operating performance. In addition, we believe that, when applicable, comparing and discussing our financial results based on these measures, as calculated, is helpful to our investors since it neutralizes the effect of material items impacting our net income attributable to UHS, such as, our adoption of ASU 2016-09, unrealized gains/losses resulting from changes in the market value of shares of certain marketable securities held for investment and classified as available for sale, and other potential material items that are nonrecurring or non-operational in nature including, but not limited to, impairments of long-lived and intangible assets, changes in the reserve established in connection with our discussions with the Department of Justice, reserves for various matters including settlements, legal judgments and lawsuits, costs related to extinguishment of debt, gains/losses on sales of assets and businesses, and other amounts that may be reflected in the current or prior year financial statements that relate to prior periods. To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance these measures should be examined in connection with net income attributable to UHS, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and as presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in this report or in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and our Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Since the items included or excluded from these measures are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance under GAAP, these measures should not be considered to be alternatives to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Since these measures, as presented, are not determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.

Universal Health Services, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)

















Three months

Six months

ended June 30,

ended June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020















Net revenues $3,197,880

$2,729,754

$6,210,867

$5,559,421















Operating charges:













Salaries, wages and benefits 1,487,935

1,308,010

2,985,708

2,740,679 Other operating expenses 769,810

625,747

1,479,518

1,315,537 Supplies expense 338,033

283,572

685,143

601,399 Depreciation and amortization 133,985

126,208

265,388

250,602 Lease and rental expense 29,149

28,186

60,473

56,479

2,758,912

2,371,723

5,476,230

4,964,696















Income from operations 438,968

358,031

734,637

594,725















Interest expense, net 21,299

25,473

43,256

61,824 Other (income) expense, net (9,129)

(3,100)

(8,294)

6,460















Income before income taxes 426,798

335,658

699,675

526,441















Provision for income taxes 101,522

79,154

165,329

125,477















Net income 325,276

256,504

534,346

400,964















Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests ("NCI") 252

4,575

231

6,998















Net income attributable to UHS $325,024

$251,929

$534,115

$393,966































































































Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS (a) $3.85

$2.97

$6.31

$4.60















Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS (a) $3.79

$2.95

$6.22

$4.58

Universal Health Services, Inc. Footnotes to Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)

















Three months

Six months (a) Earnings per share calculation: ended June 30,

ended June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020 Basic and diluted:













Net income attributable to UHS $325,024

$251,929

$534,115

$393,966 Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants (661)

(824)

(1,213)

(1,197) Net income attributable to UHS - basic and diluted $324,363

$251,105

$532,902

$392,769















Weighted average number of common shares - basic 84,224

84,632

84,503

85,422















Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS: $3.85

$2.97

$6.31

$4.60















Weighted average number of common shares 84,224

84,632

84,503

85,422 Add: Other share equivalents 1,400

427

1,207

335 Weighted average number of common shares and equiv. - diluted 85,624

85,059

85,710

85,757















Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS: $3.79

$2.95

$6.22

$4.58

Universal Health Services, Inc. Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule") For the Three Months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)































Calculation of Earnings/Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA/Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI")

















Three months ended

% Net

Three months ended

% Net

June 30, 2021

revenues

June 30, 2020

revenues















Net income attributable to UHS $325,024





$251,929



Depreciation and amortization 133,985





126,208



Interest expense, net 21,299





25,473



Provision for income taxes 101,522





79,154



EBITDA net of NCI $581,830

18.2%

$482,764

17.7%















Other (income) expense, net (9,129)





(3,100)



Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI $572,701

17.9%

$479,664

17.6%















Net revenues $3,197,880





$2,729,754



















































































Calculation of Adjusted Net Income Attributable to UHS

















Three months ended

Three months ended

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020





Per





Per

Amount

Diluted Share

Amount

Diluted Share















Net income attributable to UHS $325,024

$3.79

$251,929

$2.95 Plus/minus after-tax adjustments:













Unrealized gain on available for sale marketable securities (1,607)

(0.02)

(2,223)

(0.03) Impact of ASU 2016-09 (1,120)

(0.01)

505

0.01 Subtotal adjustments (2,727)

(0.03)

(1,718)

(0.02) Adjusted net income attributable to UHS $322,297

$3.76

$250,211

$2.93

Universal Health Services, Inc. Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule") For the Six Months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)































Calculation of Earnings/Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA/Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI")

















Six months ended

% Net

Six months ended

% Net

June 30, 2021

revenues

June 30, 2020

revenues















Net income attributable to UHS $534,115





$393,966



Depreciation and amortization 265,388





250,602



Interest expense, net 43,256





61,824



Provision for income taxes 165,329





125,477



EBITDA net of NCI $1,008,088

16.2%

$831,869

15.0%















Other (income) expense, net (8,294)





6,460



Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI $999,794

16.1%

$838,329

15.1%















Net revenues $6,210,867





$5,559,421



















































































Calculation of Adjusted Net Income Attributable to UHS

















Six months ended

Six months ended

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020





Per





Per

Amount

Diluted Share

Amount

Diluted Share















Net income attributable to UHS $534,115

$6.22

$393,966

$4.58 Plus/minus after-tax adjustments:













Unrealized loss on available for sale marketable securities 530

0.01

5,127

0.06 Impact of ASU 2016-09 (2,199)

(0.03)

1,275

0.01 Subtotal adjustments (1,669)

(0.02)

6,402

0.07 Adjusted net income attributable to UHS $532,446

$6.20

$400,368

$4.65

Universal Health Services, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands) (unaudited)

















Three months

Six months

ended June 30,

ended June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020















Net income $325,276

$256,504

$534,346

$400,964 Other comprehensive income (loss):













Foreign currency translation adjustment (3,717)

6,676

(14,063)

(32,525) Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax (3,717)

6,676

(14,063)

(32,525) Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) (601)

898

(2,067)

(1,210) Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3,116)

5,778

(11,996)

(31,315)















Comprehensive income 322,160

262,282

522,350

369,649 Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 252

4,575

231

6,998 Comprehensive income attributable to UHS $321,908

$257,707

$522,119

$362,651

Universal Health Services, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) (unaudited)













June 30,

December 31,

2021

2020 Assets









Current assets:









Cash and cash equivalents $ 199,017

$ 1,224,490 Accounts receivable, net

1,787,931



1,728,928 Supplies

195,141



190,417 Other current assets

183,216



138,034 Total current assets

2,365,305



3,281,869











Property and equipment

10,361,669



9,885,888 Less: accumulated depreciation

(4,731,772)



(4,512,764)



5,629,897



5,373,124











Other assets:









Goodwill

3,903,266



3,882,715 Deferred income taxes

34,945



22,689 Right of use assets-operating leases

317,231



336,513 Deferred charges

4,865



4,985 Other

557,126



574,984 Total Assets $ 12,812,635

$ 13,476,879











Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity









Current liabilities:









Current maturities of long-term debt $ 107,370

$ 331,998 Accounts payable and other liabilities

1,765,773



1,668,671 Medicare accelerated payments and deferred CARES Act and other grants

1,757



376,151 Operating lease liabilities

60,595



59,796 Federal and state taxes

33,315



44,423 Total current liabilities

1,968,810



2,481,039











Other noncurrent liabilities

522,007



458,549 Operating lease liabilities noncurrent

258,823



278,303 Medicare accelerated payments noncurrent

0



322,617 Long-term debt

3,486,222



3,524,253 Deferred income taxes

0



5,582











Redeemable noncontrolling interest

4,693



4,569











UHS common stockholders' equity

6,480,100



6,317,146 Noncontrolling interest

91,980



84,821 Total equity

6,572,080



6,401,967











Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 12,812,635

$ 13,476,879

Universal Health Services, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) (unaudited)

Six months

ended June 30,

2021







Cash Flows from Operating Activities:





Net income $534,346

$400,964 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net





cash provided by operating activities:





Depreciation & amortization 265,388

250,602 (Gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses (4,803)

2,161 Stock-based compensation expense 37,031

33,954 Provision for asset impairment 7,195

0 Changes in assets & liabilities, net of effects from





acquisitions and dispositions:





Accounts receivable (35,903)

131,294 Accrued interest (1,459)

(2,191) Accrued and deferred income taxes (26,769)

116,707 Other working capital accounts 3,560

26,361 Medicare accelerated payments and deferred CARES Act and other grants (697,011)

477,099 Other assets and deferred charges (28,763)

5,095 Other 5,052

(7,659) Accrued insurance expense, net of commercial premiums paid 104,079

81,016 Payments made in settlement of self-insurance claims (42,495)

(64,034) Net cash provided by operating activities 119,448

1,451,369







Cash Flows from Investing Activities:





Property and equipment additions (482,211)

(354,610) Proceeds received from sales of assets and businesses 21,143

6,440 Acquisition of businesses and property 0

(968) Inflows (outflows) from foreign exchange contracts that hedge our net U.K. investment (21,487)

57,029 Decrease in capital reserves of commercial insurance subsidiary 100

0 Costs incurred for purchase and implementation of information technology applications (1,246)

(4,421) Investment in, and advances to, joint ventures and other 0

(285) Net cash used in investing activities (483,701)

(296,815)







Cash Flows from Financing Activities:





Reduction of long-term debt (278,785)

(459,332) Additional borrowings 6,578

5,453 Repurchase of common shares (368,080)

(200,054) Dividends paid (33,844)

(17,344) Issuance of common stock 6,442

5,852 Profit distributions to noncontrolling interests (5,617)

(8,885) Purchase of ownership interests by minority members 11,433

0 Net cash used in financing activities (661,873)

(674,310)







Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 660

(1,639) (Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (1,025,466)

478,605 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 1,279,154

105,667 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $253,688

$584,272







Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:





Interest paid $43,641

$61,802







Income taxes paid, net of refunds $189,979

$14,394







Noncash purchases of property and equipment $95,979

$80,031

Universal Health Services, Inc. Supplemental Statistical Information (unaudited)



























% Change

% Change







3 Months ended

6 Months ended Same Facility:







6/30/2021

6/30/2021















Acute Care Hospitals









Revenues (a)

18.5%

15.0% Revenues-excludes governmental stimulus revenues

33.0%

21.5% Adjusted Admissions

26.4%

4.7% Adjusted Patient Days

21.6%

9.3% Revenue Per Adjusted Admission-excludes governmental stimulus revenues 5.1%

15.7% Revenue Per Adjusted Patient Day-excludes governmental stimulus revenues 9.3%

10.8%















Behavioral Health Hospitals







Revenues (b)

13.7%

7.2% Revenues-excludes governmental stimulus revenues

19.5%

9.8% Adjusted Admissions

14.1%

3.8% Adjusted Patient Days

7.4%

1.6% Revenue Per Adjusted Admission-excludes governmental stimulus revenues 1.9%

4.9% Revenue Per Adjusted Patient Day-excludes governmental stimulus revenues 8.3%

7.2%















(a) Includes governmental stimulus program revenues of $157 million recorded in the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020. (b) Includes governmental stimulus program revenues of $61 million recorded in the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020.































UHS Consolidated Second Quarter Ended

Six Months Ended

6/30/2021

6/30/2020

6/30/2021

6/30/2020















Revenues $3,197,880

$2,729,754

$6,210,867

$5,559,421 EBITDA net of NCI $581,830

$482,764

$1,008,088

$831,869 EBITDA Margin net of NCI 18.2%

17.7%

16.2%

15.0% Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI $572,701

$479,664

$999,794

$838,329 Adjusted EBITDA Margin net of NCI 17.9%

17.6%

16.1%

15.1%















Cash Flow From Operations







$119,448

$1,451,369 Days Sales Outstanding







52

47 Capital Expenditures







$482,211

$354,610















Debt







$3,593,592

$3,532,025 UHS' Shareholders Equity







$6,480,100

$5,688,647 Debt / Total Capitalization







35.7%

38.3% Debt / EBITDA net of NCI (1)







1.76

2.19 Debt / Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI (1)







1.78

2.07 Debt / Cash From Operations (1)







3.49

1.59 Net Debt / EBITDA net of NCI (1) (2)







1.72

1.83 Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI (1) (2)







1.73

1.73 Net Debt / Cash From Operations (1) (2)







3.40

1.33















(1) Latest 4 quarters. (2) Debt, net of approximately $97 million of short-term cash investments as of June 30, 2021 and $574 million as of June 30, 2020.

Universal Health Services, Inc. Acute Care Hospital Services For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands)



















































Same Facility Basis - Acute Care Hospital Services































































Three months ended

Three months ended

Six months ended

Six months ended

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues Net revenues (a) $1,713,896

100.0%

$1,446,099

100.0%

$3,385,732

100.0%

$2,943,222

100.0% Operating charges:





























Salaries, wages and benefits 691,019

40.3%

589,677

40.8%

1,397,830

41.3%

1,248,606

42.4% Other operating expenses 412,111

24.0%

344,384

23.8%

805,318

23.8%

719,915

24.5% Supplies expense 289,111

16.9%

233,419

16.1%

585,589

17.3%

497,949

16.9% Depreciation and amortization 82,959

4.8%

78,440

5.4%

164,143

4.8%

156,368

5.3% Lease and rental expense 18,046

1.1%

16,563

1.1%

38,158

1.1%

32,583

1.1% Subtotal-operating expenses 1,493,246

87.1%

1,262,483

87.3%

2,991,038

88.3%

2,655,421

90.2% Income from operations 220,650

12.9%

183,616

12.7%

394,694

11.7%

287,801

9.8% Interest expense, net 248

0.0%

516

0.0%

494

0.0%

1,134

0.0% Other (income) expense, net -

-

-

-

-

-

-

- Income before income taxes $220,402

12.9%

$183,100

12.7%

$394,200

11.6%

$286,667

9.7%































































































All Acute Care Hospital Services































































Three months ended

Three months ended

Six months ended

Six months ended

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues Net revenues (a) $1,754,431

100.0%

$1,467,506

100.0%

$3,448,973

100.0%

$2,988,555

100.0% Operating charges:





























Salaries, wages and benefits 691,880

39.4%

589,762

40.2%

1,399,098

40.6%

1,248,721

41.8% Other operating expenses 453,063

25.8%

365,810

24.9%

869,070

25.2%

765,267

25.6% Supplies expense 289,225

16.5%

233,419

15.9%

585,704

17.0%

497,949

16.7% Depreciation and amortization 83,306

4.7%

78,440

5.3%

164,668

4.8%

156,368

5.2% Lease and rental expense 18,046

1.0%

16,563

1.1%

38,158

1.1%

32,583

1.1% Subtotal-operating expenses 1,535,520

87.5%

1,283,994

87.5%

3,056,698

88.6%

2,700,888

90.4% Income from operations 218,911

12.5%

183,512

12.5%

392,275

11.4%

287,667

9.6% Interest expense, net 248

0.0%

516

0.0%

494

0.0%

1,134

0.0% Other (income) expense, net -

-

-

-

-

-

-

- Income before income taxes $218,663

12.5%

$182,996

12.5%

$391,781

11.4%

$286,533

9.6%



(a) Includes $157 million of CARES Act and other grant revenues in each of the three and six-months periods ended June 30, 2020. We believe that providing our results on a "Same Facility" basis (which is a non-GAAP measure), which includes the operating results for facilities and businesses operated in both the current year and prior year periods, is helpful to our investors as a measure of our operating performance. Our Same Facility results also neutralize (if applicable), the effect of material items that are nonrecurring or non-operational in nature including items such as, but not limited to, reserves for various matters, settlements, legal judgments and lawsuits, cost related to extinguishment of debt, gains/losses on sales of assets and businesses, impairments of long-lived and intangible assets and other amounts that may be reflected in the current or prior year financial statements that relate to prior periods. Our Same Facility basis results exclude from net revenues and other operating expenses, provider tax assessments incurred in each period. However, these provider tax assessments are included in net revenues and other operating expenses as reflected in the table under All Acute Care Hospital Services. The provider tax assessments had no impact on the income before income taxes as reflected on the above tables since the amounts offset between net revenues and other operating expenses. To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance, the Same Facility results should be examined in connection with our net income as determined in accordance with GAAP and as presented herein and the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

The All Acute Care Hospital Servicestable summarizes the results of operations for all our acute care operations during the periods presented. These amounts include: (i) our acute care results on a same facility basis, as indicated above; (ii) the impact of provider tax assessments which increased net revenues and other operating expenses but had no impact on income before income taxes, and; (iii) certain other amounts including the results of facilities acquired or opened during the last twelve months.

Universal Health Services, Inc. Behavioral Health Care Services For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands)















































Same Facility - Behavioral Health Care Services































































Three months ended

Three months ended

Six months ended

Six months ended

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues Net revenues (a) $1,409,556

100.0%

$1,239,959

100.0%

$2,701,598

100.0%

$2,521,011

100.0% Operating charges:





























Salaries, wages and benefits 710,239

50.4%

648,124

52.3%

1,411,806

52.3%

1,338,499

53.1% Other operating expenses 262,836

18.6%

221,496

17.9%

508,209

18.8%

463,862

18.4% Supplies expense 49,352

3.5%

50,394

4.1%

100,098

3.7%

101,955

4.0% Depreciation and amortization 45,826

3.3%

43,243

3.5%

91,128

3.4%

85,958

3.4% Lease and rental expense 9,754

0.7%

10,436

0.8%

21,028

0.8%

21,456

0.9% Subtotal-operating expenses 1,078,007

76.5%

973,693

78.5%

2,132,269

78.9%

2,011,730

79.8% Income from operations 331,549

23.5%

266,266

21.5%

569,329

21.1%

509,281

20.2% Interest expense, net 340

0.0%

361

0.0%

678

0.0%

725

0.0% Other (income) expense, net (5)

(0.0)%

922

0.1%

408

0.0%

1,811

0.1% Income before income taxes $331,214

23.5%

$264,983

21.4%

$568,243

21.0%

$506,745

20.1%































































































All Behavioral Health Care Services































































Three months ended

Three months ended

Six months ended

Six months ended

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues

Amount

% of Net

Revenues Net revenues (a) $1,431,497

100.0%

$1,259,123

100.0%

$2,746,834

100.0%

$2,565,232

100.0% Operating charges:





























Salaries, wages and benefits 713,623

49.9%

649,376

51.6%

1,417,598

51.6%

1,342,648

52.3% Other operating expenses 285,689

20.0%

245,045

19.5%

554,986

20.2%

511,227

19.9% Supplies expense 49,552

3.5%

50,363

4.0%

100,561

3.7%

102,002

4.0% Depreciation and amortization 47,183

3.3%

45,038

3.6%

93,665

3.4%

88,927

3.5% Lease and rental expense 9,685

0.7%

11,259

0.9%

21,368

0.8%

23,417

0.9% Subtotal-operating expenses 1,105,732

77.2%

1,001,081

79.5%

2,188,178

79.7%

2,068,221

80.6% Income from operations 325,765

22.8%

258,042

20.5%

558,656

20.3%

497,011

19.4% Interest expense, net 1,193

0.1%

354

0.0%

2,346

0.1%

751

0.0% Other (income) expense, net (5)

(0.0)%

922

0.1%

408

0.0%

1,811

0.1% Income before income taxes $324,577

22.7%

$256,766

20.4%

$555,902

20.2%

$494,449

19.3%



(a) Includes $61 million of CARES Act and other grant revenues in each of the three and six-months periods ended June 30, 2020. We believe that providing our results on a "Same Facility" basis (which is a non-GAAP measure), which includes the operating results for facilities and businesses operated in both the current year and prior year periods, is helpful to our investors as a measure of our operating performance. Our Same Facility results also neutralize (if applicable), the effect of material items that are nonrecurring or non-operational in nature including items such as, but not limited to, reserves for various matters, settlements, legal judgments, lawsuits and reserves established in connection with the government's investigation of our behavioral health care facilities, cost related to extinguishment of debt, gains/losses on sales of assets and businesses, impairments of long-lived and intangible assets and other amounts that may be reflected in the current or prior year financial statements that relate to prior periods. Our Same Facility basis results exclude from net revenues and other operating expenses, provider tax assessments incurred in each period. However, these provider tax assessments are included in net revenues and other operating expenses as reflected in the table under All Behavioral Health Care Services. The provider tax assessments had no impact on the income before income taxes as reflected on the above tables since the amounts offset between net revenues and other operating expenses. To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance, the Same Facility results should be examined in connection with our net income as determined in accordance with GAAP and as presented herein and in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

The All Behavioral Health Care Servicestable summarizes the results of operations for all our behavioral health care facilities during the periods presented. These amounts include: (i) our behavioral health results on a same facility basis, as indicated above; (ii) the impact of provider tax assessments which increased net revenues and other operating expenses but had no impact on income before income taxes, and; (iii) certain other amounts including the results of facilities acquired or opened during the last twelve months as well as the results of certain facilities that were closed or restructured during the past year.

Universal Health Services, Inc. Selected Hospital Statistics For the Three Months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020









































AS REPORTED:

































































ACUTE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

6/30/21

6/30/20

% change

6/30/21

6/30/20

% change























Hospitals owned and leased 26

26

0.0%

334

330

1.2% Average licensed beds 6,511

6,451

0.9%

24,161

23,573

2.5% Average available beds 6,339

6,279

1.0%

24,056

23,470

2.5% Patient days 362,325

317,359

14.2%

1,564,902

1,464,601

6.8% Average daily census 3,981.6

3,487.4

14.2%

17,009.8

16,094.5

5.7% Occupancy-licensed beds 61.2%

54.1%

13.1%

70.4%

68.3%

3.1% Occupancy-available beds 62.8%

55.5%

13.1%

70.7%

68.6%

3.1% Admissions 76,221

64,208

18.7%

117,018

102,770

13.9% Length of stay 4.8

4.9

-3.8%

13.4

14.3

-6.0%























Inpatient revenue $8,662,335

$6,736,777

28.6%

$2,527,776

$2,285,359

10.6% Outpatient revenue 5,357,888

3,394,680

57.8%

266,328

216,174

23.2% Total patient revenue 14,020,223

10,131,457

38.4%

2,794,104

2,501,533

11.7% Other revenue 167,899

269,749

-37.8%

70,929

113,717

-37.6% Gross hospital revenue 14,188,122

10,401,206

36.4%

2,865,033

2,615,250

9.6% Total deductions 12,433,691

8,933,700

39.2%

1,433,536

1,356,127

5.7% Net hospital revenue $1,754,431

$1,467,506

19.6%

$1,431,497

$1,259,123

13.7%















































SAME FACILITY:















































ACUTE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

6/30/21

6/30/20

% change

6/30/21

6/30/20

% change























Hospitals owned and leased 26

26

0.0%

330

330

0.0% Average licensed beds 6,511

6,451

0.9%

23,731

23,410

1.4% Average available beds 6,339

6,279

1.0%

23,626

23,307

1.4% Patient days 362,325

317,359

14.2%

1,553,416

1,458,430

6.5% Average daily census 3,981.6

3,487.4

14.2%

17,070.5

16,026.7

6.5% Occupancy-licensed beds 61.2%

54.1%

13.1%

71.9%

68.5%

5.1% Occupancy-available beds 62.8%

55.5%

13.1%

72.3%

68.8%

5.1% Admissions 76,221

64,208

18.7%

115,694

102,226

13.2% Length of stay 4.8

4.9

-3.8%

13.4

14.3

-5.9%

Universal Health Services, Inc. Selected Hospital Statistics For the Six Months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020









































AS REPORTED:

































































ACUTE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

6/30/21

6/30/20

% change

6/30/21

6/30/20

% change























Hospitals owned and leased 26

26

0.0%

334

330

1.2% Average licensed beds 6,513

6,451

1.0%

24,089

23,604

2.1% Average available beds 6,341

6,279

1.0%

23,987

23,501

2.1% Patient days 754,719

687,872

9.7%

3,099,064

3,057,212

1.4% Average daily census 4,169.7

3,779.5

10.3%

17,121.9

16,797.9

1.9% Occupancy-licensed beds 64.0%

58.6%

9.3%

71.1%

71.2%

-0.1% Occupancy-available beds 65.8%

60.2%

9.2%

71.4%

71.5%

-0.1% Admissions 149,145

141,976

5.0%

232,426

223,787

3.9% Length of stay 5.1

4.8

4.4%

13.3

13.7

-2.4%























Inpatient revenue $17,781,519

$14,558,249

22.1%

$5,001,341

$4,810,898

4.0% Outpatient revenue 9,938,608

8,076,421

23.1%

513,092

475,913

7.8% Total patient revenue 27,720,127

22,634,670

22.5%

5,514,433

5,286,811

4.3% Other revenue 311,164

386,027

-19.4%

133,137

170,107

-21.7% Gross hospital revenue 28,031,291

23,020,697

21.8%

5,647,570

5,456,918

3.5% Total deductions 24,582,318

20,032,142

22.7%

2,900,736

2,891,686

0.3% Net hospital revenue $3,448,973

$2,988,555

15.4%

$2,746,834

$2,565,232

7.1%















































SAME FACILITY:















































ACUTE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

6/30/21

6/30/20

% change

6/30/21

6/30/20

% change























Hospitals owned and leased 26

26

0.0%

330

330

0.0% Average licensed beds 6,513

6,451

1.0%

23,710

23,404

1.3% Average available beds 6,341

6,279

1.0%

23,608

23,301

1.3% Patient days 754,719

687,872

9.7%

3,079,136

3,040,874

1.3% Average daily census 4,169.7

3,779.5

10.3%

17,011.8

16,708.1

1.8% Occupancy-licensed beds 64.0%

58.6%

9.3%

71.7%

71.4%

0.5% Occupancy-available beds 65.8%

60.2%

9.2%

72.1%

71.7%

0.5% Admissions 149,145

141,976

5.0%

230,120

222,308

3.5% Length of stay 5.1

4.8

4.4%

13.4

13.7

-2.2%

Universal Health Services, Inc. Supplemental Non-GAAP Disclosures Revised 2021 Operating Results Forecast (in thousands, except per share amounts)





























Revised Forecast For The Year Ended December 31, 2021





% Net





% Net

Low

revenues

High

revenues Net revenues $12,351,000





$12,501,000



















Adjusted net income attributable to UHS (a) $971,099





$1,030,488



















Depreciation and amortization 533,228





533,228



Interest expense 91,615





91,615



Other (income) expense, net (12,952)





(12,952)



Provision for income taxes 300,254





318,865



Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI (b) $1,883,244

15.2%

$1,961,244

15.7%















Adjusted net income attributable to UHS, per diluted share (a) $11.46





$12.16



















Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 84,533





84,533







(a) Adjusted net income attributable to UHS/per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures. The 2021 revised forecasted amounts exclude the impact of future items, if applicable, that are nonrecurring or non-operational in nature including items such as pre-tax unrealized gains/losses resulting from increases/decreases in the market value of shares of certain marketable securities held for investment and classified as available for sale, our adoption of ASU 2016-09, and other potential material items including, but not limited to, reserves for various matters including settlements, legal judgments and lawsuits, potential impacts of non-ordinary course acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures or other strategic transactions, costs related to extinguishment of debt, gains/losses on sales of assets and businesses, impairment of long-lived and intangible assets, other amounts that may be reflected in the current financial statements that relate to prior periods, and the impact of share repurchases that differ from included assumptions. It is also subject to certain conditions including those as set forth below in General Information, Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors and Non-GAAP Financial Measures, including the liklihood that our future operations and financial results may continue to be materially impacted by developments related to COVID-19, as discussed herein.

(b) Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI is a non-GAAP financial measure. To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance, Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI should be examined in connection with net income determined in accordance with GAAP as presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in this report or in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and our Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

SOURCE Universal Health Services, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.uhs.com


WASHINGTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from Lisa Nicole Matthews, president of the National Press Club and Angela Greiling Keane, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute on actions by Tunisia to force Al Jazeera staff out of their offices in Tunis without warning following political unrest in that North African nation.

"We call on the government of Tunisia to withdraw its security forces and allow Al Jazeera to return to its bureau in Tunis. We understand about 20 heavily armed plain clothes security forces stormed that office over the weekend, forced all personnel to vacate and took some equipment following political unrest there. According to reports, the officers had no warrants but said they were working at the direction of the Tunisian judiciary. It is unfortunate that the journalists of Al Jazeera are being treated this way following the recent political unrest in Tunisia  as it is that unrest they should be covering. We call for a full explanation of these actions by Tunisian security forces and expect that the U.S. government will condemn these actions soon in a clear and public manner."

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the United States and around the world.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute, the Club's non-profit affiliate, promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire civic engagement.

Contact: John Donnelly, NPC Press Freedom Team Chair, [email protected], 202-650-6738

SOURCE National Press Club

Related Links

http://press.org


Sharony joins Utilis from Rail Vision, where he managed the Algorithm Group. For the past seven years, Sharony focused on developing cutting-edge AI technology that meets real-world business and product needs. He submitted his PhD in Chemical Physics at Tel Aviv University and will combine his extensive academic background in Physics and his agnostic machine learning experience to develop strategic AI solutions for Utilis.

"Inon's work with Utilis will expand company-wide use of machine learning and deep learning, improving existing products," stated Yuval Lorig, R&D Director for Utilis. "Utilis is also developing new products that serve high level data-driven insights. This all generates valuable insights and improves products for customers."

When asked about his immediate goals, Sharony shared, "The immediate goal involves building the capabilities to develop data products. This includes building a program to develop a selected portfolio of candidates, the team needed to execute the program, and collaborating with Utilis teams throughout the application development life cycle."

"In addition to the interesting technical challenges, I look forward to having a part in the positive impact," stated Sharony.

Utilis has collected the largest global confirmed database of locations of subsurface water leaks, containing more than 35,000 leaks in more than 50 countries in six continents, all based on L-band SAR analysis and detection. This unique database, along with the L-band SAR satellite imagery available, provides both opportunities and challenges for developing new AI-based technologies and products. Utilis will remain focused on their core capabilities of SAR-based analytics, and expand capabilities by way of partnerships, turn-key solutions, and in-house development.

Sharony's work is fueled by his curious nature. He is an explorer and a certified Nitrox diver, where he has Nitrox-dived in top diving destinations across the world, including in the Red Sea, the Caribbean, and the Galapagos Islands. Sharony will be based in Israel, where he lives with his wife and son.

ABOUT UTILIS

Utilis provides data driven solutions for water utilities, government agencies, and the greater infrastructure industry. They use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from satellites and turn it into large scale decision support tools. The proprietary algorithms and highly educated staff of scientists and engineers are the key to the company's mission, to advance planet Earth's resource resilience through SAR analytics. Successfully commercializing their first product, leak detection in 2016, Utilis projects have resulted in saving more than 7000 million gallons of potable water and 17,000 MWH of energy per year, in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Headquartered in Israel, with offices in the United States and United Kingdom, Utilis currently provides innovative data solutions in multiple verticals around the globe. For more information on Utilis and to learn more about their technology visit https://utiliscorp.com/

Media Contact

Karen Dubey

Corporate Marketing Director

[email protected]

(858) 798-6709

SOURCE Utilis Corp.

Related Links

http://www.utiliscorp.com


MIAMI BEACH, Fla., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- After securing over 150m dollars in transactions boasting 30m in EBITDA so far in 2021 Viper Equity Partners predicts continued heavy buying in the oral surgery space. Viper began underwriting oral surgery deals aggressively in October 2020. They also came to market with their OS Prime rollup boasting 70m in annual revenues. "We saw oral surgery as the next big market," stated David C Branch Viper's founder. "We put marquee deals together and brought them to some of our Top DSO buyers, in many cases we had to push them to follow our lead and buy," said Branch.

Oral surgery has proven to be a huge winner for multi-specialty and Oral Specific DSO's. Oral surgery offices tend to be very organized, highly profitable and the doctors adapt well to joining large organizations. In an industry that thrives on scale the oral surgery practices produce some of the highest revenue in dentistry with amazingly moderate expenses in most cases. PE firms have also jumped in picking up multi office opportunities with 10m plus in EBITDA as a new vertical.

Viper feels it is important to advise its buyers on opportunities and growth strategies. Their focus is the success of the process not just of the Practice seller. "The Dentist is our client and matching them with the right partner or DSO is paramount to us. But we also like to go further and help our buyers expand their scope by making them aware of different geographies and specialties that fit their goals. It is all about the industry and everyone's success," stated Branch. Viper anticipates a very active rest of 2021 in oral surgery.

Another thing driving the market in dentistry is the looming shift in capital gains. Although the present administration has lightened their stance on a major hike, a change in 2022 will happen. Smart sellers looking at a possible transaction are flocking to companies like Viper for guidance and education. All sellers should meet with their CPA's and an investment bank to see what the impact of the shift could mean to them financially. All in all the dental market is still in its early stages of consolidation. Expect a solid five year run from here with very active markets.

About Viper:

Viper Equity Partners is America's leading M&A advisory and investment bank in dentistry, dermatology, and plastic surgery, with over $2 billion closed since 2009. Viper's relationships with family offices and private equity-funded organizations are unique. The Viper Team consults with practice-owning doctors and roll up groups for potential integration and marketing to offer negotiations and diligence to the closing table with high velocity. For more information, visit www.viperequitypartners.com.

Contact: David C. Branch, 305-988-5945, [email protected]

SOURCE Viper Equity Partners

Related Links

www.viperequitypartners.com


HOUSTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent Banker, the award-winning magazine of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the number-one source for community banking news, recognized Wallis Bank as an ICBA top lender in its July issue. Wallis Bank's recognition is based on the strength of its competitive banking services and operational efficiencies throughout 2020.

"ICBA commends Wallis Bank and its staff on this outstanding achievement during this important time for our industry," ICBA Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Rob Birgfeld said. "The success of this year's standout performers is a testament to their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and steadfast devotion to their customers. ICBA is pleased to recognize these institutions for their mastery of the community bank business model and impressive lending results that help create and sustain communities of prosperity."

The "ICBA's Top Lenders 2021" demonstrates the strength of personal connections to create a pathway for success as agricultural, commercial, and consumer and mortgage lenders. It showcases the importance of sound and efficient banking practices and their local knowledge and expertise in adapting to shifting market dynamics and evolving customer needs.

The annual list is based on the strength of competitive banking services and operational efficiencies using FDIC data for 2020. Scores were determined by combining the average of the bank's percentile rank for lending concentration and loan growth over the past year in each lending category and asset size. The scores were then adjusted for loan charge-os at certain percentile thresholds.

"Wallis Bank is honored to be included in this prestigious list of industry top performers," said Asif Dakri, CEO, Wallis Bank. "We are proud to work alongside our friends and neighbors and to serve as stewards of our community. We credit our loyal customers and dedicated employees for our success and are honored to do our part to build a financial foundation that drives economic prosperity."

Click here to view this year's ICBA Top Lenders listings.

About Wallis Bank

Wallis Bank is a full-service community bank dedicated to serving both rural customers as well as large international clients with the highest level of personal service. The Bank was established in 1906 in Wallis, Texas. Over the years, the company underwent the expansion of additional branches and offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. The Bank continues to expand its offering of digital products and services for enhanced customer experience. In 2021, Wallis Bank was named to the ICBA's annual Best of the Best community banks.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.

With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99% of all banks, employ more than 700,000 Americans, and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5 trillion in assets, over $4.4 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.4 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers' dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA's website at www.icba.org.

Lisa Diaz

Phone: 713.935.3722

Email: [email protected]

www.wallisbank.com



SOURCE Wallis Bank
TEWKSBURY, Mass., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WellPet, LLC, the largest North America based independent branded premium natural pet food company, announced today that Erica Hageman has been appointed to the role of General Counsel. As the first person to hold this position at the company, Hageman will play a key role in helping the company navigate strategic growth while also overseeing all legal matters including compliance, intellectual property, contracts, employment law, and litigation.

Erica Hageman joins WellPet, LLC, as General Counsel, the first person to hold this position at the company.

Hageman joins WellPet after serving most recently as General Counsel at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc. in Arlington, Virginia. During her twelve years with Interstate she held multiple leadership roles, completed eight acquisitions across the globe, and was a member of the team that led the sale of the company. Prior to Interstate she served as a litigation associate with the Washington D.C. office of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott.

"Erica joins us at a pivotal time for the company as we scale with a focus on better serving pets and pet parents in innovative ways. Erica will play a crucial role as our internal counsel, guiding us on all legal, compliance, and contractual matters on our path forward," said Reed Howlett, CEO of WellPet. "Erica's impressive business and legal background will be vital to our company's next chapter and sustainable, thoughtful growth."

In her new role, Hageman will work closely with Howlett and other members of the senior leadership team to meet the company's goals of continuing expansion to new categories and introducing a new generation of pet parents to the power of natural nutrition that delivers proven outcomes for a lifetime of wellbeing.

"I'm excited for this new opportunity to advance WellPet's goals to grow as a leader in the premium pet food category. Coming from a background in hospitality, I'm familiar with work that centers on the wellbeing of others, and I'm looking forward to applying that to the booming pet industry," said Hageman. "As a pet parent myself, I understand how deeply people care for their pets, and I look forward to working with the WellPet leadership team to ensure we continue supporting pet health and wellbeing."

Hageman and her family and their Cavachon will be based in the Boston area. To learn more about WellPet and its family of brands, visit www.wellpet.com .

About WellPet, LLC:

WellPet, the largest North America based independent branded premium natural pet food company is home to premium pet food brands Wellness, WHIMZEES, Old Mother Hubbard, Eagle Pack, Holistic Select, and Sojos. For more than 100 years, WellPet has delivered on the promise of doing whatever it takes to make the healthiest natural products for the pets that depend on us. Today, our team of animal lovers, nutritionists, and veterinarians at WellPet are committed to carrying forth our strong heritage, continuing to find new ways to bring innovation, nutritional excellence and product quality to our family of natural brands, always putting pet health first. For more information, visit www.wellpet.com.

SOURCE WellPet, LLC

Related Links

http://www.wellpet.com


CHICAGO and NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GTCR LLC and Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. today announced that upon closing of their acquisition of Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM), the newly independent company will be rebranded as Allspring Global Investments. The new name Allspring Global Investments reflects the newly independent firm's rich history in investment leadership and its commitment to renewal, growth, and meaningful client outcomes.

As part of the transition, veteran industry executive Joseph A. Sullivan will become Chief Executive Officer, in addition to his previously announced role as Executive Chairman. Mr. Sullivan will succeed Nico Marais, WFAM's current CEO, who will retire upon closing of the transaction and continue to serve Allspring as a senior advisor.

Mr. Sullivan comes to Allspring with more than 40 years of industry experience, previously serving as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Legg Mason, Inc. from 2012 until its acquisition by Franklin Templeton in 2020. He joined Legg Mason in September 2008 and, after serving as Head of Global Distribution and Chief Administrative Officer, was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer as of October 2012. Before joining Legg Mason, he served on the Board of Directors of Stifel Financial and as Executive Vice President and Head of Fixed Income Capital Markets for Stifel Nicolaus from December 2005. Previously in his career, Mr. Sullivan held executive roles at prominent financial firms including Legg Mason Wood Walker, Dain Bosworth, and Piper Jaffray.

"I am honored and energized to have the opportunity to lead Allspring, as we enter a new era for the firm," said Mr. Sullivan. "In spending time with Nico and the organization over the past few months, I have been incredibly impressed by the depth of investment expertise and quality of our people and leadership. Our new name truly embodies a renewed corporate culture and commitment to continue to invest thoughtfully and partner with our clients to navigate the future."

Collin Roche, Managing Director of GTCR, said, "Today's announcements mark key milestones in the transformation of WFAM into a focused, independent, global asset management firm serving private wealth and institutional clients around the world. We are excited about the possibilities of our new name, Allspring Global Investments, and that Joe Sullivan will become Allspring's CEO. Joe is recognized as one of the asset management industry's most respected leaders, and he will be exceptionally valuable as we execute on our growth strategy. We would like to thank Nico Marais for his strong leadership of WFAM, and we are pleased that he will continue to serve as a senior advisor."

Mr. Marais shared, "This is a tremendously exciting time for the company, and as we make this transition, it is the right time for me personally and professionally to step down from active leadership and assume a new advisory role. I have cherished my time as CEO of WFAM and am very appreciative of the passion and professionalism of our people. We have accomplished a great deal, including the transition to independent ownership. I look forward to working with Joe and the team, and I am confident about what the future holds for the organization."

Milton Berlinski, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Reverence Capital, noted "Today's leadership and name announcements give us even stronger conviction that the partnership between WFAM, GTCR and Reverence puts us in a powerful position to execute on our strategic vision for Allspring. We are pleased to have a leader of Joe's stature to take us forward as a newly independent company, and we are very grateful to Nico for his strong continued partnership during this time."

On February 23, 2021, GTCR LLC and Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. announced that they had agreed to acquire WFAM from Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC). The name change to Allspring Global Investments is expected to go into effect upon the closing date of the transaction, which is anticipated to occur in the second half of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Additional details related to the new independent company and its brand identity will be shared upon closing of the transaction.

About WFAM

WFAM is a leading asset management firm with $604 billion in assets under management, 24 offices globally, and specialized investment teams supported by more than 480 investment professionals. WFAM and its investment teams provide a broad range of differentiated investment products and solutions to help its diverse range of clients meet their investment objectives. For more information, please visit www.wfam.com.

About GTCR

Founded in 1980, GTCR is a leading private equity firm focused on investing in growth companies in the Healthcare, Financial Services & Technology, Technology, Media & Telecommunications, and Growth Business Services industries. The Chicago-based firm pioneered The Leaders Strategy  finding and partnering with management leaders in core domains to identify, acquire and build market-leading companies through transformational acquisitions and organic growth. Since its inception, GTCR has invested more than $20 billion in over 250 companies. For more information, please visit www.gtcr.com.

About Reverence Capital Partners

Reverence Capital Partners is a private investment firm focused on thematic investing in leading global, middle-market Financial Services businesses through control and influence oriented investments in 5 sectors: (1) Depositories and Finance Companies, (2) Asset and Wealth Management, (3) Insurance, (4) Capital Markets and (5) Financial Technology/Payments. The firm was founded in 2013 by Milton Berlinski, Peter Aberg and Alex Chulack, who collectively bring over 90 years of advisory and investing experience across a wide range of financial services sectors. For more information, please visit www.reverencecapital.com.

Media Inquiries

Nathan Riggs

[email protected]

212-521-4804

Jeffrey Taufield

[email protected]

212-521-4815

SOURCE GTCR LLC and Reverence Capital Partners, L.P.

Related Links

http://www.gtcr.com


SEATTLE, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) proudly announced today Wild Alaska Pollock is one of the most climate-friendly proteins in the world following the completion of a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Carbon Impacts of Wild Alaska Pollock as Compared to Other Proteins

Almost two years ago, GAPP began the LCA process in partnership with the sustainability consultancy Quantis, to prove what the association knew all along---Wild Alaska Pollock was a climate-friendly protein choice. As part of the LCA process, Wild Alaska Pollock was analyzed based on several key impact categories such as global warming potential, energy use, use of land and water resources and waste outputs.

Today, the association is pleased to share that a Wild Alaska Pollock fillet is 3.77 kg CO2-eq per kg of protein, significantly lower than comparative statistics reported for other protein sources.

Wild Alaska Pollock: 3.77 1

Chicken: 12.50 2

Pork: 19.65 2

Plant-Based meat: 20.83 3

Beef: 115.752

"One of the things that we can all do to ensure a healthy planet for generations to come is to choose proteins that are solutions to climate changeand there's nothing better for you and for our planet than Wild Alaska Pollock," said Craig Morris, GAPP Chief Executive Officer. "Seafood consumption in the United States is at an all-time high and Wild Alaska Pollock is the most consumed wild-caught whitefish thanks to its quality, affordability, versatility and nutrition. These LCA findings could not come at a better time, as our own research shows sustainable food options are increasingly important. Consumers can now be assured that their favorite fish is one of the most climate-friendly protein options available on earth."

The Wild Alaska Pollock industry supports the work of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which are responsible for ensuring the science-based stewardship of the nation's ocean resources and habitat. Wild Alaska Pollock follows NOAA's ecosystem-based standards for sustainable fishing, including efforts to reduce bycatch, making it the largest certified sustainable fishery in the world, and recognized globally for its responsible fishery management.

"For over 40 years, the Wild Alaska Pollock industry has worked tirelessly to bring this delicious and amazing protein from the remote and pristine waters of Alaska to family dinner tables around the world. And, we have been doing so in a way that not only ensures the lasting sustainability of Wild Alaska Pollock; but also focuses on being environmentally responsible and ensuring that we have one of the lowest carbon footprints of all proteins. To accomplish this, the Wild Alaska Pollock industry has been laser focused on achieving efficiencies at every point in the supply chain, from boat to shore and ports around the world" said Bob Desautel, GAPP Board Member, Chair of the GAPP Sustainability Committee and Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Seas. "We rely on decades of experience and science, and we continue to challenge ourselves to look for efficiencies. With use of the newest technologies and innovations, we will continue to find ways to optimize our carbon footprint for years to come."

As a carbon-friendly protein choice, Wild Alaska Pollock is a highly nutritious food that also helps meet the challenges of the present to protect the environment for future generations.

"Protecting the future of Wild Alaska Pollock and the environment is our priority," said Morris. "These results show a promising future for Wild Alaska Pollock, and we are thrilled to see the success in the steps the industry has taken to embrace sustainable practices. My hope is these results will further cement our place in the hearts and minds of consumers."

For additional information, please visit www.alaskapollock.org/ourfishery.

About GAPP

The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) is dedicated to the marketing of once-frozen pollock products, harvested and processed in Alaska. A non-profit Alaska corporation formed in 2003, GAPP is working to promote Genuine Alaska Pollock in major whitefish markets around the world, with a focus on Europe, North America and Japan. It is our goal to educate both seafood buyers and consumers about the superior benefits of Genuine Alaska Pollock. www.alaskapollock.org

1Quantis International, Life Cycle Assessment of Wild Alaska Pollock: ISO LCA Report (2021)

2Monterey Bay Aquarium/Dalhousie University Seafood Carbon Emissions Tool; measured as kg CO2-eq per kg of protein based on midpoints for reported range (as of July 14, 2021)

3Comparative environmental LCA of the Impossible Burger with conventional ground beef burger, Quantis International (2019)

SOURCE The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers

Related Links

http://www.alaskapollock.org


NAVASOTA, Texas, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of July 30th World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Paper & Seed will donate 100% of publisher and illustrator profits from sales of "A Month of Mindful Moments: A Guidebook & Journal for Girls" to the Comision Unidos vs Trata '10 Days vs Trafficking (10 Dias de Activismo vs Trata)' campaign from July 26-August 6, 2021.

World Day Against Human Trafficking: 1,000 Books to Empower Girls For 10 Dias Vs Trata Campaign

Paper & Seed's goal is to sell at least 1,000 books from July 26 to August 6 to raise money for the campaign. Non-profit organization Comision Unidos vs Trata is directed by anti-trafficking activist Rosi Orozco, former Mexican Congresswoman and 2019 Nobel Peace Prize nominee. According to Orozco, a donor has agreed to match funds raised during the 10 Dias de Activismo vs Trata campaign, and funds will be used to build a new shelter for girls in Mexico among other anti-trafficking projects.

"Every girl is important. Every girl matters. Every girl needs to know that she is worthy of respect and love, and that she has the power to make a difference in the world around her," says illustrator and Paper & Seed founder Rebecca Dias.

"A Month of Mindful Moments: A Guidebook & Journal for Girls," by Canadian guidance counselor, educator and author Laura D'Angelo, M.Ed., illustrated by Rebecca Dias, provides creative activities, prompts and reflections that inspire self-exploration and group discussion about self-esteem, growth mindset and emotional health for girls. Research-based mindfulness techniques and easy-to-understand explanations empower girls with social emotional tools to navigate challenges with confidence and courage, and to learn more about themselves in the process.

Buy now to stand up for girls against trafficking with a limited-time purchase of A Month of Mindful Moments: A Guidebook & Journal for Girls at www.paperandseed.com from July 26-August 6. Books are also available on Amazon . For more information about Comision Unidos vs Trata and the 10 Days vs Trafficking campaign, visit www.hojaenblanco.org .

Instagram Hashtags: #SoundofFreedom #10Dias1000Books

Video Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRb1jTzjPjF/

[Rosi Orozco & Rebecca Dias - Book sales partnership announcement]

SOURCE Paper & Seed

Related Links

http://www.paperandseed.com


DUBLIN, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Robotaxi Market by Application (Goods and Passenger), Level of Autonomy (L4 and L5), Vehicle (Car and Shuttle/Van), Service (Rental and Station Based), Propulsion (Electric and Fuel Cell), Component and Region - Global Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The robotaxi market is projected to grow from 617 units in 2021 to reach 1445,822 units by 2030, at a CAGR of 136.8%. High demand for shared mobility, technological development in the automotive industry, growing demand for fuel efficient public transport, and developed infrastructure are expected to boost the market. However, changes in technology require high innovation cost for self-driving taxis and smooth navigation in crowded places could create a hurdle for the growth.

Passenger transport Segment is expected to be the largest market in the application segment in the forecast.

The passenger segment for robotaxis is larger because of global efforts to reduce car ownership, traffic congestion, and accidents with the help of technology. By introducing robotaxis as a transportation service, newer revenue pools for various automotive and mobility business models are expected to open up in the future. The US and China already have few ride-hailing companies offering autonomous vehicle services/rides for public transportation. The demand for emission-free vehicles, rise in ride-hailing services, and reduction in the cost of transportation are the key factors expected to drive the passenger transportation segment for robotaxis. AutoX and Baidu are the first companies in China to offer commercial robotaxi services on public roads. The significant demand for ridesharing/ride-hailing services is expected to primarily drive the robotaxi market for passenger transport.

Van/shuttle segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The shuttle/van segment is expected to grow at significant rate, as these are already commercialized in various parts across the world. Companies such as Navya, EasyMile, and Local Motors have developed self-driving shuttles. Successful pilot programs for autonomous shuttles across the world are indicating that shuttles could be a practical solution to fill in the gaps in traditional public transport. For instance, EasyMile, a French autonomous shuttle provider, has deployed the highest number of such shuttles globally than any other company (180+ till 2020) and is competing with another European shuttle makers. Navya has also deployed a significant number of autonomous shuttles across the globe (approximately 180 till 2020). 2getthere, and Sensible4 are also some of the companies that have developed and tested autonomous shuttles in the region.

North America to be the 2nd fastest-growing region during the forecast period

The large customer base and high disposable income levels in the country have fueled the demand for autonomous vehicles, resulting in increased manufacturing and testing activities by players such as Waymo, Cruise, Lyft, Optimus Ride, and others. The increased testing activity indicates promising growth in the next five years. The US has allowed many OEMs to test robotaxis in California and Boston. Favorable regulations combined with solid EV infrastructure would drive the North American market. The US has been a pioneer in the development of autonomous driving technology, and OEMs and start-ups are now looking to offer robotaxis and shuttles. Robust infrastructure, improved power grid, and encouragement and support from the government have enabled OEMs to test autonomous vehicles. For instance, Local Motors is offering an autonomous shuttle, Olli. Also, Optimus Ride has deployed some autonomous shuttles in the project in New York.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction

2 Research Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Premium Insights

4.1 Attractive Opportunities in the Robotaxi Market

4.2 Robotaxi Market, by Region

4.3 Robotaxi Market, by Vehicle Type

4.4 Robotaxi Market, by Level of Autonomy

4.5 Robotaxi Market, by Propulsion

4.6 Robotaxi Market, by Service

4.7 Robotaxi Market, by Application

5 Market Overview

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Market Dynamics

5.2.1 Drivers

5.2.1.1 Robotaxis to Reduce Overall Operating Costs and Increase Profit Margins for Ride-Sharing Companies

5.2.1.2 Need for Enhanced Road Safety and Traffic Control

5.2.2 Restraints

5.2.2.1 Human Jobs Being Jeopardized by Machines Expected to Reduce Wide Acceptance

5.2.2.2 High R&D Expenditure and Complexity in the Adoption of Robotaxis

5.2.2.3 Cybersecurity Threats Might Slow Down Market Growth

5.2.3 Opportunities

5.2.3.1 Government Support to Drive the Market

5.2.3.2 Robotic Assistance in the Delivery of Goods Offer New Opportunities for Market Growth

5.2.3.3 Rapid Urbanization Requiring the Development of Infrastructure in Emerging Countries

5.2.3.4 Increasing Investments in Lidar Startups by Automotive Giants

5.2.4 Challenges

5.2.4.1 Navigation in Crowded Spaces Expected to be Challenging for Robotaxis

5.2.4.2 Gaining Public and Individual Trust

5.2.4.3 Lack of Required Infrastructure in Emerging Countries

5.3 Impact of Market Dynamics

5.4 Five Eras of Vehicle Safety

5.5 Sae Definition of Autonomous Vehicles

5.6 Porter's Five Forces

5.7 Robotaxi Market Ecosystem

5.8 Technology Analysis

5.9 Patent Analysis

5.10 Regulatory Overview

5.11 Average Pricing Analysis

5.12 Value Chain Analysis

5.13 Case Study

5.14 Robotaxi Market, Scenarios (2021-2030)

6 Robotaxi Market, by Vehicle Type

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Operational Data

6.3 Assumptions

6.4 Research Methodology

6.5 Car

6.5.1 Developments in Ridesharing Market to Increase the Demand for Robotaxis

6.6 Van/Shuttle

6.6.1 Rising Focus on Public Transport Expected to Boost the Robotaxi Market

7 Robotaxi Market, by Application Type

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Operational Data

7.3 Assumptions

7.4 Research Methodology

7.5 Goods Transportation

7.5.1 Rising Ecommerce Services and Utilization of Transport Capacity Expected to Drive the Goods Segment

7.6 Passenger Transportation

7.6.1 Growth in Urbanization is Expected to Boost the Passenger Segment

8 Robotaxi Market, by Level of Autonomy (Loa)

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Assumptions

8.3 Research Methodology

8.4 Level 4

8.4.1 Lower Risk and Rapid Developments in Level 4 Vehicles to Drive the Market

8.5 Level 5

8.5.1 Future Technical Advancements Expected to Drive the Level 5 Market

9 Robotaxi Market, by Propulsion Type

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Operational Data

9.3 Assumptions

9.4 Research Methodology

9.5 Electric

9.5.1 High Focus on Electrification Across the Globe to Boost Overall Demand

9.6 Fuel Cell

9.6.1 Focus on Curbing Emissions Expected to Boost the Fuel Cell Robotaxi Market

10 Robotaxi Market, by Service Type

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Operational Data

10.3 Assumptions

10.4 Research Methodology

10.5 Car Rental

10.5.1 Concerns Over Traffic Congestion Are Driving the Car Rental Market

10.6 Station-Based

10.6.1 Focus on Public Safety Expected to Boost the Station-Based Robotaxi Market

11 Robotaxi Market, by Component Type

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Camera

11.3 Lidar

11.4 Radar

11.5 Ultrasonic Sensors

12 Robotaxi Market, by Region

13 Competitive Landscape

14 Company Profiles

14.1 Key Players

14.1.1 Waymo

14.1.2 Autox

14.1.3 Cruise Automation

14.1.4 Baidu

14.1.5 Tesla

14.1.6 Argo Ai

14.1.7 Pony.Ai

14.1.8 Easymile

14.1.9 Didi Chuxing

14.1.10 Navya

14.1.11 Local Motors

14.1.12 2Getthere (Zf)

14.2 Other Key Players

14.2.1 Nissan

14.2.2 Mobileye (Intel)

14.2.3 Nvidia

14.2.4 Woven Planet (Lyft)

14.2.5 Aptiv

14.2.6 Zf Friedrichshafen

14.2.7 Drive.Ai (Apple)

14.2.8 May Mobility

14.2.9 Optimus Ride

14.2.10 Yandex

14.2.11 Aurora Innovation

14.2.12 Qualcomm

14.2.13 Luminar

14.2.14 Leddartech

14.2.15 Arbe Robotics

14.2.16 Motional

14.2.17 Zoox

14.2.18 Nuro

14.2.19 Weride

14.2.20 Robosense

14.2.21 Innoviz

14.2.22 Oculii

15 Recommendations

16 Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/k45kdg

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade, the premier gourmet lemonade franchise, has big plans for the remainder of 2021 as the brand reflects on an impressive performance in Q1 and Q2, which includes signing a record-setting number of franchise agreements. Wow Wow also reported a 46% jump in gross revenue and expansion into new states with six new franchises slated to open by year end.

Known for its fresh, all-natural lemonades, Wow Wow recently reached a new benchmark, having already signed over 29 agreements this year alone. The new deals include single and multi-unit agreements to bring franchises to Las Vegas, Utah and California. The brand also recently signed a multi-unit franchise agreement in Florida - the first in the state for Wow Wow. This is the largest number of signed agreements since the tropical inspired lemonade shop started franchising in 2018.

Building on this momentum, Wow Wow sales continue to climb for the brand's existing network of franchisees. The emerging lemonade brand is actively targeting Houston and Austin, TX and later this year Southern California for continued development.

"While the last 18 months have been challenging to navigate due to the pandemic, it validates our recent success even more," said Tim Weiderhoft, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade CEO. "It has been very exciting to see our franchise family grow this year. We strive to provide all of our franchisees with the resources they need to be successful, and we'll remain committed even as we expand. I am very grateful that we were able to continue to grow the business with new franchisees, and expand into new markets across the country."

In an effort to improve customer experience and maintain innovation, Wow Wow also recently rolled out new technology upgrades to its POS system. These improvements have helped streamline online ordering, curb-side pickup, and delivery systems. Wow Wow is also developing a new consumer app and updated loyalty program with plans to launch in Q3 of 2021.

For more information on franchising with Wow Wow, visit https://www.wowwowfranchise.com/

About Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonades:

Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonades offers fresh, all-natural, hand crafted, lemonades and smoothies and a food menu consisting of acai bowls, grain bowls, flatbread sandwiches, and multigrain avocado and nut butter toasts. The fast-casual restaurant was founded in Hawaii in 2012. It quickly gained popularity and grew from farmer's markets, to a food trailer, and then opened its first brick and mortar location on Maui in 2014. The fast casual restaurant started franchising in 2017 and opened its first franchised location in 2018. Today it has a total of eight lemonade stands domestically and two internationally and was named to Fast Casual's "20 Brands to Watch" list in 2020. For more information, please contact the franchisor at [email protected] and visit their website at www.wowwowhawaiianlemonade.com.

Media Contact: Morgan Ganz, Fishman PR, [email protected], 847-945-1300

SOURCE Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade

Related Links

http://www.wowwowhawaiianlemonade.com


"Miscellaneous" is divided into four sections. Section A is dominated by saturated bright colors and oil paintings; coordinating lights and color, this room creates a delightful overtone. Section B displays dozens of grayscale drawings, paintings and photos, the long, narrow space and dim lighting expressing disheartening emotions. Section C mainly exhibits photos and videos, as lights, shadows and text rendered a dream-like atmosphere. Section D included large installations and collages, the natural lighting and curved walls revealing the artists' bold ingenuity and innovation. The four exhibition halls are arranged in sequence, allowing viewers to experience a visual journey into the artists' minds.

At the opening ceremony, Madam Xu introduced that the "Miscellaneous" art exhibition was the first off-campus art exhibition of YK Pao's International Baccalaureate (IB) visual arts students. Serving as the students' first steps out of the ivory tower and into the real world, this exhibition is incredibly significant. As Madam Xu pointed out, 'the perspective of the youth is unique; IB art students at YK Pao School have gained a constant stream of creative inspiration through observing the seemingly trivial yet beautiful parts of daily life, and have displayed their thoughtful reflections in various art forms. These vivid, dynamic and individualized artworks represent their pursuit of art and their reflection on reality. Learning to observe and think with an artist's mindset is an important skill for any artist, and I believe this exhibition will surely spur the students of YK Pao School to continue to develop their ability."

Curator Eric Tang introduced that the theme "Miscellaneous" points to the exhibition showing the complexity, multi-talented people and events in our daily life. Most of the works exhibited represent things selected from the students' seemingly chaotic lives. In the process of their creation, they allow themselves to think outside of the box. Through their diverse and lively artistic creations, the students are depicting the beautiful fragments of life, as well as expressing their and criticism on reality. It could be argued that each piece of artwork is intriguing in its own way, and each piece reflects the artist's unrestrained mind."

After the opening ceremony, the visitors were free to enjoy the numerous artworks displayed in the exhibition. "This is a visual feast, but also a spiritual journey. Standing in front of these works created by the young artists, I was astonished by the untouched and thought-provoking inner world of this group of young artists. The four exhibition halls with the carefully arranged works also gave me a novel psychological experience." Ms. Liu, a viewer of the exhibition, commented. The exhibition will last until the 30th of this month and will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. The art gallery is directly accessible by the Metro Line 13.

At the end of the day, the works in the exhibition "Miscellaneous" highlights the unique perspective of younger generation and provides an overall eye-opening experience.

Artists & Organizers:

Eric Tang 2.Diana Shu 3.Steven Xue 4.Anmy Wu 5.Aimee Xiao

Susan Xue 7.Alex Xue 8.Nancy Zheng 9.Zoe Liu

10. Yifan Chen 11.Lily Ji 12.Susie Xu 13.Angelina Xu 14.Tina Zhang

15.Vicky Yang 16.Viola Yang 17.Charlotte Wu 18.Kingsley 19.Richard Pan

20.Ingrid Wu 21.Yilin Gu 22.Michelle Cai 23.Alicia 24.Anna Zhang 25.Sophie Zhang 26.Lisa Lu

27.Jessie Qin

SOURCE Shanghai YK Pao Experimental School
A glance at some of the day's highlights from the Proactive Investors US and Canada newswires

( , ) said it has agreed to purchase strategic assets related to a patented graphene processing technology from the UK specialty chemical company Thomas Swan & Co Limited through a joint venture company to be named Black Swan Graphene Inc. Mason Graphite and Thomas Swan will own 66.67% and 33.33%, respectively, of Black Swan Graphene, which is expected to go public in the coming months. Graphene is no longer theoretical, but undergoing a transformative progress in applications, production, and commercialisation, Mason Graphite chairman Fahad Al-Tamimi said in a statement.

( ) ( ) ( ) revealed it had struck a distribution agreement with UK-based MPH Group, which will strengthen the tech company's presence in Europe and the UK. MPH, which has already placed a volume purchase order for Vuzix Smart Glasses, distributes game-changing and highly immersive technologies that involve augmented reality (AR), virtual reality and IoT (Internet of Things) solutions. It serves customers in the healthcare, energy, automotive, telecommunications, defense, construction and manufacturing sectors.

Canada Silver Cobalt Works Inc has announced additional intersections of high-grade silver, including 7,981 grams per tonne (g/t) over 0.30 metres (m) at a downhole depth of 484.9 to 485.2m, belonging to the Big Silver vein at the companys Castle East project in northern Ontario. Canada Silver Cobalt Works said the drill results further define and expand the high-grade silver zone initially discovered with hole CS-20-39, which had earlier recorded intercepts of up to 89,853 g/t silver over 0.30 meters.

( ) said its recently released version of the Kash Karnival 5.5.3 App will now include Apple Pay for iOS users. Kash Karnival is Royal Wins flagship hyper-casual gaming platform, in early July, the company unveiled its 5.5.3 release of the popular App. The latest version allows players using iOS platforms to purchase Kash Coin bundles using Apple Pay. Kash Coin bundles can be used within the App during play, the in-App Kash can also be used for other forms of in-App currency, including Arcade Tokens and Booster Cards.

( ) has added a new green royalty to its portfolio. The Toronto-based company announced an agreement with Elizabeth Metis Settlement (EMS) to acquire a 13.5% gross revenue royalty on EMSs revenue share of carbon credit offsets from the EMS Forest Project in Alberta. EMS derives revenue from the creation and sale of emission reduction benefits from 15,457 hectares of forest located in the province. Star Royalties has paid C$300,000 for the 13.5% royalty and expects it to start generating revenue in 2023.

( ) Corporation revealed that it has inked a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire a 25% interest in FB Labs Corporation (FB LABS), a lead generation software company with major success in the hospitality vertical, for around $750,000 in a cash-and-stock deal. FB LABS provides cloud-based software that helps businesses in capturing more leads and converting a higher proportion of them into sales. It also offers a turnkey proposal builder that quickly capitalizes on opportunities with personalized, branded proposals. Businesses using FB LABS' software can increase speed-to-sale, closing rates and workplace efficiencies, while having real-time intelligence on the sales pipeline and customer preferences to enable more effective decisions, said the company. On a continuing basis, the investment will allow Toronto, Ontario-based Xigem recognize its share of profit or loss in FB LABS after the effective date of acquisition.

QC Copper and Gold Inc has reported a positive drill result from the Saddle Zone, which it says underlines the potential of its flagship Opemiska project in Quebec and includes a 'spectacular' gold intersection in one hole. The Saddle zone is a previously unmined structural corridor, which lies between the Springer and Perry conceptual pits at the property, and hole 98 intercepted 100 metres (m) grading 0.5% copper-equivalent starting at just 7m from surface. And near the bottom of the hole (337.6m) was intersected a 9m interval grading 18.30 grams per ton (g/t) gold.

( , , ) said it has entered into a service agreement with CannaLabs, a Canadian, London-based laboratory services company, licensed by Health Canada. The life sciences company, which produces and distributes functional and psychedelic mushrooms, said it will use the services of CannaLabs to perform stability tests on its AME-1. This will help it to determine the expiration dates and storage conditions for the final AME-1 product.

Dalrada Corporation said its subsidiary, Dalrada Precision, has entered the eco-friendly degreaser global market with the launch of its Ignite Industrial Technologies revolutionary biodegradable cleaner and degreaser products. The products provide a safe and more environmentally responsible solution to improving manufacturing efficiencies without harsh chemicals, including mineral spirits, butyl-based products, caustics, and alkaline detergents, the company added. Dalrada said the proprietary ingredient profile of Ignite Industrial Technologies uniquely enhanced products is the first of its kind for the cleaning and degreaser market. Engineered by industry veterans as a safer, more effective, and cost-effective product line to revolutionize manufacturing efficiencies, the formulation acquired by Dalrada is now its intellectual property.

. (UI) has announced that P Squared Renewables Inc. (PSQ) has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for its previously announced Qualifying Transaction with UI. Under the transaction, UI said PSQ will acquire all of its outstanding shares by way of a three-corner amalgamation among PSQ, UI, and 1266855 B.C. Ltd. (Subco), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PSQ. PSQ also will subsequently change its name to ' .'

( , , ) has revealed plans to launch its NFT (non-fungible token) hologram creator platform. The company said the creator platform will leverage its human hologram creator platform HoloX, which is expected to launch in the third quarter. Once up and running, customers will have the ability to seamlessly experience its digital collectibles in augmented reality. Nextech noted that it has a two-staged rollout plan where initially AR human holograms are purchased through a third-party NFT marketplace, then viewed and experienced outside a digital wallet using the companys HoloX application.

BioLargo Inc said it will receive and treat contaminated water from a major municipality in Southern California and a federal government agency. The companys Aqueous Electrostatic Concentrator (AEC) is a proprietary water treatment technology specifically designed to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made forever chemicals. The receipt of the treatment water from two potential clients will allow BioLargo to implement its multi-phase commercial approach.

( ) ( ) Corp said it has executed binding agreements with Titan Minerals Limited to acquire four Peruvian gold, silver, and copper royalties for a total cash consideration of US$1 million. As part of the transaction, Titan will pay ( ) US$1 million in cash under the terms of a deal between Vox subsidiary SilverStream and Titans Mantle Mining Peru. The amount payable by Titan was previously recorded as a non-current accounts receivable balance. The acquisition gives Vox exposure to four exploration royalties in Peru, which hold potential for the discovery of large-scale precious and base-metal deposits. Historical fieldwork confirmed geological alteration systems indicative of such deposit styles, Vox said.

Marble Financial Inc said that it has entered into an arms length definitive credit facility agreement with CHP Agent Services Inc., a subsidiary of an independent, non-affiliated Canada-based alternative specialty lender Cypress Hills Partners Inc. The Vancouver, British Columbia-based financial technology company said the credit agreement provides for a $10 million credit facility through its wholly owned special purpose vehicle (SPV) subsidiary and TPFM as servicing agent for originations, administration, and monitoring of the SPV loan portfolio. The funding is a selected percentage of the SPVs eligible customer loans, with the initial advance rate set at 95% and a minimum threshold of 80%.

AgraFlora Organics International Inc has announced that, effective on July 28, 2021, it will change its name to Agra Ventures Limited to reflect the evolved vision and strategic direction of the company under its current leadership. The company said the Canadian Securities Exchange will publish a bulletin announcing the date of the name change, and the firm will begin trading under its new name on or about July 28, 2021. The shares will continue to trade under the AGRA ticker symbol on the Canadian Securities Exchange. In addition, the companys main subsidiary Propagation Services Canada has rebranded to Boundary Bay Cannabis to conjure up the picturesque setting in which its cannabis is grown in the Delta region, in British Columbia.

Empress Royalty Corp said it has amended its agreement with mining sector financial advisor Endeavour Financial Ltd to source and evaluate debt facility opportunities and/or corporate transactions to accelerate the former's growth. "We have been working closely with Endeavour since our inception, building a strong platform to identify investment opportunities and continue to do so," said Alexandra Woodyer Sherron, CEO of Empress Royalty in a brief statement.

( , ) said it has engaged an arm's length service provider, Jonathan Carroll to provide strategic advisory and consulting services to the company for a 24-month period, subject to extension or termination in accordance with the provisions of the consulting agreement. It noted that Carroll has vast c-suite experience in the travel industry and is an innovative leader in the corporate branding and loyalty management areas, which experience will benefit the company by fostering growth and expanded distribution of its CPG brands. As partial consideration for the consulting services, the company will grant an aggregate of 1,500,000 warrants to purchase common shares of the company to the consultant as follows: (i) 300,000 warrants following the second month of the term of the consulting services; (ii) 300,000 warrants following the 6th month of the term; (iii) 400,000 warrants following the 12th month of the term; and (iv) 500,000 warrants upon the company reaching certain sales targets for fiscal 2022. Each warrant will entitle the consultant to one Common Share, at an exercise price equal to the greater of the: (i) market price of the common shares on the day immediately prior to the date of issuance of the warrants; and (ii) volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares during the 30 full trading days immediately prior to the date of issuance of the warrants; and will expire 24 months from the date of issuance.

( , ) Corp said the TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation pertaining to a purchase and sale agreement dated March 12, 2021, between the company and an arm's-length party, whereby the company has acquired a 100% interest in 103 unpatented mining claims located to the west of its existing Iron Creek project, Idaho. Under the terms of the agreement, the company has agreed to acquire the property for a $50,000 cash payment and the issuance of 225,000 common shares. Additionally, the vendor will retain a 1% net smelter return (NSR) royalty, 0.5% of which the company has a right to buy $750,000.

Benchmark Metals Inc said the TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation pertaining to an exploration co-operation and benefit agreement dated March 25, 2021, as amended, between the company and Tsay Keh Dene Nation, Kwadacha Nation and Takla Nation. The agreement establishes a mutually beneficial framework under which the company and the first nations will advance the company's Lawyers gold-silver project. Under the agreement, the company will make various cash payments and has granted the first nations 300,000 non-transferable warrants in the company. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one share for $1.30 for a three-year period.
Washington, July 26 : The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is weighing revising its Covid-19 guidelines to recommend that even fully vaccinated people wear masks in public, said Anthony Fauci, White House chief medical advisor, on Sunday.

Fauci told CNN that he has taken part in conversations about altering the guidelines, something he described as being "under active consideration", Xinhua news agency reported.

He noted that some local areas where infection rates are surging are already urging individuals to wear masks in public regardless of their vaccination status.

Covid-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations continue to increase among the unvaccinated across the United States.

Health experts have blamed the recent surges on the low vaccination rates and the accelerating Delta variant transmission.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Tokyo, July 26 : The Indian men's archery team reached the quarterfinals beating Kazakhstan 6-2 at the Tokyo Olympics on Monday.

The Indian team of Atanu Das, Pravin Jadhav and seasoned Tarundeep Rai defeated the Kazakhstan team of Denis Gankin, Ilfat Abdullin and Sanzhar Mussayev in a close encounter in which all four sets were decided by a single point. They will now meet top seeds South Korea in the next round.

The Indians, seeded ninth, won the first set 55-54, as Jadhav and Das scored a 10 each in the last two arrows at the Yumenoshima Park Archery Field.

In the second round, the Indians won 52-51, as the Kazakhs faltered and had three 8s.

Trailing 0-4, Kazakhstan fought back in the third set as they shot three 10s and as many 9s for 57 while the Indians were undone by an eight by Tarundeep.

The Indians, however, did not give their opponents any more chances as they won the fourth set 55-54, hitting the three 10s as against two by their rivals.
Tunis, July 26 : Tunisian President Kais Saied announced that he has removed Hichem Mechichi from the post of Prime Minister and suspended all activities of Parliament or the Assembly of People's Representatives.

The announcement on Sunday night was made in a video broadcast on the official page of the Tunisian Presidency on the Facebook, after an emergency meeting that Saied held with senior security officials, reports Xinhua news agency.

The President also said he will temporarily head the government until he appoints a new Prime Minister.

Saied further announced that he annulled the immunity of all parliament members.

The development came hours after violent protests broke out on Sunday in several Tunisian provinces as protesters expressed anger at the deterioration of the North African nation's health, economic and social situations.

The protesters also demanded the stepping down of the government and the dissolution of Parliament chaired by Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Ennahdha party.
Moscow, July 26 : Russia held a military parade on the Neva River in St. Petersburg, the country's second largest city, to celebrate Navy Day.

About 4,000 sailors, more than 50 ships, boats and submarines, as well as 48 naval aviation airplanes and helicopters participated in the parade on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Borei A-class strategic nuclear submarine, Prince Vladimir, made its first public appearance.

The Russian Navy has everything it needs to defend the country and its national interests, President Vladimir Putin said when addressing the ceremony.

"We are capable of detecting any underwater, surface and aerial enemy and deliver an inevitable strike against it, if necessary," the Russian leader added.

Putin reviewed the troops and congratulated sailors and veterans on the holiday, marked annually on the last Sunday of July.
Tokyo, July 26 : -- Australia's world champion Ariarne Titmus edged world record holder Kathleen Ledecky of the United States to claim gold in the women's 400m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Monday.

The Aussie beat Ledecky to second in the last 100m, winning in an Olympic record time of three minutes and 56.69 seconds. Rio Olympic champion Ledecky took silver in 3:57.36 and China's Li Bingjie bagged the bronze.

Li set a new Asian record at 4:01.08, thanks to a 29.47-second final lap that saw her overtake Canadian Summer McIntosh.

The United States triumphed in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay, claiming gold in three minutes and 08.97 seconds, reports Xinhua.

The team, comprising Rio champions Caeleb Dressel and Blake Pieroni, Bowen Becker and Zach Apple, enjoyed a safe lead and retained the title for Team USA.

Italy finished second in 3:10.11. Australia surged from sixth to third 0.11 seconds behind Italy, thanks to a fastest 46.44-second split by Kyle Chalmers.

Rio Olympic champion Adam Peaty defended his title in men's 100m breaststroke here on Monday, winning the gold medal in 57.37 seconds.

The three-time world champion had a convincing lead over silver medallist Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands, who finished 0.63 seconds behind.

The bronze went to Italian Micolo Martinenghi. The 21-year-old touched home in 58.33.

Margaret MacNeil of Canada touched home first in 55.59 seconds to win the women's 100m butterfly gold.

Fresh from winning silver in women's 4x100m freestyle on Sunday, the 2019 world champion edged China's Zhang Yufei by a close 0.05 seconds to win her maiden Olympic title.

Zhang, finishing first in the semifinals, settled for silver in 55.64 seconds. Australia's Emma McKeon, who finished eighth at 2016 Rio, took a bronze 0.08 seconds further behind.
Kabul, July 26 : Airstrikes in the Afghan provinces of Helmand and Badakhshan provinces killed more than 35 Taliban militants amid the escalating violence in the war-torn country, according to defence officials.

In a statement on Sunday, the Defence Ministry said that fighter jets targeted taliban hideouts and positions in parts of Helmand's Nad Ali and Sangin districts, reports Xinhua news agency.

A weapon cache of the militant group was also destroyed during the attacks, the statement added.

The Taliban controls at least six districts in Helmand province.

Meanwhile in Badakhshan province, the fighter planes struck a Taliban gathering in Argo district, according to an army statement.

In the sorties, a large number of arms and ammunition including an anti-aircraft gun were also destroyed, the statement said, adding that no security personnel or civilian was harmed during the air raids.

The Afghan forces earlier claimed killing 81 militants in Kaldar and Chamtal districts of Balkh province on Saturday.

Fighting has intensified in Afghanistan since early May when the US-led coalition forces began withdrawal from the war-torn country.
New Delhi, July 26 : Amid the Pegasus snooping row on politicians, journalists and others, former Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday alleged that the government was aware of the snooping In a statement Chidambaram said, "President Macron of France called PM Bennet of Israel and demanded to know full information about the alleged use of Pegasus spyware to hack phones in France, including the President's, PM Bennet promised to come back with the 'conclusions' of their own investigations." He alleged that the only government that is unconcerned is the Government of India!, "Is it because the government was fully aware of the snooping and does not need any more information from Israel or the NSO Group?" he said.

On Friday, former Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi on described Pegasus as a weapon and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He also demanded a Supreme Court probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing the media outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said, "Pegasus is classified by the Israeli State as a weapon and that weapon is supposed to be used against the terrorist. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and Union Home Minister have used this weapon against the Indian State and against our institutions." He alleged that the government used it politically. "They have used it in Karnataka, they have used it to scuttle probes, they have used it against the Supreme Court and against all the institutions of this country," he alleged.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, July 26 : Foiling an attempt to smuggle gold weighing 8.17 kg, Chennai Air Customs said two passengers from Dubai have been arrested.

According to the Customs Department, two passengers arrived from Dubai on Sunday.

On checking, it was found the precious yellow metal was concealed in home appliances like rice cooker, juicer, food mincer and nebulizer.

The Customs officials seized the gold weighing 8.17 kg and valued at Rs 4.03 crore.
Srinagar, July 26 : President Ram Nath Kovind's visit on Monday to Drass town to pay homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1999 Kargil conflict, was cancelled due to bad weather, official sources said.

The President, who was scheduled to lay a wreath at the Dras War Memorial on Monday, will instead pay homage at the Baramulla War Memorial.

This is not the first time that bad weather had prevented President to visit Dras.

In 2019 also due to bad weather, the President could not visit Dras to participate in the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

He instead, paid tributes by laying a wreath at a war memorial at the Army's 15 Corps headquarters in Badamibagh, Srinagar.

President Kovind arrived in Srinagar on Sunday on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

following his arrival, he visited the Badami Bagh cantonment housing Army's strategic 15 Corps, also called Chinar Corps and later travelled to the Governor's House.

On Tuesday, the President will address the 19th Annual Convocation of the University of Kashmir in Srinagar.

He will return to Delhi on Wednesday morning.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is marked on July 26 every year to commemorate the anniversary of the Indian Army's victory against Pakistan in 1999.

The armed conflict continued for more than 60 days at Kargil in Ladakh.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat radio programme urged people to salute the brave hearts who made the nation proud in 1999.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Srinagar, July 26 : A personal security officer (PSO) of a politician was injured on Monday in a misfire from his service rifle in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district.

Police sources said Altaf Hussain Chechi, posted as security guard of J&K Apni Party chief coordinator Fazal Muhammad, was injured in misfire from his own service rifle in Chandusa village of Baramulla district.

"He shot himself in the foot. He has been shifted to hospital for treatment", sources said.
Amman, July 26 : The Jordanian government has ordered an investigation into a power outage incident at a private hospital to treat Covid-19 patients, that caused at least one death.

The investigation aims to reveal the causes of the power outage and the death case reported afterward, and the impartiality and integrity of the probe results will be ensured, Xinhua news agency quoted Minister of State for Media Affairs Sakher Dudin as saying in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to local Ammon News Agency, the husband of a woman who died in the incident said the power outage lasted for about 24 minutes and the medical staff had tried to rescue his wife but to no avail, adding that the civil defence personnel had also rushed to rescue the patients.

Health Minister Firas Al-Hawari visited the hospital and confirmed to local media that two patients had died, while the first death was recorded some 20 minutes before the power cut.

In March, Jordan's former Health Minister Nathir Obeidat resigned after several Covid-19 patients died following oxygen outage at a government hospital.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Tokyo, July 26 : India's Satwinsairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty went down after putting up a fight against world No.1 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo of Indonesia in their second Group A match in the men's doubles badminton competition at the Tokyo Olympics on Monday.

Rankireddy/Shetty, who had won their first match in the group against world No. 3 pair of Yang Lee and Chi-Lin Wang of Chinese Taipei, went down 21-13, 21-12 against the Indonesian pair, in just 31 minutes.

Gideon and Sukamuljo, the best men's doubles pair on the circuit for the last couple of years, were too strong for the Indians and did not allow them any chance.

The Indonesians are the favourite for the title and are expected to top their Group. They kept a steady scoring rate.

Rankireddy/Shetty now have one more match against British pair Ben Lane and Sean Vendy and if they win, they will qualify for the knockout stages. Two out of the four teams from the four-team group will qualify for the next stage.

Currently, the Indian pair is second in the group with three points from two matches, the same as Lee and Wang from Chinese Taipei. The British pair has lost both its matches.
Mumbai, July 26 : The Centres National Health Authority (NHA) - has allocated the maximum funds to Gujarat as Grant-in-Aid for various government schemes under the 'Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, as per the latest details provided in RTI replies.

The RTI query was filed by Pune-based activist Prafful Sarda seeking details of the budget allocated to the overall health sector including the flagship AB-PMJAY.

The NHA's replies were startling -- for the current year 2021-2022 (till July 17, 2021) -- it said the Centre has released a staggering Rs 330.55 crore as Grant-in-Aid (GIA) for Implementation Purpose to Gujarat - or the lion's share.

The next on the list is Kerala at Rs 128.62 crore, Maharashtra with Rs 117.43 crore, Andhra Pradesh got Rs 110.95 crore and Madhya Pradesh secured Rs 104.79 crore as GIA.

Among the double-digit states under GIA, Uttar Pradesh was given Rs 75.07 crore, Assam Rs 31.62 crore, Haryana Rs25.16 crore, Punjab Rs 23.07 crore, Uttarakhand Rs 21.81 crore, Jammu & Kashmir Rs 19.87 crore and Himachal Pradesh Rs 15.09 crore.

Seven states -- Jharkhand, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Chandigarh and Meghalaya -- were given GIA of less than Rs 10 crore.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Puducherry got less than one crore rupees, while Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattigarh, Daman & Diu, Goa, Karnataka, Ladakh, Lakshadweep Isles, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu did not get a single rupee under GIA.

He said that the NHA's official data reveals how -- compared with 2019-2020 (Rs 2,992.94-crore) - the health budget fell steeply for 2020-2021 (Rs.2544.12-crore), when it was required to be enhanced substantially.

"Covid-19 entered India last year (2020) and quickly spread... So, huge funds were required for to save peoples' lives, especially in worst-hit states like Maharashtra and Kerala, but the Centre appeared to focus only on Gujarat..." said Sarda.

Moreover, the activist rued that the RTI reply by NHA's Director & CPIO Pankaj Kumar Arora sheds no light on what exactly is the 'Grant-in-Aid For Implementation Purpose'.

"What is the basis for the allocation of these critical funds to different states, especially considering the Covid situation in which Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in terms of total cases and fatalities, but it is always Gujarat is the 'Most Favoured State' for the Centre," Sarda pointed out.

Besides, he referred to past instances indicating the PM's home state has remained at the forefront as far as health-related funds are concerned and it got the highest even during the entire Covid pandemic.

In April, senior Congress leader and ex-CM Prithviraj Chavan had cited official statistics showing how Gujarat - from where besides the PM, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and now the current Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, hail - got the most number of Covid-19 vaccines, N95-masks, PPE Kits, Ventilators, medicines, injections, etc.

Sarda said from the data released under RTI, many questions are left unanswered, but hoped that - like in the past - the department would not come out with new figures to overturn its own RTI replies.

Till date, Gujarat has recorded Covid-19 case 824,683 and deaths 10,076 - when tallied with other states having 7-digit total infections, like Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Karnataka, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

Sitting on the threshold of a possible Covid-19 'third wave', Maharashtra's progressive tally of Covid-19 cases is 62,58,079, 131,429 deaths, and currently 93,479 'active cases'- all highest in the country, and notched a vaccination figure of 4,13,19,105 till date, top in India.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)

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Washington, July 26 : As Covid-19 cases, deaths and hospitalisations continue to increase among the unvaccinated across the US, top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said that the country is "going in the wrong direction", the media reported.

"If you look at the inflection of the curve of new cases, that it is among the unvaccinated. And since we have 50 per cent of the country is not fully vaccinated, that's a problem," Fauci was quoted as saying to CNN on Sunday.

The majority of deaths could be, thus, among the unvaccinated, Fauci said.

"So it really is, as (Rochelle) Walensky (Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has said many times and I have said, it is really a pandemic among the unvaccinated, so this is an issue predominantly among the unvaccinated, which is the reason why we're out there, practically pleading with the unvaccinated people to go out and get vaccinated," said the chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden.

The warning from Fauci comes as the dangerous Delta variant of Covid-19, which has spread to 124 countries, is now sweeping across the US.

Health officials are urging Americans to get vaccinated to help curb its spread.

Every state in the US reported more Covid-19 cases in the week ending on July 23 than the week prior, data from the Johns Hopkins University revealed.

Thirty states have yet to fully vaccinate at least half of their residents, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

And as of July 23, the daily average of people becoming fully vaccinated was the lowest it had been since the end of January, the report said.

Meanwhile, the CDC is also weighing the option of revising its Covid-19 guidelines to recommend that even fully vaccinated people wear masks in public, Fauci said.

He noted that some local areas where infection rates are surging are already urging individuals to wear masks in public regardless of their vaccination status.

The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 34,443,064 and 610,891, respectively, according to the latest update on Monday by Johns Hopkins University.

Health experts have blamed the recent surges on the low vaccination rates and the accelerating Delta variant transmission.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Hyderabad, July 26 : Telugu star Nani has wrapped up shooting for his upcoming supernatural thriller film 'Shyam Singha Roy'.

Nani on Monday morning made the announcement on his Twitter and Instagram. He shared a picture from the film's set where his back is towards the camera.

He captioned the image: "Shoot done. With a great team comes the great outcome. Post production begins. #ShyamSinghaRoy." A tweet from the banner Niharika Entertainmet's official account read: "With a great star, there forms a supportive team to Make an epic film. Special Thanks to you Dear Natural. @NameisNani garu.

According to reports, the actor will be seen playing a Bengali man and will be seen romancing actresses Sai Pallavi and Krithi Shetty.

'Shyam Singha Roy' is directed by Rahul Sankrityan. It also stars Madonna Sebastian.

The actor, who dropped his 25th film as hero, 'V', on OTT last year, is awaiting the release of his new Telugu film 'Tuck Jugadish'.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 26 : The Rajya Sabha witnessed disruptions over the Pegasus snooping issue on Monday once again as the upper house met after the Chair disallowed a suspension notice moved by the opposition parties on the alleged surveillance scam.

The opposition shouted slogans and held placards in the well of the House and demanded discussion on the snooping issue which was not allowed by the Chair.

The Deputy Chairman tried to run the House during the question hour while some questions were asked but reply could not be heard, after which the House was adjourned till 2 p.m.

Earlier, the chairman M. Venkiah Naidu said the notice by T. Siva, E. Kareem and Mallikarjun Kharge was not allowed which led to a pandemonium in the House that forced the Chair to adjourn it till 12 noon.

The floor leaders of the opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha met at the chamber of Leader of Opposition in the House, Kharge, to devise a strategy on the Pegasus snooping issue and jointly decided to press their demands.

The opposition is unhappy over not being allowed to raise the issue of snooping.

According to the government's stand as per rule, only after a statement from the IT Minister, a clarification can be sought.
Jammu, July 26 : One person was killed and 12 others were injured on Monday in a road accident on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district.

Police said a truck going from Srinagar to Jammu collided head on with a tempo traveller vehicle at Chamalwas on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district.

"One person was killed and 12 non-local labourers from Bijnore, Uttar Pradesh were injured in this accident.

"The injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment", police said.

An FIR has been registered in this incident in Banihal police station, police added.
Kathmandu, July 26 : The ongoing lockdown in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley has been extended for an additional 10 more days until August 4, though most of the restrictive measures have been relaxed in past weeks.

"We extended the lockdown by keeping certain activities under the prohibited list," Kali Prasad Parajuli, chief district officer of the Kathmandu district, told Xinhua news agency on Sunday night.

"The health protocols should be followed to carry out activities in the sectors where the provisions of lockdown have been relaxed." Sporting events, swimming pools, theatres, mass gatherings, rallies, cultural and religious events are still banned, as decided by the Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts in the valley.

Meanwhile, long and medium-distance transportation services have resumed since July 23.

On July 4, the authorities in the Kathmandu Valley allowed public and private transportation services within the region.

Under the new rules, schools can take examinations but with no more than 25 persons inside each room, and restaurants can offer takeaway services till 7 p.m.

The Kathmandu Valley and many other parts of Nepal have been put under lockdown since April 29 to contain a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Along with the reduction in new cases since June, the restrictive measures have been eased in the valley while the lockdown was extended time and again.

"We know that health protocols have not been fully followed," said Parajuli. "It is difficult to enforce the health protocols fully because of the large population in Kathmandu." Nepal's Health Ministry, citing "a spike in the infection rate" following the relaxed measures, warned last week of an increasing possibility of a third waveto hit the country.

Nepal has reported a total of 680,556 Covid-19 cases and 9,713 deaths.

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Shimla, July 26 : 'Life is nothing without mother nature', a tweet by a doctor from Jaipur, became widely popular minutes after her soul left the body in a natural disaster in the mountainous Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.

Ayurveda doctor Deepa Sharma, 34, posted her merrymaking photos amidst nature just before boulders hit the vehicle in which she was travelling, killing her and eight other tourists on Sunday.

On a vacation to the hill state, Deepa posted her picture on Twitter and also wrote: "Standing at the last point of India where civilians are allowed. Beyond this point around 80 kms ahead we have border with Tibet whom china has occupied illegally." Her last Twitter post at 12.59 p.m. featured a picture of her posing at Nagasti checkpost of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Twenty-five minutes after the last tweet, the news came that massive boulders fell on a Tempo Traveller carrying tourists from Chitkula to Sangla, killing nine people and injuring three. Eight of them died on the spot.

Deepa's Twitter account has many photographs about her trip to the hill state, including a stunning early morning sky.
Tel Aviv, July 26 : Israel has appointed its first ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the signing of a normalisation deal last year, the Foreign Ministry here said.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement issued on Sunday that he has chosen Amir Hayek, an economist and former director of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Employment, to take the job, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Haik has rich experience and knowledge in the fields of economics and tourism," Lapid said, adding that he is "the right man to establish the bridge between Israel and the UAE".

Hayek replaces Eitan Na'eh, who had been the acting envoy.

The appointment came after Israel opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in June and the UAE opened its embassy in Tel Aviv in July.

Israel and the UAE signed the US-brokered normalisation deal in September 2020.
New Delhi, July 26 : Two serving colonels who challenged official policy, a retired intelligence officer who took RAW to court, and two serving BSF officers also figure in the Pegasus Project database as persons of interest for an unidentified agency, The Wire reported.

K.K. Sharma, who was head of the Border Security Force (BSF) in 2018, his telephone numbers were added to a list of numbers containing several hundreds from India marked as probable targets for surveillance. These numbers are part of a leaked database containing 50,000 numbers worldwide that an international consortium of media organisations has analysed as part of its Pegasus Project reporting initiative.

The leaked records include three phone numbers used by Sharma, two of which he still uses after his retirement in 2018, indicate he was very much a person of interest to the Indian client of the NSO Group during the time he was in service as the BSF chief.

It is not clear what the purpose of any potential surveillance might have been. Serving officers are not meant to be politically aligned, but if the Indian agency in question was interested in studying the extent to which Sharma actually sympathised with the RSS, whatever it learned about his leanings clearly did not disqualify him from a key post-retirement assignment, The Wire reported.

Soon after Sharma retired, the Election Commission (EC) appointed him special central police observer for the impending Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal and Jharkhand. As per that order Sharma "would oversee the deployment and other security related issues in the said states." A day after Sharma's appointment, the Trinamool Congress objected to his deployment in the state. Showing a photo of Sharma attending an RSS event in Kolkata in 2018 to local media, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that her party would write to the EC.

The leaked database also shows that a BSF Inspector General of Police, Jagdish Maithani, was selected as a potential target for surveillance around the same time as Sharma.

A BSF commandant posted in Assam, Maithani appears to have been of considerable interest to an Indian client of NSO between 2017 and 2019.

Maithani has been associated with the Ministry of Home Affairs' comprehensive integrated border management system (CIBMS) project or smart fencing, where physical fencing of the border, including in the riverine areas with Bangladesh, is not possible.

Another officer who was marked for probable surveillance was Jitendra Kumar Ojha, a retired senior official from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's external spy agency. His number figures in the database as does his wife's, The Wire reported.

Ojha, who was in-charge of training Indian spies at RAW's academy in Delhi between 2013 and 2015 and also served in London, was eased out of the service in January 2018. Aggrieved by his premature 'retirement' from service, he moved the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in February 2018, and his matter came up the next month.

The leaked database shows that Ojha and his wife were selected as persons of interest around that time.

The leaked database also contains the numbers of at least two Indian Army officers who took on the government on service-related matters.

Colonel Mukul Dev shot to prominence in 2017 when he sent a legal notice to the secretary of defence arguing against the government order to scrap free rations for officers who are posted in peace areas. He was posted as deputy judge advocate general in the Jodhpur-based 12 Corps, The Wire reported.

Colonel Amit Kumar was also from the legal division within the armed forces and selected for potential surveillance at around the same time as Dev.

Kumar was posted as a legal officer at the corps headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir when in August 2018, a few months prior to his appearance in the database, he filed a petition in the Supreme Court on behalf of 356 Army personnel against what they apprehended was an impending dilution of the Armed Forces (Special Forces) Act (AFSPA).
Gaza, July 26 : The Islamic Hamas Movement has warned that Israel's tightening of its blockade on the Gaza Strip will only lead to escalated tensions.

"More Israeli restrictions and tightening the siege on Gaza will only generate an explosion in the face of the occupant," Hamas spokesman in Gaza, Abdulatif al-Qanou'a said on Sunday.

"Ending and defying the siege that has been imposed on the Gaza Strip for about 15 years is a natural right for the Palestinian people," he added.

The spokesperson urged Israel to end the blockade of the Palestinian enclave and respect the May ceasefire that Egypt brokered between Israel and Palestinian factions, including Hamas, reports xinhua news agency.

Hamas and other Palestinian factions complained that Israel has tightened the blockade since the end of the last round of Israeli-Palestinian armed conflict that lasted for 11 days from May 10-21.

The conflict killed over 250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.

On Sunday, the Hamas-run Ministry of Economy said in a statement that the Israeli authorities banned the entry of 25 fuel-loaded trucks into the Gaza Strip for the operation of its sole power station.

"We are watching the Israeli occupant's reluctance to address the most important issue, which is reconstruction," al-Qanou'a said.

Meanwhile, Khader Habib, a senior leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement in the coastal enclave, also warned that "keeping restrictions on Gaza will lead to an escalation".

"The Israeli occupation bears full responsibility for preventing the necessary supplies for the Gaza Strip," he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 26 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior Indian military officers paid homage to the fallen heroes on the 22nd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Singh laid a wreath in the honour of the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation during India's victory in 'Operation Vijay' in 1999, also known as Kargil conflict.

In his message in the visitors' book at the National War Memorial, Singh recalled the valour of the bravehearts of the Kargil conflict, saying that nation will never forget the sacrifice made by the gallant heroes of Indian Armed Forces.

He added that the grateful nation will always be indebted to their courage and continue to follow their ideals.

In a tweet, Singh said the supreme sacrifice of the brave soldiers will inspire the generations to come.

Minister of State (Defence) Ajay Bhatt, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, Chief of the Army Staff General M.M. Naravane, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain also paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial.

Senior civil and military officials of the Ministry of Defence were also present on the occasion.

During the Kargil conflict, the gallant soldiers of the Indian Army, with the help of Indian Air Force, overcame insurmountable odds, hostile terrain and inclement weather to win against the enemy that had occupied dominating heights.

On this momentous occasion, the proud nation is celebrating the victory by remembering the fallen heroes through various events across the country.

India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 every year to mark the anniversary of the Indian Army's victory against Pakistan in 1999. The armed conflict continued for more than 60 days at Kargil in Ladakh.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Johannesburg, July 26 : With a continued decline in the number of fresh Covid-19 cases, South Africa will move to the level three adjusted lockdown from level four with bans on alcohol sale and gatherings relaxed, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced.

"In the last two weeks, the number of new infections in Gauteng, which has been the epicentre of the third wave, has steadily been declining," Xinhua news agency quoted the President as saying in an address to the nation on Sunday night.

The curfew would remain from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Gatherings which were prohibited would now be permitted with 100 people allowed to gather outside while 50 inside.

"Gatherings include religious services, political events and social gatherings," he said.

Sale of alcohol which was banned during level four would now be allowed.

"The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will be permitted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Monday to Thursday," he said.

Addressing the issue of vaccination, Ramaphosa said from September 1, 18 to 34 year-olds would be inoculated.

He said the country in October would receive 31 million vaccine doses which would be adequate to vaccinate people for the rest of the year.

The president noted that the country is currently administering 240,000 vaccines every weekday, much more than a month ago, when the figure stood at around 100,000.

However, the government is aiming to get 300,000 doses administered every weekday.

"We have made tremendous progress in addressing the challenges we faced as a country and the continent in access to vaccines," he said.

Despite the fact that cases were dropping in Gauteng, new cases in Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape were increasing.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases said the total number of confirmed cases in the country has increased to 2,377,823.

This increase represents a 26.6 per cent positivity rate.

The overall death toll currently stood at 69,775.

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New Delhi, July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation on Kargil Vijay Diwas.

India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 every year to mark the anniversary of the Indian Army's victory against Pakistan in 1999. The armed conflict continued for more than 60 days at Kargil in Ladakh.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; "We remember their sacrifices. We remember their valour." He also said, "Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day. Also sharing an excerpt from last year's 'Mann Ki Baat'." On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat radio programme urged people to salute the brave hearts who made the nation proud in 1999.

"It is but natural to get emotional in honour of the one who bears the Tricolour of the country. This feeling of patriotism unites all of us. Tomorrow, that is the 26th of July is Kargil Vijay Diwas as well," he said.

He further stated the Kargil war is a symbol of the bravery and patience on part of India's Armed Forces which the whole world has watched.

"This time this pride filled day will be celebrated amid Amrit Mahotsav. That is why this day becomes all the more special. I wish you read the enthralling saga of Kargil... let us all bow to the bravehearts of Kargil," the Prime Minister stated.

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior Indian military officers paid homage to the fallen heroes on Kargil Vijay Diwas at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Gaza, July 26 : The Israeli military has that Sunday it struck a military base of the Islamic Hamas Movement in the Gaza Strip, hours after arson balloons were launched into southern Israel.

An Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement late Sunday night that fighter jets attacked the Hamas base which contained "infrastructure and means used for terror activity", reports Xinhua news agency The base was located near civilian sites, including a school, the spokesperson said.

"The strikes were made in response to the arson balloons fired toward Israeli territory," the statement added.

Israel's Fire Department said that the balloons, which were attached with incendiary materials, sparked three fires in southern Israel, causing no injuries.

The Israeli military warned it will "continue to respond firmly against terror attempts from the Gaza Strip".

Also on Sunday, Israel reduced the allowed Gaza offshore fishing zone from 12 nautical miles to six.

The decision was made in the wake of launching incendiary balloons from Gaza toward the Israeli territory, which constitutes a "violation" of Israeli sovereignty, Chief of the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories Ghassan Alian said.

He added that "it will remain in effect until further notice".

The latest violence came amid the Egyptian-brokered efforts to establish a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The conflict from May 10-21 claimed the lives of 256 Palestinians in Gaza and 13 in Israel.

The Gaza Strip has been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007, when the Hamas took over control of the coastal enclave.
Jakarta, July 26 : Covid-19 has led to the death of hundreds of children in Indonesia, many of them younger than age 5, asserting the fact that children are no longer 'hidden victims', the media reported.

Indonesia has a child mortality rate due to Covid greater than that of any other country, The New York Times reported.

More than 150 children died from Covid-19 during the week of July 12 alone, with half the recent deaths involving those younger than age 5, Dr. Aman Bhakti Pulungan, head of the Indonesian Pediatric Society, was quoted as saying.

Children make up 12.5 per cent of the country's confirmed cases, an increase over previous months, said Pulungan, citing reports from pediatricians.

"Our numbers are the highest in the world. Why are we not giving the best for our children?" he said.

The rise in deaths coincides with the surge of the delta variant, which has swept through Southeast Asia, where vaccination rates are low, causing record outbreaks not only in Indonesia but also in Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam as well, The NYT reported.

In July, Indonesia overtook India and Brazil in the number of daily cases, becoming the new epicentre of the pandemic. The government on Friday reported nearly 50,000 new infections and 1,566 deaths.

According to Pulungan, over 800 children younger than 18 have died from the virus in Indonesia since the pandemic began, but the majority of those deaths have occurred only in the past month.

"Until now, children have been the hidden victims of this pandemic," said Dr. Yasir Arafat, Asia health adviser to the nonprofit group Save the Children. "Not anymore." "Not only are countries like Indonesia seeing record numbers of children dying from the virus," Yasir said, "but we're also seeing an alarming rise in children missing out on routine vaccinations and nutrition services that are critical for their survival, which should ring major alarm bells." The high number of deaths among children could be because of underlying health conditions such as malnutrition, obesity, diabetes and heart disease, health experts were quoted as saying.

The country's low vaccination rate is another factor. Just 16 per cent of Indonesians have received one dose, and only 6 per cent have been fully vaccinated, according to the Our World in Data project at the University of Oxford.

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New Delhi, July 26 : Over recent years, many fundraising platforms have come up in India which are directed towards helping individuals and organisations to raise funds for the needy for a variety of causes. During the pandemic, one saw the widespread use of such initiatives that have significantly helped individuals or communities requiring money for medical expenses.

One such platform, called First HelpCare, shares how the face of crowdfunding changed during pandemic.

"With the arrival of Covid-19 the country had to go under a lot of changes, we got to see the weakness within our system and organizations and few actions of strengths were also portrayed by various working bodies. Crowdfunding also became one of those ways to provide help to distant areas where people were restricted to even step out of their homes, everyone could just do the minimum by donating small amounts of money from the comfort of their houses and make a difference in someone's life. With the lockdown in play many people turned towards crowdfunding as this was the easiest and most helpful way to reach out to the ones who were helpless in this crisis," the platform tells IANSlife.

First HelpCare, a free crowdfunding site, initially in Ranchi and the nearby areas, has raised funds for children's education, acid attack victims, child labour, and cancer survivors. During Covid-19, it raised funds for daily wage workers and those struggling to arrange money for Covid treatment.

From a humanitarian perspective, what makes people donate to a stranger's cause? The logic is simple. "Everyone wants to be a good person, everyone tries to be one and doing good deeds gives people that satisfaction." "Since Covid-19 hit the world everyone has had their moment to realise the importance of lending a hand in the time of need, no one is coming to help the common folks, we need to help each other. We believe people have realized this now. Crowdfunding is the best way to do your part in helping someone as you don't have to go out and do any work at all but by just making a difference from the comfort of your house." The platform also says that there is a need to develop a policy framework around crowdfunding, to prevent the misuse of platforms raised for a good cause.

Finally, how can crowdfunding models be strengthened, in view of similar future crises? "There is still a major population of people who are still not aware of the concept that is crowdfunding, people have mixed feelings about it and find it hard to trust this process but they need to understand what it stands for and what purpose it serves." "Crises are bound to happen to everyone, they don't differentiate between the rich and poor and by crowdfunding people don't just help out financially but also help mobilise certain resources in the time of need." (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

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-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kolhapur : , July 26 (IANS) In a humanitarian gesture, the NDRF teams engaged in massive flood rescue operations helped save a dog, marooned on a submerged house rooftop, officials said here on Monday.

The incident occurred in Shiroli village of Kolhapur when a NDRF team was out in boats searching to rescue people still trapped in the floodwaters.

"Suddenly, we heard some frail but sharp barks from a nearby home and went to investigate - where a wet, shaken and scared brown dog was stuck, waiting for help," said one the NDRF rescuers.

The NDRF rescuers immediately clambered onto the creaky and soggy roof, comforted the cold and hungry canine, offered him some biscuits and as he calmed down, gently wrapped him up in their arms to the boat.

All the time, the relieved and grateful dog wagged his tail vigorously, faithfully punctuated by short thanksgiving woofs of joy to his messiahs for finally ending his long loveless ordeal.

The torrential downpour last week followed by massive flooding has claimed 149 human lives and thousands of animals, including cattle, fowl, dogs and cats either drowning or getting washed away in the angry flood-waters in six districts of coastal Konkan and western Maharashtra.
New Delhi, July 26: As US Secretary of State Antony Blinken comes calling on New Delhi on his first official visit, Afghanistan will no doubt figure majorly on the agenda. Acting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Dean Thompson, said in a media briefing that "We intend to discuss our efforts to support a just and durable peace in Afghanistan...... India, of course, is a critical partner in the region, and we welcome Indias shared commitment to peace and supporting economic development in Afghanistan." Blinken is also expected to visit Kabul on this trip to South Asia and the Middle East. Interestingly, the Afghan Army Chief Gen Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai is also set to visit New Delhi around the same time.

What Afghanistan, and the USA for that matter, would want India to do is not clear. As the situation in Afghanistan slides consistently into chaos, the Taliban have announced that they control 85 percent of Afghan territory which includes all border crossings with Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. There has been heavy fighting between the Afghan forces and the Taliban over the southern border crossing in Spin Boldak. According to UNHCR Afghanistan has seen some 270,000 displaced this year because of the fighting.

The US, which is committed to helping the Afghan Defence Forces even after its complete withdrawal of troops, has been conducting airstrikes in support of the Afghan forces. Of course, the situation has come to such a pass because of what many analysts perceive has been a hasty agreement on a withdrawal struck by the US with the Taliban, bypassing the Afghan government. Though the agreement is conditioned on intra-Afghan negotiations and reconciliation, it has been enough to embolden the Taliban to employ violence to grab territory in order to strengthen its position at the negotiating table with the government of Ashraf Ghani.

On its part the Ghani government has rubbished the Taliban's claims and boasted that while the latter was winning the battles, the Afghan forces would win the war. It had also found itself in a war of words with Pakistan whom it accuses of directly abetting the Taliban in its offensive against the Afghan forces, infiltrating thousands of militants into Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Central Asian neighbours - Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - with whom Afghanistan shares its longest border have bolstered border security in the backdrop of a Taliban takeover of the border crossings. While all these countries recognise Taliban as a strong and legitimate stakeholder in Afghan politics the organisation itself remains banned in all of them.

At the same time Russia has announced military drills which it will hold jointly with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan from 5-10 August, as well as joint Russian-Uzbek drills involving around 1,500 troops on July 30-August 10. Russia has also activated its largest foreign base in Tajikistan The announcement of the military drills came on the heels of the formation of a new Quadrilateral for Afghan peace, and which includes Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and of course the US.

Logically, Russia's announcement is aimed at shoring up security along the border regions with Afghanistan in the backdrop of the worsening situation inside that country. Tajikistan is part of the Russia-headed Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance that also includes Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus.

Yet, the announcement also aims to convey another message - that Central Asia remains Russia's sphere of influence. At a high-level conference on Central-South Asia Connectivity in Tashkent, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Central Asian countries had refused to host American bases in the wake of American and NATO troops withdrawal from Afghanistan. It was at the same conference that the new US led Quad was announced. Uzbekistan had earlier also hosted US bases.

This is a position that unites almost all the regional powers - China, Iran, Pakistan and Russia all want the US to withdraw from Afghanistan, all are against US bases in the region. All have also accepted Taliban as a legitimate political stakeholder in Afghanistan.

Russia has also squarely laid the blame for the escalating violence in Afghanistan not on the Taliban but on the intransigence of the Ghani government's intransigence vis-a-vis an interim government.

With its enormous development aid to Afghanistan, India thus, is in an unenviable situation. Afghan representatives have consistently called on India for support. Since India will not be putting boots on the ground there, it can do little beyond offering limited military aid, intelligence sharing, and training. The Taliban have repeatedly said that "it will not allow anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan against any other country, nor will tolerate intervention of others". It has said that Kashmir is India's internal matter and would not interfere in it. It has also asked India to remain "impartial" on Afghan issue and not extend military support to the Kabul government.

Yet the group's proclivity to violence and its links to terror groups like Al Qaeda remains cause for immense concern. But alas the genie is out of the bottle unless the US again decides to go to war with it. A US intelligence report had assessed that the Afghan government could collapse six months after US withdrawal.

Given India's stakes in Afghanistan, it would want to avoid the country again becoming a springboard for terror attacks against Indian interests, it needs to protect its investments there, while seeking to deny Pakistan strategic depth, the best option for it would be to coordinate its position with Russia and the Central Asian states, all of whom face almost the same threat perceptions as India. All have called for a ceasefire and an immediate halt to violence in Afghanistan. India has already started working on channels of communication with the Taliban. Since India has always stood for support to the "Afghan people" India should seek to actively promote intra-Afghan dialogue so that a truly inclusive Afghan government can be formed. The sooner the better.

(Aditi Bhaduri is a columnist. The views expressed are personal. The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 26 : Coming out in support of protesting farmers, former Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday drove a tractor to Parliament and reiterated his demand of withdrawing the three new farm laws.

Rahul Gandhi along with several party members drove the tractor, which had a big board on the front on which was written in Hindi -- Take back the three anti-farmer laws.

Speaking to the media, Rahul Gandhi said, "I have brought farmers' message to Parliament. They (Government) are suppressing voices of farmers and not letting a discussion take place in Parliament." He said that they'll have to repeal these black laws. "Entire country knows for whose benefit this (three farm laws) is being done. This is not in favour of farmers and the government will have to withdraw these three black farm laws," he said.

Targeting the government, the Congress MP from Kerala's Wayanad said, "As per the government, farmers are very happy and those (protesting farmers) sitting outside are terrorists. But in reality, farmers' rights are being snatched away." Rahul Gandhi drove the tractor from Motilal Nehru Marg to Parliament via Red Cross road. The Delhi Police then detained Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and Youth Congress national President Srinivas B.V. along with scores of party workers. They were taken to the Mandir Marg police station in Central Delhi.

Speaking to the media after being detained, Surjewala said that they are not afraid of getting arrested and the protest over the three farm laws will continue.

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress and several opposition parties have been demanding withdrawal of the three farm laws.

Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh have been protesting against the three farm laws since November 26 last year. Farmers have been demanding the withdrawal of these farm laws and ensuring MSP to their produce.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Wellington, July 26 : The New Zealand government has agreed to the managed return of a New citizen and her two young children from Turkey, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.

The three have been in immigration detention in Turkey since crossing the border from Syria earlier this year, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Turkish government identified the New Zealand citizen Suhayra Aden as a terrorist belonging to the Islamic State (IS), and has requested that New Zealand repatriate the family.

"The safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders is paramount for the government," Ardern said in a statement, adding New Zealand has not taken this step lightly.

"We have taken into account our international responsibilities as well as the details of this particular case, including the fact that children are involved," she said, adding the woman was a dual New Zealand-Australian citizen until Canberra revoked her citizenship.

"Unfortunately, Australia would not reverse the cancellation of citizenship," Ardern said.

"A number of other countries have managed the return of mothers and children from the region and this is the position we now find ourselves in," she said, adding in this case the welfare and best interests of the children has been a primary concern.

It has previously been made clear that any New Zealander who might be suspected of association with a terrorist group should expect to be investigated under the country's law, but that would be a matter for the Police, Ardern said.
Kuala Lumpur, July 26 : Malaysia's lower house of Parliament convened on Monday for a special session to hear the government's explanation on issues related to the ongoing Covid-19 situation and the current state of emergency declared in the country.

The five-day sitting is the first since Parliament was suspended following the declaration of a state of emergency on January 12 to stop the Covid-19 outbreak, reports Xinhua news agency.

The sitting will proceed without several MPs, two of whom have been infected with Covid-19, while several more are under quarantine.

All MPs had been vaccinated prior to the sitting.

According to the parliamentary schedule, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will make a statement on the national recovery plan meant to guide the country out of the Covid-19 situation, which has seen a surge of fresh infections in recent weeks, with the total passing the 1 million mark on Sunday.

Besides Muhyiddin, Health Minister Adham Baba will give a statement on efforts to combat the pandemic and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also the coordinating minister for Malaysia's national Covid-19 immunisation program, will elaborate on the national vaccination program.

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz will explain the various government economic aid packages while a statement on the implementation of the emergency order will be made by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, expected to be on the last day of the sitting.

After the presentation by the ministers, MPs will be given space to seek clarifications and give opinions.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Manila, July 26 : Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) to a joint session of Congress on Monday.

Duterte, 76, was expected to report on his administration's accomplishments since he took office in June 2016, reports Xinhua news agency.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that Duterte will report on his administration's achievements in the war on drugs, the infrastructure through the "Build, Build, Build program", and the administration of more than 17 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to curb the infections.

Aside from his administration's gains in the past five years, Duterte will also discuss his political plans and the policies he wants to pursue in his remaining months.

Like the SONA last year, this year's SONA is physical and virtual because of the Covid-19 threat.

Only a limited number of cabinet members and members of both houses of congress are physically present at the Philippine House of Representatives in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Duterte will end his single six-year term in June next year.

In May next year, a national election will be held to elect his successor.
Kolkata, July 26 : Hours before going to Delhi, chief minister Mamata Banerjee threw open a challenge to the BJP government at the centre by announcing an enquiry commission that will look into the 'widely reported' issues of illegal hacking and monitoring of mobile phones of various persons in the state.

The formation of the two-member commission was approved at the special cabinet on Monday afternoon.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said, "The cabinet has approved the appointment of a commission of enquiry consisting of Hon'ble justice M.B. Lokur, retired judge of the Supreme Court of India and Justice Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya, retired chief justice, High Court, Calcutta, in exercise of the power conferred by section 3 of the commission of Enquiry Act 1952 in the matter of widely reported illegal hacking, monitoring, putting under surveillance, tracking recording etc of mobile phones of various persons in the state of West Bengal".

"From judges to journalists, from politicians to bureaucrats, police and everyone is now under the surveillance of the Pegasus. The Parliament session is going on and I thought that the Centre will investigate into the thing under the guidance of the Supreme Court but I felt the Centre is not at all concerned about the whole thing and so West Bengal becomes the first state in the country to constitute a commission of enquiry which will look into the whole issue independently and impartially," the chief minister said.

Urging the two members of the commission to take their responsibility quickly and start the inquiry, the chief minister said, "If someone is asleep, one will have to take the initiative to awaken the person".

Political experts are of the opinion that the move just before going to Delhi, where she will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is likely to meet the major leaders of the opposition, is significant. "The political parties should come forward and unite to fight against the autocratic attitude of the central government. The formation of the commission is a strong signal that Trinamool Congress is ready to take the fight directly to the BJP camp and is making a positive effort so that the other political parties come forward and join hands with TMC," a senior Trinamool congress leader said.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee will be arriving in Delhi on Monday evening and will stay there for the next five days. This is her first trip to the national capital after returning to power in West Bengal for the third consecutive term. The Trinamool Congress supremo is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this week during the visit. With the monsoon session going on, Banerjee is also likely to visit the parliament and meet several political leaders during her stay. She will also have discussions with the party's members in both the Houses of the parliament.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Dras : , July 26 (IANS) Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat made a remarkable observation at the "Shershaah" trailer launch here on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed every year on July 26.

Param Vir Chakra recipient and Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra, whose life story "Shershaah" narrates on the Bollywood screen, was 22 when he joined the forces, and this year marks 22 years of the Kargil war, noted General Rawat on Sunday night.

"We are happy that a film has been made on Captain Vikram Batra's life at this point of time. We hope many more such films will be made on the bravehearts of India," added General Rawat, who was chief guest at the event.

The night at Dras saw real and reel heroes in attendance as the lead cast, producers and director of the film shared the stage with General Rawat, Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command General Y.K. Joshi and Captain Batra's brother Vishal Batra.

The star cast, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, talked of being fortunate to get a chance to work in a film that narrated such an honourable life story. Director Vishnuvardhan was present, too, along with producers Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Shabbir Boxwala, and Vijay Subramaniam of Amazon Prime, the OTT channel that will stream the film on August 12. Each of them thanked the Army and the Batra family for making this film possible.

As the Ladakh Scouts Military Band played with gusto, and school children and a local orchestra group set the tone with patriotic rhythms and tunes, the mood was set to celebrate the most important event in India's contemporary military history.

The 527 brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the Kargil War were saluted, and families of the brave bereaved felicitated.

The trailer launch was the highlight of the evening, preceded by a short "Kargil Tribute" featurette, remembering the valour of Captain Batra, and also acknowledging General Joshi and the Indian Army.

The late evening function saw Karan Johar host a chunk of the proceedings, with the "Shershaah" launch occupying most of the proceedings. One by one, he invited on stage and introduced his film's cast and crew, as well as the military top brass present.

Sidharth, who essays Captain Vikram Batra, spoke of how the experience of working on the project was more than shooting a film.

"This is a story of a true hero, like all of you," said Sidharth, addressing the army personnel gathered among the select audience. "I consider myself lucky to be able to bring alive the story of a real-life hero like all of you on screen. This is my first picture based on a true story and the experience has been more than a film to me," added the actor, speaking in Hindi.

His co-star Kiara Advani had a confession to make. "I stand before the Indian Army for the first time and I am nervous," she said, thanking the Batra family and also Dimple Cheema , Captain Batra's fiancee.

It was a charged evening, high on the patriotic emotion, accentuated perhaps by the pristine open-air valley venue, ensconced in the midst of looming peaks. This was the serenity the Indian Army had fought to protected in 1999, and it was the fervour "Shershaah" the film will attempt to bring alive.

For the film, Vishal Batra's line surely summed it up: "It was a dream that took birth in 2015," he said, recalling how the Indian Army had readily helped, and adding that Johar's Dharma Production had done "a fantastic job".

"My hope is this film inspires the youth to join the forces," Vishal Batra said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Amaravati, July 26 : Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan on Monday congratulated B. Sai Praneeth for being mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 'Mann Ki Baat' talk.

"I congratulate B. Sai Praneeth, a gold medalist from Anna University, Chennai whose concept of AP Weatherman found a mention in Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat'," said Harichandan.

The Governor said he was glad to know that Praneeth has been providing accurate weather forecasts on social media platforms such as youtube, facebook and Twitter, benefiting farmers across the state as well as urban residents.

"People of Andhra Pradesh are proud of his achievement and I wish Praneeth will get many more such honours in the future," he said.

Praneeth, 24, studied electrical engineering at Anna University and observed that unseasonal inclement weather is causing heavy losses to farmers, which prompted him to disseminate weather reports in local language.

A resident of Triputai, Praneeth believes that prior knowledge of the weather can save farmers a great deal from suffering losses.
Bengaluru, July 26 : Yesteryear's famous Kannada actress Jayanthi, who had also acted in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi movies, died in her sleepon Monday, said the family members. She was 76.

The veteran actress' son Krishna Kumar confirmed the news to reporters that she was recovering from prolonged illnesses but finally lost the battle.

Jayanthi leaves behind an enviable body of work across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. She was known to be extremely gregarious with her peers, colleagues and industry juniors during their meetings and always used to be the one person that used to cheer everyone up.

Jayanthi has won the Karnataka State Film Awards seven times and the Filmfare Awards twice. She has also won several other awards. She has shared screen space with the topmost stars of her era and then went on to work with youngsters too and always lit up the screen with her acting.

Jayanthi born as Kamala Kumari on January 6, 1945, in Ballari is known for bold movies of her times. She is credited to have worn a 'swimsuit' as the first Kannada actress of her time to do so.

Jayanthi acted in over 500 movies across languages such as Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Marathi, having shared the screen space with legendary actors like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) of Tamil movies, N.T. Rama Rao of Telugu movies, and co-starred in more than 35 movies with Dr Raj Kumar, the doyen of Kannada cinema.

In Tamil she was frequently paired opposite Gemini Ganesan and acted with all major stars including Muhuraman and Jaishankar of her times.

Owing to her expansive body of work, the Kannada film industry honoured her with moniker 'Abhinaya Sharadhe' (The goddess of acting).

In 1965, Jayanthi, was also credited with introducing a new fashion trend wearing skirts, T-shirts and nighties in her movies, which is considered to be the trend setter of her times. She also highlighted taking stand on behalf of women on premarital sex and extramarital affairs in the roles she portrayed.

"Miss Leelavathi", in which she played the title role, is considered "bold" for her time when conservative cinema was the trend. The film dealt about the influence of parental differences and of a lead heroine who grows up to be a rebel and stands up against convention, refusing marriage, opting to be career-oriented women and with a carefree attitude towards premarital sex.

Even though she has acted in most glamorous roles of her times, but her cameo role depicting legend Onake Obavva, will always remain afresh in her fans memory as it takes every Kannada cine goer back to their childhood days.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
July 26 : B-Town celebrities share beautiful and inspirational messages to celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas - the day is observed each year to show respect and gratitude to the armed forces who sacrificed their lives during the Indo-Pak conflict in 1999.

Celebrities such as Abhishek Bachchan, Mohanlal, Rakul Preet Singh, Suniel Shetty along with many other took to their social media profiles and expressed their gratitude to the Indian armed forces.

Actress Rakul Singh wrote, Salute to all the brave soldiers of the Indian armed forces who laid down their lives fighting for our nation Jai Hind #KargilVijayDiwas

Salute to all the brave soldiers of the Indian armed forces who laid down their lives flighting for our nation

Jai Hind #KargilVijayDiwas  Rakul Singh (@Rakulpreet) July 26, 2021

Veteran actor Mohanlal shared, On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, let us not only remember our countrys remarkable victory but also pay homage to the valiant soldiers of our Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation. #KargilVijayDiwas

On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, let us not only remember our countrys remarkable victory but also pay homage to the valiant soldiers of our Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in defence of our nation.#KargilVijayDiwas pic.twitter.com/Jb6MZpew5G  Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) July 26, 2021

Actor Abhishek Bachchan wrote, A day to remember the gallant efforts and sacrifices of the real heroes of the Kargil War. Thank you for shielding us, protecting us, and keeping us safe. Huge respect for all the Kargil warriors #KargilVijayDiwas #JaiHind

A day to remember the gallant efforts and sacrifices of the real heroes of the Kargil War. Thank you for shielding us, protecting us, and keeping us safe. Huge respect for all the Kargil warriors #KargilVijayDiwas #JaiHind pic.twitter.com/nIdrXYA7XO  Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) July 26, 2021

Actor Suniel Shetty expressed, I salute today. 26th July, #KargilVijayDiwas. Our todays secured by our bravehearts yesterday. Valor, courage, triumph, sacrifice. All for us. We Indians will #NeverForget & never let you forget, through stories onscreen. #JaiHind #JPDutta @RealNidhiDutta @BSF_India @adgpi

Kargil Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 in memory of the servicemen who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War. It is a day to honour our brave fighters of the Indian Armed Forces who achieved the heights of Kargil from the Pakistani infiltrators.

'Operation Vijay' was initiated after Pakistani infiltrators captured the Kargil outposts in the winters of 1998-1999. It lasted for 60 days in Ladakh Kargil, India, throwing out the military forces of neighboring countries.
Patna, July 26 : On Day 1 of the monsoon session of the Bihar Assembly here on Monday, opposition leaders arrived at the Vidhan Sabha wearing black face masks.

Bhai Virendra, the MLA from Maner and a RJD leader, said the black face masks are a symbolic protest against the Nitish Kumar government which was involved in the assault on legislators in the Vidhan Sabha on March 23 this year.

"Our leader Tejashwi Yadav and the leaders of all the opposition parties have demanded a public apology from Nitish Kumar on the floor of the House on the issue. The brutal assault on legislators was executed on the direction of Nitish Kumar. Hence, he should apologize for it," Virendra said.

"Shockingly, the state government suspended only two constables. Is it possible that only two constables were involved in the assault on over two dozen legislators? The state government has made them scapegoats and saved senior officers of Patna police, DM Chandrasekhar Singh and SSP Upendra Sharma," Virendra said.

The monsoon session of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha started on 11 a.m. on Monday and will go on till July 30. Besides the legislators' assault issue, the opposition parties have decided to raise unemployment, irregularities in various competitive examinations, the flood situation in North Bihar and the Seemanchal region and various others issues in the monsoon session.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 26 : Former 'Bigg Boss 14' contestant Shefali Jariwala, popularly known as 'Kaanta laga' girl, feels that the event industry has been suffering for the past two years due to the global outbreak of Covid-19. She says its after effects are slashing down the prices for live shows.

She tells IANS: "Lot of people at the backend from event managers to dancers to musicians are really suffering. We're trying to help each other out as much as possible and whichever few events that I am doing we have already slashed our prices by over fifty per cent so that my staff can keep working. It's alright, if we earn a little less money, but it is very important for these people to earn." Due to pandemic and the lockdown, live shows and shootings have hit the pause button. Thus Shefali is being choosy about her work.

"There is an apprehension in deciding what to do and what not to do. But earlier this year I finished shooting for a short film. I can't talk much about it because the official announcements will be made soon. I am expecting it to be released in the next couple of weeks." She adds: "Also I have signed a lot of OTT and will be shooting in the month of August. We are waiting for travel restrictions to be lifted and will get on with the shoot." Currently, the 38-year-old actress, who is married to actor Parag Tyagi, is waiting to get her second jab as she is looking forward to travelling.

"I have got my first shot of the vaccine and once I get my second shot, travelling will be much easier," shares Shefali.

Shefali is known for her glamorous image especially after the popularity of the album 'Kaanta laga'. But in reality she prefers to be simple and carefree.

"I belong to a simple middle-class Gujarati family and I am still that simple person. You can find me wearing pyjamas and probably with oil in my hair and just lazing around at home."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, July 26 : Actor Namit Das has opened up on being a part of Mira Nair's web series 'A Suitable Boy', as the show completes a year of its release on Monday.

Talking about the same, Namit shared: "I feel very happy that 'A Suitable Boy' is completing one year. It is still getting a lot of reviews and also being viewed continuously on Netflix and other platforms across the world. Initially, it had a very lukewarm sort of a response in the Indian market and a lot of friends called me to tell me that they expected it to be bigger. Every project has a different nature and we can understand this with time." "A Suitable Boy is one of those projects which is not limited to only one time frame. I think it's going to be remembered for a very long time. It's based on Vikram Seth's novel and whoever has read it will want to watch the series. The book will always be alive and hence the show will always be alive. Anything that Mira Nair makes, survives the test of time," he added.

In the series, Namit plays Haresh Khanna, a shoemaker, a businessman and one of the suitors of Lata, the lead character played by Tanya Maniktala.

"Even after a year, it still remains fresh. I keep getting a lot of messages on social media. The character of Haresh Khanna was so close to my heart. There's so much hard work that went into it. I'm grateful to Mira and Vikram Seth and everyone involved in the making of the series," the actor further said.

The series also features Tabu, Ishaan Khatter and Rasika Dugal in key roles.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, July 26 : Pent-up demand along with new international content will lure movie goers back to multiplexes in India, industry major Inox leisure tells IANS.

Notably, unlike the last unlock exercise the industry this time will have plenty to offer including the likes of 'F9 The Fast Saga', 'The Conjuring 3', 'The Quiet Place 2', 'Space Jam: A New Legacy', 'Black Widow', '1921', 'Peter Rabbit 2' and 'Cruella'.

According to Inox Leisure's Chief Executive Officer Alok Tandon, currently, a prevalent pent up demand can be witnessed in the markets around the world.

"As compared to the resumption of operations after the first wave, when we had to wait longer for fresh new content, we will have ample fresh content from Hollywood available with us soon after reopening." "This enticing lineup is expected to play a critical role in our reopening journey." Globally, estimates claim that more than 90 per cent of the cinema markets are now operational.

In India, the move to reopen cinemas depends solely on state to state regulations.

But, easing of Covid restrictions and accelerated vaccination drive are expected to allow for a restart soon.

Accordingly, Inox plans to start reopening some cinemas from July 30th.

"We are looking at resuming our operations in select cinemas in States that have allowed the cinemas to operate very soon, and constantly review the situation every week and plan a well-planned resumption of operations across the country." At present, the movie showcase industry is not allowed to open multiplexes in key states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Besides, the company has adopted the bio-safe philosophy with 100 per cent employee vaccinations being complete.

"100 per cent of our eligible staff across the country has received the first dose of vaccination." "We earnestly hope that the entire country's eligible population gets vaccinated at the earliest. Widespread vaccination bodes well for the entire country and its future state of economy." Furthermore, the company plans to recognise vaccinated customers by offering them freebies and special offers.

"The guests will have to show their first dose certificate at the counter and make the most of this gesture." (Rohit Vaid can be contacted at rohit.v@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 26 : The BJP top leadership went into a huddle on Monday to find a successor of Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who has resigned from the office.

To elect the new chief minister of Karnataka, the BJP will appoint central observers by Monday evening. It is learnt that BJP chief J.P. Nadda, union Home minister Amit Shah and Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh met in Parliament house after Yediyurappa's resignation and discussed the situation in Karnataka.

According to sources in the party, the BJP appointed central observers for the Karnataka Legislative Party meeting to find out a successor of Yediyurappa.

"Central observer will be appointed by the evening. Till BJP MLAs elect the new leader of Legislative Party, Yediyurappa will work as acting chief minister of Karnataka," sources said.

A party insider said that the meeting between Nadda, Shah and Singh met for an hour and a detailed discussion was held to find out the new chief minister of Karnataka.

Sources said that some names have been shortlisted by the central leadership considering caste equation in the state. "Caste plays an important factor in Karnataka politics and selection of new chief minister will be considering social equations of the state," sources said.

Putting an end to speculations about his removal, Yediyurappa submitted his resignation to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in the state capital on Monday. After his resignation, Yediyurappa tweeted, "It has been an honour to have served the state for the past two years. I have decided to resign as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am humbled and sincerely thank the people of the state for giving me the opportunity to serve them." In another tweet, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nadda and Shah for their support. "I am grateful to PM @narendramodi Ji, @JPNadda Ji & @AmitShah Ji for their support," he tweeted.

During his two days visit to the national capital recently, Yediyurappa repeatedly denied possible change of guard in the state. There was strong resentment against Yediyurappa within the party. During his visit to Delhi, Yediyuruppa met Prime Minister Modi, Nadda, Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. His visit to New Delhi came in the backdrop of growing voices against him in the state unit.

"During the visit to Delhi, Yediyurappa was asked to resign over lots of opposition within the party against him," a party functionary said.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Chennai, July 26 : Former Chief Minister and AIADMK Joint Coordinator K.Palaniswami on Monday said the party delegation urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the central government should not give permission to Karnataka to build the Mekedatu dam.

He also said the delegation also requested Modi to carry out the Godavari-Cauvery linking project at the earliest as Tamil Nadu is a water scarce state.

A delegation of AIADMK led by Coordinator O.Panneerselvam and Joint Coordinator K.Palaniswami and party leaders on Monday met Modi.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting Palaniswami said the party thanked Modi for campaigning in the recently concluded assembly polls.

That apart he said, Modi was requested not to give permission to Karnataka to build the Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river as it would make the Delta region in Tamil Nadu a desert.

Pointing out the attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, Modi was requested to take action to stop the attacks.

Palaniswami welcomed the Tamil Nadu Finance Minister P.T.R. Palanivel Thiagarajan's statement that the government has no plans to allow sale of lottery tickets.

Continuing further Palaniswami said he had issued a statement opposing the lifting of the ban on sale of lottery tickets based on the information he had got.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Agartala, July 26 : Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Monday went to a tribal village and personally greeted 105-year-old Tara Kanya Debbarma, who was recently inoculated by Covid-19 shots.

Deb, who also holds the Health and Family Welfare Department, went to Brahmachhera tribal village under Matabari rural development block in southern Tripura's Gomati district and spent some time with the centenarian tribal woman.

"Met Tarakanya Debbarma of Brahmacherra. The 105-year-old (recently) turned up at a vaccination center to take the vaccine against the Coronavirus. She recognised PM Modi at once when I showed her his pic. If she can take the vaccine, what's stopping you all from doing it! Go, get the jab!" the Chief Minister tweeted.

"The Chief Minister was thrilled on hearing that the 105-year-old woman had voluntarily agreed to take the Covid vaccine shot and immediately decided to visit her residence personally and to greet her for joining in the vaccination drive," the Chief Minister's Office said.

Tripura Chief Secretary Kumar Alok earlier in his tweet mentioned the woman's age as 121.

Kumar Alok also tweeted: "121-year-old senior citizen in Brahmacharya under Matabari Block in Tripura gets vaccinated and sets a unique example. This will motivate many to take vaccination." The CMO and the health officials, however, said that according to the electoral list of the Election Commission, the woman's age is 105 but her family members and the neighbours have claimed that she is 121 years old.

A senior health official said that the aged tribals were mostly born at their homes in remote areas and they traditionally did not preserve their official documents even as the neighbours of Tara Kanya Debbarma supported her claim of her age of 121.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, July 26 : The US has stepped up airstrikes in southern Afghanistan amid growing apprehension over a Taliban offensive threatening Kandahar, the country's second-largest city and spiritual capital of the Taliban movement, Wall Street Journal reported.

The fall of Kandahar would deal a heavy blow to the US-backed government in Kabul, which is trying to impart calm to its citizens as the Taliban has seized swaths of the countryside, but so far failed to take a major city, the report said.

The airstrikes, about a dozen in recent days, point to a continuing role for the US military in Afghanistan, despite confidence expressed by President Biden and the Pentagon that the Afghan armed forces are well-equipped and ready to fight the Taliban on their own.

The US forces are due to leave Afghanistan by the end of August.

Kandahar, population 6,00,000, was home to deceased Taliban leader Mullah Omar, and host to key military bases once maintained by the US. It is also a major economic prize. About a dozen strikes are aimed at slowing a Taliban surge, aiding a beleaguered Afghan military.

The Taliban have advanced dozens of miles towards Kandahar city in recent weeks, squeezing it from three directions, capturing swaths of territory in the Panjwai and Arghandab valleys, places where foreign troops fought for decades to keep the Taliban at bay.
New Delhi, July 26 : The Rajya Sabha paid tributes to martyrs of Kargil on Vijay Diwas on Monday. Leading the House, Chairman M. Venkiah Naidu said that our soldiers showed exemplary courage to defeat the enemy which has occupied Indian Territory.

As a mark of respect the House stood in silence to pay homage to the martyrs of Kargil.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is marked on July 26 every year to commemorate the anniversary of the Indian Army's victory against Pakistan in 1999.

The armed conflict continued for more than 60 days at Kargil in Ladakh.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme urged people to salute the brave hearts who made the nation proud in 1999.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Lucknow, July 26 : The All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) on Monday decried the attempts being made to malign the Muslim community on the issue of religious conversion.

At its executive meeting, the Board said that innocent Muslims were being framed on the issue and urged the government to rethink its laws on the issue.

"Muslims who are being framed on the issue are getting relief from the court which proves that they are being deliberately framed by vested interests," Board spokesperson Maulana Yasoob Abbas said.

The AISPLB executive body also asked the Yogi Adityanath government to promote education among Muslims instead of creating new laws that are against the community.

Referring to the new proposed population policy, the Board was of the view that the policy should be withdrawn and the government must do rethinking on the issue.

It demanded action against former Shia Waqf Board chairman Waseem Rizvi for insulting the Holy Quran.

Rizvi has come up with a 'new Quran' after deleting 26 verses, that, the Board said, was blasphemous.

The Board spokesman said that a delegation would soon meet Chief Minister Adityanath and apprise him of their demands.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 26 : BJP chief J.P. Nadda and union home minister Amit Shah on Monday discussed names to find a successor of Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who resigned from the office.

BJP national general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh was also present in the meeting held in Parliament House.

Sources said that names selected by the party leadership will be informed to the BJP's Parliamentary Board for approval. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan is likely to be made central observer for the Karnataka BJP's Legislative party.

"Nadda and Shah, who returned to the national capital from Goa and North East last night, met today to discuss the situation in Karnataka to find a new chief minister of the Southern State with Singh. Parliamentary Board will be informed about the likely chief minister of Karnataka for its approval," a party insider said.

It is learnt that in the meeting it was decided to send an observer to Bengaluru who will oversee the BJP Legislature Party meeting to elect the next chief minister with the names of probables.

A party insider said that the meeting between Nadda, Shah and Singh lasted for an hour and detailed discussion was held to find out the new chief minister of Karnataka.

Sources said that some names have been shortlisted by the central leadership considering caste equation in the state. "Caste plays an important factor in Karnataka politics and selection of new chief minister will be done considering social equations to the state. Party is also considering whether the new chief minister will be from the strong Lingayat community or from some other community," sources said.

Sources, however, claimed that replacing a Lingayat strongman Yediyurappa with a non Lingayat will be a major challenge for the BJP.

Earlier, putting an end to speculations doing rounds about his removal, Yediyurappa has submitted his resignation to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in the state capital. After his resignation, Yediyurappa tweeted, "It has been an honour to have served the state for the past two years. I have decided to resign as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am humbled and sincerely thank the people of the state for giving me the opportunity to serve them." During his two days visit to the national capital recently, Yediyurappa repeatedly denied possible change of guard in the state.

During his visit to Delhi, Yediyuruppa met Prime Minister Modi, Nadda, Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. His visit to New Delhi came in the backdrop of growing voices against him in the state unit. "During the visit to Delhi, Yediyurappa was asked to resign over lots of opposition within the party against him," a party functionary said.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Kochi, July 26 : The Kerala High Court on Monday granted two weeks interim bail to two former Kerala Police officials in the infamous ISRO spy case which has been reopened with new proceedings initiated by the CBI.

The single judge bench said that the two -- S. Vijayan and Thampi S. Durgadutt -- should not be arrested and if the probe agency arrests them, they should be produced in the court and given bail the same day itself.

Vijayan and Dutt are the first and second accused in a new FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with the Thiruvananthapuram Chief Judicial Magistrate's court last month.

In this FIR, 18 people, including top former Kerala Police and Intelligence Bureau officials, have been charged for conspiracy and fabrication of documents.

The case first surfaced in in 1994 when ISRO scientist S. Nambi Narayanan was arrested on charges of espionage along with another senior ISRO official, two Maldivian women and a businessman.

Nambi Narayan was freed by the CBI in 1995 and since then he has been fighting a legal battle against those who falsely implicated him. Things changed for him after numerous long-drawn court battles when the Supreme Court in 2020 appointed a three-member committee headed by retired judge Justice D.K. Jain to probe if there was a conspiracy among the then police officials to falsely implicate Narayanan.

On June 28, a new team of the CBI from New Delhi arrived in the state capital to look at the case from a different angle, and ascertain if there was any conspiracy on the part of the probe teams of the Kerala Police and the IB.

Sources in the know of things revealed that the new CBI team has already started their probe and will very soon call the witnesses and those named in the FIR and speculations are that they might even arrest some.

The list of accused in the FIR includes former Gujarat DGP and then IB Deputy Director, R.B. Sreekumar, Kerala's former DGP Siby Mathews, besides other police officials which include Vijayan, Durgadutt, and K.K. Joshua, who were all from the local police, which first registered the ISRO spy case.

Apart from Mathews, another official whose name figures in the FIR has also secured anticipatory bail and the news is that many others are also approaching the court for similar relief as they fear they might be arrested.

Narayanan has now received a compensation of Rs 1.9 crore, for suffering wrongful imprisonment, malicious prosecution and humiliation, from various agencies, including the Kerala government, which, in 2020, paid him Rs 1.3 crore and later awarded another Rs 50 lakh as directed by the Supreme Court in 2018, and another Rs 10 lakh as directed by the National Human Rights Commission.
Mumbai, July 26 : Actor Abhay Deol's first Disney film 'Spin' is all set to release on Independence day, digitally.

The film also starring Avantika and Meera Sayal, is directed by Manjari Makijany.

'Spin' follows Rhea (Avantika), an Indian American teen who learns she has a passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the textures of her Indian heritage and the world around her. Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, Molly, Watson and Ginger, her after-school coding club, her family's Indian restaurant and her tight-knit, multigenerational family, which has only grown closer since her mother's passing. Everything changes when she falls for aspiring DJ Max and a long-lost fervor for music is re-ignited. Rhea discovers that she has a natural gift for creating beats and producing music but must find the courage to follow her true inner talent.

'Spin' releases on Disney International HD and Disney+ Hotstar Premium on August 15.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chandigarh, July 26 : Just 5.35 per cent people in Punjab have got both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, state Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said on Monday.

He said the state has been able to vaccinate 94,79,351 people, out of which 77,16,433 have received the first dose and 17,62,918 completed their vaccination with both doses.

Sidhu said Punjab has been receiving less supply of vaccine and he been urging the central government to expedite the vaccine supply so that the state can safeguard its population by vaccinating them with both doses of the vaccine.

To avoid a third wave of Covid-19 apart from health infrastructure, vaccine supply needs to be ramped up by the Union government so that entire population can be covered, the minister said in a statement.

Amid fear of the third wave, the state government has been gearing up to tackle an anticipated load of patients, he said.

The Health Department has strengthened the health infrastructure with the enhanced bed capacity, 9,000 oxygen concentrators, 75 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants have been added in a short span of time.

Commenting on the fourth sero survey conducted by the ICMR in four districts of Punjab, the Health Minister said 63.15 per cent of population had Covid antibodies and amongst the healthcare workers 83.25 per cent had antibodies.

Out of these four districts, Ludhiana had the maximum positivity of 71 per cent among the general population.

Sidhu said as per the survey the state has much higher number of cases than the number reported. Considering the high prevalence of Covid among the population, he appealed all to follow appropriate behaviour till the entire population is completely vaccinated with both doses.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Kolkata, July 26 : Bengali film actress Ritabhari Chakraborty took to social media on Monday to refute speculation about her wedding bells ringing.

Ritabhari issued a statement on Instagram saying she is not tying the knot anytime soon.

"I am not getting married anytime soon. I just recovered from two surgeries as you all know so all am focusing is on my health and all the projects I have signed to work on.

PS - No more articles or calls on this please. I am not going to talk about this," reads her Instagram post on Monday.

The actress' social media post comes amid unconfirmed reports speculating about a possibility of her engagement later this year and her wedding next year.

Specifications suggest that the actress might be tying the knot with her rumoured beau Tathagata Chatterjee, a psychologist by profession.

On the work front, Ritabhari's film 'Brahma Janen Gopon Kommoti', which released last year, received acclaim and the actress was lauded for her performance.

She also features in the situational comedy film 'Tiki-Taka' helmed by Parambrata Chattopadhyay.

Reports suggest that the actress is planning to step into production soon.
Bhubaneswar, July 26 : Now, people in Odisha's temple town Puri can drink water directly from the tap and there is no need to store or filter the water as the facility is available round the clock, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said here on Monday.

With this the Jagannath Dham also become the first city in India to provide "drink from tap" quality water 24X7, he said while inaugurating the "Drink from Tap -- Sujal" project in the town through video conferencing mode.

"Puri now joins the league of global cities like London, Singapore and New York, which is a matter of pride for all of us.

"Today, a new chapter has been added in the development history of not only Puri, but the whole of Odisha. From today, all families in the Jagannath Dham Puri have got access to quality drinking water through taps," Patnaik said.

The chief minister said his government has enhanced the budgetary allocation under drinking water supply by 20 times in past five years, from Rs 200 crore to Rs 4,000 crore.

This transformative initiative of the Odisha government's 'Sujal' or 'Drink From Tap' mission falls under the 5T governance mantra and is set to benefit the city's 2.5 lakh local population and 2 crore tourists who visit the holy city annually.

The government has set up 400 drinking water fountains in various places of the city. This provision of safe drinking water will further help prevent the usage of plastic bottles eliminating 400 metric tonnes of plastic waste, he pointed out.

Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) have been designated as "Jalsaathis" and they have a major role to play for the success of the project, he added.

Underprivileged women from Self Help Groups part of Mission Shakti, designated as Jalsaathis, have been hired as a key community link between public and the government on a performance-based and incentive-linked programme that furthers Odisha's long standing commitment to women empowerment and inclusion.

Apart from Puri, the mission is being implemented in 16 other cities across Odisha covering its 40-lakh population, said state Housing and Urban Development Minister Pratap Jena.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Srinagar, July 26 : An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Monday, officials said.

"Encounter has started at Aharbal area of Kulgam. Police and security forces are on the job," a police officer said.

The firefight began after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on basis of specific information about presence of terrorists there.

As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding, they came under a heavy volume of fire and retaliated, triggering the encounter.
New Delhi, July 26 : Amid uproar over the Pegasus issue, the government offered truce on the floor of the Rajya Sabha and said its willing to talk to the Leader of Opposition. Leader of the Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal said the government is willing to talk to the opposition.

Goyal said, "I invite all the leaders of the House for a cup of tea at 6 p.m. The government is reaching out to everyone, it can't just be -- my way or highway." While Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "I reached out to Hon'ble LoP in the morning and said that 'I and Leader of the House Piyushji wanted to meet you' but he said, 'I will consult all the colleagues then get back to you'." The opposition parties raised the issue that they are not being allowed to speak. Raising point of order under rules, T. Siva said, why the LoP's mic was switched off.

On Monday, the opposition forced repeated adjournments in the House as it was first adjourned till 12 noon, then till 2 p.m. and then again after several adjournments for the day.

The pandemonium broke after the Chair disallowed a suspension notice moved by the opposition parties on the issue of the 'Pegasus Project'.

The opposition shouted slogans and held placards in the well of the House and demanded discussion on the snooping issue which was not allowed by the Chair.

The Deputy Chairman tried to run the House during the question hour while some questions were asked but reply could not be heard, after which the House was adjourned till 2 p.m.

Earlier, the chairman M. Venkiah Naidu said the notice by T. Siva, E. Kareem and Mallikarjun Kharge was not allowed which led to ruckus in the House that forced the Chair to adjourn it till 12 noon.

The floor leaders of the opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha met at the chamber of Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha -- Kharge, to devise a strategy on the Pegasus snooping issue and jointly decided to press their demands.
Kolkata, July 26 : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee left for Delhi on Monday amid speculation about her attempt to unite the opposition ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Though the chief minister didn't say a word about her busy schedule in the national capital for the next four days, sources in the CMO (Chief Minister's Office) indicated that besides meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee is likely to hold several meetings with opposition leaders.

Banerjee left for Delhi at 3.35 p.m. She will meet Modi on July 28 besides also likely meet President Ram Nath Kovind during her stay.

"There are several issues like the appointment of the DGP, the financial aid post-Yaas and the regularisation of the supply of vaccines for the state which are going to take the centre-stage. This will be the chief minister and prime minister's first meeting after the controversial Kalaikunda incident. The meeting invited a lot of debates," a senior official of the state secretariat said.

Banerjee is expected to host tea for opposition leaders at 3 p.m. on July 28, possibly at the home of her nephew, and Trinamool Congress MP and General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee in Delhi.

The chief minister had issued an appeal for unity on July 21 Martyrs' Day speech that was screened in Delhi and attended by top leaders, including the Congress' P. Chidambaram and NCP chief Sharad Pawar. The guest list is now a subject to speculation but it is expected that it would range from Congress to DMK, from TRS to RJD and from Akali Dal to AAP.

On July 21 the country has already witnessed the presence of a large number of opposition leaders leaving ample scope to believe that most of them will be present in the tea-party thrown by the chief minister. Apart from Chidambaram and Pawar, others present were Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, the NCP's Supriya Sule, the DMK's Tiruchi Siva, Keshav Rao of the TRS and Manoj Jha from the RJD.

The Shiv Shena's Priyanka Chaturvedi, the Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav and Jaya Bachchan, the AAP's Sanjay Singh and the Akali Dal's Balwinder Singh Bunder were also present.

Though there is no official confirmation about the chief minister meeting with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi but sources in the party indicated that there is a possibility of Banerjee's meeting with Sonia Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The chief minister is also likely to go to the Parliament during her stay in Delhi.
New Delhi, July 26 : The government is focusing on enhancing the road infrastructure along the India-China border for which it has identified 73 critical roads of 4,203 km that are being accorded highest priority with dedicated funding.

In a written reply to Naresh Bansal in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, said that the government is fully seized of the security needs of the country and reviews the same from time to time.

The required measures, including development of infrastructure like construction of roads, tunnels and strategic railway lines, are taken to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India, the minister said.

As per the operational requirements of the armed forces and the need for development in the border areas, road construction is taken up by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

"Among these, 73 critical roads have been designated as India-China border roads with 4,203 km length and are being accorded highest priority with dedicated funding," the minister said.

Further, to ensure all-weather connectivity to the far-flung areas, construction of tunnels has also been undertaken across passes. Currently, construction of four tunnels is underway.

Infrastructure development in Uttarakhand is being holistically executed with budgetary support from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, state public works department and Central projects like Bharatmala and Chardham, the MoS said.

As on date, 21 roads with a length of approximately 800 km are being constructed and upgraded by the BRO over and above certain roads being constructed by the state PWD, Bhatt said.

China has been enhancing road and military infrastructure rapidly for the last several years along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In January this year, acknowledging the reports of construction by China in the Arunachal Pradesh region, the Ministry of External Affairs had said, "We have seen recent reports on China undertaking construction work along the border areas with India." The Indian government had then categorically pointed out that it is keeping a constant watch on all the developments having a bearing on India's security.
New Delhi, July 26 : President Ram Nath Kovind visited Baramulla on the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas on Monday and paid homage to all those who lost their lives in the Kargil war while protecting the nation.

He was accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha and Lieutenant General DP Pandey, General Officer Commanding Chinar Corps.

He paid homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces personnel during the Kargil conflict in 1999 by laying a wreath at the Dagger War Memorial in Baramulla during a solemn ceremony.

The President was received by Major General Virendra Vats, General Officer Commanding Baramulla Division and was briefed about the town's history, highlighting the contribution of the town in various operations post-independence.

He interacted with the soldiers of Baramulla Division and wished them luck in all future endeavours.

After visiting Baramulla, the President proceeded to Gulmarg and visited the High Altitude Warfare School. He was briefed on the various facets of training there.

Kovind paid homage to the Indian armed forces at Baramulla after he could not make it to Dras War Memorial as planned earlier due to bad weather.

This is not the first time bad weather has prevented the President from visiting Dras.

In 2019 also bad weather prevented the President from visiting Dras to participate in the Kargil Vijay Diwas. He instead paid tribute by laying a wreath at a war memorial at the Army's 15 Corps headquarters in Badamibagh in Srinagar.

The President flew to Srinagar on Sunday for a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
Chandigarh, July 26 : German Ambassador to India, Walter J. Lindner, on Monday called on Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here and discussed a range of issues, including climate change and collaboration.

Lindner inquired about welfare schemes with special reference to Parivar Pehchan Patra and crop diversification schemes, an official statement by the government said.

Explaining about the Parivar Pehchan Patra scheme, the Chief Minister said a system has been created to identify each family as a single unit so that it can avail the direct benefits of the government schemes.

He said the government has been promoting less water consuming crops under the Crop Diversification Scheme. This is also helping farmers increasing their income.

The envoy expressed concern over Covid-19 situation in the country and the state, on which the Chief Minister replied that the situation in the state was professionally managed, especially during the second wave.

By mapping the initial situation of the pandemic in the second wave, various initiatives were taken like maintaining adequate oxygen supply in hospitals, setting up of temporary hospitals, financial assistance to the patients for getting treatment in private hospitals, adequate supply of food and essentials life-saving drugs.

"We are able to create a harmonious system in order to combat the crisis within the state and we have also extended help to the neighbouring states during the pandemic," Khattar said.

Responding to steps initiated to limit climate change, the Chief Minister said the government is working towards alternative sources of power production like solar energy, especially in state's southern parts.

Lindner assured the Chief Minister that complete support and cooperation would be extended by Germany for development endeavours and other exchange programmes.
Silchar : /Aizawl, July 26 (IANS) The Assam-Mizoram border trouble flared up on Monday with at least 20 officials and civilians injured and vehicles damaged in clashes as both Chief Ministers sought Union Home Minister Amit Shah's urgent intervention.

Officials of both states, including Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli, and Superintendent of Police Nimbalkar Vaibhav Chandrakant, are camping at trouble-torn Lailapur area in Assam's Cachar district, which borders Mizoram's Kolasib, as they try to calm down the situation.

Assam officials claimed that a large number of people from Mizoram attacked them, injuring 16, six km inside the state, while Mizoram officials claimed that people from Assam damaged a vehicle in which a Mizo couple was travelling to the state. There were reports that there was some firing too but officials did not confirm it.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga, in a series of tweets, sought to blame each other's officials for the situation, while calling on Amit Shah to urgently intervene to control the situation.

The Mizoram CM, in his tweets where he tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Shah, said: "Dear Himantaji, after cordial meeting of CMs by Hon'ble Shri Amit Shah ji, surprisingly two companies of Assam Police with civilians lathicharged & tear gassed civilians at Vairengte Auto Rickshaw stand inside Mizoram today (Monday). They even overran CRPF personnel and Mizoram Police.

"Hon'ble Himanta Biswa Sarma ji, as discussed I kindly urge that Assam Police be instructed to withdraw from Vairengte for the safety of civilians." Tagging videos of the border clashes, Zoramthanga said : "Shri Amit Shah ji. kindly look into the matter. This needs to be stopped right now.

In another tweet, he said: "Innoncent couple on their way back to Mizoram via Cachar manhandled and ransacked by thugs and goons. How are you going to justify these violent acts?" Sarma, in his tweets, said : "I have just spoken to Hon'ble Chief Minister Zoramthanga ji. I have reiterated that Assam will maintain status quo and peace between the borders of our state. I have expressed my willingness to visit Aizawl and discuss these issues if need be." "Honble Zoramthanga ji, Kolasib SP is asking us to withdraw from our post until then their civilians won't listen nor stop violence. How can we run government in such circumstances? Hope you will intervene at earliest." He also tagged Amit Shah and the PMO in his tweets.

Mizoram's Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit districts abut Assam's Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi districts.

The inter-state border troubles issues were discussed when the Union Home Minister met the Chief Ministers of eight northeastern states in Shillong on Saturday. The first Chief Minister-level meeting to resolve the border troubles between Assam and Meghalaya was held on Friday in Shillong and both sides decided to solve disputes in 12 bordering locations in a phased manner.

According to Assam Police, since October last year, several inter-state border skirmishes have taken place along the 164.6 km border in which one man was killed, and over 50 people injured, besides large scale damage caused to properties, including government-run schools, shops and houses along the border.

The Assam Chief Minister, during the ongoing Assembly session, said that 1,777 hectares of land in the three districts bordering Mizoram have been encroached by Mizos. Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo rebutted the claim, saying that the lands referring by the Assam Chief Minister had been with residents of Mizoram's border villages for over 100 years, and hence, there is no question of encroachment.

Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana had said earlier that the crops of Mizo farmers had been destroyed at Buarchep (in Kolasib) by the Assam Police earlier this month and demanded adequate compensation by the Assam government.

The Assam-Mizoram border troubles were tamped down last year following the intervention of the Union Home Minister, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, top Home Ministry officials and Chief Ministers of both states and then the central paramilitary troops were deployed along the border to prevent fresh troubles after a series of clashes and blockades on National Highway 306.

But since June 29, the troubles along the borders of the two northeastern states have resumed after the two states accused each other of encroachment at Aitlang hnar near Vairengte, which borders Assam's Hailakandi district.

Tension further shot up when Assam officials reportedly destroyed some plantations at Buarchep in the Phainuam area bordering Cachar district on July 10 during eviction, even as Assam officials claimed that the people of Mizoram encroached more than six km into its territory.

Assam shares borders with six other northeastern states and has boundary disputes with four - Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya besides Mizoram. These and the disputes between the other states have led to violence, and unlawful activities, leading to deployment of Central para-military forces.
Chandigarh, July 26 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday assured a farmers' delegation that he would soon meet Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to raise the demand for further revision in compensation against land acquired by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the 'Bharatmala Pariyojana'.

The farmers have rejected the meagre compensation awarded by the district revenue officers (DROs), who have been designated as competent authority for land acquisitions.

In response to a request by a Road Kissan Sangarsh Committee, a delegation of which met him here, the Chief Minister asked the Financial Commissioner, Revenue to issue detailed instructions not to credit the compensation amount into the accounts of farmers against their will.

He also directed the Director General of Police to ensure that the farmers' land is not forcefully seized.

The issue relates to 25,000 hectares in 15 districts across the state. The land is under process of acquisition for the project covering multiple expressways, viz Delhi-Jammu-Katra, Jamnagar-Amritsar, Ludhiana-Ropar, Bathinda-Dabwali, besides bypass for Jalandhar and Ludhiana.

The Chief Minister directed his Principal Secretary to seek early appointment for a meeting with Gadkari. He stressed the need to resolve the issue on priority to the satisfaction of farmers, who are protesting for the past several months.

He also directed state officials to jointly prepare a comprehensive case, in consultation with the representatives of the committee, to highlight the glaring discrepancies while formulating the compensation award for the farmers under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013.

The Chief Minister ruled out the possibility of referring such cases for arbitration as it would unnecessarily lead to inordinate delay in seeking justice for the farmers.
New Delhi, July 26 : The Delhi Government on Monday said that the Yamuna river cannot become fit for bathing due to absence of a minimum environment flow of water.

In a report submitted to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, the Delhi Government has stated that the minimum environmental flow for dilution of the polluted water in the Yamuna in Delhi will be required to meet the desired water quality levels in the river for bathing.

In its report, the Delhi Government has admitted that out of 35 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) operating in the national capital, 22 STPs do not even meet the wastewater standard prescribed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

It further submitted that of the 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETPs) operating in industrial areas across Delhi, only six comply with the DPCC's standards. "In the absence of a minimum flow of the Yamuna in Delhi, it is very difficult to achieve the bathing quality standard," the Delhi Government's report said.

Flowing over 22 km in Delhi -- from Wazirabad to Okhla, which is less than two per cent of its total length, it accounts for around 80 per cent of the pollution load, according to an earlier report of the DPCC. Delhi's around 18 major drains carrying sewage water, including Shahdara, Najafgarh and Barahpullah drains have been the major source of water pollution.

As per the DPCC, Delhi generates around 720 million gallons sewage per day which is being treated in 35 STPs.
New Delhi, July 26 : The Supreme Court on Monday recorded that Franklin Templeton Asset Management India Pvt Ltd will not launch any new debt scheme till the disposal of its pending appeal before Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT).

In June this year, the SEBI had directed Franklin Templeton to refund investment management and advisory fees to the tune of Rs 512 crore, including interest, collected with respect to its six debt schemes which were shut down last year. The SAT had, however, found the SEBI's penalty on Franklin Templeton as "excessive", for not accounting the expenses borne by the fund house on managing the six wound-up schemes and directed it to deposit Rs 250 crore in an escrow account till the case is heard and disposed.

On Monday, a bench comprising Justices Abdul Nazeer and Krishna Murari took on record a submission made by the fund house that it would not launch any new debt scheme till the pendency of the appeal before SAT.

The bench, however, refused to interfere in the other part of the order, which directed the Franklin Templeton to pay Rs 250 crore against demand of Rs 512 crore, and granted four weeks to the petitioner to file their reply before the tribunal.

"We request the tribunal to dispose of the main matter as expeditiously as possible," it said.

As Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the SEBI, submitted that Rs 512 crore was calculated based upon the statutory dues, the bench asked Franklin Templeton's counsel as to how Rs 512 crore was reduced to Rs 250 crore, by the interim order of SAT. The counsel replied it is going to be heard and the company is not going anywhere.

The bench told Mehta, who had objected to the SAT reducing the amount to half, that it is a first appeal and normally in a money decree, the normal thing is to pay 50 per cent.

It told Franklin Templeton's counsel that he knows what had happened to their 6 schemes. "We are still struggling with those schemes," it noted.

As the counsel replied: "Between today and 31st, no scheme will be launched", the bench responded: "Can we record that? Because we are not worried about Rs 250 or 500 crore. Public can't be cheated and public should not be cheated." Senior counsel A.M. Singhvi and Harish Salve agreed that their statement can be recorded that no new scheme will be launched until disposal of appeal. Recently, the top court held that consent of majority unitholders was necessary for winding up of debt schemes after the publication of notices.

The market regulator had also barred Franklin Templeton from launching any new debt schemes for a period of two years. However, the SAT had set aside this order. SEBI moved the top court challenging SAT's directions.
London, July 26 : Staying in touch with friends and family via technology made many older people feel more lonelier and more depressed than no contact at all, researchers have research.

The study, led by researchers from the UK's Lancaster University, showed that many older people experienced a greater increase in loneliness and long-term mental health disorders as a result of the switch to online socialising than those who spent the pandemic on their own, the Guardian reported.

"We were surprised by the finding that an older person who had only virtual contact during lockdown experienced greater loneliness and negative mental health impacts than an older person who had no contact with other people at all," said Dr Yang Hu of Lancaster University.

"We were expecting that a virtual contact was better than total isolation but that doesn't seem to have been the case for older people," he added.

The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Sociology.

The problem was that older people unfamiliar with technology found it stressful to learn how to use it. But even those who were familiar with technology often found the extensive use of the medium over lockdown so stressful that it was more damaging to their mental health than simply coping with isolation and loneliness, the report quoted Yang as saying.

"Extensive exposure to digital means of communication can also cause burnout. The results are very consistent," he said.

The team collected data from 5,148 people aged 60 or over in the UK and 1,391 in the US -- both before and during the pandemic.

"It's not only loneliness that was made worse by virtual contact, but general mental health: these people were more depressed, more isolated and felt more unhappy as a direct result of their use of virtual contact," he said.

Yang said more emphasis needed to be placed on safe ways to have face-to-face contact in future emergencies. There must also, he added, be a drive to bolster the digital capacity of the older age groups.

The findings outlined the limitations of a digital-only future and the promise of a digitally enhanced future in response to population ageing in the longer term, he noted.
New Delhi, July 26 : The Supreme Court on Monday gave a free hand to the CBI to probe the alleged conspiracy to frame ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in an espionage case in 1994 as the agency, in a status report, informed the top court that it has registered an FIR against former Kerala DGP Siby Mathews and others in the matter.

A bench headed by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar said: "It is mentioned in the report after examining relevant aspect, the FIR has been registered. Now the law has to take its course." Advocate Amit Sharma, counsel for Mathews, and advocate Kaleeswaram Raj, counsel for another accused, submitted that the Justice D.K. Jain Committee report has not been shared with the accused, and argued that the CBI's refusal to do so is causing prejudice to the accused in availing their statutory remedies. They also contended that the central probe agency is relying on the report in the FIR.

The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, noted that the CBI cannot proceed on the basis of the report of a panel headed by former top court judge Jain, formed in September 2018, to examine the matter, and the agency will have to collect material in the case independently.

"The report by itself cannot be the basis to proceed against the respondents or persons named as accused in the FIR registered by the CBI," said the bench.

"The CBI has decided to proceed in the matter and further steps should follow as per law." It further added: "We make it clear that our earlier order only required that Justice D.K. Jain report shall not be made public and not the FIR." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, then informed the top court that the FIR will be uploaded during the course of the day.

The apex court said the committee's report has been acted upon, therefore the Jain committee may cease to function.

On April 15, the top court had ordered the CBI to probe the role of Kerala Police officers in framing of Narayanan in the 1994 espionage case. Accepting the report submitted by panel headed by Justice Jain (retd), the top court said the matter is very serious and it requires CBI probe.

The bench had asked the then acting CBI Director to take charge of the case and treat the inquiry report given by Justice Jain panel as a preliminary inquiry report to conduct further investigation into the matter. The CBI was asked to file status report on its investigation in three months. The top court had ordered that panel's report should be kept confidential in sealed cover.

Earlier, the top court had directed the Kerala government to cough up Rs 50 lakh compensation for compelling Narayanan to undergo "immense humiliation".
Mumbai, July 26 : Notching a major milestone, Maharashtra became the first and only state, so far, to fully vaccinate more than one crore people against Covid, a top official said on Monday.

"A total of 1,00,64,308 were fully vaccinated with the two doses of Covid-19 vaccine here till 4 p.m. today (Monday)," said Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Pradeep Vyas.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Health Minister Rajesh Tope lauded the Health Department's efforts culminating in the record figures of over one crore populace getting both the doses.

Till date, 3,16,09,227 people in the state have got their first jabs and the state has administered a total of 4,13,19,105 vaccinations (first and second doses) till Sunday, said Tope.

The state has been averaging roughly over 100,000 Covid-19 vaccination doses administered daily in the biggest inoculation drive at around 4,100 centres in 36 districts.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Panaji, July 26 : Goa Power Minister Nilesh Cabral and his Delhi counterpart Satyendar Jain on Monday had a much anticipated public face-off over the virtues of the power tariff structures in place in the two states.

The public debate between the two ruling politicians took place in Panaji, more than a week after Cabral challenged the Aam Aadmi Party -- which is gearing up for a high visibility election campaign ahead of the 2022 polls and which has promised free 300 units of power for domestic connections, as well as uninterrupted 24x7 power supply, if the party comes to power.

During the debate Jain said that the free 300 power units would serve as a boon to nearly 87 per cent households in Goa.

"Nearly 87 per cent households consume less than 300 units of electricity. The announcement made by the AAP will benefit all these households. They will get a zero bill," Jain said.

Cabral however contended that there are no free lunches and that if power is given free of cost or at a highly subsidised rate, then a government would invariably tax the taxpayer through other channels.

"Nothing is free in this world. Whatever they are providing for the people of Delhi is taken from the taxpayers of Delhi and besides, their government's borrowings run into crores of rupees," Cabral said.

The Goa Power Minister also said that private power distribution companies in the national capital were indirectly benefited by the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led government.

Cabral also said that the tariff structure in Goa was unique and the power rates in the coastal state were already low compared to the national average.

"Here, the Goa government is itself the distributor and we have kept rates low. Our power tariff, no matter how many units one uses, doesn't go beyond Rs four per unit for the consumer. In Delhi, if you cross 200 hundred units, even after the subsidy from the government, the rate is higher than what is paid for the same number of units in Goa," Cabral shot back.

This is the second time that tariff structures in the two states, have triggered rhetoric between leaders of two political parties.

In November last year, Cabral and AAP MLA and Delhi Jal Board vice chairman Raghav Chaddha had also raised hype about a debate over the power tariffs in their respective states.
New Delhi, July 26: The Maldives Police has said that extremists had been plotting to assassinate Mohamed Nasheed, former president and current Speaker, since 2019 and had made many unsuccessful attempts till the 6 May 2021 attack that injured him severely.

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed told media persons that the physical work for the attack on Nasheed had begun in December 2020 though he has been on the assassins' target since 2019.

In a significant development, the Maldives Police revealed that they have made ten arrests till now in connection with the sensational attack on Nasheed. The police also made public the identities of these 10 people for the first time on Saturday.

The attack on Nasheed created headlines across the world as it was a grim pointer to rising extremism and intolerance in the tiny archipelago of barely five lakh people. Nasheed was targeted with an improvised explosive device planted on a cycle. The grievously injured leader was given emergency aid and later flown to Germany for further treatment.

Australian investigators joined the efforts to find out the conspiracy behind the attack.

Maldives media quoted Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Riyaz as saying that the cycle used in the attack was bought in 2019 and the attackers had previously attempted to assassinate him near his earlier residence as well. This was dropped as the terrorists realised the area was not suitable for their plan.

Riyaz stated that another plan hatched by the attackers was to target Nasheed while he would go out for exercise. The plan was to plant the cycle and the bomb near the Marybrown Restaurent that Nasheed would go past. Once again, they found that the place was not conducive for the attack.

The assailants were prepared to give up their lives in their attempts to murder Nasheed, said Riyaz, adding that the IED was planted three days before it was finally used on May 6. The man who is suspected of planting the device too has been arrested.

Maldives is facing turmoil owing to rise in Islamic fanaticism, high-tension political tussle over support to India versus China and the constant debate over 'how much Islamic' the nation ought to be.

Experts told India Narrative that Islamic fanaticism took roots during previous president Mamoon Abdul Gayoom's time, who planted the idea of a moderate version of Islam in the country.

"Ironically, Gayoom also sowed the idea of democracy resulting in both concepts taking root simultaneously. Steadily, after him, both the camps began to develop in the country," adds the expert.

Nasheed is internationally known as a liberal who has been pushing the society towards democratic principles. He has also been a strong climate change campaigner, who organised his first cabinet underwater to highlight the threats to islands like the Maldives from rising temperatures and waters. His efforts at democracy and liberal principles, however, have been met with resistance by right wing parties.

The nation is also in the grip of a debate about pushing more Islamic principles in the society including a ban on tourism. "Even though tourism is possibly the only large revenue-earner for the country, it faces a tide of opposition from extreme right parties as they feel that practices associated with tourism--consumption of alcohol, the lifestyle of tourists and similar other things are a corrupting influence on the Muslim society," says the expert.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
New Delhi, July 26 : Believe it or not, but one of the country's poorest state, Bihar, is the goldmine of the nation, literally, holding country's largest resource gold ore, more than traditional leaders.

This revelation has been made by union minister of mines, coal and parliamentary affairs in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The National Mineral Inventory data on gold resource in the country (including identified reserves), presented in Parliament shows that Bihar has gold ore resource of a staggering 222.8 million tonne (MT), or 42.21 per cent of the total gold ore resource available in the country.

This is far more than Karnataka, the traditional seat of gold mining with its age old Kolar Gold Fields. As per mines ministry data, Karnataka's gold ore resource is just half of that of Bihar at about 103.84 MT.

The mystery around gold resource of Bihar gets deeper as not an inch of mineable land has so far been used in the state and not even an ounce of gold ore dug up. Bihar, traditionally has almost negligible presence in the country's roadmap and the sorry state of erstwhile mineral rich Bihar became a reality after Jharkhand was carved out of the state taking away all the mineable land.

The data presented in Parliament on gold ore resource in the country has been given by Geological Survey of India (GSI) after thorough study of satellite imageries and ground surveys. So, the reserve status gets some degree of credibility. But the fact remains if such a vast resource is available in Bihar, why it has not been exploited so far.

Sources said that a lot of gold ore resource identified in Bihar falls in Naxalite ridden regions that makes government agencies' task of researching the prospect further difficult.

The surveyed gold ore deposits largely lies in Gaya, Rajgir and Jamui districts of Bihar. In the year 2020-21, gold ore exploration projects have been started in Ajaynagar block in Gaya and Siwalik Himalayas belt of West Champaran. Hopefully, the initial work results in details exploration in the state that will help the state shine again on the rich yellow metal.
New Delhi, July 26: Indications from the United States that it could continue bombing Taliban strongholds beyond August 31, when Washington officially departs from the war-torn Afghanistan is bad news for the extremist group as well as its backers--Pakistan and China.

Since last week the US has been carrying out multiple air strikes on Taliban strongholds in support of Afghan army. The main targets are being struck in southern Kandahar province, the historic stronghold of the Taliban, and in Kunduz in the north where the government forces are facing increasing pressure from the Taliban.

So far, the US was meant to launch air strikes only against Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, and not the Taliban after August 31. But since the Taliban has started flouting the rules of the Doha accords with a sweeping attempt to capture territory, the old rules of engagement are now up in smoke. The sudden fragility in the situation is bad news for Pakistan and China-both supporters of the Taliban, which wish to occupy and command the strategic space in the heart of the Hindukush to assert their influence in vast territory in Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.

The series of the US strikes by the drones and bombers has steeled the defiant response of the Afghan government against the Taliban onslaught. After the meeting with the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday, General Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Army Central Command told the media that Washington is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks. "I reassured the government that we will continue to provide airstrikes in defence of ANDSF forces under attack by the Taliban, contract logistic support both here in Kabul and "over-the-horizon" in the region, funding for them, intelligence sharing and advising and assisting through security consultation at the strategic level," Tolo news reported him as saying.

President Ghani had said last week that he has made an extensive "security plan" after discussing his advisors and experts which will surely change the situation in the coming six months. He also spoke to the US President Biden on July 24 and discussed the plan. "President Biden reassured me that support for the ANDSF will continue. We have confidence that they will protect and defend Afghanistan," Ghani said.

Acknowledging the existence of a new plan , McKenzie told the media: "We had very good dialogue on the government's defence plan to stabilise the security situation." Without giving details, he gave all indications that the US will maintain this capability after the withdrawal, so it's possible that the US will continue bombing Afghanistan beyond September. He refused to talk about the air strike operations.

In response the Taliban has warned the US that airstrikes in Kandahar and Helmand provinces will have consequences, calling them a violation of the Doha agreement. Taliban spokesman in Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid asserted that ,"We confirm these air strikes and we condemn this in strongest term, it is a clear attack and violation of the Doha deal as they can't have operations after May." Mujahid was apparently referring to an agreement between the US and the Taliban clearing the way for the withdrawal of US forces. "If they conduct any operation then they will be responsible for the consequences." The US has countered the Taliban's claim, pointing out that it's the Taliban which has violated the agreement by maintaining close ties with al-Qaeda and other foreign terrorist organisations in Afghanistan.

According to a latest report released by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the United Nation Security Council, Al-Qaeda is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces, primarily in the eastern, southern and south-eastern regions and operating under Taliban protection. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K) has moved into other provinces, including Nuristan, Badghis, Sari Pul, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz and Kabul, where fighters have formed sleeper cells. The group has strengthened its positions in and around Kabul, where it conducts most of its attacks, targeting minorities, activists, government employees and personnel of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.

The terror organisations like the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), Khatiba Imam al-Bukhari (KIB), Khatiba Imam al-Bukhari (KIB), Islamic Jihad Group (IJG) Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ETIM are very active and except ISIL-K, all groups are operating under the Taliban.

Even though the US airstrikes have given Afghan forces some tactical advantage and boosted morale, there is no doubt that the Ghani government faces tough days ahead. Afghan security forces are locked in battle with the Taliban militants to reclaim the lost territories and turn the tide. However, the Afghan army can turn the tide if it can successfully and sustainably deploy air power-something that the Taliban lacks.

"We're actually pretty aggressively pushing aircraft into there," McKenzie promised. By this month's end, the Afghan army will get seven UH60 helicopters and four MD 530F gunships and nine Mi-17 helicopters will be handed over before the end of September.

On Saturday, US defence secretary said at the US air force base in Alaska that Afghan military leaders are "committed" and capable of stopping Taliban gains.

"They have the capabilities. They have the capacity to make progress and to really begin to blunt some of the Taliban's advances, but we'll see what happens," he said.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Hyderabad, July 26 : Telugu stars Pawan Kalyan and Rana Daggubati again started the shooting of their film, tentatively titled "PSPK Rana", here on Monday.

The shooting of the multi-starrer film, which is being directed by Saagar K. Chandra, had stopped due to the lockdown in Telangana.

According to the production team, the shoot of the film resumed in the Aluminium Factory here in Hyderabad. Both the actors will be part of this shoot's schedule.

In the film, Pawan will be seen playing a police officer called Bheemla Nayak. His first look was shared by the production house on Monday through their official Twitter handle.

Produced by Naga Vamsi, the film is the official remake of Malayalam blockbuster film "Ayyapanum Koshiyum" and will be an action thriller. The film's dialogues are done by Trivikram Srinivas and music is given by S.S. Thaman.

Besides this, Rana is also waiting for the release of his film, "Virata Parvam", which also stars Sai Pallavi in the lead role. The film is directed by Venu Udugula. Rana had recently hinted at his next project by putting a picture of his bulging biceps on social media. While an official announcement is awaited, it is known to be a pan-Indian action entertainer.
New Delhi, July 26: With a few exceptions like the former Chief Secretary level officers Ajit Kumar and Iqbal Khanday, there is no tradition of booking or arresting IAS and IPS officers or conducting raids on their premises in Jammu and Kashmir. Sundays raids by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) teams on the residences of two IAS officers, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and Niraj Kumar, notwithstanding a considerable level of pessimism, makes it clear that membership of the elite All India Services club would be no more an immunity in implementation of the rule of law in the Union Territory.

A 1970-batch IAS officer, Ajit Kumar, was arrested by the J&K State Vigilance Organisation, now known as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), in 2004 after he went underground following the charges of his involvement in a large scale procurement of jute matting for the government schools at exorbitant rates in 1997-98. In 1999, Vigilance Organisation Jammu had booked Kumar and several others in FIR No: 69. He was subsequently released on bail.

Charge sheet was produced in a court against Kumar and others in March 2015. Thereafter, nobody knows about Kumar who retired silently. None of the accused, who included former Directors of School Education of Kashmir and Jammu, is known to have been convicted.

Iqbal Khanday, IAS-1978, was Principal Secretary Planning when he was arrested by the CBI in 2006 in the infamous 'Srinagar Sex Scandal'. Months later, he was released and reinstated. Subsequently, the CBI's witnesses turned hostile and Khanday was appointed as Chief Secretary in 2013. He retired in 2015 and died in 2018.

Saji Mohan (IPS-1995) is the only IPS officer of the J&K cadre who was arrested and dismissed from service, in a drug peddling case of 2009, and convicted with 15-year imprisonment in August 2019. Another IPS officer of 1997 batch was booked and arrested over allegations of bribery during his inter-State deputation in Bihar. He was soon repatriated to J&K where he is now working as IGP. Nothing is on record about his prosecution. One more IPS officer of IGP rank has been placed under suspension multiple times.

The general impression is that not only the IAS and IPS officers but also the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative and Police service officers are 'above the law', even if found law unto themselves. The CBI proceeding against some of them, significantly after the State's reorganisation into UT, is believed to have been sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs which regulates the IPS as well as the IAS.

A highly placed source revealed to India Narrative that the CBI's demand of searches on some IAS officers' residences and offices was discussed and cleared early this year in a high level meeting presided over by the Union Home Secretary AK Bhalla. According to the source, it was flagged that one IAS officer, allegedly involved in J&K's 'gun licence scam' had a track record of impressive performance and had also received awards from the Prime Minister.

The consensus was over permitting the CBI to hold its investigation without interference from any side. So, when the CBI teams swooped down on the 40 premises on Sunday, none of the officers or arms dealers had an inkling of the raids. Officers in the J&K Police and the CRPF, who provide escort to the Central investigation and enforcement agencies, were completely tight lipped with regard to the locations under the crackdown.

It was some time in 2016-17 that a J&K Police intelligence wing learned about the gun licences being issued to a large number of 'outsiders' by different District Magistrates (DMs) and additional DMs.

There were reportedly three categories of the beneficiaries. Some of the applicants were genuinely working in Army, CRPF and other armed forces who wanted to obtain arms licences so as to get the job of security guards in private companies in their home States after retirement. Some of the applicants lived in different States, and never worked with the security forces. They invariably produced forged letters of recommendation from different Commanding Officers. A smaller category of the applicants included criminal elements from outside J&K.

A secret investigation pointed out that a network of agents was managing everything from the forged letters at DM's office to conversion of the licence into a document of the all-India validity at the State Home Department. However, there was no follow up action. Subsequently, ATS Rajasthan caught hold of a man who had transferred huge amounts of money to some bank accounts in J&K. During his sustained interrogation, he divulged that he had been obtaining arms licences from his relative Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, a 2010-batch IAS officer, who had served as DM of Kupwara.

The ATS Rajasthan filed an FIR and sent a questionnaire to the officers who had surfaced as suspects during the investigation. J&K's Vigilance Organisation filed two FIRs but the government did not cooperate with ATS Rajasthan. Consequently, DGP Rajasthan recommended a CBI investigation which was approved by the government and subsequently ordered by the Centre. On Governor NN Vohra's orders, the investigation was finally assigned to the CBI which registered its own FIRs in 2018. It alleged that during 2012-2016, DMs of 20 districts, had "fraudulently and illegally issued bulk arms licences in lieu of monetary consideration".

In March 2020, CBI arrested Ranjan and the former additional DM of Kupwara, Itrat Rafiqui. In a statement, CBI claimed that the two officers, one each from IAS and KAS, had fraudulently issued a large number of the gun licences from 2013 to 2016. In December 2019, CBI conducted a series of raids and searched as many as 17 locations in J&K, Punjab and Delhi NCR.

The agency statement said: "CBI conducted searches at locations spread over Srinagar, Jammu, Gurgaon, Mohali and Noida at the premises of then DC/DM Kupwara, Barmula, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Sopian, Rajouri, Doda, Pulwama, in an on-going investigation of the two cases related to allegations of issuance of around two lakh arms licences from different Districts of Jammu & Kashmir by their respective DC/DM." The searches were carried out at three places in Kashmir, 11 places in Jammu and one each in Gurugram (Haryana), Mohali (Punjab) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh).

On July 12, 2018, then J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik revoked individual gun licences issued between January 2017 and February 2018, citing unearthing of fake gun licensing rackets through "various investigating agencies, particularly ATS and SOG Rajasthan." According to the Rajasthan officials, 1,32,321 of the 1,43,013 licences in Jammu division's Doda, Ramban and Udhampur districts had been issued to non-State subjects. They established that, in all, 4,29,301 gun licences had been issued during the period under investigation in J&K and only 10 per cent of the beneficiaries were the State subjects.

A sample survey of licences in Kupwara showed that no files or registers had been maintained and most of the licences had been issued to outsiders on forged documents.

While the second major crackdown was underway on Sunday, 25 July 2021, the CBI said in a statement that the operation was part of the investigation of FIRs No.18 of 2018 of Vigilance Organisation Kashmir and FIR No. 11 of 2018 of Vigilance Organisation Jammu. It said that in 2012-16, over 2.78 lakh arms licences had been issued to non-entitled persons.

"The Central Bureau of Investigation is today conducting searches at around 40 locations including at Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, Rajouri, Anantnag, Baramulla, Delhi at the official & residential premises of certain then public servants (including IAS, KAS Officers, then DM, then ADM etc.), around 20 gun houses/dealers in an on-going investigation of a case related to arms licence racket", said the CBI statement.

It added: "During investigation and scrutiny of documents, the role of certain gun dealers was found who in connivance with the public servants i.e. the then DM and ADM of concerned District had allegedly issued such illegal arms licenses to the ineligible persons. It was also alleged that the persons who got these licenses were not residents of the places from where the said arms licenses were issued".

Early this year, CBI has launched an extensive investigation, on the direction of a bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, into the irregularities pointed out in vesting of proprietary rights over the State lands in the occupation and possession of thousands of the beneficiaries of the infamous Roshni scam. According to the insiders, over 40 IAS and KAS officers, including former DMs-some of them currently posted as Secretary to Government of India or the Government of J&K-have been allegedly involved in criminal violations of the laws in the two investigations.

Even as many people in J&K believe that most of the highly placed and influential IAS and KAS officers-retired as well as in service-would be spared and eventually taken off the hook, sources insist that all the accused would be interrogated, arrested and prosecuted as per the evidences available against them.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Hyderabad, July 26 : Telangana and Maharashtra Forest Departments on Monday agreed to exchange two lions between the Nagpur Zoo and the Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad.

Two lions of similar breed will be exchanged between the zoos of the two states, it was agreed during a meeting Maharashtra's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests G.S. Sai Prakash had here with his Telangana counterpart R. Shobha and other officials.

The forest officials also discussed movement of tigers across inter-state borders, evacuation of human settlements in the tiger reserves, and setting up of checkposts to curb smuggling.

The officials also discussed the measures taken up in both the states for the protection of vultures.

Sai Prakash praised the Telangana Forest Department for its effective works towards forest conservation along with greenery programme 'Harithaharam'.

The official from Maharashtra wanted to know about success rate of Harithahaharam saplings and its conservation with mutual tie-ups with Panchayat Raj and implementation/amendments under municipal acts and rules.

Targets and of greenery goals and activities undertaken for success of Harithaharam were explained by PCCF, Social Forestry, R.M. Dobriyal through a power point presentation.

Sai Prakash said they were keen to know the guidelines drafted by Municipal and Panchyat Raj Departments and amendments brought to ensure 85 per cent survival rate of planted saplings. Responding to this, Shobha explained the steps taken by the government for the success of Harithaharam in detail.

As part of rural and urban development, every village is permitted to raise a nursery, and a tractor, and a tanker was allotted exclusively, a green budget sanctioned every month, meetings held with officials at all levels, including the panchayat secretary and sarpanch, responsibility fixed for strictly enforcing of plant survival rates, action against negligence, fines over cutting of trees, feeding cattle and continuous monitoring for the protection of forest resources and distribution of six plants for plantation at homes, have yielded good results, she revealed.

Said Prakash said they were planning to implement the techniques and strategies adopted by Telangana for success of their greenery activities.
New Delhi, July 26 : China has been perturbed about the incident leading to the killing of 9 Chinese citizens in a suicide blast in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The deep-rooted fear that the Chinese have of such incidents being repeated has led them to discuss the issue with Pakistan Foreign Minister Mahmood Kureshi and ISI chief Faiz Hameed, who visited China on July 23.

Besides a number of issues discussed by both the sides, the safety and security of Chinese workers dominated the meeting.

The Chinese have been wanting assurances for the safety of the Chinese nationals consistently and the Pakistan establishment has found it to be most challenging to ensure this in a land marked by the presence of various militant entities and consistent violence and terrorism, intelligence sources said.

China's concern is that while it has been showcasing Pakistan as the classic example of success associated with the BRI project, such incidents could cause serious damage to the Chinese initiative, leading to a negative drift.

Sources said that those well versed with Chinese operational tactics in such situations feel that China would want serious commitment from the Pakistani side to safeguard their interests or else it will stall the projects.

The Chinese have also been concerned about the manner of handling of the case by the Pakistani authorities with initial efforts to project the incident as a result of vehicle failure.

The Chinese have been perplexed by the fact that attempts were made by the Pakistani side to portray a suicide incident as an accident caused due to mechanical failure.

This has led to a lack of trust between the two sides and resulted in the Chinese sending a team of officials to investigate the matter, without depending on the Pakistanis.

China has been increasingly concerned about the safety of its projects and the personnel deployed on these projects, as any escalation of such attacks could seriously dampen the interest among Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan.

In the ever-fluid security situation in Pakistan, where numerous groups and militant entities operate at different levels without any semblance of clear allegiance, it is indeed challenging for the Pakistani security establishment to keep the Chinese workers safe and secure.

In December 2020, Chinese businessmen came under attack in Karachi, ostensibly by a lesser known organization -- Sindheedesh Revolutionary Army (SRA).

In May 2017, two Chinese nationals were killed in Balochistan. At that stage, the Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the killings.

In 2017, the Chinese had significant inputs about likely targeting of Chinese nationals by various entities in Pakistan. This resulted in the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad issuing a warning (in December 2017) to all Chinese nationals and companies investing in Pakistan of an imminent "terrorist attack" on Chinese targets.

Chinese nationals were provided with special briefs by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad with detailed instructions on how to deal with an exigency situation involving targeted attacks and also awareness building about local culture, tradition and living style.

They were given leads in the Pakistan Army and police at the locations where they were deployed as part of projects undertaken by Chinese companies so that they could depend on the army/police for security support.

The December 2017 warning could have been based on incidents of targeted attacks on Chinese assets during 2015 and 2016.

Chinese workers have been the target of various Pakistani terror organisations ever since they set up base in Pakistan as part of the CPEC project and other related activities.

As early as in May 2004, the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) had gunned down three Chinese port workers at Gwadar in Balochistan province. In 2013, five oil tankers carrying fuel for a Chinese mining company at Saindak, Balochistan, came under fire by militant groups.

Sources said that China has been mainly concerned about the attacks by ETIM cadres or their co-opted groups on Chinese nationals and projects.

Every incident of attack on Chinese nationals in Pakistan is critically investigated by them to ensure that there is no linkage to ETIM and related groups.

China continues to remain concerned about the Uighur threat ever since it faced the wrath of the group inside China as long back as the 1990s.

At that stage, Uighur militants targeting the Chinese operated out of bases in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Central Asian Republics. In 1997, a Kazakh-based Uighur had carried out a blast in a bus in Beijing and in August 2016, an ETIM bomber had rammed a car into the gates of the Chinese Embassy in the Kyrghyz capital of Bishkek.

In one of the daring incidents in August 2015, two suspected ETIM militants carried out a bomb attack in the Erawan shrine in Bangkok, killing 20 people, including five Chinese nationals.

The location was chosen intentionally since it is visited by Chinese tourists often and Thailand was chosen because of the action by the Thai government in repatriating around 100 Uighurs to China to face persecution.

As long as China indulges in persecution of Muslims in Xinjiang, the threat to Chinese interests would exist from groups such as the TTP, IS and Al-Qaeda, which have traditionally objected to the brutal violation of human rights in Xinjiang.

The IS had also threatened the Chinese government in a video released in March 2017 against the repressive policies of China in Xinjiang.

There is no doubt that groups such as the ETIM can operate more freely and with ease in Afghanistan and Pakistan where they could get the support of other militant organisations based on common sympathy and mutual regard.

Sources said that operating in these territories with the help of other entities and using their cover prevents the ETIM from being identified as involved in such crimes.

Moreover, the ETIM would want the responsibility for such attacks on the Chinese to be shared by a variety of militant groups to portray the larger spread of hatred among the Islamic militant groups against the Chinese.

The fact that the Chinese have sent an investigating team to probe the case of the latest blast in Pakistan is also an indication of the low degree of trust that exists between the two sides.

The visit by the Chinese investigating team has also led to strong objections from different sections of the media, which claimed that such a practice is damaging to the credibility of the Pakistani security establishments.

There is no doubt that with the situation getting increasingly complex in Afghanistan and the possibility of heightened activation by radical Islamic groups, Chinese assets in Pakistan could be targeted more frequently by Pakistan-based militant groups working in cohorts with the ETIM.

Any amount of promise by Pakistan on this count will not hold good as the Pakistan government and security forces have themselves not been able to secure their critical institutions from such attacks.

The attack on the military school in Peshawar in December 2014 that killed 149 people, including 132 school children, several of whom belonged to the families of Pakistan Army officers, brings out the degree of security that the Pakistan security establishments and its army provide.

If the army cannot protect a school belonging to it, expecting assurances from the Pakistan government on fool-proof security for Chinese workers is a farce.

The Chinese would have to face the situation as it comes, since they have committed themselves significantly towards showcasing the success of the BRI project in Pakistan.
Bengaluru, July 26 : Outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who tendered his resignation to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Monday, stated that he won't suggest any name to the party as his successor, but party sources say that he is never going to be a mute spectator to the process.

"He will not take any development sidelining him very lightly, as he knows his strength of being an unparalleled mass leader in the state. The BJP, knowing very well his strength, wanted him to announce the name of the new Chief Minister to gain momentum," a source said.

According to sources, Yediyurappa is rooting for Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai or Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol, as Bommai, though being a strong leader, is his staunch supporter and Karjol will never cross his line and the calculation is being Yediyurappa could continue as a 'super Chief Minister' in the state.

However, BJP's General Secretary, Organisation, B.L. Santhosh, who can wield influence at the party parliamentary board, is expected to put brakes on Yediyurappa having his candidate to succeed him.

The party is seriously considering the candidature of Santhosh himself, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Speaker Vshveshwara Hegde Kageri for the post. However, the high command is not able to take a call on this as all hail from the Brahmin community and the party doesn't want to antagonise the Lingayats.

Hence, the party is also considering names of MLA Aravind Bellad, Basavanagouda Patil Yatnal, and Bommai for the post if they decide to install a Lingayat Chief Minister. National General Secretary C.T. Ravi and Deputy Chief Minister Ashwath Narayan's names are also being discussed, as both are loyal party leaders and Hindutva proponents. They belong to the Vokkaliga community.

Sources says that Yediyurappa's choice of successor will give a tough time to the high command. When he stepped down as Chief Minister in 2012, the party, under the guidance of veteran leader L.K. Advani, wanted to name Jagadish Shettar to the post.

However, a wounded Yediyuarappa not only challenged the senior leader and forced the party high command to conduct internal elections in a five-star hotel in Bengaluru, he managed to ensure the win of D.V. Sadananda Gowda.

A year later, Yediyurappa changed his mind and this time installed Shettar as the CM, much to the chagrin of the party seniors.

The party central leadership had to suffer severe embarrassment at the national level after these developments.

Speculations are rife on whether Yediyurappa now will be able to face the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amith Shah to pursue his agenda. So far, Yediyurappa has toed their line and has never given any damaging statement on the party.

Back in 2012, Yediyurappa enjoyed the support of more than 50 BJP MLAs. The scenario has changed now. It is to be seen whether Yediyurappa takes diktats of the party or he will be able to challenge the current central leadership.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Hyderabad, July 26 : Former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer R.S. Praveen Kumar on Monday denied that he is extending support to any candidate in the ensuing by-election to Huzurabad Assembly constituency in Telangana.

He appealed to people not to believe the fake news that he is supporting somebody in Huzurabad.

Praveen Kumar, who recently took voluntary retirement from service, tweeted that his support will always be for education, health and employment. He said the money being distributed among voters in Huzurabad should be used for these purposes.

Stating that he is just settling down after taking retirement, he requested all not to drag him into controversies.

In a surprising move, the 1995 IPS batch officer last week applied for voluntary retirement from service. The Telangana government accepted his request.

The officer, who still had six years of service left, said it was not easy to arrive at this life-changing decision, given his humble beginnings and the arduous journey to become an IPS officer.

"I shall use the rest of my life to fulfill the unfinished dreams of doyens of social justice, Mahatma Phule, Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Manyawar Shri Kanshiram, and many more torchbearers of our country. I sincerely pray to you all to bless and guide me as I start this new phase of my journey," he had said in his message while announcing his decision.

Praveen Kumar's move triggered speculations that he may be entering politics. However, asked about this, he said: "I don't have any other agenda except serving the poor and disadvantaged communities. I will not leave the way shown by Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram, and Kumram Bheem. I will not be bought by someone nor will I sell anything." The Secretary of the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS) and the Telangana Tribal Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TTWREIS) for the last seven years, he had, as TSWREIS Secretary, played an instrumental role in uplifting and empowering students from underprivileged communities.
New Delhi, July 26 : Real estate major DLF on Monday reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 338.71 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2021.

It had reported a net loss of Rs 72.59 crore during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.

The company reported a consolidated revenue growth of 92 per cent on a YoY basis to Rs 1,243 crore.

The company's board has recommended a dividend of Rs 2 per share.

DLF said that new sales bookings exhibited a sustained performance sequentially and stood at Rs 1,014 crore, reflecting a YoY growth of 567 per cent.

Furthermore, the real estate major said it continues to focus on improving collections amidst tight cost control measures which have led to surplus cash generation of Rs 141 crore during the quarter.

Consequently, the company's net debt stood at Rs 4,745 crore.

"We are witnessing encouraging demand in the residential business. Since the pandemic, the inherent demand for homes has gone up, it has reaffirmed that home is the safest place and is an important asset class for most families," it said in a statement.

"The launch of 'Independent Floors' across Gurgaon continues to garner an enthusiastic response from the market and exhibited healthy absorption trends. We clocked new products sales booking of Rs 542 crore during the quarter. The luxury segment remains attractive, with Camellias witnessing sustained demand despite the resurgence of the pandemic."
New Delhi/Kabul, July 26 : Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the recent Human Rights Watch and other verified independent sources' report on documenting the Taliban's violence and crimes, and "strongly condemns these reprehensible crimes".

"The reports by verified independent resources and media indicate that the Taliban forces perpetrate in areas under their control unpardonable and prosecutable crimes, including illegal arrests, arbitral killings, torturing civilians, forced marriages, and violation of basic human rights, particularly women's rights," the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan calls on the international community, human rights agencies, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to cooperate with the Afghan Government in preventing the Taliban's organised atrocities and prosecution of the perpetrators to put an end to impunity in Afghanistan," it added.

The Afghanistan government, while appreciating the independent verified international agencies' efforts in confirming the Taliban's non-compliance to their international commitments and the Doha Peace Agreement, stresses the need to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Human Rights Council and dispatching a fact-finding delegation to assess and follow up on the Taliban's violations and crimes against humanity, it added.

IANS had reported that Taliban forces that have taken control of districts in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province have detained hundreds of residents whom they accuse of association with the government.

Human Rights Watch said the Taliban have reportedly killed some detainees, including relatives of provincial government officials and members of the police and army.

The watchdog said that after Taliban forces took control of Kandahar's Spin Boldak border crossing with Pakistan on July 8, and the Spin Boldak district centre on July 16, they conducted searches to identify residents who have worked for the local government or security forces.

Taliban forces that control areas around Kandahar city have carried out similar searches and have evicted some residents.

Taliban have taken more than 300 people into custody and have detained them in unidentified locations.

"There are grave concerns that Taliban forces in Kandahar may commit further atrocities to retaliate against the government and security forces," said Patricia Gossman, Associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Taliban leaders have denied responsibility for any abuses, but growing evidence of expulsions, arbitrary detentions, and killings in areas under their control are raising fears among the population." (Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at sanjeev.s@ians.in)
Mumbai, July 26 : Weak global cues, as well as volatility unleashed via the results season, subdued the Indian equity markets on Monday.

Both indices failed to hold on to their intra-day gains and broke a two-day winning streak.

Besides, Q1FY22 results from frontline stocks failed to excite investors at a time when the other Asian markets reeled under regulatory pressures and rising Covid cases.

The S&P BSE Sensex closed at 52,852.27, lower by 123.53 points, or 0.23 per cent, from its previous close.

Similarly, NSE Nifty50 ended the day's trade at 15,824.45, lower by 31.60 points, or 0.20 per cent, from its previous close.

"Global stock markets fell on Monday as concerns over tighter regulations in China mounted amid caution ahead of a huge week for US corporate earnings and the Federal Reserve meeting," HDFC Securities' Head of Retail Research, Deepak Jasani, said.

"Nifty continues to face resistance at 15,900. Although Nifty is showing strength, the weakness in other markets, if it continues, can impact the Nifty and we could see some more downside in coming sessions. 15,899-15,768 could be the trading band for the Nifty in the near term." Geojit Financial Services's Head of Research Vinod Nair said: "Global cues were weak as investors worried over the stricter regulations being imposed by the Chinese government in the education and tech sectors, while Singapore's manufacturing output declined 3 per cent in June on month-on-month basis." "Market is also awaiting cues from the US Federal Reserve meeting later this week. Domestically, Nifty opened on negative note and witnessed a roller coaster ride to finally settle at day's low levels."
New Delhi, July 26 : Even when several parts of India are overwhelmed with excessive rainfall and massive flooding, the northeastern states, especially Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, received deficient rainfall in June and till the third week of July.

Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) shows that as on Monday, July 26, the subdivision of Assam and Meghalaya has shown deficient rainfall with departure of -24 per cent; Arunachal Pradesh has shown a departure of -35 per cent, while the NMMT (Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura) subdivision has witnessed a departure of -36 per cent.

State-wise, Arunachal Pradesh leads with -35 per cent, followed by Tripura at -30 per cent, Nagaland and Meghalaya at -28 per cent each, Mizoram at -27 per cent and Assam the least at -22 per cent departure from normal rainfall, which is based on long period average rainfall from 1961 to 2010.

In IMD parlance, -19 per cent to +19 per cent is Normal rainfall; -59 per cent to -20 per cent is considered Deficient rainfall; -90 per cent to -60 per cent is Large Deficient rainfall; 20 per cent to 59 per cent is Excess rainfall; and 60 per cent or more is Large Excess rainfall.

If we consider IMD data from 2000 onwards for the entire northeast region, the year 2018 witnessed deficient rainfall both in June and July (-26.3 per cent and -23.4 per cent, respectively); 2016 saw deficient rainfall in June (-24.1 per cent); 2014 saw deficient rainfall in both June (-20.8 per cent) and July (-24.5 per cent); 2013 too witnessed deficient rainfall in both June (-30.5 per cent) and July (-33.9 per cent); 2010 saw deficient rainfall in July (-26.6 per cent); 2009 saw deficient rainfall in both June (-49.1 per cent) and July (-24.5 per cent); while a major deficient rainfall was witnessed in June 2005 (-40.1 per cent).

"Whenever monsoon will be active in the country as a whole, meaning peninsular India and central India getting good rainfall, northeastern states will get less rainfall. It is just like a mirror image. When northeast India gets good rains, central India will get less rains," IMD Director General (Meteorology) Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told IANS.

Indeed, large parts of central India, including the Konkan coastal areas, Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Vidarbha, have seen rains play havoc over the last week, causing much devastations due to flooding and landslides.

Further explaining the scientific reasoning, Mohapatra said, "When central and peninsular India are getting good rains, monsoon trough is to the south of its normal position. Hence, the monsoon winds do not reach the northeastern states. But when the monsoon trough shifts to the foothills of the Himalayas, winds become southerly (from south), i.e., from Bay of Bengal towards northeastern states. Therefore, the northeast region gets very good rains." According to the IMD, 'monsoon trough' is an elongated low-pressure area which extends from heat low over Pakistan to head Bay of Bengal. This is one of semi-permanent feature of monsoon circulation. Monsoon trough may be a characteristic of east-west orientation of Himalayan ranges and north-south orientation of the Khasi-Jaintia Hills in the northeast.

During the northward march of sun in the northern hemisphere, the continent surrounding the Arabian Sea begin to receive large amounts of heat; not only in the form of radiation from sun, but also flux of heat from the earth's surface into the atmosphere (160 Watts/m2 for the month of June over the arid zones of northwest India, Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries). As a result of this, large input of power, and trough of low pressure form over this region, as per the IMD.

The IMD has divided the northeast region into seven sub-divisions. Of these, especially Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are showing deficient rainfall more than the others.

Generally, the eastern side of monsoon trough oscillates, sometimes southwards and sometimes northwards. Southward migration results in active/vigorous monsoon over major parts of India.

In contrast, the northward migration of this trough leads to break monsoon condition over major parts of India and heavy rains along the foothills of Himalayas and sometimes floods in river Brahmaputra, an IMD official explained.

The IMD had come out with a rainfall variability study for all the states wherein all the analysis of observed rainfall patterns, trends and variability was done based on data of the past 30 years (1989-2018).

For Arunachal Pradesh, only June and annual rainfall shows significant decreasing trend while rest of the months and seasonal rainfall did not show any significant increasing/decreasing trend. All the months, along with seasonal and annual rainfall, showed decreasing trend, the report said.

For Assam, the report mentioned that neither monthly rainfall nor seasonal or annual rainfall showed any significant increasing/decreasing trend. In the monthly rainfall, all months from June-September showed slight decreasing trend. Both seasonal and annual rainfall also showed slight decreasing trend, it said.
New Delhi, July 26 : Ahead of next year's Assembly elections in Uttarakhand, a crucial coordination meeting of the RSS and the BJP is scheduled in Dehradun on July 28-29, sources said.

It is learnt that all the RSS affiliated organisations will also participate in the meeting to ensure better coordination and working with the BJP.

"All the RSS affiliated organisations, such as the ABVP, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Kisan Sangh and others, will participate in the coordination meeting with the BJP," a BJP leader from Uttarakhand said.

Ahead of next year's Assembly polls in the state, the meeting is being considered significant and is expected to be attended by top Sangh functionaries, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand BJP chief Madan Kaushik and few other senior leaders.

Leaders from the RSS affiliated organisations will also attend the meeting.

Sources said that BJP national General Secretary (Organisation), B.L. Santhosh, is likely to participate in the meeting as a representative of the party's central leadership.

"State unit in-charge and national General Secretary Dushyant Gautam might also join the coordination meeting with the RSS and its affiliated organisations," sources said.

The Uttarakhand BJP, however, is maintaining complete silence about the meeting.

When asked who all will be attending the meeting on behalf of the RSS, a senior Uttarakhand BJP functionary said that he did not have any information on this.

"Such meetings are held regularly. Due to the upcoming Assembly polls in the state, a lot of curiosity has been created among the media about the meeting. It's going to be a closed-door meeting for improving coordination within the organisation. The agenda of the meeting cannot be shared with others," he said.

Another leader said that the main agenda will be next year's Assembly polls and how to win the elections for the second consecutive term, which is not a practice in the state. Since the creation of the state, Uttarakhand has had a history of changing the government every five years.

A party leader pointed out that in every election, the RSS plays a crucial role for the BJP's preparations and this time is no different.

"A strategy for reaching out to the people with the works of the Narendra Modi-led government and the state government will be drawn. The RSS may also intervene to end the factionalism in the BJP's state unit," another party leader said.
Patna, July 26 : Relations between the four constituents of the NDA in Bihar seems to be volatile these days, with the latest incident on Monday when Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) President Mukesh Sahani boycotted the alliance's legislature party meeting in Patna.

The meeting was called by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to discuss the approach in Vidhan Sabha during the Monsoon session.

But Sahani, whose four VIP MLAs play a crucial role in providing the majority, is not pleased with the BJP these days.

Sahani, who has already announced that his party will contest the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, was not allowed by UP Police to came out of the Varanasi airport on Sunday as he went there to celebrate the death anniversary of bandit queen Phoolan Devi, in a bit to woo Dalit and backward class voters.

However, police did not allow him to come out from the airport and sent him back to Kolkata.

Following the police action, Sahani told reporters in Varanasi that the BJP's slogan of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Viswas" has come under a question mark.

"We are strugglers by nature and our fight will go long. Hence, I am not afraid of such an action.

"Our coalition government is running firmly in Bihar and we will do the same in Uttar Pradesh too. It is not possible for anyone to suppress me or my party," he said.
New Delhi, July 26 : The Delhi High Court on Monday said all spa operators have to abide with conditions imposed in the order passed by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) for their re-opening amid the Covid pandemic.

As Delhi government counsel cited the July 24 order, issued by the DDMA containing strict conditions for re-opening, a bench of Justice Rekha Palli insisted that spa operators have to abide by these. "They have to." According to the latest unlock guidelines, the DDMA has allowed spas to open from July 26, but all their employees have to be fully vaccinated or undergo RT-PCR test fortnightly.

The court made this observation during the hearing pleas to reopen spas, which have been shut since the beginning of the lockdown in the capital against the backdrop of second wave of Covid.

It emphasised that it is needless to say that all spa operators will abide by the conditions set out in the order, as it disposed of the petitions after taking note of Delhi government counsel's submissions and also made it clear that it would refrain from getting into the details of the conditions imposed upon the spa operators.

The Delhi Wellness Spa Association, in its plea, had submitted that Delhi government's decision to not open spas was arbitrary, unlawful, and unwarranted. It argued that all similar activities, such as gym and salons, have been allowed to open but spas are yet to be permitted to begin their operations.

Last week, the court had said it expected the Delhi government to take a final decision on re-opening spas. It asked the government to consider the centres can be permitted to start functioning subject to conditions amid the pandemic.

On July 5, the court had sought reply from Delhi government and the Centre on the plea filed by owners of two spa centres, alleging excessive delay in issuing guidelines to reopen spa centres. The court had sought explanation from the Delhi government as to why spas were not permitted, against the backdrop of the January order which directed the reopening of spa centres closed during the first wave of the pandemic.
Bengaluru: School building flooded at Alur Village in Badami taluk due to heavy rainfall, at Badami in Bengaluru on Sunday, July 25, 2021. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru: School building flooded at Alur Village in Badami taluk due to heavy rainfall, at Badami in Bengaluru on Sunday, July 25, 2021. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, July 26 : The death toll in flooded regions of Maharashtra shot up from 149 to 192 on Monday while another 25 are still missing, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said.

In the biggest flood rescue operation in the state in decades, 375,178 people have been evacuated and relocated to safer areas after their homes were submerged in flood waters, which was up to 20 feet high in some places.

The largest evacuation took place from western Maharashtra districts - Sangli (206,619), Kolhapur (150,365), Satara (7,530), followed by Konkan districts - Thane (6,930), Sindhudurg (1,271), Ratnagiri (1,200) and Raigad (1,000), and a majority have been housed in 259 relief camps, the SDMA said.

As many as 48 people injured are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur, while a few victims of hill-slides in Raigad have been admitted to specialised hospitals in Mumbai.

On the third day of his tour of the ravaged areas, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray embarked in a helicopter to Kolhapur and Satara, but was forced to cut short his trip and return to Pune.

The region was again lashed by sudden heavy rains leading to poor visibility conditions which prevented landing of the chopper at the Koyna helipad, said an official from the CMO.

Nevertheless, Thackeray discussed the situation with the officials of the districts and ordered that emergency relief works must be carried out with provisions of food, water, medicines and clothes to the affected people immediately, with 1,028 villages directly bearing the brunt of the tragedy.

"So far, the flood waters have not subsided. Even inclement weather conditions persist. But relief work must be carried out with all due precautions," he told the officials.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar went the flooded Sangli where he hopped onto a NDRF boat to survey some of the worst-hit localities of the town still submerged under several feet of water.

Accompanied by Ministers Jayant Patil, Vijay Wadettiwar and Vishwajeet Kadam, Pawar said that in the next couple of days, the CM will make the official announcement on the relief package and other measures for the flood-wrecked regions.

State Energy Minister Nitin Raut started on a tour of Raigad and announced that efforts are underway on a war-footing to restore power supply in the affected districts.

After five days of the flood havoc, the Raigad administration officially called off the rescue operations by the NDRF, SDRF and other agencies and will follow the due procedures to declare those still missing dead, an official said.

However, the rescue operations will continue in the other districts, rescuing people, reaching food or medicine and other aid materials to the victims, said an official of the SDMA.

A total of 33 NDRF teams plus 131 boats and 3 Indian Army teams are still in the field helping out the flood-hit people and even animals wherever possible.

Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari will go on a tour of the Raigad and Ratnagiri districts for a spot-assessment of the situation, a Raj Bhavan official said.

In the past 5 days, many parts of the western and coastal regions witnessed unprecedented record rainfall resulting in over a dozen hillslides and landslips in different districts with huge human toll.

With a majority of the big and small rivers, dams, reservoirs, lakes overflowing and excess waters spilling out, villages, towns and cities were flooded and scores of roads in the regions are still closed for inter-district and inter-state vehicular movement, especially hitting fuel and food supplies.
New Delhi, July 26 : The government has been able to provide safe drinking water to arsenic-affected habitations across six states, the Parliament was told on Monday.

Of the total 10,961 habitations, Assam has 3,026, Bihar 472, Jharkhand five, Punjab 317, Uttar Pradesh 668 and West Bengal has 6,473 habitations, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question by BJP member Neeraj Shekhar.

Further, in all of the 124 arsenic-affected and in 50 out of 53 fluoride-affected rural habitations in Uttar Pradesh, community water purification plants (CWPPs) have been installed, purely as an interim measure, to provide potable water to every household at the rate of 8-10 litre per capita per day to meet their drinking and cooking requirements, the Minister said.

Since August 2019, the Centre, in partnership with states, is implementing 'Jal Jeevan Mission-Har Ghar Jal' to make provision of tap water supply to every rural household by 2024. The estimated outlay of the mission is Rs 3.60 lakh crore, out of which Central share is Rs 2.08 lakh crore.
New Delhi, July 26 : BJP chief J.P. Nadda said on Monday that Congress has a philosophy of 'no decision is best decision.

Nadda was speaking at a function organised at the party headquarters here to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Hitting out at the main opposition party for not taking any decision against terrorist attacks, Nadda said, "Congress has the philosophy of 'no decision is the best decision' and whenever there is a deal in the interest of the country, its philosophy remains 'no mission but commission'. Nationalism is a synonym of Bharatiya Janata Party. It is our responsibility to preserve this." Talking about the surgical strike and the Balakot air strike, Nadda said, "By conducting surgical strike and air strike in Balakot under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has shown that it only means business." Emphasising that forces have been given a free hand to take decisions, Nadda said, "Since the BJP government came to power under the leadership of Modi, the defence forces have been given a free hand to take decisions after accessing the situation. This is the impact of changed leadership." He also pointed out that terrorists are punished at the earliest by the Modi government.

"Earlier, a terrorist used to come to India and create disturbance for 2.5 years. The army is the same, but if the leadership is not right, the terrorist can create havoc for 2.5 years. If the leadership is right, they can be neutralised in 2.5 weeks," Nadda said.

Referring to the defence acquisitions by India under the Modi government, the BJP chief said, "After the arrival of Prime Minister Modi, a fleet of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft is available in India. We have 28 Apache helicopters, 15 Chinook choppers, 145 ultra-light Howitzers, and 100 Vajra artillery guns. Today, India is exporting bullet-proof jackets." "We need to understand which party or leader gives importance to national security. And whose arrival and departure makes a difference," Nadda said.

Talking about the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, Nadda said, "We celebrate it as the day of bravery. Kargil is a symbol of bravery of our soldiers. The enemy was hiding above and our brave soldiers were standing thousands of feet below. The tricolor was hoisted by attacking the enemy under adverse conditions."
New Delhi, July 26 : In addition to the existing flood-prone Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, extreme floods (water level above previous highest flood level) were seen in 10 more states, due to excess to large excess rainfall in these states combined with extremely heavy rainfall in short duration, the Parliament was told on Monday.

These states are Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question by LJD member M.V. Shreyams Kumar.

He also said that the Central Water Commission (CWC) is the nodal agency entrusted with the task of flood forecasting and early flood warnings in the country. Presently, it issues flood forecasts for 328 forecasting stations (190 river level forecast stations & 138 dam/barrage inflow forecast stations), covering 20 major river basins in 23 states and two Union Territories.

The CWC also maintains flood damage data of the country, according to which, maximum damages due to floods, during 2017-2019, were in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka.
New Delhi, July 26 : The Delhi government on Monday announced Covid relief of Rs 5,000 each to 47,996 construction workers.

The Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has been directed to disburse the relief amount to workers whose applications were approved between May 28 and July 18, an official statement said.

"This relief comes as an additional benefit for construction workers who were hit hardest because of the Covid crisis in Delhi," it said.

The Delhi government had disbursed the same relief amount to 2,16,602 construction workers in April this year.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds charge of the Labour Department, meanwhile, urged all construction workers to get registered with the workers board to avail the benefits of the government's welfare schemes.

"Earlier workers had to stand in long queues for hours to submit their application but now, the entire process has been shifted online which helps the workers to quickly apply on the government website and not miss their daily wage," he said, as per the statement.

He also said that last year, nearly 40,000 workers were given relief, and after taking charge of the Labour Department in November 2020, he had conducted inspections and mass registration drives in labour offices.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Bengaluru, July 26 : Just hours before resigning from the Chief Minister's post, outgoing Karnataka CM B.S. Yediyurappa on Monday ordered a hike in dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees by 10.25 per cent.

With this, the DA of employees will be 21.50 per cent of their basic pay, according to an order issued by the Finance Department which was under Yediyurappa. The existing DA is 11.25 per cent of basic pay.

The decision follows a representation made to Yediyurappa by the Karnataka State Government Employees' Association about 10 days ago, just a week after the Union government had increased the DA for its staff members from 17 per cent to 28 per cent.

The DA hike will benefit as many as six lakh state government employees, apart from 4.5 lakh pensioners and around three lakh staff employed with various boards and corporations in the state.

The last DA hike was announced in October 2019, soon after Yediyurappa came to power in Karnataka.

The state had then announced a 4.7 per cent increase in DA, but due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the state government had decided to put the move on hold for a year.

The deferment of the hiked component reduced the DA from 11.2 per cent to 6.5 per cent. The state government employees had been demanding that it be restored.

At present, the state government spends Rs 62,413 crore annually to pay bills, of which, Rs 23,413 crore goes to pensioners.

The DA hike is expected to result in an additional burden of around Rs 7,000 crore on the state exchequer.

C.S. Shadakshari, the president of Karnataka State Government Employees' Association, has been demanding that state government employees' salaries should be brought at par with their counterparts in the Central government.

"There is a wide disparity in the salaries of the state and Central government employees. State employees draw Rs 10,000 to Rs 40,000 less than their counterparts in the Centre. The state government should rectify this," the KSGEA said earlier.
Agartala, July 26 : The Trinamool Congress on Monday alleged that 23 members of political strategist Prashant Kishor's Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) have been placed under 'house arrest' in Agartala even though the police here have termed the claim as 'totally false' and 'fabricated'.

The national General Secretary of Trinamool Congress, Abhishek Banerjee, alleged in a tweet: "The fear in BJP Tripura before even AITC officials stepped into the land, is more than evident! "They are so rattled by our victory in Bengal that they've now kept 23 IPAC employees under house arrest. Democracy in this nation dies a thousand deaths under BJP's misrule!" However, the police in Agartala have said that the 23 people claimed to be members of I-PAC have been lodged in a hotel in the state capital since last week and there is no question of any house arrest.

"In view of the Covid pandemic and other law and order related issues, few police personnel, as part of routine check-up, went to the hotel only to verify their papers," Ramesh Chandra Yadav, a sub-divisional police officer, told IANS on Monday night.

He said that such routine verification of papers is done for all people, especially those coming to Tripura from outside.

"No case has been registered against the I-PAC members, neither their movement in Tripura has been restricted. The police did not disturb their movement or work, if any," the IPS officer said.

Another officer said that because the state is under Corona curfew since May, the police are taking all the necessary steps to enforce the regulation.

"The police have enquired about the I-PAC members and checked whether they underwent RT-PCR tests. If the test reports are found to be negative, all are allowed to move inside the state following the Covid protocols," the officer said.

Meanwhile, Trinamool sources said that the issue has been reported to party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and I-PAC chief Prashant Kishor.

Banerjee left Kolkata for Delhi on Monday amid speculation about her attempt to unite the anti-BJP opposition parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Sources said the I-PAC team came to Tripura last week to assess the political situation in the state and potential support base for Trinamool before the Assembly elections in the state due in February 2023.
Guwahati/Shillong, July 26 : Kargil Vijay Diwas was observed in all the northeastern states with Governors, Chief Ministers, top army and security officials paying homage to all those who lost their lives during the Kargil war in 1999 while protecting the nation.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after paying his tribute at the War Memorial in Dighalipukhuri, said that the state government has reiterated its commitment to be with the jawans and is doing everything possible for their welfare.

He also said that welfare of ex-servicemen constitutes the priority agenda of his government.

The Chief Minister, after interacting with the parents of the Kargil martyrs from the state -- Captain Jintu Gogoi, T.R. Gogoi and Dulu Gogoi -- said that the people of Assam continue to derive inspiration from the supreme sacrifice made by these great soldiers.

He also said that the state government has planned to set up four more Sainik Schools across Assam to help the younger generation imbibe the spirit of national service while in school.

In Aizawl, Mizoram Governor Haribabu Kambhampati paid tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil War at the War Memorial in Zodin Square.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu joined the Indian Army virtually in celebrating the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas from the army establishment in Tawang, while state Governor B.D. Mishra joined the programme virtually from the Raj Bhawan in Itanagar.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, after paying his homage to the fallen heroes, tweeted: "On Kargil Vijay Diwas paid tribute to Northeast's brave sons -- Meghalaya's Capt Clifford Nongrum & Manipur's Maj David Manlun. We salute their unflinching courage and supreme sacrifice. Every Indian is proud of their heroism and service to the nation." Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said in a tweet: "On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, saluting the courage, determination and valour of our brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty to defend Bharat Mata by showcasing exemplary courage. The nation is forever grateful to them and their families." General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps, Lt Gen Ravin Khosla, and General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps, Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, paid their tributes to the Kargil heroes in separate events in Tezpur and East Sikkim, respectively.
Nuziveedu : , July 26 (IANS) A 17-year-old girl in Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district attempted suicide by throwing herself under a train after her mother refused to let her continue her studies, but was saved, officials said on Monday.

According to police, the girl ran away from home after an argument with her mother over the issue of her continuing studies.

"Due to her mother's refusal to let her continue her higher education, the girl attempted to commit suicide on Sunday night," South Central Railway (SCR) zone's Vijayawada division spokesperson Nusrat M. Mandrupkar said.

However, an alert railway station manager and his subordinate at Nuziveedu railway station in Krishna district saved the girl in the nick of time.

Station manager Rajasekhar and trackman C. Pavan Kumar, who were supervising the arrival of Visakhapatnam-Kadapa special, rescued the girl who jumped on to the tracks as the train was coming in.

"Rajasekhar and Kumar courageously rushed to the spot to rescue the girl and cautioned the locomotive pilot through hand signals. Both of them pulled the girl back onto the platform in a swift manner, while the train was at a distance of about 10 feet," said Mandrupkar.

Both Rajasekhar and Kumar were on night shift duty when the incident occurred at around 8.40 p.m. on platform number 1.

Following the rescue, the girl was escorted to the waiting hall where she was consoled and the police was informed.

"On enquiry, the government railway police found that the young girl fled from home due to an argument with her mother over an issue concerning continuing her higher education," he added.

Officials informed the mother of the incident and handed her daughter over.
At its core, the book is about communityand the many different types of people that make up a community.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) today announces the release of its third childrens book, An Alphabet Pet Parade in Topsy-Turvy Town, Population 26. Written by ASHA member Judith E. Torres, MA, CCC-SLP, the book follows a young girl on her journey to find her perfect pet at the Topsy-Turvy Alphabet Pet Paradebased on a real-life annual Childrens Pet Parade (Desfile de los Ninos) held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the authors hometown.

The captivating alphabet book, written by Torres and illustrated by Christiane Engel, finds Zoe Z. Zany and her grandpa, Yulee Y. Young, at the paradewhere Zoe is smitten with a mischievous black-and-white critter that creates an increasing amount of chaos. The critters antics scatter the unusual townspeople and their unconventional pets all over Topsy-Turvy Town.

During her career, Torres co-founded and directed a nonprofit that developed programs for Latinx youth and a speech pathology department at a hospital. For this book, she drew on her experience working with children as a speech-language pathologist, English-as-a-second-language educator, and reading specialist in conceiving ofand writingthis story.

I feel so fortunate to have had a career working with children, said Torres. I became interested in writing picture books because I have always used them in my instruction to build language and literacy skills. Books are available at every reading level and highlight a wide variety of interests. Because childrens literature has become so much more inclusive, diverse, and sophisticated, it creates opportunities for every child to find characters they resonate with, and most importantly, to develop a love of reading. If done well, reading with children is inherently an inviting and engaging activity. In the hands of a skilled reader, reading with children becomes an exceptional teaching tool.

Her book can be used by parents and caregivers, SLPs, educators, and librarians to teach concepts such as letter names and sounds, animals and occupations, opposites, verbs, rhyming words, story prediction, and more. It comes with supplemental materials and instructional suggestions to help extend the childs learning, including a glossary of animals and sample questions about the story.

Although alphabet-based books are common in childrens literature, numerous aspects of An Alphabet Parade in Topsy-Turvy Town, Population 26 help set it apart, Torres explains. The book plays with language in a unique wayfor example, teaching opposites through the names of the townspeople. Dolores D. Doolittle is always busy as a bee, and Kirby K. Kind is the rudest citizen in Topsy-Turvy.

She adds: At its core, the book is about communityand the many different types of people that make up a community. I am extremely proud that the book represents diversity, different cultures, and people of all abilities.

The book, intended for children ages 37 years, is published by ASHA Pressthe publishing imprint of ASHA. It is available for sale on ASHAs website and on Amazon. More information about the author can be found at http://www.judithetorres.com.

About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 218,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel; and students. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems, including swallowing disorders. http://www.asha.org/

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Dennis Brown, a Navy Vietnam Veteran and graduate of the University of Toledo, has completed his new book Stories from a Sideways Glance: a potent collection of short stories that pose questions such as, Does a ghost leave a footprint?, How would you explain wild animals gathering to protect a child from a deranged person, or a crowd seeing a being that left no footprints in the snow?, and What if someone you cannot prove is real had a profound effect on changes in your life?

Author Dennis Brown writes, Dressed in green pants, yellow silk shirt, and a green-and-yellow scarf wrapped around his neck, Eddy strutted down the street, his raspberry and black sport shoes tapping a beat on the blacktop. Every once in a while, hed stop and look around to see who was watching him and then resume to the same pace that he started with. With gold around his neck and hanging on both arms, he was a sight. Truth be known, he had a lot of fans in the neighborhood. This day, he walked past me like I was standing still. When he stopped and I started to catch back up, I heard the faint hint of show tunes from West Side Story. As I got closer, I realized that the man that Eddy had stopped to listen to was singing to the tune of Maria Sangria, I just met a wine named Sangriaand suddenly I found, it knocked me to the ground, and he and Eddy burst into laughter. Id seen it before. People loved to perform for Eddy, but no one loved it more than Eddy.

Published by Page Publishing, Dennis Browns creative stories encourage readers to keep an open mind and question their existing beliefs.

Readers who wish to experience this original work can purchase Stories from a Sideways Glance 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.
"Our shared vision for the firm will ensure that Inman is able to retain its independent spirit and robust culture, while continuing to deliver unmatched value to its audience. - Lu Cacioppo, managing partner at Beringer Capital

Beringer Capital (Beringer), a leading North American private equity firm specializing in the media, marketing services, and technology sectors, today announced that it has acquired preeminent real estate media entity Inman Group (Inman).

Founded by entrepreneur and long-time journalist Brad Inman in 1996, Inman has established itself as the go-to news source for the residential real estate industry. Through its digital and in-person platforms, Inman reaches more than 2 million real estate professionals, who rely on its award-winning news coverage, thoughtful commentary and forward-looking events to remain abreast of emerging trends and best practices. Moving forward, Mr. Inman will retain an ownership stake and continue to play an active role in the Inman community.

Beringer Capital will invest significantly in additional growth opportunities across Inmans editorial and events operations, including strategic bolt-on acquisitions to cement the firms market leadership position. It will work closely with the existing team to support the continued development of dynamic tools and content that drive long-term success for the entire Inman community.

Trade publications play a unique and vital role in the media ecosystem, and Inman is a true industry frontrunner, said Lu Cacioppo, managing partner at Beringer Capital. To date, its talented team has done a remarkable job of establishing an engaged and highly active community. Were looking forward to collaborating on exciting new offerings that further enable Inmans audience of real estate professionals to retain a competitive edge and grow their businesses.

The Beringer team brings complementary data and digital media expertise to Inman, said Brad Inman, founder and chairman of Inman Group. They share our commitment to pushing the industry forward, ensuring that its readers are positioned for success amid a rapid pace of change. We found a partner whose values and priorities closely align with our own.

Chief executive officer Josh Albertson, who will continue to lead the company, remarked: Inman is a rare media and events property  a venerable brand that is also redefining the future of media. We're thrilled about partnering with the great team at Beringer, because they care deeply about both of those pieces.

Beringer Capitals digital media and marketing experience will complement the Inman teams media, advertising and events expertise. Inmans existing leadership and team will remain in place, while Beringer will contribute day-to-day strategic input and investment capital.

Mr. Cacioppo added: Brad and Josh will remain at the helm. Our shared vision for the firm will ensure that Inman is able to retain its independent spirit and robust culture, while continuing to deliver unmatched value to its audience.

Beringer Capital has a strong track record of partnering with companies in the digital media sector, helping them to grow and thrive amid a rapidly changing business environment. Notably, the firm acquired prominent media and events company Adweek in 2016, helping to diversify its product offerings and drive significant growth before a successful exit in 2020. During Beringers ownership period, Adweek expanded its editorial team, boosted subscriber numbers, and revitalized its global event business to create a highly profitable vertical. It also launched a series of pioneering initiatives aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue and knowledge-sharing within the brand marketing ecosystem.

Inman was advised in the transaction by Canaccord Genuity and Goodwin Procter. Beringer received legal representation from Winston & Strawn LLP and advisory services from Deloitte. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About Beringer Capital:

Beringer Capital is a private equity firm specializing in the rapidly evolving media, marketing services, commerce, data and technology sectors. The firm leverages its financial and intellectual capital to invest in middle-market companies that are strongly positioned to benefit from the accelerating trend toward digital transformation. Beringers collaborative approach, as well as its strong track record with add-on acquisitions, helps visionary leadership teams to deliver exceptional customer experience and achieve impressive results.

Beringer Capital has offices in Toronto and New York. For more information, visit http://www.beringercapital.com

About Inman

Real estate industry professionals from around the world turn to Inman first for accurate, innovative and timely information about the business. Known for its award-winning journalism, cutting-edge technology coverage, in-depth educational opportunities, and forward-thinking events, Inman is the industrys leading source of real estate information. For more information, visit http://www.inman.com.
Reproductive Care Center Both Boston IVF and Reproductive Care Center have a shared vision to deliver the highest quality of integrated, holistic care and help our patients become parents in the shortest time possible.

Boston IVF, a pioneer in reproductive healthcare and innovative research, announced it has entered into a partnership with Reproductive Care Center, a leading provider of fertility and family-building services in Utah and Idaho.

As individuals and couples continue to seek reproductive care across the country at historically high levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, the new partnership enables Reproductive Care Center (RCC) to further enhance its standing as a clinical leader in the region. Boston IVFs vast library of data analysis and clinical protocols lead to less time in treatment, less total cost, and an improved chance for success. Additionally, RCC and future patients will benefit from Boston IVFs robust scientific team and international research program, which regularly conducts pioneering clinical trials that contribute to industry-wide improvements in all aspects of care  including egg and embryo development.

With the acquisition of RCC, Boston IVF continues to expand its national fertility network, which now includes over 30 reproductive endocrinologists across 30 centers nationwide. In March, Boston IVF acquired Ohio Reproductive Medicine, Central Ohios largest IVF program.

We are pleased to welcome such a respected leader in reproductive medicine to the Boston IVF fertility network, said David Stern, MBA  Chief Executive Officer of Boston IVF. Both Reproductive Care Center and Boston IVF have a shared vision to deliver the highest quality of integrated, holistic care and help our patients become parents in the shortest time possible. RCCs long history of scientific innovation and clinical success aligns perfectly with our business model, philosophy, and mission.

As part of the new partnership, Reproductive Care Center  which operates four centers across Utah and Idaho  also welcomes incoming reproductive endocrinologist Kristi Maas, MD to its Salt Lake City-based team. Dr. Maas joins RCC from a leading Southern California fertility practice, where she played a significant role in assisting individuals and couples with their family-building needs. Additionally, her arrival at RCC/Boston IVF serves as a long-awaited reunion; Dr. Maas is a graduate of the prestigious Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School/Boston IVF Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellowship program, which trains the countrys top-tier fertility specialists.

It is very important for us to join forces with a leader that shares our vision of the future, said James Heiner, MD  Reproductive Care Center founder and chief reproductive endocrinologist. The RCC/Boston IVF partnership offers us the unique opportunity to implement substantial clinical, scientific, and operational enhancements that differentiate us from other centers and positively impact the lives of our patients. To add Boston IVFs resources, experience, and reproductive lab science  which directly influences success rates  to an already highly-effective model of care is a significant and compelling opportunity for those in our local community who wish to build a family.

Boston IVF admires Reproductive Care Centers desire to expand, said Haryanto Hokianto, Vice President of Business Development at Boston IVF. We applaud Dr. Keith Blauer and fellow RCC team members for their progressive vision of reproductive care and dedication to creating unique financing programs that help to make treatment affordable. As a strategic partner, it is important for our local physicians to operate autonomously and work collaboratively to grow the practice and enhance an already-superior level of RCC patient care in Utah and Idaho.

ABOUT BOSTON IVF

Boston IVF is one of the largest and most experienced fertility networks in the United States, with more than 100,000 babies born since 1986. Founded as one of the nation's first private practice IVF centers, the Boston IVF network has grown to include over 30 reproductive endocrinologists across 30 centers throughout Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Idaho, Indiana, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Utah. A renowned innovator of reproductive technologies, advanced protocols, and cutting-edge research, Boston IVF has achieved numerous "firsts" in the field of reproductive care. Its scientific and research arm continues to pave the way for breakthroughs in fertility care and its accredited REI Fellowship Program has graduated numerous reproductive endocrinologists as part of its mission to train the next generation of fertility experts. In 2019, this leading provider of fertility services in the United States was acquired by Eugin, one of the largest IVF networks in the world, with centers throughout Europe and South America. For more information, please visit http://www.bostonivf.com

ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE CARE CENTER

Reproductive Care Center, the first private practice fertility clinic in Utah, has helped individuals and couples to build their families for over 25 years. Utilizing the most innovative and medical protocols, RCC offers a full array of services including IUI, IVF, egg freezing, donor egg IVF, genetic testing, male infertility, LGBTQIA+ family-building and more. Utilizing a myriad of proven reproductive technologies, RCC is able to identify unique trends that often lead to a swifter, more accurate diagnosis for the rarest of infertility cases. For more information, please visit http://www.fertilitydr.com
Kim Novak's former home in Carmel, California is for sale. Where Real Estate Is Never Boring!

Two California Stars: Kim Novak & Her Carmel Cliff House

Well known for her starring roles in the award-winning films "Picnic," "Strangers When We Meet," "Pal Joey," and her twin roles in "Vertigo," Kim Novak chose a shorter film career, but the movies she made have become classics enjoyed as much today by movie buffs as when they were released in the 1950s and 60s. Preferring a quiet lifestyle, in 1961 Kim chose a home far from Hollywood on an outcropping of rock in Carmel, California where she lived until 1973. The home is now for sale, priced at $12.5 million.

One of Californias most interesting homes, the main and guest homes, with two bedrooms and 2,070 square feet, are set on two acres of rocky coastline dramatically perched over the ocean waves with unobstructed views to the horizon. The home has several roof levels, designed as a cozy escape with wood-beamed ceilings, slate floor, wood-burning fireplace, and ceiling-to-floor walls of glass to capture the rock-and-water views. There is an abundance of nature to enjoy watching from migrating whales and playful otters to pelicans soaring close to the water searching for their next fish dinner.

Born in Chicago, Kim, who is now 88, spent most of her adult life in California after a college gig touring the country as a trade show model, Miss Deepfreeze, for an L.A. refrigerator manufacturer, which led to the start of her film career. In addition to Carmel, Kim also lived in another of Californias prettiest areas, Big Sur, where she raised horses. In the late 1990s, Novak bought a ranch on the Rogue River in Oregon with her veterinarian husband. Though he died several years ago, she still lives there and still rides her horse and enjoys her art.

Carmel has been a celebrity hotspot since the early years of Hollywood, well known for its charming village and picturesque houses. Longtime-resident Doris Day made sure the town was pet friendly, and dogs are welcomed almost everywhere their masters are. Carmel has been either the home or preferred getaway for Clint Eastwood, who was Carmel mayor twice, John Steinbeck, Salvadore Dali, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Jobs, Joan Baez and Jack London.

The listing agent for Kim Novaks former home is Jonathan Spencer of Jonathan Spencer Properties, Carmel.

Jewelry Guru To Victorias Secret, Kim Kardashian & Kylie Jenner

Pascal Mouawad, an international jeweler to the stars, has listed his Bel Air mansion for $15.75 million. Mouawads fine jewelry designs have graced runways and red carpets from the Oscars to Paris Fashion Week and worn by celebrities from Elizabeth Taylor to Britney Spears. He has produced eight gemstone-encrusted Fantasy Bras for the Victorias Secret Runway Show, landing him in the Guinness Book of World Records for the worlds most valuable bra for his Very Sexy Fantasy Bra worn by Heidi Klum in 2011. He joined forces with Kim Kardashian to produce the reality stars jewelry line, Belle Noel, and teamed up with her sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner for their first business venture, Metal Haven, a line of teen and tween accessories.

Mouawads six-bedroom, 10-bath estate is every bit as glamorous as his jewelry designs. Completely remodeled in 2014, the mansion features the latest in technology and building materials. Clean lines, white walls, and lots of glass give the home an aesthetic look of timeless luxury. The 9,300-square-foot home is an entertainers dream with a date palm-lined exterior and a back courtyard with a gas fire pit and 70' quartz infinity pool looking out over breathtaking canyon views. Multi-colored lights illuminate the pool and the house at night, perfect for swanky parties. An oversize three-car garage and 10-car gated motor court provide ample parking for residents and guests.

For more celebrity home news and celebrity home video tours, visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
SmartHER Money Logo Financial literacy is critical for Iowa women to gain financial independence and to secure a financial future. Our SmartHER Money program and conference is for every Iowa woman at any age or stage of their financial empowerment journey.

Women are often financially responsible for both their children and aging parents and need more retirement savings because statistically they live longer than men.

Yet a recent SmartHER Money Literacy Financial Research survey commissioned by the Iowa Insurance Division (IID) and conducted by AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising (AMPERAGE) has revealed some eye-opening takeaways about how female Iowans view financial management, insurance, retirement planning and investments.

On the positive side, Iowa women are active in daily household financial decisions and outpace the national average in participation in employee-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k) or pension. According to a 2017 Pew Trust study, 48% of all Americans participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan and 62% of Iowa women reported an employer-sponsored plan like a 401(k) as a source for expected retirement income.

GAPS IN FINANCIAL LITERACY

But the survey also shows some problem areas  gaps in financial literacy and long-term financial planning  as demonstrated by these specific survey results focused on retirement planning:



56% of the Iowa women surveyed said they lacked confidence that they were making wise financial decisions when planning for retirement

42% of the women have saved 10% or less of their income each year for retirement, with 8% reporting that they have saved nothing

52% said a common cause of stress and anxiety related to retirement planning was not being able to afford long-term care

Almost half of all Iowa female respondents were concerned about retirement money running out and more than half reported their household is not financially secure

In addition, 63% lacked knowledge about investments and/or the investment products that were right for them, and 30% of Iowa women struggled with trusting someone else to guide their decisions. On the insurance side, they questioned how much coverage they need and also lack knowledge about insurance products beyond the typical car and homeowners insurance.

SURVEY SPECIFICS

AMPERAGE developed the survey instrument and recruited Iowa female participants age 25 or older to form a good representation of Iowas female population for both age and household income. Results were collected by AMPERAGE between Nov. 6, 2020 and Nov. 13, 2020.

Our goal was to assess the financial literacy of female Iowans and uncover how active they are in the financial management of their households, said Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen, Iowas state regulator who supervises all insurance and securities business transacted in the state of Iowa. We also wanted to determine the level of knowledge that women have about financial topics and expose opportunity areas where more education is needed so we can help be a resource in those areas.

The 383 female respondents who completed the five-minute survey spanned three age groups: 25 to 44 years old, 45 to 64 years old, and 65 years and older. They identified their household income in one of three brackets: less than $50,000, $50,000 to $99,999, or $100,000 or more. The surveys goal was to collect a statically valid sample with a margin of error of approximately five percent, which is the industry standard.

CREATING A WOMEN'S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT SOLUTION

Financial literacy is critical for women to gain financial independence and to secure a financial future, said Sonya Sellmeyer, IID consumer advocacy officer. Our research study pinpointed a clear and present need for the Iowa Insurance Division to assist female Iowans who reported they want to learn more about retirement planning, investments and insurance. We want to help move more Iowa households into the realm of financial security.

To help close that gender gap in financial literacy and security, the Iowa Insurance Division created the new SmartHER Money program in early 2021. This new program, based on the research outcomes, strives to empower women to face their fears and anxieties about money, financial planning and investing, and seeks to give them the knowledge needed to increase their financial literacy, set financial goals, develop a retirement plan and achieve financial wellness and security.

The Iowa Insurance Division will launch its inaugural SmartHER Money Conference in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on Aug. 19, 2021. This new conference is designed to provide much-needed tools, tips and knowledge required for female Iowans to make good decisions for their financial future and to assure that they have the best life possible in their retirement years, concluded Sellmeyer.

Survey results from the SmartHER Money Literacy Financial Research project will be used to create content for this conference and as a benchmark for future studies on the topic. To learn more about the SmartHER Money initiative and conference, survey results and key takeaways, visit SmartHER.Iowa.gov.

ABOUT IOWA INSURANCE DIVISION

The IID has general control, supervision and direction over all insurance and securities business transacted in the state and enforces Iowas laws and regulations. The IID investigates consumer complaints and prosecutes companies, agents and brokers engaging in unfair trade practices. Consumers with insurance or investment questions or complaints may contact the IID toll-free at 877-955-1212 or visit http://www.iid.iowa.gov.

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Toyota Model Research Pages Colonial Toyota is making the car shopping experience easier for everyone by offering detailed model research pages on its informative website. The latest Toyota models to be reviewed include the 2021 Toyota Avalon and 2021 Toyota Prius.

Finding the right vehicle and choosing the one that fits the needs, lifestyle and budget of a driver can be a difficult task for any shopper. Colonial Toyota, a new and used car dealership in Milford, Connecticut, is making the car shopping experience easier for everyone by offering detailed model research pages on its informative website. The latest Toyota models to be reviewed include the 2021 Toyota Avalon and 2021 Toyota Prius.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon research page offers a closer look at the luxury sedan and offers interested shoppers the information they need to make an informed buying decision. When visiting the 2021 Toyota Avalon model research page, drivers can expect to find information that includes engine options, horsepower ratings, technology features, comfort features, available safety systems and much more.

Drivers who are looking for a fuel-efficient new car will find the model research page of the 2021 Toyota Prius extremely helpful as it is loaded with details regarding this new Toyota Hybrid. Available information that can be found when visiting the 2021 Toyota Prius model research page includes engine specs, horsepower ratings, technology features, safety features, comfort options and many more useful bits of information.

To learn more about the new 2021 Toyota Prius or 2021 Toyota Avalon, drivers are encouraged to visit the Colonial Toyota website by going to http://www.colonialtoyotact.com. Interested drivers may also contact the dealership by calling 203-403-6890 or by driving to 470 Boston Post Rd.
Its exciting for us to leverage NexTiers NexHub extensive digital infrastructure, and I cant wait to see the future of completions with Corva as an innovation accelerator

Corva, the leader in real-time drilling and completions analytics, and NexTier Oilfield Solutions (NYSE: NEX, NexTier), a leading oilfield services company in U.S. land basins, announced a strategic technology partnership. Designed to optimize completions, reduce well costs and improve ESG performance by leveraging the combined strengths of their digital oilfield solutions, the partnership provides a single, unified solution to accelerate innovation and optimize every completions operation.

For operators, the Corva/NexTier collaboration delivers an entirely new realm of data-driven benefits  for every NexTier fracturing fleet. These include customized visualization platforms; instantaneous communications; 24/7, dedicated engineering expertise; automated, AI-powered failsafes and alerts; and a significant reduction of nonproductive time.

Through our strategic partnership with NexTier, we are bringing together two amazing teams with a shared vision and common culture of continuous innovation and improvement, said Ryan Dawson, CEO and founder of Corva. Weve enabled a revolutionary synergy of people, technology and data that creates new opportunities to drive out inefficiencies at the wellsite, maximize returns on every new well and elevate ESG. Its exciting for us to leverage NexTiers NexHub extensive digital infrastructure, and I cant wait to see the future of completions with Corva as an innovation accelerator, Dawson commented.

NexTiers NexHub Digital Center integrates leading-edge data, digital technologies, and industry expertise to optimize remote operations engineering, trucking and supply-chain logistics, and equipment health monitoring. Leveraging Corvas advanced analytics, KPIs, and robust visualization platform in a recent field test, NexTier safely completed more than 100 stages from a first-of-its-kind control center, located more than 50 miles from the wellsite.

Real-time data and analytics enable us to manage completions remotely and transition crews out of the red zone, which provides unprecedented power to reduce cost per barrel, minimize risks, and boost efficiencies for our customers, said Robert Drummond, President and CEO of NexTier Oilfield Solutions. Our NexHub Digital Center had already made great strides in integrating activities and improving data transparency across the full scope of the wellsite. And now, partnering with Corva, were able to achieve a whole new level of digital optimization.

Leveraging Corva's category-leading drilling and completions platforms, the partnership will enable NexTier to rapidly integrate new digital products and services, as well as providing Corva with a wealth of historical data and wellsite expertise. NexTiers software development team is working closely with Corva to develop the first generation of NexHub apps, which will be available through the Corva App Store.

About Corva

Corva is a Houston-based technology startup focused on helping oil & gas companies to optimize drilling and completions through real-time data insights and analytics. The company built a first-of-its-kind software platform for delivering a suite of nearly 100 mobile and web apps to monitor drilling and completions, identify hazardous conditions, and give users recommendations based on current and historical subsurface data. As a result, Corva increases rate of penetration, improves frac performance, and reduces costly rig downtime. Corvas software products support oil & gas drilling operations across North America with hundreds of users, including drilling engineers, superintendents, rig crews, and management. For more information, please visit http://www.corva.ai.

About NexTier Oilfield Solutions

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, NexTier is an industry-leading U.S. land oilfield service company, with a diverse set of well completion and production services across the most active and demanding basins. Our integrated solutions approach delivers efficiency today, and our ongoing commitment to innovation helps our customers better address what is coming next. NexTier is differentiated through four points of distinction, including safety performance, efficiency, partnership, and innovation. At NexTier, we believe in living our core values from the basin to the boardroom, and helping customers win by safely unlocking affordable, reliable, and plentiful sources of energy.
These three are a testament to our goal of empowering staff and helping them grow professionally and personally, said DFO CEO Bruce Cran. All three have impressive, unique stories to tell.

DFO Global Performance Commerce, an industry-leading performance marketing and eCommerce company, announced three elevations today.

Jamie Achurch was previously a media buying manager, where he oversaw several profitable eCommerce campaigns. As vice president of media buying, his oversight shifts to other team members, where he will provide guidance and direction for multiple buyers across geographies and platforms.

Adrian Fuentes was previously one of our search engine optimization (SEO) project managers, where cascaded optimization principles to several internal brands. As vice president  SEO, Adrian will oversee 7+ writers and designers and manage all SEO-related content for DFOs internal brands, including those on Amazon, Shopify, and other related pages and applications.

Vito Marchiori was previously one of our eCommerce project managers where he delivered media buying assets and other content to internal media buyers. As vice president, Vito will oversee project management for the entire global media buying team. He will bring ideas to life, streamline the creative creation process, test, and optimize assets, and execute  in concert with the chief strategy officer  other media buying-related items.

These three are a testament to our goal of empowering staff and helping them grow professionally and personally, said DFO CEO Bruce Cran. All three have impressive, unique stories to tell.

From Pharmacist to Media Buyer

Originally a pharmacist, Jamie took a risk and steered his career toward affiliate marketing. After running traffic on several networks (including our very own Verve Direct), DFO CEO Bruce Cran convinced him to join the company. His time as a junior media buyer was spent finding proficiency across different platforms and, as a natural evolution, bringing those learnings to colleagues. Its here where Jamie will spend most of his time in the new role.

Media buyers dont often share, said Achurch. But when youre growing a team, its in everyones interest to understand what is and isnt working. That way, everyone builds, learns and grows.

On staying resilient in a business where success rates are in the low single digits, Jamie notes that, you need a lot of patience and a lot of testing. There are always dry periods, but you ride the wave when it comes in. Our goal is to keep a consistent flow of traffic to all our brands and jump on big opportunities when they present.

The Professor Searches for a New Career

Adrians professional journey began in higher education where he was a professor of marketing and creativity and digital strategy manager at one of Latin America's top 5 universities. Here, he taught international students and created websites, online content, and campaigns to attract new students.

After emigrating to Canada, he applied to a marketing internship position at DFO Global and gained a greater understanding of how to develop and launch new products. Eager to continue his growth, he joined the SEO department as a project manager and spent the last 3 years building sites and content from scratch. Its here where Adrian will now oversee all SEO-related content for DFO Globals internal brands and product portfolio.

Working at DFO has been intensely rewarding, said Fuentes. Its a company that pushes you and helps you grow, learn, and aim for bigger and better things.

On where SEO at DFO Global is headed, Fuentes notes that his goal is to ensure that all generated content is SEO-forward. In the end, the ability for customers to easily seek and find a brand directly correlates to its growth, so its critical that we put our best foot forward here.

Big Steps, New Beginnings

Vito stepped off the plane in Vancouver, Canada aware that he and his wife were beginning a new life in a place theyd never been. As a marketing manager in the fuel industry, Vito left his native Brazil for greener Canadian pastures with only a few suitcases and a puppy in tow.

His first few years at DFO Global can best be described as hectic. Originally hired as a customer service representative fluent in Portuguese, he quickly moved into a marketing internship role on the product side and, just as quickly, found himself as a campaign manager. After another role change, the position was eliminated, and Vito again found himself seeking new work (only now his wife was 6+ months pregnant).

One month into his new search, DFO President & Co-Founder Jordan Rolband reached out to him regarding a new project management opportunity with a new team. Vito took the job only to quit a few days later (after feeling the pace of the new role combined with the how can I possibly be supportive to my wife and new baby? existential crisis most fathers-to-be experience). It was the support from his wife and colleagues (new and former) that brought him back to DFO a few days later, where hes now responsible for bringing fresh, creative content, testing, optimization, and ideas to a 15+ global media buying team.

Vito owns his DFO journey  like the rest of his life  with grace and humor. Everything happens for a reason, he said. Im grateful to DFO for opening the door to me as I was starting a new chapter in my life and for giving me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

Regarding his new role, Vito couldnt be happier how its turned out. I can bring ideas to life and test them. Ive learned a ton about media buying and split testing. Its been such a rewarding time for me.

The path to success is bumpy; its almost never a straight line, said DFO President & Co-Founder Jordan Rolband. The journey to now made by these three are all classic lessons in entrepreneurship, effort, and perseverance.


Our launch goal is to donate the first $2000 in proceeds to uplift one under-resourced child through a scholarship to attend Lincoln Academy, a private school which seeks to provide a high quality edu "I am a third generation jeweler, and I have not seen anything like this brand on the market, said Doug Meadows, founder of David Douglas Diamonds. I believe the potential is there for this company to uplift a lot of people. Whatever success we have, we want to share with others.

Esaltare Designs(i-zhul-tar-ay) launches a jewelry brand for successful women who want to celebrate their career accomplishments and uplift others. The Esaltare Designs Career Celebrations jewelry collection includes the Corporate Collection and the Entrepreneurial Collection. Each collection features signature necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets designed to commemorate major career milestones and accomplishments. Esaltare Designs also provides free business resources to help professionals succeed in their careers. A portion of every purchase goes to support non-profit organizations that uplift others through education and community involvement.

Esaltare Designs is about more than jewelry. We see it as a resource to help people succeed, including those who are just starting their journey to success, said Stephanie Richards, founder and director of Esaltare Designs. We not only want to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have succeeded, but we also want to uplift as many people as possible to help them on their path to success.

The Esaltare Designs website offers free business and career resources to help women succeed and reach new career goals. The website features a proprietary Speaker Opportunity Database that allows professionals to search for speaking opportunities. Other resources include downloadable business encouragement cards to share on social media, links to free career resources, a list of resources for business owners, and downloadable guides with tips on what to wear to look your best on camera.

Esaltare means to extol, exalt or celebrate in Italian, but it can be translated as uplift in English.

Signature pieces in the collection celebrate both corporate career milestones and entrepreneurial milestones. The Corporate Collection begins with a necklace called The Graduate, followed by The Intern, The Interview, First Job, The Promotion, The Bonus, First Million in Sales, The CEO and The Capstone.

The Entrepreneurial Collection starts with The Idea, and includes The Leap, First Year in Business, Five Years in Business, First Million in Revenue, The New Client, Acquired, and The Serial Entrepreneur. Additional pieces include Dont Give Up, The Hard Working Mother, The Hard Fought Degree, They Said I Couldnt Do It, and For Those Who Helped Me Along the Way.

Esaltare Designs donates a portion of every purchase to support non-profit organizations that uplift others through education and community involvement, including scholarships for under-resourced children, support for widows with children, and entrepreneurial education in East African colored gemstone mining communities. Esaltare Designs launch goal is to donate the first $2000 in proceeds to uplift one under-resourced child through a scholarship to attend Lincoln Academy, a private school which seeks to provide a high quality education to students who are zoned to public Title I schools.

Esaltare Designs is in partnership with David Douglas Diamonds, a family owned jeweler located in Marietta, Georgia. David Douglas Diamonds is responsible for curating and manufacturing the Esaltare Designs collection.

We are so excited about the launch of Esaltare Designs. I am a third generation jeweler, and I have not seen anything like this brand on the market, said Doug Meadows, founder of David Douglas Diamonds. I believe the potential is there for this company to uplift a lot of people. Whatever success we have, we want to share with others.

For more information about Esaltare Designs, visit http://www.EsaltareDesigns.com.

About Esaltare Designs

Esaltare Designs (i-zhul-tar-ay) is a jewelry brand for successful women who want to celebrate their career accomplishments and uplift others. Esaltare means to extol, exalt or celebrate in Italian, but it can be translated as uplift in English. A portion of every purchase goes to support non-profit organizations that uplift others through education and community involvement. Esaltare Designs also provides free business resources to help professionals succeed in their careers. For more information about Esaltare Designs, visit http://www.EsaltareDesigns.com. Follow Esaltare Designs on Instagram @EsaltareDesigns.
All of us at iaedp are strongly encouraging our members and non-members alike to submit proposals for the 2022 Symposium, said Bonnie Harken, Managing Director at the iaedp Foundation.

The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals Foundation (iaedp) is announcing the Final Call for Proposals for the 2022 annual Symposium scheduled to take place in person from March 24-27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida at the Omni Championsgate.

All of us at iaedp are strongly encouraging our members and non-members alike to submit proposals for the 2022 Symposium, said Bonnie Harken, Managing Director at the iaedp Foundation. We are looking forward to reviewing the variety of expertise and innovation.

The iaedp Foundation asks that healthcare professionals submitting proposals for 2022 include experiential or interactive components in their presentations. Preference is given to unique presentations offered for the first time. Deadline for submission is July 31, 2021.

SUBMIT PROPOSALS: https://iaedp.confex.com/iaedp/2022/cfp.cgi

SAVE THE DATE: November 19 and 20th, iaedps International Chapter will continue its annual Professional Training series for our community abroad. International experts from Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, United Kingdom and the United States will present virtually 2 full days surrounding the years theme Build A Professional Practice as an Eating Disorder Professional: The Business and Clinical Foundations hosted this year by the Chapter Chair of Canada, Andrew Sofin, MA, RP, TCF, RMFT. Registration will kickoff in August. Learn more about the International Chapter by visiting https://membershare.iaedp.com/international-chapter/

More information about all aspects of the iaedp can be found at iaedp.com.

About iaedp Foundation

Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions.
Gleim Publications will honor his legacy by continuing to support candidates' success for many years to come.

It is with great sadness that we announce, Dr. Irvin N. Gleim, founder and President of Gleim Publications, Inc., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. He was surrounded by family in Alaska with his beloved mountains.

Dr. Gleim is widely recognized as a pioneer who revolutionized the accounting self-study market. Dr. Gleim and his wife, Darlene, started Gleim Publications at their kitchen table in 1974 by developing affordable self-study exam prep books for the CPA Exam. He became a powerhouse in the field of accounting because of his innovative teaching methods and his desire to provide affordable pricing so he could help all candidates, regardless of their background, pass the CPA Exam. He later expanded his accounting prep courses to include review materials for the CIA, CMA, and EA Exams. Dr. Gleim has also had a major impact on the aviation industry with his famous red book flight training materials, designed for pilots to pass the FAA exams and earn their certificates from Sport Pilot through Airline Transport Pilot. He is highly respected by the aviation world and his review materials are considered the gold standard.

In addition to being an accomplished entrepreneur, Dr. Gleim was also a distinguished educator. Upon retirement from his illustrious teaching career at the University of Floridas Fisher School of Accounting, he became the youngest living Professor Emeritus at an AAU member university. In 2013, the Gerson Hall atrium at the Fisher School was dedicated to Dr. Gleim for the major impact he had on accounting education.

Over the span of his brilliant 55-year career, millions of accountants and pilots around the world have used the Gleim training materials to pass their certification exams. A staunch advocate for diversity, Dr. Gleim made sure that his materials were accessible to everyone and constantly pushed the field of accounting for more inclusivity and equity. Dr. Gleim received multiple awards for his many accomplishments, including the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the FAA and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Education from the National Association of Black Accountants.

He was a unique individual: optimistic, fearless, kind, direct, and encouraging. His work ethic was larger than life  he could be found happily working seven days a week, spreading his enthusiasm for learning and helping others move onward and upward in their careers. His students and employees remember him as the kind of leader that accepted no excuses but gave endless support and encouragement. Above all, he had a deep love for his family, friends, employees, and the world and all it had to offer. He is dearly missed by all who knew him or knew of him, as he changed every life he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; three children, Larry, Lorie, and Garrett; and seven grandchildren, all of whom are dedicated to continuing his mission and honoring his legacy by training the next generation of accountants and pilots.
Despite a slight slowdown in the second quarter, the healthcare M&A market has roared back from a rough period in 2020. Unless some major headwinds hit the industry in the second half of the year, this could turn out to be a record year of activity in the healthcare M&A market.

Health care merger and acquisition activity slowed in the second quarter of 2021 but remained very high, according to new acquisition data from Irving Levin Associates, LLC. There were 573 deals announced in the second quarter, a 6% drop from the record first-quarter total of 611 deals. Activity in the second quarter was 67% higher than the same quarter in 2020.

Activity in sectors such as Long-Term Care and Physician Medical Groups drove much of the deal closings, with 110 and 103 deals, respectively. Private equity continued to dominate the physician market as buyers, and investors swarmed the Long-Term Care sector after occupancy hit bottom in March and began to rebound in the past few months.

Home health and hospice agencies also remained an attractive target for investors. Demographic tailwinds and increased demand for home health services gave strategic buyers more than enough reason to make some big acquisitions. In one of the quarter's largest deals, Humana Inc. purchased the remaining stake it did not own in Kindred at Home, a national home health provider, for $5.7 billion, including debt. Like many other strategic buyers, Humana is trying to keep a competitive edge in the post-acute care market, and Kindred was a clear opportunity for the insurance giant.

Activity in the technology sectors remained robust despite a slowdown in activity. M&A activity in the eHealth sector dropped after four straight quarters of growth. There were a record 103 deals announced in the first quarter, but that declined to just 90 deals in the second quarter. Demand for telehealth services seems to be slowing down after a surge in 2020, a trend to keep an eye on for the remainder of the year.

Deal value in the second quarter totaled $128.1 billion, an increase of 40% compared with the $91.3 billion spent in the first quarter, based on disclosed prices. The spending in Q2:21 was astronomically higher than the $13 billion disclosed in the second quarter of 2020. Huge deals from companies such as Microsoft Corp. and Thermo Fisher Scientific played a significant role in the large transaction value total.

Despite a slight slowdown in the second quarter, the healthcare M&A market has roared back from a rough period in 2020, said Dylan Sammut, Editor of Health Care at Irving Levin Associates. Unless some major headwinds hit the industry in the second half of the year, this could turn out to be a record year of activity in the healthcare M&A market.

All quarterly results are published in The Health Care M&A Report, which is part of the Irving Levin Associates and LevinPro investment research source. For information, or to order the reports, call 800-248-1668. Irving Levin Associates is celebrating more than 70 years of delivering exclusive M&A intelligence to its sophisticated audience of seniors housing and healthcare investors. The company was established in 1948 and has offices in New Canaan, Connecticut and North Bethesda, Maryland. The company publishes research reports and newsletters and maintains databases on the healthcare and senior housing M&A markets.
The best way to protect from car insurance scams, is the use of reliable brokerage websites, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that explains how online quotes can help drivers prevent car insurance scams.

For more info and free quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/can-online-quotes-help-you-prevent-car-insurance-scams/

Having car insurance is very important for many drivers. If an accident happens, only car insurance can protect a driver from a large financial loss. However, there are many drivers that choose to not purchase car insurance because they think is too expensive, even though car insurance is mandatory in most states. To avoid being scammed when buying car insurance, drivers should know what are the most common scams.



Fake insurance sites. Drivers can be tricked by deceiving ads that promise very cheap coverage. By clicking the ad, drivers are redirected to a fake website where they can apply for coverage and agree to pay monthly for that coverage. The money then directly goes into the fake's agent pocket. This scam is discovered when the victim tries to call for a claim.

Fake insurance calls. This scam involves calls from people that explains the driver they were selected for a very cheap coverage offer, due to their clean driving record. All the drivers had to do is to provide sensitive private info to the callers. Personal info, like credit card info, should never be given to strangers.

Manipulative insurance agents. These are real insurance agents that will try to inflate the drivers premium in order to increase their commissions. Some will even recommend drivers to change their current policy to one that is more expensive because it offers better coverage.

Drivers need to do some research before signing an insurance contract. By visiting the state's insurance department website, drivers will know what insurance agency is legally licensed.

Brokerage websites will offer true choices for people that apply for their services. They usually provide insurance offers from multiple auto insurance providers. To avoid insurance scams, drivers should get quotes from reliable sites that have plenty of users.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.
Shannon Brault, Social Media Manager, Just Flow Events & Marketing Shannon's creativity, commitment to data analytics, and communication style deliver a fresh approach to social media marketing that is already proving impactful, said Ami DAmelio, CEO & President of Just Flow Events & Marketing. She is a great asset to our team.

Just Flow Events & Marketing, a full-service strategic marketing agency, has hired Shannon Brault of Manchester as Social Media Manager. She handles all social media marketing and lead generation strategies for the agency and its clients, which range from hospitality companies and educational institutions to nonprofit organizations.

Prior to joining Just Flow, Brault specialized in digital marketing at a B2B technology company. She holds a BS in Marketing and Sport Management from Merrimack College, and held various roles with the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins during her undergraduate years.

We are thrilled to expand Just Flows social media capabilities with Shannons expertise, said Ami DAmelio, CEO & President of Just Flow Events & Marketing. Her creativity, commitment to data analytics, and communication style deliver a fresh approach to social media marketing that is already proving impactful. She is a great asset to our team.

For more information about Just Flow, visit http://justflownh.com.

About Just Flow Events & Marketing

Supporting clients since 2010, Just Flow provides event planning and management, strategic marketing, social media, website design development, graphic design, copywriting and other related corporate communication services. Our team offers extensive experience in a variety of industries, including education, fine arts, health care and medical, high-tech, hospitality and dining, manufacturing, membership organizations, professional services and more. With headquarters in downtown Manchester, the full-service agency provides services for clients across New Hampshire, throughout the northeast, along the east coast and beyond. For more information, visit https://justflownh.com.
Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against 4 Gen Logistics, L.L.C., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

The San Bernardino employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against 4 Gen Logistics, L.L.C., alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against 4 Gen Logistics, L.L.C., is currently pending in the San Bernardino County Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2117886. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here.

According to the lawsuit filed, 4 Gen Logistics, L.L.C. allegedly failed to reimburse employees for required business expenses. California Labor Code  2802 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties..." During employment, Plaintiffs and other California Class Members were allegedly required to use their personal cellular phones in order to complete their job duties.

Additionally, the lawsuit alleges 4 Gen Logistics, L.L.C. failed to pay employees minimum wages for compensable time worked. Employees are entitled to be paid minimum wages and provided meal and rest periods as required by California law. Plaintiff was also not allegedly provided accurate wage statements, in part due to the alleged underpayment of wages.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against 4 Gen Logistics, L.L.C., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other types of illegal workplace conduct.

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If you would like to know more about the Whit Fir Holdings lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

The Northern California labor law attorneys, at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a class action complaint against White Fir Holdings, LLC, Plum Healthcare Foundation, Plum Healthcare Group, LLC, GI Side Fund Plum Corp., and California Opco Sub, LLC (collectively, "Defendants" and/or "White Fir Holdings") for allegedly failing to accurately pay employees' wages for all their time worked. The class action lawsuit, Case No. 34-2021-00301656, is currently pending in the Sacramento County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here.

According to the lawsuit, Defendants allegedly violated California Labor Code Sections  201, 202, 203, 204, 206.5, 226, 226.7, 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) provide accurate itemized wage statements; (5) reimburse employees for required business expenses; and (6) provide wages when due. The lawsuit also alleges the Defendants violated the Private Attorneys General Act ("PAGA"), which gives rise to civil penalties as a result of the Defendants' 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.

California Labor Code Section 226 requires an employer to furnish its employees an accurate itemized wage statement in writing showing (1) gross wages earned, (2) total hours worked, (3) the number of piece-rate units earned and any applicable piece-rate, (4) all deductions, (5) net wages earned, (6) the inclusive dates of the period for which the employee is paid, (7) the name of the employee and only the last four digits of the employees social security number or an employee identification number other than a social security number, (8) the name and address of the legal entity that is the employer and, (9) all applicable hourly rates in effect during the pay period and the corresponding number of hours worked at each hourly rate by the employee. The Defendants allegedly failed to provide its employees with accurate itemized wage statements that complied with all the requirements of California Labor Code Section 226.

If you would like to know more about the 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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We are thankful to Dan for what he has done to preserve and expand the Larkmead legacy over the last 15 years, says proprietor Cam Baker. We are eager to welcome the next generation and chapter with Winemaker Avery Heelan.

Larkmead Vineyards is pleased to announce that Associate Winemaker Avery Heelan has been promoted to Winemaker. Heelan will be taking over from celebrated winemaker Dan Petroski, who joined Larkmead in 2006 and has been the winemaker since 2013. We are thankful to Dan for what he has done to preserve and expand the Larkmead legacy over the last 15 years, says proprietor Cam Baker. Our wines have been lauded by critics and our members alike, and Dan has initiated some projects for the estate and Napa Valley at large. We are eager to welcome the next generation and chapter with Winemaker Avery Heelan.

Avery Heelan joined the Larkmead Vineyards team in July 2019 after positions as Cellar Master at Screaming Eagle Vineyards in Napa, Vintage Assistant Winemaker Domaine Yves Boyer Martenot in Meursault, France, and as a Vintage Enologist at Capel Vale Winery in Western Australia. Heelan holds an M.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, with a specialization in Viticulture & Enology from the University of California, Davis. Now that Larkmead has reached 125 years, I am excited to usher our wines into the next era of our history, focused on climate change research, organic farming and approaching the 150-acre estate as a contained microcosm that has the potential to produce the worlds finest wines, comments Heelan.

In her new role at Larkmead, Heelan will oversee all winemaking and vineyards, continuing climate action and research initiatives with the Larkmead Research Block and working closely alongside viticulturist Kelly Maher and vineyard manager Nabor Camarena to manage the 150-acre estate. Heelan will also start producing wines from the Hillside vineyard, Larkmeads most recently completed vineyard development.

Larkmead proprietors Cam and Kate Solari Baker welcome the next chapter of winemaking leadership under Winemaker Avery Heelan. We are thrilled to announce Avery Heelan as our next winemaker at Larkmead, notes Kate Solari Baker. When Cam and I took ownership of the property in the early 1990s, we had the vision and goal to recapture the historic place Larkmead has held in the Napa Valley. We are excited for Avery to manifest that vision and make excellent wines for a new generation that truly reflects the stature, personality, and history of this world class site.

Petroski leaves Larkmead to focus on his own brand, Massican Wines, which he started at Larkmead, and has been increasing production along with sales, marketing and distribution.

His tenure at Larkmead includes receiving multiple 95+ scores from the top wine publications, introducing various sustainability initiatives including the Larkmead Research Block, and beginning the estates conversion to California Certified Organic Farming (CCOF).
Blue Sunday: an intriguing tale of destiny and faith. Blue Sunday is the creation of published author Latricia Thornton, a devoted single mother to two daughters and a son who has had a passion for writing since high school.

Thornton shares, Blue Sunday was a story that I created in 2016. It is a story about redemption for the assistant pastor Gregory Emory, who wanted nothing to do with God after two of his closest family members died, and the redemption of a former drug addict, Shane Gaudet, who was running from his own past troubles that cause him to hide from God. The main character, Greg, believes God cured him of cancer. In turn, because he is in the business of saving souls, he wants to help his old best friend find God. God brings the two men together under the same roof and leads them through a series of dreams to rediscover each other.

I was very intrigued by how my mother and her sisters would interpret dreams ever since I was a little girl. I decided to create a story that included a series of dreams that had to be decoded throughout until the very end.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Latricia Thorntons new book is a compelling tale of redemption and forgiveness.

With a likable cast and real-world circumstances, readers will be engaged by the captivating scenes unfolded within.

View a synopsis of Blue Sunday on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Blue Sunday at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Blue Sunday, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
LT Trusts commitment to technology and meeting the needs of advisors and participants is refreshing. This new website is a bold statement that the retirement plan industry should be looking to follow." - Willi Schatz

LT Trust, a leading provider of low-cost 401(k) solutions to small businesses, announced the release of its cutting-edge participant website. This stunning new interface, combined with several unique features, provides all companies access to a world-class retirement plan website experience that is typically only available to large corporations.

Highlights include:



Interactive charting of daily balances against employee contributions and total contributions (employee + employer)

Retirement income projections in both dollars and as a percentage of goal

Simplified, goal-based enrollment experience through iJoin

Contribution history graphing by source over time

Contemporary dark blue theme

The new participant experience is also accessible through a mobile app available in the Apple app store and Google Play store. The mobile app includes all the features available through the website, plus push notifications, such as alerting participants when a new contribution is posted to their account.

Burke Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of LT Trust, stated, We spent a lot of time gathering feedback from our participants. We then used those insights to create one of the most innovative digital 401(k) approaches available to emerging businesses. Mr. Johnson went on to explain how the user interface was refined, Participants were presented with different themes to select from, ensuring that our vision was in line with their preferences and consistently they praised the modern, clean interface and loved the vibrant colors.

Willi Schatz, Vice President of Investments at Elliott Cove Capital Management in Seattle, WA, commented, LT Trusts commitment to technology and meeting the needs of advisors and participants is refreshing. This new website is a bold statement that the retirement plan industry should be looking to follow. It creates a much-needed and impressive experience often seen in the retail investing marketplace. Participants will especially love the unique daily balance history chart; I am not aware of any other recordkeepers offering something similar. 

The new participant website is the latest step forward in LT Trusts goal of becoming the premier technology solution in the small plan 401(k) market. Last year it released PartnerLens, a unique data visualization experience for advisors. Next up is SponsorLens, currently in beta testing, which will provide a similarly modern, data-driven interface for Plan Sponsors.

About LT Trust

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, LT Trust provides low-cost 401(k) recordkeeping and administration services to growing businesses in all 50 states. By offering an open architecture 401(k) platform with access to almost 30,000 investment options, LT Trust enables its advisors to construct best-of-breed fund lineups without imposing any product requirements. LT Trust administered over 4,400 retirement plans with over $5.7 billion in assets as of June 30, 2021. On July 29, 2021 LT Trust announced it signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by American Trust Company; the transaction is expected to close within the next month.

Contact:

Burke Johnson | LT Trust

(303) 658-3731 | Burke.Johnson@LTTrust.com
RMA is happy to be an awardee on this multiple award BPA. This BPA provides a great avenue to continue supporting our Armed Forces, stated Marc Hebert, a member of the RMA Proposal Capture and Review Team. The proposal win team consisted of Reza Mahbod, Marc Hebert, Kris Samiley Gonzales, Neda Haghighat, George Fallon, and Holly Donley.

The Comptroller is the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense for budgetary and fiscal matters, including financial management, accounting policy and systems, management control systems, budget formulation and execution, contract and audit administration, and general management improvement programs.

RMA is thrilled to be a part of this BPA. We are a mission-critical partner to OUSD(C) in a number of capacities and look forward to both executing and assisting with OUSD(C) audits and examinations, stated Reza Mahbod, President of RMA.

ABOUT RMA ASSOCIATES

RMA Associates, LLC (RMA) is a small and growing professional services firm that provides audit, consulting, and advisory services. RMA provides measurable and lasting results through creative thinking, data sharing, digital transformation, anticipating outcomes, and simplifying the complex.

To learn more about RMA Associates, visit https://www.rmafed.com/

For press and media inquiries, please contact info@rmafed.com

Connect with RMA Associates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rmafed/
Atlanta Magazine recognizes SGF Atlanta physicians, Drs. Brahma, McCarthy-Keith, and Namnoum as Top Docs for Infertility. As leaders in reproductive medicine, SGF Atlanta physicians are committed to providing exceptional fertility care at a practice that remains at the forefront of cutting-edge reproductive technology.

Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) Atlanta is proud to announce that physicians Pavna Brahma, M.D., Desiree McCarthy-Keith, M.D., M.P.H., and Anne B. Namnoum, M.D., have been named Atlanta magazines Top Docs for Infertility. This recognition is voted on by physician peers in various fields of medicine. For the 2021 issue, more than 1,000 physicians were featured across 64 specialties.

As leaders in reproductive medicine, SGF Atlanta physicians are committed to providing exceptional fertility care at a practice that remains at the forefront of cutting-edge reproductive technology. SGF Atlanta currently has four locations in Atlanta-Northside, Alpharetta, Buckhead - Piedmont, and Marietta.

The Top Doctors list is compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd, which guides consumers to Americas top doctors and top hospitals. Castle Connollys established nomination survey, research, screening, and selection process, under the direction of a physician, involves many hundreds of thousands of physicians as well as academic medical centers, specialty hospitals, and regional and community hospitals all across the nation.

Castle Connollys physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Careful screening of doctors educational and professional experience is essential before final selection is made among those physicians most highly regarded by their peers.

"Helping patients become parents by blending incredible scientific advancements and compassionate care is a sincere passion of mine, reflects Dr. Brahma. I often tell patients to put some of their stress on my shoulders, and we will make the journey together.

Im proud to be part of a practice that has a referral network of 4,000 physicians, all of whom place their trust in SGF, shares Dr. McCarthy-Keith. We want patients to feel that same level of trust because we are dedicated to helping them achieve their dreams of having a baby.

We are honored that patients choose SGF Atlanta to shepherd them through their individual experiences with infertility, says Dr. Namnoum. Whether patients are just getting started or have been persevering through the ups and downs of treatment for a while, their courage, patience, hope, and resilience are all qualities that keep me inspired as a physician.

For people struggling to conceive, it may be time to consult a fertility specialist. Contact the SGF New Patient Center at 1-888-761-1967 or complete a brief online request form to schedule a virtual consult with an SGF physician. A virtual physician consult is the first step toward pursuing a pregnancy with the help of SGF.

About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)

SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 85,000 babies born and 5,000+ 5-star patient reviews. With 40 locations, including new locations in Colorado and Norfolk, VA, as well as throughout FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C. and Santiago, Chile, SGF offers patients virtual physician consults, delivers individualized care, accepts most insurance plans, and makes treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including 100% refund guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. SGF is among the founding partner practices of US Fertility, the largest physician-owned, physician-led partnership of top-tier fertility practices in the U.S. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.
Kris Infotech acquires majority stake in AGS Tek Partners We are thrilled to add AGS Tek Partners into our fold. Their expertise and experience in delivering IT resourcing and training services in the US over many years is immensely valuable and will serve as a launchpad for our own growth plans.

Leading Singapore-headquartered IT consulting and advisory services company Kris Infotech has acquired a 60% stake in the Colorado-based IT consultancy and Staffing company AGS Tek Partners. The acquisition follows Kris Infotechs strategic roadmap for growth, tapping into the enormous opportunities and immense potential of the dynamic US market.

To drive its ambitious expansion plans in the US and the rest of North America, Kris Infotech is deputing IT industry veteran, Mr. Barani Kumaresan, from Singapore. As Senior Vice President, Mr. Kumaresan will be responsible for making all operational decisions of AGS Tek Partners, execute the companys strategy and scale up operations of AGS Tek Partners.

We are thrilled to add AGS Tek Partners into our fold. Their expertise and experience in delivering IT resourcing and training services in the US over many years is immensely valuable and will serve as a launchpad for our own growth plans. Together, we look forward to delivering our suite of IT services to a lot more companies across the US and North America and enable them to get maximum value from their investments in Information Technology and digitalization/ digital transformation, said Ms. Reem DSouza, Head of Business and Investor of Kris Infotech. I am confident that Kumaresans extensive experience in the IT services sector and his presence in the US to run our operation are critical to fast track our plans for this important market.

Kris Infotech was seed funded by in 2006 by Mr. Rajeev Srivastava, who is also the Founder & Executive Chairman of Basil Technology Partners, which closed its first institutional US$171m Fund in 2018. Mr. Srivastava has over 30 years of successful investing and operations experience in the technology services sector across Asia, US, and Europe, having invested in 14 niche global technology companies.

Commenting on being acquired by Kris Infotech, Mr. Dave Malhotra, Founder & CEO of AGS Tek Partners, said, We are excited by the next stage of our corporate journey as a part of Kris Infotech. Not only does this acquisition add several complementary competencies, but there is also a great synergy in our visions for how we can add value to our customers. With the backing and support of Kris Infotech, we are even better equipped to delight more customers in multiple domains. We look forward to being the one-stop, end-to-end IT solutions provider for our clients.

Mr. Malhotra is an experienced investor with a successful track record in the information technology and services industry. His expertise spans the realms of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Business Intelligence, Integration, Enterprise Software, and Enterprise Architecture.

About Kris Infotech

Kris Infotech (http://kris.sg/) is a Singapore-headquartered IT solutions company, providing a wide range of IT services from technology consulting and advisory in emerging tech to IT talent solutions. Established in 2006 by Rajeev Srivastava, the co-founder of APAR Infotech, the company currently employs over 150 professionals with operations in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Thailand, and the US, while also supporting customers in Vietnam, Philippines, and Australia. New offices in Vietnam and Indonesia are scheduled to commence operations in Q4, 2021. Kris Infotech expertise includes Cyber Security, Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI), DevOps & AIOps, SCM (SAP-APO/IBP, Anaplan, Kinaxis), Blockchain and RPA. The company also offers professional services in IT Contracting, Executive Search/ Permanent Placements and RPO.

About AGS Tek Partners

Colorado-based AGS Tek Partners (http://www.agstek.com/) is a provider of state-of-the-art IT services and solutions that address the modern-day business challenges of most organizations. The company has been delivering on-demand technology consulting, technology resourcing (both on-demand on-site staffing as well as permanent placements) and software training services for more than five years.

Media Contact

Name: Dave Malhotra

Tel: +1.303.638.3505

E-mail Sales@agstek.com
Summit BHC ("Summit"), a leading national provider of behavioral health and addiction treatment services, has opened Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health in Johnstown, CO.

Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health provides a full range of treatment services, including mental health crisis intervention, inpatient treatment, medication management, and intensive therapy for mental health issues. Johnstown Heights will also treat substance use disorder through a full continuum of care, including medically managed detox and intensive inpatient services. The facility has 92 beds that will serve adults, children and adolescents.

"The addition of Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health allows Summit to continue providing quality, affordable mental health and substance use disorder treatment to the residents of Colorado," says Brent Turner, CEO of Summit. "This is an exciting expansion for us as we grow our services and reach more people in need of quality behavioral health services."

Summit has 24 inpatient facilities nationally. This is its second in Colorado, in addition to Peak View Behavioral Health in Colorado Springs.

About Summit

Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee and founded in 2013, Summit was established to develop and operate a leading network of behavioral health hospitals and addiction treatment centers throughout the country. The company's primary focus is on psychiatric services and substance use disorder treatment within a flexible and dynamic continuum of care. The leadership team at Summit is composed of senior executives with decades of combined experience in the behavioral healthcare industry at the national level. The company currently owns and operates 24 freestanding facilities nationwide.
Our expansion throughout Canada has been an exciting venture for The Agency as we continue to introduce our brand and exceptional offerings throughout the region," said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency.

Global real estate brokerage, The Agency has announced the launch of its new franchise office in Calgary, Alberta in Canada. The new office is the firms 19th franchise among its growing network of offices in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The Calgary office will be helmed by luxury real estate agents and managing partners, Kristine Semrau and Brian Danyliw. The Agency has several franchise offices throughout Canada including in Toronto, Victoria, Oakville, Kitchener, and Cowichan.

Were thrilled to partner with such accomplished agents as Kristine Semrau and Brian Danyliw to bring The Agency and our unique culture to Calgary, said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency. Our expansion throughout Canada has been an exciting venture for The Agency as we continue to introduce our brand and exceptional offerings throughout the region.

The Agencys franchise expansion has been robust with the launch of several new franchise locations this year including offices in Oakville, Canada, New Canaan, Connecticut, and North Shore-New York, as well as new corporate office locations in Studio City and Pacific Palisades, California.

Were incredibly excited to partner with Kristine and Brian to launch our newest franchise office in Calgary as we continue to expand The Agency brand internationally, said Jim Ramsay, Executive Vice President of Franchise Sales at The Agency. The unparalleled interest and demand weve experienced throughout Canada is a true testament to the collaborative culture and outstanding tools and offerings The Agency brings to buyers, sellers and agents.

With more than two decades of luxury real estate experience, Brian Danyliw has sold hundreds of millions of dollars of real estate throughout his successful 20-year career. With a deep knowledge of all things real estate and a strong background in international marketing, Danyliw has consistently been named a top producing agent. Clients choose to work with Danyliw for his meticulous attention to detail, loyalty and high quality of service. His past entrepreneurial experience includes owning successful construction and adventure tourism businesses. When hes not selling real estate, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, and enjoying outdoor activities. Danyliw also serves as co-managing partner of The Agencys British Columbia operations.

Kristine Semrau brings more than a decade of industry experience and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role at The Agency. Prior to her successful career in luxury real estate, she worked within the legal field for more than ten years and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Calgary. Semraus passion for the industry and unwavering commitment to her community have positioned her as one of the areas top agents. Prior to joining The Agency, Semrau was instrumental in bringing Sothebys International Real Estate to Alberta, and served as Managing Broker and Global Real Estate Advisor at Christies International Real Estate and Engel & Volkers Calgary. Her charitable endeavors include giving of her time to various charitable organizations with platforms dedicated to increasing awareness and creating positive change for people, animals and the environment. She also serves as a volunteer to several equestrian organizations including serving as Board Member for Jump Alberta and as an Advisory Committee Chair for JustWorld International.

The Agency brand is unlike any other, offering unmatched marketing and technology to buyers and sellers, said Kristine Semrau. We cant wait to showcase the difference The Agency brings to our clients in Calgary.

The Agency Calgary will be located at #200, 638  11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2R 0E2.

About The Agency

The Agency is a full-service, luxury real estate brokerage and lifestyle company representing clients in a spectrum of classes, including residential, new development, resort real estate, residential leasing, and luxury vacation rentals. Since its inception in 2011, The Agency has modernized and advanced the real estate industry by fostering a culture of partnership in which all clients and listings are represented in a collaborative environment. Shunning the traditional brokerage model, agents share knowledge, spheres of influence, contacts, and expertise, ensuring clients better representation and a true competitive edge. The Agency has closed more than $25 billion in real estate transactions since its inception and has almost 700 agents in more than 42 offices in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.


Winning this award is a testament to how much pride (the Van Dyk staff) show as professionals and how much love they show for our residents.

Van Dyk Park Place received the 2021 National Quality Silver Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), marking its second consecutive year of recognition for quality care.

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program spotlights leading health care providers with impeccable records of quality care. The 2021 Silver Award is the second of three distinctions attainable for Van Dyk, also a 2020 Bronze Award winner.

The Quality Award is the highest form of recognition in our profession, said Bob Van Dyk, CEO of Van Dyk Health Care and former Chairman of AHCA/NCAL. Our amazing staff worked so hard to earn the Silver Award this year. Its a reflection of our entire teams dedication to all the wonderful families we serve.

The award ceremony will take place October 2021 at AHCA/NCALs 72nd Convention & Expo in National Harbor, MD. Kevin Brendlen, Executive Director at Van Dyk Park Place, is expected to accept the Silver Award on behalf of the Van Dyk family.

Its a tremendous honor for our entire staff, Brendlen said. Theyve worked tireless hours and made countless sacrifices to keep our residents safe. Winning this award is a testament to how much pride they show as professionals and how much love they show for our residents.

The National Quality Award Program, created in 1996, is a rigorous three-level process that is reviewed and judged by trained experts against a set of nationally recognized standards for organizational excellence. The standards of measurement are designed to recognize superior performance to improve quality of life and care of long-term care residents and staff. The Silver level focuses on a care providers ability to develop and demonstrate effective approaches that help improve organizational performance and health care outcomes.

Reaching the Silver Award level successfully while also compassionately and heroically protecting and caring for residents during a pandemic is remarkable, said the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Chair Tammy Kelly. I applaud the resiliency and dedication of the entire Van Dyk family for continuing their quality improvement journey and for this outstanding achievement.

As a 2021 Silver Award recipient, Van Dyk Park Place is now eligible to advance in pursuit of the Gold Award, the highest level of recognition by AHCA/NCAL.

About Van Dyk Health Care

Van Dyk Health Care, founded in 1953, has built an unsurpassed reputation for excellence in senior care, spanning three generations of family caring for family. Under the leadership of CEO Robert Van Dyk for nearly 30 years and an award-winning staff, it remains one of the top care providers in the nation, dedicated to finding solutions to better health and quality of life throughout New Jersey. The company offers an extensive continuum of care services for assisted living, memory care, home care and Alzheimers day care. Van Dyk Health Care works with partnering hospitals and physicians to help families find short-term rehab care, allowing them to return home quickly and safely. The company received the #2 national ranking by Fortune for the Best Workplace in Aging Services, the Top Workplace award by North Jersey Media Group, the Womens Choice Award, the National Quality Silver Award & Bronze Award from the American Health Care Association, the Best of Senior Living Award from Senior Advisor.com, and recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of Americas top care providers. Learn more at vandykhealthcare.com.
startup of the year hackernoon duh "It's not easy to build a business. More should be celebrated for not only surviving but also thriving through a worldwide pandemic. By bringing together sponsors, awards, and functions to aggregate the will of the people, we hope to level up thousands of startups." - HackerNoon CEO David Smooke.

HackerNoon, the technology publishing company, in partnership with brex.com, bybit.com, and blockster.com has launched a startup of the year vote for all 4k cities in the world above 100k population. The voting is now open at Startups.HackerNoon.com, and will last from now until Jan 26, 2022. The HackerNoon editorial team has curated the first 35k+ startup nominees. Nominations are open to the public through September 6 2021, and each one is reviewed by the HackerNoon staff.

"It's not easy to build a business," said HackerNoon CEO David Smooke. "More businesses should be celebrated for not only surviving but also thriving through a worldwide pandemic. By bringing together sponsors, awards, and functions to aggregate the will of the people, we hope to accelerate the growth paths for thousands of startups around the world."

This Startup of the Year experience is powered by HackerNoon's custom voting software, that previously powered Noonies 2019, Noonies 2020, and will power Noonies 2021, which is HackerNoon's annual awards for rewarding technology leaders worldwide.

Startups of the Years headline sponsors are Brex, ByBit, and Blockster, with additional cooperation from freeCodeCamp, LaunchDarkly, Coil, FREEton, Udemy, Udacity, Vercel, and Asia Pacific Transgender Network. For all nominated startups with an American EIN, Brex is offering free $300 on a Brex credit card. For all winners of Central Europe, Vercel is offering a $100 hosting credit.

Bybit is proud to support the Startups of the Year initiative. This past year has presented unique challenges to all. And those of us in the crypto world really rose up and met the moment, said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. We think it is important to now highlight the exemplary startups and celebrate their achievements, so all of us can learn from them, build a steadier foundation, further enhance resilience, and win over even more brilliant minds to our cause.

The Blockster team  and I personally  are proud to be the general sponsor of the Startups of the Year and help make it happen, said Adam Todd, Founder & CEO at Blockster. I cant overestimate how huge this event is for the tech industry. The world of fintech startups is dynamic and ferociously competitive. Every day, we face a number of diverse challenges: technological, organizational, regulatory, and so on. Some shun competition  but it is a blessing for us, as it makes us grow and evolve: as projects and as an industry.

About the 16 regions of the world:

Oceania Startups

According to Crunchbase, there are currently 1,801 startups active in Australia alone, and they are predominantly backed by venture capital. Taking into consideration that Oceania felt 25% plunge in funding in only the first three months of the pandemic, any startup standing and thriving through the pandemic most definitely deserves recognition.

Asia

East Asia Startups

East Asia has been a beacon of uniqueness when it comes to their startup scene. And South Korea in particular seems to be having a breakthrough year despite the global pandemic, with Sendbird raising $100 million in series C funding and becoming South Korea's 12th Unicorn. But what are the other uncrowned jewels of East Asia?

South Asia Startups

If Indian startup scene only maintained its course through the pandemic, it would be considered a success. The pandemic wasn't the least bit gentle on the entire South Asia region. However, what they did instead is raised 70% of the amount raised in the entire 2020 in the first four months of the 2021. Who are the startup teams behind $7.8 billion raised and how did they pull it off?

Southeast Asia Startups

The startup scene of South Asia managed to stay on course despite the pandemic, at least when it comes to raising funds. The entire region closed the year with the amount of $8.2 billion raised, with Indonesia leading the way responsible for 70% of the amount. The emerging hero of the region though seems to be Vietnam, marking a $400 million increase in total funds raised (makes sense - considering their government's strict covid restrictions). Who are these new risers? How did they do it?

Middle East Startups

Out of 50 most-funded Middle-eastern startups, 33 are based in UAE, making it the absolute leader in the region. From smart farms to fintech solution, they have managed to raise over $400 million in funding despite the raging pandemic. But what other post-pandemic startup survivors are there? And what strategy they used to not only survive, but also thrive?

Europe

East Europe Startups

What do tools like Miro, Telegram, and Grammarly have in common? Apart from the probability of you using at least one of them, they all originated in Eastern Europe. They have grown tremendously, infiltrated the mainstream culture and consequently our day-to-day lives. But aside from the known giants, what other Eastern Europe based startups have succeeded in surviving the pandemic, the biggest economic challenge since 2008?

South Europe Startups

The economy of countries located in the Southern parts of Europe took a significant hit during the pandemic, mostly due to their heavy reliance on tourism. But how did the startup world in countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece handle it? We can assume that Barcelona-based MediQuo thrived, giving its application in the medical industry, but other than that, who are the real heroes of the pandemic-driven startup world?

West Europe Startups

When it comes to Western Europe, it seems that we can finally see some disturbance in the force of the startup ecosystem, with power gradually shifting away from London and the growing popularity of Amsterdam-based startups. Was it the pandemic or Brexit, or both? And more importantly, who are startups that managed to thrive despite both, and, what are their secrets?

North Europe Startups

It came as no surprise that countries in Northern Europe have been a fertile ground for startups, being known for their impeccable financial systems and excellent living standards. That is especially true of Sweden, who became the home to global giants like Spotify, Candy Crush, and Skype, among others. However, pandemic was gentle to no one, not even the Northern Europeans, making us wonder how their startup ecosystem, and especially younger startups, dealt with it.

Central Europe Startups

Even before the pandemic, Central Europe was getting an increasing amount of attention in the startup world, thanks to its very relevant talent pool. In December Google reported that in Poland only (who seems to be the central of gaming development) there have been around 4,500 startups, more than half of which was generating revenue! Considering the turbulent economic background of the area, that left us wanting to know more about the startups in question and, also, what is their secret.

South America Startups

Compared to 2019 $4.9 billion raised in venture capital, Latin America has seen a slight decline in 2020, raising a total of $4.1 billion. Was it an overall good result considering the pandemic? Absolutely. Even more so considering that only 5 years ago that number was merely $500 million. Still, that region doesn't get nearly the spotlight it deserves, leaving us wondering who are the startups responsible for maintaining the steady success through the pandemic, and how they maintained to do so.

North and Central America Startups

Canada and Central America Startups

Central America Startups

One of the unexpected not only survivors, but also thrivers in the startup world during the pandemic have been located in Central America. While startups across the world struggled to lend the security of VCs, Central America seemed to have doubled down on decentralization, with Costa Rican Decentral raising whopping $5 million. With this are raising significant buzz surrounding decentralization, should the rest of the world listen and learn?

Canada Startups

Canadian entrepreneurial scene apparently saw a steady growth of new businesses in 2020, both thanks to the pandemic and in spite of it. While a percentage started a new business due to having more free time, the others did so because they had to, having lost their jobs. On the downside, a noticeable result of the pandemic is that it disproportionately affected underrepresented founders, 85% of whom reported losses in revenue, contracts, and cash flow. This makes it even more important to recognize those that have pulled through and kept their business afloat against the odds.

New York Startups

The New York startup scene has shown incredible resilience throughout the pandemic. Innovation and adaptability have always been its staple, and those two features only become more emphasized and more prominent in the previous 15 months. In light of the biggest economic crisis since 2008, many startups not only survived but others also got founded and lived to see a glimpse of the post-pandemic world.

California Startups

After the 2020 $54 billion budget deficit, California is currently set for a $15 billion tax surplus, and that's undoubtedly thanks to the tech industry. We can attribute it to the continuously soaring stock prices of Big Tech like Netflix, Apple, and Facebook. But the story doesn't end there. Who are the companies behind the biggest IPOs of the year? Who are the tenacious teams with significantly less funding who rode the storm and made it through?

Middle America Startups

Pandemic-induced remote work has brought with itself some major benefits for both employees and founders. For employees, that was getting to wear sweatpants at all times and cutting out commuting. For founders, the major perk has been leveraging the fact VCs were finally able to tear their eyes away from California and New York and dig deeper to find ideas worth supporting. This allowed them to endure and thrive in what was the most challenging economic period since 2008, changing the America's technological landscape. Who are they and what can we learn from their experience?

Africa Startups

Africa's startup ecosystem took a whooping 29% hit in the decline of venture capital in 2020, compared to 2019. Still, they are expected to close the year with between $2.25 and $2.8 billion raised, either one of which would be a record-breaking success for the continent. This naturally leaves us wondering who are the tenacious teams that only survived the pandemic, but also managed to thrive.

About Brex

Brex is all-in-one finance for growing businesses. We help companies spend, save, and earn smarterand take every dollar furtherby doing more than a bank, bookkeeping, or reward program could ever do alone. After completing the Y Combinator accelerator program in 2017, Brex has grown to over 700 employees and raised over US$940 million in venture capital. Learn more at brex.com

About Bybit

Bybit is a global cryptocurrency derivatives exchange established in March 2018 and registered in the BVI. It is headquartered in Singapore and has offices in Hong Kong and Taiwan. They have users from all over the world including North America, Europe, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Learn more at bybit.com

About Blockster

Blockster is an all-in-one social media platform for all things crypto. From real-time social media updates and pricing feeds of popular currencies to extensive blogs and advertising options for cryptocurrencies, Blockster offers it all. Learn more at blockster.com

About HackerNoon

How hackers start their afternoons. Hacker Noon is built for technologists to read, write, and publish. We are an open and international community of 15k+ contributing writers publishing stories and expertise for 3M+ curious and insightful monthly readers. Founded in 2016, Hacker Noon is an independent technology publishing platform run by David Smooke and Linh Dao Smooke. Start blogging about technology today.
Zeigler Auto Group acquires its first Wisconsin dealers, buying four new stores in the state We know that the community here will appreciate the way we do business, not just in how we go above and beyond for every single customer, but also in the way that we make it a priority to actively take part in the communities where we operate

Zeigler Auto Group today announced that it has purchased four new dealerships from Jim Bozich and Mark Geiger, officially closing today, Monday, July 26, 2021. The deal, Zeigler's first in Wisconsin, includes Honda of Racine, Toyota of Racine, Kenosha Subaru, and Racine Hyundaiwith all stores now under the Zeigler name.

We are very proud to be expanding Zeigler into the great state of Wisconsin. We know that the community here will appreciate the way we do business, not just in how we go above and beyond for every single customer, but also in the way that we make it a priority to actively take part in the communities where we operate, said Aaron Zeigler, president and owner of Zeigler Auto Group.

With this new purchase Zeigler adds two new franchises: Toyota and Hyundai to its growing brand portfolio, as well as a second Honda and Subaru location. It will also add a total of 14,000 vehicle sales a year to the organization with Zeigler pacing to retail over 67,000 vehicles collectively and over $2.2 billion in sales next year.

Now having purchased nine new stores in the last 16 months, Zeigler says his growth strategy has always been, and will always be customer-focused. Besides the fact that these are top performing, high volume stores, we chose these stores because of their great potential. They will without a doubt offer all of our customers, both current and new, access to more choices with their locations being right off the highway.

The dealer group previously acquired Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Hoffman Estates, INFINITI of Hoffman Estates, and Jaguar Land Rover of Schaumburg in January 2020; and Subaru of Merrillville in May of this year.

As of today, the new Zeigler dealerships will be rebranded as follows:



Zeigler Honda of Racine 1701 SE Frontage Rd, Mt. Pleasant, WI 53177

Zeigler Toyota of Racine, 13350 Kilbourn Drive, Mt. Pleasant, WI 53177

Zeigler Hyundai of Racine, 13313 Washington Ave, Mt. Pleasant, WI 53177

Zeigler Subaru of Kenosha, 7900 120th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142

The dealer group is also excited to announce that it has plans to keep all staff on board at all of its new stores.

About Zeigler Auto Group

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 78 automotive franchises across 35 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 15 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company.

The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, a Carquest Auto Parts store, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm.

Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 1,800 people with annual sales of $1.7 billion, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation. The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Chicago and Michigan.
Publishing involves a high degree of fortune telling: what will hook readers, in what form, and when? These questions, already daunting, are further complicated by the stubborn fact of production. You can identify a potential market, but by the time the book has been written, edited, and bound, will that market still exist? For travel publishers, 2020 brought many a devastating no. How many American readers, in spring of last year, wanted to pick up a guide to Belize?

This year brings more optimism. Vaccines are widely available, at least in some parts of the world, and travel restrictions continue to lift, even as the delta variant poses a new menace. But amid vacillating case numbers and mercurial regulations, travel publishers are again having to gamble. That may explain why presses large and small are playing it safe, and perhaps adjusting to a long-term shift in travel appetites. For these publishers, local is still the word.

Home, not away

Apa Publications, which publishes Rough Guides and Insight Guides, is one of several travel presses that had a difficult 2020, and its also among those pursuing a local-centric strategy as it recovers.

This fall, Apa will publish new guides focused on domestic travel, including The Rough Guide to the USAs National Parks and The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA, both due in September, as well as new editions of Insight Guides to Alaska, Colorado, and Texas, releasing September through November.

For obvious reasons, weve been focusing on U.S. and U.K. domestic travel, says Rene Frey, CEO at Apa. That strategy is a departure for the company, which draws most of its revenue from guidebooks for intercontinental travelers. (According to Frey, Apas revenue for the first half of 2021 was down 86% compared to the same period in 2019, though sales since have begun to recover.) But until globe-trotting reaches something like its pre-pandemic levels, the domestic approach makes the most sense for the company.

Even after visitors begin returning to other countries, Frey says, anxieties caused by the pandemic will linger, and travel guides must account for them. All our new books will have much more focus on health and safety, he adds. He also predicts that the pandemic will accelerate travel trends that were already in the making, such as an increased interest in customized trips and sustainability (see Traveling, Not Trampling). Safety, health, sustainability, and personalizationthis is what we believe will become more important in the next couple of years, he notes.

Lonely Planet, too, is focusing on local travel for its North American market. In June the company released new editions of several domestic guides, including USAs Best Trips, Best of California, and Miami & the Keys, and in September it will publish Lonely Planets Ultimate USA Travel List, which features 500 travel experiences. Its adopting a similar domestic approach for readers in Great Britain as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

Theyre our primary markets, says Chris Zeiher, senior director, trade sales and marketing, for Lonely Planets global business. What we wanted to do in the first half of this year was release titles where we knew people could travel locally.

Like Apa, Lonely Planet is readying for a readership shaped by the pandemic. In preparation for a resumption of international travel, the publisher has begun updating its top 200 guidebooks. We didnt want a pre-pandemic publication date on the back, Zeiher says. We think a consumer will look at a book that was published maybe in 2018 or 2019 and think, Thats completely irrelevant now. 

Updating these guides also involves navigating the economic havoc wreaked by the pandemic. Lonely Planet is scrutinizing its listings of businesses and events, Zeiher says, to determine whether theyre still in operation; the books will also advise readers to double-check its recommended venues themselves. Thats not a new thing for guide books, but its become quite acute in the time of Covid.

He adds that, with different regions opening up at different rates, the publisher has increasingly come to rely on native expertise. Were using a lot of local talent to build up that content, he notes. Weve had to be much more agile as a publisher.

Going native

Even before the pandemic put a near stop to jet-setting, travelers were already looking homeward: tourists wanted to experience destinations as locals would, and locals discovered the rewards of creative staycations. As travel resumes, those appetites will endure, and publishers are ready to meet them.

In September, DK will release the first six titles in a new series, Like a Local. New York and Tokyo are among the cities on the launch list; the series continues with another six guides in January. Spotlighting offbeat eateries, green spaces, and street art, the books encourage the kind of native wandering that homebound residents have had to make do with over the past 18 monthsand, in the case of many, have come to appreciate.

Wildsam, too, is catering to the growing interest in local travel. Since its acquisition by Acadia in 2019, the publisher has expanded its list of story-driven field guides to various regions in the U.S. This year, four titles joined or are joining its Pursuits series: Colorado Rockies, Gulf Coast, and Cape Cod are out now, and Hudson Valley is due in October. All feature contributions from writers, artists, and scientists with local expertise; the Cape Cod guide, for example, includes insights from a roboticist and a Wampanoag linguist.

Taylor Bruce, editor-in-chief at Wildsam, says the renewed interest in local travel has been a boon for the publisher: while its wholesale revenue dipped during the pandemic, its direct-consumer web sales increased 250% in 2020, and as of April 2021 bookstore sales seem poised to rebound. He expects that, even as restrictions ebb, travel trends born of necessity will endure. Im sure theres going to be an itch to get back out into the global market, he adds, but his experience over the past year tells him more American travelers will look to their homeland first. Theres so much to discover in the U.S.

Brave new world traveler

As guidebook publishers continue to reassess their lists, theyre taking stock not only of where and how people are traveling but of who those travelers are.

In June of this year, Hardie Grant launched the Girls Guide to the World series, which serves women readers who may face particular hurdles when traveling because of their race or other aspects of their identity. After its inaugural title, Black Girls Take the World, by Guardian contributor Georgina Lawton, pubbed in June, the coming months bring Asian Girls Are Going Places (Nov.), by playwright and screenwriter Michelle Law, and Anxious Girls Do It Better (Dec.), by blogger Bunny Banyai. A fourth book, about the travel experiences of Muslim women, will follow in 2022.

Series editor Megan Cuthbert says the target readers for these books sometimes feel underserved by standard travel guides. Theres no question that race factors into how people, and particularly women, travel through the world, and traditionally travel guides have been written from a white male perspective, she says. Travelers with experience with misogyny or prejudice, she suggests, need to know more than where to find the best burrito in a city.

Michelle Law, author of Asian Girls Are Going Places, says that when she resumes traveling, shell do so with excitement but also anxiety, especially in light of the Atlanta spa shootings and recent attacks on Asian elders. With the book, she notes, she hopes to send a bit of strength and love and joy back out there during whats been an especially difficult time.

In writing the guide, Law drew on feedback from other Asian women. I wanted to gain an understanding of how their identity influenced the way in which they moved through the world, and how that identity made travel exciting, challenging, interesting, confronting, she says. They were excited by the idea of having a travel guide that spoke directly to them.

Daniel Lefferts is a writer in New York City.

Further 2021 Travel Books Coverage

Traveling, Not Trampling: Travel Books 2021

Shedding Excess Baggage: Travel Books 2021

Slow Going: PW talks with John Burns

Greater Access to the Great Outdoors: PW talks with Simon J. Hayhoe
In October 2020, during the travel industrys long winter, the reservation website Booking.com released a report, drawing on a survey of more than 20,000 travelers, predicting which trends would shape post-pandemic travel. In addition to traveling more locally andnot surprisinglywith more health and safety precautions in mind, a majority of respondents said they wanted to journey more sustainably. Covid-19, the report said, has amped peoples awareness about their impact on the environment and local communities.

Publishers seem to have intuited this trend: recent months have brought several travel books that put environmental awareness front and center. One of those is White Lions Sustainable Travel by travel writer Holly Tuppen (the Guardian, Conde Nast Traveller, and others). Jessica Axe, publisher at White Lion, says that, while the pandemic has highlighted the benefits of travel, its also illustrated the industrys excesses. Some national parks and waterways, once choked and trampled by visitors, have flourished in the respite, she says. Locals have reclaimed their cities, and destinations have vowed to measure success by environmental and social indicators rather than visitor numbers.

Tuppens book offers advice for mitigating the climate impact of travel, such as by taking longer but less frequent trips, as well as for bolstering the economic sustainability of travel destinations, such as by supporting local businesses. Further advice is found in travel writer and sustainability advocate Nina Karnikowskis Go Lightly (Laurence King), which offers tips on protecting wildlife and prioritizing green destinations, among them carbon-negative Bhutan. In the same vein, Wanderlust magazines How to Travel Guilt Free (Welbeck) advises traveling off-season, bike-riding and carpooling, and eschewing ethically questionable activities (e.g., dont ride the donkeys).

Island Presss Overtourism, edited by Martha Honey and Kelsey Frenkiel, a cofounder and program manager respectively at the Center for Responsible Travel, provides a broader overview of travels sustainability challenges, gathering insights from tourism officials, scholars, city council members, and others on the dangers of excessive tourism to beach communities, historic cities, World Heritage sites, and more.

Perhaps one of the most sustainable forms of travel is one that many have resorted to over the past year and half: making a destination of your community. The Art of Being a Tourist at Home (Hardie Grant) by Jenny Herbert (2008s The Intelligent Traveler) proposes that walking, seeking out street art, and making new friends through clubs offer the benefits of travel without its environmental costs.

Such books suggest that, for many, the resumption of travel will not mean a return to business as usual. White Lions Axe sums up the prevailing sentiment: Theres never been a better time to lean into a more conscious and conscientious way of living.
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  People trained in properly sterilizing surgical instruments are in short supply at hospitals in low- and middle-income countries worldwide, putting the hospitals patients at increased risk for life-threatening infections.

Central sterile services technicians, also known as medical sterilizers, are on the front lines when it comes to preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. Their role in sterilization of instruments and devices is a vital responsibility in hospitals and other health care facilities.

The nonprofit Safe Surgery Initiative partners with hundreds of hospitals in Africa, Asia and Latin America on surgical instrument repair. But Safe Surgery was looking for a way to expand into training in sterile services, to make a leap forward in patient safety as well as in the care and handling of the instruments generally.

Enter Purdue University and its online Central Service Technical Training course. Keith Miles, Safe Surgery executive director, was looking at the website of the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) when he noticed a link to Purdues program. IAHCSMM is the top organization for sterile processing professionals.

Purdues affordable online course looked like a prime opportunity for Safe Surgery to facilitate training in sterile services at its partner hospitals. The organization was able to partner with Smile Train on funding for the effort. Now, a first cohort of 46 students from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia are taking the course, or soon will, through Purdue Online. They will complete it over three months and take IAHCSMMs certification exam the following month. The program could grow from there.

Were hoping to expand it in 2022, Miles said. Were trying to do at least 600 students a year.

Though sterile processing is a standard program in U.S. hospitals and in hospitals in other wealthy countries, Miles said, Safe Surgerys partner hospitals often either lack a dedicated department for the purpose or lack purpose-trained personnel even when they have a department.

The duty often falls to operating room nurses, who arent specifically trained for it and who need be focused as much as possible on patient care, rather than on cleaning surgical instruments. The nurses are a better option than personnel who are sometimes assigned to the task with little or no formal training, however.

Frequently, sterilization department staff are not properly trained, Miles said. They don't have the resources to do it properly.

Purdues online course could help change that, potentially increasing safety for millions of patients while promoting best practices for both sterilizing and maintaining surgical instruments in the hospitals.

From a hospital perspective, their instruments are normally cleaned with bleach and other harsh chemicals., Miles said. Those tend to ruin the instruments, make them degrade even faster, which ends up creating more infection across the hospital and across the patients. It's just this never-ending cycle of unsafe practices that have been going on for decades.

In addition to its Central Service Technical Training course, Purdues program offers online health care leadership and health care materiel management training, including a central service leadership course, along with online certification exam review courses. A Purdue Online partnership with the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology also makes an externship program featuring 400 hours of experiential learning available.

This affordable central sterile services program through Purdue Online is able to address a global need while also serving the U.S. and Indiana, said Gary Bertoline, senior vice president for Purdue Online and learning innovation. Trained professionals in the field are in constant demand around the country in hospitals and clinics, surgery, ambulatory and outpatient centers, and dentist offices, among other places.

Media contact: Greg Kline, 765-426-8545, gkline@purdue.edu
KI has finalised additional licence deals for the BBC commission marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11 to The Seven Network in Australia, Globo in Brazil, CBC in Canada for both the CBC network and its French network Societe Radio-Canada, TVNZ in New Zealand, DPG Media in Belgium, RTV in Slovenia, NRK in Norway, Sky Deutschland in Germany, KAN in Israel, AMC Networks International Southern Europe in Spain and Portugal for its Odisea/Odisseia channel, and Rai Documentari in Italy. Hoopla Digital has also picked up the library streaming rights in the US and Canada.

Keren Shahar, KIs COO and president of distribution, said: Its difficult to express just how profoundly moving, empathetic and affecting this film really is. Two decades may have passed, but Arthur [Cary, director] has brought a fresh and touching perspective to these tragic events by giving survivors, and the families of those who lost their lives, a platform to share their memories and convey how they are still processing their experiences today. Surviving 9/11 is powerful, emotional and most definitely a must-watch.

Filmmaker Arthur Cary commented: I was 18 when 9/11 happened and it feels like the defining historical event of my life. It happened in America, but it changed the world, and I'm so pleased that this film will reach a truly international audience through these sales.

Surviving 9/11 is a deeply personal film that takes the form of two intertwining narratives; the two-hour period when terrorists hijacked four planes and crashed three of them into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, and the story of the 20 years since. Blending powerful testimony from American and British interviewees and personal and public archive, the story of the day unfolds almost in real time. Visceral and detailed storytelling of moments on the day are interspersed with contemporary scenes that explore how the lives of individuals continue to be affected by those moments and through the indelible imprint on their lives we realise the effect that day had on our own lives and the wider world.
Districts and bus companies are working hard to make sure is doesn't impact students' ability to get to school this fall.
Schools across the nation struggle to hire teachers. Here are some of the reasons why it's a problem in Berks.
How to Bring Offshore Energy and the Fishing Industry Together

In 2016, Block Island, Rhode Island, developed the nation's first offshore wind farm. A line of turbines spun consistently off the island, generating renewable electricity. Though residents and environmentalists viewed the installation as a success, local fishers had other thoughts.

Fishers view the wind farm as an industry disturbance that limits their catch accessibility. Some even brought up lawsuits against the federal government for the interference. Fortunately, there are successful methods for sharing the waters, allowing renewable energy production and fisheries to thrive.

Artificial Reefs

The initial installation of offshore wind farms may disrupt marine ecosystems. A turbine's foundation penetrates the seabed, implanting a metal holding structure beneath the surface. Its stabilizing tripod rests on the seafloor, causing temporary habitat destruction.

Over time, aquatic species will reinhabit the area and utilize the underwater turbine components as an artificial reef. In 1986, the U.S. began intentionally sinking unused material, letting them rest on the ocean floor. Old ships and tanks became inhabited by fish and other marine life.

Aquatic species can effectively convert submerged materials into a new home. Fish can reinhabit the wind farm region, increasing their population and fisheries' success. Commercial fishers can fish the artificial reef and increase their catch numbers.

Alternative Fishing Practices

Fishers may maintain financial success while co-existing with offshore wind farms, using alternative fishing practices. Outside of artificial reef fishing, professionals may adopt farm-raised practices.

Farm-raised fisheries follow the path to sustainability, helping improve catch numbers in the long run. The catch method increases supply stability while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from fishing boats. Carbon-emitting boats contribute to climate change, endangering aquatic species and reducing catch numbers.

Combining farm-raised practices with wild catching increases the sustainability of the industry. It also limits one's reliance on wind farm-consumed seas, raising the catch rate.

Community Alliance

Various government regulations promote offshore renewable energy expansion without consulting local fishers. Fishing industry associates took matters into their own hands, establishing their voice in the field by creating the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA).

RODA wants to enhance research efforts by developing integrated solutions that secure the national seafood supply. They also facilitate industry-to-industry cooperation, equitably sharing marine spaces.

Members are advancing research of offshore wind power productions effects on aquatic species using INSPIRE Environmental. The independent research consultation service studies seafloor health and turbine interference. They conduct sediment profile imaging, quantifying sustainable solutions to integration challenges.

Mixed Methods

We must continue expanding renewable energy sources to limit climate change effects. The Block Island wind farm is essential to environmental conservation. Rhode Island's water temperature has increased by 3F since 1960.

Continuous temperature spikes alter natural habitats, endangering aquatic species. Many species are unable to relocate, causing extinction and marine ecosystem degradation. We can continue growing the offshore wind industry while limiting its impact on fisheries.

A Dutch company developed low-interference wind power devices using drones. The tethered devices oscillate at 660 feet, accumulating energy at high-wind altitudes. The kite-like device connects to the surface using unique lines.

Rather than disrupting the seafloor or seabed, the drones can collect wind power from the ocean and send it to inland generators. The devices allow an expansion of the renewable energy industry without impacting marine species. Fisheries would experience little to no effects from the installation of the kite-like devices.

We may also expand the industry using floating solar arrays. This green technology sits on top of water sources, converting sunlight into electricity. These systems help marine species thrive, shading the seafloor and preventing algal blooms.

Communication Is Key

As mentioned by RODA, including fishers in the offshore renewable energy conversation is essential. Installations have a significant effect on marine habitats and catch numbers. We can successfully unify the two industries through thoughtful voting practices and marine research-generated solutions.

Jane Marsh works as an environmental and energy writer. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 07/26/2021



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

featured Xavier Prather nominating Brent Champagne and Britini D'Angelo for eviction, with Brent being his secret target, after Tiffany Mitchell won "The Wild Card Competition" and opted against taking a gamble during Sunday night's Season 23 episode on CBS.This week's Head of Household, Xavier, a 27-year-old attorney from Kalamazoo, MI, decided to put Britini, a 24-year-old Kindergarten teacher from Niagara Falls, NY, and Brent, a 28-year-old flight attendant from Cranston, RI, on the chopping block during the Nomination Ceremony.Xavier allowed Britini to think she's his target just to keep Brent comfortable in the coming days.In addition, Tiffany Mitchell, a 40-year-old phlebotomist from Detroit, MI, gave up safety after winning "The Wild Card Competition" to ensure Xavier's plan would go smoothly.The broadcast began on Day 16 after Xavier was crowned the new Head of Household.Xavier joked that he hoped he wouldn't have an HoH reign like Brandon "Frenchie" French and The Wild Card Competition scared "the hell" out of him.Both Britini and Brent felt safe with Xavier in power, with Brent telling the cameras "The Slaughterhouse" could still thrive with seven members sans Frenchie."I'm sitting pretty," Brent said in the Diary Room, without knowing "The Slaughterhouse" alliance had ended.Derek Frazier, a 29-year-old safety officer from Philadelphia, PA, said it was time to "regroup and strategize" now that his loyal ally, Frenchie, is gone.Derek F. planned to continue working with "The Cookout" alliance comprised of Xavier; Tiffany; Kyland Young, a 29-year-old account executive from San Bernardino County, CA who currently resides in Venice Beach, CA; and Azah Awasum, a 30-year-old director of sales operations from Baltimore, MD."So Xavier being HoH is great for my game!" Derek F. gushed.Alyssa Lopez, a 24-year-old swimwear designer from Sarasota, FL, was also excited about Xavier's HoH win considering she's on his "Kings" team along with Christian Birkenberger, a 23-year-old general contractor assistant from Harwinton, CT, and Sarah Beth Steagall, a 27-year-old forensic scientist from Boiling Springs, SC who currently resides in Fort Myers, FL.Alyssa was so relieved to be safe and suggested to her team they should have a slumber party.The "Kings" were also working with the "Queens" now, so that also kept Tiffany, Kyland, and Claire Rehfuss, a 25-year-old artificial intelligence engineer from Chagrin Falls, OH who currently resides in New York, NY, safe as members of "The Royal Flush.""The Royal Flush" also included the "Ace" up their sleeves, Derek Xiao, a 24-year-old start-up founder from Baltimore, MD who currently resides in New York, NY.Meanwhile, Azah was extremely worried for Britini, her "Jokers" team member, given she's not a member of "The Cookout" alliance.Hannah Chaddha, a 21-year-old graduate student from Chicago, IL, was then shown calling Brent "egotistical and annoying," and she insisted everyone in the house was sick of him, not just her.Brent told Alyssa that he wanted to work with her because he trusted her, not because he wants to date her. Brent made it seem like Alyssa wanted to date him, and the thought turned her off.Alyssa said Brent viewed himself "as some kind of god" that she wanted so badly -- and that simply wasn't true. And Whitney Williams, a 30-year-old makeup artist and business owner from Portland, OR, was apparently feeling the exact same way as Alyssa."I know you're on my team, but you're just so in love with yourself!" Whitney complained in the Diary Room. "You can't see past your own ego! We're all honestly just very sick of him."Xavier also noticed Brent had been making strange and questionable comments, like how Brent claimed men and women can't be genuine friends if the woman is attractive.Brent said he personally has never had a female friend that he finds sexually attractive because men would naturally want to make a pass if an opportunity presented itself."Even though he thinks he's all that and a bag of chips, he's barely a cracker. So get it together!" Hannah said of Brent.Xavier realized the whole house wanted Brent gone, and he said his only options were Brent, Whitney and Britini when considering people outside of his alliances.Although Xavier was close with Whitney and Britini, he said he didn't want to target anyone in his own alliance. Tiffany said she liked Whitney -- "a sweet girl" -- on a personal level but noted how Whitney would probably cut her throat on a game level.Xavier therefore put Operation Take Out Brent into effect, and it seemed he was going to nominate Whitney alongside Brent.Derek F. then revealed "a lot cute couples" were happening in the house and he'd like to see Hannah and Derek X. get together. Hannah admitted she had "a little crush" on Derek X. because he's adorable, they have the same sense of humor, and he knows how to dress.Derek X. said he could tell Hannah tried to flirt with him and he thinks she's cute with a great sense of humor.And Sarah Beth thought Brent, Xavier and Christian all liked Alyssa.Christian told the cameras he and Alyssa had been caught snuggling a lot together and so he feared they'd be viewed as a power couple."At this point, Christian and I are just friends that find each other attractive. We are telling people we're brother and sister vibes, but I don't think you cuddle with your brother -- so I don't know what we're doing," Alyssa explained.Hannah then revealed that she and Derek X. had actually thrown the HoH competition so that Brent wouldn't be safe and could be targeted. They apparently wanted him out that badly.Derek X. also planned to throw The Wild Card Competition so that there would be no way for Brent to win safety, because if Derek X. won the competition, he'd have a "Wild Card Decision" or "Game of Chance" that could ultimately keep one or more of his team members safe.It then became time for The Wild Card Competition. Members of Xavier's "Kings" team -- Sarah Beth, Christian and Alyssa -- were not eligible to compete, and neither were Hannah, Brent and Kyland, who had previously competed in the competition.The "Aces," "Queens" and "Jokers" each had to choose one player to compete.Derek X. volunteered to play for the "Aces," and Tiffany said it was time to make her move so safety wouldn't fall into the wrong person's hands. Britini also wanted to compete for the "Jokers" since she had been on the chopping block for seven days."This is my chance for competition redemption! I am ready to win this comp!" gushed Britini, who previously lost the Power of Veto competition.Derek X. told Tiffany that he'd throw the competition to her so they could keep Britini as a nomination option.For The Wild Card Competition dubbed "Unlucky 13," the three players were required to grab a giant card off a deck, make his or her way down a wobbly balance beam, and then place the card in an opponent's empty card holder or replace one of the cards that's already there.Each player had four empty card holders.A competitor could place a card at any station, including his or her own. By changing the cards, a player's score would either be raised or lowered. Four cards totaling 13 would get a person eliminated.Britini quickly realized both Derek X. and Tiffany were going after her set of cards, and she was upset. Britini had a chance to knock out Derek X. with one of her cards but she became flustered on the spot and couldn't do the math in her head.With two people targeting her at once, Britini was eliminated first. Derek X. then threw the competition so he wouldn't have to keep Brent safe and Tiffany won The Wild Card Competition.For her "Wild Card Decision," Tiffany was told she could be safe for the week and also make one player from the "Jokers" and one player from the "Aces" safe as well. That would mean one player from the "Aces," "Jokers" and "Queens" would all be safe this week.Tiffany also had the opportunity to turn down safety, which would make her vulnerable to nominations and maybe even eviction next week.If Tiffany chose to take the risk, Britini would have a one in three shot of being safe. Derek X. hoped Tiffany wouldn't take the risk because it would probably screw up everything they had worked for earlier in the week.Tiffany decided to decline the safety, which Christian said was "perfect case scenario" so Brent could remain eligible for nomination. Tiffany was ready to take out Brent, and she seemed proud of her decision to decline safety.Brent felt so safe that he said all he had to worry about was what he wanted to eat for dinner.Britini then broke down into tears, and Azah said Tiffany's decision was "baffling" and she clearly didn't have a good read on the house.Azah was disappointed to subsequently learn that Xavier intended to use Britini as a pawn because she believed Brent would see right through the plan. Azah wanted Xavier to nominate Brent and his alleged "righthand woman," Whitney, but Xavier said such a move would "freak Brent out."Azah then volunteered to be a nominee and pawn because she didn't want Britini to have her feelings and emotions toyed with again. Azah was clearly very protective of Britini and angry at Xavier for his course of action."I would be distraught if you went up," Xavier told Azah."I don't want Britini to go up again... If I go home, I go home. I played my best and I can go back to my life, but I don't want Britini to go up again," Azah argued.Xavier, however, didn't want to risk Azah's eviction, and he couldn't believe his ally was being so "salty" with him.Xavier then told Brent that he needed to nominate him as a pawn, but Brent insisted he's "not pawn material" given his build and he'd be viewed as a threat and definitely sent packing.Xavier hoped Brent, thinking he's a pawn, would become paranoid and essentially blow up his own game.But Brent said in the Diary Room it would be "idiotic" for Xavier to view him as a pawn. Brent told Xavier such a move would damage their relationship going forward.At the Nomination Ceremony, Xavier announced he had decided to nominate Brent and Britini for eviction. Britini immediately started to cry at the sight of her picture on the wall.Xavier told Brent he's "trustworthy" and "a hell of a competitor," adding how Brent's placement on the chopping block was designed so his real target would go home this week.Xavier explained to Britini that she'd probably nominate him for eviction if given the chance and so his decision was not a personal one.Britini admitted in the Diary Room she was "absolutely and positively pissed," and Brent said Xavier had made "a catastrophic mistake" by putting him on the chopping block.Xavier didn't want to get any more blood on his hands, so he hoped nominations would stay the same.
Daniel Craig returns as James Bond in a new trailer for No Time to Die.

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The preview, titled "Bond is Back," shows Bond (Craig) introduce himself, reunite with Q ( Ben Whishaw ) and face off with the new villain Lyutsifer Safin ( Rami Malek ).

No Time to Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and co-stars Lea Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz and Ralph Fiennes. The movie is Craig's fifth and final film as Bond.

Fukunaga said in an interview with Total Film this month that he and Barbara Broccoli, who has produced every bond film since GoldenEye (1995), discussed Craig's potential replacement before the actor committed to No Time to Die.

"Two years ago I took Barbara to my favorite Japanese restaurant in New York," Fukunaga said. "I tried to wine and dine her. At that point Daniel said he wasn't doing another one, so we spit-balled all the potential new Bonds -- that was exciting."

Broccoli said No Time to Die concludes Craig's five-film arc nicely.

"This film feels like a good bookend to Casino [Royale], because his emotional evolution gets to a place where we've never seen Bond before. So that's pretty exciting," she said.

Craig said the new film centers on "love and family."

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No Time to Die opens in theaters Oct. 8. The film's release has been postponed three times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kyle Richards was hospitalized for "multiple" bee stings over the weekend.

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The 52-year-old actress and television personality said Sunday on Instagram Stories that she is recovering after accidentally walking into a beehive at her home.

Richards shared a photo of herself in the hospital following the incident.

"So this happened yesterday ...I walked into a hive of bees and was stung multiple times. If you know me at all you know I am allergic to bees and terrified of them," she captioned the post.

Kyle Richards is recovering after accidentally walking into a beehive at her home. Photo by kylerichards18/Instagram Stories

Richards posted security camera footage of herself running in her backyard during the attack and jumping fully clothed into her pool.

"I can laugh at this video now but what you can't see is that they were in my hair and were literally chasing me," she said.

Richards said her EpiPen was "defective" and that her landline phone wasn't able to dial 911.

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"I share this story with you because I sometimes don't bother to take my epi pen with me. I also don't know I couldn't get mine to work. It's important to look on you tube and watch the videos of how to use it," she wrote.

Kyle Richards is recovering after accidentally walking into a beehive at her home. Photo by kylerichards18/Instagram Stories

Richards thanked the Los Angeles Fire Department and Encino Hospital Medical Center for their aid.

Richards' daughter Farrah said on Instagram Stories that Richards was "okay." Richards posted a selfie Monday that showed her with red cheeks.

"The red face is not going away. Apparently I may be like this for a while thanks to the bees," she said.

Richards has starred on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills since its premiere in 2010. The series is in its 11th season on Bravo and co-stars Lisa Rinna, Erika Girardi, Dorit Kemsley, Garcelle Beauvais, Crystal Kung Minkoff and Sutton Stracke.
Matt Damon says one of his daughters loves to watch his films with bad reviews.

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The 50-year-old actor discussed his four daughters with his wife, Luciana Barroso, during Monday's episode of Good Morning America.

Damon has three daughters, Isabella, 15, Gia, 12, and Stella, 10, with Barroso, and is also a stepfather to Barroso's daughter Alexia.

On GMA, Damon said his daughters are his toughest critics.

"I can't get away with anything. I'm sure it's the same for most parents," Damon said.

"They're entering that adolescence, that age where dad's really not cool," he added of his daughters. "I try to explain to them how cool I really am -- they're not buying it."

Damon said one of his daughters refuses to watch his best movies.

"Well, my one daughter ... If she thinks I'm going to be good in the movie, she won't watch it," Damon said. "If she thinks the movie's bad, if it gets bad reviews, then she's all in."

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"I've had to have this conversation with her, I'm like, 'You know, we don't get to see the movie before we make it, right? It's always a gamble. You're like, well, I like all the ingredients, this could really work out,'" he added. "Sometimes it doesn't work out. Those are the ones she wants to see."

Damon said in an interview with CBS This Morning last week that it is his daughter Isabella who likes to watch his films with bad reviews.

Damon will next star in the crime drama Stillwater, which opens in theaters Friday. He also has a role in the historical drama The Last Duel, which will screen at the Venice Film Festival in September.
Nema Vand says he received death threats over his remarks about Meghan Markle.

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The Shahs of Sunset star said on Sunday's episode of Watch What Happens Live that the " Meghan Markle army" came for him after he shared stories about Markle from high school.

Vand, who attended an all-boys high school that was the counterpart of Markle's all-girls school, said on the Reality Life with Kate Casey podcast in May 2020 that he was friends with Markle as a teen.

Vand recalled on the podcast how Markle once sat on his lap at a party and dated his friend Gabe during school. Vand said Gabe told him that Markle "ghosted" him after joining Suits.

Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018 and has two children, son Archie and daughter Lili, with the British royal. On WWHL, Vand was asked if he's reconnected with Markle since she and her family moved to California.

"No, because the Meghan Markle army came for me when I talked it on my podcast," Vand said. "I had reporters showing up to my house. My friend who I mentioned that dated her had reporters camping outside of his home for a week."

"I was getting death threats on Twitter," he added. "Because all I said was she was 'a woman among girls' and she sat on my lap at a party and, like, nose to nose with me. And the British press turned that into like, I'm calling her a floozy, and they came for me. So don't mess with the queen."

Vand previously addressed the controversy over his remarks on Twitter in May 2020.

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"Let me be perfectly clear: Meghan Markle was one of the kindest people I remember from high school. Watching certain publications twist a really sweet and innocent story is absurd. I've never known Meghan to be anything but kindhearted to EVERYONE," he wrote.

Vand joined Shahs of Sunset in Season 7. The series is in its ninth season on Bravo and co-stars Reza Farahan, Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi, Mercedes Javid, Mike Shouhed and Destiney Rose.
98, of Williamsburg, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 5, with visitation one hour prior at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
Athens, GA (30605)

Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 81F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms during the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight. Low 67F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Weather Alert

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING... The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has issued a * Flash Flood Watch for a portion of eastern North Carolina, including the following areas, Beaufort, Coastal Onslow, Duplin, East Carteret, Greene, Hatteras Island, Inland Onslow, Jones, Lenoir, Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, Martin, Northern Craven, Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, Pamlico, Pitt, Southern Craven, Tyrrell, Washington and West Carteret. * From Tuesday morning through Thursday evening. * A stalled front will remain near or over Eastern North Carolina for the majority of the upcoming week. At the same time a series of disturbances will move along this front and will bring periods of heavy rain to the area. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected inland, with 6 to 10 inches along the coast. Isolated higher totals are possible. The heaviest rain is expected along the coast. The soil is our area is already saturated in many locations, with some areas receiving 3 to 5 inches of rain over the past two days. * Heavy rain over the area has the potential to produce flash flooding and flooding of low lying areas and inundation resulting in impacted travel. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. &&
A strong rainstorm on Thursday evening leaves first responders to deal with the aftermath of flooding and other issues across Windham County throughout the night and into Friday.
General Assignment Reporter

Chris Mays is a general assignment reporter for the Brattleboro Reformer. He has been with New England Newspapers Inc. since 2012.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 79F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Cloudy. Low 54F. Winds light and variable.
Beckley, WV (25801)

Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 72F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
The Bethel Historical Society is having a Colonial Times Kids Camp from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. from Monday, Aug. 9, through Friday, Aug. 13.

The camp will be held in the grassed area behind the Historical Societys Plumtrees School House for children 5 and older.

The children will be able to experience activities that are reminiscent of what life was like in the 1700s period of in history, including projects, games, a day at the landmark Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding, and more. The children should come dressed for colonial times. Snacks and supplies are included in the fees for the camp.

The fees are $150 for non members of the Historical Society and $135 for members. The children should also bring a bagged lunch. The school house is located at the corner of Plumtrees Road and Taylor Road. If it rains, the camp will be indoors at the Historical Societys second meeting house, which is located at the Historical Society at 40 Main St. in the town. Space for the camp is limited. Paid reservations are required by Thursday, July 29. Registration forms for the camp can be downloaded at https://bethelhistoricalsociety.com/ColonialKids2021.pdf, and mailed to the organizations president, Patricia Rist, at 10 Shelter Rock Road, Bethel, CT. Payments for the camp can also be made on the Historical Societys website at bethelhistoricalsociety.com/, with the form also available on the Historical Societys Facebook page for the event: https://www.facebook.com/BethelHistoricalSociety/.

Danbury

Rotary Club of Danbury discusses business

Business Blueprint Company Owner Duane C. Barney recently spoke to the members of the Rotary Club of Danbury at one of clubs lunch meetings at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21 at the Ethan Allen Inn in Danbury.

Barney discussed elements to succeed in business, stressing the importance of running an organization and strategies to help keep a business stable as it grows. The Rotary Club is looking for people who would like to give back to their community and who have two to four hours a month that they can spare. Visit the nonprofit organizations website at, danburyrotary.org, to learn more. The inn is located at 21 Lake Avenue Extension in the city.

Danbury

Godspell performances continue

New Milford Resident Billy Hicks recently starred in composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartzs musical Godspell last Friday at Musicals at Richters outdoor theater.

The performance took place outdoors and continue at 8 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays, with additional, and specially discounted performances on Thursday, July 29, through Thursday, Aug. 5, with the performances also taking place through Saturday, Aug. 7.

Musicals at Richter is celebrating 37 seasons as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut and is starting its 2021 season with the musical that is about the Gospel of St. Matthew, and Jesus messages of kindness, tolerance and love.

The centers grounds open at 7 p.m., prior to each of the performances, for picnicking with the show at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $20 for senior citizens, and students with identification. Children, who 10 and under are $10. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $10 for people, who are 10 and under, for the Thursday performances, Thursday, July 29, and Thursday, Aug. 5.

Interested people are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating at the outdoor theater. A limited number of chairs are available free of charge at the concession area near the outdoor theater. A snack and a soft drink concession is also on the site. Visit the centers website at musicalsatrichter.org, or leave a message at the companys phone number at (203) 748-6873, or email the companys staff at the companys email address at info@musicalsatrichter.org, for tickets, and further information.

The theater is on the Richter Park property at 100 Aunt Hack Road in Danbury.

New Milford

New Milford art gallery featuring artist

The Gallery 25 and Creative Arts Studio in New Milford is presenting an art exhibit that is titled: A Legacy of Light, oil paintings by Artist Mark Wells, (1947-2021).

A Featured Artist Show for the art exhibit runs from Saturday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 29, and a Members Show runs from Saturday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 26. Both will be held at the gallery and studio.

An opening reception is also taking place from 5 until 8 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 7 at the gallery and the studio, where attendees will be able to meet Wells wife, Wells family and other artists, who have their artwork in the exhibit. Wells paintings have been shown throughout Connecticut, and in Bennington, Vt. The painting are also in private collections. Wells was a Vietnam veteran and worked in electrical supply for 30 years. Wells passion was painting. Wells lived in Northfield until he recently passed away.

The 14 members of the gallery and the studio have new paintings and photographs that feature a range of contemporary to traditional paintings and photographs, including local scenes and cards, functional and artistic pottery, wood, and glass, and a range of jewelry.

An Artist Critique by Artist Adele Moros from 4 until 7 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 13, at the gallery and the studio are additional activities at the venue in the town. The gallery and the studio are also part of the New Milford Art Walk that is taking place from noon until 5 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 14, with artist demonstrations both outside, and inside the gallery, and the studio. Visit the gallery, and the studios website at https://www.gallery25ct.com/, or email gallery25newmilfordct@gmail.com, for more information about the event. The gallery and studio are located at 11 Railroad St. and are sponsored by the New Milford Commission on the Arts.

Ridgefield

Under the Harvest Moon celebration, fundraiser returning

The Woodcock Nature Center is bringing back one of its largest fundraisers, Under the Harvest Moon.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 in and around the 150-acre Nature Center preserves pavilion, and pond, with proceeds from the fall celebration event going to support the Nature Centers environmental education initiatives of local outreach, school programs, scholarships and family, and adult education activities that are focused on connecting with the natural world. The event raises $30,000 for the Nature Center and is typically attended by 200 people. The event was not held in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The preserve is on the border of Ridgefield and Wilton.

Local Chef Sarah Bouissou, of Sarahs Wine Bar, the Milestone Restaurant in Georgetown, 109 Cheese & Wine, Cellar XV Wine Market in Ridgefield, the Nod Hill Brewery, East Coast Kombucha and more are feautred attractions for the event.There will also be live music by local musicians with a wine selection provided by Cellar XV, and a silent, and live auction to benefit the Nature Centers education programs. Bouissou is preparing the food fare for the event. The 109 Cheese & Wine is having a cheese tasting at the event. There will be food from the Milestone Restaurant. The Nod Hill Brewery is having a beer tasting with different craft brews for the guests. East Coast Kombucha is also having food selections. Items at the auction include: Woodcock experiences like catered dinners in the Nature Centers pavilion from local restaurants, children, and family experiences like animal encounters, and birthday parties, and a VIP Woodcock Wreath Festival package.

The attire for the Nature Centers casual, cocktail-style fundraiser is campground chic. Both old and new friends of the Nature Center are welcome to attend the event, which is expected to sell out. People, who are interested in attending the event are encouraged to buy tickets early. Tickets cost $100 each and may be purchased on the Nature Centers website at woodcocknaturecenter.org, beginning Aug. 10. Attendees must be 21-years-old or older to attend. The Nature Center is currently accepting donation items for the auction, from businesses, and individuals. The Nature Center is located at 56 Deer Run Road on the Ridgefield and the Wilton border.

The Nature Center also has a Where the Wild Things Run: 5K & Kids Fun Run beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3, in support of the Nature Center. This is one of its fall fundraisers. Advance registration is required. The 5K is 90 percent trail with a mix of groomed trails, rugged trails and narrow bridges/boardwalks. The terrain highlights the diversity, and the beauty of the Nature Centers property. The Kids Fun Run is a 1K and is geared towards people who are ages 6-years-old and up. The course is appropriate for walkers and runners of all ages. Parents are welcome to accompany their children. There will also be festivities in the pavilion after the runs.

The brewery and the Nature Center are having a Frothy Forage beer tasting and hiking trek event through the Nature Centers trails between noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 16, with a rain date of Oct. 17. Attendees will be able to drink a beer or a root beer at stations along their way and eat surprise smores, experience animal encounters and more. Children and leashed dogs are welcome. Advance tickets are required for all of the people who are interested in attending the event.
These days, Christy Carpenter finds strength in her family and faith. But on some days, one question keeps ringing in her head: "Why?"

After weeks of battling through oxygen treatments, her 28-year-old son died in the hospital two months after being diagnosed with covid-19.

Now in Carpenter's Alabama home, the room belonging to Curt, her "beautiful baby boy" and firstborn, remains empty - a painful reminder of a life that could have been saved if the family had decided to get vaccinated, she said.

"It took watching my son die and me suffering the effects of covid for us to realize we need the vaccine," the mother said. "We did not get vaccinated when we had the opportunity and regret that so much now."

Although for her it will always be impossible to understand the reason for Curt's passing, Carpenter said she is determined to not let her son's death be futile.

"If Curt were here today, he would make it his mission to encourage everyone to get vaccinated," Carpenter said. "Cayla, his sister, and I are carrying out that mission in his memory."

Curt Carpenter was a young and otherwise healthy man. While at home, his mother said, he would spoil her with the "best hugs" and a daily dosage of kindness. Curt was autistic, but Christy Carpenter said he "lived life to the fullest" and had a passion for all things Pokemon, trains, video games and frogs.

The pandemic dealt a big blow to the tightknit Carpenter family on March 5, when Curt, his younger sister and his mother were diagnosed with the virus, which has claimed about 610,000 lives across the nation.

At first, the three experienced mild symptoms that slowly began to alleviate. Then, a week later, everything took a turn for the worse.

When their oxygen saturation levels dropped dangerously, the mother and son were rushed to Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham. A day later, they both developed pneumonia, and Curt Carpenter was put on a ventilator.

The constantly changing oxygen levels paired with a pneumothorax - a collapsed lung - were too much for Curt Carpenter's body. His organs began shutting down. He was declared dead May 2.

His last uttered phrase is still etched in Christy Carpenter's mind: "This is not a hoax, this is real," Curt said, according to his mother.

His mother said Curt Carpenter at first believed that the coronavirus was a hoax. The whole family was hesitant to get vaccinated when the shots became available.

"It took years to create other vaccines, and the coronavirus vaccine was created very quickly," Christy Carpenter said. "That made us very nervous."

The Carpenters' reluctance is not unique in a state with the lowest vaccination rates in the country. According to data from the Alabama Department of Public Health, only 33.9 percent of the state's eligible population has been fully vaccinated, and 41.6 percent has received at least one dose.

With cases beginning to climb in the state, health officials are attempting to boost confidence in the vaccine - but difficulties in rollout paired with distrust have become major hurdles.

"We find that there's a lot of mistrust with messages that come from state government, from public health, in particular, from the media," said Scott Harris, chief executive of the Alabama Department of Public Health. "It's just a multilayered problem. There's just a lot of different people who have a lot of different reasons for not getting the vaccine. And it's just hard to address them in a big way."

Much like the Carpenters, unvaccinated people are often the ones to endure the most severe effects of the virus. In Alabama, they account for more than 95 percent of the current covid-related hospitalizations, Harris said.

Yet, for some, the disease does not end with a negative coronavirus test. Its aftermath can be just as harrowing.

Even after being discharged from the hospital, Christy Carpenter said, she could not drive or work until late May. She said she has been on pulmonary therapy ever since and still struggles with fatigue, hair loss and "covid brain."

"I lose my train of thought easily, can't remember parts of conversations, can't remember people's names that I have known for years," she said. "I sometimes think I'm going crazy, but I know I'm not."

Even worse, she deals with the backwash of memories of her son - a "social butterfly who knew no strangers" and whose time was cut short. Yet his death has inspired a renewed appreciation for life and a mission to protect it.

"If we can help keep people healthier and possibly save lives by encouraging others to take the vaccine, then Curt's death was not in vain," Christy said. "Life is a precious gift from God."
TORRINGTON  A grant, in the amount of $2,733,500, was approved for Torringtons Five Points Center for the Visual Arts on Friday during a State Bond Commission Special Meeting.

The grant is for the renovation of the former University of Connecticut Torrington Regional Campus into a full capacity art center.

We are thrilled to receive this funding from the State Bond Commission that can be used for the infrastructure of the former campus building and we are tremendously grateful for all those people who have worked on this, particularly (state) Rep. Michelle Cook, said Judith McElhone, the centers executive director and founder.

The property of the new facility includes a 30,000-square-foot building and 90 acres of land. A second building houses the agriculture extension service and a large maintenance garage, which the center will use as a sculpture studio.

Aside from a repaved parking lot and driveway, the grant will enable the center to update facilities in the building, according to McElhone.

McElhone added she hopes to complete the project within 10 years or sooner.

In a press release Friday, state Sen. Kevin Witkos, R-Canton, applauded the bond commission for its approval of funding for 8th Senate District projects, which include the Five Points Center Grant.

I am extremely appreciative to the State Bond Commission and to the Governor for seeing the value in ... (the project) and for approving this funding. Witkos wrote. Over the past several years, the Five Points Center for the Visual Arts has made tremendous headway in transforming the former University of Connecticut Torrington Campus into what will eventually be a world class center for the arts, just five minutes from downtown Torrington. Arts play a major role as an economic driver and this funding will prove to be a wise investment.

sfox@milfordmirror.com
WEST HAVEN  Lisa McNellis will rearrange some furniture in her apartment  not because she wants to, but because she has to.

McNellis, a tenant since 2012 in the 254-unit Surfside apartment building under the control of Savin Rock Communities  the regional housing authority  has an end table between her bed and the window that she will have to move in order to distance her bed from water damage that is causing bits of the ceiling to flake off and fall onto the floor.

Its gotten worse with the storm, she said, almost two weeks after heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Elsa caused minor flooding in the area and challenged the most vulnerable infrastructure throughout the city.

Residents of the subsidized apartments for seniors, disabled people and others say they have been waiting for too long for the crumbling building to get the attention it needs. Housing authority officials say they have increased security at the building, are seeking funding to make repairs, and that the coronavirus pandemic caused delays.

But for now, outside the buildings front entrance, bits of cracked sidewalk spill into the road, something that five-year Surfside resident Rich Deso said is a safety hazard for residents with mobility impairments. Around the buildings exterior are cracks in caulking and even holes in the siding leading into the interior.

Brian Zahn / Hearst Connecticut Media

A mushroom in the lobby?

Were not going to live like this, Deso said. We could trip, especially people who have walkers and scooters.

Inside the building, Deso pointed to black residue left around the sides of air vents in the hallways.

People are breathing this stuff in, he said. What if theres mold?

Carpeting in some hallways has become mildewed from water leaking from tenants showers underneath the walls of their units into the hallway. In others hallways, buckets catch water dripping from pipes in the ceiling.

Brian Zahn / Hearst Connecticut Media

This place is filthy. Its disgusting and it used to be so nice, said Linda Tracy, a 22-year resident of the complex.

Fran Trapani, who has lived in the complex for 11 years, said she sees health hazards all over.

People are sucking this air into their lungs, she said.

Residents also mentioned a mushroom that they said grew in the lobby the week prior.

Louis Shiarella, who has lived in the building for five years, pointed to the cracks in the sidewalk and wondered why nobody with the housing authority could fix it.

Everybody is afraid because of what happened in Florida, said Tracy, in reference to a 12-story condo collapse  in Surfside, Fla.  that had 97 confirmed victims as of Friday.

One resident, who declined to give her name for fear of retribution, said when residents bring concerns to Savin Rock Communities they are told there will be remodeling in the future.

I think theyre pacifying residents at this time, she said.

Brian Zahn / Hearst Connecticut Media

When the coronavirus pandemic reached Connecticut in 2020, residents say the promised start to that remodeling began to get pushed off further and further.

Obsolete

Savin Rock Communities Director John Counter said when he was hired to his role in 2014, the building already had been neglected for years too long.

In April or May of 2020, the building was designated obsolete by (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), said Counter. Thats no small feat.

We have applied for and are working through the closing of about a $24 million construction loan for substantial rehabilitation, Counter said. However, the pandemic brought the federal grant application close to a grinding halt, he said.

Today, Counter said he hopes the actual process of remodeling can begin in a period between December of this year and February 2022.

Brian Zahn / Hearst Connecticut Media

Counter said he is aware of the damage to the building, but gutting and replacing water lines in the building is cost prohibitive without federal grants.

Were living with some small leaks. Its nothing that impairs anyones unit and were doing 24-hour maintenance in cases of emergency, Counter said. When the conditions of McNellis unit were described, Counter said his department has a digitized work order process and complaints must be reported to Savin Rock Communities.

When youre trying to maintain something designated obsolete, stuff pops up all the time, he said.

Despite the physical state of the building, residents said they are much happier with the state of security in the building after they complained that lax measures had created the preconditions for the alleged sexual assault of a 74-year-old resident in April by an outsider with no established link to the building or its residents.

Residents said a regular security guard watches the lobby during night hours, until 5 a.m. Deso said the guard is diligent in checking for identification and has effectively stopped people who have no apparent reason for being in the building.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

Counter said the building did have security at the time of the alleged assault, but the hours were not what residents wanted. Following that incident, security hours were shuffled and an extra guard was added to meet resident concerns.

The feedback Ive gotten is that the security firm is doing a great job, he said.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
Weather Alert

...AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH 3 PM CDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particle pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. * WHERE...Central and south central Minnesota. * WHEN...Through 3 PM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Smoke from Canadian wildfires lingers over most of Minnesota. There has been some improvement Sunday afternoon to the air quality. However, on Sunday evening more smoke is expected to move into Minnesota. This reinforcing batch of heavy smoke along with smoke recirculating from the past several days will create high levels of fine particle pollution. Fine particle levels will begin to improve Monday as southerly winds start moving the smoke out of the state. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the Orange AQI category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive individuals, across far central and southern Minnesota. This area includes The Twin Cities Metro, St. Cloud, Alexandria, and Albert Lea. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should limit prolonged or heavy exertion. For information on current air quality conditions in your area and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert notifications by email, text message, phone, or the Minnesota Air mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/current-air- quality. You can find additional information about health and air quality at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/why-you-should-care- air-quality-and-health.
POTTSVILLE  Instead of taking her case to trial, a Lehigh County woman admitted recently to a Schuylkill County judge that she gave a false report to police about an incident in August 2020.

Erika L. Zweifel, 30, of Macungie, pleaded guilty to false reports to law enforcement. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane and careless driving.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin, who was to have presided over Zweifels nonjury trial, instead accepted her plea, placed her on probation for 12 months and also sentenced her to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and a $50 bench warrant fee, and undergo a mental health evaluation.

State police at Frackville alleged Zweifel made the false report on Aug. 9, 2020, in Blythe Township.

In another recent case, Senior Judge D. Michael Stine found Randy L. Taylor, 33, of Pottsville, guilty of indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom. He sentenced Taylor to pay costs and a $300 fine.

Port Carbon police charged Taylor with violating a protection from abuse order on June 28 in the borough.

Also in the county court, prosecutors withdrew a charge of indirect criminal contempt against Thomas J. Roberts, 34, of Pottsville.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Roberts with violating a PFA order on June 10.

In another recent county case, Scott M. Frey, 22, of Minersville, pleaded guilty to DUI, no headlights and driving without a license.

Judge Christina E. Hale, who was to have presided over Freys nonjury trial, instead accepted his plea, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and scheduled his sentencing for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 9.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Frey was DUI on Aug. 1, 2020, in Minersville.
With the highly infectious delta variant of the coronavirus spreading rapidly throughout the United States, more national health officials and leaders are weighing reinstating mask mandates.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance in May that those who are vaccinated no longer need to wear masks, while unvaccinated people should continue to mask in public. Many states, Pennsylvania included, followed suit and lifted masking mandates.

But the delta variant has supplanted the previously dominant and highly infectious alpha variant. Now delta accounts for roughly 83% of U.S. cases, the CDC confirmed this week.

Some places, such as Los Angeles County, have already reinstated mandates which requires even vaccinated residents to mask up. Several other counties in California may follow and discussions about implementing masking mandates are ongoing in Arkansas and Missouri.

White House officials are also debating whether they should urge vaccinated Americans to wear a mask, according to The Washington Post.

But in Pennsylvania, where cases are rising, there is no current discussion to reinstate masking orders, state Health Department spokeswoman Maggie Barton said. Instead, she said, state officials are focused on increasing the number of people vaccinated.

Vicky Kistler, director of the Allentown Health Bureau, said for now, people in the Lehigh Valley should make their own decisions about when and where to mask.

Were seeing a slight uptick in cases. And we are hoping that we are not going to see a big uptick in cases or a dramatic increase in hospitalizations, Kistler said. Right now, we are hoping that we wont have a need to declare any of those kinds of mandates.

Philadelphia, which has its own health department, recently released guidance that recommends masks be worn in public settings but masks are not required.

Available vaccines are highly effective at preventing death or hospitalization from COVID-19, but the delta variant has proven to be somewhat more resistant to vaccines than previous strains.

To combat the rapid spread of delta and complement vaccination efforts, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy recently said he supports individual counties reinstating masking mandates. And former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams recently said the CDC should issue new guidance that encourages everyone, even vaccinated people, who live in areas with rising cases to wear masks in public.

On Monday, the American Association of Pediatrics issued recommendations for the upcoming school year that all children 2 and older should wear masks, whether they are vaccinated or not.

Though Pennsylvania has not seen the same spike in cases that many southern and mid-western states have, cases are still rising in the Keystone State.

Since July 17, the state has seen the sharpest increases in new cases since late March and mid-April of 2020  the average of new cases has increased more than 70% each day from the average number seven days prior.

Sam Kennedy, a spokesperson for St. Lukes University Health Network, said almost all their COVID-19 hospitalizations are of people who are unvaccinated and a greater proportion of younger people are being hospitalized than earlier in the pandemic. Vaccination rates appear to be positively correlated with age  those younger than 60 in Pennsylvania are much less likely to be vaccinated than seniors.

Chrysan Cronin, director of public health and professor at Muhlenberg College, said acting too hastily will muddle messages, especially if later guidance contradicts previous guidance. It may be hard to persuade some people to wear masks if schools start without required masking but masking becomes a necessity later, she added.

Former Surgeon General Adams said the masking guidance CDC issued in May was premature and was misinterpreted by many as the CDC saying that masks were no longer needed. He said in light of the delta surge, the CDC should admit its May guidance was wrong in hindsight.

But Cronin said many in the public are confused about the need for masking, distrustful of health officials or openly defiant toward masking  its very possible new guidance on masking could fall on deaf ears. She said throughout the pandemic there have been instances of health officials being out of step with each other, politicians giving wrong or harmful advice and new guidance contradicting old guidance as conditions change and new information is learned about the virus.

I have been watching this for 18 months unfold. Ive been frustrated with, local, state and federal public health agencies, the CDC, being the one Im most frustrated with the messaging from, Cronin said. The message has gotten muddled, and I understand why people are confused.

If masking becomes necessary again, health officials need to communicate the new guidance better than they previously have, she said. Social pressure from peer groups may convincing to convince people to mask up and officials should tap influential people to communicate the message, she added.

Youve got to earn the publics trust, Cronin said. I think the waters are muddy, but its not completely mud. So we can get it back.
PRIMROSE  To the Most Rev. Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak, officiating at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday during the 87th Ukrainian Seminary Day at St. Nicholas Church Hall gave him the chance to remind people that trusting in God is the way to live.

It is the challenge to trust, Gudziak, officially the archeparch of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, told almost 150 people attending the Liturgy, which lasted about 90 minutes. When theres danger, tumult in society, war in the world, the question is, Can we trust? 

In his sermon, Gudziak spoke about the apostle Peters experience at Gennesaret on the Sea of Galilee when he nearly drowned because he did not fully trust Jesus.

That tendency we have to doubt snuck in. Danger and desperation snuck in, and he started to sink, Gudziak said.

However, Gudziak said, when Peter trusted Jesus and looked to follow him, he walked on the water and entered the boat with him.

Like Peter, Gudziak said, we are to follow God.

The wind is strong and all of a sudden, the Lord is approaching, he said. And hes coming here ... if only we lift our eyes and see.

Gudziak did not minimize what the church and society have endured with the pandemic.

We have been living a challenging time, noting the death of five regional clergy members, he said. However, Gudziak said they are not lost forever.

We know the end of the story ... they are now with the Lord, he said. They have crossed to the other side. If we trust in the Lord, we will cross the lake. We will get to the other side.

However, Gudziak also emphasized the happiness of the crowd at being able to celebrate the day and the liturgy after being unable to do so in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let us rejoice that we have this day together, Sunday, the day of resurrection, he said.

Those attending the day thought the same way.

It was very moving, said Harriet Schaeffer, of Duncott, a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville, who has attended a couple Ukrainian Days. She also said she enjoyed seeing Gudziak.

Sharon Uscilowicz, of Elysburg, another St. Nicholas member who has been attending Ukrainian Day since 1996, also enjoyed Sundays Liturgy.

It was spiritual, she said.

Furthermore, according to Uscilowicz, meeting people from the churches was good, although she missed the usual picnic.

Maybe next year, she said.

Pascal and Kathleen Prince, members of St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Frackville, drove from their Pine Grove home for the day.

It was beautiful and we loved the sermon, Kathleen Prince said. It related to (the) Gospel, what we could be doing, how it relates to our daily lives.

Also attending were three members of the 900-year-old Lay Religious Order of Malta, Grace and Dennis Dawgert, of Clarks Summit, and Vincent Chesney, of Kulpmont. They said their aims coincide with the churchs mission.

Its an international order devoted to the care of the sick and the poor, Grace Dawgert said. They started hospitals. No matter who you were, they would take care of you.

Deacon Volodymyr Radko, an assistant to the archbishop, is a native of Lviv, Ukraine, who now is based in Philadelphia, where he recently graduated from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Sunday marked his first visit to Ukrainian Day.

I feel really humbled to be here, he said. Its really encouraging to be with people. Im really grateful for the support, and especially prayers.

Gudziak reminded everyone that the day is for the benefit of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary, Washington, D.C., which can help supply priests to the area. There are 63 parishes in the region and only 38 priests to serve them, he said.

Support will come in part from the sale of Ukrainian foods that followed the Liturgy. This year, the food sale was takeout only in a concession to the pandemic.

The Rev. Mark Fesniak, pastor of St. Nicholas Church, praised the ability of everyone to worship together again.

I was glad that we were able to come together this year, since last year was so bleak with the pandemic, he said.

Fesniak said the day continues an important tradition for the local Ukrainian Catholic community.

For 87 years, it was for people to celebrate their heritage, pray together. It was always a time for fellowship, he said. For me, it has special meaning because I think of all my family who are no longer here, but in Heaven.
100 years ago  1921

SAINT CLAIR:

Arrangements will be completed this evening by the committee in charge of the M.E. block party, which will be held on Wednesday evening in the block of Front Street, between Carroll and Hancock streets.

75 years ago  1946 Fire breaking out a few minutes before 4 oclock and believed to be of an incendiary origin destroyed the idle Randolph breaker, a mile east of Port Carbon this morning.

50 years ago  1971 Theres a quality of calm peacefulness about a winter scene and a familiar chapel. Theres an exciting blaze of vigorous color emanating from canvases. These are the feelings of contrast one experiences in the 10th annual Schuylkill County Art Exhibit, which premiered Saturday evening at the South Vocational-Technical School, Mar Lin.

25 years ago  1996 SAINT CLAIR  They beat New Yorks rush-hour traffic and arrived two hours early Thursday at St. Marys Roman Catholic Church here. No one was there to greet the travel-weary and relieved group of Nativity BVM High School students who were returning from a 10-day trip in Europe. But as parents started to arrive near 6 p.m., when the group was originally expected, and families were reunited, the fears that had been submerged for over a week bubbled to the surface. British Airways Flight 174 left JKF Airport in New York at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, an hour after scheduled departure time, with the 25 Schuylkill County travelers on board headed for Heathrow International Airport, London. Twenty-four hours later, the doomed TWA Flight 800 left JFK Airport headed to Paris with 230 passengers on board, an hour behind the scheduled departure time. There were a lot of tears, a lot of tears, said the Rev. Bernard Flanagan, the Pottsville high schools director of spiritual services who led the trip of 14 students and 11 adults. People were hugging and parents were saying Thank God, youre safe and sound. Safely in Vienna, Austria, the next day  their first full day in Europe  the Nativity students and their chaperones awoke to the news of Flight 800s explosion and crash.
An occasional warm breeze swept into the fire station this sweltering June day, passing through an open garage door that also allowed in the noise of rushing traffic.

Mariana Gorski-Gilbert was unfazed. She showed no signs of exhaustion from the weather and talked over the noise.

Seated on a metal folding chair, she spoke about being a volunteer firefighter with Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Company and of her full-time EMT job 5 miles down the road at Shenandoah Community Ambulance.

Gorski-Gilbert holds the rank of captain at the fire station, the first woman to hold the line officer title at Ringtown, and also serves as firemans relief president.

My dream was just to be a firefighter/EMT, she said, never imagining the ranks and roles shed acquire.

She does all this while raising her children, Nicolai, 9; Emma, 6; and Cade, 1, along with her husband, Ringtown Fire Chief Joseph Gilbert.

Admittedly, the husband and wife team sometimes butt heads on fire station topics, but after a while they come to a compromise, she said laughing, as Joseph looked at her, laughing, too.

Being a mother is a challenge, but its also not easy handling EMT work or volunteering with the local fire company. Theres extensive ongoing training thats required, not to mention the difficult and emotional situations first responders encounter.

The captain may be busy, but its all about the passion and pride that comes with serving.

I love helping people, she said. I love being that person.

Females took charge

Serving is something thats familiar to Gorski-Gilbert.

I grew up in the firehouse, she said.

In 2003 at age 14, she joined McAdoo fire because family, including her father, served their community that way. Four years later she earned her EMT certification. In 2015, she joined Ringtowns crew and was appointed captain in 2018.

Gorski-Gilbert is one of 13 female firefighters who make up about half of the active crew at Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Company.

We definitely took charge. All the females took charge, said Gorski-Gilbert with a contagious laugh.

Being a woman in once male-dominated careers, however, and raising a family means feeling like you still sometimes have to prove you belong. Gorski-Gilbert also feels torn at times between the things she loves the most  family and fire service. She wants to do her job as a parent, but also wants to be available for the job of firefighter despite its unpredictable nature.

There are times her husbands presence on a call takes precedence over her responding, but they alternate when possible so someone can watch the kids. Close neighbors and family pitch in on childcare when they both have to respond.

Having that support system at home and at the fire station is huge. Gorski-Gilbert said McAdoo Chief Robert Leshko, her uncle, Matt Capulich, of McAdoo fire and her husband all pushed her to be a better first responder.

Its a challenge, but you can do it, she said.

Pregnancy didnt stop her from answering calls for help, either, but she knew her limitations. For a while, she took on roles that didnt put her in harms way, such as operating the pumper truck to ensure those battling the fire had enough water. While she couldnt put on gear and go into the fire or help pull people from a vehicle crash, there was still something important for her to do.

There were other ways to help, she said, pointing out that thats the case for anyone with a desire to help their local fire company.

Theres water supply, equipment, fundraising, driving the apparatus and rehabilitation efforts for firefighters who are battling a blaze. Each job is a necessity and everyone has a duty, she said.

The Ringtown station is expected to receives its Quick Response Service license, after which it will be able to expand that medical service to the community. Gorski-Gilbert said when the closest ambulance is coming from Luzerne or Northumberland counties because Shenandoah ambulance is tied up, firefighters manning the QRS will be able to perform basic life support until the ambulance arrives  an important advantage in offering timely care.

Still, theres a hesitancy by people to join their local companies and the result is a shortage of volunteers, said Gorski-Gilbert. Those people are missing out on the good feeling that comes from helping someone in need, but also on the regional support system that comes with belonging to a fire company.

Join the big family we have, she said.

Feeling their pain

That big family is what helped the Gilberts through the loss of their 7-month-old son, Liam, on June 14, 2019. His death was ruled sudden infant death syndrome, but two years later they learned more about his passing: RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and the rhinovirus had unknowingly damaged his heart.

RSV is very dangerous in younger kids especially, Gorski-Gilbert explained. The illness makes it hard for them to breath, she said, wiping away tears.

That loss, however, helps her with grieving or worried parents she meets through firefighting and EMT service.

I know what it feels like, she said. To this day, it doesnt go away.

She knows what its like to be the person relying on someone elses medical training, and she knows what its like to administer care.

It wasnt long ago that she and Gilbert were at a birthday party and a cardiac arrest call came through 911. They left the party and began chest compressions until the ambulance arrived, giving that person a chance to survive.

Im proud of what I do, she said.

And he reward is simple.

Theyre so thankful that youre there, she said.
Adding transparency to Pennsylvanias two pension systems  one for public school employees and one for other state employees  has been something of a crusade for state Rep. Brett R. Miller, a former public school guidance counselor.

After all, the four-term Lancaster County Republican is trying for a third consecutive session to pass a bill thatd give the general public a more detailed picture of fees, costs and expenses associated with investments and allow citizens to more easily follow what the systems boards are doing.

The third time ought to be the charm, particularly as PSERS  the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System  provides ample justification for Millers bill at every turn.

PSERS has spent 2021 lurching clumsily from one public relations debacle to the next. This year, PSERS:

 Learned that a consultants error overstated the performance of the systems investments.

 Unceremoniously raised pension contributions from all school employees hired in the last decade.

 Got itself investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania purportedly over both the consultants error and some curious real estate investments PSERS has made since 2017 in the City of Harrisburg.

 Got sued by one of its own board members, who claimed she couldnt get substantive answers to legitimate questions she posed about investment procedures and controls.

 Turned away an effort by several trustees to have its executive director Glen Grell and investment chief James Grossman fired.

PSERS is a system thats practically begging for enhanced scrutiny. After all, it manages $64 billion in net assets  and those are taxpayer dollars  on behalf of nearly 500,000 active and retired public school teachers and staff.

Millers bill calls for livestreaming of all PSERS and SERS board meetings and the archiving of unedited copies of those streams on their websites for at least three years. Itd also require PSERS and SERS to publish nonconfidential documents reviewed by the board there as well.

The websites would also need to annually publish detailed and itemized data concerning fees and expenses paid to all investment managers and broken down into categories such as base management fee, profit share, performance fee, incentive fee and carried interest. Carried interest is a substantial yet often underreported amount fund managers siphon off from whats generated by alternative investment vehicles like private equity, real estate and hedge funds.

The bill would also require PSERS and SERS to break down the performance of all investments by asset class and manager and provide an accounting of all travel or other expenses incurred by the systems staff and show whats been paid for by the investment managers, funds or consultants.

All of this sounds great to us. In fact many of the requirements of Millers House Bill 1671 come straight from the unimplemented recommendations contained in a nearly 400-page report drafted in 2018 by Pennsylvanias Public Pension Management and Asset Investment Review Commission.

Commissioned by Gov. Tom Wolf, the PPMAIRC was led by state Rep. Mike Tobash, a Republican representing portions of Schuylkill and Dauphin counties, and PA Treasurer Joe Torsella, a Democrat.

Wed humbly suggest that had their recommendations been implemented through the previous iteration of Millers legislation, PSERS might not be suffering through a year that has shaken public confidence in the systems stewardship of billions of taxpayer dollars.

That Millers legislation failed to get passed in two previous sessions seems to have nothing to do with partisan politics. The House passed it unanimously in the 2017-18 session before it lost momentum in the state Senate and the current version is co-sponsored by three Democrats.

The loudest voice in opposition to the increased regulation and oversight has been PSERS own executive director. In 2018, testimony in front of the PPMAIRC, Glen Grell strenuously pushed back on suggestions that PSERS was hiding fees or wasting assets and called PSERS a leader in fee transparency.

He also bristled at the prospect of legislative interference and called for the PSERS board to exercise greater autonomy and agility in its operations.

(W)e urge caution in any legislation to restrict the management of either fund by its respective board, Grell testified. Frankly, when the General Assembly has acted on pension matters in the past, the results have ranged from modestly helpful to disastrous.

As much as Grell seems to want to avoid legislative meddling in his business, we believe this year proves that the time has come to rein in PSERS through more robust oversight and transparency measures.

So we strongly urge the legislature to finally pass Millers bill before the end of the 2021-22 session.

 Stroudsburg Pocono Record
Sanjay Kapoor talks about his experience of filming LOC: Kargil, as India celebrates Kargil Diwas on July 26. On this day in 1999, India successfully recaptured territory intruded upon by Pakistan in the Kargil region of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, in a war that lasted over 60 days. Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the victory of Operation Vijay and remember India's fallen heroes who put the nation first.

Sanjay Kapoor on filming 'LOC: Kargil'

Kargil war is an unforgettable event in our history. The bravery of the Indian Army has been portrayed in some of our Bollywood films, one of them was LOC: Kargil.

In an interaction with Hindustan Times, Sanjay Kapoor recently revealed his thoughts about the film based on the 1999 Kargil War. Kapoor, who played the role of Major Deepak Rampal, 17 Jat Regiment, made some surprising revelations about the filming of the movie. The film, that released in 2003, began shooting a year prior and according to Kapoor, this meant that the war was still "fresh in everybody's minds".

The actor revealed how the cast shot with the "real Army men." In addition, Kapoor made a surprising revelation when he said that the cast used real guns adding, "the Army gave us real shots to be fired in the field instead of blank shots." The actor also remembered how the cast would go to their mess hall and "have dinner with them."

Kapoor got emotional during the interaction and said:

There were actual soldiers with us. To learn from their experience, hear about their family, was very touching. We do read about it, and today you have everything on your fingertips. But when we shot for it, the internet was not there as much as it is today. Sitting in Mumbai or other places, we dont know what these soldiers actually go through, the kind of sacrifices they did.

The actor also mentioned how at the end of the shoot, the actors were excited about clicking pictures with the war heroes and army. He also spoke about how they had to brave the weather while on location and recalled how he often got "breathless" during action scenes. Kapoor also expressed a sense of gratitude talking about how exemplary it was that the people in the army not only tolerated such weather conditions without complaint but often did so "with a smile."

The actor concluded his interaction saying, "War itself is tough, and then there are the terrains and high altitude. It must have been even more tougher."

IMAGE - SANJAY KAPOOR FACEBOOK/ PTI

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A southeast Wisconsin police officer in the US sparked controversy after he was caught on camera throwing a tiny bag, appearing to plant drugs, in a Black mans car. The video, which has now gone viral across social media shows the unnamed officer quickly tossing a plastic bag into the backseat of the pulled-over car that he had stopped for inspection. As the vehicle belonged to a Black person, the incident has caused a huge outcry with people, accusing the police officer of systemic racism.

The nearly 16-second footage was originally shared by the victim Glockboy Savoo on Facebook where the Wisconsin cop tosses the baggie in the car, then immediately next moment pulls out gloves to search the vehicle parked on the side of the road. The driver, a Black man, is behind the wheels with his hands up.

Wisconsin cop caught 'planting evidence'

Ts sad asl Caledonia Police Department pic.twitter.com/7F4tqF6bzr  SupaChildish (@youdontknow_oo) July 24, 2021

First time ever seeing a cop try to throw some on me just to get a reason to search the car he aint even know I was recording you can tell he was nervous, Savoo wrote in the caption of the video. The officer and the Black man have an officer have back-and-forth and the video cuts out. Ay bro whats that? the man argues, to which the cop responds Whats what? What you just threw in here, the Black man shouts. I got you on camera bro, he says as the officer responds, I got you on camera, were all good.

As the video drew backlash, a journalist identified the officer as Officer Matthew Gorney from Wisconsin state, the US, who he said, was appearing to plant drugs on an innocent Black male driver. The footage came to the notice of Wisconsins Caledonia Police Department Chief Christopher Botsch, who on behalf of the department released an official statement saying that the police department is taking the matter very seriously and has launched an investigation.

Earlier today, the Caledonia Police Department was made aware of a cell phone video that is circulating social media platforms depicting the actions of a Caledonia police officer, Botsch wrote. We were able to locate the call for service associated with the cell phone video. The Caledonia Police Department is conducting a comprehensive internal review of the incident.

Furthermore, he added, that the police will probe the two body cameras as well as dash cams. He urged that the review will take some time and that the cellphone video represented only a small portion of the entire incident. The Caledonia Police Department believes strongly in transparency, he stated. The Black man meanwhile said in an Instagram post that he was detained for a little while but was not locked up. He threatened legal action. All squad cars in the south Milwaukee suburb have dashboard cameras, Police chief Botsch meanwhile reminded.

In a subsequent statement released by the police, the cops said that the vehicle was stopped for speeding. And that, before the video was shot, the passengers were removed from the car and a search was conducted on one of the passengers. Although, the officers did not specify why were the drivers searched for speeding. The cops said in a statement that the officer had pulled out an empty baggie from the passenger's pocket, adding that there were no drugs in it. The searching officer then hurtled this plastic bag to another officer who threw it back in the car. Police emphasized that nobody was arrested.

"While we would discourage officers from discarding items into a citizens vehicle, the video is clear that the officer is not planting evidence or doing anything illegal, Police Chief Christopher Botsch said on Facebook.

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On July 26, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of, High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), Afganistan, met Rudrendra Tandon, Indian Ambassador to Kabul. The top Afghan peace negotiator held reconciliation talks in Doha with Tandon to establish India's role in the comprehensive political settlement in the war-torn State.

Taking this to Twitter, Dr Abdullah shared, "Today I met the Indian Ambassador to Kabul HE Rudrendra Tandon. We discussed the peace process, talks in Doha, the importance of regional censuses in support of peace & the role of India. I thanked India for supporting a comprehensive political settlement in AFG."

Today I met the Indian Ambassador to Kabul HE Rudrendra Tandon @IndianEmbKabul. We discussed the peace process, talks in Doha, the importance of regional censuses in support of peace & the role of India. I thanked India for supporting a comprehensive political settlement in AFG. pic.twitter.com/j3lbY4Mo7L  Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) July 26, 2021

@DrabdullahCE met the Indian Amb. to Kabul HE Rudrendra Tandon @IndianEmbKabul. They discussed the peace process, talks in Doha,the importance of regional censuses in support of peace & the role of .

C. HCNR thanked  for supporting a comprehensive political settlement in AFG pic.twitter.com/ofSkRs5VZq  High Council for National Reconciliation (@SapedarPalace) July 26, 2021

What is High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), Afghanistan?

Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) gained its legitimacy and legal basis from the political agreement signed between Dr Abdullah Abdullah and President Ashraf Ghani. This agreement was also supported by national and international institutions that aimed to eliminate the power and political deadlock in Afghanistan. HCNR was established by Hamid Karzai to negotiate with the elements of the Taliban.

The key function of the Council is to attract international assistance on peace affairs and international consensus on post-peace reconstruction efforts of Afghanistan.

EAM S Jaishankar met Abdullah Abdullah

On July 23, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held talks with Dr Abdullah Abdullah on the ongoing Taliban-infused violence that is on the rise in Afghanistan. Assuredly, the situation in Afghanistan remains a predicament given the clash of power between the Taliban and Afghan forces.

Afghanistan has been reaching out to its key allies for support to strengthen its security forces. Afghanistan and India have close ties are due to the latter's massive investment in Afghanistan. India has been a major stakeholder in the peace and stability of Afghanistan. India, a close ally of Afghanistan, has provided it with at least five military helicopters amid the unrest. It has already invested nearly USD 3 billion in aid and reconstruction activities in the country.

Taliban-infused Afghanistan violence

Last week, US soldiers initiated airstrikes against Taliban terrorists as they marched on Kandahar. The Pentagon later confirmed that airstrikes were launched in Afghanistan by the US forces and 5 Taliban personnel were killed in the last 3 days subsequent to airstrikes. However, a clarification is due, if airstrikes continue post-US and NATO, troops will have to pack up from Afghanistan.

The United Nations Assistance Mission (UNAMA) in Afghanistan warned in a report released on Monday that civilian casualties in the first half of 2021 are projected to reach their highest in single-year levels since the mission began reporting over a decade ago. Reportedly, the Anti-government forces were responsible for 64% of civilian deaths. Pro-government troops are responsible for 25% of the deaths, while crossfire was responsible for 11%. Children accounted for 32% of all fatalities. The two sides are making little progress in their peace discussions.

The US has pledged to withdraw to pull out US armed forces and NATO troops ending Washington's 18-year long war with the Taliban after the 9/11 attacks. The ongoing power crisis in Afghanistan is particularly volatile given the shift of reigns as US and NATO forces prepare to exit. The radical movement has ignited territorial advances and the Taliban is deemed to have captured large rural areas in northern Afghanistan. The military organisation seeks to make territorial gains in the State from May 1 as a significant chunk of the US troops and their base was evacuated. Currently, waging a war within the country, the Taliban is gaining more ground and is resorting to widespread violence to expand its influence across the country.

Picture Credit: Twitter/@DrabdullahCE
India celebrates the Kargil Vijay Diwas on Monday, July 26, to remember the heroes of the victorious Kargil War of 1999. Gopichand Pandey, the father of late Captain Manoj Pandey, said that the Kargil War was one of the toughest wars in the world as the enemy had an advantage of the altitude over our army. However, the Indian Army dominated the war and reclaimed the peaks.

Heroes of the war

While speaking to ANI, Pandey said that he is proud of his son as he dedicated his life to his responsibilities as an Army man. Expressing pride and happiness, Pandey also informed that a Sainik School in Uttar Pradesh has been named after Captain Manoj Pandey.

He said, I'm proud that my son gave his life for his motherland, and became an inspiration for many. He made the entire nation proud. He lived up to his responsibilities as an Army man. Happy to share that UP Sainik School has been renamed after him." Remembering the events of the war, Pandey described the situation badly and said that the terrorists had made bunkers at the peaks of Indian mountains. He said, "They were attacking our Army from the top. But our soldiers had put in all their efforts and reclaimed our mountains and land. As many as 527 army men died in the quest.

Pandey was confident that the Indian Army was always good enough to deal with any prevailing threat from outside the country and that the citizens are proud of their efforts. He said, "It is because of our army that we sleep peacefully at night. Pakistan gave up and lost the war to the Indian armed forces on July 26, 1999. For the past 22 years, the day is remembered as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'. The only purpose of this day is to remember our heroes with pride and to value those who successfully outperformed their Pakistani counterparts through Operation Vijay.

Captain Pandey was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his audacious courage and leadership during the Kargil War in 1999. An officer of the 1st battalion, 11 Gorkha Rifles (1/11 GR), he sacrificed his life during the attack on Jubar Top of the Khalubar Hills in Batalik Sector of Kargil.

The Kargil War was an armed conflict fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir. In India, the operation to clear out the Kargil was called Operation Vijay. Both the Indian Air Force's and the Indian Army worked together to remove troops of the Pakistani army from the Indian territory. The Pakistani Soldiers entered the entered soil dressed as Kashmir Militants.

(With ANI inputs)
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday paid tributes to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War, recalling their valour and sacrifice. In 1999, the Indian armed forces defeated attempts by Pakistan to capture strategic heights in Kargil. It was named 'Operation Vijay' (victory).

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I join the nation in remembering our armed forces' saga of valour & gallantry. I salute the heroes of the Kargil war & Operation Vijay and pay my respectful homage to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice," the Vice President Secretariat tweeted, quoting Naidu.

"The nation will remain forever grateful to them & their families," the vice president said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
After chairing a special cabinet meeting, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced that the state government has formed an inquiry commission to look into the alleged snooping of key political figures using Israeli spyware Pegasus. Banerjee's decision comes amid allegations that her nephew Abhishek Banerjee and her poll strategist Prashant Kishor were potential targets of snooping during the high-stakes West Bengal elections. Also, the West Bengal CM is scheduled to visit Delhi for 2-3 days and will meet PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and key leaders from the opposition.

Mamata announces inquiry into Pegasus

"Under the leadership of Senior Justice Madan Bhimrao Lokur and ex-Chief Justice, Calcutta High Court, Jyotirmay Bhattacharya, we've initiated the commission. They will monitor illegal hacking, monitoring, surveillance, recording mobile phones etc," said Banerjee.

Through Pegasus, everyone including judiciary & civic society has been under surveillance. We expected that during Parliament, Centre will investigate under SC supervision, but they didn't. West Bengal is the first state to initiate a commission of enquiry: WB CM Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/F0LXGMBoao  ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2021

Reacting to the probe, BJP I-T chief Amit Malviya tweeted, " Why are we even surprised that Mamata Banerjee has constituted a judicial commission to investigate bogus Pegasus Project? Her priorities have always been warped. If only she had shown such alacrity to probe post-poll violence and investigate several Covid scams in Bengal".

Why are we even surprised that Mamata Banerjee has constituted a judicial commission to investigate bogus Pegasus Project?



Her priorities have always been warped.



If only she had shown such alacrity to probe post-poll violence and investigate several Covid scams in Bengal!  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) July 26, 2021

Mamata sounds poll bugle for 2024

On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sounded the poll bugle for the 2024 General Assembly Elections hitting out at the BJP govt over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Pegasus snoop gate. Leaders from several parties like TMC, Congress, Samajwadi party, RJD attended her virtual rally in Delhi. Buoyed by sweeping 213 of 294 seats in the Bengal Assembly, TMC is mulling projecting Mamata Banerjee as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Incidentally, Banerjee lost her own election at Nandigram and needs to be re-elected to the Assembly by November to stay as CM.

Raising the Pegasus snoop gate allegations, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the entire Opposition, agencies, media houses, and judiciary were being spied by the BJP which had put 'democracy in danger.' "The democracy is in danger. I don't know what will happen in 2024. Our phones have been tapped. They don't allow people to live peacefully and their dictatorship is too much. I can't talk to Sharad Pawar ji, Chidbamdaram ji, Shiv Sena CM, my phone will be tapped," she said.

Pegasus row

A report by sixteen media houses claimed that 300 verified Indian mobile telephone numbers were allegedly spied upon using Israeli surveillance technology firm Pegasus - which only has 36 vetted governments as its clients. As per a 'leaked' database, numbers of those allegedly spied upon include over 40 journalists, three major opposition figures, one constitutional authority, two serving cabinet ministers, current and former heads, and officials of security organizations and businessmen. The target also includes the eight activists currently accused of the Bhima Koregaon case. The report claimed that the leaked numbers mainly belong to ten countries - India, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Centre has refuted all allegations, while Opposition has sought an SC probe into it.
Due to bad weather, President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to Drass in the Union Territory of Ladakh to pay respect to the Indian armed personnel on the 22nd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was cancelled on Monday, July 26. The President was slated to visit Ladakh after arriving in Srinagar on Sunday to pay homage at the Kargil War Memorial, which was established in commemoration of fallen soldiers during the 1999 war with Pakistan. According to Indian army officials, the President will now lay a wreath at the Baramula War Memorial.

President Kovind visit to Drass cancelled

Because inclement weather prevented the president from attending the Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass in 2019, he instead paid his respects by placing a wreath at a war memorial at the Army's 15 Corps headquarters in Badamibagh. On Tuesday, President Kovind will deliver the keynote lecture at the University of Kashmir's 19th annual convocation in Srinagar.

Traffic on the two approach roads to Raj Bhawan has been diverted between Sunday and Wednesday as part of security precautions for the president's visit, and the area around it has been shut. Officials said that traffic has been diverted in several areas of the city and that no traffic is allowed on Foreshore Road, which runs along the famous Dal Lake between Dalgate and Nishat and Gupkar.

India pays tribute to fallen heroes

Meanwhile, the Indian Army said in a tweet that Kargil Vijay Diwas exemplifies our soldiers' valour during the Kargil War. With unwavering courage and commitment, the brave warriors of the Indian Army defeated Pakistani invaders.

M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President, paid tribute to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War, recalling their bravery and sacrifice. He noted, "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I join the nation in remembering our armed forces' saga of valour & gallantry. I salute the heroes of the Kargil war & Operation Vijay and pay my respectful homage to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice. The nation will remain forever grateful to them & their families."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to all those who martyred in Kargil while fighting for our country. He added in a tweet that their bravery inspires people every day. He also shared a clip from All India Radio's Mann Ki Baat programme from last year. India will never forget the circumstances under which the Kargil war was fought, he remarked.

India's Armed Forces on July 26, 1999, triumphed over Pakistan. Since then, the day has been known as Kargil Vijay Diwas to rekindle the soldiers' sense of pride and valour and the people of India, who participated in Operation Vijay.

(With agency inputs)

Picture Credit: PTI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to leave for Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe on July 26 to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Defence Ministers conclave. July 29 is expected to be the main day of engagement which includes a collective call on by SCO delegates and Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon.

Tajikistan is chair of the grouping which has eight member states namely, Russia, China, India, Pakistan and 4 central Asian countries namely, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. Dushanbe will hold the SCO heads of state summit between September 16-17.

There exists no confirmation on Rajnath Singh's rendezvous with his counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO meet. Last year, Defence Minister and his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe had met on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Moscow. The meet came against the backdrop of Chinese aggression at Line of Actual Control (LAC) In Eastern Ladakh.

Indian & Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministers met in Tajikistan

The last two months witnessed important SCO meetings under Tajikistan's leadership, including SCO National security advisor's meet and EAMs conclave as well. The SCO Foreign Minister meet earlier this month saw EAM S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi holding meetings on the sidelines.

During the meet, the Indian side asserted to the Chinese side that "unilateral change of status quo is not acceptable" and called for "resolving the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh at the earliest" according to the readout by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Also, the Defence Minister of Pakistan has arrived in Dushanbe for the meet and is said to hold meetings with his Tajik, Uzbek, Russian, Chinese counterparts on the sidelines.

Jaishankar concludes his visit to Dushanbe on July 15

S Jaishankar thanked his Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin for his hospitality and consideration. EAM Jaishankar had visited Tajikistan Foreign at the invitation of the Tajik Foreign Ministry to participate in the SCO meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers. Jaishankar attended the meetings and presented India's view on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan. During the address of the SCO foreign ministers contact group on Afghanistan, EAM Jaishankar emphasised the need to ensure that Kabul's neighbours were not "threatened by terrorism, separatism, and extremism". Jaishankar on Twitter stated, "The world is against seizure of power by violence and force. It will not legitimise such actions." He further met his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Haneef Atmar and discussed the situation in the war-torn country.
Not so good news for passengers travelling to the United Arab Emirates, as the national airline carrier of UAE, Etihad Airways, on Monday, declared that flights to the UAE from India will remain suspended till August 2.

UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority, in a Notice Issued to Airmen (NOTAM), said flights from India and several other countries will remain suspended until 23:59 hrs of August 2, 2021.

Extention of dates 'likely'

The date could be extended, depending on directions by the UAE authorities, Khaleej Times, UAE's daily newspaper, reported citing Etihad Airways Guest Relations.

In response to questions from travellers related to bookings from Kerala to Abu Dhabi, the airline said on Twitter, As per the latest update, our flights from India have been suspended until 2 August. Do keep an eye on our website for future travel information.

Hi Leo, as per the latest update, our flights from India have been suspended until 02 August. Do keep an eye on our website for future travel information. Thanks. *Vio  Etihad Help (@EtihadHelp) July 26, 2021

We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd of August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities, said Etihad in a tweet on Monday.

We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities. You may not see availability on the website because of the schedule uncertainty. *Sky  Etihad Help (@EtihadHelp) July 26, 2021

Travel ban blamed on 'Delta variant'

Etihad was previously expecting to resume travel on July 31. On the other hand, as per Emirates last update, flights from India to Dubai were all set to restart on July 28. The ban in the flights has been initially blamed on the surge in the Delta variant of the COVID virus, while the dates for the resumption of travel have been postponed several times.

According to the General Civil Aviation Authority, passengers who have travelled through India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka in the last 14 days will not be accepted to travel from any other point to the UAE. On the other hand, UAE nationals, holders of UAE Golden Visas, and members of diplomatic missions who comply with updated COVID-19 protocols are exempted from the travel ban. The exemption also applies to participants of 'Expo 2020' Dubai. The GCAA said that Expo 2020 international participants, exhibitors, and personnel sponsored by the world fairs organiser can enter the UAE.

Last month, the Canadian government also announced that it is extending the ban on incomming passenger flights from India for another month due to the rise in the 'Delta variant of COVID' in India.

Delta variant travels 100 countries

World Health Organisation Chief, Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus had last week warned that the highly contagious Delta variant is dangerous and that it continues to evolve and mutate worldwide. He apparently asked world leaders to ramp up their vaccination efforts. Meanwhile, WHOs regional director for South-East Asia, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, announced that the hypervirulent Delta variant of the novel coronavirus of the B.1.617.2 lineage has spread to over 100 countries. The Delta variant is considered to be the fastest, fittest, and most formidable version of the 'coronavirus' that the world has encountered.
The security forces averted a major terror threat J&K's Kupwara district, with the recovery of four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the area, police said on Sunday.

The IEDs were recovered from Nadernagh Avoora village of Kupwara by a joint search party of police and army's counter-insurgency unit Rashtriya Rifles during a cordon and search operation, police said. The findings include four bundles of wire of approximately 40 metres (10 metres each bundle).

"A bomb disposal squad has been brought in to defuse the IEDs. The search operation is still going on," a police officer said.

The incident comes just two days after the Jammu and Kashmir police shot down a drone carrying IED material weighing five kg in the border belt of Jammu district. Following information about a drone flying over the border belt of Kanachak along the International Border (IB) on Thursday night, a quick reaction team (QRT) of the police swung into action and shot it down using an anti-drone strategy.

The drone was flying about seven to eight kilometres inside the border, the officials said, adding that it had six big wings and was a tetra-copter. The IED material was attached with the flying object and was meant to be assembled into an IED before use, they said.

5.5-kg IED recovered in Jammu

Last month, the J&K police arrested a terrorist belonging to the Resistance Front, a frontal group of Lashkar-e-Taiba and seized a 5.5-kg-IED from his possession. The arrested accused was identified as Nadeem-ul-Haq, a resident of Zainhal-Banihal in Ramban and a major tragedy was averted with his arrest. On July 3, two more suspected terrorists were arrested in connection with the recovery of the powerful IEDs. The police spokesperson said that the apprehended accused had been directed by their handler to carry out an IED blast at a major religious place in Jammu.
Mumbai, Jul 26 (PTI) Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Monday said the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru used to consider himself as a "shantidoot" (messenger of peace) and this stand cost the country dearly for several years.

"Nehru's contribution to the nation and the freedom struggle was huge. But he started believing himself as a messenger of peace and this cost the nation dearly for several years. His peace initiatives hurt India," Koshyari said at a function to mark the Kargil Diwas at Raj Bhavan here.

Senior Congress leader and Maharashtra minister Ashok Chavan slammed Koshyari.

"This is unfortunate. The governor's remark is based on half-truth and contradictory to reality. Promoting peace doesn't mean being weak. If that is so then what Koshyari thinks about Atal Bihari Vajpayee traveling to Lahore by bus to promote peace, dialogue and harmony, L K Advani doing an ideological turnaround by visiting (Pakistan founder) Jinnah's grave, and PM Narendra Modi going to Nawaz Sharif's birthday uninvited. Does Koshyari think these (events) show weakness?" Chavan questioned.

He said if Nehru is considered weak for promoting peace then the same yardstick should be applied to former prime minister Vajpayee, ex-home minister Advani and PM Modi.

"Koshyari's remarks that governments before Vajpayee were not serious about national security is an insult to former prime ministers of the country," Chavan added. PTI MR NSK NSK

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Lashing out at the Centre over the Pegasus row, ex-Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Monday, lauded French PM Emmanuel Macron for demanding full information from Israeli PM Naftali Bennett about the alleged snooping. Comparing Macron's wish to know about the alleged use of Pegasus spyware to hack phones in France to Centre's inaction, Chidambaram wondered if the Centre already knew about the hacking and hence wanted no information on the alleged snooping. Congress has demanded a judicial probe into the alleged snooping and Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation.

Chidambaram asks 'Why not asking snooping details from Israel?'

President Macron of France called PM Bennet of Israel and demanded to know full information about alleged use of Pegasus spyware to hack phones in France, including the Presidents



PM Bennet promised to come back with the conclusions of their own investigations  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) July 26, 2021

France orders probe, Israel sets up commission

After Project Pegasus' revelations, a Paris prosecutors office opened an investigation into a draft of potential charges, including violation of privacy, illegal use of data and illegally selling spyware. The probe was prompted by a legal complaint by two journalists and French investigative website Mediapart after President Emmanuel Macron's name appeared as one of the targets of hacking. Similarly, facing global backlash for not flagging NSO group's Pegasus' alleged snooping, Israel has established a commission to review the allegations by the Defence Committee. Moreover, French President Emmanuel Macron has spoken to the Israeli prime minister, to ensure that the Israeli government is properly investigating into snooping allegations by Morocco on him.

Centre's denies allegations

Last week, Centre issued a rebuttal rubbishing the report that the Indian government allegedly spied on over 300 citizens, including 40 journalists via Israeli spyware Pegasus. Asserting that India was committed to free speech, Centre claimed that the questionnaire sent to it was 'founded on pre-conceived notions' and that Centre's RTI response to the use of Pegasus was itself sufficient, terming the report a fishing expedition. Similarly, 'Pegasus' owner NSO Group highlighted - 'the purpose of the list could not be conclusively determined' and the list does not 'identify who puts the numbers on it or why', refuting all allegations. Amnesty International - which conducted the investigation - stated that 50,000 numbers were snooped upon, but was unable to verify if by Pegasus.

A report by sixteen media houses claimed that 300 verified Indian mobile telephone numbers were allegedly spied upon using Israeli surveillance technology firm Pegasus - which only has 36 vetted governments as its clients. As per a 'leaked' database, numbers of those allegedly spied upon include over 40 journalists, three major opposition figures, one constitutional authority, two serving cabinet ministers, current and former heads, and officials of security organizations and businessmen. The target also includes the eight activists currently accused of the Bhima Koregaon case. The report claimed that the leaked numbers mainly belong to ten countries - India, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Some of the parents of the more than 120 students kidnapped from a high school in Nigeria this month were reunited on Sunday with their children.

Armed kidnappers released 28 of the students who were abducted at the beginning of July from the Bethel Baptist High School in the northern town of Damishi.

Parents hope that the others still held hostage will be released in the coming days.

Gunmen stormed the Bethel Baptist High School on 5 July and abducted at least 121 students.

The parents of the kidnapped students had been gathering daily inside the school, crying, praying and demanding justice.

The U.N. children's agency estimates at least 950 students have been abducted by gunmen since December in Nigeria, with more than half of the abductions occurring in the past two months.

Mass abductions from schools in Nigeria have increased significantly since 2014, when Boko Haram extremists abducted 276 female students from a school in Chibok in northeastern Borno state.

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China blamed the US for what it called a "stalemate" in bilateral relations as high-level face-to-face talks began Monday in the Chinese city of Tianjin.

China's deputy foreign minister Xie Feng urged the US "to change its highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy," the official CCTV reported.

The China-US relationship was in a stalemate because some Americans portray China as an "imagined enemy," CCTV quoted Xie as telling US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman.

America's No. 2 diplomat is discussing the fraught relationship between the countries in separate meetings with Xie, who is in charge of US-China relations, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a closed-off resort hotel in the city of Tianjin.

Sherman is the highest-ranking US official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office six months ago.

Relations between the countries deteriorated sharply under his predecessor, Donald Trump, and the two sides remain at odds over a host of issues including technology, cybersecurity, human rights and other issues.

A possible meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be on the agenda, possibly on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Rome at the end of October.

Sherman, who arrived Sunday evening from Mongolia, tweeted "heartfelt condolences (from the United States) to those who have lost loved ones" in severe storms and flooding last week that killed at least 63 people in Henan province.

Her meetings follow an initial and highly contentious meeting in March in Anchorage, Alaska, where Wang and veteran Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi flew to meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

IMAGE: AP

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After Xi Jinping made a surprise visit to the Tibet autonomous region that is forcibly occupied by the Chinese, netizens were quick to draw parallels between the welcome he received upon his arrival in Lhasa to the grand choreographed receptions Kim Jong-un and his predecessors have got over the years in North Korea. Netizens coined the phrase 'NorthKoreanesque' for the what they saw Xi receiving.

A mock account on Twitter 'Dedicated to Chairman Xi and learning Chinese' with the username 'Xi Jinping Looking At Things' shared grand reception of China's President at Tibet terming it as 'NorthKoreanesque'

"Northkoreanesque" reception at Nyingchi airport, Tibet, July 21, 2021,"



"Northkoreanesque" reception at Nyingchi airport, Tibet, July 21, 2021. pic.twitter.com/nUZo0OySLk  Xi Jinping Looking At Things  (@zaikandongxi) July 24, 2021

China has made it mandatory to adhere to the 'One China' policy, recognising Tibet and Taiwan as an integral part of the country. Beijing made the 'One-China' policy a prerequisite for countries to establish diplomatic ties with it. It also blamed the western anti-China forces for continuing to interfere in 'Tibetan affairs' in an attempt to sabotage its social stability.

'China destroying Tibet's identity'

The public appearing to be gleeful in the aforementioned Twitter post vehemently contradicts the nature of tyranny Tibetans are compelled to undergo. Comparable to the North Korean regime, subdued Tibet locals were perhaps forced to put up a show for the leader they never chose, netizens inferred.

Speaking to Republic, the President-elect of the Tibetan government in exile Tsering said, "The Chinese community is completely overwhelming our minority community and destroying its identity, amounting to a certain level of cultural genocide." "Tibetan Buddhists' freedom of religion is being violated., he added, referring to the placement of surveillance cameras in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

Chinese invasion of Tibet

Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, Xi Jinping is the first Chinese leader to have visited the rare sites in Tibet. Tibetans and Chinese soldiers clashed violently during the 1959 Tibetan uprising and after a failed revolt against Chinese sovereignty, the 14th Dalai Lama escaped to India. Tensin Gyatso is the highest Tibetan Buddhist leader and is called the Dalai Lama who fled China and set up the government-in-exile in India.

Tibet was "occupied by China in a calculated and systematic strategy aimed at the destruction of their national and cultural identities, Tibetan leadership-in-exile's President-elect Penpa Tsering had told Republic TV in an exclusive conversation.

The oppression continued for over 8 years until the Tibetans, aiming to overthrow the Chinese, initiated a full-swing civil uprising. The results, however, were nowhere close to the expectations and, in fact, led to a complete downfall of the Tibetan Government and the self-imposed exile of Dalai Lama along with 100,000 Tibetans, established the Tibetan Government-in-exile, headquartered in Dharmsala, Himachal Pradesh. Exiled Tibetans chose Penpa Tsering in elections held in January and April. It was the third direct election of the Tibetan exile leadership since the Dalai Lama withdrew from any political role in the running of the exile government in 2011. Nearly 64,000 Tibetans living in exile in India, Nepal, North America, Europe, Australia and elsewhere voted.
Croatian authorities have towed the bus from the side of the highway that swerved and crashed in Croatia early Sunday, killing 10 people and injuring at least 45 others.

The crash happened at around 6 a.m. (0400 GMT; 12 a.m. EDT) near the town of Slavonski Brod on the highway between the capital, Zagreb, and the Serbian border.

Photos from the scene showed the bus on the side in the grass near the edge of the road.

Firefighters and rescuers could be seen around the bus while traffic on the highway was halted.

Police said the bus had Kosovo license plates and was on a regular route from Germany to Kosovo capital Pristina, which is located south of Serbia.

The cause of the crash wasn't immediately known.

Local police chief Franjo Galic said the bus was full, with more than 60 people on board.

He described the crash as "one of the worst accidents I have ever seen."

The 45 injured were transferred to the hospital in Slavonski Brod.

Hospital chief Josip Samardzic said eight people had serious injuries.

"4 of those have undergone surgeries, and others are being monitored. Some have lighter injuries, some more serious," said the head of Croatian Civil Protection Agency, Damir Trut.

Health Minister Vili Baros later said 15 minors were passengers and that one girl was seriously injured.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed sadness and grief and extended his condolences to the relatives of the people who died in the crash and the people of Kosovo.

We hope the injured will recover, Plenkovic tweeted.

Kosovo sent its interior minister to Croatia, as top officials offered condolence to the families of the victims and expressed hope for the swift recovery of the injured.

President Vjosa Osmani, who is in Tokyo at the Olympic Games, extended her sorrow in a message on Facebook.

With our heart and in spirit, we are close to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy," Osmani said. It is an indescribable pain and a great loss."

The highway where the crash happened is a key traffic artery through Croatia which is busy over the summer because of tourism and foreign workers traveling home from Western Europe.

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As the United States and other countries worldwide are facing a drastic surge of the COVID-19 cases from the highly contagious delta variant, health experts have issued warnings about somewhat different symptoms. With hospitals admissions comprising of mostly younger, unvaccinated patients, doctors have cautioned that there may be several symptoms that are different from the other variants of SARS-CoV-2 that are being reported from the highly contagious delta variant spread, and that many patients may not realize they have COVID-19 until those symptoms intensify.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 as noticed during the beginning of the pandemic include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhoea, according to the CDC. But now, with Delta variant tightening its grips across several states in the US, a former Oklahoma State Medical Association President Dr George Monks has warned that the delta variant could cause issues like a cough, shortness of breath, a fever, body aches, congestion, and more. You may not get the loss of taste and smell, he adds. Please get tested if you have these, Dr Monks wrote on Twitter.

Many of the border states in the United States such as Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, areas where there has been sort of a lower vaccination rate, the Delta variant has been really hitting hard. It's only going to increase, ex-Oklahoma State Medical Association President Dr. George Monks told a local Fox25 news broadcaster in his live-streamed remarks. COVID-19 is back again, and it's affecting more younger individuals and the beds are filling up, he stressed. "In southwest Missouri in US, hospitals are now full. Theyre maxed out. The COVID beds, the COVID ICU beds are maxed out. Theyre having to send people out of state", he warned in televised statements.

(3) Oklahoma should have redeclared a State Health Emergency two weeks ago in order to expand hospital capacity, increase healthcare worker staffing, and improve testing operations(reporting and variant testing). We cant wait until we are in a jam. We need to be preparing now.  George Monks (@GeorgeMonks11) July 25, 2021

(7) If projections hold true, Oklahoma will run out of ICU beds unless hospital capacity is expanded.  George Monks (@GeorgeMonks11) July 23, 2021

Symptoms, that go unnoticed, flare within a short span

The experts are warning that the delta variant that wreaked havoc in India comparatively takes much lesser time to make someone sick and the symptoms flare within a relatively shorter span of time. This delta variant is more deadly than the original, Dr. Mary Clarke, the current Oklahoma State Medical Association President told the US broadcasters. The US CDC reported an alarming seven-day moving average of daily new COVID-19 cases, an estimated 69.3 per cent higher than noticed previously. Similarly, new hospital admissions for COVID-19 were 35.8 per cent higher and deaths surged by 26.3 per cent. The Oklahoma health official warned that even those who were fully vaccinated still needed to wear a mask in indoor settings or crowded areas.
Afghanistan army chief Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai has postponed his India visit that was initially scheduled for July 27-29 as fighting intensified with the Taliban, stated media reports. The visit was announced at the time the insurgent groups unleashed one of their worst attack on Afghanistan and has continued to gain ground. Ahmadzai was set to be in India from tomorrow and was expected to meet with senior political and military leadership including Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane. However, the Taliban violence has dramatically increased against civilians as the Afghan defence and security forces as foreign forces are withdrawing from the war-torn country.

Earlier, media reports had stated that the Afghan army chiefs India visit would have also witnessed a request for assistance as the Taliban continues to take control of several districts across the war-stricken nation. United States intelligence assessments have suggested that the Afghan government could fall to the insurgent group within months of US forces retreating which the American President Joe Biden has said that would be completed by August 31. While the Taliban continues to gain influence and has already acquired several key borders, Afghan officials have blamed Pakistan for harbouring and even assisting Taliban militants.

International community urged to condemn Taliban

On Sunday, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan called on the international community, human rights agencies, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to strongly condemn reprehensible violence and crimes committed by the Taliban within Afghanistan and its continued links to international terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda. The Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Sunday, Taliban forces perpetrate in areas under their control unpardonable and prosecutable crimes, including illegal arrests, arbitral killings, torturing civilians, forced marriages, and violation of basic human rights, particularly womens rights.

It added, that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the recent Human Rights Watch and other verified independent sources to document the Talibans violent crimes within the country.

IMAGE: AP
Amid escalating tensions between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government, the next meeting between the Deobandi Islamist movement and the Afghan government will take place in the next month. According to a report by TOLO news, both sides agreed to continue their conferences and promote peace efforts in the war-led country. It is worth noting that this would be the first such meeting after the US military launched four airstrikes in support of Afghan government forces targeting Taliban insurgents at Kandahar province. Earlier this month, the first meeting was held in Qatar.

Afghan peace talks would be effective if maximum administrative team attends: Ex- Taliban commander

According to TOLO sources, the main agenda of the next meeting would revolve around making the framework to achieve long-awaited peace talks before the August 31st deadline that US President Joe Biden had announced earlier this year regarding the withdrawal of the US troops from the war-torn country. "It will be effective if an administrative team attends the meeting this time, but if the delegation has less authority, it will not have the desired impression," said former Taliban commander Sayed Akbar Agha.

Taliban demands withdrawal of President for securing peace in Afghanistan

Earlier, in an interview with The Associated Press, Taliban spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, who is also a member of the group's negotiating team, said that the Taliban never want to monopolize power. However, he added that there wont be peace in the war led country until there is a new negotiated government in Kabul. He also demanded the removal of President Ashraf Ghani.

"I want to make it obvious that we do not believe in the monopoly of leadership because any governments who (sought) to monopolize power in Afghanistan in the past, were not successful governments," said Shaheen, apparently including the Talibans own five-year rule in that assessment. "So we do not want to repeat that same formula."

US backs President Ashraf Ghani irrespective of Taliban demands

Meanwhile, when asked White House press secretary Jen Psaki about the Taliban's demand, he affirmed that the US will support the incumbent Afghan government irrespective of what the Taliban directs for the establishment of peace in the country. It is worth noting that the United States has announced that it has withdrawn almost 90 per cent of its troops from Afghanistan. However, the withdrawal comes with many uncertainties as a resurgent Taliban captures ground and fears mount that the country could soon fall into civil war. According to the reports, at least 190 out of 419 districts in Afghanistan have fallen to the Taliban.

(With inputs from AP)

(Image Credit: AP)
Pakistan's seafood exports have been hit by the coronavirus crisis across the world because China banned exports of fish in January after the detection of COVID-19 cases in their shipments. Temporarily, around nine firms are banned by the Chinese authorities, out of a total of 15 exporters. An executive officer of Qadri Noori Enterprise, Manzar Alam told the Dawn that earlier around 50 companies have been exporting fish to China. However, now Pakistan's seafood exports have been in crisis as around 60% of the country's total seafood export was destined to China.

More about Pakistan's fish export

Alam said that the coronavirus cases were detected in the outer cartons of fishes. Instead of destroying the infected consignment and sending them for a 14-days quarantine, the Chinese authorities had suspended the shipping company. Further, he said, "the rejected consignments then arrived back in Pakistan and exporters are facing Rs. 2 million per container as demurrage and detention and taxes." According to the consignment, one container with 26 tonnes fishes cost Rs. 7 million and Rs. 10 million.

Alam said, "Exporters have taken up the matter with Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood who had constitued a committee, but no headway has been made so far."

From FY18 to FY21, Pakistan has been exporting seafood at an average unit price (AUP) of less than USD 2.5 per kg. Apart from Pakistan, India is currently fetching an AUP of $5-7 per kg followed by over $5 by Bangladesh and $7-8 kg by China. According to an Economic survey FY21, Pakistan's main buyers of fish products are China, Thailand, Malaysia, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, and Japan.

A joint study by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations & Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) of the federal government has revealed that Pakistan's seas have fish stock depletion. In 2016, the Food and Agriculture Department of the UN ha warned to reduce fish fleeting by 50% as it may collapse major fisheries resources in the future. However, the technical advisor of Marine Fisheries, Mohammad Moazam Khan said that nobody neither paid attention to this warning nor reduced fisheries fleeting in Pakistan.

(With ANI inputs)

(IMAGE: UNSPLASH)
Islamabad, Jul 25 (PTI) Voters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir cast their ballots on Sunday to elect the region's legislative assembly, in an election marred by allegations of irregularities and violence that killed at least two workers of Prime Minister Imran Khans party.

The gates of polling stations were closed to new voters at 5pm. However, those inside the polling stations were allowed to cast their ballot. The polling started at 8am and continued till 5pm.

India has previously slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and said any action to alter the status of the militarily occupied region has no legal basis.

The assembly has a total of 53 members but only 45 are directly elected, while five seats are reserved for women and three are meant for the technocrats.

A tough triangular competition involving Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is expected.

Counting started soon after the voting ended, officials said.

Citing informal results, Dawn News TV said that so far four candidates of PTI and one each of PML-N and PPP have won.

Earlier in the day, at least two PTI workers were shot and killed in clashes with PPP activists at a polling station in Charhoi area of Kotli district.

The two men were shot dead by unidentified persons, police said.

Also, at least four soldiers were killed while three soldiers and a civilian driver were injured when their vehicle plunged down a ravine off a curvy mountain road in Laswa area of the region, the military said in a statement.

The soldiers were part of army troops deployed to help maintain peace during the elections.

The injured have been evacuated to nearby medical facility for necessary medical care, according to the army.

In another incident, five police constables were injured after Jamaat-e-Islami activists attacked them with batons at the Dhal Chakhya polling station of Jhelum valley district.

Regions Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd.) Abdul Rashid Sulehria condemned the killing in Kotli and said action will be taken against whoever is involved.

Voting in some polling stations of other constituencies was temporarily suspended due to incidents of violence. Several people were reportedly injured in clashes and a number of political activists were also detained by the police.

There were also reports of scuffles in Bhimber, Bagh and other areas of PoK as well as Peshawar, Gujranwala and other cities of Pakistan where polling stations were set up for refugees.

Sulehria told the media that despite incidents of violence the overall atmosphere was peaceful.

"I am satisfied with the law and order situation during the election," he said, adding that the turnout was expected to be over 56 per cent.

Elaborate security measures have been taken and army troops deployed to maintain peace during the elections.

Meanwhile, the PPP has alleged that PTI workers were using force to influence the voting process.

In a letter to the election commission's secretary, PPP's Central Election Cell incharge Taj Haider said that the chief polling agent for the LA-30 constituency was arrested "immediately after the start of polling in order to influence the election of our candidate".

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said that her party workers are standing firmly and exposing the "vote thieves".

PML-N candidate Raja Farooq Haider claimed that the law enforcing agencies are "collaborating" with PTI candidate.

"Complaints of polling agents being prevented from entering polling stations and closure of polling are increasing," PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb tweeted.

She said complaints had been filed with the Election Commission on what she has termed as "irregularities" in various constituencies.

Traditionally, the ruling party in the country wins the elections in Pok.

The last general election for PoK Legislative Assembly was held in July 2016 and won by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The PTI has nominated candidates for all the 45 constituencies, while PML-N and PPP each issued tickets to candidates for 44 seats.

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the radical Islamist party which was banned in April by the Pakistan government for its violent activities, is contesting on 40 seats. The TLP was not de-registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan even after the ban, enabling it to take part in the elections.

Thirty-three constituencies are located in PoK, while 12 seats are for refugees settled in different cities of Pakistan.

Apart from the ticket holders of different political parties, a total of 261 independent candidates are also in the race for the 33 constituencies in PoK, while 56 independents are vying for the 12 refugees seats.

There are over 3.2 million eligible voters who can elect 45 members of the assembly for a five-year term.

According to a poll survey of Gallup Pakistan, 44 per cent of people support Prime Minister Khan's party while its nearest rival PML-N has the support of 12 per cent voters. PTI SH NSA ZH ZH

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Afghanistan authorities have imposed a night curfew in almost the whole country on July 23, Saturday, as a step to mitigate Taliban fuelled violence in the cities. According to the information from the interior ministry, the "night-time curfew has been imposed on 31 out the 34 provinces," except Kabul, Panjshir, and Nangarhar. Ahmad Zia Zia, deputy interior ministry spokesperson said in an audio statement that the curfew is a direct measure to curb violence and limit Taliban movements. The curfew will remain effective from 10 pm to 4 am as per local time, he added.

Taliban increasing pressure on major cities as foreign troops pull out approaches

As the Taliban continues to sweep major territories across Afghanistan, a top US military general has reckoned that the fundamentalist group appears to have strategic momentum in their fight to control the Central Asian country. Addressing a press conference, US General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighted how the Taliban is increasing pressure on the major cities as the deadline for foreign troops to pull out approaches. His statement comes as the Taliban has captured over a third of the country's 421 districts including key border points with Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan.

LIVE: @SecDef Lloyd J. Austin III and chairman of @thejointstaff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley brief the media at the Pentagon. https://t.co/9eFTV7AITp  Department of Defense  (@DeptofDefense) July 21, 2021

The US Intelligence has completed the evacuation of over 3,500 troops from the conflicting land. This has led to Taliban resurgence in over 400 districts in the country. According to BBC, the Eid al-Adha witnessed a brief dip in violence since the Taliban were at a "defensive" posture to mark the celebrations. Nevertheless, the conflict gained momentum as the Afghan army claimed to kill over 250 Taliban militants in the past 24 hours.

According to the local news media, both the fronts dropped an unverifiable inflated number in reference to the killings in the provinces. Following which the US military was forced to carry out an airstrike in Taliban-occupied regions. According to experts, the lack of US air support has been a major reason why Afghanistan has lost a lot of territory to the violent militants' group. According to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, the raging war forced the US to initiate airstrikes against the rebel groups.

The Taliban, on Friday, July 22, warned the US military against airstrikes in the provinces. They released a curt statement and warned them of the "consequences" of violation of the treaty signed between Washington and the Taliban. "Violation of the signed agreement will have consequences," the Taliban wrote in their statement. The rebel group also apprised the US and Afghan army of "strong defense" in case the "enemy insisted upon war."

(Input: @DepartmentofDefense/Twitter/BBC)
On Sunday, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan called on the international community, human rights agencies, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to strongly condemn reprehensible violence and crimes committed by the Taliban within Afghanistan and its continued links to international terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda. In a statement issued by the Afghan foreign ministry on July 25, the Afghan government sought global cooperation in preventing Taliban's organized atrocities, and prosecution of the perpetrators [Talibani forces] to put an end to impunity in Afghanistan.

Taliban forces perpetrate in areas under their control unpardonable and prosecutable crimes, including illegal arrests, arbitral killings, torturing civilians, forced marriages, and violation of basic human rights, particularly womens rights, the Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Sunday.

It added, that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the recent Human Rights Watch and other verified independent sources to document the Talibans violent crimes within the country.

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, on July 25, reiterated the Talibans non-compliance to their international commitments and the Doha Peace Agreement, stressing the need to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Human Rights Council. Afghan government further asked the global key players to dispatch a fact-finding delegation to assess and follow up on the Talibans violations and crimes against humanity.

Afghanistan Welcomes Documenting and Follow up on Taliban's Crimes by International Agencies

July 25, 2021

----------------------------https://t.co/a8iqr9nlPf pic.twitter.com/kVZpa6TpbP  Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Afghanistan  (@mfa_afghanistan) July 25, 2021

Al-Qaeda protected by Taliban

Afghan government claimed that Al-Qaeda has been reported to be under the Taliban protection in at least nine provinces in eastern, southern, and southeastern Afghanistan, as well as in the Indian subcontinent's Kandahar, Helmand, and Nimroz. The ministry cited the United Nations Security Councils report that has endorsed the Taliban's continued links to an international terrorist group. Al-Qaeda is active in the Taliban-held areas of the provinces, the Afghan government stated, adding that Taliban groups have joined forces with Islamic Jihadi groups, including Central Asian terrorist groups, in recent attacks in northern Afghanistan. The East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which is linked to al-Qaeda and is fighting the Chinese government, is active in Badakhshan province.

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has always insisted on Taliban maintaining ties with regional and international terrorist groups, said the Afghanistan ministry of foreign affairs.

It continued, The Government of Afghanistan appreciates the documentary report of the United Nations Security Council on the continuation of the Taliban's ties with regional and international terrorist groups in Afghanistan, and the activities of these terrorist groups under the auspices of the Taliban in the region and the world.

Afghan government insisted that the world must send an investigation team to probe into the crimes against humanity and violations committed by the Taliban.
Raising concerns over the crucial situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that if the coronavirus cases continue to follow a similar trend, there will be no place left in hospitals. The Daily Star newspaper reported that the Bangladeshi Health Minister called for citizens to abide by the restrictions during the ongoing lockdown to stem the increasing COVID-19 cases. After visiting the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Convention Centre, Maleque said, We do not want the number of patients to increase. To reduce the number of patients, we have to reduce the infection.

He warned, If the infection continues to increase like this, there will be no place left in hospitals.

"If the coronavirus situation is not brought under control, it will harm the country's economy, which we do not want. Therefore, there is no alternative to following the health safety rules," Bangladeshs health minister said amid concerns over a surging number of deaths and infections after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays.

COVID-19 in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is presently facing a renewed wave of COVID-19 cases and deaths. On Sunday, the country registered 228 fresh casualties and 11,291 cases of coronavirus infections. Due to the Eid-ul-Azha festival last week, the Bangladeshi government had lifted the stringent COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. However, on Friday, the government decided to reimpose a stricter two-week nationwide shutdown to contain the sudden drastic spread of the novel coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the hospital that Maleque visited, BSMMU field hospital reportedly has 1,000 beds including 200 intensive care units and high dependency units. As per the Bangladeshi daily, it would start operation from next Saturday. On July 24, India also delivered a consignment of 200 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen on an Oxygen Express train to Bangladesh.

Furthermore, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said on Sunday that after Sundays toll, the total number of people who died of COVID-19 in the country has spiked to 19,274. The infection rate of the country is 30.04% and the national coronavirus tally is at 11,64,635 as the government continues to urge citizens to stay indoors.

IMAGE: AP/Pixabay

(With PTI Inputs)
On Monday, the US with 20 other nations' foreign ministers, decried widespread arrests in Cuba and demanded that Internet access be fully restored in the island nation, which has recently been shaken by political unrest. Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Guatemala, Greece, Honduras, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Republic of Korea, and Ukraine, along with the US, released a unified declaration.

The declaration stated that they demand that the Cuban government respect the Cuban people's legally given rights and freedoms without fear of arrest or incarceration. They call on the Cuban government to release individuals who have been jailed for peacefully protesting. They want journalistic freedom and complete Internet access, which are essential for economies and societies to grow.

The peaceful protest occurred on July 11th

Tens of thousands of Cubans took part in peaceful marches across the country on July 11 in protest against the country's deteriorating living circumstances and demanded reform. They practised global freedoms of expression and assembly, as guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the American Convention on Human Rights, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and the European Convention on Human Rights, among others.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that democracies around the world are coming together to support the Cuban people, calling on the Cuban government to respect Cubans' demands for universal human rights.

Last week, the Biden administration announced new penalties against a top Cuban military commander and a special police unit, threatening further measures if the government and its agents continue to use violence, repression, and human rights breaches against peaceful protesters. Hundreds of protestors have been detained. In a statement released on Thursday, President Biden said that this is just the beginning, the United States will continue to sanction individuals responsible for the persecution of the Cuban people.

Sanctions have produced serious problems for the country

During Donald Trump's presidency, a total of 243 additional sanctions against Cuba were enacted, with 55 of them enacted during the COVID-19 outbreak, all in addition to the continuing blockade. Under the present government of the United States of America, these have been continued in their entirety. The impact of the blockade's strengthening and this new batch of sanctions has produced serious challenges for the country in the export and import of food, medication, fuel, and spare parts for the energy system, resulting in power outages and causing problems in people's daily lives.
A traffic police officer was sacked over bribery charges in Russia after he was busted running a 'criminal ring' with other police officers in the southern Stavropol region. During a raid at his residence, the ordinary traffic officer was found living in an extravagant mansion which he had built over the years with money from the extortion.

Traffic police officer's 'golden toilet' steals the show

From chandeliers to marble floors, to a gold-patterned wardrobe, 45-year-old Alexei Safonov is said to have furnished his lavish house through money extorted from motorbikers. However, it looked as if that most of the extorted money went into decorating his 'golden toilet.'

In a video posted by Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation's YouTube handle, the man's lavish 'gold-plated toilet' turned out to be the highlight of the corruption raid. The video navigates through the residence of Alexei Safonov which is riddled with gilt wallpapers, heavy expensive curtains, and a luxurious bed straight out from a royal household.

What stole the show was the traffic cop's golden bathroom which is the size of a large room itself and is decorated with gold-plated toilet seats and bathroom mirrors. The bathroom also holds a large bathtub right in the middle surrounded by Victorian cabinets and long draped curtains.

According to DailyMail, Col Alexei Safonov who headed the traffic police ring in the Stavropol region ran a mafia ring with at least 35 officers under him. He along with 6 members including a former traffic inspector have been accused of taking bribes from motorbikers. Moreover, he has also been accused of issuing licenses to grain cargo transporters in exchange for hefty bribes. His racket came to light after direct evidence of a 2 lakh pounds bribe was unearthed and traced back to him. All accused have been arrested and will face charges in the Russian Court of law.
Irans outgoing President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday blasted the Iranian parliament for undermining efforts for 2015 nuclear deal talks that would lift the economic sanctions on the country, sources briefed Moscows Sputnik news agency. Earlier this month, the Iranian lawmakers drafted a bill that would limit Irans direct talks with the United States and the Iranian government would have to first seek permission from the legislature to resume negotiations with the US federal government. Iran's parliament had earlier left the interim nuclear inspection accord in limbo after accusing the government of President Hassan Rouhani of overstepping authority. Irans Council of Experts attempted to revoke the agreement reached by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Mariano Grossi and Iranian nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi.

If we want to take a step [toward lifting sanctions] imposed during the administration of former US President Donald Trump, decisions have to be made by the entire political system, said the retiring Iranian president Hassan Rouhani. The government could not do it unilaterally, and the Iranian parliaments decision hampered the process of lifting sanctions, he added at a meeting of Iran's central bank, as reported by Sputnik.

Iran's parliament sought to 'limit' Rouhani governments decision-making

Earlier, Parliament speaker Mohamed Baqr Qalibaf had indicated to limit the Rouhani governments decision making as he said in a tweet that the interim inspection deal between IAEA and Iran "requires parliamentary approval," and as such, "cannot be implemented. IAEA chief Grossi meanwhile had told journalists in Tehran that the interim deal was a measure that would prevent the total collapse' of the nuclear inspection regime and eventually the 2015 nuclear deal. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of 2015 was an accord struck by China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, the US with Iran that aimed to curb the latters nuclear stockpiling until in 2018 ex-US President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled out of the framework. As a result, Tehran abandoned its nuclear commitments, and Washington, in turn, retaliated with economic sanctions on Iran.

We confirmed that Iran will continue to implement the comprehensive safeguards agreement without any limitation, as they have been doing so far, Grossi had told reporters. "My hope is that we have been able to stabilize a situation which was very unstable so that other political consultations can take place and we can avoid a situation in which we were 'flying blind."

Irans former President Abolhassan Bani Sadr, although, had informed news agencies that Iran's hard-line faction and the parliament have been questioning the legitimacy of the interim deal and the negotiations with foreign powers. This stance he briefly attributed to the elections in June, saying that the hard-liners did not really want to see the US lift economic sanctions on Tehran, or else that would have helped the reformists win the election.
Mali government on July 25 said that the man accused of trying the kill interim President Assimi Goita last week died in hospital while in the custody of security services. The suspect, whose identity has not been revealed, had been taken into custody following the assassination attempt at Bamakos Grand Mosque on Tuesday. In a statement, the government said that during the investigation, his (suspects) health deteriorated after which he was hospitalised.

But unfortunately, he has died, the officials said, further adding that an autopsy had been immediately ordered to determine the cause of death.

Goita escaped unharmed after the assailant tried to stab him during prayers at a mosque in the capital Bamako on Tuesday. As per reports, at least two armed men were seen attacking Malis interim President before he was rescued from the scene. Malis Religious Affairs Minister Mamadou Kone has reportedly said that the suspect tried to kill Goita with a knife but was stopped.

Goita doing very well

Following the incident, Goita appeared on state TV and said, It was an isolated incident that has been brought under control, adding that he is fine and that no one has been hurt. He called for national unity in the face of challenges. Goita added, When you are a leader, when you command people, there are some who are discontented. There are people who try to do these kinds of things to destabilize.

37-year-old Assimi Goita was sworn into office as Malis interim President in June despite the political backlash over his second power grab in almost nine months. He was the leader of the countrys military coup and had already declared himself as interim President, just two days after seizing the power in Malis second coup. Goita was also the leader of the first coup in the country which ousted the then elected Mali president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020 following months of anti-government demonstrations in the country.

The second coup came in May when Goita was in service as Mali's Vice President in the transitional government and was tasked with heading the country back to civilian rule in February 2022. He had seized power again after accusing Interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctae Ouane of not being successful to consult him about the cabinet reshuffle.

(Image: AP)
Members of Burmese community in Tokyo gathered in front of the National Stadium to protest and bring attention to the coup in Myanmar.

The group said that athletes from Myanmar participating in the Tokyo Olympic Games were not representatives of the whole country.

"How can the Olympics start in the spirit of peace and equality and yet ignore what is happening in Myanmar" said Lae lae Lwin, a Burmese nurse living in Japan.

Fellow protester Thant Zaw Htet said he wanted to hear from the athletes themselves, and whom they represent.

"If they accept the Myanmar military, I am against them," he said.

The military took power of Myanmar in February after ousting Aung San Suu Kyi elected government and arresting her and other top officials in her government.

The party was about to begin a second five-year term in office after a landslide election victory last November.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Armed kidnappers in Nigeria have released 28 school children, where a total of 120 students were abducted at the beginning of July from the Bethel Baptist High School in the northern town of Damishi. The President of the Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, has stated that 80 students are still under the control of gunmen. However, church officials said that the released students have been handed over to their parents at the school on Sunday. Reportedly, the gunmen have demanded 500,000 Nairas ($ 1,200) for each student under their custody.

A total of 34 kidnapped students either have been either released or escaped from their custody so far. However, Akanji said that the church did not pay any ransoms as it is against their values and law. Unfortunately, the church could not stop the parents' children from taking any action as they wanted to secure their children. The parents of the kidnapped students had been gathering daily inside the school, crying, praying, and demanding justice.

The rescue operation was undertaken by Nigeria Police

A spokesman for Nigeria Police, Mohammed Jalige, said that the security forces and civil defense forces were on a regular rescue patrol from July 12 around the forests near the village of Tsohon Gaya when they found three exhausted kidnapped victims roaming in the bush. On July 20, two students were escaped by Nigeria Police when the kidnappers ordered the students to fetch firewood from the forest. Additionally, Jalige also said that the medical examination is undergoing of the escaped students.

It is reported that the mass kidnapping of students from schools in Nigeria has increased since 2014. Since December 2020, a total of 950 students have been abducted by gunmen in Nigeria, with more than half of the abductions taking place in the past two months, reported by U.N. Children's agency. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has won elections in hopes that he would tackle the security challenges in Nigeria, but the president has not been able to do much in addressing the increasing kidnapping cases from Nigerian schools.

(With AP inputs)

(IMAGE: PIXABAY/REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)
With the goal of easing COVID-19 restrictions, Singapore plans to allow quarantine-free travel beginning in September. According to the Bangkok Post, which cited Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, the country aims to have vaccinated 80% of its population by then, putting the country in a strong position to proceed with the reopening.

Wong said, "While other countries may have come to terms with a certain level of Covid-19 cases and even deaths, this is not the choice we want to make in Singapore."

Waiting until 100% vaccination will delay the reopening timetable

He also stated that the administration will not wait until everyone has been vaccinated before beginning the relaxing process. Waiting until the entire population has been vaccinated would imply delaying the reopening timetable until much later in the year, which is not feasible. Infected people with no or mild symptoms can now be treated in community-based settings rather than in hospitals. Wong further said, "that means that as many as 60% of infected cases may recover in community-care facilities. The government aims to raise the number to 80%, with some patients even recovering at home."

The government will rigorously monitor all health outcomes, including hospitalisation and intensive care units throughout the country, while loosening the restrictions, according to Bangkok Post. Singapore had an unexpected surge in cases in April, most likely due to undiscovered imported infections, prompting the government to take a step back in its re-opening process.

Singapore will reach two-thirds of vaccination by its Independence Day

With more than half of its population properly vaccinated, Singapore aimed to reach two-thirds by its Independence Day on August 9, tying the relaxing of measures to these milestones. However, outbreaks and concerns that 200,000 older people are still unvaccinated pushed officials to tighten restrictions, prompting questions about whether the city-state was straying from its reopening plan.

We are working hard to bring forward the delivery of vaccine supplies and speed up the process. We aim to have at least two thirds of our population fully vaccinated with two doses by National Day! pic.twitter.com/4BneIQOUFq  Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) June 24, 2021

Under this pandemic stage, Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong noted that if the incidence of serious disease from COVID-19 remains low, despite occasional clusters, nearly all social and workplace restrictions can be lifted. The ministers stressed, however, that wearing a mask indoors may still be a way of life.

Despite the fact that Singapore is gradually removing virus restrictions, Wong warned that if the situation worsens, the country may have to back off.

(Inputs from ANI)
After announcing a 15-day lockdown in the national capital of Vietnam amid a steep surge in Coronavirus cases due to the Delta variant, it has now imposed a strict overnight curfew in the Ho Chi Minh City. According to the recent notification issued by the authority, all citizens are directed to stay indoors from 6 pm to 6 am from Monday, July 26. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary movement and asked to step out only to avail medical services and food. The authorities have not yet announced the last date for the night curfew.

Earlier in the week, the city had suspended all outdoor activities and ordered non-essential businesses to close following an increase in cases. It banned the gathering of more than two people in public. Only government offices, hospitals and essential businesses are allowed to stay open. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in his latest speech after taking charge of the office on Monday, July 26 said, "The current most urgent and important task of the Government and me is to concentrate on intelligence, resources, and measures, flexible and innovative methods, especially vaccine strategies."

The country had responded well during the first wave of the pandemic

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country had responded well to extirpate the deadly virus, but, with the arrival of a new COVID-19 variant, the country is now struggling to overcome the ongoing crisis. According to the reports, it has slowed down the vaccination and inoculated only 4.7 million people so far. Earlier on July 21, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), and VABIOTECH, one of Vietnam's leading pharmaceutical companies, announced the production of a test batch of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine.

According to the health ministry, the country has reported 2,708 new cases, of which 4 were imported and 2,704 were recorded domestically in Ho Chi Minh City. The number of new cases recorded in the country during the outbreak since April 27 to now is 97,421 cases, of which 16,564 patients have been declared cured. Regarding vaccination, the ministry has said, as many as 77,967 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were injected, thus taking the total number of vaccine doses administered was 4,613,491 doses.

Image: AP
Colombia received 3.5 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccines on Sunday donated by the United States.

The vaccines arrived at an airport in Bogota where President Ivan Duque expressed his gratitude toward the government of US President Joe Biden.

"Today we received this marvelous gesture which is 3.5 million vaccines, an extremely important donation to continue fighting COVID-19. And I want to express to you, President (Joe) Biden, our gratitude."

The Moderna vaccine will be added to the list of vaccines being distributed in Colombia, including Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Sinovac.

The donation comes at a time when the government opened vaccinations for people over 30 years of age in the capital and intermediate cities, as well those of all ages in municipalities of less than 100 thousand residents, according to local media reports.

The South American nation of 50 million has registered 4,716,798 COVID-19 cases and 118,538 deaths.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The United States Army has vowed to continue airstrikes in support of Afghanistan forces fighting the rogue Taliban. US Army General Kenneth McKenzie on July 25, Sunday has announced that the US forces will provide a "heightened level of support" in the coming weeks as the Taliban continue attacks and insurgents capture scores of districts. General McKenzie, who leads the US Central Command, which controls US Forces for a region that includes Afghanistan has acknowledged the "stern test" in days ahead post-US-led foreign forces evacuate the conflict-ridden country.

"Taliban victory is not inevitable and political solution remains a possibility," US General Kenneth McKenzie

While speaking to the local media in Kabul General Mckenzie spoke about the Taliban's strategy to "create a sense of inevitability about their campaign." He also mentioned that Afghanistan will receive "logistical support" till August 31, that is when the foreign forces are scheduled to leave the land. General McKenzie, however, declined to comment on whether the US Army will continue air support to the Afghan forces after that.

The US completes evacuation of over 3500 troops

The US Intelligence has completed the evacuation of over 3500 troops from the conflicting land. This has led to Taliban resurgence in over 400 districts in the country. The Eid al-Adha witnessed a brief dip in violence since the Taliban were at a "defensive" posture to mark the celebrations. Nevertheless, the conflict gained momentum as the Afghan army claimed to kill over 250 Taliban militants in the past 24hours. Following which the US military was forced to carry out an airstrike in Taliban-occupied regions. According to experts, the lack of US air support has been a major reason why Afghanistan has lost a lot of territory to the violent militants' group. According to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, the raging war forced the US to initiate airstrikes against the rebel groups.

Taliban warns the US against airstrikes in the provinces

The Taliban, on July 22, Friday, warned the US military against airstrikes in the provinces. They released a statement curtly warned of "consequences" on violation of the treaty signed between Washington and the Taliban. "Violation of the signed agreement will have consequences," the Taliban wrote in their statement. The rebel group also apprised the US and Afghan army of "strong defense" in case the "enemy insisted upon war." The Taliban and the Afghan Government negotiators met in Doha, Qatar's capital in the past weeks to initiate peace talks between the fronts. Although, there have been only a few signs of the substantive process since the peace talks began in September, the diplomats informed.

(With inputs from agencies)
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Tai is already behind bars awaiting trial for 'subversion' for his role in a democratic primary in July 2020.

Hong Kong's anti-graft body has brought fresh charges against jailed activist and former law professor Benny Tai for proposing an election strategy aimed at winning more seats in the city's legislature for pro-democracy candidates in 2016.

Tai's ThunderGo plan relied on pre-election poll results to co-ordinate pro-democracy voters in a tactical voting scheme in Sept. 4, 2016 elections to the Legislative Council (LegCo).

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said Tai, 57, had been charged with "engaging in illegal conduct" after he placed six newspaper advertisements publicizing the scheme.

Two other defendants, Ip Kim-ching, 55, and Sek Sau-ching, 50, were also charged in connection with the same activities.

Eggs Alliance, a company owned by Ip and Sek, placed the ads in the Ming Pao and Apple Daily newspapers in August and September 2016, the ICAC said.

It said Tai had also promoted the scheme via a radio program, press conferences, and social media.

The three defendants will appear in Eastern Court on Friday charged with four counts of "engaging in illegal conduct at an election by incurring election expense."

Hong Kong's election laws prohibit anyone but candidates or their campaigns from incurring expenses in connection with elections.

Dozens pursued by authorities

Since the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong from July 1, 2020, the authorities have pursued dozens of pro-democracy politicians, activists, and rights lawyers both under the law -- which criminalizes dissent -- and under pre-existing legislation.

Tai has been in prison on remand since February alongside dozens of pro-democracy activists and former lawmakers charged with "subversion" for holding a democratic primary election in July 2020.

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China said on Monday it had received summonses from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the court for local license violations linked to a museum commemorating the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen massacre.

The organization, some of whose key members are behind bars for peaceful protest activities, is due to appear at Kowloon City Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, and said it would plead guilty to the charges.

National security education

Meanwhile, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) announced that all students would be required to take a course on "national security" before graduating, reflecting the government's drive to promote "national security education" across the city's primary, secondary, and tertiary education institutions.

"We will offer a series of talks and seminars to them. They can choose the topics they are interested in. We plan to cover a wide range of topics, for example, internet security and national security, environment and national security, health or even the financial system," vice-president Albert Chau said.

HKBU also said it would stop collecting fees on behalf of its students' union, following moves by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong to derecognize their unions over their support for the 2019 protest movement.

Acting students union president Keith Fong accused the university management of undermining the union, saying it may not have enough funding to keep running its current, cooperative operations on campus.

The national security education campaign has prompted families with young children to resettle in the United Kingdom under the British National Overseas (BNO) passport visa scheme, in a bid to avoid having them subjected to CCP propaganda in school.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Local residents have complained of a lack of help with the cleanup operation, while others say Zhengzhou's drainage system couldn't cope with the volume of water.

Foreign journalists covering disastrous flooding following record rainfall in the central Chinese province of Henan have been intercepted by unidentified people who recorded them and angrily protested that they were 'smearing' China, they reported via social media on Monday.

Alice Su of the Los Angeles Times and Mathias Boelinger of Deutsche Welle were confronted by a group of people, including two women who claimed to be from media organizations, all of which are under the aegis of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"We were surrounded by an angry crowd shouting things like 'This is China, get out of China!,'" Su said via her Twitter account after reporting alongside Boelinger.

"Prior to this we had been chatting w people on a street where several huge holes [had] opened in the road," Su wrote. "Shopkeepers were distressed about insufficient govt help to drain water from their underground stores, w all their goods still submerged after four days,"

Some of those seen gathering at the scene of the altercation had the appearance of plainclothes state security police, and were described as possibly being "plainclothes" by Boelinger.

"I think it was about ten men, mostly middle aged ...They kept pushing me yelling that I was a bad guy and that I should stop smearing China. One guy tied to snatch my phone," Boelinger tweeted.

AP correspondent Dake Kang commented on Su's thread: "Exactly the same thing happened to me yesterday at almost precisely the same location... I got reported to the police."

Boelinger said one of the women had filmed him, while the other later explained that the crowd believed him to be BBC journalist Robin Brant.

"What I did not know at the time was that a manhunt was on after @robindbrant," Boelinger tweeted.

"There is a vicious campaign against the @BBCNews in nationalistic circles and state media," he said. "Eventually when convinced that I was not @robindbrant the crowd calmed down. Some even apologized."

Boelinger said Al Jazeera's Katrina Yu had also been targeted by hostile "bystanders."

"Sad sign of increasing anger and suspicion towards foreign media in #China," Yu tweeted. "When we filmed in front of the #Zhengzhou subway crowds were recording us and calling the authorities."

She included a screenshot of a post to social media platform Weibo warning people not to be "used" and not to talk to foreign media.

Su wrote: "There were many other ppl in Zhengzhou and the surrounding worse-hit areas who were open and even eager to talk about the destruction and difficulties theyre facing. But this crowd seemed really angry and eager just to tell the foreigners off ... It was not a pleasant experience."

Subways flooded, cars swept away

At least 12 died in subway carriages and stations last week as the No. 5 Metro Line in Zhengzhou was deluged by turbulent, muddy water after unprecedented rainfall drowned tunnels and turned city streets into raging torrents.

Cars were swept away in the current and left piled up across the city, sparking some 180,000 vehicle insurance claims.

The floods came after local government claimed to have spent around 50 billion yuan upgrading the city's drainage systems.

But a local resident surnamed Zheng said the plan was to use porous materials in constructing city floors and sidewalks, to allow water to drain away.

But she said most were made of regular concrete and cement.

"The water doesn't get absorbed at all; it just flows down the streets or into a sewer," Zhyeng said. "Most of the sidewalks are made of cement and can't absorb water."

The rescue operation was racing against time on Monday, as more heavy rain was forecast to hit Xinyang, Zhumadian, Zhoukou, Shangqiu, Kaifeng, Puyang, Xinxiang, Hebi, and Anyang cities in the next few days.

Volunteers are still racing to deliver water and food as well as plug gaps in dikes, and more rain will put even greater pressure on basins used to divert and hold floodwaters, with 13 million people already affected by last week's rains.

The provincial government said 69 people have died and five are still missing, with nearly 9,000 homes collapsed and losses estimated at around U.S.$2 billion.

Drinking water, medicine, food, and other relief items are being delivered to some 20,000 people in inaccessible areas, while thousands of farmers have been hit by the worst flash flooding in centuries that has drowned 1,678 larger-scale farms, killing more than a million animals.

Members of a farming community in Xinxiang told Reuters they had lost some 200,000 chickens and up to 6,000 pigs in the floods, amid fears of a resurgence of swine fever spread by floodwater.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Gyaltsen Norbu was selected by Beijing in 1995 to replace the Dalai Lama's candidate, a young boy who then disappeared into Chinese custody together with his family.

A Beijing-appointed Tibetan Buddhist leader sent by China to attend a conference in Sichuan this month was ignored by ordinary Tibetans who had been told by authorities to turn out to greet him, with only hand-picked officials present to show him respect, Tibetan sources said.

Gyaltsen Norbuselected by China in 1995 to serve as Tibets Panchen Lamahad gone to Sichuans Kardze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture on July 12 to participate in a religious conference, according to a text message received by RFA from within the region.

He was also seen making a visit to Ngaba Barkham, Dzoege, and Khungchu, where Tibetans were told to show up and greet him. But unlike other religious figures whom Tibetans revere and approach to receive blessings, no Tibetans showed up to welcome him, RFAs source said.

The only people who came to see him were those whose attendance had been specifically arranged by the Chinese, the source said.

Residents of the areas visited by the monk widely derided by Tibetans as Chinas Panchen had also been restricted in their movements by authorities and told to keep the streets free of cars, the source added.

Speaking to RFA, Shel Gedhun Tseringa former Tibetan political prisoner now living in Australiaconfirmed the Panchens tour of the region, citing sources in the visited areas.

My contacts back home told me that abbots and religious figures in monasteries in the region had been coerced into receiving and greeting the Panchen Lama, also being ordered to pose for pictures with him, Tsering said.

The Chinese government now often uses Tibetan religious figures for political propaganda and publicity purposes, said Tsering Tsomo, director of the Dharamsala, India-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy.

These visits are choreographed under the direct supervision of the Chinese government, and whatever Norbu says or does is aimed only at advancing the agenda of Chinas ruling Communist Party. He acts only as a spokesperson, Tsomo said.

Vanished into Chinese custody

Gyaltsen (in Chinese, Gyaincain) Norbu was named as Panchen Lama by China in May 1995 to replace a candidate who was selected as a young boy by Tibets exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, and who vanished into Chinese custody together with his family and has not been heard from since.

Tibetan tradition holds that senior Buddhist monks and other respected religious leaders are reincarnated in the body of a child after they die.

Chinese authorities have had difficulty persuading Tibetans to accept their Panchen Lama as the official face of Tibetan Buddhism in China, though, and ordinary Tibetans and monks in monasteries traditionally loyal to the Dalai Lama have been reluctant to acknowledge or receive him.

Beijing has sought in recent years to control the identification of other Tibetan religious leaders, and says that the selection of the next Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in India following a failed 1959 Tibetan revolt against Chinese rule, must comply with Chinese law.

The Dalai Lama himself says however that if he returns, his successor will be born in a country outside of Chinese control.

Reported by Sangyal Kunchok for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Tenzin Dickyi. Written in English by Richard Finney.
MINSK -- Two correspondents of RFE/RL's Belarus Service have been released from jail, 10 days after their arrests as part of authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka's clampdown on the country's independent media and civil society.

Ina Studzinskaya and Aleh Hruzdzilovich were released on July 26, but said they were informed that they remain suspects in an unspecified criminal case.

Studzinskaya had been on a hunger strike for nine days and Hruzdzilovich for three days to protest against their arrest. Another RFE/RL correspondent, Ales Dashchynski, was released on July 23.

The three journalists were arrested along with other independent journalists on July 16 after police and security forces searched their apartments and offices, including RFE/RL's offices in Minsk.

The accreditations of Studzinskaya, Hruzdzilovich, and Dashchynski were annulled last year as part of Lukashenka's campaign against dissent following a disputed presidential election in August that the opposition said was rigged.

Belarusian authorities have moved to shut down independent media outlets and more than 50 nongovernmental organizations in the wake of mass protests after the disputed vote. The opposition and West say Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya won the vote and accuse Lukashenka of falsifying the result to give him a sixth consecutive term in power.

RFE/RL President Jamie Fly had condemned the arrests of the journalists as "the latest searing testimony to the desperation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka."

Separately on July 26, a correspondent for the television channel Belsat, Ihar Ilyash, was released from custody after being held for 10 days.

Lukashenka has put down street protests and dissent over the vote with sometimes lethal force, jailing thousands of people and forcing most opposition leaders who haven't been imprisoned to leave the country.

The West, which has refused to recognize the official results of the vote and does not consider Lukashenka to be the country's legitimate leader, has imposed several rounds of sanctions against the 66-year-old, some of his family members, other senior officials, and on key economic sectors in the former Soviet republic.

The EU imposed further far-reaching penalties aimed at weakening the regime after the forced landing of a European passenger plane in Minsk and the arrest of an opposition blogger who was on board.
Joint military exercises involving about 4,000 troops from 15 allied and partner countries, including the United States, have kicked off in Georgia.



The exercises are being staged at five training locations in Georgia and are scheduled to run from July 26 to August 6, a U.S. Army statement said.



The opening ceremony for Agile Spirit took place at Senaki Air Base. A ceremony at the conclusion of the exercises is scheduled for August 6 at the Orpholo training area. Other staging areas include the Vaziani training area and the Vaziani Military Airport.



It is the 10th Agile Spirit exercise, which aims to strengthen regional security cooperation and increase interoperability among the military forces participating.



Agile Spirit 2021 enhances U.S., Georgian, allied, and regional partner forces readiness and interoperability in a realistic training environment, the statement said.

The exercises were first conducted in Georgia in 2011 and have taken place annually with both U.S. and Georgian military forces.

About 1,600 of the 4,000 troops taking part this year are from the Georgian defense forces and about 700 are U.S. military personnel.



This year is the first in which a combined multinational airborne operation with participation from Georgia, the United Kingdom, and Poland is taking place.



Special operation forces from Georgia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Romania, and Poland are also performing combined operations together for the first time at the Sorta training area.



Other participating countries include Germany, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Spain, Ukraine, Canada, and Italy.
Cell phone video shared on Iranian social media shows people demonstrating in Tehran and Tabriz over water shortages, power outages, and a deteriorating economy. In a rare public display of dissent, protesters chanted slogans against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other conservative clerics, and condemned the government's policies of providing financial aid and weapons to militant Palestinian and Lebanese groups.
UNESCOs World Heritage Committee has inscribed the Trans-Iranian Railway onto its World Heritage List.

The committee announced on July 25 that the railway, which connects the Caspian Sea in the northeast with the Persian Gulf in the southwest, has been added to the list, along with three other sites.

Started in 1927 and completed in 1938, the 1,394-kilometer-long railway was designed and executed in a successful collaboration between the Iranian government and 43 construction contractors from many countries, UNESCO said in astatement announcing the railways addition to the list.

The railway is notable for its scale and the engineering work that was required to overcome steep routes and other difficulties, UNESCO said. Its construction involved extensive mountain cutting in some areas, while the rugged terrain in others dictated the construction of 174 large bridges, 186 small bridges, and 224 tunnels.

Unlike most early railway projects, construction of the Trans-Iranian Railway was funded by national taxes to avoid foreign investment and control, UNESCO added in its statement.

The other sites inscribed on the list are Chinas Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan, Indias Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, and Madrids tree-lined Paseo del Prado boulevard and the adjoining Retiro park.

The World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization announced the additions to the World Heritage List after an online meeting in Fuzhou, China.

World Heritage sites can be examples of outstanding natural beauty or architecture, or they can be important geologically or ecologically or keys to human culture and tradition.

Based on reporting by AP
SHYMKENT, Kazakhstan -- A court in Kazakhstans southern city of Shymkent has handed lengthy prison terms to 12 of 16 military officers and Defense Ministry officials on trial in the high-profile case of deadly ammunition warehouse blasts in 2019.

The Shymkent Garrison military court on July 26 sentenced 12 defendants to prison terms of between four years and 10 years, while handing suspended sentences to four other defendants after finding all of them guilty of negligence and violation of regulations for the storage of ammunition.

All 16 defendants had pleaded not guilty.

The case was launched after blasts at an ammunition depot in June 2019 claimed four lives and injured dozens of residents in the town of Arys, 67 kilometers west of Shymkent, the third-largest city in the Central Asian nation.

The trial first began in June 2020 but was halted in January after the court returned the case to investigators, citing "irregularities." The proceedings then resumed in April.

Some 35,000 residents of the town fled their homes for Shymkent and nearby towns, returning days later after authorities lifted a state of emergency.

Kazakh officials said that 85 percent of the town's buildings, mainly private houses, had been damaged by heavy smoke, shock waves, and flying debris.

The government has promised to rebuild the houses, but many residents have complained that the rebuilding efforts have been too slow and promised state financial allowances were never provided.

After the blasts, hundreds of people rallied in Shymkent and blocked a major road demanding to be relocated permanently because they were afraid to go back, since the blasts were just the latest in a series of explosions to hit the depot since 2009.
Two women have concluded the first same-sex civil union in Montenegrin history, more than a year after parliament passed a law making it the first non-EU country in the Balkans to allow such partnerships.

The individuals, who wished to remain anonymous, were wed in the Adriatic coastal city of Budva on July 25, according to local officials.



A Budva official, Milijana Vukotic Jelusic, said both women are originally from the Balkans but live and work abroad.



Questions of sexual preference and gender identity remain contentious in much of Montenegro and the region, where traditional Christian Orthodoxy and social conservatism hold considerable influence.



Montenegro's law on "life partnership of same-sex persons" was passed by a mere two-vote majority a year ago. It gave the government until July 15 to bring Montenegrin legislation in line with the change to allow such legal unions.



The former ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) led the effort to pass the law on same-sex unions over the objections of some of its coalition allies. It has since been voted out of power.



The leading bloc in the current coalition government, the Democratic Front, opposed the legislation.



The Democratic Front-led government, which took over in December, has so far failed to harmonize or even send to parliament the required amendments to around 26 other laws and bylaws.



In Budva, Jelusic said the newly wed couple had requested their union on the day that the July 15 deadline ran out.



"Although the Law on Life Partnership of Same-Sex Persons was adopted a year ago, much remains to be done to meet all the preconditions for its full implementation," Montenegrin Minister of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media Tamara Srzentic tweeted on July 25.



Srzentic pledged that "the LGBTIQ community will always have a partner and ally in me for all activities that contribute to improving the quality of life of members of this community, as well as the promotion and protection of their rights and freedoms."



Montenegro's first Gay Pride Parade was held in Budva in July 2013 in an atmosphere of violence. Attempts by angry crowds to attack participants were prevented by a heavy police presence.
Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked the website of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny in a widening crackdown by authorities against media and civil organizations ahead of parliamentary elections in September.



Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) tweeted on July 26 that, in addition to blocking the website www.navalny.com, authorities may also block the website of the Smart Voting system outlined by Navalnys team ahead of the September 19 vote. The system is aimed at defeating candidates of the Kremlin-backed ruling United Russia party.



Roskomnadzor confirmed the move in a statement, saying it acted upon a request by the Prosecutor's Office.



According to the regulator, the decision was made because the site contained what it decided were "calls for mass disorder, the implementation of extremist activities, and the participation in mass (public) events held in violation of established regulations."



"The blocking of our resources is direct evidence of the existence of state censorship. Instead of fighting corruption, the state is fighting those who conduct anti-corruption investigations. It's time to change this power," Navalny's team said on Twitter in response to the news.



With opinion polls indicating waning support for United Russia, authorities have ramped up pressure on dissent ahead of the elections.



Navalny's FBK has relentlessly targeted senior government officials over the past decade with widely watched videos detailing corruption allegations that were distributed via the Navalny LIVE channel.



It has also been instrumental in implementing the Smart Voting strategy -- a project designed to promote candidates most likely to defeat Kremlin-linked figures.



A Moscow City Court last month ruled in favor of a prosecutor's motion to declare the FBK and other groups related to Navalny as extremist. The move has prevented those associated with Navalny and his network of regional offices across Russia from seeking public office. It also carries possible lengthy prison terms for activists who have worked with the organizations, a move seen by critics as a thinly veiled attempt to scare off potential opposition candidates.



Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most vocal domestic critic, is serving a 2-1/2 year jail sentence for parole violations he says were trumped up. His jailing has strained Russia's relations with the West, which has demanded that he be freed and criticized the extremism ruling.



Navalny associate Ruslan Shaveddinov accused Putin of being behind the move to block the website.



"Putin, with Roskomnadzor's dirty hands, has blocked all sites linked to Navalny's team. I wonder when he will ban mentioning us offline?" Shaveddinov wrote on Twitter, adding instructions on uploading applications on mobile phones to follow Navalny's blog.



Leonid Volkov, a close ally of Navalny, said on Twitter that the team would soon explain how it plans to sidestep the blocking of the website.
Russia's state-run natural gas monopoly Gazprom says a trunk pipeline belonging to the firm has leaked and caught fire in the Perm region some 1,400 kilometers east of Moscow.



Reuters quotes the company as saying in a statement that there were no immediate reports of injuries in the July 26 incident.



Gazprom said in a statement that part of the Urengoy-Center 2 natural gas pipeline had ruptured and caught fire near the Sylva River about 1,390 kilometers east of Moscow.



The statement said customers were still being supplied by parallel pipelines.



it is the third major pipeline rupture for in recent months for Gazprom in connection with its Urengoy operations.



In June, Gazprom confirmed a major release of methane gas after it detected a problem with its Urengoy-Center 1 pipeline in Russia's Tatarstan region.



Another giant methane plume was released on May 24 from two days of planned maintenance on the Urengoy-Petrovsk pipeline in Russia's Bashkortostan region.

Based on reporting by Reuters, Esquire, and Bloomberg
MOSCOW -- Jailed Russian journalist Ivan Safronov has been banned from talking to his lawyer, Ivan Pavlov, who has himself been charged with illegally revealing details of the case launched against the journalist.

Pavlov wrote on Telegram on July 26 that because investigators questioned Safronov last week as a witness in the case launched against him, he, in accordance with an earlier decision by a Moscow court, cannot now communicate with his client.

Pavlov, who is one of Russias top human rights lawyers, known for representing jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), was charged in late April with disclosing classified information related to an ongoing investigation.

The Investigative Committee said later that the case against the 50-year-old lawyer stems from his public statements about Safronov's case, the materials of which have been officially classified.

Pavlov led the Komanda 29 association of human rights lawyers, which announced on July 18 that it had suspended its work to protect its members and supporters from criminal prosecution.

The announcement came three days after the Prosecutor-General's Office accused the group of having ties to Spolecnost Svobody Informace, a Czech-based nongovernmental organization, and of distributing its materials.

The Kremlin has declared the Czech organization undesirable, putting any Russian individual or entity that cooperates with it at risk of administrative or criminal penalties.

The 31-year-old Safronov covered the defense industry for the newspapers Kommersant and Vedomosti before becoming an adviser to the head of Russia's space agency Roskosmos, Dmitry Rogozin.

He was arrested in July 2020 for allegedly passing secret information to the Czech Republic in 2017 about Russian arms sales in the Middle East.

Safronov has rejected the accusations against him; many of his supporters have held pickets demanding his release.

Last week, Safronov wrote an article published by Vedomosti that slammed Russian authorities, including the judiciary, for their treatment of suspects and methods used in investigating espionage amid a wave of cases aimed at muzzling dissent.
YAKUTSK, Russia -- A court in Russia's Siberian region of Yakutia has confined to forced psychiatric treatment a shaman who was stopped by authorities several times in his attempts to march to Moscow by foot to drive President Vladimir Putin out of the Kremlin.

Aleksei Pryanishnikov, a lawyer for Aleksandr Gabyshev, told RFE/RL that the Yakutsk city court ruled on July 26 that Gabyshev poses an "extreme danger" to society and "needs to be forcibly treated in a specialized hospital under permanent supervision."

Pryanishnikov also said the term "treatment" is unclear, adding that patients subjected to such treatments can be locked up in psychiatric clinics for up to three years.

Pryanishnikov said he will appeal the ruling.

In March, the court found Gabyshev "mentally unfit" and ruled that he should be placed in a psychiatric clinic. The ruling was challenged by Gabyshev's lawyers and his supporters, who say it was 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.

In April, Gabyshev's sister Kyaiyylana Zakharova told RFE/RL that her brothers health had dramatically deteriorated, most likely 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 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 and placed in a psychiatric clinic in Yakutia for several months against his will.

His forced stay in a clinic was equated by many with the Soviet-era practice of muzzling dissent with the use of forced psychiatric treatment.

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.
CHORKUH, Tajikistan -- A Tajik border guard was wounded in a shoot-out in an area close to a disputed segment of the Tajik-Kyrgyz border over the weekend, the latest flareup of violence in the volatile region.

Officials of Tajikistan's Chorkuh district told RFE/RL that 19-year-old Private Shuhrat Qurbonov was hospitalized with gunshot wounds after the shoot-outs erupted early in the morning on July 24.

According to the officials, tensions escalated after residents of the Tajik districts started cleaning an area near the border that Kyrgyzstan considers as undefined.

After residents of a Kyrgyz village and representatives of Kyrgyzstan's local authorities confronted the Tajiks, questioning the legality of their activities to clean the area, the sides started throwing stones at each other. The battle escalated to the point where shoot-outs between border guards of the two Central Asian nations erupted.

Officials in Kyrgyzstans Batken region confirmed that the shoot-out on July 24 started after the confrontation between residents of local Kyrgyz and Tajik villages over the activities of the Tajik side to clean the area.

Both sides said that talks regarding the situation were under way over the weekend between Tajik and Kyrgyz officials.

The incident took place less than three weeks after one Kyrgyz border guard was killed and another wounded in a similar skirmish between the two former Soviet republics.

Almost half of the 970-kilometer-long Kyrgyz-Tajik border has not been demarcated, leading to repeated tensions since the two countries gained independence three decades ago.

In late April, clashes that involved military personnel along another disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border left dozens of people killed on both sides.

Many border areas in Central Asia have been disputed since the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991.

The situation is particularly complicated near the numerous exclaves in the volatile Ferghana Valley, where the borders of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan meet.
Angry protests against water shortages and deteriorating economic conditions in Iran have spread to the streets of Tehran, as demonstrators in the capital openly display discontent with the country's Islamic leadership by chanting "Death to the dictator."



RFE/RL's Radio Farda cited videos and text posted on social media that indicate a protest rally was staged during the morning of July 26 on Jomhuri Islami Avenue in central Tehran.

Tehran's Deputy Governor Hamidreza Goodarzi confirmed that the protest had taken place on July 26. He said the reason for the demonstration was the "lack of electricity."



But RFE/RL reports that the Tehran demonstrators also expressed support for protesters in Khuzestan and other Iranian cities who have staged defiant rallies since July 15 over water shortages.



In one video from Tehran, protesters expressed discontent with the conservative Islamic clerics who control political life in Iran -- chanting: "Cannons, tanks, fireworks, mullahs must go."



In other videos, young demonstrators chanted "Shame on Khamenei, your country" and "Let go!" -- referring to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.



Still, others chanted: "Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, I sacrifice my life for Iran."



That slogan has been chanted for decades by those who oppose the Iranian government's policies of providing financial aid and weapons to Palestinian militant groups and Hizballah fighters in Lebanon.



Iran is facing its worst drought in at least 50 years -- a natural event that has been exacerbated by poor water management policies, which have hurt agriculture and left reservoirs in the country with little water. The loss of electricity from hydroelectric dams has also contributed to weeks of power blackouts in parts of Iran.



The spread of protests to Tehran also comes as Iran struggles through another wave of the coronavirus pandemic and the economy continues to suffer under strict U.S. sanctions.



Thousands of workers in Iran's oil industry have also launched strikes for better wages and working conditions.



Since protests against water shortages began on July 15 in Khuzestan and spread to other towns and cities, at least five demonstrators have been shot dead across Iran. Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the deaths were the result of apparent "excessive force" by Iranian authorities.



HRW has urged Iranian authorities to "transparently" investigate the reported deaths and hold those responsible to account.



The U.S.-based nongovernmental rights group says Iranian officials also should "urgently address long-standing grievances on access to water in the country."



"Iranian authorities have a very troubling record of responding with bullets to protesters frustrated with mounting economic difficulties and deteriorating living conditions," said Tara Sepehri Far, an Iran researcher at HRW.

With reporting by Reuters and IRIB
The National Bank of Serbia has objected to what it calls "inappropriate" plans by Croatia to include a likeness of inventor Nikola Tesla on its euro coin once it joins the eurozone.



In a statement posted last week on its official website, the central bank in Belgrade called Zagreb's plan an attempt at the "appropriation of the cultural and scientific heritage of the Serbian people."



Tesla was an inventor and engineering giant whose work, including on alternate current electricity, transformed the power sector and pioneered areas like X-rays and wireless technology.



As he was an ethnic Serb who was born within the Austrian Empire in the mid-19th century in what is now Croatia, Zagreb and Belgrade have waged intermittent squabbles over bragging rights to his legacy.



Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on July 23 that he can't "see why it should be a problem to anyone" for Tesla to be commemorated on a euro coin from the land of his birthplace. He said Serbia would have not have any say in the decision.



The Serbian bank asserts that Tesla regarded himself as a Serb.



Tesla became a naturalized U.S. citizen 1891 at the age of 35. Following his death and cremation in New York in 1943, an urn containing his ashes was taken to Belgrade in 1957 where they remain today.

The Belgrade-based central bank said "it is quite certain that appropriate actions would be taken against the competent EU institutions" in order to "point out the inappropriateness" of Croatia's proposal.



Croatia is widely expected to join the eurozone once it is eligible, in 2023 at the earliest.



Under EU regulations, euro coins have one common side and may have a distinct "national" reverse side.



The same regulation makes the "national" side subject to the agreement of other EU member states but says nothing about outside objections.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Balkan Service and AFP
Photos by Laura Paton

The Coventry Substance Abuse Task Force and Coventry Public Schools held a first-ever event coined Safety Day last weekend, inviting children and families to learn about safety. ABOVE: Michael Leger sits inside a fire engine.
MANSFIELD -- FiELD9: architecture has announced the successful completion of the ILFIs Living Future Accreditation by Matthew Stanfield.

Living Future Accreditation is the professional credential that recognizes proficiency in the worlds most ambitious, advanced, and holistic sustainable design standards. Stanfield joins professionals around the world who look to advance their expertise in sustainability.

The International Living Future Institutes mission is to lead the transformation to ward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. https://living-future.org/our-impact/

The Living Future Accreditation consists of 36 credit hours completed in a year and is renewable every two years upon completing 16 continuing education credits.

Stanfield, a registered architect in Ohio and Pennsylvania, decided to add LFA to his credentials after attending the Living Future Conference. Living Future Accreditation will complement his knowledge of sustainable design.

This accreditation will be an enormous benefit to all future projects, and it allows me access to a vast body of knowledge I can implement in designs for FiELD9: architecture," Stanfield said.

Stanfield is also a Certified Passive House Consultant and incorporates passive house design in commercial and residential work.

About FiELD9:

FiELD9: architecture is a full service architecture firm in Mansfield, which designs durable and efficient buildings that are rooted in the communities they serve to provide healthy spaces for a sustainable and equitable future. Find out more about FiELD9 at field9architecture.com.
MANSFIELD -- The North Central Ohio Industrial Museum (NCOIM) had its first public tours Friday inside the Ohio State Reformatory.

Its a walk through history nearly 30 years in the making.

When the board, the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society, originally got (the building), that was one of the things that they wanted to do was to open this industrial museum, said Paul Smith, executive director of the Ohio State Reformatory.

The Reformatory has had a small manufacturing display for decades, but efforts to expand it into a full-fledged museum began seven years ago. Members and friends of the North Central Ohio Industrial Museum board began refurbishing the space, collecting items and planning the design.

Now, brightly colored displays tell the tale of Mansfields manufacturing past, complete with photographs and artifacts dating to the late 1800s.

It's really a great tribute to the strong history of manufacturing in our community, as well as a look at the current strength of manufacturing, said Jodie Perry, president and CEO of the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce.

The museum displays were built by the Reformatory's in-house carpenters Bill Hale, Autumn Fairbanks and Marty Sneeringer. The process took about a year.

We started in the dead of winter with this window right here," Hale said as he stood in the museum entryway. "It was snowing on us as we redid it.

While the carpentry team crafted wood and plexiglass into top-tier displays, members of the NCOIM scouted the city for relics.

The team's historian and creative director Tim McKee drew on a lifetime of research to create the text for the displays.

When I grew up in Mansfield, all my classmates measured their success by how quickly they got away from here," McKee said. "I realized that one of the reasons I loved Mansfield was because I had so much backstory. I can walk down any street in town and no matter what's there now I can tell you what was there before, even if it's some parking lot. So I'd like to give that to the next generation."

"This is their backstory. And the more we know of that and know of the heritage that brought them to this point -- it's already a part of them to carry it on."

The museum shows not only the products that were made in Mansfield, but how the areas manufacturing sector evolved with the changing times. Visitors learn about Mansfields history as a union town and how local businesses contributed to military supply chains during World War II.

Other displays show how the areas promising job market attracted generations of immigrants from central and eastern Europe, followed by an influx of Kentucky natives and finally Black southerners during the Great Migration.

Mansfields Black population rose from 1,135 in 1925 to nearly 8,000 in the 1960s as workers came seeking jobs at the steel mill. One display shows dozens of their headshots.

Deanna West-Torrence noticed her great-grandmothers portrait right away.

All of my family worked in different factories in the area. I can probably name a family member that was in each one, she said. I think it's really cool that they really called out the African American communitys contribution to industry here.

Many of the featured displays highlight Richland County companies, but the museum board hopes to expand to include more regional manufacturers.

Mansfield used to be the point where all roads met in Ohio. This was the metropolis of manufacturing, of industry, of people coming here because of our railroads, because of our resources, said Tyler Shinaberry, a member of the NCOIM board. Our surrounding counties also grew because of it, so our next phases are going to bring in more and more of what was surrounding us.

The NCOIM board is also in the process of adding a display on current manufacturing practices and the possibilities the future holds. Gorman-Rupp Pumps, Midwest Aircraft Products Company and North Central State College have already donated items that show off the marvels of modern manufacturing.

Museum president Jerry Miller said he hopes the exhibits will spark an interest in the industry for younger visitors.

"I think it'll give some kids an idea of what you can do -- the dreams, the visions, the inventions," he said. "Manufacturing is still the number one employment sector in this county."

Although it has its own nonprofit status, the museum will operate as the Reformatorys sub-exhibition. The hours will mirror that of the Reformatory and no additional admission is required.
BUCYRUS -- The Ohio Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Crawford Soil & Water Conservation District have announced new funding to local producers through H2Ohio Program funds.

Agriculture producers throughout Crawford County are eligible to receive incentive payments for Nutrient Management, Cover Crops, Small Grains Establishment, Commercial Fertilizer Placement Technology, Manure Application, Variable Rate Fertilizer Application, and/or Drainage Water Management.

Application deadline for funding is Aug. 31, 2021. Interested producers should contact the Crawford SWCD for more information or to apply for funding.

The Crawford SWCD will be hosting the following producer informational meeting to answer questions about the program, application process and incentive payments.

Registration is required by calling the SWCD office at 419-562-8280 ext. #3.

The Aug. 12 even is at the Crawford County Conservation League from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information please contact the Crawford Soil & Water Conservation District at 419-562-8280 ext. #3 or online at www.crawfordswcd.org.
MANSFIELD -- Organizers are encouraging the public to gather in downtown Mansfield on Friday, July 30, for sunshine, good food, and good music.

The July 2021 Final Friday Concert Series will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at The Brickyard with Red & Six, Departure, and Red Ball Jets. As always, the Final Friday Concert Series is free and open to the public. Lawn chairs are encouraged, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Outside beverages and coolers are prohibited.

The Final Friday Concert series is held at The Brickyard stage and is possible with generous contributions from Ohio Eye Associates, OhioHealth, Phoenix Brewing Company, Spherion Mid-Ohio, Dearman Moving and Storage, and The Clean Company. For additional information, please call 419-522-0099 or email at info@downtownmansfield.com.

Downtown Mansfield, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate economic development, improve the appearance and create a positive image of the downtown as a desirable place to work, live, shop and invest.
MANSFIELD -- Free public wi-fi in a several-block radius in downtown Mansfield is Phase 1 of a new "Smart City" approach, according to Downtown Mansfield Inc. CEO Jennifer Kime.

"It really speaks to attracting more visitors and more community events and it also speaks to greater equity," Kime said Monday afternoon.

"We know a lot people have unlimited data, but we also know a lot of people don't. This service will help that segment of the community."

The Mansfield Board of Control on Monday approved spending $47,626 on the the project after hearing a presentation from city Information Technology Director James Weiner and city engineer Bob Bianchi.

The wi-fi coverage area would encompass an area from East Fifth Street on the north and Park Avenue East on the south with east-west boundaries of South Adams Street and Main Street.

The funds will from from the Downtown Improvement Fund, created by City Council in 2018 to fund projects by adding $5 to the cost of local motor vehicle registrations. Free public wi-fi is one of the goals identified in the Mansfield Rising Downtown Reinvestment Plan in 2019.

The Downtown Improvement Advisory Board voted to recommend the wi-fi project during a recent meeting. The project will now go to Mansfield City Council, which meets again Aug. 3.

The city is partnering with Northwest Regional Systems, a Mansfield company that has installed wireless internet systems around the country, according to Weiner.

Kime praised the efforts of Northwest owner Patrick Simon for offering "a great price" and his expertise in designing the system the city hopes to install. His company is located at 485 Oak St.

Simon said his company has done about two dozen similar-size projects in California, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and Colorado and hundreds of smaller wi-fi efforts in other locations.

Simon said his relationship with manufacturer Cisco Meraki helped "hold down" equipment costs and he was also providing a bit of a "hometown discount" on the labor.

"We have been working on this project for a couple of years now," Simon said. "We are excited to see it moving forward."

Kime said, "We're ready to go on this. It's a good initiative."

If approved by City Council, and barring shipping delays of equipment, Simon said he hoped to begin installation in September.

"If we get started by mid September, within two weeks, you will start seeing some of the areas coming up online and ready to go," he said, adding the project will not require much construction the public would notice.

"It's going to be petty seamless," Simon said. "The only equipment anyone will notice is a few connectors on top of a few lampposts. There will be no ugly towers."

Kime labeled it a significant investment in local infrastructure.

"Pat has been great to work with. We are getting a great deal from a local company with top-of-the-line equipment. We can build on top of this in many ways," she said

In terms of the "Smart City" reference, Kime said the key to is to "do it with a purpose."

"Rather than building for just one thing, we want to do it a multi-tier way that will allow for additional improvements," she said. "The goal is to have wi-fi in the entire downtown.

"We want to do it in phases to make sure we have enough data available and get it right before we go to the next phase," she said.

The wi-fi service is designed to allow people to be interactive in outdoor public spaces.

"It's not designed for use (indoors). There may be some, but no one will be using this as the primary internet service," Kime said.

The ultimate goal for a "Smart City" is the creation of an urban area that uses different types of electronic methods and sensors to collect data. Insights gained from that data are used to manage assets, resources and services efficiently; in return, that data is used to improve the operations across the city.
ONTARIO  When Dale Warren came back from combat after the Vietnam War, he needed something that would help him adjust back into civilian life and being in America again. His brother suggested he try yoga, and since then hes become an avid yoga enthusiast.

After becoming well-versed in the practice, Warrens brought his passion for yoga into veterans programs here in Mansfield. However, his latest program could help spread his idea to an even wider audience.

Through the help of the Carl and Annamarie Fernyak Fund, Warren helped launch a Yoga for Veterans program at the OhioHealth Ontario Health and Fitness Center.

I've always been an advocate for yoga and for people with stress and pain and mental relaxation, and they gain all that stuff. To me, it's precious, Warren said.

The program, which started in mid-July, is designed to increase mindfulness and build resilience. The one-hour class will have participants focus on mindful breathing, gentle movement and posture, deep breathing and gratitude meditation.

The class is free to non-members and open to active military, veterans and family members. Warren said he hopes the program will help veterans become comfortable and content with their family members and develop a connection.

A lot of veterans, especially combat veterans have a hard time sometimes relating to their families, and this is a good way to get closer to your family, Warren said.

Warren, a Richland Veterans Mentor Program board member, brought the Yoga for Veterans program to AMVETS Post 26 on Fourth St. five years ago and recruited yoga instructors to teach classes. Eventually, the program moved to the Butterfly House with the help of Annamarie Fernyak, founder and CEO of Mind Body Align. Now they've extended the program to the Ontario Health and Fitness Center.

Warren wanted to attract more veterans to yoga and was prompted by Annamarie to apply for a grant through the Richland County Foundation. Afterward, Fernyak and her husband Carl Fernyak, founder of Richland Source, used their Carl and Annamarie Fund to sponsor the new Yoga for Veterans program.

Carl and I love this community and feel passionate and purposeful when we are investing in ways that create or support a well-rounded, healthy community, Annamarie wrote in an emailed response.

The Fernyaks believe in the transformative power of yoga practice, its ability to connect people to their bodies in a way that allows them to process the experiences of their life and to heal them if needed.

Members of the military, past and present, are generally offered support which meets their basic needs, and a yoga practice can be an important addition because it helps process their unique military experiences in a new and different way, Annamarie wrote.

Amy Secrist, an independent yoga and meditation teacher, met Warren five years ago while she was teaching at the Mansfield Art Center during the summer. Warren attended her classes and the two shared a bond over yoga.

Warren invited Secrist to be a yoga instructor at AMVETS where she taught for five years. She was more than ready to accept Warrens request to become an instructor for the Yoga for Veterans program at the Ontario Health and Fitness Center. She will teach the program alongside fellow yoga instructor Carol Brown.

I am super excited for this program to now be in the fitness center because of the potential for community building, Secrist said. At other locations, the class was isolated, and so you would only go to that location for the class whereas, at the fitness center, things are going on all the time.

[The Ontario Health and Fitness Center] has exposure. More people are going to hear about it, Secrist said. And then there's this chance to hang out with other people and maybe create new friendships or have the sense of community, where things can grow out of it.

Yoga For Veterans occurs every Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Ontario Health and Fitness Center.

Veterans yoga resources:

Yoga Class Videos

Veterans Yoga

Veterans Yoga of Mid-Ohio facebook group
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FILE a" In this June 26, 2018, file photo, then-Suffolk County District Attorney Democratic candidate Rachael Rollins addresses an audience in Boston. Rollins, who has led the Suffolk County district attorneys office since 2019 as the first woman of color to serve as a district attorney in Massachusetts, is being nominated by President Joe Biden to become the state's top federal prosecutor. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Rollins would become the first Black woman to serve as U.S. attorney for Massachusetts.A (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
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SARS-CoV-2 may affect the cognitive ability of a person, and the effect could be greater in people that have contracted a severe illness due to the virus. According to a new study, people that were diagnosed with COVID-19 are exhibiting a lower score in an intelligence test as opposed to people that didn't have the coronavirus.





SARS-CoV-2 Linked with Significant Drop in Intelligence

Imperial College London ICL's Computational, Cognitive, and Clinical Neuroimaging Laboratory expert and co-author of the study Adam Hampshire said that their interest to pursue the research regarding the correlation of COVID-19 and cognitive ability was purely coincidental. Hampshire completed a comprehensive cognitive and mental record in part by BBC2 Horizon and the Great British Intelligence Test when the pandemic surged. A large part of the cognitive data he collected was from the United Kingdom.

The cognitive tests that Hampshire produced were designed based on the citizen science and clinical research structure. With the help of his colleagues, Hampshire compared examined the data gathered from the cognitive tests in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on mental and cognition states.

Together with his team, Hampshire has analyzed the records collected from over 81,000 subjects that can completer the intelligence test. The test results that were analyzed were handed out throughout 2020. Over 12,000 from the total participant count were reported to experience varying respiratory infections due to COVID-19.

The study of cognitive ability and COVID-19 correlation was published in the journal EClinicalMedicine, entitled "Cognitive deficits in people who have recovered from COVID-19." Based on the study, people who contracted the coronavirus experienced greater cognitive deficits than those who did not have COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19 survivors underperformed in the cognitive test that included problem-solving, planning, and basic reasoning. The results were heavily anchored with the 'brain fog' effects of COVID-19, where selecting correct words and concentration issues are evident.

ALSO READ: Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Proven 88% Effective Against COVID-19 Delta Variant





Cognitive Decline in COVID-19 Survivors

An earlier study published in the journal Psychology for Clinical Settings, entitled "Neuropsychiatric and Cognitive Sequelae of COVID-19," happened to identify cognitive implications of COVID-19 as well to people diagnosed with the virus.

Hampshire emphasized that people should be aware of the cognitive effects of COVID-19 on our mental health. Today, there is no strong scientific evidence yet to prove why or how the virus inflicts cognitive ability, and there is no telling how long the virus disrupts mental cognition. Fortunately, Hampshire informed that they are conducting additional researches on the reason behind this medical revelation. The expert also said that the best resolution is to get vaccinated and do not take any unnecessary risks.

The COVID-19 effects on cognition, according to the study, are also associated with the severity level inflicted by the illness while subjects were diagnosed with the coronavirus. The patients who recovered from COVID-19 had dropped an estimate of 7 points in IQ. The cognitive decrease was even larger for the individuals that had COVID-19-related illness that was severe, including stroke, compared to the normal symptoms, reports PysPost.

RELATED ARTICLE: Wildfire Smoke Concentration Enhances SARS-CoV-2, Makes Our Health Vulnerable to Coronavirus

Check out more news and information on COVID-19 on Science Times.
SEATTLE (AP)  Washington state is embarking on a massive experiment in police reform and accountability following the racial justice protests that erupted after George Floyd's murder last year, as nearly a dozen laws took effect Sunday.

But two months after Gov. Jay Inslee signed the bills, law enforcement officials remain uncertain about what they require, leading to discrepancies around the state in how officers might respond  or not respond  to certain situations, including active crime scenes, welfare checks and mental health crises.

When you take the legislation and apply it, thats when you really learn how effective its going to be, said Rafael Padilla, the police chief in Kent, a south Seattle suburb. The challenge is  Im going to be very frank  the laws were written very poorly, and the combination of them all at the same time has led to there being conflicts in clarity and in what was intended versus what was written.

The laws, passed by a Legislature controlled by Democrats and signed by a Democratic governor, constitute what is likely the nation's most ambitious police reform legislation. They cover virtually all aspects of policing, including the background checks officers undergo before they're hired; when they are authorized to use force and how they collect data about it; and the establishment of an entirely new state agency to review police use of deadly force.

Supporters said they would create the nations strongest police accountability and help undo racial inequity in the justice system  a mandate from the people to stop cops from violating our rights and killing people, said Sakara Remmu, of the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance. According to the advocacy group Moms Demand Action, police have killed 260 people in Washington state since 2013. Disproportionately, they were Black  including Manuel Ellis, whose death in Tacoma last year led to murder or manslaughter charges against three officers and spurred some of the legislation.

Rep. Jesse Johnson, the first-term Federal Way Democrat who sponsored bills on police tactics and use of force, acknowledged some clarifications are necessary  but said that's not uncommon in complex legislation.

We have to create new policies, because what we were doing before was not working, Johnson said. What we wanted to do with these bills is set an expectation that officers de-escalate and that there's less lethal enforcement of the law. A lot of the pushback we're getting is because it's a paradigm shift."

The measures ban chokeholds, neck restraints and no-knock warrants, and limit the use of tear gas and military equipment. Inspired by the officers who stood by in Minneapolis as their colleague Derek Chauvin pressed a knee to Floyd's neck, they require officers to intervene when a colleague engages in excessive force and to report misconduct by other officers.

They restrict when officers can engage in car chases; make it easier to decertify police for bad acts; make it easier to sue individual officers; and require police to use reasonable care in carrying out their duties, including exhausting appropriate de-escalation tactics before using force.

Law enforcement officials have embraced some of the changes and said they share the lawmakers' goals.

But uncertainty about how to comply, combined with a greater possibility of being decertified or held personally liable in court, puts officers in a tough position, they say.

The policing reforms may have the positive impact of reducing the number of violent interactions between law enforcement and the public, Steve Strachan, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, said in a statement. However, we owe it to the public we serve to be candid and share that we are deeply concerned that some policing reforms may have unintended outcomes that result in increased levels of confusion, frustration, victimization, and increased crime within our communities.

For example, the restriction on military-grade weaponry would inadvertently ban some less-lethal impact weapons, including the shotguns police use to fire beanbag rounds.

Johnson said the context makes clear the intent was to embrace, not ban, less-lethal weapons. He expected the state attorney general to clarify that until the Legislature can fix the wording next year.

But in the meantime, some departments, including Spokane police and the King County Sheriff's Office, have hung up their beanbag weapons, while others, including Kent and Auburn south of Seattle, will continue using them.

Even more significant is a change in when officers can use physical force  a term that isn't defined in the new law, but which is typically interpreted to mean force as minor as handcuffing someone. The attorney general has been tasked with developing a model policy on using force by next July, but for now, agencies have been consulting with lawyers to determine what the new law means.

Historically, police have been authorized to use force to briefly detain someone if they have reasonable suspicion  a commonsense notion, based on specific facts, that someone might be involved in a crime. They could then conduct further investigation to see if there is probable cause for an arrest.

But under one of the new laws, police now need probable cause  a higher standard, based on evidence that the person committed or was about to commit the crime  before they use force. They can also use force if there's an imminent threat of injury; they can use deadly force only to protect against an imminent threat of serious injury or death.

The higher standard is designed to keep police from using force against the wrong person  something that happens too often, especially in communities of color, Johnson said.

But it also means police might sometimes have to let the bad guy go, at least temporarily.

If officers show up at a burglary scene, for example, and they see someone partially matching the description of the suspect  but don't have confirmation it's the same person  they can ask that person to stop voluntarily. If the person leaves, officers can't use force to detain them while figuring out if they have the right suspect, they say. An arrest would have to come later, once probable cause is established.

The Criminal Justice Training Commission, which operates the state's police academy, already emphasizes de-escalation tactics and began training on the duty to intervene last year even before the law was adopted. But it has had to modify its teaching to cover the probable cause requirement for using force.

During a recent training scenario, instructor Ken Westphal encouraged recruits taking statements from a convenience store owner who had been threatened by a customer to ask, How did that make you feel?

The officers needed to show that the owner felt fear  an element of the crime of felony harassment  to develop probable cause, Westphal said. Otherwise, they wouldn't have authority to detain the suspect loitering around the corner if he ran.

There is nobody else in the country having to do this, Westphal said afterward. We have always worked in reasonable suspicion. Now, those force options arent there unless you have probable cause.

But even that approach is not universal. Some departments, including Kent, say in cases of violent crimes or residential burglary, they will arrest suspects for obstruction if they flee, even if they don't yet have probable cause for the underlying crime.

Im not letting violent felons take off, Padilla said. I understand why the Criminal Justice Training Commission is doing what its doing, but you can see how even experts who have decades in the field do not agree on what these laws mean.

Other departments, including the King County Sheriff's Office, won't arrest people in such circumstances. Obstruction  or contempt of cop  is sometimes considered a frivolous charge, filed when officers lack evidence of other crimes, and its unclear if prosecutors will pursue it.

Similar concerns abound regarding mental health calls. Police often respond to people in crisis who are not committing crimes, sometimes in the company of a designated crisis responder. Under existing law, the crisis responder can order the person to be involuntarily taken into custody for psychiatric care, but according to the advocacy group Disability Rights Washington, police are increasingly refusing to show up.

That's because officers aren't sure they still have the authority to use force to detain or transport those subjects, absent imminent harm or probable cause, officials say. Further, police are now required to exhaust appropriate de-escalation tactics; that can include simply leaving the scene.

These laws are taking effect as police have left the state or the profession in droves. Seattle is down hundreds of officers following clashes with protesters, criticism and talk of defunding last year. With a huge increase in early retirements and officers leaving for jobs in Idaho, Montana and elsewhere, the Kent Police Department is losing 21 of its 70 uniformed patrol officers this year, Padilla said. He blamed anti-police sentiment and the new laws.

Given limited resources, departments must decide whether it's worth responding to such noncriminal mental health calls when officers might only leave anyway.

Several law enforcement agencies in Thurston County said Monday they intend to largely stop handling community care situations such as suicidal people, welfare checks and drug overdoses, instead letting crisis responders, firefighters or emergency medics handle such calls.

Such statements drew criticism. In a blog post, Kim Mosolf of Disability Rights Washington and Enoka Herat of the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington accused some departments of dangerously misinterpreting the law.

Nothing in the measure overrules the ability of police to assist on mental health calls, they said. In fact, police continue to have strong liability protections under the Involuntary Treatment Act.

Sgt. Tim Meyer, a spokesman for the King County Sheriff's Office, noted that responding to new laws or court rulings is nothing new for law enforcement.

As we get more familiar with the application of these bills, we're going to adapt and continue to serve the community, Meyer said.
DALLAS (AP)  It was the start of a steamy Friday two Augusts ago when Jason Whisler settled in for a working breakfast at the Coffee Ranch restaurant in the Texas Panhandle city of Borger. The most pressing agenda item for city officials that morning: planning for a country music concert and anniversary event.

Then Whisler's phone rang. Borger's computer system had been hacked.

Workers were frozen out of files. Printers spewed out demands for money. Over the next several days, residents couldn't pay water bills, the government couldn't process payroll, police officers couldn't retrieve certain records. Across Texas, similar scenes played out in nearly two dozen communities hit by a cyberattack officials ultimately tied to a Russia-based criminal syndicate.

In 2019, ransomware had yet to emerge as one of the top national security concerns confronting the United States, an issue that would become the focus of a presidential summit between Washington and Moscow this year. But the attacks in Texas were a harbinger of the now-exploding threat and offer a vivid case study in what happens behind the scenes when small-town America comes under attack.

Texas communities struggled for days with disruptions to core government services as workers in small cities and towns endured a cascade of frustrations brought on by the sophisticated cyberattack, according to thousands of pages of documents reviewed by The Associated Press and interviews with people involved in the response. The AP also learned new details about the attacks scope and victims, including an Air Force base where access to a law enforcement database was interrupted, and a city forced to operate its water-supply system manually.

In recent months, a ransomware attack led to gasoline shortages. Another, tied to the same hacking gang that attacked the Texas communities, threatened meat supplies. But the Texas attacks  which, unlike these prominent cases, were resolved without a ransom payment  make clear that ransomware need not hit vital infrastructure or major corporations to interrupt daily life.

It was just a scary feeling, Whisler, Borger's emergency management coordinator, recounted in an interview.

_____

In the early morning of Aug. 16, as most Texans were still asleep, hackers half a world away were burrowing into networks. They encrypted files and left ransom notes.

That afternoon, with the attack's impact becoming apparent, the city manager of Vernon emailed colleagues about a ransom type virus affecting the police department. The city near the Oklahoma state line could get back online by paying the $2.5 million the hackers were demanding, he wrote, but that was obviously not the plan.

Holy moly!!!!! replied city commissioner Pam Gosline, now the mayor.

The culprits were affiliated with REvil, the Russia-linked syndicate that last spring extorted $11 million from meat-processor JBS and more recently was behind a Fourth of July weekend attack that crippled businesses around the globe. In the Texas case, however, communities were ultimately able to recover most of their data and rebuild their systems without anyone paying ransom.

The hackers gained their foothold through an attack on a Texas firm that provides technology services to local governments, branching through screen-sharing software and remote administration to seize control of the networks of some of the company's clients.

An early hint of trouble came with a 2 a.m. phone call to the firm's president, Richard Myers. His company, TSM Consulting Services Inc., provides data communications service for Texas communities, linking police agencies to a statewide law enforcement database.

One of his client's servers was unresponsive, he was told. Upon inspection, Myers noticed that someone who wasn't supposed to be in the computer system was trying to install something remotely. He rebooted the server. Things initially seemed fixed until the department called back: One of its laptops had a ransom note on it.

It soon became clear the problem wasnt isolated to a single client.

I dont think you can begin to express the terror that goes through your mind when something like that starts to unfold, he said.

Within hours, state officials were hunkered inside an underground operations center normally used for calamities like hurricanes and floods. Gov. Greg Abbott declared it a cyber disaster. Texas National Guard cyber specialists were activated.

If you needed to build something  you needed an inspection, something like that  out of luck for a week, said Andy Bennett, the states then-deputy chief information security officer. Records look-ups? Couldnt go look up records. Basically, if theres a municipal function that you would go down to a city hall for, or that you would rely on the police department for, it wasnt available.

_____

In Borger, a city of fewer than 13,000, early indications were worrisome as the city raced to shut down its computers.

Gibberish ransom demands spat out of printers and displayed on some computer screens. Government files were encrypted, with titles like "Budget Document replaced by nonsensical combinations of letters and symbols, said current city manager Garrett Spradling.

Vital records, like birth and death certificates, were offline. Payments couldnt be processed, checks couldnt be issued  though, blessedly for Borger, it was an off-week for payroll. Signs posted on a drive-up window outside City Hall told residents the city couldnt process water bill payments but cutoffs would be delayed.

One update shared with city officials soon after the attack described how every server was infected, as were about 60% of the 85 computers inspected by that point. A city government email told council members that agendas for a meeting would be in paper format, since your tablets wont be able to connect. An official told a judge it was unclear if computer systems would be operational in time for trials two days away.

Because the city had paid for offsite remote backup, Borger had the capability to reformat servers, reinstall the operating system and bring data back over. A newly purchased server that had yet to be installed came in handy. The police department, however, retained its data locally and the attack hampered officers' access to previous incident reports, Spradling said.

As they worked to resolve the problem, officials shared draft press releases that offered reassurances that critical emergency operations would continue and that the attacks werent a reflection of any misstep by the city.

One councilmember, a military veteran named Milton Ooley, cautioned against publicity for the hackers' form of terrorism.

This is consistent with my firsthand experience with how the U.S. handled terrorism in Europe when I was there in the late 70s, some of which was directed at U.S. units including missile units I worked with/in during those days, he wrote colleagues. In an interview, he said he believed the public was entitled to information but hackers didnt deserve notoriety.

The day of the attack, Jeremy Sereno was working his civilian job at Dell when he was contacted by the state about the attack. A lieutenant colonel and senior cybersecurity officer with the Texas Military Department, Sereno began helping deploy Texas National Guard troops to hacked cities, where specialists over the next two weeks helped assess the damage, restore data from backed-up files and retake control of locked systems.

One of the first areas of concern was a small North Texas city where the attack locked the human-machine interface that workers used to control the water supply, forcing them to operate the system manually, Sereno said. Water purity was not endangered.

That was probably our biggest number one, Sereno said. Thats whats considered critical infrastructure, when you talk about water.

AP is not identifying the city at the urging of state officials, who said doing so could draw new attacks on its water system.

In Graham, a small city a couple of hours west of Dallas, the computer virus attacked a police server housing body-camera videos, causing hundreds of them to be lost, said Sgt. Chris Denney.

For days, officers had to use notebooks and pens to take reports. Instead of using mobile data terminals to run checks on people, officers had to rely on requests to dispatchers of a sheriffs office that was unaffected by the attack, said Chief Brent Bullock.

That's been at these officers fingertips for years, and then all of a sudden, they dont have that anymore, Bullock said. Officers, he added, kind of had to go back to old school."

Other communities preemptively took potentially vulnerable systems offline. In the Austin suburb of Leander, the city shut off the program that police used to check license plates for 24 hours as IT staff worked to confirm that it hadnt been exposed.

Emails reveal moments of exasperation as problems persisted.

Spradling complained to an outside technology company about massive delays in getting a response to a support request. Local technology managers griped about what they perceived as state and law enforcement secretiveness. Several in cities that were not hit complained in emails after the attack that they hadnt been told what company the ransomware spread from and didnt have enough information to ensure their systems were safe.

The impact wasnt limited to local governments. Sheppard Air Force Base confirmed to AP that its access to a statewide law enforcement database used for background checks on visitors was temporarily interrupted, causing delays for issuing passes. Operations were otherwise unaffected.

Officials at Joint Base San Antonio Randolph, which public records indicated was also affected, did not directly answer questions about the hack but said that it had no impact on missions or network security and the base as a whole was not a target.

One complication: TSMs customer list was itself encrypted, though eventually a copy was procured, officials said. State officials didnt immediately know which communities had been victimized. They called around asking, Were you impacted? Were you impacted? Were you impacted? said Nancy Rainosek, Texas chief information security officer.

There was one place that we contacted and they said, no, no, were not hit," Rainosek said. Then, days later, they said, yes, we were.

_____

State officials spent a full week inside their command post  built to withstand a nuclear blast  and used a map to chart the attacks spread. All told, some 23 government entities were ultimately shaded to indicate theyd been hit.

Its a bit of a mind struggle because youre trying to stay focused and present on the folks that you know about, said Amanda Crawford, executive director of the Texas Information Resources Department. But youre continually worrying about, Is there something youre missing? Or are there others, that youre going to get another call that somebody else has been hit?

By Wednesday evening, records show, most city services in Borger were restored, including utility payments, vital statistics and most employee computers. The situation had stabilized; the city ended up with about 80% of its data back and the concert Whisler was planning happened as scheduled.

Still, in a city with a roughly $31 million budget, Borger had overtime IT expenses to contend with and purchased $44,000 worth of new computers. It's invested in additional cybersecurity protections, including some $30,000 in annual costs for additional remote backup.

Borger officials in the weeks before the hack had discussed upgrading the threat level from cyberattacks. Those considerations are now more than theoretical.

When you complain about having to change your passwords, you complain a lot more when its never happened to you and you dont have anything to relate it to, Spradling said. You tend to complain a little less after youve had to answer the phone and tell 300 people they couldnt pay their water bill.

But damage remains two years later.

Sometimes even now, Spradling said, officials will go to pull an old report or address record  only to find it isn't there.

___

Tucker reported from Washington.
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Margaret Keane has by now painted thousands of portraits of her signature Big Eyes children. The Bay Area artist has forgotten most, but she always remembered the eyes of three children she painted 50 years ago.

That painting vanished from her dentists office in Honolulu on Nov. 14, 1972.

Titled Eyes Upon You and signed by Keane in 1971, it had been stolen and remained missing until it sold for $35,000 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas last December. A family member of one of the subjects saw the painting online and reported it stolen in April. An art recovery expert was called in, and that painting has now been returned to its owner, Heritage Auctions reported last week.

I was relieved and happy to know it had been recovered, Keane, 93, said by phone Thursday from her home in the Napa Valley, following her afternoon nap. Not only for their sake of the children but for my curiosity, to know what had happened to it.

The story, as Keane told it, is that she was living in Honolulu in the early 1970s and met the dentist through the Jehovahs Witnesses church they both attended. I went to have my teeth done and I asked him if he would like to trade a painting for my dental work, she recalled.

The painting they bartered over took three months and included seven children to show the racial diversity of Hawaii. The three in front were the children of the dentist. According to investigator Robert Wittman, a retired FBI special agent who runs the Art Crime Team at Heritage, the picture was swiped from the unlocked lobby of the dentists office while he and his employees were out to lunch.

An advertisement ran in Honolulu newspapers offering a reward for the paintings return no questions asked, but nothing came of it.

Everybody was shocked over it, everybody was looking for it, said Keane. We were thinking they cant sell it because people will remember it and know it was stolen.

Keane moved to Sebastopol in 1991 and went on to fame as a pop artist revered by the likes of Andy Warhol, who told Life magazine, I think what Margaret Keane has done is just terrific.

One of Keanes collectors, director Tim Burton, made the 2014 feature Big Eyes about her, with Amy Adams winning a Golden Globe Award in the starring role. The film depicts Keanes relationship with her husband, Walter, who took credit for her paintings of saucer-eyed children until she won a lawsuit against him in 1986.

This was not the first time one of her famed Big Eyes portraits had been stolen. One of her pictures was taken from a gallery and later spotted at a swanky party in a Houston penthouse and recovered. It was later purchased by Joan Crawford. Keane claims the master thief was her late ex-husband.

But the transaction that ended up with Eyes Upon You in the hands of a New Jersey collector is not yet known. Both the seller and the buyer of the painting at auction were cooperative with the investigation, and Heritage refunded the purchase price. The painting is now, at last, in the hands of the 7-year-old girl in the painting, a daughter of the dentist.

Keane, who moved to Napa in 2004 and will turn 94 in September, is still working every day. Last week, her daughter, Jane Swigert, rushed in with the news that Eyes Upon You had at last been recovered. Keane put down her brush, looked at the news image and saw that they were the dentists children, she said. I immediately recognized his little boy and two girls.

Honolulu police reopened the case, but the thief has never been identified and no charges were filed.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com
Good morning, Bay Area. Its Monday, July 26, and San Francisco is exploring the possibility of congestion pricing. Heres what you need to know to start your day.

The Bay Area has some of the highest vaccination rates in the world. Yet coronavirus cases are spiking in every county, and hospitalizations are quickly increasing too.

This wave is unlikely to be similar to previous surges, and its mostly happening among unvaccinated communities, particularly young and healthy people who are not at high risk of serious illness. Vaccinated people who become infected most often are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.

But the Bay Area is still at risk until world vaccination stomps out any opportunity for the coronavirus to mutate into something more dangerous and harder to contain, Erin Allday writes. So, we will need to learn to live with COVID.

 Heres what to know if you are having trouble obtaining your California digital vaccination record.

 An unvaccinated Marin County resident was the first COVID-19 death in the county in more than two months.

 Another Bay Area county is requiring its 22,000 county employees to get coronavirus vaccinations.

Mostly remote

Nick Otto/Special to The Chronicle

Many companies are struggling with how to handle vaccinations as variants continue to spread. Some try to entice workers with cash and prizes, while others require employees to be vaccinated or risk losing their jobs.

At the 10,000-square-foot headquarters of tech company Fast in San Franciscos South of Market, only a small fraction of employees are back in the office.

The company offers a glimpse of what its like for a workforce that is still mostly remote: Employees who wish to come into the office or attend an in-person event are required to be fully vaccinated, but vaccinations are not required for remote workers. The CEO of the company doesnt see the model becoming a problem in the long term, Chase DiFeliciantonio writes.

Also:

 Women in the cryptocurrency sphere say the anonymity of the field can help them disrupt the bro culture.

 Smart devices are a blessing and a curse, Carl Nolte writes in his Native Son column.

Kamala Harris is both VP and Momala

As the first mother elected on a presidential ticket, as well as the first woman and woman of color, Vice President Kamala Harris is changing politics in subtle and powerful ways, experts say  and, they add, it couldnt be more timely.

The East Bay native said she was profoundly shaped by watching her divorced mom balancing children and career. There was a lot of juggling that had to happen in order for her to pursue her life, right? Harris said of her mom.

Its not just about the past: Harris is also a mother, affectionately known as Momala, to two now-adult stepchildren with husband Douglas Emhoff, whom she married in 2014 when she was California attorney general. That has meant her own juggling of career and family.

Read more from Tal Kopan.

 From Joe Garofoli: Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert faces roadblocks running as a no party preference candidate in the California attorney general race.

Around the Bay

Nick Otto/Special to The Chronicle

 Uphill battle: Bay Area cities face long odds in fighting state-mandated housing goals. From Heather Knight: S.F. supervisor juices housing legislation to allow fourplexes on every single-family lot.

 California wildfires: Dixie Fire rips through Sierra communities, with extreme conditions likely to worsen. Rough conditions: Air quality in the Tahoe area is hazardous because of smoke from nearby fires.

 Opioid crisis: Overdose reversal drug Narcan has already been used more than 4,200 times in S.F. this year. Capacity expansion: San Francisco to add 400 beds for mental health and addiction treatment.

 Battling gridlock: S.F. is considering downtown congestion pricing.: Heres how much it would cost. Extra charges disclosed: Uber will now show California drivers full fares, including fees.

 Outside review: Political infighting plagued S.F.s pandemic hubs for vulnerable students, report says.

 Ranchers decry new rules: California overtime law could put sheep ranching operations that prevent fires out of business.

 Heartbreaking and violating: Two arrested on suspicion of vandalizing Black Lives Matter street mural in Santa Cruz.

Great outdoors made easier

Courtesy Kendra Cobourn

Snagging reservations and permits at highly coveted outdoor destinations in California has never been easy, but during the pandemic its been even tougher.

Enter two startups that seek to help less experienced outdoor enthusiasts navigate competitive reservations: Somewhere Outside and Bewilder.

Somewhere Outside provides customized backpacking, hiking and camping trip itineraries on commission. Bewilder offers entry-level outdoors excursions geared toward first-time campers and backpackers, and families with small children.

Read more from Gregory Thomas.

Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown, Anna Buchmann and Kellie Hwang and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com and kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com.
Residents of San Anselmos Sleepy Hollow neighborhood joined rancher Bianca Soares to watch a herd of 400 goats and sheep tumble over a steep Marin hillside. Like kindergartners let out for recess, the brown-and-white goats jumped and jostled as they ran, while the dusky white sheep stole occasional bites of grass as they were corralled by two herders and their dogs.

Can I encourage you to get closer to the houses? a neighbor asked Soares, who was overseeing the herds move from one grazing site to another this month. The animals are actually firefighters  their job is to remove fuels and help prevent fire in the community at the foot of Mount Tamalpais.

A fourth-generation sheep rancher, Soares oversees three herds in Marin for her mothers company, Star Creek Land Stewards, which does prescribed grazing for fire prevention  fire grazing  on public and private lands around the Bay Area. As fire season started early this year and with prospects of worse yet to come, their services are highly sought after. But California sheep ranchers say the cost of this type of fire prevention will skyrocket because of a new state overtime pay law that will increase sheepherder pay by 50%. Its already causing some ranchers to sell their animals.

The demand is going up and up, said Soares, 25, who said clients are already trying to book for next year. She cant set a price yet because of uncertainty over the new regulations. Its about to get extra hard to find.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Californias 2016 overtime law for agriculture, AB1066, requires that herders of sheep and goats receive pay for a 168-hour week because they are on call 24 hours a day. The law went into effect in 2019 for companies with 26 or more employees, and in January will also apply to those with 25 or fewer employees, the size of most operations. Sheep and goat ranchers are campaigning for Gov. Gavin Newsom to direct the states labor department to instead implement a 48-hour workweek for herders, in line with federal labor requirements.

It pretty much took the profit right out of the sheep business, said Brian Birt,owner of Mulehead Growers in Petaluma. After the overtime law went into effect for his business, which has more than 25 employees, he laid off five herders and sold his 2,000 ewes and 1,500 goats, which used to provide grazing to vineyards and rice farms for weed removal and some fire prevention.

As wildfires have brought mass casualties and devastation to California cities and towns in recent years, using cattle, sheep and goats to remove combustible vegetation has grown as a low-cost and sustainable fire prevention method.

Sheep and goats can go places where heavy machinery cant, and grazed areas have been shown to burn less ferociously than uncleared ones  plus, the grass provides free food for livestock.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Californias $76 million sheep industry has around 3,500 operations, including those that raise animals for wool and meat. With the exception of sheep and goat dairies, most sheep and goat ranches hire herders to move the animals from pasture to pasture.

Its highly specialized, said Ryan Indart, a third-generation sheep rancher in Fresno County who said he will probably lay off half his herders and sell many of the 3,500 sheep he raises for meat and for fire grazing at large solar projects in the Central Valley. You have to have somebody caretaking for these animals and moving them, and to make sure theres water and to keep the predators away.

Like Star Creek employees Silvio Justo and Nester Cochachi, most herders come from Peru on H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker visas  Indart and other ranchers said theyre unable to fill the jobs domestically. They sleep close to the herd at night, living out an ancient nomadic lifestyle in RVs while protecting suburban neighborhoods like Sleepy Hollow from fire danger.

Earlier this month, Justo, 37, and Cochachi, 38, walked a herd from an open space on a ridge to graze around the periphery of homes near a city-owned water tank in San Anselmo. While the sheep excel at mowing grass, the goats are experts at trimming lower tree branches and thinning poison oak, coyote brush and brambles.

Chusho, a white Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dog, charged ahead to check for predators. As the goats and sheep followed him, the delicate crunch of their hooves on the dry grass created a soft, enveloping sound, like rain pattering on the window. Sara and Ruby, the herders low-to-the-ground border collies, rounded up stragglers as the men raced behind in jeans and cowboy boots.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

By 8 a.m. the herd made it to the new site near the water tank, where they would stay for two days. The grazing sheep made long shadows on the steep slope while Chusho swaggered through the herd.

When there is a white dog, the coyotes dont come close, said Cochachi, who began moving water tanks to fill troughs at the new location as Justo quickly set up electric fencing around the herd.

They had both been working since 6 a.m.  Justo from his company trailer parked a few hundred yards from a suburban street. He first checked on the animals, making sure they had water and that the fences were in place. Hes usually done with active work around 10 a.m. or 11 a.m., then does a few more hours of work in the evening. Cochachi sleeps in a trailer in Lucas Valley and provides support for all three Marin herds.

I check with every guy every morning, Cochachi said. After we move the goats, I move the trailer for Silvio.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Ranchers say those hours are typical  five to seven hours a day in summer and 10 to 12 hours on weekdays during lambing season, which for the Soares family takes place at their home ranch in Los Banos (Merced County). The H-2A visa also requires the owners to cover housing and food costs. Under the new law, in January the monthly salary for herders at small operations will rise from around $2,300 to $3,444.

The concern is that it is a drastic change in the way that one runs their small business, said state Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger (Fresno County), who has lobbied the governor to change herder hours to a 48-hour week. Its a problem for the employee as well. If the employer cant afford to stay in business, they wont have a job.

Yet United Farm Workers, the labor organization behind AB1066, which ended almost 80 years of farmworkers exclusion from overtime pay, said ranchers have had ample time to plan for the law. Elizabeth Strater, the unions director of strategic campaigns, said the overtime pay for herders is commensurate with the challenges of the work.

If sheepherding is truly an important part of a regions fire management plan, that work should be valued and compensated accordingly, Strater said. She added that herders have a unique vulnerability to exploitation because of their isolation, especially those who work in more remote areas of the West.

Andree Soares, owner of Star Creek Land Stewards, said her business will probably hold on longer than ranches that raise animals for meat or wool, because her primary focus is targeted grazing.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Were a pretty stubborn people, and were probably going to scrap it out as long as we can, said Soares, part of a community whose grandparents or great-grandparents originally came from Spains Basque country as sheepherders. But she is worried about the overall infrastructure of the industry falling apart as other sheep operations fail.

In Marin, fire grazing efforts are targeted to buffer zones around residential areas and to ridges between communities, to stop fires from growing and to provide areas where firefighters can stage attacks, said Rich Shortall, a retired assistant deputy chief at San Francisco Fire Department and executive coordinator for FiresafeMarin. The organization oversees an annual budget of about $150,000 for prescribed grazing, and Shortall isnt sure what will happen if the costs go up.

Theres a point where it becomes too expensive for us. What we end up doing is nothing, because those areas are not easily accessible, he said. The alternative is bringing in a human labor force to cut excess foliage by hand, he said.

You not only have to cut everything with people, which is expensive, you also have to haul it out, he said. Thats another efficiency thing, because (the sheep) eat it, and you can imagine what happens next.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Richard Carson, a professor of environmental and resource economics at UC San Diego, has a different view of the potential impact of the new agriculture overtime pay. He said after some initial disruption, the market will probably adjust and sheep ranches should be able to raise prices because demand for fire grazing is so high.

Theres pretty much a frantic effort to thin out as much of this stuff and make a defensible space as you can, he said. The good thing about sheep is they just like to munch.

Tara Duggan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tduggan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @taraduggan
The California Supreme Court bolstered a Bay Area lawmakers legislation Monday allowing prisoners to challenge their murder convictions for killings committed by others, saying hundreds of inmates who want to use the law to set aside their life sentences have the right to a court-appointed attorney.

SB1437 by Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, which took effect in 2019, narrowed Californias felony murder law, which allowed anyone taking part in a potentially dangerous felony, such as robbery or burglary, to be convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, or death in some cases, if someone was killed.

Under the new law, one of a series of recent measures aimed at reducing Californias severe sentencing regimen, a murder conviction is allowed only if the defendant intended the killing and directed or aided in it, or acted with reckless indifference to human life.

SB1437 applied retroactively, allowing prisoners to challenge their murder convictions and sentences under the former law. But while the new law also granted prisoners the same right to legal representation that criminal defendants already hold, most of the states appellate courts have refused to require appointment of a lawyer before a local judge holds an initial hearing in the case.

At that hearing, after prosecutors and the inmate offer competing evidence, the judge decides whether the case appears to meet the standards of SB1437. If so, the judge appoints an attorney to argue the case. If not, the judge dismisses the challenge and reaffirms the murder conviction and sentence  dismissals issued in more than 300 cases now before the states high court.

On Monday, the court ruled unanimously that inmates whose claims met the basic standards of SB1437  that they were convicted of murder but hadnt killed anyone  were entitled to an attorney to prepare and argue their case in Superior Court.

Because legal issues in such cases are difficult for inmates and other non-lawyers to understand on their own, appointment of an attorney at an early stage of the case furthers the purpose of the law, Justice Joshua Groban said in the 7-0 ruling.

Skinner had joined prisoners rights advocates in urging the court to require appointment of legal counsel.

Many people in our prisons cannot read. Many people in our prison system have a limited education. Many people in our prisons have limited English comprehension. Many people in our prisons have intellectual disabilities or have been diagnosed with a mental disorder, the senator said in a court filing joined by attorney Kate Chatfield, who drafted SB1437 and visited state prisons after its passage to educate inmates about their rights.

Attorney Robert Bacon, who argued the case on behalf of a Los Angeles man challenging his murder conviction, said the ruling carried out state lawmakers intentions.

The Legislature designed this law to give it as broad application as possible, to identify people who should be serving sentences for lesser crimes that they actually committed and not for murders that someone else committed, Bacon said. Too many courts made it unreasonably hard for them to even get in the courthouse door.

His client, Vince E. Lewis, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of a woman named Darsy Noriega, allegedly a member of the same gang, in 2012. Another gang member killed Noriega while Lewis was waiting in a car. Bacon said Lewis would admit that he expected Noriega to be beaten for alleged disloyalty but denied he expected or intended her to be killed.

Attorney General Rob Bontas office, which argued to uphold Lewis conviction with the support of county prosecutors, declined to comment on the ruling.

The case is People vs. Lewis, S260598.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Thick plumes of smoke from Californias largest wildfire helped keep its own growth at bay over the weekend northwest of Lake Tahoe, but officials on Monday said they dont expect that situation to hold up much longer.

The Dixie Fire burning in Plumas and Butte counties, at 197,487 acres as of Monday morning, had produced smoke that settled into a blanket of foggy, cool air, shielding the fire from direct sunlight and high temperatures in the 90s, said Edwin Zuniga, a public information officer with Cal Fire.

With favorable weather conditions including moderate overnight winds, firefighters were able to deploy drones and night-flying aircraft to watch for spot fires, which helped crews limit the spread to only a few thousand acres overnight.

But around 11 a.m. Monday, that layer of fog was expected to lift as temperatures rise again, leaving nothing in between the scorching sun and the blaze  which could lead to an exponential increase in fire activity.

The Dixie Fire on Monday was 22% contained, mainly on its south side. Winds coming from the southwest were largely responsible for spreading the fire north and northeast.

The fire, which began on July 14, has forced the evacuation of more than 4,000 Plumas County residents, according to the Sheriffs Office, including many communities along the west shore of Lake Almanor from Canyon Dam north to Highway 36 at Highway 89. Zuniga said fire crews were focused on establishing containment lines on the north side of the fire to protect those lakeside communities.

More than 10,700 structures are threatened by the blaze, Cal Fire said. The agencys latest incident report said 16 structures have been confirmed destroyed, but officials expect that number to rise after inspection crews are allowed into the area, much of which remains off-limits because of the ongoing danger.

Though there is a slight chance for thunderstorms to form above the wildfire, they would bring some rain, unlike the dry thunderstorms that sparked wildfires in California and the Bay Area last August.

Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California

The Dixie Fire received little rainfall Sunday night, but more is expected Monday night, which may help firefighting efforts, said Robert Garrifaldi, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

However, later in the week, temperatures in affected parts of Butte and Plumas counties will hit the 90s, forecasters said  again worsening fire conditions.

Meanwhile, crews continued to make progress against the Tamarack Fire, which has been burning in the federally designated Mokelumne Wilderness area along the Nevada border south of Lake Tahoe since July 4. As of Monday morning, the fire was 67,764 acres and 45% contained, according to the federal InciWeb site.

Omar Shaikh Rashad is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: omar.rashad@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @omarsrashad
In the wake of recent robberies and attacks in Oaklands Chinatown, the regions top federal and local law enforcement representatives pledged at a Monday news conference to take a tougher stance against criminals to deter violence.

They stressed the importance of more officers on the street, harsher charges for gun crimes and setting higher bail to try to keep alleged perpetrators locked up while awaiting trial.

Law enforcement leaders joined Asian American community advocates Monday, saying they mobilized in response to what police described as two brazen daytime armed robberies in the same location in Chinatown earlier this month.

While the victims in the recent crimes were Asian American, it is not yet clear whether they were hate crimes, which would require discrimination and bias to be the motivation for the crime. Researchers documented an increase in hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans during the pandemic.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, Federal Bureau of Investigations Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley and Patrick Gorman, federal Special Agent in Charge of the San Francisco Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, gathered to publicly highlight the incidents and their response.

OMalley said that her office will charge enhancements, which trigger stricter punishment, for perpetrators of violent crimes involving guns, like car jacking and robberies. Courts can override those enhancements.

She also said she worked with courts over the last couple months to set bail for gun crimes at $50,000, instead of zero, although the court will still have to prove someone can afford bail if they set it.

These perpetrators are ruthless and they are aggressive, OMalley said outside the Chinese Independent Baptist Church Monday. They walk the streets, particularly in Chinatown, thinking they are immune from being caught and we have to put a stop to that.

OMalley said her office works to divert defendants, especially youth, into rehabilitation programs and away from the criminal justice system, but stressed accountability is critical, especially when some people committing these crimes are on probation already. Armstrong agreed. The District Attorney's office also supports more than 100 crime victims, although many of the perpetrators in their cases haven't been apprehended.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

The news conference follows an increasingly heated debate in Oakland over policing and the most effective way to quell troubling levels of violence this year. Homicides spiked to 75 as of Friday, compared to only 45 by the same date in 2020 and 2019, police data shows. The number of assaults with a firearm and carjackings were more than double the mid-2019 tally, although robberies of all categories were on par with pre-pandemic numbers.

An hour after Mondays news conference ended, former California Sen. Barbara Boxer was assaulted and robbed just five blocks away in downtown Oakland.

But some Oakland politicians and community members say that increasing police presence and harsher prosecution wont lead to a reduction in violence.

Tough on crime means more caged Black and brown bodies and that never leads to safer communities, Cat Brooks, co-founder of the Anti Police-Terror Project, said Monday. We want to stop crime before it happens instead of continuously ineffectively policing it.

Brooks stressed investment in education, housing, economic opportunity, addressing mental health and community-based responses, such as citizen ambassadors walking the streets in Chinatown, to prevent crimes and make the community safer.

Terence Long, communications director at the nonprofit Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, criticized the concept that more money for the police will make the community safer, since he said that hasnt been the case as police spending has increased over time.

California has been moving toward correcting the over-criminalization of our communities, Long said. Weve got to fight fear-based urges that can roll back the important steps weve taken over the last couple years.

The issues were debated last month when the Oakland City Council passed a two-year budget that cut $18.4 million from Mayor Libby Schaafs proposed spending on police to fund violence prevention measures and social services. Schaaf would have increased funding for the Oakland Police Department, paying for two additional police recruit academies, bringing the total to six.

The approved budget still adds $38 million to the department, but will freeze 50 vacant officer positions. The city will funnel resources to its Department of Violence Prevention, which partners with community organizations doing street outreach and intervention, and other social services. The Police Chief slammed the move as violence peaked on July 4th.

The shift continues to divide residents in Oakland, with some calling for more officers and others pushing to invest in addressing the root causes of violence and to reduce funding for policing.

Residents in East Oakland, who have been hit hard by shootings, and Asian Americans, particularly in Chinatown, who have been reeling from recent attacks say the stakes are high in figuring out how to stem the violence.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

The press conference was called in response to two recent attacks that occurred on consecutive days outside the Chinese Independent Baptist Church. At 3:15 p.m. on July 15, two men, one with a gun, approached an elderly Asian American man, robbing and injuring him, according to police. A bystander who tried to help was also pistol-whipped, security video showed.

On the nearby street corner around noon on July 16, an elderly woman and her middle-aged daughter were robbed and beaten, said Carl Chan, head of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, which organized the news conference. A TV reporter on the scene who tried to intervene narrowly escaped an attack, Chan said.

Chan, who himself was the victim of an attack earlier this year, urged agencies to work together so we are not letting criminals repeatedly offend.

Armstrong said recent attacks shocked our conscience. He added an extra foot patrol of three to four officers to Chinatown the weekend following the attacks. The chief had to resort to overtime spending because of fewer resources, he said. Hes done the same in East Oakland, he added.

No arrests have been made in either attack. At Mondays press conference, Nghia Tran, CEO of Burma Superstar restaurant group, announced a $5,000 reward  $2,500 for each attack for any information that led to an arrest.

Tran is the head of the Crimes Against Asians Reward Fund, an unusual partnership with the San Francisco Police Officers Association established earlier this year in response to crimes targeting Asian Americans.

You cant even wash your car without watching your back or go shopping in Chinatown without fearing an attack, said Tran.

Oakland police can get help from the FBI to analyze bullets and from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to trace ghost guns, which do not have a serial number, Armstrong said. Last week, ATF launched a regional firearms trafficking strike force as part of a nationwide effort to apprehend criminals using guns. The FBI is training more agents to investigate hate crimes and reaching out to different communities to encourage the public to report them.

At the end of the day, we cant send a message to those that want to commit violence that its okay, Armstrong said. Our community can no longer stand to be victimized this way.

Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench
Birch & Rye, a contemporary Russian restaurant headed to Noe Valley, will reinterpret the food of owner Anya El-Wattars native country through a Bay Area lens.

Birch & Rye is set to open this fall for dinner and brunch at 1320 Castro St., the former location of Malaysian restaurant Mahila.

At the restaurant, classic dishes will take on modern interpretations. There will be vegan borscht, the prototypical beet soup, but here made from a creamy cauliflower base. The magenta dish will be poured table side over charred cabbage and caramelized vegetables, with the option of a dollop of house-made sour cream on top.

Sourdough and other breads will be made in-house from fresh-milled grains, which will also work their way into pelmeni and piroshki, the Russian dumplings and meat-filled hand pies, respectively.

The kind of dishes I grew up with were very traditional ... very heavy and not uniquely seasonal, El-Wattar said. I love the California interpretation of local, seasonal, fresh food. I thought, if I can find a way to marry the two, that would be my perfect restaurant.

El-Wattar, who grew up in Moscow, comes with a background in food and ayurvedic medicine. She worked as a line cook at Greens, San Franciscos famed vegetarian restaurant, and ran a catering company in San Francisco.

Fans of Palo Alto Georgian restaurant Bevri will be excited to know that shes teamed up with former chef Amiran Tskhvaradze at Birch & Rye. The restaurant will make three kinds of Georgian khachapuri, the popular cheese-filled bread dish, including one with seasonal vegetables and a vegan version with beans, arugula and pickled peppers. The khachapuri dough is made from einkorn flour, a low-gluten grain, and will be baked in a wood-burning oven.

Michael Short/Special to The Chronicle

Zakuski, the classic small bites that typically kick off Russian meals, are also on the menu and will include smoked and cured seafood with parsnip and avocado butter, rye toast and pickled onions.

For drinks, expect wines from California, Georgia and France; craft beers; and a vodka-focused cocktail menu. Birch & Rye is named after two staples of Russian food culture: birch sap, which El-Wattar grew up tapping from birch trees and drinking during the summer, and the hearty rye grain. The restaurant will serve birch sap as a drink, which she said is similar to coconut water but with less sugar, and as a dessert in the form of jelly with fruit, caramelized pine nuts and flower petals.

Birch & Rye will have 35 seats inside, plus a chefs counter and an outside back patio.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Russian food isnt hard to find in San Francisco; Little Russia in the Richmond District is full of bakeries and markets stocked with pierogi and imported Russian goods. But El-Wattar said they tend to skew traditional, and she wants to bring something different to the table.

I was craving a more modern interpretation of Russian food. I havent been able to find it. So I had to create it in a way, she said.

Birch & Rye. Opening fall 2021. 1320 Castro St., San Francisco. birchandryesf.com/

Elena Kadvany is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ekadvany
The San Francisco Bar Alliance  a group representing nearly 500 establishments in the city  is officially recommending that its members ask patrons for proof of vaccination before entry.

The announcement follows news last week, when the group said it was surveying its members on the topic. On Monday, Ben Bleiman, the owner of bars like Soda Popinskis and Tonic and the Alliances founder, issued a statement on behalf of the group outlining measures that bars should undertake. The Alliance does not require members to follow the protocol; it is simply a recommendation, but given the rise in COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area due to the Delta variant, Bleiman feels the measures are imperative.

The new measures will be effective starting Thursday, July 29. Patrons will be required to show proof of vaccination to eat or drink indoors either in the form of a vaccination card, a legible photo of the card or through Californias digital vaccine record system. The group of bars will also accept a 72-hour negative COVID-19 test for entry. The Alliance has left it up to individual bars to decide how they want to enforce these measures. Unnvaccinated people are still welcome to eat outdoors at bars that are part of the group.

This decision is based solely on our need to protect our workers, customers, and their families, Bleiman said in a statement Monday. However, we hope it might also influence some who have not yet received vaccinations to do so as soon as they are able.

Over the weekend, Bleiman said that 85 percent of the Alliances members were in support of requiring proof of vaccination for entry. SFist first reported on the surveys results. Bleiman said that the Alliance believes the only way businesses can return to some level of normalcy if even more people in the Bay Area and beyond get vaccinated.

Currently, San Franciscos COVID-19 positivity rate based on a seven-day average is 4%, significantly higher than 0.5% it was during Californias reopening in June. Meanwhile, 76 percent of San Franciscans over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated, one of the highest rates among major cities in the U.S.

The vaccine check momentum is growing. Many restaurants and bars across the Bay Area have already implemented procedures to check for proof of vaccine before entry. San Franciscos Chamber of Commerce is also currently polling its members on requiring a vaccine check.

But it hasnt been smooth sailing for establishments that have implemented such policies. Over the weekend, a small group of people protested with signs outside Club Deluxe, in Haight-Ashbury, which requires proof of vaccination for entry. Elis Mile High Club in Oakland received online backlash after being one of the first venues in the region to establish a vaccine check for entry, and protests have erupted in France over the governments decision to require vaccine proof for restaurants and bars there.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

San Francisco will already require all 35,000 city employees to be vaccinated once the Food and Drug Administration gives full approval to the existing vaccines, but it hasnt mandated that the citys businesses do so as well. City Hall officials and S.F.s health department said last week that they werent currently considering any such mandates, but did not rule out doing so if the health data changes.

A Stanford infectious disease health expert recently wrote an opinion piece in The Chronicle arguing that restaurants and bars requiring vaccine proof for entry might be key to more people getting vaccinated. While the vaccine measure in France prompted protests, it has also led to a surge in people getting vaccinations.

Tanay Warerkar is the San Francisco Chronicles assistant food & wine editor. Email: tanay.warerkar@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @tanaywarerkar
Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Gov. Gavin Newsom was right to follow the lead of San Francisco, Santa Clara County and other jurisdictions Monday in tightening COVID vaccine requirements for public employees. Now he should join them in encouraging Californians to wear masks indoors, one of several rules his administration hastily abandoned as part of a campaign-style grand reopening of the state last month.

With vaccine uptake flagging and infections climbing, Newsom announced that nearly a quarter-million Californians who work for the state will have to show proof of vaccination or be tested for COVID at least weekly. Despite an array of public education and outreach programs as well as cash giveaways, nearly half of Californians have yet to be fully vaccinated, which puts the state behind 17 others.
The cryptocurrency market continues to gain in popularity, with a NORC at the University of Chicago survey revealing last week that 13% of Americans invested in or traded crypto during the past year, another sign this digital currency mined through supercomputers is here to stay. But what of its reputation as an all-boys club?

As crypto has dug roots into mainstream trading, the stereotype of the know-it-all, mansplaining bitcoin bro has only intensified, becoming a way of life for some who extol the currencys virtues in their Twitter feeds or YouTube rants. Young men dominated the blockchain when it was first developed in 2008, and data today suggests that they still do, continuing a long narrative of misogyny and underrepresentation for women in the finance and tech spheres.

But while some have criticized cryptos bro culture as being sexist, women in the field say that the anonymity of crypto actually allows for more inclusion than other areas of finance and tech. Others say the crypto bro doesnt represent the bulk of what crypto traders and miners actually look like, giving hope to women interested in the blockchain.

The investment industry has a history of appearing male-centric, with a long-standing tradition of male dominance  and consequentially, overlooking women professionals  in the finance and tech sectors. According to a 2018 study by Harvard Business Review, women occupy fewer than 10% of all senior positions in venture capital and private equity. A similar study from Finances Online finds that women occupy fewer than 20% of leadership positions in tech  both of these figures falling behind the average U.S. company, where Catalyst estimates women hold 30% of senior positions.

The crypto world doesnt fare much better, with Google Analytics estimating that women make up only 14% of engagement within the bitcoin community. While its a slight improvement from more traditional areas of finance, the space remains mostly male.

You see a lot of men; you dont see a lot of women, said Karen Hsu, chief marketing officer of Appdome and co-founder of Blockchain by Women, a San Francisco meetup group for women interested in cryptocurrency.

Hsu said she believes that the sparse numbers of women involved in cryptocurrency can be attributed to security concerns. Women tend to be more security-conscious, she said. There are hackers, its volatile, theres higher risk than other investments, and a lot of women say that theyre concerned about those issues.

Hsu said the problem could run deeper, Theres a culture of women not being addressed and acknowledged in these spaces.

That culture is prominent at many cryptocurrency networking events, which have earned a reputation for being overwhelmingly male. Bitcoin 2021, an annual conference for bitcoin enthusiasts, headlined five male speakers and just one woman this year. The gender ratio was an improvement from the North American Bitcoin Conference, which came under fire for headlining 85 male speakers and just three women in 2018.

The disparity was exacerbated by the fact that the after-party for the 2018 conference was hosted at a Miami strip club, a venue choice that made some women who attended the conference uncomfortable, Bloomberg reported.

Frank Taylor, a data scientist based in North Berkeley, was invited to the after-party, which he described as tacky.

We didnt even know it was a strip club until we got there, he said, recalling that he and his colleagues felt so uncomfortable they left immediately after arriving. None of them even wanted to order drinks. We were like, dude, this is a strip club. We talked to some other companies afterwards and all thought, What the hell were they thinking?

Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle

Taylor, who has worked in tech for over 20 years, lamented that sexism is still pervasive in the finance and tech industries, especially since pushing boundaries, such as aggressive or extreme behavior, is common in male-dominated fields. For some of these guys, it is a mans world.

It only takes a glance at a crypto bros social media profile to see that mentality in action: sites like Twitter and Reddit abound with male crypto enthusiasts, who are known to use language thats either extreme or seemingly intended for a male audience while discussing stocks and other investment assets.

Amid the throngs of male crypto enthusiasts, some women  like Girl Gone Crypto and CryptoWendyO  have taken to the same platforms to provide a female voice in the blockchain. While these creators offer a different perspective, women influencers in the crypto community are still rare. For instance, Bitcoin.coms list of top crypto influencers on Twitter comprises 34 men and one woman.

As a result, women in the field are often forced to adapt, a sad consequence of being outnumbered. Hsu, who has worked in tech for over 20 years, said she had grown used to working in a male-dominated environment since beginning her career. At cryptocurrency conferences, events where she knows she will be outnumbered by men, she follows a protocol she created over the years to protect herself and tells many of her female mentees to follow suit. Go early, Hsu said. Dont go past nine or so, because weird stuff can happen.  At conferences, theres alcohol, and that can (get) strange.

Hsu recalls attending one conference where, as usual, she was grossly outnumbered by male attendees. It was like clockwork, she said. It hit 8 p.m. I was one of five women in the room and the men came up to me and started asking me these weird questions.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

I wasnt interested in talking about my life personally, Hsu said. I was there to network. And once they (started) to gesture or touch my arm or whatever, its time to go.

Feeling excluded  or worse, unsafe  at these events can be part of why women in finance are behind the ranks of their male colleagues. The 2016 Harvard Business Review study that found that, when surveying U.S. financial firms, the lack of woman leadership could be attributed to long working hours and a masculine and unwelcoming culture.

Even when women are able to thrive in a masculine workplace, research suggests they may still be unable to reap the rewards of their accomplishments. A Stanford study found that even when women exhibit traits that are typically rewarded in their male colleagues, such as having a take-charge attitude, it wont necessarily result in a higher evaluation by their managers.

This applies even when women are found to slightly outperform men in investment performance, a study by Fidelity reports. Managers dont weigh female brilliance as heavily as they do that of males, said Nadra Nittle, who authored the policy brief for the Stanford study.

Despite overt cases of sexism, some female leaders in the field argue that cryptocurrency is far more inclusive than other sectors of the tech and finance world. Yingdan Liang, head of marketing at Mountain View-based cryptocurrency trading software Hummingbot, claims that the Bitcoin bro is more of a facade than indicative of what the entire industry is like.

When (women) get started in crypto, the first thing they might see is those crypto tweets on Twitter, Liang said, referring to content posted by crypto bros, who are often the most outspoken in online communities even if they are not the most experienced. If you get deeper into crypto trading, you will not (see) those people.

Liang also doesnt believe that male-dominance is a crypto-specific problem: Most industries today are male-dominated, she said. A study by Catalyst found that 26 of the 30 highest-paying professions in the U.S. are dominated by men.

Despite being outnumbered, Liang noted that she has never felt uncomfortable in her cryptocurrency groups because of her gender. And while she acknowledges there are issues within the industry, she thinks theres an aspect of inclusivity in the blockchain, since many members in the community choose not to disclose their identities, let alone their sex. No one cares about your gender, said Liang, who believes that with accessible education and female role models, the blockchain could become more gender-equal in the future.

Even Satoshi Nakamoto, who developed bitcoin in 2008, is among the gender- anonymous, leading some to speculate that Nakamoto is female. For some, the #SatoshiIsFemale movement is ridiculed. For others, particularly women who are trying to break into the field, the theory is seen as a glimmer of hope.

Jennifer Sor is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jenn.sor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jennifer_sor
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP)  Minnesota on Monday became the first Midwestern state to adopt a plan for encouraging the switchover to electric vehicles as Gov. Tim Walz predicted that someday people will wonder why there was such a fuss.

The Democratic governor visited Phillips and Temro Industries, which manufactures electric vehicle chargers, to highlight the state's clean car rules, which take effect in 2024 for the 2025 model year. He said the rules will mean more choices for consumers shopping for electric cars, cleaner air at a time of growing concern about climate change, and more jobs.

Fourteen other states already have adopted similar standards, which require manufacturers and dealers to supply more electric vehicles. The states' rules are all based on California's tough standards, and that's been a major sore point for Minnesota auto dealers and other critics.

In the 14 other states, the sky did not fall, Walz told reporters after his tour. The car industry did not collapse. Jobs were not lost. In fact, just the opposite happened in all 14 other states.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency made the standards official by publishing them in the State Register on Monday following a contentious process. The Walz administration angered Republican lawmakers by bypassing the Legislature's input and imposing them with its executive authority. Republicans held up an environmental projects bill for over a year and threatened to shut down state parks in an unsuccessful effort to force the governor to back down.

And Walz paid a heavy political price for defying them. Laura Bishop resigned as commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency earlier this month when it became apparent that the GOP-controlled state Senate was about to vote to reject her confirmation over her agency's leading role in the process.

It puts California bureaucrats in charge of our industry here in Minnesota, Scott Lambert, president of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association, said in an interview. The state has no ability to modify or amend these rules.

Lambert added that the changes will swamp Minnesota dealers with more electric vehicles than customers want to buy, and force up car prices for everyone.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, of East Gull Lake, who has said he expects the rules to be a campaign issue in 2022. called them another example of Walz one-man rule, in line with his reliance on emergency powers to manage the pandemic.

Im not surprised Governor Walz continues to issue mandates after the last 18 months," Gazelka said in a statement. His emergency powers may be over but his ego trip is not, and it looks like One Minnesota is just Walzs Minnesota, he added, echoing the governor's 2018 campaign theme.

Walz said fears haven't come true in the states that have already adopted the rules, and that he thinks it's just a matter of time before the rest of the country catches up. And he predicted that electric vehicle buyers will flock to Minnesota because the state will offer more models than other states.

I think that this will be the national standard before long, the governor said.

Democratic Rep. Rick Hansen, of South St. Paul, who chairs a key environment committee, said proponents had overcome unprecedented opposition since Walz proposed the change in 2019. He gave a shout-out to Bishop for making it happen before she lost her job over it.

At the end of the day, this is going to benefit everybody, Hansen said. And whether we have some scars from this, whether it was difficult, whether it was challenging, it is worth it.
MediaNews Group/East Bay Times v/MediaNews Group via Getty Images

San Mateo County, where 88.6% of the county's age 12 and over population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, is the first Bay Area county to issue an indoor mask mandate  and not a recommendation  for county buildings.

More for you News N95 and KN95 masks are best for Delta variant, says...

Starting Monday, all residents  including vaccinated ones  will have to wear masks inside county offices, clinics and other publicly accessible facilities because of the spread of the more contagious delta variant. Masks are still only recommended inside other indoor places, such as grocery stores, restaurants, gyms and theaters.
Gursewak Gill was visiting his in-laws in Canada when something suddenly clicked. Throughout the trip, pizza was for dinner most nights and Gursewak often found himself sprucing up the pies with a mix of green chilies, ginger, garlic and a blend of Indian spices. Before he knew it, his curiosity would be the stepping stone to his mini-chain Indian pizza empire, Curry Pizza House.

When we came back [to California] I started experimenting at the house and adding Indian spices ... to make it more flavorful. Curry Pizza House was born from that point, Gursewak said.

Since 2015, Curry Pizza House has taken up shop throughout the Bay Area with its first outpost in Fremont. Earlier this month, Gursewak and his business partner Gurmail Romy Gill (of no relation) opened a store in San Ramon, marking their 11th Curry Pizza House location, with more locations on the way in Texas.

From (L) to (R): Travis Fisher/ Ali R. on Yelp

Just before Gursewak and Romy became business partners in 2013, Gursewak founded Bombay Pizza House. After some thought, they deciding to form a restaurant model focused on curries inspired by their family recipes, eventually rebranding to Curry Pizza House.

"We want to be hands-on all the time to make sure that our customers get good quality, spicy food all the time, Gursewak said.

The restaurants offer pizzas that highlight Indian ingredients, like the chicken tikka pizza and shahi paneer pizza, among others. Romy says theres something for everyone on the menu because, in addition to the craft curry pizzas, they also sell classic American pies like combination and Hawaiian, with vegan and gluten-free options also on hand.

Travis Fisher

Curry Pizza House is among a small group of pizzerias slinging Indian pies around the bay. Among one of the most recognizable Indian pizzerias is Zante Pizza & Indian Cuisine, which has been a San Francisco staple since 1986. Zante Pizza, owned by Dalvinder Multani, is widely believed among its devoted customer base to be the first restaurant to create Indian pizza.

A lot of people ask me: 'Do they have pizza like this in India?'" Multani told Vice in 2015. "No! That was only born here. That happens only here."

While the origins of Indian pizza are open for debate, its immediate success is not. When Gursewak thinks about Indian pizza, he likens it to dipping warm naan into butter chicken or different curry sauces. The depth of flavors Indian pizza delivers were a hit with Bay Area locals, and since the 1980s other local Indian pizzerias have opened up shop such as Golden Gate Indian Cuisine & Pizza in San Francisco and Pizza & Curry in Fremont.

Chubs

Gursewak and Romy, who are both native to India, moved to Fremont in the mid-1990s, where they attended high school. Their trajectory into the pizza business wasnt a straight path. Romy had been employed at DELL as a program manager for 15 years, while Gursewak worked at a truck driver with an intent to run a trucking business. Romy admits that he never wanted to be an engineer despite getting his degree in electronic and mechanical engineering at the now shuttered ITT in Hayward.

The transition from his tech job to running a restaurant wasnt simple, but Romy says he was willing to learn the ropes. Gursewak, who always had a streak of independence, liked being a truck driver but he also wanted to be a businessman. He eventually put truck driving on hold to study business administration at Chabot College. Fast forward to the present, Gursewak and Romy can be found at one of their store locations most days where they oversee pizza production or prepare the pies themselves.

[The] diversity is huge here ... you always want to try something unique, Romy said. Having pizza combined with authentic Indian spices just brings something different. That's what we wanted to bring with this concept.

Curry Pizza House has multiple Bay Area locations. Visit their website for more store information.
LE CENTER, Minn. (AP)  Four people have died and four others have been hospitalized following a two-vehicle collision in south central Minnesota.

According to sheriff's officials, seven people from California were in a Ford Expedition that collided with a pickup truck in Le Sueur County at an intersection in Sharon Township about 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
DETROIT, Mich. (AP)  A man in a car opened fire on a candlelight vigil, injuring seven people, including one critically, Detroit police said.

The six others wounded in the shooting Sunday night on Detroit's west side were listed in serious condition, police said.

The candlelight vigil attended by about 100 people was being held for a man who died Friday night in an ATV crash. Around 10:15 p.m., the suspect drove up and began shooting, police said.

Detroit Police Chief James White went to the scene early Monday morning.

We found a number of different shell casings in the area so its possible there was some return fire, but we just dont know enough right now, White said. But were in the process of looking and finding out.

Police were looking for a lime green Camaro the shooter was in and a black Chevy Tahoe seen speeding away from the area at the time of the shooting.

Investigators are going to be pulling video all night, identifying what we can get video feeds from," White said. ... Well also be working with the business owners in the area to pull additional video or any homeowners that have video that we can use to identify the perpetrator.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb is getting around to holding an inauguration gala, seven months after beginning his second term in office.

Postponed all this time due to COVID-19, the boots and black tie inaugural ball will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21, at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis.
MILAN (AP)  Raging forest fires in central Sardinia have forced the evacuation of 900 people as flames threatened some residential areas and others were engulfed by dense smoke, firefighters said Monday.

No deaths or injuries have been reported.
LOS ANGELES  A Caltech professor who outraged Native American tribes by drilling holes in an ancient petroglyph site while doing research without a permit near Bishop, California, has issued a public apology, saying he was horrified by what he had done.

While the areas geology is of significant interest, it is also of cultural and historical importance, the scientist, Joseph Kirschvink, wrote in a statement. I am horrified that I inadvertently collected samples from a sacred area that I too cherish and respect. I sincerely and deeply apologize for the disturbance we caused.

But even as Kirschvink and officials at Caltech seek to make amends for damage caused at a protected archaeological site, a growing number of Indigenous groups and academics say more needs to be done to protect cultural resources from unfettered scientific inquiry.

Already, tribal representatives and archaeologists are demanding an accounting of protected cultural sites in order to identify damage caused by unpermitted research. They are also calling for researchers to be held accountable for such transgressions. The demands have left geoscientists chastened.

Clearly, we collectively have to do better, said Brooks Hanson, executive vice president of science at the American Geophysical Union, a global network of 60,000 scientists working across disciplines in Earth and space sciences. Permits are required for any sort of invasive research on public lands. We have to do better on that  and that includes all stakeholders: those making the research proposals, those funding grants for them, and the universities responsible for the grants.

Kirschvinks apology followed heated criticism from both Indigenous groups and academics, who said they were stunned to hear that a scientist had conducted drilling just three feet from a rock etching that had survived for probably thousands of years.

While we are still gathering all of the details of this situation, what we have learned so far is very distressing, said Deborah L. Nichols, president of the Society for American Archaeology.

Among those who have spoken out is a former research partner of Kirschvinks, who accused the professor of regularly ignoring permitting protocols and cultural sensitivities.

Gary Coronado/TNS

The professor and Caltech, a prestigious private research university in Pasadena, were suspected of violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act in 2016 after a witness notified authorities that the professor and a group of students were seen lugging heavy equipment into the Fish Slough Petroglyphs site, which is administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

A bureau investigation concluded recently that Kirschvink used a pneumatic drill to illegally extract core samples from a federally protected archaeological site in the Volcanic Tablelands, near Bishop in the eastern Sierra Nevada.

The expedition left 29 1-inch diameter holes and splotches of blue paint in an area where prehistoric clans etched symbolic images on cliff faces and boulders thousands of years ago.

In June, Caltech agreed to pay $25,465 to the U.S. Department of the Interior to cover the costs of restoration and repair of the damage, which the Bureau of Land Management determined was inadvertent. Caltech also promised meaningful academic and educational outreach about the importance of obtaining appropriate federal permits before conducting research on public lands.

Kirschvink was said to be out of the country and unavailable for comment when The Times reached out early last week. On Wednesday, he expressed deep remorse for his actions.

There is no excuse for sampling without permission, and more broadly intruding on sacred land is wrong, Kirschvink wrote. I recognize the error in my judgment and apologize to the local tribal groups, including members of the Bishop Pauite Tribe, for the impact of my actions.

A photo from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. show marijuana plants inside an illegal grow operation in the Antelope Valley on June 8, 2021. Authorities seized tens of millions of dollars worth of illegal marijuana grown in the Antelope Valley, 70 miles north of Los Angeles. Twenty-three people were arrested in the crackdown and officials planned to bulldoze 500 illegal grows in the area

Kathy Jefferson Bancroft, the tribal historic preservation officer for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Reservation, said she was heartened by the statement. Its great that this man apologized  that is, if hes sincere, she said.

The question now is, Whats he going to do to make up for it? He is invited to reach out to the tribes to help come up with a plan to make it better.

The apology, however, failed to satisfy Peter Ward, a paleontology and astrobiology professor at the University of Washington, who said he ended a partnership with Kirschvink after they co-wrote a 2016 book, A New History of Life: The Radical New Discoveries About the Origins and Evolution of Life on Earth.

I have been in the field with him around the world, and over and over he pushes the boundaries without sensitivity to traditions, land ownership or legal restrictions, he said.

In an earlier statement, Caltech said that although the drilling was an isolated incident that took place more than four years ago, we deeply regret the damage caused to public lands, especially in light of this areas sacred meaning to local tribal groups.

Caltech said it would conduct academic and educational outreach to promote fuller understanding, appreciation, and respect for the importance of clear authorization before undertaking research with the potential to affect geological or archaeological resources in any way  both within our community and the broader geosciences field.

The case created an immediate stir among archaeologists and other academics, who said they would have never imagined researchers drilling in a protected site.

Ive been studying petroglyphs for 50 years and I had never heard of this issue until the Caltech case came to light, said Alan Garfinkle, president and founder of the California Rock Art Foundation. Im sending out an alert to every university geology department in the state that this is illegal, and we have to deal with it.

Barbara Bane, archaeology curator at the Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest, Calif., agrees. This problem must stop immediately, she said. Im alerting researchers at the Society for American Archaeology to raise the issue in the education and ethics of rock art sites.

Bane said the incident points out the need to reexamine damage at other sites  damage that may have been dismissed as vandalism or long-forgotten mining activity  to determine whether it was actually done by researchers.

Those who specialize in rock art need to be aware, so that we no longer mistake these paleomagnetic drill holes for remnants of mining activity  and take action to find the persons responsible.

At Caltech, Kirschvink is known for cutting-edge explorations aimed at better understanding how biological evolution has been influenced by shifts in Earths magnetic field strength, which can be detected in ancient rock formations.

His research has provided a biophysical basis for understanding magnetic effects on animal behavior, including how accumulations of the mineral magnetite in specialized organs may explain magnetic field sensitivity in salmon and higher animals.

Kirschvink also coined the concept of Snowball Earth  the hypothesis that the entire planet may have frozen over several times hundreds of millions of years ago, causing severe crises for life and perhaps even stimulating evolution.

Unpermitted explorations by university professors have compounded the frustrations of federal authorities, Native Americans and volunteer stewards who have long complained about thieves prowling remote sites covered with rock carvings.

In addition to Caltech, the University of Texas at Dallas in 2018 paid $19,842 in connection with 29 holes drilled two years earlier without authorization into a rock art site on federal land just over the Nevada border, about 25 miles east of the Volcanic Tablelands.

That research was led by John Geissman, 69, a university professor at the time, who said he deeply regrets the incident.

I made a big mistake, and it haunts me to this day, Geissman, who recently retired, said in an earlier interview. I have obligations as a geoscientist and a human being to do the right thing.

Then there was Cal State Northridge, which in 2008 paid $25,397 to settle a case that involved the unauthorized drilling of 41 1-inch holes into a petroglyph site administered by the Bureau of Land Management, about 15 miles south of Bishop.

Its egregious that professionals who know better do these outrageous things and then apologize later, said Debbie Benson, director of the Maturango Museum.

But is remorse enough? she asked.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Nevaeh Wharton was busy with homework one evening in late April when her phone pinged with a warning. A friend had texted to say something disgusting was happening in a private Snapchat group chat.

When the 16-year-old woke the next morning, another message was waiting for her: She had been discussed in the group. Pretty soon the whole story trickled out. A group of mostly White students attending two of Traverse City's high schools, including Nevaeh's, had held a mock slave auction on the social media app, "trading" their Black peers for money.

"I know how much I was sold for: one hundred dollars," said Nevaeh, who is half-Black. "And in the end I was given away for free" - to the friend who first warned her about the group.

The Snapchat group, titled "slave trade," also saw a student share the messages "all blacks should die" and "let's start another holocaust," according to screenshots obtained by The Washington Post. It spurred the fast-tracking of a school equity resolution that condemned racism and vowed Traverse City Area Public Schools would better educate its overwhelmingly White student body and teaching staff on how to live in a diverse country.

But what happened over the next two months revealed how a town grappling with an undeniable incident of racism can serve as fertile ground for the ongoing national war over whether racism is embedded in American society.

Events in Traverse City would demonstrate how quickly efforts to address historic disparities or present-day racial harassment in schools can become fodder for a campaign against critical race theory, fueled by White parents' growing conviction that their children are being taught to feel ashamed of their Whiteness - and their country.

The equity resolution was unprecedented in Traverse City, an idyllic lakeside vacation spot with a population of 16,000 that is more than 90% White and politically split between red and blue. The two-page document, inspired by nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd's death last year, suggested more training for teachers and adding overlooked viewpoints to the school system's libraries and curriculum.

Although at first it drew vocal support - especially from families and children of color - it has since inspired equally vehement opposition, led by mostly White, conservative parents who contend that the resolution amounts to critical race theory in disguise. The theory, known as CRT, is a decades-old academic framework that holds racism is systemic in America, but which has become a catchall phrase conservatives wield to oppose equity work in schools.

At base, the conflict roiling Traverse City stems from two ways of viewing the world, and the town.

In interviews, children of color in Traverse City reported enduring years of harassment in the classroom and on the playing field. Black, Native American and LGBTQ students said casual racism, sexism and homophobia form part of daily life. Some White children said they have witnessed this, too.

The Snapchat incident was unsurprising to them: "I was more surprised that somebody found out about it and it got to the news," said Eve Mosqueda, 15, who is Native American and Mexican, adding that other kids throughout elementary school had asked her if she lived in a teepee.

But White parents say their hometown was never racist - at least not until an obsession with race began infecting the school system through its embrace of CRT, an allegation school officials have denied. Now, these parents say, their children are coming home from school feeling ostracized for their conservatism and worried they must adhere to a liberal agenda to earn good grades on their assignments. The parents declined to make their children available for interviews, saying the students were either not interested or feared being labeled racist for sharing their beliefs.

"We don't, not even for a second, think about race," said Darcie Pickren, 67, a vocal leader of the anti-CRT movement who is White, with Irish and Native American ancestry, and two of whose children graduated from the school system. "We never would. And I think that this is opening a can of worms and we are not going to be able to go back."

Added Sally Roeser, 44, a White mother of two who graduated from Traverse public schools: "We were all brought up not to take someone's race into consideration. That's what we're guaranteed in America."

- - -

The Snapchat scandal drew intense local media coverage, widespread outrage and, pretty soon, investigations from Traverse City Area Public Schools and the Grand Traverse County prosecutor's office - which culminated in the recommendation that the students in the "slave trade" chat receive counseling and empathy training.

It also meant that Marshall Collins Jr., 44, an African American father of two children in the school system, received an urgent message from Traverse City school officials.

"It was like, 'We need to speed up the equity resolution and get it there now,' " said Collins, who serves on the Traverse City schools social equity task force and heads an anti-racist group known as E3 Northern Michigan, whose triple E stands for "Educate, Elevate, Engage."

The equity resolution stated that the school system condemned "racism, racial violence, hate speech, bigotry, discrimination and harassment." It called for holding more "comprehensive" training for teachers, adding historically marginalized authors to school libraries and reviewing the district's "curriculum and instruction [to] address gaps . . . from a social equity and diversity lens."

The resolution was born of discussions between equity task force members and top school officials, Collins said, including curriculum director Andrew Phillips.

The task force itself, comprising teachers, administrators, parents and students, had come together near the end of 2020. But its genesis dated to Traverse City's first Black Lives Matter Rally, which Collins helped organize over the summer in a pretty lakeside lot downtown. Afterward, he said, school staffers had contacted him, asking, "Can we talk?"

Collins was more than willing. He wanted to make his almost exclusively White hometown more welcoming to families that looked like his own. One of the first steps, he believed, required eradicating the everyday racism still directed toward students of color. Collins knew this firsthand: His son was recently called the n-word by a classmate, the child of his son's favorite teacher.

As summer waned into fall, Collins said he joined Zoom meetings with a string of administrators. That led to the equity task force, he said, and to some immediate changes such as the district inviting a speaker to discuss "implicit bias" with teachers before the first day of school.

So, although disheartened by the "slave trade" Snapchat, Collins was feeling fairly optimistic when he got the flurry of messages from school administrators on a Monday morning in May. They asked if the social equity task force could introduce the equity resolution at a board meeting that evening.

"We knew it wasn't in perfect form," Collins said. "But they wanted to speed it up, so we sped it up" - and debuted the resolution to the public for the first time on May 24.

At first, reaction was muted.

- - -

Not too long after the May meeting, 11-year-old Eden Burke and her best friend, Estelle Young, 12, were picked up after school by their mothers, who had something to tell them.

Estelle's mother explained what happened on Snapchat. She said the adults at school were trying to fix it by putting out a statement that would let everyone know that sort of behavior is not OK.

Eden's mother gave a similar summary. She said the adults were now "deciding whether or not to talk about racism in school," Eden remembered.

Estelle, who is White, recalls feeling horrified. She could not understand why anyone would think it was funny to suggest owning their Black classmates. Then she thought about the girl at school - one of the only students of color in Estelle's grade - whom kids called "Lilo" instead of her real name, because they said the girl's dark skin made her look like the Hawaiian protagonist of the movie "Lilo and Stitch."

Eden, who is also White, thought about the boys in her math class. The ones who sat behind her and whispered "niagra" to each other as a stand-in for the n-word, to avoid getting in trouble with the teacher. She thought about the kid who used "gay" as an insult, and the students who asked her why she was wearing rainbow colors, then put their thumbs down when she explained it was Pride Month and she wanted to support her LGBTQ friends.

Estelle decided: She would speak at the next board meeting to explain why the adults needed to pass the equity resolution. She wrote her speech in 30 minutes during STEM class, after finishing her work early and getting her teacher's permission.

"I'm a 6th grader [and] a future leader of the world," she wrote. "I'm here to talk about how we students need to be educated on discrimination and racism."

Eden was less sure about speaking out.

She wanted to tell them "what's actually happening" between children who bully one another in the classroom. But large groups of people have always made her anxious.

On the day of the board meeting, June 14, Estelle and Eden sat together.

More than 100 people were packed into the red-brick building downtown that housed Traverse City school administrative offices, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported. Most of them - like Eden and Estelle's mothers - had read about the Snapchat group chat and the equity resolution and decided to share their support during a public comment session, even though the resolution was not on the board's meeting agenda.

As she listened to speaker after speaker extol the value of diversity, Eden realized the crowd was on her side. Still, it was more people than she had seen in one place in a long time. It was intimidating, especially after months of coronavirus pandemic quarantining.

Then her mother's name was called. Eden walked to the podium and tucked her long brown hair behind her ears. Her voice muffled slightly by a black mask, she told the listening adults about the boys whispering "niagra." She told about the kids who refuse to sit next to LGBTQ students on the bus, for fear they will somehow catch their peers' gender identities or sexual orientations.

"At school there are a lot of racist and homophobic kids," Eden said. "And I'm glad that people are starting to do something about it, because it's a problem."

The audience clapped and cheered. Eden and Estelle, relieved, headed with their mothers to grab smoothies at Panera Bread.

They left before Hannah Black, a White parent and at that point one of a small handful of dissenting voices, approached the podium. At an earlier meeting, she had told the school board that the equity resolution was "laced with critical race theory," according to the Record-Eagle.

Now she stepped to the mic and asked, "Does skin color matter?" before urging the board to "share publicly why this resolution is needed," when she believes all it will do is reduce children to their race.

- - -

Many White parents in Traverse City agree.

They say their hometown, although imperfect, is not a racist place, and they are not racist people. They say the Snapchat group chat is an isolated incident that is being weaponized by activists to paint an entire community as prejudiced, which they think is unfair. They say the school system is buckling to political pressure by pursuing initiatives like the equity resolution that inject race into every setting - when all that will do is spur more division.

The real answer, these parents say, is for the district to focus on enforcing the strong anti-bullying policy it already has. And officials should sit down with the students who participated in the group chat and teach them the golden rule: to love thy neighbor as thyself.

"That's how I was raised," said Lori White, a 41-year-old mother of two who has lived in the area her entire life. "I've never seen any sort of discrimination. People in Traverse City are just kind."

White and a half-dozen other women spoke in a joint interview in mid-July. They agreed to be identified as White only if The Washington Post also specified they felt uncomfortable with that designation, because the women do not believe race should ever be relevant.

Some women spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid backlash. Many said their children were unwilling to speak publicly about the Snapchat incident or the equity resolution, or to share their views on CRT, for fear of being accused of bigotry in a school environment where they already feel shut out for their beliefs.

The women said their outrage with the school system - or "awakening," as many called it - developed over months, progressing from issue to issue.

For Roeser, it started when her teenage son came home from school with a new catchphrase: "That's racist, Mom." He would repeat it automatically whenever she mentioned race. She wondered: What exactly were they teaching him in school?

For White, it started during virtual learning amid the pandemic, when she overheard a teacher asking students, including her teenager, to come up with their own version of the American flag. White could not understand the point of the assignment: "With all of the history, there is a reason why the American flag is the way it is."

And for still another mother, the wife of a teacher who has three children and who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of harassment, worry sparked when her daughter came home from school confused by an assignment asking her to describe America's Jim Crow laws both "back then" and "here now." Remembering that Jim Crow laws were abolished decades ago, the girl at first just wrote "Impossible" under Here Now, although her teacher father later prodded her to write more.

All of these women started going to school board meetings in the past six months, motivated by a desire to figure out what their children were really learning in the classroom. What they saw horrified them - nothing more so than the equity resolution.

The women had read online about critical race theory, which they understood to be a way of looking at everyone and everything through a racial lens. They had read that debates over CRT were ripping apart school systems nationwide.

And now the battle had come to Traverse City, in the form of a resolution that proposed reevaluating the curriculum through a "social equity and diversity lens."

The women got the word out to other parents. Dozens gathered outside the administrative building before a June 28 board meeting, the Record-Eagle reported, hoisting signs and alleging the district was indoctrinating children.

More than 200 people then crowded into two rooms to listen to 55 people speak during a public comment session. The vast majority of speakers decried the equity resolution as critical race theory, according to public video of the meeting and the Record-Eagle.

By that time, school board members - wary of the building backlash - had already reworked the document. The second version lacks the line about applying a "social equity and diversity lens" to the curriculum. It also no longer suggests the district will add "marginalized" authors to their libraries, nor that Traverse City schools will give students more opportunities to learn about "diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging issues."

Officials furthermore deleted the terms "racism" and "racial violence" from a list of things the school district condemns. Also deleted is a passage that stated "racism and hate have no place in our schools or in our society."

Traverse City schools spokeswoman Ginger Smith wrote in a statement that the revisions "simply provide a more positive focus for a quality-written resolution that embodies the voice of 7 individuals" - referring to the members of the school board. She added, "I think it is important to recognize that edits are an understood part of the writing process." The school board has discussed voting on the resolution late this month, Smith said, but has not set a "formal date."

Despite the edits, the women still think the resolution upholds CRT. That's partly because it states support for the social equity task force, some of whose members have posted on social media espousing what the women view as anti-White ideology. The women also take issue with the fact that the task force has no members who represent a conservative, Christian worldview.

And some see CRT embedded in the very language of the resolution, even in its watered-down form.

" 'Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging,' all of those words sound great," said Nicole Hooper, a 42-year-old mother of three. "But when you drill back and actually look at the meaning of the words . . . they are interlaced with critical race theory."

The women say they are unhappy with the level of vitriol in Traverse City. But they are unwilling to stop, they say, because the children's well-being is at stake.

- - -

Eight-year-old Camryn Wujcik said she learned about racism last year, in second grade.

She remembered her teacher explaining "that in history some people that had Black skin, they had to have different everything, even a different drinking fountain in a school - or," she corrected herself, "they probably had different schools."

Camryn's mother, Carly Wujcik, has never tried to talk about racism with her daughter. It had never been necessary: Camryn was growing up White in overwhelmingly White Traverse City. But, curious to know what Camryn would say, Carly agreed to let The Washington Post ask her daughter's thoughts.

Camryn said knowing about racism makes her sad. Still, she wants to learn more about what happened and why it happened, she said.

"Before I didn't even know that ever happened, but now I figured out, I want to help," Camryn said. "And learning about it more would just pretty much make me do the opposite of it, to help."

Estelle, the 12-year-old who spoke at the board meeting, said she has heard a lot of adults warning lately that White children are going to feel scared or ashamed because of what they're learning in school.

"But this is coming from people who probably let their kids watch horror movies sometimes," she reasoned. "And life is kind of like a horror movie sometimes. And we have to recognize that."

Nevaeh, who was "traded" to a person she thought was a friend in the Snapchat group, has another reason for thinking her peers should be ready to hear the difficult truths about America's past, especially its history of enslaving Black people.

"I feel like if I'm old enough to experience this kind of thing," she said, "I feel like other people are old enough to learn about this entire thing."

Sixteen-year-old Adeyo Ilemobade, meanwhile, thinks the parents opposing the resolution "don't like the truth." The teen, who is half-Black, is not optimistic they will change their minds. "If they've grown here," he said, "then they've only really grown to know White."

He is focused on persuading just one White person who has spent most of her life in Traverse City: his grandmother, 77-year-old Sharon Jennings, who is originally from Ohio and said she did not meet a Black or Jewish person until she went to college. The debate now consuming Adeyo's town is fought almost nightly around his kitchen table.

Adeyo tells his grandmother that he believes CRT means recognizing minorities are "pushed to be separated" in America - how this fits with his experiences growing up in a small White town, where other kids fling the n-word at him in school and where police once handcuffed and held him against a car after mistaking him for another Black adolescent.

Jennings tells him how she thinks CRT means teaching White and Black children that their race means they are, and always will be, fundamentally different. How she fears he will grow up believing there is no opportunity for him in America, which she has always seen as "the most amazing country" in the world.

"It's fun," Adeyo said of arguing with his grandmother, as he sat beside her in the kitchen on a recent summer evening. "Because the people that have understandings like her are a lot of the people that come at me."

"Oh that's not fair, jeez," she said.

"I'm not saying you are one of them, I'm just saying people who share the same beliefs can sometimes be the people who are against me, a little bit."

Jennings interjected, "You mean patriotic people?" and Adeyo blew air through his lips in frustration.

Jennings wishes she could convince her grandson that "people aren't as racist" as he thinks they are. Adeyo wishes he could convince his grandmother that "racism is still there" in America.

"It's not that I don't know that," Jennings said, "it's just that he thinks it's so much more than I do because obviously - "

"Because I've had to experience it," Adeyo said, finishing his grandmother's sentence.

Jennings nodded. "I haven't experienced what he has," she said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Julie Tate contributed to this report.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  The U.S. Air Force has spent years trying to keep a jet fuel leak from reaching Albuquerque's drinking water supply and now says it has enough information to outline its work, paving the way to wrapping up the cleanup efforts.

Officials from Kirtland Air Force Base say they will spend the next several months to a year writing a report that they will submit to the New Mexico Environment Department. Once the state reviews and approves it, the base can make recommendations for a final cleanup.

I do understand how long it looks to everyone else, Kathryn Lynnes, who is overseeing the cleanup for the Air Force, said Monday. We went after the thing that had the potential to get into the city wells and we grabbed it, and we're working on the rest."

The Air Force has spent $125 million cleaning up soil and water around the base that borders Albuquerque. The fuel leak  believed to have been seeping into the ground for decades  was detected in 1999 and attributed to a supply line break.

The Air Force's assertion that there's no risk to communities nearby hasn't eased everyone's concerns. A group of lawmakers, residents and nonprofit organizations asked a federal judge last year to enforce deadlines for the cleanup.

The judge dismissed the complaint in March, saying the court didn't have jurisdiction over the matter. And even if it did, he would defer to state regulators overseeing the Air Force's actions.

The Environment Department has been working with the Air Force base on the final phase of the investigation.

While significant progress has been made, there is still work to be done, said Maddy Hayden, a spokeswoman for the state Environment Department.

This step, she said, is a very important milestone for this project.

A plume of jet fuel that contained an additive known as ethylene dibromide, or EDB, once extended several miles north of the boundary of the base beneath nearby neighborhoods, Hayden said.

The Air Force installed a pump-and-treat system in 2015 that helped pull the plume back and kept drinking water wells from becoming contaminated, she said.

The effects on people haven't been well documented, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says animal studies indicate that chronic exposure may result in toxic effects to the liver, kidneys and reproductive organs.

Lynnes said the equivalent of 775,000 gallons (2,933 cubic meters) of fuel has been removed from the water over the years, along with 5,000 tons (18,927 liters) of contaminated soil.

The state has up to nine months to review the report submitted by the Air Force. Once it's approved, the military will start crafting recommendations on final cleanup plans, which again are subject to public comment and approval from the state.

Lynnes said the fix won't be instantaneous and that the Air Force will continue monitoring more than 170 groundwater wells and some 270 soil vapor points.

This is a super high priority for the Air Force," she said. I'm really confident we're not going to have any funding issues.
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Alert: California to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly testing for all state workers and health care employees
BERLIN (AP)  High-profile human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad on Monday lauded a German court for convicting a former Islamic State member of aiding and abetting crimes against humanity for her involvement in the enslavement of two Yazidi women.

Clooney called the conviction of Omaima A., whose last name was withheld as is customary in Germany, a milestone in the fight for justice for survivors of the atrocities committed by the Islamic State group.
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  Bosnian Serb political representatives have pledged to block decision-making in the countrys institutions in protest over a recent move by the top international envoy in Bosnia to outlaw genocide denial.

We will not live in a country where someone can impose a law by simply publishing it on his website, Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of Bosnias joint presidency, said Monday.

Dodik spoke after a meeting of leaders of all Bosnian Serb political parties to discuss the imposition on Friday by U.N. High Representative to Bosnia Valentin Inzko of changes to the countrys criminal code. The imposed changes introduce prison sentences of up to five years for genocide denial and the glorification of war criminals.

Dodik repeatedly said over the weekend that Inzkos decision should serve as a final push for secession of Bosnian Serb lands from the rest of the country.

In a decision published after their meeting on Monday, Bosnian Serb political representatives said they considered Inzkos decision unacceptable and void, announcing they will confront it by boycotting the work of the countrys multi-ethnic presidency, parliament and government.

Under the terms of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement that ended Bosnias 1992-95 interethnic war, the country was carved into highly autonomous Serb-run Republika Srpska and a federation shared by Bosniaks and Croats. The two are linked by joint institutions and all the decisions on the state level have to be reached by consensus of the three ethnic groups.

As the top international envoy overseeing implementation of the peace agreement, the High Representative was given the authority to impose laws or dismiss officials who undermine the post-war ethnic balance and reconciliation efforts.

In the immediate post-war years, the international community kept Bosnia on a reform course, pressuring its leaders to accept painful compromises in return for financial and other support.

But over a decade ago, as the international focus shifted to other global crises, Bosnia was mostly left to its own devices. This has encouraged Bosnian Serb leaders, Dodik in particular, to increasingly call into question the countrys continued existence and stoke ethnic tensions by downplaying or denying the crimes committed by their ethnic kin during the war.

They have been denying with particular gusto the scope of the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica, Europes only acknowledged genocide since World War II.

The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court for Former Yugoslavia declared the Bosnian Serb killings of more than 8,000 Bosniaks that took place in Srebrenica in July 1995 as genocide. But Bosnian Serb officials and neighboring Serbia have refused to accept the designation.

Bosnian Serbs also have honored their wartime leader, Radovan Karadzic, and military commander Ratko Mladic as heroes, although both have been convicted of genocide and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Hague-based tribunal. Murals featuring Mladic and Karadzic can be seen in many towns in the Serb-run part of Bosnia.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  The final victim of the condo building collapse in Florida has been identified, a relative said Monday, more than a month after the middle-of-the-night catastrophe that ultimately claimed 98 lives and became the largest non-hurricane related emergency response in state history.

Estelle Hedaya, an outgoing 54-year-old with a love of travel, was the last to be identified, ending what her relatives described as a torturous four-week wait. Her younger brother, Ikey Hedaya, confirmed the news to The Associated Press. A funeral was scheduled for Tuesday.

It comes just days after rescuers officially concluded the painstaking and emotionally heavy task of removing layers of dangerous debris and pulling out dozens of bodies.

She always mentioned God anytime she was struggling with anything, he said, adding he was drawing strength from God, just as hed seen his sister do in troubling times.

The site of the June 24 collapse at the oceanside Champlain Towers South has been mostly swept flat, the rubble moved to a Miami warehouse. Although forensic scientists and rabbis are still at work, including examining the debris at the warehouse, seeking to recover any additional remains and personal items.

In the end, crews found no evidence that anyone who was found dead had survived the initial collapse, Fire Chief Alan Cominsky has said.

Search teams spent weeks battling the hazards of the rubble, including an unstable portion of the building that teetered above, a recurring fire and Floridas stifling summer heat and thunderstorms. They went through more than 14,000 tons (13,000 metric tonnes) of broken concrete and rebar before finally declaring the mission complete.

For the past 33 days they have searched the rubble as if they were searching for one of their own," Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said during a news conference Monday.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescues urban search-and-rescue team pulled away from the site Friday in a convoy of firetrucks and other vehicles. Officials saluted their bravery, saying they had worked 12-hour shifts while camping out at the site and also dealing with the heavy emotional burden.

The tragedy that befell the tiny town of Surfside prompted an outpouring of love from far and wide where locals donated their homes and apartments to victims, children colored cards for rescuers, piles and piles of food were donated and tens of millions of dollars raised for the victims.

The mayor expressed hope that those kindnesses would be a powerful and lasting reminder of how deeply connected we truly are in the best of times and in the worst of times.

The dead included members of the areas large Orthodox Jewish community, the sister of Paraguays first lady, her family and their nanny, along with an entire family of four that included a local salesman, his wife and their two young daughters, 4 and 11, who were buried in the same coffin.

Linda March, a 58 year-old attorney and fellow former New Yorker, was close friends with Hedaya. Oddly the two were the last three victims to be identified, along with 24-year-old Anastasia Gromova of Canada.

Leah Sutton, who knew Hedaya since birth and considered herself a second mother to her, said she and March were both forces to be reckoned with.

My two beautiful amazing fearless friends saved for last, have to believe there was a reason for them to be last, she said Monday. Estelle's love of God was unbelievable and unwavering.

Meanwhile, it's unclear what will happen at the collapse site. A judge presiding over several lawsuits filed in the collapse aftermath wants the property sold at market rates, which would bring in an estimated $100 million or more. Some condo owners want to rebuild, and others say a memorial should be erected to remember the dead.

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Associated Press writer David Fischer contributed from Miami

*
INDIAN FALLS, Calif. (AP)  Erratic winds and the potential for dry lightning added to the challenges facing firefighters battling Californias largest wildfire, one of numerous blazes burning Monday across the U.S. West.

Over the weekend, the massive Dixie Fire merged with the smaller Fly Fire and tore through the remote Northern California community of Indian Falls. The blaze had already leveled at least 16 houses and other structures, but a new damage estimate wasn't immediately available because flames were still raging in the mountain area.

Fire behavior has been so unpredictable, it hasnt been safe for inspectors to go in to work, said Mitch Matlow, a fire spokesman. Until things settle down, we won't know the extent of what's burned.

Flames spread in remote areas with steep terrain crews cant easily reach, Matlow said. Gusty winds also hindered containment efforts and the problem could get worse with the predicted arrival later Monday of pyrocumulus clouds  literally meaning  fire clouds   which can bring lightning and the risk of new ignitions.

Fire officials said the blaze had charred nearly 309 square miles (800 square kilometers) of timber and brush in Plumas and Butte counties, about two hours northeast of Sacramento. It was 22% contained and more than 10,000 homes were still under threat.

Authorities were hopeful that improving weather will help them continue to make progress against the nations largest wildfire, the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon. It was 53% contained after scorching 640 square miles (1,657 square kilometers) of remote land. On Monday, an additional crew of Oregon National Guardsmen were sent to help out the more than 2,200 people battling the blaze.

The lightning-caused fire has burned at least 70 homes, mainly cabins, and some 2,000 residences were under evacuation orders.

In Montana, four firefighters were released from a hospital and a fifth was being treated at a burn center Monday after a wildfire overran them last week, authorities said. The five were building a defensive line at the Devils Creek Fire in Garfield County when winds shifted suddenly and blew flames back at them.

The firefighter still being treated  a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee  is making good progress and is in good spirits, spokesperson Kari Cobb said.

Crews were trying to keep the 10-square-mile (26-square-kilometer) fire from reaching Fort Peck Reservoir along the Missouri River in central Montana. It's one of three major fires in the state.

Firefighters have frequently dealt with perilous fire behavior, with flames consuming huge areas of vegetation each day. Such conditions are often from a combination of unusual random, short-term and natural weather patterns heightened by long-term, human-caused climate change. Global warming has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years.

Across the West this summer, firefighters have confronted an unusually large number of unpredictable early season fires, U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said.

He recalled a recent small blaze in the Lava Beds area of California that firefighters thought they had doused, only to have the fire flare up again after it burned through a system of tree roots and travelled beneath a containment line.

Its off the charts in terms of how some of these fires are behaving, Moore said.

Elsewhere in California, the 106-square-mile (275-square-kilometer) Tamarack Fire south of Lake Tahoe continued to burn through timber and chaparral but firefighters made progress, aided by cooler weather. The fire was 54% contained and evacuation orders that affected some 2,000 residents in 15 communities on both sides of the California-Nevada state line had been lifted. The fire, sparked by lightning July 4 in Alpine County, California, has destroyed at least 23 buildings, including more than a dozen in Nevada.

In north-central Washington, firefighters battled two blazes in Okanogan County that threatened hundreds of homes and again caused hazardous air quality conditions over the weekend. And in northern Idaho, east of Spokane, Washington, a small fire near the Silverwood Theme Park prompted evacuations Friday evening at the park and in the surrounding area. The theme park was back open with the fire half contained.

More than 85 large wildfires were burning across the country, most of them in Western states. They had burned over 2,343 square miles (6,068 square kilometers) of land.
Clark Atlanta University students and recent graduates will get a break on their bills as the Atlanta institution joined some other schools across the nation in forgiving student debt.

Clark Atlanta on Friday announced that its clearing all student account balances for the 2020 semesters and the spring and summer 2021 semesters, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

The schools president, George French Jr., delivered the news in a letter, saying its a way of thanking students for continuing their education during the pandemic.

The past two academic years have been emotionally and financially challenging for you and your families due to the COVID-19 pandemic, French wrote. I understand. That is why I am personally thankful for your resilience, perseverance, and find a way or make one attitudes.

A few other historically Black colleges and universities, such as Delaware State, South Carolina State and Wilberforce universities, have taken similar actions to clear student debt or accounts in recent months.

At Southern University at Shreveport, Louisiana, Chancellor Rodney Ellis this month announced that the school will eliminate the balances of every student who has attended SUSLA from spring 2020 to spring 2021."

Clark Atlanta has about 4,000 students, the largest enrollment of any private historically Black college or university in Georgia.

About 90% of Clark Atlanta students receive federal students loans and 67% of them are delinquent, are not making progress or have deferred or defaulted on their loans, according to federal data.
GUATEMALA CITY (AP)  The firing of Guatemalas top anti-corruption prosecutor and new allegations that someone close to the attorney general was soliciting bribes for protection from investigations have increased concerns that what little capacity the country still had to battle corruption is being dismantled from within.

Juan Francisco Sandoval, head of the anti-impunity special prosecutors office, was dismissed Friday and fled the country that same night. Attorney General Consuelo Porras accused him of ideologically biased investigations. She had reassigned another prosecutor from his office a day earlier.

Then Sunday, lawyer Marco Aurelio Alveno Hernandez said he had told Sandovals office that one of his clients, a former Guatemalan central banker, had paid a bribe through Alveno to an adviser of Porras so his corruption case was moved from Sandovals office to another prosecutor.

Alveno fled the country Sunday with his family fearing potential retribution for his cooperation with Sandovals office.

The point of firing the prosecutor who led the investigations is to block what was being investigated, said Elvyn Diaz, vice president of Guatemalas Institute for Comparative Studies in Criminal Science. He said the move also raises the possibility the justice system could be manipulated to punish Sandoval and the judges who ruled on the cases that he brought.

Sandoval had said as much about his firing. He accused Porras of blocking his offices investigations, including those touching President Alejandro Giammattei, who has spoken of his friendship with Porras. The administration denied any involvement, saying it respected the attorney generals autonomy.

U.S. officials condemned Sandovals firing.

We stand with the people of Guatemala and with Prosecutor Juan Francisco Sandoval, whom I recognized this year with an Anticorruption Champion Award. His dismissal undermines the rule of law and strengthens the forces of impunity. Guatemalans deserve better, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said via Twitter on Sunday.

Guatemalas government has been criticized over the past year for driving out judges known for taking a hard line on corruption. The moves are a continuation of the effort that ended the 12-year run of the United Nations anti-corruption mission in Guatemala in 2019 under then President Jimmy Morales. Porras was appointed attorney general by Morales and has continued in the position during the administration of Giammattei.

Ivan Velasquez, who led the U.N. mission and worked closely with Sandoval, said the anti-corruption fight is worsening.

It will only reverse if the international community suspends all aid to the Attorney Generals Office and isolates the attorney general, which is allied with all of the corrupt political power in the country, Velasquez said. It will depend on Guatemalans and their effort to defend democracy and find a way out.

On Monday, rural organizations blocked three highways to protest Sandovals firing. Other groups are considering ways to pressure the government. Some lawmakers have already filed formal complaints against Porras, accusing her of obstruction of justice among other things.

In June, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Guatemala and pledged support for anti-corruption efforts here. She has identified corruption as one of the factors pushing Guatemalans to migrate.

The firing confirms the fear from several months ago that despite having expressed an interest in collaborating on an anti-corruption agenda, ultimately, the Guatemalan government has a different agenda, said Tiziano Breda, Central America analyst for Crisis Group.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  A federal court has temporarily halted a northern Idaho logging project in grizzly bear habitat following a lawsuit contending the U.S. Forest Service violated environmental laws.

U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill ruled Friday in favor of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and issued a preliminary injunction on the 2,500-acre (1,000-hectare) Hanna Flats Logging Project in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

The Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands are partnering on the project under a program called the Good Neighbor Authority intended to speed up logging and forest restoration projects on U.S. Forest Service land by allowing state officials to take care of some of the work.

The Forest Service said it doesnt have to follow certain environmental laws because the project qualifies for a categorical exclusion under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act.

The act allows the Forest Service to avoid some environmental studies if an area is designated as wildland urban interface, an area where homes and wildland intermingle, and that can leave homes vulnerable to wildfires.

The Forest Service cited Bonner County's wildfire protection plan that designates the area as wildland urban interface in saying the logging project qualified for the categorical exclusion.

However, Winmill ruled that the project does not appear to qualify for an exclusion and halted logging until it rules on the merits of the case.

Specifically, Winmill said that the Forest Service had to meet requirements outlined in the Healthy Forest Restoration Act to designate an area a wildland urban interface and not just cite a county's designation.

Winmill cited a previous ruling in a related case involving the logging project where a different judge noted a county could simply designate the entire county a wildland urban interface to avoid environmental laws with the categorical exclusion.

The area is home to a dwindling population of endangered Selkirk grizzly bears, said Mike Garrity, executive director of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies. Roads and logging are the greatest threat to this population on these public lands. Yet the Forest Service refuses to follow its own rules and conserve this imperiled grizzly population."

The U.S. Department of Justice, which represents federal agencies in court cases, didn't immediately respond to an inquiry sent through its online portal on Monday.

Logging on the project had been scheduled to start in early August, but is now suspended until a further order from the court.

Of the roughly 2,500-acre (1,000-hectare) project, about 1,100 acres (445 hectares) includes clear-cutting or modified clear-cutting, according to the court ruling.

In addition to providing habitat for this rare grizzly bear, the Upper Priest River has the largest contiguous area of old-growth cedar, hemlock, and grand fir in the interior western United States and the largest concentration of ancient cedar stands in northern Idaho," Garrity said.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  Babysitter Terry McKirchy got a light sentence 36 years ago after pleading no contest to attempted murder for shaking 5-month-old Benjamin Dowling so severely that he suffered permanent brain damage  weekends in jail for three months and three years probation.

But now McKirchy is facing a possible life sentence after a Florida medical examiner says Dowling succumbed to those injuries when he died in 2019 at the age of 35 after a life with severe mental and physical disabilities.

A Broward County grand jury recently indicted McKirchy, 59, with first-degree murder and she is now jailed near her home in Sugar Land, Texas, pending her return to Florida. McKirchy, who has previously denied injuring the boy, has waived extradition, the Broward State Attorney's Office said. The South Florida SunSentinel first reported the arrest.

The passage of time between the injuries sustained and the death of the victim were considered by the forensic experts who conducted the autopsy and ruled the death was directly caused by the injuries from 1984," prosecutors said in a statement. "This case was presented to the grand jury, which determined that this was a homicide.

It is not known whether McKirchy has an attorney and the Broward Public Defenders Office, which represented her in the 1980s, did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment. McKirchy told The Miami Herald in 1985 she was innocent, but accepted the plea deal to put the case behind her. Under the deal, she would only serve weekends until her third child was born and then she would be free.

I know I didnt do it. My conscience is clear. But I cant deal with it anymore, McKirchy told the paper then. Im six months pregnant. You wouldnt believe what this has done to my family.

Rae and Joe Dowling, Benjamin's parents, said their first son never progressed after his injuries, depending on his family and others.

Benjamin never crawled, fully rolled over, walked, never talked, never fed himself, he never enjoyed a hamburger or an ice cream cone, he could never tell us when he had an itch or anything hurt, the couple said in a statement. When he cried in pain, we as a family and caregivers had to guess as to what was wrong and hope that we could satisfy his need."

They did not address McKirchy's arrest in their statement and, through the state attorney's office, declined interview requests.

The Dowlings had been married four years when Benjamin was born Jan. 13, 1984. Both Dowlings worked, so they hired McKirchy, then 22, to babysit him at her suburban Fort Lauderdale home.

Rae Dowling says when she picked up Benjamin from McKirchy on July 3, 1984, she instantly knew something was wrong. His fists were clenched and his body limp. She rushed him to the hospital, where doctors said he had suffered a brain hemorrhage from severe shaking.

McKirchy was charged with attempted murder and aggravated child abuse. The Dowlings told the Herald in 1985 they were stunned when prosecutor Barbara Mitchell told them of the plea deal McKirchy would receive. She had been facing 12 to 17 years.

Mitchell told the paper then the sentence was therapeutic, but did not explain. Mitchell is still with the Broward prosecutor's office, but was not made available for comment. Another prosecutor is handling the current case. Ryal Gaudiosi, then McKirchy's public defender, called the sentence fair under the circumstances. He died in 2009.

David Weinstein, a Miami defense lawyer and former prosecutor who is not involved in the case, said it is difficult to know what went into the 1985 deal. Perhaps witnesses were not available or the available medical evidence was not strong. Prosecutors may have felt McKirchy's pregnancy would make it difficult to get a conviction.

Today, he said, prosecutors may think a homicide case is stronger because perhaps the medical and scientific evidence has progressed. He said McKirchy's attorneys may argue that the time lapse will make it impossible for them to mount an adequate defense as witnesses may have died and memories faded.

There are a lot of unanswered questions, he said.

The Dowlings said Benjamin endured several surgeries in his life, including having metal rods placed along his spine. He got nourishment through a feeding tube and attended rehab and special schools. The Dowlings had two more children and would take Benjamin to their games and performances. The family moved to Florida's Gulf Coast in the late 1990s. He died at their home on Sept. 16, 2019.

Benjamin would never know how much he was loved and could never tell others of his love for them," they said. Benjamin did smile when he was around his family, although he could never verbalize anything, we believe he knew who we were and that we were working hard to help him.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Gov. Tony Evers on Monday called the Republican-controlled Legislature into a special session to increase funding for public schools and higher education on the same day the Assembly planned to vote on a veto override of a bill ending a $300 weekly unemployment payment.

The override attempt on Tuesday was almost certain to fail because there aren't enough Republicans to vote for them without Democrats crossing sides. Likewise, Evers' special session call is also likely to be ignored, which Republicans have done repeatedly when he's made similar calls to pass his priorities.

Evers, in a video message announcing the special session, said as long as Republicans were coming back in session to vote on the override, they should do the right thing and invest in our kids and our schools.

If they have time to come into session to play politics, then they have time to come in and do whats best for our kids, Evers said.

He called on Republicans to spend $240 million per pupil aid for K-12 schools, $200 million more for special education and $110 million for higher education, including the University of Wisconsin System.

Republican co-chairs of the Legislatures budget committee, Sen. Howard Marklein and Rep. Mark Born, discounted Evers special session call as nothing but political posturing.

Lawmakers are required to gavel into the special session, but they don't have to debate, let alone vote, on the proposals Evers is putting forward. Republicans have ignored Evers on several other special sessions since 2019.

Republicans said Monday they planned to vote on overriding Evers' veto of a bill that would have ended a $300 weekly unemployment benefit earlier than scheduled on Sept. 6. The Legislature passed the measure last month will all Republicans in support and Democrats against.

The extra payment, on top of Wisconsins weekly $370 unemployment benefit, was designed to help the unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But Republicans, business leaders, trade groups and others said it was a disincentive for the unemployed to go back to work, exacerbating the states worker shortage problem.

Evers, in his veto message, said nothing supported the claim that the $300 payment is keeping people from seeking work, pointing out that the states unemployment rate was 3.9% in May, nearly two points lower than the national average.

Ending the payment prematurely would eliminate a lifeline for many Wisconsin residents and hurt the states economy, Evers said.

More than two dozen states have ended the payment early, citing concerns about worker shortages.

Labor experts say the labor shortage is not just about the $300 payment. Some unemployed people have been reluctant to return to work because they fear catching the coronavirus. Others have found new occupations. And many women, especially working mothers, have left the workforce to care for their children.

For the veto override to be successful, it must pass both the Senate and Assembly with a two-thirds majority.

The Senate was not scheduled to be in session this week to take up overrides and it wasnt clear if they would take up the same bills or not. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Republicans, who hold a 61-38 majority in the Assembly, would need 66 votes in favor of an override if everyone is present. That means at least five Democrats would have to switch sides, something that Democratic Minority Leader Gordon Hintz said would not happen.

We'll uphold the veto, he said Friday.

Veto overrides in Wisconsin are rare. The Legislature tried, unsuccessfully, to override an Evers veto in 2019, the first attempt in nine years. The last successful override was in 1985, a 36-year span that is the longest in Wisconsin history, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

The Legislature last attempted an override in February 2020, failing to get the needed votes to undo Evers' veto of a state budget provision creating a $1 million grant program for fabrication labs in schools. The Assembly in May scheduled, but then delayed, override votes on bills Evers vetoed that would prevent health officials from mandating the COVID-19 vaccine and prohibit the closing of churches during the pandemic.

Override votes are often scheduled not because lawmakers think they will succeed, but to instead bring more attention to an issue, please a special interest or force the other side to cast a possibly unpopular vote.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  Hundreds of inmates facing federal charges have been transferred from the St. Louis area to jails in Indiana and Kentucky, leaving relatives desperately trying to reconnect.

St. Louis officials have been reducing the inmate population at the St. Louis Medium Security Institution, also known as the workhouse, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
MINDEN, Nev. (AP)  A red siren perched atop a small towns volunteer fire department sounds every night at 6 p.m., sending a piercing noise echoing through the ranches and towns of northern Nevadas Carson Valley including Dresslerville  a community governed by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

To Serrell Smokey, the tribe's chairman, the sound is a reminder of racism and violence inflicted upon Native Americans  a "living piece of historical trauma with an enduring legacy. He requested officials in the town of Minden silence the region's last remaining siren last summer.

Its not just about the siren, he said. The siren is a reminder to a lot of people out here, especially in Dresslerville, of that past, he said of the tribal community just 5 miles (8 kilometers) south, where stories of brutality have been passed down generations.

Minden is one of what experts believe were thousands of American communities where discriminatory sundown laws were in effect, either through formal ordinances or unwritten rules enforced with intimidation and injury.

The town siren has blared since 1921. Until 1974, it served as a warning to non-white people that they were required to leave town before the sun faded behind the rugged mountaintops of the Carson range.

To members of the Washoe Tribe, the siren is inextricably linked to the ordinance, Smokey said. Elders remember seeing law enforcement jailing Native Americans and residents attacking non-white people.

"Those sirens are a reminder of that history, and the fact that they are still used indicates that our present is not so far removed from its past, said Heather OConnell, a Louisiana State University sociologist who has studied the correlation between historic sundown ordinances and contemporary inequality.

A nationwide reckoning over racism in the United States erupted last summer following George Floyd's murder and sparked protests in large cities across the country. And in small, mostly white towns like Minden, it revived a 15-year-old debate over the siren and whether it should be silenced.

In 2006, county officials turned off the siren hoping to improve relations with the Washoe. But it was sounding again two months later following backlash from locals. As consolation, Minden passed an ordinance describing the sirens intent as honoring first responders.

The siren earlier this year drew interest from state lawmakers, along with the Riders Against Racism, a group of San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe mountain bikers. The organization gathered 13,000 signatures to petition to silence the siren, and held a ride through historic Washoe lands from the town to the shores of Lake Tahoe.

In June, the state banned sirens, alarms and bells historically associated with sundown ordinances as part of a new law that also directs school boards to replace racially discriminatory mascots.

Minden fought the passage of the law. Some residents in the town of about 3,200 people have referred to efforts to shut off the siren as cancel culture. Others have defended it as central to their heritage and likened its sound to a dinner bell  a traditional, small-town hallmark that makes the historic ranching community unique.

Before Gov. Steve Sisolak signed it into law, town officials told the Reno Gazette-Journal they had no intention of silencing it. They said Minden purchased the siren in 1921  four years after county officials passed the sundown law  and therefore it wouldn't be associated per the requirements of state law.

Despite disagreement over the siren's meaning, Smokey and Minden Town Manager JD Frisby brokered an agreement in June to start sounding it at 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.

Dissociating the time of the sound from the historic ordinance, they said in a joint statement, would acknowledge the volunteer firefighters and first responders who have been historically dispatched by the town siren and honor those hurt by archaic sundowner mandates of prior eras.

It now blares at 5 p.m.  a compromise that many in the tribe have said they're uncomfortable with and will challenge.

Frisby attributes the dispute to conflicting versions of history and emphasizes intent over interpretation. He doesn't doubt the siren was used to signal the enforcement of the ordinance but said it was purchased to honor first responders.

Nothing hes found in the town archive or other records connects the siren to the sundown ordinance, and he doesn't believe defense of the siren is incompatible with acknowledging the county ordinance's awful legacy.

A lot of Minden residents have taken this hard because their fathers and grandfathers were the ones that worked to save up the money to purchase that siren for the purpose of responding to emergencies, he said. Its just unfortunate that because of the proximity in time, its been lumped in with this ordinance.

Assemblyman Howard Watts, the Las Vegas Democrat who sponsored the legislation to shut off the siren, said the lingering pain its sound evokes demanded action. He respects the agreement the tribal chairman and town manager reached, but beforehand didn't think the town's effort to clarify what the siren means in their eyes was sufficient.

Instead of changing when they rang the siren, they've decided to be more explicit about it being for first responders," he said. "Theres nothing wrong with honoring first responders, but you can do that at any time of the day. Having that siren continue to ring a half-hour before there was an ordinance that indicated to an entire group of people that they were no longer welcome in a community, thats a deeply hurtful thing.

Smokey told The Associated Press that the agreement to change the timing of the siren wouldnt be the Washoe Tribes final word on the matter. He said hes told Frisby and tribal citizens  many of whom were upset about the agreement  that his intention was to secure immediate action.

Smokey said he expects the council to ask for more than moving the time the siren blares. Regardless, hes satisfied to have spread awareness about the regions history.

We cant fix problems if we dont admit we have problems, he said. And were still dealing with the history of everything thats happened.

Washoe elder Ann James Big Goose, 72, said even at 5 p.m., the siren reminds her of the racism that her family has faced throughout the region's history. She worries Smokey's immediate action and the widespread idea that it settled the issue could give Minden an out before the law banning the siren takes effect Oct. 1.

What is the point to make a deal with them several months before it has to be turned off anyway? she asked. Why do they need it, except to remind us and to keep us in our place?

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Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP)  The goats are back!

The Converse Heights Neighborhood Association has brought a herd of goats back to Crystal Springs Ravine with the help of the Trees Coalition to continue its mission of rehabilitating the neighborhood green space.

Weve got about 40 in there this time because weve got a much wider area for them to roam around in. They did such a good job the first time, said Wesley Hammond, a member of the Converse Heights Neighborhood Association board.

The goats began their work on the ravine in the spring of 2020 in the section along Crystal Drive, going back to their home farm for the winter. This summer, the goats will graze in sections along Woodburn Road and Sherwood Circle.

And once again, theyre a big hit with their new neighbors, attracting a number of visitors.

The kids are fascinated and its just a nice addition. Its something special about seeing am animal thats working our in the woods there. It kind of gives you a good feeling, Hammond said.

The goats are eating the ivies and other invasive species that have taken over the ravine. While the last group of goats were mostly South African Boars, this group is a mix of Spanish Nubians and Kiko Pygmies, says their handler Anthony Radziewicz of the Trees Coalition.

The Spanish Nubians are a little less likely to get as close to people, he said, which they hope will prevent the issues they had last time with goats approaching and even clearing the fences around their work areas.

The Trees Coalition has also partnered with other neighborhoods to address issues with invasive species like kudzu and wisteria. In 2019, goats took care of the overgrowth at Adams Park in Beaumont Village Neighborhood.

The goats provide a natural solution for eliminating these plants instead of expensive machinery or pesticides.

We had started three years ago using the goats for kudzu control. They did a great job the first year, so the second year, we had six different sites and kind of expanded what theyre getting rid of, not just kudzu, but in here where we have a lot of English ivy, Elaeagnus, Chinese Parasols, trying to get some different species, Radziewicz said. Last year was definitely a really good success for them here. Weve seen a lot of areas that wed never even been able to get to before so that was promising.

The goal of the Crystal Springs Ravine Project is to restore the 16-acre area as a healthy Piedmont Forest. Hammond said the restored ravine would be left in a natural state and about 100 native trees have been planted in the area so far.

Were not trying to make a park, more like a nature preserve. We want just to make it a nice area where people can come and walk and enjoy it and enjoy the stream and make it a good part of the neighborhood, Hammond said.
DALLAS (AP)  It was a steamy Friday two Augusts ago when Jason Whisler settled in for a working breakfast at the Coffee Ranch restaurant in the Texas Panhandle city of Borger. The most pressing agenda item for city officials like him that morning: planning for a country concert and anniversary event.

Then Whislers phone rang. Borgers computer system had been hacked.

Workers were frozen out of files. Printers spewed out demands for money. Over the next several days, residents couldnt pay water bills, the government couldnt print checks, police officers couldnt retrieve certain records. Across Texas, similar scenes played out in nearly two dozen communities hit by a cyberattack officials linked to a Russia-based criminal syndicate.

In 2019, ransomware had yet to emerge as one of the top challenges confronting the United States. But the attacks in Texas were a harbinger of the now-exploding threat and offer a case study in what happens behind the scenes when victims come under attack.

Texas communities struggled for days with disruptions to government services as workers in small cities and towns endured cascading frustrations brought on by the cyberattack, according to thousands of pages of documents reviewed by The Associated Press and interviews with people involved in the response. The AP also learned new details about the attacks scope and victims, including an Air Force base where access to a law enforcement database was affected and a city forced to operate its water-supply system manually.

Recent ransomware attacks have led to gasoline shortages and threatened meat supplies. But the Texas attacks  which, unlike recent prominent cases, were resolved without a ransom payment  make clear ransomware need not hit vital infrastructure nor major corporations to interrupt daily life.

It was just a scary feeling, said Whisler, Borgers emergency management coordinator.

Early on Aug. 16, as most Texans were still asleep, hackers half a world away were burrowing into networks.

As the attacks impact became apparent, the city manager of Vernon emailed colleagues that the city could get back online by paying a $2.5 million ransom but that was obviously not the plan.

Holy moly!!!!! came the reply.

The culprits were affiliated with REvil, the Russia-linked syndicate that last spring extorted $11 million from meat-processor JBS and more recently was behind a Fourth of July weekend attack that crippled businesses around the globe.

The August 2019 hackers gained their foothold through an attack on TSM Consulting Services, a Texas firm that provides technology services to local governments. The attackers branched through screen-sharing software and remote administration to seize control of the networks of some of the companys clients.

Within hours, state and federal officials were hunkered inside an underground operations center normally used for calamities like hurricanes and floods. Gov. Greg Abbott declared a cyber disaster. Texas National Guard cyber specialists were activated.

Basically, if theres a municipal function that you would go down to a city hall for, or that you would rely on the police department for, it wasnt available, said Andy Bennett, the states then-deputy chief information security officer.

In Borger, a city of fewer than 13,000, ransomware demands spat out of printers and flashed on some computer screens. Government files were encrypted, their titles replaced by gibberish combinations of letters and symbols, said city manager Garrett Spradling.

Vital records, like birth and death certificates, were offline. Signs posted on a drive-up window outside City Hall said the city couldnt process water bill payments but that cutoffs would be delayed.

Because the city had paid for remote offsite backup, Borger could reformat servers, reinstall the operating system and retrieve data. The police department, however, retained its data locally and officers were unable to access previous incident reports, Spradling said.

Jeremy Sereno was working his civilian job at Dell when he was enlisted by the state to help. A lieutenant colonel and senior cybersecurity officer with the Texas Military Department, Sereno helped deploy Texas National Guard troops to hacked cities, where specialists worked to assess the damage, restore data from backed-up files and retake control of locked systems.

One of the first areas of concern was a small North Texas city. The attack locked the human-machine interface workers used to control the water supply, forcing them to operate the system manually, Sereno said. Water purity was not endangered.

Thats whats considered critical infrastructure, when you talk about water," he said.

AP is not identifying the city at the urging of state officials, who said doing so could draw new attacks on its water system.

In Graham, the ransomware attacked a police server housing body-camera videos, causing hundreds to be lost. Instead of using mobile data terminals to run checks on people they encountered, officers had to rely on requests to dispatchers at a local sheriffs office unaffected by the attack, said Chief Brent Bullock.

The impact wasnt limited to local governments. Sheppard Air Force Base confirmed to AP that its access to a statewide law enforcement database used for background checks was temporarily disrupted.

One complication: TSMs client list was encrypted, officials said. State officials didnt immediately know which communities had been victimized.

They had to call around, said Nancy Rainosek, Texas chief information security officer. There was one place that we contacted and they said, no, no, were not hit," she said. Days later, they said, yes, we were.

Fortunately for Borger, most city services were restored within days. The city has since invested in additional cybersecurity protections.

When you complain about having to change your passwords, you complain a lot more when its never happened to you and you dont have anything to relate it to, Spradling said. You tend to complain a little less after youve had to answer the phone and tell 300 people they couldnt pay their water bill.

Even now, Spradling said, officials will go to pull an old report or address record  only to find it isnt there.

___

Tucker reported from Washington.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Around 1,000 protesters in Hungary's capital on Monday demanded answers to allegations that the country's right-wing government used powerful spyware to secretly monitor critical journalists, lawyers and business figures.

The protest march, which departed from a building that housed the secret police of Hungarys communist and fascist regimes in the 20th century, came more than a week after a global investigation suggested that the digital devices of around 300 individuals had been targeted by the spyware in the Central European country  including at least 10 lawyers and five journalists.

This scandal shows we cannot talk about the rule of law anymore in Hungary, said Anna Donath, a Hungarian lawmaker in the European Union's legislature who attended the demonstration. Our demand is the resignation of the government."

The Pegasus malware, produced by Israeli hacker-for-hire outfit NSO Group, infiltrates phones to collect personal data and location information, and can surreptitiously control the smartphones microphones and cameras. In the case of journalists, hackers can spy on reporters communications with sources.

Since the publication of the investigation's results, Hungarian investigative journalism outlet Direkt36 released its findings that the president of the Hungarian Bar Association, a former state secretary and an opposition mayor were also targeted with the spyware.

Officials have declined to confirm or deny whether the government used the Pegasus software, but have maintained that all secret surveillance activities are conducted in accordance with Hungarian law.

Speaking in Brussels last week, Justice Minister Judit Varga wouldn't say whether Hungary had purchased the spyware, but told reporters that every country needs such tools.

Its an illusion if anyone tries to make an issue out of it, Varga said.

Monday's protest was hosted by several opposition political parties that have allied to challenge hard-line Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his ruling Fidesz party in elections next year.

Last week, three opposition members of Hungarys parliamentary national security committee called for an emergency session to question government agencies on their potential involvement in the spying.

But on Monday, Fidesz members of the committee, representing the majority of seats, boycotted the session, preventing questioning of Interior Minister Sandor Pinter.

I look at this as a confession on their part that they have something to hide here, committee chairman Janos Stummer, of the right-wing Jobbik party, told The Associated Press.

Stummer said the opposition members of the committee would use all available means to determine whether Hungary's government had purchased the spyware, and to find out if it had unlawfully targeted its political opponents.

One week later they're still saying its fake news, and they expect this scandal will die down and go quiet. The way I see it, there will certainly be a continuation of this, Stummer said.

Gyorgy Ujlaki, 45, walked with Monday's protest march to the Fidesz party headquarters near Budapest's expansive city park.

"I found this outrageous. It is just a new phase of Orban's system which in the last 11 years has systematically dismantled the rule of law," he said.

"The correct thing for them to do would have been not spy on their political opponents, but now the best thing they can do is resign."
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indianas attorney general asked the state Supreme Court on Monday to stall Republican Gov. Eric Holcombs lawsuit challenging the increased power state legislators gave themselves to intervene during public health emergencies following conservative objections to his COVID-19 actions.

The court filings come three weeks after a Marion County judge ruled against arguments from Republican Attorney General Todd Rokitas office that he alone has the legal authority to represent the state in court and can decide whether the new law is allowed under the state constitution.

The attorney generals office's petition to the Supreme Court renews arguments that the governors lawsuit shouldnt be allowed to proceed because the Legislature technically is still in session despite concluding its regular business for the year in April. Marion County Judge Patrick Dietrick rejected putting off the case for that reason, which could prevent any court action until spring.

Holcombs lawsuit argues that the law passed this year over his veto by the Republican-dominated Legislature is unconstitutional because it gives lawmakers a new power to call themselves into a special legislative emergency session during statewide emergencies declared by the governor.

Holcomb and some legal experts maintain the state constitution allows only the governor to call the Legislature into special session after its annual session ends.

The attorney generals petition centers on the constitutions prohibition on legislators being subject to civil court action during General Assembly sessions, which typically would have formally adjourned this year in late April. The Legislature, however, remains legally in session awaiting meetings to vote on the redrawing of congressional and legislative election districts because of delays in receiving census data for that work.

The Marion County judge ruled such legislative immunity didnt apply because the issue was a separation of powers dispute between the governments executive and legislative branches.

Indiana University law professor Joel Schumm, who believes the emergency session law violates the state constitution, said he considered Rokitas appeal a longshot and disagreed with his arguments that allowing the lawsuit to proceed would subject lawmakers to extreme hardship.

There is no hardship at all, Schumm said. They are at home in their districts while the attorney general litigates a legal issue on their behalf.

Rokita, a past Holcomb political rival whos positioned himself as a combative conservative, described both the governors lawsuit and the Marion County judges ruling as violating the publics constitutional protections.

Allowing the Governors lawsuit to continue confers power on the judiciary, the branch of government that, by design, is least representative of the people, Rokita said in a statement. This power grab by the Governor and the authority it would give to the courts to interfere with political decisions should scare us all.
SALISBURY, Md. (AP)  Three fires just days apart at homes on the same street on the Eastern Shore were set intentionally, Maryland fire investigators said.

The first fire broke out Wednesday on Nokomis Avenue in Salisbury and two more broke out Friday night at two homes just a few doors away, the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office said. Neighbors spotted all three blazes and alerted the fire department.
SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP)  A suburban Kansas City summer camp has been shut down after eight COVID-19 cases were reported, and hospitals were raising alarms about a rise in infected patients.

The Kansas City Star reports that the camp, which was put on by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, was held at Clear Creek Elementary School in Shawnee. The county health department said masks were only recommended, not required, and many children didn't wear them.
BOSTON (AP)  A Massachusetts man was sentenced Monday to more than five years in prison for his role in a wide-ranging heroin trafficking conspiracy that distributed large quantities of the drug on Cape Cod and in Rhode Island, federal prosecutors said.

Eric Brando, 29, of Barnstable, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Boston to five years and six months behind bars and six years of probation, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office.
NEW YORK (AP)  NBC has chosen not to engage in debate following complaints from China over the weekend about how the network depicted the country's map when its athletes marched during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.

Relations between the network and China are worth watching, however, since NBC Universal is set to broadcast and stream the 2022 Winter Games from the host city of Beijing.

Onscreen graphics during the ceremony depicted maps of each country as the athletes marched, yet some in China expressed anger that the map did not include the island of Taiwan or several islands in the South China Sea where there are disputes over territorial control.

NBC's use of an "incomplete map" of China had a "very bad influence and harmed the dignity and emotions of the Chinese people, China's consulate general's office in New York said in a statement.

The People's Daily, the ruling Communist Party's mouthpiece in China, released a similar statement and showed its own map with the disputed territories included.

The fate of Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province while the country views itself as a sovereign nation, has been an issue for decades.

NBC declined to comment about the Chinese statements.

China has become increasingly touchy about any perceived slight to its national image, dignity or territorial integrity. Much of it comes through online messages on nationalistic state media, but diplomats are becoming more outspoken, saying that as the world's second-largest economy, China can't be pushed around.

The complaints from China are not surprising given that leader Xi Jinping has taken a robust stance on anything he views as affecting the country's dignity, said Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies.

"As long as Xi remains in power, Beijing will insist on media companies that want to operate in China to adhere to the narrative Beijing projects, particularly on sensitive issues like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, Tsang said. Reporting for the Winter Olympics in China is likely to be subjected to such pressure. The question is how Western media will respond."

NBC has been smart not to comment, Tsang sang. Whether the pressure continues for the Winter Olympics will likely depend on how other media organizations respond.

If NBC is left on its own, Beijing will fall on it like a ton of bricks, he said. But if it can get all major media to work together, Beijing may not push it so hard after all.

___

Associated Press writer Christopher Bodeen in Beijing contributed to this report.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Ohio doesn't plan to mandate masks in schools this fall, but health officials strongly recommend students and staff wear face coverings if they aren't vaccinated against COVID-19, the state Department of Health's chief medical officer said Monday.

That and other recommended steps are essential to protecting children and ensuring a successful school year as students return to classrooms, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  Health officials in Oregons most populous county said Monday they strongly recommend that people wear masks in all indoor public spaces regardless of vaccine status.

Multnomah County officials said in news release that the advisory was issued in response to COVID-19 cases increasing largely because of the highly-contagious delta variant. Portland is in Multnomah County.
ISLAMABAD (AP)  Dozens of Afghan soldiers slipped across the border into northwestern Pakistan, the Pakistani army said Monday. The Afghan troops were fleeing after their border post was overrun, apparently by the Taliban.

The statement said 46 members of the Afghan forces, including five officers, crossed the border late Sunday near the Pakistani border town of Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Afghan soldiers "have been provided food, shelter and necessary medical care as per established military norms," the Pakistani army said, adding that it had informed Afghan authorities of the development.

The Afghan government denied Monday its troops crossed into Pakistan.

This issue is not true. No Afghan military personnel have taken refuge in Pakistan, the sensitivity that all Afghans have against Pakistan and especially our military, is clear to all, said Gen. Ajmal Omer Shinwari, spokesman for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. He made the statement at a press conference in the Afghan capital Kabul.

But early on Tuesday, Pakistan's military distributed a video of Afghan soldiers in uniform being greeted by Pakistani troops. An accompanying statement read: The said soldiers have now been amicably returned to Afghan authorities on their request along with their weapons and equipment. Pakistan will continue to extend all kinds of support to our Afghan brethren in time of need.

Neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan provided information about fighting on the Afghan side of the border. Pakistan's military dismissed the Afghan denial.

The Taliban have swiftly captured territory in recent weeks in Afghanistan, and seized strategic border crossings with several neighboring countries. They are also threatening a number of provincial capitals  advances that come as the last U.S. and NATO soldiers complete their final withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The insurgents are said to now control about half of Afghanistans 419 district centers. The rapid fall of districts and the seemingly disheartened response by Afghan government forces have prompted U.S.-allied warlords to resurrect militias with a violent history.

For many Afghans weary of more than four decades of wars and conflict, fears are rising of another brutal civil war as American and NATO troops leave the country.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan  long fraught with suspicion and deep mistrust  deteriorated further when the Taliban overran the Afghan border town of Spin Boldak earlier this month. Taliban fighters at the time were seen receiving medical treatment in a Pakistani hospital in the town of Chaman, across the border from Spin Boldak.

Afghan officials have accused Islamabad of providing sanctuary to the Taliban as Afghan forces battle to retake Spin Boldak. The U.S. last week carried out airstrikes in support of Afghan troops in the southern city of Kandahar, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Spin Boldak.

Also this month, Kabul recalled its ambassador and other diplomats from Islamabad after the 26-year-old daughter of Afghanistan's ambassador was brutally attacked in the Pakistani capital. Pakistan still hosts about 2 million Afghans as refugees from decades of war in their homeland.

The Taliban surge gained speed after President Joe Biden announced in mid-April that the last American and NATO troops would soon leave Afghanistan. The 2,500-3,500 American soldiers and 7,000 NATO allies have mostly left the country at this point, with the few remaining soldiers to be gone by Aug. 31.

Pakistan has dismissed allegations of aiding the Taliban, and points out that it succeeded in pressuring the insurgents into peace talks last year. For its part, Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring the Pakistani Taliban, a militant group separate from the Afghan Taliban that has stepped up attacks on the Pakistani military.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  A plane carrying Turkeys defense minister and other top military officials was forced to make an emergency landing on Monday after it hit a bird, the state-run news agency reported.

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, the chief of military staff, Gen. Yasar Guler and Gen. Umit Dundar, the land forces commander, were returning to the capital Ankara from an airbase in Gaziantep, near the border with Syria, after inspecting troops in the region, Anadolu Agency reported.
SEATTLE (AP)  Authorities say three people were killed and five others injured during a series of shootings early Sunday in Seattle.

KOMO reports that Sunday evening, police said two people were arrested in connection with one of the shooting scenes, with a suspect expected to face a homicide charge and another suspect for unlawful discharge of a weapon.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  Las Vegas police are investigating the fatal shooting of a dog at the hands of another dog owner.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the shooting happened Sunday morning in a central Las Vegas neighborhood.
BOSTON (AP)  Rachael Rollins, who has pushed for progressive criminal justice reforms as the first woman of color to serve as a district attorney in Massachusetts, has been nominated by President Joe Biden to become the state's top federal prosecutor.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Rollins, who has led the Suffolk County district attorneys office since 2019, would become the first Black woman to serve as U.S. attorney for Massachusetts.

Rollins defeated the district attorney candidate backed by the longtime incumbent and police groups in the 2018 Democratic primary on a promise to decline prosecution for certain low-level crimes. She argued people shouldnt be jailed for crimes that result from mental health or addiction problems and said she wanted to focus her attention on serious crimes, like homicides.

Rollins' office said in an emailed statement that she is incredibly humbled by the nomination and remains focused on doing the hard work of keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.

Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, who recommended Rollins for the job, said they are certain that she will be a tremendous U.S. attorney" and pledged to work to make sure she's confirmed as quickly as possible.

District Attorney Rollins is a national leader on transforming the criminal justice system and shifting away from an approach based on punishment and penalization to one that combats the root causes of injustice, whether it be poverty, substance use, or racial disparity," they said in an emailed statement.

As the top prosecutor for Boston and surrounding communities, Rollins has been outspoken about the need for police reform in the wake of high-profile killings of people of color by law enforcement across the U.S. In an interview with The Associated Press in April, she said the country must do away with the misconception that questioning the police or suggesting ways they can improve means you dont back the blue.

The police have an incredibly hard job, and believe me, I know there are violent people that harm community and police but thats not all of us. So we have to acknowledge that its not working and we have to sit together to come up with solutions, but its urgent, Rollins said at the time. Im afraid, Im exhausted and Im the chief law enforcement officer so imagine what other people feel like, she said.

Rollins has also sparred with Bostons largest police union, which accused her last summer of inciting violence against law enforcement after she tweeted: We are being murdered at will by the police ... No more words. Demand action. Rollins rebuffed the unions criticism, saying on Twitter, White fragility is real people.

In one high-profile Boston case, she moved to overturn the remaining firearm conviction for a man who spent more than 20 years in prison for the killing of a police officer before his murder conviction was overturned. Rollins' said the case of Sean Ellis, whose fight to prove his innocence was documented in the Netflix series Trial 4," was tainted by significant and egregious police corruption and prosecutorial misconduct.

Rollins has also pledged to vacate drug convictions for potentially tens of thousands of defendants whose cases are tied to a troubled former state drug testing lab. Two chemists who worked there, Annie Dookhan and Sonja Farak, were convicted of tampering with evidence. Thousands of convictions across the state have already been tossed because of their misconduct.

As district attorney, Rollins has also vowed to push to end mandatory life-without-parole sentences for those who committed killings between the ages of 18 and 20. Such punishments are already outlawed in Massachusetts for juveniles. She said in an interview with the AP last month that she would ask the state's highest court to rule that people who commit killings as young adults a special sentencing hearing to consider their youth before punishments can be handed down.

We are going to move now to make sure that overwhelmingly Black and brown men arent disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system, Rollins told the AP. Were going to do whats right and at least have them have more hope and opportunity  to believe that they can change after 10, 15, 20 or so years.

Rollins, who used to work as an assistant U.S. attorney in Massachusetts, would be just the second woman to head the state's federal prosecutors' office. Carmen Ortiz became the first woman and the first Hispanic to serve as U.S. attorney for Massachusetts in 2009.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP)  A Clark County, Washington, sheriffs detective who was fatally shot Friday was promoted to honorary sergeant Monday.

I know how much he wanted that, Clark County Sheriff Chuck said at a news conference, recalling conversations he had with Jeremy Brown, 46, about his career ambitions at the sheriffs office.

The Columbian reports that Brown  a 15-year veteran of the sheriffs office and detective with the Clark-Vancouver Drug Task Force  was fatally shot Friday evening while conducting surveillance on a group of people at an east Vancouver apartment complex.

Atkins described Browns quick smile and how he prioritized his family, faith and friends, in addition to the job. He called Brown a man I so admired.

He is survived by five adult children and a wife.

Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said in a statement Monday that Brown's life was taken tragically, and the deep loss felt by so many defies words.

Brown had been with the regional drug task force since 2017. He previously worked as a corrections deputy and patrol deputy with the sheriffs office. Before that, he served with the Washington State Department of Corrections and as a reserve officer with the Missoula County Sheriffs Office in Montana.

He was a military police officer in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1993 to 1995.

All 3 suspects in the killing of the detective are in custody.

Court documents said the suspects, Misty May Raya, Abran Raya-Leon and Guillermo Raya  were under surveillance by law enforcement, including Brown.

Misty Raya, who was arrested on multiple burglary and theft charges, appeared in court Monday. Her bail is set at $1 million.

She and Abran Raya-Leon were arrested hours after the shooting that took the life of the 46-year-old detective.

Guillermo Raya was arrested in Salem on Sunday. KOIN reports he is awaiting extradition to face a first-degree murder charge in Clark County.
MILTON, Fla. (AP)  A pilot brought his small plane down on the shoulder of Interstate 10 after running out of fuel, officials said.

No one was injured when the planed made an emergency landing around 7:30 p.m. Sunday near Milton in Florida's Panhandle, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release.
SEATTLE (AP)  Authorities in Seattle are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in the Lake City neighborhood on Sunday  the fourth gun homicide in the city in 24 hours.

Seattle police spokesperson Valerie Carson said witnesses saw the victim returning to his apartment when a vehicle pulled up and multiple people opened fire. Earlier Sunday, shootings over three hours in four Seattle neighborhoods left three dead and five injured, The Seattle Times reported.

The shootings continue an ongoing uptick in gun violence thats already killed or wounded more than 200 people in King County this year. The unrelated shootings Sunday happened in the Belltown, Pioneer Square, Chinatown International District and Capitol Hill neighborhoods.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said in a statement that Sundays shootings were part of a national epidemic in which more than 900 shootings happened just last week in cities across the country.

At a Monday news conference the mayor called the violence unacceptable.

Tackling gun violence has no easy solutions," Durkan said. This level of gun violence in Seattle and our country cannot become our new normal, which is why we are moving forward with a multi-prong strategy in our region to take guns off the street, invest in community-led solutions, create a comprehensive support system for young people at risk of gun violence, and appropriately hold individuals accountable for acts of violence.

Last week, Durkan and other city officials said they plan to create an additional response unit for 911 calls that dont require typical, armed police officers. She and Interim Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz also have announced $10.4 million toward resources for violence prevention and $2 million for a King County pilot program that approaches gun violence from a public health perspective.

The police chief on Monday said officers are struggling to handle the increase in gun violence because the Seattle Police Department has 115 fewer patrol officers and 38 fewer detectives than a year ago. About 270 officers had left the department over the past 18 months as of June in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and social unrest.

That has resulted in officers multiple times a week only able to respond to calls that take top priority, he said.

I need more officers, Diaz said at the news conference, adding, however, that police can't do everything.

He urged legal gun owners to make sure their weapons cant be stolen and asked everyone to encourage friends and family to put down their weapons and find other ways to address concerns and resolve their issues.

Make no mistake, this is a gun violence crisis, he said. "This is something we all need to do together.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  The state and a New Hampshire police sergeant have reached a plea agreement on charges in connection with a nearly 9-year-old vehicle pursuit that calls for community service and a guilty plea to a speeding violation.

Police said Michael Verrocchi, was off-duty and accused of failing to stop for a police officer on Route 28 in November 2012. Police said he fled and engaged in a pursuit over two miles during which he ran a red light and avoided spike strips. Verrocchi also was accused of disobeying an officer, a misdemeanor.
BAMAKO, Mali (AP)  A man detained for attempting to stab Mali's transitional president last week has died in a hospital while in custody, the government said.

The attempted stabbing of Col. Assimi Goita was on July 20 at a public ceremony at the Great Mosque in the capital, Bamako, to celebrate the Muslim holiday of sacrifice, Eid al-Adha. Goita, a special forces colonel who staged two coups within nine months and is now Mali's transitional leader, was unharmed in the attack.

Suspects were detained and an investigation into the attack was opened.

The perpetrator was immediately apprehended by the security services. During the investigations ... his state of health deteriorated, according to a government statement issued Sunday.

The suspect was admitted to the hospital where he died, the government said, adding that an investigation into the cause of his death will be carried out.

After the two coups, Mali is currently in a fragile transition process to take the country to democratic elections next year. Attacks by jihadist groups in northern and central Mali are making security even more unstable in the capital.

Goita grabbed power in August 2020 by overthrowing Malis democratically elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who had only served two years of his five-year term after being re-elected in 2018. Goita eventually agreed to a transitional government led by a civilian president, Bah NDaw, and a prime minister. Goita served as transitional vice president. Then, on May 24 Goita ousted those civilian leaders after they announced a Cabinet reshuffle that sidelined two junta supporters without consulting him.

Goita was then sworn in as president of the transitional government in June. He has pledged to keep the country on track to return to civilian rule with an election in February 2022.
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  A video showing a Montana man confronting Tucker Carlson is circulating widely on social media after the man called the Fox News host the worst human being known to mankind.

The video posted Friday shows Dan Bailey talking closely to Carlson inside a Montana fly fishing shop. Carlson can be heard in the video saying, I appreciate that and Im not going to debate.

In a social media post with the video, Bailey accused Carlson of spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccinations and supporting extreme racism.

A Fox News spokesperson said in a statement that Bailey had ambushed the Tucker Carlson Tonight host while he was in the Livingston store with his family, calling it inexcusable.

No public figure should be accosted regardless of their political persuasion or beliefs simply due to the intolerance of another point of view, the statement says.

On his program, Carlson has repeatedly questioned the COVID-19 vaccine, even as other Fox News hosts have recently encouraged viewers to get vaccinated. Carlson has previously refused to respond when asked if he is vaccinated.

Last week, he did say that were not saying there is no benefit to the vaccine. ... We never encouraged anyone to take or not to take the vaccine. Obviously, were not doctors.

The fly fishing store where the confrontation occurred said workers treat every customer equally and respectfully."

Our staff was professional and cordial to Mr. Carlson, as we are with all of our customers, Dan Baileys Outdoor Company said on its Facebook page.

While they share a name, the man who posted the video that's been viewed millions of times has no affiliation with our business, other than share the same name as our founder, who passed away in 1982, the shop said.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting conflict-ridden and impoverished countries much worse this year than in 2020, with many facing higher caseloads and rising deaths, the U.N.s deputy humanitarian chief warned Monday.

Ramesh Rajasingham said in a closed briefing to the U.N. Security Council that these surges are being fueled by a lack of access to vaccines, an easing of public health measures, increased social mixing, and the spread of the delta variant to at least 124 countries, including 17 fragile and conflict-affected nations.

This pandemic is far from over, he said. We are arguably in one of the most dangerous periods for the poorest people on our planet.

In his briefing obtained by The Associated Press, Rajasingham said that so far in 2021 almost three-quarters of countries needing humanitarian aid have recorded more cases or deaths than in all of 2020. And in over one-third of those countries, he added, at least three times more cases or deaths have been recorded this year compared to last.

He called these numbers just the tip of the iceberg, saying that testing capabilities in many of these countries are inadequate so the U.N. doesnt have a true sense of the actual scale of the crisis.

Today, we have a two-track pandemic -- one trajectory for the rich world, and one for the poor -- characterized by dramatic differences in vaccine availability, infection rates and the ability to provide policy support, he said.

Rajasingham urged the international community to respond by ensuring that the poorest countries have access to protective equipment, oxygen, testing kits and other critical supplies. To tackle the pandemic and the worsening impact on the poorest people, he said, the global humanitarian system is appealing for $36 billion to help 161 million people.

Rajasingham said fragile and conflict-affected countries also must have access to vaccines. To date, he said, 80 million vaccine doses have been delivered to countries where the U.N. has appealed for humanitarian assistance.

The World Health Organization has set a goal of vaccinating 10% of the population of every country by September, he said. Rajasingham said to meet that goal, the U.N. estimates countries needing humanitarian assistance will require 162 million additional doses.

The U.N. anticipates more vaccine doses becoming available in the second half of 2021, but Rajasingham said vaccines alone are no enough.

He urged international support to enable the delivery of vaccines in impoverished and conflict-torn countries before their expiration date, saying this must include recruiting and training health workers and putting in place logistics and security to reach remote locations and people living in regions controlled by armed groups.

Vaccine doses are essentially useless without effective delivery systems, he said.

Almost half of the countries with humanitarian appeals have administered less than 50% of the doses delivered to them, Rajasingham said. For example, in South Sudan, vaccines could not be administered because funding was not available for the rollout.

The Security Council was meeting to discuss implementation of a resolution adopted in February that demanded a sustained humanitarian pause in all conflict areas to enable access to vaccines. It also called for equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines in armed conflict situations, post-conflict situations, and complex humanitarian emergencies.

Since its adoption, Rajasingham said, the most fragile countries have not received sufficient quantities of vaccines or help.

To date, the level of effort to end this pandemic has been inadequate, he said. More must be done.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Five U.N. peacekeepers were injured in an attack using an improvised explosive device in Mali's restive north Monday, the United Nations said.

U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said a quick reaction force was immediately sent to the site in Aguelhok in the Kidal region and the wounded peacekeepers were taken to a hospital.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The United Nations has decided to let world leaders attend their annual gathering at the U.N. General Assembly in September in person -- or deliver pre-recorded speeches if COVID-19 restrictions prevent them from traveling.

General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir, a strong supporter of in-person meetings, said in a note from his office to the 193 U.N. member nations circulated Monday that significant efforts have been made to ensure that the U.N. is able to host an in-person high-level week from Sept. 21-30.

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic kept world leaders from coming to New York for their annual meeting for the first time in the 75-year history of the United Nations. Instead, pre-recorded speeches from leaders were shown in the General Assembly Hall, introduced by a single diplomat from each country.

This year, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters Monday it will be a hybrid set-up with some leaders delivering their speeches in person in the assembly chamber and some video statements.

Bozkirs office said the assembly president worked closely with member states and the U.N. system to ensure that high-level week could benefit from in-person diplomacy among leaders.

As the situation for COVID-19 has improved in New York, Bozkir has allowed the number of delegates in the General Assembly Hall to increase from one to two, and for the high-level week a speaker plus three delegates will be allowed in the vast chamber, according to the note.

The 193 member nations will now be able to determine their level of representation at the high-level meeting, known officially as the general debate, it said.

To ensure that all member states have an equal opportunity to participate in high-level week the option for member states to send a pre-recorded video statement was included if delegations are unable to travel due to ongoing COVID-related concerns, Bozkirs office said. This option is not intended to replace in-person attendance but rather provide delegations with an alternative means to attend that is mindful of the disparity in the implications of the pandemic on delegations, including due to the matter of vaccine equity.

There has been growing pressure from some countries whose leaders want to come to New York to have an in-person meeting, but presidents, prime ministers and monarchs travel with large delegations which became an issue in terms of the number of people allowed into U.N. headquarters.

During high-level weeks, there are usually thousands of people in the U.N. complex and hundreds of side events. The note makes no mention of where or whether side events will take place. U.N. diplomats expect almost all to be held away from the U.N. headquarters complex.

But Bozkirs office said in the note that visiting dignitaries will be able to hold bilateral meetings as usual in booths set up annually at headquarters.
BALTIMORE (AP)  Colleges and universities in Maryland are adjusting computer software and hiring additional staff in an effort to manage vaccination records for COVID-19 ahead of the fall semester.

The Baltimore Sun reported Monday that administrators are devising plans to verify compliance with vaccine mandates and to process applications for an exemption.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP)  The National Science Foundation has awarded more than $150,000 for ecology research at West Virginia University to study the interaction of trees and soil water in the Amazon rainforest.

The $152,649 in funding was announced last week by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)  Maine officials cautioned on Monday that air quality will be worse than typical in the early part of this week due to smoke from fires elsewhere in the U.S. and Canada.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection said particle pollution concentrations started to rise in the state's western mountains earlier in the day Monday than expected. The department said levels were expected to keep rising through the day from northwest to southeast.
ARENA, Wis. (AP)  The words are about soil, tools and cows.

There is talk of family and friends, chores at dawn, walks along a creek.

Daniel Smiths poetry also tells the stories of the physical and emotional pain of farming, a profession, lifestyle and calling he gave up in 2008. Only the pages of his new book, Ancestral, go beyond his own personal experiences of financial strife, a wrecked shoulder and grown children who have chosen other paths. Smith sold off his dairy herd, moved off land owned for decades by his family and began anew.

The 99 pages published in hard cover by Waters Edge Press in Sheboygan includes collections of hardships gathered over three years when he worked as a farm financial counselor for the state Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection. Smith traveled the state, sitting at kitchen tables, standing in barns, leaning on fences listening, empathizing and offering advice drawn from his past, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

Some operations could be saved. A few farmers only needed an ear for reassurance they were on the right track. Most, however, were doomed with overwhelming debt, their equity having gradually vanished. Depression was prolific. Suicides were on the rise.

When Smith began farming full time in 1978, Wisconsin had 47,700 dairy farms. Today, there are about 6,000, and the number continues to decline while milk production rises with the growth of farms with thousands of cows and milking assembly lines that never pause.

This is the story of the Wisconsin dairy industry, Smith said. Theres a story of pain and decision-making and process that every one of those 41,000 dairy farms weve lost since 1978 went through. Im trying (with poetry) to reach both the farming and the non-farming audience. This is a social, economic and cultural impact that Wisconsin needs to deal with. Because the result has not been felt in the grocery store. Losing those 41,000 family dairy farms had a tremendous impact on local schools, school boards, the town board, the co-op board. Theres just fewer people in those areas.

Smith will begin ramping up his promotion of the book later this summer and into the fall. One event will be a 3 p.m. reading and signing Aug. 22 at Arcadia Books in downtown Spring Green. The events will allow Smith to better contextualize his writings, answer questions and likely hear more stories of farms lost, lives changed.

Just today I felt myself fall out of love with this land, Smith wrote in his poem Dry Dirt, 80 pages into his book. How many times can a man kick dirt, swear it has never been so dry. Now I drop decades of tending crops and cattle into a heap out back, pull the year shut like one would an old door on an empty barn.

One of eight children, all of whom went on to get college degrees, Smith grew up on a family dairy farm just north of Freeport, Illinois. He graduated in 1978 from UW-Madison, where he met his wife, Cheryl, who grew up in a suburb of Cleveland. They returned to the farm, where Dan farmed, Cheryl taught kindergarten and first grade, and they raised three boys who as men all graduated from UW-Madison but veered away from agriculture. Ryan is a facial reconstruction surgeon in Chicago, Levi an attorney in Minnesota, and Austin, the oldest, teaches writing and poetry at Stanford University.

After college, Daniel Smith farmed with his father for 20 years, and after his dad retired farmed on his own for about 10 years. Smith, now 67, never missed a milking from 1999 to 2007, something he regrets. When Smith fell through the rotted floor of a hay wagon and injured his shoulder, he realized something had to change.

Sometimes it takes a slap in the face, Smith said. We didnt go anywhere. It was pretty stupid.

Thats when Smith made the difficult decision to sell his 150-head herd, auction off equipment and sell the farm. In 2008, he and Cheryl moved to a 22-acre farm southeast of Arena and just west of Blue Mounds Creek. Their property along Knight Hollow Road includes a home built in 1992 out of logs from Canada and filled with memories from their days in northern Illinois. Across the road sits Smiths 1951 Farmall tractor and a collection of tools, some of which hang in a former chicken coop turned tool shed. Others, including a 60-pound anvil, are in the lower level of a small barn, its use for farm animals and hay and grain storage long past like so many others around the state.

Ive hauled my fathers anvil due north up out of the black Illinois farm ground he and I worked, decades our home, Smith wrote in Anvil, the second poem in the book. Set down sixty pounds onto the floor of this old barn, new only to me. All around, our bewildered tools hang in the strange light of the cracked windowpane ... At my feet, my fathers anvil, his striking song of steel on steel still hammering home.

Above the barns lower level is where Smith has a writing desk in a remodeled area with views of pasture and a hay field. Theres space on the desks surface for his laptop but also an old corn machete and a hunk of iron with slots  now used as a bookend  which was designed to decouple chains back on the Illinois farm. Smith began writing in high school and while in college had a poem, Ode, about his father, published in 1977 in the Ocooch Mountain News, a now-defunct monthly newspaper out of La Farge. Twenty years later that same poem was part of Smiths first book, Home Land.

The Smiths, who share their home with their dog, Jax, a rescued mix of black Lab and shar-pei, call the Driftless Area home now. The family farm in Illinois was sold to a doctor, who for a while raised goats and used some of the buildings for boat and camper storage. Some of the silos have been removed and housing projects have been eating away at land once tilled or used as pasture. The 1851 farmhouse he grew up in with his seven siblings is relatively quiet.

It bothers me a lot, Smith said. The economic, social and cultural impacts of farming are very complex. I think going through all of that and having experienced the emotional turbulence of that really helped me write about it and writing helped me deal with it.

With time on his hands after the move north, Smith began volunteering with DATCAP as a counselor, meeting with farmers, and in short time was hired full time. He took a job in 2011 to become CEO of Midwestern BioAg in Blue Mounds and guide it through a succession plan but returned to DATCAP in 2013 to serve as administrator of the Division of Agricultural Development. Since 2018, Smith has been president and CEO of the Cooperative Network, directing daily operations of a trade association that represents 250 cooperatives in 12 business sectors in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The turmoil of farming remains with Smith, but he says he feels and looks younger than when he stopped milking, plowing and harvesting 13 years ago. Near his home, there are barns unused, the village of Dover is a ghost town, an old one-room schoolhouse has been vacant for years at highways K and 14, while in Arena the elementary school has been shuttered, all casualties of the changing small-farm economy that continues to dwindle while struggling to evolve.

That stress really gets to people over a long period of time. It wore my dad out just trying to keep the farm going and he had the next generation coming on, Smith said. So what Ive really tried to do with Ancestral is talk about the history and the heritage of the family farm and show both the good and the bad.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The Republican head of the Wisconsin Assembly elections committee said Monday she will ensure there is a comprehensive, forensic examination of ballots cast in the 2020 presidential election at the same time the state's nonpartisan audit bureau conducts a review.

The broadened investigation comes amid pressure from former President Donald Trump and other national Republicans to take a closer look in Wisconsin, a state President Joe Biden won by just over 20,000 votes. There is no evidence of widespread fraud and courts rejected numerous lawsuits filed by Trump and his allies attempting to overturn the outcome. Democrats have derided calls for more investigations as feeding into conspiracy theories and lies that Trump actually won the state.

One of the loudest critics of how the election was run is Rep. Janel Brandtjen, chair of the Assembly elections committee. She said in a statement Monday that her committee will request additional materials to conduct a deeper review.

The committee's investigation is in addition to a review ordered by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, being done by three retired police detectives and overseen by a former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, and the independent review by the audit committee.

Another separate, independent investigation is being done by several individuals convinced there was widespread fraud in Wisconsin, despite no evidence. That effort is being led by Peter Bernegger, who was convicted of mail fraud and bank fraud in federal court in Mississippi in 2009.

The type of probe Brandtjen describes mirrors a widely discredited audit done in Arizona. Brandtjen and three other Wisconsin Republicans traveled to Arizona last month to observe that review.

The people of Wisconsin deserve to know the truth about the 2020 election, Brandtjen said in a statement. She said her committee will look into broader issues that have been raised in the most transparent and coordinated way possible.

Trump's loss to Biden in Wisconsin withstood a partial recount ordered by Trump in Milwaukee and Dane counties, the two most heavily Democratic counties.

The Republican-controlled Legislature subsequently passed bills to make it more difficult to vote absentee in Wisconsin, measures that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers plans to veto.

Trump himself has been putting pressure on Wisconsin Republicans. Last month he called out the three highest ranking Republican legislative leaders, saying they were working hard to cover up election corruption. The Wisconsin Republicans said Trump was misinformed, but they have also facilitated more reviews of the election outcome.

There are almost no documented cases of election fraud in Wisconsin.

Two people have been charged with election fraud, out of more than 3 million votes cast in the state, and prosecutors are still reviewing a handful of other cases that were among 27 forwarded to them by election officials. Similarly, very few potential voter fraud cases have been identified in Arizona where the type of audit envisioned by Brandtjen was done.

Brandtjen repeated concerns raised by Trump and his allies about absentee voting by people who said they were indefinitely confined, which under state law meant they did not have to show a photo ID to obtain their ballot, and about election officials filling in missing information on the envelopes that contained absentee ballots. That practice was done for prior elections under guidance from the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

She also raised concerns about how ballot counting machines work, a longtime GOP talking point. Random audits required under state law, that Republicans pushed for, have not shown any significant issues with the operation of ballot counting machines in Wisconsin.

Voters have made it clear that they want a thorough, cyber-forensic examination of tabulators, ballot marking devices and other election equipment, which I will be helping facilitate, Brandtjen said. IP addresses, chain of custody on ballots and audit trail logs must be thoroughly inspected by cyber-audit technicians in order to provide confidence for voters in our elections, both completed and upcoming.

Democratic state Rep. Mark Spreitzer said Brandtjen was reviving dead conspiracy theories and making up new ones about tabulation machines.

Wisconsin deserves better than right-wing extremists pretending to have insight into elections that they lost, Spreitzer tweeted.
Tetra Images/Getty Images/Tetra images RF

Berkeley Police have reopened the area around the marina, which was closed Sunday evening after a brush fire broke out in McLaughlin Park.

Police said at 8:10 p.m. that West Frontage and University to Marina Blvd. have been re-opened. East Bay Regional Parks officials are still on the scene to make sure there are no flare ups.
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will take another look Tuesday at its 2019 ban on the sale of vaping products that haven't been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, cannabis vaping products and flavored tobacco in unincorporated areas.

In May, the board asked county health officials to come back with information on what's changed since the ban, including updated safety information on new products and updated state and federal regulations. In a staff report for Tuesday's meeting, officials are offering the board four potential options moving forward, ranging from maintaining the current prohibitions on the sale and delivery of flavored cannabis, creating a new ordinance with options to ban flavored options, allowing the devices only for medicinal use and allowing the devices and the flavored options.

Strong winds from the south may blow in some thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday, sparking a higher risk of wildfires in the greater Bay Area, according to the National Weather Service.

Even though the chance of thunderstorms is considered slight, it is enough for the service to issue an alert due to the dry conditions.

The forecast calls for monsoon moisture with gusty, erratic winds beginning Monday morning in Southern California, before moving up the state into the Bay Area by Monday night.

This mid-level moisture will potentially produce scattered rain showers and/or thunderstorms. While some precipitation may reach the ground, there remains the potential for dry lightning.

Berkeley police reopened the area around the marina, which was closed Sunday evening after a brush fire broke out in McLaughlin Park.

Police said at 8:10 p.m. that West Frontage and University to Marina Blvd. were re-opened. East Bay Regional Parks officials remained on the scene to make sure there are no flare ups. Smoke was visible in neighboring cities.

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will decide whether to create an ordinance requiring industrial hemp growers in unincorporated areas to obtain permits from the county, and to establish cultivation standards.

Supervisors will also decide whether to allow industrial hemp cultivation in certain zoning districts with a land use permit.

The county adopted a moratorium on new industrial hemp growing in Nov. 2020, after people living near a handful of East Contra Costa industrial grow sites complained about odor, lights, and other factors.

Stockton Unified's school board is to blame for the constant turnover of superintendents in the school district, according to a grand jury report released Wednesday.

The 2020-21 San Joaquin County Grand Jury launched an investigation into the school district after it received numerous complaints from members of the public and reviewed media accounts of conflicts within the district, according to a press release from the grand jury.

The district has had 14 superintendents -- interim and permanent -- in the last 30 years, according to the Stockton Record. The average tenure has been 19 months. The district has had three superintendents in the last year, according to the newspaper.

The constant change in leadership at the district has made it impossible to increase student achievement in the district, according to the grand jury.

The Lafayette City Council on Monday will hear an appeal of the planning commission's June 7 approval of a dozen townhomes on two vacant parcels on Stuart Street, requiring the removal of 14 trees.

The appeal was filed by Jeffrey and R. Ann Whitehead, the owners of The Child Day Schools, also on Stuart Street. They say the project will eliminate public parking available to their business and the development's driveways will be hazardous to pedestrians walking in the school parking lot. The land is at the east end of downtown, adjacent to Highway 24, on the east side of Stuart Street. The project will consist of three buildings and will include two units of below-market-rate housing, meeting the city's inclusionary housing requirements, according to a staff report.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a 3.4 magnitude earthquake occurred at 6:21 p.m. Sunday in the Mendocino National Forest in Lake County, near its western border with Mendocino County.

The quake was centered at a depth of 1.3 km (.8 miles) about 12 km (7.4 miles) west northwest of Alder Springs and about 200 miles north of San Francisco.

The California Highway Patrol is on the scene of a fatal traffic collision north of Vacaville.

Early reports from the CHP Traffic website indicate the collision involved a Honda Accord that went off the road and into a fence shortly before 2:58 a.m. Monday on Peaceful Glen Road, just west of Timm Road in Solano County. The location is about one mile west of the town of Allendale and State Route 505.

No further details were immediately available.

The National Weather Service forecast for the San Francisco Bay Area calls for sunny to partly cloudy skies Monday, with a slight chance of a thunderstorms beginning about 11 p.m. High temperatures will range from the 60s along the coast to the 70s and 80s around the Bay, with inland valley areas reaching the mid 80s. Overnight lows will be in the 50s.

The chance of a thunderstorms is expected to continue into Tuesday.

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Facebook is moving into a new industry: real estate developer.

The tech giant has plans to start building a village near their headquarters in Menlo Park as soon as next year, but the company is balking at suggestions that they're making their own "city."

"There's been a lot of uneducated headlines about 'new cities' and things of that nature," Willow Village spokesperson Adam Alberti told SFGATE. "It's not that big. It's not a city; it's a mixed-use project that connects the existing campus to the neighborhood."

It's true that Willow Village  planned to cover 1.6 million square feet at the current site of an industrial warehouse complex  is smaller than your average city, and will not be incorporated, but the site will include a supermarket, a pharmacy, cafes, a 193-room hotel and a "town square." Surrounding the site will be 1.25 million square-feet of new Facebook office space and 1,729 apartments.

Facebook

This kind of venture would have been called a "company town" a century ago  i.e. a settlement where all stores and housing are owned by one company, which also serves as the main employer. Those midcentury company towns became a symbol of the overreach of American capitalism. Many of the "utopian" settlements are seen as exploitative and controlling, with residents' lives at the mercy of the corporation. After their decrease in popularity, and the collapse of the companies that built them, many ended up as all but ghost towns.

Facebook prefers to refer to their development as a village, complex or neighborhood extension.

"The 'company town' moniker is cute, but the residential units that are being built there will be open to the public," Alberti said.

"Right now, they're envisioned as being public," he added when pressed on if any of the units will be designated for Facebook employees. "That's not to say Facebook won't lease some."

After Menlo Park city officials pushed back during the comment period last year to make housing a priority, Facebook reworked their plans. The latest footprint has reduced office space and increased housing, and will provide both more affordable housing and housing for seniors. Around 320 of the units will be now be affordable homes versus 225 in the original plan.

The village will border East Palo Alto, a city with a largely Latino population and a median household income of $67,000, a per capita income of $27,000 and a poverty rate of 13.5 percent. Though the exact rental cost of those affordable units was not disclosed, the Willow Village spokesperson told SFGATE that they "will meet or exceed the city of Menlo Parks affordable housing policies."

Facebook

Listening, understanding and delivering the features that our neighbors most want has been central to our process at Willow Village, said Mike Ghielmetti, president of Signature Development Group, the Oakland developers leading the project with Facebook. Balancing jobs and housing, delivering the grocery store, helping manage traffic impacts, providing affordable housing, especially for our seniors, these were the priorities that our neighbors and Menlo Park leaders directly asked us to solve.

The new plans also added a large glass dome housing a "collaborative area" for Facebook workers that leads to a two-acre elevated community park, bearing a striking resemblance to the Salesforce Park in downtown San Francisco or the High Line in New York.

"Raised 30 feet above ground level, the park stretches along an approximately one-quarter-mile long open space overlook with walking and biking trails and landscaping spanning roughly 50 to 80 feet wide," Facebook says. "It will provide views south over Willow Village and Town Square, north to the wetlands and east towards the bay, and feature childrens play areas, shading canopies, and seating."

Facebook

Facebook says the changes, made in response to community concerns, also "reduced traditional office space and number of planned employees onsite by approximately 30 percent."

We have always believed that Willow Village will be most successful through significant collaboration with the community, said John Tenanes, vice president of real estate for Facebook. Our investment in this process is essential to ensuring that Willow Village will serve the whole community  not just at buildout, but over the long term.

Facebook is not the first tech company to move into building mini-towns this year. Google recently got approval to develop "Downtown West," an 80-acre city within a city in downtown San Jose. Meanwhile in Texas, Elon Musk's SpaceX is buying up property in the remote bayside town of Boca Chica on the Rio Grande, to outrage and allegations of bullying from some longtime residents.
The sidewalk in front of Toy Boat cafe bustled with activity Sunday as shoppers lugged bags of produce from the Clement Street Farmers Market and idly chatted over sips of their morning coffee on the bench outside.

But the Rock Em Sock Em Robots in the window of the longstanding ice cream shop appeared a little more lonely than usual.

The Inner Richmond institution was burglarized early Wednesday morning, the latest in a string of attempted break-ins and other property damage that have blighted the small business in the past year. An individual claiming to be a repairman stole three to four dozen vintage toys lining Toy Boats windows last October, just after it had reopened under new ownership as Toy Boat by Jane. Two months later, a general manager of the ice cream shop showed up at work to discover that the front door had been kicked in and the glass was smashed to bits, totaling approximately $9,200 in damages.

This time, the suspect made off with an estimated 16-18 toys, said proprietor Amanda Michael when reached by phone on Sunday afternoon.

"My staff showed up at 7 a.m., and the first thing they noticed was glass all over the floor. They called me to explain what happened, and my heart just sank," she said.

Courtesy of Toy Boat Dessert Cafe/Instagram

While Michael noted the toys weren't particularly valuable from a financial standpoint, she said it's the sentimental value of the loss  not to mention the persistent nature of the thefts  that upset her most.

"It's so frustrating, I don't know whether to laugh or cry," she said. "When you're running a business in San Francisco, you get used to shoplifting or the occasional act of vandalism. But this was disturbing and senseless, and I would be very surprised if it was a coincidence. It's just a little bit creepier because it feels targeted."

Michael said the individual used a BB gun to shoot through one of the square upper windows of the storefront, nearly shattering it altogether, before climbing up a ladder and punching a hole through another window so they could reach in and take the shop's beloved memorabilia, some of which had been donated from customers following the previous theft in October.

The incident occurred just after 1:15 a.m., according to security camera footage.

They stole our big Godzilla, which was one of our best toys here, and a bunch of other little trinkets, said employee Shaye Hesford, who also worked for the shop when it was run by former proprietor Jesse Fink. Its just sad. Why toys, you know? I think people think its easier to steal from a local family-owned business because they dont know if theres cameras here. Its more of a sly kind of theft, and its hard to trace back.

Michael added the windows were replaced on the same day of the incident, costing $1,500 to install.

"Moving forward, I dont know what else we can do. I dont want to run a business with bars on the windows," she said. "But were definitely not replacing those toys  I don't want the same thing to happen again. Its disruptive to the staff and its unsettling to everyone."

However, she doesn't want the theft to overshadow a recent milestone for the ice cream shop. On Friday, Toy Boat celebrated 39 years in business and handed out free ice cream to commemorate the occasion.

"We still plan to continue forging ahead," she said. "One scoop at a time."
On Sunday afternoon, a crowd of about 50 people gathered in front of a gas station at the corner of Market and Castro streets.

They wore skimpy silver outfits, stuffed boa constrictors, schoolgirl getups and shirts touting the reason behind the rally, reading succinctly, Free Britney.

The #FreeBritney movement has gained momentum in recent years as the public has increasingly protested the conservatorship of pop star Britney Spears. In 2008, Spears father, Jamie Spears, was appointed her conservator after she was taken to the hospital twice for involuntary psychiatric evaluations and a string of visible struggles that sparked concern for her physical and mental well-being.

Spears, 39, wants the conservatorship to end immediately, according to confidential court records obtained by the New York Times, which made a documentary about the #FreeBritney movement that garnered international attention.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

In June, Spears made a rare public comment about the conservatorship in a 24-minute statement before a Los Angeles private judge. Her comments were shocking.

I am traumatized, she said during the livestreamed hearing. I just want my life back. She called for the abusive conservatorship to end. She spoke so quickly and urgently, the judge asked her to slow down.

In the statement, Spears said she was forced to continue performing despite wishes not to. She said she cannot remove her IUD despite wanting to have more children.

I deserve to have a life, she said. Ive worked my whole life.

Spears skyrocketed to pop superstardom in 1998 with the release of her album ...Baby One More Time. She has since released seven additional albums, with the most recent one coming out in 2016.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Since the start of her conservatorship in 2008, Spears has performed multiple tours, held a Las Vegas residency, served as a judge on The X Factor and released four albums.

Ive been a big Britney fan since 1998, and I just feel for her, said Lynda Conlan, who attended the Sunday rally, decked out in a Britney shirt and leggings. She was joined by her two sons, 7 and 10, and stressed the importance of their being exposed to the #FreeBritney movement.

They listened to her when they were in my belly! she said. Shes been a huge part of my life and they know that.  I want to teach my kids to just love all, whether its boy or girl music or whatever.

The boys, too, wore Britney shirts proudly. At one point, one held a sign that read, Fk Jaime Spears.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Kristin Turner, a political activist and executive director of Pro Life SF, was also in attendance Sunday. She said the #FreeBritney movement is about more than one persons life, but the problems with conservatorship laws generally.

A lot of my work is advocating for people who dont have a voice or agency over their lives, she said. I just want everyone to know that nobody should be able to unjustly control your body, and you should be able to live your life to the fullest extent.

Sterling Wolper, a dance teacher in San Francisco, is the woman behind San Franciscos #FreeBritney rally.

She said she was inspired to host her own gathering after watching an online rally in Los Angeles.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

I saw nothing was happening in San Francisco, so I started an Instagram page to see if anyone would be willing to show up, she said. They were. The page has more than 590 followers today.

A longtime Spears fan, Wolper, who wore a silver Oops!...I Did It Again-inspired outfit and performed (You Drive Me) Crazy, has organized dance recitals and Miss Pacifica pageants, but nothing quite like the rally.

She, like many of the attendees, stressed that the rally was about much more than Spears.

This is a bigger issue, Wolper said. Millions of Americans are going through conservatorship abuse. Its a womens rights issue, human rights issue, the list goes on.
Scott London

Burning Man has gone from humble roots as a do-it-yourself counterculture gathering on San Francisco's Baker Beach to a global phenomenon. Along the way, it's become a source of parody for the likes of HBO's "Silicon Valley," as well as an inspiration for strikingly similar concepts like Everywhen. And now it's coming to Broadway... kind of.

"Burning Man: The Musical" is the film adaptation of a project that has been in the works for several years and was performed in San Francisco in a table read format in 2019. The writer, Matt Werner, has been a Burning Man attendee since 2015 and drew inspiration from his sister's stories attending the event in the 1990s.
You are now listening to the sounds of the New Generation. A podcast created for those who desire a new way of gaining information rather than reading a traditional newspaper. In our show we will discuss everything from sports, pop culture, politics, and local news. To stay up to date on our latest episodes every week be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast service. And dont worry, we keep it short.
Foreign-born startup founders who have financial backing from U.S. investors finally have an immigration pathway into the U.S. The Biden administration restored the Obama-era program in May, which is now available as an immigration option. There are several requirements to the program, but one of the central requirements of the program relies on investors, who play a crucial role in the overall success of both the program and its applicants.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency that will adjudicate these cases, must have a way to assess the viability of the startup and that assessment will be made through the demonstrable business acumen of the investors. Heres what you need to know:

1. The investors must be American

A "qualified investor" can be a venture capital firm, an angel investor or an accelerator. If the investor is a venture capital firm or an accelerator, the corporate structure of those entities must be controlled by U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The same applies if the investor is an individual, such as an angel investor.

Related: International Entrepreneurs Now Have an Immigration Pathway to the U.S.

2. The entity operating the investment fund must be in the U.S.

The investor organizations must be located in the U.S. This is because the DHS wants reliable records and it wants to ensure there are efficient ways to screen for fraud, and "evaluate more rapidly, precisely, and effectively whether the investors have an established track record." For evidence to demonstrate the location, you will have to provide entity incorporation documents, licenses and more.

3. The investors must demonstrate past success

The application process requires that the qualified investor must have made similar investments in the past. First, there is a timeline. The prior investments must have been made in the past five years. Older investments will not satisfy the requirements.

The investor will also have to prove that total past investments were at least $600,000. Additionally, at least two of the companies that benefited from those investments must have generated at least $500,000 in revenue with an average growth of 20% or created at least five full-time jobs.

Clearly, these requirements will be paper-heavy and require the investor to review their portfolios carefully and gather the necessary documents for the right success stories to demonstrate.

4. Investments need not be cash only

The application process will follow the standard practices in the startup and investment world. As such, investments do not need to be cash only. The program allows investments to be made in other methods commonly used in financing transactions. Convertible notes, which are short-term debt financing methods, are common in the initial funding of startups, for example.

Related: Why Employees Are an Entrepreneur's Best Investment

5. This is an excellent opportunity for investors

Many U.S. investors invest their funds outside the U.S. There are several reasons for that. One reason includes having access to those entrepreneurs who are making groundbreaking discoveries outside the United States. In addition, there are often foreign-born founders in the U.S. who often dont have an appropriate visa to remain here, so any investment in them is a risk.

The International Entrepreneur program expands the horizon of possibilities for U.S. investors, allowing them to participate in innovative new opportunities  some of them breaking ground in ways they hadnt been able to before. And with their financial backing, promising entrepreneurs can now enter or remain in the U.S. to work on that next big idea. It is a win-win.

While Congress works on a Startup Visa bill, the International Entrepreneur Program provides a welcome stopgap. It will help the flow of capital funds, generate new startups, create opportunities to nurture innovative ideas and help the U.S. economy grow with new jobs as we slowly ease our way out of this pandemic.

Related: How to Figure Out If Your Employee Is Worth the Investment

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP)  A popular strip club that once beckoned customers off a busy highway leading into Anchorage is now a church offering salvation  instead of temptation  thanks to a daughter of a former exotic dancer.

Linda Dunegan believes divine intervention played a hand in transforming the building that housed Fantasies on 5th into the start-up Open Door Baptist Church, turning the show floor into a sanctuary and trading the dancers pole with a pulpit.

"This church came about because I prayed for five years, said Dunegan, who tried to buy the building before but walked away  for good, she thought  when she and the owner couldnt come to terms. Then the owner gave a real estate agent a week to sell it and suggested the agent call Dunegan. This time, the deal went through.

God has been very good to me," Dunegan said, to give me a family, a wonderful husband, food on the table, a place to live.

The journey to savvy real estate investor with 19 properties in three states seems implausible for a girl barely surviving on a daily bowl of rice in her native Vietnam.

Dunegan grew up in a small village near the Cambodian border, where most homes were on stilts and the surrounding water was everyones fishing grounds  and toilets.

Her mother and father had an arranged marriage that Dunegan said failed when her mother didn't produce a male heir and was sent back to her village with her two daughters. With no other skills, her mother took a job as a waitress in a bar, where she met an American who would become her husband and help the family flee the war-ravaged country in April 1975 on a military transport when Dunegan was 8.

The family struggled financially and moved around a lot, flitting from Los Angeles to Hawaii, Florida, Arizona and all over the East Coast.

In the early 1980s, her mother and stepfather divorced. Friends encouraged her mother to move to Anchorage, where they said there was good money to be made working as a waitress in the bars filled with oil industry workers.

Once in Alaskas largest city, her mother quickly found out that there was better money to be made dancing at different bars, though Dunegan wasn't sure if Fantasies on 5th was one of them. She and her mother had a falling out recently, and attempts by The Associated Press to contact her for comment were unsuccessful.

As a child, Dunegan said she escaped into literature, reading a book a day. She studied hard, made the National Honor Society and went to college, eventually earning a doctorate. She also had a nearly three decade military career with service in the Air Force and Navy reserves and the Alaska Air National Guard.

Along the way, she married Gerry Dunegan, a longshoreman, and together they built their real estate holdings.

Dunegan's path to devout Christian took root when she was a child in America and a woman at one of the churches they attended ostensibly for the free food decided to take her under her wing.

I was dirty, unsightly, and she took me to Sears. She bought me three dresses, Dunegan said.

I work to pay that back today, she said of the gesture that meant the world to her.

Pastor Kenny Menendez said God called him to start a new church in Anchorage; he just didnt know he and others would have to excavate through the detritus of a strip club to find it.

The electricity was off on his first visit, but cellphone flashlights exposed black and red carpeting, booth seating, private showrooms, poles, a catwalk, a stage, huge bar tables and chairs among the Halloween decorations still displayed after the club abruptly closed a few years ago.

I looked at it as, Yeah, it could be a church, said Menendez, who gave up a career in purchasing at an aerospace industry manufacturing plant in his native Oregon for his first ministry. It just needed a facelift, which included turning a private lap dance room into the youth ministry.

Seventy-six people showed up for the grand opening, some to see what a church inside a former strip club looks like. Now they average about 45 people every Sunday, a decent crowd given its competing with about three dozen or so other Baptist churches in Anchorage.

He also believes the Almighty approves of the work they are doing.

I would say God is pleased to have a change, a transformation in the building, a place that really ultimately points more people towards him instead of away, he said.

He has hopes that the church  which is situated between a marijuana retail store, a sex shop and downtrodden motels  will help improve the neighborhood.

One would hope that, yes, this is the beginning of just putting some light right here, he said.

The church, which will have its first anniversary in October, isnt the only benefactor of the three-story building. Dunegan intends to use the second floor for fundraisers and as a reception rental location, and the third floor as a base for her Childrens Benefit Foundation.

Here, she plans to bridge the gap for Anchorage youth, setting up cultural exchanges for them to visit Vietnam. She also intends to raise funds to help provide medical professionals in Vietnam with needed supplies, with a dream of possibly someday opening a hospital there.

She said in an Air National Guard magazine article that it was her mother who planted that seed in her over two decades ago.

Were starting out small," Dunegan said, "but our heart is big.

___

Associated Press researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report.
ALBANY  The Capital Region in June boasted one the lowest unemployment rates among New Yorks 14 metropolitan areas, according to the state Department of Labor.

The Albany-Schenectady-Troy area had a 4.7 percent unemployment rate in June, which was lower than all but the Ithaca area which was at 4.1 percent. In June 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Albany area's rate was at 10.4 percent.

Statewide, the unemployment rate fell from 14.8 percent in June 2020 to 7.3 percent in 2021.

Conversely, the number of people employed in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area rose from 407,300 in June 2020 to 426,200 in June of this year.

Broken down by county, 149,400 people were employed in Albany County in June 2021, with worker totals for surrounding counties at 113,700 in Saratoga, 76,900 in Rensselaer, 72,400 in Schenectady and 13,700 in Schoharie.

New York City remained the market with the highest unemployment at 10.1 percent, compared to 18.7 percent in June 2020.

In June 2021, 3.6 million people were employed in the city, up from 3.1 million a year ago.

The Capital Region has typically fared well due to the concentration of health care facilities, colleges and universities, state government offices and tech jobs, all of which tend to lose fewer jobs in a downturn, including the pandemic.

That is also reflected in Tompkins County's low unemployment rate. While a rural county, it is also home to Cornell University and Ithaca College.

As in the rest of the state, jobs in the restaurant, hospitality and leisure sectors were hit hard, especially during pandemic shutdowns.

Since then, restaurants have continued to struggle to find workers as many have left the field or remain on unemployment insurance.

Traditionally, the education, technology, and large government sectors have contributed to a stable labor market and factors into the lower unemployment rates, state Department of Labor analyst Kevin Alexander said in an email.

rkarlin@timesunion.com  518-454-5758  @RickKarlinTU
Ludington, MI (49431)

Today

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 77F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low near 60F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G will be available in India in three storage variants, at OnePlus.in, Amazon.in, OnePlus Experience Stores and other leading stores from July 28 onwards.The 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB and 12GB+256GB variants are priced at Rs 27,999, Rs 29,999 and Rs 34,999, respectively. The colours they offer are blue haze, gray Sierra and green woods in different variants.We used a top-of-the-line variant that offers 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage in blue haze colour for a while and here's how it fared.OnePlus Nord 2 5G shares a similar look to other smartphones in the 9 series. As usual, it boasts a beautiful design and feels like a premium device. The colour of the device is soothing to eyes, adding more value to the device.On the front, there is a camera hole at the top left corner for selfies. If you turn the device, you will see a camera bump on the top left, that has a rear camera setup and you will find a company logo in the centre.The power button, alert slider and other keys are placed perfectly, which allowed us to use the phone single-handedly. It weighs only 189 grams.The smartphone features a 6.43-inch FHD+ Fluid AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and 90Hz refresh rate.We found that the display offered a smooth viewing experience to a great extent and the slim bezels made the display look more attractive, along with proper brightness and decent view angles.The 90Hz refresh rate ensured a silky-smooth feel whether watching videos, playing top-level games or switching between apps.However, if you are currently using a 120Hz refresh rate, you may surely find the difference between the two.While using the smartphone under direct sunlight, we did not face any issues and the colour reproduction remained intact even when we viewed the screen from different angles.OnePlus Nord 2 5G comes with a triple rear camera setup that houses a 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP monochrome sensor.For selfies and most of your virtual meetings, there's a 32MP camera with a Sony IMX615 sensor on the front.As per the brand, it is the highest-resolution front camera on a OnePlus device.On our usage, the photos clicked from the front and rear sensors did a decent job.It gives users a chance to have a realistic picture of what they want to capture -- both during the day and at night. Also, for capturing photos during the night, the Nightscape mode is a boon.OnePlus Nord 2 5G also comes with an AI Photo Enhancement' feature, which recognises up to 22 different photography scenarios and automatically adjusts the settings for improved results.Talking about its chipset, the smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI processor, which features one of the fastest smartphone CPUs ever.After playing few heavy games such as Asphalt 9: Legends and Call of Duty, it can be said that the device is good for gaming. It handled most mid-to-heavy games without any lag.Also, the smartphone did not lag while multitasking, and the face unlock as well as in-display fingerprint sensor worked fine.The 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage were sufficient for our usage.The smartphone comes pre-installed with OxygenOS 11.3 that sports improvements such as Dark Mode, Zen Mode, comfortable single-handed operation and various always on display (AOD) options, with additional personalisation, gestures and gaming-friendly customisation.In terms of battery, the smartphone houses a 4500mAh battery with Warp Charge 65 charging technology, just like the flagship OnePlus 9 series.More battery power would have made the device more appealing for heavy users. However, with the fast-charging technology, this is taken care of.Conclusion: With its premium looks and powerful processor, OnePlus Nord 5G is a phone that can surely woo all generations. It stands strong against the smartphones from other brands in the same price segment.
SsangYong's Indian parent Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd had been in talks with HAAH to sell its majority stake in the Korean unit since last year as part of its global reorganisation plan amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Seoul: The head of US-based vehicle importer HAAH Automotive Holdings has said the company is set to submit its letter of intent (LoI) next week to acquire the debt-ridden SsangYong Motor Co, industry sources said on Sunday.

In 2011, Mahindra acquired a 70 per cent stake in SsangYong for 523 billion won and now holds a 74.65 per cent stake in the SUV-focused carmaker.

HAAH Automotive Holdings founder Duke Hale said HAAH is the optimal company to acquire financially troubled SsangYong and will submit an LOI by Friday, a person familiar with the matter said over the phone.

HAAH was expected to submit its LOI to the Seoul Bankruptcy Court by March, but it did not send the documents, raising doubts about its intention to invest in SsangYong, reports Yonhap news agency.

In April, SsangYong was placed under court receivership for the second time after undergoing the same process a decade earlier.

Court receivership is one step short of bankruptcy in South Korea's legal system. In receivership, the court will decide whether and how to revive the company.

As for the failure to submit an LOI, the HAAH chief said the company needed more time to look into SsangYong's financial details before making an investment decision.

If HAAH succeeds in acquiring SsangYong, he said the California-based car importer plans to bring SsangYong's SUV models and pick-up trucks to the US and Canada.

SsangYong plans to receive LOIs from interested investors until Friday in the auction to find its new owner.

China-based SAIC Motor acquired a 51 per cent stake in SsangYong in 2004 but relinquished its control of the carmaker in 2009 in the wake of the 2008-09 global financial crisis.

KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp, the auditor of SsangYong, declined to give its opinion on the carmaker's annual financial statements for the year 2020.

SsangYong could be delisted if its accounting firm again refuses to offer an opinion on the company's annual performance for the following year after the one-year period.


Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 26 (ANI): Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over a Bangladeshi woman and a 10-month infant to its counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) after the woman was caught while illegally trying to cross the international border from Bangladesh to India without any valid documents.



Shamima Bibi, 20, a resident of Arnabati village in Sylhet district of Bangladesh, was apprehended by the BSF troops of Border Outpost Chakgopal in West Bengal on Sunday along with one 10-month-old infant Samiya.

After completion of legal formalities, the apprehended Bangladeshi national along with the infant was handed over to BGB on humanitarian grounds as a part of confidence-building measures between both the border guarding forces, the BSF said on Monday.

India and Bangladesh are two friendly neighbouring countries having a good relationship and this type of humanitarian act of BSF will definitely enhance friendship and goodwill between both the countries, the BSF said. (ANI)


New Delhi [india], July 26 (ANI): Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has deployed its resources to aid the civil authorities in relief and rescue operations in flood-hit areas of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka and have despatched Disaster Relief Teams (DRT) with inflatable Gemini boat and life-saving gear to the affected areas, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.



As per an official release, the DRTs reached areas rendered unapproachable due to water inundation especially in the Chiplun and Mahad districts of Maharashtra and Umlijoog, Khargejoog, Bodjug Island and Kinnar village in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. "The teams evacuated the stranded people and provided relief material," the Ministry said.

The Ministry said that in Goa, ICG aircraft undertook aerial assessment of Ganjem Dam, Usgaon and Codli areas. "An ICG helicopter air-dropped approximately 100 kgs of relief material, including food packets and drinking water, for the stranded people," the release stated.

Defence Ministry also informed that the services of Coast Guard air station at Ratnagiri are also being extended to Indian Navy and Indian Air Force aircraft for airlifting of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, relief material and facilitating rescue operations across the affected regions.

"As of July 25, the ICG has saved 215 precious lives across these three states. The ICG DRTs, ships and aircraft are on standby for immediate mobilisation, if need be and close coordination with local administration is being maintained," the release said.

It added that the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force are also providing support to the civil administration and National as well as the State Disaster Management Authorities in relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas of the three states. (ANI)


The program, initiated by Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov, aims to support tourism businesses affected by the entry ban on tourists to Israel due to the pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency citing the statement issued on Sunday as saying.

Tel Aviv, July 26 (IANS) Israel has launched a new plan costing 60 million new shekels ($18 million) to support the country's Covid-hit tourism industry, the Finance and Tourism Ministries said in a joint statement.

According to the plan, hotels that have suffered a decline of at least 40 per cent in turnover due to the ban will receive special financial support over the coming months.

Financial support will also be given to Israeli travel agents operating inbound tourism in the country.

Besides, the plan will allow more hotel workers from Jordan and the West Bank to enter Israel.

Currently, Israel has banned the entry of foreign tourists, except for special cases.

Plans to reopen inbound tourism have been postponed by the government due to the recent sharp rise in Covid-19 infections in the country.

--IANS

ksk/
The Malaysian Health Coalition takes no official position on the doctors' walk-out that is planned for 11am Monday 26 July.



However, we support its objectives: comprehensive long-term solutions for Malaysia's human resources for health (HRH); fair employment terms for all health professionals; and enough doctors, dentists, pharmacists and nurses for Malaysia, including their respective specialists. This will enhance the rakyat's health in the long-term.

We support all constitutional, legal and human rights of our health professionals.

The decision to walk-out is a personal one, and must be balanced with duties of patient care, the needs of colleagues, and relevant laws. We trust our health professionals to make choices that balance their rights and duties.

In all events and at all times, we call on all health professionals to unite to ensure that patient care is never jeopardized.

We urge the government to treat all doctors with fairness and compassion. No doctors should be arrested for a non-violent walk-out.

We remain steadfast in our shared objectives to protect the rakyat's health, support our health system, and build our nation together.

Malaysian Health Coalition




September 2009, LDP, the party that had ruled Japan for 55 years, was defeated in the election and had to surrender the power to DPJ, marking the first ever, and indeed the only change of government in Japan's post-war history. The DPJ government collapsed in December 2012, followed by the party's total disintegration.



The DPJ government that saw three different prime ministers in three years, ruled at a time Japan was struck by the massive Tohoku earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale on March 11, 2011, followed by a monster tsunami that triggered the nuclear disaster.

That was way too much for an inexperienced government which expectedly handled the catastrophe in a disarray, causing much grumbling among the people.

As a matter of fact, the DPJ government also came into problem with defiant bureaucrats who dealt a fatal blow on the government by deliberately holding up government matters.

DPJ was not without its merits at all. At least they did something the previous LDP administration had not dared to do: allowing the national carrier JAL, with its astronomical debt of 2,322.1 billion yen and a share face value of barely 1 yen, to file for bankruptcy.

Meanwhile, the 78-year-old Kazuo Inamori was tasked with the mission of completely overhauling the ailing carrier. Inamori only took 1,155 days to turn a losing business around. JAL was re-listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in September 2012, and the JAL rebirth became an international corporate legend of the year.

Such a dramatic turnaround was made possible because of the pressingly critical situation that had galvanized people into affirmatively decisive action. Of course, both the DPJ administration and Inamori had seized the opportunity of such a perfect crisis.

Inamori had earlier depicted JAL as Japan's worst post-war corporate bankruptcy instance with only 7% chance of resurrection. Nonetheless, he did not give up and asserted that in seeking a breakthrough for the ailing airline, the Japanese people could deliver their country out of the economic gloom it was then facing.

How on earth could JAL, a customary recipient of generous government aid, have brought itself so deeply in debt?

Like the government, the union-controlled JAL management was a disorganized mess, with minimal internal communication and practically non-existent interdepartmental coordinations. Their handsome salaries did not correspond to the quality of their input: no job reports, no performance sheets. As if that was not enough, deficiencies within the organization were knowingly covered up.

The first thing Inamori did after taking over the helm was to drastically trim the workforce by over 20,000, retaining only some 32,000 who were made to accept conditional remodeling that would entail unbelievably long hours of retraining in groups of 3 to 10, whereby the group members were further charged with the responsibility of managing the operation of various routes, discussions and strategy planning, and were wholly responsible for the route's performance.

With strong support from the DPJ government, Inamori incorporated elements of his Ameba style of operation into JAL and the outcome has been extraordinarily impressive.



On the contrary, our very own Malaysia Airlines brought in a foreign CEO under the pressure from Najib's BN government, but failed to implement the essential reforms. Needless to say, it has once again missed the unique opportunity from the current pandemic to give itself a meaningful rebirth.

In 2018, Apple Vacations gave up an opportunity for a listing on the ACE Market but set its sight on a listing on the Main Board later, in 2021.

As a consequence, the company embarked on an ambitious and bold development master plan in 2019, significantly boosting its workforce, launching inter-industry collaborations and contemplating corporate alliances with some of the largest travel agencies in Japan and Taiwan through equity swap agreements. Unfortunately just as everything was well on the way, we were hit by the coronavirus pandemic that has had a deep psychological impact and wreaked tremendous havoc on our business. However, we have also picked up some valuable lessons from this crisis. At least we have come to the realization that in the midst of crisis there are chances for win-win deals!

15 months since the onset of the pandemic, Apple Vacations has emerged afresh, thoroughly purged. Didn't Inamori say we should draw inspiration from Minamoto no Yoshitsune's Hiyodorigoe attacks to turn the tide around? If they did it, so can we Applenians, right?

As such, despite the successive cuts in our workforce from 165 to 96 and down to 55 from this July on, we swear to fight the storms fearlessly and in full spirits, and are taking steps to relive Inamori's Ameba modus operandi, managing our finances discreetly and giving our best shot to put the company back on its feet again. Thanks to your undivided support, we are now taking Tool Apple Marketo to unprecedented heights with expanded confidence!

Notably, Apple Vacations could very well be the one and only travel agency in this country that has never shut its doors throughout the pandemic, and will continue to cling on to this business as dedicated travel workers.

Instead of taking pride in our commitment, it is more apt to say that Apple Vacations aspires to keep this flame, no matter how feeble it may be, to serve as a beacon of hope for all!

(Lee San is Founder and Group Executive Chairman of Apple Vacations. He has traveled to 132 countries, six continents, and enjoys sharing his travel stories and insights. He has also authored five books.)
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That didnt go down well with Chinas belligerent foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, who said the US statement was arrogant and overbearing. We didnt buy it in Anchorage and we surely wont buy it in Tianjin, he said. With such tensions and such low expectations of the outcome of the meeting the best the Americans can hope for is that it inches the two sides towards a hoped-for meeting of Joe Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Italy scheduled for this October. Wang Yi, on Saturday, gave the US his own dressing down. The United States always wants to exert pressure on other countries by virtue of its own strength, thinking that it is superior to others, he said.

However, I would like to tell the US side clearly that there has never been a country in this world superior to others, nor should there be, and China will not accept any country claiming to be superior to others. If the United States has not learned how to get along with other countries on an equal footing by now, then it is our responsibility, together with the international community, to give the US a good tutorial in this regard. Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian had strong words for the US ahead of Shermans arrival. Credit:AP With such tensions and such low expectations of the outcome of the meeting the best the Americans can hope for is that it inches the two sides towards a hoped-for meeting of Joe Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Italy scheduled for this October. There is, however, little likelihood of any thawing of the increasingly hostile relationship between the two major powers given the escalation of US combativeness that has occurred since Biden took office.

The early success of the administrations efforts to re-establish the traditional alliances that were ravaged by the Trump administration and enlist them in its efforts to contain China and to condemn and sanction it for its claimed human rights abuses and its treatment of Hong Kong are also unsettling and agitating the Chinese. It is, however, obviously better for both countries and the rest of the world that they talk through their issues and try to find ways to de-escalate the tensions and the prospect, however unlikely, of a miscalculation that leads to military conflict. It is also possible that the US could offer to de-escalate a different conflict, the trade war initiated by Donald Trump that led to the US imposing $US360 billion ($490 billion) of tariffs on Chinas exports to the US and China responding with tariffs of its own. A truce was called in that conflict early last year, with China pledging to buy $US200 billion more goods from the US over the two years to the end of December this year (relative to 2017 levels). So far it has met less than 60 per cent of the targets its commitments established. The Biden administration has left the tariffs in place but is reviewing them as part of a wider review of its relationship with China.

Even as two-way trade between the US and China has soared during the pandemic, the US trade deficit  the reason that Trump started the trade war  hasnt shrunk. Bidens Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, has expressed reservations about the tariffs and the terms of the trade truce, arguing  as most trade economists do  that the tariffs have effectively been a tax on US companies and consumers that has hurt the US more than China while the truce hasnt yet delivered what was promised. Loading It would appear that Bidens economic and trade officials see the tariffs as a negotiating tool that can be used as leverage in a more sophisticated conversation with China about the terms of trade between the two economies  what the Americans would probably describe as a more level playing field. Whether they ever have that conversation is an open question at this point, given prickly nature of the language directed at Shermans visit and the underlying reality that the co-mingling of trade, security and human rights issues that started under Trump and has continued under Biden couldnt be easily untangled even if the US really did want them separated.
An Afghan villager has told war veteran Ben Roberts-Smiths defamation trial that he witnessed a big soldier kick a member of his family off a cliff before the man was shot dead and an object associated with the Taliban planted near his body.

Mr Roberts-Smiths defamation trial against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald resumed on Monday after a four-week pause to hear urgent evidence from four Afghan witnesses in Kabul via audiovisual link, amid fears of a Taliban-led terrorist attack in the capital city.

Ben Roberts-Smith and his barrister Arthur Moses, SC, leaving the Federal Court on Monday. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Mohammed Hanifa, who gave evidence via an interpreter in Canada, told the court on Monday that he was the step-nephew of Ali Jan, an Afghan farmer from the village of Baag who was shot dead about eight years ago in Darwan. It was summer when he died, he said, and corn and almonds were giving their crops.

Asked by the newspapers barrister, Nicholas Owens, SC, if Ali Jan was connected to the Taliban in any way, Mr Hanifa said no, nothing like that as he waved his hands to indicate his disagreement.
A protestor at the anti-lockdown rally in Sydney on Saturday. Credit:Brook Mitchell

There were maybe 7000 at the protests all up, promoted by specialists in far-right self-absorption Reignite Democracy Australia, always about the selfish rather than the collective good  just 7000 out of all of us who have been hurt by the lockdown. How much smaller  maybe non-existent  these protests might have been with braver, better leadership. How much more united we might have been with a government that listened and responded to the concerns of its citizens and held the line among its own.

For example, a prime minister who excommunicated Kelly instantly when he started promoting doubt about vaccines. Or a prime minister who didnt pat Christensen on the head and say, good boy, you go get your civil liberties now in Mackay, made safe by a Queensland Labor government.

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I asked vaccination expert and professor at the University of Sydney Julie Leask if I should be concerned about the anti-vax propaganda at the protests. Ive already experienced my own come to mama moment when my GP finally assured me, despite my terrible family history of blood clots (father and sister both dead at 57), AstraZeneca was good to go (and so far, 53 days in, it appears to be). She tells me Australians are vaccine enthusiasts and despite the range of delays with rollout and the strange relays between Morrison and ATAGI which made many of us unsure and anxious, we will get there in the end, later than we might have liked but we will get there. Shes such a good human.
The developer of one of Sydneys largest apartment developments at Castle Hill, which had signs of cracking in a basement, will provide $11 million in security to fix any future defects and has agreed to guarantee its structural integrity for the next two decades.

Toplaces commitments for the $900 million Skyview towers has led to NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler lifting an order which had prevented the developer from settling with buyers of off-the-plan apartments in two of the five buildings in the complex.

Concerns about the development on Old Castle Hill Road were first raised in April when inspectors found signs of cracking in the basement car park between two of the towers under construction.

The Skyview development on Old Castle Hill Road in Sydneys north-west. Credit:Nick Moir

Mr Chandler slapped a prohibition order last month on the projects first two towers, following the earlier inspections by Fair Trading and a notice issued by private certifier City Plan Services requiring independent engineering advice.
Another year, another lockdown. Sydneys first shutdown in 2020 came as a shock to most of us. For me, and many other vulnerable people, there was also the very real fear of how COVID-19 would spread. Our lives were paused.

A simple walk can lift spirits and offer moments of reflection. Credit:Steven Saphore

I stayed home alone for days on end and became lazy and gloomy. The only new thing I learnt was how to use Zoom. But that soon became an unwelcome intruder into my solitary world: a practical tool for work meetings but a dreary one for choir, cocktails and global birthday parties. Often after I tapped leave meeting I was overwhelmed by a feeling of desperate loneliness. It was a bleak time as the pandemic increased around the world.

One in four Australian households contains just one person. Some of these people prefer a solitary life but many of us need and depend on outside connections and activities. Lockdown strips away opportunities to be out in the world. No doubt a few harried parents at home during a school holiday lockdown would give anything for some solitary time. Nonetheless, living alone through lockdown has its challenges. Isolation isnt easy.

Haunted by the darkness of the first Sydney lockdown, I wanted to do it differently this time. Friends and family who had endured the long lockdowns in Melbourne and London talked about how the routine of walking helped them by adding structure and activity to their days. Encouraged by this, and emboldened by two AstraZeneca vaccine jabs, I venture forth on daily adventures.
Dr Chant said health authorities were looking at how Pfizer in the state is being distributed, with a focus on younger essential workers in hotspot areas. Asked if this would mean people not in this category might have their second doses of the Pfizer vaccine rescheduled, Dr Chant said this was not necessarily the case. [But] I have got to say that, from my perspective, if we have to inconvenience some other members of the community to do that, I would like to apologise ahead of time. Dr Chant said NSW Health clinics would be able to do well over 350,000 doses a week if given additional Pfizer supply by the federal government. The ministry administered a record 156,760 vaccines last week.

The Premier said she would not rule out lockdown settings changing at the end of the week, denying rumours remote learning  now slated to end on Friday  would continue until term four. We are always looking at opportunities there to ease the pressure off our households and we will base those decisions on health advice, she said, adding the state might need to go harder in some areas and release some settings in others. Seventy-two of the new cases were from the South Western Sydney Local Health District, 32 were from the Western Sydney Local Health District and 23 were from the Sydney Local Health District. Fifty-one of the cases were in the community for their entire infectious period and 25 were in the community for part of it. The isolation status of 11 cases remains under investigation.

Regions of concern for NSW Health include Coffs Harbour, Byron and Ballina in the north; Moss Vale, south of Sydney; and, within Sydney, the Cumberland Local Government Area, Guildford, Toongabbie, Pendle Hill, Mount Druitt, Blacktown, as well as generally across western Sydney and the citys inner west. There are 156 COVID-19 cases in hospitals, with 44 people in intensive care. Eighteen are ventilated. New cases include a staff member at Bankstown Terrace Care Community aged care facility and another at Liverpool Hospital in south-west Sydney. No residents or other staff members at the aged care facility have so far returned a positive test, its operator confirmed. Following reports Treasury had completed financial modelling for the lockdown to extend until September 17, the Premier told Ben Fordham on 2GB this morning that information did not mean lockdown would end on that date.

I wouldnt jump to any conclusions like that, she said. [That information] certainly wasnt from me or anyone in the know. Asked whether she should have imposed a localised lockdown earlier, Ms Berejiklian said there was no way of predicting how the outbreak would play out. NSW Police have received about 10,000 reports to Crime Stoppers about the unauthorised lockdown protest in Sydney on Saturday, as Ms Berejiklian condemned the crowds actions amid fears the event could become a super-spreading incident. The Premier told 2GB authorities would have to wait one or two weeks before the full impact of the protest on the states COVID-19 infections was known. I said yesterday I was heartbroken and thats how I felt  it was a combination of disgust and just heartbreak.

Loading The Premier stood firm on the governments opposition to allowing singles to nominate a person with whom they can socialise during lockdown. At present, people who live alone are permitted to exercise with one other person outside. Intimate partner visits inside homes are allowed. I know how difficult it is, I was in a similar situation last year so I appreciate what that feels like, she told 2GB. We are looking at all the opportunities. The Premier and Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday appeared to be at odds over how to bring Sydneys coronavirus outbreak under control, with Ms Berejiklian insisting that an increase in vaccinations was the citys best chance of reopening, while Mr Morrison said lockdown was the only solution. A lot of people have given me a lot of free advice, the Premier said at Mondays press conference. The best advice I will continue to rely on is that of Dr Chant and her team, the NSW Health experts.
Scott Morrisons PR adviser must have told him to be more visible and more positive (Premier, PMs jab rift widens, July 26). We now see him every day, assuring us that mRNA vaccines are on the way. But the reality is that he stuffed up on the vaccine rollout. Supplies are limited and therefore so is the rollout. Morrison boldly proclaims, there is no alternative to a lockdown in NSW. Indeed, PM, you have guaranteed that vaccination is not an alternative. Geoff Black, Caves Beach Can PM Morrison obfuscate any further with his claims that the only option is lockdown and vaccination is no solution? It is extraordinary that he continues to deny his responsibility in this whole sorry mess. Sally Spurr, Lane Cove Australian state and federal political squabbling is like day-care for adults. Tim Schroder, Gordon Doesnt Scott Morrison look outside our borders? It was blatantly obvious from examples in the UK and US that as soon as the majority of people were vaccinated, the number of infections dropped dramatically, while the lockdowns were only partially successful. Of course, while championing lockdowns, he wouldnt have to take responsibility for the lamentable lack of vaccines, caused by his woeful handling of their supplies. John Greenway, Wentworth Falls It seems to me that by introducing JobKeeper last year and not this year for the same type of crisis is a bit like rescuing people from a raging flood but then, when a second flood arrives, saying that they should have learnt to swim and leaving them to drown. Judy Christian, Castle Hill

Scott Morrison once again abrogates his responsibility to deliver vaccine to the nation by insisting lockdown is the only solution to the Delta outbreak. Nothing is ever this mans fault. Lockdown is the Band-Aid, vaccine is the solution. Bill Young, Killcare Heights If the federal government relents, as it should, over its refusal to bring back JobKeeper, can it just add a simple algorithm into its eligibility calculator that denies any help to the companies that last year made unjustified windfall profits on the back of public money and refused to pay money back when their greed was exposed? Ian Jackson, Freshwater Please, could the list of essential services be expanded? On top of the list I suggest barbers and hairdressers. Between long fringes and face masks, there isnt much space for eyes. Nora Hinchen, St Leonards Coalition deniers put reef at risk Environment Minister Sussan Ley claims the Great Barrier Reef is the best-managed reef in the world (Letters, July 26). In that case, one can only imagine the state of decay of every other reef. I assume then that, unlike UNESCO, she has recently visited every reef in the world. I expect Ley would also say our vaccine rollout is the best in the world and our net-zero emissions policy is unrivalled. The Morrison governments response to accusations of abrogation of its responsibilities is firstly to deny, then deny and finally to deny. Graham Lum, North Rocks

Once again, the Coalition government has showcased its anti-science credentials, this time by successfully lobbying against the inclusion of the Great Barrier Reef in a list of World Heritage Sites in danger, despite the fact a scientific assessment by UNESCO concluded that the reef was in clear danger from climate change. Poor Sussan Ley had to shuffle off on an RAAF diplomatic jet to secure the support of such exemplars of sound environmental management as Russia and Saudi Arabia, just to ensure that any action to protect the reef and tackle climate change was forestalled again.

Leaving aside its manifest mismanagement of COVID-19, this latest international lobbying effort from the governments rag-tag band of climate deniers and scientific illiterates should surely disqualify it from ever holding high office again. John English, Turramurra With 11 years to prepare for the Olympics in Brisbane, perhaps John Coates could use his irresistible powers of persuasion on Sussan Ley regarding the Great Barrier Reef. To get her acknowledgment that there are serious problems ahead, and not just for tourist operators, would be a start. By 2032, at the current rate of degradation due to rising ocean temperatures, visitors could be queuing to look at coral in glass tanks. John Kingsmill, Fairlight Parra matters Having been involved in endless heritage battles in Parramatta with Donna Davis (We must fight for Parramattas world heritage, July 26), I can confirm that at every turn it is high-rise before heritage. Previous governments have been careless but this government is wilfully against heritage and community concerns: every public asset must yield a financial return. From our earliest colonial buildings and institutions to our much-loved and necessary public parks, if it doesnt pay, it doesnt stay. Corporate wellbeing before community wellbeing, every time. I look forward to a private operator erecting a toll gantry in Parramatta Park so walkers and cyclists can pay for each lap. Bob Edgar, Westmead It is not just Parramatta we should weep for when it comes to the abuse by developers of our colonial convict heritage. It extends to areas throughout the north-west through to Windsor. But it is of direct significance to the convict and colonial heritage of Parramatta, the increasingly unrecognisable Castle Hill and surrounding areas in the Hills, where convict slave labourers and eventually emancipated convicts rebelled against their treatment and then produced food to support the colony, on Dharug country that some were later granted ownership of for a peppercorn payment to the Crown if they continued to produce food for the colony. I grew up on some remnant parcels of that former Indigenous and convict land at Kenthurst, a former protected greenbelt of orchards and poultry farms that is now unrecognisable and characterised by exclusive residential acreage estates. Robin Sproule, Leura

Lifes little burdens As a tail-end Baby Boomer, born in 1960, I got to reflecting on how just leaving the house has changed over the years: 1970 (aged 10): take a hat. 1980: take a hat and wallet. 1990: take a hat, wallet and car keys. 2000: take a hat, wallet, car keys and mobile phone. 2010: take a hat, wallet, car keys, mobile phone and reading glasses. 2020: take a hat, wallet, car keys, mobile phone, reading glasses and mask. I do not know what the future holds, but I think I had better get some deeper pockets. Tony Walbran, Dee Why Open door to the poor It is a concern that Sydneys top three universities have the fewest disadvantaged students (Unis must do more to find Einsteins, Curies in poor areas , July 26) . This year, with trial exams delayed and the HSC only weeks away, Sydneys present lockdown is likely to hurt these students even more. Our universities do bear a significant social responsibility and right now could be doing somei nnovative thinking about university admissions for next year. Student applications and course preferences are in; it is possible to identify, by postcode, those students from the Sydney LGAs in strictest lockdown (who are also likely to be socio-economically disadvantaged). Educationists are urging a move away from reliance on the ATAR; surely now is the time to devise a special entry program for at least some of these students. Make the announcement: if each university nominated, say, 200 places for targeted entry, it would send a powerful message to students, parents and whole communities that Sydneysiders do care. We will all reap rewards down the track. Margaret Johnston, Paddington Christmas, crackers

I celebrated Christmas in July on the 26th, all alone and palely loitering. The cherries were lush, the singing and dancing kept to a minimum, strobe lighting toned down, and there wasnt much washing up. Im thinking of introducing it for the December version. Rosemary OBrien, Ashfield Songs of liberation For the protesters, I Want to Break Free by Queen seems apt. Janet Reynolds, Greenleigh Surely, the most appropriate song for the times is Curfew by the Stranglers. David Boyd, Bondi Beach Then, of course, theres the Fortunes 1971 hit single Freedom Come, Freedom Go. Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook

I havent been anywhere, man/ I havent crossed the street, man/I havent breathed fresh air, man/The COVID I havent had, man/Cause I havent been anywhere. Margaret Jones, Bathurst Surely, Sherbets Free the People is a shoo-in. Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga Just killing time Do we need daylight saving this year? Were all sitting at home in lockdown with ample time already to do nothing. Judy Hough, Sans Souci Skate-bored at Games
The governor of the womens prison at Silverwater has pleaded not guilty to assaulting and choking an inmate.

Tracey Margaret Mannix, 55, was arrested at her home in Mascot earlier this month by the NSW Police Corrective Services Investigation Unit and charged with common assault and intentionally choking a person without consent.

Tracey Margaret Mannix has been suspended as governor of Silverwater Womens Correctional Centre. Credit:Facebook

Court documents allege between 12.06pm and 12.15pm on June 15, Ms Mannix assaulted inmate Sarah Stubbings inside Silverwater Womens Correctional Centre and did strangle/choke the victim ... by placing her hand around the victims throat.

Her solicitor in the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday formally entered a plea of not guilty to each charge.
Community leaders in western Sydney are using social media, YouTube and radio to push messages about the importance of social distancing and vaccination safety to residents in their own languages.

But with a shortage of Pfizer vaccines, the biggest challenge they face is persuading people to put aside their fears about taking AstraZeneca.

Carmen Lazar, from the Assyrian Resource Centre in Fairfield, has enlisted a group of medical experts to address misunderstandings, including conspiracy theories about the safety of vaccines. The experts, including a respiratory physician, GP, pharmacist and dental surgeon, will speak at a seminar on Zoom through the Assyrian Resource Centre Facebook page at 6.30pm on Saturday.

People wait for their COVID-19 vaccination at a pop-up clinic in Glenwood, Sydney. Credit:Rhett Wyman

Ms Lazar said she was confident more people in the community would get vaccinated after having their questions about the safety of vaccinations answered in their own language. She has been on community radio talking about the importance of vaccination and says she has addressed fears about the risks of blood clotting associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine in this way:
Riverside land at South Brisbane will be bought by Brisbane City Council and the state government for the 2032 Olympic Games International Broadcasting Centre site, lord mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed on Monday night.

After the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, the seven hectares of land on Montague Road will be transformed into parkland, Cr Schrinner confirmed back in Brisbane after representing the 2032 Games bid and attending the Opening Ceremony at the Tokyo Games.

Industrial land at South Brisbane is to become the 2032 Olympic Games International Broadcasting Centre. It will be transformed into parkland after the Games. Credit:Tony Moore

It is expected to lead a major redevelopment of one of the last remaining riverside portions of land in central Brisbane.

The mayors of south-east Queensland began the journey to pursue these Games because they realised the incredible legacy this would create for Brisbane and the rest of the region, Cr Schrinner said.
Two young sisters who were last seen more than 24 hours ago in a town west of Melbourne have been found.

On Tuesday police appealed to the public to help find sisters Aruba, 12, and Bushra, 14 who were last seen in the early hours of Monday morning in Little River, about 49 kilometres south west of Melbourne.

Missing sisters Bushra, 14, on the right, and Aruba, 12, were last seen at an address in Little River.

Missing sisters Bushra and Aruba have been located safe and well, police said. We would like to thank everyone for their assistance.

Police had previously released an image of the pair.
The Andrews government will tighten border controls as the state prepares to slowly ease out of its fifth lockdown and scrap the five-kilometre restriction on movement.

With Victorians in NSW to be locked out for weeks, the public health team is focused on ensuring the thousands of workers who cross the border each day pose minimal risk of spawning another COVID-19 outbreak and further lockdowns.

A Victoria Police checkpoint at Chiltern on the Hume Highway earlier this month. Credit:Jason Robins

A government source, speaking anonymously to detail the plans, said the government would tighten the rules around border crossing for permitted workers and establish additional testing requirements in coming days. Its all about protecting [against] further incursions, the source said.

Ministers locked in plans on Monday night to return settings similar to those in place when Victoria exited its last lockdown.
Premier Mark McGowan has warned the state will turn away ships in a message to companies using Indonesian ports to sharpen up their COVID-19 protocols.

The comments came as the government grappled with yet another bulk carrier off WA shores suspected of having COVID-infected seafarers on board.

MV Darya Krishna. Credit:Jack Ronalds / Marine Traffic

Chinese bulk carrier MV Darya Krishna was due to dock at Fremantle Port on Monday morning to allow for three crew members to be evacuated.

A WA Health statement said the seafarers required urgent medical assistance and would be transferred to Fiona Stanley Hospital by St John Ambulance under COVID-19 protocols.
After 18 months of an agonising and messy internal debate over what it should stand for, Labor has dumped the two signature policies which, to many, had previously answered that exact question.

After three terms of opposition it might have appeared obvious but it did not come easy.

Labors economic team has worked with deputy leader Richard Marles and Anthony Albanese to settle on a position on tax cuts and negative gearing. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Gone is the signature negative gearing policy, which the opposition had for six years argued was the answer to the housing crisis. And its goodbye to the long-held view the governments plan to remove the 37 per cent tax bracket and raise the 45 per cent threshold from $180,000 to $200,000 was obscene.

In typical Labor fashion it was billed as a unanimous decision but the truth is it has been a sore point within the ranks for months.
Former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick will review NSW Parliament and its management of unacceptable behaviour such as bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.

Ms Broderick, who has led 15 cultural reviews into workplaces such as the Australian Defence Force and the NSW Police, was engaged by the Parliament to give expert advice on workplace culture and practice.

Former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick will conduct the six-month review into NSW Parliament. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The six-month review will examine complaints handling and support systems for employees across the Parliament, from MPs to staffers, cleaners and security and hospitality workers.

It is so important that our public institutions like the Parliament respond to workplace

issues quickly and effectively, Ms Broderick said.
Young people are driving transmission in Sydneys worsening COVID-19 outbreak, prompting the NSW government to refocus its vaccine strategy for critical workers under 40, the age group with the highest number of cases.

NSW Health announced four locations for its first walk-in state vaccination clinics offering AstraZeneca and will prioritise Pfizer for supermarket workers from south-west and western Sydney.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the next few days will be critical in determining how Sydneysiders live in the coming weeks. Credit:Dean Sewell

The four new walk-in clinics will be set up across the Merrylands and Guildford area for the next three weeks, offering AstraZeneca to people aged 40 and over. Bookings and GP referrals are not required.

The outbreak has claimed two more lives, a woman in her 80s in Pendle Hill and a man in his 80s at Campbelltown Hospital, taking the number of deaths in the present outbreak to 10.
Four other states ruled by the BJP have either passed or introduced similar legislation. In Kashmir, where Bali and Bhat lived, members of the Sikh community have disputed the legitimacy of the marriage, calling it love jihad. They are pushing for similar anti-conversion rules. While proponents of such laws say they are meant to protect vulnerable women from predatory men, experts say they strip women of their agency. Shahid Nazir Bhat, a Muslim who married Manmeet Kour Bali and was accused by her Sikh parents of kidnapping her, at his home in Srinagar. Credit:Showkat Nanda/The New York Times It is a fundamental right that women can marry by their own choice, said Renu Mishra, a lawyer and womens rights activist in Lucknow, the Uttar Pradesh capital.

Generally the government and the police officials have the same mindset of patriarchy, she added. Actually, they are not implementing the law, they are only implementing their mindset. Across the country, vigilante groups have created a vast network of local informers, who tip off the police to planned interfaith marriages. One of the largest is Bajrang Dal, or the Brigade of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god. The group has filed dozens of police complaints against Muslim suitors or grooms, according to Rakesh Verma, a member in Lucknow. The root cause of this disease is the same everywhere, Verma said. They want to lure Hindu women and then change their religion. Responding to a tip, police in Uttar Pradesh interrupted a wedding ceremony in December. The couple were taken into custody, and released the following day when both proved they were Muslim, according to regional police, who blamed anti-social elements for spreading false rumours.

A Pew Research Centre study found that most Indians were opposed to anyone, but particularly women, marrying outside their religion. The majority of Indian marriages  four out of five  are still arranged. The backlash against interfaith marriages is so widespread that in 2018, the countrys Supreme Court ordered state authorities to provide security and safe houses to those who wed against the will of their communities. Loading In its ruling, the court said outsiders cannot create a situation whereby such couples are placed in a hostile environment. The constitutional right to privacy has also been interpreted to protect couples from pressure, harassment and violence from families and religious communities.

Muhabit Khan, a Muslim, and Reema Singh, a Hindu, kept their courtship secret from their families, meeting for years in dark alleyways, abandoned houses and desolate graveyards. Singh said her father threatened to burn her alive if she stayed with Khan. In 2019, they married in a small ceremony with four guests, thinking their families would eventually accept their decision. They never did, and the couple left the central city of Bhopal to start a new life together in a new city. Papers showing that Manmeet Kour Bali is legally married to Shahid Nazir Bhat and that she has willingly converted to Islam, in Srinagar. Credit:Showkat Nanda/The New York Times The hate has triumphed over love in India, Khan said, And it doesnt seem it will go anywhere soon. In Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state, the BJP-led government passed a bill in March modelled after the Uttar Pradesh law, stiffening penalties for religious conversion through marriage and making annulments easier to obtain.

The government is not averse to love, said the states home minister, Narottam Mishra, but is against jihad. Members of Kashmirs Sikh community are using Bali and Bhats case to press for a similar law in Jammu and Kashmir. We immediately need a law banning interfaith marriage here, said Jagmohan Singh Raina, a Sikh activist based in Srinagar. It will help save our daughters, both Muslims and Sikhs. Manmeet Kour Bali, right, with her second husband in a photo provided by Manjinder Singh Sirsa, head of the largest gurudwara, or Sikh temple, in New Delhi. Credit:The New York Times At a mosque in northern Kashmir in early June, Bali, 19, and Bhat, 29, performed Nikah, a commitment to follow Islamic law during their marriage, according to their notarised marriage agreement.

Afterward, Bali returned to her parents home, where she said she was repeatedly beaten over the relationship. Now my family is torturing me. If anything happens to me or to my husband, I will kill myself, she said in a video posted to social media. The day after she recorded the video, Bali left home and reunited with Bhat. Even though a religious ceremony between people of the same faith  as Bhat and Bali were after her conversion  are recognised as legally valid, the couple had a civil ceremony and got a marriage licence to bolster their legal protections. The marriage agreement noted that the union has been contracted by the parties against the wish, will and consent of their respective parents. Like thousands of other couples who dont share the same religious belief but respect each others faith, we thought we will create a small world of our own where love will triumph over everything else, Bhat said. But that very religion became the reason of our separation.

Balis father filed a police complaint against Bhat, accusing him of kidnapping his daughter and forcing her to convert. On June 24, the couple turned themselves into the police in Srinagar, where both were detained. Loading At the court, Bali recorded her testimony before a judicial magistrate, attesting that it was her will to convert to Islam and marry Bhat, according to her statement. Outside, her parents and dozens of Sikh protesters protested, demanding that she be returned to them. It is unclear how the court ruled. The judicial magistrate declined requests for a transcript or an interview. Her parents declined an interview request.

The day after the hearing, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the head of the largest Sikh gurdwara in New Delhi, flew to Srinagar. He picked up Bali, with her parents, and helped organise her marriage to another man, a Sikh. Following the ceremony, Sirsa flew with the couple to Delhi. It would be wrong to say that I convinced her, Sirsa said. If anything adverse was happening, she should have said. Loading A written request for an interview with Bali was sent via Sirsa. He said she did not want to talk. She had a real breakdown, he said, repeating Balis parents claims that their daughter was kidnapped and forced to marry Bhat.
Americas two endless wars are now ending. Joe Biden already has committed to the withdrawal of all US combat forces from Afghanistan. Hes about to announce the withdrawal of all US combat forces from Iraq as well.

Not because the US and its allies won. Both wars have been failures of strategy and failures of policy. They are hard reminders that the US has not won a major war since World War II.

US President Joe Biden has prioritised the repatriation of US troops. Credit:Getty

It has mounted successful smaller interventions including the 1991 Iraq War and it didnt lose the Korean War, although it didnt win it, either  it was a major conflict which remains stalemated in ceasefire.

But in Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam it has demonstrated that there is nothing super about the superpowers ability to wage war.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM) :--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), would like to inform the public that its offices at the Vineyard Office Complex will be closed on Monday, July 26th for COVID-19 vaccinations.

All other services offered by CPS remain open such as COVID-19 testing, the Baby Clinic, and Vector Control.

CPS is asking those clients who have an appointment scheduled at CPS to either go to the Belair Community Center on Monday between 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM or they can choose to return to CPS on Tuesday, July 27th.

Hours of operation at CPS are 8:30 AM -12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

CPS apologizes for any inconvenience caused.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nature Foundation St. Maarten is joining as a contributor in a new project In-No-Plastics, a European Union-funded global initiative. In-No-Plastic focuses on innovative approaches towards the prevention, removal, and reuse of marine plastic litter (plastic debris that ends up in the ocean). On St. Maarten the project will focus on litter clean-ups around the island, monitoring the effectiveness of clean-up methods, using clean-up software apps, testing the water, enhancing the blue economy, and expanding outreach and educational activities. The In-No-Plastic project will run for the remaining two years on St Maarten.



Plastics are a visible problem on and around St. Maarten, however not all of the plastics are easily seen. Large pieces of plastic ending up in the environment may break down into smaller pieces, but they will never biodegrade, they will continue as invisible microplastics in the environment and especially in the ocean. With this project, we will be able to increase the number of beach clean-ups and events to pick up larger plastics (macro plastics) off the beaches and shorelines of St. Maarten. As we cannot see the microplastics, we are not aware of the extent of the microplastic problem in our waters. The water testing will assist us to better understand the magnitude of the problem and effectiveness of decreasing marine plastic litter, explained Alice Manley Project coordinator for In-No-Plastics on St. Maarten.



In-No-Plastic is a three-year EU-funded project within the Horizon 2020 framework programme, the goal is to develop and demonstrate nano-, micro-, and macro-plastic clean-up technologies in the aquatic ecosystems. This project approaches various social and technical strategies targeting the industrial hot spots through cooling water systems, harbors, lagoons, shores, and shallow seawater. Social strategies will be focused on St. Maarten, comprising of using an incentive-based initiative that relies on crowdsourcing. One such example is a smartphone app, produced by Empower, to help individuals record the amount of litter picked up, with incentives for the user.



We are very fortunate to be part of this EU-funded project In-No-Plastics. The project will be great for St. Maarten, as reduction of plastics in our surroundings and marine ecosystem is much needed. Plastics can have a detrimental effect on marine and terrestrial life, and the Nature Foundation is grateful to work towards reducing those effects, stated Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern manager of the Nature Foundation St. Maarten.



Keeping in line with the duties of the In-No-Plastics project, the Foundation will continue to host and attend macro plastic clean-ups around the island. Additionally, the Foundation will monitor and test ocean and lagoon water for microplastics every six months. The results from this water testing will show if the amount of microplastics in the water reduces at the same rate as the macro plastics which are removed during clean-ups. Given the increased focus on clean-ups and single-use plastic education, the Foundation hopes to see a reduction in both large and small pieces of plastic. The Foundation will also work towards enhancing blue economy activities on St. Maarten to increase individual cleanup efforts.



This project is particularly timely given the movement towards the new single-use plastic ban on St. Maarten. The single-use plastic ban focuses on replacing plastic shopping bags, plastic straws, and Styrofoam to-go containers with more sustainable options. The Nature Foundation is excited to expand the education and outreach efforts towards students, residents, and tourists about the effects of plastic on the environment, and how they can reduce their plastic footprint.



An association of 17 partners and 10 different countries in Europe and the Caribbean make up the In-No-Plastics project, which includes 2 research institutions, 2 Government bodies, 4 industry end users, 2 NGO, 7 SMEs of which 4 technology and 3 service providers. The Nature Foundation will work alongside the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), a participating partner with In-No-Plastics.



To learn more about this project, you can check out the website innoplastic.eu. You can also follow the Nature Foundation on social media to keep up-to-date with our work and learn when future clean-ups will occur. If you are interested in joining the Nature Foundations volunteer list to receive emails about volunteer opportunities, visit the contact us page on the Foundation website naturefoundationsxm.org.
Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses

Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur.
PANDEMIC

Burlington County Health Department schedule extra vaccine clinics in advance of the start of school
Medford, NJ (08055)

Today

Cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 81F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

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NEW HAVEN  Commuters got more opportunities to ride the train to work or other destinations Monday, with seven new trains added to both Shore Line East and the Hartford Line.

The added trains restore much of the service that was cut because of the coronavirus pandemic. Four of the added Shore Line East trains will run to New London. The rest stop in Old Saybrook.

One rider, who would only give his name as Steve, was boarding the 12:24 p.m. Shore Line East train in New Haven. Beginning today they have trains going home at this time to Clinton, so that helps, he said.

He said additional trains mean he doesnt have to drive to Guilford in the morning to catch a train to New Haven because there was no morning train at that time in Clinton.

The Hartford Line now is running at pre-pandemic levels of service, while Shore Line East is about 65 percent, according to Rich Andreski, chief of the state Department of Transportations Bureau of Public Transportation. Part of the reason for that is we had more service on Shore Line East than we had on Hartford Line, but the north-south line, which runs from New Haven to Springfield, Mass., has had far more riders, Andreski said.

He said adding back trains that were cut during the pandemic is important to keep riders from opting for their cars. The COVID schedule on the Hartford Line and Shore Line East had a lot of gaps, two-, three-hour gaps in service, and frequency matters, Andreski said. People arent willing to rearrange their life around a three-hour train schedule.

Neven Desouki of Windsor Locks said the additional Hartford Line trains will make a big difference.

Its going to give me more options timewise. I go to New York every day, she said as she boarded the 4 p.m. train. Now, she can take a 5:28 a.m. train south. Before my husband had to drop me off every day in New Haven so she could catch a Metro-North train to New York.

Calvin Johnson commutes every day from Springfield to New York for his construction job. The new trains will be beneficial because it will help [with] different time selections, he said. A lot of times when I get off work I have to wait for trains so if we have more trains ... I will have more time to be with my family.

All the Shore Line East trains now reach New London, as well. That was good news to Thecla Abbrati of Waterford, who was boarding the 3:24 p.m. train in New Haven. Im very pleased as long as they can continue it, she said. Prior to today, you had 12:30, 5:30 and 9:30 [to New London], so this allows for a lot more flexibility.

Carmen Blanco of the Bronx, N.Y., said more Shore Line East trains will make visiting her daughter in Guilford easier. I was waiting two hours over here in New Haven, she said, getting on the 12:24 p.m. train. Im coming from New York and to connect its very difficult.

Metro-North is at 67 percent and is scheduled to increase service to 83 percent on weekdays and 70 percent on weekends, according to Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi. She made the statement in a letter in the Connecticut Examiner.

Rinaldi was responding to criticism from Jim Cameron, founder of the Commuter Action Group and a Hearst Connecticut columnist. On Monday, Cameron said the additional Hartford Line service was good news. That line has been a success story since it opened, exceeding ridership targets, he said.

Unlike Metro-North, which is slow to react to increased ridership in adding more trains, the Hartford Line and Shore Line East seem to be getting ahead of expected increases in ridership, Cameron said. Theyve got the cars; theyve got the personnel. I dont know why theyre not adding more service, he said of Metro-North. Some of the Metro-North trains are standing room only.

Rinaldi had written that 24 new peak trains were being added to the New York-Connecticut service June 21.

edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382
Reaching our maximum creative potential in our jobs or occupations is paramount to success and living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Several companies, including IBM and Adobe, have conducted extensive surveys of companies across dozens of international industries and found that creativity is the number one skill most sought after and the hardest to find.

There has never been a more crucial time to develop our creativity and our ability to innovate than there is now, regardless of who we are and what we do. Each one of us has the potential to become creative and innovative. These two concepts have been hijacked by some in the world of technology, science and business for the past 30 years, but it is time to reclaim them for anyone who wants to benefit and turn their lives and businesses around.

In 2019 and 2020, LinkedIn analyzed the information in their network, searching for the most in-demand skills. The skill that was in highest demand was creativity. Around that same time, the World Economic Forum called creativity the one skill that will future-proof you for the job market. But when employees and freelancers were asked if they are living up to their creative potential, only 25 percent believed they were, and 40 percent affirmed they didnt have the tools or access to the tools they need to become creative.

Related: Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein Applied the Concept of 'No Time' to Boost Their Creativity. What Does It Entail?

The root of entrepreneurship

Creativity is the root of entrepreneurship. Its not only how I came up with the ideas that allowed me to build my business from scratch, but also how I continue to find and implement ideas to adjust and pivot from the constant changes that all business owners are facing.

After having consulted for many companies, as well as teaching creativity classes to hundreds of business people, entrepreneurs, and artists, I often hear people say, Im stuck! Im not creative! The ideas stopped coming! Whatever innovative or original work I produced in the past was pure luck! In other words, they suffer from impostors syndrome and think they will never be able to bring innovative solutions or create original and compelling work ever again.

The creative process is the same regardless of what you do

A recent study published in the journal Thinking, Skills and Creativity, conducted by three university professors from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and the University of South Australia, finally proves a point that Ive been making for years: creative processes are more or less the same across domains and disciplines. While it is true that CEOs, engineers, and artists create very different kinds of work with very different intentions and outcomes, the process they use to get there is very similar. David Cropley, who co-authored the study, said: The new bit of finding is that those differences are actually pretty small and small enough that I would argue they don't really make a heck of a lot of difference.

Related: 5 Psychology-Backed Hacks That Train Your Brain to Be More Innovative

Creativity isnt just one thing

One of the most important factors to foster a culture of creativity is acknowledging that it isnt one unique concept available to a handful of chosen ones but is accessible and reachable to every one of us. Its also an amalgamation of learnable skills, such as risk-taking and curiosity.

Creativity requires ownership of ideas and authenticity. When you retreat from expressing your crazy ideas because you fear judgment from your peers or higher-ups, or you are afraid of adverse market reactions, you are leaving behind a chance to let the world know your new invention, product, service, book, film or anything else that could bring so much value to society.

Most of the time, dozens of lucrative ideas are sitting right by your side, but you are unable to see them because youve been blinded by the impossibly high and largely fabricated standards of what being creative and innovative entails. Dont let that happen to you. You too can learn to be the most creative you can be.

Related: Ways to Boost Creativity in Your Business

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Deen van Meer /

If you've always wanted to see The Lion King live but haven't yet scheduled a safari, you have another chance to experience the magic of the animal kingdom  on stage  here in San Antonio.

After being postponed due to COVID-19 related concerns during the 2020-2021 season, the show is back on. From October 20 to November 7, learn a thing or two about the circle of life through song and set design at the Majestic Theatre.
A stunning gold-and-green hued bird believed to be dead after a failed translocation experiment was found alive and well, a development that researchers are calling "an amazing sign."

The five-to-six inch kiwikiu, or the Maui parrotbill, is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a critically endangered species. According to the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, the creature was once found all over Maui and the neighboring Molokai, but due to humans, feral pigs, wildcats and mosquito-induced disease, its numbers have dwindled down to fewer than 150.

The discovered bird was part of a failed translocation in October 2019, when five of the seven kiwikiu that were taken to Maui's Nakula Natural Area Reserve were killed by an epidemic of avian malaria, transmitted by "non-native" mosquitoes, explained the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. The two others were believed to be dead.

But this Wednesday, per the department, researcher Zach Pezzillo said he found the bird after hearing its distinct song at the reserve, located on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano.

"I first heard what I thought might be a distant kiwikiu song," he said in a statement. "It then sang about ten times across a gulch in some koa trees. It dropped down into some kolea trees where it spent the next twenty minutes calling and actively foraging through the berries, bark and leaves."

Pezzillo successfully identified the male bird using a distinct banded mark on its leg.

"This bird has been exposed to disease, as the others were, and has somehow persevered," said Dr. Hanna Moucne of the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project. "This is an amazing sign of hope for the species as we still may have time to save them. ... This is a hopeful sign that a population of kiwikiu and other native forest birds could survive in restored landscapes in the future, especially without mosquitoes and disease.
Marking the anniversary of the massive layoff and closure of a factory is not something that we tend to look at as something to celebrate.

Actually, in most cases, celebrate is probably the wrong word to use when it comes to the loss of jobs and an industry that had been a part of our city for decades. Perhaps a more adequate word to use would be, commemorate.

Forty years ago, Ex-Cell-O, which manufactured machine parts used for the automotive industry, discontinued its local operations that had been located inside the Manistee Iron Works building located on 254 River St.

All these years later, I feel that a good way to commemorate the anniversary of its closing as well as all of the workers that were employed there (workers included among its ranks are both my grandpa and my dad), would be to reshare an article that was originally published in the News Advocate on July 24, 1981.

The article, titled Ex-Cell-O closes today," was written by Nancy Story and Doug Coombs, and provides readers with an exceptionally well-written story that informs us of what happens in a small town when a once industrious factory closes its doors for good. With that said, the following is the original article that has been edited for space:

If youre reading this after 3:30 p.m. today, consider it an obituary.

An obituary for more than 300 jobs, a payroll exceeding $10 million a year and a 26-year operation that has roots in Manistees early history as a shipping and marine center.

At 3:30 p.m. today the last shift will punch out on the time clocks at Ex-Cell-O Corporations plant on East River Street.

Seventy machine shop employees will leave the plant for the final time. The final, crushing end to a decline that began several years ago and picked up momentum early this year with the closing of the plants foundry in February and the loss of some 80 jobs.

Forty-six machine shop employees also lost their jobs early this year, adding to the list of lay-offs that had been growing steadily over the last few years.

The actual decision to close the plant was announced in June when Ex-Cell-O officials cited poor sales volume and insufficient orders to sustain the Manistee plant.

After this week only a few office workers and maintenance people will be left here, and they will only be occupied for a few weeks performing the final rituals; packing up machinery and records and forwarding them to other plants in the Ex-Cell-O Corporation.

Although the Troy-based Ex-Cell-O Corporation has been in Manistee since the mid-1950s, the cavernous buildings that house the operation have been in existence since the early part of the century when a drydock and boatyard at the location serviced the many steam-powered vessels that plied the Great Lakes and made frequent stops at Manistee.

Manistees decline as a lumber and shipping center doomed the shipyard but the rise of Michigan as an automobile manufacturing state paved the way for another operation that remained in the mainstream of industrial America for 60 years.

The Michigan Tool Company and its successor, Ex-Cell-O, served at the very heart of what made the United States the most powerful nation in the world, with a total industrial plant that carried the country through two world wars and overwhelmed its adversaries with a productive capability unmatched until recent times.

At Ex-Cell-O they built the machines to build other machines.

Raw scrap metal came in one end, was melted down and came out the other end as heavy-duty, precision industrial machinery.

Machines for boring, turning, grinding and making equipment which in turn produced axles, transmission shafts, dies for stamping out auto parts and other industrial applications imaginable.

But after today all those operations will be taken up by other plants in the Ex-Cell-O chain and Manistee will be left with some big empty buildings.

And many newly unemployed residents.

It is that unemployment which remains the biggest worry.

Unemployment and uncertainty. Three hundred-plus people who must now chart new paths, make new plans and  hardest of all  consider leaving the town that has been their home all their lives.

Its the kind of situation you read about in the newspapers but dont realize it could happen until it happens to you.

Whats happened to Bill Malmgren, as well as over 200 other former Ex-Cell-O employees, is that their jobs are gone. For some, the lay off came a year or more previous to todays closing. For others, its only been since February that theyve found themselves without a time card. And today, even more join ranks with the 16.5% of Manistee Countys workforce who are unemployed.

Malmgren, 41, had 20 years with Ex-Cell-O before he was laid off in Februarys foundry closing.

Im too young to retire, financially, he noted. The Onekama native has been combing the job market in the area, but to no avail. Unemployed for several months now, Malmgren has held time to mull over his current situation.

I dont know if a person could ever get over the discouragement of being laid off from the foundry. We made the best castings in the Midwest and they closed us up, he said.

There was pride in his voice when he spoke of his old job, pride from years of experience. Prior to the foundrys closing, the workforce had shrunk to about 20 experienced workers, he said  the prime of the crop were there, the best of them. Most must have had at least 17 years in. Now the whole bunch of them are on the outside, looking for jobs.

A reluctance to relocate is common among many former Ex-Cell-O employees. Weve got our home here, everythings here. You move anywhere else, you have to start from scratch, observed Joe Spieser, a 21-year veteran of the company. But I will relocate if I have to.

Im sure many guysll have to relocate, indicated Joe Sowa, also a laid-off foundry worker. Sowa was just two months short of 21 years when he lost his job at Ex-Cell-O. Theres nothing around this town, noted Max Batterson, an electrician with the plant for 22 years, quite a few of us are waiting to see if someone else is going to come in and take over the plant.

The wait-and-see attitude seems prevalent among many of the laid off workers. Perhaps it is clinging to hope and having faith that it wont be Oklahoma or Texas where theyll next hang their hats, but right here in the hometown where most of them are from.

Larry Cabot, who put in 21.5 years with Ex-Cell-O, noted, Right now everybody is accepting it. I think the shock is over. Weve just got to buckle down and find something else. Cabot has been participating in the company-sponsored Transition Team program, a classroom workshop to assist former Ex-Cell-O employees in identifying skills and looking for a job.

Transition Team Instructor Charlie Pletcher, who also owns the Troy-based career assistance service, expressed his own surprise at the large turnout hes had for the sessions. They told me to expect between 40 to 60 people and 160 signed up, he said. He termed the major concern of participants as being the lack of confidence rather than lack of ability, and pointed to the high calibre of workforce that is available in Manistee. Pletcher also praised the survival instincts of the group of employees he has met.

The prophets of doom about plant closings base their conclusion on emotion rather than reality, he said. These people will do well. Theyll survive.

Mark Fedder is the executive director of the Manistee County Historical Museum. He can be reached by email at manisteemuseum@gmail.com, or by phone at 231-723-5531.

RELATED: FROM THE MUSEUM'S ARCHIVES: Michigan Tool and Ex-Cell-O
A boat made from household items that wont sink from added weight.

A rubber-band powered car that travels the greatest distance.

These are the design projects slated for the first week of the Governors Summer STEM Challenge, a partnership with the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy.

The online initiative provides students with opportunities for engaged learning, while also equipping them with skills for STEM careers, the governors office said.

Connecticut students in grades 3 through 12 will compete each week in challenges drawn up by Yale student organizations.

Over the course of the pandemic, so many students missed out on classroom experiences that are essential to their development, Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. Our administration is launching the Governors Summer STEM Challenge as a way to help them have a stimulating summer and an engaging educational experience in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, while at the same time giving our youth experiences that will improve their career opportunities.

The first Summer STEM Challenge to build boats and toy cars was announced on Monday. Future projects will be posted online over the next six weeks.

College students from the Yale Undergraduate Aerospace Association came up with the first two projects.

Their instructions are clear and detailed: No adding salt or minerals to the water to make the boat floats, the student group said. For the toy cars, inclined surfaces and wind power are strictly prohibited  and once they leave the finish line, the vehicles cannot be touched until theyre at rest.

Elementary and secondary students, who may work individually or as a group, have until Sunday at noon to finish their mini boats and cars.

A panel of judges will then choose the winners based on creativity, design, presentation and teamwork.

Winners receive an unnamed prize and, if they participate in all six challenges, become eligible for one grand prize in each category.

Yale University is honored to partner with the state to provide enriching educational opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students, Peter Salovey, president of Yale University, said in a statement. The Governors Summer STEM Challenge will help young scholars gain an appreciation for STEM, incorporate critical thinking into their studies and lives, and become the next generation of innovators.

A press release for the initiative said the Summer STEM Challenge came out of the Governors Workforce Council, which included colleges and universities looking to support summer programming.

The Governors Summer STEM Challenge will be shared with school districts, municipalities, and many summer camps across the state, said Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Connecticuts chief workforce officer, in a statement. Our goal is to engage as many students as possible to excite them about STEM and spark their interest to explore STEM curriculum and careers.
STAMFORD  The Stamford Democratic City Committee endorsed three candidates for the upcoming Board of Education election, but one name was notably absent: current board member Jackie Pioli.

She was unable to secure one of the three committee endorsements despite being the lone Democratic candidate running for re-election this year. She said it was in retaliation for her independent mindset; party officials agreed that her actions have upset Democrats on the board.

Pioli said she plans to run for the seat as an unaffiliated candidate.

The endorsements were decided after three rounds of voting among members of the committee on Sunday afternoon. After the first round, the top vote-getter was Ben Lee, a current Board of Representatives member, which meant he was officially selected and eliminated from voting in the second round.

Versha Munshi-South, a former teacher and principal at Public Preparatory Network in Manhattan, received the most votes in the second round.

The final tally was between Pioli and Michael Hyman, a staff member at the Stamford nonprofit Domus and former Stamford NAACP president.

Hyman received 24 votes, compared with 15 for Pioli.

Josh Fedeli, chairman of the DCC, said the trio of candidates selected by the committee is one of the most impressive he has seen in a long time.

This is a really top notch group of candidates, he said.

On Monday, Pioli said the decision not to endorse her was retaliatory because she does not always vote along party lines.

Theyre not looking for Board of Education members, she said, about the DCC. Theyre looking for puppets.

She added, It clearly shows that the Democratic Party doesnt want independent thinkers.

Although Fedeli did not have a vote in the endorsement process, he did say Pioli was not selected because of her record on the board.

The people who voted yesterday indicated they are not happy with her performance and the overall way she conducted herself on the board, Fedeli said Monday.

During her three years on the board, Pioli has gained a reputation for being outspoken and for questioning administrators and other board members over a variety of topics.

In the past year, she joined the three Republican members of the board and Democrat Fritz Chery in an apparent attempt to make former board president and Democrat Andy George step down from his position. The same five members also shot down an attempt to hire a distance learning coordinator last summer, to the apparent chagrin of other board members and Superintendent Tamu Lucero.

Pioli also got into a shouting match with Republican Nicola Tarzia in early 2020 that ended a meeting of the board.

In response to Piolis comment about the DCC looking for puppets, Fedeli said, I think that is exactly the type of comment and sentiment that unfortunately has become common. Thats the way Jackie has approached her position for the last three years.

Pioli said she used her position to support students, teachers and taxpayers with honesty, morals and ethics, and that she will continue to advocate for residents of the city.

I dont participate with alliances that focus on control and power, she said, in a written statement.

Every year, three of the nine Board of Education positions on the board are up for election. The seats currently held by Republicans Becky Hamman and Mike Altamura are also up for grabs this year. Hamman said she intends on running again, but Altamura said he would step down.

In a written statement, Altamura said he is against the idea of staying on the board for longer than two terms, and would like to see new people come forward.

Republican Josh Esses, who most recently lost an election for a state Senate seat, said he would run in the upcoming election.

The Stamford Republican Town Council was set to meet Monday evening to vote on its endorsements.

The Board of Education operates under a minority representation rule, which stipulates no more than six of the nine members may belong to the same party. Five Democrats are not up for re-election this year, meaning only one Democrat can join the board through the upcoming election.

But the rule does not stipulate that the minority representation on the board be all Republican. A candidate running as unaffiliated, or any minority party, would also qualify.

That means Pioli could make it back onto the board without the formal support of the Democratic party and as long as she does not finish third or worse among minority contenders.

After Sundays DCC vote, each of the three endorsed candidates spoke briefly.

Ben Lee said he decided to run because of his two young children.

It is for them that I want to be involved in this, he said. For years, you have heard me say that the schools are the future of the city.

Lee said the district is faced with a generational problem in terms of infrastructure, including numerous buildings in need of major renovations or a complete tear-down.

Munshi-South spoke about the influx of federal dollars coming to the school system as a way to dig out of some of the problems created by COVID-19.

Stamford schools received roughly $32.6 million from the American Rescue Plan federal stimulus, on top of the $14.5 million coming from the second Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER, funds.

I feel like I can bring in some expertise and knowledge, both as an educator and as a school principal, and as someone who works with school districts every single day, she said. I know what the challenges are.

Hyman said there is a need on the board for rational and sound judgment, and said the federal money coming to the district makes it a critical time in the citys history.

I cant imagine a better opportunity for us to think rationally about what needs to be done, what types of programs we need to put in place, and how do we work with our teachers, with our parents and with the entire city to move us to the next level, he said.

Pioli said that even though she didnt make it onto the DCC slate, she looks forward to sitting on the board as a minority candidate.

The election for the Stamford Board of Education will be held on Nov. 2.

ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee paid thousands of dollars for social media influencers to promote a contentious new initiative that uses $2.5 million in taxpayer dollars to offer flight vouchers largely to out-of-state residents.

According to documents obtained through a public records request, the Department of Tourist Development paid an estimated $11,000 to at least 11 local influencers to post on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok touting the new program. Emails show the state had originally budgeted $30,000 for influencers.

To date, the state has spent more than $230,000 out of its $270,000 tourism marketing budget to advertise the program online. That has raised eyebrows among both Republican leaders and Democratic lawmakers wondering why tax dollars are being spent on tourists' airfare.

The program has faced even further scrutiny after it was unveiled around the 4th of July holiday weekend just days after Republican Gov. Bill Lee halted extra federal unemployment aid for low-income Tennesseans who had been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The reveal  which included a promotional video with country music star Brad Paisley  caught state leaders off guard, sparking the Tourism Commissioner Mark Ezell to later apologize last week to a legislative panel on his agency's rollout of the program.

Lee, who is running for reelection in 2022, proposed setting aside $2.5 million of state funds in his 2021-22 fiscal year budget. The line item, listed as marketing project under the tourism agency's budget, was passed by the GOP-controlled Statehouse with no debate or discussion on how it would be spent from lawmakers.

Yet on top of the $2.5 million, the state also allocated $100,000 for video programming, $30,000 for YouTube promotions and $50,000 for Facebook and Twitter marketing, according to the agency's emails. Another $120,000 was spent on video production, but Brad Paisley was not paid for his participation, said tourism spokesperson Amanda Murphy in an email.

The Nashville office of the marketing company used by the state, VMLY&R, reached out to tourism and lifestyle social media influencers in the state, many of them in Nashville and with a heavy focus on Instagram, the records show.

Influencers include The Nashville Guide, The Nashville Mom, Chattanooga Guide and OnlyTennISee, who all posted about the Tennessee On Me campaign on Instagram on July 4. The documents do not say how the state paid to each account.

The program initially required booking at least a two-night nonrefundable hotel stay, with one or more nights from Sunday through Wednesday, in four cities: Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis or Chattanooga. Amid pressure, the state expanded the cities to include the Tri-Cities area of Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport.

The airfare vouchers can be used anywhere, though the state is hoping they'll be used on flights to Tennessee. Ezell said the state could not limit the vouchers and remain on the quick timeline they wanted to help recoup revenues being lost because of unfilled hotel rooms in the larger cities.

In order to do that, the reservation systems and the process that we could do had to be done this way," Ezell said in an interview. "It wasnt able to be done the other way and still be timely is how we made that. And the offer is open to Tennesseans too, and all 50 states and even international travelers.

Ezell said the program is about hotel incentives in cities that are still feeling the loss of conventions, business travel and international visits.

Those four larger cities are 100% of the tax revenue shortfall in hotels, Ezell said. In March, the state of Tennessee was down about $7 million in sales tax and those four cities, Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville were more than $7 million down.

The Tri-Cities area was not the only place concerned about the list of places included in the program.

Ken Maples, a commissioner for Pigeon Forge, emailed Ezell this month, asking about promoting the Smoky Mountains and Sevier County, which have seen significant visitor traffic during the pandemic.

I assume this is the continual thanks we get for carrying the state through Covid and always a solid financial supporter of the state coffers, Maples wrote.

Ezell responded by comparing the program's focus on cities hurt by restricted business and international travel to the aid offered in the Smokies after deadly wildfires there in 2016, totaling more than $5 million.

Hotels in those four cities were willing to offer immediate discounts because unlike businesses in Sevier County, many of those hotels have occupancies during the week of under 40%, Ezell wrote. "I am very grateful for the tremendous work being done by the partners in Sevier County."

As of last week, 1,412 packages had been sold. The majority of the packages had been booked in Nashville, with 1,531 rooms sold so far. Nearly 400 packages have been sold in Knoxville and around 230 packages have been sold in Chattanooga. No packages had yet been sold in the Tri-Cities.
Millions of dollars are in the pipeline for higher education in Southwestern Connecticut for colleges and universities to strengthen their mental health workforce.

Congressman Jim Himes (D-Conn.) announced Monday that local colleges and universities will receive more than $4.9 million through federal grants to educate and train behavioral health professionals.

The Connecticut schools that applied for the funds include Fairfield, Sacred Heart and University of Bridgeport.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the number of Americans experiencing difficulties with mental health, said Himes. As our communities move past COVID-19, a lot of the trauma remains, which is why ensuring there are enough mental health professionals in our area is more urgent than ever.

Himes said he was pleased to see federal dollars come to the district for such a worthy cause.

Im committed to increasing federal funding to address the mental health crisis, he said.

Housed within the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program aims to increase the quantity and quality of behavioral health professionals  and in strengthening the workforce, promote access to mental health services, too.

The program prioritizes children and youth who are at risk for behavioral health disorders, according to a press release from the congressmans office.

Himes cited data that last year saw a nearly 30 percent increase in drug-overdose deaths, partially from pandemic-induced stress without adequate support. He said a lack of mental health workers contributed to that lack of assistance.

Christine Siegel, provost of Fairfield University, said in a statement that the grant will support a diverse student population in our excellent graduate mental health programs and contribute to the well-being of individuals and families in Bridgeport and other local communities.

Julie Berrett-Abebe, an assistant professor in Fairfields family therapy and social work program, said the priority for the funding was to train mental health providers so that we can deploy them to the most high-need areas, and also train them in these integrated models of care.

Berrett-Abebe, who wrote the grant application, said Fairfield plans to use $1.6 million to train more than 100 pre-professionals over four years. The students come from four programs: social work, marriage and family therapy, psychiatric nurse practitioners and clinical mental health counseling.

Were bringing together professionals from different disciplines, Berrett-Abebe said, a skill applicable to the workplace.

About 60 percent of the grant will go directly to students as stipends, she said. Much of the rest is earmarked for specialized training on campus, and internships and other work with local partners in Greater Bridgeport.

Faculty will benefit from professional development, too, including in emerging areas of the field such as telehealth.

At Sacred Heart University, the School of Social Work was awarded $1.8 million over four years.

The program, titled Making IMPACTS: Integrating Mental Health into Primary Care: Training for Social Work, will increase access to quality behavioral health services among under-served and high need areas and populations, said Victoria Osborne-Leute, an assistant professor from Sacred Hearts social work school.

Osborne-Leute said in the press release Sacred Heart will use the funds to develop and expand field placements and internships, and to build a workforce with local partners in behavioral and primary care.

The social work program will also collaborate with Sacred Hearts master of public health, physician assistant, and volunteer and service learning programs.

The University of Bridgeports share totaled $1.5 million over the next few years.

Allison Buller, the project director at UB, said the university will use the grant to confront the post-pandemic mental health crisis.

This grant will enable UBs Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program to supply the region with counselors trained to deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy, said Buller.

Students within the program can learn cutting-edge therapies, Buller said, through Radically Prepared! A Project to Develop a Skillful Resilient Professional Counselor Workforce for Southern Connecticut. Training covered includes motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy skills, and Circle of Security parenting, she said.

These skills will also help students focus on their own health and wellness, Buller added.

Pre-professionals will also receive $10,000 stipends during their internships from the federal sum.

With this sizable funding, UB will be able to become a center for distributing these innovative treatments to the Greater Bridgeport community, said Buller.
San Antonio residents took to social media Sunday night with reports of a meteorite visible from Texas through parts of the Midwest.

Keep an eyes on the skies with these powerful binoculars

The American Meteor Society had 149 reports of meteorite sightings from the Northwest Side of San Antonio to Monett, Missouri. One San Antonio resident on Facebook asked, "Anybody in San Antonio see something fall out of the sky?"

Aside from all the jokes about UFOs, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and military experiments out of Camp Bullis, residents shared snaps of the meteor as it blazed across the sky.

A Facebook post from Texas Storm Chasers posted a Ring video out of Carthage, Texas, of the meteor. The post says that residents even reported hearing a "boom."

Lonestar Storm Chasers, another group on Facebook, added that emergency vehicles were en route to the FM-551 outside of Dallas, but it was not confirmed whether it was because of the meteor.

No official record has been made on NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies bolide events page. We are, however, in the middle of the 2021 Perseid meteor shower, which kicked off July 17 and will continue through August 26. According to Forbes, the peak nights in North America will be August 11-12.

The meteor, most commonly referred to as a "shooting star," would be reported as a "fireball". A fireball is an "unusually bright" meteor that explodes into the atmosphere. Those objects, also called bolides, can exceed 1 meter, or about 3 feet, in size.

It's unclear if the space object actually hit earth. There have been no known reports of a meteorite, or the surviving pieces of a meteor, being discovered by time of publication.
Terry Mattingly leads GetReligion.org and lives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He is a senior fellow at the Overby Center at the University of Mississippi.
Virgil Cardamone couldnt sleep July 13. He obsessed over how to relay the message that everything he and his friends had built over the last six years on a grassy lot in rural Carbon County was in jeopardy.

The next morning, it dawned on him: He would, as he put it tear his heart open in a smartphone video broadcast over social media, pleading with hundreds of the regulars at the Mahoning Drive-In to help save the institution.

In the six-minute video, Cardamone laid out the scenario: A green-energy company out of Connecticut had paid to option the land the theater sat on for a solar-panel farm. The local zoning board was going to vote in a few weeks, and the 38-year-old was rallying fans of 80s classics, forgotten B-movies, and films everywhere to plead with Greenskies Clean Energy LLC to change its mind.

The drive-in will never die, Cardamone said in his sign-off, flicking tears out of his eyes with his thumb. Mark my words.

Two days and hundreds of emails, Facebook posts, and phone calls later, he posted a second video, announcing, almost in disbelief, that the grassroots campaign had been successful. Greenskies had agreed to pull their plan, and the theaters landlord had expressed a willingness to sell the four-acre property to Cardamone and his business partners.

To have the whole entire culture rise up and let them know how much it means to them, for me, I feel this business is invincible, even with all the madness going on, Cardamone said in an interview last week. This place is an escape for people, and its a celebration of a simpler time.

As the Hatboro native put it, this ending isnt normal. Its closer to the plot of the movies that Cardamone and his partners project onto the Mahonings 109-foot-wide screen.

But its a reality. The latest chapter in the saga of a 72-year-old drive-in theater in the Pocono Mountains, an anachronistic landmark that has been repeatedly saved from obsolesce by a group of film buffs.

Still, Cardamone is quick to point out that Greenskies is not the villain of this story.

For them to step back and realize what this place meant to so many people took courage, he said. They saved this place, and they saved my lifes work.

In 2015, Cardamone and Matthew McClanahan worked with longtime theater operator Jeff Mattox to save the struggling business by switching from first-run blockbusters to retro film favorites and niche genre movies, all played on original, 35 mm film reels.

The results were immediate: Whereas cars were once sparse in the lot, fans from as far away as Canada began making regular treks to Lehighton, a town living in the shadow of tourism darling Jim Thorpe.

Themed movie events  Camp Blood for Friday the 13th and its ilk and a Hanks-giving Weekend celebrating Tom Hanks and Turkey Day, to a name a few  have drawn crowds, often dressed in costume, who camp out under the glow of the screen.

One couple even booked the drive-in as their wedding venue in a September 2016 ceremony.

Greenskies vice president of policy and new markets, Jeffrey Hintzke, admitted he wasnt aware of that history earlier this year when he contacted property owner Joe Farruggio about optioning the land. His mind quickly changed when the company became bombarded with messages from Mahoning fans after Cardamones video was posted online.

Pretty simply, the passion of the local as well as the broader film community sort of made us realize that this would be an uphill fight, if not an impossible one, Hintzke said. It certainly was not worth the fight and animosity it would develop in the local community.

His communication with Farruggio, he said, gave him the impression that the drive-in was not long to be in business. When the inverse turned out to be true, the company unanimously made the decision to stand down.

Broadly speaking, we like to be good corporate citizens, Hintzke said. And we dont like to do things that dont make sense.

Farruggio, however, feels the company was unfairly forced into that situation. Greenskies was bullied, he said, into making a decision that cost them money, and jeopardized his own retirement.

They created this media circus, got all their website friends to go and absolutely bombard Greenskies with negative comments and threats, Farruggio said. And the company had no option but to withdraw the application.

Farruggio, 73, owns a small empire of theaters  three other drive-ins besides the Mahoning, as well as The Gap Theater, a single-screen movie house in Wind Gap, Northampton County. He had hoped the deal with Greenskies would help secure a comfortable retirement for himself, and a sound investment for his family after years of struggling.

He says he lets the Mahoning operate on his land for less than what he pays in property taxes. After this recent back-and-forth, he confirmed that he is willing to negotiate the sale of the land with Cardamone. So long as, he says, its under the proper terms.

I dont want to say I wont sell to them. Im 73, and Ill need to do something soon, Farruggio said. Sales are an option, but not under these circumstances. I wont be a seller under duress.

But the people who implored Greenskies to save the theater say its value transcends any amount of money.

For Corey Reilly, the thought of visiting the drive-in was all that kept him going after undergoing painful hip surgery. And when he was finally able to make that six-hour drive from his home in a suburb of Cleveland, Reilly knew the wait had been worth it.

Its like seeing a bunch of old friends youve never met before, Reilly said. Everyone is so courteous, and the layout is just nostalgia personified.

So, naturally, he was part of the letter-writing campaign to Greenskies. He hoped the companys leaders could understand just a fraction of the love he had for the place.

Movies, they reflect part of our culture, they reflect the history they were made in, he said. And having a place like this that keeps film alive, keeps part of decades of art alive, is amazing.

But the drive-ins army of defenders werent all out-of-towners. Carla Bowman, a lifetime Lehighton resident, was upset at the news, and was fully prepared to march to the township zoning board meeting to protest the Greenskies plan.

Cardamone and his partners had won Bowman over in February when the local middle school canceled the annual 8th grade celebration because of COVID-19. Distraught that the tradition wouldnt go on, Bowman looked for alternative locations for the event to be held safely.

The Mahoning delivered, offering its field to house bounce castles and games, and capping the night with  what else  a movie screening.

This was a family event, and this is what its all about, she said. Saving this place is more than just watching movies. It was coming together as a common interest.
JEFFERSON - Gale F. Otto, Sr., 91, passed away on July 26, 2021 following a long illness. He was born in New Lyme, Ohio on March 13, 1930 the son of Charles and Mae Belle (Hodge) Otto. Gale very proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953. On January 31, 19
Frankfort, KY (40601)

Today

Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 83F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 58F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
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Approximately 174,200 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, with over 41,800 means of transportation (of which 9,900 trucks) have presented themselves to carry out their formalities at the border crossing points nationwide, in the last 24 hours, according to a press release sent by the General Inspectorate of the Border Police (IGPF) to AGERPRES on Monday.

For the entry point there were approximately 84,500 people with 19,000 means of transportation, and for the exit point there were 89,700 people with 22,800 means of transportation.

The Hungarian border was crossed by approximately 46,700 people and 18,000 means of transportation (3,900 trucks), and at the exit point there were approximately 25,400 people with 10,500 means of transportation and 1,800 trucks.

Regarding specific activities, in the competence areas - crossing points and "green border" - the border police have found 43 illegal acts (11 infractions and 32 contraventions) committed by Romanian and foreign citizens.

13 foreign citizens were denied entry, due to non-fulfilling the legal requirements, and 18 Romanian citizens were denied to leave the country, because of various legal reasons.
Deputy Prime Minister Dan Barna said on Monday that there is currently a competition inside the National Liberal Party (PNL) of who deals more blows the Save Romania Union - Party of Freedom, Unity and Solidarity (USR PLUS) alliance, noting that, at the moment his party is in a coalition that has been voted by Parliament and, as long as there is a majority to support the government, he will respect whatever decision the Liberals make in Congress.

"There is nothing much to comment on the fact that inside PNL there is a competition of who deals more blows to USR PLUS. That is something that we can all see. I am waiting for this 'super September' to pass in which all three parties have elections and then we should take a closer look at the agenda and the reforms therein. Beyond that, there is campaign rhetoric, "he explained, when asked about Cristian Ghinea's claims that USR PLUS could get out of governance given the attacks by PNL leaders on Dan Barna in the context of the PNL Congress convention.

"I have said it several times and I will answer you now. The simplest thing would be to get out of the government, only that the Romanians who gave USR PLUS credit and sent us to the Romanian government and parliament, with our weigh, asked us to come and fight for Romania. As long as there is a solution, as long as I believe and we believe that we can contribute to the change we desperately need as a country we will continue to lead this fight," Barna added, Agerpres informs.

He pointed out that USR PLUS is in a coalition that was voted in by Parliament.

"From the perspective of USR PLUS, we are in a coalition that has taken up an agenda endorsed by a parliamentary majority. As long as these things do not change, as long as there is a parliamentary majority to support this government, we will respect any outcome to be decided by PNL on its national leader and we will continue governing. (...) As far as I know, the convention of a party does not mean a motion of censure against the government we are in," said the deputy prime minister asked if he takes into account sitting down at the negotiating table with PNL after the party's Congress convention, if changing the composition of the government were suggested.

According to Barna, some of the reforms taken up by the coalition are "further away" and others are "closer". "SIIJ is close, we just have to find the strength to give the go-ahead for its disbandment. We have agreed inside the coalition that we will approach some after September, after the three parties will have new validated or renewed leaderships and from that moment we will take each of them and we will put a schedule on the table," the USR PLUS co-chair explained.
Deputy Prime Minister Dan Barna said on Monday that things look fine in terms of budget execution at the ministries managed by USR PLUS (Save Romania Union - Party of Liberty, Unity and Solidarity) Alliance, mentioning that the message Prime Minister Florin Citu sent is a natural one.

"Things look fine. At the Justice Ministry we have 97 - 98% execution, at Health 88%, at Transports we are at 93%, at Funds there is 70%, but here are elements related to programming and absorption mechanisms. Therefore, things fare well in our opinion. The Prime Minister's message is a natural one. Obviously there is a discussion with each government member to see how we stand, where there are reserves, if there are reserves, to see what amount there will be for the revision," Barna said after the meeting of the USR PLUS leadership.

He added that the budget revision is a topic discussed with each minister, and the PM's post on the topic is normal, after being asked about the fact that the PM referred to the protocol signed in the coalition, including about resignations and dismissals in the government, Agerpres informs.

Asked if a minister who had not spent the budget should leave office, Barna replied that such a thing would not have any logic, the analysis of a minister's activity being more complex.

Ministries that have not spent in the first semester the money they asked for must come up with solid arguments that the budget execution shall improve in the next 6 months, Prime Minister Florin Citu said on Monday.

"As promised, the budget revision starts with an assessment of the budget execution for each ministry. Article 56 (1) - Until July 25, 2021, the main credit release authorities of the state budget and the National Health Insurance House for the budget of the national single social health insurance fund shall send to the Finance Ministry an assessment of the budget execution on the first six months as against the schedule for H1 established through quarterly divisions, according to the provisions of article 48 of Law No 500/2002, with the subsequent amendments and completions. (2) - Based on the assessment provided in paragraph (1), at the first budget revision of 2021 the budgets of the main credit release authorities can be adjusted with the amounts representing the difference between the H1 schedule and the budget execution on the first six months. The results of the assessment on the budget execution, analysis that is not related to the protocol, will be publicly presented. The ministries that have not spent in the first six months the money they asked for must come up with solid arguments, to provide guarantees that the budget execution shall improve in the next 6 months," Florin Citu wrote on his Facebook page.
Minister of the Environment, Waters and Forestry Tanczos Barna, said in Oradea on Monday that there are funds for preventing conflicts with large carnivores under a 10-million-euro project funded by the Ministry of European Investment and Projects (MIPE) that will start during the week.

At a news conference, he was asked if the ministry will financially support an investment programme for the prevention of conflicts with large carnivores, given that, according to WWF Romania, the ministry has not allocated any money for them, and the only investment - in electric fences and shepherd dogs - in the last 15 years was conducted only by environmental organisations.

"Yes, it can and should be welcomed. I welcome the initiative of the organisation and the WWF activists. It is commendable how they approach this issue. This week starts the programme financed with 10 million euros from MIPE that will finance a lot prevention actions and the most comprehensive scientific estimate of the number of specimens in the brown bear population. We will fund other measures as well. This week, on Wednesday, at 10:30hrs, we will also have a news conference with Mr Ghinea. I will give a concrete answer, with figures and amounts, on Wednesday at 10:30hrs. It is the object of the funding contract and we will present it on Wednesday," said the Environment Minister, Agerpres informs.

According to him, electric fences are a local solution and can protect certain crops, certain areas such as sheepfolds, for example, but not all alpine pastures can be fenced off with electric fencing because both transhumance and grazing in mountain areas require travelling tens of kilometres every day.

The WWF Romania team organized on Friday, July 23, a media visit to two sheepfolds, in the Padis area of the Apuseni Natural Park under a LIFE project that includes 16 partners from 15 countries in Europe, with several activities, including sharing best practices for the prevention of conflicts between humans and large carnivores, and exchanges of experience between farmers.
Minister of the Environment, Waters and Forests, Tanczos Barna, stated on Monday, in northwestern Oradea, that systems to collect floating waste will be installed on the rivers heading to Hungary.

"In the coming months 12 points on the cross-border waters will be identified, and systems to collect floating waste will be installed on the rivers heading to Hungary. Unfortunately, many times, these rivers transported huge amounts of waste towards the neighboring country. In the course of spring I had a visit to Hungary and we established, together with the authorities in Hungary, that concrete measures will be taken to preempt this phenomenon of floating waste exports. There are 12 points along the border where the systems will be installed, they are to be identified, to be followed this year by auctions for feasibility studies and allotment of funds for their building. Some of them were already placed with support from the Dutch Embassy and we are going on the experience of these already functional points and expanding the network along the border so that the issue is resolved," said, on Monday, in a press conference, the Environment Minister.
Deputy Prime Minister Dan Barna announced on Monday that he would suggest Prime Minister Florin Citu a partnership between the government and the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church (BOR) to boost the COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign, mentioning that in Greece, after such an approach, the immunisation rate reached 50%.

According to Barna, there is no other option than vaccination if restrictive measures on unvaccinated people, such as limited access to shopping or non-essential areas in case the incidence increases above a certain threshold in an area, are to be avoided.

The Save Romania Union - Freedom, Unity and Solidarity Party (USR PLUS) leader said that he will also suggest the participation of the COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign coordinator in the meetings of the government and the ruling coalition, as well as the involvement of prefects, Agerpres informs.

Asked about theCOVID-19 restrictions that could be imposed on unvaccinated people, Barna said: "It is very clear, looking at what is happening all over the world and in Europe, that if we do not get vaccinated, such preventive measures will be necessary for citizens and the preventive measures will be designed, as is the case in many other European countries, for unvaccinated people, precisely so that by such measures the entire population will be protected."

He added that these are "measures already implemented in neighbouring countries," such as limited or scheduled access to non-essential spaces at the weekend for unvaccinated people
The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) issued a Code Yellow warning of thermal discomfort and heat wave, until the end of this week, in most of the country.

According to the meteorologists, in the last days of July, the heat wave will spread and will gradually intensify, the thermal discomfort will rise, and the temperature-humidity index (THI) will pass the critical threshold of 80 units. There will be a heat wave in the Western, Southern regions, and the rest of the territory.

The maximum temperatures will generally range between 34 and 39 degrees Celsius, with the highest values in southern Oltenia and Muntenia. Locally, at night, temperatures will not drop below 20 degrees Celsius.

In Bucharest, the THI will pass the critical threshold of 80 units, and the thermal discomfort will continue to be emphasized, until the end of the week, according to ANM's special prognosis.

Maximum temperatures will go up from 32, 33 degrees Celsius on Monday, towards 35, 36 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, and then will be around 38 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature will be placed around 20, 22 degrees Celsius. The sky will be clear, with mild winds.
Romania's Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu on Monday welcomed rector of the University Agency of la Francophonie (AUF) Slim Khalbous, at the ministry's headquarters, reconfirming Romania's attachment to the promotion of la Francophonie including by organising in Bucharest, September 21-24 in a hybrid format the 18th meeting of the General Assembly of AUF, amidst AUF's 60th anniversary this year.

According to the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE), Romania's Education Minister Sorin Cimpeanu, president of AUF, also attended the meeting.

"The head of Romanian diplomacy voiced full support for the preparation of the AUF General Assembly meeting, saying that it represents a reconfirmation of the important role that Romania plays inside the International Organisation of La Francophonie. In the same context, he underscored the importance of promoting international university and scientific co-operation in an international francophone setting, underlining Romania's interest in expanding partnerships," the MAE statement reads, Agerpres informs.

Aurescu mentioned Romania's main contributions and activities inside La Francophonie, including a successful Eugen Ionescu programme of doctoral and postdoctoral research fellowships funded by MAE and organised together with AUF and Romanian universities.

He welcomed Romania's recent election, for a new four-year term, as a member of the AUF Board of Directors.

The rector of AUF thanked Romania for hosting the General Assembly meeting in Bucharest and voiced optimism about the outcome of the meeting.

"He emphasised the important role of Romania in the association and highlighted the desire to maximise the collaboration potential of AUF by expanding co-operation with Romania, unveiling the initiative of organising a workshop dedicated to Romania's multidimensional role on the Francophone segments. He pointed out that Romania's success in accessing the Board of Directors of AUF is the result of the consistency and the very good image that our Romania enjoys inside this body, voicing openness to further support Romania's bids for positions of representation in this forum," according to MAE.

Romania has hosted, since 1994, the headquarters of the University Agency of La Francophonie for Central and Eastern Europe (AUF-ECO) that covers 17 countries in the region. AUF-ECO collaborates closely with MAE, with other Romanian public institutions and with representatives of academia and civil society for the development of francophone projects of national and regional interest. Romania ranks third in the world (after France and Algeria) in terms of the number of AUF member universities.

The Francophone University Agency was founded in 1961 in Montreal, Canada, as a multilateral institution that supports co-operation and solidarity among French-speaking universities and promotes the development of higher education and research. It brings together universities, academic networks and scientific research centers that use the French language. With a network of 1,007 members in 119 countries, it is one of the largest associations of higher education and research bodies in the world.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) conducted the payment of a voluntary contribution worth 300,000 euro through the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), for the purpose of implementing projects in support of civil society and independent press in the Republic of Moldova, following a decision in this sense announced by Minister Bogdan Aurescu, last week, during his official visit in Chisinau.

According to a release from MAE, the mentioned financial assistance was allotted in agreement with the support package on Romania's part for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova announced by President Klaus Iohannis, in Chisinau, on December 29, 2020.

This contribution is ensured from the Fund for Democratization and Sustainable Development for the Republic of Moldova, included in the Annual international cooperation plan for development and humanitarian assistance pertaining to the year 2021.

At the same time, through this measure the firm commitment of Romania to support the European path of the Republic of Moldova is reaffirmed, including through actions of official assistance for development and in accordance with the bilateral Strategic Partnership for the European Integration of the Republic of Moldova.

MAE mentions that the Republic of Moldova represents the main beneficiary of official assistance for development and humanitarian issues granted by Romania at the bilateral level, approach reconfirmed through the Multi-annual strategic program regarding international cooperation for development and humanitarian assistance in the 2020-2023 period, approved by the Romanian Government in November 2020.
Daniel Neman Daniel Neman is a food writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Daniel Neman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

My great-grandmother, who was from the old country, spent the last few years of her life in a nursing home.

This accommodation, combined with the problems associated with having lived well into her 90s, did not always sit well with her. One day, she announced that she had had enough.

Im going to end it all, she said. Im going to go downstairs and eat the borscht.

She was joking, and I personally find it hilarious. But I have been remembering this long-ago episode as I find myself contemplating the relationship between food and death.

As former French president Francois Mitterrand was dying of prostate cancer, he decided to go out on his own terms, with the best meal he could possibly have. The highlight of the dinner, which also included oysters, foie gras and capons, was roasted ortolan bunting.

The ortolan, as it is usually known, is a small songbird that migrates from Europe to Africa. It is reputed to be the best-tasting food known to man.

It is also endangered, and is illegal to eat or hunt in France  precisely because it is reputed to be the best-tasting food known to man and is therefore in danger of extinction.
The commission is preparing to ask lawmakers and the governor for an immediate infusion of $5 million in state funds to help boost wages in the current fiscal year.

Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, who is a member of the commission, said the board needs to make it clear to the governors office that the money is needed to keep the homes afloat.

These veterans are not going to be served, Schupp said.

Commission Chairman Kelly McClelland said hes hopeful Parson will be receptive to the request.

Hes a veteran and hes very serious about this program, McClelland said.

In future years, the commission is proposing to request $33.2 million in additional state funding.

The salary issue is most severe among nursing assistants who have a base salary of $21,424.

As of July 15, turnover among the nursing assistants stood at 100%, with 214 vacancies within the seven homes.

One option sought by the commission is to reclassify nursing assistants so they could receive a higher wage. The change, which could be implemented within three months, would cost an estimated $3.4 million.
KANSAS CITY  Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the landmark ruling that legalized abortion nationwide  a decision that would allow Missouri to enforce one of the nations most restrictive abortion laws.

Hawley, along with GOP Sens. Mike Lee and Ted Cruz, filed a brief with the court on Monday arguing the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, in which the justices said the U.S. Constitution protects the right to an abortion, should be discarded, with individual states left to set abortion policy.

The senators brief is likely to be just one of many seeking to sway the justices, who are set to rule next year in a major case in which the courts conservative majority could severely weaken or overturn Roe. Hawleys stance on abortion is already well known and he has previously promised to support only Supreme Court nominees if they agree Roe was wrongly decided.

But Hawleys signature on the document comes as Missouri fights to implement a 2019 law that would ban abortion after the 8th week of pregnancy. The law, which has temporarily been blocked from going into effect, also includes triggers that ban abortion at 14, 18 and 20 weeks if the 8-week ban is overturned.
Hari Krishnan, on his way to the Arch with his wife and two grandchildren, said they were fine wearing masks.

I dont want to be infected, nor do I want to spread it to anybody, said Krishnan, 64, of Columbia, Missouri.

The start of the new mandate coincided with the kickoff to the Munys 2021 season in Forest Park. By showtime, easily thousands were in attendance at the 11,000-seat venue. Because the venue is outdoors, masks are not required, but Muny officials were strongly encouraging guests to wear them, and many did so.

We dont have a problem wearing masks at all, said Dan Marchbanks, who attended opening night for Smokey Joes Cafe with his wife, Sherrill, in celebration of their 34th wedding anniversary. But if this was an inside event we wouldnt have come.

Owners and managers of businesses that largely operate indoors, however, were in a tougher spot.

At a Straubs in Town and Country, several signs were posted at the entrance, saying masks were required and: Thank you for doing your part.

I am glad to do whatever its going to take to get this over with, said Kelly Lehmann, a manager there. If it makes it go faster, I am all for it.
There is an image that is being circulated on social media of an image dated 2019 that shows evidence of damage in the same area of the fracture, she wrote. We have confirmed that the image is legitimate and we are investigating to see if that damage was noted in a September 2019 inspection report and if so, what actions were taken.

Michael Baker employees looked back at old video inspections, finding that the crack had been visible in their drone footage as early as 2019. Though their contract with the state did not stipulate that their mandate extended to the bridges tie girders, theyd missed it, too.

If the crack presented a clear, present danger, that danger existed for at least 24 months before anyone noticed it.

Placing blame

If any one person was to be blamed for the missed crack, it could have been Hill.

One staff engineer reports to Hill, and three statewide heavy bridge inspection teams report to the staff engineer. Each team consists of a lead bridge inspector and an assistant. Responsibility for their work ultimately fell to Hill.
The political wrangling in Washington has at times made infrastructure investment seem like a partisan issue, but that belies the near-universal support improvements have in cities and towns across the country. It is encouraging that President Joe Biden has agreed to a deal on infrastructure with a bipartisan group of senators. And despite last weeks back-and-forth movement on the issue in Washington, I am encouraged by these senators optimism that Congress will finalize and advance this bipartisan legislation in coming days.

But the second lesson for the efforts to rebuild America doesnt seem to get as much attention. Its about where we invest. Because while the Hernando de Soto Bridge is emblematic of the need for infrastructure investment, it also shows the importance of investing in the right places.

Memphis is the poster child for where we should make these strategic investments. There are key places across the country where the discovery of a crack in a bridge reveals the cracks in the nations infrastructure. Memphis is one of those places.
There was, in fact, a police presence during the unionization vote, but there is no documented police violence of any kind. Specifically, there were no reports of police efforts to harass Black workers. The police presence, which reportedly included off-duty cops hired by Amazon, was tasked with security. The unionization effort was not race-specific. Bushs accusations of police violence toward Black workers seemed a thinly disguised bid to inflame tensions with police and introduce a racial element where none existed.

Trump deserved to be called out for his constant lying via social media. The effect of his antics was to divide Americans and blur the line between fact and fiction. Trump also nurtured the anti-mask and vaccine-skepticism movements that now are causing a resurgence of coronavirus infections. Trump was banned, and deservedly so, from major social media for his behavior.

Bush deserves to be held to the same standard, or at least be warned officially that shes skating too close to the edge. When Bush allows herself to play this game of distortion, she only mirrors Trumps antics rather than rises above them. And she deepens the divide that Trump helped create.

Democratic colleagues who were so quick to denounce Trump also need to apply the same rules to their own side of the aisle. If Trumps needlessly polarizing behavior was not acceptable, then it should be just as unacceptable when the lies emanate from far-left politicians like Bush.
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American combat troops, especially the infantry, have for centuries been looking for new technology to give them an edge in combat. Until the 1990s this was often expressed as troops modifying their own equipment and weapons, often by borrowing commercial technology. The army had another advantage because its Special Forces, which had been around since the 1950s, had more freedom to try anything new they could get their hands on. The army and marines depended on this Special Forces capability to get successful new tech for all infantry. New technology cooperated in the 1990s by introducing a lot of new tech, usually for civilian markets, that the troops could adopt or adapt to their needs. This trend took off in the 1990s when the army, all-volunteer since the 1970s, got more official support for this bottom-up innovation. After 2001 there was more money, more combat and the Internet to speed up the process still more. In peacetime new developments come more slowly and cannot really be tested as convincingly as during periods of actual combat. After 2001 there was plenty of combat and a lot more tech innovation because troops had more opportunity to quickly determine what worked and what didnt and share experiences with others via the newly introduced (to a mass audience) Internet.

One area of tech that most improved troop capabilities was night-vision equipment, both for just enabling troops to better see at night and also for a new generation of electronic rifle scopes and sights that greatly improved weapon effectiveness at night.

After 2009, when the innovative ENVG (Enhanced Night Vision Goggle) was introduced, the capabilities rapidly appeared. ENVG was digital and merged the older light-enhancement tech of the first (1960s) night vision devices with thermal imaging tech that detected changes in temperature and got lighter and cheaper so it could be used in individual night vision devices all infantry had access to. The new NVGs, especially ENVG, used software to make it all work and that software can be upgraded to add new capabilities. Over the next decade software, as well as hardware it was used on, became the focus of new capabilities.

The latest examples of that are ENVG-B, the heavier rifle (or machine-gun) mounted FWS-I electronic scope and battlefield wi-fi (networking of devices). These completed development by 2018 and the army saw these items as potential game-changers and fast tracked them for mass production and distribution to the troops. ENVG-B was a binocular version of ENVG and was 20 percent heavier. For most troops the extra weight was worth it because of many new capabilities that were possible, or simply worked better, in a binocular ENVG. The latest example of that is a recent software tweak for ENVG-B that gave users an optional outline mode which added an illuminated outline of objects. This made it easier for troops to identify what they were seeing at night. User feedback had revealed the need for outline mode and when it was implemented the troop requests proved accurate. The next feature for ENVG-B is software enabled IronVision, which comes from Israel. IronVision was developed nearly a decade ago and first used for aircraft, which enabled the pilot to look down and see what a vidcam on the bottom of the aircraft was seeing, or select rear view. The army version was for tank crews in the form of a face visor for each member of the crew who now can, while inside the vehicle, see what the day/night vidcams mounted on all sides of the vehicle see. In effect the crew can see through the armor at what is going on outside the vehicle.

The IronVision HMS (Helmet Mounted System) was a major breakthrough because vehicle crews in combat are often forced to operate buttoned up (no one with their head outside the vehicle to see what was going on) because of intense enemy fire. Instead of a separate visor, ENVG-B will use its wireless capability to connect with the vehicle (tank or IFV) external vidcams to enable crew and, in the IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) what is outside. This is a big boost in situational awareness for troops who travel in IFVs and thats why the Americans are trying to implement EBVG-B rather than the Israeli approach.

Israeli and American cooperation developing weapons goes back a long time. Israel has been under constant even before it was founded in the late 1940s. Israelis had to innovate to survive. Thus Israel has been the source of many new items like large UAVs, loitering munitions and the smart helmet for fighter pilots. The U.S. took the lead in other techs, like night vision for the infantry.

ENVG first entered service back in 2009 costing about $18,000 each. Since then, ENVG has evolved into a lighter, cheaper and more capable digital night vision device. This is typical of night vision devices, which first reached the troops in the 1960s as handheld, telescope-like, devices using amplified light technology. This enabled troops to see more in moonlight or starlight and proved to be an enormous advantage in combat, especially against a foe who liked to make night attacks. These early devices became smaller, lighter and more powerful over subsequent decades. Until recently the devices were analog. Then, in 2014, came digital light amplification technology. With a digital device, you get much more amplification (up to 300 times), software that can clarify a murky image or quickly adjust the amplification of a device so that a user going from the dark into a lighted room would not be temporarily blinded. Digital images can be easily transmitted wirelessly. In 2014 the digital goggles weighed 680 gr (24 ounces) and were first successfully used by SOCOM operators. The digital light enhancement tech worked well enough with existing thermal (heat) imaging tech to quickly blend data from both to produce an even more accurate image for the user.

The digital light amplification came quickly after two new night vision designs reached the combat zone. U.S. Army troops began receiving the helmet-mounted ENVGs back in 2009 and in 2011 another major improvement; SENVG (Spiral Enhanced Night Vision Goggles) showed up. The main improvement with SENVG is a much sharper, true-color image. Troops who tested them did not want to give them up. SENVG is more expensive and the initial order was for fewer than a thousand. That has since more than tripled, but SENVGs are allocated to units that need them most.

Field testing of the original ENVG (the AN/PAS13) took place in 2005. This device worked with the current AN/PVS-14 night vision goggles which used light amplification, but added the capability to use thermal imaging which showed differences in heat. As more combat moved to Afghanistan, the ENVG became more critical for battlefield success at night. The ENVGs were so successful that the army ordered 50,000 so that all troops in a combat zone could have them. The ENVG was particularly useful for spotting hidden (in the brush) enemy gunmen at night. Troops equipped with ENVG have a 50 percent probability of spotting these hidden hostiles at 300 meters and an 80 percent probability at 150 meters and that was when outline mode first became a suggestion. Even without outline mode, ENVG made it much more difficult for enemy fighters to ambush American troops at night. Since the enemy rarely has night vision gear, they have to rely on sound and fleeting glimpses of the approaching Americans. That means the U.S. troops have to be less than 50 meters away before the enemy can open fire. ENVG provided a crucial edge at night. This was great for American morale, not so good for the Taliban. The SENVG goggles simply increase the American edge. Stolen ENVG gear became a hot item on the black market.

What made the ENVG so popular was that it combines the older light enhancement technology with thermal (heat sensing) night sight. This combined goggle weighs about one kilogram (two pounds). The older ENVG (thermal only) weighed 864 gr (1.9 pounds), while the AN/PVS-13 light-enhancing device weighed 568 gr (1.25 pounds), for a total of nearly a kilogram (2.15 pounds). The new sight is not only lighter, but more compact and easier to use. It provides a total of 15 hours' use (7.5 hours for thermal imaging and the same for light enhancement). In most cases (where there is some star or moonlight) the light enhancement sight will do. But where there is no other light (as in a building or cave) the thermal imager works. The thermal imager also works through fog and sand storms.

Until 2006, thermal imaging equipment was large and bulky and only available in vehicles (M-1 tanks and M-2 Bradleys). But after 2006 smaller and lighter thermal imagers have come on to the market. The U.S. Army Special Forces have been using these lightweight thermal imagers to great effect from the very beginning of their development.

Field testing of the combined light amplification/thermal device began in 2008 and was quickly found to be popular and reliable. The earlier thermal imager was also very popular, but carrying both night sights was not. At first, the plan was not to equip all combat troops with the more expensive combined sight. That soon changed once user reports came back, praising the ENVG and describing how much of a life-saver it was. Not all non-combat troops will have an ENVG, but every unit will have some. The army found the money ($770 million) to buy over 50,000 of the new ENVGs, which cost about $15,000 each.

The SENVGs were equally expensive and difficult to produce and special operations troops (Special Forces and SEALs) got them first. The new technology in Spiral Enhanced Night Vision Goggles will be included in weapons sights as well as vehicle night vision equipment. Same with the new all-digital equipment.

Another more recent innovation combines a scope type FWS-I (Family of Weapon Sights  Individual) thermal sight on the rifle and links it via an encrypted wireless connection with the helmet-mounted ENVG III thermal sight. Using this combination the soldier can scan the area with his ENVG and if he spots a target, he can move his rifle so that the picture-in-picture shows his FWS-I rifle sight lined up with his ENVG image. This way the soldier does not have to be looking in the same direction as his weapon to make an accurate shot at night. The soldier can switch between both thermal devices but because they can easily work together he can keep his weapon pointing in one direction while just turning his head to sweep the area for possible targets. Safely firing around corners or from behind any cover is easier with this twin sensor arrangement.

There are other advantages. The FWS-I weapon scope is larger, heavier and more powerful than the wearable ENVG III and is accurate out to a thousand meters for man-sized targets with 70 percent probability. The closer the targets, the more certain the identification. This is about three times as far as ENVG and other monocular helmet-mounted devices, and provides the kind of long-range night vision previously available only on vehicle-mounted thermal sights. FWS-I weighs 740 gr (about 25 ounces), has an 18-degree field of view and uses three AA batteries that last seven hours when used alone and three hours when using the wireless link to ENVG III. There is also a daylight option when dealing with fog or smoke that is effective out to 300 meters. FWS-I costs about $10,000 each.

The lighter ENVG III has a 40-degree field of view, uses four AA batteries that last seven hours when used alone and three hours when using the wireless link to an FWS-I rifle sight. The cost is about $7,000. There is also a heavier binocular version (ENVG B) which provides a larger field of vision and better depth-perception than when using the standard monocular device. ENVG B also links wirelessly to FWS-I and provides greater capability to rapidly and accurately scan a large area.

The ENVG/FWS-I combination is initially intended for scouts and SOCOM (Special Operations Command) troops. Most infantry will use existing monocular night vision which has about the same capabilities as ENVG III but without the FWS-I link. For regular infantry platoons, one or two troops using ENVG/FWS-I can scan a wide area to support nearby troops equipped with just the helmet-mounted thermal devices. The FWS-I equipped scouts can alert the other troops to the approach of enemy forces nearly a thousand meters away and track the enemy until they are close enough for the other troops to see and fire on. At that point, the scouts can fire on more distant enemy forces while those who are closer are under heavier fire from the troops with the shorter-range helmet-mounted vision devices.
MONTREAL, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mason Graphite Inc. ("Mason Graphite" or the Company") (TSX.V: LLG; OTCQX: MGPHF) is pleased to announce the launch of Black Swan Graphene Inc. (Black Swan Graphene), and the execution, on July 21, 2021, of a Definitive Agreement pursuant to which Mason Graphite has agreed, through Black Swan Graphene, to purchase strategic assets related to a patented graphene processing technology from Thomas Swan & Co. Limited (Thomas Swan), a leading United Kingdom based specialty chemical company founded in 1926 exporting today to over 80 countries (the Transaction).

On closing of the joint-venture Transaction, Mason Graphite and Thomas Swan will own respectively 66.67% and 33.33% of Black Swan Graphene, which is expected to proceed to a going-public transaction in the coming months.

Since 2012, Thomas Swan has been developing a graphene processing technology, which has now been upscaled three times, from lab-scale, through pilot-scale to commercial-scale. The process allows for the production of high-performance graphene at a cost sufficiently low to engender rapid commercial penetration in industrial applications requiring large volumes of graphene and, in turn, requiring large volumes of graphite. The graphene produced by Thomas Swan has reached significant commercial achievements, having undergone thorough customer testing and qualification processes by globally recognized companies in different manufacturing sectors and electronics, notably for mobile handsets, and is expected to be widely used in off-the-shelf products in a near future.

The potential for battery applications was also recently evidenced with the announcement of a collaboration agreement with Johnson Matthey PLC, to use the graphene developed by Thomas Swan to enhance the overall performance of traditional lithium-ion and next generation batteries1 (see link below to a joint press release issued on June 22, 2021). Johnson Matthey, a FTSE 100 company listed on the London Stock Exchange, is a global leader in sustainable technologies and innovative battery materials, which are expected to significantly improve range and cost of electric vehicles.2

In addition to the assets related to the graphene processing technology and associated know-how to be sold to Black Swan Graphene, Thomas Swan will also contribute its exclusive production and commercialization expertise while providing access to subject matter expertise, such as access to personnel and technical support, and deliverables from its operation in Northern England. Black Swan Graphene aims to establish a large-scale commercial production facility in Quebec, Canada, in order to leverage the provinces competitive and green hydroelectricity, as well as the proximity of Mason Graphites planned production sites. These factors are key and will accelerate the production and commercialization of the graphene developed by Thomas Swan by integrating the supply chain and lowering production costs.

Graphene was first isolated in 2004 in Manchester, United Kingdom, leading to the award of the Nobel Prize in Physics to the two physicists behind the achievement. Similar to the emergence of carbon-fiber technologies of the 1990s, the ability to produce large quantities of graphene at low cost is critical to large scale commercialization.

Graphene can notably be used to strengthen polymers with obvious applications in the lightweighting of the transportation industry. The polymer additive market is approximately USD$46 billion annually.3 Graphene also renders plastics recyclable and is expected to play a significant role in the global effort from governments worldwide to ban single-use plastics. Graphene is also a replacement of carbon black, which has an annual market of more than USD$17 billion.4 Moreover, graphene is expected to support a breakthrough in Li-ion battery technology as it allows for a meaningful increase in the silicon content of the battery anode, hence improving battery performance.

Furthermore, graphene can be used in concrete, resulting in a stronger, significantly less permeable, and longer-lasting concrete able to achieve equivalent strength while using less volume of materials. As concrete is responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions,5 the reduction of concrete usage is paramount in the fight against climate change. Black Swan Graphene will benefit from an established and exclusive commercial relationship between Thomas Swan and Concrene Limited, a United-Kingdom based private nanotechnology company, which has developed a breakthrough graphene-based solution for the concrete industry.6

Mr. Harry Swan, Chief Executive Officer and owner of Thomas Swan, commented: After a thorough review of the carbon industry and a long discussion process with several market participants, we are very excited to start this new venture with Mason Graphite, which is advancing a unique graphite project, developing a broad range of carbon related products, and working with several high-profile technical partners. This partnership creates a more efficient supply chain, which will solidify and accelerate the deployment of our graphene processing technology within a burgeoning industry.

Mr. Fahad Al-Tamimi, Chairman of Mason Graphite, commented: We couldnt be more excited to embark on this new venture with Thomas Swan, a highly respected and dynamic company, in the promising world of graphene. Graphene is no longer theoretical, but undergoing a transformative progress in applications, production, and commercialisation. Yet very few companies are able to produce high performance graphene at a cost sufficiently low to penetrate industrial markets; I believe Black Swan Graphene will be one of them. Not only this new venture is expected to create meaningful graphite demand and is therefore a natural extension of the Lac Gueret graphite project, but it truly transforms the companys potential as it elevates Mason to a preeminent position within the fastest growing segment of the carbon industry.

Corporate Leadership

The Board of Black Swan Graphene will be comprised of two nominees from Thomas Swan and four nominees from Mason Graphite.

Thomas Swans nominees are expected to be Messrs. Harry Swan, Chief Executive Officer and owner of Thomas Swan, and Michael Edwards, Business Director, Advanced Materials of Thomas Swan.

Mason Graphites nominees are expected to be Messrs. Peter Damouni, Executive Director of Mason Graphite, Dr. David Deak, an expert in materials science with significant experience in battery materials, including having led special supply chain projects and battery engineering programs for Gigafactory 1 at Tesla Inc. (see full biography below), Roy McDowall, Director of Mason Graphite, and Simon Marcotte. While Mr. Marcotte will remain as a consultant to Mason Graphite and continue to support specific initiatives undertaken by the Company in recent months, for the sake of impartiality, he will step down from the Board of Mason Graphite, effective immediately, and will join the Board of Black Swan Graphene on the closing of the Transaction. Mr. Francois Perron will join the Board of Mason Graphite, effective immediately (see biography below).

Mr. Fahad Al-Tamimi, Chairman of Mason Graphite, added: I also take this opportunity to welcome Francois to the Board of Mason Graphite. His experience and insight in the mining industry, especially in Quebec, are sure to be highly valuable to the Company.

Details of the Transaction

On closing of the transaction, Thomas Swan will receive 3M and shares representing 33.33% of Black Swan Graphenes issued and outstanding capital. Closing of the transaction is expected to take place on or around August 19, 2021. Mason Graphite will also invest $2.5M in Black Swan Graphene for working capital purposes and will hold a 66.67% equity interest in Black Swan Graphene.

On closing of the Transaction, among other things, (i) Black Swan Graphene will enter into a License Agreement with Trinity College Dublin for the production of exfoliated defect-free, non-oxidised 2-D materials in large quantities (the TCD License), currently covered under a license agreement between Trinity College Dublin and Thomas Swan, (ii) Black Swan Graphene and Thomas Swan will also enter into, among other things, the Services Agreement, a License Agreement, whereby Black Swan Graphene will license the Graphene Processing Technology to Thomas Swan for a production of up to 1,000 tonnes per year, and a Sub-License Agreement, whereby Black Swan Graphene will sub-license the TCD License to Thomas Swan, and (iii) Black Swan Graphene, Thomas Swan and Mr. Fahad Al-Tamimi will enter into an option agreement (the Option Agreement), pursuant to which (a) Thomas Swan will be granted a put option to be exercised concurrently with or immediately within 30 days following the closing of the Transaction to sell shares of Black Swan Graphene representing up to 8.33% of the outstanding shares of Black Swan Graphene to Mr. Al-Tamimi or any assignee of Mr. Al-Tamimi for a cash consideration of up to 562,000 (the Put Option), and (b) Mr. Al-Tamimi or any assignee of Mr. Al-Tamimi will be granted a call option to acquire from Thomas Swan shares of Black Swan Graphene representing up to 8.33% of the outstanding shares of Black Swan Graphene for a cash consideration of up to 562,000 during this same period (the Call Option), the Put Option and the Call Option being combinable to result in up to all of the shares of Black Swan Graphene representing 8.33% of the outstanding shares of Black Swan Graphene to be purchasable by Mr. Al-Tamimi or any assignee of Mr. Al-Tamimi under the Option Agreement.

Dr. David Deak

Dr. David Deak is President of Marbex LLC, running a portfolio of projects at the interface between mining, energy, and technology domains  with a special focus on lithium and related battery materials. Dr. Deak has built his career advancing initiatives in lithium mining, renewable energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles. He was recently the Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice-President of Lithium Americas Corp., where he spearheaded technical, project, and marketing developments of two major lithium assets, in Nevada and Argentina. Before Lithium Americas, Dr. Deak led special supply chain projects and battery engineering programs for Gigafactory 1 at Tesla Inc. Prior to working in the electric vehicles business, he managed product and process development programs for Ambri Inc., a Bill Gates-backed energy-storage start-up spun out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Deak has also acted as a consultant for multinational engineering conglomerates, start-ups, government entities and institutional investors, involving projects from technology scouting to materials supply chain analysis. His professional career started in the Chief Technology Officers office at Siemens Wind Power in Denmark, where he focused on supplier technology development and component warranty cases. Dr. Deak holds a D.Phil. in Materials Science from Oxford University and a B.A.Sc. in Engineering Science from the University of Toronto.

Francois Perron

Mr. Perron is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Lucky Minerals Inc., a company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSX-V), as well as Chairman of Northern Superior Resources Inc. and President & Director of Goldstar Minerals Inc., both of which are TSX-V listed companies advancing assets in the Province of Quebec. Prior to his corporate involvement, Mr. Perron was managing resource focused portfolios for National Bank Alternative Investments and various resource funds for the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec from 2001 to 2007. In 2006, he was recognized by Brendan Woods International as a Top Gun Asset Manager in Mining. In 2008, Mr. Perron was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Goose Resources Inc., a TSX-V listed company which was subsequently acquired by Kodiak Exploration Limited in 2010. In 2011, he became the President and Chief Executive Officer of QMX Gold Corporation, a TSX-V listed company, which was advancing the Snow Lake Mine in Manitoba and the Lac Herbin Mine in Quebec. Mr. Perron holds a Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, from McMaster University (1986) and an MBA from the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales in Montreal (1992).

Related Party Transaction, Review, and Approval Process

The grant of the Put Option to Thomas Swan and the Call Option to Mr. Al-Tamimi under the Option Agreement may be considered to be a related party transaction for purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (in Quebec, Regulation 61-101 respecting Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions) ("MI 61-101). Mason Graphite is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, respectively, in reliance on sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(b) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the Put Option or the Call Option, if exercised in full, is not more than 25% of the Companys market capitalization.

The Board of the Company formed a special committee comprised of Messrs. Tayfun Eldem, Lead Director of Mason Graphite, Peter Damouni and Roy McDowall to consider and make a recommendation with respect to the Transaction, including the Option Agreement. Based in part on the unanimous recommendation of the members of the special committee, the Transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Mason Graphite, with Mr. Al-Tamimi not participating in the discussions on the Option Agreement and any related matters and abstaining from voting on such matters.

Links to Press Release, Articles, and Footnotes

About Thomas Swan & Co. Limited

Founded in England in 1926, Thomas Swan & Co. Limited is a leading independent manufacturer of performance and fine chemicals. The company manufactures over 100 products, from kilogram to multi-tonne quantities, and offers an experienced and flexible custom manufacturing service. With offices and warehousing in the United Kingdom, the United States and China, and a global network of distributors, Thomas Swan exports to over 80 countries worldwide and is well placed to service British and international markets.

For more information: www.thomas-swan.co.uk

About Mason Graphite Inc.

Mason Graphite is a Canadian corporation dedicated to the production and transformation of natural graphite. Its strategy includes the development of value-added products, notably for green technologies like transport electrification. The Company also owns 100% of the rights to the Lac Gueret graphite deposit, one of the richest in the world. The Company is managed by an experienced team cumulating many decades of experience in graphite, covering production, sales, as well as research and development.

For more information: www.masongraphite.com

Mason Graphite Inc. on behalf of the Board of Directors:

Fahad Al-Tamimi, Chairman of the Board

Mason Graphite Inc.

Ana Rodrigues at info@masongraphite.com or 1 514 289-3580

Head Office: 3030, boulevard Le Carrefour, Suite 600, Laval, Quebec, Canada, H7T 2P5

Cautionary Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: (i) volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic conditions; (iii) the possibility of write-downs and impairments; (iv) the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; (v) the risk associated with establishing title to mineral properties and assets; (vi) the risks associated with entering into joint ventures; (vii) fluctuations in commodity prices; (viii) the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and production; (ix) competition faced by the resulting issuer in securing experienced personnel and financing; (x) access to adequate infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and exploration activities; (xi) the risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the resulting issuer; (xii) the risks associated with the various environmental regulations the resulting issuer is subject to; (xiii) risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; (xiv) risks related to potential conflicts of interest; (xv) the reliance on key personnel; (xvi) liquidity risks; (xvii) the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common shares; (xviii) the Company does not anticipate declaring dividends in the near term; (xix) the risk of litigation; and (xx) risk management.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities, no material adverse change in metal prices, exploration and development plans proceeding in accordance with plans and such plans achieving their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's business, operations and exploration plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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: Mason Graphite
AUSTIN, Texas, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company, a Texas county mutual carrier, recently celebrated the 4th anniversary of its partnership with Elephant Insurance Company, a consumer-focused car insurance company dedicated to putting its customers at the center of all efforts. The partnership with the Virginia-based company continues the extension of Elephant's private passenger automobile insurance offering to Texas citizens.

"Elephant Insurance has a strong customer-focused approach to automobile insurance, and we're excited to continue our relationship with them," said Chris McClellan, President and CEO, Redpoint Insurance Group and Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company.

This partnership further extends Redpoint's mission to support the aspirations of its partners to provide quality coverage and exceptional service to their customers.

"At Elephant, we continually seek opportunities to elevate the customer experience," said Colleen Benzin, Head of Product at Elephant Insurance. "We value our partnership with Redpoint and look forward to bringing more customers in Texas the advantages of affordable rates and consumer control through our partnership."

About Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company is a Texas county mutual carrier headquartered in Austin, TX. Further detail is available at www.RedpointInsurance.com.

About Elephant Insurance Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Elephant is a consumer-focused car insurance company that aims to put its customers at the center of all efforts. Elephant provides auto insurance policies to consumers in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Elephant Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Admiral Group, plc. and is certified as a Great Place to Work. To learn more about Elephant, visit elephant.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/redpoint-county-mutual-insurance-company-celebrates-its-partnership-with-elephant-insurance-company-301341258.html

SOURCE Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company
FILE PHOTO: Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi attends a signing ceremony following the talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia August 22, 2019. Sputnik/Alexey Nikolsky/Kremlin via REUTERS/File Photo

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi said on Sunday troops fighting the Islamic State-linked insurgency in its northern province of Cabo Delgado were gaining ground and the enemy was retreating.

Nyusi was addressing the nation on the crisis that was triggered when the insurgents in March attacked the coastal town of Palma, near natural gas projects worth $60 billion that are meant to transform Mozambique's economy.

The insurgency has caused total paralysis in mineral activity, agriculture and infrastructure development in the region, he said.

(Reporting by Manuel Mucari; Writing by Promit Mukherjee; Editing by Alex Richardson)
(U.S. Air Force)

DAYTON, Ohio (Tribune News Service)  Wright-Patterson Air Force Base recently sampled 22 private drinking water wells in nearby neighborhoods to determine the levels of a group of contaminants known as forever chemicals.

The testing, officials said, is part of the Air Force's ongoing efforts to ensure that the toxins remain below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recommended levels for PFAS. The contaminants have been detected in multiple drinking water systems throughout the Dayton region.

Meanwhile, the Department of Defense hosted its first online PFAS forum on July 14.

PFAS  or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances  has been linked to multiple health issues, including cancer and increased cholesterol levels. Pregnant and nursing women, infants and children, and others who have a compromised immune system might be at a higher risk of health effects from PFAS exposure.

Wright-Patt's well sampling process started in late April, when the Air Force Civil Engineer Center surveyed 405 properties in two areas near the base and identified the wells that would be sampled. Twenty were in the area near where a Harrier aircraft crashed in 1997 shortly after taking off from the base. The crash site is at the Interstate 70 and Interstate 675 intersection in Fairborn.

The remaining two wells sampled were in an area between Wright-Patt, the Mad River and the city of Dayton Fire Training Center, located at 200 McFadden Ave.

All samples collected were below the EPA recommended action level of 70 parts per trillion, said David Iacovone, the Air Force Civil Engineering Center's project manager.

The Air Force notified the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health about the results on July 6, he said. In addition, Iacovone's team is preparing a report that will be sent to the Ohio EPA, ODH and the three impacted county health departments  Greene, Montgomery and Clark. A copy of the report will also be placed on the Air Force Civil Engineer Center administrative record, which will be available to the public.

"Although (PFAS) are unregulated compounds, this off-base sampling is an example of the efforts the Air Force is taking to protect human health," Iacovone said. "We are addressing (PFAS) in drinking water because it is the most direct route to human consumption, and the EPA has issued a lifetime health advisory for (PFAS) in drinking water. (PFAS) in finished drinking water at Wright Patterson AFB is below the EPA's health advisory, and we continue to work with regulators to ensure drinking water is protected."

In addition to sampling private wells, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center is conducting an investigation that will help officials determine the nature and extent of PFAS flowing from the base, he added. The investigation is part of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, which is not required for forever chemicals. CERCLA, also known as Superfund, was created to set aside money for cleaning up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

The information collected will provide data to determine if base officials and the U.S. Department of Defense need to take action, and the best courses of action, Iacovone said. In the meantime, WPAFB and the Air Force have implemented several measures to ensure their mission activities are not a source of PFAS exposure, he said. Some of those measures include using firefighter foam that does not contain PFAS, restricting use of the foam to emergency use and controlled exercises in appropriate facilities and promptly removing foam when discharged in emergency response.

Despite those efforts, the city of Dayton in May filed a $300 million lawsuit against Wright-Patt and DOD. The suit alleges the base consistently violated environmental laws, including the Safe Drinking Water Act, and water contaminated with forever chemicals above the recommended action level continuously flow into the city's Mad River Wellfield.

Several hotspots, including a storm water outfall that passes through the base into the river, have PFAS levels of 600 ppt, Mike Powell, the city's Department of Water director, has said.

The Defense Department is grappling with the PFAS issue, which has impacted many of its installations and their communities nationwide. As a result, the department launched the online PFAS forum. They hope it will help increase communication with affected communities and other stakeholders. The forum is also aimed at improving transparency regarding the Pentagon's PFAS related activities.

"We are intent on making sustained progress on all PFAS challenges," Richard G. Kidd, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for environment and energy resilience, said in a statement. "We will continue to invest in science and technology, and we will demonstrate a commitment to clear and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders."

(c)2021 the Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio)

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Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., honored the Air Force's 73rd birthday with a drive-in event. (Christina Carter/U.S. Air Force)

WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. (Tribune News Service)  Whiteman Air Force Base will reinstate its mask mandate, regardless of a person's vaccination status, starting Monday to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a Facebook post Sunday, the air force base in Johnson County, Mo., said the policy applies to all Department of Defense facilities and outside at the base whenever social distancing is not possible.

"Everyone's continued commitment to fighting the spread of COVID-19 is critical," Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander, said in a statement.

The announcement comes as the delta variant of COVID-19 continues to overwhelm Missouri hospitals.

Earlier this month, 10 Kansas City-area hospitals and health officials issued a public health advisory recommending members of the public wear masks. Kansas City lifted its mask mandate in May, while St Louis returns to a mask mandate Monday.

Appearing Sunday on "Face the Nation" on CBS, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said while the city's vaccination numbers are "painfully low," re-instating a mask mandate so far "is not necessary for Kansas City."

(c)2021 The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.)

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The Story is Here, as a complement to the Kindertransport  Rescuing Children on the Brink of War exhibition at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, features stories of local families who were personally affected by the Kindertransport. (American Swedish Institute Facebook)

MINNEAPOLIS (Tribune News Service)  Benno Black is the last known person in Minnesota who participated in a Jewish children rescue effort  called kindertransport  at the brink of World War II.

In July 1939, he boarded a train with other Jewish children bound for England, carrying a leather suitcase with his school notebook, pressed flowers from his mother, family photos and a few other mementos. He was 13.

Eighty-two years later, contents of that suitcase and Black's poignant journey are part of a new exhibit at the American Swedish Institute about the rescue effort that moved 10,000 Jewish children to safety, mostly in England but also Sweden and other nations.

Black, now 95, and his wife, Annette, last week peered into the glass display cases holding distant memories, grateful that his personal story has been transformed into public history.

"Everything looks good," said Black, eyes resting on the well-worn suitcase. Above stood a large photograph of him before he left his family forever  a confident boy in a crisp white shirt, tie, and shorts.

An estimated 1.5 million children were killed by the Nazi regime during World War II. Black was among the fraction that escaped in 1938 and 1939 in a collaborative rescue operation led primarily by the British government, Jewish agencies and resettlement groups.

The stories of kindertransport offer one more prism for understanding the Holocaust's devastation on families, said Susie Greenberg, associate director of Holocaust education for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, one of the exhibit's sponsors.

Black "was alone, he was an only child," said Goldberg. "These things are more than a time capsule of his life. There's a heart that beats here."

As public knowledge of the Holocaust declines and misinformation spreads, organizers said, it's critical that stories such as Black's be shared. The significance of kindertransport is magnified today "as the world faces a global refugee crisis that includes tens of millions of children," said Rabbi Alexander Davis, of Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park, an exhibit partner.

Once happy childhood

Black recalls having a happy childhood in Breslau, Germany. His father Martin owned a drugstore and his mother Helene was a homemaker. His great-grandfather was distinguished Jewish historian Heinrich Graetz, whose portrait hangs in Black's St. Louis Park home.

Black's secure family life flipped upside down in November 1938 following Kristallnacht, two days in which Nazis looted and destroyed Jewish homes, synagogues and businesses, including his father's store. His little school notebook, now on display, reveals his last day in class was Nov. 9, the day before the rampage. When he showed up for class the next day, his teacher told him: "No school today. Go right home."

The Gestapo arrested his father and released him weeks later, a weakened man. His parents desperately wanted to emigrate to Minnesota, where her brother lived, but they couldn't get a visa. Then they learned about Britain's kindertransport program and registered their only son.

Black last saw his parents in July 1939. His father and uncle accompanied him to the train station while his mother and aunt  too distraught to see him off  waved at the train as it crossed a viaduct.

"I was feeling a little scared, a little excited," said Black. "I thought I'd see my parents again."

After stopping in Berlin for the night, the train full of children headed to a port in Holland where they boarded a ship to Harwich, England. Upon arrival, the children were divided into groups and Black found himself on a bus to a former military camp near Ipswich, where he lived for about nine months.

Black and two other boys were sent to live with an English couple in Northampton, where he took a job in a leather factory and worked to improve his English.

Early on, Black said, he received some letters from his mother, but they eventually stopped. He learned his father died about four months after he left home. For decades, he had no information on his mother.

As the war intensified, Black joined the British Army to serve the country that saved him. "Everyone was joining. I thought I should too," he said.

Black spent 2-1/2 years in the Army, serving in France, Spain and northern Africa. After the war ended he set his eyes on Minneapolis, where his uncle lived.

"I remember my uncle meeting me at the train station," Black said. "He was single, and he took me to a family that I could live with."

In the next few years Black got married, bought a home in St. Louis Park and worked in merchandise distribution for Minnesota-based retailers Salkin & Linoff. The couple had two children, Mark, of Minneapolis, and Helene Hornum of Columbia, Md.

The old suitcase lovingly packed by his mother sat unopened on a shelf in his basement for years, until Greenberg and museum staffers interviewed Black and asked repeatedly if he had any kindertransport mementos. Finally Black went downstairs and brought up the dusty suitcase.

"It shocked everyone," said Ingrid Nyholm-Lange of the American Swedish Institute. "These are moments historians live for!"

A recent visitor to Black's home found on the sofa a newsletter from the New York-based Kindertransport Association, which works to unite survivors and educate the public. Black is the sole member in Minnesota, said association President Melissa Hacker. Nationally, about 300 survivors belong to the group, said Hacker, though it's unclear how many others are still alive.

Fathers leave legacy

While Black is the only surviving Minnesotan whose journey is told in the museum, the stories of two men whose daughters live in Minnesota are also featured: Kurt Moses, father of Twin Cities artist Sandy Baron, and Siegfred Lindenbaum, father of Beth Gendler, executive director of the state chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women.

Moses, who lived in Milwaukee, rarely spoke about his time in two children's camps in France, said Baron, but there were hints of his loss. She recalled seeing a photo of his mother that he had enlarged, with a Post-it note asking the enlarger to do their best because "I haven't seen my mother since I was 10 years old."

Lindenbalm also rarely mentioned his experiences. But he began speaking about kindertransport late in life after attending a 50th anniversary kindertransport reunion, said Gendler.

The retired chemist from Chicago began writing poems, several of which grace the exhibit's walls. One stanza ends:

"They came and took us to the railway station/ We were on the train all night/ When I woke up we were in Poland/ But my childhood I left it behind."

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Tunisian soldiers guard the main entrance of the parliament as demonstrators gather outside the the gate in Tunis, Tunisia, Monday. (Hedi Azouz/AP)

TUNIS, Tunisia  Troops surrounded Tunisia's parliament and blocked its speaker from entering Monday after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister and other top members of government, sparking concerns for the North African country's young democracy at home and abroad.

In the face of nationwide protests over Tunisia's economic troubles and the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis, President Kais Saied decided late Sunday to dismiss the officials, including the justice and defense ministers.

He announced a series of other measures Monday, including a nationwide curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for one month and a ban on gatherings of more than three people in public places. He denied allegations that he was fomenting a coup d'etat.

Some demonstrators cheered the firings, shouting with joy and waving Tunisian flags.

But others accused the president of a power grab, and the country's overseas allies expressed concern that it might be descending again into autocracy. In a move sure to fuel those worries, police raided the offices of broadcaster Al-Jazeera and ordered it shut down.

Tunisia, which ignited the Arab Spring in 2011 when protests led to the overthrow of its longtime autocratic leader, is often regarded as the only success story of those uprisings.

But democracy didn't bring prosperity. Tunisia's economy was already flailing before the pandemic hit, with 18% unemployment, and young people demanding jobs and an end to police brutality protested in large numbers earlier this year.

The government recently announced cuts to food and fuel subsidies as it sought its fourth loan from the International Monetary Fund in a decade, further fueling anger in impoverished regions.

The pandemic has only compounded those problems, and the government recently reimposed lockdowns and other virus restrictions in the face of one of Africa's worst outbreaks.

Angry at the economic malaise and the poor handling of the pandemic, thousands of protesters defied virus restrictions and scorching heat in the capital, Tunis, and other cities Sunday to demand the dissolution of parliament. The largely young crowds shouted "Get out!" and slogans calling for an early election and economic reforms. Clashes erupted in many places.

"I must shoulder the responsibility and I have done so. I have chosen to stand by the people," the president said in a solemn televised address.

Saied said he had to fire the prime minister and suspend parliament because of concerns over public violence. He said he acted according to the law  but parliamentary speaker Rached Ghannouchi, who heads the Islamist party that dominates the legislature, said the president didn't consult with him or the prime minister as required. The three have been in conflict.

"We have taken these decisions ... until social peace returns to Tunisia and until we save the state," Saied said.

While the dissolution of parliament cheered some protesters, others in Tunisia were opposed. Police intervened Monday to prevent clashes outside the parliament building between demonstrators supporting the president and lawmakers from the dominant Ennahdha party and their allies who opposed the move. Both sides shouted and some threw stones, according to an Associated Press reporter.

Ghannouchi, the speaker, tried to enter parliament overnight, but police and military forces guarding the site stopped him. He sat in a car outside the building for nearly 12 hours before leaving Monday afternoon  his next steps were unclear.

He called the president's move "a coup against the constitution and the (Arab Spring) revolution," and insisted the parliament would continue to work.

Saifeddine Makhlouf, founder of and lawmaker in a coalition of hardline Islamists, also denounced the president's move as a coup, saying, "We will not let it pass."

However, the president, a former constitutional law professor elected in 2019, rejected allegations during a meeting Monday with representatives of several national organizations that he was engaging in a coup.

"I ask how some can talk of a coup d'etat," Radio Mosaique quoted Saied as saying. "I studied and taught law. I applied the constitution, respecting its dispositions."

The president invoked a constitutional article that allows him to assume executive power for an unspecified period of time in cases of "imminent danger threatening the institutions of the nation and the independence of the country and hindering the regular functioning of the public powers."

Tensions between the prime minister and president have been blamed for poor management of the virus, while a bungled vaccination drive led to the dismissal of the health minister this month.

To date, 7% of the population has been fully vaccinated, while more than 90% of the country's intensive care unit beds are occupied, according to health ministry figures. Videos have circulated on social media showing bodies left in the middle of wards as morgues struggle to deal with growing deaths.

Ennahdha has been a particular target, accused of focusing on its internal concerns instead of managing the virus.

Security forces also moved in Monday on the Tunis offices of Al-Jazeera, the Qatar-based satellite news network said on its Facebook page. The reason for the move was not immediately clear.

Tunisian soldiers guard an entrance of the parliament in Tunis, Tunisia, Monday. (Hedi Azouz/AP) Tunisian soldiers guard the main entrance of the parliament as demonstrators gather outside the the gate in Tunis Monday. (Hedi Azouz/AP) Tunisian police officers guard the main entrance of the parliament as demonstrators gather outside the the gate in Tunis Monday. (Hedi Azouz/AP) Demonstrators celebrate with Tunisian national flags during a rally after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister in Tunis Sunday. (Hedi Azouz/AP) Demonstrators celebrate with national Tunisian flags during a rally after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister in Tunis Sunday. (Hedi Azouz/AP) Demonstrators celebrate with a Tunisian national flag during a rally after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister in Tunis Sunda. (Hedi Azouz/AP)

Al-Jazeera, citing its journalists, said 10 "heavily armed police officers" entered their bureau without a warrant and asked everyone to leave. "The reporters' phones and other equipment were confiscated, and they were not allowed back into the building to retrieve their personal belongs," the network said.

Qatar and its Al-Jazeera have been viewed by some Middle Eastern nations as promoting Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood. Its offices have been shut down in other countries over that, most noticeably in Egypt after the 2013 coup that brought current President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to office.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry said it hoped "the voice of wisdom" would prevail in the turmoil and that the rule of law would be established again.

Inside and outside Tunisia, from the U.N. to the U.S, the European Union and beyond, concern was raised about whether the nascent democracy was taking an authoritarian turn.

Former President Moncef Marzouki called for political dialogue, saying in a Facebook video, "We made a huge leap backward tonight, we are back to dictatorship."

Potential violence and respect for Tunisia's institutions were at the forefront of concerns by allies.

"The already volatile region "cannot bear to have more unrest than it has presently had," U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone with the Tunisian leader, encouraging him "to adhere to the principles of democracy and human rights that are the basis of governance in Tunisia," State Department spokesman Ned Price said. Blinken also asked that Saied "maintain open dialogue with all political actors and the Tunisian people."

While German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Adebahr stopped short of calling the presidential actions a coup, she said the Tunisian president appeared to be relying on a "pretty broad interpretation of the constitution."

France, Tunisia's former colonial ruler, said it counts on "respect for a state of law and the return, as soon as possible, to the normal functioning of institutions."

Italy, likewise, appealed for respect of the Tunisian Constitution while Turkey hoped "democratic legitimacy" is soon restored.

Associated Press journalists Mehdi El Arem in Tunis; Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Geir Moulson in Berlin; Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Matthew Lee in Washington; Lorne Cook in Brussels; Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
It has been three days since Shang Jialing saw her 7-year-old son swept away in the floods that struck her hometown of Xinxiang. She hasn't given up hope, but each day that passes gets more difficult for her, she said - and more desperate.

"All these days, we have kept searching but we haven't found him," Shang, a 35-year-old factory worker, said over the phone from Xinxiang, in China's Henan province. "We've kept contacting the rescue team, the media, hoping that we can find him, but we haven't," she said, her voice choking with tears.

The painful search for survivors of China's flood disaster continued in Henan province Monday, as grief and shock turned to frustration among some of the survivors scouring the debris for their relatives. Online and in local news outlets, people shared dozens of accounts of missing friends and family, conflicting with official reports that said only five people were unaccounted for. In the hard-hit city of Zhengzhou, where people died in submerged subway cars, family members continued gathering outside the cordoned-off train stations for news of their loved ones, reluctant to leave.

"A lot of people are missing. A lot, a lot, a lot," said Zhao Yajie, who said at least eight of her relatives and neighbors in the villages outside Xingyang have not been found, including her sister's 88-year-old grandmother-in-law. There are also many elderly people whom no one is looking for, she added.

"They don't dare to report the truth," Zhao said, without specifying whom she was referring to. "They're suppressing the truth, making small things big and big things small."

With central China stricken by the flood disaster, those living along the east coast were facing a new challenge as Typhoon In-fa brought torrential rain and strong winds to the region.

In Shanghai, where heavy rainfall was expected to last through Monday, officials evacuated more than 300,000 residents living near the sea, closed some public amenities and urged people to stay home. Hundreds of flights were canceled, and several railway lines were suspended. In Zhejiang province, photos of residents wading through water circulated online as millions of households lost power.

In the wake of the downpour that ravaged Henan last week, state-run media said, government officials on the eastern coast have "vowed to be on their fullest guard against potential losses."

Henan officials said Monday that the death toll from the floods had climbed to 69, with five people missing, though many users online speculated that the number of people unaccounted for was far higher. Information compiled by the Paper, a Shanghai-based publication, listed more than two dozen missing as of Sunday, including Shang's son.

Shang said that on Friday, she, her two children, and some neighbors were being transported from their flooded homes on a rescue boat when it suddenly flipped over. Rescuers saved her 10-year-old daughter, but not her son, Wang Jiahang, who cannot swim. Rescuers said another boat would pick up the boy, Shang said, but as of Monday, she hadn't heard any news.

"We still have hope that we might be able to find him," she said.

Relatives of six other individuals listed as missing by the Paper confirmed to The Washington Post that their loved ones had not been found as of Monday, but they declined to answer further questions.

"Are these conservative estimates?" asked one of the top Weibo posts responding to the latest figures from authorities. "There have been reports of many people missing."

"My village has three missing and the neighboring village also has three," responded another user. "Don't know if they've been included."

China's Communist Party has historically sought to manage news around natural disasters, often omitting or suppressing the full extent of the devastation, especially if it reflects badly on the government's emergency preparedness or response.

In the wake of the Henan floods, which came days before the start of the Olympics in Tokyo as well as a high-profile meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials, state-run national media outlets have largely focused coverage on the efficiency of rescue efforts, the dedication of emergency responders and individual acts of support. On Weibo, news about Chinese companies donating supplies to the rescue effort have topped the trending charts two dozen times.

In the hard-hit city of Zhengzhou, where people died in submerged subway cars, several foreign journalists have gotten pushback for attempting to interview citizens still dealing with wreckage from the floods. After a group mobbed German reporter Mathias Boelinger on Saturday, alleging he was trying to "tarnish" China's reputation, the state-run Global Times released an editorial urging residents not to confront foreign reporters.

"Don't give them additional opportunities, material to attack China," it said.

In recent days, however, individual pleas for help and attempts to provide support have provided a glimpse into the devastation on the ground.

A Henan native set up a file on Tencent, which functions similarly to Google Sheets, creating lists of those in need and those offering help. The document has been widely circulated on Chinese social media platforms, getting millions of views and growing to include tabs that show the live status of those in need of medical help, safe locations for survivors to gather and requests for specific material items such as clothes and chargers.

More than 1,000 people have requested help through the file, said Li Rong, the 22-year-old student behind the document. Those from Zhengzhou are slowly being crossed out, but more are being added from surrounding cities like Xinxiang, where rainfall was more intense later in the week.

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, vehicles pass through floodwaters in Zhengzhou in central China's Henan Province on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. At least a dozen people died in severe flooding Tuesday in a Chinese provincial capital that trapped people in subways and schools, washed away vehicles and stranded people in their workplaces overnight. (Zhu Xiang/Xinhua)
Hawaii Gov. David Ige, center, his wife Dawn Amano-Ige, left, and first lady Jill Biden, right, tour a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at a high school in Waipahu, Hawaii, Sunday, July 25, 2021. (Caleb Jones/AP)

First lady Jill Biden visited a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Waipahu, Hawaii, on Sunday to encourage unvaccinated Hawaiians to get their shots as the delta variant surges through much of the U.S.

Biden in remarks at the clinic at Waipahu High School said the virus has become "more contagious than ever" and urged the unvaccinated to "help us move past this virus once and for all."

"I'm here to ask everyone listening right now, to choose to get vaccinated," Biden said.

Nearly 60% of the state's population is fully vaccinated. State officials are scrambling to get more Hawaiians vaccinated as the infection rate climbs. Hawaii's seven-day daily average for new cases climbed 192% from July 10 to Friday, according to the state health department.

Later Sunday, Biden joined military families for a barbeque at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu.

She was visiting Hawaii on her way back to Washington from leading a U.S. delegation to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
A woman, who was identified only by her initials S.A., one of three New Zealand nationals, is escorted by a Turkish police officer, left, to the local courthouse in Hatay, Turkey on Feb. 15, 2021. New Zealand on Monday, July 26, 2021 agreed to repatriate the alleged Islamic State militant and her two young children, who have been detained in Turkey since February. (DHA/AP)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand  New Zealand on Monday agreed to repatriate an alleged Islamic State militant and her two young children, who have been detained in Turkey since February.

The decision follows a bitter dispute with Australia over which country needed to shoulder responsibility for the woman, who had been a dual citizen of both countries until Australia stripped her citizenship under its anti-terrorism laws.

The woman and her children were arrested when they tried to illegally cross from Syria into Turkey, according to Turkey's Defense Ministry. Turkey identified her only by her initials, S.A., while New Zealand media say she is Suhayra Aden, who was 26 at the time of her arrest.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand had taken into account its international responsibilities and could not remove citizenship from anybody if it left them stateless.

"I made very strong representations to Australia that she should be permitted to return there. Her family moved to Australia when she was 6 and she grew up there before departing for Syria in 2014 on an Australian passport," Ardern said in a statement. "Unfortunately, Australia would not reverse the cancellation of citizenship."

Ardern said the safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders was the government's paramount concern. She said there had been extensive planning with the police and other agencies.

"I can assure people great care is being taken as to how the woman and her young children are returned to New Zealand and how they will be managed in a way that minimizes any risk for New Zealanders," Ardern said.

Ardern said anybody suspected of being associated with a terrorist group should expect to be investigated under New Zealand laws, although the case remained a matter for the police.

New Zealand police confirmed an investigation was underway but declined further comment on whether she would face any criminal charges.
Buy Photo People flock near new National Stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

TOKYO  Commanders of the largest U.S. bases in and near Japans capital stepped up their preventive measures on Monday as new daily cases exceeded 1,000 in the city for a solid week.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government confirmed 1,429 newly infected people, according to public broadcaster NHK. Thats twice as many new COVID-19 patients as a week ago, according to metro government data. The city reported 1,763 on Sunday and 1,979 on Thursday.

Because of the surge, unvaccinated individuals associated with Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo can no longer travel to the city center, including the wards of Shibuya, Shinjuku and Roppongi, according to a public health order by base commander Col. Andrew Campbell.

Travel to and from the New Sanno Hotel, transit through the metro area and mission-essential travel are the exceptions for those individuals, according to the order, which took effect Monday. The travel ban holds until Aug. 31.

For fully vaccinated individuals, there are no prohibitions on local area activities, Campbells order states.

Travel to Okinawa must be approved by a squadron commander or the equivalent, according to the order.

Similar restrictions were reinforced Monday by Yokosuka Naval Bases commander, Capt. Rich Jarrett.

Tokyo continues to be in our higher-risk liberty tier, he said Monday on American Forces Network Radio. If you are planning to stay or visit Tokyo, be advised that overnight stays or indoor dining are off-limits unless you are staying at a Department of Defense-owned and operated accommodation.

The New Sanno Hotel and Hardy Barracks in central Tokyo and the Tama Hills Recreation Area in western Tokyo are the only approved locations in the area.

And there is a daily curfew, regardless of where you are staying, of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Jarrett said.

Yokosukas restrictions do not distinguish between vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals.

One U.S. military base  Naval Air Facility Atsugi, 26 miles southwest of central Tokyo  reported two new COVID-19 patients Monday.

NAF Atsugi identified two individuals through tests required before leaving restricted movement, a requirement for travelers entering or returning to Japan. The base has three patients under supervision, according to a base news release.

U.S. Forces Japan reported 103 active cases of COVID-19, the coronavirus respiratory disease, according to an update posted Friday on the USFJ website.

Kadena Air Base, on Okinawa, had the most, 32. The Marine Corps accounted for 46 at five bases on Okinawa and 12 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, south of Hiroshima.

Tokyo is bolstering a nationwide increase in coronavirus cases in Japan, which reported 5,035 new cases Sunday, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. This fifth wave in Tokyo is exceeded, so far, by only the December-January surge that recorded the highest number of new COVID-19 patients in one day, 2,520 on Jan. 7.

The city, along with Okinawa, is under a state of emergency under which restaurants and bars are encouraged to reduce or suspend alcohol sales and their business hours, and residents are encouraged to reduce their travel.

Kanagawa prefecture imposed a similar emergency on a handful of cities experiencing a disease uptick.
Buy Photo A man exits a shop damaged by rocket fire in Kabul, Afghanistan, in November 2020. The number of deaths and casualties in the country is going up at a record pace this year, the United Nations said July 26, 2021. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

KABUL, Afghanistan  Violence in Afghanistan has risen since international forces began leaving the country in May and is on course to cause record numbers of civilian deaths and injuries this year, the United Nations said Monday.

The casualties are largely due to an ongoing Taliban offensive that began shortly after the U.S. and its coalition partners announced plans to fully withdraw from the country, the U.N. said in a report.

The nearly 5,200 casualties documented in the first half of the year  including 1,659 killed and 3,254 injured  doubled the number during the same period last year, the report said.

Of that total, almost half were recorded after foreign forces began leaving, with May and June seeing the highest number of casualties ever recorded for those two months since the U.N. began systematically documenting casualties in 2009.

The report provides a clear warning that unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed, said Deborah Lyons, head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan. I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed of the conflicts grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians.

Buy Photo A man walks past a Kabul shop window shattered by rocket blasts in November 2020. As the last American troops leave Afghanistan, ongoing violence is on course to cause a record number of civilian deaths and injuries throughout the country this year, the United Nations said July 26, 2021. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

More women and children were killed and injured during the first six months of 2021 than any other comparable period since the U.N. began regular documentation, the findings showed. About a third of all casualties were children, according to the U.N. data.

The Afghan military was blamed for about a quarter of all casualties, while anti-government groups  mainly the Taliban  were blamed for 64% of them. Over 10% were unattributed.

For the first time since reporting began, no casualties were attributed to U.S. or other coalition countries.

The conflict has taken on a distinctly Afghan fighting Afghan character, the report said.

However, just hours before the report was released, U.S. Central Command leader Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie told reporters in Kabul that the U.S. had stepped up its air campaign against the Taliban, and could continue doing so, at least until the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan ends Aug. 31.

Since the Taliban launched its sweeping offensive in May, the group has taken control of about half of Afghanistans roughly 400 districts and seized border crossings with Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, the U.S. military has said. However, the group has yet to capture a provincial capital, as Afghan forces continue to defend all of the countrys largest cities.
An aerial view of Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, taken from a Blackhawk helicopter, April 4, 2011. Spin Boldak sits near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in southern Kandahar province. (Jonathan Thomas/16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

ISLAMABAD  Dozens of Afghan soldiers slipped across the border into northwestern Pakistan, the Pakistani army said Monday. The Afghan troops were fleeing after their border post was overrun, apparently by the Taliban.

The statement said 46 members of the Afghan forces, including five officers, crossed the border late Sunday near the Pakistani border town of Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Afghan soldiers "have been provided food, shelter and necessary medical care as per established military norms," the Pakistani army said, adding that it had informed Afghan authorities of the development.

The Afghan government denied Monday its troops crossed into Pakistan.

"This issue is not true. No Afghan military personnel have taken refuge in Pakistan, the sensitivity that all Afghans have against Pakistan and especially our military, is clear to all," said Gen. Ajmal Omer Shinwari, spokesman for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. He made the statement at a press conference in the Afghan capital Kabul.

But early on Tuesday, Pakistan's military distributed a video of Afghan soldiers in uniform being greeted by Pakistani troops. An accompanying statement read: "The said soldiers have now been amicably returned to Afghan authorities on their request along with their weapons and equipment. Pakistan will continue to extend all kinds of support to our Afghan brethren in time of need."

Neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan provided information about fighting on the Afghan side of the border. Pakistan's military dismissed the Afghan denial.

The Taliban have swiftly captured territory in recent weeks in Afghanistan, and seized strategic border crossings with several neighboring countries. They are also threatening a number of provincial capitals  advances that come as the last U.S. and NATO soldiers complete their final withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The insurgents are said to now control about half of Afghanistan's 419 district centers. The rapid fall of districts and the seemingly disheartened response by Afghan government forces have prompted U.S.-allied warlords to resurrect militias with a violent history.

For many Afghans weary of more than four decades of wars and conflict, fears are rising of another brutal civil war as American and NATO troops leave the country.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan  long fraught with suspicion and deep mistrust  deteriorated further when the Taliban overran the Afghan border town of Spin Boldak earlier this month. Taliban fighters at the time were seen receiving medical treatment in a Pakistani hospital in the town of Chaman, across the border from Spin Boldak.

Afghan officials have accused Islamabad of providing sanctuary to the Taliban as Afghan forces battle to retake Spin Boldak. The U.S. last week carried out airstrikes in support of Afghan troops in the southern city of Kandahar, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Spin Boldak.

Also this month, Kabul recalled its ambassador and other diplomats from Islamabad after the 26-year-old daughter of Afghanistan's ambassador was brutally attacked in the Pakistani capital. Pakistan still hosts about 2 million Afghans as refugees from decades of war in their homeland.

The Taliban surge gained speed after President Joe Biden announced in mid-April that the last American and NATO troops would soon leave Afghanistan. The 2,500-3,500 American soldiers and 7,000 NATO allies have mostly left the country at this point, with the few remaining soldiers to be gone by Aug. 31.

Pakistan has dismissed allegations of aiding the Taliban, and points out that it succeeded in pressuring the insurgents into peace talks last year. For its part, Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring the Pakistani Taliban, a militant group separate from the Afghan Taliban that has stepped up attacks on the Pakistani military.
A Dallas towing company must pay $10,000 in penalties and $40,000 in total compensation to five service members for illegally towing and selling their cars, as part of a settlement announced by the U.S. Justice Department. (Wikicommons)

A Dallas towing company who federal prosecutors say illegally sold vehicles belonging to five service members has agreed to pay $50,000 as part of a settlement, the Justice Department said.

Nearly half of the compensation from United Tows will go to Fassil Mekete, an airman whose car was towed and later sold in 2017 while he was attending Air Force basic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, a Justice Department statement said Friday.

United Tows violated a victims rights while he was selflessly serving his country, Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah for the Northern District of Texas said in a statement.

Prosecutors filed a lawsuit against United Tows in September on Meketes behalf. The Justice Department subsequently found that the company had illegally sold at least four other vehicles owned by active-duty personnel between 2014 and 2019.

A federal law protects military personnel from having their property sold without a court order while theyre on active duty and for 90 days after leaving the service.

Mekete had permission from the owner of a martial arts school in Dallas to park his 1998 Toyota Corolla at the school after he ended his apartment lease and reported for basic training around Aug. 29, 2017, court documents show. Mekete kept a laptop, computer case and personal documents in the car.

In early October, after a friend noticed Meketes car was gone, the airman called a woman who identified herself as the owner of United Tows, according to court documents. She told him she did not believe he was a service member and that the car would be sold if he did not claim the vehicle and pay all towing and storage fees, prosecutors said.

Mekete had to immediately report for technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base near Wichita Falls, Texas, and could not pick up his vehicle. He authorized a friend to collect his belongings.

The laptop and case were missing, and the gym bag appeared to have been cut with a blade, court documents stated. The airmans car was auctioned in November 2017 without a court order, according to case documents.

At his new base, Mekete had to walk, pay for ride-sharing or taxi services, or rely on rides from friends to get to work or run errands. He later purchased a used car for about $13,000.

The company agreed to compensate Mekete $20,000; provide $20,000 to be shared by the four additional service members; and pay a $10,000 civil penalty. United Tows must also adopt new policies and training requirements, the Justice Department said. The settlement is pending court approval.

Last year, in another case, a Florida towing company was ordered to pay up to $99,500 for auctioning the vehicles of at least 33 service members without a court order.

Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their rights have been violated can contact the nearest Armed Forces legal assistance office. Office locations can be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks to the press from the Pentagon briefing room in Washington, D.C., Feb. 19, 2021. (Jackie Sanders/U.S. Air Force)

WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed deep concern about suicide among troops during a visit to U.S. forces stationed in Alaska where there has been an alarming spike in those deaths.

At least six soldiers have died by probable suicide in Alaska since Dec. 30, and suicide is suspected in several others, USA TODAY has reported. That surge has followed several years of increases in suicide deaths among troops across the armed services.

In 2018, 326 active-duty troops died by suicide, with the toll increasing to 350 in 2019 and 385 in 2020, according to the most recent Pentagon figures. The number of suicide deaths fluctuates over time as investigations establish the cause of death.

Austin cited stress on troops and the stigma of seeking treatment for mental health issues as contributing factors. Last week, Army experts and Defense officials cited the stress caused by life in the military, demands for troops to confront China's rising influence and access to counseling.

"I'm mindful of the stress that they're often under and I'm deeply concerned about the suicide rates, not only here but across the force," Austin told reporters Saturday during a visit at Eielson Air Base in Alaska. "As you've heard me say before, one loss by suicide is too many and while we're working hard on this problem, we have a lot more to do. And I believe that has  it has to start with removing the stigma attached to mental health issues."

Austin raised the issue of suicide in nearly every visit he had with military, civilian and tribal leaders during his visit to Alaska, according to a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the meetings.

In Alaska, the suicide toll in 2021 among the roughly 11,500 soldiers stationed there already has nearly matched last year when seven soldiers died by suicide while stationed with U.S. Army Alaska. The main Army posts there are Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.

Soldiers based in Alaska face minus 60-degree cold, frequent training and deployment and geographic and social isolation. The relatively high cost of living, alcohol abuse and sleep disorders in the Land of Midnight Sun and its long, dark winters can be problematic as well. Alaska's civilian population had the second highest suicide rate in the nation in 2019, according to the CDC. The Army has spent more than $200 million in recent years in Alaska to combat suicide by improving living conditions there.

Army officials have stressed the need to treat mental health issues the same as physical ailments to alleviate the stigma of seeking help. Austin emphasized that point in his remarks.

"Mental health is health, period," Austin said. "And we have to approach it with the same energy that we apply to other  any other health issue, with compassion and professionalism and resources. And so if you're hurting, there are resources available."

Service members and veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide and those who know a service member or veteran in crisis can call the Military Crisis Line/Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

(c)2021 USA Today

Visit USA Today at www.usatoday.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Months after U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst Daniel Hale arrived in Afghanistan in 2012, he watched as a car sped eastbound near Jalalabad toward the Pakistan border. It was a cloudy and windy afternoon, and the man driving the car was a suspected member of a car-bomb manufacturing ring.

A U.S. Predator drone fired a missile at the speeding car, but it missed by several feet. The car eventually stopped. The man got out and checked himself, and then a woman emerged. She started to frantically pull something out of the car. But Hale could not see what it was because the drone through which he watched the scene diverted its camera.

A couple of days later, Hale's commanding officer told him the woman was the suspect's wife, and in the back of the car were their two daughters, ages 5 and 3. Afghan soldiers had discovered the girls in a nearby dumpster. The 5-year-old was dead from shrapnel in her body, and the younger girl was alive but severely dehydrated.

Calling it the "most harrowing day of my life," Hale described the episode in a handwritten 11-page letter to a judge who is expected to decide Tuesday how long Hale will spend in prison for leaking classified documents on the U.S. drone program to a journalist. Hale pleaded guilty in March to leaking documents under the Espionage Act that revealed secrets about U.S. drone operations in Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia.

Prosecutors have recommended that Hale spend up to 11 years in prison, arguing that "vanity overrode the commitments he made to his country." In court papers, the government argued Hale wanted to "ingratiate" himself with journalists and took a job with the Defense Department's National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency so he could access top-secret information and share it with reporters.

Hale argues that he should be sentenced to just 12 to 18 months in prison. It was not vanity but "irreconcilable moral conflict," his lawyers argue, that drove him to print out documents and share them with a journalist from the Intercept. "He felt extraordinary guilt for having been complicit in what he viewed as unjustifiable killings," his lawyers wrote in sentencing documents filed last week.

Hale and his lawyers argue that the former airman suffered from "moral injury" during his short stint as a signals intelligence analyst and that his only coping mechanism for the post-traumatic stress was to attempt to "make a difference" and leak documents.

According to a New York Magazine profile, Hale grew up in Bristol, Va. In his early 20s, after an argument with this father, he enlisted in the military, took an exam, aced it and was funneled into intelligence work. For three years he had various roles, training at a military language program in Monterey, Calif., and then working at an Air Force dental office in Maryland. In March 2012, he was transferred to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

There, Hale's job was to identify targets for drone strikes. He struggled with the risk that those he identified as enemies  a teenager or a farmer, for example  could be innocent civilians, he argued in recent court documents.

"To Mr. Hale, a young man standing in a field with a Kalashnikov might be an enemy fighter, or he might be a farmer armed to protect his property and family in a hostile country," explains Hale's sentencing position filed last week.

In his July 18 letter, Hale said the first time he witnessed a drone strike was days after he arrived at Bagram in March 2012. Before dawn, he wrote, he watched a group of men gather around a large campfire in the mountain ranges of the Paktika province. They carried weapons and were brewing tea  not an unusual sight in the "virtually lawless tribal territories outside the control of the Afghan authorities," Hale wrote.

But there was a suspected Taliban member among them, identified by a cellphone in his pocket. That, Hale wrote, was enough to make all the men suspects.

"I could only look on as I sat by and watched through a computer monitor when a sudden, terrifying flurry of hellfire missiles came crashing down, splattering purple-colored crystal guts on the side of the morning mountain," Hale wrote.

"Since that time and to this day, I continue to recall several such scenes of graphic violence carried out from the cold comfort of a computer chair," he continued. "Not a day goes by that I don't question the justification for my actions."

Hale was honorably discharged from the Air Force in July 2013, according to court documents. Defense officials did not respond to a request for comment early on Monday about Hale's description of drone operations.

In December 2013, he got a job as a political geography analyst at a defense contractor called Leidos. Hale was assigned to work at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in Springfield, Va., where he dealt regularly with "top secret" information.

One day after work, Hale stuck around the office to hang out with some co-workers, who had turned on footage of past drone strikes. As his co-workers "gaped and sneered" at the images "of faceless men in the final moments of their lives," Hale said he felt nothing but dismay. He stayed silent, he wrote, but felt his "heart breaking into pieces."

Not long after, Hale contacted a reporter with whom he had previously communicated and printed out documents. That reporter, while not named in court documents, is widely believed to be Jeremy Scahill of the Intercept. He eventually used the leaked documents to build the Intercept series "The Drone Papers," according to New York Magazine, which detailed the "inner workings" of the U.S. unmanned operations program, such as how the Obama administration approved airstrikes.

Federal agents raided Hale's northern Virginia home on the same day he left the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in August 2014, according to court documents, but they did not arrest him. It wasn't until nearly five years later, in May 2019, that Hale was indicted and arrested in Nashville, Tenn. where he had been working as a dishwasher.

In his letter, Hale wrote that post-traumatic stress disorder uniquely affects those working on drone operations. Hale estimated that he participated in more than 1,540 hours of "real time kill/capture operations," according to court documents.

"The victorious rifleman, unquestioningly remorseful, at least keeps his honor intact by having faced off against his enemy on the battlefield. The determined fighter pilot has the luxury of not having to witness the gruesome aftermath," Hale wrote. "But what possibly could I have done to cope with the undeniable cruelties that I perpetuated?"

Daniel Everette Hale is charged in federal court in Alexandria, Va., under the World War I-era Espionage Act. Hale, a former Air Force intelligence analyst said his guilt over participating in lethal drone strikes in Afghanistan led him to leak government secrets about the drone program to a reporter. (Nashville Police Department via AP)
Secretary of Veterans Affairs nominee Denis McDonough speaks during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 27, 2021. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday that it will require its medical workers to receive coronavirus vaccines. (Sarah Silbiger/AP)

WASHINGTON  The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday that it will require its hundreds of thousands of medical workers to receive coronavirus vaccines.

The department is the first federal agency to implement a vaccine mandate. Employees have until Sept. 20 to be fully vaccinated, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement.

Whenever a veteran or VA employee sets foot into a VA facility, they deserve to know that we have done everything in our power to protect them from [the coronavirus], McDonough said. With this mandate, we can once again make  and keep  that fundamental promise.

President Joe Biden confirmed news of the mandate while speaking in the Oval Office, where he was meeting Monday with Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Iraqs prime minister.

Veterans Affairs is going to, in fact, require that all doctors working in facilities are going to have to be vaccinated, Biden said.

The new mandate applies to all Title 38 employees, which includes VA physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants and chiropractors, as well as medical workers who visit VA facilities.

As of Monday, 300,099 department employees were vaccinated against the virus. The department employs about 378,000 people, including 367,000 full-time health care professionals.

Since the start of the pandemic, 146 VA workers have died from the coronavirus. Four employees  all of whom were unvaccinated  died in recent weeks. Three of the deaths were attributed to the coronavirus delta variant.

The World Health Organization said the delta variant is the most transmissible of the variants identified during the pandemic, and cases are on the rise in the United States. The VA reported 3,787 active cases of the coronavirus Monday, up nearly 200% from earlier in the summer. Overall, 12,679 VA patients have died of the virus since the start of the pandemic.

The VA said Monday that there was an outbreak of the virus among unvaccinated employees and trainees at a VA law enforcement training center.

Shortly before the VA issued its mandate Monday, 57 groups representing doctors, nurses and other health care workers issued a joint letter, calling for mandatory vaccinations of all health care workers in the United States.

Universal vaccination of health care workers is the single most important step health care institutions can do to stop the spread of [the coronavirus], Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said in a statement. It is essential for protecting the health of their workers, the safety of their patients and ultimately the health of their communities.

As cases of the delta variant began to increase last month, McDonough said he was considering a vaccine mandate. At the time, he had just issued a policy offering employees take a half day off from work in exchange for getting vaccinated.

McDonough said then that he had the authority to mandate employees to receive vaccines, but he first wanted to see the outcome of the new policy.

The VA does not have specific data on the numbers of employees vaccinated by location. Anecdotally, McDonough said VA facilities with the highest rates of employee vaccination were about 85% vaccinated. That includes the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System in New Orleans, which was an epicenter of the virus early in the pandemic.

On the lower side, fewer than 60% of staff at some VA facilities were vaccinated, including the St. Cloud VA Health Care System in Minnesota.

My goal has been that by August, were in a position to provide more care and benefits than before the pandemic, McDonough said in June. Our ability to do that is enhanced by getting more of our personnel vaccinated.

AMVETS, a national veterans organization, praised the mandate, calling it a bold, important step to improve veterans safety. Joe Chenelly, the groups executive director, said in a statement that the organization has heard from veterans who are choosing to go without health care for fear of getting infected with the coronavirus at a VA hospital or clinic.

Every VA employee coming into contact with a veteran should be expected to take every measure possible to ensure they are not endangering veterans who are in VA facilities, he said.

However, Chenelly said he was also concerned about the mandate leading to more staff vacancies across the VA health care system. The workforce grew by 2.6% in 2020, but the department still had about 28,000 vacancies in May, according to publicly available data.

It was unclear Monday about how the department would handle cases in which employees refused to get vaccinated.

Nikki Wentling
Dale Snort Snodgrass was killed Saturday in the crash of a SIAI-Marchetti SM.1019 in Idaho. Snodgrass was a legendary F-14 pilot with more than 4,800 hours and 1,200 carrier landings in a Tomcat. A former Top Gun instructor, he was Fighter Pilot of the Year in 1985. After retiring from the Navy, he became a noted airshow performer. (U.S. Naval Institute Facebook)

LEWISTON, Idaho (Tribune News Service)  Tributes began pouring in from around the globe Sunday for Capt. Dale "Snort" Snodgrass, the legendary U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat pilot who died in a single-engine airplane crash Saturday at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport.

Retired Navy Captain and former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly called Snodgrass a "true legend" in a Twitter post.

"I had the pleasure of knowing him and even flying with him in an F-14 with a new flight control system with me in the backseat, which felt oddly appropriate," Kelly wrote.

Recognition and respect also came from the U.S. Naval Institute, the International Council of Air Shows and countless other organizations and individuals Snodgrass' life touched. Snodgrass was a frequent participant in air shows after his retirement from active duty, pleasing crowds worldwide with his flying skills.

"Snort was a talented aviator, an enormously entertaining air show performer, and a longtime advocate for the air show business," ICAS President John Cudahy wrote in a Facebook post. "His death is a true tragedy for the entire aviation community."

Considered one of the greatest fighter pilots of all time, Snodgrass military career began in the early 1970s and ran for 26 years. He accumulated more than 4,800 hours in the F-14 in both war and peace, more than any other pilot.

Many admirers called him the real "Maverick," the call sign for the character portrayed by Tom Cruise in the blockbuster "Top Gun." And like Maverick, Snodgrass was famous for his low-level flybys. But unlike that unruly fictional character who got in trouble for such unauthorized antics, Snodgrass got his thrills by the book.

One such flyby was captured in a stunning 1988 photo taken by Naval photographer Sean E. Dunn from the flight deck of the USS America aircraft carrier. Considered one of the most famous aviation photos of all time, it shows Snodgrass's F-14 with its wings vertical, seemingly far too close to the ship and the crew members seen in the foreground.

And contrary to rumors that he was grounded for the maneuver, Snodgrass wrote in 1998 that the "banana pass" (named for its curved trajectory) was approved as part of the airshow component of a Dependents' Day Cruise for the families of carrier personnel.

Snodgrass may not have owned the Italian-made SIAI Marchetti SM1019 that crashed Saturday for very long. According to a March 18 post on the Facebook page for his aircraft company 717 Aviation, he recently sold a 2019 Glasair Aviation Sportsman two-plus-two single-engine airplane.

"Great airplane but replacing this with a Marchetti for backcountry flying," the post said.

In a 2010 article for the Smithsonian Instution's Air and Space Magazine, author Debbie Gary wrote that Snodgrass first flew the F-14 straight out of flight school in 1974, when it was new and no other inexperienced pilots had flown it.

"He was the first in that category to land it on a carrier, both day and night," Gary wrote. "In 1978 he attended Top Gun, the Navy Fighter Weapons School, which turns the best pilots into instructors. In 1985, he became the Navy's Fighter Pilot of the Year. The following year, the film Top Gun turned the viewing public into crazed F-14 fans (Snodgrass did a little flying for it), and (aircraft manufacturer) Grumman named him Topcat  Best F-14 Pilot of the Year."

Snodgrass was the sole occupant of the Marchetti, which crashed and caught fire on takeoff around noon Saturday. No other injuries were reported, and the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

(c)2021 the Lewiston Tribune (Lewiston, Idaho)

Visit the Lewiston Tribune (Lewiston, Idaho) at www.lmtribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Record prices for logs and beef have pushed up overall exports to a record $6 billion in the year to June.

That's a 17 per cent or $871 million increase on the previous year.

New figures from Stats NZ show beef exports rose $31m to reach a new high of $411m in June 2021, compared with June 2020.

This increase was quantity driven, with volumes up 8.5 per cent. The previous high for beef export values was in the month of March 2020 ($405m).

Exports for logs and wood reached a new high up $105m or 23 per cent from June 2020 to $561m in June 2021.

Stats NZ international trade manager Alasdair Allen says the average value of untreated log exports has been steadily rising from the low in July 2020 to reach $199 per cubic metre in June 2021.

Forest Owners Association president Phil Taylor says demand is strong domestically but also internationally with increased orders from China.

"Supply is significantly constrained and so as a result we've seen very strong pricing over the last nine months.

"Post Covid the supply chain has been significantly disrupted so that's created not only delays but obviously very significant costs."

Taylor says large fires in the Pacific Northwest and down the West Coast of the United States and in Chile had affected stocks, as well as the spruce disease affecting forests in Europe.

"New Zealand has always been a very good and effective supply chain, so given the global constraints China is looking at New Zealand. So, with the strong demand it creates a classic supply and demand imbalance pushing up the prices."

Growing demand in the domestic market is keeping forest owners and mills busy, he says.

"We're seeing a huge demand from our domestic processors and our preference is to supply them first with our high quality logs."

Earlier this year there were reports of a massive timber shortage in the building sector, but Taylor says there was plenty of stock.

"There's a lot of misinformation in that space. Forty per cent of our 35 million cu/m goes into the domestic market."

But the increased prices and higher export volumes were not necessarily bringing in better returns for some forest owners.

"At a time when we've seen very high log prices, unfortunately, we've also seen very high freight prices ... while we're still having strong, strong prices, and it's a good time for us because of the high freight rates, that's taking some of the margins away," Taylor says.



RNZ.
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Re: Maruti-Suzuki lines up updated model range for India Quote: DicKy Originally Posted by the Brezza badly needs a generation change now, or atleast a comprehensive update, not just cosmetic ones. Maybe plonk in the 1.5DDiS while they are at it.



Quote: GTO Originally Posted by They were also disappointingly unprepared for BS6, despite having such a sexy 1.5 diesel motor and there being demand for diesels today.



I think it's important to give customers what they want and having 3 on the middle row is a big, big plus for families



The Ciaz and Brezza were runaway successes with their all new offerings, and Ciaz didn't suffer despite the lacklusture 1.4 engine. What we are seeing today is a repeat of 1998, and I hope Maruti hits the ball out of the park this time too. My wishlist:



1. Ertiga with BS6 diesel

2. XL6 with 7 seats and the BS6 diesel

3. Baleno - status quo with petrol, plonk a diesel option

4. Ciaz - same as Baleno

5. S-Cross - facelift with a diesel option

6. International Vitara with a diesel Absolutely. The Brezza was a runaway success with the diesel, but today folks are yearning for a BS6 diesel from Maruti Suzuki, but nothing in sight. I know several loyalists who have moved to other brands after having waited enough.I remember how the Hyundai Santro was a wake up call for Maruti in 1998. The Santro then was such a technologically superior product when Maruti was happy with their carb cars. After approx 1.5 years, came the 16V MPFi engines from Maruti, which the structure couldn't keep pace with - the Esteem became India's rocket sedan. Something tells me that they're actually watching how the BS6 diesels on other cars perform, so that they can launch a flawless product.The Ciaz and Brezza were runaway successes with their all new offerings, and Ciaz didn't suffer despite the lacklusture 1.4 engine. What we are seeing today is a repeat of 1998, and I hope Maruti hits the ball out of the park this time too. My wishlist:1. Ertiga with BS6 diesel2. XL6 with 7 seats and the BS6 diesel3. Baleno - status quo with petrol, plonk a diesel option4. Ciaz - same as Baleno5. S-Cross - facelift with a diesel option6. International Vitara with a diesel Last edited by vigsom : 25th July 2021 at 09:55 .
A hot potato: How would you feel about Amazon having a key to your apartment building? Is it convenient or slightly worrying? Seeing as it can already access thousands of properties, theres a chance the company already has one, and it's offering financial incentives to more landlords for installing the systems, according to a new report.

Amazons Key for Business allows drivers to make deliveries without needed residents or building staff to buzz them in. The system works through the Amazon Flex appdrivers request building access, which is granted after Amazon confirms the employees ID, route, location, and the time of the request.

Amazon says the Key for Business program allows goods to be delivered to building residents quicker, ensures a more secure digital verification of drivers, increases the success of first-time deliveries, and results in fewer stolen items.

But the program is raising security and privacy concerns among residents, especially with the risk of devices being hacked. Plus, Amazon leaves it up to landlords whether they inform residents of the building's entrance into the program.

According to Associated Press, Amazon salespeople have been partnering with locksmiths and approaching apartment managers about installing the devices. The company does this for free and sometimes offers a $100 gift card as an incentive.

AP writes that only the U.S. Postal Service has a way to enter apartment buildings in order to get to mailboxes. UPS experimented with a similar system in 2018 but ended the test without saying why.

Amazon key

Amazon unveiled its key delivery system in 2017 that allows drivers to open customers front doors and drop off packages inside. It expanded to include delivery to vehicles in 2018 and garages in 2019. Walmart has its own versionand can even stocks your fridge. Neither company has revealed how many people use these services.
In brief: TSMC has traditionally shied away from building manufacturing capacity outside of its home country. However, in the face of ongoing chip shortages and a fragile supply chain that's been strangled by trade wars and pandemic-induced lockdowns, the company is now planning a global expansion that includes the US, Japan, and possibly even Germany, despite the higher cost of operating fabs in these countries when compared to Taiwan.

In April, TSMC revealed it would spend no less than $100 billion over the next three years in an effort to expand its manufacturing capacity and build more research and development facilities. The main driver of that initiative is the ongoing shortage of chips that's expected to last well into 2022 and possibly 2023 before chipmakers will be able to catch up with demand.

The 5G and AI megatrends are also driving demand for advanced silicon, while countries and private companies are racing to upgrade their infrastructure. The pandemic accelerated the digitalization and automation process for tedious and repetitive tasks, and a shift to remote work and study has led to the first surge on the PC market in years.

TSMC benefitted from the increase in demand for chips, and all of its fabs have been running at full capacity while the backlog of orders has only increased over time. On the other hand, the company had to navigate the first serious drought affecting the water supply of Taiwan, its home country and the place where two thirds of the global semiconductor manufacturing capacity is located.

This has prompted TSMC to look for new locations for new fabs in places like the US and the EU. According to a Nikkei report, the chipmaker has its eyes set on Germany for its first fab in the EU, and is currently in talks with several local clients about the feasibility of such a project.

TSMC chairman Mark Liu says the talks are in the early stages, so the company has yet to decide if this is the ideal place to set up shop. Ultimately, this will depend on the local supply chain, the needs of TSMC's customers, and the overall cost of building and operating the fabs.

The European Union has shown strong interest in boosting local manufacturing capacity -- particularly when it comes to 7nm, 5nm, 3nm, and 2nm process nodes.

It's all part of a new "strategic autonomy" agenda that hinges on 145 billion ($175 billion) from the bloc's Recovery and Resilience Funds, with the aim of of reducing the EU's vulnerability to supply chain disruptions outside of its jurisdiction.

In the meantime, TSMC has more concrete plans to build a $12 billion factory in the US state of Arizona. Construction is "well under way," and the facility is on track to produce chips on a 5nm process node in 2024.
In brief: Almost a year has passed since Nvidia announced its proposition to buy Arm. The deal hasn't been completed yet, and one of the reasons looks to be the lack of some documentation Nvidia has to send to the European Commission. If Nvidia doesn't send it, Arm might opt for an IPO.

The $40 billion Arm's acquisition is only getting shakier as the European Commission (EC) is still waiting for paperwork to allow the deal's closure. As it seems, Nvidia hasn't sent it yet, and with the EU summer holidays starting today, the EC is only likely to receive it in September.

Even after the European Commission receives the documentation, it can take them up to six months to decide. Nvidia expected the deal would be completed by March 2022, but the chipmaker is willing to extend it up to September 2022 if necessary. At the moment, Arm is owned by SoftBank, which is working on closing this deal. Simon Segars, Arm's chief executive, also confirmed that Arm is "100% focused on closing this transaction."

If Nvidia doesn't acquire Arm, rumors have it that the British semiconductor designer might consider an IPO, with New York being the most likely to receive it. However, Segars denied Arm IPO's plans and said that "the combination of Arm and Nvidia is a better outcome than an IPO. The level of investment that will be needed to lead in artificial intelligence will be unprecedented."

Multiple companies are against the Nvidia-Arm transaction, including Google, Qualcomm, and Microsoft. However, other companies such as Marvell, Broadcom, and MediaTek are reportedly supporting Nvidia's takeover.

The UK government regulatory authorities have also intervened in Nvidia's acquisition of Arm.

The report made by the Competition and Markets Authority was sent to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on July 20th, detailing CMA's views about the transaction accompanied by "a summary of any representations on national security matters received from third parties." However, only the Secretary of State for DCMS can decide if this transaction acts against the public interest or not.
COVID-19 misinformation is currently a serious issue, especially since new variants, such as Delta, and Lambda, appear in various countries across the globe, including in the United States.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO (World Health Organization), and other international and local health agencies are currently advising people to get COVID-19 vaccine jabs. However, they have a hard time since fake news and falses articles are making some people doubt these medicines.

The Center for Countering Digital Hate, or CCDH, announced the number one anti-vaxxer across the globe, who is currently working as a natural health doctor. Dr. Joseph Mercola has published around 600 articles, claiming that vaccines can't really prevent or cure the novel coronavirus.

CCDH said that the natural medical expert and Robert F Kennedy Jr., the nephew of the former U.S. President John F Kennedy, were among the top 12 COVID-19 misinformation spreaders. Kennedy Jr. was the top fake news sharer. He started spreading fake articles way back in 1990, claiming that some vaccines can lead to autism and allergies.

The Number One COVID-19 Misinformation Is A Doctor?

According to Business Insider's latest report, the natural doctor was able to beat the former president's nephew when it comes to spreading anti-COVID-19 vaccine posts and other content. Mercola is a medical expert who is based in Cape Coral, Florida.

Also Read: Monkeypox 'Possible Outbreak' Signs Now an Alarming Issue in the United States

He became popular after he released some articles claiming that mattresses are amplifying radiation. Aside from this, many people also believed him after he announced that tanning beds could reduce the chance of getting cancer.

Thanks to his followers, he was able to make some money by selling his at-home tanning beds, which cost around $1,000 up to $4,000. However, the Federal Trading Commission discovered his scheme. The government agency sued him and required him to provide a customer refund totaling around $5.3 million.

After the issue, he started focusing on the ongoing global pandemic. Some of his published articles targeting COVID-19 vaccines are "Could Hydrogen Peroxide Treat Coronavirus?" and "Thyme Extract Helps Treat COVID-19."

But, the natural doctor decided to remove all his posts since they were being censored. Mercola added that censorship is a part of the fearmongering media and corrupt politicians.

Fauci Claims US Residents Need COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters

The natural doctor and other COVID-19 misinformation spreaders should certainly be stopped, especially since Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease official, announced that Americans need to have COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

"Those who are transplant patients, cancer chemotherapy, auto-immune diseases, that are on immunosuppressant regimens, those are the kind of individuals that if there's going to be a third booster, which might likely happen, would be among first the vulnerable," explained the medical expert via Reuters.

For more news updates about COVID-19 misinformation and other related stories, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Joseph Mercola's History of Spreading Coronavirus Disinformation, Fight With the FDA, and Social Media Influence

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Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Pixabay/ckstockphoto) DNA samples

DNA samples sent to a gene sequencing lab helped solve a three-decade-long case. The Las Vegas police department is using ancestry to find suspects of cold cases.

DNA Samples Solved a Young Girl's Murder Case

According to BBC News, the Las Vegas law enforcement solved the 1989 murder of 14-year-old Stephanie Isaacson by using a small volume of DNA.

The Las Vegas police sent 0.12 nanograms of DNA samples to Othram's gene sequencing laboratory. The standard collection of DNA samples in a kit is 750 nanograms.

Othram used the gene sequences to run through the ancestry database. The result pointed them towards the direction of the suspect's cousin, and there they've identified Darren Roy Marchand as the murderer.

Marchand died in 1995; thus, he can no longer be convicted for his crime.

Also Read: CRISPR Gene Editing Technology Reduces Blood Cholesterol Levels In Animal Study

The Las Vegas police launched the investigation after a local resident named Justin Woo donated money to help them solve cases using DNA levels, according to The Washington Post.

The police sent the sample to Othram in January, and it took the company six months to identify a suspect.

Othram chief David Mittlemen said that the DNA technology could help solve cases that left small DNA samples that were previously deemed unusable.

The breakthrough was also met with criticisms, as some cited concerns that law enforcement may use it to violate privacy, especially when conducting the tests.

The Justice Department has established strict guidelines to prevent abuses in technology and authority.

Ending a 40-Year Hunt

The California police department used the same genomic technology to capture the notorious murderer Joseph James DeAngelo, also called the Golden State Killer. He was convicted of hundreds of cases, including break-ins, rape, and murder.

Although the police have had a DNA profile for DeAngelo for more than four decades now, they never found a matching profile in the national DNA database.

The California police department sent a task force to work with the FBI. They offer new reward money and sought tips from the public.

Even though dozens of detectives and journalists investigated the case together with the police and gave thousands of tips over the years, no name has matched the DNA profile until 2018.

The Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert announced that Joseph James DeAngelo was arrested and charged with the murders done by the Golden State Killer. He was 72 years old at the time of his arrest.

The break came after retired investigator Paul Holes used GEDmatch, a free genealogy website.

The public uses GEDmatch to find long lost relatives. It currently has a database of 800,00 DNA profiles, according to The Sacramento Bee.

Sacramento District Attorney Chief Deputy Steve Grippi said that a family member of DeAngelo used the site. After a thorough process, they were able to isolate him as a suspect.

The police collected DNA samples on two occasions that ended up as a match to the ones on their records.

Numerous cold cases are now solved thanks to the new DNA technology that does not need skeletal remains to work. More police departments in the United States may follow the process and finally bring the perpetrators to justice.

Related Article: DNA May Finally Confirm If Loch Ness Monster Is Real: Earlier Evidences That Legendary Beast Is Real

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : GettlyImages/ Drew Angerer ) Beyond Meat burger

Beyond Meat announced that it would launch an online store in China as the plant-based protein market in the country is slowly gaining attraction.

Beyond Meat will team up with the e-commerce platform JD.com and plan to deliver its products to 300 cities.

Beyond Meat to Expand to China

Beyond Meat and its rival Impossible Foods are both eyeing the Chinese market, but both companies are aware that it takes more than just importing their ideas.

Ethan Brown, the CEO of Beyond Meat, told CNBC that they would work hard to ensure that they are not exporting American taste but instead introduce plant-based alternatives of famous Asian dishes.

In 2020, Nestle introduced Harvest Gourmet, a brand that offers non-meat nuggets, burgers, pork belly, and kung pao chicken. The Harvest Gourmet products are available through Tmail and the Hema grocery store chain.

Also Read: McDonald's Tests Meatless Burger With Beyond Meat Plant-Based Patty

Both Nestle and Beyond Meat have built manufacturing sites in Tianjin and Jiaxing, China, as they set to compete with local faux-meat companies such as Starfield and Zhenmeat, according to Reuters.

The increase in interest in plant-based products can now be seen across Asia.

Eat Just, another faux-meat manufacturer, received approval from Singapore regulators to sell its chicken replacement made from animal cells in a laboratory, according to TechCrunch.

Meanwhile, the NR Instant Produce of Thailand announced the success of a fake pork product made from jackfruit. In June, Philippine food company Monde Nissin expressed its interest in expanding its line of plant-based meat products.

Recreating Asian Dishes

While many plant-based products are based on Western cuisine, Beyond Meat has said that it is creating new products that it will add on JD.com to appeal to its Chinese customers.

The company said that it plans to release its version of the lion's head meatballs and pork dumplings.

These dishes are very popular in China, but they can be challenging to reverse engineer since the pork flavor is subtle and sophisticated, according to Dr. Dong-Fang Chen, a scientist that works for the Swiss firm Firmenich.

Dr. Chen's team has delivered numerous client briefs focused on meaty dishes, including pork dumplings and chicken nuggets.

What Dr. Chen and his team do is figure out why the original product tastes the way it does.

They replace the building blocks such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates with plant-derived counterparts. They then combine them to mirror the taste of the original product.

The process could take days, especially if they already have a solution prepared. However, the research takes months, and it takes twelve people with different forms of expertise like chemists, formulators, and flavorists to work on them.

Dr. Chen said that the length of the research depends on the product they are trying to replicate. In the case of pork dumplings, the research may take longer than usual.

Since the demand for plant-based alternatives is growing, Dr. Chen's team of research scientists has increased over the past decade, and he believes that it will continue to increase in the next couple of years.

The expansion of Beyond Meat in China could trigger a revolution of using science to give people healthier options.

Related Article: Lab-Grown Meat Can Now be Sold as Chicken Bites in Singapore

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Pixabay/ vjohns1580) medical record Epic Systems

The coronavirus pandemic has affected hundreds of hospitals, clinics, and health centers across the United States.

Healthcare professionals relied heavily on the records of the patients to review their medical history so they can provide proper treatment.

Luckily, these records are organized and easy to find online, all thanks to the work of one woman.

Judith R. Faulkner is an American billionaire and the CEO and founder of Epic Systems, a massive healthcare software company situated in Wisconsin.

Born in August 1943, Forbes called her "the most powerful woman in healthcare" in 2013 and was ranked 451 on the 2021 list of the world's billionaires. She is also one of the richest self-made women with a net worth of $6.2 billion.

Also Read: Diabetes, Heart Disease Dominate Health Care Spending In The US

Judith R. Faulkner's Early Life and Career

Faulkner's father was a pharmacist, and her mother was a physician. Their professions inspired her interest in the medical field and health care.

In 1961, she took up mathematics at Dickinson College and received her bachelor's degree. She then went to study at the University of Wisconsin, where she took up computer science.

In 1979, right after graduating, Faulkner partnered up with Dr. John Greist and founded Human Services Computing. The company was later renamed Epic Systems.

The company started in a basement in Madison, Wisconsin, and slowly became one of the top healthcare systems in the United States.

The Development of Epic Systems

Faulkner started the concept of digital medical records in the country. She is an expert programmer but never received proper training. In fact, she taught herself the basics of coding in just one week.

After formulating the data, she launched the company with a $70,000 investment from her family and friends. She had seven other collaborators and served as the first president, given that the company was her idea.

In 1983, Faulkner's partner Dr. John Greist stepped down from Epic's board because of a disagreement with her regarding the company's direction. Greist still holds some of the shares.

Greist wanted to get venture capital to grow faster, yet Faulkner wanted to take things slow as she wants them to be in control.

The direction of Epic was slow and steady. In the late 1980s, the company added billing software and used a graphic user interface for outpatient clinics in the mid-1990s.

Faulkner and Epic System Deals

Epic System's biggest deal came in 2004. The company signed a three-year contract with Kaiser Permanente, a healthcare insurance company, for $4 billion.

Since Faulkner opposed the idea, Epic Systems has never accepted any investment from venture capital or private equity, and it is still labeled as a privately owned company.

Faulkner has stated in an interview with Forbes that she is proud that the company is homegrown. She also added that they never bought another company, and they will never go public.

Currently, Epic Systems have 10,000 employees, and it holds the medical records of more than 200 million Americans. Faulkner owns 43% of Epic Systems and is still working on the company's codes for the US healthcare system to this day.

Related Article: 80% of Healthcare Apps Don't Meet NHS Standards: Experts Say This Is Alarming!

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Screenshot From Pxhere Official Website) Oops! Amazon Authors that Rate Themselves Five Stars Accidentally Revealed by Company

Amazon authors that have been getting five-star ratings from themselves, their family, and their friends have just been spotted as the site glitched for a bit! Fake reviews has been a problem for quite a while and because of a glitch, a certain individual was able to spot fake reviews.,

Amazon Glitch Revealed Fake Reviews

According to TechDirt, a certain individual was told by someone they've known as a successful fiction author that the first five or so reviews coming from his latest Amazon book directly came from family and friends. Ever since then, the individual was reportedly careful when reading different Amazon reviews.

Just last week, it seems like a glitch revealed fake Amazon reviews by none other than the authors themselves! It was noted that the Amazon Canada site had a glitch that revealed more than what the individual was expecting.

Amazon Author Gives Themselves Fake Ratings

It was noted that any anonymous reviewer was then shown with their complete name. This meant that authors that reviewed their own books were then unmasked. Unsurprisingly, they also seemed to give themselves high reviews.

This, according to the individual's report, seemed that it should actually be easy to prevent and while Amazon keeps the reviewer's names anonymous, the individual notes that Amazon "obviously knows" who the ones giving the reviews are.

Expert Gives Opinion on Fake Ratings

It was noted that if the hidden name should match the name of the author, according to the individual, the review should not be allowed. This means, of course, that reviewers will then just make their reviews under different names.

The New York Times also tackled the existence of fake reviews. According to the article, Bing Liu, a computer science professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago, whose main focus includes sentimental analysis, lifelong machine learning, and opinion mining, gave his thoughts on the matter.

Probe into Fake Reviews

The New York Times asked the professor for his opinion as to whether it is possible for a "program" or even a "group of programs" to be able to evaluate reviews and determine their own validity. Liu shared his thoughts. Fake reviews have become a growing problem and both Google and Amazon are facing a probe in the UK as consumer protection is questioned.

Biu noted that it is hard to really say without first knowing the used techniques. The main problem with the task is that there is actually often no hard proof that the detection is actually correct unless confirmation comes from the author of the fake review itself.

Read Also: New Yorkers Can Earn Up to $200 a Day by 'Livestreaming' a Crime Scene! Introducing the Citizen App

Amazon 'Fakespot' Removed from Apple App Store

It was noted that it is easier if the company themselves actually hosts reviews so they can analyze the public information which can be seen by the general public as well as internal data which is capable of tracking all activities even after a person comes to Amazon.

There are a lot of unusual behaviors that can reportedly be detected. Unfortunately, it was noted that such data is still unavailable to those outside of the site. Although there was an app called "Fakespot" that could spot fake reviews, Amazon got the "Fakespot" app removed from the Apple App Store.

Related Article: Apple Gets Rid of DOS Emulator for iOS from App Store | No More Retro Games?

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Written by Urian B.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Screenshot From Pxhere Official Website) Artificial Heart Prosthetic Implant Successful in 39-Year Old First-Ever US Patient

A new generation artificial heart prosthetic from the company CARMAT has just been successfully implanted in a 39-year old US patient for the very first time! Surgeons at Duke University have just been able to implant a new-generation artificial heart prosthetic in a man that was experiencing heart failure.

Artificial Heart Implant

According to GoodNewsNetwork, this is the first time the new CARMAT total artificial heart has been successfully implanted in any North American hospital.

CARMAT is a french company, and its developed artificial heart has been approved for use and sale around Europe.

It is worth noting that it is not the first time a patient has received an artificial heart transplant in the US, as the first-ever patient to have it was Dr. Barney Clark, who received the transplant in the University of Utah Hospital on December 1982, as per the university's blog.

However, Clark died after more than 100 days of having the operation.

Some time last year, the company had been able to receive US FDA approval in order to start studies and enroll 10 patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure and would offer a life-saving bridge before the transplant. This is for people who are suffering and on the list waiting for a heart donor. There have been a lot of groundbreaking medical technologies as of late like neural implants which helped a paralyzed man speak again.

Transplant Successful on Matthew Moore

Transplant surgeon and also the principal investigator of the device study over at Duke, Dr. Carmelo Milano noted that they are encouraged that their patient is now doing so well after the recent procedure. It was noted that as they evaluate the device, they are both hopeful and excited that patients who have few to no options otherwise could finally have a lifeline.

Matthew Moore, the North Carolina patient, is only 39-years-old and was referred to Duke back in June 2021 after a sudden and unexpected diagnosis of heart failure. Moore, his wife Rachel, and their newly adopted two-year-old foster son Marshal have just arrived at Duke expecting to go through just heart bypass surgery.

Transplant Became too Risky

Moore's condition then quickly deteriorated. Traditional options,which included transplant, had also become too risky. Duke, in the meanwhile, was among just three different transplant centers in the US that were selected to join the device study. The procedure team reportedly received specialized training in order to prepare for the implant surgery.

Matthew's wife Rachel, a nurse, noted that both of them were grateful that they've had the opportunity to participate in something that has a significant potential to have a direct impact on a number of lives. Rachel noted that they are just taking everything day-by-day and that they hope everything will continue to progress well. Aside from this technology, AI has also been used around lately in helping researchers sense early signs of dementia.

Read Also: Parkinson's Disease Could Be Halted by Dancing to Music

Artificial Heart Device 'Aeson'

The artificial heart device is called "Aeson" and is an implantable prosthetic which includes biological valves that come from bovine tissue and operates using an external power supply. If the device finally receives FDA approval, it would then give hope for transplant patients requiring heart assistance to pump blood through both chambers. The current LVAD or left-ventricular assist device technology can only support one chamber, as seen on StanfordHealthcare.

Schroder, a transplant surgeon who reportedly led the implant procedure noted that due to the shortage of donor hearts, most patients end up dying while still waiting for a heart transplant. It was noted that they are helpful for new options to be able to help patients just like Mr. Moore who has a devastating disease and also cannot otherwise be considered to receive a transplant.

Related Article: The Dangers and Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is finding himself in multiple headlines as of late over what people may regard as very controversial topics.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) director has said that he wants to make "prototype" vaccines in preparation for the next pandemic.

His plan, according to The New York Times, will "cost "a few billion dollars" a year, take five years for the first crop of results and engage a huge cadre of scientists."

These vaccines, he said, can help protect against 20 different families of viruses.

Dr. Anthony Fauci Wants to Make Prototype Vaccines for Next Pandemic

Dr. Anthony Fauci's plan stems from the idea of a next pandemic happening. It can be the Nipah virus, which has a 40%-75% mortality rate and has been categorized as a priority for the World Health Organization (WHO), or the strain of Ebola from Sudan.

Dr. Fauci wants to be prepared for such scenarios by creating a prototype vaccine.

According to The New York Times report, how this can work is by using the same research tools that have been successful for COVID-19 researchers to learn about the molecular structure of other viruses. That way, scientists can discover how to help the body produce antibodies that can strike the viruses.

Dr. Fauci believes that the creation of these vaccines can start as early as next year.

"If we get the funding, which I believe we will, it likely will start in 2022," he said.

National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins has described the project Dr. Fauci is proposing as "compelling."

Dr. Fauci Under Fire For Role in Funding Wuhan Lab Research

Though Dr. Fauci seems to be looking into the future with his idea to create prototype vaccines for the next pandemic, he is currently finding himself under attack due to the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine.

The NIAID Director is finding himself under attack after admitting that the United States gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to the lab in Wuhan, China suspected of causing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Fauci has denied that the U.S. funding was for what is called the "gain of function" studies. Such studies involve the altering of "a disease to increase pathogenesis, transmissibility, or host range," according to a report by Deadline. While these studies may help develop vaccines, they can also "create deadlier strains."

Dr. Anthony Fauci made an appearance on CNN to give his side of the issue on Sunday.

"It was a... proposal that was peer-reviewed and given a very high rating for the importance of why it should be done," Dr. Fauci said during his appearance on the State of the Union talk show.

"It was almost as if you didn't pursue that research, you would be negligent because you were trying to find out how you could prevent this from happening again," he added.

Related Article: Dr. Li-Meng Yan Claims Emailing Fauci About COVID-19 Being a 'Bioweapon,' FOI Shows Director's Knowledge since Early March

Senator Rand Paul to ask Justice Department for a Criminal Referral

According to the same Deadline report, Senator Rand Paul is planning on asking the Department of Justice for a "criminal referral."

Senator Paul has claimed that Dr. Anthony Fauci has "lied to congress." Both Senator Paul and Dr. Fauci are known for engaging one another in heated exchanges during Senate hearings.

Also Read: COVID-19 Researcher Reveals 'Chinese Colleagues' Developing 'SARS-like' 'Killer' Virus in Video From 2016 Forum

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Written by Isabella James

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The CEO of FTX, a popular cryptocurrency derivatives exchange operating from Hong Kong, has announced that the leverage limit will be cut down to 20x.

The leverage limit was previously set at 100x.

The leverage limit is defined in the report by CoinDesk as "the amount of margin-trading debt traders can wager."

FTX CEO Cuts Leverage Limit to 20x

FTX, a large cryptocurrency exchange, has cut down its leverage limit and its CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, 29, made the announcement in a series of tweets posted on his Twitter.

"An effective margin system is integral to an efficient economic system. There are limits to everything, though," the first tweet in the thread reads.

While Bankman-Fried does not agree with claims made by crypto critics and regulators that high leverages hugely affects the volatility of the market, he said that FTX will be the "first ones to take the first step."

This first step, the FTX CEO says, is a "step in the direction the industry is headed and has been headed for a while."

It is then followed by the official announcement of the cut of leverage limit.

"Today, we're removing high leverage from FTX. The greatest allowable will be 20x," Sam Bankman-Fried's tweet reads.

FTX Lowers Leverage Limit to Curb High-Risk Trading

The movie by FTX is seen as an effort to curb high-risk trading, which has been a target of cryptocurrency critics and regulators alike as cryptocurrency continues to rise.

According to The New York Times, the high-risk trading targeted by critics has "been blamed in part for sharp fluctuations in the value of Bitcoin and the casino-like atmosphere on such platforms globally."

The New York Times has also noted that it previously reported on how FTX and other global exchanges like Binance and BitMEX have offered risky trades that "accelerated" a global crash that happened last May.

Related Article: Cryptocurrency Continues to Rise Amidst Issues as the World's Riskiest Assets

Regulation Looms for Cryptocurrency

The CoinDesk report sees the move of FTX to cut down its leverage limit as a way of "self-policing itself" as regulation for cryptocurrency in the U.S. seems to loom in the horizon.

According to the CoinDesk report, "By self-policing itself now, FTX is perhaps hoping to avoid being a target of regulators by showing it's a good and responsible actor in the space."

Regulation seems to be in the immediate future of cryptocurrency as far as the United States is concerned. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to release a new regulatory framework for cryptocurrency within the week, should it heed the calls of a Democrat senator.

It has been reported that Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to SEC Chairman Gary Gensler saying that the SEC needs to "figure out its role in regulating cryptocurrencies," according to CoinDesk. Senator Warren has given the SEC until July 28 to do so.

Also Read: Bitcoin Price Drops Below $30,000, Cease and Desist Order Issued to BlockFi

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A Lafayette millionaire accused in the 2017 kidnapping of his estranged wife  during which the two accused kidnappers drowned while attempting to evade police  is scheduled to go to trial Monday.

Lawrence Michael Handley, 53, faces charges of conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, attempted second-degree kidnapping, second-degree kidnapping and violation of a protective order. Handley has been incarcerated at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center since Aug. 15, 2017.

His trial is slated to start Monday at 9 a.m. before 15th Judicial District Court Judge Scott Privat.

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The charges stem from the kidnapping of Handleys then-estranged wife, Schanda Handley, from the couples home on Founders Street in Lafayette on Aug. 6, 2017. The couple was involved in a contentious divorce at the time of the kidnapping.

Investigators claim in Handleys arrest affidavit that two men  believed to be Sylvester Bracey and Arsenio Montreal Haynes, two 27-year-old men from Jackson, Mississippi  wearing red, collared shirts and black pants knocked on the door of the Founders Street home, posing as salesmen. When Schanda Handley denied them entry, the men forced the door open, pulled a semi-automatic handgun and handcuffed her and a guest, forcing them onto the floor.

A juvenile at the home was also forced to sit with the two captives, the affidavit said.

The men then took Schanda Handley to the garage and forced her inside the back of a white van. In a civil lawsuit filed by Schanda Handleys friend against Lawrence Handley, the woman claimed the men also attempted to force her into the van, but when she resisted they left her behind. She eventually was able to call 911.

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The men attracted police attention while driving on the shoulder of Interstate 10 to circumvent a traffic snarl. Iberville Parish Sheriffs Office and West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office deputies pursued them to a Turner Industries manufacturing facility near La. 1, where Haynes and Bracey abandoned the van after it became stuck in mud, the arrest affidavit said.

A manhunt ensued through swampy and wooded areas; the mens bodies were recovered from the Intracoastal Waterway in Port Allen on Aug. 7 after they drowned while fleeing capture. Schanda Handley was found handcuffed and alive in the back of the abandoned van. Per the arrest affidavit, law enforcement confirmed the vehicle was registered to Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Handley had rented the vehicle in Baton Rouge on Aug. 5.

In a filing in the couples divorce case, Schanda Handley alleged her captors stripped, tortured and abused her and threatened to rape and kill her while in route to their destination where Mr. Handley was waiting, the location of which was not specified. She also claimed Handley concocted his scheme from their hunting camp in Woodville, Mississippi, while the two were living apart.

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Handley was apprehended at a motel in Slidell and arrested in the case on Aug. 11 after a multi-day manhunt. Schanda Handleys court filing alleged he used community funds disputed in their divorce to purchase items necessary to kidnap, torture and kill her and to evade capture, even attempting to charter a plane.

Before the kidnapping, allegations flew between Handley and his estranged wife about abusive behavior and threats of violence in civil court. Handley applied for a divorce and a protective order in April 2017. He claimed Schanda Handley had threatened violence and to hire a hitman to kill him, and said on one occasion she barricaded herself in a bedroom inside their Mississippi camp and fired gunshots through the wall.

In response, Schanda Handley filed a May 2017 request for a protective order and herself filed for divorce, alleging her estranged husband installed spyware on her computer, tracked her private correspondence with her attorney, stalked her, tampered with her phone and threatened violence against her and her minor daughter.

Federal lawsuit claims inadequate care led to Iberia Parish jail inmate's suicide The family of an Iberia Parish inmate who committed suicide while in custody filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday, claiming jail staff failed to 

She also claimed in a later filing he or parties connected to him sent her threatening anonymous text messages saying she would face Armageddon and no court or order will save you and someone you love will suffer if she didnt meet with Handley, among other statements, per filings in their divorce case.

Their divorce was granted in March 2018.

In 2007, Handley and partner Dr. Howard Wetsman co-founded the Townsend Addiction Treatment Center, which eventually grew into a network of clinics across south Louisiana and included a 20-bed detox facility in Scott. The company sold to Tennessee-based American Addiction Centers, Inc. in 2015 for more than $21 million. Handley initially stayed on, but left not long after the sale, a former business associate told The Advocate when Handley was arrested.

Handley had his own struggles with addiction and substance abuse. Previous substance abuse treatment included a court-ordered substance abuse program as part of a 2005 federal sentence for using a fake $22,000 cashiers check to charter a private jet from Lafayette to Boston, per court records.

+4 Legal battle over right to life of Lafayette man in vegetative state gains national attention A legal case involving the potential euthanasia of a Lafayette man in a vegetative state is gaining national attention.

In October 2017, Handley altered his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity. In separate sanity evaluations, Dr. Catherine McDonald and psychologist M. Douglas de Mahy noted Handley reported a history of treatment for bipolar disorder and alcohol and drug abuse. He informed the evaluators he had ceased psychiatric care in March 2017 and began abusing alcohol and drugs, including cocaine and heroin, in the months leading to Schanda Handleys kidnapping.

McDonald and de Mahy noted Handley reported experiencing hallucinations and delusional thinking. de Mahy wrote that Handley experienced periods of delusional thinking and jealousy before the kidnapping, believing his wife and others were out to get him.

Post-evaluation, Handley was found competent to stand trial, meaning he could understand the charges and proceedings and assist in his defense.
To celebrate its return to the skies, Community Coffee is holding a 'Community in my Suitcase' social media sweepstakes. Through Aug. 11, the company is encouraging people to post photos of how they travel with their Community Coffee for a chance to win a $500 travel gift card.
Questions about Alzheimer's disease or related disorders can be sent to Dana Territo, the Memory Whisperer, owner of Dana Territo Consulting, LLC, at thememorywhisperer@gmail.com.
A day after U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins revealed he is ill with COVID, he along with Rep. Garret Graves and Rep. Mike Johnson would not disclose Monday whether they have been vaccinated.

The other five members of Louisianas congressional delegation say they have received their COVID shot and are encouraging others to do so as well.

The benefits vastly outweigh the costs, U.S. Sen. John N. Kennedy, R-Madisonville, said in an interview.

+2 Gov. John Bel Edwards recommends mask-wearing indoors in Louisiana to stem COVID surge With more than 1,000 COVID patients hospitalized and Louisiana again leading the nation in rate of infections, Gov. John Bel Edwards recommend

Higgins made his announcement days after House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise announced that he had gotten his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine against COVID.

On Monday, the Louisiana Department of Health announced that caseloads have surged because of the delta variant. Louisiana has the worst infection rates in the country.

Higgins, a Republican who represents Lafayette and Lake Charles, has repeatedly side-stepped questions about whether he has received the vaccine and has criticized pandemic restrictions while calling for the full re-opening of the economy.

He disclosed in a Facebook post Sunday that he, his wife Becca and his son have all been infected by the virus.

Higgins said he and Becca also contracted the virus in January 2020.

This episode is far more challenging, he wrote. It has required all of my devoted energy. We are all under excellent care, and our prognosis is positive. We are very healthy generally speaking, and our treatment of any health concern always encompasses western, eastern, and holistic variables.

In April, Higgins told the American Press that his father-in-law died from COVID-related complications in December.

Higgins said then that his office has aggressively promoted the availability of vaccines, but he opposed the federal government making vaccines mandatory.

If you want to get vaccinated, get vaccinated, he said in a May Facebook post. If you want to wear a mask, wear a mask. If you dont, then dont. Thats your right as a free American.

Higgins Facebook post on Sunday directed media inquiries to his Washington, D.C. office. But press secretary Andrew David did not respond to two emails on Monday.

Nor did Johnson, who represents northwest Louisiana in the U.S. House, or his press secretary.

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The office of Graves, a Republican from Baton Rouge, would say only, Garret lost his father to COVID earlier this year. He has followed all medical guidance from his physician.

+3 Julia Letlow wins 5th Congressional District. Her husband died of COVID days before taking the seat. Julia Letlow won a special election outright Saturday to represent the 5th Congressional District and will succeed her husband Luke, who captu

Louisianas eight-member congressional delegation lost Rep.-elect Luke Letlow in December just days before he was to take office.

Following Letlows death, his widow Julia won the seat in a special election in March. The district stretches from Monroe south to St. Francisville and then east to Bogalusa.

She was vaccinated in March.

Were in a war with a silent killer, Letlow said Monday. We now have a tool to combat it. We dont need any more stories like mine. I hope no one else has to lose their life.

Scalise, a Republican who represents suburban New Orleans, received his first dose on July 18 and said afterward, Especially with the delta variant becoming a lot more aggressive and seeing another spike, it was a good time to do it. He called the vaccines safe and effective.

After waiting, Steve Scalise gets COVID vaccine, calls it 'safe and effective' Soon, U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise replied at the beginning of April when asked when he would be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician and a Republican from Baton Rouge, has been vocal in touting the vaccines benefits.

There are people who should not be dying who are dying from COVID infections, he said on Bloomberg TV on Friday. We had testimony from the CDC director. She said its an epidemic among the unvaccinated, 99.5% of the deaths are among those who have not been vaccinated.

Cassidy added that if someone has qualms, they shouldnt be going on Facebook. They shouldnt be listening to a politician. They should speak to their doctor. ...If you have a trusting relationship with them, I am hoping that moves folks to get vaccinated.

U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, a Democrat from New Orleans who took office in May, said he took his 86-year-old mother to be vaccinated early this year and was inoculated later after he became eligible.

Carter said his message to constituents is: Wake up. Wake up, people. The life you save might be your own. This is real. People have died. People are dying once again. We cannot afford to take any chances. This delta variant is real. If you have any friends who havent, do the right thing. Take them to get vaccinated.

Kennedy said the vaccines were developed after years of research that received a huge push during the final year of the Trump administration.

He said he is so confident in the vaccine that as soon as they give a green light on the booster, Ill take it. I know it works.
It took Thomas Tillman's wife, his pastor and finally the rising hospitalizations and cases fueled by the highly contagious delta variant to convince him to get the COVID vaccine.

"I had to pull his teeth and bend his arm, but he made it," said his wife, 65-year-old Angel Johnson. "It makes sense to do the right thing, and the right thing is to get vaccinated."

Johnson received her own shot some time ago and was at Bordelon's Super Save Pharmacy on Sunday with her husband for moral support as he finally rolled up his sleeve.

"I kept putting it off, putting it off," said Tillman, 61. "As it got worse, I decided I wanted to protect myself."

More than 100 people flocked to Bordelon's on Plank Road Sunday afternoon to receive the COVID vaccine amid a fourth surge in cases.

State Sen. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, hosted the vaccine clinic, which offered cash prizes and free, home-cooked meals as incentives to get the shot. The organizers had prepared 250 plates of food, and by 2:30 p.m. there were only about 100 left, they said.

Setting the event at Bordelon's, which has been a fixture in north Baton Rouge for more than 40 years, was critical to the clinic's success, Barrow said. Often people come to the pharmacist to seek medical advice instead of going to the doctor.

"People trust them, they have a relationship with them," she said. "What better place to have an event? If nothing else, they know the pharmacist and they can ask questions."

Barrow lost her husband to the virus last December. She spoke candidly about her grief and the role she hopes the vaccine will play to prevent others from suffering an unnecessary death in the family.

"Its still very painful to know hes not there," she said. "Some days I still wait for the truck to come home."

Barrow said the vaccine is about more than just the person who gets it.

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"For those individuals who are doubtful, I say to them: If you dont want to protect yourself, make sure you protect the ones you love," she said. "This is about saving lives. It may not be your life, because some people have been able to bounce back really well and some have not, but it definitely protects your loved ones."

For 44-year-old Bexter Morris, all he needed was a sign  literally. He was driving home from church Sunday when he saw the posters advertising the vaccine clinic. When he stopped at a gas station shortly after, he picked up a newspaper and saw the same clinic promoted there too.

He said that was enough for him to drive to the pharmacy and get in line, especially now that he determined the shot was safe several months after the initial rollout.

Others, like 60-year-old Sharon Sanders and her son, had faced delays to get the vaccine for medical reasons, but were finally ready just in time for the new influx of cases to begin spreading in the community.

"Thats why were here," said Sanders. "Weve been taking a lot of vitamins, we do that all day every day, but that variant  it scares us."

Registered nurse Carla Brown, who made local and national headlines after spending much of her year driving across the parish to vaccinate those who need it most, stressed that the community is learning to trust the vaccine, and that has made a difference.

After her husband died from COVID, Louisiana nurse embarked on mission to vaccinate the underserved Carla Brown often prays as she administers the COVID vaccine, asking God to help her find more people who want the shot so she doesnt waste h

She was masked and giving people shots Sunday at the clinic, lifting a man's shirt sleeve as he winced at the needle.

"It is an awesome feeling when I drove up to see lines of people getting the message that the vaccine is working," Brown said. "The message is beginning to sink in."
Barely a year into his tenure, state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley's agency is marked by high turnover that has gotten the attention of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

During a recent three-month span 43 of the department's 529 employees left, including some top officials and veterans of the agency, according to state records.

The 8.1% departure rate in April, May and June of this year is nearly as high as the turnover during a 12-month period that ended June 30, 2020  9.28%.

"I would say it is high," said Jim Garvey, the longest-serving member of BESE.

One former department insider said that, at times, it seemed officials were leaving the department in "waves."

Garvey said the issue has been discussed among BESE members and with Brumley.

He said officials concluded that a variety of circumstances have led to the large number of departures, including the coronavirus pandemic.

90% of Louisiana school districts want to pause letter grades, 'show grace' in pandemic Amid rising concerns, officials in 90% of public school districts in Louisiana oppose the issuance of school letter grades because of the uphe

The list of those leaving include Kimberly Eckert, a Brusly educator and 2018 Louisiana Teacher of the Year who was hired last year to be deputy assistant superintendent for educator development.

Others include Alexis Pritchard, deputy chief of staff for the executive office; Vicky Thomas, confidential assistant to the superintendent; Sara Delano, executive director for educator workforce and Ted Beasley, spokesman for the department.

Aarika Dorsey, a 10-year veteran of the department, left her job as director of human resources.

Kathy Noel, deputy assistant superintendent for assessments, accountability and analytics, said earlier this year she would be leaving the department after a short stint but later agreed to remain as a part-time employee.

Noel's post is especially vital for processing results of Spring testing, which has sparked controversy on whether the state will issue letter grades for schools and districts this year.

Andrew Shachat, another key official in Noel's office, has also left. Shachat was director of accountability, policy and analytics.

Brumley, who began the job in June 2020, said the turnover is in line with employment shakeups around the country sparked by the pandemic.

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Here's why former critics are now praising Cade Brumley's performance as top Louisiana school leader State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley, who just passed the six-month mark on the job, is winning praise even from some education grou

"The great resignations hit America and our agency has not been exempt," Brumley said in an interview. "I think every businessperson knows the staffing challenges right now due to workforce demand exceeding supply."

Brumley said his top priority has been public schools statewide, which closed classrooms near the end of the 2019-20 school year, then grappled with reduced in-person attendance during the 2020-21 school year as the effects of the pandemic eased.

"Admittedly, I have focused more on supporting our 1,700 schools through the most challenging year in history rather than warm and fuzzies in my own agency," Brumley said.

Eckert, who was traveling in Kenya and could not be reached for comment, was described as unhappy with her state post.

Pritchard, a mother of four married to an educator and a resident of St. Bernard Parish, said she left her state office for the only job that could have convinced her to do so -- director of communications for the St. Bernard Parish School District.

She said the turnover is typical when the agency undergoes a change in leadership.

"Any administration takes time to work out the kinks," Pritchard said. "For this administration that is incredibly difficult to do through a global pandemic."

Delano, who worked at the department for 5 1/2 years, took a higher education job in Dallas.

$4B in federal aid is headed to Louisiana public schools, but how will it be spent? Public schools in Louisiana are getting more than $4 billion from three rounds of federal stimulus dollars to help combat the coronavirus pand

Beasley, who was Brumley's spokesperson in the Jefferson Parish school system before taking a state post, returned to the Jefferson Parish School District and said he prefers working in a single school system.

BESE President Sandy Holloway said the turnover mirrors trends elsewhere.

"I feel that what you are seeing at the department is a combination of natural attrition, the transition that comes with most state agency leadership changes and a national trend of increased resignations as we inch closer to being post pandemic," Holloway said in a text message.

"The end of the school year is also a common time for education professionals to make career shifts," she said.

"You always want to keep talented individuals on your team for as long as possible but this can also be viewed as an opportunity to optimize agency talent and ensure greater organizational alignment with the department's priorities," Holloway said.
Electronic gaming machines in the firing line Poker or pokie machines are outlawed in WA, unlike many eastern states, but the Perth casino has been allowed to have electronic gaming machines  which are supposed to replicate floor games in a digital format  since it opened in 1985. Counsel assisting the commission, Patricia Cahill SC, said in her opening address on Monday it appeared policy changes over the past 17 years had led to an erosion of the distinction between electronic gaming machines and pokies. The commission wishes to examine in particular whether when developing the electronic gaming machine business, the licensee and others involved in the operation of the Perth casino have given too great a focus to increasing revenues from electronic gaming machines, at the expense of giving proper emphasis to the need to minimise the risk of harm from electronic gaming machines, she said. The commission is interested to understand whether and to what extent those involved in the operations of the Perth casino have contributed to or influenced that policy development and to the extent that they have whether in doing so they have exhibited appropriate deference to the prohibition of poker machines in this state and the need to minimise harm to the patrons of the Perth casino.

There were 200 electronic gaming machines at the casino when it first opened but the figure has since grown to 2500 units which are responsible for about half of the casinos annual gaming revenue. Loading WA regulator flexes its muscles Although the Gaming and Wagering Commission itself and the relationship between its staff and employees at Crown are under scrutiny in the inquiry, the watchdogs lawyer said on Monday it would continue to discharge its regulatory responsibilities. Paul Evans told the commission the GWC would continue to consider whether it was appropriate to make or vary directions for the casino as proceedings continued.

Mr Evans said the GWC was also concerned about whether Crown Perth had misled the regulator during casino briefings in recent years. Without knowing where the inquiry would be heading, Crown Resorts legal representative, Kanaga Dharmananda SC, told the hearing the company accepted responsibility for its failings and was working earnestly to change. There has been great change and works are continuing, some of the matters likely to be subject of attention in the inquiry happened under the watch of a different company, in effect, he said. The ways of old have been set aside and a change at the level of structure, ethos, and people. Crown has committed to transform its operations, processes for review, and culture.

The change at Crown is taking place without one of its most recently departed board directors, John Poynton, who was also the chairman of Crown Perth and who resigned from his positions on both entities in March. Mr Poynton is the first witness of the new block of hearings and will appear before the commission on Wednesday. The prominent Perth businessmans lawyer, Peter Ward, said his client wanted it to be noted the New South Wales inquiry into Crowns casino in Sydney made no adverse findings against Mr Poynton. The inquirys report contemplated that Mr Poynton would continue as a director of Crown Resorts to assist in resolving the issues raised in that inquiry, Mr Ward said. Notwithstanding that outcome, Mr Poynton was placed under significant pressure by both the chair of Crown Resorts [Helen Coonan] and the NSW regulator both privately and in media statements and he ultimately resigned from both boards at the start of this year.

Mr Ward said the resignation should not be taken as an admission he had cause to resign. Loading To the contrary, Mr Poynton considered that it was in the best interests of Crown that he as an experienced and respected director, who had only been recently appointed to the board of Crown Resorts and had therefore not been in a position when the problems that led to the Bergin inquiry developed, he could quite properly help guide the company out of those difficulties and to address the cultural issues that have since attracted so much criticism, he said. Unfortunately he was not afforded that opportunity. Mr Ward also rejected suggestions in the media that his client was trying to start up a consortium to buy Crown Perth if it was divested after the inquiry.
Queensland police have fined two people behind one of the states latest COVID-19 scares almost $14,000 after an infected NSW man escaped Sydneys lockdown and crossed the border with the help of a Brisbane woman.

The 26-year-old man is alleged to have verbally abused hotel quarantine staff while not wearing a mask, after flying from Sydney to Ballina to meet up with the 36-year-old Banyo flight attendant and crossing the Queensland road border at Tugun on July 14 and travelling to Brisbane.

Traffic camera footage of the pair after crossing the Queensland border at Tugun on July 14. Credit:Queensland Police

His infection was only picked up by Queensland contact tracers on Sunday, who were trying to determine the source of the flight attendant who tested positive in the northern state on Friday, sparking now-withdrawn public health alerts for a number of regional flights and locations.

A positive result from the mans test on July 12 was initially reported as negative by the private pathology clinic that conducted it, though the man was required to isolate for 14 days regardless of the result because he had been identified as a close contact of a known case in Sydney.

Queensland police said the man used false information to check in to three stores at the popular Westfield Chermside shopping centre the following day.

After being placed into hotel quarantine in Brisbane, the man allegedly opened the door to his room and verbally abused staff while not wearing a mask, police said in a statement.

Read more here.
Even before birth, Australian children are the targets of technology that collects their data and threatens their privacy  but right now we have an opportunity to protect them and future generations.

Parents who use pregnancy apps or share ultrasounds on social media can expect information about their children to be collected and sold to advertisers for profit. Once a child is born, baby monitors enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) and web-connected toys collect data from the cot. One leading expert, Donell Holloway, estimates that by a childs 13th birthday, advertisers will have gathered on average more than 72 million data points about them.

It is estimated that by a childs 13th birthday, advertisers will have gathered more than 70 million data points about them. Credit:Alamy

This data powers digital advertising that capitalises on information about peoples lives, habits and interests. When much of this information is collected by devices in the seclusion of bedrooms or living rooms, our childrens right to safety and privacy is severely threatened.

The impact of this surveillance becomes sharper as children enter adolescence and their data is used to create personalised content recommendations and advertising profiles. Young people who display curiosity about alcohol, gambling or pornography, for instance, are served content designed to fuel those interests. And algorithms can reinforce harmful racial stereotypes or perpetuate troubling views about women.
When Malcolm Turnbull unveiled the national foreign influence transparency scheme in 2017 he said registering shouldnt be seen as any kind of taint and certainly not as a crime.

Prescient words from our former prime minister, because one of the latest additions to the list, which is designed to shine a light on other countries role in our politics, is one Malcolm Bligh Turnbull.

Former PM, Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:Illustration: John Shakespeare

PM29 gets a guernsey courtesy of two speeches he gave to conferences in Korea and Taiwan in 2019. But his decision to willingly register his appearances on the document without kicking up a fuss is a departure from his predecessors Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott.

Rudd huffed that government guidance telling him to register interviews and speeches to foreign state-linked entities, such as the British Broadcasting Corporation, was absurd but complied nonetheless, while Abbott refused to register over a speech he gave to the Sydney edition of the US-based Conservative Political Action Conference in 2019.
I have lived in five countries, seven cities and 17 different addresses. I moved to Australia in October 2019.

Kindness and connection is a key to getting through the pandemic. Credit:TRIBUNE LIFE

For 19 months, I lived in the same apartment in Melbournes CBD. I am warm and friendly, often engaging strangers in conversation. But for 19 months, I only became friends with the woman managing the building.

All that changed when I moved to Southbank. It is a mere 25-minute walk from my old flat, but it is a world apart.

Here, I found a little community right on my floor. I was quickly added to the floors WhatsApp family group.
A five-year-old child killed in a house fire in Melbournes south-east is being remembered as a cheeky and playful boy, who loved pets.

A family friend remained in hospital with serious burns after attempting to save the child from the burning Dandenong home, while his mother tried to smash the windows to free him from his bedroom about 10pm on Sunday.

Cham Saminthadarshan said her little cousin, Gritheesh, who they called Rithish, would be remembered as a very playful and cheeky boy.

Its very upsetting for the whole family, she said. He loved pets. He was sleeping with his pet last night, so we dont know if the kitten is alive. The whole family is very upset.
An agreement on raising the age of criminal responsibility has eluded Australias attorneys-general a year after deferring making a decision, amid outrage from Indigenous groups that 10-year-olds are being jailed.

Legal and human rights groups have been campaigning for Australian jurisdictions to raise the age from 10 to 14.

The infamous Don Dale Detention Centre in Darwin. Credit:Glenn Campbell

NSW is one of the jurisdictions yet to move on the issue while Queensland has rejected calls to raise the age altogether.

NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the state government would consider any recommendations made by a working group reporting to Australias top law officers, but he didnt commit to any changes.
Perhaps the only aspect of the Morrison governments 2019 commuter car park scheme more stunning than the brazen nature of the pork-barrelling is that it was so ham-fisted. It was as shoddy as it was shameless, almost as though the Coalition, which then feared an electoral landslide, did not care whether it was eventually caught out.

In a scathing report into the $660 million scheme, the Auditor-General found that more than half of its 47 projects were allocated on a single day  the day before Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the 2019 federal election. The report revealed that 77 per cent of the projects were in Coalition electorates and were chosen not by the Department of Infrastructure but by government MPs and signed off by the Prime Minister himself.

Ringwood railway station car park in the Melbourne seat of Deakin  planning is still ongoing for an upgrade that was promised at the 2019 election. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Despite Sydney having most of the nations worst-congested roads, two-thirds of the projects were promised for Melbourne, where the seats of several Liberal MPs were under threat.

States and local councils were not consulted, car parks were promised to areas where they were not needed, where there was not enough land and where expensive homes would need to be acquired. A $65 million election promise by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to deliver 2000 car spaces at four railway stations in his seat of Kooyong may never be delivered, with one car park pledged for a station that soon will not exist.
Former special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith displayed a contentious Crusaders cross on his uniform while on duty in Afghanistan, with the symbol later digitally removed by the Department of Defence in a widely distributed photo of the decorated war veteran.

The photo released by Defence at some time near January 2011 shows Mr Roberts-Smith wearing a blank patch on the front of his uniform after exiting a helicopter.

The original photo (left) of Ben Roberts-Smith displaying a Crusaders cross on his uniform while on duty in Afghanistan. The evidence was later edited out (right) in the official photo released by Defence. Credit:ADF

But The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age has obtained the original photo, which was taken on April 6, 2010, revealing Mr Roberts-Smith was in fact bearing the Crusaders Cross.

Australia Defence Association executive director Neil James said displaying the symbol was wrong morally and counterproductive.
Rome: A playboy, a femme fatale spy and a powerful Italian cardinal are preparing to stand trial in a Vatican corruption inquiry that has changed the way the Holy See conducts criminal justice.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 73, once one of Pope Franciss closest confidantes , is accused of not only siphoning off at least 100,000 ($159,000) from Vatican funds, but also of trying to sabotage the wider investigation that landed him and nine other defendants on the dock.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu goes to trial under a revamped Vatican justice system, where he faces a judge rather than other cardinals. Credit:AP

Becciu famously clashed with Australian Cardinal George Pell when in 2014 Pope Francis appointed the former Archbishop of Sydney to head the newly-created Secretariat for the Economy and told him to clean up the Vaticans murky finances.

Becciu forced out Pells auditors and had the upper hand in the power struggle after Pell returned to Australia to face charges. But after Pell was acquitted at a High Court appeal, he returned to Rome last September. It is not known if Pell will have any role in Beccius trial.
As one of the leading ladies of the American theater, it's only fitting that Tony Award winner Harriet Harris has made her return to the stage this summer portraying two very different ladies: first, the witty Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, which recently closed at Berkshire Theatre Company, and now, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in Mark St. Germain's Eleanor, running at Barrington Stage Company through August 7.

TheaterMania recently spoke with Harris about the play and its legendary subject, being back on the live stage, what she learned from the pandemic, and possibly returning to television.

Harriet Harris in Eleanor

( David Dashiell)

Eleanor is the second live play you did this summer. Tell me what it's been like being back in front of audiences after nearly 18 months.

It's really terrific. There is the line in Eleanor, "this was my favorite spot," and the first time I read it aloud on a stage, I started to cry. Because I realized this is where I want to be. As actors, so much of our lives and imagination are invested in making theater. When you're on the stage, you feel like you belong there and, as actors, I believe we always strive to deserve to belong on the stage. And I am so grateful the audiences are really coming back. Unfortunately, we can't talk to them after the show, because of the social distancing rules.

Do you feel like you learned anything from the pandemic?

I guess for me, like many people, it led to thinking more about what you want to do, what you want from life, what you can live without. But I am not one of the people who has the luxury of turning down jobs. And, to be honest, I always learn something from even the "bad" shows. I also realized that so much of my social life is connected to theater. It was interesting to be California for part of the pandemic with no work. That period showed me how little I want to retire. I don't want just to sit around and organize my sock drawer over and over.

You have had some prior experience with this play  and with playing Eleanor (on the TV series Atlantic Crossing). What have you decided you admire most about her?

She utilized so much of her energy and drive to do good for other people. A lot of other First Ladies only had one pet project, but she cared about so many things! And on top of all that, she had this amazing line of communication with the public  from being on radio and TV to writing newspaper articles and hundreds of personal letters. She was a privileged young woman, so none of these things were expected from her, yet she took advantage of her position to do them.

Harriet Harris in Eleanor

( David Dashiell)

I believe this is your first experience with a solo show! Is it something you're enjoying  or are you missing being with a cast onstage?

When I was a young actress, Dario Fo's wife wanted me to do her solo shows, and I though that's not the theatrical experience I want. As a rule, I want to be with other people on a stage. But here, because of the team, I never felt alone. If we could all work together, I would love to do this play again!

Speaking of the team, you're being directed by your friend Henry Stram, who we know as a brilliant actor. What is that like?

HH: Henry is amazing director. I am so lucky to have known him from the first day of Juilliard  we truly bonded on our very first day there  and to then be able to watch him grow over the years to become this amazing theater artist. I hope he wants to direct more because he is smart and creative and generous. Everyone felt greatly appreciated by him. I love Mark's play and how he delves into the subject, but I think because of Henry, this production is so beautiful and cohesive.

So, it seems certain there is going to be a reboot of the TV series Frasier. I don't see how it could be the same without Bebe Glaser? Have you spoken to Kelsey Grammar about appearing on it?

There has been no discussion yet. And the show had so many brilliant characters I doubt they've even thought about Bebe. But I always had fun on the show, so of course I would do it  especially just to see the rest of cast if they also come back. I don't have anything planned after this show, so if the timing makes sense and they ask, I hope it could happen.
Following the Dixie Fire, scorched cars are seen in a clearing in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif., on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
In this Sept. 24, 2014 file photo, smoke hangs over Reno-Tahoe International Airport as a plane takes off in Reno, Nev. A shortage of jet fuel, coupled with supply chain issues and an urgent demand from firefighting aircraft, continues to cause problems at airports around the West.
Up for debate:

Live legislation tracker

Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics.
Staff Reporter

Nyamekye Daniel has been a journalist for five years. She was the managing editor for the South Florida Media Network and a staff writer for The Miami Times. Daniel's work has also appeared in the Sun-Sentinel, Miami Herald and The New York Times.
Staff Reporter

Tim Gruver is a politics and public policy reporter. He is a University of Washington alum and the recipient of the 2017 Pioneer News Award for Reporting. His work has appeared in Politico, the Kitsap Daily News, and the Northwest Asian Weekly.
Voters wait in line Nov. 3, 2020, outside a pavilion at Center Street Park shortly before the polling site opened on Election Day in Milwaukee.
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An Ohio native, Bonnie Falchuk-Baker moved to Maryville last year from Delaware. She trained and worked as a nurse in Germany and in the United States, and has a Master of Arts in English and German literature.
Forest City, NC (28043)

Today

A steady rain in the morning. Showers continuing in the afternoon. High 72F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

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Rain showers early with mostly cloudy conditions late. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
5 Die, Including Deputy, in Shootings at California Home

LOS ANGELESA California sheriffs deputy was fatally shot this weekend when his SWAT team tried to rescue people held hostage inside a San Joaquin Valley home by a man armed with an AK-47-style rifle and a handgun, authorities said Monday.

Four other people were also killed in the shootout, including the gunmanwho had been previously arrested multiple times for domestic violence offenses, according to Lt. Joel Swanson, a spokesperson for the Kern County Sheriffs Office.

Swanson did not know the specifics of the 41-year-old shooters previous arrests and he has not yet been named publicly. A restraining order against the gunmanfiled by one of the victims and effective June 3 was supposed to stop him from coming to the home where the killings occurred.

Three people inside the homebelieved to be the gunmans sons and their motherwere fatally shot during the standoff Sunday afternoon in Wasco, a small community in the middle of farm fields northwest of Bakersfield.

The woman had filed the restraining order, Swanson said, but authorities were still trying to determine what had prompted her to seek legal action against him. The restraining order was also supposed to prevent the gunman from having firearms.

The shooting has the implications of what we see in law enforcement when it comes to domestic violence and how serious it is, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said, and, quite frankly, how a restraining order is not bulletproof.

Deputies shot and killed the suspect after he climbed onto the homes roof with the firearms.

Youngblood identified the slain deputy as Phillip Campas and called him a star in our organization.

(1/4) The Kern County Sheriffs Office is saddened to report Deputy Phillip Campas was shot and killed on July 25, 2021 while serving as a SWAT operator attempting to rescue three shooting victims inside of a residence in Wasco, CA. pic.twitter.com/22dNyYn848  Kern County Sheriffs Office (@KernCoSheriff) July 26, 2021

Campas, 35, was a five-year veteran of the sheriffs office and had previously served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. He was an instructor at the academy, as well as a member of the sheriffs SWAT team and the honor guard.

Campas is survived by his wife and two young children.

We thought hed been here over 10 years, hes had that kind of impact, Youngblood said. He was here for five.

Deputy Dizander Guerrero was wounded by gunfire and two deputies were struck by shrapnel during the violence.

The violence began around 1 p.m., and included a 911 call that had an open line into the home, Youngblood said. The activity heard on the call led deputies to believe at least one person was still alive inside the home.

We felt obligated to go in and try and rescue that victim, the sheriff said.

Two women and two girls were able to escape the home safely, Youngblood said. Their relationship to the shooter and the other victims was not immediately clear, but Swanson said they were believed to be acquaintances of the woman and her sons.

The victims inside the homeonly described as the gunmans 17- and 24-year-old sons and their 42-year-old motheralso have not been named publicly.

The first deputies to arrive at the home, following multiple 911 calls, were met by one of the women who had escaped. She told them there was a gunman inside the house and two to three people had been shot.

Within minutes, Youngblood said, the gunman started firing at the deputies from inside the house. A SWAT team, including Campas and Guerrero, approached the front door and encountered gunfire from a rifle. The deputies fired back at the shooter.

Campas and Guerrero were struck and pulled to a safe location so they could be rushed to the hospital. The two deputies who were hit by shrapnel did not leave the standoff, the sheriff said.

Over several hours, the suspect fired out of the house at the deputies. Around 6:30 p.m., the gunman climbed onto the roof with the rifle and handgun. Deputies fired at him, fatally striking him.

Authorities found the other three victims dead inside the home.

More than 100 deputies responded to the scene and 23some on the SWAT team and others who were close with Campasare currently on administrative leave because of the shootings.

The SWAT team members were off-duty and not responding to calls on Monday as they grieved.

By Stefanie Dazio
The word time can be seen on a piece of paper that is burning, illustrating managing the time. (Pexels/Pixabay)

6 Ways Youre Sabotaging Your Time Management

Here at Calendar, were all about time management. Time is so precious and valuable, and it only makes sense to take care of it. However, time management is so much more than just a lot of effort. Despite your best intentions, you could be sabotaging your own time management without even realizing it.

This article aims to point out some of the ways you might be approaching time management from the wrong angle as well as offers some suggestions on how to finetune your online calendar. The better you can manage your time, the more you can get out of life. Lets get started.

1. Overloading Your Schedule

A full schedule is often viewed as an accomplishment. Your online calendar full to the brim might even be a medal of honor that you show off to display your productivity and motivation. However, overloading your schedule can actually be making you less productive than youre intending.

What happens when your jam-packed schedule is interrupted by an emergency or a delayed meeting? You leave little room for error when theres no buffer time taken into account in your schedule. Fail to block off enough time for a sales pitch and the remainder of your schedule is put in jeopardy.

Additionally, workplace burnout is very common and can be accelerated by trying to do too much. In fact, a survey by Deloitte shows that 77 percent of workers have experienced burnout with their current jobs. Make sure youre including time for proper breaks as needed in your online calendar so you never feel overwhelmed. There is such a thing as working yourself too hard.

2. Getting Distracted Too Easily

What good is a plan if you dont follow it? You can have a perfectly manicured schedule and waste all that time spent preparing it by getting easily distracted. One distraction can derail your entire day, causing the remainder of your daily schedule to become a mess.

Getting distracted isnt always your fault, but you can always make an effort to try to avoid and limit any distractions that get in the way of your time management. Social media is a huge culprit, so look for ways to keep your screen time under control. Other distractions might not be as obvious, such as email. Using email might be an important aspect of your business, but if youre stopping to check your email every 10 minutes you could be derailing your productivity every single time.

3. Not Measuring Your Performance

You might feel comfortable with your current time management system, but how do you know if its really working or not? There are likely some ways you can improve your time management instead of settling where youre at now. Tracking your performance over time will clue you in on how your time management can be improved upon.

Start by figuring out how you want to measure your performance and productivity. Theres so much more to look at than how many meetings you have planned in a day. Here are some examples of key performance indicators that will help you measure your performance:

Average meeting time

Tasks completed daily

Punctuality

Total break time

Percentage of planned schedule completed

Set goals for each metric you set and check on your goals weekly. If youre falling short of your time management aspirations, take the time to alter your approach in an attempt to improve and reach them.

4. Neglecting Work-Life Balance

Time management isnt just for keeping yourself on track while youre at work. You should also be managing your time at home and everywhere in between. Work-life balance is essential for a happy and fulfilling life.

If you want to take a look at how your work-life balancing is going right now, open up your Calendar Analytics page. Here you can see exactly how your time is being divided. The graphics will give you a better picture of how much time youre dedicating to family, hobbies, and other extracurricular activities in comparison to the hours you spend at work.

Once you have a better idea of where your work-life balance stands, what are you going to do to improve it? Perhaps consciously planning times in your online calendar to exercise or play with your kids is what you need to do to make time for the other things in life worth pursuing. Find what works for you and use your online calendar to make it a reality.

5. Trying to Multitask

If only it were possible to multitask efficiently enough to tackle multiple projects at once. Unfortunately, multitasking really just divides your attention and damages the quality of your work. You might feel like youre saving a lot of time by attempting to multitask when youre really just making work more difficult.

Youre almost always better off scheduling one task at a time. Focusing on a single assignment at a time ensures its getting your full attention and effort. This enables you not only to finish a single task more efficiently but to also perform your job to the highest capability.

6. Failing to Prioritize

Prioritization is the unsung hero of proper time management. When you learn to prioritize your task list, you can make better decisions every day about how to use your time.

For example, lets say youre in the middle of a project and you get an email requesting a last-second meeting. How does that meeting fall under your prioritization? If this is a high-priority meeting, it will be worth postponing the events in your Calendar. If not, look to see how you can delegate the meeting so you can finish up your important project.

Now that you can spot some of the signs of poor time management, its time to reflect the changes you need to make in your online calendar. Just a few adjustments will make a huge impact on your productivity.

By Howie Jones
People look out at cars sitting in floodwaters after heavy rains hit the city of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, on July 21, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Neglected by Authorities, Locals Take on Relief Work in Flood-Hit Central China

Two days and two nights. That was how long it took for more than 400 villagers in a flooded Chinese town to raise the walls of a dam to protect their homes from rising waters. It took just a few hours for officials to tear it down.

When the villagers protested, the authorities pepper-sprayed them.

With the fortifications dismantled, the flood currents swept the village unimpeded, submerging crops in water about 3.3 feet deep while causing a power and water outage.

Villager Wang Yan (pseudonym) cried as she recounted to The Epoch Times the desperate sight in her hometown of Qimen in Henan, the province in central China now inundated by floods.

What I told you are all facts, but this content cant be posted on Douyin, she said in an interview, referring to the Chinese name of the video-sharing app TikTok.

Authorities have also been releasing additional water from upstream, according to Wang and fellow villager Li Liang (pseudonym) who described the villages current state as a lone island.

We villagers only hope is for upstream to discharge less water and not to act too fast, so downstream has time to drain some water away, Wang said. Otherwise, were doomed.

To date, the flooding has affected about 12.9 million people, or roughly one in nine people in the province, and destroyed about 267,000 acres of crops, according to official data. The authorities disaster response, or lack thereof, has compounded their woes, according to Wang and many others.

Cars sit in floodwaters in Zhengzhou in Chinas central Henan province on July 22, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images)

Donation Challenges

The government-backed Red Cross Society of China, not affiliated with the International Committee of the Red Cross, has also faced accusations that it lacks transparency.

Qiu Kai, a businessman in Zhengzhou, Henans capital and largest city, initially saw that the Red Cross had chosen to send flood relief packages on behalf of a coalition of businesses. After talking with a manager at the Henan Red Cross, he donated 1 million yuan ($154,254) under the agreement that he would have control over how the money was spent. But after the money was sent, all he received was a receipt from the organization.

Frustrated, he asked the charitys manager for a refund, and was told they were powerless and cant handle it. Perhaps next year, the person told Qiu. He canceled the donation account in frustration.

Children sit on a makeshift raft on a flooded road in Zhengzhou, Henan province, China, on July 22, 2021. (Aly Song/Reuters)

The Chinese Red Cross has been plagued with credibility issues for years. It has struggled to win back trust ever since 2008, when it mismanaged donation funds destined for the survivors of an 8.0-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan Province in southeastern China.

Qiu has purchased boats, water pumps, life jackets, buoys, and ropes totaling more than 50,000 yuan ($7,712), which he had planned to donate to local authorities, he said. But hes been turned away each time.

No one was there to receive the goods, he told The Epoch Times. There was no one to receive the items nor sign for them.

Qiu spent seven hours at one emergency management center alone.

He ended up calling the citys mayor and other officials and was rebuffed. One of the officials told him that the city was relatively stable now and you can send these to the places that need them more.

I talked until I was exhausted, Qiu said.

Much of the relief packages are now sitting in a warehouse.

Residents wade through floodwaters on a flooded road in Zhengzhou, Henan province, China, on July 20, 2021. (China Daily via Reuters)

Help From Beijing Nowhere in Sight

Dozens of civilian-initiated rescue teams have arrived in the province to offer help.

Zhang Ye (pseudonym) is serving as a member of a rescue team from the neighboring province Hunan. Zhang said they go to every flood-ravaged home to see if theres anyone inside. They then take the residents to a safer area where local volunteers take over.

The authorities were nowhere in sight as they carried out the rescue work, he told The Epoch Times.

Villagers have greeted them with enthusiasm, Zhang said, noting that local children have acted as their guide.

A volunteer team helps rescue flood-impacted villagers in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China, on July 25, 2021. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

With the villagers help, on July 25, his team rescued about 236 people stranded in one villagesome from their rooftops.

People give us directions; we just run to wherever is needed, Zhang said.

On Saturday night, Zhangs group had to evacuate from their lodging organized by locals because of the incoming floodwater.

They moved to a gas station located at the highest point of the village. The locals sent them fresh eggs and blankets.

The villagers didnt want us to leave, and we told them we wouldnt, Zhang said.

They fell into a short sleep. When they got up at around 4 a.m., everyone had a blanket over themthe work of the appreciative villagers.

It showed how indispensable their labor was, Zhang said, noting that they were just doing what they can.

Gu Xiaohua contributed to this report.
A U.S. Army soldier stands on duty at the K1 airbase northwest of Kirkuk in northern Iraq on March 29, 2020. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images)

Americas Veterans Are Killing Themselves at an Alarming Rate: Report

After an improvised explosive device (IED) left Army Sgt. Dominic McDaniel severely injured and unable to continue fighting in Iraq, the wounded combat veteran found civilian life nearly unbearable.

I felt guilty because my guys got hurt, and I was in charge. It was my fault, he said. They started committing suicide when we got home pretty quick.

McDaniel dealt with alcohol abuse, divorce, and severe depression before finding help; he now works for a non-profit organization that assists veterans who are dealing with trauma.

Many of his fellow veterans, however, havent been as fortunate.

Now more people from my unit have committed suicide than died in combat, the Iraq combat vet said. It really kind of strips your humanity and soul away, war does.

McDaniels story is detailed in a report released last month by Brown Universitys Costs of War project. The report reveals startling trends in suicide rates of veterans who served in wars after the 9/11 terror attacks, including Afghanistan and Iraq as well as deployments in five other spots around the world.

According to the report, more veterans of the terror wars have killed themselves than those who died in combat. The paper estimates that 30,177 active-duty personnel and post-9/11 veterans have died by suicidesignificantly more than the 7,057 service members killed in post-9/11 war operations.

The suicide rate among veterans of the terror wars exceeds that of the general population, according to the report.

The suicide rate of veterans overall and adjusted for age and sex is 1.5 times that of the general population, the June 21 report said. Moreover, the current suicide rate of 45.9 among veterans 18-34 is about 2.5 times the suicide rate of that of the adjusted general population (18 per 100,000).

And while the government hasnt kept proper records of veteran suicides in earlier wars, statistics on active-duty suicides suggest that rates among veterans of the terror wars could be some of the highest in 80 years.

Active service member suicide rates have grown during the Global War on Terror to surpass any service member suicide rates since before World War II, the report said.

Veterans didnt always kill themselves in such high numbers. According to the report, suicide rates among veterans used to roughly match that in the general population. And among active service members, suicide rates typically fall during wartimewith the exceptions of the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terror.

The report posits several reasons for these trends.

Historically, stress and burnout, access to firearms, the difficulty of reintegrating into civilian life, and a military culture that doesnt prioritize mental health have been factors contributing to veteran suicides, according to the report. With the Vietnam War and Global War on Terror, soldiers returning home have had to deal with the additional burden of an unsupportive society, the report said.

Unlike the publics celebratory treatment of World War II veterans as heroes, sections of the public have met the return of veterans from Vietnam and the War on Terror with hostility for the former and often disinterest for the latter, the report said. If there is something novel to the Global War on Terror, it may be the diminishing approval and ignorance of the public coupled with persistent veteran stereotypes, which further alienate them from civilian society.

The report also attributed the inordinately high suicide rates to the use of IEDs in the terror wars, which has led to a spike in brain injuries among combat vets. Many brain-injured vets are redeployed, exacerbating their mental trauma, the report said.

Caused by blast injuries from IEDs, collisions and rollovers, or any situation causing blunt trauma to a service members head, [brain injuries] are the signature injury of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, affecting between 8 and 20 percent of military personnel, the report said.

Along with physical injuries, the report explored the effects that moral injury has had on vets.

Rather than a physiological response, one may instead develop a wound of the soul, or ones core moral self, the report said, citing a 2014 study in the research journal Traumatology.

Perceived transgressions against ones sense of morality had the strongest association with ongoing suicidal ideation among 151 active-duty military personnel compared with transgressions of others or betrayal by others.

The report identified instances in which the government has failed Americas veterans. According to the report, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has failed to spend millions of dollars set aside for suicide prevention outreach.

Worse, 31 percent of denied or rejected non-VA emergency care claims were inappropriately processed in 2017, meaning veterans had to take on the financial burden of health care for an incredible sum of $716 million, the report added, citing internal VA audits.

The DoD [Pentagon], VA, and other actors should take moral injuries, military sexual trauma, and other traumas outside of the theater of war as seriously as physical wounds and more readily diagnose and respond to them, the report concluded. Unless the U.S. government and U.S. society makes significant changes in the ways we manage the mental health crisis among our service members and veterans, suicide rates will continue to climb.

That is a cost of war we cannot accept.
Former Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett (second from left) moves ballots during an election audit at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 1, 2021. (Courtney Pedroza/Getty Images)

Arizona Senate Audit Liaison Considers Stepping Down After Being Barred From Review

The Arizona Senates liaison for the 2020 election audit taking place in the states largest county is considering resigning after being barred from the audit on July 23.

Ken Bennett, the liaison and a former Republican Arizona secretary of state, said Monday he was blocked from entering the audit last week because people there were upset he had shared data from the audit with outside parties who have been heavily critical of the election review.

I shared some box counts of how many ballots were in each box and that got leaked to the press, Bennett told radio host James Harris. Thats how I got barred from the audit.

The data was given to three voting analysts who have repeatedly denigrated the audit and auditors. One, Benny White, has repeatedly traded barbs with Benny Blehm, a Cyber Ninjas attorney, on Facebook.

Cyber Ninjas was hired by the Arizona Senate to conduct the audit of ballots cast in Maricopa County last year, as well as machines used to run the election.

Being blocked from the audit was the last straw, Bennett said. He also described issues with the counting of duplicate ballots and aggregation.

For instance, when opening boxes of duplicate ballots, officials found some lacked serial numbers, a violation of state law. That indicated it would be difficult to match some of the duplicate ballots with the ballots that needed to be duplicated.

I asked the auditors, when were done with the duplicates, please give me a comprehensive reconciliation of: were we able to identify one of these for every one of those. And that has not been forthcoming now for two months, Bennett said.

Theres also contention over a third ballot count taking place which is supposed to serve as a check on the countys number and the Cyber Ninjas-led count. Bennett expressed concern the count was not being done independently of Cyber Ninjas, which could influence the process.

Arizona Sen. Warren Petersen (L), and Arizona Senate President Karen Fann (R) hear testimony during a hearing on the Maricopa county audit on July 15 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Allan Stein/Epoch Times)

Bennett said he spoke with Senate President Karen Fann and apologized to her and the Senate for sharing data with the group of election analysts.

I had promised that information would not be leaked to the press but that indirectly got done, he said.

The details were published initially by The Arizona Republic, which also spoke with Larry Moore, a retired Clear Ballot executive who is one of the analysts.

Moore told the paper that the numbers he was given matched nearly perfectly with figures his group came up with by utilizing publicly available data. He claimed that undermined a hand count tally by Cyber Ninjas, which has not been made public but is different from that of the county.

Bennett called Moores claim a huge assumption.

A Cyber Ninjas spokesperson told the paper that Bennett was blocked from the building by Fanns office.

Fann told The Epoch Times via email that Bennett is a valuable asset to the senate audit and will continue to be so.

Fann plans on including Bennett in a review of the auditors draft report when it is ready.

Regarding access to information: our Senate members nor I have access to the numbers of the ongoing audit except for the information we were provided at the public hearing a week and a half ago. You know what we know. The auditors were hired to do a job. We should not be looking over their shoulder, telling them how to do their job or asking for premature information. When the audit is complete then they will need to provide us with all their proof and documentation of their results, she added.

Cyber Ninjas did not respond to a request for comment. Maricopa County officials have asserted any findings of irregularities are wrong.

Bennett said Monday he remains committed to the audit.

It is absolutely critical that we answer in the minds of people the question of whether or not they can trust their elections, he said, adding that he hopes to stay onboard helping coordinate aspects of the review not conducted by Cyber Ninjas.

The final report on what auditors found is expected to be released next month. The auditors are expected to wrap up their physical work by the end of the work and start to finish analyzing the data for the report.
A protester is arrested by police at Sydney Town Hall during the World Wide Rally For Freedom anti-lockdown rally at Hyde Park in Sydney, Saturday, July 24, 2021. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Australian Police Tracking Down Demonstrators After Huge Anti-Lockdown Protests Held in Capital Cities

Police are looking for the thousands of people who attended anti-lockdown rally protests in Sydney and Melbourne at the weekend.

NSW Police said they have received 5000 tip-offs and identified more than 200 people who attended after a special task force was set up in the aftermath of the protest.

Some 57 people have already been charged, and 90 fines have been issued after it was estimated more than 3,500 people marched through Sydneys CBD on July 24, demanding an end to the citys four-week lockdown.

A 33-year-old Surry Hills man and a 36-year-old man from Edensor Park faced court on Sunday after they allegedly struck a police horse during the protest.

The Edensor Park man was also charged with assaulting a police officer.

Police are calling for members of the public are being asked to upload any videos or photos of the protest to CrimeStoppers to track down more participants.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, 73 people have been fined and six people arrested for attending the protest. A further person was charged and bailed for assaulting an emergency worker.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said police were in the process of reviewing hundreds of hours of footage from social media, CCTV and body-worn cameras with more fines to follow.

Your faces are on the front page of our major newspapers. Your faces are on social media. Your faces are being published, wide and far, Cornelius said.

I would say that every Victorian whos outraged by this, if you know who those people are, call CrimeStoppers and let us know who they are and we will take action.

Their investigation will include the alleged assault of a mounted officer hurt, who was hit by a flying bollard.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews described protesters as selfish.

Still, he was reasonably confident it would not become a super-spreader event, given the states 11 new cases on Sunday had all been linked and were in isolation.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was disgusted and heartbroken by those who had shown utter contempt for their fellow citizens.

We know that events like that can cause those super-spreading events, she said on July 24, as the state recorded 141 new COVID-19 cases and saw two deaths.

Please know that all of the sacrifices weve made over the last three or four weeks, in particular, have resulted in us being able to stabilise the growth in cases.

We dont want a setback, and yesterday could have been a setback.
Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Alexander Downer is pictured at Number 11 Downing Street in London on Jan. 24, 2017. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Australians Are Rejecting Civil Liberties for Lockdowns Says Former Minister

Former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says Australians have chosen to reject civil liberties in preference for stronger restrictions around the pandemic, claiming that health officials have been deified.

Downer said in the United Kingdom, the government and publicprior to Freedom Dayhad accepted lockdowns and restrictions as part-and-parcel of handling the virus.

They (Australians) have embraced the British approach with more gusto than even the British. The public couldnt care less about civil liberties, Downer wrote in an op-ed in the Australian Financial Review.

The media never asks questions about them. It just seems so normal to be locking down whole communities, and who cares where the money comes from to pay compensation to businesses and other affected people, he said.

You would think the media would aggressively be asking questions about whether this strategy works, whether it is sustainable in the medium term and what it says about our society. But no, they compliantly go along with medical officers whom they have begun to deify.

Australian protestors march along Broadway and George St towards Sydney Town Hall during the World Wide Rally For Freedom anti-lockdown rally at Hyde Park in Sydney, Australia on July 24, 2021. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

The former diplomat cited a press conference in South Australia, where Chief Health Officer Nicola Spurrier was asked what level of vaccination was needed before restrictions could be abandoned. Spurrier expressed outrage at the question and refused to answer.

He also called for more debate around how to handle the pandemic and not leave it to medical expertswho he claims would be focused only on stopping the virus over everything else.

Australians need to ask themselves this question: What will come first, the total elimination of COVID-19 in Australia or the bankruptcy of all of Australias governments? he said. At the moment, the latter is winning the race. And it will win.

COVID-19 cant be eliminated. As (UK Prime Minister) Boris Johnson has told the British public in no uncertain terms: We have to learn to live with COVID-19 and protect the vulnerable as best we can. Just as we live with flu and other transmissible diseases, many of which can kill people.

On July 24, several thousand Australians from Sydney and Melbourne participated in World Freedom Day Rallies, with many participants protesting extended lockdowns.

Previous rallies in Sydney, garnered several hundred attendees, but the latest protests saw numbers spike dramatically, after the extension of the five-week lockdown, which has also seen the government order the shutdown of construction sites.
Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on June 21, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Australias Deputy PM Defends MPs Right to Attend Legal Anti-Lockdown Demonstrations

Australias Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has defended the right of National Party colleague George Christensen MP to protest as part of the July 24 freedom rallies held around Australia.

The protests, which saw thousands of Australians march through a number of capital cities, were a reaction to several state governments COVID-19 lockdowns.

In an interview on ABC Radio on July 26, Joyce said that Christensen was within his rights to attend a legal rally in Queensland and voice his support for the other demonstrations around the country.

He said that while he disagreed with Christensens sentiments, he did not believe silencing people was the answer, and it would not assist in anything.

Lets be realist about thiseverybody has the liberty to say what they want, he said.

What do you want me to do, to go up there without knowing he was going to say it, to tackle him? Would that actually assist the process by reinforcing the sense you dont have the liberty to say what you like?

George Christensen in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 26, 2018. (Michael Masters/Getty Images)

Joyce also noted that Australians are free to make up their own minds.

We are all intelligent sentient beings, he said. Its up to you whether you agree with it or not, and you can listen to other opinions.

Joyce also noted he personally believed that if a country didnt go down the path of suppressing the virus, it could end up in a situation like Indonesia. But he personally believes that Australia needs to come to terms with the fact that it will have to live with and manage the virus, as we do other viruses.

It is a very bitter pill, but you must be honest with people; its like saying, were going to get rid of the flu. Youre not, he said. You have got to manage it, and its like saying youre going to get rid of anybody ever getting measles; youre not going to manage it to the best of your ability.

The comments from Joyce came after Christensen wrote in a post on Facebook: Civil disobedience eventually becomes the only response to laws that restrict freedom. This is what weve seen in Melbourne today.

Accompany the comment was an image citing a line from American civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, which read, One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.

Australian protestors march during the World Wide Rally For Freedom anti-lockdown rally in Sydney, Australia on July 24, 2021. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Christensen was referencing the thousands of protestors who broke health orders in Victoria to march against the restrictive COVID-19 lockdowns implemented by the state government led by Premier Daniel Andrews.

Victoria has experienced one of the longest and harshest COVID-19 lockdowns globally, spending nearly five months in full lockdown in 2020, and is currently wearing its fifth lockdown.

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, also saw thousands of people come out to protest their states month-long lockdown that is ongoing after an outbreak of the Delta variant has seen authorities restrict movement and business in the Greater Sydney area, with regional areas placed under less restrictive orders.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman meets with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tianjin, China, in this handout picture released on July 26, 2021. (U.S. Department of State/Handout via Reuters)

Beijing Continues Wolf Warrior Approach Toward US in High-Level Meeting in China

The Chinese regime bombarded U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman with complaints and accusations during her in-person visit to China on July 26. The talks were reminiscent of the brazen tone of Chinese officials during the first high-level meeting in Alaska in March, dubbed wolf warrior diplomacy, as the Biden administration attempts a new round of engaging with China.

Sherman met with Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng on July 26 in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, before meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Sherman is the highest-ranking Biden administration official to visit China.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement that Sherman raised several U.S. concerns with Yi and other Chinese officials, including Beijings anti-democratic crackdown in Hong Kong, the ongoing genocide in Chinas far-western region of Xinjiang, abuses in Tibet, and the regimes conduct in cyberspace, the Taiwan Strait, and the East and South China Seas.

The Deputy Secretary reiterated concerns about the PRCs [Peoples Republic of China] unwillingness to cooperate with the World Health Organization and allow a second-phase investigation in the PRC into COVID-19s origins, Price said.

The meeting was first announced by the U.S. State Department on July 21, before Chinas foreign ministry confirmed it a few hours later. According to The Associated Press, the State Department said the administration was exploring opportunities through Shermans trip to engage senior Chinese officials in person.

During the meeting with Sherman, Xie blamed the United States for the ongoing problems between the two countries, including demonizing China and blam[ing] China for its own structural problems. He said the United States should change its highly misguided mindset.

Xie also accused the United States of engaging in coercive diplomacy and added that Beijing has never coerced any country.

Following the meeting, Xie told local media that China had given the U.S. side two lists, one of them detailing the United States wrongdoings and the other of Chinas concerns about certain cases, according to Chinas state-run media.

Included in the lists were Chinas demands that the United States lift sanctions and visa restrictions against Chinese officials and entities, and withdraw its extradition request for Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer for Chinas tech giant Huawei.

The U.S. government has placed sanctions on Chinese officials and entities over their human rights violations against Falun Gong adherents, Hongkongers, and Uyghurs. Currently, 59 Chinese defense and tech firms are blacklisted, preventing U.S. investors from investing in those firms.

On July 25, Sherman wrote on Twitter that she had spoken to U.S. companies about the challenges theyre facing in China.

Before Sherman arrived in China, senior Biden administration officials announced that her trip was a continuation of Marchs talks in Anchorage, Alaska. Additionally, the United States is seeking guardrails and parameters in the hopes that what the administration is characterizing as bilateral competition doesnt veer into an unintended conflict.

The Alaska talks featured Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and senior foreign policy diplomat Yang Jiechi. The meeting is remembered for Yang dressing down Blinken and Sullivan while violating the meetings protocol. Yang lashed out at the two U.S. officials over what he asserted was the United States poor treatment of minorities and its struggling democracy.

The Chinese delegations behavior in Alaska was criticized by a number of U.S. lawmakers and China experts, including Miles Yu, a China adviser to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

At the time, Yu told The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders program that the Chinese delegation hadnt traveled to Alaska to resolve bilateral issues but to score cheap propaganda points and discredit American democracy.

In an op-ed published on June 23, China expert Gordon Chang questioned the Biden administrations desire to continue to engage China, pointing to the Alaska talks.

China, it is evident, is now in no mood for substantive discussions, other than, of course, for the purpose of accepting Americas surrender, Chang wrote.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks during an event in the Rose Garden of the White House on July 26, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Biden: American Combat Troops Will Leave Iraq This Year

President Joe Biden said on July 26 that American combat troops would leave Iraq sometime in 2021, coming weeks after troops departed Afghanistan, although he said some U.S. personnel would continue to work with Iraqi security forces in their fight against the ISIS terrorist group.

We are not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission, Biden told Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi during a White House meeting. American forces, however, would be available to continue to train, to assist, to help and to deal with ISIS.

The president added that the United States is still committed to fighting terrorism in the region.

Were also committed to our security cooperation, Biden said. Our shared fight against ISIS is critical for the stability of the region and our counterterrorism operation will continue even as we shift to this new phase were going to be talking about.

The U.S. military has approximately 2,500 American troops in Iraq as of now. Earlier this year, the Trump administration confirmed that it drew down the number of forces to 2,500 in Iraq.

During a press briefing on July 26, White House press secretary Jen Psaki declined to give details on how many would remain in the country by the end of this year in advisory or training roles.

Iraqs Joint Operations Command soldiers inspect a truck and the site from where rockets were launched toward Ain Al-Asad Military Base, at Anbar Province, Iraq, on July 8, 2021. (Joint Operations Command Media Office/Handout via Reuters)

We feel this is a natural and next step in these ongoing strategic dialogues, and we are moving to a phase not where we are ending our partnership, we are maintaining a presence in Iraq with a different mission, Psaki said. This is a shift in mission, it is not a removal of our partnership or our presence or our close engagement with Iraqi leaders.

The change in Iraq comes as the United States nearly finished its withdrawal from Afghanistan, despite some experts expressing fears that terrorism could flare again without any military presence. Meanwhile, some officials have warned that Taliban forces have made significant advances in recent weeks as U.S. troops pull out of the country.

During an interview with NPR on July 23, CIA Director William Burns acknowledged that the Taliban currently is in the strongest military position that theyve been in since 2001. Afghan security forces who were trained by the United States have the capability to fend them off, he argued.

The big question it seems to me and to all of my colleagues at CIA and across the intelligence community is whether or not those capabilities can be exercised with the kind of political willpower and unity of leadership thats absolutely essential to resist the Taliban, Burns told NPR.

In 2003, the military under the George W. Bush administration launched an operation in Iraq to topple then-leader Saddam Hussein but remained due to the rise of ISIS, which took over swaths of Syria and Iraq in the midst of the Syrian civil war starting in 2011. All combat operations were ceased in 2010 and most troops left in 2011, but a number of soldiers returned in 2014 to deal with the terrorist group.
Police release tear gas into a crowd during clashes at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Biden Nominates 8 Top Prosecutors, Including 1 to Oversee Jan. 6 Cases

President Joe Biden on July 26 nominated eight prosecutors to become U.S. attorneys, including one who would handle cases stemming from the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach.

Biden nominated Matthew Graves, a partner at Washington law firm DLA Piper, to be the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Graves, an assistant U.S. attorney during the Obama administration and a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Richard Roberts, would oversee the prosecution of Jan. 6 cases if confirmed by the Senate.

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) recommended Graves to Biden and praised the president for adopting the recommendation.

Matthew Graves not only possesses all the necessary qualities to be an exceptional U.S. Attorney for D.C.: integrity, temperament, and intelligence, Norton said in a statement, he served with distinction as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia, giving him the best possible experience to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District.

The office is prosecuting over 535 cases related to the breach.

The top prosecutor post was held by Michael Sherwin from May 2020 until March 3, when he stepped down at the request of Biden, shortly after giving a lengthy interview about prosecuting Jan. 6 cases. During the interview, he claimed the government could charge some individuals with sedition, which hasnt happened as of July 26.

The comments drew the rebuke of a federal judge, and the matter was referred to the Department of Justice for investigation.

Channing Phillips is the current interim U.S. attorney for D.C.

Biden also tapped Maryland Rep. Erek Barron to be U.S. attorney for the District of Maryland, lawyer Nicholas Brown to be U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Clifford Johnson for the top post for the Northern District of Indiana, Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Myers to be U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, government investigator Trini Ross to be U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York, government trial attorney Vanessa Waldref to be U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, and Suffolk County, Massachusetts, District Attorney Rachael Rollins to serve in the top post for the District of Massachusetts.

Rollins is one of a number of progressive prosecutors who won elections in recent years after promising to dramatically change how they would approach the criminal justice system. During her campaign, Rollins said she wouldnt prosecute drug possession, disorderly conduct, or shoplifting, among other charges.

Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) cheered the nomination, noting they had recommended it.

District Attorney Rollins is a national leader on transforming the criminal justice system and shifting away from an approach based on punishment and penalization to one that combats the root causes of injustice, whether it be poverty, substance use, or racial disparity, they said in a joint statement. She has prosecutorial experience, and is dedicated and committed to advancing equal justice for all, and we are certain that she will be a tremendous U.S. Attorney.

A simple majority vote would confirm each nominee. With the Senate split 5050, the chamber is currently controlled by the Democrats because, in her role as president of the body, Vice President Kamala Harris can cast tiebreaking votes.

The White House said the eight nominees were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials in this field, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice.

Their confirmations will play into Bidens effort to combat the rise in crime the U.S. has seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said.
Border Patrol Apprehends 20,000 Illegal Aliens in 1 Week in Busiest Sector

South Texass Rio Grande Valley has been the busiest border sector for illegal alien crossings for years. But last week a sudden spike in numbers saw Border Patrol apprehend more than 20,000 illegal immigrants in one week.

Its the hottest part of the summer and apprehensions are skyrocketing! Border Patrol Chief for the sector Brian Hastings wrote on Twitter on July 25.

Hastings said the number of large groups has increased, with a record-breaking 298 in one group encountered in La Grulla last week.

Within this group, a subject exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms was transported to the hospital. At the hospital, the migrant tested positive for COVID-19, a press release from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated.

The most recent large groups have mostly contained citizens from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, according to CBP.

Border Patrol processing facilities in the region are once again overwhelmed and illegal immigrants are staying overnight on buses outside the facilities due to overcrowding, according to a source in the Rio Grande Valley.

In the Del Rio Sector, which has become the second-busiest for Border Patrol apprehensions, illegal immigrants are sleeping outside between the Rio Grande and the border fence as the agency struggles to find transport and space to put them.

On the morning of July 25, agents were dealing with around 350 illegal immigrants who had crossed within the last 18 hoursmostly Haitians, but also Cubans, Colombians, and a couple from Ghana.

Several Haitians told The Epoch Times they had arrived across the river at 3 p.m. the day prior and slept outside while waiting for transport. A couple from Ghana said they crossed at 3 a.m. and slept in a nearby tree-covered area.

Meanwhile, between the two sectors, in the city of Laredowhere busloads of illegal immigrants from the Rio Grande Valley are being sentofficials have sued the Biden administration to stop the transport of more illegal immigrants into the city.

Laredo officials say in the complaint that they were recently advised that Border Patrol intends to double the number of illegal immigrants brought to Laredo from the Rio Grande Valleyfrom about 150 individuals to 300 per day.

By June, Border Patrol had apprehended more than 1 million illegal immigrants along the almost 2,000-mile southwest border. Each month this year has seen an increase in apprehensions, with no sign of it dropping off as the focus from headquarters is on speeding up the processing.

Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz said in late June that agents had detected, but not captured, a further 250,000 illegal immigrants so far this fiscal year.

Title 42which is the public health emergency measure allowing Border Patrol to quickly turn back to Mexico some single adultsis largely seen as the remaining vestige of border control. The measure is expected to be removed imminently and Border Patrol is bracing for an even bigger influx as single adults would then need to be placed through a much longer process under Title 8 immigration proceedings and likely many will be released into the United States.
People wearing masks walk through a shaft of light on a street in Philadelphia, Pa., on March 3, 2021. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

California City: Vaccinated Employees Should Wear Stickers If They Want to Work Without Masks

A city in Southern California has ordered vaccinated government employees to wear stickers if they want to work without masks on, said city officials.

Montclair, California, city manager Edward Starr told the San Bernardino Sun that workers who havent been vaccinated or dont provide proof or verification of their vaccination against COVID-19 will be required to wear masks.

The California Department of Public Health is recommending stickers placed on employee badges to demonstrate they have been fully vaccinated, Starr said.

Starr added that if the city doesnt comply with state or federal regulations, which he didnt elaborate on, fines as much as $10,000 per day could be issued.

We intend to avoid those violations, he said.

Jon Hamilton, Montclair director of administrative services and human resources, told KLTA-5 that theres no mandate around the program, adding that its voluntary. Employees who dont wish to wear a mask have to keep a vaccination card with them, he said.

The program is 100 percent voluntary, so if anybody has concerns about their own medical confidentiality and they do not wish to participate, theres no mandate  they continue to wear their mask and operate under all safety protocols required right now during COVID-19, Hamilton said on July 26.

The mayor of Montclair, California, John Dutrey, and other officials told local media that the requirement falls in line with the states Department of Public Health and Occupational Safety and Health Administration orders.

The move drew pushback from city Councilman Ben Lopez, who said the stickers violate employees privacy rights.

This policy is being rushed through and rammed down the throats of our employees with no legal counsel being sought and no discussion from our city council, Lopez told the paper. I think we are on shaky legal ground.

Meanwhile, a Riverside County spokeswoman, Brooke Federico, told the Sun that the county doesnt have plans to use stickers or employee badges.

COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

The requirement comes as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 26 became the first federal agency to require its doctors and other medical staff to get COVID-19 vaccines.

Its the best way to keep Veterans safe, especially as the Delta variant spreads across the country, the head of the agency said in a press release. Whenever a Veteran or VA employee sets foot in a VA facility, they deserve to know that we have done everything in our power to protect them from COVID-19. With this mandate, we can once again makeand keepthat fundamental promise.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the city of Montclair for comment.
Californias Largest Fire Burns Homes as Blazes Scorch West

INDIAN FALLS, Calif.Californias largest wildfire merged with a smaller blaze and destroyed homes in remote areas with limited access for firefighters, as numerous other fires gained strength and threatened property across the U.S. West.

The massive Dixie Fire, which started July 14, had already leveled over a dozen houses and other structures when it combined with the Fly Fire and tore through the tiny Northern California community of Indian Falls after dark Saturday.

An updated damage estimate was not available Sunday, though fire officials said the blaze had charred nearly 298 square miles (772 square kilometers) of timber and brush in Plumas and Butte counties. It was 21 percent contained.

Cal Fire firefighters battle the Dixie Fire near Prattville in Plumas County, Calif., on July 23, 2021. (Noah Berger/AP)

Firefighters carrying hand tools were forced to hike through rugged terrain where engines cant go, said Rick Carhart, spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

It has been burning in extremely steep canyons, some places where it is almost impossible for human beings to set foot on the ground to get in there, he said. Its going to be a long haul.

Still, crews made progress Saturday by proactively setting fires to rob the main blaze of fuels, Carhart said.

The fire prompted evacuation orders in several small mountain communities and along the west shore of Lake Almanor, a popular resort area.

Firefighters also reported progress against the nations largest wildfire, the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon, containing 46 percent of the blaze that had consumed nearly 640 square miles (1,657 square kilometers).

Firefighters watch flames burst from a propane tank as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif., on July 24, 2021. (Noah Berger/AP)

More than 2,200 firefighters battled the blaze, focusing Sunday on constructing containment lines at the northern and eastern edges in dense timber. Crews could get a break from rain and higher humidity predicted for this week, said Marcus Kauffman, spokesman for the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The lightning-caused fire has burned 67 homes, mainly cabins, and at least 2,000 houses were under evacuation orders.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown told CNNs State of the Union that its imperative federal and state authorities invest in mitigation such as tree thinning and preventive burns to limit the number of similar massive blazes. But she conceded that the harsh reality is that were going to see more of these wildfires.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for four northern counties because of wildfires that he said were causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property. The proclamation opened the way for more state support.

In southwest Montana, officials were focusing on structure protection for three area fires amid weather forecasts of rising temperatures, low humidity, and westerly winds this week, factors that could produce explosive growth.

About 475 firefighters were working the Alder Creek, Trail Creek, and Christensen fires. In particular, crews were trying to protect about 200 homes and cabins and prevent the 44-square-mile (144-square-kilometer) Trail Creek blaze from reaching the Big Hole National Battlefield in Beaverhead County, fire spokesman Jason Nedlo said. The battlefield site, operated by the National Park Service, has been closed because of the fire threat.

Elsewhere in California, the 104-square-mile (269-square-kilometer) Tamarack Fire south of Lake Tahoe continued to burn through timber and chaparral and threatened communities on both sides of the CaliforniaNevada state line. The fire, sparked by lightning on July 4 in Alpine County, has destroyed at least 10 buildings. It was 27 percent contained Sunday.

Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif., on July 24, 2021. (Noah Berger/AP)

Heavy smoke from that blaze and the Dixie Fire lowered visibility and may at times ground aircraft providing support for fire crews. The air quality south of Lake Tahoe and across the state line into Nevada deteriorated to very unhealthy levels.

In north-central Washington, firefighters battled two blazes in Okanogan County that threatened hundreds of homes and again caused hazardous air quality conditions Saturday. And in northern Idaho, east of Spokane, Washington, a small fire near the Silverwood Theme Park prompted evacuations Friday evening at the park and in the surrounding area. The theme park was back open Saturday with the fire half contained.

Although hot weather with afternoon winds posed a continued threat of spreading blazes, weekend forecasts also called for a chance of scattered thunderstorms in California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and other states. However, forecasters said some could be dry thunderstorms that produce little rain but a lot of lightning, which can spark new blazes.

More than 85 large wildfires were burning around the country, most of them in western states. They had burned over 1.4 million acres (2,135 square miles, or more than 553,000 hectares).
A gun owner holds a sign as they participate in a rally organized by the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights against the government's new gun regulations, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Sept. 12, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Justin Tang)

Can We Trust Experts?

Commentary

Experts have squandered their credibility in recent public failures. The repeated misjudgments by public health experts over the past year have demonstrated that they didnt know how to deal with the pandemic.

Claiming their decisions were backed by science, public health experts recommended a bewildering maze of contradictory rules about masks, and closures of schools and small businesses that may have reassured a frightened public but created more problems than they solved.

Out of the public eye, Canadian public health experts are behind another policy failure: a mandatory confiscation of lawfully owned and used firearms. The Canadian government relies upon public health experts to justify irrational gun laws that waste billions of dollars yet fail to protect public safety. In both cases, radical decisions are defended by claims that theyre backed by science. Such pseudo-scientific claims are intended to squelch disagreement. Anyone who rejects the experts claims are vilified as ignorant, a science denier, or being part of a tin-foil hat conspiracy.

Pandemic rules were numerous and confusing, even as they were authoritarian. Some people were required to wear masks, while others in near identical situations were allowed to go unmasked. Nationwide lockdowns were justified during the pandemic by public health experts, but, evidence for their effectiveness was scanty. Their statistical models relied upon to predict cases or deaths were wildly wrong. Due to the ill-advised shutdowns, the economy was devastated, costing many people their livelihoods, and a wide range of other serious medical issues were ignored. We will be digging out from under the economic and social consequences for years, perhaps decades. Experts claimed the science was settled, but it wasnt.

Behind the scenes, public health experts (pdf) are similarly relied upon to justify radical changes in Canadas gun laws. Based on public health claims, and ignoring other sources of expertise, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced radical changes to Canadas firearm legislation, confiscating hundreds of thousands of lawfully owned and used firearms and reducing penalties for serious violent gun crimes.

Experts are not gods to conjure with. Even the best, most objective and knowledgeable experts may be wrong. This should be particularly obvious when experts expound outside their supposed area of expertise. Why trust a medical doctor when he or she pontificates about gun control? Why trust a public health expert on the economic impact of a lockdown? Even in their field of expertise, experts shouldnt be considered infallible. Unsurprisingly, experts disagree with each other all the time. Scientific knowledge is not dogmatic truth; science is a continual battle of ideas. Scientific debate rages over the cause of climate change as well as the true source of the Wuhan flu. Was it a lab-leak or a wet market? Experts may even make fundamental mistakes.

Public Health Experts and Firearms Legislation

Public health experts play a privileged role in debates over firearms legislation. Why not other experts? Newspapers, such as the New York Times or Globe & Mail, cite experts to support restrictive firearms policies, such as banning military assault-style weapons. What readers are not told is that editors hand-pick which experts to cite. Researchers who disagree are ignored or minimized.

Public health expertsnot criminologistsdominate web-searches for studies on gun control. When querying gun control research, most of the hits (eight out of ten) are either public health studies or reports based on public health studies. (In response to my query, Google generated about 158,000,000 results (0.59 seconds). I didnt check them all.) Very few studies by criminologists were shown, and none by economists, even though economics and criminology have higher methodological standards. Unsurprisingly, the research findings by economists and criminologists contrast with those observed in public health studies.

The differences matter. Given the importance of public policy on firearms ownership, a wide variety of researchers study gun control laws, including criminologists, economists, and public health academics. Unsurprisingly, given the differences in their disciplines and their research methodologies, their attitudes toward firearms diverge dramatically.

A Comparative Study

Arthur Berg, John Lott, and I conducted a large comparative survey (pdf) of researchers in criminology, economics, and public health who had conducted empirical research on firearms legislation. We asked our three samples of experts to evaluate the effectiveness of 33 gun-related policies in reducing both murder and mass-public shootings, including 20 policies evaluated in the 2017 New York Times survey.

Public-health researchers tended to believe policies that restricted civilian access to firearms (e.g., banning assault weapons and buying back firearms) would be effective at reducing murder rates, while both criminologists and economists were more likely to skeptical about these policies.

We also asked about eight policies that would relax or eliminate governmental restrictions on firearms usage, such as expansion of personal carry. In contrast with public health academics, criminologists and economists both rated highly policies such as allowing K-12 teachers to carry concealed handguns and encouraging the elimination of gun-free zones. These were judged the least effective by public health experts. The explanation for these differences is that methodologically solid research tends to undercut the effectiveness of restrictive firearms policies that are favored by public safety activists.

Samples of researchers were chosen who had published at least one English-language empirical study on firearms or firearms and violence in a peer-reviewed academic journal. Our survey obtained responses from 120 experts. Among our respondents were 50 public health researchers, 38 criminologists, and 32 economists. The sample included a small number of non-Americans, whose responses didnt differ importantly from the American sample.

All participants were told that they were selected because of their expertise in firearms research and they were asked not to participate if they didnt consider themselves to be experts in this area.

Response rates were acceptable. We had an overall response rate of 43.3 percent (120 responses out of 277 valid emails). The response rate for criminologists was 63 percent, and 74 percent for economists. The response rate for public health researchers was lower, just 30 percent, even after multiple attempts to gain a response. This may be due in part to the higher number of co-authors on public health publications.

To Sum Up

The repeated misjudgments by public health experts during the pandemic exposed the impracticality of their Draconian rules, supposedly based on science. Unfortunately, these authoritarian policies didnt keep the public safe. Public health experts recommend similarly authoritarian policies with respect to firearms policies. Whats surprising is that despite the privileged role public health experts have in public policy, respected researchers in other fields reject their recommended policies. Research conducted by criminologists and economists demolishes claims made by public health researchers. When will governments wake up and stop relying upon public health advisers?

Gary A. Mauser is a professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. His report Do Triggers Pull Fingers? A Look at the Criminal Misuse of Guns in Canada was recently published by the Mackenzie Institute.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
William Burns, then nominee for CIA director, testifies during his confirmation hearing, in Washington, on Feb. 24, 2021. (Tom Williams/Pool via AP)

CIA Chief Warns Taliban Is in Strongest Military Position in Decades

CIA Director William Burns said last week that the Taliban is engaged in offensive operations across Afghanistan and that the group is probably in its best military position in decades.

The Taliban are making significant military advances; theyre probably in the strongest military position that theyve been in since 2001, Burns told NPR in a July 22 interview.

Burns remarks came in response to a question about purported warnings in a U.S. intelligence assessment, as reported by multiple media outlets in late June, that the Afghan government could collapse as soon as six months after the American military withdrawal from the country is completed.

The CIA director acknowledged the seriousness and urgency of the Taliban threat, repeatedly referring to the predictions as trend lines that he called troubling. At the same time, he cautioned against predicting the collapse of the Afghan government, which he insisted retains significant military capabilities, as inevitable.

The big question, he said, is whether or not those capabilities can be exercised with the kind of political willpower and unity of leadership thats absolutely essential to resist the Taliban.

The trend lines are certainly troubling, he continued. I dont think that that should lead us to foregone conclusions or a sense of imminence or inevitability, but they really are worrying.

Burns added that the Afghan military and security forces are in the process of trying to consolidate their positions, though how successful this will be hinges on the political will of the countrys top leadership.

At the same time, Burns said the United States would continue to support the Afghan military after the U.S. withdrawal.

President Joe Biden, who in April ordered the full withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, was asked at a July 8 news conference in Washington whether he believes the Afghan government will fall and the Taliban will take over.

It is not inevitable that the Taliban will assume control of the country, said Biden, who like the CIA director noted that the Afghan military remains a force to be reckoned with. The president said that more than 300,000 members of Afghanistans military have been trained by U.S. forces over the past 20 years and that they have all the tools and training equipment of any modern military.

The Talibans leadership over Afghanistan was toppled in 2001 after the U.S. military action in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The group was accused of harboring terror mastermind Osama bin Laden, who was killed during a raid about 10 years later in neighboring Pakistan.

Other U.S. military leaders have warned of a resurgent Taliban in the wake of the American pullout, with Gen. Scott Miller, the military commander directing the withdrawal, saying in late June that the security situation in the country had deteriorated.
Afghan security forces inspect the wreckage of a passenger van after a blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, on June 12, 2021. (Stringer via Reuters)

Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan Hit Record High Amid US Troop Withdrawal: UN

Civilian casualties in Afghanistan hit a record high in May and June of 2021, when U.S. troops began their withdrawal, according to a July 26 U.N. report.

The overall number of civilian deaths and injuries in the first half of 2021 rose by 47 percent to 5,183 compared to the same period in 2020 and inched toward the 2017 record of 5,272, the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan report (pdf) states.

Between May 1 and June 30, the report noted 2,392 civilian casualties, the highest number on record for those two months since the agency began tracking the data in 2009. During that period, the report recorded 783 civilian deaths and 1,609 injuries.

The agency said in the report that its concerned by the increased number of civilian casualties that have occurred since the announcements by international military forces in April, and then commencement shortly thereafter, of their withdrawal from Afghanistan, after which the Taliban captured a significant number of district administrative centres.

President Joe Biden in April ordered the full withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, prompting warnings of a Taliban resurgence.

In late June, Gen. Scott Miller, the military commander directing the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, said the security situation in the country has deteriorated as the Taliban have talked peace, yet have engaged in offensive operations across the country.

Recently, CIA Director William Burns said that the Taliban has probably gained its best military position in decades.

The Taliban are making significant military advances; theyre probably in the strongest military position that theyve been in since 2001, Burns told NPR in a July 22 interview.

But while the CIA director acknowledged the seriousness and urgency of the Taliban threat, he cautioned against viewing as inevitable the collapse of the Afghan government, which he insisted retains significant military capabilities.

The big question is whether or not those capabilities can be exercised with the kind of political willpower and unity of leadership thats absolutely essential to resist the Taliban, Burns said.

The trend lines are certainly troubling. I dont think that that should lead us to foregone conclusions or a sense of imminence or inevitability, but they really are worrying.

Commenting on the civilian casualty report, Deborah Lyons, the U.N. secretary-generals special representative for Afghanistan, urged the Taliban and the Afghan government to find a peaceful resolution to their long-running conflict.

I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed of the conflicts grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians, Lyons said in a statement. The report provides a clear warning that unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed.

The Talibans leadership over Afghanistan was toppled in 2001, after the U.S. military action in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The group was accused of harboring terror mastermind Osama bin Laden, who was killed during a raid about 10 years later in neighboring Pakistan.
STAMFORD, Conn.The head of a marketing firm, a financial advisor, and the owner of a real estate company lauded Shen Yun Performing Arts after a full-house performance at The Palace Theatre on July 25.

The choreography is lovely. The costumes are spectacular. The music is creative. And the storytelling is very well done, said Stan Adler, founder, chairman, and creative director of Adler Branding and Marketing.

The way the costumes are used to interpret the dance is spectacular and the precision of the dancers is remarkable. You dont see anyone out of step and I have a good eye, he added.

Traditional Chinese Culture Shows the Same Values We All Share

Gloria Gibney and Arthur Mocabee at a Shen Yun performance at The Palace Theatre in Stamford, Conn., on July 25, 2021. (Frank Liang/The Epoch Times)

Arthur Mocabee, a financial advisor, attended the performance with Gloria Gibney, a real estate broker and owner of a commercial appraisal business. Mocabee and Gibney were both impressed by Shen Yuns portrayal of China before its traditional culture was destroyed by communism. Shen Yun, with its performances that show China before communism, is based in New York.

Its a shame that China is predominantly communist. But Im sure that there are a lot of Chinese in China that dont appreciate it, and would much rather have this [traditional] culture thrive than the communist culture, for sure, Mocabee said.

And I think, as an American, if this culture survived, which it obviously has, but if it had prevailed, China and America would enjoy a great relationship, Mocabee continued. It presents a part of China most Americans dont understand, and that if they did, theyd think that there would be no need for armies on either side. It shows that China has got the same values as everybody in the world: love, humane treatment, fairness, compassion.

Gibney was touched by a dance piece portraying the persecution of the traditional Chinese spiritual practice Falun Gong, including the murder of imprisoned practitioners for their vital organs for profit. Gibney said she appreciated that the performance made people aware about the organ harvesting, which is so horrendous.

Everyone in our world should stand up against communist China for that one issue alone, forget all of the other terrible things they do, that alone is just not acceptable, Gibney said.

Uplifting for the Spirit

William Karchere and Lucy Karchere at a Shen Yun performance at The Palace Theatre in Stamford, Conn., on July 25, 2021. (Ivan Pentchoukov/The Epoch Times)

William Karchere, the owner of Platinum Property Realty, said he was amazed by Shen Yun and described it as beyond expectations.

The synchronization of the dance is just overwhelming. It is just perfect. You can tell that this was a tremendous amount of preparation.

Referring to Shen Yuns revival of classical Chinese dance as an art form, Karchere said he learned a lot from the performance that he couldnt have otherwise.

It is actually teaching us something that we know little or nothing about. So it is a win-win. Not only is the performance overwhelmingly professional and beautiful, but the message that comes from a place like China, that we would not know and understand, is very clear to us, Karchere said. It is very touching.

Karchere said he was uplifted by the performance, especially considering the difficult year due to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

We were personally affected by [the pandemic]. We had a tough time with it. So seeing something like this is uplifting and beautiful, Karchere said. I will walk away with an uplifted spirit and tell other people to come and see it. It will carry us forward with hope  a good feeling inside.

Reporting by Frank Liang and Ivan Pentchoukov.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time and has covered audience reactions since the companys inception in 2006.
Thousands of protesters gather at Place Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower attend a demonstration in Paris, on July 24, 2021, against the COVID-19 pass, which grants vaccinated individuals greater ease of access to venues. (AP Photo/Rafael Yaghobzadeh)

COVID-19 Vaccine Pass Mandate Approved by French Parliament Amid Widespread Protests

The French Parliament approved a law on July 26 that would mandate a special COVID-19 vaccine pass and require all health care workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The new law, which was proposed just six days ago, requires all health care sector workers to begin getting vaccinated by Sept. 15 or risk suspension. It also requires a vaccine passport-like health pass to enter planes, trains, restaurants, and some other public venues. All adults will have to comply with the mandate beginning in August, and everyone aged 12 and older will have to abide by it starting Sept. 30.

The health pass can only be obtained by people who are fully vaccinated or have recently tested negative for COVID-19, the law stipulates. Digital or paper certificates will be accepted under the law.

Both measures prompted widespread demonstrations across France. Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Paris and elsewhere, describing the mandates as needlessly draconian while calling French President Emmanuel Macron a tyrant.

Frances Interior Ministry reported that about 160,000 people took part in the protests on July 24sharply up from the 114,000 demonstrators who protested during the previous week, Reuters reported.

We need to wait a little bit before the French people can decide.  I think a part of France is always going to be unwilling, and that blackmail and threats wont work, Ayoub Bouglia, an engineer, told The Associated Press regarding why he was protesting the law.

People attend a demonstration in Paris, on July 24, 2021, against the COVID-19 pass, which grants vaccinated individuals greater ease of access to venues. (AP Photo/Rafael Yaghobzadeh)

While visiting a hospital, Macron seemingly responded to the demonstrations and called for national unity.

What is your freedom worth if you say to me I dont want to be vaccinated, but tomorrow you infect your father, your mother, or myself?

Similar vaccine passport-like systems have been proposed in other European countries, including Italy, which has come up with a Green Pass that mandates that people show a pass before entering restaurants, fairs, stadiums, and other venues. People also took to the streets en masse in Rome, Naples, and other Italian cities to demonstrate.

Dublin, London, Athens, and a number of other cities saw similar demonstrations over the recent weekend.

In the United States, some Republican-led states have passed laws prohibiting local governments from mandating vaccine passports. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a measure that bars all businesses from implementing such systems in his state.

COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.
An aerial view shows cars sitting in floodwaters at the entrance of a tunnel after heavy rains hit the city of Zhengzhou, China, on July 22, 2021. (NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinese Driver Recalls Lucky Escape From Tunnel in Flooded City

As the Chinese city of Zhengzhou recovers from recent severe flooding, residents are sharing their stories of survival.

By July 24, the official death toll had reached 58 across Henan Province. But the real figure may be much higher due to media censoring, according to a local man who escaped from a submerged tunnel on July 20.

At least a dozen people died after floodwaters inundated a two and half mile stretch of highway tunnel in Zhengzhou, trapping hundreds of vehicles.

Zhao Jun, using an pseudonym, told the Chinese language Epoch Times that he, along with hundreds of other drivers, was trapped in the tunnel, which is part of a major highway system connecting the provincial capital with other Chinese megacities.

When he entered the tunnel at around 3 p.m., there appeared to be no danger.

There was no sign of water accumulating on the ground, but then, the traffic almost came to a halt. Everyone was stuck in the traffic, Zhao said.

Without warning, water began surging into the tunnel.

The flood water poured in from the outside. As the water began to rise, the traffic became even more chaotic and completely jammed up, he said.

Zhao recalled that people started panicking and abandoned their cars to escape the tunnel.

As the water seeped into my car, I had no choice but to get out and rush toward the tunnel exit as quickly as I could. The cars behind me had already been abandoned, he said.

No sooner had I managed to make it out than the whole tunnel quickly was submerged in water. It was too late for those [people] behind me to make it.

Soaked and shivering from the downpour, Zhao stood on the central raised median with several others who had just escaped the tunnel.

There were about a dozen people [behind me] who couldnt make it, he said. But itd be very hard to know the actual number because the information is now censored by the authorities.

An aerial view shows cars sitting in floodwaters at the entrance of the Jingguang Expressway tunnel after heavy rains hit the city of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, on July 22, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP)

Cars sit in floodwaters after heavy rains hit the city of Zhengzhou, China, on July 21, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

People look at cars sitting in floodwaters following heavy rains, in Zhengzhou, China, on July 22, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images)

Videos and photos have circulated online showing cars piled up along the road leading into the tunnel entrance, with many more vehicles trapped inside the submerged tunnel.

Regime censors have scrubbed Chinese social media of all videos and posts showing death and destruction from the flooding, which one local described as a man-made disaster.

Gu Xiaohua and Gu Qinger contributed to the report.
Autumn Fuernisen was diagnosed four years ago with a terminal brain disorder, juvenile-onset Huntingtons disease. Patients with rare diseases often have difficulty qualifying for compassionate use programs for experimental therapies. (Londen Tabor)

Dying Patients With Rare Diseases Struggle to Get Experimental Therapies

Fear of FDA approval problems keeps drugmakers from letting patients try potential life-changing treatments

At 15, Autumn Fuernisen is dying. She was diagnosed at age 11 with a rare degenerative brain disorder that has no known cure or way to slow it down: juvenile-onset Huntingtons disease.

Theres lots of things that she used to be able to do just fine, said her mom, Londen Tabor, who lives with her daughter in Gillette, Wyoming. Autumns speech has become slurred and her cognitive skills slower. She needs help with many tasks, such as writing, showering, and dressing. And while she can walk, her balance is off.

Autumn has been turned down for clinical trials because she is too young.

It is so frustrating to me, Tabor said. I would sell my soul to try to get any type [of treatment] to help my daughter.

For patients like Autumn with serious or immediately life-threatening conditions who dont qualify for clinical trials and have exhausted all treatment options, there may be another option: seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration for expanded access, or compassionate use, of experimental therapies.

Definitive numbers are hard to find, but studies from researchers, actions by drugmakers, and insights from experts suggest that getting expanded access to unproven therapies for rare diseases is more difficult than for more common illnesses, such as cancer.

Even with experimental treatments on the rise, patients with rare diseases frequently face an unwillingness by drug companies to provide them before clinical studies are completed. Developing drugs for these diseases is an especially fragile process because the patient populations are small and often diverse, having different genetics, symptoms, and other characteristics, which makes studying the drugs effects difficult.

Drugmakers believe offering a drug before studies are finished could impair its development and jeopardize FDA approval.

Companies working on therapies for rare diseases, especially smaller ones, could feel those repercussions acutely, said Lisa Kearns, a researcher in the ethics division of New York Universitys medical school and member of the divisions working group on compassionate use and pre-approval access. Theres not as much investment in rare diseases, so an [adverse] event could frighten the already limited number of potential investors.

Drugs that werent made available for compassionate use last year until studies were completed include Evrysdi, for spinal muscular atrophy; Enspryng, for an autoimmune disease of the optic nerve and spinal cord called neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; and Viltepso, for certain patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

A spokesperson for Roche, which makes Evrysdi and Enspryng and is working on a treatment for Huntingtons disease, said the decision was tied not to the type of disease but to company policy: Roche doesnt set up expanded access programs for any drugs until results are available from a phase 3 clinical trial. (Those phase 3 studies are typically the last testing done before the company seeks drug approval.)

Another companys experimental drug for myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that leads to skeletal muscle weakness, similarly was not available through an expanded access program until research was completed last year, and no programs have started for a therapy being studied in a phase 3 clinical trial for Huntingtons disease and for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease often referred to as Lou Gehrigs disease.

One slight, but notable, deviation: Drugmaker Biogen agreed this year to allow certain ALS patients to receive an experimental drug as early as July 15, after the testing was to be completed but before the results are known.

Dr. Merit Cudkowicz, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, has helped patients get therapies through expanded access. Since September 2018, she and colleagues launched 10 programs that seek to match people with ALS therapies being developed by drug companies, but only about 120 patients have received therapies this way. More than 16,000 people in the United States were estimated in 2015 to have ALS and most dont qualify for clinical trials because of the progression of their disease or very strict eligibility requirements.

These examples contrast with some drugs for more common problems. Gleevec, for leukemia, was offered to thousands of patients through expanded access programs before the manufacturer completed the clinical studies that led to FDA approval. Videx, for HIV/AIDS, and Iressa, for the most common type of lung cancer, were similarly offered to large numbers of patients even as clinical trials were ongoing.

Last year, Novartis gave more than 7,000 patients worldwide early access to cancer drugs.

Doctors also report that getting experimental drugs for cancer patients is relatively simple. More than 200 physicians around the country were surveyed, and among those who applied for access, nearly 90 percent said they had secured drugs still being investigated for patients who werent responding to approved therapies.

California researchers found similar trends in a review of 23 social media campaigns launched by patients between 2005 and 2015 seeking a variety of experimental treatments. While seven of the 19 patients with cancer received early access to requested drugs, no access was allowed for three patients with rare diseases, although one of those patients was allowed to enroll in a clinical trial.

Companies base their decisions on whether to provide therapy through expanded access on a number of factors, said Jess Rabourn, CEO of WideTrial, which helps pharmaceutical companies run compassionate-use programs. In general, there should be evidence that patients can tolerate the treatment and an expectation that any benefit outweighs the risk, he said.

This idea that you have to wait until the research is done is baloney, he said. Were talking about patients who are going to die if theyre told to wait.

But drugmakers often view it differently, even though evidence suggests that granting early access very rarely disrupts drug approval.

Kearns said companies often wait until phase 3, or after, because they can be relatively confident of a drugs safety and effectiveness. They dont want to harm patients, of course, but they also do not want to threaten the drugs eventual regulatory approval with an adverse event in [a] very sick patient population.

Melissa Hogan, who consults on clinical trials for rare diseases and is an FDA patient representative, attributes the lack of access to the high cost of therapies and the tightknit nature of the rare disease community, where patients and their families often set up social media groups and exchange ideas and treatment plans. Companies know that if one patient gains access, other patients will know and ask for access, said Hogan, who has a son with mucopolysaccharidosis type II. That could overwhelm small drugmakers with little manufacturing capacity.

These concerns cause many companies [to] just throw up their hands and take a hard line of no [expanded access] until they reach approval stage, said Hogan.

The 2018 Right to Try law offers another option for some patients. Unlike expanded access, the law applies only to requests for medicinesnot medical devicesand doesnt require approval from the FDA or an institutional review board, a committee that reviews and monitors people participating in research for their protection. The legislation, however, doesnt oblige companies to grant a request.

For Cali Orsulak, expanded access may be her husbands only option. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2019 at age 43.

We did our best with the skill level we had to search clinical trials all over Canada and the U.S., and then COVID hit and it became increasingly difficult, said Orsulak, explaining that they live in Canada but seek medical care in the United States. Now that my husband has progressed, its even harder to get into clinical trials.

Christina Bennett, MS, is an independent medical journalist based in Texas with a special focus in oncology. She writes for trade and consumer media outlets and has bylines in Kaiser Health News, The Washington Post, Medscape, MedPage Today, INSIDER, Genetic Engineering News, Cancer Therapy Advisor, and several others. This article was originally published on Kaiser Health News.
First Delta Variant Case Confirmed in Colombia

Colombia has its first case of the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant strain, Colombian President Ivan Duque confirmed Saturday.

The first case of this new infectious variant in the country was an international traveler who arrived in Cali from the United States.

The president stressed the fact that the new variant comes at a relatively positive time for the country, given the decrease in cases.

Authorities called to be more careful with biosecurity protocols.

According to the World Health Organization, as of 20 July, the delta variant, which was first detected in India in October 2020, has spread over more than 100 countries.
An aerial view shows the P4 laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on April 17, 2020. (Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images)

France Warned US in 2015 About Wuhan Lab It Helped Build, Former COVID-19 Investigator Claims

The U.S. federal government should have stopped funding research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2015 when China reduced its cooperation with the French in building and operating the lab, according to the leader of an investigation into COVID-19s origins by the State Department under the Trump administration.

In 2015, French intelligence officials warned the U.S. State Department and their own foreign ministry that China was cutting back on agreed collaboration at the lab, former State official David Asher, now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute think tank, told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

By 2017, the French were kicked out of the lab and cooperation ceased, leading French officials to warn the State Department that they had grave concerns as to Chinese motivations, according to Asher.

The State Department alleged in January 2021, at the end of the Trump administration, that the Wuhan lab had engaged in classified research on behalf of the Chinese military since at least 2017.

The State Department did not respond to The Daily Caller News Foundations request for comment.

On Thursday, China said it would not allow the World Health Organization (WHO) to inspect the lab further. China has blocked the WHO from accessing important records at the lab.

The Chinese basically sucked State into its honey pot operation to gain access to U.S. technology, knowledge, and material support. Classic. Just as they have done in every sector, Asher said.

Between October 2009 and May 2019, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided $1.1 million to the U.S.-based EcoHealth Alliance for a sub-agreement with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, according to USAID. EcoHealth Alliance also received funding from the Department of Defenses Defense Threat Reduction Agency that was subcontracted to the Wuhan lab, New York magazine reported. National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants to EcoHealth Alliance totaling $600,000 between 2014 and 2019 were subcontracted to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Security personnel stand guard outside the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in Wuhan, China, on Feb. 3, 2021. (Hector Retamal /AFP via Getty Images)

The NIH, Defense Department, and USAID should have stopped sending U.S. federal funding to the Wuhan lab back when the French warned the State Department in 2015, Asher said.

State Department officials in charge of nonproliferation should have shut down all cooperation, he added.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology, which is at the center of speculation that COVID-19 may have originated from a lab accident, was initiated in 2004 as a joint project between France and China.

France provided the labs design, biosafety training, and much of its technology.

The French envisioned the Wuhan institute as an open and transparent lab that would serve the global scientific community in studying potential pandemics, according to a State Department cable in April 2018, citing a Wuhan-based French consulate official who worked on science and technology cooperation with China.

While top French politicians supported the collaboration, French security and defense experts did not, the French newspaper Le Figaro reported.

National security officials did not want to share sensitive technology with an oppressive country that was not an ally and they feared the lab could one day be transformed into a biological arsenal, according to Le Figaro.

As early as 2009, the U.S. State Department, then under former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, expressed concerns about the Wuhan lab, asking what France knew of how China planned to vet incoming foreign researchers and avoid technology transfer to countries of biological weapons proliferation concern, according to emails released by WikiLeaks.

The project took more than a decade to complete, and in February 2017, high-level French and Chinese officials held a ceremony to mark the labs accreditation.

Then-French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said at the time that it was a celebration of Franco-Chinese scientific cooperation.

To support the China-French project, France would make its technical expertise available to China to support the continuous improvement of the laboratorys quality and safety, Cazeneuve added.

It would also budget 1 million euros per year for five years, he said.

That would fund about 50 French scientists to help train the Chinese lab workers, the director of Inserm, a French public research organization that helped set up the Wuhan lab, told the French magazine Science & Sante in May 2017.

However, little by little, the laboratory completely escaped the control of the French scientists who were, according to an agreement between Paris and Beijing, to supervise the work of the Chinese researchers in Wuhan, according to Le Figaro. The fifty French researchers who were to work in the lab for five years never left, the newspaper reported.

In January 2018, a State Department cable warned of a lack of highly trained technicians to operate the lab in a cable first reported by The Washington Post.

The U.S. officials who had visited the lab and made the warning via the cable were not permitted to return, because they were asking too many questions, according to Asher.

By Eleanor Bartow

From The Daily Caller News Foundation
Financier George Soros attends the official opening of the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) at the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin on June 8, 2017. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

George Soros Gives $1 Million to Group Trying to Defund the Police Amid Surge in Crime

Billionaire financier George Soros directed $1 million to a left-wing group that seeks to cut funding to police departments around the country, according to federal records.

Soros sent the funds to the Color of Change PAC on May 14, the Washington Free Beacon reported on July 22, citing Federal Election Commission (FEC) records. The contribution was the largest political contribution made by Soros during the 2021 election cycle.

Color of Change, which describes itself as a racial justice group, has frequently called for the defunding of police departments across the United States, including leading an online campaign to slash funding following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

A petition on the groups website reads: TAKE ACTION: Defund the police, and invest in communities now and invest in black communities  defund the police.

The killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and so many more at the hands of police violence have left us all outraged, but our movement is stronger than ever, the petition that was circulated last year reads. Now its up to us to hold them accountable, push for further systemic changes, and not lose the momentum needed to change the institution of policing forever.

When the Minneapolis City Council last summer considered dismantling its police department amid Black Lives Matter demonstrations and riots, Color of Change head Rashad Robinson issued a statement supporting the move.

Policing is a violent institution that must end, Robinson said at the time. We imagine a country where there is enough money to educate our children, care for our sick, and feed those who are financially unstable. Defunding the police allows for this vision.

Thousands of people take part in a demonstration to defund the police in support of Black Lives Matter in Toronto, on June 19, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette)

While the defunding movement has lost a significant amount of public and political support in the past year amid a significant spike in violent crime across major metropolitan areas, a Color of Change campaign director told a newspaper in June that they want no more police or prisons.

Were saying we need to invest in our communities and the things that keep our communities really safe, Malachi Robinson, the campaign director, said in an interview with the Brooklyn Reader. This movement is demanding a reimaging of public safety, we are saying no more police and no more mass incarceration.

In 2019, Soross longtime fundraising arm, the Open Society Foundations, provided more than $1 million to Color of Change in several donations, according to the foundations website.

One of the donations, according to Open Society, was designed to support advocacy on the courts and government accountability and the development of narratives relevant to racial justice advocacy.

Since last summer, violent crime including homicides, rapes, and robberies have surged in a number of major cities, leading to some politicians who previously supported the movement to publicly try to distance themselves from it. Public opinion on the movement appears to have soured, with a poll conducted in May showing that only 18 percent of respondents support defunding police departments.

Officials at Color of Change and Open Society Foundations didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.
A large group of protesters stand on the east steps of the Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

GOP Congressmen Schedule News Conference at Justice Department to Demand Answers on Jan. 6 Detainees

Members of Congress who have been pressing federal law enforcement officials unsuccessfully for months about the conditions and treatment of hundreds of Jan. 6 Capitol detainees will take their case to the doors of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Tuesday.

They also want to know why federal law enforcement authorities were warned weeks before the breach, yet Members of Congress were not told, and evidence has since accumulated that the Capitol Police were not properly informed or prepared by their leadership.

Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said Monday they will gather at DOJ at 1 pm to make public the demands they made in a letter last week to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

In their July 24 letter to Garland, the four congressmen requested a meeting to discuss unanswered questions relating to the treatment of January 6th prisoners.

They have received no response from the Attorney General. The same silence has greeted their repeated questions and requests about the situation for several months, according to Gohmert. Critics outside of Congress have raised similar concerns.

Due to reports of civil rights violations against American citizens, during investigations, prosecutions and even conditions at the D.C. Central Detention Facility where some are being held, Members of Congress have been asking for answers for months, only to be ignored by [DOJ], leadership of the Capitol Police and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Gohmert said in a statement made public late Monday.

This should chill every American. One would expect to see abuses of political prisoners in tyrannical third-world countries, not the United States. But we dont know what of these claims are true because this administration refuses to answer basic questions and give accountability for what appear to be their vengeful actions, the Texas Republican congressman said.

We have requested a meeting with the Attorney General since our previous request to assess conditions at the D.C. jail has been ignored. Everyone in this country should be concerned when matters as serious as these are politicized to the point where the rule of law and accountability is ignored, he said.

No matter whom you are in this country, you have the right to a fair trial and the right to see the evidence against you, including all potentially exculpatory or exonerating evidence. A plea agreement should not even be offered until these requirements are met, Gohmert added.

Gohmerts reference to plea agreements is the product of the fact DOJ has more than 14,000 hours of raw video recorded from multiple points within and without the U.S. Capitol during Jan. 6 when hundreds of protesters entered the building.

Several defendants have already made plea agreements, yet it does not appear that either they, or their counsel, have had access to this potentially exculpatory evidence, the four congressmen told Garland in their July 24 letter.

Every American citizen has a constitutional right to all the evidence before making any decision to go to trial, plead no contest, or plead guilty. In our oversight capacity over the DOJ, we have asked multiple times for information only to have our inquiries ignored, they wrote.

The government has arrested more than 500 individuals in connection with the breach of the Capitol that developed following President Donald Trumps remarks to thousands of protestors concerned that the 2020 presidential election involved substantial voting fraud.

After Trump encouraged the protesters to make their voices heard in Congress peacefully, hundreds of them entered the Capitol building, including onto the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives chambers.

Only one casualty was linked to the entry into the Capitol, that of Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was shot by an as-yet-unidentified Capitol Police Officer as she climbed through a busted window frame.

The four congressmen told Garland they also have concerns about reports of the conditions of the prison where these detainees are being held and whether, in fact, there have been instances of abuse inflicted by other prisoners or guards.

We also have questions regarding whether some have been or are currently being imprisoned in solitary confinement for the purpose of punishment or as a means of cruel and unusual punishment.

The four congressmen told Garland they want to know why they werent made aware before Jan. 6 of threats to Members of Congress who were scheduled to meet that day to confirm the Electoral College results from November 2020.

We would also like to discuss why we were not warned that armed extremists were planning mayhem on January 6th? [Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda] Pittman testified on February 25th this year that her office was notified in advance that armed extremists were targeting the peaceful rally, and potentially targeting us, as Members of Congress. Yet we received no notice of this threat, they told Garland.

Joseph McBride, attorney for Richard Barnett, the man seen around the world in a news photograph sitting at a desk in Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosis office on January 6, and Steven Metcalf, McBrides partner in a New York law firm who represents Edward Jacob Lang, who also participated in the Jan. 6 event, issued the following statement in response to The Epoch Times request for comment:

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that pretrial detainees, unlike convicted persons, cannot be punished at all, never mind maliciously and sadistically. Despite this reality, January Sixers are being held in DC-GITMO in violation of their constitutional and human rights.

They are being beaten, sleep deprived, denied medical care, and held in solitary confinement for long periods of time. Merrick Garlands failure to publicly denounce the use of solitary confinement and other inhumane acts against January Sixers is an endorsement of these malicious and sadistic practices.
A 051C missile destroyer of China's People's Liberation Army Navy arrives in the Russian port city of Vladivostok located near the North Korean border on September 18, 2017. China and Russia conducted the joint naval exercise in seas adjacent to the Korean peninsula last week. (STR/AFP/Getty Images)

Great Britain to Launch Covert Operations Against Russia and China

Great Britain is expanding its global military presence and will be launching covert missions tackling the threat from Russia and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Royal Marines Brigadier Mark Totten revealed to The Times recently.

Totten said the Royal Marines will assume command of both the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS). He will also form a new Ranger Regiment equipped with more ships, submarines, sailors, and future commandos capable of discreet rapid deployment within diverse high-risk environments, including the South China Sea. His current 4,000-member Future Commando Force will be trained in the use of artificial intelligence and the latest drone technology to successfully conduct their varied missions. Totten explained, this will allow [the special forces] to focus on more difficult, more complex, counter-Russia, counter-China [tasks]. It takes real specialist expertise, so we will allow them to have more time and people to address those and we can conduct some of the tasks.

This announcement came after Britains director of special forces, General Mark Carleton-Smith, had previously drafted a new special operations concept on the grounds that modern warfare was changing, and unconventional military operations were becoming more common. To succeed in the evolving global arena, said Carleton-Smith earlier this year, Great Britain would need to make changes to how their military and humanitarian missions were being conducted.

To fund this strategic endeavor, the British government approved a $117 billion budget in March for new equipment over the next four years and an additional $275 million to recruit and train a robust and techno savvy force of Future Commandos. This will provide the UK a more agile and lethal capability, ready to conduct missions anywhere in the world at a moments notice, whether for war-fighting, specific combat missions such as hit-and-run raids, or to provide humanitarian assistance.

Tottens bold announcement was the first public admission by the British military that it would be conducting covert missions against Russia and the CCP. However, Totten was not entirely clear about the specific actions his troops would be taking. He did say that melting ice caps in the Arctic could open sea routes for Russia and China, adding: Theres a big geopolitical shift there so why wouldnt we embed the commando force up there to be ready to react? The Times speculated that British special forces may also be coordinating with MI6 to conduct top-secret surveillance against Chinese and Russian threats.

The CCP has been relatively quiet in response to Great Britains recent announcement. The few Chinese media outlets that reported on this announcement treated it as unimportant. Some quoted the Labour Outlook website that said, China has never been Britains enemy. As if there was no apparent reason for China to be alarmed.

However, the CCP should be alarmed since Chinas recent aggression in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and along the India-China border has elevated distrust and anger in the UK. The British view these actions as a threat to navigation that could disrupt maritime trade in the region and around the world. Although the British have said they prefer to avoid ono-on-one conflict with the CCP, they are committed to standing firm with NATO allies in countering Chinese hostility, and this includes providing military training to Chinas potential enemies around the South China Sea.

Russias response to Great Britain came as a warning and threat. On July 14, Mikhail Popov, deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, warned Great Britain not to sail near the Crimea or their sailors would be harmed. The Russians recently issued this warning after the British warship HMS Defender conducted an innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters near Crimea last month. A move that was within the Britains rights under international freedom of navigation law.

Regarding this matter, on June 23, the Russian Defense Ministry issued a press release saying its Black Sea Fleet, in conjunction with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), prevented the British destroyer from crossing the countrys border near Cape Ferrante in Crimea. The U.K. vessel had ventured three kilometers into Russias claimed territorial waters. A Russian Coast Guard patrol fired warning shots and a Russian Air Force Su-24M bomber dropped four high explosive bombs near the British vessel before it departed from the vicinity.

Popov said Britains behavior during the maritime incident was puzzling and so was their response to Russias complaints. He criticized British Prime Minister Boris Johnston and Foreign Minister Dominic Raab for defending the right to sail where they did and the incident could happen again. In response to which Sergei Ryabkov, Russias Deputy Foreign Minister said, British warships be better off leaving their provocations aside and not coming here because they will get a punch in the nose.

During the annual press conference on June 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the incident near the Crimea was a complex provocation by the U.K. and the United States. He claimed the British vessel entered Russian Black Sea waters for the purpose of reconnaissance.

There is no evidence linking the British warships operation near Crimea with the secret mission of the British special forces. But Putins suggestion that the purpose of the British warship operation was reconnaissance seems to bear a close resemblance to Brigadier Tottens covert mission that specifically targeted the Russians.

The maritime conflict between Russia and Britain reflects the escalation of gray zone operations in Europe. If both sides maintain a relatively high-profile operational posture, the gray area will be compressed to very narrow. Despite Russias stated lack of great power ambitions, its actions in Ukraine have made the NATO allies feel threatened and have shaped the course of Europe.
A car drives through flood water in Horse Guards Road in central London on July 25, 2021. (Victoria Jones/PA)

Homes, Roads, Hospitals Flooded as Storms Batter Englands South

Homes, roads, and Tube stations have been flooded while two London hospitals asked patients to stay away after thunderstorms battered the south of England on Sunday.

The Environment Agency has six flood warnings in place across the countrys southeast, while there are 19 alerts for potential flooding active throughout England and Wales.

The wettest part of the country on Sunday was St Jamess Park in London, where 41.6mm of rain fell.

Heavy #thundery downpours brought some #flooding to southeastern parts of the UK on Sunday. Elsewhere it was drier, and there was some very #warm #sunshine pic.twitter.com/Fny2SvNdAN  Met Office (@metoffice) July 25, 2021

Residents in northeast London used buckets, brooms, and wooden boards to create makeshift flood defences for their homes, while water gushing from an Underground station was caught on video.

Restaurant manager Mariya Peeva, who lives in Woodford, said her neighbours bedroom was flooded, and her son worked with other residents to prevent the rising rainwater from deluging their home.

Peeva, 46, said: My son went to buy some food from the local shop. By the time he came back, the whole street and the pavement were already flooded and the water was coming into our front door.

Londoner Eddie Elliott, 28, said the flooding was the worst he had ever seen after he cycled past Queenstown Road station where the road had been totally shut down.

He said: Having been born and raised in London, I have never seen anything quite like it.

It stands out as the worst Ive experienced personally  totally shut down the whole road with buses stood broken down in the water.

A young family walk over Westminster Bridge as heavy rain sweeps through central London on July 25, 2021. (Victoria Jones/PA)

Whipps Cross and Newham Hospitals in east London both urged patients to find alternative treatment centres after they were affected by the downpours.

Whipps Cross Hospital said it was experiencing operational issues and asked patients to use an alternative A&E if possible.

Newham Hospital had a similar appeal, writing on its Twitter account: Our Emergency Department has flooded in some areas. Were still here if you need us but to help us while we fix things please attend a neighbouring hospital if possible. Thank you!

Standon Calling festival in Hertfordshire was also cancelled due to the floods.

The festival said in a statement: Unfortunately due to flooding we will no longer be able to proceed with the festival.

If you can safely leave the site this evening please do so as soon as possible. We are working on getting everyone off site as safely and quickly as possible.

The Met Office had a yellow warning for storms from Norwich to Plymouth in place until midnight on Sunday.

The rain brought an end to the heatwave earlier this week, but temperatures are set to rise in most places again on Monday as the storms clear, with the mercury predicted to reach 26C in London, 25C in Edinburgh, 24C in Cardiff, and 22C in Belfast.

The Met Office has predicted early clouds in some northern and eastern parts which will move up to Scotland, and sunny spells and scattered showers in most places throughout the day on Monday.
Illinois Sheriffs, County Official Oppose New Immigration Legislation

The Illinois Sheriffs Association and an Illinois county official oppose new immigration legislation Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he would sign that prohibits state cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jim Kaitschuk, director of the Illinois Sheriffs Association (ISA) which opposes the Illinois Way Forward Act, told The Epoch Times, I have a concern that we will not be able to maintain contact with the federal agencies. The [2017] TRUST Act ruled that we could not detain someone solely for an immigration detainer, but we could have contact with the federal government to let them know who we had in our custody; the new bill rules that we cant participate, support or assist in immigration enforcement action, unless presented with a federal criminal warrant or required to by federal law, including contacting them about someone already in our custody. Cops hands become tied.

The acts separation between state and local law enforcement officers and ICE will be so extreme: If I saw an ICE officer being assaulted I cannot legally intervene on the officers behalf, said Kaitschuk. State and local law enforcement officers also cannot assist ICE with information sharing, detentions, and proceedings.

Even before the Illinois Way Forward Act, the hands of Illinois police and sheriffs had been tied under the TRUST Act, said those who spoke to The Epoch Times. I recently stopped a motorist who had a drivers license from Romania that I could not even read, said Kaitschuk, who works the street as a law enforcement officer. If I would have asked him where he was from, I would have been breaking the law.

Board Chairman Michael Buehler of Illinois McHenry County also opposes the Illinois Way Forward Act. He told The Epoch Times that under current Illinois immigrant law, local authorities are barred from allowing an ICE officer to even make a phone call in local or state law enforcement offices.

The Illinois Way Forward Act is the worst legislation passed in Illinois in 20 years, said Buehler. It is another example of liberal forces tying the hands of law enforcement and violating the rights of cities and counties. McHenry County, a Chicago exurban area, is one of the last collar counties to still be a Republican majority and it is in the Democrats crosshairs, he said.

Under the Illinois Way Forward Act, local law enforcement agencies will be held accountable if they are caught working with ICE, according to Democratic state Senator Omar Aquino who introduced the bill and serves a district in Chicago.

New Immigration Legislation Will Also Close Detention Centers

Illinois 2019 Private Detention Facility Moratorium Act already banned private prisons that detain illegal immigrants, but under the Illinois Way Forward Act, three Illinois detention facilities that have contracts with ICE in the counties of Kankakee, McHenry and Pulaski will be required to close by Jan. 1, 2022. No new contracts may be written under the Act.

Some of these communities rely on their contracts with ICE and if these facilities close, the detainees will simply leave the state of Illinois, said Kaitschuk. Their detention in Illinois facilities is not just for immigration violations but for serious crimes and felonies.

Buehler, in whose county the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility is located, says he objects to the closure for two reasons. First there is the moral issuewe are unable to collaborate with our federal partners to ensure national security, border security, and public safety. Secondly, the prison provides $10 million a year in county revenues which helps lower our citizens taxes.

Closing the prison will not serve the objectives of immigration activists who want to reunite families either said Buehlerit will further separate families as detainees are moved to other states. Nor are detainees at the McHenry facility just from Mexico or Central America as many think; they come from 27 countries including the Ukraine and China, said Buehler.

Still, Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Hernandez, the Illinois Houses chief sponsor of the act, says Immigrants who have contact with the criminal legal system and are in ICE detention have served their time. They deserve to be reunited with their families just like anyone else. Deporting an immigrant who is in the U.S. illegally and has completed a sentence is a double punishment, said Rep. Hernandez in a press release. We are refusing to facilitate this double punishment for immigrants.

According to the Vera Institute of Justice, 900,000 citizens residing in Illinois are at risk of deportation (pdf).

Leaders Disagree About Immigration Legislation

Chicago has long been a sanctuary city, a municipality that limits its cooperation with the federal governments effort to enforce immigration law.

When former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the TRUST Act into law in 2017, supporters speculated that illegal immigrants would be more likely to report crimes or assist with them if they did not fear deportation. Former Illinois Senate President John Cullerton even said that relieving police of doing the work of federal immigration agents was a better use of limited resources.

But Illinois law enforcement officials convey alarm at the ICE firewall that the Illinois Way Forward Act will create. According to Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey, officers have now been instructed to release undocumented felons who are leaving Illinois corrections facilities even when they have federal immigration holds on them. Previously the felons had been transported to the Jerome Combs Detention Center. As many as 223 individuals were transferred there in 2019 said the Sheriff.

After the Illinois General Assembly passed the Illinois Way Forward Act in June, Chris Southland, president of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, said, Why would we not want to work with the federal authorities to make sure violent, illegal immigrants are not released (from local law enforcement custody) within our communities? reported the Illinois newspaper the Pantagraph.

In 2020, four elected Illinois sheriffs filed a suit against the immigration-forgiving measures of the TRUST act, seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction. The Act has both the purpose and effect of obstructing federal immigration enforcement in Illinois, and the federal government alone has the authority to establish immigration laws, said the suit.

Law enforcement is not the only issue created by Illinois new immigration-friendly legislation. In a July interview on the radio station WJPFs Morning Newswatch, Illinois Sen. Terri Bryant, a Republican from the southern Illinois city of Murphysboro, was asked about the cost to Illinoisans of the schooling, housing, health care, and welfare of the latest wave of recent undocumented immigrants. There has already been a change in Medicaid, the state-funded program for low-income residents, she said.

You may be 55 years old in this state and a citizen and not eligible for Medicaid but if you are an undocumented immigrant, 55 years old and over, you are eligible.
Insiders Laos: Exploring Luang Prabang

Having landed that morning in Luang Prabang, an almost-mystical city of temples and palaces cradled high in the mountains, I made my way to the night market. Set close to a big bend of the mighty Mekong River, this famous market features hundreds of vendors, a swirl of color and light under red and blue tents. Walking past rows of sellers, you could pick up everything from hand-painted artwork to pop-up postcards and even jewelry made from bombs dropped on the country in the 1960s and 1970s. A sign next to the stall explained the history, encouraging potential customers to buy back the bombs.

The night market in Luang Prabang. (pang_oasis/Shutterstock)

Reaching the end, the clatter and illumination of the night market fading behind me, the street quickly grew quiet, and dark. I debated hopping in the back of a tuk-tuk and making my way to the hotel, but decided to walk a few more blocks, toward the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. I arrived at a small, motorcycle-themed pub, where the bartender/owner explained that shed ridden all over Laos, and Southeast Asia, and that her happiest times are on the back of a bike.

I love it so much. Most of the time, I dont have a planIm just gone, she said, while mixing me a cocktail. She introduced me to the rest of the patrons in the bar, and by the end of the night, I felt like I knew half the people in town. And, with that one visit to the bar, my entire time in this ancient capital was transformed.

Sometimes, truly experiencing a place relies on who you know thereor who you meet upon arrival. While guided trips and tours can show you the sights and provide a safe, predictable experience, theres value in arriving in a new destination and making your plans, day by day. Asking locals for recommendations. Just going with the flow, wherever it takes you.

And in Luang Prabang, a compact town and UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded on three sides by water, thats exactly how I explored. Once, this small city was home to the Laotian royal family, and the handsome French Beaux-Arts palace in the heart of town that stands testament to their wealth and prestige is now a museum. You can walk through to view the pure gold serving vessels, the red throne room, and the ornate bedrooms of the king and queen. Its a spiritual town, too, coursing with monks, who belong to the 33 Buddhist temples here, making their way through the streets to collect alms early every morning. Sprinkling in the main historic sites, I decided to go a little deeper, spending most of my time moving from recommendation to recommendation, and personality to personality.

The royal palace in Luang Prabang. (Suthikait Teerawattanaphan/Shutterstock)

Which was how I ended up at Emmanuelle, a breezy hole-in-the-wall restaurant suggested by one of my new friends at the motorbike bar, chatting with the co-owner, named Julie. Serving up Laotian food with a French twist, she explained that they focus on simple, tasty menu items, reducing a little of the traditional spice and substituting French flavors. She noted that she loves her life in this town.

You fall in love fast with Luang Prabang, she said. Its a quiet, easy life. Nobody and nothing rushes here.

She directed me to a few lesser-visited attractions, including an excellent French bakery, and a scattering of smaller temples behind it. And dont miss Garavek, the storytellers are amazing, she added, directing me to a small theater just a few steps from the river. Arriving for the nightly session, the tiny place is packed, all three rows of hard, straight-backed chairs filled with eager listeners, hanging on every word spoken by the two Laotian men on stage.

One young, and one old, they tell a long and winding tale, with relish, leaning forward to accentuate the important parts, singing and occasionally picking up an instrument to pluck a string, or bang a drum. I quickly lost the plot, but caught up with them afterward, and they told me that everyone in Laos knows these storiestheyre an essential part of an upbringing here, and even little kids can recall them.

The tales from this province, theyre about the origins of the rivers and the rocks and the mountains, and the kingdom, one explained. When I mentioned the rapt attention of their audience that night, the other chimed in. Oh yes, people want to learn. They dont want to just go and see things. They want to know the history behind it. They want to hold it in their hands.

The following days are full, joining some of my pub friends for a fishing trip on the river, catching precious little but soaking up plenty of sun. Another afternoon is spent sampling street food, from pork sausage with sticky rice, to eggs grilled with fish sauce and spring onions. I crossed the river on a footbridge, looking down at the dark flow below me, marveling at the fact that it runs for 3,000 miles. And I spent plenty of time lingering with a local beer on patios all over town, chatting with whomever happened to be close by.

And I took the free tuk-tuk out to Ock Pock Tock. After visiting their small shop in town filled with beautiful pashminas and shirts and robes and neckties, a friendly sales clerk suggested I visit the main crafts village. Hopping in their tuk-tuk, I arrived and walked down a small path, taking in a cluster of open, wooden buildings set among the lush forest, on a gentle hill. They stretch all the way to the Mekong, where noisy little wooden boats putt-putt by. A guide named Somneuk arrived and led me through, noting that 60 percent of their textiles are sourced from more than 400 weavers all over the country, and the remainder made right on site.

We walked through the process, from silkworms creating the base material, to the boiling and fermentation involved in making the dyes, to the weaving itself, an increasingly rare skill, and a painstaking process.

Kids learn from their mothers, thats how we pass on the knowledge, she told me. It takes two weeks, full-time, to create two meters of cloth.

She added that this place is about more than just the products, as it offers these tours, free-of-charge, plus in-depth classes for anyone who wants to learn.

The idea is to bring people together through textiles, she said.

Finishing the tour at a table overlooking the river, I grabbed a cup of tea, as the light of the topical day just began to fade, the cool of the evening creeping in from the corners, till there was just one little boat left out there, in the middle of the vast Mekong.

Toronto-based writer Tim Johnson is always traveling in search of the next great story. Having visited 140 countries across all seven continents, hes tracked lions on foot in Botswana, dug for dinosaur bones in Mongolia, and walked among a half-million penguins on South Georgia Island. He contributes to some of North Americas largest publications, including CNN Travel, Bloomberg, and The Globe and Mail.
A health care worker administers a shot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to a woman at a pop-up vaccination site operated by SOMOS Community Care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Manhattan in New York City, on Jan. 29, 2021. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Major Medical Groups Call for Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations for All Health Workers

Dozens of major medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, are calling for employers to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for all health care workers.

Our health care organizations and societies advocate that all health care and long-term care employers require their workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is the logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all health care workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and well-being, the groups wrote in a July 26 statement (pdf).

They argued that because of the Delta variant, which is believed to be more contagious, and more reports of COVID-19 hospitalizations, health care settings should make vaccines mandatory. An increase in vaccinations, the statement says, will prevent the possibility of more lockdowns or other COVID-19-related orders.

Their statement made no mention of individuals who had already contracted COVID-19 but recovered and developed natural immunity. Because health care workers come into frequent contact with COVID-19 cases, previous studies have shown they are more likely to have contracted the virus.

Another study from the National Institutes of Health showed that those who recovered from the virus had a lasting immunity to the pathogen because, as the agency noted, after people recover from infection with a virus, the immune system retains a memory of it and immune cells and proteins that circulate in the body can recognize and kill the pathogen if its encountered again, protecting against disease and reducing illness severity.

Meanwhile, a number of workers in the health care field arent vaccinated, according to data collected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and analyzed by LeadingAge, reported the Washington Post. About 38 percent of nursing home staff, for example, werent vaccinated as of July 11, the data shows.

A recent analysis by WebMD and Medscape revealed that an estimated 25 percent of hospital workers who had regular contact with patients werent fully vaccinated. About 56 percent of Americans aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in July.

Ezekiel Emanuel, a University of Pennsylvania bioethicist who organized the joint statement released on July 26, told the Washington Post that he believes mandating vaccines among health care workers will boost the overall uptake in Americans getting the vaccine.

Despite everythingcajoling, making access readily available at any pharmacy, making it free, having the president pleadall of this hasnt really moved the needle very much in the nation, he told the paper on July 26.

Weeks ago, the largest union of health care workers in the United States, 1199SEIU, said it opposed mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for employees.

Whether there is a legal challenge that we can make, or whether its just a pure organizational challenge that we can make, we are not going to just give in, George Gresham, the head of the union, told local news website Gothamist in June. The Epoch Times has contacted the 1199SEIU for comment.

It comes as protests erupted across the UK, Ireland, Italy, France, Greece, and elsewhere over the past weekend over vaccine mandates. European leaders have proposed vaccine passport-like systems to mandate that people show whether theyre vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 before entering certain businesses or public spaces.

COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.
Guillermo O. Raya, 26, was arrested in Oregon on July 26, 2021. (Courtesy of Vancouver Police Department)

Manhunt for Suspect Accused of Fatally Shooting Washington Detective Ends in Oregon

A suspect believed to be responsible for fatally injuring a Washington sheriffs detective on July 23 was taken into custody over the weekend, authorities confirmed.

Detectives with the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force and the Salem Police Department located and arrested 26-year-old Guillermo O. Raya in Salem, Oregon, on July 25, the Vancouver (Washington) Police Department said in a press release.

He will be extradited to Clark County to face charges in the shooting death of Clark County Sheriffs Office Detective Sergeant Jeremy Brown.

Raya was one of three suspects allegedly connected with the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Browna 15-year veteran of the sheriffs officewho was killed while conducting surveillance at an apartment complex in Vancouver.

The two other suspects, Abran Raya-Leon, 28, and Misty M. Raya, 35, were arrested on the day of the shooting on unrelated felony warrants following a manhunt that involved multiple agencies.

Vancouver authorities said other units in the area responded after Detective Brown was not answering his radio. Around that same time, a local resident also called 911 and said he saw a male inside a vehicle bleeding and heard something that sounded like gunshots.

The trio, two men and one woman, then fled the scene as authorities responded, prompting a pursuit by law enforcement.

Two males and a female fled the location and were pursued by law enforcement, police said. Their vehicle crashed near Padden Parkway and Interstate 205 and the three occupants fled on foot.

Leon and Misty Raya were both arrested after multiple authorities managed to take them into custody.

The third suspect, Guillermo Raya, managed to get away that day before being arrested by U.S. Marshals and Salem Police out of state on July 25.

Authorities said additional details will be released as the investigation moves forward.

From NTD News
Mary Simon looks towards Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during an announcement at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on July 6, 2021. (The Canadian Press/ Sean Kilpatrick)

Mary Simon Installed as 30th Governor General

OTTAWAGov. Gen. Mary Simon says the country must find the humility necessary to create a more just society, vowing she will play her role as the countrys new representative of the head of state.

Simon officially became Canadas 30th Governor General, and the first Indigenous person to hold the role, during a ceremony Monday morning.

As she took her seat at the head of the Senate chamber, her husband, Whit Fraser, turned to her, took a small bow and then sat down next to Simon.

Speaking shortly after officially taking on the role, Simon said she has heard from Canadians who have challenged her to bring a new and renewed purpose to her office to deal with challenges the country faces.

Her maiden speech touched on a number of themes, but she noted the need to rethink how Canadian view reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

She said reconciliation wont be completed through projects and providing services to Indigenous Peoples, but is rather a way of life that requires daily work and getting to know one another.

To meet this moment as Governor General, I will strive to hold together the tension of the past with the promise of the future, in a wise and thoughtful way, she said in her speech.

Our society must recognize together our moments of regret, alongside those that give us pride, because it creates space for healing, acceptance and the rebuilding of trust. I will strive to build bridges across the diverse backgrounds and cultures that reflect our great countrys uniqueness and promise.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named Simon, an Inuk leader and former Canadian diplomat, as his choice to be the Queens representative in Canada earlier this month, replacing Julie Payette who resigned in January.

Her choice came amid a national reckoning with the countrys historical mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples, including horrific findings of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools.

Clearly, this signals a further step on the path toward reconciliation, with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada starting to find our rightful place in Confederation, said David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, in a statement on Simons installation.

Trudeau said in a statement that he expects Simon to help the country confront difficult truths about the past, and walk the shared path of reconciliation.

He also said Simon will use her unique experiences to represent Canadians in all their diversity, at home and abroad, and in both official languages.

Trudeau was among the 44 people allowed to witness the ceremony in person as public health guidelines set limits on attendance and mask requirements for all in the chamber.

Despite requests from officials that people avoid gathering, a crowd of people stood across the street, awaiting Simons arrival for the ceremony.

When she stepped on to the red carpet, the crowd began clapping and cheering. As the cheering quieted, someone in the crowd yelled, down with the monarchy, before adding, free yourselves.

Simons red carpet welcome saw Trudeau, ritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, Supreme Court chief justice Richard Wagner and Sen. Marc Gold, the governments representative in the upper chamber, spread out and bumping elbows in lieu of handshakes.

She then turned to a First Nations drumming circle, nodding her head ever so slightly to the beat, before heading inside and being accompanied by a traditional Inuit drummer on her way into the Senate chamber.

Inside the chamber, a traditional Inuit oil lamp remained lit during the ceremony.

By Jordan Press
Montanas Jewel

Hidden away by the Gods, like a necklace of pearls, among the crags and vastness of the Swan Mountains, lies the Jewel Basin; the enchanted land of this, our Montana. Friends, I have seen the sun set on the minarets of Spain, and make splendid the dome of St. Sophia in Constantinople. I have watched the play of color upon the desert of Egypt with the Sphinx and pyramids. I have made a trail through the hinterland of the Canadian Rockies to where the Aurora Borealis from the polar skies make the northern night glorious  but for kaleidoscopic lights and shadows, for octaves of tone and color, for unending variety of the moods and forms of nature, Jewel Basin is the most charmed and charming spot in all the world.From The Secret of Wilderness, by the Rev. Eugene Cosgrove, 1919.

The crown of the continent sits regally upon the rocky outcrop and snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains shared between Canada and the United States. Glittering lakes reflect the beauty of the golden halo that encompasses more than 10 million acres surrounding Waterton, Canada, Glacier National Park, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana.

This is a wild, expansive ecosystem that comprises national parks, Forest Service land, private land, and tribal territories. Jewel Basin is but one gemstone that sits within the crown.

The snowy summit. (Tami Ellis)

Getting There

Getting to Jewel is the initial adventure. I have to say that I am thrilled by wild roads. Four of us pack ourselves into a Can-Am Defender, girls in the front and guys in the back. We begin the ascent up the narrow, winding gravel road, unsure of whether or not we will be blocked by the impact of seasonal storms. The road is barely wide enough to hold one vehicle, so being in the Can-Am feels comforting, considering the cliffside drops.

On our left side, the Flathead Valley plays peek-a-boo with the tree-covered slopes of Jewel and our collective delight. It takes about 20 minutes to make the bumpy, seven-mile journey, only to be stopped in our tracks by the depth of snow that blankets the road. We have no ability to charge through this obstaclenot likely for another month, pushing forward into July.

The remnants of the 2006 fire are hauntingly beautiful. (Tami Ellis)

Having been hiking in Jewel before, we know that we are approximately one mile from the trailhead, aptly named Camp Misery. Folklore weaves stories of a local tribe giving the trail its namesake after spending a horrific winter up there at 5,717 feet. One can imagine the challenges of living in a place trying to source the necessities of life in deep snow for eight months of the year.

The microwave tower. (Tami Ellis)

A view of the microwave tower at a distance. (Tami Ellis)

Up to Mount Aeneas

We put our boots on the ground and decide to trudge through the snow en route to Jewels highest peak, Mount Aeneas (7,528 feet).

Mount Aeneas affords a 360-degree rooftop view of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Glacier National Park, Hungry Horse Reservoir, and the lower expanse of the Flathead Valley. In other words, the stunning views and photographic capture of nature in its glory are well worth the effort of our post-holing, occasional missteps, and tripping over our own boots as we hoist ourselves up the snowy trail.

Jewel Basin. (Tami Ellis)

During this season, however, caution has to be exercised; a slide down steep slopes and the strict avoidance of unstable cornices become a part of this June adventure. Not to mention that this is grizzly country and the waking of winter skinny, hungry bears is a trail reality.

My party of four becomes mesmerized and argumentative as to what mountain creature leaves the large catlike footprints in the snow, just steps ahead of us. Mountain lions and bears now become part of our radar. We find some reprieve when our snowbound trail gives way to dirt, but within minutes, we are walking upon snow once again.

Bear aware. (Tami Ellis)

Snowbound Trails

Most sources say that early July is a better time to explore this area. But what we get with snowbound trails is a vast wilderness to ourselves and the heavy, clawed animal walking the trail before us. The summit is approximately 3.5 miles from the Camp Misery trailhead. Trail 717 becomes a mile of switchbacks and offers a wide-open view of the turquoise and glitter of Flathead Lake. The blackened remnants of the 2006 burn are hauntingly beautiful and a reminder of the restoration that is possible following trauma.

Snowboarder off summit. (Tami Ellis)

Lightning strikes again. (Tami Ellis)

After a couple of hours, we arrive at the microwave tower. We sit down, out of the cold wind, and eat our lunch, blessed by the magic and expanse of the mountain range.

Mount Aeneas exists now just a short, steep walk to the right. The trail is obscured by snow and steep cornices. Four men have skinned to the summit with three Bernese Mountain dogs in tow. We take a look at the massive footprints left by the dogs and understand the prints that we have been following all morning. As we assess the safety implications of reaching the summit without poles, I envision early American Indians who have set up their camps, hunting for their food and braving the long winter. Mount Aeneas would be the perspective from which to survey food and safety.

The sweeping views are majestic, lightly touched, and serene. There is movement off the summit, as a snowboarder makes his turns in fresh snow, with three dogs trailing behind him.

Midlife adventures. (Tami Ellis)

As I stand and gaze out over this snow-kissed valley, I cant help but feel such gratitude for my legs, lungs, and a curiosity to explore the wonder of our world. There is always some suffering during the work to get to lofty heights, but we are always rewarded with magnificent beauty and a renewed appreciation for what it means to be alive.

With 27 lakes and 35 miles of trails, one could spend weeks hiking and camping in this beautiful basin. Today, however, our summit push feels threatened by dangerous cornices and a poorly marked, wintery trail. We let our experience guide us back down the trail to Camp Misery and vow that we will return with the sunshine and Indian paintbrush coloring the land.

They say that diamonds are a girls best friend, but I know Id rather have the Jewel.

Views of Flathead Lake. (Tami Ellis)

If You Go

For Information: Call the Kalispell Visitor Center at 406-758-2809.

Driving Directions: From Bigfork, Montana, take Highway 35 north to Highway 83. Head east to the junction of Echo Lake Road. Stop for breakfast at the amazing Echo Lake Cafe and then head north on Echo Lake Road. Drive 3 miles to the junction of Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392). Follow this steep, mountain road 7 miles to the trailhead. Do not tow trailers. Four-wheel-drive vehicles strongly recommended.

Season: July to early October.

Note: No mountain bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles on the trails. Dogs on leash. Group size limited to 12. Camping permits are not required. Time: 3 to 4 hours to summit and return. Strenuous.

Tami Ellis is a writer that has been blessed with a life living in the hills of Montana with her partner and on her family ranch nestled between the cut banks of the South Saskatchewan River in Alberta, Canada. Inspired by the world, she has been to 45 countries. She can be reached at twofeetoneworld@gmail.com
Federal agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) detain a man in this file photo taken in Dallas, Texas in March 2014 (ICE/Charles Reed/Handout/File Photo via Reuters)

More Than 300 Illegal Immigrant Sex Offenders Arrested by ICE in Operation

The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said Monday that it has arrested more than 300 illegal immigrant sex offenders since last month as part of an ongoing operation.

Agents arrested 302 sex offenders since June 4 as part of the agencys Operation SOAR (Sex Offender Arrest and Removal), according to the agency.

Our officers have prioritized the arrest of noncitizens who pose the greatest threat to the security and safety of our communities, acting ICE Director Tae Johnson said in a statement about the arrests.

Johnson said that ICE focused its resources on those who have committed sex crimes and demonstrated predatory behavior and reinforces our steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety across the United States.

ICE, a sub-agency of the Department of Homeland Security, said the illegal immigrant sex offenders are identified, arrested, and then deported.

In another incident, Border Patrol officials said on Monday that a registered sex offender attempted to sponsor a 16-year-old female illegal immigrant who was trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas.

During processing, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents found an unaccompanied teenager who told them the name of a male subject who she claimed was a family friend, according to a statement from the agency in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times.

By memory, she provided demographic information of her alleged sponsor, the Border Patrol statement said, which is rare and raised concern from agents and a CBP officer working virtually in Canada to assist our agents with the overwhelming number of migrants at the Donna Processing Facility.

Agents then made contact with a male California resident, the statement added. He told them that he was a friend of the girls close family friend.

But because of inconsistencies in the subjects stories, Border Patrol agents became suspicious of his claims.

Upon further investigation, agents discovered the subject is a registered sex offender out of Oroville, California, the statement continued.

Neither the name of the sex offender or the 16-year-old girls name were provided by the agency. Its not clear if the sex offender was charged with a crime or arrested.

Rio Grande Valley Sector agents are tirelessly working to ensure unaccompanied children are not harmed and sent with individuals in our communities who seek to prey on children, said Chief Brian Hastings, the sectors chief, in the statement. Due to the diligence of the CBP officer and agents, the unaccompanied female juvenile is safe, and all proper authorities have been notified.
N-95 Masks Provide a Lot More Protection: Former FDA Commissioner

Americans should be wearing N95 masks for greater protection against the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant, according to Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Gottlieb told CBS Newss Face the Nation on Sunday that the quality of a mask matters in protecting against the strain, which was first identified in India in late 2020, and currently makes up approximately 83 percent of all new sequenced COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to federal officials.

If youre going to consider wearing a mask, the quality of the masks does matter, he said. So if you can get your hands on a KN95 mask or an N95 mask, thats going to afford you a lot more protection.

Experts say that medical-grade respirators such as N95 masks offer greater protection against more infectious strains of COVID-19, such as Delta, which is believed to be more transmissible than other versions. It is also now the dominant variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus worldwide.

Compared to more commonly worn surgical masks or cloth face coverings, when worn properly, N95s fit more closely to the face and provide at least 95 percent protection level against airborne viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Meanwhile KN95s, which work similarly to N95 masks, are regulated by Chinese authorities. They were authorized by the CDC as a suitable alternative for N95s due to shortages during the onset of the pandemic last year, although some have since raised concerns that the majority of non-certified KN95 masks from China do not meet U.S. standards for effectiveness.

In early 2020, at the start of the CCP virus pandemic, Americans were not advised to wear masks, which later led to confusion regarding mask policies.

Former White House deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger told CBS News Face the Nation on Feb. 21 that U.S. officials had made the grave misstep of approaching the CCP virus as if it were a flu, which delayed the mask-wearing advice for Americans.

Initially, at the outset of this epidemic, we were encouraging people not to use N95 masks because there werent enough of those masks for medical workers. Now, theres plenty of masks, explained Gottlieb on Sunday.

Related Coverage Department of Defense Awards 3M With $126 Million Contract to Increase Production of N95 Masks

There are plenty of N95 masks in the system. The Biden administration has done a good job ramping up supply, he said.

Theres also KN95 masks available, he said of the China-made masks.So I would encourage people to look at the quality of the mask and try to get their hands on a better quality of mask.
New York Woman Charged With Hate Crimes in 4 Anti-Asian Attacks

A 25-year-old black woman has been charged with hate crimes in connection to four separate, unprovoked attacks on people of Asian descent in Queens, New York.

Maricia Bell of Queens allegedly attacked three women and a man, including a 63- and 75-year-old, in four separate incidents over the court of several months beginning on May 23, prosecutors said Saturday.

According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Bell was arraigned on a complaint charging her with assault, robbery, and grand larceny, all as hate crimes, as well as weapons possession and harassment charges.

Racism is immoral and unacceptableacting on ones prejudice is a crime. This defendant must answer for allegedly attacking four different victimsall people of Asian descentduring sudden, violent outburst(s) of rage here in Queens County, Katz said in a press release statement.

According to the New York Post, Bell has five prior arrests. In March, the 25-year-old was charged with assault as a hate crime.

In the most recent attack, on July 21, a 75-year-old woman was struck on the head with a hammer, causing injuries. Bell is also alleged to have struck a woman on the back of the head inside a bodega on June 16, and the following month, on July 11, she allegedly slapped a woman in the face and removed her face mask.

Bells next court appearance is on Aug. 16. If convicted, she faces a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

It comes amid an apparent increase in hate crimes against Asians over the last year. In 16 of the countrys largest cities, there was an increase to 122 incidents in 2020 from 49 the previous year, according to an analysis by researchers from California State University (CSU) in San Bernardino.

Democrats have tried to blame white supremacists for anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic, alleging that former President Donald Trumps rhetoric around the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus spurred hate.

President Joe Biden on May 20 signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.). It designates a Justice Department employee to expedite a review of hate crimes reported to police during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also provides guidance for state and local law enforcement agencies to report hate crimes, expand public education campaigns, and issue guidance to combat discriminatory language in describing the pandemic.
A medical worker prepares the COVID-19 vaccination at the University of CaliforniaIrvine Medical Center, in Orange, Calif., on Dec. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

NYC, California Require Government Workers to Be Vaccinated or Show COVID-19 Test Weekly

New York City and California will require every government worker to get tested for the CCP virus on a weekly basis or show proof of full vaccination, officials announced on Monday.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced New York City will require all of its municipal workersincluding teachers and police officers to get vaccines by mid-September or face weekly virus testing.

The rule is expected to affect about 340,000 city employees, making the city one of the largest employers in the United States to take such action. While it isnt officially a vaccine mandateno workers will be forced to take a shotofficials hope the inconvenience and discomfort of weekly tests will persuade many to overcome a reluctance to get inoculated.

But some of the unions representing city workers balked at the announcement, saying the city cant impose the requirement without negotiations.

New York City is a union town, and that cannot be ignored, said Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37 of AFSCME. DC 37 represents about 100,000 New York City employees across several departments.

Hours after De Blasios announcement, California officials said it will similarly require proof of vaccination or weekly testing for all state workers and health care employees starting next month.

As the states largest employer, we are leading by example and requiring all state and health care workers to show proof of vaccination or be tested regularly, and we are encouraging local governments and businesses to do the same, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

The new measure for state workers will go into effect on Aug. 2 and testing will be phased in over the next few weeks.

Regarding health care workers and congregate facilitiesthe new rule will be applied on Aug. 9, while health care facilities will have until Aug. 23 to come into full compliance, the governor said.

According to the California controllers office, there are at least 238,000 state employees. Health officials couldnt immediately provide an estimate on the size of the health care workforce in the nations most populated state.

California has administered the most COVID-19 vaccines to its citizens nationwide, covering more than 44 million doses. About 62 percent of all eligible residents in the state are fully vaccinated.

California has administered more vaccines than any other state, with 75 percent of those eligible having gotten at least one dose, and we were weeks ahead of meeting President Bidens 70 percent goal, Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said.

The more contagious variant of the CCP virus, known as the Delta variant, now makes up an estimated 80 percent of infections in California, according to health officials.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) gestures during her weekly news conference at the Capitol building in Washington on July 22, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Pelosi: House Wont Consider Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan Without Reconciliation Proposal

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has said that she will not hold a House vote on a bipartisan infrastructure plan bill until the Senate passes a separate, much larger $3.5 trillion budget framework via budget reconciliation rules.

A group of Senate Democrats and Republicans are still working on the details of a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan, but many Democrats also want to ensure that a follow-on $3.5 trillion package becomes law.

I wont put it on the floor until we have the rest of the initiative, Pelosi said during an appearance on ABCs This Week on Sunday. We are rooting for the infrastructure bill to pass, but we all know that more needs to be done.

The bipartisan framework focuses mostly on core infrastructure projects like roads, water, and bridges, and the Democrat-sponsored $3.5 trillion proposal includes massive spending for national preschool, free community college, and Medicare expansion, and some of President Joe Bidens other priorities, such as climate measures.

Related Coverage US Treasury to Hit Debt Ceiling by November: Congressional Budget Office

Democrats in the House and Senate are working together to ram the package through the chamber using the budgetary tool that will allow them to sidestep a Republican filibuster in the 50-50 split Senate to pass the $3.5 trillion in funding on party lines. Senate democrats previously used budget reconciliation rules to pass the $2 trillion American Rescue Plan with zero Republican backing.

Let me be really clear on this: we will not take up a bill in the House until the Senate passes the bipartisan bill and a reconciliation bill. If there is no bipartisan bill, then well just go when the Senate passes a reconciliation bill, Pelosi said days earlier at a press conference in the Capitol.

Im very optimistic that it will happen. And I dont want to say allay the fearsI dont think theyre fears, theyre just advocating. And God bless them for doing that. But were not going down the path unless we all go down the path together, Pelosi said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a top negotiator on the bipartisan package, warned on Sunday that Pelosis marks could jeopardize the deal.

What she has just said is entirely counter to what President Biden has committed to, and what the Senate is doing, which is a two-track process, he told ABC News on This Week. The infrastructure bill has nothing to do with the reckless tax-and-spend extravaganza shes talking about.

When asked whether Congress could end up with nothing passing, Portman said, If she [Pelosi] has her way, we could.

Were about 90 percent of the way there, Portman added of the deal. I feel good about getting that done this week.

Last week, Senate Republicans blocked a procedural vote to open debate on the measure, saying they wanted to see a text of the measure first. Both parties have used shell or incomplete bills in the past to get floor action moving.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Perseverance in Love Wins in the End: The Famous Schumann Versus Wieck Battle

The famous Schumann versus Wieck battle

Two extremes predominate in writing about the great composers: a tendency to romanticize and mythologize them into inspired demigods, and the current tendency to pull their statues down from their pedestals or perhaps their little composer busts from our pianos. This second view focuses on all of their human flaws, whether real or imagined on scant evidence. One thing is usually above guesswork, though, the concrete historical record in things such as birth certificates, deeds, and lawsuits.

An 1847 lithograph of Robert and Clara Schumann. (Public Domain)

The romance of Robert and Clara Schumann involved legal proceedings that tell their own fascinating story, without any need for embellishment. First, the backstory: In 1828, at age 18, Robert was compelled by his family to matriculate at law school in Leipzig, but he had become increasingly enamored by the music of Franz Schubert and was already a fine pianist and composing some piano music and songs. Music eventually won out, of course, and apart from law school, Leipzig offered the opportunity to take piano lessons with the renowned piano teacher Friedrich Wieck and to live in a room in the Wieck house. Wieck had a 9-year-old daughter named Clara. She was already a child prodigy and concertizing and gaining fame as a pianist, and she found a kindred spirit and friend in Robert, who was a little over nine years older.

A portrait of Clara Schumanns father, Frederick Wieck, at age 45, the year he first met Robert Schumann. (Public Domain)

A Romance Blooms and Is Curtailed

During the summer of 1834, at 24, Robert became engaged to the 16-year-old Ernestine von Fricken, who had been adopted by a wealthy, noble family, but he also began to feel a mutual attraction with Clara, who had turned 16 herself in September. In December, when Clara was giving a concert in Zwickau, Robert and Clara secretly declared their love for each other. The catalyst to break the engagement with Ernestine finally came during the following year, after Ernestine was discovered to be illegitimate and would have no dowry. Meanwhile, Friedrich Wieck had discovered his famous daughters relationship with Robert and in 1835 ordered them to cut off all contact with each other and to burn their letters.

Wieck had determined that Robert, though his own gifted piano student and well educated, was fundamentally lazy, drank too much, and would amount to little in the future. Certainly, he felt Robert was no match for his extraordinary Clara. In truth, Clara and Robert were both extraordinary, and that became their great bond.

The lovers endured a 16-month forced separation, but it wasnt spent in vain. Robert composed his masterful Fantasy in C Major, Opus 17 for piano in 1836. He also co-founded and began editing the traditionalist musical publication Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik (New Journal for Music). Clara began her transition from child prodigy to young piano virtuoso and composer in her own right, completing her very substantial Piano Concerto in A minor, Opus 7 and performing it with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in 1835.

However, love willed out, and the couple began corresponding in secret and catching a brief rendezvous when they could. In 1837, Robert formally asked Wieck for his daughters hand in marriage and was summarily refused. It may come as a surprise to some today that a father then had such absolute power over whom his daughter could marry, but such was the case. Yet two more years passed, and Wieck began to threaten Clara with disinheritance and to take the couple to court (something like a restraining order) if she didnt cut off completely from Robert.

A lithographic portrait of Robert Schumann in 1839 in Vienna. (Public Domain)

Clara Wieck in an idealized lithograph by Andreas Staub, circa 1839. (Public Domain)

The Couple Battle for Their Love

Clara decided to fight back and consulted a lawyer of her own. She signed an affidavit granting Robert the legal power of attorney over her, and she sent that document to Robert. In turn, he took that to his attorney in Leipzig and asked him to seek an out-of-court settlement with Wieck, but Wieck was intransigent, and the matter was set to go to court. Robert was so pessimistic about his chances that he wrote to Clara saying that he had been so distraught the previous day that, had they been together, he would have suggested they commit joint suicide.

Things went from bad to worse. Wieck stated that he would never relent and boycotted the court hearing, and Clara packed up her bags and moved to Berlin to live with her mother, who had separated from her tyrannical father (and ultimately divorced him). Wieck then made a proposal to the court: He would allow Clara to marry Robert if she gave up all the money she had earned concertizing for the last seven years, paid him a monthly fee to store her piano and belongings in his house, and if Robert would agree to guarantee him a huge sum in the event the marriage failed.

Illustration from 1906 book Famous Composers and their Works, v. 2. (Public Domain)

They eventually ended up in court, where Wieck had filed a complaint that Robert was an alcoholic and financially unable to support his daughter as a pianist, due to a hand injury. Robert had tried out a finger-strengthening mechanical device called a dactylion, which actually did injure one or two of his fingers. Fortunately for us, this did cause him to put his greatest energies thereafter into composing. Wieck also circulated his complaint publicly in all the cities in which Clara was scheduled to perform in the coming months. Robert told Clara, Can nothing be done to save us from such nastiness?

Robert fought back with testimonies of his good character from the Leipzig town council, police, and even the composer Felix Mendelssohn. The court took several months to make a decision but finally settled fully in the couples favor. At last, they were free to marry and did so on Sept. 12, 1840, the day before Claras 21st birthday. Had they waited just one more day, she would have been 21 and legally free to marry without her fathers permission!

The Schumanns went on to have eight children, and Friedrich Wieck finally softened his heart and decided to reconcile with them, in part to be able to enjoy his grandchildren.

American composer Michael Kurek is the composer of the Billboard No. 1 classical album The Sea Knows. The winner of numerous composition awards, including the prestigious Academy Award in Music from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, he has served on the Nominations Committee of the Recording Academy for the classical Grammy Awards. He is a professor emeritus of composition at Vanderbilt University. For more information and music, visit MichaelKurek.com

The grave of Robert and Clara Schumann at Bonn, Germany. (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Police officers on horseback disperse protesters during a rally in Sydney, Australiaon July 24, 2021, as thousands of people gathered to demonstrate against the city's month-long stay-at-home orders. (Steven Saphore/AFP via Getty Images)

Protestors Against COVID Restrictions Labelled Anarchists by NSW Police Chief

New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has labelled protestors who attended the massive July 24 Sydney rally against COVID restrictions anarchists.

Fuller revealed that police had received over 10,000 tip-offs regarding individuals involved in the protests and that 57 people had been charged, while 250 were fined. Officials and police in NSW and Victoria have taken a hard line against the event.

The commissioner addressed reports of a potential follow-up rally online and issued a blunt warning, Can I just put this warning out now to everyone? We will be heavily policing that event.

The community has spoken about that behaviour. The premier has spoken about that behaviour, and it wont be tolerated again, he told reporters.

There are no organisers that we can take to the Supreme Court to stop the protests happening, which means theyre a bunch of anarchists, he said. In terms of the police response, it will be significant, on Saturday if it is planned to go ahead.

Thousands of protesters march on the streets of the central business district of Sydney on July 24, 2021. (Steven Saphore/AFP via Getty Images)

We will take the ground very early. You will be arrested and prosecuted.

On July 24, thousands of protestors took the streets of Sydney and Melbourne as part of the World Wide Rally for Freedom event.

In Sydney, Australians gathered at inner-city Victoria Park before marching to Town Hall in the central business district, escorted by a heavy police presence which included mounted police and riot officers.

Protestors carried signs, and in a video posted on Twitter by Pedestrian Daily journalist Zac Crellin, they can be heard chanting: What do we want? Freedom. When do we want it? Now!

Previous protests had only garnered several hundred attendees, but Saturdays event saw attendance balloon to several thousand individuals.

Greater Sydney is undergoing a five-week lockdown due to an outbreak of the Delta variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. This lockdown was extended by an additional four weeks on July 28.

Currently, five million residents are under stay-at-home orders and cannot leave their homes except for four reasons. Construction sites were also shut down as part of the governments tightening restrictions, affecting around 250,000 tradespeople.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was disgusted and heartbroken by the protestors saying they showed utter contempt for their fellow citizens. Victorian Premier Dan Andrews described them as selfish.

Police in NSW and Victoria are currently combing through footage from social media, CCTV, and police cameras to identify attendees. One allegation of a mounted officer being hit by a flying bollard is being investigated.

However, there has been criticism over media portrayals of the event as well, with one circulated photo featuring a man wearing a yellow shirt allegedly attacking a police horse.

A protester (L) tries to push away a police horse in Sydney, Australia, on July 24, 2021. (Steven Saphore/AFP via Getty Images)

Police have charged the man.

However, the federal Member of Parliament, George Christensen, posted footage on Facebook, showing the man pushing the horse away as it circled through protestors.

Caden Pearson contributed to this report.
A nurse is seen working at a COVID-19 testing clinic at Ipswich Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. on Aug. 24, 2020. (Glenn Hunt/Getty Images)

Queensland Police Investigating A Mystery COVID-19 Case

Queensland is dealing with another mystery case of COVID-19 as police put the squeeze on an infected pair accused of lying about their movements.

The Gold Coast and Brisbane are on alert after all three cases spent time in both communities while they were infectious.

Mystery surrounds the sole case reported on Mondaya man in his 40s who tested positive after 14 days in hotel quarantine following a trip to China.

The man returned three negative tests while in quarantine in Brisbane and returned to his home on the Gold Coast on July 12.

The following day he and his family fell ill. They subsequently went to a doctor seeking tests and the man returned a positive result on Sunday.

So far no one else in the family is positive but the case has significantly expanded Queenslands list of exposure sites, including the Goodstart Early Learning Centre at Parkwood, various dining venues, the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Kmart at Westfield Helensvale.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young is now waiting on genomic sequencing that will tell her if the man picked up the virus overseas, during hotel quarantine, or on the Gold Coast.

Anyone who has been on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane since July 13 has been urged to regularly check the growing list of exposure sites.

Dr Young said she hoped the risk was low. But she also noted successive tests that showed the mans viral load was growing, suggesting he was at the start of his illness.

Theres so many unknowns here, so were taking a very cautious approach  and asking that people whove been to any of those sites contact us, she said.

Some of the exposure sites listed on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane are linked to the other two cases of concern  a Brisbane-based flight attendant and a NSW man accused of illegally leaving Sydney and travelling to Queensland with her.

Both are being investigated for breaches of health orders in Queensland and Queensland police are working with NSW counterparts over alleged breaches there.

The man is accused of flying from Sydney to Ballina on July 14, despite being told to quarantine because hed been in close contact with a case in NSW.

He wound up catching the virus and gave it to the flight attendant who drove to Ballina, picked him up, and then returned to Queensland where the pair were active in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

On Monday, Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said police had to resort to formal processes to get a direct interview with the flight attendant, who had brought in a lawyer.

When asked if shed been cooperative, he said: Not fully, not initially, no she wasnt.

There are processes to get that information and we now have it, he said.

We are now doing that with the male person.

He said some of the information provided to authorities had been proven to be incorrect.

I dont believe we have a fine for lying to police, unfortunately.

Queensland recorded no new cases of COVID-19 in hotel quarantine on Monday.

The full list of Queensland exposure sites can be found at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/tracing
Savoring Summer in Vail

If youre a skier, chances are you know all about Vail. With its 5,317 skiable acres and champagne powder snow, Vail is one of the top ski resorts in the country. Visitors from around the globe flock to the Colorado town each winter. Youll hear dozens of languages on the slopes and chair lifts, and in the alpine village at the base of the mountain.

What many visitors miss, though, is Vail in the summer. Thats when this alpine community shows a whole different face. The change starts as soon as the mud season of spring gives way to longer days of sunshine. The mountainsides turn green, and wildflowers burst to life, dazzling with their hearty colors.

As the days warm, the town takes on a slower vibe, and Vails 5,305 permanent residents (plus some 5,000 part-time residents) celebrate small-town life with a full roster of summer events, from the Vail Wine Classic to arts and music festivals.

The hike to Booth Falls is popular. (Janna Graber)

Unusual Beginnings

While many Colorado ski towns have their roots in mining or ranching, Vail was born as a ski resort. Its story begins during World War II, when American ski troopers trained for war in the mountains of Colorado.

The 10th Mountain Division was created in 1943 to train soldiers with intense specialized training for fighting in mountainous conditions. Soldiers needed to be excellent skiers and able to work in high-altitude winter environments. The Army formed the regiment by recruiting from top ski schools. They set up a training center called Camp Hale, near what is now the Vail Valley, and the soldiers trained for alpine combat.

The village at Vail in the early evening. (Jack Affleck Vail Local Marketing District)

One of those young soldiers was Pete Seibert, a New England native. He and his unit were sent to the rugged Alps of Italy in 1944. Their mission was to break through the German defensive line that spanned Italys Apennine Mountains, which was preventing Allied troops from advancing.

It was a daunting mission since the 10th would have to ascend a cliff face silently at night. A single noise could have alerted the German troops, endangering the exposed ski troopers. The unit successfully captured Riva Ridge on Feb. 19, breaking through the German defense, and helping to turn the course of the war.

A family bikes through the village in Vail. (Jack Affleck/ Vail Local Marketing District)

After the war, Seibert remembered his training days in the Colorado Rockies. He returned to Colorado to work in Aspen, then he joined forces with rancher Earl Eaton, and they began dreaming about creating a ski resort. The pair climbed Vail Mountain during the winter of 1957 and decided that it was just the place to make their dream a reality. Vail, which was founded as a ski resort in 1962, became a town in 1966.

A family enjoys the Gore Creek Trail, which runs along a mountain river through the entire Vail Village. (Jack Affleck/ Vail Local Marketing District)

Life Outdoors

Today, Vail is a top destination in Colorado. Like other small mountain towns, outdoor activity takes center stage in the Vail Valley. In the summer, you can spend most of your time outdoors. The days are warm and sunny, while the nights are refreshingly cool.

Locals and visitors both use the towns 1,100 acres of open space, including over 15 miles of recreation path. Vail is surrounded by more than 350,000 acres of national forest, making the region a playground for adventure seekers.

Dining outside amidst the mountain flowers in Vail. (Jack Affleck/ Vail Local Marketing District)

Hiking is a favorite activity in Vail. In fact, some trailhead parking lots have become so overused that they have been closed to protect the area.

You can still reach many trailheads, though, with Vails Bus It to Hike It program. Vail has a free, easy-to-use bus system that transports guests throughout Vail Village and nearby Lionshead, as well as to several outlying trailheads.

One example is the Booth Lake Trailhead, which is closed to parking for the summer but easily reached via the towns free bus system.

An outdoor plaza in Vail. (Janna Graber)

Booth Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the valley, due to stunning views of mountain peaks and aspen forest, and a gorgeous rushing waterfall at the top. The 4.2-mile hike is steep at times, and good hiking shoes are required, but the views are worth it. Take a picnic lunch in your backpack and spend a half-day there.

If biking is more your speed, Vail has plenty of options. If youre an adventurous mountain biker, Vail Ski Resort has miles of adrenaline-pumping mountain trails via the Eagle Bahn and Gondola One.

The bus system in Vail makes it very easy and convenient way to get around the Vail Valley. (Janna Graber)

If you prefer a gentler ride, you can rent a bike or e-bike at one of the many bike shops in Vail Village, Lionshead, or West Vail and hit the Gore Creek Trail. The paved recreational trail follows the river from East Vail to West Vail and beyond. The views are stunning, and it is a fun, family-friendly way to explore the area.

Speaking of fun on the river, fly fishing is another popular summer activity in Vail. These Gold Medal waters draw everyone from skilled fishermen to first-timers. Gore Creek Fly Fisherman is Vails oldest fly fishing shop, and their guides know the region well. After outfitting you with everything you need for a day on the river, theyll take you to the best spots for a guided wading trip or even a float trip. Kayakers and stand-up paddleboards also use the rivers in the summer.

A flower display in the streets of Vail. (Janna Graber)

Vail Village and Lionshead

There are two main Austrian-inspired villages at Vail Resort: Vail Village and Lionshead. Both are filled with boutique shops, pubs, and top restaurants, and are easily explored on foot or by bus. One tipits best to make a reservation if youd like to dine in area restaurants.

The Alpenrose Vail, a German restaurant in Vail Village, is an icon in the region. For some 47 years, it has served up hearty Austrian, Swiss, and German fare to diners in Vail. Using reclaimed wood from a farmhouse in Switzerland, the interior has a cozy rustic feel. The restaurant serves classic favorites, such as Swiss fondue or Austrian Wiener Schnitzel, but with a modern twist.

An outdoor spread of Bavarian cuisine at the Alpenrose restaurant in Vail. (Discover Vail)

Lodging in Vail

When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Vail, youll find plenty to choose from, from smaller boutique hotels to luxury resorts. The Antlers at Vail is a condominium resort located along the creek in Vails Lionshead neighborhood. Each condo, from studio to four-bedroom unit, has a fully equipped kitchen, balcony, fireplace, and living room, making for a comfortable home-away-from-home experience.

In the winter, Antlers at Vails mountainside location is a convenient base for skiers. In the summer, its location might be even more magical. Watching the sun move across the mountains while enjoying morning coffee on your balcony in the cool mountain air is something quite special indeed.

Janna Graber has covered travel in more than 55 countries. She is the editor of three travel anthologies, including A Pink Suitcase: 22 Tales of Womens Travel, and is the managing editor of Go World Travel Magazine.

The author was a guest of Discover Vail.
Sen. Joe Manchin Weighs Running for Reelection After Saying He Wouldnt

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) might vie for another term in 2024, despite vowing in 2018 that he wouldnt do so, as he now holds tremendous power as the most moderate Democrat in the Senate.

You never know. You dont know. Theres always a chance, absolutely, Manchin, 73, told Politico. You better be prepared, thats all I can say. And Im being prepared.

He entered the Senate in 2010 after serving as the governor and secretary of state in West Virginia. Manchin survived a close race in 2018, beating West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrissey by about 3 percent in a state that former President Donald Trump won easily in 2016 and 2020.

He doesnt believe that just any Democrat could keep the seat he holds, which he said will factor into his decision.

You get the right candidate and you have a national movement that basically shows that balance is working, bipartisanship is working, and the countrys going in the right direction, sure, Manchin said. Youve just got to work like hell.

Manchins office didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

In a 5050 Senate, with Democrats holding a majority by one vote due to Vice President Kamala Harriss ability to cast a deciding vote in the event of a deadlock, Manchin has emerged as the most likely Democrat to shut down some of his colleagues more radical propositions, from the federalization of elections to destroying the filibuster.

Republicans are angling to flip both the House of Representatives and the Senate during the 2022 midterm elections. The party hopes to install many fresh faces to replace retiring lawmakers, such as Sens. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Patrick Toomey (R-Penn.), even as they defend 20 seats to the 14 Democrat seats up for election.

If they fail, the Republicans have an even better chance of taking back the upper chamber in 2024. Democrats will be defending 21 seats, including Manchins, versus 10 seats for Republicans.

Manchin isnt the only senator to be reconsidering a promise to step down. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), 66, whose term is due to end in early 2023, is weighing the possibility of running again after previously saying he would serve just two terms.

However, Johnson said last week that he may not be the best candidate for the 2022 midterm elections.

You see what the medias doing to me. I may not be the best candidate. I wouldnt run if I dont think I could win, if I dont think I was the best person to be able to win.
Moon Jae-in, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, poses for photographs as he watches a television report on an exit poll of the presidential election in Seoul, South Korea on May 9, 2017. (REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji)

South Korean President Moons Trusted Aide Found Guilty for Interfering in 2017 Presidential Election

Kim Kyung-soo, a trusted aide of South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the former Governor of South Gyeongsang Province, was recently sentenced to two years imprisonment for allegedly manipulating online public opinion to interfere in the 2017 presidential election and 2018 local elections in South Korea, reported Korean media.

Kim was Moons trusted aide and spokesperson when he ran for president in 2017. The following year, Kim was elected Governor of South Gyeongsang Province in the 2018 local elections.

The Supreme Court of South Korea sentenced Kim to two years in prison on July 21 and removed him as governor. Kim was suspected of conspiring with power blogger Druking.

From November 2016, Kim and Druking allegedly used computer programs to tamper with 1,180,800 online comments by methodically sending more than 88.4 million signals in 2017 to affect the popularity rating of presidential contenders in polls to help Moon get elected, according to the courts decision. After that, Kim allegedly used similar methods in the 2018 local elections and was elected governor of South Gyeongsang Province.

In addition, Kim was also suspected of violating election laws by promising to provide the post of South Korean Consulate General in Sendai, Japan, to Drukings acquaintance in return for helping him win the 2018 local elections. However, Kim was not convicted of this charge in the final verdict.

After Kims guilty verdict, the conservative camp in South Korea expressed its belief that this impacts the legitimacy of the Moon Jae-in government.

Yoon Seok-youl, a popular 2022 presidential candidate of the opposition party and former Prosecutor General, said, that judgment of the Ministry of Justice confirms the fundamental problems with the legitimacy of the sitting power, reported Chinese.joins.com.

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party and a presidential candidate in 2017, who once had an approval rating close to Moons before the election, asked President Moon to personally apologize for this heinous crime.

However, the current ruling party, the Democratic Party, rejected the argument about the legitimacy of its government, stating that the president is not directly related to this case.

Lee Nak-yon, the 2022 presidential candidate of the Democratic Party and a former prime minister, also stated, In the 2017 presidential election, Moon was already a winner. His campaign had neither the reason to use this illegal act to obtain votes nor was it relevant.

At present, the Blue House, the executive office of the South Korean President, has stated that it will not comment [on this matter].
A helicopter is being filled up with water from a tank as a wildfire burns near the village of Spathovouni, near Corinth, Greece, on July 23, 2021. (Vassilis Psomas/Reuters)

Southern Europe Battles Wildfires as North Cleans up After Floods

ATHENSWildfires burned in regions across southern Europe on Monday, fuelled by hot weather and strong winds, as some northern countries cleaned up after a weekend of torrential rain and flooding.

In Greece, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said firefighters had battled around 50 fires during the past 24 hours and it was likely there would be more with meteorologists warning that a further heatwave was in prospect.

I want to emphasize that August remains a difficult month, he said. That is why it is important for all of us, all state services, to be on absolute alert until the firefighting period is formally over.

A firefighter battles the flames after a wildfire broke out near the Sicilian village of Erice, Italy July 26, 2021. (Vigili del Fuoco/Handout via Reuters)

Fire service officials said negligence on farms and construction sites had been behind several incidents, many of which were in the southern Peloponnese region. No casualties were reported.

Conditions in southern Europe were in sharp contrast to the torrential rainstorms that lashed northern countries from Austria to Britain following the catastrophic flooding in Germany and neighbouring countries last week.

On the Italian island of Sardinia, firefighting planes from France and Greece reinforced local aircraft battling blazes across the island where more than 4,000 hectares of forest were burnt and more than 350 people evacuated.

In Sicily, fires broke out near the western town of Erice.

Smoke billows from a wildfire near Cuglieri, Sardinia, Italy July 25, 2021, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. (Cronache Nuoresi via Reuters)

In Spain, the northeastern region of Catalonia saw more than 1,500 hectares destroyed near Santa Coloma de Queralt, forcing dozens to be evacuated, although the blazes were 90 percent stabilized on Monday, firefighters and authorities said.

In Lietor, in the central east region of Castilla-La Mancha, more than 2,500 hectares burned during the weekend before being brought under control, authorities said.

So far this year, wildfires have burned across 35,000 hectares in Spain, still some way off the 138,000 hectares burned in 2012, the worst year of the past decade.

By Emma Pinedo Gonzalez, Lefteris Papadimas, Angeliki Koutantou, and Emily Roe
A man and woman sit with their masks on at Creve Coeur Lake Park in Maryland Heights, Mo., on May 25, 2020. (Michael Thomas/Getty Images)

St. Louis Now Requiring Masks for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People; AG to File Lawsuit

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced he will soon file a lawsuit against the city of St. Louis over its masking mandate, which went into effect on Monday.

Last week, St. Louis officials said that people aged 5 and older will have to wear masksregardless of vaccination statusindoors. Wearing masks outdoors will be encouraged, especially in group settings, according to a news release from city officials.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises unvaccinated people to wear masks in public but states that vaccinated people dont need to wear them in most circumstances. People are still required to wear masks on public transportation.

Weve lost more than 500 St. Louisans to COVID-19, and if our region doesnt work together to protect one another, we could see spikes that overwhelm our hospital and public health systems, Dr. Fredrick Echols, acting director of health for the City of St. Louis, said on July 23.

And Dr. Faisal Khan, the acting director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, previously said that vaccines as the best way to stop COVID-19. But last week, he said a masking mandate is necessary.

We need everyone, vaccinated or not, to wear masks in crowded indoor settings, he said.

After the announcement, Schmitt, a Republican running for Senate, wrote on Twitter that hes planning to file a lawsuit against the city. He told Fox News on Monday that people are tired of this, referring to mask mandates, arguing that its about control.

Im going to stick up for the people in my state who have had enough, he said.

Responding to his proposed lawsuit, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, a Democrat, characterized Schmitts legal challenge as frivolous.

Our top priority is protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of the people of St. Louis City and County, she wrote on Twitter over the past weekend. Nobody is surprised that the Attorney General plans to file yet another frivolous lawsuit to serve his own political ambitions.

St. Louis County Councilmen Tim Fitch and Mark Harder also oppose the mask mandate, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Both told the paper they may ask the County Council to rescind the new mandate.

Other than St. Louis, Los Angeles recently re-imposed a mask mandate for unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a Democrat, told the New York Times that she might re-impose a mask requirement due to rising COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.
Texas Storm Chaser Captures Unreal Photos of Quadruple Microburst Collapsing From the Sky

Texas photographer Mike Olbinski chases storms for a living. Luckily for him, this particular summer season has offered up some extraordinary weather in western Texas.

Hunting for supercells in New Mexico, Olbinski and a friend were calling it a bust day, driving back to Lubbock, when they caught sight of a wall cloud off in the distance. They had to jump on it.

We decided to of course go after it and when we got in front of it, we were thrilled to just be on a good storm finally that day, Olbinski told The Epoch Times. They positioned themselves south of Andrews, got out their gear (Olbinski using an extreme wide-angle lens, as the storm would soon literally be on top of them), and witnessed powerful updrafts as the weather evolved before their eyes.

Updraftswarm, ascending air currents within storm cloudscause evaporated moisture to rise to cooler altitudes, where it then matures into heavier rain and hail, before plunging down to the earth amid colder airflows.

Under the right conditions, warm air currents surrounding the cell can help this process, causing the whole thunderstormsometimes miles wideto collapse in an instant in a massive downward rush of wind, rain, and hail, producing whats known as a microburst.

Distinct from tornadoes, microbursts can be just as destructive with winds sometimes reaching 150 miles per hour. The wind, rain, and hail hit the ground with such force, it has nowhere to go except outwards and can cause devastation in all directions, toppling trees and structures.

The supercell on this particular day was about to go microburst ballistica microburst machine, as Olbinski called it. They witnessed a single, massive column of torrential downpour, at first, with the magnificent colors of a Texas sunset adding to the spectacle. He snapped photos of the glowing tempest, later describing it as a tunnel of fire on his Instagram page.

Look at the microburst occurring, he was recorded saying in a video from the scene, posted on YouTube. Unbelievable beautiful storm. Wow!

But the storm had more in store; in front and to the right of the first column, a second microburst plummeted down from the cloud ceiling. They were awestruck.

Dude, I think theres a new hail dump right here in front of us! Olbinski exclaimed. Im freakin loosing my mind right now, look at the double hail cores coming down. Monstrous!

It wasnt over yet. What unfolded next would leave Olbinski feeling euphoric. From the sky fell two more pillars of wind and hail, producing a quadruple microburst, as he later termed it, adding the adjectives unreal and magical.

We were standing there in utter shock that we were witnessing one of the best storms wed ever seen on a day when we thought things looked hopeless, he later told The Epoch Times. Thats why we chase!

Here is some more surreal storm photography by Mike Olbinski:

A huge haboob swallows most of Phoenix as well as downtown Tempe along Mill Avenue on August 2, 2018. (Courtesy of Mike Olbinski)

A lightning strike exits the top of a severe thunderstorm near I-10 and Salome Highway, Texas. (Courtesy of Mike Olbinski)

A stunning, structured supercell drops a tornado beneath it near the town of Sudan, Texas. (Courtesy of Mike Olbinski)

A stunning supercell moves over the wheat fields and plains near Cotton Center, Texas, just after sunset. (Courtesy of Mike Olbinski)

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa State Troopers, along with Border Patrol and the Kinney County Constable, prepare to search a stolen vehicle in Kinney County, Texas, on July 21, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Texas Troopers Bolstered by Out-of-State Troopers on Border

BRACKETTVILLE, TexasNebraska, Iowa, and Florida State Troopers were all out on patrol with Texas State Troopers on July 21.

The out-of-state troopers have been assisting Texas State Troopers with catching human smugglers driving loads of illegal aliens on roads leading away from the U.S.Mexico border, as well as helping Border Patrol with the apprehension of illegal aliens on foot.

In addition, Florida Fish & Wildlife is patrolling areas of the Rio Grande in its boats.

The Iowa and Nebraska troopers that The Epoch Times spoke to were on a two-week deployment, while the two Florida troopers were deployed for a month.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said when he offered law enforcement assistance to Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott called for help, all personnel who were deployed had volunteered to go.

States always help us, [and] this is an important issue, DeSantis said on July 17 during a visit to the border. The governor sent 50 officers to Texas from the Florida Highway Patrol, Department of Law Enforcement, and Fish and Wildlife at the end of June.

Florida law enforcement officers deployed to the Lone Star State told DeSantis that about 70 percent of the illegal immigrants theyve been involved in apprehending in the prior three weeks are heading for Florida.

Other states have pledged to send National Guard support to the Texas and Arizona border areas, including South Dakota, Idaho, Ohio, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Georgia.

The Republican governors offered support in response to a June 10 letter from Abbott and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey seeking emergency law enforcement assistance on the border.
The Plight of the Conservative Executive

Commentary

As the cancellation of conservative people and ideas proceeds, leaders of longtime conservative institutions find themselves in a steadily tightening bind. They have their principles, but they have to run the ship, too. No matter how much integrity they have, and no matter how firmly the institution holds to conservative beliefs, the ordinary operations of the institution inevitably entangle them in anti-conservative forces.

First, and most obviously, any social media the institution issues must pass the censors at Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Those media giants have committed identity-leftists within their own ranks who diligently screen out content on controversial matters of sex, race, COVID-19, climate, the 2020 election, trans-individuals, immigration, family formation  (the list will continue to grow) that falls well on the right side of opinion. Facebook has just updated its hate speech rules that effectively makes the criterion of hate the feelings of oppressed groups, for instance, same-sex couples who are said to be demeaned by arguments for traditional marriage.

The prospect of shutdown is intimidating. An institution that has its Twitter account suspended loses what is now a necessary avenue of communication, marketing, and branding. Its embarrassing, too, and it imposes costs, not least of which is the labor needed to get back into Twitters good graces.

It makes some of their donors nervous, as well. Many supporters of conservative institutions come from the business world where people prefer to avoid mixing business with politics. Its only recently that companies have decided to get political, and theyve almost always gone left. Zealous activist groups such as Human Rights Campaign have CEOs and board members on their radar, telling those people in warning tones that failure to affirm progressive outlooks will bring boycotts, loss of advertising, waves of angry emails, and bad press.

Big businesses have proven nicely compliant. (See this Forbes article for the impressive list of corporate donations to racial justice programs alone last year). A board member exposed as a supporter of an organization that opposed Black Lives Matter will find himself in trouble. It only takes one or two cases of a business leader taken down, as Brendan Eich was in 2014 because he had made a modest donation to Proposition 8 in California six years earlier, for everyone else to get the point.

Conservative institutions need those donors. They cant survive without them, and when it comes to survival versus firm, up-front conservative action, a leader knows what must be done. He has bottom lines to consider. If a fight is in order, it must be carried out by conservative intellectuals who maintain some legitimacy and standing for conservatism in the public sphere, though the intellectuals may have no direct connection to the organization. They do battle in the marketplace of ideas, writing books and articles and op-eds, appearing on radio and talk shows, and speaking at meetings and on college campuses. There, they can lay out data on kids in single-parent families, the record of various welfare programs over the years, political bias in classrooms, and other empirical evidence that undermines progressivist claims. Thats what neoconservative and libertarian social scientists did in the 1970s and 80s, when they submitted Great Society programs and policies to an analysis of their outcomes. Charles Murrays study of welfare, Losing Ground, was a prime example, and it played a role in welfare reform in the 1990s.

In order for that kind of change to happen, however, conservative intellectuals and researchers need media and a publishing industry open to their submissions. The op-ed pages of major newspapers may lean well to the left, but they would admit a conservative argument often enough to uphold a claim to pluralism. If you had to select the one book that infuriated progressives the most in the last 50 years, Murray and Richard Herrnsteins The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life might be the one, and it was published by the Free Press, an imprint of trade publisher Simon & Schuster.

As I observed in my previous column, no way in the world would Simon & Schuster publish The Bell Curve today. Newspapers and trade publishers dont want it, or anything like it. When the New York Times published Sen. Tom Cottons (R-Ark.) op-ed on using the military to quell the rioting of Summer 2020, employees at the paper went into a rage, the editor apologized, and the entire issue of military intervention was closed. What was surprising wasnt the uproar, but the appearance of the law-and-order argument in the first place, which happened only because the author was in the Senate. A conservative intellectual without that kind of backing couldnt do it.

This removal of conservative argument from the public square leaves the conservative executive at a loss. His intellectual allies do have conservative media and presses open to them, yes, but those outlets are far outnumbered by liberal ones. He has to acknowledge that the latter have a lot more power in American life than the former, however much conservatives have won one debate after another, and those outlets have never been more anti-conservative than they are at the present time. The old marketplace of ideas doesnt exist anymore. A conservative executive understands that the public square is tilted against him, and that the moment his institution is labelled racist, nativist, etc., theres little hope of reversing the charge. He feels the walls closing in, doors being shut, microphones turned off.

The result is a new fissure on the right. On one side, you have conservative executives who wish to sustain their institutions. Thats their job. Their method is to go a little soft, to shy away from those issues the left feels most strongly about, especially the identity issues and Donald Trump (and his fans). They will push traditional positions on small government, low taxes, school choice, and free markets, but stay silent about the upheavals of last summer, systemic racism, and transphobia.

On the other side are conservatives who neednt worry about protecting any institution. Theyre free agents, theyre angry, they say what they think. They didnt agree with all that Donald Trump advocated, but his outspoken political incorrectness pleased them more than anything they heard from the Republican Party in the last 21 years. They are where the energy is on the right, and they dont worry about how the left will react to them. They dont care about how the media, academia, elite Democrats, or any other liberal force will respond. Theyre beyond intimidation.

For this reason, they make institutional leaders nervous. Will the latest words out of Tucker Carlson, which bring outrage from the left, draw the institution into controversy? Will Donald Trumps next speech force the institution into a statement of agreement or disavowal? Its a lose-lose proposition: Either renounce the outspoken conservative and anger the many Americans who like what that figure said; or, defend the figure and suffer the smears of liberal columnists and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Better to take a third way, to pretend it hasnt occurred, that the mouthpieces who hit hard at social issues that are sacred to the left simply dont exist. Thats the preferred tactic, a play-it-safe approach, and maybe it makes sense as an institutional plan. But its not going to work. The problem isnt the loud ones on the right. Its what we began with, the highly successful movement of the left to squeeze strong social and religious conservatism out of every public and private space. Conservative executives arent going to save their institutions by avoiding those zones that spark the ire of the left and sticking to less heated issues.

The individuals and groups pushing the cancellation of conservatives dont make much distinction between outspoken conservatives and soft-spoken conservatives. Charles Murray is a thoughtful, careful social scientist, an atheist who leans libertarian and who criticized Donald Trump, yet he has been attacked just as vigorously as was Steve Bannon. To a true believer on the left, all conservatives are equally abhorrent. Identity-leftists arent liberals, they arent pluralists, and they snort at political and intellectual diversity. They refuse to share public space, and once they remove the outspoken conservatives, the soft-spoken ones are next.

We can only hope that as more cancellations happen those conservative executives realize that the best they can expect from the left is a delayed attack, and that if their days are numbered, the best course is to go down fighting.

Mark Bauerlein is an emeritus professor of English at Emory University. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Weekly Standard, The Washington Post, the TLS, and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Tory Riding Associations War Chests Larger Than Other Parties, Analysis Shows

OTTAWAAn in-depth analysis by The Canadian Press of federal parties financing at the grassroots level shows Conservative candidates riding-based war chests are flush with cash, dramatically outpacing their political rivals.

A review of the most recent financial statements filed by riding associations to Elections Canada show that Conservative associations have, on average, just under $61,000 in net assets, almost $25,000 more than the ruling Liberals whose associations on average had $36,250 in net assets at the end of 2020.

The figures were smaller for New Democrats and Greens whose riding associations had assets valued in the four-digit range  $7,123 and $6,240, respectively.

The figures are based on annual returns for the 2020 fiscal year filed by July 22 from parties represented in the House of Commons. In all, there were 150 Green associations, 234 NDP associations, 143 Liberal and 251 Conservatives included in the analysis.

Only 10 Bloc Quebecois associations had filed their returns with Elections Canada at the time of this analysis. The party only runs candidates in Quebec. The 10 associations with returns had on average $22,416 in net assets.

More returns are likely to trickle in over the coming weeks, such as Conservative Leader Erin OTooles association in his riding of Durham, and Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchets riding of BeloeilChambly.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus association in Papineau had just over $83,000 in net assets, while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singhs association in Burnaby South had $61,435.

While the parties like to tout their fundraising prowess at the national level, a well-stocked riding association cannot only help fund local contests but also transfer money to other associations and the national campaign to help cover costs.

The riding associations themselves are the formal entities that can raise money in between campaigns, and may use some of that to promote a new or incumbent candidate locally before campaign spending limits come into play, said David Coletto of Abacus Data, who has studied the financing of riding associations.

How much they can raise depends on a variety of factors, including whether the party has a prominent MP or cabinet minister and local demographics, said Tom Flanagan, a former Conservative campaign adviser and now a retired University of Calgary politics professor.

There is a lot of imbalance in fundraising  and parties try to address it in various ways to move money around to where it is needed, he said. And like everything in politics, the processes are imperfect, but you do your best.

The top10 riding associations in the country were all Conservative in the analysis, with longtime MP Scott Reids association in the Ontario riding of Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston the most well-stocked with over $351,000 in net assets.

The top Liberal is Procurement Minister Anita Anand, whose riding association in Oakville had nearly $205,000 in net assets, which puts the association two spots shy of the top 10.

Green MP and former leader Elizabeth May has the most flush association in her party with Saanich-Gulf Islands (over $160,500) while Don Davies is the top New Democrat with his Vancouver Kingsway association holding just over $99,000 in net assets.

The associations with candidates that raise the most money are often the ones that least need it to win, Flanagan said.

Where the money is needed is in ridings where the parties believe they have a shot at winning, but little cash to make it happen, said Lori Turnbull, director of Dalhousie Universitys school of public administration. Parties will move money around between associations to concentrate resources in contestable races, she said.

Spending by local associations in those ridings can have a small effect on election outcomes, Coletto said.

It could matter, and especially in some of those close races, he said. But for the most part, most people dont vote for the local candidate. Theyre voting because of factors that are usually national or beyond even the national campaign.

Essentially, riding associations have become more like fast-food franchises where what they dole out as far as messaging doesnt often waver from what the national campaign has set out, Turnbull said.

Where it might waver is in ridings where parties dont expect their pitch or their leader to resonate with voters, she said.

They will concentrate resources or time and money on ridings that they think are more contestable, she said. Thats up to the party to decide whether something is worth giving it a shot.

By Jordan Press
Trump: McConnell, Republicans Should Ditch Bipartisan Talks Until They Have Majority

Former President Donald Trump has called on Senate Republicans to ditch talks with Democrats on a bipartisan infrastructure deal until the GOP can retake majorities in Congress.

As Senate negotiators attempt to finalize a deal on the infrastructure bill, which is believed to be around $1 trillion, Trump said that GOP lawmakers are being absolutely savaged by Democrats on the so-called bipartisan infrastructure bill, according to his July 26 statement.

The former commander-in-chief said that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and negotiators including Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah), were only interested in proving they could come to a bipartisan agreement.

It is so important to [McConnell] that he is agreeing to almost anything, he stated. Dont do the infrastructure deal, wait until after we get proper election results in 2022 or otherwise, and regain a strong negotiating stance. Republicans, dont let the Radical Left play you for weak fools and losers!

Several weeks ago, President Joe Biden appeared alongside several Republican and Democrat negotiators at the White House, announcing that they could come to an agreement. Negotiators and the Biden administration told Reuters that they were still optimistic on July 25, but it was unclear how soon they could finalize the fine print of a complex measure in a tense political atmosphere.

Biden has said the plan is essential, but he also wants it to be followed by a much larger $3.5 trillion budget framework that would allow for more spending on some of his other priorities, including climate measures and social spending. Republicans have said they wont support the larger measure, leading Democrat senators to say they would pass the measure via budget reconciliation, which doesnt require Republican support.

Portman, the lead Republican negotiator on the bipartisan infrastructure plan, said on July 25 on ABCs This Week that spending on mass transit was the only issue outstanding, and an agreement could be reached this week.

Were about 90 percent of the way there, he said.

But Portman warned that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) could torpedo the entire infrastructure effort after she insisted that the Senate must also pass the larger $3.5 trillion spending package in order for the infrastructure bill to be considered in the House.

Over the weekend, Pelosi reiterated that statement, telling ABC News that Democrats are rooting for the infrastructure bill to pass, but we all know that more needs to be done.

What she has just said is counter to what President Biden has committed to, Portman told the network. Its the way we ought to be doing things here in Washington to get stuff done, and I cant believe the speaker of the House would be blocking it.

McConnells office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.
US Calls on China to Be a Responsible Power

BEIJINGA senior U.S. diplomat called on China, as a responsible global power, to rise above their differences and work with the United States on difficult global issues such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, speaking in an interview with The Associated Press after talks on July 26 with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, also said the United States welcomes vigorous economic competition with China but does not want it to veer into conflict.

China has bristled at American criticism on issues from human rights to its territorial ambitions and said repeatedly that the United States cannot expect cooperation while also suppressing Chinas development, a charge that Sherman denied.

There are some things that rise above specific differences that are the global responsibility of great powers, Sherman said in a phone interview shortly after she wrapped up successive meetings with Xie and Wang in the Chinese city of Tianjin.

The meetings were the second face-to-face talks between top diplomats of the two countries since President Joe Biden took office in January, coming four months after testy exchanges between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and veteran Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi in Anchorage, Alaska, in March.

Sherman, serving in the job since April, described the meetings as another step in the process of trying to work through critical issues with China.

We will see whether, in fact, theres follow up and we are able to move another step, she said. Theres no way to know in the early stages of building this relationship whether we will get to all the places that we hoped for.

She said they had frank conversations on issues that divide them, ticking off a long list of United States concerns including what she called the crimes against humanity toward Muslims in Chinas Xinjiang region, the clampdown on democracy in Hong Kong, Chinas use of its economic size to pressure others, and its aggressive actions around Taiwan and in the South and East China Seas.

Sherman also pressed for the release of some Americans and Canadians detained in China, saying people are not bargaining chips, and raised concern about pressure on foreign journalists in China. China has tried two Canadians on national security charges in apparent retaliation for Canadas arrest of a Chinese Huawei executive wanted in the U.S.

Xie accused the United States of trying to contain Chinas development and said it should change course, embrace fair competition, and work with China on the basis of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, according to a Foreign Ministry summary of his remarks. China calls criticism of its policies in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan interference in its internal affairs.

Sherman said the U.S. welcomes vigorous competition and believes it is important for China to grow and better the lives of its people, but in a way that is in accord with international rules and does not diminish any other country.

We do expect  them to understand that human rights are not just an internal matter, they are a global commitment, which they have signed up for under the U.N. Universal Declaration on Human Rights, she said.

Sherman, a Democrat who previously worked on North Korea and Iran talks in the Clinton and Obama administrations, said that China and the U.S. could work together on climate, anti-narcotics efforts, and regional issues such as North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Burma (also known as Myanmar).

Each side shared concerns and issues that they hope can be resolved, she said. I hope that we see those resolutions for the sake of many people whose lives and futures depend on it. But we will have to see.

By Ken Moritsugu
A driver uses the map on the DiDi Chuxing ride-hailing app on his smartphone while driving on a street in Beijing on July 5, 2021. (GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)

US Investors Hit by Beijing as Newly Listed DiDi Could Face Unprecedented Sanctions

Chinese ride-hailing giant DiDi Chuxing has taken investors on a roller coaster ride since it became a target of an unprecedented clampdown by Beijing just days after its debut on the New York Stock Exchange.

The company went public on June 30, raising $4.4 billion from global investors in one of the largest U.S. share offerings of the past decade, which valued the company at around $70 billion. Within just 48 hours after its debut, however, the Chinese communist regime went after DiDi, ordering a cybersecurity review of the company.

DiDis shares have dropped more than 40 percent since its initial public offering (IPO), which priced the shares at $14. And the news is only getting worse as Beijing is now reportedly weighing serious penalties for the ride-hailing company.

Bloomberg on July 22 reported that Chinese regulators were considering serious, perhaps unprecedented, penalties, which include a forced delisting or withdrawal of the companys shares from the stock exchange.

Beijing might also impose sanctions on DiDi that are greater than the record $2.8 billion antitrust fine swallowed by the Alibaba Group earlier this year, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. Other potential actions against the company are suspension of certain operations or installing a state-owned investor.

U.S. lawyers are now preparing class-action lawsuits over DiDis IPO to recover losses suffered by investors. The company and its executives are accused of making false and misleading statements and failing to disclose material information about communications with the Chinese regulators.

The Wall Street Journal reported on July 5 that Chinas cybersecurity watchdog had asked DiDi months before its IPO to postpone the offering and urged it to conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security.

Despite the potential penalties, the company decided to forge ahead with its IPO.

The lead underwriters for the companys share saleGoldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan Chasehave also come under fire. The Bloomberg report revealed that bankers were informed about the discussions with the Chinese regulators and their concerns about DiDis data practices.

Despite these concerns, the executives, investors, and bankers gave the green light on June 28 to go ahead with the IPO that would fill the companys coffers and enrich all of them, the report said.

DiDi told its bankers to keep a very low profile during the IPO. Hence, there was no press conference, no bell ringing, and no celebration during the offering.

Beijing has been vague about its reasons, saying DiDi had illegally collected and used personal data. But even before the listing, the company had already been on Beijings radar. The company along with other tech giants was subject to an investigation as to whether it employed monopolistic behavior or unfair competition practices.

In other contexts, the Chinese regime has shown no regard for how personal data are collected or whether a company is a monopoly.

There may be other reasons for Beijings behavior, according to Jason Ma, a China expert.

In an interview with NTD News, Ma said the regime doesnt want domestic companies to be listed in overseas stock markets.

The Party doesnt want Chinese companies to head to the U.S. and set off the financial markets there, he said. It prefers these companies go listed in Hong Kong stock exchange, which is under the Partys control.

DiDi was founded in Beijing in 2012 by former Alibaba manager Cheng Wei. Dubbed the Uber of China, the company commands the largest market share in the country.

The company holds crucial user data, according to experts. Because 80 percent of car bookings in China go through DiDi, it can track most of the populations whereabouts, according to Ma.

For example, DiDi data in 2015 revealed that traffic at the Ministry of State Security was among the busiest. At the time, reports indicated that the ministry was busy working on two issues, investigating stock market malpractice and cracking down on human rights lawyers.

For the Chinese regime, this data is a state secret, Ma said.

If for some reason, this company gives such data to the United States, this is indeed a national security concern for the Chinese regime.

Li Min, DiDis vice president, denied that possibility and called the speculation malicious rumors.

Like most Chinese firms listed overseas, DiDi stores its Chinese user data on Chinese servers, and in no way would we hand the data to the United States, Li wrote in a Chinese social media post on July 3.

In the first half of this year, 34 companies from the mainland and Hong Kong raised a record $12.4 billion through public offerings in the United States, according to Dealogic data. And Wall Streets top investment banks earned more than $450 million in fees for assisting these Chinese IPOs.

Even as the U.S. Congress begins to tighten controls on China-based companies listed on U.S. exchanges, these companies continue to seek U.S. capital. Dozens more Chinese firms are planning to go public in the United States this year.

Beijings growing crackdown, however, is expected to make it harder for Chinese firms to list on U.S. exchanges going forward.
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman leaves after a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on Feb. 22, 2015. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images)

US to Stress Need for Guardrails in Shermans Talks in China

WASHINGTON/BEIJINGU.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will tell China in upcoming talks that while Washington welcomes competition, there needs to be a level playing field and guardrails to ensure ties do not veer into conflict, U.S. officials said on Saturday.

The senior officials, briefing reporters ahead of Shermans talks in Tianjin with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, said the worlds two largest economies needed responsible ways to manage competition.

Shes going to underscore that we do not want that stiff and sustained competition to veer into conflict, one senior U.S. administration official said ahead of the first high-ranking, face-to-face contact between Washington and Beijing in months as the two sides gauge how they can ease festering ties.

The U.S. wants to ensure that there are guardrails and parameters in place to responsibly manage the relationship, he said. Everyone needs to play by the same rules and on a level playing field.

Sherman arrived in Tianjin, southeast of Beijing, on Sunday.

A day ahead of her arrival, Chinas top diplomat, Wang Yi, warned that the Chinese regime did not accept the United States taking a superior position in the relationship.

If the U.S. has not learned how to deal with other countries on an equal footing, then we have the responsibility to work with the international community to teach the United States this lesson, he said, in remarks published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website.

Following Shermans trip, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will next week travel to Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit India, signs of U.S. efforts to intensify engagement as the Chinese regime challenges U.S. influence in Asia.

Shermans talks follow several combative months since the countries first senior diplomatic meeting under President Joe Bidens administration in March.

Chinese officials publicly lambasted the United States at that meeting in Alaska, accusing it of hegemonic policies. U.S. officials accused the Chinese regime of grandstanding.

The Tianjin meeting would be a continuation of the Alaskan talks and all dimensions of the relationship will be on the table, the U.S. official said on Saturday.

Tit-for-Tat Sanctions

Since Alaska, Washington and Beijing have traded diplomatic barbs on an almost constant basis. The latest was on Friday when Beijing sanctioned former U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and other individuals and groups in response to U.S. sanctions over the Chinese communist regimes suppression of democracy in Hong Kong.

With bilateral ties so poor, foreign policy experts do not expect significant outcomes from Tianjin.

If the talks go reasonably well, however, they could help set the stage for an eventual meeting between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, possibly on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Italy in October.

Bonnie Glaser, an Asia expert at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, said the trips by Blinken and Austin, as well as diplomatic efforts such as a planned second summit between Biden and leaders from Japan, India, and Australia later in the year, may have China feeling hemmed in.

The Chinese are undoubtedly concerned that the U.S. is making some progress in forging coalitions aimed at pressuring China, she said.

The Biden administration has sought to rally partners against what it sees as increasingly coercive Chinese policies, including treatment of minority Muslims in its Xinjiang region that Washington says amounts to genocide. The Chinese regime denies that.

Washington recently mustered an unusually broad coalition of countries, including NATO and the European Union, to publicly accuse Beijing of a global cyberespionage campaign.

The bitterness was on display as the Chinese regime insisted in its announcement of the visit that it had been sought by Washington. That followed days of haggling over protocol, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters in Beijing, including whether Wang or less senior Chinese officials would meet Sherman.
Vatican Announces Criminal Charges for Financial Corruption and Money Laundering; Trial Begins Tuesday

VATICAN CITYThe Holy See has announced criminal charges against 10 individualsboth clergy and laymenin ongoing attempts to punish widespread financial corruption. Their trial begins July 27.

Among those named in a July 3 statement was Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, once the No. 2 at the Vaticans Secretariat of State. A recent revelation in the Italian press may also implicate Beccius former boss at the Secretariat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

In a recent wide-ranging expose, the Italian state-owned news outlet RAI3 detailed the ongoing accusations of corruption, alleged espionage, and Iranian money laundering plaguing the heart of the Catholic Church.

Beccius alleged involvement, oversight, and coverup were at the center of the investigative report, but through his lawyers, the Italian cardinal says hes innocent. In a statement issued to select journalists on July 3, Becciu stated, I am the victim of a machination wrought against me, and I have been waiting for some time to learn of the charges, if any, against me, to enable me promptly to prove to the world my absolute innocence.

Allegations at the center of the RAI3 report came from Dr. Libero Milone, former auditor general of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA)the office established by Pope Paul VI to oversee the provisions owned by the Holy See in order to provide the funds necessary for the Roman Curia to function. This includes the Vatican Bank.

In the interview, Milone alleges thatin addition to previously reported financial scandalsthe Vatican had invested 20 million euros in two Swiss pharmaceutical companies, Roche and Novartis. These companies produce the morning-after abortifacient pill, which contradicts the Catholic Churchs teachings on abortion.

The report went on to clarify that after Milone discovered these investments, the Vatican took swift action to correct them, but soon, Milone was to discover another potential scandalmoney investments from Iran into accounts, in violation of international sanctions.

Milone also noted that previous scandals have included the use of Peters Pence tithes (a large portion gathered from U.S.-based faithful meant specifically for the poor) to fund non-Catholic projects such as an Elton John biopic and a failed London property deal at the center of the new criminal charges. That deal led to a subsequent police raid on the offices of the Vatican Secretariat of State, and Beccius resignation.

Newly elevated Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu in the Apostolic Palace at St Peters Basilica in the Vatican on June 28, 2018. (Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images)

Alleged Money Laundering

Becciu first made headlines in late September 2020, when news broke that he had been forced to resign, due in part to allegations of financial corruption. Pope Francis stripped the cardinal of all rights afforded to those who wear the red hat, although Becciu has maintained his innocence.

The Epoch Times contacted Becciu for comment when the report from RAI3 broke; the Italian cardinal replied through his lawyer, Fabio Viglione.

With reference to the events of the Iranian Embassy, the Secretariat of State, as part of ordinary institutional activity, was asked by the Director General of the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR) to express an opinion on banking operations of the See, and specifically on the possibility of paying cash into its account opened at the Institute for the Works of Religion because of the international embargo in place against Iran  in execution of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which requires that the proper functioning, including economic, of diplomatic representations be guaranteed, Viglione wrote.

The Secretariat of State, after examining the request  proceeded to communicate the results of the investigation to the [Iranians]. It can be understood that only payments could have been made in cash, while outgoings by bank transfer.

[This expose bases] speculation of a money-laundering activity [on] an excerpt of a letter from the Secretariat of State  which refers to this office activity. However, it surprisingly lacks the second half of the letter which clarifies and eliminates any suspicion: In this regard, you will want to ensure that everything takes place in a transparent manner and according to the rules in force, assessing what the real needs of the Embassy may be and taking into account that it would not be prudent for there to be movements of money greater than those necessary for the proper functioning of the diplomatic mission in question. It was just a way of using the diplomatic current account to better meet the ordinary needs of Embassy staff.

Accusations of Surveillance

Milone alleges that at the time of his auditing, he began to suspect that his work and communications were being surveilled. An investigation led to his belief that Becciu was behind the surveillance.

The Epoch Times requested that Becciu comment on the claims by Milone that he was personally involved in a human intelligence operation, and the cardinal responded through his lawyer with a claim that Milone himself had been involved in inappropriate surveillance.

Becciu claims he was directed to fire Milone, and the reasons for the firing were publicly disclosed in a Sept. 24, 2017, communique.

The communique reads: Unfortunately, it turns out that the Office directed by Dr. Milone, going beyond his competence, illegally commissioned an external Company to carry out investigative activities on the private lives of exponents of the Holy See. This, in addition to constituting a crime, has irreparably damaged the trust placed in Dr. Milone, who, faced with his responsibilities, has freely decided to resign. Such investigations have been conducted with every scruple and with respect for all persons.

Secretary of State Censured?

Only a few days prior to Beccius public censure by Pope Francis, the secretary of stateCardinal Pietro Parolinseemed to receive a separate censure. Pope Francis quietly removed Parolin from oversight of the Vatican Banka move that raised eyebrows inside the Vatican.

Parolin later told Italian media that his immediate and unannounced removal was a normal rotation.

As far as I know, it is certainly not linked to all the economic events in the Vatican, he said. Yet, a month later, the pope removed all administrative access to financial assets from the Secretariat of State.

As more revelations about Becciu were brought to light, so too a letter was leaked to the Italian press, a request for an additional loan for the same London property embroiled in the scandal that forced Becciu to resignsigned on letterhead by his direct superior, Parolin.

Until this revelation, it seemed the secretary of state had distanced himself from knowledge of and responsibility in oversight of these financial scandals.

When the Vatican released the names of those charged with financial crimes, Parolin stated to journalists that the Secretariat would constitute itself a civil party to the prosecution of the accused, claiming, We are considered victims, followed by I hope that the trial will be brief and can find the truth.

Meanwhile, more questions remain as to why a key figure in this and other connected financial scandals, Monsignor Alberto Perlascaformer head of the Vatican Secretariat of States administrative officehas avoided charges after his home and office were raided by Vatican police, and assets were reportedly frozen.

Perlasca is reportedly the highest-ranking figure to have turned whistleblower against his former superior, Becciu. Sources tell The Epoch Times that the merits and legality of Perlascas testimony, the alleged release of his frozen assets around March, and his involvement in the scandals will be key within the preliminary arguments of the defense at trial, which is to begin July 27.

Outside the expected politicking, the assumption of responsibility for these scandals will now have serious consequences. With Pope Francis issuing a series of new orders within the Vatican, one order has pushed trials to lower courts, including lifting the privilege once reserved to cardinals of only being judged by the pope himself. It seems, with these orders, the moves made by Pope Francis to address financial corruption at the Vatican are now fully underway.
Vatican Trial Opens Into Financial Scandal Rocking Papacy

VATICAN CITYA cardinal who allegedly induced an underling to lie to prosecutors; brokers and lawyers who pulled a fast one over the Vatican No. 2 to get him to approve a disastrous real estate deal; a self-styled intelligence analyst who bought Prada and Louis Vuitton items with the Vatican money that she was supposed to send to rebels holding a Catholic nun hostage.

Vatican prosecutors have alleged a jaw-dropping series of scandals in the biggest criminal trial in the Vaticans modern history, which opens Tuesday in a modified courtroom in the Vatican Museums. The once-powerful cardinal and nine other people are accused of bleeding the Holy See of tens of millions of dollars in donations through bad investments, deals with shady money managers, and apparent favors to friends and family. They face prison sentences, fines, or both if convicted.

The trial, which will likely be postponed for several months after the first hearings Tuesday and Wednesday, is the culmination of a two-year investigation into the Holy Sees flawed 350 million ($412 million) London real estate venture. That operation exposed the Vaticans once-secret financial dealings and its structural dysfunction, which allowed just a few people to do so much damage to the Vaticans finances and reputation, with little expertise or oversight.

St. Peters Basilica is silhouetted at dusk at the Vatican on June 29, 2017. (Riccardo De Luca/AP Photo)

But the prosecutors case also suggests that Pope Francis and his top lieutenants were not only aware of some of the key transactions, but in some cases explicitly authorized them, even without full documentation or understanding the details. Given the hierarchical nature of the Holy See and the obedience required of underlings to their religious superiors, questions also remain about why some people were charged and others not.

One Vatican monsignor who until recently was considered by prosecutors to be a key suspect, Monsignor Alberto Perlasca, managed to avoid indictment. Perlascas office handled the London investment from start to finish and his boss had identified him as the main in-house culprit in obscuring the deals costly outcome. But prosecutors suggested that Perlasca flipped and became an important witness, in part after coming under pressure to recant his testimony by the lone cardinal on trial, Angelo Becciu.

Francis, who as absolute monarch wields supreme legislative, executive, and judicial power in Vatican City, has in many ways already convicted Becciu.

Last year, Francis presented Becciu with evidence that he had sent  100,000 ($118,000) in Vatican funds to a Sardinian charity run by Beccius brother. Francis secured Beccius resignation as head of the Vaticans saint-making office and then stripped him of his rights as cardinal, a sanction that was announced immediately by the Vatican press office.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu talks to journalists during press conference in Rome, on Sept. 25, 2020. (Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo)

Becciu, who is charged with embezzlement and pressuring Perlasca to recant, has denied any wrongdoing.

The onetime chief of staff in the Vatican secretariat of state, Becciu is also linked to a mysterious figure who is also on trial, Cecilia Marogna, whom he hired in 2016 as an external security consultant. Prosecutors allege Marogna embezzled 575,000 ($678,000) in Vatican funds that Becciu had authorized for ransoms to free Catholic hostages. Bank records from her Slovenian front company show the Vatican wire transfers were used instead to pay bills at luxury shops and boutique hotels. Marogna says the money was legitimate compensation and reimbursement for her intelligence-related expenses.

The London real estate deal dates to 2014, when the Vaticans secretariat of state decided to invest an initial 200 million ($236 million) in a fund operated by Italian businessman Raffaele Mincione, with half the money put into the London building, half in other investments.

By November 2018, the original investment had lost 18 million ($21 million), prosecutors say, prompting the Vatican to seek an exit strategy while retaining its stake in the building in Londons swank Chelsea neighborhood.

Enter Gianluigi Torzi, another broker, who helped arrange a 40 million ($47 million) payout to Mincione.

But prosecutors say Torzi then hoodwinked the Holy See by secretly restructuring 1,000 shares in the propertys new holding company in a way that gave him full voting rights. Prosecutors say Torzi then extorted the Vatican for 15 million ($17.7 million) to get control of the building that it thought it had already acquired.

Mincione and Torzi, who are accused of fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, and other charges, have denied wrongdoing.

Beccius successor as chief of staff, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, told prosecutors that Francis had made clear by November 2018 that he wanted to lose as little money as possible to finally secure ownership of the building and turn the page and start over. It was a message Francis repeated to Torzi himself during a January 2019 meeting, Pena Parra told prosecutors.

After realizing that Torzi actually controlled the building and based on Francis desire to move forward, Pena Parra said the Vatican had two choices. Those were to sue him or pay him off for the 1,000 voting shares that he owned. Pena Parra said the Vaticans concern was that suing him could take years and even possibly end in Torzis favor.

Between these two options, with the advice of lawyers and experts, option No. 2 was chosen because it was considered more economical, with more contained risks and in a more manageable time frame, Pena Parra wrote in his testimony seen by The Associated Press.

And yet the payout of 15 million ($17.7 million) to Torzi is at the heart of the case. Prosecutors accuse Torzi of extorting the Vatican for the money and the Vaticans financial oversight agency of failing to stop the deal. The oversights managers say the Vatican had no choice but to pay Torzi, given the Secretariat of Stateknowingly or notsigned legally binding contracts that gave Torzi control of the building.

Prosecutors say the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was deceived into approving Torzis contract by a lawyer who drafted a one-page memo describing the deal but omitting key details, including Torzis voting stake. Pena Parra said only later did the Vatican realize the lawyer was associated with Torzi. Quoting Parolins own notes, Pena Parra said the cardinal approved the deal based on the lawyers brief memo and assurances from Perlasca and another Vatican money manager, Fabrizio Tirabassi.

Parolin, Pena Parra, and Perlasca were not charged. Tirabassi is charged with corruption, extortion, embezzlement, fraud, and abuse of office; he denies wrongdoing.

By Nicole Winfield
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews points as he inspects the underground site of the currently being built, State Library station, as part of the Metro Tunnel metropolitan rail infrastructure project on Nov. 6, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Victorian Construction Workers Urged to Get Vaccinated by Christmas

The Victorian construction industry hopes tens of thousands of workers will get vaccinated by Christmas or earlier to prevent site shutdowns amid state government lockdowns.

This comes as the NSW construction industry enters the second week of forced shutdown, while Victorian construction sites are currently permitted to operate during lockdown with capacity limits.

We hope that COVID-19 vaccinations can be rolled out to building and construction workers to protect our industry from future Victorian lockdowns, Master Builders Victoria (MBV) CEO Rebecca Casson said in an email to The Epoch Times.

Getting as many Victorians informed about the vaccines as quickly as possible so that there is no longer any reason for lockdowns, border closures, or other restrictions is vitally important for our sector and our community.

Onsite in-reach vaccination programs for construction workers have been put forward to the federal government since March. However, vaccine supply and uncertainty around a start date for the rollout have prevented the programs from starting.

Incolinkan industry fund that administers redundancy funds and other benefits to Victorian construction workershas the capability to deliver 40,000 vaccinations on-site, all they need is a green light from the Federal Government and a start date, Casson said.

Building and construction workers often work a six-day week and would prefer to be vaccinated at work, Casson added.

This was echoed by the Victorian branch of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), who told The Epoch Times that having an onsite vaccination site supported their ethos of putting the safety of our members first.

According to Casson, the industrys plan of onsite vaccinations would cost $3 million and would be modelled on the industrys COVID-19 testing operation, where an Incolink bus facilitated almost 25,000 on-site tests.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health told The Epoch Times that under Operation COVID Shield, additional channels are being considered to fast-track vaccinations, such as establishing workplace vaccination programs.

The Department of Health also confirmed its goal of getting Australians who want to be vaccinated to be vaccinated by the end of the year, adding that businesses and industry have a huge role to play.

An Informed Decision

While the federal government is pushing ahead with its vaccine rollout, there are concerns about whether workers will be forced to get vaccinated as a condition of their employment.

For instance, a survey of close to 400 Queensland nurses found more than 80 percent of nurses said no to mandatory vaccination, while 75 percent objected to the vaccination being a condition of their employment in the interest of patient safety, reported The Australian.

Additionally, nurses were among the most well-informed in the community about the COVID-19 vaccine, Nurses Professional Association of Queensland (NPAQ) president Marg Gilbert said, adding that vaccinations were still experimental therapy at this point.

When you go for a vaccination, you give informed consent, so there are issues around giving informed consent when youre not fully informed.

However, among 1000 Australians surveyed by strategic insights consultancy Nature, half said they thought employers should be allowed to insist their employees are fully vaccinated, reported News Corp.

Rocco Loiacono, a senior lecturer at Curtin University Law School in Perth, Australia, believes mandatory vaccine policies are not lawful since they cannot override the principle of informed consent, he told The Epoch Times.

Loiacono cited the Australian Immunisation Handbook, which states that [Vaccines] must be given voluntarily in the absence of undue pressure, coercion or manipulation.

All individuals have the right to be informed of the risks and benefits of medical treatment, he said.

The other issue here is that these vaccines have provisional approval.

In other words, there is some evidence that it prevents COVID-19. However, it is not yet known whether it prevents transmission or asymptomatic disease.

He added that mandating a vaccine for which there is no known longer terms efficacy and safety data from ongoing clinical trials, may imperil the lives of employees and put employers at risk of actions in negligence, potentially pursuant to the eggshell skull rule.

The eggshell skull rule provides that even if a person is more susceptible to injury or is fragile, it is no defence to the seriousness of the injury caused to them, Loiacono said in an op-ed.

The current advice by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)Australias peak body responsible for regulating therapeutic goodsis that vaccination against COVID-19 is the single most effective way to reduce severe illness and death from infection.

Additionally, on June 30, the Department of Health announced that residential aged care workers must have received at least the first dose by mid-September.

The strong advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) to all aged care workers since January 2021 has been to get vaccinated.

Currently, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine as the preferred vaccine for those aged 16 to under 60 years, and AstraZeneca to over 60s.

There is an ever-present risk of COVID-19 in Australia while the population remains largely susceptible to infection, ATAGI said.

Casson from Master Builders Victoria said it is continuing to encourage workers in the building and construction industry to make an informed decision on the COVID-19 vaccine.

We have called on the State and Federal Governments to maintain a sense of urgency and proactively educate and inform Victorians about the vaccine.
WA Unable to Poach Workers From Other States as Skills Shortage Grips Australia

The nationwide skill shortage in Australia has made Western Australias (WA) potential of poaching east coast skilled workers more difficult.

A survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) revealed a bidding war has started in the country to secure Australian workers.

Over half of businesses across almost every sector reported having suitable candidates decline job offers due to better wage offers elsewhere.

The scarcity of skilled workers emerged as the biggest barrier to growth for WA businesses this year, but the rest of Australia is also experiencing acute demand pressures, CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell said in a statement.

The mining industry is in a contest with other businesses for workers, such as finance, energy, and administration. Over 80 percent of resource businesses reported losing prospective workers due to being outbid.

As the heart of Australias mining industry, WA resource businesses would typically fill job gaps with workers from more populous states or other countries.

However, 16 months of closed international borders have forced the national domestic job market to tighten, lowering WAs prospect of a skills raid on the east coast.

A dump truck carrying gold bearing ore, begins its long trek from the bottom of a Super Pit at Kalgoorlie, Perth, on June 5 2001. (Greg Wood/AFP via Getty Images)

The survey found that of the big states, 63 percent of businesses in New South Wales were struggling to fill a vacant skilled role, followed by Queensland (57 percent) and Victoria (56 percent).

These results dash WAs prospects of poaching east coast workers to fill our skills and labour shortages, Rodwell said. Only a quarter of WA businesses (28 percent) expect to be able to fill all the critical gaps in their workforce from Australian workers.

Other sectors, such as manufacturing and construction, recently reached record high levels of growth that could have been higher if they had attracted more skilled workers.

Employers are having increasing difficulties finding experienced workers as a result of domestic and international border closuresthese labour constraints are at levels not seen since September 2007, ACCI Chief Economist Ross Lambie said in June on the manufacturing industry.

Meanwhile, the motor industry is experiencing its highest skilled labour shortage ever recorded, according to the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA).

Automotive businesses are doing everything in their power to address skills shortages  But its not enough to overcome the gap filled by skilled migration, MTAA CEO Richard Dudley said in a statement.
An image of the Monkey King and his companions from The Journey to The West. (courtesy of Shen Yun )

What Journey to the West Can Teach Us About the Deceitfulness of the CCP

Commentary

There is a classic story from Journey to the West where on three separate occasions, a demon transformed into a girl, an old man, and then an old woman to deceive the Monk Tang Sanzang.

Tang was journeying to India to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures, and it was known that eating his flesh would provide everlasting life.

The demon, however, was thwarted by the resourceful and powerful Monkey King, who, on all three occasions, discovered and killed the girl, the man, and the woman.

Yet, these actions enraged Tang, who, with his mortal eyes, could not see what the demon was doing, and in turn, shocked by Monkey Kings actions, expelled him from the pilgrimage.

The Journey to the West is awash with similar stories and lessons, and it has reminded me of the Wests struggles in dealing with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

News of the Wuhan pandemic broke on January 2020, but it was later confirmed to have begun as early as November 2019.

The CCP has done everything in its power to cover up any real inquiry into its origins, and to some extent, it has succeeded.

Eight Chinese whistleblowersincluding Dr. Li Wenliang, who passed awaywere admonished into silence.

The mayor of Wuhan, who faced tremendous pressure over the outbreak, shirked responsibility for not issuing early warnings and claimed his superiors did not authorise him to disclose any information.

The World Health Organisation also helped the CCP cause by discrediting early warnings from Taiwan.

The CCP also managed to stall and refuse inquiries into the virus for over a year, while punishing Australia economically for publicly calling for an investigation.

One virus probe later, and there are still questions over the veracity of the investigation.

In the 18 months since the pandemic erupted, democratic nations are still unable to confirm the true source of the virusor dare confirm itand can only passively combat the outbreak, new strains, and invest billions into vaccines.

The damage caused is akin to an act of war, yet, political leaders have tread too carefully around the CCP and been unable to see the true intentions of the Chinese regimewhich is to allow the virus to run its course and continue its coverup for as long as it can.

Ultimately, the answers to the global pandemic will not be found in Wuhan, or the P4 Laboratory, but in Zhongnanhai, the central headquarters for the CCP.

In Chinese medicine, practitioners will focus their efforts on treating the root cause of an ailment, rather than just dealing with a symptom.

Regarding COVID-19, we must address the root problem, and not just focus on stop-gap measures. We need to unite and force Beijing to work with the international community.

This will not be easy.

There are calls for a second virus probe. However, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has already warned that there is no way the CCP will cooperate, and potentially risk exposing other biological research they may have.

Overall, the mistakes of democratic nations over the past 18 months have brought me back to the mistake of the Monk Tang Sanzang.

Both Tang and the international community have struggled to see the true essence of their adversaries.

We can only hope that leaders continue waking up and dont shy away from confronting the real fiend of this world.

Australian-based Chin Jin is the global chair of the Federation for a Democratic China. The group advocates for the democratization of China through opposition to the Communist Party and support for human rights. Chin himself experienced first-hand the tragedies of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
White House Refuses to Disclose Number of COVID-19 Breakthrough Cases Among Staff

The White House on Friday refused to release the number of COVID-19 infections among vaccinated staff, known as breakthrough cases, after one aide tested positive earlier last week and some reporters pressed for greater disclosure.

Speaking at a press briefing, press secretary Jen Psaki was asked whether the White House was trying to hide something by not disclosing the number of breakthrough cases among vaccinated White House staff.

No, but why do you need to have that information? Psaki replied.

Transparency, in the interest of the public, having a better understanding of how breakthrough cases work here in the White House, the reporter responded.

Amid the contentious exchange, Psaki pointed to efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track breakthrough cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, the pathogen that causes the disease COVID-19.

Theres a range of means our public health officials are trackingacross the country, across D.C., across any individuals hereabout who is vaccinated, who is getting the virus, getting hospitalized, she said, adding, it remains a small percentage.

According to the CDC, as of July 19, over 161 million people in the United States have been fully vaccinated, while, during the same period, the agency received reports of 5,914 vaccinated patients with breakthrough infections who were hospitalized or died.

Psaki said many medical experts have said people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are protected from serious illness, adding that the impact of breakthrough cases is limited because the country is in a different place now than it was several months ago when the vaccination campaign was in its early stages.

Her remarks came she told reporters on Tuesday that there had been multiple breakthrough COVID-19 infections at the White House that had not previously been revealed. This followed reports that a White House staffer and an aide to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) had both tested positive for COVID-19, despite both being vaccinated.

At the same time, the White House announced Wednesday that it was changing its COVID-19 disclosure policy and will now be announcing any positive tests among officials who come into contact with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, or their spouses.

Prior to the update, Psaki said the Biden administrations policy was to release information on COVID-19 infections only if they occurred among a relatively small group of senior officials, known as commissioned officers.

It comes as the United States grapples with a spike in new infections and as public health officials have issued repeated warnings about the Delta variant, which they say is more transmissible.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcoming ceremony for Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos outside the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China on May 14, 2019. (REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo)

Xi Jinpings Seven Misjudgments

Commentary

All of the problems that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is facing today come from fundamental structural factors that cant be resolved. This is its biggest crisis.

Western countries also encounter issues, but under their democratic form of government, there are solutions. Whether it is fast or slow, deep or shallow, democracies can mitigate conflicts and ultimately redress the balance. However, the CCPs problems require rectification to bring order out of chaos.

Rigidly adhering to communism is the CCPs major structural problem. As proven by history, communism is wishful thinking. The disintegration of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in the communist bloc is an outstanding example of the failure of communism. Deng Xiaoping salvaging a failing system with a capitalist market economy through reform and openness is another. But the CCP continues to seek opportunities to rise while holding fast to communism.

Forty years of reform and openness have transformed the CCP from being strictly communist into crony capitalist, showing that communism is a big sham. However, it still ensures that Red elite families reap public wealth under the cover of a long-term brainwashing mechanism. Will the CCP completely relinquish communism? If they dare to do so, the tyranny will collapse.

Another fundamental problem of the CCP is leader Xi Jinping positioning himself as the ultimate arbiter in having the authority to give the final say. Among all the leaders of the CCP, I think only Mao Zedong had absolute authority. Thats until Xi began emulating Maos dictatorship.

However, Xi falls far behind Mao in many aspects. Regarding an evil nature and political astuteness, Mao enjoyed supreme power in personnel arrangements and left specific affairs such as government operations to Zhou Enlai, vice chairman of the CCP. However, Xi cannot even compare with Zhous high prestige as a Party veteran.

Xis absolute authority is tottering. It is not established by personal achievements of long-term political struggles, but by people around Xi providing unquestionable praise after he took office. Xi simply lacks personal charisma in the party.

He has repeatedly misjudged domestic and foreign situations. His absolute authority leads the regime to miss opportunities and frequently make mistakes in handling domestic and foreign affairs. The regimes recent clampdown on the Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing, right after it went public on the U.S. stock market, caused China Concepts Stock to plunge in the United States and damaged the regimes global image. In addition, a third-generation Red, Zhang Tao, who assaulted two academicians of the International Academy of Astronautics, was only suspended from his duties to cooperate with the investigation a month after the incident. The regime slowly responded to both incidents because they were of great importance that called for Xis opinion.

Since Xi took office, he has made many severe misjudgments based on his personal political insights. These misjudgments have bred ill effects that have not been remedied in time. The regime is digging itself into a hole that only gets deeper.

Xis Seven Misjudgments:

1. China Is Strong Enough to Confront Democracies

The CCP has made great progress in gaining strength and accumulating a great amount of wealth for itself, while leaving a number of Chinese citizens poor, with 600 million people having a monthly income of about $140, according to state-run Global Times. It costs a fortune to achieve external expansion and maintain domestic stability, but the CCP demands more than it can afford.

According to a report by Radio Free Asia, in 2013, the [regimes] $124 billion domestic security bill outstripped the military budget. But since then, it has stopped publishing a total spending figure for its nationwide stability maintenance system, which refers to a plethora of law enforcement agencies, including state security police who target rights activists, political dissidents, religious believers and ethnic minority groups as potential threats to social stability. Considering there are 1.3 billion people inside China, the regime only looks nice on the outside but is virtually rotten beneath the surface.

2. China Has Enjoyed Substantial Wealth From a Strong and Sustained Economy

The fact is that the national economy is crisis-ridden and seriously unbalanced in various categories such as local government debt, property bubbles, obscure and unhealthy bank systems, serious corruption, and many others. It will shake China to its foundations if any of these situations go wrong.

Nowadays, problems arise frequently and the regime is robbing Peter to pay Paul. A prominent example is local governments being forced to rely on new loans to repay debt and fund ongoing construction projects with central authorities struggling to honor their existing financing, according to the South China Morning Post.

China had $2.8 trillion worth of local government debts at the end of 2018. Dong Dengxin, director of the Finance and Securities Institute at the Wuhan University of Science and Technology projected that Chinas outstanding local government bond issuances may exceed $4.6 trillion at the end of 2021, reports state-run Global Times.

Yields on many of the projects invested in by local governments are not optimal, adding to the pressure of debt repayments, especially with the approach of the peak of local government bonds that are due in 2021, according to Xi Junyang, a professor at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics told the Global Times. The worst scenario is looming on the horizon.

People pick up useful construction waste from a garbage dump in Hefei, central Chinas Anhui Province, on Dec. 9, 2012. Chinas wealth gap has widened to a level where it is among the worlds most unequal nations, a Chinese academic institute said in a survey, as huge numbers of poor are left behind by the economic boom. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

3. The West Is Declining

The CCPs united front seems to work well for the communists to infiltrate and create chaos in Western democracies. Take the United States as an example: the financial crisis has dragged down the U.S. economy, the Republican and Democratic Parties have been fighting hard, and many Western media have been more and more left-leaning. Authoritarianism seems to defeat democracy. The West is easy to manipulate.

In fact, domestic issues are not only common in every nation, but also open for debate and improvement in democratic countries. However, Xi fails to realize that a consensus against the push of communist coercion in the international arena has been formed and is getting stronger than ever.

For instance, just this year, three major summits in the Western worldthose of the G-7 (Group of Seven), NATO, and the U.S.EUhighlighted a significant strategic shift to confront the systemic threats posed by the CCP.

In addition, the United States is also promoting the Indo-Pacific Strategy, or the Quad, and strengthening the U.S.Japan and U.S.South Korea military alliance. This indicates that the military coalition among democratic countries is deepening, according to Wang He, a commentator on Chinese current affairs.

4. European Countries Can Be Easily Manipulated

Xi believed the EU did not care about human rights issues as much as the United States, and would remain silent about the CCPs human rights violations in exchange for economic benefits. He thought this would be the perfect time for the CCP to manipulate and control Europe.

On Dec. 7 last year, the EU adopted a decision and a regulation establishing a global human rights sanctions regime. The EU announced in a statement: For the first time, the EU is equipping itself with a framework that would allow it to target individuals, entities, and bodiesincluding state and non-state actorsresponsible for, involved in, or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide, no matter where they occurred.

The EU imposed sanctions on the CCP in March this year over the Xinjiang human rights violations. The CCP counter-sanctioned 10 people and 4 entities of the EU, including European lawmakers. The sanctions imposed by the CCP on the EU have caused serious consequences. The EU on May 20 passed a resolution to freeze ratification of the EUChina Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), in response to Chinas sanctions on EU politicians. This is the most recent consequence of Xis misjudgment toward the EU.

5. Chinas Market and Supply Chains Have Become Indispensable to Western Nations

Xi believes Western countries will bear bitter consequences of worsened relationships with China. Governments will be forced to make concessions under the pressure of business groups and professionals.

The reality is, however, opposite to Xis judgment. The CCPs geopolitical tensions, aggression on neighbors and in the South China Sea, high tariffs, use of forced ethnic minority labor, misusing WTO (World Trade Organization) rules are all coming together to move the worlds factories away from China, according to Financial Express. The pace of this is increasing since the CCP virus has destroyed much of what people knew as a way of life in 2020 and beyond.

The pandemic has brought medical supplies into the group of industries traditionally sensitive to national security concerns such as defense, telecom, and technology. From the United States to Japan to Europe to Australia, governments are pondering how to bring the production of crucial items such as personal protective equipment and pharmaceuticals back home. In November 2020, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham) released its annual China Business Report (pdf) showing that 29 percent, nearly one-third of manufacturers polled by AmCham, were thinking about or already planning to exit China.

6. Pervasive High-Tech Control Has Inhibited the Development of Civil Disobedience

In fact, the prerequisite for effective social control lies in the gradual improvement of peoples living standards. In other words, civil unrest breaks out once the economy declines, peoples livelihoods are at stake, property prices plummet, and unemployment surges.

A 2012 report by the European Union-funded Europe China Research and Advice Network (ECRAN) noted that incidents of social unrest rose from 8,700 in 1993 to 87,000 in 2005. The Ministry of Public Security of the CCP stopped issuing such data altogether after 2005. Unofficial data estimated by a researcher at Tsinghua University suggested that there were 180,000 incidents in 2010.

According to the report, the immediate reasons for such unrest include land disputes, environmental degradation, labor conflicts, and ethnic strife rooted in the institutional structures of central-local relations and the authoritarian nature of Chinese politics. To control society but lose sight of peoples well-being turns society upside down.

Young participants hold a banner during a Stand With Hong Kong rally in Pasadena, Calif., on June 12, 2021. (Ringo Chiu/AFP via Getty Images)

7. Hong Kong Is Easy to Settle, Taiwan Can Be Taken by Force, and Xinjiang Will Be Conquered Behind Closed Doors

But things did not go as planned. The oppression of Hong Kong has sparked international backlash, Taiwan has become an indispensable ally of the United States and Japan, and the Xinjiang suppression has become the regimes weak point. The three issues exacerbate an already difficult situation for the regime.

Nevertheless, the CCP will neither abandon the communist sham, nor will it lessen Xi Jinpings absolute authority. Many of Xis misjudgments have wreaked irreparable harm that comes one after another.

Take Hong Kong for example. Since the Hong Kong National Security Law ended the one country, two systems model on June 30, 2020, the ongoing political turmoil and tensions between China and the West have increased sharply. On July 14, 2020, the United States United States revoked Hong Kongs special trading status, which may expose Hong Kong exports to higher U.S. tariffs as applied to mainland China. The Washington-based Heritage Foundation removed Hong Kong from the 2021 Index of Economic Freedom, where Hong Kong topped for 25 years up to 2019, partly as a result of Beijings growing control over the citys economy.

In recent weeks, the regime has initiated wholesale jailing of opposition leaders and disempowered Hong Kongs elected assemblies. The territory is even less stable. Hong Kongs future as an international financial center is now in grave peril.

Xi recently made a remark about staying fearless in the face of death  in the face of even greater difficulty, referring to its guerrilla warfare in the early years when the Red army was trying to escape from the purge of the Nationalist army of the government Republic of China. He touted, the revolutionary ideals soar above the clouds, however, he cannot salvage the situation this time.

Some netizens said that Xis recent gaffe at the CPC and World Political Parties SummitHave I finished talking?signaled an ominous sign. The last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Puyi, ascended the throne at the age of three, sitting on the throne and crying. His biological father comforted him by saying, Its nearly finished! The casual remark came true. Sure enough, the Qing Dynasty was finished shortly after.

Signs of downfall often appear in inconspicuous places. Xi is mentally and physically exhausted. The turmoil-stricken regime is destined to collapse when a critical crisis strikes.

Ngan Shunkau is a writer and a publisher who has lived in Hong Kong since 1978. He is the author of Blood Rain in My Youth, a story about opposing factions among the Red Guards during Chinas Cultural Revolution.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
On June 20, student Oliver Daemen took off with Jeff Bezos on Blue Origin's first manned space trip . Thus, the 18-year-old Dutchman became the youngest person in history to travel to space. Despite this feat, the boy confessed to the tycoon that he has never bought through the Amazon platform.

"I told Jeff that I had never actually bought anything on Amazon," Daemen revealed last Friday during an interview at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. "And he was like, 'Oh, I haven't heard someone say that in a long time.'

Related: Jeff Bezos thanks Amazon employees after his space flight: 'You paid for this'

Oliver is the son of Joes Daemen, CEO of Somerset Capital Partners, and was chosen to fly with Bezos after the mysterious millionaire who paid $28 million for the seat canceled at the last minute citing "scheduling problems."

The boy received the news while on a family vacation in Italy. "They called and said, 'Are you still interested?' and we said 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' says Daemen, who added that since he was a child he had dreamed of traveling to space and therefore obtained his pilot's license at an early age.

Welcome to the crew, Oliver! We're grateful to have you as our first customer to mark the beginning of commercial operations. #NSFirstHumanFlight https://t.co/gwZ6qBOFpi pic.twitter.com/SuOwxe2353 - Blue Origin (@blueorigin) July 15, 2021

Daemen said his passage aboard Bezos's New Shepard rocket cost much less than what the anonymous mogul would have paid.

They chose me because I was the youngest and I was also a pilot and I already knew a lot about that, he explained. "I don't think I realized until I was on the rocket: 'Wow, it's really happening.' It was my ultimate goal () but I never thought it would be so soon."

Related: Are Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson Already Astronauts? America Says No

In addition to Jeff Bezos and Oliver Daemen, the crew included Mark Bezos (Jeff's brother) and aviator Wally Funk, 82, who now holds the title of the oldest person to go into space. They all received two days of safety training for the historic 10-minute trip out of Earth's atmosphere.

Our astronauts have completed training and are a go for launch. #NSFirstHumanFlight pic.twitter.com/rzkQgqVaB6 - Blue Origin (@blueorigin) July 19, 2021

For now, Daemen is enjoying the final weeks of his gap year before entering college. In September, he will begin a Physics degree at the University of Utrecht and, although he is not yet sure what he wants to do with his life, he said he would seriously consider a career in space travel.

Related: Millionaires In Space 2! Tourism off Earth

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
A San Francisco Giants fan attending Friday night's game against the Pirates became the hero of the area in and around his section when he sprung into action to put a stop to the wave.

More for you Sports How to watch SF Giants games now that baseball's back

Video of this situation features a person in a white shirt being That Guy (aka standing and commanding that people start the wave at the end of his countdown). While he got the attention of some people in his section, most people were looking away. Among the people looking at this person was a fan in a hoodie and orange hat leading a countering "NO WAVE!" chant.
PARIS (AP)  France's parliament approved a law early Monday requiring special virus passes for all restaurants and domestic travel and mandating vaccinations for all health workers.

Both measures have prompted protests and political tensions. President Emmanuel Macron and his government say they are needed to protect vulnerable populations and hospitals as infections rebound and to avoid new lockdowns.

The law requires all workers in the health care sector to start getting vaccinated by Sept. 15, or risk suspension. It also requires a health pass to enter all restaurants, trains, planes and some other public venues. It initially applies to all adults, but will apply to everyone 12 and older starting Sept. 30.

To get the pass, people must have proof they are fully vaccinated, recently tested negative or recently recovered from the virus. Paper or digital documents will be accepted. The law says a government decree will outline how to handle vaccination documents from other countries.

The bill was unveiled just six days ago. Lawmakers worked through the night and the weekend to reach a compromise version approved by the Senate on Sunday night and by the National Assembly after midnight. The rules can be applied through Nov. 15, depending on the virus situation.

Macron appealed for national unity and mass vaccination to fight the resurgent virus, and lashed out at those fueling anti-vaccine sentiment and protests.

About 160,000 people protested around France on Saturday against a special COVID-19 pass for restaurants and mandatory vaccinations for health workers. Many marchers shouted liberty! and said the government shouldnt tell them what to do.

Visiting a hospital in French Polynesia afterward, Macron urged national unity and asked, What is your freedom worth if you say to me I dont want to be vaccinated, but tomorrow you infect your father, your mother or myself?

While he said protesters are free to express themselves in a calm and respectful manner, he said demonstrations wont make the coronavirus go away.

He criticized people who are in the business of irrational, sometimes cynical, manipulative mobilization against vaccination. Among those organizing the protests have been far-right politicians and extremist members of Frances yellow vest movement tapping into anger at Macrons government.

More than 111,000 people with the virus have died in France, which is registering about 20,000 new infections daily compared to just a few thousand earlier this month. Concerns for hospitals are resurfacing.

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Follow APs pandemic coverage at:

https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic

https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
WASHINGTON (AP)  The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Bennie Thompson, didnt realize the severity of the Jan. 6 insurrection until his wife called him.

He was inside the Capitol, sitting in the upper gallery of the House, hoping for what he called a bird's-eye view of the process and to be able to tell his grandchildren that he was there when Congress certified Joe Bidens presidential victory.

People are breaking into the building, London Thompson told him, and it was on television. Im watching people climbing over the wall right now, she said.

It doesnt register, the Mississippi Democrat recalled in an interview with The Associated Press. I said, You cant break in. Theres police and barricades and a lot of things out there.

But it was not long before the House chamber was under siege. Police rushed Thompson and several dozen other members of Congress to another side of the gallery and told them to duck under their seats as supporters of then-President Donald Trump tried to break down the doors to the chamber below.

It was a horrible day, said Thompson, "still almost surreal that it even occurred."

Like Thompson, many who serve and work in the Capitol are trying to make sense of the chaos that unfolded on Jan. 6. And he now has a guiding role in the process, appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as the chairman of a select committee that will investigate the attack. The panel will hold its first hearing Tuesday with police officers who battled the rioters.

As the longtime chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Thompson is accustomed to dealing with grave matters of national security. But his stewardship of the Jan. 6 panel will be a test unlike any other, as he tries to untangle the events of a violent insurrection that many House Republicans increasingly play down and deny.

We have to get it right, Thompson said. If the committee can find ways to prevent anything like it from happening again, then I would have made what I think is the most valuable contribution to this great democracy."

Thompson, 73, is a liberal fixture in Congress and longtime champion of civil rights, the only Democrat in the Mississippi delegation, hailing from a majority-black district in the states western half. He has avoided the limelight during his more than 15 years on the Homeland Security Committee, notching achievements with careful bipartisan outreach.

Several Democrats and Republicans said Thompson was the right choice to lead an investigation that is certain to be partisan and fraught.

Ive dealt with Bennie for 15 years, and we disagreed on a lot, but I dont think there was ever a harsh word between us, says former Republican Rep. Pete King of New York, who was the chairman and top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee for years opposite Thompson. Bennie is low key, he manages his side well. He was a good guy to work with. He was strong and knew what he wanted, but there was very little drama.

New York Rep. John Katko, who is now the top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee, gave a similar assessment. Thompson is a good man, a patriotic American and a productive partner, Katko said in statement.

Pelosi chose Thompson as chairman after he crafted legislation with Katko that would have created an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack. That bill won almost three dozen Republican votes in the House only to flame out in the Senate, where the opposition of Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell was decisive.

Far fewer House Republicans supported creating the House select committee, dismissing the effort as partisan. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy said the GOP won't participate after Pelosi rejected two of his appointments, Republican Reps. Jim Banks of Indiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio.

Only two Republicans voted to create the panel  Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger. Pelosi first appointed Cheney to the committee and then added Kinzinger on Sunday after McCarthy withdrew his picks.

Im looking forward. in the long run, to try to have as many of the 13 members that I can, Thompson said last week.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who was appointed to the Jan. 6 committee, said Thompsons history of working with Republicans and his popularity among members will make it harder to malign the panels work. Reaching the bipartisan deal with Katko was not an easy task, he said.

I think he has a very even keel that will help him get through this, Schiff said.

Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, another Democrat appointed to the select committee, says both parties have partisan brawlers  and Thompson is not one of them.

Hes a workhorse, so he likes getting stuff done, Raskin said. And I think thats the right spirit for this.

Still, Thompson has taken sharply partisan stances. He joined with about 30 Democrats in a 2005 vote to invalidate President George W. Bushs victory  not unlike the dozens of Republicans who voted to invalidate Bidens in January. In that challenge, the dissenting Democrats claimed irregularities if not fraud in Ohios vote.

The effort did not end in violence and John Kerry, the defeated Democratic presidential candidate, did not lead or join the effort to deny Bush his victory.

A frequent critic of Trump, Thompson joined other Democrats in filing a lawsuit against the former president after the insurrection, charging that he incited the attack and conspired to prevent Congress from certifying Bidens victory.

Last week, Thompson withdrew his participation in that lawsuit, which he joined soon after the Senate acquitted Trump, at his second impeachment trial, of inciting the insurrection. Thompson's withdrawal petition said he wishes to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest between his role on the Select Committee and his role as a Plaintiff in this litigation.

The lawsuit, which is still active, names as defendants Rudy Giuliani, Trumps personal lawyer, and the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. The Justice Department has filed charges against members of those groups in connection to the attack, and the panel is expected to investigate them as part of its probe.

Domestic extremism and its links to white supremacy are a familiar subject for Thompson not only from his time on the Homeland Security Committee but also from his early involvement in the civil rights movement in Mississippi. He was active with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in college and organized voter registration drives before he was elected mayor of his small hometown of Bolton.

The FBIs assessments about the growing dangers of domestic extremism, he said, show that the significance of this committees work is as important as it can ever get.

___

Associated Press video producer Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.
The weather wasnt the only thing hot this past weekend as dozens of barbecuing crews turned up the heat at the Code 3 Spices Smokin on Main barbecue festival and competition in Collinsville.

The festival, which began in 2017, was presented by Laura Buick and spearheaded by local barbecue spice company Code 3 Spices in coordination with the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce.

People need this now more than ever, Collinsville Chamber of Commerce member Jason Rehg said. It does wonders for our downtown businesses.

Local residents were treated to spicy barbecue, local music and community fellowship for the two-day festival, which was hosted during one of the hottest weekends, so far, the summer.

Even though its really hot, I love seeing all of Collinsville out here enjoying themselves, Collinsville resident Jackie Mitchell said.

I just ate the spiciest brisket of my life, Granite City resident Ryan Rapp said. But it was delicious and sure was worth it.

After starting Code 3 Spices, my husband Chris and Mike Radosevich would bring their spices to different barbecue events around the country. They thought that Collinsville would be a great place to have an event, Emily Bohnemeir said. It keeps getting better every year. We especially love that so many backyard barbecuers come out and participate. 

Its been a great time here and all the people are really nice, first-time participant Gene Couch said.

Couch came up from Millington, Tennessee, near Memphis to participate with his team Mean Genes Cookin Team.

More Information To see the list of winners, visit theintelligencer.com See More Collapse

My son told me about this festival, so we just had to come up and glad we did, Couch said.

John Kroot, owner of Bar BQ Posse, LLC, called Smokin on Main his favorite festival.

Just look around at all the people here, he said. In a normal year, we go to 12-14 festivals from St. Louis to Kansas City and this one is the best because the community really comes out to support it.

Kroot and his son, David, have participated in the festival every year since it began.

Bar BQ Posse served pork belly burnt ends and pulled chicken tacos this year.

Local barbecue restaurant Red Top BBQ and Chili appreciated being back after the festival was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

I am loving this, said Red Top owner Melissa Gilmore. We missed having the community together last year.

Red Top BBQ helped Collinsville earn the title of The Nicest Town in Illinois in 2020 in Readers Digest by providing free meals to kids in the community during the height of the pandemic. By June of 2020, Red Top BBQ, along with community support, provided more than 250 free meals a day to the community.

Italian Fest is our biggest festival by far and the Horseradish Festival is picking up steam, too. But this barbecue festival is picking up steam and is quickly becoming one of the big ones here in Collinsville, Rehg said.

Italian Fest will take place Sept. 17-18 on Main Street in downtown Collinsville.

Smokin On Main winners:

Grand Champion: In The Red Zone

Reserve Grand Champion: A&W BBQ

First Place Chicken: In The Red Zone

First Place Ribs: Mulkeys BBQ

First Place Pork: A&W BBQ

First Place Brisket: Can Country Outlaw
Salida, CO (81201)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 74F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, with mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low near 55F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Elizabethtown, KY (42701)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 82F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 58F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Government urged to learn from overseas COVID efforts

THAILAND: The Thai government should learn a few things from overseas countries as it strives to end the COVID-19 pandemic, Thais living abroad say.

CoronavirusCOVID-19healthVaccine

By Bangkok Post

Monday 26 July 2021, 11:30AM

People of vulnerable groups flock to the Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok last Thursday (July 22) for COVID-19 vaccinations. Photo: Chanat Katanyu

Thammarit Khamplod, 31, a PhD student in engineering at the University of Manchester, received his two doses of Pfizer recently, delivered free as they are provided by the British government.

As everyone is registered with the National Health Service, or NHS, everyone will have an NHS number, including migrants who entered the UK legally.

So, there is no need to register for a vaccination. You will get a notification via SMS from your general practitioner and there will be a link to book a time and date, Mr Thammarit said.

The UK vaccine scheme was arranged according to age and risk factors: those 40 years old and above, frontline workers, and vulnerable groups would be the first to get the AstraZeneca vaccine. Those 40 years old or under would get Pfizer or Moderna.

Unlike Thailand, which has way too many mobile applications providing COVID19 information, we have only the NHS COVID-19 app to update everything like tracing our contacts, QR code check-ins, and updates on control measures, Mr Thammarit said.

His university has an NHS joint COVID19 testing centre, so he had the chance to get tested twice a week for free.

The university also provides us with a test kit for free. Even in the lab that I am working in, they have a bowl of test kits provided. For normal people, you can get test kits for free by registering for them and the government will send you a kit to your front door, he added.

He said people can test themselves with an RTPCR test at home and send it back via post. The result is delivered the next day.

The limitation is about hospitalisation as not everyone will get a bed, even if you have breathing difficulty.

However, it is understandable that they reserve beds for those in a coma. Their symptoms are much worse and they need intensive care.

For those who need to be treated at home such as those with light symptoms, the hospital will send medicine to their home and medical staff will call daily, he said.

Everything is free of charge, he added.

As the British government had imposed a lockdown to contain the virus, many firms were forced to close. He was one of those affected by the lockdown, as he works as a waiter at a Thai restaurant which closed.

The British government provided financial aid up to 80% of the income of both owners and staff.

They began their vaccination scheme really well. The government says 87.9% of residents inside the UK have now received their first dose and 69.5% their second dose.

If the Thai government has taken the vaccine rollout and welfare management more seriously, Thailand would have avoided its present crisis, he added.

Pongpon Chuencharoen, 30, a political science graduate from St Petersburg University in Russia, shared his experience on getting his first dose of the Russian-made vaccine Sputnik V.

All I needed to pay was a metro fare as I had to get vaccinated in a department store. Vaccine booths are open there. Everyone in Russia, regardless of nationality, can get a vaccine for free, he said.

You must show a passport, national ID card, or medical insurance on vaccination day.

A central Russian government website posts updates on the COVID19 situation, including bookings for vaccines.

Currently, there was no vaccine support for tourists, but the government was working on this.

The COVID19 test was also free in Russia, while for treatment, if an individual revealed COVID-19 symptoms, he or she can just dial 122 for emergency treatment and the cost is free.

Phanu Laosamran, 27, a host at a Thai restaurant in Sydney, who has lived in Australia for eight years and now an Australian citizen, completed his second dose of Pfizer on Friday. He said his vaccine was provided by the state for free.

In Australia, the government provides the vaccines to everyone, no matter what visa type. People are, however, complaining that vaccines distribution is slow, he said.

Each region had its own vaccine registration platform. In New South Wales where he lives, he accessed www.health.nsw.gov.au, the regional website, to book appointments.

The appointment form requires us to list a Medicare card number (the Australian universal health scheme card), but if you do not have one, you may leave it blank and still get vaccinated. On the jab day, they send an SMS notification as a reminder, he added.

The website was like a one-stop service for booking a vaccine appointment, but also provided updates on the COVID19 situation.

On vaccination day, he was impressed with how medical staff looked after people.

They asked patients for consent on the vaccine they were going to inject, and even showed you the bottle so you could see the brand.

If people caught the virus, treatment was free, if a patient has a Medicare card.

In New South Wales, we simply go to hospital. The cases are only in the hundreds, he added.

For welfare, he said the Australian government allocated a fund called COVID19 Disaster Payment for those who lost their income during the lockdown on June 26-July 31.

A Thai friend studying in Australia said she had also received food support from the state, part of an international student hamper.

He was impressed with the governments approach, he said.

The measures here are based on common sense. They realise the fact this pandemic hit hard regardless of who you are in society. I hope Thailand can prioritise the needs of Thais people over anything else because they are taxpayers, he said.
Phuket infections continue to climb, another COVID death marked

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) has reported 28 new local infections on the island for yesterday (July 25), bringing the total number of local infections in Phuket for the past seven days to 84. The latest daily COVID report also marks one new death attributed to COVID-19, but provides no further details.

COVID-19Coronavirushealthtourism

By The Phuket News

Monday 26 July 2021, 10:54AM

According to the report, the 28 new local infections bring the total number of infections confirmed on the island since Apr 3 to 932.

As such, the 28 new cases bring the total number of new local infections on the island in the past seven days to 94*, as follows:

July 19 - 3 new cases

July 20 - 6 new cases

July 21 - 10 new cases

July 22 - 18 new cases

July 23  18 new cases

July 24 - 11 new cases

July 25 - 28 new cases

Of note, the PPHO marked 11 new COVID cases confirmed on July 17, giving a total of 101 infections over the past eight days.

However, the PPHO yesterday confirmed that it is not counting the number of infections according to seven continuous days. Instead it is counting the number of infections according to defined weeks. As such, the method of counting allows for an excess of 90 infections within seven days without being recognised by Phuket officials.

The Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) last month announced publicly, in English, that more than 90 infections on the island within one week would be reason for officials to consider further action regarding the Phuket Sandbox scheme, including suspending the scheme altogether.

According to a report by the PPHO yesterday, the infections are being counted as follows:

Week 1 (1-7 Jul.)  25 cases (Local 16 cases, from outside province 8 cases, Sandbox 1 case)

Week 2 (8-14 Jul.)  47 cases (Local 26 cases, from outside province 11 cases, Sandbox 9 cases)

Week 3 (15-21 July)  63 cases (Local 46 cases, from outside province 7 cases, Sandbox 9 cases, pilot 1 case)

Week 4 (22- 24 July)  57 cases (Local 48 cases, from outside province 4 cases, Sandbox 4 cases, from foreign country 1 case)

Meanwhile, the 28 new infections reported yesterday were reported in in a separate release as being confirmed as follows:

Muang District, 14 cases

Koh Kaew - 7

Rassada - 3

Wichit - 3

Talat Nuea (Phuket Town) - 1

Thalang District - 8 new cases

Cherng Talay - 2

Srisoonthorn - 2

Thepkrasattri 1

Mai Khao - 1

Mai Khao - 1

Sakhu - 1

Kathu District - 6 new cases

Kamala - 4

Patong - 1

Kathu - 1

Two new Phuket Sandbox arrivals were also confirmed as infected, one in Patong and the other in Chalong, bringing the total number of Sandbox arrivals confirmed by the PPHO as infected after arriving on the island to 25.

Expressed as one of the smallest numbers on the PPHO daily report is the number of deaths in Phuket attributed to COVID-19 since Apr 3. The number increased from nine to 10 with no further details provided in the daily report issued yesterday. The number of deaths remains at 10 as of today.

According to the Phuket Sandbox Daily Report issued by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for yesterday, so far 10,849 people have arrived in Phuket under the Sandbox scheme.

The Sandbox Daily Report marked 640 new Sandbox arrivals landing in Phuket on Saturday, on seven flights: one Qatar Airways flight, one Emirates flight, three Thai Airways flights and two Singapore Airlines flights.

According to the PPHO daily report for yesterday, of the cases recognised since Apr 3, 787 have been released from hospital care while 172 patients now remain under medical care and supervision.

INFECTIONS MAP

The PPHO daily report now uses a new format that does not include an updated map showing the locations of infections on Phuket.

However, the PPHO is continuing to issue its map marking the location of local infections on the island that is released at times nearly a day later than the standard daily report.

The latest separate infections map was issued yesterday (July 25), but is marked as accurate as of 6pm Saturday (July 24).

As such the map is considered accurate to for a total on 904 infections at that time, as follows:

Thalang District - 165 infections

Cherng Talay - 46 (+1)

Srisoonthorn - 41

Thepkrasattri 39 (+1)

Pa Khlok - 13

Mai Khao - 15

Sakhu - 11

LQ 9

ALQ 1

Muang District - 490 infections

Wichit - 123 (+3)

Rassada - 97 (+3)

Phuket Town - 96 [Talad Yai 59 (+1), Talad Neua 37 (+1)]

Chalong - 59

Rawai - 48

Koh Kaew - 37

Karon - 30

Kathu District - 196 infections

Patong - 100 (+1)

Kathu 61

Kamala - 35

LQ 1

* CORRECTION: The number of local infections over the past seven days is 94, not 84 as previously reported. Our apologies for the error.
In Their Opinion: The time to act is now
JERUSALEM (AP)  Two Israeli airlines launched their first commercial flights between Israel and Morocco on Sunday, less than a year after the countries officially normalized relations.

Israir's flight departed Tel Aviv for Marrakech with around 100 Israeli tourists, the company said, hours before Israeli national carrier El Al dispatched its first direct flight to the same destination.

Israeli Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov said the new direct flights would help advance fruitful tourism, trade and economic cooperation and diplomatic agreements between the two countries.

Israel and Morocco agreed to normalize relations in late 2020 as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Morocco was among four Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan, to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

As part of the deal, the United States agreed to recognize Moroccos claim to the long-disputed Western Sahara region, however the Biden administration said it will review this decision. Moroccos 1975 annexation of Western Sahara is not recognized by the United Nations.

Many Israeli Jews have lineage that traces back to Morocco, which is still home to a small Jewish community of several thousand.

El Al said in a statement before the departure of its first flight that the company plans to operate five flights per week between Israel and Morocco.

We hope that now many can know Morocco better, to experience and be excited by this special country that is deeply rooted in Israeli heritage, culture and experience, said El Al CEO Avigal Sorek.

After the first flight arrived in Marrakech, the director of the Moroccan national tourism office, Adil Fakir, called it a crowning moment of the important decision taken by Morocco to resume relations between the two countries.

The head of the Israeli liaison office in Rabat, David Govrin, said it would "strengthen the existing ties between our two people. The head of the Jewish community in the Marrakech-Safi region, Jacky Kadoch, also welcomed the development.
PITTSFIELD  Authorities on Sunday canceled an Endangered Missing Person Advisory, saying a man who had not been seen since leaving Hardin on Friday and has a condition that placed him in danger has been found.

The Pike County Sheriffs Department and Illinois State Police had asked for assistance in locating Ronald Abney, 82, on Saturday after he had not been seen since 3 p.m. Friday, possibly on his way to Moberly, Missouri.
When cancer patients stop smoking, they heal faster, experience fewer side effects from treatment and lower their chances of tumors returning. Now, top cancer hospitals are helping patients quit as evidence mounts that its never too late.

The newest research, reported Monday, shows lung cancer patients who stopped smoking gained nearly two years of life compared to those who continued to smoke.

It is a huge effect, said Dr. Mahdi Sheikh, who led the study for the World Health Organizations cancer research agency in Lyon, France. In lung cancer, he said, quitting smoking is as necessary as the treatments.

In the U.S., many cancer centers offer proven quit strategies: phone counseling, nicotine patches and pills that ease the urge to smoke. More cancer doctors are talking to their patients about quitting.

For some patients, the shock of a cancer diagnosis can be highly motivating.

Its the biggest reason Ive ever had in my life to quit, said Preston Browning, an electrician in Ridgetop, Tennessee, who quit cigarettes last month while recovering from cancer surgery.

Browning, now 20 years old, had smoked a pack a day since he was 14. He credits the stop-smoking drug Chantix and support from tobacco treatment specialists at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Nurse Lesa Abney listened to Brownings reasons for smoking  he described smoking as me time and a little reward  and suggested strategies he could use: Eat breakfast instead of lighting up each morning. Reach for a toothpick after lunch. Treat yourself with dessert.

If it wasnt for Lesa, I think it would have been harder, Browning said.

Browning had sarcoma in his leg, a rare cancer of unknown cause.

In contrast, lung cancer is largely linked to tobacco use, so smokers may feel shame, despair and hopelessness after diagnosis, experts say. It can be welcome news to hear from doctors that they, too, can benefit from quitting.

In Monday's study, researchers followed 517 Russian lung cancer patients who smoked, checking annually to see whether theyd quit. After five years, nearly 60% of those who quit smoking were alive, compared to about 47% of those who continued smoking.

The effect held up regardless of tumor stage, how much the patient smoked or how long after diagnosis they quit, researchers reported in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Doctors at every visit should encourage their lung cancer patients to quit smoking, Sheikh said.

A $27 million National Cancer Institute program is helping 53 cancer centers integrate tobacco treatment into care. It has reached more than 50,000 patients since 2018.

Weve already learned a tremendous amount from this, said Director Dr. Ned Sharpless. With relatively modest support  these are not huge, expensive programs  you can markedly increase the number of patients you reach.

The next step, he said, is spreading the know-how to smaller cancer clinics.

In California, the Stanford Cancer Institute phones patients who use tobacco to offer support from specialists and stop-smoking medication

If youve got life-saving treatment it should be provided to all patients, said Judith Prochaska who directs Stanford's tobacco program, which received the federal funds.

At Stanfords cancer clinics, about 1 in 4 patients who accept tobacco treatment remain tobacco free after two years, Prochaska said.

Mike Fulton, 71, a retired bank president in San Jose, California, smoked a pack a day for decades before he was diagnosed with throat cancer last year. After successful radiation and chemotherapy, he said, he still sneaked occasional cigarettes, thinking, This is crazy. The cancers cured, but I know Im hurting myself because I can feel it.

He sought help, and began weekly phone chats with a Stanford counselor. A tip he followed: Make your cigarettes harder to reach. He moved them farther and farther away, starting from a drawer in the bedroom.

"Finally, I put them on the roof in a gutter. To reach it, I needed a metal ladder. Which I climbed once, and had a puff from a pack that had seven cigarettes in it.

Now, Fulton said, theyre gone.

Nicotine gum and a twice-a-day pill help with cravings.

In Houston, more than 1,000 patients a year at the MD Anderson Cancer Center take part in tobacco treatment, receiving counseling alone or with medications. It's not enough to refer someone to a quit line, said program director Diane Beneventi

I wish every person who has cancer who smokes knew they stand to gain a great deal if they quit, Beneventi said. Its more important now than its ever been in their life.

Browning, the Tennessee patient, had tried to quit smoking twice before. He believes it will stick this time.

Smoking with cancer? I feel like thats tempting fate.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  A judge overseeing the criminal trial of South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has ordered medical providers to turn over their health records for the pedestrian who was struck and killed by Ravnsborg last year.

This week, retired Circuit Court Judge John Brown issued letters to several hospitals and clinics, ordering them to provide records about Joe Boevers psychiatric state. The order comes after Ravnsborgs defense alleged in court documents that Boevers Sept. 12 death may have been a suicide.

Investigators say Ravnsborg was distracted and swerved out of his lane when he was driving on Highway 14 near Highmore when he struck and killed Boever, a 55-year-old who was walking along the highway with a flashlight. Ravnsborg faces three misdemeanor charges of careless driving, use of an electronic device while driving and illegal lane change.

Earlier this month, Ravnsborgs attorneys filed a motion alleging that a pattern of alcoholism and prescription drug abuse by Boever that caused at least one family member, a cousin, to believe that a depressed Boever killed himself by jumping in front of Ravnsborgs car.

According to the Argus Leader, Brown ordered five health care facilities to turn over Boevers psychiatric and psychology records. Brown sent letters Tuesday to the Human Services Center, the states public psychiatry hospital in Yankton, as well as Avera St. Marys Hospital in Pierre, Avera St. Lukes Hospital in Aberdeen, the Avera Medical Group and the Avera Medical Group Psychiatry.

All four of the Avera entities have filed claims against Boevers estate to receive payment for services they provided him. The claims to do not indicate what services were provided. Avera did not respond to the Argus Leaders request for comment.

Ravnsborg told officials he never saw Boever and thought he struck a deer.

Hyde County Sheriff Mike Volek responded to the scene and let Ravnsborg drive his car home to Pierre. Ravnsborg said they didnt realize he hit and killed a person until he returned to the scene the next morning.

GOP Gov. Kristi Noem, three law enforcement organizations and some legislators have called on Ravnsborg, a Republican, to resign.

Each charge against the attorney general carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail. A trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 26.
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP)  As Thailands medical system struggles beneath a surge of coronavirus cases, ordinary people are helping to plug the gaps, risking their own health to bring care and supplies to often terrified, exhausted patients whove fallen through the cracks.

In the Samai area of Bangkok, Ekapob Laungpraserts team heads out for another weekend on the front lines of a crisis.

His volunteer group, Samai Will Survive, has been working around the clock, responding to about a hundred SOS calls daily from desperate COVID-19 patients unable to get the help they need.

We realize how hard working and how tired doctors and nurses are, says the 38-year-old businessman. What we are trying to do today is to help relieve some of the burden. Before, all cases must go to the hospital, so today there are no hospital beds. So we volunteer to help out.

Its not long before they're in action: Malee, a COVID-19 positive woman whose breathing has suddenly worsened. The group, wearing personal protective equipment, delivers oxygen and much-needed reassurance to Malee and her husband, an army officer who also has the virus.

I lost hope even with the army. I called doctors at field hospitals. All they told me to do was to send information, just send information, Worawit Srisang said. I got the same answers everywhere. At least these guys visit us in person. What the patient needs is a chance to see a doctor, not just send information.

Thailands predicament is stark. Around 15,000 new cases are confirmed each day and still more people are getting infected. In Bangkok alone, 20,000 people are waiting for a hospital bed.

So homespun heroes like Ekapob and his group  buying equipment and supplies with public donations  are an essential safety net, gaining crucial time for both patients and a health care system under severe strain.

Theres another call: an elderly woman with COVID-19 symptoms. But shes not fit to wait in line for hours at an overwhelmed test center, so for the moment shes stuck where she is.

Grandma cant get tested, so she lies sick in bed. If we want to send her to the hospital, they will ask for her test result. So we are back in a circle, because we would ask them to do the test, Ekapob says, looking in through the window.

Its very likely she has COVID-19. All her family members have already tested positive.

After a check, his team members decide shes not in imminent danger. They hook her up with oxygen, then its back into the night and on to the next case.

Theres a raging debate in Thailand now over the national vaccination roll-out. Many Thais are angry over the slow pace and a perceived lack of accountability for the fact that only around 5% of the population currently is fully protected.

The volunteers see the consequences almost every night.

They're called to 52-year old Nittaya Kongnuch, who like so many is struggling to breathe normally.

As they try to make her more comfortable, her sister tells an increasingly familiar story. Their mother died last week from the virus, as their urgent calls for help to brimming hospitals went unheeded.

My mother showed bad symptoms from the beginning. I called and called to tell them my mom couldnt handle this anymore, but nobody came. The nurses kept saying there were no beds, said Piyawan Kodduang, fighting back tears.

Most fatalities occur in private. But not all. Last week, a body lay for hours in a Bangkok street, incurring the wrath of an embarrassed prime minister.

On Saturday night, Ekapob and his team see exactly how that can happen, as they're called to a homeless woman whos showing signs of infection.

As wary residents watch from a distance, the team moves in to carry out a rapid test.

Within a few minutes they have the result: positive.

After making some phone calls, Ekapob finds her a place in a facility where she can be observed while awaiting a bed in a field hospital.

At least she has a fighting chance. Without the volunteers, its likely she wouldn't have any.

Thailand has had 497,302 cases of COVID-19 and 4,059 deaths since the pandemic began.
A single mother, Patricia Sanchez was eager to find mentors to help guide her two young children as she juggled work and completing a college degree.

The 34-year-old Taylor woman was thrilled when her son, Eros Bowen, 9, and daughter, Viridis Bowen, 8, were paired with volunteers from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Finding people who could connect with them and show they care about them is important for a kid, she said. They got to meet new people and develop a bond.

The children  called littles in the program  and their volunteers  called bigs  Thomas Krewson, 24, of the Eynon section of Archbald, and Hailey Youshock, 21, of Spring Brook Twp.,, were paired through the efforts of the Luzerne County-based office of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The office began serving Lackawanna County after the countys chapter, run by the Volunteer Action Network, shut down in June 2019.

Michelle Hamilton, executive director of BBBS of NEPA, said the Forty Fort-based chapter, which serves 11 counties, took over the Lackawanna County program in July 2020. Many people are unaware of that, however. Shes working to spread the word in hopes of attracting more children and volunteers.

The Bowen children are the only two children who have been matched with a mentor in Lackawanna County, though three more matches are in the final stages of review and are expected to be completed in the next one or two weeks, Hamilton said. Another 15 Lackawanna County children await a match, she said.

Hamilton said the organization has 16 volunteers lined up for Lackawanna County, but more are needed to ensure a wide variety of personality types with varying interests for the best matches possible.

We take a lot of time to get an understanding of what the littles may need, she said. We want it to be a good fit.

Sanchez said shes grateful for everything her childrens bigs do for them. She has not had much time for recreational activities in the past year because she worked while finishing classes to attain a bachelors degree in wildlife biology.

Krewson and Youshock have had a significant impact on her childrens lives in the three months theyve been paired, Sanchez said.

Eros is on the quieter side and not much into sports, but loves to fish. Krewson has taken him on hikes, fishing outings and to a local aquarium.

Having a guy to look up to is extremely important, she said.

Viridis is more outgoing and loves to try out new adventures, Sanchez said. Youshock has taken her on hikes and encouraged her artistic talents.

My daughter loves arts and crafts and loves to paint, Sanchez said. They will go to a park and set up a place where they can paint for an hour or two.

Youshock, an electronics mechanic, said shes always had an interest in Big Brothers Big Sisters. She wishes she had an opportunity to take part as a child. Shes pleased to be a mentor now.

I think I have made a great difference, she said. I can ask her anything and she is willing to talk to me about anything she has trouble with.

Krewson, an industrial engineer, said he also takes great satisfaction in knowing hes having a positive influence.

Kids really soak up the behavior of people around them, he said. Its important that a child have people they can look up to and who they can trust.

Hes also benefited from the relationship.

Its nice to be around youths and remember what its like to be a kid again, he said.
FACTORYVILLE  Borough council at its July meeting paid tribute to former Mayor Earl Huff, who died June 16.

Council started the meeting with a moment of silence to remember Huff, who served as council president before his 12 years as mayor.

Council President Chuck Wrobel described him as a dedicated public servant always wanting to know what was going on in town long after he left public office.

Also at the meeting, council reported that a pickleball court at Christy Mathewson Park is proceeding. Borough council recently gave notice to proceed with the project. It is not yet known how soon the court will be done.

Council also authorized borough Manager Mary Ellen Buckbee to close out the boroughs role as a pass-through agency for state funding that helped with the development of the Keystone Commons on College Avenue. The Commons opened in February 2020, with a gym, restaurant, marketplace and bank.

The borough had received state funding to create a marketplace in town away from the college campus as an expansion of Rays Market to spur commerce in town. When those plans fell through the funds were repurposed into the Commons project that was built on Keystone Colleges campus.

Buckbee also told commissioners there was not much of an update on the College Avenue property that was destroyed by fire in the spring. The owner sought to have a sewer connection to the space shut off but Buckbee said she is unclear about the owners immediate plans for the site.

In other business:

Zoning officer Jere Woods will step down at the end of July.

The borough will receive about $122,000 in American Rescue Plan federal funding.

Discussions will be held to prioritize how to spend it.

 Councilman Chuck Truitt said the recent severe storms caused considerable damage to the Northern Electric Trolley Trail, which will require some maintenance.

Council next meets 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at Borough Hall.
A fire at 18 Lunny Court displaced at least three people Sunday night, Carbondale firefighter Steve Wright said.

Crews responded at 9:09 p.m. An initial report stated someone was trapped inside, but nobody was found, Wright said.

The fire started in the back of the building on the first floor and extended to the second floor. Wright said the fire was controlled within a half hour, but the building, which contains an apartment on the first and second floors, sustained significant damage.

No injuries were reported, but a cat died in the fire, Wright said.

The displaced residents will be assisted by the American Red Cross, Wright said.

About five other fire departments provided assistance due to the heat and humidity.

A state police fire marshal will investigate a cause, Wright said.
A 27-year-old man wanted for the July 6 shooting of a man in Wyoming County was arrested early Sunday morning.

Daniel Fowler, of Mehoopany, was staying at a motel in Tunkhannock Twp. with his mother, sister and a 3-year-old child, who were visiting from Georgia, court records show.

Around 1 a.m. Sunday, state police and Tunkhannock Twp. and Meshoppen and Tunkhannock police arrived at the motel and took Fowler into custody on an outstanding warrant from Meshoppen police.

According to a police complaint filed by Tunkhannock Twp. Patrolman Patrick Butkiewicz, there were two shotguns in the room and one was loaded. Fowler also was armed with a 25-caliber semi-automatic pistol in his pants pocket, the officer said.

Fowler was working on a vehicle July 6 in Mehoopany when he got into an argument with Stanley Donovan, 35, of Mehoopany, over a girl. During the argument, police said Fowler pointed a shotgun at Donovan, the two wrestled to get control of the weapon, and Fowler shot Donavan in the hands and abdomen. Fowler then fled on foot with the shotgun. Donavan was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Fowler was charged with first-degree aggravated assault and second-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, both felonies, and simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and terroristic threats, all misdemeanors. He was arraigned Sunday and is in the Wyoming County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is 11:30 a.m., Aug. 3.

His mother, Cristy Michelle Fowler, 52, and his sister, Kayla Ann Blake Fowler, 26, both of Clayton, Georgia, were each charged with felony counts of hindering apprehension or prosecution and endangering the welfare of children, and a misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering another person. They were arraigned Sunday and placed in the county jail in lieu of $50,000 bail each. Cristy Fowlers preliminary hearings is 1:30 p.m., Aug. 3; Kayla Fowlers preliminary hearing is 1:45 p.m., Aug. 3.
July 26, 1946

75,000 attended 9-day novena

Over the course of the nine-day novena to St. Ann, officials with the St. Anns Shrine reported 75,000 worshippers attended Masses. The officials said the majority of the worshippers went to the shrine on July 26, the final day. They estimated the final-day crowd at 45,000.

Worshippers traveled to the shrine by walking, car or bus. Scranton police were throughout West Scranton ensuring that traffic ran smoothly to and from St. Anns Street. Some 37 charter buses from around Pennsylvania and New York brought people to the services.

For those who were unable to attend, the closing Mass was broadcast over WGBI.

The Most Rev. William Hafey, bishop of Scranton, conducted Mass and benediction at 9:30 a.m. During the Mass, Hafey imparted a papal blessing from Pope Pius XII on those in attendance.

Scranton wants anthracite lab

The United States Bureau of Mines was searching for a home for an anthracite research laboratory.

Hearing about this search, Scranton City Council sent word to the bureau that Scranton had space for the laboratory in either Connell Park or Robinson Park.

Council member John Wintermantel told his fellow council members that every effort should be made to have the laboratory located in Scranton, the metropolis of the anthracite region.

The Scranton Industrial Development Co. was also trying to attract the laboratory to the city. The company was offering up a 300-acre piece of land in Minooka as a possible home for the lab.

At the movies

Smoky at the Strand, One More Tomorrow at the Comerford, Cluny Brown at the Riviera, Joe Palooka, Champ at the Capitol, Gilda at the Roosevelt and Bad Bascomb at the West Side.

Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribunes expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.
Months before the megachurch Hillsong opened its new outpost in Atlanta, its pastor sought advice on how to build a church in a pandemic.

From Facebook.

The social media giant had a proposition, Sam Collier, the pastor, recalled in an interview: to use the church as a case study to explore how churches can go further farther on Facebook.

For months Facebook developers met weekly with Hillsong and explored what the church would look like on Facebook and what apps they might create for financial giving, video capability or livestreaming. When it came time for Hillsongs grand opening in June, the church issued a news release saying it was partnering with Facebook and began streaming its services exclusively on the platform.

Beyond that, Collier could not share many specifics; he had signed a nondisclosure agreement.

They are teaching us; we are teaching them, he said. Together we are discovering what the future of the church could be on Facebook.

Facebook, which recently passed $1 trillion in market capitalization, may seem like an unusual partner for a church whose primary goal is to share the message of Jesus. But the company has been cultivating partnerships with a wide range of faith communities over the past few years, from individual congregations to large denominations, like the Assemblies of God and the Church of God in Christ.

Now, after the coronavirus pandemic pushed religious groups to explore new ways to operate, Facebook sees even greater strategic opportunity to draw highly engaged users onto its platform. The company aims to become the virtual home for religious community and wants churches, mosques, synagogues and others to embed their religious life into its platform, from hosting worship services and socializing more casually to soliciting money. It is developing new products, including audio and prayer sharing, aimed at faith groups.

Virtual religious life is not replacing in-person community anytime soon, and even supporters acknowledge the limits of an exclusively online experience. But many religious groups see new opportunity to spiritually influence even more people on Facebook, the worlds largest and arguably most influential social media company.

The partnerships reveal how Big Tech and religion are converging far beyond simply moving services to the internet. Facebook is shaping the future of religious experience itself, as it has done for political and social life.

The companys effort to court faith groups comes as it is trying to repair its image among Americans who have lost confidence in the platform, especially on issues of privacy. Facebook has faced scrutiny for its role in the countrys growing disinformation crisis and breakdown of societal trust, especially around politics, and regulators have grown concerned about its outsize power. President Joe Biden recently criticized the company for its role in the spread of false information about COVID-19 vaccines.

I just want people to know that Facebook is a place where, when they do feel discouraged or depressed or isolated, that they could go to Facebook and they could immediately connect with a group of people that care about them, Nona Jones, the companys director for global faith partnerships and a nondenominational minister, said in an interview.

Privacy concerns

Last month, Facebook executives pitched their efforts to religious groups at a virtual faith summit. Sheryl Sandberg, the companys chief operating officer, shared an online resource hub with tools to build congregations on the platform.

Faith organizations and social media are a natural fit because fundamentally both are about connection, Sandberg said.

Our hope is that one day people will host religious services in virtual reality spaces as well or use augmented reality as an educational tool to teach their children the story of their faith, she said.

Facebooks summit, which resembled a religious service, included testimonials from faith leaders about how Facebook helped them grow during the pandemic.

Imam Tahir Anwar of the South Bay Islamic Association in California said his community raised record funds by using Facebook Live during Ramadan last year. Bishop Robert Barron, founder of an influential Catholic media company, said Facebook gave people kind of an intimate experience of the Mass that they wouldnt normally have.

The collaborations raise not only practical questions but also philosophical and moral ones. Religion has long been a fundamental way humans have formed community, and now social media companies are stepping into that role. Facebook has nearly 3 billion active monthly users, making it larger than Christianity worldwide, which has about 2.3 billion adherents, or Islam, which has 1.8 billion.

There are privacy worries too, as people share some of their most intimate life details with their spiritual communities. The potential for Facebook to gather valuable user information creates enormous concerns, said Sarah Lane Ritchie, a lecturer in theology and science at the University of Edinburgh. The goals of businesses and worshipping communities are different, she said, and many congregations, often with older members, may not understand how they could be targeted with advertising or other messages based on their religious engagement.

Corporations are not worried about moral codes, she said. I dont think we know yet all the ways in which this marriage between Big Tech and the church will play out.

A Facebook spokesperson said the data it collected from religious communities would be handled the same way as that of other users and that nondisclosure agreements were standard process for all partners involved in product development.

Many of Facebooks partnerships involve asking religious organizations to test or brainstorm new products, and those groups seem undeterred by Facebooks larger controversies. This year Facebook tested a prayer feature, where members of some Facebook groups can post prayer requests and others can respond. The creator of YouVersion, the popular Bible app, worked with the company to test it.

Facebooks outreach was the first time a major technology company wanted to collaborate on a development project, said Bobby Gruenewald, YouVersions creator and a pastor at Life.Church in Oklahoma, recalling how he also worked with Facebook on a Bible-verse-a-day feature in 2018.

Obviously there are different ways they ultimately, I am sure, will serve their shareholders, he said. From our vantage point, Facebook is a platform that allows us to build community and connect with our community and accomplish our mission. So it serves, I think, everybody well.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was invited to be a Facebook faith partner in December, said Melody Smith, a spokesperson for the denominations missions agency. The denomination agreed in a contract that it would have no ownership of any products it helps Facebook design, she said.

Leaders of the Church of God in Christ, a largely African American Pentecostal denomination of roughly 6 million members worldwide, recently received early access to several of Facebooks monetization features, offering them new revenue streams, said the denominations social media manager, Angela Clinton-Joseph.

They decided to try two Facebook tools: subscriptions where users pay, for example, $9.99 per month and receive exclusive content, like messages from the bishop; and another tool for worshippers watching services online to send donations in real time. Leaders decided against a third feature: advertisements during video streams.

The pandemic accelerated existing dynamics, packing years of technology development into one, said Bob Pritchett, who founded Faithlife, a Christian ministry platform with a suite of online services.

But spiritual life is different from the personal and professional spaces occupied by Facebook and LinkedIn, he said.

It is dangerous to have your community anchored on a tech platform that is susceptible to all the whims of politics and culture and congressional hearings, he said.

Facebook created its faith partnerships team in 2017 and began courting religious leaders, especially of evangelical and Pentecostal groups, in earnest in 2018.

Facebook basically said, hey, we want to be the It; we want to be the go-to, said the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, a Sacramento, California, pastor who leads a large coalition of Hispanic churches.

Minister groups for the Assemblies of God, the Pentecostal denomination with 69 million members worldwide, were early adopters of a Facebook tool allowing users to call in to a livestream. The Potters House, T.D. Jakes megachurch of 30,000 in Dallas, also tested various features before they were rolled out.

Questions about the future

For some pastors, Facebooks work raises questions about the broader future of church in a virtual world. So much of religious life remains physical, such as sacraments or the laying on of hands for healing prayer.

Online church was never meant to replace the local church, said Wilfredo De Jesus, a pastor and the general treasurer for the Assemblies of God. He was grateful for Facebook, but ultimately, he said, we want everyone to put their face in another book.

The technology has created in the lives of our people this quickness, this idea that I can call and just show up at Target and park my car and they open my truck, he said. The church is not Target.

For churches like Hillsong Atlanta, the ultimate goal is evangelism.

We have never been more postured for the Great Commission than now, Collier said, referring to Jesus call to make disciples of all nations.

He is partnering with Facebook, he said, to directly impact and help churches navigate and reach the consumer better.

Consumer isnt the right word, he said, correcting himself. Reach the parishioner better.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Although the pandemic disrupted family life across the U.S. since taking hold in spring 2020, some parents are grateful for one consequence: Theyre now opting to homeschool their children, even as schools plan to resume in-person classes.

The specific reasons vary widely. Some families who spoke with The Associated Press have children with special educational needs; others seek a faith-based curriculum or say their local schools are flawed. The common denominator: They tried homeschooling on what they thought was a temporary basis and found it beneficial to their children.

Thats one of the silver linings of the pandemic  I dont think we would have chosen to homeschool otherwise, said Danielle King of Randolph, Vermont, whose 7-year-old daughter Zoe thrived with the flexible, one-on-one instruction. Her curriculum has included literature, anatomy, even archaeology, enlivened by outdoor excursions to search for fossils.

The surge has been confirmed by the U.S. Census Bureau, which reported in March that the rate of households homeschooling their children rose to 11% by September 2020, more than doubling from 5.4% just six months earlier.

Black households saw the largest jump; their homeschooling rate rose from 3.3% in the spring of 2020 to 16.1% in the fall.

The parents in one of those households, Arlena and Robert Brown of Austin, Texas, had three children in elementary school when the pandemic took hold. After experimenting with virtual learning, the couple opted to try homeschooling with a Catholic-oriented curriculum provided by Seton Home Study School, which serves about 16,000 students nationwide.

The Browns plan to continue homeschooling for the coming year, grateful that they can tailor the curriculum to fit their childrens distinctive needs. Jacoby, 11, has been diagnosed with narcolepsy and sometimes needs naps during the day; Riley, 10, has tested as academically gifted; Felicity, 9, has a learning disability.

I didnt want my kids to become a statistic and not meet their full potential, said Robert Brown, a former teacher who now does consulting. And we wanted them to have very solid understanding of their faith.

Arlena Brown, who gave birth to a fourth child 10 months ago, worked as a preschool teacher before the pandemic. Homeschooling, she says, has been a rewarding adventure.

In the beginning, the biggest challenge was to unschool ourselves and understand that homeschooling has so much freedom, she said. We can go as quickly or slowly as we need to.

Race played a key role in the decision by another African American family to homeschool their 12-year-old son, Dorian.

Angela Valentine said Dorian was often the only Black student in his classes at a suburban Chicago public school, was sometimes treated unfairly by administrators, and was dismayed as other children stopped playing with him.

As the pandemic eased, the family decided to keep Dorian at home and teach him there, using a curriculum provided by National Black Home Educators that provides content for each academic subject pertaining to African American history and culture.

I felt the burden of making the shift, making sure were making the right choices, Valentine said. But until were really comfortable with his learning environment, well stay on this homeschool journey.

Charmaine Williams, who lives in the St. Louis suburb of Baldwin, also is using the National Black Home Educators curriculum as she homeschools her 10-year-old son, Justin, and 6-year-old daughter, Janel.

Williams said she and her husband tried two previous stints of homeschooling for Justin after school officials complained about his behavior. Now  with the new curriculum and an accompanying support network  they feel more confident about choosing it as a long-term option.

At school, children have to follow a certain pattern, and theres bullying, belittling  compared to being home where theyre free to be themselves, Williams said.

Theres no turning back for us now, she added. The pandemic has been a blessing  an opportunity to take ownership of our childrens education.

Joyce Burges, co-founder and program director of National Black Home Educators, said the 21-year-old organization had about 5,000 members before the pandemic and now has more than 35,000.

Many of the new families experienced difficulties, including lack of internet access, that limited their childrens ability to benefit from virtual learning during the pandemic, Burges said.

It got so they didnt trust anything but their own homes, and their children being with them, she said. Now theyre seeing the future  seeing what their children can do.

For some families, the switch to homeschooling was influenced by their childrens special needs. Thats the case for Jennifer Osgood of Fairfax, Vermont, whose 7-year-old daughter Lily has Down syndrome.

Having observed Lilys progress with reading and arithmetic while at home during the pandemic, Osgood is convinced homeschooling is the best option for her going forward.

She has made the same decision for her 12-year-old son Noah, who didnt like the remote classes offered by his public school in the spring of 2020, and did homeschooling throughout the 2020-21 school year. It went so well that they want to continue for at least a few more years.

He told me he was learning so much more at home than he ever did in school, Osgood recalled. He said, School is just so chaotic  we dont get very much done in any particular class. Here, I sit down, you tell me what to do, and minutes later Im done.

Heather Pray of Phoenix, Maryland, says homeschooling has been a major success for her 7-year-old son, Jackson, who has autism. The family made the switch because Jackson was struggling with the virtual learning that his school provided during the pandemic.

My son did great (with homeschooling), even with just two hours of schoolwork a day, Pray said. I got him into piano lessons, taught him to read.

Pray is also homeschooling her daughter, Hayley, whos going into 7th grade and had been attending a Christian school.

I had no idea how this was going to go  I just dove in headfirst, said Pray. I felt God was holding my hand.

The Gonzalez family from Appomattox, Virginia  who are devout Catholics  opted to homeschool their three sons, ages 9, 13 and 15, after their Catholic school in Lynchburg closed in 2020 due to falling enrollment.

Theyre using the Catholic-focused curriculum from Seton Home Study School, which Jennifer Gonzalez, the boys mom, described as rigorous but well-organized.

My kids have just excelled, she said. Were able to be home and be together.
WILKES-BARRE TWP.  A Tunkhannock man who left a strip club so drunk he could barely walk got into two car crashes within minutes, and police had to use a stun gun to take him into custody, according to officers.

David Joseph Ayre, 33, of 1645 Hunter Highway, is charged with fleeing the scene of one crash and then proceeding to hit a second vehicle around 8:45 p.m. Friday.

According to the complaint, police first received a call about a heavily intoxicated man with a mohawk getting behind the wheel of a blue Dodge pickup after leaving the Dream Girls Gentlemens Club at 205 Mundy St.

Witnesses reported Ayre and his companion, Alyssa Cobb, 34, left the lot at a high rate of speed, according to the complaint.

The charges allege that Ayre crashed into another vehicle on Mundy Street at Tambur Boulevard and then fled, proceeding to cause a second crash on Mundy Street at Bear Creek Boulevard.

Police say the driver of one of the victim vehicles hit his head on the steering wheel and that Cobb also suffered a head injury during the impacts.

As officers responded to the scene, they received another call that Ayre had been attempting to flee the scene of the crash. Police say several passersby blocked Ayres truck and prevented him from leaving.

Officers found Ayre and Cobb displaying slow and slurred speech, with watery, bloodshot eyes and reeking of alcohol, according to the complaint.

The truck also contained two cans of Keystone Light, police said.

Police said Ayre blankly stared when told to turn off the truck and that he had extreme difficulty walking unassisted.

When officers tried taking away a pocketknife Ayre had in his front pocket, he began pulling away from police and resisting efforts to be handcuffed, according to the complaint.

After issuing repeated commands to stop fighting, police used a Taser to subdue Ayre and place him in handcuffs, the complaint says.

During the struggle, Sgt. James Greech suffered a partially torn ACL in his right knee, according to the complaint.

At Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Ayre refused a blood-alcohol test, so police took him to headquarters to type up a search warrant for his blood.

While in a holding cell, Ayre urinated on the floor, according to police.

Police say Ayre has a previous DUI conviction and that he has an ignition interlock limited drivers license.

Police charged Ayre with fleeing the scene of an accident, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, reckless driving, careless driving, following too closely, failing to use a seat belt and driving with an open alcohol container.

Magisterial District Judge Ferris Peter Webby Sr. arraigned Ayre on the charges Saturday morning and set bail at $20,000.

Ayre was being held at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility with a preliminary hearing set for Aug. 5.
A retired minister wants Lackawanna County Prison officials to hire a full-time chaplain to serve inmates.

Warden Tim Betti said he would look into the idea.

The Rev. Doug Posegate, a pastor in several local Methodist churches in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, told the county prison board that the prison has lacked a full-time chaplain since the last one left at least a decade ago.

Posegate said hes involved with a board of prison ministries that encourages members to remember those who are in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners.

Now that gets pretty down to it, and thats instrumental for people of faith, he said.

County Commissioner Debi Domenick, a prison board member, asked Betti to review the idea.

Besides serving as a regular presence, the last full-time chaplain helped coordinate other ministers and volunteers who want to serve inmates, Betti told the newspaper. Since he left, the prison has relied on volunteer ministers, with coordination left to other prison officials, he said.

Betti said he must determine if the prison has the money to hire a full-time chaplain.

If its sustainable to take a look at our canteen funds to fund a reverend, a priest, a rabbi, somebody to act in that behalf, I would be very interested in following the thought, Betti said.

The prison board also appointed Colleen Orzel as deputy warden for operations. Orzel served as acting deputy warden for operation since late February, Betti said.
Iran might doubt that U.S. would use its most fearsome conventional weapon, but it knows that Israel would.

With negotiations paused until a new hardline administration takes office in Tehran, the chances of reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal anytime soon are not bright. Moreover, even successful talks might not stop Irans leaders from pursuing nuclear weapons. The Biden administration needs to find a better way to deter them.

Its still possible, perhaps even likely, that the desire for sanctions relief will prompt the Iranians to rejoin the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, once they conclude the U.S. will make no further concessions. That would roll back some of Irans recent advances, including its enrichment of uranium to 60% purity and its production of uranium metal, used in nuclear warheads.

Returning to the status quo ante, though, also will highlight the original deals fundamental shortcomings  its fast-approaching sunset clauses, most notably. When the JCPOAs key provisions lapse in 2030, there will be no limits on the size of Irans nuclear infrastructure, the number or types of centrifuges it can run, or even the amount of weapons-grade fissile material it may possess or produce. By 2023, just two years from now, there will be no limits on Irans ballistic missiles, very effective delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons.

The fact that the Biden administration hopes to reach a longer and stronger follow-on agreement reflects its recognition that the JCPOA is not sufficient. The trouble is, incoming Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has made it clear that Iran has no interest in such a deal. Inducements rarely, if ever, alter Irans behavior and are unlikely to change the minds of either Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or the new president.

Nor is Irans insistence that it doesnt intend to develop nuclear weapons credible. If that were true, the regime could have pursued far less costly alternatives to building its own extensive enrichment capability. Establishing a civil nuclear industry to generate electricity, using fuel furnished from outside the country, was always an option  one that Iran consistently rejected. Evidence of its work on designing nuclear warheads, revealed in the nuclear archive Israel ferreted out of Tehran, only confirms its interest in a weapons program.

If the U.S. cannot persuade Iran to temper such ambitions using carrots, which seems unlikely given Irans determined pursuit of a large nuclear infrastructure, it must find more effective sticks.

To start, the Biden administration should reframe its stated objective and be clear the U.S. is determined to stop Iran not just from acquiring a nuclear weapon, but from being able to produce a bomb quickly. Its very likely Iran hopes to become a threshold nuclear weapons state similar to Japan, which does not have a nuclear weapon but has all the means to produce one very quickly. Unlike Japan, Iran is a threat to its neighbors and must not be in a position where it could effectively present the world with a nuclear weapons fait accompli at a time of its choosing.

The Biden administration should thus tighten its declaratory policy to say Iran will not be allowed to become a nuclear weapons threshold state. In theory, negotiations could defer such an outcome. One way to do so would be to extend the JCPOAs sunset clauses for another 10 to 20 years. A better alternative would be to impose strict limits on Irans production capabilities and the numbers and types of centrifuges it can run, in perpetuity.

If Raisis government continues to reject follow-on talks, however, the U.S. must make the costs of pursuing a threshold capability far clearer. To do so, the Biden administration should consider providing Israel the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound mountain-buster, as some in Congress have advocated. Such a weapon could be used to destroy Fordow, the underground Iranian enrichment facility, as well as other hardened nuclear sites.

Of course, the White House would need to reach a firm understanding with the Israelis about triggers for the bombs use. But being prepared to provide Israel with such a fearsome weapon and leasing the B-2 bomber to deliver it would send a powerful message. The Iranians may doubt whether the U.S. would follow through on its threats; they wont have any trouble believing the Israelis will.

In fact, providing the GBU-57 to Israel may be the best inducement for Iran to negotiate a longer and stronger deal. Only then might the regime accept that the U.S. is serious about preventing Iran from acquiring a threshold status  and that Iran risks its entire nuclear infrastructure in the absence of an agreement limiting it. Under such circumstances, Irans leaders will have an incentive to get something now for accepting an outcome that the U.S. and Israel might otherwise impose.
WASHINGTON  August is the month to watch, said Estonias 44-year-old prime minster during a recent visit to Washington. The guns of August 1914 announced the beginning of what was called the Great War until an even worse one began nine days after the Nazi-Soviet nonaggression pact of Aug. 23, 1939. However, Kaja Kallas radiates serenity during lunch near Lafayette Square across from the White House.

She does not think Russias late-summer military exercises near Estonia, scheduled by the man she calls the bully next door, presage aggression. She does, however, think it prudent to consider that Vladimir Putins revanchist ambitions might not be confined to Ukraine.

Indeed. Six months after absorbing German-speaking Austria, and four days before the Sept. 30, 1938, Munich conference, Hitler vowed that Czechoslovakias Sudenten region, home of many ethnic Germans, would be his last territorial demand. Six months after he acquired the Sudetenland at Munich, he swallowed the rest of Czechoslovakia, then turned his attention to protecting ethnic Germans in Poland. He said he could not renounce the 10 million Germans living in regions contiguous to Germany. And the war came.

Igor Stravinsky, the Russian composer, said of Poland, perilously positioned between Russia and Germany: If you pitch your tent in the middle of Fifth Avenue, it is quite likely you will be run over by a bus. Poland has often been run over: Between 1795 and 1918 it disappeared from the map of Europe. Estonia, too, has had a hard history.

Before becoming part of the Russian empire in the 18th century, Estonia was ruled by Denmark, some German knights and Sweden. The 1918 collapse of the Russian empire gave Estonia 22 years of independence, until it was absorbed by the Soviet Union. This annexation, which ended when the Soviet Union did in 1991, is one reason more than one-fourth of Estonias population is Russian.

Estonians surely noticed that in a June 30 broadcast, Putin stressed Ukraines linguistic affinity with Russia, which he said has always treated Ukraine with great love. Stalins engineered 1932-1933 famine killed approximately 13% (3.9 million) of Ukraines population.

Estonia is less than 80% the size of West Virginia; its population of 1.3 million is approximately equal to that of the Richmond, Virginia, metropolitan area. Nevertheless, this smallest of the three Baltic states has three kinds of international importance: It is one of the 27 members of the European Union, which requires unanimity for important decisions, such as the proposed new global corporate tax, which Estonia does not yet favor. Estonia is a NATO member contiguous to a Russia wielded by Putins gangster government. And Estonia reminds Europe of its greatest gift to world politics: the classical liberalism whose apostles include Adam Smith (d. 1790), Raymond Aron (d. 1983) and Estonias current prime minister, whose mother and maternal grandparents experienced the complete negation of this liberalism.

Kallas mother was 6 months old when she and her parents, who were just prosperous enough to be considered discordant with socialism, were deported to Siberia. During the three-week journey in an unheated cattle car, other deportees dried her diapers with the heat of their skin. Kallas, who has read Friedrich Hayeks anti-statism classic The Road to Serfdom (1944), lived under Soviet serfdom as a teenager.

She remembers how another European prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, when considering a policy proposal, would ask about it, What would the market say? Kallas says of Thatcher, She had very many things right.

Forty-two years after Thatcher became the first female nonroyal head of a European government, Estonia is part of a regional pattern of ascendant women: Five of them are prime ministers under 47. In addition to Kallas (whose finance and foreign ministers are women), there are Finlands Sanna Marin, 35; Denmarks Mette Frederiksen, 43; Lithuanias Ingrida Simonyte, 46; and Icelands Katrin Jakobsdottir, 45.

Norways prime minister, Erna Solberg, is 60. In addition, Estonias president is Kersti Kaljulaid, the president of the European Commission is Ursula von der Leyen, and Angela Merkel is ending 16 years as Germanys chancellor. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, favors Scotlands independence.

Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank, has joked that if Lehman Brothers had been Lehman Sisters, the collapse that triggered the 2008 financial crisis might not have happened. Sexual chauvinism aside, the Cato Institutes freedom rating places Estonia eighth among 162 nations (Venezuela is 160th), and Freedom House gives Estonia a sparkling grade of 94 out of 100. The United States gets 83.

GEORGE WILL writes for The Washington Post. georgewill@washpost.com.
Shirley P. McNeil, age 85, of Corbin, KY, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at St. Joseph Health in Lexington, KY. Born in Corbin, she was the daughter of the late Raleigh and Nancy Mitchell. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Zelda Patterson; and three
Server Christopher Lee-Caron, of Provincetown, Mass., center left, prepares to carry plates of food to customers at Tin Pan Alley restaurant in April in Provincetown. Hotels, restaurants and other businesses are expected to continue to struggle as the economy attempts to recover from the pandemic. AP file photo
FILE - In this March 28, 2018, file photo, a North Atlantic right whale feeds on the surface of Cape Cod bay off the coast of Plymouth, Mass. The profitable U.S. lobster fishery will soon have to contend with new rules designed to protect the endangered species of whale, and that could necessitate major changes for fishermen.
Nissan has announced 400 new jobs at its Sunderland car factory as production of its new Qashqai SUV ramps up and it prepares to increase production of electric cars.

The positions are a combination of temporary and permanent new roles as it looks to increase outputs of the all-new SUV and prepare the factory for production of its forthcoming electric model as well as the current Leaf EV.

The news comes just weeks after the Japanese firm - with support from the UK Government - confirmed it is to have a battery-making plant close to its Wearside vehicle production factory.

Another Nissan boost for the North East: The Japanese car brand has announce a 400 job recruitment drive as it looks to increase outputs of the new Qashqai SUV (pictured) and prepare for production of an all-new electric crossover model

The jobs announcement is seen as a huge boost after Nissan was forced to reduce production due to recent Covid absences with many of its workforce isolating after being pinged by the NHS app.

The global shortage of semiconductor computer chips needed for vehicles has also restricted outputs at the Sunderland factory, as has been the case for a number of motor manufacturers in recent weeks.

Alan Johnson, vice president of manufacturing at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, said the recruitment drive for new jobs announced on Monday was another 'vote of confidence' in the city of Sunderland and its staff.

On 1 July, the Japanese car maker said is set to make a huge investment in the Sunderland site as part of its EV36Zero plans, including a new battery-making gigafactory.

The transformational project has been launched with an initial 1billion investment by Nissan and its partners Envision AESC, a global player in world-leading battery technology, and Sunderland City Council.

Nissan will also receive some funding from the UK Government's 500million Automotive Transformation Fund, with the battery-making site projected to provide more than 1,600 new jobs in Sunderland and 4,500 in the wider supply chain.

Some of the new jobs will be responsible for preparing the plant for an increased electric vehicle output as well as production of existing cars, like the Qashqai, Nissan says

Nissan bosses said the move was another vote in confidence in Britain and Sunderland

Nissan said its Electric Vehicle Hub - in partnership with Envision AESC - will be a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem suppling batteries to the Sunderland car factory

The supply of batteries will be used for the production of a new electric crossover that will replace the current Leaf EV that's already produced at the Wearside plant.

Some of the new jobs will be responsible for preparing the plant for an increased electric vehicle output, including the requirement for new machinery and a separate production line.

In his statement, Mr Johnson said: 'Last month, we announced the 1billion investment for Nissan EV36Zero in the plant, the biggest single investment since we opened 35 years ago.

'This is a real vote of confidence in Sunderland from our parent company in Japan and will really reaffirm Sunderland's reputation as a world-class manufacturer.

'These new recruits will play an important role in preparing the plant for the arrival of the new all electric crossover model, as well as delivering Qashqai, Juke and Leaf to our customers in more than 130 world markets.'

Anyone interested in applying should visit www.careersatnissan.co.uk.

The Japanese car giant will invest more than 420million in building a new-generation all-electric vehicle (pictured)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson during his visit to the Nissan plant in Sunderland on 1 July following the announcement by the car company that it is to create thousands of jobs making batteries for electric vehicles at a new gigafactory

The Qashqai has been the UK's best-selling SUV since the first full year of availability in 2007. Sunderland has built almost four million Qashqais in total

The Qashqai has for over a decade been the UK's most bought SUV.

Nissan put the all-new third-generation version into production this year following a long term commitment to the UK and an investment of 400million to continue building the Qashqai in Sunderland.

There will not be an all-electric model, though it will be sold as a conventional hybrid.

Since the first-generation car launched in 2006, nearly four million Qashqais have been built at the North East factory.

For each year the Qashqai has been available in the UK, it has been the nation's most-bought SUV.

The outgoing second-gen Qashqai is Europe's most popular crossover with three million sold across the Continent and five million sold globally.

Nissan's Sunderland plant - which also builds the quirky Juke crossover - is also the largest car factory in UK history, with one in three of all cars made in Britain rolling off its production lines.
The collapse in passenger numbers at Heathrow Airport shows just how deeply the airline industry has been devastated by the pandemic.

Fewer than 4m people travelled through in the first six months of this year  the same as would normally have done so in 18 days pre-Covid.

Even during the worst of the pandemic last year, 22m people still managed to travel through Europe's busiest airport although that was still well down on the 90m in 2019.

Testing times: As airline chiefs suggest, replacing the shockingly expensive PCR testing with lateral flow tests would be a start

Hardly any surprise then that Heathrow has reported pandemic losses of 2.9billion, and been forced to waive its Heathrow Finance covenant for this year because it is suffering cash flow problems.

At Ryanair, Covid continues to create havoc. The low-cost airline flew 27.5m people in the year to March, down from 148.6m in the previous year. It lost another 234m in the first three months of the year.

Yet Heathrow's John Holland-Kaye and Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary are sort of bullish about the future.

Heathrow's boss reckons numbers will be back up to 21m by the end of the year while O'Leary is predicting 100m passengers will be flying Ryanair over the next financial year. But both are highly critical of the Government's travel restrictions, claiming they are too tight and costly.

Holland-Kaye put it bluntly: 'Where is the vaccine dividend?'

It's a good question: European skies are open to each other while they have also opened up with the US, which is seen as a low-risk country.

Across the EU, travel is back to half of what it was pre-pandemic compared to the UK, which is flying at about 10 per cent of those levels. EU countries have avoided many of these problems by having a digital Covid certificate, allowing a person's vaccination status to be recognised across the bloc.

This has been far more effective than the UK's haphazard policy of constantly switching its traffic light colours. Frankly, even contemplating air travel  certainly for holidays  at this time is a giant leap of faith and for most of us having a staycation makes sense.

But for trade, the impact is going to be enormous. Anecdotally, many business people are said to be crossing the Channel by whatever means and flying around the world out of Europe.

Cargo through Heathrow  the UK's busiest port  has collapsed 18 per cent compared with Frankfurt and Schipol, which have seen increases on last year.

Ministers need to get their skates on to avoid more damage. As airline chiefs suggest, replacing the shockingly expensive PCR testing with lateral flow tests and opening up to fully vaccinated travellers from the EU and the US is a first step to lift-off.

It's also time for the Government to be braver and look at national antibody testing, a move which would help those who choose not to be, or can't be, vaccinated.

A recent study published by Nature magazine shows that most of those who have recovered from Covid-19 have bone-marrow cells that can produce antibodies for years, if not decades.

Now that is a worthwhile test.

China tit-for-tat

What game is the Government playing with the latest leaks that it wants to force the giant China General Nuclear (CGN) out of the Sizewell C plant and all other UK nuclear projects? It surely knows that without CGN's support and engineering work, EDF would not be building Hinkley or Sizewell (under the so-called Osborne 'golden era', CGN was also to be allowed to build its own new plant, Bradwell B, in Essex).

If the Chinese are forced out of Sizewell, it's more than likely they will be so insulted that CGN will walk away from Hinkley too. That would leave the UK without future nuclear power, and much egg on faces.

However, if the Government can balance removing CGN from Sizewell but keep the state-owned giant at Hinkley, that would be a perfect outcome.

But that requires sensitive negotiating skills and for the Chinese to be humble. That might be stretching the diplomacy of both partners. Worth a try.

Green edge

Dutch developer Edge, is to build a 27-storey office building next to the Shard at London Bridge station.

Work on the skyscraper is to start next spring and be finished by 2025.

Edge promises the tower will be as green as anything we have seen yet, with natural ventilation coming in through each floor.

It's a big vote of confidence in the City but something of a gamble that we will be back in offices.
Food producer Cranswick has announced further investment towards its production facilities as it revealed exports to the Far East helped boost first-quarter revenues.

The cooked meats business said it plans to spend another 5million expanding capacity at its cooked bacon facility in Hull after spending 20million developing the site, which opened last quarter.

It also said that capacity at its poultry plant in Eye, Norfolk, which was hit by a significant coronavirus outbreak among workers last year, has risen from 1.1 million birds per week to 1.4 million.

Chicken dinner: Cranswick said that capacity at its poultry plant in Eye, which was hit by a significant Covid-19 outbreak last year, has risen from 1.1 million birds per week to 1.4 million

The growth in volumes helped the company's sales in the period covering the 13 weeks to June 26 to rise by 9.6 per cent, and corresponding volumes increase by 7.7 per cent, on the same time last year.

Sales to Far East countries were 'well ahead' of their levels in 2020, Cranswick noted, even though its primary processing facility in Watton continues to have its China export licence suspended.

The FTSE 250 business further ascribed pig prices jumping by 12 per cent over the quarter and solid retail demand for the upsurge in sales.

Expansion: Cranswick's sales in the period covering the 13 weeks to June 26 rose by 9.6 per cent on the same period last year thanks to growing sales to the Far East

It also said there had been a 'gradual but sustained recovery' in food service and food-to-go sectors, which have been badly affected since the pandemic started by travel restrictions and government advice to work from home.

Chief executive Adam Couch stated that the company had made a 'positive start' to the financial year and was 'firmly on track' with its capital investment programme 'as we build the platform to deliver our long-term growth strategy.'

The fresh pork producer said that it 'remains in a robust financial position,' with 'comfortable headroom' provided by unsecured facilities of 200million, and its outlook remains in line with forecasts.

Family time: In previous trading updates, Cranswick had credited its sales rise on Britons' eating meals like cooked breakfasts with bacon and sausages at home more often.

Couch added: 'We also continue to support our customers by delivering excellent service levels to ensure full availability of our products.

'The professionalism and commitment of our colleagues across the business is the foundation on which our successful performance is based, and as always, I would like to thank them for their continued dedication and support.'

In previous trading updates, Cranswick had credited its sales rising on Britons' eating meals such as cooked breakfasts with bacon and sausages at home more often.

This has offset a loss in sales at its food-to-go division, which has traditionally relied on commuters travelling to work in offices, and the closure of hospitality venues impacting its food service arm.

Thanks to the surging revenues, the FTSE 250 group chose to reward its staff with a 400 bonus at the end of last month on top of the 500 bonus they received in summer last year, and give investors a 15.9 per cent annual dividend increase.

It additionally announced today that it was making 'meaningful progress' in its 'Second Nature' sustainability strategy and was on track to have all its factories given a carbon-neutral accreditation by the start of next year.

Last week, meanwhile, the company's Science-Based Target for climate change was validated. It sets Cranswick in line with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures.

Cranswick plans to halve its emissions and those produced when customers consume its products by 2030 and become net-zero a decade later.

Shares in the firm closed trading 2.5 per cent higher at 4,102.2p on Monday.
Ministers have given the strongest signal yet that the takeover of British defence giant Ultra Electronics by US private equity could be blocked.

Government sources said Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng is taking an 'active interest' in the 2.6billion approach for the FTSE 250- listed company by Cobham owner Advent International.

He is understood to be preparing a national security review if the companies strike a formal deal.

Getting involved: Government sources said Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng is taking an 'active interest' in the 2.6billion approach

Advent tabled a 3500p per share bid for Ultra, which makes parts for Typhoon fighter jets and submarine-hunting sonobuoys, last week.

It came almost a month after it said it was mulling an offer.

But the move has already attracted criticism from politicians and former military chiefs worried about more pioneering British aerospace companies falling into foreign private equity predators' hands.

Kwarteng has the power to intervene in takeovers that could put Britain's security under threat  and even stop them.

He has ordered civil servants at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to monitor the proposed deal.

It would either be scrutinised under current laws or a new National Security and Investment regime, which comes into force in January and gives ministers greater powers to wade into takeovers. A source close to Kwarteng said: 'Given the sensitivities, the Business Secretary is definitely taking an active interest. While no decisions have been taken, we'll continue to monitor the transaction closely.'

No security probe can be launched until the companies reach a formal agreement.

Ultra employs around 1,700 people in the UK and 4,500 worldwide. Founded in 1920, it made revenues of 860m last year.

Ultra's board is 'minded to accept' Advent's proposal, and the private equity group has until August 20 to table an official bid. Ultra's stock fell 5 per cent to 3110p yesterday after news of the security review plans emerged.

Advent would need to win over sceptics after its takeover of Cobham for 4billion last year. The buyout titan has since broken Cobham up into several pieces and sold them  reneging on promises to be a long-term investor.

Then business secretary Andrea Leadsom launched a security probe and waved the deal through after concluding that Advent's undertakings were enough. Advent says it has offered assurances that appropriate national security undertakings will be offered to the Government.

But former head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Lord West, has said he is 'shocked' by Advent's move. And ex-Defence Secretary Lord Heseltine has said the potential deal is 'another example of the mindset that anything is up for sale in this country'. Shadow armed forces minister Stephen Morgan said: 'Government must protect our sovereign capability and prevent the hollowing out of pioneering British manufacturers and supply chains critical to supporting our naval platforms.'

Ultra declined to comment.

Staff must be protected, says ex-boss

THE former boss of Ultra Electronics has said private equity bidder Advent International must protect jobs if it buys the high-tech defence firm.

Douglas Caster, who led a management buyout that formed Ultra in 1993 and was chief executive from 2005 to 2010, hailed its 'great technology' and said workers should be 'looked after'.

Its products include floating sonar devices that can detect enemy submarines. But Advent's 3500p offer is controversial  the latest swoop on Britain's aerospace and defence industry  and less than two years after it pounced on Cobham.

Caster said: 'It's very difficult to say shareholders should not sell their shares at that price. The premium is just unassailable.

'But Advent must do its best to preserve the jobs of the people who have made the company great.'

Caster became Ultra's chairman in 2010 before stepping down in 2018. He is chairman of Morgan Advance Materials, an electronic engineering firm.
Lloyds Bank will be forced to make 'substantial awards' to certain victims of the historical HBOS Reading fraud in a damning sign that its original redress scheme failed customers.

It is still trying to move on from a massive scandal at the Reading branch of Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS), which was acquired by Lloyds in 2009.

Now an independent review, led by former judge Sir David Foskett, has determined that several victims will be due far more compensation than they were initially offered by Lloyds. In a letter to HBOS Reading victims yesterday, Foskett took a swipe at Lloyds' former boss Antonio Horta-Osorio.

Jailed: From left, Michael Bancroft, David Mills, and Lynden Scourfield

He said the ex-chief executive, who left this year to join Credit Suisse and has since been knighted, had 'not helped' the Foskett panel by 'promising 'swift' outcomes on our behalf before we had even been appointed'. The update from Foskett will send jitters through Lloyds and its shareholders, who will be worrying just how much the scandal could cost the bank.

One source with knowledge of the Foskett review said a handful of customers, who were initially refused compensation by Lloyds, were being told they could claim redress in the tens of millions.

The HBOS Reading scandal occurred between 2003 and 2007, when six bankers and advisers milked millions of pounds from struggling business customers and spent it on luxury holidays, sex parties with escorts including Suzie Best, and expensive watches.

Almost 200 business owners saw their livelihoods destroyed, and total losses have been estimated at more than 1billion. The perpetrators  including Michael Bancroft, David Mills, and Lynden Scourfield  were jailed in 2017.

Lloyds launched a scheme to compensate victims, but a review by retired High Court judge Sir Ross Cranston found it had 'serious shortcomings' as it paid out just over 100m.

Since then, Foskett has led an independent panel which is reviewing all cases, and deciding what they are actually due.

Sex parties: Escort Suzie Best

Foskett said: 'In certain cases, we have decided that a substantial award should be paid.' He said this might not be the case for all affected customers.

Tory MP Kevin Hollinrake, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on fair business banking, said some victims whose cases had been reviewed were seeing compensation 'in a different order' to what they had initially been offered.

He added: 'When you consider that Lloyds initially never accepted that there had been a fraud, then they made all the promises in the world which they failed to keep, then they put in place a compensation scheme that wasn't fit for purpose and tried to minimise their own losses, their behaviour is disgraceful. There has been a denial at every turn.'

Many victims whose livelihoods were destroyed more than 15 years ago are still waiting for justice. Foskett said that 'almost all' of the 'high priority' cases had received a decision.

He added: 'Do we wish we were further forward? Yes, we do and we and our teams have been working very long hours to progress our work as quickly as we possibly can.'

But Nikki Turner, one of the victims, said it was 'disappointing' that many businesses were still waiting for redress.

She said: 'We do appreciate the scale of the task faced by the Foskett panel, and we knew it would take time. But I don't think Lloyds are looking at this from a humanitarian point. They don't recognise that there are a lot of elderly and ill people who may not be around forever, and who need that money.'

She said the bank had been 'good' at giving interim and hardship payments during its original compensation scheme.

But since Cranston ordered a new inquiry which could take years to complete, Lloyds has only offered 35,000 to tide victims over  back in 2019.

Lloyds had spent 435m on dealing with the scandal, as of the end of last year.

But only a fraction has gone to victims for their compensation, interim payments and legal costs. The remainder has been used to fund a fine levied by the City regulator, the costs of a separate review into whether Lloyds covered up the fraud, and its own legal costs.

Lloyds said: 'We remain extremely sorry to all customers who were impacted by the crimes committed at HBOS Reading and we are committed to putting things right. We are pleased that the first determinations from [the panel] have been communicated to customers. We will continue to provide all assistance needed to Sir David Foskett and the panel.'
The boss of the world's largest hedge fund has dismissed bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as having 'no inherent worth'.

Luke Ellis, chief executive of Man Group, compared the mania around digital currencies with the 17th century tulip frenzy, when the value of bulbs soared and then crashed.

'If you look at cryptocurrencies as a whole, it is a pure trading instrument. There is no inherent worth in it whatsoever. It is a tulip bulb,' he told the Financial Times.

The comments came as bitcoin rose almost 20 per cent, back towards $40,000 (28,920) amid speculation that Amazon could take it as a payment method. Its value has swung wildly this year, peaking at almost $65,000 (47,000) in April before falling below $30,000 (21,680) last week.

Ellis, whose firm has 92billion in assets under management, said the dramatic price swings provide trading opportunities and that cryptocurrencies were one of around 800 markets it traded in on top of 15,000 stocks and thousands of credits.

He said digital currencies were 'something to trade because they go up and down a bunch'.
FirstGroup's largest shareholder has demanded its chief executive resign as it steps up its battle with the transport group.

Coast Capital urged Matthew Gregory and two board directors to step down after the company sold two North American businesses for a price it thinks was far too cheap.

The US hedge fund, which owns around 14 per cent of FTSE 250-listed FirstGroup, said Gregory was a 'chief executive who has failed for long enough'.

End of the line: Coast Capital urged Matthew Gregory and two board directors to step down

It also took aim at board members Julia Steyn and Warwick Brady, the former boss of Esken, which was previously known as Stobart Group.

Last week, First completed the sale of its sprawling US transport business to Swedish private equity group EQT Infrastructure for 3.3billion.

It also boosted shareholder returns by 37 per cent to 500m, using some of the proceeds from the sale as a top-up.

The deal included First Student, which runs America's yellow school buses. Coast's found ing partner, James Rasteh, slammed the sale, saying it 'stinks to the heavens' and left 'billions of dollars on the table'.

Coast has now said it made alternative deal proposals to the board, which were ignored.

But Coast was not alone in its fight against the EQT sale. Another significant investor, Schroders, also spoke out against it and proxy adviser Glass Lewis recommended voting against it. At a meeting in May, First won the support of 61 per cent of votes cast.

Gregory took over at First in 2018. In a statement, Coast blasted him for reneging on his original plan to sell First's UK transport business. It also criticised Steyn and Brady.

First declined to comment on the demand for the resignations. It added: 'We consistently engage on a variety of topics with all our major shareholders. We have carefully considered Coast Capital's various outline and initial ideas for the business.'
Investors who had hoped to boost their returns by buying into China-focused funds were left smarting yesterday.

Souring relations between Beijing and London, combined with brutal new restrictions on profits for education companies operating in China, have knocked swathes of stocks.

And the 18 investment trusts listed in London which focus on China or the wider Asia-Pacific region were a sea of red, as savers pulled their money out.

Shares in Fidelity China Special Situations, a titan of the sector at 1.8billion, slid 3.6 per cent, or 13.5p, to 357.5p. Its next-largest rival JP Morgan Emerging Markets fell by 1.2 per cent, or 1.6p, to 130.2p, and Schroder Asia Pacific edged down 1.3 per cent, or 8p, to 593p.

Trouble: Souring relations between Beijing and London, combined with brutal new restrictions on profits for education companies operating in China, have knocked swathes of stocks

JP Morgan China Growth & Income was one of the worst affected, falling 5.1 per cent, or 31p, to 580p. China's regulators are cracking down, imposing restrictions on businesses which are seen to be becoming Westernised.

The latest move was to ban education firms from making a profit, in the hope this would encourage families to have children by making it cheaper to raise them.

And reports that the UK is looking to remove Chinese energy company CGN from its nuclear power projects, hinting at a widening divide between the two countries, have done little to buoy sentiment.

It was a dull day for Britain's FTSE 100, which remained near-flat at 7025.43 points.

Miners gave a boost to the index, lifted by strong metals prices  Antofagasta climbed 4.1 per cent, or 58.5p, to 1495.5p, Glencore was up 3.3 per cent, or 10.5p, to 326.2 points, Anglo American edged up 3.2 per cent, or 94.5p, to 3058.5p and Rio Tinto rose 3.1 per cent, or 184p, to 6110p. But those gains were countered by the stronger pound, which weighs on the performance of companies which sell a lot of their products overseas. Dove-to-Hellmann's owner Unilever, for example, slipped 2.7 per cent, or 113p, to 4031p.

The more domestically-focused FTSE 250 edged up 0.2 per cent, or 49.8 points, to 22,933.2 points, helped by the news that UK Covid cases had fallen for the sixth day in a row. This boosted leisure and travel stocks  Cineworld was up 5.4 per cent, or 3.44p, to 66.84p, Trainline climbed 5.2 per cent, or 16p, to 322.6p, and Easyjet rose 3.9 per cent, or 32p, to 845.8p.

Meat producer Cranswick was buoyed by booming exports to Asia and the rising value of UK pigs. Far East export sales in the three months to the end of June were 'well ahead' of the same period of last year when China was in lockdown. And it increased the capacity at its poultry site in Eye, Suffolk, from 1.1m to 1.4m birds per week. Shares rose 2.5 per cent or 98p, to 4100p.

Elsewhere, newly listed private equity firm Bridgepoint celebrated its first day of full trading with further gains.

The firm, famous for building Pret a Manger into one of the country's biggest cafe chains, floated last week but could only be traded by institutions until yesterday. Its shares lifted 3.2 per cent, or 15.6p, to 499.6p, up 43 per cent from their float price of 350p.

ITV, which is trying to haul its business into the digital age amid competition from the likes of Amazon Prime and Disney Plus, announced it had spent 2.5m buying a minority stake in Live Tech Games. The company creates mobile games allowing users to play against each other live. ITV's shares nudged up 0.2 per cent, or 0.25p, to 121.25p.
Malian strongman Assimi Goita was attacked at Bamako's Grand Mosque on Tuesday -- his attacker has now died in custody

A man accused of trying to kill Mali's military strongman Assimi Goita, the figure behind two coups in less than a year, has died in custody, the government said on Sunday.

The suspect, whose identity has not been revealed, had been taken into custody following the assassination attempt at Bamako's Grand Mosque on Tuesday.

"During investigations... his health deteriorated" and he was then hospitalised, but "unfortunately, he has died," the government said in a statement.

It added that an autopsy had been immediately ordered to determine the cause of death.

A man armed with a knife lunged at Goita after prayers for Eid al-Adha on Tuesday, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.

Goita was whisked away by his security detail, and later appeared on state TV to say he was doing "very well", downplaying the significance of the assault.

Mali

"That's part of being a leader, there are always malcontents," he said.

"There are people who at any time may want to try things to cause instability."

His attacker, a young-looking man dressed in jeans and a white shirt, was apprehended at the scene and taken away by the Malian intelligence services.

The suspect was never presented to judicial authorities, a source requesting anonymity told AFP on Sunday.

His identity was not revealed, but commissioner Sadio Tomoda said late Tuesday that he was a teacher, without elaborating.

Prosecutors had opened an inquiry into the incident.

On Sunday, the government said the suspect's death was not an obstacle to continuing the investigation, "especially since preliminary evidence and intelligence gathered indicate that he was not an isolated element".

- Political instability -

The attack capped months of political turmoil in a country that has rarely enjoyed stability since gaining independence from France in 1960.

Tuesday's attacker was apprehended at the scene and taken into custody

Goita, a special forces colonel in his late thirties, headed a putsch last August that ousted elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita after weeks of protests over graft and a bloody jihadist insurgency.

The junta, in the face of international condemnation, handed power to a civilian-led transitional government that promised to restore civilian rule in February 2022.

But in late May, Goita, who was vice president in the transitional government, ousted president Bah Ndaw and premier Moctar Ouane, saying they had sought to "sabotage" the handover.

In June, with Goita as interim president, a new government was unveiled, with military figures in key roles.

As the African Union and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS piled on pressure, Goita vowed the government would uphold all commitments and pledged to stage "credible, fair and transparent elections".

Mali's neighbours and allies have been viewing the crisis with disquiet, fearing the impact on efforts to stem a jihadist insurgency that is unfurling across the Sahel region.

The bloody campaign erupted in the north of Mali in 2012, and has since spread to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

France, the mainstay of the anti-jihadist operation, has been especially critical of the military takeover in Mali.

It suspended military cooperation after the second coup and then announced a major drawdown of its 5,100-man Barkhane mission.
Tifton, GA (31794)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning becoming more widespread in the afternoon. High near 80F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially before midnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
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Funeral services for Donnie Layton, 68, of Ochlocknee will be held Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 5:00PM at Willis-Jamerson-Braswell Funeral Home. Rev. Jeffrey (Tater) West will officiate. Mr. Layton passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021. Born September 5, 1952 in Meigs he was the son of the late 
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The Washington County Election Commission has asked county commissioners to scrap plans to move its offices from the courthouse to the George P. Jaynes Justice Center.
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As a $26 billion settlement over the toll of opioids looms, some public health experts are citing the 1998 agreement with tobacco companies as a cautionary tale of runaway government spending and missed opportunities for saving more lives.

Mere fractions of the $200 billion-plus tobacco settlement have gone toward preventing smoking and helping people quit in many states. Instead, much of the money has helped to balance state budgets, lay fiber-optic cable and repair roads.

And while the settlement was a success in many ways  smoking rates have dropped significantly  cigarettes are still blamed for more than 480,000 American deaths a year.

We saw a lot of those dollars being spent in ways that didnt help the population that had been harmed by tobacco, said Bradley D. Stein, director of the RAND Corporations Opioid Policy Center. And I think its critical that the opioid settlement dollars are spent wisely.

Lawyers for states and local governments and the companies laid out key details of the settlement on Wednesday and said there are provision to make sure the money is used as intended.

The deal calls for the drugmaker Johnson & Johnson to pay up to $5 billion, in addition to billions more from the major national drug distribution companies. AmerisourceBergen and Cardinal Health are each to contribute $6.4 billion. McKesson is to pay $7.9 billion.

Nearly $2 billion of the funds would be reserved for private lawyers who were hired by governments to work on their suits against the industry. State attorney general offices could also keep some of the money.

States  except West Virginia, which has already settled with the companies but could receive more through the deal  will have 30 days to approve the agreements. After that, local governments will have four months to sign on. Each company will decide whether enough jurisdictions agree to the deal to move ahead with it. The more governments sign on, the more the companies will pay.

While the companies strongly dispute the allegations made in these lawsuits, they believe the proposed settlement agreement and settlement process it establishes ... are important steps toward achieving broad resolution of governmental opioid claims and delivering meaningful relief to communities across the United States, the distribution companies said in a statement.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said it would be the second-biggest cash settlement of its kind in U.S. history behind the tobacco deal in the 1990s.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein said the opioid agreement requires state and local governments to use the vast majority of the money on abatement  and that will be subject to a court order. The deal calls for at least 70% of the money to go to a list of abatement activities such as providing naloxone, a drug that reverses overdoses; helping house homeless people with addictions; or educating the public on the dangers of the drugs, among many other possibilities.

We all are experiencing the consequences in communities across North Carolina, across the country, Stein said on a video news conference Wednesday.

Not every state is ready to agree. Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said he would reject the deal as insufficient and move ahead with a trial on claims against the distributors scheduled to start in September.

Grant Woods, a former Arizona Attorney General whos been involved in both the tobacco and opioid lawsuits, said the difference this time is that everybody wants this money to go towards opioids and abatement around the country

The deal would be part of the ongoing effort to address the nationwide opioid addiction and overdose crisis. Prescription drugs and illegal ones like heroin and illicitly produced fentanyl have been linked to more than 500,000 deaths in the U.S. since 2000. The number of cases reached a record high in 2020.

If approved, the settlement will likely be the largest of many in the opioid litigation playing out nationwide. It's expected to bring more than $23 billion to abatement and mitigation efforts to help get treatment for people who are addicted along with other programs to address the crisis. The money would come in 18 annual payments, with the biggest amounts in the next several years.

This is likely to be the biggest group of settlements, but other companies, including OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, generic drugmaker Mallinckrodt and the consulting firm McKinsey have all reached or nearly reached national settlements over opioids, too. Some drugmakers, smaller distributors and pharmacy companies are still being sued by thousands of government entities.

A group of advocacy organizations, public health experts and others are pushing for governments to sign on to a set of principles for how settlement money should be used. They include establishing a dedicated fund for combating the epidemic with the settlement money and making sure that it doesn't just replace other funding streams in the budget.

The group has pointed out that many state and local governments have already made cuts to substance use and behavioral health programs because of economic downturn wrought by the coronavirus pandemic. And government officials may be tempted to fill holes in budgets with the money.

Joshua Sharfstein, a vice dean at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said it's crucial that the money is spent to combat the opioid scourge because the overdose epidemic is raging.

Last year, there were a record 93,000 fatal overdoses from all drugs in the U.S. The majority of them involved fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has medical uses but is also produced illicitly.

Everybody is both excited and a little worried, Sharfstein said of the expected funds, a little worried that they may be squandered.

Paul Geller, a lawyer representing local governments, said the structure of the settlement ensures the money will be used as intended.

It wont be used to fill potholes or build libraries or balance budgets, Geller said.

Those are the kind of things that a significant portion of the tobacco settlement money has been spent on, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which tracks the money.

Campaign President Matthew L. Myers said the tobacco settlement is one of the greatest missed public health opportunities of our lifetime.

We would have saved massively more lives, he said if more money was spent on cessation and prevention.

The settlement was the result of states wanting to recoup healthcare costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses, while alleging the industry misled the public.

Joelle Lester, director of commercial tobacco control programs at the Public Health Law Center in Minnesota, said the tobacco settlement was both a huge success and a cautionary tale.

It led to rising cigarette prices, which caused smoking rates to drop. Marketing, particularly to kids, was curtailed. And adult smoking fell from 24.1% in 1998 to 13.7% in 2018, according to the American Lung Association.

But the money that was diverted could still have made a bigger difference, she said.

The folks negotiating these settlements have to keep their focus on the destruction to health and communities caused, she said of industry settlements in general. Every element of the settlement should either try to remediate the harm caused or prevent it from continuing.

___

Finley reported from Norfolk, Virginia, and Mulvihill from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
MALTA  You can thank the late Steve Jobs for the second computer chip factory that GlobalFoundries CEO Tom Caulfield promised to build at the company's Fab 8 headquarters and manufacturing campus in Saratoga County.

Caulfield made the pledge  which will likely cost the company $10 billion or more  last week at a high-profile press event where he hosted U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimando.

Two of the most powerful people in Washington D.C., Schumer and Raimando, will be critical to construction of the new factory to be called Fab 8.2.

That's because Caulfield is depending on up to $2 billion in federal funding for Fab 8.2 through a $250 billion technology and science funding bill that Schumer got passed in the Senate. The bill includes $52 billion in subsidies for chip makers like GlobalFoundries to build new factories in the United States.

The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), as the legislation is called, is designed to dramatically grow the U.S. computer chip industry, which has lost its global dominance in chip manufacturing to places like China and Taiwan. The escalating political conflict entangling the two Asian countries over the sovereignty of the island republic could potentially cripple the industry's supply chain. This could lead to a more severe global chip shortage than the one we are already experiencing as a result of the pandemic.

In fact, since 1990, the U.S. chip industry's share of the global manufacturing output has been cut by two-thirds  from 37 percent to 12 percent  as Taiwan especially, and China, have been building chip fabs that increasingly serve U.S. customers.

But Caulfield, who has been leading the charge with Schumer and U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko to get the $52 billion in chip subsidies passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, says that the global chip shortage that emerged in 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has been about 15 years in the making.

"All of us call for swift passage (in the House)," Caulfield said of the USICA.

A GlobalFoundries spokesman said that if legislation passes, gets Biden's signature and approval for appropriation from the Commerce Department, GlobalFoundries is "sure we will get our fair share of the funding, especially with the strong support demonstrated on Monday."

Caulfield said it was Jobs' reveal of Apple's first iPhone in 2007 that launched the true digital revolution and made semiconductor chips pervasive in human lives  and contained in devices we use everyday, from cars to refrigerators.

"This chip shortage has been in the making for a decade-and-a-half," Caulfield told scores of guests at Monday's event at Fab 8 with Schumer and Raimando. "It started when (Apple) launched the first smartphone. It also created a huge problem that we face today."

One place the chip shortage is having an impact is at U.S. car factories, which have been idled because today's cars rely on hundreds if not thousands of chips inside and supply is low. GlobalFoundries is a major supplier of chips to the auto industry.

So GlobalFoundries will build Fab 8.2, Caulfield promised on Monday, pending the outcome of the USICA in the House of Representatives. The impact of a new factory won't be felt immediately: There is no timetable for completion, no price tag and no groundbreaking set.

But Caulfield said that starting right away, GlobalFoundries will also build out the rest of the manufacturing floor at Fab 8 that has been idle until now. It's a significant project that Caulfield said will cost the company $1 billion over the next several years.

Fab 8 currently employs 3,000 people, and the manufacturing expansion at Fab 8, plus the second fab, is expected to create the need for 1,000 more jobs at the company's Malta campus, which also includes land in the town of Stillwater.

That doesn't include the thousands of construction and infrastructure jobs that would be needed during construction  which will likely last through the end of the decade, with potentially other expansions as well.

Mark Eagan, CEO of both the Capital Region Chamber and the Center for Economic Growth, both of which have been close allies of GlobalFoundries and the local tech sector, said that the two expansions that GlobalFoundries is planning in Malta will double the chip output of what Fab 8 currently produces and, more importantly, solidify the Capital Region's place among U.S. and even global chip-making hubs.

Those include Portland, Ore., Albuquerque, N.M., and Chandler, Ariz., sites where Intel has chip fabs, as well as Singapore and Taiwan among others.

"It is a huge deal for our economy and confirms our regions position internationally in advanced semiconductors," Eagan said of the Fab 8 expansion plans.

The Fab 8 campus could also become even bigger if Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is interested in acquiring GlobalFoundries for $30 billion, as recently reported in the media. It's a situation that Caulfield Monday denied.

Intel recently signed a deal to do research and development with IBM at Albany Nanotech and signaled its interest in building its own fab somewhere in upstate  but likely near Albany, making the Luther Forest Technology Campus where Fab 8 is located an ideal location.

However if Luther Forest is not ideal for Intel, the company could also consider a site in Utica that is located next to SUNY Polytechnic Institute's Oneida County campus. Cree, a North Carolina maker of power electronics chips that regulate electricity in things like electric car batteries, airplanes and other industrial devices, is currently building a $1 billion chip fab at the Utica site.

New York state  which had officials from its Empire State Development division at Monday's announcement  could also be involved in providing financial subsidies to GlobalFoundries as it has done in the past. New York's cash grants and tax breaks have surpassed $1.5 billion over the past decade.

Empire State Development welcomes discussions with any business that is looking to create jobs and invest in New York state (but) does not confirm or deny whether any potential negotiations are occurring until such time as they are concluded," ESD spokeswoman Kristin Devoe told the Times Union.

Devoe added that during Gov. Andrew Cuomo's tenure the state has "focused on establishing a robust, high-tech infrastructure anchored by companies like GlobalFoundries, IBM, Applied Materials, ON Semiconductor, Tokyo Electron and, most recently, Cree."

She said that "no other state in the nation combines New York's depth of talent, array of existing semiconductor manufacturers, robust supply chain, tax benefits for manufacturers, and nation-leading number of shovel-ready fab sites to offer high tech companies an unparalleled opportunity to grow."
Will Waldron/Times Union

New York could soon lose out on $2.4 billion it was allocated in federal relief funds for tenants and landlords due to administrative delays at an executive branch agency, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer warned Sunday in an open letter to the head of the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. (TU)

About a sixth of the criminal cases that went before a judge in New York in 2020 led to the person being rearrested before the case concluded, according to new data from the state's court system, which was mandated to be collected after the Legislature passed controversial bail refinements a year earlier. (TU)
ALBANY  A man and a teenager were treated at the emergency room of Albany Medical Center hospital late Sunday and early Monday after being wounded in separate shootings  the latest victims in a relentless streak of gun violence in the city.

A 16-year-old was shot at about 2 a.m. Monday. The shooting happened at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Quail Street, the victim told police after he arrived at Albany Medical Center. Police described his injuries as non-life threatening.

Five hours earlier, police were investigating reports of gunshots in the area around Clinton and Lexington avenues when hospital officials called to report a man was being treated for a gunshot wound.

The 32-year-old was shot in both arms but the injuries are not life-threatening, police said of Sunday's the 9 p.m. shooting.

The shooting is a continuation of a wave of gun violence in the city that began with a shooting on Thursday and left two men dead, one from a shooting on Friday and the other from a shooting on Saturday.

The city's 10th and 11th homicides of 2021 came amid Fridays state of emergency declaration by Mayor Kathy Sheehan, an action that resulted in the shutdown of a Lark Street bar, Cafe Hollywood. Sheehan and Police Chief Eric Hawkins said in a statement that the business appeared to have a connection to the first shooting, which took place Friday morning. The bar's owner, however, vehemently disagreed with that characterization. The increase in violence bears some similarity to a rash of shootings that left six dead in May alone.

Lamon Lanier, 34, died after he was shot in the head sometime before 1 a.m. Friday around Willett Street and Hudson Avenue, police said. He had been taken to Albany Medical Center hospital, where he died Saturday morning.

At about 4:45 a.m. Saturday, police responded to the area of Third and Oak streets for reports of shots fired. Police said they found 30-year-old Rashad Nicholson in the street with gunshot wounds to his torso. He was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel and taken to Albany Med, where he later died.

The hospital also notified police that a 30-year-old man entered the emergency room with a gunshot wound to the abdomen, and a 32-year-old woman arrived with a gunshot wound to her leg. Both were also shot on Third Street and were being treated for what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

They are the city's most recent slayings since a spate of six homicides in May. It was an ominous echo of May 21, when two separate shootings resulted in the deaths of LaShon Turner, 39, near Henry Johnson Boulevard and Central Avenue, and Sharf "David" Addalim, 35, in a mass shooting at Quail and First streets.

Sheehan explained that the state of emergency would suspend a section of city code, eliminating the need for a notice and a public hearing to close a business declared to be a public safety nuisance.

But the cafe's owner, Collin Christopher Rost, said he was outraged over the action and the support for the shutdown expressed by some in the political and business community. Rost vowed to reopen and take the city to court and "countersue for defamation of character" for linking his bar to one of those slayings.

Rost said he wasn't on the premises about 5:30 p.m. Friday when "the police came in heavy with code enforcement, and just basically put a cease and desist order on my door and told my staff to leave."
ALBANY  Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday announced $15 million toward a targeted vaccination campaign to try to slow the spread of the delta variant of COVID-19 and vaccinate the remaining 3.5 million eligible New Yorkers.

The governor, speaking from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, said the state is focusing on 117 ZIP codes  nearly 80 percent of them in New York City or Long Island  where cases of the coronavirus are outpacing the rest of the state and vaccination rates are below the state average.

The affected communities in the New York City metropolitan area are primarily poor communities of color and politically conservative areas.

Four Capitol Region ZIP codes are included in the 25 ZIP codes outside of the New York City and Long Island area: 12158 in Selkirk, Albany County; 12058 in Earlton, Greene County; 12083 in South Westerlo, Greene County; and 12815 in Brant Lake, Warren County.

The money is being distributed to community-based groups to help them encourage vaccine-hesitant people to get the shots.

Groups receiving a chunk of the $15 million include $5.5 million apiece to the Hispanic Federation and the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, and $1 million to the New York Immigration Coalition, Asian American Federation, Charles B. Wang Community Center and APICHA Community Health Center.

The directors of some of the groups, sitting alongside Cuomo, thanked him for his handling of the pandemic and the steps he's taking to fund organizations that can directly address the concerns of vaccine-hesitant people, like time and location of where to get the vaccine, language and information barriers and trust of the community partners.

Cuomo declared an end to the state of emergency on the pandemic on June 24, after the state reached the federal government's goal of 70 percent vaccination rate of those eligible. The state of emergency, in part, allowed Cuomo to expedite the spending of funds for COVID-19 relief and make related decisions without the approval of the Legislature or local authorities.

"People took false comfort in, 'Well, we hit 70 percent vaccine rate. We're done. Hallelujah. Let's have a party, a bottle of champagne. It's done.' No," said Cuomo, who celebrated the end of the state of emergency with state-funded fireworks. ("The emergency is over," he said at the time.)

The governor pointed to the difference in COVID-19 positive tests in the state since last month. Daily cases have quintupled to more than 1,900, although hospitalizations and deaths have remained relatively low compared to prior spikes.

"The problem now is vaccine hesitancy," Cuomo said. "Some people, communities of color, have had really horrific, historic experiences with vaccines."

The governor, in an effort to show the strength of the vaccine, said just 0.15 percent of those fully vaccinated have reported a positive COVID-19 test.

Cuomo is under multiple investigations for his administration's handling of COVID-19, including whether he skewed death counts in nursing homes or used staff to help write a $5 million book that was about his successes in handling the pandemic.
An Army National Guard combat unit and a Navy unit have new commanders.

Col. Sean Flynn of Albany, a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has assumed command of the New York Army National Guards 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during a ceremony at Fort Drum. Navy Cmdr. Raymond Gamicchia took command of the Navy Support Activity Saratoga Springs.

Flynn replaced Col. Robert Charlesworth, who retired after serving 28 years in the active Army and New York Army National Guard and he leads 4,000 soldiers. His light infantry brigade is headquartered in Syracuse and is comprised of three infantry battalions, a cavalry squadron, an artillery battalion, a brigade engineer battalion and a support battalion. Elements of the brigade are located across New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

For Flynn his new assignment is a homecoming of sorts. He began his career in the Army National Guard with the brigade's historic 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment - the "Fighting 69th" - as a platoon leader, company commander, and eventually battalion commander. In honor of his time with the battalion, two Irish Wolfhounds - the mascot of the 69th - were part of the formation of troops.

Flynn also served in executive officer roles for the brigade's 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, and for the brigade headquarters. He most recently served as operations officer and chief of staff of the 42nd Infantry Division during a deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

He works full-time with the New York Army National Guard as director of Plans, Training and Operations while serving as the 27th IBCT commander. Prior to joining the Army, Flynn served in the Air Force from 1994 to 2000, with active duty assignments as a public affairs officer for the 81st Training Wing in Biloxi, Miss., and the 354th Fighter Wing in Fairbanks, Alaska. He earned his commission in 1994 through an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

Flynn joined the New York Army National Guard in 2000, where his key assignments included platoon leader and company commander in the historic 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment - the "Fighting 69th" - in New York City; executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment in Utica; commander of the Fighting 69th in New York City; brigade executive officer of the 27th IBCT in Syracuse, and operation and plans officer and chief of staff of the 42nd Infantry Division in Troy.

His major operational deployments include Operation Spartan Shield in 2020, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, Operation Noble Eagle in 2001, and Operation World Trade Center in 2001.

Before joining the New York Army National Guard full time, Flynn worked in New York as a financial communications and public relations consultant from 1997 to 2006. He earned a bachelor of arts in journalism from the University of Maryland at College Park and a master's in strategic studies from the Army War College. He also is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College.

Flynn has earned a Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, an Air Force Commendation Medal, an Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He is the author of The Fighting 69th: From Ground Zero to Baghdad (Viking 2008), a narrative nonfiction account about the evolution of the National Guard from a strategic reserve to an operational force in the wake of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Flynn and his wife Lori Ann have two children.

"Under the command of Colonel Charlesworth, the brigade accomplished tremendous tasks at both the tactical and strategic level, all while supporting COVID operations across the state," Maj. Gen. Thomas Spencer, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, the brigade's higher headquarters, said during the ceremony at Fort Drum.

Charlesworth saw the 27th through a successful warfighter exercise at the start of his command, led thousands of soldiers activated in support of New York's response to the coronavirus pandemic, and oversaw the deployment of troops to the 59th presidential inauguration and follow-on security missions in Washington, D.C., added Spencer. The brigade is now preparing for a deployment to Europe next year in support of NATO.

Gamicchia replaced Cmdr. Phillip Boice. Rear Adm. Charles W. Chip Rock, commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, presided over the ceremony. During his two-year tenure, Boice ensured sustained operational support to Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa and other local military commands, directed the installations response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and laid the groundwork for the installations transition to a new required operational capability, effectively reshaping the workforce of NSA Saratoga Springs and Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn.

Gamicchias previous assignments included tours as combat systems officer aboard USS Chosin (CG65) from 2011 to 2012, officer in charge of Commander, Naval Air Forces Force Nuclear Propulsion Maintenance Training Group Detachment in Yokosuka, Japan from 2014 to 2016, executive officer aboard USS Mustin (DDG 89) from 2016 to 2018, and his most recent sea tour as assistant reactor officer aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) from 2018 to 2020.






RENO, Nev. (AP)  A federal judge has denied environmentalists' request for a court order temporarily blocking the government from digging trenches for archaeological surveys at a mine planned near the Nevada-Oregon line with the biggest known U.S. deposit of lithium.

U.S. District Judge Miranda Du said in an 11-page ruling late Friday in Reno that four conservation groups failed to prove the trenches planned across a total of one-quarter acre (.10 hectare) would cause irreparable harm to sage brush that serves as critical habitat for imperiled sage grouse.

She said she plans to rule later this week on a request from a Nevada tribe to join the legal battle as an intervenor and seek a similar restraining order based on claims the digging would disturb sacred burial grounds.

Du emphasized she has placed the overall case on an expedited schedule and intends to issue a ruling on the merits by early next year. She noted any construction of the mine itself is unlikely to begin before the snow melts in the spring of 2022.

Given the limited, speculative evidence of imminent harm plaintiffs presented, they have failed to meet their burden to show they will be irreparably harmed in the absence of a preliminary injunction as the parties await the courts merits decision, she wrote.

Lithium Nevada Corp.s proposed Thacker Pass mine is emerging as a key battleground in the debate over environmental trade-offs tied to President Joe Bidens push for renewable energy.

Lithium is a key component in electric vehicle batteries.

Opponents say the U.S. Bureau of Land Management violated several environmental laws in a December rush to approve the mine in the final days of the Trump administration.

The mine is planned on 28 square miles (72 square kilometers) of federal land above an extinct volcano formed millions of years ago about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of the Nevada-Oregon line.

Global demand for lithium is forecast to triple by 2025, Lithium Nevada said in recent court filings. The proposed mine is the only one in the nation on the drawing board that can help meet that demand, the company said.

Western Watersheds Project, Great Basin Resource Watch and others said in their lawsuit filed earlier this year that some of the regions most essential and irreplaceable sage grouse habitat could be lost if the mine is built. They say the bureau also has dismissed potential harm to golden eagles and destruction of pronghorn antelope habitat.

John Hadder, executive director of the resource watch, said Monday they were disappointed in the judge's ruling.

But mine construction is not slated to begin until next year and the court stated that it would rule on the merits of the case by then, he said in an email to The Associated Press. "Due to the various legal errors in the BLMs review and approval of the mine, we look forward to briefing on the merits of the case in the coming months.

Justice Department lawyers representing the Bureau of Land Management told Du during a hearing last week the company can't begin construction of the mine until it completes a historic properties treatment plan in conjunction with the agency and obtains several outstanding permits from the state of Nevada.

Du said in her ruling that the plans for excavations and collection of data at 21 historic properties calls for two to 25 holes to be dug by hand at each site  along with seven mechanical trenches at some sites up to a few meters deep and 40 meters (130 feet) long.

She said the harm described by opponents is more speculative than specific and not specifically tied to any of the actual sites that may be excavated in conjunction with the historic properties treatment plan.

They assume the digging will involve destruction of sagebrush, but that is not necessarily true, Du wrote, especially because they don't know the specific location of the planned trenches because the sites have been kept confidential.

She also noted that Lithium Nevada has committed to provide 60 days advance notice before it commences any significant ground disturbance at the mine site.

Lawyers for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and Western Watersheds Project said in new a joint motion last week the agency also is violating the National Historic Preservation Act by failing to consult with tribal members about plans to the dig the trenches at the site where Native Americans were slaughtered in the late 1800s.

The bureau said in a new court filing Monday they don't oppose granting the colony intervenor status but lawyers for Lithium Nevada said they do.

The company said in an opposition motion Monday the agency invited the colony to consult with them on July 12.

It said the colony's decision to file its motion last week 17 hours before the federal hearing on the injunction sought by conservationists is inexcusable considering the BLM has spent years reviewing the project."

The review has included substantial consultation with local tribes that never raised any similar concerns while the company spent $10 million on the permitting process in an effort to move to the next stage of development and production, the company's lawyers wrote.

___

This story has been corrected to show the tribe is seeking status as an intervenor, not a co-plaintiff.
NORTHUMBERLAND  In 2001, just months after her husband died, Tina Boldt decided to move forward building their dream home, a log cabin.

After checking for and finding no complaints against Nassau contractor Charles E. Hotaling, she hired him. From July 2001 to early 2002, she paid Hotaling $228,000. But the house was never completed.

Hotaling was eventually convicted in Saratoga County of grand larceny for defrauding Boldt. He was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $96,000 back. But now Boldt says she is not getting all of the court-ordered restitution that was required at Hotaling's sentencing.

The Times Union has also spoken with two other customers who allege Hotaling bilked them out of tens of thousands of dollars since. State Police confirmed that they recently opened a new investigation into Hotaling because of more recent complaints.

He still owes me $56,000. I'll be dead before he pays me, said Boldt who, in a renegotiated agreement was supposed to be getting $2,809 per month but has only been getting between $100 to $300 since Hotaling was off probation. Hes a master manipulator, a master conniver. He is very good at what he does.

Hotaling, who has until Nov. 22, 2030 to pay the entirety of the Boldt balance, has a similar conviction in Rensselaer County. In 2004, the same year he was convicted in Saratoga County, he failed to complete a couple's dream home on Burden Lake. He was also sentenced to five years probation in that case and ordered to pay $400,000 in restitution.

When reached by the Times Union last week, Hotaling said he has the next nine years to pay Boldt, and that he plans to honor the sentencing agreement. "I'm not stealing anything from anybody at all," he said. When asked about new customer allegations he said, "Im not doing anything bad," and that he's "not a scum" the way people are portraying him.

At the time of Hotaling's 2004 sentencing in Saratoga County, then District Attorney James A. Murphy III said if Hotaling failed to make the payments, he could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison, according to Times Union coverage of the case in 2004.

"This case is about holding Charles Hotaling accountable, and right now, we believe the effective way to do that is to make him pay Ms. Boldt back as much as possible,'' Murphy said at the time. ``Restitution is key here.''

When asked about the case, current Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said she is unfamiliar with it as she was not in office at the time. However, she did say the bar is set high for a civil agreement between a contractor and customer for it to rise to a criminal matter. She also said it is unfortunate that there are no licensing requirements for contractors and that the state Legislature should act to create some.

That would afford people who have grievances against someone the ability to raise those issues with a licensing board who can determine if someone should be allowed to continue to operate their business, Heggen said.

The issue with contractors taking money and either running away or doing sub-par work is common. This year, contractor Dwight Fiero, aka David Fiero, who posed as an Iraq War veteran, was sentenced to 18 months to three years in prison for ripping off homeowners who hired him. While he was awaiting sentencing, however, he stole another $50,000 from homeowners. The state Attorney General stepped in and filed more grand larceny charges against him earlier this month.

At the time, Attorney General Letitia James called Fieros action appalling and that he violated the publics trust.

Last October, three people connected to Waterford-based contractor SJR Enterprises were charged by the AG's office with allegedly taking part in a $1 million scheme to defraud homeowners across the state. In the case of one defendant, Robert Decker, records showed the state had accused him of similar schemes dating back to at least 1993.

The AG's website lists what a homeowner should look for before hiring a contractor. Mainly, James' office recommends that consumers shop around, get recommendations, put everything in writing and never pay upfront.

"Establish a payment schedule and stick to it," James' office suggests. "Often this could include an initial down payment and subsequent incremental payments until the work is completed. Withhold final payment until all the work is completed and all required inspections and certificates of occupancy are finalized....If the contractor doesnt meet the above criteria, look elsewhere. Even if the contractor seems reputable, its simply not worth the risk."

Hotaling's demands for cash was the frustration that Christina Villani of Stillwater said she faced. She said she paid Hotaling $110,000 for a garage to be built in 2019. She said he often only showed up when he needed more money and then he either did not do the work, or did it in a shoddy manner. Ultimately, she had to have the garage rebuilt by another contractor.

At least one other recent victim, Villani said, has also come forward.

The 69-year-old contractor insists he's not doing anything wrong and that the Times Union is digging up old stuff" and that anything his clients say is "hearsay."

They are making up stuff, Hotaling said, mentioning another client whom the Times Union did not speak with. Its not a valid thing.

He also the state Attorney General's office cleared him after Villani filed a complaint against him. Both he and Villani said the AG did not pursue her complaint. The AG's office did not respond to the Times Union's questions about Villani's complaint.

Villani alleges Hotaling did only partial work, but left what he did exposed to the winter elements between 2019 and 2020. He swore he would finish if she paid him more, but the work was never completed, Villani said.

She said she ultimately had to pay another contractor $24,000 to build the garage properly.

Villani said she is speaking about it now because I just dont want this to happened to another individual.
I am a member of Albany Cuba Solidarity and have worked for over 30 years with Pastors for Peace, a nonprofit group, delivering humanitarian aid to Cuba. I have traveled to Cuba several times taking medicine, medical supplies and equipment, and I participated in construction brigades, where my biggest contribution was taking construction tools and supplies. I have developed personal relationships with Cuban people I treasure.

I am highly distressed by the disinformation in our press accounts and in official statements from President Joe Biden  whom I support  and the secretary of State. Cuba is not a failed state when it provides free education and universal health coverage to its citizens. Life expectancy is longer in Cuba than in the United States and their infant mortality rate  4.3 per 1,000  is lower than the overall U.S. rate of six per 1,000. Its also much lower than infant mortality among people of color in areas of poverty in the United States like Detroit (14) and Mississippi (9.6).
It gladdens our hearts to hear that the Joint Commission on Public Ethics is investigating Larry Schwartz, enforcer for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, over loyalty-check phone calls he made to county executives last spring while also serving as the states vaccine czar.

How exciting it would be if New Yorks nominally independent ethics watchdog made a serious effort to examine the actions of someone that close to the governor. Since JCOPE hasnt done much of that sort of thing recently  okay, likely ever  may we make a few suggestions?

To start with, maybe interview everyone involved, including Mr. Schwartz? That might work better than the way the state Inspector General investigated the 2019 JCOPE leak of confidential voting information  by not interviewing either Mr. Cuomo, who called Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to complain about how his appointees had voted, or Mr. Heastie. Little wonder the IG said it couldnt confirm the leak. Thats what happens, of course, when you dont talk to witnesses.

Even after Mr. Heastie confirmed the leak  acknowledging the governor had called him about the votes  the IG still had no interest in finding out. Reopen the probe? Nope.

We hope JCOPE can muster a bit more curiosity for its Schwartz probe. Maybe if they try to conduct an actual, impartial and thorough investigation, they could stitch together some fragments of credibility and reach a defensible conclusion on whether Mr. Schwartzs actions were appropriate.

Go on, JCOPE. Surprise us.

Help wanted: mediator

Michele Madigan is right: Saratoga Springs needs professional help.

The city finance commissioner last week suggested hiring a mediator to get officials, police and residents talking. Actually, its not the talking thats the problem; theres been plenty of talk. Assistant Police Chief John Catones racially charged diatribe, which he later tried to walk back. Mayor Meg Kelly castigating attendees at a City Council meeting because she didnt like their noises of agreement.

Whats missing in Saratoga is the listening. When officials cant find a way to listen, when residents dont feel theyre being heard, you get a bitter shouting match like what happened at the City Council meeting last week.

Yes, there have been angry outbursts from protesters. Rudeness, too. Not the same: Speech from public officials has far more power, especially when it sets the rules for public discourse or comes from someone with the power to make arrests.

In a democracy, leadership starts with listening. Saratoga Springs should find a mediator to help dial down the anger, learn to listen, and find a path forward.

Two countries, two policies

Vaccinated Americans can enter Canada starting next month. Vaccinated Canadians? Nope, not welcome here yet. Too risky, says the Department of Homeland Security.

As our neighbors to the north might say: Quoi?

That makes no sense. This isnt a one-way situation of refugees fleeing a war zone. Its about a two-way relationship of trade, tourism, and visits to friends and family.

Besides, Canada says it now has more fully vaccinated residents than the U.S. does.

Crossings for the vaccinated should go both ways.
Farmington, WV (26555)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Hudson Vandervolgen looks out on the open carof the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad train ride on Saturday. Vandervolgen was one of the many able to enjoy the fresh air before rain forced the car to be closed for the return ride back to Titusville.
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Police in North Carolina have arrested one man and are searching for other suspects in connection with a drive-by shooting that left a 13-year-old girl dead
[July 26, 2021] 4i Apps signs three major public sector Oracle Fusion Cloud deals in MEA to sign off the First Quarter of FY2021-22

CHENNAI, India, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 4i Apps, an award-winning Oracle premium partner organization, solidifies its position as a leader in the Oracle Cloud portfolio by signing three major Oracle cloud public sector deals in UAE, Qatar, and Oman, respectively. The collaborations will accelerate digital transformation and serve as a benchmark for other public sector organizations in the region. Oracle Fusion Cloud is the most innovative breed of next-gen cloud applications that exemplifies a digital-first approach to businesses. Oracle Fusion has been top-rated by leading research groups, including Gartner. A reputed public sector organization from UAE in the logistics sector selects Oracle Fusion Cloud to transform its legacy ERP by partnering with 4i Apps. 4i Apps' team of experts will help the organization upgrade to Oracle Fusion Cloud covering Financials, Enterprise performance management, SCM and HCM streams. A Qatar based global investor/b> with varied interests in Real estate, Infrastructure, Healthcare and Retail have collaborated with 4i Apps. The association will enable the customer to derive optimal benefits using the Oracle Cloud. The implementation covers Financials, SCM, HCM, and extensions to build on Oracle PAAS.



A public utility organization in Oman has also chosen 4i Apps to enhance its supplier onboarding and tendering processes by implementing the Oracle Fusion Sourcing cloud. "Successfully signing all the three projects with the public sector companies is a milestone achievement for us. It further boosts 4i Apps presence in the region," commented Mr Ravisankar. P, Head of Middle East Operations of 4i Apps.

"We are excited for the three major projects signed in this pandemic that further enhance 4i Apps base as the leading cloud solutions provider, serving both public and private sector customers over a decade worldwide," said Mr Saravanan Murugesan, CEO of 4i Apps. "Our commitment in the region coupled with support from Oracle has helped us to secure the deals," said Mr Kathiresh, Sales Director of 4i Apps. About 4i Apps: 4i Apps is a Cloud Applications Consulting and Services firm. It is a growing technology company and an Oracle Expertise Partner catering to various industries with 13 years of experience. It prepares, strategizes, and implements digital solutions in ERP and Analytics located in over ten countries. Contact Information:

Prem Kumar

+91  8754401177

Email: premkumar.r@4iapps.com Thanigaivel

+971529989126

Email: thanigaivel.r@4iapps.com



Website: https://www.4iapps.com/ Logo : https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1580213/4i_Apps_Logo.jpg

Photo : https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1580214/Sarvanan_Murugesan_Chief_Executive_Officer.jpg

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[July 26, 2021] Amazon Sellers Can Now Hire Chatbot-Trained VAs From VAA Philippines for Better Customer Engagement & More Reviews

HADERA, Israel, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- VAA Philippines, the world's only company specializing in virtual assistant services for Amazon sellers, is happy to announce its Amazon VA experts are now specially trained to create chatbots to help businesses increase customer engagement and get more reviews. Learn more about VA doing chatbots at https://www.vaaphilippines.com/va-services/amazon-expert/. Chatbots are one of the most well-known examples of artificial intelligence. According to Wikipedia, a chatbot is a software application used to conduct an online chat conversation via text or text-to-speech instead of directly contacting a live human agent. The company's Co-founder and CEO, Gilad Freimann, reports, "The use of chatbots in business is rapidly growing in popularity. Therefore, we have added a level of training for our VAs to include the creation and maintenance of chatbots for brands looking to improve customer relations." The company suggests that it can be difficult for sellers to communicate directly with their customers in the Amazon marketplace. Freimann adds, "Chatbots provide the opportunity for customers to communicate with the compny they purchased from. This engagement opens the door for sharing information such as email addresses and phone numbers and provides a more positive purchasing experience."



Using chatbots to share this type of information also gives companies the chance to offer high-value gifts, discounts, and better service to their customers. "Since it is not possible to send emails on the Amazon platform, making use of chatbots is the most direct way to reach out to customers." Reviews on Amazon are vital to a brand's success. By utilizing chatbot technology for sellers, VAs can continue the work of the chatbot by calling a customer or sending them an email for a request for reviews and feedback. A client who has recently taken advantage of the latest VA training is happy to report great success using a Social Media expert, stating, "The VA helped me to create a great FB business page, she created a chatbot that answers potential customers and takes their emails. In her second month, she went full power on Instagram and created an account there as well. She posts for us three times a week, and our followers are growing."

To find additional information about virtual assistant for seller central or to see the full range of services provided by VAA Philippines, please visit https://www.vaaphilippines.com/va-services/amazon-expert/. About VAA Philippines VAA specializes in locating, screening, training and supporting high quality Amazon VAs in the Philippines, and matching them after with Amazon sellers all over the world. VAA has Amazon trained VA's, PPC Specialists VA's, Social Media and Graphic Designers. Contact Name: Gilad Freimann Contact Email: service@vaaphilippines.com Contact Phone: 972526919934 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amazon-sellers-can-now-hire-chatbot-trained-vas-from-vaa-philippines-for-better-customer-engagement--more-reviews-301340203.html SOURCE VAA Philippines

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[July 26, 2021] Amerigroup Establishes $100,000 Rural Health Scholarship for University of Mississippi Students Pursuing Nursing Degrees

A $100,000 donation from Amerigroup to the University of Mississippi Foundation has established a new scholarship fund to support University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) students who are pursuing nurse practitioner degrees with a focus in family medicine or psychiatric/mental health. Students who are eligible to receive an Amerigroup Mississippi Rural Nursing Scholarship are native Mississippians who can commit to practicing in rural communities for a minimum of two years after graduation. "Closing the gap in health disparities and supporting Mississippi's nursing workforce are priorities that Amerigroup has committed to address with innovative solutions that can reinvent healthcare across our state," said Tara Clark, who leads Amerigroup Mississippi. "For decades, our organization has been pioneering solutions to usher in a new era of healthcare that is more equitable and works better for everyone, and we are pleased for the opportunity to introduce these solutions in my home state of Mississippi." Approximately 54 percent of Mississippi's residents live in rural areas, ranking the state as the country's fourth largest rural population. More than half of the state's doctors practice in four urban areas and all 82 Mississippi counties are considered to be medically underserved. Rural areas often have more elderly who require extra care and residents who are in poorer health, have fewer health resources and face significant barriers to accessing care. Additionally, healthcare professioals are frequently drawn away from rural areas by urban opportunities.



"Healthcare worker shortages are at an all-time high, especially across Mississippi, so it is critical that we build a solid pipeline of nursing professionals who are committed to equitably serving the state they call home and the people they understand best," said Dr. Julie Sanford, dean of the UMMC School of Nursing. "Thanks to Amerigroup's support and the Amerigroup Mississippi Rural Nursing Scholarship, we are closer to eliminating disparities, increasing access to quality care and building a better, healthier future for our state." Amerigroup has made a commitment to playing a central role in the health and lives of Mississippians by developing partnerships and investing in efforts that address critical priorities across the entire state, including efforts around mental health, maternal and children's health, disease management, secondary education, workforce development, rural health equity and more. Amerigroup has also launched Amerigroup Rural Health Scholarships for students at Jackson State University and Alcorn State University.

For more information about the Amerigroup Mississippi Rural Nursing Scholarship, or to learn more about contributing to and supporting the University of Mississippi Medical Center, contact Meredith Aldridge at mmaldridge@umc.edu or 601-815-7269. ABOUT AMERIGROUP MISSISSIPPI Amerigroup has more than 29 years of experience coordinating care with state-sponsored programs through our affiliated plans. Together with our health plan affiliates, we serve 9.7 million members in state-sponsored programs across 25 markets. In 2020 we began partnering with numerous organizations across Mississippi, focused on expanding services and programs for important health issues like food insecurity, diabetes, childhood obesity, and employment skills. By developing these relationships, we listen and learn how we can best support the important work already being done-and together have an even greater impact in communities. We're excited to expand our work even further in 2021. For more information about Amerigroup Mississippi, visit www.amerigroupms.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005228/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Blackstone LaunchPad To Expand To Nine Colleges of The City University of New York (CUNY)

Blackstone LaunchPad today announced that it has expanded access to its student venture and entrepreneurial skill-building program to students at nine City University of New York (CUNY) colleges across all five New York City boroughs. Blackstone LaunchPad's network will provide students at Baruch College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, Bronx Community College, Brooklyn College, City College of New York, College of Staten Island, Lehman College, Queens College and Queensborough Community College with the resources and opportunities to support their entrepreneurial endeavors and career ambitions. The Blackstone Charitable Foundation has committed $6 million to the program. "CUNY is pleased to partner with the Blackstone Charitable Foundation on this important skill-building initiative that will connect students on nine of our campuses with mentors, networks and professional development opportunities, while nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit," said CUNY Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez. "As we emerge from a pandemic that has recalibrated the future of work, programs like Blackstone LaunchPad are essential to ensuring that our economic recovery embraces and extends to all New Yorkers proportionately and equitably. We thank the Blackstone Charitable Foundation for their commitment to CUNY and our students, and for supporting institutions of higher learning that share our bedrock values of diversity and inclusion." Together with the recent announcement of Blackstone LaunchPad's expansion to three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta, the New York partnership is part of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation's effort to ensure that the development of an entrepreneurial mindset and skills - such as a business acumen and a creative approach to problem solving - are available to a more diverse set of students. For students at these nine senior and community colleges, Blackstone LaunchPad will facilitate a global network oflasting professional relationships between students, faculty and advisors through proven startup resources and unique virtual and physical convening opportunities. Students will also have the chance to participate in pitch competitions, fellowships and live speaker series to pursue their desired career with the skills needed to succeed.



Amy Stursberg, Executive Director of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, said: "Given our charitable foundation's longstanding commitment to serving the communities in which we live and work, we are very excited for the opportunity to bring Blackstone LaunchPad to all five boroughs of New York City. Our partnership with these outstanding schools is an exciting step in our broader commitment to increasing access to entrepreneurial skills, networks and resources among underrepresented students to build successful companies and careers." The CUNY partnership is part of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation's $40 million commitment to expand Blackstone LaunchPad to higher-ed institutions that have a majority diverse population or are serving under-resourced communities. The initiative began with an expansion to bring Blackstone LaunchPad's network and resources to six additional campuses in the University of Texas system, designated Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), demonstrating continued dedication to increasing diversity among student entrepreneurs and the development of skills for career mobility. By September, Blackstone LaunchPad will be available to over one million students at 45 schools in the U.S. and Ireland and will increase its program to 75 campuses over the next five years.

About Blackstone Charitable Foundation

The Blackstone Charitable Foundation has led Blackstone's philanthropic initiatives since 2007. We are driven by the firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion and providing access to opportunity in the communities in which we live and work. Blackstone LaunchPad helps college students learn entrepreneurial skills for success to build thriving companies and careers, with an increasing commitment to schools that have a majority diverse student population or engage with underrepresented communities. BX Connects engages Blackstone's global employee base to partner with non-profits, supporting their missions through volunteer opportunities, fundraising, board service and other charitable activities. About CUNY

The City University of New York is the nation's largest urban public university, a transformative engine of social mobility that is a critical component of the lifeblood of New York City. Founded in 1847 as the nation's first free public institution of higher education, CUNY today has seven community colleges, 11 senior colleges and seven graduate or professional institutions spread across New York City's five boroughs, serving 500,000 students of all ages and awarding 55,000 degrees each year. CUNY's mix of quality and affordability propels almost six times as many low-income students into the middle class and beyond as all the Ivy League colleges combined. More than 80 percent of the University's graduates stay in New York, contributing to all aspects of the city's economic, civic and cultural life and diversifying the city's workforce in every sector. CUNY's graduates and faculty have received many prestigious honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes and 26 MacArthur " Genius (News - Alert) " Grants. The University's historic mission continues to this day: provide a first-rate public education to all students, regardless of means or background. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005538/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Blockchain Company Coinllectibles To Mint Fusion NFTs for Exclusive Artworks Created by Singapore Finger-painting Artist Adeline Yeo Matsuzak

HONG KONG, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's first publicly traded Blockchain Fusion NFTTM company, CoinllectiblesTM, a fully owned subsidiary of Cosmos Group Holdings Inc. (OTC: COSG), will be minting Fusion NFTsTM with the creations produced by Adeline Yeo Matsuzaki, a finger-painting artist from Singapore. Adeline Yeo Matsuzaki is the first female finger-painting artist in Singapore. Starting from 2010, Adeline Yeo held seven successful solo exhibitions in different galleries, art houses and private clubs in Singapore. She also participated in different charity projects, including Singapore Association for Mental Health and Mother and Child Project. Painted with strong and uninhibited finger strokes, Adeline's paintings expresses the finger-painter's passion for life. By the use of vibrant and refreshing colours in her paintings, Adeline sent out uplifting and inspiring messages to the audience. Her art pieces are sought after by industry leaders, art connoisseurs, and art collectors. CoinllectiblesTM is going to acquire and mint Adeline's artworks into Fusion NFTsTM. With advanced proprietary blockchain technology coupled with leading legal expertise, CoinllectiblesTM Fusion NFTsTM provide assurances regarding ownership of and the rights in each collectible, properly embedded in smart contracts. Unless previously sold, Adeline's artworks will be exhibited in Coinllectibles? Fusion NFT-art gallery at the Victoria Dockside, home also to K11 Musea, one of the most prestigious art real-estate in Hong Kong. For pre-purchase inquiries on these Fusion NFTs?, please visit Coinllectibles? website .



About Cosmos Group Holdings Inc. Cosmos Group Holdings Inc. (OTC: COSG) was formerly a television network and multimedia information and distribution company focused on serving the homeland security and emergency preparedness industry. The group's future will focus in the development of blockchain NFT technologies and platforms to facilitate the global trading of arts and collectibles.

About Adeline Yeo Matsuzaki Adeline Yeo Matsuzaki, born in 1977, is recognised as Singapore's first female finger-painting artist. Since 2010, she has held several successful solo exhibitions. Adeline Yeo is also the author of ViVa! Life Illuminated, an eclectic collection of contemporary works encapsulated in a coffee-table book. Her artworks have also been translated into Something Beautiful, a special collaboration with Singapore-based fashion label Milky Way, featuring prints of Adeline's works in a limited edition. Website: https://artbyadelineyeo.wordpress.com/ About Coinllectibles ? "Coinllectibles?" is an ACT (Arts and Collectibles Technology) company, which is redefining how the world thinks about art and collectible ownership in the digital age. Their minted curated Fusion NFTs?, capture all the rights and independent valuation and ownership of physical arts and collectibles securely underpinned by smart contracts stored on the blockchain. Coinllectibles? Fusion NFTs? bridge the physical and virtual dimensions of the arts and collectibles market, providing a pleasurable, transparent, and frictionless experience to customers from all walks of life. Website: www.coinllectibles.art

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Coinllectibles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coinllectibles/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coinllectibles

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coinllectibles

Telegram: https://t.me/Coinllectibles View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blockchain-company-coinllectibles-to-mint-fusion-nfts-for-exclusive-artworks-created-by-singapore-finger-painting-artist-adeline-yeo-matsuzak-301340833.html SOURCE Cosmos Group Holdings Inc.

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[July 26, 2021] China Online Education Group Provides Update on New Regulations

BEIJING, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- China Online Education Group ("51Talk," or the "Company") (NYSE: COE), a leading online education platform in China with core expertise in English education, announced that, on July 24, 2021, China's official state media, including Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television, announced the Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education (the "Opinion"), issued by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council. The Opinion contains high-level policy directives about requirements and restrictions related to online and offline after-school tutoring services, including, among others, (i) institutions providing after-school tutoring services on academic subjects in China's compulsory education system, or Academic AST Institutions, need to be registered as non-profit; (ii) changing the current registration-based regime for operating online Academic AST Institutions to a government approval-based regime, (iii) banning foreign teachers located overseas from providing tutoring services in China, (iv) foreign ownership in Academic AST Institutions is prohibited, including through contractual arrangements, and companies with existing foreign ownership need to rectify the situation; (v) listed companies are prohibited from raising capital to invest in businesses that teach academic subjects in compulsory education; (vi) Academic AST Institutions are prohibited from providing tutoring services on academic subjects in compulsory education during public holidays, weekends and school breaks; and (vii) Academic AST Institutions must follow the fee standards to be established by relevant authorities. The Company will continue to comply with all appicable rules and regulations in providing educational services, including those rules and regulations to be adopted following the policy directives of the Opinion. The Company is carefully considering the provisions of the Opinion and assessing their implications for the Company's business. The Company expects the Opinion, related rules and regulations, and the compliance measures to be taken by the Company will have a material adverse impact on its results of operations and prospect. The Company will proactively seek guidance from and cooperate with government authorities in connection with its efforts to comply with the Opinion and any related rules and regulations.



Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements which are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to," and similar statements. 51Talk may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 51Talk's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in 51Talk's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and 51Talk does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About China Online Education Group China Online Education Group (NYSE: COE) is a leading online education platform in China, with core expertise in English education. The Company's mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company's online and mobile education platforms enable students across China to take live interactive English lessons with overseas foreign teachers, on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified foreign teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: China Online Education Group

Investor Relations

+86 (10) 8342-6262

ir@51talk.com The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente

+86 (10) 5730-6200

+1-212-481-2050

51talk@tpg-ir.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-online-education-group-provides-update-on-new-regulations-301340828.html SOURCE China Online Education Group

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[July 26, 2021] CISOs Connect Launches Annual CISO Choice Awards with Notable CISO Board of Judges

NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CISOs Connect today announced the launch of its annual vendor recognition, the CISO Choice Awards and the luminaries on the CISO Board of Judges selecting the winning solutions and providers. Honoring security vendors of all types, sizes and maturity levels, the CISO Choice Awards program recognizes differentiated solutions valuable to the CISO and enterprise. Security solution providers are from across the world. Submit for consideration. The CISO Choice Awards are a differentiated program as it is based on the real-world experiences and perspectives of end-user executives with clear criteria and a known Board of CISO Judges. Part of Security Current's exclusive CISOs Connect membership knowledge-sharing community, the CISO Choice Awards recipients are selected by the Board of Judges who have first-hand know-how and insights from building and maintaining their own programs. "The CISO Choice Awards are unique in that as CISOs we are in the trenches daily and give a real-world perspective when viewing the submissions," said Christine Vanderpool, Florida Crystals CISO. "As a member of the exclusive CISOs Connect community, I am honored to be on the Board of Judges with such a phenomenal group of CISO peers from across industries." The CISO Choice Awards 2021 Board of Judges spans several verticals. The Board includes the following CISOs: Cherokee Nation Businesses CISO Nikk Gilbet







Dollar Tree Stores VP & CISO Kevin McKenzie

Florida Crystals VP, IT Strategy & CISO Christine Vanderpool

Invitae CISO Dave Ruedger

Markel Corporation CISO & Privacy Officer Patricia Titus

OneMain Financial CISO Tunde Oni-Daniel

Group CISO PLDT Group & Smart Communications Angel Redoble

Ricoh USA , Inc. CSO David Levine

RWJBarnabas Health CISO Hussein Syed

William Blair CISO Ralston Simmons Also, on the Board of Judges is well-known author and analyst Richard Stiennon who wrote the Security Yearbook 2021, which includes a directory of 2,615 companies.

"The sharing of security success stories is a vital aspect of industry-wide education. There is no better source of information and recommendations than by fellow security professionals," said David Levine, Vice President of Corporate and Information Security and CSO, Ricoh USA, Inc. "The CISO Choice Awards will collect and share examples of how security teams are collaborating and minimizing emerging risks as part of their security and cybersecurity programs via valued and proven partners and solutions. The awards will encourage discussion around real-life experiences, providing growth opportunity for security professionals at all levels." Angel Redoble, FVP & Group CISO PLDT Group & Smart Communications, added: "Honoring security innovation is imperative as it is this innovation along with collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst CISOs that will help us stay secure as we face a daily onslaught of cyberattacks." Cherokee Nation Businesses CISO Nikk Gilbert said: "An essential component of an effective cyber-security program is choosing technology solutions and the CISO Choice Awards are bar none the most valuable awards for security executives looking to identify cutting edge and leading technology vendors." As a fundamental part of their missions to support the CISOs and the cyber security solution ecosystem in order to safeguard enterprises and organizations YL Ventures and W2 Communications have sponsored the CISO Choice Awards. About CISOs Connect

CISOs Connect is an exclusive knowledge-sharing community of trusted peers and subject matter experts who are connected by interests to exchange information and ideas and collaborate. Part of Security Current, CISOs Connect is the premier membership-only professional community for the industry. Media Contact:

Aimee Rhodes

2018359205

315141@email4pr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cisos-connect-launches-annual-ciso-choice-awards-with-notable-ciso-board-of-judges-301340508.html SOURCE CISOs Connect

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Cloudflare Launches Project Pangea to Help Underserved Communities Expand Access to the Internet, For Free

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET (News - Alert) ), the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, today announced a new initiative to improve Internet access for underserved communities around the world. Through Project Pangea, eligible local communities can use Cloudflare's performance and security services-for free-to more reliably and securely connect to the global Internet without paying the high costs of bandwidth. By providing its security and network services, Cloudflare is helping local groups or nonprofits that build their own telecom infrastructure find a free and sustainable way to connect people who rely on the Internet for everything from communication to education and economic development.

Nearly half of the world's population has no access to the Internet, with many more limited to poor, expensive, and unreliable connectivity. Many communities rely on non-profits or form local groups to build their own networks by erecting Wi-Fi antennas or laying fiber optic cables. This allows them to build a network in a town that connects homes and businesses together, but it remains very expensive to connect that network to the Internet. Bandwidth is either unavailable or unaffordable because existing providers don't have the economies of scale to provide it, or because regional policies and regulations favor urban markets. The problem is not limited to developing nations and exists across the globe. In the United States for example, 21 million people have no high-speed connection despite large levels of public investment and private infrastructure. Now, Cloudflare is offering a chance for communities to get the Internet experience they deserve-performant, reliable, and secure.

"Safe, reliable, and sustainable Internet access is a basic human right," said Matthew Prince, co-founder & CEO of Cloudflare. "Unfortunately many communities are building their own infrastructure only to be blocked by high bandwidth costs. We want to help where we can-if they've already built the connecting roads, we want to offer our network as the safe, accessible highway to the global Internet."

Cloudflare's global network spans more than 200 cities in over 100 countries, and interconnects with over 9,500 networks globally, including major ISPs, cloud services, and enterprises. This allows Cloudflare to offer a secure, affordable way to expand access to the Internet that can grow with, and contribute to, the sustainability of these networks, as well as be ready for any new networks that launch. To participate in this initiative, network organizers can visit the Project Pangea website to view the technical requirements and to register interest.

With Project Pangea, community network organizers will be able to:

Find a free on-ramp to the Internet: Eligible communities can sign up for Project Pangea to get free, reliable, and high-quality connectivity without being left behind or overcharged by traditional ISPs.

Eligible communities can sign up for Project Pangea to get free, reliable, and high-quality connectivity without being left behind or overcharged by traditional ISPs. Operate secure and performant networks for everyone: Not only does Project Pangea provide connectivity to communities, but also Cloudflare's security tools to make networks resilient in the face of cyberattacks. With access to Cloudflare Network Interconnect, Magic Transit, and Magic Firewall, networks will be able tostay online and protect users while giving them a fast Internet experience.

Not only does Project Pangea provide connectivity to communities, but also Cloudflare's security tools to make networks resilient in the face of cyberattacks. With access to Cloudflare Network Interconnect, Magic Transit, and Magic Firewall, networks will be able tostay online and protect users while giving them a fast Internet experience. Take advantage of Cloudflare's global infrastructure footprint: Cloudflare's global network spans more than 200 cities in over 100 countries, and interconnects with over 9,500 networks globally. This makes it one of the most reachable networks in the world, with communities able to connect to the data center that is closest to them, resulting in a faster and more stable connection.







"As a community-owned wireless ISP based in rural South Africa, we advocate for digital equity and for Internet that is truly affordable," said Sol Luca de Tena, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Zenzeleni Networks NPC. "To do this, we work with a range of partners to help make Community Networks become mechanisms for positive change. With Cloudflare's Project Pangea, we see an opportunity to further improve how communities can gain affordable and secure connectivity to the Internet."

"HUBS is a cooperative of community networks in Scotland with a goal of enabling reliable, fast Internet through affordable technical solutions. By connecting rural areas with Internet infrastructure and services, we can give people in those communities access to and representation on the Internet," said Gordon Hughes (News - Alert) , Executive Director of HUBS CIC. "Cloudflare's Project Pangea will help make it easy for networks to ensure affordability and reliability for the community while also feeling at ease that they're secure and protected."

"As a group of activists for free community networks in Argentina, AlterMundi strives to help solve connectivity problems in populations neglected by the market," said Nicolas Echaniz, founder of AlterMundi. "Low costs and high performance are necessary for networks to help their communities thrive- which is one of the reasons we're intrigued by the potential of Project Pangea could bring to bridging the connectivity divide that many areas face."

"As the largest community network in the US, working with New Yorkers to close the digital divide, NYC Mesh is looking forward to collaborating with Cloudflare to better serve the communities we connect," said Zachary Giles, Volunteer Network Admin at NYC Mesh.

"At guifi.net, we welcome the contribution of a leading company such as Cloudflare to the community networks ecosystem. Project Pangea addresses the recurrent blocking factor of Internet access in a meaningful manner (free for the small, at cost for the larger) from a privileged position," said Ramon Roca, President of the Guifi.net Foundation. "Thus, we are convinced that this project can become a milestone in the history of community networks."

Industry Support

"Communities need connectivity to thrive and to connect to schools, to jobs, to opportunity, and to each other," said Jane R. Coffin, Senior Vice President of Internet Growth at Internet Society, a global nonprofit organization that promotes the development and use of the Internet. "Since 2010, we've been working with partners around the world to scale community networks and to empower the people who need the Internet to also build it. This is why we're excited to see how Cloudflare's Project Pangea can help make these networks more secure and efficient-and ultimately contribute to a more open, globally connected, and secure Internet."

"Access to the Internet is a fundamental requirement of life, and trustworthy and secure internet services are a vital pillar of Digital Trust," said Daniel Dobrygowski, Head of Governance and Trust at the World Economic Forum. "From our work on the Internet for All initiative all the way through the new Edison Alliance, the World Economic Forum has expanded access to the Internet and spurred global cooperation on the public goods of cybersecurity, digital trust, and good governance of technology. We welcome Cloudflare's Project Pangea as a valued contributor to a more equal, accessible, and trustworthy global Internet."

"Access to the Internet should be open, accessible and affordable to all. Mozilla (News - Alert) has long been committed to supporting communities across the world, particularly in rural areas, to bring people online," said Alice Munyua, Director Africa Mradi at Mozilla. "Today, we are excited to see the launch of Cloudflare's Project Pangea for the approach it is taking to help communities benefit from more affordable access to the global Internet backbone."

"At the Association for Progressive Communications, we focus on creating an enabling environment for community networks, supporting those unconnected who want to connect themselves," said Carlos Rey-Moreno, Co-Lead of the Local Networks initiative at APC (News - Alert) . "One of the challenges the community network movement faces is the high costs for secure and reliable Internet-a roadblock that we believe Cloudflare is well positioned to help overcome."

Resources

About Cloudflare

Cloudflare, Inc. (www.cloudflare.com / @cloudflare) is on a mission to help build a better Internet. Cloudflare's suite of products protect and accelerate any Internet application online without adding hardware, installing software, or changing a line of code. Internet properties powered by Cloudflare have all web traffic routed through its intelligent global network, which gets smarter with every request. As a result, they see significant improvement in performance and a decrease in spam and other attacks. Cloudflare was named to Entrepreneur Magazine's Top Company Cultures 2018 list and ranked among the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company in 2019. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA (News - Alert) , Cloudflare has offices in Austin, TX, Champaign, IL, New York, NY, San Jose, CA, Seattle, WA, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Lisbon, London, Munich, Paris, Beijing, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo.

 2021 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and Project Pangea are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005137/en/
[July 26, 2021] David Centner Enterprises Announces Acquisition of Negative Content Management Leader Guaranteed Removals

MIAMI, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Serial tech entrepreneur David Centner of David Centner Enterprises has acquired one of Canada's fastest growing companies, Guaranteed Removals. Guaranteed Removals is the leader in negative content management and is the first company of its kind. Founded in 2014, the company has experienced explosive growth providing reputation management consulting and services for enterprises and individuals. The acquisition, which closed January 1, 2021, had remained unannounced as the company stealthily focused on a renaming and rebranding campaign to the new nameplate, Erase.com . As the world has shifted seemingly overnight to a digital environment, businesses and individuals more than ever must proactively manage their digital footprint. Online negative content has been demonstrated to significantly impact revenue, operations, recruitment, and business development efforts. Worse yet, negative content can stubbornly persist on the internet. Search engines, reviews sites, social media, forums, as well as traditional media turned digital are amplifying the spread of negative content. Slander, fake and outdated negative reviews are affecting people and businesses' reputation while unfairly distorting their brand's perception. Search algorithms collect data from news websites, review sites, and forums and use that data to assess reputability ("trustworthiness"). As a result, negative, aged, unfair, or irrelevant content can profoundly affect a company's search results and review sites presence. Similarly, negative content also affects merchants' shopping funnels as negative results may appear predominant in comparison engines. With few exceptions, most companies will need viable solutions to mitigate their vulnerability to negative content. "Enterprise-level negative content management promises to be a hypergrowth industry, and our first mover advantage and proprietary solutions should make this a fascinating journey for the team," said David Centner, Chairman f Erase.com. "We started looking at this company mid-2019. We were so impressed, the founders did a spectacular job getting the company to this point, and we're excited to take the reins from here."



Erase.com also endeavors to be the world leader in combating online abuse. Erase.com will stand for people's right to privacy and the right to be forgotten. Erase.com's overall mission is to "combat the negative" in the broadest sense, which applies not just to content removal but also counterfeiting piracy, malicious doxxing, and revenge websites. Erase.com also announces the appointment of Alexander Kurian as its new Chief Executive Officer. Kurian previously served as CIO and CTO of Highway Toll Administration (HTA), Centner's former technology company in the electronic toll collection industry. To his new role, Kurian brings years of experience building high-performance teams and successfully scaling technology organizations.

"I am glad to see the new company vision progressively come to reality," said Kurian. "David Centner and I have been developing this project for a long time, but I must give the most credit to our group of talented employees who have been combating negative content for so many years and making a real difference in people's lives." Along with the acquisition announcement, Erase.com's corporate headquarters have been relocated to Miami, Florida. "During the pandemic, Miami has seen an unparalleled migration of technology, financial services, blockchain, and other industries relocating or opening new offices," stated Centner. "As a Miami native, I couldn't be prouder that my hometown is experiencing so much positive momentum, and we intend to aggressively grow our Miami footprint." About Erase.com Erase.com assists companies and individuals to proactively manage unfavorable brand perceptions. Erase.com is a leading authority in reputation management, having helped thousands of businesses and individuals improve their digital reputation. Operating out of offices in Miami, Florida, and Burlington, Ontario, Canada, Erase.com develops bespoke plans of action tailored to its clients' needs. Erase.com helps individuals and businesses gain control of their online reputation, repair negative search engine results for branded keywords, and provide solutions to address fake and negative reviews that impact how a brand or product is perceived online. For more information, visit www.erase.com . About David Centner Enterprises

David Centner is a successful inventor, serial entrepreneur, tech visionary and philanthropist with pioneering ventures in web development, online marketplaces, online advertising and electronic toll collection. Centner has had four successful exits with technology companies that he founded and led, including Highway Toll Administration which was acquired in 2018 by private equity firm Platinum Equity investing from their $6.5 billion global buyout fund, Platinum Equity Capital Partners IV. Hundreds of millions of rental car customers have paid billions of tolls utilizing Centner's innovations in the electronic toll collection industry. David Centner Enterprises is a division of DLC Capital Management , Centner's family office. Consistent among Centner's investments, philanthropy and projects, is his passionate interest in uplifting humanity in ways large and small. For more information, visit www.centner.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/david-centner-enterprises-announces-acquisition-of-negative-content-management-leader-guaranteed-removals-301339854.html SOURCE Erase.com

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[July 26, 2021] Easterly Government Properties Acquires 61,384 SF Multi-Tenanted Facility in Cleveland, OH

Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (NYSE: DEA) (the "Company" or "Easterly"), a fully integrated real estate investment trust focused primarily on the acquisition, development and management of Class A commercial properties leased to the U.S. Government, announced today that it has acquired a 61,384 leased square foot multi-tenanted facility in Cleveland, Ohio ("Various GSA (News - Alert) - Cleveland"). Various GSA - Cleveland, a three-story renovated-to-suit facility for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was substantially renovated in 2016 and 2021 and is leased to several key agencies within the U.S. Government. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) occupies 66% of the building under a first generation 15-year lease that does not expire until August 2031. The National Weather Service (NWS) occupies 15% of the building under an initial 20-year term that does not expire until September 2040. Finally, the VNA Health Group (VNA), a nonprofit health care organization, occupies 19% of the building under an initial 10-year lease that does not expire until December 2028. In addition, the VNA has two five-year renewal options that, if exercised, would extend the lease term until December 2038. In total, and assuming the VNA exercises its renewal options, the facility is 100% occupied with a weighted average lease expiration of June 2034. Several key functions are housed within this facility, including ICE's department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which is responsible for investigating criminal organizations and terrorist networks. Various GSA - Cleveland also serves as the NWS's Cleveland Weather Forecast Office. "The strength of the Company's acquisition pipeline has been clearly demonstrated in the first half o 2021," said William C. Trimble (News - Alert) , III, Easterly's Chief Executive Officer. "With a robust opportunity set and the ability to scale the Company, we continue to deliver on our stated goal of delivering growth and accretion to our shareholders."



The U.S. Government has significantly invested in this designated Facility Security Level III asset as evidenced by its secured entry and parking, sally port, generator and uninterrupted power supply battery system, as well as additional enhanced security measures. Year to date, Easterly has acquired six properties for a combined total contractual purchase price of approximately $134.2 million, which is 45% of the Company's latest acquisition volume target of $300 million for 2021. Pro forma for this acquisition, Easterly has 85 properties totaling 7.7 million square feet.

About Easterly Government Properties, Inc. Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (NYSE:DEA) is based in Washington, D.C., and focuses primarily on the acquisition, development and management of Class A commercial properties that are leased to the U.S. Government. Easterly's experienced management team brings specialized insight into the strategy and needs of mission-critical U.S. Government agencies for properties leased through the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). For further information on the company and its properties, please visit www.easterlyreit.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "project," "anticipate," "position," and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions and forecasts of future results. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. These risks include, but are not limited to those risks and uncertainties associated with our business described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2021. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. All information in this release is as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in our expectations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005184/en/

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EML Extends Its Contract With PTA At 75 Malls In Italy, France and Spain For Five Years

EML Payments' (ASX: EML) (S&P/ASX 200) major retail partner in the Italian, French and Spanish markets, PTA Payment Solutions, has signed a multi-year agreement with the global fintech until 2026. The extended partnership emphasises the increasing importance of mobile payments and responsible Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options to enhance customer experiences in countries hit hard by COVID-19.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005033/en/

EML and PTA's environmentally friendly card (Graphic: Business Wire)





''Reinforcing EML's partnership, our phygital proposition is supported by a drive to store strategy aimed at increasing customer engagement,'' explained Riccardo Negri, COO at PTA Payment Solutions.

''PTA's B2B model complements our ambitious growth targets in the malls vertical as Europe moves forward from Coronavirus' impact,'' said Nikki Evans, CEO Europe at EML.

EML is the world's largest provider of gift cards at malls and premium outlets and is proud to continue its relationship with PTA's physical and digital (phygital) ecosystem, which began in 2015.

About EML Payments

EML provides an innovative payment solutions platform, helping businesses all over the world create awesome customer experiences. Wherever money is in motion, our agile technology can power the payment process, so money can be moved quickly, conveniently and securely. We offer market-leading programme management and highly skilled payments expertise to create customisable feature-rich solutions for businesses, brands and their customers.

Come and explore the many opportunities our platform has to offer by visiting us at: EMLPayments.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005033/en/
[July 26, 2021] Food Tech Pioneer NotCo Announces $235M Series D Round at $1.5 Billion Valuation

NotCo, the fast-growing food tech company with a first-of-its-kind patented A.I. technology (named Giuseppe) that creates plant-based options that taste, feel, cook, and function just like their animal-based counterparts, has raised $235 million in a Series D funding round led by Tiger Global, bringing the company's valuation to $1.5 billion. The Series D also attracted new funds including DFJ Growth Fund and the social impact foundation, ZOMA Lab. Athletes Lewis Hamilton and Roger Federer and musician and DJ Questlove are also joining, interested in NotCo's limitless potential to innovate in the plant-based market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005214/en/ NotCo celebrates $235 million Series D funding round, bringing the company's valuation to $1.5 billion. (Photo: Business Wire) Since its inception five years ago, NotCo has seen explosive growth on the global market, being the only company to disrupt three main animal-based protein categories simultaneously - dairy, eggs, and meat - something no other competitor in the world has achieved so far. The company operates in five countries in both retail and foodservice, and already has five U.S. patents for its proprietary A.I. technology. "Our patented A.I. gives us a significant competitive advantage due to the speed and accuracy with which we're able to develop and bring new products to market," said NotCo Founder and CEO, Matias Muchnck. "The level of enthusiasm we've received from our partners is thrilling and humbling. We all share the same vision for Giuseppe's ability to catapult plant-based foods into mainstream adoption at a rapid pace by focusing on taste, sustainability, and infiltrating multiple categories at once. We are grateful to have the support of Tiger Global as we build a food tech brand with the global reach and capability to reinvent the food industry."



NotCo has raised more than $350 million to date and the Series D will bolster its expansion into new categories in North America, scale the core of its proprietary A.I. technology, and accelerate plans to launch in Europe and Asia. The round comes just one month after a substantial investment from Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI), where Shake Shack founder and QSR trailblazer, Danny Meyer, is a partner; and nine months following an $85 million Series C co-led by Future Positive and L Catterton. The Series D round included follow-ons from NotCo's roster of industry-leading investment firms, including Bezos Expeditions, EHI, Future Positive, L Catterton and Kaszek Ventures. "NotCo has created world class plant-based food products that are rapidly gaining market share," said Scott Shleifer, Partner, Tiger Global. "We are excited to partner with Matias and his team. We expect continued product innovation and expansion into new geographies and food categories will fuel high and sustainable growth for years to come."

NotCo's accelerated growth is enabled by Giuseppe, its proprietary, one-of-a-kind, artificial intelligence technology that allows the company to create true plant-based replacements faster, better, and more accurately than anyone else in the industry. Giuseppe's algorithms analyze thousands of plants in its database to come up with unique combinations that replicate animal-based products almost to perfection. NotCo launched NotMilk in the U.S. seven months ago and is on track to reach 8,000 retail doors by end of year, already available nationally in Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Wegmans and more. This staggering success is also unmatched in Latin America, where the company has become the fastest-growing food tech company offering superior tasting plant-based products in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, and quickly expanding to Mexico and more. The company sells NotMilk, NotBurger, NotMeat, NotIceCream and NotMayo in more than 6,000 retailers globally, runs its own direct to consumer ecommerce, and holds successful partnerships with Burger King and Papa John's. To learn more about NotCo please visit www.notco.com. About NotCo NotCo is an industry-changing, fast-growth food tech leader and the only global company disrupting massive food and beverage segments including dairy, eggs, and meat simultaneously. NotCo has launched products including NotMilk, NotBurger, NotMeat, NotIceCream and NotMayo in the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia and in less than three years has become the fastest-growing food tech company in Latin America. NotCo utilizes a proprietary artificial intelligence technology, Giuseppe, which matches animal proteins to their ideal replacements among thousands of plant-based ingredients. Its one-of-a-kind technology will eventually enable NotCo to be a powering tool for food and beverage innovation partnering with other companies to accelerate of the transformation of the food industry. For more information, please visit www.notco.com. About Tiger Global Tiger Global Management, LLC is an investment firm that focuses on private and public companies in the global Internet, software, consumer, and payments industries. The Firm's private equity strategy was launched in 2003 and has invested in hundreds of companies across more than 30 countries, in all stages of funding - from Series A to pre-IPO. The venture business aims to partner with dynamic entrepreneurs operating market-leading growth companies; examples include JD.com, Meituan, Facebook, LinkedIn (News - Alert) , Spotify, Peloton, Credit Karma, Toast, Stripe, ByteDance, Stone, Warby Parker, Flipkart, Despegar, Ola and DiDi. Tiger Global was founded in 2001 and is based in New York with affiliate offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore and Bangalore. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005214/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Freedom Bank Celebrates 20th Anniversary

FAIRFAX, Va., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Freedom Bank of Virginia ("Freedom Bank") is delighted to announce and celebrate with our colleagues, clients, community and shareholders the 20th anniversary of our company's founding. On July 23, 2001, Freedom Bank received its state charter and opened for business in one Vienna branch with nine employees and $4.2 million in capital. Today, the bank is very proud to have arrived at this 20th anniversary milestone. Today, Freedom Bank has five branches, over 100 employees, $871 million in assets, and $92 million in market capitalization and is a full-service bank serving the business and personal banking needs of its clients throughout Northern Virginia and the DC MSA. Freedom Bank's talented banking professionals, deep industry expertise, and innovative technology have enabled it to successfully build deep client relationships through expert banking and by offering comprehensive financial solutions. Joseph J. Thomas, President and CEO,said, "Freedom Bank can attribute its long-term success to our talented team and culture of IDEAS, which have kept the organization on course since its inception. The most rewarding part of our 20-year history are the wonderful client relationships that we have developed. We are equally excited about the future ahead as we grow geographically and add additional product and service capabilities."



Freedom Bank has used innovation and discipline to serve our customers' needs since the formation of the bank following the 911 tragedy through the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Our model of focusing on entrepreneurs, business owners, and private real estate investors has enabled strong and consistent balance sheet growth and recent record earnings. Through Freedom Bank's success, we have also served the community and strengthened the economy across the Washington, DC region over the 20 years. To help celebrate and commemorate this important milestone, Freedom Bank hosted an anniversary event at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA and produced this 20th Anniversary video.

About Freedom Bank

Freedom Bank is a community-oriented bank with locations in Fairfax, Reston, Chantilly, Vienna, and Manassas, Virginia. Freedom Bank also has a mortgage division headquartered in Chantilly. For information about Freedom Bank's deposit and loan services, visit the Bank's website at www.freedom.bank. Contact:

Joseph J. Thomas, President & CEO

Phone: 703-667-4161

Email: jthomas@freedom.bank View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/freedom-bank-celebrates-20th-anniversary-301340959.html SOURCE Freedom Bank of Virginia

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[July 26, 2021] Goss Advisors Wraps Up First Half of 2021 With Momentous Growth

GWM Advisors LLC ("Goss Advisors"), a leading New Orleans-based RIA supporting successful independent financial advisors nationwide, marked its most successful recruitment quarters in its history, adding 14 new advisors across seven new advisor teams in the first six months of 2021. The significant growth has allowed the firm to reach new markets in seven different states and added six new branch office locations, including its first location in Ohio. Momentum (News - Alert) is expected to continue in the second half of the year, as the firm's rapidly expanding footprint opens the door to new opportunities for growth. This expansion helped fuel a nine percent increase in assets under advisement year-to-date, bringing total assets to $9.5 billion. Goss Advisors provides strategic partnership opportunities for like-minded advisors seeking to transition to an independent practice, adding resources, operational and back-office support services that are critical to advisor success. Goss supports advisors' ongoing growth and offers a unique value proposition as they look to focus on client needs. The firm's model has driven its success with advisors, and with the latest additions, the RIA serves over 117 independent advisors across 18 states in the U.S. It is continuing to expand both geographically and in assets under advisement. "Our goal is to empower advisors to transition to the independent space and fuel their growth," said Alex Goss, CEO and Co-Founder of Goss Advisors. "We designed a platform that supports advisor recruitment by allowing advisors to efficiently run their business, as well as meet and exceed client expectations. We are excited that so may advisors realized the potential of partnership so far this year and look forward to continued growth."



The added advisor groups include Legacy Edge in Melville, N.Y.; Brandt Wealth Advisors in Newburyport, Mass., First Harvest Wealth Management Group in Salina, Kan; Cubit Wealth Management in Maumee, Ohio; Tempo Investment Advisors in Chaska, Minn.; and Heritage Family Wealth Management in Montvale, N.J. Two advisors also joined an existing Goss partner, Providence Private Wealth in Arlington Heights, Ill. The expansion is a result of a broadening of offerings and adds significant talent across the Goss advisor network and within the financial services industry. Scott Israel, Partner and Senior Wealth Management Advisor at one of the newly added firms, Legacy Edge, said: "Moving into the independent space has allowed us to prioritize our clients and their needs. With support from Goss Advisors, we are able to provide local, personalized service that is of the utmost importance to us while being backed by the resources of a national company."

"Advisors are proactively looking to take full control of the client experience in a way uniquely afforded by the RIA space," said David Symecko, Director of Business Development at Goss Advisors. "Our value is resonating with quality advisors who appreciate the support service we provide and who are eager to pass this value to their clients. We have seen these advisors thrive within the Goss model, with some even exceeding annual asset growth targets in just the first half of the year." Goss expects to continue its recruiting momentum through the rest of the year and beyond with objectives to further expand the geographic footprint while also adding to overall assets and resources. About Goss Advisors

New Orleans-based Goss Advisors is a rapidly growing partnership RIA built by financial advisors and collectively shared with other successful advisors and teams. The firm, which embraces a transparent approach to educating advisors on the myths of independence, continues to attract top-performing advisors from across the country. In 2020, Goss Advisors became a part of EdgeCo Holdings to lead the 1099 wealth division. For more information on Goss Advisors, please visit www.gossadvisors.com. About EdgeCo Holdings

Through its subsidiaries, EdgeCo Holdings is a leading provider of best-in-class technology-enabled solutions for financial intermediaries and their clients. For over four decades, EdgeCo companies have provided a suite of technology and support services including full-service retirement plan administration, brokerage, advisory, and trust and custody services to a diverse national client base of financial intermediaries. This client base includes registered representatives, investment advisors, and other financial intermediaries including retirement plan recordkeepers, TPAs, bank trust departments, broker dealers, and insurance companies. The firm services approximately $160 billion in client assets under custody or administration and more than 15,000 financial advisors and 500 financial institutions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005064/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Innovation Has a New Home: TPEx Debuts Pioneer Stock Board

The Taipei Exchange, TPEx, launched Pioneer Stock Board (PSB) on July 20, 2021, which welcomed its first company on July 26. Pioneer Stock Board marks the evolution of the stock market into an innovation-friendly ecosystem. It aims to facilitate entry to capital markets for more innovative enterprises. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005355/en/ Innovation has a new home: TPEx debuts Pioneer Stock Board (Photo: Business Wire) At the PSB Launch Ceremony, Premier Su Tseng-chang delivered the opening speech, emphasizing the government's support. Su said, "Taiwan's capital market breaks new ground today, by establishing this board. PSB will support innovative enterprises, a key driver of economic transformation, by providing companies with quick access to capital needed for continued growth." Dr. Tien-mu Huang, Chairperson of Financial Supervisory Commission, remarked, "Innovation underpins sustainable development of the capital market. PSB will play an important role, not only by promoting innovative enterprises but also by spurring momentum in innovation across th economy." Minister of National Development Council, Mr. Kung, Ming-hsin, commented, "PSB provides innovative enterprises a new way to access capital, beyond government funding or subsidies. It enables more investors to engage at an early stage with innovative enterprises."



Chairman of TPEx, Mr. Philip Chen, said, "Based on our 27-year experience developing TPEx's multi-tier market, which includes the Main board, the Emerging Stock Board (ESB) and GISA, we set up PSB and view it as a pivotal milestone. PSB aims to meet the funding needs of enterprises in strategic and innovative industries. With the addition of PSB, our market structure is even more holistic, supporting sustainable development of enterprises. PSB will serve as a strong foundation for growth in the capital market and our economy." According to TPEx, PSB targets six core strategic and innovative industries. These include digital and information technology, cybersecurity, bio-technology, green and renewable energy, national defense, and industries supporting critical supply chains. With the support of early-stage, pre-profit businesses, PSB sets no requirements for date of incorporation, amount of paid-in capital, market capitalization or profitability. PSB adopts a simplified public issuing and documentation review to shorten the application process.

"Liquidity is one of the most important factors for private enterprises when they consider going public. Therefore, PSB adopts a continuous trading mechanism, equivalent to the Main Board. Recommending securities firms act as liquidity providers, helping to ensure liquidity and fair price discovery for the PSB shares," added Chen. As of July 15 2021, 787 companies were listed on TPEx Main Board and 268 companies were registered on ESB, with total market capitalization of approximately USD 230 billion. Various sectors are represented, including high-technology, semi-conductor, bio-tech, smart manufacturing, consumer, and creative industries etc. About the Taipei Exchange Established in 1994, TPEx is a member of the World Federation of Exchanges. It has grown with a vision of sustainability to meet the diverse needs of issuers and investors, and has long been dedicated to fostering emerging and high-tech industries by providing viable channels for raising capital. For more information, visit: https://www.tpex.org.tw/web/index.php?l=en-us View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005355/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Insulating Glass Window Market to Reach $21.16 Bn, Globally, by 2030 at 6.9% CAGR: Allied Market Research

Rise in the global energy demand, surge in awareness about environmental sustainability, and decrease in energy and air conditioning costs have boosted the growth of the global insulating glass window market. PORTLAND, Ore., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Insulating Glass Window Market by Glazing Type (Double Glazing, Triple Glazing, and Others), Sealant Type (Hot Melt, PIB Primary Sealants, Polysulfide, and Silicone), and End User (Residential and Nonresidential): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030". As per the report, the global insulating glass window industry generated $11.10 billion in 2020, and is expected to reach $21.16 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2021 to 2030. Major determinants of the market growth Rise in the global energy demand, surge in awareness about environmental sustainability, and decrease in energy and air conditioning costs have boosted the growth of the global insulating glass window market. However, high initial costs of insulating glass window compared to normal windows and fluctuation in raw material prices hinder the market growth. On the contrary, government initiatives for energy efficient buildings are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market players in the future. Download Sample PDF (285 Pages with More Insight): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/12218 Covid-19 scenario: The Covid-19 outbreak affected the demand for insulating glass windows due to lockdown regulations imposed by the government and delay in manufacturing and production of insulating glass windows.

The prolonged lockdown resulted in disruption in the supply chain and increased the prices of raw materials.

Moreover, the pandemic delayed the installation and maintenance activities. The double glazing segment held the lion's share By type, the double glazing segment dominated the market in 2020, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global insulating glass window market. Moreover, the segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period, as double glazing windows offer better sound insulation than the single glazed. The hot melt to portray the highest CAGR through 2030 By sealant type, the hot melt segment is highest CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period, owing to its advantageous properties including low viscosity, reasonable cost, and anti-sag characteristics. Hoever, the silicone segment held the lion's share of the global insulating glass window market in 2020, contributing to nearly two-fifths of the market, as it offers structural integrity for heavy and large glass components.



Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Insulating Glass Window Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/12218 North America held the largest share

By region, the market across North America held the largest share in 2020, accounting for more than one-third of the global insulating glass window market, due to high adoption rate of insulating glass window and increase in R&D activities by energy companies in the region. However, the market across Asia-Pacific is estimated to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period, owing to rapid technological growth in the developing countries. Major market players AGC Inc.

Glaston Corporation

Central Glass Co., Ltd.

Internorm International GmbH

Saint Gobain SA

Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd.

Sika Industry

H.B. Fuller

Viracon (US)

Scheuten Interested in Procure Data? Visit Here: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/12218 Access AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Avenue is a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Similar Reports We Have: Glass Curtain Wall Market - The global glass curtain wall is anticipated to reach $85,727.4 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. Modular Construction Market - The global modular construction market is expected to reach $196.2 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2019 to 2026. Construction Glass Market - Global Construction Glass Market is projected to reach $121,877 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Energy Efficient Windows Market - The global energy efficient windows market is expected to reach $29,023.8 million in 2027, from $15,594.0 million in 2019, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2020 to 2027. Pre-Book Now with 10% Discount: Storefront Glass Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2028 Container Glass Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027

About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP, based in Portland, Oregon. AMR provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports. Contact us:

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[July 26, 2021] Integrated Biometrics Names Shawn O'Rourke Chief Executive Officer

SPARTANBURG, S.C., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrated Biometrics (IB), the world leader in mobile FBI-certified biometric fingerprint scanners, today announced industry veteran Shawn O'Rourke has been named chief executive officer following the retirement of former CEO Steve Thies. O'Rourke is a world-leading technologist in thin film transistor (TFT) technology and has extensive experience in business development, technology deployment, commercialization, intellectual property, and product management/positioning. He most recently was chief technology officer and vice president of Business Development at dpiX, a global leader in sensor technologies for digital X-ray applications. O'Rourke, who holds more than 20 patents in semiconductor technology solutions, earned an MBA in Technology Management from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Washington. "On behalf of the board and everyone at IB, we're thrilled that Shawn is taking the reins as CEO," said Thies, who will continue to hold a seat on the company's board of directors. "As a hands-on leader with an excellent track record in the successful development and commercialization of new technologies, he'll lead IB into a ew era with strengthened partnerships, strategic alliances, and an expanded international presence."



IB was founded in 2002 and produces the pioneering biometric LES (light-emitting sensor) technology that meets the stringent image certification requirements of the FBI in a "thin" form factor (less than 1mm thick). With a 20 percent year-over-year CAGR trajectory and approaching $50 million in annual revenue for 2021, IB works with the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Defense, and does business in more than 90 countries. The company holds more than 200 patents globally and has been listed on the Inc. 5000 list of fast-growing companies for five consecutive years. O'Rourke and members of the IB executive team plan to execute a "world tour" over the next year, as health security allows, to meet with partners, customers, and end users to further relationships and develop additional technologies needed to deliver global change.

"No company is better positioned to capture the global market in biometric identification and make a real difference," said O'Rourke. "Through our network of partners, Integrated Biometrics is honored to be part of a global service ecosystem providing world-class products that have a positive impact around the planet." About Integrated Biometrics

Integrated Biometrics' fingerprint sensors are mobile, easy to use, and affordable. The company designs and manufactures the world's smallest, lightest, and most durable FBI-certified fingerprint sensors for law enforcement, military operations, homeland security, national identity, election validation, social services, and a wide range of commercial applications. The company's patented light-emitting sensor (LES) film yields products superior to traditional prism-based devices in size, power consumption, portability, and reliability. For more about Integrated Biometrics, visit www.IntegratedBiometrics.com or call (888) 840-8034. Media Contact:

Kira Perdue

Carabiner Communications

404.556.0062

kperdue@carabinercomms.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/integrated-biometrics-names-shawn-orourke-chief-executive-officer-301340979.html SOURCE Integrated Biometrics

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[July 26, 2021] King River Capital announces first close of Fund 2

King River Capital (King River), the leading technology-focused venture capital firm with offices in Sydney and the US, today announces the successful first close of its second fund (KRC Fund 2), securing commitments of US$95million. KRC Fund 2 investors include numerous technology entrepreneurs and leaders from companies such as Xero, AfterPay, Mirror, and Palantir, reflecting King River's strong network of relationships across the industry in both Australia and the US. Other investors include leading institutions and family offices such as Ariadne Australia, Belfer Management and Marinya Capital. The firm is expecting full participation in Fund 2 from existing Fund 1 investors. KRC Fund 2 will continue the firm's strategy of working closely with exceptional entrepreneurs and management teams to build innovative, iconic technology companies in the US and Australia. King River provides founders with the capital, experience, and global networks to support expansion and scaling of their platforms and products across international markets. King River primarily makes early through growth stage minority equity investments in the software sector, across a wide variety of applications and domains. King River's first fund was committed across eleven companies spanning sectors such as fintech, digital health, logistics, industrial automation, gaming and enterprise software. King River recently had its first exit in its debut fund, with Sentropy Technologies, the leading technology platform to help digital communities protect themselves from abuse and harassment, announcing a merger with Discord, the voice, video, and text communication service used by over 150 million people. King River led Sentropy's Series A capital aise in November 2019, with King River co-founder, Megan Guy, serving on the company's board since then.



King River has also just completed its first investment from the new fund, with its participation in Paystand's $50M Series C raise, announced last week. Paystand is a California-based, blockchain-enabled payment network for business that is leading the movement for an open commercial finance system. Paystand breaks the traditional payment model by automating the entire cash lifecycle so businesses can unlock cashless, feeless, real-time payments. Megan Guy, King River Capital Co-founder, commented:

"We love backing brilliant, diverse entrepreneurs across the US and Australia to reimagine the world we live in and create the next category-defining technology companies. Having a concentrated and focused portfolio enables our partnership to fully support our founders at every step of their journeys as they build and scale exceptional products and teams." King River Capital Co-founder, Zeb Rice said: "King River Capital's ability to provide our portfolio companies with a bridge to high quality networks in Silicon Valley and key global markets has continued to be a key differentiator for us, not only for the founders we work with, but also for our investors. We are delighted to have had strong support from our existing investor base and are delighted to also welcome new investors into the fund." King River Capital Co-founder, Chris Barter remarked: "We are currently witnessing a once in a generation moment of world-leading tech innovation emanating from Australia. The flywheel moment has arrived with the plethora of capital, engineering talent, and successful exits embedded in a vibrant ecosystem. One could even say that Sydney is fast becoming the Palo Alto (News - Alert) of Asia." About King River Capital: King River Capital invests in post-revenue, high-growth software businesses that are solving critical problems within large markets. Since its first fund launched in 2019, King River has committed capital into eleven companies across the US and Australia, including FinClear (fintech), Sendle (logistics), OSARO (industrial automation), Sentropy (cybersafety) and Lark (digital health). The firm was founded by three partners, Chris Barter, Zeb Rice, and Megan Guy. All have a strong track record in early to mid-stage venture investing, with a legacy portfolio comprising over fifty companies across multiple markets. King River's Sydney offices are located in Surry Hills, an inner-city suburb that has become a focal point for leading tech start-ups and venture funds. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005818/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Kraken Resources II Receives $400 Million Equity Commitment

Kraken Resources II, LLC ("Kraken II" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has received an equity commitment in excess of $400 million from funds managed by Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. ("Kayne Anderson"), including Kayne Anderson Energy Fund VIII, L.P. ("KAEF VIII") and Kayne Private Energy Income Fund II, L.P. ("KPEIF II") along with Kraken II's management team. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005215/en/ Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Kraken II is a private oil and gas company formed to pursue large, oil-weighted acquisitions with an initial focus in the Williston Basin. The Company will target assets that have a significant existing production component and a multi-year inventory of development locations the Kraken II team can exploit. The Kraken II management team is led by Bruce Larsen, President and CEO, and Brad Suddarth, Executive Vice President and CFO. Mr. Larsen and Mr. Suddarth currently lead Kraken Resources, LLC ("Kraken I"), an existing portfolio company of certain funds managed by Kayne Anderson. Kraken I's operating footprint consists of over 130,000 net acres across North Dakota and Montana, with over 20,000 net boe/d of production.



Mark Teshoian, Managing Partner at Kayne Anderson, said, "Over the course of our nine-year partnership, the Kraken II management team has demonstrated the ability to successfully manage a large-scale asset base across a number of commodity price cycles. We are excited to both continue our existing commitment to Kraken I and also to partner with this accomplished team once again."

ABOUT KRAKEN RESOURCES II, LLC Kraken Resources II, LLC is a Houston-based, private energy company focused on the acquisition and development of onshore oil and gas assets throughout the Lower 48. ABOUT KAYNE ANDERSON Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., founded in 1984, is a leading alternative investment management firm focused on real estate, credit, infrastructure/energy, renewables, and growth equity. Kayne Anderson's investment philosophy is to pursue niches, with an emphasis on cash flow, where our knowledge and sourcing advantages enable us to deliver above average, risk-adjusted investment returns. As responsible stewards of capital, Kayne Anderson's philosophy extends to promoting responsible investment practices and sustainable business practices to create long-term value for our investors. Kayne Anderson manages over $30 billion in assets (as of 6/30/2021) for institutional investors, family offices, high net worth and retail clients and employs over 325 professionals in five core offices across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.kaynecapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005215/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Leading Global Financial Group Is First Ripcord Customer to Become an Investor

Ripcord, a Silicon Valley-based provider that combines cutting-edge robotics digitization with a SaaS (News - Alert) platform to help enterprises accelerate digital transformation, today announced MUIP has decided to invest capital in the company. The investment by MUIP comes on the heels of a multi-year deal signed in 2019 for Ripcord's robotic and machine learning solutions to digitize critical and sensitive documents for its parent company, MUFG, making the data more efficient and powerful while fully integrating within its existing big data platform. With over 2,700 locations in 50 countries and more than 360 years of experience in Japan alone, MUFG first partnered with Ripcord in November 2019 to get a handle on its hundreds of millions of sheets of paper kept in a central location that wasn't readily accessible to branch locations. MUFG Bank's decision to use Ripcord to digitally transform these documents and processes, improves on a legacy system by making the digital documents immediately accessible by all the branches, materially reducing the time required to retrieve customer information. On the success and strength of this partnership, MUFG is undertaking a first for Ripcord by not only being a customer but also an investor. After experiencing the power and possibilities for true digital transformation throuh Ripcord's platform, MUFG will also serve as an investor in the brand, helping to shape and support Ripcord's vision and commitment to unlocking the intelligence in data to affect real, actionable change.



"We are honored to not only call Mitsubishi (News - Alert) UFJ Financial Group a customer but an investor in our brand," said Alex Fielding, Founder of Ripcord. "There can be no greater expression of the belief and trust a company has in your brand than a prominent customer becoming an investor in your business. We are proud that MUFG recognizes and wants to join our mission to digitally transform how we receive and access information around the globe." "We are excited to be a partner in Ripcord's journey to help businesses transform digitally," said Nobutake Suzuki, President and CEO of MUIP. "MUFG Bank partnered with Ripcord to tap its capability of unlocking value from paper documents, making the data digitally accessible with speed, at scale, and securely. As more businesses digitalize, we look forward to deepening our partnership as Ripcord scales its solution both in Japan and new geographies.

About Ripcord Based in Hayward, Calif., Ripcord is accelerating digital transformation across industries by combining cutting-edge robotic technology with the power of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning. Ripcord activates data at scale, brings together disparate content and turns it into meaningful data. The company's Rapid Digitization, Data Enrichment and Content Management offerings provide unprecedented data insight by improving decision intelligence, streamlining workflows, increasing productivity and enabling RPA and API integration for enterprise software. For more information, visit www.ripcord.com. About MUFG Innovation Partners MUFG Innovation Partners, Co., Ltd. (MUIP) is a consolidated subsidiary of MUFG, and was established as a corporate venture capital fund responsible for both MUFG's open innovation strategy to accelerate partnerships between startups and MUFG, and undertaking strategic investments in startups. For more information, visit http://www.ip.mufg.jp/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005199/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Lightspin Named 2021 CRN Emerging Vendor in Security Category

TEL AVIV, Israel, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightspin, the next-generation cloud security platform, announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has included Lightspin in its 2021 Emerginzg Vendors List in the Security Category. This annual list honors up-and-coming technology vendorsall six years old or youngerthat have proven their commitment to innovation and growth within the larger IT channel by enabling solution providers to tackle complex IT market challenges, increase bottom-line revenue across the board, and deliver customer-facing solutions that ensure the channel's ongoing success. Founded in 2020, Lightspin provides a contextual cloud security platform for cloud-native and Kubernetes environments that includes a full contextual view of all cloud assets and relationships, maps the potential attack paths and prioritizes and remediates the most critical security issues from build to runtime. "Our solution has an immediate impact with the ability to leverage sophisticated inputs from multiple sources to detect and prioritize risk early on in the development cycle, to significantly reduce the number of threats reported. The result is effective protection with instant security fatigue relief," said Amber Katz, Head of Business Development. "Lightspin is financially rewarding for partners as it is quick and easy to deploy and integrate, and incorporates intuitive visualization tools that boost user experience and make it easy for customers to study their cloud enironment and take insightful actions."



Deployed in companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations, Lightspin has been experiencing exceptional market growth. Recently completing a $16 million Series A funding round Lightspin was awarded the CDM Global Infosec Award for Hot Company in SaaS/Cloud Security at RSA 2021, and Gold for Security Cloud/Saas Start up of the Year award as part of the 13th 2021 annual Golden Bridge Business and Innovation awards. About Lightspin

Lightspin's next-gen cloud security posture management (CSPM)solution uses contextual cloud security to protect cloud and Kubernetes environments from build to runtime, and simplifies cloud security for security and DevOps teams. Using patent-pending advanced graph-based technology, Lightspin empowers cloud and security teams to eliminate risks and maximize productivity by proactively and automatically detecting all security risks, smartly prioritizing the most critical issues, and easily fixing them. For more information, visit https://www.lightspin.io/, or see Lightspin video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYDVri-mtc. About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by nearly 40 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com. Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.  2021. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All right Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1341650/Lightspin_Logo.jpg Media contact:

Monica Maron

t: +1-912-771-5512

e: monica.maron@spicetreecom.com

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[July 26, 2021] Luxury beauty skincare, La Mer is the latest addition on Lazada's LazMall Prestige

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lazada, Southeast Asia's leading eCommerce platform, and La Mer, the "No.1 Premium Skincare Brand" in Southeast Asia[1], today announced their partnership and launch of La Mer's official LazMall flagship store across the region[2]  Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The Malaysia Super Brand Opening, happening on 11 August 2021 will provide consumers exclusive access to La Mer's exquisite offline experience via the platform. This partnership significantly expands La Mer's strategic eCommerce visibility with consumers across Southeast Asia, as shoppers increasingly turn to trusted eCommerce platforms to conveniently and safely purchase from luxury brands. As one of the most anticipated luxury beauty brands to launch region-wide on Lazada, La Mer integrates best-in-class e-store design with compelling contents and elevated virtual shopping experiences to consumers. The partnership will bring opportunities to serve consumer segments with high expectations, discerning skin needs as well as gifting aspirations. The overall brand and platform experience will be elevated via dynamic consumer engagement activations. This strategic partnership will reinforce the leading position of Lazada and La Mer in eCommerce platforms and premium skincare markets respectively. Emmanuelle Vernet, Vice President and General Manager of La Mer, Asia Pacific said: "As the number one premium skincare brand in Southeast Asia, we believe that Lazada is an excellent partner to extend our experience to both new and existing consumers. By partnering with the number one beauty platform destination, we will be able to offer product experience and exquisite high-touch personal services, including 1-1 virtual skin consultation[3] and virtual Masterclasses[3]. Consumers will also be the first to have access to our Lazada exclusive treats and luxurious La Mer gift wrapping with every purchase. To engage and interact with consumers in real-time, La Mer will curate virtual events through LazLive livestreaming programs, bringing brand story, product heritage, miracle insider tips to Southeast Asian consumers." Amongst a selected assortment of high-performing products, Creme de la Mer is the most-loved hero product with a long heritage and is already well-recognised as "No.1 Luxury Cream[1]" across Southeast Asian markets. Infused with the La Mer's legendary elixir - Miracle Broth, La Mer's cell-renewing elixir and potent anti-irritant, demonstrate our commitment to precision, innovation and craftsmanship. In addition to housing La Mer's key hero products, including Creme de la Mer, The Treatment Lotion, The Concentrate and The Eye Concentrate, the flagship store will also include the Skincolor range, Cleansers, Tonics, and Little Luxuries (La Mer's deluxe trial-sized products). Commenting on the Super Brand Opening, James Chang, Head of Strategic Accounts and Retail, Lazada Group said: "We're delighted to welcome luxury beauty brand La Mer to the LazMall family via our platform's premium offering - LazMall Prestige. Through this highly personalised in-app portal, brands can curate and bring intimate brand experiences to shoppers with the comfort from a few taps on the app. Lazada is constantly attuned to what our customers are looking for - and that includes expanding our extensive premium beauty portfolio to bring 100% authentic and quality products as well as curated brand stories direct to consumers. We look forward to scaling our collaborations with La Mer, and bringing more exciting initiatives to Southeast Asia through LazMall Prestige."







[1] Based on sales performance in CY2020 in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia | Beaute Research Dept. stores & boutiques. [2] La Mer Lazada Super Brand Opening date: Aug11 2021- Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia; Aug12 2021- Singapore, Indonesia. [3] Available by appointment only.

About Lazada Group

Founded in 2012, Lazada Group is the leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia. We are accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. With the largest logistics and payments networks in the region, Lazada is a part of our consumers' daily lives in the region and we aim to serve 300 million shoppers by 2030. Since 2016, Lazada has been the Southeast Asia flagship platform of Alibaba Group powered by its world-class technology infrastructure. About LA MER

La Mer is a brand that represents hope, healing and one man's deep respect for the power of the living sea. It all began over fifty years ago when Dr. Max Huber, a physicist, embarked on a healing quest after a lab accident. Twelve years and 6,000 experiments later, Miracle Broth  the legendary elixir  was born. Since joining The Estee Lauder Companies in 1995, La Mer has become the most coveted skin care brand in the world. SOURCE Lazada Group

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[July 26, 2021] NASA Previews Science on Next Northrop Grumman Space Station Mission

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m. EDT Monday, Aug. 2, to discuss science investigations and technology demonstrations launching on Northrop Grumman's 16th commercial resupply mission for the agency to the International Space Station. Audio of the teleconference will be streamed live online at: http://www.nasa.gov/live Northrop Grumman is targeting no earlier than 5:56 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, for the launch of its Cygnus spacecraft on an Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport's pad 0A at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia. The Cygnus spacecraft will carry crew supplies, scientific research, and hardware to the orbiting laboratory to support the Expedition 65 crew. To participate in the teleconference, media must contact Stephanie Schierholz at: 202-358-4997 or stephanie.schierholz@nasa.gov by 9 a.m. EDT Monday, Aug. 2, for dial-in information. Questions also can be submitted on social media using #AskNASA.

Bryan Dansberry, program scientist for the International Space Station Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, will provide an overview of the research and technology aboard the Cygnus spacecraft. Also participating in the briefing are: Michael Snyder , chief technology officer at Made in Space, who will discuss the Redwire Regolith Print study, which demonstrates 3D printing in space using a material smulating rock and soil found on the surfaces of planetary bodies, such as the Moon.

, chief technology officer at Made in Space, who will discuss the Redwire Regolith Print study, which demonstrates 3D printing in space using a material smulating rock and soil found on the surfaces of planetary bodies, such as the Moon. Dr. Ngan F. Huang , assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Stanford University and principal investigator of Cardinal Muscle , who will discuss this investigation to evaluate whether engineered human muscle cells cultured in microgravity are a valid model for studying muscle loss.

, assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at and principal investigator of , who will discuss this investigation to evaluate whether engineered human muscle cells cultured in microgravity are a valid model for studying muscle loss. Donnie McCaghren , project manager at NASA's Marshall Spaceflight Center in Huntsville, Alabama , and Michael Salopek of Johnson , co-investigator, will talk about a new spacecraft carbon dioxide removal technology about how this demonstration could help future explorers on the Moon and Mars breathe more easily.

, project manager at NASA's Marshall Spaceflight Center in , and of , co-investigator, will talk about a new spacecraft carbon dioxide removal technology about how this demonstration could help future explorers on the Moon and Mars breathe more easily. Dr. Audrey Dussutour, director of research at the French National Center for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS), slime mold specialist and principal investigator, who will discuss Blob, an ESA (European Space Agency) investigation, which will allow students to see how slime molds' behavior is affected by microgravity.

Nancy Hall , project manager of the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment ( FBCE ), and Issam Mudawar , director of the Purdue University Boiling and Two-Phase Flow Laboratory and principal investigator, will discuss the importance of this fluid physics technology for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

, project manager of the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment ( ), and , director of the Boiling and Two-Phase Flow Laboratory and principal investigator, will discuss the importance of this fluid physics technology for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Dr. Alexandre Martin , professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kentucky and principal investigator of KREPE, and John Schmidt , mechanical engineering graduate student at the University of Kentucky . KREPE will test an affordable thermal protection system, also known as a heat shield, deploying when Cygnus re-enters the atmosphere at the conclusion of its mission.



https://images.nasa.gov/album/Northrop_Grumman_CRS-16_Science

Cargo resupply from U.S. companies ensures a national capability to deliver critical science research to the space station, significantly increasing NASA's ability to conduct new investigations at the only laboratory in space. The International Space Station is a convergence of science, technology, and human innovation that demonstrates new technologies and enables research not possible on Earth. NASA recently celebrated 20 years of continuous human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory, which has hosted 243 people and a variety of international and commercial spacecraft. The space station remains the springboard to NASA's next great leap in exploration, including future human missions to the Moon and eventually to Mars. Members of the public can attend the launch virtually, receiving mission updates and opportunities normally reserved for on-site guests. To participate, members of the public can register for email updates to stay up to date on mission information, mission highlights, and interaction opportunities. For launch countdown coverage, NASA's launch blog, and more information about the mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/northropgrumman View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-previews-science-on-next-northrop-grumman-space-station-mission-301341316.html SOURCE NASA

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[July 26, 2021] NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021) - Online Event From Wednesday, July 28 : Latest Information

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization ( JETRO (News - Alert) ) are pleased to announce the jointly organized "NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021)" to accelerate innovation in green investment and the realization of carbon neutrality. The event will take place from Wednesday, July 28, and will be held online. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005389/en/ Entrance_Lobby_Image (Graphic: Business Wire) Main Program In the main program, panel discussions will be held between 15 leaders of global companies and organizations. In addition, Mr. SASAKI Nobuhiko, Chairman and CEO of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), will present the opening remarks, Mr. TOKURA Masakazu, Chairman of KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation), will present the keynote speech and Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry KAJIYAMA Hiroshi, will ech send a message by video.



About the exhibitors A total of 54 companies and local governments, including startup companies and "green" companies funded by the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd. (UTEC), will exhibit the pride of Japan's latest technology.

JETRO overseas offices' online event series will be held sequentially from August 11. At the NET (News - Alert) ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021) related online events held by overseas offices of the organizer JETRO will be delivered sequentially from August 11. Registration is now open (free of charge) https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/events/jbc/ Details of NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021) Organizers: Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

Event date: From Wednesday July 28, 2021, online

*The virtual platform to be opened from 10:00 am on July 28 till 11:59 pm on September 10 (JST) Event agenda: Main Program: Two days of Wednesday, July 28 and Thursday, July 29 (JST)

Panel discussions by leaders at the forefront of world issues, etc.

Panel discussions by leaders at the forefront of world issues, etc. Showcase of Japan via corporate booths

54 companies and local governments at the forefront of Japanese technology and services will exhibit PR booths at a virtual venue

54 companies and local governments at the forefront of Japanese technology and services will exhibit PR booths at a virtual venue Communication by avatar

Exhibitors and participants can use avatars to communicate with one another in real time

Exhibitors and participants can use avatars to communicate with one another in real time Events hosted by JETRO overseas offices.

Held sequentially from Wednesday, August 11 Attendance fee: Free

To register: https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/events/jbc/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005389/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) Market to Hit $221.0 Mn, Globally, by 2030 at 6.8% CAGR: AMR

Rise in use in the automotive industry and surge in demand for detection and imaging application drive the global silicon photomultiplier market PORTLAND, Ore., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) Market by Type (NUV SiPMs and RGB SiPMs), Device Type (Analog SiPMs and Digital SiPMs), Application (LiDAR, Medical Imaging, High Energy Physics, Hazard & Threat Detection, and Others), and Industry Vertical (Automotive, Healthcare, IT & Telecommunication, Aerospace, Oil & Gas, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030". As per the report, the global silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) industry was pegged at $113.7 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $221.0 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2021 to 2030. Major determinants of the market growth Rise in use in the automotive industry and surge in demand for detection and imaging application drive the global silicon photomultiplier market. However, technological incompatibility of SiPMs hampers the market growth. On the contrary, high demand from the Asia-Pacific region is expected to open up new opportunities for the market players in the future. Download Sample Report (Get Full Insights in PDF  290+ Pages) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/6088 Covid-19 scenario: The uncertainty in stock market, falling business confidence, and increase in panic among customers severely affected the overall economy across the globe, especially European countries due to prolonged lockdown and shutdown of manufacturing units in the region.

The large-scale manufacturing interruptions across Europe and interruption in export from China had negative effect on the demand for silicon photomultiplier.

and interruption in export from had negative effect on the demand for silicon photomultiplier. Moreover, several manufacturing units were closed during the pandemic, which hampered the supply chain and revenue chain. The NUV SiPM segment held the lion's share By type, the NUV SiPM segment held the largest share in 2020, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the global silicon photomultiplier market, due to its benefits such as high gain, extremely good timing performance, and low operating voltage. However, the RGB SiPM segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period, as they are insensitive to the magnetic field, and have high integration level. Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/6088?reqfor=covid



The medical imaging segment to manifest the highest CAGR through 2030 By application, the medical imaging segment is estimated to portray the highest CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period, due to adoption of photonics in life science research. However, the LiDAR segment held the largest share in 2020, contributing to around one-third of the global silicon photomultiplier market, owing to rise in use of LiDAR in the automotive industry for ADAS application with silicon photomultipliers.

Asia-Pacific held the largest share, North America to grow steadily By region, the market across Asia-Pacific dominated in 2020, accounting for nearly half of the market. Moreover, the region is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period, due to growing economy and advancements in regulatory framework of sensors. The global silicon photomultiplier market across North America is expected to register a CAGR of 5.0% from 2021 to 2030. Interested to Procure the Data? Inquire Here @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/6088 Major market players AdvanSiD

Cremat Inc

Broadcom Inc.

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.

Excelitas Technologies Corporation

On Semiconductor

Ketek GMBH

Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.

Philips

TE Connectivity Access AVENUE - A Subscription-Based Library (Premium On-Demand, Subscription-Based Pricing Model) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Avenue is a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements. Avenue Library Subscription | Request For 14 Days Free Trial of Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Similar Reports: Wearable Fitness Trackers Market Size is Projected to Reach $124.32 Billion By 2028 Wi-Fi Range Extender Market Size is Projected to Reach $3357.8 Million By 2030 Hardware Wallet Market Size is Projected to Reach $1.02 Billion By 2028 Chip Resistor Market Size is Expected to Reach $1,567.2 Million By 2028 Ultrasonic Sensor Market Size is Projected to Reach $10.43 Billion By 2028 Pre-Book Now with 10% Discount: Organic Thin Film Transistor Market - Global Market Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2028 Protective Case Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2028 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: David Correa

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[July 26, 2021] Ted Osthelder Named President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Medicaid Health Plan in Wisconsin

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin announced today that Ted Osthelder has been named president of the health plan, a leading managed care provider of health benefits for Wisconsin residents who participate in the state's Medicaid programs. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005036/en/ Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin announced today that Ted Osthelder has been named president of the health plan, a leading managed care provider of health benefits for Wisconsin residents who participate in the state's Medicaid programs. (Photo: Business Wire) "Ted is a trusted and highly respected senior leader who has extensive knowledge and experience within the healthcare industry as well as a passion and track record for serving communities in Wisconsin," said Dr. Barsam Kasravi, President of Anthem's Medicaid West Region. "He is an influential and dynamic leader who is capable of guiding Anthem through a time of tremendous growth and transformational change. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to improve health and lives across Wisconsin." Osthelder has more than 25 years of private, public and political experience. Most recently, he was Senior Government Relations Director on Anthem'sPublic Affairs team supporting the Commercial and Medicaid Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Wisconsin where he built and maintained relationships with policy makers, regulators and stakeholders. Prior to his career at Anthem, Osthelder spent 15 years in government and politics in a variety of leadership roles in Wisconsin. Since 2016, Osthelder has served on the board of the Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company, a joint venture between Anthem and Advocate/Aurora, the state's largest health system.



"Anthem has always had a longstanding local commitment to improving the health of Wisconsin communities and I look forward to the opportunity to continue the local legacy and longstanding focus on Anthem's members," said Osthelder. "We understand the complex and interconnected factors that shape health, as well our role as a health leader to collaborate with local organizations and community partners to support those in need. We remain committed to serving our members with a simplified healthcare experience that enables them to lead a healthy and productive lifestyle." A Milwaukee native, Osthelder is a graduate of the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Osthelder succeeds Anthony Woods, who recently was named president of Amerigroup Washington, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anthem, Inc.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has served Wisconsin residents for more than 80 years through innovative, high quality healthcare and support services for more than 1 million commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare health plan members with 1,150 associates working, living, and volunteering across the state. About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWI), Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare) and Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company (WCIC). BCBSWI underwrites or administers PPO and indemnity policies and underwrites the out of network benefits in POS policies offered by Compcare or WCIC; Compcare underwrites or administers HMO or POS policies; WCIC underwrites or administers Well Priority HMO or POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at https://twitter.com/anthemBCBS or on Facebook (News - Alert) at https://www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005036/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Test Scores Prove Financial Literacy Effectiveness of Ramsey Solutions' High School Curriculum

High school students across the country have the chance to become money savvy adults when they take Foundations in Personal Finance: High School Edition, the comprehensive curriculum from Ramsey Education, a division of Ramsey Solutions. New data collected from more than 1 million Foundations students between 2017 and 2021 shows the financial literacy instruction is effective: Students' pre-test and post test scores increased an average of 22 percentage points. Students were tested before and after studying subjects like investing and retirement, careers and taxes, life after high school, avoiding debt, and money and relationships. The Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum has been taught in more than 45% of high schools. "I am not surprised by the higher test scores," said Alex Todd, Foundations in Personal Finance teacher at Elizabethtown High School in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. "So many of my students see their parents struggle with student loan debt, credit cards and car loans. A month into the semester, I see their empowerment growing. By the end of the course, they're smarter than most adults about money and they're ready to take on the world." "The higher scores prove that the principles taught in Foundations in Personal Finance are working," said Jim King, executive vice president of Ramsey Education. "There's a difference between teaching a student what a budget is and teaching them how to actually create and use one. Foundations teachers are helping students build strong money habits early to avoid lifelong money struggles." Americans consistently rank personal finnces and money as their No. 1 cause of significant stress, according to research done by Ramsey Solutions. Financial literacy advocates say early education is more important than ever, but only 21 states currently require personal finance education to graduate high school. Following the pandemic and the economic uncertainties of 2020, 25 states have introduced legislation that would add financial literacy to schools.



For more information about Ramsey Solutions' Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum, visit ramseysolutions.com/education. About Ramsey Solutions

Ramsey Solutions is committed to empowering people in the areas of money, business, leadership, and personal development using biblically based, commonsense principles and education. Every day, Ramsey Solutions reaches millions with nationally syndicated radio shows and columns, No. 1 national best-selling books, products and courses and industry-renowned podcasts and video channels. Ramsey Solutions' world-class speakers and authors give inspiration, practical advice, and hope to audiences across the country. Ramsey Solutions and its team of 1,000 are dedicated to doing work that matters. For more information, visit ramseysolutions.com. Methodology Ramsey Education collected the data of more than 1.4 million U.S. high school students' pre-tests and post-tests included in the digital curriculum of Foundations in Personal Finance: High School Edition. Before starting a new chapter, students would take an assessment (pre-test) about the material they were about to learn. This assessment told the teacher their level of knowledge about and familiarity with the material. After the chapter was completed, the students would take the same assessment (post-test) as an evaluation of their understanding of the information in that chapter. Data was pulled from August 1, 2017 to April 12, 2021. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005106/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Uplive Utilizes its Unique Live Streaming Capabilities to Enhance Miss Philippines 2021 Pageant

MANILA, Philippines, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Uplive, the global live social video app from Asia Innovations Group (AIG), today announced the successful conclusion of its sponsorship of the Miss Philippines 2021 pageant. Uplive, which features a unique real-time live streaming function that is made possible by its technological innovation, also lent its live streaming expertise to this year's pageant. Uplive's live social capabilities made this year's pageant truly unprecedented, highlighting the app's consistent exploration and efforts in bringing closer the virtual and offline social experience. Uplive handled the live online voting for the "Best in Swimsuit" competition and the "Best in Long Gown" competition, both of which were met with great enthusiasm from online voters. "Uplive Philippines was proud to sponsor the prestigious Miss Philippines competition this year, which is yet another example of our using our cutting-edge live social expertise to bring joy to people in the region," said Christin Xu, GM of Uplive USA and Philippines. "At Uplive and AIG, we pride ourselves on using our global insights with local expertise to deliver value to our users, which we will continue to do with unique events like this one."



This year's competition was the 57th edition of the beauty pageant and culminated with the coronation night on the evening of July 11, 2021. Miss Philippines, known locally as Binibining Pilipinas, is one of the most prestigious pageants in the Philippines. About Asia Innovations Group

Asia Innovations Group (AIG) is a leading live social company with over 400 million registered users located in over 150 regions worldwide. It has built a comprehensive and diverse portfolio as it seeks to achieve its mission of enriching people's lives worldwide through innovative and enjoyable live social products, which foster meaningful human connection. In addition to Uplive, which allows video social hosts to broadcast to the world, and Lamour, the top dating app in global emerging markets, AIG owns SupreFans, a fan-centric live social app. It includes operations in twelve offices around the globe that integrate local live social knowledge to foster individual market development and penetration. Focusing on major emerging markets, AIG leverages its track record of innovation, cutting-edge technology, a scalable global infrastructure, and global insights with local expertise to deliver user and shareholder value based on the most exciting growth opportunities in the live social marketplace.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uplive-utilizes-its-unique-live-streaming-capabilities-to-enhance-miss-philippines-2021-pageant-301341144.html SOURCE Asia Innovations Group

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[July 26, 2021] W. R. Berkley Corporation Names Glen Riddell Chief Executive Officer of Berkley Re Australia

W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) today announced the appointment of Glen Riddell, chief executive officer of Berkley Re Asia, to the additional role of chief executive officer of Berkley Re Australia. The appointment is effective December 31, 2021. Tony Piper will continue as chief executive officer of Berkley Re Australia until that time, when he will transition into the role of chairman of the operating unit. Mr. Riddell joined Berkley Re Asia in 2015 as chief executive officer and has 30 years of property and casualty (re)insurance experience in the Asia Pacific region. In his dual role as CEO of Berkley Re Asia and Berkley Re Australia, he will bring together the management and oversight of both operating units. Mr. Piper joined Berkley Re Australia in 2009 as assistant general manager and was appointed CEO in 2013. As chairman, he will retain an active role, assisting the team with strategic client relationships, the transition into this new structure and other special projects and initiatives. W. Robert Berkley, Jr., president and chief executive officer of W. R. Berkley Corporation, commented on the appointments, "Glen nd Tony have been instrumental in positioning Berkley Re Asia and Berkley Re Australia as premier reinsurance providers in their respective territories. Bringing management of the two operations together will enable us to more fully leverage the combined specialist expertise of these two independently strong teams to provide bespoke reinsurance solutions that create greater opportunities for our long-term partners. Glen has done an outstanding job at Berkley Re Asia over the past several years and we are excited that he will be taking on this expanded role. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony for his outstanding leadership at Berkley Re Australia and couldn't be more pleased that he will continue to be actively involved in the day-to-day operations as chairman of our Australian reinsurance business. "



For further info about products and services available from Berkley Re, please visit www.berkleyre.com. Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in two segments of the property casualty insurance business: Insurance and Reinsurance & Monoline Excess. For further information about W. R. Berkley Corporation, please visit www.berkley.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005090/en/

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[July 26, 2021] WPI-MANA: Reaping Benefits of Collaboration and Integration

TSUKUBA, Japan, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WPI-MANA established several special research programs in 2016 in the belief that "science can make strong advances through the integration of research." Four of the key researchers in these programs -- Dr. Waka Nakanishi and Dr. Ayako Nakata in the Theory-Experiment Pairing Program, and Dr. Toshikaze Kariyado and Dr. Takuya Iwasaki in the Challenging Research Program -- sat down with MANA e-Bulletin to discuss their work and their experience with these programs. (Image: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105739/202107217960/_prw_PI1fl_32t08l7g.jpg) Q: Let's start with a description of your research. Nakanishi: In organic chemistry, we create organic molecules in the desired form by connecting carbon atoms. Since their structure is drectly related to their functions, I focus on realizing functions by designing molecules.



Nakata: I do theoretical research using first-principles calculations. Ideally, we can know the electronic state of a material from calculations. However, it's difficult to simulate systems with many atoms, because it requires vast computational resources. Therefore, we developed a program called CONQUEST to determine the state of systems and molecules containing many atoms. We are now applying it to various real-life material systems. Kariyado: My research is on clarifying the properties of materials using theory. There are many meanings to the term "properties of materials," but I focus on how to control the electronic state in matter.

Iwasaki: I am interested in electron transport, which is the source of electric current, and my research aims to clarify the properties of materials. I am particularly interested in two-dimensional materials, mainly graphene. Ideally, graphene is flat, but if the substrate is uneven, it loses its exceptional properties. To solve this problem, we are developing a technique to superimpose graphene on a very flat 2D material. Q: How did you start your collaboration? Nakanishi: In organic chemistry, we often look at the function of a molecule as an "overall average" under easy-to-measure conditions. Experiments that look at the shape and function of single molecules are still in their infancy... Click the following link to read the full story. MANA E-BULLETIN / FEATURE

https://www.nims.go.jp/mana/ebulletin/feature.html MANA E-BULLETIN

https://www.nims.go.jp/mana/ebulletin/

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[July 26, 2021] Yabuki Family Donates $20 Million to Children's Wisconsin to Transform Response to Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Crisis

Kids in Wisconsin and across the country are suffering from a crisis in mental and behavioral health, while diagnosis and treatment of pediatric mental illness lags far behind the onset of symptoms. Today, The Yabuki Family Foundation and Children's Wisconsin announced a $20 million gift to transform the delivery of integrated mental and behavioral health care at every Children's Wisconsin primary care and urgent care location. This is the largest single gift in Children's history. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005600/en/ Jeff Yabuki (Photo: Business Wire) Through the Yabuki family's generosity, the program will expand to at least 36 full-time, masters-prepared therapists who will work side-by-side with pediatricians in every Children's primary and urgent care location. More than 175,000 kids are seen by Children's Wisconsin pediatricians during routine checkups or at an urgent care visit. This holistic integration of mental and behavioral health creates a new standard for evaluation, treatment and access to services for children. When fully staffed in 2023, the program has the potential to benefit more than a third of the pediatric population in southeastern Wisconsin. Watch this video to hear Jeff Yabuki talk about the loss of his brother and the vision he and Children's Wisconsin have to make sure every child receives the care they desperately need. Therapists and pediatricians will collaborate on the spot to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma and suicidal ideation, as well as attention difficulties, sleep challenges and disruptive behaviors. Doing so will ensure kids have immediate access to expert help, rather than the current process of lengthy waits for referrals and mental health appointments. Additional aspects of the new program include dedicated support staff to help families seamlessly access the array of services, additional access to psychiatry for further diagnosis and prescription consults, and advanced training on mental and behavioral health for Children's Wisconsin pediatricians. These mental health services will be available to kids at all Children's primary and urgent care locations by the end of 2023. The Yabuki family's gift also supports the creation of an endowed mental and behavioral health research chair and analytics team to monitor program efficacy, improve and evolve the initiative and ultimately, to share best practices with pediatricians and pediatric health systems locally, regionally and nationally. Other funds will help expand research efforts, including a dedicated focus on understanding and reducing the increasing rate of suicide among kids. With tragedy comes hope The Yabuki Family Foundation was established by Jeff Yabuki, who served as CEO of Wisconsin-based Fiserv from 2005 to 2020, during which time it became the state's most valuable public company. Under Yabuki's leadership in 2018, Fiserv acquired the naming rights to Fiserv Forum, home ofthe Milwaukee Bucks and the Marquette University Golden Eagles.



Yabuki knows all too well the devastating effects childhood mental health issues can have on families. His younger brother's depression went undiagnosed during childhood. In 2017, Craig Yabuki died by suicide, leaving behind a wife and three young children. "Out of tragedy comes opportunity. We are honored to pay tribute to my brother by partnering with Children's to create meaningful change for kids in Wisconsin and across the nation," said Yabuki. "Through our partnership, we intend to significantly advance the manner in which mental and behavioral health issues in children are diagnosed, reduce the stigma, and enable care - when needed - to be delivered in a fully integrated way. Whether a child has an earache or is feeling anxiety, we are helping families to address mental and physical health, together, and with equal importance."

Before the age of 14 Research indicates that more than half of individuals who struggle with mental health conditions in their lifetime start experiencing symptoms before the age of 14. Yet the average length of time between when symptoms appear and treatment begins is often more than ten years. Kids will be helped much earlier by changing the conversation in the doctor's office to focus on mental and behavioral health alongside growth charts, vaccination schedules and other standards of physical care. By proactively reaching kids when they are young, the greater the chance they will live happy, resilient and productive lives as adults. "Too many kids are in crisis," said Peggy Troy, president and CEO, Children's Wisconsin. "In Wisconsin, one in five children is living with a serious mental illness and hospitalization rates for mental health conditions are nearly four times the national average. Given our size, reach and commitment, Children's Wisconsin is uniquely positioned to drive better outcomes by permanently changing our primary care model to ensure mental health is prioritized at the same level as physical health. With the incredible generosity and partnership of Jeff and his family, we are able to expedite this transformation while collecting the data and conducting the research that allows this program to serve as a model for others." Yabuki said, "As we continue to recover from the physical and emotional toll of Covid-19, the need to help children - and adults - deal with the challenges of the last 16 or so months is even more compelling. We believe Children's will be a beacon of hope for mental health and wellness at a time when it is needed the most." "Through our work, we know that the journey to achieving mental and behavioral health often starts in the pediatrician's office," said Amy Herbst, MSSW, APSW, vice president, Mental and Behavioral Health, Children's Wisconsin. "But the existing system of care results in long waits and is often financially out of reach for families. Jeff's generous gift helps change the system and bridge the financial gap. Importantly, it also allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in ways that we believe will ultimately change the care model and demonstrate the health care savings that are possible through this kind of innovation." Issuing a new challenge In the hope of inspiring others to join this critical effort, the Yabuki family has designated $5 million as a Change the Checkup Challenge in which every additional gift for this program will be matched dollar-for-dollar. In this way, others can also help change the conversation, change the checkup and change the result for kids in Wisconsin. "The Yabuki family's historic gift supports Children's overall commitment to mental health and will drive groundbreaking advancements in how we detect and treat mental and behavioral health challenges in kids," said Meg Brzyski Nelson, president, Children's Wisconsin Foundation. "And through their matching challenge, we can accelerate this work even further. The community has shown incredible support for our investment in advancing mental and behavioral health. Our hope is more donors are motivated to join the Yabuki family and our team in changing the checkup and making Wisconsin's kids the healthiest in the nation." About The Yabuki Family Foundation The purpose of The Yabuki Family Foundation is to have a positive impact across communities with a focus on enabling people to be their best. Its primary causes include families and education, access and support of the arts, and advancing causes which enhance social justice. The Yabuki Family Foundation, which was established in 1999, is taking a transformational leadership role in the fight to reduce and eliminate depression, anxiety and other mental and emotional issues, which often begin in childhood. About Children's Wisconsin Children's Wisconsin is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. The hospital, with locations in Milwaukee and Neenah, Wisconsin, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is ranked in six specialty areas in U.S. News & World Report's 2020-21 Best Children's Hospitals report. Children's provides primary care, specialty care, mental and behavioral care, urgent care, emergency care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. In 2020, Children's invested more than $100 million in the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. Children's achieves its mission in part through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations and is proud to be a member of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. About Children's Wisconsin $150 Million Commitment to Mental Health Integrated mental and behavioral health is one of the seven key pillars of the Children's Wisconsin comprehensive $150 million, five-year vision introduced in 2019 to address the growing mental and behavioral health crisis facing Wisconsin's kids. Funded through a mixture of philanthropy, reimbursements, state and federal grants and system reinvestment, the overall strategy is designed to detect needs sooner, improve access to services and reduce the stigma around the illness. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005600/en/

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[July 25, 2021] iPASS Benefits from Triple Stimulus Vouchers, Reverses the Impacts of the Pandemic on Physical Consumption

TAIPEI, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its establishment, iPASS Corporation has been committed to integrating the various e-tickets used in public transport and extending their use throughout Taiwan. Public transport includes metro systems, Taiwan Railways, buses, BRT systems, long-distance buses, ferries, public bicycles, etc. Starting in 2017, iPASS collaborated with LINE Pay to expand into the P2P digital payment market. LINE Pay stands as a third-party payment service. Due to regulatory issues, users are unable to transfer funds or reload using LINE Pay. However, LINE Pay Money can fill this gap. As of now, iPASS Corporation has issued more than 30 million iPASS smartcards. In Taiwan, it is ranked second originated from the Taipei Metro. iPASS is keenly aware that EasyCard has the advantage of being first in the market and that the public transportation network in the North is four-times the size of Kaohsiung's metro system. Daily ridership figures in Taipei are fifteen times larger than in Kaohsiung. Therefore, as the latecomer, iPASS's has always focused on differentiation. By launching iPASS Pay with cash reload services in the four largest convenience store chains and introducing iPASS Pay into Taiwan's current leading retailer, Pxmart, iPASS has gradually built its own smart card business ecosystem.



When the pandemic broke out in 2020, ridership in the Taipei metro system decreased by 30%. In the Kaohsiung metro system, it dropped 40%, severely impacting the e-ticket revenues for iPASS. As the pandemic situation worsened, consumers reduced visits to physical stores and gradually switched to online shopping. In the face of sales declines at physical sales channels, in April 2020, iPASS focused its deal promotions and marketing activities on digital payment services offered in online sales channels, online bill payment platforms, and more. In the same month, the company's digital payment business grew in spite of the pandemic, reaching $680 million monthly transaction volume. Following the distribution of Triple Stimulus Vouchers in July 2020, the company launched promotions such as offering credits or LINE POINTS when people tie their vouchers to LINE Pay Money. Membership registrations grew rapidly, increasing by 20% each day. This led to a stable monthly growth of 20%-30% in the first three months after the Triple Stimulus Vouchers were issued.

Triple Stimulus Vouchers had a synergistic effect with iPASS' business endeavors. Compared with the number of the transaction volumes in the second half of 2020, the number in the first half of 2020 increased from 621 million to 1.96 billion per month, nearly a 300% growth rate According to statistics from the Financial Supervisory Commission, the value of mobile payment transactions for the year 2020 grew by 132% compared with 2019. Transactions using mobile e-wallet applications (O2O payments) saw a severalfold increase, surpassing transactions using credit cards tied to mobile wallets for the first time. Tying Triple Stimulus Vouchers to digital payment apps has encouraged people to use mobile payments increasingly energized Taiwan's mobile payment transactions. SOURCE iPASS Corporation

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[July 25, 2021] CloudMile raised US$10 million to open up the AI and cloud market in Malaysia

SINGAPORE, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CloudMile, Asia's leading cloud and AI company, announced today that it has successfully raised US$10 million in Series B funding to open up the AI and cloud market in Malaysia. Since CloudMile's establishment in 2017, the company operates across Asia with its Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore offices, assisting more than 400 companies across 20 industries on digital transformation. "The market is optimistic about AI and cloud technology, we are investing into Malaysia to find new tech talents and expand the business roadmap in the ASEAN digital hub," said Spencer Liu, founder and CEO of CloudMile. As the winner of the 2020 Google Cloud Public Sector Partner of the Year - APAC award, CloudMile also holds Google Cloud Managed Service Provider with four professional specializations: Machine Learning, Infrastructure, Dat Analytics, and Cloud Migration. The company has been recognized by the Google Cloud ecosystem in helping customers across various industries, including the public sector to achieve digital transformation.



In order to continue to expend their wings into the S.E.A. market, CloudMile has recently recruited the former General Manager of IT distribution giant Ingram Micro, Lester Leong as country manager of CloudMile Malaysia. Prior to joining CloudMile, Lester was the General Manager of CyberSecurity and Modern DC for Ingram Micro where he spent the last 10 years of his career. During his time at Ingram, he successfully led the company to achieve their strategic transformation initiative into becoming a world class cloud-driven, cybersecurity organization.

In charge of managing CloudMile's operations in Malaysia, he will be expected to spearhead all of its cloud, analytics, machine learning and AI initiatives. He will also play a role in setting up a full-fledged CloudMile operation here in Kuala Lumpur followed by a shared services, R&D & support centre for the region. "I am excited to join the CloudMile team with a mission to assist customers to solve all their IT problems by achieving digital transformation by embracing and adopting cloud, analytics, machine learning and AI approach," says Leong. His other responsibilities include expanding the partner ecosystem, onboarding large enterprise accounts, building partnerships with public sector and education organizations, as well as growing the corporate accounts. Leong will work closely with Google Cloud to drive innovation in the S.E.A. market according to CloudMile's vision in becoming the No. 1 in analytics, machine learning and AI leader for the region. About CloudMile CloudMile, a leading AI and cloud technology company in Asia, focuses on digital transformation for its corporate clients and driving growth. Leveraging machine learning and big data analysis, CloudMile assists over 400 clients corporates with business forecasts and industrial upgrades. CloudMile has earned 120+ accreditations, with 60+ Google Cloud professional certifications. Being the Premier Partner of Google Cloud, CloudMile is qualified for Machine Learning Specialization, Data Analytics Specialization, Cloud Migration Specialization and Infrastructure Specialization. In 2020, CloudMile becomes Taiwan's first Google Cloud Managed Service Provider (MSP) and the Public Sector Partner of the Year in the APAC region. Website: https://www.mile.cloud/ Contact Information Cathy Lin | Marketing Director|Cathy.lin@mile.cloud | +886-920-994-299 SOURCE CloudMile

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[July 25, 2021] Trend Micro Takes Home the 2021 AWS Global ISV Partner of the Year Award (ASEAN)

SINGAPORE, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, has been awarded the 2021 Amazon Web Services (AWS) Global Partner of the Year (ASEAN) award in the Independent Software Vendor (ISV) category. Trend Micro is recognized for its ability to help customers enhance their security posture in the cloud; increase demand of AWS cloud services; and create new use cases in cloud security. "At AWS ASEAN, we consider our partners to be an extension of our team. Never has this shared obsession with serving our customers been more visible than over the last twelve months, where we have seen so many ASEAN partners go above and beyond on behalf of our customers," said Conor McNamara, Managing Director, AWS ASEAN. "The AWS ASEAN Partner Awards is an opportunity for us to recognize the exceptional contributions of AWS Partners from across ASEAN. We are humbled by the collective commitment of our partner community and congratulate all award winners on this well-deserved recognition." Trend Micro's Cloud One platform, comprising seven cloud security services, is fully integrated with AWS. Cloud One, designed to be the one-stop shop for enterprises' cloud security needs, protects many AWS cloud services, including Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), AWS Lambda, a serverless compute service, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (Amazon VPC), a service that lets organizations launch AWS resources in a logically isolated virtual network that they define, and more. With mor than 600 automated checks, Cloud One also enables real-time monitoring of the AWS environment, ensuring watertight compliance with industry regulations.



"The success of Trend Micro's partnership with AWS is built upon our mutual commitment to customer-centricity and user-friendliness", said Paul Hidalgo, Head of Cloud Business (ASEAN), Trend Micro. "When we first started working with AWS in 2012, it was because our customers encouraged us to do so. Nine years on, this partnership continues to thrive and grow, empowering businesses from all over the world with one of the broadest and most advanced cloud security offerings in the market." Trend Micro's partnership with AWS extends beyond technology alignment. The two companies also work hand-in-hand to advance the knowledge and skillsets of cybersecurity and IT professionals through regular hands-on trainings.

"Today, organizations are obsessed with digital transformation. But at Trend Micro, we believe that a cultural transformation is also a must for businesses to succeed in the cloud. And that begins with an understanding of how security in the cloud is different from traditional security. The shift-left movement is sweeping enterprises in all sectors today. The earlier organizations are able to connect their DevOps team and SecOps team, the earlier they can start to reap the full benefits of cloud. We are grateful to have a partner like AWS who is completely aligned with this vision. Together, we can make a real impact and advance cybersecurity for a better future." Hidalgo added. Additional resources Follow Trend Micro on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Trial all seven services of Cloud One at cloudone.trendmicro.com About Trend Micro Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro's cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com. Media Contact: Finn Partners

trendmicroapac@finnpartners.com SOURCE Trend Micro

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[July 25, 2021] Sangfor Security Researchers Invited to Present Findings at DEFCON 2021

HONG KONG, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sangfor Technologies is proud to announce their presentation  Don't Dare to Exploit - An Attack Surface Tour of SharePoint Server  at DEFCON 29 in Las Vegas on August 7, 2021, outlining several previously unknown SharePoint attack surfaces, mitigations to these attack surfaces, and how these mitigations can be bypassed. The exploits will be demonstrated during the 45-minute presentation. The presentation, by Sangfor BlueOps members Yuhao Weng and Zhiniang Peng, with security researcher Steven Seeley, selected from thousands submitted to DEFCON, will explain the security architecture of Microsoft SharePoint's server and how it differs from other popular Content Management System (CMS) products. From an offensive perspective, it will reveal several attack surfaces, mitigations implemented against them, and how those mitigations can be bypassed. Several high impact vulnerabilities (including CVE-2021-24072, CVE-2020-17120, and CVE-2020-17017) will be discussed detailing their discovery and exploitation. SharePoint is the most well-known CMS used t share and manage content within organizations simplifying team collaboration. Zero-day vulnerabilities are exploited by cyber attackers to gain administrative access to networks for data theft or further infiltration and infection of the network.



DEFCON is the largest gathering of hackers from around the world, held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is attended by the world's top security professionals, journalists, researchers, students, law enforcement  and yes, hackers. Sangfor BlueOps Team

Sangfor BlueOps, Sangfor's highly skilled defensive security testing or blue team, works to improve attack detection and defense strategies for all Sangfor's security solutions. Experienced security teams are the rock-stars of the cyber security world, keeping up with a constant flow of new cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Sangfor's BlueOps team is responsible for ensuring enterprises have the tools they need to respond effectively, identify threats quickly, and keep their software and users safe and productive. About Sangfor Technologies Sangfor is a leading global vendor of IT infrastructure and security solutions specializing in Cyber Security and Cloud Computing. For more information on Sangfor's presentation, or on Sangfor's suite of security solutions such as NGFW & NDR, visit our website or social media pages. Enjoy FREE use of the VMware ESXi version of Sangfor's Next Generation Application Firewall with free Virtual Public Network and Endpoint Secure endpoint protection, the total solution for a secure network with remote workers. Apply now. Media Contact

Sunny Sun

marketing@sangfor.com

+86 755-8656 0605 SOURCE Sangfor Technologies

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[July 25, 2021] CloudMile Wins 2020 Google Cloud Partner of the Year: accelerating digital transformation in Asia governments

SINGAPORE, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CloudMile, Asia's leading cloud and AI company, announced today that it has received the 2020 Google Cloud Public Sector Partner of the Year award. Since 2017, CloudMile has successfully helped the public agencies of Singapore and Hong Kong to build on digitalization. The Company has been actively cooperating with overseas public authorities to provide AI technology services to assist governments in digital transformation and provide more valuable services to the public. CloudMile also officially announced that Ku Chung-Chiang, former director and general manager of MediaTek Singapore, is now its VP of engineering investing R&D resources under the pandemic. The winner of the 2020 Google Cloud Public Sector Partner of the Year As the winner of the 2020 Google Cloud Public Sector Partner of the Year award, CloudMile was recognized for the company's achievements in the Google Cloud ecosystem, helping joint customers in various industries, including the public sector. CloudMile has earned the award for its extensive support on the combination of cloud, AI, machine learning, and big data analytics. To speed up the detection of viruses, the company recently implmented a data analytics and cloud platform that gave the government real-time insights into the movement of people within and outside of a public facility. With access to aggregated data in real-time, the government's ability to respond to emerging threats improved dramatically.



"We're honored to be the regional winner of the public sector as our team has been working in the public sector for a long time," says Jeremy Heng, Singapore Country Manager at CloudMile. "With Google Cloud's support, we are able to work with public agencies to create innovative, practical solutions that solve their problems for our citizens." Former director and general manager of MediaTek Singapore Ku Chung-Chiang joined CloudMile to move towards the next milestone in the industry

Since its establishment in 2017, CloudMile runs its headquarter in Singapore and AI lab in Taiwan. In four years, the company operates across Asia with its Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia offices, assisting more than 400 companies on digital transformation. It also officially announced the former director and general manager of MediaTek Singapore Ku Chung-Chiang to be the VP engineer of CloudMile and lead the team in research and development of diversified AI technologies. In addition to continuing to invest R&D resources under the pandemic, the company can rely on Ku's rich experience in the industry and government to the company's business development in various sectors. "As an important hub for cloud computing in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore has continued to promote the Smart Nation 2025 in recent years and actively implement the digital transformation of government departments. CloudMile has reliably assisted many departments in the establishment of scalable service projects, bringing diversity and innovation to the public sector," says Ku. About CloudMile CloudMile, a leading AI and cloud technology company in Asia, focuses on digital transformation for its corporate clients and driving growth. Leveraging machine learning and big data analysis, CloudMile assists over 400 clients corporates with business forecasts and industrial upgrades. CloudMile has earned 120+ accreditations, with 70+ Google Cloud professional certifications. Being the Premier Partner of Google Cloud, CloudMile is qualified for Machine Learning Specialization, Data Analytics Specialization, Cloud Migration Specialization and Infrastructure Specialization. In 2020, CloudMile becomes Taiwan's first Google Cloud Managed Service Provider (MSP) and the Public Sector Partner of the Year in the APAC region. Website: https://www.mile.cloud/ Contact Information Cathy Lin | Marketing Director|Cathy.lin@mile.cloud|+886-920-994-299 SOURCE CloudMile

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[July 25, 2021] ConvertCASH Launches First-of-its-Kind "Monthly Bills Pay-Later" Service Mobile App

SINGAPORE, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- convertCASH, Singapore's first scalable Fintech powered "Monthly Bills-Pay Later (MBPL) + Global Cash Reward Eco Platform'', today announced the launch of its mobile application that revolutionises user's monthly cash inflow and outflow as well as enhances users' cash flow capabilities by allowing them to stretch their cash reserves and pay their monthly personal and business expenses, with an extension of up to 45 days without any interest. The platform currently has over 20,000 users across Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and the ASEAN region, with total transactions of approximately US$1 Million. With the COVID-19 pandemic, monthly fixed bills have become a heavy burden for many with approximately 83 million people constantly applying for micro loans in Asia Pacific each month. Founded in 2020, convertCASH aims to help communities with cash flow issues and change the way they pay their monthly bills, and unleash the benefits of New Internet finance such as "loan-free and interest-free" benefits to those who have monthly personal expenses from car to home instalment payments and business expenses from retail to office rental payments. On top of that, users will have the ability to gain benefits from the Virtual (Internet) Economy such as earning and redeeming loyalty points, as well as receiving extra monetary rewards when introducing the app to a friend. Co-Founder of convertCASH Singapore, Kelvin Chua said, "We are excited to deliver even more value to our new and existing users with our services, and hope to ease users' monthly personal and business expenses. Traditionally, users would have to borrow money from friends and family if they do not hav enough cash for their monthly personal and business expenses. Now, they just need to fill in their details in a convertCASH app & their bills payment will be settled within 1 or 2 working day. We're heartened and excited to reach out to even more Singaporeans, allowing them to seamlessly initiate payment from our mobile application."



How to use the convertCASH app in 3 simple steps Step 1: Download the App

Step 2: Register with the users' email and mobile phone number Step 3: Start utilising convertCASH's "We Pay for You First" features convertCASH's unique "We Pay for You First" feature helps to settle a user's monthly personal and business expenses first, on their behalf, within one or two working day. Users seamlessly initiate payment within minutes all from the convertCASH mobile app. With the platform's instant approval and zero-risk approach, users can enjoy free credit extensions up to 45 days, reducing the hassle of traditional loan application and instalment processes. The mobile application platform also boasts features such as a bill payment tracker, cash flow management chart, cost & earning calculator, and credit scoring membership. This is to help users plan and organise their cash flow with the integration of the Internet economy and traditional economy. "2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year for convertCASH. We're looking forward to growing exponentially and reaching even more users in the Southeast Asia region. Our 'We Pay for You First' approach brings instant added value and will be a significant disruptor in the Fintech space. Our team is well-prepared to realise and embrace the fullest potential of the emerging global digital economy," said Mr Chua. convertCASH's upcoming partnership with MasterCard will feature a co-branded card that adds value and looks after the user's cash inflow. Currently connected to a licensed payment gateway, Stripe, their services are secure and verified. Additionally, convertCASH is transitioning to a fully licensed business model under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), consistent with its long-term brand elevation strategy. Headquartered in Singapore, convertCASH is experiencing rapid growth across Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and the ASEAN region. The platform aims to target 500,000 Singaporean users in the next five years and plans to expand to Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines in the second quarter of the year, and to the US in 2022. The app is available on Apple Store, Google Play Store etc. For more information about convertCASH: https://convert-cash.com/ . About convertCASH convertCASH is the first scalable Ai Fintech Powered "Monthly Bills-Pay Later (MBPL) + Global Cash Reward Eco Platform'' for user's Personal Expenses & Business Expenses. convertCASH unleashed the features of New Fintech - "Financing without borrowing" and "loan-free and interest-free" benefits to those people who have monthly fixed bills commitments. convertCASH believes in the key success factor of merging traditional activities with the internet economy and the future economy is all about "CONVERT/CHANGE" to a new breakthrough. SOURCE convertCASH

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[July 26, 2021] Huawei Spark Founders Summit to amplify startups innovation amid pandemic

SINGAPORE, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Spark Founders Summit will be held on 3 August, simultaneously in Hong Kong and Singapore, to connect startup founders with policymakers, enterprises, investors to harness thought leadership and best practices, and to amplify innovation that matters to all. The summit aspires to generate a positive impact on the socio-economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. Supported by governments of Hong Kong and Singapore as efforts to boost economic recovery, the hybrid event brings together government agencies, venture capitalists, enterprises, and unicorn founders across APAC. Dialogues and discussions will center on innovation and startups ecosystem cultivation in the region. More than 300 local tech startups and 50 plus venture capitalists are expected to join the event on site. Speakers from unicorns such as Klook, Carro, and Golden Gate Ventures wil share their insights and perspectives on building great businesses and gaining opportunities to network with investors, enterprises, and other like-minded individuals.



The Spark founders will also use the opportunity to share its successes in the past year. Huawei, as one of the supporters of the program, will announce new initiatives to support the tech startups ecosystem. Leveraging Huawei's comprehensive tech stack, global innovations, and expansive network of business partners, the Spark Program is an accelerator initiative launched in 2020 for tech startups that have a business in the Asia Pacific, aiming to cultivate the startups ecosystem and accelerate digital economy development in the region.

To date, Huawei Spark has boasted a portfolio of about 40 startups, anchored in countries and regions like Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia, where the program has been launched. Owing to its success, the program will soon be launched in Sri Lanka, followed by Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam to complement existing ecosystem. In 2020, Asia's startup economy outpaced previous years to account for 30% of the global startup economy, valued at $3 trillion. While APAC as a whole has advanced over the years, economic and social disparity remains a growing concern. Startups can create value that goes beyond its customers to have a far-reaching impact on the economic and societal developments in countries in which they operate. "Particularly high-growth ones, startups can stimulate job creation to drive economic recovery and growth in today's pandemic-stricken landscape. To address a talent crunch in the region, Huawei works with government agencies to develop program to groom ICT talents and raise the overall digital literacy and competency levels," said Leo Jiang, Chief Digital Officer at Huawei Cloud Asia Pacific. Tapping on Huawei's rich experience and technological capabilities, the Spark Program empowers startups to contribute to local communities and societies to help bridge the digital and social divide. "Startups can have a prominent effect on industries and enable them to transform from being labor-intensive to knowledge-based, service-centric industries," said Leo. "Instead of being home to a few countries that enjoy tech dominance, APAC as a whole can emerge as a stronger region globally." SOURCE Huawei

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[July 26, 2021] Basilea's partner Asahi Kasei Pharma prepares NDA filing for the marketing authorization of isavuconazole in Japan based on positive phase 3 study results

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Basel, Switzerland, July 26, 2021 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) reported today that its partner Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation (Asahi Kasei Pharma) is planning to file a New Drug Application (NDA) for the marketing authorization of the antifungal isavuconazole (Cresemba) in Japan, based on the positive results of the recently completed phase 3 study in deep-seated mycoses. Asahi Kasei Pharma plans to publish topline results of the study at a later point in time. The phase 3, multi-center, open-label study enrolled 103 patients and was assessing the safety and efficacy of intravenously or orally administered isavuconazole for the treatment of adult Japanese patients suffering from deep-seated mycoses, including invasive aspergillosis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), mucormycosis and cryptococcosis.1 The primary endpoint of the study was safety, i.e. the proportion of patients who developed adverse events upon treatment and the study included voriconazole as an active comparator for patients with aspergillosis. Patient recruitment was completed in January 2021.2 David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer, said: We congratulate our partner Asahi Kasei Pharma on the successful completion of the phase 3 study in Japan. This is another confirmation of the utility of isavuconazole in the treatment of severe fungal infections. We are now looking forward to the filing of the marketing authorization application later this year with the goal to make isavuconazole available for patients in Japan, which is one of the commercially most important new market opportunities. The partnership between Basilea and Asahi Kasei Pharma was established in September 2016. Under the terms of the agreement, Asahi Kasei Pharma was granted an exclusive license to develop and commercialize isavuconazole in Japan. Basilea received an upfront payment of CHF 7 million and will be eligible to receive up to approximately CHF 60 million of additional payments, upon achievement of regulatory and commercial milestones. Basilea will also receive double-digit tiered royalties on product sales in Japan. Cresemba has been approved in almost 60 countries to date and is currently marketed in 53 countries, including the United States, most EU member states and several additional countries inside and outside of Europe. For the 12 months to the end of March 2021, total "in-market" sales of Cresemba amounted to USD 266 million, an 18 percent growth year-on-year.3 About isavuconazole (Cresemba) Isavuconazole is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal, commercialized under the trade name Cresemba. In the 27 European Union membr states, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the U.K., isavuconazole is approved for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and for the treatment of adult patients with mucormycosis for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate.4 Cresemba is also approved in the United States and several additional countries in Europe and beyond.5 It has orphan drug designation in the U.S., Europe and Australia for its approved indications. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for isavuconazole covering the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa region, Canada, Russia, Turkey and Israel.



About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the medical needs of patients with cancer and infectious diseases. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of severe bacterial infections. We are conducting clinical studies with two targeted drug candidates for the treatment of a range of cancers and have a number of preclinical assets in both cancer and infectious diseases in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com.

Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com

investor_relations@basilea.com This ad hoc announcement can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03471988 Basilea press release published on January 7, 2021 IQVIA, March 2021. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in U.S. Dollar corrected for currency fluctuations. European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) Cresemba: http://www.ema.europa.eu [Accessed: July 25, 2021] The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country.



Attachment Press release (PDF)



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[July 26, 2021] Coast Capital Asks for Resignations of FirstGroup CEO and Two Board Members

Coast Capital believes that FirstGroup, as a leading provider of public transportation services in the UK, must achieve its potential and become the best-managed and most profitable operator in the industry. On a margin basis, the Company currently ranks lowest among its peers - as reflected in the share price performance. This is reflective of a board which must be materially improved, and a CEO who has failed the company for long enough. We propose the following changes to the board: Voluntary Resignation of CEO Matthew Gregory Two years ago, Matthew Gregory presented his plans to sell the UK assets of the company and retain the North American operations to maximize value. Given the board's decision to pursue a different path, Coast Capital and fellow shareholders request that Mr. Gregory resign and be replaced by a CEO of industry competency, as soon as possible. We are further requesting that shareholders be represented on any such executive committee formed for the purpose of considering such replacement. Voluntary Resignaion of Board Member Julia Steyn



Given Ms. Steyn's background as an investment banker and North American transportation specialist, her performance as a board member is disappointing to Coast Capital and our fellow shareholders. We note that Ms. Steyn did not vocally advocate the securing of a fairness opinion before voting to sell FGP's prized North American assets at a discount to book value. As a result, there was a decline in share value. Furthermore, the disposal of North American operations means that her background is no longer required by FGP, and it would be prudent to replace her with an expert in UK transportation. Finally, Ms. Steyn has consistently turned a blind eye to the board's fiduciary shortcomings and breaches and has demonstrated no independence of thought. Voluntary Resignation of Board Member Warwick Brady

Mr. Brady is a board member of eight years whose service has had no positive material impact on the Company. Coast Capital has identified various other independent board members to be appointed to the board. These accomplished individuals enjoy our every industry confidence in their ability to ensure an ethical and operationally successful leadership at FGP in coming years. We believe that following the sale of First Student and First Transit (FSFT), the board and management must establish an actionable plan to restore and enhance shareholder value. We will be making further recommendations as we continue to seek to improve the performance and value of FirstGroup. Coast Capital is a New York-based fundamental investor that takes a Private Equity approach to deeply undervalued European-listed Equities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005257/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Aarialife Wins Oracle NetSuite India Partner of the Year - West 2021

PUNE, India, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aarialife Technologies, a global NetSuite Solution Provider and member of the Oracle NetSuite partner Program, was awarded the India Partner of the year for the Western region for 2021 in a recently concluded Partner kick off event by Oracle. The Partner of the Year is awarded to the best partners in the country who have demonstrated expertise in Oracle Netsuite right from sales to implementation and created customer delight through the implementation of the world's no. 1 Cloud ERP Oracle Netsuite. "We're thrilled to receive this recognition, especially the second time from our inception in 2018, and I'm incredibly proud of my team who made this award possible. This is a credit to our extraordinary team who truly makes the business of doing business simple through a leading Cloud ERP like Oracle NetSuite," said Amit Prabhu, General Manager India & ME  Aarialife Technologies. Aarialife incorporated in 2018 in Pune, began its journey as a global Netsuite partner with presence i India, Canada and UAE. Since then, the company has helped 300+ clients across 14 countries in the digital transformation journey in adoption of cloud business applications like Netsuite and Zoho.



"Our experienced core team who have more than 15+ years of Netsuite experience is one of the key reasons for our success and we stay poised to take on new challenges regardless of the complexity or size of our customers," added Amit. "Receiving this recognition strengthens our resolve to continue on the journey to be among the top partners in the region and we thank Oracle Netsuite team for their support and recognition." The Partner of the Year award is presented annually to partners of NetSuite's Partner Program. "We are pleased to once again recognise Aarialife as Partner of the Year - West," said Faisal Siddique, Manager of Channel Sales, Oracle NetSuite. "Aarialife has helped us meet increasing demand for cloud ERP platform with their experienced consultants supporting our mutual customers"

About Aarialife Technologies: Aarialife Technologies is a global technology startup focussed on digital transformation on cloud with world class products like Netsuite and Zoho. Headquartered in Pune, India it has presence in Canada, United States and UAE to support its global clientele. You can find more about Aarialife at www.aarialife.com . About Oracle NetSuite:

For more than 20 years, Oracle NetSuite has helped organizations grow, scale and adapt to change. NetSuite provides a suite of cloud-based applications, which includes financials / Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), HR, professional services automation and omnichannel commerce, used by thousands of customers in 203 countries and dependent territories. Visit www.netsuite.com for more information. Media Contact: Balachandran Nair

bn@aarialife.com

Operations Manager

Aarialife

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[July 26, 2021] AskSid's Virtual Advisor successfully launches multi-country 'Dulux Promise' campaign for AkzoNobel

- Conceptualized as a campaign that allowed AkzoNobel to showcase its world-class product quality and focus on customer satisfaction, this digital campaign hinged heavily on the effectiveness of the virtual advisor managing the backend of the campaign - AskSid. BANGALORE, India, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AkzoNobel, the world's leading manufacturer of paints & coatings partnered with AskSid AI to join hands in launching an international digital customer loyalty campaign - 'Dulux Promise'. AskSid AI is also currently the virtual advisor of choice on AkzoNobel's online shopping website across 20+ countries and supporting 15+ international languages. The Dulux Promise campaign was launched as a symbol of AkzoNobel's commitment to great quality products and a brand that has an agile and proactive approach to resolving customer issues. AskSid's virtual advisor provided omnichannel support for the Dulux Promise campaign, seamlessly supporting customers across WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Zalo, and the AkzoNobel website. Campain focus areas handled by AskSid AI included everything from request registrations, claim validation, issuance of e-vouchers, tracking, and notification of claim statuses, among others.



The backend support system designed by AskSid AI was created for stress-free adaptability across geographies including India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Pakistan, with plans to go live in Singapore and Sri Lanka shortly. Navninder Singh, Digital & Ecommerce Head-SE Asia, AkzoNobel said, "Through AskSid, we were able to see data and insights which we would have never seen otherwise. We have always assumed consumers are less involved in our category, however, we now realize that they are involved once they get into the purchase journey and explore all avenues to get information."

85% of the Dulux Promise campaign's engagement was exclusively handled by AskSid's virtual advisor, while the intelligent support offered by the AI increased the engagement time to 4+ minutes, which is significantly more than what the average shopper spends on any website. AkzoNobel was also successful in reaching its customers across borders seamlessly and consistently, with little to no dependency on their customer support team. From campaign management to customer journey mapping and engagement, AskSid's virtual advisor helped deliver a successful digital campaign for AkzoNobel. About AskSid - A digital shopping assistant that helps retail brands sell more faster An advanced AI-enabled virtual advisor built to meet the evolving needs of global retail and CPG brands, AskSid is the only full-stack solution designed to manage customer support and customer experience end-to-end. Currently live in 23+ countries and supporting 100+ international languages, AskSid's virtual advisor leverages the power of conversational AI, backed by retail AI models that extract unique consumer insights from conversations, most of which are undiscovered by the brand. Delivering seamless conversations across a multitude of channels including websites, mobile apps, social media channels, and in-store, AskSid helps retail brands automate customer support. Brands can now deploy a robust self-learning conversational AI solution across channels, meet customer needs, identify business opportunities, and engage proactively and intelligently 24/7. To learn more about us, visit www.asksid.ai Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1581081/AskSid_AkzoNobel.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1506502/AskSid_Logo.jpg

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[July 26, 2021] United States Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenditures 2021 and Efforts to Contain Out-of-Pocket Spending - ResearchAndMarkets.com

The "Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenditures in the United States, 5th Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. A variety of demographic, business, and government trends are contributing to rising out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenses in the United States. This report examines these trends in detail, focusing on the financial aspects of OOP spending growth and quantifying the growth of OOP spending with forecasts of total expenditures and specialized healthcare financing. The report examines past, current, and future levels of U.S. out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures both in total and as specific sub-groups (by type, by payment method, by elective vs. non-elective). Through the next five years, total consumer out-of-pocket expenditures for healthcare are expected to continue rising, with trends established over the past several years continuing through the foreseeable future. The report presents the following data points: Growth of Consumer Out-of-Pocket Expenditures 2015 - 2025, in $ Billion

How Consumer Out-of-Pocket Expenses Are Financed in 2020 (%) (Credit Cards, Cash or Check, FSAs, Loans or Lines of Credit, Healthcare Financing, HSAs)

Consumer Out-of-Pocket Expenditures Paid (News - Alert) with Specialized Healthcare Financing 2015 - 2025, in $ Billion In 2020, U.S. consumers financed many different types of healthcare expenses; these can broadly be grouped into two categories: elective procedures including over-the-counter (OTC) medications and non-elective procedures including prescription drugs. These types of procedures are distinct, and discussed separately within the report. Elective procedures are those that are not strictly necessary to address a medical conditio. They are thus not covered by medical insurance and their utilization is discretionary on the part of the consumer. The amount of non-elective healthcare and prescription drug expenses financed by individual consumers varies widely, although a very large proportion of consumers must finance some expenditures.



Consumers from all socioeconomic groups are facing high out-of-pocket expenditures for healthcare. Certain groups are more vulnerable than others to having trouble paying their medical bills and represent a larger proportion of this spending. These include the uninsured and underinsured, Medicaid recipients, disabled persons, senior citizens, the mentally ill, obese persons, people suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, persons with chronic medical conditions. The strong growth in U.S. out-of-pocket spending is the result of a preponderance of market drivers, which are mitigated by relatively few market restraints. The report shows leading drivers and restraints of consumer out-of-pocket healthcare spending, in order of strength, across the market:

Drivers & Restraints of the Consumer Out-of-Pocket Spending Market

Drivers & Restraints of Direct Pay and Co-Pay Expenditures

Drivers & Restraints of Credit Cards, Cash/Check, FSA, Loan/Line of Credit, Healthcare Financing Program and HSA Expenditures

Drivers & Restraints of Elective Procedure Out-of-Pocket Expenditures

Drivers & Restraints of Non-Elective Procedure Out-of-Pocket Expenditures

Drivers & Restraints of Specialized Healthcare Financing

Drivers & Restraints of Specialized Healthcare Financing for Elective Procedures

Drivers & Restraints of Specialized Healthcare Financing for Non-Elective Procedures Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1: Executive Summary Chapter 2: The U.S. Healthcare System in 2021 Chapter 3: U.S. Out-of-pocket Expenditures Chapter 4: Consumer Out-of-Pocket Spending Forecasts in the U.S. Chapter 5: Specialized Healthcare Financing Chapter 6: Specialized Healthcare Financing Forecasts Chapter 7: Efforts to Contain Out-of-Pocket Spending Chapter 8: Company Profiles Ajeva

Aurora Quick Care

CareCredit

CareSpot

ClearBalance

ClearGage

Concentra

Denefits

E-Financing Solutions

FastMed

Lending Club Patient Solutions

LendingUSA

MinuteClinic

NextCare

PatientFi

Prosper Healthcare Lending

RediClinic

Reliance Medical Financial

SimpleSelect Patient Finance

S. HealthWorks

Wells Fargo (News - Alert) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/u68ih0 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005283/en/

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[July 26, 2021] 100-day countdown begins for the fourth CIIE

SHANGHAI, China, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's largest import-themed expo, will be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10, organizers announced during a briefing to mark the 100-day countdown to the event on July 26. The 4th CIIE will consist of a business exhibition, a country exhibition, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, and a host of other activities. All preparations are well underway, said an official of the CIIE Bureau. This year's expo will feature six business exhibition areas - food and agricultural products, automobiles, intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, medical equipment and healthcare products, as well as trade in services. To date, the planned 360,000 square meters of exhibition areas have been booked, and the focus has now shifted to recruiting purchasers and organizing the exhibition. The official said that this year's CIIE will see more participation from Global 500 companies and industrial leaders compared to last year. Over 80 percent of Global 500 companies and industrial leaders that attended the third expo will again take part in this year's edition. More than 30 new Global 500 companies and industrial leaders will make their debuts. Agencies from Japan, Denmark, Poland ad New Zealand have booked larger exhibition areas compared to last year and they have also announced that more of their small and medium-sized companies will attend the event.



A large number of new products, technologies and services will make their world or China debut, according to a preliminary survey. New sections for low-carbon energy and environmental protection technology, biological medicine, smart transportation and intelligent and household appliances will be added to this year's business exhibition areas. Special sections for incubating companies will also be set up in the Intelligent Industry and Information Technology, Medical Equipment and Healthcare Products and Automobile exhibition areas to connect foreign innovation resources with the Chinese market.

A special section that showcases featured products from Central and Eastern European countries will also be added to this year's expo. In line with efforts to elevate the level of professionalism of the expo, more measures have been taken to invite professional visitors and more play has been given to the exhibitor alliance and specialized committees. The country exhibition will invite countries to showcase their national image and present their trade and investment advantages on the official website of the CIIE (https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/) through VR and 3D modeling technologies. To date, over 50 countries have confirmed their participation in the country exhibition. This year's Hongqiao International Economic Forum will be centered on global economic cooperation, and will include a main forum and several subforums. Topics to be discussed at the forum will cover global governance, climate change and trade, and digital economy. The official has also pledged to offer better services related to dining, expo entry, logistics, transportation and information sharing during the 4th CIIE. He stressed that strict epidemic prevention and control measures will be implemented to ensure safety. Contact: Nie Qingxin

Tel.: 0086-21-67008870/67008988 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1077995/CIIE_Logo.jpg

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1581106/ciie_venue.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/100-day-countdown-begins-for-the-fourth-ciie-301340858.html SOURCE CIIE

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[July 26, 2021] Qynapse to Present Poster Presentations and Attend the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2021 in Denver, USA and Online

BOSTON, July 26, 2021 /CNW/ -- QYNAPSE Inc., a medical technology company commercializing an AI-powered and proprietary neuroimaging software platform, is attending the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2021 (AAIC) on July 26-30, 2021 in Denver, USA and online, and will present two poster presentations on QyScore, it's groundbreaking neuroimaging analysis platform for both clinical routine and clinical trial settings. Powered by the robust technology and designed to seamlessly integrate with existing workflows, QyScore which is both FDA-cleared and CE-marked, provides insightful layers of precision for the analysis of brain MRIs, offering the potential to reduce the time to diagnosis and more precisely measure disease progression for Alzheimer's and other central nervous system (CNS) diseases. "We are very pleased to attend AAIC in-person in Denver this year to present and discuss our latest advances with the neuroscience community. We have made tremendous progress in 2021 towards expanding the commercialization of QyScore into new global markets and to strengthen our clinical trial offering. Qynapse is dedicated to bring ground-breakig peace of mind to the global fight against Alzheimer's disease, by continuing to support clinicians around the world and build new tools that will support the ongoing care of patients in light of new disease-modifying treatment options for patients." said Matt Ullum, CPA, MBA, Chief Commercial Officer at Qynapse.



Details of Poster Presentations using Qynapse technology: Title: QyScore MRI Markers Diagnostic Accuracy in the Clinical spectrum of Alzheimer's Disease

Presenter: Enrica Cavedo, PhD, Qynapse

Poster ID and Session Name: Poster #51308. P-BM-13 [Virtual Posters] Neuroimaging

Title: White Matter Hyperintensities in the Splenium of the Corpus Callosum Predict Cognitive Decline in Memory Clinic Outpatients.

Presenter: Antoine Garnier-Crussard, MD, MSc, Clinical and Research Memory Center of Lyon, Lyon Institute For Elderly, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France

Poster ID and Session Name: Poster #57540. P-BM-13 [Virtual Posters] Neuroimaging ABOUT QYNAPSE Inc.:

QYNAPSE Inc. is a medical technology company commercializing an AI-powered and proprietary neuroimaging software platform that creates the potential for earlier clinical precision on the frontlines of CNS disease.

QYNAPSE is marketing its QyScore software which provides a large portfolio of automated measures of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration for use in clinical routine and clinical trial settings, adding the potential for more precise and objective brain scan analysis. The QYNAPSE platform also includes QyPredict, a research use only tool, that has the potential to predict disease trajectory and improve targeted patient selection in clinical trials.

QYNAPSE is headquartered in France, in the United States and in Canada.

www.qynapse.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1333172/Qynapse_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qynapse-to-present-poster-presentations-and-attend-the-alzheimers-association-international-conference-aaic-2021-in-denver-usa-and-online-301340499.html SOURCE QYNAPSE

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[July 26, 2021] KBR Secures Contract for Lithium Concentration Process from Neo Lithium Corp.

HOUSTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today it has been awarded a contract by Neo Lithium Corp. in Argentina for its Tres Quebradas Lithium Project ("3Q Project"). Under the terms of the contract, KBR will implement its evaporation and crystallization technology solutions to ensure the project achieves maximum lithium yields for Neo Lithium's battery-grade lithium carbonate production. "We are proud to be selected by Neo Lithium for this breakthrough project focused on producing high- quality battery-grade lithium carbonate," said Doug Kelly, KBR President, Technology. "This award reinforces our commitment to help our clients achieve their growth objectives in the most sustainable manner." KBR's process knowledge for recovery and purification of inorganic materials is based on over 40 years of experience in designing evaporation and crystallization technologies that comply with today's demanding environmental regulations. About KBR We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 29,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long- term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver. Visit www.kbr.com



Forward Looking Statement The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to respond to the challenges and business disruption presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company's ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies relating to the streamlining of its Energy Solutions business; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the company's ability to continue to generate anticipated levels of revenue, profits and cash flow from operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and any resulting economic downturn; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company's indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company's customers, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.

KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kbr-secures-contract-for-lithium-concentration-process-from-neo-lithium-corp-301340686.html SOURCE KBR, Inc.

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[July 26, 2021] Nanometrics Inc. Continues to Gain Momentum as a Microseismic Monitoring Services Provider in Oil & Gas

KANATA, Ontario, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nanometrics Inc. today announces that it has been awarded five additional contracts in the Duvernay and Montney shale plays from major Oil and Gas operators. To date, microseismic data from hydraulic frac'ing have provided Oil and Gas operators a feedback response from a series of small events detected during completions. These data are used to estimate the effectiveness of the frac'ing and to help validate the well-completion design. The acquisition of this data stream can be technically challenging and costly, involving dedicating a monitor well or deploying a large surface monitoring network. To address these challenges, sophisticated data processing and noise-attenuation techniques are required to achieve a robust and interpretable dataset. Nanometrics' Passive Fracture Imaging (PFI) service provides all of the microseismic information required to evaluate the effectiveness of completions programs, without the high cost and operational risk of deploying downhole sensors. By combining a low station footprint with beamforming processing PFI provides more detectable, locatable, and reliable events per sensor with an approachable and scalable service. Nanometrics offers Oil and Gas operators innovative, turnkey high-resolution microseismic monitoring to characterize fracture activities and propagation during hydraulic fracturing (HF) operations.



"Fluctuating oil prices continue to highlight the need to improve the economics of production and recovery. Nanometrics is focused on helping our Oil and Gas clients to reduce their risk and operating costs via innovative seismic monitoring solutions. " Dario Baturan, Vice President, Seismic Monitoring Services, Nanometrics Inc. Nanometrics offers a range of seismic monitoring service packages for a variety of industries including Oil and Gas, Mining, Critical Infrastructure. To learn more, book a meeting at URTEC21 Booth #5027, July 26 - 28th at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas; or reach out to Sales_mkt@nanometrics.ca.

About Nanometrics Seismic Monitoring Services

Using the latest state-of-the-art instrumentation and industry-leading AI-enhanced data processing and acquisition technology, Nanometrics provides turnkey passive seismic monitoring solutions, for the Oil and Gas, Mining, Geothermal, CO2 Sequestration, and Structural Engineering markets, which allow our clients to manage seismic risk while focusing on their core business. As the world's largest operator of private seismic networks, we offer proven expertise in network design, station deployment, 24/7 monitoring, and delivery of a wider array of advanced geophysical data products in mission-critical applications. Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/12878584 Press release distributed by PRLog View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nanometrics-inc-continues-to-gain-momentum-as-a-microseismic-monitoring-services-provider-in-oil--gas-301340710.html SOURCE Nanometrics Inc.

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[July 26, 2021] Aadi Bioscience Announces FDA Acceptance and Priority Review for the New Drug Application of FYARRO for the Treatment of Advanced Malignant PEComa

FDA grants Priority Review and sets PDUFA target action date of November 26, 2021 LOS ANGELES, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (Aadi), a privately-held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers with alterations in mTOR pathway genes, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the companys New Drug Application (NDA) for its nanoparticle albumin-bound mTOR inhibitor, FYARRO (sirolimus albumin-bound nanoparticles for injectable suspension, nab-sirolimus ABI-009;) and has granted the company Priority Review status with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of November 26, 2021. Priority Review is granted to investigational therapies that, if approved, may offer significant improvements in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of a serious condition when compared to standard applications. FYARRO has previously been granted Orphan Drug, Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations. Neil Desai, Ph.D., Founder, CEO and President of Aadi, stated, We are very pleased with FDAs acceptance of our NDA with Priority Review for FYARRO in patients with advanced malignant PEComa, an ultra-rare sarcoma. If approved, FYARRO will be the first FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of patients with this disease. We look forward to working with the FDA during its review and would like to thank the many patients, caregivers and physicians whose contributions have been invaluable and allowed us to develop this important therapy. In parallel, we continue to work on our commercial preparations to ensure a timely launch for the PEComa patient population. Aadis NDA submission is based on data from the AMPECT registration trial evaluating FYARRO as a monotherapy in patients with advanced malignant PEComa. FYARRO achieved a 39% (95% CI: 22%-58%) independently reviewed confirmed overall response rate (ORR) in this patient population. These data were presented at the 2020 ASCO meeting.1 About Aadi Bioscience and FYARRO Aadi is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers. Aadis primary goal is to bring transformational therapies to cancer patients with mTOR pathway driver alterations such as alterations in TSC1 or TSC2 genes, where other mTOR inhibitors have not or cannot be effectively exploited due to problems of pharmacology, effective drug delivery, safety, or effective targeting to the disease site. Aadis lead product is FYARROTM (sirolimus albumin-bound nanoparticles for injectable suspension; nab-sirolimus; ABI-009), an mTOR inhibitor bound to human albumin that has demonstrated significantly higher tumor accumulation, greater mTOR target suppression, and increased tumor growth inhibition over other mTOR inhibitors in preclinical models2. Aadis registration trial of FYARRO in advanced malignant PEComa (the AMPECT trial) demonstrated meaningful clinical efficacy in malignant PEComa, a type of cancer with the highest known alteration rate of TSC1 r TSC2 genes. FYARRO has received Breakthrough Therapy, Fast-Track and Orphan Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A rolling New Drug Application (NDA) submission was completed in May 2021 for this indication.



Based on the AMPECT trial and emerging data for FYARRO in other solid tumors with TSC1 or TSC2 inactivating alterations3, and following discussions with the FDA, Aadi plans to initiate a tumor-agnostic registrational trial in mTOR inhibitor-naive solid tumors harboring TSC1 or TSC2 inactivating alterations by the end of 2021. Aadi also has ongoing studies to evaluate dosing of FYARRO in combination regimens. FYARRO is an investigational drug that has not been approved by the FDA for commercial distribution in the United States. More information is available on the Aadi website at www.aadibio.com. Forward-Looking Statements

Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (Aadi, The Company) cautions you that certain statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Aadis current beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding FYARRO, including expectations regarding the clinical responses and safety profile, regulatory approval and commercialization, and the timing of the initiation of additional clinical trials and Investigational New Drug (IND) application submissions. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: risks related to Aadis ability to obtain, or the timeline to obtain, regulatory approval from the FDA and other regulatory authorities for FYARRO in advanced malignant PEComa; risks related to Aadis ability to successfully commercialize, including the timing of a commercial launch of FYARRO in advanced malignant PEComa; risks related to Aadis ability to obtain sufficient additional capital to continue to advance FYARRO; uncertainties associated with the clinical development and regulatory approval of FYARRO, including potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical trials; the risk that interim results of clinical trials may not be reproduced and do not necessarily predict final results; the risk that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues, following more comprehensive reviews of the data, and as more patient data become available; the risk that unforeseen adverse reactions or side effects may occur in the course of developing and testing FYARRO; risks associated with the failure to realize any value from FYARRO in light of inherent risks and difficulties involved in successfully bringing product candidates to market; and risks related to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Aadis operations, the biotechnology industry and the economy generally. All forward-looking statements in this press release are current only as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable law, Aadi undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. FYARRO is a trademark of Aadi Bioscience, Inc. References: 1 ASCO 2020 Abstract: https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.11516?af=R 2 AACR 2019 Abstract: https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/79/13_Supplement/348 3 ASCO 2021 Abstract: https://meetings.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/197602 Contacts Investors and Media:



Investors :

Irina Koffler

ikoffler@lifesciadvisors.com



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[July 26, 2021] Nextech to Launch Augmented Reality NFT Hologram Creator Platform

Nextech AR Solutions Corp. ("Nextech'' or the "Company") (OTCQB: NEXCF) (NEO: NTAR) (CSE: NTAR) (FSE: N29), an emerging leader in augmented reality for eCommerce, AR learning applications, AR-enhanced video conferencing and virtual events, today revealed plans to launch its NFT hologram creator platform. The creator platform will leverage the Company's human hologram creator platform HoloX, which is expected to launch in the third quarter. Once launched, customers will have the ability to seamlessly experience its digital collectibles in augmented reality. For HoloX early access program and DEMO VIDEO CLICK HERE According to Reuters (News - Alert) , "The market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) surged to new highs in the second quarter, with $2.5 billion in sales so far this year, up from just $13.7 million in the first half of 2020, marketplace data showed. An NFT is a crypto asset, representing an intangible digital item such as an image, video, or in-game item. Owners of NFTs are recorded on blockchain, allowing an NFT to be traded as a stand-in for the digital asset it represents." The Company has a two staged rollout plan where initially AR human holograms are purchased through a third-party NFT marketplace, then viewed and experienced outside a digital wallet using Nextech's HoloX application. The second stage of the rollout includes minting the NFT on Nextech's platform and being able to buy and sell human holograms on Nextech's platform. The Company is also in talks with existing marketplaces to leverage its newly acquired Threedy.AI 3D content creation technology to turn existing NFT artwork into AR NFTs at scale using Nextech's Threedy AI. Through a simple JavaScript tag (News - Alert) integration, NFT product photos are automatically onboarded, 3D models are created for each NFT through the power of AI and hosted on the Threedy's cloud, and 3D visualizations are served to client prperties using web AR/3D, all within a single integrated platform. This platform will support the production of thousands of 3D models per week, further advancing the reach of the NFT market.



Dawsyn Borland, VP of AR Innovation Labs and Content comments:

"This venture is an exciting step forward for Nextech and a big move for creators and consumers alike. AR experiences are extremely well positioned as NFTs, as they not only display digital content but allow buyers to interact with them." She continues, "Our current technology stack is perfectly in line with the global adoption of NFTs and we are thrilled to meet this growing demand." Evan Gappelberg, CEO of Nextech comments:

"This is an exciting new market opportunity for our Company and when the NFT enabled platform is completed it will squarely put us into the world of blockchain by merging our AR tech with NFT technology." He continues, "Our AR creation technology leverages AI allowing us to scale up the production of high-quality and personalized content as a hologram NFT, be it your favorite athletes, artist or artwork. We are continuing to build leading edge AR solutions for fast growing industries by coming up with innovative ways of leveraging our tech stack. Our goal has always been to create long term shareholder value and with this new AR NFT innovation I believe we are succeeding at doing just that."

Human holograms are a force that is driving the digital economy. According to Gartner (News - Alert) **, by 2035, the digital human economy will become a $125-billion market. Digital human technologies are growing exponentially across many of today's industries and use cases, with an eye toward more use cases tomorrow. **"Maverick Research: Digital Humans Will Drive Digital Transformation"; Gartner Inc., March 31, 2021 Further details about Nextech's NFT will be announced next month. To learn more, please follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit our website: https://www.Nextechar.com. About Nextech AR Nextech develops and operates augmented reality ("AR") platforms that transports three-dimensional ("3D") product visualizations, human holograms and 360 portals to its audiences altering e-commerce, digital advertising, hybrid virtual events (events held in a digital format blended with in-person attendance) and learning and training experiences. Nextech focuses on developing AR solutions however most of the Company's revenues are currently derived from three e-Commerce platforms: vacuumcleanermarket.com ("VCM"), infinitepetlife.com ("IPL") and Trulyfesupplements.com ("TruLyfe"). VCM and product sales of residential vacuums, supplies and parts, and small home appliances sold on Amazon. Forward-looking Statements The NEO has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be," "looking forward" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the Company increasing investors awareness are based on the Company's estimates and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements of Nextech to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including capital expenditures and other costs. 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 and forward-looking information. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005222/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Nokia and EDC partner to advance Canada's 5G contributions

Export Development Canada (EDC) will provide financing and insurance solutions to Nokias global customers to boost export of technologies and products

Three-year partnership represents a combined commitment to furthering innovation, driving impact for Canadas economy domestically and internationally, and a shared alignment for inclusion, diversity and equity 26 July 2021 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada  Nokia and Export Development Canada (EDC) today announced an expanded global partnership aimed at investments in 5G and the next generation network infrastructure for global deployment. EDC, a Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage, will deploy a full suite of finance and insurance solutions to help Nokia and Nokia Canada compete and win business, while enabling companies around the world to build out their network infrastructure and enable greater broadband access. The agreement will also focus on introducing innovative Canadian companies to Nokia to help deepen the Canadian supply chain. Under EDCs new Global Corporate Partnership program, the expanded partnership will help Nokia sustain and grow its leading-edge Canadian R&D facility to further develop the ecosystem of suppliers and solution partners. EDC will also assist in advancing Nokias community and social initiatives in Canada. Examples include collaboration on efforts to close the gender gap in tech and working with EDCs inclusive trade group to support indigenous trade. Nokia has a key presence in Canada and is delivering positive impact on Canadian employment, investment, and overall value creation. One of Nokias largest R&D sites globally is in Ottawa, Ontario, and employs more than 2,300 people in high-tech jobs and its university co-op program employs 400 students from across the country. Sven List, SVP Trade Connections of EDC, said: EDC is committed to growing Canadas exports by introducing innovative Canadian companies to Nokia, helping the Canadian supply chain within the company grow while responding to international business opportunities. Were excited to partner with Nokia as they invest in 5G nd the next generation network infrastructure, strengthening Canadas position as a leader in high tech resulting in an increase in high value employment and further follow-on benefits within this important sector. We look forward to working closely with Nokia, a company that harnesses strong environment, social and governance principles delivered in Canada and abroad.



Canada represents an important market for Nokia. As reported in the June 2021, Government of Canada  State of Trade 2021 - A Closer Look at Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)  foreign multinationals like Nokia represent an important post-pandemic opportunity in Canadas recovery accounting for 12% of all Canadian employment, 15% of gross domestic product and over 60% of trade in goods and services. Jeffrey Maddox, President of Nokia Canada, said: Nokia and EDC share a commitment to job creation, economic expansion and environmental sustainability in Canada. Nokias R&D facility in Ottawa has developed technologies that have been incorporated into solutions for 5G, network security, fiber optic systems, and broadband access networks. These technologies, developed in Canada, are now being used by major carriers, governments and enterprises in Canada and globally. With the support of EDC, Nokia will help boost export of products and technologies developed in Canada by Canadians.

About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world. About EDC Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage. As international risk experts, we equip Canadian companies with the tools they need  the trade knowledge, financing solutions, equity, insurance, and connections  to grow their business with confidence. Underlying all our support is a commitment to sustainable and responsible business. To help Canadian businesses facing extreme financial challenges brought on by the global response to COVID-19, the Government of Canada has expanded EDCs domestic capabilities until December 31, 2021. This broader mandate will enable EDC to expand its support to companies focused domestically. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca. Media Inquiries: Nokia

Communications

Phone: +358 10 448 4900

Email: press.services@nokia.com Media Export Development Canada Phone: 1-888-222-4065 Email: media@edc.ca



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[July 26, 2021] Scala Data Centers guarantees its customers 100% renewable energy by 2033 in Brazil

SAO PAULO, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Scala Data Centers - a sustainable hyperscale data center platform, founded by DigitalBridge - the digital infrastructure investment holding company of DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (NYSE:DBRG) - signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), a long-term energy purchase agreement, with ENGIE Brasil Energia, the Brazilian's largest private energy producer. The contract  which extends Scala's commitment to 100% renewable energy by five years  guarantees the supply of more than 1,600 GWh of clean energy by 2033, a volume sufficient to supply, for one year, a city of around 700,000 people. Marcos Peigo, co-founder and CEO of Scala, highlights that the agreement with ENGIE reinforces the company's non-negotiable commitment to base its operational growth on fully sustainable premises. "We focus on strategic partnerships that can scale and maintain our operation with the lowest possible environmental impact, without giving up the high quality and competitiveness that are recognized differentials of our company", the executive said. "Offering solutions to decarbonize our customers' operations is in line with ENGIE's purpose of acting to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon neutral society. Our partnership with Scala demonstrates the importance of sustainability as an added value for business prosperity, in harmony with the future of people and the planet", Eduardo Sattamini, CEO of ENGIE Brasil Energia, added. Scala Data Centers leads the sustainability agenda among information technology (ICT) organizations in Latin America. Sustainability has been in the company's DNA since its foundation, which has allowed Scala to be the first Latin American data center company to operate 100% with renewabl and certified energy. In a segment that has the carbon footprint of operations as a major challenge, Scala has also been a pioneer in obtaining carbon neutrality certification since its foundation, a condition that is still unique in the data center industry.



Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) state that, in the last five years, 50% of the PPAs contracted around the world came from global technology players. Public announcements show that since 2007, Google has been using renewable energy and managed, 10 years later, to zero its global carbon emissions. More recently, Amazon has committed to zero carbon emissions by 2040 and to use 100% renewable energy by 2030. Oracle has expanded its commitment to sustainability, promising to leverage its global operations using 100% renewable energy until 2025. As a major energy consumer in Brazil, Scala understands its role as a transforming agent, enabling and promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy. "Our commitment is to deliver value through a robust data center operation that respects and preserves the environment. In this sense, we are happy and proud of Scala's alignment with the agenda established by major global companies in the segment. And we hope that our leading role can inspire other Latin American companies to follow the same path", Peigo stated.

About Scala Data Centers

Scala Data Centers is the Sustainable Hyperscalable Data Centers platform based in Brazil and founded by DigitalBridge. Developed to meet and exceed the growing demand for digital access in Latin America, Scala has a highly qualified team of more than 250 professionals and applies a flexible and innovative approach to offer exceptional colocation services for hyperscale customers, service providers and cloud software, and large companies. We customize state-of-the-art solutions for each customer in the construction of state-of-the-art data centers, with high availability, high energy efficiency and very high density. All of this combined with the best sustainability practices guided by our ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) program. For more information, visit www.scaladatacenters.com. About DigitalBridge

DigitalBridge (NYSE: DBRG) is a leading global digital infrastructure REIT. It has over 25 years investing in and operating businesses across the entire digital ecosystem, including towers, data centers, fiber, small cells and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The DigitalBridge team manages a $32 billion portfolio of digital infrastructure assets. DigitalBridge is headquartered in Boca Raton and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Singapore. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scala-data-centers-guarantees-its-customers-100-renewable-energy-by-2033-in-brazil-301340296.html SOURCE Scala Data Centers

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[July 26, 2021] Tauriga Sciences Inc. Generates Record Daily E-Commerce Revenue for Sunday, July 25, 2021



The Company Generated More Than $13,000.00 in E-Commerce Sales, for the Date: July 25, 2021 NEW YORK, NY, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or the Company), a New York based diversified Life Sciences Company, today announced that it has set a new single day (daily) E-Commerce revenue record, for Sunday, July 25, 2021. The Company generated more than $13,000 in E-Commerce sales, for the date July 25, 2021 or nearly 200 individual transactions. This E-Commerce Daily sales record was driven by the recent arrivals of new product inventory, including: 1) TAURI Soap & Candles Product Lines (6 Fragrances: Pomegranate, Blood Orange, Peach-Lemon, Pear Bellini, Mint, and Black Currant), 2) Delta 8 THC (25mg) + Melatonin (5mg) Infused Wild Blueberry Flavor Gummies, 3) CBD Isolate (25mg) Infused Blue Raspberry/Strawberry Flavor Gummies, 4) TAURI Tropical Topical Body Butter Infused with CBD Oil (120mg), 5) TAURI Coconut Milk Chocolate Squares Infused with Full Spectrum CBD (Hemp) Extract (25mg), 6) TAURI Diabetic Friendly Full Spectrum CBD (Hemp) Extract Infused (25mg) + Immunity Boost & Melatonin Lavender Chocolate Squares, 7) Tauri-Sun 30 SPF CBD Isolate Infused (200mg) Sunscreen Spray, and 8) Tauri-Sun 30 SPF CBD Infused Acai Fragrance Moisturizing Lip Balm. Please visit the Companys E-Commerce Website: WWW.TAURIGUM.COM The Company fully expects the arrival of inventory for its enhanced Tauri-Gum product line (9 SKUs + 2 Limited Edition SKUs)  over the course of this week. Once received, the Company will fulfill its Tauri-Gum pre-orders and meet with Buyers from a broad array of prospective retail customers. Additionally, the Company is confident that its E-Commerce business segment will materially benefit from the availability of its flagship Tauri-Gum brand. ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, engaged in several major business activities and initiatives. The company manufactures and distributes several proprietary retail prducts and product lines, mainly focused on the Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) Edibles market segment. The main product line, branded as Tauri-Gum, consists of a proprietary supplement chewing gum that is Kosher certified, Halal certified, and Vegan Formulated (CBD Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Mint, Blood Orange, Pomegranate), (CBG Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Peach-Lemon, Black Currant), (Vitamin C + Zinc Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Pear Bellini), (Caffeine Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Cherry Lime Rickey), & (Vitamin D3 Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Golden Raspberry). The Companys commercialization strategy consists of a broad array of retail customers, distributors, and a fast-growing E-Commerce business segment (E-Commerce website: www.taurigum.com). Please visit our corporate website, for additional information, as well as inquiries, at http://www.tauriga.com



Complementary to the Companys retail business, is its ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative. This relates to the development of a proposed Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum, for nausea regulation (specifically designed for the following indication: Patients Subjected to Ongoing Chemotherapy Treatment). On March 22, 2021, the Company announced that it had Converted its U.S. Provisional Patent Application (filed on March 17, 2020) into a U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application. The Patent, filed with the U.S.P.T.O. is Titled MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT. On December 18, 2020 the Company disclosed that it had entered into a Master Services Agreement with CSTI to lead the Company's clinical development efforts. The Company is headquartered in Wappingers Falls, New York. In addition, the Company operates two full time E-Commerce fulfillment centers: one located in Montgomery, Texas and the other in Brooklyn, New York.

DISCLAIMER -- Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other periodic filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Contact: Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 4 Nancy Court, Suite 4 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: sshaw@tauriga.com cell # (917) 796 9926 Company Instagram: @taurigum Personal Instagram: @sethsms47 Twitter: @SethMShaw Corp. Website: www.tauriga.com E-Commerce Website: www.taurigum.com Attachment 1. PRESS RELEASE IMAGE for JULY 26



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[July 26, 2021] Datasite Announces Acquisition of Toronto-based Firmex

Datasite, a leading SaaS (News - Alert) -based technology provider for global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) professionals, today announced the strategic acquisition of Firmex, a leading virtual data room and subscription file-sharing provider based in Toronto, Canada. "Datasite is focused on providing global dealmakers with innovative technology that helps them accelerate and improve outcomes across the entire deal lifecycle," said Rusty Wiley, Chief Executive Officer of Datasite. "The acquisition of Firmex supports our aggressive growth strategy into new markets, including supporting a wider range of use cases." Firmex, which provides customers with secure document sharing solutions across many different use cases in the lower middle-market, including M&A transactions, loan syndication, fundraising and licensing deals, will run as a strategic business unit within Datasite and will function as a standalone entity. Its management team will remain in place and continue to lead the successful business, supported by Datasite's ongoing investment. "Datasite's investment will help us further expand our growing subscription-based business within the lower middle-market, as well as pursue new opportunities," said Joel Lessem, Chief Executive Officer of Firmex. "We look forward to delivering even more value to our customers and enhancing Datasite's meaningful presence in Canada." Datasite acquired Firmex from majority owners Vertu Capital, a Toronto-based private equity firm specializing in high potential, Canadian-headquartered global technology companies, and BDC Growth Equity Partners Fund I, a fund managed by BDC Capital (News - Alert) , the investment arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada. The financial terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed. "We are extremely pleased with this strategic acquisition, which we believe will allow Firmex to fully maximize the potential of its unique market position, and drive value for Datasite," said Lisa Melchior, Founder and Managing Partner at Vertu Capital. "Since acquiring majority ownership of Firmex in 2019, we moved quickly to leverage our deep domain expertise to support Firmex's continued growth, and this acquisition reflects the value that has been generated in a short period of time." Earlier this year, Datasite launched data hosting capabilities in Australia and opened offices in Stockholm and Los Angeles. This followed Datasite's 2020 acquisition by international private equity firm CapVest and the introduction of new applications to address customer pain points across the entire M&A deal lifecycle, including AI-powered technology to support deal preparation, asset marketing and buy-side acquisition.



Dealmakers in more than 170 countries make their deals in Datasite, including 74 of the top 100 legal firms and all the top 20 global financial advisory firms. Between FY2019 and FY2021, Datasite's revenue increased by 37% as it facilitated some of the world's biggest deals, including half of 2020's 10 biggest M&A deals in the United States. To learn more about Datasite, please visit: www.datasite.com.

About Datasite Datasite is a leading SaaS (software as a service) provider for the M&A industry, empowering dealmakers around the world with the tools they need to succeed across the entire deal lifecycle. For more information, visit www.datasite.com. About Firmex Firmex is a global provider of virtual data room and secure document sharing solutions, supporting complex processes for organizations, including diligence, compliance and litigation. Since 2006, Firmex has helped over 120,000 companies worldwide take control of their confidential documents. For more information, visit www.firmex.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005205/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Jorge Sonville Joins Insigneo's Network From Merrill Lynch

Insigneo, the Miami-based Independent Broker-Dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm has incorporated new top talent from Merrill Lynch as Financial Advisor Jorge Sonville has joined the firm's independent network based in Miami as Managing Director. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005086/en/ Jorge Sonville (Photo: Business Wire) Jorge was born in Lima, Peru, and has lived in Ecuador, Chile, and Portugal. He obtained a Finance degree from the School of Management at Boston University. He holds the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. He brings extensive knowledge and experience in international markets and looks forward to a new chapter in his career as an indepndent financial advisor with Insigneo.



"Having honed my knowledge and financial acumen for the past 27 years at Merrill Lynch, I understand that today's clients seek more sophisticated and complex solutions than ever before. To be able to better serve their needs, a truly open and holistic architecture is required where you are now sitting on the same side as the client, and where the solutions come from a global multi-custody platform like the one Insigneo provides," he said. Jorge has been in international financial services since 1994 serving high-net-worth and ultra-high net worth clients. He began his career at Merrill Lynch's International Office in New York and formed a team named the New York International Group overseeing $2 billion in AUMs. He spent the next 27 years at Merrill Lynch, and in 2003 he expanded his team presence by moving to the Miami International office. He has managed clients primarily from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States.

"We are very excited to have Jorge join the Insigneo family. He is a true veteran of the international wealth management industry, an experienced professional, and we look forward to working with him in this new chapter of his career." - Jose Salazar, Head of Sales US/Offshore Business About Insigneo Insigneo empowers Financial Advisors managing clients around the world with a comprehensive menu of services and technology that focuses on wealth management, multi-family offices, and institutional services. Insigneo manages over 12 billion in client assets with a growing list of over 180 financial advisors, serving more than 11,000 clients globally. Insigneo is an international leader for independent financial services. www.insigneo.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005086/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Community Healthcare System and Eon Partner to Help Detect Cancer in Its Earliest Stages

DENVER, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Denver-based health tech leader Eon announced today that it is partnering with Community Healthcare System to power their lung and breast cancer care programs. The hospitals of Community Healthcare System: Community Hospital, Munster, St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago, St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart, and Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center, Crown Point, are using Eon Essential Patient Management (EPM) computer solutions for patient management and the identification, capture and tracking of incidental findings. An incidental finding occurs when a suspicious abnormality is found on an imaging exam being done for an unrelated reason. Each year, 200300 million radiology scans are performed in the U.S. and 25 percent of them have incidental findings. These findings are often the first sign of an underlying condition. In order for proper care and resolution, each one of these findings needs accurate identification and follow-up. Unfortunately, that is not happening often enough. Screening programs, while being effective, don't capture all of the findings. For example, 95 percent of lung nodules are found incidentally and 50 percent of all incidental breast findings fall outside of screening eligibility. With Eon EPM, Community Healthcare System is ensuring these missed opportunities are captured and followed up on. Eon EPM is the only market-available software with the necessary technology to identify patients with incidental breast findings from radiology examswith 95 percent accuracyand track their follow-up. Eon EPM also is able to capture lung nodules with 98 percent accuracy. The end result is saving lives. With Eon EPM, more data is gathered, organized and shared per evidence-based guidelines than before with the healthcare team for patients at risk for potentially life-threatening diseases. "The incidental identification and patient management capabilities of EPM Breast set it apart as healthcare's only software option for a comprehensive breast program. It offers one solution for both screening and incidental patient populations," explains Dr. Scott Skibo, Chief Medical Officer at Eon. "Together, the EPM Lung Cancer Screening and the EPM Lung modules deliver the ideal solution for a comprehensive lung program, ensuring all patients get the care they need and no-one falls through the cracks." Eon EPM uses Computational Linguistics, a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI), to extract abnormal findings and clinically relevant information from radiology reports. It is the only computer-based solution to identify incidental findings on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), X-ray exams and Computed Tomography (CT) scans. Through its partnership with Eon, Community Healthcare System will be able to make great strides toward fighting lung and breast cancer by detecting these diseases when treatment is most effective. "Finding breast and lung cancers at the earliest stages is the goal of every cancer program in the country," said Dr. Jonathon Lee, Medical Director of Cancer Services, Community Healthcare System. "Cancer is very beatable when it is treated in the early stages before it spreads and has a chance to take over. With Eon EPM, we now have an amazing tool to help us in this battle." Community Healthcare System hopes to achieve a stage shift in how incidental lung and breast findings are identified and managed, a critical step in the fight against two of the most common forms of cancer in the U.S. "With this system, we can identify the cancers long before the patient even has symptoms and use the software to track the patient from diagnosis to treatment," Dr. Lee said. "It will help us make sure that someone with an incidental finding is detected and followed up with a specialist in our hospital system. The physicians and nurses in the Community Healthcare System are dedicated to beating this disease and now we have one of the best available weapons to help us win the war against cancer." Cloud-based EPM uses the same dashboard for all its disease modules making integration at Community Healthcare System seamless. EPM allows staff to manage both patient populations on a single interface. This saves valuable time that they can now spend on achieving new heights in patient care. For more information about cancer care services at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System, visit COMHS.org/cancer. About Community Healthcare System

Community Healthcare System is comprised of not-for-profit hospitals: Community Hospital in Munster; St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago; St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart; specialty hospital Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point, and Hartsfield Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Munster. The Northwest Indiana healthcare system's vast network of care locations includes outpatient, surgical and rehabilitation centers, physician practices, behavioral health, occupational health, home care, a medically-based fitness center, cancer research foundation and cancer support center. Community Healthcare System hospitals are regional leaders in cancer treatment, cardiac care, bariatric medicine and orthopedics. About Eon

Eon is a Denver-based health tech company dedicated to revolutionizing the way healthcare data is gathered, curated and shared among industry professionals. Eon is constantly innovating to arm facilities with the latest tools to improve patient outcomes. In addition to EPM solutions for lung and breast, Eon now offers EPM solutions for thyroid, pancreas, aneurysm, adrenal, renal and liver. Each disease module delivers industry-leading accuracy and precision rates in incidental identification, helping increase patient capture. Eon's dedication and drive are fueled by the positive outcomes of early identification and intervention of catastrophic disease. We are on a mission to ensure the right data reaches the right people at the right time to identify disease early and stop it in its tracks. We believe together we can defy disease.

CONTACT:







Fahad Siraj, manager Marketing Eon 315192@email4pr.com 416-518-4936 Elise Sims, specialist Media/Public Relations Marketing & Corporate Communications 315192@email4pr.com 219-703-1687

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/community-healthcare-system-and-eon-partner-to-help-detect-cancer-in-its-earliest-stages-301341042.html SOURCE Eon

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[July 26, 2021] New Pomeroy Website Focuses on Delivering Workplace Transformation Post-pandemic

HEBRON, Ky., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomeroy announced today it has launched a new website, https://pomeroy.com/ to address the unprecedented challenges enterprise organizations in North America face as they navigate the new hybrid work environment in a fast-evolving post-pandemic business environment. Pomeroy has launched a new website to address the challenges companies face in a post-pandemic business environment. Organizations are looking for better ways to deliver digital workplaces that support employee productivity throughapplications, data, collaboration tools and user supportenabling employees to work on any device, anytime and anywhere with a consumer-like online experience.



"Our new website was completely redesigned based upon issues customers told us they encounter with regard to their digital transformation in an increasingly competitive marketplace," said Stephen Vandegriff, Pomeroy Vice President, Digital Strategy. "Our goal is to make it easy for people to know exactly what we're all about from the moment they click on our website and that is to help our clients digitally transform their workplace and deliver great user experiences." The new Pomeroy website focuses on achieving an agile, optimized workplace through effective technology delivery strategies that support employees returning to the office and/or maintaining remote, at-home workplaces; leverage intelligent automation to drive productivity and competitiveness while reducing operational costs; and, recruiting skilled IT talent in a tight, high demand market.

Follow Pomeroy: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

About Pomeroy

Pomeroy partners with clients to deliver integrated solutions that enable the digital workplace. We understand the interdependence between today's end users, the networks they rely on to stay connected and productive, and the critical data they need to drive positive business outcomes. Our holistic solutions create a digital workplace that is intelligent, highly available, fully enabled, and fully connected through a comprehensive portfolio of managed services that includes Workplace, Network, Hybrid IT, Technical Staffing and a full range of procurement & logistics services. Learn more at https://pomeroy.com/. Media Contact

Michael James - 859.657.2109 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-pomeroy-website-focuses-on-delivering-workplace-transformation-post-pandemic-301339321.html SOURCE Pomeroy Technologies, LLC

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[July 26, 2021] GlowTouch Expands Operations to the Dominican Republic

LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GlowTouch LLC, a global Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company based in Louisville, KY, has expanded its footprint into the Dominican Republic with plans to develop its presence in Latin America further. The growth into Santo Domingo diversifies GlowTouch's geographic offerings, providing its clients more options for multilingual and multichannel customer care, technical support, and sales services. The Dominican Republic's close proximity to the U.S. makes travel to the area easily accessible. The site currently has 160 employees, with further expansion anticipated. The workforce is expected to grow to more than 300 employees within the next year. The island nation has a history within the BPO industry due to its political stability, bilingual workforce, and location that lines up with the U.S. workday. "We are excited to plant roots in the Dominican Republic and to usher in the next wave of growth for the company," said Vidya Ravichandran, the company's President and Founder. "The nearshore environment is a key element within our industry. Clients see the Caribbean and Latin America as a business-friendly region that is easily accessible and provides a labor force that has a great affinity for American culture." The nation's demographics skew young, ensurin a steady pipeline, and the country hosts numerous schools that specialize in bilingual education. The result across this region is a neutral accent plus the ease of communication with Hispanic Americans whose first language is Spanish.



The expansion marks a year of continued growth for GlowTouch. "Due to the pandemic, restrictions on movement were implemented, people increasingly worked and shopped online, and many of our clients saw activity spike significantly," continued Ravichandran. "The increased activity reinforced the value of high touch customer care and establishing a presence in Latin America gives us one more option to offer clients." Since launching operations in 2002 with a small group of employees, GlowTouch has grown into a global company with a staff of more than 2,300 people. The company is based in Louisville, Kentucky, with operations in Louisville, Miami, Florida, offshore locations in Mangalore, Bangalore, and Mysore India, and the new nearshore operation in the Dominican Republic.

GlowTouch provides personalized contact center, business processing, and technology outsourcing solutions to clients around the world. Founded in 2002, its 2,300+ employees deliver operational excellence with high-touch engagement. A certified Woman-Owned Business and six-time Inc. 5000 honoree, GlowTouch is headquartered in Louisville, KY, with operational onshore contact centers in Louisville, Miami, FL; nearshore presence in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and offshore locations in Mangalore, Bangalore, and Mysore, India. To learn more about GlowTouch, visit www.GlowTouch.com , or email Tammy Weinstein at Tammy.Weinstein@GlowTouch.com . Related Images glowtouch-llc-a-business.png

GlowTouch LLC, a Business Processing & Technology Outsourcing Solutions Company

GlowTouch logo View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/glowtouch-expands-operations-to-the-dominican-republic-301340781.html SOURCE GlowTouch LLC

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[July 26, 2021]

GREAT Attains AWS Advanced Consulting Partner Accreditation

ENCINITAS, Calif., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GREAT, a leading independent AWS-focused cloud services company, has been recognized by Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its depth of capability and client satisfaction by being promoted to Advanced Consulting Partner in the AWS Partner Network (APN).

To qualify for the APN Advanced Consulting Partner tier, partners must meet specific requirements that demonstrate the scale of their expertise, capabilities, and contributions to the AWS community. The Advanced designation represents less than 10% of the total APN partner community.

"This is the best team I've had the privilege to work with," said Jess Moore, CEO at GREAT. "Not only did they do the hard work to achieve the Advanced designation, but they also did it in record time."

Founded in 2020, GREAT attained the Advanced Consulting Partner tier in 18 months.

GREAT helps client accelerate their AWS cloud initiatives. With proven accelerators built on competencies in cloud engineering, data analytics, and DevOps, GREAT allows clients to realize the benefits of their investment in AWS more rapidly.







About GREAT:

GREAT is an independent AWS-focused cloud services company that builds robust solutions that help the world's top brands solve complex problems. With deep skillsets across data transformation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, CI/CD, and DevOps, GREAT is a trusted advisor to the world's best brands like British American Tobacco, Sempra Energy, and Autodesk.

GREAT, headquartered in Encinitas, CA, operates globally with offices in the United States and Argentina. For more information, visit https://www.greatcloudservices.com/ or contact press@greatcloudservices.com

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SOURCE GREAT
[July 26, 2021] PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta) and NDPI Announce Annual Reports for 2020

The Niger Delta Partnership Initiative (NDPI) released the NDPI 2020 Annual Report, which highlights the PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta) 2020 Annual Report, outlining the peacebuilding and economic development work being done in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The publications, both of which are aptly titled "Resilience & Results in a Pandemic," summarize a milestone year with sections like: This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005123/en/ A scorecard of the last ten years in the Niger Delta, which includes investments leveraged into the agriculture and enterprises sector

Progress in 2020, which had USD 27.7 Million in net additional income for farmersand SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises)

Impact stories from the Niger Delta, and more



"We plan to remain focused and sustain the momentum in the coming years through capacity building and innovation. We thank you for being a part of bringing peace and prosperity to the Niger Delta region and look forward to a more sustained partnership in the years ahead," said Nadeem Anwar, NDPI Executive Director.

"Throughout this annual report, we will introduce program participants with stories that reflect resilience in the face of ten years of hard work and one pandemic year of uncertainty. Because of you and the work we are doing together; conflicts are being mitigated, people are being moved out of poverty, and hope is rising for a better tomorrow. Thank you for the selfless collaborations, engagements, and partnerships that have given the people of the Niger Delta renewed hope," said PIND Executive Director Dr. Dara Akala. The NDPI 2020 Annual Report and PIND 2020 Annual Report were prepared with data collected from January 1 through December 31, 2020. Learn more about PIND and NDPI's work in Nigeria's Niger Delta at PINDfoundation.org and NDPIfoundation.org. About PIND The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) is a Nigerian nonprofit organization established in 2010 with initial funding from Chevron (News - Alert) Corporation to promote peace and equitable economic growth in Nigeria's Niger Delta region by forging multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder partnerships at the regional, national, and international levels. PIND works closely with numerous partners to implement collaborative market-based, community-owned programs to mitigate conflicts and boost economic opportunities for local businesses, ensuring that economic progress occurs in a systemic, inclusive, and sustainable manner. Learn more about PINDfoundation.org. About NDPI The Niger Delta Partnership Initiative (NDPI) is the U.S.-based 501(c)(3), nonprofit operating partner of Nigeria-based implementing partner PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta). Since 2010, NDPI & PIND have strengthened and stabilized Niger Delta communities by reducing poverty, powering coastline communities, nurturing employment, fostering stability, and enabling development through multi-stakeholder partnerships. Learn more about NDPIfoundation.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005123/en/

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[July 26, 2021] .forever Enters One Week Sunrise Period For Trademark Owners -- Blockchain's First Truly Decentralized Top-Level-Domain

BOSTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EnCirca announced today that they are accepting registrations for the one-week Trademark Sunrise Period for the .forever blockchain-based Top-Level-Domain (TLD). EnCirca is the exclusive Sunrise registrar for the .forever TLD. Trademark owners have one week to submit registrations at www.encirca.com/forever before the .forever Land Rush begins on August 2. Registrations are permanent with a one-time fee and the names do not expire. ".forever overcomes several flaws that exist with other so-called decentralized TLDs such as .eth and .crypto," says Mike Carson, from Impervious, Inc., who are leading the launch of the .forever TLD. ".forever domains are the blockchain's first truly unstoppable decentralized domain names." "EnCirca is honored to be selected as the exclusive brand protection registrar for the .forever Sunrise Period," says Tom Barrett of EnCirca. "Although the Sunrise period is only one week, the eligibility rules have been designed to ensure most trademarks are eligible to protect their brands. Both registered and unregistered trademarks are eligible, and the ICANN Trademark Clearinghouse is not involved" All .forever Sunrise registrations will be first-come, first served. EnCirca is also accepting pre-registrations for the August 2 Land Rush, which will have other supporting resellers. Registrations are permanent and immutable with a one-time fee and do not expire. The .forever top-level domain extension is not regulated by ICANN and thus has none of the typical benefits afforded to trademark owners, such as: UDRP and anti-cybersquatting laws. The .forever TLD is part of the Handshake decentralized root zone, with second-level domain registrations managed via a fork of Ethereum's ENS. Since they are blockchain-based, .forever domains do not expire and cannotbe deleted.



The .forever represents a significant breakthrough for achieving truly decentralized domain names. .forever is a truly autonomous blockchain TLD



.forever's Smart Contract is not controlled by a venture-backed startup or a small group of developers.





To be a truly decentralized TLD, control of the TLD's Smart Contract needs to be provably removed, otherwise the owner of the contract could update it and pull the rug out from second-level domain owners by removing control of their domains. The .forever developers have transferred ownership of the ENS registry contract to a burn address as proof that no one owns the registry. In this way, owners of second level .forever domains do not need to trust the registry or any other third parties, because no one controls the TLD. The .forever TLD is completely out of anyone's control-it has a life of its own from now on and never expires.



.forever eliminates TLD silos by leveraging the Handshake decentralized root zone



Other so-called decentralized TLD's are considered "orphans", since they are not anchored in any root zone system.



The .forever TLD is on the Handshake decentralized root zone, an open-source movement backed by a passionate community of developers and investors. The Handshake root zone has exploded in growth with over 1,500,000 delegated TLDs. In contrast, the ICANN root zone has delegated just 0.1% of this, or 1,500 TLDs.



Another advantage of Handshake is that it removes the need to trust Certificate Authorities (CAs). Currently when you visit an https website, you must trust the issuer of the digital certificate. With Handshake, you can set up DANE, so that internet traffic to the domain can be encrypted using only DNS.



.forever is compatible with ICANN's DNS



The Handshake zone system supports the same DNS records as traditional DNS, so you can use .forever domains for websites or email. Other blockchain TLDs do not have integrations for traditional DNS records, so you can't view them in a browser, or with https.



.forever domains do not expire.



.forever registrants pay a one-time registration fee and never need to pay a renewal fee. With an existing Handshake zone file of 1.5 million (and growing) TLDs, .forever registrants can be assured that their domain will last a lifetime and longer.



So, you truly own your .forever domain, completely and forever. You can get your family name, such as McIntosh.forever and pass it down from generation to generation. Trademark Owners Should Apply Now

The .forever Trademark Sunrise Period runs from July 26, 13:00 UTC to August 2, 13:00 UTC. EnCirca will also accept pre-registrations for the Land Rush commencing August 2, 15:00 UTC. To learn more and apply today, please visit www.encirca.com/forever . About EnCirca:

Formed in 2001, EnCirca is an accredited ICANN Registrar providing brand protection and custom registrar services for ICANN TLDs, including .bank, .cpa and other restricted TLDs. EnCirca also provides brand protection services for over 800 blockchain-based TLDs. EnCirca Contact Information:

Tom Barrett

EnCirca, Inc.

315193@email4pr.com

+1.781.942.9975 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/forever-enters-one-week-sunrise-period-for-trademark-owners----blockchains-first-truly-decentralized-top-level-domain-301341061.html SOURCE EnCirca, Inc

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[July 26, 2021] Tyler E. Betts Joins Dempsey & Siders Insurance Agency

Dempsey & Siders Insurance Agency, Inc. is pleased to announce that Tyler E. Betts, licensed insurance agent, has joined the agency as a Sales Executive. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005514/en/ Tyler E. Betts, licensed insurance agent, has joined Dempsey & Siders Insurance Agency as a Sales Executive. (Photo: Business Wire) Mr. Betts brings to Dempsey & Siders experience in both commercial and personal insurance. His experience in every facet of n agency contributes to his 15-plus years of continued success. Mr. Betts' passion for building relationships with his clients sets him apart. He puts his focus on his clients by constructing consultative programs catered to their specific needs.



"Tyler is well respected within the Cincinnati insurance community and will be quite an asset to Dempsey & Siders," said Casey Connor, Agency President. "He has strong industry experience and insurance knowledge. His philosophy joins well with ours of bringing a team approach to best assist our clients with their insurance needs." About Dempsey & Siders

At Dempsey & Siders, they put the focus on the client, because you matter. As an independent insurance agency, they specialize in business insurance, home insurance, auto insurance, and health & benefits coverages. The agency works with top-tier insurance providers to craft personalized solutions for their clients. Dempsey & Siders Insurance Agency is a wholly owned subsidiary of Great American Insurance Company, which has received an "A" (Excellent) or higher rating from the A.M. Best Company for more than 110 years (most recent rating evaluation of "A+" (Superior) affirmed January 28, 2021). The agency has provided services to clients since 1956 and was the first insurance affiliate of American Financial Group. American Financial Group's common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFG. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005514/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Ballast Research and Hamilton Place Strategies Announce Partnership with alva

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Ballast Research and Hamilton Place Strategies (HPS) announced their partnership with alva, the leading stakeholder intelligence platform. The partnership was supported by a majority investment in alva by Falfurrias Capital Partners (FCP), formalizing the relationship between the leaders across corporate stakeholder management. The partnership and investment follows FCP's earlier majority investments in Ballast Research and HPS. Ballast Research and Hamilton Place Strategies announced a partnership with the stakeholder intelligence platform, alva. Headquartered in London, UK, alva is a stakeholder intelligence platform that provides data-rich, real-time technology to companies across industries, including financial services, consumer, healthcare, and professional services. Built on award-winning Natural Language Processing technology, alva delivers the richest and most accurate insights based on the analysis of more than 25 million pieces of content every day across 100 languages, 150 countries, and over 500,000 different individual publications. Additionally, alva's ESG Intelligence provides comprehensive analysis of how any company is performing against the SASB sector standard issues compared to their peer group. The new partnership will enable a fully integrated business intelligence platform, providing singular consulting services that seamlessly combine primary research, data-driven reputational findings, advisory services, and monitoring capabilities. "To perform in the new stakeholder-centric environment, the leaders we serve need rich, actionable insights covering a broad range of sources, regions, and issues," said Ballast Research President Mike Gottlieb. "alva allows us to immediately broaden our offering for today's leading organizations and executives in the public, private, and social sectors, while also providing the technology and caabilities needed to further build on the vision we share with our colleagues at HPS."



"By combining the pre-eminent policymaker research firm in Ballast and the leading public affairs consultancy in HPS with alva's technology and insights, we can produce unmatched reputational predictability and decision-ready intelligence," said alva's Founder and CEO Alberto Lopez-Valenzuela. "With Falfurrias's support, we look forward to creating the industry standard for value-creating stakeholder management." "alva created a powerful platform based on brilliant technology, and HPS and Ballast are thrilled to be working with them," said HPS Partner Tony Fratto. "alva will immediately allow us to deliver global solutions in multiple languages. It's exciting to bring together technology, analytics, and strategic insights to help companies deal with their complex, dynamic stakeholder relationships."

"Ballast, HPS, and alva bring the industry's best strategists and thinkers together to drive the next evolution of stakeholder reputation management," said FCP Partner Geordie Pierson. "For a market that's been traditionally fragmented, we believe we are collectively building a comprehensive suite of services that can address all of today's reputational challenges by combining unique, objective data insights to complement first-class advisory services." Although each business will maintain its own independent service offerings, support across the partnering organizations will now include public affairs, media relations, crisis and issue management, research and analysis, political and regulatory risk analysis, global thought leadership, digital strategy, corporate reputation, creative content, and media monitoring and analysis. About alva

We support our clients to make better decisions with Stakeholder Intelligence. We analyse millions of alternative data, including media, regulator, investor, government, public and NGO sources to help our clients better understand and connect with their stakeholders. We combine AI technology with sector expertise to provide a fully integrated intelligence solution to corporations, the investment industry and advisory firms covering ESG, risk, reputation, media and board intelligence. About Ballast Research

For nearly a decade Ballast Research has provided direct feedback from senior policymakers through quantitative and qualitative research. Ballast clients including Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and trade associations, leverage Ballast's data-driven insights to validate impact, identify opportunities, and determine optimal strategy and investment for future success. About Hamilton Place Strategies

Hamilton Place Strategies (HPS) is an analytical public affairs consulting firm. We work on complex issues in highly regulated industries, partnering with clients to advance their most important priorities. The firm was founded in 2010 by partners Tony Fratto and Stuart Siciliano. About Falfurrias Capital

Operational Focus describes the way the Falfurrias team partners with management teams to leverage its significant, real-world experience to bring measurable contributions and to create lasting value in our portfolio companies. By partnering with the most respected experts in their fields, we immerse ourselves in your industry, identify the strongest growth opportunities, and rigorously test and learn using?our expertise, data and tireless investigation. Contributions include technology-enabling a product or service, introducing new product lines through market research and proven strategies, and recruiting high-impact management teams  all with the goal of building lasting value. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ballast-research-and-hamilton-place-strategies-announce-partnership-with-alva-301340602.html SOURCE Falfurrias Capital Partners

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[July 26, 2021] Analytics Insight Announces 'Top Robotics Companies at the Forefront of Innovation' in 2021

Analytics Insight has announced 'Top Robotics Companies at the Forefront of Innovation in 2021' in its July magazine issue. The issue recognizes ten trailblazing robotics companies leveraging disruptive technologies to transform different industries from healthcare and manufacturing to defence and education. These companies have evolved beyond their boundaries and showed significant growth through their efforts in R&D, new initiatives, product launches thereby playing a key role to channelize global industries. Here are the companies that made the list in 2021. Featuring as the Cover Story is ARGO Unmanned Ground Vehicles, an innovative robotics company with over 50 years of history. Established in 1967, ARGO's vehicle division has been the leader in off-road amphibious vehicles. ARGO has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with purpose-built components throughout the vehicles. From custom-built chassis to transmissions manufactured in-house, the company provides an end-to-end solution for every off-road application. The issue further includes: AltBird Robotics: AltBird Robotics is providing the top-most robotic solutions and facilities, especially for the mining and infrastructure sector. In 2019, the company has also set up its Innovation Lab in Mumbai to create hardware and solutions. Avishkaar: Avishkaar is a robotics and coding education company that is dedicated to educating children bout high-end technologies in their early years of childhood. Launched in 2014, Avishkaar is creating a global army of young innovators who use next-generation technology.



Aegeus Technologies: Aegeus Technologies aims to design and develop robotic technologies and solutions. The company's flagship product 'Intelligent Waterless Solar Panel Cleaning Robot' helps customers to reduce soiling losses and save huge amounts of water. ForwardX Robotics: ForwardX Robotics is a global technology developer focused on artificial intelligence and its successful adoption in intelligent robotics. Founded in 2016, the company has developed a number of innovative products for the consumer and business markets.

Kiran Smart: Kiran Smart is the first humanoid robots company in Kuwait. It is an award-winning company that provides IT services to business and home users and is well-known for its innovative robotics technology. Moley Robotics: Moley Robotics has brought in a game-changing revolution in the cooking industry, with its first-ever Robotic Kitchen that can automatically cook your food. Moley cookware is designed together with a leading Italian appliances handicraft company. Solabot: Solabot Technologies is an advanced dry robotic cleaning solution company that aims to deliver premium quality services for solar panel systems. It specializes in robotic dry-cleaning solutions that significantly reduce the manual efforts required for wet cleaning. iRobot: iRobot is a leading global consumer robot company that designs and builds robots to empower people. iRobot products including the award-winning Roomba Vacuuming Robot and the Braava family of mopping robots have been welcomed into millions of homes. ABB: ABB is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its robotics and automation portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology. The convergence of robotics, artificial intelligence, cloud and IoT is transforming technological development and enabling greater autonomy and collaboration abilities. Analytics Insight aims to recognize and celebrate top robotics companies working at the intersection of these technologies to develop the most innovative products and making a huge different in the industry," says Adilin Beatrice, Senior Analyst at Analytics Insight. Read the detailed coverage here. For more information, please visit https://www.analyticsinsight.net/. About Analytics Insight Analytics Insight is an influential platform dedicated to insights, trends, and opinions from the world of data-driven technologies. It monitors developments, recognition, and achievements made by AI, big data, and analytics companies across the globe. The Analytics Insight Magazine features opinions and views from top leaders and executives in the industry who share their journey, experiences, success stories, and knowledge to grow profitable businesses. To set up an interview or advertise your brand, contact info@analyticsinsight.net View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005529/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Introducing EMQ X Cloud on Microsoft Azure

HANGZHOU, China, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EMQ, the leader of open-source and cloud-native distributed MQTT broker for IoT, is pleased to announce that EMQ X Cloud is now available on Microsoft Azure. EMQ X Cloud is a fully managed MQTT service built on the worldwide used open-source MQTT broker - EMQ X, which has more than 10 million downloads and hundreds of thousands of deployments around the globe. EMQ X Cloud helps our users carry out their IoT projects with MQTT in a simple way, without the burden of deploying and managing the self-managed MQTT service in multiple regions of the cloud. Start your IoT business with EMQ X Cloud Users from all walks of life can flexibly use EMQ X Cloud to build a first-class IoT application platform. EMQ X Cloud serves as the transmission channel of the real-time data collected by devices and gateways in various IoT scenarios. After the data is filtered, converted, and calculated through is own rule engine, the data is distributed to cloud applications and data lakes to help customers better analyze Process data and provide the best solution.





3 Steps to Deploy EMQ X Cloud in Azure After completing the registration on the website, we can have a fully managed MQTT 5.0 service in Azure with one-click operation. Select Plan Select Azure and Region Confirm and Deploy EMQ X Cloud on GCP will be coming soon EMQ is committed to providing a messaging engine of the Internet of Everything for all industries in the 5G era. In addition to the updated Azure platform, more mainstream cloud platforms have been incorporated into our research and development plan, which will meet with you soon. EMQ is willing to work with users to build competitive IoT platforms and applications for the future. About EMQ Technologies Co., Ltd EMQ, founded in 2017, is an open-source data infrastructure software provider for IoT. EMQ delivers the world's leading open-source MQTT message broker and stream processing database, provides a one-stop solution for real-time IoT data movement, stream processing, and data analytics. If you have any comments about our service or encounter any problems during the use, please send an email to cloud-support@emqx.io, and our service team will provide enthusiastic one-on-one support! To learn more about the EMQ X Cloud service, please click here for more information. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-emq-x-cloud-on-microsoft-azure-301341120.html SOURCE EMQ Technologies

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[July 26, 2021] Navvia Launches Innovative approach to Drive Digital Transformation Success

TORONTO, July 26, 2021 /CNW/ - Navvia, a leading provider of Process Analysis and Documentation software, announces the release of "Process-Driven User Stories." This new feature allows business and process analysts to quickly and easily capture User Stories while documenting business process flows. "All too often, it's the technology, and not the requirements of the business, that drives Digital Transformations," says David Mainville, CEO, and co-founder of Navvia. "This technology-driven approach often leads to a disconnect between IT and the business, resulting in development rework and missed deadlines." Navvia now lets you capture relevant User Stories for each step in the process. You can then associate technical specifications to the User Story, create User Story documentation, and send requirements across our API to products such as ServiceNow.



Process maturity assessments for identifying gaps

Automatic generation of process documentation to drive productivity

The capture of business and technical requirements to drive process automation

The tracking of process controls in support of compliance and audit To learn more, go to: https://i.navvia.com/userstories

About Navvia: Since 1999, Navvia has been helping the Fortune 1000 reduce costs and improve effectiveness by implementing agile IT and business processes. The Navvia Process Designer allows both Enterprises and Process Consulting Companies to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of their consultants, business analysts, and process architects. Navvia is a registered Technology Partner of Servicenow Inc. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/navvia-launches-innovative-approach-to-drive-digital-transformation-success-301340536.html SOURCE Navvia

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[July 26, 2021] V-Square Appoints Erik Norland as Head of Distribution

V-Square Quantitative Management (V-Square) has announced the hiring of Erik Norland as its Head of Distribution. A 20-year industry veteran with asset management, custody, and global markets expertise, Erik's addition to the team bolsters our strong client-centric approach to deliver customized ESG solutions as we continue to build our reputation as a specialized global asset manager. He will lead the firm's sales, consultant relationship and client service functions across institutional, insurance and wholesale. Mr. Norland, based in Stockholm, will report to Mamadou-Abou Sarr, co-founder and President and will join the global leadership team. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005571/en/ Erik Norland, Head of Distribution (Photo: Business Wire) "Erik is a results-focused leader who brings excellent experience in distribution strategy and execution, sales management and client relationship roles. I had the pleasure of working with Erik for nearly a decade and I have always been impressed by his solution-oriented mindset, leadership and ESG expertise. I am excited to welcome Erik to the firm to help us further build on our strong distribution capabilities" Mr. Sarr said in a news release.



Mr. Norland was head of the Nordic Region at Northern Trust Asset Management for 11 years, responsible for all business activity in the region, with a high focus on distribution of sophisticated ESG strategies. Prior this role, Erik spent over a decade in Equity Sales and Trading roles covering institutional investors across Europe at various local and global investment banks. Commenting on his new role at V-Square, Norland said, "I am thrilled to join Mamadou and the V-Square team at this exciting inflection point in the firm's growth and development. Given my passion for ESG, I was eager to join a specialized firm driving innovation. Mamadou has a great vision for the firm and is extremely focused on providing exceptional value to our clients. I am confident we will be able to leverage V-Square's entrepreneurial spirit and successful track record as we grow the business and capitalize on new opportunities across the sustainable investing landscape."

To learn more about V-Square's commitment to sustainability, visit here or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. About V-Square Quantitative Management V-Square's mission is to be a new vector of change in the way we generate investment returns for investors in alternative asset classes, core equity and fixed income by creating "Better Value for Longer" #BVFL. For additional information, please visit www.vsqm.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005571/en/

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[July 26, 2021] World of Wireless International Telecom, Inc. Announces Agreement with Nexpirion to Private Label International Services

LOS ANGELES, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- World of Wireless, International Telecom Inc. (OTCMKTS: WWII), an innovative telecommunications provider, today announced that it has entered into a distribution agreement with Nexpirion. As WOWITEL has successfully rolled out operations in the United States, we are now focused on expanding our services to the international community, says WOWITEL CEO, Gene Curcio.

Nexpirion, a well-established telecom provider with over 2.5 million customers globally, has chosen WOWITEL, with its robust proprietary network and secure commerce platform, to exclusively private label our pre-paid service known as Smart Voice, says the CEO of Nexpirion. Smart Voice, called Voz Inteligente in Spanish, will be marketed as a flat-fee dialing plan. This service will include Pier to Pier (ETP) communications and direct dialing (POTS), as well provide a way for customers to access valuable telehealth services. Powered by WOWITEL phone products can save Nexpirions customers a significant amount of money. WEBSITE: www.wowitel.com CONTACT US





g.curcio@wowitel.com

https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/WWII/overview World Of Wireless International Telecom, Inc. (OTC:WWII) is in the wireless communications industry. The Company is focused on: i.) Prepaid Unlimited WiFi Soft Phone Services for voice, text, data and streaming with or without dedicated connection to a "Hot Spot" or WiFi Network. ii.) The development and release of a new app specifically branded for broad market appeal globally. iii.) Once the network operation is fully operational and the proprietary app is released, then the Company may offer white-label services for third-party networks to build their own apps and operate through the Company's network once commercially available. iv.) Municipal Wireless Implementation in the United States. (The Company spent several years developing relationships with municipalities and responded to numerous RFP's from major cities including Los Angeles). The Company has not entered into any municipal WiFi development agreements to date. The Company is classified as a facilities based service provider who plans to enable the services globally using proprietary software, methodologies and security solutions. WWII has been quietly building the infrastructure, the team, and the resources to provide superior quality international phone service at a fraction of the usual cost using the same network and protocol as the telecommunication giants.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted, or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.



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[July 26, 2021] Recurrent Ventures Acquires Futurism from Singularity University

NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recurrent Ventures has acquired Futurism, the popular emergent technology and science news site, Recurrent CEO Lance Johnson announced today. Futurism has grown its readership through original feature reporting and accessible news coverage of concepts like AI, rocket launches, sustainability and genetics. The brand's leadership, including James Del, Foster Kamer, and Jon Christian, possesses an original sensibility and uniquely progressive voice, allowing audiences to follow the stories and people changing the world. The innovative outlet will join Recurrent's science, tech, and outdoor division, which is also home to Popular Science, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Popular Photography, and more. "Futurism is an authoritative and engaging brand with an exceptional team that we believe is the perfect addition to our portfolio. They've always punched above their weight, and we're confident that we can give them the resources they need to continue to build on their success," says Johnson. "To have Futurism under the same roof as Popular Science broadens and diversifies our range of cutting-edge, industry-leading coverage of the environment, science, and technology." Founded in 2014, Futurism has grown from a single science page on Reddit into a sleek and immersie go-to place for breaking science news. The site was acquired by Singularity University in 2019 as an independent media organization and features three distinct verticals: Futurism, The Byte (a flash-news digest), and Neoscope (a medical technology and cutting-edge medical science blog).



"We couldn't be more excited for this next chapter of Futurism, and especially to be a part of a new kind of media company like Recurrent. It's a place that's clearly committed not just to letting both upstart and legacy media brands tell the stories that draw readers to them, but also to growing these brands' ability to tell more of those stories, in bigger and better ways," says Del. "As a brand who is always thinking about the future, we also value Recurrent's commitment to the environment and sustainability coverage." "Futurism and Recurrent feels like a pretty perfect fit," says Kamer. "In all of our discussions and forward planning with them, it's plainly evident that they've got a robust understanding of what makes a site like ours click with its readership on a practical level. They also see areas where we can improve and expand, so we feel confident that this is the best place for us to continue to evolve and learn from their expert teams. Also, how do you say no to the team that just bought MEL?"

Futurism's website, newsletter, and social feeds will operate continuously throughout the transition of ownership. North Equity LLC is an investor in Recurrent, with Allen & Overy LLC serving as legal counsel for Recurrent. ABOUT FUTURISM

Since 2014, Futurism has been a growing source of cutting-edge science and technology news coverage. From cybersecurity, to cryptocurrency, AI, quantum computing, off-world exploration, genetic engineering, green technologies, and then some, Futurism's beat is the world beyond the horizon. It's the science fiction that's fast approaching our reality, the developments changing the way society functions, and the discoveries and innovations of today that will dictate the course of future generations' lives tomorrow  along with all the weird, terrible, terrifying, hilarious, wonderful, awe-inspiring characters and ideas they're emerging right now. ABOUT RECURRENT VENTURES

Recurrent is an innovative digital media company that empowers brands to grow, and connects consumers with media in a way that is enjoyable, sustainable, inspiring, and profitablewhile maintaining editorial integrity. Its best-in-class brands like Popular Science, Domino, MEL, Outdoor Life, The Drive, Field & Stream, SAVEUR, and Task & Purpose engage a combined audience of more than 45 million monthly unique visitors. Initially founded in 2018 with the acquisition of The Drive, the portfolio rapidly expanded under the ownership and backing of North Equity LLC to include more than 15 digital media brands across automotive, home, outdoors, specialty, and military verticals. Recurrent is headquartered in Miami, with offices in New York and San Francisco, and a virtual-first workforce across the United States. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/recurrent-ventures-acquires-futurism-from-singularity-university-301341138.html SOURCE Recurrent Ventures

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[July 26, 2021] Back-Tooth-School Effort Reminds Parents and Caregivers that Good Grades Begin with a Dental-Check-Up

With the new school year just around the corner, Smile, California launched its Back-Tooth-School activation to encourage parents and caregivers to send their children back to school healthy and ready to learn. A dental check-up should be on every family's back to school checklist because a child's oral health affects their overall health. Healthy teeth not only help children eat, speak, and sleep better, but they also help them to perform better in school. Studies show children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who do not.1 Despite the benefits of maintaining healthy teeth, cavities - which are largely preventable - remain the most common chronic childhood disease. In California, more than 60 percent of students have experienced tooth decay by the third grade.2 The COVID-19 pandemic may have also disrupted healthy oral health care routines such as regular dental visits. Smile, California, the Medi-Cal Dental Program's campaign to help Medi-Cal members make use of their dental benefit, is partnering with the California Department of Public Health's Office of Oral Health and its 59 Local Oral Health Programs to implement a Back-Tooth-School activation. Parents, caregivers, and community partners across the state will have resources to help them better understand the vital role a dental check-up plays in school readiness. "Our outreach is geared to get children on a path toward better oral health which will lead to better overall health an academic success," said California's Dental Director, Jayanth Kumar, DDS, MPH.



Back-Tooth-School resources include informational flyers, videos, fact sheets, presentations, and social media images, all of which are available for download on the new Oral Health and School Readiness page at SmileCalifornia.org and SonrieCalifornia.org. "Regular check-ups give dentists the opportunity to identify and treat tooth decay, apply protective treatments like sealants and fluoride varnish, and, most importantly, discover problems that could cause pain and potentially even harm a child's self-confidence and overall school performance," said Alani Jackson, Chief of the Medi-Cal Dental Services Division within DHCS. "Medi-Cal Dental is here to help. We provide free or low-cost check-ups every six months for members under the age of 21 and molar sealants up to the same age."

All children should begin seeing a dentist by the time their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday. In fact, California requires that a child have a comprehensive oral check-up by the time they are ready to enter public school. The "Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment" aims to help schools identify children suffering from untreated dental disease and helps parents and caregivers establish a dental home for their children. This will ensure early detection and preventive services for children to help mitigate pain, difficulty eating or speaking, and school absences. Back-Tooth-School activation efforts are taking place throughout the state. To find a dental home or learn more about Smile, California or how you can participate in the Back-Tooth-School activation, visit SmileCalifornia.org. About the California Department of Health Care Services DHCS provides Californians with access to affordable, integrated, high-quality health care, including medical, dental, mental health, substance use treatment services and long-term care. Our vision is to preserve and improve the overall health and well-being of all Californians. 1 Griffin SO, Wei L, Gooch BF, Weno K, Espinoza L. Vital Signs: Dental Sealant Use and Untreated Tooth Decay Among U.S. School-Aged Children. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:1141-1145

2 California Office of Oral Health. 2018-2020 Third Grade Basic Screening Survey. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005026/en/

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[July 26, 2021] U.S. Gain Hires Lynn Lyon to Direct Sustainable Transportation Efforts

APPLETON, Wis., July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Gain, a leader in the development and distribution of alternative fuel and renewable thermal energy, is excited to welcome Lynn Lyon as their new Director of Business Development  Sustainable Transportation. Through this role, Lyon will collaborate with sustainably focused organizations looking for innovative ways to reduce transportation emissions. "Leveraging our comprehensive suite of Sustainable Energy SolutionsSM and her established background in transportation and alternative fuels, Lyon will engage with fleets to help develop their emissions reduction roadmap. By supplying the cleanest alternative fuels and technologies available, she will help position fleets for success - both now and in the future," stated Scott Hanstedt, director of sales. Lyon will bridge the gap many organizations face when evaluating and implementing the transition to alternative fuel by focusing on fleets that prioritize sustainability. "There has never been a better time to work in the alternative fuel space. We have favorable policy environments, strong market demand, and effective new technology," Lyon noted. "I am ecstatic and honored to join U.S. Gain's impressive team to accelerate momentum to meet the demand for the cleanest fuel, at th best value."



Lyon began her career working with the Department of Energy, engaging with alternative fuel competition programs, before moving into a consultant role at Ernst & Young, where she worked with Fortune 500 customers globally. From there, Lyon quickly broadened her breadth of expertise  she initiated a new alternative fuels program for a leading energy producer in Texas, championed the Texas Clean Transportation bill that Governor Perry signed into law in 2011, served on the board of directors for NGVAmerica, and was appointed to the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas' advisory board. Most recently, Lyon was the Vice President of Marketing Strategy for Hexagon, a global leader in sensor, software, and autonomous solutions. In this role, she led their international marketing strategy for alternative fuel products and their associated systems  inclusive of natural gas, hydrogen, electric, and propane. Throughout her career, she's worked diligently to share insight and perspectives that have helped shape today's alternative fuels market. Lyon is widely known for leveraging social media to keep her network of more than 260,000 LinkedIn and 4,700 Twitter followers current on key market trends, policy changes, and technology updates.

"We're thrilled to have Lynn joining our team," shared Mike Koel, President of U.S. Gain. "Within the transportation industry, while many are adopting alternative fuel voluntarily, others are left to reconfigure their fueling portfolios to comply with emerging mandates. This role will enable fleets to understand their options and implement a solution that can grow alongside their operations and increasingly stringent sustainability goals." About U.S. Gain

U.S. Gain is a leader in the development and distribution of alternative fuel and renewable thermal energy. Over the past ten years, we've diversified throughout the renewable natural gas supply chain, becoming vertically integrated to provide the cleanest fuel and energy at the best value. We're developing renewable natural gas at farms, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants to reduce emissions for sustainably driven organizations. Further, we continue to build a platform of alternative fuel solutions that enable the polyfuel future fleets demand while also offering credit generation services under the RFS, LCFS, and CFP programs. Backed by the strength and size of U.S. Venture, Inc., a leading provider of transportation products and insight driving the world forward, we are committed to finding a better way to succeed by offering unrivaled expertise, tenacity, and character in all we do. To learn more, visit www.usgain.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-gain-hires-lynn-lyon-to-direct-sustainable-transportation-efforts-301341229.html SOURCE U.S. Gain

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[July 26, 2021] Insights on the Network Probe Global Market to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact Analysis Report and Forecasts

DUBLIN, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Network Probe Market By Component, By Deployment Type, By Enterprise Size, By End User, By Regional Outlook, COVID-19 Impact Analysis Report and Forecast, 2021 - 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Network Probe Market size is expected to reach $1 billion by 2027, rising at a market growth of 11.1% CAGR during the forecast period. Network Probe is considered as an ideal network monitor and protocol analyzer to keep track of network traffic in real-time and will assist the company to identify the best sources of any network slow-downs in a fraction of seconds. Network probe will help the company to understand which protocols are being utilized on your network, which hosts are sending and receiving data, the location of the traffic, and when all this occurs.



As companies are switching towards the cloud and adopting the latest technologies, the method with which they develop and establish network frameworks should also evolve. The potential of the networks in business processes and business efficiencies is growing with each day, and with the optimistic correlation, the requirements of dynamic businesses are expanding the size and complexity of networks. As the complications of the business networks are increasing, network operation teams are compelled to install various tools to get visibility and control in order to do the management of their networks. Network probe provides integrated methods for managing complicated networks.



There is a swift growth in device interconnectivity and virtualization technology because of the increasing adoption of the improved technologies in the market. It further results in the growing number of cyber-attack cases and security issues leads to the requirement for a suitable mechanism for network performance and security testing.



Thus, several companies have begun to deploy network probes to offer in-depth network visibility into the network infrastructure. It is because network probe solutions deliver security to wired & wireless networking, and complete network security, which helps in decreasing the threats or cases of cyber-attacks. This further augments the growth of the network probe market during the forecast period.



COVID-19 Impact



Due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, numerous nations have imposed stringent lockdown, shutdowns, and movement restrictions with an aim to curb the transmission of this deadly virus. The onsite installation of network probe tools is majorly hampered due to the shutdowns of borders, strict lockdown norms, and disruptions in supply chains. Business efficiency and employee productivity have also been negatively affected by the global pandemic. The demand and traffic of the internet have increased substantially due to the high adoption of work-from-home culture by many individuals because of the lockdown norms in various nations. Owing to this, there is a surge in the requirements for network probe solutions to manage the increasing network traffic and the growing number of network attacks. Therefore, the market is expected to witness bright prospects post the pandemic.



Component Outlook



Based on Component, the market is segmented into Solution and Services. The solution component of the network probe market is expected to showcase a major CAGR during the forecast period. Network probe is capable of delivering total, real-time visibility into companies' network traffic that includes encrypted and evasive traffic. With the help of network probe, the administrators become empowered to manage network and application problems by accurately identifying the reasons for slowdowns, downtime, and bottlenecks.



Deployment Type Outlook



Based on Deployment Type, the market is segmented into On-premise and Cloud. On the basis of the deployment model, the On-premises segment is expected to emerge as a leading segment in the market during the forecast period. In the on-premises deployment model, the metadata is recorded by sensors installed in remotely located units throughout the network. All aspects like setup, configuration, maintenance, and installation of solutions are managed on a local basis on the premises of end-users. This kind of deployment solution provided offline data nalytics and package filtering and offers superior control over systems and data.







Enterprise Size Outlook



Based on Enterprise Size, the market is segmented into Large Enterprises and Small & Medium Enterprises. The small and medium-sized enterprises segment is expected to showcase a promising growth rate throughout the forecast period. These companies face many challenges due to a lower budget for network infrastructure, in spite of developments in technologies. Though, with the high accessibility of low-cost cloud services, SMEs have switched towards digital transformation so as to take advantage of the latest technologies like cloud, analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and Software-Defined Networking (SDN).





End User Outlook



Based on End User, the market is segmented into Service Providers, Government & Defense, IT & Telecom, BFSI and Others. With the growing developments in network monitoring devices, network probe solution vendors have begun to provide end-to-end network prove solutions, combined with network security features, to harness the ability of the flow-based technology, and track & analyse network traffic. Using network probes, SMEs can protect themselves from digital intruders. Moreover, network probe is highly beneficial for SMEs as it assists in network monitoring, and real-time network visibility and analysis to enhance network performance, and offer network security and privacy.



Regional Outlook



Based on Regions, the market is segmented into North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , and Latin America , Middle East & Africa . The Asia pacific network probe market is expected to witness robust strong during the forecast years. The Asia Pacific is considered to be one of the fastest emerging regions in the world. With the increasing number of latest technologies, there is a gradual development in the amount of data traffic within a company's networks. Due to this, the number of cyber-attacks like a virus, malware, and DoS on enterprise networks has significantly increased, resulting in the high demand for network probe solutions among organizations in the region, particularly in the fastest-growing countries like Japan , China , and India .



The major strategies followed by the market participants are partnerships. Based on the Analysis presented in the Cardinal matrix; Cisco Systems, Inc. and IBM Corporation are the forerunners in the Network Probe Market. Companies such as Catchpoint Systems, Inc., Broadcom, Inc., AppNeta, NEC Corporation are some of the key innovators in the market.



The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include SolarWinds Corporation, NetScout Systems, Inc., Broadcom, Inc., IBM Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc., Nokia Corporation, NEC Corporation, Micro Focus International PLC, AppNeta, and Catchpoint Systems, Inc. Unique Offerings from the Publisher Exhaustive coverage

Highest number of market tables and figures

Subscription based model available

Guaranteed best price

Assured post sales research support with 10% customization free Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Market Scope & Methodology Chapter 2. Market Overview

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 Overview

2.1.2 Market Composition and Scenario

2.2 Key Factors Impacting the Market

2.2.1 Market Drivers

2.2.2 Market Restraints



Chapter 3. Competition Analysis - Global

3.1 Cardinal Matrix

3.2 Recent Industry Wide Strategic Developments

3.2.1 Partnerships, Collaborations and Agreements

3.2.2 Product Launches and Product Expansions

3.2.3 Acquisition and Mergers

3.3 Top Winning Strategies

3.3.1 Key Leading Strategies: Percentage Distribution (2016-2020)

3.3.2 Key Strategic Move: (Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements : 2017, Oct - 2021, Jun) Leading Players



Chapter 4. Global Network Probe Market by Component

4.1 Global Network Probe Solution Market by Region

4.2 Global Network Probe Services Market by Region



Chapter 5. Global Network Probe Market by Deployment Type

5.1 Global On-premise Network Probe Market by Region

5.2 Global Cloud Network Probe Market by Region



Chapter 6. Global Network Probe Market by Enterprise Size

6.1 Global Large Enterprises Network Probe Market by Region

6.2 Global Small & Medium Enterprises Network Probe Market by Region



Chapter 7. Global Network Probe Market by End User

7.1 Global Service Providers Network Probe Market by Region

7.2 Global Government & Defense Network Probe Market by Region

7.3 Global IT & Telecom Network Probe Market by Region

7.4 Global BFSI Network Probe Market by Region

7.5 Global Others Network Probe Market by Region



Chapter 8. Global Network Probe Market by Region



Chapter 9. Company Profiles

9.1 SolarWinds Corporation

9.1.1 Company Overview

9.1.2 Financial Analysis

9.1.3 Regional Analysis

9.1.4 Research and Development Expenses

9.1.5 Recent strategies and developments:

9.1.5.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.1.5.2 Product Launches and Product Expansions:

9.1.5.3 Acquisition and Mergers:

9.1.6 SWOT Analysis

9.2 NetScout Systems, Inc.

9.2.1 Company Overview

9.2.2 Financial Analysis

9.2.3 Regional Analysis

9.2.4 Research and Development Expenses

9.2.5 Recent strategies and developments:

9.2.5.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.2.5.2 Product Launches and Product Expansions:

9.3 Broadcom, Inc.

9.3.1 Company Overview

9.3.2 Financial Analysis

9.3.3 Segmental and Regional Analysis

9.3.4 Research & Development Expense

9.3.5 Recent strategies and developments:

9.3.5.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.3.5.2 Product Launches and Product Expansions:

9.3.5.3 Acquisition and Mergers:

9.3.6 SWOT Analysis

9.4 IBM Corporation

9.4.1 Company Overview

9.4.2 Financial Analysis

9.4.3 Regional & Segmental Analysis

9.4.4 Research & Development Expenses

9.4.5 Recent strategies and developments:

9.4.5.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.4.5.2 Acquisition and Mergers:

9.4.6 SWOT Analysis

9.5 Cisco Systems, Inc.

9.5.1 Company Overview

9.5.2 Financial Analysis

9.5.3 Regional Analysis

9.5.4 Research & Development Expense

9.5.5 Recent strategies and developments:

9.5.5.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.5.5.2 Product Launches and Product Expansions:

9.5.5.3 Acquisition and Mergers:

9.5.6 SWOT Analysis

9.6 Nokia Corporation

9.6.1 Company Overview

9.6.2 Financial Analysis

9.6.3 Segmental and Regional Analysis

9.6.4 Research & Development Expense

9.6.5 Recent strategies and developments:

9.6.5.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.6.6 SWOT Analysis

9.7 NEC Corporation

9.7.1 Company Overview

9.7.2 Financial Analysis

9.7.3 Segmental Analysis

9.7.4 Research & Development Expenses

9.7.5 Recent strategies and developments:

9.7.5.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.7.6 SWOT Analysis

9.8 Micro Focus International PLC

9.8.1 Company Overview

9.8.2 Financial Analysis

9.8.3 Regional Analysis

9.8.4 Research & Development Expenses

9.8.5 Recent strategies and developments:

9.8.5.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.8.5.2 Acquisition and Mergers:

9.8.6 SWOT Analysis

9.9 AppNeta

9.9.1 Company Overview

9.9.2 Recent strategies and developments:

9.9.2.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.9.2.2 Product Launches and Product Expansions:

9.10. Catchpoint Systems, Inc.

9.10.1 Company Overview

9.10.2 Recent strategies and developments:

9.10.2.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:

9.10.2.2 Product Launches and Product Expansions:

9.10.2.3 Acquisition and Mergers: For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/46ppfi Media Contact: Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insights-on-the-network-probe-global-market-to-2027---covid-19-impact-analysis-report-and-forecasts-301340977.html SOURCE Research and Markets

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[July 26, 2021] Registration Open for Third Annual Bermuda Tech Summit

The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) announced that registration is open for the third annual Bermuda Tech Summit, which takes place from October 13-15, 2021. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005696/en/ Bermuda Tech Summit 2021 Theme. (Photo: Business Wire) Centred on the theme "Transforming the Digital Landscape," the free, virtual summit will bring together the world's leading technology thought leaders to reimagine the digital universe of the future, providing attendees with insights on the latest trends and predictions of future developments. Roland Ady Burrows, the BDA's CEO said, "Bermuda has repeatedly proved itself open to change, and we invite fellow changemakers to attend this year's summit to discuss the constantly transforming digital landscape."



"The 2021 Bermuda Tech Summit will give professionals the chance to expand their network, create new partnerships, and interact with leading innovators, legal experts, and business executives - a rare opportunity not to be missed," Mr. Burrows said. "We are also excited to announce three platinum sponsors have already come onboard to support the event: Appleby, Bittrex Global and Circle." Organisations that wish to participate in an esteemed event that attracts a global audience of driven and curious professionals, can register their interest as potential sponsors at info@bda.bm.

Once again, the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), the leading industry association for the blockchain technology ecosystem, has provided the BDA with their expertise and insight into global tech developments. Prospective attendees can click here to learn more about the Bermuda Tech Summit, which this year will be hosted on a new virtual platform - BDA Live. A testament to Bermuda's innovative spirit, BDA Live delivers an on-island feel in a seamless conference setting that encourages networking, as well as the ability to view presentations and hold private meetings. CONNECTING BUSINESS The BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate, or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Our goal? To make doing business in Bermuda smooth and beneficial. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005696/en/

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[July 26, 2021] TrueBlue Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

TrueBlue (NYSE:TBI) today announced its second quarter results for 2021. Second quarter revenue was $516 million, an increase of 44 percent compared to revenue of $359 million in the second quarter of 2020. Net income per diluted share was $0.45 compared to net loss per diluted share of $0.23 in the second quarter of 2020. Second quarter adjusted net income1 per diluted share was $0.47 compared to adjusted net loss per diluted share of $0.12 in the second quarter of 2020. "The momentum from earlier in the year carried into the second quarter with strong revenue growth across all segments driven by new business wins and higher existing client volumes," said Patrick Beharelle, CEO of TrueBlue. "We are capitalizing on strong demand in the markets and industries we serve and driving improvement in our segment profit margins. "I'm enthusiastic that our technology strategies will also make our service delivery costs more scalable resulting in a higher EBITDA1 margin during this economic expansion compared to the last cycle," Mr. Beharelle continued. "JobStack continues to be a competitive differentiator for our PeopleReady business as heavy client users show stronger growth compared to the rest of our customer base and now represent 46% of PeopleReady U.S. on-demand revenue. We are excited about the prospects for the remainder of the year and beyond." 2021 Outlook TrueBlue is providing certain forward-looking information to help investors form their own estimates, which can be found in the quarterly earnings presentation filed today. Management will discuss second quarter 2021 results on a webcast at 2:30 p.m. PT (5:30 p.m. ET), today, Monday, Jul. 26, 2021. The webcast can be accessed on TrueBlue's website: www.trueblue.com. About TrueBlue TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI) is a leading provider of specialized workforce solutions that help clients achieve business growth and improve productivity. In 2020, TrueBlue connected approximately 490,000 people with work. Its PeopleReady segment offers on-demand, industrial staffing, PeopleManagement offers contingent, on-site industrial staffing and commercial driver services, and PeopleScout offers recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) and managed service provider (MSP) solutions to a wide variety of industries. Learn more at www.trueblue.com. 1 See the financial statements accompanying the release and the company's website for more information on non-GAAP terms. Forward-looking statements This document contains forward-looking statements relating to our plans and expectations, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release and involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements including: (1) national and global economic conditions, (2) the continued impact of COVID-19 and related economic impact and governmental response, (3) our ability to access sufficient capital to finance our operations, including our ability to comply with covenants contained in our revolving credit facility, (4) our ability to attract and retain clients, (5) our ability to attract sufficient qualified candidates and employees to meet the needs of our clients, (6) our ability to maintain profit margins, (7) new laws, regulations, and government incentives that could affect our operations or financial results, (8) our ability to successfully execute on business strategies to further digitalize our business model, and (9) any reduction or change in tax credits we utilize, including the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Other information regarding factors that could affect our results is included in our Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including the company's most recent reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by visiting our website at www.trueblue.com under the Investor Relations section or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Any other references to future financial estimates are included for informational purposes only and subject to risk factors discussed in our most recent filings with the SEC. In addition, we use several non-GAAP financial measures when presenting our financial results in this document. Please refer to the reconciliations between our GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures in the appendix to this document and on our website at www.trueblue.com under the Investor Relations section for additional information on both current and historical periods. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is used to enhance the understanding of certain aspects of our financial performance. It is not meant to be considered in isolation, superior to, or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.







TRUEBLUE, INC. SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) 13 weeks ended 26 weeks ended (in thousands, except per share data) Jun 27, 2021 Jun 28, 2020 Jun 27, 2021 Jun 28, 2020 Revenue from services $ 515,955 $ 358,944 $ 974,661 $ 853,196 Cost of services 379,487 275,719 727,619 643,812 Gross profit 136,468 83,225 247,042 209,384 Selling, general and administrative expense 110,508 97,200 207,909 214,581 Depreciation and amortization 7,017 7,256 13,979 16,350 Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge - - - 175,189 Income (loss) from operations 18,943 (21,231 ) 25,154 (196,736 ) Interest expense and other income, net 724 (412 ) 1,299 (149 ) Income (loss) before tax expense (benefit) 19,667 (21,643 ) 26,453 (196,885 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 3,783 (13,475 ) 3,671 (38,223 ) Net income (loss) $ 15,884 $ (8,168 ) $ 22,782 $ (158,662 ) Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.46 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.66 $ (4.39 ) Diluted $ 0.45 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.65 $ (4.39 ) Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 34,818 35,077 34,746 36,166 Diluted 35,352 35,077 35,205 36,166

TRUEBLUE, INC. SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (in thousands) Jun 27, 2021 Dec 27, 2020 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 105,234 $ 62,507 Accounts receivable, net 292,731 278,343 Other current assets 34,560 38,035 Total current assets 432,525 378,885 Property and equipment, net 82,079 71,734 Restricted cash and investments 224,649 240,534 Goodwill and intangible assets, net 120,274 123,802 Other assets, net 158,541 165,622 Total assets $ 1,018,068 $ 980,577 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts payable and other accrued expenses $ 52,116 $ 58,447 Accrued wages and benefits 136,675 122,657 Current portion of workers' compensation claims reserve 60,032 66,007 Other current liabilities 25,715 21,856 Total current liabilities 274,538 268,967 Workers' compensation claims reserve, less current portion 194,863 189,486 Other long-term liabilities 83,437 84,934 Total liabilities 552,838 543,387 Shareholders' equity 465,230 437,190 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,018,068 $ 980,577 TRUEBLUE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) 26 weeks ended (in thousands) Jun 27, 2021 Jun 28, 2020 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 22,782 $ (158,662 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 13,979 16,350 Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge - 175,189 Allowance for credit losses 2,094 5,923 Stock-based compensation 6,916 4,345 Deferred income taxes 652 (27,049 ) Non-cash lease expense 7,853 7,454 Other operating activities (1,473 ) 2,669 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (16,486 ) 111,803 Income tax receivable 1,103 (7,291 ) Operating lease right-of-use-asset 6,135 - Other assets (2,495 ) 4,682 Accounts payable and other accrued expenses (6,952 ) (22,197 ) Other accrued wages and benefits 11,208 (10,809 ) Deferred employer payroll taxes 2,810 15,730 Workers' compensation claims reserve (598 ) (5,668 ) Operating lease liabilities (6,729 ) (7,643 ) Other liabilities 6,563 (1,344 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 47,362 103,482 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (19,868 ) (11,641 ) Purchases of restricted available-for-sale investments (14 ) (1,739 ) Sales of restricted available-for-sale investments 452 2,581 Purchases of restricted held-to-maturity investments - (11,458 ) Maturities of restricted held-to-maturity investments 15,143 16,190 Net cash used in investing activities (4,287 ) (6,067 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Purchases and retirement of common stock - (52,346 ) Net proceeds from employee stock purchase plans 538 536 Common stock repurchases for taxes upon vesting of restricted stock (2,686 ) (1,956 ) Net change in revolving credit facility - 7,900 Other (188 ) (1,344 ) Net cash used in financing activities (2,336 ) (47,210 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 319 (736 ) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 41,058 49,469 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 118,612 92,371 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 159,670 $ 141,840 TRUEBLUE, INC. SEGMENT DATA (Unaudited) 13 weeks ended (in thousands) Jun 27, 2021 Jun 28, 2020 Revenue from services: PeopleReady $ 299,316 $ 209,151 PeopleManagement 152,356 118,661 PeopleScout 64,283 31,132 Total company $ 515,955 $ 358,944 Segment profit (loss) (1): PeopleReady $ 18,437 $ 633 PeopleManagement 3,221 1,803 PeopleScout 10,857 (2,782 ) Total segment profit (loss) 32,515 (346 ) Corporate unallocated expense (7,307 ) (4,929 ) Total company Adjusted EBITDA (2) 25,208 (5,275 ) Work Opportunity Tax Credit processing fees (3) (30 ) - Amortization of software as a service assets (4) (646 ) (565 ) Workforce reduction costs (5) (14 ) (11,011 ) COVID-19 government subsidies 2,296 3,104 Other adjustments, net (6) (854 ) (228 ) EBITDA (2) 25,960 (13,975 ) Depreciation and amortization (7,017 ) (7,256 ) Interest expense and other income, net 724 (412 ) Income (loss) before tax (expense) benefit 19,667 (21,643 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (3,783 ) 13,475 Net income (loss) $ 15,884 $ (8,168 ) (1) We evaluate performance based on segment revenue and segment profit. Segment profit includes revenue, related cost of services, and ongoing operating expenses directly attributable to the reportable segment. Segment profit excludes depreciation and amortization expense, unallocated corporate general and administrative expense, interest expense, other income, income taxes, and other adjustments not considered to be ongoing. (2) See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table on the next page for definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. (3) These third-party processing fees are associated with generating the Work Opportunity Tax Credits, which are designed to encourage employers to hire workers from certain targeted groups with higher than average unemployment rates. (4) Amortization of software as a service assets is reported in selling, general and administrative expense. (5) Workforce reduction costs for the 13 weeks ended June 28, 2020 were primarily due to employee reductions as part of our cost management actions in response to COVID-19 ($3.0 million in cost of services and $8.0 million in selling, general and administrative expense). (6) Other adjustments for the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2021 primarily include redundant lease expense of $0.8 million incurred while transitioning into our new Chicago office. Other adjustments also include implementation costs for cloud-based systems of $0.1 million for all periods presented. TRUEBLUE, INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS In addition to financial measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we monitor certain non-GAAP key financial measures. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is used to enhance the understanding of certain aspects of our financial performance. It is not meant to be considered in isolation, superior to, or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP measure Definition Purpose of adjusted measures EBITDA and

Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA excludes from net income (loss): - interest expense and other income, net, - income taxes, and - depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA, further excludes: - Work Opportunity Tax Credit third-party processing fees, - amortization of software as a service assets, - workforce reductions costs, - COVID-19 government subsidies, and - other adjustments, net. - Enhances comparability on a consistent basis and provides investors with useful insight into the underlying trends of the business. - Used by management to assess performance and effectiveness of our business strategies. - Provides a measure, among others, used in the determination of incentive compensation for management. Adjusted net income (loss)

and Adjusted net income

(loss) per diluted share Net income (loss) and net income (loss) per diluted share, excluding: - amortization of intangibles of acquired businesses, - amortization of software as a service assets, - workforce reduction costs, - COVID-19 government subsidies - other adjustments, net, - tax effect of each adjustment to U.S. GAAP - Enhances comparability on a consistent basis and provides investors with useful insight into the underlying trends of the business. - Used by management to assess performance and effectiveness of our business strategies. 1. RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) AND ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER DILUTED SHARE

(Unaudited) 13 weeks ended (in thousands, except for per share data) Jun 27, 2021 Jun 28, 2020 Net income (loss) $ 15,884 $ (8,168 ) Amortization of intangible assets of acquired businesses 1,810 2,071 Amortization of software as a service assets (1) 646 565 Workforce reduction costs (2) 14 11,011 COVID-19 government subsidies (2,296 ) (3,104 ) Other adjustments, net (3) 854 228 Tax effect of adjustments to net income (loss) (4) (449 ) (6,706 ) Adjusted net income (loss) $ 16,463 $ (4,103 ) Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share $ 0.47 $ (0.12 ) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 35,352 35,077 2. RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA

(Unaudited) 13 weeks ended (in thousands) Jun 27, 2021 Jun 28, 2020 Net income (loss) $ 15,884 $ (8,168 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 3,783 (13,475 ) Interest expense and other (income), net (724 ) 412 Depreciation and amortization 7,017 7,256 EBITDA 25,960 (13,975 ) Work Opportunity Tax Credit processing fees (5) 30 - Amortization of software as a service assets (1) 646 565 Workforce reduction costs (2) 14 11,011 COVID-19 government subsidies (2,296 ) (3,104 ) Other adjustments, net (3) 854 228 Adjusted EBITDA $ 25,208 $ (5,275 ) (1) Amortization of software as a service assets is reported in selling, general and administrative expense. (2) Workforce reduction costs for the 13 weeks ended June 28, 2020 were primarily due to employee reductions as part of our cost management actions in response to COVID-19 ($3.0 million in cost of services and $8.0 million in selling, general and administrative expense). (3) Other adjustments for the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2021 primarily include redundant lease expense of $0.8 million incurred while transitioning into our new Chicago office. Other adjustments also include implementation costs for cloud-based systems of $0.1 million for all periods presented. (4) Total tax effect of each of the adjustments to U.S. GAAP net income (loss) using the expected income tax rate of 14 percent for 2021 and the effective income tax rate of 62 percent for Q2 2020. (5) These third-party processing fees are associated with generating the Work Opportunity Tax Credits, which are designed to encourage employers to hire workers from certain targeted groups with higher than average unemployment rates. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005503/en/

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[July 26, 2021] An Affiliate of Walton Street Capital, L.L.C. Acquires Pacifica, a 324-unit Apartment Complex Near West Palm Beach

An affiliate of Walton Street Capital, L.L.C. ("Walton Street") announced that it has acquired a newly built 324-unit apartment complex located at 1100 Audace Avenue in Boynton Beach, FL ("Pacifica" or the "property"). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005785/en/ Pacifica, a 324-unit apartment complex near West Palm Beach (Photo: Business Wire) Completed in 2020, the property consists of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments across six mid-rise elevator buildings that are currently 99% leased. It features modern amenities and contemporary interior finishes. Unit finishes include 9.6 ft. ceilings, priate balcony/patios, soft-close Italian cabinetry, open-concept kitchen with quartz islands and stainless-steel appliances. Community amenities feature a two-story, resort-style clubhouse overlooking a pool, two parks with ample green space, playground, game room, kitchen/bar, state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga room and spin studio, conference rooms, and Luxer One automated package system.



Pacifica is situated in downtown Boynton Beach adjacent to the Town Square complex and features immediate access to I-95 making it a 40-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale and a 15-minute drive to downtown West Palm Beach. Residents at Pacifica enjoy the property's proximity to parks and beaches along with the variety of shopping and dining options nearby. "This was an attractive opportunity to acquire a high-quality, well-leased, and newly built multifamily asset in a growing South Florida market in a direct transaction with the developer. We are excited to further expand our multifamily and housing portfolio in markets that are demonstrating strong employment and population growth," said Stephen Sotoloff, Senior Principal at Walton Street.

About Walton Street Capital, L.L.C.: Walton Street is a private equity real estate fund manager that, since its inception in 1994 through its affiliates, has raised over $14 billion of capital commitments from a broad cross-section of sophisticated institutional investors. Walton Street's senior management has collectively acquired, financed, managed and sold over $50 billion of real estate and have an average of 21 years of real estate industry experience. Senior management has collectively invested and managed both real estate equity and debt through several real estate cycles over five separate decades and more than 40 years, forging long-term and deep relationships with lenders, public and private real estate owners, operators, brokers, managers, and industry service providers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005785/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Global Blockchain Ventures (GBV) Invests $5,000,000 in Mercury Cash, a Global Cash and Cryptocurrency Management Solution, to Support the Company's Expansion in the United States and the European Union for Banking Services

Global Blockchain Ventures Fund, LP ("Global Blockchain Ventures," "GBV") the blockchain focused investment fund led by Al Weiss and created to "invest in emerging market founders on a mission to change the world" has invested $5 million in funding to Mercury Cash for the company's Banking Charter preparation as part of its U.S. expansion plan. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005788/en/ The proceeds will facilitate meeting Banking licensing requirements. Mercury Cash will then proceed in the process to formally become a bank in the United States and be able to offer dollar bank accounts in customers' names; this step will allow Mercury Cash to improve banking services and reduce the risk of relying on third party institutions to provide fiduciary financial services by having independent risk management with users for the on and off ramp. "Mercury Cash is disrupting all traditional banking services, as well as exposing companies to digital assets in a way that complies with current regulations. Businesses can conduct multiple transactions in different countries in a matter of seconds with a single account, and it also allows them to switch from cryptocurrencies to dollars and other currencies in seconds," comments Al Weiss, Chairman and General Partner, Global Blockchain Ventures. "When I met Victor and his team, I had no hesitation in becoming a partner of Mercury Cash." Mercury Cash's current offering, on a best-efforts basis, is an investment round is up to USD $15,000,000, with which the company has planned to execute the expansion in the United States and the European Union for banking services. "To consolidate the set of tools that the company has designed to offer our solution to Fortun 500 companies, and in addition, to stop depending on third party entities for the provision of our financial services and to increase the portfolio of payment products, which will allow us to provide greater efficiency, independence, and greater security to our type of customers: CFOs, General Managers, Treasury Managers, Auditors, Controllers, Managers and many more. Only companies that are being audited know how difficult it is," states Mercury Cash Global Operations CEO, Victor Romero. "The Mercury Cash team is thankful to GBV. They have trusted our work and we have responded to their expectations. We are very happy to have them as investment partners."



About Global Blockchain Ventures Fund, LP Global Blockchain Ventures Fund, LP ("Global Blockchain Ventures," "GBV") is a blockchain-focused venture capital fund specializing in blockchain-enabled applications within synergistic technology platforms including Internet of Things, MedTech, Artificial Intelligence, and Healthcare.

www.gbv.fund About Mercury Cash Mercury Cash is a global cash and cryptocurrency management solution designed for Fortune 500 companies that provides access to centralized and decentralized finance in one place. https://www.mercury.cash LEGAL DISCLAIMER The information set forth in this press release includes statements, estimates, projections with respect to our anticipated future performance and other forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may", "might", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "future" or "continue", the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and expectations and are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, estimates and projections are based upon various assumptions that we made concerning our anticipated results and industry trends, which may or may not occur. We are not making any representations as to the accuracy of these statements, estimates or projections. Our actual performance may be materially different from the statements, estimates or projections set forth below. We are under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements to conform them to actual results or revised expectations. This announcement is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Mercury Cash equity offering is being offered only pursuant to the Private Placement Memorandum issued by Mercury Cash. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005788/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Calix Releases Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Calix (News - Alert) , Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced unaudited financial results for its second quarter 2021 have been posted as a letter to stockholders to the investor relations section of its website. Please visit the Calix investor relations website at https://investor-relations.calix.com to view the second quarter 2021 financial results in our letter to stockholders, along with accompanying supplemental financial information. A conference call to discuss these results with Chairman and CEO Carl Russo, CFO Cory Sindelar, President and COO Michael Weening and Investor Relations Director Tom Dinges, will be held tomorrow, July 27, 2021, at 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time (8:30 a.m. Eastern Time). Interested parties can listen to a live webcast of the conference call by visiting the Calix Investor Relations website at http://investor-relations.calix.com/. The conference call is also available via teleconference by dialing (877) 407-4019 or international (201) 689-8337 with conference ID# 13720802 or participants can also click this link for instant telephone access to the event. The link will become active approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the conference call. The conference call and webcast will include forward-looking information.



A replay of the conference call will also be available on the Calix investor relations website following the completion of the call. The call will be archived on the Events page of the Calix investor relations website. About Calix

Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) - Calix cloud and software platforms enable service providers of all types and sizes to innovate and transform. Our customers utilize the real-time data and insights from Calix platforms to simplify their businesses and deliver experiences that excite their subscribers. The resulting growth in subscriber acquisition, loyalty and revenue creates more value for their businesses and communities. This is the Calix mission; to enable broadband service providers of all sizes to simplify, excite and grow. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005597/en/

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[July 26, 2021] Cogeco connects 3,595 homes and businesses to high-speed Internet

BURLINGTON, ON, July 26, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Cogeco Connexion, a subsidiary of Cogeco Communication Inc. (TSX: CCA) is proud to announce that residents and businesses in Hastings County will be able to access high-speed Internet through an $8.8 million joint investment with the Government of Ontario. This includes the City of Belleville, the Township of Stirling-Rawdon, the Municipality of Centre Hastings, and the Municipality of Tweed. Today, the Government of Ontario announced they are investing up to $14.7 million in 13 projects to expand high-speed Internet to more areas in Ontario through the Improving Connectivity in Ontaro (ICON) program. "Our government continues to bring high-speed internet access across the province, including to several remote and First Nation communities," said Hon. Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. "This investment will connect over 17,000 homes and businesses with access to reliable, high-speed internet. We're doing everything we can to help ensure no one is left behind in today's digital world."



"Cogeco is proud to join forces with Minister Kinga Surma and the Government of Ontario to connect 3,595 homes and businesses in the communities of Hastings County. Our robust and reliable network infrastructure will enable high-speed broadband internet services with download speeds of up to 1Gbps, which is comparable to what we offer in major urban centres. This $8.8 million joint investment is another concrete step toward reducing the digital divide between urban and rural areas in Ontario and driving economic growth, which is crucial for the communities we serve," says Frederic Perron, President of Cogeco Connexion. Cogeco reinforces its leadership position in regional areas with this significant investment in addition to the billions of dollars already invested in serving its residential and business clients. It demonstrates Cogeco's strong support to Ontario's regional and rural economic development and efforts to increase competitiveness for companies and workers. Homes and businesses in Hastings County will benefit from Cogeco's full range of services, including the most flexible television and high-speed Internet services with download speeds of up to 1GB and unlimited data transfer capacity on most packages.

Additional projects will soon be announced as part of Cogeco's ongoing four-year commitment to investing over $1 billion in expanding its advanced Canadian broadband network to connect communities throughout Ontario. ABOUT COGECO CONNEXION Cogeco Connexion regroups the Canadian cable operations of Cogeco Communications Inc. Cogeco Connexion is the second largest cable operator in Ontario and Quebec based on the number of Internet service customers served. It provides its residential and small business customers with Internet, video and telephony services through its two-way broadband cable networks. Cogeco Communications Inc. is a communications corporation and is the 8th largest hybrid fibre coaxial cable operator in North America operating in Canada under the Cogeco Connexion brand name in Quebec and Ontario, and in the United States through its subsidiary Atlantic Broadband in 11 states along the East Coast, from Maine to Florida. Cogeco Communications Inc.'s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA). SOURCE Cogeco Connexion

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INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation of ATI Physical Therapy (ATIP) on Behalf of Investors

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces an investigation on behalf of ATI Physical Therapy, Inc. ("ATI" or the "Company") (NYSE: ATIP) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws.

On June 16, 2021, ATI completed its business combination with Fortress Value Acquisition Corp. II ("FVAC II"), a special purpose acquisition company.

On July 26, 2021, ATI reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2021. The Company reduced its fiscal 2021 guidance due to "the acceleration of attrition among [is] therapists in the second quarter and continuing into the third quarter."







On this news, the Company's share price fell $3.62, or 43%, to close at $4.72 per share on July 26, 2021, thereby injuring investors.

If you purchased ATI securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005817/en/
FORT HOOD, Texas  The 230th Sustainment Brigade, headquartered in Chattanooga, is in Fort Hood, Texas, from July to August, supporting the 278th Armored Combat Regiment as they conduct the National Guards eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise.

More than 500 Soldiers with the 230th are providing direct support to the 278ths 3,000 combat troops by providing fuel, food, ice, water, logistical support, and vehicle maintenance.

Every section has been strong during their time here at XCTC, said Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Seber, command sergeant major of the 230th Sustainment Brigade. Its like Bill Belechek says, everyone just has to do their job.

According to Col. Christopher Patterson, commander of the 230th, the brigade is able to accomplish multiple tasks with several units by directing effort and managing workflow.

With each major exercise, the mission and players change, said Patterson. What does not change is the doctrine and the utilization of Standard Operating Procedures. It is critical that you exercise them, refresh them, and teach new Soldiers how to do those core functions in the SOPs. This is a great opportunity for those in the field to exercise those tasks and ensure that new Soldiers know them.

The importance of training is valuable to newer Soldiers. Tyrese Starling, a mechanic with the 230th, joined the National Guard in 2017 and was with the 230th in 2019 at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

I have learned a lot, said Starling. Ive learned that its not all theory. When you leave the schoolhouse its if you do this it should work, when in reality sometimes you have to do a little extra or think outside the box.
The Kansas City metro news cycle "started with a bang" this morning. Yet again, the "inner suburbs" prove that the quality of working-class American life is quickly started to fade and becoming increasingly dangerous i.e. KICK-ASS TKC READERS contend that hiding outside of the urban core is no longer an effective strategy to avoid violence.



Check the damage . . .

Multiple people shot at Young Park in Blue Springs BLUE SPRINGS, MO (KCTV) -- Police say multiple people were shot at Young Park late Sunday evening. It happened about 10:30 p.m. at 1200 SE Adams Dairy Parkway. They have been taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police say it's an active investigation.

Multiple victims injured in Blue Springs shooting KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Blue Springs Police Department is investigating a shooting involving multiple victims. BSPD said officers were dispatched to the 1200 SE block of Adams Dairy Parkway near Young Park Sunday night around 10:30 p.m. Officers found multiple shooting victims at the scene.

Shooting at Young Park sends multiple to hospital (NEXSTAR) - LeVar Burton's interest in becoming the permanent host of "Jeopardy!" hasn't waned despite a "scary" experience during filming. Burton, whose tapings begin to air on Monday, told the Associated Press that his experience as guest host started off a bit shakier than he had hoped, mostly because he needed to adjust to the pacing of the show.

Multiple people hurt in Blue Springs shooting off Adams Dairy Parkway Blue Springs, Missouri, police are investigating a shooting near Blue Springs South High School.It happened Sunday night around 10:30.Police were called to Young Park and found a number of people shot.Investigators say they'll all survive - they were all taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Developing . . .
Amid the ongoing pandemic, the "new normal" demands that workers submit to the public health decisions of their employer or look for another line of work.

To be fair, those who object to taking the vaxx after MILLIONS have done the same thing is only one of a series of small indignities that workers will endure over the course of a career.

Today in Kansas City . . .

Truman Medical Centers/University Health to require staff to be vaccinated for COVID-19 Truman Medical Centers/University Health is the first local hospital system to step forward and require all staff members be vaccinated for COVID-19.In an announcement Monday afternoon, hospital officials said staff members will be required to be vaccinated by Sept. 20. "TMC/UH wants to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our patients, our workforce, and our community safe.

The move across the nation . . .

Veterans Affairs to mandate COVID vaccine for health care personnel, first such mandate for federal agency Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough on Monday made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all VA health care personnel, the first such mandate by a federal agency. The mandate includes physicians, dentists, nurses and others who work in patient-facing roles. The VA said it was taking this "necessary step" to keep the veterans it serves "safe."

Related news links . . .

Springfield hospitals report 27 COVID-19 deaths over weekend KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Southwest Missouri's two largest hospital systems reported 27 patients died this past weekend from COVID-19. The region became the epicenter of an outbreak of the highly contagious delta variant in June, sending new cases and hospitalizations soaring again after a five-month reprieve after cases peaked in Missouri from November to January.

Kansas Coronavirus Cases Skyrocket From Hundreds To Thousands Per Week Kansas has managed to travel backward in pandemic time. Suddenly it's February again. Except this time, the state faces a version of COVID-19 that's twice as contagious. The delta variant is plowing through a lightly vaccinated population, and multiplying fast. In mid-June, Kansas saw hundreds of new cases a week.

COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES: Missouri 7-day case positivity rate remains at 14.7% Here are the latest COVID-19 updates around the Kansas City metro area, and in Kansas and Missouri.What you need to know:The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Monday the state has 328,755 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and there have been 5,243 deaths since the outbreak started.

COVID-19 outbreak confirmed at Johnson County summer camp KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A COVID-19 outbreak has occurred at a Johnson County summer camp, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment confirmed Sunday night. Dr. Sanmi Areola, JCDHE director, told KSHB 41 News through a spokesperson that a parks and recreation department's camp was the site of the outbreak and that the "appropriate public health steps" are being taken.

'You are at a great risk': Expert says unvaccinated people shouldn't go into a bar or restaurant In 48 states, the rate of new COVID-19 cases in the past week jumped by at least 10% compared to the previous week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. In 34 of those states, the rate of new cases increased by more than 50%.

Developing . . .
Mr. Kobach can easily claim "law & order" credentials but, in fairness, we can't help but notice the glaring omission of Johnson County law enforcement from this presser . . . The KC metro "Golden Ghetto" enclave has always been politically hostile to this immigration enforcer and thwarted his ambitions throughout his career.



Nevertheless, here's the latest from his camp . . .



Kansas Sheriffs Endorse Kris Kobach for Kansas Attorney General

July 26, 2021 (Topeka)  Several leading Kansas sheriffs announced their support today for Kris Kobach, the experienced conservative candidate in the race for Kansas Attorney General.



Kris Kobach is a trusted conservative who will back the blue and protect the Constitution, said Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse. His experience fighting the ACLU in court shows that he isnt afraid to take on extreme leftists to defend our constitutional rights. He is the law and order candidate in this race, and I offer Kris Kobach my full endorsement.



County sheriffs serve as the first line of defense against crime and against unconstitutional orders and mandates, and they count on a competent Attorney General to serve as the last line of defense.



As a law enforcement administrator, I know Kris Kobach has our back," said Ness County Sheriff, Brandon Mitchell. "As a constitutional lawyer, he is the most qualified and experienced candidate to serve as Kansass top law enforcement officer. Kris backs the blue, and we back him



Sheriffs noted that crime is running rampant where the radical left has been left unchallenged. Violent crimes surged by 3% in 2020, and the number of murders in the U.S. jumped by 25% at the same time leftists demanded to defund the police. They recognize how critical a knowledgeable Attorney General with a strong backbone is to keeping Kansas families safe.



Law enforcement protects our property and our families, and I will always have their backs," said Kris Kobach. "I am honored by the trust Kansas sheriffs have in me, and I am grateful for their support.



Kobach currently represents four Texas sheriffs in a lawsuit against the Biden administration. The suit focuses on the administration issuing a memorandum that prevents sheriffs and ICE agents from detaining and removing from the county illegal aliens who commit serious crimes.



The county sheriffs endorsing Kris Kobach protect and serve in communities across the Sunflower State. They include:



Brian Hill, Shawnee County Sheriff

Bill Carr, Ford County Sheriff

Kris Casper, Wichita County Sheriff

Andy Dedeke, Leavenworth County Sheriff

Kevin Friend, Linn County Sheriff

Scott King, Pawnee County Sheriff

John Merchant, Brown County Sheriff

Brandon Mitchell, Ness County Sheriff

Tim Morse, Jackson County Sheriff

Vernon Valentine, Anderson County Sheriff

################



Developing . . .


As always, the KICK-ASS TKC BLOG COMMUNITY values strong opinions expressed in captivating fashion.



Left or right . . . We look for and share the boldest statements circulating amongst the discourse.



Accordingly, here's arebuke of the Missouri GOP Super Majority following a notable legal rebuke . . .

"The fact that the state's iron-fisted Republican majority politicians would have had the audacity to attempt to reject the will of the people wasn't shocking. Not after they repeatedly pulled the same trick in recent decades on subjects ranging from concealed carry of guns to regulations of puppy mills to raising minimum wages and so on.

"But this one was a little different. The Republican efforts to rob their own constituents of health care and to rape the state economy in the process was some new level of political immorality. This wasn't amoral. This was immoral."

Read more . . .
Johnstown, PA (15901)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable.
PRINCETON - John Edward Barbour, of Princeton, IN and formerly of West Terre Haute, passed away on July 7, 2021 while on vacation in a bowling tournament in Las Vegas. He was born on October 19, 1956 to Daniel C. Barbour and Margaret Rhyan Barbour. John was a 1974 graduate of West Vigo High 
Two juvenile males have been arrested in connection with Friday's early morning shooting death of Chloe Carroll, 15, of Terre Haute.

The names of the males have not been released, but Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt said he has requested a 15-year-old male's case be waived to adult court.

The teen faces initial charges of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, criminal recklessness and possession of a firearm without a license and has been booked into Vigo County Juvenile Center, police said Friday.

Charges also are pending against a 17-year-old male who was arrested on charges of possession of a firearm by a child, possession of controlled substance (marijuana), theft of a firearm and unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle.

City police responded to shots fired in the area of 13th and Poplar at 12:36 a.m. Friday. While investigating, officers were made aware of a shooting victim in the 1900 block of Poplar Street.

THFD and THPD responded to that scene and found Carroll in the rear passenger seat of a vehicle parked there. Responders quickly determined she had been shot at 13th and Poplar in the parking lot of the Hoosier Pete Mini Mart.

Carroll was taken to Union Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

The investigation revealed more than 20 witnesses and two crime scenes.

The Vigo County Sheriffs Department, West Terre Haute Police Department and Indiana State University Police Department assisted THPD in the investigation.

The 15-year-old male was arrested in the midafternoon hours Friday and taken to the Vigo County Juvenile Center. Charges were filed in Vigo County Juvenile Court.

Police also arrested a 17-year-old male, who was taken to the Vigo County Juvenile Center where his case is pending.

Modesitt said Monday the waiver into adult court is being considered for the younger juvenile.

"A waiver is not automatic due to the age of the defendant, but we are looking into that," Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt said

City police have asked anyone who was at the scene when the shooting occurred call Detective Brad Rumsey at 812-244-2667.

Lisa Trigg can be reached at 812-231-4254 or at lisa.trigg@tribstar.com. Follow her on Twitter at TribStarLisa.
My new bride and I are trying to arrange a honeymoon in Europe. We originally wanted to go to Switzerland, but the Swiss are making it impossible because she is Zambian and has never had a Schengen visa. We found out we can visit an unlikely trio of countries: Spain, Iceland, and Sweden. Better than nothing. I think we may meet in Barcelona and go from there.

I am not that interested in Spain, but Andorra looks wonderful, and it looks like we can get there with a Spanish visa. Can anyone suggest the best area for a stay? We don't ski. We would like a nice comfortable hotel, good restaurants in the vicinity, and activities that aren't inconvenient to get to. I am hoping we can do some hiking.

I'm curious about the famous ham. I'm from Appalachia, and my grandmother cured her own hams. Do they serve cooked ham in dishes, or is it just a delicacy eaten raw?
My family of 5 (two adults, three teen girls) is planning a 10 day RV trip to the Utah NPs in less than three weeks (agh!) and we'd greatly appreciate advice on how to organize at the last minute. We'd originally planned a slightly similar trip in June but, thanks to emergency surgery, that trip had to be cancelled. Thankfully, we were able to organize something for August, but we're starting planning from scratch - and new to navigating a trip in a 30 ft RV.

We fly into SLC and fly out of Vegas, with nine days in between, and we'd love to check out park highlights (national and state) without over-doing it. We def want to see Arches, Bryce and Zion but would rather take it easy than stress about hitting everything, especially since the heat may be unbearable during the day. Our RV will be 30 ft - and we're new to RVing! Here are my biggest questions right now:

- is it possible to park a 30 ft at the national park lots, or navigate around to park areas? It seems there is availability for an RV of our size at some nearby RV parks (ex: in Moab) but we're not sure whether we'd be able to get around and park in a big motorhome at sites from which we could walk/hike. We're willing to wake up early if necessary.

If you can't really park in an RV at some of the parks, what do RVers do - hire a tour guide who has a car?

- The campgrounds in the parks get rave reviews, but don't seem to have electric hookups. This seems like it would be an issue in an RV given the summer heat. (Am I correct in assuming that, aside from Bryce, Southern Utah will be scorching?).

Assuming we could get spots in the NP campgrounds at the last minute (I know I can sign up for an availability watch and last-minute stuff does open up) do you think it is worth trying to get in there at this time of year (in an RV, with kids) or should we aim for a private RV spot that has electricity and things like a pool, although pricier and further away from the sites?

Any advice on where to go given our RV and teenage crew would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm a real trip planner but life got in the way this year, so I'm trying to do the best I can. Thank you for any help!
I hope next year brings opportunity to visit USA again and New England in particular. I am a great planner and have been looking at possibilities for October 2022. I have been to various places in New England with my husband but this time it is with my two sisters and our mom. One of my sisters is celebrating her 50th birthday and this is her destination of choice which I am very pleased about!

It will be around 1st October 2022 and we will probably stay at BOS on day of arrival and pick up hired car from airport next day.

We would then like to stay in nice inns/small hotels and go for sightseeing drives during the day and be easy walking distance to restaurants at night. We enjoy nice food and a few glasses of wine so want to leave the car at night!

Other things that appeal are a visit to a ranch as my sister would like to do a spot of horse riding (beginner) as a way to celebrate the big birthday - LOL. A day at a Spa is also something we enjoy together.

We would like a town that is easy to walk round. So I am thinking of Manchester, Vermont and Stowe - 3 nights in each one. They look to have the town vibe we like along with good choice of restaurants and access to nice drives.

We would also like 2 nights at the coast. Although I have been to Bar Harbour before and loved it, I feel it is too far for this trip. Therefore, thinking of Kennebunkport.

I am looking for advice on which order we should do our round trip from BOS.

1 night at Boston airport

2 nights at coast - Kennebunkport?

3 nights southern Vermont - Manchester?

3 nights norther Vermont - Stowe?

The flight home will be overnight and last time I was there we stayed in Lower Waterford and had plenty of time driving to BOS from there.

I would also be grateful for any other suggestions of towns that are smallish/quaint with local shops/restaurants that may be preferable to the ones I'm looking at.

I appreciate any advice as I want this to be special for my sisters and mom. Thanks.
Given that neither county seems (the US embassy site might not be 100% accurate) not to require the CV19 test to be completed in the country of origin, would I be able to get a PCR test in Zambia and use it for the entrance requirement for both Zimbabwe and South Africa (within 48 hours)?

>>> Yes

Cross into Zimbabwe from Zambia on the day we fly out of VFA. This meets the current criteria ('show that you are flying out of Zimbabwe the same day') to cross into Zimbabwe via a land border. The current CV19 testing requirement (from US embassy website) states "Zimbabwe requires all new arrivals to the country to present a negative COVID-19 test result issued within the previous 48 hours."

>>> This approach is personally beyond my risk tolerance. But if theres 100% success rates on this, then I would be willing to change my mind.

It looks like the last Zimbabwean lockdown update was around 14 July. Is there a planned date to revisit the restrictions?

>>> Just assume nothing will change (in your favor). Theres been talks of opening land border since forever and as you can see, status quo. any government related matters regardless of country tend to move at glacial pace moreover when it is deemed to expose the country to further risks.
My husband and I are starting to plan a trip in May 2022, which includes 4 nights along the Moselle river. At this point, we aren't making firm plans for lodging or anything since the trip is still 10 months away, but are looking at where we'd like to base ourselves and compiling a list of things we'd like to see. This will be our 5th trip to Germany, but our first time in this area. We are late 40s/early 50s, interested in all sorts of things, but the things that drew us to the Moselle area are the castles, Roman ruins, and picturesque towns. Wine is also a draw for me, although my husband is more of a beer drinker than a wine drinker.

My specific question is about where to base ourselves in the area, but I appreciate any advice or recommendations. We'll be traveling by train, coming from Brussels and then heading to Frankfurt after. It looks like there are several towns that would make for a great base for exploring the area.

We'll have 3 full days and partial days on the day we arrive from Brussels and the day we depart for Frankfurt. I have a rough idea of some things we'd like to do and see: visit the Roman sites in Trier, tour the castle at Cochem and Burg Eltz, day trip to Luxembourg City, maybe a short hike or two, do some wine tasting, river cruise, visit Saarburg.

A little more information about the trip overall, if that helps with the recommendations: Our total trip is just over 3 weeks. We'll start with a week Paris, then go to Brussels to join a multi-day Trappist beer-themed tour that will take us through Belgium to visit Trappist breweries and monasteries, among other things. After that, we'll come to the Moselle river area, then onto Frankfurt, and then home.
Hi

we are planning to stay in Elafonissos island but would love to go to Kythira even just for the day. It looks like there are no direct ferries between the two islands. Is there any companies that would do day trips?

Or should we stay on Kythira and take a day trip to Simos beach?

We are going to drive to Areopoli after, so it makes more sense to stay in Kythira and take the ferry to Gythio. Any thoughts?

Thank you
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ALBANY, N.Y.  FBI Director Christopher Wray has named Janeen DiGuiseppi as the special agent in charge of the Albany Field Office. Most recently, DiGuiseppi was the deputy assistant director of the FBIs Training Division.

DiGuiseppi joined the FBI as a special agent in 1999 and was first assigned to the Salt Lake City Field Office, where she worked violent crime, drug, and public corruption violations.

In 2008, DiGuiseppi was promoted to assistant legal attache in Baghdad and supervised the FBIs Major Crimes Task Force. She returned to Salt Lake City in 2009 and was assigned to the DEAs Drug Diversion Task Force until she was promoted to supervisory special agent in 2010 as the FBIs biometric lead in Kabul, Afghanistan.

DiGuiseppi was assigned to the Memphis Field Office in Tennessee in 2012, where she supervised the civil rights and public corruption programs and the Violent Crimes Against Children/Child Exploitation Task Force.

In 2014, she was promoted to assistant section chief of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She later served as the chief of staff to the divisions assistant director. In 2016, she was named assistant section chief of the Transnational Organized Crime  Eastern Hemisphere Section, where she managed domestic and international programs focused on organized crime and major theft.

DiGuiseppi was named assistant special agent in charge in the Denver Field Office in 2017, with oversight of the intelligence and surveillance programs, the Rocky Mountain Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory, and the Wyoming resident agencies.

In 2019, DiGuiseppi was selected as section chief of the FBI Training Divisions Curriculum Management Section, and promoted to deputy assistant director in 2020.

DiGuiseppi earned a bachelors degree from the University of Central Florida, a masters degree from Western New England College, and a masters degree from Florida International University. Prior to joining the Bureau, DiGuiseppi served as an officer in the United States Air Force.
The positive COVID-19 cases emerging from a Copake summer camp in Columbia County climbed from 23 to 31 last week, but that number has held steady. Currently there are no other positive cases to report.

The outbreak at Camp Pontiac began on the girls side of the camp and then spread to a few boys, county officials said. All of the cases were among unvaccinated children under the age of 12, who are ineligible for the vaccine.

In addition to the campers who tested positive for COVID-19, 133 contacts were also sent home to quarantine. Nearly all of the children at Camp Pontiac hail from Long Island and New York City. A few came from other states, including as far as California and Florida. All but one of the 31 campers who tested positive live outside of Columbia County and have returned home, where each case will be counted by their home counties.

The one camper from Columbia County is quarantining outside of the state, and as such is not being counted by Columbia County as an active case.

The countys tally of active COVID-19 cases jumped up from six last Monday to 25 as of today, a 316 percent increase. The CDC is estimating that 83 percent of current COVID-19 cases are caused by the more contagious, delta variant strain of the virus.

Prior to camp starting, the directors, who are both physicians, required campers to provide proof of negative PCR test within 36 hours before arrival. Campers were then given another PCR test upon arrival.

Jack Mabb, public health director for Columbia County, believes that one of the unvaccinated campers may have tested negative at home, but then had an exposure that would have been too early for the second PCR test upon arrival to have detected. The camper could have been asymptomatic, then spread it to other campers. The first positive case was recorded on Friday, July 16.

No camper who tested positive has become severely ill or has been hospitalized. And as a precautionary measure, Columbia County officials requested that the camp test all remaining children at Camp Pontiac. Out of the 350 still at camp, some of whom are over 12 and vaccinated, 300 tested negative over the weekend, and 50 are awaiting their results. But given the fully vaccinated status of these 50 remaining campers, Mabb predicts they will also test negative.

I think were past this, he said.

The quarantine period for the both the kids who tested positive and their contacts ends this week, depending upon their initial positive test date. So long as they test negative before arriving at camp, they are welcome back to camp, where they will be tested again upon arrival.

In preventing future outbreaks, Mabbs main word of warning to camps is to educate children that even if you have mild symptoms, you have to come to the infirmary, said Mabb.

He also believes the Camp Pontiac outbreak is a bellwether for the upcoming school year.

I think were going to be looking at requiring masks across the board, Mabb said, though he is awaiting guidance from the state.


Slick Willie Or Tricky Dick -- What's The Difference? By Emil Franzi I VOTED FOR Richard Nixon for president three times. In another life, as president of the California Young Republicans, I helped beat the conservative troops in line after the Taiwan sell-out and the imposition of wage price-controls. I even contributed to the Spiro T. Agnew Defense Fund. I was a GOP hack. As the late Jesse Unruh, long-time Democratic speaker of the California Assembly, once said, " I don't learn quick, but I learn good." By 1974 I'd had it with the moral bankruptcy exhibited by Nixon and the whole White House gang (with the possible exception of G. Gordon Liddy.) There are Republicans in town to this day who won't forgive me for calling for Nixon's resignation and supporting his impeachment. Today, America is, unfortunately, in the same position with President Bill Clinton as it was 25 years ago with Tricky Dick. There are some differences: I can't find anybody in Clinton's camp with as much guts as Liddy. And no one had Nixon under oath in a six-hour deposition. Nixon's real criminal acts came under the heading "obstruction of justice." Alleged perjury is an additional problem unique to Clinton. It's amazing to hear from Clinton types exactly what I heard 25 years ago from my fellow Republicans about Nixon: So what, everybody else did it too. They're just out to get him. The press made most of it up. Innocent until proven guilty. And the most debatable of all: But he's done a good job. That was crap then and it's crap now, particularly coming from those who yelled for Nixon's scalp. Everybody doesn't do it! Teddy Roosevelt never screwed around on Edith; Harry Truman never screwed around on Bess. Maybe it isn't just coincidence that we score them as two of our greatest presidents in this century. Jack Kennedy couldn't keep it in his pants either, but he never bumped a civil servant from a promotion to provide a job for one of his bimbos, like Clinton did in Arkansas. Gee, where was AFSCME on that one? There's always a "They" trying to shitcan every president. "They" are only successful when they're given ammunition and genuine charges. There were many "Theys" trying to bag Clarence Thomas, too. Many, including 48 United States senators, found the testimony of one woman sufficient evidence to keep Thomas from the U.S. Supreme Court. How about multiple allegations of several women that, when summarized, plainly outline the behavior of a sexual predator whose actions are not only self-destructive, but border on the sociopathic? If you believe Thomas is unfit to serve on the highest court, how can you believe Clinton is fit to serve in the highest office? The role of the media is different these days. They were much tougher on Nixon, whom they generally hated. Clinton has been allowed to skate partly due to the inherent liberal bias of most reporters, but mainly due to the degeneration of the media over the past 25 years. If this president leaves office, the Washington Post will have no Woodwards or Bernsteins to claim it. And nobody ever proved Nixon guilty of anything in a court of law, although he did have that handy pardon just in case. But the presidency has higher standards than "beyond a reasonable doubt." As to how well either Nixon or Clinton performed--politically speaking, of course--I would urge Democratic activists to cast off their party hack mentality and look closely at Slick Willie's record: He dumped on core Democratic issues, from NAFTA and GATT to welfare reform and taxation, in the same way Nixon screwed over core conservative GOP issues. Both have been touted as great "moderates" when both were basically duplicitous sell-outs. We admire guys like Teddy and Harry today for more than just keeping it in their pants and not stealing--we admire them for their rock-hard adherence to fundamental principles. President Clinton ought to resign, or be impeached, for the same reasons we shitcanned Nixon: Both disgraced the office, and the trauma of removal is ultimately less damaging to the country than allowing a proven jerk to continue to debase it. AND ANOTHER THING... It's been a standing joke for many years in political circles that if the folks running Tucson's two daily fish-wrappers were in charge of the Washington press back in '73-'74, not only would Nixon have finished his second term, but his successor would've been Spiro Agnew. Having read the columns of two of those papers' leading thinkers over the last few days, it's no longer funny. The Arizona Daily Star's Tom Beal is a decent man. But he clearly has low standards for public officials, and those standards reflect the attitude shown by those who set standards for political reporting in Tucson. In a column headlined "We expect and demand deceit," Beal explains that the electorate wants to be hoodwinked, that voters expect snow jobs from politicians, and that they generally don't take kindly to pols who tell us the truth. Beal left something out of the discourse: The role of the media--people like him and us--in exposing those lying politicians. That's a role he and too many others seem to have abdicated. In classifying deceit as business as usual, Beal condones it. In failing to condemn it, he endorses it. In ignoring it when it occurs, he abandons his responsibility as a reporter and as a political columnist. It apparently does not greatly disturb him when a school board blatantly lies and stonewalls regarding a sleazy land deal, as Amphitheater has done. Or when the Marana Town Council promises homeowners they will hold back an annexation, only to turn around and surreptiously implement it. Or when the Mayor of Tucson blatantly lies to the voters to pass a bond election. We know these--and similar actions by other public officials--don't bother Beal very much, or else he'd write about them, or maybe even condemn them. Now he's told us why he doesn't. It's all no big deal; it's what we wanted all along. Wrong, Tom. We don't want it any more than we wanted the lying of Fife Symington and Ed Moore--two guys who finally went far enough even for you. How far is enough? If Beal--the Star's most prominent, able, and well-read columnist and editorial writer--would show a little indignation about all this deceit he finds normal, maybe it would help diminish it. Politicians who are brutally frank--Barry Goldwater and Harry Truman come to mind--are ultimately popular. The truth should be nurtured and liars condemned. The role of the media, particularly those lucky enough to be vested with the freedom of columnists, is to expose lying SOBs whenever and wherever they appear. And the indignation should begin with the first lie, not the last one. Politicians, here and elsewhere, get away with deceit simply because too many media types let them. Their lies are not acceptable to most people when they find out about them. But citizens can't get pissed off when the lies go unreported, undiscussed, unmentioned and are considered unimportant. Beal's lack of concern for that element of political reporting contributes to democracy's undoing. But Beal's lack of concern is trumped by the Citizen's Joe Garcia, whose rambling columns vanished from the Citizen a few months back. On Monday he returned and finally expressed an opinion on an issue, in a rambling discourse bemoaning the President's lack of a private life. Garcia said he really didn't care about adultery or the President's sex life. This isn't about private actions or adultery. If a police chief or a school principal, or any other lesser civil servant in a management position, hit on his underlings on the job and at the workplace, we would can his ass, because those actions are obviously unacceptable in a public servant. This does involve public policy; it is not a private matter--something even the slower learners should have picked up in the Clarence Thomas hearings. And as any EEO lawyer will explain, consensual response to the boss' passes are not a mitigating factor in harassment cases. Presidents and other officials lose most of their privacy rights in proportion to the power they acquire. As the line in The Godfather went, "This is the business they have chosen." If any high-ranking official is a lush or a doper or a compulsive gambler or has any other destructive addiction, it is our business. How about a congressman who's in hock to a mob bookie, a judge who snorts cocaine or a senator who's in the bag every day by noon? Does the name Bob Packwood ring a bell? Was his sex life none of our business? In presenting their low standards to us, both Beal and Garcia ignore a simple requirement of public service. As George Will so ably points out, most contracts and civil service codes contain a moral turpitude clause. Those who broach it, after the appropriate due process, are on the street. Character does matter. It's also the law.


Alex Garland's Sophomore Novel Is A Gripping Tale Of Urban Filipinos And The Fourth Dimension. By Randall Holdridge The Tesseract, by Alex Garland (Riverhead Books). Cloth, $24.95. THE TESSERACT IS a thriller. Novelist Alex Garland sets the opening scene in a seedy Manila hotel room, where a young, nervous, drug-dazed ship's officer prepares to meet a legendarily ruthless mestizo gangster. The purpose of the meeting is to arrange protection for his English freighter against pirates in the South China Sea. Idly killing cockroaches while he waits, the officer reflects, "Everything weird was the bottom line." For instance, the eerie emptiness of the hotel, the spattered blood on the sheets, the patterned cigarette burns on the inoperative telephone, the metal disk screwed over the peephole--from the outside. Garland can really write, and the management of this opening makes the reader as edgy as the frightened sailor. What happens next is a violent misunderstanding that seals the fates of the Englishman, the aristocratically pretentious ganglord, and some of the others in this complex cast. Their convergence emerges from an invisible inevitability. This inevitability--more or less understood and differentiated by each of the numerous puppets in this shadow play--is more or less the subject of The Tesseract, which is only masquerading as a thriller: Sometimes it's more, sometimes less. Second novels are notoriously risky, and after the brilliant success of The Beach, Garland has a lot to prove. Not quite so compelling as its predecessor, The Tesseract is nonetheless an ambitious effort which is structurally elaborate and stylistically literary. Built to explore the divides between past and present, myth and reality, science and religion, silence and noise, rich and poor, cause and effect, the novel seeks to use a conceptual model from geometry--the hypercube, or tesseract--to establish a fundamental convergence of its plots and subplots. To clinch the idea, Garland has composed a fragmented narrative structure which, through shifts in time, scene, and character, replicates a tesseract: the imaginary fourth-dimensional analog of a cube. Admirers of Catch-22 will appreciate this effect, although Garland's intentions are more demonstrably analytical and philosophical than Heller's artistically motivated (and more successful) tightening time spiral. A reader could conceivably construct from folded paper a tesseract, if one could fold paper in four dimensions; this could then be labeled to show the relationships among events, characters, and ideas in the book. Adepts could possibly accomplish this feat on their computer screens. The implication is that a unity of personal histories and apparently unrelated incidents exists in the fourth dimension, which is--well, infinite and unimaginable. Very clever, really, if a bit labored. While the novel's structure is a fascinating intellectual puzzle, the story packs a punch, too. In his creepy hotel room, the English sailor Sean tries unsuccessfully to calm his mounting paranoia. At the same moment, the sanguinary ganglord, Don Pepe, cruises toward their meeting sequestered behind the smoked glass of his silent Mercedes limo, insulated from the squalor of rush hour Manila which he, as a half-caste Spaniard, despises. His inept, sycophantic henchmen, armed to the teeth, muse to themselves about Don Pepe's famous temper and brutality. In layered flashbacks, Garland provides for each of these characters a personal history which predetermines the noise, smoke, and blood to come. Across the city in a prosperous enclave, Rosa puts her children to bed, musing on the course of the tragic adolescent love affair which has brought her from a tropically paradisaical home village to her present state of regretful happiness among the teeming ruins of a modern Third World city. She squabbles with her live-in mother while she talks to her husband Sonny, who chats with her via car phone. Caught in the same rush hour traffic that delays Don Pepe, Sonny finds his return home from work further slowed when two street boys throw a handful of nails under the tires of his Honda. The 13-year-old street boys often hang out near a Manila McDonald's, their entry barred by an armed guard assigned to keep up the "tone" of the franchise, inside which Sean earlier has eaten his last meal surrounded by a birthday party of "overweight rich kids with sulky faces and stripy sailor shirts, shouting at their nannies--and already groomed for a life in politics." By contrast, the plucky street kids, Vicente and Totoy, live deeply disturbed, even terrifying lives. Their histories are suggestive of the collapse of communal traditions in Philippine society. The dreams and fantasies of these appealing imps are conveyed through their relations with Alfredo, a psychologist who pays to tape-record snatches of their lives as part of a stalled research project. Brooding over the meaning of Vicente's dreams, Alfredo pokes at his own psychic wound--the suicide of his young wife. Or did he push her off the balcony of their high rise apartment? The tension mounts until the paths of all these characters-in-motion converge violently against the backdrop of a smog-enhanced, blood-red sunset. Garland's portrait of Manila is a phantasmagoric labyrinth, strikingly achieved by delicate description and arresting metaphor. As in The Beach, the author shows he's a knowledgeable guide to Southeast Asia, and The Tesseract adds new depth by moving out of the "unspoiled" islet world of twenty-something Western adventure tourists, and into the indigenous lives of urban Filipinos.


Step Past The Millennial Drivel And Into The Thoughtful Meaninglessness Of Steve Erickson's Latest Work Of Fiction. By Randall Holdridge The Sea Came In At Midnight, by Steve Erickson (Bard). Cloth, $23. IN THE AFTERMATH of the massacre at Colorado's Columbine High School, the persistent question is, "Why?" Phrased thus, the replies are familiar, and come back in predictable political (gun control), sociological (media violence) and psychological terms (family and peer relations). That such bromides are debated seriously suggests that what we want is an answer to the question, rather than to have the question answered. Not being among the dead, and secure in the irrational confidence of statistical probability, the titillated rubbernecker finds ordinary curiosity satisfied, and drives on. Asked more insistently, in possession of a comprehensive listing of all the world's erupting carbuncles of inexplicable, pervasive chaos, mightn't the better question be: "What is missing from the world?" That is the puzzler asked, and answered after a fashion, in Steve Erickson's sixth novel, The Sea Came In At Midnight. Erickson continues among our most imaginative and innovative novelists, heir to Kafka and Borges, and co-practitioner with Pynchon, DeLillo, Gaddis and Denis Johnson of what has come to be thought of as postmodern fiction. The Sea Came In At Midnight is Erickson's millennial novel, although it adheres to the exploration of themes, historical moments, and locations that have occupied his previous novels, including Tours of the Black Clock, Rubicon Beach and Arc d'X. Kristin, the 17-year-old protagonist, has been nominated as the last of 2,000 women and children to be obediently shepherded by cultists off a Northern California cliff into the sea at the stroke of midnight on the last day of 1999. She opts out, as the first sign of her alternately compliant and assertive good sense. Kristin is the teller, subject and mystical center of The Sea Came In At Midnight, but the book is a maze of unintended consequences, and a plot summary is entirely beside the point. Suffice it to say, she begins her orphan's journey literally in search of a dream, and in the not quite happy ending, she finds it. Although some will find Erickson's book unconventional, it entertains on many levels. Startling incidents abound in numerous emotional registers. The comic and the appalling jostle together, as do the impersonal and the intimate, the historically and culturally familiar with the absolutely fantastic. Events recall the headlines, pop trends and fads of the last 30 years, when "cheap irony would come to be considered an artistic vision." The location crisscrosses the planet. Although the characters are representative of types and movements, they are still recognizable as people one has known, and they excite real reactions, ranging from compassion to loathing. However, at the risk of scaring readers away, it's only fair to say that The Sea Came In At Midnight is preoccupied with the problems raised by chaos theory, and it appears to be Erickson's goal to steer existentialist readers away from Sartre and toward Kirkegaard. What is proposed, lacking faith, is "faith in the idea of faith." The philosophical issues are not dry or obtuse, and linked as they are to characters and action, they come as enlightening revelations of complex ideas. It's not likely to be available in a form more accessible than this. For instance, at the center of the book is the Occupant, a sort of late-baby-boom/early-Gen-X Everyman. He has spent 20 years drawing on the walls of his house in the L.A. suburbs a giant, blue Apocalyptic Calendar, dating from the moment when the world ceased to contain meaning. His Apocalyptic Calendar begins historically in the Spring of 1968, when "Sartre said something silly" and the students of the Sorbonne swarmed into Paris streets to join workers in a mutually abandoned confrontation with black-helmeted gendarmes. The Days of Rage began, "and no one wanted to calm down, the spectacular disintegration of everything was too exhilarating, and everyone got excited just to be exhilarated." More personally, the Occupant's mother is swept away in the rioting crowd, and he never sees his parents again. His Apocalyptic Calendar is a timeline of decisions and events since then to which the question "Why?" can provide no meaningful answer. His list includes a vast record of assassinations, terrorist attacks, hostage takings, plane crashes, genocides, and commonplace cruelties and despair. It cites also, from April 23, 1985, "the utterly arbitrary decision by America's greatest soft-drink company to immediately discontinue the single most successful product in the history of modern commerce, in order to produce in its place a bad imitation of its obviously inferior competitor." The construction of the entirely random Apocalyptic Calendar has taken over the Occupant's life. A child of chaos, a practitioner of chaos theory, his kinky relationship with Kristin--is it coincidental or fated?--forces him to accept that even a highly refined abstract concept of meaninglessness is still meaningless. "There explodes in his heart a bomb of love where only chaos used to be." His realization comes too late. Just as Kristin would not march off a cliff to justify the arbitrary meaning envisioned by millennial cultists, nor will she abandon her quest for a dream to any ephemeral rationalization. Her flight from the Occupant has a disconcerting quality of very dark slapstick, and it takes her to Tokyo and a surreal climax in which the ghost of Stanley Kubrick could feel right at home. She discovers at least a plausible answer to the big question, "What is missing from the world?" Unlike many other American postmodern novelists, Erickson has the discipline to keep his fictions to a manageable length. At a time when the numbing blizzard of millennial drivel is piling up, The Sea Came In At Midnight is a welcome escape into real

thoughtfulness.


Go See 'Star Wars' So We Can All Get On With Life Here On Earth. By James DiGiovanna I WAS ONE of the lucky few who got to see an advance screening of Star Wars: Episode 1--The Phantom Menace. My first thought, of course, was that I should try to steal the print. When I realized that the squadron of Jedi-esque security guards would make short work of me, I switched to Plan B, which was to walk out after 15 minutes...not because the movie was bad (it hadn't even started yet when I hit upon Plan B), but just because I thought that would be the "cool" thing to do. But then the scrolling text started up the screen, and man-o-Manishevitz, was I glued to my seat: it turns out that a long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...a trade war was underway! Yes, this wouldn't be your ordinary sci-fi...it would focus on fiscal policy and open borders and the flow of goods and monies into and out of entire planets. Now I was hooked. See, there were these evil salespeople, and they were blockading the planet of Naboo because they were opposed to the tariffs that the Naboobians wanted them to pay. It was just like the banana war that U.S. businesses and congresspersons are fighting against Europe even as we speak. Oddly, though, it turns out that we're supposed to be on the side of the Nabooine, or whatever they are called, in spite of the fact that they're the ones opposed to free trade! The Trade Federation, which just wants to ply goods without governmental interference, is actually allied with the Dark Side of The Force. The Dark Side of The Force is inherently evil, in the way that Nazis and Jenny Jones are evil. Not only that, they speak with Japanese accents, which I assume was some kind of commentary on Japanese business acumen and the evils of capitalism. Could this be the first truly anti-capitalist sci-fi? I buckled in to see what sort of Greenspanian tactics they would apply to squeeze a NAFTA-type deal out of the Naboosers. Pretty quickly, the Trade Federation gets all violent and starts sending robot troops onto the surface of Naboo...see, they didn't want to actually risk hurting any of their people, so they flew high above the planet and just dropped their robots down. Kind of like the way the U.S. is handling its wars in Yugoslavia and Iraq. Luckily, these two Jedi Knights, played by foreigners Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson, are there to rescue the queen of Naboo, played by Natalie Portman. So there's this Scotsman and this Irishman getting this teenager out of Naboo to safety while these Japanese-accented American business types try to enforce a completely open market. So I'm thinking: things are really heating up. So, as they're flying her to safety, trouble ensues, and they have to set down on the backwater planet of Tatooine, which you all will remember as the home of Luke Skywalker in the first movie, which was just called Star Wars, because back then nobody had thought to put a lot of punctuation in the titles. Anyway, the queen, whose name is Amidala, which I'm sure will become as popular a baby name as "Luke" and "Leia" did 20 years ago, keeps talking about how they need to protect the democratic system on Naboo, and I'm thinking, "If it's a democratic system, how come she's the queen?" I mean, on top of "queen" not being an elected post, she looks to be about 16 years old, so one assumes that she would have been too young to run, anyway. But all this is beside the point, I'm sure, as the queen and the two Jedis (who, as mentioned, are Irish and Scottish) have to repair their ship and get to some planet where there's a pan-galactic senate so they can complain about this whole business invasion of their world. They find this little boy--he's like, 10 years old--and for some reason they put their fate in his hands. He's going to get them off the planet, repair their ship, lead them to victory, etc. This struck me as odd, but I guess youth-oriented culture was a much more severe thing a long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Well, that's where the problems really begin. Up to this point in the film, the most annoying thing was this character named Jar Jar. Not only is it a stupid name, but he's a computer animated version of the bumbling side-kick. He talks in some weird, Jamaican-meets-Stepin' Fetchit voice, saying things like "you-sa in big doodoo!" This wears thin before it even starts. As if to reinforce the discomfiting aspects of his dialect, he's made the slave of these two Jedi, who, you may recall, are white guys from Scotland and Ireland. I try to ignore this, and I'm attempting to enjoy this movie, but then they stick in this cute kid. All he does is look cute all the time. The Jedis are like, "We must take you away from your mother and make you a Jedi and blah blah blah," and he's all, "Look how damn cute I am. Could my eyes be any bigger?" No, they couldn't be, but making big, pouty eyes is not the best substitute for what theater-goers like to call "acting." After that the movie really slows down, as there are long sequences of negotiations and bureaucratic dickering and political shenanigans. Things pick up later when the Jedis decide they've had enough of the working-it-out-peacefully thing and just start slicing stuff up with their cool laser swords, but it's a long wait. The dialogue is consistently lame, the story drags, and there's too much cuteness, but Star Wars: Episode 1--The Phantom Menace is worth seeing anyway for one reason: the art direction is fabulous. Every planet has a completely different feel, and each captures an entire culture in its architecture. Tatooine is a world of mud huts with electronic sliding doors and hand-held video screens with elephant-tooth handles. The Galactic Senate world is an entire planet covered by urban sprawl, where even the skies are crowded with floating buildings. Naboo has beautiful cities that span waterfalls, and underwater villages with delicately curving steel girders reinforcing glowing glass bubbles. And that's really what counts: for Star Wars fans it's not about the quality of the story or script, but about the cohesiveness, completeness and believability of the world presented. In that regard Episode 1 doesn't disappoint, as it presents one of the most real sci-fi universes ever to appear on the big screen. So you might wear ear-plugs, but you might as well go see it. Besides, everyone else is gonna. Star Wars is playing at Century Park (620-0750) and Foothills (742-6174) cinemas.


Evil Is Only Skin Deep In 'Star Trek 9: Insurrection.' By James DiGiovanna THE LEGENDARY SEXUAL prowess of the Star Trek fan (whom I prefer to call a "Trekkie," the term "Trekker" clearly having been invented by the same language commissars who brought us "differently beautiful," "gravitationally challenged" and "unbreakable comb") is no urban legend: Those who have experienced the extreme delights that pass when pointy ears are tickling their thighs know what I'm talking about. There's nothing that turns an ordinary dermatologist or C++ programmer into a Svengali of sensuality like immersion in the geekertronic future of uber-nerd Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek. So, of course, it is with lubricious anticipation that I awaited the "coming" of Star Trek 9: Insurrection, which promised to be the most salacious cinematic experience since William Shatner himself directed the unforgettable (believe me, I've tried) Star Trek 5: The Final Frontier. ST9 exceeded all licentious expectations by actively acknowledging that sex appeal is what makes the United Federation of Planets so much better than their enemies, the Cardassians, the Borg, the Dominion and the Hyde Committee. Basically, come the 23rd century, we as a people must learn that any alien race with more than five forehead ridges or a deformed nose must be evil. In ST9, the evil people are so evil that they require constant plastic surgery. The opening segment includes one of the unpleasant Son'a (the race of bad and ugly aliens) having the skin on his face hideously stretched by a slave race of beautiful plastic surgeons. Seriously. The Son'a have enslaved two other races, and are planning vengeance against a small colony of aliens who are so damn good looking that they make the Son'a sick with envy. See, the beautiful people are also good and peaceful and highly spiritual and disciplined and...oh, the list just goes on and on, but it can all be summed up non-verbally by the razor-sharp lines of their chins and cheeks, and by their futuristic ability to perfectly apply lipstick to already perfect lips. So anyway, the Bak'u (that's the pretty people) live on a planet bombarded by metaphasic radiation. That must be bad, right? Well, if you think that then you haven't read enough comic books: radiation makes you stronger, faster, and most importantly, prettier. The Bak'u, thanks to their daily dose of metaphasions (or whatever metaphasic radiation is made of) are essentially immortal. Imagine, if you will, a planet where you look like Brad Pitt or Rebecca Romijn on your 300th birthday! The Bak'u are so pretty and New Age that they don't even use technology. They actually bake their own bread, weave their own clothes (making them look like something you'd find at a Phish concert) and build their Southwestern-style houses from scratch. For the Bak'u, it's all about loving the earth and showing off their chiseled, but not ostentatious, bodies. To try to catch up in the beauty department, the Son'a have their race of slave plastic surgeons, lots of drugs and genetic alteration therapy, all of which leaves them looking like a cross between Keith Richards and Phyllis Diller. In contrast, down on the planet of the Bak'u, the female members of the crew of the enterprise discover that exposure to the environment gives them spontaneous breast lifts. Once again: seriously. So, the Son'a, plastic surgery disasters from the future, decide to steal all the metaphasic radiation from the Bak'u, destroying their overly delightful planet in the process. Then the Son'a can harness that radiation to prettify themselves. But wait: for some ill-explained reason they need the Federation to help them do it...and, besieged on all sides by incredibly unattractive aliens, the Federation agrees! They want the pretty potion, too, and are willing to violate the Prime Directive to get it. Of course, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, who is the only bald person in the future, is opposed to this plan; and he and his multi-racial team of do-gooders plan to put a stop to it. Along the way, they must discover the source of the Son'a/Bak'u rivalry, fall in love with locals, and get a bad case of Klingon acne. Yes, some of them must ugly-up in order to preserve beauty. It is this kind of deep irony that keeps the Star Trek franchise on the same level as the finest works of Nabokov, if they had been written by Sydney Sheldon. Perhaps the greatest moment of irony, and the most telling and metaphoric moment of the film, comes when an evil Federation officer, who sought prettiness at the cost of home-town values, is killed by having an unnecessary facelift. Death by plastic surgery is, of course, the cruelest and most symbolically rich way to die. ST9 works on another literary level as well, that of the extended metaphor. The Son'a are clearly the plastic-surgery enhanced, amoral, technology-obsessed denizens of some future Hollywood. The planet of the Bak'u is the 24th-century equivalent of one of those small Montana towns whose population is rapidly being displaced by movie stars seeking to get away from the rat race that they themselves set in motion. And the Bak'u are the beleaguered residents of this Bozeman of the future, trying to stave off the inevitable destruction of their natural utopia by autograph hounds, paparazzi and drug-addled ex-childhood stars. Will the future world of beauty and horrendous, hippie-inspired fashions survive? That depends on revenues for this ninth installment in the second longest-running movie franchise (the Bond films, where pretty spies have to kill ugly, foreign spies, is still in the lead). So if you want more Star Trek, please go see ST9, that we may continue to look forward to a future of profitability for the fine people at Paramount Pictures, who, after all, have mortgages and doctors' bills to pay. Star Trek 9 (Insurrection) is playing at Century Gateway (792-9000), Century Park (620-0750) and Foothills (742-6174) cinemas.
Tobago's first drive through vaccination site was in full swing on Saturday, with over three hundred persons being facilitated at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, car park grounds.
The status of refugees is significant in Winnipeg as the province of Manitoba admits more than 1000 refugees per year[1], the majority of who settle in Winnipeg. Refugees arrive in Winnipeg often with very little and are desperate to be able to integrate successfully, however this can be difficult to achieve. These new arrivals impact the city in that they are dependent on social services which in turn cost the government money.

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In addition due to lack of available funds upon arrival refugees often have to live in high poverty areas[2], centered on the downtown which leads to social issues that can be difficult for refugees to live with. In these circumstances making valuable social connections can be hard, often cultural differences make it challenging for new arrivals to make connections with the community, or neighbours. Poverty rates remain high for refugees living in Winnipeg and over time this has a detrimental effect not only on the lives of the refugees themselves but of the community at large as high poverty areas become a burden on the social services and typically have high rates of crime[3].

The number of refugees seeking entry to Canada has been steady increasing since 2000, this apparently in line with growing conflicts across Africa and the Middle East. Around these regions the nature of conflicts has been changing from nations fighting each other to civil conflicts within a nation, which tend to go on for much longer than tradition conflicts. In countries such as Syria, Iraq and Somalia ongoing civil war and terrorist insurgency has had a devastating effect on the civilian populations. People are often targeted for perceived allegiances to one side or the other and are persecuted for it, the level of destruction surrounding civilian populations is high and as a result many people become displaced, people who in turn become refugees seeking asylum abroad. These people often have to leave their homes quickly and with very little in terms of monetary value for fear of their lives.

Understandably these people look abroad for support where they might be free from the fear and oppression that they would suffer if they returned to their home countries. As the conflicts in these regions continue more and more people will seek a better opportunity to live abroad, and Canada is a desired destination. With the increase in asylum seekers more people are seeking entry to Canada under refugee status, this impacts Winnipeg as more new arrivals will be refugees and unlike landed immigrants these people often will require significant assistance with social integration [4] among other things. The city of Winnipeg and how many refugees we admit per year has a direct impact on the people living in destitute conditions, be it in overcrowded housing on UN tent camps. Their standard of living increases dramatically being able to live here, and despite initial challenges in getting situated the chance to live here is something sought after by many around the world.

The status of refugees in Winnipeg admittedly affects me very little. Personally I cannot say that I know anyone who is a refugee or even any friends that know one. However despite not personally being impacted by refugees I can see the effects of the city as a whole. While sympathetic towards the difficulties these people have faced I am also aware of the burden that is placed on social services and private individuals and institutions to support refugees, support which regular immigrants would under most circumstances not need. It is also good to keep in mind that Canada is running a deficit and any increase in social spending does nothing to help with that. People I know have also been impacted as refugees predominantly work in the service and labour sectors and hold relatively high employment around 80%[5], this could be a factor into why people around my age have difficulty finding employment at traditionally entry level jobs, such as retail, food industry etc. As for how I impact the social integration of refugees in the city I would have to say not at all, as I dont know any refugees and I am not in any position to impact their lives.

Personal bias aside as far as a critical assessment goes, I would begin with saying that refugees face incredible challenges both in leaving their home countries and establishing themselves in Canada. Refugees arriving in Winnipeg often have very little money, and low prospects of a good paying job and face difficulty in dealing with the trauma that they may have experienced due to war or persecution of some kind in their country of origin[6].

Due to how refugees are dispersed across Canada new arrivals often find themselves isolated and without anyone of their own cultural background to associate with, I can imagine how difficult this might be, for instance if there were to hypothetically be a civil war break out in Canada and myself and family were forced to relocate to somewhere like Nairobi or Istanbul I could see how difficult it would be to fit into society. The same can be said about refugees from Africa and the Mid-East many of whom dont even speak English which is essential to living in Canada.

As well once a refugee does arrive things often arent as great as they had been led to believe, in the case of Winnipeg most refugees in recent times are from visible minorities and often have to live in poverty stricken neighbourhoods around the downtown core area[7]. I have found that once a refugee has been successfully settled in Winnipeg the majority of assistance they had received goes away and considers the job done. While I can see how it would be costly to maintain direct support for all of the refugee families admitted it is clear that many struggle with a number of issues after social services move on to the next family.

The theoretical lens which I have viewed this in is the Liberal approach, which also seems to be the method by which the West approaches refugees in general. The most important point being that there is a moral imperative to help these people the best way we can with the abundant resources at our disposal. This also plays into international justice and how to Liberal west can help those that are oppressed by people who hold opposing views.

Looking at the status of refugees in Winnipeg it is clear that Liberal minding institutions have helped many thousands of people, not only find homes but also employment. While I can certainly appreciate the good done on behalf of institutions in Winnipeg clearly more has to be done. Many of the values which we hold here are not readily apparent to refugees who are finding it difficult to manage here and find them falling into poverty. This seems to be a recurring issue within the refugee population in the city and it is troubling that despite the numbers of those stuck in poverty they seem to have been largely abandoned by the government which continues to bring in more refugees without improving the conditions of those already here[8].

It follows to me at least that if those refugees here in Winnipeg are able to access better education and jobs that they would be able to contribute far more to our society that they are at the present. With higher wages they would be able to afford their own homes, rather than be exploited by landlords that enjoy powerful positions over refugees in their situations. With access to jobs more befitting of their qualifications they would be able to afford education for any children they may have brought with them which in turn leads to a better community as a whole since their children would be far less likely to get into crime or be recruited into street gangs, a real issue among young African male refugees who see it as the only opportunity to better their position.

Certain policies I would also view as questionable, for instance the cost effective move to have affordable housing located in the worst parts of the city. While this may be less of a burden of the social services it does little to help the city of Winnipeg in the long-term. As these refugees are forced to live in dangerous neighbourhoods where children are routinely exploited, this does nothing to exhale the value were place on Liberty in the West. These families are forced to live in cramped, dirty apartments where social interactions with the community tend to be minimal due to crime within those areas.

From my own experiences in dealing with people downtown I can imagine some of the difficulties a recent Syrian or African immigrant may face if they have to work late night as past a certain time the majority of people leave the downtown area and it can become dangerous to have to travel on foot very late into the night. This goes back to the issue of good employment, having to work late night shift work with the chance of being harassed or accosted after work doesnt sound very appealing to me. The lack of continued aid once a refugee has found a job is a failure, and aid agencies like Winnipeg harvest among others are often strained to help or are unknown to refugee families.

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Now that isnt to say that I believe we are obligated to help refugees, however if Canada is to uphold the Liberal values which it proclaims then we should handle refugees properly and with adequate support networks in place. From the articles and new reports I have researched for this paper it is clear that while refugees are certainly grateful to everything Canada has given them, it simply is not enough once they are settled and families fall into poverty and all associated issues. I can think of several things that could help the situation of refugees in the city, of course doing the right thing tends never to be time/cost effective.

Recognition of refugees education is a big step in helping them to get meaningful employment, many refugees simply cannot afford to go to school here when they must work long hours to support themselves and families. I our diverse multicultural society it would pay off in the long term to give refugees better access to working environments, longer programs to ensure successful integration. Also better methods to deal with the trauma and mental issues that accompany living in a warzone.

All told despite the many issues, refugees are doing well in Winnipeg issues in good employment remain but refugees do overwhelmingly feel safe in Winnipeg are at least able to find work for the most part. With the financial difficulties facing Canada, and Winnipeg it is understandable that we simply cannot provide the best for refugees at the moment without a noticeable impact of groups giving aid to Canadians that already are in need, however anything we can give them is far better than what they would have faced in their country of origin.

Bibliography

Articles

Carter, Derwing, Ogilivie, T. Wotherspoon. Prairies Region, Our Diverse Cities 6 (2009): 8-50, 104. Omidvar, Richmond. Immigrant Settlement and Social Inclusion in Canada, Working Paper Series: Perspectives on Social Inclusion (2003) 44. Gyepi-Garbrah, J., Walker, R., & Garcea, J. Indigeneity, Immigrant Newcomers and Interculturalism in Winnipeg, Canada.Urban Studies (2013).

Short Sources

Carol Sanders, Feds to pay for only 40% of refugees, Winnipeg Free Press, January 1, 2015. Accessed April 1, 2015. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/feds-to-pay-for-only-40-of-refugees-288229911.html Janine LeGal, Congo refugee Hilaire Ndyat helps new immigrants settle in Winnipeg, Canadian Immigrant, August 12, 2011. Accessed April 1, 2015. http://canadianimmigrant.ca/immigrant-stories/careers/congo-refugee-hilaire-ndyat-helps-new-immigrants-settle-in-winnipeg Carol Sanders, Syrian refugees obstacles decried, Winnipeg Free Press, April 1, 2014. Accessed April 1, 2015. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/syrian-refugees-obstacles-decried-253319531.html Amanda Thorsteinsson, November 27, 2013 (3:45 PM), Special to CBC news Syrian refugees faced with nowhere to live http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/syrian-refugees-faced-with-nowhere-to-live-1.2442659 Donna Carreiro, Winnipeg refugee the face of a global crisis, CBC News December 15, 2014. Accessed March 27, 2015. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-refugee-the-face-of-a-global-crisis-1.2872961 Manitoba Immigrant and Refugee Settlement Sector Association, Last modified 2015. http://www.mirssa.org/about.aspx Voices of Manitoba, https://manitobavoices.wordpress.com/about/resources-for-refugees-in-winnipeg/ Carol Sanders, Manitoba hit record refugee count in 2013, Winnipeg Free Press, March 27, 2014. Accessed March 27, 2015. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/manitoba-hit-record-refugee-count-in-2013-252590021.html University of Winnipeg Communications, December 9, 2014. Bridging two worlds: Helping refugee youth succeed in Canada http://news-centre.uwinnipeg.ca/all-posts/bridging-two-worlds-helping-refugee-youth-succeed-in-canada/ Shane Gibson, Tough road for African immigrants, refugees in Winnipeg: report. Metro News, July 26, 2012. Accessed April 1, 2015. http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/310949/tough-road-for-african-immigrants-refugees-in-winnipeg-report/ CBC News, Syrian refugees glad to be in Winnipeg, but struggle to feed kids, CBC News, July 4, 2014. Accessed April 6, 2015. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/syrian-refugees-glad-to-be-in-winnipeg-but-struggle-to-feed-kids-1.2697018 Shane Gibson, Library for refugee and immigrant children opens in Winnipeg, Metro News, February 6, 2015. Accessed April 6, 2015. http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/1281922/library-for-refugee-and-immigrant-children-opens-in-winnipeg/ Winnipeg Crime Statistics last modified April 5, 2015 http://www.winnipeg.ca/crimestat/

[1] Carter, Derwing, Ogilivie, Wotherspoon, Prairies Region.

[2] Prairies Region

[3] Winnipg Crime Statistics

[4] Omidvar, Richmond Immigrant Settlement and Social Inclusion in Canada

[5] Prairire Regions

[6] Gyepi-Garbrah, J., Walker, R., & Garcea, J. Indigeneity, Immigrant Newcomers and Interculturalism in Winnipeg

[7] Prairie Region

[8] Immigrant Settlement and Social Inclusion in Canada
Kyiv Court of Appeal has rejected the appeals filed by the lawyers for Vladyslav Manher and Oleksiy Levin, suspects in the murder of activist Kateryna Handziuk, and left them in custody until August 28, 2021, the court's press service has reported.

"On July 26, 2021, a panel of judges of the judicial chamber for criminal cases at Kyiv Court of Appeal considered the appeals filed by the defense team against a ruling by an investigating judge of Kyiv's Dniprovskyi District Court of June 30, 2021, which extended the measure of restraint in the form of detention for the defendants M. and L. until August 28, 2021, without determining the amount of bail," the report said.

Following appellate review, the investigating judge's ruling of June 30, 2021 has been left unchanged, and the appeals have been rejected.

On July 31, 2018, activist Kateryna Handziuk was doused in sulfuric acid near the entrance to her house in Kherson. She sustained burns to 40% of her body. Handziuk underwent several surgeries but died on November 4 of the same year.

Five people were detained on suspicion of involvement in Handziuk's murder. Ihor Pavlovsky, a former aide to MP Mykola Palamarchuk, was arrested on November 12, 2018.

On February 11, 2019, the Prosecutor General's Office served Manher with a notice of suspicion in organizing Handziuk's murder. The court chose a measure of restraint for him in the form of detention with the possibility of posting bail of UAH 2,497,300, which was put up. However, the court then changed the measure of restraint for Manher and arrested him, without the right to post bail.

On June 6, 2019, five direct perpetrators of the attack were sentenced to prison terms of three to six-and-a-half years.

In January 2020, Levin was detained in Bulgaria for organizing the acid attack on Handziuk.

On March 16, Levin was extradited from Bulgaria to Ukraine. According to investigators, Levin is a key figure who connects perpetrators and those who ordered the attack on Handziuk. He is suspected of organizing this crime, inciting others to commit it, and providing information about Handziuk's place of residence.

On July 28, 2020, the prosecutor's office filed an indictment against Manher and Levin for organizing the attack on Handziuk.

On July 1, 2021, Kyiv's Dniprovskyi District Court left Manher and Levin in custody for another two months.

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Turkey-based arms producer Bayrak Makina is currently using Ukrainian engines in the production of their new-generation Aknc combat drones, further planning to install them on all company products.

Thats according to Baykar Makinas CEO Haluk Bayraktar who spoke with Dom TV.

The top manager noted that across the countries neighboring Ukraine, Bayrak Makina was the first producer to focus on Ukrainian technologies and offer full-scale cooperation, concluded in 2018.

"Relations in the field of drone production between Ukraine and Turkey have become strategically important, especially in recent years. Ukraine's aviation industry technology is at the highest level, world-standard level. And we have something to offer each other in this cooperation ... we are sure that through the efforts of our researchers, Turkish and Ukrainian, we will reach new horizons in the production of high-quality unmanned aerial vehicles," Bayraktar said.

Read also: Ukrainian military gets first Turkish Bayraktar UAV complex

He stressed that the area of UAV construction will further develop, so cooperation with Ukraine will therefore expand.

"Our plans also include manufacture of modernized hardware, higher-end aircraft. And we intend to install the Ukrainian manufacturers engines on all our vehicles set to be produced in the near future," said the CEO.

Bayraktar demonstrated the latest generation model of their Akinci drone, running on Ukrainian engines.

"This is one of our main innovations now, the Akinci drone, equipped with a Ukrainian engine. This is a technology that now literally few countries in the world own, some two or three countries. This is a new generation unmanned aerial vehicle, it will be able to operate on strategic long-distance routes," Bayraktar said.

UAV production capacities could be set up in Ukraine, he added.

Read also: Turkish drone with Ukrainian engine breaks altitude record

"It all depends on Ukraine. If Ukraine is interested in the production of such aircraft, Turkey is happy to cooperate and implement joint production programs. Of course, for countries that face the issue of defense and preservation of territorial integrity, our company products and these technologies are strategically important," the CEO assured.

As reported, Bayrak Makina has also won acclaim for their Bayraktar TB2 - a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle capable of operating for more than 12 hours straight. The Bayraktar TB2 performs reconnaissance missions and hits targets with high-precision missiles and bombs.

Several Bayraktar TB2 drones are already in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and have been tested in the combat zone in the countrys east.

In total, Ukraine intends to purchase 48 such vehicles.

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Over the past day, July 25, eleven ceasefire violations by Russian occupiers were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation area in eastern Ukraine.

Russian mercenaries opened fire from weapons on infantry fighting vehicles, grenade machine guns, and heavy machine guns near Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk); grenade machine guns  outside Krymske (42km north-west of Luhansk); tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns  near Pivdenne (40km north-east of Donetsk); four attacks were launched from 120mm and 82mm mortars, tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns in the area of New York (35km north of Donetsk); three attacks were launched, using grenade machine guns, heavy machine guns, and small arms, towards Prychepylivka (50km north-west of Luhansk), the press center of JFO Headquarters informs.

In addition, an enemy Orlan-10-type unmanned aerial vehicle was spotted crossing the line of contact in Luhansk region.

As a result of the shelling, one serviceman received a shrapnel wound and another one got injured. The soldiers stay in a medical facility.

Ukrainian troops fired back in response to the enemy attacks.

As of 07:00 on July 26, three ceasefire violations were recorded. No casualties have been reported.

The Ukrainian side of the Joint Control and Coordination Center (JCCC) informed the OSCE SMM about all violations by the Russian-occupation troops, using the established coordination mechanism.

The Ukrainian military continues to control the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area.

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Ukraine and Canada are preparing a large-scale project involving the production of modified An-74TK-200 aircraft for international markets, the press service of Ukraine's state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom has said.

"Antonov and the Quebec government are ready to facilitate the signing of an agreement between the Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, the Ukroboronprom State Concern and its enterprises on the production of An-74TK-200 aircraft for international markets, including North American markets," the report said.

In particular, the company Antonov-Canada has been created to organize cooperation and establish the work of the design bureau for research and development, exploration, and testing, on the basis of which a model aircraft will be manufactured for flight tests.

According to the report, the most promising model for the realization of this ambitious goal is the An-74TK-200 model of the aircraft, developed by the Antonov Design Bureau, which was mass-produced at the Kharkiv State Aircraft Manufacturing Company.

During the design phase of the modifications that is currently underway, emphasis will be put on the project's compliance with the certification criteria of the Canadian aviation authority  Transport Canada - which can significantly speed up the future certification process.

Ukroboronprom recalled that the An-74TK-200 model was critically dependent on the use of a significant number of components produced in Russia, which restrain the mandatory certification of aircraft in international markets.

"First of all, this concerns the critical dependence on the use of a significant number of components produced in Russia, which in turn do not meet modern requirements, restrain the mandatory certification of aircraft in European and American markets," Ukroboronprom said.

The final model assembly will be organized at production facilities in Ukraine and Canada.

The An-74TK-200 aircraft is designed to carry 52 passengers, cargo up to ten tonnes, and mixed passengers and cargo transportation on international short- and medium-haul air routes. The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 36.5 tonnes, the maximum flight altitude is 10,100 meters, the cruising speed is 600-700 km/h, the flight range with a load of ten tonnes is 950 km, and that with a load of 1.8 tonnes is 4,250 km. The crew consists of two people.

This aircraft can be used under particularly severe operating conditions, such as Arctic and high mountain, temporary, natural runways, with minimal or no technical support infrastructure, is an inherent market advantage of this model.

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The United States should further support Ukraine's defense capability, including through the provision of modern weapons, according to former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor.

He said this during a discussion organized by the Ukrainian Free University (UFU), an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The Trump administration did provide lethal assistance, Javelin anti-tank missiles. And the Obama administration didn't, so good on the Trump administration for providing that. I am hoping that the Biden administration will continue that and will provide Javelins and other weapons and systems that the Ukrainian military need," Taylor said.

He added that the United States helps Ukraine not only in the security sphere, but also in the political, economic, and diplomatic fields.

As Ukrinform reported, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva said that President Zelensky plans to discuss a wide range of bilateral relations with the U.S. leadership during his visit to the United States in August. He will focus, in particular, on security and defense, as well as on the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

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Alexander Lukashenko's regime might use the presence of Russian forces in Belarus during joint exercises to blackmail its western neighbors, as well as Ukraine, says Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.

The statement came as Tikhanovskaya was addressing a group of about a thousand local Belarusian community activists who came for the meeting from all across the U.S. Sunday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The regime could use the presence of Russian troops to blackmail its western neighbors and Ukraine. There is a lot of talk about it now," she said. "Threats could vary."

At the same time, she believes the presence of Russian forces is posing no threat to democratic change in Belarus. "Such exercises are held rather often, so I see no clear threat to Belarus, although Im no expert in these matters," she added.

Asked by Ukrinform whether the Belarusian opposition feels support coming from Ukraine, she said: Ukrainians stand with us, Ukrainians support us. And the fact that they accept so many resettled persons (migrants), eased legislation to offer people the opportunity to get a job and start their own business is already proof of great support.

At the same time, in her opinion, Ukraine is quite cautious in expressing its political position, as Lukashenko resorted to his own tactics, which is blackmail.

"We feel this support, we have high-level communication with Ukraine officials, and we will gradually strengthen these ties," Tikhanovskaya added.

As reported, in September 2021, a large-scale joint Russian-Belarusian military exercise Zapad 2021 (West 2021) will be held in Belarus. Experts see the drill as one of the main ways for Russia to absorb the neighboring countrys independence, also expressing concerns as regards Ukraines security.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ruslan Khomchak, said the upcoming joint exercises are posing a potential threat to Ukraine.

Background

Mass protests have been ongoing in Belarus since August 2020 against the rigging of the presidential election results after Alexander Lukashenko was declared winner.

The European Union, the United States, Ukraine, and most democracies have not recognized the legitimacy of the Lukashenko regime.

Lukashenko's rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has been forced out of the country and is now living in Lithuania where she represents the Belarusian opposition at the international level.

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Charge d'Affaires of the United States in Ukraine George Kent does not expect the United States to be directly involved in the Normandy format and the Minsk process.

"At the moment, I do not expect the U.S. officials to be directly involved in the Minsk process. I also do not expect U.S. officials to join the Normandy format meetings directly. But negotiations will continue," Kent said in an interview with Suspilne.

He noted that Russia had not been fulfilling its commitments within the framework of the Minsk format for six years already.

As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky wants the United States to join a peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine in the Normandy or other format.

The last summit in the Normandy format took place in December 2019, the next was scheduled for April 2020 but it did not take place either because of the pandemic and because the process slowed down again. Currently, the format operated at the level of political advisers.

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The U.S. delegation to the Crimean Platform summit will be headed by the government members.

"The delegation membership is determined by the White House, and we have not yet publicly announced who will lead the delegation, but they are members of the government. We informed the government of Ukraine who they are, but I will not name specific names until the membership is officially announced," Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs George Kent, who heads the U.S. diplomatic mission in Ukraine during the vacation of Charge d'Affaires Kristina Kvien, said in an interview with Suspilne.

As reported, the Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to step up the efficiency of international response to the occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security challenges, increase international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, protect victims of the occupation regime, and achieve the main goal: to de-occupy Crimea and return it to Ukraine.

The Crimean Platform activities are to begin at the summit on August 23, to which diplomats and leaders of foreign states are invited.

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Ukraine and Montenegro are united by both common interests and similar challenges, according to the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine.

This was said during a meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar and Ambassador of Montenegro to Ukraine Dragica Ponorac.

The ambassador assured of Montenegro's continued support for the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

The diplomats discussed ways to intensify bilateral political dialogue, including concrete measures to develop cooperation in the trade, economic, and tourism spheres, as well as to revive interregional cooperation.

The parties agreed to hold political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro in the near future and discussed the conditions of preparation for the next Ukrainian-Montenegrin business forum, which will be held in Kyiv in autumn 2021.

Bodnar thanked the Montenegrin side for creating favorable conditions for Ukrainian citizens visiting Montenegro for tourism purposes.

Particular attention was paid to the issue of Russia's use of the Interpol mechanism for illegal persecution of Ukrainian citizens who defended the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

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Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Ukraine George Kent called the situation of political prisoners, including journalists, in the occupied Crimea, the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk region, and Belarus a very sensitive issue.

"Its a very sensitive issue not only for the Radio Liberty staff. I recently met with Mr. Yesypenko's sister, with Mr. Aseyev, a Radio Liberty employee who had been held captive by militants in Donetsk for two years. We also have a difficult situation in Belarus. Ihar Losik, also an employee of Radio Liberty, has been in prison for more than a year," Kent said in an interview with Radio Liberty, Ukrinform reports with reference to Crimea. Realities project.

He stressed that the situation of journalists in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADLR), in Crimea, and in Belarus was terrible.

"Now there are more than 100 [political prisoners] in Crimea, almost 200 in Donbas, and almost 600 in Belarus. There are more political prisoners in Donbas, Crimea, and Belarus this year than there were when I started working for the U.S. Department of State more than 30 years ago. The situation is very sad. As we struggled with this problem 30 years ago, so it is our main task now. This is a very sensitive issue," the U.S. Charge d'Affaires added.

On July 6, a Russian court in Crimea extended the arrest of RFE/RL freelance correspondent Vladyslav Yesypenko, detained in Crimea in March 2021, until December 18. Vladyslav's wife, Kateryna Yesypenko, claimed that her husband had been forced to self-incriminate under torture.

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Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski says allowing Russia to complete construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was a bad decision that would harm European security.

Thats according to Radio Poland, Ukrinform reports.

Jablonski said the German-U.S. agreement on the gas pipeline was a bad decision that would prompt Russia to take aggressive action.

Moreover, he recalled that over the past few years, Russia had been responsible including for starting the war in Ukraine, persecuting opposition figures, killing independent journalists, and so on.

According to the senior diplomat, by allowing completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline construction, the United States and Germany have shown Russian President Vladimir Putin that any such measures may be effectively implemented.

The European Commission has reportedly confirmed receiving a formal request from Ukraine for consultations in connection with the agreement between the United States and Germany on Nord Stream 2.

Read also: UWC calls for moratorium on Nord Stream 2

On July 21, the U.S. and German governments issued a joint declaration outlining their common position on the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The document has sparked criticism, including from Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said it was filing formal requests for consultations with Germany and the EU, as provided for in the provisions of the Ukrain-EU Association Agreement.

Nord Stream 2 is a Russian gas pipeline under construction, bypassing Ukraine. It is being laid along the Baltic Sea seabed to connect Russia and Germany. The project cost is estimated at EUR 9.5 billion. The sole shareholder is Russias energy giant OJSC Gazprom. In December 2019, construction was suspended due to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government. At the time, the pipeline was 96% complete.

The new U.S. administration, led by President Joe Biden, now says it is impossible to stop the construction of the pipe at this stage.

At the same time, criticizing the U.S.-German agreement, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Marcy Kaptur said "Congress must reject any deals that fail to protect transatlantic security and Ukraine's sovereignty," as reported by Ukrinform.

In turn, the European Commission reminded that in case of completion of the gas pipeline, it will be subject to the provisions of the so-called EU Gas Directive, which does not allow the monopoly use of such infrastructure.

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The Ministry of Health is considering the option of mixing mRNA vaccines for COVID-19.

Thats according to Deputy Minister, Chief State Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin, who spoke with the Apostrophe outlet, according to Ukrinform.

The Ministry of Health makes similar decisions based on the results of international research, recommendations of vaccine manufacturers, and analysis of the similar experience of other governments.

"The National Technical Group of Immunization Experts, as the health ministrys main advisory body, recommended allowing the so-called mixing of the vaccine, but with strict compliance with certain conditions. This is about injecting the second dose of the Comirnaty/Pfizer-BioNTech jab after the Moderna mRNA vaccine if its impossible to complete vaccination with the same drug. Also, if someone had a severe allergic reaction to the first dose of the AstraZeneca vector vaccine, it is allowed to introduce a second dose of Comirnaty at the doctor's discretion," said Kuzin.

The chief state sanitary doctor added that the relevant decision of the expert group is already in place. According to him, the issue of registering the relevant order and developing a detailed step-by-step protocol is being considered.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, since the start of the inoculation campaign, 3,099,711 people have been vaccinated in Ukraine, of whom 3,099,709 have received a single dose and 1,712,791 have been immunized (including two persons who got their jabs in another country). A total of 4,812,500 vaccinations were performed.

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Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yulia Laputina has thanked Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ukraine Ole Egberg Mikkelsen for his help and strengthening cooperation in the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers.

According to the Ministry for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the event was attended by Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine for European Integration Oleksiy Iliashenko and Defense Attache at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Ukraine Felix Ebbestad.

At the beginning of the meeting, Laputina welcomed Mikkelsen to the Ministry for Veterans Affairs and expressed interest in strengthening the dialogue with Denmark. She also thanked for supporting Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty; promoting dialogue with government agencies, providing humanitarian assistance in the field of medicine, as well as for the support provided by the Kingdom of Denmark to the Armed Forces of Ukraine within NATO programs and the Peace and Stabilization Fund.

The minister informed the ambassador about the main strategic goals of the Ministry for Veterans Affairs, expressed interest in deepening international cooperation in the framework of initiatives and projects currently underway by the ministry.

Laputina noted that the ministry is interested in getting acquainted with the work of the Danish Veterans Center and establishing bilateral cooperation with it.

The ambassador thanked the Ukrainian side for the meeting and the opportunity to learn more about the work of the Ministry for Veterans Affairs personally from the minister.

Laputina thanked the representatives of the Kingdom of Denmark for the productive meeting, support and opportunities for strengthening cooperation in the rehabilitation and support of defenders of Ukraine.

She invited the Danish side to take part in the fourth International Veterans Forum, which will be held in Kyiv on August 22, 2021 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, as well as to speak at a panel meeting "National Resilience of the Country. Veterans. International Experience."

The Ministry for Veterans Affairs is grateful to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark for assistance and strengthening cooperation in the rehabilitation and support of defenders of Ukraine.

As Ukrinform reported, on July 19, a Danish delegation led by Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark Ole Egberg Mikkelsen got acquainted with the security situation in the Joint Forces Operation area in eastern Ukraine and met with representatives of the Danish Demining Group (DDG).

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The situation in the Mai Aini and Adi Harush Eritrean refugee camps in Ethiopias Tigray region has further and rapidly deteriorated with the escalation of fighting in the area over the last two days

At least one Eritrean refugee death has been confirmed, with credible reports of arrests, detentions, beatings, looting, and sporadic gunfire. Tens of thousands of refugees, fearful for their lives, are currently trapped and unable to move due to the insecurity and ongoing movement of troops in the area. UNHCR staff on the ground, as well as other humanitarian partners, are now unable to reach the camps to assist refugees.

We urgently call on both the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray Regional Government to uphold their obligations under international law including respecting the civilian character of refugee camps, and the rights of refugees and all civilians to be protected from hostilities.
Over the past 10 years, more than 13 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes and communities, and more than 5.6 million of them are now refugees hosted in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt. More than 6.7 million remain displaced inside Syria.

For the vast majority of Syrians, returning home  voluntarily, and in safety and dignity  remains a deep and longed-for aspiration. It is also their fundamental right. UNHCR therefore welcomes all efforts to build an environment that enables refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) to exercise their right to return.

As discussions on the return of displaced Syrians pick up, its important to ensure international principles guide any efforts to support the return of those displaced.

Inside Syria, UNHCR and partners have stepped up their support to communities receiving returnees. The approach has been driven by humanitarian need, rather than status, and includes concrete and practical intervensions in areas such as shelter, legal aid and civil documentation, distribution of relief items, livelihoods and repairs to schools, health facilities and other civilian infrastructure. It is crucial to increase support not only to returnees but also to those who remained, based on need, as a means of fostering community cohesion and stability.

UNHCR firmly believes that when it comes to finding durable solutions, we must listen to refugees and IDPs and be guided by their choices. All stakeholders must work to collectively address the barriers to return as expressed by refugees themselves, if we are to increase the likelihood that this becomes a realistic, safe and sustainable solution for a larger number of people. UNHCR will continue to work to address the considerations affecting refugee decision-making, in line with international standards and the principles of voluntariness, safety and dignity. This should be based on cooperation between host countries, the Government of Syria and the United Nations.

UNHCR continues to maintain a comprehensive approach to solutions as elaborated in its Comprehensive Protection and Solutions Strategy of 2018. Maintaining and enhancing support to host governments and communities to help guarantee continued protection and stay to refugees as well as local opportunities remains critical, as does expanding access to resettlement and complementary pathways.
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Milledgeville, GA (31061)

Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 81F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, with mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
People swim and sit at the edge of the river, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, at Rio Vista Park.
NANJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :East China's Jiangsu Province on Sunday reported 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one asymptomatic infection, all locally transmitted, local authorities said Monday.

The provincial health commission said 38 of the 39 confirmed cases and the one asymptomatic case were registered in the provincial capital Nanjing, while the other confirmed case was found in the city of Suqian.

Yang Dasuo, vice director of Nanjing's health commission, said at a press conference that the newly reported infections in Nanjing were all airport workers, their close contacts and secondary contacts.

By the end of Sunday, there were 85 confirmed cases (76 locally transmitted) being treated in hospitals in Jiangsu, while 31 asymptomatic cases (13 locally transmitted) were under medical observation, the commission said.

The province has reported dozens of locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, mostly in Nanjing, since 17 airport workers tested positive for coronavirus last week.

Nanjing, a mega-city with a population of more than 9.3 million, has launched a second round of all-inclusive nucleic acid testing and urged residents not to leave the city unless necessary.

The Chinese mainland on Sunday reported 40 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, including 39 in Jiangsu and one in Liaoning, the National Health Commission said in its daily report on Monday.
ACCRA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :The government of Ghana has committed a seed funding of 25 million U.S. Dollars for the local production of COVID-19 vaccines, President Nana Akufo-Addo has said.

In his address to the nation late Sunday on measures taken against the spread of the virus, the president said local production of the vaccine became necessary following a global shortage in recent times.

"The global shortage of vaccines means that we must develop our capacity to produce our own vaccines domestically and reduce our dependence on foreign supplies," the president said.

"We must be self-sufficient in this regard... and prepare ourselves better to deal with any such occurrences in the future."Ghana plans to establish a national vaccine institute, whose mandates will include establishing local vaccine manufacturing plants, deepening research and development for vaccines, Akufo-Addo said.

He urged the Ghanaian public to continue adhering to the safety protocols such as wearing masks and using sanitizers to contain the spread of the virus.
Amman, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2021 ) :Jordan's health ministry announced Saturday that Covid-19 vaccines will now be available for children aged 12 and above.

The ministry "has decided to lower the Covid-19 vaccination age to 12 years, starting from Sunday July 25" and without requiring an appointment, the ministry said in a statement on its Facebook page on Saturday.

"Vaccination will be optional, and those under 18 will be able to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine with the consent of their guardian," the statement added.

Jordan, a country of 10 million people, has officially recorded more than 763,900 coronavirus cases, including over 9,900 deaths, since the start of its outbreak.

Some 1.9 million people have been fully inoculated against Covid-19, while 2.7 million have received an initial vaccine dose.

The United States, Canada and the European Union have already authorised the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 12-year-olds.

Amman said last month it had concluded several agreements to obtain a total of around 12 million Covid-19 vaccine doses, and planned to order five million additional jabs.

The country last weekend received half a million Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses from Washington.

Authorities are pushing the population to take up the vaccines, and have adopted restrictive or punitive measures targeting those who fail to do so.

The measures include requiring unvaccinated or partially vaccinated public sector employees to present a negative Covid-19 test twice a week, and prohibiting the issuance or renewal of work and residency permits for those who are not fully vaccinated.
(@FahadShabbir)

MOSCOW, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Russia recorded 23,239 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 6,149,780, the official monitoring and response center said Monday.

The nationwide death toll grew by 727 to 154,601, while the number of recoveries increased by 16,200 to 5,506,834.

Moscow, Russia's worst-hit region, reported 2,629 new cases, taking the city's total to 1,490,707.
Mogadishu, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Somalia has delayed elections that were due to start on Sunday after months of political crisis in the deeply unstable Horn of Africa country, officials told AFP.

Indirect parliamentary and presidential polls were due to open on July 25 with four days of voting for the upper house by state delegates. The election cycle was due to end with a presidential poll on October 10.

"Even though the plan was the upper house election to start around the various states today, there is a delay, the election may not take place as planned," a member of the electoral commission told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The delay was due to the fact that Federal regions were neither able to submit candidates' lists in time, nor to form local committees to cast the ballots, the source added.

A spokesman for the federal government, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimu, told AFP that the elections were "delayed," without providing details.

Last week, the country's Al-Shabaab jihadists warned politicians against taking part in the elections, which were due to kick off after months of deadlock and delays.

The threat, in an audio message purportedly recorded by Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah, underscores the security challenges facing the election process in the country.

The Al-Qaeda-linked group has been fighting to overthrow the federal government since 2007 and frequently attacks government, security and civilian targets.

Somalia was plunged into an unprecedented constitutional crisis early this year, when President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and the leaders of Somalia's five states were unable to agree on the terms of a vote before his term lapsed in February.

After months of stalemate that at times turned violent, the political leaders finally agreed last month on a voting timetable.

According to the agreed plan, delegates from the five federal states, chosen by various clans in that state, elect parliamentarians, who then elect a president. The process was due to kick off on Sunday.

But according to several sources who spoke to AFP, the sole state that was capable of carrying out a vote "during the week" was Jubaland.

According to one source, the state has already chosen its delegate committee and could publish a list of candidates "during the week." "We are expecting the election to take place soon," said Mohamed Adan, a senior government official in Jubaland. Another source said the electoral process could kick off in the state later on Sunday.

In Puntland state, sources told AFP that the elections were delayed because of "technical reasons." In Galmudug state, the local parliament is on a break and will reconvene in early August.

In South-West state, the process is blocked because the regional president is out of the country.

- Impasse explodes into violence - Somalia's political impasse exploded into violence in April when negotiations collapsed and the lower house extended the president's mandate by two years, sparking gun battles on the streets of Mogadishu.

Under pressure the president, commonly known as Farmajo, reversed the extension and ordered his prime minister to reconvene with the state leaders to chart a fresh roadmap towards elections.

The ballots follow a complex indirect model whereby special delegates chosen by the country's myriad clan elders pick lawmakers, who in turn choose the president.

Successive leaders have promised a direct vote but political infighting, logistical problems and the Al-Shabaab insurgency has prevented such an exercise.

The upper house vote will be followed by elections for the lower house from September 12-October 2, according to an updated timetable issued last week.

According to a statement issued in June, both assemblies were due to convene to vote for the president on October 10, but no date for this election was given in the updated timeline.

Somalia has not held a direct one-person, one-vote election since 1969, the year dictator Siad Barre led a coup and went on to rule for two decades.

Barre's military regime collapsed in 1991 and Somalia sank into anarchy.
ISTANBUL,26 July (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday met his Togolese counterpart Robert Dussey in the Turkish capital Ankara to discuss a range of issues.

"I am happy to host my friend Robert Dussey in our country for the second time this year," Cavusoglu tweeted. "We discussed international and regional issues and our developing bilateral relations." Dussey last visited Turkey in June.

Dussey said he had a "fruitful meeting" with Cavusoglu. "We exchanged our points of view regarding international and regional issues. We are both very satisfied of the level of our bilateral cooperation," he said in a tweet.

Turkey and Togo enjoy good bilateral relations, and their bilateral trade, which was $106 million in 2019, is rising.

Regular high-level contacts are held and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is also active in Togo.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Kabul, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :The United Nations warned Monday that Afghanistan could see the highest number of civilian deaths in more than a decade if the Taliban's offensives across the country are not halted.

Violence has surged since early May when the insurgents cranked up operations to coincide with a final withdrawal of US-led foreign forces.

In a report released Monday documenting civilian casualties for the first half of 2021, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it expected figures to touch their highest single-year levels since the mission began reporting over a decade ago.

It also warned that Afghan troops and pro-government forces were responsible for a quarter of all civilian casualties.

"Unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed," UNAMA head Deborah Lyons said in a statement released with the report.

"I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed to the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians." During the first half of 2021, some 1,659 civilians were killed and another 3,254 wounded -- a 47 percent increase compared with the same period last year, the UNAMA report said.

The rise in civilian casualties was particularly sharp in May and June -- the initial period of the Taliban's current offensives -- with 783 civilians killed and 1,609 wounded, it added.

"Particularly shocking and of deep concern is that women, boys and girls made up of close to half of all civilian casualties," the report said.

UNAMA blamed anti-government elements for 64 percent of civilian casualties -- including some 40 percent caused by the Taliban and nearly nine percent by the jihadist Islamic State group.

About 16 percent of casualties were caused by "undetermined" anti-government elements.

But Afghan troops and pro-government forces were responsible for 25 percent, it said.

UNAMA said about 11 percent of casualties were caused by "crossfire" and the responsible parties could not be determined.

The Taliban's ongoing assault has seen the insurgents capture half of Afghanistan's districts and border crossings as well as encircle several provincial capitals.

The fighting is largely in the rugged countryside, where government forces and insurgents clash daily.

UNAMA also noted a resurgence of sectarian attacks against the country's Shiite Hazara community, resulting in 143 deaths.
London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :UK police on Monday said they were investigating a knife attack on a woman in a London park, with online footage showing she was wearing a T-shirt with a cartoon from Charlie Hebdo, the French magazine targeted by jihadists.

The 39-year-old woman was treated in hospital for a minor slash injury after the attack on Sunday afternoon at Speakers Corner' in Hyde Park, the Metropolitan Police said.

Footage posted on YouTube showed a man in a hooded top approach a woman holding an umbrella and stab her, apparently several times.

The man then takes off his hood and leaves.

The woman's T-shirt has the Charlie Hebdo logo and a cartoon showing a Muslim man kissing a cartoonist with the slogan "L'amour plus fort que la haine" (love is stronger than hate).

She has blood running down her face and shortly afterwards collapses to the ground.

Speakers' Corner is a historic place for open-air debate where people are allowed to make speeches on any lawful subject.

Police did not identify the victim by name but social media said she was Hatun Tash, a preacher from a group called DCCI Ministries that says it seeks to preach the Christian Gospel to Muslims.

Detectives said they had recovered a knife at the scene and the victim gave an account of what happened.

"We know that this assault was witnessed by a number of people, many of whom captured it on their phones. I would ask them, if they have not already done so, to contact police," said Detective Superintendent Alex Bingley.

Bingley asked people not to "speculate on the motive for the attack until we have established the full facts".

Twelve members of staff at the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo were gunned down in January 2015 by two brothers who vowed allegiance to Al-Qaeda.

The gunmen said they were taking revenge for the magazine's publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed that many Muslims find offensive.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Monday said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Vice President Maryam Nawaz should quit their party positions in the wake of humiliating defeat in the AJK Legislative Assembly elections

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Monday said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Vice President Maryam Nawaz should quit their party positions in the wake of humiliating defeat in the AJK Legislative Assembly elections.

If both Bilawal and Maryam had any moral courage, then they should accept responsibility for the drubbing at the hands of PTI and better gracefully resign to make way for the fresh leadership, he said addressing a news conference here along with Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur.

The minister said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had got a massive mandate in the July 25 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, which would have a far reaching consequences and impact for the region. He congratulated Ali Amin Gandpur on the party's outright win.

He said the false narrative of rigging had vanished with a huge turnout of over 70 percent. Such a landslide victory could not be the outcome of manipulation, he said, adding it was rather a manifestation of the people's confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was the most popular leader not only in the AJK but also across the Line of Control.

With a huge mandate for the PTI, the AJK people had in fact given a new hope to their brethren facing Indian reign of terror in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he remarked.

Fawad said the AJK people had fully banished the narrative of Maryam Nawaz, who was targeting the national institutions. Her father Nawaz Sharif's meeting with Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib a day before the polling day, he added, also did convey a negative message to the voters.

Like Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, the parties with hereditary leadership had been routed in the AJK polls since the people there had rejected their narrative, he added.

The minister said Bilawal had given a 'gift' of the party's defeat the AJK elections to his father Asif Ali Zardari on his birthday. The PPP, once a major political force in the country, had now been squeezed to just once province and it would vanish from Sindh on account of misrule and bad governance, he added.

Fawad said how the PML-N expect the Kashmiris to vote for it as its leader Nawaz Sharif had invited (Indian Prime Minister) Narendra Modi to Jati Umra, besides holding meetings with Jandal and working against national interests.

On the other hand, he said, Prime Minister Imran Khan did strive to effectively highlight the Kashmir imbroglio at international forums and that was why he was deemed as the 'ambassador of Kashmir cause'.

During his election rallies, the prime minister focused on the Kashmiris' sacrifices and freedom movement whereas Maryam and Bilawal only criticized Imran Khan, he added.

The minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan would take a decision about the next AJK leadership, including LA speaker, prime minister and president.

Replying to media questions, he said Imran Khan would address the session of AJK Legislative Assembly on August 5 in Muzaffarabad and announce a future line of action on the Kashmir issue.

He said the AJK people had reposed full trust in the policies of Imran Khan on the Kashmir dispute, who took up it as a humanitarian issue whereas India considered it as a territorial one.

He said the hearts of the people of Pakistan and Kashmir beat in unison and Imran's offer of a second referendum was an expression of his trust that the latter would opt for Pakistan.

To a question, Fawad said had Nawaz Sharif not met Hamdullah Mohib a day before the elections, the PML-N and the PPP might have bagged equal number of seats.

He asked whether Nawaz informed the PML-N's Central Executive Committee about the meeting with Mohib, who had links with Indian intelligence agency RAW.

The PML-N had issued a notice to its candidate for seeking help from India, but ignoring its leader Nawaz Sharif, who had committed a bigger blunder, he added.

The minister said the prime minister had taken a clear stance about the Modi government's misadventure on held Kashmir of on Aug 5, 2019 .

When India expressed its desire for resuming a dialogue, the PTI government called for rescinding the August 5, 2019 action first, he added.

Pakistan, he said, had four wars with India on the Kashmir issue, which still remained the central focus of its foreign policy and economic relations.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2021 ) :National Security Adviser, Dr. Moeed Yusuf has left for an official visit to the United States on Monday and will meet his US counterpart Jake Sullivan to review the progress on the bilateral engagement.

His visit is part of high-level bilateral engagements between the two countries, which were agreed between him and his counterpart Jake Sullivan in their last meeting in Geneva on 24 May 2021, said a news release.

He will also meet other US legislators, senior officials besides interacting with the Pakistani American community, US think tanks, US media among others.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Minister of Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Monday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of the father of Ajmal Jami, an anchor person of a private news channel.

He said that in this hour of sorrow, he shared the grief of the bereaved family.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude.
Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Shafqat Mahmood pledged on Monday that the government will support institutions to provide quality education for children with disabilities

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Shafqat Mahmood pledged on Monday that the government will support institutions to provide quality education for children with disabilities.

According to a press release, he stated this while emphasizing on inclusive education for children with disabilities.

Shafqat Mahmood will be representing Pakistan at Global Education Summit on 28 and 29 July where he will support a pledge.

The pledge promotes the education of children and will contribute to the Global Partnership of Education (GPE).

Shafqat Mahmood will be endorsing 'Equal World' campaign of sight savers which is calling on each participating government at the Summit to commit to children with disabilities benefiting from quality and accessible education.

In response to the campaign, Shafqat Mahmood has said "Equal World campaign has raised the significance of equity and inclusion in education systems for marginalized children, especially children with disabilities".

Around the world children with disabilities have faced some of the worst effects of COVID-19 and subsequent school closures.

To counter this the government of Pakistan plans to increase investment in inclusive education.

Munazza Gillani, Country Director at Sightsavers Pakistan, said, "This is a critical moment for the government of Pakistan to make ambitious, bold and specific commitments on inclusive education and it's great to work with them on doing this. These policy commitments will help to ensure that no child is left behind in learning".

Sightsavers is currently partnering with the Ministry of Education on programmes that promote school eye health and the inclusive education of children with disabilities in mainstream schools.

These projects train teachers on disability inclusion and screen thousands of children for eye health problems.

Pakistan has the world's second-highest number of out-of-school children, around 22.8 million, and it is very likely that large numbers of these are children with disabilities.

The Summit will provide an opportunity to global community to come together and support quality education for all children and pledge their support to transform education systems in their countries and territories.
Germany will issue mobile phone alerts in the future to inform citizens of impending dangers, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said on Monday after deadly floods prompted a rethink of the country's warning systems

Berlin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Germany will issue mobile phone alerts in the future to inform citizens of impending dangers, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said on Monday after deadly floods prompted a rethink of the country's warning systems.

"Not everyone has always been enthusiastic about the idea in recent months. But I've decided that we're going to do it... There is no reasonable argument against it," Seehofer said in parliament.

At least 180 people died when severe floods pummelled western Germany over two days in mid-July, raising questions about whether enough was done to warn residents ahead of time.

Some 70 people are still missing after torrents of water ripped through entire towns and villages, destroying bridges, roads, railways and swathes of housing.

Government spokeswoman Martina Fietz last week said the country's weather warning system and mobile phone app Nina had "worked" but admitted that "our experiences with this disaster show that we need to do more and better".

Armin Schuster, president of the German civil protection agency (BBK), called for sirens to be reinstated in more areas.

He also said the agency was considering introducing mobile phone alerts, but "a number of issues" would need to be talked through first, including the costs and data protection concerns.

The alerts would be sent using a technology known as cell broadcast, which enables local authorities to send messages to multiple mobile phone users in a particular area at the same time.

The alerts are similar to SMS messages, but can be sent and received anonymously and have the advantage of still working when networks are overloaded.

The technology is not widely used in Europe, but is common in the US and Japan.

Seehofer on Monday called for a mix of analogue and digital warnings. "The warning app is of no use if you are asleep at night and don't hear it. The siren, in turn, is of no use on its own because it doesn't tell people: What should they do?"
Greece will open Covid-19 vaccinations to youngsters aged 12-15 in August, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias told local television on Monday

Athens, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Greece will open Covid-19 vaccinations to youngsters aged 12-15 in August, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias told local television on Monday.

Vaccination for this group has been approved and will be optional, he said.

Some 30,000 appointments have already been made by teenagers aged 15 to 17, he said, as he called anew for all Greeks to receive the jab.

"They should all go and get vaccinated, even now in the summer," said Kikilias.

Earlier this month, Greece's parliament passed a bill introducing mandatory vaccinations of all health workers, including those working in retirement homes.

The bill requires all people working in retirement homes to be vaccinated by August 16 or be put on unpaid leave. The same applies for health workers in both public and private sector from September 1.

In the spring, Greece made a push to get people living on its islands vaccinated, ahead of the summer tourist season, which is a vital economic lifeline there.

Although many island residents have been fully vaccinated, a large portion of tourism sector employees there remain hesitant, according to Greek authorities.

The popular tourist island of Mykonos, which was considered a vaccination model, was placed on red alert earlier in July, with several restrictions reimposed, including a 24-hour ban on music and a curfew from 1 am to 6 am, as cases jumped. The restrictions were lifted on Monday.

More than 10 million vaccine doses have been administered in Greece and around 5.5 million people, out of a total population of about 10.7 million, have been fully jabbed.
Senegal's health ministry said Monday that hospitals in the capital Dakar were "close to saturation" due to a surge in Covid-19 patients, with overworked medical personnel facing burnout

Dakar, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Senegal's health ministry said Monday that hospitals in the capital Dakar were "close to saturation" due to a surge in Covid-19 patients, with overworked medical personnel facing burnout.

The West African country has suffered a third wave of virus infections in recent weeks, with cases rising from a few dozen a day late last month to about 1,700 in July.

Health authorities have registered most of the new cases in Dakar, a city of over three million people.

The national director of public health institutions, Ousmane Diallo, told AFP that the third wave had been more severe than the previous two.

"We are overwhelmed and close to saturation, with almost 99 percent of beds occupied in Dakar," he said, explaining that the city has 602 hospital beds.

Medical staff in the capital are "very tired and burned out," Diallo added.

Bed occupancy stands at about 45 percent in the rest of the country, he said.

A surge in coronavirus cases is also causing delay in receiving Covid test results in the poor nation of 16 million people.

Health ministry spokesman Mamadou Ndiaye said that labs were "overwhelmed because of high demand." Senegal has recorded over 57,000 cases since the start of the pandemic, of which more than 1,200 have been fatal.

There are fears that last week's Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, which saw many people travel to meet family, will increase the caseload.

Senegal's vaccination campaign resumed on Saturday after an interruption, with the delivery of 151,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

About 640,000 people have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine so far.

President Macky Sall has threatened to close borders and restrict internal travel should the health situation deteriorate.

He has so far avoided imposing strict measures to curb the virus, relying instead on personal responsibility.

A curfew and limits on gatherings were lifted after riots broke out in March.
Bhutan has inoculated most of its eligible population with second doses of Covid-19 vaccinations in a week, in a speedy rollout hailed by UNICEF on Monday as a "success story" for international donations

Thimpu, Bhutan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Bhutan has inoculated most of its eligible population with second doses of Covid-19 vaccinations in a week, in a speedy rollout hailed by UNICEF on Monday as a "success story" for international donations.

More than 454,000 shots were administered over the past week in the remote Himalayan kingdom -- just over 85 percent of the eligible adult population of more than 530,000 people -- after a recent flood of foreign donations.

UNICEF's Bhutan representative, Will Parks, hailed the ambitious vaccination drive as a "great success story for Bhutan".

"We really need a world in which the countries which have surplus vaccines really do donate to those countries that haven't received (shots) so far," he told AFP in the capital Thimpu.

"And if there's anything that I hope the world that can learn, is that a country like Bhutan with very few doctors, very few nurses but a really committed king and leadership in the government mobilising society -- it's not impossible to vaccinate the whole country." The tiny nation had quickly used up most of the 550,000 AstraZeneca jabs donated by India in late March and early April for first jabs, before the neighbouring country halted exports over a massive local surge in infections.

Faced with a growing time gap between first and second doses, Bhutan launched an appeal for donations.

Half a million Moderna doses donated by the United States via Covax -- the distributor backed by the World Health Organization and the Gavi vaccine alliance -- and another 250,000 AstraZeneca shots from Denmark arrived in mid-July.

More than 400,000 AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Sinopharm shots are also expected to arrive in the South Asian nation of 770,000 people from Croatia, Bulgaria, China and several other countries.

The government has meanwhile bought 200,000 Pfizer doses that are expected to be delivered later this year.

Bhutan, wedged between India and China and famous for measuring gross national happiness, has reported just under 2,500 Covid-19 infections and two deaths so far.

The country's rapid roll-out of jabs stands in contrast with other South Asian nations, which have also been hit by India's suspension of vaccine exports.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 26th July, 2021) There were 204 people on board of Belavia's Boeing 737 Antalya-bound plane that made an emergency landing in Moscow earlier on Monday, the Belarusian Embassy in Moscow told Sputnik.

The aircraft landed safely in Moscow's Domodedovo airport after a pressure sensor was triggered.

Earlier in the day, an emergency services spokesperson said there were 207 people aboard.

"A total of 197 [passengers] plus seven crew members, that makes 204. This is the information that we have," the embassy said.
The United Kingdom and France signed on Monday a new treaty that would allow security forces from both countries to coordinate actions in response to an eventual terrorist attack on board passenger ferries and other large vessels in the English Channel, the UK Foreign Office said in a statement

LONDON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 26th July, 2021) The United Kingdom and France signed on Monday a new treaty that would allow security forces from both countries to coordinate actions in response to an eventual terrorist attack on board passenger ferries and other large vessels in the English Channel, the UK Foreign Office said in a statement.

The UK-France Maritime Security Treaty between the UK Home Office and France's General Secretariat for Defence and National Security was inked in Paris during a meeting between UK Foreign and Defense secretaries, Dominic Raab and Ben Wallace, respectively, and their French counterparts.

"As close allies it is vital the UK and France work together to protect our citizens and values. Today's signing of the UK-France Maritime Security Treaty will reinforce our ability to jointly respond swiftly and effectively to terrorist threats in the Channel," Raab said in a statement.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel was quoted saying that for her, the protection of the public and the UK citizens was paramount.

"The intelligence and security tools this new cooperation provides will give law enforcement and our emergency responders the additional support they need to protect us all," Patel stressed.

The accord, which will take effect as soon as it is ratified by both countries, will enable the UK and France to share information concerning potential security threats, mount swifter and stronger initial responses to serious security incidents and coordinate more efficient joint responses.

It will also allow joint intervention by UK and French security forces to work side by side to keep people safe and cooperate more effectively in the aftermath of an attack or incident.

The UK Foreign Office noted, however, that the new treaty is not intended to tackle illegal migration, which has seen this year a record number of people taking the perilous route on board small boats to seek asylum in the UK, adding that on this regard, other initiatives and agreements are either in place or in development.

The meeting between the UK Foreign and Defense ministers and their French counterparts also covered key security and foreign policy issues including new fields of cooperation on emerging technologies, European security, security in Africa and the Levant, and the joint work concerning China, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific region.
(@FahadShabbir)

A three-day meeting of agriculture ministers, policy makers and others began Monday in Rome, ahead of a September UN summit intended to improve the world's food systems amid rising hunger

Rome, Italy, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :A three-day meeting of agriculture ministers, policy makers and others began Monday in Rome, ahead of a September UN summit intended to improve the world's food systems amid rising hunger.

Even before the emergence of the coronavirus, the United Nations acknowledged the world would not meet a goal of eliminating global hunger and malnutrition by the end of 2030.

That has made the transformation of the world's food systems even more crucial, says the UN, which has a summit dedicated to the topic in New York set for September.

This preparatory meeting in Rome includes policy makers, members of civil society, farmers and researchers.

Already, however, campaign groups have expressed fears that UN will give prioritise "agribusiness" to the detriment of sustainable agriculture and small, independent farmers.

Pope Francis, in a letter to summit attendees, called for "radical change" to confront hunger.

"We need a new mindset and a new holistic approach and to design food systems that protect the Earth and keep the dignity of the human person at the center; that ensure sufficient food globally and promote decent work locally; and that feed the world today, without compromising the future," he wrote.
The United States is concerned about the crisis developing in Tunisia and Biden administration officials are in touch with the Tunisian leaders to understand the situation, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said on Monday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 26th July, 2021) The United States is concerned about the crisis developing in Tunisia and Biden administration officials are in touch with the Tunisian leaders to understand the situation, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said on Monday.

"We are concerned about the developments in Tunisia, which come as Tunisian authorities are seeking to stabilize their economy, confront a resurgence in the COVID-19 pandemic and improve living standards for all Tunisians," Psaki said. "We are in touch at a senior level at both the White House and the State Department with Tunisian leaders to learn more about the situation, urge calm and support Tunisian efforts to move forward in line with democratic principles."

The Biden administration has not yet determined if the political crisis in Tunisia can be called a coup d'etat and the State Department would have to conduct a legal analysis to reach a conclusion, Psaki said.
More than 10 million residents of Ho Chi Minh City will be placed under a strict overnight curfew beginning Monday, an unprecedented move to curb infections as Vietnam battles a rapid Covid-19 surge

Hanoi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :More than 10 million residents of Ho Chi Minh City will be placed under a strict overnight curfew beginning Monday, an unprecedented move to curb infections as Vietnam battles a rapid Covid-19 surge.

After successfully containing limited coronavirus outbreaks last year, the communist country is now recording increasing infections and deaths fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant.

Hardest-hit are the northern industrial centres and Ho Chi Minh City in the south, which has registered more than 62,000 infections since April -- making up the bulk of Vietnam's 101,000 cases.

Authorities have restricted movement in the once-bustling economic hub for more than two months, and imposed a lockdown in early July. Residents are allowed to leave home only for medical emergencies and food.

But beginning Monday, an additional, strict stay-at-home order will be in effect from 6 pm to 6 am local time -- though authorities refused to use the word "curfew". No end date was announced for the measure.

"Local law enforcement will need to step up patrols... and issue appropriate penalties for offenders, even detention in cases of resistance," said city mayor Nguyen Thanh Phong, according to state media.

Almost all public transport links with the city have already been suspended, while travellers originating from the city are required to stay in mandatory quarantine centres for at least two weeks.

Currently, more than a third of Vietnam's 100 million people are under a lockdown, including residents of its capital Hanoi in the north.

On Monday, the military drove through major boulevards across the city, spraying disinfectant as they went past historic buildings and Hoan Kiem Lake, a major tourist attraction.

An army officer told AFP that military personnel will continue the disinfection campaign over the next three days.

Vietnam was one of the few economies that expanded last year due to its success in containing the virus during the first wave of the pandemic.

But it has been slow to procure and administer vaccines, with just 4.7 million doses given so far.

It is also developing its own inoculations and authorities say they hope to reach herd immunity by early 2022.
Tunisian President Kais Saied's decision to suspend parliament and dimiss his prime minister sparked protests at home where the biggest political party decried it as a "coup".

Tunis, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Tunisian President Kais Saied's decision to suspend parliament and dimiss his prime minister sparked protests at home where the biggest political party decried it as a "coup".

Foreign governments also voiced concern. Here are some reactions from countries around the world to Sunday's shock announcement.

- Turkey - The foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned" by the latest development in Tunisia and called for the restoration of "democratic legitimacy".

"The preservation of Tunisia's democratic achievements, which is a success story in terms of the democratic process conducted in line with the expectations of people in the region, is of great importance for the region as well as for Tunisia," the ministry said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, tweeted: "We reject the suspension of the democratic process and the disregard of the people's democratic will in friendly and brotherly Tunisia.

"We condemn initiatives that lack constitutional legitimacy and public support. We believe Tunisia democracy will emerge stronger from this process.

" - Germany - A spokeswoman for the foreign ministry, Maria Adebahr, told reporters that Germany hoped Tunisia would return "as soon as possible to constitutional order".

"Democracy has taken roots in Tunisia since 2011", Adebahr said, referring to the year of the popular revolution that toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Germany was "very worried" she said, adding however: "We don't want to speak of a coup d'etat".

"It is important to return to constitutional order as quickly as possible," Adebahr said.

"We will certainly try to discuss (the situation) with the Tunisian ambassador in Berlin, and our ambassador in Tunis is ready to engage in discussions." - Russia - Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, in brief comments, said Russia was monitoring developments in Tunisia.

"We hope that nothing will threaten the stability and security of the people of that country," he told reporters at a daily phone briefing.

- Qatar -The foreign ministry in the Gulf state of Qatar expressed "hope... that the Tunisian parties would adopt the path of dialogue to overcome the crisis".
Dear faculty, staff and students,

First, I want to thank you for your trust as we navigate our university leadership transition together. You play an important role in helping USF maintain its momentum in service to our community. Id like to share with you more information about the interim president.

Over the past week, I have been gathering perspectives from stakeholders both within the university and across our community. To a person, everyone I have spoken to has great enthusiasm for the opportunity ahead of USF and expressed their commitment and support.

USF is always moving forward. That is why I am recommending an interim president who can inspire confidence while listening to and advocating for our students, faculty, staff and community; who has the leadership skills to help us pragmatically move forward on key issues; who respects the critical role of our faculty; who understands and can help advance our strong research enterprise and clinical expertise, and who has the relationships across our region and our state to garner even more support for USF as we enter our next chapter.

After careful consideration, I have decided to recommend Rhea Law, a devoted USF supporter, alumna, former Board of Trustees chair and highly respected community leader as interim president. Rheas deep ties within our community and her stellar leadership abilities will help us continue our momentum while we find the next great leader for our university. This recommendation will come to the USF Board of Trustees for approval at a special meeting on Aug. 2, and will be pending confirmation by the Board of Governors at its next meeting on Aug. 31.

Rhea earned an undergraduate degree in management from USF, putting herself through school while working as the university research project administrator for USFs Office of Sponsored Research. She then earned her terminal degree in law at Stetson University College of Law, where she later served as chair of their Board of Overseers, helping to select both a dean of the College of Law and president of the university. She is one of the founding members of the USF Board of Trustees, where she spent five years as vice chair and four years as the first (and only) female chair, contributing significantly to USFs growth and evolution as a Research 1 public university. She served on the Presidential Search Advisory Committee for the last two presidential searches. She has also served as a guest lecturer at the Judy Genshaft Honors College and Muma College of Business.

Rhea is the former chief executive officer and chair of the board of Fowler White Boggs, a Florida law firm. She led the merger of Fowler with a national firm, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, in 2014. Rhea was also a founding member of the Board of Directors of the USF Law Alumni Society, served as a member of the USF Research Foundation Board and was named a 2018 Distinguished Alumna by the USF Alumni Association. She chaired the Board of Directors for the Health Professions Conferencing Corporation with the USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS). In 2018 she was inducted as an honorary member of the USF Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors in recognition of her support of research and innovation at USF. In 2013, she was granted an Honorary Doctor of Medicine Degree from the USF Morsani College of Medicine. She formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Tampa Bay Technology Forum and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Board of Directors and currently serves on Moffitts National Advisory Board.

She has extensive connections across our community and our region. She was the first honorary commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill Air Force Base and thereafter served as the chair of the inaugural MacDill Support Council, where she continues to serve as a member. She is a member and a past chair of the Florida Council of 100, where she currently serves on the Executive Committee and chairs the Economic Competitiveness Committee. She has also chaired the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, and she twice chaired the Tampa Bay Partnership, which during her tenure represented an eight-county span across Tampa Bay. She has also served as a member of the Hillsborough County Business Advisory Group and the Pasco County Business Advisory Group - among many other leadership positions within our community.

While Rhea will not apply for the permanent job, she will work closely with the Board to support a productive search process and ensure a smooth transition. We will soon provide additional details on the next steps in the search process.

Following her confirmation, Rhea will begin a series of listening sessions with faculty, staff and students across our three campuses. Your voice is critically important, and I encourage you to actively participate.

Again, thank you for your dedication to USF and for your patience during this transition. Our best days are ahead of us.

GO BULLS!

Will Weatherford,

Chair, USF Board of Trustees
USM Announces Recipients of NASA-Mississippi Space Grant Consortium Scholarships, Computing Competition

Mon, 07/26/2021 - 11:16am | By: Ivonne Kawas

The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) announced 24 Space Grant scholarship recipients and six winners for the Innovative Design in Computing Competition (IDCC) awarded through the state-wide NASA-Mississippi Space Grant Consortium (MSSGC) program, which supports students in their pursuit of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degrees.

The NASA Space Grant program is designed to encourage and motivate excellence in student performance and to raise awareness of NASA employment and research opportunities among students with relevant majors at USM.

As the Southern Miss campus coordinator for the Mississippi Space Grant Consortium since 2018, Ive overseen the disbursement of $110,000 in Space Grant scholarships and IDCC prizes to students majoring in STEM fields, said Dr. David Cochran, professor of geography in the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences. For me, it is gratifying to be able to reward our hard-working STEM students and share with the university community some of the career-altering opportunities available at NASA.

The 2021-2022 NASA-Mississippi Space Grant scholarships range from $500 to $1,500. Recipients include:

Ian Beall, polymer science & engineering major from Hattiesburg, Miss.

Christian Bellew, ocean engineering major from Gulfport, Miss.

Christian Bird, geographic information technology major from Biloxi, Miss.

Douglas Bradley, geology major from Kingwood, Texas

Larry Byrd, polymer science & engineering major from Hattiesburg, Miss.

Cierra Carter, ocean engineering major from Waveland, Miss.

Nicholas Currie, polymer science & engineering major from Moss Point, Miss.

Kardarius Felton, biological sciences major from Roxie, Miss.

David Garcia, polymer science & engineering major from Hattiesburg, Miss.

Rachel Hamilton, ocean engineering major from Biloxi, Miss.

Joshua Hurnyak, geology major from Diamondhead, Miss.

Keely Hoppmeyer, polymer science & engineering major from Dacula, Ga.

Seth Kumming, geology major from Sumrall, Miss.

Luke Lewis, polymer science major from Kentwood, La.

Ryan Polizzi, geology major from Carriere, Miss.

John Rousse, polymer science & engineering major from Lumberton, Miss

Blake Runnels, geology major from Petal, Miss.

David Sanderson, ocean engineering major from Long Beach, Miss.

Jacob Seal, geology major from Petal, Miss

Thomas Stillman, geology major from Argyle, Texas

Matthew Tarver, ocean engineering major from Long Beach, Miss.

Jullian Vannattan, geology major from Picayune, Miss

Kobe Winsley, geography & sustainable development major from Purvis, Miss.

Rollin Young, information technology major from Summit, Miss.

Dr. Amer Dawoud, associate professor in the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering and coordinator of the annual IDCC, said they were able to award monetary prizes of $1,000 to all six participants of the two winning teams of the competition, including undergraduate and graduate students all of whom are affiliated with USMs School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering.

The two winning IDCC competition teams and their projects include:

Wesley Affolter, computer engineering major from Moss Point, Miss.; Isaiah Bell, computer engineering major from Gulfport, Miss.; Cole Crosby, computer engineering major from Hattiesburg, Miss.; and Quentin Musgrove computer engineering major from Soso, Miss.

Project: Unified Bilateral Sensor Driver Development

Some industries currently use large-scale sensor arrays which requires several man hours and materials that wireless sensor arrays would subvert. Because drivers allow large data centers to effectively communicate with many sensors simultaneously, the goal of this project was to create a driver that allows for full bilateral communication between nodes and clients.

Students proposed the development of a unified bilateral sensor driver that would allow deployment of a wireless sensor array over a multitude of industries.

Tom Henson, computer engineering technology major from Wesson, Miss; and Alex Biggs engineering technology major from Canton, Miss.

Project: UAV Authenticating system using Hardware Acceleration Components (FPGA)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones are becoming more prominent in todays world with a wide range of use. However, as they become more accessible to the average consumer, it will be easier for someone with malicious intent to acquire a drone. Growing problems, such as unknown UAVs entering restricted aerospace, lead to a major concern: How do we control an aerospace with many fleets of drones that are vulnerable to infiltration by rogue drones? Students proposed a drone-to-drone authentication system that uses hardware acceleration components (FPGA) to provide a fast, low-power encryption that is secure and does not drain the UAVs resources.

MSSGC is a statewide non-profit organization supported by NASA whose membership includes 17 institutions of higher learning across the state. Headquartered at the University of Mississippi, MSSGC is led by Dr. Nathan Murray, director, and Dr. Earnest Stephens, assistant director. MSSGC provides opportunities for Mississippians who are interested in participating in NASAs aeronautics and space programs by supporting and enhancing STEM fields, research, and outreach programs. For more information, visit msspacegrant.org
Valdosta, GA (31601)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. High near 80F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Three months and six surgeries after being shot shortly after his appointment as the new Bishop of Rumbek in South Sudan, Fr. Christian Carlassare invokes the Blessed Virgin Marys intercession for peace in the landlocked northeastern African country.

By Vatican News staff writer

Recently-appointed as bishop of Rumbek in South Sudan, Fr. Christian Carlassare has offered prayers for peace in the conflict-ridden country, invoking the intercession of Our Lady to bring healing and change from a past of violence, division and poverty to a future of unity and prosperity.

He made this prayer on Sunday, at the shrine of Madonna dellAngelo in Piovene Rocchette, Italy, where the faithful gathered to renew the vows made to Our Lady in 1631, as the people were delivered from the plague  one of the most virulent outbreaks of pestilence in Italy - and other disasters.

Bishop-elect Carlassare recalled Popes Francis gesture of kissing the feet of South Sudanese leaders when he invited them to Rome in 2019, and urged all South Sudanese to be won over by the Holy Fathers humility and love to recognize the dignity of every person and work for unity.

I know it is a long path and a demanding mission but this is the only path to life, and the mission of the Church, he said. May Mary intercede for us!

Tragic attack

Father Carlassare, who is presently undergoing a period of rehabilitation and treatment in Italy after suffering gunshot wounds in a recent attack, also seized the opportunity of the renewal of the vow to offer some of the bullets with which he was shot.

I will take the chance  to offer some of the bullets I was shot with exactly three months ago, he said. I have always felt the protection of our Mother Mary, and now, even more, after all that has happened.

We look at South Sudan with sympathy, with a positive outlook and hope, he said. We acknowledge all peoples and communities that are striving for peace, and demand that all those groups that hold weapons illegally will abandon them and never resort to violence again.

On the night of the 2526 April, Carlassare was injured after being shot in the legs by unknown assailants who broke into his residence. The Italian Comboni missionary, who was appointed bishop in March, arrived in early April and had not even yet been ordained a bishop at the time of the tragic incident. He survived the assault and was rushed to hospital.

Recovery going well

Recalling the attack in an interview with Fides news agency, Carlassare described it as a dramatic moment in which he had to entrust himself into Gods hands, thinking that my work will end there.

This gave me freedom and the awareness that our witness is valid when we are faithful to the Gospel to the end, in our daily fidelity, he said, adding that for the first three weeks after the incident, he was restricted to bed rest after a first simple bandage operation in Rumbek to stop the loss of blood.

Following this first operation, Fr. Carlassare underwent six different surgeries in Nairobi, Kenya, and only started walking with crutches a few weeks ago as he continues to recover. Now, he is in his hometown of Vincenza, Italy, and has to exercise in order to fully heal.

Ready to return

I have no doubts about the desire to return to my South Sudan, people are waiting for me and, beyond the many problems, there is also great hope. And I want to be part of it, Carlassare affirms.

First of all, I have done what I could for my health, and I think I can come back as soon as possible, he said, but stresses the importance of doing everything possible to resolve his case and, perhaps even more crucial, that the diocese has an internal path of regeneration to guarantee safety and the possibility of working and making decisions.

In the interim, an apostolic administrator has been appointed to provide for leadership and pastoral care, as the faithful await Carlassares return.

Meanwhile, authorities in South Sudan are still in search of the culprits in the attack, but have not put out any official statements yet. However, there have been several arrests and there are currently six people in prison who have been transferred from Rumbek to Juba. These six people, Fr. Carlassare explained, are part of a family that acted in the interests of the clan that, in all likelihood, disagreed with my appointment.

He further noted that any family who uses violence to pursue their own interests are armed individuals who have chosen to commit these acts and it does not matter whether they are Christians or of other faiths."

Father Carlassare added, In the end they attracted a lot of resentment from the majority of the population, while there has been a real solidarity race towards mea very positive reaction that gives hope that the population will take sides against senseless violence.

South Sudan

South Sudan has suffered long periods of conflict, combined with famine, poverty and humanitarian emergencies. More recently, however, a peace agreement struck in 2018 seems to be holding, although the parties still struggle to maintain it.

Carlassare notes that the agreement is a moment of great hope for South Sudan, which celebrates its 10th anniversary, and makes us look at the country with a little more perspective.

However, he added, there are two elements that must be taken into account. The first is that peace is always very fragile, and is subject to limits of violence that undermine it. Thus, it is a long journey that must be taken without being frightened of how far it can take us.

The second is the excessive circulation of weapons which end up in the hands of civilians not controlled by the government.
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Loanhead, Midlothian (7.6 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Dog jumped up a jumped up of couch my house was vibrating windows too and did actually think it was a earthquake even tho ave never felt one before | 3 users found this interesting.

Gorebridge / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / very short : It felt like a very loud bang against the side of our detached house. I was convinced something heavy had hit it. | 5 users found this interesting.

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland (1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Loud bang. Felt like a bang. | 2 users found this interesting.

Loanhead, Midlothian (10.3 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Heard like something falling upstairs or at my neighbors then the wall shook but i never thought it would have been an earthquake.

Loanhead, Midlothian (7.6 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Dog jumped up a jumped up of couch my house was vibrating windows too and did actually think it was a earthquake even tho ave never felt one before

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland (3.2 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 1-2 s : Was sitting outside heard lound thud fet underneath me... Checked house as I thought maybe something major had fallen. No damage

Loanhead, Midlothian (7.9 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short : A single thump. Anglepoise devices like monitor arms and boom arms jiggled. Sound like a solid impact

Penicuik (2.1 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Felt like a big bang against our house, with a very short shake. | 2 users found this interesting.

Milton Bridge (4.5 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : We heard two substantial, loud, large scale bangs and our entire house (2 storey, 210year old part and 3 storey(22m high) 160year old part) shook violently. | 2 users found this interesting.

Bolton upon Dearne, Barnsley, England (286.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : N.lincs - too far away. We never get anything exciting, like earthquakes!!! | One user found this interesting.

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland (2.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / very short : Crashing sound as if something had crashed into the side of the house | One user found this interesting.

Penicuik Croft street / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Indoors in our flat and there was a very loud noise and the place shook and I thought there had been an explosion . We are used to a little shaking when heavy loads go past but this was scary. Waited for sounds of emergency services but they didnt arrive so looked on local website to see if anyone else had felt it and yes lots have, | One user found this interesting.

Mayshade Loanhead / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : I was upstairs, there was a very loud bang and whole house shook It was felt throughout house fish were even lying at bottom of tank. | One user found this interesting.

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s : I thought someone had just slammed a door really hard. | One user found this interesting.

Peebles / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : a wtf moment | One user found this interesting.

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short : Similar to neighbour closing their front door with gusto | One user found this interesting.

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Big bang and house shook as if a truck went into the side of it. | One user found this interesting.

Loanhead / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Rumble and shaking felt by everyone in the household even the dogs | One user found this interesting.

East Calder, West Lothian, Scotland (18.6 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

Edinburgh, Scotland (10.9 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short

Dalkeith, Midlothian, Scotland (11.3 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Nothing!

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland (3.9 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Edinburgh, Scotland (15.6 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland (22.9 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

near Gorebridge, Midlothian, Scotland (18.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Blackshiels / Soutra area

near Kingsbridge, Devon, England (626.1 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

Valleyfield, Fife, Scotland (32.8 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : No feeling

Loanhead, Midlothian (9.7 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland (2.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland (3.7 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Heard and felt this

Loanhead, Midlothian (7.5 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Heard the building shake and objects moved in the property

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland (2.3 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland (3.4 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Penicuik (2.6 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : A buzzing/vibrating sensation and a loud 'thrum'

Bilston (6.2 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland (1.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s : vibration like heavy traffic, and noise likewise

AT HOME IN WEST LINTON / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt like some heavy truck passed by. Also heard some noise that reminded me of a lorry emptying its load; thought neighbours had something delivered.

Loanhead EH20 9EY / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Felt a sort of thud and a bang like something large had fallen or the house door had been slammed shut,

Loanhead EH20 9EY / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Felt a sort of thud and a bang like something large had fallen or the house door had been slammed shut,

Broxburn / not felt

Loanhead / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Building shook and slam noise

Penicuik. / not felt : I didnt feel a thing

Pentlands science park / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Loud noise and a shak

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : Loud bang thud and large bookcases shook rapidly for a few seconds

In the house. / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Heard a loud noise, I thought it was a door banging shut.

Leadburn EH46 7BE (11.3 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Extremely loud bangs heard and felt indoors panic thought something huge had crashed into house.house shook

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : I thought it was my neighbours door slam, I felt my windows vibrate

Penicuik (2.9 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Nothing

Gorebridge, Midlothian / not felt : I didn't feel anything cause I was asleep and I asked my mum and she said that she was putting the washing out at that time and didn't feel anything g

Penicuik - EH26 9BJ / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short : Thought a heavy door slammed shut or a minor explosion in the gas boiler. The whole house shook.

Penicuik (2.9 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Nothing

Bonnyrigg / not felt : Didn`t feel anything here in bonnyrigg midlothian scotland

Newtongrange (10.2 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

Dalkeith (0.4 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Disappointed to have missed it.

Edinburgh EH130FE / not felt : I was not aware of anything.

Peebles, Scottish Borders (18 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s : Tremor felt as house shook, rattling the widow frames and roof. Both my wife and I felt tremor separately in the house. Initially thought it was a quarry lorry on the main road, but much more violent than lorry passing as building felt it shook from foundations. Wow !

Peebles / not felt : Not felt

Eh259qw / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 15-20 s : Felt like whole stone house moved as if hit by truck. All animals including us left house. Loud strange noise

Loanhead (3.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Light shake as I watched tv

edinburgh (18.8 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

EH46 7BD (6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s

Penicuik / not felt

EDINBURGH EH4 4GS / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s

Penicuik / not felt

Temple (5.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Lying beneath my car and felt a tremor similar to that if a truck was passing, and my car appeared to move slightly.

Loanhead / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short

Carlops / not felt : Sound of loud thump, no shaking

Leadburn / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s

Newtongrange (10.7 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Like someone slamming a door

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

EDINBURGH / not felt : nothing here..

Penicuik / not felt

EH7, Edinburgh / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s

Pomathorn Road (0.2 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s : Felt like something heavy had fell into the house

Carlops / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

eh192pg (7.7 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Auchendinny Mains / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s

EH458QZ / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Carlops / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short

loch lomond / Light shaking (MMI IV) : created large unusual waves in loch lomond around 2pm- aftershock?

Mayfield / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Loanhead / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 10-15 s

Penicuik (3.4 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Did not feel quake

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : I thought it was my neighbours door slam, I felt my windows vibrate

Loanhead / not felt : Nothibg

Newtongrange / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : I was working at home and my unit bumped and glass chinged together

Loanhead, Straiton, Midlothian / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : I thought it was my neighbours door slam, I felt my windows vibrate

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Heard and felt low rumbling then felt and heard a sudden jolt of the house, floor moved and window creaked for split second.

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

At home in DALKEITH / not felt

Eh269lh (5.1 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : I thought somebody had crashed into the house.

Peebles / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Included a whoosh

Penicuik..Midlothian....EH26 8BT (1.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I thought a heavy vehice had mounted the sidewalk.. straining sounds heard from foundations and/or Roof structure..

HERIOT / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Penicuik (2.1 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / very short : Loud bang then ground shook

EH16 6HJ (11.7 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Penicuik EH260LU / not felt / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was upstairs in my house it felt like someone was trying to force my front door open as if the door was being shaken was like the door was rattling. ( glass door)

West linton (12.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Newtongrange / not felt : if I hadnt seen this, I wouldnt have knowm, EH22

Dolphinton (18.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Sounded like a piece of furniture like bookcase had fell over in the house

Eh26 0pq (5.5 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Sitting at desk in rural environment and felt slight shaking with overhead light moving. Felt/sounded like something hit into a fence or nearby outbuilding or that a large tractor was bumping around in the garden

Straiton / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : A light shaking and rumbling for a few seconds

West Linton / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Sounded like a loud thud coming from outside

Roslin / Light shaking (MMI IV)

EH17 8WD (10.4 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : 3 thumps and house rattled, as if something had crashed into the house

Edinburgh / not felt

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s : Felt like the room shook for second under my feet in my bedroom upstairs, my glass shook and rattled as well and loud noise like a bang in those few seconds.

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Silverburn midlorhian / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 10-15 s : Light shaking. I thought a lorry had crashed.Enough to make me check outside the front door to ensure it was OK

Roslin / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Penicuik (2.8 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short : loud quick bang similar to a crash or explosion/ artillery

EH24 9BG (5.9 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Roslin / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short

Grangemouth (40.6 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Nothing

Milton Bridge, Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s

EH25 9PE / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Light trembling.

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Felt like lorry hitting house nearby

Peebles / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : House shook

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : Heard a loud bang and building I was in shook briefly, felt like large explosion nearby

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short

Bathgate / not felt

Bilston Midlothian / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short

Howgate Eh26 8QP / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s : Very Loud bang - as if furniture has fallen over upstairs...

penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

EH17 8XF / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / very short : Felt slight shudder and house move slightly - live on a new housing Estate so put it down to a truck/lorry driving past

Penicuik town centre / not felt

Roslin / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Thought I was dizzy

EH17 8GR (1.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Nothing

Bilston, Midlothian / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Thought a speeding delivery van had finally hit the house!

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Moredun park road edinburgh / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Edinburgh / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Sounded like an incredibly heavy load passing or something crashing into the house. Rumbling sound and the floors vibrated.

Norwich / not felt : I didn't feel it but I did start to panic

Newtongrange / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Loud bang and a very weak shake

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump : Just like something bumped

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Loud bang :(

EH25 9TL / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s

Penicuik (3.7 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s : Was sitting outside, loud crack which I put down to heat expanding plastic drainage pipes on the house but louder than I had ever heard so thought a bit strange. The dog also jumped up and looked up at the noise. No shaking felt.

Loanhead / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : First floor victorian flat, couch jumped ( not off the floor) with two adults sitting on it.

Loanhead (7.3 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Short bump. Thudded the sofa I was sitting on.

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Large loud bang from walls and floors

Gorebridge / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short

Loanhead / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Loud bang and shaking for a second

EH26 8QP (0.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s : Heard and felt a bang like something had driven into the house. Felt/heard rumbling/vibrations beneath my feet and chair shook slightly. It was very loud, louder than heavy traffic.

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : it was like a bang and the floor and windows shook, like someone had dropped something extremely heavy

Edinburgh (10.3 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Felt nothing

Rosewell / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Just a light shake

In house (2.3 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Felt like a large lorry was passing house

Gorebridge / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Moorfoot Farm (7.6 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Felt as though a lorry had flew past the house, windows rattling.

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : A small shudder

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s : Felt like something heavy had fell into the house

edinburgh (17.3 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Edinburgh / not felt : Wish i had felt it

Loanheed / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / very short

penicuik (2.9 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short

Rosewell / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Gorebridge / not felt : I didn't feel it but many other households did in my housing estate.

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Bonnyrigg / not felt : Never felt a thing

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short

Loanhead / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : It felt as if someone had slammed a door shut hard against the house, or as if something heavy fell outside

Eh4 / not felt : Didnt feel anything.

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : It was very short but what I felt was the roof above me swayed for a few seconds

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : There was a bump and a shake side to side.

Bonnyrigg / not felt : No

west linton (11.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Heard a loud noise and house shook briefly. Felt like something had hit the house

Penicuik / not felt : Nothing

Dunfermline (31.7 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

PENICUIK / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Roslin / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Brief tremor

Edinburgh / not felt

Eh25 9AD / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short : it Felt as if someone had knocked on the front door really loud or banging the house with a hammer, strange!

Gorebridge (9.3 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating : Large truck going by

loanhead (7.4 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Dalkeith (0.4 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Disappointed to have missed it.

Roslin, Midlothian / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Jolt while sitting down

Gorebridge / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Single bang, my desk felt as if it lifted up and dropped.

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s : Shaking felt on first floor

Pentlands science park / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Loud noise and a shak

Roslin / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / complex motion difficult to describe / 1-2 s

eh25 9aa / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Rosewell midlothian / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Loanhead (8.1 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : My couch that I was sitting on shaker forward

Penicuik : A slight shudder with a faint booming noise.

Roslin / not felt

Elizabeth Jones Rosewell EH24 9DR (5.3 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Surprise - unusual experience

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : A loud bang like something heavy falling over upstairs

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s

Rosewell / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : A bang

Roslin / not felt

EH45 8PJ (13.9 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s

Gorebridge / not felt

Bilston Midlothian / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short

Auchendinny / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Midlothian / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : One big thud ,

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Peebles / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, EH26 (5.1 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Heard a single muffled boom and simultaneously felt the floor and furniture shake - wondered if it was a sonic boom, or shockwave from an explosion somewhere...

Edinburgh / not felt

Dalkeith / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Rosewell (5.5 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

Loanhead / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Gorebridge, Midlothian / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Felt like a door slamming hard and shook the house for a second

Roslin / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short

Roslin, Midlothian / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : Jolt while sitting down

Loanhead / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Have been in an earthquake in Greece and it felt similar but didn't last as long

Loanhead , Straiton / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short : I was sitting at my work desk and it shook , very briefly . The vibration went up my arm that was resting on my mouse. Very strange feeling.

Roslin / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : House shuddered, glass doors rattled

Rosewell / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Midlothian / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : It woke me up I thought the house was coming down.

Roslin / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : House moved suddenly and there was a noise as it shook

Upstairs at WESTST, PENICUIK MIDLOTHIAN, SCOTLAND / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : A loud bang and shudder

penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : two very large bangs and a pressure / shake

EH22 2QQ (275.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Loanhead / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Rosewell, Midlothian / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short : Heard a bang - thought it was a lorry crashing into wall.

Loanhead / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Building shook and slam noise

EH23 / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s : Quick shudder

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Gorebridge Midlothian / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : It felt like a small explosion underground it shook the whole house a dull bang

Rosewell / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : It felt as if someone had crashed into my house and I went to check that hadnt happened!

Loanhead / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s : I thought next door had dropped something very heavy on floor

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating : I felt strong shaking for a few seconds.

Loanhead / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 1-2 s

Eh12 9fu (16 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Nothing in EH12.

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Midlothian / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s

Loanhead / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Entire room shook, heard a loud bang too.

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short

penicuik / not felt

Penicuik (3.2 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : A big thump followed by the house shaking

Bilston (6.5 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / very short : I just felt the full house shake, noted that my sister in law in Loanhead, and friends in Penicuik and Bonnyrigg all felt it.

Loanhead, midlothian (7.5 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : The whole house shook Large bang heard and house shook. I had to check there wasn't a crash outside / not felt

Loanhead / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : .

Penicuik, Midlothian / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : like someone drove into our building

Loanhead / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Gorebridge / Weak shaking (MMI III) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 2-5 s

Penicuik midlothian / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Felt my bed shake under me and heard an unusual noise outside as if something had fell.

Loanhead / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short : Loud bang and building shaking

Lasswade (9 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 1-2 s : around 11:10 approx 2 mins of light shaking

Rosewell / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Small shockwave

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Felt like someone dropped something heavy elsewhere in the house.

PENICUIK / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 5-10 s : Loud bang & house shook

Penicuik (2.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Edinburgh / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : Really sounding like a banging and house moved slightly.

penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s

Auchendinny / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / very short

Milton bridge / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s

Loanhead / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Penicuik / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short : Felt like something heavy had fallen onto my house. Big "thump".

Eh467be / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Roslin / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short : A Lound bang

Penicuik / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Loanhead / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s
Photo: AFP via Getty Images

Federal prosecutors in the R. Kelly sex-trafficking trial have proffered new allegations of sexual abuse and bribery against Kelly. According to the Associated Press, the new court filing from Friday accuses Kelly of physical and sexual abuse, threats, and mistreatment against over a dozen additional victims; the case was already built around charges of Kellys alleged abuse of six women and girls that he recruited and controlled for sex and pornography.

Among the people listed in the new filing is a 17-year-old boy whom Kelly met at a McDonalds in December 2006 and later invited to his Chicago studio. The prosecutors court filing claims that Kelly propositioned and had sexual contact with the boy while he was still underage. Furthermore, when Kelly was facing trial for child pornography in 2008, he told the youth to contact a juror and vouch he was a good guy. Jury selection for this trial is set to start August 9 in New York federal court.
Tahar Rahim in The Mauritanian. Photo: STX Films

The story of Mohamedou Ould Salahi was among the most disturbing to come out of the Guantanamo Bay prison camp over the past couple of decades. Detained on dubious grounds, held without charge, brutalized and tortured and forced into a false confession, Salahi spent 14 years at Gitmo  some of those years coming after he won his case against the U.S.

government and secured release. You can use any number of eponymous adjectives for it  Kafkaesque, Orwellian, sadistic, Stalinist  and still not do justice to the monstrousness of what was done to him. Directed by Kevin Macdonald and based on Salahis own 2015 memoir, Guantanamo Diary, The Mauritanian is a noble but staid effort at trying to tell this mans tale. Its beats are familiar, its outrage muted, its story diffuse. But then, in its final moments, it springs one brilliant, devastating sucker punch thats so hard to shake it nearly saves the mostly humdrum movie that preceded it.

The Mauritanian starts with the capture of Salahi (Tahar Rahim) at a wedding back in his home country (he has just returned, were told, from Germany), then quickly fast-forwards to the development of his court case. We see Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster), a veteran defense attorney, agreeing to take up the case, with what appears to be some reluctance, and traveling to Gitmo alongside her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley). On the other side is military prosecutor Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), a former pilot whose closest friend had been on the plane that struck the World Trade Centers South Tower, making this a personal matter for him. Its easy to see how a film like this might have been made 20 or so years ago: It would have focused on the lawyers and the legal machinations around Salahis case, with little time spent on the man at the heart of it all. And to be fair, that might have been a more exciting, more conventionally satisfying political-legal thriller. By grounding itself in Salahis experience  in his years spent at Guantanamo, his memories, his solitude, his growing despair, and his changing relationship with the world around him  The Mauritanian forsakes suspense for humanism, which is not a bad trade-off.

The problem is that it still tries to muscle a legal drama in there. Whenever we pull away from Salahi, the narrative becomes disjointed and confusing, even as the performances keep things going. Foster, whos been away from our screens for some years, is a welcome sight, layering her crusading character with moments of doubt and hesitant acquiescence. Hollanders patience for the byzantine nature of this particular case (which is wrapped up in all sorts of military law and procedure) is clearly at odds with her idealism, but to the films credit, this dilemma is treated in subdued fashion, almost as a grace note. Cumberbatchs character  a deeply religious, earnest hard-ass who begins to have his own doubts  might actually be more interesting, with a more pronounced character arc, but he seems to get less screen time and feels the least developed among the major characters. (This might also be because Cumberbatch, for all his talent, isnt quite as subtle an actor as Foster is.)

On a narrative level, the legal minutiae The Mauritanian presents is handled in such a cursory fashion that you might find yourself lost at times. (I know I did, and I sat through the film three times.) Its on firmer ground when it cuts to Salahi  and Rahim is certainly excellent  but even there, Macdonald attempts too much; a couple of dream sequences, which are presumably meant to illustrate both Salahis trauma and the mental disorientation caused by constant torture, humiliation, and accusation, actually come off as vaguely ridiculous, pulling us out of the picture. Salahis backstory is also disjointed: Theres an interesting tale there in his joining Al Qaeda back when the group was something of a U.S. ally, in his life spent in both Western and Islamic societies, in the odd circumstances under which he was mistaken for a notorious terrorist recruiter. But in consigning that tale to half-remembered glimpses, the film loses much of the emotional and narrative thread.

But again, the movie rallies mightily by the end. I wont reveal how it ends (though those familiar with Salahis case might be able to guess), but Macdonald and his writers, after presenting us with a film that, for all its narrative ambitions, represents a fairly middle-of-the-road effort stylistically, unleash one quick, formal gambit thats not only striking but actually speaks to the broader tragedy of Americas forever wars and their associated absurdities. The film denies us closure, because, lets face it, none of this is really over yet.
Less than half of the US population is fully vaccinated against Covid-19 -- and with cases on the rise, experts are urging a return to precautions reminiscent of the earlier days of the pandemic.

"What I would say bluntly is: If you are not vaccinated right now in the United States, you should not go into a bar, you should probably not eat at a restaurant. You are at great risk of becoming infected," CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner, professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University, told CNN's Fredricka Whitfield.

In 48 states, the rate of new Covid-19 cases in the past week jumped by at least 10% compared to the previous week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. In 34 of those states, the rate of new cases increased by more than 50%.

And with the highly transmissible Delta variant now the dominant strain, the US could see 200,000 new Covid-19 cases a day within the next six weeks, Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Monday.

The last time there were more then 200,000 new US cases in one day was in January, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

And hospitals are filling up with Covid-19 patients again, except now, patients are younger than before, said doctors in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Missouri.

Despite the encouragement of many officials and experts' warnings that the best protection from the virus comes from vaccinations, only 49.1% of the US population is vaccinated, according to data from the CDC.

If a large swath of people remains resistant to vaccination, Reiner said, the US is left with two options to control the spread: shut down businesses -- which few people want to do -- or return to masks.

"The only way to get the unvaccinated to mask up is to mask everyone up," Reiner said.

While masking, like vaccination, could come from mandates by state leaders, Vanderbilt University Medical Center professor of infectious diseases Dr. William Schaffner said he anticipates more success if the push to return to precautions comes from local officials and trusted community leaders.

And for those who say vaccination is a personal choice, Schaffner said, they are half right.

"This is a little like driving on the red light. Yes, that's your decision, puts you in danger, but endangers others also," Schaffner said.

Delta variant increases calls for precautions

Part of the urgency to control spread and implement precautions is due to the prevalence of the Delta variant, which is believed to be more transmissible than other strains of the virus.

"At the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC said that a close contact was somebody that you're indoors with, unmasked for 15 minutes or more," Dr. Celine Gounder, who served on President Joe Biden's transition Covid-19 advisory board, said in an interview with STAT published Friday. "The equivalent of that with the Delta variant is not 15 minutes, it's one second."

That means people might need to do more than one thing to protect themselves from the more transmissible variant, said Gounder, an infectious diseases specialist at NYU's Grossman School of Medicine.

In addition to vaccination, "Some of the other layers that we should consider would be masking indoors when you're outside of your household bubble, optimizing ventilation in the home -- just opening your window works really well," she said.

People should think in terms of how much virus there is in the air, plus how long they might be in contact with that virus-laden air.

"So if you're indoors, there's not a lot of air dilution unless you're opening up windows and doing that sort of thing. When you're outdoors, it's almost infinitely diluted. And so outdoors, your risk is really low," Gounder said.

As the Delta variant spreads, rates of infections and hospitalizations are on the rise.

In California, San Diego and Los Angeles counties both reported their highest number of cases since February, and hospitalizations in LA County have more than doubled in two weeks. On Sunday, officials there said hospitalizations surpassed 700 for the first time since March.

Florida reported an average of 10,452 new cases each day over the past week -- more than triple the daily average from two weeks ago, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Over the past week, Florida accounted for nearly a quarter of all cases in the United States -- more than any other state.

The case rate in Florida over the past week -- about 49 new cases per 100,000 people each day -- is more than three times the US rate of about 16 new cases per 100,000 people each day. Only Arkansas and Louisiana had higher case rates over the past week.

Orange County, Florida, is now seeing 1,000 new cases a day in the region, the same amount as in the highest peak last year, according to Mayor Jerry Demings.

"We are now in crisis mode," Demings said at a news conference Monday.

A total of 870 hospitalized patients were reported Sunday in Alabama, according to the state's public health Covid-19 dashboard. Hospitalizations there have been steadily rising since early July; on July 4, there were just 213 hospitalized patients reported.

And Louisiana now has the highest increase in cases per capita in the US, state officials said Friday.

"We know that more than 80% of these are the Delta variant -- that is what's causing this surge," Gov. John Bel Edwards said.

Vaccines or weekly testing mandated for NYC and California employees

Vaccination rates would likely go up, Reiner and Schaffner said, if employers and schools required vaccines.

Former US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the same, but added that it likely won't happen until the vaccines gain full approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.

"If you want to get a bunch of people vaccinated really quickly, get these vaccines licensed," Adams told CBS Sunday. "And then you'll see the military make it mandatory. You'll see businesses make it mandatory."

Asked Sunday whether vaccine mandates should be on the table, White House coronavirus coordinator Jeffrey Zients told CNN that municipal governments and businesses should consider any strategy that would make it safe to enter their facilities, whether that's requiring vaccines or negative Covid-19 tests.

Those mandates are starting to happen. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that all state employees and health care workers will be required to provide proof of vaccination status or get regular testing.

"As the state's largest employer, we are leading by example and requiring all state and health care workers to show proof of vaccination or be tested regularly, and we are encouraging local governments and businesses to do the same," Newsom said. "Vaccines are safe -- they protect our family, those who truly can't get vaccinated, our children and our economy. Vaccines are the way we end this pandemic."

And New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the entire city workforce will be required to get vaccinated or be tested for Covid-19 once a week by September 13. Unvaccinated employees will be required to wear face masks indoors on the job. The city has about 340,000 employees.

Two cities reinstated face mask mandates on Monday to deal with rising infections.

In St. Louis, Mayor Tishaura Jones said anyone 5 years of age or older will be required to wear masks in indoor public spaces and on public transportation.

Jones said during a news conference that the city is still at a "dangerous point" with the virus and facing new case counts not seen since December.

Savannah, Georgia, Mayor Van Johnson said everyone regardless of vaccination status is required to wear facial coverings inside all city government facilities, as well as Savannah city schools and early childhood centers. The mandate does not apply to private businesses or institutions.

More than 50 health care groups -- including the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics -- issued a joint statement calling for all health care and long-term care employers to mandate employees be vaccinated against Covid-19.

"This is the logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all health care workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and well-being," they wrote in the joint statement.

The-CNN-Wire

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A proposed $30 billion insurance industry merger is off, one month after the Justice Department's antitrust regulators sued to block it. It's another sign of the tough stance the Biden administration is taking against corporate deal-making.

The deal between Aon, which is incorporated in England and Wales, and Ireland-based Willis Towers Watson, was announced in March 2020. Both have major operations in the United States and around the rest of the globe and thus needed the approval of US antitrust regulators.

The deal, valued at $30 billion at that time of its announcement, would have combined two of the insurance industry's largest brokers.

Although European antitrust regulators and some other regulators approved the deals, the US Justice Department sued in June to block the deal. Attorney General Merrick Garland said last month the Justice Department was committed to preserving competition and stopping harmful consolidation.

The two companies issued a joint statement that said they are convinced their businesses were different enough to not cause any harm from reduced competition, but that it did not make sense to move forward with the deal in the face of the Justice Department opposition.

"The DOJ position overlooks that our complementary businesses operate across broad, competitive areas of the economy," said Aon CEO Greg Case. "We are confident that the combination would have accelerated our shared ability to innovate on behalf of clients, but the inability to secure an expedited resolution of the litigation brought us to this point."

The two companies aren't well known to most Americans, despite their size.

Aon has $11 billion in annual revenue and 50,000 employees globally. Willis Towers Watson has $9 billion in revenue and 46,000 employees, and is probably best known by the general public for having its name on the Chicago skyscraper (formerly known as Sears Tower) that was once the world's tallest building, even though it sold the building to Blackstone Group in 2015.

Still, the fact that the Biden administration is taking a much more aggressive stance when it comes to antitrust cases is a significant change from the policy of previous administrations, both Democrat and Republican.

And this is not the first major deal killed due to opposition from the Biden administration. Earlier this month Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway pulled the plug on a deal to buy a big natural gas pipeline for more than $1.7 billion because of antitrust concerns.

The Federal Trade Commission has changed some of its rules recently that could make it easier to go after tech companies like Amazon that may offer attractive prices to customers, but have also been accused of harming small businesses, workers and innovation. It previously operated under rules that would prioritize "consumer welfare" in its enforcement decisions.

President Joe Biden also signed an executive order earlier this month with 72 specific actions designed to increase competition and reduce market concentration from deals that were approved in years past, such as looking into the allocation of airport gates to promote competition in an airline industry in which four carriers formed by mergers now control more than 80% of US air travel.

"Competition keeps the economy moving and keeps it growing. Fair competition is why capitalism has been the world's greatest force for prosperity and growth," Biden said at the ceremony at which he signed the executive order. "But what we've seen over the past few decades is less competition and more concentration that holds our economy back. We see it in big agriculture, in big tech, in big pharma. The list goes on. Rather than competing for consumers, they are consuming their competitors."

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall on Monday said his office has seen an increase in coronavirus vaccine-related questions and complaints.

In a news release, Marshall reminds people of the Alabama law passed earlier this year that dictates what governments, businesses and schools cannot do when it comes to citizens and their vaccination status.

Every Alabamian should educate themselves on the state of our laws when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations. In publishing this guidance, we have outlined the new law and its implications and addressed the most common legal questions, he said in the release.

See the release and the full law below:

Many Alabamians may not be aware of the new law passed by the Legislature and enacted by the Governor in May 2021. The law contains four provisions:

It prohibits state and local governmental entities from issuing or requiring the publication or sharing of immunization records not otherwise required by law;

It prohibits state and local governmental entities from requiring vaccination as a condition for receiving government services or for entry into a government building;

It prohibits institutions of educationboth public and privatefrom requiring students to prove any new immunization status as a condition of attendance; and

It prohibits businesses from refusing to provide goods or services, or refusing to allow admission, to an individual based on the customers immunization status or lack of immunization documentation.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says the missing child alert for 6-year-old Kenneth Skillern has been cancelled/closed.

No other details have been provided.

From earlier:

The Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office is asking for the public's assistance in finding 6-year-old Kenneth Skillern.

Kenneth was last seen about 11 p.m. Sunday wearing gray shorts in the area of Waterloo in Lauderdale County.

He was in a 2012 gray-colored Dodge Ram 1500 with Alabama license plate number 841ATT.

Kenneth is 3 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 40 pounds.

According to the Alabama ABERT Alert Facebook page, Kenneth may be in danger.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Kenneth, please contact the Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office at (256) 760-5757 or call 911.
The National Weather Service in Huntsville has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Southwestern Madison County until 9:15 p.m.

At 611 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across portions of Central Madison County, including southeast Huntsville. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Southeast Huntsville, Redstone Arsenal, Owens Cross Roads, Farley, Whitesburg and Hampton Cove.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Turn to WAAY 31 for everything you need to know to stay safe during severe weather. Chief Meteorologist Kate McKenna, Meteorologist Rob Elvington, Meteorologist Carson Meredith and Ashley Carter will provide you with the most accurate information on storms by using our StormTracker Early Warning Radar Network.

Stationed in Muscle Shoals, Decatur and Guntersville, the radars provide the best data for all of North Alabama by scanning EVERY community in North Alabama.

See all the radars HERE

Access the Muscle Shoals radar HERE

Access the Decatur radar HERE

Access the Guntersville radar HERE

And download our news and weather apps HERE
The National Weather Service in Huntsville has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Northwestern Cullman County and Southwestern Morgan County until 10:15 p.m.

At 711 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across Southwestern Morgan and Northwestern Cullman Counties. Two to three inches of rain has fallen within the past hour to the West of Falkville, and additional rainfall amounts up to 1 to 2 inches are possible through 1015 PM CDT. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Hartselle, Falkville, Vinemont, West Point, Eva, Battleground, Lacon, Massey, Cole Springs and Jones Chapel.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

Turn to WAAY 31 for everything you need to know to stay safe during severe weather. Chief Meteorologist Kate McKenna, Meteorologist Rob Elvington, Meteorologist Carson Meredith and Ashley Carter will provide you with the most accurate information on storms by using our StormTracker Early Warning Radar Network.

Stationed in Muscle Shoals, Decatur and Guntersville, the radars provide the best data for all of North Alabama by scanning EVERY community in North Alabama.

See all the radars HERE

Access the Muscle Shoals radar HERE

Access the Decatur radar HERE

Access the Guntersville radar HERE

And download our news and weather apps HERE
An increase in people suffering from Covid-19 complications over the weekend has Decaturs mayor, Alabama health department officials, and Decatur Morgan Hospital representatives concerned about the direction things are heading in the county.

They say its frustrating because there is a vaccine available, yet only about 31 percent of Morgan County residents are fully vaccinated.

Judy Smith with the Alabama Department of Public Health says she knows everyone wants to just put this pandemic behind them, but the reality is, the virus is still spreading.

I think we've said it so much that, to some extent, it's kind of falling on deaf ears, we are kind of sick of hearing it but mayor, as you said, you know we're going back in the wrong direction, Smith said.

Health experts say the vast majority of new patients are not vaccinated. And for many, this isnt their first go around with the virus.

Our cases are increasing and we know how quickly they can become exponential, approximately 37,000 individuals have completed their vaccine series in Morgan County and for that we are very thankful, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling says.

City leaders say they hope more people will get vaccinated and continue wearing masks, social distancing and washing their hands.

We have a lot of reinfections, these are people who had Covid got tested, now have it again and so they are going around the same situation again and some of them are a lot sicker than they were the first go around, Smith added.

Right now, vaccination clinics are open daily at the hospital and we are told there is plenty of the vaccine available.

Watch the full community update below.
Huntsville City Schools announced Monday that full masking will be required for all individuals 2 and up inside any school building.

The same applies for anyone in a school vehicle.

More than 100 new teachers are joining Huntsville City Schools this year. More than 100 new teachers are joining Huntsville City Schools this year.

This comes as the state is experiencing an increase in coronavirus cases.

I want everyone into the community to know that these are difficult decisions and they were not made lightly, and also it represents the hard work of this team that I look at in front of me and a thoughtful compromise moving forward, said Superintendent Christie Finley.

Finley said this compromise should allow for in-person learning to continue this coming school year.

The district says as case numbers and positive test rates change, they will revisit their policies.

The first day of school for the 2021-2022 Huntsville City Schools year is Aug. 4.

Stay with WAAY 31 for updates.
Wearing a mask in schools is an ongoing conversation among parents in Madison County.

On Monday, Huntsville City Schools is holding a meeting to discuss health and safety procedures for the upcoming school year.

The board made the decision to make masking in schools optional on July 1. That decision, made some parents concerned for their children's health.

"We need to require masks for everyone," said Sean Kruer, a Huntsville City Schools parent. "The unfortunate thing is that an optional masking policy is simply not effective."

Kruer has two young children in the school district. They're unable to get vaccinated based on their age. Kruer's concerned children will go to school without a mask and the virus will spread.

He's hoping at Monday's meeting, the school board will have a discussion and ultimately make a decision based on new information from health leaders.

"Weve heard from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, anything other than a masking requirement for the first half of the school year doesnt make sense, so Im really hoping thats what were going to be getting out of this meeting," said Kruer.

Other Huntsville City School parents want masking to remain optional.

"One thing Ive noticed is how psychologically harmful this is on our kids, and I think thats an aspect thats been overlooked or set aside for now," said Clarie Nelson, a Huntsville City Schools parent. "One of the giant things I feel is with these masks."

Nelson also has two young kids in the school district. She says kids are affected by masks in more ways than just one and said masking, should be a personal choice.

"As parents, we should have the right to be able to say I feel more comfortable with my child in a mask, or I feel comfortable without my child in a mask," said Nelson.

There are less than two weeks until the first day of school. Huntsville City Schools returns on August 4.

"There have been children who have been hospitalized, so just throwing caution into the wind and leaving this to the last second, instead of taking proactive steps to protect our students and their family members is irresponsible," said Kruer.

Nelson said she believes the district is calling the meeting after pushback from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Earlier this week, the group released a notice that everyone, vaccinated or not, should wear a mask in schools.

"The CDC and The American Academy of Pediatrics, all those power to be, have changed their stance it feels like weekly," said Nelson.

Kruer said taking his kids out of in-person school isn't something he and his wife want to do, but it's something they're considering.

"I'm hopeful we wont have to make that decision," said Kruer. "My wifes a teacher, I understand the importance of in-person school."

Kruer said he emailed several board members about optional masking in Huntsville City Schools. He hasn't heard back from any of them.

Monday's health and safety procedure meeting will be at 3p.m.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 16: Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) questions witnesses during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing looking into the firing of State Department Inspector General Steven Linick, on Capitol Hill on September 16, 2020 in Washington, DC. The foreign affairs committee issued the subpoenas as part of the panel's probe into accusations that Linick was fired while investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's role in a controversial $8 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images)
EU sends help as wildfires cause "unprecedented disaster" on Italian island.

Wildfires in Sardinia have prompted the evacuation of around 1,500 people and destroyed more than 20,000 hectares of land in the centre-west of the Italian island, reports news agency ANSA.

The battle to quell the vast blaze involves about 7,500 emergency workers including fire-fighters, soldiers, police and civil protection volunteers, with additional help arriving from the EU following a request from Italy's foreign minister Luigi Di Maio.

The EU help comes in the form of four Canadair planes, two each from France and Greece, to join the 'water bombing' aircraft already at work in the Montiferru area of Oristano.

Senza sosta il lavoro dei #vigilidelfuoco a #Oristano per gli incendi boschivi: a Cuglieri e Santa Caterina operano 10 squadre a terra e 8 #canadair. A Scano di Montiferro squadre schierate a protezione del centro abitato [#25luglio 16:30] pic.twitter.com/738dBzRAPQ  Vigili del Fuoco (@emergenzavvf) July 25, 2021

A heatwave and south-westerly winds have seen the blaze spread rapidly, devastating properties and reducing woods, olive groves and farmland to ashes.

The island's regional council is ready to ask for a state of disaster to be declared, ANSA reports, with the governor Christian Solinas saying he will write to Italian premier Mario Draghi to seek "immediate economic assistance."

"It is not yet possible to estimate the damage caused by the fires" - Solinas said - "but it is an unprecedented disaster."
Bruno Mussolini was the second acknowledged son of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his wife, Rachele. He was a decorated and experienced pilot, but his life was cut short in 1941 when he was just 23 years old. His death had a significant impact on his father, Benito Mussolini.

Early Life

Bruno Mussolini was born on August 22, 1918, in Milan, Italy. During the time of his birth, his father Benito Mussolini was the editor of Il Popolo dItalia (The People of Italy) newspaper. In 1919, Bruno caught a severe case of diphtheria. According to Rachele Mussolini, Brunos sickness greatly affected Benito Mussolini far more than any political success or defeat.

Benito and Rachele Mussolini would spend days at Brunos bedside watching for the faintest sign that his health was improving. When the physicians finally told Rachele and Benito that their son was out of danger, Benitos eyes filled with tears of joy.

This clean bill of health didnt last long for young Bruno, however, as he suffered a bronchial complaint just as he was getting over his diphtheria. By the time he got over his bronchial complaint, two-year-old Brunos weight had dropped to only 15 pounds.

After this initial health scare, Bruno grew to be a healthy and happy child. At age 12, Bruno and his older brother Vittorio (who was 14 at the time) followed in their fathers footsteps and took up journalism as a job. Together they published La Penna del Ragazzi (The Boys Pen), a weekly magazine published in Rome.

On November 7, 1938, Bruno married Gina Ruberti in Rome. Gina Ruberti was the daughter of the head of the Ministry of Educations Contemporary Art Bureau. On March 18, 1940, the couple welcomed a daughter who they named Marina.

Bruno Mussolini as a pilot

In June 1935, Bruno became Italys youngest licensed pilot at age 17. During the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1936), Bruno flew with the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Royal Air Force). At age 18, Bruno earned a silver medal of valor for his work in the Ethiopian campaign. After Ethiopia, Bruno also flew in the Spanish Civil War, working in a bombing squadron with the Rightist airforce. He made raids on Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and Cartagena. Bruno earned a second silver medal of valor during the Spanish Civil War.

Bruno also flew for Italy during the Second World War. According to Brunos younger brother Romano Mussolini, when Bruno returned home to Italy from Germany, Benito Mussolini asked Bruno to report on the true capabilities of the German airforce. Bruno told his father that despite the Germans admirable and widespread efforts, they would lose the War.

In addition to participating in major European conflicts, Bruno also was involved in setting various flight airspeed records. In 1937, Bruno was credited with establishing speed records for land planes carrying 500, 1000, and 5000 piping loads over a closed circuit. In 1938, Bruno Mussolini and two other pilots flew nonstop from Spain to Brazil.

Brunos untimely death

Bruno Mussolinis life was cut short on August 7, 1941. Bruno Mussolini had volunteered to test a prototype of the Piaggio P-108 Bombardier. The Piaggio P-108 was a powerful aircraft with four engines and a 7700-pound bomb payload. However, the P-108 was produced only in limited numbers during the Second World War due to a lengthy development program, demands placed on Italian industrial capacity, and the scarcity of resources.

On August 7, 1941, at around 8:50 in the morning, Bruno took off from the airport in Pisa (Italy) in a P-108 Bombardier prototype. He had flown this same plane a week earlier over Riccione (Italy) and wanted to perform a series of specific flight tests.

On this fateful day, the large plane had a difficult time lifting off the runway and managed to do so only at the very last moment. As a result, the plane hit a small house with one of its wings, which caused the plane to overturn on Brunos side. Bruno Mussolini and three other aviators lost their lives in this accident.

An investigation into this accident cleared Bruno of any fault. The investigation revealed the cause of the accident to be the improper functioning of the gas switch, due to the great distance between the motors and the pilots post. Bruno Mussolini was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Aeronautic Valor for his sacrifice.

Benito Mussolinis reaction to Brunos death

Family close to Benito Mussolini reported that the dictator was heartbroken at the loss of his second son. Rachele Mussolini recalled that Il Duces excruciating silence hit her the hardest when the couple found out about Brunos accident. She added, it was as if he had turned to stone.

Vittorio Mussolini also recalled how Brunos death impacting his father, stating there was a Mussolini before Brunos death, and a Mussolini after Brunos death. Im not saying that prior to August 7, 1941, our father smiled often, but despair was not part of his emotional range. The tragedy turned him into a different man whose lost stare, at times, provoked tragedy.

Benito Mussolini partially dealt with his grief over Brunos death by writing a book titled Parlo con Bruno, or, I Talk With Bruno. This book implied timeless intimacy between the father and son and mixed Fascist, Catholic, and family piety together.

More from us: The Death Of The Yamato, A New Class Of Japanese Battleship

An elaborate funeral was held at the Fascist Party headquarters in Pisa and Bruno Mussolini was interred in the Mussolini family crypt in San Cassiano cemetery in the town of Predappio. In 1985, actor Robert Downey Jr. played Bruno Mussolini in the television mini-series Mussolini: The Untold Story.
President Joe Biden said early on he didnt support making vaccinations mandatory, and in any case, the federal governments power to impose vaccine requirements is limited. However, states clearly have that authority, and theyve used it in other cases. Mandates dont mean forced vaccinations, but rather penalties or denial of services for those who dont get them. Indonesia, which in February required those eligible for Covid vaccination to take it, penalizes refusers by levying fines and denying government services and assistance. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to jail those who refuse Covid shots, but his justice secretary countered that no law compels citizens to get vaccinated. A New York state lawmaker proposed a bill in early December that would require Covid vaccines for all residents who can safely take them should public health officials determine that an insufficient percentage of people are getting immunized. It provides no penalty for noncompliance. But the bill has yet to move out of committee, while a competing measure would prohibit New York from mandating immunization, as would proposed laws in a few other states.
Some hailed the decision as an early victory for the Biden administrations Justice Department, which sued last month to block the merger. But it stood at odds with European regulators who recently approved the deal, on the condition that the companies sell assets; those deals are now halted, largely affecting the proposed buyer, broker Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
There are two primary tactics that governing Party A can use to limit the number of congressional seats Party B can win. One is called packing, or cramming many of Party Bs voters into a few districts that it will win overwhelmingly, with many (wasted) votes to spare. The other technique, cracking, splinters Party Bs voters among multiple districts so that it cant prevail in any of them. Using such techniques, a party can turn a narrow lead in statewide voters into a decisive and lasting advantage in a states congressional delegation. In North Carolina, for instance, House Republicans in 2016 won 10 of the 13 seats with just 53% of the popular vote. Better technology, and more-detailed information about voter preferences, have made gerrymandering an even more potent tool.
Blame it on the Gaokao: the national college admission test, administered in June, that decides which universities one can attend and thereby determining the fates of millions. Its considered a playing-field leveler for those aspiring to move up the social ladder. Only 1.9% of nearly 11 million students who sat for the Gaokao in 2020 made it to a top-tier institution like Peking, Fudan or Tsinghua universities. Preparations begin many years before, in some cases as early as pre-school, as parents try to give their children every possible edge. Ironically, years of government entreaties to lessen the burden of homework may have driven anxious parents to private companies. After-school tutoring flourished, supplemented by online classes that in turn exploded during the Covid-19 pandemic. Chinas market for private tutoring was expected to almost double to 1.17 trillion yuan ($183 billion) in 2023, from 619.1 billion yuan in 2019, according to Macquarie Research.
If youre not in pain and dont think youve hit your head, roll over onto your side and rest a bit  this lets your body and blood pressure adjust, according to the NIA. Then slowly get up on your hands and knees, and crawl to a stable chair, table or counter. You may need to hold on to one of these objects to pull yourself up, White says. Sit, and once you feel calm, call your doctor. They may want you to come in for an evaluation.
Sophie Lankina, 11, of Alexandria, Virginia, went to the Natural Bridge in Virginia with her mother and grandparents. The tourist site is an arch-shaped rock formation, and they stayed in a cabin nearby. Sophie and her family hiked along the Cedar Creek Trail, where they explored a cave and a hidden river. Sophies grandmother was visiting from Russia, and she wanted to show her Virginias beauty.
Mike Luisi, director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Monitoring and Assessment Division of Fishing and Boating Services, points out that managing an ecosystem is not black and white, and that one must take the needs of the fish and all types of fishermen into account when making rules. We have to find a balance, and thats not as simple as some people think, Luisi told me. Theres a lot riding on it. The state has had moratoriums in the past, he notes, but we dont believe were at that point again. Theres other things we can try to do to help the population rebound before we do that. We can reduce the amount of fish you could take home, for instance.
There had been women in the police department for decades, but they had mostly been restricted to dealing with female prisoners or juveniles. In the 1970s, they started patrolling the streets with men. Some of the men were none too happy.
The pandemic school year Students, guardians and teachers experience a very different school year as the coronavirus disrupts the countrys education system.

Schools reopening: Safety concerns | Fall normalcy | CDCs road map | Inside Bidens reopening promises

Current school year: Staying at home | Asian American students missing from classrooms | Schoolchildren struggling with mental health

Higher ed: Living on campus during the pandemic | Education Department extends pause on federal student loan payments | Mental health crisis on college campuses

The latest DMV news: Random coronavirus testing at D.C. schools | Alexandria adopts 3-foot distancing in classrooms | In-person learning expands in D.C., but mostly at wealthiest schools | Four days a week of in-person learning in Fairfax

We want to hear from you:

Tell us how school reopening is going: Parents, guardians and teachers | Students

Financial aid: How has the pandemic affected how youll pay for college?

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The federal government has a large presence in the D.C. suburbs. As in Washington, the U.S. attorneys office in Maryland handles a range of high-profile prosecutions, including political corruption and domestic terrorism. And just as Graves would inherit the problem of gun violence in D.C. neighborhoods, Barron would be called on to help deal with the scourge of gun crime in the Baltimore area.
But that increase has come with challenges, said the new hospitals chief executive, Nathaniel Richardson Jr.  including long wait times in the emergency room that have led to frustration among patients. The surge is not at this point driven by covid-19 cases, he said, but instead by people who delayed regular medical care during the pandemic and by an increase in trauma cases, including injuries from car accidents now that restrictions have lifted and more cars are on the road.
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Speaking in the city of Hopewell, which was kicking off a new year-round school initiative, Northam called for setting aside $250 million for the projects from funds sent to the state government under the federal American Rescue Plan Act. School systems would have to match that funding from ARPA or other federal relief money sent directly to localities.
So far, 34 children kidnapped from the school on July 5 have either been released or have escaped from the custody of the gunmen. It is unclear when the other children will be released. The gunmen reportedly have demanded the equivalent of about $1,200 for each student.
This tax strategy also displays discretion in that it wouldnt have much of an effect on the many billionaires of middle age. They usually take relatively little salary and pay capital gains taxes only when they sell assets. They would sidestep much of the impact. Their heirs could lose billions if the estate tax were changed. Higher death taxes would be a more immediate concern for older billionaires. Heirs estate planners would likely be busy. Beginning to tax the property of the super wealthy, as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) propose, would affect billionaires now. It would also entail the Internal Revenue Service having to assess the value of their holdings while they are still alive. Its smart politics to push financial pain into the afterlife.
Although the number of U.S. troops in Iraq is expected to change little, if at all, the formal change in the military posture may create political space for both Biden, who campaigned on ending long-running wars, and Kadhimi, who faces pressure to wind down the American mission. But it may be hard for many people to see a difference.
In Sydney, the going rate for babysitters and tutors is the equivalent of $22 an hour  well above the national minimum wage of about $15. Yet the economy hasnt come crashing down. Until the pandemic, Australia was enjoying an almost three-decade growth streak. And the incidence of low-paid workers  defined by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as the share of full-time workers earning less than two-thirds of median earnings  is lower than in the United States.
Saied took several emergency steps, including prohibiting the movement of people and vehicles from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. beginning Monday evening for the next month. Urgent health cases and night workers are exempted. Tunisians will also be barred from moving between cities during the day, except for fulfilling essential needs. Gatherings of more than three people in public spaces are banned.
But early on Tuesday, Pakistans military distributed a video of Afghan soldiers in uniform being greeted by Pakistani troops. An accompanying statement read: The said soldiers have now been amicably returned to Afghan authorities on their request along with their weapons and equipment. Pakistan will continue to extend all kinds of support to our Afghan brethren in time of need.
Tongs defense lawyer however argue that there are multiple interpretations of such a slogan and it is not possible to prove that Tong was inciting secession. The defense also says that there is no evidence that Tong committed the act deliberately, and that he had avoided crashing into officers.
Teresa May, 58, of New Johnsonville, Tennessee, passed away July 9, 2021. Teresa was born March 19, 1963, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Robert and Mary (McPherson) May. Teresa was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend to many. She had a love for crocheting and was an avid col
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Nici Berman used to worry that using a sick day for her mental health would lead to her being cast as incompetent by her boss and coworkers.

The 25-year-old social worker, from Vaucluse in Sydney, says her job  which involves helping domestic violence survivors and people with serious mental illness  can be emotionally taxing, but she wanted to prove she could handle the work.

I wanted to show [my team] I was resilient and strong, and I put on a brave face, Berman says.

Nici Berman, 25, encourages people to take a mental health day whenever they need it. Credit:Nick Moir

I then remember speaking to a colleague who said, You need to take care of yourself ... You cant help other people or do your job if you dont help yourself.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The lighthouse at Vlamingh Head, Exmouth, is one of the few places in Australia you can see the sun both rise and set over the sea. To the west is Ningaloo, the worlds largest fringing reef, meaning you can swim to it straight off the white sandy beach, unlike the Great Barrier Reef. To the east of the North West Cape peninsula is the Exmouth Gulf, an important ecosystem for fish and dugongs, but one that lacks the World Heritage listing protection of the reef. A snorkeller swims alongside a whale shark near Exmouth. Credit:Tourism Australia Tension around the development of the coastal land at the entrance to Western Australias northern Pilbara region has existed in the community for decades. But a bigger clash is looming, with a swathe of new green and eco-minded projects and several large resources operations on the cards. At the same time, a billionaire couple is changing the face of the town and a renowned Australian author is stepping up efforts to protect Ningaloo and the Exmouth Gulf with a new documentary. Ningaloo  derived from the Baiyungu word nyinggulu, said to mean high land jutting into the sea  is teeming with hundreds of species of fish, while turtles, manta rays and humpback and whale shark tours draw thousands of visitors from around the globe every year.

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But Exmouth  powered largely by tourism, military and commercial prawn fishing  has struggled to grow past 2700 permanent residents despite swelling to about 10,000 in the winter tourist season. Shothole Canyon in Exmouths Cape Range. Credit:Peter de Kruijff Oil and gas pipe dream cancelled There have been several ideas to open up Exmouths economy. One thought was to make it a home base for fly-in, fly-out workers operating in the Pilbara; another has been for a deep port to service the cruise ship industry. The latest idea to fall down was a plan to fabricate 10-kilometre pipes for the nearby offshore oil and gas industry that would be towed through the gulf. There was a massive outcry from environmentalists  including author Tim Winton, who is the patron of advocacy group Protect Ningaloo, and popular YouTuber Brodie Moss  given the gulf has a greater variety of fish than the reef and is a safe harbour for humpback mothers and their calves on their southern migration.

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In the end, the company behind the proposal decided not to push ahead due to changed market conditions, but the interest in the project and other industrial developments spurred Western Australias independent watchdog to try to measure commercial and community sentiments around the industrialisation of the gulf. The Environmental Protection Authority consultation now represents a line-in-the-sand moment for Exmouth to decide what sustainable growth looks like for a town that respects its natural assets. A single-jetty deep-water green port on the western side of the gulf, about 10 kilometres south of Exmouth and next to the beachfront estate where Moss and Winton own properties, is the latest flashpoint. Gascoyne Gateway wants to build a single-jetty deep-water port and renewable hub near Exmouth. Credit:Gascoyne Gateway Protect Ningaloo says the facility is incompatible with the area, while supporters believe it will underpin economic activity by bringing in cruise ships and super-yachts, and by providing more capacity for Defence and the Australian Border Force. Gascoyne Gateway, the private company behind the project, says it will create 70 ongoing jobs at the port, 130 in the town and 600 in the wider region. The jetty and associated marine infrastructure would have a 12.63-hectare footprint in the gulf, while more than 1 million cubic metres of seabed would need to be dredged.

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Gascoyne Gateway says the project would bring with it renewable energy, a reduction in cost-of-living pressures and access to more drinkable water. The company states the seagrass and coral cover within its project footprint is minimal and the location was chosen because it would have the least impact. Loading Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry president David Gillespie, who supports the green port, has lived in the town for more than a decade and runs one of its many resorts. He said a lot of people wanted the town to stay sleepy but he believed a balance could be reached. Having corporates here who abide by the rules and the EPA umpire will work and it can work, Mr Gillespie said. The fact of the matter is we have these environmentalists who have no short-term or long-term future to see how the town should survive. Most of them dont live here, and if they do its really few.

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The commercial fishing industry in the gulf is uneasy with a new port, with MG Kailis, which has been in the region since the 1960s trawling for prawns, suggesting the area was already packed at times with vessels. The states Regional Development Minister, Alannah MacTiernan, said infrastructure for cruise ships previously had a good economic case but it may need to be revisited, given the impacts of COVID-19 on the sector. Were not saying there wont be other industries that could develop up there, Ms MacTiernan said. Were certainly open to it but we do understand whatever it is we do, whether its mining or hydrogen industry ... that weve just got to protect the reef.

A massive resort proposed three kilometres north of Coral Bay next to the Ningaloo Reef was rejected twice in 1997 and 2003 before the World Heritage Listing was awarded in 2011. Credit:Coral Coast Marina Development Pty Ltd Protesters dust off Save Ningaloo bumper stickers Seasoned environmental campaigners are lined up against the port project, including Protect Ningaloo director Paul Gamblin, who was part of the movement that stopped a massive resort being built in Coral Bay in 1997 and 2003. Mr Gamblin rejected accusations that a small group of activists not part of the community were making all the noise against projects such as the port.

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Australia reacted angrily when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) released a draft decision in late June to place the Great Barrier Reef on the list of World Heritage Areas in danger.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley stated that UNESCOs recommendation to the World Heritage Committee was precipitous, without appropriate consultation, without a site visit, and without all of the latest information. Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the process as appalling.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

But this saga has been ongoing for a decade, and UNESCO was quick to point out that its draft decisions are not shared in advance with individual countries before they are considered by the World Heritage Committee. Usually, draft decisions are accepted unanimously by the committee.

Thanks to intense diplomatic lobbying, Australia convinced the World Heritage Committee to defer the in danger listing yet again at a meeting on Friday night. But this pyrrhic victory may well have painted Australia into a corner.
Reza was our only son. He was an ethical and good person who cared about his family deeply. After their sons death, Mr Beratis parents suffered psychiatric injury and mental harm, and they had previously relied on income he provided, according to documents filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Friday. Men gather in front of a large photo of killed asylum seeker Reza Berati during the memorial service, held at the Al-Mahdi mosque in the Nabard neighbourhood in South East Tehran, Iran. Credit:Kate Geraghty The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald revealed last year that G4S and the Australian government were facing a barrage of new legal claims brought by former guards suffering post-traumatic stress disorder. Maurice Blackburn, lawyers for Mr Beratis parents, believe this is the first time civil proceedings have been brought in Australia by the family of someone who died in offshore detention. A 2014 report by the former secretary of the Attorney-Generals Department, Robert Cornwall, found the government failed to protect Mr Berati and other asylum seekers from harm, saying the riot was eminently foreseeable and could have been prevented if detainees had been on a clear pathway for assessing their claims. It also concluded Mr Berati was attacked by a number of people.

The report found that G4S Australia had noted in daily reports that as tensions on the island mounted, some detainees had fashioned weapons. Loading Mr Beratis parents claim the Commonwealth is responsible for the wrongful death of their son because it knew, or ought to have known, there was a high likelihood of tensions rising and violent protests occurring among detainees on Manus Island. This was because, court documents allege, authorities failed to give detainees a timeline for processing their refugee status claims, many detainees did not have access to legal personnel or immigration staff, and the infrastructure at Manus Island  built to house 500 people  was inadequate to accommodate the increased number of detainees after the facilitys population had swelled to 1340 by February 2014. The court documents say that in the moments before his death, Mr Berati was attempting to return to his bedroom.

Reza Berati was followed by a PNG national who worked at the centre with the Salvation Army who hit Reza Berati with a long stick. Reza Berati fell down and more than 10 men, including PNG locals, PNG centre staff and expatriate centre staff kicked him in his head, the documents allege. After the riots, then-immigration minister Scott Morrison blamed the asylum seekers for the violent protests. Two injured asylum seekers leave Manus Island following riots at the detention centre. Credit:Nick Moir There would have been no incident that night had there been no protests, I think thats clear to say, Mr Morrison said. But the protests in no way could ever justify what happened to Mr Berati or the other serious violent acts perpetrated on that night. Under no circumstances, in my view, could that ever justify what happened. G4S and the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs declined to comment.

Former detainee Behrouz Boochani told The Age and the Herald Mr Berati was a peaceful person and his killing had been hard for his family because they remained unsure of what happened and who was involved. Loading For years and years they have been waiting to get justice but nothing has happened, he said. Mr Boochani said many people still have questions about Mr Beratis death, and the lawsuit might play a role in answering those questions. We have been outside of the law. It has not treated us in the same way they treat people in Australia. Paradoxically, we have been a victim of the law and we have also been outside of it, he said.

Human rights lawyer George Newhouse said the government was responsible for Mr Beratis death because they put him in harms way and failed to protect him. The family of Reza Berati deserve closure, they deserve to know the truth that is being withheld from us and they deserve to have those responsible for Rezas death held accountable, he said. This case is the thin edge of the wedge. The Australian government has knowingly destroyed the minds and lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of men, women and children in immigration detention and I expect many more cases to flow through our system as a result. Mr Newhouse said the government had accepted that former guards could make claims for their injuries offshore but tried to maintain the fantasy that detainees it put in harms way didnt have the same rights.

A police report from March 26, 2014  about six weeks after the riots  said a major obstacle to the investigation was G4S and its employees refusal to co-operate with the PNG police investigators. The Manus Island Regional Processing Centre was opened in October 2001. The last of its former detainees were moved to Port Moresby in November 2019 and the governments contractors were advised to end their services that November 30. Women surround a framed photo of asylum seeker Reza Berati, during the memorial service held at the Al-Mahdi mosque in the Nabard neighbourhood in South East Tehran, Iran. 27th Feburary, 2014. Photo: Kate Geraghty Credit:Kate Geraghty Human Rights Law Centre legal director Keren Adams said Mr Beratis murder had been a symbol of both the brutality and legal impunity of the offshore detention system. His parents have been left ignored and unheard, traumatised by their sons murder. These proceedings cant bring back their son, but they can ensure that those ultimately responsible for his death are finally forced to account for their actions, she said.
A teenager who was raped in state care after West Australian authorities knowingly forced her to live with an abuser could be entitled to millions of dollars in compensation claims for her ordeal.

Macie* was forced to live with her abuser when the Department of Communities Child Protection placed them together in a residential care home in Perths east, despite knowing the boy had a history of sexual abuse.

Macie has been in government care since she was three, the age when she was first sexually assaulted.

That boy, now 19 years old, was this month sentenced to three years and six months in jail over six charges of sexually penetrating a child, animal cruelty offences and damaging property. The rape charges related to four girls, two of whom were in government care.

Macie is now 17 and due to leave government care next month but has no idea of her legal rights or the court process, and says she feels she has been forgotten throughout.
There are days in politics when the weather seems to alter. Perhaps a new piece of knowledge has arrived or a realisation has finally set in. For whatever reason, the mood shifts.

On Saturday, anti-lockdown protests took place in several cities. That night there were scenes of violence on the news: two men were later charged for punching a police horse. Most other people were united in our conclusion that these people  clustering together without masks - were idiots. They did not represent us. But there was something about those images that did reflect the current moment: the burgeoning chaos, the sense of order fraying, the childish focus on self at the expense of others.

The protests were a lagging indicator. It was really Friday that the weather changed. That morning I was in the car, waiting for a COVID test, when the NSW Premiers daily press conference began. I turned the volume down while my throat and nose were probed. After I drove home I sat in the car for a bit  it was hard to stop listening.

Gladys Berejiklian and her chief health officer, Kerry Chant, were their usual no-nonsense selves, but the tone of what they were saying had shifted dramatically. Chant believed this was now a national emergency. Their strategy was not yet working. Another person had died. The lockdown would not end next Friday.
Federal Labor has dumped its signature housing policy of winding back negative gearing after two election losses while putting itself on a campaign footing by ending its long-time opposition to scheduled tax cuts for high-income earners.

Anthony Albaneses shadow cabinet settled on the position on Monday morning before Labors caucus formally endorsed it in a teleconference with virtually no objections. However, it has triggered blowback from within the partys progressive membership base after more than 18 months of fierce internal debate.

Anthony Albanese says a Labor government will deliver the same legislated tax relief to more than 9 million Australians as the Coalition. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

In a strategy to focus the next election on the governments response to the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Albanese said a Labor government would deliver the same legislated tax relief to more than 9 million Australians who earn over $45,000 as the Coalition. He said by doing so, Labor was providing certainty and clarity to Australian families.

Our focus is on making sure Australia emerges from this crisis stronger and more resilient  with an economy that works for working families, not the other way around, Mr Albanese said.
Kabul: The United States has accelerated its air campaign against the Taliban in the closing weeks of its military mission in Afghanistan, and the US forces top commander says they are prepared to continue if the militants continue their attack.

US forces bombarded Taliban positions in at least four air strikes last week, including in the southern province of Kandahar. Militants have besieged and now control some parts of the provincial capital, along with about half of the countrys district centres, defence officials have said.

In an attempt to halt theTaliabans offensive, Afghanistans government has imposed a night curfew across most of the country, ordering people home between 10pm and 4am in 31 of the nations 34 conference, although Kabul is exempt.

Afghan militiamen join defence and security forces in Kabul during a gathering to mobilise local militias across the country. Credit:AP

Since early May, when the US-led forces began their withdrawal, Taliban fighters have captured dozens of districts, encircled several provincial capitals and taken key border crossings.
Was it something we said? All the billionaires seem to be buzzing off into outer space lately. Most recently, Richard Branson ventured 80 kilometres up into the bright skies above New Mexico, technically the edge of space and hopefully an altitude high enough for a complimentary packet of honey-roasted peanuts.

During the 15-minute voyage, Branson recorded this message: I was once a child with a dream  Now Im an adult in a spaceship looking down to our beautiful, beautiful earth. To the next generation of dreamers: if we can do this, just imagine what you can do.

Richard Branson aboard his Virgin Galactic VSS Unity space rocket in early July. Credit:Getty Images

Maybe I would have felt more inspired if a man worth $8 billion poured his heart and soul into fulfilling another common childhood aspiration: fighting fires, for instance, or scaling a very tall building in red-and-black lycra. As it was, the taxpayers of New Mexico spent around $290 million on making Bransons astronaut dream come true.

Next up was Jeff Bezos, who blasted off with his brother in tow. Apparently, like Branson, Elon Musk and others, Bezos has been obsessed with space since childhood. On being named dux of his high school, Bezos delivered a speech about overpopulation and pollution. His solution was to relocate civilisation  hotels, amusement parks, yachts and colonies  to space. Earth would be preserved as a national park.
Washington: High-level talks between the United States and China have ended acrimoniously, with Chinese officials telling their counterparts to stop demonising the rising superpower as the Biden administration settles in for a period of stiff competition with its rival.

Wendy Sherman, the US Deputy Secretary of State, is the highest-ranking American official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office in January, but her meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng in the port city of Tianjin appeared to do little to improve relations between the superpowers.

Shortly after Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that the China-US relationship is now in a stalemate and faces serious difficulties, officials unable to speak on the record confirmed that Beijing had dispatched its yet-to-be announced new ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang, to Washington.

Replacing the retiring ambassador Cui Tiankai, Qin is expected to take a tougher stance in talking to the Biden administration. Currently Chinas vice Foreign Minister in charge of European affairs, he was one of the earliest Chinese diplomats to make sharp comments in defence of China. In February he categorised Beijings critics as evil wolves.
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A new poll shows that most Americans who havent been vaccinated against COVID-19 say they are unlikely to get the shots
AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- For what seemed like the one and only day of sunshine recently, thousands of people flocked to Six Flags New England over the weekend, causing heavy traffic in Agawam and in the neighboring Connecticut town Suffield.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden offered an absolute guarantee Wednesday that people who get their COVID-19 vaccines are completely protected from infection, sickness and death from the coronavirus. The reality is not that cut and dried.

The vaccines are extremely effective but breakthrough infections do occur and the delta variant driving cases among the unvaccinated in the U.S. is not fully understood.

Also Biden inflated the impact of his policies on U.S. jobs created in his first half-year in office, misleadingly stating his administration had done more than any other president. He neglects to mention he had population growth on his side in his comparison.

A look at his remarks in a CNN town hall:

PANDEMIC

BIDEN: If youre vaccinated, youre not going to be hospitalized, youre not going to be in the IC unit, and youre not going to die.  town hall.

THE FACTS: His remark accurately captures the strong protection the COVID-19 vaccines provide as cases spike among people who have resisted the shots. But it overlooks the rare exceptions.

As of July 12, the government had tallied 5,492 vaccinated people who tested positive for coronavirus and were hospitalized or died. Thats out of more than 159 million fully vaccinated Americans. The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, said 99.5% of all deaths from COVID-19 are in the unvaccinated.

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BIDEN: Youre not going to get COVID if you have these vaccinations.  town hall.

THE FACTS: Again, he painted with too broad a brush as he described in stark terms the disparity between those who got their shots and those who havent. The disparity is real, but a small number of breakthrough infections happen and health officials say they are not a cause for alarm.

No vaccines are perfect, and the government is keeping a close eye on whether new coronavirus mutants start to outsmart the COVID-19 shots. But for now, federal health officials say even when breakthrough infections occur, they tend to be mild  the vaccines so far remain strongly protective against serious illness.

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BIDEN, asked about vaccinated people who get infected: It may be possible, I know of none where theyre hospitalized, in ICU and or have passed away so at a minimum I can say even if they did contract it, which Im sorry they did, its such a tiny percentage and its not life threatening.  remarks to reporters after the event.

THE FACTS: Once again, too far. That is evident from the CDC's finding that 5,492 vaccinated people who tested positive for coronavirus were hospitalized or died as of July 12. That's not none. But he is correct that it is a small percentage of the more than 159 million fully vaccinated Americans.

___

JOBS

BIDEN: Weve created more jobs in the first six months of our administration than any time in American history. No president, no administration, has ever created as many jobs.  town hall.

THE FACTS: His claim is misleading.

While Bidens administration in the first half year as president has seen more jobs created than any other president  just over 3 million in the five months tracked by jobs reports  thats partly because the U.S. population is larger than in the past.

When calculated as a percentage of the workforce, job growth under President Jimmy Carter increased more quickly from February through June 1977 than the same five months this year: 2.2% for Carter, compared with 2.1% for Biden.

Since the late 1970s, the U.S. population has grown by more than 100 million people.

Its true, though, that the economy is growing rapidly  it expanded at a 6.4% annual rate in the first three months of the year  and is expected to grow this year at the fastest pace since 1984.

Bidens $1.9 trillion rescue package contributed to the vigorous growth, but much of the expansion also reflects a broader bounce-back from the unusually sharp pandemic recession, the deepest downturn since the 1930s. Even before Bidens package, for example, the International Monetary Fund was projecting U.S. growth of over 5% for this year.

Biden is also leaving out the fact that the U.S. economy remains 6.8 million jobs short of its pre-pandemic level, and the unemployment rate is an elevated 5.9%, up from a five-decade low of 3.5% before the pandemic.

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Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard and Christopher Rugaber in Washington and David Klepper in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report.

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EDITOR'S NOTE  A look at the veracity of claims by political figures.

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Find AP Fact Checks at http://apnews.com/APFactCheck

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In 1956, the Italian liner Andrea Doria sank off New England, some 11 hours after colliding with the Swedish liner Stockholm, and more events that happened on this day in history.

Video 1775: Benjamin Franklin 1945: Winston Churchill 1953: Fidel Castro 1956: Andrea Doria 1990: The Americans with Disabilities Act 2006: Andrea Yates 2011: David Wu 2011: The White House 2013: Ariel Castro 2016: Hillary Clinton 2016: Japan 2017: Donald Trump 2020: Hurricane Hanna 2020: John Lewis 2020: Olivia de Havilland 2020: Portland
Williamson, WV (25661)

Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening. Partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Today

A few clouds from time to time. High 86F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 61F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Mostly sunny skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  A man who mocked COVID-19 vaccinations died this week at a Los Angeles-area hospital after contracting the virus.

Stephen Harmon was 34.

Harmon died on Wednesday at Corona Regional Medical Center, about an hour's drive east of Los Angeles.

Stephen Harmon posted photos of himself in his hospital bed, wrote that he had pneumonia and critically low oxygen levels and was going to be intubated. In a tweet Wednesday, Harmon wrote: Dont know when Ill wake up, please pray, KCBS-TV reported.

Three days before his death, Harmon tweeted: If you dont have faith that God can heal me over your stupid ventilator then keep the Hell out of my ICU room, theres no room in here for fear or lack of faith!

Before his hospitalization, Harmon had made fun of vaccination efforts on social media.

I got 99 problems but a vax ain't one," he said in a tweet last month.

On July 8, he posted: Bidens door to door vaccine surveyors really should be called JaCovid Witnesses. #keepmovingdork.

Harmon's death was unbelievably demoralizing," Dr. Oren Friedman, who treats COVID-19 patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, told KCBS-TV. He said the number of COVID-19 admissions had increased tenfold.

Virtually every single person that is getting sick enough to be admitted to the hospital has not been vaccinated, Friedman said.

California has seen escalating numbers of COVID-19 infections, led by the highly transmissible delta variant that has proliferated since the state fully reopened the economy last month. The vast majority of new cases are among unvaccinated people, and health officials have pleaded for people to get the shots.

On Friday, the state Department of Public Health reported nearly 8,000 new cases a day earlier and the testing positivity rate over seven days had jumped to more than 5% after dipping below 1% only a few weeks ago.

Los Angeles County, which has about a fourth of the state's population, reported more than 3,000 new cases for the first time since February. There were 655 people with COVID-19 in hospitals, a jump of more than 200 people in a week, according to county figures.

Harmon attended Hillsong Church in Los Angeles.

Founder Brian Houston called him one of the most generous people I know.

As a church, our focus is on the spiritual well-being of the people in each of our local communities. On any medical issue, we strongly encourage those in our church to follow the guidance of their doctors," Houston said in a statement to KCBS-TV. While many of our staff, leadership and congregation have already received the COVID-19 vaccine, we recognize this is a personal decision for each individual to make with the counsel of medical professionals.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States served notice Monday that it will keep existing COVID-19 restrictions on international travel in place for now due to concerns about the surging infection rate because of the delta variant.

President Joe Biden walks on the South Lawn of the White House after stepping off Marine One, Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Washington. Biden is returning to Washington after spending the weekend in Delaware. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States served notice Monday that it will keep existing COVID-19 restrictions on international travel in place for now due to concerns about the surging infection rate because of the delta variant.

It was the latest sign that the White House is having to recalibrate its thinking around the coronavirus pandemic as the more infectious variant surges across the U.S. and a substantial chunk of the population resists vaccination.

It was also a reversal from the sentiment President Joe Biden voiced earlier this month when he said his administration was in the process of considering how soon the U.S. could lift the ban on European travel bound for the U.S. after the issue was raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to the White House.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the restrictions would continue for now.

Driven by the delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated, and appears likely to continue in the weeks ahead, she said.

The rising cases also are causing the administration to take a closer look at policies on wearing masks.

On Monday, the Department of Veterans Affairs became the first first major federal agency to require its health care workers to get COVID-19 vaccines. And over the weekend, U.S. health officials acknowledged theyre considering changing the federal governments recommendations on wearing masks.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Monday, July 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

The delta variant is a mutated coronavirus that spreads more easily than other versions. It was first detected in India but now has been identified around the world. Last week, U.S. health officials said the variant accounts for an estimated 83% of U.S. COVID-19 cases, and noted a 32% increase in COVID hospitalizations from the previous week.

The rise in cases has prompted some state and local officials to reinstate masking guidance, even for vaccinated Americans.

The White House follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance released in May, which states those who are vaccinated dont have to wear masks indoors. Theyve thus far made no changes to Bidens public events, and the president is still traveling the country and participating in events unmasked.

But Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, said on CNNs State of the Union this Sunday that recommending that the vaccinated wear masks is under active consideration by the governments leading public health officials.

Were going in the wrong direction, Fauci said, describing himself as very frustrated.

The surge in the delta variant poses a major political challenge for Biden, who called it a great day for Americans when the CDC released its relaxed masking guidance in May and on July 4 declared that the virus is on the run and America is coming back. Hes spent the past few months shifting his focus from dire warnings to Americans to get vaccinated to public events pitching his infrastructure, education and jobs proposals, which are currently in the middle of fevered negotiations on Capitol Hill.

The administration has touted strong economic growth as fears about the pandemic waned, states relaxed their coronavirus restrictions and their economies opened back up. But the surging delta variant risks undermining that economic progress and drawing Bidens attention away from his domestic agenda and Democratic Party priorities like gun, voting and policing reforms, back to the risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

It could also highlight one of the administrations greatest struggles thus far: The sluggish vaccination rate nationwide. As of Sunday, 69% of American adults had received one vaccination shot, according to the CDC  still slightly below the 70% goal Biden had set for July 4. Sixty percent of American adults have been fully vaccinated.

When asked Monday if he had confidence he could get unvaccinated Americans to get the shot, Biden said, we have to, but ignored a follow-up question on how. And prior to the VA's announcement, White House press secretary Jen Psaki skirted questions from reporters on why the administration hadnt yet issued its own vaccination mandates for healthcare workers, deferring to the CDC for guidance and hospitals and healthcare associations on the ultimate decision.

Psaki acknowledged that the administration runs the risk of undermining its vaccination goals by further politicizing an already fraught issue if the president becomes the face of vaccine mandates.

The president certainly recognizes that he is not always the right voice to every community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, which is why we have invested as much as we have in local voices and empowering local trusted voices, she said.

Still, its clear the administration is taking steps to address the continued impact of the pandemic.

Biden announced Monday that those Americans dealing with so-called long COVID  sometimes debilitating side effects caused by the illness that last for months after the initial infection  would have access to disability protections under federal law.

These conditions can sometimes, sometimes, rise to the level of a disability, he said, adding theyd have accommodations in schools and workplaces so they can live their lives in dignity and get the support they need.

And the CDC advised Americans against travel to the United Kingdom this past Monday given a surge in cases there.

Most of continental Europe has relaxed restrictions on Americans who are fully vaccinated, although the United Kingdom still requires quarantines for most visitors arriving from the U.S. Airlines say, however, that the lack of two-way travel is limiting the number of flights they can offer and seats they can sell.

But the rise and prevalence of COVID-19 variants in Europe, especially the delta mutation, has caused the Biden administration to tread slowly about increasing transatlantic travel.

This story was first published on July 26, 2021. It was updated on July 27, 2021 to correct that CDC guidance said those vaccinated dont have to wear masks indoors, not those unvaccinated.
Whenever theres a house fire or other emergency, those rushing to safety make sure they have three things: family members, pets and photo albums. Oh, occasionally youll hear about someone prioritizing their insurance documents, but theyre the kind of people who use words like prioritizing. We have discovered that, for all the logic weve brought to our careers, we would both rather grab the photo albums and trust that our insurance broker could give us a copy of the policy in a pinch. So how did a Boyens family photo album end up in the new Sscope Thrift Shop at the old Neechi Commons building on North Main?

Whenever theres a house fire or other emergency, those rushing to safety make sure they have three things: family members, pets and photo albums. Oh, occasionally youll hear about someone prioritizing their insurance documents, but theyre the kind of people who use words like prioritizing. We have discovered that, for all the logic weve brought to our careers, we would both rather grab the photo albums and trust that our insurance broker could give us a copy of the policy in a pinch. So how did a Boyens family photo album end up in the new Sscope Thrift Shop at the old Neechi Commons building on North Main?

 LAURIE: I was looking for lunch to take back to my office at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre when I saw cars in the parking lot. I thought the co-op grocery and restaurant might have reopened, and that bannock would be perfect on a rainy April day. Thats how I found myself standing in front of grocery shelves now full of hand-crocheted doilies, lamps with no shades, and atlases that predated Gorbachevs redrawing of Europe. Among the detritus of other peoples lives was the most beautiful photo album Ive ever seen: a bright red cover embossed to look like alligator, bound with a matching silk cord and an extravagant tassel.

Fellow writers Laurie Lam, left, and Ingeborg Boyens met through a long-lost photo album and discovered they have a lot in common. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

Ive seen plenty of photo albums in thrift shops before, but only once before did I find one that wasnt empty. I flipped through the first pages, looking at the young blond girl in the black-and white-photos from the 1960s, and found myself thinking that someone had to know who she was. But how would you ever find her without a name? And then suddenly I had one. Tucked into the inside back cover was a certificate for Hans Boyens. Could he be related to Ingeborg Boyens, the journalist?

I Googled "Hans Boyens" and hit on his obituary within seconds. Ingeborg was his only daughter. I Googled her name and found her on the Writers Union of Canada website. The profile said she was the author of two books, and a former producer of Country Canada, and  best of all  it listed her email address. The store charged me $1 for the album, and I tucked it under my sweater to protect it from the rain as I ran back to my car.

I dont remember where I picked up lunch that day, but I remember vividly how I felt before I emailed Ingeborg. I was elated at the thought of helping someone recover the traces of her past, but I also knew I was risking rejection, as we do every time we reach out to a stranger.

What if shed just digitized the photos during a Marie Kondo-inspired purge of her possessions, and didnt want the originals trailing her for the rest of her life? Or what if Ingeborgs childhood wasnt as happy as it seemed in the photos? Someone had ripped photos out of the last half of the album, the white shredded backs still stuck in place. Could these memories have been jettisoned intentionally? What ultimately made me press "send" was how similar the photos were to the ones my own parents took in the 60s. The little girl in those photos could have been me, and I would want them back.

 INGEBORG: That afternoon, my inbox was full of the usual marketing emails. But there was one that made me pause. From the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. A post-lockdown notice they were going back to live theatre? No, dont be silly, I told myself. Probably just a pitch for a donation.

Boyens (left) and Lam have a look through the Boyens familys photo album Lam found in a Winnipeg second-hand store. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

But it was a personal message from someone I didnt know  Laurie Lam, producer. I had no idea what a theatre producer was, but I had been a television producer for decades. Same job title. Had to be a good person. She wrote "I just came across a family photo album in a store and thought it might be connected to your family because of the certificate at the back. If you didnt mean to discard this album, Id be happy to return it to you." She had attached a couple of pictures of a familiar red photo album, the certificate of my fathers graduation from the Canadian Public Health Association, and a page of family photos. I was shocked. What was my life doing in a thrift shop?

I was sure the red photo album was one of my familys collectibles from an earlier time. Black pages of heavy paper protected by a page of transparent paper. A silk tassel to mark the page. The corners of the pictures tucked into tiny, black anchors glued to the page. The photos themselves would be of stern-faced people posing correctly for the camera.

I assumed it was the precious keepsake purchased and assembled by my grandparents in Germany to give to my parents as they readied themselves and their infant daughter for a cross-Atlantic voyage to Canada. This was not casual travelling; it was 1957 and my parents hoped to emigrate to Canada as part of the postwar immigration surge.

My parents are both gone now, but memories of their youth, their optimism, their love for me and for each other came flooding back as I looked at those attachments. I thanked Laurie, gave her my mailing address in Woodlands and offered to compensate her for postage, but she graciously declined. In an April 12 email, she explained: "Im so touched by your familys story, and really honoured to play a part in it. It is kind of you to offer to reimburse me but I hope you will accept the albums return as a gift. Solving book mysteries is one of my most feverish pursuits, and so Im really in heaven over this whole affair." Later, she sent me a photo of herself as a two-year-old, standing in a snowy Selkirk yard holding out a book, and I thought how our earliest impulses often echo through our lives.

A rare studio portrait of Ingeborg Boyens family. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

The gift from a stranger arrived neatly wrapped in brown paper. The spaces in the box filled with organic Styrofoam peanuts (a woman of my own predilections). The album began with many more pictures than I remember of me as a toddler and then as a youngster taken at a series of Elmwood homes. I had no pictures like these, no such documentation of our early lives. There was a three-year-old me sternly training a cat; I think it was Kaetzchen (Kitty), who was also an immigrant, albeit from the outdoors. Lots of images of me in my "full-Winnipeg," actually enjoying the snow. Christmas pictures of me cuddling a doll and of me ironing with a pint-sized iron at a toy board.

Who was this girl? Was I ever that domestic?

I can remember the camera that produced these crisp, square images in my fathers hands  a little leather bellows would pop out when he was ready to focus. There was one large black-and-white family photo taken by a commercial photographer  my father young, but already bald, my mother, who was very self-conscious about her refugee teeth, had somehow been coaxed to smile, and seven- or eight-year-old me, happy and confident in my homemade clothes. This was clearly a picture designed to make the rounds across the ocean to say Were OK.

The album is a 50-year-old reminder of a past I had all but forgotten. I have no children so I suppose it will mean little to anyone else. It was a treat to look back at a personal past, but the album did present a few mysteries. This was album No. II. Was there a No. I covering those early years? And anything beyond 1963? Why were the pages in the second half of the album ripped and marred as if someone had savagely torn photos out with no regard to sentiment?

Seeing them again is like being given back a life I didnt even know Id lost, says Boyens of the family members in the photos. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

 LAURIE: I promised Ingeborg I would go back to the store the following week to look for more albums but, as the provinces COVID-19 numbers began to rise, I felt increasingly uncomfortable about returning. Manitobans were all being asked to prioritize safety, so was my search really necessary? Of course not. Still, I kept imagining more intrepid shoppers buying the other albums, and tearing out more photos, and I couldnt bear the thought of her history being lost.

By the time I worked up the courage to return, the protocols at the store had tightened: staff signed me in and took my temperature. I went straight to the shelf where I found the first album, but there was nothing there, so I sought out the manager. I told her my story and asked if she could point out any other places in the store where I might find photo albums.

She was eager to join the treasure hunt and took me to a shelf in another part of the store, where she lifted a pile of albums off the top, well above my eyeline. My heart raced as I saw the distinctive labels on three of the albums, with the handwritten Roman numerals. Two were empty but the third was filled with colour photos of what seemed to be trips to Germany, and casual pictures of a sprawling family. I recognized images of Ingeborg as a young woman now, and was relieved to see that no photos had been torn out.

I bought all three for a dollar each, in case Ingeborg wanted to see the empty albums as well, then emailed to ask if we could talk about my latest shopping trip. That afternoon, we spoke on the phone for the first time, and heard the excitement in each others voices. You can tell a lot about someone from their emails, but emails are planned and edited, whereas phone calls are improvised humanity.

Laurie Lam at at age two, outside in the snow with her favourite book. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

I remember her gratitude and amazement, which I tried to deflect by explaining that my job required me to find homes for objects all the time. During my long career at the RMTC, I safeguarded many bits of the worlds theatrical past. I told her Ive sent a George Bernard Shaw letter to a museum in Texas, a photo of Sir John Martin-Harvey as Petruchio to an Australian archive, and a handbill for Alberta Hunters legendary run at the Cookery to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Of course, the only reason I had these artifacts in the first place is that the public generously donated hundreds, if not thousands, of items to the theatre during my tenure. We are responsible to each other, it seems to me, for the disposition of everything in the world. We talk sometimes about the 3 Rs of waste management (reduce, reuse and recycle) but it seems to me that we could add a fourth R for repatriate: send things back to the place where they belong.

 INGEBORG: I was humbled by Lauries determination and generosity. And so impressed with her writing that I proposed we work on a piece together. I didnt know that she was a writer herself, but her emails were smart and often funny. Writers are notorious loners, but I somehow felt comfortable trying something new with her.

Her second package offered up a more modern album in a more conventional plasticized style. It documented a past that was much more familiar to me. We had hardly been a profligate family; throughout my teens every penny was saved for trips overseas. We flew with Wardair at a time when you dressed up to travel and midair meals were served on china. On the years when we didnt go to Germany, relatives would come to visit. My grandparents, who had thought they would never see us again when they packed us off by ship in 1957, became old hands at transatlantic flights.

A young Ingeborg Boyens feeding the family cat, Kaetzchen. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

These photos were taken with one of those little 110 point-and-shoot cameras that were the rage before cellphones. You could see a slightly obstinate cast to my chin as I grew older. I was going through the rebellion common to most teenagers, but perhaps especially immigrant kids. It wasnt easy straddling the Atlantic, living in two countries.

My mother was looking frail in those pictures because of the lupus that was ravaging her organs. She died in 1987 at the age of 57. Halfway through album No. III.

My life carried on, in what might have been album IV. My husband Gregg and I moved across the country to work as political assistants, journalists, writers and finally back to Winnipeg, where I took on a job as a documentary TV producer and Gregg started up a book publishing company. I was too busy and too forward-looking to wonder what happened to the photos of my youth.

A few years after my mother died, my father remarried. When he and his new wife, Helga, moved into a new house, he cleaned out the Crescentwood bungalow of my youth. Perhaps looking forward rather than back, he set the photo albums that were supposed to mirror a long life with my mother on a peripatetic path to Sscope Thrift. Or perhaps after he died seven years ago, the woman who became his widow finally chucked the albums that celebrated another womans child. Or perhaps when Helgas health declined and her sons were saddled with the chaotic job of clearing the house, they were too stressed to fuss about some photo albums.

The family album was a keepsake assembled by Boyens grandparents. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

The mystery of what happened to those lost and found again records of my past may once have consumed me, but is of little matter to me now. A long life and a year-and-a half of COVID-19 have taught me to simply accept the unexpected.

The albums have come back to me at a time when the progression of my multiple sclerosis has widened my perspective on my life. Who I am now is a direct result of who I was then, and the people who loved and shaped me. Seeing them again is like being given back a life I didnt even know Id lost.

Two months after Laurie found that first photo album, the COVID-19 restrictions loosened so an in-person meeting was finally possible, at a shaded picnic table in Steve Juba Park. Ingeborg said shed be the one with a walker, and Laurie said shed be the one with the ridiculously wide sun hat. To say we were giddy about meeting would be an understatement. We felt like horses whove been kept in separate stalls, whinnying and snorting to each other for weeks, before finally being let out into the pasture to run together.

We laughed and talked for over an hour, about the albums of course, and about writing this story. But most of all, we talked about something Lauries husband had asked her: is this story really about the albums or is it about the albums bringing together two strangers, who discover all they have in common?

Ingeborg had contributed to her husbands three-volume Manitoba 125 publication, which played a pivotal role in the development of an award-winning play Laurie produced about Manitobas history. We both write, neither of us has children, weve each been with our partners for 38 years, and we both moved as children to communities where we felt like outsiders.

Yet there was a deeper bond that the albums awakened in us. The most unlikely of chances had plunged us both back into the past. There, in black and white, we found again the little girls in each of us, and how their early promise keeps unfolding to make us the women we have become today.

Ingeborg Boyens is a journalist, author and editor who has contributed to magazines and newspapers across the country. She was the managing editor of the Manitoba Encyclopedia, which was released by Great Plains Publications.

Laurie Lam was the producer of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre for 25 years until her recent retirement. She is a writer, educator, script analyst and bookseller. She also helped proof-read Sir James George Frazers 12-volume The Golden Bough for Project Gutenberg.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (AP)  With his cattle ranch threatened by a deepening drought, Jim Stanko isnt cheered by the coming storm signaled by the sound of thunder.

A pipe on the Stanko cattle ranch diverts water from the Woolery irrigation ditch, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, near Steamboat Springs, Colo. With the Yampa River approaching record low levels due to severe drought, ranchers are only able to use a third of their normal water supply, and Jim Stanko says if he can't harvest enough hay to feed his cattle, he may need to sell off some of his herd. (AP Photo/Brittany Peterson)

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (AP)  With his cattle ranch threatened by a deepening drought, Jim Stanko isnt cheered by the coming storm signaled by the sound of thunder.

Thunder means lightning, and lightning can cause fires, said Stanko, who fears hell have to sell off half his herd of about 90 cows in Routt County outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado if he cant harvest enough hay to feed them.

As the drought worsens across the West and ushers in an early fire season, cattle ranchers are among those feeling the pain. Their hay yields are down, leading some to make the hard decision to sell off animals. To avoid the high cost of feed, many ranchers grow hay to nourish their herds through the winter when snow blankets the grass they normally graze.

But this year, Stankos hay harvest so far is even worse than it was last year. One field produced just 10 bales, down from 30 last year, amid heat waves and historically low water levels in the Yampa River, his irrigation source.

Some ranchers arent waiting to reduce the number of mouths they need to feed.

At the Loma Livestock auction in western Colorado, sales were bustling earlier this month even though its peak season isnt usually until the fall when most calves are ready to be sold. Fueling the action are ranchers eager to unload cattle while prices are still strong.

Everybody is gonna be selling their cows, so its probably smarter now to do it while the price is up before the market gets flooded, said Buzz Bates, a rancher from Moab, Utah who was selling 209 cow-calf pairs, or about 30% of his herd.

Bates decided to trim his herd after a fire set off by an abandoned campfire destroyed part of his pasture, curbing his ability to feed them.

Weather has long factored into how ranchers manage their livestock and land, but those choices have increasingly centered around how herds can sustain drought conditions, said Kaitlynn Glover, executive director of natural resources at the National Cattlemens Beef Association.

If it rained four inches, there wouldnt be a cow to sell for five months, said George Raftopoulos, owner of the auction house.

Raftopoulos says he encourages people to think twice before parting with their cows. Having to replace them later on might cost more than paying for additional hay, he said.

Culling herds can be an operational blow for cattle ranchers. It often means parting with cows selected for genetic traits that are optimal for breeding and are seen as long-term investments that pay dividends.

Jo Stanko, Jims wife and business partner, noted her cows were bred for their ability to handle the regions temperature swings.

We live in a very specialized place, she said. We need cattle that can do high and low temperatures in the same day.

As the Stankos prepare to shrink their herd, theyre considering new lines of work to supplement their ranching income. One option on the table: offering hunting and fishing access or winter sleigh rides on their land.

The couple will know how many more cattle theyll need to sell once theyre done storing hay in early September. They hope to cull just 10, but fear it could be as many as half the herd, or around 45 head.

Already, the family sold 21 head last year after a disappointing hay harvest. This year, the crop is even worse.

With the heat, its burning up. I cant cut it fast enough, Jim Stanko said of the hay crop.

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/environment.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Idaho officials are working on a hemp plan to submit to federal officials this fall so that farmers can grow it next year.

BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Idaho officials are working on a hemp plan to submit to federal officials this fall so that farmers can grow it next year.

State Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Chanel Tewalt told the Capital Press in a story last week that the state intends to submit its plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture by Sept. 1.

Idaho lawmakers earlier this year approved the growing and selling of hemp products containing 0.3% or less of THC, the cannabis compound that gives marijuana its high.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture plans to submit the hemp plan in early August to Republican Gov. Brad Little and the Idaho State Police for their approval.

Little, who signed the bill approving hemp in Idaho into law in April, and law enforcement officials in the past have expressed concern that hemp could be used as a cover for growing or transporting marijuana.

The overall effort is to align state law with federal law contained in the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp. Idaho is the only state that still treats hemp like marijuana. That has prevented Idaho framers from growing hemp, which backers say can be a lucrative crop.

If legalized in Idaho, farmers could sell hemp seeds and a hemp-derived extract called cannabidiol, or CBD, seen by many as a health aid. In its purified distilled form, CBD oil commands thousands of dollars per kilogram, and farmers can make tens of thousands of dollars an acre growing hemp plants to produce it. That distillate also can be converted into a crystallized form or powder.

Much of the state's plan deals with making sure Idaho hemp plants contain 0.3% or less of THC. Crops containing more would have to be destroyed.

Part of the process for getting federal approval involved creating administrative rules through negotiated rulemaking meetings held in June. Tewalt said the U.S. Department of Agriculture must approve those rules as part of Idahos plan as well as the new law passed by lawmakers. State officials must also prove the state can fulfill requirements of federal hemp rules.

There is a handling portion of the (draft) rule because the new Idaho law references handling, Tewalt said. We need to ensure the product can get from the farm to a drying facility or grain facility. So we have accounted for that in the process.

Growers will need to pay $500 for an annual license and $250 per lot for inspection. Handler-processors would pay $1,000 for a license and $500 for an annual inspection.

Inspection is required in the federal rule and will be in the state rule, Tewalt said.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Malaysias government said it will not extend a coronavirus emergency beyond Aug. 1 as the country's Parliament reopened Monday after a disputed seven-month suspension amid a worsening pandemic.

FILE - In this June 1, 2021, file photo, police check passengers in vehicles at a roadblock during the first day of Full Movement Control Order (MCO) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysias Parliament reopened Monday, July 26, 2021 for the first time this year after a seven-month suspension due to a coronavirus emergency that has failed to curb a worsening pandemic. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, File)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Malaysias government said it will not extend a coronavirus emergency beyond Aug. 1 as the country's Parliament reopened Monday after a disputed seven-month suspension amid a worsening pandemic.

The emergency, which allowed the government to halt Parliament since January and rule by ordinance without legislative approval, has been slammed as a ruse for embattled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to stay in power amid challenges to his leadership.

Opposition lawmakers slammed the governments failure to tackle the pandemic despite a national lockdown since June 1. Malaysias total cases passed 1 million Sunday, up by eight-fold from the whole of last year and up 77% since the lockdown. Deaths have also climbed steeply to over 8,000.

In this photo released by Malaysia's Department of Information, Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin wearing a face mask to help curb the spread of the coronavirus speaks at the parliamentary session at parliament house in Kuala Lumpur, Monday, July 26, 2021. Malaysia's government said it will not extend a coronavirus emergency beyond August 1 as Parliament reopened Monday after a disputed seven-month suspension amid a worsening pandemic. (Famer Roheni/ Malaysia's Department of Information via AP)

After the special, five-day session of Parliament opened, Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan said the government would not seek an extension of the emergency.

Opposition lawmakers were also taken by surprise when Takiyuddin announced the government has annulled all emergency ordinances on July 21. They questioned why the annulment wasnt made public earlier and whether it followed the proper process. Details were hazy on how it affects measures such as penalties imposed on those breaking COVID-19 protocol.

Muhyiddin, in his briefing to the lower house, said Malaysia, like other countries, was not spared from the more contagious delta variant of the coronavirus.

He defended his governments policies, saying economic aid has been distributed to poor households and to businesses severely hit by the lockdown. Vaccinations have also been accelerated, with the majority of the population expected to be inoculated by the year's end, he said.

In this photo released by Malaysia's Department of Information, Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin wearing a face mask delivers a speech at the parliamentary session at parliament house in Kuala Lumpur, Monday, July 26, 2021. Malaysia's government said it will not extend a coronavirus emergency beyond August 1 as Parliament reopened Monday after a disputed seven-month suspension amid a worsening pandemic. (Famer Roheni/Malaysia's Department of Information via AP)

This government is not perfect but this government does not allow the people to suffer and always works to save lives, Muhyiddin said.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad urged Muhyiddin to step down and said his unelected government, which took power in March 2020, has failed. Echoing other lawmakers, he said the parliamentary session was a sham because debates and voting weren't allowed.

If this government has really failed, then it is time for the prime minister to step down and we need the forum to vote on this, another lawmaker, Gobind Singh, said earlier.

Analysts say the end of the emergency was not unexpected as the king wasn't likely to agree to an extension. The annulments will also help Muhyiddin avoid parliamentary votes on those ordinances that could be seen as a test of support for his leadership, said Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.

With no voting allowed in the session, Oh said it "summarily reduces Parliament to worse than rubber-stamp role.

The biggest party in Muhyiddin's ruling alliance has withdrawn its support for him for failing to tackle the pandemic, but the attorney-general said Muhyiddin would remain in power until it can be proven in Parliament that he lost majority support.

That keeps his position safe for now, as the government has said the special parliamentary session will focus purely on the pandemic and no voting or other motions will be allowed. The regular parliamentary session will only resume in September.

There was an uproar at the end of Monday's session as Muhyiddin, who was supposed to answer questions raised by lawmakers, was absent. Where's the PM? Where's the PM? opposition lawmakers shouted. Instead, the finance minister handled the closing session and dodged answers related to the emergency.

Muhyiddin became prime minister after initiating the downfall of the reformist government that won the 2018 elections. His Bersatu party formed an unstable alliance that includes the United Malays National Organization, which was ousted in the 2018 polls. UMNO is the largest party in the alliance but has been unhappy at playing second fiddle to Bersatu and opposes the emergency declaration.

The five-day session of the lower house is being held under strict virus-prevention measures, with lawmakers masked and separated by transparent screens.

House Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun said the number of lawmakers may be restricted after two lawmakers and 12 parliamentary staff tested positive for the virus over the weekend. He said more than 60 people, including up to six lawmakers, who are close contacts are quarantined.
KARACHI, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistani authorities said Monday they were working on plans to refloat a cargo ship that ran aground off the coast near the southern port city of Karachi last week amid bad weather.

A cameraman films the stranded Heng Tong 77 cargo ship at Sea View Beach near the southern port city of Karachi, Pakistan, Monday, July 26, 2021. Pakistani authorities said they are working on plans to refloat the cargo ship that ran aground last week amid bad weather en route to Istanbul from China. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistani authorities said Monday they were working on plans to refloat a cargo ship that ran aground off the coast near the southern port city of Karachi last week amid bad weather.

The Heng Tong 77 was en route to Istanbul from China when it drifted and got stuck in shallow waters Wednesday near the coast in Pakistani territory, authorities said. The event raised fears the oil being transported in the vessel could spill, potentially damaging the environment.

The management of Pakistan's Karachi Port Trust, which handles matters relating to naval traffic at the port, provided no details on how the ship will be refloated. But reports in local media said Pakistani authorities were providing support to the ship's owner, who was importing special equipment to refloat the ship.

The stuck vessel did not affect the normal movement of ships in and out of the port located near Karachi, according to a statement Sunday from the port trust.

It said environmental experts were closely monitoring the situation and a contingency plan was in place to handle any emergency.

The cargo ship is 98 meters (322 feet) in length and 20 meters (66 feet) wide and has a capacity of 36,000 deadweight tonnage. It was not immediately clear what caused the ship to drift and run aground.
NEW DELHI (AP)  As coronavirus cases ravaged India this spring, Anil Sharma visited his 24-year-old son Saurav at a private hospital in northwest New Delhi every day for more than two months. In May, as India's new COVID-19 cases broke global records to reach 400,000 a day, Saurav was put on a ventilator.

Anil Sharma breaks down while talking to the Associated Press after visiting his son, Saurav, who is being treated for COVID-19 at a private hospital, in New Delhi, India, Thursday, July 1, 2021. Life is tentatively returning to normal in India as coronavirus cases fall. But millions are embroiled in a nightmare of huge piles of medical bills. Most Indians don't have health insurance and costs for COVID-19 treatment have them drowning in debt. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

NEW DELHI (AP)  As coronavirus cases ravaged India this spring, Anil Sharma visited his 24-year-old son Saurav at a private hospital in northwest New Delhi every day for more than two months. In May, as India's new COVID-19 cases broke global records to reach 400,000 a day, Saurav was put on a ventilator.

The sight of the tube running into Sauravs throat is seared in Sharmas mind. I had to stay strong when I was with him, but immediately after, I would break down as soon as I left the room, he said.

Saurav is home now, still weak and recovering. But the family's joy is tempered by a mountain of debt that piled up while he was sick.

Life has been tentatively returning to normal in India as new coronavirus cases have fallen. But millions are embroiled in a nightmare of huge piles of medical bills. Most Indians dont have health insurance and costs for COVID-19 treatment have them drowning in debt.

Sharma exhausted his savings on paying for an ambulance, tests, medicines and an ICU bed. Then he took out bank loans.

As the costs mounted, he borrowed from friends and relatives. Then, he turned to strangers, pleading online for help on Ketto, an Indian crowdfunding website. Overall, Sharma says he has paid over $50,000 in medical bills.

The crowdfunding provided $28,000, but another $26,000 is borrowed money he needs to repay, a kind of debt he has never faced before.

He was struggling for his life and we were struggling to provide him an opportunity to survive, he said, his voice thick with emotion. I was a proud father -- and now I have become a beggar.

The pandemic has devastated India's economy, bringing financial calamity to millions at the mercy of its chronically underfunded and fragmented healthcare system. Experts say such costs are bound to hinder an economic recovery.

Diana Khumanthem, 30, stands beside her father Yaima Khumanthem, 75, in a public gathering space where Yaima chooses to spend his day after his wife and daughter died of COVID-19, in Imphal, in Manipur, India, Monday, June 28, 2021. Life is tentatively returning to normal in India as coronavirus cases fall. But millions are embroiled in a nightmare of huge piles of medical bills. Most Indians dont have health insurance and costs for COVID-19 treatment have them drowning in debt. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)

What we have is a patchwork quilt of incomplete public insurance and a poor public health system. The pandemic has shown just how creaky and unsustainable these two things are, said Vivek Dehejia, an economist who has studied public policy in India.

Even before the pandemic, healthcare access in India was a problem.

Indians pay about 63% of their medical expenses out-of-pocket. That's typical of many poor countries with inadequate government services. Data on global personal medical costs from the pandemic are hard to come by, but in India and many other countries treatment for COVID is a huge added burden at a time when hundreds of millions of jobs have vanished.

In India, many jobs returned as cities opened up after a severe lockdown in March 2020, but economists worry about the loss of some 12 million salaried positions. Sharma's job as a marketing professional was one of them.

When he asked his son's friends to set up the campaign on Ketto to raise funds, Sharma hadnt seen a paycheck in 18 months. Between April and June this year, 40% of the 4,500 COVID-19 campaigns on the site were for hospitalization costs, the company said.

The pandemic has driven 32 million Indians out of the middle class, defined as those earning $10 to $20 a day, according to a Pew Research Center study published in March. It estimated the crisis has increased the number of Indias poor -- those with incomes of $2 or less a day -- by 75 million.

If youre looking at what pushes people into debt or poverty, the top two sources often are out-of-pocket health expenditure and catastrophic costs of treatment, said K Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India.

In the northeastern city of Imphal, 2,400 kilometers (1,490 miles) away, Diana Khumanthem lost both her mother and sister to the virus in May.

Treatment costs wiped out the family's savings, and when the private hospital where her sister died wouldnt release her body for last rites until a bill of about $5,000 was paid, she pawned the family's gold jewelry to moneylenders.

When that wasnt enough, asked her friends, relatives and her sisters colleagues for help. She still owes some $1,000.

A health insurance scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 was intended to cover around 500 million of India's 1.3 billion people and was a major step toward easing medical costs. But it doesnt cover the primary care and outpatient costs that comprise most out-of-pocket expenses. So it hasnt effectively improved access to care and financial risk protection, said a working paper by researchers at Duke University.

The program also has been hobbled by disparities in how various states implemented it, said Shawin Vitsupakorn, one of the papers authors.

Another paper, by the Duke Global Health Institute and the Public Health Foundation of India, found costs of ICU hospitalization for COVID-19 are equivalent to nearly 16 months of work for a typical Indian day laborer or seven to 10 months for salaried or self-employed workers.

Meager funding of healthcare, at just 1.6% of India's GDP, is less, proportionately, than what Laos or Ethiopia spends. At the outbreak's peak in May, hospitals everywhere were overrun, but public facilities lacked the resources to handle the floods of patients coming in.

The result is a suffering public health system, where the provision of care is often poor, prompting many to flock to private hospitals, said Dehejia.

A public hospital treated Khumanthems mother, but her sister Ranjita was admitted to a private one that cost $1,300 per day.

Ranjita was the family's only earner after Khumanthem left her nursing job last year to return home during the first wave of the virus. She's now hunting for work while looking after her father and her sisters 3-year-old son.

At her home in Imphal, Khumanthem grieved for her mother by remembering her favorite food  chagem pomba, a type of gruel made with vegetables, rice and soybeans. Every few minutes, she looked toward the front gate.

This is usually the time Ranjita would return home from work, she said. I still keep thinking she could walk through the gate any moment now.

Back in New Delhi, Sharma sighed in relief as an ambulance brought his son home from the hospital last week. Saurav needs physiotherapy to build up his weakened muscles, a daily nurse and a long list of medications. It may be weeks before he will be able to stand on his own, and months before the ambitious lawyer who graduated among the top of his class will be able to go to court again.

The costs will continue.

Our first priority was to save him, Sharma said. Now we will need to figure out the rest.

Associated Press journalist Yirmiyan Arthur contributed from Imphal.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Senators ran into new problems Monday as they raced to seal a bipartisan infrastructure deal, with pressure mounting on all sides to show progress on President Joe Biden's top priority.

FILE - In this July 21, 2021, file photo workers repair a park near the Capitol in Washington. Senators working on the infrastructure plan hope to have a bill ready to be voted on next week. President Joe Biden has made passing the bipartisan plan a top priority, the first of his two-part $4 trillion proposal to rebuild, but a Senate test vote failed this week after Republicans said they needed more time to finish the package and review the details. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Senators ran into new problems Monday as they raced to seal a bipartisan infrastructure deal, with pressure mounting on all sides to show progress on President Joe Biden's top priority.

Heading into a make-or-break week, serious roadblocks remain. Disputes have surfaced over how much money should go to public transit and water projects. And other disagreements over spending and wage requirements for highways, broadband and other areas remain unresolved, as well as whether to take unspent COVID-19 relief money to help pay for the infrastructure.

Biden, asked about the outlook, told reporters at the White House he remained optimistic about reaching a compromise.

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, left, accompanied by Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, leave in the elevator after a closed door talks about infrastructure on Capitol Hill in Washington Thursday, July 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that Biden himself worked the phones all weekend, and that the administration was encouraged by the progress. But Psaki acknowledged that time is not endless," as the White House works with the Senate to finish the package.

This week is crucial after more than a month-long slog of negotiations since Biden and the bipartisan group first celebrated the contours of the nearly $1 trillion bipartisan agreement in June.

The White House wants a bipartisan agreement for this first phase, before Democrats go it alone to tackle broader priorities in a bigger $3.5 trillion budget plan that's on deck. A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC found 8 in 10 Americans favor some increased infrastructure spending, and the current package could be a political win for all sides as lawmakers try to show voters that Washington can work.

But as talks drag on, anxious Democrats, who have slim control of the House and Senate, face a timeline to act on what would be some of the most substantial legislation in years. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned senators they could be kept in session this weekend to finish the work. He wants progress on both packages before the August recess.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., left, accompanied by Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, walk for a closed door talks about infrastructure on Capitol Hill in Washington Thursday, July 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Adding to the mix, Donald Trump issued a statement Monday disparaging Senate Republicans for even dealing with the Democrats on infrastructure, though it's unclear what influence he has. The former president had failed at an infrastructure deal when he was in office.

Its time for everyone to get to yes, Schumer said as he opened the Senate.

Schumer said Trump is rooting for our entire political system to fail while Democrats are rooting for a deal.

The bipartisan package includes about $600 billion in new spending on public works projects, the first phase of Biden's big infrastructure proposals.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, talks to reporters as she leaves the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, Thursday, July 22, 2021. Republicans prepared to block the vote by mounting a filibuster over what they see as a rushed and misguided process. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

The Democrats and the White House had sent what they called a global offer to Republicans on remaining issues late Sunday, according to a Democratic aide close to the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them.

But Republicans rebuffed the ideas, according to a GOP aide also granted anonymity to discuss the private talks.

The new proposal attempted to reopen issues that had already been resolved, the Republican aide said, suggesting the White House will need to show more flexibility.

While much of the disagreement has been over the size of spending on each category, labor issues have also emerged as a flashpoint.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks on immigration, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Wednesday, July 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Democrats are insisting on a prevailing-wage requirement, not just for existing public works programs but also for new ones, according to another Republican granted anonymity to discuss the private talks. Those include jobs for new broadband and cybersecurity programs, for school buses and ferries, and a new infrastructure financing authority that would develop roads, bridges, electric vehicle charging stations and other projects, the aide said.

At the same time, transit funding has been a stubborn disagreement throughout the past several days of talks.

The bipartisan group originally appeared to be moving toward agreement on more money for transit. But Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, the top Republican on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which oversees public transit, raised questions. He cited, in part, previous COVID-19 federal relief money that had already been allocated to public transit.

Three rounds totaling nearly $70 billion in federal COVID-19 emergency assistance over the past year pulled transit agencies from the brink of financial collapse as riders steered clear of crowded spaces on subway cars and buses.

Nobodys talking about cutting transit, Toomey said Sunday. The question is, how many tens of billions of dollars on top of the huge increase that they have already gotten is sufficient? And thats where there is a little disagreement.

Typically, spending from the federal Highway Trust Fund has followed a formula of 80% for highways and 20% for transit. Democrats and public transit advocates see expanded public transit systems as key to easing traffic congestion, combating climate change and curbing car pollution.

In the latest offer, Democrats said they would accept the Republican proposal on highway spending, contingent on Republicans agreeing to the Democratic position on public transit, the Democratic aide said.

Psaki has previously said transit funding "is obviously extremely important to the president  the Amtrak President, as we may call him.

The senators also appeared to be debating public water works funding. The group had an agreement to add $15 billion to deal with lead pipe contamination beyond funds already approved in a Senate water bill. But it's unclear if that agreement is holding after Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, raised questions.

The final package would need the support of 60 senators in the evenly split 50-50 Senate to advance past a filibuster  meaning at least 10 Republicans along with every Democratic member. Last weeks test vote failed along party lines as Republicans sought more time to negotiate.

There are other remaining issues still unresolved around how to pay for the bipartisan package. The group is seeking a compromise after Democrats rejected a plan to bring in funds by hiking the gas tax drivers pay at the pump and Republicans dashed a plan to boost the IRS to go after tax scofflaws.

Meanwhile, Democrats are readying the broader $3.5 trillion package, which would go beyond public works to include child care centers and family tax breaks, paid for by increasing the corporate tax rate and the tax rate on Americans earning more than $400,000 a year.

Associated Press writer Hope Yen contributed to this report.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  South Africa's government has lifted a ban on liquor sales and relaxed other pandemic restrictions, reporting that a recent spike in coronavirus cases has passed its peak, the president said.

FILE - In this Tuesday, May 18, 2021 file photo, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at the Grand Palais Ephemere for the Financing of African Economies Summit, in Paris. South Africas president says the government has lifted a ban on liquor sales and relaxed other pandemic restrictions. President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation Sunday, July 25, 2021 that a recent spike in coronavirus cases has passed its peak and the daily number of new confirmed cases dropped 20% last week. (Ian Langsdon, Pool via AP, File)

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  South Africa's government has lifted a ban on liquor sales and relaxed other pandemic restrictions, reporting that a recent spike in coronavirus cases has passed its peak, the president said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation Sunday night that the average daily number of new confirmed cases over the last week was around 12,000, which was a 20% drop from the previous week.

The latest figures suggest that we have largely passed the peak of the third wave of infections, although there are areas in the country where we still need to be concerned because the rates of infection have not yet shown signs of decline, Ramaphosa said.

The government is allowing retail alcohol sales to resume from Monday through Thursday, while bars and restaurants also will be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages. Schools have fully reopened, and social and religious gatherings are again allowed for a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. A nighttime curfew has been reduced to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

FILE - In this July 6, 2021, file photo, a patient receives a Johnson & Johnson vaccine against COVID-19 in Hammanskraal, South Africa. To accelerate its mass vaccination campaign, South Africa will start giving shots on weekends and will make them available to younger residents ages 18 and above starting September 1. Currently, vaccines are limited to people 35 and up. (AP Photo/Alet Pretorius, File)

Ramaphosa also announced the reinstatement of a monthly relief grant of 350 rand ($23.50) for unemployed South Africans until next March. An estimated 2 million jobs have been lost since last year due to the pandemic, according to the countrys official statistics.

While new confirmed cases are declining in South Africa, many other countries in Africa are seeing increased COVID-19 cases, driven by the delta variant.

To accelerate its mass vaccination campaign, South Africa will start giving shots on weekends and will make them available to younger residents ages 18 and above starting September 1. Currently, vaccines are limited to people 35 and up.

In the coming weeks, we will substantially increase the rate of vaccination, said Ramaphosa.

South Africa, which has a population of 60 million, has administered over 6.3 million vaccine doses. The rate of inoculations needs to increase for the country to reach its target of having 67% of the population fully vaccinated by February.

According to Ramaphosa, 31 million doses of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be delivered in the next two to three months, while negotiations with other manufacturers are continuing.

In describing South Africa's efforts to curb the pandemic, Ramapahosa lamented the violent riots this month sparked by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma, saying the unrest was like fighting a battle on two fronts.

More than 300 people died and more than 2,500 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism resulting from the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.

The deployment of 25,000 army troops helped quell the rioting. Ramaphosa said his government would seek restitution for businesses that suffered more than 20 billion rand ($1.35 billion) in damage and also would assist poor South Africans.

The state-owned insurance company, SASRIA, will expedite claims by insured businesses for riot-related damage, and the government plans to announce support measures for smaller, uninsured businesses, Ramaphosa said.

I want to make it clear that law and order will be maintained," the president said. "There will be further arrests, particularly of those who conceptualized, planned, and executed these actions that have led to so much destruction and loss of life.
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP)  Troops surrounded Tunisias parliament and blocked its speaker from entering Monday after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister and other top members of government, sparking concerns for the North African country's young democracy at home and abroad.

Protesters face Tunisian police officers during a demonstration in Tunis, Tunisia, Sunday, July 25, 2021. Violent demonstrations broke out on Sunday in several Tunisian cities as protesters expressed anger at the deterioration of the country's health, economic and social situation. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP)  Troops surrounded Tunisias parliament and blocked its speaker from entering Monday after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister and other top members of government, sparking concerns for the North African country's young democracy at home and abroad.

In the face of nationwide protests over Tunisia's economic troubles and the governments handling of the coronavirus crisis, President Kais Saied decided late Sunday to dismiss the officials, including the justice and defense ministers.

He announced a series of other measures Monday, including a nationwide curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for one month and a ban on gatherings of more than three people in public places. He denied allegations that he was fomenting a coup d'etat.

A demonstrator flashes victory sings as he faces Tunisian police officers during a demonstration in Tunis, Tunisia, Sunday, July 25, 2021. Violent demonstrations broke out on Sunday in several Tunisian cities as protesters expressed anger at the deterioration of the country's health, economic and social situation. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)

Some demonstrators cheered the firings, shouting with joy and waving Tunisian flags.

But others accused the president of a power grab, and the countrys overseas allies expressed concern that it might be descending again into autocracy. In a move sure to fuel those worries, police raided the offices of broadcaster Al-Jazeera and ordered it shut down.

Tunisia, which ignited the Arab Spring in 2011 when protests led to the overthrow of its longtime autocratic leader, is often regarded as the only success story of those uprisings.

But democracy didn't bring prosperity. Tunisias economy was already flailing before the pandemic hit, with 18% unemployment, and young people demanding jobs and an end to police brutality protested in large numbers earlier this year.

Tunisian police officers stand in the smoke of a flare during a demonstration in Tunis, Tunisia, Sunday, July 25, 2021. Violent demonstrations broke out on Sunday in several Tunisian cities as protesters expressed anger at the deterioration of the country's health, economic and social situation. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)

The government recently announced cuts to food and fuel subsidies as it sought its fourth loan from the International Monetary Fund in a decade, further fueling anger in impoverished regions.

The pandemic has only compounded those problems, and the government recently reimposed lockdowns and other virus restrictions in the face of one of Africas worst outbreaks.

Angry at the economic malaise and the poor handling of the pandemic, thousands of protesters defied virus restrictions and scorching heat in the capital, Tunis, and other cities Sunday to demand the dissolution of parliament. The largely young crowds shouted Get out! and slogans calling for an early election and economic reforms. Clashes erupted in many places.

I must shoulder the responsibility and I have done so. I have chosen to stand by the people, the president said in a solemn televised address.

A Tunisian police officer scuffles with protesters during a demonstration in Tunis, Tunisia, Sunday, July 25, 2021. Violent demonstrations broke out on Sunday in several Tunisian cities as protesters expressed anger at the deterioration of the country's health, economic and social situation. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)

Saied said he had to fire the prime minister and suspend parliament because of concerns over public violence. He said he acted according to the law  but parliamentary speaker Rached Ghannouchi, who heads the Islamist party that dominates the legislature, said the president didnt consult with him or the prime minister as required. The three have been in conflict.

We have taken these decisions ... until social peace returns to Tunisia and until we save the state, Saied said.

While the dissolution of parliament cheered some protesters, others in Tunisia were opposed. Police intervened Monday to prevent clashes outside the parliament building between demonstrators supporting the president and lawmakers from the dominant Ennahdha party and their allies who opposed the move. Both sides shouted and some threw stones, according to an Associated Press reporter.

Ghannouchi, the speaker, tried to enter parliament overnight, but police and military forces guarding the site stopped him. He sat in a car outside the building for nearly 12 hours before leaving Monday afternoon  his next steps were unclear.

Tunisian soldiers guard the main entrance of the parliament as demonstrators gather outside the the gate in Tunis, Tunisia, Monday, July 26, 2021. Troops surrounded Tunisia's parliament and blocked its speaker from entering Monday after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister following nationwide protests over the country's economic troubles and the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis. (AP Photo/Hedi Azouz)

He called the presidents move a coup against the constitution and the (Arab Spring) revolution, and insisted the parliament would continue to work.

Saifeddine Makhlouf, founder of and lawmaker in a coalition of hardline Islamists, also denounced the presidents move as a coup, saying, "We will not let it pass.

However, the president, a former constitutional law professor elected in 2019, rejected allegations during a meeting Monday with representatives of several national organizations that he was engaging in a coup.

I ask how some can talk of a coup d'etat, Radio Mosaique quoted Saied as saying. I studied and taught law. I applied the constitution, respecting its dispositions.

Tunisian soldiers guard the main entrance of the parliament as demonstrators gather outside the the gate in Tunis, Tunisia, Monday, July 26, 2021. Troops surrounded Tunisia's parliament and blocked its speaker from entering Monday after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister following nationwide protests over the country's economic troubles and the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis. (AP Photo/Hedi Azouz)

The president invoked a constitutional article that allows him to assume executive power for an unspecified period of time in cases of imminent danger threatening the institutions of the nation and the independence of the country and hindering the regular functioning of the public powers.

Tensions between the prime minister and president have been blamed for poor management of the virus, while a bungled vaccination drive led to the dismissal of the health minister this month.

To date, 7% of the population has been fully vaccinated, while more than 90% of the countrys intensive care unit beds are occupied, according to health ministry figures. Videos have circulated on social media showing bodies left in the middle of wards as morgues struggle to deal with growing deaths.

Ennahdha has been a particular target, accused of focusing on its internal concerns instead of managing the virus.

CORRECTING PHOTOGRAPHER BYLINE TO SLIM ABID - Tunisia's President Kais Saied, center, leads a security meeting with members of the army and police forces in Tunis, Tunisia, Sunday, July 25, 2021. Troops surrounded Tunisia's parliament and blocked its speaker Rached Ghannouchi from entering Monday after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister following nationwide protests over the country's economic troubles and the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis. (AP Photo/Slim Abid)

Security forces also moved in Monday on the Tunis offices of Al-Jazeera, the Qatar-based satellite news network said on its Facebook page. The reason for the move was not immediately clear.

Al-Jazeera, citing its journalists, said 10 heavily armed police officers entered their bureau without a warrant and asked everyone to leave. The reporters phones and other equipment were confiscated, and they were not allowed back into the building to retrieve their personal belongs, the network said.

Qatar and its Al-Jazeera have been viewed by some Middle Eastern nations as promoting Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood. Its offices have been shut down in other countries over that, most noticeably in Egypt after the 2013 coup that brought current President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to office.

Qatars Foreign Ministry said it hoped the voice of wisdom would prevail in the turmoil and that the rule of law would be established again.

Tunisian soldiers block the entrance fo the Tunisia's state television in Tunis, Tunisia, Monday, July 26, 2021. Troops surrounded Tunisia's parliament and blocked its speaker from entering Monday after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister following nationwide protests over the country's economic troubles and the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis. (AP Photo/Hedi Azouz)

Inside and outside Tunisia, from the U.N. to the U.S, the European Union and beyond, concern was raised about whether the nascent democracy was taking an authoritarian turn.

Former President Moncef Marzouki called for political dialogue, saying in a Facebook video, We made a huge leap backward tonight, we are back to dictatorship.

Potential violence and respect for Tunisia's institutions were at the forefront of concerns by allies.

"The already volatile region cannot bear to have more unrest than it has presently had, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone with the Tunisian leader, encouraging him to adhere to the principles of democracy and human rights that are the basis of governance in Tunisia, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. Blinken also asked that Saied maintain open dialogue with all political actors and the Tunisian people.

While German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Adebahr stopped short of calling the presidential actions a coup, she said the Tunisian president appeared to be relying on a pretty broad interpretation of the constitution.

France, Tunisia's former colonial ruler, said it counts on respect for a state of law and the return, as soon as possible, to the normal functioning of institutions.

Italy, likewise, appealed for respect of the Tunisian Constitution while Turkey hoped democratic legitimacy is soon restored.

Associated Press journalists Mehdi El Arem in Tunis; Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Geir Moulson in Berlin; Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Matthew Lee in Washington; Lorne Cook in Brussels; Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP)  As Thailands medical system struggles beneath a surge of coronavirus cases, ordinary people are helping to plug the gaps, risking their own health to bring care and supplies to often terrified, exhausted patients whove fallen through the cracks.

A volunteer from the 'Saimai Will Survive' group in protective gear talks to a woman infected with COVID-19 on her condition while checking her blood pressure and blood oxygen levels Friday, July 23, 2021, in Bangkok, Thailand. As Thailand's medical system struggles beneath a surge of coronavirus cases, ordinary people are helping to plug the gaps, risking their own health to bring care and supplies to often terrified, exhausted patients who've fallen through the cracks. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP)  As Thailands medical system struggles beneath a surge of coronavirus cases, ordinary people are helping to plug the gaps, risking their own health to bring care and supplies to often terrified, exhausted patients whove fallen through the cracks.

In the Samai area of Bangkok, Ekapob Laungpraserts team heads out for another weekend on the front lines of a crisis.

His volunteer group, Samai Will Survive, has been working around the clock, responding to about a hundred SOS calls daily from desperate COVID-19 patients unable to get the help they need.

We realize how hard working and how tired doctors and nurses are, says the 38-year-old businessman. What we are trying to do today is to help relieve some of the burden. Before, all cases must go to the hospital, so today there are no hospital beds. So we volunteer to help out.

Its not long before they're in action: Malee, a COVID-19 positive woman whose breathing has suddenly worsened. The group, wearing personal protective equipment, delivers oxygen and much-needed reassurance to Malee and her husband, an army officer who also has the virus.

I lost hope even with the army. I called doctors at field hospitals. All they told me to do was to send information, just send information, Worawit Srisang said. I got the same answers everywhere. At least these guys visit us in person. What the patient needs is a chance to see a doctor, not just send information.

Thailands predicament is stark. Around 15,000 new cases are confirmed each day and still more people are getting infected. In Bangkok alone, 20,000 people are waiting for a hospital bed.

So homespun heroes like Ekapob and his group  buying equipment and supplies with public donations  are an essential safety net, gaining crucial time for both patients and a health care system under severe strain.

Theres another call: an elderly woman with COVID-19 symptoms. But shes not fit to wait in line for hours at an overwhelmed test center, so for the moment shes stuck where she is.

Grandma cant get tested, so she lies sick in bed. If we want to send her to the hospital, they will ask for her test result. So we are back in a circle, because we would ask them to do the test, Ekapob says, looking in through the window.

Its very likely she has COVID-19. All her family members have already tested positive.

After a check, his team members decide shes not in imminent danger. They hook her up with oxygen, then its back into the night and on to the next case.

Theres a raging debate in Thailand now over the national vaccination roll-out. Many Thais are angry over the slow pace and a perceived lack of accountability for the fact that only around 5% of the population currently is fully protected.

The volunteers see the consequences almost every night.

They're called to 52-year old Nittaya Kongnuch, who like so many is struggling to breathe normally.

As they try to make her more comfortable, her sister tells an increasingly familiar story. Their mother died last week from the virus, as their urgent calls for help to brimming hospitals went unheeded.

My mother showed bad symptoms from the beginning. I called and called to tell them my mom couldnt handle this anymore, but nobody came. The nurses kept saying there were no beds, said Piyawan Kodduang, fighting back tears.

Most fatalities occur in private. But not all. Last week, a body lay for hours in a Bangkok street, incurring the wrath of an embarrassed prime minister.

On Saturday night, Ekapob and his team see exactly how that can happen, as they're called to a homeless woman whos showing signs of infection.

As wary residents watch from a distance, the team moves in to carry out a rapid test.

Within a few minutes they have the result: positive.

After making some phone calls, Ekapob finds her a place in a facility where she can be observed while awaiting a bed in a field hospital.

At least she has a fighting chance. Without the volunteers, its likely she wouldn't have any.

Thailand has had 497,302 cases of COVID-19 and 4,059 deaths since the pandemic began.
BEIJING  The major eastern Chinese city of Nanjing recorded another 31 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, as authorities announced more than 1.5 billion doses of vaccine have been administered around the country.

Workers in protective gear lower a coffin of a COVID-19 victim for burial at the special section of the Pedurenan cemetery designated to accommodate the surge in deaths during the coronavirus outbreak in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia, Monday, July 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

BEIJING  The major eastern Chinese city of Nanjing recorded another 31 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, as authorities announced more than 1.5 billion doses of vaccine have been administered around the country.

The new cases bring Nanjings total to more than 106 over recent days. The virus circulating in the city has been identified as the delta variant, according to local officials.

The city has been carrying out mass testing and placed tens of thousands of people under lockdown. Along with near-universal indoor mask wearing, China has utilized such practices to largely contain the domestic spread of the virus.

China has also aggressively pursued vaccinations, with little word of noncompliance. The National Health Commission said 1.55 billion doses had been administered as of Sunday  exceeding the countrys population of 1.4 billion.

A truck sprays water to cool a hot street as people holding umbrellas queue in line to wait to get coronavirus testing while holding umbrellas at a makeshift testing site in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 26, 2021. A banner reads "Spraying water on the street due to the heat wave." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

However, questions have been raised about the efficacy of Chinese-made vaccines, particularly the SinoPharm jab among older people.

That's stirred concern for the dozens of countries that have given the Chinese companys shots to their most vulnerable populations. Some countries now say they are prepared to provide a third shot to boost production of protective antibodies.

China on Tuesday also reported another 40 imported cases, almost half in Yunnan province along the border with Myanmar, which is facing a major outbreak.

China has 795 people currently in treatment for COVID-19. The death toll has stayed steady for months at 4,636.

MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

Christians inside their cars pray during a drive-in worship service amid measures to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus at the Songgok high school in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, July 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

 Some French health workers resent, resist mandatory vaccines

 Pandemic leaves Indians mired in massive medical debts

 What happens when your Olympics COVID test gets taken 39 minutes early?

 Malaysian doctors walk off job in government hospitals

 Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

Diana Khumanthem, 30, plays with her three-year-old nephew Hridhaan, who she has decided to raise as her own after his mother Ranjita died of COVID-19, at home in Imphal, in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, Monday, June 28, 2021. Diana lost both her mother and sister to the virus in May. Treatment costs wiped out the family's savings, and the private hospital where she died wouldnt release her sisters body for last rites until a bill of about $5,000 was paid. Data on global personal medical costs from the pandemic are hard to come by, but in India and many other countries treatment for COVID is a huge added burden at a time when hundreds of millions of jobs have vanished. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)

HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

MELBOURNE, Australia  Australias second-most populous city is ending its fifth pandemic lockdown Tuesday as the Victoria state government declares it has beaten an outbreak of the highly contagious coronavirus delta variant for a second time.

The five-day lockdown in Melbourne and across Victoria will allow schools, pubs and restaurants to reopen. But people will not be allowed to have visitors in their homes for two more weeks.

Meanwhile, the city of Sydney remains in lockdown indefinitely after more than four weeks. Australias most populous city is where the delta outbreak began in mid-June when a limousine driver was infected while transporting a U.S. air crew from the airport. The New South Wales state government reported a new daily high of 172 infections Tuesday.

South Australia state announced that its week-long lockdown will end as planned Wednesday after no new cases were recorded Tuesday.

A man wearing a face mask to protect against the spread of the coronavirus walks by flags to promote the Olympic Games in Tokyo Monday, July 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

ST. LOUIS -- Missouris attorney general has filed suit seeking to halt a mask mandate that took effect Monday in the St. Louis area amid a rise in COVD-19 cases that are burdening a growing number of hospitals around the state.

The mandate requires everyone age 5 or older to wear masks in indoor public places and on public transportation in St. Louis city and St. Louis County even if they are vaccinated. Wearing masks outdoors is strongly encouraged.

The lawsuit by Attorney General Eric Schmitt argues the mandates are arbitrary and capricious because they require vaccinated individuals to wear masks, despite the CDC guidance that this is not necessary. It also questions mandating children to wear masks in school, noting they are less likely to become seriously ill.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones defends the mandate, calling the suit frivolous.

Gov. Mike Parson says in a tweet that requiring everyone to wear masks reduces the incentive of getting the vaccine.

A waiter wearing a face mask to protect against coronavirus serves at a restaurant terrace in Paris, Monday, July 26, 2021. France's parliament approved a law requiring special virus passes for all restaurants and domestic travel, and mandating vaccinations for all health workers. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

HONOLULU -- Hawaiis Department of Health is recommending that masks be used in all indoor settings at schools and that social distancing be observed in classrooms when possible. Masks are recommended outdoors when there is crowding or prolonged close contact.

The department made the recommendations Monday in updated guidance for school officials before the Aug. 3 start of another school year during the pandemic.

The department also says schools should consider screening tests for all teachers and staff who have not been fully vaccinated. It further recommends screening for students who are not fully vaccinated for participation in sports and other activities with a higher risk of virus transmission.

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N.s deputy humanitarian chief is warning that the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting conflict-ridden and impoverished countries much worse this year than in 2020, with many facing higher caseloads and rising deaths.

Ramesh Rajasingham said in a closed briefing Monday to the U.N. Security Council that these surges are being fueled by a lack of access to vaccines, the easing of public health measures, increased social mixing, and the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus.

Mexican dancers perform during a ceremony as part of the commemoration marking the 700 year anniversary of the founding of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, known today as Mexico City, in Mexico City, Monday, July 26, 2021, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

In his briefing obtained by The Associated Press, Rajasingham says that so far in 2021 almost three-quarters of countries needing humanitarian aid have recorded more pandemic cases or deaths than in all of 2020. He adds that in over one-third of those countries at least three times more cases or deaths have been recorded this year compared to last.

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  The number of COVID-19 patients in Alabama hospitals has climbed to more than 900  a number the state has not seen since February.

The Alabama Hospital Association says there were 947 COVID-19 patients in state hospitals Monday, up from 204 at the beginning of July. The latest number is about a third of where the state was at the peak of the pandemic when there were 3,000 virus patients in state hospitals in January.

The head of the hospital association says the concern is not the number itself, but the steep upward trajectory in numbers. Dr. Don Williamson says the state has the solution in the form of the vaccine, but there is not a long line of people wanting to be vaccinated.

CHARLESTON, W.Va.  Coronavirus infections in West Virginias largest county have doubled in the past week after reaching a 12-month low.

Students walk past games that are off limits at a school where in-person classes have restarted for a second time this school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Santiago, Chile, Monday, July 26, 2021. The capital has ended weekend quarantines and are allowing more people inside restaurants gyms and returning public school students to in-person classes with gradual and voluntary attendance. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

The Kanawha-Charleston health department said in a news release Monday that the number of cases in Kanawha County grew by 38 to 124 on Monday, up from 58 active cases on July 19,

Active virus cases peaked at Kanawha County at nearly 2,100 in early January before dropping steadily, falling below 500 in mid-March. The number hit 57 on July 13, the fewest active cases since June 2020.

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Some Louisiana health facilities are suspending nonemergency surgeries that might require hospital admissions as they grapple with a steadily increasing influx of COVID-19 patients amid the states latest spike in cases.

Baton Rouge-based Our Lady of the Lake said Monday it will pause scheduling nonurgent surgeries requiring inpatient beds for at least three weeks after admitting 25 new COVID-19 patients within 24 hours.

In New Orleans, the six-hospital LCMC system said it, too, is suspending non-essential procedures that might require overnight stays.

People wait in line at a Miami-Dade County COVID-19 testing site, Monday, July 26, 2021, in Hialeah, Fla. Florida accounted for a fifth of the nation's new infections last week, more than any other state, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Louisiana has one of the lowest coronavirus vaccination rates in the nation, worsening this latest surge in COVID-19 cases fueled by the highly contagious delta variant.

SEATTLE  Health officials in eight counties in western Washington state are recommending mask-wearing in indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status because of a rise in COVID-19 cases.

The recommendation came in a joint statement Monday from local health officers in the Puget Sound region.

The officials say mask use will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public, including customers and workers, help stem the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in many parts of the state, and decrease the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.

State health officials have talked about masking in public indoor spaces but arent currently making the same recommendation.

FILE - In this Wednesday, March 24, 2021, file photo, Pre-K students arrive for the school day at Phyl's Academy, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. New York City will require all of its municipal workers  including teachers and police officers  to get coronavirus vaccines by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday, July 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, Pool, File)

OSAGE BEACH, Missouri  Thirty-one-year-old Daryl Barker of Branson, Missouri, was one of the unvaccinated. He came down with the delta variant of the coronavirus in early July and has been hospitalized 17 days.

With southwestern Missouri hospitals too full, he was transferred to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, where he is slowly recovering after becoming critically ill.

On Monday, Barkers wife, Billie, used a marker to write I love you backwards on the ICU window so he could read it from the other side.

The chief medical officer at the hospital tells The Associated Press that the difference between the current virus outbreak and the winter is that patients are younger and sicker. Since July 1, the hospital has admitted 70 patients with the virus. Twenty-two have died.

JACKSON, Miss.  Mississippi health officials say the state is seeing its highest number of new COVID-19 cases in months as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread.

FILE - A health care worker inoculates Evelyn Pereira, right, of Brooklyn, with the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as her daughter Soile Reyes, 12, looks on, Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The number of Americans getting a COVID-19 vaccine has been rising in recent days as virus cases once again surge and officials raise dire warnings about the consequences of remaining. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

The state is also experiencing a sharp increase in the percentage of positive tests.

The state Department of Health said Monday that 3,608 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Mississippi from Friday through Sunday. That compares to 2,326 reported from Friday through Sunday a week earlier  numbers that were highest in the state since February.

The increase is happening as some schools are starting classes and thousands are gathering for the Neshoba County Fair.

SAN FRANCISCO -- California will require state employees and all health care workers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or get tested weekly as officials aim to slow rising coronavirus infections, mostly among the unvaccinated.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the new policy Monday. The mandate will affect at least 238,000 state employees, according to the California controllers office, and at least 2 million health care workers in the nations most populous state.

About 62% of all eligible Californians are fully vaccinated, and the state has struggled to make significant progress in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the more contagious delta variant now makes up an estimated 80% of infections in California. Hospitalizations are on the rise, though still far below where they were during the winter peak.

MADRID  Spanish health authorities say the spread of the coronavirus is slowing down following weeks of a steep surge of infections driven mostly by young groups that are yet to receive vaccines.

The country has reported 700 new cases per 100,000 residents in the past two weeks, a level that Spain only recorded in the third major surge at the beginning of the year, when it peaked at 900 new cases per 100,000.

But Health Secretary Silvia Calzon said Monday that the one-week cumulative incidence had dropped to less than half the 14-day figure for the first time in weeks, leading officials to believe that contagion is receding.

The more contagious delta variant of the virus accounts since this week for most new cases, the Health Ministry said in a report on Monday.

Nearly 8% of hospital beds across the country are treating COVID-19 patients, although in ICUs the occupation rate is now already more than 16% and growing.

ANKARA, Turkey  Turkey has recorded more than 15,000 new coronavirus cases, as the number of infections continue to surge.

Health Ministry figures on Monday showed another 16,809 new infections in the past 24 hours, the highest number of cases since early May. The ministry also reported 63 new deaths, bringing the overall death toll to 50,997.

The rate of increase in the number of cases makes keeping the outbreak under control more difficult, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted on Monday, urging the public to observe coronavirus precautions and to get vaccinated.

Experts are warning that Turkey could face another peak with the highly contagious Delta variant and vaccination rates are not sufficient. Only about 26 percent of the country of 84 million people have been fully vaccinated, using Chinas Sinovac and the Pfizer vaccines.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The mayor of the county that hosts Floridas theme park mecca says that we are in crisis mode when it comes to dealing with soaring numbers of COVID-19 infections.

Florida accounted for a fifth of the nations new infections last week, more than any other state, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Orange County Mayor Jerry Deming said Monday that the home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort is seeing about 1,000 new cases a day.

The state health department says more than 73,000 new coronavirus cases were reported in Florida over the previous week, nearly seven times the 12,000 reported a month ago. Florida had 341 cases per 100,000 people over the past week, second only to Louisiana, according to CDC data.

Despite this latest surge, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida will not return to government mandates.
VATICAN CITY (AP)  A cardinal who allegedly induced an underling to lie to prosecutors. Brokers and lawyers who pulled a fast one over the Vatican No. 2 to get him to approve a disastrous real estate deal. A self-styled intelligence analyst who bought Prada and Louis Vuitton items with the Vatican money that she was supposed to send to rebels holding a Catholic nun hostage.

FILE - In this Sunday, March 21, 2021 filer, a nun stands in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Vatican prosecutors have alleged a jaw-dropping series of scandals in launching the biggest criminal trial in the Vaticans modern history, which opens Tuesday in a modified courtroom in the Vatican Museums. The once-powerful cardinal and nine other people are accused of bleeding the Holy See of tens of millions of dollars in donations through bad investments, deals with shady money managers and apparent favors to friends and family. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

VATICAN CITY (AP)  A cardinal who allegedly induced an underling to lie to prosecutors. Brokers and lawyers who pulled a fast one over the Vatican No. 2 to get him to approve a disastrous real estate deal. A self-styled intelligence analyst who bought Prada and Louis Vuitton items with the Vatican money that she was supposed to send to rebels holding a Catholic nun hostage.

Vatican prosecutors have alleged a jaw-dropping series of scandals in the biggest criminal trial in the Vaticans modern history, which opens Tuesday in a modified courtroom in the Vatican Museums. The once-powerful cardinal and nine other people are accused of bleeding the Holy See of tens of millions of dollars in donations through bad investments, deals with shady money managers and apparent favors to friends and family. They face prison sentences, fines or both if convicted.

The trial, which will likely be postponed for several months after the first hearings Tuesday and Wednesday, is the culmination of a two-year investigation into the Holy Sees flawed 350 million-euro London real estate venture. That operation exposed the Vaticans once-secret financial dealings and its structural dysfunction, which allowed just a few people to do so much damage to the Vatican's finances and reputation, with little expertise or oversight.

But the prosecutors case also suggests that Pope Francis and his top lieutenants were not only aware of some of the key transactions, but in some cases explicitly authorized them, even without full documentation or understanding the details. Given the hierarchical nature of the Holy See and the obedience required of underlings to their religious superiors, questions also remain about why some people were charged and others not.

One Vatican monsignor who until recently was considered by prosecutors to be a key suspect, Monsignor Alberto Perlasca, managed to avoid indictment. Perlascas office handled the London investment from start to finish and his boss had identified him as the main in-house culprit in obscuring the deals costly outcome. But prosecutors suggested that Perlasca flipped and became an important witness, in part after coming under pressure to recant his testimony by the lone cardinal on trial, Angelo Becciu.

FILE - In this Friday, Sept. 25, 2020 file photo, Cardinal Angelo Becciu talks to journalists during press conference in Rome. Vatican prosecutors have alleged a jaw-dropping series of scandals in launching the biggest criminal trial in the Vaticans modern history, which opens Tuesday in a modified courtroom in the Vatican Museums. The once-powerful cardinal and nine other people are accused of bleeding the Holy See of tens of millions of dollars in donations through bad investments, deals with shady money managers and apparent favors to friends and family. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

Francis, who as absolute monarch wields supreme legislative, executive and judicial power in Vatican City, has in many ways already convicted Becciu.

Last year, Francis presented Becciu with evidence that he had sent 100,000 euros in Vatican funds to a Sardinian charity run by Becciu's brother. Francis secured Beccius resignation as head of the Vaticans saint-making office and then stripped him of his rights as cardinal, a sanction that was announced immediately by the Vatican press office.

Becciu, who is charged with embezzlement and pressuring Perlasca to recant, has denied any wrongdoing.

The onetime chief of staff in the Vatican secretariat of state, Becciu is also linked to a mysterious figure who is also on trial, Cecilia Marogna, whom he hired in 2016 as an external security consultant. Prosecutors allege Marogna embezzled 575,000 euros in Vatican funds that Becciu had authorized for ransoms to free Catholic hostages. Bank records from her Slovenian front company show the Vatican wire transfers were used instead to pay bills at luxury shops and boutique hotels. Marogna says the money was legitimate compensation and reimbursement for her intelligence-related expenses.

The London real estate deal dates to 2014, when the Vatican's secretariat of state decided to invest an initial 200 million euros in a fund operated by Italian businessman Raffaele Mincione, with half the money put into the London building, half in other investments.

By November 2018, the original investment had lost 18 million euros, prosecutors say, prompting the Vatican to seek an exit strategy while retaining its stake in the building in Londons swank Chelsea neighborhood.

Enter Gianluigi Torzi, another broker, who helped arrange a 40 million euro payout to Mincione.

But prosecutors say Torzi then hoodwinked the Holy See by secretly restructuring 1,000 shares in the property's new holding company in a way that gave him full voting rights. Prosecutors say Torzi then extorted the Vatican for 15 million euros to get control of the building that it thought it had already acquired.

Mincione and Torzi, who are accused of fraud, money laundering, embezzlement and other charges, have denied wrongdoing.

Beccius successor as chief of staff, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, told prosecutors that Francis had made clear by November 2018 that he wanted to lose as little money as possible to finally secure ownership of the building and turn the page and start over. It was a message Francis repeated to Torzi himself during a January 2019 meeting, Pena Parra told prosecutors.

After realizing that Torzi actually controlled the building and based on Francis desire to move forward, Pena Parra said the Vatican had two choices. Those were to sue him or pay him off for the 1,000 voting shares that he owned. Pena Parra said the Vaticans concern was that suing him could take years and even possibly end in Torzis favor.

Between these two options, with the advice of lawyers and experts, option No. 2 was chosen because it was considered more economical, with more contained risks and in a more manageable time frame, Pena Parra wrote in his testimony seen by The Associated Press. It also simply aligned with the desire of the Superior, a reference to Francis.

And yet the payout of 15 million euros to Torzi is at the heart of the case. Prosecutors accuse Torzi of extorting the Vatican for the money and the Vaticans financial oversight agency of failing to stop the deal. The oversights managers say the Vatican had no choice but to pay Torzi, given the Secretariat of State  knowingly or not  signed legally binding contracts that gave Torzi control of the building.

Prosecutors say the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was deceived into approving Torzis contract by a lawyer who drafted a one-page memo describing the deal but omitting key details, including Torzis voting stake. Pena Parra said only later did the Vatican realize the lawyer was associated with Torzi. Quoting Parolin's own notes, Pena Parra said the cardinal approved the deal based on the lawyers brief memo and assurances from Perlasca and another Vatican money manager, Fabrizio Tirabassi.

Parolin, Pena Parra and Perlasca were not charged. Tirabassi is charged with corruption, extortion, embezzlement, fraud and abuse of office; he denies wrongdoing.
WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden didn't mince words Monday when asked whether his administration will be able to convince more holdout Americans to change their minds about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

A single line is open for motorists arriving from the US to Niagara Falls, Ont. on Friday, July 16, 2021. The White House is expected to keep international travel restrictions in place as the United States battles a resurgent COVID-19 among unvaccinated Americans. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden didn't mince words Monday when asked whether his administration will be able to convince more holdout Americans to change their minds about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

"We have to," Biden declared matter-of-factly after a bill signing event at the White House.

The bigger question  how to go about it  lacks a clear answer.

The threat is unmistakable: the more transmissible Delta variant of the virus is running rampant among the country's unvaccinated population, prompting alarming increases in new cases and hospitalizations.

The seven-day average of daily new cases was 47 per cent higher last week than the previous week, and Delta is responsible for 83 per cent of them, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Only about 57 per cent of the eligible U.S. population is fully vaccinated, with 66 per cent having received one dose. The reluctant are likely to prove exceptionally stubborn, a recent poll suggests.

Among American adults who have not had the vaccine, some 80 per cent said they probably or definitely won't change their minds, said the survey from The Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

And 64 per cent of unvaccinated respondents said they had little to no confidence that the vaccines are effective against variants like Delta, despite overwhelming medical evidence to the contrary.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, also spoke frankly last week when she admitted she was largely powerless to change people's minds, and laid the blame for the pandemic's resurgence squarely at their feet.

"These folks are choosing a horrible lifestyle of self-inflicted pain," Ivey said.

"Folks (are) supposed to have common sense. But it's time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks, not the regular folks. It's the unvaccinated folks that are letting us down."

The White House isn't going quite that far, but it did take steps Monday to make it clear the crisis is far from over.

Press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed travel restrictions would remain in place against foreigners in a host of countries, including the U.K., Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil, as well as the 26 Schengen nations in Europe.

That decision comes after the U.S. pointedly chose not to follow Canada's lead and begin easing limits on who is allowed to drive across the country's northern border.

Psaki acknowledged that in a country as politically riven as the U.S., the Biden administration might not be the best messenger  particularly if that message starts to include mandatory vaccine mandates.

"We do not want to look at our objective of getting more people vaccinated through a political prism," Psaki said.

"We're not going to judge our success here by whether we score political points. We're going to judge it by whether we are able to save more lives."

Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, Biden's lead medical adviser, told CNN on Sunday that the idea of returning to mandatory face masks in public indoor places, including for vaccinated people, is under "active consideration."

Biden also confirmed Monday that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be requiring certain members of its front-line medical staff to get vaccinated  the first federal department to impose such a condition.

That move came after a group of health care associations including the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians called on the U.S. to require that everyone in the health and long-term care sector be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Mayor Bill de Blasio cited the spread of Delta as his rationale for requiring all New York City employees to either get vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 tests, the largest American city to make vaccines mandatory.

California, too  where new COVID cases are soaring  will also impose similar rules on state employees and selected front-line health workers, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday.

Newsom, a Democrat, called out the right-wing purveyors of vaccine misinformation, naming in particular Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

On Twitter, Taylor Greene routinely likens mask and vaccination rules to segregation and Nazism. Johnson insists Americans are within their rights to refuse a vaccine. And Carlson continues to call them dangerous, even though prominent colleagues like Sean Hannity have since started urging Americans to get the shot.

"I watch them, I listen, I pay attention  they're misinforming people, they're literally putting people's lives at risk," Newsom told MSNBC.

"People are dying because of the misinformation  time to call it out, draw these lines."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 26, 2021.
MONTREAL - Quebecers might need to be patient as they try to register in Loto-Quebec draws intended for those who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

A woman enters a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Montreal, on Thursday, July 22, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

MONTREAL - Quebecers might need to be patient as they try to register in Loto-Quebec draws intended for those who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Quebec government has said the lottery is an attempt to get 75 per cent of its eligible population fully immunized against COVID-19 by the end of August.

The province's health ministry said Sunday that the website was "experiencing technical problems."

"Work is underway to resolve the situation as fast as possible," the ministry wrote.

The registration period was supposed to be opened at 8 a.m. Sunday.

Any Quebecer who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can register in Loto-Quebec draws, regardless of when they were vaccinated.

The draws will take place each Friday in August and people will be eligible to win up to a $150,000 prize or a $10,000 scholarship by registering online.

Health Minister Christian Dube and Finance Minister Eric Girard announced the lottery in mid-July.

Dube had said during the announcement that concerns about the more transmissible Delta variant first reported in India led authorities to go the prize route.

Quebec's public health institute said that as of Thursday, 83 per cent of Quebecers over the age of 12 had received at least one dose and 59.8 per cent were fully vaccinated.

Other provinces, such as Ontario and Manitoba, have already used lotteries to entice residents to get the shot.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 25, 2021.
Jewish and Muslim Winnipeggers who attended recent national summits on antisemitism and Islamophobia are cautiously hopeful they will lead to positive outcomes for both communities.

Jewish and Muslim Winnipeggers who attended recent national summits on antisemitism and Islamophobia are cautiously hopeful they will lead to positive outcomes for both communities.

Belle Jarniewski, the executive director of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, was the only Winnipegger invited to speak at Wednesdays summit on antisemitism.

Her impression from the daylong summit was the government is taking the issue seriously, but concrete actions will be needed.

"Im hopeful something will come from it," she said.

During her presentation, Jarniewski emphasized the importance of education about the Holocaust and antisemitism.

She recommended that students across the country "learn about this countrys dark history of antisemitism" and that the federal government urge provincial governments to mandate Holocaust education.

"Far too often, if it is taught at all, the Holocaust is covered as a historical detail of the Second World War," she said.

Education is especially important for the large number of students who are first generation Canadians, she said, adding "in many cases they have never heard of the Holocaust" and some were taught to be antisemitic in their former countries.

She also recommended more funding for Holocaust museums and other institutions that provide anti-racist learning and training opportunities, and said the federal government should find ways to promote social media literacy in ways "that addresses all forms of racism, including antisemitism."

No one from the Winnipeg Muslim community was invited to speak at the July 22 national summit on Islamophobia, but Shahina Siddiqui, executive director of Islamic Social Services Association, and Idris Elbakri, chair of the Manitoba Islamic Association, attended it.

For Siddiqui the summit was a start, but she is waiting to see what concrete actions will come of it.

"The proof will be in the pudding," she said, noting it is easy for politicians to make promises in a public forum.

As for the recommendations, "they can be just that unless some real work goes into them," she said.

What is needed in the future is government support for local Muslim groups "to build resiliency among members of their communities, especially among youth who are facing hate and dealing with it every day," she said.

This would include funding for workshops and training on how to deal with and prevent Islamophobia, and more education in schools.

"Schools should be a major focus," she said. "By the time students graduate from high school they should be able to understand and know ways to prevent hate."

She noted there "is no consensus within the Muslim community" on the recommendations made at the summit, adding there is "skepticism if the government really gets the length and depth of Islamophobia."

For Siddiqui, efforts to address Islamophobia are connected to the need to address Canadas colonial past and the way it harmed Indigenous people.

"We cant separate Islamophobia from anti-Indigenous discrimination," she said, adding "Once we atone for injustices against the Indigenous people, we can be hopeful for political action on Islamophobia."

Elbakri was glad to see a good cross-section from the Muslim community in Canada at the summit.

"They spoke with the same voice about the problems across the country, that Islamophobia is definitely a part of the Canadian Muslim experience," he said.

He was "underwhelmed" at the end by the promises made by the government. But he said he will "give it some time to see where things will go."

Among the things he would like to see addressed are an end to the Canada Revenue Agency audits that target Muslim charities and the creation of a fully funded envoy or department to deal with Islamophobia.

Education is also important, Elbakri said, noting it should include information about Muslim heritage, civilization and contributions to Canada.

"We will be holding the government accountable on this summit," he said. "Like all other Canadians, we want to be safe in our own country. We wont settle for less."

faith@freepress.mb.ca
On Thursday evening, as a part of the provincial governments weekly newsletter to Manitobas public service, chief of the executive council and cabinet secretary David McLaughlin issued A Statement from the Clerk on the governments next steps on reconciliation.

Opinion

On Thursday evening, as a part of the provincial governments weekly newsletter to Manitobas public service, chief of the executive council and cabinet secretary David McLaughlin issued "A Statement from the Clerk" on the governments next steps on reconciliation.

For a government historically light on policies surrounding reconciliation  and one that seems to only be stepping into controversy when using the word  it was a sign of life in a void.

In the statement, McLaughlin first explains why the government changed the name of the department  something that hasnt really been explained to Manitobans.

McLaughlin says the change is a commitment to Manitobas Path to Reconciliation Act (passed by the Selinger NDP government), signalling a "whole of government approach to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous nations and people" while making reconciliation "part of the departments formal mandate."

(One wonders why reconciliation wasnt a "formal mandate" of the Department of Indigenous and Northern Relations before, but I digress.)

Then, the statement becomes a manifesto: "Reconciliation is both a goal and a journey That means listening, all of us. It means seeking understanding and from that, drawing meaning. Reconciliation is about learning and finding common ground."

To do this, McLaughlin announces three "steps."

The first is a deputy ministers committee on reconciliation, which will "develop, advise, and implement an agenda for reconciliation in collaboration with Indigenous leaders."

The second is a series of "town hall" discussions amongst provincial civil servants on what reconciliation means and how it can be implemented throughout all government.

The third is to invite "Indigenous leaders to speak to all deputy ministers on how we can collectively work to advance reconciliation."

Then, McLaughlin reminds civil servants that they can take one of three courses in "Indigenous cross-cultural awareness, treaty relationships, and the path to reconciliation" (an initiative started by previous minister Eileen Clarke).

While this may seem like a lot of inviting, listening and learning, McLaughlins statement is a remarkable policy announcement for a provincial government in the midst of scandal and an open revolution by members of its own cabinet over the handling of Indigenous Affairs.

The most recent scandal began on Canada Day, when Brian Pallister made factually incorrect comments surrounding Canadian history.

This resulted in the resignation of Eileen Clarke and the announcement of new Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations minister Alan Lagimodiere.

Then came Lagimodieres disastrous comments on residential schools on July 15, resulting in an apologetic press release and promise to "reach out" to Indigenous leadership "to chart a path forward."

McLaughlins statement, it appears, will deliver on Lagimodieres promise and be the first steps of Pallisters new ministry  only it seems one that wont be handled by the minister, but by Brian Pallisters right-hand man and deputy ministers.

This is, of course, how government really works  by long-time bureaucrats and not elected officials  but its a sign of two things: Pallisters immediate loss of confidence in Lagimodiere and the strict handling of Indigenous Affairs through the premiers office.

This second point is hardly a surprise since everyone knows Brian Pallisters cabinet is a group of one, but Pallister wont be dealing with Indigenous leaders either. This job will be handled by bureaucrats  most of whom are trying to figure out what reconciliation means.

Question: Why is a government representing Manitoba, one of the largest proportion populations of Indigenous peoples in Canada, still trying to figure out what reconciliation is?

Next question: What has government been talking about if they have to be told to talk about reconciliation now?

And, finally: Wheres the leadership in the provincial government on reconciliation?

The problem, of course, is there may be none left besides Pallister and Lagimodiere  and we know how that ended up.

There is no one with virtually any experience on Indigenous issues left in the Conservative cabinet.

Almost every deputy minister or high-level bureaucrat who is Indigenous has resigned over issues like racism and the cancellation of the deal with the Manitoba Metis Federation.

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Indigenous appointees to provincial boards like former treaty commissioner Jamie Wilson and former chair of the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Darrell Brown have resigned, refusing to work with the Pallister government any longer.

If abandonment isnt a statement enough, this past week thousands of Indigenous peoples, nearly every First Nations chiefs organization, and the Manitoba Metis Federation staged numerous protests and demanded Lagimodiere and Premier Brian Pallister resign  or at least further address  the governments relationship with Indigenous peoples in this province.

Meanwhile, McLaughlin seems has taken control of Indigenous Affairs.

While McLaughlin has decades of government experience as a bureaucrat and Conservative strategist, he doesnt have much experience leading on Indigenous issues either.

So, in the end, the governments new agenda on reconciliation will be to invite, listen and learn  but it may just be no one will show up to talk to them.

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca
Fifteen-year-old Adrian James-Stagg has never driven a car, but he can describe how the yoke, or control wheel, of an Allegro 2000 Advanced Ultralight airplane feels in his hand.

Fifteen-year-old Adrian James-Stagg has never driven a car, but he can describe how the yoke, or control wheel, of an Allegro 2000 Advanced Ultralight airplane feels in his hand.

"Its pretty scary. You dont have to move it that much when youre making a turn," he said. "Its just a little"

He then mimed a slight turn of the yoke and motioned a flattened hand to show how the airplane would slice to one side. He explained the move patiently and confidently, as though he were an instructor himself. Of course hes only ever flown once. Hes only been in an airplane once, for that matter.

James-Stagg is one of six students chosen for the second annual two-week program at Eagles Wings Flight School in Portage la Prairie. With the help of Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services, the program reached out to Indigenous youth across First Nations in Manitoba. Boys and girls from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and Roseau River, Long Plain, Dakota Tipi and Swan Lake First Nations comprise the would-be pilots.

Flight school student Cyle Daniels studies the many control buttons and switches in an airplanes cockpit. (Supplied)

James-Stagg, from Dakota Tipi First Nation, has been fascinated by airplanes ever since a field trip with his Grade 5 class to Southport Aerospace Centre just south of Portage la Prairie. He couldnt have known then hed one day zip down those very runways and soar above them with one hand on the throttle. When program co-founder Ashleigh Cordery discovered his passion in the application interview, she knew he was an ideal candidate.

But Ashleigh and her husband and co-founder Josh Cordery arent aiming to churn out pilots. The goal, they say, is to build confidence and practical life skills.

"When my wing gives up and stalls, the nose will fall and well start to feel a sinking sensation. And its a pretty convincing sinking sensation," said Josh Cordery, one of three flight instructors, during the daily preflight brief. "Not to worry, because we dont panic when we have problems. We just apply what we know."

In the courses later days, theyll practise pulling out of a stall. Its a critical skill for pilots, even teenage ones  problems at 900 metres altitude demand cool heads and immediate correction.

Josh Cordery stood in front of a whiteboard marked with the elongated teardrop of a wing in profile and lines representing a planes pitch or its angle of attack. He questioned the students, who spread out on couches lining the borrowed drop-in centres basement, on flight procedures. The teens answered in quiet, hesitant voices, and their instructor never told them they were wrong, but instead explored what result their answer would receive before explaining proper protocol.

Josh Cordery runs through flying protocols with students during the preflight brief. (Cody Sellar / Winnipeg Free Press)

On this day, "preflight brief" was something of a misnomer. A smoky pall had settled over the region, making flight impossible. They held out hope through the morning, but with clouds and smoke forming a "low ceiling," the flight school was grounded.

Instead  after a military-grade meal consisting of two sandwiches (roast beef and turkey), an apple, digestive biscuits and a juice box  a woman from Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services, who did not have clearance from her organization to speak with the Free Press, taught beadwork to three of the teens. The others chose to shoot pool, play on their phones or play Mario Kart on a handheld Nintendo.

The rhinestone band supports the rest of the beading, said the woman, and it must be done with "love and patience."

Perhaps most enthralled was Josh Cordery, who leaned over the table, examining the womans deft hands as he demonstrated her beading.

"I could never do that," he said with admiration. "Not in a million years."

Cyle Daniels inspects the wing flaps of the Allegro 2000 Ultralight. (Supplied)

Early in the program, two Anishinaabe elders travelled to Portage la Prairie from Roseau River First Nation. They taught the students about Anishinaabe traditions, language and ceremonies. They delved into the stages of life in the Anishinaabe worldview.

For some of the teens, who dont have elders in their lives, it was an opportunity to learn from knowledge keepers, said Ashleigh Cordery. But as a non-Indigenous woman, she was touched to be granted the opportunity to learn herself, she said.

"We are so thankful they would set aside the time to make the trip to come here and talk to this group," she said.

Ashleigh Corderys face brightened and beamed as she spoke about a Dakota elder from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.

From the elder, students and program organizers learned about harvesting traditional medicines. The elder brought pictures of wild plants and herbs that have grown "since the beginning of time" in the plains of Sioux Valley. "This is a wild turnip," she had said, holding up a picture to show how to identify it. She taught them how to cook it in a stew and how to serve it.

Eagles Wing Flight Schools airplane soars through smoky weather, one day before the smoke thickened and grounded their student pilots. (Supplied)

All this  flight lessons and other programming  has been a shot of confidence for Kaelynn Maud, who lives in Portage la Prairie but holds status with Swan Lake First Nation.

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"Ive started talking to people more," said the 18-year-old, sporting all black and a Korn T-shirt. "In high school, I didnt talk much."

But the day after a flight in much lighter smoke, which was nonetheless "kind of scary," Maud seemed to be enjoying her newly learned skills. She was at least enjoying the admiration of her 13-year-old brother, who is a little scared of planes but still a little jealous, she said.

Josh Cordery said he still hears about some students from last years program. One kid, in particular, he said, came in looking miserable. He pulled his hood over his head and by day three of ground school (theoretical classwork before flying), it seemed like he was going to quit. Josh Cordery said they had a long chat, and the kid decided to stay. Turns out, it was a good decision.

"This guy had crazy talent flying  way more than I ever had," said the instructor and air force member. "And by the end he was talking, laughing; his hood never went back up over his hat. And I have since heard from people who do different events with him, you can tell. You can tell that hes brimming with confidence."

In an empty hangar bay sat the Allegro 2000 Advanced Ultralight, a tiny thing, almost more a propeller-engine hang glider than an airplane. The engine and propellers kick-started the plane and powered it to the runway, but it was up to the students themselves to fly.

cody.sellar@freepress.mb.ca
The great-grandsons of a Manitoba pioneer buried in a family cemetery on what had been his farm were able to clear away 50 years of neglect, but they couldnt clear a permanent path to visit the site.

The great-grandsons of a Manitoba pioneer buried in a family cemetery on what had been his farm were able to clear away 50 years of neglect, but they couldnt clear a permanent path to visit the site.

Thats because  like many of the unknown number of unlicensed cemeteries in the province  the site can only be accessed before the farmer who currently owns the land seeds in the spring and after the crop is harvested in the fall. During that time period, these cemeteries, many of which saw their last burial decades ago, are landlocked within fields of wheat, canola or other crops with no access road or path.

SUPPLIED Henry Wiebe (left) and Ernie Doell work at the cemetery. Wiebe says he is hoping the province considers adding permanent access to unlicensed cemeteries.

"But thats when cemetery care-giving is of greatest priority, during the active growing season of summer, for weed control and mowing," said Henry Wiebe.

"Farmers say they dont want to lose the crop, but a six-foot-wide access for less than half a kilometre would be less than half an acre. How much are they losing?

"And besides, it shouldnt have been your right in the first place."

Other families and concerned citizens have contacted to the Free Press in recent weeks saying much the same thing about loved ones buried in unlicensed cemeteries in agricultural fields and voicing concerns they have about access and making sure farmers dont plow the sites under. The nearby RM of Rhineland estimates there are about 200 of them in their municipality alone.

In response, the provincial government says the issues will be brought up during the current review of the provinces Cemeteries Act.

Wiebe said he and his cousin, Ernie Doell, decided last year to restore the family plot in the RM of Stanley, about three kilometres east of Winkler. Its known as either the Franz Enns Cemetery or the Neu-Reinland Mennonite Cemetery.

Enns was born in 1844 in Ukraine and came to Canada in 1875. He died and was buried in the cemetery in 1933.

Wiebe said there are about 20 marked graves there and at least another 10 or more that are unmarked. The first burial there was in 1876; the last was in 1964.

"Franz had eight sons and one daughter who lived, two others who died, and six of them are buried there," said Wiebe. "The son who is my grandfather is buried in the Winkler cemetery."

Wiebe said when the cemetery saw its first burial, it would have been very close to the original farmhouse on the site. Decades later, when the farm changed ownership out of the family, the new owners demolished the farmhouse, all the other buildings and the driveway, but left the cemetery.

Thats why the cemetery today is in the middle of a field.

Using shovels and a small backhoe in spring 2020, Wiebe and his cousin were able to dig down and take away almost a metre of soil that had drifted there, along with decayed vegetation and weeds.

"Before that, just an occasional headstone was showing its peak," he said.

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But, Wiebe said, after the farmers crop was seeded, they couldnt get back to the site until the fall.

"By then the cemetery was overgrown with weeds," he said. "The ragweeds, which thrived in the newly tilled ground and fertile soil, had grown to a height of two or three metres and a chainsaw was used to cut them down."

Wiebe said as part of the Cemeteries Act review, he is hoping the province considers adding permanent access to unlicensed cemeteries.

"There should be an easement for access," he said.

"That area should never be part of a crop in the first place. It should never have been their land."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
With more than a thousand First Nations evacuees waiting out wildfires in hotels in Manitoba and many more forced out of their homes in other parts of the country, coping with the uncertainty means recognizing Indigenous expertise  both in trauma counselling and in firefighting, an Indigenous psychiatrist says.

With more than a thousand First Nations evacuees waiting out wildfires in hotels in Manitoba and many more forced out of their homes in other parts of the country, coping with the uncertainty means recognizing Indigenous expertise  both in trauma counselling and in firefighting, an Indigenous psychiatrist says.

Dr. Nel Wieman, acting deputy chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority in B.C., said First Nations evacuees need more than just their basic needs met  a trauma-informed approach is key. And that means trying to understand where each evacuee is coming from, especially when theyve had past traumatic experiences or have been forced out of their community more than once.

Submitted Dr. Nel Wieman, acting deputy chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority in B.C.

Rather than becoming numb to the evacuation process, some people whove had their homes repeatedly threatened by wildfire will feel compounded emotional distress, "like a wound that never heals," Wieman said.

"Uncertainty and loss of control are probably the two biggest factors that play into emotional distress," she said. "The way that people who are working with evacuees can mitigate that situation is by maintaining constant, clear, factual communication."

"Someones evacuated and theyre worried about, Is my home still there? Is my community still there? And then they get processed in an evacuation centre and put in a hotel room and then nobody talks to them for a day or two. That would be incredibly stressful, that wouldnt be helpful, so maintaining that communication, I think, is really key," she added.

Wieman, a 60s Scoop survivor and member of Little Grand Rapids First Nation, has been hearing from chiefs in B.C., where thousands have been evacuated and the province has declared a state of emergency. Some have told her their members heard racist comments at evacuation centres, and she said many Canadians still misunderstand or underestimate the importance of ancestral land in Indigenous spirituality, particularly when a First Nations community is repeatedly put under evacuation orders for fires or floods.

"You hear that sort of discourse around, well why dont people just move?" she said.

"They have ancestral ties to certain areas, and thats the land that they have been caring for, for generations upon generations."

Governments could do more to draw on Indigenous knowledge when considering how to control or prevent wildfire, and to make sure First Nations evacuees are still getting access to elders, knowledge-keepers and traditional ceremonies along with the standard mental-health counselling, Wieman said.

"The responsibility, I think, really lies with organizations that provide assistance to engage in increasing the cultural safety of their services. And thats starting to happen."

Four First Nations have been evacuated in Manitoba: Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi, Berens River and Bloodvein, and members of the military have arrived for emergency help. More than 1,000 evacuees are staying in hotels in Winnipeg and Brandon until further notice.

There were 139 active fires burning in Manitoba Sunday, according to the latest update from the Manitoba Wildfire Service.

Lightning strikes sparked 11 new fires since Saturday, most in northern Manitoba, as crews continue to battle extremely dry conditions, said Don Hallett, assistant director of the provincial wildfire service.

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"If theres any glimmer of hope from the new fires that started yesterday and into today, they all have been in areas where we are already currently fighting fire, so we had resources readily available and near."

No homes or buildings have been reported damaged due to the fires.

In addition to firefighters from Nova Scotia, air tanker equipment is being brought in from the Northwest Territories and an additional waterbomber is set to come from Quebec. Burn bans and travel restrictions are still in effect in several areas of the province. (More information and maps here: https://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation_fire/Restrictions/index.html)

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Reinforcements arrived just in time as Manitoba's wildfire battle took a nasty turn Monday.

Reinforcements arrived just in time as Manitoba's wildfire battle took a nasty turn Monday.

Twenty-three new blazes erupted over the weekend just as soldiers from CFB Shilo began their deployment to four hot spots in the province.

Captain John Rudderham briefs leaders on various locations of their deployment at the base in Shilo. (MCpl HJL MacRae photo)

While the fires do not pose a direct threat to any community, the province said, they are being monitored by the Emergency Measures Organization and the Manitoba Wildfire Service.

The provincial team said it is thankful for all the help it can get.

"Its definitely been challenging," said Don Hallett, assistant director of the wildfire service.

As of Monday, there were 128 active fires. Last year, there were 140 blazes in total. So far this season, 351 fires have been recorded.

The province said downed hydro lines along the east shore of Lake Winnipeg had been restored, but the First Nations communities of Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi still had no power.

"Although a partial patrol of this line was conducted, fires are still burning in this area and no estimation of restoration can be given at this time," the province said.

The Manitoba Emergency Control Centre is working with BellMTS, RCMP and the Manitoba Wildfire Service to maintain communications in the area.

On Monday, the military reported that soldiers had arrived at four locations to help firefighters. Twenty-one military personnel had been deployed to each of the four sites: Sherridon, Nopiming Provincial Park, Gypsumville and Swan River.

Each team includes 20 infantry troops and a medic and there are plans to send an additional 21 troops to the Sherridon fire on Tuesday.

Soldiers were put through a week of firefighter training and planning. They started putting that training to the test immediately as they assisted firefighters in holding fire lines, building new lines on priority fires and suppressing hot spots.

Hallett said having the military personnel frees up firefighters with more experience to quell new fires. Setting up the first fire lines requires more expertise, said Hallett, whereas holding existing lines can be done by "type 3" firefighters with less fire-specific training, such as soldiers.

Hallett commended his crews but said hes in close contact with other provinces about resources they might be able to muster.

Hallett said besides the military aid, additional crews from New Brunswick arrived Monday to join crews from Manitoba and Nova Scotia, which numbered 114 firefighters.

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"The fires that are up by Loon Straits, Berens River country are of concern due to the fact that theyre burning into hydro infrastructure. Hydro lines are burning and were losing hydro poles," he said.

Downed hydro lines have caused power outages to more than 1,500 people, according to Manitoba Hydro. Those numbers could be higher, as the outages reach First Nations communities that have already been evacuated.

On Monday, about 100 residents of Red Sucker Lake who were staying in Brandon returned to their northern reserve. Another 100 were slated to go home Tuesday.

About 2,500 people from Berens River, Bloodvein and Red Sucker Lake were evacuated to Winnipeg and Brandon.

cody.sellar@freepress.mb.ca
If there was ever a time to celebrate the benefits of trees, its been the past few weeks. Trapped under a dome of blistering heat, those of us in densely treed neighbourhoods are enjoying the benefits of Winnipegs shady canopy more than ever. Thanks to our mature trees, our streets and houses are cooler than the downtown concrete jungle, by 10 degrees or more.

Opinion

If there was ever a time to celebrate the benefits of trees, its been the past few weeks. Trapped under a dome of blistering heat, those of us in densely treed neighbourhoods are enjoying the benefits of Winnipegs shady canopy more than ever. Thanks to our mature trees, our streets and houses are cooler than the downtown concrete jungle, by 10 degrees or more.

And in a region where the number of 30 C+ days are expected to quadruple over the next few decades, thanks to climate change, these natural "cooling centres" will become increasingly important. Which makes the recent yearly loss of more than 8,000 mature elm trees and the threat of losing Winnipegs entire ash canopy even more alarming.

But there is good news. We dont have to accept the status quo. We can act now and demand that all levels of governments invest in urban forest infrastructure to ensure that future generations of Winnipeggers, in every area of the city, enjoy the benefits some of us currently enjoy.

And that includes our provincial government.

I wont bore you with the details of why the City of Winnipeg decided, years ago, to take on sole financial responsibility for its urban forest. Suffice it to say, with multiple threats now menacing our trees, that financial model simply isnt working, and more provincial support is needed. Especially now, given that the city is developing an ambitious 20-year urban forest strategy

Fortunately, our provincial government, unlike most, actually has an urban forestry department with a small but excellent staff that serves other municipalities across Manitoba. And the province does contribute some money to Winnipeg  a grant of $1 million to the citys urban forestry department to fight Dutch elm disease, as well as services like research, public education and disease identification.

That said, the provincial government could be doing a whole lot more. And theres a huge bonus for doing more, because in the long run, maintaining and expanding urban forest infrastructure will save the province money  money that would otherwise be spent dealing with emergencies, from heat waves and superstorms to the public safety hazard posed by early snow fall and collapsing trees. Disasters that a large, well-maintained urban canopy can mitigate.

Even better, the government already has the legislation in place to act. Under the Forest Health Protection Act, the province could assist Winnipeg with the additional money needed to quickly remove and replace diseased trees and rapidly diversify its canopy, key strategies in disease prevention and urban forest health. Matched funds to improve the citys virtually nonexistent pruning cycle would not only slow down the spread of Dutch elm disease, but also prevent future tree disasters like the one that occurred during the October 2019 snowstorm.

The question is, does the provincial government have the will to act?

Sadly, past actions suggest the current government has limited interest in investing in trees, even though urban forests are one of the few municipal assets that are guaranteed to appreciate in value  something that should appeal to every fiscal conservative.

Few actions reveal that disinterest better than the decision to sell off Pineland, the provinces publicly owned tree nursery, which could have become a cheap and reliable supply source for urban forest infrastructure, not only in Manitoba but across Canada. Instead, it is now being used to grow cannabis.

Some people might be delighted about that. Im less enthusiastic, and heres why:

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The decision to sell off an affordable, local and publicly owned tree supply simply makes no sense, whether you look at it from an economic or environmental point of view. And with the mounting threat of climate change and Canadas current tree-supply shortage, it also shows a remarkable lack of foresight.

The province cant undo past decisions, but it can still correct course on several other fronts, by leveraging the Forest Health Protection Act, and also by gearing up to take full advantage of two new federal programs that are being launched over the next few months: the Two Billion Tree Initiative and Canadas new Natural Infrastructure Fund  a program the Trees Please Winnipeg Coalition lobbied for in the last federal budget.

By acting now to invest in urban forests, Manitoba could become a national leader in natural infrastructure planning and development. Even better, investing in urban trees will improve the climate resiliency of our cities and towns. It could also win a lot of votes.

Manitobans, like most Canadians, love their city trees. And they are increasingly aware of their value, not just as an aesthetic feature on the urban landscape, but as essential infrastructure. By simply doing what they do best  absorbing carbon, cleaning the air and cooling Manitoba cities and towns  they save us millions of dollars.

And investing in something that actually saves money should be a no-brainer.

Erna Buffie is interim chair of Trees Please Winnipeg, a coalition of resident and community groups lobbying for sustainable infrastructure funding for urban forests. Check out their website at https://treespleasewinnipeg.com/
Norma Wiechman does not want to move into a personal care home.

Norma Wiechman does not want to move into a personal care home.

The 79-year-old has watched the news unfold: COVID-19 spreading through seniors' centres while residents were forced to isolate and take meals in their small rooms. Wiechman said she has friends who wish they never moved into a personal care home.

"I wouldn't want to go into one, but at some point, I know I'll have to. What else can you do?" Wiechman said from her home just outside of Winnipeg.

Seventy-three per cent of Manitobans want an overhaul, or significant changes, to long-term care facilities, according to a study the Angus Reid Institute released Monday.

Nationally, 76 per cent of people believe an overhaul or significant changes should be made. Only 26 per cent of the survey's 1,503 respondents believe such shifts will happen.

Wiechman worries about staffing shortages at personal care homes.

"They're trying their best to do as much as they can, but they can only look after so many people," she said.

Three in five Manitobans believe the federal government should be directly involved in creating standards for the industry, according to the survey. Manitoba is joined by British Columbia, Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Three in five people in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec responded that provinces should remain the decision-makers of long-term care homes.

"What I interpret from this is that people in Manitoba are less concerned with... who's in charge, and more concerned with ensuring the improvements are made," said Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute.

Forty-seven per cent of respondents said they would do everything in their power to avoid themselves and/or family members from entering a long-term care home.

The largest call was for more inspections and enforcement of standards (43 per cent), followed by increasing the minimum number of staff required on duty (39 per cent). Raising pay for and recruiting workers were also concerns, with 38 per cent and 37 per cent of people citing a need, respectively.

The Canadian Association for Long Term Care has spent years advocating for federal government involvement, according to CEO Jodi Hall. She called the COVID-19 pandemic a "catalyst" to create change in the industry.

"These chronic, systemic issues are not new," Hall said, adding she wants shared responsibility between the federal government, provincial governments and the care-home sector.

Ottawa could support sustainable funding of facilities, human resource acquisition and infrastructure renewal, she said.

"The labour shortage... is absolutely reaching that crisis point, and it's critical that we all work together for a collective plan," she said. "Given the demographic transition in Canada, we know that that time has come for a different conversation."

The Standards Council of Canada, Canadian Standards Association and Health Standards Organization are collaborating to create national standards on improving long-term care homes. The group plans to share a public draft in late 2021 or early 2022, according to the Health Standard Organization's website.

Over 250,000 Canadians live in personal care homes. There are 125 licensed settings in Manitoba housing up to 9,765 people.

For Hall, the national standards are welcome  but more federal involvement is necessary.

"It can't happen fast enough. The focus really needs to be on partnerships, development (and) collaboration if we really want to refocus on how we want to experience aging in Canada," she said.

There are no plans for Manitoba to share responsibilities for long-term care homes with the federal government, according to a provincial spokesperson.

"We would reiterate the very clear message to the federal government that the most pressing need is to restore Ottawa's role as a true, long-term health funding partner with a substantial increase in the Canada Health Transfer," the spokesperson said in a written statement.

People participated in the Angus Reid Institute survey from March 15 to 18. The poll has a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

gabrielle.piche@freepress.mb.ca
Winnipeg Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) is not vaccinated against COVID-19, citing an unspecified medical reason.

Winnipeg Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) is not vaccinated against COVID-19, citing an unspecified medical reason.

The Free Press surveyed all 15 city councillors, plus Mayor Brian Bowman. All have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, except Santos.

"In accordance with the Personal Health Information Act, and a medical condition I am unable to provide details about, Councillor Vivian Santos has been unable to get vaccinated," her staff wrote in an email Monday.

Santos declined an interview, with her staff asking "that her familys personal health privacy be respected."

The email said Santos "has done everything possible to mitigate and adhere to the provincial public health measures that help to reduce the transmission and spread of this terrible disease."

Last week, the medical head of Manitobas vaccine rollout said there are few reasons to not get a shot.

"I want to be very clear that there are very few people who shouldn't be vaccinated for health reasons," said Dr. Joss Reimer.

Manitobas clinical practice guidelines for COVID-19 immunizers, last updated July 19, does not list any medical condition where a vaccine shouldnt be given, but instead advises those patients consult with a health-care provider. Thats often over a concern they might not get adequate protection from the two shots, such as people with a recent stem-cell or organ transplant.

The document suggests people receiving chemotherapy receive their shots at a certain point in their treatment cycle when the vaccine is most likely to be effective.

It also noted people with certain exceedingly rare allergies (such as polyethylene glycol, a common ingredient in cosmetics and foods) should speak with their doctor.

As of July 21, no Manitobans had been told to not get a shot due to allergies, Reimer said last week.

This month, the Free Press surveyed all 57 Manitoba MLAs and found only Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler and Seine River MLA Janice Morley-Lecomte are not fully vaccinated.

Both PC MLAs cited privacy, declining to provide an explanation for not getting a shot, or whether they had one of the two required doses.

Their constituents and donors expressed a variety on views, while opposition parties said elected officials have a duty to set an example and make it public if they have a medical condition.

Health researchers have warned officials declining to get immunized without an explanation can fuel vaccine hesitancy.

Despite not being vaccinated himself, Schuler is urging Manitobans to roll up their sleeves.

"We need Manitobans to continue to follow the fundamentals and get vaccinated, to ensure we keep on a positive trajectory to a post-pandemic Manitoba," Schuler wrote in a Monday news release, which announced another extension of the province's COVID-19 state of emergency.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
A 30-year-old man was led away by sheriffs after being sentenced to six-and-a-half years for a February 2020 crash which left one woman dead, and her husband in hospital.

A 30-year-old man was led away by sheriffs after being sentenced to six-and-a-half years for a February 2020 crash which left one woman dead, and her husband in hospital.

Michael Joseph Delorme pled guilty last October for impaired driving causing death and impaired driving causing bodily harm in connection to a head-on collision on Highway 52 just east of Steinbach.

Delorme claimed he dropped a cigarette and lighter while driving back from a darts league in La Broquerie and while looking for it he swerved into oncoming traffic striking another vehicle. Delorme was travelling at 150 km/h in a 100 km/h zone westbound just seconds before the crash occurred when he slowed to 88 km/h striking an eastbound vehicle.

Jeanne Balcaen was killed while her husband Louis and Delorme were sent to hospital with serious injuries. Highway 52 remained closed for several hours that evening.

The victims brother, present for the judges decision, said he was "sorry" to see Delorme receive the sentence.

"The family is not seeking retribution, jail time, revenge; were not looking for that," said Norm Lavack outside the Steinbach courthouse after the sentence was delivered. He added he hopes Delorme receives the help he needs in prison.

"You face your challenges in life, but some people have more challenges than others and society in general should be able to help these people before it gets to that stage."

Judge Sidney Lerner in reading his decision before the court made note of the statement of facts while reading testimonies from witnesses at the crash site. While Lerner took note of Delormes Gladue circumstances including a childhood spent in an abusive home, he noted aggravating factors to the case including a prior 2011 impaired driving conviction and Delorme travelling with no drivers license at the time of the fatal accident.

"I cannot accept this explanation based on the observations of the witnessesit is clear that this was not a drift into the oncoming lane as a result of momentary inattention, but an impatient drunken choice by the accused," Lerner said. Delormes blood alcohol levels at the time were 50 percent above the legal driving limit with empty beer cans and a "significant" amount of cannabis found in the vehicle.

During the last hearing on the matter in March crown prosecutors and defense lawyers submitted sentencing recommendations with crown Theresa Cannon suggesting eight years for the offence and Delormes attorney Stephen Legault asked for a sentence in the four-year range and a "lengthy" driving ban. The maximum penalty for impaired driving causing death is life imprisonment.

Legault told The Carillon the incident was "tragic" for everybody.

"A lady lost her life, a man lost his wife. Certainly its going to impact my clients family, he has little children and its not going to be easy for anybody."

Lerner said his decision wasnt imposed without "considerable thought" and was aware of the impact it would have on the accused.

"Im also aware of the impact youve had on other lives and I hope by this sentence to send as strong a message as is legally permissible to others who may have the same inclination that these offenses simply cannot continue."

Before the sentencing Delorme was seen embracing loved ones outside of the courthouse. After the sentencing he was brought into custody where he will serve out his time in jail. Upon release he will be under a 10-year driving prohibition.
Regulating PFAS chemicals: The House has passed the PFAS Action Act (H.R. 2467), sponsored by Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., to designate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous substances, with associated stricter regulatory control. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in various products, frequently as a coating to repel water and other liquids. Dingell said the PFAS class of chemicals is extremely persistent in the environment and has long been linked with adverse health effects, including cancer. The vote, on July 21, was 241 yeas to 183 nays. Nays:

Afghan immigration: The House has passed the Averting Loss of Life and Injury by Expediting SIVs Act (H.R. 3985), sponsored by Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., to offer an additional 8,000 special immigrant visas to Afghan nationals who have worked for the U.S. government during the war in Afghanistan. Crow said: If we turn our back on the Afghans who served with us for the last two decades, it is going to be awfully hard to find future friends. The vote, on July 22, was 407 yeas to 16 nays. Yeas:
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has confirmed that employers have the authority to require that their workers be vaccinated  even though COVID-19 vaccines still have only emergency-use approval from the Food and Drug Administration. As the FDA works on granting full approval by the end of summer, hospitals and nursing homes should move ahead with mandates, as epidemiologists and infectious disease doctors have urged.

Many colleges and universities are also demanding that students, faculty and staff be vaccinated. Last Monday a federal judge upheld Indiana Universitys mandate. Some banks are requiring employees to disclose their vaccination status. Morgan Stanley has told its workers to get their shots or stay home. It makes sense for companies of all kinds to allow only vaccinated employees to work alongside others.

The U.S. has made impressive progress toward defeating COVID-19.

Although not quite 60% of adults are fully vaccinated, almost 80% of those over 65 are. So even as the delta variant spreads, the most vulnerable are well protected.
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Luxury apartment building in Baraboo slated for spring completion

BRIDGET COOKE, News Republic Work continues Friday at the site of luxury complex Rapid River Apartments, 325 Lynn St. in Baraboo, which is slated to begin leasing units to renters in spring. BRIDGET COOKE, News Republic An Americon Construction Company worker marks concrete Friday at the site of the future Rapid River Apartments at 325 Lynn St.in Baraboo.

New luxury apartments in Baraboo will likely be occupied by late spring as workers plan to start putting in floors this week.

Matt Buswell, vice president of construction for Americon Construction Company, said the Rapid River project at 325 Lynn Street has been focusing on concrete but now workers will focus on putting in wood panels that will shape the four floors of the building.

The whole building will be framed in three to four months, Buswell said. The goal is to get the roof on as quickly as we possibly can so were prepared and ready for the gloomy winter.

Interior construction will continue and leasing is slated to begin by the end of spring 2022 by 3 Amigos Property Management of La Crosse. According to the company website, 3 Amigos owns properties in the La Crosse area, as well as Holmen, Whitehall and Iowa. Apartments will likely be leased in phases, beginning with the top floor and moving down.

Buswell said there will be 66 units, which will range from studios to three bedrooms. The luxury complex features amenities like balconies and central air in every apartment, a community room, workout area and an outdoor living space that will overlook the nearby Baraboo River. The four-story building will also have underground, heated parking for all tenants.

Director of Public Works Tom Pinion said work had been noticeable, with the concrete elevator shaft reaching to the sky and the piles and piles of wood at the site as structures begin to take visible shape. Once workers start putting in walls, it should go up in a hurry, Pinion said.

Work begins at site of future Baraboo luxury apartment building The first steps toward a new luxury apartment building began this week as crews moved dirt Wednesday along the 1.6-acre parcel at 325 Lynn Street in Baraboo.

The 1.6 acre parcel along Lynn Street is one piece of a larger city plan to provide more housing, something the 2018 Housing Study and Needs Assessment published by the Sauk County Development Corporation identified as a need.

The city recognizes the need for housing of all types, Pinion said. Certainly we believe the projects that are in progress...will address the majority of the housing needs. Not all in one fell swoop, so we have room to continue to do some others.

In addition to the luxury apartment building, city officials have recently taken steps to develop a 128-acre parcel of land purchased by the city in 2001. The land, on the eastern outskirts of the city along the southern side of State Highway 33, is commonly referred to as the Jackson Property.

Baraboo council eyes housing development on east side of city After 20 years, some eastside land should see development.

A Reedsburg-based developer entered into a tentative agreement to begin planning for housing along the parcel in late March. Since then, Baraboo Common Council members have approved the formation of a trail development and park space there as well as rezoned the parcel. Officials approved the formation of a new tax increment finance district in June to provide incentives for developers on the land.

TID 12 encompasses roughly 446 acres of land, including the Jackson parcels. The Eastside Corridor Study completed in 2017 calls for more development in the area, which stretches from the far east boundary of the city to East Elementary School, along Eighth Street to Kwik Trip.

Baraboo creates TID 12 for funding housing development goals on east side Officials approved spending $17.7 million Tuesday to create a new tax increment finance district on the east side of Baraboo projected to create an estimated $45.75 million in value for the city while providing needed housing.

Pinion said the current plan for about 57 acres of the Jackson Property includes the development of about 69 single family homes, six duplexes, six fourplexes and 11 apartment complexes that will hold 16 units.

The duplexes and the fourplexes are more what I would refer to as the traditional starter homes, more economical, and then the single family homes are going to be a range depending on who the owner is going to be, Pinion said, noting that a formal development agreement is set to be decided on by council members.

Mayor Rob Nelson said Monday the development agreement will be discussed during Tuesday's council meeting.

Everything is pointing in the right direction," Pinion said. "Were confident it will proceed.

GALLERY: Rapid River Apartments project Close

Editor's note: This article was updated July 26 to reflect the day the developer's agreement will be discussed by the Baraboo Common Council.
I was just so excited. Ill tell you, I put my cameras on the shelf and that was it, she said. I was just addicted from that moment on and Ive just been painting ever since.

Painting pandemonium

McArthur said it was difficult to find space to work on a canvas as large as Pandemoniums, but she eventually found one in the corner of the underground garage at Oak Park Place. Shes been living in one of the senior apartments while her husband recovers from a broken leg, and management allowed her to set up a makeshift art studio in a vacant parking space, she said.

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She worked on it nearly every day until she finished around early June, spending so much time in the garage she said it felt like she lived down there, only surfacing when shed get too hot from lack of air conditioning.

Its not a matter of throwing paint at a canvas or splattering it, because then the colors would run and be mixed, but there are no colors that blend together on this. Theyre all separate, and thats because every color is laid down separately until it dries, she said, noting its 10 or so distinct layers.

Some of her acrylic paints came from Oak Park maintenance staff, who give her the leftovers from their work, McArthur said.
Children met the officers at the door. They said Wheatman had been sleeping for about seven hours and that they were hungry. The youngest child was wearing a diaper that had obviously not been changed in hours, according to the complaint.

Another child said that Wheatman would not wake up despite one of them jumping on him. Officers went into the bedroom to talk to Wheatman after another adult showed up at the residence and gave the children food.

They found Wheatman fully clothed on top of the blankets on a bed. Shouting his name and shaking him did not garner a response, so an officer called EMS for help after they noticed Wheatman had a pulse and was still breathing.

According to the complaint, he woke up before responders arrived and told officers he didnt know what time it was, but that the children had eaten around 12:30 p.m. that day and they shouldnt be hungry. It was 9 p.m.

Officers found seven empty 16 ounce beer cans and mini bottles of vodka in the garage. A preliminary breath test resulted in a 0.205% alcohol content for Wheatman. He was arrested for child neglect, when he became agitated and struggled against officers while shouting explicit language and insults.

Follow Bridget on Twitter @cookebridget or contact her at 608-745-3513.

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According to the criminal complaint, deputies arrived at the residence shortly before noon Friday and knocked on the door three times and announced that they were from the sheriffs office. Skalitzky answered the door with the pitchfork and shouted asking why they were there. He was told that they were checking on him after his trip to Madison, and he asked what was wrong asking for financial help.

The deputy said there wasnt an issue with asking for help, but they just wanted to talk. According to the criminal complaint, Skalitzky became more upset with the deputies and charged after one with a pitch fork after being told he had a warrant for his arrest. He then slammed a door shut, but deputies kicked the door in and could see Skalitzky and the pitch fork. The deputies followed Skalitzky into the residence and one deputy was punched in the head before another deputy used a stun gun.
Last month, the Legislature sent Gov. Evers a bill that would have put a stop to the additional unemployment benefits that are being provided by the federal government. Passing this bill was common senseover half the states across the country, both Republican and Democrat, are ending them early. Reports have shown that the states that have withdrawn from the $300 additional weekly benefit have seen improving job numbers and fewer individuals filing for benefits. With significant worker shortages in all industries, getting rid of these additional benefits seemed like a no-brainer. Its a push to do everything we can to get people back into the workforce.

Days after the bill arrived at his desk, Gov. Evers quietly vetoed it. On top of that, he announced millions in new funding for programs to help connect people to jobsprograms that he anticipates wont be available until the fall.

While I appreciate that the governor has finally acknowledged that there is a workforce shortage, throwing money at this problem is not the solution. Just like creating new government run programs, that arent ready until months from now, is not the solution. This is a significant problem and we have no time to waste. Its time to get people back to work.

Sometimes not only the easiest, but also the best solution is standing right in front of you. Putting a stop to these federal benefits is a perfect example of this. I hope Gov. Evers will wake up and see that in order for our state to fully recover, we have to take reasonable approaches to getting back to normal. Its time to lead and make decisions that will benefit the people and state of Wisconsin.

State Rep. Mark Born resides in Beaver Dam and represents the 39th Assembly District in the Wisconsin Assembly. He can be reached at 608-266-2540 or rep.born@legis.wi.gov.

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I think thats a profound finding, said Marc Levine, co-founder of the center who led the study. It tells us a lot about not only our history, but about whats happening today in Milwaukee and how little progress it has made.

Levines recent research focuses on Black communities and how they fare in the nations 50 largest metropolitan areas on issues including housing segregation, incarceration, poverty and income. On nearly every measure, Milwaukee comes out at or near the bottom. Wisconsins largest city, he said, represents the archetype of modern-day metropolitan racial apartheid and inequality.

Differences in educational achievement do not account for the disparities in income. According to Levines report, a white high school dropout is over twice as likely to be employed in Milwaukee than a Black high school dropout. In fact, white high school dropouts have a higher employment rate than Black workers who have graduated from high school.

So when we talk about raising the minimum wage and the Fight for 15, you can see how important that is for Black Milwaukee given the very low wages that are earned by Black males, Levine told Wisconsin Watch. My estimate is that almost 40 to 45% of Black workers in Milwaukee would benefit from raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The Justice Department says it has decided not to open a civil rights investigation into government-run nursing homes in New York over their COVID-19 response.

Under former President Donald Trump, the departments civil rights division requested data from several states about COVID-19 deaths in public nursing homes.

The request came amid questions about whether New York inadvertently worsened the pandemic death toll by requiring nursing homes to accept residents previously hospitalized for COVID-19.

In a letter sent Friday to several Republican members of Congress, the Justice Department said it had decided not to open an investigation after reviewing data sent by the state.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, R-22, wrote her own letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday, saying terminating the investigations is "simply unacceptable."

Read the full letter below:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday he believes the nursing home investigations into New York and other Democratic states were "toxic" and "politically motivated" under the Trump administration.

"The political environment has gotten so toxic in this country. So toxic. So mean," said Cuomo. "It was an outrageous allegation. New York followed the CDC guidance. The CDC is a federal agency that's supposed to know what they're talking about, in terms of health. We followed the CDC when it came to how we handled people in nursing homes and when they went to the hospital and were brought back to the nursing home."

Cuomo said he doesn't believe New York's statistics warranted an investigation in the first place.

"...By the number of nursing home deaths as a percentage -- New York is number 31 in the country. We're not even near the top in terms of percentage of deaths in nursing homes. Why New York? Except that it was all politically motivated."

In January, the New York Attorney General's Office released a report indicating New York may have undercounted nursing home deaths by as much as 50%.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb is getting around to holding an inauguration gala, seven months after beginning his second term in office.

Postponed all this time due to COVID-19, the boots and black tie inaugural ball will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21, at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis.

A concert featuring country music stars Big & Rich will be held two days earlier at the TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis as part of the inauguration events for Holcomb and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Republican governor's campaign staff announced last week.

These events arent just to celebrate our governor and lieutenant governor, this is a way for us to bring together the entire Holcomb-Crouch team that worked so hard to make the governors historic reelection happen and to celebrate all Hoosiers for their sacrifice and resilience during the global pandemic, campaign manager Kyle Hupfer said.

More information is available online.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  One person is in the hospital after a fire at a Lafayette business Monday morning, and the cause is still under investigation.

It happened about 10:15 a.m. on Coleman Court behind the Eastside 10 IMAX.

"It was pretty terrifying to see something like that happen," said Tonya Juarez, an employee at a nearby business.

Juarez said she was sitting at her desk when she saw an explosion outside her office window.

"I saw the flash of light and heard the explosion and just saw the whole roof, it almost looked like it was up off of the building with flames shooting out," said Juarez.

That explosion was at the Indy Scale building.

"There are reports of compressed gases, acetylene, oxygen, that type in there," said Lafayette Fire Assistant Chief Brian Alkire. "So, that could be part of it."

Crews were able to get the fire out, but the damage was done.

Alkire said an employee was in the building when it caught fire.

"That person was able to get themselves out," Alkire explained. "He was walking and talking."

However, he was taken to an Indianapolis hospital with severe burns.

Juarez said she was shaken up, but is thinking of those who are effected.

"Just hoping that everybody is okay," Juarez said.

Alkire said it could be a few days or weeks until they figure out what started the fire.
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Aerial photo taken on July 8, 2021 shows Anping Bridge in Anhai Town of Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Jiang Kehong]

FUZHOU, July 25 (Xinhua)  East China's port city of Quanzhou, once hailed as "the very great and noble city" by the Italian explorer Marco Polo, won UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56.

UNESCO accepted "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" as a cultural property on its World Heritage List amid the ongoing 44th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Fuzhou, capital of east China's Fujian Province.

Located on narrow plains along the coastline of Fujian, Quanzhou was one of the world's largest ports along the historic Maritime Silk Road, particularly in ancient China's Song Dynasty (960-1279) and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

The serial property includes 22 sites of administrative buildings and structures, religious buildings, and statues. The property witnessed multi-cultural communities, cultural memorial sites and monuments, the production of ceramics and iron, and a transportation network formed of bridges, docks and pagodas that guided voyagers.

"It reflects greatly the spatial structure that combined production, transportation and marketing. It demonstrates the key institutional, social and cultural factors that contributed to the spectacular rise and prosperity of Quanzhou as a maritime hub of the East and Southeast Asia trade network during the 10th to 14th centuries AD," said a report by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the committee's official advisory body.

It is the second time the city has applied for the prestigious title. In 2018, China's nomination "Historic Monuments and Sites of Ancient Quanzhou (Zayton)" was referred back for a second chance when the committee met in Bahrain in 2018.

China made significant technical adjustments and resubmitted the application as "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China," with the former 16 sites included in the serial nomination expanded to 22 sites, according to Zhang Lei. Zhang is head of the world cultural heritage department under China's National Cultural Heritage Administration and made the remarks at a press conference held earlier this month.

The session, originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19, has been extended until July 31 to go over the agendas of both 2020 and 2021.

Aerial photo taken on July 9, 2021 shows Luoyang Bridge in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Jiang Kehong]

Aerial photo taken on July 8, 2021 shows Tianhou Temple in Licheng District of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan]

Aerial photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows the east and west pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Song Weiwei]

Photo taken on July 12, 2021 shows a site of Cizao Kilns in Jinjiang, Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Photo by Lai Jincai/Xinhua]

Photo taken on July 8, 2021 shows Qingjing Mosque in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Wei Peiquan]

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows Wanshou Pagoda in Shishi City, Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Wei Peiquan]

Photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows the Statue of Lao Tze in Fengze District of Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan]

Aerial photo taken on July 24, 2021 shows Qingjing Mosque in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Wei Peiquan]

Photo taken on July 6, 2021 shows the Estuary Docks in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Wei Peiquan]

Aerial photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows the ancient ferry of Shihu Dock in Shishi City, Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Song Weiwei]

Aerial photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows the site of Deji Gate in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Jiang Kehong]

Photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows the Jiuri Mountain Wind-Praying Inscriptions in Nan'an of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Song Weiwei]

Photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows the site of Shunji Bridge in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Jiang Kehong]

Photo taken on July 6, 2021 shows the Confucius Temple in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Wei Peiquan]

Photo taken on May 20, 2019 shows Cao'an Temple in Jinjiang City, Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. China's "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site on Sunday, bringing the total number of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites to 56. Quanzhou, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province, was a global maritime trade center back in the Song and Yuan dynasties. [Xinhua/Wei Peiquan]

(Source: Xinhua)
In 2011, the people of the North African country of Libya rose up to overthrow the countrys long-time dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, who had ruled the country for more than forty years. After a few months of fighting, and with the crucial help of NATO forces, the Libyan people drove Gaddafi from power, ultimately executing the dictator. The Libyans and the rest of the world had hoped that the removal of Gaddafi from power would lead to a successful transition to democracy. But this did not happen. Instead, a power struggle ensued between rival factions, who were once united in their efforts to overthrow Gaddafi. As a result, Libya descended into civil war, and so far, efforts by the international community to bring peace to the country have been unsuccessful. These efforts have also been complicated by the competing interests of the foreign powers involved in the conflict.

About Libya

Map showing the location of Libya.

Libya is a state in North Africa. It is bordered to the north by the Mediterranean Sea, to the east by Egypt, to the west by Algeria, to the northwest by Tunisia, and to the south by Chad. For centuries, what became Libya was a possession of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. In 1912, however, Italy had seized this territory and ruled it as a colony until 1951, when it achieved independence under King Idris Al-Sanusi. In 1969, King Idris was overthrown in a military coup led by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who would rule the country until his death at the hands of rebels in 2011. The successful rebellion against Gaddafi came in the midst of the so-called Arab Spring, in which people in several Arab countries rose up against their governments demanding freedom and democracy.

President of Libya's Muammar Gaddafi during a state visit to Ukraine, November 4, 2008 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Editorial credit: Sodel Vladyslav / Shutterstock.com

Today, Libya has a population of approximately 6.97 million. Most of these people are of Arab, Berber, or mixed Arab-Berber descent. The countrys largest city is its capital, Tripoli, which is inhabited by an estimated 1.15 million people, and is located in the west of the country. Libyas second largest city, Benghazi, has a population of about 650,000, and is located in the countrys east. It was in Benghazi that the rebellion against Muammar Gaddafi began. Both Tripoli and Benghazi are located on Libyas Mediterranean coast, as is most of the countrys population.

Libyan flags flying over the capital of Libya, Tripoli. Editorial credit: Hussein Eddeb / Shutterstock.com

Geographically, Libya is traditionally divided into three regions: the northwest region of Tripolitania, the southwest region of Fezzan, and the eastern region of Cyrenaica. Historically, these three regions have competed with each other, and tensions between them are reflected in the current conflict. Some have even speculated that Libya could come apart because of these regional rivalries.

Libyas chief economic resource is oil, which has enabled the country to achieve the highest GDP per capita in all of Africa. In the past, the Libyan government used the countrys oil wealth to build and maintain an impressive network of social services. Since the 2011 revolution, however, the resource has become somewhat of a curse, as it has aggravated the countrys civil conflict.

How Did The Civil War Begin?

Libyan rebels travel to a battle line in 2011 during the civil war. Editorial credit: Rosen Ivanov Iliev / Shutterstock.com

The rebellion that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi took place in 2011, between February and October. On October 20th, Libyan rebels captured Sirte, Gaddafis last bastion of control in the country. It was during the battle for Sirte that Gaddafi was reportedly shot and killed. In the midst of the successful rebellion, the head of the National Transitional Council, which was formed during the war to control rebel-held territory, announced that an interim government would be formed within a month, followed by elections for a constitutional assembly within eight months, then parliamentary and presidential elections a year after that. It was during this transition period that the factions who were once united in their efforts to overthrow Gaddafi began to fragment and compete against each other.

In the beginning of 2012, clashes between rival militias in Benghazi occurred. Later in the year, sectarian attacks against Sufi holy sites by Islamic fundamentalist militants took place. These events were followed by an attack by Islamists on the American consulate in Benghazi, in which the US ambassador and three others were killed. About one year later, one of Libyas militias began blockading oil terminals.

In February 2014, protests were held after the General National Congress (GNC), Libyas Gaddafi-era legislature, refused to disband following the expiration of its mandate. The GNC was to hand over power to a newly-established Council of Deputies, for which elections were held in June. But Islamist politicians in the GNC disputed the results of these elections. The power struggle between the new Council of Deputies and the GNC quickly descended into violence, as armed supporters of the GNC occupied Tripoli, forcing the Council of Deputies to flee to the city of Tobruk, located to the east of Benghazi. Since the disputed elections of June 2014, Libya has been in the throngs of a protracted civil conflict with no end in sight.

The Current Situation

An old Libyan man holding Libyan flag in Martyrs Square at the celebration the 69th Anniversary of Libyan Independence. Editorial credit: Hussein Eddeb / Shutterstock.com

Libya is now practically split based on the traditional rivalries between the regions of Tripolitania and Cyrenaica. Thus, there are two regimes vying for control of the entire country. One is based in Tripoli, and is known as the Government of National Accord (GNA). This government is recognized by the United Nations as the legitimate government of Libya. It is led by Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj. The militias who support the GNA control the northwest corner of the country. The other administration is based in Tobruk, and is backed by a prominent general and former ally of Gaddafi, General Khalifa Haftar. General Haftar commands the forces of what is known as the Libyan National Army (LNA). Presently, the LNA controls territory in the east, center, and west of Libya. Also complicating matters are a number of militias who are not affiliated with either administration, and who control parts of southern Libya. These are mostly ethnic or tribal militias, such as those belonging to the Tuaregs, a Berber group in Libyas southwest. Other militias are affiliated with Islamist extremist groups, such as Islamic State.

Involvement Of Foreign Powers In The Libyan Civil War

Both rival administrations in Libya have the support of foreign entities. As previously mentioned, the Tripoli-based GNA is backed by the UN. It is also supported by most Western powers, including the U.S. and Libyas former colonial power, Italy. Turkey and the Persian Gulf state of Qatar also support the GNA. Turkeys support, in particular, has been vital to the survival of the GNA. The country has provided the GNA with equipment and military advisors. In its latest show of support, Turkey has even sent its own troops to fight in the war. These troops have reportedly been joined by Syrian fighters, whose militias are supported by Turkey.

The Tobruk-based regime is supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Russia, and France. The UAE is known to have provided air support and advanced weapons to the forces of General Haftars LNA. Egypt has given Haftar financial assistance and weapons. France has provided Haftar with military advice, but has also been accused of providing him with weapons as well. Indeed, French missiles were found at an LNA base two years ago, but the French have denied providing any weapons. For its part, Russia has been accused of deploying mercenary forces to assist Haftar.

Thus, the Libyan Civil War is now a proxy war pitting international powers against each other. Some countries base their support of either side on ideological reasons. Turkey and Qatar, for example, are known to be supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic fundamentalist movement that has followers throughout the Arab and Muslim world. Therefore, these two countries have opted to support the GNA because it contains a large Islamist presence. On the other side, countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE strongly oppose the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, and see Haftar as a bulwark against Islamic fundamentalism.

Other countries have been involved in the Libyan conflict for strategic or economic interests. Italy, for example, has a vested interest in stabilizing the country in order to curb the flow of migrants from there to its shores and retain access to the countrys oil reserves. France also has oil interests in Libya. Turkey, which supports the Tripoli-based GNA for aforementioned ideological reasons, also wants to preserve a maritime border agreement that it signed with the GNA, which gives the Turks control of parts of the Eastern Mediterranean that supposedly contain large oil and gas reserves.

Humanitarian Situation In The Libyan Civil War

The streets of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, where the poverty has reached the highest rate since the revolution in 2011. Editorial credit: Sufian Alashger / Shutterstock.com

Like most wars, the civil war in Libya has taken a significant toll on innocent civilians. According to the UN Refugee Agency, for example, more than 343,000 Libyans have been internally displaced by the conflict as of 2020. In addition, three percent of the countrys population lives in extreme poverty. Libya also has the worlds 4th highest youth unemployment rate in the world, at 48.7%. Significant human rights violations have been reported in Libya, including attacks by Islamic extremists on Sufi Muslims, Ibadis, and Christians. The lawlessness in Libya has made it a conduit for thousands of migrants and asylum-seekers from impoverished parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia trying to get to Europe. As a result, Libya has had to house tens of thousands of refugees. Moreover, in many cases, human traffickers take advantage of people who come to Libya seeking employment or transit to Europe in order to coerce them into prostitution or forced labor.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is located in the western part of the state of Colorado, United States. It was established in 1999, and occupies an area of nearly 125 sq km. The park mainly consists of a steep gorge carved into the landscape by the Gunnison River. The name "Balck Canyon" is believed to be derived from the fact that the depth and angle of the canyon is such that sunlight only reaches certain parts of the gorge for around 33 minutes a day.

History

A tourist enjoying the view of the national park from a lookout platform.

The black canyon gorge itself was created by the flow of water from what is now the Gunnison River over the passage of nearly two million years. The sheer depth and steepness of the canyon walls have prevented any major human settlements within the gorge. Infact, the only evidence of human occupation in the area has been found along the rim of the canyon, and not within it.

Evidence of native Ute people has been found in the area, and exploration was done by early American settlers in the mid to late 1700s. The first official account of the region, however, was by Captain John Williams Gunnison in 1853.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison was first named a national monument on March 2, 1933, and underwent various developments for several decades, including the expansion of roads and access points. It wasnt until 66 years later that the area was deemed a national park.

Landscape and Vegetation

A view of the Gunnison River in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

The park is almost exclusively a gorge. The canyon has a very dramatic slope. It descends roughly 6.4 m/km, which means it is the fifth steepest mountain descent in all of North America. The major ecosystems within the park include pygmy forests, Oak flats, the inner Canyon, and the river and river bed.

The Colorado Plateau has high deserts and low canyons, which are often home to pygmy forests. Black Canyon of the Gunnisons highest point along the southern rim is mainly pygmy forest consisting of juniper trees and pinyon pine. Eleven other species of North American nut pines can also be found in these small-tree forests.

The oak flats are a dense and bushy ecosystem which can be found along the rim of the parks gorge. Gambel oak thickets are common in these areas and contain not only gambel oaks, but serviceberry bushes and other shrubs. The inner canyon contains plants that thrive in rocky areas. Wildflowers such as the Black Canyon gilia are abundant here. Aspen and Douglas Fir can be seen along the cliffs and rocky edges of the gorge. Most of the vegetation occurs on the north-facing wall, as it is both less steep, but more importantly gets significantly more sunlight than its opposite side.

The river and river bed which run along the base of the canyon are different again. Chokecherry, Boxelder and Narrowleaf cottonwood are common along the river edge.

Animals

A green-tailed towhee (Pipilo chlorurus) perched in a tree in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The varying ecosystems provide different habitats for the wildlife. The inner canyon has mountainous animals such as bighorn sheep, cougar, as well as a variety of birds including the Peregrine falcon, canyon wren, white-throated swifts and violet-green swallows, eight species of hawk and six different owls.

An American black bear at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

In higher elevations, gambel oak attracts the mule deer. Other grazing animals in the park include elk and pronghorn. Along the river, Narrowleaf provides ideal wood for beavers, while the American Dipper bird hunts for insects amid the shallow waters.Other species in the park include coyotes, black bears, and river otters. In total, 46 mammal species live in the park, as well as 12 species of reptiles and amphibians, and various fish species.
A view from Clwyd Souths Member of the Senedd

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates writes



Earlier this month, Wales moved to Alert Level One as the Welsh Government set out its updated Coronavirus Control Plan.

The First Minister said that if the public health situation allows, Wales will move to Alert Level Zero on Saturday, August 7. All premises would then be able to open and most  but not all  restrictions would be removed and replaced with an ongoing requirement for all organisations and businesses to carry out Covid-19 risk assessments. These will determine what measures are needed to be put in place to keep staff, customers and visitors safe.

Face coverings will still be required by law on public transport and in most indoor public places, with the exception of hospitality settings, and there will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others indoors, including in private homes.

I also want to echo what the Welsh Government and the Chief Medical Officer have said  the pandemic is not over and the virus continues to spread across Wales. This means it is as important as ever for everyone to say yes to vaccination. Wales world-leading vaccination programme has weakened the link between the virus and hospitalisation, but we are still seeing people  including young, fit people  falling ill and being admitted to hospital.

In North Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has repeatedly stressed the importance of people aged 18-40 getting their vaccines. BCUHB is now also inviting people who will turn 18 within the next three months to book their vaccination.

The health board has brought forward the second dose interval for both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine from 8 to 6 weeks  in line with expert guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency  and anyone in North Wales who remains unvaccinated can now book their jabs online here. Walk-ins vaccination clinics are also being held at the Catrin Finch Centre in Wrexham and Deeside Mass Vaccination Centre from 9am-6pm on Tuesday to Sunday during July.

Focusing on Clwyd South, I will soon begin a series of summer street surgeries across the constituency to talk to residents and see what local issues I might be able to help with. Along with my team and local volunteers, I will also be delivering thousands of summer newsletters.

Since my last column, I have had a number of constituency engagements, including meeting with local farmers and union leaders in Denbighshire (pictured) which provided a valuable opportunity to hear about some of the issues the industry is facing.

I also met with Howard Sutcliffe, Denbighshire Councils Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) officer, to discuss the Welsh Governments plans to create the first new National Park in Wales since 1957 right here in Clwyd South (pictured)  you can read Wrexham.coms report here.

As well as a celebrating our areas unique natural beauty, National Park status will further boost tourism  an industry so vital to Clwyd South  and support the green economy as we look to build on our proud record of being one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world.

After raising the issue of local bank closures in the Senedd, which was covered in my last column, I recently met with Banc Cambria, who are working with the Welsh Government to create the UKs first community bank. There isnt a community in Clwyd South which hasnt been affected by bank closures.

I launched the plans for the Community Bank of Wales during my time as Economy Minister to provide everyday banking throughout Wales for our many communities abandoned by the big banks and left high and dry by the UK Government abandoning its agreement with the sector that that last branch in each community should remain open.

During the meeting, I put forward the incredibly strong case for a pilot branch in Clwyd South and I look forward to welcoming project leader Mark Hooper to our area later this year.

This week, my engagements include catching up with the Llangollen Railway team to find out how they have got back on track following further financial support from the Welsh Government.

Prior to the Senedd election in May, First Minister Mark Drakeford said the Welsh Government would work with local people to help the Railway back up and running if re-elected, and earlier this month it was confirmed the Welsh Government has provided two rounds of Cultural Recovery Fund grants to the Trust  totalling more than 290,000  to help with running services and restarting operations.

If you need advice or support, please email ken.skates@senedd.wales and include your home address and a contact number. You can also find regular coronavirus updates on my Facebook page and sign up to my weekly newsletters here.

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).
Vaccination saves lives: New toolkit to help employers encourage their workers to get Covid-19 vaccine

The Welsh Government is urging employers across Wales to do all they can to support their workforce to get vaccinated.

A new toolkit is today being launched in a bid to support businesses and organisations to help their workers get the Covid-19 vaccine.

Wales has some of the best vaccination rates in the world  with more than three-quarters of adults have completed the two-dose course.

Vaccination has helped to weakened the link between coronavirus infections and serious illness and hospital admissions. However the Welsh Government warn that there is a risk that more people could fall seriously ill if rates of vaccination do not increase further as the delta variant continues to spread in Wales and the rest of the UK.

Ministers have said that it is never too late to take up the offer of vaccination in Wales.

In an effort to increase vaccination rates even further, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething and Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, are today launching a new toolkit to support employers.

It encourages them to:

Be as flexible as possible when its time for staff to have a vaccine, this could include giving employees paid time off work to attend their appointments for both vaccine doses;

Use the campaign resources provided by the Welsh Government to run an awareness campaign in their organisation and provide employees with access to reliable and accurate information about the vaccine;

Share the Q&A document and expert advice videos to explain the vaccine and answer common questions employees may have;

Urge staff to be cautious about misinformation and encourage them to use trusted sources like phw.nhs.wales if they are searching for information or answers to questions about the vaccine;

Create employee vaccine champions by encouraging staff to discuss their experiences and share information with colleagues, family and friends.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic. Theyre helping to protect people from serious illness and helping us all return to a more normal life. For the vaccine to be as effective as possible, it is really important that as many people as possible have it.

We are urging employers in Wales to encourage their employees to be vaccinated. Businesses and organisations play a vital role in helping to promote a positive vaccination message and helping to make sure workplaces are safe and employees are protected.

Only through a collective effort will we encourage as many people as possible to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: The Covid-19 vaccine programme is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history. It has already saved thousands of lives.

People who are vaccinated are far less likely to get seriously ill, be admitted to hospital or die from this awful virus.

Our message is clear  join the millions already vaccinated. Together well keep Wales safe.

Joanna Swash, Group CEO of Wrexham-based Moneypenny said: We are extremely supportive of the Welsh Governments approach to the Covid-19 vaccination programme and the safety and wellbeing of our employees is always our number one priority.

We have over 900 people in our HQ in Wrexham and we have actively encouraged our teams to get vaccinated by allowing them time off to make appointments for their vaccination.

We believe it is in everyones interests that we are vaccinated as a community so we can all play our part in helping to control the transmission of this virus.

Jacki Simpson, VP People Operations at Asda said: At Asda the safety of our colleagues and customers has been paramount throughout the pandemic, and as key workers our colleagues have been on the frontline of feeding the nation.

With the rollout of the national vaccination programme we have continued to support our colleagues through our specific vaccination policy which gives guidance and information to our colleagues and leadership teams.

We have also increased our existing entitlement for paid time off for all our colleagues to allow them to attend their vaccine appointments, as well as ensuring paid leave following their vaccine for any colleague who needs it.

Through our regular communications to colleagues we have signposted and encouraged them to review the official information sources such as the NHS and government websites so that they can make their own, properly informed decision about the vaccine.

Even after having the Covid-19 vaccine, its essential everyone continues to do the small things to protect themselves and the vulnerable. This includes washing hands regularly, social distancing, wearing a face covering in indoor settings where required, meeting people outdoors, keeping rooms well ventilated if you need to be indoors, and getting a Covid-19 test if you suspect you have symptoms.
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - Several of Tennessee's top hospitals aren't being fully transparent with the prices of their procedures despite a federal rule to do so, a new report claims.

That report, from the non-profit PatientRightsAdvocate.org, analyzed 500 hospital websites at random and found most were not compliant with the federal rule that all hospitals must report their pricing online.

94.4 percent of those studied did not comply with the rule to complete post all of their prices online, said Cynthia Fisher, found of PatientRights Advocate.org.

Patient advocates like Martine Brousse tell News4 Investigates the reason why is clear.

(Hospitals) don't want this transparency. Hey hospital A, why are you charging twenty percent more for the same procedure for hospital B down the block, Brousse said.

The report, which studied hospital websites between May 15 and July 8, found among the hospitals, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Ascension/St. Thomas Midtown and West, as well as several TriStar/Centennial hospitals were not complaint with the federal rule.

News4 Investigates asked all the hospitals for interviews, but none made a representative available to answer questions.

Instead, a spokeswoman for TriStar/Centennial emailed and wrote they now have all the required pricing online.

In the attached study we are listed as compliant for having the pricing estimator tool and a few other items but not the contracted rates with insurers. At this time our TriStar Health facilities have posted all contracted rates with insurers. We are in compliance with the federal hospital price transparency rule, wrote Jill Newsham, director of marketing and PR for TriStar Centennial Medical Center.

A spokeswoman for Vanderbilt did not address the reports findings but wrote that their online services provide estimated on hundreds of procedures.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is still one of few hospitals in the nation that can provide patients all-in pricing for hundreds of hospital services and physician fees through our out-of-pocket cost estimation tool, wrote Kylie Avery, public relations specialist for Vanderbilt.

A spokeswoman for Ascension also did not address the report but wrote that price transparency is important.

We continue to enhance our transparency tools to assist our patients in understanding the cost of commonly purchased healthcare services, wrote Anjali Bright, senior public relations specialist with Ascension/St. Thomas.

If you are interested in finding the pricing tools for these hospitals, you can follow the links below.

Vanderbilt:

TriStar/Centennial:

Ascension/St. Thomas:
The New York City Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee will meet this Tuesday, July 27, at 7 p.m. EDT to develop a plan to mobilize parents and educators against the full reopening of schools in September. We urge educators in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey to register here and invite your coworkers and friends.

Since the start of summer school in New York City earlier this month, 157 classrooms and two school buildings have been closed due to outbreaks of COVID-19. Summer school has become a test-run by the political establishment for the full reopening of schools on September 13. Normally, summer session is remedial, but this year the administration of Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio opened it up to all students, claiming that all students suffered learning deficits during remote learning. The program, called Summer Rising and funded largely with federal pandemic funding, has already enrolled over 200,000 students, the largest summer school program in the US.

The growing numbers of infections give the lie to the much-ballyhooed claims of de Blasio, New Yorks Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo and the rest of the political and media establishment, that the pandemic is over. The summer school infections demonstrate that the current plan of the de Blasio administration to mandate in-person learning for all of the roughly 1.1 million students in the largest public school system in the US this September will be a disaster.

Bronx, students wear protective masks as they arrive for classes. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

The vast majority of New York City students will still be unvaccinated when school buildings reopen this fall. Packing students in the citys old and poorly-ventilated buildings, with the Delta variant spreading rapidly, will inevitably produce a surge in infections among children which will once again spread throughout the city.

One New York City educator who spoke to the World Socialist Web Site encapsulated the dangers posed by the full reopening of city schools this fall, saying, We should close the schools to quell the rising tide of COVID. Itll be many times worse than last year if we stay open and nothing else changes to affect the outcome.

One school in Brooklyn, P.S. 207 Elizabeth G. Leary, was closed last week because 11 classrooms have had COVID-19 infections. The neighborhood where the school is located, Bergen Beach, has a positivity rate of 3.4 percent. Citywide, the test positivity rate has risen to roughly 2 percent, while reported cases have increased by 205 percent in the last two weeks. New York state as a whole has seen an increase of approximately the same percentage, although state positivity rates have usually been regarded as less reliable underestimates than those made in the city. Last week, an overnight camp in a rural area about 100 miles north of the city reported 31 infections in children aged 7 to 11.

Despite the growth in infections, New York City and state continue to relax COVID-19 mitigation measures. Theaters and restaurants have reopened and large gatherings are now permitted. For its public hospitals, the city has mandated a choice of vaccine or weekly testing for its employees, but there are virtually no other institutions, including schools, that have implemented similar requirements. Masking remains optional in most public venues. On Thursday, in-person appearances became required once more for civil marriages. The city is also planning a program of large concerts in Central Park to promote illusions of normalcy in the citys population.

The gathering of roughly 200,000 children in summer school, the majority unvaccinated, would not have been possible without the connivance of the pro-corporate United Federation of Teachers (UFT), which represents over 70,000 school employees including teachers and paraprofessionals.

Not only has the union backed every attempt of the Democratic Party to force educators back into school during the pandemic, but it is also actively promoting the citys plan for a full return to in-person learning this September. The UFT has initiated a new program that will actually pay educators from its own funds to visit the homes of students and urge them to return to school.

One New York City educator remarked on the role of the UFT: Its disappointing. This union acts like management, when its management theyre supposed to be fighting on behalf of their membership. Workers arent supposed to be fighting their union to get the protections that they need in order to do their job. But thats what its become.

Among educators and parents, there is enormous opposition to the city and unions push to fully reopen schools. Last Wednesday, parents rallied in the Bronx to demand the continuation of a remote learning option for students, which has been ruled out by the Department of Education (DOE).

One high school teacher in Brooklyn told the WSWS, I feel like their priorities are screwed up. Theyre continuing on the path they were on last year, proceeding with no plan and hoping for the best. Their entire M.O. seems to be to never take any action that might spook either the commercial real estate industry or the hospitality industry. I think de Blasio believes his job is to pretend everything is normal in order to lure businesses back to midtown. For that reason, I think he is afraid to make a headline for offering a remote option for students. As for UFT leadership, they seem to be taking their cues from de Blasio (per usual).

Another Brooklyn educator, raising concerns about recent Israeli data that shows that the effects of some vaccines may wear off over time, noted that this has serious implications for this fall in schools. De Blasio, the DOE and UFT treat COVID vaccination as if it is sterilizing and doesnt deteriorate over time. But anybody vaccinated in spring will have very little or no protection by fall.

The first teacher quoted above added, Unfortunately, I do not think increased COVID case counts will amount to any system-wide school closures under current city standards, which is frightful, as the silent effect of long term COVID in asymptomatic children is horrific.

The city is a tale of two citiesin which rich and privileged families can sway the mayors hold on an entire shuttered school system and are put high above the needs of the working masses, while poor working class folk who acknowledge that while school is doomed to reopen, ask for the tiniest of accommodations for their underprivileged childrenand yet, still cant manage to get it.

What will finally force the DOE to change their attitude is the amount of pressure working class parents apply. Remember that the DOE traditionally ignores the will of working class parents. And that the same DOE played the COVID waiting game, rather than acting immediately to correct ventilation problems with MERV-13 filtration.

Cuomo and de Blasio are putting dollars before deaths. Revenue is all that matters to them. Getting workers back into NYC to spend money on commuting, lunches, business meetings, etc.  thats all that matters. Workers are seen as walking dollar signs, not people with children and families who need to protect their own. Theyve sold working families out to fill the holes in their budget gaps.

Commenting on the national political situation, they stated, Biden is no better. Hes a rudderless ship drifting in the wind. His stimulus program is already showing signs of failing and he has no bullets left to fire. Its going to end badly for him, with either a prolonged recession or a depression just in time for reelection. The CDC has caved under political pressure and lifted restrictions that should have stayed present.

The campaign to open schools and declare the pandemic over will encounter growing resistance from educators, parents and students. The WSWS has set up Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees to do what the corporatist trade unions and capitalist politicians refuse to: shut down the schools and demand social supports for parents and all nonessential workers to stay at home with their children until the majority of the population has been vaccinated and the pandemic is suppressed. New York City educators, parents and students who wish to take up this struggle should sign up today.
Ex-President Donald Trump brought his big lie tour to Arizona Saturday afternoon, with a fascistic address to a crowd of 5,000 people at the Arizona Federal Theatre in downtown Phoenix. The event was called the Protect Our Elections Rally, an Orwellian turn of phrase for a speech in which Trump spent the bulk of an hour and three-quarters denouncing the 2020 election and seeking to overturn it.

The appearance, the latest in a series of such events over the summer, was notable for an escalation of the anti-communist hysteria from the former president. At least half a dozen times, Trump denounced both the Democratic Party and President Joe Bidenright-wing representatives of Wall Street and American imperialismas communists.

The radical left Democrat communist party rigged and sold the election, he claimed. On immigration: the socialist Democrats and communists are trying to include amnesty in their reconciliation. On the media: We are beyond socialism. When you have no press that you can talk to, thats how a communist country begins. They have no press. On the future course of development: Whats happening to our country has sadly happened to so many others. We are at the beginning of a communist system. Radicals are seizing power and destroying everything we hold dear as Americans, and its happening.

Former President Donald Trump speaks on a variety of topics to supporters at a Turning Point Action gathering, Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

One passage is worth extensive citation, only because it provides an insight into the type of appeal Trump is making and the type of political movement he is seeking to build:

Our movement is driven by a love for America and an ironclad faith in the American people. I have that faith, and you have that faith. We are not fighting for socialism, communism. Were not fighting for servitude. Were fighting for God, for country, and were fighting for freedom.

We know in our veins that our American inheritance was passed down to us by generations of patriots who gave everything they had, their sweat, their blood, and even their very lives to build America into the most powerful nation in the history of the world. And we are not going to let it be taken away from us by a small group of radical left, Marxist maniacs.

Such language is not merely vomiting up the worst type of redbaiting, reminiscent of the McCarthy witch-hunt of the 1950s. There is a new quality here. Trump is seeking to combine religious fundamentalism, patriotic flag-waving, xenophobia and anti-communism, with out-and-out hatred of democracy, elections, a free press, civil rights and any form of social equality.

It is the language of an American form of fascism, and Trump is carrying out a campaign, not simply to restore himself to power, but to build a fascist movement that would become the vehicle for him to establish a right-wing dictatorship in America.

For now, this effort is focused on transforming the Republican Party into his personal instrument. The bulk of the day-long political rally was to boost Republican candidates in the 2022 elections for governor, other statewide offices in Arizona, the US Senate and House of Representatives. Those Republicans deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump, including Governor Doug Ducey and state Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who upheld the results of the 2020 vote, in which Biden narrowly carried the state, were excluded from the rally and in some cases denounced.

He is openly inciting violence against his political opponents. His Phoenix diatribe was arguably even more inflammatory than the hour-long speech he gave to a crowd outside the White House on January 6, 2021, before directing them towards the Capitol, where they broke in and blocked, for a time, the congressional certification of Bidens victory in the Electoral College.

While the bulk of Trumps speech was a rehash, of even greater length than usual, of past claims about alleged incidents of vote fraud and ballot-rigging in the 2020 elections, it was clear that Trump was seeking to rebut allegations that his attack on the 2020 election was an attack on democracy.

I am not the one trying to undermine American democracy, he claimed. Im the one trying to save American democracy. Im trying to save it. Our country is being destroyed by people who have no right to destroy it. People that won an election illegally. People that should not have been elected. They lost in a landslide. Joe Biden and the radical Democrats are wrecking our nation.

Like the big lie, claiming that your critics are doing what you yourself are plotting is a well-known tactic of Hitler. Thus Trump, the man who was thrown out of office by the largest vote ever recorded in US history, presents himself as the savior of American democracy.

Trump also told his followers that while preparing for the next election in 2022, We dont have the luxury to sit back and to wait until the next election. We dont. He urged support for the effort sponsored by the Republican-dominated Arizona Senate to carry out a supposed forensic audit of the votes cast in Maricopa County, the county which includes Phoenix, and where two-thirds of Arizonas population lives.

The audit has been opposed by the Republican-controlled Maricopa County board and by Republican Governor Ducey and has been repeatedly exposed in the local media as an amateurish shambles that has already gone on for four months without any results. Last week the former Arizona secretary of state who was acting as director of the audit was barred from the premises by Republican officials because he released figures that undermined their claims of vote-rigging.

Trump hailed the audit and claimed it had inspired similar efforts in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Texas, where the Republican-controlled state legislature is moving to approve an audit limited to large urban districts, of which 10 out of 13 voted for Biden last year.

The former president also used his platform to attack Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and his own former vice president, Mike Pence, as well as the handful of other congressional Republicans who have held him responsible for the January 6 attack on Congress.

It was noticeable, however, that Trump avoided the subject of the attempted coup altogether. He made no reference to the hearings, set to begin tomorrow, of the House Select Committee appointed to investigate the January 6 attack. Nor did he mention House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, who sought to blow up the committee by appointing diehard Trump partisans like Representative Jim Jordan, only to have the appointments blocked by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

He also said nothing about Ashli Babbitt, the Trump supporter from Arizona who was shot to death on January 6 by a Capitol Police officer as she led a group of rioters trying to break through into the chamber of the House of Representatives and attack the members of Congress huddled there.

This omission was doubly noticeable because Babbitts mother was at the rally, as the invited guest of Representative Paul Gosar, the ultra-right Republican and all-out defender of police violence under other circumstances, who has denounced the shooting of Babbitt as an execution. Gosar put a spotlight on his guest, but Trump did not refer to Babbitt, after holding her up as a martyr at previous rallies.
Last week, many workers at Allegheny Technologies (ATI) began returning to work after the United Steelworkers (USW) pushed through a sellout contract to end their 106-day strike against the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based steelmaker. Returning workers face intolerable conditions due to the deal, many are yet to be called back and others may never return.

While the USW has not yet released the vote totals on the contract, an unconfirmed report says that the vote was roughly 515 to 425 in favor of ratification, indicating a substantial abstention. There were lopsided yes votes at Brackenridge, Washington, and New Bedford and strong no votes at most of the other plants. At no plant did striking workers get to monitor the vote counting, leading some to suspect the vote may have been rigged.

Many workers who voted no were sickened by being saddled with yet another concessions contract, which will cost hundreds more jobs, under conditions where the high demand for steel as well as a massive order from Boeing put strikers in a potentially strong position.

ATI Pickets in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania (WSWS Media)

There is little doubt that most who voted yes also detested the concessions, but felt they could no longer hold out under conditions in which they had already sacrificed nearly a third of a year's pay, were being isolated by the United Steelworkers and starved on less than $200 a week in strike pay. Seeing the USW allowing the picket lines to go unstaffed and the company ramping up production; some felt they had no choice but to return to work.

The contract by no means signals an end to the struggle. First it must be said that no one has yet to see a contract and it most likely does not exist.

Second, just as following the ending of the 2015-16 lockout, workers faced almost dictatorial conditions in the plant, so too today.

ATI has already made clear that it has no intention of honoring what the USW claimed was agreed. Workers who have returned to work report that they are being forced to work alongside management that scabbed during the strike, and in unsafe conditions. The company has stated that it will not pay the signing bonus and has cut off health insurance to any worker who refuses to work under these conditions.

Third, hundreds of jobs are being cut and ATI is not calling workers back by seniority. At the Brackenridge, Pennsylvania mill, workers on the number three finishing line, which is slated to be closed, have not been told what will happen to their jobs. Workers in the Waterbury, Connecticut and Louisville, Ohio mills that are slated to be closed have not been told when or what to expect.

As workers confront the results of this betrayal, it is important that they take stock of the lessons of the strike, which conclusively demonstrates the role of the USW as a tool of corporate management. A look at the record of the USW substantiates this.

Over the past 40 years, the USW has been pushing through one concessions contract after another, giving up wage increases, cost of living adjustments, health benefits for retirees, pensions for new hires, and the list goes on.

Its record includes the betrayal of the Phelps Dodge strike in 1983-84 and other strikes in the 1980s, such as Wheeling Pittsburgh. The USW collaborated in the shutdown of steel mills throughout the former industrial areas of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana in the bankruptcies of LTV, National Steel, Bethlehem and many others, along with the destruction of health and pensions for hundreds of thousands of retirees.

As in the 2015-2016 lockout, the USW worked to weaken and isolate the 2021 ATI strike. Over the same period, coal miners in Alabama, nurses in Massachusetts, oil workers in Texas, auto workers in Virginia, and iron miners in Canada have goneand many still areon strike, yet the USW kept the ATI workers separated from them.

Despite the USW controlling $1.5 billion in assets and a $165 million strike fund, most workers have had to leave the picket lines and look for other jobs as they cant support themselves and their families on the $150 to $200 a week in strike pay.

By setting the pattern of concessions at ATI, the USW will seek to push similar concessions on the locked out ExxonMobil workers in Texas.

The USW has itself become a vast holding company, with over $1.5 billion in assets, much of it tied to the profits of the companies.

It should also be pointed out that not a small part in the decision by the USW to end the ATI strike was in consideration of the Biden administrations massive infrastructure deal being worked out in Congress. The USW sees the potential for further enrichment if their stock holdings rise as steel companies secure lucrative contracts.

The USW feared that a prolonged strike at ATI, above all if it were to link up to the still small, but growing number of strikes throughout the country, would damage their portfolio of steel stocks.

This record of the USW is not the isolated case of one union, but mirrors what is taking place in every union in America and throughout the world.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the strike by PATCO air traffic controllers, where the refusal of the AFL-CIO to defend strikers paved the way for their mass firing by the Reagan administration. This was a key turning point in the transformation of the unions. Controlled by wealthy executives making six figures and joined at the hip with the companies, the unions have ever since played a critical role in enforcing a huge reduction in the living standards of workers, betraying strikes and bargaining away one hard-won gain after another.

But their ability to continue this role is being challenged by a growing rebellion by workers, who are beginning to organize independently and find their voice.

Throughout the strike, the World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Party have worked to encourage and assist in the formation of independent workers rank-and-file committees to organize and lead the struggle.

The action of the Volvo strikers in the formation of the Volvo Workers Rank-and-File Committee, challenging the leadership and organization of the strike by the United Auto Workers, shows that workers are beginning to draw the lessons of these 40 years of betrayals and are breaking from these bankrupt organizations.

The action by the Volvo workers is one expression of a growing wave of radicalization by workers globally. To unify these struggles in a common worldwide movement, the WSWS and Socialist Equality Parties have called for the building of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.

The USW was especially fearful that the struggle at ATI would get out of its control and that workers would follow the example of Volvo workers and educators and link up their struggle with the other powerful sections of the working class in the United States and throughout the world.

The next step for steelworkers is to follow the lead of the Volvo Trucks workers and build their own alternative leadership in the form of a rank-and-file committee.

To mount such a counter-offensive, steelworkers must reject the nationalist poison long used by the USW to divide workers internationally and unite with their brothers and sisters around the world in the global metal, mining and energy industries.

Workers who agree with this perspective should contact the WSWS today to learn how to join the growing network of national and international rank-and-file committees.
Socialist Equality Party members campaigned in Banbury, Oxfordshire, Saturday finding overwhelming support for workers at the Jacobs Douwe Egberts factory fighting attempts to sack and rehire them on inferior contracts.

SEP campaign stall in Banbury

JDE workers are being balloted starting today on a sellout deal reached a fortnight ago between Unite the union and company executives. The deal has provoked widespread anger among workers, with Unite agreeing annual pay cuts of between 5,000 and 10,000 and the slashing of terms and conditions. The ballot closes August 4.

Unite has responded by claiming their sellout agreement is the best that JDE workers can hope for. Unite official Joe Clarke sent letters to JDE workers last week repeating company threats that if its demands arent met the factory will relocate. If workers vote the deal down, JDE has made clear it will proceed with its plans to fire workers on September 13.

SEP members set up a campaign stall in Banbury town centre, distributing copies of a statement published Friday, Reject Unites sellout deal at JDE: Form a rank-and-file committee to defeat fire and rehire! The SEP statement argues for a global strategy based on the unity of JDE workers across Europe as the only way to combat JDE Peets, one of the largest transnational beverage conglomerates in the world.

Unite has worked to isolate JDE workers from a series of major disputes against fire and rehire in recent months, including at British Gas, British Airways and Go North West. Disputes at Weetabix, McVities, Hovis, Quorn and Heineken have also been suppressed and isolated by unions including Unite and USDAW.

Former JDE workers as well as friends and family of current employees stopped to talk to SEP campaigners. Many criticized Unites sellout deal and spoke of similar attacks on conditions and pay at their own workplaces, especially during the pandemic. Some took bundles of leaflets to give to others.

A woman who had already read the statement on a local Facebook group said, Its not only here at Banbury they [the unions] are carrying out sellout deals. They have done it many other places including British Gas and British Airways. It is time for the workers to work in solidarity. I am in full solidarity with the JDE workers. We should not allow the coffee factory management and the union to impose these bad deals on workers. We should not allow this to happen.

Another person who stopped to talk said, My brother works there, and he said that the Unite is selling out. While a former JDE worker told campaigners, I have a lot of experience with the unions and should never trust them. Someone else explained that his friend at JDE recently bought a house with a mortgage and was now facing a massive pay cut, Hes totally devastated and now thinking hows he going to pay the mortgage.

Peter, a retired worker from Banbury gave an interview. He said, I am speaking in solidarity with the Banbury coffee factory workers. What Unite are doing there is a disgrace.

Peter

I know what these companies are doing. When I worked at Sainsburys [supermarket] they used to do this regularly. Every couple of years they would change the contract. If you dont agree to it, youre up the road. Weve had this for years. Exactly the same thing.

Just after I retired, they did it again. I know a woman whod been there 20 years and they sacked her because she didnt change her hours. She was a carer. And the union backs it. The union doesnt fight against it. The unions now, its the same with the Labour Party, they dont represent us. Theyre ruling from the top. Theyre ruling from their empire.

The unions have got their own agendas and theyre not representing the workers anymore. When do they ever go on strike? I used to be on picket lines everywhere. We were marching and we fought for the miners strikes and everything else. We fought all the way. We had lots of strikes to defend workers rights. But they dont do it anymore. You know why? Because theyre frightened of having their assets taken away. Theyre on a lovely salary and theyre frightened of losing it. You can lose yours, but they cant lose theirs. This is the problem. In the old days when we used to fight for the workers we were prepared to go inside [to prison].

I worked at export packing over here and a union official came in there and got me sacked. They accused me of assault and sacked me. I took them to court, and I won the tribunal. But the law says they didnt have to take me back. So I got a bit of money in compensation, but I didnt get my job back. And that union official, he ended up becoming a Unite leader and got knighted.

Rob, a local manufacturing worker who is a Unite member, spoke about the broader issues raised by the dispute at JDE. With Covid, Banbury workers have had enough to deal with. I personally have had three rounds of redundancies. I know so many people are either in and out of work or struggling financially, and the whole Covid situation has hit peoples pockets, people have been made homeless, people are struggling to pay their bills.

Rob

Rob was scathing about JDEs 5,000-10,000 pay cuts. Its ridiculous. They cant just abandon peoples contracts, sign new contracts with more hours for less money and expect people to accept it. People have got mortgages to pay, theyve got bills to pay, theyve got to put food on the table The new contracts mean they are more vulnerable to being made redundant. Its a scandal that theyre able to do this and get away with wrecking peoples lives

If Unite are the ones trying to push this, then Unite have lost their way because Unite were always in favour of workers rights and now if they are trying to scupper the rights of these people to keep their contracts, to earn the same money and not to be taken advantage of, its a bloody scandal.

Asked what he thought about JDE workers forming an independent rank-and-file committee to organise a fightback, Rob replied, Well, if you cant get your own union, which is there to be your support in times of hardship, when companies are metaphorically trying to shaft you left, right and centre, then I am in full support of them trying to do something independently. The more people stay together and support one another, the more chance they have of fighting the situation.

Kraft General Food [old name for JDE factory] arent a poor company. They are not on the breadline, theyre not on the verge of going under, so toying with peoples livelihoods in this manner I think its an absolute disgrace that they can get away with doing it. And its even more of a disgrace that the unions, especially Unite, one that was supposed to be in favour of workers right, are the ones directly trying to shaft them. Its disgusting.
The flood disaster in the German federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as neighbouring Belgium and the Netherlands, has claimed the lives of more than 200 people and destroyed the livelihoods of tens of thousands. Last week, a team of reporters from the World Socialist Web Site toured the disaster area to talk to those affected and to get a picture of the devastation.

The district of Ahrweiler, in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate, is one of the worst-hit areas. At least 128 people died there alone and an estimated 150 are still missing. Houses, bridges and roads have been destroyed in some places. Even after more than a week, many villages are still without hot water and electricity. The mobile phone network is also still not working in some places.

Destroyed railway and car bridge (Bundestrae 267) in the Walporzheim district (Photo: WSWS)

While many volunteers are helping to clear houses and roads from the mud and debris, government assistance is vanishingly small. It is now known that the high death toll is a direct result of the criminal inaction of governments and responsible authorities. Although they were informed early on, they did nothing to warn people and save lives.

Many residents gave vent to their anger, talking about the dramatic events and at the same time reporting on the enormous solidarity they are experiencing from the population.

wolfgang

Wolfgang described how he and his wife were taken completely by surprise by the approaching floods. When we saw the water approaching here, I took the dog in my arms and wanted to quickly go to the pub across the street. When I stepped in front of the door, the water was already up to my knees and a wave almost swept me away. Then I immediately went back into the house with my wife, and we tried to push the door shut. We had no idea at all. Big tree trunks broke all the windows, and the water came rushing in here, between 1.5 and two metres high. We had to escape to the first floor.

Bettina

We had no warning at all, says Bettina, who has run a guest house in Walporzheim for decades. When the sirens sounded, the neighbouring village had long been under water, she reports. She and her neighbours and family immediately went to the town on their own to get sandbags. But there was no sand left. They told us to get the sand from the sandbox at the playground, but it was already flooded. Afterwards, Bettina says, they were given empty bags to fill themselves while they were already waist-deep in water.

We did a makeshift job of securing the door with the sacks, put tables in front of the doors and bailed out the water running in as best we could. A guest tried to hold on to his car in the water outside so it wouldnt float away. From 1 a.m. onwards, we stood at the window and watched to see if the water would continue to rise. Meanwhile, the internet has gone, electricity and water are also gone.

Destroyed cars and piles of rubble at the entrance to Walporzheim (Photo: WSWS)

Looking ahead to rebuilding her home and the whole region, Bettina says, I dont think this damage will be paid for by the government. I also dont know where the promised emergency aid is. You are supposed to write an email, but the networks are blocked. If you dont have someone from outside to do it, you are completely lost. There are no people on the ground from the state, from any authorities, to help you with this.

This could have been predictedwith all the rainfall in Belgium, in Holland, here, all over Germany, Bettina notes. With such heavy rainfall, they could have calculated it and ordered an evacuation. But that didnt happen because the government wants to save money: an evacuation costs money, you have to house and feed the people. They were afraid of the costs and didnt want to look stupid if nothing happened afterwards.

Instead, nothing was done, no warning went through at all. No THW [disaster relief agency], no soldiersnothing came here at all. The first few days after the flood, there were only volunteers here. Farmers organised themselves via Facebook and cleared everything away here with huge excavators and trucks. The policeheavily armedstood on the bridge and watched the water coming and what it was doing. Thats all they did; they neither emptied a cellar nor cleared anything away.

Apparently, Bettina said, the money was invested elsewhere, for example, to build up the military. But nothing seems to have been invested in disaster management because it doesnt work at all.

The WSWS reporting team also spoke to many volunteers who have come from all over the country to help.

Aline, Steffi and Rosa

I came here because I was moved by the whole thing, says Steffi, who travelled from Thuringia. Thats why I packed up the car straight away and will stay until Sunday to help. Aline from Schwabisch Hall added, I organised myself with a group from the Stuttgart area and drove here overnight. I was moved by the images on TV. Everyone here is doing their best.

Four metres of mud swept through the village, taking everything with it, Rosa reported. I have never seen anything like it. Even today there are 40 centimetres of mud in the cellars and 20 centimetres of water above. The people here cant do it alone. It would take 10 helpers for each house.

Kai and Sven

Sven travelled from Bergisches Land together with his son Paul to help. I can only call on everyone to do the same, he says. Help is still needed here everywhere. Its exhausting and hard, but the people here need it very badly.

You can see here that we are all standing together and helping each other, said Kai. Thats very important, even in this day and age, where selfishness is praised very highly. We are demonstrating solidarity, and in that respect its great whats going on here.

Alwin

Alwin, who has run a restaurant for 45 years, said, In our neighbourhood alone, 11 people have died. One man was hanging in a tree for four hours calling for help. But no one could help him because the cars were already flooding past him. Everything was under water and our livelihood is now destroyed, of course.

When asked if he was satisfied with the measures taken by the authorities, Alwin replied, No, definitely not. Far too little came from our district administrator and our mayor. If such a flood is expected, then we still have two hours here. Then you can tell everyone to leave their house, take their car to safety and take their valuables with them. The water cannot be stopped, but the 125 dead we already havethat didnt have to happen. Thats already 125 too many.

Alwin also confirmed that the catastrophe hit the residents completely unexpectedly, although the authorities had long since been warned of it at the time. No, there was no warning at all for residents. We looked up the water levels ourselves on the internet and said, this is damn high now, we have to do something. When the fire brigade tried to get us to leave the house hours later, we decided against it. Instead, we went to the first floor and a short time later the water was 1.95 metres high in the house. If we had gone out, we might have drowned too, as many others did. The water had risen so fast that many would not have made it to a hill in time.

Volunteers in the old town of Ahrweiler (Photo: WSWS)

Alwin added, As far as the district administration is concerned, I am not satisfied. But the fact we had many volunteers who helped clean up right at the beginningthat was enormous. It was all the more incomprehensible, he said, that farmers were then told to go home again and that the Bundeswehr [Armed Forces] and the THW would now do it on their own. And nothing came from the district administration, no one was seen there.

Alwin attributed the fact that so many people died to the total failure of the state authorities, adding, There are enough 3D models showing that no one would die [if you climb a mountain in time]. But if no one knows and says, were going to see how high the water rises, thats negligent, grossly negligent. I assume that the insurance companies cant cover everything. A lot of money is being donated, but the damage must amount to 50 billion. Where is all the money going to come from?

Referring to the 200 million in emergency aid promised by the federal government, Alwin asked, How many people are affected? Surely, every household has 100,000, 200,000, 500,000 [euros] down the drain. How is that supposed to be distributed and who distributes it? You cant flatten the region here now. If every second house remains empty or is no longer rebuilt, then this will be a ghost town. One of them said to me: We are the Baghdad of Germany. Totally bombed, totally destroyed. And how many dead we have here! That has never happened in Germany before.

Of course it could have been avoided! In my opinion, the fire brigade and the police should have gone around immediately and warned all the people. They could have driven through here from five oclock. Then we wouldnt have any dead people here.
In advance of a sentencing hearing set for Tuesday, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) urged a federal court to send drone war whistleblower Daniel Hale to a minimum of nine years in federal prison.

In a 20-page sentencing memorandum in the case of the United States v. Daniel Everette Hale published on July 19, federal prosecutors argue vindictively that the former Air Force analyst stole classified information in order to ingratiate himself with journalists and that a significant sentence is necessary to demonstrate that the unauthorized disclosure of classified information is a serious crime with significant consequences.

Even though, in an effort to avoid a long prison term, he pled guilty last March to one of the five counts against him, and he has been held in custody at the William G. Tisdale Detention Center in Alexandria, Virginia since April, the DoJ is demanding the judge give Hale the harshest possible punishment.

Daniel Hale. (Image credit: Stand With Daniel Hale)

For example, the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia refused to drop the four remaining charges against Hale and instead has been holding them in reserve for a potential trial if the sentencing by District Court Judge Liam OGrady is deemed insufficient.

Part of the strategy of the DoJ is to compel Hale to admit that by turning over classified information about US militarys drone warfare program to the Intercept co-founder Jeremey Scahill, he risked serious or exceptionally grave damage to US national security. The prosecutors are holding out the possibility of a seven-year-and-three-month sentence for Hale, who is 33 years old and suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from his service in Afghanistan, if he agrees to the DoJ demands.

An important part of the prosecutions argument for a harsh sentence for Hale is the existence of previously undisclosed and concealed evidence that a faction of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has published an internet compilation that includes two of the documents that the whistleblower disclosed.

Given that the US military itself is known to have collaborated with various Islamic fundamentalist militia groups, this particular aspect of the federal governments sentencing memorandum shows the desperation of the DoJ and the military-intelligence state to successfully bring an Espionage Act case against a whistleblower.

Numerous attempts have been made by the DoJ to punish harshly those who have leaked or published classified information, including Reality Winner and Terry Albury, who both served limited sentences after reaching plea agreements, and deterring future exposures. There is also, of course, the ongoing case of WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange, who has also been charged with Espionage Act violations and is being held in Londons Belmarsh Prison while facing extradition to the US to face them.

Similar claims have been made by the US government that the material published by WikiLeaks exposing war crimesas well as the details about the mass electronic spying on the public by former intelligence analyst Edward Snowdenendanger national security and threaten the lives of servicemen. However, as in Hales case, no evidence of harm or death to US programs or people has ever been presented to prove the assertion.

Hale joined the US Air Force in 2009 and was deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan to work for the National Security Agency (NSA). In 2013, he left the Air Force and went to work for a private contractor with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) where he held a top security clearance. Due to his experiences with the military-intelligence apparatus, and the drone assassination program in particular, Hale became alarmed by the indiscriminate murder of individuals posing no threat to the US.

According to the original charges against himwhich included four offenses for violating the Espionage Act and one for theft of government propertyHale began his collaboration with journalists while he was still in the Air Force and this collaboration continued after he was working for the NGA. In the information he provided to Scahill, Hale gave details about the drone kill list maintained by President Barack Obama, including the targeting of American citizens for assassination overseas without a trial or conviction of a crime.

In a powerful and moving letter to Judge OGrady submitted to the court by Hales lawyers on July 22, the courageous whistleblower defends his decision to disclose the classified information to the media. Hales 11-page letter, written by hand from prison, is a devastating exposure of the criminality that he witnessed and an expression of his determination to remain steadfast in his exposures.

In the letter, Hale explains that he suffers from depression in connection with his PTSD and that his experiences in Afghanistan have irreversibly transformed my identity as an American. Having forever altered the thread of my lifes story, weaved into the fabric of our nations history. He then proceeds to explain how, beginning with his deployment in 2012, he came to violate the Espionage Act, as a result.

Hale also explains that he witnessed a drone strike within days of his arrival. He gives details about a group of armed men who had gathered before dawn to brew some tea and were targeted

for death. Hale writes, I could only look on as I sat by and watched through a computer monitor when a sudden, terrifying flurry of hellfire missiles came crashing down, splattering purple-colored crystal guts on the side of the morning mountain.

He writes that he witnessed several such episodes of graphic violence and that he began to question everything he was told about the rules of engagement in Afghanistan and holds himself responsible for being a part of it. Not a day goes by that I dont question the justification for my actions. By the rules of engagement, it may have been permissible for me to have helped to kill those menwhose language I did not speak, customs I did not understand, and crimes I could not identifyin the gruesome manner that I did. Watch them die.

Hale draws broader and informed conclusions from his experiences, writing: how could it be that any thinking person continued to believe that it was necessary for the protection of the United States of America to be in Afghanistan and killing people, not one of whom present was responsible for the September 11th attacks on our nation. Notwithstanding, in 2012, a full year after the demise of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, I was a part of killing misguided young men who were but mere children on the day of 9/11.

Hales letter exposes the prosecutions claim that he ingratiated himself with journalists to be a complete fabrication. The vendetta against him is part of the ongoing attacks on basic democratic rights associated with the wars of aggression carried about by US imperialism that have spanned the Bush, Obama, Trump and now Biden administrations. Class-conscious workers, students and young people must demand the freedom of Daniel Hale and all whistleblowers such as Julian Assange who are being persecuted for telling the truth about the war crimes of US imperialism.
Adding more victims to the millions who have died from COVID-19, devastating landslides and flooding triggered by torrential rains over the last three days have killed more than 100 people in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Maharashtra, where Indias financial capital Mumbai is located, is also the state worst hit by COVID-19 in the country.

According to media reports, the toll from rain-related incidents in the state has risen to 112 as of July 25, while 99 people remain missing. Among the deceased are 38 people killed by multiple landslides in Raigad districts Talai village on Thursday. India Today reported that officials fear 30 to 35 more victims are trapped under the debris.

Parts of Indias west coast have received up to 594 mm (23 inches) of rain, while the hill station of Mahabaleshwar recorded its highest ever rainfall: 60cm in 24 hours. As many as 54 villages were severely damaged by floods with 821villages partially hit. Nearly 100,000 people were shifted from flood-affected areas to safer places in Western Maharashtras Pune division on Friday, as rains battered the region. Major rivers are reportedly at risk of bursting their banks.

Rescuers work at the site of a mudslide triggered by heavy monsoon rain and flooding killed at least 15 people and buried 20 homes of tea plantation workers in southern India on Friday, police said. (AP Photo)

Media reported that rescuers are struggling to reach affected residents, as landslides have blocked roads, including the main highway from Mumbai to Goa. As a result, thousands of trucks were stuck for more than 24 hours on a highway linking Mumbai to the southern technology hub of Bengaluru, Reuters reported.

According to an NDTV article, in Ratnagiri's Chiplun town, another of those completely flooded, rescuers raced to save people from a COVID-19 hospital cut off from aid. Other visuals from the town showed a terrifying imagea few people on the roof of a building pulling up a woman with rope.

People trapped in the mudslide-hit areas recounted the horrific conditions there. Mujaffar Khan, a survivor from Mahad, told PTI, there is a thick layer of mud  it is not just soil, there are dead animals in it  like rats.

Apart from 30 teams from national and state disaster response agencies, the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, the Coast Guard and other services also were called for flood-relief operations.

Like always after this type of tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi rushed to his Twitter account to express his condolences to bereaved families. Modi said he was anguished by the loss of lives due to a landslide. In another tweet, Modi announced a payment of 200,000 rupees ($US2,690) each to next of kin of those who lost their lives to landslides in Raigad and 50,000 rupees ($670) each for the injured.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also announced a payment of 500,000 rupees ($6,700) each to next of kin of people who died in the landslide and promised the injured will be treated in hospitals at state expense. Maharashtra is controlled by the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government with Thackerays Shiv Sena and the Congress Party, along with the support from several other parties.

By providing these meagre compensations to people who lost their loved ones or their homes, Modis central government and Thackerays state government are trying to shamelessly cover up their own responsibilities for the current flood disaster.

Climate experts have raised fears about the impact of climate change, which has played a major part of this devastation. Flooding in India was reported days after heavy rain across Western Europe and across China, as well as heat waves across the US. While it is true that all these are natural disasters, the principal responsibility for the human cost must be placed on the capitalist ruling elites. For decades it is those ruling elites that have failed to build infrastructure control to prepare for these disasters, failing to act upon warnings made by climate scientists.

They have also gone ahead with reckless construction projects based solely on profit motivations, with complete disregard for the impact these buildings have in facilitating floods.

In an article dealing with urban flooding, the DownToEarth website on October 11, 2019 noted: Overburdened drainage, frenzied and unregulated construction, buildings constructed without paying any heed to the natural topography and hydro-geomorphology all add to the damage. It highlighted that property developers have illegally built on reclaimed wetlands, flood plains and law lands of the city as these areas have a cheaper land rate.

The article gave a number of examples of how the government itself has been engaging in this reckless practice of building mega-projects right on the flood plains of various rivers.

The article particularly highlights the recurrent urban flooding in Mumbai, where the citys old drainage system is heavily silted and damaged. Citing from a report tabled in the Maharashtra state assembly in early 2019, it notes: The BRIMSTOWAD (Brihanmumbai Storm Water Disposal System) project, proposed in 1993, was intended to be a long-term road map for the citys vulnerability to flooding; but no action was taken on it till the major flooding of 2005. The system has not been fully updated yet.

This year alone, India has witnessed numerous natural disasters spanning from heat waves, cyclones, floods and wildfire. Some of the major incidents include:

The Uttarkhand flood was also known as the Chamoli disaster. On February 7, 2021, flooding in the Chamoli district ensued after an avalanche near Raini Village washed away the Rishiganga small hydro project and also hit the downstream hydroelectric power project at Tapovan on the river Dhauliganga. At least 72 workers were confirmed to have been killed. According to Wikipedia, the Indian government had disregarded warnings made by scientists for many years prior to the disaster that the Himalayas had been warming at a dangerously high rate and the regions ecosystem had become too physically exposed to the dangers of development projects.

Cyclone Tauktae was a powerful and deadly tropical cyclone in the Arabian Sea which traveled parallel to the coasts of the Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra in May 2021. It brought heavy rainfall and flash floods to areas along the coast of Kerala and on Lakshadweep, an archipelago off the coast of Kerala. The storm displaced over 200,000 people in Gujarat. Overall, 169 people were confirmed dead and another 81 people missing. Losses from Cyclone Tauktae are estimated at $2.1 billion.

Cyclone Yass was a strong and very damaging tropical cyclone that made landfall in Odisha and devastated West Bengal in late May. More than 4,500 villages were damaged, and various rural homes and agricultural lands were hard hit. In West Bengal, over 1,100 of the damaged villages were submerged in floods triggered by storm surges, displacing about 500,000 people. Overall, around 1 million people were affected in the state alone. The state government estimates total damages from the storm to be $2.76 billion in West Bengal.

The Modi government and Indian ruling elite have repeatedly shown their complete indifference to the lives of millions of Indian toilers. Their reckless herd immunity policy has led to deaths of several million people by COVID-19 which has spread across the country, according to a recent study by US-based Center for Global Development. This government lavishly spends hundreds of billion of dollars on the military, while leaving hundreds of million of people to their fate.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern used several key opportunities this month to firmly align the Labour-Green Party government with US imperialisms escalating economic, diplomatic and military confrontation with China.

Speaking to an audience of diplomats and government officials at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs conference, Standing in the Future: New Zealand and the Indo-Pacific Region, held in Wellington on July 14, Ardern for the first time embraced the phrase Indo-Pacific to describe NZs foreign policy positioning.

The use of the term by Washington and the Pentagon, rather than the Asia Pacific, signified a significant shift to an integrated strategy towards the Indian and Pacific Oceans aimed at encircling China. The Indo-Pacific Command based in Hawaii took over responsibility for planning and operations in the Indian Ocean and the US has markedly boosted military ties with India.

Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern (Source: Scott Morrison Facebook)

Ardern announced that New Zealand, along with other countries, is now adopting the Indo-Pacific outlook in reaction to more challenging geopolitics. Her government has faced increasingly strident demands from Washington and Canberra to fall into line with the US-led build-up to war, regardless of the impact on economic relations with China.

Led by US President Biden, the so-called  Quad the quasi-military alliance of the US, Japan, Australia and Indiais ratcheting up the confrontation with China throughout the Indo-Pacific. Australia and Japan are formal US allies, while India is in a strategic partnership with Washington involving basing arrangements and arms sales.

Other imperialist powers, including Britain, France and Germany, are also intervening to stoke preparations for war. In April, the British government dispatched a Carrier Strike Group to the region in its largest military deployment since the Falklands War. The NATO-backed operation involved a provocative sail-through in the South China Sea.

Ardern cloaked her remarks in hypocritical concerns about climate change and COVID-19. The Indo-Pacific is to some degree at an inflection point ... The forms of cooperation needed to overcome COVID-19 require countries to let go of narrow nationalistic approaches, she intoned. Ardern cynically declared that the term Indo-Pacific was often used to exclude some nations from dialoguemeaning Chinabut New Zealand would not use the phrase as a subtext for exclusion.

However, Ardern said New Zealand wanted a world where there was respect for rules, consistency in international law, open trade and investment, and transparency in foreign policy objectives and initiatives beyond borders. This echoes Washingtons demands that China abides by the international rules-based order, in which the US sets the rules.

Again lining up with the US, Ardern expressed concerns over the South China Sea, including artificial island building, continued militarisation, and activities which pose risks to freedom of navigation and overflight. Success in combatting these, she said, would depend on working with the widest possible set of partners, that is, the US and its allies.

The US has repeatedly conducted provocative Freedom of Navigation Operations challenging Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea and encouraged other countries to do the same.

Ardern used the Wellington conference to praise the Biden administration, declaring: New Zealands relationship with the United States has deep roots, built over many decades of cooperation. We share values and have common interests in how the region operates.

Bidens National Security Council coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, Kurt Campbell, live-streamed into the conference, explicitly attacking China, whose diplomacy and economic activities, he claimed, go against global norms and values.

Campbell declared that the US is determined to maintain peace and stabilityi.e., its own unchallenged hegemonythrough deterrence, through necessary military actions and through engagements with partners who share our interests.

Clearly impressed with Arderns performance, Biden subsequently made a personal phone call. Ardern told the media the two leaders discussed the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, trade and investment, and the domestic and Pacific vaccine roll-outs. She again stressed that NZ and the US shared common values and interests including a commitment to an open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

The issue surfaced again during a special online meeting of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) leaders on July 17, convened by Ardern as the organisations current host. The stated aim was to discuss a collaborative approach to tackling the COVID pandemic, but, according to New Zealand Herald correspondent Fran OSullivan, geopolitical tensions did still colour the event.

While Biden attended, Chinese President Xi Jinping sidestepped it, his officials playing a video address instead. Both Xi and Biden emphasised their respective countries contribution to regional vaccine rollouts, with China announcing a $US3 billion fund.

However, as OSullivan wrote, Biden went way beyond the APEC script, using the event to reiterate his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, saying he hoped the region would adopt a values-based and transparent vision.

The governments solidifying pro-Washington stance takes place against an increasingly bellicose anti-China propaganda campaign in the political and media establishment designed to stir up popular sentiment for war preparations.

New Zealand joined its Five Eyes alliesthe US, Australia, UK and Canadalast week in condemning alleged Chinese state involvement in hacking. A particularly blunt official statement, headlined New Zealand condemns malicious cyber activity by Chinese state-sponsored actors, was described by a Radio NZ commentator as a signal to both China and NZs allies that New Zealand can talk tough on China when it wants to.

The Chinese embassy in Wellington dismissed the statement as a malicious smear, and urged the NZ government to abandon the Cold War mentality. The Chinese ambassador took the unusual step of summoning NZ foreign affairs officials to a meeting to protest the accusations.

NZ Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta released a statement declaring that areas of difference need not define our relationship, but New Zealand would continue to promote the things that we believe in, and support the international rules-based system.

Earlier in the month Labour MP Louisa Wall gained significant media attention after she told reporters on July 6 that she believed genocide is happening against the Uyghur population of Xinjiang. This blatant and inflammatory lie is being used by Washington as a potential humanitarian pretext for war.

Wall is part of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), a network of 200 politicians from 20 parliaments. It includes members of the Australian Liberal and Labor parties, politicians from the UK, Canada, Germany and other European countries, and leading US anti-China hawksRepublican Marco Rubio and Democrat Rob Menendez. IPACs website says it aims to foster deeper collaboration between like-minded legislators to develop security strategies to counter China.

Divisions persist within New Zealands ruling elite, with some business leaders clearly disturbed by the rapidly deteriorating relations. Export New Zealand executive director Catherine Beard said the trade repercussions of the governments stance were a big concern but she hoped the two countries could keep politics and trade separate.

New Zealand China Council chair Don McKinnon, a former National Party deputy prime minister, warned: Once you reach a stage where you feel you have to criticise China publicly youve got to be prepared for the consequences of that Trade with China means money in peoples pockets in New Zealand from one end of the country to the other. China took more than $19 billion of New Zealand exports in the 12 months to June last year.
Bus drivers in Sheffield, South Yorkshire gave their support to the campaign against the victimisation of London bus driver David OSullivan. They spoke of the importance of the stand he took to defend drivers against the spread of Covid-19 and to demand safety measures to protect lives.

Socialist Equality Party (SEP) campaign teams have been distributing the leaflet Reinstate London bus driver David OSullivan: For a safe workplace against Covid-19! No to victimisations! among drivers at First South Yorkshire (FSY), at its Olive Grove depot and Pond Street bus station in the city centre. FSY is a subsidiary of First Group, a major UK-owned bus and rail transnational. It employs 200,000 workers globally, with revenues last year of 7.8 billion. It operates 20 percent of all UK bus routes.

The Olive Grove depot (WSWS Media)

The leaflet has prompted a wide-ranging debate over the dangers drivers have been exposed to with the pandemic and the restructuring now demanded by the private operator.

Drivers were disgusted at the mistreatment OSullivan at the hands of Metroline for his principled stand on safety, agreeing that this was a test case for workers rights in the pandemic.

A particular talking point has been the role of Unite the union. Initial shock that Unite sided with Metroline against OSullivan has given way to anger based on their own experience with the growing collusion between First Group and Unite. The union agreed to the suspension of terms and conditions during the pandemic, which the company is now seeking to make permanent in a new contract.

Drivers reported that this includes the extension of the maximum of five and a half hours behind the wheel, as opposed to the normal four and a half, and late notice of rotas to make scheduling easier for management.

Across First Group Unite is pleading poverty on behalf of the company while offering up workers for greater exploitation and flexibility similar to the gig economy.

On Thursday drivers in Sheffield voted down the new contract, which was backed by Unite. The results have yet to be published and Unite has not reported the issue of the new terms or ballot on its official website. The contract included the increase in maximum time without a break, reducing payments for any time at work not spent behind the wheel, including transition time signing on and off the bus, and an extension of unpaid meal breaks to 70 minutes, with basic training to be completed unpaid on days off. Drivers pay would not be uplifted except for weekend hourly rates of 60 pence an hour.

A First Bus on Pond Street in Sheffield city centre (WSWS Media)

Drivers spoke of Unite being squarely on the side of the company, describing the union as in bed and in the pockets of management.

For the protection of drivers, the following comments appear without their names.

A driver of many years stated, Ive read your leaflet. Reading between the lines it looks like Unite is working with the company to victimise him [OSullivan]. That is a disgrace.

We are looking at worse terms and conditions here and the union has told us not to take strike action as it will be long and drawn out and will not achieve anything. My answer to that is we should hit them harder and go all out.

The union denies that they are siding with management. However, on everything the company demands the union rolls over and the company gets what they want.

Another driver said of OSullivan, He is a hero, but today heroes are turned into zeroes when you stick your neck out. The country is run like a corporation. Money is put before lives. There has never been any real enforcement of mask wearing and we have been expected to handle cash to take fares.

The unions dont work for the people. They work for the corporations. With the strike at Go North West [in Manchester, against fire and rehire] I dont think they wanted it to spread.

A young driver explained his anger over the victimization and how he was having to consider political issues for the first time.

It is sickening to hear [OSullivan] has been given the sack. He has worked hard and is obviously very dedicated, but for them you are just a number. He was standing up for his rights and everyone elses.

Its all about greed and money. I dont make a habit of following politics, but this government is against the working class. We need to stand together across the country and yes across the world.

Many drivers were aware of the death toll from Covid among their colleagues in London. They explained that drivers in Sheffield were forced to take independent action against the company and the union, similar to what occurred at depots across the capital. Nationally there have been 14 recorded deaths of First employees, with clusters of infections and deaths at Leeds and in Scotland.

He was right to stand up for safety. Workers need to take action to defend their legal rights because nobody else will, including Unite. At the start of the pandemic we had nothing from the company to protect us and the union did nothing. We had to bring in cling film to cover the holes in the drivers screen and bring in our own hand gel. All they gave us later were gloves.

The union are in bed with the company. They do not fight our corner.

Opposition to the new terms and conditions has been fuelled by a recognition that First Group has remained profitable throughout the pandemic, off the backs of drivers who have worked under the most dangerous conditions, and via government subsidies.

Another long serving driver stated, There are lining their own pockets and not giving any benefits to drivers whatsoever. Its just take, take, take.

Ive worked through this pandemic for nearly 18 months now and Ive not had a thank you or a penny. And now theyve come back with this to take our terms and conditions. Its disgusting.

They say theyre losing 2.6 million. I think theyre not losing anything through this pandemic because of the government bailout.

If the deal we are voting on doesnt go through Im presuming they will go to Plan B90 days notice. In other words they will take our contract off us and give us the terms and conditions they want.

Ive seen your leaflet. It is good what you guys are doing for drivers. He [OSullivan] has a good comment about it. All the best to him.

All the drivers ought to get together and say Right! Well fight them all the way. Never mind the union because they arent what they ought to be. Twenty-five years ago, they might have had a cat in hells chance. But not these days. Its [the union] in the companys back pockets now.

The key issue facing drivers is breaking the stranglehold of Unite, which functions as a company stooge protecting the profits of the private operators and as an industrial policeman. The abandonment of all mitigation measures combating the pandemic by the Johnson government in the last week and the renewed offensive against terms and conditions is driving workers into critical struggles, which can only be taken forward through the development of rank- and-file committees to unify the working class in a broader political fight against capitalism.
On Saturday, far-right protesters marched through the city centres of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane, while others gathered in regional towns and centres, to demand an end to the limited lockdown measures in place amid a surge of the coronavirus.

The demonstrators, who appear to have numbered fewer than 10,000 nationally, have been angrily condemned by broad sections of the population.

On social media, workers, students, youth and many middle-class people have expressed fears that the rallies, carried out in defiance of health orders prohibiting mass gatherings in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, could become super-spreading events. At least one infection and multiple exposure sites have also been recorded in Brisbane, but there is no lockdown there.

Anti-Lockdown protest in Sydney (Image Credit: Twitter/FallenAngelDeb)

The overwhelming popular sentiment is hostility to the limited and inadequate character of the lockdown measures currently in place, especially in Sydney. The New South Wales (NSW) state Liberal-National government is widely despised, not because of the threadbare restrictions it belatedly introduced, but because its refusal to institute tougher measures has resulted in the Delta variant spreading out of control in Sydney and extending into other states.

Those who participated in the protests on Saturday comprised some of the most disoriented and reactionary segments of the population. They included anti-vaccine activists, conspiracy theorists who do not believe that the coronavirus is real, extreme libertarians who are opposed to any public health policies, and hardened far-right provocateurs.

The protests were billed as part of a World Wide Rally for Freedom, and timed to coincide with similar events internationally. They appear largely to have been organised through social media, including Facebook, as well as encrypted apps like Telegram.

The slogan of freedom was prominent in much of the promotion of the protests, being used to describe freedom from any health measures, depicted as a form of tyranny.

Posts by Anthony Khallouf, founder of the Australians vs the Agenda website and social media pages were typical. We need to stop the spread of communism. If youre not out at your capital city protest this Saturday, you may as well kiss Australia goodbye, he wrote last week.

Khallouf has also expressed support for fascistic ex-US President Donald Trump and his lies about a stolen American election used to justify the attempted coup in Washington on January 6.

Melbourne programmer Harrison Mclean, who was reportedly involved in promoting the rallies, has been involved in previous right-wing gatherings against earlier lockdown measures in the state of Victoria. In March, an investigation by the Guardian uncovered discussions he had held with fascists about gradually introducing participants in the broader anti-lockdown movement to extreme right-wing positions, including virulent anti-Semitism.

Members of the Proud Boys and other fascistic organisations reportedly also advertised the events.

According to police, around 3,500 people took part in the Sydney protest, with the other capital city rallies numbering in the low thousands. Footage of the gatherings shows the participants gathered tightly, the overwhelming majority without safety masks. In Sydney and Melbourne, there were violent clashes between some of the demonstrators and the police, and chaotic scenes of participants attempting to evade road blocks by running through back streets.

While the popular revulsion at the gatherings is entirely genuine and healthy, official condemnations of the rallies are thoroughly cynical. Media outlets that have agitated against lockdown measures throughout the pandemic, and politicians who have refused to implement the measures demanded by epidemiologists because of their impact on corporate profits, have expressed their outrage at the reckless and selfish protesters.

Much of this has focused on the violent altercations between protesters and the police. But official denunciations have also centred on the fact that the gatherings could result in further transmission and thereby interfere with plans for a lifting of the limited restrictions currently in place. Given that the governments have refused to implement much-needed measures required to halt transmission or even to reduce the explosion of cases, especially in Sydney, this is entirely hypocritical.

More fundamentally, the official condemnations are aimed at covering up the close alignment between the positions of the political and media establishment and those put forward at Saturdays rallies.

Throughout the pandemic, the anti-lockdown movement has fed upon agitation against safety measures from the corporate and political elite itself. A series of protests were held in Melbourne last year opposing the belated introduction of lockdown measures by the state Labor government of Premier Daniel Andrews as a serious COVID outbreak in Victoria spiralled out of control. At the time, representatives of the state Liberal Party opposition, Murdoch media outlets and a broad array of right-wing pundits were denouncing Andrews as dictator Dan because of the lockdowns.

The situation is even more stark now. For the past six months, the federal Liberal-National government, along with the state and territory leaders, most of them Labor, have been focused on how to end lockdown measures for all time so as to reopen the economy and ensure unfettered business activities.

Together, in the national cabinet they agreed to a plan in June for the abolition of safety measures allowing the virus to spread. According to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, under phase two of the plan: Lockdowns would only occur in extreme circumstances to prevent escalating hospitalisation and fatality. Phase three would see the virus treated like the 'flu, and phase four a return to normal.

The stages are to be initiated based on vaccination rates that have yet to be specified. The discussion is proceeding, even though a chaotic, profit-driven rollout means that only around 15 percent of the adult-population is currently vaccinated.

The same anti-lockdown positions, evident throughout the pandemic, have dictated the response of the NSW government to the Sydney outbreak. For ten days after infections of the Delta variant were first identified, it refused to put in place any restrictions aside from extended mask-mandates. Since then, it has instituted measures that are a mockery of a genuine lockdown, allowing for widespread non-essential business activity.

This has allowed daily infections to soar above 150, and has resulted in eight deaths, including that of a 38-year-old woman announced yesterday. The tragic fatalities are predicted to grow, with 156 people currently in Sydney hospitals, 44 of them in intensive care units.

Still, the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is rejecting demands from health experts for sharp lockdown measures, including widespread business closures. Senior cabinet members have expressed their dissatisfaction with the extension of even the limited measures in place, while discussions are reportedly underway in the government about easing restrictions in parts of Sydney with low-recorded transmission.

In the financial press, the primary complaint is that there are any restrictions at all. Every day columns are written which articulate positions similar to those voiced at Saturdays rallies.

Yesterday, for instance, the countrys former foreign minister Alexander Downer wrote a column for the Australian Financial Review entitled Democracy eliminated by leaving restrictions to the health experts.

Downer, who remains a prominent political figure in Australia and internationally, said current restrictions were prompting questions around the world about how the once tough and resilient Aussies, the standard bearers of egalitarianism and democracy, have been reduced to quivering in their homes by unelected medical officers because of a handful of positive COVID-19 tests?

It was necessary to dispense with any conception of eliminating the virus, Downer argued. He hailed the lifting of restrictions internationally and claims that states in the US which had resisted even minimal lockdown measures had provided citizens with a better overall quality of life.

Downer, who was a minister in the right-wing Howard Coalition government that attacked democratic rights, including through the war on terror and the persecution of refugees, couched his arguments in terms of civil liberties. Essentially though, this is the freedom for corporations to make profits without restriction, even if it means the preventable deaths of ordinary people. One day, someone will tell the Australian people that no one is immortal, Downer wrote.

The connections between the political establishment and Saturdays rallies also took a more direct form, with right-wing populist federal government MP George Christensen attending one the protests in Mackay Queensland, and former government backbencher, now independent, Craig Kelly, delivering a telephone message to the Brisbane gathering.

On social media, Christensen posted footage of the Sydney protest with the caption: Looks like thousands upon thousands of Sydneysiders are protesting against the removal of freedoms under the guise of the pandemic.

Prime Minister Morrison defended Christensens participation in the Mackay rally as an exercise in free speech, while criticising the Sydney protesters as selfish.
Over the past several weeks, more than 600 tons of marine life have been found dead amidst an explosive growth of bacteria along the beaches of Floridas Gulf Coast. The rapid spread of the harmful toxin, known as the red tide bloom, has been recklessly encouraged by human-induced nutrient pollution, mainly from the Tampa Bay area, which is placing the lives of wildlife and humans at significant risk.

The massive flood of red tide bacteria that has killed large numbers of fish has been reported in numerous counties in the region, including Pinellas (St. Petersburg), Hillsborough (Tampa) and Pasco. Investigations of the deadly bacteria have found them to be the result of a higher-than-normal growth of algae along Floridas coastline.

On Friday, the National Weather Service issued an advisory warning for the Florida Gulf coast of the respiratory dangers residents face as a result of encountering harmful red tide bacteria. The warning was directed at Pinellas County in particular, where a Beach Hazard Statement was put in place to warn beachgoers and local authorities of respiratory irritation from the outbreak.

A red tide. (Image Credit National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Wikipedia)

In opposition to demands from environmentalists, fisherman, and local officials that a state of emergency should be issued to address the crisis, Governor Ron DeSantis rebuffed calls for an emergency declaration during a news conference on Thursday in St. Petersburg.

Although the governor told the media the state harnessed enough funds to ameliorate the disaster, nothing was said on how the crisis would be tackled in the next coming weeks or of any strategic planned outline. Most revealing during the conference was the governors tacit admission that an emergency declaration would create more problems for the states profitable vacation hotspots and that a wider-scale public health response would affect tourist revenue.

The type of dangerous algae appearing around the states bay and inlets areas are known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), with this years HAB comprising one of the largest the Gulf coast has seen since 2018. HAB growth has been led by a bacteria known as Karenia b revis, a marine phytoplankton that grow within the algal blooms. K. b revis are known for congregating together under conditions of three ingredients: low water salinity, warm waters, and nutrient-rich waters.

Blooms such as red tide are significant threats to life and well-being, as they can lead to major respiratory issues in people. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, K. brevis produces toxins that cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. The bacteria can endanger people when they ingest shellfish compromised by toxins. This can lead to numbness, tingling, loss of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea.

Perhaps most ominously, hospital records researchers discovered after analyzing hospital records that respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses increase during periods of red tides. In one study, hospital admissions for respiratory diagnoses rose 54 percent for coastal residents.

When asked about the refusal to implement an emergency response, DeSantis declared during Thursdays press conference that it would hurt some of these people [tourists] because it would send the message that somehow all of Florida has problems.

Democratic St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman pleaded with DeSantis to provide more assistance to derail the inundation of toxins on the citys shoreline. The DeSantis administration responded with hostility, as a spokesperson issued a statement accusing Krisemen of deliberately lying and using Red Tide as an attempt to score cheap political points.

Krisemen, who was not invited to the press conference, criticized DeSantis on Twitter for his politicization of the states response, before calling the administrations actions truly sickening.

In denying the accusation, DeSantis unconvincingly asserted that the threat of algal blooms was something he had tackled from Day 1 while in office. The right-wing governor also claimed the state had prepared in advance for red tide outbreaks and supposedly had the resources to resolve the crisis.

This declaration is belied by the fact that the administration and state officials ignored warnings from scientists in April of this year when a massive amount of nutrient-rich wastewater was dumped into Tampa Bay from the Piney Point phosphate plant, an industrial site in Manatee County. While the full impact of the accident took months to discern, pollution experts feared that the elevated concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wastewater were dangerous, as they are known to fuel phytoplankton growth and toxic algal bloom.

Three weeks before a hazardous emergency was publicly sent out to evacuate nearby Manatee County residents, a dangerous leak had sprung at Piney Point, which had been defunct since 2001. The facility houses stacks of phosphogypsum, a toxic, radioactive substance that is commonly utilized in fertilizer production. The phosphogypsum was placed within open-air ponds and was used as part of accumulated stacks of solid waste, which can reach up to five stories tall while becoming crudely efficient containment ponds for liquid waste.

Managing the open-air ponds requires round-the-clock supervision. In the Piney Point leak, one wastewater ponds inch-thick plastic liner tore, releasing thousands of gallons a day into the sediment beneath. Despite the efforts of crews to plug up the berm, wastewater by the hundreds of millions of gallons ended up being unleashed.

An investigation conducted by the Tampa Bay Times following the leak quickly confirmed that the environmental disaster was the product of criminal neglect and subordination of public safety to the profit interests of financial firms. The crisis was triggered after the sites current owner, private investment company HRK Holdings, added waste from a Port Manatee dredging project to Piney Points gyp stacks. This was despite opposition from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which warned that the project might come with unacceptable risk.

These warnings were repeatedly swept under the rug even after an independent engineering firm hired to evaluate the site in March of 2020 found an imminent danger of catastrophic damage to the public and the environment due to the unknown and likely compromised condition of the liner.

Numerous environmental organizations have released statements denouncing the governors failed response to deter red tide. Many have lambasted the governor for greenlighting the same disastrous and negligent policies of his predecessor, Rick Scott, now a US senator. Scott was embroiled in a similar crisis in 2018 when a massive red tide bloom along Floridas southwestern coast killed approximately 2,000 tons of marine life and caused much damage or state and local businesses.

Scotts tenure as governor is infamous for slashing funding for water management safety across districts and eliminating environmental regulations. Shortly after becoming governor in 2011, Scott spearheaded budgets that cut more than $700 million in funding for water management boards. The South Florida Water Management District, the agency that works on Everglades restoration and advises the Army Corps of Engineers on Lake Okeechobee discharges, had its budget slashed nearly in half and was forced to lay off more than 100 people.

While falsely hailing the budget reductions as the only method to protect the states waters, Scott signed legislation that capped the amount in property taxes water management districts could collect. Revealing his contempt for all regulatory restrictions that hamper the interests of the corporate and financial elite, Scott said in a news release announcing the cuts that they would allow businesses to use more of their hard-earned money in the way they see best, rather than having to send it to a government agency.

In subsequent years, the cuts had the effect of weakening environmental protections for the states wetlands, springs and rivers threatened by pollution. To date, water district budgets statewide are still $400 million less than when Scott took office. Scott also repealed a 2010 law requiring septic tanks to be inspected once every five years to curtail toxic sewage flowing into freshwater streams. Environmentalists say that unregulated and unchecked leaky tanks are helping fuel algal blooms on the Gulf coast.
VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Indiana State Police says a high-speed chase that started in Terre Haute is now part of an ongoing federal investigation.

It happened Monday afternoon.

Police told us the chase started in Terre Haute and ended on Interstate 70 at the 17-mile marker in Clay County.

It was part of an ongoing drug investigation. During the chase, police said the suspect was throwing bags out of the vehicle's window.

So far, officials have not identified the man they took into custody. We will continue to follow this story and bring you more information as it becomes available.
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeremy Blanchard provided information on Monday about the use of monoclonal antibodies in COVID-19 treatment.

According to the FDA, monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune systems ability to fight off harmful antigens such as viruses.

Blanchard released the following information:

Vaccinated or not, there is still a risk of getting infected with COVID-19, especially with the new Delta variant. The good news is monoclonal antibodies can be given to you if you test positive for COVID-19 and help protect you from getting seriously ill. Here is what you need to know:

If you suspect you might have COVID-19, vaccinated or not, please contact your provider.

If you have COVID-19 and seek help early, you may quality for monoclonal antibodies  and they can really help prevent you from getting severely ill.

This service is available by referral at NMHS locations in Tupelo, Amory, Eupora, Iuka, and West Point, Mississippi and Hamilton, Alabama.

Monoclonal antibody treatment may help limit the amount of virus in the body. This may help your symptoms improve sooner and reduce your need to go into the hospital. This treatment is for individuals age 12 and older or those who have risk factors for severe infection.

Treatment is effective when given early, but certain criteria must be met. Not everyone will qualify for nor benefit from monoclonal antibodies. Only your provider (physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant) can determine if you are eligible for this treatment.

North Mississippi Health Services has been designated as a COVID-19 Center of Excellence by the Mississippi State Department of Health for its commitment to three efforts: vaccination, treatment and access.
The founder of the multinational Hillsong Church told CNN that Covid-19 vaccines are a "personal decision for each individual to make with the counsel of medical professionals" after a congregant who publicly refused inoculation died of complications from the disease.

Hillsong Church global senior pastor Brian Houston had announced the death of Stephen Harmon, who attended Hillsong in California, on social media this week.

Harmon had said on social media that he would not receive the vaccine, even when he was fighting Covid-19 in a hospital this month.

"Stephen was just a young man in his early 30s," Houston wrote, announcing Harmon's death on social media. "He was one of the most generous people I know and he had so much in front of him."

Houston expanded on his social media posts in a statement to CNN, saying that "any loss of life is a moment to mourn and offer support to those who are suffering and so our heartfelt prayers are with his family and those who loved him."

"On any medical issue, we strongly encourage those in our church to follow the guidance of their doctors," Houston said, emphasizing that the church's focus was on spiritual well-being.

"While many of our staff, leadership and congregation have already received the Covid-19 vaccine, we recognize this is a personal decision for each individual to make with the counsel of medical professionals," Houston's statement reads.

Hillsong Church, founded in Australia, has congregations around the world. Harmon attended Hillsong in Los Angeles, CNN affiliate KCBS reported.

CNN sought comment from the Harmon family but did not receive a response.

Prior to him saying he was infected with Covid-19, Harmon made two posts on Twitter on June 3 in which he parodied Jay-Z's "99 Problems" lyrics -- saying he had 99 problems but "a vax" wasn't one.

Just over a month later, Harmon had pneumonia as a result of Covid-19 infection and was sitting in a hospital bed in a Covid ward, according to his Instagram posts.

He had been hospitalized with Covid-19 complications since at least June 30, according to his social media posts. Throughout his hospitalizations, social media posts show that Harmon kept in frequent contact with Houston.

Even while in a hospital, Harmon was adamant that he would not receive the vaccine, posting he wasn't "anti-vax" but was "pro information."

"i'm not against it, i'm just not in a rush to get it," he wrote in a July 8 Instagram post. "Ironically, as I continue to lay here ... in my covid ward isolation room fighting off the virus and pneumonia."

He added he wouldn't get a vaccine even after recovery.

"Biden's door to door vaccine 'surveyors' really should be called JaCovid Witnesses. #keepmovingdork," Harmon wrote the same day on Twitter.

On Friday, after his death was announced, Harmon's Instagram account was made private.

The-CNN-Wire

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Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening. Partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Morgantown, WV (26505)

Today

Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable.
Morgantown, WV (26505)

Today

Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable.
Charleston, WV (25311)

Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Weather Alert

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM MDT TUESDAY... The following message is transmitted on behalf of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division and the Wyoming Department of Health. WHAT...Air Quality Alert for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Much of Southeast Wyoming from Douglas to Cheyenne. WHEN...Until 1 PM Tuesday. IMPACTS...Heavy smoke from Montana and Pacific Northwest wildfires. HEALTH INFORMATION...The Wyoming Department of Health recommends the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during this time. Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effect. Although these people are most susceptible to health impacts, the Department of Health also advises that everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality conditions. CURRENT CONDITIONS...The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division offers near real-time air quality data for Wyoming's monitoring stations and health effects information to help the public interpret current conditions. Current air quality conditions across the state of Wyoming can be found at http://www.wyvisnet.com/
About 50% of people within the Wyoming Department of Corrections system, such as those in the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins, have received vaccination against the coronavirus.
Olumide Soyombo is one of the well-known active angel investors in Nigeria tech startups and Africa at large. Since he began angel investing in 2014, Soyombo has invested in 33 startups, including Stripe-owned Paystack, PiggyVest and TeamApt.

Today, the investor is announcing the launch of Voltron Capital, a Pan-African venture capital firm he co-founded with Abe Choi, a U.S.-based entrepreneur and investor.

Voltron will be deploying capital to roughly 30 startups, mostly in pre-seed and seed stage across Africa, in a bid to "address the severe lack of access to early-stage funding for African tech companies." The ticket sizes will range from $20,000 to $100,000, focusing on startups in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and North Africa.

Soyombo is one of the few founder-cum-investors on the continent, despite his company not being the traditional VC-backed startup the world has become accustomed to. In 2008, he started Bluechip Technologies with a friend, Kazeem Tewogbade as an enterprise company that provides data warehousing solutions and enterprise applications to banks, telcos and insurance firms. Some of its biggest clients include OEMs like Oracle.

Non-traditional startup founder to an angel investor

Six years later, the pair decided to venture into tech, a relatively nascent industry in Nigeria at the time and began investing in startups via LeadPath, an early-stage firm they launched in Lagos, Nigeria. The idea was to invest $25,000 and take the startups through a three-month accelerator program culminating in a demo day. The plan was to run LeadPath like Y Combinator but it didn't take off as planned.

"In 2014, three months after we found out that there was no investor to put them in front of. So you'd have to write another check yourself," Soyombo said humorously over the phone. "We quickly saw that the accelerator model didn't work, so we started investing individually. It's funny how things have changed since then."

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LeadPath became a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the pair to carry out their angel investing deals. Over the years, Soyombo has launched several SPVs for the same purpose. So, why do things differently now by creating a fund? Soyombo walks me through one of the processes he has used to fund deals over the years to answer this question.

As an influential figure in Nigeria's tech ecosystem, Soyombo has access to almost any important deal in the market. "I get the privilege of seeing many deals before most people see them. I've built that network within the startup ecosystem and reputation as an angel always ready to help. So obviously, that helped me see many deals very quickly," he said. Often, his deal flows are filled with startups seeking six-figure pre-seed to seed investments. Say, for instance, a founder is looking to raise $300,000, Soyombo can typically invest $50,000 of his own money. And based on his perception of the startup's growth prospects, he can choose to bring his friends and acquaintances on board to fill the round.

This informal approach is what Soyombo wants to make formal via a structured format where each individual or organizational LP gets access to his deal flow simultaneously. The investor believes companies will get capital quicker this way. And the interesting bit is that his work in corporate Nigeria has allowed him to access non-traditional capital, which means some of the investors that use Soyombo's deal flows are outside the typical Nigerian tech investing landscape.

He sees his job as someone bridging the gap of angel investing between his corporate friends and colleagues who have not typically invested in tech and startups that need their money.

"There's a bit of FOMO now," he said. "People, including high net worth individuals, tell me to carry them along anytime I'm investing, and then I have startups looking for capital as well. But then again, I'm not trying to get a full job by managing a full fund, which is why we've structured it this way."

Anyone familiar with the happenings in African tech these past few months knows the two events that have caused this FOMO: Paystack's exit to Stripe and Flutterwave's unicorn status. Soyombo was an early investor in the former, marking his solitary primary exit alongside two secondaries within a portfolio that have cumulatively raised over $70 million. Thus, it's not hard to see why Soyombo isn't having a hard time convincing non-traditional investors, including HNIs (who are notoriously risk averse when it comes to tech investing), to write checks in startups.

"All of a sudden, everyone is interested in what's happening in the space. The HNIs that would've thrown money into real estate are looking for startups. We even see older HNIs telling their children to invest on their behalf, so it's an easier conversation to have. Most of them want to diversify their portfolio by having a piece of that pie," he said, pointing to Paystack and Flutterwave successes.

Abe Choi (co-founder, Voltron). Image Credits: Voltron Capital

Voltron Capital will be managed on AngelList. Its investors cut across HNIs and executives from banks, telcos, among other sectors, each investing a minimum of $10,000. Voltron is similar to a typical seven-figure fund targeting pre-seed and seed-stage startups in Africa, yet it's quite different in the way it chooses to back founders. The fund remains an embodiment of Soyombo's investment stance, which is "founders-first regardless of the industry."

"I'm going to continue backing interesting entrepreneurs. If Odunayo of PiggyVest was building a health tech or edtech company, I'll still back that company," he said, referring to the $1 million investment he made three years ago in one of Nigeria's widely celebrated fintechs. "So I think the investability of sectors, for me, is driven by quality entrepreneurs that are going to solve problems in that area."

Early-stage investing needs more work

In 2019, African tech startups raised a record $2 billion, according to Partech Africa. They have raised half that number already this year, and some publications predict these startups will break 2019's record.

A large chunk of these investments goes into late-stage deals, which is typical of most tech ecosystems globally. But Africa stands out because early-stage startups find it more difficult to raise investments compared to other regions. For instance, IFC reported that 82% of African tech startups cite access to seed funding and a lack of angel investors as major problems they face. Without early-stage funding, many of the startups primed to drive this growth are missing out on vital capital to support their early operations and generate revenue, which is a key requirement for securing later rounds of funding and a larger scale.

Voltron, in its little capacity, wants to fill this gap in the best way it can. Besides listing local investors as LPs, Soyombo says startups will be able to access foreign capital too. Choi is the key to making that happen. Personally, Choi has invested in 15 startups (exiting two); therefore, his experience and network in the U.S. will be crucial in sourcing foreign capital into the continent.

Soyombo believes Stripe acquisition of Paystack has made foreign investors take notice of African startups. He humorously references Paul Graham's tweet after the acquisition as another reason why foreign investors' interests have also piqued. The tweet from the Y Combinator co-founder read: "Investors who ignore Nigeria now have to ask themselves: What do I know that Patrick Collision doesn't?"

That said, the investor holds that the pace at which the African tech ecosystem is maturing should excite anyone. The quality of founders on the continent is improving and will continue in that manner because there are more problems to solve, he continued.

"Also, as our startups mature, we'll see people leaving to set up theirs. We want the next wave of African tech success stories to not only make an impact on the continent but to be truly global; through Abes strategic connections to the USA, were confident we can provide our portfolio with the best possible opportunities to achieve this through our U.S. and global network.
Bryce Wettstein

Courtesy Bryce Wettstein Bryce Wettstein

Bryce Wettstein is about to be part of Olympic history  and her best friend is going to join her.

The Team USA skateboarder, who is competing at the Tokyo Games as skateboarding makes its debut as an Olympic sport, grew up in California with Brighton Zeuner. The pair were actually hanging out at Wettstein's home when she caught up with PEOPLE earlier this month.

"We grew up together and I think that sometimes the most beautiful part is like, you're doing something that you've loved for so long with someone you loved for so long, so love never stops conversion. It's incredible," Wettstein, 16, told PEOPLE.

Wettstein initially got into skateboarding as a young girl and snagged her first X Games medal just a few weeks ago. She'll compete in the women's skateboard park in Tokyo. Zeuner, 17, will also participate in the women's park.

RELATED: Team USA's Jagger Eaton Wins First Skateboarding Bronze Medal in Olympic History

"It's probably the most ideal, surreal thing in the whole world because who would have ever thought that somebody that you met one day playing Polly Pocket would someday be a part of your journey?" Wettstein, who also enjoys playing volleyball and is a talented songwriter, told PEOPLE of Zeuner. "We always need somebody that we love right next to us, because that just reinforces who we are. It's like forever, we'll always have each other and it's eternal. Skateboarding makes that eternal too."

Wettstein is thrilled skateboarding is finally getting a place in the Olympics, and especially that women will get to showcase the sport's inclusivity. She said that "skateboarding is one of those things that no matter what gender you are, no matter who you are, no matter what your identifications are, everything in you can always be implemented to skateboarding."

And she's grateful for her partner Core Hydration, the purified water company that's helped make her journey to Tokyo a reality.

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"I think that having them by my side is like sort of having a bit of the universe and the Earth by my side too," she said, noting that water intake is "critical" to her performance because "whatever we're inputting is going to have a similar output."

RELATED: Skateboarder Brighton Zeuner, 16, Says She's Focused on 'Still Being a Kid' in Olympics Run-Up

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Wettstein admittedly gets nervous to compete, and will especially miss having her usual travel companions, her mom and her sister, with her in Japan as foreign spectators are barred due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Still, the chance to compete, "means more than everything."

"I feel like throughout my whole life, everything is a contribution to where I can gratefully be right now because I feel like there wasn't one person or one thing that can be excluded from what this means to me," she said.

To learn more about Team USA, visit TeamUSA.org. Watch the Tokyo Olympics now on NBC.
Tom Barrack pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges that he acted as an unregistered agent of the United Arab Emirates and obstructed a federal investigation.

Barrack, a real estate investor who once owned the controlling stake in Miramax, was arrested last week and held for three days in a county detention center in San Bernardino. He was released Friday evening on a $250 million bond, and is required to wear an ankle monitor. The bond is secured by a $5 million cash deposit.

More from Variety

He appeared in person at federal court in Brooklyn on Monday. He is barred from traveling outside of New York, Southern California or Colorado.

Matthew Grimes, an employee of Barracks investment firm who was also indicted, also entered a not guilty plea.

Barrack has been friends with former President Donald Trump for decades and acted as an informal adviser on Middle East issues. Barrack, the founder and former CEO of Colony Capital, is accused of using his close ties with the Trump administration to advance the UAEs foreign policy goals.

In a statement issued on Friday, Barrack thanked the jail staff in San Bernardino and praised their professionalism.

I also want to recognize the grace and humanity of the gentlemen with whom I have shared a community over these last three days, he said in the statement. I am innocent and will prove that in court.

Rashid Al-Malik, a UAE citizen, was also indicted on the foreign agent and conspiracy charges. He remains at large.

Barrack bought Miramax from Disney in 2010, in partnership with the Qatari state investment authority. He later sold the company to beIN Media Group, a Qatari broadcaster.

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The Bachelorette

HOW/WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH: 8 p.m. on ABC

This week's episode of The Bachelorette begins with a brutal, emotional gut-punch and ends with a blooper reel. That's right  it's time for the Men Tell All! Tayshia and Kaitlyn welcome a (smaller) studio audience back to the Tealight Candle Thunderdome, and much Right Reasons drama is rehashed. Tears are shed, voices are raised, and Connor B. busts out his ukulele (again). Kristen Baldwin

Related content:

Roswell, New Mexico

HOW/WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH: 8 p.m. on The CW

Season Premiere

The aliens have landed for season 3 of the CW extraterrestrial drama. When we pick up with the residents (and former resident) of Roswell, New Mexico, an entire year has passed since the near-catastrophic events of Crash Con during the season 2 finale. We find Liz (Jeanine Mason) living out her career ambitions as a groundbreaking scientist in an L.A. lab, Maria (Heather Hemmens) continuing to experience prophetic visions and, of course, two Maxes (Nathan Dean Parsons). Well, one Max and one Mr. Jones who looks exactly like him, plus an impressive beard. So who exactly is this mysterious stranger and should we be worried about his intentions for the pod squad? "A lot of people are asking me, 'Is Jones good or bad?' And what I would argue is that's a perspective based upon who you are in the conversation that you're having with him," teases showrunner Chris Hollier. "He knows a lot about our heroes' story and he knows a lot about home. He'll be able to answer questions for them. This season our heroes will get to learn why they ended up here on earth." We're sure, as always, the answers will be out of this world. Ruth Kinane

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Related content:

Hear more on all of today's must-see picks, plus Roswell, New Mexico star Jeanine Mason on the new season, in EW's What to Watch podcast, hosted by Gerrad Hall.

What ELSE to Watch

Check local listings

Mayor (doc)  PBS

9 p.m.

Below Deck Mediterranean  Bravo

The Republic of Sarah  The CW

Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes (back-to-back eps/season finale)  HBO

10 p.m.

The Celebrity Dating Game  ABC

The Beast Must Die  AMC

Streaming

The Heart Guy (season premiere)  Acorn TV

*times are ET and subject to change

We know TV has a lot to offer, be it network, cable, premium channels, or streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and others. So EW is here to help, guiding you every single day to the things that should be on your radar. Be sure to listen/subscribe to our What to Watch podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Player FM, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, or via your own voice-controlled smart-speaker (Alexa, Google Home).
Although reports of breakthrough COVID-19 cases occurring among fully vaccinated Americans are garnering much attention, as the country experiences a viral resurgence, new data illustrates just how rare these breakthrough infections are likely to be, and further shows that the vast majority of those becoming severely ill are the unvaccinated.

While anecdotal cases and clusters can conjure concern around the vaccine, when put in the larger context of how many people have been vaccinated and the sheer volume of cases in the unvaccinated population, we recognize that the vaccines are working and how rare breakthroughs actually are, said Dr. John Brownstein, the chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News contributor.

With more than 156 million Americans fully vaccinated, nationwide, approximately 153,000 symptomatic breakthrough cases are estimated to have occurred as of last week, representing approximately 0.098% of those fully vaccinated, according to an unpublished internal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document obtained by ABC News. These estimates reflect only the adult population and do not include asymptomatic breakthrough infections.

MORE: Statistics show the stark risks of not getting vaccinated against COVID-19

Substantial vaccination coverage amid increasing COVID-19 case rates are driving an increase in "expected" symptomatic breakthrough infections in recent weeks, the CDC wrote in the document.

PHOTO: A person receives a nasal test at a COVID-19 testing and vaccination site at Barnett Park in Orlando, Fla., July 21, 2021. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images via ZUMA wire via Newscom)

Experts stress that no vaccine can provide 100% protection, but they are still very effective at preventing severe illness and death.

The risk to fully vaccinated people is dramatically less than that to unvaccinated individuals. The occurrence of breakthrough cases is expected and, at this point, is not at a level that should raise any concerns about the performance of the currently available vaccines, Matthew Ferrari, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at Pennsylvania State University, told ABC News.

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Some vaccinated folks may still get infected, some may still transmit. And the more vaccinated people there are, the more breakthrough cases well see, he added.

MORE: Why breakthrough COVID-19 infections don't mean the vaccine isn't working

Coronavirus cases are now at their highest point since early May, according to CDC data, with the U.S. average nearly quadrupling since June to 47,000 new cases a day, largely driven by the highly infectious delta variant, which now accounts for more than 83% of new cases nationwide.

Virus-related hospitalizations have also increased, with more than 27,000 patients hospitalized around the country, though that number is still significantly lower than in January, when over 125,000 patients were receiving care at one time.

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According to the White House COVID-19 Task Force, severe breakthrough infections remain rare, and nearly all of these hospitalized patients -- 97% -- are unvaccinated.

Earlier this week, the popular summer destination of Provincetown, Massachusetts, was thrust into the spotlight after at least 430 COVID-19 infections were confirmed, many of them breakthroughs, following a busy July Fourth weekend.

Confirmed cases among Massachusetts residents, stemming from the Provincetown cluster, have been found to be predominantly symptomatic, with 69% of affected individuals reported to be fully vaccinated, according to local officials. Apart from three hospitalizations -- two in state and one out of state -- symptoms from cases associated with this cluster are known to be mild and without complication, Alex Morse, the town manager for Provincetown, said.

"The transmissibility of the delta variant raises the likelihood of sporadic 'super spreader' events among vaccinated people, especially when indoors and in close proximity without masks. These events raise the risk to those unvaccinated while the vast majority of the breakthrough cases will be mild or asymptomatic," Brownstein added.

MORE: Cape Cod COVID-19 cluster grows to more than 130 infected, prompting renewed mitigation efforts

Statewide in Massachusetts, state health officials report there have been at least 5,166 breakthrough infections as of July 17. More than 4,800 of these infections resulted in no hospitalization or death. A total of 80 of these breakthrough cases resulted in death, representing 0.0015% of individuals fully vaccinated -- and 272 cases resulted in hospitalization, representing 0.006% of those fully vaccinated.

The hospitalizations and deaths that do occur among fully vaccinated individuals tend to occur among people who are older or those with serious underlying medical conditions for whom the vaccines may have reduced efficacy, experts said.

PHOTO: A nurse prepares to administer a dose of COVID-19 vaccine to a patient at a mobile vaccination event at the downtown Orlando campus of the University of Central Florida and Valencia College in Orlando, Fla., July 24, 2021. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images via ZUMA Wire via Newscom)

Ankoor Shah, principal senior deputy director at the Washington D.C. Department of Health, said during a Thursday press conference that the district had 200 fully vaccinated breakthrough cases of COVID-19, out of a total record nearly 376,000 fully vaccinated people, representing only point .05 percent, which just strengthens our confidence on how great these vaccines are.

And in New Jersey, the total number of breakthrough cases, so far, is 5,678 out of a total of 4.8 million people vaccinated by July 12, according to state data. Forty-nine fully vaccinated individuals have died as a result of COVID-19.

"It is important to point out that 49 deaths due to COVID-19 among 4.8 million fully vaccinated state residents is slightly greater than one in 100,000 fully vaccinated individuals. That means vaccines are about 99.999% effective in preventing deaths due to COVID-19," Dr. Ed Lifshitz of the New Jersey Department of Health said in a statement to ABC News.

Additionally, 27 of these individuals had pre-existing conditions, Lifshitz said, and many had more than one condition.

Of concern to some experts is the decline in daily COVID-19 tests, which makes it more difficult to track the spread of the virus. The nation is now recording just under 600,000 COVID-19 tests a day, which has ticked up slightly in recent weeks but is still much lower than at the country's peak in January, when U.S. was recording over 2 million tests a day. In addition, the CDC has, since May, ceased reporting asymptomatic or mild breakthrough cases.

According to Brownstein, the combination of the overall testing decline, the mild nondescript nature of breakthrough infections, and the general perception that vaccines are protective, means that any count of breakthrough infections is likely an underestimate.

MORE: How 3 counties reached the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in their states

Hence, he said, given the efficacy of the vaccines, we recognize that even more cases will be asymptomatic, so these data only show part of the story. While asymptomatic cases are not of clinical relevance, they do help understand important patterns of transmission in the community.

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Experts concur that even with lower case levels than this past winter, the pandemic is not yet over, and it is critical to track the disease in order to attempt to slow its spread.

In a recent editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association, experts urged the CDC to re-energize its testing services in light of the highly transmissible delta variant, because without vigorous testing, the nation cannot be sure whether declining cases are a function of decreased numbers of infections or reduced numbers of tests.

As long as the virus is circulating, with or without causing illness, it can change and mutate, including into new strains that may be even harder to control, Samuel V. Scarpino, managing director of pathogen surveillance at the Rockefeller Foundation, told ABC News.

To get ahead of the pandemic we need to track the virus more closely and collect high-quality information on how and where COVID-19 is changing," he said. "This high-quality, detailed information is crucial for COVID-19 and future pandemics."

Symptomatic breakthrough COVID-19 infections rare, CDC data estimates originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WASHINGTON  The United States will end its combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year, President Joe Biden confirmed Monday in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

"Were not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission," Biden said in the Oval Office.

Biden said U.S. troops would continue to train and assist Iraqi forces as they battle the Islamic State, also known as ISIS.

The United States has about 2,500 troops in Iraq after a series of drawdowns in recent years. Their assignments include counterterrorism operations and training Iraqi security forces.

America's military presence in Iraq became a flashpoint between the two allies after the Trump administration targeted Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a fatal drone strike in 2020.

There is no need for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil, al-Kadhimi told The Associated Press on Sunday. Al-Kadhimi did not provide a timeline for American troops to leave, but he said Iraqs security forces and army are capable of defending the country without U.S.-led coalition troops.

He emphasized that Iraq will still seek U.S. military assistance in training and intelligence gathering.

I'd like to thank the American people on behalf of all Iraqs people, he said during the Oval Office meeting with Biden. Today our nation is stronger than ever."

Iraqis inspect the site of an explosion in a market in the Shiite-majority Sadr City neighborhood, east of the capital Baghdad, on July 20. Iraqis mourned at least 36 people killed when a bomb ripped through the market in what Islamic State jihadists claimed was a suicide attack.

During a briefing at the White House Monday, press secretary Jen Psaki declined to say how many U.S. troops would remain in Iraq.

"The numbers will be driven by what is needed for the mission over time," Psaki said. "The real announcement today ... is about a change of mission."

Anthony Cordesman, a Middle East expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the drawdown of U.S. combat troops would ease the political pressure on al-Kadhimi from pro-Iranian militia forces and Iraqs internal tensions.

It reflects Bidens interest in putting a real end to the U.S. combat role in Iraq.

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But the problem you have  is this is not a stable popular government, Cordesman said. And when you talk about these shifts, they aren't exactly binding.

If the military situation in the region changes or theres a massive rebirth of terrorism in the coming months, U.S. troops could be rapidly deployed, he said.

The move was praised by the Quincy Institute, which promotes restraint in U.S. foreign policy.

Trita Parsi, the institutes executive vice president, called the announcement the next logical step after the militarys announced withdrawal from Afghanistan.

It puts Biden on the right path toward fulfilling his promise to leave the Middle East militarily, where the defense of vital U.S. interests does not warrant any permanent military bases in the region, he said in a statement. While the potential resurgence of a terrorist group such as ISIS may warrant further U.S. military action, permanent bases in Iraq are neither necessary nor helpful.

Delegates for the two countries said in April the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq has shifted to training and advisory roles, allowing for the redeployment of combat forces in the country. Statements from both sides said the timing of the redeployment would be determined in talks but stressed the need for cooperation on security.

Iraqi leaders faced intense domestic pressure to negotiate an exit by U.S. troops after President Donald Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Soleimani, who led an elite unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The strike also killed an Iraqi military official, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of an Iranian-backed militia.

Iraqi officials said the U.S. strike was a violation of their country's sovereignty.

'A reckoning is near': America has a vast overseas military empire. Does it still need it?

Halting 'forever wars': House votes to repeal 2002 war resolution that paved way for Iraq invasion

Other issues on the agenda for Bidens meeting with Kadhimi included economic, security and cultural matters.

Friday, the Biden administration announced it is providing nearly $155 million in additional humanitarian assistance to Iraq, as well as refugees in the region and the communities hosting them. The funding, from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, will be used to provide shelter, health care, emergency food assistance, protection and water and sanitation services throughout the country.

The United States has provided more than $200 million in humanitarian support to Iraq this fiscal year and more than $3 billion since 2014.

In many ways," Cordesman said, "the government needs economic and civil aid even more than it needs military aid."

Michael Collins and Maureen Groppe cover the White House. Follow Collins on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS and Groppe at @mgroppe.

Contributing: The Associated Press

A 'disturbing' surge: Troop suicides rise as Pentagon official points to US military stretched by China

Retaliatory strikes: US military airstrikes target militias backed by Iran in Syria, Iraq

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden meets with Iraqi prime minister amid troop redeployment talks
TONY KARUMBA/AFP via Getty Images

ABUJA, NigeriaWitnesses to the shocking public kidnapping of Nigerian and British national Nnamdi Kanuhead of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) grouptold The Daily Beast that the separatist leader was stepping out of his car at an airport when a group of heavily armed men forcefully seized him to arrange his transfer to Nigeria.

In June, Kanuwho faces multiple charges in Nigeria, including treasonhad driven into the underground parking lot at Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Kenyas capital city of Nairobi. He had barely exited his two-door Audi TT when seven gun-wielding men rushed him and dragged him to their waiting vehicle, according to an airport staffer who witnessed the incident.

Their aim was to capture him, the airport staff told The Daily Beast. They didnt ask him any questions. They just grabbed him.

The Real, Petty Reason This President Ordered a Nationwide Twitter Ban

As Kanu screamed for help, a number of people who were at the parking lot walked up to the scene and asked the armed men why they were taking the Nigerian, bystanders said. The men then allegedly responded by saying Kanu was a terrorist working for the Somalian jihadist group, al-Shabaab, after which they forced him into their vehicle and drove away.

They didnt all look Kenyan, and those that spoke didnt have Kenyan accents, an airport staffer, who didnt want their identity revealed as they are not authorized to speak on the matter, said. Im not entirely convinced they were from any of Kenyas security agencies.

Part of this account of the incident corroborates the description given by Kanus special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, on how his client was arrested. Ejimakor, who heard directly from Kanu on how he was seized in Nairobi, had told the BBC that his client was grabbed in a very physical and rough way at Jomo Kenyatta Airport by a group of well-armed men. According to Ejimakor, the men drove him to a private residence, where he was chained to the floor and tortured for eight days, before being blindfolded and flown to Nigerias capital of Abuja in a private jet on June 27, without having to pass through Kenyan passport control.

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The people that abducted him said that they were told by their sponsors that Kanu was a Nigerian terrorist linked to the Islamic terrorists in Kenya, presumably al-Shabaab, Ejimakor told Premium Times, a Nigerian newspaper. But after several days when they discovered his true identity, they tended to treat him less badly. Despite that, they told him they felt committed to hand him over to those that hired them.

The Nigerian government has refused to provide details on how Kanu was apprehended. When Attorney General Abubakar Malami first announced his arrest and detention on June 29, he said the separatist leader was intercepted through the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian intelligence and security services, while Information Minister Lai Mohammed told reporters days later that Kanus capture was made possible by the diligent efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, in collaboration with countries with which we have obligations.

The silence by the authorities in Nigeria as to how Kanuwhos also a British citizenwas arrested seems to give weight to speculation that the armed men who seized him in Nairobi were mercenaries hired by the Nigerian government, more so as the Kenyan government has denied it was involved in Kanus arrest and extradition. Britain has even had to wade in by asking the West African nation to explain how the IPOB leader arrived in detention.

If due process was followed in the arrest and extradition of Kanu, the Kenyan government would have been happy to announce it, a senior Nigerian military official told The Daily Beast privately. Theres something fishy about this.

Indeed, Kenya has never shied away from revealing details about deportations. The March 5 deportation of Isaac Sturgeonan American national who fled to Kenya after participating in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitolwas quickly confirmed by Kenyan authorities after the countrys immigration and police were informed he was in Nairobi. Sturgeon, who is accused of picking up a metal barricade at the Capitol and using it to shove back police officers who were guarding the building, was immediately arrested by the FBI on arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City the following day.

How These Mali Coup Plotters Staged a False Flag Pro-Russia March

As for Kanu, it just looks like this was a job done by mercenaries [hired by the Nigerian government], the military officer said. That explains why the government is refusing to provide details of his arrest and extradition.

In recent years, Kanu had become a thorn in the side of the government, using social media to advocate for Biafran independence and constantly taunting Buhari, who is from the predominantly Muslim northern region of Nigeria, whom he accuses of ethnic bias, especially towards the Igbo people who make up the southeast region.

In fact, it was in reaction to the agitations of pro-Biafran separatists that led Buhari to threaten to deal with people in the southeast in a social media post over a month ago, when he wrote that many of those [referring to IPOB supporters] misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.

The post, which Buhari shared on both his Facebook and Twitter accounts, was deleted by social media companies for violating their policies on abusive behavior. In reaction, the Nigerian government banned Twitter in the country over what Information Minister Lai Mohammed described as the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigerias corporate existence.

Mohammed later implied that Twitters lack of action against Kanus tweets contributed to the ban.

Kanu, who spent much of his adult life in the UK, was first arrested in Lagos in 2015 on an 11-count charge bordering on terrorism, managing an unlawful society, treason and illegal possession of firearms, among others. He was jailed for more than a year despite a number of court orders ruling for his release. The IPOB leader was eventually released on bail in 2017 but fled abroad, where he continued to advocate for the secession of Nigerias southeastern region. A prior secession attempt was made in 1967, under the name of the Republic of Biafra, triggering a three-year civil war in which nearly three million people died.

Officials Probe Foul Play After Crash of Military Plane Close to Finding Abducted Nigerian Schoolboys

Biafra, which represented the nationalist aspirations of the Igbo ethnic group, was reunited with Nigeria after the war ended in 1970, but widespread outrage by the Igbos, who felt they were being marginalised by successive Nigerian governments, led to the creation of IPOB in 2014 with the sole aim of restoring the Republic of Biafra.

But while the government is bent on ensuring that Kanu, whos spearheading the campaign for Biafran independence, is tried in court and convicted, his attorney believes he is a victim of an abduction and has no case to answer.

Kanus trial is supposed to be opposed, Ejimakor tweeted. If any trial occurs, its those that renditioned him that will be on trial.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A painting by French Realist Gustave Courbet, the Bathers in the Forest (1862), has returned to Hungary after 75 years and is set to be put on display in the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest in November, the museum told MTI.

The 41x33cm canvas was purchased by a private Hungarian collector at Sothebys in May and has been taken to the Budapest museum for an inspection by experts.



The painting was originally bought by the Hungarian art collector Baron Ferenc Hatvany (1881-1958) in Paris in 1908.



At the end of WW2, Hatvanys collection of several hundred works of art, including the Courbet painting, was deposited in a bank vault that was looted by the Soviet Army in 1945.



The painting resurfaced at auction in May, after a restitution agreement was reached between the heirs of Hatvany and the paintings owner at the time, the museum said.



The hammer price for Bathers in the Forest was 320,000 dollars, the Budapest museum said.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declined to answer a question about whether he will require state employees to be vaccinated. Speaking at a news conference at Yankee Stadium, Cuomo urged localities to consider vaccinating public-facing government workers.

The Sept. 13 deadline in New York City coincides with the start of public school, when the Democratic mayor has said he expects all pupils to be in classrooms full time. City health care workers and employees in congregate setting such as group homes will face earlier deadlines.

The move comes as the city battles a rise in COVID-19 cases fueled by the highly contagious delta variant. Since the end of June, the daily average of new cases has increased by more than 300%.

Last week, the city had announced it was mandating vaccinations or weekly testing for workers in the city's hospital system.

De Blasio expanded the requirement Monday and urged private employers to adopt similar rules.

My message to the private sector is: Go as far as you can go right now," the mayor said. I would strongly urge a vaccination mandate whenever possible, or as close to it as possible.

City workers' unions offered mixed responses to the new mandate.
Kanpur: In relation to the pornography racket case, Mumbai Crime Branch on Sunday had directed to seize two State Bank accounts of businessman and actor Shilpa Shetty`s husband Raj Kundra at Kanpur, said State Bank Of India officials.

As many crores of Rupees had been deposited in these two bank accounts, added the SBI officials. After the bank accounts were seized on Sunday, there was another matter related to Kundra that came to light. Arvind Srivastava ran the production company of Raj Kundra and the money was being transferred to Arvind Srivastava`s wife Harshita, informed the sources.

While talking to ANI, Arvind's father NP Srivastava who lives in the Shyam Nagar region said, "In the last two years, Arvind has not come home and he sends money from time to time in the name of household expenses "In February 2021, Mumbai Crime Branch issues a lookout notice for Arvind, said NP Srivastava. However, Arvind`s father said that he does not know anything about Arvind`s work or money being transferred to Harshita`s bank account.A day after four employees of Raj Kundra turned into witnesses against him in the Pornography Racket case.

Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai Police late on July 19 along with 11 other people on charges related to the alleged creation of pornographic films and will remain in the custody of the Mumbai Crime Branch till July 27.

The property cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch on Sunday summoned Television actor and model Gehana Vasisth and two other people for questioning in connection with a pornography case. Meanwhile, investigating the porn film case, Mumbai Police Crime Branch has found a hidden cupboard in Kundra`s Viaan and JL Stream office in Mumbai`s Andheri during searches.

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As per sources, Kundra will soon face money laundering and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) cases against him as Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to register cases under these Acts against him.

Currently, the case involves the alleged creation of pornographic films and publishing them through some apps.

Kundra has been named as the key conspirator by the Mumbai Police which has slapped charges against him under Sections 420 (cheating), 34 (common intention), 292 and 293 (related to obscene and indecent advertisements and displays) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) besides relevant sections of the IT Act and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.

(With inputs from ANI)
Gold prices in Delhi surged by Rs 169 to reach Rs 46,753 per 10 gram with recovery in international precious metal prices and rupee depreciation.

In the previous trade, the precious metal had closed at Rs 46,584 per 10 grams.

Silver also rallied Rs 396 to Rs 66,080 per kilogram from Rs 65,684 per kilogram in the previous trade.

The Indian rupee depreciated 4 paise to 74.44 against the US dollar in opening trade on Monday.

In the international market, gold was trading with gains at $1,808 per ounce and silver was flat at $25.32 per ounce.

The US dollar slipped 0.2% against a basket of currencies, while benchmark 10-year Treasury yields pulled back, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold.

"Gold prices got support from soft dollar index and fall in US treasury yields," according to HDFC Securities, Senior Analyst (Commodities), Tapan Patel.

Navneet Damani, VP Commodities Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, "Gold prices edged higher, amidst fall in US yields and concerns over rising Delta variant cases, with investors turning their attention to the Federal Open Market Committee's meeting this week."

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#mute
NEW DELHI: Delhi Zoo authorities have informed that the National Zoological Park will reopen for the public from August 1 in two shifts - 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm  in the wake of declining COVID-19 cases in the national capital.

Delhi Zoo Director Ramesh Pandey said that entry to visitors will be granted strictly through online booking. The visitors will have to strictly abide by the Centres COVID-19 safety protocols, he added.

All COVID-19 protocols will be observed. Online booking will be opened from July 31, the Delhi Zoo Director said.

Delhi Zoo to reopen from 1st August with COVID-19 safety protocols. Tickets can be booked online from 31st July: Delhi Zoo Director, Ramesh Pandey.@CZA_Delhi pic.twitter.com/nAwssyU2DU  Prasar Bharati News Services .... (@PBNS_India) July 26, 2021

The zoo administration has also introduced cycles for staff and asked them not to use bikes or cars inside the premises.

Pandey also said the zoo recorded only 124 animal deaths, the lowest in the last three years, while it remained closed for the public in 2020-21.

There are 94 species and 1,162 animals in the zoo at present, he said. "We are moving towards having 100 species soon," he said.

After a year under lockdown since the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Zoological Park was earlier opened on April 1 this year.

More than 1,600 visitors had arrived at the Delhi Zoo on the very first day. However, the National Zoological Park was again closed in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in mid-April and May.

The Delhi zoo was shut for visitors on March 18 last year, a week before the nationwide lockdown that lasted 68 days was imposed. Although most services gradually resumed in the last few months, plans to get visitors back to the zoo were hit by cases of avian flu earlier this year.

The first case of bird flu was reported from the zoo on January 15, when a sample from a brown fish owl that was found dead in its enclosure tested positive. Seven more samples collected from the zoo premises also tested positive over the next few weeks.

The Delhi zoo is one of the Capitals most popular tourist spaces, receiving 15,000-20,000 visitors on weekdays before the pandemic.

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New Delhi: Even as the situation remains precarious in Afghanistan with the Taliban making territorial gains, India has backed constitutional continuity in Kabul in case of any power-sharing pact. Power-sharing is one of the key points of discussion that are going on the resolve the ongoing deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.

"What we have been saying is that there is a system in place for last more than 20 years, there is a constitution in place, a system in place. If we replace the existing system and place a new system, the Afghan society may get impact", officials said.

Representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban have been holding talks in Doha, also known as intra-Afghan talks. The intra-Afghan talks in Doha have seen little progress as it looks like the Taliban is using a delay as a tactic and trying to buy time. The Afghan government side has been calling for an early ceasefire, while the Taliban is keen on the release of around 7000 of its prisoners.

India's backing of constitutional continuity in Kabul comes even as it has been a strong supporter of the Afghan government, which it has made clear multiple times. The current Afghan constitution was adopted in January 2004 and provides for an elected President and National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate as the Taliban aims to capture more territory, especially in rural areas. An uptick was seen as US forces began withdrawing from the country. According to U.S. Central Command, it has completed more than 95% of the entire withdrawal process.

So far increased violence is seen in provinces like Kandahar and in a new development, the group has focused on north Afghanistan to reduce any resistance. Remember the Nothern alliance led by legendary Ahmad Shah Massoud in the 1990s led to a massive push back for the Taliban. Many border posts, like Islam Qala with Iran, Spin boldak with Pakistan have fallen in the hands of the Taliban. The group claims to control 85% of the country's territory, but on the ground, it is estimated that it has control over 45 to 50%.

The next 2-3 months will be crucial for the country as a lot of contestation is expected to happen. As of July, out of 426 districts of the country, 212 districts are under Taliban control, 111 districts are under government control and the rest of the areas are seeing violence.
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly spoke to the Chief Ministers of Assam and Mizoram asking them to resolve the recently flared border dispute between the two states.

Both the Chief Ministers  Assams Himanta Biswa Sarma and Mizorams Zoramthanga  have agreed to resolve the issue and maintain peace and the police forces of both sides have returned from the disputed site, ANI said quoting sources.

This comes after the two chief ministers engaged in a face-off on Twitter as they complained to Shah, who had held a meeting on the border disputes between the northeastern states at Shillong on Saturday.

Tension flared along the Mizoram-Assam border after eight farmers' huts were set ablaze by unidentified miscreants, a senior police officer said on Monday.

The situation along the Mizoram-Assam border has been on the boil since June-end when Assam Police allegedly took control over an area known as 'Aitlang hnar' about 5 km from Vairengte, accusing the neighbouring state of encroaching on its territory.

On Monday, CM Zoramthanga shared a clip of a scuffle between security forces and the Assam police. He tagged the union home minister to look into the matter.

An hour later he posted another video. Innoncent couple on their way back to Mizoram via Cachar manhandled and ransacked by thugs and goons. How are you going to justify these violent acts? wrote Zoramthanga.

To this, the Assam CM replied, Kolasib ( Mizoram) SP is asking us to withdraw from our post until then their civilians won't listen nor stop violence. How can we run government in such circumstances? Hope you will intervene at earliest @AmitShah @PMOIndia.

Dear Himantaji, after cordial meeting of CMs by (Amit Shah), surprisingly 2 companies of Assam Police with civilians lathi-charged & tear-gassed civilians at Vairengte Auto Rickshaw stand inside Mizoram today. They even overrun CRPF personnel /Mizoram Police, Zoramthanga replied.

Dear Himantaji, after cordial meeting of CMs by Honble Shri @amitshah ji, surprisingly 2 companies of Assam Police with civilians lathicharged & tear gassed civilians at Vairengte Auto Rickshaw stand inside Mizoram today. They even overrun CRPF personnel /Mizoram Police. https://t.co/SrAdH7f7rv  Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) July 26, 2021

Following this exchange of barbs, Sarma tweeted that he had spoken to the Mizoram CM and reiterated that Assam will maintain status quo and peace between the borders of our state.

In response, Zoramthanga tweeted, As discussed I kindly urge that Assam Police be instructed to withdraw from Vairengte for the safety of civilians.

Mizoram shares a 164.6-km-long inter-state border with Assam.

Also Read: Assam has rejected terrorism and is moving towards development, says Amit Shah

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Guwahati: At least six Assam police personnel were killed and 50 others, including an SP, injured in clashes on Monday in a sudden escalation of the border dispute between Assam and Mizoram that also saw the two chief ministers engaging in a public spat, blaming each other's police for the violence and seeking the Centre's intervention. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the chief ministers of Assam and Mizoram, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Zoramthanga respectively, and urged them to ensure peace along the disputed border and find an amicable settlement.

Assam's Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi share a 164 km long border with Mizoram's three districts of Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit. Following a territorial dispute, there were clashes along the inter-state border in August 2020 and February this year. The Assam chief minister announced on Twitter that six personnel of the Assam Police were killed in firing along the inter-state border in the Cachar district. "I am deeply pained to inform that six brave jawans of @assampolice have sacrificed their lives while defending the constitutional boundary of our state at the Assam-Mizoram border. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," Sarma tweeted.

However, Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana, in a statement, said Mizoram Police responded "spontaneously by firing back" at Assam Police after its 200 personnel forcibly crossed a duty post manned by the CRPF personnel and indulged in arson, assault on unarmed persons and firing. Mizoram Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range), Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, also alleged that Assam Police opened fire and hurled grenades at Mizoram forces and unarmed civilians near Vairengte village in Kolasib district in the afternoon. "We had no other choice but to retaliate in self defence," he said.

A senior Assam Police officer, who is still inside the forest amid continuous firing from across the state border, told PTI that at least 50 personnel, including Cachar Superintendent of Police Nimbalkar Vaibhav Chandrakant, were injured in firing and stone-pelting. The senior police officer said miscreants from across the state border suddenly started firing when civil officials of both sides were holding a dialogue to sort out the differences. "I immediately cannot say how many people have been injured, but my guess is at least 50 personnel. Our SP was also injured in the firing and a bullet hit his leg," the officer said over the phone.

The IPS officer spoke to PTI while he was hiding inside a forest and firing could be heard in the background. Later in the evening, Shah spoke to the chief ministers of Assam and Mizoram and asked them to ensure peaceful resolution of the dispute, sources said. During his separate telephonic conversations with Assam CM Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga, Shah asked them to maintain peace along the inter-state border where tension prevails, the sources said. The home minister asked the chief ministers to resolve the border issue mutually.

Both chief ministers have assured the home minister that the needful will be done to ensure peace and resolve the border issue amicably. Soon after, Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana said in his statement that following the intervention of Shah, the Assam Police have withdrawn from the place and the duty post have been handed back to CRPF personnel. Earlier, Zoramthanga accused the Assam Police of resorting to lathi-charge and lobbing tear gas shells while Assam Police claimed that a large number of "miscreants" from Mizoram were indulging in stone pelting and had attacked the Assam government officials.

Mizoram Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Northern Range), Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, told PTI that at least eight unoccupied farm huts near Aitlang stream in the trouble-torn area were torched around 11.30 pm on Sunday. He said these belonged to farmers from Vairengte, the nearest border village from Assam. Locals on the Assam side alleged that miscreants armed with sticks, rods and even rifles, attacked personnel of the Assam Police at Lailapur and damaged several vehicles, including those belonging to the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

Zoramthanga posted a video in his Twitter handle of a stand-off between Assam police personnel and a group of stick-wielding youths. "Shri @AmitShah ji kindly look into the matter. This needs to be stopped right now. #MizoramAssamBorderTension," he said, tagging the Prime Minister's office and Union Home Minister's office, Sarma and officials of Assam's Cachar district. Zoramthanga also alleged in another tweet that "an innocent couple" on their way back to Mizoram via Cachar was "manhandled" by "thugs and goons". "How are you going to justify these violent acts?" he asked.

The Assam Police countered the Mizoram chief minister's allegations by saying that people from Mizoram attacked its personnel and indulged in stone-pelting on them. "It's unfortunate that a large number of miscreants from Mizoram are indulging in stone pelting and such forms of attack at Assam Government Officials, stationed at Lailapur to protect Assam's land from encroachment," it tweeted.

The Assam Police also said, "We strongly condemn these acts of vandalism and reiterate our resolve to protect Assam's boundary." The Assam chief minister tweeted: "Honble @ZoramthangaCM ji , Kolasib ( Mizoram) SP is asking us to withdraw from our post until then their civilians won't listen nor stop violence. "How can we run government in such circumstances? Hope you will intervene at earliest @AmitShah @PMOIndia," he tweeted along with a video of the situation.

Later, Sarma said he has spoken to his Mizoram counterpart and reiterated that Assam Police will maintain the status quo and peace along the border. "I have just spoken to Hon'ble Chief Minister @ZoramthangaCM ji. I have reiterated that Assam will maintain status quo and peace between the borders of our state. I have expressed my willingness to visit Aizawl and discuss these issues if need be @AmitShah @PMOIndia," he said.

However, Zoramthanga again tweeted: "Dear Himantaji, after cordial meeting of CMs by Hon'ble Shri @amitshah ji, surprisingly 2 companies of Assam Police with civilians lathi-charged & tear-gassed civilians at Vairengte Auto Rickshaw stand inside Mizoram today. They even overrun CRPF personnel /Mizoram Police," he claimed.

The Mizoram chief minister also urged Sarma to instruct the Assam Police to withdraw from Vairengte for the safety of civilians. The BJP is currently in power in Assam, while the Mizo National Front (MNF), a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), is ruling in Mizoram.

Both the chief ministers had attended a meeting of all chief ministers of Northeastern states, chaired by the union home minister, in Shillong on Saturday. In his statement, the Mizoram home minister said around 200 personnel of the Assam Police led by an IGP and accompanied by the DC, SP and DFO Cachar came to Vairengte auto-rickshaw stand at around 11.30 AM on Monday and allegedly forcibly crossed the duty post manned by the CRPF personnel stationed there and over-ran a duty post manned by one section of Mizoram Police personnel.

The Assam Police also damaged several vehicles that were travelling along the National Highway between Vairengte and Lailapur, he claimed. Upon learning of "the arson committed" by the Assam Police, residents of Vairengte town proceeded to the site to inquire and these unarmed civilians were assaulted by the Assam Police by lathi charging them and firing tear gas, thereby causing injuries to several civilians, the Mizoram home minister said.

He said the Superintendent of Kolasib and an Executive Magistrate went to meet them and try to resolve the issue. However, "the Assam side was adamant and unwilling to discuss the issue," he alleged. Lalchamliana said the confrontation continued and a volley of tear gas canisters and grenades were launched at Mizoram Police followed by firing from the Assam side at around 4.50 PM.

The Mizoram Police responded spontaneously by firing back at Assam Police in spite of the fact that the SP was still inside CRPF duty camp negotiating with the Assam Police authorities, he said. Mizoram was part of Assam until 1972, when it was carved out as a Union Territory.

Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on 20 February 1987 following the Mizoram accord between the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Centre, which ended 20 years of insurgency in the state. The border dispute between the two neighbouring states is a long-standing issue. Several dialogues involving the Centre held since 1995 to resolve the dispute yielded little result.

While the Mizoram government claimed that a 509-square-mile stretch of the inner-line reserve forest notified in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 belongs to it, the Assam side agreed with the constitutional map and boundary drawn by the Survey of India in 1993.

After a massive tussle in 2018, the border row resurfaced in August last year and then in February this year.

However, the escalating tensions were successfully defused after a series of parleys with the intervention of the Centre.

On June 5, two abandoned houses along the Mizoram-Assam border were burnt down by unidentified persons, fuelling tension along the volatile inter-state border.

Nearly a month after this incident, a fresh border standoff cropped up last week with both trading charges of encroachment on each other lands.

While Mizoram accused Assam of encroaching upon its land and forcibly seized Aitlang area about five kilometre west of Vaireng.
BENGALURU: Putting all speculations to rest, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa announced his resignation on Monday. The Karnataka BJP veteran made this announcement in an emotional speech.

Yediyurappa announced his resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister on the day his government completed two years in office.

The Lingayat strongman also thanked the BJP central leadership and said he would meet the state's governor shortly. "I have decided to resign. I will meet the Governor after lunch,'' Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa said at an event to mark the completion of two years of his government.

I have decided to resign. I will meet the Governor after lunch: Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa at a programme to mark the celebration of 2 years of his govt pic.twitter.com/sOn0lXAfeD  ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2021

Speaking at an event, Yediyurappa broke down and said, "Every moment of my political life was an agnipariksha."

I have a debt to pay back to the people of Karnataka. I ask officers and MLAs that people have lost trust in all of us. We should work harder and in a clean honest way. Many officials are honest. All should become that. Bangalore is being developed into a world-class city, he said.

The veteran Karnataka BJP leader asserted that he is highly indebted to PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah and he lacks words to express his gratitude towards them for giving him an opportunity to serve the people of the state.

"I was born in Bhukanakere in Mandya and started his political career in Shivamogga. It was the people of Shikaripura who blessed me seven times and sent me to the Vidhana Soudha. With your permission, I have decided that after lunch I will meet the Governor and tender my resignation.... I am not sad but I am content," said an emotionally charged Yediyurappa.

There is an unwritten rule in the BJP of keeping out those above 75 years from elected offices. The Chief Minister also said that he will work to strengthen the party and bring it back to power, as per the expectations of the central leaders.

Yediyurappa was speaking at an event organised to mark his government's two years in office at Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature and secretariat here.

During the speech, Yediyurappa termed his tenure for two years as "trial by fire", recalling that he had to run the administration without a cabinet in the initial days, followed by devastating floods and coronavirus among other issues.

Yediyurappa later went to the Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation, which was accepted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.
New Delhi: The death toll in various rain-related incidents, including floods and landslides, in Maharashtra, rose to 149 on Sunday (July 25, 2021). This has also led to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announcing that due to the recurrence of these disasters, a separate NDRF-style mechanism will be set up in all the affected districts.

Thackeray during his visit to flood-affected Chiplun also said that a financial review of the flood damage in the state will be carried out in a couple of days.

"Considering the repeated occurrence of these disasters, a system on the lines of the NDRF will be created in all the affected districts. The SDRF will be further strengthened," the CMO Maharashtra said after Thackeray's visit.

"We will also put a flood control system in place to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future," the CMO Maharashtra added.

The CMO Maharashtra informed that Thackeray has also said that haphazard announcements won't be made about the compensation for the sake of popularity and that they will take a thorough review of the flood situation in the whole state and then make announcements.

"We will also review the aid that needs to be sought from the Central Government," the Maharashtra CM said.

Haphazard announcements won't be made about the compensation for the sake of popularity. We will take a thorough review of the flood situation in the whole state and then make announcements. We will also review the aid that needs to be sought from the Central Government.  CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) July 25, 2021

Thackeray stated that he has already given instructions to the administration to ensure that technical issues do not hold up compensation.

"Directions have been given to the district collectors to provide food, medicines, clothing immediately, and other essentials to those affected," he added.

Considering the repeated occurrence of these disasters, a system on the lines of the NDRF will be created in all the affected districts. The SDRF will be further strengthened.  CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) July 25, 2021

Heavy rains earlier this week had triggered landslides in some areas of Maharashtra including the deadliest one at Taliye village in the Raigad district.

On Sunday, 36 more bodies were found in Satara and Raigad districts, while 64 people are still missing. So far, 50 people have been injured in these incidents. A total of 2,29,074 people have been evacuated from the affected districts in the Konkan region and western Maharashtra to safer places.

The state government said that 60 deaths were so far reported in Raigad, 21 in Ratnagiri, 41 in Satara, 12 in Thane, seven in Kolhapur, four in suburban Mumbai, and two each in Sindhudurg and Pune.

A total of 875 villages in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Pune were affected by the torrential rains.

Uddhav Thackeray is due to visit Western Maharashtra on Monday to assess the damage in that region after the rains.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: The Delhi University has begun the mission DU Admission 2021 from July 26, 2021, onwards with the registration process for PG, PhD and M.Phil courses starting from Monday (July 26). Interested candidates can apply for the admission round of these courses by visiting the official site of Delhi University on du.ac.in.

In view of the problems that emerged last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has decided to retain the eligibility criteria as last year for the benefit of the students applying this year. The registration link for PG, Ph.D. and M.Phil will remain active till August 21, 2021.

For Post Graduate Programmes, the candidates will be required to fill one Registration Form but pay separate Registration Fees if opting for more than one programme. All candidates applying for M.Phil/Ph.D. Programmes will have to fill a common Registration Form, as per the official notice. The University has also decided that there will be no change in the registration fees for Merit-Based and Entrance Based admissions. To apply for the same, candidates can follow the steps given below.

DU Admissions 2021: Steps to register online

1. Visit the official site of Delhi University on du.ac.in.

2. Click on the DU PG admission link available on the home page.

3. Fill in the application form and make the payment of application fees.

4. Click on confirm and download the confirmation page.

5. Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.
New Delhi: Tensions on the Assam-Mizoram border became a matter of serious concern for the administration on Monday (July 26) after six Assam police personnel lost their lives and 50 others, including an SP, injured in deadly clashes that broke out in a sudden escalation of the border dispute between Assam and Mizoram. The dispute also saw the two Chief Ministers engaging in a public spat, blaming each other's police for the violence and seeking the Centre's intervention.

The deadly boundary dispute, which took place between the two northeastern states, dates back to colonial era, when Mizoram was known as Lushai Hills, a district of Assam. It was unfortunate to see the police of two states of the country battling out with each other. Chief Ministers of both Assam and Mizoram took to social media to trade charges while Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the two leaders to ensure peace along the disputed border and find an amicable settlement.

Assam's Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi share a 164 km long border with Mizoram's three districts of Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit. The dispute started near the Gutguti village close to the border after the Mizoram Police set up a few temporary camps. Following a territorial dispute, there were clashes along the inter-state border in August 2020 and February this year.

On Monday, eight farmers' huts were set ablaze by unidentified miscreants, police said. Mizoram Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Northern Range), Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, told PTI that at least eight unoccupied farm huts near Aitlang stream in the trouble-torn area were torched around 11.30 pm on Sunday. He said these belonged to farmers from Vairengte, the nearest border village from Assam. Following an argument, police of both the states open fire at each other in which 6 Assam Police personnel were killed and 50 others, including an SP injured.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Twitter that six personnel of the Assam Police were killed in firing along the inter-state border in the Cachar district. "I am deeply pained to inform that six brave jawans of @assampolice have sacrificed their lives while defending the constitutional boundary of our state at the Assam-Mizoram border. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," Sarma tweeted.

However, Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana, in a statement, said Mizoram Police responded 'spontaneously by firing back' at Assam Police after its 200 personnel forcibly crossed a duty post manned by the CRPF personnel and indulged in arson, assault on unarmed persons and firing.

A senior Assam Police officer, who is still inside the forest amid continuous firing from across the state border, told PTI that at least 50 personnel, including Cachar Superintendent of Police Nimbalkar Vaibhav Chandrakant, were injured in firing and stone-pelting.

The senior police officer said miscreants from across the state border suddenly started firing when civil officials of both sides were holding a dialogue to sort out the differences.

The border dispute between Assam and Mizoram is almost 146 years old. In the year 1875, the British had determined the boundary between Mizoram and Kachar in Assam. Mizoram was then named as Lushai Hills. Then, the northeast region comprised of only three states - Manipur, Tripura and Assam; whereas Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh were part of Assam, which was called as Greater Assam.

People of different tribes lived in this area, whose language, culture and identity remained entirely different from each other. On this basis, after independence, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh were carved out from Assam and became separate states. But the determination of the boundary between these states remained a matter of dispute even after independence. Mizoram wanted its border with Assam to be determined according to the 1875 agreement.

Mizoram claims that many of their Mizo-speaking districts ended up becoming part of Assam due to the post-independence boundary demarcation. In 2005 the Supreme Court had also asked the central government to form a Boundary Commission to settle the dispute, but so far no major action has taken place in this direction.

Overall, it has been almost 150 years to this border dispute but no concrete solution has been found so far. What needs to be mentioned here is that when we have not been able to resolve the border dispute between two states in these many years, how long and if we will ever be able to resolve the land boundary disputes with neighbouring countries.

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New Delhi: According to the statistics shared by the Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries given by the Bahadurgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 2006, more than 80% of China-made non-leather shoes were sold in the Indian markets. However, by the year 2020, the number was reduced to only 2%.

However, due to the farmers' movement that kickstarted on November 26, 2020, the production of the non-leather shoe industry of Bahadurgarh was adversely impacted, leading to the sales of the product to decrease to 10 per cent. Moreover, the transportation cost saw a massive hike of up to 4 times.

Finished goods, which earlier used to get transported to Delhi in 1-2 hours, has been arriving in Delhi in more than 8-9 hours now, due to roads being blocked by the protesting farmers.

In such a situation, the Bahadurgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries estimated that due to this reduced production caused first due to the COVID pandemic and then farmers protest, the Indian non-leather shoe market is most likely to go again into control of China.

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NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi government at the Centre is trying to push several new bills, including 3 to replace old ordinances, for passage in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, which began on a stormy note on July 19. At least 23 bills have been listed by the Centre to be tabled in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming session. Of these, six bills have already been introduced and 17 of them will be new.

So far, the Monsoon Session has witnessed uproarious scenes with the opposition trying to disrupt the house proceeding on several key issues including the Pegasus scandal, farmers protest, fuel price hike etc.

For the Narendra Modi-led government, which recently went through a big reshuffle, the passage of 17 new bills is very important, three of the bills seek to replace ordinances promulgated recently.

The ongoing session will run for 19 business. Once a session starts, an ordinance has to be passed as a bill within 42 days or six weeks, else it lapses.

17 NEW BILLS

The ongoing Monsoon Session will run for 19 business days. The government has listed 17 new bills for introduction during the session. Three of the bills seek to replace ordinances promulgated recently. One of the ordinances issued on June 30, prohibits any agitation and strike by anyone engaged in the essential defence services.

The Essential Defence Services Ordinance 2021 came in the backdrop of the announcement by major federations of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to go on an indefinite strike from the later part of July to protest the government's decision to corporatise the OFB. The Essential Defence Service Bill, 2021 has been listed to replace the ordinance, according to a Lok Sabha bulletin issued on July 12.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021 is another measure that seeks to replace an ordinance.

According to the government, the ordinance was brought to provide a permanent solution and establish a self-regulated, democratically monitored mechanism for tackling air pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas, rather than limited ad-hoc measures.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021 seeks to replace an ordinance promulgated to provide speedier, cost-effective, semi-formal and less disruptive framework for insolvency resolution of corporate debtors in distress.

The Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Bill, 2021 aims at amending the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, to decriminalise 12 compoundable offences, which deal with procedural and technical violations.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2021 - This bill aims at amending the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013. As announced in the Union Budget, 2021, the government will separate the National Pension System Trust (NPS) from PFRDA for ensuing universal pension coverage.

The Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Amendment Bill, 2021 aims at amending the law related to the acquisition of land containing coal deposits. It seeks to allow leasing of coal and mining rights to other companies, including ones in the private sector. Through this bill, the government aims to amend the law related to the land acquisition that contains coal deposits.

The government has also listed the Indian Antarctica Bill, 2021 for the introduction in this session. The proposed bill seeks to provide a harmonious policy and regulatory framework for Indias activities in Antarctica and to provide national measures for protecting Antarcticas environment and dependent and associated ecosystem as per the Antarctic Treaty, according to the details available in the Lok Sabha bulletin.

The Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Amendment) Bill, 2021: This seeks to make the system of laying of pipelines for transportation of Petroleum and Minerals, robust.

The government has also listed the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 for introduction in the session. The proposed amendments entail de-licensing of the distribution business and bringing in competition.

The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021 listed for introduction seeks to prevent and combat trafficking of persons, especially women and children. It is aimed at providing care, protection, assistance and rehabilitation to the victims, while respecting their rights, and creating a supportive legal, economic and social environment for them, and also ensuring prosecution of offenders.

Other bills considered for tabling are the Indian Marine Fisheries Bill, 2021 and the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, the Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2021 etc.

According to the financial business listed in the bulletin, there would be a presentation, discussion and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2021-22. There would also be a presentation, discussion and voting on Excess Demands for Grants for the year 2017-18.

Six other bills are pending in various stages before the two Houses and parliamentary panels.

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New Delhi: India recorded 39,361 new COVID-19 cases and 416 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Monday (July 26, 2021). India's total coronavirus caseload has now increased to 3,14,11,262, of which, 4,20,967 have succumbed to the virus, while 4,11,189 are active cases. A decline of 381 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

A total of 3,05,79,106 people have recovered from the COVID-19 infections in the country. At least 35,968 people recovered from the infection on Monday, taking the national recovery rate to 97.35 percent.

India reports 39,361 new COVID cases, 35,968 recoveries, and 416 deaths in the last 24 hours Active cases: 4,11,189

Total recoveries: 3,05,79,106

Death toll: 4,20,967 Total vaccination: 43,51,96,001 pic.twitter.com/6nFjR1kNqc  ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2021

An increase of 2,977 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. "More than 45.37 crore (45,37,70,580) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far, through all sources and a further 59,39,010 doses are in the pipeline," said Union Health Ministry in a release.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 recovery rate in Uttar Pradesh has climbed up to a remarkable 99 percent, with one more district crushing the resurgence of the virus.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of 2 crore on May 4 and 3 crore on June 23.

(With agency inputs)

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NEW DELHI: Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year to commemorate the supreme sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan. 22 years ago on this day, the bravehearts of the Indian Army, aided by the Indian Air Force, had given a crushing defeat to Pakistan in Kargil.

The Kargil War is also an unforgettable saga of the Indian Army's indomitable bravery and exemplary courage and its expertise in high-altitude warfare against Pakistan under 'Operation Vijay' which was achieved with the help of the Indian Air Force's mission 'Operation Safed Sagar'.

The 60-day-long Kargil War, from May 3 to July 26, 1999, took place after Pakistani troops were detected on top of the Kargil ridges. Pakistan had started planning the attack in 1998 itself. It is also believed that the proposal for such an attack was given by previous Pakistan Army chiefs to Pakistani leaders but the proposals had then been shelved fearing an all-out war. Even the then Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif claimed that he had no knowledge of such an attack till he got a call from his Indian counterpart Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Why Kargil War took place in 1999?

In 1999, the infiltration of the Pakistani Armed Forces into the Indian territory was codenamed "Operation Badr" with an aim to cut off links between Kashmir and Ladakh forcing India to negotiate a settlement of the Kashmir dispute. Initially, Pakistan pinned the blame of the attack on Kashmiri insurgents but the documentary evidence from the casualties proved Pakistan Army's direct involvement in the attack.

The armed conflict between India and Pakistan in Kargil and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LoC) took place just months after the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif signed the Lahore Declaration in February 1999. The February conference was aimed at deescalating the tensions that had existed since May 1998 over the Kashmir issue, but the issue further flared up after the Kargil War.

Three Phases of 1999 Kargil War

The three phases of the Kargil War included infiltration by Pakistan so as to occupy strategic locations to bring NH1 within its control. In the second phase, India was seen identifying the infiltration and responding to it while the third phase saw major battles between Indian and Pakistani forces.

Due to the inhospitable conditions in the area, which has mountains up to 18,000 feet high with harsh wind and -60 degrees Celsius temperatures in winter, it was part of a "gentleman's agreement" that the armies of India and Pakistan will not occupy posts from 15 September to 15 April each year. But Pakistan breached the trust to gain an upper hand in the Kashmir conflict.

Pakistan infiltrated into the Mushkoh Valley, the Marpo La ridgeline in Dras, in Kaksar near Kargil, in Batalik sector, in Chorbatla sector and in Siachen's Turtok sector over a period of several months. In early May, an Indian patrol team acted on a tip-off by a local shepherd in the Batalik sector, and led to the infiltration being exposed.

'Operation Safed Sagar' by IAF

Ascertaining the extent of the infiltration, India responded with Operation Vijay and mobilised 200,000 troops. Indian Air Force also launched Operation Safed Sagar joining the Army on May 26. With Army and IAF already in operation, the Indian Navy too strategically mounted pressure on the enemy through Operation Talwar, patrolling aggressively of the Pakistani coasts.

The National Highway 1 (NH1), which was the lifeline of India for logistics and supply, was under Pakistani watch from over 130 of their occupied observation posts. Along with being equipped with small arms and grenade launchers, the infiltrators were also armed with mortars, artillery and anti-aircraft guns. The main priority thus for India was to regain control of the hills overlooking NH 1. Over the next two months, India regained control of these hills overlooking NH 1 before it turned to push the intruders back across the LoC.

Pakistan seeks US help

Not anticipating such a fierce retaliation from India, Pakistan moved to America to seek help in de-escalating the border tensions. The then US President Bill Clinton, however, refused to intervene until Pakistan withdrew its forces from the Indian side of the LoC. Pakistan also had to bow down to international pressure along with the sustained retaliation from Indian forces and move back to its territory.

Kargil Victory

Army in close coordination with the Indian Air Force launched its final attacks in the last week of July clearing all of the Pakistani forces from the area. The fighting ended on 26 July which has since been celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Sunday urged the countrymen to salute the brave hearts of Kargil on July 26, when the nation will mark Kargil Vijay Diwas. Hailing the Indian armed forces, the Prime Minister said that the Kargil war is a symbol of valour and discipline of our security forces which the entire world has witnessed. He said that India will celebrate this day as `Amrut Mahotsav`.

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New Delhi: Remembering the sacrifices and valour of heroes of the Kargil war, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (July 26) paid tribute to the martyrs of Vijay Diwas.

"We remember their sacrifices. We remember their valour. Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

We remember their sacrifices. We remember their valour. Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day. Also sharing an excerpt from last years Mann Ki Baat. pic.twitter.com/jC42es8OLz  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2021

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also paid tributes to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War, recalling their valour and sacrifice.

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I join the nation in remembering our armed forces' saga of valour & gallantry. I salute the heroes of the Kargil War & Operation Vijay & pay my respectful homage to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice. #KargilVijayDiwas," he said in a tweet.

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I join the nation in remembering our armed forces' saga of valour & gallantry. I salute the heroes of the Kargil War & Operation Vijay & pay my respectful homage to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice. #KargilVijayDiwas  Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) July 26, 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the countrymen to salute the brave hearts of Kargil on July 26, when the nation will mark Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Hailing the Indian armed forces, the Prime Minister said that the Kargil war is a symbol of valour and discipline of our security forces which the entire world has witnessed. He said that India will celebrate this day as `Amrut Mahotsav`.

"Monday is Kargil Vijay Diwas. Kargil war is a symbol of valour and discipline of our armed forces which the entire world has witnessed. I would like you to read the thrilling story of Kargil on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Let us all salute the brave hearts of Kargil," said the Prime Minister on his 79th edition of the monthly radio programme `Mann ki Baat'.

"The day will be celebrated as Amrut Mahotsav. That`s why it becomes even more special," he added.

The Prime Minister also appealed to all citizens to take part in the events being held across the nation as part of the Amrut Mahotsav, which is being celebrated to mark the 75th Independence Day of India on August 15, 2022.

Amrut Mahotsav, which is being celebrated as a `people`s movement` by the Government of India, will be managed by a national implementation committee which will be headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The country will be celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the `Kargil Vijay Diwas`.The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as `Kargil Vijay Diwas` to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.

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New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Dras on Monday (July 26) on the 22nd anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas to pay homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces during the Kargil conflict of 1999 at the Kargil War Memorial.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat will also participate at the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Dras, news agency ANI reported.

President arrived here on Sunday for a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

According to the statement issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President on Tuesday will grace and address the 19th Annual Convocation of the University of Kashmir in Srinagar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the countrymen to salute the brave hearts who made the nation proud in 1999, a day ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Monday.

"It is only natural to be filled with emotions in respect for the one who raises the Tricolour for the country. This feeling of patriotism unites us all," PM Modi said while addressing Mann Ki Baat.

"Tomorrow, i.e. July 26 is also Kargil Vijay Diwas. The Kargil war is a symbol of the valour and discipline of our armed forces, which has been seen by the whole world. This time this glorious day will also be celebrated in the middle of `Amrit Mahotsav`. That`s why it becomes even more special. I would like you to read the thrilling story of Kargil and salute the heroes of Kargil," PM Modi added during his monthly radio programme.

On Sunday (July 25), a day ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas, CDS Rawat visited the Dras sector in Kargil district to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness of forces in the Union Territory.

"General Bipin Rawat, CDS visited Dras Sector along Line of Control and reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness. CDS also interacted with troops and complimented them for their high morale and exhorted them to remain resolute and steadfast. IndianArmy", tweeted Additional Directorate General of Public Information of Indian Army.

The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as `Kargil Vijay Diwas` to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.

The day marks the victory of Indian soldiers in recapturing the mountain heights that were occupied by the Pakistani Army on July 26, 1999, known as the Kargil War.

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MUMBAI: The death toll in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra rose to 192 on Monday (July 27) after the recovery of 28 more bodies, most of them in Raigad, the state government said, while Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar toured flood-hit villages in Sangli district and said a decision on providing financial relief will be taken in a couple of days.

As many as 48 persons were injured in these incidents and 25 still missing, while so far, 2,29,074 persons have been evacuated from the flood and rain-affected affected areas and moved to safer places, the government said in a statement in Mumbai. Giving the district-wise break up of fatalities in heavy rains and floods since last week, the official statement said Raigad has reported 95 deaths, Satara 45, Ratnagiri 21, Thane 12, Kolhapur 7, Sindhudurg, Akola, Pune and Wardha 2 each, and Mumbai 4 (total 192).

The administration of Raigad, the worst-hit district located in the coastal Konkan region, earlier on Monday called off the search operations for 31 missing people in Taliye village, which was ravaged by a massive landslide after heavy rains last week, Collector Nidhi Chaudhari said. The village, located in Mahad taluka of Raigad, witnessed the deadly landslide last Thursday after heavy rains, flattening several houses in the area. Collector said the decision to call of the search operations was taken after seeking opinion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the disaster response forces of the state and neighbouring Thane district.

"The rescue operations have ended officially. We have withdrawn our teams from Taliye. The 31 missing will be declared dead following the due process...Relatives of the missing people demanded closure of the operations since yesterday," the collector said earlier in the day.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray visited the village on Saturday and said as landslides proved fatal in many parts of the state, the government would come up with a plan to permanently relocate people living in hilly areas. A decision on providing relief to the people affected by floods will be taken in the next couple of days, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said after he toured various rain-hit villages in Sangli district and used a rescue boat to reach out to victims in some areas on Monday. He interacted with the flood-affected people and assured them of rehabilitation and help from the state government.

"The Maha Vikas Aghadi government will provide all possible help to those who have been affected by floods. I, cabinet ministers Jayant Patil, Vijay Wadettiwar, and minister of state Vishwajeet Kadam visited the flood-affected areas in the Sangli district and took stock of the situation.

"In the next two days, a final decision about (the relief) will be taken in the presence of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray," Pawar, who also holds the Finance portfolio, told a press conference. Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar and Minister of State Vishwajeet Kadam accompanied Pawar during his visit to the flood-battered Bhilwadi and other areas of the district.

They used a boat to reach out to people affected by the monsoon mayhem in Bhilwadi. Pawar later told reporters that 'unprecedented' rains triggered floods in districts in Western Maharashtra.

"When heavy rains started after July 22, there was enough storage capacity in dams in the Krishna river basin but heavy downpour in the pre-catchment areas of dams caused floods downstream," he said. Pawar described the pre-catchment area of the dam as the area ahead of the dam's wall. He added that since its construction, the Koyna dam never received such a huge influx of water.

"Around 16.5 TMC water was received in one day in the Koyna dam which has the storage capacity of 100 TMC. There is a place near Koyna called Navja, where 32-inch rainfall was witnessed," he said.

Pawar said the work to assess losses caused due to floods is still not completed. "Real picture about the damage caused to crops and farms will emerge after the water recedes. I have instructed the district administration to continue with the assessment of losses at new places," he added.

The state government on Sunday said it provided an emergency financial aid of Rs 2 crore each to Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. Satara, Sangli, Pune, Kolhapur, Thane and Sindhudurg, also affected by rains, were provided with a financial aid of Rs 50 lakh each. Chief Minister Thackeray on Sunday visited Chiplun, the site of severe flooding in Ratnagiri district in the Konkan region, and interacted with residents, businessmen and shopkeepers. He promised them all help from the state government. Heavy rains last week caused massive floods and landslides in large parts of Maharashtra, especially in the Konkan and Western Maharashtra regions.

On Monday, the chief minister was scheduled to visit flood-hit Patan taluka in Satara district, but had to cancel the tour due to rough weather, an official said. Thackeray was to take a helicopter from Pune to Koynanagar and conduct an aerial survey of the affected areas. He was also scheduled to meet the affected people at a shelter camp set up at a zilla parishad school in Koynanagar.



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Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (July 26) left for Delhi on a five-day visit, where she is slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several front-ranking opposition leaders. According to reports, Mamata was slated to meet PM Narendra Modi today (July 27) at 4 pm.

The Trinamool Congress supremo, who apparently seeks to take up a larger role in national politics prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha election, is visiting Delhi for the first time after leading her party to power in West Bengal for the third time in a row. The BJP's West Bengal unit alleged that Mamata wants to be away from the state for a few days as she is facing criticism over the fake COVID vaccination scandal, post-poll violence and other issues. Her efforts to unite opposition parties will not succeed, state BJP president Dilip Ghosh claimed.

After attending a special state cabinet meeting, CM Mamata left for the national capital. She did not talk to newspersons at the NSC Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Mamata told reporters earlier that the PM has given time to her for a meeting later this week while she would also like to call on President Ram Nath Kovind. She had, however, refused to disclose details of her proposed meeting with Modi. TMC sources said that during her visit from July 26-30, she may also go to Parliament where the monsoon session is in progress.

The BJP state president told reporters that Banerjee is currently facing criticism from various quarters over issues such as the dubious vaccination scandal, fake IAS-IPS officers and post-poll violence. "The state government is bankrupt and she doesn't know how to foot the bills. She wants to get some relief from all these pressures for some days. She also wants to meet the PM to seek financial help," Ghosh told reporters.

He claimed that any effort by Banerjee to stitch a unified front of opposition parties will not succeed. "In 2019, she had invited several opposition leaders to Kolkata but Modi came back to power with a thumping majority in the Lok Sabha polls," Ghosh said.

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Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa, who quit as Chief Minister, on Monday said that he stepped down on his own and nobody pressurised him to do so. In an emotional speech, Yediyurappa had earlier announced his decision to quit as the chief minister after the successful completion of two years of the BJP-led state government in the current term.

Ahead of the 2023 Karnataka Assembly polls, Yediyurappa assured that he shall work to bring the party back to power in the upcoming polls.

Speaking to reporters after submitting his resignation to Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at Raj Bhavan today, Yediyurappa said, "Nobody pressurised me to resign. I did it on my own so that someone else can take over as CM after the completion of two years of government. I`ll work to bring BJP back in power in the next election. I`ve not given the name of anyone who should succeed me."

The Lingayat strongman also assured that he and his supporters shall give their 100 pr cent to whoever will become the next Chief Minister.

"We will work under whoever has been selected as the new CM by the (BJP) high command. I will give my 100 per cent and my supporters will also give their 100 per cent. There is no need to make any inference of dissatisfaction," said Yediyurappa.

Stating that he decided to resign two days back, Yediyurappa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and the people of Karnataka.

"I am grateful to PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah & BJP chief JP Nadda for giving me the opportunity to serve Karnataka for two years. I also thank the people of Karnataka and my constituency. I decided to resign 2 days back. The Governor has accepted my resignation," said Yediyurappa.

Earlier, in the day, a teary-eyed Yediyurappa announced his decision of stepping down at a program to present the state government`s report card organised on the occasion of the completion of the BJP-led state government`s two years in the fourth term, at Vidhana Soudha today.

In his four terms, Yediyurappa has resigned for the fourth time as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. Speaking during the event, Yediyurappa said, "We have worked hard for BJP`s development, Vasantha Bangera and I have struggled for the party`s development."

"I`m satisfied with my work," he added. "From RSS pracharak to Vidhan Sabha elections, I have reached here. During an election, there was a brutal attack on me. Then and there I had made a promise to myself that the rest of my life will be for the development of the people and I have kept my promise. From Jana Sangh till now, I have raised my voice for farmers, Dalits," said Yediyurappa.

He also claimed that once the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had offered him central leadership, which he had declined. "When Atal Vajpayee called me for central ministership, I declined," said Yediyurappa.

He stated that only the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah can strengthen the nation. "Only if Modi and Amit Shah are in power, the nation will be powerful. I will pray that they win and make India`s place in the world."

"Due to unavoidable circumstances, JD-S and BJP had a coalition. After a year HD Devegowda and HD Kumaraswamy had sudden conditions so I again travelled across the state for party development. Probably for various reasons, we could not get the majority. After all, there is `Agni pariksha` everywhere. I have faith that the party shall win 120-130 seats in the upcoming state assembly polls, whether I remain in power or not," said Yediyurappa.

Yediyurappa also said that Karnataka was lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its efforts in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

To elect the new chief minister of Karnataka, the BJP will appoint central observers by Monday evening. It has emerged that BJP chief JP Nadda, Union Home minister Amit Shah and Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh met in Parliament house after Yediyurappa`s resignation and discussed the situation in Karnataka.

Sources said that some names have been shortlisted by the central leadership considering caste equation in the state. "Caste plays an important factor in Karnataka politics and selection of new chief minister will be considering social equations of the state," sources said.

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Srinagar: An unidentified terrorist was killed in an encounter that broke out between the security forces and the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district on Monday (July 26).

This was the 11th such encounter this month.

The encounter started between security forces and terrorists in Aharbal area of the Kulgam district after a joint searching team of CRPF and local police cordoned the suspected spot on the basis of an input of the presence of terrorists in the area.

A police officer said, As a joint searching team of forces cordoned the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon the searching party which was retaliated and an encounter started.

Encounter has started at Aharbal area of #Kulgam. Police and security forces are on the job, Kashmir zone police tweeted.

An hour later, they posted another tweet that read: Kulgam Encounter Update: 01 unidentified terrorist killed. Operation in progress.

Sources in the police said that there is an input that two to three terrorists could be trapped. However, the actual number can be said once the operation concludes, they added.

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New Delhi: The Afghanistan government has informed the Indian side that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba is shifting base inside the country. The development comes even as the Taliban makes territorial gains in the country and the fear is that ungoverned places may be used by international terror groups.

India has been in various private meetings with various regional capitals has been raising this issue, especially the use of these places by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. "The trend we have seen for last one year is that Pakistan has been trying to shift, all these international terror groups out north and south Waziristan into Afghanistan", officials said.



Earlier this month, publically slamming Pakistan, Afghan President Ghani pointed out that "more than 10,000 'jihadi fighters entered the country from Pakistan in the last month'. He made the comments in the presence of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit and shows a sense of frustration in dealing with Islamabad.

It has now emerged that the number of fighters killed in Afghanistan in the past few weeks had Pakistani ID cards and many of the injured Taliban are being treated in Pakistani hospitals. Calls have been also made from madrasas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to join "Jihad" in Afghanistan.

Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China have all been concerned about ungoverned places in Afghanistan that may be used by international terror groups. Uzbekistan is worried about territory might be used by militant Islamist group Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, China is worried about ETIM or East Turkestan Islamic Movement gaining a foothold in these ungoverned places.
New Delhi: Physical classes in higher education institutions are all set to resume from Monday (July 26, 2021) in Karnataka as the COVID-19 pandemic second wave subsides. Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan on Sunday said that state-run and private colleges across Karnataka would resume classes from Monday.

"All higher education institutions, including under-graduate and post-graduate, engineering and polytechnic colleges across the state will reopen on Monday to resume classes as per the guidelines to ensure Covid appropriate behaviour," Narayan said in a statement on Sunday.

The Deputy Chief Minister also added that only those students are eligible to attend physical classes in the state have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination. "As per the standard operating procedures (SOP), students who have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine are eligible to attend the regular classes and staff should also have received vaccination at least once," Narayan said.

Additionally, students who are going to attend physical classes will be required to submit a consent letter from their parents in a prescribed format to attend classes in colleges and universities.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Union Ministry of Health have issued SOP and guidelines to comply with all the higher education institutions.

"Wearing masks and physical distance between students are mandatory during class hours. Institutions have to take into account the number of students and classrooms available to ensure social distancing," the minister said.

Meanwhile, the government also said that the students are given the option of attending online classes and contact classes will be held to facilitate for clarifying doubts.

The health ministrys SOP directed the colleges to sanitise all areas, including furniture, laptops and computers to maintain hygiene.

"Teachers should send content material of each period covering the syllabus for one month in advance through WhatsApp, e-mail or Telegram. The content can be in the form of video lectures, power-point presentations, e-notes, e-books, audio books and practice questions," added Narayan.

The regular classes in state-run colleges and universities were suspended since mid-March as the coronavirus pandemics second wave strengthen and online classes were held to ensure continuity.

"The decision to reopen colleges from July 26 was taken as per the advice of the committee of health experts, which recommended easing Covid curbs in a calibrated manner to contain the virus spread," added Narayan.

According to the state health departments data, over 74 percent of students above 18 years of age have been vaccinated against COVID-19 so far across the state.

(With agency inputs)

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Srinagar: President Ram Nath Kovind`s visit on Monday to Drass town to pay homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1999 Kargil conflict, was cancelled due to bad weather, official sources said.

The President, who was scheduled to lay a wreath at the Dras War Memorial on Monday, will instead pay homage at the Baramulla War Memorial.

This is not the first time that bad weather had prevented President to visit Dras.

In 2019 also due to bad weather, the President could not visit Dras to participate in the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

He instead, paid tributes by laying a wreath at a war memorial at the Army`s 15 Corps headquarters in Badamibagh, Srinagar.

President Kovind arrived in Srinagar on Sunday on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

following his arrival, he visited the Badami Bagh cantonment housing Army`s strategic 15 Corps, also called Chinar Corps and later travelled to the Governor`s House.

On Tuesday, the President will address the 19th Annual Convocation of the University of Kashmir in Srinagar.

He will return to Delhi on Wednesday morning.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is marked on July 26 every year to commemorate the anniversary of the Indian Army`s victory against Pakistan in 1999.

The armed conflict continued for more than 60 days at Kargil in Ladakh.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat radio programme urged people to salute the brave hearts who made the nation proud in 1999.

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New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday (July 26, 2021) drove a tractor to reach the Parliament and reiterated his support to farmers who have been protesting against the three new farm laws. The Congress leader said that he has brought farmers' message to the Parliament.

Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi drives a tractor to reach Parliament, in protest against the three farm laws pic.twitter.com/JJHbX5uS5L  ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2021

"They (Centre) are suppressing voices of farmers and not letting a discussion take place in Parliament. They'll have to repeal these black laws. The entire country knows these laws favour two-three big businessmen," Rahul Gandhi told reporters after driving a tractor to Parliament.

He added that as per the Centre, farmers are very happy and the protesting farmers are terrorists.

"But in reality, farmers' rights are being snatched away," said Rahul Gandhi.

As per Govt, farmers are very happy and those (protesting farmers) sitting outside are terrorists. But in reality, farmers' rights are being snatched away: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after driving a tractor to Parliament pic.twitter.com/GGee9POAvC  ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2021

Meanwhile, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has said that women will conduct the ongoing 'Kisan Sansad' at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Monday as the farmers' protest against the three contentious farm laws completes eight months.

ALSO READ | Will not allow any minister to unfurl national flag: Haryana farmers warn ahead of tractor rally on Independence Day

The collective of over 40 protesting farmer unions said in a statement that several convoys of women farmers were reaching the Delhi borders to join the 'Mahila Kisan Sansad'.

"The Mahila Kisan Sansad will reflect the key role that women play in Indian agriculture and their critical role in the ongoing movement too. Convoys of women farmers from various districts are reaching the morchas for the Mahila Kisan Sansad," the SKM said.

The umbrella body of farmer unions has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since July 22.

The three laws -- The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020 -- were passed by the Parliament in September in 2020. The farmer groups claim that these laws will end the mandi and MSP procurement systems and leave the farmers at the mercy of big corporates, an allegation that has been continuously refuted by the central government.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be leaving for Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe on Tuesday (July 26) to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Defence Ministers meet. Wednesday will be the main day of engagement, which will include a joint call on by SCO defence ministers with Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon.

Tajikistan is chair of the grouping which has eight member states  Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan will be holding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO heads of state summit on September 16-17.

There is no confirmation that if Rajnath Singh will meet with his counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO meet or not. Remember Rajnath Singh and Chinese defence minister General Wei Fenghe had met on the sidelines of SCO meet last year in Moscow, a meet that came in the backdrop of Chinese aggression at Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.

The last 2 months have seen 2 important SCO meetings under Tajikistan's leadership. This includes, SCO National security advisor's meet and foreign ministers meet. The SCO foreign minister meet earlier this month saw External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi holding a meeting on the sidelines.

During the meet, the Indian side clearly told the Chinese side that "unilateral change of status quo is not acceptable" and called for "resolving the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh at the earliest" according to the readout by the ministry of external affairs.

Pakistans Defense Minister Parvez Khattak has arrived in Dushanbe for the meet. He will hold meetings with his Tajik, Uzbek, Russian, Chinese counterparts on the sidelines of the SCO DMs meet.

SCO as a grouping occupies 60 per cent of the Eurasian continent, which is over 34 million square kilometers on which 3 billion people-- that is almost half of the world's population. Mongolia, Belarus, Afghanistan, and Iran are its observers in the grouping, while, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cambodia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka received dialogue partner status.

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Chennai: The Anna University in Tamil Nadu has begun online registration for admission to engineering courses for the academic year 2021-22.

According to the latest notification, the Directorate of Technical Education has launched the admission process for engineering programmes in colleges affiliated to Anna University and University departments.

Those interested can visit the main website www.tneanonline.org for more details. DoTE website can be accessed at www.tndte.gov.in.

The Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions website also provides details of college codes along with its ranking and cut off for all branches for the past three years for the convenience of the aspirants.

A link has also been provided for the various demo videos. Candidates have to register themselves on the TNEA website and log in.

The format for documents required to be submitted along with application forms are all available on the website.

The email to reach out to TNEA 2021 is care@tneaonline.org. Phone: 044-22351014/044-22351015.

The website has indicated that the entire admission process, from registration, to payment, choice filling, allotment and confirmation, would be conducted online in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (July 26, 2021) said her government has formed a two-member inquiry commission to look into allegations of snooping on politicians, officials and journalists using Israeli spyware Pegasus. The decision to form a panel, with retired judges as its members, was taken at a special cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister during the day.

"We thought the Centre would form an inquiry commission or a court-monitored probe would be ordered to look into this phone-hacking incident. But the Centre is sitting idle... So we decided to form a commission on inquiry' to look into the matter," she said at a press conference here.

The two-member commission will be headed by former Calcutta High court Chief Justice Jyotirmay Bhattacharya. Former Supreme Court judge Madan Bhimrao Lokur is its other member.

"Names of people from West Bengal have figured on the Pegasus target list. The Centre is trying to snoop on everyone. The commission will find out details about this illegal hacking," the CM added.

A massive political row erupted in the country and other parts of the globe after media reports claimed that the Pegasus spyware was used to infiltrate phones and conduct surveillance on political leaders, government officials and journalists.

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New Delhi: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited has invited applications from qualified and experienced professionals for Deputy Engineer and Jr Engineer posts on Contract and Deputation basis.

Ranjit Singh Deol, Managing Director, Mumbai Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, informed that the online registration has started on July 21.

Number of vacancies, pay scale (IDA)/Grade:

Deputy Engineer (PST), Rs 50,000  Rs 1,60,000 (E2), Number of posts - 02

Deputy Engineer (E&M), Rs 50,000  Rs 1,60,000 (E2) Number of posts - 05

Jr Engineer- II (PST), Rs 35,280  Rs 67,920 (W6) Number of posts - 02

Jr Engineer- II (E&M), Rs 35,280  Rs 67,920 (W6) Number of posts - 10

Qualification:

Deputy Engineer (PST): Full-time degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized university.

Deputy Engineer (E&M): Full-time degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university.

Jr Engineer II (PST): Degree or Diploma in Electrical Engineering from a recognized university.

Jr Engineer II (E&M): Degree or Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university.

How to apply:

Eligible candidates can apply online only through MMRCL's official website at www.mmrcl.com. Go to Careers and then click on the MMRCL Recruitment Advertisement 2021-04 option. Please note that no other modes of application will be accepted.

Last date to apply:

Online registration will end on August 31, 2021, at 23:59 hours.

Click here to check the official advertisement
Jind: Farmers in Haryana`s Jind district will organise a tractor rally along with tableaus in the entire city on the occasion of Independence Day in protest against the Centre`s farm laws, said farmer leader Bijendra Sindhu, adding that they have decided not to allow any ministers to hoist the tricolour on the occasion.

"Tractor rally with tableaus would be held in the entire city (Jind) on August 15. Both the national flag and Kisan flag will be mounted on tractors, Sindhu added that farmers will send a route plan proposal for the rally to the district commissioner before the event, news agency ANI reported.

Talking to the media, the farmer leader said that both national flags, as well as Kisan flags, will be mounted on tractors participating in the rally.

"No BJP leader will be allowed to unfurl the national flag," said the farmers leader, adding that if any BJP leader comes to Jind, then farmers wont stop them and will not create hindrances.

"Instead, our core committee will show them black flags while leaving or on arrival. Personally, I feel national festivals like August 15 should not be obstructed," Sindhu added.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait has also supported the Jind farmers decision of carrying a tractor rally on August 15 and called them revolutionary.

Earlier, on January 26, protesters broke barricades to enter New Delhi and clashed with police in several parts of the national capital during the tractor rally protest organised by farmers.

The protestors had also entered the iconic Mughal era monument Red Fort and unfurled their flags from its ramparts.

Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the national capital since November 26 last year against the three newly enacted farm laws: Farmers` Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.Farmer leaders and the Centre have held several rounds of talks but the impasse remains.

(With inputs from news agencies)

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Mumbai: Equity indices nursed mild losses on Monday after choppy trade as investors pared positions in blue-chips amid a largely subdued trend in global markets.

World markets were rattled after China intensified its regulatory crackdown on tech companies, while participants also awaited cues from the US Federal Reserve meeting later this week.

Snapping a two-session rally, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 123.53 points or 0.23 per cent lower at 52,852.27. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty slipped 31.60 points or 0.20 per cent to 15,824.45.

SBI was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding 1.36 per cent, followed by Reliance Industries, M&M, Tech Mahindra, L&T, Bharti Airtel, HDFC and IndusInd Bank.

On the other hand, Bajaj Finserv, UltraTech Cement, Sun Pharma, Titan and Tata Steel were among the major gainers, spurting up to 2.46 per cent.

Kotak Mahindra Bank climbed 1 per cent after the private sector lender reported a nearly 32 per cent jump in its net profit to Rs 1,641.92 crore in the first quarter of 2021-22.

"Indian markets started marginally in red following negative Asian market cues as China tech and education shares plunged and Singapore's manufacturing output declined 3 per cent in June on a seasonally adjusted, month-on-month basis.

?During the afternoon session markets swung between positive and negative territory with lacklustre trade as traders were concerned as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) offloaded Indian equities to the tune of over Rs 5,689 crore in July so far...," said Narendra Solanki, Head- Equity Research (Fundamental), Anand Rathi Shares & Stock Brokers.

Also, the European stocks were seen retreating as investors watch corporate earnings, coronavirus cases and German business sentiment, which fell unexpectedly in July as supply chain constraints and rising COVID-19 infections dampened recent optimism, Solanki added.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, said, "Indian market swung between gains and losses in today's volatile trade reflecting weak global peers as investors await a slew of quarterly earnings."

"Chinese education, property, and tech sectors fell sharply after tighter government regulations. Globally, markets are awaiting the upcoming Fed meeting this week to have clarity regarding the timing of asset purchase tapering," he added.

Sector-wise, BSE energy, realty, power, auto and telecom indices tumbled as much as 1.09 per cent, while basic materials, consumer durables, healthcare and metal closed in the green.

In the broader markets, the BSE smallcap index rose 0.34 per cent, while the midcap gauge inched up 0.06 per cent.

Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul ended with significant losses, while Tokyo closed higher.

Equities in Europe were trading on a negative note in mid-session deals.

Meanwhile, international oil benchmark Brent crude declined 0.34 per cent to USD 73.85 per barrel.

The rupee closed 2 paise lower at 74.42 against the US dollar.

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New Delhi: The newborn daughter of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, has officially been added to the royal line of succession more than seven weeks after her birth.

According to Fox News, the official royal website was updated on Monday, after the family caught backlash over the weekend once people noticed that Lilibet had not been added to the succession line in a timely manner, following her birth in June 2021.

Lilibet whose name is a tribute to both Queen Elizabeth II and Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, now sits at her rightful place as eighth in line to the throne, according to the official succession list on the Royal Family's website.

Lilibet's inclusion on the list bumps the embattled Prince Andrew down to number nine on the royal line of succession and places her just after her older brother, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, who the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed in 2019.

This delay in adding Lilibet to the official line of succession was first spotted by a news outlet. In addition to flagging the omission, the outlet also reported for comparison that Archie was added to the list two weeks after his birth.

When Prince William and Kate Middleton's third child, Louis, was born, his name was added to the list after 12 days. When royals Zara and Mike Tindall's son Lucas was born in March of this year, the baby's name was also added right away.

The delay comes after Meghan and Harry alleged in a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in March that they were mistreated by the other royals before they made the decision to step back from their duties within the family and move to California to live without the family's resources.

Markle, who is biracial, claimed that prior to Archie's birth, there were concerns among royal family members about how dark her child's skin would be.

The couple has since cut deals with Netflix and Spotify. As per Fox News, the latest venture for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be Harry's USD 20 million book deal for a memoir that many believe will share even more details about his time in the royal family.
New Delhi: TV actor and Bigg Boss 14 contestant Jasmin Bhasin recently had a run-in with paparazzi and during her interaction, she was asked to comment on the Raj Kundra case that has been dominating headlines for the past week.

However, the Naagin actress refused to take any stance regarding the case and said police is doing their job and hope the truth comes out soon.

In a video shared by ace photographer Viral Bhayani, Jasmin said Honestly, mai unmein se nahi hu, jo sirf news dekh ke unko judge kare because mai unhe personally jante bhi nahi hu. So mai koi judgement nahi dena chahuge. Police apne karvahi kar rahe hai, truth kisi ko bhi pata, hope truth comes out soon.

For the unversed, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty's husband, Raj Kundra was arrested by Mumbai police on Monday evening (July 19) for allegedly being a "key conspirator" in a case related to the production and publishing of pornographic films through mobile apps. The production of porn is illegal in India. At the centre of the controversy is the HotShots app, which has now been removed from Google and Apple app stores.

Recently Jasmin and her boyfriend Aly Gonis close friend Rahul Vaidya got married to his ladylove Disha Parmar on July 16 at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. The lovebirds were seen together throughout the wedding and holding hands while making their grand entry at Dishuls wedding functions.


New Delhi: In relation to the pornography racket case, Mumbai Crime Branch's Property Cell on Monday evening has summoned Bollywood actress Sherlyn Chopra, asking her to appear before them on July 27 (Tuesday) at 11 am to record her statement, as reported by news agency ANI.

Crime Branch's Property Cell summons Bollywood actress Sherlyn Chopra, asking her to appear before them tomorrow at 11 am to record her statement in connection with a pornography case: Mumbai Police  ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2021

For the unversed, businessman and Shilpa Shetty's husband Raj Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai Police late on July 19 along with 11 other people on charges related to the alleged creation of pornographic films and will remain in the custody of the Mumbai Crime Branch till July 27.

With his arrest, once again Bollywood's dark underbelly is under the scanner. While people like Gehana Vasisth was seen backing the businessman and saying that he rather made erotica and not porn while on the other hand, Poonam Pandey and Sherlyn Chopra shared their side of the stories.

Recently, Sherlyn released her video statement on Raj Kundra's pornographic films case. She revealed that she was the first person to give her statement to the Maharashtra cyber cell. In the video statement given, Sherlyn added that she was the one to inform the Maharashtra cyber cell about Armsprime - the company linked to Kundra in the porn app case.

Kundra was booked under IPC Sections 420 (cheating), 34 (common intention), 292 and 293 (related to obscene and indecent advertisements and displays), and relevant sections of the IT Act and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.

(With inputs from ANI)
New Delhi: Before visiting your bank branch in the month of August, you must note down the list of important days during which banks will remain closed.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mentioned some days when the banking operations will remain closed in the month of August 2021, although online banking activities will continue to work. Banks will remain closed for total 15 days in the month of August-- 8 as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar list and the remaining days are that of weekends. However banking activities in different states may vary from each other.

Reserve Bank of India places its Holidays under three brackets --Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act; Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act and Real Time Gross Settlement Holiday; and Banks Closing of Accounts.

However, it must be noted that the bank holidays vary in various states as well not observed by all the banking companies. Banking holidays also depend on the festivals being observed in specific states or notification of specific occasions in those states.

Here is an elaborate list of bank holidays falling in the month of August 2021. Check out the list.

Patriots Day: August 13

Parse New Year (Shahenshahi): August 16

Muharram (Ashoora) : August 19

Muharram/First Onam: August 20

Thiruvonam: August 21

Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi: August 23

Janmashtami (Shravan Vad-8)/Krishna Jayanthi: August 30

Sri Krishna Ashtami: August 31

Apart from the above bank holidays, the second and fourth Saturdays of the month are falling on the following dates:

August 1: Sunday

August 8: Sunday

August 14: Second Saturday

August 15: Sunday

August 22: Sunday

August 28: Fourth Saturday

August 29: Sunday

Holidays of the mentioned days will be observed in various regions according to the state declared holidays, however for the gazetted holidays, banks will be closed all over the country.

If you keep a track of these holidays, you would be able to plan bank transaction activities in a better way. For long weekends, you can even plan your holidays well.
New Delhi: HDFC Bank on Monday launched an overdraft facility for small retailers in partnership with CSC SPV known as the Dukandar Overdraft Scheme. The bank said that this facility will help shopkeepers and merchants ease their cash crunch.

Retailers operating for a minimum of three years can avail the overdraft facility by providing 6 months bank statement from any bank. Based on the statement, the bank may approve an overdraft limit from a minimum of Rs 50,000 to a maximum of Rs 10 lakhs. No collateral security, business financials and income tax returns would be required to apply for this facility.

Retailers, shopkeepers and village level entrepreneurs are eligible for this facility. The bank has simplified the process by minimizing paperwork and time required to avail of the scheme. The new scheme has been created keeping in mind the current situation of small traders. The upper limit for shops operational for less than 6 years is Rs 7.5 lakhs and Rs 10 lakh for establishments which have been in business for more than 6 years.

HDFC Bank overdraft scheme Programme Benefits for Retailers:

i) Collateral-free loan.

ii) No Commitment Charges.

HDFC Bank overdraft scheme Programme Benefits for VLEs:

Commission of 0.40% to 0.80% for loan amounts of Rs 5 Lakhs and above.

1700+ emerging enterprise group business channel

600+ branches and virtual relationship management support.

HDFC Bank overdraft scheme Eligibility Criteria:

i) Only proprietor & business partners can apply for the overdraft facility

ii) Six-month statement from any bank required

iii) Should be a customer of the bank of which statement is furnished, for a minimum 15 months

With the overdraft facility available through their Current Account, the account holder can settle the pending payments via cheques or pay-order in a trouble-free manner. This avoids a cheque dishonour and preserves the reputation of the business owner.

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CHANDIGARH: With COVID-19 cases in the state declining, the Punjab government has allowed government-run, affiliated, aided and private schools to reopen for classes 10, 11 and 12 from Monday (July 26) onwards.

The state education department had on Sunday issued a detailed document on guidelines to be followed by the heads of such educational institutions.

As per the guidelines, only fully vaccinated teachers and non-teaching staff will be allowed to attends the schools in person. Besides, children who want to attend physical classes will have to give written parental consent.

Punjab Govt allows reopening of schools for Classes 10, 11 & 12 from today. "We're calling students in a staggered manner. Almost all of our staff is fully vaccinated," says Principal, Govt Girls Senior Secondary School, Mall Road, Amritsar pic.twitter.com/gmYYFMGCE0  ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2021

The option of online classes will continue. The reopening of schools in the state came after a drop in COVID-19 cases resulting in lockdown relaxations. The schools are being reopened following all Covid-19 protocols and guidelines.

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had stated that if the pandemic situation is under control in the coming weeks, the remaining classes will also be allowed to open from August 2.

The schools will reopen for students after nearly four months of the second Covid-19 wave having peaked in March this year and all educational institutions being ordered shut by the administration in response.

School heads have also been directed to compile data of all students/teachers who test positive and those who get fully vaccinated. For the purpose, a Covid link has been activated on ePunjab portal, which teachers have to update daily, says the order.

All schools and hostels, which were temporarily turned into Covid Care Centres, have to be fully sanitised before being opened for students.

If the strength of students is large in a school and social distancing norms are not maintainable, then the school head/management may take a decision whether to hold classes in two shifts or call the students on alternate days, at their own level. Also, school heads cannot physically call students from any other classes except those in class 10 to 12.

Staff and students belonging to containment zones shall not be allowed to attend school and other educational institutions, until the containment zone is denotified.

Students and staff shall be also advised not to visit areas falling within containment zones, says the guidelines.

All recommendations made by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are to be followed  like all employees who are at higher risk, ie the elderly, those pregnant and those who have underlying medical conditions are to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any frontline work requiring direct contact with students.

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Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s proposed visit to Siddhartha Nagar for the inauguration of a medical college on July 30, has now been postponed.

The visit is likely to be rescheduled in August.

According to Siddhartha Nagar District Magistrate Deepak Meena, the change in itinerary follows a revision of plan as per which the Prime Minister will inaugurate the nine medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh after National Medical Commission (NMC) conducts their scheduled inspection and grants approval to them.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspected the under-construction medical college in Siddhartha Nagar on Sunday and told reporters that every district of the state will have a medical college before the completion of the five-year tenure of his government.

"Before the completion of five years of our government, every district in the state will have a medical college. A medical college is required to have 300 beds and the district hospital, which is associated with this medical college, already has 320 beds, while 300 beds are being added in the new hospital. We will request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate nine medical colleges in the state, once NMC grants them approval," said Yogi Adityanath.

Students will most likely get admission in the medical college from the coming session through NEET examination scheduled in September once it gets approval from NMC, which will also sanction the number of seats, the Chief Minister said.

The medical college in Siddhartha Nagar will cater to the health needs of 30 lakh people of nearby districts as well as those from Nepal.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister informed that the medical college in Deoria has been named after Devraha Baba, the medical college in Ghazipur is named after Maharshi Vishwamitra, Mirzapur medical college is named after Maa Vindhyavasini, Pratapgarh Medical College is named after Dr Sonelal Patel and Siddhartha Nagar Medical College is named after Madhav Prasad Tripathi.

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Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the `MyGov-Meri Sarkar portal on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that through this portal, the government will receive feedback from the people and also inform them about the various schemes of the government. The portal will be known for its efficient service, he said.

According to a government spokesperson, the portal aims to further enhance the engagement of common citizens with the state government. It will be a major platform to disseminate the schemes of governance and to know the opinion of common citizens on them.

The spokesperson further said that the `Meri Sarkar` portal would help the people of the state to communicate their views, suggestions and feedback. This portal would become an innovative platform for public participation and good governance.

Taking inspiration from the initiative of the Prime Minister, the state government has decided to launch this portal.

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Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee left for Delhi on Monday amid the increasing opposition attack on the Narendra Modi government over the Pegasus snooping scandal. During her stay in Delhi, the TMC leader will meet President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Narendra Modi, and top leaders of Opposition parties in the national capital.

She is likely to stay in the national capital for 2-3 days, sources said. She might give a call to the opposition parties to unite against the Modi government and escalate the attack over Pegasus snopoing allegations. The firebrand Bengal leader is already trying hard to raise a powerful ''anti-BJP, anti-Modi front'' against the NDA dispensation at the Centre.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee reaches Kolkata airport to board a flight to Delhi She will meet President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Narendra Modi, and leaders of Opposition parties in the national capital during her stay that, as she said last week, could last for 2-3 days pic.twitter.com/EsNoYge5G7  ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2021

Last week, Banerjee had said that she will meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and leaders of Opposition parties during her stay in the national capital for 2-3 days.

Briefing media persons, West Bengal Chief Minister had said, "I will go to Delhi during the Parliament session and meet some leaders there. I will meet the President and the Prime Minister if given an appointment."

This will be the first Delhi visit of Banerjee after her victory in the Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year.

Banerjee`s visit during the Parliament`s Monsoon session holds significance as the Opposition is cornering the BJP-led NDA government on a range of issues including price rise, increasing cost of diesel and petrol, and issues related to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is also a standoff between the Centre and Opposition parties over several key issues including the alleged Pegasus snooping controversy and scrapping of farm laws.

Earlier today, Mamata Banerjee-led government has formed a two-member inquiry commission to look into allegations of snooping on politicians, officials and journalists using Israeli spyware Pegasus.

The decision to form a panel, with retired judges as its members, was taken at a special cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister during the day.

"We thought the Centre would form an inquiry commission or a court-monitored probe would be ordered to look into this phone-hacking incident. But the Centre is sitting idle... So we decided to form a commission on inquiry' to look into the matter," she said at a press conference here.

The two-member commission will be headed by former Calcutta High court Chief Justice Jyotirmay Bhattacharya. Former Supreme Court judge Madan Bhimrao Lokur is its other member.

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ISLAMABAD: Forty-six Afghan soldiers sought refuge in Pakistan after losing control of military positions across the border following advances by Taliban insurgents, Pakistan`s army said on Monday.

Hundreds of Afghan army soldiers and civil officials have fled to neighbouring Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan in recent weeks after Taliban offensives in border areas.

The Afghan military commander requested refuge at the border crossing in Chitral in the north, the Pakistan army said in a statement, adding the soldiers were given safe passage into Pakistan on Sunday night after clearance from Afghan authorities.

"Afghan soldiers have been provided food, shelter and necessary medical care as per established military norms," the statement said.

The move comes at a time of poor relations between the neighbours. Afghanistan recalled its diplomats from Pakistan after the brief kidnapping of the Afghan ambassador`s daughter in Islamabad earlier in the month.

Afghan officials did not respond to a request for comment.

The Taliban has escalated its offensive since the United States announced in April that it would withdraw its troops by September, ending a 20-year foreign military presence.

Washington has said it will continue to carry out air strikes to support Afghan forces facing insurgent attacks.

The Afghan government and Taliban negotiators have met in Qatar`s capital, Doha, in recent weeks, although diplomats say there have been few signs of substantive progress since peace talks began in September.

Reeling from battlefield losses, Afghanistan`s military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around critical areas such as Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US officials have said.

The Pakistan army said the soldiers who sought refuge will be returned to Afghanistan after due process, as had taken place in the case of another batch of 35 soldiers earlier in July.
A top Chinese diplomat took a confrontational tone on Monday in rare high-level talks with the United States, accusing it of creating an "imaginary enemy" to divert attention from domestic problems and suppress China. Amid worsening relations between the world`s two largest economies, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the second-ranking U.S. diplomat, arrived on Sunday for face-to-face meetings in the northern city of Tianjin that the State Department described as "frank and open".

There were no specific outcomes agreed and the prospect of a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping was not discussed, senior U.S. administration officials said following talks that lasted about four hours. Shortly after Monday`s meetings began, Chinese state media reported on confrontational remarks by Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, in echoes of a similarly combative opening by senior Chinese officials during high-level talks in March in Alaska.

"The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an 'imaginary enemy'," Xie was quoted as saying as talks were underway.

The United States had mobilised its government and society to suppress China, he added. "As if once China`s development is suppressed, U.S. domestic and external problems will be resolved, and America will be great again, and America's hegemony can be continued."

Sherman laid out U.S. concerns over China's actions on issues ranging from Hong Kong and Xinjiang to Tibet and cyber attacks, senior administration officials said, adding that China should not approach areas of global concern, such as climate and Afghanistan, on a transactional basis.

Sherman, who also met with State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, raised concerns including over what Washington sees as China`s unwillingness to cooperate with the World Health Organization on a second phase investigation of the origins of COVID-19, and foreign media access in China. "The Deputy Secretary raised concerns in private  as we have in public  about a range of PRC actions that run counter to our values and interests and those of our allies and partners, and that undermine the international rules-based order," the State Department said in a statement.

"It is important for the United States and China to discuss areas where we disagree so that we understand one another`s position, and so that we are clear about where each side is coming from," a senior administration official said.

"Reaching agreement or specific outcomes was not the purpose of today`s conversations," a senior U.S. official said.

PROTOCOL WRANGLE

Sherman`s China visit was added late to an Asian itinerary that included stops in Japan, South Korea and Mongolia amid wrangling over protocol between Beijing and Washington.

On Saturday, Wang had warned that China would not accept the United States taking a "superior" position in the relationship, a day after China unveiled sanctions on former U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and others.

Relations between Beijing and Washington deteriorated sharply under former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the Biden administration has maintained pressure on China in a stance that enjoys bipartisan support but threatens to deepen mistrust. "When both countries see each other as an enemy, the danger is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy," said Cheng Xiaohe, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing.

Monday`s talks came amid frayed relations between Beijing and Washington that have worsened in the months since an initial diplomatic meeting in March in Anchorage, the first under the Biden administration.

At the Alaska meeting, Chinese officials, including Wang, railed against the state of U.S. democracy, while U.S. officials accused the Chinese side of grandstanding.

Monday`s meeting was held amid stringent Chinese COVID-19 measures, which have meant that foreign officials have met Chinese counterparts outside Beijing, the capital.

Foreign media were kept at a distance from the site of the talks, but Chinese media were permitted on the premises.

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New Delhi: A Hindu woman in Pakistan, Reena Meghwar, who was forcibly married to Muhammad Qasim and converted to Islam to become Maryam was rescued by Pakistan police and returned to the community heads on Monday (July 26) after a journalist posted a video message of the woman that went viral on the internet.

Meghwar, who hails from the Badin district of Sindh province of Pakistan was married to Qasim, who was more than double her age, in February 2021.

In the video message tweeted by @veengas, Meghwar said that she wanted to go to her parents' house since she was not a Muslim and she was being brutally tortured by her husband.

Reena Meghwar, saying; I want to go to my home, I am not a Muslim.

She had been threatened and asked not to give statement in favour of her parents. Few months ago, she wanted to go back to her home but local police changed her statement.#ForcedConversions pic.twitter.com/A7mLQxVpyb  Veengas (@VeengasJ) July 25, 2021

Sources informed Zee News that after her video went viral, the local Hindu community and leadership gathered and pressurized police to take action following which police raided her husbands house and rescued Reena.

She was taken to a local court where her statement was recorded and later she was kept in a safe house before handing over to her parents, said sources.

In a photograph, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Badin, Shabir Sethar is seen giving blessings to Reena while handing her over to her parents and members of Hindu community.

Earlier in April, a video of Reena had gone viral in which she was seen standing on a rooftop and crying for help from her neighbours.

When she was taken to the police station, Reena refused to record her statement that she was tortured or was forcibly married to Qasim.

We believe that she was under immense pressure which has now proved right, said sources.

Notably, a large number of gullible Hindu girls are forced to marry Muslim men in Pakistan. Before marriage, these girls are made to embrace Islam with police looking away at such developments and often even help the culprits.

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New Delhi: President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has welcomed the presidency of his country at the United Nations General Assembly and during the Independence day speech said that it elevates "our leverage on the international stage." Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid has been elected as the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for its 76th session.

He explained, "Our policies to preserve the independence of the Maldives and sustaining diplomatic relations while honoring the independence of other nations played an instrumental role in the recent election" to UNGA. Shahid got a whopping 143 votes in the 193 strong body. The tenure of the post is one year and is a prestigious one due to authority over the working of the General Assembly.

India was the first country to extend support to Maldives' candidature. The announcement was first made during Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla's Maldives visit in November. Again during the visit of EAM Jaishankar's visit to the Maldives in February of 2021, India reiterated its continued backing for his candidature.

During his independence day address, President Solih said, "Maintaining harmonious ties with foreign countries is crucial to preserving our independence.". Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefaan played a key role in the independence of the country which was a protectorate of the British Empire. During the speech, President Solih also paid tributes to "heroes who liberated our nation from the Portuguese rule" which are Sultan Al-Ghaazee Mohamed Thakurufaanul Auzam and his companions.

On Covid crisis, the president said, "Our current situation calls upon us to unite our nation and offer our full support" and that the "Government requires the help and cooperation of all citizens in our efforts to protect Maldivians from the Covid-19 pandemic". Next week the Solih administration begins a program to vaccinate everyone residing in the Maldives. He said, "The Governments foremost aim is to complete the vaccination of 90 percent of the eligible population by August, and from there, complete vaccination of all Maldivians.".

The Maldives, along with Bhutan were the first two countries India sent vaccines to. Both countries got the vaccines within 48 hours of India beginning its mega vaccination programme.

He highlighted, "In light of our efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic in the past year and a half, we must now focus on getting on with our daily routines with precautionary measures in place. We must at the same time work wisely to boost our national economy."

Maldives tourism-led economy was impacted by the pandemic as globally international travel came to a grinding halt. An uptick is expected as more tourists, especially from India head towards the country known for its famous picturesque sunsets and shores.

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